Somewhere between Reefside and Pine Ridge
February 2022
Leah stared out the passenger window of her Dad's car, watching the highway unfurl before them. Sighing, she sipped her tea, resentful of her Dad for dragging her out of bed at 7 in the morning on a Saturday, to go watch some stupid dino statues. "You know," she glanced at him sideways, "when you said you'd come up with appropriate consequences for what happened Monday, I thought you'd ground me for a few weeks. Not put me in detention."
Tommy chuckled, though it sounded a little forced. "Wow, Lee, I didn't realize hanging out with me counted as punishment." He kept his tone light, but Leah caught a flicker of something vulnerable in his eyes. Despite his understanding attitude the night she'd run off, Leah knew her Dad had been really hurt by her words. Accusing her Dad of not caring enough about her had put a tiny dent in their relationship. One he was now trying to fix. And I just put my foot in it, again. Way to go, Lee!
She sighed, her guilt flaring as she considered the bratty attitude she'd put up since waking up that morning. Her fingers twisted in the hem of her hoodie, trying to find her own way of fixing the hurt her words had caused. She took another sip of her tea, the warmth grounding her as she debated what to say. After a few fortifying breaths, she said, "Dad, I'm… sorry. For, you know… the other night." She kept her eyes forward, watching the blur of passing cars, not wanting to see the disappointment in his eyes. "I didn't mean what I said. About you not caring."
Her Dad glanced her way, and she could feel the emotion in his eyes as they took her in. He didn't respond right away, but a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, softening his expression. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady but gentle. "I know you didn't, Lee. But thanks for saying that." He turned his eyes back on the road, and another silence settled over the car, this one less oppressive.
After a few quiet moments, Leah spoke again. "It's not hanging out with you that feels like punishment, you know. It's just… dinosaurs? You know how I feel about all that stuff."
The two years he'd been missing had left a scar, changing her in ways they were still untangling, even six years later. She'd let go of so much during that time, carving out anything that reminded her too much of him -anything that made the absence hurt more. It had been tough when he'd returned, seeing the sadness in his eyes as he realized all the things she'd left behind -karate sessions at Uncle Adam's gym, the stories they made up together… and, most of all, dinosaurs. Some things she'd picked up again, bit by bit, but never dinosaurs.
Back then, all she'd known was that her Dad had left for Hawaii to dig up bones and hadn't come back. That alone had been enough to harden her against every fossil, every ancient reptile, every museum visit. Now that knew the truth, it still didn't bring back her love for those creatures or erase the bitterness that had grown around them.
Tommy's gaze softened as he glanced at her again. "This isn't meant to be a punishment, Lee-Lou. It's… something I want to share with you -something I hope will help you understand what" -his voice hitched- "what happened. Why I needed to do what I did." He sighed, searching for the right words. "While I know you didn't mean what you said, the fact is, you did say it." There was no anger in his tone, only a sense of resignation. Leah opened her mouth to interject, but he waved her off, continuing, "I realize you said those things because you don't understand. There's a sense of duty and responsibility that floods through you when you're chosen as a Ranger. The only thing that ever surpassed it in intensity were the days you and JJ were born. Like being a parent, being a Ranger… that duty never fades."
He paused again, carefully considering his next words. "Maybe seeing Dinohenge and learning about how our bloodline is connected to the bigger picture will help you make sense of it all. I promise I'll answer every question you have."
Leah's cheeks flushed with another wave of guilt at her Dad's words. He genuinely wanted to help her come to terms with that nagging feeling of abandonment. He wanted to include her in this secret world he'd been part of since he was her age. "Oh god," she murmured, suddenly realizing the implications of his invitation. "I didn't know this outing was going to be about that. I invited the Next Gen."
Leah knew that her seeing the Ranger Legacy Video had sparked some heavy discussions among the parents about when the right time was to share their history with their kids. Arguments both pro and con had been raised, with her Uncle Jason insisting that they were too young to bear the weight of such a legacy, while her parents had argued that knowing their heritage was essential. Leah had been eavesdropping on the discussion, absorbing every word, but when Uncle Jason's last argument had come out as a broken, "What do I say about Trini?", she couldn't hold back any longer.
She'd rushed into the room and hugged him tightly, feeling the tremor in his body as he was forced to imagine his kids' reaction. "I'm sorry, Uncle Jace." she'd whispered, sadness lacing her voice. "But Olli and Anne should know their mom was a hero. They can handle it. We all can."
The discussion had ended after that, with the agreement that they would all have a barbeque at PRISM on Sunday, and the superpowered truth would be revealed.
Now, she'd not only ruined her Dad's plans for father-daughter time, she'd also put him in a difficult spot with the rest of the parents. She could see the flicker of disappointment cross his face, before he schooled his features again. "Well… I didn't realize we needed chaperones for our trip," he joked, but Leah could hear the strain.
"Dad, I…" she began, feeling horrible about everything she'd put in motion, but he cut her off with a soft, reassuring smile.
"It's okay, Lee. Really," he said, glancing over at her, his voice warm, though a little quieter than before. "I probably should have explained the reason behind this trip." His hands tightened briefly on the wheel before he let out a small sigh, relaxing. "Besides," he added, his eyes brightening with a glint of humor, "even without the Rainbow-colored history lesson"—he emphasized the words in an exaggeratedly serious tone—"I think Dinohenge will still blow their minds."
