All I Ever Wanted

Part Five: In Your Stead

The pain is constant now. My head pounds an agonizing beat, drowning out much of my sense of hearing. My extremities slowly grow cold and numb. It's as if my hands and feet have been bathed in ice water, yet my head and chest are feverish.

The Pink Quasar Saber is surrounded... engulfed by evil. I know it in my heart and soul. Through our bond I feel only agony as the light of the Power struggles against the voracious hunger of Darkness. The light is slowly fading, just like the feeling in my hands and legs.

I'm utterly helpless now. I haven't the strength to even attempt to communicate with the Caretaker. I wish I could reach out to my friends, and tell them to hurry! I don't think my sword is isolated on Guinit any longer... the saturation of evil energy leads me to believe the Saber is somewhere even more dangerous. Somewhere permeated by greed, hatred, anger, bloodlust, and malice.

I can even feel a familiar evil... the evil of Trakeena. I don't know why I recognize her, but I'm convinced that she is near my Saber. Nearer than any of my teammates.

We're running out of time, and I can do nothing at all to help.

"Keni? Are you awake?"

My watery eyes slide to Leo... the fake Leo... as he emerges from the kitchen with a bowl cradled in his hands.

He's been by my side throughout this ordeal. He never demanded any sort of explanation; he only strove to support or entertain me as my body steadily shut down. He sat by my side for hours, telling me stories or massaging my back and legs to restore some strength to my muscles.

To be honest, I wish he weren't so attentive. It's so hard to reject him in my heart. I have to keep reminding myself that he's not real.

He stirs the contents of the bowl. "It's split pea soup." His grin broadens. "Don't worry, I asked Kai for some help, and he led me through the recipe step by step. And I tasted it an hour ago, and I'm not even remotely queasy. So it's safe."

That's odd... I don't recall him ever mentioning any of my friends here in the Nexus. What's going on?

"Where... is Kai?" I breathe. My voice is so faint I can barely hear it.

He sets the bowl on the table beside the bed, and sits down beside me. With a tender touch he wipes the sweat off my forehead with a towel. "He's still camped out in the wetlands taking bio-samples. Since you're... not well... it's taking the expedition a bit longer to complete the project without you."

Something feels wrong, and it sets off a warning alarm in my dazed mind. Work or responsibilities hadn't come up before. Since I'd arrived here, it felt as if the entire world existed solely for this fake Leo and me. Has the Caretaker... done something? Has the fantasy become more elaborate? More convincing?

Another wave of agony tears through me, draining a bit more of my vigor. I can almost feel vile hands on the Saber's hilt, choking the pure Power and smothering its radiance.

I... I can't take this...

* * *

I slide into an open stool at the bar, keeping my heavy cloak about my shoulders. It's a calculated risk, considering Astronema was never one to travel in cognito. However, I must maintain the element of surprise, or my plan will surely fall through.

I must be present at the auction to bid, but if the patrons realize who I am too early, they might have enough time to remember all the rumors of my fate. If even one person questions that I am truly Astronema, then all is lost.

My instincts were right about the Quasar Saber; it is indeed here, and conveniently, the auction is scheduled for the very afternoon I arrived on the planet. It didn't take much snooping to find out which tavern was hosting the auction, for this unique item has been zealously advertised across the entire planet.

Which only means there'll be hundreds of vicious marauders and wealthy space pirates around to throw obscene amounts of money into the bidding. Even if I drained all the Kerovan and Earth accounts for myself, Andros, and Zhane, I could never hope to accumulate enough funds to win the auction fairly.

I have only two advantages: the element of surprise, and the blood-drenched reputation of the Princess of Evil. With a little luck, both will help me get my hands on the Saber before anyone can question it.

I strain myself to contain my anxious impatience as the auctioneer, a horn-faced biped, drones on about the large laser cannon he's hawking. "Do I have 190? Certainly this weapon belonging to Tahaga the Great is worth more!"

I roll my eyes beneath my hood. Tahaga was a self-important idiot whose pride always got in the way of his good sense. His signature laser cannon weapon failed to save his life when Dark Specter put a thousand zanabatars on his head, so even 190 is steep.

