GREG

He nearly collapsed as the sense of danger hit him. "Greg? Are you okay?" Darcy asked.

"It's... It's Eltar," he said. "Something's wrong. I can feel it... We have to help them!"

"We can't just run to another planet blindly," Pierce said.

"They need help... My friends are there, Pierce! Innocent people are in danger!"

Greg never raised his voice like that. He had everyone's attention. "We can call Vida and ask her to check in with Andros," Andie said practically.

"There's no time! We have to help them!" Greg insisted.

Suddenly, a portal opened and dumped several people on the grass. One of them literally landed at Greg's feet. "Mena?" He asked in surprise.

Mena saw him and began sobbing. She flung her arms around his neck and Greg tried to comfort her. "What's going on? I can feel that something happened," he said.

"The Rebels attacked the Counsel Building... Everyone's dead or dying... We have to go back, Greg! My... My father... And Nessa... They're still there... I have to go back... I have to help them..." Mena said. Her tone made it clear she was in shock.

"Mena? Holy shit, what happened?" Van asked as he joined them.

"The Rebellion... They... They killed everyone, Van..." Mena said as she seemed to struggle to calm herself down.

"The Rebellion was on Eltar?" Van looked genuinely stunned.

"Did you know about this?" Pierce demanded.

"Pierce!" Scott protested.

"His fucking father is part of that Rebellion, Scott! Until you found out, so was he!"

"Van's not-"

"Van?" Mena asked, the hurt clear in her voice. "Is that true?"

Van nodded. "Yes," he said. "They recruited my father after my mom died... But I never wanted to be part of it. And no, Pierce, I didn't know. I'd have warned you guys if I did. I understand why you had to ask, though. I'm not offended, so let it go, Scott."

"We have to find Zordon," Mena said. "My father said... He said to get to Zordon."

"I'll call Vida and see if she can get us in touch with him," Darcy said.

"Maybe I can help heal some of the injured," Andie said. She set to work.

"He made me leave, Greg..." Mena said in tears. "My father made me leave so I could help the others, but... But he was shot by a Rebel with a reputation for never missing a mark... Neptune shot him. He's dying."

Pierce looked horrified. "That's impossible..." He said. "He's with Sophie..."

Darcy squeezed his hand as she returned. "Pierce, you're learning to heal, right?" She asked. "Go help my sister, okay?"

Pierce nodded and walked away. Greg looked at Darcy. "Any luck with Vida?" He asked.

"She said she's going to call Tommy or Kira and see if Zordon can help," Darcy said. "It's a little complicated... He's not what the Eltarians might expect at the moment."

"I have to go back, Greg... I have to!" Mena insisted.

"No, Mena... Let us get you to Zordon. We will get help to Eltar. I'll go myself if I have to," Greg promised.

"No you won't," Darcy said firmly, surprising him. "It's too dangerous, Greg. We're not prepared for this. We need to send people who are."

"They need help-"

"This is essentially a terrorist attack, Greg. The Rebels are extremists and they set out to slaughter innocent people. If we run in there blind, we'll either end up getting in the way or getting ourselves killed. Vida can get in touch with the right people." She looked like she wanted to run off and help, too, but she was obviously trying to be a good leader.

Greg sighed. "You're right," he said. "Mena, the best thing we can do right now is help you guys get to Zordon."

Mena nodded. "He'll save them... The Great Sage of Eltar will fix this somehow," she said. It was clear she was trying to convince herself of that more than she was trying to convince him.

"The children..." A woman began screaming. "They were innocent... Helpless... They slaughtered them just for sport!"

"Children?" Scott asked in horror.

"There was a field trip at the Counsel Building," Mena said numbly. "They were the first ones killed."

Van's eyes went wide in shock. "They killed kids?" He asked. "They... They wouldn't... They..." He shook his head. "I have to go." He took off running.

"Van!" Scott called.

"Let him go," Chelsea said. "He needs to deal with this in his own way."

Suddenly, a powerful energy approached. Greg looked up as Pierce said, "Amos..."

The Eltarians began healing more rapidly. Amos literally glowed with power. Greg had never felt anything like it. Andie was trembling as she tried to heal a young woman whose arm had nearly been blown off. Amos walked toward her.

"You did well, Andie," he said gently. "Allow me to finish for you."

Andie nodded weakly. She stumbled backward. Someone caught her. "Easy, M'Lady," Ivan said as he steadied her, causing Greg to realize that he, Chip, and Vida had arrived.

Amos finished with the woman and walked toward Pierce. Greg was startled to see that Pierce was nearly ready to collapse himself. "Take a breath, Little Fish," Amos said softly.

