Chapter Twenty-five: Epilogue
Jason opened his eyes. The white light had passed. His head was spinning, although he wasn't in any type of pain. "Where am I?" he asked. He sat up, and the room came into focus. He stood up and saw the large circle of computers, the lighted pie design on the floor, and the six large columns with neon lights. "The Command Center."
Billy stood up from the floor as well. "Are we alive?" Billy asked.
"I guess," Jason answered. "What happened to the Power Chamber?"
"Welcome back, Rangers," a familiar voice said. Alpha Five walked out from Zordon's cubbyhole. He was no longer in Alpha Six's body. Zordon's tube was no longer a bizarre blue-green. It was perfectly clear, with a bed of crystals at the bottom. With a crackle of electricity, Zordon's face appeared in the gigantic tube.
"Zordon?" Billy asked. "What happened? Where is the Power Chamber?"
"Where are the others?" Jason asked.
Catalina laughed heartily and appeared beside them. "I did it!" she giggled. "I found the Crystals proper alignment, put the Crystal of Time back together, and it's like it never happened! Earth is back!"
"Behold the Viewing Globe," Zordon said.
"Aye-yi-yi!" Alpha cried. "I've really missed hearing that."
"But where are the others?" Jason asked.
"Don't you remember, Jason?" Alpha asked. "When the Crystal of Time was broken apart, you and Billy were the only two in the Power Chamber. Trini and Zack are in Switzerland, Kimberly is in Florida, Aisha is in Africa, Bulk and Skull are in Angel Grove, and the Zeo Rangers are on Aquitar. Jenga is probably fuming in her Space Fleet right now."
Billy didn't hear a single word that Alpha said. He was in tears over the view in the Viewing Globe. The Earth was back to normal. The oceans were blue, the land was green, and the clouds were white. Everyone was still alive. "It's January 31," Billy said happily. "It never happened."
"That is not entirely accurate, Billy," Zordon said. "The consequences never came to pass. However, all of the Rangers, Catalina, Dulcea, Ninjor, myself, and those on the moon will remember."
"They will most likely team back up again," Catalina said with an amused smile. "But it doesn't matter. The Anti-Earth Crystals are gone."
"Give me a few minutes and I'll get the other Rangers back," Alpha said.
"Okay, here's another question," Jason said. "Where's the Power Chamber?"
"Since we had the Earth Crystals," Zordon said, "we thought we could move back to the top of the mountain. This place is secure now. Besides, I prefer this Command Center. It just seems friendlier to me."
Jason and Billy smiled. Zordon was so much more carefree than he had previously. "What about Alpha?" Billy asked.
"My mind is Alpha Six," Alpha answered, "but I've been in Alpha Five's body for ten thousand years. I prefer this body. Besides, I didn't like that arrow that pointed straight down either. Heh heh."
"Did you go to heaven Alpha?" Billy asked.
"Why don't we wait for the other Rangers to show up," Catalina said. "Then we'll do some explaining."
* * *
The thirteen Rangers stood together in the Command Center in front of Zordon's tube. "First of all," Catalina said, "Skull, you'll notice your arm is no longer broken."
"I didn't even notice the cast was gone," Skull said. "Oh my gosh." He flexed his forearm and smiled. He laughed his traditional laugh.
"That is sort of a thank you from the Earth Crystals," Catalina said. "For saving the Earth."
"No one is dead?" Trini asked. "No one?"
"I'm sorry to say that Perkiz is still dead," Zordon said. "Had he not touched the Crystal, he would be alive."
"What about the Crystal in that museum?" Zack asked. "Plenty of people are bound to have touched it at one time or another."
"Yes," Zordon said, "but they did not understand its properties. They were exempt from that rule."
"Everyone who died has no memory of dying," Catalina said, "except Alpha."
"I remember Trini shooting me," Alpha said, "and that's it. The next thing I know, I wake up in my private chambers here in the Command Center."
"I guess the Zord Droids finished you in time," Billy said.
"What about our powers?" Tommy asked.
"Your Ninja Powers will be yours," Zordon said. "Forever and always."
