Fallen Comrade

[Qi]

I recently found this and thought I would dust it off and complete the manuscript. The following story takes place after “Reinforcements from the Future” and in place of “Forever Red.”

***

Dawn broke over the mountain ridge on Animaria waking the Red Lion. As he stretched in the morning light, Alyssa was busy completing her morning chores before leaving. She was up long before the other Rangers, but couldn’t find Princess Shayla anywhere, so Alyssa assumed she had gone off to meet Merrick to sing to the Deer Zord.

Setting the last tray on the picnic table, Alyssa stepped back and grinned at her presentation of the morning’s breakfast treats. Fresh fruit that had been picked the day before and warm muffins dotted the table. While the others often asked if they could help out with the morning meal, Alyssa continued turning them down, wanting to show her appreciation to the other team members by completing this caring act alone.

As she turned to leave and head back down to the surface, she stepped on a small twig, snapping the silent morning.

The sound woke Cole, who brushed his eyes and removed the crust had formed. “Alyssa?” he spoke, “What are you doing up so early?” Shaking his head, he rose from his cot and walked over the picnic table.

Alyssa put her finger to her mouth and motioned for Cole to keep his voice low before answering, “There’s a special seminar at University today. It starts in a few hours, but I wanted to make sure I could get a front row seat.”

Nodding, Cole walked over to Alyssa and hugged her, “I see. Thanks for all that you do around here Alyssa. You really didn’t have to go through all this trouble today.”

“I know, but it’s something I wanted to do,” she said.

Hugging Alyssa again, Cole kissed her on the cheek, “Thank you. I hope you really enjoy your talk.”

Alyssa grinned and waved to Cole as she made her way out of the common area and began her trek to Earth while Cole stretched and began his morning feast.

***

Alyssa took some time walking around Turtle Cove before finally arriving at the University Campus. Looking up into the sky, she tried to see Animaria, but the morning sun was too bright. Reaching into her backpack, she pulled out the flyer for today’s presentation so she could double check which conference hall it was taking place in. Reading the flyer aloud Alyssa’s voice was as soothing as the morning birds’ song, “Turtle Cove University presents ‘From the past to the Future’ featuring guest lecturers Dr. William Cranston and Dr. Trini Kwan. Convention Center 8am.”

Smiling, Alyssa strode off to find her seat and listen to two of her academic idols.

***

The Convention Center was packed. Hardly any seats were left available despite Alyssa’s early arrival. A frown passed over her face as she soon realized that all the seats in front had been taken and that she’d been relegated to the rear of the auditorium. It took a few minutes, but she finally found a vacant seat as the lights dimmed. As she stowed her backpack under her seat, University President Clarke stepped out onto stage and settled behind the keynote podium.

“Students, faculty, and staff,” he began, “Turtle Cove University is very fortunate to welcome two extraordinary adventurers who have traveled the globe seeking out life’s most intriguing mysteries. Dr. Trini Kwan has studied the mystical ancients for most of her professional career. Teaming up with an old friend, Dr. William Cranston, the pair has uncovered the technological advances of the Mayans, Incans, and Egyptians. What makes their visit even more special today is that they’ve also linked these cultures to the mystery of Animaria.”

Alyssa’s mouth dropped at the announcement. No where in any of the books she’d uncovered was there any documentation of a relationship with some of Earth’s most advanced cultures. Even more surprising to her was that Princess Shayla had failed to mention what she was about to hear. Leaning forward in her chair, she made sure she wouldn’t miss anything.

President Clarke concluded his remarks by saying, “Please help me welcome Doctors Trini Kwan and William Cranston.”

Everyone in the audience erupted in a thunderous roar when two silhouetted figures stepped out from behind curtains making the stage’s fringe as President Clarke make is way off. Before either could take the podium a large explosion rocked the Convention Center. When the smoke cleared, Master Org stood poised to attack with a band of Putrids.

The chaos surrounding the Wild Force Rangers’ nemesis caused the participants to scream and hastily exit the auditorium.

Master Org waved his staff and shouted, “Their knowledge shall be mine. Putrids attack!”

***

[Qi]

Princess Shayla had just returned from her morning walk when the fountain began bubbling. Running over to the fountain, she called for the Rangers, “Come quickly.”

