Aftermath
By: Adam Pearlman
Previously
Having found themselves under serious attack from the Emperor the Rangers did what ever they could and repelled the attacks. The Rangers were bolstered by the addition of five new Rangers the Time Force Rangers who had been defending the nearby city of Silver Hills. However, things went from good to bad as it was revealed the Tommy and Kat have been under the control of the Emperor for sometime. In a serious battle both Karone and Adam defeated the two and were able to send them back to the Power Chamber. Then Adam faced off against his counterpart and in a vicious battle the two both fell to deadly blows. While the Emperor was teleported away Adam was able to pass on a message to Justin and then died before the young Blue Rangers eyes. Now the story continues.
Seconds after Adam's death.
"He..can't be dead" Cassie said trying to make sense of the last few moments.
"He doesn't have a pulse and I can't find a heartbeat Adam is dead" Dana stated.
"Well, someone do something for gods sake" Carlos shouted.
"There's nothing to be done, his injuries are too severe, he's gone" Maya said from her position near Adam's body.
"What do we do?" Leo asked.
"We had better teleport back to the Power Chamber" Carter said.
Nodding Rocky reached for his communicator and quietly spoke into it. "Zordon can.. can you teleport us home".
"Standby, prepare for teleportation" Zordon said.
Each Ranger braced themselves for the teleportation and then they were gone from the scene and as they did Dana heard Jen speak. "So the future comes true after all".
Inside the Power Chamber the Rangers appeared minus Adam's body and Hannah said. "Wait where's Adam?"
"We have placed his body in stasis until he is ready to be buried" Zedd said.
"Or we come up for a good reason for him being dead" Jon said.
A few Rangers glanced at Jon who appeared to be keeping it together a lot better than most. "Think about it, he might be known here as the White Ranger, but back home is famous and we can't reveal that he's a Power Ranger can we?" Jon continued.
"I guess not, but what are we going to say" Alison asked.
"Rangers, perhaps you should go home and rest. All of you have had a shock and you should rest, we can discuss this in the morning" Zordon said.
"Discuss it in the morning, what is there to discuss my Brother is dead" Dana shouted.
"Dana, Zordon was only suggesting that we take time to think what we're going to tell people" Carter said.
Dana looked back at Carter and then he saw that her eyes were tear-filled and he drew the girl into a hug as she sobbed against his chest.
A quiet voice broke the silence. "We can't just go away and hope that in the morning this will all have been a bad dream, we have to face reality and face facts Adam is dead and we should deal with it now" Kim said.
"Kim's right, Adam would want us to get on with our lives as soon as possible" Billy said agreeing with the Pink Ranger.
"Rangers there is still the matter of Tommy and Katherine" Alpha said.
"Is there, anything that you can do to help them?" Kincaid asked.
"We've tried and we've been unable to find a way to get to the implant without seriously harming either of them" Zordon said.
"Perhaps Kyle and I can help, part of our abilities allows us to break through spells. One of my abilities allows me to reflect the pain that they have caused on other people and make them feel it and Kyle has something he calls the light of vengeance. We think that may overload and destroy the implants, the bad side is they would remember the pain and everything they did to the others while they were under the evil's control" Kathy suggested.
"Do it, I think Tommy and Kat are strong enough to live with what they've done. Besides they don't have to deal with it on their own, we're here" TJ said.
The two night Rangers nodded and moved towards the watching enspelled Rangers. As the two walked over to them Veronica turned to her counterpart Karone and said. "I still can't believe you broke Kat's ankle".
"Yeah well she pissed me off" Karone said in a voice tinged with anger and grief.
Veronica nodded and left at that, but she finally said. "I should take a look at your ribs though".
Karone nodded and followed her over to the diagnostic bed. All over the Power Chamber the healthy Rangers were attending to the injured. Meanwhile Kyle and Kathy were now stood in front of Kat and Tommy. From his position nearby Jason heard Kyle talking and then there was a blinding flash of light which encompassed Tommy who moaned once and then looked around confused and then he saw Jason and said. "Jason what's going on?"
"You don't remember?" Jason asked.
"I...It happened again, why is it me? Why is it always me?" Tommy said collapsing to the floor muttering the same thing over and over.
Even as he did Katherine who had been released from her implant by Kathy joined him also and started to softly talk to him. "I can't answer that Tommy, all I can say is the pain will fade in time".
"It won't not this time, this time I betrayed everything I believed in, I stood here and plotted to kill each every one of my friends. I don't deserve to be the White Ranger or the Red Zeo Ranger I never did" Tommy stopped and looked up at Zordon and continued. "Zordon I'm leaving the team for the moment, I need to think".
"I understand Tommy. Will you be back?" Zordon asked.
"I don't know, I just don't know" Tommy answered and then he summoned his Zeonisers and Morpher and popped them onto a console.