Greg knew Pierce had been ready to beat the hell out of Amos for keeping secrets, but now, he just looked defeated. "It was Frankie..." Pierce whispered. "Frankie was part of this."

"I know, Little Fish," Amos said soothingly. "Don't give up on him yet." He pulled Pierce into his arms, hugging him. Surprisingly, Pierce allowed it. "I'm so sorry, Pierce... I should have told you, but this was all part of your journey. You had to find him yourself."

"I was too late... Look at what's happened!"

"Frankie is still in there, but this was buried deep in his mind. We could not have prevented it." Amos looked into Pierce's eyes. "We will get your brother back, Pierce. I promise you that."

"I called Tommy," Vida said. "He's getting in touch with Zordon right now. We're staying here with the survivors until we know what our next move should be."

Greg held Mena closer, not willing to let her go. She rested her head on his shoulder, slowly calming down. Greg was amazed she was still standing. Her best friend and the only parent she had were both still on Eltar, possibly dying. He would be a mess, but she was relatively functional. He had to admire her strength. He only hoped that the infamous Zordon would be able to help the Eltarians now.

ZORDON

Something was wrong. He felt it in every part of his being. Something had happened... Something horrible...

"Aye-yi-yi!" Alphas Five and Twenty-Six cried in unison.

"Yo, yo, yo, the alerts are going nuts!" Alpha Six added.

"How can this be?" Alpha Prime, the only one Zordon fully remembered, asked.

"What is it, Alpha?" Zordon asked. The others had learned he referred to them by their numbers to avoid confusion. Only the first Alpha was called by that name. He had been in Zordon's life from the time he was a baby. He'd been Zordon's first friend and often ended up as his caretaker after his mother's death whenever his father was away.

"Eltar has been attacked," Zordon's sister Anise said as she rushed into the Command Center. Although their father had hidden Anise outside of the timeline to keep the twins apart, Zordon could not deny the connection between them. They had started to get to know each other after Zedd had figured out she existed and reunited them. "Five... Pull up the Eltarian Counsel on the viewing globe."

Five did as she asked. To his horror, Zordon saw his beloved Eltar in chaos. Bodies littered the ground. Parts of the Counsel Building were on fire. The tranquility and peace his home planet held sacred were gone, replaced by unspeakable horror and tragedy.

And, suddenly... Zordon remembered.

It hit him in a physical way. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath as several millennia of memories returned to him at once. His friends, dying off even after his father's death, until only Caius remained. Alpha returning to his home planet. Zedd and Rita becoming out of control. Zordon imprisoning Rita because he couldn't bear to kill her. Rita banishing him out of the time line, forcing him to use the energy tubes like his father had, which he'd sworn he would never do... Rita's escape... The Power Rangers... Zedd's return... Zedd and Rita getting married... Countless battles... Finally returning to Eltar... Billy supposedly dying, only to return three years later. Casey dying for real. Katherine turning evil... The truth coming out that she'd been Zordon's half-sister. Rita sacrificing herself to save her daughter and her boyfriend from Master Vile. The battle for Tommy... Watching Kira bring together every single generation of Power Rangers to save the most famous of them all. Walking Kimberly down the aisle at her wedding to Billy because her father had died. His father attacking him... Kimberly jumping between them to try to save Zordon... His father only sparing her because her loyalty amused him. And finally, his childhood fear coming to light as his father killed him.

He was trembling violently as he felt Anise touch his arm. "Are you alright?" She asked.

"I remember..." He said.

"What?"

"Everything. I remember everything, Anise... And the only thing I know is that it is my duty to help the people of Eltar now."

As if on cue, Tommy teleported in. "Zordon, something's happened," he said.

"We know," Zordon said gravely.

"There are survivors... They landed in Stone Hollow. Vida's Rangers are trying to help them."

"Get them here... Teleport them as soon as possible. We must protect them." Zordon looked at Alpha Prime. "The Prime Minister... Did he survive?"

"I am sorry, Zordon... His life force reads in the negative," Alpha replied.

Zordon's heart broke. Rey had been a good man. As a child, he'd been quite close to him. "And... His daughter?" He forced himself to ask, dreading the answer.

"Our readings show she arrived on Earth with the survivors," Twenty-Six said.

"Thank goodness..." At least Rey's child had survived. He sighed. "I must go to Eltar. They need me. I shall touch base with the survivors while I await the arrival of help... Alpha Six, please contact Andros and explain the situation. Tell him we require his help and to bring as many others as he can."

"Yo, I'm on it!" Six promised.

Dr. Hope stuck head head in. Zordon had granted her access to the Command Center in case of an emergency. "They'll expect you to bring the survivors," she said. "Have Liza do it. Get them here, and I'll have Troy, David, and Sage ward a property to hide them. Also, may I suggest you bring Gia and Troy with you to Eltar? Gia's always looking for a fight and her boyfriend needs a break... And Troy needs to find a purpose. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's noticed his depression. This would be good for him, and he's fierce. He can be very helpful."

