Fond Farewells

In her bed, Alexis Darling sleeps peacefully, as the bright California sunbeams pour into the room via the two windows on opposite sides of the bed. Her room is rather messy, with dozens of boxes littering the lavender carpet, some open, some still taped shut. Her dresser is covered with photographs, jewelry, various berets, and a shimmering golden coin with the design of an eagle engraved on its face sitting inside a silver and red morpher. On the night table beside the bed sits a purple and silver watch (which apparently doesn't tell time), a cellular phone, and a white alarm clock. At six-thirty that Friday morning, the alarm sounds loudly, causing Alexis' head to leap off the pillow.

"Ugh," she moans, leaning over to turn off her alarm, "I can't believe its morning! I've been beat all week, since I had to use that double bomb attack to destroy that Dracola monster."

She slowly climbs off her bed, heading towards her dresser. She trips over her backpack, which was lying in the center of the room.

"Why don't I ever clean up my room?" she mumbles out loud, picking herself up off the carpet and continuing to the dresser. She selects a pink tank-top with purple flowers and black thigh-highs, and from her closet she takes out a black miniskirt. Wow, thought Alexis, examining her choice of clothing, hanging out with Kimberly has really affected me. I haven't even unpacked half of my clothes from Philly. I just keep buying these tight shirts and short skirts at the mall. I haven't had a use for my baggy jeans and oversized t-shirts. I've gone from city girl to valley girl in three weeks!

Alexis giggled slightly and went to the bathroom. She took a quick shower and dressed. She returned to her room and brushed her short red hair. On the edges of the mirror were numerous photos tucked into the sides, most of them of her six new friends--the Power Rangers. Alexis, who has always loved photography, took the time to look at the photos and reflect. The first photo was of her two best friends, Kimberly Hart and Trini Kwan, at the food court of the mall. The two girls were as different as night and day: Kim was outgoing and energetic, while Trini was quiet and reserved. Still, they had enough in common to be the greatest of friends, and they welcomed Alexis into their fold. The next photo was of Zack Taylor and Jason Lee on the basketball court. Zack was so active and fun-loving that his spirit was positivly infectious. Jason, on the other hand, was rather intimidating, but his friends all know he has a heart of gold. Kimberly has referred to him many a time as a "great big teddy bear". He's also a real hunk, thought Alexis with a mischievous smile. The next photo was of Billy Mitchell and Trini, hard at work at Billy's garage/lab. They were both extremely intelligent, peaceful, caring, and considerate. They would also make an adorable couple, if only one of them would do something about it.

Below the photo of Trini and Billy was one of Kim and Tommy Oliver, sipping shakes at the Youth Center. Alexis always saw them as the perfect couple--they were always considerate, they're sensitive to each other's feelings, and would quite literally die for one another. Tommy's quiet charm balances Kim's exuberance perfectly. Alexis felt a pang of jealousy. She had never been in a real relationship before, and since her father left her mother only a little while before they moved to Angel Grove, the hurt lingered. I wonder if falling in love is worth risking my heart, she thought bitterly, I mean, how many relationships end up in heartbreak? But maybe, just maybe, Jason is worth the risk. I just wonder if he feels the same about me...

The next photo was of all seven of the teens in the park. Alexis remembered asking Skull to take the picture. Jason stood tall and proud, with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face. Zack stood next to him, sporting his winning broad smile and giving Jason "bunny ears" with his left hand. On his right stood Alexis, smiling widely, with her arm around Billy, who looked slightly embarassed. Trini kneeled in the foreground with a charming grin. Tommy stood beside Billy, with a gentle smile etched on his handsome face. He had his arm around Kimberly, who was wearing her trademark heartwarming smile. This was Alexis' favorite photo, because it showed so well the strong bond the teenagers share.

Alexis had one more photo, one of three other teenagers--Rocky DeSantos, Adam Park, and Aisha Campbell. These three transfered to Angel Grove High on Monday, and they already knew the Power Rangers identities. Alexis had been spending a lot of time with them during the past week, especially when the other Rangers went on missions. Zordon refused to let her participate, since her body was still experiencing an energy shortage. Yesterday, when the other Rangers were entranced by Zedd Waves, Alexis tried to morph, against Zordon's advice, and had fainted with the surge of power. Calling upon the power of the coin is very taxing, and Alexis doesn't have that kind of energy to spare. Alpha and Billy have run various tests, and they concluded that Alexis' power drain is temporary, but they couldn't calculate how long it would take her to heal completely.

"I'd better get going," she said out loud, grabbing her wrist communicator, morpher, and cellular phone. She strapped on her pink backpack and hurried down the stairs. She opened the front door when a firm voice stopped her.

"Alexis, you're not planning on walking out that door without having breakfast, are you?"

"Sorry Ma," said Alexis sheepishly, "but I'm late!"

Amanda Darling walked out of the kitchen. She was dressed in a black pants suit, high heel pumps and a purple blouse. Her long, curly strawberry blonde hair was clipped back by a gold beret, and a knowing smile lit up her face. She handed her daughter a can of ready-to-drink Carnation Instant Breakfast.

"You've been overly tired for the past week, and I think its because you haven't been eating properly. Therefore, you are going to have three full meals a day, whether you like it or not!"

"Okay, Ma," said Alexis, accepting the can. Amanda kissed her daughter on her forehead and held the door open for her.

"Well, you'd better get going. Have a nice day, Honey."

"You too. Bye!"

Alexis smiled at her mother and hurried out the door. She rushed down the street towards Angel Grove High.

"I am going to be SO late!" she panted, stopping at a main street. She waited to cross when a red Jeep pulled over by the curb. Alexis watched curiously as the window rolled down, revealing Rocky in the driver's seat and Aisha in the passenger's seat.

"Need a lift, Red?" asked Aisha with her cheery smile.

"Do I ever!" answered Alexis, sitting in the back beside Adam, "Thanks for pulling over."

"No problemo," said Rocky, getting back on the road.

"So, how are you?" asked Aisha, turning around on her seat and looking back.

"Not bad, but I'm majorly tired. I doubt I'll be able to stay awake for Ms. Applebee's literature class first period!"

"Well, you'd better!" laughed Adam, "Especially since you fell asleep yesterday!"

"Maybe you shouldn't go to school," said Rocky, "If you spend a few days in bed, you may recover sooner."

"Nah, I don't wanna fall behind," said Alexis, staring out the window uncomfortably. She tries to change the subject. "So, what d'ya think about the Peace Conference coming up?"

"Its definitely an honor for the three students chosen to go from Angel Grove," said Adam, "but I don't think I'd wanna go. I'd miss my friends and family too much."

"Yeah," said Aisha, "Mr. Caplan substituted for my chemistry class yesterday, and he told us that he and a board of other teachers were to choose three students of excellent academic record, community service, and that demonstrate leadership abilities to represent Angel Grove High. The three selected will be notified by telephone tonight, and the announcement should be broadcast on the local news tomorrow. Their names will also be announced in school on Monday. They're supposed to leave next Friday to Switzerland."

"How long are those talks supposed to be?" asked Rocky.

"I heard it should take over a year," said Adam, "That's why they'd prefer to send juniors. That way they'll finish up their high school education during the talks."

