Captain Blues: It's time for the Goodbye
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Final Mix
Episode Seveteen: Birth of the Jetmen! The Phantom Appears
[Location: Command Center – Med Bay
POV: Grace Sterling]
"We will save the Earth today Grace, make sure it's worth saving."
Grace's eyes opened, and she found herself within a healing tank. She knew that much because she had used the same type at Promethea, but the question was, where was she?
She then watched as a familiar-looking robot walked into the room and tilted his head at her, and she instantly knew where she was.
It couldn't be….
Truly she couldn't be that lucky…
She had searched for this place for years with no result but now she was back.
The familiar robot tapped a few keys before pressing a red button. The water drained down into small holes as she floated down to the cool steel of the healing tank. The door opened up and the robot happily chirped "Hello Grace. You look as wonderful as ever!"
Grace's eyes watered a bit.
Despite her intense hatred of Zordon, Alpha was still an adorable machine that she could never replicate, no matter how many times she tried.
She reached up, pulled off the breathing mask, and tiredly greeted, "Hello Alpha…It has been years…."
"It truly has. How have you been?" Alpha asked.
"Troubled admittedly," Grace replied as she stepped out of the tank and placed a tender hand on top of his head. "And those troubles will grow I'm afraid…But for now, I'm happy to see an old gold disk."
Alpha laughed a bit and said, "Likewise, my old friend."
Grace smiled before she glanced at the other two in the tanks and narrowed her eyes. "This girl…And this boy…Are they rangers as well?" Grace inquired.
"No. They were innocent bystanders that were injured," Alpha replied. "Close friends to the rangers."
"Are they healed?" Grace asked.
She watched as Alpha trotted over to the other two tanks and answered,"Looks like they are healed. I shall begin the process in removing them. Are you able to assist them as well? I must get the SPD Rangers back to their time period."
"Of course I can. These healing tanks are similar to what I have built. Leave it to me Alpha," Grace said with a smile. Alpha nodded and shuffled out of the room and with a couple of quick presses, the tanks holding them and as she did, she decided to think.
She knew the faces of these two very well.
Thanks to the remaining ranger keys, Charlotte had given the names of each individual who would become Power Rangers in the future and to her surprise, the majority of them were in Angel Grove currently. Grace already had a feeling that the girl was the one she had met that night in her condo in New York but the girl she had spoken to sounded similar to Grace herself.
Cold, bitter, and determined.
This Ashley, from the brief moments she heard her talk, still had that certain…innocence about her so she knew that the Ashley she faced now would become the Ashley in the future… As for the teen, Rocky DeSantos...She knew he would become Jason's successor and the Blue Zeo Ranger before retiring and admittedly, she did not know much about him but his skills must be good for him to replace Jason.
She already knew who she wanted to become her group of rangers but she had to observe them first.
The water finished draining and the two teens were left looking around inside of the tank, no doubt alarmed.
"Welcome to the land of the living," Grace said as she opened the doors and carefully removed their breathing masks.
"I-It's you," Ashley said with exhaustion.
"Nice to see you again," Grace said with a smile. "And hello to you, Mr. DeSantos."
"Rocky please," Rocky said with a small, tired, grin. "Mr. DeSantos was my father's name. Where are we, anyway?"
"The Command Center. The central base of the Power Rangers," Grace answered with a bittersweet expression on her face.
The two teens looked stunned at this.
"Come now, children, and follow me. With the other tanks empty, I believe the rangers are in the main area," Grace said as she began to walk away.
"Hey! How do you know where we're going?" Ashley asked.
Grace paused, looked back at the pair, and gave them a small smile. "You'll find out shortly Ms. Hammond," Grace replied before she began to walk, pleased that she could hear them follow after her.
Through the winding hall, Grace led the two teens until she came upon the sight of the SPD Rangers and the Mighty Morphin Rangers exchanging goodbyes before the rangers walked into the portal.
The life of a Power Ranger, whether past, present, or future, was a strange one with endless possibilities….
It was then she eyed the large tank that housed Zordon and felt bitterness immediately set in.
It was time…
"Well Zordon…It has been a while," Grace greeted. Grace watched as her successor and his teammates, turned around to see her with Ashley and Rocky behind her.
"Jason!" Ashley exclaimed as she ran past her and towards the leader of the new generation. Jason smiled and opened his arms and without hesitation, Ashley leapt into his arms. The pair spun around before Ashley reared her hand back and smacked him in the face hard.
"Ow!" Jason exclaimed before Ashley took his face and kissed him hard on the lips.
"Yooooo!" Rocky, Katherine, and Zack exclaimed in unison while the other rangers looked stunned at this.
Grace could only laugh.
Seems her successor had something else in common with herself and that was their choice of women.
The two broke apart and Grace could see the stunned silence Jason was in, along with the cheesy grins on the other rangers' faces. However, when she glanced at the pink ranger, she saw something in Kimberly's eyes flash pink. She looked disoriented and confused and she had gotten pale.
That was interesting…
"S-Sorry…" Ashley stammered out as she moved away, her face burning as red as Jason's cheeks. "Those were the two things I wanted to do to you after I found you hurt and with you missing for days on end."
"Don't be…Seriously, don't be…" Jason responded before he chuckled. "I deserved the smack…The kiss? I like to think I deserved that too…."
The two laughed a bit.
"Thank goodness you were safe…." Ashley said.
"Yeah seriously, she was like a fucking emotional wreck while you were gone," Rocky said with a grin.
"Shut it, Rocky!" Ashley exclaimed with an embarrassed tone.
The group laughed and admittedly, Grace did as well.
What comradery these teens had.
"But onto other things…" Grace began as she looked at Zordon's tube. It was glowing but he was nowhere to be seen. "Where is Zordon?" Grace asked as she turned to Jason.
"He's ensuring the SPD Rangers are getting to their own time. He did the same with rangers that came before," Jason responded. "Before it gets too serious…I heard you came to the aid of my team and the SPD Rangers and I thank you for that."
"But we have questions on our own for you," Trini said.
"I'm sure you do…" Grace responded with a small smile before she looked back at the tube. "How long will he be gone?"
"Another hour at least," Billy said. "It took him that amount of time earlier…."
"I see…" Grace eyed the tube and frowned.
Their reunion would have to wait for now. "Very well. Alpha, are you able to transport me back to Skyforce Labs in Angel Grove with everyone? Also, is there any way you can transport someone else?" Alpha tilted his head and if he had a face, Grace would assume that it would hold curiosity on it. She leaned down and whispered, "The former Black Ranger...Jamie Gilmore...Jason's mother."
"Ay-Ay-Ay!" Alpha exclaimed before he nodded."I sure can..."
"Good. Send us all there now please," Grace said sweetly. The rest of the teens looked confused at this, to which Grace said, "You want to know the history between Zordon and I? I am going to tell you."
Alpha nodded and after a few presses, Grace spared a glance at the tube and thought 'We'll meet soon Zordon…And when we do, you'll pay for you put my team through…'
[Location: Holiday Inn
POV: TJ Johnson]
"-The Power Rangers are seen here battling a golden armored baboon-"
"-There must be more to these monster attacks. Could the Power Rangers be the cause of them? I'm your host-"
"-These Monsters are increasing violence. The Government must be held accountable-"
"-How long can the President remain silent while Angel Grove goes through these attacks?-"
"-The Power Rangers have shown they are Earth's Defenders but all these attacks are in Angel Grove! It is a matter of time before these monsters begin to branch out and attack other cities in the world-"
With a click of the remote, the television shut off and TJ sighed. Ever since his rescue, TJ had been feeling odd about his time in Angel Grove.