"Really?" Billy asked excitedly.
"During our most recent dilemma, I spent much time deep in thought," Zordon said, "and I have come to the conclusion that life is far too precious to be encumbered with unrealistic, cruel rules. I've already been caught in one lie. You now know that if you break a Power Promise, you don't lose the power."
"I was kind of wondering that when we attacked the Machine Empire," Tanya said with a smile.
"While the world is not yet ready for thirteen Rangers," Zordon said, "that does not mean you must give the power up. You will always be a Ranger, and should a situation present itself where the Zeo power fails, you may rely on your Ninja Powers."
"Now that we have the Earth Crystals," Alpha said, "our teleportation and communication systems are greatly enhanced. We will be able to teleport you from anywhere on the entire globe."
"We can still go to the Peace Conference?" Zack asked.
"And be Rangers?" Trini added.
"Yes," Zordon said with a smile. "Although you will only be called into battle during an emergency. For now, the five Zeo Rangers will again resume the Zeo Power."
"So what do we do?" Bulk asked.
"Keep the power," Zordon said. "Carry it with you always, and you may be called upon in an emergency."
"I'm gonna head back to Aquitar," Billy said. "Explain everything to my parents, break up with Cestria again, and pack to head back."
"See you in a bit?" Trini asked.
"Yeah," Billy answered. "But before I go. What happened to Jenga?"
* * *
Diva Tox, Elgar, Rygog, and Porto teleported into the Palace on the moon. Jenga smiled at her best friend, and moved to the head of the room. She looked out at her extended family, which included all of Lord Zedd and Rita's cronies, Ivan Ooze and Scorpina, as well as the Machine Empire, plus Prince Gasket and Archerina. "This should not be a day of sorrow," Jenga said solemnly. "We have united as one. Within this room are many, many powerful forces who were once mortal enemies. This time, I am not going to order anyone to stay. However, nothing would make me happier than to see us all unite as one to bring the Power Rangers to their destruction."
"We're in," Diva Tox said happily.
"As are we," Scorpina said with a smile. Ivan Ooze chuckled and kissed his wife's hand.
"You know we are, Mom," Lord Zedd said simply.
"Can I stay too?" Rito asked in a small voice.
"Why not?" Jenga said.
"It would be an honor to permanently join forces with you," King Mondo said. Queen Machina nodded in agreement.
"Gasket? Archerina?" Jenga asked. "Will you join us?"
The two machines looked at each other for a moment. "Yes," Archerina said without taking her eyes off of her husband.
"Excellent," Jenga said.
Suddenly, a circle drew itself on the floor. A hologram of a humanoid appeared in the center. The hologram carried a scroll. Turning to face Jenga, he unrolled the scroll and read, "Queen Jenga of the Xett Empire. Your presence is requested at the Headquarters of the United Alliance of Evil. The purpose of this meeting is to review your position on the List."
"What?" Jenga growled.
The humanoid rolled the scroll back up and stared at Jenga. "The United Alliance of Evil heard of your defeat at the hands of the Power Rangers," he said. "You can expect to be bumped down."
"I've been number one since the beginning," Jenga said. She breathed heavily, anger tearing through her body. "They wouldn't dare move me back."
"Don't worry honey," MasterVile said. "At least I'll be number one."
"Shut up," Jenga growled. "When am I expected?"
"Now," the hologram. He flickered out of existence.
"Let's go," Jenga said in a voice void of expression.
* * *
"How did Cestria take it?" Rebecca asked.
"As well as can be expected," Billy said, wiping a tear from the corner of his eyes. Despite the fact that Trini was number one in his heart, he still held a warm spot for Cestria.
Delphine entered the Cranston home. "Billy," Delphine said, making the traditional Aquitian gesture. Billy responded with the same circular motion. "You shall be missed."
"I will miss you also," Billy said.
Delphine moved up to Billy, and gave him an awkward hug. "I apologize that I am not skilled in the manners of affection of your planet," Delphine said.
"Thank you for trying," Billy said.
Delphine smiled. "You are welcome here any time," she said.
