Transdimensional Archives

 

DISCLAIMER: Yes..it is still the case that Saban owns the Power Rangers. Sigh. But there are a fair few things in here that belong to me i.e stuff you do not recognise. This is the 11th in the Sun Goes Down series and it really does help if you have read some of the others.. Enjoy!

Nights' Swift Dragons…
by Peregrine

"Night's swift dragons cut the clouds full fast"- A Midsummer Nights Dream

An afternoon in Angel Grove, and it was raining. Actually raining. Tommy Oliver, ex-Power Ranger, stood at the window watching the surprising phenomenon. He had been threatened with parental wrath if he did not clear some of the boxes of junk he had stored in the garage, and this seemed a good a time as any.

Ever since Kimberley's triumphant win at the Panglobals she had not let up from the idea that had inspired her routine. She wanted them all back together. So did he for that matter, but exactly how it was going to happen he did not know. Kim in fact had hatched a plan to speak to Kat and Tanya under the pretext of a shopping trip this very afternoon. By agreement he was meant to tackle the others, which would prove a little more difficult.

As he half-heartedly sorted through boxes in the dim light and reluctantly consigned some things to an ever-increasing junk pile, he came across a large package addressed to him which had not been opened. The writing looked somewhat familiar but not immediately recognisable. When had this arrived? He had a dim memory of his parents mentioning something about a parcel whilst he was driving for his Uncle Frank and he had told them…that he would take a look the next time he was over. Damn, that had been months ago! Curse his memory, and to think he had thought he was getting better.

Hurriedly he did his other chores so he could take a good look at the mysterious box in detail, his curiosity piqued. Finally, after some of the swiftest and most ruthless cleaning seen on the planet, Tommy sat down with the box in front of him. He tied back his long dark hair to stop it from falling in his eyes and, taking a key from his pocket, scored the tape so he could get into the contents easily. Inside were rolls of paper…no, they were sketches and paintings, and Tommy took a sharp breath.

"Skye." He muttered in recognition of their distinctive style, an almost painful wave of nostalgia washing over him at the coinciding thought of Billy and Trini. They hadn't heard from him since, well, since that message just after they assumed the Turbo powers. It worried him more than he would like to admit. Throughout everything, that knowledge in the back of his head of the strange Ninjetti warning persisted like a nightmare that leapt into his thoughts when he least expected it. Before, they had had to stay and protect the Earth and they had done that, and the decision had been correct; but now, now they were all without the Power and had been for some time. It showed as well. Having been through it before, Tommy recognised the signs of Power withdrawal in the others. They had all tried to isolate themselves, bury themselves in their work and generally became depressed and irritable. Hesitantly Tommy began to unroll some of the sketches and then found an accompanying note near the top of the box.

Tommy,

You will receive this package not long after we have gone. Not long ago you allowed me to share the darkest parts of your past that you thought no-one else would understand. Now I return your trust; I show you my darkest visions of a future that have plagued me for a long, long time. Images from dreams I hoped were just nightmares, but more and more seem to be coming true. If we don't make it, Tommy, and as you will see, we may not, someone has to carry on and make sure that the Ninjetti stand against the Darkness Visible. I know I can trust you to do what you know is right with this information and the other gifts I have left.

I hope I am wrong.

Skye.

Tommy unrolled sketch after sketch, some pencil or ink, others full colour canvases, his eyes widening in shock. This one…this was of Justin. Skye had never met Justin, so how had he managed to…and this one, of Rocky lying injured sprawled on the ground.

Oh dear God Skye, why didn't you say something? he thought to himself. Rocky had been turned into a wreck by the accident and the Powerloss – if he had only known before…Maybe he could have prevented it from happening…somehow.

A traitorous voice sounded inside his mind. Exactly how long has this package been here? Has it been forgotten down here when it might have forewarned of the accident? Guilt welled up within him. He picked up another and nearly flinched. It showed Trini's face looking into a rising sun in such emotional pain that Tommy did not even want to think about what had caused it. There were more. Some glorious, some hideous, and ones that he hoped to all the Powers were just nightmare visions of the artist's mind.

"We should have gone with you, Billy," he said aloud. "I should have been there…" He picked up another roll, and it was heavy. Two boxes slid out, one locked but the other openable. Tommy unrolled the sketch with it and adrenalin rushed as he began to frown in recognition

"Phaedos!" A picture of a group of them on Phaedos. Maybe it was one about their first trip. He took a closer look; no, there were too many of them in the picture – there was Kim, Adam, Rocky and himself – and there were the others. Jason, Justin, Kat, Tanya … and Zack and Aisha! Zack and Aisha? Where was he going to find them? He rummaged around a little more and found another picture of Zack talking to Aisha in front of a familiar building. It took a while, but it came to him.

"I don't believe it! Angel Grove University?!" Tommy said aloud. What was going on? Would the two ex-rangers have returned and not told anyone? He thought for a moment, and conceded he hadn't exactly made himself easy to get hold of recently; none of them had. That made what he had to do even more important — and if Kim managed to get Tanya and Kat to agree to meet up, then they would now at least have something to discuss. Out of curiosity he cracked open the unlocked box and took a deep breath when he saw the five carved glittering crystals inside on light silver-looking chains. Oh yeah, now it's really time to get things moving.

~*~

Kim, Tanya and Kat sat down at one of the convenient tables in the mall, resting their weary arms from carrying around anymore purchases. They sipped at their drinks in companionable silence for a while before Tanya said, "So, you going to tell us why you've really called us?"

Kim nearly choked on a mouthful. "Whatever gave you the idea that I was up to anything in particular?"

Kat smiled tiredly "We haven't been out together for months, Kim, and all of a sudden we've had calls from you all the time arranging to meet."

"It has been pretty obvious." Tanya affirmed.

Kim shook her head ruefully. "I guess subtlety didn't work. Let's face it, how many times can you guys be washing your hair or have to work on your latest project, huh?"

Kat and Tanya exchanged glances.

"Truth be told Kim, I don't feel much like seeing anyone" Tanya said heavily. "It's hard enough trying to get through to Adam at the moment."

"You don't even want to know about Rocky," Kat said darkly.

