Inhalt
Dedication
This is dedicated to Trini Kwan, one of the most endearing, most under-appreciated characters to appear on "Power Rangers."
Thuy Trang breathed life into this reserved, intelligent, selfless character, and she, and the Ranger she brought to life, will be missed.
Author's Note
The Power Rangers belong to Saban Brands, though I tend to borrow them on occasion. This is probably the only, or at least, one of the very few, Trini/Tommy fics ever written. It was inspired by the episode "Welcome to Venus Island."
Chapter One
I saw him too, that day.
It was over seven years ago, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. Sleek muscles, straining beneath bronze skin as he moved. Flawless face, set in a frown of intimidating concentration as he spiritually prepared to fight the reigning champion of Angel Grove.
I watched him warm up, his body sliding so effortlessly in a kata designed for stretching. I noticed the faint gleam of sweat on his skin, the only evidence he’d already bested three of the other fine artists in the competition. His chest heaved gently, hardly winded from the three overwhelming victories.
I saw him... and I was impressed.
Now that means a lot. I’ve never been really into guys. At least, not like other teenaged girls tend to be. Sure, I’ve been attracted to a few, and I’ve dated a handful. Nothing serious ever developed, though; the immaturity factor of high school boys is off the scales. Plus, most boys tend to be intimidated by me. A girl who could speak her mind? Assemble a desktop computer? Render a full grown man unconscious in four seconds?
Believe me... I’m no Barbie doll.
And that’s what I was like before
I became a Power Ranger. After Zordon called us, placing an impossibly heavy burden on our young shoulders, none of us could ever be considered "normal" again. Once I stared death in the face, I grew even more alienated from most of my peers.
It's difficult for a girl to spend her afternoons fighting tooth and nail against a seven-foot armored blue monkey, and then go home, paint her nails, and gush on the phone for two hours about the latest Hollywood "hottie."
Anyway, that left my romantic prospects limited. Of course, I was well aware that three of my best friends were attractive, reasonably mature, intelligent young men. But, they were never really prospects. Jason had been my friend for far too long to be anything other than a brother to me. Zack, for all his energy and charm, was simply too animated for my taste. And Billy... sweet, shy Billy. I adored him. But I knew I couldn’t love him in that special way. A trusted friend, a confidant, a fellow "nerd"... but as strong as my affection for him ran, it never changed in nature.
I’m not saying that when I first met Tommy Oliver, I fell in love with him. Love at first sight is a ridiculous concept; despite his grace, gravity, and physique, I knew nothing else about him.
No, I didn’t fall in love with him at the Martial Arts Expo. I fell in love with him later.
I can’t pinpoint the precise moment it happened. There wasn’t a noticeable transition in my feelings... from appreciation, to attraction, to something far deeper. But I do remember when I realized my feelings.
When my neighbor Haley was kidnapped by Lord Zedd, and taken to his private island. Ironically named for the Roman goddess of love herself, Venus.
Zordon’s words had chilled my blood when he explained the magical isle. An entire body of land, that appeared on the physical plane only when summoned by Lord Zedd himself. If the island were to disappear before Haley was rescued, she would be permanently corrupted by the ancient evil.
It was obvious that capturing Haley had been a trap designed to force us onto a battlefield of his choosing. Yet we were ignorant to his true purposes when we went charging onto the island blindly.
In those days, Zedd was fixated on turning Tommy into his faithful servant. Tommy walked a line between good and evil- never able to completely purge himself of the darkness that first drew Rita to him, yet forever brightened by the light of the love his friends and family offered. He could never be one, or the other. But that didn’t stop Lord Zedd from trying.
Once we arrived on the island, Zedd created a monster from one of the giant flytraps that lined the shores. He called it the Invenusible Flytrap, and true to its namesake, it lured the unwary close, and snapped its lid shut, swallowing its prey.
Tommy and I were knocked out of the way; Tommy by design, myself by coincidence. The Flytrap swallowed Kim, Jason, Zack, and Billy at once, and laid Zedd’s ultimatum: either Tommy surrendered to the darkness of the isle, or the Flytrap would hold the Rangers until they were digested.
A gruesome, torturous death. The supernatural powers of the Flytrap included an industrial strength digestive system that would eat even through the impenetrable armor of our metamorphosis.
Tommy was eager to fight, to force
the Flytrap to release our friends. But the battle waged too long, slowly weakening the dwindling Green power.
Left with no other option, he and I retreated to the Command Center to seek Zordon’s wisdom.
I had never been alone with him in such an emotionally charged situation...
Chapter Two
The moment we materialized in the Command Center, the Green Ranger’s knees buckled. On instinct I clutched his arm tightly, lending him my strength as his own had been depleted.
"Aye yi yi, Tommy!" Alpha squealed, hurrying to help us. He held Tommy’s other arm, and once we were both steady, helpfully took our helmets.
"I’m sorry, Zordon," Tommy gasped, his breath heaving from the fight, "I couldn’t get away."
It wasn’t the first time Tommy had pushed himself past the limits Zordon set upon him. Despite his Power Coin’s weakened state, he refused to be a "part-timer." He determined to stick with the Rangers as long as he could, enduring the constant leeching of his own energies by the Coin as it tried desperately to hold the imperfect Morph.
His stubbornness exasperated our mentor, as well as our leader. But instead of being upset, I was awed.
I knew that he would fight Lord Zedd with his bare hands, if it meant the lives of his friends.
"THAT IS ZEDD’S PLAN,"
Zordon informed us. "HE WANTS TO WEAKEN YOU, AND DRAW BOTH YOU AND HALEY INTO HIS EVIL WORLD. OBSERVE THE VIEWING GLOBE."
I turned around to the smoky globe behind me. Something in my stomach knotted as I watched Haley, the girl I baby-sat for years, lying unconscious beneath a grid of furious red energy.
Had I not taken her to the beach that morning, Zedd never would’ve even glanced at her. I foolishly placed her in danger, by letting our enemy learn the existence of another innocent I cared about.
"IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO RESCUE HER BEFORE THE ISLAND SINKS INTO THE SEA, SHE WILL BE LOST TO HIS EVIL WORLD... FOREVER."
It was a credit to my years of kung fu training that I was able to hide my torment. I wanted to vomit, my shame and guilt seizing my body.
"That can’t happen, Zordon," I murmured, restrained tears causing my voice to waver. Unconsciously, I maintained my tight hold on Tommy’s arm... only now, I was leaning upon his strength.
That wasn’t the first time someone I loved... someone completely incapable of defending herself, had been kidnapped to use against me. First, my little cousin Sylvia was attacked by Rita’s clown monster, who cast a spell turning her into a two-dimensional statue. True, Billy’s dependable brilliance broke the spell, but it always gnawed at the back of my mind... she never would’ve been endangered had I never accepted the Yellow Coin. And there was no way to discern whether the spell had any permanent effects Billy simply couldn’t predict.
