CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
DILLON
He had been on his own before, but it was different this time. He felt so empty inside it was hard to remember why he should be around people ever again. He moved from town to town, not staying anywhere for more than a few hours as he tried to figure out who he was supposed to be now.

He was very surprised when he heard a voice cry out, "Dillon!"

He turned around and spotted Summer, and suddenly, he hurt. He hurt more than he had since he'd come back from the dead. Everything in him was screaming that he loved her and he should run to her, but he couldn't feel it, and that made him stand in place and glare at her instead.

Arms wrapped around him from behind and he realized Summer wasn't alone. "We found you! I can't believe it!" Tenaya cried in relief.

He knew he should hug her or comfort her as tears began streaming down her cheeks, but he couldn't bring himself to do that. Instead, he remained frozen in place, not reacting.

"Dillon, it's us," Summer pushed. "Say something, please!"

He shook his head and started to walk away. "Oh no you don't!" Tenaya said. That was the only warning he received before she knocked him unconscious.

When Dillon came around, he was somewhere else. He recognized it after a moment. "Great. They dragged me back to the safe house," he mumbled in annoyance. He was about to plot his great escape when he noticed Ziggy sitting by his side. Not only had he apparently fallen asleep there, but he was holding Dillon's hand, clinging to him almost like he was terrified he'd disappear if he didn't hang on tight.

"Dill..." Ziggy mumbled as he started to come around. He looked into Dillon's eyes and cried out, "Dillon! You're awake... You're here, and alive, and safe, and... And I'm here, Buddy. I'm right beside you. It's going to be okay."

Dillon didn't respond. Ziggy looked hurt. "Don't you remember me, Dillon? It's me. It's Ziggy... Your best friend? Your faithful sidekick? You didn't forget me, did you?"

Dillon pulled his hand free and tried to stand up. "Don't go!" Ziggy cried. "Dillon, you have to stay so we can fix you! I can't lose you again... I... I can't..."

To Dillon's shock, Ziggy began crying. He couldn't quite identify why, but it really hurt to witness that. Ziggy began rambling again until Dillon finally snapped, "Shut up already, Ziggy!"

Ziggy sniffled and looked at him with heartbroken eyes. "You died, Dill... You died on me... And now you're back but you aren't you and I don't know what to do about it."

Dillon sighed. "Stop crying, would you? It bothers me."

"It does?"

Dillon shrugged. "Yeah, it seems to. I just can't explain what it makes me feel."

"You remember me? And the team?"

"I remember everyone, Ziggy. I just can't feel anything."

"You were never the most emotional guy in the world to begin with."

Dillon smirked at that. "Why did they bring me here?"

"We know people who can help you, Dillon. Do you remember that? There are people who can reverse what the Flames did to you."

"The Flames didn't fully work on me. Trerry told me that much. I was newly dead and stubborn, and Trerry made sure the Flames couldn't steal my light. I just can't feel the way I think I'm supposed to."

"So we'll call Trerry, and he can fix whatever's broken in you."

"Just like that, huh?"

"Sure. Why not?"

"You make it sound so easy. I was broken way before I got resurrected, Ziggy."

"Yeah, but that was Functional Broken Dillon. Now you're emo and you're not functioning. There's a big difference."

"Did you just fucking call me emo, Ziggy?"

"If the shoe fits..."

"You're looking to die."

"Not especially. I'm just being honest. Don't try to deny it, Dill. You're emo, but it works for you most of the time."

"Are you trying to irritate me?"

"No, I'm just naturally good at it." He grinned at him.

Dillon couldn't help but laugh at his idiot friend's antics. "Alright, fine. Tell me what you're planning."

"Well, for starters... This!" Ziggy hugged him tightly. Dillon was annoyed for a minute, but then he realized it felt comforting, and soon, he felt like Ziggy's natural light filled the dark hole inside of him. It had been that way on Corinth, too. Dillon didn't need magic... He needed Ziggy.

As Ziggy sniffled, Dillon realized he was crying again. "Don't cry, Zig," he said softly. He ruffled his hair gently, which seemed to get through to Ziggy enough that he stopped sobbing.

"Don't leave me again, Dillon. Okay? You can't. Do you understand?"

"I won't," Dillon promised. "I'm not going anywhere. We've got a war to win."

ZORDON
He had sensed something, but seeing as how it was impossible, Zordon tried to ignore it. He could no longer do that when four people teleported into the Command Center.

"My God... Zordon?" A voice he'd never expected to hear again asked. "You're alive! And you look so young!"

"Katherine..." He whispered in shock. Then, he immediately braced himself for an attack.

"Zordon, wait!" Elliot said. "She's not our Katherine."

"Yeah, this Kat's alright," Stephanie added quickly.

"I'm sorry we just showed up like this, but I didn't know where else to bring Kat and Minh... Stephanie suggested this might be the best place for them until we figure out what to do."

"I assume you are Minh?" Zordon asked the teenager with them.

"Yes," Minh replied. "Minh Kwan. I can't believe I'm meeting the Zordon! This is amazing. But Uncle Zack told me you lived in some weird tube thing. He also described you as an adult."