Leah felt the tension ease, the guilt melting into a smile at his cheesy line. She could tell he was still a little disappointed that their time together would now involve five other teenagers, but he was making an effort.
"Maybe… maybe we could run through some katas together tomorrow morning? Just the two of us?"
Tommy looked over, his expression softening completely. "Yeah, kiddo." He reached over and ruffled her hair, making her let out a squeak of protest as she swatted him away. "That'd be nice," he said, laughing.
—
Pine Ridge
February 2022
The rest of the drive passed in an easy silence, broken now and then by one or both of them humming along to the soft tunes on the radio. For once, Leah didn't even mind her dad's brutal butchering of the songs; each off-key note made her smile, filling the car with a warmth she hadn't felt in ages.
When they finally arrived at the dig site in Pine Ridge, Leah spotted Olli's car already parked in the clearing that served as makeshift parking lot. Her friends' laughter echoed between the trees surrounding them as Olli mock-wrestled with Marley, who was playfully pretending to shove him back. Will, Anne and Gia stood around, cheering and calling the boys out, a familiar and welcome energy filling the scene.
Gia noticed them first, turning towards them with a grin. "Hey, Lee! Uncle T!" she called out, throwing them a wave. "Please tell me we're getting extra credit for this field trip?"
Tommy laughed, shaking his head as he and Leah walked over to the group. "I'm not your teacher today, so this is strictly extracurricular. But nice try, Gia." Leah felt her shoulders relax as their laughter filled the air. Everyone looked excited, even her dad seemed to have shed the last of his earlier tension. As she let the warmth of the moment settle over her, a pair of familiar arms wrapped gently around her waist. She turned, already smiling, and found herself face-to-face with Olli, his bright, curious eyes catching hers.
"Hey there," he murmured, squeezing her gently as he leaned in, planting a Dad-approved chaste kiss on the cheek. His gaze drifted past her, scanning the trees just beyond the clearing as he tried to catch a glimpse of the infamous Dinohenge. "So… what exactly is Dinohenge?" he whispered conspiratorially, a touch of intrigue in his voice.
She stifled a laugh, leaning closer and lowering her voice to match his. "Apparently, it's something really special."
Olli quirked an eyebrow, "So… is this about to turn into another one of those 'weird family mystery adventures' Uncle Tom loves? Because if it does, it's definitely Marley's turn to play Shaggy." His eyes glinted with playful defiance.
Leah shrugged, a mischievous smirk pulling at her lips. "Only one way to find out."
Her boyfriend laughed, "Well then, zoinks, Daphne. Let's hope this adventure ends with scooby-snacks instead of scary ghouls."
Before Leah could continue the banter, Marley's voice cut in with a grin. "Nah, man. Dinohenge? This feels way more Uncharted than Mystery Machine. I'm calling dibs on any ancient treasure maps." His eyes scanned the dense woods around them intently.
Tommy chuckled at the teens' antics. "I'm not promising any treasure chests, but if I were you, I'd keep an eye out for booby traps. Those hunter-gatherers were clever -they had to be if they wanted mammoth for dinner."
Marley glanced over his shoulder, feigning a look of wary suspense. "You're serious?" He asked, as if expecting arrows to fly his way at any moment.
Tommy burst into laughter. "No, not really. But hey, who knows? We might at least find some old bones -or a good story to tell later." He gestured dramatically toward the towering statues, barely visible through the trees, his eyes glinting with humor. "Let's see what kind of trouble we can dig up."
As they made their way into the woods, the group's chatter filled the quiet forest. "Do you really think there are bones there?" Will whispered to Anne, his excitement barely contained. Anne rolled her eyes but couldn't help grinning. "It's called Dinohenge, Will. Of course, there are going to be bones -or at least something else worth a picture."
Gia nudged Will with her elbow. "Twenty bucks says there's nothing out there but rocks."
"Twenty bucks?" Will shot her a grin, shaking his head. "You're on. First one to find something interesting gets bragging rights and the best Insta post." He threw an arm around Gia's shoulders with a laugh. "Oh, and Gia's buying the pizzas tonight."
From a few steps back, Tommy chuckled. "I wouldn't dismiss those rocks so easily, Gia. There might be more to this place than meets the eye."
Marley raised an eyebrow, glancing around skeptically. "Wait -no treasure, no bones… Why do I feel like I got conned into this hike?"
Leah smirked, giving him a playful shove. "Oh, relax, Marls. Don't think of it as a hike; think of it as leveling up in real life."
The group burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the trees. But as they rounded the final bend and stepped into the clearing, the laughter faded.
—
There, towering and ancient, stood Dinohenge. Six massive stone figures rose in silent mystery against the forest backdrop, each intricately carved with swirling symbols and inlaid with gemstones. The atmosphere shifted, charged with an unspoken reverence as they stared in amazement at the surreal sight before them.
The moment Leah laid eyes on the statues, she felt a shiver run down her spine, their strange, intense energy pulling her in and transfixing her. Time seemed to freeze, the world around her fading away.
"Whoa," Gia breathed, breaking the awed silence. "This is… actually kinda amazing."
Will's gaze darted from one statue to another, grinning. "These are incredible! Pay up, Gia!"
Leah barely registered her friends' voices; The statues' calls grew louder in her head, charged with a strange and powerful energy. Without realizing it, she took a step forward, her focus solely on the ancient figures before her.
"Uh, Uncle T," Marley's voice wavered as he nudged Tommy. "What's up with Lee?"