Then, that anguished afternoon of Parent’s Day, when Rita kidnapped my mother and father, as well as all the parents of the other Rangers, and every other family that had attended the festivities. With tears in even Jason’s eyes, we surrendered our Power Coins to Goldar, only to be betrayed as the gold monster laughed in our faces, and proclaimed the imminent deaths of the men and women who gave us life.
If Tommy hadn’t returned, and hadn’t taken a serious risk by allowing Zordon to temporarily restore the Green Coin, we would have lost everything that day.
Tommy...
He always came through when we needed him. Just at the right moment, he’d find a way out of Rita or Zedd’s traps, and run headlong into battle, willing to take any risk to save us.
It amazed me how self-conscious he was in social situations, yet how confident he could be in the face of even the most fearsome alien creature.
"Then there’s no other choice," he decided, walking out of my arms toward Zordon. "I have to take Haley’s place."
I should have known he’d suggest that. He knew Zedd’s ultimate goal was to restore the Green Ranger to his formerly evil glory. And he would willingly subject himself to the violation of his spirit and mind that had haunted him for months after we first freed him from Rita.
I couldn’t let him go so easily. Something inside me just wretched
at the thought of Zedd destroying all that Tommy accomplished... all for my mistakes.
That... and the unsettling realization that I would never recover from such a loss.
"No, Tommy," I spoke, in a tone that brooked no argument. "There has to be another way."
"What do you have in mind, Trini?" Alpha wondered.
I gazed at the helpful robot, as well as the mentor that shaped the past year of my life. For some reason, I knew I couldn’t look at Tommy. "Alpha, Zordon.... I’ll fight alone."
He reacted without hesitation. "Alone? Trini, you’ll end up with the others!"
I stared at him. If anyone else had said that to me, I would’ve been insulted that he had so little faith in me. But I knew better than to doubt Tommy. I knew he respected, and was even sometimes awed, by what I could accomplish. On many occasions he had complimented my unique style, allowing my natural grace and honed skill to compensate for my lack of physical strength and size.
"There’s only one thing left for me to do. And we all know what that is."
And then, he hugged me.
We had hugged before, swept up in the thrill of victory after a difficult fight. I never thought anything special about it, though I always enjoyed the brief moment when his arms wound around my back.
But this time, it lingered. The contact lasted perhaps three full seconds, but it stretched into eternity for me.
I held him close, one arm around his neck, the other around his back. In stark contrast to a typical hug between a man and a woman, his head was cradled in my shoulder, forcing him to bow to my height. And I felt the slightest tremble, letting me discern that he was just as terrified as I was.
That moment froze in time. I memorized the line of his face, the musky scent of his sweat, the feel of his arms around my back, the tickle of a few stray hairs against my cheek.
And when we broke apart, I longed to hold him again. That’s when I finally realized just how deeply my admiration... my love
... for Tommy ran.
"Tommy," Alpha called. For once, his tinny voice sounded choked. "Here."
He handed Tommy the green helmet, like a squire arming a knight for battle.
He was the noblest of us all; is it any wonder I had fallen in love with him?
Tommy held his helmet in the crook of one arm, and gazed up at Zordon, the counselor that believed in him so strongly, he risked death by restoring the Green Coin to active duty. "Look, I promise I’ll try to resist Zedd, but I don’t know if I can."
He then turned to me, a deep sadness in the dark gaze that had never made me weak in the knees... until that moment.
"And if I ever come back..." He choked on his words. "If I hurt any
of you... tell them for me... I’m sorry."
I just couldn’t take it any longer... the tears I’d been fighting back just overflowed, showing the entire world how this was ripping me apart.
I wanted to scream at him. I wanted to force him to reason. There just had
to be another way! We’d faced so many trials before, but we never
sacrificed a Ranger! We always found an alternative!
But his gaze held me... a grave, sad grin on his face... and I couldn’t get a single word passed the lump in my throat.
He reached his hand to me, and I clutched it desperately, turning away from the hypnotizing eyes that rendered me speechless and nearly immobile.
After an endless moment, he dropped his hand from mine, and prepared to teleport.
Then, just before Tommy vanished from the Command Center... and from my life... a computer began beeping.
"Wait a minute!" Alpha urged, pulling sheets that printed from the computer, "What’s this?"
Tommy and I waited in silence... though I noticed his proximity as he crept behind me. If I took a half-step back, I could lean my head against his broad chest.
"The computer has been analyzing the Invenusible Flytrap, searching for any weakness."
We remained in muted anguish as Alpha perused the data on the sheet. Then, after a long suspense, he squealed one word: "Heat!"
"OF COURSE; THE VENUS FLYTRAP CANNOT WITHSTAND HEAT."
"So if the others create heat while inside the monster..." I turned to Tommy, taking his hand, "..they might be able to escape."
Tommy’s hands gripped mine with matching enthusiasm. "It’s our only chance."
My heart racing, I reached for my helmet, then laid my free hand on his shoulder. "Let’s go!"
Chapter Three
The plan worked. We managed to express to our friends the idea of using heat against the monster, and they mercilessly attacked the creature’s stomach walls with the heat generated from the Power.
Tommy and I watched the Flytrap double over as the attacks took affect, and joined the assault from outside. Sickened to the extreme, the Flytrap released the other Rangers, none the worse for wear.
We finished him off with our combined weapons, raced across the sinking isle, and rescued Haley. Thank God no one was hurt.
No one... except me.
After the excitement faded, and we separated for the evening, I was finally able to process everything I was feeling.
It amazed me how Tommy’s hug had made my heart flutter. How his mournful grin reduced me to tears. How his strong arms seemed to invite me into them. How my stomach flipped at the thought of him leaving us.
I remember trembling that night, despite the warmth of the evening. How could I let it happen? How could I fall in love with my best friend’s boyfriend??
Kimberly had been attracted to Tommy from day one. It was painfully obvious to the rest of us, but it took Tommy a few months to realize it. And he felt exactly the same for her... if not more so.
If Kimberly hadn’t been rendered speechless at their first encounter, I probably would’ve taken the first opportunity to introduce myself.
That night was pure torture, as I laid my feelings bare for contemplation. I realized I’d loved Tommy for some time. I acknowledged that, while we had traded a few furtive glances and shy smiles, what I felt for Richie paled pathetically in comparison to the way Tommy captivated me. Perhaps, unconsciously, I was trying to find someone else to offer my affections to... someone that wasn’t involved with my best friend.
It was hopeless. I knew that day that what I felt for Tommy wasn’t fleeting. It had been building, from the day we met. For, while I first took notice of his gorgeous face and powerful body, I grew enamored with his shy charm, endearing faults, dependable strength, endless determination, and boundless loyalty.
I knew I loved him... and I couldn’t do a thing about it.
For Kimberly was more than my best friend. She was the sister I never had. The trusted friend who urged me to let my hair down once in a while. The friendly stranger who immediately welcomed me to Angel Grove at the awkward age of ten, eagerly praising my long hair and neat handwriting. The girl who invited me to join her and her friend Jason to play Frisbee... and the rest, is history.