"As you are on Earth," Billy said. "Is Cestro ready to teleport us home?"
Delphine smiled and nodded. Billy melted into a stream of blue light, and his parents and their belongings teleported away in a stream of white.
* * *
"I must admit," Tanya said, "I like the Command Center better than the Power Chamber."
"It's so better lit," Adam said. "Shh. Here comes Ernie."
"He already knows," Kimberly said.
"No way," Tommy said.
"Yes way," Ernie said as he put their Smoothies on the table.
"How long?" Rocky asked.
"Just let me clarify what we're talking about here," Ernie said. The Rangers at the table looked at each other warily, except for Kimberly. "You guys being Rangers?" he whispered.
"That's the one," Kimberly said, taking a sip of her Strawberry-Kiwi Smoothie.
"Nearly since the beginning," Ernie said. "You all have paid for much more food than you've eaten. Plus those little watches beep all the time. And you change into the Power Rangers out in the hallway all the time. I'm not blind. But I haven't told anyone."
"Good," Zack said, "because then we would have to kill you."
Everyone laughed heartily at his joke.
* * *
Jenga and her many henchmen walked down the corridors of the Alliance of Evil Headquarters. The place looked like a giant prison, floating out in the depths of space. "I wonder if she's scared?" Baboo whispered to Squatt.
"No way," Squatt whispered back. "Jenga's not afraid of nothin'."
Jenga led the way, clad in blue jeans and a green blouse. She looked so remarkably human. And so beautiful. Yet she was by no means human. Jenga was evil, and she was about to show just how evil she was.
* * *
"Do you guys feel this good all the time?" Skull asked.
"That's the power," Trini said. "I've missed it so much."
"And we get to keep it?" Bulk asked.
"Right," Jason said. "We can't use it without Zordon's permission, but he isn't going to take the coins back. They're ours."
"Bulkmeier! Skullovitch!" a loud voice shouted.
"Lt. Stone?" Bulk and Skull asked in unison, standing at attention.
"I'm glad I found you," Lt. Stone said. "I have a proposition for you."
"What's that sir?" Skull asked.
"I'll give you a raise," he said. "If you'll stay with me on the police force."
"Police force?" Bulk asked.
"They've given me another chance," Lt. Stone said. "And I'd like to give you another chance. Will you rejoin the force?"
"Whaddya say Bulkie?" Skull asked. "Give up a shot at being International Spies to stay here in boring old Angel Grove?"
"Oh yeah," Bulk said, extending his hand to Lt. Stone. "We'll stay." Lt. Stone smiled happily.
* * *
Alpha placed the last of the Earth Crystals in the bottom of Zordon's tube. They blended beautifully with Zordon's other crystals. "What will we do with the Crystal of Time?" Alpha asked.
"I know someone who can use it," Catalina said.
Zordon laughed and said, "Yes. I know someone who can use it, too."
* * *
Dulcea looked up as Ninjor approached her. "Ninjor?" she asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Actually," Catalina said, appearing beside him, "I asked him to show me the way."
"She has a present for you!" Ninjor said excitedly.
"Present?" Dulcea asked.
"Ta-Da!" Ninjor announced, holding his hand out. In his open palm rested a rectangular pink crystal. "What is it?"
"The Crystal of Time," Catalina said. "We want you to take it. Be its guardian, and use its power."
"Me?" She eagerly reached out and took the Crystal from Ninjor's hand. "Really? I... I..."
"You can leave the Sacred Grounds now," Catalina said.
Dulcea burst into happy tears as the pink crystal disappeared. She placed it in her own pocket dimension, and felt its protective power flow through her. "Where would I go now?" Dulcea asked. "I've spent twenty thousand years on this planet. All alone."
"You can go to Earth," Catalina said.
"You can join me in my temple," Ninjor suggested, "although I probably won't be much fun for about twenty years. I'm going into hibernation for awhile."
"Will I fit in on Earth?" Dulcea asked.
"Certainly," Catalina said. "You can stay with us in the Command Center. Although you may want to put on a little bit more, clothing wise. I doubt Tommy, Rocky, and Adam would get much done with you strutting around in a green bikini. Or you can get a job and rent an apartment."