"Lee?" Tommy called, watching as she moved closer to the statues. "Leah!" He raised his voice slightly, but she didn't respond, giving no indication she'd even heard him.
"Hey Lee," Ollie yelled jokingly, "Will's got dibs on the first Insta post, remember." But Leah kept on moving, now almost dead center of the ring of statues.
"Lee!" Tommy's voice took on a slight panicked tone, his eyes darting between the statues and his daughter, the Grid energy he'd sensed earlier, spiking. "Get away from there." He rushed forward, reaching the edge of the stone circle just as Leah stepped into the center.
At that moment, two things happened simultaneously. As Tommy lunged forward, eager to pull Leah away from the statues, he hit an invisible force field and was knocked backwards, stumbling and gasping as he landed hard on his back.
At the same time, the gemstones embedded in the stone figures began to shine brightly, pulsating with vibrant colors that illuminated the clearing. The air crackled with energy, and Leah gasped, feeling the intensity of the light wash over her.
"Whoa! Did anyone see that?!" Will exclaimed, his eyes darting from the vibrant spectacle in the clearing to his uncle, now flat on his back, several feet from the stone circle.
"Uh, I think it's safe to say this wasn't in the field trip brochure," Anne murmured, taking a cautious step back.
Leah's heart pounded in her chest as the gems detached from the statues and began to orbit her, each one blazing with color. Faster and faster they spun, forming a brilliant cyclone around her. She could feel their warmth, like they were reaching into her, tugging at something deep within her. The colors pulled her in, overwhelming her senses with a force that was both exhilarating and terrifying, as if they were trying to merge with her very being.
Tommy's face drained of color as Leah vanished behind a wall of light, her figure almost obscured by the swirling glow. Panic surged through him, and he sprinted forward, slamming his palms against the invisible barrier. "Leah!" He shouted, his voice cracking with desperation. He pressed harder against the force field, feeling a slight give under his hands, but it wouldn't break.
"Let her go!" He cried, pounding his fists on the unyielding shield to no avail. Instead of brute force, he changed tacks, resting his head against the shield. He closed his eyes, reaching out with his senses to the Powers within the circle. He felt their energy resonate through the barrier, a few responding faintly to his plea, swaying away from Leah for a second -but it wasn't enough.
"Please!" Tommy's voice cracked, his eyes fixed desperately on Leah as the gems pulsed brighter, drawing energy from her. "I'm here!" He pleaded. "Let me take her place. She's just a kid!"
Behind him, the five other teens watched the unfolding scene with wide eyes, fear and confusion mixing on their faces. They exchanged uncertain glances, barely able to comprehend what was happening but sensing that something powerful was at play.
Tommy's mind raced, desperate to find a way to get Leah away from the energy closing in on her. His hand instinctively reached behind his back, pulling out his Morpher. The barrier had ignored him while he was unmorphed, but maybe -just maybe- it would recognize him as an ally if he was in Ranger form.
He took a steadying breath, his grip firm on the Morpher, his gaze locked onto Leah, unwavering.
"Dino Thunder, power up."
In an instant, energy surged around him, enveloping him in a brilliant flash as the black armor materialized, the familiar power of the Black Dino Gem thrumming through him. He braced himself, muscles tensed, and threw his weight against the invisible barrier with every ounce of his strength. The force field shimmered under the impact, a wave of resistance rippling across its surface, but it held, unyielding.
Gritting his teeth, Tommy's resolve only hardened. He reached for the Morpher again, determination flaring in his eyes. "Zeo Ranger Five, Red!" The crimson armor took form around him, blazing with the energy of the Zeo Crystal, surging through him like fire. He drew his sword, pouring all his power and desperation into one swift, furious strike at the barrier. The force field wavered, absorbing the energy of the blow -but it refused to break, merely deflecting the attack and pushing Tommy backwards.
Panting, his vision hazed with exhaustion and frustration, Tommy's eyes drifted back to Leah. The stones' lights were blindingly bright now, each gemstone pulled towards her like a magnet, connected to her by blood. Nearly out of options, he clenched his fist around the Morpher, summoning the last reserves of his strength. "It's morphin' time! Tigerzord! White Ranger power!"
A brilliant white light erupted as the familiar white armor of the White Ranger enveloped him, protective and powerful. Saba's weight in his hand was grounding, the hilt comforting as he tightened his grip. His heart and mind focused solely on Leah. With a fierce cry, he charged forward, Saba's blade slicing down onto the force field with everything he had, every ounce of strength and hope pouring into the strike.
"C'mon buddy," he whispered, his voice breaking with raw emotion as he addressed his loyal companion. "That's our girl in there."
Saba glowed with a renewed, pulsing energy, sensing the urgency of Tommy's plea. Still, the barrier held, deflecting the strike and sending a jolt up his arm.
Tommy staggered back, and with a trembling breath, he took in the sight of the barrier, defiant and impassive, standing between him and his daughter. "Please, don't do this." His chest heaved, his body aching from the impacts. Yet his physical discomfort was nothing compared to the pain he felt as he watched the swirling energy encase Leah, stronger and more intense with each passing second.
His gaze dropped to his Morpher, knowing that if there was any chance he had of saving Leah, it would be with his very first link to the Morphing Grid.
"Dragonzord! Green Ranger power!"