"I was trapped outside of time for several millennia. The energy tube allowed me to communicate with the Power Rangers and other people on Earth. A few decades ago, my body was able to rejoin my consciousness in the present time," Zordon explained. "As for my age... It's a long story, but I assure you, my memories are in tact." He paused. "Kwan... So you are Trini's daughter. Yes, I see her in your features... With a bit of Quintus's mischief in your eyes."

"Quintus?"

"He was your ancestor, and he was a very dear friend of mine."

"Zordon... I know you knew me as evil here," Kat began, "but would it be possible for me to hug you? My world lost our Zordon. He sacrificed himself to save the world. Andros destroyed the tube and his life force basically purified the universe."

Normally, hugging Katherine would be extremely dangerous, but Zordon sensed the purity within Kat's soul. It was no longer just his father's illusion; this Kat was truly good.

She's your little sister, Zordon reminded himself. If there is truly good in her, you must help her.

He nodded a bit cautiously. Finding out Katherine was evil and watching her die had been difficult for him. As Kat hugged him with every ounce of warmth in her heart, Zordon couldn't help but return the gesture.

"So this is the Command Center..." Minh said in wonder. "It's so different..."

"It looks a lot like it did when I was a teenager," Kat replied. "With a few upgrades to the technology."

"Elliot... Can you explain to me how this happened?" Zordon asked.

"Initially, I was dreaming," Elliot began. "The Witch was in their realm trying to scare Minh, and I think that's what brought me there. Anyway, I ran into Rocky, and he brought me to the Command Center. He called Kat to keep me company while Billy tried to find a way to get me back home. Billy tried, but whatever he did almost killed me, so he had to stop. Kat, Minh, and I were just hanging out when the Witch showed up and attacked. Kat protected me, and Minh jumped in front of us to take the attack, but we got flung into one of Billy's inventions and the next thing we knew, we were in Stephanie's room. That was last night."

"Apparently, I invented the same thing Billy did," Stephanie continued, "and with Elliot's powers misfiring, they moved from one version to the other."

"I see..." Zordon said as he considered the situation.

"Maybe we can have Liza open a portal and send them home?" Elliot suggested.

"I'm afraid that may not be possible. If the Witch infiltrated their realm and these two ended up here, it is most likely because they belong here for the time being."

"But... JJ and Tommy will be worried sick if they come back and I'm missing," Kat replied.

"Yeah, and Uncle Zack will lose it if he realizes I'm not home on time," Minh added.

Zordon sensed what she wasn't saying. "Oh my... Trini?" He asked.

"She saved Billy," Minh replied sadly. "Mom died a hero."

"Of course she did." Zordon shook his head. "I am terribly sorry for your loss, Minh... You are aware that...?" He began.

"Mom's alive here? Yeah, Elliot told me." She paused. "I'd actually really like to see her. Is that possible?"

"If you're going to be staying with us for a bit, there is really no way to avoid it anyway. I will arrange for you to meet Trini and Brian soon."

"Brian?"

"Brian's sort of your brother, I guess," Elliot explained. "Trini has two younger daughters, but they're in Korea with their dad."

"Is Mom divorced?"

"No. Brian is one of the Chosen. He needs to be here, and Trini knows she needs to be here for the fight, too. She teleports home a couple of times a month and calls her family every day, but until the battle is done, she's usually here in Angel Grove. The girls don't know the truth about the battle or the fact that Trini is a Power Ranger. She just told them and her husband that she's working in America for a while."

"So I have siblings... Cool," Minh decided.

"You'll like Brian. He gets along with pretty much everyone," Stephanie told her.

"I'm afraid we must warn the others before we allow Kat to go wandering about... It may be difficult for them to handle seeing her," Zordon said. "I admit, I am uncertain how to approach the subject."

"You should probably start with Tommy," Stephanie said. "I imagine he is going to have the hardest time adjusting. She paused. "Actually, Thorn and Caleb might have a tougher time, considering she killed poor Caleb!"

"I did what?" Kat asked in horror.

"Evil You killed her nephew's boyfriend before anyone knew she was evil. He came back, but no one knew he could do that back then."

"My God... No wonder everyone is so nervous about me being here. I was awful!"

"Well, we Rangers are good with weird, so I'm pretty sure most people will accept that you're different from her once they get to know you."

"Oh my... I was going to warn you Katherine was somehow back, yet here she stands," a voice said from the doorway.

"Caius, she is not who you believe her to be," Zordon said quickly.

"I saw her standing in the Command Center, but I assumed you would be under attack... Visions so often leave out the little details. Before I assume the worst, why don't you explain this to me, Zordon?"

"This Kat comes to us from a different realm... One in which she is good."

"Pardon my skepticism, but you believed her to be good once before, my friend."

"I cannot blame you for being concerned. Katherine did something truly horrific to your son."

"Yes... But this is not the Katherine who was responsible for that. I cannot hold one's actions against the other. It would be quite unfair."

"It helps if you think of her as Kat, not Katherine," Elliot said. "She's what Kat always claimed to be."

"I will bear that in mind," Caius replied.

"Where is the bitch?" Anise snapped as she teleported into the Command Center with Keilah. Anise had a spell in her hands ready to go.

