Journey
By: Adam Pearlman
Over the last few weeks the Power Chamber has been a hive of activity as the Rangers have prepared for a trip to another universe. The activity is the result of the Carter Grayson who was part of Devastator being charged with the mission to free his own Earth and redeem himself for Devastator's crimes. Carter eagerly accepted the mission and as a result of that the spirits chose to restore Mike Corbett to life. At that time Adam Pearlman the White Ranger was restored having died a month earlier. Though Adam has returned he is changed by his experience in that he is somewhat more distant from his friends, family and even lover.
Zordon finished dictating his journal and worried over the mental state of one his original Rangers.
"Zordon is something bothering you?" Alpha Five asked.
"It is nothing Alpha, I am merely worried about Adam" Zordon answered.
"Ay, Yi. Yi. So am I. He isn't himself," Alpha agreed.
"I know it was wrong for us to believe that he would be the same, but still he is deeply changed and even troubled. I had hoped that the last few weeks of peace would allow for him to recover, but he still shows no sign of the old Adam Pearlman" Zordon said.
"Perhaps he just needs time" A new voice said.
Zordon turned to look at the voice and said. "I agree with that Zedd, it is just frustrating to see Adam push people away and bury his emotions like this".
The discussion continued for a long time and meanwhile the object of their conversation was busying burning lunch.
"Oh for goodness sake" I muttered as the beans burnt and so did the toast.
With a frustrated shake of my head I threw away the pan of beans and scraping part of the burnt portion of the toast sat down to eat it. As I did Hannah from her position in the armchair looked amused.
"You know, you really should eat something more than burnt toast" Hannah suggested.
"When I want your opinion I'll ask for it" I snapped.
Hannah didn't reply and instead glared at me, while I ignored her look and continued to eat in stony silence. The silence didn't last that long as the other members of the group finally appeared. First came Jon and Tina, followed by Bradley and Paul and then finally bringing up the rear Jo and Rachel.
"Guys are you ready, the cars outside ready to take us to rehearsals" Jo said.
Hannah nodded as did I and we joined the others as we left to head for the Arena. While the others threw their heart into preparing for tonight's concert, I still found my heart was elsewhere, for something that I had wanted for so long, I was no longer concerned with it.
The others knew this and they attempted to give me the time and space to get myself back together. But I knew that their patience was wearing thin with me. But again I just didn't care; in fact I didn't care about anything anymore. Scratch that I do still care about one thing or in fact one person, I just couldn't be with her anymore. The night went well as always, but even out there singing and seeing people enjoy themselves I couldn't muster real enthusiasm, but pretend that I still cared.
Even as I struggled with my troubles across dimensions and in the Emperor's reality, others were having far more serious problems. On a rocky path two figures are carrying items all the while looking over their shoulders. One of the figure stops and from their size and shape is easily identified as being female and the other clearly male. Moving into a shaded spot the shorter of the two removes her hood and looks around cautiously.
"I think we lost them" she says.
Her companion also removes his hood and looks around as well. "It looks like that, but we know how good they are at hiding Kim" he says.
Kim Hart former Pink Ranger shakes her head and tries to remember a time when she hasn't been on the run. For the past three years she and others including her companion have been on the run, in captivity or in hiding from the forces of someone they once considered a friend. "Look, TJ I didn't risk my life to get you out of captivity, just to listen to you be so pessimistic".
"Look, you don't know what it was like in there, what they did to try and crush your spirit. Carlos, Zhane and Andros are dead and Ashley and Cassie might as well be" TJ said sadly.
"TJ, I'm sorry, but until we can find a way to free our world from the Emperor there won't be time to grieve. Once he's gone then we can mourn for our dead," Kim said.
For an observer it was obvious that this wasn't the Kimberly who had first become a Ranger eight years ago. Then she continued. "Anyway things maybe looking up, from what I've heard the Emperor has been committing a large amount of his forces to conquering two other universes. However, he hasn't had much luck as he's facing down over forty Rangers".
"Sounds like they might actually stop him" TJ said hopefully.
"We can hope, but there is more news. Apparently about six weeks ago in the other universe the Emperor fought his counterpart the White Turbo Ranger and the Ranger took him down" Kim said.
"Well that's good isn't it, I mean the Emperor is dead, surely we can use that" TJ asked.
"I wish it were that simple. From what heard yesterday, the Emperor survived and is slowly recovering from his encounter. That's why we have to get the rebel base and tell the others," Kim said.
"Well, then lets go" TJ said.