"Wow," said Alexis, "a year and a half!" Suddenly, her eyes widened, and she turned to Adam. "What would happen if the Power Rangers were chosen to go? Each of the others fit that description to a T!"

"I'm sure Zordon had prepared for that possibility," said Adam reassuringly, "but maybe we should ask him next time we see him."

Rocky parked the car and the four teenagers piled out. Rocky looked at his watch.

"We have just over ten minutes 'till the homeroom bell," he announced, "So let's hustle!"

The four teens ran into the building and went their separate ways. Alexis made her way to her locker and started working on her combination. She searched for her copy of Romeo and Juliet when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned around to see Tommy's smiling face. However Alexis, being very perceptive, noticed that the smile looked forced.

"Hey, Lex. How're ya feeling?" he asked politely, purposely not looking directly at her.

"Drained, but otherwise I'm okay," answered Alexis dryly, returning to her search. He's worried about me, she thought, He doesn't think I'll be able to pull through this!

"Look, uh, I know what it's like to have your powers weaken. It happened to me several times," said Tommy, staring at his feet uncomfortably, "I just want you to know that, well, the six of us are here for ya, and we understand what you're going through."

"Tommy, you're talking as if someone just died! You really need to stop worrying so much about me. Look, Alpha and Billy said this power loss is temporary, so I'll be back in my shimmering spandex before you know it! So in the meantime, make sure to whip those baddies without depending on me to save your hide!!"

Tommy couldn't help but smile at Alexis' brash comment. Wow, she really has spirit. I wish I could have had that kinda faith when I was losing my Green Ranger powers. Still, there's something she's not telling me. She's hiding something...

Alexis finally found her book and slammed her locker shut. She turned around and smiled up at Tommy.

"Catch ya later," she called, rushing to homeroom. Tommy made his way up the stairs, where the other five Power Rangers waited for him.

"So, how is she?" asked Jason.

"She's taking this power loss much better than I did," said Tommy with a sigh, "but I know she's not being totally open with us. She's holding back--I can see it in her eyes."

"What can we do?" asked Kimberly, her voice filled with sympathy.

"We can't do anything," said Tommy quietly, "Trust me, I know. She's got to sort this out for herself. We can't impose. Besides, she probably feels uncomfortable around us. When I lost my powers, I avoided you guys like the plague. I guess I just didn't feel like I belonged anymore. I wasn't a member of the team anymore."

"You should know better than that, Tommy!" said Trini, surprised, "We're bonded by friendship, not power!"

"That's easy for you to say, Trini," said Tommy, "After all, the five of you were all best friends way before the Power Rangers existed. Now Alexis and I became friends with you after we had received the power, as if this circle of friends was mutually exclusive. It seems to us like a Power Coin was the only thing that brought us into this little club."

"Well, if that's how Alexis thinks, then we haveta change her mind!" said Kimberly authoritatively, "Let's say we all have a picnic in the park after school?"

"Great idea!" said Zack, starting to get excited, "We can just sit out in the sun and chill!"

"Perhaps we can invite Aisha, Adam, and Rocky," added Billy.

"Good idea," said Jason, "They're nice people, and expert martial artists. I'd like to get to know them better."

"So its agreed then?" asked Kimberly, "By the lake at about five? That should give us enough time to get things ready."

"Affirmative," said Billy.

"Awesome!" said Zack.

"Sounds great!" said Trini.

"Absolutely," said Jason.

"Why not?" said Tommy with a smile, "So, who's gonna coordinate this little party?"

"Did you have to ask?" asked Kimberly with a superior smile, "I'll call each of you and tell you what you need to bring."

Just then, the first bell rang.

"Uh oh, we're late," said Jason, starting up the stairs, "We'll talk at lunch!"

With that, the six friends hurried to their homerooms.

After school, the ten teenagers meet by the lake to enjoy good food and good fellowship. Adam shows Zack a few moves by the lake while Billy and Trini unloaded a few blankets and laid them out on the freshly cut green grass. Aisha and Alexis help Kimberly unload a few coolers from her car. Jason and Tommy carry a cooler each, loaded with soda cans and water bottles. Rocky walks over from his car with a huge white pastry box.

"What's in the box, Rocko?" asked Zack, walking over to the blankets when he saw Rocky.

"Chocolate cake," said Rocky with a smile. He sat the large box on the blanket and openned it, revealing a two-layer square chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and rainbow sprinkles. Zack began rubbing his hands together.

"Now I'm getting hungry!" he said. The others all started laughing and made themselves comfortable on the blankets. They sat in a circle around the picnic spread, which consisted of macaroni salad, potato chips, tortilla chips, salsa, a variety of cold cuts, stacks of bread, condiments, chicken salad, and Rocky's cake. Alexis sat in the shade of the oak tree, and beside her sat Aisha to the left. To her left sat Kimberly, then Tommy, Jason, Billy, Trini, Rocky, Zack, and Adam, who sat to Alexis' right, completing the circle. Aisha started passing out the paper plates while Kim passed out the plastic utensils.

"Dig in, guys!" said Kim, and that's just what they did.

"This is an extremely impressive selection," said Billy, fixing a chicken salad sandwich, "How did you manage to prepare so much food in so little time?"

"Well," said Kimberly, "I made the chicken salad, Aisha and Adam went to the deli to get the cold cuts and mac salad, Jason, Zack, and Tommy bought the sodas, chips, condiments, plates, and utensils, you and Trini brought the blankets, and Rocky went to the bakery to get bread and dessert."

"Wow," said Alexis, "You really made a group effort. Why didn't you tell me sooner about this picnic, Kim? I could have brought something..."

"Don't worry about it, Lex," said Kim with a smile, handing her friend a can of ginger ale, "Just relax and enjoy yourself, 'kay?"

After the meal was eaten, Rocky cut up the cake and served it. Jason got a couple gallons of milk from the cooler and some paper cups. Once dessert was finished, Billy, Trini and Kim started to pack up the leftovers while Jason, Tommy, Rocky, Adam, Zack, and Aisha practice different fighting styles. Alexis, who was already worn out from a long day of school, was sleeping peacefully under the oak tree.

"Wow, she's out like a light," said Kim with a smile, "I sure hope its not because of our company!"

"Her body is still suffering from her use of the Supreme Bomb Attack last week," said Billy, loading the used paper plates in a big black garbage bag, "The Purple Ranger was never meant to harness so much raw power. She is lucky--I expected her to fall into a perpetual coma from the extreme exertion. At least she can still function. She just can't morph or exert herself too much."

"But, will she ever completely recover?" whispered Kimberly as she watched her friend sleep soundly.

"Her power is in the process of regenerating her," said Billy, "but it is a slow process. Since Alexis is bonded to the Eagle coin, the coin itself will assist her healing. But she still isn't strong enough to call on the full power of the coin, so she can't morph."

Just then, a ringing could be heard from Alexis' backpack. The sound stirs her awake, and she pulls out her cellular telephone.

"Hello?" she answers, sitting up, "Oh, hi, Ma. I'm at the park with Kim and the others. Huh? What's wrong? Okay, I'll be right there."