"Tommy, I accept your decision, but I'm staying on. We're all going through something with Adam dying and I think we need to all stay together. Besides at least you didn't burn your parents house down" Kat said seriously before finishing with a hint of humour in her voice. "Wait a second what about Alex?" Kat asked concerned.
"She's with your parents, she's okay just worried about her Mom" Kim answered.
"How can you quit, just like that?" a quiet voice said as they came up beside Tommy.
Turning Tommy came face to face with a tear stained Ashley. "Ash, I need some space, I don't want to go but I feel like part of me is responsible for what happened. I don't mean just today, but everything over the last year and until I make sense of all that or come to terms with it, I can't be a Power Ranger".
Ashley nodding as though she understood and with that Tommy hugged the Yellow Astro Ranger and then headed towards first where Justin was sat staring into space. Sitting with the young Blue Ranger for a few minutes he then got up and moved off towards Rachel. As he did Justin seemed to come out of his state and slowly the tears started to fall until he was crying so hard he couldn't stop. Hannah who was stood nearby went over and did what she could to console and comfort the young Ranger.
While this went on Tommy went over to where Rachel was also sat staring blankly into space while the other S Clubbers attempted to talk to her. Again he said a few words and then got up and left. Unlike Justin there was no response from Rachel. Tommy then turned and kissing Kat softly on the cheek teleported away.
Then to the surprise of Jo and Tina, Rachel stood up and suddenly teleported away without a word.
"She's really taking it bad" Jo commented.
"Rangers there is something else, I am breaking a promise but I feel I must tell you this. Rachel is pregnant" Zordon said.
For a few minutes there was nothing but silence and then Bradley said. "Ah man, why now".
"You can't exactly plan these things, you know" Aisha snapped.
"I didn't mean that, I meant why now when Adam had to go and die" Bradley explained.
"Couldn't have happened at a worse time" Katie said.
"When did she find out?" Trini asked.
"She confirmed it a few days ago and she is about a month along" Rita said.
"Someone should go and be with her" Ryan suggested.
"I'll go, I mean she's carrying me niece or nephew and its...it's the last link to my brother" Dana said breaking into fresh tears as she teleported away.
Dana teleported into the living room of the flat that Rachel and Adam shared instead of to the front door. As she arrived she heard several crashes and bangs and worriedly she looked around. Seeing a light she headed for it and the sound of the noise. Entering the room Dana had to duck and avoid being hit by a book that Rachel had thrown.
Dana stood in disbelief as she watched Rachel throwing stuff around and smashing things as well. "Rachel what are you doing?" Dana asked.
Rachel didn't react and instead grabbed a picture of Adam and smashed it down and then she stopped and started to speak. "Oh god, oh god Adam, what am I doing? I'm sorry".
"Rachel it's okay to be upset and angry, but this isn't the answer" Dana said.
"I know, but I feel so angry, I hate him why did he do it?" Rachel asked.
"He do what?" Dana asked.
"Why did Adam have to die?" Rachel asked.
"I can't answer that and you have every right to feel angry.. I feel exactly the same way" Dana said honestly.
"Why?" Rachel asked.
"What do you mean why? Adam is.. was my Brother and I hardly knew him. I'm angry that he's dead and I won't get a chance to know him better and I feel guilty because I'm angry at him for dying when I know I shouldn't feel that way" Dana said.
"I'm sorry here I am feeling sorry for myself and I should be thinking of you. As you say he was your Brother he was only my lover" Rachel said flatly.
"Don't say that Rachel, Adam wouldn't have been with you if he didn't love you and I know he does.. I mean did. He was going to marry you and you're carrying his child as well" Dana said.
Rachel looked shocked and then said. "Zordon told you, I asked him not to".
"He felt it was the right thing to do. Look I know I feel like I've been repeating myself and stuff, but the Rangers are a family and we're here for you. Things are going to be tough and we need to stick together now more than ever" Dana said.
"Look I've had everyone tell me so far that it's going to be okay and things will get better and frankly all I want from the Rangers at the moment is to be left alone" Rachel snapped.
Dana stood up realising that her words were not having an effect and said. "I understand, but if you need to talk I'm only a teleport away" Dana said as she teleported away.
Rachel turned away and sank back down onto the bed clutching the photo of Adam in her hands. As she started to cry softly onto a pillow she failed to notice a small envelope amongst the debris of her outburst that was addressed to her in Adam's handwriting.
Meanwhile even as Dana had teleported away to speak with Rachel, Dulcea had teleported herself out in a mood and Kim had gone after her.
"Dulcea are you in here?" Kim asked knocking on the door.
"Go away" Dulcea shouted through the door.
Kim didn't even hesitate and barged straight through the door into Dulcea's room and stopped. The normally mighty warrior was laid on her bed with tears in her eyes.