"Earth," Dulcea said, testing the thought. "But can the Sacred Grounds be monitored from Earth?"
"The Power Chamber is super-charged with the Earth Crystals," Catalina said. "Alpha can monitor anything now. But besides, don't you think the Sacred Grounds deserve their privacy. They won't be any less sacred without you there to guard them."
"I have missed Earth," Dulcea said. "I guess a lot has changed since I left."
"Yes," Catalina said with a smile. "Civilization is thriving now."
"I will go," Dulcea said. "I don't know where I'll stay, but I will go."
"We'll work out the fine details later," Catalina said. "For now, you can stay in the Command Center with Zordon, Alpha, and me."
"I wish I could give you a hug," Dulcea said in her accent which was so eerily Australian-sounding.
"That's my only fault," Catalina said. "I can't give hugs."
Dulcea smiled and hugged Ninjor instead.
* * *
The group entered the main room. The walls were made of stone, as were the floor and ceiling. Several beings sat at a long desk on the far wall. The main being was seven feet tall, male, and covered with blue scales. His face was lizard-like, and he wore black body armor. Jenga walked up to the desk and stopped. "I am here."
"Queen Jenga of the Xett Empire," Maxell, head of the Alliance of Evil, said. "You stand before the council to review your position on the List."
"Yes sir," Jenga said.
"You were recently defeated at the hands of the Power Rangers," Maxell said. "We have knowledge of this information due to the disturbance caused by the Anti-Earth Crystals."
"Sir, I was not defeated," Jenga said. "I was merely stopped when Catalina destroyed the temporary reality we were in and then thrown back in time to when I de-activated the Crystal of Time."
"Do you still have the Crystal of Time?"
"No sir," Jenga said. "It was stolen from my possession by one who had dealings with the Earth Crystals. The Rangers are its current possessors."
"So you have, in a sense, aided the Rangers of Earth?"
"No sir," Jenga said angrily.
"Well, that is not how I see it," Maxell said. "You will be bumped to fourth place on the List. MasterVile will be placed first."
Jenga forced a smile and cocked an eyebrow. She stepped back from the desk. A circle of pink light opened on the floor, and a being similar to Maxell only female rose up from the circle. "Daddy?" the being asked.
"Stihn," Maxell said. "Jenga, don't be a fool."
"Stihn?" Jenga asked the alien. "Is this your father?"
"Daddy?" Stihn asked in a frightened voice.
"You love her with all your heart, don't you?" Jenga asked.
"Jenga, you know about the spell on those of us who serve the Alliance," Maxell said. "Whatever you do to us you do to yourself."
Jenga placed her hands on Stihn's upper arm. "Yes," Jenga said. "I know." Jenga extended her index finger. A tiny red ball of light jumped from her fingertip and entered Stihn's body. She gave a cry and fell to the floor.
"Mom?" Lord Zedd asked. His hands went to his chest and he dropped to his knees. "What did you do?" He then fell face forward, sprawled out on the floor.
"I stopped her heart, Maxell," Jenga said. "She, along with my son, Lord Zedd, has six minutes to live."
"Jenga!" Maxell yelled angrily. "Bring her back!"
Another circle of light opened beside Jenga. Another alien with blue scales rose up beside Jenga. "Maxell?" the woman asked. "Is this your wife?" Jenga asked. A wicked smile crossed her face. "I believe her name is Ahlee."
"Jenga please," Maxell said. "Don't."
"Jenga, this isn't funny anymore," MasterVile muttered.
"You're right," Jenga said. She zapped Ahlee, stopping her heart. The spell immediately stopped MasterVile's heart as well, and the two dropped to the floor simultaneously. "It's not funny anymore."
"By killing my wife and child you are killing your husband and child!" Maxell bellowed.
"You know what I want," Jenga said. "Put me at the top of the list. Where I belong. Where I have stood since the beginning of time."
"It's not in my power, Jenga!" Maxell bellowed. "I don't make the rules! I just abide by them! Please! Bring them back!"