Alexis quickly stands up and collects her belongings. She puts on her backpack and makes her way to Kim, Billy, and Trini.

"My mother just called me," she explained quickly, "I have to go home now. It's been a real blast!"

"Wait!" called Kimberly, "is something wrong?"

"I'm not sure, but she said it was important. I'd better not keep her waiting."

Alexis waves to her three friends and makes her way to the lake, where the others watch Adam perform an impressive kata.

"Wow," commented Zack, "his feet barely even touched the ground."

Adam completes the exhibition and bows. His audience clapped excitedly.

"Way to go, Bud!" said Rocky, slapping Adam on the back. Alexis walked over with a smile.

"Yeah, great show," she said, "Look guys, it's been a blast, but I gotta go home. See ya tomorrow at the Youth Center."

"Need a lift, Lex?" offered Jason.

"Uh, yeah. Thanks, Jay!"

Jason and Alexis walked over to Jason's Honda, and in a few minutes, they pulled into Alexis' driveway. Alexis unstrapped her seatbelt and climbed out.

"Thanks for the lift, Jay," she said with a charming smile.

"No problem," said Jason, smiling back.

Alexis slammed the door and made her way to the front door of her house. He turned back to wave as Jason drove away.

"Definitely a hunk," she whispered to herself as she turned the knob of the door. To her surprise, the door was unlocked.

"Ma?" she called, walking into the family room, "Are you here?"

Alexis went to her mother's bedroom and knocked on the door. She could hear muffled sobs.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she opened the door. She saw her mother sitting on the corner of her bed, with her face in her hands, shaking with sobs. Alexis also noticed a bottle of scotch beside an empty glass on the night table. Alexis' concern triples as she remembered the last time her mother drank liquor-- about two months ago, when her father left for good. Alexis sat beside her mother and embraced her.

"Oh, Honey," sobbed Amanda, crying on her youngest daughter's shoulder, "I got a call from the Ben Franklin General Hospital in Philadelphia--"

"Did something happen to Johnathan or Denise?" asked Alexis in a voice barely above a whisper. Tears began streaming down her face as she thought of what horrible fate could have befallen her big sister or baby nephew.

"Johnathan is fine, but Denise--," Amanda cut off and looked into her daughter's green eyes, "Uh, she's extremely sick."

"Like, how sick?"

"Alexis, Denise has been diagnosed with full blown AIDS. She's so weak, what with the pregnancy and Martin leaving, the doctors don't think she'll... last long."

Alexis felt a lump rise in her throat. Her eyes filled with tears as she sat on her mother's bed, utterly motionless.

"Denise...is dying?" she whispered in disbelief, "But she's so young. She has such a brilliant future. She's almost done with law school at the University of Pennsylvania...I don't believe it..."

The strain of the news, added to her already weakened condition, made Alexis dizzy.

"Denise is very weak," said Amanda, sitting up and trying to compose herself, "and now that the two of us moved out here, there's no one nearby to watch Johnathan or help her out. She needs our support, Lex, and so does the baby."

Alexis stared at her mother, not fully understanding what was happening. Amanda rose to her feet and picked up the telephone receiver.

"I'm going to make arrangements for the two of us to fly to Philadelphia tonight," said Amanda, dialing the phone, "And then, I'll call my boss to get next week off. Lex, go and pack your things."

Alexis silently rose to her feet and slowly walked to her bedroom. She packed her suitcase in a daze, doing her best not to break down and cry.

Alexis' eyes opened weakly and she released a silent yawn. Her vision was blurry, so she didn't recognize her surroundings. When her vision cleared, she stifled a cry of surprise when she noticed her surroundings. She wasn't in her pink and purple bedroom. Rather, she was in a conservative and neat bedroom.

Where am I? she thought, standing up quickly. A rush of dizziness enveloped her, and she sat back down. She looked to the door of the bedroom, and noticed a single suitcase. She glanced towards the window, and saw the familiar skyline of-- Philadelphia?! I remember, I'm here because Denise...is sick. I fell asleep on the plane, and then again at the hospital this morning. All this stress is really taking its toll on me.

She once again tried to get out of bed, this time, more slowly. She stretched out gingerly and opened the window. The cool November breeze rushed quietly into the hotel room, flooding Alexis' mind with memories. Wow, I didn't realize how much I missed cold weather! I doubt I'll ever be able to go ice skating in Angel Grove. Its just too darn hot, all year 'round!

Alexis searched her suitcase for something to wear. She selected a pair of brown oversized jeans and a cream turtleneck. She was busy tying her sneakers when a familiar tone sounded from her bedside. She rose and quickly grabbed her communicator.

"Alexis here," she said in an emotionless voice.

^Lex? Is that really you? Are you okay?^ came the answer. Even though Alexis was now some 3,000 miles away from Angel Grove, she could here the voice as clearly as if its owner was sitting next to her.

"I'm fine Kimberly. What's up? Is Lord Zedd attacking?"

^Well, no. I tried to call you at your house last night, but I didn't get an answer. I tried again this morning, and I still got the machine. I was worried.^

"I keep telling you guys to stop worrying about me," said Alexis with a sigh.

^Where are you, Lex?^ asked Kim quietly, her voice laced with concern.

"I'm in Philly. I have some...personal problems to deal with. I gotta go, Ma's calling me."

Before Kimberly could answer, Alexis turned off her communicator and placed it on the end table. Her mother wasn't really calling, but Alexis didn't feel like explaining her present predicament with the overly empathetic Pink Ranger.

I don't want anyone's pity. Not about Denise, and not about my powers.

Alexis knocked on the door to adjoining room. When there was no answer, Alexis opened the door and saw a small note written on an envelope. She picked it up and read it.

Alexis sighed as she folded the envelope and stuck it in her jeans' pocket. She threw on her leather jacket and briskly walked out the door. She left her communicator and morpher on the dresser.

Kimberly's face curled into a frown as she released the button on her communicator. She sighed and supported her head on her hands. She glanced over at the mat, where Tommy was sparring with Adam. Rocky was on the sidelines, cheering them both on. Aisha was in her yellow karate gi, slowly teaching Billy some blocks. She turned to the clock on the wall.

It's ten thirty, she thought in frustration, they're gonna announce the names of the three students going to the Peace Conference in Geneva any minute, and Jason, Zack, and Trini still didn't get here yet. They just HAD to go mountain biking this morning. And what's up with Alexis...

"Hey kids," called Ernie from the bar, "here comes the announcement!"

Ernie turned up the volume on the television, and the two dozen teenagers in the building crowded around the television in anticipation. Kimberly, who was already at the bar, turned her attention to the screen. She was soon joined by the other five.

"So, did we miss it?" asked Tommy, sitting next to Kim.

"No," said Kim quietly. Tommy was surprised by how cold she sounded.

"Is something wrong, Kim?" he whispered, putting his arm around her shoulders.

Kimberly was about to answer, but the news anchorwoman interrupted her.

