Note: This is a PRiS story set in a parallel universe with the same characters, but events happen differently. This is the first Power Ranger fic that I have written. I am open to comment or suggestions on how to improve my fics. Also I don't know anything about Andros' or Zhane's backgrounds, but I can only guess.

Disclaimer: The PRiS characters and any other former Rangers are not mine. The ones that I have created for the stories are of my own creation.

Through the Flames
By Phoenix Ranger

Part I

A ship five times the size of the AstroMega ship made its way through space. The ship had only one occupant, a Power Ranger. One unlike any other. Her name, she can not remember at the moment, but she goes by the name Phoenix Ranger, or just Phoenix.

[Phoenix, I have located the Dark Fortress,] MACRO, the Cyberfortress' main computer spoke.

"Where?" the Phoenix Ranger asked from where she sat at the navigation controls on the bridge.

[Earth.]

"Then set a course for Earth," she stated as she stood to leave. "I'll be in my quarters. Alert me when we reach Earth." Stretching, Phoenix left the bridge and walked down the corridor to her quarters. She was on a mission to find the Dark Fortress and Astronema to put a stop to the Queen of Evil. Reaching the door to her quarters, the doors opened with a hiss of compressed air. Phoenix stepped into the room, the doors sealed behind her.

Once inside, she stripped off her clothes, took a shower, and dressed in comfortable clothes for bed. After crawling under the sheets, Phoenix turned onto her side to look at the pictures that sat on the shelf by her bunk. She couldn't remember where they came from. Only that she had them with her. One of the pictures was of her standing in uniform without her helmet on. The next one was of a young man with streaked blonde hair in a Red Space Rangers uniform also without his helmet on. The third picture was of her standing beside another young man in a Silver Space Rangers uniform. The last one was of all three of them together, goofing off for the camera. Phoenix felt that if she stared hard enough at the pictures that she would remember who she was or who they were. Sometimes she would have flashbacks of sorts that were a mystery to her. One flashback was of intense fighting on a planet, then everything became fuzzy. Finally, Phoenix drifted off to sleep and began dreaming the same dreams that plagued her sleep a hundred times during the past two years.

~*~

Elswhere, another Power Ranger was having troubles of a different sort. Zhane sat a computer terminal shifting through DECA's numerous files. The Silver Ranger was more interested in the video files recorded during Dark Specter's attack on his homeworld of KO-35. Pressing a button, Zhane opened the files hoping to find what he was looking for. The first file that opened was from the first wave of the attack. The next one was of him, his sister, and Andros fighting bravely against Dark Specter's forces. Somehow, both he and Andros had gotten seperated from Richelle during the fighting. Zhane was about to access the next file when something caught his eye. It was labeled SECRET FILE. Curious, Zhane tried to open it, but all he got was an error message that flashed on the screen.

Zhane sat back in his chair frustrated. "DECA, why can't I access this file?" he asked.

[I am sorry Zhane,] DECA spoke, [but only Andros has access to this file.]

Why would Andros keep this file locked down, Zhane thought silently.Unless... "DECA, please show me what is in the file. Something in it may tell me what happened to my sister."

The Astro Megaship's computer told him again that the file could not be accessed without Andros' authorization. Zhane gritted his teeth and let out a frustrated growl. Just then, Alpha came onto the bridge, and Zhane got an idea.

"Alpha, could you help me with something," the Silver Ranger asked as the small robot approached him.

"Sure, Zhane," Alpha spoke. "What is it that you need?" Zhane literally grabbed Alpha by the arm and dragged the robot over to the computer terminal that was flashing the ERROR message on the screen.

"Can you access this file for me?" Zhane asked as he looked at Alpha, who was about to object, but Zhane gave him a wounded puppy dog look. "It's really important for me to know what is in it."

"I'll see what I can do," Alpha replied. "Now, you go and get some rest. I'll let you know when I've accessed it."

"Thank you, Alpha," Zhane spoke, a big grin on his face. He then exited the bridge, and headed for his quarters. Inside, the Silver Ranger laid in his bunk and stared at a picture of a young woman in a Space Ranger uniform that had a Phoenix emblem on her chest. Oddly enough, the girl in the picture resembles the Phoenix Ranger on board the Cyberfortress.

~*~

The following day, Zhane just didn't feel like getting up. Which was every morning. He just felt like staying in bed, so he pulled the covers up over his head and went back to sleep.

On the bridge, the other Rangers were going about their assigned chores for the day. Andros looked at the clock that now read 8:35 am, but something else was bothering him. Ashley noticed the troubled look on the Red Ranger's face and walked over to him. "Andros, are you okay?" she asked.

The sound of Ashley's voice startled Andros. "Ah, I was just thinking about something," he replied, but the expression on his face betrayed that there was something that he wasn't telling.

"This doesn't have anything to do with the Astro Navigations, does it?" TJ asked as he walked over. Andros shook his head as he looked at the people who he has come to call friends, and sighed.

