MMPR Revisited

Homecoming Part 4

Daniel stood there, his expression a mix of disbelief and confusion. Trini's tear-streaked face was now fully revealed, framed by her long, gracefully curled hair, gently swaying in the wind. Her eyes were filled with despair, longing, and pain. This unexpected revelation left Daniel frozen in place, unable to comprehend the situation.

Jason, recovering from his fall, managed to pick himself up from the car that had cushioned his landing. As he looked at Trini's unmasked face, his mind raced with concerns about the consequences of her exposure. The safe zone for civilians was far away, but any of Angel Grove's authorities, such as the police or the Air Force, could arrive at any moment.

The battle was taking a toll on everyone, especially Jason. The relentless onslaught of Rita's forces, combined with her choice to turn Daniel into her Dark Warrior, had drained the Rangers physically and emotionally. They had already suffered significant losses, and Jason knew that Trini might not be able to bear losing Daniel. Without wasting another moment, he sprinted toward them.

Daniel remained immobile, as did Trini. Their eyes locked, and an intense, silent exchange seemed to occur between them.

"Daniel, it's me," Trini finally spoke, breaking the silence.

Daniel, still in a state of shock, responded suspiciously, "I – I – no way. This is some kind of trick…"

Jason struggled to intervene, recovering from his injuries and understanding the gravity of Trini's unmasking. "What have you done?" he muttered to himself, fearing the consequences if others were to witness her identity. Thankfully, the civilians were safely distant, but the risk remained.

Still, Trini pressed forward, moving closer to Daniel with her arms outstretched, her desperation evident. Jason intercepted her, placing himself between them with outstretched arms, blocking her path.

"Trini, what are you doing?" Jason's disappointment was palpable, and Trini couldn't meet his gaze, or rather, the gaze of his visor. Her eyes, filled with tears, looked upward.

"I didn't want to, but I had to. He needs to know we want to help him. I can't lose him, Jason," Trini explained. "Rita won't win this way. She's taken too many innocent lives. She won't have Daniel."

"Trini…" Jason struggled to find words to console her. He turned his head, noticing that Daniel remained motionless.

"Hey!" Zack's voice called out as he, Billy, and Kim approached. "We got those civilians to safety, and… Trini, where's your helmet?" Zack's tone grew urgent as he scanned the area and spotted her discarded helmet several feet away.

"I had to reveal myself. It was the only way to reach Daniel," Trini explained.

"Trini…" Kimberly expressed her surprise.

"Billy, the antidote. Where is it?" Trini inquired.

"Alpha is still working on it," Billy replied. "I might be able to assist. I'll teleport to the command center and return as soon as possible."

"Please hurry, Billy," Trini implored, her gaze shifting between Billy and the weakening Daniel. Billy activated his communicator and teleported away. Moments later, he appeared before Alpha, who was diligently working on the antidote under Zordon's guidance.

"I feel like it's slightly unbalanced, Billy," Alpha expressed concern. Billy, without a word, examined the data on the screen before him and intervened just in time to prevent Alpha from adding another ingredient.

"No, that won't help," Billy concluded. "I believe we've been approaching this the wrong way. Strengthening it won't necessarily improve it."

"Billy, if we make a mistake, I fear we may not have a chance to correct it," Alpha cautioned.

"I understand," Billy began, his thoughts racing as he analyzed data and figures. "Do you still have the essence of light that Zordon gave us, or have we used it all?" Alpha retrieved a small vial containing approximately three milliliters of the precious substance.

"We can't extract any more. This is all we have," Zordon disclosed.

"Add it all, Alpha," Billy instructed.

"But, Billy, using all of it means we'll never have access to it again," Alpha warned.

"I know. But it's our best chance. Add it all," Alpha received Zordon's approval, and he carefully poured the essence of light into the brewing liquid. As it blended, the mixture glowed with a brilliant, shimmering silver hue.

"Now we need to let it reach a translucent state, like water," Billy advised.

"Ayi yi yi yi!" Alpha cried out in alarm, pointing to the viewing globe. Billy turned his head and saw the other Rangers and Daniel embroiled in a fierce battle.

"Turn up the heat, Alpha. Bring it to a full boil," Billy instructed.