I never thought anything could ever come between us. We stuck together through puberty, first crushes, middle and high school, and even life or death battles against evil aliens.
But never before had we both set our eyes on the same guy.
I couldn’t fall asleep, so at the ungodly hour of two a.m., I just stopped trying. I switched on my desk light, and grabbed the nearest pad and pencil. Clutching Ticklesneezer for moral support, I made a list.
All the reasons I could never, ever
act upon my feelings for Tommy.
One: He loved Kimberly.
Two: Kimberly loved him back, with incredible maturity for a teenaged girl.
Three: Kimberly’s friendship meant the world to me.
Four: If any hostilities were to develop, the entire team would be in jeopardy.
Five: I have no reason to believe he felt anything other than friendship for me.
Six: Lord Zedd might somehow discover my feelings, and use it against us.
Seven: If I even admitted it to anyone, I’d place an intolerable burden on my friends.
Those seven were more than enough to lead me to a resolution: put it behind me.
After all, I was far more disciplined than most girls my age. How difficult could it be?
I managed to fall asleep finally, lulled by that comforting conclusion... though in the days that followed, I realized my mistake.
No matter how rational my mind was, my heart was just as untamable as everyone else’s.
The following few weeks were a nightmare. I tried my best to stay away from Tommy entirely, and to a lesser extent, Kim herself. For in Tommy’s company, I feared my feelings would only be enhanced. And I feared that Kimberly’s uncanny insight into the hearts of others would leave my pain naked before her. I didn’t want her pity, advice, or far worse... her mistrust. I couldn’t stand to have Kimberly doubt my friendship, by thinking I had some designs on her boyfriend.
Thankfully, I found a perfect escape: the Peace Conference.
I signed up for the program far more eagerly than I should have. While I was always dedicated to doing my part for the world, I had a very personal, very sensitive reason to put as much distance between myself and Angel Grove as possible.
It was painful... but it was best. And when I found out that I’d been selected, I was relieved. Not overjoyed... just relieved.
The two-year program would surely give me enough time to forget.
And it did. My schedule quickly immersed me in challenging courses, interactions with hundreds of interesting people from as many nations, trips throughout Europe, and enlightening debates on world matters like poverty, injustice against women, hunger, epidemics, and quelling the flames of division between so many nations.
Most importantly, I wasn’t alone. I had Jason and Zack; two wonderful, loyal friends that made me enjoy my time in Switzerland even more.
Over time, my longing for Tommy dulled to a mild ache. Even an awkward, rather embarrassing memory. A continent and an ocean separated us... and while I did maintain close contact with Billy and Kimberly through letters, I never wrote to Tommy.
Then, Kimberly went to Florida, and her letters grew more and more seldom. I never took it personally; I could only imagine how much effort went into preparing for the Pan Global Games. One representative from Luxembourg had been a Pan Global swimmer, and his stories of the commitment necessary reminded me of military training.
As Kimberly’s best friend, I had to understand her situation, and support her. After her first Christmas in Florida, the only correspondence I had was a brief Christmas card.
As such, I knew next to nothing about her love life... until I received the most unnerving call of my life.
Chapter Four
It was just after noon in Geneva, and I was reclining in the small apartment I shared with my Russian roommate Anastasia. After a grueling session of exams, I had decided to take a short break from academics before the afternoon session.
I had just gotten comfortable, the latest Michael Crichton novel nestled between my knees, when the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Trini, it’s Tommy."
Frankly, if he didn’t tell me his identity, I would never have guessed. I blinked in surprise, my usually sharp mind swimming in molasses as I considered his exhausted voice, and calculated what ungodly hour it had to be in California.
Needless to say, my heart practically stopped. I dropped my book, leaning forward in the chair as if I was ready to spring into action. "What’s going on?" I demanded.
He must have heard the urgency in my voice, and figured out the train of my thoughts. "Don’t worry, it’s not an emergency."
That was the code we used back in our mutual Ranger days, as we were tried to be cautious of eavesdroppers.
"Oh." I visibly relaxed. "So, what can I do for you? I haven’t spoken to you in months."
Well, it had been over a year, actually.
"Uh... are you alone?"
"Yeah, my roommate’s in the cafeter-"
I completely lost my thought, dropping the phone from my hand as suddenly, a storm of red energy erupted to life just six feet away.
I couldn’t keep the shock from registering on my face. There he was, the man whose face still haunted my dreams on occasion, in the flesh.
What could be so horrible, he'd risk teleporting
halfway across the world to my apartment?
I slowly recovered my senses as he looked down at me, a sheepish grin on his lips, but a haunted cloud hanging over his eyes.
I tried to be glib. "So
... isn’t this your first international trip?"
His lips quirked a little more. "Nah, I went to Australia on a class trip last year." One hand unconsciously rubbed the back of his neck... a nervous reaction I’d seen before... and his other gripped a piece of paper.
His eyes were bloodshot, and his pallor was unsettling.
Tommy had never been one to hide his feelings, and now they were on display for me alone. He was nervous, anxious, and desperate... and he sought my help.
My heart ached for him, and in an instant, all the healing I’d achieved over our fourteen month separation was shot straight to Hell.
I sighed inwardly as I rose to my feet. Gently, I laced my arm through his, and let him lean upon my strength... just as I had done that day in the Command Center.
I led him to the small table near the kitchen. "Have a seat. I’ll make you some tea."
He offered a wan, but grateful, smile, and sat.
In a daze, I prepared a pot of tea. Every so often, I turned around, to steal a glance at the formidable Red Zeo Ranger.
He seemed to be entranced by a piece of paper. He clenched it between both hands, the worn creases giving me the impression that it had been folded, unfolded, and refolded often.
My curiosity piqued, I poured two mugs of steaming tea, and settled them on the table. I then slid into the seat across from him, and watched him straighten the folded edges of the paper he held.
"I’m sorry I just dropped in like this," he sighed, "I... I have an issue I really need to deal with. I was hoping I could get your take on it."
I answered with a small, encouraging smile. "You have my full attention."
"I... uh... I got this in the mail the other day."
He then slid the sheet toward me. I met him halfway across the table, taking a slow sip of my own tea as I skimmed the letter.
A letter from Kim. Everything’s going great, yadda yadda, ready for the competition, yadda yadda, met someone else...
Wait...
"What??"
I nearly choked on my tea. Forcing down the hot liquid in a single gulp, I turned my incredulous gaze to Tommy.
He chuckled weakly at my expression, his finger drawing circles along the edge of his mug. "I guess you didn’t see this coming, either."
I only shook my head, waiting for my tongue to loosen. No wonder Zordon let him use the teleporter for "personal gain." There’s nothing more dangerous to the Rangers than letting their leader operate in such a disturbed state! I wouldn’t be surprised if Zordon suggested
that Tommy work through this sudden... and completely unexpected... personal emergency. him! She... she did!
Finally, I recovered the ability to speak. "Tommy," I murmured, my eyes reading the letter once again, "I don’t know what to say."