"This is exactly what I wanted to see you about," Kim replied forcefully. She leaned closer. "Power Withdrawal…you are all undergoing it. I've experienced it before – so has Tommy, for that matter, and let's just say he has been no picnic to live with since you all passed on the Turbo Powers. Let me guess…you are all irritable, depressed, feel useless, exhausted, don't want to see anyone, don't want to speak, don't want to get up in the morning?"

Her two friends were staring at her in shock "Did you just take a look at my journal?" Kat asked aghast.

Kim shook her head in mild amusement "No, but I remember it well. The point is that we need to be together. Ever since the Panglobals…I have felt this need to get everyone back together." She finished with a rush.

There, that was the bit that she thought they might choke on. But to her surprise they nodded in unison.

"I could see that." Tanya said sagely, nodding slightly.

Kat nodded. "If I could put across in my dancing what you did then…well…" she said.

Kim was relieved. "Tommy and I are trying to get everyone back together… has anyone spoken to Jason recently?"

There were two reluctant shakes of their heads. "I think …I think Billy's father might be able to get hold of him." Tanya contributed, shrugging slightly.

Kim nodded. "Okay, I'll get hold of him," she said decisively. "I want you guys to get Adam and Rocky to Tommy's tomorrow night …come hell or high water."

"Er, Kim, I don't know…" Kat began, looking troubled.

"Please Kat," Kim said. "This is more than just a little important." She wasn't sure if she could exactly explain how important it appeared to be to her. She fixed her fellow ex-pink ranger with a determined gaze.

Eventually the ex-Pink Turbo Ranger sighed. "Okay, I'll do it, somehow."

"Great." Kim said with a sigh of relief. Time was running out. She didn't know how she knew that, but time was definitely running out.

~*~

A dark claw across his vision, a feeling of profound danger, glowing golden eyes, nighteyes of an Owl — Come now, fly fast, come alone, come now, the pattern, the pattern, come now, come alone, come now…

Skye gasped and shot awake from another nightmare vision, the same one. Over and over for the last four days, whenever he closed his eyes, the same thing happened. His mind filled with burning desperate images that would not let him rest, waking him more and more frequently as time went on. He tried to shake it off, but the dream images left him with a profound feeling of disturbance that lingered through the waking hours, making his mind feel raw and vulnerable. He swung out of bed, not wanting to go back to sleep again, and made his way up to the cockpit of Wolfzord where Billy was intently reading a book, with his feet up on a console. The Star Ninjetti entered without a word and sat down, just wanting to clear the images from his mind.

Billy blinked in surprise and looked up at the Star Ninjetti. "Skye, you only went to lie down an hour ago!"

Skye shrugged. "I can't sleep." The dark rings around his eyes stood testament to his words. He looked like he was exhausted and yet here he was awake…again.

"But you put in a 20 hour day yesterday of constant scanning of the sector ahead." Billy said with concern. He had been unsure why the Star Ninjetti had been pushing himself so hard, but maybe if he wasn't sleeping, he was trying to tire himself out. Either that or another, longer standing problem. "I thought you had stopped having the dreams?" Billy asked, putting the book down.

Skye shook his head. "I have never stopped having the dreams and normally I can live with them," he said quietly. "But this one will not let me sleep!" There was the sound of light footsteps behind them.

"Can you two keep it down?" Trini said, yawning as she came in, brushing her dark ebony hair back. "Skye? Aren't you meant to be asleep? I told you what I would do if you didn't get a proper rest after the past week we've been through…"

Billy mock-shuddered. "Careful, Skye…you're in trouble now…"

Skye gave a tired grin "Okay, fine! I swear I will go back to sleep and stay there for 8 hours minimum."

"Good!" Trini said triumphantly. "Now go!" she gestured imperiously, and Billy smiled quietly as Skye adopted a hangdog demeanour and began to trudge out of the cockpit.

Skye turned to say one last retort when…

Moons over the temple, a dark claw across his vision, a feeling of profound danger, eyes, gold eyes burning, summoning, the wing of a white owl. Come now, come fast come, alone, the pattern, the pattern will be lost, come…come NOW!!

Billy and Trini watched as their friend froze mid step and then winced as the final deafening demand reverberated through the Star Crystal into their spirit crystals and from there into their own heads.

"What the…" Billy began as Skye blinked and just sat down, looking dazed.

"I have to go…" the Star Ninjetti said finally. He looked at Trini. "I need to borrow TigerZord, I have to go…I have to go NOW!"

"Wait a moment, wait a moment" Billy said in a calming voice. "What, where…when?"

"I don't know," Skye said helplessly, just in the grip of a feeling that was tugging him inexorably away from this place. "But I have to go…Now…I must go now…time is running out!"

*He must go to the Owl Spirit* Billy's wolfspirit contributed from within Billy's mind.

"To Dulcea?" Billy questioned aloud and saw a dawning recognition in both Trini's and Skye's expressions.

"Of course! Phaedos! Yes," Skye said, relieved. One part of the mystery solved. "I have to go there."

Billy and Trini exchanged worried glances. "Are you sure? We would be losing time on our mission," Trini asked delicately. If time were so short surely they should focus on the really important task of swelling their ranks.

*You misunderstand young Tiger.* her Tiger spirit said. *He must go alone, you and the Wolfcub must continue. He will rejoin with you when his purpose there is complete.*

"But…" Trini protested.

*If the Owl needs him on Phaedos, then he must go, but there is no need to imperil our search. That must continue.* the Wolf spirit said firmly.

"I have scanned most of the sector ahead." Skye said, burning to leave now he had a goal. "I have marked the planets with potential Ninjetti that I have sensed. Please, I need to go…I will have no rest until this is done!"

Billy was struggling with the thought of them splitting up even temporarily. Despite the assurances from the Animal spirits it still seemed wrong somehow. "I don't like this, Skye" he said slowly.

"I never said I liked it," Skye replied forcefully, "but if I don't do it, I'm going to go mad. You saw it, the summons is coming through even when I am awake. That's just too dangerous for all of us..and you both know that!" For once he turned the well-worn and familiar argument of him being a comparative liability physically against them.

Billy sighed. "Fine. Fine. Trini, if you program TigerZord to take him directly to Phaedos … and for the return journey I will rig a homing beacon in Wolfzord." They both knew that Tigerzord was the most heavily armoured of the two Zords and would protect Skye more than Wolfzord, should something go wrong.