"Remember when I told you about what happened to Zhane and I back on KO-35?" Andros stated. The others nodded. "Well, I left out some details. What I didn't tell you was that there were three of us that day fighting to save our planet." Andros paused, then continued. "The three of us were: Zhane, myself, and Zhane's twin sister, Richelle."

"Why didn't you tell us that Zhane had a sister?" Cassie replied. "Did she survive the attack?"

Andros shook his head. "I don't know," he replied sadly. "We were separated during the fighting. The last I saw of Richelle was when a large blast exploded where she stood." For the first time in two years, Andros felt like crying. He had forgotten how much he had cared for Richelle.

"Does Zhane know what happened to his sister yet?" TJ asked. Andros shook his head no.

"That's why I had all the records containing Richelle sealed away in DECA's database. Only I can access them," Andros replied.

Cassie looked at the Red Ranger. "When do you plan on telling him? I mean, he is your friend."

"I have some work to do down in the engine room," Andros replied kurtly. He turned and walked briskly from the bridge.

"Where is Zhane, anyway?" Ashley stated.

"Probably still in bed," TJ spoke, a sly grin on his face. The four Rangers headed to Zhane's quarters.

The door to Zhane's quarters slid open, and the four Rangers stood gathered in the doorway. "Aww, isn't that cute?" Cassie commented. Zhane was laying stretched out on his stomach, right arm and leg dangling over the edge of the bed. "It would be such a shame to wake him." A mischevious glint appeared in her eye as she looked at TJ and Carlos.

"Guys, no. Don't," Ashley pleaded, because she knew what they were going to do. TJ and Carlos crept silently to either end of the bed and grabbed the end.

"Ready?" TJ whispered. Carlos nodded. Both lifted the mattress and dumped the Silver Ranger onto the floor.

Zhane became fully awake as soon as he hit the cold floor. He looked up at TJ and Carlos who were laughing. "Haha. Real funny, guys," he spoke sarcastically as he got up.

"It was a joke," Carlos stated.

Zhane grumbled some more, as he got dressed. "I'm going to grab something to eat and I'll meet you on the bridge," he yawned.

~*~

The day went on. There were no attacks made on Earth or anywhere else, which gave the Rangers some time to sort of relax and get some work done on the Astro Megaship, the Delta Megaship, and the Mega Voyager zords. Later that night, everyone was asleep, except Zhane, who was wide awake. The Silver Ranger walked onto the bridge and found Alpha still awake.

"Alpha, did you manage to get into those files that I asked you about?" the Silver Ranger asked quietly.

Alpha nodded. "They're all right here on this disk," the small robot spoke as he handed the disk to Zhane.

"Thank you so much, Alpha," Zhane replied as he took the disk and returned to his quarters. Once he was inside his quarters, Zhane popped the disk into the laptop computer on the table. Opening the files, Zhane soon found out why the files were locked down. The Silver Ranger became angry at his best friend for not telling him the truth.

~*~

The next morning, the Rangers decided to go down to Angel Grove to do some shopping for supplies that they needed. As they shopped, Zhane would give Andros dirty looks behind his back. While sitting in the food court at the mall with the other Rangers, Zhane saw a blonde-haired young woman who reminded him of his sister walk by. This made him even more depressed and angry.

Andros noticed that his friend had hardly touched his food. "Are you alright, Zhane?" he asked.

Zhane looked at his friend and forced a smile." Yeah," he replied. He dropped his fork onto his plate. "You know what? Everything is not alright." The Rangers looked at Zhane. This was the first time that they had ever seen him angry.

"What do you mean?" Andros asked.

"You know perfectly well what I mean, Andros. So stop lying to me and tell me what really happened to my sister," the Silver Ranger demanded. Andros looked surprised.

"How did you get into the vid files?" Andros asked as he looked at the hurt and angry Silver Ranger. "Those files were encrypted."

"I had a little help," Zhane remarked coolly. "You should have told me."

The two began to argue with the other Rangers caught in the middle. They were all unaware that the argument was being monitored by Astronnema.

"Interesting," she spoke as she watched the display on the main viewscreen. "The Red and Silver Ranger are arguing. How nice."

"Which provides us with an opportunity to strike," Ecliptor stated.

"Uh, how we gonna do that?" Elgar questioned. Astronema threw him a look that said that he better shut up now. Ecliptor only covered his face with his hand, because he had to put up with the incompetent thug.

"The Rangers are divided. They will be easier to defeat, because they won't be working as a team," Astronema stated, as she turned to Ecliptor, an evil smile on her face as she gave the order to attack.

Back at the food court, Zhane and Andros were now to the point where they both had their backs turned towards each other. TJ and the others were trying to get them to talk to each other when Ecliptor showed up with a squad of Quantrons, and began terrorizing everyone that they saw. People were running and screaming everywhere. The Rangers ran to an isolated spot where they could morph. As soon as they morphed, they returned to engage the Quantrons. Zhane fought Ecliptor. "It'll be a pleasure to destroy you, Silver Ranger," Ecliptor stated.

