Let's keep this going with Part 2!

In an instant, the hangar vanished, replaced by a kaleidoscope of swirling colors and distorted images. Jaune felt as if his body was being stretched and compressed simultaneously, the sensation both exhilarating and terrifying. Through the chaos, fragments of past events flashed before his eyes - the fall of Beacon, the battle of Haven, the evacuation of Atlas - each memory tinged with an otherworldly glow.

Suddenly, everything went dark. Jaune felt a jolt, and the time machine shuddered violently. Warning lights flashed across the control panel as alarms blared. Something had gone wrong. With what sounded like a deafening crash, the vessel burst through an unseen barrier and plummeted toward what he assumed was still Earth.

Jaune's heart raced as the ground rushed up to meet him. He braced for impact, closing his eyes and silently praying to whatever gods might be listening. the time machine plummeted through the canopy of trees, branches snapping and leaves scattering in its wake. Jaune's head slammed against the console, and he tasted blood as the world spun around him. When the vessel finally came to a stop, wedged between two massive oaks, an eerie silence fell over the forest. Dazed and disoriented, Jaune fumbled with his harness, his fingers clumsy from the adrenaline coursing through his veins. He managed to free himself and stumbled out of the smoking wreckage, coughing as he inhaled the acrid fumes then crawling one the soft forest floor towards a nearby tree to sit himself up. As he tried to gather his wits, he heard the snap of a twig nearby.

"Hey, are you okay?" a concerned female voice called out.

Jaune looked up, his vision still blurry and it appeared to be night, to see a young woman with long, dark hair wearing a green jacket and blue jeans.

Jaune blinked, trying to focus on the figure approaching him. His head throbbed, and he could feel a warm trickle of blood running down his temple.

"I... I think so," he managed to croak out, his voice hoarse from the smoke. "Where am I?"

The young woman knelt beside him, her brown eyes filled with concern. "You're just outside Angel Grove. I saw the light and heard the noise from my campsite. what's your name?"

"Jaune Arc" he replied automatically.

"well at least you can remember your name after that crash. what happened?"

Jaune's mind raced. He couldn't exactly tell her he was a time traveler from another dimension, it wasn't even HIS dimension he time traveled from. "I'm... not sure," he lied, "Everything's a bit fuzzy." wincing as he tried to sit up. the young woman gently placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him.

"Easy there, Jaune. You might have a concussion. We should get you checked out." She glanced at the smoking wreckage behind him, her brow furrowing. "What exactly was that thing? Some kind of experimental aircraft?"

Jaune hesitated, his mind scrambling for a plausible explanation but instead settled on a half joke. "It's, uh... a prototype. can't really get into it, it's top secret, because it's very secret...and very top."

Jaune, stop talking

"I should probably stop talking."

the young woman raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but didn't press further. "Right. Well, secret prototype or not, we need to get you some help. although if you're making 'Achieve Men' references you're probably going to be alright"

she offered her hand, helping Jaune to his feet. As he stood, a wave of dizziness washed over him, and he stumbled. she quickly wrapped an arm around his waist, supporting his weight.

"My campsite's not far. We can get you cleaned up there and figure out our next move."

wait...what did she just reference?

As they slowly made their way through the forest, Jaune couldn't help but notice the strange energy emanating from the athletic young woman beside him. It felt familiar, almost like an Aura. he discreetly tried activating his Aura to see if he had somehow ended up home in Remnant and nothing happened. As they walked, Jaune's senses began to sharpen. The forest around them seemed peacefully quiet, devoid of the usual Grimm sounds he was accustomed to. The air felt different too - cleaner, less charged with the ever-present threat of negativity-attracted monsters.

"I'm Tommy, by the way," the young woman said, breaking the silence. "Tommy Oliver."

Jaune nodded, wincing at the movement. "Nice to meet you, Tommy. Thanks for the help. I'm not usually this clumsy, I swear."

Tommy chuckled. "No worries. I've had my shares of landing without a strategy." Something in her tone made Jaune glance at her curiously, but before he could inquire further, they emerged into a small clearing where a tent and a flickering campfire stood. Tommy guided Jaune to a log by the fire and helped him sit down. She rummaged through a backpack, producing a first aid kit.