In a surprisingly short period of time, Skye was ready to leave. He looked at his friends' grim faces and smiled "Relax! Everything will be fine. It's probably nothing much," he said lightly.

"You take care," Trini said, giving him a warm hug. Much to his surprise, Billy did likewise, though he remained silent.

Skye flushed a little and then paused just before teleporting. "Just think what mischief you two could get up to whilst I am not around," he said with a wide, knowing grin. "Just think of it as an impromptu honeymoon!"

And before they could respond, he teleported away.

~*~

"Dark Spectre, Emperor of the known universe," fawned Divatox . "The first representatives of the One have been sighted entering the Galactic rim."

Dark Spectre's magma lines began to glow brightly illuminating the dimly lit throne room. "I wish to speak to them," he rumbled eagerly. "I wish them to know of our wholehearted support and carry our regards to the Darkness Visible."

Dark Spectre was playing a dangerous game. He was speaking for other ears than that of the space pirate before him.

"I will make sure that one of our ships goes forth to meet them." Divatox replied, stressing the "our". She had managed to subtly slide up the ranks into Dark Spectre's favour and she was doing everything to reinforce that position. There were three blurs of movement in the room.

"That will not be necessary," an alien voice said from the shadows. Three shrouded alien figures appeared to shimmer into visibility before their eyes.

"Guards!" Divatox shouted in alarm, her hand going immediately to her laser pistol.

"Hold, Divatox." Dark Spectre rumbled. He had been correct then. They had already arrived. He had not become the undisputed leader of the Evil forces of the galaxy without having some sort of talent for reading situations. "Emissaries of the Darkness Visible, I presume?" he inquired.

Divatox took a hurried intake of breath. Looking at the figures in more detail, they were certainly impressive. A strangely beautiful race, but totally unfamiliar to her, except maybe from stories and legends. They looked like they should be reptilian, with elegant sculpted features that reminded her of a refined version of those disgusting Drakin, but they were furred rather than scaled, and their imposing crests of swept-back horns rose like crowns over a cascading mane of hair.

"We are of the Nid-hi," one of the creatures said in a sweet tone. "We are the children of the One, we are his Chosen. The One has devoted aeons to our race to lead us from perpetual night to our destiny."

"We are the Masters of the Outer Darkness," said another, its eyes glittering even in the darkened room. "Now it is time to extend that mastery into the heart of the stars."

"Welcome are the Nid-hi. Dark Spectre, keeper of the powers of Darkness within this Galaxy, stands ready to assist as required." the magma lord said humbly.

Divatox could not believe what she was hearing.

"Dark Spectre! What are you doing…?" she challenged. "These are mere lackeys to the One…you need not bow and scrape to the likes of them!"

"Silence, Divatox!" Dark Spectre snapped. The Nid-hi fixed her with a cold implacable gaze. A chill seemed to sweep the room and Divatox shivered. A horrifying presence began to steal over her. Something was watching her, scrutinising her, and a terrible fear of not being useful enough swept over her. Before she knew it, she had dropped to her knees babbling, "Pleaseohplease…let me show you I can help you, let me do something, anything — only let me do something..! Please…please!"

Dark Spectre laughed. The One had obviously taught the Nid- hi much of the ways of the Spirit Power.

"You are wise, Dark Spectre," the tallest Nid-hi stated, watching the grovelling space pirate with a certain degree of distaste. "Of all who have approached the Emissaries of the One, you have not tried to bargain for Power, you have placed yourself within its Will and not haggled for benefits. The One needs a Wise leader until the arrival – you will be that Leader."

Dark Spectre bowed his head and exulted quietly. He had been right then. That tiny passage in the Ancient texts …Those that embrace the power of night in humility will receive the powers of darkness in full measure… had shown him the way. In their overweening pride, Master Vile, Lord Zedd and all the others had tried to usurp his rightful place by trying to impress the Nid-hi with their power … and in doing so robbed themselves of opportunity. He, on the other hand, had humbled himself to receive the powers of darkness. Then…when those powers were his… would they see about bowing and scraping.

"I am honoured to be of service," he said, inclining his head. "May I ask when the One will be with us?"

"Not for some time," admitted the Nid-hi. "The One stays within the heart of our race, travelling slowly but inexorably towards this Haven of Stars. We have been sent to prepare. There is much to be done before that time. All must be ready for when the Darkness Visible comes forth."

"All you need do is ask." Dark Spectre rumbled, an anticipatory thrill running through his molten lava-filled veins. He had no intention of treating the One like a God as these Nid-hi did but even so he could recognise and appreciate the type of power that would convince such a strong race of its Divinity. "Please…describe what it is that you plan to do."

The Nid-hi explained their mission and the means by which they hoped to accomplish it. There was an astonished silence and Divatox finally said in an incredulous tone, "You can do this?!"

The sculpted elegant draconic features regarded her briefly. "We entered here undetected, did we not? Do they all have guards skilled in the Khi-han? Spirit-sensing? No, we thought not. Besides, those they watch over will be very busy dealing with surprise attacks – your part of the bargain."

"Besides," the tallest Nid-hi said, "You know that we have already accomplished this once. This is fact. Why should it fail?"

"That was you three? On Eltare?" Divatox asked sceptically. How could so few of them triumph where the combined forces of the United Alliance of Evil had failed for so long?.

The smallest Nid-hi threw back her hood, revealing delicate silver-white features and a gold-tinged mane that spilled out over her dark cloak. Even being of another race, Dark Spectre could appreciate her outstanding beauty.

"That was me alone," she said melodiously. "It only required one of us to seize the Enemy of Order." Her liquid ebony eyes gleamed and shimmered with purple highlights as she watched him intently. Dark Spectre nodded in acquiescence, acknowledging that the United Alliance of Evil would throw their lot in with the Nid-hi with such an outstanding accomplishment attributable to them.

The audacity of the plan was frightening, and the even more astonishing thing was that it probably would work incredibly successfully. Divatox did not know what to say. All this time the various villains of the Galaxy had plotted and schemed and they had made headway, yes, but now in a moment you could feel the tide turning completely in their direction. She was rendered speechless.

That silence was broken by a low rumbling laugh as Dark Spectre, with delighted Evil mirth, filled the hall with his appreciation for the diabolical plan.

~*~

"Please, Rocky, it is important!" Kat pleaded for the umpteenth time.