Zordon nodded. "You are indeed wise, Hope," he said. "Tell me, how are things going with the new Dino Charge Ranger?"

"AJ is doing as well as she can... Chase is an excellent guardian, and she cheered up a bit when Kimberly agreed to take her on as a gymnastics student."

"I am pleased to hear that... Now that I remember things, I would like to make sure she's settling in alright when I return."

"Don't worry. We're taking good care of her."

A short time later, the survivors from Eltar arrived. "Zordon!" A Senator cried with relief. "You look..."

"Young. Yes, I am young again. It is complicated, however my memories have been restored and I am here to help," Zordon promised. "You are safe here, People of Eltar. Rest and recover, and I vow I will do all that is within my power to protect you as well as those who remain on Eltar."

As Zordon and Anise tended to the survivors, he was approached by a young girl. "Great Sage," she said respectfully.

"There is no need for titles, my dear," Zordon said quickly. Unlike his father, he'd never given himself a title, nor had he asked people to use the one he was given by the Eltarians. "Call me Zordon." Looking into her eyes, he knew who she was. "You must be Mena."

"I am," she confirmed.

"I am so sorry about your father, Mena... He was a good man. I had nothing but respect for him."

"Then why did you hide the fact that you were his cousin?"

Zordon sighed. "Rey and I believed it would be safer if you did not know. Over time, we had distanced ourselves publicly so the stigma attached to my father did not follow him. Once you were born, all we wanted was to keep you safe. You were literally his world, Mena. Every time we spoke, he shared stories about you and how proud you always made him."

She looked heartbroken. "He's dead, isn't he?" She asked softly.

"It does seem that way," Zordon said. "I truly am sorry, Mena... And I shall do everything I can to find him so we may give him a proper burial."

"I... Thank you, Zordon. That is very kind." She was clearly trying to be strong. Zordon understood why his cousin had raved about this girl. "I appreciate you keeping the survivors safe for now... I suppose I shall return when the others do... Although I do not know where I shall go... My father was all I had."

"Nonsense, Mena. You are welcome to stay with me. It would be my honor to take care of you and act as your guardian... If you are comfortable with that. You are family, after all."

Mena looked surprised. "You wish for me to stay here? With you? On Earth?" She asked.

"If you are interested, yes."

"May I think about it?"

"Of course. Take all the time you need."

Soon after that, Troy came to the Command Center with Gia. "The safe house is ready," he said to Zordon.

"Thank you, Troy," Zordon replied. "For this, as well as for saving my life... I have recovered my memories, and wished to thank you properly."

"You remember everything? Fantastic!" Gia said.

"It was mostly Mom," Troy said humbly. "I just lent my energy."

"You did more than that. Had it not been for you, your mother, and Kimberly, I would not be here today. None of you gave up on me," Zordon said. "And I know the price you paid... I remember them, Troy... And I grieve your loss as deeply as you do."

Troy nodded. "If you don't need anything else, I just came to drop Gia off."

"Yep! I'm ready to beat up some bad guys!" Gia said cheerfully. The girl had been itching for some monsters to fight ever since her best friend Emma and Emma's boyfriend Orion had been killed in battle.

"You're going with her," Dr. Hope said.

"What? No, I really need to be here..." Troy protested weakly. The severe depression he'd been consumed by had taken its toll. Zordon's heart broke for him.

"There are people in danger, Troy. You're still a Power Ranger, correct? Besides... Do you really want to set Gia loose unsupervised? She might just slaughter anyone who looks at her wrong."

Gia looked at her team leader with serious eyes. "She's right. I might," she said with a grin. "Come on, Troy. You need this as much as I do. We can help these people. Come with me."

"But Jake and Noah-" Troy began.

"Are here in Angel Grove, which currently has no monsters, much to my dismay. They're safe. Eltar has monsters. I need to fuck up some monsters. We're going to Eltar, where you can't hide in your room and cry all day."

"I've been to training every day. I'm not hiding in my room."

"Don't think we don't know what happens when you go home, Troy. You're our leader, and you're our friend, and we love you. We're all worried sick about you. Please do this with me."

"Gia... I can't just leave my mom."

"I cleared it with Sage," Dr. Hope said. "She agrees it's a good idea. She thinks it'll help you."

Troy frowned. "I guess I'm going then," he said, defeated.

Do you think he'll be okay for this? Anise asked Zordon telepathically.

I do, Zordon replied. Troy is one of the most loyal, brave Power Rangers I know. He can't turn a blind eye to those in need. It's why losing Emma and Orion hit him as hard as it did. He'll rise to the occasion. I have faith in him.