"Daniel, stop!" Trini's desperate cries fell on deaf ears as Daniel continued swinging his sword recklessly, narrowly missing the other Rangers. His strikes were so forceful that they caused the ground to tremble. Trini attempted to disarm him with a well-aimed kick, but he seized her leg with his free hand and hurled her to the ground.

"Trini!" Kimberly rushed to her fallen comrade's side, helping her back to her feet.

"He's still not himself," Trini replied, her voice trembling. "He doesn't believe it's really me."

"Trini, we might not be able to make him see reason," Kimberly responded softly, trying to soothe her friend's frustration.

"I can't accept that. I just need to hold on a bit longer until Billy finishes the potion," Trini declared resolutely, summoning her Power Daggers.

"Your futile attempts to deceive me won't work, Yellow Ranger," Daniel shouted. "You're toying with my emotions, trying to manipulate me. Rita warned me that you'd try anything to stop me, but I never imagined you'd stoop this low."

"He's completely lost it," Zack observed, tightening his grip on his Power Axe.

With his weapon in hand, Zack charged forward, striking Daniel's armored back with all his might, causing a visible crack to form in the armor.

"Coward!" Daniel roared, whirling around to deliver a powerful kick to Zack's side, sending him tumbling away. The damaged armor appeared to be taking a toll on Daniel, as it splintered further.

"That's it," Trini realized, her voice filled with hope. "If we can destroy his armor, we might free him from Rita's control!" She lunged forward, attempting to pierce Daniel's chest plate with her daggers. However, Daniel evaded her assault and retaliated by striking at her with his arm.

In that moment, an arrow pierced through Daniel's armored hand, causing him to cry out in pain as his hand began to crack. "Daniel, I'm sorry," Trini said softly, seizing his damaged hand and forcefully slamming it against her knee. The impact shattered the armor, revealing his bare hand.

Stumbling back, Daniel gasped in pain, dropping his sword and falling to his knees. Kimberly released another arrow, striking Daniel directly in the chest plate. Simultaneously, Zack transformed his axe into a shotgun and blasted Daniel's back, causing the chest armor to explode into fragments, revealing his bare chest and back.

"Daniel!" Trini cried out, rushing to his side. She removed his mask and tossed it to Jason, who sliced it in half with his sword. Daniel's eyes remained closed, his complexion pale, and his body warm with sweat. Jason, Zack, and Kimberly gathered around, exchanging worried glances.

"Is he alive?" Kimberly asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Yes, he's breathing," Trini replied, her tone hopeful.

Daniel's eyes slowly fluttered open, meeting Trini's gaze as she leaned over him. At first, he began to struggle upon realizing he no longer wore his mask.

"No, Daniel, it's okay. It's just us here, just us," Trini assured him, her voice tender and reassuring. "We're here to help you. I promise."

"Guys!" Billy's voice rang out as he teleported in, holding a clear beaker containing a somewhat silvery liquid.

"Oh, Billy, thank goodness," Trini said gratefully, reaching out for the potion. Kimberly, however, noticed a discrepancy in the liquid's color and expressed her doubts.

"Wait, Billy, that looks different from the one we used. It's... somewhat different," Kimberly pointed out.

"I know, we didn't have time to perfect it, but it's the best we could manage," Billy reassured her.

"I appreciate your speed, Billy. Let's hope this works," Trini said, raising Daniel's head so that he could drink the potion.

"What is this?" Daniel questioned hesitantly.

"You'll have to trust me. This will help you," Trini assured him, pouring the liquid into his mouth. Within seconds, Daniel gasped for air, indicating that he had ingested the potion. However, his response was far from what they expected. He let out a blood-curdling scream and sat up, arms wrapped tightly around himself.

"What's happening?" Jason demanded, turning to Billy for answers. Daniel attempted to stand but fell to his knees, his agonized cries filling the air. A dark, malevolent energy began to emanate from him, pushing the Rangers away as it expanded outward.

"RITA!" Daniel bellowed, and the dark energy extended into the sky. Billy tried to touch the barrier of dark energy but quickly withdrew his hand, feeling a searing pain. Trini attempted to rush forward but was forcefully repelled each time she tried to breach the energy barrier.

"It's some sort of dark energy field," Billy deduced. "We need to act quickly."

"How could one person possess so much power?" Jason marveled.