"Dulcea are you okay?" Kim asked.
"No, I hate being a teenager I want to be my normal age and then wouldn't feel like this" Dulcea screamed.
"What do you mean?" Kim asked.
"If I were my original age, I would have mourned Adam's death and felt his loss, but now I'm this age I just feel horrible, like I've lost something close to me" Dulcea answered.
"That's all part of being human Dulcea. We all try to cope with death in different ways. The guys will no doubt try and put on a brave face and pretend they aren't taking it too badly, but everyone knows that really they're upset. The point is you don't need to hide your feelings, you need to let them out" Kim said.
"But if I cry that's like putting the hurt behind me and starting to move on and if I do that he'll be forgotten" Dulcea insisted.
"I doubt it, Adam is really unforgettable, but the point it we need to move on or nothing would get done and life would grind to halt. You need to grieve and get on with your life, but that doesn't mean you forget him" Kim said.
At that Kim took the younger girl into a hug and held as the girl poured out her heart about Adam and about everything.
Two weeks later the Rangers had managed to move on with their lives or most of them had. After her emotional outburst in front of Dana had retreated into a shell and only spoke if directly asked a question. It was as Hannah commented her very reason for existing had gone and taken her with it and all that was left was the body doing what it had done before. Justin meanwhile having recovered from his own state was slowly returning to what passed for normal, although he still had nightmares and blamed himself for Adam's death. Despite protests from others that it wasn't this feeling still infected the young Blue Ranger.
Others still dealt with it in their own way. Rocky and Kim had become even closer and their relationship no longer a secret. Tommy left to travel and find himself again leaving behind a broken hearted Kat. Those injured in the battle recovered slowly, mostly dealing with the wounds left by the death of a friend.
It was early evening in Mariner Bay and Ryan was sat on a park bench watching the world go by when he heard footsteps and someone sat down beside him. "Lovely evening isn't it?" he asked.
Nodding her head Hannah the Pink Turbo Ranger gave a small smile and gently rested her head against his chest. "It is a nice night, I just wish I didn't feel so cold" She commented.
Ryan looked over and reached for his jacket and then Hannah stopped him. "Not that kind of cold, I feel so.. I don't know how to explain it, but when I have time to stop and think all I can see is Adam falling and dying and it makes me feel cold".
"Death's never easy to come to terms with, but neither is life. Although I didn't know Adam well he gave his life for something he believed in, for the people he cared about and I can only hope that I'll be able to meet death like that" Ryan answered.
At that Hannah smacked him and said angrily. "Don't ever say that, you're not going to die, I won't let it happen".
"Hannah I only meant that when I do die, I want to go out with strength and courage and possibly screaming and kicking" Ryan said.
"I'm sorry I shouldn't have hit you, it's just I've only just found you and I already know that I couldn't bare to lose you" Hannah stopped and then continued. "It's strange two weeks ago all I really knew was your name and now".
"Now, you know a lot more" Ryan finished.
Hannah nodded and then Ryan leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips and for Hannah and Ryan the events of two weeks ago were lost in the moment.
In the nexus the forces of evil were regrouping and preparing to attack once more. As Devastator left a room another monster came up behind him and looked in the room and said. "Wow, ain't she a doll?"
Before Devastator could reply another monster also approached and added his thoughts. "Well she's got the brains of one now."
Devastator laughed as he replied "She was never the same after that party was she?"
Then the first monster said, "Hey the Emperor was right. A good time was had by all." Then looking at Glitz Girl Dana he added "And you know she enjoyed it."
The three monsters all laughed, but deep inside Devastator the person that was once Carter Grayson something awoke.
"Devastator our master commands we attack the Rangers" Darkonda said as he approached.
"Why?" Devastator asked.
"What do you mean why. The Emperor feels that the Rangers have had their chance to grieve for their fallen comrade and with the White Ranger gone and Tommy Oliver also gone it is the perfect time to attack" Darkonda answered.
"This from a man who is barely alive after the White Ranger beat the crap out of him" Devastator said.
"Watch your mouth, he may still be recovering from his fight, but he can still destroy you with a flick of his wrists" Darkonda said.
"So you say, but then you're the only one who has seen him since I brought him back two weeks ago. However, I do feel the need for a workout. Come Psycho's gather your friends and we attack now" Devastator said.
The two monsters nodded and teleported away to gather their friends.
Back on the Earth inside the Power Centre Dimitria was mediating when the alarms went off and she returned to his tube and spoke. "Alpha what is going on?"
"We have trouble Dimitria, the sensors are picking up eight monsters and a horde of Piranhatrons and Quantrons. I'm bringing it up on the Viewing Globe" Alpha replied.
As the image appeared on the Globe Dimitria looked on in astonishment at who it was and then Divatox who had just entered said. "Alpha get the Rangers here now".
"Which ones?" Alpha Six asked.
