Devil's Night

Part Four

^Zack, are you okay?^

The Black Ranger took a deep breath, wincing at the pain in his chest.

^Zack! Do you hear me??^

He pushed forward to reach for the communications relay, only to grimace at the wave of dizziness that blurred his vision.

"Kim," he grunted when he finally found the right button, "where the hell do I keep the Advil in this thing?"

The panic flowed out of her voice like water. ^I don't think you ever bothered to stock the Lion,^ she answered glibly, ^but when this is over, I'll treat you to one of Ernie's banana splits. Enough sugar will cure any pain.^

"If that's not an incentive, I don't know what is!" he responded, his senses quickly returning.

^Be careful, Zack,^ she advised, ^The Misfit kicked your Zord like a soccer ball!^

The Black Ranger snarled. "Time to show that freak this Lion's bite is worse than it's bark!"

^Lions don't bark, Zack.^

"Black Ranger out," he grumbled, switching off the link. The Lion emerged from the tangled heap of fallen trees that gathered around him after the Misfit's last assault, and hurried back toward the main battle.

Thankfully, the Rangers had driven the Misfit away from the high school and Youth Center, moving toward the more spacious park that stretched through the center of Angel Grove. Now, the creature had extricated itself from the depths of the lake, shaking off the moisture and throwing a venomous glare toward the Zords that had begun lining up at the water's edge.

^Rangers,^ Tommy's voice called, ^Check in.^

^Jason here,^ the former leader responded, ^I'm a little banged up, but otherwise okay.^

^I'm okay,^ Alexis returned, ^but I'm running out of Wing Blades, and that last volley of energy damaged my left wing. Either I fly around in a neat circle, or I'm grounded.^

^The Firebird and I are fine,^ Kim answered, ^He hasn't landed a direct hit yet, but my laser banks are getting low.^

"Zack here," the Black Ranger reported, his eyes still scanning the readout of his main system, "That last kick knocked me for a loop, but I think I'm up for more. No critical damage."

^Zack, you linger back,^ Tommy decided, ^We can't risk any damage to the Lion that'll stop us from forming a Megazord. Alexis, you should take cover. If possible get into a position that allows you to open fire. The Wing Blades aren't having much effect now, but we might need the distraction.^

^That'll just leave three Zords,^ Kim realized.

^We'll have to make due. Jason, you and I are going Battle Mode. Kim, you stay airborne and hit the Misfit whenever you have an opening. If you get a chance to use your Firebird Cyclone, then let it loose. That usually leaves the bad guy dizzy.^

^Good plan,^ Jason encouraged, ^Okay team, take your positions!^

* * *

Adam Park was not claustrophobic. He'd never had a problem sitting in a small space, even for long periods of time. Nor was he one to easily bow to the weight of anxiety.

Still, not even the closeness of an elevator could compare to the stifling monster shelter beneath the Youth Center. Due to the large number of patrons who had taken refuge in the hangout, the basement was exceptionally crowded... mostly with crying, shivering children.

Adam had tried his best to console the youths, and was greatly heartened when he was able to identify all six normal children that were placed under his and Zack's care. Still, he had little experience with Power Ranger battles. He had no idea how to reassure the children that everything would be all right.

Ernie seemed more than equipped for the job, and eagerly distributed water and flashlights to help ease the discomfort. Adam tried to distract himself by assisting, but the cold fear in his heart only grew with each tremor that shook the enclosure.

Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He made his way through the crowds to Ernie. "Do you know what happened to Aisha? I don't see her anywhere."

The kindly proprietor averted his gaze. "Your friend was dressed up as the Yellow Ranger, right?"

The sorrow in Ernie's tone made Adam's heartbeat quicken. "Yes."

"When those black monsters attacked Kim and Tommy, Aisha distracted them and led them out of the Youth Center. That's when we evacuated, and packed into this shelter."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "Aisha never came in, did she."

It wasn't a question. Ernie slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry, Adam... I haven't seen her. About a dozen other people followed us into the basement, including yourself... but there was no sign of Aisha."

He then squeezed the young man's shoulder. "Don't worry, though; the Power Rangers showed up not long after. I saw the White and Pink Rangers fighting when I took a last look in the Juice Bar to make sure we didn't miss anyone. They always make sure the bystanders are clear, so I'm sure Aisha's okay."

Adam tried to take the consolation to heart, but he couldn't shake the feeling of dread. Last time Aisha had gotten entangled with Power Ranger business, she'd received fifty-seven stitches for her troubles. "Where are Kim and Tommy?" he wondered, "Maybe they saw something?"

This time, Ernie shrugged. "You know, it's weird: I don't think I saw them down here, either."

Before Adam could ponder this latest piece of information, a sharp banging on the outer door drew everyone's attention. All the children froze in ambiguous fear, but Ernie hurried to the door, and pulled it open without hesitation.

Rocky stumbled into the enclosure, panting heavily.

"Rocky!" Adam called, rushing to help Ernie lean the exhausted teen into the nearest chair, "What happened?"

"We... were attacked by... by monsters," he gasped, struggling to catch his breath. Ernie set a small cup of water in his hand, which Rocky swallowed in one gulp.

"I'll get you some more," Ernie offered, leaving the two boys alone.

"Where's Alexis now?" Adam asked.

Rocky grimaced. "A Power Ranger told me she had been hurt, and that they took her away for treatment." His frown deepened. "She wouldn't tell me where, though."

Adam saw the frustration in his best friend's eyes. "What happened to the kids you were chaperoning?"

"I left them at the house we had visited. I figured they were safer there than roaming the streets."

Adam nodded, looking up to see Ernie kneel beside them. "Here," he urged, offering Rocky a refilled cup, "Are you hurt at all?"

