Hello to all my readers and welcome to the first part of a series that I will be creating, The timeline will lead up to what would be Zordons sacrifice it will continue through the timeline up to Dino Thunder, some of the things will be similar but others will not happen. The powers used here will be Ninjetti, Space, Lost Galaxy, LSR, Ninja Storm, Wild Force, Time Force, and Dino Thunder with a few twists because well things in my opinion should have been different. The evil forces will eventually be an all-out team which will force The Rangers back into action. How? What Happens? for answers to these questions or any you may have come up with please feel free to sit back and read to find out with the first installment of Path of the Falcon and Crane: The Choices We Make.
Chapter 1. A Tough Decision
The Rangers were gathered in the Command Center while one of their own explained the difficult situation she was offered to her. The group looks on waiting for the petite brunette to tell them what is troubling her.
"Kimberly, what's on your mind?" Zordon asked
"I've been given an amazing opportunity the only problem is it will interfere with my duties as a power ranger," Kimberly explained not only to their mentor but her friends as well.
The news hit them all like a ton of bricks, they knew this was something she had dreamed of since she was a little girl. Recovering quickly Tommy stepped closer to her and wrapped his arm around her, " This is something only you can choose and most of us have a pretty good idea which way you are going to pick." He said as he pulled her into him.
"I want to stay and fulfill my duties." Kimberly said causing her boyfriend to stare blankly at her before she continued " I also want to go, this is something that I can't quickly decide on cause they both mean so much to me, and it's not for sure that I will get another opportunity like this again."
"Why don't you take some time to think it over Kim," Aisha suggested
"Yeah it's not something you can quickly answer Kim, and we all know how much you love this sport and the opportunity you have and I'm sure we will find a way to handle everything if you choose to go, I believe in all of us," Adam said which caused the friends to stand in shock once again as Adam had never shared so much before.
Nothing else needed to be said after that as everybody nodded in agreement.
"If I could have your attention for a moment Rangers, this is something Alpha and I have seen coming, especially after the departure of Jason, Zack, and Trini. We have been scanning for more individuals who can obtain the same ninjetti powers you currently possess." Zordon said.
"Wait. What?" they all asked in unison.
"We have detected a group of teenagers like yourselves that can unlock another group of spirit animals," Zordon said
"Meaning we would have more than enough power to handle anything Rita and Lord Zedd throw at us?" Rocky asked
"Yes should Kimberly choose to follow her dream of competing," Alpha-5 answered as he explained while he pulled a printout from the councel.
"So I wouldn't have to risk teleporting back and forth?" Kimberly asked
Just then a bright light filled the room and Dulcea was standing there when it faded.
"Zordon we must speak immediately and privately," Dulcea said urgently.
Noticing the fear in her eyes he turned to his chosen heroes
"I will explain everything to you when the time is right, for now, return to Angel Grove and enjoy the quiet spell we find ourselves in while we have it," Zordon informed.
Moments after the ranger departs from the Command Center
"What is so urgent that you would risk leaving Phadoes unprotected?" Zordon asked his old friend.
"The unawakened spirit animals that have indicated the need for them to awaken, some will awaken sooner than others," Dulcea explained
"How soon until they will be awakened," Zordon asked nerves awaiting the answer.
"The Orange Cheetah has hours until she is awakened and the others have days until they follow, The Silver Tiger will awaken last before you must find those worthy of bonding with them. Have you been scanning for possibilities?" Dulcea explained followed by her question.
" Yes, the results indicate that we will have three new rangers and three former rangers. Zordon replied.
"You know what we must prepare for, and I fear the potential distance between the Falcon and Crane if we can't get them ready in time," Dulcea questioned.
"You're expressing the forthcoming prophecy of the return of the emperor of Evil," Zordon said.
"Yes, one day we will merge with the morphing grid and allow the rangers access to our knowledge of the Emperor of Evil," Zordon said
"Then we must inform the rangers and Ninjor as he will be the only guardian left for the temple of power," Dulcea said
"This isn't the right time to tell them," Zordon said getting a worried look from Alpha and a shocked one from Dulcea.
"We must inform them!" Alpha-5 shouted
"Alpha if we tell them and the emperor is never reformed then we scare them for nothing.
Zordon's right beside the sacred temple is the first thing prophesied about the fall of it will be the beginning of the major battle. Years later Earth will look like the aftermath of a great war. The only way to stop this tragedy from happening is to awaken the remaining six Ninjetti spirit animals and join them as their worthy host. Only then can the rangers bring balance back into the fight and by working together as a team connecting fully with their animal spirits and unlocking the power buried deep in them." Dulcea said.