A blinding flash of green light enveloped him, and as it faded, the Green Ranger armor materialized around him, his Dragon Shield glinting with power. Taking a shaky step forward, he raised his hand to the barrier, feeling the subtle, electric hum against his glove. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and centering himself, pulling at every reserve of power.
He pushed, his hands glowing with power as he braced himself, willing the barrier to cave inward. "Leah!" he cried again, his voice straining with the effort it took. Despite the flicker of recognition the energy seemed to have, it still refused to yield, merely absorbing Tommy's energy and pushing back just as forcefully.
Tommy fell to his knees, his armor fading away, leaving him exhausted and helpless as he stared at the Power engulfing Leah. He'd given everything he had, and still the barrier held, as unwavering and unyielding as stone. He felt the weight of failure settle heavily on his shoulders.
"Lee…" he whispered, his voice barely more than a plea. Tommy's heart pounded as he watched Leah, her form suspended in the radiant, turbulent energy. The gemstones swirled around her like a storm, each one pulsing with its own immense power. It was too much. Leah was strong, but not strong enough to withstand the entire force of the Grid on her.
From the sidelines, Will, Gia, Marley, Anne and Olli exchanged terrified, bewildered glances, trying to make sense of the unfolding scene. Will took a step forward, his eyes wide with a mixture of fear and determination. "Uncle Tom?" He called.
Tommy looked up, reality snapping back as he noticed them all watching him, their eyes wide, struggling to process the chaos unfolding around them.
Then it struck him -a realization that both horrified him and renewed his hope. Leah couldn't host all the Powers alone; no single Ranger could withstand that much energy. That was why Rangers were always a team, each one carrying a part of the Power, protecting one another from being consumed by it.
Taking a trembling breath, he turned to face them, his expression a mix of dread and fierce determination. "Listen up," he said, his voice rough, each word weighed down by what he was about to ask of them. He gestured to Leah, surrounded by the storm of brilliant, pulsing gemstones. "I know this is terrifying. I know none of this makes sense right now, and I know you've got questions. But Leah's running out of time. If we don't redirect the Power -if we don't give these gems somewhere else to channel their energy…" he faltered, his voice catching. "Leah… There's too much Power. She can't control it alone."
He looked away, feeling the weight of his desperation and guilt settling over him. "I'm so sorry I have to ask this of you. It's not fair -it's not what we wanted for you, any of you. But Leah… she needs you."
The teens looked between each other, sharing uncertain, frightened glances. Will stepped forward, his voice thin with disbelief. "Uncle Tommy… What do you mean by Powers? And what's attacking Leah?"
"They're… Ranger Powers." Tommy explained, struggling to find words to make all of it make sense. "And they're not attacking her -they're trying to claim her, all at once. No one person is equipped to handle that kind of Power at the same time. The only way to save Leah…" he paused, steeling himself. "The only way to save her is for each of you to take up the mantle of a Ranger."
Silence fell over the group, each teen struggling to absorb what he was saying.
"You're serious?" Gia asked, her voice barely a whisper, her gaze darting to the whirlwind surrounding Leah. "You want us to step into that?"
Tommy nodded, swallowing hard as he met their eyes one by one. "I know it's a lot to ask, and I know you can't possibly understand all the consequences of this choice right now. But Rangers are meant to work together for a reason. Sharing the Power protects each individual from being overwhelmed by it. If you each claim a Power, the energy will split equally among you, making each of you stronger than you can imagine."
Will looked back at Leah, her form almost completely lost in the cyclone of light and energy. "But… what happens if we can't do it?"
Tommy's expression darkened, the answer too painful to speak aloud. The teens didn't need him to finish the thought. They shared a final, hesitant look, each of them processing the decision their own way.
Anne took a shaky breath, glancing around at the others. Her own resolve was mirrored in their gazes. She turned toward Tommy, "What do we need to do?"
Tommy's heart swelled with pride, gratitude and anguish. "Spread out around the edge of the barrier, and focus on the color you feel most drawn to. Call it forward, let it find you."
"Are you sure we can do this?" Olli asked, his voice wavering slightly.
Tommy 's expression softened with a grim but encouraging smile. "I am. It's in your blood. You are much stronger than you know, and like with Leah, the Powers will sense that."
The teens took hesitant steps toward the shimmering boundary, their eyes flickering with doubt and fear, but also a newfound resolve. One by one they took their place along the edge of the barrier.
Anne closed her eyes, feeling the hum of energy around her. She took a deep breath, clearing her thoughts, her mind reaching out towards the gems swirling around. Colors swirled in her vision, but one stood out. A steady, unbreakable light that drew her in. "Come on," she whispered, focusing on the energy.
Across the barrier, Will watched her for a moment, her focus giving him courage. He exhaled slowly, casting one last look towards Leah before closing his eyes. "Okay… let's do this." He forced his breathing to slow down, grounding himself, and focused on the energy that resonated deep within him.
Beside him Olli, Gia, and Marley felt it too -a powerful, ancient resonance reaching out to each of them, drawing them closer.
As the teens surrendered to the pull of their respective colors, the cyclone of light and energy shifted, responding to chaotic swirl grew calmer, each color finding its rhythm and moving purposefully toward its chosen host.
Tommy's breath caught as he saw the barrier react, softening and expanding, drawing in the entire group as if recognizing their unity. "You're doing it! Keep going!" He shouted, his voice both tense and hopeful as the air crackled with their combined energy.
