Dedication

To those that have stayed with me through both the Streaks of Purple Saga and the Spectrum Force series, thank you! See? I told you there were more books to come! I've decided to go back to editing the Power Ranger Fanfiction I wrote back in the day to book format and The Terran Rangers are kind of my own take on Power Rangers Zeo. I hope you all continue to stick with me through this series. Again, thank you to all the readers and the people that have supported me over this project through the years! Luvs to you all!

Author's Note

All the characters that will be introduced on the planet "Midgar"

are taken from the video game "Final Fantasy VII"

, and therefore are the property of Squaresoft. The game itself takes place on Earth, but since that wouldn't work with the story I had planned, I decided to create a different planet, called Midgar, which is the name of the largest city on the Final Fantasy world. The concept of Midgar not having any disease is strictly my idea (not part of the game itself)

. If you are familiar with the game, then you'd probably realize this fic takes place towards the end. I've decided not to remain consistent with the game, because I don't want to give too much away for those of you who are in the process of playing it now.

Prologue

Aisha Campbell groaned as she forced herself out of bed. She rubbed her eyes, and glanced at her alarm clock.

"Once again," she muttered, "I slept through my alarm clock. I'm late!"

But Aisha wasn't too worried about being late to school this morning. As she undressed, she realized she had other problems. On the side of her abdomen was a dark scar, still with dried blood on it. She ran her fingers down the scar, which was nearly a foot long, as she recalled how she received such a terrible wound.

About one week ago, she battled Holocaust as the Green Ranger. He managed to deflect her attack, and blasted her with powerful plasma energy, throwing her into a rusted steel beam. The sharp metal sliced through both her armor and her flesh, giving her a serious wound. But, her wound wasn't as serious as Jason and Zack's.

Jason's shoulder was almost completely sliced through, and Zack's leg was crushed, and he sustained a serious head injury. Even Tommy had numerous broken ribs, that even punctured his lungs. But all three young men have made complete recoveries, thanks to their enhanced Ranger healing abilities, coupled with the highly advanced med-unit, which further increases the body's ability to heal itself. What was strange is that she wasn't healing like the others. The med-unit could only partially heal her wounds, and left this horrible scar.

Billy had diagnosed that her wound was more serious than it looked, and since the med-unit had been used so extensively after that fight, it was low on energy. He believed Aisha's own healing abilities would finish up the regeneration of the skin, and she'd be as good as new in a day or two. But, its been six days, and she's still aching horribly.

"No big deal," she reasoned, wrapping her body in her bathrobe. "So I have a scar. It'll heal eventually. Its no reason to bother Billy. He said I'll be fine, and I believe him."

Aisha hurried into the bathroom, and showered. Afterwards, she combed out her hair, and got dressed. While she was tying her shoelaces, there was a knock on her door.

"Come in!" she called, standing up and applying lip gloss. Doctor Benjamin Campbell, her father, entered the room, and smiled at his only daughter.

"You're a little late this morning," he said, glancing down at his watch. "It's nearly nine o'clock!"

"I know," she sighed, "but ever since Holocaust banged me up, I haven't been able to function well. I'll be okay, though --"

"Aisha," Doctor Campbell said sternly, "that battle was a week ago! Your wound wasn't so serious that you'd still be feeling the effects. Especially after the med-unit mended the cut. You should have been okay after a couple of hours."

Aisha shook her head, and turned to her father. At first, Aisha thought that keeping the secret of being a Power Ranger from her parents was difficult, because there was no way to explain the drop in grades, and constantly having to disappear, only to return with bruises and scratches. But now, she realized it was worse when the parent knows the truth, and was always hounding her to be careful. Thank goodness Mom doesn't know. She'd never let me out of the house!

"Dad, I'll be fine," she said. "It's probably because I haven't been a Power Ranger for awhile. My system just has to readjust is all."

"You don't have to go to school," Doctor Campbell said. "If you're not feeling well, I can write a note saying you were ill today."

"Nah, I'm too far behind as it is," said Aisha, standing up on her toes to give her father a kiss on the cheek. "Gotta go!"

"At least let me drive you," said Doctor Campbell, following Aisha out of her bedroom. "It's on my way to the University."

Chapter One

Ten minutes later, Aisha hurried into Angel Grove High, carrying a note from her father, stating that she woke up not feeling well, and needed some extra sleep. At least with this note, she would be able to avoid detention for tardiness. After checking in at the main office, Aisha went to her locker to put her jacket away, and collected the books needed for the next period. While she was at her locker, the bell rang, dismissing first period. She spun around when she heard a familiar voice call her name.

"Hey, Campbell!"

She giggled when she saw Zack Taylor, the Silver Ranger, jump down the last few steps on his way to the first floor. He jogged up beside her, and leaned against the locker next to hers.

"Hi, Aisha," he said with a smile. "What's up?"

"Nothing new," she answered.

"Where were you this morning? Are you just getting here?"

"Uh, yeah," she said, slightly embarrassed, "I just couldn't drag myself out of bed."

"You're late more often than Tommy!" Zack laughed.

"So, did you only come over here to criticize me?" she asked him.

"Actually, I...I wanna ask you a question. Do you know that new dance club that opened downtown?"

"Yeah..." said Aisha, her smile widening, I can't believe it! He's finally asking me out! I thought he'd never

get over Angela!

"Well, how do you think I can get Angela to go with me? I mean, if she'd only give me a chance, she'd realize what a cool guy I am!"

Aisha's smile fell, and she arched an eyebrow. "Look, Zack, I'm not really friendly with Angela. I have no idea how you would impress her."

"Are you okay?" he asked, noticing her sudden change in mood.

"Yeah, I'm just...tired

is all," she responded, taking a deep breath. She closed her locker, and smiled up at Zack. "See ya at lunch, Taylor."

"Bye," he said with a grin, waving and jogging down the hall. Aisha leaned against her locker, and rolled her eyes.

What IS

it with him?

she pondered. What do I have to do, throw myself at his feet for him to notice me?! I must be barking up the wrong tree. There's no getting through to Zachary Taylor. He's head over heels for Angela, a woman who doesn't even give him the time of day. I should just forget about him, and keep my eyes open for someone else. But, why does he have to be so darn cute?!

Aisha scrunched her nose as she strapped on her backpack, and crossed the hallway, where she saw her best friends chatting in a circle against the walls.

"What are you four talking about?" she asked.

"I was just showing Tanya the ring Tommy gave me," Kimberly said with a smile. "She just got back from Kenya, and we've been filling her in on all the details."

"Yes," said Tanya, "I can't believe Tommy proposed! It's so romantic!"

"He didn't actually ask me to marry him," Kim corrected, "he just wanted to make sure I realized how much he loves me."

"And I'll bet you didn't realize how much you loved him, until that battle against Solar," said Alexis with a knowing smile.

"You're right," Kim agreed. Boy,

she thought, they don't even know the half of it! Only Tommy, Billy and I know the whole truth -- that Annie was actually me, in some alternate future! Seeing an older version of me married to someone else probably scared him. It sure as heck scared me!

"I guess he realized that he won't live forever," Katherine said, "I mean, Solar nearly killed him! Tommy had to face the fact that he doesn't have forever to tell you exactly how he feels. Being thrown in mortal peril is the only way to wake some guys up."

"So, maybe I should inflict some life-altering damage to Zack?" sighed Aisha.

"What happened?" asked Kim, her euphoric smile falling.

"He asked me how to get Angela to go out with him," she muttered. "Honestly, he's putting me in an awkward position. I don't know what to do --"

"Maybe you should ask him out," suggested Alexis.

"Nah," said Aisha, "he's in love with Angela. I know I'm not the one he really wants to be with, and if I did ask him, it would makes things weird between us. I mean, we're friends. I don't want to make him uncomfortable around me."

"Give him time," said Kimberly, placing her hand on Aisha's shoulder. "One of these days, Zack will realize that Angela isn't the right girl for him. Now, let's get going! We have to go to class!"

The group of girls split up, and hurried to their respective classrooms. Not long after, the bell rang, signaling the start of second period.

Chapter Two

Meanwhile, on the Moon, Goldar was busy sharpening his golden sword carefully. He was a bitter mood, because the war against Earth had taken a drastic turn. Not quite a week ago, the extremely powerful being Solar attacked the palace, and with but a passing thought, managed to get rid of both Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa, by throwing them into the endless void of the Multiverse. Although both villains had previously shown the ability to manipulate the Multiverse, it was unlikely they will find their way home. At least not for a while. Although Goldar had many times dreamt of finally being the leader, he was now overwhelmed with uncertainty, All his life, he had been a follower. Now, he had to establish himself as the superior being, and decide what his ultimate goal is. The latter was easy, but the former was harder.

Rito is an idiot,

Goldar reasoned. Even though, being Rita's brother, he is the most likely successor, he doesn't have the qualifications to order anyone around! Finster is a genius, but even though he is never one to crumble under the weight of authority, he is not a leader. And Squatt and Baboo don't even enter into the picture...

Goldar sheathed his sharpened sword, and quickly marched to the throne room, where all the other villains who served Rita and Zedd were. He walked passed them, and stood upon the balcony, looking out upon the Earth circling below.

"Well?" asked Finster. "Why did you ask us all here?"

"It's been days," Goldar's deep voice rumbled, "and Zedd and Rita are still gone. Also, we must assume Solar himself has been destroyed since we can find no trace of him. It is safe for us to remain in the palace, and continue to attack Earth."

"But, why?" asked Baboo. "Can't we just all go home?"

"Go home where?!" Goldar roared. "We have been in the service of Lord Zedd for centuries! None of us are welcome in our home worlds, since we all betrayed our friends and family when Zedd took over. Well, all except Rito and Finster. Rito, will you be a traitor to your family by giving up the fight against justice?"

"Uhh..." Rito said, rubbing his chin.

"And you, Finster," said Goldar, turning to the old scientist, "where will you go? Your home planet was destroyed."

Finster bowed his head solemnly. His planet was indeed destroyed, by volcanic eruptions that tore the planet apart. He is the only member of his race to survive, because he was away from the planet on a scientific expedition when the destruction occured. There was nowhere for him to go. "So, what are you suggesting?" asked Finster.

"If we work together, we can destroy the Power Rangers, and then make our own kingdom. Here on Earth."

"Good idea!" said Rito. "Can I be the leader?"

"Let's worry about who leads after the Power Rangers have been dealt with. Any ideas, anyone?"

"Nope," said Rito, shrugging his shoulders, "I don't have a...ah...ah...CHOOOO

!!"

Rito sneezed right into Goldar's face. Goldar's eyes flashed as he wiped the moisture from his snout.

"Sheesh," Rito sniffled, "sorry about that, Goldie. I guess I'm coming down with a Space Flu."

Goldar's eyes widened, and a frown crossed his face. "IDIOT!!"

he roared. "Space Viruses are highly contagious!"

"So?" asked Rito with another shrug. "Space Viruses only cause sneezing and stuffy noses."

"Not necessarily," said Finster. "Space Viruses are notorious for their unpredictability. Each species has different symptoms, varying in seriousness. Your species suffers sneezing and congestion, while in my species, the symptoms include fatigue and dizziness."

"And you, Goldie?" asked Rito.

"We get an itch," muttered Goldar, "A chronic, debilitating itch."

"Cool," said Rito. "Hey, it could be worse! In some species, Space Viruses are fatal."

Goldar's sneer suddenly turned into a chilling grin, and he turned to Finster. "Do you know how a Space Virus affects humans?"

"No," said Finster, "I don't believe humans have ever been inflicted with Space Viruses. The germs originated from another galaxy, and they cannot survive in the Earth's atmosphere. If they somehow managed to get through the upper atmosphere, it would only survive a matter of minutes in the air. But, if a human were to contract the Space Flu, the symptoms would most likely be extreme, since humans are extremely fragile."

"So, all we have to do is get the virus down to Earth, so it can infect the Power Rangers!" said Goldar excitedly. "At the very least, it'll keep them incapacitated for awhile, and they will be helpless to prevent us from conquering the planet!!"

"How do we get the rangers infected?" asked Squatt.

"I could create a monster with the virus," said Finster. "He may not last long in Earth's atmosphere, but he will be strong enough to deliver the disease, All the rangers have to do is breathe his breath to be exposed to the virus."

"I guess you're assuming they won't morph," said Rito. Goldar grumbled.

"You're right, the rangers' helmets would protect them from breathing contaminated air. We must expose them to the virus before they'd be able to morph! But, how do we stop them from morphin?"

"If we attack in a well-populated area, there will be too many spectators," said Finster.

"Excellent!" cried Goldar. "The rangers all gather at the Youth Center for lunch daily! If the monster attacks them there, they will need time to evacuate the bystanders before morphin! Even though the monster probably won't last long in the battle, the rangers will come down with the Space Flu!! Finster, its already nine-thirty in Angel Grove. Can you complete the monster by noon?"

"All I need is a sample of the Space Virus."

"Its coming!" shouted Rito. "Ah...ah...ah --!"

Everyone stepped back except Finster, who held out his palm in front of Rito's nose and mouth.

"Ah...CHOOO

!!"

"That'll do," said Finster, walking to his lab. "Thank you, Rito."

"No prob," he said. "Just make sure you wash your hands before eating."

Chapter Three

At the Youth Center, Tommy Oliver, Kimberly Hart, Aisha Campbell, Tanya Sloan, Adam Park, Rocky DeSantos, Alexis Darling, Katherine Hillard, Billy Mitchell, Zack Taylor, and Jason Lee sat at a round table, eating lunch and talking about various topics.

"So," said Alexis. "Why were you in Africa, Tanya?"

"Well, after the fight against Sandman, that I'm sure everyone else told you about, my parents were freed from ten years of captivity. We had to go back to their home city in Kenya to collect what was left of their things, contact family members, apply for Visas to come here, and even look into buying a house here. That kind of stuff takes a while. We got a house right on the border of Angel Grove and Stone Canyon."

"Really?" asked Alexis. "Which street?"

"Spruce."

"Wow, I live on Elmwood! That's like two blocks away! We can walk to school together."

"Sounds good to me," said Tanya. "So, what have you guys been up to? Other than expanding your roster with a Purple Ranger, of course."

"Don't ask," sighed Tommy, "A week ago, we had to fight this super-being called Solar. It was a pretty bad experience."

"Yeah," said Aisha, "and Solar's henchman Holocaust was one tough warrior! Those injuries were painful. And serious."

"Thank goodness there haven't been any monster attacks since then," said Kimberly. "We could all use the break."

"Speaking of break," said Zack, dipping a French fry in some ketchup. "What have you been up to during the silent period, Billy? I haven't seen you in a while."

"Well, I've taken the opportunity given by Rita and Zedd's recent disappearance to catch up on my reading."

"What are you reading?" asked Adam.

"The data on file in the CAC," he said. "There is a wealth of information from across the universe in the computers. Zordon left us very well prepared for any possibility. Just yesterday, I found a file listing all the known intelligent races in the universe. Did you know there are over twenty one million planets that support animal life? It's phenomenal."

"I'd say," said Rocky.

"I also found files of all manner of plant life and micro-organisms. So, we have at our disposal information on an innumerable number of poisons and medicines, as well as viruses and bacteria."

"So, you've been reading that stuff all this past week?!" said Adam. "Don't you ever relax?"

"Accumulating knowledge is how I unwind," said Billy with a shrug. "You guys tend to work out your bodies, I work out my mind."

Suddenly, a part of the ceiling caved in, and a large, green monster fell into the crowded restaurant. The rangers jumped to their feet as the other teens present screamed in terror.

"We got a problem," whispered Zack.

"Everyone, get out!" Billy cried, trying to calm down the people. Tanya, Rocky, and Adam followed Billy's example, and tried to get the people out of the building without trampling each other. The seven Power Rangers leaped to their feet, and lined up in front of the monster, prohibiting him from following the fleeing teenagers. The monster laughed, and air tainted with tiny neon green particles gushed from its mouth as it talked.

"Brave little kids," he declared, "I am Contagion, and I will destroy!!"

"Whew!" cried Aisha, waving her hand over her nose. "What have you been eating?!"

"That is foul, Man!" declared Zack, scrunching his nose.

Jason looked around warily, and turned back to the monster. "The coast's clear," he announced.

Tommy smiled. "Then... its Morphin Time!!" he declared, "TERRA FIRE POWER!!"

"TERRA EARTH POWER!!"

bellowed Jason.

"TERRA WATER POWER!!"

yelled Katherine.

"TERRA WIND POWER!!"

screamed Aisha.

"X-Ranger One!!" hollered Zack.

"X-Ranger Two!!" cried Kimberly.

"Purple Ranger Power!!" called Alexis.

The seven Power Rangers transformed, and stood aggressively in a line. Contagion held up his long arms, and began swinging. The rangers easily dodged his flimsy attacks, and countered with punches and kicks from all angles. Contagion was stunned by the skill of his opponents, and the Purple Ranger took advantage of his state of confusion to hit him with a powerful beam of invisible ultraviolet light. The energy beam left a smoking wound on its chest, and it flew back, and crashed into a table.

"This guy isn't much of a fighter," said Zack, watching as the monster tried desperately to rise to its feet.

"Let's finish him while he'd down," said Jason.

"Right," said Tommy, "Terra Tempest, gang!"

"Ice Daggers!" cried Katherine, and two small silver and blue daggers appeared in her hands.

"Wind Shield!" yelled Aisha, and the green and black shield appeared.

"Flame Saber!" shouted Tommy, and his silver blade heeded his command.

"Lance of Light!" called Zack, the long white staff with a prism at either end materializing.

"Thunderbow!" screamed Kimberly, and her gold and yellow weapon took shape, sparking with electricity.

"Earth Sword!!" bellowed Jason, as the mighty sword materialized.

The rangers turned to the monster, who wasn't moving. They were stunned to see that it was slowly melting.

"Uh, what gives?" asked Alexis, "I mean, I didn't hit it that hard!"

"That was... weird," said Zack with a shrug, and the monster decomposed into nothing. Suddenly, the rangers' communicators went off.

"We read you," said Tommy into his wrist.

^Rangers,^

said Billy's voice, ^my sensors are showing that the monster has been destroyed. Is that true?^

"I guess," said Tommy. "We didn't even get a chance to hit it with the Tempest, but it just...melted."

^I'll run some more conclusive scans on the Youth Center,^

said Billy. ^Make sure that no one enters it for at least twenty minutes. Then, come back here.^

"You got it," said Tommy, as he left the Youth Center. Just outside, a crowd of spectators were standing, with Ernie, the owner of the building, in the center.

"Is it dead, Red Ranger?" asked Ernie.

"We...we're not sure yet," Tommy replied. "Please, let no one enter the Youth Center for about twenty minutes. We're going to run a few scans, to make sure all is well."

Ernie nodded, and the Red Ranger returned to the rest of the team. Then they all vanished in streaks of light.

Chapter Four

"Well," muttered Rito. "That was pointless

! Rita's Putties could last longer!"

"Contagion wasn't meant to fight the rangers!" roared Goldar. "All he had to do was breathe on them, and he did! Besides, Finster said it earlier -- the Space Virus can't last long in Earth's atmosphere. He did his job."

"So, now what do we do?" asked Rito.

"I'm glad you asked," said Goldar, stroking his sword and gazing down to Earth. "For species of the size of humans, the virus takes about twenty minutes to an hour to take affect. When it does, the Power Rangers will be incapacitated! We shall wait the whole hour, just to make sure. Then, we launch an invasion! We'll attack all the major cities in the United States, and then all the capitals in the rest of the world, bringing the planet to its knees. I've already asked Finster to start making a few batches of Viper Putties, and I've even sent a message to Scorpina. She's in the Alpha Centauri system."

"What is she doing there?" asked Rito.

"Zedd sent her to keep an eye on the Machine Empire. They are the greatest threat to his own empire, other than the rangers themselves, of course. But Scorpina hates it there. She'll be glad to return, especially since she won't have to follow Zedd's orders. She is only faithful to Rita."

"Oh."

"Come," said Goldar, "let's go see how the Viper Putty Army is coming along."

Chapter Five

"What is the deal with that monster, Billy?" asked Zack, taking off his silver helmet, "He certainly didn't put up much of a fight."

"Do you think maybe Rito made him?" suggested Katherine. "It certainly wasn't of the caliber of Zedd or Finster's monsters."

"I'd like to get some better readings," said Billy, standing up from his desk. He was holding a small device, about the size and shape of a calculator. "Who'd like to collect some more scans from the Youth Center?"

"I'll go," offered Aisha. She took the device, and vanished in a streak of green light. The rangers gathered around the Viewing Globe, and watched a moment by moment replay of the entire battle, without any sound.

"I saw the fight," said Billy, "but I couldn't hear what was going on. Can you fill me in?"

"He didn't say much," said Jason. "He basically introduced himself, and quoted the usual threats."

"Can you elaborate?" asked Billy, wiping off the lenses of his glasses with his shirt.

"Something along the lines of 'I am Contagion, and I will destroy you!'

" said Kimberly.

Billy's blue eyes widened in surprise, and he stood up straight. "His name was Contagion?!"

"Yeah," said Tommy, "I remembered hearing that word before, but I couldn't recall what it means..."

"It's probably from your sophomore year biology class," said Billy, sitting back down at his computer. He replayed the battle, but in slower motion. He also magnified the creature's face.

"What are you thinking, Billy?" asked Katherine.

"A contagion is a disease producing agent," Billy explained.

"Whoa," said Zack, "you mean like a virus?"

"Exactly. Take a look at this."

The rangers all watched as the monster slowly melted while it lay on a broken table. From the high magnification, small particles with an unnatural greenish glow were clearly visible.

"What is that?" asked Alexis, looking to Billy.

"From the image, along with the information we've just deduced, I'd conclude that those are viruses. The monster was most likely sent to start some kind of plague."

"Uh oh," said Tommy. "Good thing we kept anyone from getting back into the Youth Center. But Aisha is in there..."

"If she's wearing her helmet, she should be fine," he said. "The helmets have air purifiers, preventing the inhalation of harmful gases or particles."

"So then, we're okay," said Kat.

"No," said Zack, remembering the stench of Contagion's breath, "we're not. We didn't morph right away. And he was breathing all over us!!"

"It must have been the plan," said Billy, walking to the med unit. He activated the transporter, and six cots appeared side by side, all next to the med unit itself. Billy then turned to the rangers. "Please, all of you de-morph, and lie down. I'm going to get a face mask, just in case you are carrying a contagious disease. I'll also put on the air purifiers in here, to make sure no germs incubate."

Billy went into the closet against the wall, and the six rangers all de-morphed and lay down on the six cots. Soon, Billy returned with a scanning device and a mask over his mouth and nose. He began scanning the rangers, starting with Tommy.

"How do you feel?" he asked, activating the hand-held bio scanner.

"I feel fine," Tommy said. "But if we were just exposed to the virus, what makes you think it'd already be affecting us?"

"If a monster is distributing it, I would doubt this is an ordinary virus. If we assume its an alien disease, then your body will have no idea how to combat it. In short, you will have no natural defense against it."

After scanning Tommy for a few moments, Billy frowned, and touched Tommy's forehead.

"What's wrong?" Tommy asked.

"You have a fever," Billy said. "It's not too bad, but its a start. Other than that, I can't find anything else wrong with you."

Billy then left Tommy, and repeated the scan on Kimberly, and then the other Terran and X-Rangers. All five had the same symptom, a slight fever. When Billy scanned Alexis, he frowned even more.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Your temperature is higher than the others," he said. "Everyone else has a temperature of about 99.8, but you have a temperature of 101.3. That's a significant difference."

"What could be the cause?" asked Katherine.

"Perhaps because she's not a Terran Ranger?"

"What would that have to do with anything?" asked Jason.

"The Terra powers, as well as the X-Ranger powers, have a source from within your bodies -- namely the Zeo crystal shards. A consequence of having such a power source inside you is a stronger body, in all senses of the word. The crystals enhance you, especially your immune system. Haven't you noticed that none of you have been sick since you became Terran Rangers? You also manage to function with a lot less sleep."

"Yeah," said Alexis, "and me?"

"Mighty Morphin Power Rangers also have enhanced healing and immune systems, but not as much as the Terran Rangers. So, the virus is affecting you to a greater degree, but I don't think its something to worry too much about. Still, we'd better wait it out, to make sure the fevers don't get worse."

"What do we do in the meantime?" asked Tommy.

"Well, if you like, you can take two Tylenol."

Chapter Six

Meanwhile, in the Youth Center, the Green Ranger continued to scan the area, looking for signs of Contagion.

"There's nothing here," she sighed. "Not even a trace of him!"

Aisha knelt, to get a better look at the spot where Contagion disintegrated, but still saw nothing. She gave up, and then stood up. But, she felt a wave of dizziness come upon her, and she steadied herself by leaning on a nearby chair. She touched her helmet, and shook her head.

"What's wrong with me?" she asked herself. "And why is it so...hot

in here?"

Aisha tried to shrug off the wave of dizziness, but it only got worse. She sat down on the chair, and turned on her communicator.

"Green Ranger to CAC," she said, "Billy, do you read?"

^Affirmative,^

came Billy's voice. ^Have you found anything?^

"Maybe. Its really hot in here all of the sudden. And the room is like spinning. Do you think there's some kind of gas in the air, or something?"

^If there were, it wouldn't affect you. You are wearing your helmet, right?^

"Of course I -- oooooh

..."

Suddenly, Aisha fainted, and collapsed onto the Youth Center floor.

^Aisha? Aisha, do you read me?!^

There was no response.

^I'm bringing you back here, now!^

With that, the Green Ranger vanished from the Youth Center, along with the scanner she was using.

Chapter Seven

Billy Mitchell looked up from the computer screen he was focused on, and pressed the bridge of his nose wearily. He then turned around in his swivel chair, and scanned the Central Access Complex quickly.

In the corner of the vast underground headquarters of the Power Rangers, Aisha Campbell lay still, her body covered by a transparent force field, placing her in stasis and at the same time encasing her in a separate environment from the rest of the chamber.

On a table not far from the cot was the green Zeo shard, increased to its full size of nearly a foot long, hovering just off the surface.

At the smaller computers attached to the med-unit, where Aisha's life signs were being recorded, Adam Park and Tanya Sloan stood vigil, watching as the computer continued to process information about the virus affecting the Green Terran Ranger.

In the center of the complex, Rocky DeSantos and Alexis Darling stared into the Viewing Globe, watching as the battle between the Terran Rangers and Contagion replayed before them.

The remaining teens all stood at separate stations, scanning intently through the CAC's computer files for information about the mysterious disease that threatened the life of their friend. Despite all the activity in the complex, it was as quiet as a graveyard.

With a heavy, frustrated sigh, Zack turned away from his computer station, and glanced in Aisha's direction. Silently, he rose from his chair, and walked across the CAC. He stopped beside the med-unit, and watched Aisha's face for a few moments. It unsettled him to see his close friend so flushed and lifeless, especially considering how vibrant and energetic she was. In his ears, he could hear her cheerful laugh, the one she always laughed when he told a joke, or performed a trick. His eyes began to sting when he realized that he may never hear her laugh again.

"Anything yet?" he asked Tanya and Adam.

"Billy was right -- the med-unit just isn't helping her," Adam muttered, his face grim, "We even discovered some other scars, from the fight against Holocaust last week. They should've healed by now."

"So, what's wrong with her, exactly?"

"Lots of things," Tanya whispered. "For whatever reason, the med-unit is proving ineffective in healing any of Aisha's injuries. No matter what we do, her fever is still increasing. She's already up to 105.6 degrees, and we can't do a thing to stop it. This virus she's infected with is really running rampant, to a much more serious degree than the rest of you."

"Does anyone know why?" Zack asked.

"I believe I have a clue," Billy said, looking directly at Zack. Everyone in the room turned to Billy, waiting for one of his ingenious solutions.

"Remember when the Command Center was destroyed, and Zordon asked us to find the shards of the Zeo Crystal?"

"Of course," said Tommy. "We had to look in the ruins of the Command Center for the colored shards."

"Exactly. Well, if you recall, Zordon told us that not just anyone could be a Terran Ranger. Only those 'destined'

for that role can safely harbor the Power."

"Wait," said Tanya, "I thought we established that he meant only those who were Mighty Morphin Power Rangers could be Terran Power Rangers, because of the molecular changes that are necessary to accept the Power."

"That wasn't established," Billy said quietly. "It was merely my hypothesis. And I was wrong."

Everyone in the CAC was startled to hear those words. In fact, no one could remember the last time Billy had admitted that.

"How were you wrong?" Kim asked gently.

"There's more necessary than simply being a former Power Ranger. Apparently, the Terra power is so vast, that only ones with very specific bio-chemical changes can safely use each gem. Everyone's bio-chemistry is slightly different. Any former holder of a Power Coin can become a Terran Ranger, but there are dangerous side-effects that aren't suffered by the 'chosen'

rangers."

"Side effects?" Katherine repeated. "Do you know exactly what they are?"

"Well, I know that they include an increased likelihood of injury, overall exhaustion, and a weakened immune system and other bodily defenses."

"The exact opposite of the rest of us," Jason said, shaking his head. "That explains why Aisha is so sick!"

"Exactly," Billy said. "That's why I removed the green Zeo Shard from Aisha's heart. Hopefully, it will help strengthen her immune system, allowing her body to defend against the virus."

"Then I take it there's no cure," Rocky said quietly.

Billy shook his head. "There's no way of knowing until Adam and Tanya identify the virus. Did the computer finish processing the information in the scanner Aisha was using in the Youth Center right before she fainted?"

"It just did," Tanya said, reading off a screen. "It identified the virus. Its called a Space Virus."

"Then let's run it through the system, and see what we get," Billy said, turning back to the computer. The rest of the team gathered around him as he typed in the search command, and waited. Soon, a screen full of information appeared.

"Apparently, Space Viruses affect different species in different ways, ranging from something as minor as a headache to seriously fatal symptoms. They cannot exist in Earth's atmosphere, which is why no human being is recorded as being exposed to the virus."

"Well, Zedd and Rita managed to find a way to bring it to Earth," Zack muttered bitterly, folding his arms. "What does it say about treatment, Billy?"

"There...there is no known treatment," Billy said, taking a deep breath. "Space Viruses must be allowed to run its course. There is no medicine for it."

"What do you mean, 'run its course'

?!" Zack hollered. "At this rate, Aisha'll be dead in a couple of hours!"

"There is no panacea, or something?" Kat asked Billy.

"Not on this record," Billy said. "The computer's searched through all the plant life on file, and nothing's come up. No one in the universe apparently knows how to cure this especially tenacious virus."

"I don't buy it," Tommy said, stepping away from the group and pacing across the floor, "Maybe the key isn't a plant. Is there any other method of killing viruses? How about healing magic?"

Billy shook his head. "Healing magic tends to work only in cases of magical injury, or even wounds. It won't affect disease patients. However, there are environmental factors that can affect whether or not a virus can thrive. Certain areas of the world have certain diseases, and apparently certain planets have their own."

"That's true," said Adam, "after all, the Space Virus can't survive here on Earth. There must be something that can kill it."

"But its already in her bloodstream," said Tanya, "and it's raging. What help can environmental factors be?"

"Wait," said Billy, turning back to his computer. He typed in another search command, and glanced back at his friends. "Remember when I told you I was reading about all the different inhabited planets?"

"Yeah," Rocky said, grasping Billy's shoulder. "What've ya got?"

"Well, I found an inhabited planet, in the Ebole system, that is especially interesting. This planet, called Midgar, is a great deal like Earth, with humanoid, animal, and plant life. However, it has a high magic content, which is the likely cause of a high monster population. Also, it is known for having no harmful microorganisms."

"What?!" said Kat. "But, that's impossible! How can life exist without microorganisms?"

"Its been a mystery for centuries," Billy said, "but it's hypothesized that the immense amounts of a certain kind of energy is what instantly destroys all potentially harmful bacterial or viral organisms that enter the atmosphere. And that energy is harmless to the humanoid life -- in small doses."

"And this energy is portable?" Kim asked with a hopeful smile.

"It should be. Its the energy that runs the planet, like electricity here. It's called Mako energy, and it's abundant on Midgar."

Adam frowned. "Guys, this sounds like the biggest longshot I've ever heard."

"Unfortunately, it's our best chance, given how little time we have."

"Then its settled!" said Zack, determination in his eyes, "I'll fly out to Midgar, and get some of this Mako energy. Hopefully, we can expose Aisha to it, and the Space Virus will die!"

"You?" Alexis said, glancing at Zack, "I think I should go. At least that way, the Terra team will be intact. If they want to make the Megazord or something, they'll need the Cheetah."

"But the Cheetah is by far the fastest of the ships, and we don't exactly have time on our side," Zack argued. "Besides, there's no way I'm not going on this trip."

"Well, taking a zord isn't the most efficient way of getting to such a distant destination," Billy said. "It would take nearly a day at your fastest speed. Instead, we should hyper-jet."

"What's that?" Kat inquired.

"Its a super-fast type of jetting," Rocky explained. "That's how Alpha sent me, Adam, Aisha, Kim, Tommy, and Billy to Phaedos to retrieve the Ninjetti power."

"Phaedos is about 205 light years away from Earth," Billy added, "and we arrived in a matter of hours. Midgar is only about twenty-seven light years away. It shouldn't take more than about half an hour to reach the planet."

"Well, fine," Zack said, "I'll leave the Cheetah here then. But I'm still going on this mission."

"I'm afraid that's not possible," Billy said, shaking his head. "Hyper-jetting is a very delicate form of teleportation. Considering how quickly the passengers will be traveling, along with the extensive distance they will be covering, it is extremely difficult to plot a course that will reach the attempted destination accurately. Unfortunately, the power of a Zeo shard is enough to throw off the computer's calculations for best course. The risks are vastly increased that a Terran Ranger will completely miss Midgar, materializing somewhere in space, or even in a completely different solar system."

"Then, what do we do?" Kat asked.

"The only possibility I can come up with is that a team of non-rangers go. They won't have any internal energy sources that could hinder the transport."

Zack glanced coldly at Billy. "There's no way I'm not going on this mission. Why don't I just leave the Zeo shard here? I still will have some abilities, just like Kimberly did when she went to the moon with Nate Grey and Annie. For some reason, X-Rangers can use their special powers without the Zeo shard -- just to a a limited degree. Still, it's better than nothing."

"But what if the Terran Rangers are needed, if Rita and Zedd decide to strike?" Jason asked. "After all, they did send Contagion to infect us. They're probably expecting us all to be on our death-beds, giving them a free shot at Earth."

"Then won't they be surprised to see a team of fully-functioning rangers, ready to kick their butts right back to the moon?" Zack pointed out.

Tommy looked at Zack for a moment. In Zack's eyes, he saw the fury and determination that he always saw in his own, whenever he felt Kimberly was in danger. The look was perfectly reflected in Zack's dark eyes. Tommy knew that, no matter what he said or did, Zack wasn't about to let someone else go on this mission without him. It was a waste of time trying to reason with him.

"Fine," Tommy said, nodding his head, "Zack can go. At least that way, the team going to Midgar won't be at a complete disadvantage. But you're not going alone, Zack. Who'll go with him?"

At that, Billy stepped forward, "I will. I need to go, because I'm the only one here who is in the least familiar with Mako energy. We're going to an alien world practically blindfolded. And also, Rocky, Tanya, and Adam have all been assisting me in the CAC for a long time. They are more than capable of handling things until our return."

"But wait!" Alexis protested. "You said that the Zeo power is what interferes with the teleport. My Power Coin doesn't emit that kind of energy, so I should be okay. Besides, you guys'll need all the help you can get!"

"Not with that fever you're running, Lex," Rocky pointed out. "You're feeling the affects of the virus more than the Terra team. We don't know how serious it'll get. You're staying here."

Alexis frowned, but nodded. "Okay, fine. I guess I see the logic in that."

Rocky grinned. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you," he joked. Alexis playfully punched him in the shoulder.

"I'll bet you will!"

"We should get going," Zack said, slightly annoyed by the couple's playful antics in a time of crisis, "Aisha doesn't have a lot of time."

"Let me program the teleporter for interplanetary hyper-jet mode, and lock on to Midgar," Billy said, activating the teleporter and setting coordinates. "It'll take a little while for the computer to calculate the best path for the jetting to take."

"In the meantime, did you figure out exactly where you need to go?" Kim asked. "You don't have enough time to search an entire planet!"

"Not completely, but we do have a clue. Rather recently, the computers have detected a vast amount of magical energy focused at one point on the Midgar globe, being the southern continent. We are going to aim our teleporter for as close to that point as possible. Hopefully, this is the Mako energy we are searching for."

Kat, Tommy, Alexis, and Jason watched as Billy busily programmed the computer to chart the journey. Rocky had taken the opportunity to search the storage closets for any devices that would prove useful on his friends' adventure. Adam and Tanya remained at Aisha's bedside, studying the computer readout of Aisha's condition. Kimberly was about to join Rocky in the storage room, when she saw Zack standing a few yards from the med-unit. She sighed deeply when she saw his eyes were glassy, as he stared at Aisha's frozen face mutely.

"Are you okay?" she asked, standing beside the pensive Silver Ranger.

"She...she's not moving," he responded quietly.

"We had to put her in cryo-stasis, to slow the spread of the virus," Tanya explained, turning to them, "I don't think it'll stop her fever from increasing completely, but it should give us a couple hours more time."

"Do you know how long she has left?"

Adam looked up from the readouts, and looked at his friends sadly. "I just checked the computer's analysis. At the rate Aisha was going, before we put her in stasis, she would have been dead in less than five hours. The fever has been significantly hindered, but its still increasing. The computer estimates she has about twelve hours before there's permanent brain damage done. There's no chance she'll survive at all past fourteen hours."

Zack shook his head. "And taking into account the hour deducted for two-way travel, we have no more than eleven hours to search a whole alien planet, and find some way to transport this alien energy."

"You always said you liked it when the odds are against you," Kim said, squeezing Zack's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, Zack. Aisha's a dear friend to all of us. And if there's one thing about this group, it's that we don't let friends down."

"Okay," Billy announced from across the CAC, stepping away from the teleporter, "it's programmed and ready to go. Zack, did you separate from the crystal?"

"Not yet," he said quietly, closing his eyes. He held his arms out to his side, and gently pushed out his chest, and pushed back his head. In response to his efforts, the small white crystal, gleaming with glittery silver energy, passed through Zack's chest, and floated in front of him. As soon as he touched the crystal with his hands, it grew to its larger size. Zack walked to the med-unit, and placed the crystal beside the green shard. He then glanced at Aisha one more time.

"Don't worry, Campbell," he whispered, "you're gonna be just fine."

Zack then turned around, and stood beside Billy. "I'm ready when you are."

Billy nodded, and looked up from the console. "Could someone activate the teleporter? The transport range is optimal when those being transported are 6.4 feet away from the relay, to limit rebound interference."

"I'll pretend I understand what you're referring to," Rocky said with a grin, hurrying to the relay. He smiled at his friends, and held out two small pouches with shoulder straps. "I figured you'd need some equipment on your field trip."

Billy and Zack smiled, and took the pouches. "It's appreciated, Man," Zack said.

Rocky gave them a thumbs up, and looked back at the relay.

"Hold the fort 'til we get back," Zack called to the other rangers.

"You got it," Jason said, waving.

"Good luck, guys!" Rocky called, activating the teleportation sequence.

Kim, Tommy, Jason, Rocky, Tanya, Kat, Alexis, and Adam watched as Zack and Billy were slowly enveloped in bright energy. Finally, they were transformed into bright columns of pure white light. Once their friends had vanished, the eight teens regrouped.

"So, what do we do now?" Katherine asked.

"We'd better stay here, and keep an eye on Aisha," Adam said. "And, I'd like to run a couple more scans on Alexis, just to be safe."

"Honestly, Adam, I'm fine," Alexis protested.

Rocky shook his head. "Lex, we don't know how serious this virus is. The Terran Rangers should be okay, but you might be significantly affected. A couple scans won't hurt."

Alexis sighed, but obeyed, and sat on the cot beside Aisha. Adam turned away from the former Green Terran Ranger, and ran a small device over Alexis' forehead.

Chapter Eight

Goldar stepped away from the balcony of the imposing Moon Palace, and casually made himself comfortable in Lord Zedd's throne -- rather, the throne that was placed in the position Lord Zedd's throne used to be, before it mysteriously disappeared during Solar's short stay. Apparently, Rito, Baboo, and Squatt didn't seem to care that Goldar had taken such a bold move. However, Finster, by far the intellectual superior in this band of rogues, frowned slightly. He understood that by claiming the throne, Goldar was assuming the position of leader -- which he had no right to. And Finster also understood that Rito, the only one of royal blood in the band, didn't seem to notice Goldar's assumption of power.