Kim nodded and the two closely started to leave their hiding spot and head for the base. They had barely gotten ten metres when the Cogs descended on them. The two started to fight them off, but TJ's weakened state and their numbers made the fight more one sided. Then Kim took a step back and from behind her back pulled out a small device. TJ saw it and his eyes widened in horror as he knew what it was and he shouted out. "Kimberly don't!"
Kim either was unwilling to listen to his warning or didn't care and bring up the battered and broken morpher she called out. "Pterodactyl". With a surge of power going through the morpher Kimberly was transformed into the Pink Ranger once more.
The surge of power was unmistakable, as was the unstable nature of her powers as observed by her suit flickering in and out as she fought. However the usage of her power was enough to make the Cogs think twice and they soon retreated. With a surge of energy demorphed and Kimberly collapsed to the floor gasping in pain.
"Kim are you okay?" TJ asked.
"He said it was painful, I didn't believe how painful until now" Kim gasped.
"Him, you mean Chris is alive?" TJ asked surprised.
"Yes, there are more of us than you think" Kim answered. "Come on we'd better get moving before the Cogs start to get brave again".
With that TJ followed Kimberly into the mountains. Across in the other universe in the same mountains inside the Power Chamber several Rangers are discussing plans.
"Guys in all of the planning and preparation, we've never actually come up with an idea of what we're going to do when we get there" Jen said.
"If you bothered to show up, when we met, you'd know we have a plan" I said coldly.
"Oh yeah I forgot, teleport in and causing as much damage and then teleport out. Great plan" Jen said sarcastically.
"Jen! Look we have a plan, if Ms. Fairweather has come through then we have a chance" Leo said.
"Hey Miss. Fairweather has never let us down before and I don't think she will now" Carter added.
"But isn't creating the same set of powers dangerous" Jason asked.
"It is, but the powers won't be used until we get to the other universe and we find suitable candidates" Billy said.
"Also, if we can find the Astro Powers and Zeo Powers that would help a great deal" Tommy said.
"What about the power coins?" Andros asked.
"As in your universe they were destroyed by Zedd and Rita" Carter 2 said.
"What about Ninjor?" I asked.
"What about him?" Tommy asked.
"Well, if he exists in the other universe, maybe he can manufacture new power coins" I said.
"That's not a bad idea Adam nice suggestion" Jason said.
Jason looked to see if there was any reaction to the praise and shook his head in disappointment at the lack of any reaction.
"So we're settled for later. Three teams will go and four stay here, while the Night Rangers are going to my universe to protect it in case of attack" I said.
"The Morphin Rangers, the Lightspeed Rangers and the Turbo Rangers and one Astro Ranger are all set to go" Tommy said.
With that the meeting broke up as each Ranger prepared in their own way. Several hours later the three teams gathered inside the Chamber and prepared for the mission of a lifetime. Looking around my eyes fell upon Rachel who turned at my attention and I could feel her look of hope as I turned away and that fade to disappointment.
"Rangers you are about to embark on a most dangerous mission I wish you all luck and return safely" Zordon said.
"As Zordon normally says, May the Power Protect you" Dimitria added.
Then using a nexus crystal fragment the three teams travelled to another universe. For the Rangers that travelled it was if they had merely moved from one step forward and then they were falling and then they were suddenly hanging from a tree.
"Who's foot is that in my kidneys" Jon asked.
"I think its mine, sorry" Kelsey answered.
"Hold on, we'll cut you down" Carter said.
"I don't think so" a voice said.
Then from all around them figures appeared with they're faces covered and weapons raised.
"Who are you?" the male demanded.
"We're travellers and we got lost and found ourselves here" Tommy asked.
"Tommy! Is that you?" a smaller and more female shaped figure asked.
At the voice Kim who was hidden in the net gasped in astonishment as did Tommy who said. "Kim?"
Hesitating for a moment 'Kim' removed her hood and revealed a slightly worn and older face, but still Kimberly Hart.
"How is it you're here? I mean they said the Emperor killed you" Kim 2 asked.
"I'm not the Tommy you know, I'm from another reality" Tommy answered.
"Cut them down" the male said.
A soldier did as ordered and then figures around the encampment removed their hoods. The male who had ordered them to be released was Jason although like Kim he was older and he had a nasty scar running all down one side of his face. "Jason!" Kim said.
"Yes" Jason 2 said.
"The Emperor he said he killed me, I mean you" Jason said.
"He almost did, I guess he was stupid enough to believe that I would die soon enough anyway, because he didn't check and I was able to heal and escape" Jason 2 replied.
At that there were a few gasps as I stepped forward and every weapon in the place turned on me and before I knew what was happening Rachel was standing in front of me.
"Get out of the way, that's the Emperor" TJ said angrily.