Each gemstone pulsed brighter, sensing its new bearer and floating closer until each teen stood enveloped in their own distinct light. The energy surged, and as they concentrated, shimmering armor began to materialize around them, mirroring the colors and essence of their gems. The transformation was breathtaking, the light so intense that it forced Tommy to shield his eyes, awed by the sheer power unfolding before him.
With a final surge, the gemstones flew toward each teen's chest, embedding themselves at the center of their armor, pulsing as they settled into place. In a brilliant flash, the transformation was complete.
The clearing fell silent, the chaotic energy of the transformation finally settling around them. Six newly morphed Power Rangers stood in the center of the stone circle, their armor glinting in the filtered sunlight. The teens looked down at themselves, their initial shock sinking in as they took in the strange new armor, each piece pulsing faintly with energy.
"Um, Dad?" Leah called out, her voice high pitched and slightly panicked. "What happened?"
Tommy's heart twisted at the sound of Leah's voice -strained, overwhelmed but alive. He took a step towards her, relief, pride, concern and guilt warring within him as he took in the six teens in their shiny new armor.
"Leah! Are you alright? How are you feeling?" He turned toward the group at large, "How are you all feeling?"
Leah lifted her hands slowly, twisting them in front of her to inspect the deep emerald-green gauntlets encasing her arms. The armor pulsed gently, alive with energy, humming as if it were an extension of herself, rather than something she wore. The sensation was surreal, yet grounding.
"I'm… feeling…" She paused, searching for words to capture the flood of sensations. "Rested. Strong. Like I could do anything." Her voice held a note of awe, tinged with disbelief. "It's… powerful."
The others stared down at themselves, similarly mesmerized. Anne flexed her hands, watching her ruby-red armor catch the faintest glimmer in the dappled sunlight. "Yeah," she breathed, "I feel it too. It's like I've had a hundred energy drinks, but… way more focused." She let out a half-nervous laugh. "And it's so weirdly comfortable. Who knew alien battle armor would be this… cozy."
Olli tilted his head, glancing at the golden armor on his arm as he turned it back and forth in the sunlight. "It feels like… I don't know, like it's breathing with me." He exhaled slowly, letting himself relax just a bit into the feeling. "We're not hallucinating, right? Not under the influence of some ancient forest-fungus messing with our head?"
Toomy, watching from a few feet away, stepped forward. His face was a mix of pride and worry. "No, not imagining it," he said softly, his voice taking on a melancholy note. "You're officially Power Rangers now."
The weight of his words hung in the air, crashing down like a wave. The teens looked at him, their gaze piercing even through the dark-tinted visors of their helmets. Tommy could tell when the realization struck them, that they weren't the only Rangers in the clearing.
Gia put her hands on her hips, leaning forward slightly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Wait -hold the flippin' phone. We just Rangered up. You just Rangered up. We all saw that, right?" She shot a glance at her friends, all of them except Leah cautiously agreeing. "Yeah," she continued, "that's going to require some serious explaining."
Tommy rubbed the back of his neck, trying to find the right words to diffuse the situation. "Look, guys, it's not that simple. And I know you're all shocked and overwhelmed. Trust me, I remember the feeling well. But there are things you don't know about me… or your parents."
Marley scoffed, crossing his arms tightly. "Trust you? Oh, that's rich, coming from the guy who's been lying to us for the past sixteen years.
The others shifted uneasily, frustration evident in their postures. Gia took a step forward, her tone edged with sarcasm and hurt. "So by 'things we don't know about you guys,' you mean you're all, what, superheroes? And you never thought we deserved to know? Not even a casual, 'Hey, just FYI, we're out fighting monsters in our spare time?'"
Tommy exhaled slowly, his gaze meeting each of theirs with a mixture of regret and resolve. "I get why you're upset. And you're right, it's a huge thing to keep from you. But believe me, we thought we were protecting you. We became Rangers around your age, and it forced us to make life-and-death decisions we weren't ready for. We were trying to keep you safe, give you as much of a normal childhood as possible."
Olli clenched his fists, the metal of his golden gauntlets glinting. "So let me get this straight," he said, voice taut with disbelief, "you all thought that keeping us in the dark was somehow safer than giving us a heads-up? Just… what? Pretend that monsters don't exist and hope for the best?"
A heavy silence followed, their anger and confusion thick in the air. Tommy looked down, gathering his thoughts before focusing back on the teens. "We weren't sure this day would ever come. We prayed it wouldn't."
The group exchanged uncertain looks, struggling to take it all in. Leah, seeing the sorrow in her dad's eyes, stepped forward to break the silence. "Lay off him, guys. Can't you see how difficult this is?"
"Difficult?" Anne exclaimed, incredulous. "What's difficult is trying to process all this," she motioned at her shiny red armor, "when we could have been prepared for it. Why are you not livid about this?"
Leah hesitated, feeling the weight of her friends' gazes on her. "I… I already knew," she admitted softly. A collective gasp rippled through the group, and a chorus of incredulous responses rose to meet her.
"I found out earlier this week when I stumbled on a video. It's this… diary, I guess, of Ranger history. And believe me when I say that I was beyond angry and upset. But the truth is, they're heroes. They've sacrificed so much to keep us and the world safe. We might not agree with their choices right now, but until we have to make those kinds of decisions ourselves, we've got no right to judge."
Olli looked at her, disbelief and betrayal etched on his features. "You knew and you didn't tell us?