"I believe it still works," the auctioneer offers in a stage whisper as he pulls the trigger. I watch unamused as the energy beam vaporizes a glass of liquor from an alien's hand, just missing the creature's wrist.

The audience comes alive at the display, and bidding begins in earnest. Soon the price escalates to 250 zanabatars. Even the fool that nearly lost an appendage participates in the bid war, not even phased that he could've died moments ago.

My stomach churns as I endure being surrounded by such greed, depravity, and violence.

Finally, the weapon is sold, and the auction continues.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, a priceless item you will all have the chance to bid on! This is the crown jewel of the auction. The item we have all waited for." He waves to a scantily clad model, who saunters onto the stage with a display pillow. "The Pink Ranger's Quasar Saber!" He pauses for a beat, listening to the hushed murmurs with a wide, greedy smirk. "Do I hear one thousand zanabatars?"

Of course he hears a thousand. I watch as creatures from the four corners of the galaxy leap to their feet, crying out bids climbing up to ten thousand, and then beyond.

I school my face into a cool smirk, cross my legs casually, and pull off my cloak with the flick of my wrist. The creatures sitting beside me gawk in surprise, but I ignore them as I make my presence widely known.

My voice carries above the shouting peons as I declare the bid that silences them all. "One million."

Shocked silence descends as all eyes turn to me. Their terrified stares feel like eels crawling over my skin, but I disregard the discomfort and turn around.

The auctioneer gulps. "Astronema... it is an honor to have you here." His fingers twitch, just itching to loosen his collar. "You bid one million zanabatars for the Quasar Saber?"

My lips stretch into the Cheshire grin I once used to mock my victims. I can see the nearest creatures scramble out of my path as I rise to my feet. "Better yet," I suggest, slowly approaching the podium, "I get the Quasar Saber, and all of you... keep your lives."

No one protests as I grasp the Saber from the pillow. The enchanted blade sparks with pink energy, and as my fingers clench around the sturdy hilt, I feel the power it contains channel through me as if I were a conduit.

I shake off my distraction immediately, and turn my icy gaze to the trembling alien before me. "Please, don't mind me. Continue," I decree with false sweetness. And, just for fun, I take a practice swing with the Quasar Saber, slicing the pants off the auctioneer. He gasps in humiliation, but one cold glance reminds him how easily I could have severed his spine with that strike.

I waste no more time. The Saber balanced lazily on my shoulder, I stride past the staircase towards the exit. With each step, my heart picks up its pace as I step closer and closer to success. I can almost imagine the look on Zhane's face when I return, safe and sound and victorious...

"You're not Astronema!" a voice suddenly shouts. Suddenly, the air in my lungs freezes painfully as I turn toward the second floor parapet.

My eyes narrow hatefully as I stare at Trakeena herself. I had underestimated her connections; I hadn't even considered the possibility that she would seek the Saber on Onyx as well!

"Astronema betrayed the Darkness and became good," she continues, a triumphant grin lighting up her face as she points a sharp, accusing finger in my direction. "You are Karone."

Damn her! How did she know what happened during the Countdown??

I feel the surprised awe quickly transform into outrage, and the entire assembly becomes my enemy. But before any of the patrons can react to Trakeena's announcement, her personal guard leaps from the second story, lunging toward me.

I can see this is a skilled warrior, perhaps on par with Ecliptor in strength and speed. A tremor runs up my arms as I block his heavy blows with the Quasar Saber.

I don't even think. My body reacts like the battle machine it is, blocking and dodging with all the grace I ever had. The Quasar Saber becomes an extension of my being, gliding through the air and meeting the knight's more cumbersome long sword blow for blow.

A particularly murderous strike arcs toward my neck, forcing me to bend backward. My wig slides off my brow, convincing any lingering doubters that the Princess of Evil is no more.

I rise, blocking out the wrathful screams that ring within the chaotic tavern, and deliver a fierce snap kick that forces the dark knight back a few feet. Not wasting a precious moment, I race towards the light of the open doorway, leaping over and weaving between those standing in my way.