"Yeah, well, I'd like to see you try," Zhane growled as his Super Silverizer sword blocked Ecliptor's sword.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a red and gold-colored Ranger appeared. Her first targets were several Quantrons who had Cassie and TJ pinned in a corner. The Quantrons began to come after her, but she quickly dispatched them with ease. This freed the Rangers up to deal with the new monster, named Amp, that had appeared. Ecliptor saw the Phoenix Ranger and decided that the new arrival might provide more of a challenge.

"You're pretty good -- for a Power Ranger," he remarked, as he tapped the edge of his sword against his right shoulder, walking towards the Phoenix Ranger. "Let's see how you fare against me." With that he charged towards her.

The Phoenix Ranger dodged the attack. The downward swing of Ecliptor's attack caused the sword to strike the ground. This allowed the Phoenix Ranger to land a side kick to Ecliptor's right side, sending the dark warrior stumbling backwards. Ecliptor came at her again, this time with a cyber shadow, but the Phoenix Ranger wasn't fooled. She fired her Astro Blaster right through the cyber shadow, hitting Ecliptor several times. Then she attacked with her Astro Star Sword.

However, Ecliptor was able to block the attack. The two swords became locked together as the two combatants glared at each other. "What's ther matter? Nothing to say?" Ecliptor remarked.

"Sorry I don't have anything witty to say, but talking is a waste of energy in a fight," the Phoenix Ranger retorted as she used her TK powers and sent Ecliptor flying backwards. Ecliptor landed on the ground on his back.

"You're good," he replied, as he stood up. He noticed that the Rangers had already defeated Amp. Ecliptor looked back at the Phoenix Ranger. "You may have won this round, but we will meet again." With that, he teleported away.

All through the fighting, both Andros and Zhane wondered who the Phoenix Ranger was. Andros was the first to approach the Phoenix Ranger, and held out his hand. "Thanks for you help," he spoke. The Phoenix Ranger looked curiously at his out stretched hand. "It's called a handshake. People on Earth do it to greet new friends. Or old ones." Andros emphasized the last two words. The Phoenix Ranger wasn't sure what to make of all this, but she finally shook Andros' out stretched hand.

As soon as she did, the images began to explode in front of her. It was beginning to make her dizzy, and she staggered backwards. "Are you alright?" the Red Ranger asked, but to the Phoenix Ranger it sounded like his voice was in the distant. Andros tried to reach out to help her, but the Phoenix Ranger quickly teleported away, leaving all of the Rangers to stare after her in confusion.

~*~

On board the Dark Fortress, Astronema was not happy about the defeat and the appearance of the Phoenix Ranger. She sat on her throne, lost in thought, when Ecliptor walked in. "My princess," the dark warrior spoke. "We ran into some unexpected trouble from the Phoenix Ranger."

"I thought she had been destroyed?" Astronema asked.

"Apparently not," Ecliptor replied. "But I"ll soon correct that."

"You better," Astronema remarked coolly. "The Rangers don't need anymore victories."

~*~

Meanwhile, on board the AstroMega ship, the Rangers were talking about the new Ranger that came to their aid. Andros and Zhane were not talking to each other. As soon as they had arrived back on board, the two went in separate directions.

Midnight, Andros was sitting on the bridge. He was replaying the video from the battle that they had fought early on in the day. The Red Ranger watched closely at how the Phoenix Ranger fought. Andros noticed that her fighting style was eeriely familar.

"DECA, bring up the vid files containing Richelle in battle and put them side-by-side with the footage of the Phoenix Ranger from today's battle," Andros spoke. DECA did what Andros asked. As the videos played, Andros watched closely. I thought so, Andros thought silently to himself. She did survive the battle, but why doesn't she recognize Zhane or I? That was a question that was going to be answered very soon.

~*~

Elsewhere, the mysterious Phoenix Ranger appeared on the bridge of the CyberFortress. She was having trouble standing from the headache that she got from the flashbacks. She sat down in a chair closest to her, and removed her helmet.

[Are you all right, Nix?] MACRO asked, concerned.

"I don't know. I had more flashbacks again," she replied rubbing her temples. "They happened when I encountered the Red Ranger." She pause for a moment. "MACRO, do you have any files from KO-35 containing a Red and Silver Ranger?"

[Accessing files.]

"Put them up on the main view screen," the Phoenix Ranger spoke as she turned towards the main screen. She watched intensly, trying to remember. "Is there sound?" MACRO turned up the volume. As she watched, Phoenix got a distant look on her face as she heard voices from a distant, but somehow familar past. {Come on, Rikki. Try and keep up,} a young Andros spoke, as they raced along on their Galaxy Gliders. Images from a past she had somehow forgotten started coming back, but names were elusive. She turned her attention to the main view screen again, hoping that something would jog her memory.

~*~

Note: Events in this story take place two months after the arrival of the mysterious Phoenix Ranger.