"It wasn't my secret to tell!" Leah shot back, her voice rising. "Like any of you would have believed me, without any proof. I saw the fucking video and still didn't really believe it. But I did convince the parents that all of us had a right to know, and they agreed." She didn't mention how hard it had been to convince uncle Jason.
Another tense silence blanketed the group, everyone processing the revelations of the past fifteen minutes. Anger still simmered beneath the surface, but now mixed with the undeniable reality that, without having seen their uncle shift between four iconic Rangers, none of them would've believed Leah.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Will broke the silence, easing the tension in true DeSantos fashion. "So, now that the rainbow-colored cat's out of the bag, I have a way more urgent question." He shifted, a playful note creeping into his voice. "How exactly do we get this armor off? Because I really need to, uh… take care of something."
Laughter erupted, the sound echoing through their helmets, cutting through the confusion and loosening the heavy mood. As it faded, Anne tilted her head, "So… what happens now? She asked, her tone light but edged with anxious curiosity. "Now that we're… Rangers?"
. As their giggles faded, Anne's expression shifted slightly, her initial skepticism giving way to a flicker of curiosity. "So, what's next then? Now that we're… Rangers?"
Tommy took a steady breath, sensing the subtle but unmistakable shift in their energy. The raw anger and betrayal in their voices had softened, giving way to a tentative acceptance. "I'd love to say that nothing changes," he began, his own voice level but weighted with the history he carried, "but the truth is, the Powers don't reawaken unless a real threat is looming. If the Power chose you, it's because something significant is coming. You'll need to train -to learn not just how to use it, but to understand everything it asks of you."
Nervous glances flickered between the teens as the weight of what lay ahead settled on them. Will, impatient as ever, shifted from one foot to the other, urgency cutting through the seriousness as only Will could manage. "Uh, Uncle Tom, I wasn't kidding earlier."
Tommy managed a chuckle, the sound erasing the built up tension again. "Alright, alright. Focus on releasing the Power. Imagine the armor retreating back in you, dissolving around you; it should respond. If you need to access the Powers again, you'll use the conduit," he paused, noticing the blank stares around him. "The gemstone," he clarified, "to summon it back.
One by one, the teens relaxed, feeling the armor retract as their regular clothes reappeared, the gems resting coolly in their palms. Will rushed off to find a tree, calling back, "Phew! I'm so glad we didn't demorph without clothes."
Gia, who had been gazing at her Obsidian gem with a mix of awe and wariness, snapped to attention at Will's words. She turned to Tommy, her eyes with alarm. "Wait! That was a possibility?"
Tommy gave a teasing shrug, eyes glinting with mischief. "Honestly, it could have gone either way." The group exchanged horrified glances until Tommy burst into laughter. "I'm kidding! Just kidding."
Leah rolled her eyes and gave her dad a playful punch on the arm. "Not funny, Dad!"
Tommy feigned a wince, clutching his arm dramatically. "Ouch, okay, I felt that one!" He grinned and continued, his tone growing a bit more serious. "But really, here's the deal: you should demorph back just as you were when you morphed -well, mostly. Minor cuts and bruises? Those will likely disappear. The armor tends to do a little repair work while it's on, and the longer you're in it, the more it heals."
The teens shared intrigued glances, a flicker of relief and awe spreading across their faces.
Tommy held up a hand, his expression turning cautious. "Don't get too comfortable. Remember, the Powers are tied to your life force. Draw too much from them, and you risk burning yourself out." A faint memory flashed in his mind -the time he'd nearly died, pushing himself to help his team even when his Green Ranger powers were nearly depleted. He winced at the recollection, the weight of that experience still painful.
Confused looks passed between them, and Tommy gave a nod of understanding. "Think of yourselves as the Powers' batteries. Push too hard without recharging, and you'll be left running on empty."
Anne studied the ruby in her palm, rolling it between her fingers as she spoke, her voice quiet but resolute. "So… no going back now, is there?"
Tommy's face softened, yet his voice held a steady gravity. "No. Once chosen, the Power rarely lets go."
—
They left the clearing, their voices mingling with the rustling leaves as they made their way back to the cars. Tommy walked alongside Leah, the air between them heavy with unspoken emotions. "You really scared me back there, you know. Watching all that Power engulf you."
Leah cast her gaze downward, embarrassment warming her cheeks. "I don't know what happened. One second, I was standing at the edge of the clearing, just looking at the statues, the next… I was morphed and you were looking at me like I had died or something."
Tommy's expression tightened, the memory of helplessness still too vivid in his mind as he recalled watching his daughter teeter on the brink of being drained of her life force. "Leah… You almost did die. That much Power at once? Nobody can sustain that."
Her frown deepened, a mix of confusion and frustration knitting her brow. 'But why didn't the others get drawn into the Powers like I did? They all managed to pull one Power, while I was overwhelmed."
Tommy sighed, running a hand through his hair as he contemplated his response. "From what I understand… you were probably so heavily affected because of me," Leah shot him a sharp glance, "or rather, our shared lineage. See, all Rangers are descendants of the Morphing Masters, beach one tied to a specific color. Your Uncle Billy's theorized that a Ranger can only be chosen by the color that resonates with their blood. Our bloodline is practically a coloring book of Ranger Powers, which is why I've had so many throughout the years. The more connections in your blood, the stronger the pull of all the colors, especially if you're alone when they activate. The others stepping up helped balance the Powers, allowing them to resonate with the colors they were most attuned to."