"I have a late class, and I might be too tired to make it," Rocky said as if he hadn't been wriggling around like a worm trying to get off of a hook for the past hour.

Kat's crystal blue eyes flashed dangerously. "Rocky deSantos, don't you DARE give me that!" she said with a dangerous edge. "This time last week you were up until four in the morning on that computer after that class."

Rocky sighed and sat down, his back cramping a little. "Kat please…I just don't want to go," he said flatly. What more was there to say? He didn't want to go to an ex-ranger reunion even if they were all Powerless now. It still didn't change how he felt.

She crossed her arms and stared at him resolutely. The pressure of the silence weighed on him like a lead weight. Damn it all, ever since she had learned that little trick he had rarely gotten away with anything. He wondered if Adam had let it slip to her.

"I don't want to see Tommy and Jason…or any of the others. They remind me of what I used to be like." He looked away, embarrassed at the tightening emotion that seemed to be burning in his throat, threatening to make his voice crack with self-pity.

Kat took his hand "Rocky…Rocky, look at me," she said softly.

Reluctantly he did so, glancing into those crystal blue eyes and knew he had probably lost the argument there and then.. "Rocky, have I forced you to do anything that you have not wanted to over the past year?" He shook his head. No, now he came to think of it, she hadn't.

"Well, if I have to drag you through the streets on a chain, I will get you there tonight…THAT is how important I feel this is….!" Kat said, her voice ringing with sincerity. "If you won't do it for yourself, then for once do it for me." She fixed him with that gaze and hopeful smile that he had no defence against, and he groaned.

"Fine. Fine, okay, I will go!" he said explosively. "Though I won't enjoy it one bit."

Kat kissed him softly and said with a sad smile, "You just have to go, enjoying yourself is optional!."

~*~

Tommy paced nervously. "What time did you say they were getting here?"

"Around seven," Kim replied, watching him stalk back and forth. "Tommy, just relax…they are our friends! We know them."

Tommy fiddled with his long hair irritably. "I know, I know, but I haven't seen them in so long…and I have the strangest feeling about this." In fact, if I didn't know better I would say I felt like I used to just before we morphed and went into battle, he thought to himself.

Kim nodded; she felt it too, a burning anticipation particularly since she had come back a couple of days previously and found Tommy pouring over the myriad sketches he had discovered. The sketches were lying out on the lounge floor where they had cleared some room, and the two ex-rangers hoped that the others would be able to help piece them together.

"Doesn't it seem just slightly odd that Aisha and Zack have both come back here, right now?" Kim mused. "Coincidence?…Not!" she said, sounding like she was a good six or seven years younger than she actually was.

"What else could it be?" Tommy said, checking the window again, pausing as he saw a car pull up. Jason! And he had given a lift to Adam and Tanya by the looks of it. Right. Time to get things moving.

Kim shrugged. "I don't know…just seems like there is some sort of pattern," she said, wondering if it had anything to do with Skye. The last time she had felt like this was when he had tried to explain why he thought saving her had been important enough to risk everything because without her, the pattern would be lost.

"Well, maybe we can discuss it later…" Tommy said, nearly bounding to the door in his eagerness to see his friends. "They are starting to arrive!"

Within half an hour of each other all the ex-rangers had congregated at Tommy's house, until the place was abuzz with a muted sense of expectancy. Tommy looked around at them all before standing up to set things going.

"Guys…guys!" he raised his voice and they quieted down. He grinned as he took in the sight of them all there; Rocky and Kat, Tanya and Adam, Jason, Justin, Zack and Aisha … and of course Kim. "Guys, it's great to see you all. I guess word might have filtered through that we've all been undergoing Power Withdrawal, so we haven't been the best company in the world recently, and it is a shame that I actually needed a reason to get you all here like this…but we do have a reason."

Kim then got up and continued. "I think only Justin did not know Billy and Trini," she began.

"But I've heard all about him!" Justin chipped in.

" But I am not sure if Zack and Aisha know the full story behind why they are not here with us." Kim continued. She gave them a brief synopsis of the events leading to Billy and Trini going into Space.

"Also, Skye went with them. Fewer of you know him, but he is an artist and has some…unique talents." Kim said, setting the scene for Tommy's revelation.

"I discovered this package that he sent me before he left," Tommy said. He indicated the vast array of sketches all over the room. "We need your help to piece together what we have to do, and what has happened and what could happen."

Some of the ex-Rangers looked astonished as they glanced around at the pictures. Not at the remarkable quality, but at the content, images seemingly stolen from their lives when they knew that the artist had not been around to witness them or even be told about them.

"Like I said, a unique talent," Tommy said, picking up a picture of him driving a race car at speed.

Aisha stepped forward, picking up a picture with a faintly trembling hand. "This…this is my village, the view across the Veldt in the morning…but…I've never even MET this Skye!"

" I know, Aisha…I know," Kim said. Tommy picked up one of Kim glowing like a star dressed in white with an ecstatic look on her face "I know what this one is now…I've seen it happen."

"The Panglobals." they all chorused and laughed at Kim's discomfiture.

"Well it could have been last Saturday when we… hey!" Tommy ducked as Kim, blushing, threw a cushion at him to shut him up, and the group around them chuckled.

"Anyway, you get the idea…we need to eliminate pictures that have occurred and see what we are meant to do in the future. If there is one thing we are both certain of is that there is something we must do in the future," Tommy finished, and the ex-rangers pored over the various sketches and pictures laying them out as if they were all trying to do an enormous jig-saw puzzle.

A surprising quantity of pictures proved to have some personal significance to them all, and at the picture of the destroyed Power Chamber, Justin had to explain to them all what had happened and where the others had gone. "But, the Power Chamber has been rebuilt," he finished with a heavy sigh. "Dimitria is still there at the moment, though since Zordon was abducted from Eltare…"

There was a communal explosion of outrage around the room

"Zordon? Abducted?!" Jason said, clenching his fists unconsciously.

Justin nodded miserably. "The last I heard, yes…Carlos, T.J, Cassie and Ashley are looking for him…but they don't know who took him or where he is being held.

Jason paced up and down, nearly crumpling the sketches in his anxiety. "We have to do something about this!" The others agreed. Zordon had been a major part of their lives for years, they couldn't just forget about him.