"All of them with the exception of the Time Force Rangers as they are dealing with a monster in Silver Hills" Dimitria answered.
Alpha nodded and hurried to do as she requested. Across two universe's communicators went off and with reluctance from some of the Rangers they teleported to the Power Centre.
Andros had barely arrived when he stepped forward and asked. "What's going on?"
"Devastator is in London and he's brought a few old friends" Dimitria replied.
"Rangers you might want to observe the Viewing Globe" Divatox suggested.
Turning the Rangers looked at the faces of their enemy and the six Astro Rangers, plus the two Karone's and Veronica turned pale.
Confused Paul asked. "What's the matter? Who are those guys?"
"The Psycho Rangers, I created them when I was Astronema and used them to try and destroy the Rangers. The plan failed and they were destroyed, but they returned before being stored on data cards. Those cards ended up in the hands of a villain called Deviot who brought them back to life. They attacked the Galaxy Rangers who along with the Astro Rangers and Adam were able to destroy them," Karone answered.
"Unfortunatley Psycho Pink survived. Cassie and I went after her and tried to stop her. We failed and I was killed during the battle" Kendrix finished.
"Looks like you got better" Tina muttered.
"Guess some people are lucky in that way" Jon said.
There were a few glares and looks of resentment from members of S Club as they looked at Kendrix when she said about her returning from the dead.
"Anyway back to the matter at hand, I guess the same happened in the Night Rangers universe". Seeing the nod from the Night Ranger Karone, Veronica continued. "In my universe the same happened, however as evil won the Countdown the data cards with the Psycho's on remained in my possession. The Emperor took them and reanimated the six and with a few modifications made them his Royal Guard. He also created four more Psycho's, the Gold, Silver, Green and Purple Psycho Rangers. He used them to consolidate his control over Earth, nothing stands in their way, they fight as a unit and are unbeatable" Veronica finished.
"No one is unbeatable" Chris said.
"Agreed, we stopped them once and we can do it again. Guys are you with me" Andros asked.
There were few encouraging shouts and then Dana spoke up. "Hey aren't we missing one Silver Morphin Ranger?"
"Come to think of it I haven't seen her all day" Jo said.
"She has been rather elusive for the past couple of weeks" Jon said.
"We can't wait for her, we need to get out there now. Dimitria will you try and contact her and get her to meet us there" Andros asked.
"I will Andros, good luck" Dimitria replied.
Nodding Andros spoke. "All right. Let's Rocket".
Jason and Rocky both shouted. "It's Morphing Time".
"Shift into Turbo" Tina called out.
"Go Galactic" Leo shouted.
"Lightspeed Rescue" Carter called.
"Titanium Power" Ryan shouted out.
The Night Rangers shouted out their own morphing call. "Power of night!! Show your light!!!"
Then the Rangers teleported out ready for battle. "Alpha find Rachel and inform her of the situation," Dimitria said.
"And what if she chooses to ignore her communicator" Alpha asked.
"Teleport her here whether she likes it or not" Dimitria said.
Both Divatox and Alpha looked surprised by Dimitria's reply, but Alpha hurried to comply with her request.
Meanwhile the object of Dimitria's search was sat on a bed staring blankly at photos. Hearing her communicator beep Rachel reached over to her hand and taking the communicator from her wrist she tossed into a corner. She had barely gone back to what she was doing when she felt the familiar sensation of teleportation and she was in the Power Centre.
Seeing the change in her surroundings Rachel looked around and allowed her anger to flow at the nearest person. "How the hell do you dare teleport me without my permission?" Rachel screamed at Alpha Six who took a step back at the anger in the girls voice.
"Rachel I asked him to do so, there is an emergency and you are needed" Dimitria answered.
"Find someone who cares, because I don't" Rachel yelled.
"Then you sully the name and the reputation of the Silver Ranger. The one Adam worked hard to earn" Divatox said.
"Don't say his name" Rachel whispered.
"Rachel I know you are still grieving, but you are needed and I believe Adam would not want you to neglect your duties as a Ranger" Dimitria said quietly.
"You're right of course. I'll go, but I... It's Morphing Time" Rachel called out.
Morphing Rachel arrived in the middle of London and carnage. Seeing a couple of Torachian Warriors attacking Tina, the Silver Ranger immediately raced to aid her friend and with several strong punches and kicks she had cleared the danger.
Seeing her friend Tina spoke. "Nice of you to join us".
"I couldn't let you down" Rachel said. "So what's going on?" Rachel asked.
"Devastator and ten monsters calling them the Psycho Rangers are causing total chaos and we're barely scratching them. They are attacking the Astro Rangers mainly because they were programmed to" Tina replied.
"You mean they are going after Bradley?" Rachel asked concerned.
"Unfortunatley and he's not having much luck" Tina said.