"No, he's not the Emperor he is the Adam Pearlman of our universe not yours" Rachel snapped.
"Don't listen to her, this is some trick, destroy him now before he does the same to us" Kim 2 said.
"You don't have to believe that I'm not the Emperor, but you have to know I have more reason to hate him than anyone here. I won't fight you if you want to destroy me, but know this we're here to help you, not to fight" I said.
"Big words, but anything you say I stopped believing when you turned against us and took over the universe" Jason said.
"There is another way, Rach use your telepathy and show them that we're telling the truth" Jo suggested.
Rachel nodded and using her skills allowed the people to see the world that they come from. As Rachel finished using her powers Kim 2 said. "It's true, you do come from a world where the Emperor isn't in power".
"It is true and we're here to help" Kim said.
"I won't say welcome, your face is reviled all across the planet, but if you are truly still a Ranger then I welcome your help. I take it you know everyone here" Jason said.
Looking around I noted a few more former Rangers stood around the camp. Justin was there as was Chris and Rocky. There were also many of those who would have been Rangers if the future hadn't turned out the way it had in this world.
"So what have you brought to help, apart from more Rangers" Justin asked.
"We have six morphers for six people, we're also going to try and find the Astro and Zeo powers and restore those Rangers" Dana answered.
"Who will the six be?" Chad 2 asked.
"I'm one" Carter 2 said. "For those who don't know me I'm Carter Grayson of this world, until recently I was part of the monster called Devastator. I've been charged with the mission of helping to free this world and redeem myself. I will become the Red Lightspeed Ranger".
There were a few gasps from people at the announcement that this man was once Devastator. Carter steps forward breaking the silence and said. "Chad you will be the Blue Lightspeed Ranger".
"Kelsey, you'll be the Yellow Lightspeed Ranger" Kelsey said.
"Ryan you are to become the Titanium Ranger" Ryan asked.
"Joel you're going to be the Green Lightspeed Ranger" Joel said.
Everyone waited for the Pink Lightspeed Ranger to step forward and pick the new one, but she didn't. "In case you're wondering my counterpart is not here, she is a prisoner of the Emperor in his castle and cannot be chosen. Until that time that a suitable candidate is found, the Pink Morpher will not be used," Dana told them.
Before there was another word spoken, there was the telltale sound of teleportation and Piranhatrons and Quantrons appeared all around.
"Brilliant, however they got here led the goon squad straight to us" Rocky yelled.
"No time to moan, just get everyone to safety" Jason 2 shouted.
At that everyone moved grabbing equipment as well as people and moving them out of the way as the Cogs and Quantrons opened fire. Seeking shelter I found myself with the Justin and Kim of this world, both he looked at me with undisguised hatred. Then I heard the cry and looking up I saw a little boy of no more than six stood in the open screaming and crying over a fallen body and then I saw a Quantron aim for him. I didn't even hesitate and ignoring the cries from Rachel I threw myself forward and grabbed the kid before the Quantrons shot could hit him and then I dove for cover again.
Shielding the child I waited for the shooting to end and then I heard the sound of teleportation again and when I looked out there were no Piranhatrons or Quantrons and a shimmering forcefield around the mountain.
"I knew it would work" Billy said proudly.
"Never doubted you for a second bro." Jason said.
"What happened to them?" Bradley asked.
"Reverse teleportation, I created device that could teleport away people without them having control of it and also a forcefield. This place should be safe now, no uninvited guests coming here," Billy said.
I wasn't really paying attention as I was too busy talking softly to the child who had just lost his mother and then I felt the eyes of Kim 2 and Justin 2 on me. "What!" I asked.
"You're not him are you?" Justin 2 asked.
"No, I'm not. I hate him, for who he's become and what he's done" I said angrily.
"So you're here to help, but what good are three teams of Rangers against a man who has the power of all evil at his command" TJ asked.
"Everyone can be beat, we've been holding out against the Emperor for six months now and despite a few injuries we've held our own" Joel said.
"Do you think giving new powers and trying to retrieve the stolen ones will help us. I mean take a look around we're pretty much well beaten" Jason 2 said.
"I never knew I could quit like this" Jason said.
"Hey when you've lived through something like this, then we'll compare notes" Jason 2 said angrily.
"Look we realise that you've had it rough the past few years, but we're here to help" Tina added.
"So what's your plan?" Rocky 2 asked.
"As we said retrieve and reinstate the Astro and Zeo powers and if we can contact Ninjor and see if we can get some new power coins" Jon said.
"Hate to break it to you, but we don't know where the Zeo powers are being kept" Chris said.
"That is a valid point" Jo said agreeing.
"I know where they are" Carter 2 said.