Anise nodded and let the matter drop. "Aye-yi-yi! Incoming!" Alpha Five proclaimed.

Andros, Karone, V, and Zhane teleported into the Command Center. "We're here, Zordon," Andros said.

"And we brought an arsenal," Zhane added with a smirk. He motioned toward the weapons behind them. "My sister pulled all of her favorite toys out of storage."

"Well, we're headed into a war zone," V said. "I like to be prepared for anything."

"We've got Karone. If shit goes sideways, she can just go all Astronema on them," Zhane joked.

"Zhane! Not funny!" Andros scolded him.

"Oh, come on... She blew up a toaster yesterday because she was craving toast and the thing dared to burn it. It was pretty funny..."

"Shut up, Zhane," Karone snapped, but Zordon could tell she wasn't mad at him for poking fun at her. "Besides, Bridge would have been on my side!"

"It's only sinful to burn buttery toast," Tommy said.

"It was too destroyed to butter. It would have offended him greatly," Karone insisted.

"Guys... Can we focus?" Andros asked, eternally serious. "Is everyone here?"

"Yes. I have Zedd on standby, but I think we should go in and assess the situation before we call in reinforcements," Zordon said.

"How do we get there? Eltar's massively sealed off right now," V said. "According to D. E.C.A, The portal network is completely shut down."

"I've got the Turbo Falconzord," Gia said. "Troy and I can use that. Can your ship get you guys there?" She asked Andros.

"We can get close, but if the barriers are up, someone will have to grant us access," Andros replied. "Also, a portal would be faster."

Right on cue, Liza walked in. "Ask and you shall receive, Andros," she said.

"Liza, can you open portals between planets?" Karone asked in surprise.

"I've never tried, but why not? And I brought help." She moved aside to reveal Tia and Zedd.

"Zedd..." Zordon said. He took a breath as all of the recovered memories of his best friend... His brother... Hit again.

"Zordon remembers," Anise explained. "Everything."

"Ah. Well, then, allow me to apologize... A lot," Zedd said.

Zordon shook his head. "There is no need... I'm just glad to have the true you back."

Tia took Liza's hand. "If we channel the line... Especially Galaxia... And we focus on Zordon and Anise's energy... I believe we can do this," Tia said seriously.

"We've got this," Liza insisted.

"Be careful, Liza," Zedd said.

"Don't worry. We're Campbells, Zedd. Tia and I won't fail." She kissed him for reassurance. "Let's do this."

Together, the half-sisters began working their magic. It took a few minutes, but the portal finally opened. "Get in your vehicles," Tia said. "We cannot hold this for long."

"Zordon... Are you sure you don't need me to go with you?" Zedd asked.

"I need you here. Not many in Angel Grove know how to handle evil Eltarians, Zedd. You, Caius, and Rita are the best hope of protecting this town if the Rebellion comes looking for the survivors," Zordon said. "Please keep Rita safe."

"Always," Zedd vowed with a nod. "Be careful."

"I will be... And I will return as soon as possible. Please watch over my Rangers, Zedd... And also over my cousin."

"The Prime Minister is here?"

"No... He didn't make it, but his daughter Mena did. She is the one who rescued the survivors. Please keep her safe."

"With all that I have."

Everyone entered their respective modes of transportation and headed out. Anise went through on foot. Zordon followed her, not letting himself look back. Eltar needed help. The rest would have to wait.

RAFFITTY

The Rebellion members stood together and surveyed the damage they'd caused. Raffitty mentally did a head count. Felina, Tegus, and Neptune looked relatively unharmed. Bob stood by his side, clearly checking on his own people. Kizzie, B'Danna, and Tedius were accounted for.

"Where are Rupi and Draze?" Bob asked.

"I have not seen Rupi in a bit, but Draze..." Kizzie shook her head.

"Damn idiot..." B'Danna cursed softly. She looked like she might cry.

Bob wrapped his arms protectively around her. "I see," he said. "How?"

"He took a bullet to the head... It was meant for me," B'Danna said numbly. Raffitty knew Draze had been her closest friend for well over a century.

"And the one who killed him?"

"A member of the Eltarian Guard. I ran him through with my sword immediately."

"You did well, B'Danna. Justice was served for our fallen friend."

"Rupi!" Tedius cried with obvious relief as the wounded Rebel joined them. He was carrying someone.

"Oh my... Zydia..." Garron said.

"She needs a healer, Tedi!" Rupi said.

Tedius set to work. "Where are Murgano and Letez?" Raffitty asked, seeing that the rest of the Amber Beach chapter was unaccounted for.