Tommy picked up the picture of Phaedos and held it up. "I think this is the answer. Those of us who were Ninjetti recognise this place…Phaedos, where we sought the Great Power. Skye drew us there…all of us here. He drew many pictures of Phaedos…in fact Billy got to know him because he and Adam went to an exhibition and found themselves staring at pictures of what had happened when we first went there." Adam nodded.

Tommy looked around at them all meeting their eyes one by one. "You've seen how many of the things that he drew came to pass? What do you think?"

There was a murmur of agreement around the room from all except Rocky who had remained unusually quiet throughout the whole discussion.

"Getting to Phaedos wasn't easy, not like Zord teleporting," Aisha said. "How do you expect us to get there, and what do we do when we are there?"

"As I recall…" Adam mused, "it required a burst of energy from the Power Chamber, but if the Power Chamber has been destroyed…"

Justin bounced up. "No, no..it's been rebuilt! I still have local teleport access," he said excitedly. "I can get us all in if I go up and explain things to Dimitria. After all … you all have been Rangers, after all." The young teenager's enthusiasm was infectious, and everyone perked up.

"Then Justin, if you can arrange for Dimitria to teleport us to Phaedos tomorrow," Tommy said. "By then we will have been able to have come up with some sort of cover story to explain an absence of a couple of days, maybe. Then we can find out what our place in this is going to be!"

Dimitria had been surprisingly agreeable about the whole thing, and the large group stood assembled in the latest version of the Power Chamber, preparing for their long trip. Rocky shook his head. He couldn't go and he knew it. He had gone along with the others up to now, getting his hopes up, but it was time for a reality check. He was injured and a liability. His back could go into spasm at any time, and what would that do to them in the middle of a fight? He looked at Kat, smiling and laughing with Aisha, and sighed. There was no good time to do this.

He stepped away from the others, as they stood poised to teleport.

"Rocky?" Kat queried, sounding alarmed.

"I'm sorry, but I can't go with you all." He said it heavily, depression clouding his tones. More than anything in the world he wanted to, but he was incredibly afraid that because of him something would happen to some of them, or worst of all, to Kat.

"Rocky, man…what are you talking about?" Jason asked, stepping forward as well.

"My back," he said simply. "I can't take a Power when I am injured. That's all there is to it."

The look of consternation on their faces was pleasing in some ways, as it meant that they had forgotten enough not to pity him as he feared that they would. But the fact remained, he wasn't going anywhere.

"Rocky, please..!" Kat pleaded. "Just come with us…for me!"

Rocky turned away stiffly. "Don't you see, Kat? It is for you that I have to stay behind. Has an injured person ever been able to assume the Powers, Dimitria?" he asked, raising his voice.

The Inquirian remained silent for a long moment. "It would be foolish to consider the fact that none have before as complete proof, would it not?"

"That is a close to a definite answer as you are going to get," Rocky said. "Now go…all of you."

There was a chorus of refusals, and Rocky strode over to a console, turned and said abruptly "Good Luck" … and pressed the teleport activation and the Power chamber was echoingly empty once again. Rocky leant over the console, his back to Dimitria, his shoulders heaving silently.

"Are you alright, Rocky?" asked the Inquirian finally.

"Yes…yes…just my back spasming," he lied, wiping across his eyes with the back of his hand. "It tends to get the better of me when I least expect it."

~*~

Dulcea was weary beyond belief. Continual testing, looping the time over and over, pulling the ones out who failed, churning out Ninjetti spirit warriors as the candidates flooded in from the worlds that her proteges visited. They appeared to be working hard…the sheer quantity of people she had processed, beings of all races … it surprised even her. But however she twisted it and looped it and tied it up in knots, time was running away with her, and not all who quested made it through. She sighed as she felt the arrival of ANOTHER group…a large group at that. She made her way to the beachhead.

"Hold! Do you seek the Great Power!?" she challenged.

"Dulcea!" called Tommy loudly from down below her. "It's us!".

She took a closer look and then somersaulted down gracefully. "By all the Powers! A pleasant surprise." She looked them all over appraisingly. "Where is Rocky, the Red Ape?" she asked, concerned.

Kat flushed. "He…he wouldn't come because of his injury," she explained.

"He is Ninjetti, he must come! Everyone of us is needed! If he comes not of his own accord, then he will be summoned," Dulcea said assertively. "But in the meantime….I see new candidates amongst you. Stand forward…"

Jason stepped forward with the others, seeking her emerald green eyes, feeling something indescribable as he met her gaze. He watched her, his mouth going dry at the mere sight of her walking up and down their line. She appraised the others, seeming to know about their Ranger histories and nodded after each one.

She hesitated before him, frowning slightly, and placed a hand loosely on his shoulder. "Jason of Earth, I have met you before and you were holding the Gold Powers – I see that you managed not to be ripped apart by the three-fold nature of that Power?"

"Not quite, Dulcea" Jason replied, feeling an unaccountable blush lurking. "I have recovered now." He didn't want to sound like he was unworthy of questing for the Great Power.

"This is good, you are strong," Dulcea said formally, but her touch seemed to linger and her eyes met his for the briefest moment and Jason knew he was lost to them forever. In just one moment everything had changed. Dulcea turned, taking a deep steadying breath before announcing, "Come…follow me to the Temple."

Kim nudged Tommy as they followed the Master Warrior of the Ninjetti up to the plateau. Tommy turned to her and frowned and mouthed a silent "what?" Kim nodded her head towards Jason and then flicked her eyes over towards Dulcea. Tommy frowned, shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Kim sighed heavily. Men could be so blind sometimes. Aisha looked across at her, nodded and winked and then the four girls of the group burst into broad smiles as they caught each other's eyes. Why the men never saw it she didn't know…ah well, this could be interesting — VERY interesting indeed.

~*~

Dulcea made those already Ninjetti stand outside of the immediate confines of the spirit fire she had built and Jason, Zack, Justin, Kat and Tanya stood before it much as had the others all that time ago. It brought back poignant memories for all of the others as they watched that incredibly moving ceremony where their animal spirits revealed themselves to them and pronounced them worthy of questing for the Great Power.

Eventually, Dulcea walked before them and took out a hand full of the spirit dust and mentally called the Animal Spirits to attend and claim their own.