Goldar, for his part, wore a smug expression on his feral face. His plan was to demonstrate his leadership capabilities to his allies, so he would be accepted as Zedd's sucessor. At this point, his plan was working flawlessly. The attack of the Contagion monster had been brilliant, as well as its selected place of attack. The rangers were all exposed to the disease, and considering that they had been locked away in the CAC for over an hour, it was obvious they were affected. Although Goldar couldn't see what happened inside the hidden Power Ranger headquarters, he did keep an eye on the Youth Center itself, hoping for a clue. Unfortunately, the rangers had ordered that no one enter the Youth Center, effectively avoiding a plague capable of wiping out all life on Earth. But the rest of Earth would be child's play to destroy, as long as the rangers themselves were out of commission. And, considering that the Green Ranger had lost consciousness, and needed to be teleported out of the Youth Center, the odds were that the other rangers suffered similar symptoms.

"Now that the defenses are down, the King is exposed," Goldar said, his claws clasped together, "and it's time to put the King in check."

"A chess metaphor?" Finster said, visibly startled. "My my, you have been here too long."

Goldar shrugged. "I always enjoyed games of strategy. Did you finish creating the army of Viper Putties?"

"I already told you, what you're asking is impossible," Finster sighed, "Viper Putties are a very special breed of Putty Patrolers, meaning they require a very special type of clay, mixed with my very own recipe of toxins and lizard DNA to give them their poisonous venom and regeneration ability. You are asking me to create thousands of Putties, to invade dozens of cities! I simply don't have the resources to do that. If I did, Zedd and Rita would have come up with this plan months ago!"

Goldar's eyes widened. He had always believed the only reason why Zedd and Rita didn't attack the entire planet was because of their obsession to get revenge on the Power Rangers, and Zordon before them. But in reality, they didn't have an efficient way of doing it.

"Could we create an army of giant-sized monsters?" Rito suggested, his voice nasal.

"No. Only Zedd and Rita can expand the size of monsters, and my Monster-Matic can only make a maximum of three monsters at once. And those three monsters are substantially weaker than they would have been had they not been created together."

"I don't believe this," Goldar muttered. "So close..."

"Let's face it, without Zedd and Rita, we don't have the resources for global conquest," Finster said, crossing his arms. "We don't have the power to match their magic. If we did, they would have served us, instead of the reverse."

"Good point," Baboo muttered. "So, now what?"

"I think we all need a vacation," Squatt said. "When was the last time we relaxed."

Goldar growled, and slammed his fist on the armrest of the throne. "No! We will not rest, not when the rangers are down! The affects of the virus are unpredictable! Who knows how long they will be out of commission?"

"Who knows if they are out of commission?" Finster retorted calmly. "If we create a plan of invasion, based on the assumption that the Power Rangers will not interfere, then we are doomed to failure."

"Then, what do you suggest?" Goldar grumbled.

"It is simple. The best way to expand our forces is for you and Rito to join the battle. I can create a total of three monsters, meaning five powerful warriors will be on Earth. I believe we should first destroy Angel Grove, just as Rita and Zedd had always planned. If the rangers truly are ready for battle, they will certainly intervene. That is the test, to see whether or not they are out of commission. Once we determine that the rangers are taken care of, we can instigate a search for the Central Access Complex. We already know its beneath the remains of the old Power Chamber, but it is hidden. If we can take out the base of operations, then we will inflict the fatal blow."

Goldar remained silent, thinking over Finster's plan. It was flawless, keeping in mind all the possibilities. The likelihood of the Power Rangers being able to defeat five monsters at once was nill, even if they are all in perfect health. And if the rangers are ravaged by the Space Virus, the team of villains can locate the hidden base and destroy it, possibly with the rangers still inside. If they were ill, they would certainly not risk infecting friends and family by leaving the contained environment of the CAC. The perfect plan...it was just a shame Goldar hadn't thought of it.

"Let us put your plan in motion, Finster," Goldar decided. "All those in favor?"

"I!" all the villains chorused.

"Excellent," Goldar said, rising from the throne, "Finster, how will you decide which monsters you will create?"

"For once, I can choose the monsters myself, rather than rely on Rita's shaky schemes," Finster muttered, rubbing his chin, "I shall choose monsters that are equipped to deal with the rangers."

"Perfect. All five of us shall go our separate ways, as far away from each other as possible. The rangers' fabled teamwork won't do them any good if they are forced to split up!"

Chapter Nine

On the southernmost continent of the distant planet of Midgar, two powerful beams of white sliced through the bluish-purple sky. They continued downward, and came to a halt at a small clearing within a dense forest. Once the lights touched the green grass, they materialized into two young humans, who had traveled millions of miles to reach this destination. Their friend's life was at stake.

"Okay," said Zack, turning full circle, "where are we?"

"I don't know," Billy answered, peering into the trees. "Obviously a forest of some kind, but I'm not sure which direction we should be going..."

"Oh wow," Zack muttered, staring directly above him. "Check it out!"

Billy followed Zack's gaze, and stood in silent astonishment. Hanging in the northern part of the sky was a huge rock, glowing with a purple aura of energy. It lit up the typically blue sky of the entire planet with its colored energy, and sparks of energy flashed on occasion on its cratered surface.

"A meteor!" Billy exclaimed. "And it's falling to the planet! A meteor that size could completely destroy Midgar!"

"That can't be good," Zack muttered. "This entire planet will be destroyed? Can the inhabitants do anything about it?"

"I doubt it," Billy said solemnly, "Midgar is technologically comparable with Earth. It has no space program at all, so its unlikely they have machines capable of stopping that meteor."

Zack shook his head, and continued walking around the clearing. "We don't have tons of time here," he said finally. "We should get moving."

"If memory serves, the high-density energy source I picked up at the CAC was inside a forest forest," Billy commented, digging through the pouch strapped on his shoulder, "This must be the right path."

"Good," said Zack, "which way should we go?"

"Let me see if I can get a reading on the energy," Billy said, pulling a small device from the pouch. He pressed a few buttons, and a beam of blue light fired from the sphere atop the device, and pointed west.

"Rocky packed a tracker," Zack commented, as he began following Billy through the thick forest. He then began searching through his own pouch. "Another tracker, a medical laser, an energy rope, and rations! Good job, Rocko!"

"Affirmative," Billy said, "this equipment will certainly make our job much easier."

As they walked, the air around them took on a greenish glow. Zack stopped walking, and stared at the faint swirls of green mist. "What's that stuff?"

"It's the raw form of Mako energy!" Billy said, a smile on his face. "Naturally, Mako is a liquid, but apparently it's been boiled, sending vapor into the atmosphere. We must be getting closer."

Zack nodded, and continued following Billy through the forest. He stopped short when he saw movement from the corner of his eye.

"What was that?" he asked aloud, turning around again. But all he saw were stationary plants, just as before.

"What's wrong?" Billy inquired.

Zack took a quick look around, and then turned back to Billy. "I guess this forest is creeping me out is all."

Just then, a figure growled from above, and leaped from its high perch. It was shaped like a wheel, with a hard green shell, and it rolled right into Zack, knocking the wind out of him. It then rolled to a safe distance, and stretched out. Billy's eyes widened when he laid eyes on the five foot long green insect, with beady violet eyes, and a scorpion-like tail.

"I think we've encountered our first Midgar monster," Zack muttered weakly, forcing himself to sit up.

Without giving the pair the chance to regroup, the monster rolled into a wheel again, and rolled quickly in Billy's direction. Billy cartwheeled to the side, barely avoiding the monster. Instead the insect crashed into a tree, and reduced it to splinters. The insect then unrolled, and looked around in confusion. Billy saw his window of opportunity, and pulled the laser gun from his pouch.

It's a medical laser,

he thought, but it should prove effective against this creature. It was made to cut through flesh and bone with pinpoint accuracy.

The creature soon recovered its bearings, and it reared on its hind legs, preparing to jump at Billy. It never got the chance. A tight beam of blue light streamed from the gun, easily slicing through the insects armored shell. Suddenly, the creature vanished in a pulse of red light.

"What happened to it?" Zack asked, weakly rising to his feet.

"The monsters on Midgar are composed of magic, just like the monsters Zedd and Rita send to Earth," Billy answered. "Perhaps when they are defeated, the magic is released from its corporeal casing, just like the monsters back home."

"That would make sense," Zack said, glancing at his own laser gun. "Wow, this thing has ten

settings! From match-lighting mode to Shake 'n Bake mode."

"I had my laser on level seven," Billy said. "Unfortunately, the stronger the setting, the quicker the laser runs out of energy. If we are to succeed, we will need to find weapons with more --"

He stopped short when he saw a rustling in the bushes nearby. Another insect leaped out of its hiding place, and glared at them menacingly.

"I think he's mad," Zack whispered.

"I would agree," Billy said, glancing at another bush, "and unfortunately, he has brought some friends!" Zack turned to where Billy was looking, and stepped back when he saw three more insects crawl into the small clearing. Soon, even more joined in, until seven monsters surrounded them.

"Plan?" Zack asked, as the pair stood back to back in the center of the ring of insects.

"Nothing comes to mind," Billy answered.

"Then...let's try something," Zack said, closing his eyes tightly. A faint shield of silver energy erected around the pair, and pushed outwards, throwing the insects backwards into the nearby flora. Zack and Billy quickly pulled their laser guns, and unleashed a fury of blue-tinted energy. Each blast managed to penetrate the insects' armor, soon causing all seven to evaporate in clouds of red smoke.

"Well," Zack panted, "I guess that wasn't so bad."

"You're right," came a light voice. "Not bad at all. Pretty good, in fact."

"Who's there?" Billy asked, as both he and Zack looked around the seemingly empty forest.

"A warrior," she responded, "looking for a challenge. You up to it?"

"Huh?" Zack uttered.

"C'mon," the voice taunted, "you're not afraid, are you? I'll take you both on at once!"

"We're not looking for a fight," Billy answered. "We're looking for magical energy known as Mako."

There was silence for a few moments. "Then, how about a deal? If you win, I help you find what you're looking for."

"And what do you get if you win?" Zack asked suspiciously.

"Hmm...how about that energy gun of yours?"

Zack and Billy looked at each other. "We don't want to fight you --"

"Who said you had a choice?" she said, as a figure leaped down from a perch high in a nearby tree. She had straight black hair, reaching her chin, and bright brown almond-shaped eyes. She wore a green tank top, beige denim shorts, and brown sneakers. She looked like a typical human teenager, save for the three foot long shuriken-style weapon she gripped with her right hand.

"Defend yourselves!" she shouted, throwing her massive weapon. Billy and Zack both dropped to the ground, rolling out of the path of the weapon. Billy quickly returned to his feet, and fired a single shot at the weapon. The blue energy reflected off the weapon, striking a nearby tree branch, and sending it falling towards the young woman. She easily flipped out of the way, and caught her weapon as it flew back at her at a blinding speed. She landed gracefully on the grass, and threw her weapon again -- this time aimed much closer to the ground.

"I've got it!" Zack called, staring intently at the weapon. It instantly stopped in mid-air, and dropped to the ground. The young woman stared in shock at her weapon, and glared at Zack.

"Now you've done it!" she cried, holding up her left hand. A crystal bracelet, decorated with six colored gems, glinted in the sunlight. "Leviathan!!"

On her wristband, a red-colored gem began to glow brightly, until it cloaked her in its energy. Then, a twenty-foot water serpent magically appeared in front of her, towering over the highest trees in the forest, and staring down at Zack and Billy menacingly.

"I have to admit," Zack said quietly, staring up at the monster, "I wasn't expecting that!!"

"Zack..." Billy said, running to his friend's side, "do you think a magnetic shield can help?"

"It's our only chance," Zack answered, concentrating his powers. A faint shield appeared around the pair. Suddenly, the Leviathan waved its tail, and a wave of glowing blue water appeared around him. The tidal wave grew to nearly the size of the creature itself, and crashed into the shield with the power of a truck. As suddenly as it appeared, the Leviathan vanished, along with all the water it created. The warrior then smiled when she saw her opponents on the ground, and threw her hands on her hips.

"And so, the great Yuffie Kisaragi defeats another group of would-be opponents!" she announced, throwing her hands up in victory. Her jaw dropped when she saw Billy and Zack slowly rise to their feet.

"Impossible!" she shrieked angrily. Zack smiled at her mischievously, and held his open palm at her. Instantly, Yuffie flew off the ground, being thrown back and forth in the air by the invisible magnetic force.

"Keep her disoriented," Billy advised. "We don't want to hurt her."

"I know that," Zack said, sweat beading on his brow, "but without my Zeo shard, I can't keep this up for long!"

"Let's hope she can't keep this up for much longer," Billy said, watching the girl swing in the air. Finally, she shrieked in anger.

"Let me go!" she screamed, "I give up! Uncle!"

Zack shrugged, and lowered her towards the ground. But instead of placing her on her feet, he let her hang upside down, with her hair nearly touching the grass. Billy knelt on the grass beside her, and studied her face. She was taking short, shallow breaths, and her face was flushed.

"Put me down!" she shrieked, "I gave up already! You win!"

"We'd like to make sure you don't change your mind," Billy said.

"I promise...you win," she gasped. "Oh...I don't feel so good..."

Billy looked up at Zack. "Put her down gently, Zack. She suffers from motion-sickness."

Zack started to chuckle slightly. "So the great warrior has a weakness."

Zack gently turned Yuffie right-side up, and set her on her feet. Yuffie swayed slightly, and lowered herself to her knees, still breathing quickly. She then huffed, and looked up at Zack angrily.

"You cheated!" she shouted. "You used my motion-sickness against me!"

"All's fair in love and war," Billy answered, offering Yuffie his hand. "Let me help you up."

Yuffie grudgingly took Billy's hand, and steadied herself on her own two feet. She then sighed, and smiled at them. "Nice fight. I can lose with grace...just not often."

"So," said Zack, "what do you know about Mako energy?"

Yuffie tapped her chin. "Well, I can't say I know a whole lot about Mako itself, but I do know about materia."

"What's materia?"

Yuffie's eyebrows rose. "You've never heard of materia? Where are you from, anyway?"

Zack opened his mouth to reply, but Billy rose his hand, signalling to Zack that he would handle the matter. "We're from somewhere distant, and rather secluded from the rest of the planet," he answered. "We are in need of healing magic for a friend of ours, who is dying of symptoms that our normal curative measures cannot alleviate."

Yuffie blinked, and then glanced at Zack. "Does he always talk like that?"

Zack smiled. "You should hear him when he gets excited."

Billy chuckled. "Achem...in other words, we have an ill friend, and we need to find magic to help her. We hypothesize...um, we hope that Mako energy will help."

"Well," said Yuffie, pulling her weapon from behind her back, "like I said, if you're looking for healing magic, materia is your best shot. See these gemstones?"

Billy and Zack saw that Yuffie pointed to six small marbles, spread out across the weapon with one near each point, and two in the center.

"Those are the same little marbles as the ones on your bracelet," Zack observed. "That's how you created that lizard."

"Exactly," Yuffie said. "Materia is the solid form of Mako energy. Mako is the lifeblood of the planet, that runs deep beneath the surface. Its actually referred to as the Lifestream. When Mako is exposed to air long enough, it cools into solid crystals. Or, materia."

"So, materia creates big monsters?" Zack asked.

"Not exactly," Yuffie answered. "Different types of materia do different things. Red colored materia are summons, which allow a person to summon a magical creature to launch a powerful attack on an opponent. I summoned the Leviathan beast against those bugs just now. Yellow materia enables its user to use special attacks, like a Deathblow, which is a really powerful strike. Purple is independent materia, which can be lots of different things. Some kinds give you increased luck, vitality, and stuff like that. Blue is support materia, which can increase the abilities of other materias you use with it. For example, an All materia can make a spell that usually only attacks one target work on all targets at once. And finally, green is magic materia. You can cast healing spells, elemental spells, etcetera."

"Healing spells?" Zack said, an excited smile on his face. "Perfect! Where can we get a green one."

"Its not that simple," Yuffie said. "Each materia does something different. A Heal materia can heal poisons and stuff, and a Cure materia can restore physical damage received in battle."

"How do you know which materia is which?" Billy asked.

"Simple," Yuffie explained, pulling a green marble off her weapon. She stared into it, and nodded. "This one's Lightning materia. Take a gander."

Yuffie handed the gem to Billy, who stared at it intently. Beneath the smooth clear surface, green energy swirled at an alarming speed. As he continued to stare, he saw images of bolts of lightning.

"Amazing," he said, handing the gem to Zack so he could see. "So Yuffie, what would a heal materia look like?"

"Materia creates an image to alert the user what its used for," Yuffie explained. "It would show you an image to make you understand what it does."

"So if someone's got a cold, then you'd use a Heal or Cure materia?" Zack questioned.

"Well, if someone's cold, they'd just put a sweater on or something," Yuffie said, shrugging.

"No, like if someone's sick."

"Sick?" Yuffie asked, "I don't understand. If a person's been exposed to different types of chemicals, that cause blindness, poisoning, or being turned into a stone, the Heal materia undoes any abnormality. Is that what you mean?"

"Oh yeah," Zack muttered, "I forgot there are no diseases here."

"I suppose that Heal materia is the closest thing I can think of," Billy said. "What other types of materia are there?"

Yuffie tapped her chin in thought. "That's all the types I'm familiar with. But I'm no expert. I collect materia, doesn't mean I tend to use it a lot

."

"Where can we get information about materia?" Billy asked.

"Maybe Cloud would know..."

"Cloud?" Zack asked. "Is that a person?"

"Yeah, he's our leader," Yuffie said. "He's the one carrying on the fight against Sephiroth, to save the planet from Meteor!"

"Sephiroth?" Billy and Zack asked in unison. Yuffie's eyes widened, and she sighed.

"You've never heard of Sephiroth?! The looney trying to trash the whole planet?!?! Gosh, you really have been living under a rock! C'mon, I'll introduce you to Cloud, and the rest of the squad. I don't have any Heal or Cure materia on me, but I'd bet Tifa has both. Let's go!"

Yuffie started to jog into the forest, westward. She then stopped, and turned back to them. "Oh, and while we're there, I'd recommend buying a weapon or something. Times are tough, and those Head Hunters you fought are just the beginning."

"Those bugs are called Head Hunters?" Zack whispered incredulously.

"Maybe we should look into buying some weapons," Billy whispered back. "The creatures here are more numerous, and more dangerous, than I had anticipated."

Chapter Ten

On the southern continent of the planet Midgar was Mideel, a town famous for having the most experienced and skilled doctors on the planet. Most believe it was the spring of Mako energy flowing just beneath the town that added to the quick healing of injured patients, because Mako in its purest form could cure any injury. The energy that saturated the area kept the residents healthy and happy, until recently, when a huge monster called Ultimate Weapon attacked the town.

By firing massive amounts of energy weapons on the town, Weapon managed to tap the springs of Mako. The town was completely submerged as the weak sediment bed separating the surface from the underground lake crumbled. Mideel sank into a lake of boiling hot Mako energy, which is healthy in small doses, but deadly in large. The proud town was reduced to nearly nothing, and many townspeople died. But those who survived were intent on rebuilding their homes, and so they did on the island of land in the center of the boiling spring of the Lifestream.

Chapter Eleven

Sitting on the grass on a raised piece of land, looking down over the lake of green, was a young man. His legs dangled off the side, and his hands were clasped tightly in his lap, as if he was praying to some deity. The gentle breeze weaved through his unruly blonde locks, and his sky blue eyes, which shone with the inner energy of Mako energy that coursed through his veins, were focused on the brilliant green spring beneath him.

The Lifestream was as beautiful as it was powerful. It was like emerald lava, bubbling and steaming in contact with the cooler air of the surface, flowing as a thick liquid in a protective ring around the remnant of the town. As he stared into the Lifestream, an ironic smile crossed his face. The energy that flowed beneath him, tumbling around the earth in its most wild, untamed form, had taken so much away from him, yet it had given him so much as well.

Cloud Strife was a man shrouded in mystery. It wasn't because he doesn't like being open and honest with his friends, either. In fact, he was a mystery to himself. He had relatively clear memories of his life early on, but then they became occluded. He didn't know what happened to him after the day that he decided to leave his hometown of Nibelheim to join the elite fighting force of SOLDIER

. He didn't remember the experiments the Shinra corporation put him through, changing him on a molecular level by pumping forms of Mako energy into his body. That energy made him stronger physically, but it tore the delicate fabric of his mind. His memories were foggy, his intentions weren't clear to himself, and worst of all, his loyalties were questionable.

Somehow, Sephiroth had controlled him. He actually commanded his body, like a puppeteer would its toy. Cloud couldn't stop himself from obeying Sephiroth, and giving him the fabled Black Materia, the only source mighty enough to cast the dreaded spell of Meteor. It was Cloud's fault that Sephiroth was so close to destroying the planet. It was Cloud's fault that the Meteor speedily approached the planet, threatening the very survival of all life.

Cloud swallowed hard as he recalled what happened in the Northern Cave weeks ago. He gave Sephiroth the means to destroy the planet, and that outlash of power caused an eruption of the Lifestream in that location. Instead of fleeing the site with his friends, he let himself fall into the burning green liquid. He didn't feel he deserved anything better. No one should be able to survive being immersed in the raw Lifestream. It was believed that only the spirits of the dead could exist there. But he somehow survived. The Lifestream carried him all the way from the Northern Cave to the southern continent, where he was fortunate enough to be found by the famed doctors of Mideel. They diagnosed him with extreme Mako poisoning, which included near total paralysis. He was a shattered glass doll, a puppet with its strings cut.

But then, a tragic miracle happened. After his friends found him, the Ultimate Weapon struck. That led to him being once again plunged into the Lifestream, this time with Tifa by his side. Tifa was trying desperately to bring his broken body to safety, but the ground collapsed beneath them both. Together, they plummeted into the Lifestream, and into something of a dreamscape. That dreamscape was some form of representation of his own mind.

With Tifa's help, Cloud managed to piece his mind back together. Long suppressed memories of his lifetime surfaced, and his tormented soul was partially mended. The final result was the survival of both Cloud and Tifa, who eventually washed to shore on the destroyed Mideel. Cloud's confidence in himself rose as he learned just how Sephiroth was able to control him -- through the power he possessed from having the blood of an Ancient, which gave him control over Mako energy, including the Mako in Cloud's body. But while it made Cloud feel somewhat better that he hadn't willingly given in to Sephiroth, the question still remained. Would he be able to deny Sephiroth's will when the final confrontation came?

That is what drew him back to Mideel, back to the fountain of the Lifestream. Their quest was almost at an end. They had already collected the Huge Materia, which would be used to discern the secret to the power of Meteor, and how to stop it. They only had a few more days before the meteor actually hit the planet anyway. Like it or not, the final confrontation was near. And as Cloud stared into the green liquid, he prayed that he would have the answers he sought. Could he stand up against Sephiroth? Was his hatred towards him merely that, or does that make him weak? Could he even beat Sephiroth? Were his friends better off going alone? Was he even to be trusted?

He implored the Lifestream for more answers. The thought crossed his mind to dive into the Lifestream, and let it heal his fractured mind. Let it answer his questions. But although at times it did help his mind, it also is the source of the energy that fractured it in the first place. It was a blessing and a curse. A strange, mysterious paradox flowed in its boiling liquids, and it was a paradox he so longed to solve.

Cloud didn't look up, but he sensed her presence. He could feel her tawny gaze on his back. Although it was slightly uncomfortable to be so carefully watched, it also soothed him. He always knew that, no matter how much he doubted himself, she never would. She was always there to support him, to watch his back. She was the dearest of friends.

Tifa Lockheart came forward, and sat down on the grass beside Cloud. She followed his gaze to the boiling green, and a shudder passed through her. It was still so clear in her mind when the two of them plummeted into the emerald unknown, unsure if they would ever see the light of day. Her fear was immeasurable at first, but then she found Cloud. The real Cloud... the missing part of him that he had been searching for. And together, they found what the Lifestream wanted them to find. And together, hand in hand, they rose to the surface. Together they were strong. Together, they were invincible.

As she gazed into the green, another thought came to her mind. The magnificent, shining green was truly a color of majesty...of power, yet of gentleness. It was the exact same color of Aeris' eyes. It was as if Aeris was watching them in some way, even though she was now dead.

Tifa glanced at Cloud once again. She wondered what he was looking for in that stream of power. Did he too see Aeris' eyes in that pool? Was that why he wanted to come to Mideel to get supplies, instead of simply purchasing supplies from Cosmo Canyon, which was their destination anyway? For some reason, it disquieted her to think that now, so long after the death of their mutual comrade at Sephiroth's own hand, Cloud may still gain strength from her. That only assured Tifa of one sad thought -- Cloud Strife was indeed in love with Aeris Gainsborough. The notion grasped her heart like a cold vice, which was reflected onto her face in the form of a stony expression.

"Cloud," Tifa said finally, "I've got all the supplies we need. Maybe we should get going? The others are probably getting restless on the Highwind."

Cloud blinked, and nodded slowly. "You're right," he said, breathing out. "There's nothing left to find here. Let's go see Bugenhagen, and get this quest over with."

Tifa and Cloud then rose to their feet, and mutually straightened their attire. Cloud bent over, and lifted the massive blade known as the Ultima Weapon. The bright light from the Mako lake reflected off its translucent blue and white edge, and traveled along the length of it as Cloud spun it around and strapped it on his back. After taking one final glance at the well of green, he locked eyes with Tifa, another thought crossing his mind.

"Have you seen Yuffie?"

Chapter Twelve

After a good fifteen minutes, Zack, Billy, and Yuffie continued their trek through the monster-infested forest surrounding Mideel. It didn't take long for Zack and Billy to fall behind their guide, as they curiously observed the alien forest they traveled through.

"I think we're getting close," Billy said, looking up at the faint swirls of Mako vapor in the air. "There's more Mako energy in the air."

"Great!" Zack gasped excitedly. "Hang on Aisha, we've almost got it!"

Billy glanced at Zack, and noticed the Silver Ranger was out of breath. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine," Zack answered, "I'm just a bit winded is all."

"Perhaps it's because of the Space Virus," Billy suggested. "Without the Zeo shard, your immune system will have to repel the virus by itself."

Zack brushed the comment aside. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Let's just worry about Aisha, okay?"

"Hey, guys!!" Yuffie called, glancing back at them from her perch atop a fallen tree. "What's taking you so long? We're here!"

The pair followed Yuffie into the clearing. Both stopped short when they saw a bridge crossing over a lake of glowing green liquid, to a desolated town on the island in the center.

"That's Mako energy?" Billy asked Yuffie, who was already halfway across the bridge.

"Yeah," she called, "that's the Lifestream-Mako energy in its raw, most potent form. Just don't get too close, okay? If you do, you could get Mako poisoning. Not pretty."

Billy and Zack followed Yuffie across the bridge, and gazed in awe around the ravaged town of Mideel. All that was left were planks of wood from buildings, and some damaged remains of stores. Also, many people were on the streets of the town, busily rebuilding their homes. Close to the bridge, a section of the destroyed town was cleared of debris, and the venders of Mideel took up shop at small counters, hoping to share their wares with travelers, to earn a living.

"Okay," Yuffie said, stopping at a counter with a brand of a sword on its face, "here's where you can get some weapons. How're ya doing, Leon?"

The portly vender smiled at her, and nodded. "Things could be worse, Yuffie. Of course, since your entire crew bought weapons and armor from me a couple weeks ago, things've been looking up. So, how's that mission to save the planet?"

Yuffie grinned. "We got our hands on these big chunks of Huge Materia, that are supposedly of a totally different class than the regular stuff. I don't know what we're supposed to do with it, but we're counting on Bugenhagen figuring it out."

"Bugenhagen can figure anything out," Leon chuckled. "He's famous, even all the way down here in Mideel. So, what can I get ya?"

"My friends here need weapons," she said, looking back at them. She eyed Billy scrutinously. "Hmm, I'd say something small. Y'got a dagger or something?"

Billy frowned. "Personally, I prefer lances."

"Oh," Yuffie said, shrugging. "You don't look the type to like big weapons. What kind of lances do you have here, Leon?"

"Lemme check my wares," Leon answered, peeking in the storage bin behind the counter. He then pulled out a long staff, with a sharp blade on the end. "It's the Partisan."

"What do you think, Billy?" Yuffie asked, tossing the weapon to him. Billy caught it, and was surprised by how light it was to carry.

"This is an expertly designed weapon," Billy commented, taking a few practice thrusts to get the feel of it. "It's so light..."

"All weapons are lightweight," Yuffie said. "How else would people carry such big weapons around? They sure do pack a punch, though. So, is it a keeper?"

"I'm afraid I don't have any of your currency..."

"You can pay me back later," Yuffie said with a grin. She then turned her attention to Zack. "What's your pleasure?"

"Well, since Billy here got a short range weapon, what do you have in the long range department?"

"You can get a Crystal Cross, which is something like what Yuffie's got, or a Winchester, which is gun."

Zack nodded. "Can I see the Winchester?"

Leon nodded, and pulled a rifle-like weapon from beneath the counter. Zack nodded, and held the gun in his hands, aiming towards the sky. "Yeah, this'll do. It's something like the rifle I use for clay-shooting with my dad."

"Perfect," Yuffie said, turning back to Leon. "How much?"

"Well, its usually 37,000 gil, but since you and your friends have been such good customers, I'll give it to ya for 19,000."

"That still sounds kinda steep," Zack said.

"I'll tell you what," Yuffie said, a sly grin on her face, "I'll buy you these weapons, and you promise to give me any materia you find that you won't need once your mission's over. Deal?"

Billy and Zack glanced at each other questioningly. Finally, Billy nodded.

"Deal."

"Great!" Yuffie said, tossing a few bags to Leon. "Keep the change, my man."

"Thanks, Yuffie," Leon said, putting the gold money in a chest beside him. "Do you think you need anything else?"

"Nah," Yuffie answered, "I think these guys have what they need. Oh, did you see Cloud and Tifa around?"

"Well, Cloud's been sittin' over by the Mako lake for over an hour," Leon said, gesturing behind him. "Is everything okay with him?"

Yuffie rolled her eyes. "He's in one of his hurt puppy-dog moods. He'll be fine. Thanks a lot, Leon!"

Yuffie then turned to Billy, who was still trying out his new weapon.

"Mind if I take a look at that?" she inquired.

"Be my guest," Billy answered, handing her the Partisan. Yuffie gazed at the long blade, and nodded.

"You have six materia slots, so keep your eyes peeled. Materia can really help you out when you're in a pickle." She grinned. "And the more you find, the more I get to keep!"

Yuffie handed Billy the Partisan, and then took a look at Zack's Winchester.

"You know, I think Vincent had one just like this, before he found himself the Death Penalty," Yuffie commented. "You've got six slots too."

Yuffie handed Zack his weapon, and then began to look around the town. "There's Cloud and Tifa!"

Billy and Zack followed Yuffie's gaze. Standing at a plateau overlooking the town was a tall young man with thick, unruly blonde hair and unnaturally bright blue eyes. He wore loose navy blue pants, matching sleeveless shirt, and brown boots. Strapped to his back was a translucent blue and white sword, with a blade that nearly reached his feet. Beside him was a young woman, only a few inches shorter than he. She had flowing dark brown hair that nearly reached her knees, gleaming tawny eyes, a tight white sleeveless shirt, and black leather shorts. She also wore hiking boots, and a shimmering glove on her right hand.

"Cloud! Tifa! What's up?"

"Yuffie," Cloud said with a weak smile. His smile fell into a curious gaze when he noticed her two companions. "Where've you been?"

"And who are your friends?" Tifa added.

"I was in the forest, keeping my eyes peeled for a good fight so I could keep myself occupied, and I...bumped into Billy and Zack," she answered, pointing them out. "They're on a quest to save a friend of theirs."

"That's very noble," Tifa said, "What's wrong with your friend?"

"She has...come down with a malady of sorts, and she must be cured," Billy answered.

"So, is she poisoned?" Cloud asked. "Turned into a stone? What exactly are her symptoms?"

"Most predominately, she has a fever," Billy said. "It's really hard to explain, but the point is, she's dying. Our only hope is some kind of curative magic. Yuffie explained to us that magic is usually in the form of materia. We hope to find a materia that can cure her."

"Yuffie had to tell you what materia is?" Cloud asked, his eyebrow raising. "Where are you from, anyway?"

"You've never been there," Zack answered.

Cloud gazed at Zack deeply, causing the latter man to look away uncomfortably. Zack could have sworn he saw a glint of blue energy in his eyes, but he disregarded that. Finally, Cloud's eyes widened a little, and a small grin crept onto his lips. He then turned to Tifa. "Do you have any Cure or Heal materia on you? Maybe that'll help."

"Sure I do," Tifa said, glancing down at her glove, the Premium Heart. She pulled a small green marble from one of the materia slots. "Here's a Heal materia. I don't know if it'll work or not."

"How will we know?" Zack asked.

"Hold it," Cloud answered, "Materia tells you what it can be used for."

Billy nodded, and grasped the small sphere in his hand. He peered into the cloud of green energy, searching for a hint as to the true power of the gem. The materia did indeed show him images of what it could be used for, but nothing even came close to the purpose he needed it for.

"No good," Billy sighed, handing the materia back to Tifa. "This won't save Aisha."

"Perhaps Cure?" Tifa said, taking a different gem off her glove. But that one was also unable to cure disease.

"Please tell me there's other kinds of materia that'll help," Zack said quietly.

"All the other types of restorative materia work along the same lines as Heal and Cure," Tifa said quietly, "I'm really sorry, but I don't think any of them will help your friend."

Zack took a deep breath, and took a seat on a fallen tree trunk. "We came all this way...for nothing

?" he whispered.

"What made you think materia would be able to help?" Cloud asked. "After all, you apparently don't know anything about it."

"We...heard the legends of a powerful restorative energy that permeates the entire planet," Billy said. "It was Yuffie who said this energy is solidified as materia."

"You mean the Lifestream," Tifa said quietly.

Billy nodded. "Well, even though the Lifestream is the source of materia, there are lots of differences between them," Cloud said. "Maybe ordinary materia isn't the answer."

"What are you suggesting?" Tifa asked.

"Maybe Bugenhagen can help them."

"Of course!" Yuffie cried. "No one knows the Lifestream better than Bugenhagen."

"Who's Bugenhagen?" Billy asked, looking up from the ground.

"He's the wisest person alive," Cloud answered, "and he's spent his entire life studying nature, and this planet. He's the one who first helped us understand the Lifestream. We were on our way to go see him now. You're welcome to join us."

Tifa glanced at Cloud questioningly, and he answered her with a slight nod. Without saying another word, Cloud began walking towards the bridge separating Mideel from the monster-infested forest that surrounded it. Once he reached the end of the bridge, he pulled the Ultima Weapon from its sheath, and readied himself for any coming battle. Tifa was right behind him, and then Yuffie, Zack, and Billy, all walking with their weapons in hand.

"So," Zack whispered to Yuffie, "that's Cloud and Tifa, huh?"

"That's them," Yuffie answered.

"What's with Cloud's eyes?" Zack asked, looking past Yuffie to the back of Cloud's head. "They were...weird."

"They're Mako eyes," she responded, "Cloud's been pumped with Mako energy during a biological experiment, and after that he fell into the Lifestream. Twice. It's a miracle he's still alive. I guess the Lifestream likes him."

"That's interesting," Billy said. "And what about this Huge Materia you spoke of earlier? Does that have curative powers, like the Lifestream itself?"

Yuffie shrugged. "I have no idea. Actually, none of us really know why we needed to collect the Huge Materia. Bugenhagen told us it's the only way to save the planet, but he didn't say why. Now that we have it, we'll go back to Bugenhagen and ask him what to do next."

Zack frowned. "Um, its not that I don't appreciate all your help, Yuffie, but we're on a really tight schedule."

"Don't worry. It'll only take a couple hours to get to Cosmo Canyon."

Zack glanced once again at the leader walking ahead of them. He didn't understand why, but something exuded from him that was reminiscent of a deep inner power. Strangely, it reminded him of any one of the Terran Rangers, each endowed with vast magical power. Maybe we have more in common than I thought...

Zack continued to watch Cloud carefully, until Tifa turned around and locked eyes with him. Embarrassed, Zack turned away. Tifa's eyebrow rose slightly, and she turned back to Cloud.

"Cloud," she whispered loud enough for only him to hear, "what are we doing? We can't let ourselves get side-tracked."

"We're not," Cloud answered. "We're taking them to Bugenhagen, and that's where we're going anyway. What's the big deal."

Tifa frowned. "We don't know anything about them. How can we trust them? What if they're Shinra employees or something, to steal back the Huge Materia?"

Cloud shook his head. "They're not. They're pure."

"Huh?"

"Trust me on this, Tifa. There's something about them...Zack particularly. I saw it in his eyes."

Tifa's eyes widened. "Mako eyes?"

"No," Cloud said, "I don't think it's Mako energy that I detect in him. It's powerful, but its...purer

. Like a force of goodness. It actually reminds me a bit of Aeris. There's something innately good about them, and I can feel it. We should help them."

Tifa sighed, but accepted that explanation. They did seem harmless enough after all, and Yuffie seemed to grow attached to them immediately. She probably just wants to be around someone her age, Tifa decided. Oh well, I guess a few extra hands wouldn't be a bad thing.

Suddenly, Cloud stopped, and signaled his allies to pause as well. Tifa's eyes narrowed, and she immediately took a fighting position. Yuffie beamed with excitement, her Conformer at the ready. Billy and Zack glanced at the trio as they instantly moved side by side, leaving Billy and Zack in the back row. "Uh...guys?" Zack asked. "Why did we stop?"

In answer, the trees above ruffled with life. Zack swallowed, tightening his grip on his Winchester. Billy frowned, the Partisan balanced perfectly between his hands.

The attackers were swift, but not swift enough to gain an upper hand. This time, nearly twenty of the deadly Head Hunters Billy and Zack encountered earlier appeared, coming out from all directions, including from directly above them. Three fell towards the ground, but they were all disintegrated with one slash from Cloud's Ultima Weapon. He slashed the sword through the air, creating an arc of white light. That arc sailed through the air, colliding with the monsters and reducing them to flashes of magical light.

Two Head Hunters approached Yuffie, who stood the furthest to the right. Her smile widening, she flipped into the air, smacking one's head with her heel and plowing it into the ground. Instantly, she sliced off its tail with the razor sharp edge of the Conformer, prohibiting it from stabbing her. She then leaped off her opponent, and landed in the path of the other. Bending her knees slightly to achieve the perfect balance, Yuffie bend her elbow and threw the Conformer through the air. It sailed towards the monster, but it ducked right before the sharp metal sliced into its head. An eyebrow arched, but an ecstatic smile nonetheless, Yuffie raised her hand. The Conformer immediately responded, turning around to return to its master's hand. In doing so, its sliced through the Head Hunter from behind, destroying it.

Tifa's eyes locked with the pulsing eyes of a rather large Head Hunter, walking directly at her. Shaking her head at the audacity of the creature to attack her, she bounced lightly between her two legs in a boxing fashion. The monster immediately transformed into a wheel, and began spinning toward her. After taking quick glance behind her, to make sure no one was in harm's way, she side-stepped the monster. As it rolled past her, she delivered a mighty punch to its center. The force of her punch, immensely magnified by her glove, reverberated through the creature's body, piercing the exoskeleton where she made contact. Soon, the creature collapsed completely, unrolled, and vanished from reality. Her fighting senses kicking in, she dodged just in time to avoid another Head Hunter decapitating her. With her Premium Heart glove, Tifa managed to catch the swinging tail of her opponent, and lifted it into the air. The increased strength granted by the Premium Heart allowed her to slam the creature into the ground, depressing the ground where it hit, and causing the monster to vanish. Satisfied with her work, she steeled herself for her next opponent.

With another flick of the wrist, Billy managed to block another Head Hunter's deadly tail. He then swung it around to block the tail of another. The first one growled with anger, and lunged at Billy, fangs dripping with saliva. Almost instinctively, Billy jammed the sharp end of the Partisan down the creature's throat. Its eyes wide with surprise and pain, it vanished. The second Head Hunter, taking advantage of Billy's momentary distraction, sliced at him with its deadly claws. Billy shouted in pain as one of the sharp claws dug into his thigh, tearing through blue denim and tender flesh. Billy gritted his teeth, pushing past the pain, and spun his Partisan like a baton. The dull end struck the Head Hunter under the chin, knocking it onto its back. Without a moment's hesitation, Billy plunged the sharp end into the creature's underbelly, reducing it to a flash of magical red light.

Zack was extremely pleased with himself as he took aim and fired, destroying the second Head Hunter to come his way. He was also pleased with the Winchester. Each monster only took two shots, and he even found a style to make it more interesting. He shot once, spun the weapon on the trigger finger, and shot again. He only missed one shot so far.

However, one Head Hunter got much closer than Zack would have liked. With a soft yelp, Zack rolled out of the way as it swung its tail downward, plowing up the earth it touched. Zack quickly rolled onto his knees, and set off two more shots, decimating the creature before it had a chance to respond. He leaped to his feet, prepared to fire at the first flash of green that moved, but he was surprised to see that all the Head Hunters were gone.

Cloud stood tall, and spun his Ultima Weapon at its hilt. In order to do this, he had to hold the weapon as high as possible, so it didn't hit the ground. Yuffie leaped for joy, holding up her Conformer proudly. Tifa merely smiled slightly, and stretched her arms and back. Zack chuckled slightly as he stuck the Winchester into the holster Leon had provided him with. His victory laugh stopped short when he saw Billy sitting on the grass, pressing down on his thigh with both hands. Zack saw a circle of red extend from the spot, staining several inches of Billy's jeans.