He shouldn't be. He was rescued, the bad guys were defeated and all became well. However, something didn't sit right with him. When he came to Angel Grove, his welcome wagon was helping Tommy and David along with his new friends during the battle against those monsters.
But after watching his new friends in the rangers go through battle after battle, each one worse than the last, he realized that they couldn't keep doing this alone. One day, they were going to meet an enemy they could not beat and when they day came, he did not want to hear about their deaths.
But with that thought came a more scandalize idea. He and the others had battled these monsters repeatedly without the rangers. Could it be possible that they could be the backup Jason and the others needed?
He certainly believed that they could be the back-up the rangers needed but how would he even approach the subject? He couldn't just walk up and say "Make me a Power Ranger." That wouldn't go over too well.
But what could he do?
He then heard an impatient knock on the door, followed by a voice shouting, "Hey Teej, open up will you?!"
TJ looked to his left at the hotel room door and rose from his bed and walked to the door and when he opened it, he saw Cassie on the other side.
Cassie.
His best friend.
The girl he was falling in love with.
The one he could tell all of his secrets and concerns. She always had a knack for coming to him when he was too deep into his thoughts and often helped bring levity to his always-focused mind. "Hey Cass," TJ said to her with what was hopefully a charming grin.
"Hey yourself. The others didn't see you downstairs. You were supposed to go to lunch with us, remember?" Cassie questioned with a poke to his covered abs.
"Right, sorry about that. I was thinking," TJ responded.
Cassie gave that teasing grin that made TJ's heart beat increase as she replied "That's never a good sign. Well, mind if I come in so we can talk about it?" TJ moved aside and she entered his room as if she owned the place before he shut the door behind her.
She plopped down on his bed and asked "So Teej, what's on your mind?"
TJ walked to her, sat by her side, and sighed. "I just…We've been through a lot since we came to Angel Grove. We fought those monsters at the welcoming sign. We fought those monsters at the stadium. We then fought those monsters through the hotel and then we were kidnapped and saved by the Power Rangers. So in short, I believe we have some experience with all of this."
"Yeah…I was thinking about that too," Cassie admitted. "It seems crazy that all of this spanned over the last week and a half. We went from just being kids to all of this madness. We even know the Power Rangers. It's insane!"
"It is…But I feel like it isn't enough to just fight these monsters and to keep their identities," TJ told her. He watched as confusion brushed over Cassie's face. Cassie was smart and TJ knew she would read underneath what he was hinting at and like clockwork, the realization set in.
"You want to be one to help them, don't you?" Cassie asked.
TJ nodded.
Cassie's lips turned into a wide grin before she began to laugh, which took TJ by surprise. Out of all of the reactions, that was one he wasn't expecting. "That is so like you TJ," Cassie said as her laughter began to die down. "Always wanting to do the thing right. Even if it puts you at risk. A somewhat odd smile appeared on her face. It looked similar to the smile his mom often gave him when he did something that made her proud but there was something more to this smile that he wasn't seeing.
But what?
"I know it's stupid because I don't even know where to begin but-" Cassie's right index finger touched his lips to silence him mid-sentence.
"Let me go grab Adam, Tanya, and Aisha so we can talk about this," Cassie whispered in a tone that left TJ aching to touch her. It was so soft and caring that he nearly forgot what he was going to say. Instead, he nodded, which made her smile grow and soon, she was out of the room.
It didn't take Cassie long to gather their friends and bring them to his room and with a nod from Cassie, TJ went over his thoughts with the three. For a moment, the three stared at him before Adam said "I can understand the thought process of this truthfully. We did go through a lot and admittedly, I was expecting myself to be able to fight at the level I did during these events."
"Same here," Tanya said. "Being able to fight alongside you guys and test my abilities has been magnificent. If I could become a ranger, I would be able to see my skills increase to untold levels."
Aisha remained silent, which prompted TJ to look at her. "What's on your mind?" TJ asked.
"I mean for me, I learned to fight to test my skills to see if I could ever be as good as my father, and fighting these monsters is showing me that I can. But I'm not sure if I want to risk my life. Don't get me wrong, Trini, Zack, Jason, Katherine, Billy and Kimberly, I like them. But do I like them enough to risk my life? I'm not sure."
"That's understandable," Adam spoke up before TJ could. "I'm in the same boat but I my want to become stronger kind of eclipses that thought. Besides, TJ is right, they can't keep doing this on their own and we have experience at this point. Why not put to good use?"
"I guess…" Aisha murmured as she looked at her fist. "Well…For now, I'm on the fence about it but that could change. But for right now, we should be more focused on figuring out where Rocky and Ashley are. We haven't seen them since earlier this morning and the sun is setting…"
TJ's eyes widened. "Holy shit, I totally forgot about them! Which is surprising. Considering Rocky is fairly boisterous and Ashley is dating Jason…I think."
"Rocky is not always boisterous," Aisha defended.
"Aisha, I love Rocky like a brother but he can be pretty loud when he wants," Adam told her but a look from Aisha made Adam lift his arms in surrender.
"Aisha, you need to tell Rocky how you feel," Tanya said with an amused tone.
TJ watched as a blush appeared on Aisha's face as she shouted, "W-What you trying to imply?!"
"Nothing, nothing," Tanya said with a teasing smile.
Six heads swerved to the door at the sound of the knocks from it.
"Theodore Jay Johnson? Are you in there?" An unfamiliar voice asked.
TJ rose from his bed and glanced at his friends but Cassie's hand grabbed his left forearm. "Don't answer it. It could be a trick from the person that sends those monsters," Cassie warned with concern.
"It could also be the police," Adam said with a shrug.
TJ narrowed his eyes thoughtfully and asked, "Who are you?"
"My name is Peter Hillard. Beside me is my wife, Charlotte Hillard. We are Katherine's parents and we work with Skyforce Labs! We were told by our boss Grace Sterling to retrieve you!" the voice replied.
"Grace Sterling…" Tanya muttered. "It rings a bell."
"She's the one behind the giant tech company, Promethea," Aisha said. "My Aunt and Adam's dad works at Promethea."
"Small world," Cassie noted.
"Ask them to slide their badges under the door," Aisha told TJ.
TJ nodded and said, "Slide your badges under the door."
A moment passed and TJ saw to laminated Squares slide beneath the door. TJ walked forward and picked them both up as Aisha and Adam walked behind him. "Those look legit," Adam said with Aisha nodding in agreement.
TJ nodded and opened the door to see the two adults and said "Come on in." He moved to the side to allow them to enter the room and once they did, he closed the door behind him and asked, "So how can I help you today?"
"As mentioned before by my too-trusting husband," Charlotte began. "Grace Sterling has sent us to find all of you. Lucky for us, you were at the very first hotel room we could check."
"Why would Grace want to see us?" Aisha asked.
Peter and Charlotte exchanged glances with one another before Peter said "Grace has been working on something of grave importance and through our research, we realized that you six, along with Rocky DeSantos and Ashley Hammond, both of which are currently heading to Skyforce-"
TJ heard Aisha sigh in relief.
"-Would be perfect for," Peter finished.
"And would that be?" Tanya asked.
"That is something she wishes to speak with you directly," Charlotte answered.
TJ glanced at his comrades and said "What do you guys think? Should we go?"
"You said Rocky and Ashley are there, right?" Adam asked Peter. "Where were they? It's been two days since they all vanished."
"They were with my Mrs. Sterling, my daughter, and her friends," Peter answered with a smile.
"And where were they?" Tanya questioned.
"Healing," Charlotte said with a short tone. "Now can we please get going? We don't have a lot of time before they arrive."