"Dead... Both of them. They helped Travis and Macy take down the children. They were foolish enough to brag about it."

"Children?" Bob asked in horror. Raffitty hadn't known either.

"There was a field trip here today. Zydia and Garron thought the deaths of Eltarian children would drive our point home, Captain Smith."

"Garron, we never discussed murdering children!" Bob protested.

"They were unfortunate casualties... Certainly not our original targets, but what gets the attention of the public more than the Eltarian Government failing to protect their innocent children?" Garron asked with an unapologetic shrug.

"Look, Bob, I don't like it either, but he's right. It proves a point," Raffitty said.

"Marinessa's the one who killed them... She killed Travis, too," Rupi said.

"My daughter?" A new voice asked in desperation. "So she survived?"

"Marshley! You did excellent today," Garron said.

"My family was meant to be safe, Raffitty!" Marshley snapped. "You got me involved with this to protect them! Now, my wife, my son, and my sister-in-law are dead, and my daughter is missing! Everything I did, I did to make a better world for them, and now because of the Rebellion, I've lost them all!" He tried to attack Raffitty.

Tegus stepped between them, standing in front of Raffitty protectively. Felina had an energy ball ready. Neptune pulled out a gun. "Should I kill him, Raff?" Neptune asked robotically. The mind control was still active.

"No," Raffitty said. "That will not be necessary... Marshley, I am sorry for your loss. It was not our intention to target your family. We had no knowledge that your son was on that trip, nor that his aunt was present... We assumed you had warned your wife and daughter to stay home today."

"Rupi, please... Where did you see Marinessa?" Marshley asked, his rage replaced by grief and desperation.

"Just south of the East Corridor. I was more focused on getting my sister out of there... She got shot trying to protect the other two members of her chapter... Your daughter is quite the soldier... If she still survives."

"I shot the brat," Macy piped up. She and Travis were from Garron's team. "She murdered my husband."

Marshley reacted so quickly, no one could stop him. He ran Macy through with his sword. "Then I shall relieve you of the burden of being left behind to grieve his loss," he said coldly.

Garron frowned. "Oh my... Was that truly necessary, Marshley?" He asked. "Well, I suppose she deserved it. She's the one who killed most of your family. I'll replace her with one of the newer recruits."

"Most of the released prisoners died in battle, Sir," Kizzie said. "About a third of them managed to survive, however." She motioned toward the people Raffitty hadn't recognized.

"A true test of their talents," Garron said with a smile. "I would welcome any of them at my side."

"We made it," Boom said eagerly as she arrived.

"We sure did!" Blast added with a grin.

"We blew a lot up!"

"It was fun!"

"Can we do it again?" They asked in unison.

"Perhaps soon," Garron said with a grin. He indulgently pet Morda's head as she leaned closer to him. It was clear she was exhausted. "For now, it is time we retreat. Reinforcements are coming."

"I sense Zordon," Felina said. "We must hurry."

"We could just..." Boom began.

"Blow him up," Blast finished for her.

"That won't work on someone as powerful as the Great Sage," Kizzie said. "Come, this way." She led them.

"Ah, yes... It is time," the Alchemist said as she and the Warlock appeared.

"I was wondering where you both were," Garron said pleasantly.

"I turned the bodies of the fallen prisoners to gold to use for weapons. It seemed such a shame to waste them. The Warlock sent the gold home for me to mold later," she said practically. Frankly, even Raffitty found that to be a bit creepy.

Marshley hesitated as the others fled to safety. "Marshley, come with us," Raffitty said. "If they find you here, you'll be killed."

"Marinessa might still be out there... I have to know, Raff," Marshley said. His rage had vanished, replaced with grief. "If there is a chance my daughter survived, I have to find her."

Raffitty nodded. "Good luck, old friend," he said before hurrying off to join the others.

TROY

He had never been to Eltar before. It was stunning and he could tell Gia was as blown away as he was. They both remembered their reason for being there as they neared what remained of the Counsel Building.

"Bastards..." Karone mumbled as they walked through the destroyed building. Bodies littered the ground, many unrecognizable.

You're not in Angel Grove, Troy reminded himself as dead Rangers flashed through his head. That battle is over. Focus... There could still be survivors...

Room after room offered up only corpses. Everyone was silent as they took in the horror. They all looked like they were ready to give up when suddenly, Troy felt something.

"Troy? What is it?" Gia asked.

"I'm not sure..." Troy said.

"Are your Shaman Senses tingling?" She teased him softly.

"Actually... Yes," he said.

Gia turned serious. "What do you feel?"

"It's faint... Really faint... But..." Troy focused. He was positive now. "There's someone alive in here!"

"I don't see anyone," Zhane said with a frown.