"So, Tommy," he ventured, trying to sound casual as she treated a few of his wounds, "is Angel Grove your hometown?"

"nope but I am from a different small town far away from here, but this one has got its charms, And its share of excitement, lately."

There was something in her tone that piqued Jaune's curiosity. "Excitement? What kind of excitement is going on around here?"

Tommy hesitated, as if weighing her words carefully. "Oh, you know. Just... strange occurrences. Unexplained phenomena. The usual small-town stuff."

Jaune raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Strange occurrences? That sounds familiar. We had our share of those back home too."

Tommy paused in her ministrations, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Really? Where exactly is 'home' for you, Jaune?"

Realizing he might have said too much, Jaune backpedaled. "Oh, you know, just another small town. Far from here. Very far." He cleared his throat awkwardly. "So, uh, what kind of strange occurrences are we talking about?"

Tommy seemed to study him for a moment before resuming her first aid. "Well, there have been sightings of... unusual beings. Some people are calling them aliens. And then there are the Power Rangers and their giant robots ."

"Power Rangers and giant robots?" Jaune echoed, trying to make the confusion evident in his voice.

good news, this definitely isn't Remnant. "That sounds... intense," he managed, trying to keep his voice steady. "And you're out here camping alone with all that going on?"

A small, knowing smile played at the corners of Tommy's lips. "I can handle myself. Besides, sometimes the forest is safer than the city."

As she spoke, Jaune noticed a faint green glow emanating from her jacket pocket. Tommy's hand instinctively moved to cover her pocket, her expression turning guarded.

Jaune's eyes widened slightly at the mysterious green glow. His mind raced, trying to piece together this new world he'd landed in. Power Rangers, giant robots, aliens...hopefully I've gone back far enough.

An awkward silence fell between them. Jaune could sense there was more to Tommy than met the eye, just as he was hiding his own secrets. He decided to take a risk.

"Look, Tommy," he began, his voice low and serious, "I get the feeling we're both dancing around some pretty big secrets here. so I'll be the first to say it: I'm not from around here - and I mean really not from around here."

"dang, and here I was seeing how long this back and forth would go on for" Tommy joked but did not lower her guard. "so who are you really?"

"I did tell you the truth about my name but there is something I left out. I'm Jaune Arc, Huntsman from the World of Remnant" he caught her reaction of recognition "That's where YOU'RE from too isn't it"

for the first time since they met she became flustered "what, no, that's crazy! what could have possibly given you that idea?!"

"Achieve Men references"

"I mean...that could be here too" she responded feebly

Tommy sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Fine, you got me. Yes, I'm from Remnant, It's...complicated. how did you end up here? And in that..." she gestured in the direction of the wreckage, "ship?"

Jaune ran a hand through his hair, wincing as he touched a tender spot. "It's a long story, but the short version is: I was sent to travel through time to prevent what i can only describe as an 'Apocalyptic Nightmare Manifested' from happening. But something went wrong, and I ended up here instead."

Tommy's eyes widened. "Time travel? That's... wow. I mean, I've seen some crazy things, but that's a new one."

"What about you?" Jaune asked. "How did you end up here?"

Tommy had distant look in her eyes. "It was during the attack at Beacon. When everything went to hell, the Grimm swarmed all over the world. they even made it to my isolated village. I tried to help evacuate the people, but... I got cornered by the Grimm. I thought it was the end."

She paused, her hand unconsciously moving to her pocket again. " I felt this sensation of falling through a void, I thought I was dead" She paused, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Instead, I found myself here, on this world called Earth. It was... disorienting, to say the least. No Grimm, no Dust, no Huntsmen or Huntresses. It was almost peaceful, But there were other threats - aliens, monsters, and other things I'd never imagined."

Jaune leaned forward, intrigued. "And the green light in your pocket?"

Tommy hesitated, then slowly pulled out a small, round glowing gold and green crystal. "This appeared with me. I didn't know what it was at first, but... it has power. It's how I became a Power Ranger."

Jaune's eyes widened. "Wait, you're a Power Ranger too?"