"And in local news, three juniors from Angel Grove High School have been selected to attend a special worldwide Peace Conference in Geneva Switzerland. These peace talks were designed in the hopes that the youth of the world, our future, can reach agreements on critical areas of debate. The three teens are...Jason Scott Lee, Zachary Taylor, and Trini Kwan. These three teenagers will bring all our hope and love with them to Switzerland--"

The rest of the report was cut off by an uproar. Kimberly shrieked when she saw the photo of Jason cross the screen, and each of the other teens expressed their surprise and joy in similar ways.

"We gotta find them!" said Tommy excitedly, leaping off the stool, "They should be on there way here from the mountain!" With that, Tommy, Billy, and Kimberly ran out of the Juice Bar.

"I wonder what'll happen with the Power Rangers," whispered Adam to Aisha and Rocky. The two others shrugged silently.

Alexis wanders through the streets of Philadelphia to the Ben Franklin Memorial Hospital. Once there, she sees her mother waiting in the lobby, sobbing silently. Alexis sits next to her mother and envelops her in a warm hug.

"Oh Honey," Amanda sobbed, "She's too young to die. Oh, God, she's so young! She's got a son to look after, and...and..."

Amanda's words stuck in her throat, and she continued to weep in silence. Alexis' eyes started to brim with tears.

No, she said to herself, I'm not gonna cry! Someone has to remain strong, and since Dad's not here, it looks like it'll have to be me.

"Mom," she said quietly, "can I go see her?"

"Yes, its still visiting hours. She's awake, too. Room 511, I'll be with you shortly."

Alexis left her mother sitting in the lobby, and made her way to the elevator. She was soon standing outside Room 511. Alexis took a deep breath, and pushed open the door.

"Hey, Kiddo," called a weak but cheerful voice, "come on in."

Alexis smiled at her sister, even though she was crying inside. Denise looked pale and small in the big hospital bed, with numerous IV units in her arm. Her thick strawberry blonde mane was in disarray, and her emerald eyes seem to have lost their glimmer. She looked old and tired, even though she was twenty four. She looked forty.

"What happened, Denise?" asked Alexis quietly, keeping her tears back. Denise's smile fell.

"Well, I've been feeling a little ill the past week, so I decided to get a check up. It turns out, I have full blown AIDS," she answered casually.

"But, how...?"

"Must've been Martin," said Denise coldly, "I mean, he left me for some waitress almost a year ago, and who knows who he's been with before that! I should've realized he was no good long ago. Well, its too late for that."

"What about Jonny?" asked Alexis, sitting down beside the bed.

"Jonny tested negative," Denise answered with a smile, "My friend Alice is watching him. I think they're done running tests on me, so I'll be getting my prescription and be going home."

"So, what are you planning on doing?" asked Alexis.

"Well, I plan to finish law school. After all, no one seems to know how much--time I have. I'm not going to let a little thing like AIDS stop me from achieving."

"When do you get out of here?"

"In a few hours. So, enough about me! How're you? You moved to California three weeks ago. Did you make any friends yet?"

Delighted to change to a more pleasant subject, Alexis told her older sister about her nine good friends. Of course, she left out the Power Ranger business.

"Wow, sounds like you found your niche," said Denise, smiling, "So, you seem to like this Jason fellow."

Alexis turned beet red, and stared at Denise.

"How did you--"

"Well, you mentioned how strong he is, how sweet he is, how smart he is...I don't need to be a detective to figure that out! So, is there anything going on between you two?"

"No! We're just friends."

"Okay," said Denise with a knowing smile, "Let's change the subject. You live in Angel Grove, right? Isn't that the town that the Power Rangers protect? Have you seen them?"

"Uh, briefly," said Alexis, uncomfortably.

"Ya know, I heard that there's seven rangers now. They recruited a Purple Ranger! I saw on the news last weekend that the Purple Ranger, flying some big bird machine, told the citizens of Angel Grove to evacuate because some dragon monster was attacking."

"Yeah, I remember that."

"Well, she's my favorite Power Ranger."

"Really," said Alexis, turning around in surprise, "Why?"

"She's the only Power Ranger who seems to think about the little people. Usually, the Megazord, or whatever it is they call it, tramples as much of the town as the monsters do. The Purple Ranger actually broadcast a warning. That's the only time I've heard of the Power Rangers warning the people of an oncoming attack. She's really responsible."

Just then, there was a small knock on the door, and Amanda Darling walked in. She looked haggard, but managed a small smile.

"So, what are you two talking about?" she asked, taking a seat beside Alexis.

"Oh, just the Power Rangers," said Alexis with a smile.

"Good. Well, I spoke with Doctor Kusac. You'll be free to go in a few hours. Now, I wanted to know what you're planning on doing now. I mean, you have a son to look after, and you're very ill. I want you to know there's plenty of room in our new house--"

"That's okay, Ma," interrupted Denise, "but I don't plan on moving in with you guys. At least, not until I finish up law school. I'll graduate next May."

"But Honey, that's a year and a half! Do you really think you could do it? I mean, there isn't anyone here to take care of you and Johnathan."

"I don't need to be taken care of, Ma," said Denise with a hint of anger, "I'm an adult."

"But you're sick, Denise," said Alexis quietly, "You don't have any relatives anywhere near here. How do you plan on working, going to class, and taking care of Jonny? I mean, I don't know how you handled it before, but now, things'll be gong downhill."

"Look, I plan on becoming a lawyer, okay? What if they discover a cure in a year? Then what do I do? I could live for years with AIDS, and I don't plan on spending the rest of my life being treated like a baby!"

"Denise, you could transfer to Angel Grove University. They have a good law school..."

"No, Ma," said Denise sternly, "I'm staying here at Penn. End of discussion. Now, if you don't mind, I'm really tired."

With that, Denise pulled the blanket over her head. Amanda frowned and got up to leave. Alexis followed her mother quietly.

"She's just as stubborn as your father," muttered Amanda bitterly as the two got into the elevator.

Meanwhile, in the Command Center, the other six Power Rangers discuss a crisis with their mentor.

"Zordon," said Tommy, "Jason, Trini, and Zack have been selected to go to Switzerland for that Peace Conference."

"I AM AWARE OF THIS, RANGERS," boomed Zordon, "LET ME BE AMONG THE FIRST TO CONGRATULATE THE THREE OF YOU."

"Its appreciated," said Trini with a smile, "But what about the Power Rangers? We can't just leave, and let Zedd win!"

"Yeah," said Zack, "I mean, anyone can go to the Peace Conference. We'll just have to tell them we said no. After all, they can't force us to go to a peace conference, can they?"

"ZACHARY, YOU, TRINI, AND JASON HAVE A DECISION TO MAKE. WHEN I CHOSE YOU TO BE POWER RANGERS, I HAD NO INTENTION TO LET THAT RESPONSIBILITY STAND IN YOUR WAY OF ACCOMPLISHMENT. IF YOU WISH TO GO TO SWITZERLAND, YOU SHOULD. IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO GO, THEN STAY. BUT DON'T LET THE FACT THAT YOU ARE POWER RANGERS BE THE REASON YOU CHOOSE NOT TO GO. IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO YOU."

"What'll happen to the team?" asked Jason.

"I WILL HAVE TO TRANSFER YOUR POWERS INTO THREE NEW TEENAGERS, BUT TO DO THAT, I SHALL NEED THE SWORD OF LIGHT."