Panting to recover my bearings, I skid to a halt just outside the bar and dodge around the corner, clutching the Quasar Saber so tightly my knuckles grow white.

A split second later, I hear the clang of heels against rotted wood.

"I'm sorry," a deep voice laments, "she got away."

I smirk with childish satisfaction as I hear Trakeena grumble in annoyance.

A new voice joins the conversation. "Trakeena, I just received word from Deviot. The trap is set for the Rangers."

My breath catches. No... the Galaxy Rangers! Trakeena must've known about Guinit as well!

I hear the chilling laughter of Scorpius' heir. It sounds so much like the indulgent cackle of the Princess of Evil, it makes my head spin.

"Excellent," she purrs. "Let's waste no more time here."

Then, I feel the cold ionized breeze of a teleportation spell. Trakeena and her crew were spirited away to catch the Rangers in a deadly snare.

I have to warn them! I have to get to Guinit... there is no time to spare!

* * *

It feels as if a soothing balm has been spread across my anguished mind and stricken soul. Out of nowhere, warmth flooded over my body, restoring strength and chasing away the terrifying Darkness that was about to swallow me.

I spring to my feet, staring curiously at the bare realm of the Caretaker. He stands a few yards from me, his face contemplative.

"What's going on?" I demand, approaching him without fear. "Did the Rangers find my Saber?"

"No, but another good heart has chosen to protect the Saber. She has chased away the Darkness... for now."

"Who?"

"Touch the bond between you and your Saber. You will recognize her spirit, as you recognized Trakeena's."

The instructions are vague, and considering my scientific outlook, impossible to follow. Still, I close my eyes and reach out with my senses, following that strange charge of life that I felt to its source.

I feel... a presence. It's clearer than Trakeena's, as the evil princess was one dark soul amongst many that polluted the Saber. Now there is only one spirit, a strange mixture of lingering Darkness and stubborn, willful Light.

I do know her, though we've never met. I know her through stories, and from time to time I've wondered what kind of person she would be... what kind of life she could lead.

Karone of KO 35... how did she find the Quasar Saber?

"You've touched her spirit," the Caretaker observes. "So long as you are bound with the Saber, you can exert your voice into your realm. Reach out and offer Karone the Quasar Saber."

A shudder creeps through me at the very mention of breaking the only link I have to my home. The anchor that keeps me from drifting into this false paradise, losing myself in dreams and fantasy while my friends fight tooth and nail against evil.

"Kendrix." His voice is commanding.

"I won't," I decide, folding my arms contemptuously. "I refuse."

He stares at me for a long moment. His piercing gaze sets me on edge. "You have no choice. The Saber has accepted her as the next Pink Ranger."

"I'm the Pink Ranger!" I shout, my frustration adding bite to my words. "So long as Karone keeps my Saber away from evil, then it'll be there for me when I find my way out of this nightmare!"

From the taunt lines on the Caretaker's face, I conclude that I've reached the limit of his patience. "Your duty is to Mirinoi and to Terra Venture. Every moment you delay is another moment Terra Venture lacks a Pink Ranger. You have been supremely fortunate that your teammates have lasted this long without you. How much longer do you think they will survive, without the Megazord or the Lights of Orion? Do you really think you will find a way to rejoin them before your enemies strike next?"

My lips twitch, unable to form a response.

"The Saber finds Karone acceptable. That is why it responded to her touch. However, only you can transfer your powers. When you come to your senses, reach out and grant Karone your Saber and your morpher. Or, sit and wait for evil to swallow the Saber's power again."

And with those haunting words, he vanishes.

I wish he were wrong. I desperately wish that he'd lied to me... just another scheme to keep me in this gilded cage. But I know better. My reasons for clinging to the Saber aren't noble. They're selfish.

And yet, that knowledge isn't enough to make me let go. It's not enough to resign myself to perpetual solitude with a soulless puppet that resembles the man I love.

* * *

As one, we four Rangers race along the dusty plains of Guinit. My Saber rests in my hand, charging my entire body with the power of Fire. The surge of energy keeps me focused as I comb the plains.