"In each of us is an animal spirit buried deep in our hearts," she said. "For those who can face themselves, they will reveal their hidden secrets. Look closely within and let your animal spirit come forth." She threw the handful of spirit dust upon the fire and it flared with the special energy that made it possible for the animal spirits to make their wishes known. The fire died down and Dulcea smiled as all of them stood before her dazed and excited by their transformation.

"Justin, you are the Blue Dolphin, intelligent and playful," she said, touching the leaping dolphin insignia. The youngest Ninjetti grinned delightedly as she moved onto Kat, dressed once more in pink with the image of a sprinting feline on her gold insignia.

"Kat, you are the Pink Cheetah, swift and loyal." Kat gave a dazzling smile.

The Master Warrior moved along to Zack who was curiously trying to work out what his animal spirit was from the gold emblem. She smiled. "Zack, you are the Black Mongoose, fluid and deadly," and nearly laughed at his comical look of relief.

"Thought I was a rat for a moment," he said, flashing a grin. Dulcea moved along down the line, touching Tanya's emblem depicting an elegant strong antelope with graceful swept back horns.

"Tanya, you are the Yellow Oryx , powerful and fierce," she said and moved along finally to Jason. Immediately as she touched the emblem, her owl spirit began to trill within her. She had been right, his animal spirit had been waiting all that time to show itself.

"Jason…you are the Red Lion, courageous and strong." She said it quietly, her hand resting on the Lionspirit insignia as if reluctant to let it go.

Dulcea looked away, her mind whirling. Seldom, certainly not in the past few millennia, had she been so affected by the mere sight or…touch of someone. That part of her life had died long ago, before she became the first Warrior of Phaedos when Kerrin had been killed. Maybe that was it. Kerrin had been a Black Lion Ninjetti, maybe this new Lion Spirit Chosen just reminded him of her long dead love. There was no room in her life for love, she had the Duty of being the guardian of Phaedos … which was more vital than any vague and probably unreciprocated feelings. This was just not appropriate, think of the age difference for a start! No, the whole thing was ridiculous…and Jason was a completely different person from Kerrin. Kerrin had the introspectiveness and quietness of the Black, whereas Jason had the fire and warmth of the Red and the harmony and courage of the Gold. Her mind lingered uncertainly as she finally removed her hand and turned away, steadying her state of mind.

"Now, you must prepare for your Quest." She took out the boxes that Tommy had brought with him and opened the locked one. She took out the first Spirit crystal, carved with the image of a lion and held it up as it caught the light from the fire, blazing with red and gold highlights. She went back to Jason and slipped the crystal over his head, acutely aware of his close proximity and his presence. Remaining outwardly calm as her emotions churned inside, she repeated the process with the other Ninjetti until they had all received their own Spirit Crystal.

"You five will become Spirit Warriors if you gain the Great Power. The transformation will take place automatically, but first you have to prove yourself worthy,"she informed them in a serious tone. She then looked around to the others who were standing, watching the familiar process.

"Those of you who have undergone the quest will need to meditate to find your own joining to the Spirit Warrior Powers. Come forth into the circle and receive your own Spirit Crystals."

Tommy, Kim, Adam and Aisha stepped forward and were each presented with their own Crystal, and Dulcea stood dangling the last crystal from her hand, the tiny carved Red Ape glittering as it spun and twisted from the chain. Her expression became determined.

"Now to settle this." She walked to the fire and made a strange gesture, spoke a command in an unfamiliar language and the image of Dimitria appeared.

"What can I do for you, First Warrior of the Ninjetti?" the veiled Inquirian asked.

"Rocky of Earth, the Red Ape Ninjetti – I wish him sent here immediately," Dulcea said firmly.

"Is it not against our ways to force someone against their will?" Dimitria responded evasively.

"He is Ninjetti, I invoke the Right as the Guardian of the Great Power to bring him to Phaedos." Dulcea pointed out tersely. She had no time for the questioning games of this young mentor.

"Did you not lose your claim on him when time became reversed?" Dimitria pointed out.

"No….and you well know that. The Great Power is a power of the Spirit, and Time does not rule the Spirit, the Spirit rules Time. Now send him to me," Dulcea demanded.

"If this is truly your will?" Dimitria asked finally.

"It is."

Dimitria gestured and then vanished, and a few minutes later, Rocky tumbled into a heap before them.

Dulcea took one look at the ex-Zeo Ranger and said shortly "You are late," before continuing with her address. "Time is short. Those Questing for the Great Power must battle their way to the Monolith to receive it and prove their worthiness to hold it. You will leave soon. Those who have already been judged worthy, will reactivate their animal spirits and awaken the dormant Ninjetti Power by bonding with their Spirit Crystals. This you will begin now." He voice brooked no contradiction.

Rocky stood with a stern expression on his face, having recovered his composure, and shook his head. "I cannot." He said flatly.

Dulcea looked swiftly at Jason. For some reason she felt that they were under pressure of time and that it might already have slipped through their grasp. She had to get the Quests under way as soon as possible. She addressed the Red Lion Ninjetti who was looking like he was about to get involved in the upcoming argument. "We will resolve this issue, waste no more time in waiting."

Jason nodded in response and automatically began to call the others together, slipping very neatly back into the role of leader. "C'mon then guys, that Monolith isn't going anywhere!" he encouraged them.

Dulcea watched them turn to leave and said suddenly "Jason..!" He turned and looked over his shoulder.

"May the Power protect you..all." she called out.

He gave a brisk nod and a half smile and the team heading into the denseness of the wild and savage Neola forest.

~*~

A grey clad figure walked up to the Temple unnoticed as the group of Questing Ninjetti departed. Rocky's teammates and friends stood around him, trying to persuade him to join them and reclaim the Great Power.

"No! I can't!" Rocky nearly shouted again "Can't you see that? I'm hurt, I can't fight, I am liability and a cripple!" His voice held an edge of bitterness.

Tommy gripped his friend's shoulder "Please, just try it!" he pleaded. It was his responsibility to keep the team together, what sort of job was he doing if he couldn't persuade one of them to take the Power?

"And what will that prove? How much of an idiot I am? How useless I am?" Rocky said in despair. "You have all felt that way during Power Withdrawal…well, the difference is that I know it is actually true!" He shook off Tommy's hand and turned and walked away from them, holding his back stiff and rigid..

"Rocky!" Adam called out after his friend, hurt by his rejection "There is no reason for you to go!"

