Disclaimer: I don't own the Rangers. You know that by now. Once again this isn't a pretty little fic like I normally do, this is a lot darker. If you're offended by violence or death then please be warned, they are included. This isn't the last of these, although I am almost finished the series. Hopefully I'll be surprising the hell out of everyone. Once again, thanks to Cinders for beta reading.
Destiny
Chronicles 8 : Strong are the Many and the Few.
By Mouse.
'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.' – Captain Spock, Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn.
Phaedos, June 2000
Jason leaned his head wearily back against the rock. He was sitting over looking the Neola jungle, trying to make sense of the last couple of months.
They had begun fighting Dathan's creatures and had slowly gained the upper hand. He had then kidnapped four Rangers, resulting in the death of Damon. He then had released the others, unfortunately Carlos with a broken leg and Kat a few days after the others. Apparently she had intrigued him when she told him to bugger off. Go figure that one out! They had then decided that the only way to draw Dathan out was to attempt to close the Great Barrier, thus trapping him for all time behind it.
To say the least that attempt didn't work. And it had cost them the life of T'Risa, Bill's wife.
Bill had then gone on to finish sealing the barrier, but the majority of Dathan's essence was now irretrievable stuck on this side of the barrier for good. So then the stalemate had started.
What seemed like a never-ending running battle between the remaining Rangers and Dathan's forces. For some reason he hadn't brought his planet killer against any Ranger friendly planet, yet. Jason sighed and his mind turned once again his one of his oldest friend, as it had done every day for the last two months.
After the effort of sealing the barrier Bill had collapsed and then slept for almost five days solid. When he woke he said nothing to anyone and then just up and disappeared. They hadn't heard from him at anytime. To say the least, Jason was worried sick about him, and everything else. Sighing again he opened his eyes as he felt someone sit next to him. He smiled at his wife as she snuggled close to him and he put his arm around her.
"Are you okay? You've been sitting here for a couple of hours."
"Yeah. Just thinking about things. Mainly what's been happening over the last couple of months."
"I know. Just think, if we were home right now we'd be getting ready to celebrate our wedding anniversary." Jason felt a pang of guilt.
"Yeah, our first. I wanted to make it very special for you." She smiled at him.
"Just as long as I'm here with you, that's all that matters." He nodded and looked out over the jungle again, taking in its serenity. "How is everyone?" Trini giggled something you wouldn't expect from the serene doctor.
"Well. Carlos is finally walking without crutches, just has a slight limp. Aisha's burns have finally healed; she's only got a little scarring to show where they were. Rocky's arm will be ready to come out of plaster in a day or so. Leo will be up on crutches in a day or two and T.J.'s hearing has come back 100%. Justin is busy helping Carlos, Kai and Alpha work on the Zords to repair them. His scar's are fading slowly but he's going to have a permanent one on his face."
"What about Andros?" She sighed.
"He's still in a coma. Dulcea thinks that his brain has been injured, and I tend to agree. We just don't know when he'll come out of it. Ashley, Karone and Zhane are all taking turns watching him when we're here. I just don't know Jason. All his other injuries have healed, he's just not waking up." Jason hugged his wife close. He knew that she took it personally that he wasn't waking up. He went to say something but some commotion from the temple made them look around. Tom was yelling at them to come back. They both stood and jogged over to the temple.
"What's going on Tom?" Tom just shrugged.
"Don't know. Dulcea just said to gather everyone."
"Oh." The stood in silence as all the remaining Rangers assembled. Justin, Kai and Carlos had come down from the remaining Zords. When they were all assembled Dulcea stepped out in front of them.
"Rangers. You have suffered much over these last six months, more than any team has had to before. I have finished translating the prophecy and I will now reveal what it says to you." They all looked at one another, shocked. Dulcea had been trying to translate the prophecy for eons, and now she gets it finally, something wasn't right. Jason stepped forward.
"Hang on a minute Dulcea. I thought you said that you've been trying for ages to translate that prophecy and now you finally get it. Doesn't that just sound a little too convenient." His voice was sceptical.
"I know. And you'll understand why in a moment." Dimitra stepped out next to her friend.
"Together we have been working on this night and day Rangers. All will be revealed."