"Well then, we'll just go and find them shall we" Carter said.
"I think it's best if we all split up into three teams. "Kim you Billy, Aisha, Tommy and the other Morphin Rangers head for Ninjor's temple and see if you can find him. Dana you and the Lightspeed Rangers help out around here with supplies and stuff. Turbo Rangers and Astro Ranger how do you feel about a little breaking and entering" I said.
There were a few chuckles but I didn't share their laughter and instead silenced them with a look. With that the groups broke up and led by the Carter of this world we set off on our mission.
Having separated the Morphin Rangers began the trek to Ninjor's temple. As the Morphin Rangers dropped into pairs Kim found herself trudging next to Rachel.
"So how you doing?" Kim asked.
"Well, I wake up in the morning being sick and then I realise I'm having twins alone and I feel even worse, but generally I'm okay, so how about you?" Rachel answered.
"Sorry it was a pretty dumb question?" Kim said.
"I'm the one that should be sorry, you're only being polite" Rachel answered.
"It's pretty obvious that while you're here your heart is elsewhere" Kim said.
"Is it that transparent?" Rachel asked.
"Very, but you shouldn't be blaming yourself. If anyone is to blame its Adam for being such a bastard" Kim replied.
"Kim!" Rachel replied slightly shocked at her use of the word.
"Well he is, he thinks he is so smart, by pushing everyone away. But it only proves what an idiot he is. Does he really think that by pushing everyone away we'll stop caring" Kim said.
"How did you know?" Rachel asked.
"The fact that I know Adam pretty well and I know how he acts and I think you know how he acts" Kim said.
"Yeah, I know he's trying to push people away so if he dies again they won't care. Trouble is, like always he's not thinking straight on this. We still care for him and nothing is going to change that fact," Rachel said.
"I agree, but what can we do to make him actually realise he isn't alone and doesn't have to be alone" Kim asked.
"I don't know, I guess he really does need time" Rachel said.
"Don't you worry Rachel we'll find a way to get through to him" Kim said.
"I guess feel like I've loved him and now I've lost him" Rachel said.
"As I said we'll get through to him somehow" Kim insisted.
'Sometimes its wrong to walk away, though you think it's over
Knowing there's so much more to say
Suddenly the moments gone
And all your dreams are upside down
And you just wanna change the way the world goes round.
Tell me, have you ever loved and lost somebody
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry
Can't you see that's the way I feel about you and me, baby
Have you ever felt your heart was breaking
Looking down the road you should be taking
I should know, cos I loved and lost the day I let you go.
Can't help but think that this is wrong, we should be together
Back in your arms where I belong
Now I've finally realised it was forever that I've found
I'd give it all to change the way the world goes round.
Tell me, have you ever loved and lost somebody
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry
Can't you see that's the way I feel about you and me, baby
Have you ever felt your heart was breaking
Looking down the road you should be taking
I should know, cos I loved and lost the day I let you go.
I really wanna here you say that you know just how it feels
To have it all and let it slip away, can't you see
Even though the moments gone I'm still holding on somehow
Wishing I could change the way the world goes round.
Tell me, have you ever loved and lost somebody
Wished there was a chance to say I'm sorry
Can't you see that's the way I feel about you and me, baby
Have you ever felt your heart was breaking
Looking down the road you should be taking
I should know, cos I loved and lost the day I let you go.
At that Rachel allowed a small smile to cross her lips and then allowed her attention to come back on their mission. Meanwhile across the desert the Turbo Rangers and one lone Astro Ranger prepared to do a bit of thievery.
"So how are we going to get in there?" Bradley asked.
"Yeah it is a bit like Fort Knox" Jon muttered.
"Perhaps, but I know how to get in without tripping alarms or anything" Carter 2 said.
"The advantage of having an insider on our side" Tina added.
Following Carter we headed down the mountain and past several guards who seemed to remain oblivious to our presence and then we entered the castle.
"Well that was weird. We walked past the Piranhatrons like we weren't there" Paul said.
"Extremely weird, they didn't even look our way. It was like they were ignoring us," Hannah suggested.
At that I suddenly realised something. "Or they knew we were coming and weren't bothered if we got into the castle because we were walking straight into a trap" I said.
At that Cogs, Piranhatrons appeared from all sides and we suddenly found ourselves outnumbered.
"Time to take this up a notch. "Shift into Turbo" I called out.
The Six Turbo Rangers morphed while Jon called on the Phantom Ruby's powers and Bradley morphed into the White Astro Ranger. Then I looked at Carter and said. "It's time".
The morpher appeared on his arm and for the first time Carter called out. "Lightspeed Rescue". With those words he was transformed into the Red Lightspeed Ranger. "Wow this is amazing".
