Crusher-Bug
by Kittie

It was a very hot day in Angel Grove. Tommy noted this aloud as he gulped down his third Frostee of the hour, and Billy nodded in agreement. "Actually," he said matter-of-factly, "This is the hottest it's ever been in Angel Grove, or anywhere in the United States."

"Ever?" Rocky's eyes grew wide as he stared at Billy over his glass.

"Yes."

"What does that mean?" Kat uneasily glanced at Tanya. None of them felt like dealing with anything complicated this summer. It was just too hot.

Billy shrugged. "It could just be a minor disturbance among the sun's energy fields, or it could mean King Mondo's up to something. We'll just have to keep our eyes peeled."

Adam and Tanya groaned simultaneously, and Tommy sighed. "Oh, man...."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, until Billy spoke again. "If it is King Mondo, I'm sure you guys can handle it. You know I'd love to be out there with you," he said wistfully.

Tommy grunted. "It's not all it's cracked up to be, buddy."

"Yeah," put in Tanya. "It's exhausting."

"Even more than it was before," clarified Adam.

"I know." Billy shrugged. "But now that I've graduated, I don't have that much to do. I mean, I hang out in the Power Chamber, but...."

"But what?" Kat had a feeling she already knew the answer, but asked just for the sake of conversation.

"It's not that I don't like them, or anything. It's just that... well... Zordon's kind of boring," answered Billy, and Rocky choked on his soda. After a few well-placed slaps on the back on Tanya's part, he was okay again, so Billy continued. "I mean, you know. I'll try telling a few jokes or something, and he just nods and says, 'Very interesting, Billy', or something like that."

"What about Alpha?" Tommy smiled a little as he thought of the little 'droid.

"Well, Alpha's okay, but sometimes that voice just grates on me. 'Ai-yi-yi! Ai-yi-yi!'" The table cracked up at Billy's near perfect imitation. "I swear, sometimes I have to stop myself from going at him with a can-opener!"

Tanya gasped, choking back a laugh. "That's not very nice at all!"

Rocky was gasping for breath. "Cut it out!" he managed. "I'm gonna barf!"

"Either that or snort that soda up your nose," observed Kat.

* * *
"Ah, the carefree laughter of children!" exclaimed Queen Machina as she observed the six teenagers on the planet below. "How I hate that sound!"

Her husband came up behind her and chuckled gleefully. "I have a plan, my dear. A fiendish plan that will silence their laughter, and all the laughter in Angel Grove, forever!"

"Oh, Mondo, I love it when you talk like that!"

"I know it."

"What diabolical plan have you come up with this time?"

"Ah, my dear, it is a secret. A surprise for you. But I will give you a hint. It involves the heat in Angel grove, that insufferable techno-brat, Billy, and a can-opener."

"Oh, Mondo!"

* * *
"It's really quite simple, guys," insisted Billy as he walked Adam and Kat back to his house. "It's just like those Duracell battery testers, only instead of testing energy levels, we'll be observing thought patterns and brain waves."

"Whatever," said Kat blankly. "Just tell me which button to push."

Billy chuckled. "You don't have to push any buttons. Just be yourself!"

Adam stopped short and put his hands on his hips. "Aw, man! I wanted to be her! I look great in pink."

Kat started to giggle. Then she pictured Adam in a pink tank top and mini-skirt, covered with a nice floral print blouse and started to laugh even harder. When a pink straw hat appeared in the picture, she burst into hysterical laughter.

Billy stared at her wide-eyed. "I'd love to observe those brain waves right now!" The teens' mirth was interrupted abruptly as a group of cogs suddenly appeared and surrounded them. As Billy shouted in surprise, two of them immediately grabbed him and began dragging him away from the others. Billy struggled as best he could but, without any powers, the cogs were too strong for him.

"Hey! Bring him back!" Kat ran toward them but was thrown to the ground by another cog.

Adam helped her back to her feet. "It's morphin' time."

"Zeo Ranger I, Pink!"

"Zeo Ranger IV, Green!"

The remaining cogs quickly surrounded Adam and Kat, preventing them from getting to Billy. "I can't get through!" shouted Adam, straining toward Billy.

"There's too many of them!" Kat managed to break away from the cog holding her and was just about to contact the other Rangers when the cogs vanished. Adam fell flat on his face, the resistance suddenly gone. He looked up to see Billy lying on the ground. "Billy!"

He jumped up and ran, relieved to see Billy sit up and shake his head as if to clear it. "Are you okay, Billy?" puffed Kat, running up behind Adam.

Billy stood with a little help from Adam. "I'm fine, I think." Then he winced. "They pricked me."

"Pricked you?" Kat shot Adam a look of concern.

"Yeah. I didn't see what it was."

"I think we should tell Zordon about this," said Adam grimly. The teens teleported toward the Power Chamber.

* * *
"Ah, the first part of my plan has already taken shape!" King Mondo bounced around his wife with glee. She merely looked at him distastefully.