Part II

Andros and Zhane still had trouble talking to each other because of the fact that Andros had kept what happened to Richelle a secret. Now the two seemed even more intent on finding out if the Phoenix Ranger is really Richelle, or just some illusion.

TJ and the other Rangers walked onto the bridge of the Astro Megaship, having just completed routine checks in the engine room. They noticed that it was awfully silent on the bridge. "Whoa," Cassie spoke quietly, "you can cut the tension in here with a 12 inch knife." As they watched, Zhane and Andros worked around each other. Zhane would throw a dirty look at Andros every now and then.

" That's it," TJ spoke," I've had it. Those two are going to talk to each other if it kills them." The Blue Ranger walked over to Andros and grabbed him by the arm, dragging him over to Zhane. The Silver Ranger turned and was about to walk away when TJ grabbed his arm, stopping him from leaving. "Now the two of you are going to talk this thing out."

"We got nothing to talk about," Zhane growled as he glared at Andros.

"Oh, yes you do," TJ replied as he stepped back to look at his two teammates with his arms crossed in front of him.

Zhane turned to Andros, "Why didn't you tell me about what happened?"

"You were badly injured, and I didn't want to upset you," Andros stated.

"Upset," the color in Zhane's face began to rise as well as his voice. "She was my sister. I had a right to know. We made a pledge to each other, remember."

Andros lowered his head. "I remember," he spoke softly. "I should have told you then, but things were happening too quickly. I'm sorry."

Zhane saw the hurt look on Andros' face. "Well, I guess I kind of forgive you," the Silver Ranger replied. Andros looked up at his friend. "But no more secrets, okay?" Zhane held out his hand.

Andros took it. "Okay."

"Now that's more like it," TJ stated. Suddenly, DECA interrupted them with an attack alert. The six Rangers scrambled to their jump tubes and headed to the power plant that was being attacked. But when they got there, the place was deserted.

"This is weird," Cassie spoke as they spilt into groups of two and began looking around.

Andros was scanning the area, but nothing showed up on his small hand-held scanner. The Red Ranger looked around, out of the corner of his eye, he could have sworn that he saw something move in the shadows.

"Guys, do you get the feeling that you're being watched?" Ashley stated.

Before anyone could reply, Quantrons began jumping out from all directions, surrounding the Rangers. The Rangers immediately went on the defensive. With the Rangers busy, Ecliptor singled out the Silver Ranger. The dark warrior attacked Zhane from behind, knocking the Silver Ranger to the ground on his stomach.

"We meet again, Silver Ranger," Ecliptor replied coolly. Zhane rolled over onto his back to see Ecliptor standing over him with his sword raised. Before Zhane could block the attack, Ecliptor's sword was blocked by another. "What?" Ecliptor looked up to see the Phoenix Ranger standing in front of him. This gave Zhane the opportunity to roll out from underneath the swords as the two began a deadly duel.

Cassie rushed over to Zhane. "Are you alright?" she asked as Zhane nodded, standing up. They both rejoined the fighting against the Quantrons and a monster that Astronema had sent down. They, however, failed to notice a figure lurking in the shadows. Darkonda watched with interest at the sword fight between the Phoenix Ranger and Ecliptor. An eerie smile spread across his face as he began to formulate a plan.

"You're good, Phoenix," Ecliptor growled as their swords came together. "But not good enough." He blasted her with a shot from his eyes. Phoenix fell backwards over a railing. She managed to reach out and grab one of the lower bars. Looking down, she noticed that she was dangling a good fifty to a hundred feet in the air. She looked back up and saw Ecliptor leaning against the railing, a triumphant smile on his dark face. "Well, it looks like you're in quite a predictament, doesn't it? And completely helpless as well."

"That's what you think," the Phoenix Ranger growled, what Ecliptor had failed to notice was that she was channeling a massive amount of TK energy into her right hand. She swung her fist around, and let loose with the full charge. The blast sent Ecliptor flying backwards onto his back. What few seconds her stunt had bought, she used it to begin pulling herself up, when she caught a blast in the chest from Ecliptor. This caused her to lose her grip on the metal railing and begin to fall.

The ground was coming up fast. A black device appeared on her right wrist. Phoenix pressed 04, and changed into the Ultra Battlizer Phoenix. The jets ignited, and Phoenix was able to control her fall and pull up, heading straight into the sky.

Meanwhile, the Rangers were finishing up their fight with the Quantrons, when they were hit by several bolts of electricity. The Rangers were tossed backwards, where they landed hard on their backs. "I don't go down that easily, Rangers," Lectrowolf growled as he walked towards the Rangers. "Time for a shocking experience." With a flick of his wrist, bolts of white hot energy shot out and latched onto each Ranger, causing them to wither in pain on the ground. Lectrowolf laughed.

~*~

High above the planet, Astronema watched as Lectrowolf proceeded to electrocute the Rangers. An evil smile spread across her face. It soon disappeared when Ecliptor walked in. "Did you destroy the Phoenix Ranger?" she asked without turning around to face him. His silence told her what she wanted to know. "Lectrowolf is handling the Rangers better than you could." Ecliptor narrowed his crimson eyes as he glared at the back of Astronema. "You better take care of the Phoenix Ranger, or else." "As you wish," the dark warrior spoke as he bowed and left the room.