"Help me move the rubble," Troy said urgently. He began moving all of the debris from an obvious explosion around. Andros, Karone, V, and Zhane used their telekinetic abilities to move things more quickly. Zordon and Anise were doing that as well as using their hands. Gia and Troy dug as deep as they could until, finally, Troy was looking at the face of someone who appeared to be dead.

"Help me free her!" He said.

Zordon easily lifted the last of the debris away and Troy lifted the girl to safety. He clung to her, connecting to her life force. It was barely there, but barely was enough. Troy didn't stop to think as he began healing her.

Eventually, the girl groaned. She opened her eyes. Troy smiled down at her in relief. "You're going to be okay," he promised. "You're safe now."

"If you're my knight in shining armor, you're a bit late," she mumbled. "I mostly had to rescue myself."

"Sorry about that," he said gently. "What's your name?"

"Nessa... I'm Nessa."

"Nessa... I'm Troy. I'm going to finish healing you, okay? You'll feel much better soon."

"Promises, promises," she said with a weak smile.

"You did it, Troy," Gia whispered. "You saved her." She squeezed his shoulder as he finished healing Nessa.

Troy nodded. He'd finally been able to save someone... He could still do this. He was still a Power Ranger.

Nessa was in much better shape after a few minutes. "Thanks," she said. "You are clearly from Earth... Does that mean Mena made it with the survivors?"

"Yes," Troy said. "It seems that everyone who survived, other than you, made it to Earth. You're the only one we've found here that's still alive."

Nessa nodded. "My father didn't make it then. I understand."

"I'm so sorry for your loss..."

Nessa looked at him. "My mother, little brother, and aunt all died, too. I should have expected this."

"Do not move!" A voice commanded. Everyone froze. "Surrender your arms!"

"Do as he says- Wait... It is Astronema!" Another voice said in horror. "Take cover!"

Andros cleared his throat. "Um... Karone?" He said urgently. He pointed to her hair.

Karone took a deep breath. "Sorry... Carnage like this triggers the switch," she said. Her hair slowly turned blonde again.

"Disarm yourselves immediately, by order of the Eltarian Guard!" The first voice commanded.

"Be calm, Yalzan," Zordon said firmly. "We have come to help."

"Zordon?" Yalzan bowed his head as he made a fist over his heart. "Forgive me. I did not recognize you."

"My age has regressed, but I assure you, my memories and power are back in tact. Andros, Karone, V, Zhane, Troy, and Gia are all Power Rangers. In fact, you know Andros and Zhane, if I recall correctly. You may remember V as well. They, along with my sister, have accompanied me on this mission to offer assistance for all who are in need."

"Thank goodness!" The other guard said. "The Rebellion slaughtered many today. They also broke several criminals out of our prison. Many perished, but others did manage to escape, and they are presently unaccounted for."

"Zordon... What do we do now?" Yalzan asked.

A man entered the room. "Marinessa!" He cried with relief.

"Dad?" Nessa asked, turning pale.

"Marshley..." Yalzan said cautiously. "How are you alive? Our reports said all of the guards who did not escape to Earth perished."

"I..." Marshley sighed. "I was one of their men on the inside," he confessed.

"Dad, no!" Nessa cried. "That's... That's impossible! How could you? Mom, Byron, and Aunt Talia... They're... They're all dead because of these bastards!" She flipped the switch from grief to rage impressively quick.

"None of you were meant to be hurt... I thought they would make things better for our family... For all families... By putting an end to the corruption plaguing our government."

"You work for the government! You were one of the highest ranked members of our Military! You basically ran security at the government building!" She paused, realization dawning on her. "How long have you been planning this?" She demanded.

"Since before you were born, Marinessa," he said sadly. "But as my involvement deepened, everything I did, I did for you and your mother and your brother..."

"Bull!" She slapped her father hard across the face. "You are a traitor! You may as well have killed them yourself!"

"Marinessa... I love you," he said. "I love all of you... And I am genuinely sorry for my actions. I refused to leave with the others because I had to know if you could be saved... Now that I know you survived, I am prepared to face the consequences for my actions."

Nessa stiffened. "Dad..." She said softly.

"Marshley of Eltar," Yalzan said , "you are hereby charged with High Treason. For the murder of these innocents, the only sentence is death."

"I understand," Marshley said. "And I surrender. Do what is just. I accept my fate."

"Marshley," Zordon said sadly. "Will you name your accomplices? If you grant us that information, I may be able to argue for leniency on your behalf... Perhaps they will spare your life. I dislike the practice of executions. You show remorse. We must consider this."

"I am dead either way, Zordon," Marshley said. "I shall use my remaining breath only to say... Marinessa... I am so sorry."

"I know," Nessa said. "But that's not good enough." She looked at Troy. "Take me out of here please?"