"But Mondo, the cogs barely touched him!"

"They did not need to, my dear. You see this?" He held up a small vial containing what was left of a purplish liquid. "The rest of it was injected into young Billy's arm."

"Oh! What will it do?"

"You will see in due time. Now is the time to move on with the second phase of my scheme."

"Which is?"

"I need a monster. I think Crusher-Bug will do nicely."

"Oh, yes, Crusher-Bug is one of our most skilled monsters. Surely she can dispose of those pesky power-brats."

"Of course. That's why I thought of it. Now, I have work to do!"

* * *
"Zordon, we were attacked by cogs in the park," Adam said the second they arrived.

"They pricked Billy with something," added Kat, holding Billy's arm protectively.

"Ai-yi-yi," said Alpha shrilly, waving his arms in frustration. Billy shot a look to Adam and Kat, but they were still shaken by the sudden attack, and no one laughed.

THEY PRICKED YOU? Zordon sounded more than a little concerned.

Billy showed the tiny puncture wound in his arm to Alpha. "It doesn't hurt, but--"

"But it could be anything," finished Alpha. "I will scan you to see if I can detect anything. Oh, Ai-yi-yi!"

Kat slapped a hand over her mouth as a small giggle escaped from her. Billy smiled sideways at her, but Zordon looked disapproving. "Sorry," Kat whispered, swallowing the laugh.

An evil smile slowly widened Adam's face, and he leaned over to Kat and grinned. "Pink."

Kat began to laugh. Loudly. Zordon shook his head. _These kids! oh, to be that resilient and carefree!_

Alpha seemed to clear his throat. "I do not detect anything, Billy, but...."

"All right Alpha," Billy assured him, "I'll be careful."

Kat grabbed him in a hug and lightly kissed his cheek. "I am so glad you're okay!"

Billy blushed. "Um...."

"I think he means he is thankful for the concern which you have found necessary to focus upon him," supplied Adam helpfully.

"Right," agreed Billy. This time, Zordon allowed himself a small smile.

Suddenly, the alarm bells began to go off. "What the--" Kat's eyes widened. "Billy, there's a monster in your backyard!"

Billy's face went pale. "My Dad's in that house...."

"Don't worry," Adam assured him, "We won't let anything happen to him. Back to action!"

"Zeo Ranger I, Pink!"

"Zeo Ranger IV, Green!"

* * *
Adam and Kat teleported into Billy's backyard, ready for anything. "God, look at that thing," murmured Kat, catching sight of the Crusher-Bug. It was huge, covered with spiked armor, and had large claws much like a crab.

"Let's get it," said Adam simply, and before the monster could turn and get a look at them, they both let loose with flying kicks that sent the monster crashing into the oak tree in the center of the yard.

It screamed in anger and almost instantly the tree split in half right down the middle. "Did you see that?" whispered Kat, her face going pale behind her helmet.

Three new streaks of bright light materialized into Zeo Rangers II, III, and V. "You're going down, Bug-lady!" yelled III, shaking his fist.

"The name is Crusher-Bug," retorted the monster, getting to her feet. "Make that Ms. Crusher-Bug. And I will crush you just as easily as I did that tree, Blue-boy," she finished mockingly. And then she sent a barrage of lasers at the Zeo Rangers, sending them crashing to the ground.

"What's going on?" called a frightened voice from an upstairs window.

"Mr. Cranston!" Tommy jumped to his feet. "Mr. Cranston, it's not safe here, get out! We'll take care of this."

"But...." the man hesitated. "I can't leave, not without my son. Where's Billy?"

"We took care of him, don't worry," Adam told him. "Get out of here!"

Mr. Cranston started to retreat back into the house when Crusher-Bug spoke. "Oh, you think you took care of him, but I took care of him first!"

"What?" All action stopped and Mr. Cranston froze. "What are you talking about?"

Crusher-Bug began pacing around the yard. "I'm not telling."

"Why, you... If you've done anything to my Billy, I'll--"

"You'll what, little man?" retorted the bug. "I could crush your house like a... a...."

"Pancake?" supplied Rocky helpfully, and the others glared at him.

"Yes, a pancake," finished Crusher-Bug.

"What did you do?" Mr. Cranston asked again, his voice pleading.

Crusher-Bug seemed to smile, and then a clawed arm shot out and grabbed Mr. Cranston from the window. The Rangers barely had time to move before he was placed gently on the ground in front of them. Adam's mouth fell open beneath his helmet. _Billy's father could have been killed and we were just standing here!_

"Now, Mr. Billy's Father, don't be impatient," teased the creature. "All will be explained." She raised a hand to the sky and something shot down from the clouds. "Here," she said, handing a tiny vial of purple liquid to the trembling man. "You see this?"

"What is it?" His voice was tight, and he grasped the vial as though he was afraid to let it go.

"Just a little sample of what we gave to Billy. I'm sure he's enjoying it. I know I am." She began to laugh, and Adam felt a chill go through his body. "Until next time!" And the monster was gone.