~*~

Back down on Earth, the Rangers couldn't hold out much longer. Suddenly, several blasts rained down on Lectrowolf, causing him to break off his attack. Looking up, the monster saw the Phoenix Ranger bearing down on him. Swooping down, the Phoenix Ranger used the tip of her right wing to slash the monster's chest, making him howl out in pain. Lectrowolf staggered backwards. "You'll pay for that," he snarled angrily as he proceeded to shoot energy bolts at the Phoenix Ranger, who dodged them effortlessly. The distraction allowed the Rangers to recover, giving them time to summon the QuadroBlaster and the Spiral Blaster, which they fired at the monster. The blast hit Lectrowolf, but not before the Sattelasers caused him to grow to new heights.

The Rangers summoned to Mega Voyager. The Mega Voyager began duking it out with Lectrowolf. Zhane watched from the ground. The Phoenix Ranger landed beside him, powering down out of Ultra Battlizer mode. Zhane stared at her, throught several of the battles that they had been in together, he had noticed that the way she fought reminded him an awful lot of his sister, Richelle.

"Who are you?" Zhane asked. The Phoenix Ranger turned to look at him.

"I don't know," she stuttered in a pained voice. "I have flashbacks of a battle. I can see faces, but I can't remember their names."

"Tell me about one face that you remember," the Silver Ranger asked.

"I see a guy with two-toned blonde hair," the Phoenix Ranger replied. Beneath his helmet, Zhane wore a big grin. She had just described Andros.

"Do you see anyone else?"

"I see someone with blonde hair with silver highlights laughing and goofing off," the Phoenix Ranger answered.

Yes, thought Zhane, she is Richelle. He was happy, but at the same time a little sad, because she had amnesia. With both hands, Zhane reached up, undid the latches on his helmet, and removed it. "I'm Zhane," he wore his trademark grin on his face. The Phoenix Ranger was speechless. Before her was the one from her pictures and flashbacks. "I'm your brother, and you're my twin sister Richelle. Andros and I used to call you Rikki."

"I -- I don't understand," she spoke, clutching her head as she tried to remember.

"We're from the planet KO-35, which was attacked by Dark Specter's forces. Andros, you, and I, among others, tried to stop the invasion, but we were seperated during the attack. I was injured helping Andros." Zhane looked at the Phoenix Ranger. "Does any of this sound familar?"

"A little," she spoke, not entirely sure, but now the pieces from the missing puzzle were falling into place.

"However, your little family reunion will be short lived," a sinister voice ran out from somewhere in the shadows. Zhane quickly donned his helmet. He had a pretty good idea who was lurking around.

"Come out, Darkonda!" Zhane shouted. "Or are you too afraid to face two Rangers by youself?"

Answering the challenge, Darkonda stepped into view. The bounty hunter had his sword drawn. He then charged towards the two Rangers. Darkonda swung his sword at them both, but his attack was blocked by the Rangers swords. Despite their combined skills, the Silver and Phoenix Ranger were hardly a match for Darkonda's trickery. The evil bounty hunter sent an energy blast at the Phoenix Ranger, catching her square in the chest. The blast sent her flying, where she crashed into several empty oildrums nearby. This made Zhane see red. The Silver Ranger let out a battle cry as he charged towards Darkonda.

~*~

Meanwhile, the Rangers in the Mega Voyager were having some difficulty defeating Lectrowolf. They had no idea that Zhane and the Phoenix Ranger were in trouble far below them. "We've got to find a way to stop Lectrowolf," Andros stated, as the Mega Voyager was rocked by another explosion.

"How?" TJ remarked. "We've thrown everything at him, and it hasn't even phased him."

Ashley used her Lightstar helmet mode to scan for a weakness of some sort. "I've think I've found what we're looking for," she stated, as she pulled up a diagram of the monster, and pointed. "Hit him here."

"Let's hope this works," Andros stated. "Mega V3 missile mode!"

~*~

Far below them, the Silver Ranger and Darkonda were locked in a furious duel.

"You are no match for me, Silver Ranger," Darkonda sneered as he delivered another below to Zhane that sent him reeling.

The Phoenix Ranger was just getting onto her feet when she saw Darkonda lash out at Zhane with everything that he had. "Zhane," she whispered as she watched as the Silver Ranger collapse onto the ground in what appeared to be slow motion. Unconsciously, she tightened the grip that she had on her Astro Star Sword. The blade began to glow. "NO!!" she screamed in rage as she charged towards Darkonda.

Darkonda turned to see the Phoenix Ranger running towards him, but he was waiting. When she was close enough, he threw more energy bolts at her. Seeing the bolts coming, the Phoenix Ranger launched herself into the air. She twisted her body around, and landed behind Darkonda where she used her sword to slash his back. Taken by surprise, Darkonda stumbled forward. He whirled around and attacked with his sword which the Phoenix Ranger blocked. A deadly sword duel broke out between the two.

