Hello to all my readers and welcome back to the next chapter of Path of the Falcon and Crane. Please read and review, I hope you all enjoy this chapter, and that is enough talking from me on with the story lads and lassies
January 21st 1996
Chapter 2: The Team Grows
"Tommy?" was all she said
"Zordon thought you might need to see me," he said.
Kimberly closed the space between them without saying a word and wrapped herself around him, knowing he would do anything to keep her safe. Slightly surprised by her actions Tommy just allowed her to get comfortable before he wrapped his arms around her giving her the feeling of protection she so desperately craved.
"What's got you all shaken up beautiful?" Tommy asked as he comforted his girlfriend.
Kim looked into the eyes of the love of her life before she began explaining every part of her earlier nightmare. When she finished Tommy pulled her close for a strong embrace, before whispering "I Love you Beautiful."
"I Love you Handsome, that's part of why I'm scared to go," Kimberly confessed
"Kim I don't want to be the reason you give up your dream that's not fair to you," Tommy said his love for the beautiful brunette coming across with every word he said.
"It's also not fair to the team," Kimberly replied.
"Kim hold on to me!" he said just before grasping his communicator in his other hand, seconds later they were gone.
Seconds later the two landed in the Command Center to find Zordon none too surprised to see them.
"Tell me Kimberly how long have you been having these nightmares?" he asked surprising the two standing before him.
"How did you know about my nightmares Zordon?" Kimberly asked
"I have been keeping a watchful eye on the six of you ever since you have been under the protection of the power, I have kept track of any that have been or will become rangers. It's not accurate with timing but it's a notice of what's going on in your life. I have been entrusted with the task of defending this galaxy as my team did ours. You will know when it is time rangers." Zordon explained
The two of them stood there in shock with the news they had learned from Zordon. With a question left on one of their minds. Determined to get the answers that have been bothering him since Zordon contacted him about Kimberly's nightmare. Before they discussed anything any further he wanted answers.
"What is the meaning of her dreams Zordon is she under attack are Zedd and Rita planning something we should prepare for?" Tommy asked his worry growing with every word.
"It means that she is nervous about her decision and her nightmare is playing on her nerves like any normal human life choice. Now I can tell you that if you choose to go and follow your dream the earth will still be well protected." Zordon said informing the two before him everything would be fine no matter what she decided.
"Well, that makes me feel a whole lot better," Kimberly said with a big sigh of relief.
"Now Kimberly when did these nightmares start exactly?" Zordon said
"Shortly after we defeated Ivan Ooze with the new ninjetti powers our connection started to grow, and Tommy and I deepened our connection due to our spirit animals connecting to us and each other," Kimberly informed
"My dear it is also magnifying your connection to the Morphin grid and each other as you work together your connection with each other will amplify as well," Zordon said just as he thought of something he and Dulcea had been discussing since they had been separated from their former team and home. Moments later he spoke again.
"Alpha 5 wake up!" he bellowed.
"I yie yie Zordon what seems to be troubling you at this late hour, oh hello Tommy hello Kimberly, what are you two doing here so early?" Alpha said as he walked into the middle of the council.
"Alpha you must bring us all the rangers here, all that is in the database," Zordon said.
"Even the ones yet to be chosen?" Alpha asked
"That is correct Alpha," Zordon replied
This prompted a surprise reaction from Tommy and Kimberly as ten other teleportation beams landed in the Command Center.
(A/N: List of character ages here cause I didn't want to spoil anything in the first chapter. Tommy, Kimberly, Adam, Billy, Trini, Rocky Aisha, Zack, Jason, & Kathrine 17) Tanya (16) Justin (14) I know he was 11 at the most but I feel this is the right age for him in this story it will work with what I have planned.
Introductions were made by Zordon shocking the three newcomers.