"Nah, I'm fit as a fiddle," Rocky answered, this time sipping the water slowly. "Thanks a lot, Ernie."

The portly man smiled, and then turned his attention to his other 'guests.'

Adam took a deep breath before revealing the most unsettling news. "I don't know where Aisha is," he reported.

Rocky choked on the water he was about to swallow. After coughing viciously to clear his airway, he grabbed his best friend by the collar of his cowboy vest. "We've got to find her."

Adam's jaw set as he nodded in agreement.

* * *

As Billy carefully adjusted the wiring in the Kerovan helmet, Trini hazarded a glance at the Viewing Globe. The Lion and Eagle had pulled back from the battle, leaving the Red Dragon and White Tiger, both in Battle Mode, to duel with the Misfit. The two anthropomorphic Zords were more agile than either Megazord, giving the Rangers a desperately needed edge. Still, while the Misfit was outnumbered, it was far from outmatched.

"Trini, please hand me-"

Before he could finish the request, the desired tool laid in his palm.

"Thanks," he murmured, his mind lost in quick calculations as he calibrated the tool to suit his needs. Trini turned her attention back to Billy, watching him reroute wiring and adjust circuit boards with surgical precision.

"And? that ought to do it," the genius reported, sliding the paneling back in place, "Now to make sure these modifications don't damage any brain cells."

Trini frowned. "How likely is that?"

"Not likely; I was very careful when making my adjustments. Still, I won't try an untested device on Skull. He is unable to give his consent."

"Then what are you?" She froze as Billy slid the helmet over his head. "Billy, you can't!"

"Our options are limited," he pointed out, fastening the clasp beneath his chin, "and so is time."

"Then I'll test it!"

She returned his stare without flinching at its incredulity. "It makes sense," she defended, "If there are any adjustments that need to be made, you're in a much better position to make them than I am."

Billy stiffened, his eyes darting away as he visibly searched for an argument. Yet, he couldn't come up with a single convincing reason why he should take the risk.

He knew that irrational answer wouldn't suit Trini? or was he merely afraid to utter it?

"Trini, please let me do this."

She opened her mouth to protest, only his green eyes pleaded with her in a way words never could. She met his gaze for a long moment, oddly curious of its intensity. Her argument died at the tip of her tongue. "?okay."

The genius sighed in relief as he stepped away from her. "The kill switch is right here," he pointed out, "If I look like I'm in real trouble, and I'm unable to deactivate the helmet myself, please take the initiative."

"We're ready," Alpha spoke, standing next to Trini with a small scanner in his hand. "I'll keep an eye on your vitals to determine if you're in any danger."

"Good." Billy took a seat, held his breath, and turned on the helmet.

The initial sensation was most similar to wearing glasses far too strong for one's vision. The world became bizarrely sharp and bright, causing a dull pain to pool behind his eyes. He winced, squeezing his eyes closed to block out the discomfort.

"Billy? Can you hear me?"

Trini's voice was urgent, yet somehow it felt deafening.

"Yes," he murmured softly, "I'm okay."

Enhanced vision and hearing, Billy realized, Part of this helmet's function is to amplify the soldier's senses.

And then suddenly, something else floated through his mind.

He opened his eyes again, staring at Trini in surprise. Only, her voice sounded different than just moments ago. It faintly echoed between his ears, like a whisper overheard.

He kept his eyes on her, waiting for her to say something more.

Her lips hadn't moved. Somehow, he was hearing her thoughts.

The passing thought sent a chill through Billy. At a loss, he covered his ears with his hands, desperate the stop the violation of his best friend's privacy. And yet, he couldn't stop himself from peering even deeper into her consciousness, peeling back the layers of her awareness to those other thoughts that passed through her mind.

He shivered at the myriad of sensations: fear, concern, determination? and to his utter astonishment, a deep longing.

Puzzled, he focused on that aspect of her consciousness without even realizing it, and even more thoughts and feelings were exposed to him.

Her frustration with her service as the Yellow Ranger. A concern that she wasn't doing enough, that someone else could offer the Power Team more. An instinct that perhaps her future laid somewhere far, far away from Angel Grove.

Geneva.

Suddenly, Billy couldn't breathe. He began gasping, clutching the back of his chair.

Moments later, he felt a sensation similar to ice water thrown in his face. Startled, he opened his eyes again, and lost himself in Trini's dark, worried gaze.

"I shut it off," she told him, slowly pulling off the helmet, "You looked like you were in pain, and you had trouble breathing."

Billy swallowed to moisten his raw throat. "Alpha?"

"The helmet seems to have a phased activation," he responded, moving the scanning device over Billy's forehead. "At first, I picked up a spike in brain activity, though nothing I could determine dangerous. Then for some reason I couldn't pick up anything at all."

"THE HELMET MUST ALSO DEFLECT SCANNERS," Zordon realized. "THIS IS NOT SURPRISING, AS THE SHIELD YOU USED TO MODEL YOUR ADJUSTMENTS BLOCKS MAGICAL SCANNING AS WELL AS SPELLS. BILLY, CAN YOU ARTICULATE WHAT YOU EXPERIENCED?"

"At first? it felt like I could see too well," he answered, absently rubbing his eyes. "Then it went to hearing, augmenting my senses. Finally, I?" He felt the heat rise in his cheeks, yet he couldn't hide this important detail. "I heard Trini's thoughts."

"What?" Trini murmured.

"I apologize," he hastened to add, suddenly wishing he could sink into the floor, "I couldn't stop it! Suddenly I heard your voice in my head, but then? sensations followed. I think that was about the point you deactivated the helmet."

Billy looked at Trini, stricken by her thunderstruck expression.

Finally, she recovered her voice. "What? did you hear?"

"It was a jumble," he told her, "Too much to really process." It was only half true.