Finally, the bright light of the binary stars gleams off a metal object. My breath catches as I hurry towards it.

"Guys! It's this way!"

The Pink Saber! Now that we have it, we can focus on Kendrix! We don't have to compromise... don't have to abandon her for the greater good! Maybe Kai can run an analysis on the Saber... extrapolate what kind of energy threw Kendrix into the Nexus?

My hand reaches out for Kendrix's most treasured possession when a wrenching scream freezes me in place.

"Red Ranger! Stop!"

We all whirl around, and stare at the black form that stumbles down the arid cliff behind us.

"Who's that?" Damon wonders.

Kai unsheathes his own Saber, holding it at the ready. His caution brings us all to stand in a line, blocking Kendrix's Saber from this potential threat.

I step in front of my team, watching through narrow eyes as the figure approaches with long strides. I can now tell that it's a slim girl dressed in black, with long blonde hair and... a Quasar Saber?

"That's not the real Saber!" the girl calls, jumping over a large boulder with catlike grace as she draws nearer. "Trakeena's set a trap! Get away from there!"

That's all the warning she gets to deliver. Moments later, a wave of heat and light erupts from behind, throwing us violently into the air.

* * *

With a soft groan I lift my face from the dry, rock-hard ground. The itch in my throat forces me to cough up the dust I inhaled in a startled gasp as the fake Quasar Saber exploded, catching the Rangers unawares.

If I hadn't been several yards away, I probably wouldn't have survived the blast. Now I'm sore, but I'll live.

A decade of battle experience flows seamlessly through my mind. I shut out the pain, rolling to my feet quickly, and dodging behind the closest boulder large enough to provide cover. From the relative safety of my position, I can scan the area. As the dust slowly clears, I see spots of color not too far from me; the Rangers had the wind knocked out of them, but they're all moving, so they're only dazed. If they had been crowded around the fake Saber when it exploded, they might've been killed!

I want to run to them and make sure they're okay, but sudden sensation freezes me in place. We're not alone. The prickling at the back of my neck alerts me to her presence before I hear the indulgent laugh that turned my stomach on Onyx.

"Well, well, well," Trakeena mocks, "what do we have here? Four Rangers, the Pink Quasar Saber, and a washed up Astronema!"

I wince as Trakeena continues laughing, this time joined by the evil creatures that stand ready at her side. I can feel the shocked stares of the Galaxy Rangers as my identity is so uncouthly revealed to them. Now they'll never trust me!

The Rangers get up, drawing their enchanted Sabers in unison. They exchange a few curt words, but they're beyond my hearing. Then, the Blue, Red, and Green Rangers leap into action, confronting Trakeena's army head-on. I watch, slightly stunned, as the Yellow Ranger races toward me... calling my name. My birth name.

"Karone! Are you okay?"

Her concern for my wellbeing startles me. Why does she care how I am? She knows what I was...

"Karone!"

"I'm okay," I murmur, shaking my head to clear the cobwebs. The Yellow Ranger lays a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"Good. Now, stay hidden! We'll talk when this is over."

I can almost feel her smile. "And thank you for finding the true Saber."

She turns to leave, but I can't suppress one question. "How do you know me?"

"Ashley told me your story, and I'm glad to get the chance to meet you."

With that, she joins the battle.

The shock of her words leaves me in a daze as I ponder their meaning. If she knows who I am, why would she want to know me? On Earth, I live in anonymity... no one has drawn the connection between Karone of KO 35 and the lethal Astronema. We didn't think the public could bear the knowledge that the former Queen of Evil still lives. I'd been so sure that everyone would reject me if they knew the truth...

My internal ramblings are interrupted by a triumphant giggle. My skin crawls as I see Trakeena slink around the battle, drawing closer and closer to the Pink Saber.

No! I won't let her win!

I disregard Yellow's advice, leaping out of my hiding place and reaching out my hand. My telekinetic power yanks the prize from Trakeena's fingertips, drawing the Saber into my waiting palm.

"Sorry, Trakeena," I sneer, "but you want this Saber, you'll have to work for it!"