"I hate it when she does that." Adam muttered to Tanya, only to receive an elbow to the ribs. Dulcea began to speak. "And lo, the mate of the Wolf will fall, and this will signal the beginning of the end for the darkness. And a stalemate shall occur for many months while the Wolf grieves, as the universe will grieve with him. Choices were made, and will be undone but one thing remains. The Wolf and the Evil One will face each other in a final battle on the eve of a new milliuem and only one will survive. But before the final battle the Wolf will have to choose his destiny and the destiny of his companions. For it is seen that out of his companions, only some will survive. Two Red and two Black will fall; one Pink, one Yellow and one Blue will fall. These deaths will not be in vein, as their spirits will live on forever as the very fabric of the universe. But the power of the Wolf is so strong, that these deaths will enhance his resolve to face the final battle. Mark these words well, as for they will not appear until just before the final battle is ready to be fought. Be strong Rangers, the Wolf needs all your strength and nobility to enable him to face his destiny."
They assembled Rangers stood there, shock written all over their features. Not only had they already lost four Rangers but also now the prophecy said that they were going to lose more. Jason took a deep breath and looked at Dulcea.
"These words of the prophecy, they are taken as a given I suppose? That what is written will happen?" His voice was steady as a rock.
"Yes. If that's what a prophecy says, that is usually the case." Taking Trini's hand in his he then looked her in the eyes and asked the question that was on everyone's mind.
"So that means another four Rangers are going to die."
"Yes."
"There's nothing we can do to stop that?"
"I'm afraid not Jason. Once it is written, it is extremely unusual for them to undone."
"Thank you Dulcea. I understand." She nodded and stepped away from the middle of the temple, Dimitra joining her. Trini squeezed his hand and he knew what he had to do. He stepped into the middle of the circle.
"Well, you've heard her guys. Four more of us aren't going to make it. So if anyone wants to back out and go home now, we all understand." He then looked at each one of them, trying to gauge their reactions. And as he looked at each one, they spoke.
"You can't get rid of me that easy Jason." Tom smiled as he spoke.
"Hey, we're a team. I'm not going anywhere." Kim held her husband's hand tight.
"I'll stay with you Jason." He smiled at the youngest Ranger.
"Hey, you've got to have the comic relief now don't you?" Everyone laughed at Rocky.
"I haven't got anything important to do at home." Kat just grinned as she spoke.
"We'll be staying Jason." He nodded at Adam and Tanya.
"Hey it wouldn't be a party without me now would it!" Aisha just grinned at everyone. Leo looked up from where he had been talking to his team.
"We'll stay. All of us."
"Thank you Leo." He looked at Zhane. Since Andros's incapacitation the former silver Ranger had been leading the astro team.
"Hey, you need someone good looking now don't you?" everyone just laughed and shook his or her heads. Nothing could make him be serious. Karone spoke next.
"We'll be staying. It what Andros would want." At the mention of the unconscious Red Ranger they all sobered momentarily. Jason just nodded at her and looked at Ashley.
"Cassie, T.J. and I will be staying."
"Thank you. Every one. You don't have to stay; I don't want to loose any of you. But that's the price we pay for fighting for what we believe in. I just don't know what to say."
"How about welcome back?"
* * *
The Revenge.
Dathan prowled around his ship aimlessly. He had been sending his Rocknie monsters every so often to various planets in the universe to keep the Rangers busy. More for something to do than any desire to hurt them. But he had been watching some of the battles and knew that occasionally they were getting injured. Sighing he waved his hand and sent twenty rocknie's to Delta Prime. It has a remote human outpost; had no value rather than he hadn't attacked it yet. Sighing he settled down in his over stuffed chair and set himself to watch the battle.
* * *
Phaedos.
Everyone crowed around Bill, hugging him and reassuring themselves he wasn't an illusion that he really was there. He smiled slightly at all of them and then everyone parted to let Jason through. Somehow they all understood the deep friendship between the two of them and knew that they would both be glad to see each other.
"Your back."
"I suppose I am. Sorry about taking off on you."
"That's okay. You had reason. How are you doing?"
"I'm okay." Jason just nodded and could see that his friend was everything but. Suddenly laughing out loud he grabbed his friend in a huge bear hug, which Bill returned just as enthusiastically. There was gauntness to Bill's face now, and he eyes were full of barely suppressed pain. Jason released him and just nodded, he knew that if he wanted to talk he would, later.
"So, where have you been Bill? We've all been worried sick about you?"