"I'm here for melting duty," Keilah added.

Kat visibly paled. "Oh dear..." She mumbled.

"Everyone, stop," Zordon said firmly.

"Zordon, I know she's our sister, but this skank tried to kill you!" Anise reminded him.

"Sister?" Kat repeated in shock.

"Anise, this is not the Katherine we knew. Please lower your spell," Zordon said.

"I don't care where she's from! She's made of our father's darkness! There's no good in her," Anise replied firmly.

"I'm afraid I'm a bit lost," Kat admitted.

"Anise, I feared the worst as well, but I sense no evil in this part of Katherine," Caius said gently.

"If there's no one to melt, I'm needed on Eltar," Keilah said. "Are you sure you're good, Zordon?"

"Go on, Keilah. There is no emergency," Zordon replied.

"Call me if that changes." She vanished into a portal.

"She's... Interesting?" Kat said nervously.

"Keilah is one of my cousins," Zordon replied.

"Yes, on the subject of family... What exactly did this young lady mean when she called me your sister?"

"Watch who you call young lady," Anise said sharply. "I may be immortal, but I've been alive for over ten millennia."

"Anise is my twin sister," Zordon explained. "I was unaware of her existence because my father hid her outside of the timeline and told everyone she was stillborn." He paused. "Kat... I learned about two years ago that you are, in fact, my younger sister. Our father was evil for a long time. When I was a teenager, he realized my loyalty to him would fail, so he moved forward in time and created you from his own darkness to be used as a weapon against me."

"I don't understand... I was born in Australia. My parents were-"

"Tulpas," Anise cut her off. "Our dad created them and used a powerful spell to hide your evil so thoroughly even the Zeo Crystal was fooled. Rita briefly activated your evil when you were a teenager, but that was undone and you remained what Dad wanted everyone to think you were. As he started to return from the dead, your darkness finally started coming out. Rita turned you evil again, but this time, you willingly agreed to it, and when you did, the evil took full control of you. You killed your nephew's boyfriend and Rocky in the same day."

"Rocky? I... I killed Rocky?" Kat's horror was clear.

"He's alive," Zordon reassured her quickly. "Adam and Casey's daughter, Sage, resurrected them both at great risk to her own health. Thankfully, she survived."

"Who's Casey?"

"She was Tommy's sister," Elliot replied. "She doesn't always exist in other realms. She actually saved the Green Ranger powers when Tommy lost them and joined the team. She remained with them straight through Turbo and was a Retro Ranger with Adam."

"What about David?"

"He's here, too. They were triplets. David's still alive and well, but Casey sacrificed herself to save the Power Coins."

"Oh, poor Adam... He must have been devastated! And I can't even imagine what it did to Tommy..." Her horror was clear as she held back tears.

Anise hesitated. "Was she this convincing as a teenager?" She asked Zordon.

"She was, but I believe Kat's reaction is genuine," Zordon replied.

"I hate to see others in pain," Kat replied. "Especially when I care about them."

"Kat's been great since I lost my mom," Minh confirmed. "I love Uncle Zack, but sometimes a girl needs a woman's help. Kat and Kimberly both look out for me."

"I'm sorry for the delayed question, but we haven't met. Who are you?" Anise asked.

"Minh Kwan. I'm Trini's daughter."

"Ah yes," Caius said thoughtfully. "I thought I saw a bit of Quin in those eyes."

"So... I'm your sister," Kat said to Zordon and Anise as she tried to process it. "My whole life was a lie... And I'm made from evil. You said our father's back... What happens if I meet him?"

"Dad's not evil anymore," Anise replied. "It's complicated, but the Witch was basically controlling him for all that time. He finally broke free, and he's changed."

"So he won't try to turn me evil?"

"No... But he's probably not going to know what to do with you. Dad sort of killed you because it was the only way to stop you. Our uncle, Elgan, cleansed your soul, so maybe you won't turn. I can't say for sure. The real issue is Jezzeff. He's going to want to get his hands on you. The other Katherine was his most loyal lackey. And Jezzeff has Flames that can steal a person's light and turn them evil."

"Rita had that, too."

"Rita's were weak. That's why the spell was able to be broken fairly easily. Only Jezzeff and Dad have the real deal. That's a lot more complicated to reverse, and given you come from our father's darkness, I'm not sure if it would be possible to fix you if Jezzeff used the Flames on you."

"We will not take that risk," Zordon said firmly. "I will find a way to protect you, Kat."

"Thank you, Zordon," Kat replied softly.

"Of course. I was always rather fond of you. It was... difficult to watch you walk the path you ended up on."

A squeak of surprise alerted Zordon to the fact that Briar had quietly snuck into the room. "Aunt Kat..." She said softly.

"You know her?" Zordon asked.

"No, actually... But I've seen her when I've walked the time line. Why aren't you evil? Your energy is good."

"Forgive her," Anise said with a laugh. "Briar's blunt."

"This is my daughter, Kat. She comes to us from the future," Zordon explained.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Briar," Kat replied. "And I'm not evil because... Well, I'm just not." She laughed a bit awkwardly.

"That's a relief. Evil Kat kind of scares me. Also, you look better without the red eyes and blue skin," Briar decided.