Tommy took a sip of his tea, giving himself a moment to collect his thoughts. "I was hoping I could get a different perspective from you," he revealed. "You and Aisha were Kim’s closest friends. Aisha’s completely out of contact in Africa, and none of the current Zeo Rangers have even heard from Kim in months. Except me... obviously."
"Obviously," I breathed.
"Anyway... I just don’t get it. Kim never mentioned anything like this before. Sure, she told me about the pressure she's under, but I never got the impression she was hiding anything from me. And now... this."
He took a deep, cleansing breath. "People don’t just fall in love in two weeks. What happened between this letter, and the last one she sent me?"
I found myself unable to meet his gaze. "Sometimes, people are brutally honest with themselves. About their feelings, about their hopes, about their relationships. And sometimes, in those moments, epiphanies are reached that change everything."
I felt his stare upon me. I nearly shivered at its intensity.
I needed to get away from it.
"L... let me think about this for a few minutes, Tommy," I requested, rising from the table. "I’ve got some... old letters from Kim. I’ll take a quick look, but I don’t think she ever mentioned another guy."
I knew his eyes followed me as I retreated into the relative safety of my small bedroom.
Once I was cloistered inside, I hugged myself tightly, fighting the trembling of my skin.
Oh God, oh God! Kimberly dumped
It was so hard to believe, I actually pinched myself. I never even entertained the possibility that anything could wedge itself between them.
They always seemed the perfect couple. They'd do anything for each other! Kimberly told me, in great detail, of the time Tommy broke into Zedd’s own sanctuary to save her life. He even faced Zedd himself, in a one-on-one duel, to free her from the dark Lord’s clutches!
How could she possibly find someone who could match that kind of love?
I was puzzled, overwhelmed, and, I’m ashamed to admit... hopeful. Hopeful that if Kimberly had moved on, I actually had a shot at Tommy.
My list came to mind, from over a year ago.
One: He loved Kimberly... well, he clearly still did, but that would change with time and patience.
Two: Kimberly loved him back... that had been proven false.
Three: Kimberly’s friendship meant the world to me... it still did, but now there was no conflict.
Four: If any hostilities were to develop, the entire team would be in jeopardy... I was no longer a Ranger, and I couldn’t imagine the others having a problem now.
Five: I had no reason to believe he felt anything other than friendship for me... true, but since he didn’t have another love, I could find out.
Six: Lord Zedd might somehow discover my turmoil, and use it against us... Lord Zedd wasn’t an issue any longer, and from my understanding, the Machine Empire didn’t have the intimate understanding of human emotions necessary to twist this to their advantage.
Seven: If I even admitted it to anyone, I’d place an intolerable burden on my friends... not necessarily, as no one would be forced to choose sides.
I was halfway to a decision to confess the truth, when out of nowhere, my conscience burned from within the well of denial into which I tossed it.
How could I even consider
laying such a thing upon Tommy now? He was so crushed by Kimberly’s letter... I couldn’t take advantage of it.
He came to me for advice. No one knew Kim as well as I did... not even him, apparently. I was confident that, whatever I suggested, he would take into serious consideration.
I had a great deal of power in my hands. I could advise him to move on... or I could advise him to take a chance.
What would I do?
The real question was, what would I do for him
, and for her
?
The man I knew I loved dearly, and the sister I cared for even more.
I gnawed my bottom lip anxiously. I knew the only honorable... only loyal
course of action. The only course of action completely unblemished by selfish longing.
Glancing at my watch, I quickly calculated what time it was in Miami.
"Let’s see... California is nine hours behind, and Miami is three hours ahead of that... so seven a.m."
Kimberly awoke with the dawn. One of the most hated parts of her training, she always complained.
With an unsteady hand, I lifted the phone beside my bed. I didn’t think about the cost of making an international call. I didn’t even figure out what I was going to say to her.
I hoped Kimberly would guide the way.
After a few pulses, someone picked up. "’lo?"
I put on a false smile, in an effort to keep my voice light. "Renee? It’s Trini. Did I wake you?"
Kimberly’s roommate sighed. "I was awake. Didn’t get much sleep."
a mess for days!"
I swallowed. "Is Kim... okay?"
Another long sigh. "She’s a mess, Trini. She’s been
Probably from the moment she wrote that awful letter.
"Is she sick?"
"I don’t know what the hell’s wrong with her! She won’t tell me anything!"
The young woman huffed in frustration; in many ways, her outspoken personality reminded me of Kim. "I guess the stress of the Games is finally getting to her. The Coach really chewed her out last week... something about her lack of focus. But he’s hard on her all the time... she’s probably got more talent in one finger than most of us do in our entire bodies! Goes with the territory, ya know?"
I nodded, despite the fact she couldn’t see me. Slowly, a pretty feasible explanation formed in my mind.
"Anyhow, she just broke down, muttering some nonsense, and has been completely inconsolable ever since. She kinda switches between a sobbing mess, and then a cold robot. She still makes it to every single practice, doesn’t offer a single complaint when the Coach yells at her, and runs through the motions like she’s been programmed."
out when she leaves! Want me to tell her you called?"
Then she paused. "I think she’s been kidnapped by aliens, and replaced by some clone in an effort to sabotage the U.S. team."
I offered a weak laugh. "Doubtful, Renee. You think I could talk to her? Maybe cheer her up a little?"
"Actually, she’s not in now. She went out extra early for a jog. She’s been doing that for the past two weeks... Jeez... it’s not even light
I didn’t hesitate. "I wanted to make sure she’d be around today. Tommy told me he was going to drop in on her. You know, a surprise visit."
Renee squealed over the phone. "Wow, those two must have some kind of psychic connection! She was so upset last week, with all the stress, and she couldn’t reach Tommy over the phone. I guess he’s been busy with midterms or something."
I couldn't help a wry grin at that. Most likely, there'd been a twenty-story robot trying to flatten Angel Grove, and perhaps an exam or two on top of that, just for good measure; but surely Kim could understand that, right? Or was the stress really getting that difficult to manage?
I shook out of my musing enough to reply. "He got a disturbing letter from her, and got a little worried."
"I’d believe it. She’s been really irrational... it’s been scary. Sure he can come by! Our practice runs ‘til five today, and then we’re free for the evening. If he can book a flight this morning, he should be able to make it in plenty of time. I’m sure she’d love to see him."
"Thanks for your help, Renee. And be sure to tell Kim to call me some time, would you?"
"You got it. Later, Trini!"
"Bye."
I settled the phone on its cradle, my fingers slowly releasing it. I breathed slowly, absorbing all the information I had collected and piecing it together into a credible picture.
She’s overworked, and under stress. The Coach is putting pressure on her to put her every effort into the Games. She’s the best hope for the medal. And when she needed Tommy the most... he was unavailable. So, she wrote that stupid letter...
Kim was always so sensitive. Combine that with unusually stressful circumstances, and it wasn’t hard to believe she wrote the letter in a huff of outrage.
She’s regretting it now. I can just see it. She wishes she could take it back, but now it’s too late. Or... maybe it's not.