* * *
Everyone was silent for a long while. Finally, Mr. Cranston looked up at the Zeo Rangers, and they saw with shock that he was crying. "Please...." he managed. "Please don't let anything happen to my son."

Adam looked to the others and realized they were as stumped as he was. He stepped forward. "Don't worry, sir," he said. "We won't let anything happen to him." He held out his hand for the vial, and Mr. Cranston reluctantly surrendered it to him. The Rangers teleported back to the Power Chamber, ready for some answers.

* * *
When the demorphed Rangers materialized in the Command Center, they found Billy standing quietly in front of the viewing globe, his arms wrapped around his body. Adam bit his lip and stepped forward. "Billy? Are you okay?"

Billy nodded slightly and sighed. "I have to go home," he said, and moved to program the coordinates into his communicator.

Zordon stopped him with one word. NO.

The Rangers looked to their mentor, shocked. "What?" Billy took a step toward Zordon, his mouth falling open. "But I have to! I--"

YOU MUST STAY HERE, BILLY. IF MONDO HAS HARMED YOU, WE WILL NEED TO BE ABLE TO KEEP A CONSTANT WATCH ON YOUR HEALTH. PERHAPS ALPHA AND I CAN DISCOVER THE EFFECTS OF THIS SERUM THE CRUSHER-BUG USED.

Alpha waddled forward and took the vial from Adam, ready to begin the testing.

Billy watched all this, frustrated. "I understand that, Zordon," he managed, "But I have to go! I have to see my Dad!" He looked back at the viewing globe and saw his father trying to clean up the mess the monster had made. He felt tears rise to his eyes. "I have to say goodbye...."

Behind him, Katherine gasped and put a hand to her mouth. Tommy took it upon himself to respond. "Billy, man, it'll never get that far. We'll see to that."

Billy turned and studied Tommy's face. The boy looked confident, not afraid in the slightest, and that assured him. He nodded slightly. "I know." He sighed again and turned to Alpha. "Let me help you with that."

* * *
Queen Machina was angry. "Mondo! Why did you let that Chowder-head give the serum to the Rangers? What if they find a cure?"

"There is no cure, my dear," replied Mondo. "And besides, that was all part of my plan. Look! Crusher-Bug has already gone on to phase two."

Machina looked down to earth and saw Crusher-Bug digging deeper and deeper into the earth her powerful claws sending dirt flying in every direction. "What is she doing?"

"Exactly what I told her to, my queen. Ha-ha! I love it when a plan comes together!"

Machina looked at her husband curiously, but didn't speak. Mondo would inform her of his plan when the time was right. She settled down to watch Crusher-Bug's progress.

* * *
Billy gnashed his teeth together in frustration as he and Alpha continued to examine the strange purple potion. They still hadn't found anything remotely toxic about the fluid, and Billy was rapidly losing patience. The fact that the Rangers were pacing noisily back and forth behind him didn't make his job any easier, and finally, Billy was so frustrated and distracted by their movements that he turned and asked them to leave. "Please, just go to the Youth Center or something. We'll call you if anything happens."

The Rangers reluctantly teleported away, but the sudden silence didn't make Billy's job any easier. Time kept marching on.

* * *
Crusher-Bug began to hum to herself as she continued her dig. She was sure she'd dug halfway through the earth by now, but she still couldn't find this mysterious cavern Mondo had told her about. By some freak of nature, he had explained, a natural wall of steel developed around this special rock many eons ago. Many believed that it was Mother Nature¼s way of covering up one of her worst mistakes.

She was about to take a rest when she felt her claws come into contact with something hard. She smiled to herself and began to dig faster. _Well, she can't keep it away from me,_ thought Crusher-Bug as she felt the steel wall begin to give.

* * *
"Zordon, we just can't find anything wrong with this liquid! Ai-yi-yi!" Alpha was running around the command center again, but Billy was resting his head wearily against one of the control panels.

"I hate not knowing!" Billy exclaimed angrily. "I based my whole life on knowing and learning and where has it gotten me? Here! Stuck! Apparently doomed!"

BILLY, YOU MUST HAVE PATIENCE. I AM SURE--

"The poison will reveal itself. Yes, I know. But then it will be too late!"

I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT I WAS SURE YOU WOULD DISCOVER POISON'S SECRETS IN TIME. Zordon's voice was sad, and unusually quiet.

Billy looked up guiltily and sighed. "I'm sorry, Zordon. I'm just... scared."

"I know."

* * *
_There! I've got it! Crusher-Bug felt her hand touch the smooth texture of the rock. Just a little more...._ She inched forward and took the rock into her claws. She was about to make her way back up to the surface when her eyes adjusted to the darkness and she caught sight of the prize. The rock was small. It was not even as big as one of her fingers. It was almost perfectly round, and a deep black in color. _No, wait...._ It was purple, but such a dark purple that it looked black. There were tiny ridges covering its surface, and when she looked at it just right, she was certain she could see a pattern. _Is it... leaves? Trees? No...._ Every time she came close to identifying the shapes, they seemed to change before her eyes. She was mesmerized by the rock when King Mondo called to her, startling her.