Tommy nodded, a mix of pride and wariness in her expression. "The Green Ranger. It's... not that different from being a Huntress. protect the people, fight the monsters, save the world." she still seemed to be 'distant' for a moment "if only it started out that way"

He was about to probe further when a piercing inhuman screech of rage echoed through the forest. Both Jaune and Tommy instantly tensed, their combat instincts kicking in. The screech wasn't something Tommy had ever heard before but Jaune had.

No she couldn't be here!

A different sound started to approach them, this one was more of a rumble

"What was that?" Jaune asked, his hand instinctively reaching for Crocea Mors before remembering it wasn't there.

Tommy was already on her feet, her posture alert and ready for action. "Trouble," she said grimly. "the other rangers called them 'Putties'. they were Rita's foot soldiers but someone else must be commanding them because she's been dealt with."

As if on cue, a group of grotesque, amalgamation of different stone like humanoid creatures burst into the clearing. Their jerky, unnatural movements sent a chill down Jaune's spine.

"Stay back!" Tommy shouted, stepping in front of Jaune protectively. "no really you're going to want to stand back for this!" she pulled out the 'coin' and held it in front of herself and Jaune heard her whisper "It's morphing time" then shouting "DRAGONZORD"

In a flash of green light, Tommy transformed. Where once stood a young woman in casual clothes, now stood a figure clad in green and gold armor, a dragon-themed helmet obscuring her face. Jaune's jaw dropped at the sight.

"Whoa, so that's how that works" he breathed, momentarily forgetting the danger they were in.

The Green Ranger wasted no time, leaping into action. Her movements were fluid and powerful, each strike precise and devastating. Jaune watched in awe as she effortlessly dispatched the stone creatures, turning them into piles of rubble. her fighting style being a blend of martial arts and something else uniquely her own.

As Tommy battled the Putties, Jaune felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. He couldn't just stand by and watch. Huntsman training kicking in, he scanned the area for anything he could use as a weapon. His eyes landed on a sturdy branch nearby.

Grabbing the makeshift weapon, Jaune charged into the fray. It wasn't Crocea Mors, but it would have to do. "Tommy! On your left!" he shouted, swinging the branch at an approaching Putty.

The Green Ranger turned, surprise evident in her voice. "Jaune, what are you doing? It's too dangerous!"

"I may not have my weapon or my Aura here," Jaune grunted, dodging a Putty's swing, "but I'm still a Huntsman!"

As Tommy continued to fight off the Putties, Jaune couldn't help but feel a pang of uselessness. He was a trained Huntsman, yet here he stood, watching someone else fight. His instincts screamed at him to join the fray, but without his weapon or Aura, he knew he'd be more of a liability than an asset.

"Useless Knight"

oh shi-

He felt a sharp pain in his right shoulder and when he looked he saw a mechanical scorpion stinger and heard the eerily cheerful "Hello there" as 'Ruby' approached from the side.

Jaune's blood ran cold as he turned to face the source of that chillingly familiar voice. right next to him, was the corrupted Ruby Rose holding Crescent Rose. she moved with an unnatural, jerky gait, her silver eyes replaced by glowing black and red orbs. A mechanical scorpion stinger was coming out behind her, giving her a nightmarish scorpion appearance.

"No... it can't be," Jaune whispered, his face pale with shock.

'Ruby' tilted her head, a twisted smile spreading across her face. "Oh, but it is, Jaune. I'd follow you to the ends of any world- or in this case, across dimensions. Did you really think you could escape me? That you could change the future?"

Tommy, having dispatched the last of the Putties, whirled around at the sound of the new voice. "Jaune, who is that?"

Before Jaune could answer, the mechanical stinger retracted from his shoulder, and he stumbled, feeling a burning sensation spreading from the wound. Jaune guessing 'Ruby' had retrieved Crescent Rose from the wreckage.

"Tommy, stay back!" Jaune shouted, gritting his teeth against the pain. "she's been corrupted by Salem!"

The Green Ranger hesitated, clearly torn between helping Jaune and facing this new threat. "Salem? The Queen of the Grimm?"

'Ruby' let out a chilling laugh. "Oh, I'm so much more than that now. Salem gave me power beyond your wildest dreams, Jaune. And now, I'm here to bring you back. We have unfinished business."

Jaune struggled to his feet, fighting against the venom coursing through his system. "I won't let you destroy this world too, Ruby. I can't."