My decision was made. And it was final. Before my selfish heart could even attempt to rationalize, excuse, or deny what I knew to be the best decision, I stepped out of my bedroom.
Tommy was hunched over the mug of tea that had stopped steaming. It had chilled before him, almost completely untouched.
"Tommy... you need to talk to Kim."
He glanced up, and fixed me with a mortified stare. He didn’t need to say what was on his mind; I could read it all over his face.
He was scared that the woman he loved would hurt him even more in person. It must have crossed his mind to pay a visit to Florida; but his insecurity made him hesitate.
His insecurity made him come see me instead.
He came for my insight, and that's exactly what I'd give him. And I'd hold back nothing. "I told you before: sometimes, people are brutally honest with themselves. Now it’s your turn. Tommy, do you love Kimberly."
He answered immediately. "Yes."
"Do you want to know what went wrong?"
"Yes."
"Then talk
to her, face to face. No letters, no phone calls... just you and her, with nothing to filter your words or hide behind."
It's actually painful to look Tommy in the eye right now, so I avoid it, looking just over his shoulder. "Look, the truth is, I haven’t spoken to Kim in months. She’s practically a prisoner in that gym, surrounded by acquaintances rather than the friends she loves. She’s under far more pressure than she’s accustomed to, without the support of her friends and family."
I rubbed my forehead, leaning against the wall. "I think she needs you, so much she’s scared of it. She needs you now, Tommy... and you need to go see her."
Tommy’s face gradually collapsed into a frown, letting me see understanding slowly dawn upon him. "You mean, right
now?"
I nodded emphatically. "Why not?"
"I can’t just go there!"
I smirked. "You just came here, didn’t you? I’m sure Zordon will let you drop in on Kim."
His gaze fell back to the mug. "But, what if...?"
"You’re stalling," I pointed out, "If anything happens while you’re gone, you’re a communicator beep away."
I approached him, heart twisting at the stricken expression on his face. Gently, I laid my hand on his strong shoulder.
"I’ve known Kim a long time," I murmured, squeezing the muscle, "I’ve been there for all her other boyfriends. And she never broke up with any of them in such a cold way. I'm sure there’s more to this than what’s written in that letter. And if you love her... if you really
love her... you’ve got to face her."
Then, I glanced at my watch. "You’ve got about ten hours to kill before Kim’s practice for the day is over. Want some breakfast? I can make some pretty decent scrambled eggs."
He grinned... this time, the amused, relaxed grin I remember so well. "Thanks, but I’ve got some thinking to do."
He rose from his seat, and before I could even prepare myself, he wrapped me in his strong arms.
I felt myself shiver, screwing my face in an effort to withstand the power his embrace had on me. Then, I slowly returned it, patting his shoulder blade.
"You’re the best, Trini. I owe you."
And with that, he was gone.
I sighed deeply, and sank into the chair he had vacated. Straining to keep my hand from shaking, I reached for the cup of tea he left, swallowing the lukewarm brew slowly. And slowly, I regained the calm demeanor I’ve always been known for.
Chapter Five
Tommy visited Kim that evening. I made sure of it; not only did I call Tommy’s house at four (which translates to one a.m. in Switzerland), I even called Billy, and updated him on my advice. If Tommy did back down at the last minute, I was confident that Billy would program the teleporter himself, and send him to Florida, ready or not.
Kim called me the following day, and thanked me.
I knew then, if I hadn’t intervened - if I hadn’t inserted the possibility of reconciliation into Tommy’s stubborn, self-deprecating cranium - he never would’ve gone to Florida. He never would have forced a confrontation. He would never have learned the truth.
He never would have married her.
And now, on a sunny Saturday afternoon five years later, I stare down the isle at the altar, dressed in a muted yellow gown. Tommy stands on one side, anxiously knotting his fingers, and Jason is behind him, a wide smile on his face.
The wedding march begins, and the two hundred attendees all pivot, watching the bridal party slowly walk down the aisle. Kimberly is simply radiant in her flowing gown... the princess she’d always dreamed of being.
Tommy’s face just lights up as he sees her.
Cameras flash in my eyes as I watch her approach the altar. Tears cloud my vision, a serene smile on my face as I watch my best friend take the arm of the man she loves.
Of the man we both love.
Yet my smile is genuine, despite the knowledge that I missed my chance.
Kimberly has made him happy, during the years of their teenaged fairytale romance, to their young adulthood’s deeper bond, to the dizzying activity of their eight-month engagement. And now, Kimberly will make him happy for a lifetime.
Only Kimberly can make him truly happy. I'm sure of that now.
As for me... I will love again. I know I will.
Character Thesaurus
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
When the threat of Earth being taken over by Rita Repulsa arose after she was freed from her dumpster prison on the Moon, a wise old sage named Zordon, who had established a Command Center in Angel Grove, recruited five teenagers to assume the power of the Morphing Grid to defend the planet as Power Rangers - Jason, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, and Trini. When the battle escalated, they would call on their individual assault vehicles named Zords and destroy the monsters who threatened peace in Angel Grove, all while trying to live normal lives as high school students.
The Rangers have gone through many roster, Zord, and power changes. Rita gave the Dragon Coin to a new student at Angel Grove High- Tommy, who fought against the Rangers as the evil Green Ranger, and later joined the team once the spell over him was broken. Tommy eventually lost his powers as the Green Ranger and gained new powers as the White Ranger.
To defeat Lord Zedd, who arrived to take over Rita's task, the Rangers needed to upgrade their Dinozords into Thunderzords, and later bring back Tommy as the White Ranger. Shortly after, Jason, Zack and Trini left for Switzerland to attend a peace conference, and left their powers to three allies of the Rangers- Rocky, Adam and Aisha, who became the new Red, Yellow, and Black Rangers.
When the team lost their powers after an attack by Rita's brother Rito, the Rangers took a trip to the Temple of Power, where Ninjor gave them new powers and Ninja Zords, which were later joined by the Shogun Zords.
Kimberly's departure to train for the Pan Global Games paved the way for Katherine, who took her place as the Pink Ranger. The Rangers' Power Coins were stolen by Goldar, and destroyed by Rita and Zedd, putting an end to the Power Rangers as we knew them, and setting forth the events that would transform them into Zeo Rangers.
Jason - Red Ranger
Full Name:
Jason Lee Scott
Ranger Designation:
Red Power Ranger
Weapons:
Power Sword, Blade Blaster, Dragon Dagger (post Green Ranger)
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Dragon Shield (post Green Ranger)
Zords:
Tyrannosaurus Dinozord, Dragonzord (post Green Ranger)
, Red Dragon Thunderzord
Strong and fearless, Jason is the former Red Ranger and original leader of the Power Rangers. To Jason went the Tyrannosaurus Power Coin, giving him the power of the Tyrannosaurus, and control of the Tyrannosaurus Dinozord. 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, 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.
He returned to Angel Grove years later to take on the powers of an injured alien, becoming the Gold Ranger. After the alien reclaimed his powers, Jason was powerless once again, but was able to return years later as the Red Ranger for a special mission in which 10 Red Rangers joined forces to stop the Machine Empire from destroying Earth with Serpentera.