Their communicators beeped, and Jason answered, "We read you, Zordon."

"Rangers, the dark energy field emanating from Daniel has penetrated Earth's atmosphere. If he is not stopped, he will unleash irreversible devastation upon our planet."

"What can we do, Zordon?" Zack inquired.

"We must target the source. If you examine it closely, you will see a sphere of darkness radiating from Daniel. I believe any form of interference will disrupt it," Zordon explained.

"Interference? Like if we hit it?" Kimberly questioned.

"Exactly," Zordon affirmed. Kimberly raised her bow and fired an arrow, but it dissipated upon contact with the barrier.

"We need something more powerful," Billy realized.

"Or something more direct," Trini's voice came through the communicator. She had been listening to the conversation from the other side of the barrier.

Trini donned her helmet and summoned her Power Daggers. "I can do it," she declared, rushing forward and forcing her way through the dark energy field, despite the excruciating pain.

"No, Trini! Get out of there!" Jason pleaded. Trini pressed on, determined to succeed.

"If Trini collides with that head-on, it could destroy her. We have to stop her!" Billy urged in panic.

"But what can we do that'll be strong enough? We can't use the Power Cannon without Trini's daggers," Zack lamented.

"That's not entirely true. It won't be as powerful, but it's our best shot. Let's give it a try before Trini can reach it!" Billy exclaimed.

"Let's combine our weapons, guys!" Jason rallied.

"Power Axe!" Zack transformed his axe into shotgun mode and threw it into the air.

"Power Bow!" Kimberly tossed her bow into the air, connecting it to Zack's axe.

"Power Lance!" Billy separated his lance into two parts and tossed them into the air, connecting them to the bow.

"Power Sword!" Jason jumped and attached his sword to the center of the weapon. "I'm sorry, Trini," he muttered before pulling the trigger. An explosion of energy erupted from the Power Cannon, striking the dark barrier. Initially, it seemed ineffective, but Jason pushed harder, breaking through the surface and eventually reaching the dark sphere emanating from Daniel.

"RITA! WHY?!" Daniel's agonized scream rang out just before the explosion of darkness engulfed him.

"No, Daniel!" Trini's anguished cry echoed in response. The force of the explosion sent Jason, Kimberly, Zack, and Billy hurtling in different directions across Angel Grove Central Square. Trini, too, was propelled away, her ranger uniform vanishing in a flash of yellow light, leaving her in her homecoming dress, falling to the ground like a broken doll.

As the dark energy barrier dissipated, Daniel lay on the ground, clad only in jeans, unconscious and vulnerable.

If it hadn't been for the wailing sirens growing closer in the background, the Rangers might have remained unconscious for several minutes. Jason was the first to stir, his body aching from the harsh landing. He shook his head and struggled to his feet, followed by Zack, Billy, and Kimberly. On the other side of the square, they spotted Trini, fully exposed. Her once-elegant yellow gown was marred by dirt stains, and blood trickled down her left arm. She reached Daniel's side, collapsing to her knees beside him. Daniel appeared even paler than before, and his breath had ceased.

Tears streamed uncontrollably from Trini's eyes as she took his cold, clammy hand into her own. The other Rangers surrounded them, providing both moral support and cover.

"Trini…" Jason's voice held sympathy as he noticed the approaching sirens. Daniel's eyelids fluttered open.

"Trini?" he whispered weakly.

"D-Daniel! Yes, it's me. I'm right here, Daniel." His gaze met hers, and a faint smile graced his lips.

"You look beautiful, Trini. I'm sorry I can't take you to Homecoming," Daniel's breath was labored. Trini shook her head, tears welling up.

"No, no. It doesn't matter. Just stay with me, Daniel, please. Hold on, we can help you," Trini implored, attempting to lift him.

"No, Trini – stop," his voice grew firm. "You've already saved me. Rita corrupted my soul. I would have perished for her purposes only. You managed to salvage what remains of my humanity. You saved me from my own darkness." At that moment, Billy knelt beside them and, with a press of a button on his visor, assessed Daniel's vitals. They were rapidly deteriorating.

Billy looked up at the other Rangers and silently conveyed the grim prognosis. Trini's throat constricted, and her tears fell onto Daniel's face.

"I'm sorry, Trini," she heard Daniel whisper.