"Crusher-Bug! Stop oggling that rock and finish your assignment!"

"Yes, your greatness!" She began the dig out of the cavern.

* * *
Billy shook his head and tried to rub the blurriness out of his eyes. _I've been at this way too long. I need a break._ He blinked a few times, assuming his contacts had shifted, but his sight didn't get any better. Zordon seemed to notice his trouble.

BILLY, ARE YOU ALL RIGHT?

"I think so. My sight's all blurry."

PERHAPS YOU NEED TO TAKE A REST.

"You're probably right, but we can't afford to wait any longer." _Maybe my contacts are blurry._ "Who knows what King Mondo's got... planned?" Billy squinted at Zordon; he was too far away, just an indistinct greenish blob. "Zordon?"

WHAT IS THE MATTER, BILLY?

"I... I can't...." And then Billy saw nothing more than an engulfing darkness.

* * *
"Ah, Crusher-Bug! Nice of you to return with my rock!" Mondo grinned and grabbed the rock from Crusher-Bug. It had begun to glow an intense purple. "You see, Crusher-Bug, the poison has already begun its work!"

"And what work is that, your excellence?"

"Yes, darling, you still have not explained your brilliant plan," piped up Machina. "I am so excited to learn what will develop."

"Well, my dear, you need not wait any longer. Our young Ranger-friend is already within our grasp! You remember I told you about the heat in Angel Grove? Well, it is caused by a small energy field from beyond Pluto. Once every three and a half million years, the sun enters a rotation with this energy field. It is this combination which activates the rock I hold now, and it is this rock which activates the poison we fed to the techno-brat!"

"Mondo, darling, I haven't a clue what you're talking about."

"All you need to know is this, my dear. The poison will now steal young Billy's senses. He will be unable to see, hear, feel...."

"Oh, Mondo!"

"But we will! We can use this rock to control his actions! And you, Crusher-Bug, will use him to destroy the Command Center AND the Power-Rangers!"

"Mondo, darling, this all sounds wonderful, but where does the can-opener come in?"

Mondo gave a devilish laugh. "The can-opener is only for fun, my dear. We shall use it to dismantle the leader of the Power Rangers: Zordon of Eltar!"

"Oh!" Crusher-Bug let out a startled yell.

"Whatever is the matter?"

"I... I can see into the Command Center!"

"Wonderful!" King Mondo began to jump up and down. "That is what Billy is seeing. Or what he would be seeing if I hadn't struck him blind!"

* * *
"Billy! Oh, Ai-yi-yi, what's wrong?" Alpha ran out into the main chamber the second he heard Billy's startled cry.

"I can't see anything!"

ALPHA, SCAN BILLY'S ENERGIES, QUICKLY!

Alpha led Billy to a cot and pushed him down. "Lie here and rest," he said. "Don't worry about a thing." A quick scan produced some frightening results.

Zordon nodded grimly. CONTACT THE RANGERS IMMEDIATELY.

* * *
By the time the Rangers arrived at the Command Center, Billy had already begun to feel further effects from the poison. His body had grown weaker, and his hearing seemed to be fading. He could tell their conversation was mounting in urgency, but he couldn't make out the words. He felt someone take his right hand and squeeze it. "Billy, you---- not going----...." He could only make out a little bit of what was said. He thought the soft hand caressing his own was Kat's, but he couldn't be sure. It could be Tanya's. "We------ back-----" Then, there was no sound at all.

* * *
Kat looked worriedly up at Zordon. "Why isn't he answering, Zordon?"

I DO NOT KNOW, KATHERINE. WE STILL ARE NOT SURE OF THE COMPLETE EFFECTS OF THE POISON.

"Billy? Can you hear me?" She spoke directly into his ear, but there was no response. "I don't know if you're there," She took his hand and squeezed it gently. "But we'll figure this out. You're going to be okay."

* * *
Billy sighed a little as... Kat?... squeezed his hand. _I've got to let them know I'm still here._ He began to squeeze her hand rhythmically, trying to reassure her. Eventually, though, it got harder and harder to move. Billy realized all at once what was happening, and he let out a frightened cry, gripping her even tighter. Then all feeling faded and he was left floating in a dark, soundless void.

* * *
Crusher-Bug jumped and nearly dropped the rock as a strange sensation flooded through her. {Be careful, you idiot!} King Mondo's voice came at her at the same time Katherine's did. She heard the girl's startled shriek as Billy screamed, and then her voice nervously asking her if she was okay. "I... I'm fine," said Crusher-Bug, and the voice that left her throat was not only her own, but also Billy's.

She tried to move, but realized she was standing up and lying down at the same time. She carefully placed the rock on the floor and the strange sensation faded away. Ignoring King Mondo's angry protests, she lay flat on her back and then picked up the rock again. It was time.