~*~

Back in the Mega Voyager, Andros fired the Mega V3 missile which had been aimed right at the center of Lectrowolf. The missile impacted with the monster's main power supply, causing the monster to explode in a massive fireball. The Rangers cheered out loud.

The Phoenix Ranger was holding her own against Darkonda, much to his chagrin. This is taking too long, Darkonda thought silently, then he reached for the device that he had brought with him. Pulling it out, Darkonda aimed it at the Phoenix Ranger, and fired. A blue bolt of energy shot out and engulfed the Phoenix Ranger, immbolizing her. She collasped onto the ground, helpless.

Darkonda loomed over her, an evil grin on his face. "Dark Specter will be pleased to see you," the bounty hunter stated. Just as he was about to pick her up, a silver clad arm grabbed him, and spun him around. Darkonda came face to face with the Silver Ranger.

"You're not taking her anywhere," Zhane hissed angrily, as he clutched his right side. Darkonda smiled in satisfaction to see that the Silver Ranger was injured.

"Do you really think that you can stop me?" he laughed evilly as he hit Zhane with a full energy blast that sent the Ranger flying backwards. Zhane landed hard on the ground, and didn't get back up. "Didn't think so. Now where was I?" Laughing, he picked up the now unconscious Phoenix Ranger and teleported away.

Watching from the nearby shadows stood Ecliptor. What's he up to, the dark warrior thought silently. Then he teleported back to the Dark Fortress.

~*~

Andros and the others returned to the power plant, but they couldn't find Zhane or any sign of the Phoenix Ranger. Andros had everyone spread out to look for them. After a few minutes, "Andros, over here," TJ called out as the others came running over to where the Blue Ranger stood.

"Zhane," Andros spoke in a strangled voice as he knelt by his friend. "Zhane, can you here me?"

"Darkonda," he whispered. "He took her."

"Who?" Andros asked.

Zhane grabbed his friends arm. "We've got to find her." Then he passed out.

"We better get him back to the ship," Andros stated as he picked up his unconscious friend. They summoned for their Galaxy Gliders and headed back to the ship.

~*~

Over on the Dark Fortress, Astronema was in one of her moods having had another monster destroyed. Ecliptor remained silent as he watched Astronema take her frustration out on the idiot, Elgar. When he was finally alone, Ecliptor walked over to one of the columns and began punching in various codes. Now where could have Darkonda have taken her, he thought as he scanned the galaxy, anywhere for the Phoenix Ranger's energy signature. After awhile, he found what he was looking for.

~*~

Somewhere in a cavern on a harsh world was one of Darkonda's many labs. The Phoenix Ranger was just starting to come to. When she was fully awake, she was startled to find herself shackled to the rock wall. "Where am I?" she spoke out loud as she struggled against the chains.

"You're in my lab, little Phoenix," Darkonda replied as he stepped out of the shadows. The Phoenix Ranger now remembered what happened.

"Why am I here?" she demanded.

"Dark Specter has taken quite an interest in you. He wants you to join his forces," Darkonda stated, an evil look on his face.

"Never!"

"It doesn't really matter," he shrugged dismissively. "You will one way or another." He pulled out a strange looking device and approached the Phoenix Ranger.

~*~

In orbit around the Earth, the Rangers were concerned about Zhane, who was now lying in the infirmary in the Astro Megaship. So far he had three broken ribs, multiple bruises, a concussion, and a sprained ankle. Andros quietly entered the infirmary to see that Zhane was asleep. It hurt Andros to see his best friend injured. The Red Ranger turned and was about to walk out of the room.

"Andros," Zhane called out, Andros turned and walked over to where his friend laid. Zhane looked up at Andros. "We have to find her."

"We will," Andros replied. "You just concentrate on getting better." He turned to walk away, but Zhane grabbed his arm. Andros looked down at Zhane.

"You don't understand," the Silver Ranger replied. "Andros, she's Richelle." Andros saw the intense look in Zhane's eyes.

"How do you know?" Andros asked.

"I just know," Zhane answered, as he tried to get up. He winced because it hurt.

"And where do you think you're going?" Andros spoke in a tone.

"I'm doing no good laying here," the Silver Ranger replied as he stood up, flashing Andros a smile to show that everything was okay. "I promise not to overdo it." Andros looked at Zhane quizzically. He knew better than to argue with Zhane, because it would be a no win situation. "Now, do you want to help me to the bridge or not?"

"Alright," Andros relented. What he failed to notice was that Zhane held his right hand behind his back with his fingers crossed. The two left the infirmary and headed to the bridge. Once they reached the bridge, Zhane hobbled over to one of the bridge chairs and sat down.

"Shouldn't you be resting?" Cassie asked as she turned to look at Zhane.

"What good would I do anyone laying around?" the Silver Ranger remarked. Ashley looked over at Andros, who had a don't ask look on his face. They continued to scan for the Phoenix Ranger.