"For now we observe Ninjor and the temple, we cannot allow Zedd to know of the prophecy's truth," Zordon said
"As you wish Zordon we shall observe Ninjor's temple, I will pay him a visit upon my return to Phadoes," Dulcea explained
"That would be wise my old friend." Zordon agreed
That evening the teens were at home finishing their homework after dinner with their families. The next day they all met at the park to walk to school together. Aisha and Adam arrived first sitting at the picnic table they met at every morning when it was not raining. Next to arrive was Billy and Rocky closely followed by Kimberly.
"Morning Kim, where is Tommy?" Rocky asked.
"I'm not sure he wasn't at our meeting spot this morning. I figured he was running late so I came here, hoping he would be here already, He should be here soon." She explained to their friends.
Meanwhile, at the Oliver house Melissa, James, and Tommy were standing in the living room across from an older native American and a much younger male who looked just like Tommy.
"Not to be rude, but who are you and why are you here"? James asked
"I'm sorry to impose I just felt it was time David and Thomas met, and I wanted to meet my Grandson." the older native American stated.
"Who are you?" Melissa questioned the stranger in her living room at 7 a.m.
"My name is Samuel Truheart I am David and Thomas's grandfather on their mother's side, before you ask no I am not here to take Thomas away as I know he is needed here with his parents. As I said before I felt it was time they met," he explained quickly to not upset anyone.
"I don't foresee that being a problem, however, Tommy must get going he has school today. You both are more than welcome to stick around until he gets back this afternoon." Melissa explained just before turning to her son and motioned toward the door. Following his mother's gaze he quickly grabbed his bag, bid his farewell to everyone as he walked out the door, and began to run toward the park as he was late. (nothing new for Tommy)
Just when the group was about to give up and head to school they heard a familiar voice.
"Hey guys sorry I'm late, we had a very early visitor this morning," Tommy said in a greeting.
"Well, at least you didn't oversleep, again," Adam said with a smile.
"I found out some shocking news about my family history," Tommy explained. as they all started walking to school.
"Hey, what was the news?" Kimberly asked in a whisper as she grasped his hand. Looking down he calmly whispered back "I have an older brother and he was raised by our grandfather on my mother's side."
"Oh wow, that would be a shock to me too," Kimberly said not so quietly.
Behind them, Billy walked with a shocked expression on his face after catching Tommy's shocking news. A short time later they arrived in front of the school.
The day went by in a blur Throughout the day the teens each heard the shocking news either from Kimberly or Billy as Tommy was still in too much shock to explain anything. The last bell of the day finally came the group quickly gathered their things only to rush out the door heading for their homes.
Earlier that day
After Tommy left the four remaining people sat down to get to know each other.
"So Mr. Oliver what do you do for work?" David asked
"I'm a Lieutenant for the Angel Grove police department," James replied.
"Sounds dangerous, especially with the constant monster attacks," Sam stated.
"Sometimes it can be but we also know when to get out of the way and let the professionals handle things," James responded.
"Sounds like you've been doing this a long time," David said
"Yes he has and I think it was what sped up our adoption of Tommy," Melissa said.
"So you haven't always lived in Angel Grove?" Sam asked
"No, we moved here from Arizona but originally lived in Texas," Melissa explained to the two visiting Native Americans.
"So what brought you out here?" Sam asked
"My job sent me to Arizona as I was assisting the lead detective on a drug ring in the area that had reached to my area in Texas. When the case was closed the lead detective had asked my current chief if I could be transferred to further assist him with more cases." James said just before going quiet.
Grasping her husband's hand Melissa offered her support. "its ok sweetheart." she said
"Is everything alright we didn't mean to cause any stress with our questions," David said.
"It's about your last case in Arizona isn't it?" Sam questioned, Knowing all too well what was troubling the man.
"Yes it is " Melissa answered
"We were chasing down leads about the abductions of women in the area." James paused to get his emotions under control. " There was a group obducting pregnant women and harvesting the bodies only to sell them to the highest bidder.
"Thankfully we got some solid evidence to track down the criminals, as we put together a tactical team we prepared to infiltrate the facility. Upon our entry gunfire was coming to us, it all happened so fastthat felt lt like hours but was ominutes before re the ing leader was down and cuffed. Unfortunately, some of the officers and criminals were killed but one woman was caught in the crossfire. I was the one who found her alive and still pregnant. We called a local ambulance, but before they could make it I had to deliver the baby. Shortly afterwards she passed but it was her last words to me that caused what happened later that day." James said finishing his story just as the door opened and closed.
"Mom, Dad?" Tommy called
"In here son," Melissa said.
As he walked through the doorway he said. "I've got Kim with me." as they came into view of everyone. The two noticed the looks on all their faces and the tears in their eyes.
"What's going on mom, why does everybody look so sad?" Tommy asked
"We were just discussing your birth mother and how you came to us." She explained as the males discreetly wiped their eyes.