The corrupted Ruby let out a high-pitched giggle that sent chills down Jaune's spine. "Oh Jaune, always trying to protect others. But who's going to protect you?"

Tommy tensed, her instincts kicking in. "you're not taking him anywhere, Grimm" she declared, stepping between Jaune and the nightmarish version of Ruby.

"Oh, a new fighter to play with and one who already knows of Grimm!" Ruby's distorted voice rang out. "Let's see how you fare against a real huntress, little ranger."

'Ruby' twirled Crescent Rose, her movements a twisted parody of her once-graceful fighting style.

With a burst of inhuman speed, 'Ruby' lunged at Tommy, Crescent Rose whistling through the air. The Green Ranger barely had time to dodge, the massive scythe grazing her armor and sending sparks flying.

"Tommy, be careful!" Jaune shouted, his voice strained. "She's faster and stronger than she looks!"

Tommy nodded, her movements becoming more cautious as she circled the corrupted huntress. "I can see that. Any weaknesses I should know about?"

Before Jaune could respond, 'Ruby' attacked again, her mechanical stinger lashing out in tandem with Crescent Rose. Tommy managed to deflect the scythe with her armored gauntlets,

"Weaknesses?" 'Ruby' cackled, her voice a horrifying of malevolence and childlike laugh. "oh no little 'green bean' those have been purged"

Tommy's fighting style was precise and powerful, each movement calculated and efficient. But Ruby's corrupted form moved with unnatural speed and ferocity.

"You're good," the stinger caught her in the side, it couldn't penetrate but the force sent her stumbling back. "But not good enough!" with a swift upper cut and a push Tommy was sent flying into the darkness into a tree which caused a loud snap sound to be heard.

"and with that finished" 'Ruby' took Crescent Rose and bend it in half with her enhanced Grimm strength. the sound of bending metal echoing through the forest.

however amongst the echoing sound he heard a voice: stall her I'll be there soon.

Something was telling him to buy time, for what he didn't know but he also wanted to appeal to whatever might be left of his old friend. he then realized Ruby had already told him how to do that back at Beacon while they would read comics in the library, get the villain to monologue.

"so Ruby, those are Tyrian's wrist blade claws right?" Jaune hoped this would work "how did you get them" he swore he just saw a flash of silver in her red eyes.

'Ruby' paused, her twisted smile faltering for just a moment. "Oh, you noticed? I'm flattered, Jaune. Always so observant." She flexed her hands, the blades glinting in the moonlight.

"Well, let's just say Tyrian didn't need them anymore…after I killed him and Salem didn't even care because I had proven myself far stronger than he ever could be!"

Jaune pressed on, noticing the flicker of hesitation. "And Crescent Rose? Why break your own weapon?"

'Ruby' tensed, her mechanical stinger twitching. "I... I outgrew it. This new form, it's so much more powerful. I don't need relics from my weak past."

As she spoke, Jaune noticed more frequent flashes of silver in her eyes. He was getting through, somehow.

"What about Yang? And Weiss? And Blake? Your team, Ruby. Your family. Do you remember them?"

'Ruby' clutched her head, her movements becoming erratic. "Stop it! They... they don't matter anymore. Salem is my family now. She gave me purpose!"

Jaune tried ignoring the burning pain in his shoulder but it was slowly getting worse. "But at what cost, Ruby? Look at what you've become. This isn't you."

'Ruby' tilted her head, her now intensely glowing red eyes fixed on Jaune. "Oh, but this is me, Jaune. The real me. The me that Salem and the others showed me I could be."

Jaune through his burning pain realized something "others?"

"oh yes the Grimm Titans! even if you could have prevented Salem from winning outright there would still be the Titans" he could have sworn her eyes flashed silver again for a second as she continued with her 'villain monologue'

"marvelous beings that evolved on their own planet for thousands of years all with unique powers and intelligence. Dr. Oobleck was right: the Grimm are no longer mindless."

the burning pain was spreading.

"the venom I've injected you with is a making of their own design that requires a mental fortitude to resiWHY AM I TELLING YOU THIS?!"

Jaune's mind raced, trying to process this new information through the haze of pain. The Grimm Titans... evolved Grimm from another world? It was almost too much to comprehend. But he couldn't give up now.