"Don't be afraid there are dier circumstances that have brought you here. What I am about to tell you is not to be taken lightly. You are needed to help defend Earth against the likes of Rita and Lord Zedd alongside the others standing here today as a Power Ranger. You will travel to the distant planet known as Phadoes, once there you will make contact with a friend of mine to attain your spirit animal and ninjetti powers. This is a choice you must make quickly as there isn't much time I have blocked our activities so there are no spying eyes but it won't last long." Zordon explained.
"Count me in," Justin said with much excitement.
"Me as well sir!" Kathrine said in her Australian accent
"The Hip-hop Kito will help me stop whatever threatens my friends or my planet," Zack said as he greeted his sorely missed friend who he affectionately called his main brain.
"Zordon you asked me to defend Earth before and I joined then why would I say no this time? I will return even more fierce and agile to help my friends and the Earth." Trini explained
"Are you sure I'm the right choice I mean all I can know is fashion and music, and thanks to my father I understand more about world history than anybody I know," Tanya said slightly worried this floating head guy had made a mistake.
"There is more to you than that young Tanya, you are resourceful and brave. You would make a wonderful addition to the team behind you." Zordon said
"I'll do my best." She said.
"I will be more than happy to kick some putty again," Jason said
"Jase, it's more than just putties now," Kimberly said
"When do we begin? Trini asked stepping closer to everybody. The rest of the original six stood still in shock and memory of a time when it was Tommy returning and saying those exact words.
"Eager to fight or something there Trini?" Aisha asked.
"I'm curious how did you get chosen for that peace summit anyway?" Rocky asked causing everyone to giggle.
"The time has come for the six of you to go on your quest to obtain the ninjetti powers and rejoin the fight as I can not hold the force that is hiding us any longer," Zordon explained just before the portal opened allowing the six to enter it.
The second they were gone the Command Center sirens blared to life indicating there was an attack on the Earth. Wasting no time Billy rushed to the council to check on the disturbance as Alpha worked along with Billy to show the events on the viewing globe. When they turned around they found Goldar, Rito, and a group of tangas attacking the park.
On Phadoes
Coming through the portal they found themselves on the rocky beaches of Phadoes, a lady was standing behind them.
"Welcome Rangers, follow me and you will receive your ninjetti powers and find the spirit animal that is best suited for you.
"Great! That should allow for more protection for Earth," Tanya said as they began to walk off the rocky beaches, up the rocks, and through the trees they finally reached the plateau. When they reach their destination they are shown where to stand by the lady that led them to this place.
"Wow, this place is beautiful." Trini and Zack said as they both saw it and off in the distance the Neola jungle.
"If you would please gather round and we shall find your animal spirits before you are sent to find the great power they represent. Close your eyes and look deep inside yourselves to find your spirit animal. Dulcea explained."
They did as requested searching inside themselves while their eyes were closed Dulcea blew the magic dust teen axes to the great power. Moments later they were standing dressed in their ninjetti robes. Dulcea took this time to grab her staff and step toward each of the teens.
"Kathrine although you are new to this group I see your personality and natural speed will allow you to help your peers as the Orange Cheetah. Dulcea informed before stepping over to the next ranger to be.
"Clever and wise Zachary you have all the makings of the slick Platnum Panther," Dulcea informed then stepped in front of the next ninja-clad teen.
"Payment and stealthy Trini you are the Silver Tiger, with your wisdom and experience you will lead this group when the twelve of you must split up," Dulcea explained before continuing down the line.
"Jason bold and strong you are the mighty Gold Lion you know a wise leader that will help you in your new role of second in command to the leader of the six of you," Dulcea said just before stepping in front of the next ninjettis warrior.
"Tanya your protectiveness grows along with your strength, which pairs perfectly with the Purple Dolphin the territorial underwater mammal," Dulcea stated before moving on to the last ninjetti-dressed warrior.
"Justin Mindful and energetic you are the Bronze Puma, Don't assume because you are younger than your teammates that you are any less valuable to the team," Dulcea informed giving the youngest ranger comfort at the end. She then returned to the center of the Plateau.