"Where is it?" asked Tommy.

"YOU MUST ALL GO ON A MISSION TO THE DESERTED PLANET IN THE FURTHEST GALAXY TO RETRIEVE IT. IT SHALL BE A DANGEROUS JOURNEY. ZACK, JASON, AND TRINI, HAVE YOU MADE YOUR DECISION?"

The three friends look at each other in uncertainty. Finally Trini steps forward.

"I'd like to go to the conference," she said, "I'll miss all of you, but I have the feeling we could make such a difference."

"Yeah," said Zack, "Me too."

"I guess its unanimous," said Jason with a smile, "But, who's gonna replace us?"

"I SHALL CHOOSE THREE WORTHY TEENAGERS WHILE YOU ARE ON THE MISSION. GO NOW, AND MAY THE POWER PROTECT YOU."

"Zordon," said Kimberly, "What about Alexis? Shouldn't we at least contact her?"

"I SHALL CONTACT HER TO INFORM HER OF THE PRESENT SITUATION AFTER THE SIX OF YOU HAVE LEFT. THERE IS NO WAY SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO SURVIVE THE JOURNEY IN HER PRESENT STATE OF WEAKNESS."

"Okay then," said Tommy, "Its Morphin Time!! TIGERZORD!!"

"MASTADON!!"

"PTERODACTYL!!"

"TRICERATOPS!!"

"SABRE-TOOTHED TIGER!"

"TYRANNOSAUROUS!!"

The six teenagers morphed, and disappeared in streaks of bright light.

"ALPHA FIVE," said Zordon, " ESTABLISH A LINK WITH THE PURPLE RANGER."

In the Sheraton Hotel in West Philadelphia, Alexis Darling sleeps peacefully in the bed. She has only been awake for about three hours, yet she is tired all the time. Amanda watches her daughter sleep from the door.

I pray nothing is wrong with her, she thought silently, Alexis is usually so vibrant, so full of life! Now, she can't last a few hours without a nap. This is probably how it started with Denise. I don't know what I'd do if something were to happen to Alexis as well. I should get her checked out when I go pick up Denise. I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Amanda sighed and went into her adjoining room. She turned on the television, and watched the news. She didn't hear the soft tone that roused Alexis from her sleep.

"Kim?" said Alexis into her communicator, "Is that you?"

^NO ALEXIS,^ came the answer, ^ITS ZORDON.^

"Did something happen?"

^YES. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO TELEPORT TO THE COMMAND CENTER AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE.^

"I'll be right there," she said, standing up. She threw on her shoes and jacket, attached her morpher to her belt, and went to her mother's room.

"Ma, I'm gonna go for a walk, okay?"

"Sure, Honey," answered Amanda, smiling at her daughter, "So, you're feeling more energetic?"

"Yeah, Ma, I'm fine."

"Good. Just make sure to be back by seven. That's when we pick up Denise from the hospital. I'm going over to Denise's apartment to pick up Jonothan. Alice has to go out. Just be at the hospital at seven, okay?"

"You got it, Ma," said Alexis, waving to her mother. She stepped out into the hallway, and looked around. When she saw no one, she teleported in a streak of purple light to the Command Center. When she arrived, she was greeted by the sound of various alarms.

"What's going on?" she yelled over the noise.

"Ay, yi, yi!" cried Alpha 5, running from computer console to computer console, "The Power Rangers have been attacked by Serpentera!"

"Serpentera?" asked Alexis.

"LORD ZEDD'S BATTLESHIP ZORD. IT IS INVINCIBLE, AND A GREAT DEAL LARGER THAN THE MEGAZORD."

"Maybe I can help," said Alexis, holding her morpher, "I haven't tried to morph in a few days. I've been feeling better, and--"

"THE RANGERS ARE ON A DISTANT PLANET IN ORDER TO RETRIEVE THE LEGENDARY SWORD OF LIGHT. THERE IS NO WAY YOU'LL BE ABLE TO SURVIVE THE TRANSPORT, EVEN IF YOU COULD MORPH."

"The Sword of Light?"

"It's the only way to transfer the morphin energies from one to another," explained Alpha, "Jason, Zack, and Trini are going to Switzerland for the Peace Conference, and they must transfer their powers to others."

"They're leaving!" said Alexis incredulously, "And they didn't even tell me? So, since they're already gone, and there's no way I'll be able to help, what am I doing here?"

"THE RANGERS AND I HAVE BEEN WORRIED ABOUT YOU, ALEXIS. YOU HAVE CUT YOURSELF OFF FROM THEM, JUST AS TOMMY HAD DONE WHEN HE LOST HIS GREEN RANGER POWERS. IT ISN'T HEALTHY TO DEAL WITH THESE PROBLEMS ALONE. WE ARE ALL HERE FOR YOU."

"No, there's nothing anyone can do," said Alexis quietly, "Nothing at all. Look, Zordon, my sister Denise is really sick, and she needs someone to help her take care of her son. She lives in Philadelphia, and there's no one there for her. She wants to finish up school, so she won't come live with my Mother and I until next summer."

Alexis took off her communicator and left it on a console. She then held her morpher in her hand.

"I've decided to move back to Philly. At least, until she's done with school. I'll transfer back to my old high school, and finish the year there. Here, I won't be needing this."

Alexis gives he morpher to Alpha, then looks up to Zordon.

"I don't know how much longer I'll be incapacitated. It could be a permanently power loss. Maybe you can find someone else to be the Purple Ranger. Rocky, Adam, and Aisha would all make excellent Power Rangers. Alpha, could you teleport me back to the hotel, please?"

Alpha silently started typing coordinates into the computer.

"Tell Jason and the others I said goodbye," she said quietly, as she was bathed in white light.

"MAY THE POWER PROTECT YOU, ALEXIS," said Zordon in as quiet a voice as he could, "ALPHA, PLEASE TELEPORT THE THREE TEENAGERS HERE."

"Yes, Zordon," said Alpha, activating the teleporter.

Its late Thursday evening in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although it is passed midnight, the city is illuminated with bright neon lights, and the sky is murky and starless. The chill November winds cut through the city like a knife in the back, causing all its inhabitants who dare wander the streets at night to button up their winter coats to keep out the cold. But one young woman isn't trying to keep out the cold. Rather, she welcomes the cold, hoping it would numb the burning fire in her heart. Alexis Darling stands atop the roof of her sister's apartment complex in West Philadelphia, leaning against the short wall and peering out at the city. The city of her birth. She welcomes the cold like a long-lost friend, hoping to find solace within.

It's been almost a whole week since I came back to Philly, she muses, staring absently at the city below, Its not so bad being here. In fact, I kinda missed the cold. It can be so--refreshing in its own way.

The strong winds changed direction, now blowing directly into her face. The cold numbed her red cheeks, stung her emerald eyes, and whipped through her short red hair. Her purple robe blew wildly in the strong winds, but Alexis paid no heed. She was too emersed in thought to feel anything. Her gaze turned from the busy streets of the city to the pale and eerie glow of the heavens.