"Four minutes," Scorpina reminded them.
"Do you know who made the rules?" Jenga asked. Silence followed. "I ASKED YOU A QUESTION!"
"I don't know," Maxell sobbed. He drew the dying body of his daughter into his arms and cried.
Jenga laughed wickedly and threw her arms up into the air. Thunder crashed in the large room and lightning danced across the ceiling. A pillar of fire shot up in the center of the room, stretching from the floor to the ceiling. "DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHO I AM?!" she bellowed in a deep guttural voice. Her pupils immediately became thin slits against a dark red background. She opened her mouth wide, revealing her fangs and forked tongue. "I AM ETERNAL!" Jenga bellowed. Despite her feminine body, her voice was anything but. "I have been feared for eons. Parents told their children to be good or I would come get them in the dark of night. I have been called many names. Beelzebub, Mephistopheles, Baal, Set, R'elyeh, Nyarlahotep, Lucifer, Satan, the Devil, Jenga."
"You are the devil," Rita said.
"No," Jenga laughed in her deep voice. "The devil is my source of evil, although I am not him. He powers me. His essence flows through my veins. I am not evil due to a mere demon. I am evil personified. Satan has chosen not to leave hell. However, he has given me an exact replica of his power. I am destined to rule this entire universe. And you dare defy me."
"One minute," Goldar growled.
Jenga's eyes returned to their beautiful green. "What will it be?" Jenga asked in a feminine voice. "Some don't like blood shed or senseless murder. But me. Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."
"Please don't kill them," Maxell sobbed. "I'll put you at the top of the list."
Jenga smiled. A ball of red light burst from Stihn and Ahlee's chest. They opened their eyes and gasped, as did Lord Zedd and MasterVile. "Oh, and Maxell, one more favor," Jenga said.
"Anything," Maxell said as he hugged Stihn and Ahlee tightly.
"We request permission to form a new dynasty," Jenga said.
"Who shall it consist of?" a female at the desk asked. "Queen Jenga and Lord Zedd of the Xett Empire," Jenga began. "MasterVile, Rita Repulsa, and Rito Revolto of the Bandora Kingdom. "Ivan Ooze and Scorpina of the Grifforzer Kingship. "Goldar, Finster, Squatt, and Baboo as servants of Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa. "Diva Tox, Elgar, Rygog, and Porto of the Inquiria Kingdom. "King Mondo, Queen Machina, Prince Sprocket, Prince Sprockett, and Princess Archerina of the Machine Empire, along with royal servants Klank and Orbus."
"What shall you here-to-fore be known as?"
"We shall be the Dynasty of the Apocalypse," Jenga said proudly.
"It shall be so," Maxell said sadly.
"I just knew you would see things my way," Jenga said. "Well, Dynasty of the Apocalypse, let's go home."
* * *
"This is sort of uncomfortable," Dulcea complained.
Dulcea, Kimberly, and Aisha caused quite a stirring when they entered the mall. Mainly due to Dulcea's green bikini. "No more blue jeans," Kimberly told Aisha. "They're too tight."
"Maybe a summer dress?" Aisha suggested.
"What will I wear in the winter?" Dulcea asked.
"It's called a summer dress because it's really loose and thin," Aisha said. "It's really comfortable in the summer, but since you don't seem to get cold...."
"Well, it's bound to be more comfortable than this," Dulcea complained, pulling the sweater off over her head. She unbuttoned her jeans and stepped out of them.
"This is why I didn't want Zack to come," Aisha muttered.
"Aisha, there are men staring at us," Kimberly muttered.
"They're not staring at us," Aisha said. "They're staring at Dulcea."
"Earth has changed since last I was here," Dulcea said, oblivious to Aisha and Kimberly's discussion. "There were no warm buildings."
"Are you from Earth?" Aisha asked.
"Yes," Dulcea answered. "Some time ago, my entire village was killed by Ivan Ooze. I was the sole survivor, and Zordon gave me a chance to seek vengeance. Through a very unlikely turn of events, I became Head Warrior of the planet Phaedos. And ultimately, I was trapped there."