"Went to Eltare. Had to tell T'Risa's family what had happened and had to make a few arrangements. Stayed there for a little while to get my head back on straight but then I realised that the battle isn't going to stop because I've lost someone, so here I am."
"We are so glad to have you back Bill."
"Thanks Adam." He went to say more but just then everyone's communicator beeped. Jason activated his.
"What's up Alpha?"
"Jason, Dathan has sent rocknie's to Delta Prime. There's a small colony located there and they have no defences."
"Set a course. We'll be there right away." Jason closed the channel and looked around at the assembled Rangers. "Okay. Rocky, you're staying here with Leo. Neither of you can fight at the moment and I'm not putting you in harm's way until your better. Aisha, you will be our back up in the zords, you have almost healed." Aisha nodded and Rocky opened his mouth to protest but Kat quickly covered his mouth with her hand and nodded at Jason. "Let's go." As one the remaining Rangers raised their communicators and disappeared in streams of coloured light. Rocky sighed and looked at Leo.
"Come on then Leo. We might as well go watch Andros. Maybe if I tell him some of my jokes." Leo smiled as they started towards the cave.
"Yeah, he'll probably wake up to tell you to shut up."
"Hey!"
* * *
Delta Prime.
The Rangers arrived already morphed to the planet's surface. Jason spilt them into four teams, three teams of five and one team of four. Each team was to take out five rocknies each and try to stay alive. Easier said than done.
The first team of five consisted of the Ashley, Cassie, T.J., Carlos and Zhane. They took the rocknies that were attacking what looked like the local hospital. Using tatics developed over many battles Carlos and Zhane called forth their power weapons while the other three Rangers drove each rocknie towards the two waiting Rangers.
"Silver Power Sword!"
"Black Power Lance!" When they had first used their power weapons, Zhane had discovered to his great delight that even though he was a Black Ranger, his power weapon reflected his inner power colour. So, in a way, he still got to sort of play silver Ranger. The first rocknie that Cassie sent their way soon disappeared in a shower of sparks and an explosion of rock. Zhane looked over at Carlos and you could hear in the smile in his voice.
"This is soo much fun!"
Team two consisted of Mike, Kendrix, Karone, Maya and Kai. They used the same tactic as the other teams. Expect it was Kendrix and Karone that had the pleasure of destroying the creatures.
"Pink Power Bow!
"Pink Power Staff!" When they had been discussing their power weapons Kendrix and Kim had both been delighted to find out that they shared the same power weapon they had immediately began training with them together. Now nothing could beat the pair of Pink archers. With practised ease the two Pink Rangers dispatched their first rocknie. Karone looked at her friend.
"This is starting to get too easy."
Team three was made up of Tom, Kat, Adam, Tanya and Justin. They were using a variation of the standard tactic. Each of them was taking turns in destroying rocknie's, as Tom thought that it was only fair each of them got a turn. So each of them used their power weapons.
"Red Power Sword!"
"Pink Power Boomerang!"
"Black Power Axe!"
"Yellow Power Stars!"
"Blue Power Sling-shot!" They attacked as the team that they were. Kat had told Rocky that after they had used their power weapons for the first time, she had felt honoured in an obscure way getting a weapon that was unique to her country. Rocky had replied as if they would trust anyone but an Australian with a boomerang! With practised ease they all dispatched their rocknies easily. Tom looked around uneasily, unconsciously echoing Karone's words.
"This is getting to easy."
The others were fighting the rocknies on the edge of a cliff, which is near where the planet's spaceport was located. Bill had remarked on arrival that it was a stupid place for a battle, and now they all agreed with him. Kim had taken a glancing blow to close to the edge of the cliff and was now dangling about fifty metres above rocks. Jason was trying to get her while Trini and Bill kept the rocknie's busy but wasn't having much luck. Just as it was starting to look hopeless the astro team arrived. Taking out one rocknie Zhane looked over at them.
"Need a hand?"
"Very funny Zhane. T.J., you and Carlos help Jason. The rest of us lets get rid of these things." Bill could tell that Trini didn't appreciate the humour.
"Right." With renewed vigour they began to battle the rocknie's, able to concentrate on the fight now that extra help was here. Using their power weapons, the Blue Power Lance for Bill and Trini's Yellow Power Daggers, they quickly dispatched another rocknie and Bill looked at his friend and something like his normal cheerful self came through in his voice.
