Between the Lines

Chapter Four

Tommy Oliver gazed at his surroundings in mute awe, mixed with a creeping sense of fear. He was alone in a large chamber, with a ceiling, walls and floor made of dark grey marble. In many ways, it seemed like a prison. Tommy looked all around him, and frowned to himself.

What was I thinking?! he scolded himself mentally, Now I'm Salacia's prisoner! Way to go, Oliver. You sure have a knack for getting yourself in trouble!

"But, you aren't in trouble, Tommy," said a gentle voice. Tommy spun around, and saw the statuesque form of Salacia behind him. She smiled at him.

"Is that so?" he snapped. "Then where am I?"

Salacia could see that Tommy's fear was building, which was causing his present nasty mood. Salacia approached him slowly, and reached his shoulder. Tommy flinched, expecting that iron grip to dig into his flesh; but it never came. Salacia's touch was gentle. Tommy was startled.

"You're home, Tommy," she said in a low, breathy voice. "This is your home now. Isn't that what you wanted? Somewhere to call a home? To fit in, and be accepted for who you are without having to put up false pretenses in order to keep the love of those around you? Here, you can be free, Tommy Oliver. This is your personal paradise."

"Funny," he muttered. "I was thinking just the opposite. Surrounded by darkness, emptiness, and coldness--"

Salacia looked hurt. "That's because it's what you expected," she said. "Take a seat, Tommy."

"But there aren't any--" Tommy started; but behind him, the gray marble of the floor suddenly became liquid, and it stretched upward like a a hand reaching out from beneath it's surface. It took the form of an elegant lounge chair, and became solid again. Tommy touched the chair's cushion hesitantly, and realized that it was as soft as a pillow. He turned to Salacia in confusion.

"This is my dimension," she explained. "the Fifth Dimension. Here, there is no absolute. Nothing is defined. Whatever you wish to appear, will... at your command. You ask for a chair, a chair appears to you. You ask for a dance partner, she's there in a flash, more beautiful than you can imagine. The bounds of reality have been broken."

Tommy sat down, but he did not take his eyes off his hostess. He watched her cautiously, as if expecting her to suddenly attack him at any moment.

"Tommy," Salacia began, approaching him. "you are a very unique person. You have many facets to your personality, and they are all quite beautiful. The true self always is beautiful. The world in which you lived doesn't understand that. In your society, everyone is given a role, and if they do not conform, they are outcast. You have been trying to conform your entire life. Isn't that restricting?"

Tommy remained silent, watching as Salacia once again touched his arm. Then she walked around behind the chair, and lay both hands on his shoulders like a masseuse would do. They restrained him gently, but effectively.

"You don't belong there," she whispered into his ear, leaning over him. Her raven locks tickled his neck. "You know you don't. You aren't like them. You aren't pure. At least, not in the eyes of that society. They pass judgement all too easily, and force people like you... the free spirits... into a cage. You have lived in a cage, Tommy. You've been socialized to hate what is 'evil' and defend what is 'right'. You have been molded into a mindless servant!"

Tommy stood up, and turned to face Salacia angrily. "That is not true!"

"Isn't it?" she answered, maintaining the slightly heated tone of the conversation. "Tell me, Tommy, what is evil?"

"What do you mean?" he asked her.

"What is evil? Surely you must know what evil is. After all, you spent years fighting it. What is evil?"

"Evil is..." he stammered, "well, its complicated! But I defend the planet from beings who seek to hurt the innocent and destroy their way of life."

"Now, that's an interesting definition," Salacia said with a sudden smile. "Tell me, Tommy, do you believe a harmless, wild African zebra is innocent?"

"I guess so."

"Okay. So, let's say there is an innocent, happy zebra colt, frolicking alone out on the plains of Africa. Now imagine a hungry lioness following it. The zebra doesn't have a chance. The lion is by far more powerful, and easily captures its prey. It kills the poor, innocent zebra, just for its own benefit, and the lion doesn't think twice about it. Now, tell me, Tommy, is the lion evil?"