"Billy!" he shouted, running to his friend's side. Billy smiled wanly at his friend, and shook his head in disappointment.

"You'd think after all those years as the Blue Ranger, I'd know how to fight without getting hurt."

"When you were the Blue Ranger, you had armor to protect you," Zack reminded his friend, "How bad is it?"

"No big deal," Billy answered, trying to rise to his feet while covering the wound with his left hand. He winced when he placed weight on his leg, and lost his balance. Zack quickly caught Billy's arm, preventing him from hitting the grass hard.

"Are you alright, Billy?" Tifa asked, walking towards them.

"Nothing some battle dressing won't fix," he answered.

"Let me see it," she said, tightening her gloved hand into a fist. It began to glow with a pale green light, with swirls of white energy appearing sporadically.

Billy removed his hand from his wound. Zack winced when he saw the gash, about four inches long, and bleeding profusely. It looked pretty deep, too.

"Man," Zack said quietly, "we gotta get you to a hospital!"

"Just relax," Tifa said, her fist straightening into a flat palm. She moved her hand towards Billy's thigh, the green energy increasing as she drew closer. She stopped about an inch away from his skin, and the green aura shone brighter in the direction of the wound. Before their eyes, the wound slowly closed up, and the scar vanished. Billy blinked his eyes, and glanced at his thigh in mute shock. His flesh was as good as new. The only evidence to his wound was the torn, bloodstained jeans he wore.

"Incredible," Billy whispered, rising to his feet. He tried out his leg. "Absolutely incredible."

"That's the power of materia," Yuffie said, crossing her arms. "Hmm. Maybe I shoulda gotten you guys some armor while we were at Mideel?"

"That's not a problem," Cloud said, joining the group. "We have plenty of extra armor on the Highwind, and we're almost out of the forest. Are you alright now, Billy?"

He nodded. "Never better."

Cloud nodded as well. "Then let's move out."

The group continued through the forest, until they finally reached the plains beyond them. Once they reached the plains, there was a huge vessel seated lazily on the grass. Zack and Billy stopped, and stared at the machine in amazement.

"What is that?" Billy inquired.

"That's the Highwind," Tifa answered. "It's an airship. With it, we can travel around the entire planet in only a few hours."

"Awesome," Zack commented, as the group climbed up the rope ladder to the deck. Once they stepped foot on the wood planks, they saw a tall, burly black man with fierce eyes and a mean-looking gun arm standing on the deck.

"What's going on, Barrett?" Cloud asked the sentry. "Where's everyone else?"

Barrett Wallace growled slightly in reply. "That lousy waste of space pilot went on a joyride with your damned pet, Cloud."

"Cid certainly picked a great time to goof off," Yuffie huffed.

"Your pet?" Zack asked Cloud.

"He means Chip," Cloud answered, "our Gold Chocobo."

"Chocobo?" Billy asked. Tifa, Yuffie, Barrett, and Cloud turned to him in amazement.

"Chocobos are large birds, about seven feet tall," Tifa explained. "They can't fly, but they can run rather quickly, with maximum speeds of about 120 kilometers per hour. Typically, chocobos can only run on land, but Gold Chocobos are a special breed, capable of running on any terrain; including mountains, marshes, quicksand, rivers, or even oceans."

"That's amazing!" Zack exclaimed.

"Yeah, yeah," Barrett muttered, staring at Zack and Billy menacingly. "Now just who in the flippin' world are you, that don't know what a Chocobo is?"

"We're... not from around here," Billy answered, "I'm Billy, and this is Zack."

Barrett huffed at their introduction, and glanced at Cloud. "They're kinda puny," he muttered, "I say toss 'em back."

Zack frowned. "Don't talk about us like we're not here, or anything."

Barrett glowered at Zack with a look that sent chills up the Silver Ranger's spine. But he didn't back down. Finally, Barrett chuckled.

"Well, the kid's got guts," he said. "What're you doin' here anyway? Ya joining this little freak show?"

"We need to see Bugenhagen," Billy answered. "We're searching for materia."

Barrett laughed aloud at that, and turned to Yuffie. "Ya better watch your back. They're after your job!"

"We've struck a deal," Yuffie said, puffing up her chest proudly, "I think we'll get along just fine."

"Whatever," Barrett said, calming down. "Anyway, ya better call that drunken pilot on the PHS. Cait Sith practically shoved it up his butt to make him take it along with him. Just in case he needed some help."

"I'll give him a call then," Cloud said, pulling a black cellular phone from his pocket, "Tifa, Yuffie, Barrett...why don't you show our guests the ropes?"

Barrett frowned. "What the hell do I look like? A friggin' tour-guide?!"

"Nah, you're just a big ole' stick in the mud," Yuffie said dismissively, hopping down the stairs. Zack, Billy, and Tifa followed her through the middle level of the ship.

"Red XIII and Cait Sith should be on the bridge," Tifa said, "and Vincent should be hanging around here somewhere."

"This is an incredible vessel," Billy commented. "It must be able to go at incredible speeds to cover the entire planet in a matter of hours."

"Unless Midgar is a really small planet," Zack commented wryly.

"Small compared to what?" Yuffie inquired. Zack shrugged.

"Nothing," he answered. "Never mind."

After descending several flights of stairs, the quartet arrived on the main level of the Highwind. On the deck, a group of officers all dressed in similar blue uniforms manned their stations, while a large white marshmallow-shaped creature stood, with a small black cat sitting on its head. The cat continued to bellow orders at the officers with his megaphone, causing them to scurry about the bridge urgently. At the railing along the edge of the bridge, a large red wolf-like creature lay on its stomach, its face gazing up at the purple meteor that lit up the afternoon sky.

"Cait Sith!" Yuffie shouted at the marshmallow creature. "Why are you bossing those guys around?"

"They need to learn efficiency," the black cat replied, smoothing its whiskers, "Cid asked me to make sure these guys are properly drilled until we get back into the air. So, how was the supply run?"

"Good," Tifa answered. "We picked up some tents and elixers. I think Cloud just needed to take a little break."

"Hmm," Cait Sith squeaked, his feline eyes passing Yuffie and Tifa to the two strangers behind them, "and I see you picked up some cabin boys too."

"No, we're just hitching a ride to see Bugenhagen," Billy said.

"Right," Zack affirmed, "we're not manual laborers."

"Well, welcome aboard," he greeted, the long arm of the marshmallow body stretching forward, "I'm Cait Sith."

Zack stared at the arm for a moment, and then hesitantly shook its hand. Billy then did the same.

"I know what you're thinking," Cait Sith said, "you're wondering what the heck kind of life form I am."

"Well..." Zack conceded.

"Ah, I get it all the time! I'm an artificial intelligence, operated by remote control."

"So the marshmallow is the robot, and the cat is alive?" Zack asked.

"No, the 'marshmallow'

, as you call it, is something of a vehicle for the cat, which is the actual brain of the machine. But I'm really a human being, as a matter of fact."

"Really?" Billy marveled. "Then, where is your real body? Or is your mind somehow preserved inside this structure."

"No," Tifa sighed, "he has a completely intact body. However, he doesn't want to risk his life on this mission, so instead he plays hero through this remote robot."

"And he won't tell us who he really is," Yuffie added.

Cait Sith shrugged. "Hey, what's wrong with a little mystery in life? Besides, I can do my duties to help you guys without you knowing who I am. So don't worry about it."

Cait Sith then turned to Zack and Billy again. "So, where are you from?"

Zack grinned. "What's wrong with a little mystery in life?" he repeated. Cait Sith smiled in amusement.

"Suit yourselves," he said, turning back to the command station he was sitting at earlier.

"And what's that?" Billy asked, pointing to the red wolf on the deck. "Is he someone's pet?"

"Actually, that's Red XIII, an important addition to our little band," Tifa clarified. "He's older, and wiser, than any of us, and he's actually Bugenhagen's grandson."

"So Bugenhagen's a wolf?" Zack asked in surprise.

"No, he's human," Yuffie answered, "Red is his adoptive grandson. He raised him, after his parents died trying to defend Cosmo Canyon."

"Hey guys!" Cloud called, walking onto the bridge, "Cid's back! All senior crew members to the conference room. Pilot, set a course for Cosmo Canyon, as fast as this thing can carry us."

"You got it, Sir!" the pilot called, taking his station at the steering wheel. The ship shook slightly as it rose off the grassy field, hovering about a thousand feet in the air. Then, it lurched forward, and sailed through the clear skies. Billy and Zack watched the scenery fly by in awe, as Cait Sith, Tifa, Yuffie, and Red XIII made their way into the interior of the ship. Yuffie then turned around, and whistled at the awestruck visitors.

"Hey boys!" she shouted. "You'd better join us for the meeting! We're gonna figure out a plan of action!"

Billy nodded, and he and Zack hurried to join Yuffie by the gate. They entered the interior of the ship, and walked into a large conference room, with a sentry posted at the door, and a long table, with Cloud seated at the head, and Red XIII sitting on the floor beside him. Seated at chairs were Tifa, Cait Sith, Barrett, and an unfamiliar tall, slender man with a two-day old beard, matted platinum blonde hair, and pilot's goggles on his forehead. He gnawed on a cigar, and propped his feet on the table, his boots stained with mud. In the shaded corner stood another stranger, his body wrapped in a red cape, with long black hair, haunted red eyes, and a scarf covering his neck and chin. Yuffie sat down beside Cloud on the opposite side of Tifa, and Zack and Billy sat next to her. The two unfamiliar men, as well as Red XIII, looked at them strangely.

"Okay, everyone," Cloud said, "we'll start with introductions. Red, Vincent, Cid, this is Zack and Billy. They're going with us to Cosmo Canyon, because they need to ask Bugenhagen about materia to save a friend of theirs."

"Touching," the man with the cigar muttered.

"Cid," Tifa muttered, "you could at least try to be civil."

"When hell freezes over," was his wry response.

"And Zack and Billy," Cloud continued. "This is Red XIII, Vincent, and Cid."

"Hello," Red said pleasantly, standing on all four legs and waving his tail as a gesture of greetings.

"Charmed," Vincent said flatly, not moving from his shadowy position. Both Billy and Zack felt an intense coldness exuding from Vincent, as well as an obnoxious air from Cid.

"Before we start," Yuffie said, leaning over the table at the chainsmoker, "why don't you fill us in on exactly where you've been all day?"

"I was bored to death sittin' on my butt all day, so I went exploring," Cid answered, taking a long puff from his cigar, "I figured I'd test out that Gold Chocobo we spent all that time and money on."

"Well, that sounds like a waste of time," Cait Sith huffed. "You should have stayed aboard the ship and supervised your crew yourself."

Cid glanced at Cait, and made an obscene gesture at him. Cait glowered at him, but didn't respond.

"Like I was sayin', before I was so rudely interrupted, I found a small island up north, completely surrounded by mountains," Cid continued, hefting his Venus Gospel lance, "and I found this."

Cid pulled a small red materia off his spear, and tossed it on the table. Cloud looked at Cid questioningly, and picked up the marble. His blue eyes widened with surprise when he looked into the shiny red stone.

"I...I don't believe it," he whispered, blinking, "I didn't think it really existed."

"What?" Tifa asked. "What is it?"

"Take a look," he answered, handing her the sphere. She gazed into the crystal, and her jaw dropped.

"The Knights of the Round summon materia?!" she exclaimed. Barrett whistled.

"Well I'll be damned," he muttered, a smirk on his face. Red XIII stood up, and looked at the crystal too.

"The most powerful summon in existence?" he asked. "But it's only a legend."

"Seein' is believin', kids," Cid said, leaning back smugly in his chair.

"What's Knights of the Round?" Zack asked impatiently.

"Its a summon, like the Leviathan I...demonstrated before," Yuffie said, "but this one is tons tougher."

"According to legend, it creates all thirteen mighty Knights of the Round Table, each one delivering a mighty single stroke on your opponent. The damage done by each attack is impressive, but add up the strength of all thirteen, and the attack is phenomenal," Vincent said from his station in the corner. "Truly a worthy addition to our arsenal."

"Good job, Cid," Cloud admitted, handing the sphere back to Cid. Cid waved it away.

"I ain't got no use for it," he muttered. "Y'know materia ain't my thing."

Yuffie smiled broadly, and opened her mouth to speak, but Cid held his hand to her before a word could escape her mouth.

"No," he answered, "I may be thick, but I'm not so dumb to give the mightiest summon materia in the flippin' universe to a back-stabbin' sneak thief like you."

Yuffie glared at him. "Hey! I gave back all the materia I ever stole from you guys!"

"Sure you did," Cid muttered, leaning comfortably in his chair. A yawn escaped his lips.

"So," Tifa sighed, "can we please get back to the briefing? Before Cid falls asleep."

"I'm awake," he muttered, his eyes already closed.

"Right," Cloud said, standing up. He walked over to the back wall, and pressed his hand against the plaque. The wall opened, and four large crystals, each about the size of the entire Zeo Crystal, appeared in the opening. They were four colors: yellow, red, blue, and green.

"What're those?" Billy asked.

"Yeah," Zack added, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"They're the Huge Materia," Cloud explained, "and Bugenhagen told us they'd be the key to stopping Meteor. Now that we have all four pieces, we can go to Cosmo Canyon, and give them to Bugenhagen. Hopefully, he'll know what to do with them."

"And Bugenhagen will know how to help Aisha?" Zack asked.

"We hope so," Tifa said.

Zack didn't find that answer to his liking. "You mean we may be wasting our time here? What if he can't help her then? We won't have time to try something else!"

Barrett rose to his feet, and glared at Zack furiously. "Who the hell do you think you are, Punk?! It ain't our problem you're friend's not feelin' her best! We have a whole flippin' planet to save! So shut up, or ship out!"

Billy glanced at Zack in surprise. No matter how frustrated Zack was with the situation, it wasn't like him to just explode out of anger. It was then he noticed the sweat glistening on Zack's face.

"Zack," he said, "I think you'd better lay down."

"I will not lay down!" he declared. "We have a job to do!"

Billy remained calm, his glance turning to Cloud. "Just how far are we from Cosmo Canyon?"

"About three hours," he responded. "Maybe a bit less."

"Then can Zack possibly lie down for the duration? I'm afraid he's not himself."

"What are you talking about?" Zack demanded, "I'm fine."

Billy rose to his feet, and help the back of his palm to Zack's forehead. "No, you're not fine. You have a fever, Zack. You need rest."

"No I don't," Zack sustained.

Billy frowned. "Dying won't help Aisha," he said in a low voice, "and this Space Virus is probably running rampant through your system. You need rest if you're going to be strong enough to accompany us when we see Bugenhagen."

Zack's frown remained, but he nodded in consent.

"Fine, I'll take a little break."

Chapter Thirteen

Goldar rose from the throne he had assumed when the gates to the clammy throne room opened, and the sound of three pairs of heels clicked against the cold granite. A grin crossed his feral face, and he rubbed his hands together in anticipation. Rito, who had fallen asleep on the floor beside the throne, perked up when he heard Goldar's deep laughter echo through the chamber. He too stood up, and took notice.

Standing before the throne stood three women, all the peak if physical perfection. The first was a redhead with ivory skin and blazing ruby eyes. She wore a multi-toned catsuit that was black from the heels of her boots to about the thigh, and then became increasingly lighter shades of gray. The differing tones created the image of a bright fire, with all the different colors of a deadly flame within. She grinned at Goldar, revealing sharp teeth, and held her hands on her hips.

Beside her stood another woman, whose face mirrored the redhead's exactly. She, however, was of a milk-chocolate skin tone, and her pitch black hair hung from a ponytail that sat high on her head. Her deep green eyes shimmered with malevolence, and a harsh grin was painted on her chocolate lips. She was dressed in black as well, but her outfit consisted of a gown that reached her ankle, with slits reaching all the way past her hips, and a golden chain hanging on her hips like a belt. The top portion of the gown was a turtleneck, made of the same shiny vinyl-like material as the rest. Draped on her shoulders was a wispy black cape, that flowed behind her with every move she made.

The final woman was of a bronze skin tone, with curly snow white hair tumbling over her shoulders. Her uniform was a silvery gray tunic that reached about mid thigh, a thick black belt, and black leggings that connected with her three inch heels. A playful smile danced in her bright violet eyes, and she licked her lips flirtatiously.

"Sheesh," Rito mumbled. "So these are the kind of monsters Finster really likes to make."

"I heard that," Finster muttered walking into the throne room slowly. He stretched out his arms, and a yawn escaped his lips.

"So what are they, and can they defeat the Power Rangers?" Goldar asked.

"They are the Dreadkin," he answered, "three sisters of immense beauty and might. This monster design was actually from an ancient conquering race known as the Grenika, who spanned the universe in the year --"

"Finster," Goldar muttered with contempt, "you're rambling."

Finster blinked. "Oh, so I am. In any case, may I present Blaze, Shade, and Nirvana."

The three sisters bowed once their name was called, starting with the redhead, and ending with the third. Each woman smiled maliciously at Goldar.

"What do they do, besides stand there and look pretty?" Rito asked.

"Blaze controls the Black Flame, which is something like the opposite of solar fire. Shade can teleport, become intangible or invisible, and can send her opponent into a cold void universe within her cape for a short period of time. And finally, Nirvana can alter perception. Hearing, vision, balance...you name it."

"Excellent," Goldar chuckled, scratching his snout. "If the Power Rangers did somehow survive Contagion, then they'll surely fall to this fighting force!"

"Of course," Finster yawned, walking towards the gate. "If anyone needs me, I'll be in bed. I'm thoroughly exhausted."

"I wonder what's wrong with him," Rito thought aloud.

"Who cares," Goldar said dismissively. "Ladies, prepare to meet the Terran Power Rangers."

Chapter Fourteen

Zack lay on his back, staring up at the bottom of the bed suspended above his own. Even though he was lying in the comfortable darkness of the crew quarters, he couldn't drift to sleep. It didn't take long before he began to shiver slightly, but he forced himself to think about something else. He realized the frustration of having to wait was aggravating his symptoms, and without the Zeo shard's presence, he had to fight off the disease with his own immune system. Fortunately, the shard had already serious weakened the virus while he was still in the CAC, but he wasn't completely healed yet. Now, his own life was at stake as well.

"Zack," a soft voice whispered, as light passed into the room through the small opening in the door, "are you awake?"

"Yeah," Zack answered, glancing at the door. Tifa entered the room, and sat down on a chair she placed beside Zack's bed. She touched his forehead with her hand.

"Wow," she said, "you really are warm! What did Billy call this again...?"

"A fever," Zack said quietly. "Don't worry, though. I'll be fine."

"Its no trouble," Tifa said, placing a cold compress on his head, "Billy said this should help."

"Yeah," Zack whispered, holding the ice, wrapped in a towel, on his forehead. "It does. Thanks."

"Like I said, it's no trouble," Tifa said, rising to her feet. "We should be arriving at Cosmo Canyon in about two hours. You should take this chance to get some rest."

Zack shrugged, and closed his eyes. Tifa walked to the door, but then glanced back at Zack. "You love her, don't you?"

Zack's eyes shot open. "Huh?"

"You love her...the girl you're trying to save," Tifa repeated. "Don't you?"

Zack blinked. "What makes you say that?"

"Well...back in Mideel, when you thought there was no hope, you showed such despair, just at the thought of it. Of life without her. And when the possibility arose that she could be saved, you beamed with excitement and hope. Billy showed similar feelings, but yours were magnified. And just now, you displayed so much anger at her predicament, and you placed her well being before your own. It could only be love."

"I..." Zack muttered, gazing at Tifa in surprise, "I mean...I do

care about her. Aisha's one of my best friends. We have a lot in common, and we try to help each other out. But we're friends. Its a different kind of love."

Tifa nodded, a grin crossing her lips. "I've been down that road before. Let me tell you a little story, Zack."

Tifa sat back down beside Zack's bed, and stared at the wall, her mind immersed in memories.

"Cloud and I grew up together," she started. "He actually lived about two houses away from me. We hung out together, played together, and even climbed Mount Nibel together. We even shared our dreams with one another. I remember so clearly when he told me his greatest wish was to join SOLDIER

, and be a great warrior. We were inseparable."

A small sigh escaped her lips, but she continued. "When we were teenagers, Cloud left Nibelheim, to join SOLDIER

, like he always dreamed. It was years until I saw him again. But when I did, it was like he never left. True, a lot happened to both of us...but we were close friends again, just like before. I really loved the idea of having him back in my life. But no matter how much I cared about him, I couldn't imagine him as anything other than a close friend. Until...I couldn't have him anymore."

Tifa's smile fell, and her eyes closed. "There was another member of our little group, named Aeris. She was gentle, graceful, beautiful...and she had such a innocence and love of life about her. And it was obvious that she fell for Cloud. And slowly, the feeling was reciprocated. I didn't notice it at first...but eventually, I realized how close they were. I couldn't understand why I was so jealous. Aeris was a close friend of mine, but I still...I couldn't help but wish, sometimes, that she wasn't with us. But then, she died."

Tifa took a deep breath, and tears formed in her tawny eyes. "Sephiroth stabbed her in the back, right in front of Cloud. He moved too quickly and purposefully for Cloud to do anything about it. I...I think it was the first time I ever saw him cry. And ever since then, he hasn't been the same. He's been so hard, as if all his emotions have died. Only on rare occasions, he lets his guard down, and shows a brief image of the man he used to be. It hurt me so much to see him suffer, and a part of me felt guilty that I didn't wish them the best when they were together. Not long ago, he was critically injured -- it was a deadly case of Mako poisoning. The doctors were sure he would die, but I wouldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't imagine life without him. It was then that I realized I had loved him. It took that much for me to admit it to myself, what I feel for him. But it was too late. Yes, he made a miraculous recovery, but he was still out of my reach. He's in love with Aeris. She's gone, but her memory will always be with him. If I had taken a chance earlier, and accepted what I felt and told him, then we may have had a future together. But I didn't...and I lost him."

Zack kept his eyes on Tifa, completely speechless. Soon Tifa pulled herself back to reality, and she wiped at her eyes with her fingertips. She cleared her throat, and looked down at Zack.

"My advice to you...don't make the same mistake I did. Its hard to see the line between 'friends'

and 'more than friends'

, but it'll be obvious when you're time's up. You don't have forever to make your move."

With that, she ran her hands through her dark hair, and rose to leave. "Get some rest, Zack. We'll come get you when we're close to Cosmo Canyon."

When the door closed behind Tifa, Zack found himself alone in the darkness. But so much weighing on his mind, he found it difficult to drift into sleep.

Chapter Fifteen

Hidden within the mountains outside Angel Grove, buried deeply beneath the surface, the technological powerhouse known as the Central Access Complex buzzed with life. It housed weapons capable of destroying planets, as well as scanning devices that can find a particular microscopic organism within the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean. However, despite all this vaunted technology, there was nothing the individuals there could do but watch their friend die.

Aisha Campbell remained unconscious, suspended in a force field designed to slow the progress of the viral contaminant inside her body. Beside her, Adam Park stood vigil, keeping watch over the various systems to make sure Aisha was as stable as can be. Only a few feet away, Alexis Darling lay upon another cot, her skin flushed and moist, and her eyes closed in exhaustion. Rocky DeSantos busied himself trying to keep her comfortable, while Tanya Sloan monitored the virus' progression through the Purple Ranger's body.

"Rocky, how's that coolant holding up?" Tanya asked, looking up from the screen she was studying.

Rocky glanced at her, and then turned to the source of a small beam that bathed the prone Purple Ranger in its gentle pale blue rays. "It seems okay, but I don't think it's really helping Lex's fever. Maybe we should crank it up to maximum?"

Tanya shook her head. "Alexis' fever isn't life threatening, so it's not imperative to reduce it. I just want to keep it in check. There's little we can do to treat a Space Virus. Her best chance lies in her own enhanced immune system."

"Well, at least she fell asleep," Rocky sighed, gently drying the moisture off her forehead with a towel. "That should help her on her way to recovery."

Tanya nodded, and glanced up from her work once again. This time, however, she inspected the remaining Terran Rangers, who were all seated by the main computer. None wanted to get in the way of the established medical team, yet they didn't want to leave until they were at least certain their friends were out of danger. And that wouldn't happen until Zack and Billy returned from their present mission.

"Rocky," Tanya said, picking up a hand-held scanning unit, "why don't you check on the rangers, and see how they're holding up? They're still a bit under the weather, even if it isn't really serious."

Rocky nodded, and caught the scanner Tanya tossed him. He jogged over to the congregation of rangers, who remained in relative silence. In fact, several of them had fallen asleep.

"How're you guys holding up?" Rocky inquired, switching on the scanner. He ran it over Tommy's forehead, since he was the closest to him. Tommy groaned slightly when the buzzing sound of the scanner awakened him, and watched Rocky's expression through blurry eyes, trying to determine his own situation via his friend's reaction. He felt relief when Rocky had finished scanning without announcing another dire diagnosis.

"Never better," Kimberly muttered sarcastically, standing up and stretching her arms and legs.

"I can't believe Billy and Zack haven't contacted us yet," Jason sighed, being careful not to jostle Katherine, who had fallen asleep on his shoulder. "What could be taking them so long?"

"They have an entire planet to search," Tommy reminded him. "Did you think it would be easy to do?"

Jason closed his eyes, and shook his head. "No. I just don't like waiting."

"So we've noticed," Rocky quipped, passing the scanner over Jason's body. "Okay, you four check out fine. Still, the virus is still in you, and the fact that your bodies are fighting it may be resulting in your current exhaustion."

Kim smiled weakly with amusement. "You sounded so much like Billy when you said that."

Rocky grinned. "Now you've seen everything."

Suddenly, the alarms screamed to life, surprising both Alexis and Katherine out of their slumber.

"What's happening?" Kat yawned weakly, her head rising from Jason's shoulder.

"Lemme check," Adam said, leaving Aisha's side to glance at the incoming data. "According to this, there are five magical creatures in and around Angel Grove."

"What?!" Alexis asked, pushing the ray that hovered over her so she could sit up.

"There's evil energy exuding from the park, the school, the business district, the outlet mall...and right above us."

"Large concentrations of people," Jason said, standing up and helping Katherine to her feet, "and our headquarters."

"Let's bring up some visuals," Tommy said, standing at the console beside Adam. He pressed a sequence of buttons, and the large screen was divided into five squares, one on each corner and one in the center. On each screen, a villain appeared, firing energy beams or swinging its weapon at innocent civilians. However, in the center image, Goldar sat upon a large boulder, waiting at the location of the destroyed Command Center.

"Goldar, Rito, and three monsters," Kimberly commented, glancing up at Tommy who stood close beside her. "We're going to have to split up."

"That's exactly what they want you to do," Adam spoke. "You know that, right?"

"We don't have a choice," Jason said, his lips pressed into a thin line. "If we single out one monster to attack, the others will either back him up, getting the drop on us, or continue to threaten the rest of Angel Grove."

"Then split up it is," Katherine said, crossing her arms. She peered at the screen contemplatively. "I'll take the creature at the park. I can use the lake to my advantage with my Water powers."

"Good thinking," Jason affirmed. "The business district's mine."

An ironic smile tugged at Kimberly's lips. "I'll take Rito at the mall."

"Goldar's mine," Tommy stated, his fists clenching, "but what about the school...?"

"That's my cue," Alexis said, swinging around and hopping off the cot. She straightened out her shirt, and moved to join the other rangers by the main computer.

"Are you nuts?!" Rocky questioned, moving into her path. "You're still running a fever!"

"Do you have anyone else in mind?" she countered.

"Well," Adam commented, his gaze fixed across the room, "we still have the green Zeo shard..."

"Don't even think

about it," Tanya said, her hands on her hips. "That thing has almost killed two Green Rangers. We're going to need time to figure out how to use it safely, and obviously, time's something we don't have right now."

"So, I'm the only option," Alexis decided.

Tommy gazed at Alexis, and then nodded. "Okay, you've got the school. Rocky, you keep an eye on us, especially Alexis. If it looks like someone's in trouble, teleport him or her out. I'm not taking any risks with this virus in our bloodstreams."

"You got it," Rocky said, moving closer to the computer. Tommy stepped away to a clearer area, and was followed by Jason, Katherine, Kimberly, and Alexis.

"It's Morphin Time!" Tommy uttered, his eyes flashing with red energy, "TERRA FIRE POWER!!"

"TERRA EARTH POWER!!"

"TERRA WATER POWER!!"

"X-Ranger Two!!"

"Purple Ranger Power!!"

Chapter Sixteen

A knock at the door broke through Zack's dreamless sleep. His eyes shuttered open, then closed immediately when they came in contact with the bright light from outside. He yawned weakly, and sat up, rubbing his eyes. He peered into the light, trying to discern who had come for him.

"Wakey, wakey, Sleepin' Beauty," he cooed sarcastically, leaning against the entrance with his arms crossed. "We're comin' up on Cosmo Canyon."

Zack smiled, recognizing the biting voice easily enough. "Hello, Cid," he said, rising to his feet. He then looked around. "Where's Billy?"

Cid Highwind chuckled. "That poindexter friend of yours sure is a sponge for useless facts," he declared, lighting a cigar. "He's out talkin' with the techs about the inner workings of the ship. All he should be worried about is whether or not it can fly, but no, he has to understand the physical principles that make a ship like this possible! He must not have much of a home life."

Zack shook his head. "He just has a bottomless well of curiosity," he replied, walking towards Cid. "What's everyone else doing to prepare?"

Cid shrugged. "Cait Sith is still runnin' around like he's in charge, Barrett's tryin' to pick which armor he wants to use, Cloud, Red and Tifa are with the Huge Materia, Yuffie's on the deck, tryin' not to hurl, and Vinnie...hell, I don't know where he is."

"I'm right here, Cid," Vincent remarked from behind, causing Cid to jump in alarm and surprise. He swore when he realized he dropped his cigar.

"You owe me a smoke, Valentine," Cid muttered. "Why're you so $#@*(#

spooky?!"

Vincent's expression remained stone. "I am what I am."

Cid rolled his eyes, a string of annoyed curses whispered under his breath as he left the crew quarters. Zack chuckled at Cid's anger, but his smile fell when he felt Vincent's crimson gaze on him.

"Uh, hi," Zack said uncomfortably.

Vincent nodded. "Are you feeling any better?" he asked.

Zack was surprised to hear Vincent start a conversation. "A little," he responded, "I guess I'm just anxious to find that cure and get back home."

"Follow me," Vincent said, turning around and leaving the quarters. Zack did as asked, and followed Vincent to the upper deck of the airship, which was where Zack remembered boarding the vessel a few hours ago. From there, they saw the rolling slopes of the mountains, and a small city built inside the wall of a rather large cliff. In that city was a huge dome on top, with a telescope peeking out.

"That is Cosmo Canyon," Vincent said, wrapping his cape around his body when he halted. Zack leaned against the railing, and looked out at the city in awe.

"It's amazing," he said quietly.

Vincent didn't respond. Instead, he pulled his hand out from under his cape, and held out a crystal armband, with six materia slots in it. Zack blinked, and looked at Vincent questioningly.

"This is the Crystal Bangle," he explained. "It is your armlet."

Zack's eyebrow rose. "How's that puny thing supposed to protect my whole body?"

Vincent couldn't resist a small smile of amusement. "That's the magic of its design. It basically constructs a sort of energy field around your skin, which increases the density of your skin to significantly limit battle damage. Also, it has some materia on it."

Zack accepted the bangle, and looked at the three shiny gems upon it. One was yellow, another purple, and the third green.

"What do they do?" he asked.

"The yellow is Deathblow, which empowers your weapon for a single mighty hit. You should put that one on the weapon you intend to use in battle. The purple is Enemy Away, which should decrease the percentage of monsters that try to attack you. And finally, the green is a magic materia Comet. If you feel in dire need, use it to attack all enemies with falling meteors created magically."

Zack frowned. "How do I know the Comets won't hit my allies."

"Such is the nature of materia," Vincent responded coolly. "It knows what you want it to do, and that's what it does. It is relatively simple to use."

A shadow crossed Zack's expression. "I wish finding this cure was that simple."

Vincent nodded, and turned again to the scenery below them. He bowed his head slightly. "You fight for a noble cause," he said finally, "I wish you success, for her sake as well as your own."

Zack blinked. "Huh?"

Vincent turned to Zack again, his red gaze boring into Zack's soul with unnatural perceptive power. "I was once where you are now, at a crossroads in my life. The life of the woman I loved hanged in the balance, and I was the only one who could save her from the eternal night. I tried, but I failed, and her innocent flame of light flickered and died before her time. It is my gravest sin, and it will forever torment me. When Lucrecia perished, two lives were destroyed. Hers, as well as mine. And of the two, she is the lucky one. She is at least at peace, where I shall never know that bliss. My sin can never be atoned."

Zack looked at Vincent for a moment. Vincent stood stiff as a board, his eyes locked in a faraway gaze that not only looked a great distance in physical surroundings, but also a great distance in time as well. Perhaps, to a nicer time. Zack remained in silent amazement, reflecting on what Vincent had said. The stoic warrior of the night bore his soul to Zack, in the hopes that he could somehow prevent his great pain from being suffered by another. Zack found it astounding that after spending only a handful of hours with this crew of heroes, he was already confronted by two crew members on the subject of his relationship with Aisha. Was there something he was missing, that was plainly visible to everyone else he encountered?

"Zack, Vincent," Cloud said, ascending the final steps leading to the deck. "We've been looking for you."

"How do you feel?" Billy asked, coming to a halt beside Zack. Zack noticed that Billy too was equipped with a Crystal Bangle, and his Partisan reflected the bright sunlight. He also noted that Billy had materia on him as well. There were two green spheres on his bangle, and a red one on his lance.

"I feel better," Zack answered finally. "So what've you got there?"

"These are Shield and Time materia respectively," Billy explained, pointing to the two green materia, " and this is a summon called Typoon. Shield creates different kinds of shields around allies, and Time can slow down an opponent, completely freeze him in place, or hasten an ally. Interesting materia, indeed."

"Yeah," Zack said, glancing up at the others. On the deck, all the members of Cloud's team were standing, their weapons at the ready, waiting for the airship to land.

"Okay, team, here's the plan," Cloud said. "We can't land anywhere on the canyon itself, so we're going to land on the grasslands, and walk over. It's no more than a quarter of a mile, so we should be okay. The monsters in this region aren't particularly dangerous, and considering there are ten of us, they don't stand a chance. Now, we need to carry the four pieces of Huge Materia, so Cid, Barrett, Cait Sith and I will carry the materia, while the rest of you travel in a circle around us, and ward off any attackers."

"Sounds like a plan," Cid said, dropping his cigar onto the deck and stomping it out with his heel. "Let's move out!"

Chapter Seventeen

The sound of deafening silence greeted the Black Terran Ranger as he materialized in a parking lot just outside a large corporate building in Angel Grove. As soon as the teleportation was complete, Jason took a defensive stance, and looked around for the monster he was to fight.

"It's too quiet," he decided, his eyes scanning the empty lot. There was obvious battle damage -- crushed cars, trees on fire, broken windows -- but there weren't any people in sight. Nor were there any monsters.

"Black Ranger," said a voice in a purposefully slow manner.

Jason whirled around, and saw a short, slightly overweight man standing before him. He was dressed in a business suit, and he carried a briefcase.

"Are you alright, sir?" Jason asked, approaching the man. "Did you see where the monster went?"

The man smiled, and opened his briefcase. Bright light leapt outed knocking Jason back several yards, and causing him to crash into a parked car. Slightly shaken from the impact, Jason steadied himself on his feet. When he looked at the man, he was stunned to realize that where he was standing earlier, a dozen people stood, all glaring at him with violet eyes.

"What the --" he uttered, just as the men and women released laser fire. Instinctively, Jason leaped out of the way, and rolled away from the car, which would likely explode if exposed to too much firepower. Yet he found himself in the middle of an empty parking lot with no protection.

"Time to use these Earth powers of mine," he muttered, holding his palms to the asphalt. A wall rose from the ground beneath him, blocking the laser beams effectively. Jason leaned against the wall, and carefully looked out of the side. The people were closing in, continuing to fire energy from their hands and eyes.

"That monster somehow put a spell on all these people!" he declared in surprise. "Now what am I gonna do?"

Inside the building, surrounded by injured and unconscious civilians, Nirvana giggled excitedly, twirling a lock of curly snow-colored hair. "My powers are working perfectly against him. He hears, sees, and feels exactly what I want him to! Now, the perceived pain he'll feel at the illusionary laser fire will weaken him enough for me to finish him off."

Chapter Eighteen

A column of gold energy landed amongst the chaos of hundreds of shoppers running frantically from a skeleton creature, who was randomly firing blasts of energy from his sword. He cackled insanely as he continued to wreak havoc, his continuous laughter halted only by the occasional sneeze.

He was so wrapped up in his random violence, he didn't notice the searing bolt of lightning headed for him until it penetrated his back, sending a painful shock through his entire skeleton.

"Give it up, Rito," the Gold Ranger said, her Thunder Bow poised with another bolt of lightning aimed and ready. "You're obviously not cut out for a strategic assault."

"Oh, hey, it's the Gold Ranger!" he said, waving his sword in greetings. "Here to join the party? I thought you'd be laid up or something."

"Well, you thought wrong," she returned. "Now, are you going to leave peacefully, or do I have to hurt you first?"

In response, Rito's body vanished, his head floating in the air. Kim was so surprised by this, she didn't notice his body reforming behind her.

"Um...I'll take choice number three," the head said, vanishing from sight. At the same time, his head reappeared atop his neck, and head-butted Kim in the back. She sprawled forward, dropping her bow in her descent.

How'd he do that?!

she marveled silently, rolling along the ground to make some space between herself and her opponent. He snuck up on me!

Kim rolled onto one knee, and fired a pulse of telekinetic energy in Rito's direction. He managed to teleport before the pulse reached him, his head spinning in place just above where the energy passed.

"Hmm," he muttered, "now, where did I put my body? Oh yes..."

Kim felt the presence behind her, but wasn't able to react before she felt the blunt side of Rito's large sword slam into the small of her back as if it were a baseball bat. She flew through the air with the force of the attack, and groaned as she struck the side of a building, unable to slow her descent with her telekinetic powers.

"Now I'm steamed!" she shrieked, leaping to her feet again. She held her hand forward, summoning her Thunderbow to return to her grasp telekinetically. Once she caught the weapon, she prepared to fire again. Yet once again, Rito had vanished.

This is too weird!! How is he blocking my telepathic powers? Is his mind so vapid that I can't track him?!

This time, Rito failed to get the drop on the Gold Ranger. A tell-tale sneeze warned Kimberly of his proximity, causing her to whirl around and fire her Thunderbow instantly. The electricity struck Rito's sword, forcing him to drop his weapon for fear of being burned again. Still, Rito wasn't out of options. His hands flashed slightly with energy, which flew at Kimberly in the form of a continuous beam. Kim immediately responded with a telekinetic stream of her own, colliding with Rito's energy midway between them. She focused her mind to increase the power of her own attack, intending to overwhelm Rito's attack. Yet before she could, she noticed Rito's head vanish from his neck, which strangely didn't hinder the energy stream from his hands.

"Uh oh..." she muttered, not daring to discontinue her energy fire. Yet a bolt of pain ripped through her body suddenly, forcing her to release her telekinetic assault. The very moment her energy fire dissipated, Rito's energy moved forward, crashing into her stomach with the force of a truck, and throwing the Gold Ranger through the wall of a nearby outlet store.

Kim groaned in pain, slowly rising into a sitting position and pushing chunks of concrete from on top of her. She rubbed the back of her neck, where she had felt the sudden pain earlier. She had no doubt that Rito's head managed to attack her from behind, by biting through her neck armor enough to distract her.

"Incredible," she muttered, shakily rising to her feet. "His ability to be two places at once is really confusing my telepathy, and that's just making it harder for me to focus enough to skillfully use telekinesis. This fight isn't going too well."

Chapter Nineteen

The Blue Terran Ranger flipped through the air, just managing to dodge a spiraling stream of black fire. The fire impacted with the grass where Katherine was standing, exploding on impact and causing the surrounding grass to catch aflame.

Kat breathed out slowly, steadying herself for Blaze's next assault. This time, the tall, pale Dreadkin held her hands about a foot apart, creating a whirling focus of black flame energy. Also, the air around the warrior sparked and darkened from the saturation of power.

"Now's my chance," Kat considered, her Ice Daggers forming in her hands. She held the points of the blades towards Blaze, creating streams of rapid-fire hailstones to streak at Blaze like a machine gun. However, the marble sized pellets of ice melted as soon as they came in contact with the intense heat field surrounding the creature.

"Nice try, Blue Ranger," Blaze taunted, raising her hands above her head. The swirling fireball were now the size of a watermelon, and continued to rotate on its own axis, creating a powerful wave of air to blow in the surrounding area, weaving through Blaze's crimson hair and causing the nearby lake to ripple. Kat braced herself, trying her best to prohibit the powerful building winds from knocking her off balance. She steeled herself when she saw her opponent hurl the flaming ball in her direction.