The Yellow Ranger searched Billy's gaze with her own. Finally, she squeezed his hand. "It's okay, Billy? there's no harm done."

The genius deflated at his best friend's forgiving gesture.

"ALPHA, WHAT ARE BILLY'S BRAIN READINGS NOW?" Zordon inquired.

"Everything's back to normal. No side effects."

"How long was I wearing the helmet?" Billy asked.

"Seven minutes before you began hyperventilating."

"Will that be enough time for the Rangers to destroy the Misfit?" Trini wondered.

"It'll have to be," Billy decided, "We can't risk damaging the victims, and we don't have time for adjustments."

Billy then moved to the med-unit, where Skull lay comatose. "We need to test it on him and see if the helmet will break the spell."

"I ADVISE YOU BOTH TO TELEPORT OUT OF THE COMMAND CENTER," Zordon spoke, "WE CANNOT RISK THAT SKULL WILL PICK UP ANY STRAY THOUGHTS. ALPHA CAN PERFORM THE TEST AND ADVISE YOU OF THE OUTCOME."

"Right," Trini consented, "We should go to the hospital and get the other victims ready."

Billy nodded his agreement, pulling out his Morpher. "Triceratops!"

"Saber-Tooth Tiger!"

* * *

If the sight of one Power Ranger was a rarity, seeing two Power Rangers materialize right before one's eyes is an experience reserved for a select few.

Dr. Johnson stared at the two brightly-colored heroes, her mouth hanging open in surprise. "How? do you do that?"

"Matter teleportation," Yellow informed her.

Blue turned around, scanning the medical ward carefully. "Are all the victims right here?"

"No, we have three other rooms like this. We tried to keep them together, but they couldn't all fit comfortably in one room."

"Then they'll have to fit uncomfortably," Blue decided, "We need to move everyone into this space."

Andrea knew better than to question a Power Ranger. Instead, she hurried to the nearest telephone. "This is Johnson. I need every orderly on site, on the double!"

The response to Andrea's order was immediate. Dozens of assistants pooled into the area, and the Blue and Yellow Rangers directed traffic. The last few gurneys were being wheeled into the decidedly cramped medical ward just as the Blue Ranger's communicator beeped.

"This is the Blue Ranger," he spoke into his wrist.

^POWER RANGERS,^ a booming voice related, startling the medical staff with its resonance, ^WE HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE HELMET SUCCESSFULLY RESTORES BRAIN FUNCTION. HOWEVER, WE NOTE THAT ONCE THE HELMET IS REMOVED, THE VICTIM'S BRAIN ACTIVITY SLOWLY RETURNS TO ITS LOWERED STATE.^

"Then the helmet doesn't break the spell," Yellow hypothesized, "it only temporarily blocks it."

"How long did you test the helmet?" Blue asked of his associate.

^THE SUBJECT DID NOT SHOW OVERT SIGNS OF DISTRESS UNTIL TWELVE MINUTES HAD PASSED. THEN HIS HEART RATE AND BREATHING SURPASSED ACCEPTABLE LEVELS.^

"Did he ever regain consciousness?"

^NOT COMPLETELY. I SURMISE THAT, GIVEN MORE TIME, HE WOULD HAVE. NOW HE HAS SLIPPED FULLY INTO A COMA.^

"Please teleport him and the requisite equipment to our location," Blue requested. "We will try to restore the victims now."

^I AM SENDING ALPHA 5 TO ASSIST YOU.^

Before the medical staff could begin to contemplate the conversation they had overheard, a wave of light drew their attention to the center of the room. All eyes lingered on the short metallic form that had materialized, carrying a young man in his arms and accompanied by a tray covered with mechanical devices.

"Alpha," Yellow greeted, relieving the new arrival of its burden, "We'll need you to activate the helmet when we're ready."

"You got it!" it chirped in response. The Blue Ranger helped him set up the machinery, as the Yellow Ranger laid Skull on the single empty cot.

Finally, Dr. Johnson regained the ability to speak. "What is that?"

Alpha giggled at the question. "I'm a robot from the planet Edenoi. I help the Power Rangers monitor and protect the Earth."

He then returned to his work, heedless of the several dozen stunned hospital employees.

"We're ready," Yellow reported, "The amplifier should cover this entire room, and block out Zedd's magic."

"We'll only have twelve minutes at most before the device will have to be disabled," Blue noted. "Alpha, don't activate it until you receive my signal."

"You got it!"

Then, the Blue Ranger addressed the head physician. "Doctor Johnson, we have determined that these teenagers are under a spell."

Andrea blinked. "A spell?"

"Yes, a spell from the moon forces that siphons off their brain functions in order to feed the monster our teammates are currently battling. We can only hope that this blocking device will interrupt the link and weaken the monster long enough for us to destroy it. Then, hopefully the destruction of the monster will release the victims from this enchantment."

Andrea fixed the Blue Ranger with a steady gaze. "There were a lot of 'hopes' in that plan."

Blue nodded. "Yet it's our best option."

Slowly, the head doctor nodded, approving the action plan.

"We need to rejoin our teammates and prepare an all-out assault," Yellow informed her, "You must all clear out of this room. Alpha will take it from here."

The staff needed no more direction. They immediately began dispersing the crowded room, leaving only the Rangers, Alpha 5, and Andrea.

"Good luck, Rangers," she murmured, shaking their hands in turn. She then glanced at the small robot, and offered an unaffected smile. "And thanks for your help."

* * *

Typically, it took Aisha Campbell a good fifteen minutes to wake up from a deep sleep. However, when she finally roused from her restorative slumber, the sterile chill of the room drew her to full awareness.

The first oddity she noticed was the surprising lack of pain. Her confrontation with the mutated creatures outside the Youth Center had been burned into her memory, and the agony of their assault on her wounded arm made her shiver. Yet incredibly, her arm was as good as new.