"Do you want me to get you hurt by being unable to fight? By having a back spasm in a battle and you dying? Do you? You know what that feels like, Adam…you told me!" Rocky shot back at him and Adam flinched, reliving the moment when a monster had thrust a laser spear through Billy because he had been incapacitated. He had eventually told Rocky all about it, and now it seemed it was more that fear than anything that was crippling him. Adam had no answer for his question. How could he argue when it seemed that Rocky was trying to protect them all?

"Just leave me alone!" Rocky shouted, sounding like a stranger to them, turning and fleeing from them all. He disappeared into the Sacred Heart of the Temple, out of their view.

Unnoticed, the grey figure with a peculiar halting stride silently followed the ex-ranger into that familiar stone circle. Dulcea paused, sensing the presence of a ninjetti mindtouch and gave an imperceptible nod to herself.

"I should go after him," Adam said, his dark eyes following the direction his friend had gone.

Aisha also stepped forward. "I will." They had known him the longest, despite the timeline alterations.

"None of you will" Dulcea said firmly. "It will be taken care of. It is more important that you become Spirit Warriors right now. You will sit around the Summoning Fire and the Animal Spirits will come and make their wishes known." She gestured imperiously for them to sit, and with worried looks on their faces they obeyed. Aisha in particular kept glancing behind her.

Dulcea abruptly thumped her Singing Staff on the stone floor of the temple. "Enough! I give you my word that he is being dealt with, and Spirits willing, will be returned to us. Now focus, all of you. This is vitally important!" Dulcea's voice softened. "This will be the time where you accept what role you will play in the Darkness to come. The choice may seem easy and obvious, but consider this…you fight for more than just Earth if you accept the Path of the Spirit Warrior. Those that hold the Power have the responsibility to use that Power for the good of all. There is no telling what might be asked of you. Consider carefully for there can be no doubt."

Obediently they followed her instructions and began to meditate upon the Summoning Fire until time seemed to slow and vanish, and each felt to be alone with themselves and the Fire and the imminent return of their Animal Spirit.

My Daughter…. The Crane spirit soared from within the fire to join Kimberly. This is the moment where you chose your Path. Whether you fight and fly against the Darkness Visible or you stand as The Sun Goes Down. The bright Spirit spread its wings against a setting sun, poised to stand or to fly.

"I will fight the Darkness," Kim communicated. "I was given back my life to be a part of the pattern, and I cannot be a part of it if I do not join the fight."

The Crane bowed her graceful head. I do honour to your Spirit…you are worthy of being a Spirit Warrior!

A deep rumbling noise alerted Aisha Cub- daughter the Bear said softly, padding forth from the glowing embers; I am roused from my slumbers…there is a need for your power and strength. This is a false winter and Darkness and much will be taken from us. Chose now…Chose whether it is your path to take the fight to the Darkness for battle is nearly upon us.

"I will…I choose the way of the Spirit Warrior," Aisha replied decisively.

Out of the curling smoke of the fire the image of the Frog coalesced. Adam…my young Frog, your transformation is nearly complete, the Balance achieved. Accept the path of the Spirit Warrior and it will fall to one side, stand as you are and it will fall to the other. Choose now and stand at the axis point of change.

Adam nodded, his face serene and calm. "I am a Spirit Warrior."

A fiery Spark dove down from the sky, transforming into a stooping bright Falcon. Fledgling, would you risk all you have gained to follow the call of your warrior soul? To strike against the Darkness Visible as the Sun Goes Down?

Tommy agreed without hesitation. "Yes, I would have the chance to fight, whereas if not I would be helpless, and the Darkness would still come."

The Animal Spirits swirled back into the fire and it flared bright white for a dazzling moment. The Choices are made. Walk forth from this place as Ninjetti Spirit Warriors of the Great Power, echoed a chorus of voices.

Around their necks, the Spirit Crystals pulsed and crackling unleashed in a burst their long restrained dormant Powers. They transformed as their Spirit Warrior armour flowed over them, bonding to their bodies, much as it had to Billy all that time ago. The four of them stood slowly, feeling the immensity of the Great Power surging within them as it had once before, remembered only from their dreams of that other time. Each of them bore the marks of the various colours they had been touched with by the Power. Kim and Aisha were Pink and Yellow respectively and Adam had managed the combine Black and Green, though he was predominantly Black, Tommy was White with the Falcon's eyes glittering Red and Green. They were back and ready for action.

~*~

Dark Spectre stood up, massive and intimidating in his command ship throne room as the Silver Nid-hi approached.

"Everything is in place, Ilana," he addressed her with more familiarity now.

The silver-maned Nid-hi stared at the 12 separate split- screen views of different planets. "It is well done," she said melodically. "Why is there no fleet above Phaedos?" she asked suddenly, zooming in on the appropriate screen.

Dark Spectre rumbled, "It is an empty world save for the objective of our quest. There are no defenders to distract our purpose. Still, Dulcea is a Master Warrior…"

"I will send three Nid-hi there. This is not a time to take chances. Sehaine, Jerol!" she called. A chestnut brown Nid-hi and a massive ebony black creature appeared on the screens. "I give you glory, you will join with Vahn and take the heart from the Ninjetti, by stealing it from Phaedos itself."

The two Nid-hi looked elated. "Your will Ilana," they both replied and were on their way immediately.

The silver Nid-hi turned her mane gleaming as it cascaded, silver and gold over her shoulders. "In the meantime there is no need to delay the other attacks;" she said, her eyes glittering with amethyst highlights. "Dark Spectre…the command is yours."

Dark Spectre rose from his massive throne, the lava coursing through his magma body pulsing brightly with fiery excitement. Now THIS was more like it!

"It is time!" he thundered. "United Alliance of Evil, now is the moment when we break the rule of the Council of the Wise. Prepare your attack fleets!" He paused for one thrilling anticipatory moment, and then ordered,

"Fire!"

~*~

The skies across 12 disparate worlds became blackened by veloci-fighters, Quantrons, monsters of all shapes and sizes … and deep in the heart of each attack fleet a tiny dark needle of a ship hid, piercing its way to the planetary surface. At each place a small force of courageous defenders sallied forth against the foe, completely missing the import of that one minuscule ship in the grand scheme of things. Until it was too late.

~*~

"Rislarr!? Where did he go?" J'Shaar yelled to his fellow Sunstar Rangers as they found themselves hard-pressed by strange monsters, the like of which they had never seen before on the desert world of Drakan.