First, Katherine fired more hail at the ball, yet again they melted long before they came into contact with the sphere of heat. Then, sensing the futility of that measure, Kat concentrated, causing her daggers to fire streams of highly pressurized water from the silver metal tips. The water shot forth like a fire hose, with the intention of dowsing the powerful fireball. Yet, to Kat's infinite horror, the water all evaporated once it came near the intense heat of the sphere.

Kat gasped, and threw herself to the ground just before the ball struck her body. The fireball sailed above her, affording the Blue Ranger some time to rise to her feet. She turned around, preparing to dowse whatever fire the ball would start once it impacted the trees behind her, yet to her shock, the fireball had stopped moving, and hovered only a few yards behind her. Then, it suddenly turned around, and flew towards the Blue Ranger again.

"Don't you know anything about Black Flame?" Blaze chuckled, her fingers beckoning the fireball. "It's intensely hot...far hotter than any fire you're familiar with. Water can't dowse it! And, it is totally under my mental control!"

Kat glowered under her helmet, and turned swiftly to the fireball that streaked in her direction. At a loss for options, she quickly erected a wall of ice, at least two feet thick, blocking the path of the ball. Yet, it melted through the partition, and slammed into the Blue Ranger's chest, exploding on impact and sending her into the lake behind her. Blaze laughed triumphantly when she saw steam and bubbles surface.

Blaze's laugh caught in her throat as a column of water stretched from the center of the lake, and hovered in the air. Atop the water sat the Blue Ranger, her uniform singed and smoking.

"This isn't over yet, Blaze!" Katherine yelled, her usually gentle, melodic lightly accented voice harsh and determined.

Chapter Twenty

The Purple Ranger struggled to stay on her feet, her knees buckling beneath her body's weight. To her, it seemed as if the force of gravity had tripled from its normal intensity.

"This is pathetic," Shade muttered, her wispy cape and dark ponytail fluttering in the calm breeze. "Of all the Power Rangers, I get the runt of the team. You can barely stand on your own two feet!"

Alexis glared at her opponent under her helmet, but she chose not to respond to the insulting remarks. Instead, she focused every ounce of energy in her being into her hands. Her white gloves sparked with faint violet energy, which coalesced into a sphere of flashing purple light. She pulled her arms back, and extended them quickly, hurling the sphere into the air. Shade chuckled as the sphere passed through her body unhindered.

Damn her intangibility!

Alexis swore. There isn't a thing I can do to her! Good thing she can't hold it for very long...

Alexis attempted to concentrate her powers again, yet this time only faint flashes of energy appeared. She sighed inwardly, a scowl on her face.

"It looks like the Purple Power-less Ranger is out of steam," Shade commented, a gleam in her emerald eyes. "This should be easy."

That said, Shade bent her knees, and leaped into the air, hurtling her body towards the Purple Ranger at an astonishing speed. The wispy cape somehow managed to allow the Dreadkin to glide on the air currents, giving her unsurpassed control over her aerial assault. Alexis extended her hand, causing her sparking Laser Whip to materialize at her silent command, and cracked it menacingly in the air as Shade approached. Yet, when Shade was finally close enough for Alexis to strike, the whip passed harmlessly through Shade's body, and then Shade herself passed through Alexis, landing on the ground behind the startled Purple Ranger. Alexis turned around sharply, only moving right into a powerful roundhouse kick that struck her in the jaw, and caused her to fall clumsily to the green grass that accented the baseball field just behind Angel Grove High School.

"You're about as dangerous as a declawed kitten," Shade sighed, looming above Alexis threateningly, "if even."

Alexis felt fury building in the core of her being, rushing to her extremities a jolt of adrenaline that she desperately needed to get back on her feet. Unseen by the haughty Shade, Alexis grasped her Laser Whip tightly, and in one clean movement, she raised her right hand, and arched her wrist firmly. The purple colored whip wrapped around Shade's leg, and instantly sent a jolt of purple tinged energy. Shade shrieked in surprise and pain as the energy traveled along her entire body, flashing brightly as a web of energy that encased her tightly.

Alexis rose to one knee, tightening her grasp on her whip. She knew the energy would only continue to flow as long as she could maintain it, and her weakened state has left little energy to spare. Still, Alexis was determined to fell her opponent, virus or no virus. She felt the sweat streaking down her cheeks, and a throbbing pain echo her heartbeat in her mind. With a grunt of frustration, Alexis' focus weakened for a split second.

That was all the time Shade needed.

In one precise movement, Shade whirled her free leg around, smashing into the Purple Ranger's arms and forcing the whip out of her grip. Alexis sprawled weakly to the ground, gasping for breath and fighting the veils of unconsciousness from overpowering her. While Alexis was otherwise occupied, Shade yanked the purple leather strip off her leg, and tossed it out of her way. An infuriated scowl on her dark features, Shade grabbed the corner of her cape with one hand, and cast it over Alexis. A cold chill raced through the Purple Ranger's body as the sight of the baseball diamond was replaced by an infinite black void.

"AHH!"

she shrieked, waving her arms and legs frantically. She was floating aimlessly in a pit of nothingness, without even the dimmest source of light or the slightest sound besides her own terrified screams.

She didn't feel the presence of something beneath her, so she was certain she was somehow floating. All she could feel was a penetrating cold, that stabbed at every inch of her body like knives. Shivering fitfully, Alexis recoiled into a ball, hoping to keep herself alive with her own body heat.

Only seconds after her descent into darkness, Alexis felt herself fall. The fall didn't last long, and she suddenly crashed into the semi-soft ground of the baseball diamond. She collapsed flat onto the ground, still shivering with fear and cold. She didn't understand what had happened to her, yet from the wicked look in Shade's green eyes, she knew what caused it.

Unfortunately, she didn't think her body was capable of paying the villainess back.

Chapter Twenty-One

The two mighty swords, one of silver, and the other of gold, clashed again and again, at a frightening speed and with deadly strength behind each powerful thrust. A shower of sparks flew in all directions each time the two blades collided, creating a heavy amount of friction. The clashes of the metal echoed so loudly, anyone near the mountaintop would hear it. Yet, the area was completely deserted, save the two bitter enemies, and the remains of the Command Center that littered the rocky earth.

"You're much slower today," the hideous beast Goldar commented. "Under the weather, Tommy?"

"Actually, I'm feeling much better, thanks," Tommy rebuffed. "If you had attacked...say, an hour ago, you might have had me at a disadvantage. But of course, you missed your golden opportunity, Lassie."

Goldar ignored the witty human's latest jibe to his canine appearance, not allowing himself to lose the perfect rhythm of his attacks. Still, although the two warriors were about evenly matched, Goldar was easily the stronger of the two. It was simply Tommy's speed and agility that allowed him to counteract that advantage. Yet, Goldar pressed even harder, focusing all the strength in his body with each thrust, hoping to overpower his young opponent.

Tommy received each thrust with a perfectly timed counter-thrust, yet he couldn't stop himself from being pushed back slightly at every turn. It was like standing in the way of a speeding train...simply impossible to hold one's ground. Tommy knew he was inching backwards, and considering the hazardous battle ground, he was sure he'd eventually either fall off the cliff, or strike his foot against a mound of debris and trip. In either case, Goldar was quick and sharp enough to use that momentary distraction to his benefit.

In an attempt to push the odds in his favor, Tommy sidestepped a particularly powerful down-thrust, allowing Goldar's sharp blade to plow into the earth like a shovel. Tommy then whirled around and slammed his knee into the small of Goldar's back, using the beast's own momentum to throw him hard on the ground face first. Tommy grabbed Goldar's sword, which he had dropped, and channeled his heat energy through it. Once it started to glow with fire energy, Tommy returned his gaze to Goldar, who had returned to his feet.

"Here," Tommy said, tossing the heated sword like a dart to a target. Goldar scowled, dodging the sword and letting it lay on the dusty ground. He noticed the heat energy, and wasn't stupid enough to injure himself by trying to use it.

"Your tactics have grown less sportsman-like each day," Goldar hissed. "Perhaps you aren't as much a goody-good as you like to appear."

Tommy's face was grim beneath his helmet, but his exaggerated breathing gave testimony to his own fatigue. "Well, this isn't a game, Goldar, so losing fair and square isn't an option."

Chapter Twenty-Two

Rocky watched the five battles on the main computer screen so intensely that he almost felt each blow his friends received at the hands of the various evil opponents sent to destroy them. It was painful to watch, yet Rocky knew it was necessary, in the hopes that he could somehow help them.

If only Billy were here,

Rocky lamented. He'd know how to help them. Maybe with some secret weapon or something. I feel so useless!

Tanya and Adam were still busily tending to Aisha, trying to recalibrate the coolant to effectively reduce her life-threatening fever, or perhaps devise another way to inhibit the spread of the virus, to prolong her life-expectancy. No one knew how Zack and Billy were faring on their mission to Midgar, and if they would even be successful in finding a cure. Tanya and Adam desperately searched for other options, in case the primary solution fell through.

"I've gotta do something," Rocky said aloud, his focus fixed on the lower, right-hand corner. There, he watched the Purple Ranger painfully steady herself on her feet, preparing to launch another attack that most likely wouldn't connect. Out of the five battles, she was faring the worst. Not only was she fighting Shade, one of the mighty Dreadkin, she was also fighting a dangerous virus. This was a fight the brave Alexis Darling might not be able to win.

Several times, Rocky's hand passed over the emergency teleport button, which was locked onto the Purple Ranger's coordinates at all times. Tommy had advised him to keep an eye on all five rangers, and to teleport them out if it appeared they were losing. It was clear that Alexis was dragging her feet, yet he couldn't bring himself to bail her out.

Rocky cared about the brash Purple Ranger a great deal...perhaps more than he himself realized. They were friends at first, and then they sort of dove into a relationship. Still, it was far more casual than the bonds that connected Kim and Tommy, Tanya and Adam, or Kat and Jason. It was far more sudden, and far less nurtured. They spent time together, but they seemed more like very close friends than a romantic couple. It was something Rocky wanted to remedy, although it never seemed like the opportune time to do so.

"And now isn't the time either," he determined, glancing away from Alexis. He knew she would hate to be pulled out of the fight, especially considering there was no one else to fend off Shade. Also, he had strong faith in her willpower and ability to recover. After all, she picked up the pieces after the loss of her powers, and became an even more formidable Purple Ranger, protecting the streets of Philadelphia without the aid of other rangers, nor the support of a mentor like Zordon or an adviser like Billy.

She was the bravest person he knew, and if anyone could bounce back into the fight, it was her.

"No, Alexis isn't coming out yet," he said, watching the other battles, "but I have to contribute something here!"

Tommy seemed to be about evenly matched with Goldar. Although anyone could tell Tommy wasn't at his peak performance, it was clear that Goldar wasn't as focused as usual either. The Red Ranger could hold off without help for a bit longer at least. Unfortunately, the others were losing ground with every passing minute.

"Kim can't get the edge on Rito, because she can't focus her telepathic or telekinetic powers effectively against him," Rocky judged, "Kat's water isn't enough to quench Blaze's Black Flame, and Jason still can't shake the perceptual manipulations of Nirvana. Nirvana confuses all five basic senses..."

Then, an idea dawned on Rocky. "...but, can she confuse the sixth?"

A grin crossed the former Red Ranger's face, and his rusty brown eyes widened with excitement. "Of course!! Jason, Kat, and Kimberly are fighting bad guys with abilities that cancel out their own! Jason can't beat Nirvana's perceptual control, but I'd bet Kim can, with her telepathy. Also, Kat's water powers aren't enough to quell the Black Flame because the water evaporates, but Jason's earth powers may do the trick. And since Kat's powers don't require the concentration Kim's powers do, she'd be able to respond to Rito's attacks better."

Rocky immediately flipped on the communication relay, and channeled the signal to reach the Gold, Blue, and Black Rangers.

"Listen up, gang," he announced, "I'm going to teleport each of you to another fight. Kat, you're going up against Rito in the mall, Kim, you're going to fight Nirvana in the business district, and Jason, I'm sending you to the park with Blaze. Kat, watch out for Rito's weird teleports. Kim, be prepared for Nirvana's sense disruption. And Jason, get ready for Blaze's powerful Black Flame. Maybe we can turn the tables on these guys."

^You got it,^

Kim's voice chimed.

^Great thinking, Rocko!^

Jason congratulated.

^Thanks a lot,^

Katherine added.

Rocky's smile widened as he activated the teleporter, and then watched the fight scenes again. Nirvana, Rito, and Blaze were all shocked to see the sudden teleportation of their opponents, and were even more stunned to see their replacements. However, whereas they were acquainted with the abilities of the other rangers, the new opponents were a mystery to them. Yet, they had the feeling they weren't a mystery to the rangers.

"Score one for Rocky DeSantos, Master Strategic Adviser!" he said, sitting back smugly on the chair behind him. "Now, all I need to do is figure out how to help Lex..."

Chapter Twenty-Three

"This...place is incredible

!" Zack whispered in awe, holstering his Winchester rifle. After an arduous journey through the cliffs, the members of Cloud Strife's rebel forces, accompanied by Zack and Billy, arrived at the towering stairs leading to the city of Cosmo Canyon, carved into the side of a mighty cliff. Once they reached the top of the staircase, Billy and Zack were treated to an incredible view. Dozens of tents were erected along the plateau, which served as entrances to the coves that contained residences, shops, and rest areas. Also, at the very center of the plateau was a blazing fire, whose burning embers flashed with an almost magical radiance. A handful of citizens stood around the fire, either admiring its beauty, enjoying its sustaining warmth, or even consulting its majesty. And finally, another case of stone stairs stretched upwards, leading to another level of the town.

"It feels so peaceful here," Billy commented, glancing at Red XII. "It must have been wonderful to grow up here."

The crimson wolf nodded. "Cosmo Canyon is a city fully devoted to nature and philosophy. My grandfather Bugenhagen is the present elder and head sage. The knowledge he has accumulated over the centuries is awe-inspiring. Believe me, in the forty years of my life I still haven't absorbed all the wisdom Bugenhagen has to offer. Also, his understanding of nature and the Lifestream is second to none, other than the Ancients themselves perhaps."

"It's not all that impressive," Cid huffed, placing the blue Huge Materia on the ground so he could light another cigar.

"Anything is better than that awful airship of yours," Yuffie remarked. "The slightest turbulance turns the entire thing into a blender!"

"It's not my baby's fault you have such a weak stomach," Cid growled, glaring down at the teenager.

"Would you quit yer yappin!" Barrett grumbled, his wide arm wrapped around the yellow Huge Materia. "This thing is heavy!!"

"Yes, let's get to the tower," Cloud decided, glancing at the red Huge Materia he was holding. "The sooner we get answers from Bugenhagen, the sooner we save the planet from Sephiroth and his Meteor spell."

Cloud glanced ominously at the enormous rock that filled the majority of the horizon. "We don't have much time left."

"I'll lead the way," Red XIII announced, bounding in front of the rest of the party and hurrying up the stairs. "Grandfather is probably in his observatory."

Zack, Billy, Yuffie, Tifa, Vincent, Cloud, Cid, Barrett, and Cait Sith followed the excited wolf up the stairs as quickly as possible, considering the latter four were still burdened by the large pieces of materia they confiscated. After climbing several flights of stairs, they reached the doorway to the wisest being alive, the ancient sage Bugenhagen of Cosmo Canyon.

"Grandfather!" Red XIII exclaimed, hurrying through the entrance towards the elderly, bald man within. The latter smiled when he saw his adoptive grandson, and scratched his forehead in greetings.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Nanaki," he said, kneeling on the ground to look him eye to eye. "How has your quest fared?"

"We've brought the four Huge Materias," Red announced, gesturing behind him. Bugenhagen rose to his feet when he saw the train of heroes that followed Red inside, with the four last ones each carrying a single Huge Materia.

"Wonderful!" Bugenhagen exclaimed. "The Huge Materia is far too powerful for the Shinra Corporation to control. Hopefully, the intense magic dwelling within each crystal will aid you in your mission to defeat Sephiroth. His power grows with each passing day, you realize."

"Yes, we do," Tifa spoke up. "But now that we have this materia, what do we do with it?"

"For now, you can store it in my laboratory, so I can examine it further," the elder decided, glancing across the crowded room to a computer console. The hem of his green robe ruffled slightly as he ascended from the ground by several inches, and floated to the machine. He beckoned to Cloud with his hand.

"Cloud, Barrett, Cid, Cait...please step on the platform. Just lay the Huge Materia within the dome."

The four men nodded, and stepped to the slightly elevated platform in the center of the lab. Bugenhagen pulled the lever, causing the platform to lift off the ground, and through an opening in the ceiling.

"Uh, Mister Bugenhagen," Zack said suddenly, stepping forward towards the ancient wiseman, "we have another problem that we were hoping you could help us with."

Bugenhagen squinted at Zack, and then removed his thick glasses and wiped the darkened lenses with his robe. He then put his glasses back on, and squinted at him once again.

"Ho ho hooo...I don't think I recognize this young man, Nanaki!"

Red XIII stepped forward. "He is Zack Taylor, and his friend here is Billy Mitchell. They have traveled a great distance in search of healing magic to restore a friend of theirs to health."

"Hmm," Bugenhagen muttered, gazing at Zack and Billy with new interest. "What kind of symptoms does your friend suffer from?"

Zack bit his lip, mulling through his brain to decide the best way to explain the situation to the elder. It was difficult to make someone who had no experience with disease understand Aisha's condition.

Bugenhagen noticed the discomfort in Zack's dark eyes, and nodded when he saw the same look expressed in Billy's blue ones. He then fingered his gray beard, and once again rose from the ground.

"That bad, eh?" he commented.

"It's...really difficult to explain --" Billy started.

"As a matter of fact," Tifa said suddenly, stepping forward, "their friend is suffering symptoms similar to what Zack himself has, but on a magnified scale."

Bugenhagen's peering gaze fell once again on the Silver Ranger, who nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we both have the same...uh, problem. But she's dying! I'm just, not feeling my best."

"Interesting," Bugenhagen said, clenching his hands together. The long sleeves of his robe draped over his hands, covering them completely. "Then the first thing to do is examine what is wrong with you, young man."

Bugenhagen glanced up when he saw the platform lower again. Once it reached the ground level, Cloud, Cid, Barrett, and Cait Sith stepped off, towards the remainder of the assembled heroes.

"Would you all excuse the three of us for a few minutes?" Bugenhagen asked, floating onto the platform. "The two strangers and I have a problem to discuss."

"Sure," Cloud said. "We just left the Huge Materia in the lab."

"Thank you," Bugenhagen said, beckoning Billy and Zack to step on. Then, the platform once again ascended through the ceiling, and stopped once it was level with the observatory floor.

Both Billy and Zack gaped in astonishment. The observatory was a large dome, with lifelike images of the nearby stars and constellations projected onto the tiled surface of the dome. In the center, several feet above their heads, a large, yellow ball floated, spinning slowly on its own axis. Several smaller balls revolved around the miniature sun, each at its own speed. Also, a purplish rock, about one tenth the size of the sphere representing Midgar, hovered near it, glowing faintly. Finally, hovering only about three feet off the floor, the four Huge Materia were placed in a square shape, with the center being the platform itself.

"This is...amazing

," Billy mumbled, staring up at the model solar system. "So, you are an astronomer also, Bugenhagen?"

The wiseman nodded. "There is infinite knowledge in the surrounding planets of the universe, Billy. The only way to truly understand one's own world is to understand as much of its environment as possible. The majesty of the universe must remain in mind when studying one's own problems. It is the proper perspective."

Bugenhagen's gaze turned from the two young men to a computer terminal along the wall. He floated towards it, and pressed a sequence of buttons, causing the model of the solar system to vanish.

"So," he said, not turning around, "how is Zordon anyway?"

Chapter Twenty-Four

It took the brilliant young scientist a few moments to recover from the overwhelming shock resulting from Bugenhagen's question. His blue eyes locked with the darkened lenses of the sage's glasses, and stared at them in absolute puzzlement. An amused grin crossed the elder's face, and he nodded his head slightly.

"Yes," Bugenhagen said, "I do know Zordon of Eltar. A truly brave and admirable being, so dedicated to his cause."

"How...?" Billy started.

"Ho ho hooo," Bugenhagen chuckled, "Zordon is famous throughout the universe, young man. I'm surprised he sent you both here without telling you he had spent several months studying with me in Cosmo Canyon."

This shocked Billy and Zack even more. "Zordon...studied with you?" Zack repeated.

"Indeed. Zordon may be a highly skilled telepath and wizard, but when he came to me he was still lacking a deep understanding of the harmony of nature. That understanding is as necessary to the keeper of the Zeo Crystal as air is for you Earthlings."

"What?" Zack said suddenly. "How did you know we are from Earth?!"

"Perhaps I should start from the beginning," Bugenhagen decided, hovering off the ground. "You see, the Eltarians were selected by Roma, the Omniversal Majestrix, to protect the Zeo Crystal, which is a shard of the M'Kraan Crystal. I'm sure you know that much by now."

Billy and Zack nodded mutely.

"Good. Well, Zordon became the Zeo Crystal's guardian, and he was destined to form a team of young humans to wield the awesome power of Terra. As you know, the Terra power is the force of nature itself, focused into six forces of nature: fire, wind, earth, lightning, water, and light. Yet Zordon, who was a brilliant wizard, lacked the philosophical knowledge of the delicate harmony of nature, and he realized how important that understanding was to truly comprehend the power of Terra. So he came to Midgar after learning of my famous studies of nature. I was the one who helped connect the wise warrior to the power of nature. That enabled him to fully grasp the power of Terra, and figure out exactly how to give the power of nature to humans. Without that study, he never would have been able to turn the Morphin' Grid into the individual Terra shards. My my...that was several centuries ago. How time flies..."

Zack and Billy were still overwhelmed by this revelation. "Small universe," Zack muttered.

A toothy grin crossed Bugenhagen's face. "Zordon's fame has touched all the corners of this galaxy. Even a backwater planet like this one..."

Bugenhagen leaned forward, as if to tell the two young men a guarded secret, "...but I'm the only one on Midgar to know he's from another planet. Everyone else assumed he was simply visiting from some other country. Most of the planet is in the dark about the rest of the universe, because we have enough problems of our own. Eventually, when this civilization is united, then we can more aptly deal with existence on a larger scale."

An ironic smile appeared on Billy's face. Midgar sounded so very much like Earth...torn with civil wars to such an extent that humanity in general is completely unprepared to deal with alien existence. That's probably why most people don't really believe in the invasions of Angel Grove. It's far more comforting to believe life is more or less predictable.

"I still don't get it," Zack suddenly said, an expression of complete and utter puzzlement wrinkling his features. "How did you know we were Zordon's students?"

"The power signature of Light is within you, Zack," Bugenhagen replied, "I sense the Zeo shard isn't with you just now, but its energies won't leave you completely until your ultimate mission is complete."

That said, Bugenhagen tapped his chin in thought. "Enough small talk, though. We have a crisis on our hands. So, what is the matter with your friend?"

"Well, she has come down with a Space Virus," Billy answered. "Are you familiar with diseases?"

"Yes, I am. Almost every other planet capable of accommodating life has harmful bacteria or viruses, yet this planet does not. As a matter of fact, the Space Virus is a terrible plague, deadly to almost all humanoid species, like Earthlings, Kerovans, Aquitians, or Midgarians, to name a few. A similar disease struck the homeworld of the Cetra, or Ancients, and wiped out much of their population. That's why a small number of them fled the planet, hoping to find a world in which they could find a cure to the disease that slowly killed their entire species. They made a home on Midgar."

"So, there is a cure to the Space Virus here!" Zack uttered in excitement.

"Well, that's a little tricky," Bugenhagen said, scrunching his nose in thought. "The planet is the cure. The energy of the Lifestream is like a purifying bath, creating a cleansing aura throughout this planet and keeping its inhabitants safe from deadly plagues and the like. If you had brought your friend here, eventually the energy of the Lifestream would have cured her. Yet, I'm afraid it will be far more difficult to bring the cure to her."

Billy frowned. "Aisha is far too weak to be transported here, Bugenhagen. She is dying at an alarming rate."

Zack felt the desperation building within him. "Isn't there anything we can do? Can't we bring Materia of some kind?"

"Well...Materia taps into the Lifestream, so it wouldn't usually work separated from the planet."

Billy perked up a bit. "You said 'usually,'

so when can it work separated from the planet?"

"A very rare kind of Materia is enclosed within itself, and is capable of the purification that the Lifestream itself does. It is called Holy Materia."

A smile of relief crossed Zack's lips. "Perfect! Now, all we need to do is find this Holy Materia."

"That's not as easy as it may sound. Could you please fetch Nanaki and the others?" Bugenhagen requested. "They need to be here for this."

Billy and Zack returned to the platform, while Bugenhagen slightly altered the programming of his observatory image. Hovering in the center of the dome, about ten feet above the platform, was an enormous three-dimensional hologram of the planet Midgar. Bugenhagen then floated into the air, until he was at about the same height as the hologram.

Moments later, the crowd of young heroes arrived within the darkened dome.

"Wow..." Yuffie muttered. "This is amazing!"

"Careful not to watch the planet rotate," Cid mocked. "You might hurl or somethin'."

Yuffie fixed her penetrating gaze on Cid as he laughed hysterically at his rude comment.

"Take it easy, guys," Cloud whispered, turning his attention to Bugenhagen. "What did you figure out?"

"Well, we've determined that the key to saving Billy and Zack's friend is the Holy Materia," Bugenhagen summarized. "But now, it is time to see what the Huge Materia can show us."

"Hurry it up already," Barrett muttered. "We're not getting' any younger here."

Bugenhagen ignored the bitter man's impolite order, and held his hands out towards the red Huge Materia. The materia began to glow faintly with red light, until that inner light intensified, creating a warm, steady glow. Then, a tight beam of red light fired from the apex of the large crystal to the direct central point of the Huge Materia square, stopping at the center. The laser beam remained fixed, just about a foot above the team's heads.

Then, the blue materia began to glow, and fired its own tight beam of energy. The same happened to the yellow and green stones, and four beams of colored energy collided at the focal point. That energy built, until it formed a white sphere with a diameter of about two feet. The sphere began descending towards the ground, causing the assembled heroes to spread out, giving the sphere room. It halted at about eye level with the team, and solidified into a clear glass orb.

"What's this?" Cait Sith asked quietly.

"No doubt it will show us," Vincent responded.

The sphere's clear center flashed once with an eerie green light, about the size of a marble, just off the center. Then, a matching green light appeared almost beside it, and they remained glowing for a short while. Cloud's eyes widened when he realized what he was seeing.

"Sephiroth," he whispered in contempt, as the obscure form took shape. Bright green eyes contrasted to the pale face that formed around them, noble and flawless in appearance. Flowing locks of thick white hair framed his face in soft, ordered waves. Yet, a cold grin was painted on the man's lips, sending chills up both Billy and Zack's spines.

There was a polished malevolence that this being exuded just from this simple image, that made Rita and Zedd's bothersome evil pale in comparison.

The image continued to zoom out, giving the audience a better view of Sephiroth. He was standing tall upon some precipice, his hands held high over his head with his palms facing each other. In the center between his hands, a small opal sphere hovered.

"That is the Black Materia," Vincent explained. "It is the magical force allowing Sephiroth to summon the Meteor spell."

"...and if it weren't for me, he wouldn't have it," Cloud said quietly, his bright blue eyes cast to the floor. Tifa lay her hand gently on his shoulder, but Cloud didn't respond to her attempts to comfort him.

"No point in cryin' over it," Barrett huffed. "It's in the past, and ya can't undo it. But, we can stop him from winnin' in the end."

Then, the image of Sephiroth faded, leaving only the bright green eyes. Then, another image took shape around the eyes. Zack and Billy could make out a new face, decidedly feminine, with a creamy complexion, pink cheeks, and a warm, disarming smile. Two locks of fawn brown hair hung by her ears, while the rest was fashioned in a long braid. As the image pulled back, they were treated to a more complete image of the young woman, wearing a rose-petal pink dress and red jacket.

Whereas Sephiroth exuded pure evil, corruption, and hatred, this girl had an air of purity, calm, and love. She was, in a word, beautiful...and inspiring.

"Who's she?" Billy asked.

"Aeris," Cloud answered quietly, sadness in his voice.

Tifa immediately pulled her hand from Cloud's shoulder. He didn't seem to notice.

The image continued to zoom out further, and the heroes realized that she, just like Sephiroth, was standing atop a precipice, her delicate hands held high over her head, and her long braid and the hem of her dress flapping in the breeze. Between her hands sat a small sphere...milky white in color.

Suddenly, the two images alternated, for an instant flashing Sephiroth, and then immediately after flashing Aeris. The two images continued to change, yet the eyes always remained the same.

"I don't understand..." Zack muttered. He gazed at Yuffie, who was standing behind him. She had an equally befuddled expression on her face.

Tifa's expression wasn't of confusion. Rather, it was of concern. Her tawny gaze watched the sphere for a few moments, and then instantly turned to Cloud.

On some level...she knew what it meant. And she knew Cloud did too.

Cloud's huge blue eyes were wide with alarm. He stood tall, yet completely motionless. His mouth hung open slightly.

"Yo, you okay, Mophead?" Barrett inquired.

Cloud made no response. He continued to watch the image as the shifting grew faster and faster, until it appeared to be one superimposed image. Then, both individuals faded at once, leaving a single crystal orb. It was clear as glass. The orb hung in the air for a few moments, and then fell to the ground, shattering once it made contact.

"Uh..." Yuffie muttered, her brow wrinkled. "Yeah, that made sense."

"Cloud?" Tifa asked gently, watching his motionless form. "Are you okay?"

"No," he said quietly. "No, I'm not. It's all my fault!"

"Here we go again," Cid mumbled, exhaling loudly.

"Don't you see?" Cloud asked, whirling around to face his teammates, "Sephiroth and Aeris were opposites! He was the Cetra of Darkness, she was the Cetra of Light. He had the Black Materia, and she had the Holy. She was the only one who had the ability to stop him! She was supposed to save the world! And it's my fault she's dead!!"

"Cloud, don't do this to yourself," Tifa said quietly. "It's not your fault --"

"If I hadn't let Sephiroth take the Black Materia, then Aeris wouldn't have gone after him alone," Cloud pointed out, "and then, Sephiroth wouldn't have run her through with his saber."

Billy and Zack winced. From the pained tone in Cloud's voice, it was clear that he had witnessed everything he spoke. It must have been a horrible experience to live through.

Vincent watched Cloud for a moment, discerning his leader was on the verge of a breakdown. His crimson gaze even, Vincent turned to Bugenhagen, who still floated in the air above. "Is that what the vision means?" he inquired. "Was Aeris the only one with the capacity to stop Sephiroth?"

Bugenhagen tapped his chin. "Aeris was the only one of Cetra blood left, besides Sephiroth himself. As a consequence, she had power over materia unlike the natives of the world. And, she apparently knew how to find the Holy Materia. So, it was her responsibility to stop Sephiroth. She knew that, which is why she went after him when she did. But she wasn't ready yet for the conflict."

"So, there's nothing we can do?" Cait asked, a pleading tone in his voice. "Tell us there's another option."

"I don't know," Bugenhagen said finally, "The Holy Materia is a very powerful weapon...and it is extremely dangerous to use. I don't know if a non-Cetra can handle the power it contains."

Suddenly, the sphere flashed with energy, and vanished from existence. The four beams of light continued to fire, but instead of merging in the center, they all reached toward the holographic image of Midgar suspended above. The four beams all struck the same point on the globe.

"What's going on?" Zack asked.

Bugenhagen floated up higher, and examined the point on the globe that was indicated. It was on the southern end of the northernmost continent, covered with icy mountains and snowy plains. He tapped his chin again.

"It's pointing to the Sleeping Forest," Bugenhagen announced.

Cloud shuddered. "The City of the Ancients!" he declared.

"But... it's deserted," Red XIII stated. "Isn't it?"

Cloud closed his eyes, cutting away the outside world in order to reflect upon his inner world. He searched his mind for the one vivid memory he had, that he so wished he could expel from his mind for all eternity...

It was only the two of them on the platform, suspended over a pool of clear water. She gazed at him pleadingly, such hope shining in her large green eyes just at the sight of him. He would protect her, just like she always knew he would.

But nothing he could have done would have been fast enough to prevent the sharp steel blade from slicing through her abdomen, tearing through flesh and organs, and ripping through the soft pink of her dress. A stain of dark blood was left to grow as more and more seeped from the mortal wound, absorbed into the material of her garb.

A faint gasp...the last utterance that would ever pass through her soft lips...echoed through Cloud's mind like a somber knell. Then her body, limp and lifeless, slid off the sharp blade, collapsing to the stone floor of what had become a sacrificial altar.

As she fell, her hair ribbon untied, letting her light brown hair cascade around her body in a shining aura.

From her hair bow, a small, pearly white sphere fell to the stone platform, bouncing several times before rolling off the edge. It fell into the pool of water collected below...

"Yes it's deserted," Tifa said, folding her arms. "We searched the entire place when we followed Aeris there."

"Let's get going," Cloud said, opening his azure eyes, "I just hope we're not too late..."

Her eyes wide with surprise and confusion, Tifa followed with her tawny gaze as Cloud stood on the platform, and descended into the laboratory below. She blinked several times, faint anger on her face.

"What was that all about?" Zack wanted to know.

"One never knows with Cloud Strife," Tifa grumbled. "We'd better hurry, before he leaves without us."

Chapter Twenty-Five

With a daring mid-air somersault, the Blue Ranger narrowly missed a stream of blazing energy spouting from Rito's mouth. Rito pounded on his chest, belching.

"Woo," he gasped, shaking his head, "where are my manners? You'll have to excuse me...burping in front of a lady --"

Rito's snide remark was cut short by a monstrous sneeze, pushing the villain back several yards, and causing the breeze nearby to pick up.

Katherine had landed a good twenty yards from Rito's position, and spun around just in time to witness Rito's heavy sneeze.

He's clearly ill,

she deduced, extending her arms at her sides. Perhaps I can wear him down a bit more...

Kat clenched her gloved hands into fists, building an aura of aqua-blue energy. She then pulled her arms inward, bending her elbows, until her elbows brushed at her waist. She then tensed, and thrust both fists outwards, opening her hands towards her opponent.

From her palms streaked a clear blue energy, which Rito deflected expertly with his sword. The energy built around the weapon, encasing the sharp blade in a thick bed of solid ice.

"No fair!" Rito groaned, staring at the frozen blade, "I'm gonna....Ah..ah...Ahh --CHOOO

!!"

The force of this sneeze knocked the villain clear off his feet, sending him sprawling to the manicured grass just outside an outlet store.

"Bless you," Katherine said, a smile on her lips. "If I didn't know better, I'd say...that Space Virus infected you a whole lot more effectively than it did me."

Rito frowned, scratching his head. "We'll see about that."

Without warning, Rito's head vanished from his body. Katherine warily watched his body as it rose to its feet, clenching its fists.

"Ice Daggers," she commanded, holding her hands out. Twin daggers with silver blades formed at her hands, and she held them at a 180 degree angle, one dagger pointed at Rito's body.

"Gotcha!" Rito suddenly exclaimed, his head materializing behind Kat. Swiftly, Katherine poised one dagger at the skull, mustering a frozen stream of energy from both at once.

At once, both Rito's head and body were encased in solid ice.

"No," she said, spinning her dagger at the hilt, "I got you."

To her surprise, both of Rito's halves vanished, still encased in their frozen prison.

Chapter Twenty-Six

The bright silver saber, glowing with a rippling flame along its sharp edge, chopped through the air mightily, collided with the golden long sword for what seemed like the hundredth time.

Perhaps it was.

Yet this time, something almost impossible happened.

The golden sword was knocked from the not-so-firm grip of its master.

Stunned, the Red Ranger kept his blade at Goldar's throat, his eyes, masked by the crimson helmet, moving from the feral beast he battled to the sword that flew clear off the cliff.

"What's with you today?" Tommy asked, his sword not even quivering. "Since when have I been able to break your grip?"

Goldar snarled, his entire body trembling. From Tommy's perspective, it almost looked like the mighty warrior was...afraid

.

What Tommy didn't know was the chronic itch that plagued the villain. It had begun as a slight irritation, but over the drawn out battle, it continued to steadily increase in intensity, until it was nearly a blinding sensation. It was all Goldar could do not to pull his hands to his snout, despite Tommy's threatening position, and scratch the burning skin beneath the azure fur.

Goldar was almost blind with raging fury. He was so close! He had the chance to destroy the Power Rangers, but it slipped through is itching fingers.

He knew, without a doubt, that he wasn't going to triumph over the Red Ranger that day. Whereas the pair were just about evenly matched at their peaks, his debilitation due to the Space Virus was markedly greater than Tommy's. The Red Ranger seemed almost completely unaffected by the powerful illness.

"This isn't over, Power Ranger," Goldar growled, his body vanishing from existence in a bright gold flame.

Tommy stared at the spot Goldar had stood upon moments before, lowering his saber. His thoughts instantly turning from the creature to his allies, Tommy lifted his wrist to his mouth.

"Rocky? Are you there?"

^I read you, Tommy. Good job against Goldar.^

Tommy all but ignored the compliment. "Today wasn't his best day. Frankly, one of my students probably could've beaten him in this condition. Anyway, how are the others?"

^Jason and Kim are holding their own against Blaze and Nirvana, and Alexis...^

Tommy frowned, discerning from Rocky's tone the urgency of the matter. "How is Alexis?"

^Not good. You'd better get over there. I'll send Katherine to meet up with you. She's at the school, in the baseball field.^

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Alexis crumbled to the dirt ground, gasping for air as her senses once again adjusted to reality.

She decided then how much she hated Shade, and her infernal dimension-shifting cape. The maddening black void was empty and cold, and each time the Dreadkin knight sucked the helpless Purple Ranger inside, she grew weaker by leaps and bounds.

At this point, Alexis couldn't even bring herself to stand up. Instead, she lay motionless on the dusty baseball diamond, silently berating herself for proving to be so unworthy of the Power.

"Weak," Shade growled, lifting Alexis by the collar of her golden shield. She brought the limp Purple Ranger to eye level, piercing her with evergreen eyes. "You're hardly worth the energy it'll take to kill you."

Alexis thought of a witty reply, but she couldn't muster the strength to utter it. Instead, her body shivering with effort, she thrust her gloved hands forward, enclosing her weak fingers around Shade's neck. Instantly, sparks of purple energy wove through Alexis' body, channeling into Shade.

Her green eyes widened with disbelief as the purple energy coursed faintly through her body.

Alexis collapsed to the ground, to weak to even sit at this point. Through blurry, half-closed eyes, she watched Shade tremble slightly at the very weak, yet still mildly painful, energy bolt. After a matter of seconds, the effect wore off completely, and Shade shook off the disorientation.

"For that," Shade muttered deeply, "I'll make your end slow and painful..."

The last thing Shade had expected was for an arch of flame energy to smash into the small of her back, tossing the warrior clear over the fallen Purple Ranger, and crashing head-first into the cage behind the home base. But that's what happened.

"You mess with a Power Ranger, you mess with all the Power Rangers!" the Red Ranger bellowed, racing onto the diamond. Shade pulled herself out of the chain fence, ignoring the tears in her skin caused by the sharp links scratching her when she went through.

"You'll regret that," Shade growled, her body vanishing. Tommy blinked, turning around warily, only to receive a powerful kick to the side of his helmet. Tommy's neck whipped back painfully, letting the Red Ranger fall dazedly to the ground.

Tommy blinked in astonishment as Shade rematerialized, towering above him. Anger building, Tommy swung his legs along the ground, intending to sweep Shade to the grass. To his surprise, his legs passed harmlessly through hers.

Her smile widened. "Oh dear," she mocked, "what will the little man do now?"

Her answer came as an aura of blue energy surrounded her body. She turned around in surprise, and her eyes narrowed as she saw the Blue Ranger standing beside the Purple Ranger, holding up the limp girl with one hand, while firing the blue aura with the other.

Katherine gasped as the blue energy had no effect on the Dreadkin.

"That beam was supposed to freeze her," she muttered, stepping back in surprise. "Why didn't it work!"

"She's...intangible when she wants to be," Alexis replied weakly. "And invisible. But she can't do both at once."

Katherine startled when Shade once again disappeared from the scene. Tommy slowly rose to his feet, keeping a careful eye on the entire field for any movement.

"Alexis," he said, cautiously moving toward the girls, "teleport to the CAC pronto. Kat and I will take care of this monster."

Alexis was about to protest, but the words caught in her throat. She knew she could barely stand up, much less prove useful in the fight.

Grudgingly, Alexis obeyed the order, disappearing in a faint purple flash.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Meanwhile, not too far away, the Gold X-Ranger continued her hand to hand battle against the villainess Nirvana. After the arrival of the telepathic Power Ranger, Nirvana was able to discern that her unique perception-distorting ability wouldn't be very advantageous. Kimberly easily saw through the illusory civilians that had kept the Black Ranger occupied, and no holographic energy attacks would phase her.