"I... I beg your pardon?"

"When our father resurrected you after your initial demise, you returned with your naturally blue Eltarian skin and with red eyes. I'm not certain why your eye color changed. It was a bit unsettling," Zordon replied.

"It's unsettling to me, too," Kat said, shaking her head.

"Zordon... I think before you do anything else it is best you contact your father about this situation," Caius said. "I should go warn my son. I'm afraid this news may shake him up."

"Of course. Thank you, Caius," Zordon replied.

"Elliot, you might as well come home with me. And I'd be happy to give Stephanie a lift."

"Works for me," Stephanie agreed.

"Minh, Kat, if you need me, call me," Elliot said before the three of them left.

"Anise..." Zordon began.

"I'm staying," Anise said. "In case Dad has any issues."

Zordon suspected that was a very good idea. "I'll call Grandpa!" Briar offered cheerfully.

"Actually, Briar, if you would not mind, could you bring Minh downstairs? I would appreciate if you and Dale kept her company for now," Zordon replied.

"Okay, Dad," she replied. "Come on, Minh. I'll give you the tour!" She took the older teenager's arm in her own and led her away.

"Anise, if you would...?"

"I'll go get our father. You stay with Kat," Anise agreed.

"Should I be nervous about meeting him?" Kat asked as Anise left the room.

Zordon refused to lie to her. "I'm not certain what is about to happen," he admitted.

"He makes you nervous," Kat observed.

"Sometimes," Zordon admitted. "Our relationship is a bit... complicated."

"Is he really a good man now?"

"He is... But occasionally, my mind momentarily forgets that he has changed."

Kat placed her hands over his in an extremely reassuring way. "I can tell you've been through a lot," she said sympathetically.

Zordon was started by how natural her touch felt. This is what could have been if Father hadn't tainted her with his darkness, he thought sadly. Whatever happens, I will protect this sister from the darkness I could not protect her other self from.

ZELL
He sensed something troubling but could not understand it. He tensed as he tried to figure it out.

"Zell? Are you okay?" Aiyana asked.

"I... I'm not certain, my dear one," he replied honestly.

"You sense it, too... Someone tied to you is here but doesn't belong."

He sighed. There was no denying it to himself now. "Yes, my sweet Aiya... It is my daughter, Katherine."

"Katherine? You never mentioned her before."

"It's difficult for me to think about her. I created her with horrible intentions. I knew her mother would not survive childbirth, but I did not care. All I wanted was the power Katherine was meant to bring me." He shook his head. "She was a failsafe, born to stop Zordon if he turned on me. I am so sorry, my darling... To think I ever tried to destroy our son..." He couldn't look at her.

"That wasn't you, Zell," Aiyana reminded him gently.

"I killed her..." He whispered. "When she tried to do the very thing she was created to do, I put her down to save our son." He felt tears in his eyes that he tried to hide from her, but Aiyana reached up to gently wipe them away. "I despise myself for being unable to save her. I damned her to that fate the moment I ensured her conception."

"Zell..." Aiyana sighed before hugging him tightly. "If Katherine has returned, there must be a reason. Maybe you're meant to help her now."

"She is dangerous, my dear one..."

"So were you once," Aiyana reminded him. "There are no lost causes, except perhaps for Jezzeff and the Witch."

"That is such a Mom thing to say," Anise said with a laugh. "Sorry. I let myself in. I take it you know?"

"That Katherine has returned? Yes," Zell replied.

"It's not this realm's Katherine. We're apparently calling her Kat, and she isn't evil, or so it seems."

"Katherine fooled everyone, including herself. My spell enabled her to radiate such purity she even fooled the Zeo Crystal."

"Yeah, that was my concern, but Caius seems to think she's trustworthy. So does Zordon, but that could be wishful thinking on his part." She paused. "Kat's at the Command Center. She's expecting you."

"You told her about me?"

"The abridged version, but yes. I sort of slipped and said she was our sister in front of her, so we kind of had to tell her."

"What can you tell me about her?"

"From what I can tell, she's from a dimension where things are similar but different. Trini died, but she had a daughter, Minh. She's here, too. They were with Elliot, so I assume he accidentally brought them here."

"That would explain it." Zell sighed. "Very well. Bring me to her. Hopefully, it will not trigger her darkness."

"I'll go with you," Aiyana offered. "I think I can shield her from her dark side with a variation of a spell Grandfather taught me that enables one to block off the different parts of their soul."

The idea of any part of Daphne getting close to Katherine troubled him. After all, she'd nearly killed Andie and her friends when he'd sent her to retrieve Andie, Darcy, and Greg for him. Still, he knew Aiyana's magic was strong, and Daphne had a tendency to bring out the good in people, even those who had very little left inside of them. She's done it with Zutan despite Zell's best efforts to taint him beyond repair. Between Daphne and Rosemary, Zell had never been able to fully destroy the good in Zutan's heart.

"Thank you, Aiya. That is very kind of you," he replied.

"I'll keep Mom safe if things go sideways," Anise said, reading him as easily as she usually did.

"Thank you, my dear," he replied softly.

