The End... for now
It's a quiet night in Angel Grove, not a peep could be heard anywhere. Everyone is nestled in their warm houses. Even though it's a quiet night, it can be too quiet. Several teens that defend this city believe that. Hidden under a blanket of secrets, residents of Angel Grove have no idea that the teens that work at the local Youth Center or baby-sit their kids, could be a Power Ranger. Their secret will be forever hidden.
Over at the Mitchell's house, two of those teens sleep soundly, Billy Mitchell and Ricki Summers. Ricki and the other Rangers were conduced to youths and lost their Ninja powers. There, they set out to find the shard pieces of the Zeo Crystal. Billy gave up his crystal, in view of, he never thought of himself as a fighter. Nevertheless, deep within his heart he misses being a Ranger.
A sudden shaking of the Earth disturbed the stillness of the night. The two teens ran out of the house, still in their pajamas. Up in the somber sky, a giant silhouette sailed by.
"I don't like the looks of this." Billy said.
"I wonder if Zordon knows what it is." Ricki replied back.
"Let's go." He suggested as he and Ricki ran to the side of the house and teleported.
They were the lasts two show up in the Command Center. There stood Rocky Alverez, Adam Chiang, Tanya Sloan, Tommy Oliver, and Katherine Sutherland.
"I guess you were woken up to that thing up in the sky?" Ricki asked.
"What was that thing? It was huge." Tanya mentioned.
Billy was over at the computer, looking through a batch of printouts. "I don't know and neither does the computer. It shows that it has extreme power. Whatever that thing is, it's powerful."
Everyone looked at each other with a worry look. "I reckon we're going to find out sooner or later." Rocky said to the others.
"There's nothing more you can do Rangers." Zordon said.
"Zordon's right. Let's get back home before our parents find out we're gone." Tommy replied.
Together, the teens left the Command Center and landed in their houses. Billy and Ricki landed right in front of their front door. They looked around to see if anyone saw them teleport.
"I think the coast is clear. Let's get in." Ricki suggested.
The next morning, Billy and Ricki sat at the breakfast table waiting for Billy's dad to come down and join them. They pasted around a box of cereal and the milk. Ricki was dying to talk to Billy about what happen last night, but is afraid because Billy's dad might come down.
"Do you think your dad noticed us gone last night. That was a pretty loud noise." Ricki whispered softly.
"I doubt it. Dad's a hard core sleeper. He once slept through a earthquake." Billy answered. Ricki breathe a sigh of relief.
In a matter of minutes, Billy's dad joined them at the breakfast table. Billy and Ricki sat there quiet, afraid to say anything about what happen the night before.
"So Ricki, do you have to go to work today?" He asked.
"Yes sir. Ernie needs me there in the afternoon." Ricki responded.
"Did you sleep well dad?" Billy asked.
"I got in late last night and when my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light." He confirmed.
After they were done with their breakfast, Billy and Ricki darted off to Billy's lab. Once inside, Billy hopped onto his computer and started to work. Ricki went over the printouts that the Command Center computers had. She couldn't figure out what the energy reading was going to.
After several hours, Billy's dad poked his head into the lab. "What are you kids up to? He asked.
"Oh nothing dad. Just going over some stuff for school." Billy said.
Billy's dad smiled and closed the door. Ricki looked at her watch and headed for the door.
"Hey Billy, I'll catch you later. I have to go to work. Let me know if you find anything." Ricki said.
"I will. Right now, I'm just getting nothing. I don't know where to begin." Billy remarked.
"You'll find something. I have faith in you." Ricki replied as she kissed Billy on the cheek. She exited the lab and she left the house and headed for the Youth Center.
Billy sat in front of his computer for hours. He was about the turn it off, until he found something. He didn't notice it before, but this time it was in plain view. A magnetic streak that lay across the sky and an aura around the traveling vehicle. They focused on the streak and magnify it. To his surprise, he gasped. He gathered all the information and saved it on a disk. The slid the disk into his back pocket and teleported to the Command Center.
When the white light faded, Billy stood there, waving the disk. He ran over to the computers and began to tap on the keyboard.
"I got it Alpha! I found something that might tell us what that thing is." Billy said with excitement.
Alpha made his way to the computer and helped Billy in his research. Billy was so excited about the data he received. He looked it over and drew up a diagram.
"Zordon, do you know what that is?" Billy asked.
"By the way the energy field is reading and the direction in which it was headed, I believe it part of King Mondo's plans." Zordon answered.
"Coming from another galaxy? He must have something big planned." Billy commented.
At the Youth Center, Ricki was behind the bar. She was mixing up drinks and taking down orders. Ricki took this job to help out R.C. with rent and have extra spending money. Since R.C. left to go to a conference for several months, Ricki kept the job and gives the money to Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell took Ricki in until R.C. gets back. There was no where else Ricki could turn to.
Ricki stepped into the back to get some supplies for the tables. She failed to recognize Tommy, Rocky, Tanya, Kat, and Adam at the counter. When she returned, she smiled and placed the supplies down.