Cole was the first to arrive by Shayla’s side, “Princess what is it?”

Princess Shayla pointed to the fountain, “Master Org is attacking the University.”

Cole looked at the image created by the mystical pool of water and saw the Putrids racing across the stage. “Alyssa’s there!” he cried as he saw her battling the Putrids on her own.

Taylor stepped forward and pulled the others with her, “Come on, she needs our help.”

Nodding, the other Rangers raced off behind Taylor to help their friend.

***

Terribly out numbered, Alyssa couldn’t keep up with the sheer number of Putrids attacking. Like an old sack of potatoes, they threw her bruised body onto the stage. Alyssa rolled onto her back and saw a familiar pair of boots kneeling beside her. “Are you all right?” Taylor asked as she helped her friend to her feet.

Out of breath, Alyssa answered, “Yes.”

Master Org stepped forward as the Rangers regrouped, “You will not stand in my way this time, Rangers. Meet my new army!”

Waving his staff again, five new Orgs appeared from swirling masses of energy. Each took on the name of the machines or pollutants they arose from. Settling onto the stage, Turbine Org, Smog Org, Tank Org, Plane Org, and Boat Org prepared for battle.

Cole and the others dug in for a fight and readied their Growl Phones for their transformation when two figures leapt over them and landed between the Rangers and the Orgs. Before Cole could speak, the Blue Mighty Morphin’ Power Ranger told him, “Go ahead. We’ll buy some time for you.”

Dumbfounded, Cole responded, “Rangers?”

Both the Blue and Yellow Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers nodded before turning to race into battle against the Org army.

Cole recovered from his shock and announced, “Okay. Let’s do it!”

The Rangers all nodded and flipped open their Growl Phones calling out, “Wild access!” Energy raced over the five teens transforming them into the five Wild Force Power Rangers.

Quickly they joined their new allies battling the Orgs. The battle does not go well for the seven Rangers, as these new Orgs are too powerful. Even with many of the Orgs being double-teamed, the Rangers can inflict little damage.

Taylor and Alyssa are tossed aside by the Tank Org as if they were rag dolls, leaving them vulnerable to its attack. Taking aim with his cannon, Tank Org fired a powerful round at the downed Rangers.

Taylor and Alyssa looked up in horror as they saw death approaching, but before the blast hit them, the Yellow Mighty Morphin’ Power Ranger leapt between them and intercepted the blast herself. The resulting explosion sent shockwaves throughout the room, temporally stopping the fighting as everyone took notice. The Rangers looked to the source of the explosion, but found nothing.

Laughing uncontrollably, Master Org taunted the Rangers, “And shall it be with the rest of you!”

But before he could order Tank Org to open fire again, a series of laser blasts filled the auditorium. Each blast connected with one of the Orgs and knocked them off their feet. Turning to see the source of their reinforcement, Cole was pleased to see the Lunar Wolf Ranger holding his rifle.

“Not today Master Org,” Merrick cried out from the far side of the Convention Center and quickly transformed his weapon in to cue mode. Talking out three Animal Crystals, Merrick set up the Tank Org for Laser Pool.

Knowing that he was temporarily bested, Master Org ordered a retreat before the three crystals found their mark.

The threat averted, the Rangers powered down. Billy wiped the blood away from his mouth and raced over to Trini’s fallen body. Kneeling over her body, he held her close. His mind told him that the broken body before him was dead, but his heart held out hope that her armor had somehow prevented his long-time lover’s death. “Trini… Trini speak to me!” he cried as tears streamed from his face. Laying his wife down on the stage a last time, he checked for breath and pulse and found none. As difficult as it was to accept, Billy knew she was gone.

***

[Qi]

Jason Scott sat behind the desk in his office. After finishing college, he returned to Angel Grove and opened a martial arts and fitness studio. Sadly, the popularity of his gym quickly put the Juice Bar out of business, so he incorporated its décor into Blazing Chi’s foyer. With his head buried in paperwork, he didn’t hear countless attempts by his assistant to get his attention via the intercom. Finally Ms. Crawford opened the door and spoke to him, “Excuse me, Mr. Scott. But I have a Mr. Cranston on line three.”

A grin spread across his face. It had been years since he and Billy last spoke. It was just too difficult with his and Trini’s travels. Jason picked up the phone and waved Crawford out. “Billy,” he said, “What’s up?”