Her sharp, golden eyes glare at me as she holds out her hand. I stare in surprise at the elegant steel blade that takes shape in a web of green light. Since when did Trakeena fight her own battles?

"If you mean I have to tear through the shadow of Astronema, then consider it done."

Then, steel clashes against steel.

I can't contain my shock as Scorpius' spoiled heir meets me blow for blow. Not only can she handle a sword, she can accompany her vicious swings with perfectly timed kicks and dodges! And the strength behind her blows is jarring... my arms tremble to absorb the shock of each blocked strike.

I can't get the upper hand! I struggle to keep pace with the Insectoid as she forces me higher and higher up the cliff... and away from the Rangers.

Then, I finally penetrate her defenses, landing a shallow cut that draws green blood from her shoulder. But in the split second I silently cheer my accomplishment, she plots a spike-heeled kick directly into my stomach. The force of the kick sends me airborne, until I land clumsily on my back like a dead weight.

I scramble to my feet, and set off in a desperate run to win a few precious seconds to figure out how to survive this conflict. But I feel the ionized air around me, which gives me a heartbeat of time to jump out of the way of a lethal energy bolt. It explodes at my feet, shaking me to the core as I stumble far too close to the edge of the precarious plateau on which I find myself.

Idiot! Ecliptor would be furious if he'd seen my folly. I let myself be forced into the worst possible combat zone, as I stand between a deadly drop and a startlingly-capable Trakeena.

Grinding my teeth, I hold the Quasar Saber with both hands. Please... grant me the strength to survive this!

I scream with effort as I arc the Saber to meet Trakeena's blade. She presses her advantage, pushing me closer to the edge. I can feel the sand beneath my boots give way, letting me inch closer and closer...

"You're bitten off more than you can chew, little girl," she gloats, her black lips pulling into a hideously smug smirk. Her leg snaps out from nowhere, knocking me off balance. I release a startled shriek as she snatches my wrist, forcing the Saber from my grasp.

"There can only be one Queen of Evil, and you're looking at her!"

One more violent shove, and suddenly there's no more ground to support me.

* * *

My mind swims in pain as a vile presence suffocates me. Oh God... what have I done?? My stubborn hesitation caused all this!

I... I feel Trakeena's presence... like rancid breath against my neck. I can even feel the rumble of her laughter as she toys with my Saber. It's not as debilitating as before, when my Saber was surrounded by hundreds of evil hearts, but the pain still makes me stumble.

But I can also feel Karone, as a wave of panic and fear overcomes her. She was indeed accepted by the Pink Saber, just as the Caretaker said. That's the only reason why I can still feel her presence, even when she's lost the Saber.

My Saber has already chosen my replacement... it's just waiting for me to let go.

Let go...

I desperately reach, figuratively climbing the tenuous string that binds me to Andros' sister.

I'm so sorry I hesitated! Please let me not be too late!

* * *

My mind whirls as I plummet to certain death, screaming as gravity pulls me down. I've failed! I've let everyone down. I'm... going to die.

Andros... Zhane... gods, I'm sorry! Please forgive me for being such a stubborn fool!

Then, incredibly, gravity's hold on me gives way. I blink, disbelieving my own eyes, as the cliff beside me slows its blurred passing.

I'm... I'm slowing down! Could my telekinetic ability have unconsciously carried me? I didn't think I was skilled enough to carry such a load, especially under duress...

I shiver as a form in the brightest white takes shape before me. "K...Kendrix?"

She floats before me, bathed in the light of the Power, a ghost solid enough to hold my hand as we float upward.

Her other hand touches my wrist, and I stare in awe as a small black box manifests. It's... a morpher!

I stare at the ghost, watching her wince as she finally sets me down atop the plateau. "What about you?"

"I... I can't help them." I can hear the anguish in her voice, and my heart aches for the young woman who sacrificed everything for her friends.

"I'm sorry, Kendrix," I murmur, "I can't be a Power Ranger. I'm... I'm tainted by evil. I can't hold the Power."

She shakes her head. "The Saber finds you worthy, and I now give you my blessing. That's all you need to call upon the Power."