Sisthaa looked up from her controls. "He was heading back to the Solar Chamber," she reported breathlessly as her Sunstar Zord rocked under another volley of strange energies. "He said he had picked up a mysterious signal."

"Brak shalar!" swore their leader under his breath. "He picks the worst times sometimes. See if you can get him back here! I'll try and distract this big ugly…primate with wings."

Rislarr ran into the Solar Chamber, hoping against hope that he had been wrong. He had seen the merest hint of a pattern on his screen, but enough to make his eyescales burn green with concern.

He stopped, horrified. There on the floor of the Chamber lay C'Haal their mentor, unconscious or … dead, and standing over him a creature like being drawn from the legends of his people, a golden, elegant dragonlike face, delicate swept back horns and glowing golden, alien eyes .

"A Neeshi!" he whispered under his breath in superstitious awe. Nonetheless, this creature, however like the fabulous creatures with magical powers that littered their culture, had attacked C'haal. And more to the point, had defeated him, C'Haal…a Warrior of the First Sun!

"Hold!" he challenged, his Sunstar blazing in his forehead, ready to strike. "Leave him alone!"

"Enemy of Order! Begone and I will free you from the servitude of this warped being!" hissed the golden Nid-hi in response.

Rislarr frowned. What?

"You will not take him! I will be forced to stop you!" he warned, preparing himself to strike. The creature looked unconcerned, and stooped again to lift his victim. Maybe they were not aware of how dangerous the power of a Sunstar could be! Rislarr focussed and one of his most powerful blasts of energy blazed towards his enemy and struck him in a blinding flash. Energy sparked from the impact, dazzling him for a moment.

Rislarr blinked … but .. . that couldn't be!

The Nid-hi was standing seemingly unscathed. "I see that the One was correct. You are beyond hope. We have the Great Power, there is no Power of yours that can stop us, and in time all beings will rejoice that this was so…you strike from ignorance." It sighed and then drew energy from itself. "I strike from sure knowledge."

It flung the blast of Ninjetti Power at the Drakin Ranger, and Rislarr had a moment of absolute horror before receiving a mortal injury from the creature. The golden-furred Nid-hi turned and sighed once more as the sounds of explosions and devastation rocked the walls of the Solar Chamber, lifted its unconscious prize and slipped away unseen through all the drifting smoke and choking fumes.

Othass, Sisthaa and J'Shaar ran into the Solar Chamber, having finally pushed the attacking monster back.

"Rislarr! We could have used…." J'Shaar stopped as he saw a still, familiar form splayed on the Chamber floor, surrounded by devastation.

"Rislarr!" he cried out, running to his friend's side. He cradled his body in his arms as the others filed in around him. "What happened?" he asked urgently, looking up at Sisthaa who had been assessing his wounds. Her eyescales glittered ebony black with grief and J'Shaar took a shuddering breath.

The wounded Drakan was barely clinging to life. "…C'Haal…Neeshi…" he gasped out, his life fading away. "Only…Great Power….nothing else…"

"Stay with us!" J'Shaar tried to order in a choked voice. "Stay with us, Rislarr! We need you!"

Rislarr gave the merest hint of a smile. "…never could…take orders.." he gasped and squeezed Sisthaa's taloned hands tightly until the life fled from his body. The Sunstar in his forehead glimmered and then blazed, consuming his body in a pyrrhic emanation of pure light until there was nothing remaining of the Sunstar Ranger save the faintly pulsing Sunstar that he had worn with such honour and pride.

~*~

Dulcea looked up from her inspection of the four new Spirit Warriors, having tested some of their moves and instructed them how to develop their awareness of their own Spirit Warrior abilities, as a low chime sounded. With a frown she raised a holographic image in the centre of the ceremonial fire. The familiar shimmering form of Dimitria looking veiled and uncertain flickered into life.

"Dimitria? Why do you call me?" Dulcea asked, perturbed.

"Why should I not call you when the Earth is being attacked?" the Inquirian replied in a tone of desperation. "Help me, Dulcea!" she pleaded.

Things must be dire, the Master Warrior reasoned, if the Inquirian had forgotten to ask a question. She looked at the four warriors in front of her. They would be outmatched, but they had the courage and experience to try. It was their home ground, after all, and given the choice they would demand a chance to defend their home and families.

"Tommy, you must go back and see to this attack," she said as if it would be an easy task. The White Ninjetti nodded, eager to try out his new Spirit Armour.

"I will send reinforcements as soon as I can. You have Zords, but without the Red Zord you cannot combine to produce a Megazord. May the Power protect you!"

The team looked at each other, half excited, half fearful of the coming conflict. It had been a long time for most of them and there were more than a few doubts flickering in their minds.

Tommy stood in front of them all, took a deep breath and said in a commanding tone, "Back to Action!" and they began the intergalactic teleport home, right into a whole heap of trouble.

~*~

Rocky sat disconsolately on the edge of the hidden circle, trying very hard to hide from himself how hurt he was inside about not being able to be with the others, to be a part of that team again. The fact that he had had to throw it back in their faces for their own good, to protect them from his weakness was the salt being rubbed into an old and festering wound. He'd probably finished any chance he had ever had of making it with Kat, and they would be out saving the world or galaxy or universe or whatever and he would be here…kicking his heels.

"Oh, get a grip." Rocky said to himself, disgusted at his self pity.

He suddenly caught sight of a figure standing within a few metres of him, silently watching him, its face obscured by the hood cowled around its face. Rocky cursed and leapt to his feet as swiftly as he could into a defensive stance as the figure limped towards him.

That movement stirred a feeling of recognition, but he still challenged the newcomer "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"Looking for a friend of mine," a familiar voice said and brushed back the hood, revealing the easily recognisable features of Skye. Bright blue eyes met his and he asked tentatively, "Is he here?"

Rocky stood rooted in shock. It had been over a year since he had seen the artist in the flesh, and the passage and experience of that time had left its marks on them both. He was not sure what to say. For a while he had … hated Skye in his absence, for having seen the vision of him injured and off the team and not warning him, blaming him for his inability to adjust and Powerloss, because it was easier to blame someone who was not there to fight back. Then he had realised what it was he didn't like anymore, which was the bitterness that he had carried around inside of him that made