I've changed the last chapter slightly, some of the dialogue in the scene with Dumbledore didn't feel right so I changed the setting and scene, and the same with the Sirius scene, to add a bit more... context I guess?
Chapter 28.
The Power Chamber
The Power Chamber buzzed with frantic urgency, the air heavy with tension. The hum of machinery and the frantic beeping of consoles were the only sounds as Alpha 5 scurried from one panel to another, his metallic arms waving in distress.
"Ay-yi-yi! I can't locate their signals! Gasket's forcefield is interfering with every frequency!"
Rocky slammed his fist on the console, his frustration barely contained. "There has to be something we can do! We can't just sit here while they're out there, alone!"
Tanya placed a hand on his arm, her own worry mirrored in her expression. "We'll find them, Rocky. We always do. But rushing into this without a plan will only make things worse."
Harry stood apart from the group, his golden chest plate glinting under the dim lights of the Power Chamber. His expression was unreadable, his mind working furiously. The disappearance of Tommy and Katherine had thrown them all into chaos, and the gnawing guilt in his chest wouldn't let up.
He turned his back to the others, retreating to the far corner of the chamber where shadows gathered. He glanced down at his communicator, its golden trim catching the light, and hesitated. There was one option left, a dangerous, desperate option he had sworn never to take again. But as the minutes ticked by and no solutions emerged, he knew he had no choice.
He closed his eyes, steadying his breathing as he reached deep into his mind, past the walls he had carefully constructed over the years. His voice, low and steady, reverberated in his thoughts.
"Rita."
For a long, tense moment, there was nothing but the sound of his own heartbeat. Then, like the brush of icy wind across his skin, he felt her presence. It was dark, suffocating, and all too familiar.
"Well, well, well." came her voice, smooth and mocking, with a hint of cruel delight. "The little traitor returns. I never thought I'd hear from you again, Harry."
Harry clenched his fists, fighting the surge of anger and unease her voice stirred in him. "I don't have time for your games, Rita. You know what's happening. Gasket has Tommy. And now he's taken Katherine. I need your help."
Rita laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed in his mind. "Help you? Why in the galaxy would I do that? You and your pathetic team of Rangers mean nothing to me. If the Machine Empire destroys you, all the better!"
Harry exhaled slowly, forcing himself to remain calm. He had prepared for this. "Because this isn't just about me or the Rangers. If the Machine Empire wins, they won't stop at Earth. They'll come for you. For everything you've built."
Her laughter cut off abruptly, replaced by a sharp silence. He pressed on, his voice gaining strength. "You want them gone as much as we do. Maybe more. And you always know what's going on. Don't tell me you haven't been watching."
There was a long pause, the tension stretching thin. Then her voice returned, softer, more measured. "And why should I believe you deserve my help, little Ranger? After all, you betrayed me. You chose them over me."
Harry swallowed hard. This was the moment he had dreaded, the moment he had avoided even thinking about for years. But there was no running from it now. He took a deep breath and forced himself to speak.
"You manipulated me." he said quietly, the words cutting through the silence like a blade. "You used me when I was a scared, angry kid trying to make sense of almost dying. You twisted me into a weapon. I know that. But…" He hesitated, his throat tightening. "Not all of it was a lie, was it?"
Rita's silence was deafening. He continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Those nights on the moon, when you showed me the stars, when you taught me about magic and power… some of it felt real. Like what it might be like to have a mother."
For a moment, there was nothing but the faint hum of the Power Chamber behind him. Then her voice came, softer than he had ever heard it. "You were a child." she said, almost hesitant. "You'd have believed anything I told you."
"Maybe." he admitted. "But I don't think all of it was manipulation. Some part of you cared. Even if it was just a little."
The connection between them trembled, the air around him growing colder. When she spoke again, her tone was sharp but tinged with something unplaceable. "You're still a fool, Harry. A sentimental fool. But… you're right. I hate Gasket and his tin soldiers. I want them gone."
Relief flooded through him, but he kept his voice steady. "Then help me. Teleport me to them."
Rita let out a long, theatrical sigh. "Fine. But don't think for a second I'm doing this for you. I'm doing it for me."