"What are you guys doing here?" she asked.
"We came to work out and just to hang." Adam acknowledged.
"What do you guys want to drink?" Ricki asked her friends.
"The usual." Tommy retorted and the others agreed.
"You got it. Coming right up." Ricki said as she ran to the back.
Just as she made it back with the drinks, Billy came in walking faster than usual. He sat down at the counter next to his friends. In his hands, were papers and a couple of folders.
"You'll never believe this, that thing that flew through the sky last night was not from this area. It's at least three galaxies away from here. And you know exactly where it is heading. Straight for King Mondo's Skybase." Billy said, as he showed them the diagram he made up.
"Oh boy!" Tanya said softly.
"Hey Ernie, I'm going to take my break." Ricki called out.
With a nod from Ernie's head, Ricki pulled off her apron and left the Juice Bar with her friends. They hid in their normal corner and teleported to he Power Chamber.
At the Power Chamber, Billy put the image of the altar machine on the Viewing Globe.
"This is King Mondo's newest machine. I don't know what it does, but it sure looks big." Billy replied.
"When that things attacks, it's going to take all of us to knock it down." Ricki said.
The Rangers stood around the computers, looking over the data that the computer had on the machine. Ricki looked down at her watch and walked away from the monitor she was looking at.
"Got to go guys, break's over." She said.
In a few seconds, Ricki disappeared and landed back at the Juice Bar. When she returned, she went back to making smoothies and attending to the customers. Deep in the back of her mind, thoughts of King Mondo's latest machine. Her attention sometimes leaves her and Ernie startles her.
"What's on your mind?" He asked.
"Nothing much. Just thinking." She replied back to him.
Time goes by and it's almost time for Ricki to leave. She went back to the sink to wash the dishes and the juicers. She quickly finished and put together the freshly clean machines. Just then, a musical alarm went off. Ricki rapidly placed her hand over her communicator so no one could hear it.
Hey Ernie, I'm taking off now." Ricki said.
"Okay, see you later." He said with a smile.
Ricki raced out of the Juice Bar and teleported to the Power Chamber. A sliver light covered her and carried her away. When the light faded, Ricki was looking straight at her friends.
"Don't tell me, by the look on your faces I'll already know what you're about to say." Ricki said.
"King Mondo's latest machine is at Angel Grove Cove. Be careful Rangers." Zordon begged.
"It's Morphin' Time!" Tommy commanded.
"Zeo Ranger One, Pink!" Katherine yelled.
"Zeo Ranger Two, Yellow!" Tanya cried.
"Zeo Ranger Three, Blue!" Rocky boasted.
"Zeo Ranger Four, Green!" Adam called out.
"Zeo Ranger Five, Red!" Tommy bellowed.
"Zeo Ranger Six, Silver!" Ricki screamed.
They morphed and teleported to the Angel Grove coast line.
"I don't see anything." The Pink Ranger implied.
"He's around here somewhere." The Red Ranger retorted.
"Look, over there! On top of that dune! The Blue Ranger screamed out.
"Cogs and King Mondo's monster." Silver Ranger said.
The Cogs and the machine ran down the dune and began to fight the Rangers. The Rangers made easy work out of the first group of Cogs, but the Monster Machine was still left.
"Okay guys, let's regroup." The Red Ranger ordered.
"Rangers, are you ready to meet your end?" The monster echoed.
"Uh Tommy, do you have a plan right now?" Ricki asked.
"No, not really." He answered back.
Each Ranger raced toward the metal machine. They attacked it with their weapons, but nothing seems to work. The monster repealed their attack with it's own, sending the Rangers falling to the ground. They got up and regroup again.
"Let's try the Zeo Cannon." The Red Ranger suggested.
"Right!" Everyone implied.
Each Ranger pulled out their energy cell and placed it in the Cannon. When it was all charged up, it fired a charged to the evil machine. Smoke and fire surrounded the evil creation and when it cleared, the monster still stand.
"I don't get it. We tried everything." The Silver Ranger said.
Then the monster raised one of his hands and pointed his finger toward the Power Rangers. Then, in a blink of an eye, shots fired out of his finger. The Rangers tried to dodge the rays, but instead they were sent flying through the air. When they landed, they found themselves behind a large sand dune.
"Is everyone all right?" The Red Ranger asked.
Slowly getting up, The Pink Ranger answered, "I'm fine."
Dusting off his uniform, "Still in one piece." Replied the Blue Ranger.
"Hanging in there." The Green Ranger said as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"I'm over here." The Yellow Ranger said.
"Where's Ricki?" The Red Ranger asked.
"I don't know." Remarked the Green Ranger.
Everyone looked around for the Silver Ranger. They called out her name, but there were no answered.
"We better hurry and find her before that thing does." The Yellow Ranger stressed.
Only a few feet away, The Blue Ranger stumbled over Ricki's unconscious body, all covered with dust and rock debris.