"Char," Peter said with a tone before he turned back to TJ. "My apologies for her shortness. She has been stressed as of late regarding our daughter. Will you come with us?"
"What do you guys think? Should we go?" TJ asked.
"Might as well see what the big deal about this is," Adam said with a shrug.
"If you feel right about it TJ, I will follow your lead," Cassie said with a thumbs up.
"I'm too curious for my own good," Tanya said with a smile. "I'll come along."
Aisha was silent and at first, TJ thought she would refuse but instead, she said, "And you two are certain Rocky is there?"
"Very," Charlotte replied.
"Alright...I'll come along," Aisha said.
"Perfect, then I'm in," TJ said with a nod.
"Perfect. Let's get a move on," Charlotte said as she turned away and walked out the door, Once again, Peter gave TJ and his group an apologetic smile before he left the room as well, with TJ and his group in tow.
[Location: Skyforce Labs
POV: Jason Lee Scott]
It had been twenty minutes since the rangers, plus Ashley and Rocky, showed up at SkyForce Labs and all of the teens were getting restless. While Ashley and Rocky were wide awake and energized, the rangers themselves were tired due to the still feeling the effects of their battle with the corrupted Swan Song.
At least Jason kept himself busy by telling Rocky and Ashley about that battle.
"Man," Rocky drawled out. "The SPD rangers were so fucking cool. Just as cool as you guys. It was so awesome to meet future Power Rangers."
"This is all too much," Ashley said. "Don't get me wrong. You guys are doing an amazing job as rangers but how can you guys deal with it? Battling these insane threats week in and out, risking life and limb. It all seems worrying to me."
"We were chosen to fight by Zordon himself Ashley," Jason said. "He sought us out. We all heeded his call. If we didn't, this world would have been lost and I don't think I could have lived in the wrong Rita wants. Especially now that I've made more friends."
'And now I know what will happen if we fail…' Jason inwardly added.
Jason looked at Zack and saw the same pensive expression Jason knew that he wore himself and narrowed his eyes curiously. Why was Zack looking this way?
"Penny for your thoughts?" Jason asked Zack.
Zack's head snapped up and he turned to give Jason a grin. "Just got some thoughts in this cage. Nothing more, nothing less," Zack answered.
"Hm…What do you think about all of this? Grace I mean?" Jason asked him.
"We should hear her out. I mean she did help during the battle with Swan Song, who I pray stays dead," Zack sighed. "I mean seriously. Seeing what he did to my powers it was unsettling…"
"Yeah…How is Trini doing?" Jason asked.
"She's been quiet," Zack replied as he gazed at Trini, who sat in the corner away from him and frowned. "And distant since we all woke up…"
"Yeah. I noticed the same about Kimberly," Jason said as he observed Kimberly, who sat on the other side of the room, far away from him as well. "The only ones acting normal are Katherine and Billy."
The pair looked to Katherine giggling at the reddened cheeks of Billy, who scratched the back of his neck bashfully.
Both Zack and Jason let out a sigh. "Just our luck," they said in unison. "But, at least things are okay with you and Ashley," Zack said with a supportive grin. Jason looked to Ashley, who was talking to Rocky about something only for her to turn at him and smile.
He returned the smile and said to Zack "Yeah…At least that's going well."
Just then, the door opened to reveal Grace and by her side was an awfully familiar face. "Mom?! What are you doing here?!" Jason exclaimed as he rushed to his feet.
Jamie Gilmore-Scott, wearing a black dress with white flowers, was wheeled into the room by a bald, african-american man wearing a black suit with a yellow tie.
The room was tense as the teens, minus Jason, exchanged looks of surprise.
"Everyone," Grace softly began. "This is Ternora Washington and...Jamie Gilmore-Scott...The Mighty Morphin Yellow and Black Rangers..."
Jason took in a sharp breath as he stared at his mother, who kept her eyes focused on him, her normally warm eyes saddened and disappointed. "Whoa," Zack whispered. "Jase...Your mom was my predecessor?"
"This is news to me..." Jason whispered to Zack before he took a step toward his mother. "Mom...I..."
"When Grace told me that you were the Red Ranger and that all of you, Zack, Trini, Billy, Kimberly, Katherine, were all Power Rangers, I was horrified," Jamie softly revealed. "Not only horrified but in denial...How could my son and the kids I watched grow up...be under the leadership of that selfish being."
"Zordon? Selfish?" Billy repeated but Jason didn't focus too much on Billy's words, not while the realization was settling in. His mother not only knew he and his friends were the Power Rangers but she herself was one.
"Wait..." Zack started. The person you were talking about to Swan Song...That was about Mrs. Scott?"
Jason whirled his head to glance at Zack. "What do you mean?"
"'I am the Original Red Ranger of both Promethea and Zordon,'" Trini recounted, echoing Grace's words. "'And seeing you make a mockery of my friend and my successor's mother's suit sickens me to my core...' That's what Grace said during the battle."
"Nice memory," Grace complimented to Trini.
Jason shook his head and looked back at his mother. "Mom, I-I can explain," Jason began.
"No," Jamie said. "We will talk it out when we get home tonight. For now..." Jamie turned to Grace. "I'm here to help Grace and Ten."
Terona chuckled and said, "Truthfully, I'm just astonished that Zordon would do it all again. Tell me, who is my successor?" Jason watched as Terona tugged at his tie.
"I am," Trini introduced. "Trini Kwan. Yellow Rangers."
"Terona Washington, Yellow Ranger," Terona introduced. "What about you bunch?"
"I'm the Pink Ranger," Kimberly said with a raise of her hand before she too entered a deep thought.
"I'm the Blue Ranger," Billy said before he motioned to Katherine, "And she's the Violet Ranger."
"Violet? A new one," Terona noted.
"Yes. There is also another ranger from the future," Grace added. "I do not know her color, however."
"And you all have been fighting for a while without suffering as we've suffered," Terona noted before he turned to Grace. "Perhaps that big glowing head learned something after all after his fuck-up with us."
Grace's small smile faded into a deep frown. "Hm…" was her only reply.
Terona then looked to Rocky and Ashley and asked, "And you two must be Rocky DeSantos and Ashley Hammond, right?"
"Right," Rocky said cheerfully.
"That's us…" Ashley drifted off with a confused tone.
"Ah, fantastic, means we're only waiting for the others, right?" Terona asked.
Grace nodded. "Until they arrive, I promised that I would tell these rangers what we endured...Jamie...Terona...is that alright with you?"
"Oh…I see," Terona said, his good mood dimming slightly before brightening up again. "Alright, I'm for it."
"I am too," Jamie answered. "I may not like it...But since my foolish son and his friends have unknowingly followed in our footsteps, its best for them to know who they really follow...and his failures..."
"Wait, pause on the backstory," Rocky interrupted. "If this is official ranger business…Why are we here?" Rocky asked.
"Because this will pertain to the two of you as well," Grace replied.
"What do you mean by that?" Katherine asked.
There was no answer.
"Well, let's start at the beginning," Grace said. "In 1869, a warrior named Psycho Green was sent to awaken Rita Repulsa. Zordon shot him down but he survived. In 1969, during the first moon landing, it reawakened him. Desperate, Zordon plucked me, Jamie, Terona, and 2 others to make a makeshift team to stop it."
"Who were they?" Billy asked.
"Well there was me, I worked as the secretary at NASADA, Jamie was the lead singer of the Familiars, Terona was a wounded soldier who had just returned from the Vietnam War, Daniel O'Halloran, a simple college student who opposed the war," Grace said.