Leah frowned again, struggling to wrap her mind around it. "Morphing Masters? Powers picking people? Are you sure you're explaining this right?"
Tommy chuckled softly, attempting to lighten the mood. "It's all very confusing, I know. If you want a more detailed explanation, I'd suggest talking to Uncle Billy, though that might just make things even murkier. Best is to do what I do; nod, smile, and then ask your mom to translate for me later." he winked at her, hoping to ease her worries.
Leah continued to mull it over, her brow furrowed in thought. "So, the others… They also have connections to the colors, just not as much as I do? That's why they had more control over which color resonated with them most. And if we'd all stepped into the stone circle together, it would have been easier?"
"Exactly," Tommy affirmed, his tone steady. "Their inheritances made them more balanced in how they accessed the Power." he hesitated, a flicker of doubt creeping into his tone. "You didn't really have a choice with the green… are you disappointed?"
Leah sensed the vulnerability in his words and considered her response carefully. "Disappointed that I got green?" She paused, her voice soft and halting as she confessed, "Not at all. Dad…," she turned to him, earnestness shining in her eyes. "Even if I had the chance to choose any of the colors, I'd still have chosen green. It's my favorite color, because it's your favorite color. It makes me feel connected to you."
"Oh Leah," he said, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Green and I, we've got a complicated history, but you're right -it is my favorite color. It certainly was my favorite armor, despite the bad memories. I'm so happy you get the chance to redefine what being the Green Ranger means for us Olivers."
Leah hugged him back just as tightly, before they started walking again, Tommy's arm resting protectively across her shoulder. They all reached the cars at the same time, the atmosphere still heavy with all that happened.
"Alright, everyone," Tommy said, releasing Leah and stepping forward to face the group of teens. "Hate to break it to you, but your Saturday plans? Officially canceled."
A chorus of groans and boos erupted in response, but Tommy ignored them. "Listen up! Head straight to PRISM for-"
Marley interrupted, brow furrowing, drawing incredulous looks from all his friends and his uncle. "PRISM? Why go there?"
Anne sighed, rolling her eyes as she gave him a playful shove. "Seriously? The place where all our parents work, that's literally named after the thing that makes rainbows? How dense can you be? It's totally a cover for Rangers shit! And I, for one, a'm beyond ready for some answers from Dad."
Their playful bickering grew louder, voices mingling in animated protest, until Tommy's communicator suddenly chimed with a distinct tone, cutting through the noise and echoing off the trees. Instantly, silence fell, and the teens' eyes turned toward him, as he checked the device, ready to respond to Billy's call.
Before he could answer, however, movement stirred in the shadows nearby, drawing Tommy's attention. He stepped forward, eyes narrowing as he tried to make out what was lurking in the dark. Then, as if on cue, a dozen ominous figures slithered out from the dark, looking like they were sculpted from living shadow; their slick, onyx bodies shifted with an eerie fluidity, shimmering and swirling with faint purple energy. Hollow eye sockets flickered with a flame-like glow, and dark wisps trailed from their jagged mouths, giving them a ghostly, predatory look.
Tommy instinctively fell back, sliding into a familiar battle stance, his expression hardening as he sensed the oppressive energy rolling off the strange shapes. "Get back!" he warned, his voice sharp and low.
The teens hesitated, casting nervous glances between Tommy and the shadow creatures. The malevolent energy radiating from the beings sent chills down their spines, snapping them into action. Without a word, they shifted into fighting stances of their own, years of martial arts training kicking in as they steadied themselves.
For a moment, nothing happened. The shadowy figures seemed to breathe in sync with the forest shadows, slipping in and out of the dark patches around them, but holding back, as if waiting for a signal. Then, a chilling voice cut through the silence, smooth and mocking. "Well, well. Finally."
The group's attention snapped forward as two towering figures emerged from more shadows, their presence instantly commanding. The man who'd spoken locked silver eyes on them, malice glinting as he raised a massive scythe, a twisted grin spreading across his face. Beside him stood a woman with iridescent skin and flowing midnight blue hair, deceptively frail-looking as she leaned casually on a staff. Her gaze was cool and calculating, her silence somehow more unnerving than his words.
The towering figure's sneer deepened, voice dripping with contempt. "My Lady Nyx will be pleased that we have finally found you," he hissed, a chill rippling through the group. "Now, she can begin to make you pay for what you did to her father."
Tommy's lips curled into an easy smirk, unfazed by the threat. "Lady Nyx, huh? Can't say that rings any bells," he said, shrugging nonchalantly. "But then again, my memory's never been the best. As for Dear Old Dad, you wouldn't happen to mean Eye Guy? Y'know, a thousand eyes, but still didn't see us coming."
The figure's eyes blazed with fury, his grip tightening on his scythe. "You'll regret that arrogance, Ranger."
Tommy shrugged again, maintaining his confident demeanor. "That's what you all say. So far, regret's been pretty low on my list of priorities. But hey, how about I take your name and add you to the list."
The towering figure seethed, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I am Korrak, Shadow Warlord and loyal lieutenant of my Lady of the Shadows, Nyx, and you will bow to my superiority, Ranger!"
"Shadow Warlord? Sounds impressive, "Tommy replied, his tone light as he gestured dramatically. "How about you call me 'your worst nightmare' and we'll skip to the part where I send you back to whatever dark corner you crawled out from."