Wide-eyed, Aisha stared at the unmarred flesh. The sleeve of her Yellow Ranger costume had been cut from the shoulder, exposing the length of her arm. Spots of red stained her torso and leg near the injury site served as evidence of the brutal beating.

"This is impossible," she murmured, flexing her arm experimentally. Other than stiffness and vague soreness, it was perfect.

Shaken, Aisha found the strength to step off the bed. The room was small and stifling, with no windows or decorations to offer a hint of personality. Yet she found what she was looking for with little difficulty, and relief flooded her when she turned the doorknob and discovered it was unlocked.

The wary teen left the sterile room to enter a sterile hallway, coated in black tile that tapped beneath her heels. Doors similar to the one she had just exited lined the wall, yet she continued down the hall, following the voices that vibrated from that direction.

"?NOW HE HAS SLIPPED FULLY INTO A COMA."

The voice rumbled like an earthquake, causing Aisha to freeze in place. No man could produce such a sound!

^Please teleport him and the requisite equipment to our location. We will try to restore the victims now.^

The second voice did sound human? and oddly enough, almost familiar. Finally resolving to take her fate in her hands, she continued walking.

"I AM SENDING ALPHA 5 TO ASSIST YOU."

She had arrived in the heart of the Command Center just in time to witness the vibrant white light that carried away the only visible life form in the room.

"Hello?" she called, slowly stepping out of the hallway. She stared openly at the machines beeping and flashing all around, and the neon blue tube of light standing at the tip of a ring of computers that vaguely looked like the bridge on Star Trek.

"HELLO."

She yelped, turning full circle but seeing no one. The booming voice seemed to emanate from near the blue column? which, Aisha just noticed, seemed to have something inside it.

"Oh my God," she breathed, stumbling backward.

The enormous face within the glass tube smiled. "YOU ARE IN NO DANGER, AISHA. THIS IS THE COMMAND CENTER OF THE POWER RANGERS OF EARTH. THE PINK AND WHITE RANGERS SENT YOU HERE FOR TREATMENT. DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?"

Nearly a minute passed before her tongue loosened enough to speak. "Yes?"

She remembered consciously deciding to give two obnoxious children a stern lecture. She remembered watching in horror as they mutated, transforming into monsters with more than enough strength to finish her off.

She even remembered them referring to her as "Trini."

Her throat went dry. Trini's a Power Ranger. I'm in the Power Ranger headquarters! The Power Rangers are actually human!

The revelations flashed through her mind like quicksilver, draining the strength from her legs. Overwhelmed, she leaned against the nearest console.

"YOU SHOULD RETURN TO THE BARRACKS," the head advised. The concern in his tone was so at odds with the intimidating voice in which he spoke.

"I'll be okay," Aisha hastily reported, "Uh? how long are you planning to keep me here?"

"THE POWER RANGERS ARE CURRENTLY BATTLING A MONSTER IN ANGEL GROVE. ONCE THE THREAT HAS BEEN NEUTRALIZED, I WILL BE GLAD TO RETURN YOU TO YOUR HOME. I CANNOT IN GOOD CONSCIENCE SEND YOU TO A DANGEROUS AREA."

His reassurance helped put Aisha at ease. "I? appreciate that."

A strange, awkward silence fell. Aisha kept her eyes away from the floating blue head, finding the bright yellow diamonds on her boots oddly intriguing. So many questions swam in her mind that her tongue actually burned to ask them, yet she couldn't bring herself to demand information from this alien ally of the Power Rangers.

After a few more moments, the head himself broke the silence. "I THANK YOU FOR TRYING TO PROTECT THE YOUTHS TARGETED BY THOSE CREATURES."

His praise startled Aisha even more than his appearance. "Thank you." Her words didn't even come close to capturing the surge of pride that made her feel ten feet tall.

"YET I CAUTION YOU, AISHA: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE STRENGTH OF THE MOON FORCES. I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT HUMANITY'S DETERMINATION IS ONE OF ITS GREATEST ASSETS, YET I WOULD HATE FOR YOU TO BE THE VICTIM OF ALIEN VIOLENCE AGAIN. HAD YOU BEEN TREATED AT A HOSPITAL, YOUR ARM WOULD NOT HAVE EVER RECOVERED FULLY FROM THE DAMAGE IT SUFFERED."

She stared at him several moments, dissecting his comments and listening to what he didn't say. He didn't tell her to stay out of the Rangers' way, or even not to masquerade as a Power Ranger again.

Aisha met his vivid blue gaze for the first time. She could feel the warmth in those projected eyes, making her wonder how she could've been afraid of him mere minutes earlier. She grinned. "I'll just have to be more careful next time."

An expression of surprise opened the floating face, urging a small giggle from Aisha.

Then, the alien smiled as well. "YOU MAY BE MY GUEST FOR QUITE A WHILE LONGER. IF YOU WISH, YOU MAY WATCH THE BATTLE PROGRESS ON THE SPHERE BEHIND YOU."

Suddenly, Aisha's burning curiosity turned to more immediate matters. She jumped up from the console and hurried to the Viewing Globe, watching in fascination as the park appeared before her eyes.

* * *

In a matter of seconds the Yellow and Blue Rangers reached the Zord hangar via direct teleportation. Together they stood at the top of the stairs to the enormous underground station, where only two Thunder Zords remained.

"It's now or never," Billy decided. His voice revealed none of the anxiety that knotted his stomach.

Trini squeezed his hand. "Let's go."

He nodded, grateful for the simple gesture. The two Rangers leapt into the air, the Power carrying them to their assault vehicles.

Billy strapped on his seatbelt, waiting as the Unicorn's systems flared to life. He flipped on his communicator. "Alpha, this is the Blue Ranger."