"That must've been fun for you, Terona," Trini quipped.
"Trust me, it was as fun in person," Jamie replied.
Terona snorted but a sad smile filled his face. "Yeah...Despite it all, I miss our back and forth..." Terona softly said.
"And last but not least, there was Nikolai Chukarin, a KGB intelligence analyst," Grace finished.
"Quite the rag-tag team," Jason noted. "You all had nothing in common."
"Which begs the question why Zordon chose us…but I digress," Grace said. "He summoned us, told us the situation and we all accepted. We knew it could be dangerous but we didn't know how bad it would get."
"Yeah…" Jamie said with a shudder. "When we arrived on the moon, it was breathtaking. Especially for Grace. She longed to be on the moon but as you all know, back then…sexism was rampant and they really didn't want her to do anything with that mission, despite her being very qualified for it. Well jokes on them of course."
Grace allowed a small smile. "It was beautiful…I had achieved my dream in an instant and it was every bit as wonderful…But it wasn't to last. We split up. Jamie, Daniel, and I were going to try and locate Rita's prison while Nikolai and Terona stayed back for recon. Unfortunately, Psycho Green appeared. He hit Nikolai so hard, he would have gone into space had I not caught him…"
"So you guys fought him?" Billy asked.
"We did but things went terrible," Jamie said. "He managed to get me to the ground and crushed me under a boulder...That's all I really know until a few months later..."
All of the rangers gasped in horror.
Jamie turned to Grace and then Terona and asked, "You both never said how Daniel and Nikolai died...How did it happen?"
Terona and Grace exchanged a look before Grace softly answered, "Daniel's visor was cracked and he choked to death. Nikolai, Ten, and I were able to bring together our weapons someone to form this sort of blaster but instead of killing him, it only made him stronger…"
"Wait, you guys didn't have martial arts training?" Kimberly asked.
"No…None at all," Grace bitterly answered. "If we did, we would have stood a better chance…."
"So you guys didn't know each other and were thrown into what was an unwinnable situation and before that, Terona and Daniel were at each other's throats? That doesn't like Zordon to choose that…" Billy murmured.
"To be fair to Zordon, I-I hated Zack but I was able to keep it buried deep because of my friendship with you guys," Trini said.
"But we all still worked together like a cohesive united," Zack countered. "No offense to your team Grace but there was no synergy."
"Yes, I know…" Grace replied bitterly. "We retreated into a palace-"
"A palace…on the moon?" Katherine asked.
"Weird I know," Grace said. "But yes. We retreated there and we found a defense cannon that I am 99.99% sure was the cannon used to shoot down that monster's ship in the first place. There was some damage on it and because of that, one of us would stay behind to fire it. Nikolai took that bullet. He sacrificed his life to kill that monster just as it was swallowing him up…"
Grace's face then turned bitter and angry as she said, "Zordon sent us to hell that took our comrades' lives…And when we told him this, he merely apologized, told us the world was safe when it clearly wasn't then took the powers back and told us to leave."
Jason was stunned by this and from the looks, so was his team, along with Rocky and Ashley.
"He just dismissed you?" Ashley asked. "Without any thanks?"
"Yeah. Our job was done. I will bring back the mangled remains of your comrades. Give me the coins and see yourself out," Terona said angrily. "We fought for the Earth, put our lives at risk, and for what? A pat on the back…He didn't care about the emotional damage he caused to the three of us! He didn't care about the pain Grace went through and from what Jamie told me, he never even reached out to her after she recovered."
"Mom...Is that true?" Jason asked.
Jamie nodded.
Grace took a harsh breath and said, "Of course, he didn't. He didn't care about the nightmares, the tears, the breakdowns we all suffered.… But what hurt most was that we made a promise to Nikolai to make the world worth saving and with those powers, we could have put an end to all the endless strife but no…He decided to hide it away…."
"Grace…" Jason whispered. It sounded so unlike Zordon to be so careless and callous…And yet there was something that held him back from defending their mentor. There was a lot of anger and hurt coming from Grace and knowing her side made him understand and agree with it.
"Zordon let you guys down…." Jason said after a moment of silence.
"He didn't just let us down," Grace said. "He let the world down. For someone who is so keen on saving it from outside forces, he brushes aside the inside threats. The fucking Vietnam War was still going on at the time and that's just the war we know about! He could be helping so many lives and yet he just hides away!"
"Grace," Jamie tenderly said as she touched Grace's hand. Grace shut her eyes and took a deep breath. "Breathe its ok," Jamie told her. Astonishingly, Jason watched the anger on Grace's face melt away at his mother's touch.
He...didn't know how he felt about that...
"I am sorry guys, this subject is a tough one for her," Terona said.
"It's cool but all things considered, all of you are badass," Rocky said.
"Seriously Rocky?" Kimberly asked.
"No, I agree with Rocky," Zack replied in agreement. "You guys saved the world back then with no experience. No help, no backup. You guys went into the danger zone and did all you could to protect the world. That is the most badass thing I've ever heard."
Jason smiled at Zack and Rocky before he stood up to face his mother and the other two rangers.
He had listened to the entire story and he finally knew what to say. "Mom...Grace…Terona...Zordon made a mistake," Jason began. "A mistake that cost the lives of two good men and left lingering damage on all of you..."
Grace and Terona exchanged a look while his mother stared at him with an expectant expression.
"He was too rash in choosing you guys. He threw you in the deep end and callously dismissed you and I can't defend that and I will personally bring that up to him myself. With that said, he did choose wisely in one aspect," Jason said with a small grin as he turned to Grace.
Grace seemed surprised by his words.
"Grace. You walked into hell against Swan Song with no hesitation and fought along with my team and the SPD Rangers. You, with no experience, led a team against a dangerous foe without any hesitation and fought to save the world and three died to protect it. Zordon failed in a lot of ways but the bravery you, my mother, Terona, and your two friends showed says he did choose right in that regard. It is that same bravery that we had when we stepped up to become rangers and it's the same bravery that has carried us to this point."
Jason held out his hand to her and said, "All of you have some damage that Zordon caused and as much as we look to him as a mentor, all of you have every right to hold on to that anger." Jason then bent down and took his mother's hand. "But as the leader of his rangers, I want to thank you, Grace Nikolai, Terona, and Daniel for what you all did that day. You gave us a world that we can continue to protect. It'll never be enough for the pain you three endured but somehow, someway, I will find a way to repay you all for this…"
The room was quiet as Jason stood there with his hand out. He could see an unknown emotion in his mother's eyes before a small grin appeared on her face and slowly, her hand landed on top of his. "You are just like your father," Jamie commented. "You both could easily spout heartfelt speeches at the drop of a hat..." Jamie patted his hand. "You're still in trouble for hiding this from me." Jason groaned but his mother embraced him as tightly as she could, allowing him to return the embrace. "All the same, I'm proud of you..." she whispered in his ear.
Once Jason pulled away and stood back up, Grace chuckled and said, "It's funny. Nikolai's final words were "We will save the Earth today Grace, make sure it's worth saving" and here you are echoing his words. Zordon and I will always have bad blood but you and your ranger team will always be welcome allies." Grace held out her hand, which Jason returned.
"As will you, Grace," Jason said with a smile.
"I'm glad. Because now there is work to be done," Grace said as she removed her hand. "Terona and I created Promethea and SkyForce labs to keep my promise to my fallen comrades to make this planet worth saving. While I know your heart and the heart of your teammates lie solely on protecting this world, I also know that Zordon cannot be trusted. Therefore, I will say this to all of you. I am creating my own ranger team."
"We had a feeling," Jason said as the rest of the rangers stood up behind him.