At that both Rangers were forced back into fighting Warriors. Across from them Bradley was facing perhaps his greatest challenge as a Ranger. Narrowly avoiding a sword thrust from the White Psycho Bradley called out. "Look can we talk about this".
"No, you are not the White Astro I want to destroy, but since he's gone I'll settle for destroying you instead" White Psycho snarled.
"Gee I don't know whether to be flattered of insulted" Bradley muttered.
Diving out of the way of another sword thrust Bradley came up with his the White Astro sword and parried the next attempted swing. After blocking several swings Bradley came up with an idea. "You know for an all powerful killing machine, you sure swing like a girl".
"You dare insult me the White Psycho a member of the Emperor's Royal Guard" White Psycho said.
"Considering the Emperor is on the scrap heap and you're going to follow him there" Bradley shouted.
"You Rangers really believe that the Emperor is gone for good, he is merely resting and waiting" White Psycho said.
"You mean he's alive" Brad asked in shock.
"Indeed, now I tire of this, we will meet again and soon" White Psycho said as he teleported away.
Across from where the White Psycho attacked Andros faced off against his old adversary the Red Psycho.
"It has been too long since I have faced a worthy foe Red Ranger" Red Psycho said.
"Glad I could oblige" Andros quipped.
Red Psycho laughed and then struck out and Andros was hurled off of his feet and landed in a heap several metres away and then Red Psycho said. "Who ever said you were a worthy foe". Laughing he teleported away.
The other Psycho's faced off against Astro Rangers and others alike. One of them the Purple Psycho Ranger came face to face with the Purple Zeo Ranger.
"So the mighty Astronema, now a feeble Power Ranger" Psycho Purple noted.
"Watch who you're calling feeble tin can" Karone yelled.
"You may have created us, but we are now more than our original programming. The Emperor has promised us great riches and power for destroying you. We will meet again" Psycho Purple said as she teleported away.
All over the battlefield monsters and foot soldiers alike teleported away leaving the battered Rangers to regroup.
"Is everyone all right" Andros asked.
Seeing the nods Andros indicated that they should check for damage before teleporting back to the Power Centre. As they did Rachel suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder pulling her away from the group?
She started to scream when a voice urged her to be quiet and then she found herself in a corridor and being dragged into a room. As the lights came on she felt the pressure on her go and she turned to see her assailant. "Billy!" She said in shock.
"I'm sorry, I didn't meant to startle you. I needed to talk to you and alone" Billy said.
"Billy what's going on?" Rachel asked confused.
"If you could travel back in time when would you travel to?" Rachel asked.
"What sort of question is that? What's wrong?" Rachel asked.
"Answer the question" Billy demanded.
At the tone of voice Rachel suddenly became fearful and wondered if this really was Billy, but then she spoke in a quiet tone. "If I could go back in time I'd go back and warn Adam about what was going to happen and make sure he didn't die".
"I knew it would be that, what would you say if I could help you do that" Billy asked.
"Again what are you talking about?" Rachel asked.
Billy turned and pointed to a device sat resting on a table. To Rachel it looked like any other device, except for a few exposed wires and such. Then he spoke. "Before Adam died I was building a prototype time device and in the last few weeks I've finished it and I want to test it. I need someone to go back in time and see if it works".
"Billy are you saying that I could use this device to alter the past and save Adam" Rachel asked.
"I didn't say that, but that is one use for the device" Billy suggested.
"Why would you want to change the future?" Rachel asked.
"Let's just say certain people feel that Adam's death was senseless and that if we could have stopped it we should have and we all feel we can change it" Billy said.
"If I went back in time what would happen to me?" Rachel asked.
"You that is now would cease to exist and a new you would exist that would remember the last two weeks but differently" Billy answered. "Here take the device, but think carefully before you do use it" Billy finished.
Handing the device to Rachel he quickly teleported the two out back to London as the Rangers regrouped. Returning to the group Hannah looked up and said. "Rach what happened to you?"
"I was just over there with Billy seeing if there was anyone hurt" Rachel answered quickly.
"That's strange I was sure I saw a silver teleportation beam, oh well probably imagining things" Hannah said.
Rachel gave a small laugh and then teleported away as the others did back to the Power Centre.
"Well that was as much fun that you can have without actually having any" Bradley said as they reappeared inside the Power Centre.
"Tell me about it. I thought the Psycho's of our world were bad, but these guys were brutal," Zhane said.
"Rangers, I believe this fight was only a test and more will be to come. You must be prepared for an extended fight with the Psycho Rangers" Divatox said.
"Swell something to look forward to" Rocky said sarcastically.
"I guess I really should take the blame for this, I mean I was the one that created them in the first place and they are from my world" Veronica said.
"No one blames you, when you created them you weren't you and we shouldn't hold something that wasn't your fault against you" Karone said.