Harry allowed himself a small, wry smile. "As you wish."
In an instant, the air around him shimmered with dark energy. He felt the familiar, unsettling pull of Rita's magic, and the Power Chamber vanished in a burst of golden and black light.
The Machine Arena
The Pink Ranger stood alone in the center of the arena, her breaths coming in ragged gasps. Her Zeo Pink Ranger suit was torn in several places, the glossy fabric dulled by dirt and battle. The weight of her situation pressed on her, but she refused to falter. The arena's massive crowd of Cogs and Machine Empire elites jeered and shouted, their mechanical voices blending into a cacophony of mockery.
Across from her, a hulking, twisted monster stomped its way forward. Its metal body gleamed under the harsh arena lights, its jagged claws dripping with molten energy that hissed as it struck the ground. The creature let out a guttural roar, the sound reverberating through the steel walls.
The Pink Ranger tightened her grip on her Zeo Laser Pistol and her Zeo Shield. "You won't keep me here," she said through gritted teeth, her voice steady despite the fear clawing at her heart.
The monster lunged at her with terrifying speed, its claws swiping toward her head. Katherine rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. She sprang back to her feet and fired her pistol, the pink energy bolts searing into the monster's chest. The beast stumbled back, smoke billowing from the charred impact.
"Is that all you've got?" the Pink Ranger taunted, hoping to mask her growing exhaustion.
The creature roared in response and swung its massive arm. The Pink Ranger raised her Zeo Shield just in time, but the impact sent her skidding across the arena floor. Her back hit the steel wall, and she cried out in pain. The crowd erupted into cheers, reveling in her struggle.
She pushed herself to her feet, shaking off the pain. "Come on, Kat." she whispered to herself. "You've got this."
The monster charged again, its molten claws glowing brighter. The Pink Ranger waited, her muscles coiled like a spring. As the creature brought its claws down in a devastating arc, she dove forward, rolling beneath its attack. She came up behind it and aimed her pistol directly at the glowing core on its back.
"Say goodbye." she muttered, pulling the trigger.
The energy bolt struck true, and the monster let out a deafening scream as its core shattered. Sparks and flames erupted from its body, and it collapsed in a heap of smoking metal. The crowd groaned in disappointment, but Katherine had no time to celebrate.
"Impressive." came a voice from above.
She looked up to see Prince Gasket standing on a high balcony, his metallic face twisted in a cruel smile. Archerina stood beside him, her bow in hand.
"But let's see how you fare against someone closer to your heart." Prince Gasket gestured dramatically, and a second figure stepped into the arena.
The Pink Ranger 's breath caught in her throat. "Tommy?"
It was him, the Red Zeo Ranger, but his stance was wrong, his movements sharp and unnatural. His eyes, visible through his visor, were cold and empty, devoid of the warmth and determination she knew so well.
"Tommy, it's me!" she called, taking a step forward. "It's Kat! Please, you have to fight this!"
He didn't respond. Instead, he raised his Power Sword, the blade glowing with crimson energy.
"Tommy, no!" the Pink Ranger pleaded, her voice breaking.
But he charged at her, his sword cutting through the air with deadly precision. The Pink Ranger raised her Zeo Shield just in time, the impact sending shockwaves up her arm. She staggered back, her heart pounding.
"Tommy, please!" she cried, dodging another swing of his sword. "This isn't you!"
Prince Gasket's laughter echoed through the arena. "He can't hear you, little Ranger. He's mine now!"
The Pink Ranger fought to block the Red Ranger's relentless attacks, each strike forcing her closer to the edge of the arena. She was losing ground, her strength fading fast. Tears blurred her vision as she realized she might not be able to save him.
The Red Ranger raised his sword for a final blow, the blade crackling with power. Katherine froze, her body trembling with exhaustion and fear.
Just as the blade descended, a brilliant flash of golden light filled the arena. A deafening clang rang out as the Red Ranger's sword was stopped mid-swing.
The Pink Ranger blinked, her vision adjusting to the light. Standing between her and the Red Ranger was the Gold Ranger, his Golden Power Staff locked against the Red Ranger's blade. Sparks flew as the two weapons clashed, the force of the impact shaking the ground beneath them.