"No time to chat, lets kick some butt" Justin shouted before diving headlong into the fray.
Agreeing with him I dived straight into the fight as well knocking Cogs and Piranhatrons all over the place. As we thought I realised that this was the perfect time to grab what we had come for. Using our internal communication system I contacted Jon. "Jon, in a minute I'm going to create a distraction. Go to phantom mode and get the Zeo Crystal and Astro powers and then we can get out of here".
"On it, but where are they?" Jon asked.
Over the internal system Carter 2 said. "Jon I'm going to tell you where they re and what you have to do to get to them".
Jon nodded and then he motioned his readiness I pulled out my Auto Blaster and fired shots directly in front of the enemies in front of him and watched as they shielded their eyes and temporarily blinded them and then he was gone. Holstering my blaster I dived back into the fray.
Meanwhile inside Ninjor's temple the Morphin Rangers were attempting to find Ninjor. After a fruitless search the eight regrouped.
"Any sign of Ninjor?" Aisha asked.
"None, we went to his inner sanctum, where we found him before and he wasn't there. From the looks of the place and the amount of damage I'd say there was a massive battle here and Ninjor either bailed out of here, was killed or he was captured" Billy said.
"Well bang goes the idea for new power coins. What now?" Zack asked.
"We should head back to the base and come up with a new plan" Jason said.
"Wait a minute, what about Phaedos?" Tommy asked.
"What about it?" Kim answered.
"Billy you said that although the Ninjetti power and Ninja powers are slightly different they're essentially the same powers as they allowed as to access the same Zords and abilities. Wouldn't it make sense for Ninjor to go to the one person who has a similar mission as him?" Tommy asked.
"You think Ninjor went to find Dulcea?" Billy answered.
"It's possible, I mean they are brother and sister" Tommy replied.
"What!" Aisha yelped.
"Yeah, I found out about it one day when checking out information on Ninjor and Dulcea's name came up in reference to his and Zordon confirmed it" Tommy said.
"Why did Dulcea never mention it?" Kim asked.
"It never came up and also she doesn't know he's her brother. He was believed dead after a raid on Earth and while Dulcea was chosen as guardian of the Great Power. Ninjor had the armour created for him to guard the Ninja power and he created the power coins that we used as well," Tommy said.
"Why hasn't Dulcea being told that she has a Brother who is alive" Rachel asked.
"I don't know, its Ninjor's wishes and Zordon and I have agreed to respect them" Tommy said.
"So we go to Phaedos?" Trini asked.
"I think only some of us should go. The rest should go back to the base and help out there," Jason suggested.
"Good idea bro. Kim, Billy, Aisha and myself will go, I mean we've been so we know where we're going and were they could be" Tommy said.
"Good luck and we'll see you when you get back" Zack said.
The four nodded and teleported away as the others began their trek back to the rebel's base. As the four did so, several miles away we continued our battle with the Emperor's forces while Jon stealthily made his way through the castle. Stopping for several minutes to allow some Cogs pass his hiding spot the Phantom Ranger was so focussed on his mission that he almost didn't hear the scream, almost.
Without hesitation Jon followed the sounds of the scream until he came to a door where he found the screams to be loudest. Listening at the door he heard a male voice talking trash to a female. With a swift kick the door collapsed in on itself and the Phantom Ranger made himself visible and he shouted. "Get the hell away from her".
The monster turned and looked at surprise at this intruder and then with a shout launched himself at the intruder who merely side-stepped the monster and with a boot to his back sent the monster headfirst into the wall where he lay in a heap. Jon turned around and looked at the young woman before him and gasped in surprise when he realised who it was. Though her clothes were almost non-existent, her hair was a mess and she looked to have lost a lot of weight the girl before him was. "Ashley!" he said.
The girl still looked surprised at the figure before her and then she spoke in a stuttering tone of voice as though she hadn't used it in a long time. "P.P.Phantom Ranger".
"I am the Phantom Ranger, just not the one you knew, he's dead and I'm well from another reality, but that's another story. Look I'm here with the Turbo Rangers and we're here to get the Zeo Crystal and Astro powers," Jon explained.
"B.But the Turbo powers were destroyed" Ashley said.
"Long story, lets just get out of here and I'll be happy to explain it you" Jon insisted.
Ashley started to nod and then her eyes widened in fear and Jon saw the movement in the corner of his eye and he turned and met the charge with a swift kick to the monsters face and then the normally quiet and peaceful S Clubber screamed. "You want to attack someone, try someone who can fight back".