"You will now travel through the Neola Jungle, this is your test to see if you earn the full potential of your powers. Now your quest begins." Dulcea told them just before she transformed into the white owl she represented.
The new team grouped before Trini took the lead as she thought she was used to following she was willing to take a different role and run with it as she led her team through anything that came their way. Jason and Zack quickly fell into place behind her flanking outward the newest three joined moments later.
"Let's get this over with and get back to our friends," Trini said just before they took off in the direction of the Neola Jungel with everyone falling in line with Zack opting for the end of the line in a way of keeping the newest members in a comfortable safe place. The group traveled through the jungle facing everything the other six ninjetti warriors had before. As they entered the area with the skeletal dinosaurs. Once Justin inspected the crumpled dinosaurs closest to him he was staring a little too long when another had reassembled and was charging him from behind. Zack moved to protect his new teammate. The second he reached the dinosaur he was hit with its tail which sent him soaring over the log into a bushy area behind them.
This action caused the other five to leap into action some going to assist Zack and others to distract or fight the new enemy. Rushing in Jason charged preparing to attack the beast that dear hurt his best friend. As he approached the dino he was tripped by the tail. The creature then charged the other humans in bright colors that walked into its playground. The ninja rangers scattered but poor Justin was quickly trapped in the ribcage of another large animal. The only thing he could do was call for help. Rushing the creature attacking it with sticks and stones. With his other four teammates keeping the Dino busy Zack ran up the trail and over its back he found the weakness the quickly exploited it. Removing the connecting bone causes the beast to collapse. As it was collapsing Zack used his hip-hop kito skills to ride one of the bones and flip into a safe landing.
"Somebody reset I want to take that ride AGAIN!" Zack said as Jason and Justin helped him to his feet.
"I'm not going to watch that again," Trini said
"Come on guys let's figure out where we are going," Jason said as he headed out of the jungle area.
Once they reach the end of the Neola Jungle they follow the path winding through as the scenery starts to change from trees to dirt and stones with a patch of jungle around its borders. Looking at the temple of the great power. Spotting the four guardians waiting for their arrival. They quickly met them in battle and using their techniques they dispatched the Rock Warriors. This released the temple which gave them full access to their powers.
Meanwhile back on Earth.
The rangers were battleing Rito, Goldar, and a throng of tengas. Tommy and Rocky were holding their own against Rito and Goldar as the rest of the team dealt with the squawking bird creatures. Adam, Billy, Kimberly, and Aisha had just each kicked down a tenga as their friends and teammates landed in their new uniforms.
"You guys look like you could use a hand," Zack said
Looking up at his friends Billy answered. "Seems that way."
The twelve of them grouped around the battlefield. Just as they had before the power rangers battled back the evil forces that dare attack Earth.
"How did they grow in numbers?" Rito asked
"I don't know if we should report this to Rita and Zedd," Goldar responded just before the two of them vanished returning to the Lunar Palace before they could say anything Master Vile appeared with four other beings, and seconds later disappeared again. The shocking part was Rita and Zedd were welcoming the visitors.
"Who are these intruders, my lord?" Goldar asked
"These are members of the Evil Empire and they are here on business! Try to make yourself scarce while they are here." Zedd said
Rito hid quickly and quietly when he noticed his father was standing in the throne room before Goldar walked out from where they landed upon their return from Earth. Goldar noticed him cowering from something when he rounded the corner and headed for his quarters.
The group in the throne room began mingling and discussing different types of tactics regarding combatting the power rangers, as Lord Impago was ruler over his home galaxy and his wife had helped him with the takeover alongside their henchmen. They worked like a well-oiled machine they had taken out warriors from many cultures and species the only thing they had not faced were humans or power rangers.
After hours and hours of discussing what they could come up with that could assist in Rita and Zedd's war for Earth and eventually Milkey-Way Galaxy.
Back on Earth
The rangers returned to the Command Center now twelve were standing in front of their mentor.