As she said that the Night Ranger Karone also nodded her head and added. "Yeah I mean if we wanted all three of us could feel guilty I mean in all of our universes we did the same thing and created the Psycho's. It worked out then and it will work out this time".
"I hope you're right, I mean now is not the time to be down two Rangers" Zack said.
At that several of the Rangers glared daggers at Zack in particular Kat who turned and yelled at him. "Tommy left because he needed to clear his head or else he'd be here and helping".
"Chill girl, I merely meant that I wish Tommy and Adam were here" Zack said quietly.
"Amen to that" Tanya said.
"Dimitria I know we promised to give Tommy some space but I think we should contact him" Jason said.
"I agree, but he left his communicator at home and I don't know where he has gone" Dimitria replied.
"He's on the reservation, he went to see his brother David" Kat said quietly.
"Alpha please teleport him here at once" Dimitria asked.
"You got it Dimitria" Alpha Six said.
Then in a flash of white Tommy appeared. He looked surprised and he fell forward only just retaining his balance and staying on his feet at the last second. Then Kat broke from the ranks of the Rangers and flew into his surprised arms.
Breaking free Tommy looked up and said. "Dimitria what am I doing here? I thought I made it clear that I needed some space".
"I apologies Tommy, but a situation has arisen and I felt it best for you to be here" Dimitria said.
"Dimitria you have over thirty Rangers, one more won't make a difference" Tommy said.
"In this case it might. Do you remember the Psycho Rangers?" Seeing Tommy's nod she continued. "In this universe and the Night Rangers they were destroyed by the Galaxy Rangers and Astro Rangers. In the Emperor's universe they survived and still exist and they are here. Tommy we need your help. You are the most experienced Ranger with the exception of... with the exception of Adam" Dimitria finished.
"I'll help, but only until the current crisis is past and then I really want some time away from the Rangers to get my head on straight" Tommy said.
Dimitria nodded and then in Tommy's hand appeared his Zeonisers, which he quickly placed on his wrists and then his morpher appeared in his hand and he disappeared it into a subspace pocket.
"Rangers I suspect that the Psycho Rangers will not attack again. Why don't you return home and get some rest. Billy please remain a moment" Divatox said.
As the Rangers departed Billy remained and then Zordon appeared on the Viewing Globe and said. "Did you give Rachel the device Billy?"
"I did Zordon, but I still don't understand why you are doing this. I mean won't it alter the future and disrupt the past" Billy asked.
"You are certain that Rachel will attempt to change what has already happened?" Dimitria asked.
"Wouldn't you?" Billy replied with a question of his own.
"Billy that's not answering the question, that's just asking one of your own" Divatox said.
"I think Rachel will do it, if I've observed anything from seeing her and Adam together I think she would risk all of reality to be with him" Billy said.
"Are you so certain Billy? Would it not surprise you to know that there are many unexpected things within your lives still to come" Dimitria asked.
"What does that mean? Do you know what will happen or has happened?" Billy asked.
"Billy we cannot say anymore, now go home and get some rest" Zordon said.
Billy nodded and teleported away even more confused than before. As he did Divatox turned to Zordon and said. "Do you think we're doing the right thing?"
"If the prophecy is correct Adam was not meant to die and must be saved" Zordon said.
"But aren't we still trying to cheat fate" Divatox argued.
"Perhaps, but then where the Rangers are concerned I cease to believe in rules" Zordon said.
Zordon then cut the communications link and Dimitria returned to her meditative state.
Back in Angel Grove several of the Rangers were talking to Leo.
"Look I know we were a bit harsh with Kendrix earlier, but you have to understand a friend of ours has died, while she also died, but she got the chance to come back, I think it just unfair that she had to mention that" Jo stated.
There were several nods from the other S Clubbers and then Leo said. "I understand how you feel. Before any of you were Rangers my brother Mike was killed when we were trying to rescue him. At first when I looked at Kendrix all I could see was Mike and all I could think is how unfair it was that she came back and he didn't".
"What did you do? I mean you are going out with her?" Bradley asked.
"At first I wouldn't talk to her, I was so envious of her, I mean none of us ever get the chance to come back from the dead and then I talked with her and explained how I felt" Leo explained.
"What did she say?" Hannah asked.
"What do you think. She was hurt, I mean who wouldn't be when their boyfriend is telling them that they hate the fact that they came back from the dead while there brother didn't" Leo said quietly.
"Ouch, I guess you and her made it up in the end though" Jon said.
"We did, but it took a couple of weeks before that happened. We talked and she said she understood what I was feeling and then she said if she could have given her life up to bring Mike back she would have done so. When she said that I turned around and told her that I wouldn't have let her do something like that." Leo said.
"What did she say to that?" Tina asked.
"She told me that she loved me and that she knew how much Mike meant to me and if it meant giving her life so he could be back she would have. After that things didn't seem so bad and I made my peace with his death" Leo said.