"No! That is a totally different--"

"Why is it different? The lion isn't evil because it acts in accordance with its true nature. A lion is a predator by nature, so by behaving like a predator, it is only doing what it was essentially designed to do. You human beings like to fancy yourselves as far superior to animals. Be that as it may, you are not above the laws of nature. Do you agree with this?"

"... I suppose." Tommy said weakly, tiring with frustration.

"So, human beings are creatures designed by nature. Whether you believe in evolution or creation, there is still a design. Humans each have their own design, their own nature, and human nature varies among you. You have to get in touch with your true self, Tommy. Society likes to place bounds on you, by making laws that limit you, and if you fail to abide by these laws, you are dubbed as 'evil', when your only crime is acting in accordance to your nature."

Tommy was astonished by Salacia's logic. It was twisted, and he had heard it dozens of times on Court TV, but it suddenly made flawless sense. That chilled him to the bone.

"Tommy, you are a predator by nature," she said, skirting the lounger and approaching him again. He didn't back away this time. "You've proven that fact again and again. When you fought as a Power Ranger, no matter the color, there was a ferocity in you that wasn't in the others. You are different; but you are not evil. When you were Rita's Green Ranger, you were freed from the confines of socialization. You were uninhibited by your conscience. As the Green Ranger, you were free to do whatever you wanted, without having to worry about obeying rules. Of course, you were under a spell. Knowing that, you later regarded yourself as unclean in some way. You locked away a part of you, that you have labeled your 'dark side'. Well, let me tell you something: its no darker than the rest of you! Its only free. Embrace your freedom, Tommy. You are no longer on Earth. You are no longer forced to abide by rules written by someone else. No one else is imposing their will upon you. Here."

Salacia opened her palm, and Tommy's eyes widened as he saw a familiar flash of green light. He gasped, and he suddenly felt weak. He slowly moved past her back to the chair, without taking his eyes from it.

"The Green Coin," he stammered. "How did you--"

"I found _you_, Tommy," she said with a grin, "Finding the coin was simplicity itself. It is also fully charged. It just waits for its true owner to lay claim."

But Tommy shook his head. "No," he whispered, rather weakly, "I... I'm no longer the Green Ranger. I've... dealt with the evil."

"You make it sound like the coin itself is evil. Tommy, there is no good and evil. There is only the restricted, and the free. Take back the coin. Take back your freedom!"

After an anguished moment, Tommy slowly reached out, his hand quaking and terror in his eyes. As soon as his fingertips brushed against the metallic coin's shiny surface, bolts of green energy erupted from it and poured into his body. He cried out in surprise and pain, and collapsed, flopping in the chair like a flung rag doll. Salacia laughed, and placed the coin in his hand. She closed his limp fingers into a fist, and snapped her fingers. Seven colored forms appeared behind her. Salacia turned around, and smiled at her Rogue Rangers.

"You may de-morph, Rogues." she said, turning back to Tommy. "The fight is over. For now, at least."

In obedience to their leader's command, the seven beings transformed out of their colored costumes. Now, there stood seven youths, each of a different humanoid species.

On the far left of the semi-circle was a short, slim, muscled-looking Venusian with piercing blue eyes and dark brown hair. Beside her was a young man of the race known as Sabini, a few inches taller than she, with rusty eyes, a crop of black hair, and a grim expression. Next in line was a young Morpheonite woman, nearly as tall as the man in Red. She had long black tresses, which seemed to shimmer with purple when struck by light, and almondine eyes. Standing beside her, but still a few feet away, was a Triforian man of equal height, with dark brown hair, yellow and black clothing, and pale topaz eyes. Beside him was a tall young Zarakin woman, with bouncy waves of ebony hair, cold black eyes, and a smirk on her face. Standing close beside her was a tall, blonde Edenite man, with enchanting dark grey eyes and an amused smile on his handsome face. Finally, there was a short, fragile-looking Aquitian girl, with platinum blonde hair that almost appeared white, pale skin, and wide rose-colored eyes. Each young warrior stood in silence, and looked at the young man unconscious on the black chair. They knew he was the eighth and final member of their clan.