~*~

Back in Darkonda's lab, the Phoenix Ranger was trying to formulate an escape plan when Darkonda returned with a cannon-like device. "What do you plan on doing with that thing?" she asked, but already had a pretty good idea about what it was for.

Darkonda only laughed as he centered the device so that it was pointed evenly at the helpless Phoenix Ranger. "You'll see," then he flipped a switch and the machine hummed to life. Once it was fully charged, Darkonda pressed a button. Yellow energy shot out, engulfing the Phoenix Ranger. She could feel it trying to rewrite her thought, and she didn't like it. Got to escape, she thought, struggling against the chains. In a desperate move, the Phoenix Ranger concentrated on the device. Without warning, the machine began to spark. Darkonda jumped out of the way of the sparks as he watched the machine short circuit, then die. The Phoenix Ranger sighed with relief before she blacked out.

Darkonda kicked the useless machine. "So this is where you hide yourself?" a deep voice spoke from behind Darkonda. The bounty hunter spun around and saw Ecliptor standing there.

"How'd you find this place?" Darkonda snarled angrily, but Ecliptor only smiled smugly.

"I have my ways," the dark warrior remarked coolly as he walked closer. He noticed the Phoenix Ranger shackled to the wall, her head hung low, indicating that she was unconscious, or feigning unconsciouness. "And just what were you planning on doing with her?"

"That is none of your business," Darkonda growled as he shoved Ecliptor, trying to provoke him, but Ecliptor kept his cool. What he was planning depended on timing.

As the two continued, the Phoenix Ranger was undergoing an unusual experience. What Darkonda didn't know was that his attempt to brainwash her backfired, allowing her to regain her full memory. Now fully awake, the Phoenix Ranger looked up and saw Ecliptor and Darkonda circling each other like two sharks in water. While they were distracted, the Phoenix Ranger focused her telekinesis and broke out of her shackles. Once she was free, she slipped away silently.

Darkonda happened to glance over to where the Phoenix Ranger had been.

"She's gone!" he shouted, furious. "You'll pay for letting her escape." Then he turned and took off after the Phoenix Ranger. Good. Everything is going as I hoped it would, Ecliptor thought silently, as he pulled out a small, yet highly explosive bomb, which he hoped to plant near the main power source in Darkonda's lab.

~*~

The Phoenix Ranger was lost in a maze of caves and tunnels that surrounded Darkonda's lab. She stopped when she came to a place where there were three choices.

"You can't escape, Power Pest," Darkonda's voice echoed through the dimly lit corridors.

I've got three choices, she thought quickly. Right, middle, or left? Then she heard Darkonda's footsteps getting closer. Middle it is. She ran down the middle tunnel.

She didn't get very far when the corridor abruptly ended in a dead end. "You've got nowhere to run to now," Darkonda sneered as he walked slowly towards her, his sword in his right hand. He then charged towards her. The Phoenix Ranger dodged his attack, and landed a punch to his side. Darkonda whirled around, catching her arm as she took another swing. Holding her arm, he took his sword which had shortened into a dagger and stabbed her in right side.

The Phoenix Ranger staggered, her left hand clutching the stab wound. Blood began to seep through and soak her glove. She sank to the ground on her knees, as Darkonda circled around her. The bounty hunter raised his sword, ready to finish her off, when green energy bolts struck him. Darkonda clutched his chest. "This isn't over, not by a long shot," he growled, then teleported away.

Through her blurred vision, the Phoenix Ranger saw a black shape approach her, then she flet herself being lifted off of the ground. As she was being carried, she could have sworn that she heard explosions, then she blacked out.

~*~

Sometime later, the Phoenix Ranger awoke on a bed of some sort. Her head pounded, and when she moved, a searing pain shot through her right side. The Phoenix Ranger noticed that while she was unconscious, she must have demorphed. Richelle touched her side where the wound was and was startled to find that it had been bandaged. But who? she wondered, then Richelle remembered a black shape coming towards her, then passing out.

"I see that you are awake," a voice from the doorway spoke. The Phoneix Ranger jerked her head and was kind of surprised to see Ecliptor standing there. Richelle wasn't sure what to do. Her senses told her that at the moment there wasn't any immediate threat of danger. Then it hit her.

"You rescued me from Darkonda," she questioned. Ecliptor remained silent as he moved into the room. The Phoenix Ranger noticed that he was carrying something. "Why did you do it?"

"Because I'll do anything to destroy Darkonda. One way or the other," Ecliptor remarked. The Phoenix Ranger couldn't really read his emotions, but she did know that he was hiding something.

"Where am I?" Richelle asked.

"You are on one of the lower sub-levels on the Dark Fortress," Ecliptor answered.

Great, thought Richelle, I go from one cell to the other.

"If you are thinking of escaping, it is near impossible," Ecliptor replied. "Especially when the shields are up." He then tossed a Quantron uniform onto the bed. Without saying anything, Richelle donned the uniform. Ecliptor motioned for her to follow him, and they both exited the room.