Nothing came over the line.

Unsure what happened, Jason spoke again, “Billy?”

A timid voice came through the ear piece, “She’s… she’s dead,” Billy announce, hardly believing the words himself.

“What?” Jason asked. “Who’s dead?”

“T… Trini.”

Jason’s heart sank like the Titanic as the words sank in. “Dead? What happened?” he asked as grief poured over him.

Billy recounted the circumstances of Trini’s sacrifice to the displeasure of Jason. Each of the veteran Rangers knew that death was possible, but they’d always been able to escape the everlasting slumber, until now. When Billy was finally finished, Jason looked up with tears swelling and spoke with a broken soul, “We’ll be there.”

***

Cole looked up at the butte surrounding Animaria. While he had come to terms with parents’ death, this was something new. Someone whom he didn’t know but had a powerful bond with: a fellow Ranger. He held back the tears of sorrow, but not the devastation of loss. Princess Shayla walked behind him and sat at the picnic table with the others.

“I wish there was something we could do,” Cole said turning to his friends.

“He needs time,” Princess Shayla answered. “He lost his wife.”

The others nodded as Alyssa looked around. “Has anyone seen Taylor?”

***

Overlooking the edge of Animaria, Billy sat secluded. Only the Red Lion ventured near to the Blue Ranger. With tears still falling from his eyes, Billy fumbled with the Sabertooth Tiger Power Coin between his fingers. Sobbing, he tried to make amends, “It should have been me. I should have saved you.”

***

Eric Meyers looked over Animaria’s landscape for Taylor. After an hour of searching, he found her sitting beneath the tree where they shared their first kiss. Walking over to her, Eric could see that she was lost in thought. Taylor didn’t even notice him when he sat down besode her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders – she simply nestled into him. After a few seconds, Taylor awoke from her trance and spoke.

“Thanks for coming, Eric.”

“I got here as quickly as I could.” Pulling her tightly to him, he kissed. “Whatever you need, just ask.”

Taylor looked into his eyes and smiled. Wrapping her arms around Eric, Taylor pulled him close to her, never wanting to lose him.

***

Late in the afternoon, Merrick joined the others in the common area. He’d been wandering down below for hours since Trini’s death, trying to make sense of it, but couldn’t. Not knowing what else to do, he returned ‘home’ to be with the only others who could possibly understand. Passing by Shayla he let an uneasy, “Princess,” out. The awkward passing of the two past lovers was not lost on the others or Shayla.

Looking at Merrick she quietly responded, “Merrick.” Unlike her lover, Princess Shayla couldn’t hide her emotions so easily and embraced Merrick. Whispering into his ear she said, “I love you. Don’t ever forget that.”

Merrick looked Princess Shayla squarely and answered, “I know. I love you now and forever.” Merrick leans in and kisses the Princess.

Their embrace is broken by Cole slamming his fist on the table, “I just can’t sit here and do nothing. We’ve got to stop Master Org!”

Max jumped up from his seat and agreed.

“But they vanished,” Alyssa countered. “We don’t know where they’ll turn up next.”

“And they’re so powerful,” Danny added.

“We can handle them,” Max assured.

“Right,” Cole agreed.

“We’ll have to,” Taylor stated as she and Eric joined the others. Wondering aloud, she asked, “Has he been down yet?”

“No,” Cole answered, “I think he’s still too torn up about what happened.”

“Losing a loved one is the toughest thing to go through. I just wish he’d let us in to help.”

Before Eric ended his sentence, the pond erupted once again. The Rangers ran to see what it could tell them and saw Master Org had returned to the University.

“Come on, let’s go!” Cole shouted.

In the distance, the group heard a familiar voice, “I’m coming too.” As they turned around, they saw Billy standing with his morpher clenched in his hand.

***

Rifling through the University’s Anthropology Department, the Putrids and Orgs destroyed everything in their way. Whatever they were searching for, Master Org made it known that preserving the building didn’t matter as Plane Org knock down a wall in his quest for the object its master desired.

“Stop it right there, Master Org!” Cole cried out as he and the other Rangers took up position around their enemy.

Master Org was surprised when he turned to see seven Rangers standing around him. Not wasting any time he ordered his army to attack, “Get them!”