The monster launched itself at the Ranger who merely brought up his hand and in it appeared a sword, which the Phantom Ranger drilled straight through the monster that screamed once and exploded. Then he turned to Ashley and offered a hand. "Let's get what I was coming for and get out of here," he said.
With that the two headed for the location of the Zeo Crystal. Meanwhile the rest of us were battling hard against the enemy.
"What's taking him so long" Carter asked.
"I don't know, but we have to keep fighting and give him more time until he completes his mission" Tina shouted an answer.
The new Red Lightspeed Ranger nodded and returned to the fight. Meanwhile Jon had located the object of his search. Ashley held a box containing the Six Astro Morphers and now both of them stood before the pedestal were the Zeo Crystal rested. "Well, this was too easy, I mean it can't be just that easy to get this thing" Jon said.
Ashley shrugged and then Jon reached out and took the Crystal in his hand and then the pedestal dropped into the floor and a female voice announced. "This building will self-destruct in five minutes".
Looking at his companion Jon shrugged and then taking their prizes the two ran for their lives. Across the building everyone heard the pronouncement and dropped what they were doing and fled, including the Cogs and Piranhatrons.
"Well, talk about ending a party in a hurry" Brad said.
"I guess Jon got the crystal and this is the result" I said.
"I got the crystal and the Astro morphers and a friend" Jon said.
Stepping from behind Jon, Ashley stepped into view and I said. "Ash".
Hearing my voice despite being distorted by the helmet Ashley eye's widened in terror and she started to back away. Seeing that Jon said. "Hold it Ashley, that's not the Emperor he's the Adam Pearlman from my reality".
Ashley didn't seem to be able to accept that but some of her fear seemed to disappear and she took the outstretched hand of the Phantom Ranger.
"Anyway as much as I'd like to stay and chat, there is a sudden and urgent need to be elsewhere" Hannah said.
Nodding and seeing Ashley grab onto Jon the nine of us teleported out as the building suddenly crumbled to nothing but rubble.
Back at the base camp the remaining Rangers had finally returned and told the Lightspeed Rangers of what had happened.
"Have the others contacted you?" Rachel asked clearly concerned.
"We haven't heard anything from them, but I don't think we should be worried, they probably don't want to let anyone know where they are" Dana said.
"I hope they're okay" Rachel said.
"You mean Adam" Dana said with the barest hint of a smile.
Rachel didn't reply and instead wandered off and then she saw movement in the corner of her eye and her curiosity got the better of her. As she followed the figure away from the camp she saw them descended into an enclosed valley and then pulled out a small device and starts to look around. Rachel quickly ducked into a hiding spot and watched as the figure spoke into the device. At first she couldn't hear clearly, but then she took a few tentative steps closer and an instant she recognised the voice, it was one she had become very familiar with earlier in the year. Now that she knew whom they were talking to, the question now remained why was Jason 2 talking to the enemy.
"Master Devastator, I have news," Jason 2 said.
"What is it?" Devastator demanded.
"As you predicted the Rangers from the other universe are here and they've set out to retrieve the missing powers. Four of them have gone to Phaedos to seek Dulcea and Ninjor" Jason 2 answered.
"Excellent work my spy. I will send the four a welcoming committee. They may arrive on Phaedos, but they will never leave it. What of the others?" Devastator asked.
"The Lightspeed Rangers have been assisting the rebels at the camp by bringing supplies to them. The Turbo Rangers went after the Zeo Crystal and Astro Morphers with the help of this universe Carter Grayson" Jason 2 replied.
"Is the telepath with them?" Devastator asked.
"She is... Master I must go, I am being watched" Jason 2 said quickly.
Rachel quickly turned to finding a more secure hiding spot when she heard footsteps and a shadow came over her position and she looked up to see Jason stood there with a evil grin on his face. "Well, look what we have here. Welcome to my parlour said the spider to the fly".
With a swiftness that even she couldn't react to, Jason 2 reached out and grabbed the girl by her throat and pulled her into a standing position. "Devastator was hoping to capture you, he will be doubly pleased that I have done it for him" Jason said.
Reacting as anyone would when under attack Rachel kicked out and was rewarded with contact as Jason 2 doubled in pain and Rachel turned to flee when he grabbed her from behind and he spoke his voice full of anger and pain. "You stupid bitch, why did you do that? I wasn't going to hurt you" Jason 2 paused and then with an almost apologetic tone of voice he said. "Now I guess I am going to have to hurt you". With that he threw Rachel hard to the ground and as she fell her head hit a rock on the ground and she blacked out.
Jason kneeled down and started to pick the girl up and place her on his shoulders when he heard a sound and turned just missing the laser bolts which smashed a rock just behind him. Turning he looked up to see the White Ranger stood there minus his helmet and with an angry expression on his face.