"Brings back a lot of memories doesn't it?"
"Yes. All of them good." She ducked under a clumsy kick by a rocknie and spinning around with one of hers she sent the monster towards Cassie who quickly dispatched it with her Pink Power Stunner and Ashley helped with her Yellow Power Stinger. She watched satisfied as what she thought was the last rocknie being destroyed. She turned to see how Jason and the others were doing rescuing Kim when she saw the very last one heading straight for them.
"Look out!"
Carlos and T.J. had gone over to help Jason rescue Kim. The main problem was that Jason couldn't quite reach her. So Carlos had grabbed his ankles and lowered Jason down towards her, and T.J. had anchored them. When he saw the rocknie heading towards them he was in the middle of pulling them all up, as Jason had succeeded in grabbing Kim.
"Everyone hang on to something!" he yelled and just had time to let go of Carlos's ankles before the rocknie ploughed into him full force and carried him over the edge. With a roar of triumph the rocknie plummeted to the rocks below with T.J. trapped firmly in his arms. Jason and Carlos could plainly see T.J. struggling to reach his communicator and Jason tried to reach his to get Aisha to teleport him up when T.J. hit the rocks. With a kind of fascinating horror they watched as T.J.'s body bounced two or three times before finally coming to rest on the rocks below. Trying to control his emotions Jason yelled out.
"Pull us up! Now!" Zhane and Bill quickly grabbed Carlos's ankles and pulled them safely back up. Cassie and Ashley were hugging each other, crying, while Carlos was just looking stunned. Kim stumbled into Jason's arms crying and then looked down at T.J.'s body.
"Oh my god. This is my entire fault. If I had been more careful…." Jason shook his head and when he spoke, they could hear the tears in his voice.
"No it wasn't Kim. He was just trying to help you. It's no one's fault Kim. He was doing what a power Ranger always does, protecting lives." He raised his communicator and activated it.
"Aisha. Are all the rocknie's destroyed?"
"Yes Jason. I saw what happened. I'm scanning for life signs now. I'm not detecting any other than the people on the top of the cliff. I'm sorry."
"That's okay Aisha. Can you teleport him to the Anzac please. We're coming back." With a nod to his fellow Rangers he touched the button on his communicator and they all disappeared.
When they got back to the zords all of them assembled in the control room of the Anzac. Jason spoke when everyone was finally presents his voice heavy with emotion.
"We just lost T.J. A rocknie escaped our notice for a moment and ran straight at him. He was helping me rescue Kim at the time and didn't have a chance to defend himself. The rocknie carried him straight over the cliff and onto the rocks below. There was nothing any of us could do." Kim started crying again and Tom put his arms around her.
"This is all my fault. If I had been more careful that rocknie wouldn't have been able to get me over that cliff and …"
"Hey Kim. It's no one's fault. It's the way things happen. None of us wishes it had happened but it did. We have to keep going and we have to win, for them." They all looked at each other, lost in they're own thoughts until Justin spoke up, tears streaming down his face and his voice filled with emotions.
"The prophecy. It's coming true. We've now lost a Red Ranger. That means were going to lose another Red Ranger, a Pink Ranger and a Yellow Ranger. I don't want to lose any more of you. Too many of us are dying, and for what?" Tanya gathered him in her arms and speaking softly she spoke what they were all thinking.
"That may be true Justin, but we haven't lost anyone else yet. And we're going to try our hardest not to lose anyone else. But if that's a person's destiny, and they are doing something that they believe in with all their hearts, who are we to say that shouldn't have happened, that they died in vein. No one since we began this quest, has died in vein. Think about it Justin. Trey died warning us that Dathan had broken through the barrier. Zack died saving Jason and the others. Damon died trying to get information why Dathan was doing this. T'Risa died sealing the Great Barrier to try and keep him out and now T.J. has died saving Kim. Do you think any of them have died in vein? Do you think that any of them have regrets?" He looked at her, tears shimmering in his eyes.
"I don't know. I don't think so. I mean, they died helping us."
"Exactly. That's all we can hope for, is a death with meaning. Now, do you think that any of those died without meaning?"
"No. They died with honour."
"That's all that any of us can hope for Justin. Is a death with honour and meaning."
* * *
The Revenge.