"Ruby, please," he gasped, fighting to stay conscious. "I know you're still in there somewhere. Fight it!"

For a moment, something did flicker in 'Ruby's' eyes - a flash of silver, a hint of recognition. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced by that eerie red glow.

"Nice try, Jaune," she sneered, "but this isn't that kind of story" she approached him slowly "as we speak the venom i've injected you with will turn you into, well, like me"

almost there

Jaune wondered who was speaking right now and why wasn't 'Ruby' reacting to it?

"you can TRY to fight it but we all know that you're not strong enough for that. you're not even worthy to call yourself a 'hero' let alone a 'Hunter'

Jaune felt his resolve wavering as 'Ruby's' words cut deep, echoing his own self-doubts. The venom coursed through his veins, each heartbeat spreading the corruption further. He could feel his thoughts growing darker, his will to resist fading.

"No," he gritted out, forcing himself to his feet. "I won't... give in."

'Ruby' laughed, the sound grating and inhuman. "Oh Jaune, always the stubborn one. But we both know the truth. You couldn't save Pyrrha! You couldn't save Penny! And you can't save yourself!"

Jaune stumbled, his vision blurring. The world seemed to tilt and spin around him. He could feel something dark and insidious clawing at the edges of his mind, threatening to overwhelm him.

unworthy...unworthy...NO

"You're wrong," he growled, forcing himself to his feet despite the searing pain. "I may not be the strongest or the most skilled, but I am a Huntsman. I will never stop fighting for what's right."

Suddenly, a thunderous roar echoed through the forest. The ground shook, trees swaying violently. 'Ruby' whirled around, her twisted face contorting in confusion trying to find the source, when green fire erupted from the darkness where Tommy had been thrown. The Green Ranger emerged, her helmet visor was cracked on her right side revealing her brown eyes writhed in a fiery green glow.

It was the fire of a Maiden. "I'm not done with you yet!"

'Ruby' was almost shocked "so this was where you were hiding this whole time? the Lost Summer Maiden has reappeared." 'Ruby' returned to her combat stance with what use to be Tyrian's wrist blade claws deployed "now you have my attention"

as the Green Ranger and 'Ruby' charged at each other something strange happened. it was as if time had stopped all around Jaune. It was then he looked down at his had and saw a 'coin' similar to Tommy's but it was white and gold. he almost screamed in surprise when an ethereal white tiger approached him.

The ethereal white tiger stood before Jaune, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly intelligence. A calm and powerful voice echoed in his mind.

"do you believe in Destiny, young Hunter of Remnant? " The tiger's tail swished, its gaze unwavering. its voice could definitely be described as majestic but it sounded like multiple voices speaking in unison.

Jaune stared at the majestic creature, his mind reeling. "Destiny?" he echoed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't know anymore. I thought I did once, but after everything that's happened..."

The tiger's eyes seemed to peer into his very soul. "Destiny is not a fixed path, young Hunter. It is a journey of choices, of growth, of becoming who you are meant to be. You have faced great trials and suffered losses, but you have never stopped moving forward."

Jaune felt a warmth spreading through him, pushing back the icy tendrils of the venom. "But I've failed so many times. I couldn't save Pyrrha, I couldn't save Penny, and now... now Ruby's become this monster."

The tiger's eyes seemed to soften with understanding. "Failure is not the end, young warrior. It is a teacher, a stepping stone on the path to greatness. You have learned from each setback, grown stronger with each challenge. That is the mark of a true hero."

Jaune looked down at the coin in his hand, then back at the tiger. "But what can I do now? I don't have my weapon, my Aura doesn't work here. I'm just... me. i'm not strong enough."

"Strength comes in many forms, Jaune Arc," the tiger replied, its voice resonating with ancient wisdom. "You possess a strength of spirit that few can match. Your ability to inspire others, to lead even in the darkest of times - that is your true power. You, Jaune Arc, are a protector, a leader, a friend to many. once you can see yourself in that light, the full extent of this power will be unlocked but for now, in this moment" The tiger's eyes blazed with an intense light.