"I'm sorry, Daniel," Trini choked back sobs as she clung to him, their lips meeting briefly. She pulled away, attempting a smile. "I love you, too."

Daniel reached out with his other hand, caressing Trini's face and wiping away a tear. His smile faded, and then he was gone.

His eyes grew lifeless, his grip slackened, and his breathing ceased altogether.

"Daniel? Daniel?!" Trini shook him desperately, repeating his name through her tears. "No…" she whispered again and again. Jason turned away, observing police cars converging on the square from all directions.

"Trini, we have to go," Jason reluctantly urged, hating himself for having to say it. Time was running out.

"No," Trini defiantly refused.

"Trini," Zack began, but her glare silenced him.

"I can't," she replied.

"Trini. It's over," Billy knelt beside her, witnessing her heartbreak in her eyes. "Trini, we must leave. If the authorities discover your identity or your connection to us, it could jeopardize our mission."

"Our mission is crap," Trini declared. "Tell me, what's the good of being Power Rangers if it just gets the people we loved killed?" No one had an answer, and Kimberly placed a hand over her heart, feeling the pain of her friend's anguish.

"If we fail in our mission, Rita wins. And Daniel will have died in vain," Billy argued. Trini fell silent for a moment, wiping her eyes. Coming to her senses, she nodded in reluctant agreement.

"Let's go," Jason urged. Trini lowered her head to kiss Daniel on the forehead.

"Goodbye," she whispered, then all of them activated their communicators and vanished moments later.


From her palace on the moon, Rita gazed down upon Earth through her magical telescope, witnessing the entire sequence of events leading to her Dark Warrior's demise. Although Daniel's death had been part of her plan from the beginning, she seethed with anger at the Rangers' victory. An excruciating headache prompted her to clutch her head in pain.

"These ceaseless headaches," she muttered as she made her way to her throne and flopped into it. She closed her eyes momentarily and grimaced when Goldar teleported into the room, casting a brief, blinding golden glow that intensified her headache.

"My Queen," Goldar bowed respectfully before approaching.

"Is it done?" Rita demanded.

"Yes, my Queen. Scorpina lives. Currently, she gathers energy in her tomb and will soon require sacrifices," Goldar reported.

"Excellent. We'll allow her to rest for a while. I'll need her at full strength," Rita declared, a wicked smile curling her lips.

"Is the Dark Warrior vanquished?" Goldar inquired.

"Yes, he met his end in a blaze of glory," Rita chuckled. "Speaking of which, the Dragon Coin. Finster!" she called out, and moments later, the white-skinned, elvish creature appeared, bowing his head in deference. "The Dark Warrior has been destroyed. Is the ritual complete?"

"Not entirely," Finster said, surprising his Queen.

"What do you mean, Finster?" Rita's voice dropped dangerously.

"The ritual initially worked, but then it didn't. The coin is now under your control, and you can bestow its tremendous power upon a suitable warrior," Finster explained.

"But?" Rita pressed impatiently.

"But before the Dark Warrior perished, he received the essence of light from Zordon himself. Consequently, the human's soul was not entirely ours," Finster clarified. Rita appeared baffled, exchanging a perplexed glance with Goldar.

"What do you mean, Finster? I don't follow," Rita said.

"It means this coin hasn't fully converted to darkness. Whoever wields it will be inclined toward evil and could remain on the path of darkness. However, there is a slim chance it may defect to the side of good," Finster divulged. Rita's eyes widened, and she appeared on the brink of an explosive outburst.

"Those Rangers! And that essence undoubtedly came from Zordon!" Rita seethed.

"My Queen, perhaps we can perform the ritual on another power coin. Zordon created more than the original six, did he not?" Goldar suggested.

"Yes, that's correct. However, the other power coins are scattered across the Earth. As far as I recall, they were unstable, and only Zordon knows their locations. No, and there isn't time. This ritual caught the Rangers off guard. I won't have another opportunity," Rita fumed.

"We'll have to proceed with caution," Finster advised.

"Yes," Rita agreed. "I'll mold this warrior into one of our own. My Dragon Ranger wouldn't dare entertain the thought of defying me."

"Do you have a suitable human in mind?" Goldar asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do," Rita replied, her malevolence radiating from her with a wicked smile.