^I read you.^

"Activate the device."

^Roger!^

The Blue Ranger then pressed several buttons on his controls. A digital clock appeared in the bottom corner of his view screen, and slowly incremented.

"Trini, let's join the others," he said, "We have a maximum of eleven minutes and fifty-one seconds to destroy the Misfit."

* * *

Kimberly watched the Red Dragon and White Tiger perform through her view screen. Not for the first time, she marveled at the agility such gargantuan mechanical constructs could display.

Combating the Misfit with the two anthropomorphic Zords proved to be a good idea. While even the combined firepower of the Zords could not damage the Misfit, at least the speed and maneuverability were comparable. And the two Zords had resorted to a hit and dodge tactic, stepping in for a few quick blows and stepping out before a proper retaliation could land, letting the other Zord take the offensive.

The Pink Ranger chewed her lip, her fingers tightly clenched on the steering lever of her Firebird. Her eyes barely blinked as she waited for an opening, so she could finally aid her friends and relieve some of the pressure.

Her moment finally came when the Red Dragon was unable to dodge out of the Misfit's reach in time. The more wiry Zord stumbled, falling heavily into the nearby lake.

The White Tiger visibly braced itself as the Misfit's haughty cackle rose.

"My turn," Kim murmured, activating the thrusters. The smallest Thunder Zord zipped through the air, skirting just out of the Misfit's reach. Her fly-by distracted the beast, drawing fire that she evaded with bare feet to spare.

"Firebird Cyclone... Activate!"

Reddish energy flowed from the Firebird, creating a circle of bright light and fierce winds that created a funnel of power. That cyclone drove to the earth, capturing the nightmarish creature in its irresistible pull.

"Who's laughing now, jerk?" she gloated. Just as she moved her hands to steer away from the monster, her communicator sounded.

^Kim, wait!^

"Trini, you're back! Tell me you figured something out!"

^Yes, we did. But we'll need you to maintain the cyclone for as long as you can. So long as you continue to feed the tornado winds, the Misfit should remain trapped.^

"I'll hold him as long as I can," Kim promised.

* * *

Billy oriented his Unicorn toward the battle, green eyes narrow as he perused the readings his scanners fed him. The Firebird Cyclone proved to be effective against the Misfit, buffeting the magical creature with enough raw power to keep it off balance. However, it was clear that the Firebird couldn't maintain the assault much longer, and the Misfit still manifested a dangerously high power level.

He activated the all-call. "Rangers, approximately one minute ago we activated a device that we hope will weaken the Misfit."

A whoop of joy from the Lion answered him. ^That's the best news I've heard all day!^

"Don't cheer yet," Billy cautioned, "We have no idea how long it will take for the Misfit to feel the effect. I suggest that we continue to fight him in the individual, more maneuverable Zords until we see some signs of vulnerability."

^Sounds good,^ Tommy agreed, ^Kim, what's-^

An unexpected surge of power flashed across the Unicorn's screen. "Kim, look out!" Billy suddenly shouted. Unfortunately, the warning came too late. A split second later, a burst of pure black energy erupted from within the cyclone, spreading in all directions with enough strength to strip the nearby trees of their leaves. The Rangers braced themselves as their Zords weathered the backlash.

The next sound was a sickening crash that shook the very ground.

* * *

Aisha gasped loudly as she watched the streak of red smash into the ground. The haze of dust and uprooted verdure that followed clouded the Viewing Globe, but she still had a pretty good idea what had happened.

"The Pink Ranger's down!" she gasped.

The communicator then beeped urgently. ^Zordon! Is Ki-^

"WHITE RANGER," the floating head interrupted, "I SHALL TEND TO THE PINK RANGER. YOU AND THE OTHERS MUST SEE THAT THE MISFIT IS DESTROYED."

After a brief silence, the White Ranger's voice returned. ^It's as good as done, Zordon.^

Aisha's eyebrow rose as the vicious tone she'd heard. She turned to the floating head she now knew was named 'Zordon.' "Is there anything I can do to help? I'm certified in first aid."

"PLEASE RETURN TO THE BARRACKS. I MUST FOCUS MY ATTENTION ON THE PINK RANGER, AND THE RANGERS' IDENTITIES CANNOT BE COMPROMISED."

She didn't even consider the consequences before she replied. "I already know Trini is a Power Ranger."

She felt Zordon's shocked gaze, and felt inclined to explain. "The... the monster called me 'Trini' when we fought. I'm sorry... I wasn't trying to impersonate her, honest! Things just got... out of hand."

She grimaced. "I promise, I won't tell anybody anything about the Rangers. Not my parents, not even my best friends. You have my word."

Aisha waited, agitated by the lengthy silence, as those ageless blue eyes stared at her. It almost felt like he was looking within her, assessing her inner character. What did this alien being see when he stared at her so intensely?

Finally, Zordon nodded. "YOUR ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED, AISHA. I WILL TELEPORT THE PINK RANGER TO THE MEDICAL COT YOU SEE IN THE CORNER. PLEASE TAKE YOUR POSITION THERE."

"Right." Aisha hurried to the med-unit, her entire body tensed like a spring.

Zordon did not wait an instant longer. He immediately triggered the emergency teleport sequence, and watched as a vibrant pink form materialized on the cot.

Even though Aisha had prepared herself for the job ahead, the sight of a Power Ranger lying prone and unconscious was more disconcerting than she could imagine.

"PRESS THE RED CIRCULAR KEY AT THE TOP OF THE PANEL," Zordon instructed.

Aisha complied, and gaped as a flood of pink energy gathered around the heroine. When the light faded, the legend had vanished, and had been replaced by a normal teenaged girl.

"Kimberly!"

Without hesitation she began to assess the victim's injuries.