"Adam thank god you're here, someone attacked her I was just coming to find someone to help me" Jason 2 said trying to sound flustered.
"Cut the crap, you asshole I heard what you were saying as I descended into this valley. I have to admit I am surprised that of all the people I know you'd be a traitor," I said.
"What can I say it pays, to work both sides of the fence. You see if the Empire falls I'm a good guy, but while its around I'm an informant for them and making sure that they stay in power" Jason 2 answered.
"All I can say is, I can't believe it, the Jason I knew would never have done such a horrible thing," I said.
"I guess we all have the capacity for evil. I mean take a look at your counterpart, a Ranger from the beginning and look at him the Emperor of the Universe. When he brought me before him I challenged him, I thought maybe I could knock some sense into him, I was wrong and he beat me. He gave me a choice I could die like Tommy and the others or I could serve him by 'helping' those that would rebel against him. Given the choice I took my own way out and so we made it look like I had been killed by him and then I escaped. Kim found me and she along with Rocky and Chris believed my story and ever since I've been giving information to the Emperor's forces and making sure the rebels stay weak," Jason 2 explained.
"So what does he want with Rachel?" I asked.
"Simple, her telepathic abilities make her very valuable to the Emperor. Think about it, with her abilities the Emperor would instantly know of any threat to his power and eliminate it" Jason 2 said proudly.
"You're not taking her" I said.
"Oh I think I am and I think you're going to join me and join the Emperor" Jason 2 said.
"And you've obviously taken too many blows to the head" I said sarcastically.
"Really, lets see you've alienated the Rangers with your behaviour since your resurrection and you're not really interested in being a Ranger anymore. The way I see it, you only have one choice and that's to join the Emperor. He's allowed me to offer you great power and even to rule your own universe" Jason 2 explained.
"That is a very tempting offer, I mean I could make all those people who laughed at me at school pay and I could have any woman I want, never mind her" I said thoughtfully.
"Excellent, so you're going to join us" Jason 2 said.
On the ground Rachel was stirring weakly and she started to say. "Adam.. no.. don't do it".
"What do I have to do?" I asked ignoring Rachel.
"All we have to do is shake on it, after all that's how you seal most deals" Jason 2 said.
Jason extended his hand and on his face was an evil grin and with that I reached out and took his hand in my own and shook it as Rachel looked on in horror and above me so did the other Rangers. Then I saw the look of triumph on Jason's face and I spoke. "By the way there is just one thing you should know".
Jason 2 looked perplexed and said. "What's that?"
"There is only one woman for me and that's Rachel" I said and before Jason could react I 'Rock Bottomed' him and left him in a heap on the stone floor. "I can't believe I actually did the Rock Bottom, wow. Anyway Jason while you're recovering from that, listen up. You can take your offer and tell the Emperor to shove it up his largest orifice. I don't need a universe I already have one. Tell the Emperor I'm a Ranger now and forever and I will do anything and everything in my power to bring him down". Then I walked away and then I stopped and moved back and kicked Jason 2 hard in the ribs and said. "One more thing, if you ever and I mean ever touch my fiancée again I will make you suffer beyond your wildest imagination. Now get the hell out of my sight".
Jason 2 stumbled to his feet and cursing my name he disappeared in a flash of black. Then I turned to where Rachel was slowly moving into a sitting position and just looking at me.
"I knew you were lying to him" She said.
"Thought you might, I couldn't say anything verbally or he might have guessed what I was doing" I explained.
"I know and it wasn't my telepathy that let me know what you were doing, it was my heart" Rachel said.
"Please don't get all mushy on me, you're going to make me cry" I said.
"Looks like you've already started to Adam" Rachel said as she wiped a tear that was resting on my cheek.
Reaching up I brushed away the few tears and I said. "Guess some dirt got in my eyes".
"Of course it did" Rachel said clearly not believing my words.
Then I said it. "Rach, I'm sorry for everything I've done. I thought I was doing the right thing".
"Thinking you're doing the right thing and actually doing it are two different things. I know you had your reasons for doing it, but Adam I love you and I wanted to help you through this, but you pushed me away and that hurt far worse than anything the Emperor has done to me" Rachel said.
"I'm an idiot. Is that what you want me to say. Rachel I never meant to hurt you, I just thought that if I pushed you away and something happened to me, then it would be easier for you" I said.
"At least you're being honest and admitting you are an idiot. Look I understand how everything you've been through has been difficult, but I want to be there for you. I mean we can work through this together. So do you want to do this or deal with it on your own" Rachel asked.