The first one to speak was the Zarakin dressed in black. She approached Tommy, and tousled his curly brown ponytail.

"He's nice..." she observed. "..Very nice"

"Why am I not surprised that that is your first impression of the Green Ranger?" asked the Edenite in gray with a grin, "Tashana, always on the prowl."

"Jealous, Keevan?" she asked, arching an eyebrow, "Afraid that you may not be the most handsome, dashing Rogue Ranger in the cosmos anymore?"

"Hardly," he answered, rolling his eyes.

"I really don't believe he will be a good addition to the team," said the yellow-clad Triforian.

"What makes you say that, Tristam?" asked the Venusian in blue.

"He's not like the rest of us, Skyla." Tristam answered. "He's not alone in the world."

"But he is," objected Salacia, "He is surrounded only by those who can never understand his true personality. He is amongst people different from himself. He is a rose amongst daisies."

"There is a difference between being a rose amongst daisies, and a rose alone in the garden, surrounded by no other blossoms," said the violet Morpheonite. "I understand what Tristam is saying. He may fancy himself alone, but he has friends who care about him."

"It doesn't matter, Norvi." said Salacia, walking back to Tommy and touching his cheek gently. "So long as he believes he is forever isolated, that is enough. That is the crack in his armor that allowed me through. Obviously, he took my words to heart. If he hadn't, he wouldn't be here right now."

"I admit, I am glad he is on our side now." said the Red Sabini, rubbing his neck, "He's definitely a seasoned fighter. You all saw, he bested me and Keevan at the same time."

"His rage is his power, Sabin," said the delicate Aquitian. "He was angry, and confused, and terrified, all at the same time. I sensed his emotions during the fight, and they were so intense, it was hard to stay focused on my own battle."

"You can't let anything prevent you from focusing on your opponent, Undine." reproached Skyla. "The Zeo Rangers are the most powerful enemies we've faced yet, considering we've stolen an integral member of their team. We must all keep up our guards at all times."

"I understand," said Undine, gazing at Tommy's face intently. He looked like he was sleeping peacefully, with the exception of the sparks of green electricity that flashed from his hand every now and then. "He is in so much pain. His opinion of himself is low, and he fears that others secretly hold no respect for him. He feels he is alone. He's alone, and scared."

"You all were alone once," said Salacia. "Alone and scared. I brought you together, and I helped you forge an identity. The same must be done with him. I trust that all of you will ease Tommy into his role. Befriend him, teach him, respect him. He is another lost sheep, that longed to be found; and I found him."

Salacia stepped away from Tommy, and made her way to the side of the chamber. She lay her hand on the cold marble surface of the wall. Slowly, the stone became wavy, and it revealed the globe of earth, as if seen from just outside the atmosphere. She then turned her face towards the Rogue Rangers.

"My rangers," she said, "we haven't finished our duties on Earth. We came for our final member, but we also came for revenge. Revenge against Zordon, the being who has hurt us all by clinging to his cherished rules instead of caring for his own; but, we cannot destroy him yet. First, we must initiate Tommy once and for all."

"In what way?" asked Tashana.

"Simple. Tristam is right about one thing-- Tommy Oliver is not alone in the world. He has many friends, but only two who are so close to him that he would cling to their memory, and never truly be one of us. The deaths of these two would cause him infinite pain."

"But, why would we want to cause him pain?" asked Undine, frowning.

"For his own good." answered Salacia, "He must be separated from those most important to him, to make him strong. Our first target now resides on Venus Island."

Skyla looked at Salacia in surprise. "Venus Island?" she repeated. "But the Venusians have stayed out of the affairs of man since Queen Naya first created the New Home!"

"You've been gone from Earth a long time, Skyla." said Salacia. "Now, there is a new order. The Queen of Venus Island isn't even a full-blooded Venusian. She is mostly human, but of the line of Naya. She is also the one true love of Tommy Oliver."

"I take it you want her eliminated?" asked Tashana with a crafty smile.