"I originally was going to ask if you six wanted to become my ranger team. However, I realized that this would be a mistake. Despite his failure, there is loyalty and you six have become beacons of light to Angel Grove. Therefore, I will not force you six to choose nor will I drive you six to leave that life. Instead, I will be crafting my own team." Grace.
[POV: Aishia Campbell]
The drive from the hotel to Skyforce Labs was a nice and calm one and because of this, she was able to observe the town. Despite the craziness, everyone seemed to be looking and acting normally. It was odd to see. Weren't they worried about the monsters appearing?
It could happen at any time and yet they looked so carefree.
Was it because they knew that the Power Rangers would protect them from the monsters? That had to be the case. The Power Rangers have shown themselves as undefeatable to the citizens time and time again, despite any issues between them.
Any monster that stepped up, the Rangers put down but would they be so carefree if they knew that the Power Rangers, the ones protecting their city and essentially, the world, were just some teens?
She admittedly felt that way originally.
She had told Adam and Rocky that while the Power Rangers were around, they would be safe in Angel Grove but now that she knew them, she was concerned. She saw the insane fights they were in and the odds they faced and had even participated in those fights.
How did they do this day in and day out? In between saving the world, they had school and family to juggle around too. It was insane to her that they were able to do what they did.
What drove them, a bunch of teens with their lives ahead of them, to risk their lives like this for this city and potentially, the world?
Soon, she had her friends had arrived at Skyforce labs and were ushered into a large white room where there was two-way mirror and a large door beside it. A few moments later, Aisha felt her heart quicken when she saw Jason and his group, along with Ashley and the person she was worried about that most, enter the room they were observing from another door.
Her bone-headed idiot, Rocky.
She let out a sigh of relief.
He was okay.
"Well, look at that. Rocky is ok. Doesn't that make you happy Aisha?" Tanya's voice asked from her left with a nudge to her side.
"W-Why do you think I'm concerned about him?" Aisha hurriedly replied. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Adam with an amused smirk on his face. "Shut up Adam!"
She also saw Cassie giggling against TJ's shoulder, who also looked amused by this.
Aisha growled and turned away from her traitorous friends and gazed back at Rocky, who was conversing with Jason, and felt her scowl soften into a small smile.
Still…She was happy to see that he was okay.
It was then Grace walked into the room with her wife and the past of the pair woman had been given. Aisha was admittedly surprised. There was a former ranger group? A palace on the moon? Who was Zordon?
She looked around and noticed the enraptured looks on her friends faces and understood. This was a lot of information that was being given to them.
But Aisha had to wonder…
Why?
Why were they allowed to hear this?
This was Power Ranger business and yet they were listening in on this. Not to mention, Jamie mentioned that she knew of her friends when she introduced herself to Rocky and Ashley and even asked where they were.
And from Grace and Jamie's past as former Rangers, she realized what the lesson was in it.
A rag-tag group of people with no prior knowledge of each other were given the power of superheroes by an ill-suited mentor with no sort of training for them to understand their power, went into battle on an unknown terrain with no preparation and fought a powerful enemy where three of them died in battle and two walked out with scars with nothing to show for it.
If they had been more prepared with a mentor who cared for them, grew to know and care for one another, and created that synergy of teamwork, they all would have walked out alive.
But as Jason made his speech, she also agreed with Jason's words. This Zordon made a mistake but the bravery they showed, despite the odds, gave them all a chance to make the world a better place and also gave the new Power Rangers a chance to fight against Rita's forces.
But still, she wondered.
Why were they here to hear this lesson?
It was then Grace began to speak.
"I created Promethea and SkyForce labs to keep my promise to my fallen comrades to make this planet worth saving. While I know your heart and the heart of your teammates lie solely on protecting this world, I also know that Zordon cannot be trusted. Therefore, I will say this to all of you. I am creating my own ranger team."
Aisha suddenly felt her heart drop as the pieces slowly began to fall into place.
"Guys…" Aisha breathed out; disbelief heavy in her voice. She looked to her friends and saw that from the realization that was blossoming on their faces, they were putting the pieces together as well.
"We had a feeling," Jason responded as Aisha watched the rangers stand up around him, their faces becoming firm, an air of seriousness that she had never seen on the group before.
"I originally was going to ask if you six wanted to become my ranger team. However, I realized that this would be a mistake. Despite his failure, there is loyalty and you six have become beacons of light to Angel Grove. Therefore, I will not force you six to choose nor will I drive you six to leave that life. Instead, I will be crafting my own team." Grace said.
It was then the door on the side of the two-way mirror opened and Aisha heard Katherine's parents tell them "To go inside," but Aisha was rooted to her spot.
This couldn't be happening, could it?
She felt a hand touch her shoulder and saw the firm but encouraging face of Cassie and slowly nodded and together, the five of them walked through the door. She registered the shocked expressions on the rangers' faces as well as Rocky and Ashley's, but she could see in the latter pairs eyes, that realization she and her friends had moments before was starting to set in.
"So, Power Rangers, I want to introduce the six of you to my chosen. Rocky DeSantos, Ashley Hammond, Cassie Chan, Theodore Jay Johnson, Aisha Campbell, Adam Park and Tanya Sloan. You have all been chosen to become my Jetmen," Grace finished with a proud smile.
[POV: Grace Sterling]
The minute those words left her lips, it was as if the air was knocked out of the room.
She didn't blame these teens for being shocked.
She understood why it shocked them like this. She had placed a ton of responsibility on the shoulders of a group of teenagers but in her heart, she felt they were right for the job.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Zack started, which caused Grace to glance at him. "You want to make them Power Rangers?"
Grace smiled. "While they will have power similar to Power Rangers, I refuse to call them that as they are not associated with Zordon," Grace explained. "Instead, they will be rangers in everything but name."
"But why us?" Aisha questioned. "What makes you think we're right for the job?"
"An excellent question Ms. Campbell," Grace replied before she turned to Peter and nodded. Peter gave her a nod back and flipped off the lights as a screen projector slid down the wall. Moments later, a film started and the first image was of the Red, Yellow and Black Rangers.
"When all of you look at this image, what do you see?" Grace asked.
"We see Zack, Trini, and Jason," Rocky said.
Grace shook her head and said, "Watch."
The three rangers removed their helmets and revealed themselves as Rocky, Aisha, and Adam, which caused a gasp to be heard. "Thanks to the Ranger Keys Armada Force left behind, we gazed upon a different timeline. In the one we are looking at, Jason, Zack, and Trini stepped down as rangers and Rocky, Aisha, and Adam took their place."
"Holy shit…" Rocky breathed out.
"Language," Came her wife's response, which made Grace smirk.
"Sorry…" Rocky apologized.
The next image changed to a Yellow Ranger that none of the group had seen before.
This Ranger had two long oval visors, a yellow neck and upper chest that had a border that resembled circuitry, a pair of white gloves and boots with the borders also resembling circuitry, and a golden belt with five insignias on it with a holstered gun and sword.
The ranger was seen fighting alongside a Blue, Green, Pink and a Black Rangers that had a similar attire, with only a different visor shape and the Blue and Green Rangers having no skirt and the Black Ranger with intricate gold armor and armbands on his body. They were fighting against a group of robots in what looked to be an arena.
"Hold up," Kimberly said. "Those are Cogs from the Machine Empire…Remember, we fought them when helping Armada Force!"
"Who are these are these rangers? I've never seen them before," Billy murmured thoughtfully.
After the battle, the four rangers removed their helmets to reveal Tanya, Rocky, Adam, Katherine, and Jason which caused the group to gasp in surprise again.