"You are worthy"

Jaune felt a surge of determination coursing through him, pushing back the last vestiges of doubt and fear. He thought of his friends back on Remnant, of the people he'd sworn to protect. He thought of Tommy, fighting alone against the corrupted Ruby. And he thought of Ruby herself, trapped somewhere inside that monstrous form. it was too late to save her as she was now but perhaps, in the future…

"the next time around, I will save you Ruby" THAT is what he must prevent, The point where everything broke.

Jaune closed his eyes, feeling the coin's energy coursing through him. When he opened them again, the tiger was gone, but its presence lingered. Time began to move again, and he could hear the sounds of battle nearby. Jaune held up the coin and almost by pure instinct, or maybe it was something guiding him, called out, "It's morphin' time! White Tiger!"

in a flash of brilliant white light, he transformed. Where Jaune Arc once stood, now stood the White Ranger. His armor was a gleaming white with gold accents, a tiger motif adorning his helmet. He felt stronger, faster, more powerful than ever before. The ranger armor, while looking bulkier then the ones he saw before, felt both foreign and familiar, like a second skin. He flexed his fingers, feeling the power coursing through him. It wasn't Aura, but something different, something ancient and primal.

The sounds of battle drew his attention back to the present. Tommy, her eyes still blazing with the power of a Maiden, was locked in fierce combat with the corrupted Ruby. The two were moving at incredible speeds, green fire clashing against the dark energy of the Grimm.

Jaune knew he had to act fast. With a thought, a gleaming white sword materialized in his hand, its blade etched with intricate tiger designs. He charged forward, his movements faster and more fluid than he'd ever experienced.

"Ruby!" he called out, his voice amplified by the helmet. "This ends now!"

The corrupted Ruby whirled around, her twisted face contorting in surprise at the sight of the White Ranger. "Jaune? How... how is this possible!?"

Jaune's voice rang out, filled with newfound confidence. "I won't let you hurt anyone else."

He charged forward, his white blade clashing against the mechanical tail. The two warriors danced in a deadly ballet, their movements a blur of white and black. Tommy, still wreathed in green flames, joined the fray, her attacks complementing Jaune's with uncanny precision.

"You can't stop what's coming, Jaune!" Ruby screeched, her mechanical stinger lashing out. "Salem and her Grimm Titans will corrupt everything!"

Jaune dodged the stinger, his enhanced reflexes allowing him to move with incredible speed.

"we won't be fighting them alone," he grunted, parrying another strike from the stinger.

Tommy flanked 'Ruby', her fists wreathed in green fire. "Whatever's coming, we'll face it together."

The corrupted Ruby let out an inhuman screech of frustration, her attacks becoming more frenzied and erratic. "You don't understand! The power they wield, it's beyond anything you can imagine! they are the sins of mortals in eldritch form!"

Jaune saw an opening and took it, his white blade slicing through the air. It connected with 'Ruby's' mechanical stinger, severing it in a shower of sparks and black ichor. The corrupted huntress howled in surprise and rage.

"then we'll show them a power they'll never see coming" a voice shouted from the darkness.

"JAUNE PIN HER WITH THE SWORD THEN GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

in one swift motion Jaune stabbed 'Ruby' through the foot into the ground and rolled out of the way.

multiple voices in unison shouted "Power Blaster, FIRE!"

A blinding beam of multicolored energy erupted from the darkness, slamming into the pinned 'Ruby' with devastating force. The corrupted huntress screamed, her form engulfed in a maelstrom of light and power. As the light faded, Jaune looked up to see five more Rangers emerging from the forest - Red, Blue, Black, Yellow, and Pink.

Tommy sighed in relief "how did you know?"

The Red Ranger stepped forward, "big beams of light shooting into the sky, knew it had to be something. Looks like we arrived just in time."

The corrupted Ruby collapsed to her knees, her form smoking and crackling with residual energy and her eyes flickering between her Grimm-corrupted red eyes and her original silver ones. "I'm...sorry...I wasn't strong...enough." she fell forward and vanished in a swirl of black smoke. the only thing left of Ruby now was the broken Crescent Rose.

Jaune stared at the spot where Ruby had vanished, his heart heavy with a mix of sorrow and relief. He demorphed, the white armor disappearing in a flash of light, leaving him feeling drained but clear-headed.

"I'll save you the next time around, Ruby," he whispered. "that is my Arc promise." He picked up the broken pieces of Crescent Rose, cradling them gently.