"Exactly." said Salacia. "We must all go to Venus Island, and dispose of the Queen before Tommy awakens. Once she is dead, Tommy will never, EVER think of Earth as his home!"

"Who is the other link to Tommy's humanity?" asked Keevan.

Salacia removed her hand from the wall. The image turned black, but did not return to its marble state. "The first is the link of love. The second is the link of blood. Tommy has a brother with whom he had been separated for their entire childhood." Salacia touched the wall again and images of a small town appeared. The people strolling about wore leather and turquoise stone. Many of them had the same rich dark hair and strong, bronze features.

Salacia continued. "With neither his only blood relation nor his love, Tommy will be broken. Then, it is our job to piece him back together as a Rogue Ranger, with no place in the universe... except with us."

Tranquil silver moonlight shone down on the Pacific Ocean. The endless rushing sound of waves against shore only added to the relaxed peacefulness. Few souls knew of this place. Being an enchanted isle, it did not show itself to just any casual passer-by; but at night, when no eyes but the seagulls' were watching, it shimmered into existence there in the middle of the sleeping ocean.

That particular little corner of paradise was known as Venus Island. The lush, fertile island poked out of the rolling waves of the ocean, some several hundred miles off the coast of California. It was the offspring of a magically created volcano that had lost it's zing centuries ago, but the small mountain remained, encircled by a ring of flourishing jungle, and a wide band of pale golden sand holding back the sea. The jagged summit of the gray mountain towered above it all, and perched in the crater at the very peak-- seemingly tiny in the sky-- was the luxurious city of Ambrosia.

Ambrosia was the only spot on the island regularly inhabited by anything but the animals. It was a very large city indeed, despite the minute appearance from far-away, and it sat in the wide crater of the dead volcano, sheltered by the crater walls. A narrow white footpath made of stone stretched from the ring of sand, all the way up the mountainside. >From aerial view, the path looked like a white measuring tape thrown down the side of the mountain to see just how tall it was.

The city was made of smooth white stone that gleamed brightly under the moonlight. The older buildings were duller, grayer, leftover from a time when the Island was ruled by greed and heavy-handed leadership. Now though, things were being restored to the beauty of legend, and the change was obvious to anyone who saw the place. Most marvelous of all though, was the Palace of the Venusian Monarchy.

The Palace was like anything out of a Walt Disney Full-Length Animated Feature. With its luminous white walls, enormous Grecian-style pillars, monumental towers, and towering monuments, it was certainly the most eye-catching construction around. Here and there, one could see evidence of renovations, but somehow the place never lost it's majesty. It seemed that the ethereal old city could grow more and more beautiful forever, and never reach its limit.

Tonight, the streets were silent but for the sounds of the nightbirds and the footsteps of the Palace Guards on patrol. Down the cobblestone walks, or back and forth in front of the ivory gates they marched; lean, muscular women dressed in short togas, gladiator boots and Roman Legionary-style armor. They carried convex rectangular shields and long slender spears, both polished until they shone, and wore expressions as solid as the stone they walked upon. The guards were more decorative than defensive, but could quite capably protect the castle against any intruder that dared make entry without permission.

A lone Centurion approached. The bristling scarlet brush perched atop her helmet quivered as she walked, and her deep red silken cape fluttered behind her. As soon as the guards caught sight of her, they snapped to rigid attention, and saluted sharply.

"Ma'am!" they barked in unison.

The Centurion gave them a nod, and returned the salute, touching her fist to her breastplate and then briefly extending her arm before her.

"Ave," she said, and continued without a pause through the gates.

She strode in a straight line up the wide walkpath, past the guard house, and between the towering marble cranes that perched on pedestals at the bottom of the stairs. She walked up the stairs themselves, her footsteps echoing like the strokes of a hammer and chisel, and approached the mighty wooden doors of the palace, each twenty feet tall and curving at the top to form an arch. She entered the castle through the doors that stood open to the night air, and crossed the expansive floor of the luxurious main hall.

Climbing the Grand Staircase inside, the Centurion headed for the Royal Bedchambers.