Together, they headed to the Command Center. Zordon looked surprised to see Aiyana. "Aiyana has come to help protect Katherine," Zell explained.

"Call me Kat, please," Kat replied quickly, her nerves obvious. "It's, um... It's nice to meet you both."

"Hi, Kat," Aiyana said since Zell was stunned into silence at the sight of his daughter. Knowing she was alive was one thing. Seeing her in the flesh was quite another. "You can call me Aiya. It's nice to meet you, too."

Kat seemed to relax slightly. "So, I just found out I was adopted," she replied, trying to lighten the mood. "By tulpas, apparently... I'd love to get to know my family better. I'm honored to have Zordon for a brother, and Anise seems great, too... Aiya, how do you fit into this?"

"I'm the reincarnation of your father's wife," Aiyana replied.

"Oh... So you're my stepmother then? You seem young, but so did Anise, and she's apparently several millennia old, so..."

"I'm only twenty," Aiyana replied.

"And are you and my father involved?"

"We are," Aiyana confirmed.

Zell tensed as Zordon gave him a purely homicidal look. He was certain his son was about to murder him for the second time, and he couldn't blame him. Anise stepped between them before Zordon could attack.

"Father, she is practically still a child!" Zordon snapped.

"My soul has a very complicated past with Zell," Aiyana explained to Kat before Zell could speak. "Before I was his wife, I was his first love, killed when we were children. When I was Daphne, unfortunately, the Witch drove him mad and the relationship was incredibly toxic, but he's the Zell Oralee knew now. He is a good man." She turned toward Zordon. "While I appreciate your concern, Zordon, I am an adult, and given my life experiences, I'm far more mature than Daphne was. I know what I'm doing, and the choice is mine to make."

Zell watched as Zordon visibly struggled with this. Anise put a gentle hand on his arm to stop him before he did something he couldn't take back. "I cannot stop you, Aiyana, but I do not approve," he finally said.

"You aren't the only one. I'm afraid Lido is rather upset by my choice as well, but this is my destiny, Zordon. Oralee was meant to be Zell's beloved. The Witch robbed us of that opportunity, and she turned his love for Daphne into something dark and destructive. This is our chance to get things right."

Zordon sighed. "You would not be you if you were not incredibly forgiving," he said. "Please, do what you can to help Kat."

"I'm going to seal this part of you off from the rest of your soul, Kat," Aiyana explained. "It will keep the darkness from taking control."

"Thank you for your help, Aiya. I appreciate it. I heard what I was like before. I don't want to become that," Kat replied.

"You won't," Aiyana promised. "I sense only good within you. I intend to help you remain that way."

She nodded. Aiyana began to work her magic. As she did, Zell finally spoke. "Kat... I am terribly sorry. I fear the you in this realm never had a chance because of how I created her. She deserved better," he said.

"Let's start with getting to know each other," Kat replied warmly. "You don't owe me any apologies, because we've never met. I am very curious to get to know you. What was Zordon like as a teenager?"

Zell smiled slightly. "Rebellious, but mostly quite dutiful. Really, the worst thing he did to defy me was to put that horrific adornment in his ear."

"Wait... Zordon had an earring?" Kat started laughing.

Zell shrank slightly as he remembered the rest. "I rather cruelly tore it out of his ear in anger... I never apologized for that, Zordon. I'm sorry."

Zordon looked surprised. "It's alright, Father," he replied. "I just pierced it again after my ear healed."

"Yes, I was rather stunned by your boldness to do that again after I hurt you. It's why I did not remove it a second time."

"I suppose I won that one." Zordon smiled sadly. "It really was childish of me. It looked ridiculous."

"It wasn't so bad," Anise said with a laugh. "When you were resurrected and lost your adult memories, you actually pulled the look off well."

Zordon blushed slightly. "Kat, I did not tell you... We have other siblings," he changed the subject quickly. "Topaz is Felina's son. He was born slightly before your conception, however Felina believed she lost him until recently. Lachlan is Amareese's. He is the youngest of us."

"So I'm the second-youngest?" Kat asked.

"Yeah, Lach's still a teenager," Anise confirmed. "He was born in the sixteenth century, but raised much later in time, just like you."

"Well, I've got a brand new family! I don't see this as a bad thing. I lost my parents when I was eighteen. It will be nice to have siblings, a father, and a stepmother while I'm here. I just wish you could meet JJ. He's pretty great."

"JJ?" Anise asked.

"He's my son. He's off camping with his dad right now. They don't even know I'm missing." She looked sad for a moment before her smile returned. "At least I'll have a heck of a story to tell them when I get back home!"

She was so full of light it was astounding. Zell curiously examined her energy. What he found surprised him. "Elgan," he whispered.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Kat asked.

"My brother, Elgan, cast a purification spell on the remains of your soul after I destroyed your counterpart. I feel that magic within you. His light touched you, even in your realm, and purified you. That is why you never turned. His magic sealed only the good within you, just as Aiya's magic is doing. She is simply strengthening what is already there."

Anise paused. "We might as well make if official... Who's up for the most awkward family lunch ever? I'll call Lach and Topaz," she said.

"I'd love that, actually," Kat replied.