For once, Nirvana had to fight her own battle.

Not that she wasn't very capable of doing so.

Dodging a ferocious round-house from the Gold Ranger, Nirvana dropped to the ground, positioning her hands flat on the ground. Pushing up with all her might, she swung her strong legs into the air, smashing into Kim's chest with brutal force. Kimberly was momentarily stunned, yet recovered quickly enough to catch Nirvana's foot as she attempted to pummel the downed Ranger with her heel.

"The first rule of any sport is to keep your balance," Kim said, tightening her grip on Nirvana's ankle. Nirvana growled darkly, trying to pull her leg free from Kim's grasp. Yet, she was unable to match the heightened strength of a Power Ranger.

Grinning beneath her helmet, Kimberly twisted the creature's ankle, and thrust her backwards, throwing her through the glass doors of the office building, back into the abandoned parking lot.

Nirvana howled with rage, throwing back her thick ivory hair and fixing Kimberly with a violet stare that would freeze the blood of the craven.

The cold glare had little effect on Kim.

"Brat," Nirvana growled, her eyes glowing, "let's see how long you can fight my hypnotic suggestion."

Kim quivered as the ground beneath her feet seemed to melt and ripple, as if she were suddenly standing on an ocean. Her eyes narrowing beneath her helmet, Kim concentrated her powers, telekinetically lifting her body into the air.

Nirvana discontinued her draining manipulation, and leapt out of the way of a powerful force burst of telekinetic energy. She recovered quickly, and suddenly began bounding back towards the building.

My only chance is to use some of the weak humans against her.

*Not so fast!*

came a resoundingly loud voice in Nirvana's head. Suddenly, for no apparent reason, her legs stopped moving. She cried out in frustration as all the strength in her legs gave out, causing her to fall on her face.

"I just discovered something," Kimberly said smugly, planting herself on the ground near the creature. "You Dreadkin aren't too much unlike humans. The brain structure is very similar, as a matter of fact. Sure, you've got more powers, but the functions of the brain are the same. It just took a bit of effort to accustom my telepathy to it."

Nirvana felt the fury building within herself. Here she was, at the mercy of the puny Gold Ranger! Not only were her abilities useless, but they didn't afford her any skill that could combat the telepathy that kept her on so short a leash.

There was only one thing she could do.

Nirvana stared up at the Gold Ranger, a cold smile on her dark lips. "What are you going to do now?"

Kimberly was startled by the question. No creature had ever asked her that before. "What?"

The smile deepened. "You won't kill me. You can't! You're one of the 'good guys.' You can't kill a helpless being!"

Kim grimaced. "The Power Rangers have destroyed more of Finster's and Zedd's monsters than we can possibly count!"

"True," Nirvana conceded, "but you said it yourself: we Dreadkin are simply too much like humans. You just can't be sure...that I'm just some magical husk given life. How do you know I'm not as alive as you are?"

Kimberly was thunderstruck. What would she do? Could she bring herself to kill this villain? True, she was clearly evil...but isn't killing her shameless murder anyway?

For a brief moment, Kim's thoughts turned to her experience in the Age of Apocalypse, when the monstrous being Dark Beast was murdered by the heroes. It sickened her to think that the only way to uphold justice was to revert to the murder of other living beings. Other humans. Evil monsters weren't alive, so they couldn't really die. But evil people...did she have the right to pass judgement?

Nirvana saw her chance, and once again fixed Kimberly with a mind-numbing assault. This time, she manipulated Kim's sense of touch, placing in Kim's head the pain of thousands of needles digging deep into her skin.

Kimberly screamed in agony, collapsing to the ground. Through tear-filled eyes, she saw Nirvana rise triumphantly.

"Puny human," Nirvana's deep voice rumbled, "so easily confused..."

Weary and disoriented, Kimberly sealed her eyes closed. She forced herself to push past the searing pain in every inch of her body. Sweat beaded on her brow, and her entire body trembled with exertion, but she managed to do it...to block out the illusory pain Nirvana had created.

Then, instinct kicked in.

Kimberly immediately erected a cocoon of telekinetic energy around Nirvana, encasing the villainess within, and preventing her from moving. Nirvana growled under her breath, smashing her fist into the barrier. Moving quickly, so as not to afford any time for Nirvana to prepare a new attack, Kimberly reached for her Thunderbow, and took aim.

"You're dangerous," Kimberly decided aloud. "You won't rest until you've littered the ground with the blood of the innocent. I think I'll take my chances."

Nirvana's eyes widened as she saw a rather bright, powerful bolt of lightning form as Kim drew back the string.

"It's been awhile since I've trashed one of Zedd's creeps with my Power Bow," the Gold Ranger reflected, tightening her grasp on the bow. To Nirvana's horror, the lightning bolt increased in intensity, creating an aura of bright yellow power that surrounded the petite Ranger entirely, making her almost too bright to gaze upon.

"Yes, the monsters have gotten stronger," Kim continued, dropping the shield from Nirvana, "but so have I..."

Nirvana was too stunned to move as the massive energy cascade sliced in her direction, electrifying the very air it streaked through.

In one fatal moment, the power crashed full force into the Dreadkin, searing her with the heat of the heart of a star.

In milliseconds, she was reduced to the magic dust of the clay Finster used to spawn her. Kim released the nervous breath she was holding, once ensured that she hadn't committed an irreparable sin.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness crashed into the exhausted Gold Ranger. Swaying slightly, Kim balanced herself on her Thunderbow, taking a quick survey of the surrounding area. Although the citizens were still mostly unconscious, they seemed unhurt.

Satisfied, yet still fighting for lucidity, the Gold Ranger vanished in a carrier wave of gold light.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Jason threw himself to the grass once again, just barely dodging the tracking missile that was Blaze's Black Flame. The burning focus of intense heat energy sailed only inches from his black helmet, and the proximity let the heat penetrate the protective armor of the Black Terran Ranger.

Jason's eyes narrowed behind his helmet, as his attention returned to the huge ball of fire that was already turning around to strike again. While he was otherwise occupied, the crimson-haired Dreadkin's ruby eyes flashed, creating a stream of black fire headed in Jason's direction.

Unable to move in time, the fire crashed into his back, burning his flesh through the sturdy black armor and golden shield that protected him. With a painful yelp, Jason fell to the ground, digging up grass beneath him.

"You're not doing much better than your little friend," Blaze laughed, brushing off her multi-toned catsuit. "Actually, I think she's a lot quicker than you."

Jason groaned, trying to focus his mind again. Unfortunately, he didn't get the chance, as the powerful Black Flame finally hit it's target, pummeling Jason further into the ground and singing his armor.

For a few moments, the Black Ranger lay motionless at the bottom of a six-foot deep hole in the ground of Angel Grove Park. Every inch of his body was screaming to him in pain, making it nearly impossible for him to form a coherent thought.

I've...got...to...focus...

he yelled at himself. Use...my...Terra...powers...

His arms trembling because of the effort it took to move them, Jason lay his palms open on the singed dirt beneath him. A faint glow penetrated the ground from his palms, and the earth shook.

Blaze stumbled at the minor earthquake, and grimaced when the Black Ranger was raised from the heart of the earth, on a pillar of stone and soil. He was still clearly disoriented, but he had managed to pull his flighty consciousness together for a clear assault.

For a moment, Blaze chastised herself for not finishing him off quicker.

"Earth Sword!" Jason cried, holding up his right hand. A large sword with sharp silver blade appeared in a flash of black light. Jason leapt down from his perch, pointing his sword at the villainess.

She laughed. "You can barely stand up, Boy. You think you're getting close enough to me to use that?"

Jason didn't answer, although a faint energy built on the length of the sword. Blaze frowned at Jason's failure to reply, and her hands began sparking again with heat energy. "I think I've got enough in me for one more really good Black Flame. Say hello to your ancestors for me."

Jason felt the wind pick up as Blaze concentrated her powers. Gritting his teeth with determination, he fought against the wind currents and held his sword high in the air. It flashed with an intense display of black light, causing the ground to quake yet again. Then, he twisted the blade downwards, and thrust it into the ground, burying it almost to the hilt.

He removed his left hand from the hilt, while his right was still tightly grasping his Terra weapon. Then, with a cold grin hidden behind his mask, Jason raised his arm halfway, and tensed his fingers.

Blaze cried out in shock as an earthen hand erupted from the ground beneath her, holding her in its grassy palm. She completely lost balance, falling onto her back as she was lifted further into the air.

Then, Jason began enclosing his fingers, forming a fist.

Blaze shrieked as the soil fingers began to squeeze. Hard.

"You may be able to evaporate all the water thrown at you," Jason muttered, his gaze turning to the lake only a few yards away, "but I don't think you can escape the bed of wet soil beneath the water."

Then, he thrust his hand towards the lake, causing the earthen hand to do the same. It plunged the screaming Dreadkin mercilessly into the lake, pushing through the water, and pressing her firmly through the first layers of saturated soil.

The Black Ranger watched as thick steam poured out from the lake. It didn't take long before the steam stopped, and the lake as calm once again.

Jason waited for a few moments, to make sure he was successful. Then, he slowly pulled his hand back, causing the large, muddy hand to retract. It lowered until it was at eye level with Jason, and then the fingers stretched.

Jason was greeted to the sight of a gray mud, clearly water-saturated clay.

A weak smile on his face, Jason extracted his Earth Sword from the ground. He made as if to sheath it, causing the powerful weapon to blink out of sight.

Then, he tiredly did the same.

Chapter Thirty

Zack absently stared out into the distance. He saw the ocean pass beneath the Highwind, whipping by at a phenomenal speed. Yet, to his constant amazement, it didn't feel like the ship was moving very quickly. The wind didn't bruise his skin, or even cause more than slight discomfort, which he quickly adjusted to.

Pushing himself off the railing, Zack continued walking toward the front of the ship. Cid himself was at the helm, taking over for the pilot for the time being. He was engaged in an argument with Barrett, probably over something trivial by the look of it. On the other end of the bridge, Billy and Red XIII were busy discussing something. Zack decided to approach them.

"...and because of human limitations, a Summon materia can only be used a handful of times in a particular battle."

Billy nodded, glancing at the red orb seated on his lance. "Then, how am I supposed to know how many times I can use the spell?"

"It depends on your physical health and experience," Red answered. "Summoning a magical creature requires a great deal of focus and energy, so if you are wounded or even distracted, it will be very difficult to cast that spell. Also, since you've never used a Summon before, I'd wager that, even in the best of health, you'd only manage to pull it off once. If you tried again, it would draw too much energy out of your body."

"Are all Summons this dangerous?"

"The more powerful the Summon, the more dangerous it is. Knights of the Round, the materia Cid found earlier, is the most powerful Summon known. An amateur attempting to utilize it would easily kill him, and even a skilled materia user would be very spent. Summoning thirteen mythical knights is tiresome work."

At that, Zack stepped beside Billy. "Then, it's probably not worth using a Summon."

Red shook his head. "It depends on the circumstances. Typoon is powerful enough to do a great deal of damage to an opponent, yet simple enough for an amateur to use without too much danger. That's why we decided to give one to Billy. But still, only use it as a last resort, for you will surely need recovery time after its use."

Both Zack and Billy nodded. "I hope it doesn't come to that," Billy commented. Red nodded his agreement.

"Um, Red, do you mind if I talk to Billy for a minute?" Zack asked. Red shook his head, rising to his four feet.

"That's perfectly all right," he answered, "I should go check on Yuffie anyway. She still gets motion sickness."

With that, Zack watched the red wolf bound towards the steps leading to the upper deck. Then, after glancing around to make sure that no one else was within earshot, Zack turned his attention to Billy.

"Zack," Billy said, eyeing his friend carefully. "You don't look too good. Perhaps you should rest some more?"

Zack brushed the advice aside. "I feel fine. I think the Mako energy in the air has pretty much cured me. I'm not tired at all. But...I am worried."

"...about Aisha," Billy finished for him. "Anything specific?"

Zack nodded. "Remember that image on the sphere we saw at Cosmo Canyon? Well, nobody said anything about the ending, and what it meant."

"You mean when Aeris and Sephiroth disappeared, and the two materias merged into a single, clear one?"

"Exactly. And then, that clear materia fell to the ground and shattered. I may be wrong, but I interpret that as meaning the two materia will cancel each other out or something. Holy Materia is the only way to stop the Meteor spell, because it cancels out the power of the Black Materia. But, once its used, it'll be inert or something. It'll lose its powers..."

"...and we won't be able to help Aisha with it," Billy concluded. "Yes, Zack, I've had similar concerns."

"Well, what do we do?" Zack asked.

Billy shrugged. "I don't know. We certainly can't expect Cloud and his friends to risk their entire planet by giving us the Holy Materia. What if, after we use it to cure Aisha, we can't get it back to Midgar before the Meteor strikes? We're talking about billions of lives lost."

Zack sighed quietly. "I know that, and believe me, I don't intend to place an entire planet on the path to destruction. But, there must be something we can do! I'm not giving up on Aisha yet."

"And neither am I," Billy added, rising to his feet. "Perhaps we should speak to Cloud about this now. Maybe he'll inform us of his plan. We still don't know why we're going to the City of the Ancients."

Chapter Thirty-One

Her delicate body crumpled to the floor, the stain of red growing along the pink cotton of her dress. Bright emerald eyes gazed at him pleadingly... desperate for any help he could give.

He couldn't give it.

Slowly, the brightest eyes in the world... so full of hope and energy... faded. The illumination behind them died, like the lights going out that cast light through a stained glass window.

Her eyelids dropped like shutters, forever enclosing those pools of color from the world...

Cloud's eyes sprung open, slightly moist from fresh tears. Forcing a breath through his lungs, his fist clenched tighter around a simple pink ribbon. He swallowed hard, his bright blue eyes falling upon the ribbon.

How many times would he have to relive Aeris' death? How many times would he see the light die out in her eyes, over and over again in his mind? How many times would he suffer...knowing full well that it was his own fault that she died?

The same vision flashed in his mind almost every time he closed his eyes. He didn't even need to be sleeping to experience the nightmare.

It marred his waking thoughts as relentlessly as his dreams.

"Cloud?" came a soft voice. "Are you in there?"

Cloud glanced at the door to the conference room, his trance broken by that familiar, coaxing voice. "Yeah. Come in, Tifa."

Cloud took a seat at the head of the long rectangular wood table, his fingers still running the ribbon between them. The door opened slowly, and Tifa peeked inside. Her eyes narrowed slightly in confusion as they fell upon the pink slip of material that Cloud cradled in his hands.

"What's that?" she asked, closing the door behind her.

"Aeris' hair ribbon," he answered absently, his eyes never wavering from the object. Tifa blinked in surprise, and stopped short clear across the room from Cloud.

"You...you kept it?" she all but whispered.

"It fell from her hair when Sephiroth murdered her," Cloud said flatly. Although his voice didn't display the emotions the thought inspired, Tifa could see the guilt and pain in Cloud's expression.

The haze over Cloud's eyes faded slightly, and he glanced up at Tifa. "I'm sorry...did you want something?"

"Um..." Tifa muttered, her mind searching back for the reason of her visit. "Actually, the crew's been wondering why we're going to the City of the Ancients. Is there something you know that we don't?"

Cloud rose from his seat, his gaze locking with Tifa's for a moment. Then, he approached his childhood friend, gently took her hand, and lay the pink strip in her palm. Tifa's eyes widened slightly, and her tawny gaze fell to the material again.

"You weren't with me when I first met Aeris," he began, leaning against the table. "We were fighting off some of Shinra's soldiers, who were hunting her down because of her Cetra abilities. She had a weapon, but I didn't think it would be enough against all the soldiers, so I offered her a sphere of Fire materia, to boost her strength. She hesitated, saying she didn't know how to use materia. I explained that it was easy, and then she pulled off a white stone from her hair bow, and held it out to me."

Cloud broke off his story, locking eyes with Tifa yet again. "She told me that she had that materia all her life, but it never worked for her. It never told her what it was meant to do, and it never reacted to anything. She kept it as a memento of her mother, who died when she was a child."

Tifa gasped quietly, realization kicking in. "Aeris had the Holy Materia the entire time?!"

Cloud nodded. "She carried it with her everywhere she went. I don't know if she realized it or not, but it was on her head the entire time."

Tifa blinked, glancing back at the ribbon in her hand. "But..where is it now?"

"When she died, it fell into the pool beneath the platform," Cloud explained, "I saw it fall, but it didn't really register...until Bugenhagen explained that the Holy Materia is our only hope.

"We need to get to the City of Ancients as quickly as possible, and hopefully the Holy Materia will still --"

A sharp knock on the door interrupted Cloud's train of thought. "Come in!" he called, as both he and Tifa turned to see the visitor. Zack and Billy entered the chamber, each with a grim expression upon his face.

"What's the problem?" Tifa asked, discerning their troubled state by their expressions.

"The problem is Aisha," Billy said, stepping forward. "We were thinking about that image Bugenhagen displayed for us earlier, and we've come to the conclusion that the Holy materia is the only thing that can save Aisha's life...but it's also the only thing that can save this planet from the Meteor."

"And in the vision, the materia transformed into a ball of glass, as if the Black and Holy materias will cancel each other out in the final battle," Zack continued. "If that's the case, then we can't use it afterwards to save Aisha, and I know we can't take the materia from the planet while the Meteor is still out there."

Cloud's expression hardened, and he ran his fingers through his unruly blonde hair once again. "I didn't even consider that," he admitted weakly. "The fact is, the Holy materia is a mystery. We have no idea how it's used, or even if any of us can use it. I guess the only thing we can do now is find it, and pray that it'll guide us in how to use it."

Zack sighed. "It doesn't look like we have another option."

"So, have you discerned where to find the Holy Materia?" Billy inquired. "Is that why we're going to the City of the Ancients?"

Cloud nodded grimly. "The last time I saw the Holy Materia was there." His voice lowered into a weak whisper when he added, "...when Aeris died."

Chapter Thirty-Two

"Move!" Tommy shrieked, diving at Katherine. The two Rangers sprawled to the ground, just in time to miss Shade, who flew passed them like a missile, her magical cape spread wide.

"Thanks," Kat whispered, shaking her head. "The last think I need is to be trapped in that void again."

The Blue and Red Rangers leaped to their feet again, gazing around urgently. Once again, their enemy had vanished from sight.

"Gone again," Tommy observed, stating the obvious.

"There's got to be a way we can inflict some damage!" Kat muttered, leaning against Tommy's back. The two warriors each clutched their weapons, the silver blades glinting in the dim light.

"Our best bet is when she's invisible," Tommy stated, holding his saber in the air as high as he could. "She's vulnerable when she's invisible. Get on the ground, Kat."

Kat obeyed, and backed away slightly as a red aura built around Tommy's body. He trembled slightly, as the fiery energy channeled along his body, into the silver blade. The blade glowed brightly, and then the energy extended, sweeping through the air in a dome pattern.

At first, all was silent. Then, a shriek of pain sliced through the Rangers' ears.

They both turned to the source of the agonized cry, and saw Shade plummet to the ground, plainly visible and perfectly tangible. Her black clothing was smoking and sparking with the fire energy, and she rolled along the grass to urgently put out the dangerous flames.

"Looks like we hit the jackpot," Tommy observed, lowering his sword.

"And let's make sure she doesn't go anywhere," Kat said, aiming her daggers. Blue energy this time extended, bathing the sore villain in its cold power. She cried out again, although this time her vocalizations were drowned out as a thick block of ice formed around her body. Her expression...of anger and fear...was frozen on her still face.

Tommy pointed his saber at the ice block, the metal glowing once again. He stepped forward, extending his sword as high as he could, and spun around, building momentum. Then, with a deep battle cry, Tommy plunged the sword into the ice, slicing through the center like a hot knife through butter, and coming out the other end. The ice smoked with dark energy, and then shattered like glass.

The only sign of Shade was darkened dust trapped by shards of ice.

Chapter Thirty-Three

"Yes!" Kimberly shrieked excitedly, high-fiving Jason, who was standing behind her, in full view of the Viewing Globe.

"They did it," he said quietly, a wide grin on his face.

The room was then lit with bright blue and red energy, as the two Terran Rangers materialized within the CAC. In an additional, equally intense ripple of energy, the armor had vanished, leaving teenagers where the morphed warriors stood.

"How is everyone?" Tommy asked, opening his arms wide to welcome Kimberly as she rushed to embrace him.

"Tired, but functioning," she replied, giving him a peck on the lips, "but Alexis is..."

"Alexis is fine

!" the Purple Ranger practically growled impatiently, still lying on a cot. Rocky rolled his eyes, pushing the scanner from above her forehead to clear the way for her to rise.

"Well, there really isn't anything I can do for you," Rocky sighed, helping Alexis sit up, "I recommend rest. A lot of rest."

Alexis muttered unintelligibly in reply, standing up and snatching her morpher from the nearby counter top.

Katherine glanced passed the assembled Rangers, and looked towards Aisha, who was still closely monitored by both Adam and Tanya. She quietly moved to Jason's side, and clasped his hand tightly.

"How's she doing?"

"She's getting worse," Jason answered, glancing at Adam and Tanya. "They're trying to stabilize her now. But there's nothing they can do to save her. All they can do is keep her alive as long as possible, in the hopes that Zack and Billy come back with a cure in time."

"In the meantime," Rocky said, turning his attention from the irked Purple Ranger to the entire assembly, "may I suggest you all get some rest? You can use the rooms in the back of the CAC. There're twelve total, so each can take a room and just relax."

"Relaxing is kinda tough, considering the circumstances," Tommy muttered.

"Yeah, but you are all recovering from that Space Virus," Rocky reminded them. "You're all for the most part cured, but your bodies could use all the rest they can get. And standing around here will only get you guys in our way."

Tommy gazed at Rocky for a few moments more, and then nodded his head. "Okay, guys," he sighed, "let's take a breather." His eyes narrowed. "But, you're going to alert us the minute there's any change...good or bad. Right?"

"Yes, Sir!" Rocky said with a mock military salute.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Still yawning slightly, the disoriented Finster hobbled into the throne room. His eyes narrowing behind his spectacles, he gazed at Rito's head, propped on the throne. There were chunks of crystalline ice all over the area, and another huge piece, encasing Rito's body. Finster smiled in amusement as he saw Baboo and Squatt continue their torturously slow labor of hacking the ice away with picks.

"What happened here?" Finster asked, gaining the attention of the laborers.

"The Blue Ranger froze him," Squatt answered, hefting the pick for another swing.

"Yeah, and the ice is...ah...ah...ah...CHOOO

...magical," Rito's head sniffled. "We couldn't figure out how to melt it. Too bad Blaze is toast...she coulda done it."

"Blaze is toast?" Finster repeated, his eyes wide. "The Rangers defeated her?"

"And the other Dreadkin, too," Baboo chimed, "Goldar's really mad at you."

Finster shrugged indifferently. "I warned him not to underestimate the Power Rangers. There was no guarantee that the virus would incapacitate them." A powerful yawn escaped his lungs. "In fact, I'd venture to say that the virus incapacitated us instead."

Finster shook his head slightly, trying to shake off the intense exhaustion that the Space Virus caused. "Where is Goldar anyway?"

Baboo smiled. "Taking a bath."

Finster blinked. "Excuse me?"

"He's itching all over," Rito explained, "so we recommended he take a bath."

Finster sighed. "Well, I suppose I should whip up some lotion for him. Soap and water won't stop a viral infection."

"Well, it won't hurt either," Squatt commented innocently.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Hidden deep within the magical Sleeping Forest is the City of the Ancients. Once upon a time, it was bustling with life as the Cetra lived disconnected from mankind. However, the time of the Cetra had ended, and now, the city was only a hollow memorial of the powerful, knowledgeable race that no longer lived on Midgar.

The heels of their shoes tapping along the clear glass steps, Cloud, Tifa, Zack, Billy, and Barrett descended a spiral staircase, leading to a large chamber hidden underground. The ceilings were incredibly high, despite the fact that the structure was underground, and the greenish-white walls glimmered from reflected light. In the center of the chamber was a pool of clear water, with a platform suspended above it, with several pillars of stone to be used as a walkway toward the platform.

Barrett groaned quietly, his hand nervously rubbing his gun-arm. "It's too quiet."

"Yes," Billy observed, "we haven't seen a single creature here."

"Maybe this will be a simple mission," Tifa said, hopping off the final step and moving toward the pool. "The Holy Materia must be in here somewhere."

"Finding a white marble in a lake this big seems a bit...difficult

," Zack commented, following Tifa to the body of water. Billy and Barrett were right behind him.

Tifa knelt at the edge of the pond. "Hopefully, it'll emit some kind of visible energy. Cloud's the one who saw it fall, and since materia is very dense, likely it would have fallen straight down. This is a still body of water, so there's no current to push it."

Tifa turned around, noticing their leader wasn't with the congregation. "Cloud?"

The young man didn't seem to hear her. He stood at the foot of the glass staircase, his crystal eyes wide and focused on the platform.

It had been several weeks since he was last in this construct...and he still felt Aeris' warm blood on his hands when he cradled her limp body.

"Cloud!"

He blinked, snapping out of his torturous reflection. He turned around, and noticed his friends all watching him worriedly. Chewing on his lower lip, Cloud approached the pool, unsheathing the mighty Ultima Weapon from his back.

"I'll find it," he said, lying the blade on the stone floor. He walked passed the assembled heroes, took a deep breath, and dove into the pool.

Tifa's tawny eyes watched as Cloud descended into the pool. She unconsciously held her breath, as if to gauge how long he could remain beneath the surface without a fresh supply of oxygen.

When she felt her lungs burning for air, Cloud resurfaced, a grimace on his face.

"No luck?" Billy inquired.

"Not yet," Cloud answered, wading closer to the platform, "I think...it fell from this side."

Taking another deep breath, Cloud plunged under once again.

"This place is really starting to give me the creeps," Zack muttered, rubbing his arms, "It feels so...hollow and dead."

Barrett nodded, glancing around the high pillars and cold, reflective walls. "I hear ya, Kid."

"There he is!" Tifa exclaimed, a smile lighting up her features. Billy, Barrett, and Zack followed her gaze, and saw a faint white light rising closer to the surface. The light illuminated the surrounding area, and the team was able to make out Cloud's face once he was near the surface of the pond.

"Got it!" Cloud gasped, breaking out of the clear water. He swam to the edge, allowing Tifa and Barrett to pull him from the water. Cloud pushed his soaked locks out of his face, and set his azure gaze upon the pearly white gemstone seated in his palm.

"So, now what're we supposed to do?" Barrett asked, watching as Cloud lead the team from the pool. Cloud stopped in front of the platform, staring at the blood-stained tiles once again.

He didn't know the answer.

"Perhaps I can make a suggestion," said an airy, smooth voice, echoing in the mostly empty chamber loudly. All the heroes inclined their heads towards the source of the voice.

Floating high above the platform, with his dark cape and flowing white hair flapping in the air currents created by his magic, was an intimidating figure. A cold smirk was painted on his flawless face, and his cold, bright green eyes glimmered with cruel mirth.

"Somehow, little Puppet, I knew you couldn't resist coming back here," the figure mocked, "You keep clinging onto this frail hope of yours. I'm here to make sure it doesn't get past this room."

Cloud's own eyes glimmered with something else: intense hatred. His mouth opened, his voice a cold, raspy whisper.

"Sephiroth..."

Chapter Thirty-Six

The sinister cackle echoed through the abandoned City of the Ancients, as well as through the minds and ears of the five heroes who bore witness.

Floating above the platform...the same platform upon which he spilled the blood of Aeris Gainsborough weeks earlier...was the slim yet intimidating form of the being called Sephiroth. Frozen emerald eyes scanned the room, sizing up the five individuals standing below him, their weapons at the ready.

"What are you doing here?!" Cloud demanded, his blue eyes ablaze with fury. It took all the willpower in his body not to pounce on Sephiroth in a blind rage...to make him pay for everything he had done.

"I am here for the same reason you are, Puppet," Sephiroth answered coolly, still floating high above the team with an air of superiority, "I am well aware of the Holy Materia, and that its final resting place is right here, where the little Cetra girl left it. It was supposed to remain buried here, along with its mistress."

A wicked ecstasy glinted in Sephiroth's bright eyes, fully aware of the wound he intended to reopen in Cloud's heart.

"Well, you're too late," Cloud growled, latching the milky sphere of materia to his wrist armlet. "Now, let's see if you're man enough to take us all on. Right here, right now."

Tifa stared at Cloud in utter amazement. Is he crazy?! We may have the Holy Materia, but we don't know how to use it, or even if we can use it safely! There's no way we can match Sephiroth's power without it!

Still, Tifa didn't voice her thoughts, nor her dissention. Instead, she stood beside Cloud, prepared to follow wherever he would lead the team.

She trusted him.

Sephiroth seemed to consider Cloud's challenge for a moment. "No," he decided, waving Cloud's proposal away as if it were ludicrous, "I'd rather not waste my time with you insects. The universe awaits!"

"What do you plan to gain by destroying the planet?!" Billy challenged, stepping forward.

Sephiroth smiled at the newcomer. "I wonder how many poor souls Cloud Strife will pull into this personal vendetta of his. You see, Boy, I have everything to gain! Once the planet is destroyed, the power of the Lifestream will be set free... and I will be the only thing left alive to absorb it."

His wicked grin returning, Sephiroth floated higher into the air. "So, in order to be rid of you once and for all, Puppet, I'd like to introduce you to...my mother."

Sephiroth brought his hands together, forming a murky cloud of black power. Within that cloud, flashes of white lightning appeared on occasion, and the cloud increased in size. Finally, once it was about the size of a volleyball, Sephiroth tensed, and extended his hands. The sphere crashed to the floor near the team, and grew at an alarming rate, the electricity flashes intensifying and shaking the entire city. Barrett, Tifa, Billy and Zack stepped back from the creature, but Cloud remained with his feet planted.

The cloud finally took shape, becoming an enormous black creature, slightly reminiscent of a brain, with four enormous tentacles. It's slimy form floated just a few feet off the ground, electric sparks still flashing on occasion near the extremities of the tentacles.

"His mother is a giant squid?!" Zack declared, fighting the urge to throw up at the gruesome sight.

"It's not really his mother," Tifa explained. "It's more like a creature created with Jenova's DNA. His mother has been dead for quite some time."

"She's gettin' ready to blow!" Barrett shouted in warning. Sure enough, the large tentacles began to swing through the air, firing bolts of electricity in random directions.

"Cloud, MOVE

!" Tifa screamed, her eyes fixed on their leader. He was much closer to the enormous beast, deflecting the stray bolts with his large sword. Once the bolts of energy ceased for a few moments, Cloud saw his opportunity, and slashed his sword through the air, creating an arc of white light. The energy collided with Jenova-Obsidian's tentacles, yet didn't have an apparent effect.

For a moment, Cloud was stunned at the beast's resilience.

A moment was all it needed.

A tentacle stretched out at a phenomenal speed, surprising the young warrior, and tightly gripping his stomach. Cloud cried out in pain as the beast pulled him into the air, squeezing the life out of him.

"Let's move," Barrett shouted, racing closer to the battle scene. Closing one eye, Barrett raised his gun-arm, and fired a round of bullets into the beast's side. It grumbled slightly, more annoyed at Barrett's attack than anything else. Barrett shrieked as another tentacle launched itself in his general direction.

"Now you've done it!" Barrett growled, ducking as the tentacle passed over his head. He fired at the tentacle itself this time, yet it yielded even less of an effect. The tentacle remained more or less unharmed, and reversed direction, plowing into Barrett's stomach and sending the burly man tumbling towards the rest of the group.

"Billy," Tifa ordered, taking a moment to check on Barrett, "use the Time materia to speed both you and Zack up. Then Zack, use the Deathblow materia. Get one powerful hit in, and then Billy can quickly rush in and save Cloud while the monster is disoriented."

"Right!" both young men declared, moving in closer. Billy raised his arm, where the Crystal Bangle was located.

"Haste!" he commanded, clenching his fist. One of the two green spheres began to glow brightly, and formed a swirling green mist that rapped around both young men.

The world slowed down around them. Tifa and Barrett were completely frozen, and the monster was only barely moving its tentacles.

"Incredible!" Zack shouted, although, to his shock, his voice sounded very slow and deliberate.

"Zack, use the Deathblow!" Billy reminded his awed friend.

Zack nodded, and pointed the Winchester carefully at the base of the tentacle still gripping Cloud. "Deathblow!"

The yellow materia attached to the rifle flashed, and two bullets were instantly fired from the barrel. Although the rest of the world appeared all but frozen, the bullets sliced through the air swiftly, each one glowing faintly with yellow light. They both plowed into the monster's slick flesh, causing a deep roar of pain to slowly rumble from the monster.

Billy immediately saw his chance, racing to the slow-moving monster. Poll-vaulting with his Partisan, the former Blue Power Ranger leapt through the air, catching the tentacle that still held Cloud prisoner. Billy then pulled himself onto the almost paralyzed tentacle, and dug his Partisan through the scaly flesh. Black blood squirted from where the incision was made, and slowly the monster's grip loosened on its captive. Billy urgently leapt from his perch onto the ground, and managed to soften Cloud's slow descent from the monster's fatal grasp.

Then, a flash of green light brought everything back to normal time.

"Billy!" Zack shrieked in alarm.

Billy's gaze rose to the monster, who was now moving with the mind-numbing speed with which it operated before the Haste spell was cast. He managed to push the slightly disoriented Cloud out of the way, and grabbed his Partisan just in time to block a speeding tentacle.

With an infuriated growl, the monster grabbed the Partisan and lifted it into the air, along with Billy. It then tossed them powerfully, sending Billy and his weapon into the calm pool of water below the large platform.

Zack gasped in panic when he didn't see his friend emerge from the clear waters. Yet, before the swift Silver Ranger could make a move, a large form ran right passed him.

"Hang on, Poindexter!" Barrett roared, diving into the pool with surprising agility.

Zack pulled his eyes away from the pool, confident the resilient Barrett would find Billy in time. He instead paid attention to the fight at hand.

Cloud seemed to have regained his lucidity, and was desperately trying to fend off the tentacles, this time at a slightly safer distance. Tifa was busily ducking and dodging both the tentacles, as well as random bolts of lightning.

"Tifa, watch it!" Cloud shouted, his eyes on a tentacle streaking towards the brash warrior. Tifa leapt out of the way, allowing the tentacle to crash into the marble floor beneath her. Quickly recovering her focus, Tifa grabbed the tentacle with her Premium Heart glove, and squeezed tightly.

The magical glove increased the strength of Tifa's grip phenomenally, causing the monster to groan slightly in pain.

"Now, let's see how it likes this!" Tifa shouted, her tawny eyes narrow. "Flare!"

At her command, one of the three green spheres decorating her glove began to flash with light. Suddenly, her glove released a bright, fiery orange aura of heat. That energy intensified, the exertion bringing sweat to Tifa's brow. Finally, the energy began to channel through the monster's tentacle, sending the magical flame energy into its core.

Greatly weakened from the exertion, Tifa released the monster's tentacle, and staggered away slightly. Cloud was at her side in an instant, helping her get far enough from the creature to recover.

At the pool of water, Barrett finally broke the surface, his good arm wrapped around Billy's waist and pulling him towards the edge. Zack fell to his knees and pulled Billy out of the water, and then helped Barrett. Treading water and gasping for breath, Billy rolled onto his side, and coughed out a mouthful of water.

"Are you okay?" Zack asked, helping Billy to his knees.

"Just...a...minute," Billy forced out through burning lungs.

"Take five," Barrett gasped, pounding the water out of his gun-arm. "When you're back on your feet, join the party!"

That said, Barrett bounded back to the fight, and was immediately at Cloud's side, continuing the flight of energy and cold steel.

Slowly, Tifa rose to her feet, and for a moment, she watched Cloud and Barrett fight. They seemed to have constructed a method of leaping in, delivering a quick attack, and leaping out of the way of the tentacles. However, it was plain to see that they were slowing down. Barrett was still disoriented from his swim, and Cloud was just managing to block the tentacles with his enormous sword.

Taking a deep breath to steel herself, Tifa hurried towards the pool, where Billy was still coughing up the water he had swallowed.

"How is he?" she asked Zack.

"He said he'll be fine," Zack replied, "Billy's not much of a swimmer. In fact, he hates the water."

Tifa nodded, giving both young men a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. Then, mustering her strength, Tifa hurried back towards the fight.

She stopped short in utter terror as the beast suddenly reared up, and began waving its tentacles high in the air.

"What the &%#@

is it doin'?!" Barrett shouted, stepping back from the creature.

His answer came in the form of a deafening scream, that sliced through the city, shaking everything at its foundations, and creating an agonizing pain within the heads of each of the heroes.

Barrett and Cloud, who were the closest to the beast, were effected the most by the mighty wail. Their hands (or in Barrett's case, his upper arm)

flew to their ears, and they fell to their knees in mind-numbing pain.

Tifa collapsed as well, trying her best to block the tormenting sound from her mind. She managed to force her eyes open, however, to see what the monster was doing.

It was slinking its way towards the downed Barrett and Cloud, ready to make the final kill.

Tifa's eyes narrowed with fury as she dropped her hands from her ears. Gathering every drop of strength within her, Tifa raised her hand in the air, her eyes fixed on the single red sphere attached to her bangle.

"I summon the Knights of the Round!!" she shouted, her command slicing through the mayhem.

Everything stopped.

Suddenly, the ground upon which everyone was standing became supple and onyx black. Ripples of energy seemed to pass beneath the ground, pushing everyone away from the epicenter...where Jenova-Obsidian stood motionless. Perhaps, on some level, she knew what was coming.

"What's happening?" Zack whispered, panic in his voice.

"We're about to see the most powerful summon spell on the planet," Billy said in an awed voice.

Without warning, the rest of the chamber became an inky black void, littered with faint lights reminiscent of stars in the night sky. At first, everything was quiet.

And then, it began.

An enormous knight, at least fifteen feet in height, materialized in the room. He wore full length armor, obscuring his features efficiently, and grasped a powerful weapon. With the speed of a wraith, he flew through the air, his mighty lance slicing through the fierce creature, leaving a wound gushing black blood.

Once the knight had done its duty, it vanished. For a split second, all was quiet, until another knight appeared, his armor significantly different than the first, this time armed with a hefty mace.

One by one twelve knights paraded through the void, slashing and slicing through the monster with magical weapons that inflicted a great deal of damage. At each brutal strike the beast cried out in agony, it's blood spilling in all directions from a number of serious wounds.

And then...the final Knight appeared.

This knight was much taller and broader than the preceding knights, and held a saber as large as a tree. With one mighty down-thrust, the final Knight left his mark, before dissipating into nothingness.

Then, the black void vanished, leaving the five warriors and the suffering monster in the crystalline City of the Ancients.

Billy and Zack were utterly speechless at the awesome display of magical power. It was like nothing they had ever seen before. The power contained in that spell was almost certainly enough to fell even the Terra Megazord, yet it was contained in so small a gemstone.

Barrett and Cloud had recovered from Jenova's piercing vocal attack, and were trying to get their bearings. Cautiously, they watched the beast writhe slightly in pain.

"Holy $#!@

," Barrett whispered. "The thing ain't dead yet?!"

"Get ready," Cloud said, gripping his sword tighter. He held his breath, waiting for something to happen.

The monster weakly lifted one tentacle. However, rather than flashing with white electricity, a smoky black cloud began to build at the tip. The team didn't realize what was happening until it was too late.

The tentacle had reached its maximum energy, and pointed forward, to her target.

Cloud gasped when he realized that Tifa, who was barely conscious after her execution of the mighty Knights of the Round, was in the line of fire.

"Tifa!" he cried in warning.

Her fawn eyes wide with alarm, Tifa turned around at the alert. She didn't move fast enough.

The murky black cloud crashed into Tifa's slender body like a speeding truck, throwing her clear across the chamber. Her limp form slammed against a stone pillar, and slid down to the cold ground.

"TIFA!!"

Cloud screamed, his whole body trembling. Completely forgetting the raging beast he faced, he raced to where Tifa lay. Dropping his long sword, Cloud gathered Tifa in his arms. He winced when he noticed the gray tint to her soft skin, and the complete limpness of her body.

"Tifa?" he whispered, shaking her gently. "Snap out of it!"

Barrett turned around from his position, and saw Tifa and Cloud. His face fell. "Oh no..."

Quickly, the veteran soldier searched the crystalline chamber for Zack and Billy. Both young men were so far mostly unharmed, and had taken the opportunity to occupy the creature with well-placed bullets, lance-thrusts, and the occasional magic spell. "Guys! Keep it going! We gotta keep this thing busy until Cloud and Tifa are back in the game!"

Meanwhile, Cloud was on the verge of panic. He had seen Tifa unconscious before, but now there was absolutely no life in her. Her muscles were completely limp, and she didn't even twitch. Cloud held her close, trying to find a heartbeat.

He didn't.

"Tifa, don't leave me!" he ordered, torment in his voice. He stared at her calm face for a moment, and with a trembling hand, he gently opened one of her eyes. He choked on his own breath.

Her eyes were solid black orbs.