The Putrids rushed the Rangers while the Orgs stayed back to continue their search.

Splitting into two groups, the Rangers battled the Putrids. Billy; however, had no interest in fighting foot soldiers and tried to make his way though the battlefield to Tank Org, but time and time again, Putrids pushed him back.

Turbine Org pulled Master Org aside, “We’ve searched everywhere. It’s not here Master.”

With a disgruntled gruff, Master Org snorted and waved his staff, teleporting his minions back to the Nexus.

“Why did they leave?” Max asked.

Billy stepped forward to answer, “They didn’t find what they were looking for.”

Wanting to know more, the other Rangers surrounded Billy.

***

[Qi]

Princess Shayla and the others sat around the picnic table with their eyes focused on Billy. “What is Master Org looking for?” she asks.

“Yeah, what’s so important?” Cole adds.

Billy sighs and answers, “Trini and I.” Just the mere mention of her name swelled up tears in his eyes. Her death was still fresh on his mind, but he tried to push it back to focus on the task at hand. “Trini and I,” he began again, “had always been fascinated by the ancients. Even more so when we were chosen by Zordon as Power Rangers. We learned that so many things were linked that deep down inside we knew there had to be a cultural connection between the more advanced cultures on Earth.”

“That debate has been going on for ages, but no proof has ever substantiated the hypothesis,” Eric spoke.

“We found it,” Billy noted.

Merrick looked at Princess Shayla, “The Wanderers,” he mouthed.

Billy turned to the Lunar Wolf Ranger and nodded, “Right.”

“The what?” Taylor asked.

Princess Shayla stood from the table and walked around, “The Wanderers. Near the end of the war with Master Org several people left Animaria in order to hide the Xanta. That’s what we called them.

“The Xanta was an ancient power source. We thought it was too powerful for mankind, so we split it into four pieces. One shard remained here and three groups set off to Earth to hide the others,” Merrick continued.

“Trini and I found the other three and came here, hoping to find the last crystal.”

“If Master Org got a hold of them,” Merrick said.

“He’d be unstoppable,” Princess Shayla concluded.

“That’s not going to happen,” shouted a short distance away. The others didn’t recognize the source, but Billy knew it all too well: Jason had arrived.

When everyone turned to face the former Red Ranger they saw he was flanked by others that fought along the original Yellow Ranger: Kimberly, Zack, Kat, and Tommy.

In the sea of sadness that surrounded him, Billy’s expression changed to one of joy as his friends approached. “Guys,” he mouthed.

“Who are they?” Danny asked.

“Come on, I’ll introduce you,” Billy said as he went to greet his comrades.

***

Hours had passed and original Rangers sat around a bustling fire casting its glow into the night’s sky. Each stared off into the endless realm of fire before them, wanting, no needing to do more. “This waiting around is driving me crazy,” Zack said frustrated. “At least we knew where Rita and Zedd were.”

Kat looked at her friend and said, “It will come in time.”

“I know, but it’s….” Zack answered, “It’s Trini.”

“I know Bro,” Tommy added while placing a comforting hand on the Black Ranger’s shoulder. “I miss her too.”

“Has anyone contacted her family,” Kimberly wondered aloud.

Jason nodded, “I took cafe of that for Billy before I left Angel Grove. I told them I would… um…. bring the body home with Billy.”

The mood suddenly changed when the realization hit all of the Original Rangers that not only was Trini dead, but they would have to face her family as well.

Quietly, Taylor and Eric skirted the edge of the fire pit. Tommy noticed the two young lovers and called them over. Taylor was unsure if they should join the former Rangers, but Eric nudged her forward.

“You’re sure we’re not intruding?” she asked Tommy as she and Eric sat down.

“Not in the least,” Kat answered. “Thank you for letting us stay here.”

“You’re family,” Taylor answered as she nestled into Eric’s chest, “Stay as long as you’d like.”

Kat smiled and put her around Tommy and pulled him close before drifting off to sleep.

***

A new day dawned on Animaria. While the previous day was filled with hope and promise, today’s emotions were a bit darker. Alyssa continued to prepare breakfast for the Wild Force Rangers and their guests, but was joined by Kat and Kimberly. “You’re not going to do this all by yourself,” Kimberly insisted.