I hate it that one never sees the stars in a big city, she thought with a sigh, The glare of the street lights reflects off the pollution and particles in the sky, obscuring the view. At least, I think that's what Billy had said. Being up here, the wind in my face, it almost feels like I'm flying--free as a bird. Free as...an eagle. A purple eagle. With golden Mercury wings...

Alexis' eyes began to glass over as she envisioned herself soaring through the fluffy white clouds and pale blue sky of Angel Grove California, clad in a glittering purple armor that clung to the body like a second skin, granting full range of motion. The golden shield glittered in the sunlight, with the majestic emblem of a proud bald eagle on the chest. She had to admit, she was happy in Angel Grove. Although she had only lived there for three weeks, she made six life-long friends, who made her feel welcome and loved. And of course, they were super-heroes, and they all risked their lives daily for one another. They were more than just a group of friends--they were a family, united in love and power. And although Alexis still loved them all, she didn't share in the power anymore. She wasn't a Power Ranger anymore.

"Stop it!" she scolded aloud, "Stop thinking about it! You did what was necessary to preserve the Power Rangers! You'll probably be incapacitated forever, and there's no point in keeping that coin when someone else can be the Purple Ranger. You have to put the needs of the team first. That's what Tommy would say."

She then remembered what Tommy had said, back when he had caught up with her before school:

Tommy would be able to understand this feeling of--emptiness in the pit of my stomach, this lingering feeling of depression. I guess it has something to do with separating with the Power Coin, and considering how weak I've been of late, its just been murder on my body. Denise is really worried about me, since I haven't left the apartment this whole week.

Alexis glanced down at her watch. Wow, its already three in the morning. So its midnight in Angel Grove. Midnight on Friday, the day that Jason, Zack, and Trini up and leave to Switzerland. I really should've called them or something. I didn't even tell the guys face to face that I was leaving, or anything. I didn't even say goodbye, to the people that really brought out the best in a nobody from Philly...

Tears begin to spill over onto her frozen cheeks, and for once, she doesn't try to stop them. She just let them fall, at first one at a time, until they streamed out freely: the tears she held back when she moved to a new city thousands of miles from everything she knew; the tears she denied when she was captured by Lord Zedd's Putty Patrol; the tears she forced back when she saw two of her best friends, Billy and Kim, fall into a sand pit on the beach; the tears of fear she contained when she fought the monstrous Dracola all alone in her Eaglezord to no avail; the tears that threatened to fall when she decided to risk her life by using the Supreme Bomb Attack to eliminate the Dracola; the tears she hid when Zordon and Billy told her that the bomb drained so much of her personal energy that she wouldn't be able to morph; the tears she almost couldn't hold back when her mother told her about her only sister being deathly ill; and finally, the tears she tried valiantly to ignore when she handed over her Power Coin and communicator--the two items that symbolized her newly established identity--back over to Zordon, symbolically cutting herself away from the life she led during the three best weeks of her life. She had always held back those tears because she had to be strong. Not for her own sake, but for everyone else's--for her family, for Angel Grove, for the team. Now that there was no one there to bear witness, Alexis Darling, the tall, mighty, and unwavering Purple Ranger, gave way to tears. She bowed her head in grief and shame, allowing a seemingly infinite amount of tears to streak down her rosy cheeks and be absorbed in the purple cotton of her bathrobe. She stood there for hours on the roof of the apartment complex, weeping in silence, so that no one would ever see her cry. When she couldn't shed another tear, she picked herself up, her shoulders slumped in defeat, and dragged her weary body to her bedroom, where she fell into a dreamless sleep. After all, all of her dreams had been shattered.

The next morning, Kimberly is helping Trini Kwan, her best friend since fifth grade, pack her worldly possessions to leave on a trip that may very well take a year. Possibly more.

"Well," said Trini, taping one last cardboard box shut, "I think I've got everything."

"No you don't," said Kimberly, her eyes glassy and a weak smile on her face. She was holding something behind her back.

"Kim, I don't have time for this," said Trini, trying hard not to start crying. It was very hard for her to be leaving Angel Grove, her friends, and being a superhero behind, but she had to. There was so much war going on throughout the planet, and if the nations of the world don't unite in peace soon, they will never be able to defent themselves from an intergalactic threat.

Kimberly looked hurt, and pulled out a stuffed troll doll from behind her back.

"Ticklesneezer!" shrieked Trini, grabbing the doll and hugging it affectionately, "I thought I packed him last night!"

"Well, you didn't--he was under the bed. I was waiting for you to say something about him."

Trini could no longer hold back. She smiled gratefully at her best friend, tears filling her onyx eyes to the brim. He leaned over on the cream carpet and embraced Kimberly warmly. They hugged for a good five minutes, neither wanting to let go. Both girls knew that most of the deepest friendships were broken by one moving far away. And one can't move much further than Switzerland. A quiet knock on the door startled the two girls, and they broke the embrace immediately to look up at the intruder. Billy blushed furiously at the girl's stares, and looked down at his feet.

"Good morning, Billy," said Trini sweetly, standing up to greet her shy friend, "I didn't hear you come in."

"Salutations, Trini. I trust that everything is in readiness for this afternoon's excursion?"

"Huh?" asked Kim, standing up and looking at her best friend curiously.

"He asked if everything was ready for the trip," she transulated.

"I don't know what we're going to do without you, Trini," said Kim with a smile. She then grabbed both her friends' arms and led them out of Trini's room. "Everything's ready here. Let's go to the Youth Center and meet up with the others, okay?"

Both Trini and Billy nodded mutely and allowed their petite friend to authoritatively drag them out of the house to Billy's spruced-up car--the Rad Bug. Kimberly sat in the back while Billy politely opened the door for Trini. He then circled around and sat in the driver's seat. WIth a puch of a button, the engine started.

"So, how fast can this baby go?" asked Kim, "On the ground, I mean."

"Maximum ground speed is 214 miles per hour," said Billy, adjusting the mirrors, "I could probably push it to 250, but it is insignificant, since neither velocity is permitted by local authorities."

"Trini?" asked Kim, raising her eyebrow.

"It can go 214 MPH, and maybe 250 with the pedal to the metal. But it doesn't matter, since its illegal to drive that speed anyway."

"Oh. Billy, is it my imagination, or are you spewing more techno-babble than usual?"

"I profess that--"

"In English if at all possible!" said Kim frustratedly.

"I...I talk in that manner when I'm nervous, distracted, or upset." he said in what was as close to popular English as he could muster at the time.

"So, which is it?" asked Trini, "Are you nervous, distracted, or upset?"

"All of the above, I suppose. Considering that you, Zack, and Jason are leaving today, I feel very--disconcerted."

Trini was about to ask more, but she noticed that Billy had once again turned a shade redder. She didn't want to pry, so she let the subject drop. Both she and Billy fell silent while Kimberly talked excitedly about a major sale coming the day after Thanksgiving, which was next weekend. When she noticed that no one was listening to her, she promptly shut up, causing the entire car to fall into an uncomfortable silence. There was indeed a question or two lingering in the air, but neither Trini or Billy were willing to utter them. So, they went unsaid, and soon the Rad bug parked in front of the Youth Center. They climbed out of the car in silence, and entered the Youth Center. It was mostly empty, since the usual crowd of teenagers were in school that day. But Kim, Tommy, Billy, Aisha, Adam, and Rocky wanted to spend as much time as possible with their friends Trini, Jason, and Zack, and so their parents allowed all of them to take the day off. When the trio entered the room, they saw Ernie frosting a huge white cake, decorated with colorful sprinkles and bright flowers of frosting. Both Jason and Tommy were furiously pounding on two punching bags, releasing all their anger and confusion onto the lifeless masses of sawdust and leather. Zack was sitting quietly at the bar, sipping on a chocolate milk and thinking to himself. Billy, Trini, and Kim sat down beside Zack, who sat up and smiled when he saw them.