"Hey guys, I found her. She's over here!" He screamed out.
Everyone ran over to him and surrounded Ricki.
"Is she okay?" The Pink Ranger asked.
"I don't know and I don't think there's a lot of time to figure it out. We have to get her to the Power Chamber." The Blue Ranger answered.
"Billy! Ricki's hurt badly. Teleport her to the Power Chamber quickly." The Red Ranger hollered over his communicator.
Just then, her beautiful silver light enclosed and carried her away to safety. When she appeared at the Power Chamber, she laid on the floor, completely motionless. Billy ran over to her and picked her up. He carried her to a room and placed her in an energy chamber.
"Is she going to make it?" Billy asked Alpha.
"She has a concussion." Alpha answered as he hands Billy her helmet.
Like the other Rangers, Ricki's helmet also bears a geometric shape. Her once pretty helmet is now cracked and dented. Her diamond shape lens was cracked and chars of glass fell from it. Paint chipped off of it also. Billy couldn't believe she survived.
"Don't worry Billy, she'll be fine." Alpha assured him.
Everyone teleported back to the Power Chamber bagged up and bruised.
"Man, that thing is tough." The Blue Ranger announced.
"How is she?" The Pink Ranger whispered to Billy.
"She's has a concussion and it would not have happen if we had more help, my help." Billy said with anger in his voice.
Everyone lowered his or her head. They knew Billy gave up his powers so someone else could be a Ranger.
"Billy is right. We do need more help. The six of us are not enough," The Green Ranger implied.
"Well, now there's five and it should have been seven." Billy said sarcastically.
"What are we going to do about this machine? It's impossible to destroy." The Yellow Ranger reminded everyone.
"Maybe we can find a weak spot in his armor." The Red Ranger suggested.
Over in the corner of the room, Kat was leaning against the Energy Chamber. She looked down at Ricki inside of the glass dome.
Billy was over at one of the computers. He pulls out some printouts and looks through them.
"There! I found a weak spot. Just put all of your energy into that area and that should cripple it." Billy pointed out.
Everyone looked over at Tommy. The Red Ranger walked over to the Energy Chamber and looked at Ricki. He lifts his head and glared at Billy.
"Let's do it." He growled.
Everyone scattered and Tommy joins them.
"We need our ZeoZords. Let's get them." The Red Ranger commanded.
All the Rangers went into the Bay and entered their Zords.
"Good luck guys." Billy whispered as he watched his friends leave the Bay in their Zords.
Billy walked back into the Computer Room and placed Ricki's helmet on top of a console. Billy began to work and watched over the Rangers on the Viewing Globe.
"Billy. Billy, it Ricki. She's awake." Alpha said as he entered the room.
Billy ran over to the Energy Chamber and threw open the lid. He lifted her head up in his tender arms.
"Wooh, what happened?" She asked.
"You were hit, how are you feeling?" He asked.
'Fine, I think." She replied.
Billy helped Ricki out of the Energy Chamber. He carefully helped her walk out of the room. He leaded her into the Computer Room, where the Viewing Globe was. She grabbed hold of one of the consoles and watched the Viewing Globe while trying to clear the cobwebs in her head.
"Looks like they got the upper hand." Ricki noticed.
When she turned to watch Billy work hard at the computers, she noticed her helmet. She walked over and picked up the helmet. She saw the dents and the missing paint on it, but when she turned it around and saw the visor completely destroyed, she gasped and dropped it to the ground. Both Billy and Alpha turned their attention toward Ricki. Billy saw Ricki turned completely white and was shaking. He dashed over to her.
"Ricki. What's wrong?" He asked her.
Ricki took her hands away from her face and grabbed hold of Billy. Tears fell off of her face as she trembled in his arms. Without them knowing, the Rangers destroyed the evil creation and headed back to the Power Chamber. When everyone came in, Ricki let go of Billy and picked up her helmet.
"Hey great moves guys. I knew you could do it." She said to them.
"Hey Ricki, how are you doing?" Kat asked.
"It takes a lot to keep a good Ranger down." Ricki answered.
"Celebration party at the Youth Center." Rocky announced.
"You always find an excuse to have a party." Tanya said to Rocky.
"What can I say." Rocky said sheepishly.
At Billy's house, the two lovers sat on the couch together, watching television. Ricki curls up on Billy like a giant teddy bear. Ricki's attitude has totally changed. She almost seems timid, afraid of the world that surrounds her.
"Hey, are you okay? Need to talk?" Billy asked her.
"No, I'm fine. Just a little shook up, that's all. I have never been taken down that hard before. Thank goodness, you were there at the Power Chamber. I would have never made it." Ricki stated.
Billy wrapped his arms around her. He held her close to him and she laid her head on his shoulder.
"Feel up to going to the Juice Bar?" Billy asked.
"Yeah." She hesitates, "it might make me feel better."
They lifted themselves off of the couch and left the residents. They walked hand in hand down the streets heading for the Youth Center. The night air was still and hung throughout the city.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" He questioned.