I'm stunned speechless. Is it possible? Can I really serve as a Power Ranger? After all the people I've killed, the planets I've ravished... could I possibly have a heart pure enough to become one of the galaxy's most prominent defenders?

I wouldn't believe Kendrix's words if I hadn't held the Quasar Saber. On Onyx, when I first touched it, I felt its strength. It responded to me. It... it accepted me.

"Not while I'm breathing she won't!" I snarl, my fists clenching. Trakeena is far more dangerous than I gave her credit for. Her strength in combat, and the loyalty of her warriors, make her a true force of Evil. She just might be able to accomplish what Astronema had set out to do... the conquest of as much of this galaxy as possible.

She is so much like Astronema at her worst it frightens me. Perhaps, if I help in stopping her, I can prevent her from committing the carnage I indulged in. Perhaps by averting another Countdown, I can make some sort of amends.

My hands tremble as I realize the enormity of my decision. Awed, I glance at the morpher, and then back at Kendrix.

"I... I accept your mission, Pink Ranger," I speak, my tone oddly formal. "I will fight alongside the Galaxy Rangers, and will protect Terra Venture in your stead..." I offer an encouraging smile, "..until you return to take the Power back."

I watch as Kendrix nods once, and then rises to the sky.

Once she vanishes from this plane of existence, I snap back to reality. I hear the sounds of conflict, and the screams of pain ring in my ears.

The Galaxy Rangers are being overwhelmed! My... my teammates need me.

* * *

The moment my successor says the words, I feel a drain. It's similar to the sensation of having blood drawn for donation... only, on a far greater scale. It's like all my blood is being drawn, leaving me cold, empty, and lifeless.

I've lost. I've lost my connection. I've lost all strength. I fall helplessly into the Nexus, collapsing into a boneless heap on the white sands of my "home" here.

My entire body is numb. I don't have an ounce of strength. I can barely breathe! Is this what it's like to give up the Power? To feel like an empty shell??

If I had the strength to sob, I would. Instead, my eyes mist in silent mourning as I sink within myself.

A presence draws me out of my daze. I can vaguely feel warmth as arms slowly lift me from the sand, cradling my head to a smooth, warm chest. I can even feel the gentle pulse of a heartbeat beside my temple.

"Don't worry Keni," Leo murmurs, "I'll take care of you. Together we'll be happy."

The last thing I feel is his lips on my forehead.

* * *

I arrive on the battlefield, covering my mouth to block the dust and debris kicked up from hundreds of energy blasts and heavy footfalls. Trakeena's forces are indeed overwhelming the Rangers, and the obnoxious princess herself is engaged in a heated battle with the Red Ranger.

Incredibly, she gets the upper hand against the leader of the Power Rangers. A well-placed swing knocks his Saber from his hands, and a fierce kick sends him sprawling onto his stomach.

Before he could rise, the Pink Saber lands against his neck.

"How do you like the Pink Quasar Saber now?" she taunts.

Outrage igniting my heart, I dash towards them at my fullest speed. I bodily tackle the unsuspecting spawn of evil, pushing her away from the Red Ranger and knocking us both to the ground.

Fortunately for me, she absorbed most of the impact. I stand up instantly, pulling Kendrix's weapon from Trakeena's loosened grip.

Trakeena rises to strike me, but I marshal all my anger into one furious swing that cuts into Trakeena's bust-enhancing armor. Sparks of magic flow from the blow, tossing her helplessly into the waiting arms of her knight.

Smirking with the confidence of imminent victory, I lift the Saber above my head. Words I've never heard before flow to my tongue: "Go Galactic!"

Kendrix's power... the power I've inherited... is unleashed. I thrill at the indescribable charge of my first morph, that leaves me feeling righteous, strong, and unbeatable.

When the blinding light fades, I stand before them all as the Pink Galaxy Ranger.

I fall into an unfamiliar battle stance; a deep crouch with the Saber in one hand and the other extended like a claw. "Ready for Round Two?" I challenge.

Trakeena releases a frustrated cry, but her knight holds her close. "My Queen, we cannot win this battle! Look!"