* * *
The Rangers stared in amazement as Billy pushed Kat away and sat up slowly, shaking his head. "Whoa," he said. And he giggled. He actually giggled, a sound none of them had ever heard before. He raised a hand up in front of his face and wiggled the fingers. "Whoa," he said again.

"Um... Billy? Are you okay?" Katherine spoke hesitantly, stepping closer to him.

"What? Oh yeah, I'm fine. Sorry." He placed his hand in his lap and looked around. "So.... Hello Zordon."

HELLO, BILLY. ARE YOU FEELING ALL RIGHT?

"Yes, of course. I feel fine." {Talk like Billy, you fool!} She swung her head toward Mondo's voice, but saw only a strange looking console. "Oh, um... I mean... uh... prodigious?"

She jumped off of the cot and walked around, testing out her new body. It was strange to be so small and fragile, with hands so soft. She wiggled her fingers again, but kept her hands at her side this time. She missed her claws, but, she reminded herself, she still had them, just not on this body.

She practiced switching back and forth between the two bodies. Her awareness seemed rooted in only one of them at a time, so when she was in the Power Chamber, Mondo's Moonbase was ages away. She switched her consciousness and smiled briefly at Mondo, nodding slightly. Then she realized how strange her other-body must have looked, so she switched back and tried to explain.

"Well..." She realized she was facing a blank wall and turned around quickly. "I seem to be all right... physically. Perhaps Mondo's spell has worn off?" _Wow, I'm good at this!_

But Tanya shook her head. "I doubt that, Billy. There's got to be more to this."

Crusher-Bug cursed silently, wracking her brain for a plan. _That's it!_ "Um... well, can I go home?"

I DO NOT THINK THAT WOULD BE WISE, BILLY. ALPHA AND I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE ALL RIGHT.

"I'm fine Zordon, but I really... um... want to see my Dad. Yeah. He'll be worried. And all."

Zordon stared hard at her, and Crusher-Bug nearly lost her nerve. Finally, he spoke. ALL RIGHT, BILLY. WE WILL MONITOR YOU FROM HERE.

"Thank you!" She smiled sweetly at him and batted her eyelashes, momentarily forgetting that the body she commanded was a man's. _Oh well, he didn't seem to notice._ She fumbled with her communicator and finally managed to get it to work, teleporting to just outside Billy's house. _All right! Now to find a can opener._ She located Billy's keys in the back pocket of his jeans, and nearly cried out in frustration when she saw how many keys were on the ring. _Now what?_

Hank Cranston saved her the trouble by throwing open the door. "Billy!"

He grabbed her in a hug and she gasped for breath. "Hey Mister, I mean Dad, you're crushing me!" _This hugging thing is highly overrated._

"I'm sorry." He loosened his hold a bit and looked at her; she realized with disgust that he was crying. "It's just... I thought I'd lost you."

"Nah, I'm fine." She pulled away and stepped into the house. "Hungry, though."

That much was true. Her new stomach growled, and she almost fell over from surprise. "Oh, well, let me fix you some lunch. What would you like?"

"Umm...." _What do humans eat?!_ "Uh... cookies? Yeah! Cookies!"

Hank looked at her strangely. "I... I think we have some Oreos...."

"Okay, Oreos. Yummy." She then busied herself searching for a can opener. Hank watched her wordlessly as she opened and closed several cabinets and drawers, an unopened bag of Oreos clutched in his hand.

* * *
"What is he doing?" Tommy spoke to no one in particular.

"It seems like he's looking for something," offered Rocky.

"But it's his house. He should know where everything is." Adam tried to think; something was wrong with Billy, but what?

* * *
Crusher-Bug rolled her eyes in frustration. "Um, Dad? Where's the can-opener?"

"It's right there." He pointed to a strange looking contraption on the counter.

"That's a can-opener?"

"Yes. You designed and built it yourself, remember?"

"Of course I remember," she snapped, blushing slightly. "But I wanted a manual one."

"But why? You hated the manual one, you made me throw it away once you finished this one. Besides, this one has an attatchment for--"

"I just want a manual one, okay?"

* * *
"A can opener?" Tanya looked at Kat, eyes wide. "You don't think--"

"No way," interrupted Rocky, "Not Billy. Not Alpha."

"What?" Alpha seemed to blink in confusion.

"But what if that's not Billy?" Everyone turned to look at Adam as he spoke.

"What do you mean? Of course that's Billy, we're looking right at him!" Tommy spoke as if Adam were a small child.

"I know, but... but what if there's someone else in there?" Adam saw that none of them understood what he was trying to say, and turned away in embarrassment. He never saw the look of complete understanding that crossed Zordon's age old face.

* * *
"We don't have a manual one." Hank spoke quietly, watching Crusher-Billy very closely. "What do you want to open?"

Crusher-Bug froze. "Umm... nothing. I just wanted to use it, that's all. I'm going to my room."