After Tommy lost his powers as the Green Ranger, he passed on the Dragon Shield to Jason, who wore it on certain occasions. He also received Tommy's Dragon Dagger, which he would use to summon Dragonzord.
Zack - Black Ranger
Full Name:
Zack Taylor
Ranger Designation:
Black Power Ranger
Weapons:
Power Axe, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin
Zords:
Mastodon Dinozord, Lion Thunderzord
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 promoting world peace at a peace conference in Switzerland. To Zack went the Mastodon Power Coin, giving him the power of the Mastodon, and control of the Mastodon Dinozord. Black Ranger's power weapon is the Power Axe, which doubles as a powerful cannon. His weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Black Ranger, Zack gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability.
Trini - Yellow Ranger
Full Name:
Trini Kwan
Ranger Designation:
Yellow Power Ranger
Weapons:
Power Daggers, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin
Zords:
Sabertooth Tiger Dinozord, Griffin Thunderzord
Trini is a quiet, spiritual, and honourable person. She believes in a fair fight, and has practiced the Mantis style of Kung Fu. Although quiet and reserved, Trini is very strong willed and courageous. The former Yellow Ranger now fights for peace in a different way - at a peace conference in Switzerland. To Trini went the Sabretooth Tiger Power Coin, giving her the power of the Sabretooth Tiger, and control of the Sabretooth Tiger Dinozord. Yellow Ranger's power weapon is 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, Trini gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability.
Kimberly - Pink Ranger
Full Name:
Kimberly Ann Hart
Ranger Designation:
Pink Power Ranger, Pink Ninja Ranger
Weapons:
Power Bow, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Pink Shark Cycle
Zords:
Pterodactyl Dinozord, Firebird Thunderzord, Crane Ninja Zord, White Shogun Zord (shared with White Ranger)
Kimberly was one of the five Rangers originally chosen by Zordon to protect the Earth against Rita Repulsa. She was given the Pterodactyl Power Coin and ability to morph into the Pink Ranger. 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. Kimberly left the Power Rangers to pursue a life as a gymnast by training with Gunthar Schmidt in Florida to compete in the Pan Global Games. To Kimberly went the Pterodactyl Power Coin, giving her the power of the Pterodactyl, and control of the Pterodactyl Dinozord. When Kim lost her powers after Rito Revolto's attack on Angel Grove, she gained new powers with the Crane Power Coin given to her by Ninjor on the Rangers' journey to the Temple of Power. Pink Ranger's power weapon is the Power Bow, which can shoot either normal or energized arrows. Her weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Pink Ranger, Kim gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection.
powers. Presumably, all Ninja Rangers have the same powers, although not each one has demonstrated all of them.
When Rita Repulsa's brother, Rito Revolto, came to Earth, he succeeded in destroying the Thunderzords and the Rangers' powers. The six teens had to travel to the Temple of Power, where the legendary warrior Ninjor gave them all the power of Ninja. Using this power, they could all transform into the Ninja Rangers, then morph into Power Rangers and take command of the Ninja Zords. The Pink Ninja Ranger has heightened strength, speed, and durability. She also has the powers of ground swimming, line of sight teleportation, phasing, multiplication, energy projection, hypnotic persuasion, and many other "ninja magic"
Billy - Blue Ranger
Full Name:
Billy Mitchell
Ranger Designation:
Blue Power Ranger, Blue Ninja Ranger
Weapons:
Power Lance, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Metallic Armor, Blue Shark Cycle
Zords:
Triceratops Dinozord, Unicorn Thunderzord, Wolf Ninja Zord, Blue Shogun Zord
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. During the Rangers' time of crisis when time was reversed by Master Vile, Billy assumed command and proved himself to be a capable leader. After the Rangers obtained their Zeo powers, he stayed on the team as an advisor, communicating with them from the Power Chamber, and creating weapons and Zords for them. To Billy went the Triceratops Power Coin, giving him the power of the Triceratops, and control of the Triceratops Dinozord. When Billy lost his powers after Rito Revolto's attack on Angel Grove, he gained new powers with the Wolf Power Coin given to him by Ninjor on the Rangers' journey to the Temple of Power. The Wolf Power Coin was later destroyed by Zedd and Rita when Master Vile reversed time and reverted the Rangers to children. Blue Ranger's power weapon is the Power Lance, which can separate into two halves. 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.
powers. Presumably, all Ninja Rangers have the same powers, although not each one has demonstrated all of them.
When Rita Repulsa's brother, Rito Revolto, came to Earth, he succeeded in destroying the Thunderzords and the Rangers' powers. The six teens had to travel to the Temple of Power, where the legendary warrior Ninjor gave them all the power of Ninja. Using this power, they could all transform into the Ninja Rangers, then morph into Power Rangers and take command of the Ninja Zords. The Blue Ninja Ranger has heightened strength, speed, and durability. He also has the powers of ground swimming, line of sight teleportation, phasing, multiplication, energy projection, hypnotic persuasion, and many other "ninja magic"
Master Vile once used the Orb of Doom to revert the Rangers into powerless children. To restore their ages, and obtain new powers, the children had to each retrieve a Zeo crystal.
Billy, however, restored his age before the others with a device he created. He then sent the kids on their Zeo quests.
Tommy - Green Ranger
Full Name:
Tommy Oliver
Ranger Designation:
Green Power Ranger
Weapons:
Dragon Dagger
Gear:
Dragon Shield, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Wrist Communicator
Zords:
Dragonzord
When Tommy arrived at Angel Grove High, Rita saw him as the perfect person to become her evil Green Ranger. She put him under a spell and gave him the Dragon Power Coin. With it, Tommy morphed into the Green Ranger and fought the Power Rangers, defeating them in a couple of battles. Tommy was given the Sword of Darkness to finish off the Rangers, but Jason defeated Green Ranger in combat and destroyed the Sword of Darkness, releasing the spell over Tommy, making him the newest Power Ranger. Green Ranger's power weapon is the Dragon Dagger, which doubles as a flute and plays music to summon the Dragonzord. As Green Ranger, Tommy gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection. Green Ranger also wore a special shield around his chest which protected him from many attacks. Tommy is a bit forgetful and dim-witted at times, but he more than makes up for it with his nobility and courage. Tommy eventually lost his powers after Rita created a Green Candle that took his powers away as it burned down. After losing their Power Coins, the Rangers called on Tommy to once again become the Green Ranger by using the Dragon Coin and Zordon's energy. The powers were only temporary, and Tommy once again lost his powers as Green Ranger.
Tommy would later be given new powers by Zordon, making him the White Ranger. After losing these powers to Lord Zedd and Rita, he used the Zeo Crystal to become the Red Zeo Ranger. Another power upgrade later made him the Red Turbo Ranger, powers which he eventually passed on to a successor, TJ. Tommy returned years later as the Red Zeo Ranger to lead 9 other Red Rangers on a mission to prevent the Machine Empire from using Serpentera to destroy Earth.