"Yeah, it's really clear." She responded.
The small talk ended there. Ricki was quiet throughout their trip to the Youth Center. When they made it to the building, they entered the double doors and walked to where the Juice Bar and the Gym was located.
When they made it to the Juice Bar, their friends greeted them at a table. They walked over and sat down. Everybody was talking with one another and laughing.
"Did you see that monster blow up like that?" Rocky called out.
"Yeah. What a lovely shade of red the fire was." Tanya added.
Ricki's moral fell to the floor. Everybody was happy for their victory except for her. Ricki zoned out while the others talked on. Ricki's thoughts drifted back to the time the brawl between the Rangers and King Mondo's creation. She could see the machine in the distance. She called upon her silver sword and began to run toward the machine. Then a great pain came to her head and she couldn't help, but to fall backwards. When she hit the ground, complete blackness surrounded her. Then a bright light woke her up. When she opened her eyes, a fuzzy figure appeared in front of her. When the figure came into focus, she realized it was Billy seeing over her.
Then her vision focus back on to when she picked up her silver helmet. When she turned it around and saw the broken visor, she gasped and dropped the helmet onto the ground. The sound of the helmet caused Ricki to wake up from her daydream.
"Ricki, Ricki! Are you okay?" Adam asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. I just zoned out, that's all." She screamed.
"We're just concerned. You had a scared look on your face." Billy replied.
Ricki rubbed her eyes and looked around at everyone.
"Sorry guys. I've been through a lot today." Ricki said.
Time passed and smoothies were passed around. Ricki tried to loosen up, but a nagging feeling kept haunting her. When the smoothies were done and the night grew older, everybody decided it was time to head for home.
When Billy and Ricki made it back to Billy's house, they got ready for bed. Ricki folded down the couch into a bed and she slid underneath the sheets. Just when she settled her head down on her pillow, Billy walked into the dark room.
"Sleep tight." Billy whispered.
Ricki smiled back at him. He leaned over and planted a kiss on her lips. When he pulled away, he smiled at her and headed upstairs to his room. Ricki closed her eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.
Once, when she finally gotten to sleep, things started heading for the worse. Her peaceful slumber turned into her worse nightmare. Her bad dream showed her what she was trying to forget. The fight, her helmet, even her parents were in the dream. She tossed and turned in her bed. When she couldn't take anymore, she woke up screaming and sweat covered her body.
It took a couple of seconds to realize she was safe in her bed. Then, Billy and his dad ran down the stairs and into her room. Billy sat down next to her and held her in his arms.
"Had a bad dream?" Mr. Mitchell asked.
Ricki looked back at Billy and his father and tried hard not to cry.
"It was about my parents." She said while her voice cracked.
Billy looked over at his dad and his dad knew what he was hinting at. Mr. Mitchell smiled and walked back up the stairs. Ricki puts her face in Billy's chest and starts to cry.
"Let it out." He whispered to her.
Then after a few seconds, Ricki pulled away from Billy and grabbed some Kleenex.
"What about next time." She replied to him.
"There won't be a next time." Billy responded.
They sat together; Ricki curled up in Billy's arms. After a few minutes, they both fell asleep.
The next morning, Mr. Mitchell walked down the stairs and went into the guess room where Ricki shares. When he entered the room, he saw Ricki, Billy asleep together, and Kleenexes all over the place. Mr. Mitchell gave a little grin and walked out of the room. He went through the house and went into the kitchen. In there, he whipped up some breakfast.
When Billy and Ricki woke up, they saw Mr. Mitchell bringing in breakfast for them.
"Had a long night?" Mr. Mitchell asked as he looked around at the Kleenex
Ricki and Billy looked at one another and laughed.
"Yeah, we kind of did." Billy retorted.
"Thanks for breakfast Mr. Mitchell." Ricki said.
Mr. Mitchell placed the food down and together they ate their breakfast. When they were done, Ricki got up, changed into workout clothing, and was getting ready for her lesson at the Youth Center.
When they were ready, they left and headed for the Youth Center. They walked in jointly; Billy heading for the table where Tommy, Adam, and Rocky were sitting at and Ricki went into the Changing Room.
"How is she doing?" Tommy asked.
"She had a bad dream last night. She woke up screaming. That incident with King Mondo's machine really scared her." Billy replied.
Ricki was changing into her martial arts uniform. When she finish tying her belt on, she walked over to the mats. She bowed to her instructor and started her lesson. She sparred with her instructor and every time she tries to attack, the instructor counterstrikes and she fell on the floor. Ricki keeps getting frustrated at herself and tries again, but the instructor knocked her down again.
"I never seen Ricki act like this before. She's the best student that her instructor has. Looks like she has her mind on something else." Adam pointed out.
"Her determination is not there. King Mondo really did it this time. She has no confidence in herself." Billy added.
When the lesson was over, Ricki was so depressed. Billy got up and walked over to Ricki.