Her Majesty, Queen of Venus Island, great-granddaughter of the Illustrious Queen Naya, eighteen year-old Kimberly Anne Hart, lay on her back across her bed with her head hanging over the edge. In her outstretched hands was a small book with gilded pages, and a picture of Sailor Moon on the plastic cover. A pen was held gently in the Queen's teeth, as she re-read portions of her old diary nostalgically.

She jumped when there came a rap on the door.

Tossing her book down, the young Monarch scrambled up and sprung off the huge, silk-laden bed, quickly straightening her short nightdress before calling out, "Enter!"

The door swung open to reveal the tall, sharp-featured, flaxen haired Centurion, clad in gleaming gold armor.

"Bridget!" Kimberly chirped, a grin lighting up her face which was still beet red from being upside-down. "How are you tonight?"

"Fine Majesty, thank you." Bridget replied, returning the smile. While Venusian lifespans were long indeed, Bridget was still older than her friend and Queen. She looked to be around 28 Earth years, while Kimberly still looked her natural eighteen.

"Forgive the lateness of my visit," Bridget continued. "but there are some reports that need your attention before the day is out."

"Oh really?" the teenager smirked. She took the scroll Bridget produced and unrolled it with her slender fingers. She scanned the hastily-inscribed writing and arched an eyebrow.

"An micro-burst?"

"Yes Majesty, spotted in the sky several leagues to the east. It disappeared moments after it was seen, and there has been no sign of it since."

Kimberly searched the report for any more information, and then shrugged. "I wouldn't give it too much more thought, Bridge. Sounds like just another quirk in the sky to me."

Bridget nodded, taking back the scroll and hiding it away in her velvet pouch.

Kimberly smiled at her friend, flopping back down on her bed. "Haven't seen you in weeks. What are you up to?"

"Oh, The usual." the military-leader said, relaxing visibly now that business was done. "I plan to hold drills for the rest of this week but otherwise it's just run-of-the-mill 'army stuff', as you call it." The stalwart warrior gave a girlish smile.

Kimberly snorted. "Don't get me started. Getting the troops back in order after the Turnover has been such a headache."

"Tell me about it, honey." Bridget jammed a fist into her hip, temporarily losing her demeanor. "But, you have to admit.." she turned to let the light reflect off her sculpted armor. "..the outfit is fun."

The woman and the girl laughed like good friends. Bridget smiled inside as well, delighted to see the youngster that ruled them finally relaxing enough to enjoy herself.

As they calmed down though, they heard the sound of several footsteps clattering down the hall outside. The smiles disappeared from their faces, and Kimberly and Bridget opened the door as Centurion Serilda screeched to a halt on the marble floor of the hallway outside. Behind her were two legionaries, panting from the sprint upstairs.

Serilda was lean and trim like all the army's officers, but she had a childlike roundness to her face, and large blue eyes like an owl's. Her soft ash-black hair peeked our from under her helmet.

"Majesty, Centurion..." she gasped, out of breath. "..come quickly, the Island is under attack."

Reverting into Ruler Mode, Kimberly stepped forward. "By whom?"

"We don't know, Majesty. There are only eight of them, but they have already destroyed much of the Sigfreda Gardens. They are working their way towards the palace. You must hurry!"

Serilda saluted quickly and ran off back down the hall. The legionaries stayed, and looked to their leader expectantly. Kimberly and Bridget glanced at each other only a moment, before diving for the wardrobe to find the Queen some clothes.

Outside, they began to hear the muffled sounds of destruction.

Five minutes later, in the Palace's War Room located beneath the castle, the Queen strode through the heavy wooden doors dressed in full General's gear. Over a short, simple white toga, she wore an intricately carved golden chestplate, sculpted to the curves of her body. Around her waist was an outerskirt made of wide leather straps that hung vertically to mid thigh. The straps were trimmed with gold rivets at the pointed ends. Her carved golden helmet was like that of Bridget's, except with a deep magenta frill on top, and a luxurious silk cape of the same color tied loosely to her shoulders. Her boots were laced tightly up to her knees, and on her forearms were golden gauntlets with jewels set into them.