"What the hell...?" he muttered, lying her back on the floor. He urgently grabbed the Premium Heart glove from her flaccid hand, and removed the Heal materia. Holding his breath, he concentrated every fiber in his being, and held the crystal over her body.

A faint green aura surrounded the young woman like a cloud. The healing mists continued to swirl around her body, and then absorbed themselves through her skin. But, she didn't respond.

"N...no," Cloud whispered, reaching for the Cure materia. However, that had no effect either.

"Tifa, please...don't..." Cloud said quietly. "Just...just move a little. Just...blink or...or open your mouth...or...something! Do SOMETHING

!!"

Despite Cloud's pleas, Tifa remained cold and still.

The well of tears began sliding down Cloud's cheeks as he gently brushed his fingers against her cold face. Taking shallow breaths, Cloud bent over and placed a tender kiss on her cold lips... the first kiss he had ever given her. Pursing his lips tightly, he turned back towards the creature that Zack, Billy, and Barrett were fighting.

The creature that stole Tifa from him.

The creature that dared

lay a finger on his Tifa!

It was going to pay.

His arm trembling with boiling rage, Cloud reached for his abandoned sword. Slowly rising to his feet, he grasped the enormous blade with both hands, squeezing the hilt with every ounce of strength he could muster. His eyes flashed with bright fury, and his sword began to glow with an eerie light. The light was so intense, it grasped the attention of Barrett, Billy, and Zack.

"What...what's wrong with him?!" Zack yelled.

"Holy $#!%

!!" Barrett cried. "Everybody, get outta his way!"

Billy and Zack obliged, rushing for cover. They joined Barrett at the opposite edge of the chamber, ducking for cover behind the crystal staircase they had descended earlier.

Cloud remained where he was, his sword glowing brightly, reminiscent of a long fluorescent light bulb. His azure eyes continued to spark with fury.

The monster saw Cloud's boiling rage, and launched another murky sphere of energy at him; the same kind of power that felled brave Tifa.

Cloud dodged the blast easily, leaping into the air with the ferocious speed and agility of a hunting lion. He leaped clear across the room, thrusting his sword down on his way toward the beast.

Then he hit...like an atomic bomb.

Each impact with the charged sword caused huge damage to the beast, and less than a split second separated the individual strikes from each other. Cloud continued leaping at least ten feet into the air, delivering a flurry of blows; each powerful enough to slice an oak tree in two from top to bottom, intensified by the boiling energy that flowed from Cloud's body into his incredible sword.

The onslaught was a more intense focus of pure power than the beast could sustain. It was easily twice as deadly as the fabled Knights of the Round materia.

The monster didn't have a chance to scream.

A powerful explosion of light erupted after Cloud's final slice. The energy released shook the entire city, but due to the superior architecture of the city, it didn't collapse around the heroes.

When the smoke passed, Barrett, Zack, and Billy rose from where they had taken cover. Barrett whistled, clearly impressed by Cloud's strength. Zack and Billy were dumbstruck.

"Wh...what...?!" Zack gasped once he found his voice.

Barrett grinned. "That monster sure did something wrong," he explained. "It really pissed Cloud off. When Cloud gets pissed, he reaches his Limit...the Omni-Slash. Pure adrenaline, combined with the Mako in his body, channeled through the magical Ultimate Weapon, and...well, all hell breaks loose."

Suddenly, Barrett's expression of pride melted into one of panic. "I've seen the Omni-Slash before, but it was never this powerful. Something really bad has happened. Guys, make sure Cloud's okay. I'm gonna find Tifa."

Zack and Billy nodded, racing over to the epicenter of the colossal explosion of power. There, they found the Ultimate Weapon lodged into the singed and marred marble floor all the way up to the hilt, still smoking from the brutal assault. Beside it, lying flat on his back, Cloud Strife lay, his eyes half open.

"Cloud?" Zack whispered, kneeling beside the young man. "Are you okay?"

Cloud didn't answer. He continued to stare at the ceiling absently.

It was then that Zack noticed a tear streak down the side of Cloud's eye.

"Zack! Billy!" Barrett shouted, walking towards them. Both young men glanced up, and their eyes widened in fear and surprise as Barrett carried Tifa Lockheart's completely motionless body. Barrett himself was clearly fighting back tears.

"There's nothing we can do," Barrett said quietly, lying his close friend on the ground gently. "She was hit by that Obsidian attack. There's evil magic that's keeping her like this, and it's too powerful for cure magic to undo it."

"She's dead?" Billy asked, almost in denial.

Barrett nodded quietly.

"Tifa..." Cloud whispered, blinking for the first time since he used the devastating Omni-Slash. With a moan of pain, Cloud pushed himself to a sitting position, and fixed his gaze on Tifa.

His best friend.

The only person who really knew him.

The only person who ever knew him...even when he counted himself.

The one person...he couldn't even fathom living without.

"No!" Cloud suddenly shrieked, renewed energy flowing through his veins. "No, I won't let you leave me, Tifa!"

Billy, Zack, and Barrett backed away as Cloud pulled himself along the ground, until he was beside her. He brushed a stray lock of dark chocolate hair from her eyes, and clutched her hand in his.

"You've gotta hold on," he said. "Please...I'll find a way to save you. I will not let you down!"

"Cloud," Barrett said gently, laying a broad hand on the young man's trembling shoulder, "I...I'm sorry, Man...but...it's too late."

"No it's not!" Cloud roared, pushing the larger man away from him. "It's not..."

"Cloud!" Barrett shouted more firmly, trying to get through to the distraught hero, "You've gotta keep yourself together! I'm hurting too... but we can't lose sight of our goal. We've still got to deal with Sephiroth!"

Gasping in short, ragged breaths, Cloud lifted his gaze, and glared at Barrett. Desperation and fear glinted in the azure orbs.

"Keep myself together?" he repeated in an impassioned voice. "How the hell am I supposed to keep myself together?! Don't you see? Tifa is the only thing holding me together! She's all that I have!!"

His eyes narrowed. "I won't lose her. If I lose her, I lose everything..."

Letting go of Tifa's hand for a moment, Cloud reached for the pearly white materia stone in his armlet band. He removed it from its position, and gazed at the gem pensively.

"No you don't!" Barrett shouted. "What do you think you're doing? Didn't you hear what Bugenhagen said? Only the Cetra can use Holy Materia safely. It could kill you, Cloud!"

Cloud ignored his friend's warning. "I survived the Lifestream twice, Barrett. I wasn't born a Cetra, but I have Mako energy flowing through my veins. It's a part of me. It won't hurt me."

"You can't be sure of that," Barrett pointed out.

Cloud nodded, laying the pearl in Tifa's cold hand. He then enclosed her delicate fingers around it, and clasped her hand in both of his. "True," he responded, "I can't know for sure what'll happen. There's very little one can ever be sure of. But there's one thing I am sure of...I can't lose Tifa. No matter what, I can't lose her."

That said, Cloud closed his eyes tightly, and bowed his head. Tifa's hand remained encased within his own.

Billy, Zack, and Barrett watched anxiously. They had to have faith that the Holy Materia was capable of answering Cloud's prayer.

Suddenly, Cloud took a strained breath of air. He took it into his lungs very slowly and noisily, as if it hurt him to breathe. Then, his hands began to shine faintly with white energy.

The white energy was barely visible at first, but then it grew. It became a dense cloud of energy, focused around Cloud's hands with a diameter of about a foot. Then, without warning, the energy leapt into Cloud's chest like a bullet. Cloud exhaled the breath he had taken, still firmly grasping Tifa's hands, and gritting his teeth to combat the pain of flaming energy in his chest. Finally, the white energy leapt out of his body, causing him to collapse to the ground in an exhausted heap.

Still, his grip remained firm on Tifa's hands.

The energy then leaped into Tifa's chest. Cloud fought the veils of unconsciousness, and watched carefully with his friends to see what effect the white mist would have.

For several minutes, there was nothing. But then, Tifa lurched.

Her entire body convulsed as if she were being electrocuted, her raven eyes shuttering open and her lips parting. From her mouth, a murky black mist poured out, floating into the air above and dissipating out of existence. Once the last drop of darkness left her body, Tifa fell limp again to the floor.

Everyone held their collective breath.

Then, slowly, Tifa inhaled. Soon after, her tawny eyes flickered open.

"W...where...?" she rasped, squinting to focus her eyes.

"You'll be fine," Barrett said, as gently as he could. "You need some rest."

Tifa nodded, closing her eyes. Yet, she felt pressure on her hands, and opened them once again. Slowly turning her head, she shuddered in surprise when she saw Cloud lying beside her, his eyes half open and a warm smile on his face. Also, his hands still tightly held hers.

"You're...okay," he whispered, nodding slightly. Then, with every iota of his strength spent, Cloud passed out completely. His grip weakened with unconsciousness, and his hands fell limply from their grasp around Tifa's.

Then, Tifa realized she was holding the Holy Materia in her hand. She sat up, and gazed at the pearl questioningly. "What happened?"

Billy was entirely captivated by what had occurred. "You don't remember?" he asked.

Tifa stared at him blankly. "I...I remember casting Knights of the Round. Then, everything went black."

Tifa frowned slightly, and turned back to Cloud. "What's wrong with him? Is he okay?"

"Let's hope so," Barrett said, rising to his feet, "Mophead used the Holy Materia to bring you back to life." His tone softened. "You were dead, Tifa. Dead beyond any magical restoration."

Tifa's mouth opened slightly, horror rising in her eyes at the thought. She had been dead? Then...how come she wasn't dead now?

"He...he used the Holy Materia to bring me back?" Tifa asked. "Why? He could have died, and it would have been for nothing!"

Zack wanted so much to just shake reality into the young woman. He wanted to tell her, that Cloud loved her...that she was all that mattered to him. But, he resisted the urge. He knew it wasn't his place to interfere with their relationship. "I think you should talk to Cloud about it, when he wakes up," he suggested.

"In the meantime, we'd better get back to the Highwind," Barrett said, glancing down at Tifa. "Can you walk?"

"I...I think so," she responded, slowly pulling herself to her feet. She managed to stand, albeit awkwardly.

"Okay, I'll carry Mophead," Barrett said, hefting the unconscious Cloud over his shoulder.

"I'll help you," Billy said to Tifa, taking her hand to help steady her. "You can lean on me."

Tifa smiled gratefully, and wrapped her arm around Billy's shoulder.

"Uh, Tifa," Zack said, tapping the woman on her shoulder. "Could I see that Holy Materia?"

Tifa nodded, handing him the pearl. Zack grinned, and held it carefully, as if it were an egg. As Barrett, Tifa, and Billy began the walk up the staircase towards the surface, Zack peered into the gem.

"Cloud saved Tifa's life with you," he said quietly. "Now, I need your help. I...I don't know if you're alive or anything, but you're the only chance Aisha has. Materia is supposed to tell the user how it works. So...tell me. How do you save people's lives? How can I save a life?"

Zack waited, staring into the milky crystal for a few moments. All he saw was the white mist within. No images were displayed for his enlightenment.

"Zack?" Billy called, glancing over his shoulder. "Are you coming?"

"I'm right behind you," Zack answered, a frown on his face. He absently attached the Holy Materia to an empty spot in his armlet, and hurried up the crystalline stairs after his friends. With every step he took, his worry increased. What if Midgar didn't have the answer? What if this entire mission accomplished nothing at all?

What if...Aisha actually didn't make it?

Zack bit his lip, pushing those thoughts out of his head with a vengeance. He wouldn't think about that. It wouldn't happen. They'd find the cure. There was no alternative.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Through tear-filled, weary eyes, Alexis stared at the ceiling in her small quarters. The room was surprisingly comfortable, considering it served as a sort of barracks in case the Rangers would ever need to live in the CAC. The bed was far more comfortable than the medical cots in the main room, and she was more than glad not to have all the other Rangers standing over her, watching her heartbeat and measuring her breathing to make sure it was regular.

Alexis hated being monitored. And she hated it when people worried about her, and tried to protect her.

It made her feel as if they didn't have confidence in her...that she was in over her head.

It became something of a pet peeve for her, resulting from the first week or so of her service as the Purple Ranger; when she used her Bomb Attack against the Dracola. She had succeeded in eliminating the monster, yet she also brought herself to the brink of death.

Yes, it was a scary situation, and no, she probably didn't realize the consequences at the moment. But, after that day, all the Rangers felt the need to keep an especially careful eye on her.

Now that the others were Terran Rangers, things only were worse. Now, she was easily the weakest Power Ranger. She didn't have the enhanced powers the Zeo Crystal gave the others. She wasn't quite as fast, her energy blasts weren't quite as strong, and her physical strength and durability weren't really at the same level as the Terran Rangers.

They had reached the next level. She was left behind.

She was like the kid sister who always wanted to help, but kept on getting in everyone's way. What kind of a contribution did she really make?

Alexis wasn't really sure...and that scared her.

A soft knock on the door pulled the Purple Ranger out of her depressing reverie. "It's open," she called.

Rocky pushed the door open gently, and peeked his head into the room. He grinned at Alexis when his eyes locked with hers, and entered the room, closing the door behind him.

"What's up?" Alexis inquired, sitting up on the bed.

"I just wanted --"

"To check up on me," Alexis finished darkly. Rocky jumped slightly at her unexpected reaction.

"Um, yeah," he finished. Alexis huffed slightly.

"Well, don't worry, I'm fine," she muttered, lying back down on her pillow. "In case you didn't notice, I'm not the one dying here. Maybe you should keep your watchful eye on Aisha."

Rocky remained silent, his copper gaze still locked on to Alexis. She muttered something to herself, and tossed her blanket over her head.

"Good night, Rocky," she said, anger tainting her voice.

Rocky blinked, still completely shocked by her inexplicable reaction. "What did I do?" he wanted to know.

Alexis sighed, pulling the sheets off of her head and gazing at Rocky again. This time, Rocky noticed the redness that marred her emerald eyes.

"Nothing," she said quietly, for fear her voice would crack, "I'm just a little cranky. It's been a long day, and I'd like to get a little bit of sleep, before I fall apart completely."

Rocky kept his eyes on her, his hurt expression tearing at Alexis. With a loud sigh, she leaned against the back of the bed, and gathered her legs close to her body, wrapping her arms around them.

She winced slightly at the movement, and rubbed a bruise on her shoulder.

"Are you okay?" Rocky asked immediately. He was answered by a cold glare that took him completely by surprise. "Look, I'm sorry if I've insulted you or something, Lex. I just wanted to see if you needed anything is all."

"So, are you asking all the Rangers if they need anything, or did you think I was particularly in need of assistance?" Alexis inquired.

Rocky's eyes widened slightly when he finally realized what troubled the Purple Ranger. "As a matter of fact, I am," he answered, "I just figured I'd come to you first, since your room was closest to the CAC."

"Well, I don't need anything, thank you."

Rocky nodded. "Okay, I'm leaving now," he said, backing towards the door slowly. Alexis turned her back to him, and lay down again on the cot. "But, I did want to congratulate you."

Alexis turned around, and looked at him quizzically. "For what?"

"For keeping Shade under control for so long," Rocky said. "You were a big help."

"No I wasn't," she muttered weakly. Rocky approached her again.

"I didn't catch that," he said, kneeling beside her bed. Alexis locked eyes with him again, a despondent expression on her pale face.

"No I wasn't," she repeated a little louder, "I wasn't much help today."

Rocky's eyebrows rose. "What do you mean? If it weren't for you, Shade would have run amok!"

Alexis swallowed, looking down at the floor. "None of the other Rangers needed help," she pointed out, "It was my ineptitude that forced the rest of the team to pick up my slack. The others could stand alone, but I needed help."

Rocky gently placed his finger beneath Alexis' chin, forcing her to look into his dark eyes. "Lex, you had a fever. You shouldn't have been in the fight in the first place. But you triumphed against circumstance, and put up a terrific fight. And I knew you could do it."

Alexis stopped sniffling for a moment. "What do you mean?"

Rocky grinned slightly. "Tommy told me to teleport anyone out of the fight as soon as they looked like they were having a hard time, remember?"

Alexis nodded in response.

"Well, I could have teleported you back. Actually, I should have, given Tommy's order. But I didn't. I trusted my instinct. I knew you could handle it, and you did. You came back a little worse for wear, but basically uninjured. You're a scrapper, Lex, and you've made us all proud."

Alexis couldn't resist a grateful smile from warming her face and lifting her low spirits. She sat up in the bed, and wiped the few tears that fell from her eyes. "Thanks," she said quietly, "That really means a lot to me."

Rocky smiled modestly. "No problem," he answered, getting ready to stand up. But before he did, Alexis wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. Rocky returned the impromptu embrace, and rubbed her back soothingly.

"You're the best, Rocko," she whispered into his ear.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

"Where am I?" Cloud asked, gazing around the darkness, faintly illuminated by a murky green light. He stood upon a translucent green platform, connected to several others by narrow paths. The platforms were suspended in some seemingly endless void. Cloud blinked in confusion.

He had been here before...in the depths of his mind.

It was weeks ago, when he had fallen into the Lifestream for the second time. Tifa had fallen with him...

Tifa! Where was she? Was she all right? Cloud couldn't quite remember what happened immediately before he passed out. He recalled using the Holy Materia, but he couldn't be sure whether or not it worked. The possibility that it didn't plagued him.

"Yes, Cloud," said a gentle, familiar voice. "You did it. You saved her."

Cloud whirled around, startled at the sudden voice. "Who's there?"

"Who do you think?" the voice asked. He could hear the smile of the speaker in the tone of her voice.

A bright smile...so full of joy and hope...

Impossible. She was dead.

Wasn't she?

"Aeris?" Cloud inquired, staring above his head. He jumped in surprise when he felt a hand touch his shoulder.

"You guessed it," she said, folding her hands behind her back. She smiled shyly at Cloud, rocking on her feet. "You're looking well, Cloud. Especially after such a hard fight."

Cloud shrugged, rubbing the back of his head. He was so cute when he was being modest.

"Aeris...are you okay?" he asked, hesitatingly reaching out to touch her. His hand brushed against the soft cotton of the sleeve of her dress. She felt very much real. Cloud shuddered.

"I...I'm not exactly what you think I am," Aeris said, stepping back from his touch. "I'm not Aeris entirely. I'm the part of her that is destined to save the world. I am her Heart."

Cloud blinked. "What?"

"Remember that vision you saw at Cosmo Canyon?" she inquired.

His azure eyes widened. "How did you know about that?"

Aeris giggled slightly. "I'm inside your mind, Cloud. I know everything there is to know about you." She then winked at him. "Don't worry, I won't pry..."

Aeris continued to laugh in amusement at his confusion. Sometimes, he was so dense!

"Anyway," she continued, "you saw Aeris fighting Sephiroth with the Holy Materia, right? Well, it's not Aeris' magical skills that the Holy Materia needs to operate. Rather, it's her heart. Her love for life...for the world and all its wonders. Her love for you, and her other friends. This love energy activates the Holy Materia. That's what truly fuels the Lifestream. That's why you managed to survive it."

"I...I don't understand."

Aeris grinned. "I knew you wouldn't. The first time you fell into the Lifestream, you suffered from incurable Mako-poisoning. But when you fell the second time, you were healed. Doesn't that paradox strike you as peculiar?"

Cloud nodded. "Yeah. I didn't know what to make of it."

"Well, there was a difference. When you fell the second time, you had Tifa with you." Aeris' smile widened. "Your love for each other helped activate the healing qualities of the Lifestream. You both managed to survive, and the Lifestream even healed your Mako-poisoning, as well as some of the damage done to your memories. It's because you let love be your guide. Not vengeance, not hatred, not even honor...but love. That was the difference."

Aeris held her hand out, and a small white sphere appeared hovering over her palm. "The Lifestream is a lot like humans," she continued, "It is capable of good as well as evil. It all depends on the emotions of those who meet it. Love ignites healing, hatred ignites destruction. When you tried to use the Holy Materia to save Tifa, your love for her shone like the brightest star in the heavens. That power focused the healing within the Holy Materia, made possible by me...Aeris' Heart. Now, you've proven that you have the capacity to really, honestly love. That is the quality you need the most in your quest to save the planet from Sephiroth. Your love will counteract his hate. You will carry on for Aeris, with the Holy Materia as your weapon."

With that, Aeris began stepping backwards, forming a gap of space between her and Cloud. "Now, it's time for you to return to your Tifa. She's waiting for you."

Cloud wasn't too adept at reading people's feelings, but he did discern the hint of regret in her voice. "Um...Aeris...about you and me..."

Aeris shook her head. "You don't need to explain anything, Cloud. I'm in your head, remember? I know what you're feeling...probably better than you do."

"Still, I think I should apologize," Cloud continued, "I'm sorry things...well, they didn't work out."

"They never could have," Aeris said. Her words startled the young warrior.

"What?" he asked, perplexed.

Aeris smiled. "Cloud, this may come as a surprise to you, but you were never really in love with me."

Cloud's eyebrow rose. "Excuse me?"

"You weren't. You didn't love Aeris for who she was. You loved her for what she was...brave, innocent, selfless, and so on. But, you only knew her for a few weeks. You didn't really even know who she was. Did you?"

Cloud opened his mouth to protest, but no words came out. He realized just how little he knew about Aeris.

"I'm not saying that love is impossible for people who don't know each other on an intimate level," Aeris continued, "but the fact is, your heart had been claimed by another for years. You didn't realize it until you thought you had lost her, but you have loved Tifa Lockheart since you were children. That love didn't fade. It only grew stronger when she walked back into your life, more nurturing and loyal than ever before.

"To be frank, Tifa's patience and devotion pulled you through the trials you have suffered during your mission to stop Sephiroth. It helped you maintain focus and not give up hope when you realized how you had been abused and manipulated for so many years as a member of SOLDIER. She opened up your heart, and showed you how to love again. That ability is what you needed most in order to finally win this war. Look into your heart if you doubt my words... then you'll see the truth."

Aeris smiled again, waving her goodbye. "I'll be with you, Cloud Strife. Every time you touch the Holy Materia, you'll feel the love I feel for you, and all of creation. May your own heart be strong..."

"A...Aeris...wait..."

"Cloud?" came a soothing voice, kissing his ears with its concerned tone. He then felt gentle fingers brush against his forehead.

His eyes shuttered open, looking around in utter disorientation. All his confusions melted into oblivion when his eyes locked with the warm tawny pools of color that always brought a smile to his face.

No matter where he was, when Cloud was with Tifa Lockheart...he was safe.

"You really had me worried," Tifa said, continuing to run her fingers through his unruly hair, "You've been out cold for over an hour. I...I didn't know what was wrong with you."

"I don't know either," Cloud admitted, his voice raspy. "Maybe the Omni-Slash, along with using the Holy Materia, totally spent any energy I had in my body."

"Uh...that's actually what I'm here about," Tifa said quietly, pulling her hands away from Cloud to rest them on her lap. "Why did you do it?"

Cloud blinked. "Do what?"

Tifa's eyes glanced around the room nervously. "Why did you use the Holy Materia?"

Cloud frowned. "Because you were dying," he answered, "and it was the only way to save you."

Tifa shook her head, tears glistening in her eyes. "I...I know that already. But...I thought...that maybe...there was another reason..."

Tifa bit her lower lip, stopping the river of words. She felt her face flush with embarrassment. What was she doing? She couldn't sit there and beg Cloud to declare his everlasting love to her. It was... wrong. And she was almost certain it wasn't true. Almost.

"Tifa?" Cloud asked, perceiving her discomfort.

Tifa turned to Cloud again, flashing him her most brilliant smile. "It's...nothing," she lied, rising to her feet. "Just...never mind. Um...I'll check up on you in an hour or so."

Cloud propped himself wearily on his elbows, and watched Tifa walk towards the door. "Tifa...wait..."

"I've got...things to take care of," she said, opening the door. "Uh...Yuffie's sick again."

Cloud licked his dry lips. "Please...don't go yet."

Tifa stopped, her back still turned to Cloud. The last thing she wanted to do was let him see tears in her eyes. Especially since she really couldn't bring herself to explain them.

"Is there something you need?" she asked quietly.

"Actually, there is," he said, pulling the blanket off him. Mustering all his strength, Cloud swung his legs off the edge of the bed, and planted his feet on the ground.

Tifa whirled around when she saw him trying to stand. "Where do you think you're going?" she demanded. "You're staying in bed, Cloud Strife!"

Cloud grinned. "I can't. I have something to say, and I'm going to say it to you face to face."

Tifa returned to Cloud's side, warily watching to see whether he would tip and fall from dizziness or exhaustion. Surprisingly, he maintained balance on his own two feet.

"What...did you want to say?" Tifa asked curiously.

Cloud smiled shyly, reaching out with his hand and touching her soft cheek with his fingertip. Gently, he wiped away the tears that had begun to trickle down her face.

"I should have said this a long, long time ago," he started, his eyes locking with hers, "because I've felt this way for quite a while..."

Tifa felt her heart skip a beat. Was this the moment she had dreamed about for so long? It simply couldn't be. She knew it wasn't true. Despite herself, she kept hearing his first words from when he awoke. A...Aeris...wait...

They repeated over and over, hammering her heart painfully.

She didn't want to live a lie.

"Cloud, stop," she whispered, closing her eyes. Her hand clasped his, that was gently caressing her cheek. She promptly pulled it away.

Cloud looked at Tifa for a moment, perplexed and hurt. Tifa shuddered at the expression, yet she remained adamant.

"Cloud," she said quietly, "I... I'm sorry, but, I can't do this."

"Do what?" Cloud whispered weakly, the strength in his knees draining. He was so absorbed in his own feelings, he didn't even consider the possibility that Tifa didn't love him as much as he convinced himself she did.

"Take second place in your heart," she answered, stepping away from him. The tears fell unrestrained from her eyes, despite her valiant attempt to keep them inside. "Cloud, you love Aeris. I...I never expected to change that."

To Tifa's surprise, Cloud answered her with a reassuring, lop-sided grin. "But I don't love her. At least, not the way I love you."

Tifa gazed into his sincere eyes, searching for any sign of falsehood. "But...when you woke up...you called for Aeris."

"Aeris spoke to me in my dream," he explained, taking her hand again. He gazed at her delicate fingers, the same fingers that wrapped his wounds so many times. The same fingers that gripped his hand when the pair rose triumphantly from the Lifestream. "She helped me understand why I was able to use the Holy Materia, and how I survived being tossed into the Lifestream with you by my side. It was because of you, and because I --"

"Cloud!" came a voice, along with a loud knock on the door, "Cloud, are you awake?"

Cloud sighed deeply, dropping Tifa's hand with frustration. He fell back onto his bed tiredly. "Come in, Zack."

The young man opened the door, his eyes widening when he noticed both Cloud and Tifa in there, clearly upset at the interruption.

"I...uh..." Zack muttered, chewing on his lower lip. "Boy is this embarrassing! Um...sorry."

"It's all right," Tifa said, running her fingers through her thick chocolate mane, "What's going on?"

Zack walked further into the room, holding out the Holy Materia. "I just thought I'd give this back to you guys. At least it works for you."

"What do you mean?" Cloud asked, taking the small pearl into his hand.

"I mean, it doesn't like me very much," Zack elaborated. "Usually materia tells you what it's used for. But this piece didn't even do that. It doesn't work for me."

"I'm sorry, Zack," Tifa said, taking his hand and squeezing it gently, "but don't you give up. We'll find another way to save Aisha."

"Wait," Cloud said, his eyes narrowing as he glanced up at Zack. He rolled the Holy Materia between his fingers. "Zack, do you love Aisha?"

Zack scowled at the question. "What is with you people?! Why do you keep asking me that?!"

Tifa smiled in amusement. "That sounds like a 'yes'

to me, Cloud."

Zack muttered under his breath, but he didn't deny it.

Cloud grinned. "Then, you can use the Holy Materia. Zack, you need to really reflect on what you're trying to do, and why you're trying to do it. If it's for love, the Holy Materia may be able to help you."

That said, Cloud handed the young man the gem. "Try it. For the woman you love."

Zack gazed at the small sphere for a long moment. "Well, it's not like I had anything better to do for the time being."

Zack glanced up, grinning mischievously at the couple. "I think now's a good time for me to leave," he said, walking to the door. "Um...see you...later."

Cloud and Tifa waited until the door was closed. Then, Cloud rose to his feet, and Tifa stood just inches from him, excitement dancing in her dark eyes.

"Now, where was I?" he asked, slightly flushed due to the unexpected interruption.

A serene smile tugged at Tifa's lips. "I think you've said enough, Mr. Strife," she said, sliding her arms around his neck. Slowly, their lips inched closer together, each savoring the anticipation.

No more words were spoken.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Zack entered the conference room on the Highwind, and closed the door behind him. Taking a quick survey of the room to insure he was alone, Zack took a seat at the head of the rectangular table, and lay his hands on the surface of the polished wood. Clutching the small Holy Materia tightly, Zack closed his eyes.

For the woman I love, huh?

he reflected. What makes everyone think I'm in love with Aisha? I'm not. I...can't be! I mean, we're just friends. We've got a lot in common, and we both fight for our planet. Yeah, I'm really concerned about her condition...but that doesn't mean I love her!

"Well, maybe it does,"

echoed a gentle voice in his head. Zack's eyes sprang open, and he stared at the milky materia in shock. It was emitting a steady stream of glowing white mist, that had begun to swirl around his body.

Suddenly, Zack's eyelids grew heavy. With a soft moan, his strength gave out, his head falling upon the wooden table.

"Where am I?!" Zack demanded, turning around full circle. He stood on a disk-like platform, white in color, which was suspended over a dark black void. It felt eerily familiar, yet very strange, at once.

"We're in your mind," the voice said again. "Well, at least a representation of it."

Before Zack's eyes, a flash of white light appeared, and stretched into the form of a young woman. Her bright green eyes seemed to smile at him warmly.

"Aeris?" he whispered.

"In a manner of speaking," she answered, "I'm just the part of Aeris that still lives, to save the planet by destroying Sephiroth. My essence is contained in the Holy Materia, so when you speak to it, you're actually speaking to me."

"Um, okay..." Zack said, rubbing his head, "I...I need to know how to save a friend of mine."

Aeris smiled. "I know. I heard you ask me before. Back in the City of the Ancients."

Zack frowned slightly. "Then, why didn't you answer me?"

"Zack, the power of the Holy Materia is governed entirely by the force of love. That is the reason why I am so instrumental to Sephiroth's defeat. I'm Aeris' heart. The part of her that will live forever, and will do its utmost to preserve everything she ever cared about. Cloud was able to get in touch with his heart, after so many years of denying it. That's what enabled him to save Tifa's life."

Aeris stepped closer to Zack, and lay her hand on his shoulder. "Your love for Aisha is the only thing that can save her now."

Zack swallowed. "But...but...I don't know what I feel for Aisha!" he admitted, "I mean, I know I like her in a different way from the other girls I know, but...it's not like I get butterflies in my stomach when I'm near her, or something like that. I don't get nervous around her. I'm comfortable around her."

"Well, that's a good thing, Zack. Perhaps the reason why is because you know you aren't trying to impress her. Like... you always did for that girl Angela."

Zack's dark eyes widened. "How did you...?"

"I'm inside your mind," Aeris reminded him, reaching out and tapping his forehead playfully, "I can sense your thoughts. You've had a crush on a young woman at your school for quite some time, and you've tried just about everything in your Book of Charms to get her attention. True?"

Zack shrugged in response.

"Yet with Aisha, you don't feel the need to charm her, because she already knows what kind of person you are. Look at your friends who are in love. Take...Kimberly and Tommy, for example. Do they seem uncomfortable when they're together?"

Zack shook his head. "But that's different! They've been going out forever! They're practically married!"

"True, but that also means they've passed the awkward stage. Now tell me, Zack Taylor, if you had gotten to know Aisha before she was a Power Ranger, would you have felt those 'butterflies,' as it were? If she were just another girl, you would have to work your way into her life. Since she was a Ranger, she became part of your life on principle. Right?"

Zack blinked. "Uh...I don't know."

"Perhaps, since you've been working with her so long, you've already passed the awkward stage. Hence, no butterflies."

Zack frowned, clearly unconvinced. Aeris sighed slightly.

"Look, Zack, the reason why I'm here isn't to convince you to declare your love for Aisha Campbell. That is something you have to figure out for yourself. But perhaps you should stop denying it, and start considering the possibility."

Then, Aeris turned around to leave.

"Wait!" Zack shouted. "You didn't tell me how to save her!"

Aeris turned to him, a downcast look in her emerald eyes. "Zack, you can't take the Holy Materia with you to Earth. If you do, it will be impossible for Cloud and his team to stop Sephiroth before his Meteor spell destroys Midgar. There is one chance, however; but I warn you...it is very risky."

Zack pursed his lips. "Well, what is it?"

"No materia works outside the realm of Midgar, because of its connection to the Lifestream. However, if you had a container to hold some of the Lifestream's energies in its raw form, you'd be able to transport it to Earth. That's the only way to bring the cure to your friend."

Zack considered this. "What kind of container do I need?"

Aeris locked eyes with Zack. "Your body."

Zack blinked. "Come again?"

"Bodies can absorb Mako energy. Most often, it is deadly for a human to do so in any significant quantity, but on the rare occasion that the person is strong enough, he can survive it. It happened for Cloud and Tifa. Their love for each other gave them the strength to fight for their lives within the Lifestream. It ignited the Lifestream's power to heal, rather than to destroy. You must do the same."

Zack swallowed. Did he have the needed conviction? Did he have the strength?

Although he wasn't too sure about his feelings for Aisha, he did know one thing...he'd risk his life to save hers.

What that meant, as far as love was concerned, still alluded the Silver Ranger.

"So, how do I do it?" Zack asked.

A bright smile crossed Aeris' lips. "First, make sure you're willing to take the chance."

Zack nodded. "I already am. Now, how do I do it?" he repeated.

"Return to Mideel, the town where you first arrived. That lake of Mako is the only Lifestream spring that is easy to reach. Once inside, you will go on a quest of sorts, within your mind. The Lifestream will grant you the power you seek if your heart is strong enough."

With that, Aeris' form began to fade. "Take care, Zack. And remember what you're doing this for..."

Zack's eyes sprang open, only to be treated to a close-up view of his sleeve. He blinked, and pulled his head from the pillow of his folded arms. He stretched his weary body, and weakly rose to his feet, balancing himself on the back of the chair.

"Mideel..." he whispered, his eyes narrowing with determination.

Chapter Forty

Adam sat down on a stool beside the med-unit, watching the computer screens that measured Aisha's vital signs. He exhaled heavily when he saw the dire situation.

His close friend since childhood was slowly slipping away.

Shaking his head in frustration, Adam ran his fingers through his curly raven hair, and clenched a few locks of it, holding on tightly. Over and over in his mind, the same words resounded.

This is all my fault!

True, it wasn't a very logical conclusion to draw. Nonetheless, he couldn't deny the fact that, if it were him in the fight against Contagion, he would have healed just like the other Terran Rangers. Yet, that wasn't the case. True, it wasn't his fault that he was injured, yet he certainly could have insisted on reclaiming the Green Terra Power, or at least that she abandon it. There were signs of Aisha's distress. She was rather sickly the past few days. Why couldn't he read the signs? Wasn't he supposed to be her friend, looking out for her?

"I think it's time you got some sleep," said a gentle voice, as slender arms wrapped around Adam's waist. Tanya rested her chin on his broad shoulder, her dark curls brushing against his cheek softly.

"There's no way I'll be able to sleep," Adam muttered, resting his head against Tanya's. "Not when Aisha's hanging on by a thread."

"There's nothing you can do for her now," Tanya reminded him. She lifted her head from his shoulder, and slowly massaged his neck in order to relax him.

It didn't work, though.

"Adam, don't do this," Tanya pleaded, walking in front of him and gazing into his deep brown eyes. "You need to get some rest."

Almost unconsciously, Adam turned his eyes away from Tanya, resting them on the green crystal shard still hovering on a console, accompanied by Zack's white shard.

"That crystal is mine," he whispered, "I'm the one who should have used it. It's my destiny...not hers! I'm the one who put Aisha in danger."

"Adam, you're not making any sense," Tanya said sternly, grasping his upper arm and pulling him off the stool gently. "I'll watch Aisha, and I promise you, I'll get you if there's even the slightest change. Your heart is still weak, you know. Pushing yourself too far will only make things worse."

Adam frowned. He hated being babied, but he saw the logic in Tanya's words. He weakly walked across the CAC towards the back rooms, casting one final glance toward the green Zeo shard.

His shard.

Suddenly, a pulse of green light flashed from the core of the crystal. Adam blinked, and kept his gaze upon the crystal. The energy remained steady.

"Tanya," he whispered, keeping his eyes on the crystal, "is there something strange about the green crystal?"

Tanya glanced at her boyfriend worriedly, and then turned back to the crystal. She shrugged. "Adam, there's nothing strange about it. You're...starting to scare me."

Adam forced a grin on his face. "Maybe I'm more tired than I thought."

"Get some rest," Tanya insisted, "while things are quiet around here."

With a heavy sigh, Adam conceded to his girlfriend's wishes, dragging his feet towards the rooms. As he walked absently through the narrow hallways, he was startled by the soft thud of shoes against the tiled floor. His eyes narrowing in confusion, he turned the corner, and saw Jason marching along wearily, his muscular arms folded tightly over his chest, and a pensive, restless expression on his face.

Jason was so contained in his own thoughts, he didn't notice Adam's arrival.

"Did you at least try to get some rest?" Adam asked, his voice causing the Black Ranger to whirl his head around in surprise.

Jason's frown deepened. "No luck," he muttered, shaking his head, "I'm so tired, I feel like a zombie...but I can't relax enough to fall asleep, or even sit still. I've gotta burn off this anxiety."

Jason sighed, and leaned heavily against the wall. "I can't help feeling that...this is all my fault."

Adam blinked, a wry smile crossing his face. "How much you wanna bet everyone here is ready to claim responsibility?"

Jason shrugged. "I don't know...I feel like I should have taken the time to get to know Aisha better. Maybe if I had paid more attention to her, then I would have seen the signs. I should have noticed something wasn't quite right with her! You saw those wounds Billy revealed earlier! This has been going on ever since she received the Power!"

Jason noticed Adam cringe at the mention of the shard. He mentally kicked himself. "Hey, Adam..."

"Don't worry about it," the weary ex-Ranger stated, a weak smile on his face. "Just like we all have this feeling of guilt, we're all stubborn about it. I know I can't convince you that you are not to blame for all this, and the same goes for me."

Just then, one of the nearby doors creaked open, and Katherine stepped into the hallway. Her usually brilliant sky-blue eyes were dull and red...a result from exhaustion, worry, and tears...and her hair hung lifelessly around her shoulders. She blinked in surprise when she noticed Adam and Jason just outside her room.

"I'm sorry," Jason said, his entire attention turning to her, "did we wake you?"

She smiled dully. "Don't worry about it, Jase. I wasn't getting any sleep. In fact, I didn't even hear you guys."

Adam then yawned loudly, shaking his head to reorient himself. "Well, I'm gonna go find an empty bed, and see if maybe I can get a bit of rest today. I'll see you two later."

With that, Adam disappeared down the hall, leaving Jason and Katherine alone at the entrance to her room.

"So," Kat said quietly, leaning on the door frame, "what were you two talking about?"

"Guilt and responsibility," Jason confessed. Kat nodded.

"I know what that feels like," Kat affirmed, wrapping her arms around her trembling body, "I can't stand not being able to help in any way. I mean, she's a dear friend, and there is nothing I can do to keep her alive. Every time I step into the main CAC, I feel like I'm just in everyone's way. There's a blanket of gloom and hopelessness in there, and I feel like I'm drowning."

Jason bit his lip when he saw Katherine withdraw. He had noticed that was how she dealt with stress...closing herself off from everything. Instead of crying, or pounding her fist into a wall, she just stood still, her gaze glassy and unfocused, and a worn expression on her face.

It happened whenever she felt bad about herself...that she wasn't useful, or wasn't worthy, or wasn't able to achieve what everyone else expected of her.

Blankly, Jason recognized that personality trait as belonging to another Ranger. One who needed all the help he could get to finally crack through the shell of self-doubt and perceived uselessness, in order to nurture confidence and emotional strength.

Tommy.

Just like Tommy needed help realizing his potential, so did Katherine...and just like all those years ago, it was Jason who would be instrumental in forging a great warrior with a strong heart.

But this time, things were different. Tommy was a friend, and grew into a brother. Katherine's situation is far more delicate. She started as a friend, and now she was more than just that.

Dare he say it...he was falling in love with her.

Slowly, Jason moved towards the distraught Katherine. She glanced up at him, feeling her slight trembling build at the sight of his warm smile.

"Katherine," he said gently, "it's okay to cry. Just...let it out. Your frustrations, fears, doubts, anger, guilt...and whatever else you can muster."

Katherine blinked, unable to hold back the torrent any longer. His gentle smile and open demeanor easily demolished all the barriers she had erected.

She suddenly threw her arms around his neck, desperately hanging on as the tears flowed. All the anxieties that were consuming her whole were released in a tempest.