"What's your favorite color?" Aisha asked as she approached yet another rack of clothing.
"Well, I've worn green for nearly twenty millennia," Dulcea said. "Maybe I should try something different?"
"I wonder how you would look in purple?" Kimberly asked.
* * *
Most of Jenga's newly founded Dynasty were sleeping, as it had been a very busy day. She sat on the balcony and looked at the planet Earth. _It really is beautiful,_ she thought to herself.
"Mom?" Lord Zedd asked.
"Yes dear?"
"You weren't really going to let me die, were you?" he asked in a small voice.
Jenga opened her mouth to say something and paused. After a moment, she answered with a smile, "Of course not."
"Good," Lord Zedd answered. "How about MasterVile?"
"Him neither," Jenga answered. Satisfied, he returned to his bedroom. She looked back at the blue and white orb hanging in the depths of space. "What they doesn't know won't hurt them," she whispered.
* * *
Aisha, Kimberly, and Dulcea entered the Juice Bar. Dulcea was wearing a simple pastel purple summer dress. "I feel somewhat self-conscious in this attire," Dulcea said.
"You'll get arrested if you strut around Angel Grove in that bikini," Aisha told her.
"Arrested?" Dulcea asked.
Bulk approached the three women. "Dulcea?" Bulk asked.
"Hello Bulk," Dulcea answered with a distinct note of shyness in her voice. She tugged at her hemline uncomfortably like a little kid.
"Uhm, would you care to join us?" Bulk asked.
"Doing what?" Dulcea asked.
"Eating," Kimberly said. "Come on."
Dulcea shyly joined her friends at the table. "I haven't eaten in a very long time," Dulcea said, "but I am hungry. I guess." She put her hand to her stomach. It had been so long since she felt hunger, she had forgotten what it felt like.
"Ernie," Bulk called. "Cheeseburger and fries for our tall friend over here."
"You got it, Bulk," Ernie answered.
"What's a cheeseburger and fries?"
* * *
The thirteen Rangers, Catalina, and Dulcea stood around the grave. "It was nice of Alpha to make him a coffin," Trini said softly.
The body of Perkiz lay six feet beneath them in an elegant black and silver coffin. Bulk, Rocky, Jason, Billy, and Trini had dug the grave for the being who had saved Trini's life. The grave was at the top of a hill outside the city limits where no one would disturb it. "This spring I'll come back here and plant a dogwood tree," Trini announced. She set a yellow rose at the head of the grave. "Thanks for everything Perkiz."
* * *
"You had better write," Aisha said.
"So had you," Zack said with a half-cocked smile.
"I have created an alternate channel on your communicators for your personal conversations," Alpha said.
"What?" Billy asked. "You're gonna let us use the communicators to talk? For fun?"
"You have all served this planet very well," Zordon said. "I guess you could say I've lightened up a little during this most recent disaster. Provided you keep your identities secret, you may use the communication system on occasion. But mostly Zack and Aisha, as Aisha does not have access to a telephone."
"Your teleporters will be off-line," Alpha said, "but you can use communication on occasion. You will want to be careful, though. Communication will be based on the batteries in your communicators, not the Command Center's communication system. That way, you will be ensured privacy."
"I should get back," Aisha said. "Aunt Ashala thinks I went to the well, and I've been gone about five hours."
"Good bye, Aisha," Zordon said.
The others hugged her, wished her luck, and Zack gave her a kiss. "Just a few more years," Zack whispered. Aisha smiled, and teleported away in a flash of white light.
"Guess we have to go, too," Trini said.
"Call me tomorrow morning," Billy said. "Got it?"
Trini wrapped her arms around Billy and gave him a passionate kiss. "Got it," she said. Black and yellow teleportation streams rose up and flew out of the Command Center.
Kimberly looked at her friends. "I've got a vacation in a few months," Kimberly said. "I'll be back." She took Skull's hand and held it. "Call me."
Skull kissed her hand and said, "You know it." Pink light temporarily blinded him. When he opened his eyes, Kimberly was gone.
February 1....
"What are you going to do, Billy?" Katherine asked.