“Really,” Kat added, “If anyone should be making breakfast, it should be us.”

“Really, it’s no big deal,” Alyssa answered. “I like caring for others. That’s why I want to be a teacher. I just wish there was more I could do for him.”

“You’re doing more than enough,” Kimberly assured Alyssa as she took a platter form her.

When the table was finally set, Cole came up behind Alyssa and hugged her, “Thanks Alyssa.”

Alyssa grinned turned to Cole, “You’re welcome.”

Away from the picnic table, Tommy approached Jason. “We need to find Master Org.”

“I know. From what Cole and Princess Shayla told me, his Nexus is a guarded fortress that can only be found by Orgs. We’ll have to wait until he surfaces again. And by the looks of things, they’ll need our help.”

Nodding in agreement, Tommy grunted.

Just then the pond began frothing over. All the Rangers and Princess Shayla ran to its edge to look. “Master Org is attacking the city,” Princess Shayla announced.

“Let’s go!” Cole shouted and led the Rangers off Animeria.

***

The Rangers arrived on Earth and quickly witnessed the wave of destruction before them. Using his magic, Master Org enlarged all five Orgs to giant status and they tore through the city. “Where are you Rangers?” he cried out.

“Right here!” Cole yelled. “Stop destroying the city!”

“Not until I have the Xanta for myself!”

Jason’s fists clenched tightly together, “This ends now!” he screamed in anger.

Cole stepped forward and nodded, “Right!”

Taking out their morphers, the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers activated their power coins.

“Mastodon!”

“Pterodactyl!”

“Triceratops!”

“Tyrannosaurus!”

Tommy and Kat’s Zeo Morphers materialized on their arms as they accessed their harnessed power.

“Zeo Ranger I, Pink!”

“Zeo Ranger V, Red!”

Eric Stepped forward and activated his morpher, “Quantum power!”

The Wild Force Rangers stepped forward and in unison cried out, “Wild access!”
***

[Qi]

Danny looked at the towering Orgs above him. “There’s just so many of them.”

“We can handle them,” Eric assured the Black Wild Force Ranger.

Cole stepped forward and nodded. “Let’s do this everyone!”

The five main Wild Force Rangers took out their Crystal Sabers and held them in the air, “Wild Zords descend!” they commanded.

From their home on Animaria, the Red Lion, Falcon, Bison, Shark, and White Tiger Wild Zords flew towards the Rangers.

“Wild Zords combine,” they continued.

High above, the five Wild Zords merged into one giant robot.

Merrick took out his blade and shouted, “Wild Zords arise!” and the Wolf, Alligator, and Hammerhead Shark Zords heeded his call. “Wild Zords combine,” he continued as they merged into the Predazord.

Eric brought the Quantum morpher to his helmet, “Q-Rex arise!”

Hearing its master’s call, the giant Q-rex raced to Eric.

Quickly, the Wild Force and Quantum Rangers leapt to their Megazords and into battle leaving the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers behind.

Billy walked over to Jason and got his attention, “Three won’t be enough.”

“I know,” he said while walking over to Tommy. “But I have a feeling five will be just enough.” Reaching out with his right hand, Jason tossed a golden coin to long-time friend. “Do you still remember how to use this?” he asked as Tommy caught the Dragon Zord coin.

Upon catching it, the Red Zeo Ranger became infused with its power. Tommy’s body shimmered with power as the Dragon Shield manifested over his armor and the Dragon Dagger appeared in his hand.

Not to be left out, Billy threw Trini’s Sabertooth Tiger coin to Kat yelling, “Catch!”

When she received the Power Coin, Kat’s armor became supercharged with its power. Burning through her chest was the Sabertooth Tiger emblem in bright yellow.

“All right, let’s do this,” Jason said as he brought his team together.

Tommy stepped forward and cried out, “Dragon Zord!”

The others were close behind with their call in unison, “We need Dinozord power, now!”

Quickly the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers climbed into their Zords and brought them together to form the Megazord.

The Dragon Zord charged forward and Tommy decided to merge with his long-lost ally and jumped into its cockpit.

With all the Rangers in their Megazords, they were now ready to battle the giant Orgs.