Tommy - White Ranger
Full Name:
Tommy Oliver
Ranger Designation:
White Power Ranger, White Ninja Ranger
Weapons:
Saba
Gear:
White Ranger Shield, Power Morpher with Power Coin, White Shark Cycle, Wrist Communicator
Zords:
Tigerzord, Falconzord, White Shogunzord (shared with Pink Ranger)
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. With the Tiger Power Coin, Tommy rejoined the team and led them into one victory after another. White Ranger's power weapon is Saba, a talking Sabre that also controls the Tigerzord. As White Ranger, Tommy gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection. He wore a special shield around his chest which protected him from many attacks. His powers were greater than those of the other Rangers, making him a nearly invincible opponent. When Tommy lost his powers after Rito Revolto's attack on Angel Grove, he gained new powers with the Falcon Power Coin given to him by Ninjor on the Rangers' journey to the Temple of Power.
The Falcon Power Coin was later destroyed by Zedd and Rita when Master Vile reversed time and reverted the Rangers to children. When the Rangers obtained Zeo Powers, Tommy became the Red Zeo Ranger. Another power upgrade later made him the Red Turbo Ranger, powers which he eventually passed on to a successor, TJ. Tommy returned years later as the Red Zeo Ranger to lead 9 other Red Rangers on a mission to prevent the Machine Empire from using Serpentera to destroy Earth.
powers. Presumably, all Ninja Rangers have the same powers, although not each one has demonstrated all of them.
When Rita Repulsa's brother, Rito Revolto, came to Earth, he succeeded in destroying the Thunderzords and the Rangers' powers. The six teens had to travel to the Temple of Power, where the legendary warrior Ninjor gave them all the power of Ninja. Using this power, they could all transform into the Ninja Rangers, then morph into Power Rangers and take command of the Ninja Zords. The White Ninja Ranger has heightened strength, speed, and durability. Also has the powers of ground swimming, line of sight teleportation, phasing, multiplication, energy projection, hypnotic persuasion, and many other "ninja magic"
Master Vile once used the Orb of Doom to revert the Rangers into powerless children. To restore their ages, and obtain new powers, the children had to each retrieve a Zeo crystal.
Tommy was given his crystal by a wise old shaman, who taught him to see with his heart.
Rocky - Red Ranger
Full Name:
Rocky DeSantos
Ranger Designation:
Red Power Ranger, Red Ninja Ranger
Weapons:
Power Sword, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power COin, Metallic Armor, Red Shark Cycle
Zords:
Red Dragon Thunderzord, Ape Ninja Zord, Red Shogun Zord
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. Rocky later gained Zeo Powers along with the rest, and became the Blue Zeo Ranger. When Rocky injured his back training for a martial arts competition, he sent Justin to the Power Chamber to take his place in becoming the Blue Turbo Ranger.
powers. Presumably, all Ninja Rangers have the same powers, although not each one has demonstrated all of them.
When Rita Repulsa's brother, Rito Revolto, came to Earth, he succeeded in destroying the Thunderzords and the Rangers' powers. The six teens had to travel to the Temple of Power, where the legendary warrior Ninjor gave them all the power of Ninja. Using this power, they could all transform into the Ninja Rangers, then morph into Power Rangers and take command of the Ninja Zords. The Red Ninja Ranger has heightened strength, speed, and durability. He also has the powers of ground swimming, line of sight teleportation, phasing, multiplication, energy projection, hypnotic persuasion, and many other "ninja magic"
Master Vile once used the Orb of Doom to revert the Rangers into powerless children. To restore their ages, and obtain new powers, the children had to each retrieve a Zeo crystal.
Rocky earned his crystal in Mexico, by bravely saving a village from an unstable volcano.
Adam - Black Ranger
Full Name:
Adam Park
Ranger Designation:
Black Power Ranger, Black Ninja Ranger
Weapons:
Power Axe, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Metallic Armor, Black Shark Cycle
Zords:
Lion Thunderzord, Frog Ninja Zord, Black Shogun 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. Black Ranger's power weapon is the Power Axe, which doubles as a powerful cannon. His weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Black Ranger, Adam gained enhanced strength, speed, durability, and limited energy projection. His powers were lost after Goldar and Rito destroyed the Power Coins after Master Vile had turned the Rangers into children. Since then, Adam became the Green Zeo Ranger, and later the Green Turbo Ranger, before giving his place to Carlos. He returned to help his successor as the Black Ranger, using his morpher without a Power Coin, risking his life.
powers. Presumably, all Ninja Rangers have the same powers, although not each one has demonstrated all of them.
When Rita Repulsa's brother, Rito Revolto, came to Earth, he succeeded in destroying the Thunderzords and the Rangers' powers. The six teens had to travel to the Temple of Power, where the legendary warrior Ninjor gave them all the power of Ninja. Using this power, they could all transform into the Ninja Rangers, then morph into Power Rangers and take command of the Ninja Zords. The Black Ninja Ranger has heightened strength, speed, and durability. He also has the powers of ground swimming, line of sight teleportation, phasing, multiplication, energy projection, hypnotic persuasion, and many other "ninja magic"
Master Vile once used the Orb of Doom to revert the Rangers into powerless children. To restore their ages, and obtain new powers, the children had to each retrieve a Zeo crystal.
Adam was sent to Korea to obtain his from a wise old man named Kyogi.
Aisha - Yellow Ranger
Full Name:
Aisha Campbell
Ranger Designation:
Yellow Power Ranger, Yellow Ninja Ranger
Weapons:
Power Daggers, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Metallic Armor, Yellow Shark Cycle
Zords:
Griffin Thunderzord, Bear Ninja Zord, Yellow Shogun 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.
powers. Presumably, all Ninja Rangers have the same powers, although not each one has demonstrated all of them.
When Rita Repulsa's brother, Rito Revolto, came to Earth, he succeeded in destroying the Thunderzords and the Rangers' powers. The six teens had to travel to the Temple of Power, where the legendary warrior Ninjor gave them all the power of Ninja. Using this power, they could all transform into the Ninja Rangers, then morph into Power Rangers and take command of the Ninja Zords. The Yellow Ninja Ranger has heightened strength, speed, and durability. She also has the powers of ground swimming, line of sight teleportation, phasing, multiplication, energy projection, hypnotic persuasion, and many other "ninja magic"
Master Vile once used the Orb of Doom to revert the Rangers into powerless children. To restore their ages, and obtain new powers, the children had to each retrieve a Zeo crystal.
Aisha obtained hers from Africa, but instead of returning to the Rangers with it, she sent a young girl named Tanya in her place. Aisha remained to help the dying animals of the land.
Kat - Pink Ranger
Full Name:
Katherine Hillard
Ranger Designation:
Pink Power Ranger, Pink Ninja Ranger
Weapons:
Power Bow, Blade Blaster
Gear:
Wrist Communicator, Power Morpher with Power Coin, Metallic Armor, Pink Shark Cycle
Zords:
Crane Ninja Zord, White Shogun Zord (shared with White Ranger)
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. Pink Ranger's power weapon is the Power Bow, which can shoot either normal or energized arrows. Her weapon combined with the others to form the Power Blaster. As Pink Ranger, Kat gained enhanced strength, speed, and durability as well as limited energy projection.