"I know how you feel, I think it's going to take a little time for us all to get over this" Jo said.
Leo nodded and then they continued to talk about life instead of death. Across town two girls talked.
"I understand why they're directing their anger towards me, but I wish they weren't" the first girl said.
Maya nodded understanding her friend's predicament. "Kendrix I understand how you feel and why they feel the way they do".
"So do I, it just hurts. I died and I came back, Mike died and he didn't come back and now Adam dies and he doesn't come back. It's not fair that I get to come back and they don't. The two of them are worth more than me," Kendrix said.
"Don't ever say that Kendrix. Neither of them would be saying that about you. Both Mike and Adam gave their lives so that others could live. While we grieve for their loss we must make sure that their deaths aren't in vain. We have to continue with the fight" Maya said.
"I know, you're right. Do you know right before they first went to the Night Rangers universe Adam apologised for not being there when I died, he said he felt guilty" Kendrix.
"That's just the sort of person he was. Now come on lets go and meet the others" Maya said.
Kendrix smiled and followed Maya as they started to go and find their friends. Back in her apartment Rachel sat holding the device Billy had thrust into her hands hours ago and continued to stare at it. "To hell with it" she whispered. Bringing up the display she set the timer for the night before Adam died and pressed another button. Suddenly she felt a great pressure on her and she was sucked into a vortex.
In the other universe Zordon felt the change and smiled. Meanwhile Rachel landed with a thud and found herself in darkness. Confused she looked around and realised that she was still in the flat, but its appearance had altered. Just as she was gaining her bearings the light came on and an angry voice said. "What the hell is going on?"
Hearing the voice Rachel's breath caught in her body and then she turned around and said. "Hello Adam".
Adam looked shocked and took several steps back and looked into the bedroom at the still sleeping Rachel and then back at the person in front of him and he said. "Okay who are you?"
"I know what you're thinking, but its me Rachel I've come back from the future to warn you" Rachel said.
"Warn me, warn me about what?" Adam asked.
Hesitating for just a moment Rachel then spoke. "Tomorrow you will face off against the Emperor and you will die. I've come from two weeks in the future to try and save you".
"Isn't that dangerous, altering the future" Adam asked.
"So I'm told, but I don't care I can't live without you" Rachel insisted.
"Rachel if I'm meant to die, then I die tomorrow and you shouldn't alter the future just for my sake. It's selfish and who knows who else's life you are changing. You are one of the most strongest people I know and you'll survive me dying" Adam said.
"You don't understand, I can't live without you.. I can't live without the Father of my child" Rachel finished quietly.
Adam was stunned and the shock on his face showed as he said. "You're pregnant.. I mean she is".
"Yes, confusing, but we are pregnant. I was going to tell you tomorrow night, instead I saw you die" Rachel said as she cried softly.
Taking her in his arms Adam said. "Look I know you mean well and you're trying to do what you think is right, but I believe that things happen for a reason and for some reason I don't think I'll be dead for long. Don't ask me what I mean, because I don't understand it myself, but I will be back".
"I understand now what Justin meant when he told me your last words" Rachel said.
"What do you mean?" Adam asked.
"He told me that you started to say to take care of our. That's when you passed on and I guess you were going to say to take care of our child. Maybe I was meant to come back in time to tell you about the baby and also to get the chance to say goodbye" Rachel said.
"Don't ever say goodbye, but until we meet again" Adam said.
Sharing a kiss Rachel then pulled away and Adam smiled his trademark smile and said. "You'd better go, it wouldn't do for Rachel to see me kissing another woman, even if that woman is her or will be her".
Despite herself Rachel laughed and resetting the controls on the time device she disappeared back to her own time. Seeing her go Adam started to turn and head back to bed, but instead went for a pen and some paper before returning to bed an hour later. As he lay down the figure beside him stirred and said. "I thought I heard voices".
"It was no-one Rach, go back to sleep. Just someone who had lost their way and I helped them find it again" Adam said.
Rachel shrugged and rolled over and went back to sleep. As he watched her sleep Adam felt himself smile and he knew that the future was pretty bright.
Rachel returned to the present with a crash and before she could fully recover her equilibrium she felt herself being teleported and she appeared inside the Power Centre.
"Welcome back Rachel I take it your trip was successful" Dimitria asked.
Startled she said. "You knew".
"Yes, after all whom do you think helped Billy build the device in the first place" Zordon said.
"Why, Why did you place the temptation in my hands" Rachel asked.
"Because we believed that the only way you could finally put the events of two weeks ago behind you was for you to say goodbye and tell Adam about the baby" Dimitria answered.
"Thank you, I've been wracked with guilt that I never told him about the baby before and that I didn't get the chance to say goodbye. Now I have and I know Adam is looking down and I can look after his son or daughter and make sure he is never forgotten," Rachel said.