"Don't you want the Oreos?"

"Oh yeah." She took the bag quickly and headed to her right.

"Your room's upstairs, Billy," called Hank.

"I know that!" She changed direction and ran up the stairs, slamming the door behind her. She leaned against the door and sighed, closing her eyes. _I'll just have to go get one._ She placed the rock on the floor and was swept back into her own body.

* * *
The Rangers gasped as Billy's eyes suddenly went blank and he collapsed in a limp heap on the floor. "Alpha!"

"Teleporting now." Alpha pushed a few buttons and Billy materialized back on the cot.

RANGERS, Zordon spoke quickly, hoping to avoid a panic. RANGERS, I BELIEVE I HAVE DISCOVERED WHAT IS CAUSING BILLY'S STRANGE BEHAVIOR.

"What is it Zordon?" Katherine had taken his hand again, and was massaging the palm gently.

I REALIZED WHAT WAS GOING ON WHEN ADAM SUGGESTED THAT THE PERSON WE SEE IS NOT BILLY. THOUGH THIS SOUNDS IMPOSSIBLE, IT IS TRUE. THERE IS 'SOMEONE ELSE IN THERE'. I REMEMBERED A LEGEND TOLD TO ME MANY EONS AGO ABOUT THE PURPLE POWER ROCK. THE LEGEND SAYS THAT MOTHER NATURE ACCIDENTALLY CREATED THIS ROCK WHEN A VOLCANO UNEXPECTEDLY ERUPTED BEFORE SHE FINISHED HER SPELL. THE RESULT OF THE UNFINISHED SPELL WAS THE PURPLE POWER ROCK, WHICH COULD CAUSE GREAT DAMAGE WHEN USED IN COMBINATION WITH THE PURPLE POWER POTION. ALTHOUGH THE ROCK WOULD ONLY BE EFFECTIVE ONCE EVERY THREE-AND-A-HALF MILLION YEARS, MOTHER NATURE DECIDED TO BURY IT IN A STEEL-ENCASED CAVERN FAR BELOW THE EARTH, IN AN ATTEMPT TO COVER THE WORST MISTAKE SHE HAD EVER MADE.

"So the poison those cogs injected into Billy was the--"

THE POWER POTION.

"What does it do, Zordon?" asked Kat.

WHEN THE CORRECT EFFECTS ARE CREATED BY THE SUN INTERACTING WITH A RARE ENERGY FIELD, THE ROCK ALLOWS ITS HOLDER TO HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO THE POTION. BILLY CANNOT, SEE, HEAR, OR FEEL, BUT WHOEVER IS HOLDING THE ROCK IS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND HIM.

"So... what you're saying is...." Rocky paused, trying to make sense of everything. "Billy isn't really Billy right now, but he's a rock?"

SOMETHING LIKE THAT, YES.

* * *
Crusher-Bug came to herself in Mondo's Machine Base. "Queen Machina, my mission is almost competed. But I am unable to locate a can opener with which to--"

Machina wordlessly held up a manual can-opener.

"Great!" Crusher-Bug reached out for it, but Machina snatched it away.

"Idiot! What good will it do you here? I will send it you. Now pick up that rock and get back to work!"

"Yes, Empress." And she did as she was told.

* * *
Crusher-Bug realized she was lying down again, and had to put down the rock again to readjust herself. _Great! Now I just need that can-opener...._ As if in answer, an old manual can-opener magically appeared in Billy's hand.

Crusher-Billy cautiously looked around and saw that all of the Rangers were staring intently at Zordon. She quietly sat up and began to sneak toward Alpha 5.

* * *
The Rangers were suddenly distracted by a shrill cry from Alpha 5. Everyone whirled around to see Billy grimly dismantling the helpless robot with a common can-opener. "Hey, cut that out!" Tanya grabbed Billy by the shoulder, but he merely picked her up and threw her across the room. She landed hard on the floor and lay there, stunned.

Crusher-Bug beckoned to them. "Come on, Rangers. Do your worst!"

Tommy stepped forward cautiously. "Okay, whoever you are. We don't want to hurt you."

"You can't hurt me! Not unless you want to hurt your friend as well!"

"You're right." Tommy stepped forward just a bit closer. "But you can't expect us to just let you do this."

Crusher-Billy smiled. It was a strange, disturbing smile, and Kat gasped from behind Tommy. "No, of course I don't expect you to let me do it. I expect to destroy you!" She ran for the control panels and began to bang on them with the can-opener. With a flash of sparks, the viewing globe winked and flickered out.

Kat turned to the other Rangers. "We have to get that rock away from whoever that is. But how?"

Adam looked thoughtful. "If we combine our powers, one of us can go into the Moonbase and grab it."

By this time, Tanya had recovered slightly, and she surprised them all by speaking quietly. "I'll do it." The others turned and looked at her, surprised. "I haven't had the chance to prove myself yet. I want to help."

After a short consideration, Tommy nodded reluctantly. "Be careful."