Dathan sighed. He wasn't sure if he was pleased with another Ranger's death or not. There was now one less to fight him, to oppose his plans. But what were his plans? What did he hope to gain by dominating the universe? Troubled by these thoughts he sat in his overstuffed chair and thought unusual thoughts.
* * *
Phaedos.
They had arrived back deeply saddened by T.J.'s death but had come to some sort of understanding of it. Tanya's words had not only affected Justin, but also all of them. They teleported down to find Dulcea, Dimitra, Leo and Rocky waiting for them, each of them wearing a sombre expression. Without words all the Rangers gathered around T.J.'s body. Carlos and Zhane went over to it and by some unspoken signal they lifted it and took it over to the bonfire that was already prepared. Lying his body on the top of it they stepped back to their friends. Karone entwined her hand with Zhane's tightly and Carlos put his arm around Cassie. She was taking it really hard as they had been extremely close. Dulcea picked up a firebrand from the fire and tossed it onto the bonfire. Jason stepped forward and spoke softly.
"We all knew T.J. We all know what a good leader he was of the Turbo team, and what a great Astro Ranger he made. Today he made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow Rangers. There are no words to say how we feel except thank you T.J. May your spirit become one with the universe and may your soul know peace and happiness." The flames roared around his body and into the night air. Without words all the Rangers joined hands and silently bid farewell to one of their own.
Phaedos, August 2000.
Bill sat against an outcropping of rock, looking over the jungle. Ironically he was in the same spot Jason found himself not three weeks ago, wondering what was going on. Jason sighed and walked over to his friend and sat down, not saying anything. The friendship between these two was that deep that words didn't need to be said, but they were anyway.
"How are you doing Bill?"
"Okay, I guess. It's not easy."
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"You're doing it by being here Jason. You don't know how much that means to me." They fell silent again and sat watching the sunrise over the jungle. They both closed their eyes and felt the suns first rays on their faces. Both of them took deep breaths of the fresh morning air and enjoyed one of nature's most beautiful scenes.
"I've always loved the sunrises here Jason. When we first came, that first ever one I saw, it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Wish you could have been with us then."
"So do I." They sat there quietly for about another thirty minutes and then on the gentle breeze came the sounds of the guys getting up and preparing to face the day. Jason stood and held his hand out to Bill.
"Come on little bro, let's get this day under way." Grinning wryly at Jason's words Bill took his hand and pulled himself to his feet. He held his hand for a moment and looked him in the eyes.
"Thanks Jason, for everything." They looked at each other for a moment and Jason nodded in understanding. Grinning he slapped Bill on the back lightly and they moved over to the camp.
* * *
The Revenge.
Dathan had been mulling over the prophecy's words. His copy of the prophecy had suddenly translated itself and he saw that it was inevitable that he was to fight one last battle with the Blue Wolf Mage. And to be totally honest with himself, he wasn't sure that he cared if he won or not. Sighing he waved his hand and looked over various planets. He was bored again and decided to send some more rocknie's out. He settled for Vega Nine. It was uninhabited but was full of ruins and left overs from the war that wiped out the people of Vega Nine. He sent off another dozen rocknies and settled back in his chair to watch. Then on a whim, and with just a thought, he moved the Revenge so that it was orbiting the planet. He wanted to talk to the Rangers and this would be the easiest way for him.
* * *
Ultra Zord Anzac.
The Ultra Zord was on its way back from a supply run to earth for the Rangers. A steady diet of fresh fruits and vegetables was all well and good. And the synthetron provided them with some meat items but they all took a vote and the zord was sent to earth to get supplies. It only had a small crew, being that they didn't envisage any problems. So Tom and Kim, plus Cassie and Carlos had gone to earth. While Tom and Kim got the supplies it was Cassie and Carlos's job's to go see the Rangers families, and let them all know that everyone was okay. The notification of the families of the fallen Rangers had fallen wholly and solely on Jason's shoulders and he carried out that duty with a heavy heart.
Carlos was sitting in the pilot's seat while Cassie was doubling the inventory in the hold. Tom and Kim had sat the last watch and were now in their cabin, sleeping, supposedly. Smiling to himself Carlos had to admit that they were made for each other, that much was evident. He looked up as the sensor panel started beeping suddenly. He walked over to it and looked at what it was saying. Swearing to himself he hit his communicator.