"We have something to discuss with you," Kimberly said.
At her words, everyone perked up to hear what she needed to tell them.
"What's on your mind, sweetie?" James asked shifting his position to allow eye contact with the two teens.
"What seems to be bothering you?" Melissa asked
Showing how nervous she was Kimberly fidgeted a little bit before taking a deep breath and glanced around the room noticing everybody's attention was on her.
"I have an amazing yet terrifying decision to make," Kimberly explained to the group.
"What's on your mind, Kimberly?" James asked
"I have to choose to train to compete for the pan-global team and possibly the Olympic team or stay here and graduate with my friends," Kimberly said nerves were evident with every word.
"Have you talked to your parents about all this?" Melissa asked
"Not yet I'm a little nervous to tell them, I think I know what they are going to say," she said
"Well, young lady I think what you need to do is talk to them I understand that you are nervous about it but they could surprise you," Sam spoke up lending his opinion.
"Sam's got a point they could always surprise you," James said.
"I would accompany you over to talk to them, be there for moral support if you would like." Tommy offered.
"Alright, that sounds like a good idea," Kimberly said feeling slightly better but still apprehensive.
The two excused themselves leaving the four other occupants sitting in the living room. Quickly making their way across the street in a diagonal direction. They entered the Duhma residence they found Caroline standing at the stove while Pierre was setting the table for dinner. Caroline looked up as she heard the door shut.
"Good afternoon and what a nice surprise to have you here." She said in a greeting.
"Good afternoon," they said in unison.
"Mom, I have some news and I would like to discuss it with both of you," Kimberly said nervously.
Dropping everything they both moved into their sitting room, as they took a seat on the couch they gave Kimberly their undivided attention.
"What's wrong sweetie?" Caroline asked
"I'm a little nervous to tell you but I have a big decision to make," Kimberly replied
"Kimberly you're scaring me will you please just cut to the end and tell us what's going on?" Caroline expressed fear in her voice.
Selling the sudden lump in her throat, she looked into the eyes of her parents and saw the love and worry they had for her, finding the courage she explain her decision. When she finished she looked at the both of them in anticipation.
"You do have a big decision to make sweetheart is you are asking our opinion I would say you should take the opportunity," Caroline stated.
"Your mother has a good point this is an amazing opportunity for you that could lead to a scholarship for college," Pierre explained.
"You both think I should take the opportunity and hope for a possible scholarship?" Kimberly questioned
"Kimberly this is something you have been dreaming about ever since you were a little girl. I know we decided not to move to Paris because it allowed you to graduate with your friends, but now you have the option of following your dream, the only one who can make that choice is you." Pierre explained.
"Beautiful, no matter what you decide I'm sure we will all support you, even if we won't be going to school together you can always come home for college," Tommy explained hoping to ease her worries.
Later that evening Kimberly was on the phone with her childhood best friend Trini Kwan, after explaining the situation she waited for Trini to respond.
"I honestly don't know why you're questioning your decision, Kim you've always wanted to be a gymnast, so I say go for it," Trini said.
"But what about the team and Tommy," Kimberly replied.
"What are you worried about Kimberly?" Trini asked
"I'm worried about leaving and losing everything that I care about," Kimberly confessed without holding back any emotion.
"Kimmy you need to calm down Breathe for me, don't do anything else just breathe. You have to explain your fears not only to our friends but to Zordon as well, he will know what to do." Trini explained calmly to her best friend.
"Your right, I need to stop hiding what I'm freaking out about. I'll talk to the team tomorrow, then Zordon thank you for talking me off the ledge of insanity." Kimberly said.
"Anytime but it's late here I'll call you tomorrow to see how everything went Goodnight Kim," Trini said
After wishing her friend a good night and farewell Kimberly was soon asleep but it was her dream that haunted her.
Kimberly's Dream
"Zordon I want to follow my dream and join the training facility in preparation for the Pan Global games," Kimberly said while standing in the command center.
"I'm afraid I cannot let you do that my pretty pink Pridioner." Was said starting in the voice of Zordon transforming into the voice of Lord Zedd. Her surroundings changed as she closed her eyes. When she opened them she was bowed down on one knee with her helmet in her hand looking up at Lord Zedd.
"I Knew Rita had a good idea when she made Tommy the evil green ranger, she just chose the wrong person. That was one hell of a battle my dear, I Especially enjoyed watching you plunge the white ranger's weapon through his heart." Zedd explained them both laughing evily.
End Dream
It was to that sound Kimberly shot up in her bed. Looking around she noticed she was in her bedroom. Her sight then fell to the figure sitting at the foot of her bed.
To Be Continued...
A/N 2: Please now that you have read the ew any feedback would be greatly appreciated.