Jason braved the storm for her sake, soothingly stroking her flaxen hair and rocking her gently. Through helping her cope, he found the strength to keep himself steadfast.

Alone, they were holding on to some feeling of comfort with their fingertips...but together, they were strong.

Chapter Forty-One

Tommy lay upon his bed, his arms folded over his chest, and his eyes closed. He had even regulated his breathing, taking in air slowly and sparingly. He was still, save for the rhythmic rise and fall of his broad chest.

But...he wasn't asleep.

He was trying desperately, but without success.

Still, he refused to open his eyes. He didn't want to see the world as it was. It was simply too much to bear.

He was charged with the leadership of the Terran Power Rangers...a team guided by Destiny to save not just their universe, but the entire Multiverse.

A team that was falling apart around him.

Adam had been critically injured. Alexis' bull-headed stubbornness was the only thing that kept her alive during the ordeal. Billy and Zack were missing, without having any means to really contact the Rangers effectively...

and Aisha was rotting away on a cold cot.

Where had he gone wrong? Why was his team coming apart at the seams? He hated to accept it...but it was true: they got lucky. Had Goldar and Rito been at peak health, the weakened Power Rangers wouldn't have succeeded. He and Katherine wouldn't have been able to reach Alexis in time.

He cringed to think of what could have happened then. But he knew it included the total devastation of the school area, where Shade was attacking...and it possibly included the demise of the brash Purple Ranger.

In fact, it was luck that spared them from an epidemic. True, the Terran Rangers were able to heal, but what would have happened had the deadly virus spread? It could have wiped out Angel Grove in a matter of hours! What if the other non-Rangers didn't get away in time? Would Billy, Tanya, Adam, and Rocky have been slowly rotting away with an indomitable fever?

*Tommy, would you please stop dwelling on the worst-case scenario?*

a clearly weary voice said in his mind. *It's really distracting.*

Tommy blinked, sitting up in his bed. Kim? Is that you?

*No, it's the Spirit of Christmas Past.*

Kim, what are you doing in my mind?

*Well, it's pretty difficult for me to cut off your anguish. Your brooding is so strong, you're broadcasting it! Even a weak telepath like me can pick it up, without even trying. You really need to calm yourself.*

Tommy frowned, leaning back on his bead. Easier said than done.

*Care to 'talk'

about it?*

Not really.

*Well...have it your way...*

Tommy felt the soothing presence of Kimberly's mind-voice slip away, leaving him cold and alone once again. He didn't like it.

Kim? Can you hear me?

he thought.

*I thought you said you didn't want to talk.*

she commented wryly.

Tommy smiled. Well...I guess I changed my mind. But, if you wanted to get some sleep...

*Don't be silly. Besides, how can I sleep, knowing how distraught you are?*

Despite the troubles plaguing the Red Terran Ranger, his smile broadened. He could feel Kim's love for him through their mental communication. He had to admit, had it been anyone else granted the ability to touch his mind so freely, he would have likely resented the breach of privacy. But since it was Kimberly...he welcomed her mind into his. It was just one other way in which they were connected.

One other way in which they were one.

*So, what do you want to talk about?*

Anything. Whatever comes to mind.

Kim was silent for a moment. *Well...how about that promise ring you gave me? It's never too early to start planning out what we're going to do with our lives...*

Tommy felt his spirits rise, as his thoughts turned from tormented brooding to the wonderful prospects of his future with Kimberly. As usual, she had skillfully lightened the load weighing him down, freeing him...at least for a moment...from the anxieties that plagued him.

For those brief moments, when they exchanged the contents of their hearts and souls so freely over this mental rapport, Tommy was disconnected from his present grief.

He looked to the future...with an optimism that was quite uncharacteristic of the pensive young man.

He welcomed it into his mind and heart...just like he welcomed her.

Chapter Forty-Two

"I'm really sorry we were unable to obtain any materia for Yuffie," Billy stated, pulling the Shield, Time, and Typoon materia spheres from his weapon and armlet, "I hope she isn't too disappointed."

Cid Highwind chuckled, gnawing on the stub of a cigar hanging from his lips. "She's too sick to even process what's going on," he pointed out. "B'sides, I don't think she'll mind. After all, the materia you used against Jenova-Obsidian was hers."

Billy blinked in surprise. "Really? I thought she was quite possessive of her materia."

Cid smirked. "She is, but materia gains value and power the more it's used in battle. You broke it in, so to speak. So, you paid her back in your own way."

Billy considered this, pulling off the Crystal Bangle that served as an armor. He handed it to the pilot, who tossed it absently into a chest of other armlets and weapons. Billy then prepared to throw his Partisan into the chest, but Cid grabbed his shoulder to prevent him from doing so.

"Don't bother," Cid said, folding his arms. "I've already got the Venus Gospel. I don't need another. Just keep it, for a souvenir or somethin'."

Billy smiled. "Thank you. I'm certain it'll come in handy."

"Oh," said Cid, pulling a rifle from his leather belt, "and when you see that friend of yours, give this back to 'im. I tried to tell 'im he could keep it, but he pretty much ignored me."

"Uh, sorry about that," Billy said, accepting the weapon, "he's very much preoccupied."

Cid shrugged. "Don' mean $#!%

to me, Kid. You'd have to work pretty hard to get to Cid Highwind."

Billy accepted this, preparing to leave the ship's storage closet with Cid. However, as soon as they reached the door, Zack burst in, his face the very picture of focus and dedication.

"Zack?" Billy said in surprise.

"I've been looking everywhere for you two," Zack huffed, glancing from Billy to Cid. "We need to go to Mideel, immediately."

Cid's eyebrow rose. "Who the #%$@

do you think you are, tellin' me where to take my ship?!"

Zack ignored Cid's apparent fury. "The Holy Materia told me that's where the key to saving Aisha is, so that's where I'm going."

Billy's eyes widened. "What's the cure, Zack?"

Zack's eyes narrowed. "The Lifestream."

Cid then pushed his way passed the shorter men, and made his way towards the bridge. "It'll take about an hour to get to Mideel from here," he called to them, "so make yourselves comfortable."

Zack nodded, and heavily sat down on a large box within the storage room. Billy sat next to him.

"So," he said, "how are we going to save Aisha?"

Zack didn't raise his eyes to meet Billy's inquiring gaze. "I'm going to have to jump into the Lifestream."

"But Zack, that's lethal!" Billy argued. "Is that what the Holy Materia suggested?"

Zack nodded. "It's Aisha's only chance. Therefore, it's our only choice."

Chapter Forty-Three

*Adam Park, you must listen to me!*

Adam's heavy eyelids sprang open, and he stared at the darkened ceiling in amazement.

Was it his imagination, or was someone speaking to him?

"Man, I must really be tired," he whispered, rubbing his eyes with his hands. He jumped when he saw a flash of white light within his room.

The light intensified, and increased until it was nearing six feet in height. Then, it stretched and molded, forming the shape of a woman. She wore a long, loose white robe, golden shoulder plate, and a golden clasp kept her flowing black hair in a ponytail. Ageless eyes fixated on the young man, and a neutral expression crossed her features.

Adam's mouth opened slightly, but he couldn't find any words for the apparition.

"Adam, you must listen to me," she repeated, her urgent stare never wavering from the astonished former Ranger, "I don't have much time."

"Who are you?" he managed to choke.

"It is not significant," she replied, extending her arm. Her palm flashed with green light, and an image appeared. A green crystal, about the size of a thumb, floated above her palm, spinning on its axis.

Adam recognized it as the green Zeo shard, shrunken to the size it maintained while inside his body.

"You are the Green Terran Ranger," she explained. "You have been chosen, and you have a great destiny to fulfil. You must reclaim the crystal, or the Terran Rangers are doomed."

"Excuse me?"

"The Dark One is coming," she said, enclosing her hand into a fist. The image of the crystal vanished. "He is more powerful than you can imagine. He will come, and he will try to gain the Zeo Crystal. Only the full power of Terra can defeat him. Without a Green Ranger, this entire universe will surely fall."

"But..."

"No argument," she said, her sharp tone invoking unquestioned obedience. "The Zeo Crystal will not harm you. In fact, it will help your heart to heal. Only you can safely wield the gem. While it will do harm to others, it will make you strong. It was an unforeseen tragedy that caused the crystal to materialize within you. Trust me...such an event shall not occur again."

Adam swallowed, confusion still marring his thoughts. He had never seen this woman before, yet for some reason...she seemed familiar. And very authoritative.

"Take back the crystal now," she said, her form vanishing from the room. "Take back your destiny..."

Adam stared at the spot where the strange apparition stood just moments ago. He then leaned back against the wall, folding his arms tightly.

He was certain it wasn't a dream. No...he didn't have the imagination for it.

But...couldn't it have been a trick? Could someone be trying to place him in danger, by getting himself killed with the Zeo shard? He did believe it was his destiny, but was he ready for it?

Somehow, he knew he was. And so, he quietly rose from his bed, and slipped out of the room, headed for the main chamber of the CAC.

Chapter Forty-Four

"Just hold on, Aisha," Tanya said quietly, her hands pressed against the corner of the med-unit. Tanya laid her entire weight into her arms, the terrible circumstances of that day thoroughly exhausting her.

Tanya took a seat on the stool Adam had abandoned, and folded her arms in her lap. For a few more minutes, she gazed at Aisha's serene face.

Every time she saw Aisha's face, she could still see the cherubic visage of the young Aisha, that brought her to the United States to join the Power Rangers.

Even though Tanya never had the opportunity to actually become a Power Ranger, she was forever grateful to young Aisha, who was willing to leave the life she had lead behind for the good of the wild life in the African savanna. And, even though Tanya had remained on the sidelines, she couldn't deny how blessed she had been since her move to Angel Grove.

Firstly, she was rescued from the Sandman. Thanks to the Power Rangers, she was freed from the fate of being the property of the alien being Coppelius, and she was also reunited with her long-lost parents, who had been captured by the creature years ago.

Also, she had become a part of a cause that transcended everything Tanya had ever known before. She didn't wear the armor, but she nonetheless contributed to the work the Power Rangers do: protecting Angel Grove, and the world, from whatever evil may face it. Just to be chosen for such a responsibility was an incredible honor. There were only a dozen or so individuals granted the privilege of Power Ranger membership, whether in the core group of morphed warriors, or the extended Power Ranger family, consisting of all those who work beside those brave teenagers.

And finally...although no less significantly...she met Adam Park.

None of these wonderful blessings ever would have occurred, had Aisha not walked into her life. She owed Aisha so much...for everything she had given her. And no matter how she tried, Tanya couldn't repay her. She couldn't even keep her alive.

Tanya felt a strange electricity in the air, pulling her out of her dismal reflections urgently. She gasped when she saw Adam standing beside the floating green Zeo shard, staring into its energy core blankly.

"Adam!" she cried, leaping off the stool and racing to his side. "What are you doing?"

"Getting my destiny back on track," he responded evenly. Tanya's jaw dropped when she saw him reach his hand out towards the gem.

"Are you crazy?!" she demanded, grabbing his other arm and pulling him away from the crystal. Adam turned to her, his dark eyes surveying the angst in Tanya's expression.

"Tanya, I have to do this," he said, gently releasing her fingers from his arm, "I'm the Green Ranger. I'm the only Green Terran Ranger. No one else can do it for me."

"But you can get yourself killed," she protested, forcing the panic from her voice, "There's no need to do this now. The battle's over. You can wait until Billy's run some more tests, to make sure you won't be putting yourself in danger. And you're under so much stress because of Aisha's condition! This just isn't a good time for this!"

Adam shook his head, clasping both of Tanya's hands in his. "Tanya, this probably sounds hard to believe, but I know the crystal won't hurt me. In fact, it'll probably help me. It's a part of me now...and it has been since I accepted it months ago. I have to take it back, and there's no time like the present."

With that, Adam gently brushed his lips against hers in a reassuring kiss, and turned towards the crystal. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and touched his fingertips to the gem. It immediately shrank to its smaller size. Adam clasped the gem tightly, and slowly moved it towards his chest, holding his breath. He exhaled forcefully as the crystal passed through his clothing and flesh, embedding itself inside his heart. Instantly, a small cyclone formed at Adam's feet, forcing Tanya to step away from him, shielding her eyes from the intense green light that saturated the magical cyclone. The cyclone was so powerful, the entire chamber was filled with powerful winds. The mayhem weakened after a few long moments, and Tanya held her breath in anticipation.

After the bright light and wind faded, Adam stood before her, once again donned in the form-fitting green and gold armor of the Green Terran Ranger.

"I...I'm okay," he gasped. "Just...gotta catch my breath..."

Tanya shook her head, grabbing his arm and wrapping it around her shoulder to support him. He leaned heavily against his girlfriend, pushing passed the wave of disorientation that crashed through his mind and body.

Finally, after taking a few deep breaths, Adam pulled away from Tanya, standing on his own strength. Slowly, his gloved hands rose to his helmet, undoing the latches and pulling it off. Sweat sat on his face, and he breathed heavily with the exertion...but a wide grin brightened his face.

Tanya sighed in relief, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You really are okay."

The moment she said those calming words, the alarm claxons sounded from within the med-unit. Adam turned on his heels, and the two teens watched in horror as the bars that showed Aisha's heart rate slowed.

"Oh God," Tanya whispered, "we're losing her!"

Adam immediately ran to a nearby console, and hit the all-alert button. Sirens screamed to life, alerting all the Rangers within the CAC that an emergency was taking place. Moments later, the exhausted and panicked group assembled around the med-unit.

"WHAT?!"

Rocky cried, coming to a complete stop once he entered the CAC. Katherine, Jason, Tommy, Kimberly, and Alexis stopped behind him, each one blatantly shocked by the sight.

Standing beside the med-unit was the Green Terran Ranger, with his helmet resting in the nook of his arm.

"Adam!" Jason said, blinking. "What did you do?"

"We'll talk about this later, guys," he said, his brow furrowing as his eyes surveyed the information screen on the med-unit. "She's crashing!"

"Is there anything any of us can do?" Tommy asked, stepping forward.

Adam swallowed, his eyes darting from the computer screen, to Aisha, to his leader's determined eyes. "Tommy," he whispered anxiously, "I... I don't think she's going to make it..."

Chapter Forty-Five

He swallowed hard, gazing within the bubbling emerald lava tumbling within the confines of the Mako lake. It was thick and heavy...hot and obscure. There was no way to know what would happen when the magical liquid touched his tender skin. There was no way to know what would happen to his mind, to be immersed in such power.

Once he dove in, there was no going back.

He felt a hand timidly touch his shoulder. "Listen, Zack, I can come with you..."

Zack immediately shook his head. "No way, Billy. There's no need for us both to risk our lives." He turned to his friend, wearing a faint grin. "Besides, if I don't make it, I'm counting on you to figure out another cure for Aisha."

Billy smiled, taking his hand off Zack's shoulder and extending it in a handshake. Zack gripped it firmly, taking a deep breath.

"Good luck," Billy uttered.

"Yeah!" called a rowdy voice. "Watch yourself, Kid!"

Zack looked to the side, and smiled at the entire main crew of the Highwind. Vincent, Yuffie, Cid, Barrett, Red XIII, Cait Sith, Tifa, and Cloud were all there, lending their support. Zack was infinitely grateful that they delayed their mission to stop Sephiroth just slightly, to give as much assistance and assurance as possible.

Still...from here on in, he was on his own.

"Remember what I told you," Cloud said firmly, his grip tightening on Tifa's hand. Zack nodded, pursing his lips tightly as he turned back to the pool of liquid fire.

"Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread," he whispered, the light of the green pool dancing in his dark eyes.

"Excuse me?" Billy said, frowning slightly.

Zack shrugged. "Something from English class. It just popped into my head. Kinda fits, huh?"

"I wouldn't call you a fool, Zack."

"Maybe I am," he reflected. "Maybe that's why it has taken me so long to..."

He paused, shaking off the thought. "Well, here goes."

He took a deep breath, holding it in his lungs, and his fingers went up to pinch his nose closed. Then, he bounded towards the lake, leaping in feet-first.

He sank slowly into the thick liquid, feeling the hot energy burning his skin painfully. He didn't dare open his eyes, knowing full well the toxic properties of the Mako fountain. After time, the intense heat that ravaged his skin dulled to a irritation, but he soon felt his lungs burning for fresh air.

He continued sinking, until the darkness of his eyelids was replaced by a brilliant green Mako flash.

Chapter Forty-Six

"I'm tellin' ya, Man, she's perfect!"

Jason smirked, trying his best to casually turn around in his seat, and get a better look at the young woman. He could tell she was beautiful and graceful, from the warm-up exercises she performed on the mat. Long legs stretched in a full split, and as she reached to touch each toe, flowing raven tresses swept about her shoulders.

"I don't know, Zack," Jason sighed, turning back around to face his companion. He lifted his fountain soda, and took a long sip. "Angela's in my Trigonometry class. She's...not that nice of a person. She certainly doesn't seem to like jokesters."

Zack had a starry look in his eyes, sipping his root beer float through a long straw. He rested his cheek on his balled fist, a goofy grin on his face.

"Zack?" Jason uttered, waving his hand in front of his friend's eyes. "Hello?"

Zack blinked, dropping the straw from his lips. "Huh?"

Jason chuckled. "Sheesh! One pretty face, and suddenly your mind is somewhere in the Andromeda galaxy."

"I can't help it. I'm in love."

Jason rolled his eyes. "But you don't even know her! I thought your criteria for the perfect woman included rapier wit, spirit, enough energy for her to keep up with you, and supreme dancing skills. All you know about Angela is that she's pretty."

Zack shrugged. "Hey, I'm flexible."

Jason groaned at the comment. "I don't think you're being reasonable."

Zack grinned roguishly, rising from his seat. "Hey, if it turns out she can't dance, all I have to do is teach her. Right?"

Jason threw up his hands in surrender, and Zack strolled over to Angela with his best, suave stride. He then spun on his heels, snapping his fingers as he came to a stop. Wearing his most disarming grin, he squatted on the floor beside her.

She threw him the coldest glare he had ever seen.

Zack didn't let that derail him. "You're Angela, right?"

She turned away from him, returning to her stretches.

"I'm Zack," he said, following her eyes with his, "Zack Taylor. Certified great guy!"

Angela paused from her warm-up for a moment, locking eyes with him. "I'm not impressed, either by your smooth talking, or your smooth moves. Goodbye."

Stunned, Zack tried to brush the stinging remarks as if they were insignificant. "Well, I see you're busy now. I'll see you later."

She didn't acknowledge him when he left.

"Wow," Jason whispered, as Zack to a seat again at their table, "that was harsh."

"Not really," Zack said, his grin returning, "She did recognize that I was smooth. I'll get through to her...sooner or later."

Chapter Forty-Seven

"...and this is Aisha Campbell."

The young man with ear-length dreadlocks flashed his most charming smile, extending his hand. The short young woman accepted, a dazzling smile on her chocolate lips, and a sparkle of energy in her dark eyes.

"Wow," said another young man, with copper-brown hair and a red cotton sweatshirt, "I can't believe the six of you are the Power Rangers!"

Zack shrugged, stepping back a few feet to join the group behind him. Kimberly Hart, Jason Lee, Tommy Oliver, Trini Kwan, Zack Taylor, and Billy Mitchell were the six teens chosen to stop Rita Repulsa, and later Lord Zedd, from conquering the planet Earth. They were the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

Standing across from them were Aisha Campbell, Rocky DeSantos, and Adam Park...three ninja finalists who were kidnapped by Goldar in another failed attempt to defeat the Power Rangers. Fortunately for them, the Blue, Pink, and White Rangers were able to rescue them...but not before accidentally revealing the vital secret of their identities.

Once the three were unmasked, it didn't take a genius to figure out the rest of the team. So, it was best to simply conduct formal introductions.

Zack had known Rocky, Aisha, and Adam before this moment. He was at the park when Kimberly and Aisha had both helped save a baby in a runaway stroller. But this time, he was formally introduced. These three teens were definitely something special.

And one look into Aisha's vibrant, deep brown eyes told him that they would certainly become good friends.

Chapter Forty-Eight

With an enthusiastic grin on his face, Zack managed to zip the overstuffed duffel bag. Throwing an observatory glance around his disheveled room, he decided that he was finished packing.

Exhausted, Zack fell upon his bed, staring at the ceiling. In just a few short hours, he'd be on a plane to Switzerland with Jason and Trini, in order to attend the Peace Conference. He was still awed by the fact that he was chosen out of the hundreds of worthy teens in the district. It was the chance of a lifetime...meeting new people, learning about new cultures, and working for the greatest cause conceivable. Peace.

Still, it would be tough to leave Angel Grove behind. Leaving behind friends like Tommy, Kimberly, and Billy wasn't going to be easy, and now that Alexis was in Philadelphia, he'd probably never see her again. Also, he'd most likely lose contact with Angela. His patience with their tenuous relationship was running thin, and considering her flighty attention span, he doubted she'd want to put in the effort to keep in touch.

And then were Aisha, Rocky and Adam. Three fabulous, spirited teens. If circumstances had been different, he was sure the entire group of students would have been the closest friends ever.

He knew, without a doubt, that they'd be excellent Power Rangers, carrying on for the three that were moving on to different things.

But he couldn't help but wonder about what could have been. Had all ten teens remained in Angel Grove, what incredible odds they could have conquered! Seven Power Rangers, and three great support-members.

Too bad it'd never happen.

Chapter Forty-Nine

The winter air was cold in Philadelphia. Considering how long ago it was that Zack moved to California, it was difficult to remember the effect of frosty air and snowdrifts. Still, it was beautiful...the white blanket delicately coating the bare branches of trees, and soft ivory flakes floating to the ground slowly. They weren't in a rush.

Despite the frigid weather, Zack felt the warmth of friendship. Being enclosed in a circle of ten terrific friends, all standing by a frozen park lake, would do that to anybody.

It was a time of farewells. Three were moving across the Atlantic, one was remaining in Pennsylvania. Six would stand firm in Angel Grove, combating evil in whatever shape it took.

Then Tommy, the recently appointed White Ranger, raised his hand, and thrust it in the center of close-knit companions. "One last time," he said, "for all of us. We're united in duty..."

"We're bonded in love," added the compassionate Kimberly, placing her hand on his.

"We serve and protect," chimed the dazzling Aisha, joining in.

"With courage and honor," uttered the noble Adam.

"We fight for right," orated the comical Rocky.

"And stand side by side," Zack himself contributed, lying his gloved hand atop Rocky's.

"Guided by wisdom," offered the brilliant Billy.

"Joined by friendship," whispered gentle Trini.

"Through thick and through thin," stated the fiery Alexis.

"Now and forever," finished strong Jason.

"POWER RANGERS!!"

they all cried, throwing their hands into the air.

Zack bathed in the light of true friendship. It was a shame he couldn't bask in it longer.

Chapter Fifty

Zack waited in the taxi cab as Jason went to see if anyone was present in the Mitchell house. He folded his hands, trying desperately to contain his excitement.

After all those months in Geneva, the first round of peace talks were complete. Now, he was free for an entire month, to get reacquainted with the home and with the friends he had missed so dearly while he was abroad.

It was a shame Trini had decided not to return. She had found a fulfillment in her work that Zack and Jason just couldn't seem to match. Yes, he enjoyed Geneva, and he appreciated the privilege of being there...but it didn't feel right.

He couldn't help but think of his return as being prompted by Destiny's call.

After a few moments more, Jason returned to the cab, beckoning Zack to follow him. Zack nodded, asking the driver to wait as he exited the car. He glanced at his close friend, who wore an expression of urgency.

"Zack, there's been a catastrophe," he whispered, leading the former Black Power Ranger into Billy's house.

Zack gasped. "What do you mean?"

"The Command Center has been destroyed. There's nothing left."

Zack was speechless. He had always believed that Zordon was virtually invincible. How did the bungling Zedd and Rita finally manage to destroy the Command Center? It was impossible!

"Still, we're not to be counted out yet," Jason continued. "We're going to check out the site, and see if there's anything we can find to help."

"We?" Zack repeated, as he stepped into the open door of Billy's garage. His dark gaze swept the room, fixing on two strangers longer than the others. One was a tall blonde with pale skin and warm blue eyes. The other was an African girl, as conveyed by her traditional apparel, with short brown hair and deep brown eyes.

"Zack," Jason said, raising his arm. "These are the Power Rangers."

Zack realized with dismay that neither Kimberly nor Aisha were there.

Chapter Fifty-One

His body was pumping so much adrenaline, he doubted he could sit down.

Here he was in the Youth Center, after so much time. He was back, sparring with a friend and teammate, just relaxing after a long battle.

It was so much like the old days...except the teammate was Adam Park, and he battled as the White Terran Ranger.

It was as different as it was the same. Yet...it was wonderful to be back in the armor.

No sooner did Zack's mind begin to wander did Adam take advantage of the distraction, sliding his legs mercilessly along the mat, and dropping Zack on his back.

"Wow," Zack muttered, rising to his elbows, "you're pretty good, Adam!"

"I'm not really that good," said Adam modestly, offering Zack a hand, "I've gotten better though, since Tommy and I started practicing here every evening at this time."

"Since I've been at the Peace Conference, I haven't put in much practice time," Zack admitted rather sheepishly, "I guess I'm a little rusty."

"Don't worry," laughed Adam, bowing, "I'll have you back in shape in no time!"

Yes, he'd be back in shape. He, Adam, Jason, Kimberly, Tommy and Katherine were the Terran Rangers now, and they'd remain so until the battle's won. So long ago, he had wished that the entire band would be united. This was as close as it had ever been. Yet Trini was still in Geneva, Aisha was in Africa, and Alexis was in Philadelphia. Without them, the team would never feel quite whole.

Zack then realized how much he missed Aisha, and her gleaming dark eyes and playful smile.

Chapter Fifty-Two

A forlorn sigh escaped his lips, as his eyes absently scanned down the familiar menu of the Juice Bar. He leaned heavily against the wooden back of his chair, a scowl turning his lips downwards.

"Is something bothering you?" Billy asked, glancing at his friend worriedly. Zack huffed, slightly annoyed that his morbid thoughts were interrupted.

"Angela and I were supposed to go to the Blackstreet concert next month," he revealed, "but today, she told me she couldn't make it. She's ready to 'see other people'

, or something like that."

"That's tough," said Adam, "but you'll get over her."

"Will I?" he asked glumly.

He didn't really know the answer. He couldn't understand it, but it was exceedingly difficult for him to just put Angela out of his mind. Almost as soon as he returned to Angel Grove, he had attempted to revive his relationship with her. He did lose contact while in Geneva, just as he had predicted, but he was so certain that the months would have matured her. Over the time that they were 'together'

, she had softened. She had learned not to be so cold and spoiled, and was once in a while affectionate. She even kissed Zack, when they went on that double date with Kim and Tommy!

But if there was one word that described Angela perfectly, it was inconsistent. One minute, she's all smiles and warm looks. The next, she's the Ice Queen of Angel Grove High.

Zack had had enough of her mind-games. But every time he was ready to give up on her, he felt her pull on him more and more. And one sweet smile managed to erase from his memory the dozen or so cold glares he had received just before.

"Hey gang," said a cheery female voice, "I'm here! And look what I found!"

Zack glanced up dully...and the sight completely erased Angela from his thoughts.

Standing beside Kimberly was a vision. Just a hair shorter than the Yellow Terran Ranger, with the same radiant dark eyes and dazzling smile that he remembered so vividly.

"Aisha!" said Adam excitedly, rising to his feet to warmly embrace one of his best friends.

The joy she felt at being reunited with her friends was evident in the sparkle of her eyes.

Suddenly...all Zack could perceive was the sparkle in her eyes.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Despite all the horrible worries plaguing the Silver X-Ranger, he couldn't help but enjoy himself.

It was the New Year's party, being held at the splendidly decorated Youth Center. The time was quickly approaching midnight, and dozens of excited teens were dancing their hearts out to Blackstreet's mega-hit dance anthem "No Diggity."

And he was in the center of it all, gliding to the fast paced rhythm with the only woman he had never known who managed to keep up with him on the dance floor. Aisha Campbell.

He spun around, and then locked eyes with her for a moment. Once again, he was treated to the magnificent sparkle of light that had a permanent home in her dark orbs. She then grinned maliciously, and spun around herself, matching Zack's grace and speed perfectly.

Zack was all but mesmerized by her grace. She spun around so quickly, her dark green cocktail dress swirled like a flower opening its petals, revealing a daring amount of her smooth, athletic legs. The two ringlets of dark hair that hung by her ears also panned out, while the French twist that held the rest of her hair remained perfectly intact.

She then stopped abruptly, her full lips stretching into another euphoric smile as she reached out and entwined her fingers with Zack's. Breathing heavily from the effort, yet still beaming with energy, she continued to match Zack's pace.

Then, the dance song faded out, and the dance floor erupted with applause. Zack and Aisha were both startled out of their own little world, and realized that they had become a spectacle on the floor. A wide circle had formed around them, and other dancers simply stared in amazement.

Zack grinned, waving excitedly at all the attention they were getting. He then glanced at his partner, and smiled warmly at the charming blush that highlighted her dark cheeks.

He then realized that there was no way in the world Angela could ever dance like that. He blinked in surprise when it occurred to him that was the first time he even thought about Angela in several days.

He shrugged it off at the time, attributing to the recent emergency revolving around Tanya. A strange monster called the Sandman had been hunting her down, and all the Terran Rangers were on alert, trying to be ready for anything. He could strike at any moment.

But Zack couldn't deny that the threat of the Sandman didn't keep him from being swept away by the energy of the party.

"Hey there, Angel Grove!" called a voice on the microphone. "How's the party?"

Everyone cheered their approval.

Zack glanced up, and realized that the D.J. had quit the stage. In his place, a band was getting ready to perform. His grip remained on Aisha's hand, as he turned his attention to the lead singer's words.

"Okay, it's time for some slow songs, since it's edging on midnight! So everyone, grab your sweetie! Now, we're gonna sing 'Never Forget You'

by Mariah Carey."

He didn't actually ask her to dance. He didn't even glance at her, and ask indirectly. Instead, he gently pulled his dance partner closer, and the two mesmerizing dancers easily sailed from an upbeat contest of dance skills to a sweeping, dreamy slow dance.

They moved as one, as if connected by the mutual reaction they had to the music. It was as if they had been dancing together all their lives.

He didn't think it was possible for two people to dance so well together without some form of training or choreography. But there he was, sliding across the floor with Aisha as if it were second nature to him.

All rational thought ceased as he listened to the words of the music, letting them take his consciousness away from the world of reality, into the world of fantasy that the enchanting voice of the singer created.

"I won't see your smile
And I won't hear you laugh anymore
Every night
I won't see you walk through that door,
'Cause time wasn't on your side
It isn't right
I can't say I love you
It's too late to tell you,
But I really need you to know, oh baby,

"No, I'll never forget you,
I'll never let you out of my heart,
You will always be here with me,
I'll hold onto the memories, Baby.

"Baby, can you hear me
Wherever you may be tonight?
Are you near me?
I need you to be by my side.
'Cause I never said goodbye
It isn't right.
I should have said I love you
Why didn't I just tell you?
God knows I need you to know.

"No, I'll never forget you
I'll never let you out of my heart.
You will always be here with me.
I'll hold onto the memories baby.

"Somewhere I know you'll be with me.
Someday, in another time.
But right now you're gone, just vanished away
But I'll never leave you behind...

"No, I'll never forget you,
I'll never let you out of my heart.
You will always be here with me.
I'll hold onto the memories, baby..."

Chapter Fifty-Four

I'll hold onto the memories, baby...
I'll hold onto the memories, baby...
I'll hold onto the memories, baby...

The lyrics repeated themselves, pulsing through Zack's mind as the green light faded, and the heaviness of his eyelids dissipated. He groaned quietly, shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight that afflicted them. He sat up, shaking his head.

"Wow, Zack," said Cloud, as he knelt beside the young man and held his upper arm to steady him, "We were really worried about you!"

"How long was I gone?" Zack asked, his eyes still closed from the light.

"You sank into the Mako lake, and then you emerged only seconds later," Tifa explained. "You've been lying here unconscious for the past half an hour!"

Zack's eyes finally opened, and they opened wide. "Half an hour?!"

He cringed when he noticed the shocked expressions on the faces of all his friends. "What?"

Billy stepped forward, clutching his Partisan. He lifted the spear, and held the reflectant silver edge in front of Zack, to function as a mirror. "See for yourself," Billy advised.

Zack gasped when he realized his eyes were no longer his natural shade of dark brown. Rather, they were bright green. The exact shade of green that characterized the eyes of both the late Aeris and the evil Sephiroth. The same shade of green as the Lifestream itself.

Mako eyes...

"D...does this mean it worked?" he breathed.

"Well, you're alive," Barrett said, "and you've got Mako in your body now. Consider yourself a battery, Kid."

"Excellent analogy," Vincent said, his body once again wrapped in his flowing scarlet cape, "Zack, you are a battery of Mako energy. Now, you will be able to transport the energy to your home, and save your friend from her fate. You have been blessed with the power to save the one you love. Revel in it, young man...for so many have lost what was dear to them while helpless to prevent it."

For once, Zack didn't shudder or complain at Aisha being referred to as the one he loved. Instead, the notion brought a small, thoughtful grin to his face.

That grin didn't go unnoticed. Not by anyone.

Tifa and Cloud shared a knowing smile, and once again her hand slipped in his.

*And now, it's time for you to leave,*

said a voice in Zack's head. He blinked in surprise, and closed his Mako eyes, cutting himself off from the distractions of the outside world.

Aeris? Is that you?

*Who else would it be?*

was the flip response. *Hurry up and say your farewells, Zack. Then you must blink back to Earth.*

Blink? What is that?

*It is instantaneous teleportation, much more practical than that jetting thing you do. The moment you vanish from Midgar, you will appear in the spot from which you left Earth. It will retrace your transport here, but in the blink of an eye. Consider it my final gift to you.*

Zack felt the smile on his face. Thanks for everything, Aeris.

*Don't mention it.*

Zack opened his eyes, a neutral, dazed expression on his face.

"Are you okay?" Billy inquired, noting Zack's expression.

Zack nodded, shaking his head to orient himself again. "Yeah, but we'd better get going. Every second counts."

Zack then turned his attention to the line of heroes, all wearing pleasant smiles. Even Cid, Barrett, and Vincent were smiling, and the former two had glassy eyes.

"Good luck, guys," said Cloud, stepping forward and shaking both of their hands in turn, "It was a pleasure working with you."

"Thanks for all your help," Tifa added.

"And thanks for breaking in my materia!" Yuffie chimed, a wide grin on her face.

"Keep your heads up," Barrett said.

"Yeah," Cid agreed, "and stop taking life so damn seriously!"

Zack couldn't help but smile at that. No one had ever given him that advice before! It was always the other way around.

"Learn from this experience," Vincent advised, clasping both their hands.

"Farewell," Red said, sitting on his hind legs and raising his forepaw to rest upon their hands as a modified hand shake, "and Grandfather bids you good luck also."

"Keep in touch," Cait Sith said. The black feline then frowned. "Wait...that might be tough, considering we're all over the place. Um...then, don't forget us!"

"There's no way we could possibly forget this experience," Billy said, shaking first the hand of the large white Mog, and then the paw of the small cat sitting on top of it.

Zack then stepped back, and wrapped his holster and gun around his waist once again. Then, he glanced at Billy. "Ready?"

"For what?" the genius asked.

"To blink home."

"What?"

Zack grinned. "Just give me your hand."

Billy conceded, and the two were enveloped in a radiant emerald light. It started at their joined hands, and pulsed outward, bathing them both completely. When the light faded, they had vanished.

"So," said Cid, stretching his arms, "who wants a pizza?"

Chapter Fifty-Five

Suddenly, after over half an hour of howling loudly, the incessant beeping of the alarm steadied into a prolonged tone. The flashing lights stopped, and the screens went still.

The Power Rangers, Rocky, and Tanya stopped their desperate work, and held their collective breath, silently hoping for a miracle.

It didn't come.

Rocky shuddered, closing his eyes tightly to prevent the tears from flowing. Alexis quietly moved beside him, and clutched his hand soothingly.

Unexpectedly, Rocky broke down that instant, wrapping his arms around Alexis and squeezing her tightly, as if his life depended on it. Tears welled in his eyes, dripping down his face silently. Alexis hugged him back fiercely, trying her best to control her own emotions.

Adam sank to the floor, his lengthening curls casting a shadow over his dark eyes. Tanya fell to her knees beside him, and embraced him with all the strength in her body. Both teens did their best not to fall apart emotionally.

Katherine turned away from the others, allowing herself to cry into her hands freely. Jason was at her side in an instant, his gaze fixed on the still body.

Kimberly took a seat beside Aisha...her best friend...and bit her lip savagely, trying to hold back the cries of rage that threatened. Tommy stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and holding her head against his body.

Jason then returned to the side of the med-unit, tears sliding down his own cheeks. His hand tenderly grasped the sheet that covered Aisha up to her chest.

Slowly, he pulled it over her lifeless face.

The silent mourning scene was interrupted by a blinding green light, pulsing from near the teleportation relay. All the teens turned in mute surprise, as the light took the form of two figures.

"That was prodigious!" Billy exclaimed, running his fingers through his disheveled hair, "Completely instantaneous transportation! Even our teleportation from nearby locals takes some time...even if it be nanoseconds. But, as soon as we dematerialized on Midgar, we rematerialized in the CAC!"

Zack was smiling at Billy's excitement. For him, nanoseconds and instantaneous didn't differ at all. But, he wasn't much of a physicist. For Billy, it was a world of difference...a whole new means of transport requiring further study.

Zack and Billy turned around, their eyes panning the chamber for signs of their friends. They were both giving a rude awakening when they finally registered the somber congregation around the med-unit.

Kat, Kimberly, Jason, Alexis, Rocky, Adam, Tanya, and Tommy stared in stupefaction at the sudden appearance of their friends.

If they had appeared just moments earlier...they might have been happy to see them. But now, the pain only worsened.

Tommy disengaged his arms from his girlfriend, and approached the two young men slowly. His curious gaze leapt from their strange weapons to Zack's emerald eyes. "What...happened to you guys?" he whispered.

"We found the cure," Billy said, his glance turning to Tommy, and then back to the others. Their failure to greet them enthusiastically didn't bode well.

"Yeah," Zack said, a small grin returning, "I've been given the power to cure her."

Tommy's gaze dropped to the floor, his shoulders slumping slightly.

Zack's eyes widened when he noticed all the others mimicking his movements.

"What's wrong...?" Zack whispered.

This time, Jason stepped forward. "I...I'm sorry, Man," he choked, his lip trembling, "If you had been a few minutes earlier..."

He left the rest unsaid.

Zack immediately dashed to the med-unit, while the assembled teens moved out of the way. His panic rising, his breath caught in his throat and tears immediately sprang to his green eyes when he saw the white sheet completely covering a form on the bed.

He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Not a word...not even an unintelligible cry.

Nothing.

"When did she crash?" Billy demanded, leaning his Partisan against a console and joining Tanya and Adam near the monitors. Tanya rose to her feet, leaving the Green Ranger on the floor, still trapped in a world of his guilty emotions. While Tanya pulled up the information, Billy's blue gaze remained on Adam... ore specifically, the verdant armor he wore.

"Adam..." he said in disbelief, "why?"

The Green Ranger looked up, tears pouring from his eyes. "Because I had to. And if I had done it sooner, then Aisha..."

He couldn't bring himself to finish his sentence, and his unseeing gaze fell again to the green helmet sitting by his knees.

"Time of death... :22 a.m." Tanya said, a deep breath passing through her lips as she wiped tears with the back of her hand. "Less than two minutes ago."

Billy bit his lip, yanking the sheet completely from Aisha. He grabbed her hand gently.

"She's not entirely cold yet," he said, looking up, "Zack, try it!"

Zack swallowed hard. When Billy had pulled away the white sheet, he had turned around. He didn't want to see her...the woman he let down. He couldn't bring himself to look at those sparkling eyes, forever hidden behind her eyelids to never see the world again.

"Zack!" Billy repeated, leaning forward and snapping through his friend's tremulous thoughts. "Hurry up! The longer you wait, the less chance there is she'll survive."

"She's already dead!" Zack cried, a sob escaping him. He clenched his fists tightly, desperate to regain composure.

"Then you certainly can't hurt her by trying," Billy offered.

Zack pursed his trembling lips tightly, his eyes flashing slightly with green energy. He held his breath, and hesitatingly lifted his hands. Slowly, he reached for Aisha's hands.

He cringed when he realized how flaccid they were, but his grip only tightened in reaction. He felt the eyes of all his friends on him, lending them whatever support they could. He glanced at Billy, who nodded to edge him on.

Finally, Zack fixed his verdant gaze on Aisha's closed eyes. Eyes that would forever remain closed... unless he did something about it.

His determination mounting, Zack exhaled strongly, and closed his eyes.

"So, what happens now?" Kimberly whispered, unconsciously leaning closer to her boyfriend. In response, Tommy's strong arm wrapped around her shoulders comfortingly.

"We wait," Billy answered, stepping back.