"Not today." the Gold Ranger said, his voice calm but filled with resolve.
The the Pink Ranger felt a surge of hope. "Harry!"
He glanced at her briefly, his eyes filled with reassurance. "Get behind me, Katherine. I'll handle this."
The Red Ranger snarled, his empty eyes narrowing as he pushed harder against the Gold Ranger's staff. "You're in my way." he growled, his voice cold and unrecognizable.
"And I'm staying in your way until you come to your senses." the Gold Ranger shot back, holding his ground.
The arena pulsed with tension as the clash of weapons echoed through its steel walls. The Gold Ranger's Golden Power Staff shone brilliantly against the Red Ranger's sword, their strikes creating sparks with every impact. The two Rangers moved like lightning, their skills evenly matched, but their intentions starkly opposed.
The Red Ranger's attacks were brutal and unrelenting, his every move fueled by Prince Gasket's brainwashing. His Power Sword struck with lethal precision, his focus singular, destroy his enemy. The Gold Ranger, on the other hand, fought defensively, using the Golden Power Staff to block and deflect. He refused to counterattack with full force, determined not to hurt his friend.
"Come on, Tommy." the Gold Ranger said, his voice tight as their weapons locked again. "You're better than this. I know you're in there somewhere!"
The Red Ranger's response was a wordless growl, his strength pressing Harry's staff backward. With a sudden twist, Tommy disengaged and swung his sword in a deadly arc aimed at the Gold Ranger's side.
The Gold Ranger pivoted just in time, the blade whistling past him. He spun the Power Staff, its golden energy flaring as he used it to create distance. "I'm not going to fight you like this, Tommy!"
The Red Ranger lunged forward, his sword glowing with red-hot energy as he brought it down in a crushing overhead strike.
The Gold Ranger crossed his staff above his head, catching the blade mere inches from his helmet. The impact drove him to one knee, his muscles straining against the force of the Red Ranger's blow. "Fight it, Tommy!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the arena. "You're stronger than Gasket's control!"
But the Red Ranger only pushed harder, his blade sparking against Gold Ranger's staff. "They've shown me the truth. You, the Power Rangers, you're the enemy." Tommy hissed.
The Gold Ranger's heart ached at the words, but he refused to let them break his resolve. With a surge of strength, he pushed the Red Ranger back and rolled to his feet. "That's not you talking. That's Gasket's lies. I know the real Tommy, and this isn't him!"
The Red Ranger didn't answer. Instead, he spun his sword in a flourish and charged again, his attacks faster and more aggressive. The Gold Ranger found himself on the defensive, parrying strike after strike as Tommy drove him across the arena.
The crowd of Cogs cheered wildly, their mechanical voices creating a deafening roar. Above, Prince Gasket and Archerina watched with delight, their laughter cutting through the chaos.
"Marvelous!" Prince Gasket exclaimed, clapping his metallic hands together. "The perfect duel! Let's see how long your precious Gold Ranger can last, Katherine."
Katherine, still recovering from her earlier fight, watched in horror as the Gold Ranger and the Red Ranger continued their battle. She could see the anguish in the Gold Ranger's movements, his every block and dodge a plea for his friend to stop.
"Come on, Tommy." she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Please, remember who you are."
The Gold Ranger ducked under another swing of the Red Ranger's sword and retaliated with a low sweep of his staff, aiming to knock the Red Ranger off balance. The Red Ranger leapt over the attack with ease and countered with a thrust aimed at the Gold Ranger's chest.
The tip of the sword struck true, sending a burst of red energy into the Gold Ranger's armor. He staggered back, the impact forcing him to one knee. Pain lanced through his side, but he gritted his teeth and stood again.
"Is that all you've got?" the Red Ranger taunted, his voice a cruel echo of his usual confidence.
The Gold Ranger shook his head, his grip tightening on the Golden Power Staff. "You can hit me as hard as you want, Tommy. I'm not giving up on you."
The Red Ranger snarled and lunged again, their weapons clashing in a dazzling display of light and sound. The Gold Ranger pushed back, spinning his staff to deflect the Red Ranger's strikes, but he could feel his strength waning.