"Welcome back Rangers!" Alpha-5 said.
Little did they know the phrase touched the three returning to the fight against evil. The three newcomers felt a sense of belonging and a deep connection to all nine others in the room.
"All of you will work together, this is the largest team since my team. This will allow you to fight all together or split into teams. Now with this many team members, you will have different megazord combinations. Each having their techniques, the choices of what the combinations are is limited to your members in the fight." Zordon explained
"That sounds amazing so no matter which five are in the battle they will be able to battle if the monster grows," Rocky said.
"That is correct Rocky the combinations are limitless and you will find new arsenals along with every different combination. The world is truly in safe hands with the twelve of you protecting it. They are an amazing piece of technology rangers." Alpha-5 said as he read the schematics of each Megazord.
Meanwhile on the moon
"Zedd we are not here to join the battle at this time we are merely here to observe only. We are checking on things for our father " Impaggo said gesturing between himself and Rita.
"I will however give you something to upgrade your tengas." he continued
"We are on a mission to find a member of the Empire of Evil. Then we will all rejoin you to assist in earth's destruction." Robonna explained.
"That sounds simply diabolical," Zedd said.
"I also wanted to give you both a late wedding present," Impaggo said handing over a few scrolls, seeds, a container of face stealer, and the map directing them to the lost Zords.
"Now that's what I call a wedding present Rita said as he recognized some of the scrolls.
"This should give up the advantage over those pathetic power rangers" She continued
The group laughed evilly as Finster took the wedding presents to store them safely for his masters. While Zedd, Rita, and their followers were planning the next attack. Impaggo, Robonna, and their armies left for the lost location of the members of the Empire of Evil.
Back on Earth
The teens were at the park hanging out and getting to know their new team members. While they are eating a picnic.
"So Tanya where you from?" Trini asked
"Originally I'm from Africa but I became a citizen when I was eight years old I grew up in Reefside, we had just moved to Angel Grove when my father was transferred to Angel Grove University, he is the history professor so I have been filled with Historical facts all my life," Tanya explained.
"Well, do you have any interests or hobbies?" Kimberly asked
"I do enjoy playing the piano and violin. My talents are singing and dancing. I've been practicing for almost six years now." Tanya said
"That's incredible," Adam said out loud before he could stop himself, his cheeks immediately turning a crimson shade.
"Thank you, very much I appreciate your kind words," Tanya said through a blush of her own.
Trini sensing an awkward moment approaching quickly turned toward Kat and asked. "When did you move to Angel Grove?"
"We just settled in really, I haven't even registered for my classes yet. My mother will be taking me there tomorrow on her way to work. My dad will be arriving by the end of the week, once he closes his deal for the stock market back home. He will start at the stock exchange in San Francisco." Kat said.
"How was your time living in the outback?" Jason said in his best Australian accent.
"It was lovely and I miss home but Mum and Da said this will be their new home but I could always fly home on summer break." She explained.
"Justin, where are you from?" Rocky asked the younger teen.
"I was born in Mariner Bay, when my mother passed away Dad and I moved to Stone Canyon then Dad got sent here to work at the Nasada spaceport, but that's all classified information," Justin explained doing his best to hold it together at the mention of his mother. This caused a reaction out of Billy that only four others in the group understood. Moving closer he wrapped the younger ranger in a hug knowing in a way what Justin was going through as he had lost his mother at a young age.
"If you ever need to talk I'm here for you," he said through a tightened throat and quivering lips.
This caused a large group hug and once they were all touching a bright light surrounded them and then dimmed quickly.
"What was that!" Justin exclaimed
"It would appear that our animal spirits joined together allowing for more advanced powers and weapons," Billy explained
A short time later Billy's alarm went off.
"I'm sorry guys I have some research to complete," he said
Billy's departure caused everybody to notice it was time they started heading home for dinner. The rest of the night was spent with family as they all had school the next day.