The suit was the perfect marriage of form and function: awe-inspiring to look at, yet easy to move in and sturdy against blows. Inside, Kimberly admitted she would rather be wearing her Ninjetti Crane garb, but that would only come if needed. Just behind Kimberly and to her right, Bridget walked proudly, a hand width taller than her Queen.

They entered the atmosphere of the crowded War Room, and took in the scene. In the large, circular stone room were several of the higher-ranking officers of the military, plus dozens of legionaries bustling about from here to there. The noise was loud, and the energy level was high. People were afraid-- and everyone could now hear the muffled explosions coming from the outside.

Serilda was leaning over the large vat of water in the center of the room. Beside her stood Renee Ryan, the tall, chocolate-skinned young woman who Kimberly had studied gymnastics with before both learned of their Venusian heritage. She was concentrating on the Vision that allowed Serilda to see what was going on outside, but she was able to spare enough attention to give Kimberly an encouraging smile.

Kimberly smiled back, and turned to the task at hand.

"Serilda, report." she said, coming to stand next to the other woman whose helmet was now tucked under her arm.

"As I said before majesty, seven beings in total." she said, grimly shaking her head at the scene in the water below her. "They are throwing balls of fire from their hands as easily as a demon, causing earthquakes and crashing our lines as though we were made of paper dolls. Dozens dead and injured already. See for yourself."

Kimberly followed her gaze to the water. It was a confusing scene of utter chaos, with trees being obliterated left and right, and flying chunks of buildings tumbling by as houses were blown apart. She caught glimpses of legionaries lying scattered on the ground, their armor catching the light from occasional explosions. Kimberly shook her head in disgust and looked up at Renee. The girl met her glance for a moment, and Kim could see she was having trouble maintaining her focus in the face of such horror.

Kimberly swallowed. "Where are they now?"

Serilda replied "..the north edge of town. They went through the Gardens to get to there, and now they're heading inner city."

"It looks like a whole damn army coming through there!" Kimberly said. "How can there be only seven?"

"Bernadette's troops came back ten minutes ago with the first reports. She lost a dozen good women who went head to head with this group. I think her god-daughter was one of the ones killed..."

Renee brushed a silken dreadlock out of her face. "I can try and get you a better picture Kim..."

"Thanks Renee." Kimberly said, and watched the rippling water. The image faded ungracefully in and out, but soon they were seeing the very heart of the battle. Smoke billowed from a burning house, obscuring the air, but glimpses of color could be seen.

"Oh my God..." Kimberly breathed as the picture became clearer.

Standing in a circle, their backs turned inward, were seven Power Rangers!

They were nothing like any Ranger Kimberly had ever seen though-- their costumes being decidedly different than the Morphin or Zeo costumes-- but they were definitely Rangers. Kimberly knew right away that her forces were in trouble.

"Serilda... I don't know who these people are, but for sure they're bad news. We can't do this alone. I want you to call Zordon and the Zeo Rangers for me." Serilda nodded and left to carry out her task. Renee and Kimberly exchanged worried looks. "I have a feeling we're gonna need some major help here." Kim said.

The call came in to the Power Chamber just before midnight. Jamie and the four Rangers were still up trying to trace Salacia's teleportation signature, and Lita, Zordon and Larry were discussing details of Larry's dream, when the emergency claxons went off once again.

"Now what?" Tanya groaned.

Alpha V shuffled over to the computer and punched buttons. A moment later, he reported, "Message coming in from Venus Island... its from Queen Kimberly's forces! Looks like the gals are in trouble." Everyone exchanged worried glances.

Larry, Lita and Jamie were confused.

"Queen Kimberly?" Jamie repeated. "You mean... THAT Kimberly?"

Rocky glanced at her. "Long story. Tell you later."

"Put it on speaker, Alpha." said Zordon. A loud crackle of static filled the room, before an urgent voice overcame the noise.

"Power Chamber... this is Centurion Serilda of Venus Island. Do you read?" In the background were the sounds of many harried voices.

Zordon replied, "We read you Centurion. How may we be of help?"