"I can't do it anymore. I'll never be the same. I will only hurt the team or get someone else hurt." Ricki stated.
"You don't know what you're talking about. You're still Ricki; the Silver Ranger and you know what to do. You're letting King Mondo win if you give up." Billy told her.
She stared into his blue eyes and gave him a sweet smirk. They kissed and she went off to go change. Billy went back to the table.
"She is still scared about what happened yesterday." Billy said to his friends.
After a couple of minutes, Ricki came out from the Changing Room and sat down at the table.
"I guess you saw everything?" Ricki mention.
Everyone looked down.
"Yeah." Tommy whispered.
Billy leans over to Ricki.
"Meet you at the house and we can do lunch together." Billy said.
"Okay." Ricki answered.
Ricki grabbed her bag and rose from the table. Once Ricki cleared the Juice Bar, she looked around to see if anyone was around. When the she noticed the coast was clear, she teleported to the Power Chamber. When she materialize, Zordon was surprised to see her.
"Ricki, what are you doing here?" He asked.
"Zordon, I don't think I'll be a good Ranger. My actions the other day could have caused some serious consequences. Also, I believe I'm not able to handle being a Ranger. I would like to transfer my power and my sub-crystal to Billy." Ricki said.
Ricki didn't know it but Billy teleported to the Power Chamber. Billy was dumbfounded at what her heard.
"What are you doing? The team needs you!" Billy bellowed.
"No, they need you. I will only freeze up like what I did today at my lesson. I can't handle this pressure anymore." Ricki responded.
Ricki laid down her Zeonizer on the console in front of them.
"Billy, you need to be the Silver Ranger." Ricki replied.
"Are you sure you want to do this? Zordon questioned Ricki.
"I've made up my mind." Ricki declared.
"Billy, are you up to taking on the power of Zeo Ranger number Six, Silver?" Zordon inquired.
Billy looked over at Ricki and Ricki nod back at him.
"Yes Zordon, I am." Billy answered.
Billy put on the Zeonizer and held the Zeo Sub-Crystal.
"Billy, you are now the Silver Zeo Ranger." Zordon retorted.
Billy swings his arms around and morphs. When the intense silver light vanished, Billy looked down at his new uniform. Then Tommy teleport to the Power Chamber.
"Hey Zordon, we need to talk about Ricki...." Tommy faded off when he saw the Silver Ranger.
"Hey Ricki, why are you morphed?" He asked.
The Silver Ranger turned around and takes off his helmet.
"What the...." Tommy couldn't help but to fall backwards into the terminals.
Ricki walked out and confused Tommy even more.
"Say hi to the new Silver Ranger." Ricki said.
Tommy just stood there shaking his head.
"What's going on here?" Tommy said at last.
"I made a decision to let Billy be the Silver Ranger. I feel like I'm only jeopardizing my friends lives every time we morph. I can't handle that responsibility any more. We need all the help we can get and Billy will be better than I would be." Ricki rebutted.
Tommy goes over to Billy and shakes his hand.
"Let the power protect you Billy." Zordon announced.
"Hey, you're back on the team." Tommy replied. "I think we should tell the others. They're probably still at the Juice Bar."
At once, they all teleported to the Youth Center and walked over to where everybody was at.
"You want to tell them or should I about the good news?" Tommy questioned.
"Let me." Ricki cut in.
"What is it?" Kat asked curiously.
"I decided to transfer the Silver Zeo Ranger powers to Billy. I no longer can handle the pressures and Billy can be helpful outside of the Power Chamber." Ricki informed.
Everyone's mouth dropped. They couldn't believe their ears.
"Ricki, you're a good Ranger. You shouldn't hold what Kin Mondo's machine did against you." Adam implied.
"Adam's right." Tanya added.
"It's my choice and I don't regret it." Ricki snapped out.
She looked at Billy and smiled.
"How about some drinks to celebrate." Ricki called out.
Ernie took the orders and brought out the smoothies.
Later that night, Ricki sat on the front porch of the house, looking up into the heavens. Ricki was full of questions and confusion. She had no one to turn to about her problems. She was trying so hard to find answers to her questions.
"Mom, dad. I know you're watching over me and that you are probably proud of me being a Ranger, but I had to do it. I had to let go of my powers. My mind says it was a good idea, but my heart is sad. Why did you have to leave me? I guess I'm not as strong as I thought I was. I miss talking to you and sharing things. I'm growing up and I have a boyfriend. You guys would have loved him. I wish you guys could help me now. I don't know if I made the right decision or not. Mom, dad. I love you and I really miss you. There will a space in my heart for you. If you're listening, please help me find some answers to these questions." Ricki whispered.
The night air was stale and humidity was high. Ricki's red hair was starting to get curly. Ricki wasn't going to leave the porch until she got sign from her parents. But, nothing happen. She sat out there until the wee hours of the morning. She would have probably stayed out there longer until Billy's father came home.
"What are you doing out here so late?" he asked.
"Just thinking. I have a few questions that need to be answered and I'm just waiting for them to come." Ricki answered.