"What's going on, Zack?" asked Kimberly.

"Well, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha had a test second period, so they went for school for it. They should be getting here soon. As for Tommy and Jason, I guess they're both stressed out. I mean, Tommy is now really the leader of the team, and you all know he's always had a self-esteem problem. And Jason, he's such a man of action, and now he has to deal with passing the torch and returning to a relatively quiet life. This whole thing is gonna take some getting used to."

Trini leaned over and placed her hand on his. "What about you, Zack? How're you feeling?"

"Better than I was a few days ago," said Zack with a weak smile. He lowered his voice, "Man, I can't believe how awful I felt after giving up the Power to Adam. It felt like someone reached in and pulled my lungs out or something. I felt so--incomplete and depressed. Being a ranger was the ride of a lifetime, and I didn't realize how much I'd miss it."

"You don't regret giving up the Power, do you?" asked Kim.

"Nah, Adam'll be a great ranger. He's so smart and a great fighter--he's much better than me. I think Zordon knew what he was doing when he picked Adam to replace me."

"Yeah, I know what you mean," said Trini, starting to slouch a little, "Aisha will really be a fabulous Yellow Ranger. She's so strong-willed, and a black-belt martial artist. I've always been peaceful down deep, so I know my place really isn't on the battlefield. But Aisha seems to get a rush from a good fight, especially when she's fighting for something important. She's got a fiery spirit, and she'll be a great addition to the team."

Kim and Billy looked at each other and then at their two downcast friends.

"I do NOT believe you two!" shrieked Kim, throwing her hands on her hips and glaring at her friends, "You're feeling sorry for yourselves! This is a chance of a lifetime. You've been chosen to do what the Power Rangers will never be able to do--bring peace to the world. And stop talking about being replaced. You're NOT being replaced. Aisha will not be the same Yellow Ranger that you were, Trini, and Adam will not be the same Black Ranger as you, Zack. The team is changing, and that's that! You'll always be our friends, guys, and no one can ever change that."

Billy nodded his agreement of Kimberly's speech. Trini and Zack both stood up, and the four were immediately entangled in a group hug. They heard a little sigh from behind them, and the group separated and turned around. At the door stood Rocky, Adam, and Aisha. Aisha had a tissue, and was dabbing her eyes. Adam and Rocky didn't cry, but they had silly smiles on their faces.

"So, how was you test?" asked Trini.

"Piece of cake," said Rocky, "We studied a lot yesterday, and it paid off. So, let's start the party!!"

Ernie walked back into the main room from the kitchen, and was busy untying his apron.

"Guys, I have to make a quick stop in town. I should be back in about half an hour. Go ahead and start the party without me. Don't trash the place!"

With that, Ernie hurried out the door, leaving the nine present and former Power Rangers alone. Quite frankly, no one felt like partying, and Jason and Tommy continued to pound on the punching bags, oblivious to the world. Kimberly sighed and threw up her hands.

"I guess the work of the Pink Ranger is never done!" she declared, making her way to her stressed out boyfriend. He was so busy concentrating on the bag, he didn't even notice her approach. She tapped the tense muscle of his shoulder, and he spun around in surprise.

"Wha--oh, hey Kim," he said absently, wiping the sweat off his brow.

"Tommy, what are you thinking?" she asked directly. He only looked at her.

"Nothing important," he answered, turning back to the bag. Kim walked around and stood between him and the bag.

"Tommy, just talk to me. Everyone here is in a gloomy mood, and that's not right! We should be having fun with our friends and wishing them well on their trips. You're the leader, so you should be setting the example."

"That's the thing, Kim! I'm the leader! Why? Why did Zordon pick me to be leader? After all, he didn't even pick me to be a ranger. Rita did!"

Tommy dropped down onto the mat, sitting indian style. He rested his hands on his knees and forced his eyes shut. Kim sat down beside him and gently touched his cheek.

"Tommy," she said quietly, "Zordon did choose you. He chose you to be the White Ranger. Not Rita, not anyone else. He searched the Earth for a worthy teenager to be dubbed the White Ranger, symbol of purity and leader of the Power Rangers. He chose you."

"But, he made me the leader of the team before Jason left. Why did he do that? Jason has always been a brother to me, and he led the Power Rangers through the toughest of times. Then suddenly, Zordon introduces the White Ranger, the new leader of the team. Why? And is Jason upset with me? He was removed from command, and he didn't deserve that. I'll never be the leader that Jason is. Never."

Kimberly smiled with amusement and lifted Tommy's chin with her hand. She looked him in the eye.

"Tommy, do you think Jason was born a great leader?"

"Well, yeah, he's a natural leader."

"That's not true! Jason was always our leader, but he always had doubts. Everytime something bad happened, he blamed himself. When you lost your powers, he blamed himself for weeks! He thought he failed as a friend, as a brother, and as a leader. You see, Jason had to learn how to lead effectively, and obviously Zordon sees potential in you. He chose you to lead us, and the rest of us are behind you one-hundred percent."

Tommy smiled widely and gathered Kim in a warm embrace.

"Thanks Kim," he whispered into her ear, "You always know exactly what to say. What would I do without you?"

"Good question," she said jokingly, letting go of him, "Now, go over to the others and have some cake. I think Jason needs some talking to."

Tommy glanced over at his best friend, who was furiously punching and kicking the punching bag. Tommy nodded and went to the bar with the others. Kim walked over to Jason. He didn't notice her approach.

"What're you thinking about, Jason?" she asked, standing beside the bag.

"Everything," he answered flatly, "You wouldn't understand."

"Let me take a guess. Maybe your feeling down about no longer being a Power Ranger. Or you feel responsible to protect Angel Grove, and now you're leaving. Could it be that you're still wondering why Zordon made Tommy leader over you? Are you feeling like you've been short-changed?"

Jason looked down at Kim, who wore the most innocent smile imaginable. He couldn't help but smile and shake his head in disbelief.

"I have to admit it, Kim," he said, "You're amazing. You should be a therapist or something."

"Wanna talk about it?" she coaxed, "Everyone else is having fun and you're sitting here wallowing in self doubt. Whatever you're going through, it doesn't have to be alone."

"We're not all here," he muttered.

"What?" she asked.

"Its just that you said everyone else is having fun. You're wrong. Someone's missing--Alexis."

"Yeah," said Kim, shaking her head, "I miss her too. I mean, I've only known her for like three weeks, and she's already one of my best friends. We spent hours at the malls! And she's a great person to talk to. And," she said, nudging Jason with her elbow, "she's pretty too."