"After Kimberly and Aisha stepped down as rangers, Katherine and Tanya took their place with Billy stepping down when the Zeo Rangers got their powers. This was taken when Jason rejoined and became the Gold Ranger," Grace explained.
"And they look so cool," Zack whined. Grace then watched Zack turn to Jason and proceeded to smack the leader in the back of his head.
"Ow! Why?!" Jason exclaimed as he rubbed the back of his head.
"You stole my color dude. Get your own!" Zack shouted but Grace could tell it was a light-hearted.
"Please, I make it look better," Was Jason's retort.
The scene changes again and this time, there were five new rangers with each of them bearing a race car motive for their visors and suits, with yellow and pink having skirts. The five removed their helmets to reveal TJ, Ashley, Carlos, Cassie and a child they had never seen before.
"Holy shit," Cassie whispered.
"Wow, this seems unreal," Ashley whispered.
TJ remained silent but Grace could see the wheels turning.
"After Zeo when Jason stepped down as the Gold Ranger, The Turbo came to be but it was only a short time before Adam, Tanya, Rocky, and Katherine stepped down. Theodore Jay Jarvis Johnson, Ashley Hammond, Cassie Chan, Carlos Vallerte, and Justin Stewart took the call and became rangers themselves," Grace explained.
"So Carlos was supposed to become a ranger but he opted out of that immediately," Tanya said.
"It's so odd seeing this," Cassie admitted. "This is us…All of us were Power Rangers…Different groups mind you but still the same…"
"It's stunning," Aisha said.
"Holy Moley, this is astounding!" Rocky shouted happily. "We must have been great. I was Red and Blue ranger."
Adam and TJ remained silent, however.
"And while Justin would eventually step down, the four of you would remain Rangers and eventually reveal your identities to save Earth with another Ranger, who had previously his team," Grace concluded as the screen remained.
"So that's why you chose us?" Aisha asked. "Because our other universe selves were rangers?"
"Despite these people being you all, this is another universe," Grace explained. "Essentially, they are another group of teens compared to all of you who sit here now. When Peter and Charlotte found this information and shared it with me, we didn't act on it quite yet. With me being a former ranger, I understood what I would risk if I decided to choose you seven as my team so I did look for others instead but every time I did, you seven would show me that I had my team all along…"
The image on the screen changed to reveal a video of Tanya, Rocky, Adam, Aisha, TJ, and Cassie battling in the streets against putties and then to the Arena when it was attacked during the tournament and then to both the hotel and the Juice Bar. The final scene then revealed the group fighting putties while protecting the unconscious SPD Rangers. The video showed the putties overwhelming the determined teens until they were taken, leaving Ashley with Syd in her arms and Rocky unconscious.
The video ended and the lights came on, the screen went up and the room was as quiet as a cemetery.
"To me, being a ranger is much more than fighting," Grace softly explained. "It is teamwork, grit, determination, courage and sacrifice. As hard as I tried to keep all of you out of this life, you seven continued to prove to me that you all have what it takes. And no matter what happened, you all continued to fight until there was nothing left. All of you showed those qualities and that is why I ultimately chose you seven."
Grace paused for a moment to take a deep breath and with help from her beautiful wife, who slipped her hand into her own, Grace found the strength to continue. "I won't lie to any of you. This life is rough. There is so much that comes with being a ranger that can change you. Jason and his team can personally attest to that. My own history can attest to that which is why I'm giving you seven a choice."
"If you decide to become the Jetmen, I will do everything in my power to make sure all of you are well-trained team that will never suffer as my team did. It will be hard but I see potential in all of you that you can do it. If you are unable to, then I will not hold that against you. You all deserve to be normal teenagers and I'm not going to rob that from either of you. So it is your choice," Grace finished.
"I'm in," Rocky instantly replied.
Grace was surprised.
She didn't expect an answer so fast.
"Rocky…" Aisha whispered.
"This is not something that should be done on impulse. We should think about it more," Adam said.
"He's right," Trini added. "This is not an easy decision. We made our choice to become rangers because, at the time, there was no one else that could do it."
"I have thought about it. Long and hard. Ever since before I came to Angel Grove," Rocky said. "This power could not only protect people from monsters but it could help in normal situations. Kidnappings, murders, the works. And as selfish as this part sounds. It could help me find Aisha's parents and any other family that is missing its members…"
"Rocky…I…" Aisha breathed out softly.
"Besides, what if more monsters attack in places, not Angel Grove? They can't be everywhere," Rocky finished.
"I agree," TJ stated. "Jason, you and your team are great. You guys have been doing this so much longer but I'm seeing the toll it's taking on you guys. These fights have been brutal and every time, you guys are injured for days and while you guys are handling it well, it's going to burn you out."
"Yeah," Tanya said. "Like look at yourselves from that alternate universe. Eventually, you guys all step down. For reasons I'm not sure but considering how much you put yourselves through, I wouldn't be surprised if burning out was the reason."
"And while we take your place, looking at the alternate universe shows us that one ranger team is not enough," Adam said with a frown. "Like Rocky, TJ, and Tanya said, you guys need help."
"And we're here to be that help," Cassie said. "Not to mention, the thought of more enemies coming to attack the Earth is a plausible fear now thanks to our alternate universe. We know more are out there now and it's a matter of time until they strike."
"Fuck," Aisha whispered. "You know what? I was on the fence about this but you guys are right. This isn't just about us anymore, is it? It's about what the world needs and it needs people to protect it. I doubt adults will be happy that a bunch of teens are protecting it but who else is there if not us?"
Aisha then looked to Rocky and added, "Besides, someone has to look for you in case you do something stupid…"
Rocky smirked.
"And what about you Ashley?" Grace asked, noticing the girl was silent.
Ashley remained silent for a moment before she sighed and let out a small laugh. "This is the biggest shock of my life but weirdly enough, it all makes sense…You guys all pretty much hit my feelings on the head. I'm in…"
Grace could see that Jason and his team were having mixed emotions regarding the decision but in the end, they all nodded. "Admittedly, I don't like this," Kimberly softly said. "I don't like others having to go through what we are doing…But I understand where you guys are coming from."
"But you guys are right," Trini replied. "Hell, Katherine and I had this very discussion before she became a ranger. It's always good to have more help."
"And if you guys think you're prepared to do this, don't half-ass it or shortcut it," Zack told them. "You'll be put in situations that can hurt your team. Whether by the enemy bringing up past pains or even controlling you."
"But you all must go through it with everything you've got," Katherine said.
"No matter the cost and no matter the pain it will cause," Billy added.
"It's a long road but as long as you have each other's backs, you can do this and defeat anyone that stands in your way," Jason finished.
The seven nodded and Rocky said, "Then Grace, you have yourself a team."
Grace felt a weight slide off her shoulders as she gave them a relieved smile. "Thank you all so much…This decision wasn't an easy one but as your commander, I will not let any of you down. I've already informed your parents/guardians and they all agreed to this."
"You did?" Adam asked with surprise.
"Yes. You seven are putting your lives at risk. I wouldn't have even summoned you here had they disagreed but thankfully, I got the word right before I left to fight with the Rangers and after my meeting with Jamie," Grace explained. "They were all sure you guys would accept so I guess you should tell them the good news but we can do that when we leave to meet them."
"Wait? Leave?" Ashley asked.
"Yes. Angel Grove is admittedly dangerous for us to train in so we are going to Promethia, which is based in Los Angeles," Grace answered.
"How long do we have?" Ashley asked.
"If there isn't any pressing emergencies, we can leave tonight," Terona said with a smile. "Hope we can so I can fly us there before we lose daylight."