"Guys, we have rocknie's on a planet about ten parsecs away. I'm changing course to intercept, you'd better get up here." He closed the channel and moved back to the pilot's seat, quickly inputting the new course details. He had just completed the turn when the doors opened and the others walked in. Kim went to the sensor panel and Tom over to him. Cassie quickly activated all the ship's weapons. Tom looked at the information on Carlos's screen and then walked over to Kim.
"How many?"
"A dozen. Sensors show the planet is deserted, no life signs other than the rocknies. And, oh my god." Her voice caught in her throat, Kim could hardly say the words.
"Kim, what is it?" She swallowed and spoke.
"The Revenge. It's in orbit around the planet."
* * *
Phaedos.
They had been doing a work out when the call came in from Carlos. With a heavy heart Jason ordered Leo and Rocky to stay behind again. Leo was still on crutches and Rocky had only gotten his arm out of plaster two days ago, Trini didn't to risk permanent damage to it. So the remaining Rangers left on the Hope to meet up with the others. Ashley quickly set the course and sent them on their way at maximum speed. Bill quickly worked it out with Justin and they both agreed. They would arrive about ten minutes after the others.
* * *
Vega Nine.
The four Rangers teleported down to the surface, morphed and ready for anything. They we walking along what was left of a ruined street, looking everywhere for the rocknies but not spotting them.
"What happened here?"
"I don't know. Looks like a war or something. Why would Dathan waste his time sending rocknie's here?"
"I don't know. But I don't like this place Tom. I really don't."
"I hear that Carlos." They walked along the street and then about halfway down it a couple of rocknies came charging at them from a side street. Reacting instinctively they all called their weapons.
"Red Power Sword."
"Pink Power Bow."
"Black Power Lance."
"Pink Power Stunner."
The four Rangers raced forward to meet the rocknie's. Kim and Cassie held back slightly and both of them let fly, Kim with her explosive arrows and Cassie with her stunner. One of the rocknie's exploded in a cloud of pink power and they both cheered. Tom and Carlos quickly dispatched the other one. They stood in the middle of the street, not even breathing hard. Tom looked around, confusion in his tone.
"That was two easy. It was like those rocknie's were throwing their lives away."
"I know. It's weird. Every attack in the last couple of months has been like this, just a useless waste of lives." As soon as she said it Kim regretted her words. She had almost forgotten about T.J.'s death in the last battle. She turned to his former companions. "I'm sorry, that came out all wrong." Carlos looked at her while Cassie just bowed her head.
"That's okay Kim. We know what you meant. Don't we Cassie?" Cassie just nodded and walked away. Kim looked over at Tom, mute appeal in that gesture that he understood. Carlos went to go after her but Tom stopped him.
"I"ll go talk to her man." He walked over to speak to her and they stood near a building. He said something to her which she didn't like hearing and turned away from him she started walking away. He took off after her and just as he grabbed her arm her foot brushed against something. The resulting explosion sent Kim and Carlos flying back about twenty feet into another building. Both of them lost consciousness.
* * *
The Revenge
Dathan sat up straight when he saw the explosion. It wasn't his doing, so what had happened. He sent a questing thought down to the planet, but only found two Rangers alive. He looked around some more and realised that what ever had happened, it was left over from the war that these inhabitants had fought. He gathered his thoughts and looked around. He could sense the other Rangers approaching. Acting quickly he brought his rocknie's back and opened a communication channel with the approaching Zord.
* * *
Ultra Zord Hope.
"Jason, I'm reading a large explosion in the vicinity of the others." Bill spoke, his voice laced with concern.
"Are they okay?"
"Can't tell. To much interference." Jason just frowned and looked at Ashley.
"Get us into teleport range. How long?"
"Two minutes at the most."
"Good." He looked up as Aisha's panel beeped. She looked up at him, surprise on her face.
"Incoming communication from Dathan." They all gasped in shock. Was he calling to gloat again, like he did when Zack and Trey died. Jason nodded and she opened the channel.
"Rangers. I'm here to tell you that an explosion has happened on the planet below. I did not cause this. The inhabitants of this planet had a war that wiped themselves out. I surmise that a few unexploded weapons were left lying around. I'm sorry, I only wanted to distract you, not destroy." He closed the channel and an excited babbling broke out. Aisha turned to Jason, hate in her voice, which was unusual for the normally pleasant girl. But then again, she had Zack had been very close.