Tommy approached, her own Ranger form dissolving. She placed a comforting hand on Jaune's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

Jaune nodded slowly. "I will be, But I have work to do."

"no Jaune 'we' have work to do" Tommy corrected him

The other Rangers gathered around, demorphing as well. Jaune found himself facing a group of young looking people, maybe the same age as him, maybe a little older, each wearing expressions of curiosity and wariness.

"So," the former Red Ranger said, stepping forward. "Want to tell us who you are and what just happened? also how did you get the prototype power coin?"

Jaune straightened up, his eyes filled with determination. "My name is Jaune Arc, Huntsman from the World of Remnant, and the short version is: I was sent here through time to prevent a Nightmare future from happening."

The other Rangers exchanged confused glances as Jaune explained. The former Black Ranger spoke up, "Remnant, like where you're from Tommy? " Tommy stepped forward, "It's true, He is from Remnant, Just like me."

"but Time travel also?" the former Black Ranger continued "This sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie."

The former Yellow Ranger responded with "we fight monsters in multicolored armor suits"

"well yeah, that's real" the Black Ranger stated

the Yellow Ranger could only respond with a look that said 'I can't tell if you're being serious right now and that's very concerning'

Jaune continued "many worlds are in grave danger. That creature you just helped us defeat, She used to be my friend, Ruby. She was corrupted by an ancient evil named Salem and something she called the Grimm Titans."

The former Blue Ranger's eyes were wide with fascination. "That's incredible! implications of Time travel alone are-"

"Billy,"

The former Pink Ranger cut Billy off with a gentle nudge. "Maybe we should save the science talk for later. This sounds serious."

Jaune nodded gravely. "It is. The future I came from... it's a nightmare. Salem and these Grimm Titans, they don't just conquer the dimension I just came from. They were going to spread to other worlds, other dimensions. maybe even this one."

Jaune looked down at the broken pieces of Crescent Rose in his hands, then back up at the group. "I need to go back to that dimension. traveling through time worked but I'm going to need to stop the event where everything went wrong."

The former Pink Ranger stepped forward, her expression determined. "If there's a threat big enough to corrupt and potentially endanger multiple worlds, then it's our duty as Rangers to help stop it."

The others nodded in agreement.

"Alright then, since the team is in agreement" the Red Ranger said, extending his hand to Jaune who reached out and shook the Red Ranger's hand firmly. "Thank you. I... I can't tell you how much this means."

The Red Ranger nodded. "I'm Jason. This is Trini, Billy, Zack, and Kimberly," he said, gesturing to each of his teammates in turn. "And it looks like you've already met Tommy."

Jaune nodded, a small smile crossing his face despite the gravity of the situation. "Yeah, she saved my life back there."

Tommy shrugged, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "You held your own pretty well too, once you got that coin."

Billy's eyes lit up with excitement. "Speaking of which, we really need to discuss how you acquired the prototype coin! The fact that it chose you is fascinating!"

Trini rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Billy, focus."

"the time machine was damaged in the crash, and I'm not sure how to get back." Jaune informed them but Billy's eyes lit up again. "A time machine? Oh man, I've got to see this! Maybe I can help fix it!"

Jason nodded, taking charge. "Alright, here's the plan. Billy, you and Jaune go check out this time machine. See if you can repair it or at least salvage some useful tech. The rest of us will head back to the ship and brief Zordon on the situation."

Jaune couldn't help but smile at the team's dynamic. It reminded him of his own friends back on Remnant. The thought sobered him quickly.

"We need to figure out how to get back to the dimension I was at before I came here" Jaune said, his voice filled with determination.

Billy's eyes lit up. "I might be able to help with that. If we can analyze the energy signature from your arrival, we might be able to replicate it and create a portal."

Jason nodded. "Sounds like a plan. We should head back to the ship, use its resources."

Tommy looked at Jaune. "Are you sure you're up for this? You've already been through a lot."

Jaune stood tall, his eyes filled with resolve. "I have to be. The fate of not just my world, but countless others, depends on it. We need to stop Salem and the Grimm Titans before they can spread their corruption further."

Tommy nodded, a mix of admiration and concern in her eyes.

"Alright then. let's get started."

next up: theme song