"What do you guys think?" TJ asked.
"I mean, our parents already know and from what it sounds like, they are there, is that right Grace?" Tanya asked.
"That's correct," Grace replied.
"Then I have no pressing concerns," Tanya said. "Any of you?"
Rocky, Aisha, Adam, Cassie, and TJ shook their heads but Ashley meekly nodded. "There is one thing…" Ashley answered hesitantly as she looked at Jason.
Grace nodded in understanding.
"Alright. Terona, do you mind getting the ship ready?" Grace asked her friend, who nodded with a smile.
"I'll head down to the hanger now," Terona said before he looked to the Power Rangers. "It was an honor to meet you guys and I know you will carry our legacy proudly."
"Thank you," Came the Power Rangers reply.
"Time to take flight, I'll see you guys sometime soon and as for our new Jetmen, I'll see you guys in LA," Terona said before he placed a hand on Jamie's shoulder. "You want to come with me before Grace monopolizes your time?"
"Why would Grace want to do that?" Jamie asked as she and Terona left the room.
Grace watched the two leave the room before she looked to Peter and said, "Please escort our new team to the hotel to collect their bags and get them to the Skyforce Hanger outside of AG."
"Yes Ma'am," Peter said before he left the room.
"Well team…It feels nice to say that…You will be leaving here shortly to so say your temporary goodbyes to the Power Rangers," Grace told her team before she left the room as well to give them their privacy.
[POV: General]
"Holy shit, this is it. This is goodbye for now. It's been a blast man, seriously," TJ said as he held out his hand.
Jason gave a smile and said, "You guys are going to do great but I wonder, both you and Rocky were Red Rangers. I wonder which one will claim it."
TJ grinned and said, "I think because Rocky took your place, it'll be him but who knows in the end but Grace herself."
"Rightfully said," Jason said. "You be careful out there and keep them safe, Red or not."
"Likewise Jason. I'll make sure to do you proud," TJ replied.
"Dude, I wish we got a chance to fight," Zack said to Adam with a grin.
"We had the appetizer but I know eventually, we'll get the full meal," Adam said as they high-fived. "Until then, keep yourself alive and healthy so we can get it."
"I expect you to do the same," Zack replied with a cheerful smile.
"I can't believe I became a blue ranger," Rocky said. "I kind of dig the color."
"I'm glad you do. Blue has always been my favorite color," Billy replied. "And I bet if you became a Blue Ranger, you would do the color proud."
Rocky grinned and pulled Billy into a hug. "You're the best man," Rocky said. "You take care and be safe."
"You as well my friend," Billy replied as he hugged back with reddened cheeks.
"I'm so going to miss you," Kimberly said as she hugged Cassie tightly. "I wish we could have hung out more."
"I do too but duty called and you had to answer, Kimmy," Cassie replied as she pulled away and smiled. "And when we see each other, we'll be fighting the same enemy and then we can go to the mall together."
"Yeah. Just be safe, okay Cass?" Kimberly asked.
"Always," Cassie winked.
Trini and Aisha stared at each other before Aisha suddenly let out a right jab, which Trini caught with her right hand. The two smirked at one another. "You better be here and you better be able to block that again when I come back, got it?" Aisha asked.
"Challenge accepted. I also hope you and Rocky decide to not pussy-foot around your feelings," Trini said. "I can see that he loves you and you love him but now you're in a dangerous spot with accepting this, Aisha. You could lose him if you're not careful. I nearly did with Zack a few times over. Don't hesitate, okay?"
Aisha blushed and nodded. "After what he said…I won't…" Aisha murmured.
Trini smiled.
"So, looks like I'm looking at a new ranger. You must be stoked," Katherine said.
"I am…I always wondered about my skills and who I was…Looking at my alternate self, I realize that I finally found my calling," Tanya said excitedly.
"I do too. I'm grateful for being able to become a ranger, warts and all," Katherine said. "I made fantastic new friends and had a lot of answers for things I've always wondered. It's a nice experience."
"It is," Tanya said. "I know more danger is coming and I have feeling in the alternate world, we became best friends and since I'm starting to like you, do you want hang out sometime when I come back?"
"It would be my honor," Katherine replied with a wide smile.
As the other rangers and other teens gave their goodbyes, Ashley walked to Jason and said, "I wish we didn't have to go."
"I know, I do too but it's only temporary," Jason replied with a smile.
Ashley gave him a smile and said, "You're right. I'll be seeing you again. We do have that second date after all."
Jason smiled and without hesitation, he leaned down and pressed a deep kiss on Ashley's lips, who immediately melted against him and returned it, her hands resting on his shoulders. In the distance, Kimberly saw this and frowned slightly before she looked away.
The pair separated and Ashley gingerly touched Jason's face and murmured, "I might be jumping the gun but…I'd like to be your girlfriend if you'd have me."
"Consider me, your boyfriend then," Jason whispered softly, a blush on his face along with a large smile.
Ashley giggled and kissed him once more just as the doors opened up and Grace returned. "Alright team, it's time to go to the hotel. We're burning daylight."
Just then, the rangers' communicator chimed. "Right on time actually. Looks like we have trouble. We better get to it," Jason said.
"Keep Angel Grove safe for our return," TJ said.
The rangers nodded and after another round of goodbyes, Jason looked to Ashley and said, "See you later, Ash."
"Goodbye for now Jase," Ashley responded.
Jason grinned before the six rangers were transported out of there.
The teens turned to Ashley for a moment before Aisha, Cassie, and Tanya began to squeal alongside Ashley while TJ, Rocky and Adam smirked in amusement.
Grace laughed as well before she said "You guys can tease Ashley in the van. It's time to move out team."
"Yes, Commander!" The teens chorused in unison.
"…I think I'm going to like this," Grace said with a growing smile.
[Location: Newtech City - Delta Base
POV: Jack Landers]
With a flash of light, the SPD Rangers landed on the ground in front of their Delta Base.
"Oh my shocking ass," Jack muttered as he began to rise.
"That was not an experience I wish to repeat ever again," Syd said as she stood up beside him. "Whoa…Looks like we never left,"
'Nothing seems different…' Jack thought as the rest of the rangers began to stand.
"Wait…" Dr. Manx said as she held up her hand. "Something is amiss…."
"You're telling me…" Bridge muttered as he eyed a bird in the sky. "That bird hasn't moved at all…."
"I'm sorry, repeat that Bridge?" Sky asked.
"The bird in the sky….It's not moving…." Bridge said.
"But how can that be?" Morgana asked with a frown on her face.
"It is because I will it," A voice said from behind them.
The SPD Rangers turned around to see a mysterious black ranger with a motorcycle-shaped helmet and visor, black armor black spandex suit with a red ruby affixed on the silver armor that sat on top of the black chest plate on his chest.
"Who the hell are you?" Jack asked as he pulled out his Delta-Morpher.
"Relax, Jack," Commander Cruger said as he held up his hand. "I've seen you before….In the records of the past. You're the Phantom Ranger."
"That is correct Anubis Cruger….I am the Phantom Ranger. I am the protector of the Morphing Grid as well as the power of every single ranger, past, present, and future. In this and many universes," The Phantom Ranger said, his voice echoing.
Bridge ran his arm across then frowned. "You're not human…" Bridge announced.
"I am not…I was once a member of Eltar. The same world Zordon hails from. However, I was chosen to become what I am now," The Phantom Ranger explained. "And I am here now because there is an upset in the balance…."
"An upset?" Z asked.
"There is a force that wishes to bend the Morphing Grid under his control….I have come because I am gathering rangers to combat him," The Phantom Ranger said.