Pulse is steady, she realized, checking at the base of Kim's jaw, Breathing is fine. Visible lacerations... none!

While Aisha continued her assessment, Zordon opened a communications channel. "ALPHA FIVE, YOUR PRESENCE IS URGENTLY NEEDED."

^What about the victims?^ Alpha queried.

"YOU CAN RETURN TO YOUR CURRENT ASSIGNMENT SOON. PREPARE FOR EMERGENCY TELEPORT."

A heartbeat later, a small figure took shape in the center of the computer ring.

"Aye yi yi!" Alpha shrieked, hands clutching the sides of his oblong head, "What happened?"

"THE FIREBIRD HAS BEEN DAMAGED, AND KIMBERLY IS INJURED," the sage responded without preamble. "FIRST BEGIN FULL EXAMINATION FOR INTERNAL INJURIES AND BRAIN TRAUMA. THEN SEE THAT THE FIREBIRD IS SENT BACK TO THE HANGAR."

Alpha scampered to the med-unit, and stared at the young woman who had already begun tending to Kimberly. "Aisha! You're awake! And..."

Aisha turned to the childish voice. She blinked in surprise at the diminutive robot, yet considering all the other shocks she'd endured that day, the sight wasn't too jarring. "Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

She then took a step back, watching in fascination as Zordon's assistant programmed the machine with practiced skill.

* * *

Tommy's face was grim as he opened a channel to the Unicorn. "Billy, how much time do we have?"

^Eight minutes, thirty-eight seconds. If we take any longer, we risk harm to Zedd's victims.^

"Have the Misfit's power levels decreased?"

^Yes, though at this point it is impossible to tell if this is a result of our device, or a temporary depletion due to its... exertion against the Firebird.^

Tommy glanced up as a flash of light caught his eye. The Firebird Zord, which had lain half buried in a deep channel of soft earth and shrubbery, had disappeared. And he still had no word on Kim's condition.

"Tommy?" a cultured voice urged.

The White Ranger ruthlessly banished all concern for his girlfriend from his mind. There was a job to be done. "I'm fine, Saba," he assured his partner, "and we're not out yet."

Taking a breath, he activated the all-call. "We've got less than ten minutes to finish this, and now there's no hope to create a Megazord."

^Then we'll pummel this bastard with what we've got!^ Jason snarled over the comm. It was obvious the former leader was just as outraged by his teammate's injury as the current one.

The Rangers needed no more prodding. Immediately the Unicorn and Griffin Zords opened fire, hammering the dazed Misfit with a flurry of energy bursts. The Lion had also trudged forward, opting for a closer encounter. He cut between the Unicorn and Griffins, and plowed into the Misfit's legs.

With a startled yelp, the creature toppled.

^Rangers,^ Billy reported, ^the energy levels are still decreasing. It's now down to about seventy percent of the power it displayed at first.^

"Stand back, guys," Tommy advised. He turned, removing a sphere from the back of the cockpit and sliding it into a chute in the console. "White Tiger Thunderbolt!"

The tiger's head on the chest of the Tiger Zord opened, releasing a great sphere of fire that streaked into the monster's chest. The sphere exploded on impact, throwing the creature into a nearby hill.

"Dammit... still not enough!"

^It's steadily weakening!^ Billy reported, ^Now it's down to forty-eight percent.^

Tommy released a frustrated hiss. "Saba, how long until we can fire up another Thunderbolt?"

"The Zord will need at least ten minutes to charge another power burst of that magnitude."

"We don't have time for this!" White groused, "We need a single attack that can wipe out the Misfit with no more hassle."

^Tommy, I'm gonna try something.^

Tommy turned back to the screen, watching the Red Dragon climb the hill toward the staggering Misfit. The slim Zord twirled a black staff in its hands, and delivered three powerful slashes in rapid succession. Instead of glancing off its impenetrable surface, the Misfit howled as sparks flew from its wounds.

"It's definitely getting weaker, and fast," Tommy realized, "But not fast enough..."

^I need more momentum... then I can cut this thing to pieces.^

"Tommy, I have a suggestion," Saba spoke, "We will shift the Zord into Animal Mode. Perhaps we can lend the Red Dragon the momentum it needs."

The White Ranger blinked. "Will that work?"

"The Tiger Zord was designed to function as a carrier zord."

"Like Titanus?"

"Yes... only it isn't able to support the entire Thunder Megazord. However, it is more than able to coordinate its power with the Red Dragon alone, and augment its attack."

"Then let's do it."

* * *

The Red Ranger was backing away from the Misfit, preparing to get a running start for his next assault, when his communicator activated. ^Bro, we're gonna try something different.^

"I'm all ears," Jason urged.

^Our two Zords have the ability to form a joint Zord. It's not quite like forming a Megazord, but if the Red Dragon Warrior Mode rides the White Tiger Animal Mode, we'll have a combination attack that's stronger than anything we can muster without the Firebird.^

"I'm ready when you are."

Jason watched through his view screen as the White Tiger transformed into a quadruped. He then programmed his Zord for the combination, and directed it on the White Tiger's back.

The White Tiger reared back suddenly, and a stream of new information flooded Jason's computer. "Wow..." was all he could mutter.

^Jase? How's the view from up there?^

He grinned. "From where I'm sitting, things are looking up! Steer us into the Misfit, and I'll handle it from there."

^Steer us into the Misfit?^

Jason's grin widened. "Into it."

He watched the world bounce as the Tiger Zord ran along the pot-marked park. As the heroes approached, the black baton of the Red Dragon began to glow.

"Time to go medieval on this thing!" he declared, engaging the final blow. As the two Zords raced toward the Misfit, the Red Dragon held out its pole as if jousting, as radiant energy collected at its tip.

The enhanced pole sliced through the magical creature easily, causing it to explode in a blinding display of released energy.