Following Ecliptor, Richelle was wondering why he was helping her. He's supposed to be the enemy, she thought silently. She tried to get some sense of what his motives were, but Ecliptor was shielding his thoughts from her. As they walked, Richelle heard Astronema's angry voice. "ECLIPTOR!!"

Richelle saw Ecliptor tense. He turned and entered the bridge to find Astronema standing there with her arms crossed in front of her chest and a nasty glare on her face.

"What is it, my Princess?" Ecliptor asked.

"I want you to go on a special mission for me," Astronema began telling Ecliptor what she had planned. When she was done, Ecliptor exited the bridge, and began walking down the corridor. Richelle followed closely behind. They then teleported down to Angel Grove.

Richelle removed the helmet. "Thank you," she spoke. "I owe you my life for getting me out of Darkonda's lab." Ecliptor grunted a reply.

"Just go," he spoke, Richelle teleported away. Ecliptor watched her go. He saw that her teleportation closely resembled that of a Firebird. For a moment, Ecliptor was sorry to see her leave, then he too teleported away.

The Phoenix Ranger reappeared on the bridge of the Cyber Fortresss. Got to get rid of this uniform, she thought a disgusted look on her face. [I was beginning to worry about you,] MACRO spoke as Richelle walked to her quaters and entered the room.

"I'm fine," Richelle replied as she changed clothes. "In fact, I'm better than ever."

[You got your memory back. How exciting,] MACRO stated. Richelle chuckled.

Now in her own uniform, which was similar to the one that Zhane wears only it was black with a red shirt, Richelle gathered up the Quantron uniform and debated about whether to throw it in the trash unit or keep it for a time when it would come in handy. She decided on the latter. Stowing the uniform away in a locker, she returned to the bridge and sat down in one of the black chairs. "MACRO, contact the Rangers on the Astro Megaship. Tell them to come to our current coordinates."

[I'll send the transmission at once.]

Richelle smiled. Standing up, she stretched, and winced because of her wound. She was happy that she would get to see her brother, finally, after 2 years.

~*~

Over on the AstroMega ship, DECA alerted Andros and the others to the incoming transmission. [Incoming transmission,] DECA stated.

"Put it up on screen," Andros stated. DECA displayed the transmission which was just coordinates. The Rangers thought it was odd.

"It could be one of Astronema's traps," TJ spoke.

"I think we should check it out, just to be sure," Andros stated. The AstroMega ship then headed to the coordinates. It didn't take them long to arrive at their destination, which was near Jupiter.

"There's nothing there," Carlos stated. Just as he had said that, the Cyber Fortress materialized in front of them. "Then again, I might be wrong."

The Astro Megaship approached cautiously. They were instructed to enter docking bay 2. Once inside the docking bay and everything was powered down, the Rangers disembarked and made their way to the bridge.

"This is weird," Ashley replied. "There's no one here."

"But who sent us those coordinates?" Zhane commented.

[I assure you that the Cyber Fortress is not deserted.] The Rangers looked around to see who had spoken, but the corridors where empty. [Allow me to introduce myself. I am MACRO, the Cyber Fortress' main computer.] The Rangers each introduced themselves, then MACRO guided them to the bridge.

The turbolift doors opened onto the bridge. "Whoa," Cassie spoke, as she and the other Rangers stepped onto the massive bridge and began to walk around, checking out the various stations.

"This place is amazing," TJ stated in awe.

"MACRO, who sent for us?" Andros asked.

"I did," a female voice spoke from the second turbolift. The Phoenix Ranger stepped out and approached them.

"Why?" Cassie asked.

The Phoenix Ranger walked over to one of the bridge chairs and stood behind it, keeping her back to the Rangers. "All of you have probably been wondering who I am," she spoke. "And so was I. I had lost part of my memory, and I just recently regained that lost part." She then proceeded to pop the latches on her helmet, then removed it. Long blonde hair with red highlights cascaded down to her waist. She set the helmet down on the seat of the chair in front of her, then she slowly turned around.

"It is you," Andros spoke, the Phoenix Ranger smiled. Zhane scooped her up in a big bear hug.

"You know her?" Ashley asked.

Zhane set Richelle back down on her feet. "She's my sister. I thought she had died during the battle on KO-35," the Silver Ranger spoke. "But then, when she appeared on Earth, I knew that she was alive."

"How come you didn't recognize Zhane or I, Richelle?" Andros asked, looking at the Phoenix Ranger.

"During the battle, I had taken a pretty good blow to my head which caused me to lose some of my memory, which only recently came back after seeing the two of you again," she managed to leave out the part about Darkonda.

"That doesn't matter now," Zhane spoke happily, a big grin in his face. "What matters is that we're together again."

The three Rangers from KO-35 went through the motions of their secret pledge. "Friends forever."

"Well, this calls for a celebration," Ashley blurted out. "Let's go to the Surf Spot." The others agreed and journeyed down to Earth to have some fun.