"Stop holding back!" the Red Ranger shouted, his eyes blazing with fury. " Show me what you've got!"
The Gold Ranger blocked another strike and used the momentum to create space between them. He planted his staff in the ground and stared at the Red Ranger, his voice calm but firm. "I'm not going to hurt you, Tommy. I won't give Gasket the satisfaction of turning us against each other."
The Red Ranger froze for a moment, his sword lowered slightly. But then Prince Gasket's voice boomed through the arena, snapping him back into his trance.
"Don't listen to him, Red Ranger! He's trying to manipulate you."
The Red Ranger's grip on his sword tightened, and he charged again, his attacks wild and furious. The Gold Ranger dodged and blocked as best he could, but the relentless assault began to take its toll.
Finally, the Red Ranger landed a powerful kick, sending the Gold Ranger sprawling to the ground. The Red Ranger stood over him, his sword raised high. "This ends now!"
The Gold Ranger looked up, his chest heaving with exhaustion. "You're right." he said softly. "It does."
"Harry!" the Pink Ranger screamed, her voice breaking.
The Gold Ranger rolled to the side just as the Red Ranger's blade came down, the impact creating a scorch mark on the ground where he had been moments before. Scrambling to his feet, the Gold Ranger held up his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"Tommy, listen to me!" the Gold Ranger said, his voice firm. "I'm not going to fight you, not like this."
"Then you're a fool." the Red Ranger snapped, advancing with deadly intent.
The Pink Ranger's hands trembled as she watched, her mind racing. She couldn't just stand there and do nothing. She couldn't let this continue. There had to be a way to reach him, to break through whatever spell or brainwashing the Machine Empire had placed on him.
"Harry." she called out, her voice desperate. "Demorph! Let him see you!"
The Gold Ranger froze for a moment, the Red Ranger's sword only inches from his face. The Pink Ranger's words echoed in his mind. It was a risk, a huge risk, but what other choice did he have?
He took a deep breath and made his decision.
With a flash of golden light, the Gold Rangerdemorphed, his ranger armor dissolving to reveal his civilian clothes. He stood there, unarmed and vulnerable, facing down his friend.
The Red Ranger hesitated, his sword wavering slightly. The sight of Harry, just Harry, seemed to break through the fog of rage, if only for a moment.
"Tommy," Harry said softly. "It's me. It's Harry. You're stronger than this."
The Pink Ranger stepped forward, and with a flash of pink light, she demorphed as well. "Tommy, please." she said, her voice trembling. "Come back to us. Come back to me."
For a moment, it seemed like they had reached him. The Red Ranger's grip on his sword loosened, his posture relaxing slightly. But then his eyes flashed red, and his body tensed again, the brainwashing surging back to the forefront.
"Stay back!" the Red Ranger shouted, his voice filled with anguish.
Harry and Katherine exchanged a look, hope flickering between them. They had reached him, just barely, but they weren't giving up. Not now.
"Harry..." the Red Ranger muttered, his voice uneven, raw. He staggered back, his sword dropping slightly. His head tilted as if waging an invisible war, hands clutching his helmet as he groaned. "What... what's happening to me?"
Katherine stepped closer, her voice soft but insistent. "It's us, Tommy. It's your friends. This isn't you—this hate, this anger, it's not who you are."
"Think, Tommy." Harry said firmly, his emerald eyes locked onto him. "You've spent your whole life fighting for what's right, for the people you care about. This isn't your fight, this isn't your cause. You're better than this!"
The Red Ranger staggered, his breathing heavy and erratic. His hands shook as they slowly moved to his helmet, his fingers fumbling with the latch. For a moment, Harry thought he was losing him again. But then, with a burst of clarity, Tommy ripped off the helmet and hurled it to the ground.
Tommy's face was pale, his dark hair matted to his forehead with sweat, but his brown eyes were filled with a deep, gut-wrenching remorse. He collapsed to his knees, his chest heaving. "What have I done?" he whispered hoarsely, his voice cracking.
Katherine knelt beside him, her hand gently resting on his shoulder. "It wasn't you." she said softly. "They did this to you. But you're back now, and that's what matters."