We all turn, and see the Blue, Yellow, and Green Rangers fighting the forces of evil with restored vigor. Perhaps the light of my transformation has given them renewed hope. We're finally a complete team.

Trakeena shakes with impotent anger as she points one sharp finger in my direction. "This isn't over, Has-been!"

She snaps her fingers, and all the monsters vanish in a carrier wave of sickly green energy.

I'm almost giddy with the excitement of my first victory as a Power Ranger, but a single word pulls me down from that euphoric height with a resounding thud.

"Kendrix!"

I turn around to see the Red Ranger dash towards me. Before I could speak a single word, he grabs me in the tightest, most desperate hug I've ever experienced. Over his shoulder I see the other Rangers converge on us, each one eager to greet their lost friend.

They... they didn't see me morph! They must've only seen the energy release.

"I knew you'd come back to us!" he continues, his voice rough with emotion. "I knew it!"

My throat constricts, holding back the words I try to utter. Gods, I can hear the hope in his voice, and it kills me to dash it.

I take a deep breath to steel myself, and will the Power to release me. Red steps back as the transformation breaks, and the startled gasp I hear breaks my heart.

* * *

Oh. My. God.

Ten seconds ago, I was the happiest I've ever been. My best friend had been restored, just in time to save our butts from Trakeena! As Leo squeezed the life out of her, I was already planning the special dinner I'd make to celebrate. Kendrix always loved my Chicken ala Kai.

Then, the illusion was shattered. In a flash of light, the Pink Ranger was gone... leaving Astronema in its wake.

We all step back in horrified shock as the Queen of my nightmares turns her gaze to the ground. Her fingers anxiously wrap the hilt of Kendrix's Saber, and I just barely contain the urge to strangle the witch.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I scream, lurching forward. Astronema takes a step back, her eyes wide with surprise. What, did she think this was acceptable?? Did she think we'd welcome her??

"Kai!" Maya scolds, grabbing my tightened fist just in case I plan to use it. "Stop it! She saved us all!"

I hear Maya's words, but I pay them no heed. "How'd you do it?" I demand, "How'd you make the Saber yield its power to you?"

"I... found the Saber on Onyx. When I was there, I heard Trakeena mention that she set a trap for you all on Guinit, so I hurried to beat you here. I only wanted to give back the Saber-"

"Then give it back," I spit, reaching out. But instead of complying, Astronema takes another step back, keeping Kendrix's Saber out of my reach.

"I wanted to give it back," she resumes, "but that's not the plan now. Kendrix asked me to carry on as the Pink Ranger."

I can feel the blood drain from my head, leaving me dizzy. That's not possible... it's just not!

"Kendrix spoke to you?" Leo asks. "Is she okay?"

Astronema nods. "She's okay, but she still can't get back. She asked me to be the Pink Ranger so the team would be complete. She asked me to protect Terra Venture with you."

I can't believe all the crap she's spewing! "You're lying."

She holds up her wrist, plainly revealing the morpher. Kendrix's morpher. She's wearing Kendrix's morpher. "No, I'm not."

"Kai, she's Andros' sister, and she was freed from all evil influence in the Countdown. Ashley told me!" Maya insists.

"Guys, let's discuss this later," Damon contributes, bodily separating Maya and me. "The longer we dilly-dally on this rock, the bigger head start Trakeena has. If she decides to attack Terra Venture before we get there, it's Game: Over."

I blink in disbelief. Did I hear that right? Is Damon implying that we're actually taking the Queen of Evil with us?

Maya then takes Astronema by the hand. "Come on, I'll help you get situated on the Megaship. It's a good four days flight back to Terra Venture."

They begin walking toward the spot where we parked the Megaship, with Damon right behind them. Then, Leo joins the group, though his shoulders are slumped and he doesn't breathe another word.

I stalk after them, the combination of bitter disappointment, consuming outrage, and devastated betrayal giving me the mother of all migraines.

How the hell could we replace Kendrix, the sweetest, smartest, most giving person I've ever known, with this??

I need to hit something.