"Briar and Dale can come up and join us... And I'll invite Uncle Elgan, our cousins Zizi and Mena, and Zordon's fiance."

"Fiance? Congratulations!" Kat said with a bright smile.

"Watch this," Anise said to Zell with a mischievous smirk. To Kat, she added, "Yeah, he's marrying Rita Repulsa."

Kat's jaw dropped. She stared at Anise. "Are you messing with me?"

"Only a little," Anise replied with a laugh. "He is engaged to Rita, but she's not evil. Dad used his Flames on her when she was a teenager, but when she died to  save her daughter a couple of years ago, it purified her. She's alive again and is a force of Good. Speaking of Angie, I should invite her, too."

Anise walked away, presumably to invite everyone else, and Zell braced himself for what was probably going to be a very uncomfortable family meal.

LILY
She stood with Theo, uncertain of her plan but determined to try anyway. She had to protect the baby.

"Lily... This is a surprise," Zedd said as he opened the front door. "And Theo. Is there something I can do for you?"

"First of all, I have to tell you something," Lily began.

"Come on inside. Sage is out with Thorn and Caleb, and Koda's off with AJ and Chase, so no one's home right now."

They followed him into the house. Theo sat beside Lily on the couch as Zedd sat in one of the chairs in the living room.

"Zedd... I'm sorry to have to tell you, but your uncle Xanti is dead," Lily said.

Zedd nodded. "I see... It was long overdue," he replied. "The rest of my uncles have been dead for millennia."

"He died a noble death, Zedd. He sacrificed his life to save me."

"Did he?" His surprise was clear. "I guess he was worth sparing after all." He paused. "Wait. Did Jezzeff kill him?"

"Yes."

"Damnit to hell! What a fool! Does Jezzeff even realize incubus powers don't work like other magic? You know what? I hope he can't figure out how to feed with Zell's spell on him and he starves! Good riddance." He shook his head. "I'm glad you are safe, Lily. It should have occurred to me that Jezzeff would target you. It only makes sense for my power to follow Xia's."

"If there's logic to the order of the killing, who would be next?" Theo asked.

"Hmmm... I'd guess Quin's line. Of the powers that are left, his would compliment mine the best. Fire power feeds an incubus better than almost anything. Then it would be the Grant line. He should have already gotten Raven's line, but that attempt failed, so they'll have to be last."

"Zedd... There's another reason we came here," Lily said. "We need help. I know incubi and succubi can do things others can't, and I was hoping you could, well..." She stood up and took his hand before placing it on her stomach.

"You're pregnant," he realized. "Congratulations."

"Thank you... Zedd, when Aisha had your children, they were all delivered within four days. Can you do that for me? I don't think it's safe for me to remain pregnant with this baby for long."

He looked a bit ashamed when she brought up Aisha, but he quickly put his feelings aside. "Magically progressing a pregnancy is easy enough for our kind, but it's not exclusively an incubi or succubi trick. Zell's done it more than once, and he's not the only sorcerer to pull it off. It just takes a lot of power. Anyway, yes, Lily. I will do this for you, but you should know something first."

"Alright... What is it?"

"You said baby. As in one."

Lily's eyes widened. "Are you saying...?"

"You're carrying twins, Lily."

Theo paled significantly. "Twins?" He repeated. "Oh boy... We were surprised by the news of one baby..." Then he smiled, looked at Lily, and said, "It's twins, Lil!"

She smiled back before turning serious again as she looked at Zedd. "Is it possible to progress two babies at once?" She asked.

"Yes, of course. It's a bit more complicated, but it's nothing I can't handle," Zedd replied. "When do you want to do this?"

"As soon as possible."

"Do you have supplies yet?"

"We can get that stuff after the babies are safe."

"Very well."

"Lily, wait... Shouldn't the Godparents be present for this?" Theo asked.

"I'd like that, actually. Zedd, can we do this at our safe house?" Lily asked.

"Certainly." He focused before grabbing onto them both. They were transported to the safe house instantly.

"Incubi sure know how to travel," Theo mumbled.

"Holy cow!" Fran cried. "Where did you guys come from?"

"Ah, Zedd! I didn't know we were expecting guests," RJ said casually as he looked up. "Lily, Theo, do you want to fill us in?"

"Jezzeff tried to steal my powers and life force," Lily began. "I'm okay, and so are the babies, but-"

"Hold up... Babies? As in plural?" Casey asked.

"Yeah, we just found out, too," Theo replied.

"Awww, congratulations! I'm so excited for you guys!" Fran said.

"As am I, but maybe we should get back to the whole an evil immortal asshole tried to kill you bit," RJ said. "What happened?"

"Mistress Cheetah's minion saved her," Theo replied in a slightly teasing tone.

"I thought they all died," Casey said in confusion.

"Xanti wasn't like the others," Lily replied. "And he was related to me, so honestly, it stings a bit that he died for me. Right now, though, I need to focus on making sure the babies stay safe. Zedd is here to progress my pregnancy."

"But you haven't taken any birthing classes yet!" Fran protested. "I'm supposed to be your coach."

"And I'm sure you'll do an amazing job of it, Fran, with or without classes," RJ said. "Lily's right. The babies need to be delivered now before Jezzeff can attack them again."