With that, the Rangers joined hands and projected their energy toward Tanya. In moments, she disappeared in a flash of yellow.

* * *
Tanya dropped into a defensive crouch the second she felt her feet touch solid ground. It was dark, and it took her a moment to get her bearings. She sighed in relief upon realizing there was no one else in the room. _Well, it's now or never._ She began to creep forward, not sure exactly what she was looking for.

She was just beginning to give up hope when Crusher-Bug's growling voice floated from around the corner. "You Rangers can't stop me!"

_It must be Crusher-bug who's controlling Billy!_ Tanya continued forward.

* * *
_Wait a minute!_ Crusher-Bug stopped in mid-swing and lowered the can-opener. _What is this feeling inside of me? What?_ She stared at the can-opener curiously, aware of the Rangers' eyes on her. _I have never felt anything like this before. I have never feltä anything at all before. What is this?_ She turned to the Rangers and took a step toward them, only to see them tense and ready themselves for a fight. She stopped, letting her arms hang at her side. "Iä what is this feeling?"

"What feeling?" Adam didn't let down his guard for a second.

"Thisä." She looked at the can-opener again, then up at him. "I have never felt these emotions. I have never felt any emotions at all. It has always been about serving my master. But now, in this body, I can feelä something. What is this? This feeling I get deep inside when I look at all of you?" She turned suddenly to Alpha, who was still, wires hanging out of his back. "What have I done?" She whispered in Billy's voice. "Help me."

* * *
Tanya was just about to ambush Crusher-Bug when the monster stopped its rampage and began to speak. _What is that thing talking about? It feels what?_

* * *
Crusher-Billy turned to the Rangers, her voice imploring. "Please, I don'tä I want toä."

"This has got to be a trick," warned Tommy. "Stay on your guard."

Crusher-Bug let out an anguished wail. "No! No trick! I wantä help me!"

* * *
Tanya ducked back into the shadows as King Mondo appeared in front of Crusher-Bug. "What are you doing, you nit-wit!" he roared. "Destroy them!"

"No! No, I--" Crusher-Bug cowered before him.

"You dare disobey me?" King Mondo raised his wand.

* * *
The Rangers could only watch in stunned silence as Billy appeared to cower before an unseen menace. "No! No, I--" His voice was cut off, and he threw his arms in front of his face. Then, suddenly, Tanya and Crusher-Bug appeared in the Command Center, in a blaze of yellow light.

"Tanya!" Tommy shouted his disapproval at her.

The Rangers ran toward Crusher-Bug, ready to attack, when Tanya stopped them with her hand and a single word. "Don't!"

Everyone froze. Crusher-Bug was standing before them, with something that resembled tears in her deformed eyes. She clutched the rock in one of her large, ugly claws, and was cradling it protectively. "I don't know what's happening to me," she said, and they noticed with wonder that Billy was saying the same words behind her. "This rock...." She held it up as if to show them. "At first, it was just the sight, the sound, the sensation. But now there is something elseä. I don't want to give that up. Please understandä."

THAT IS SOMETHING KING MONDO NEVER COUNTED ON said Zordon suddenly. AS CRUSHER-BUG CONTINUED TO HOLD CONTROL OVER BILLY'S ACTIONS, SHE ALSO BEGAN TO DRAW SOMETHING ELSE FROM HIM: HIS EMOTIONS.

The Rangers stared at Crusher-Bug, comprehension slowly dawning on them. "Monsters don't have emotions," Rocky breathed aloud.

YES. Zordon nodded. THAT ROCK HAS GIVEN HER SOMETHING SHE HAS NEVER HAD BEFORE, AND SHE DOES NOT WANT TO GIVE IT UP.

Crusher-Bug turned to Zordon. "Iä don't want to hurt anyone anymore." Her voice was still a low growl, but it seemed to have softened. "I don't wantä."

AS LONG AS YOU HOLD THAT ROCK, CRUSHER-BUG, YOU WILL BE HURTING BILLY.

Crusher-Bug turned to look at Billy, but he simultaneously turned the other way. "I can't see him. I want to see his face."

YOU MUST LET GO OF THE ROCK.

"No! I can't!" Crusher-Bug felt a wetness begin to roll down her cheeks. The Rangers gasped as teardrops made of oil hit the Command Center floor. "I'm afraid!"

Zordon spoke to her again, comfortingly. DO YOU WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING?

She turned to him tearfully. "Yes. Very much. But if I do, I will becomeä I will be nothing again. I will be a monster."

PERHAPS NOT. PERHAPS IF YOU DO WHAT IS RIGHT, KING MONDO'S HOLD OVER YOU WILL BE BROKEN FOREVER. IT IS UP TO YOU, NOW.

Crusher-Bug stared down at the rock. She opened her other claw, and across the room, the can-opener fell from Billy's hand. "What do I have to do?" She finally said.

"Place the rock gently in Billy's hand," advised Zordon.