Troy nodded. "Of course," he said.

"I've got Gia Watch," Zhane promised. Troy nodded and led Nessa from the room.

"Thank you," she said. "I know he didn't mean to kill our family, but he's still a traitor... And he is going to die. The people of Eltar will want a public execution to prove that someone has paid for these murders... Especially of the children. I cannot stay in that room knowing he is a dead man walking. I just... I need air."

"I get it," Troy said. "I get overwhelmed, too. Come on." He led her outside of the building.

"Thank you for saving me," Nessa said. "Dying would have sucked... And thanks for giving me something nice to look at as I woke up in all that carnage." She flashed him a flirtatious smile.

"Did you just...?" He asked. "I mean... Are you really flirting with me right now?"

"Why not? You're quite the looker, Troy of Earth... And my entire world just literally imploded, so I need a distraction. You'll do nicely. You have great eyes. They were comforting to see as I first came around."

"Well, I'm glad I can distract you, Nessa."

"Oh, and you've got a cute butt, too!" She lightly spanked him and laughed.

Troy turned bright red. He had to bury his face in his hands as Nessa laughed at him. "Man, you're easy! This is going to be fun," Nessa decided. Troy wasn't so sure about her definition of fun, but he didn't care. He'd saved her... He'd finally been able to help someone... And in a way, he suspected it might be Nessa who was going to save him.

LIDO

He felt sick. He could feel the carnage on his home planet. He'd intentionally ignored Felina's birds, telling them to report back that they couldn't find him. Lido had refused to take part in the slaughter... But the death toll was extremely high anyway.

It shouldn't have bothered him... Nothing did anymore, not since Zell had pushed him into the fire... But this... This felt wrong.

He'd followed the energy of the survivors to Angel Grove. He watched the safe house from a distance. Lido made up his mind as he watched them grieve... He would fight the Rebellion. He would break away from all of them, even Raffitty. He'd retreat into the woods again and vanish... Except... He couldn't. Zell was back, and Daphne and Sera were in danger.

"Lido, right?" A voice asked.

Lido jumped. "How did you do that?" He demanded. He always sensed when others were close.

"Magic," the woman said with a smile. "My name is Hope... You didn't participate, did you?"

"No," Lido said firmly. "I wish I had gone. I would have tried to save the children. They were innocent."

Hope considered this. "There is a good man in there somewhere, Lido. I know your story. I know what Zell did to you. He turned you evil. He stole your light. Do you understand that?"

"I am starting to."

"I know someone who can help you get it back, Lido. Her name is Sage. She saved Lord Zedd from Zell's spell and restored his light. She can do that for you, too. Do you want that?"

"She can save me?" He asked.

"Yes."

"Sage... The girl who revived Zordon?"

"That's her."

He nodded. "I must try," he said. "I shall not remain his prisoner... I refuse to harm the innocent any longer."

"Good. Then stay close, and when she's ready, I'll get in touch with you."

Lido wasn't sure this was truly possible, but how much worse off could he be? There was no harm in trying. If he was free, he could protect Daphne and Sera. He'd failed them once... Especially Daphne. He refused to fail again.

VAN

He was waiting for his father in their living room when he felt the Rebels return. Van didn't know what he was going to say, but he needed answers. He had to know that it wasn't true...

"Vancello..." His father greeted him in surprise.

"Father..." Van said, unable to bring himself to use the friendlier "dad." He stared at his father and forced himself to ask, "Is it true?"

"Pardon?" His father asked.

"Did the Rebellion launch an assault on Eltar today?"

"Yes. This has been in the works for quite some time. It was a very successful attack."

"Successful? Dad... There were children there! Tell me you didn't really kill innocent children!"

"I was not responsible for that. It was Garron and Zydia's people... However, it was necessary, Vancello. The children were unfortunate casualties of war."

Van stared at him in horror. "Unfortunate casualties? They were children, Father! Innocent children! How can you be okay with that?"

"Vancello, I know this is difficult for you to understand... However, you must not speak to me with such disrespect. I am your father."

"No, you aren't! My father would never have condoned this violence! I don't know who you are anymore, but you're not him!"

He felt his father's hand as it slapped him across his face. His father had never hit him before. Van stared at him defiantly.

His father looked shocked at his own actions. "Vancello... I... I apologize. I allowed my anger to get the best of me," he said.

Van shook his head. "I can't be part of this anymore," he said. "I won't. I refuse."

"You can't just leave. The Rebellion does not work like that."

"I don't care. I refuse to be a part of this. I never wanted to be involved to begin with! You made the choice to join, not me! I was a kid, Father! A scared little boy who'd just lost his mother and was watching his father slowly fade away more every day! But was I enough to make you fight? No... No, you needed Raff and his bullshit lies to have a reason to keep going!"