* * *

"Yes!" Aisha cheered, clapping her hands as the Viewing Globe was suffused with white energy. "They did it!"

Zordon nodded, his own smile pronouncing deep pride in his chosen warriors. "NOW THAT THE RANGERS HAVE DISPATCHED OF THE MISFIT, I WILL TELEPORT YOU BACK TO ANGEL GROVE."

"You mean, now?" While she had been eager to return home when she first awoke in the Command Center, for some reason she felt the need to congratulate the Rangers upon their return, and at least remain until the Pink Ranger... Kimberly... regained consciousness.

"YES. NO DOUBT YOU HAVE BEEN MISSED AT THE YOUTH CENTER, AND THE SOONER YOU RETURN, THE FEWER QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR WHEREABOUTS WILL ARISE."

Aisha suddenly frowned. "Where should I say I've been?"

"YOU MAY RELATE THAT THE POWER RANGERS TOOK YOU AWAY FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT. THAT WILL EXPLAIN WHY YOUR INJURIES HAVE BEEN HEALED WITHOUT SCAR. HOWEVER, REMEMBER YOUR PROMISE NOT TO REVEAL ANY INFORMATION THAT MAY LEAD OTHERS TO BELIEVE YOU KNOW THE IDENTITIES OF THE POWER RANGERS. THEIR IDENTITIES MUST REMAIN A GUARDED SECRET."

She nodded, her face resolute. "You can count on me. And... it was great meeting you, Sir. Thanks for all your help."

Zordon nodded as well. "Alpha, please send Aisha near the Youth Center."

Alpha turned away from the med-unit, and programmed the teleporter. Aisha smiled at him, offering her hand. "I'm glad I met you too, Alpha."

The small robot nodded. "Me too."

He then activated the teleporter, and watched as the young woman vanished in a carrier wave of white light.

Mere seconds later, five columns of light heralded the return of the Power Rangers. Without preamble they de-morphed, and congregated around the med-unit.

"How is she?" Tommy inquired.

"She's lucky," Alpha reported. Those two words eased most of the tension the teenagers felt. "Considering the Firebird was running on fumes thanks to the heavy use of laser fire and the Cyclone, the hull shielding wasn't at maximum. She could've been hurt much worse."

"What's the prognosis?" Billy asked.

"Cracked ribs are being knit as we speak. Neck strain due to whiplash, and a dislocated shoulder. Otherwise, just a few bruises. She'll be off the med-unit in less than an hour."

"Great," Billy commented. "Alpha, when you're finished with Kim, please join me in the Zord bay. I'd better begin the diagnostic on the Firebird, and then the Lion."

Trini frowned. "You're not planning on working on the Zords tonight, are you? It's almost midnight!"

Billy shrugged his shoulder. "My father's in Singapore, so no one is expecting me home. I might as well take advantage of-"

"Wait," Alexis interrupted, her eyes slowly widening, "it's that late?"

Zack shrugged. "Yeah? you didn't know?"

"I lost my watch earlier," Alexis recalled, glancing at her bare wrist, "Now I've missed by curfew! Dammit, I'm screwed!"

Without even a farewell to her friends, Alexis dashed to the teleporter. Jason couldn't resist amused grin as Alexis let her fingers hover over the dozens of buttons on the control panel, staring at the complex device helplessly.

"Here, let me help," he offered. He spared a glance at the agitated Ranger as he programmed the coordinates of her back yard, where no prying eyes would witness her return. "Maybe if you explain that we all got holed up in a monster shelter, she'll go easy on you?"

Alexis snorted indelicately just before vanishing in flash of purple.

* * *

Aisha felt slightly dizzy as her senses slowly recovered from the trauma of teleportation. Vaguely, she wondered how the Power Rangers could grow accustomed to having their molecules separated, transformed to light, and catapulted to locations far and near.

She grinned ruefully. Trini and Kim... Power Rangers! It's unbelievable! And I have a pretty good idea who the other five are.

She felt an excited shiver as she began to walk through the torn streets of Angel Grove. She was in on the biggest secret of her generation. The question scientists pondered, police considered, tabloid reporters guessed about, and the general populace gossiped about... and she knew the answer.

Yet her elation slowly tapered as she continued her trek through the ravished block. Enormous footprints left their indelible mark in the grass and pavement, and flattened trees and crushed walls gave testament to the great battle that took place on this very site.

One battle amongst dozens. According to the news, the Rangers tackled the forces of evil on a weekly basis, sometimes even more often. And even though the heroes tried valiantly to protect the public and its property, no battle was won without sacrifice, and scars that didn't heal as miraculously as her own.

Aisha paused just outside the Youth Center, frozen by the sight of the outer wall that had been reduced to rubble. Just a few scant feet from that very spot she came a hair's width from death. She had been foolishly brave, throwing caution to the winds. And once she realized just how much danger she faced, she was positively terrified.

Absently, she rubbed her healed forearm. The Power Rangers had uncanny technology at their fingertips, with the power to heal any physical scar. The seven heroes could return to their more normal lives with no visible evidence of their regular battles. Yet... how often did the Rangers themselves receive such wounds? How often did those seven teenagers brush so close to death that their lives flashed before their eyes?

When the Firebird first crashed into the sloping hill of the park, for a brief moment Aisha was convinced that the Pink Ranger was dead. It was so disturbing seeing that hero lie still on the medical cot, utterly powerless. Then, Alpha 5 tended to her with practiced ease, as if he served as the team medic on a regular basis.

Kimberly would be in school the next morning; Aisha was convinced of this. She also knew Kim would be just as chipper as she was that afternoon at the Youth Center. She would carry on as if nothing had happened, for the world could never know that Kimberly Hart nearly died in battle. The world could never know Kimberly Hart was a Power Ranger.