Tommy looked up at her, his eyes glistening. "I —" He stopped himself, shaking his head. "I almost... I almost killed you."
Harry stepped forward, extending a hand to him. "But you didn't. You fought it, Tommy. That's who you are, a fighter. And we need you now."
Tommy took Harry's hand, his grip shaky but determined. With their help, he rose to his feet. "I'm sorry." he murmured.
"Save it for later." Harry said, his voice steady but urgent. "We need to get out of here."
The three of them turned toward the others, who were frantically working to teleport them back to safety. But every time they tried, their teleporters sparked and fizzled, failing to activate.
"What's going on?" Katherine asked, her voice tense.
As if on cue, Prince Gasket stepped into the arena, flanked by Archerina and a small legion of Cogs. His mechanical laughter echoed through the arena, sending shivers down their spines.
"You really thought you could just walk out of here?" Gasket sneered, his glowing eyes fixed on them. "You're not going anywhere. This arena will be your grave."
Harry stepped in front of Tommy and Katherine, his eyes narrowing. "We'll see about that."
Prince Gasket raised a clawed hand, pointing at the Power Rangers. "Cogs, attack!"
The mechanical soldiers surged forward, their metal limbs whirring as they charged. Harry didn't hesitate. With a flash of golden light, the Golden Power Staff materialized in his hands. Spinning the staff in a fluid arc, he leapt into the fray, meeting the Cogs head-on.
The arena erupted into chaos as Harry fought with unrelenting determination. The Golden Power Staff became a blur of motion, striking down Cogs left and right. Sparks and debris flew with each strike, but Harry's focus remained on Gasket.
Gasket raised a small device, its lights flashing ominously.
"This is the end, Power Rangers!" Gasket declared, pressing a button.
The device emitted a powerful energy pulse that sent shockwaves through the arena, destabilizing the ground and intensifying the energy field blocking their escape. The crowd of robotic spectators roared with approval, their metallic voices grating and harsh.
Harry's eyes locked onto the device, realization dawning on him. "That's it." he muttered.
Without wasting another second, Harry broke away from the fight, his staff glowing brighter as he channeled its energy. He sprinted toward Gasket, weaving through the chaos with singular purpose.
Gasket saw him coming and aimed a blast of energy from his clawed arm. Harry deflected it with the Power Staff, the golden energy shimmering as it absorbed the attack.
"You think you can stop me, Gold Ranger?" Gasket taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance.
Harry didn't respond. Instead, he planted his feet and thrust the Golden Power Staff forward, its tip glowing with intense energy. With a burst of speed, he launched himself at Gasket, the staff aimed directly at the heart of the machine prince.
The impact was catastrophic. The Golden Power Staff pierced through Gasket's chest plate, the energy surging into his core. Sparks erupted as Gasket let out a guttural, metallic scream, his body convulsing violently.
"No! This can't be!" Gasket roared, his voice distorting as the energy overwhelmed him.
Harry didn't stop. He channeled every ounce of power he had into the staff, the golden energy spreading through Gasket's body like wildfire. The device in Gasket's hand exploded in a shower of sparks, and the energy field blocking their escape shattered.
With a final surge of energy, Gasket's body erupted into a massive explosion, sending debris flying across the arena. Harry was thrown back by the force of the blast, landing hard on the ground.
"Harry!" Katherine screamed, running to his side.
The energy field dissipated, and their communicators sprang to life.
"Teleport now!" Rocky's voice shouted urgently.
Katherine grabbed Harry's arm, helping him to his feet as Tommy activated his teleporter. In a flash of light, the three of them disappeared, leaving the arena behind.
Archerina's anguished scream echoed through the remains of the arena. "No! Gasket!"
She fell to her knees amid the debris, her metallic fists clenching. "You'll pay for this, Power Rangers! I swear it!"
The Power Chamber
In the Power Chamber, a bright flash of light signaled the return of the three Power Rangers. Harry, Katherine, and Tommy materialized in the center of the room, bruised, battered, and covered in dust from the arena's brutal battle. Their breathing was heavy, their movements slow as they began to recover from the ordeal.