"Are we going to believe that liar?" Jason went to say something but stopped when Zhane put his hand on his shoulder. He then walked over to Aisha, and all eyes were on him. His normal smile and easygoing manner much in abeyance he spoke softly.
"Dathan's telling the truth about that planet Aisha. The people who lived on Vega Nine wiped themselves out ten years ago in a huge war. There were no survivors. No one goes to that planet because of just what happened. They left a lot of unexploded things lying around down there. Dathan didn't kill anyone down there, but if our friends are hurt, he is indirectly responsible, okay? But he was telling us the truth." She struggled against accepting his words but they slowly made sense and she sighed, expelling the hate she felt.
"All right Zhane. I'll take your word for it, he's indirectly responsible. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." He nodded and just then Ashley spoke up.
"We're in teleportation range now."
"Good. Ashley you stay put in case the Revenge does anything, okay?"
"Okay Jason." He looked at his companions.
"Okay, let's not go down there unmorphed. It's morphin Time!"
* * *
Vega Nine
Groaning Carlos opened his eyes and quickly closed them again. The pain in his head was instense and his whole body was aching. Opening his eyes again slowly he braced himself against the pain and took stock of himself. Nothing was broken thankfully but he had lots of bruises and his head was ringing. He then remembered what had happened and looked around for the others. He could see one of Kim's leg's sticking out from behind some rubble so getting himself to his feet he staggered over to her. She was trapped beneath some rubble. He tried shifting it when he heard the sound of teleporting Rangers. He stagged over to the doorway and yelled at them. They saw him and came over running. Trini sat him down and he pointed to where Kim was lying.
"Kim's trapped. Still alive I think." Jason motioned to the others to go over and get her out. He then knelt down in front of Carlos, with Bill, Zhane and Mike standing behind him.
"Carlos, where are Tom and Cassie?" Carlos didn't register the question for a moment and then he looked up at him. He gestured over towards the site of the explosion.
"Over that way, somewhere." Jason nodded his thanks and taking the other three Rangers with him, moved off in that direction.
They were all shocked by the devastation that the explosion had caused. Bill spoke softly to Zhane.
"I'm not surprised there were no survivors. Look at this place." Just nodding they set out looking for the other two Rangers. Just then Trini's voice came over their helmets.
"Carlos is okay, just mild concussion and some cracked ribs. Kim's out and has a broken ankle and concussion. I'm teleporting with them both back to the ship."
"Okay Trini." They continued looking and soon they found what they were looking for.
As soon as Cassie's foot had hit the device, Tom had somehow known that it was going to explode. From the position of the two bodies, it looked like he tried to save her. Bill bent down and gently removed Tom's helmet. His face was slightly surprised but mostly unmarked except for the little trickle of blood running out of his mouth. What had killed him though was the amount of metal that had penetrated his armour in his chest. Sighing Bill reached down and closed his eyes and looked over at Zhane. Zhane was gently removing Cassie's helmet, trying not to cry. Her face was serene and had no marks on it either, except a small trickle of blood from her ear. What had killed her was the metal embedded in her back, through her armour. Zhane looked up and spoke softly. "Power down." He was then knealing beside her in just his Ninjetti uniform. Pushing his hood back he then reached down and closed her eyes. The other Rangers followed. Wiping tears from his eyes Zhane picked Cassie up and stood. Bill did the same with Tom. Jason raised his communicator.
"Ashley, bring us up."
* * *
Phaedos.
Dimitra and Dulcea both yelled in pain when the explosion happened. Leo and Rocky came running. Last time this had happened to the two women, T.J. had been killed. Rocky reached them first and with a sinking heart asked the question.
"Who is it?"
"A Red Ranger and a Pink Ranger. We don't know who yet." Rocky turned to Leo and spoke softly.
"I'll go get some more wood. We're going to need it." Nodding he watched his fellow Red Ranger move off into the woods around the temple. It was Rocky's way of dealing with the worry.
It was dusk when the other's returned and they got the bad news. Trini transported Kim and Carlos down to the cave that served as their medical facility and was happy with their progress. She had sedated Carlos to try and help him heal and Kim was still unconscious. Trini feared she was slipping into a coma like Andros, and was keeping a good watch on her. They had gathered once again to say goodbye to two of their own. They watched the flames rise into the night's sky and they said their goodbyes.