"Who is he?" Jack asked.
"Drakkon," The Phantom Ranger replied.
"Damn it!" both Jack and Syd exclaimed.
They did fail after all…
"You two seemed displeased," The Phantom Ranger said. "Did you think that Drakkon would no longer be an issue because you two told the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger of their doomed future?"
"You what?" Cruger asked with an outraged tone as he turned to Jack and Syd. Jack stepped in front of Syd.
"I had to tell them," Jack explained. "They were walking into a hell they would not survive. A hell that we had to face. A hell we were all born in…."
"Jack wasn't alone," Syd said.
"Syd…" Jack breathed out.
"No, I will not let you carry the load of this. Not when we both told him. Not when we both agreed," Syd said. "I was going to do the same Commander. They needed to know the truth."
"What you two did was against SPD protocol," Cruger said.
"We know but SPD protocol also states that we are the frontline of evil and if we have a way to stop it, we do it. No matter what the cost, we protect those that cannot protect themselves," Syd said.
"They were going to die and everything was going to be enveloped in a darkness that would claim an infinite amount of lives not only those on Earth but the universe at large. The rangers…They weren't going to live through it. I followed my heart…." Jack said.
"Besides Doggie," Dr. Manx said. "It was for the best…I heard every conversation and we all hinted at all. They would have known something evil was coming that they couldn't stop…"
Cruger let out a sigh and said, "I see…"
"Please remain calm Sydney Drew and Jackson Landers. Your tactic did work. They were able to stop Drakkon's awakening in their timeline but they were not able to stop Drakkon from your timeline from invading…." The Phantom Ranger said.
"What?" Jack asked.
"When changing something in the past, it doesn't erase the past that has occurred. Instead, it creates a new, branching timeline," The Phantom Ranger said.
"That makes sense," Bridge and Dr. Manx said in unison.
"It was thanks to my rangers, Armada Force, that the original timeline your timeline splintered off from was created. From there, Drakkon was created and ruled the world with an iron fist, crushing every ranger that came after him…That timeline is still there…" Phantom Ranger explained. "Your timeline was created thanks to the actions of Ashley Hammond. The former Red Hawk of this universe and now the Mighty Morphin Dawnbreaker Ranger. She failed but it was thanks to her actions that the Space Force Power Rangers were able to bring down Drakkon….And thanks to your actions Jackson Landers and Sydney Drew….Another timeline has appeared and Drakkon was stopped completely…But now, the Drakkon from the original timeline is aware of that universe."
"But how?" Sky asked.
"When changing a timeline, something has to interfere with important players within it. You can preserve a timeline without any changes or, replace one of the players with a clone or a copy….If either can be done, nothing changes…In the timeline you two created, I could sense that one ranger held the power of another…" The Phantom Ranger explained.
"What?!" Z exclaimed.
"I mean, there was Grace Sterling," Bridge said. "But no, you said that it was a duplicate….Swan Song?"
"Swan Song stole the power. The power wasn't given to him….He is not the one…" Phantom Ranger said.
"Then that means…That means that there was another…." Cruger said as realization set in.
"Another ranger that was spying for Drakkon…" Dr. Manx said.
Bridge walked to a pillar, stood upside down with his hands and shut his eyes. Meanwhile, Dr. Manx walked beside him and knelt to his left, her eyes closed and her hands fingertips touching, making a circle with both hands.
"Oh you know its rough when Bridge does that but now Dr. Manx is doing her own…." Z said. "Actually…We've never seen Dr. Manx stumped before have we?"
"This is the first," Sky replied.
Suddenly, both of their eyes opened in realization. "Ranger Slayer!"
"That's right…" Z said with a cross of her arms. "Ranger Slayer disappeared suddenly during the history of this timeline I'm guessing…."
"You are all correct," Phantom Ranger said.
"But…But how?" Sky asked.
"In the original timeline, Ashley Hammond escaped into the timeline you are in now. Drakkon was still able to win and Ashley Hammond from the first Timeline perished while Ashley Hammond from this timeline left but unlike the other timeline, she was followed, and because of that…." Phantom Ranger drifted off.
"Because of that, Drakkon didn't have his killer….And that eventually led to his defeat," Sam said. "This timeline stuff is tricky…So that means since I succeeded in stopping you guys from being killed…I created a timeline as well so that means Nova Ranger is still fighting….That's foreboding…."
"You're not thinking of going back, are you?" Morgana asked.
"I'm…Not sure anymore…" Sam softly admitted.
"That means Ranger Slayer is now in the new timeline we created and now Drakkon knows about the new timelines which means…" Jack drifted off.
"It means every universe is in danger….And we all must band together to stop it," Phantom Ranger finished gravely.
"You're out late tonight Kim,"
Kimberly turned around to face Jason with a small smile. "Just admiring the moon tonight…."
She heard Jason sit beside her and she rested her head against his shoulder. "Tomorrow is when we take down Tommy for good…You think you can do it?" he asked her.
"I do," Kimberly replied honestly. "We have to…Even if we lose him…We need to save him from himself…" She then let out a small breath and said "But despite saying that…I-I'm nervous….What if he goes back to Rita when we fix his mind?"
"We face it together. It's as simple as that…" Jason replied. "But he has to be stopped in order to get their coins back and wake them up…We just need to be careful with how we do it….Of both him and Dawnbreaker…"
"Are you worried about facing her? She is the future Ashley," Kimberly stated.
"I know but revenge has enveloped her…the only way to stop her from killing him and killing you is stopping her too…That is something I have to do…." Jason let out a deep sigh. "All of this was supposed to be so easy but now so much more is on the line…"
Kimberly touched his face, her thumb brushing against the large scar that went down the left side of his face. He slowly, he placed a hand on top of her eyes he closed his eyes. She placed her forehead against his and whispered "If this is our last night, I need to tell you this…It's been you Jason. It always has been. Tommy has shown me through his actions that I made the wrong choice but now…If ….If I were to lose you now, I'd surely lose myself…"
Jason let out a small breath and murmured "Kimberly…This is d-dangerous grounds…"
"You have fought so hard for us…" Kimberly whispered. "Never thinking of yourself. Always for the world and for your friends…Your eye…Your arm…Your relationship with Ashley. You have given so much and you've paid for it….If this is our last night before it all ends…I-I want to spend it with the person who has healed my heart and carried the weight of the world on his shoulders…Jason…Let me be the one to heal your wounded heart…"
The implication hung in the air between and she could see the inner struggling within Jason. She was having that same struggle. She hated that her heart was forcing itself to speak after keeping this buried inside for so long but she…She saw how he struggled and she wanted to be the one to bring light back into his life.
"Kim… Jason whispered out after a moment. "If we do this… This kiss and the actions that come after it…T-This is a line that we may never come back from…"
"I want to cross that line with you…" Kimberly whispered in a faint tone as her lips hovered above his. "So let me be with you, my leader…" she finished before pressing against Jason's own in a soft kiss.
Kimberly's eyes snapped open as she lurched forward off the bed, panting.
The sun was now setting and her body was soaked with sweat.
Kimberly's eyes roamed to the clock saw the time and murmured "They would be Skyforce now with Grace…I can afford a little more rest before I continue my work for him…" Kimberly laid back in bed and let her eyes close.
All she wanted was to dream of a better time.
A time before Drakkon.
A time before the deaths and her betrayals.
The time when she was with her dear leader…
She turned her head and rested her hand against the cracked helmet of the Mighty Morphin Red Ranger placed her forehead against it…
All she had to do was her orders and Jason would be allowed to be by her side once again….
That's all that mattered now.