"We wanted you three to be here for this," Theo said. "You're our babies' family, too. And you're all Godparents."

"Really?" Fran asked in excitement.

"How are all three of us Godparents?" Casey asked.

"Fran gets to be Godmother to both," Lily replied. "RJ will be one's Godfather and Casey will be the other one's."

"I'm honored," RJ replied with a grin.

"Are you ready, Lily?" Zedd asked.

"I am," Lily replied.

"Very well." He touched her stomach and focused. Lily felt the energy flowing into her. Rapidly, she grew stronger, and so did the babies. She watched in mild fascination as her stomach expanded, naturally adapting to the needs of her growing children.

"We're almost there," Zedd said after several minutes. "Someone, get me blankets for the children, and one to cover Lily for privacy."

The next thing she knew, Zedd was instructing her to partially undress beneath the blanket. As her labor began, she could focus on nothing except the pain. Zedd shifted his focus, using his energy to ease her pain as Fran tried to help her breathe through it. She squeezed Theo's hand too tight, but he hid his pain well and didn't let go or try to free himself from her grasp.

As the babies started to make their way into the world, Lily's energy began to drain. She felt weak and sick.

"I need another incubus," Zedd said. "RJ, do you know how to deliver a baby?"

"Well, I'm great at delivering pizzas. How different can it be, right?" RJ replied casually.

"What?!" Theo snapped, sounding mildly panicked.

"Relax, Theo. I'm kidding. I actually do know how to deliver a kid. I delivered one in Jungle Karma Pizza once. One of our regulars went into labor mid-slice."

"I'll be right back, Lily. I'm going to get help," Zedd said.

RJ took over the delivery. "You're doing great, sweetheart," he told her, but it was obvious he was worried.

"RJ... There's a lot of blood," Casey said softly.

"Blood? What's wrong?" Theo demanded.

"Keep breathing, Lily," Fran said, trying to draw her attention away from them. "Hee-hee-hoooo... Hee-hee-hooo..."

Lily was finding it harder to keep up with her breathing, but she tried. She had to stay strong. Her babies were in trouble.

"Never fear! Your snack is here," a voice said. "Hello, Lily. I'm Braydee of Eltar. This is Ezzex. Ezz is my snack for after I help you. Now, let's bring these beautiful little ones into the world!"

Lily was far too weak to argue. As Braydee fed his energy into her, Zedd explained, "The babies are in distress and are draining your life force. It's a natural reflex for them in this situation, one they can't control yet. You're going to be alright, Lily. I'm healing you as Braydee keeps a steady flow of energy going into you."

Lily nodded as she kept breathing. "Okay, sweetheart, time to push!" RJ said after a couple of minutes of conversation that became little more than white noise to her.

Somehow, she found the strength to push. Casey and Theo kept saying encouraging things to her as she delivered the first baby.

"Congratulations!" RJ said. "It's a girl."

"A girl?" Theo repeated. His smile was full of pure joy, and that made Lily briefly forget about the pain and the fact that she was still losing blood and was not finished yet.

RJ passed the baby to Theo. Theo beamed at her as he cradled her in his arms. "She's beautiful," he said.

"Looks like her twin's eager to debut," RJ said. "Lily, this is it... I need you to push, and a big push this time."

"Is something wrong?" Casey asked while Theo tried to remain outwardly calm as he soothed the crying little girl in his arms.

"The baby is struggling a little, but it's going to be okay," RJ said in a reassuring tone. Lily knew he was worried.

"What's the situation?" Ezzex asked.

"Well, this little one's managed to turn upside-down and their feet are coming first," RJ replied, trying to keep his tone casual like that was no big deal.

"Lily, I know we just met, but do you mind if I take a look?" Ezzex asked.

Lily cried out in pain in response. "Right. I'll take that as an invitation," Ezzex decided. He knelt in front of her and nodded. "I've got this."

"You're going to do something crazy, aren't you?" Braydee asked with a laugh.

"Have you met me, Bray?" Ezzex replied. "Alright, Lily, on three, go ahead and push." He took a deep breath. "One... Two... Three!"

Lily forced herself to push as Braydee gave her even more energy.

"Hang on," Ezzex said.

Lily was startled as she felt the baby literally flying out of her. RJ cut the umbilical cord as Ezzex caught the baby in midair. "It's a boy!" Ezzex announced. "Handsome little one. Strong, too. Congratulations."

"How the heck did you do that?" Theo asked in wonder.

"Oh, I'm pyrokinetic and telekinetic. The pyro's not so useful in this situation, but I figured if I can move objects through the air without touching them, why not a baby?" Ezzex replied.

Braydee was laughing. "Nice work, Ezz!" He said.

"I like the way you think," RJ decided.

Casey took the crying boy into his arms and snuggled him for a moment before showing him to Lily and Theo. Lily wanted to hold him, but she was still losing blood.

"I can only heal so much right now," Zedd said. "I used a great deal of energy to progress things."

"I've got her," Braydee replied. "Forgive me, but I need to give the new mother a kiss."

"Will it save her?" Theo asked.

"Of course it will. I can't leave these little ones without a mom. I'd normally ask her for consent, but seeing as how she's nearly unconscious, I'll settle for yours, Hubby."