"I can assure you Rachel, Adam Pearlman will never be forgotten. Now go home and rest you have earned it" Zordon said.
Rachel teleported out with a lighter step as she felt a burden lifted from her heart. Dimitria turned back to look at Zordon and said. "Why didn't you tell her what is to come?"
"How could I? Rachel may have achieved some measure of peace now, but in the near future she will be called on to make a great sacrifice" Zordon said.
Dimitria shook her head, but remained silent. Back at her home Rachel slipped on the radio and as she lay down on her bed and started to listen to the song 'Eternity' by Robbie Williams.
Close your eyes so you don't feel them They don't need to see you cry I can't promise I will heal you But if you want to I will try To sing this summer serenade The past is done we've been betrayed It's true Some might say the truth will out But I believe without a doubt in you
You were there for summer dreaming And you gave me what I need And I hope you find your freedom For eternity
For eternity Yesterday when we were walking You talked about your ma and dad What they did that made you happy What they did that made you sad We sat and watched the sun go down Then picked a star before we lost the moon Youth is wasted on the young Before you know it's come and gone too soon
You were there for summer dreaming And you gave me what I need And I hope you find your freedom For eternity
For eternity
You were there for summer dreaming And you are a friend indeed And I hope you find your freedom
Eventually You were there for summer dreaming And you gave me what I need And I know you'll find your freedom Eventually
For eternity
Several days passed as the Rangers defended themselves from attacks by the Psycho Rangers and in each battle the Rangers learnt a little more. Rachel was returning from a battle when she noticed something sticking out from underneath her bed. Reaching down she picked it up and saw it was a letter and she stopped in surprise as she recognised the handwriting.
Opening up the letter she pulled out a sheet of paper and a tape. Without a hesitation she started to read the letter.
"'Dear Rachel. I'm writing this minutes after you returned to your own time. I don't know why, but I feel compelled to write this down. I guess if you're reading this I'm dead, but please don't grieve if I did die then I hope I died for the right reasons and doing the right thing. What I want to say is something that I don't think I've said enough times to you. I love you and I always have and I always will. I want you to do something for me I want you to live and I want you to take care of our child and don't forget to tell them about me. There is also something else I know the other Rangers and I know that some of them will appear to be taking my death not as badly as they appear to be. (Namely Jason, he's not as tough as he appears) there are others, as well and I want you to make sure that they do go on from this. I mean you're one of the strongest people I know. I want you to play the tape for you its a song and I hope it will help. Look it's late and I need some sleep I got to look good for my death. So I bid you farewell and I hope I'll see you again someday. Adam'".
Rachel wept fresh tears as she read the letter and then taking the tape she listened to it and smiled as she realised what the song was. The following day she teleported into the Power Chamber along with the other Rangers and in her hand was a tape recorder.
"Why do you have a tape recorder Rachel" Joel asked.
"I just wanted to play something for you" Rachel answered.
Then she pressed the play button and Adam's voice could be heard. "Hey guys if you're hearing this then I'm dead and well I know some of you will be dealing with it in your own way, but I want you to listen to this song and go on and make sure evil doesn't win".
Then Adam's voice faded and the song started and a few people recognised it as Gabrielle's song 'Rise'.
I know that it's over
but I can't believe we're through
they say that time's a healer
and I'm better without you
it's gonna take time I know
but I'll get over you
(chorus: look at my life
look at my heart
I have seen them fall apart now
I'm ready to rise again
look at my hopes look at my dreams
I'm building bridges from these scenes
now I'm ready to rise again)
caught up in my thinking (yeah)
like a prisoner in my mind
you pose so many questions
but the truth was hard to find
I better think twice I know
that I'll get over you
(chorus: look at my life
look at my heart
I have seen them fall apart now
I'm ready to rise again
look at my hopes look at my dreams
I'm building bridges from these scenes
now I'm ready to rise again)
much time has passed between us
do you still think of me at all?
my world of broken promises
now you won't catch me when I fall
(chorus: look at my life
look at my heart
I have seen them fall apart now
I'm ready to rise again
look at my hopes look at my dreams
I'm building bridges from these scenes
now I'm ready to rise again)
The song ended and then Adam spoke again. "Well, I'm done and May the Power Protect you all".
Around the Power Chamber several Rangers allowed the tears to flow as all the pain and suffering of the last week finally boiled over and that was when the alarms went off.
"Rangers the Psycho's are back" Zordon announced.
"Let's do this guys" Tommy said.
With nods all around the Rangers quickly morphed and reappeared in front of the Psycho's who stopped their rampage and then Psycho Red said. "Oh look who it is and who do you think you are spoiling our fun?"
Tommy looked at the other Rangers and then he looked at Psycho Red and said. "We're the Power Rangers".
The End!