"I can't!" The oil-tears began to well up again. "He keeps walking away from me!"

"Walk him into a wall," suggested Kat helpfully.

Crusher-Bug began to walk slowly toward Billy, and before long, he was up against the wall and could go no further. She advanced closer, lifting one claw into the air behind her, causing Billy's left hand rise in expectation of the rock.

"She's doing it," whispered Rocky. Kat shushed him and they continued to watch.

Crusher-Bug reached Billy, and stood looking at him for a moment. Then, slowly, she lowered the glowing rock into his hand. There was a flash of bright purple light, and all of the Rangers jumped away, momentarily blinded. Then the lights in the Power Chamber went out, and all that remained was the sound of Crusher-Bug's horrible scream.

* * *
The lights flickered back on, and the Rangers looked around. "Billy?" asked Rocky, blinking the dots out of his eyes.

"I'm here," Billy said. He stood at one of the control panels, adjusting the lights. The room slowly grew brighter.

"Where's Crusher-Bug?" asked Tanya.

"There." Adam pointed solemnly to a large puddle of oil on the floor where Crusher-Bug once stood. "She'sä gone."

The Rangers were quiet, staring at the puddle. Billy turned to Zordon. "Did you know that would happen?" he asked.

"Wait a minute," interrupted Rocky, "How do you know--"

"I don't know. I just do," said Billy impatiently. "Zordon?"

Zordon looked solemn. NO, I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE RESULTS WOULD BE, BILLY. I HAD HOPED--

"Look!" They were interrupted by a yelp from Tanya. She was pointing to the oil spot, which seemed to be moving.

Billy walked over to the spot, and thoughtfully touched it. The same purple light spurted from his fingers and flew into the oil. He jerked his hand away in shock. NO, BILLY, ordered Zordon quickly, TRY IT AGAIN.

Billy once again placed his hand in the oil, and soon he and the oil puddle were engulfed with the purple, hiding them from view. Then, just as suddenly, the light seemed to be sucked back inward, and the Rangers looked in amazement as the last of it was drawn into the body of a young woman who lay on the floor in front of Billy. "Whoa." Billy removed his hand from her shoulder.

The boys stepped back, blushing. The girl was about their age, looked remarkably like Billy, and... she was naked. "What the heck--" Tommy stopped as the girl's eyes opened.

She looked around, and then up at Billy. "I can finally see you," she said. Then her eyes closed again and she slept.

Billy was speechless. He just stared at her, then took off his shirt and used it to cover her.

"I don't understand, Zordon. What happened?" articulated Kat.

Zordon smiled. I KNEW THAT NOTHING MOTHER NATURE MADE COULD BE ALL BAD, EVEN IF IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. WHEN CRUSHER-BUG BEGAN TO FEEL BILLY'S EMOTIONS, I HOPED THAT SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO RETAIN SOME OF WHAT SHE HAD GAINED. BILLY ALLOWED HER TO DO THAT WHEN HE PLACED HIS HAND IN THE OIL.

"But how?" Billy regained the power of speech and went to join the others.

THE POWER OF THE ROCK WAS STILL INSIDE YOU, BILLY, EVEN THOUGH IT COULD NO LONGER DO YOU ANY HARM. WHEN YOU ABSORBED THE ROCK, YOU ALSO ABSORBED WHAT WAS LEFT OF CRUSHER-BUG. THAT IS WHY SHE WAS REDUCED TO NOTHING MORE THAN THE OIL FROM WHICH SHE WAS CREATED. YOU SIMPLY GAVE HER BACK WHAT WAS ALREADY HERS.

"Oh." Understanding lit up Billy's face.

YOU HAVE UNWITTINGLY GIVEN HER A GREAT GIFT, BILLY. SHE IS SEPARATED FOREVER FROM THE MACHINE EMPIRE, AND IS FREE TO PURSUE HER OWN DREAMS.

Billy smiled and turned toward her. "So what do we do with her now? She can't stay here, can she?"

"And she..." Rocky blushed. "Kind of needs some... clothes.

I WILL TAKE CARE OF THAT, RANGERS. IN THE MEANTIME, BILLY, WHY DON'T YOU WORK ON REPAIRING ALPHA 5?

* * *
"Are you sure you're okay with this name, Chrissy?" Billy turned to the-girl-formerly-known-as-crusher-bug and smiled.

"I guess so." She smiled back. "It seems to work. Chrissy Cranston, Chrissy Cranston...." She begins to repeat it over and over to herself, causing the Rangers to laugh. "Sure."

Billy shook his head. "I can't believe people are actually buying this long-lost cousin story. I had obviously overestimated the intelligence of the people of Angel Grove."

Tanya poked him in the arm and he yelped in pain. "Don't knock it. How many times has it saved our butts?"

"I know, I know! But you didn't have to hit me!"

Chrissy laughed. "Wow, what was that?"

"You laughed. It's a nice feeling, isn't it?" offered Kat.

"Yes. I could get used to it."

End

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