"Do it," Theo said. "Save my wife."

The next thing Lily registered were Braydee's lips on hers. She fed furiously, draining every ounce of energy she could. She felt her body growing stronger. Even once she was fully healed, she couldn't seem to stop kissing the incubus.

"Easy, darling. He's taken," Ezzex said with a laugh. He stroked Braydee's neck with his index finger, which made Braydee pull away.

"Sorry..." Lily mumbled in embarrassment.

"It's okay," Braydee replied. "Congratulations! Now, if you'll excuse us, I'm starving. Ezz?"

Ezzex wrapped his arms around Braydee and kissed him passionately before they vanished the way only an incubus or succubus could.

"Are you okay, Lily?" Theo asked.

"I'm amazing, actually. He's a very strong incubus," Lily replied.

"Yes, I believe he is either as strong as Taylor and I or slightly stronger," Zedd confirmed. "It's why I called him. Since we no longer have Bartello and Reyzzo is evil, Braydee was the best option."

"Someone give me one of my babies," Lily demanded. She was desperate to hold them.

Theo passed their daughter to her before taking their son from Casey. Lily was blown away by the fact that they were holding their children in their arms.

"So, have you thought about names?" Fran asked.

"We did actually have that conversation," Lily replied. "For a girl, we decided on Karma."

RJ grinned. "I love it," he said.

"Her middle name is Eloise, because without her intervention, Theo wouldn't have been here and our babies wouldn't exist."

"That's very fitting," Casey decided. "And for your son?"

"Are you naming him Jungle?" RJ joked. "Or Pizza?"

"Not quite," Theo replied with a laugh.

"I insisted on Theodore," Lily replied. "But we never settled on a middle name."

"I know it's a little unusual, but what about Ezzex?" Theo suggested. "He did just save our son's life."

Lily nodded. "Theodore Ezzex," she agreed.

"Welcome to the world, Karma Eloise and Theodore Ezzex Martin," RJ said grandly. "You two sure know how to make an entrance!"

As Theo took Karma and handed Theodore to Lily, she finally understood what pure joy felt like.

TRINI
The phone call from Zordon had certainly come as a surprise. It felt surreal to be heading to the Command Center to meet her daughter from another realm, especially when Trini was not alive in that world. Still, she was determined to be there for the girl while she could be.

"Mom... Something's not right," Brian said as he tensed.

"What do you sense?" Trini asked.

Before Brian could answer, Jezzeff stepped out of the bushes. Brian immediately manifested a ball of fire in his hands. "I am not in the mood for this today," he said firmly.

"Then walk away, Brian. This is not about you," Jezzeff replied. He pulled out a ritual dagger.

"Mom, go! Have the Alphas teleport you inside!" Brian cried.

"I'm not leaving you," Trini replied firmly. "We'll handle this jerk together!" She assumed a fighting stance. Her son might be Chosen, but his team wasn't with him. He was still her little boy, and she wasn't about to let him fight off Jezzeff on his own.

Their battle began. "Alphas, we need backup!" Trini said. "Brian and I are under attack by Jezzeff!"

"Ay-yi-yi! We will send help to your location immediately, Trini!" Five replied.

Brian knocked Trini out of the way of Jezzeff's dagger before having to dive sideways to avoid a magical attack. He landed badly and groaned in pain.

Jezzeff focused on Trini. She began to fight him, using every bit of her training. Jezzeff clearly preferred swords to hand-to-hand combat, but he was still holding his own decently.

She was expecting the rest of the Chosen to arrive any second, but until they did, she knew she had to keep fighting. She kicked Jezzeff backward, but he recovered quickly, and he lunged at her with the dagger. He knocked her to the ground. She hit her head and was seeing stars as Jezzeff raised the dagger into the air. Trini braced herself for the inevitable pain that would follow.

"Leave my mom alone, you jerk!" A girl shouted as she teleported in. She jumped at Jezzeff from behind, wrapping her arms around his neck and using the rest of her body weight to pull him backward until he stumbled off of Trini and fell onto the ground.

The girl who must be Minh was fully morphed in a suit Trini knew all too well. She assumed a fighting stance as Jezzeff got back on his feet and took over fighting him. Brian finally stood up and joined in, using a fire attack as Minh focused on Martial Arts. Jezzeff couldn't quite adapt to being attacked in two entirely different ways at once, especially since he clearly had no idea who Minh was. He cursed before teleporting away.

"Language!" Brian scolded him as he vanished.

"Mom!" Minh cried. She removed her helmet and ran into Trini's arms. "I made Alpha send me. He wasn't going to, but I heard you calling for help, and I couldn't let it happen again... I couldn't..." She was sobbing.

Trini held the girl and automatically began stroking her hair soothingly. "Shhhh, sweetheart... I'm okay," she reassured her. "You saved me."

"I saved you?" Minh repeated. She sniffled. "I saved you." She started sobbing harder, burying her face in Trini's shoulder.

"You did great, Minh," Brian said gently as he rubbed her back to comfort her.

"Come on, sweetheart. Let's get inside where it's safe," Trini suggested. "Then we can talk."