Korrak's fury deepened, but his companion stepped up before he could reply. "You know nothing of nightmares, silly human, but I can certainly teach you," she said with an amused smile. "I am Vespera, Sorceress of Night, servant to Lady Nyx. And believe me, Ranger, my nightmares are far more terrifying than anything you could imagine."
Tommy raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Sorceress, huh? We've had one of those before. I think her name was Rita. Let's just say that her brush with the Rangers was pretty magical. For us."
Verspera's amused smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "You think you can compare me to that ancient relic? I wield powers beyond your comprehension."
"Maybe," Tommy shrugged, his weight on his back foot, ready to move if the situation escalated, "Funny thing about ancient relics though, they can often be a lesson for the future."
The Sorceress' eyes narrowed, her expression darkening. "Enough of this nonsense! Korrak, unleash the Molds! Show these insolent creatures what true darkness looks like!"
With a wicked grin, Korrak raised his scythe and shouted, "Molds, attack!"
The shadowy forms of the Molds surged forward, Tommy instinctively moving to intercept. But as they swarmed them, he quickly realized how difficult it was to fight shadows. His fists and feet never made contact with anything solid, while the returning punches landed hard. He could see the teens struggling with the same issue, all of them getting corralled together.
"We need to morph!" Tommy called, glancing at the teens as they fought against the shadowy foes. "It's morphin' time! White Ranger Power!" In a flash of vibrant light, Tommy's white Ranger armor appeared, glinting brilliantly under the rays of sun filtering through the trees.
The light of Tommy's transformation hit one of the Molds, making the jagged "N" on its chest solidify for a brief moment. Leah, already mid-punch, connected with the sigil, causing the Mold to disintegrate into a harmless puff of shadow that quickly dissipated into the air.
"Nice hit, Leah!" Tommy cheered, but she quickly turned her attention to the rest of the group.
"We need light to make their sigils appear!" She called, determination sparking in her eyes. "We need to morph -now!"
"Easier said than done!" Marley yelled, dodging a shadowy strike. "How exactly do we do that?"
Leah looked over at her dad for guidance. He was fending off another Mold while trying to get closer to Korrak and Vespera. "Focus!" He shouted, glancing back at them. "Let the Power come to you -don't force it!"
Each of them took a brief second to concentrate, gripping their gemstones and letting the Power flow through them. Suddenly, a spark of energy surged around Leah as she called out, "Dino Legacy, morphin' time!"
In synchronized flashes of light, each teen transformed , colors and energy bursting around them as their armor took shape:
"Red Ranger, T-Rex Power!" Anne shouted, as ruby armor materialized around her, fierce and gleaming.
"Black Ranger, Stego Power!" Gia followed, her obsidian armor solid and strong.
"Yellow Ranger, Pachycephalo Power!" Olli added, surrounded by a bright golden glow.
"Blue Ranger, Parasaur Power!" Will chimed in, his sapphire armor bright and vibrant.
"Pink Ranger, Pteranodon Power!" Marley joined, wings etched across his armor, as he powered up.
"Green Ranger, Raptor Power!" Leah finished, an emerald aura flaring around her.
Transformed and empowered, the Rangers quickly moved into action, dispatching the rest of the Molds, now much more solid because of the sunlight the Rangers reflected. As the last of the shadow creatures disintegrated into puffs of darkness, the teens closed ranks around Tommy, forming a united front against Korrak and Vespera.
"Guess all it took was a little light to send those terrifying nightmares packing," Tommy quipped, his grin audible as he squared off with the two lieutenants.
Korrak's scowl deepened, but Vespera's lips curled into a dark smile, unfazed. "A little light might scatter shadows, Ranger," she replied, her voice dripping with disdain, "but remember -night always returns." She stepped back, her form merging with the shadows as she and Korrak faded into darkness. Her voice lingered after her, "Consider this a warning."
The woods were silent for a beat, and then the teens demorphed, cheering as the adrenaline of their first victory kicked in.
"Did you see that?" Marley exclaimed, throwing punches in the air. "I was like, 'hiya, bam -bye-bye, shadow dude. It was awesome!"
Will and Gia joined in with their own cheers, while Olli and Anne high-fived, excitement buzzing between them.
Leah watched her friends celebrate, a proud warmth settling over her. She knew this was just the beginning, but starting out on a win? Not a bad way to begin a new adventure. She glanced over to her dad, who was watching the teens with a satisfied grin.
"So… is the quippy banter a mandatory Ranger thing?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
Tommy just shrugged, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, I like to think it keeps the villains on their toes." He winked. "Besides, if you're going to save the world, might as well have a little fun while doing it."
Just as the teens started catching their breath, Tommy's communicator chimed again, the familiar beeping bringing him back to reality. He tapped it, and Billy's frantic voice crackled through.
"Tommy! Tommy, are you there? What's going on out there? Come in, Tommy!"
He glanced at the teens, still buzzing with excitement, and lifted the communicator, keeping his tone steady. "Billy, this is Tommy. I'm here."
Relief flooded Billy's voice. "Thank goodness!. What's going on? The computers detected a massive Grid energy surge near Pine Ridge. We were trying to pinpoint the source when we registered another spike -this time Dark energy- and your morpher activated.
Tommy gave a wry smile, shooting a look at Leah and her friends, huddled together, still dissecting their battle. "Yeah," he said, a relieved laugh in his voice, "about that…"