It was the early hours of the morning when Jason was prowling around the compound, unable to sleep. He looked up and saw Bill back in the same spot he was that morning. He went over and sat down next to him.
"Hey."
"You're up late Jason."
"Couldn't sleep. You?"
"Same. Are you okay?"
"Not really. You?"
"Na."
"Thought so. What are we going to do?"
"Don't know Bill. I really don't. Man I wish I wasn't in charge. My leadership hasn't been the best."
"Yes it has Jason. It's just that everything's been stacked up against us from the word go. At least we know that the prophecy is almost complete."
"What do you mean?"
"Well it said that a decision has to be made." Jason stared at his friend. Something wasn't right, something in Bill's tone warned him his friend was about to drop a bombshell.
"I'm not sure I want to hear this Bill. But what decision?"
"About the future of these battles. You've said it yourself, the last couple of months have been just a waste of time for Dathan. It's going to come down to one last battle between him and me."
"Bill, there's something your not telling me. What is it?" The Blue Wolf Mage sighed and looked at his friend and Jason could see for the first time in a few weeks that the shadow of pain was almost gone from his eyes, and that they burned with a determination that he hadn't seen before.
"I don't want to see any more of my friends die. I won't let that happen. The phropechy said we were going to loose more Rangers. Well, we've lost all bar a Yellow Ranger. I'm not going to take that chance with everyone else's lives. I can't do that. All my training over the last five years has been to preserve life, to protect it. Not be responsible for the taking of it."
"Bill, your not. Dathan is! You are protecting it, by being here and doing what you're doing. I can't stop you thinking those thoughts, but can I make you see that you're doing yourself no good by thinking them. We will prevail, and all our friends' sacrifices will not have been for nothing. Think about that Bill. You are the reason we are fighting, and staying here. We all know, deep down, that only you have the power to defeat Dathan and we're going to be here to help you do that, whether you like it or not!" He spoke with such ringing compassion and love in his voice that Bill had to look away momentarily. He then saw his friend watching him, concern written all over his face. As well as fatigue, barely suppressed grief and sorrow. Reacting instinctively Bill hugged his friend hard.
"Thank Jason. I needed to hear that. Go and get some sleep okay?"
"Okay, you'll be alright?"
"Yes. Go on. Trini will be wondering what's happened to you." The Red Ranger got up and moved away. Bill leaned back against the rock and sighed. Jason's words had stuck home, and he pondered his fate. He closed his eyes and spoke softly to the figure in the shadows.
"You'll make sure they can't leave?"
"If that's your wish. I still think that this is a bad idea Bill."
"Probably. But I'm not going to see any more of them die."
"Your heart is in the right place Blue Wolf, but I question the wisdom of the timing of this. The prophecy says the battle is to take place on the eve of a new milliuem. That isn't for another four of your earth months."
"I know. I'm trying to circumvent the prophecy okay." He stood and looked back at the camp where his friends were sleeping. He gathered his engeries and smiled over at Dulcea. "Take care of them for me Dulcea."
"I will Bill. You have my word." He nodded and bringing his hands together in front of him he vanished in a stream of Blue light.
* * *
Asteriod near the Great Barrier.
"Okay Dathan, here I am. Let's finish this once and for all." Bill sent his challenge out to his opponent and then settled into wait. After about ten minutes Dathan appeared before him. He was unchanged from his first appearance. A man looking in his mid thirties, with brown hair greying at the temples and troubled green eyes. He was dressed in all dark colours and looked ill at ease.
"You called me Blue Mage. What for?"
"I want us to have our battle now. You and me, forget the others and lets just get it over with." Dathan frowned.
"The prophecy states that we aren't supposed to battle yet."
"I don't give a shit about the bloody prophecy. I'm sick of seeing people I love die Dathan. I want to end this and end it now." Dathan started at him and moment and then spoke softly.
"Truth be told Blue Mage. I have been wondering what was the point of trying for conquest of the universe. I have no one to share it with and nothing to gain by it. To be even more honest, I am sick of my very existence." He stared and Bill and then spoke, this time with more conviction.
"As you wish Mage. To the death?"
"To the death."
End part nine.
In part ten Bill and Dathan fight only to be interrupted at a crucial moment resulting in major injury to Bill and another Rangers death. What will they do now? Now that Dathan has tasted power again, he attacks in more force than before and the situation looks lost.