Katherine, Jason, Tommy, Kimberly, Adam, Tanya, Rocky, and Alexis all gasped in shock as a mist of whitish-green energy began to seep out of Zack's body. The energies entwined into twisting strands of power, and channeled down Zack's body, along his arm, and from there around Aisha's arm.

Slowly, the Mako energy encased Aisha in a brilliant web of power, floating around her body several inches above her skin in a hypnotizing dance of power.

Zack opened his mouth suddenly, a choked breath escaping him. Jason, who was standing closest, moved forward in case Zack should lose his balance. His eyes then widened when he saw a white sphere of energy build at Zack's heart, and pulse with energy.

"What's that?" he whispered, glancing at Billy.

Billy was too occupied by the events to even hear the Black Terran Ranger's question.

The sphere then jutted from Zack's chest, causing him to gasp and shudder. His knees shook, and he slowly lowered to the ground.

Jason immediately grabbed the young man's waist, holding him up.

He was amazed that, despite Zack's obvious loss of strength, his grip on Aisha's hands were as strong as before.

The sphere hovered over Aisha for a few moments, flashing with intense white energy. The green web of energy bathing her body began to seep into the sphere, causing the sphere to glow all the brighter.

Finally, after all the mist was absorbed, the sphere flashed once, and leaped into Aisha's chest.

Aisha's body began shaking, and he limbs began to jerk uncontrollably. Rocky and Adam were at her side in an instant, holding down her arms and legs to prevent her from falling off the med-unit.

Amazingly, Zack's grip remained on her hands.

Then, Aisha grew still. Zack's strength faded completely, and he leaned entirely on Jason, his hands falling to his sides. Jason blinked, looking around at his friends.

"I'll get him a chair," Katherine volunteered, rushing to grab a chair from against the wall. She set it beside the med-unit, and Jason sat Zack down.

Adam gazed from Zack to Aisha, a bewildered expression on his weary face. "Did it work?" he asked.

Rocky remained still, his dark eyes fixed entirely on Aisha. "I...I can't tell."

Tanya stepped away from the cohesive group, and glanced at the monitors. The flat line that measured Aisha's vital signs remained unchanged. Slowly, her hand rose to her face.

"She's...not coming back," Tanya whispered, wrapping her arms around her body.

Just then, Zack groaned weakly, pulling his eyes open despite their resistance. He blinked, as if the light of the CAC irritated him.

His dark brown eyes bounced around the scene quickly, from his friends, to the computer screens across from him, to Aisha.

Aisha...

His eyes narrowing, Zack grabbed the edge of the med-unit, and pulled himself to his feet. His legs trembling under his own weight, he watched her eyes cautiously, holding his breath.

Slowly, his hand reached out to hers, enclosing it gently.

"It had to work," Alexis whispered, squeezing her burning eyes closed. "It just had to..."

Silence reigned. No one moved. No one spoke. No one breathed.

Suddenly, a slow, weak beeping noise sliced through the morbid void of sound. Tanya whirled around, her eyes tearing all over again and a wide smile perking her lips. Excitedly, she turned to the others, unable to utter a sound.

Her expression of hope was enough. All the teens gathered around, their eyes fixed on Aisha's face.

And then...her eyes opened.

She blinked weakly, a confused frown on her face. Her frown melted when she saw Zack standing over her, a wide smile curling his lips.

"Hey, Taylor," she whispered, surprised at the weakness of her voice.

"Hey yourself," he said, tightening his grip on her hand. He slowly helped her sit up on the med-unit. One glance around the room alarmed her. All her friends were in a semi-circle around the cot, with tears shining in their eyes, and excited and relieved smiles on their face.

"What's going on?" she demanded.

"Welcome back!" Kimberly shrieked, unable to harness her feelings. She rushed forward, tying her friend in a tight hug. Aisha hugged her back, though confusion still marred her expression.

"Group hug!" Rocky announced excitedly, wrapping his strong arms around both girls. Then, with laughs of euphoria, all twelve teenagers coiled together, almost like a rope with many strands. And Aisha found herself in the center of this pool of filial affection.

"What the heck is going on here?!" she demanded, as the group disentangled themselves. Aisha huffed with slightly frustration, hopping off the med-unit.

She looked up, and saw Adam standing just inches before her, with bloodshot eyes and an all-too-familiar green and gold uniform. She was stunned.

"Have a seat," he beckoned, "it's a long story."

Chapter Fifty-Six

"Whatcha thinking?" Zack whispered, his soft voice gaining the attention of the pensive young woman. Aisha looked up to meet his gaze, and tried her best to smile.

But she couldn't.

"I...I don't know," she confessed with a sigh, turning her weary eyes from her walking companion to the silent streets of her neighborhood. "Everything, I guess."

She took a deep breath, shoving her hands in her jeans pockets. "I don't believe I almost... died. I had no idea what was happening. I fainted from dizziness in the Youth Center! And that might have been the last time I was conscious!"

She sniffled quietly. "I know being a Power Ranger puts my life in jeopardy, but I guess the notion of actually dying wasn't real to me before. It's so hard to conceive. I wouldn't have gotten a chance to say goodbye to anyone. It was so...sudden."

Zack grimaced. He didn't want to mention it to her, but her slow decay was anything but sudden. She wasted away at a painfully slow pace, only intensifying the feelings of anxiety and helplessness that her friends endured.

Still, there was no use in letting her know how much pain her predicament had caused.

"And...I don't believe Adam took the Power back," Aisha continued.

"Yeah, but I understand where he's coming from now," Zack admitted, taking a deep breath of the night air. "Having that Zeo shard really becomes part of who we are. Even without mine, I was recognized as having the Power. And I felt so... ncomplete without the crystal, like it left a hole where it used to be. Weird, huh?"

Aisha gazed at her friend with a neutral expression. "I don't feel that way at all. It feels more like...a thorn removed."

Zack glanced at her worriedly. "If the Zeo shard had caused you pain, you shouldn't have kept it, Aisha."

She shrugged in reply. "It wasn't that bad. It was just...an uncomfortable feeling. Certainly not soothing and refreshing like the rest of you. I guess I'm really not destined to be a Terran Ranger."

Zack reached over, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Don't give it another thought."

Aisha smiled in gratitude, leaning closer to him. "Thanks for everything you did, Zack. I know I wouldn't have made it without your help."

His eyes remained fixed on her. "Hey, for you, Aisha...anything."

Aisha felt the warmth in Zack's gaze, and relished the feeling of his arm around her, keeping her safe and warm. Yet, she couldn't really figure out what it meant. She took a few moments to reflect upon it as the Campbell household came into view.

"Boy, this is going to be bad," Aisha groaned, pulling her hand out of her pocket to glance at her watch. "It's four in the morning! My parents probably called the police already."

"Well, at least your dad knows you're a Power Ranger," Zack pointed out. "My folks are gonna kill me!"

Aisha nodded, as the pair came to a stop at the threshold. "Well, I suppose. Still, I won't tell him about my brush with death. He'd never let me out of the house again."

Zack glanced at the window beside the front door, noting the lights were on. "Do you want me to come in with you?" he offered.

"Nah, don't worry about it. Besides, you've got your own parents to deal with." She smiled in amusement. "See you tomorrow...if I'm not grounded 'til Doomsday, that is."

Aisha turned towards the door, yet surprisingly, arm remained on her shoulder. Aisha turned her head back to Zack, gazing at him questioningly.

She noticed Zack biting his lip nervously.

"Say, Aisha," he said quietly, his hands flying to his pockets and his eyes darting away from hers to just about anything else, "uh...remember that dance club I mentioned earlier?"

Aisha couldn't help but frown slightly. "You mean the one you want to ask Angela to?"

Zack nodded faintly, finally lifting his gaze to meet hers. "Yeah, that one."

"What about it?"

"Do you think that...maybe...you'd be...um..." Zack's eyes widened in panic. He was so nervous, he could barely speak. He was never so inarticulate with Angela.

Strangely enough, the queasy feeling in his stomach felt...good.

"Zack," Aisha interrupted, her eyebrow arching, "are you trying to ask me out?"

Zack's lips stretched into a self-conscious grin. "Yeah...and doing a terrible job, I might add."

Aisha responded with a wide, dazzling smile. "Actually, you're doing pretty well." She winked at him. "I'd love to."

Her smile fell into a grimace as she glanced at her front door again. "Provided my parents ever let me see the light of day again!"

Epilogue

For the first time that harrowing day, a smile crossed the stony face of the Omniversal Majestrix.

"All is well," she said, glancing up from the large sphere showing Angel Grove. One Angel Grove, on one planet Earth...in one of an infinite array of universes.

"For now," said another woman, who was seated at a desk just before the globe. Her gray eyes remained focused on the stone tablet lying on her desk, as she continued to etch into the surface with a magical stylus the events she had witnessed.

"Yes, Destine," Roma conceded, stepping away from the globe. For a moment, her wandering gaze swept the large chamber, regarding the numerous white marble shelves, all reaching to infinity, each with many stone slabs placed neatly in order. The Great Library, where all of history was forever stored, was truly an amazing sight...even for Roma herself. "For now, the Multiverse is safe."

Destine glanced up as she heard the footsteps of the Majestrix grow further from her. "Roma?" she called.

"Yes?" was the reply, as Roma turned around.

Destine fumbled slightly under the intense gaze of one of the most powerful beings in the Multiverse. "I...I realize it isn't my place to dictate, but...as the keeper of the Tablets of Destiny, you know I must record everything that has happened. That includes your...interview with Adam Park."

Roma twitched her eyebrows, creating the effect of a conservative shrug of indifference. "I am aware of that. Although I did promise not to interfere, it became a necessity. The Terran Rangers must remain intact, and if it is in my power to keep it so, then I shall."

"Which is why you interfered before, helping send Kimberly Hart and Zachary Taylor back to their world."

"Exactly," Roma responded, turning around, "The Terran Rangers are too instrumental to the coming battle for me to allow their fates to be governed solely by chance." Her face became solemn, although her expression was hidden from her companion. "The time is drawing near...and the Dark One is preparing to make his move."

To Be Concluded In...

The Terran Ranger Saga Volume 6:

Children of the Stars

Excerpt from The Terran Ranger Saga Volume 6: Children of the Stars

Harvard University
March 2025
9:30 a.m. EST

The sound of music disturbed the peaceful silence within a small but cozy apartment on the Harvard campus in Massachusetts. The lone young man hid his face under his cotton blankets and moaned quietly.

"Snooze," he muttered weakly, his voice muffled slightly by the thick sheets. The alarm didn't respond to his voice command.

Oh, I forgot,

he reflected, grudgingly poking his head from beneath the warmth of his blankets, I deactivated the Snooze command when I 'snoozed'

all morning last week, and missed my Business French class...

The young man sat up, and rubbed the sleep from his vibrant aqua-blue eyes. He weakly climbed out of bed, and stretched his arms and back as a morning routine. He then steadied himself on his weary feet, and slowly walked to the bathroom.

"Shower," he commanded. "Pre-programmed water temperature."

The shower in the bathroom obeyed, and the young man undressed and stood under the warm water, soaking his curly caramel hair and sun-bronzed skin. Once he was done showering, another voice command stopped the flow of water, and a drawer from behind him automatically pulled out from the wall, revealing a thick bath towel. He dried off his hair, wrapped the towel around his body, and stared at himself in the mirror over the bathroom sink.

"I look half-dead," he said to his reflection. He took out a battery operated razor, and shaved off the overnight stubble on his face. Then, he brushed his teeth, wrapped himself in a bath robe, and stepped out of the bathroom back into his bedroom.

"Any messages?" he asked aloud, digging through his dresser for something to wear.

"One recorded message,"

said a voice from his personal computer on the large oak desk. "Time recorded: 8:22 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Sender: Regina Drew."

"Play," he commanded, pulling his head through a classic red and white Harvard sweatshirt. He tucked the bottom into his indigo denim jeans, and took a seat at his computer. At the click of a button, the blank screen converted into the image of a beautiful African-American young woman, with a long, dark ponytail and twinkling hazel eyes. She was wearing a wetsuit and a life jacket. The scene behind her was a set of breath-taking cliffs.

^Mornin', Tony!^

she greeted warmly. ^As you can see, it's me, Regina. I'm at the Grand Canyon, and I can't talk long, because I'm about to go white-water rafting! Too bad you couldn't come with me, but I'll see you soon. I'll be getting back to campus tonight. I'll call you when I get in.^

The girl then blew a kiss at the camera, and the screen went blank. Anthony Monroe smiled to himself, as he glanced away from the computer screen to the computerized photograph that had a permanent home on his desk. The image was of him and Regina at Great Adventures last summer. He pressed the button on the bottom of the frame, and the image was set in motion. On the screen, he saw himself holding Regina's hand, and together they leaped into a large wave pool. Once their bodies crashed into the deep water, the image was obscured by a spray of pool water, sprinkled with sunlight. As he watched the scene forever captured on film, his thoughts trailed to Regina Drew, and how their life-long relationship grew from friendship to so much more.

Anthony had known Regina nearly his entire life. Regina was only one year younger than he, and their mothers had been close friends since high school. His first clear memory of Regina was when he was a young boy, watching a wedding ceremony from the front row. Regina was the flower girl, and Anthony remembered watching her march down the isle, with her hair held up in a mass of curls with yellow roses and white beads. In truth, it was the first time Anthony regarded a girl with something other than the disgust common in young boys.

Anthony didn't see Regina again until three years later, due to the fact that Regina and her family lived in Africa. In 2012, Regina and her mother Aisha Drew visited the Monroe family for an entire week, and Anthony remembered how much fun he and Regina had playing sports. Anthony was tall for his age, but Regina was actually taller than he. Regina was the only person Anthony knew who could beat him in basketball. Consistently.

Regina and her family visited the United States every Christmas and during the summer, and each time, Anthony was excited to see her. The tradition continued, and the two children became closer and closer. But Anthony was confused about his feelings for Regina until this past September, right after he had finished moving his things into his new apartment on the Harvard campus. Then, there was a knock on the door, and his then-roommate Robert opened the door. Robert was stunned into silence when he gazed at the young woman at the door, and when Anthony looked to see what was happening, he was stunned too. Regina just looked more radiantly beautiful each and every time Anthony looked at her. He was so surprised when he found out that Regina was attending Harvard as well, and since then, they'd been an inseparable couple. Now, half a year later, they were still together, and their relationship was strong as ever.

"Television," Anthony said, rising to his feet. "CNN news."

The large screen television obeyed his command, and turned on the news. Anthony began tying his sneakers as he absently listened to the report.

^And this just in,^

said the elderly anchorman. The anchorman looked at the paper passed to him for a few moments, not uttering a word. His eyes were wide with alarm, and Anthony looked up at the screen curiously in response to the prolonged silence. The anchorman finally regained his composure, and turned back to the camera.

^We...we at CNN have just gotten word...that the Terran Power Rangers, the world's greatest defenders, have...perished on their recent mission into space.^

Anthony's large eyes shot open in alarm, and he jumped to his feet and stared at the screen in utter shock.

^Yesterday evening, the Terran Power Rangers journeyed into space in their colossal Terra Megazord, in order to deflect a dangerously large meteor that threatened to collide with Earth. We have here...exclusive footage of the catastrophe on satellite recording.^

The anchorman faded, and the image of a massive meteor filled the screen. The Terra Megazord was holding its famed Terrasword, and approached the meteor, preparing to slice it in half. But when the energy channeling through the blade was released, instead of pouring out towards the meteor, it channeled back into the zord, and caused the machine to explode.

^The explosion managed to destroy both the Megazord and the meteor. Remains of the zord have been located, but no bodies have been recovered, nor have any signs of life been found. More as it develops...^

"T...television," whispered Anthony in a trembling voice. "Off."

The television turned off, and Anthony sat down on his bed, his eyes watering. He just sat there for a few minutes, mute and motionless, until the computer screen came to life by itself.

"Receiving Electronic Message,"

said the computer, as the screen cleared. Anthony turned towards the computer, and saw an image of a middle-aged man with graying blonde hair and flooded aqua eyes.

^Tony,^

said the man. ^It's me. Please, pick up.^

Anthony stood up and took a seat at the computer. He activated the video camera propped atop his computer monitor, and looked at it blankly, his eyes spilling over.

"Dad," he said quietly.

^Tony, I've sent a private plane to pick you up. It should be arriving in about an hour. Please be at the airport, ready to come home.^

"Dad," Anthony said, trying to keep his voice from cracking. "Is it true? Is Mom really...?"

^I... I don't know, Son,^

he admitted, ^I just don't know...^

Character Thesaurus

So, you wanted to know about the characters in this book? )(That is....if you don't know them already!)

That is why I created this character thesaurus for you all! Enjoy!

The Terran Rangers

Jason Lee Scott - Black Terran Ranger

Full Name:

Jason Lee Scott
Ranger Designation:

Black Terran Ranger
Weapons:

Earth Sword, Blade Blaster
Gear:

Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Black Zeo Shard
Zord:

Black Rhinoceros Zord

Strong and fearless, Jason is the former Black Terran Ranger and original leader of the Power Rangers. To Jason went the Black Zeo Shard, giving him the power of the Earth, and control of the Rhinoceros Zord. Black Terran Ranger's power weapon is the Earth Sword, a powerful weapon with a razor sharp edge. His weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Black Terran Ranger, Jason gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability. His tactical knowledge and fighting skill make him the ultimate Ranger. Jason closely follows the rules of Martial Arts, and promotes discipline and making friends out of enemies. It is this attitude that got him chosen to represent Angel Grove at the World Teen Summit, a peace conference in Switzerland he attended, leaving the Rangers with Trini Kwan and Zack Taylor that left a gap in the team which was then filled by Rocky DeSantos. Recently he's rejoined the team which then granted him this new power.

Zack Taylor - X-Ranger One: Gold

Full Name:

Zack Taylor
Ranger Designation:

X-Ranger One: Gold
Weapons:

Lance of Light, Blade Blaster
Gear:

Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Gold Zeo Shard
Zord:>

White Cheetah Zord

Quick witted and clever, Zack relies on speed and cunning to win his battles. The former Black Ranger was the jokester of team, loving dancing, magic, and girls, especially Angela. He cares for his friends and always tried to cheer them up when they're feeling down. A good friend with a good heart, Zack always loved a good joke, and loved it when Bulk and Skull embarrassed themselves in public. Zack is currently back in Angel Grove after promoting world peace at a peace conference in Switzerland. To Zack went the White Zeo Shard, giving him the power of the Light, and control of the White Cheetah Zord. White Terran Ranger's power weapon is the Lance of Light. His weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As White Terran Ranger, Zack gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability. It is this attitude that got him chosen to represent Angel Grove at the World Teen Summit, a peace conference in Switzerland he attended, leaving the Rangers with Trini Kwan and Jason Lee Scott leaving a gap in the team to be filled by Adam Park. Recently he's rejoined the team which then granted him this new power.

Kimberly Hart - X-Ranger Two: Silver

Full Name:

Kimberly Hart
Ranger Designation:

X-Ranger Two: Silver
Weapons:

Thunderbow, Blade Blaster
Gear:

Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Silver Zeo Shard
Zord:

Yellow Thunderbird Zord

Kimberly was one of the five Rangers originally chosen by Zordon to protect the Earth against Rita Repulsa. She was given the Yellow Zeo Shard and ability to morph into the Yellow Terran Ranger and control of the Yellow Thunderbird Zord. Once ditzy and materialistic, Kimberly has evolved into a strong, confident, and caring person. A kind and compassionate soul, Kim cares a great deal about her friends, and will not take kindly to anyone messing with them. Her weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Yellow Terran Ranger, Kim gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection.

Tommy Oliver – Red Terran Ranger

Full Name:

Tommy Oliver
Ranger Designation:

Red Terran Ranger
Weapons:

Flame Sabre
Gear:

Power Morpher with Red Zeo Shard, Wrist Communicator
Zord:

Red Phoenix Zord

After he lost the Green Ranger powers, the Power Rangers team was down to five. To keep up with the increasing intensity of Lord Zedd's attacks, Zordon created new White Ranger Powers and gave them to the only one he felt was worthy of receiving them - Tommy. Now he is the Red Terran Ranger. Red Terran Ranger's power weapon is the Flame Sabre. As the Red Terran Ranger, Tommy gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection.

Alexis Darling - Purple Power Ranger

Full Name:

Alexis Darling
Ranger Designation:

Purple Power Ranger
Weapons:

Eagle Whip
Gear:

Eagle Shield, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Wrist Communicator
Zord:

Eaglezord
Powers:

Eagle Heart Pulse Blast

Alexis moved from Philadelphia to Angel Grove with her mother when her mother gained a job at an art gallery. Being new to Angel Grove, she didn't know what to expect and everything was brand new to her. Meeting the six teenagers that were the Power Rangers, she was accepted into their group and they were all later surprised when she became the Purple Power Ranger, inheriting her powers from an ancestor from long ago.

Adam Park - Green Terran Ranger

Full Name:

Adam Park
Ranger Designation:

Green Terran Ranger
Weapons:

Wind Shield, Blade Blaster
Gear:

Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Green Zeo Shard
Zord:

Green Eagle Zord

Adam is shy, sensitive and spiritual. His training has made him a disciplined and efficient fighter specializing in Shaolin Kung-Fu. He first met the Rangers while attempting to save a child in danger alongside of them. Originally from Stone Canyon, Adam moved to Angel Grove and transferred to Angel Grove High School. By fighting Zedd's forces with the Power Rangers, Adam proved himself to be a suitable replacement for Zack as the Black Ranger. Zack transferred his powers to Adam using the Sword of Light. Upon losing those powers, he then gained the new powers of the Green Terran Rangers. Green Terran Ranger's power weapon is the Wind Shield. His weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Green Terran Ranger, Adam gained enhanced strength, speed, durability, and limited energy projection. Recently, Adam has experienced complications with his heart making him unable to continue on as the Green Terran Ranger. He has joined Billy, Tanya and Rocky in helping the Rangers from the CAC. When Aisha fell ill due to the latest threat, he took up the mantle of the Terran Green Ranger once again.

Aisha Campbell - Green Terran Ranger

Full Name:

Aisha Campbell
Ranger Designation:

Green Terran Ranger
Weapons:

Wind Shield, Blade Blaster
Gear:

Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Green Zeo Shard
Zord:

Green Eagle Zord

Spirited and full of energy, Aisha was always up to the challenge as a Power Ranger. She met the Power Rangers on a trip to Angel Grove, where she competed in the Ninja Competition along with Rocky and Adam. Aisha and her friends assisted the Rangers in the rescue of a baby in danger. She continued assisting the Rangers when they needed it, proving herself a formidable replacement for Trini as the Yellow Ranger. Trini left Aisha her powers by transferring them to her with the Sword of Light. Yellow Ranger's power weapons are the Power Daggers, powerful blades used for defense and for throwing. Her weapons combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Yellow Ranger, Aisha gained enhanced strength, speed, durability, and limited energy projection. Her Yellow Ranger powers were lost when Master Vile turned the team into children, and Goldar destroyed the Power Coins. Upon retrieving the Yellow Zeo Crystal, she sent Tanya back to the team in her place, and stayed in Africa to help the animals. Recently she moved back to Angel Grove where no one but the Rangers remember who she is and what she had done before. Upon an injury that befell Adam, Aisha returned to the team, taking up the mantle as the Green Terran Ranger. After Aisha fell ill and nearly died due to the newest threat, the mantle of the Green Terran Ranger was passed back to Adam.

Katherine Hillard - Blue Terran Ranger

Full Name:

Katherine Hillard
Ranger Designation:

Blue Terran Ranger
Weapons:

Ice Daggers, Blade Blaster
Gear:

Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Blue Zeo Shard
Zord:

Blue Alligator Zord

Kat is mature and sophisticated beyond her years. She recently came to Angel Grove from Australia, only to be captured by Rita and placed under a spell. Kat befriended the Rangers, and got close enough to steal the Falconzord and Kimberly's Power Coin. Her memories of being good broke the spell, and she became an ally, retrieving Kimberly's coin, which quickly became her own once Kimberly decided to leave for Florida and pass the coin to Kat, so that she would become the new Pink Ranger. Kat maintained a partial telepathic link with Rita, a lingering effect of the spell she was once under. After losing those powers, she received the new powers of the Blue Terran Ranger. Blue Terran Ranger's power weapon are the Ice Daggers. Her weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Blue Terran Ranger, Kat gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection.

Heroes from Final Fantasy VII

Cloud Strife

When first introduced at the beginning of the game, Cloud is immediately a person shrouded in mystery. Formerly an employee of Shinra's SOLDIER

forces, he left that organization to become a mercenary. He was hired by the rebel team AVALANCHE

, which existed entirely to fight against Shinra's iron-fisted rule over the city Midgar. As time passed, his team encountered Sephiroth, who served as a member of SOLDIER

at the same time Cloud had. Cloud's anger against Sephiroth brought him to focus all his energies to end his insane quest for power, which had caused the destruction of Cloud's hometown Nibelheim five years earlier. With Cloud's great passion for Sephiroth's destruction, it couldn't help but be asked, is he fighting to save the planet, or for his personal vendetta?

Abilities

Cloud is a warrior born. He possesses increased physical abilities, as a result of joining the elite SOLDIER

, and he is also quite skilled at using various forms of materia. His weapons are all very long, broad swords, each one about the size of a full grown man. His prized weapon is the Ultima Weapon, which is a magical sword of incredible power. When he focuses his anger through the sword during a battle, he can release the Omni-Slash, a deadly attack of dozens of lightning quick, ferocious slashes aimed perfectly at the opponent. Very few enemies can withstand the Omni-Slash.

Barrett Wallace

Barrett was the leader of the team AVALANCHE

, and so he was introduced early into the game. He worked with Cloud on a few raids of Shinra's bases in the city of Midgar, but later on he joined Cloud's quest for the greater good of the planet. He is a hero with extremely rough edges, and a mean streak that could frighten nearly anyone. But his allies know him to be a loyal warrior who never would let his friends down, and who'd do anything to make the world a safer place, so his adopted daughter Marlene could grow up in a world of tranquility.

Abilities

Barrett uses a gun arm which he replaced his lost limb with years ago, when his hometown was burned to the ground by the Shinra Corporation. Most often, he uses his physical strength and rapid fire weapon against an opponent, but on occasion he will take advantage of a powerful materia. His special Limit Attack, that he uses by harnessing building anger, is called the Catastrophe, which releases a powerful sphere of crackling energy from his gun arm into the opponent for multiple hits.

Tifa Lockhart

Tifa Lockheart is the owner of the bar Seventh Heaven, a place for the weary traveler in the slums of Midgar to rest his hat. Seventh Heaven is also the secret headquarters of AVALANCHE

. Tifa herself has worked with Barrett for some time against Shinra, but even before that, she was a close childhood friend of Cloud. She and Cloud grew up together in Nibelheim, but once he joined SOLDIER, he never kept in touch. Their friendship is very special to Tifa, and although she would never admit it, she has strong feelings for him. Tifa is a skilled fighter, trained by a famed martial artist since childhood, but she also has a gentle side, which most often displays itself when a teammate is either in danger or injured.

Abilities

Tifa's weapon of choice is a glove, which enhances the force of her punches. Also, she is a very skilled materia user, especially of the magic materia. She is known to carry heal or cure materia, to restore battle damage to allies during a fight. Her most powerful attack is a series of single hits, in rapid succession, which allow Tifa to defy the restraints of her limited strength through focused force of anger.

Aeris Gainsborough

Aeris is a flower merchant living in Midgar who bumps into Cloud rather accidentally. She is instantly captivated by the mysterious stranger, and winds up joining his mission against Shinra, and later Sephiroth. She is a young woman that exudes love and compassion, which makes her a bright person to have in one's company during a dire adventure as the one Cloud and his friends journey on. However, it is discovered that she is in fact an Ancient, which makes her the target of the Shinra geneticists, and later, Sephiroth, who views her as a possible rival to the inheritance of the Cetra.

Abilities

As an Ancient, Aeris has a special connection with the Planet itself. When her allies are in dire need, she can call upon the restorative abilities of the Lifestream floating beneath the surface, to cure almost any injury sustained by her friends, and also cast spells to weaken opponents defenses. Although she is a notable fighter with her staff, her greatest asset in battle is this command of life energy, as well as her unparalleled skill with materia.

Red XIII

Red XIII is introduced into the game as a hostage of Shinra's genetics ward. He is freed from his confines, and joins Cloud and his friends on their quest. Red is the last member of an ancient race of brave and intelligent wolf-like creatures, who once upon a time lived in greater numbers throughout the planet. He was orphaned when his father, the warrior Seto, died while defending the town of Cosmo Canyon, a city of vast scientific, astronomical, and philosophical knowledge. The leader of Cosmo Canyon, the famed elder known as Bugenhagen, took Red XIII under his wing, and raised him from infancy. Just like his father before him, Red XIII is the protector of Cosmo Canyon, and is a skilled fighter with a sharp headdress he uses as a weapon, as well as his sharp fangs and claws.

Abilities

Red XIII is equally skilled in combat and materia use, though he often prefers to simply use his own natural skills in battle. Also, when angered, he unleashes his physical might with an intense attack on any and all opponents by leaping at them, and continuing biting and clawing seemingly uncontrollably, but extraordinarily accurately.

Cait Sith

Cait Sith is the small black cat atop the stuffed "toysaurus"

creature in the shape of a mog. Cait Sith is in actuality an artificial intelligence, controlled by a top Shinra executive to infiltrate Cloud's team. Later, after betraying the heroes by stealing a valuable materia, he repents his action, and sacrifices his robotic body for the benefit of his friends. Later, he returns to the team in a new stuffed body, and continues the fight against Sephiroth. Although he constantly tries to display his loyalty, the fact that he betrayed his friends to Shinra before makes it difficult for them to fully trust him again.

Abilities

Since Cait Sith is essentially an artificial lifeform, he is less prone to injury as his allies. Also, the strength of the Mog upon which Cait travels is superior to any human, enabling it to deliver powerful blows to any attackers.

Cid Highwind

Cid Highwind is an old pilot from Rocket Town with a dream of going up in space. The self-proclaimed greatest pilot alive, he believes he can fly anything with wings. Cid joins Cloud's crew after he was once again disappointed by Shinra, who he always blamed for abandoning the Space Program that could have given him his chance in space. Cid is a brawler by nature, whose sarcasm and short temper get him into trouble on many occasions.

Abilities

Cid is a fighter by nature, whether it be with words or weapons. Rather than relying on materia in a fight, he depends on his trusty array of lances and spears. His own limit attack, dubbed the Highwind, is the rare occasion that he does use magical power. He summons small missiles from the earth beneath him, launching an explosive attack on the enemy or enemies.

Yuffie Kisaragi

Yuffie is the daughter of the leader of the city Wutai, a city rich with heritage and famous for being a world center for the martial arts. However, its recent economic struggles brought Yuffie to take on the mantel of materia hunter, hoping that by collecting the small orbs of power, she could amass a fortune to calm the ills of her home town. She initally joins Cloud's teams for selfish reasons, hoping to get her hands on their materia, but later displays a change of heart, and continues to fight for the world. Yuffie, at the age of sixteen, is the youngest member of the group, and is therefore the most prone for youthful rebellion. However, it isn't doubted that she is deadly with her shuriken-style weapons, and her lust for adventure and a good fight make her a valuable asset in a fight.

Abilities

Yuffie relies on her ninja skills, honed since childhood, in battle. She prefers to attack with sharp-edged throwing weapons, her most powerful being the Conformer, but if she feels her weapon isn't succeeding against the opponent, she is quick to use some of the collection of materia she established during her journeys with Cloud. When angered, Yuffie releases her rage in the form of a wide beam of mighty energy focused from the spirit within her into her Conformer. That attack is known, and feared, as All Creation.

Vincent Valentine

It is ironic that a man named Valentine could have a heart as cold as ice. However, for this bitter warrior, love was the source of his downfall. His past hidden in the shadows, Vincent prefers to be alone, and bury himself in his remorse over the loss of his beloved Lucrecia. Since her apparent death, he had blamed himself for the suffering of her innocence, and felt the need to attone by aiding Cloud and his friends against Sephiroth. Although Vincent is outwardly cold and often obnoxious, it is due to the torment of emotions lurking within, that he refuses to display to his allies. Despite his secrecy, he is still an important member of the team, with surprising knowledge of the Shinra organization and a deadly aim with his handheld pistol.

Abilities

In battle, Vincent is swift and sure. Most often he fights with one of his guns or rifles, but he also quite skilled at up close and personal combat, using his claw arm as a weapon, and displaying his impressive physical agility and speed. Also, Vincent is known for having strange, arcane abilities that surface when angered. Formost of which is his ability to call upon a beast within. When angered, the spirit of the monster forces its way out, physically transforming Vincent into the mighty bat-like creature known as Chaos.

Mentors and Allies to the Terran Rangers

Billy Cranston

Billy is one of the original five teenagers chosen by Zordon to defend the planet from the forces of Rita Repulsa. As the Blue Ranger, Billy fought well against Putties and Tengas, and saved the Power Rangers on numerous occasions with devices that he created. Billy is the smartest of the Rangers, with a super genius IQ level. Once awkward and shy, Billy has evolved over time into the confident and capable person he is today. To Billy went the Triceratops Power Coin, giving him the power of the Triceratops, and control of the Triceratops Dinozord. His weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Blue Ranger, Billy gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection. When the Rangers gained the powers of the Zeo Crystal, he was made mentor to the group after Zordon and Alpha left to create another team of Rangers to fight the Machine Empire in another part of the galaxy.

Tanya Sloan

When former Yellow Power Ranger Aisha Campbell began her quest for the Yellow Zeo sub-crystal, little did she know that she would not return to her life as Power Ranger. Her quest took her to present day Africa, where she decided to remain to help cure the dying animals of the land. When the Yellow Zeo Shard rejected Tanya, she was asked to step up and assist Billy with helping the Terran Rangers in their quest to protect Earth.

RockyDeSantos

Rocky is like the class clown of the Rangers. Good natured, spirited, and likes to have fun. He may be low on the IQ points, but Rocky's martial arts prowess and stubbornness make him an excellent fighter and asset to the team. He first met the Rangers on a trip to Angel Grove to compete in the Ninja Competition, and helped them save a baby in danger. Proving himself worthy by assisting the Rangers several times, Rocky was given the power of the Red Ranger by the departing Jason. Jason used the Sword of Light to transfer his powers to Rocky. Red Ranger's power weapon is the Power Sword, a powerful weapon with a razor sharp edge. His weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Red Ranger, Rocky gained enhanced strength, speed, durability, and limited energy projection. When Rocky lost his powers after Rito Revolto's attack on Angel Grove, he gained new powers with the Ape Power Coin given to him by Ninjor on the Rangers' journey to the Temple of Power. The Ape Power Coin was later destroyed by Zedd and Rita when Master Vile reversed time and reverted the Rangers to children. When Rocky sustained injuries from the Command Center exploding, it was deemed that he would serve the Rangers better if he assisted Billy and Tanya in helping the Terran Rangers in their quest to protect Earth.

Bulk and Skull

Bulk and Skull are Angel Grove High's resident punks, bullying those smaller than them, and always coming up with schemes to get fame or fortune, like finding out the identities of the Power Rangers.

Ernie

Ernie is the owner of the Angel Grove Youth Center, the most popular hang out spot for the teens of Angel Grove. Ernie is generous and good-natured, often giving out free drinks and food for special occasions, and helping out his customers if they need it.

Ms. Appleby

Ms. Appleby is one of Angel Grove's most dedicated and tolerant teachers. She constantly put up with the wacky antics of Bulk and Skull, and seems to have them in every subject she teaches.

Mr. Caplan

Mr. Caplan believes in three things- detention, wearing a toupee, and detention. A strict disciplinarian, Mr. Caplan never hesitates in issuing detention to those who deserve it. He loves seeing the students do things for the community and for the environment and does his best to encourage them all do it.

Angela

Zack attempted to gain the affections of Angela, often to no avail. She would turn him down several times before conceding to go on a date with him. When their date was ruined by a monster attack, Zack's chances with Angela seemed slim. However, he refused to give up and succeeded in making amends with her after several ruined attempts, earning a kiss on a lips for his efforts.

Villains of the Terran Rangers

Lord Zedd

Disgusted at Rita's performance at attempting to conquer Earth, Zedd came to the Moon himself to get rid of Rita and do the job right himself, but would also be unsuccessful. Rita found her way back to the Moon, and placed Zedd under a love spell. The two got married, and continued to fail at world domination.

Rita Repulsa

A feared sorceress, Rita attempts to conquer all in sight. After being released from a dumpster in which Zordon imprisoned her in a final battle, she tried to conquer Earth, with her crew. Rita had no luck however, being defeated by the Rangers time and time again.

Goldar

Goldar is Rita's top warrior. He frequently accompanies monsters to Angel Grove, and holds his own against the Rangers.

Squatt and Babboo

Rita's two bumbling henchmen do their best to help their mistress in her war against the Rangers, but usually end up screwing up.

Finster

Finster was part magician, part scientist. He created Putties and monsters for Rita, along with the occasional technological device. Finster was very easy going and gentle by nature.

Z Putties

When Lord Zedd arrived, he brought with him the Z Putty Patrol, which were more powerful than any previous putties, and had to be hit in the Z spot to be destroyed.

Villains of Final Fantasy VII

Sephiroth

Sephiroth was at first a warrior of Shinra in their elite military force known as SOLDIER

. He was reknowned as the greatest warrior to exist, whose mighty Masamune could cleave anything in two, and whose command of different spells were awe-inspiring. However, on a routine mission for the Shinra corporation, to investigate a malfunctioning Mako reactor, he discovered something about his past. He discovered a being called Jenova, whose physical remains were trapped deep within the reactor. Through further investigation, he learned that Jenova was in fact an Ancient, that was abducted by the Shinra and whose DNA was used by the geneticists to create a more powerful breed of mankind, endowed with the might of the Cetra. Sephiroth also learned something else, that drove him to insanity...Jenova was his mother.

Enraged by the folly of mankind, he decided to make them pay, and show the inferior humans the wrath and vengeance of the Cetra by destroying them all. He also decided to take his birthright as the sole remaining descendant of the Cetra, and empower himself by absorbing the Lifestream into himself. Such an action meant the imminent destruction of the entire world. None could stand up against Sephiroth's might. The economic and military might of the Shinra organization couldn't contain the monster it had created, neither with genetics or war. Instead, a band of heroes emerged from the chaos of a doomed planet, to prevent Sephiroth from destroying the Planet, as well as to undo the wrongs of the power-hungry Shinra organization, and to prevent such manipulations with the delicacy of genetics from creating such a monster again.

Other Characters In This Book

Roma

In Otherworld lives Roma, the Guardian of the Multiverse, who is charged to rule and protect all of existence. The only beings who can travel through the Multiverse are certain magicians (i.e. Spectra, Celea)

, Roma herself, and those with the power to create time portals/dimensional portals (i.e. Nate Grey, Phoenix)

. Anyone else who travels the Multiverse cannot control where they are going, and any normal human would be killed.

Destine

Roma's young assistant in Otherworld. Not much is known about this young lady. All that is really known is she helps Roma to the best of her ability in keeping order between the galaxies.

About the Author

Heather Ray lives in Logansport, Indiana where she enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time when she isn't reading, writing, going to school at the local college of Ivy Tech Community College or working on various art projects, she enjoys swimming and playing basketball with the Special Olympics, watching movies with her god daughter, Lucy, (who happens to be the reason why Heather decided to transfer the fanfiction that she originally wrote this and other book series' into books!)

, acting with the local theater troupe in her hometown, singing, and working on her voice over work.

Her favorite book series includes The House of Night, Peter and the Starcatchers, Daughters of the Moon, The Nick Chronicles

(among other Dark Hunters books!)

, the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings Book Series, the Harry Potter series, the Sookie Stackhouse series

, and she is also a bit of a comics 'nerd'

with her love for X-Men, Batman, Avengers,

just to name a few of her favorite comics. She also enjoys reading several mangas which include Chobits, Ceres Celestial Legend, Vampire Knight,

and Sailor Moon

!

Not only does she enjoy reading, as is stated above, she also loves watching movies and various TV Shows. Her favorite TV Shows include True Blood, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel

, all the seasons of Power Rangers, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Doctor Who

and Once Upon a Time

. Her favorite movies include all the Star Wars

movies, all the Star Trek

movies, the Lord of the Rings

trilogy (she is really looking forward to see The Hobbit

soon!)

, all the Marvel Comics

movies, the Chronicles of Narnia

movies and all the Harry Potter

movies! She also enjoys several animes including Chobits, Ceres Celestial Legend, Rosario Vampire, Vampire Knight,

and her favorite: Sailor Moon

(she is a bit obsessed with Sailor Moon what with not only enjoying the anime but also the live action series from Japan, and the musical series: Sera Myu

! She also cannot wait for the new anime series of Sailor Moon that is due out in a year!)

When she isn't at home writing or spending time with her friends and family, Heather can be found going around her home town (where she picked up a lot of her ideas for these books)

or at her local library, picking up new ideas for her next book!

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 10.08.2012

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