"I don't know," Billy answered. "I guess enroll in Angel Grove University."
"The spring semester has already started," Kat said.
"I know. I might travel," he said. "I wouldn't mind visiting Switzerland at this time of year. {beep beep} Hold on a sec, Kat. Somebody's on the other line. "Hello?"
"Hey Billy," Trini said.
"Trini," Billy said. "What have you been up to?"
"Zack and I have been doing some research," Trini said. "And Zack had an idea."
"What's that?" Billy asked.
"Well, since Jason left, there's been a vacancy in the U.S. dorms," Trini said. "Zack's room, actually. He asked if they would be interested in having a new student. Would you be interested?"
"Me?" Billy asked. "They didn't accept me the first time."
"You didn't apply the first time," Trini said.
"Yes I did," Billy said.
"No you didn't," Trini said. "Don't you remember who was supposed to turn your application in?"
"Sure," Billy said. "Kimberly, Tommy, and I were at the Juice Bar, we filled out our applications, and since I had already written my essay, I gave it to... Tommy to turn in. Oh my gosh."
"Yeah," Trini said. "He was so embarrassed that he forgot he never mentioned it to you. He thought you would be mad."
"I would have been then," Billy said, "but I'm glad I hung around. But I'm not doing anything now. Are you sure they would have me?"
"Billy, you're a child prodigy," Trini said. "Zack just mentioned your name and they knew who you were. They would be thrilled to have you."
"Yes," Billy said. "I'll do it. When do I start. And when are we finished?"
"You'll start on February 15. And we're finished whenever we want to quit," Trini said.
"Cool," Billy said.
"Very cool," Trini agreed.
* * *
"Where are you going to live?" Bulk asked.
"I guess in the Command Center," Dulcea said. "I have no where else to go. I have no real talent, so I can't get a job. All I know how to do is protect the innocent."
"I've got an idea," Bulk said. "Actually, I have two ideas. Come with me." Bulk took Dulcea's hand and pulled her up.
"Certainly," Dulcea said with a smile.
* * *
"Lt. Stone?" Bulk asked, standing at attention.
"Bulkmeier," Lt. Stone acknowledged.
"I have a friend who is very interested in joining the Force," Bulk said.
"Who would that be?" Lt. Stone asked. "Now really is the best time. There is a new group of recruits going through bootcamp in just a few days. We can get his paperwork filled out, and he can go with them."
"Not a he, sir," Bulk said. "A she."
A very tall woman with curly brown hair walked up beside Bulk. "Hello," the woman said. "My name is Dulcea."
Lt. Stone stood up, and realized that she was a few inches taller than he was. "How tall are you, miss?"
Dulcea started to answer, but instead turned to Bulk with a frightened look on her face. "About six foot two, sir," Bulk answered for her.
"I mean absolutely no disrespect," Lt. Stone said, "but you don't really look like you could hold your own with someone who gave you trouble."
"I can hold my stuff just fine," Dulcea said proudly. Lt. Stone nodded and left to get the necessary paperwork. "Did I say that right?"
"Close enough," Bulk said with a smile.
Lt. Stone returned to his desk and asked, "Okay ma'am. What's your full name?"
"Dulcea," she answered.
"No, your full name."
Dulcea shot Bulk a panicked look. "S'okay," Bulk whispered. "Alpha made up a legitimate profile for you." Louder, he said, "Here is everything you need to know, sir."
"Dulcea Ann Phaedos," Lt. Stone read. He wrote down her "name", and continued with the form.
Bulk pulled Dulcea over to the side. "I know you're a little bit concerned about where you will live," Bulk said. "I've already talked to my parents, and if you want, you can live in our garage. We can fix it up real nice for you."
"Would you really do that for me?" Dulcea asked.
"Gladly," Bulk said. "I mean, if you want to."
"What did you tell your parents?"
"You are a very close friend of Katherine who is down on her luck," Bulk said. "You've just moved here from Australia, but you can't stay with Katherine because Tanya is living with her. So, we worked a plan where you can stay in our garage." Bulk decided not to mention that his parents would be expecting rent. "So? Will you accept?"