Yet Aisha knew. And Aisha could do everything in her power to show her appreciation to Kimberly Hart, as well as Trini Kwan, Zordon, Alpha 5, and the five other Power Rangers. She could keep the monumental secret of their true identities, even from Rocky and Adam, from whom she'd never hidden anything. She could offer her assistance, however meager it might be, if she was ever again given the opportunity.

"Aisha??"

Before she could even answer, Aisha found herself wrapped in an embrace strong enough to lift her off the ground in its enthusiasm.

"Rocky!" she gasped, "You're okay!"

No sooner did he put her down did another set of arms whirl her around, and inspect her carefully.

"Where have you been?" Adam demanded, "We've been looking all over for you!"

Aisha blinked. "Really?"

"Of course!" Rocky huffed. "As soon as the Power Rangers lured that big monster away from the Youth Center, we started searching the neighborhood. No one had seen hide or hair of you! What happened?"

Aisha was rendered speechless as she realized what incredible friends she'd found in Rocky and Adam. They'd risked their lives looking for her in the throes of a dangerous monster attack. She was confident she could trust them with anything. Still, she couldn't be completely honest with them... for the secret she swore to protect was not hers to tell.

"I... I don't even know how to describe it, " she began haltingly, "One minute, these two black monsters were attacking the Youth Center, and I stupidly got myself involved... "

She rolled her eyes as both boys exchanged a meaningful look. "What? Is that your way of saying 'Aisha's poor judgement strikes again?'"

Adam grinned at her defensive tone. "Not at all. It's just kinda ironic that we all somehow got involved in Ranger business today."

"Really?"

Rocky shrugged. "Chalk it up to the Halloween spirit, I guess. I decided to play the role of the knight in shining armor, Adam took a turn as a thrill-seeking cowboy, and you got your chance to be a Power Ranger."

Aisha was too startled to speak.

"Though it looks like you got the biggest beating, " Adam noted, taking her arm, "You lost your entire sleeve... " His eyes widened in alarm. "..and there's blood splattered all over you."

Rocky peered closer at Aisha's arm, examining her with sudden concern. "Aisha," he murmured, thunderstruck, "where's the scar?"

Aisha shook herself from her daze, and met the demanding dark gazes of her best friends. "I managed to reopen my wound in my fight with those black things," she explained, "I blacked out, but the Power Rangers saved me and took care of me."

"You met more Rangers?" Rocky concluded, "Which ones?"

Aisha grimaced as she uttered the lie. "I don't remember clearly; I was really out of it. I'm pretty sure they took me to their base or something. I don't know where exactly I was, or how long I was there, but when I came to the Rangers were all fighting the monster. This... this voice told me the Rangers had brought me there to treat my injury, and then he sent me back here."

"What did this other guy look like?" Adam inquired.

"I don't know, honestly. The voice was... disembodied." Which isn't really a lie... Zordon doesn't seem to have a body.

"This is amazing," Rocky muttered, gently running his fingers over Aisha?s arm, "There isn't even a hint of the scar you got in Stone Canyon!"

"You're right," Aisha confirmed, feigning awed surprise, "It's as good as new!"

"You know what this means?" Rocky gushed, his excitement growing, "We don't need to find a replacement for you in the Team Ninja competition next week! Together, the three of us can finally dethrone Hasper City for the championship!"

Adam grimaced. "I don't think that's such a good idea. Aisha, do you really think you're up to competing? Just hours ago you had fifty-seven stitches in your forearm! You can't possibly be-"

Without warning, Aisha leaned her shoulder into her friend's chest, grabbed his arm, and with a fierce grunt, threw him over her shoulder. With a startled yelp, Adam landed hard on his backside, sprawled limply on the cool grass.

Rocky chuckled as he offered his friend a hand. "You were saying?"

Adam grinned as he stood up, and glanced at Aisha's triumphant smirk. "So... who's free for practice tomorrow after school?"

* * *

She felt the icy blue glare before she even saw it. Wincing theatrically, wildly praying her mother was feeling charitable, Alexis closed the front door behind her.

When she finally did see the fierce eyes, set in a hard, angry mask, Alexis wondered why she didn't try asking Jason to send her directly to her bedroom.

"Mom, I'm really sorry about missing curfew?"

"It's nearly midnight," Amanda interrupted. Alexis winced again at the furious tone. "You didn't just 'miss curfew', young lady, you are five hours late. And not only are you five hours late, but you didn't even call me to tell me!"

Alexis grimaced, tensing as her mother stepped closer.

"There was a monster attack in Angel Grove. A monster trampled around Angel Grove, and you were parading around for five hours without even calling me?"

"I'm sorry! I didn't get a chance! I didn't think-"

The usually soft-spoken woman was absolutely livid. "You never think, do you?? You just ignore any attempts at discipline I make, don't you??"

"No!" Alexis shouted, desperate to turn the argument away from the path it was heading, "I? I don't mean to-"

"Like it or not, I am the voice of authority in this household! I tried to be understanding, I tried to be flexible, but enough is enough!!"

Alexis closed her eyes as her sentence was delivered.

"You're grounded for two weeks," Amanda proclaimed. "That's fourteen days. You can only leave to go to school and church. For every day you walk into this house even a minute after three-thirty, I will tack another week to your punishment."

"What?? But-"

"Is that clear??"

Alexis leaned forward, a sharp retort at the tip of her tongue, when she miraculously managed to get a hold on her temper.

She knew it was pointless to try and reason with her mother when she's this worked up. Talking back would only increase her punishment, or worse? inspire her mother to ask questions about her whereabouts for which Alexis didn't have answers.

Instead, her shoulders slumped as she dragged her feet passed her mother and marched up the stairs, tears of helpless frustration stinging her eyes.