"Zordon, the Island is under attack. I am calling of behalf of her Majesty the Queen, to ask your assistance in fending off this threat." As she spoke, there was a muffled explosion and the sound of glass shattering. Serilda shouted away from her microphone, "Get them to the infirmary... and cover that window with something!"

Her voice returned to a normal level. "Zordon, we are under attack by seven beings that the Queen has identified as Power Rangers. We do not know who they are, but they are most certainly destructive. Can we count on help from you and the Zeo Rangers?"

The Rangers all looked at one another, knowing exactly who the mysterious septet was.

"Most certainly Centurion." Zordon confirmed. "Is there any way we can be teleported directly to the battleground, instead of to the beach as usual?"

Serilda made a negative noise. "I'm sorry, it's not possible. Even in this time of need, I'm afraid you must travel like everyone else. I will try and have an escort waiting for you..."

There came another loud explosion, and Serilda yelped in surprise. For a moment, there was no one on the other end.

"Centurion Serilda... are you there?" Zordon asked. Everyone stared at the speaker in concern; but the voice came back a moment later.

"Yes, I am here. I must go Zordon, please make haste. I don't know how much longer our forces will last."

"Understood. Power Chamber out." Zordon turned to the others. "Rangers and guests, Venus Island is in danger. Our friend Kimberly has requested our aid, and we must meet her need. I ask you to morph and teleport into battle as quickly as possible."

Taking the lead, Adam nodded. "Come one guys, let's do it."

"Right!" the Zeos said in unison. It's Morphin time!"

"ZEO RANGER ONE, PINK!" Kat cried.

"ZEO RANGER TWO, YELLOW!" Tanya shouted.

"ZEO RANGER THREE, BLUE!" Rocky hollered.

"ZEO RANGER FOUR, GREEN!" Adam yelled, and they were instantly transformed into the mighty Zeo Rangers.

Jamie and Larry stepped forward too, planting their feet and looking as though they were getting ready to morph as well.

"Whoa, whoa... what are you guys doing?" Rocky put out his hands and stopped them.

Jamie lifted her chin in defiance. "I'm morphing. We're coming with you. You guys are gonna need some help out there."

Before Rocky could respond, Zordon cut in. "That would be inadvisable, Jamie. You said you came here through the Multiverse, and Multiversal travel can be very taxing on the human body."

"We're not are not human, Zordon." Larry said, putting an arm around his daughter. "I think we will be fine."

"I disagree. The Rangers will call for your help if it is needed, but I'd like to avoid any unnecessary injuries if possible."

The four Rangers did not give the guests a chance to argue. Adam stepped forward and glanced around to see that everyone was ready. "Time to go. Teleporting now." and they all stood tall and waited for the carrier wave to overtake them. They were gone in an instant, vanishing in brilliant columns of light.

Larry looked through his eyebrows at Zordon. "You know as well as I do: Salacia is like nothing those kids have ever faced. I hope you're right about this."

The Rangers re-materialized in a place of unexpected quiet. They blinked behind their visors, and realized they were on the glimmering beach below Ambrosia. Tanya looked around them quickly, swiveling on her feet and asked, "So where's the party?"

Just then, a dim flicker of light from the city above caught their attention. A moment later, it was followed by a muffled BOOM, and a column of smoke billowed up into the air.

"That answer your question?" Rocky asked her, and the four of them immediately set off at a sprint up the path. They all noticed the absence of the escort Serilda had mentioned. They all feared the worst for the unluckily-assigned soldier.

When morphed, the Rangers' already decent levels of fitness were enhanced to allow them even greater endurance. Still, they were starting to pant when they reached the ivory-like gates of the city. The jagged mouth of the crater rose high above them, forming a protective ring around the city, which sat on the crater floor. The top edge of the high stone wall dipped down here, sloping all the way down to ground level with a space in between. The gates were set into this space.

"How do we get in?" Rocky wondered out loud.

Adam grasped the intricate curves of gleaming white ivory that served as bars, and shook the whole thing a little. The latch rattled, but did not open.

"Great." he murmured. "Some help we are."