"Yes," Dulcea said. "I will."
February 14....
"It's my birthday and I'm stuck on a different coast," Kimberly muttered. She slipped off of the balance beam and landed hard on the mat. Growling, she climbed back to her feet and got on top of the beam again.
"Miss Hart," Coach Schmidt said. "Is something wrong?"
"No sir," Kimberly said, stretching her arms forward and her left leg back. She leapt forward, but she fell of the balance beam again.
"Try it again," Coach Schmidt ordered.
"I miss Skull," Kimberly muttered as she climbed to the top of the balance beam again. "And the others." Kimberly fell flat on her back off of the balance beam.
"Focus Miss Hart! Focus!" Coach Schmidt yelled.
She gritted her teeth and climbed back up. She missed Skull, she missed her friends, and she missed Angel Grove. "Sorry Coach," Kimberly said. She did a cartwheel on the beam and slipped off again.
"What is wrong, Kimberly?" Coach Schmidt asked. "Why can't you focus today?!"
"I hate him when he yells," Kimberly muttered under her breath. "Sorry Coach," she answered again.
"Miss Hart," Coach Schmidt said. "If you intend to bring home a gold coin, you had better act like you have at least one thought in that empty head of yours. I am not going to waste my time on a worthless quitter."
Kimberly, still sitting on the mat, twisted her right hand. With a slight breeze only she could feel and a metallic ringing, her Morpher appeared in a pink flash. She turned it over and stared at the Gold Coin. Her Coin, not to be taken away by anyone. She put the Morpher back in her pocket dimension and stood up. "There are more important things than winning the Olympics, or the Pan Global Games," Kimberly said. "It is my birthday, and instead of being with the people and the man I love, I'm stuck on the wrong coast listening to you yell at me. I quit."
Kimberly stormed away from the gym. She picked up her gym bag by the door and walked out into the Florida sunshine. A heavy burden was lifted from her shoulders. As she was packing her belongings to teleport home, she had only one problem. "Where am I gonna live?" she asked herself.
* * *
"Of course," Rebecca said. "We would be honored to have the Pink Power Ranger live with us."
"Oh thank you so much," Kimberly sighed. "I'll get a job to pull my weight. I promise."
"You can stay in my room," Billy said, giving his friend a hug.
"Thank you so much," Kimberly said. "I couldn't stand it down there any longer. That man was so condescending. Besides, I have too much here in Angel Grove."
February 15....
"Why are you taking the plane?" Tanya asked.
"It'll give me some time to think. Sort my thoughts," Billy said. "Catch up on my sleep. Teleport lag is much worse than jet lag." Billy hugged all of his friends, with the exception of Dulcea who had yet to come back from the Police Academy. He waved goodbye, and walked toward the plane. It was a long way to Switzerland.
* * *
"Lead me not into temptation,
Heaven help me to be strong."
Trini rested her head on Billy's shoulder. Despite the chilly night air, they were outside. Trini took Billy to her special spot. It was a tall hill far outside of town, but one could still see all of Geneva. The two were dancing to the song that had given them encouragement during their most trying time. "I wonder where that signal came from?" Trini asked. "During the fight."
"Maybe it was a gift from God?" Billy suggested.
"Among other things," Trini said with a smile. She kissed Billy on the lips, and put her head back on his shoulder. "I love you Billy."
"I love you, too," he said. "Hold me tight, Trini."
"I don't need ten thousand angels," Trini said. "I've got you." The two danced long into the night.
"Guide my feet and hold me tight,
I need ten thousand angels, watching over me tonight."
The End
for now....
Disclaimer: I would have done this at the beginning, but I kind of forgot. So, here goes. The general Ranger concept belongs to Saban. I'm using it without permission. Jenga, Catalina, and the Earth Crystals belong to me. If you would like a picture of Jenga, just send me an e-mail and I'll get one out to you. I'd like to thank Akiko and Ellen for giving me feedback, and Kittie for posting "The Earth Crystals" in the first place. I've really enjoyed writing this, and I've fallen in love with Jenga. You can expect to hear more from her in the future.