The room erupted into action immediately. The other Rangers, along with Alpha 5 and Zordon's glowing presence, rushed to their side. Rocky and Adam were the first to reach them, followed closely by Tanya and Billy.
"You're back!" Rocky's voice was thick with relief, though his eyes widened as he took in their condition. "And in one piece. That's... that's something."
"Are you okay?" Adam asked, his gaze darting between the three of them.
Harry leaned heavily against Katherine, sweat beading on his forehead. He gave them a small, exhausted nod. "We're fine." he said, his voice quiet and strained. "Tired, but fine."
"We all made it through because we worked together." Katherine added, steadying Harry as he wavered.
Tommy, however, stood apart from the group, his shoulders hunched and his head lowered. His hands trembled as he reached up to remove his helmet, revealing a pale, guilt-ridden face. His usual confidence and determination were absent, replaced by something far heavier. His brown eyes, normally sharp and focused, were clouded with shame.
"I'm so sorry." Tommy said, his voice breaking slightly. "For what I did. For what almost happened." He clenched his fists at his sides. "I could have hurt you, killed you. I —"
"You weren't yourself." Katherine interrupted, stepping forward, her voice gentle but firm. "That wasn't you, Tommy. It was Gasket's control."
Tommy shook his head, his jaw tightening. "But I didn't stop it. I should have fought harder. I should've —"
Harry straightened up, despite the pain and exhaustion etched into his frame, and took a step toward Tommy. His green eyes, still flashing faint streaks of gold from the power he'd been wielding, locked onto Tommy's.
"Tommy, stop." Harry said firmly, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. It wasn't harsh, but it carried a weight that made everyone go still. "You don't get to carry this. Not alone."
Tommy looked up at him, startled. "But —"
"No buts, mate." Harry continued, his tone softening slightly. "You weren't in control. Gasket played you like a puppet, and yeah, it was bad. Really bad. But you fought him. You came back to us. That's what matters."
"You don't understand." Tommy muttered, his voice barely audible. "I could see everything I was doing, but I couldn't stop it. And when I was, when I was about to..." His voice cracked, and he trailed off, looking away. "I almost killed you, Harry."
Harry stepped closer, placing a steady hand on Tommy's shoulder. "But you didn't." Harry said, his voice steady and unwavering. "Because deep down, you were still in there, fighting. And if anyone understands what it's like to be controlled, to feel like you've lost yourself, it's me."
Tommy looked up at him, his guilt-ridden eyes searching Harry's face for any sign of blame or anger. But there was none. Only understanding and compassion.
"I'm not mad at you." Harry said quietly. "None of us are. We've all got your back, just like I know you'd have ours."
Katherine stepped beside Harry, her hand gently resting on Tommy's other shoulder. "Harry's right." she said softly. "We're a team, Tommy. And we've been through too much together to let something like this tear us apart."
Tommy's shoulders sagged, and for a moment, it looked like he might break under the weight of his emotions. But then he took a deep breath and nodded. "Thanks." he murmured. "Both of you."
Harry grinned, his trademark humor slipping through the cracks of the serious moment. "Besides." he said, his tone lightening, "You've got a mean kick, mate. Nearly knocked the wind out of me back there."
Tommy let out a small, incredulous laugh, shaking his head. "You're unbelievable."
"Yeah, well." Harry replied with a smirk, "someone's gotta keep you on your toes."
The tension in the room began to lift, though the exhaustion and lingering guilt remained. As Tommy looked around at his teammates, he saw nothing but support and reassurance in their eyes. It wasn't easy to let go of the guilt, but for now, he let himself lean on his friends.
"Tommy." Zordon's calm, resonant voice filled the chamber, drawing everyone's attention. "What happened today was not your fault. The strength you showed in fighting Gasket's control, and the courage you displayed in returning to us, are testaments to your character."
Tommy nodded, swallowing hard. "Thanks, Zordon."
"Come on." Katherine said gently, looping her arm through Tommy's. "Let's get you cleaned up."
As the group began to disperse, Harry lingered for a moment, his gaze drifting toward the Golden Power Staff still clutched in his hand. The weight of the day's events settled heavily on his shoulders, but he knew they'd won an important victory. They'd brought Tommy back, and they'd taken down Gasket.