"Don't stay out here to long. I don't want one of the monsters attacking and you getting trapped out here." Mr. Mitchell mentioned.
"Don't worry, most likely, I'll be running as fast as these legs can take me." Ricki stated.
Unknowingly, Mr. Mitchell didn't catch on the Ricki sarcasm. He entered the house and closed the door behind him. Ricki continued to look up at the stars, waiting for a hint from her parents. She pointed out many of the constellations up in the sky.
"There's Orion, The Big Dipper, Leo the Loin, Gemini, and the North Star... The Little Dipper. What a beautiful night." She thought to herself.
As she kept on looking into the sky, a retched thought came to her mind. Anger started to show itself as Ricki searched the heavenly sky.
"I can't believe all the things I hold sacred share the same sky as the things I despise the most. I prey to the sky, talk to the sky, I seek guidance form the sky and I fear the evil that comes from the sky. It's almost blasphemy." Ricki called out.
Ricki raced around the front yard and stopped right by a large oak tree. She hung on tight to the truck. She looked on every side of her to see if anyone was watching her.
"You're not going to do this to me Mondo. You haven't won yet. I maybe scared, but I'm still in the game. Just you wait, when you have counted me out, I will triumph over you and your empire." Ricki scolded.
After Ricki was done, she walked by up to the house and opened the door quietly so she won't waken up anyone. She didn't want Billy to know that she is fighting inter-demons and she didn't want Mr. Mitchell to know how late she was coming into the house. She sneaked into her room that she shared and leaped into the bed. She didn't bother changing, all she wanted was the day to end.
The next morning, Ricki woke up to her communicator going off. She reached over to the night table and grabbed it. She came very close to throwing it across the room, but instead she cracked open her eyes and held the communicator up.
"Yeah, I'm here. What's going on?" Ricki replied.
"Ayiyiyiyiyi. We need you at the Power Chamber. King Mondo is planning another attack." Alpha said stressfully.
"I'll be right there." Ricki said in return.
She crawled out of the bed and rubbed her eyes. When she finally realized what just transpired, she quickly strapped on her communicator and teleported to the Power Chamber.
When she materialized, everyone glanced over at her. Her hair was eschewed and her clothes were all wrinkled. She walked over to the computers and made herself comfortable behind the consoles. Billy noticed Ricki's state and walked over to her.
"Ricki. Is everything alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, just had one of those nights. Now, can you tell me what am I suppose to do?" Ricki asked.
Billy looked over at her with a concern face. He knows she is heart broken over losing her powers. He gives her a smile and laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Just hang in there." He replied to her.
Billy walked over to the other teens that were standing in the foyer of the Computer Room. There they stood in their respective colors. Tommy was wearing red, Katherine in pink, Rocky in blue, Tanya in bright yellow, Adam is wearing a darker shade of green that usual, and now Billy is wearing a pale shade of gray. Ricki felt for the first time jealously. She couldn't believe she was jealous at Billy. She gave him her powers and now she resented it.
"Rangers, King Mondo has sent a monster to destroy the dam. If he becomes successful, all of Angel Grove will be under water. You must go and let the power protect you." Zordon announced.
"We better hurry. If that dam breaks, we won't have any time to save the city." Tommy proclaimed.
"Right!" Everyone called out.
Each of the team called upon the Zeo power and morphed in the Zeo Rangers. Ricki could feel her face turn bright red from anger. It was suppose to be her out there fighting King Mondo. She wanted so bad to get even with him for what he did to her, however she was sitting behind the console panels to the main computer in the Power Chamber.
"Well Alpha, now I know how Billy must feel." Ricki said bitterly. "Let me get up the Viewing Globe and see how they are doing."
Ricki hit a few keys on the keyboard and the Viewing Globe glowed. Image of the Power Rangers showed up and Ricki was couldn't bear to watch. Still, she couldn't be that selfish to her friends. She slowly rose her head up and watched the Viewing Globe. Her friends fought valiantly against Mondo's latest machine servant. The Rangers had their hands full against the monster and trying to protect the dam. The juggernaut took his powerful axe was trying to break down the dam.
"Alpha! The creature is trying to demolish the dam. We got to do something." Ricki hollered.
"Ricki, we can't do anything. It's up to the Rangers. Ayeyiyiyiyiyi." Alpha told her.
To Ricki's dismay, she did not like the answer Alpha gave her. "That's not true. We can't be that helpless here."
"Ricki, I assure you, there is nothing that can be done here. Have faith in your friends." Zordon replied.
Ricki took a deep breath and sat back down behind the computers. Her hands itched for her Silver Sword. She could've sliced that metallic creature in half. She watched on a little more, wishing she could be out there helping her friends. Then, unexpectedly, the new Silver Ranger called upon the Silver Sword. Ricki couldn't believe her eyes.
"I guess Billy must have been watching me." Ricki said with a smile.