Jason started to agree, and immediately turned bright red. He stared down at Kim with a shocked expression on his face. He then started to laugh.

"You're too perceptive for your own good, Miss Hart!" he said jokingly, lightly punching her in the shoulder.

"Maybe we should go see her," suggested Kimberly, "After all, she should get a chance to say goodbye to you guys. She'll always be a Power Ranger, no matter where she lives or whether or not she has the Power."

"Zordon always said the Power cannot be used for personal gain," said Jason, "it can only be used in the line of duty. He'll never let us drop in on Alexis in Philadelphia for a visit, and we don't have time to fly there. Trini, Zack, and I leave in five hours."

"I was thinking about this, and I think I may have the answer. Come on!"

Kimberly grabbed the tall young man by the arm and dragged him the the bar with the others.

"Guys, we have to go the Command Center," she declared.

"Why?" asked Tommy, "did Zordon call?"

"No, but we have some unfinished business to take care of. Let's go!"

The others all shrugged, but Tommy nodded his consent. Jason stood beside Rocky, Trini beside Aisha, and Adam beside Zack, and the nine teens vanished in beams of colored light.

That afternoon in Philadelphia, the harsh November winds were stronger than usual. It was so cold, in fact, that there were very few people in the park. The snow fell lightly, adding a fresh dusting to the snow that fell late in the evening. Here in the park, Alexis Darling gets reacquainted with her best friend since kindergarten--Dawn Adams. Denise had insisted that Alexis get out and enjoy the cold weather. So, she had taken the liberty of calling Dawn to ask Alexis to go skating. The two girls were magnificent figure skaters, and they've spent a good portion of the winter on the frozen lake in this very same park. Dawn was busy updating Alexis on the gossip that she missed during her three weeks in Angel Grove, even though Alexis wasn't paying rapt attention.

"...and then Trish told Andrea that Nichelle had kissed Peter, right in front of Peter's girlfriend Felicia. And so Felicia dumped Peter, and now Peter wants to get back together with her, because Nichelle had kissed him because of a bet and that he didn't even like her..."

While Dawn talked and talked, Alexis stayed uncharacteristically quiet, watching the birds fly from bare tree branch to bare tree branch. Then she tried to count the snowflakes--heck, anything was more interesting than gossip about people she didn't even know well. Soon, the girls reached the frozen lake, which was all but abandoned because of the bitter cold and powerful winds. But neither girl minded the cold weather. They both sat down on a bench and began tying their skates.

"See ya on the ice, Loser!" cried Dawn, leaping out onto the ice and skating onto the middle. She then performed spins and leaps to impress the few people watching. Alexis smiled as she watched her friend skate. Dawn was an excellent skater, but Alexis was magnificent. Alexis finished tying her bright purple skates and sailed onto the ice with the grace of a soaring eagle. She closed her eyes as she glided on the slick ice, instinct guiding her safely across and around the lake. The wind blew in her face and wove through her red hair, once again giving her the sensation of being airborne. After what seemed like mere minutes, a frustrated yell snapped Alexis back into reality.

"ALEXIS!!" cried Dawn, "Snap out of it!!"

"Huh?" she said absently, coming to a stop on the ice.

"I said I'm going to get a coffee across the street. Ya want?"

"I'll meet you there in ten minutes," said Alexis, adjusting her scarf, "I wanna skate a bit more."

"We've been here for over an hour!" said Dawn, "You'll get sick!"

"Has it really been that long?" asked Alexis, startled, "I'm fine. In fact, I feel better right now than I have in days. I'll be right with you."

Dawn shrugged and hurried to the cafe. Alexis once again closed her eyes and sailed gracefully over the ice. She saw herself as the Purple Ranger, flying through the air majestically. She then saw the Red Ranger waving to her from the ground.

"Nice moves Red," said a gentle but masculine voice.

"Jason," she whispered. She then opened her eyes, and saw a tall figure in a red sweater on the edge of the lake. "Jason?!"

She practically jumped at the sight of him, and fell backwards. Turning red with embarassment, she struggled to once again stand on her feet. When she succeeded, she skated over to him.

"Jason," she panted, her face still nearly as red as her hair, "What're you doing here?"

"Well, I..uh..that is, the guys and I wanted to see you again before we go to Switzerland."

"The guys?" she said, "Where?"

She looked over his shoulder, and saw eight other teens, bundled up in color coded winter wear. She ran to them and embraced them all at once.

"Guys, what are you all doing here?!" she cried in excitement.

"We came to visit," said Kim with a bright smile, "You're not surprised, are you? I mean, just because you moved across the country doesn't mean we can't be friends!"

Alexis looked at Rocky, and noticed that he was wearing the red communicator. She then looked at the wrists of Aisha and Adam. She then smiled widely and hugged the three of them again.

"I should have known Zordon would have chosen you three!" she cried happily, "Congratulations, guys! You'll make great rangers!"

Alexis then looked around expectantly. Her face fell, and she turned to Tommy.

"So, where's the Purple Ranger?" she asked, "You could have brought her with you, ya know. I'd like to meet the one Zordon chose to carry on for me."

"What makes you think that we'd be so eager to find a Purple Ranger? After all, we have a perfectly good Purple Ranger right here!" said Tommy, pulling his hands from his jacket pocket. In his left hand was the purple morpher, and in his right hand was the purple communicator. Alexis' jaw dropped.

"But Tommy," she stammered, "I lost my powers! I'm no good to the team!"

Tommy smiled and turned to Billy, who stepped forward to explain.

"Zordon, Alpha 5, and I have been working extensively to determine the exact amount of power drain your body underwent. I believe we have come to a rather precise estimate of the time it shall take before your body regenerates enough to be able to morph. With the coin helping you, you shall be fully healed in four weeks. Without the coin, it should take about seven months."

"But, still, I live in Philly now," continued Alexis, "I won't be much good to you guys. You really need to find another ranger."

"Well, if we need you, we'll call," said Aisha, "No excuses!"

"But--"

"Stop it, Lex!" said Jason, "Look, that coin is yours. Its been in your family for generations. Zordon gave us our coins, so he has the right to take them and give them to others as he sees fit. He didn't give you your coin, so he can't very well take it, can he?"

Alexis shrugged and attached the morpher to he jeans belt. She then strapped on her old communicator. She then smiled and pulled all nine of her friends into one gigantic group hug.

"You guys are the BEST!!" she cried. When they parted, Tommy put his hand out into the center of the circle of friends.

"One last time," he said, "for all of us. We're united in duty..."

"We're bonded in love," said Kim, placing her hand on his.

"We serve and protect," said Aisha, joining in.

"With courage and honor," said Adam.

"We fight for right," said Rocky.

"And stand side by side," said Zack.

"Guided by wisdom," said Billy.

"Joined by friendship," said Trini.

"Through thick and through thin," said Alexis.

"Now and forever," finished Jason.

"POWER RANGERS!!" they all cried, throwing their hands into the air.

The friendship and love that permeated this group of young heroes was practically tangible. They were a family, and no matter how many rangers leave, and how many join, they will always be members of that family. No matter where the road of life may lead, they can always count on each other. Forever. That is the truest of friendships, and therefore the fondest of farewells.