The Wildforce Megazord squared off against the Turbine Org. As the Rangers battled the Org by punching the beast with the Tiger and Shark fists, the Org successfully countered. Wanting to end the battle as quickly as possible, the Rangers called forth the Soul Cannon and destroyed their opponent.

With a sweeping slash, Merrick and the Predazord sliced off the Tank Org’s cannon. Spinning his blade again, the Lunar Wolf Ranger commanded his avatar to destroy the Org. In a fiery burst, the Tank Org vanished into nothingness at the hand of the sixth Wild Force Ranger.

Eric stood below as the Q-Rex battled the Smog Org. In its beast form, the giant robot faired poorly against the faster Smog Org. With a devastating blow, the Org manages to throw the Q-Rex to the countryside. Eric races forward, sending all the strength he can to his partner. “You’ve got to keep going!” he cried out.

Hearing its master’s call, the mighty Q-Rex regained its footing.

“Megazord mode!” the Quantum Ranger called out.

Obeying its master, the Q-Rex shifted modes and readied to attack the Smog Org once more. With the transformation complete, the Q-Rex moved in for the kill.

“Max Blizzard!” Eric ordered and the Q-Rex froze and then destroyed the Smog Org by punching through the crystallized monster.

The Plane Org dove from high in the sky. Tommy tried to get the Dragonzord out harm’s way, but the Org was just too fast. On its first pass, the Plan Org tore into the mighty Dragonzord sending bolts of lightening into the sky. Tommy brushed off the attack and readied his friend for the next sortie. When the Plane Org swooped down again, Tommy sidestepped and lashed out with the Dragonzord’s tail. The mammoth spear struck the Plane Org in the gut and forced the evil monster to explode on contact.

The Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers and the Pink Zeo Ranger commanded the Megazord to stand up once more after taking a powerful blow from the Boat Org. “Is that all you’ve got?” the beast taunted.

“Diverting power to stabilizers,” Billy announced as the Megazord resumed its full and upright position.

“We’ve got full power,” Kat added.

“All right,” Jason asserted, “Let’s finish this. We need the Power Sword!”

On queue, the mighty Power Sword descended from heaven and was caught by the Megazord. Moving in unison, the five Power Rangers piloting the Megazord moved in for the kill and sliced the Boat Org into three pieces.

As the last of Master Org’s new army fell back to Earth in burning ashes, he cried out, “No!” Using magic from long ago, Master Org shoved his staff high into the air and yelled, “Arise my fallen warriors. Arise and conquer!”

Magical bolts of lightening shot off into the distance and resurrected the fallen Orgs.

“Not again,” Danny sighed.

“How can he keep bringing them back?” wondered Alyssa.

“I don’t know,” Cole said, “but we’ll defeat them again.”

Below, Master Org was just getting started. “Now, combine!” he ordered.

The lightening shooting out from Master Org’s staff increased as the five fallen Orgs combined into one Super Org.

Each of the Wild Force Rangers stared in disbelief. “What are we going to do now?” Max asked.

“I don’t know,” their leader responded.

Through their communicators, the other Rangers heard Jason’s voice, “No, we’ve got this one ourselves.”

“But how?” Cole asked.

“Just watch,” Jason said. “Tommy, are you ready?”

“Yeah.”

In unison the six oldest Rangers cried out, “We need Ultrazord power, now!”

Rising from its long dormant slumber, Titanus heeded their call and rushed to Turtle Cove’s outer limits. With the three original massive Zords ready, they linked together. Tommy joined the others once the final sequence completed and the Ultrazord rolled into battle.

Together the six Power Rangers yelled, “Ultrazord powered up! Lock on and fire!”

In a blinding burst of power, the Ultrazord fired all its weapons and decimated the Super Org.

Screaming in disbelief, Master Org teleported back the Nexus in defeat leaving the Power Rangers victorious.

***

With Trini’s death at the hand of the Tank Org avenged, the oldest of the Power Rangers said their good-byes to everyone on Animaria.

“Are you sure you can’t stay longer?” Princess Shayla pleaded.

“No,” Jason answered while looking at Billy, “we’ve got some family business to take care of.”

***

The end….

[Dragon Warrior]

Hmmm... I approve of this fic, good job.

[Qi]

Hmmm... I approve of this fic, good job.

Thanks.