The Silver Rangers drew back the sword and lop off the monster's hand that was holding the axe. Once again, the dam is safe and the Rangers made it look easy as they sent the metallic servant into a ball of flames. Once the battle was done the Rangers teleported back to the Power Chamber.
When they appeared, they powered down into the teens they were once before.
"Oh wow! Billy, you were awesome out there. We would have been toast if you haven't cut off his arm." Tommy said as he shook his hand.
All of his other friends crowded around him and gave him their congratulations. Ricki could feel a lump, forming in her throat. She wanted to be happy and sad at the same time. A little bit of fear was also setting in. Billy was getting comfortable with his newfound powers and he might not let them go.
Billy looked over at the computers through his friends. He could see Ricki sitting there with her head bowed. He turned back around and soaked in the victory they accomplish. Ricki got up from the stool and walked over to her beau. She looked into his eyes and gave him a smile.
Later that night, Ricki sat on her bed, reading a book. She had her curtains pulled open and her window open. The soft yellow moon showed his face through the pane, casting a light through the window. Billy knocked on her door and opened it a crack.
"Hey, everyone is meeting at the Juice Bar. You want to go?" He asked.
She lifted her eyes over her book and looked over in Billy's direction. She lowered the book and said softly, "I'm sorry, but I'm waiting on a call."
"From who?" Billy puzzled.
"You can say, family." She said.
Billy was spellbound. She had never declined an offer to meet her friends at the Youth Center. He looked around and noticed the telephone wasn't even near her. He shrugged his shoulders and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Ricki went back reading her book. She could here the front door closing. She wanted so bad to go to the Juice Bar, but this time she would have felt awkward. A gentle breeze entered her room. Ricki lowered her book once more. She stared out of her window, looking for some sort of an indication that she hoped for. Nevertheless, she was let down. She turned her attention back into her room. A slight case of depression has taken over her. She went over and turned off the light. She slid into her bed and she started to cry herself to sleep.
When morning came, Ricki just laid there. Occasionally she looked out of the window, but she ends up closing her eyes. Only one thing can drive Ricki to get out of bed, hunger. She got up and went into the kitchen. She reached into the pantry and pulled out some toaster pastries. Once she poured herself a cup of milk, she walked back into her room and plop backed down on her bed.
Once Ricki fell asleep again, a tap came from her door. She opened her eyes and focus on the blur object standing in the doorway. Her eyes finally brought into focus, it was Billy standing there, wearing a pair of jean shorts and light gray T-shirt.
"Are you going to stay in bed all day?" He asked.
"I'm not feeling good right now." She answered.
"You should of not have slept with the window open." Billy replied.
"I'll remember that next time." Ricki retorted hastily.
"Did you receive your phone call?" He questioned.
Ricki rolled over and closed her eyes. "No." she whispered.
"Is there anything bothering you?" he wondered.
"I'm fine. Just want to be left alone right now." Ricki responded.
Billy walked out of the room and Ricki just laid there, with tears filling her eyes. She didn't have any energy to get up and chase after him. She slowly turned into herself and formed a wall between herself and other people.
At Angel Grove Cove, Tommy, Adam, and Rocky were putting up volleyball net while Tanya and Kat were sunbathing on the sandy beach. Billy slowly walked over the sand dunes heading for his friends.
"Hey Billy, where's Ricki?" Adam asked.
"She said she wasn't feeling good. I know her like I know myself and I think there is something wrong with her. She won't get out of bed, she doesn't eat and she won't even face me." Billy proclaimed.
"Sounds to me she's a little depress. I was like that when I loss my Green Ranger Powers. I was moping around, feeling sorry for myself. All I wanted as to be by myself. I went camping in the woods to get away from my problems. Little did I know, Zordon had the White Power Coin and the rest was history." Tommy informed Billy.
"Maybe you're right. " Billy murmured quietly. " But how do I know she really wants her powers back?"
"Let her ask you. It's up to her. Right now, she is torn and she needs to find out which side of her is stronger. Just leave her alone so she can work things out for her own." Tanya remarked.
Billy lowered his head. He watched his feet sinking into the sand.
"I know you enjoy being a Ranger again. Being in the battles, but you have to remember how you receive those powers." Tommy said as he wrapped his arm around his friend's shoulders.
"How about a nice game of volleyball to get our minds off of things." Rocky said, trying to change the subject.
Billy looked up and gave a little smirk. He joined the rest of the guys on the shoreline.
After a couple hours nap, Ricki woke up. She shook the cobwebs out of her head and placed her feet on the floor. She lifted herself out of bed and headed for the bathroom. When she turned on the light, she saw her reflection in the mirror. She practically jumped at the image she saw. There stood a pale face looking back at her. Red hair standing up all over tangled tremendously. She had chapped lips and sunken eyes. This wasn't the same reflection she was use to see. Ricki quickly turned away and ran out of the bathroom. When she made it to her bedroom, she looked around trying to catch her breath. She went over to the closet and pulled out some clothes. She went back into the bathroom and got herself cleaned up.