I couldn't find the words and all the pent-up emotion and pain of the last few weeks poured out as I cried in her arms for what seemed like an eternity and finally I spoke. "I want to be with you and I want to spend my life with you, I promise to always talk to you".
"That's okay, I'm just glad you're back" Rachel said as she hugged me for a long time. Then we began to walk back towards the camp hand in hand and then Rachel said. "Adam what did you mean that you already have a universe?"
"Simple, you're my universe, you're my very reason for living, for going on" I said.
At that I glanced at her and I could see that there were tears in her own eyes and I quickly and gently wiped them away as I took her in an embrace. Which was interrupted by the sound of voices and someone pretending to throw up.
"Do you lot always spy on people when they're having private conversations" I asked.
"Only the ones we're interested in" Paul said as he moved into sight along the rest of the group.
The six clustered around and with smiles I felt back where I belonged. Then there was a shout and we turned around to see a monster grown to full size.
"Oh great company" Bradley said.
"I say it's time to show this monster your new Zords Turbo Rangers" I said.
"You got it. Ready" Tina said and seeing the nods she said again. "Turbo Rescue Zords power up".
With that five Zords long since thought destroyed appeared and five Turbo Rangers teleported.
"Star Racer Rescue Zord online" Jo shouted.
"Siren Blaster Rescue Zord ready to go" Justin said.
Thunder Loader Rescue Zord on the move" Paul said
Wind Rescue Zord moving out" Hannah said.
"Lightning Fire Tamer Rescue Zord raring to go" Tina shouted.
The monster looked even more startled than some of the Rangers did and I said. "When we restored the Turbo Powers I had Billy rebuild the Turbo Zords and the Rescue Zords. The Rescue Zords were kept a secret until they were needed and now I think they are, so I had Alpha send them to this universe as well".
"Okay let's go, Rescue Megazord" Tina shouted.
The five newly recreated Zords merged and in seconds were five was now one.
"I say we knock this clown into orbit" Justin said eagerly.
"Agreed. Artillery power now" Tina commanded.
The weapons of the Rescue Megazord appeared and with that they fired and the monster was atomised in seconds and the five Turbo's rejoined the other Rangers.
"Nice work guys" Trini congratulated.
"It was indeed. Guys I hate to bring this up, but we need to get back home or they will start to wonder where we are," Hannah said.
Glancing at the time I nodded and then turned to address Kim 2. "The Turbo Rangers, myself and Brad have to leave now, but the Lightspeed Rangers and the remaining Morphin Rangers will stay and they'll be joined by another Ranger team when we leave".
"What about the powers you retrieved?" Rocky 2 asked.
"Well, you, Chris and Kim could take up three of the Zeo powers and TJ and Ashley could take up their Astro Powers again. Justin still has his Blue Turbo Morpher and he can start using that again. I know it means you don't have a full team, but it does give you something to work with and maybe you can find someone suitable for the remaining powers," I said.
"You've already done something far more precious. With your help you've already brought a friend back to us and some powers and more importantly hope" Kim 2 said.
"We're just glad we can help, but we're not going to be going for good, we'll be back" Rachel said.
Kim 2 let out a small smile and then we prepared for our departure and I shared a few minutes with my baby sister and then we teleported home. The concert went well as I felt more relaxed than ever before and as Jo sang 'Two in a Million' I knew that my feelings for Rachel, which I had tried to deny where, back stronger than ever.
Out of all the boys you're not like the others
From the very first day, I knew we'd be lovers
In my wildest dreams, my darkest desire
Would I declare to you your love takes me higher
Just when we both thought our lives were set in stone
They shone a light and bought us together.
We are two in a million
We've got all the luck we could be given
If the world should stop we'll still have each other
And no matter what we'll be forever as one.
It's a crazy world where everythin's changin'
One minute you're up and the next thing you're breakin'
When I lose my way and the skies they get heavy
It'll be okay the moment you're with me
No one would have guessed we'd be standing strong today
Solid as a rock and perfect in every way.
We are two in a million
We've got all the luck we could be given
If the world should stop we'll still have each other
And no matter what we'll be forever as one.
We are two in a million
We've got all the luck we could be given
If the world should stop we'll still have each other
And no matter what we'll be forever as one.
Even as the concert continued I still felt worry for the four Morphin Rangers who had gone to Phaedos and we had not heard from since. Even as I did I felt the comforting presence of Rachel in my head and I forgot my worries for the time being. That evening after the concert I found Rachel and instead of speaking I just held her and I did so for a long time. And as I did I realised that today was the first day of the rest of my life and what the future brought I just didn't know, but with Rachel by my side I could face it.
THE END!