Kat lost her powers when Master Vile turned her and the other Rangers into children and destroyed the Power Coins. Using the Zeo Crystal, she became the Pink Zeo Ranger, and later on upgraded to Turbo Powers, which she eventually passed on to a successor, Cassie.
When Kimberly had to leave the Rangers to train for the Pan Global Games, she left with villain-turned-ally Katherine the power of the Pink Ninja, which she had received from Ninjor on a dangerous journey with her team-mates to the Temple of Power. The Pink Ninja Ranger has heightened strength, speed, and durability. She also has the powers of ground swimming, line of sight teleportation, phasing, multiplication, energy projection, hypnotic persuasion, and many other "ninja magic" powers. Presumably, all Ninja Rangers have the same powers, although not each one has demonstrated all of them.
Master Vile once used the Orb of Doom to revert the Rangers into powerless children. To restore their ages, and obtain new powers, the children had to each retrieve a Zeo crystal.
Kat obtained her crystal in Australia, where she was tested for goodness of heart.
Mentors and Allies to the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Zordon
, Zordon was destroyed, using his energy to wipe out evil forces.
A wise old sage, Zordon used to fight evil around the galaxy, eventually establishing a base of operations on Earth. In a final battle with Rita Repulsa, Zordon was trapped in a time warp, his only window to our reality being a giant tube in the Command Center. During the Power Rangers in Space saga
Alpha 5
.
Alpha 5, a fully sentient automaton, or robot, is the loyal assistant to Zordon in the Power Chamber. He was built on Edenoi by King Lexian, and recruited by Zordon to assist him in establishing a vanguard against evil on Earth. Alpha was last seen leaving Earth with Zordon to help defend Eltare, during Power Rangers Turbo
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. Years later, they were separated when Bulk took off on space station Terra Venture during Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
Ernie
, he left the Youth Center to do emergency volunteer work in South America.
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. During Power Rangers Turbo
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.
Masked Rider
Masked Rider is a hero from the planet Edenoi, Alpha 5's home planet. When Alpha found out that Edenoi was under attack by Count Dregon, the Rangers travelled there and helped Masked Rider battle Dregon's forces. Masked Rider's secret identity is Dex, the Prince of Edenoi. When Dregon took off for Earth, Dex followed to continue battling him.
Ninjor
Hot headed and impulsive, Ninjor loves nothing more than a good fight. He is the guardian of the Temple of Power, the source of the Ninja Rangers' powers. When the Rangers came to him in their time of need, he was reluctant at first, but eventually gave them the Power of Ninja and the Ninja Zords.
Ninjor could increase in size and transform into a powered up mode. He used a sword in combat, and shot energy balls.
Ninjor currently resides at the temple, and no longer communicates with any Ranger team.
Villains of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Rita and her minions were based in a palace on the moon. They were eventually driven out by the Machine Empire. The palace remains on the moon, vacant.
Rita Repulsa
. Later it was revealed she became the empress of all good magic referred to as the Mystic Mother in Power Rangers Mystic Force .
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. She was finally turned good by Zordon's energy wave in Power Rangers in Space
Goldar
.
Goldar is Rita's top warrior. He frequently accompanies monsters to Angel Grove, and holds his own against the Rangers. His wings were restored by Lord Zedd when he arrived on the moon. Goldar was destroyed by Zordon's energy wave in Power Rangers in Space
Squatt and Baboo
.
Rita's two bumbling henchmen do their best to help their mistress in her war against the Rangers, but usually end up screwing up. Both were destroyed by Zordon's energy wave in Power Rangers in Space
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. He was destroyed by Zordon's energy wave in Power Rangers in Space
Scorpina
is unknown.
Scorpina is a ruthless and cunning femme fatale who served on Rita's side since the time of the evil Green Ranger. She used a sword in combat, which doubled as a boomerang. When she grew in size to battle the Zords, she assumed a monstrous appearance. Scorpina's final fate after Countdown to Destruction
Lord Zedd
. He also received a human form.
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. Zedd was finally turned good, along with Rita, by Zordon's energy wave in Power Rangers in Space
Rito Revolto
.
Unwelcome by Zedd on the Moon Palace, Rito dropped in unannounced to pay a visit to his sister Rita. A bumbling idiot who couldn't get anything right since he destroyed the Thunderzords and the Rangers' powers, Rito is a constant annoyance to his brother-in-law Zedd, especially by calling him Ed. He brought to Zedd and Rita some Tengas and a Vampirus Monster as a wedding present. Rito was destroyed by Zordon's energy wave in Power Rangers in Space
Master Vile
.
Master Vile is one of the universe's great evils. He paid a visit to his daughter Rita, and brought with him a special food which would enhance the Tengas' powers. He also created Globbor, an energy draining monster who absorbed Ninjor's energy and nearly defeated the Power Rangers. Master Vile also gained possession of the Zeo Crystal, which he lost to the Power Rangers when they raided the location the Zords were being kept after Globbor disabled them. Master Vile was destroyed by Zordon's energy wave in Power Rangers in Space
Putty Patrol
Putties are the expendable warriors made of clay who are sent down to Earth to wear down the Rangers before a monster fight, as well as for sabotage and special missions. Rita's putties would take many different forms, including pumpkin head putties, ball handed putties, and football player putties. Using a powerful clay she found, she created super putties, which were significantly harder to defeat.
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.
Tenga Warriors
The Tengas are crow-like humanoid creatures sent down to Earth by Zedd and Rita to battle the Power Rangers. Tengas can fly long distances, and they are very strong and stubborn. When Master Vile came to the Moon, he brought a special food with him which was fed to the Tengas to enhance their strength and durability. Only with the metallic armor could these improved Tengas be defeated.
Lokar
The evil sorcerer known as Lokar appears as a giant floating head. He helped Rita a couple of times during her earlier period of attempting to conquer Earth.
Cyclopsis
Cyclopsis was Goldar's own war Zord. It incapacitated and nearly destroyed the Dinozords, but eventually lost, getting destroyed itself.
Serpentera
Lord Zedd's enormous war machine, Serpentera was rarely used, since its gigantic size made it difficult to fuel. It was piloted by Goldar and Lord Zedd.
Serpentera was left buried on the moon, unused for years until remnants of the Machine Empire unearthed it. They equipped it with a neo-plutonium reactor, and plotted to use it to destroy Earth. As Serpentera made its way towards Earth, it was destroyed by Cole, the Red Wild Force Ranger, using the Wild Force Rider.
Hydro Hog
Hydro Hog is the Alien Rangers' arch enemy. Lord Zedd summoned him to Earth to help him defeat the Alien Rangers by draining the Earth's water supply with his power of evaporation. Hydro Hog was destroyed by the Alien Rangers.
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: 10.09.2012
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