After her shower and finished getting dressed, Ricki looked back into the mirror. There stood an image of a young woman with red hair, but with no soul, no life. Ricki knew that that image was her and there is nothing that can bring that reflection back. She walked out of the bathroom and walked out of the house. She continued to walk until she reached the park. She walked among the trees, the shadows covering her from the sun. The air was still and the heat scorched her skin. When she hit another set of trees, she stopped walking. She sat down at the truck of a huge oak tree and stared off at the lake.
Little to Ricki attention, she was being watched by the Machine Empire.
"Now what do we have here, a Ranger who lose her courage. " King Mondo said while looking onto the Earth's surface.
"Look dad. She's not even wearing her communicator. She's a sitting duck." Prince Sprocket added.
"I think we should give her a taste of what it's like to be powerless. Cogs attack her!" King Mondo commanded.
Before long, Cogs surrounded Ricki. Ricki was scared the entire coloring left her face. She rose her arm up and noticed she wasn't wearing her communicator. She wanted to run, but there was no where to go.
"Feet don't fail me now." She said as she gathered up speed and tried to run pass the army of Cogs.
She almost was cleared until one snagged her. She could feel it's robotic arms wrap tight around her. Her breath was slowly being squeezes out of her. It was now or never, fight or flight. She curled up a fist and started to punch on of the Cogs. There was nothing she could do to loosen its grip. She could feel herself starting to lose consciousness. Then, out of instinct, Ricki let out a back horse kick. The kick threw the Cog off guard and fell back, letting Ricki go. Ricki could feel her breath coming back to her. The tingling in her head has stopped. She knew she started something and she just prayed she could finish it.
Two more Cogs charged after her. She planted one foot and side kicked the hardest she ever did before. She sent those Cogs soaring through the air. More started to come after and she defended herself the best she could. Soon, the fear has left her and she was fight like she has before. She was starting to move fluidity, destroying the Cogs one after another. By the time Zordon notify the others, Ricki was already done with the Cogs. Everyone stood there in the park. They couldn't believe their eyes. Billy raced over to Ricki's side.
"Ricki, are you okay?" he asked her.
She turned round at the familiar voice. Her eyes were full of fire. Sweat danced down her face. By the time she noticed it was Billy that was talking to her, she lowered her fist and started to relax.
"Yes, I'm fine. I guess King Mondo was trying to test my patience." She replied.
Billy embraced Ricki. Ricki could sense the love he feels for her. She smiled as big as she could while she hugged him back.
"Ah, it's good to see the old Ricki back." Rocky remarked.
"You held yourself pretty good out there." Kat said to Ricki.
"Man, you should of have seen me run. I think I might try out for the track team." Ricki said jokingly.
Ricki looked over to Billy and bit her bottom lip. She was a lot on her mind, but she didn't know when was going to be he right time to announce to him that she wants her powers back. The more time she spent without her powers, the more she gets depress.
"Um Billy, can you and me talk for a little bit?" Ricki asked.
Billy looked around at the others and caught their eyes. He knows what she wants to talk about.
"Sure. Let's walk this way." He said as he gestured a clearing in the distance.
The two lovers walked together, leaving the others behind. Ricki seemed a little quiet while Billy walked on.
"Billy, I don't know how to bring this up." Ricki finally broke the silence between them.
"What is it? You can tell me." Billy responded.
The two teens stopped and glared into each other's crystal blue eyes.
"I know how much you enjoy being back on the team and everything. You did really well against King Mondo's machine that was destroying the dam. If it was for your quick thinking we were have been fish food. " Ricki said.
"Thanks. I cannot take all the credit. I learned from watching you. You are pretty good yourself. You should never doubt yourself." Billy retorted.
Ricki looked away abruptly. Tears filled her eyes once again. Billy grabbed hold of her chin and moved her head back. Tears flowed down her face like streams.
"What's wrong? Tell me, I don't like seeing you this way. What ever it is, I can help you." Billy mandated
"I don't know how to tell you this. Would I be selfish if I ask to have my powers back? I know how much you like being on the battlefield again." Ricki whispered.
Billy smiled at her and wiped her tears away.
"For you, anything. They were never mine in the first place. There is not one single selfish bone in your body. I had fun being the Silver Ranger, but I can see how much it means to you. Here take it, it's yours." Billy said as he hands her the Zeonizer.
Ricki was awestricken. She didn't know how to react. She looked up at him and began to cry again. Billy couldn't help but to smile at her. He took her into his arms and held her until she couldn't cry anymore.
"Now dry your eyes. We had better head for home. We did enough damage for one day." Billy said. Ricki slid her hand into his and they walked through the woods heading straight into the sunset.
"Guess what, I received my call today." Ricki said to Billy.
"Really who was it?" He asked.
"My parents. They answered my questions without saying a word." She answered.
"The next time you talk to them, let them I said thanks for giving me back the Ricki I love." Billy replied.
"Don't worry, I will." Ricki remarked.