"Raffitty promised justice for your mother! Do not forget why we are doing this!"

"Raffitty kept the information you wanted just out of reach! I know that girl Sophie gave you the names of the people who made the decisions that got Mom killed. I saw the list! I looked the people up, and every last one of them is dead. I know you killed them, even though that's the last thing she would have wanted! I let that go, thinking you'd finally stop... But you're still standing with the Rebellion! You are still Raff's Goddamned puppet and now... The people you all killed today were innocent! I cannot forgive this!"

"Don't raise your voice to me!" His father was radiating with anger. Van knew he was going to hit him again.

"Tegus, no!" Allie cried out. She jumped between them, taking the blow meant for Van.

"Allie..." His father said in horror. "My apologies. I did not mean to-"

"I'm fine. It didn't even hurt me. This isn't you, Tegus. You would never hurt Van. Please... Stop. Just stop."

"Allie, what are you doing here? It's not safe for you," Van said.

"I felt Ingrid's fear... She's terrified. I had to make sure she was okay."

"Did something happen to her?"

"No... She sensed someone... One of the survivors who made it to Earth is someone she fears, but she won't say anything else."

"You need to leave before Raff finds you."

"Is Raffitty the reason Allie left?" His father asked.

"Yes," Allie replied. "He told me what I am, Tegus. I know the truth... And he hurt me... But he can't hurt me anymore. I have people who believe in me and they have been protecting me. I am leaving again soon... But Van is coming with me."

"I cannot allow that-"

"You don't get a say. Come on, Van. You protected me. It's my turn to protect you." She took his hand and led him from the house. Van knew damn well his father couldn't stop Allie. She was stronger than both of them put together.

Van didn't know where to go. Scott's house was out of the question. If the Rebels tried to follow him, Scott would be hurt, or worse. He wasn't safe. "You can stay with me in the bomb shelter," Allie offered. "I'm sure Chelsea won't mind."

"I can't," Van said sadly. "I'd be leading Raff right to you. I won't risk that."

He didn't know what he was going to do or where he would go, but he couldn't go home... Not now, and possibly not ever again.

NEPTUNE

His mind was mostly blank. He'd been in this state before, usually after Felina electrocuted him. He would await further orders. Still, he was feeling restless. He went for a walk. That was when he heard someone calling out, "Logan, wait up!"

He spun around. He recognized her... But he couldn't place her. She was irrelevant to the mission, so his mind refused to name her.

"You kissed me, I made you promise not to disappear, and then you vanished? You're an asshole!" She said.

Neptune ignored her and continued to walk. She grabbed his arm. "Logan, what the hell?" She demanded.

"Release me," he said harshly.

This stunned the girl enough that she did. "Are you okay, Wolverine?" She asked cautiously.

"These names are foreign to me," he said, although he felt a twinge of something... This girl was the light, and he wanted to touch her, but he could not.

"What? Are you joking?"

"I am Neptune. Now leave."

She paled. "Did you say... Neptune?"

"Yes."

"Rebellion Neptune?"

He drew his weapon and aimed it at her. "State your business!" He demanded.

"You... You do look a bit like Pierce... Oh God... I'm an idiot!"

"The way you ramble, I must agree."

"Logan... Frankie... Was it all a lie? Who are you?"

"I told you, Foolish Girl... I am Neptune. State your business or perish!"

"What happened to you?" She shook her head. "This isn't you. I know you, Logan... And you know me. It's me... Chelsea."

"I know no such person."

"Come on, Wolverine... I'm your Jesse Quick, remember?"

He felt something. He couldn't identify her, but he wanted to desperately. "Leave," he said harshly. Please. .. Please leave... I will hurt you... I don't think I want to hurt you... But I will, he added silently.

"Let me help you. Please, Logan... Tell me you didn't want to hurt those people and I'll believe you. I'll help you."

"I desire only what the Rebellion desires. Leave me alone!"

"I've got this," a new voice said. "Go on, Chelsea. I'm a friend of Pierce's."

The girl called Chelsea reluctantly left. Neptune looked at his new company. "Who the hell are you?" He demanded.

"I'm Hope," she said. Before he could stop her, she pressed her hands to his head. He felt unbearable pain for a second before it faded. It was replaced by...

"Oh God..." He whispered. His mind was completely clear for the first time in six years, and he remembered entirely too much.

"Feeling better?" Hope asked.

"Oh my God... I... I'm a monster," he said in horror.

"No, you're not. They turned you into that, Frankie... What should I call you?"

"Logan," he said softly. "I want to be called Logan."

"Not Frankie or Neptune?"

"I'm not Neptune... Not really. They created him, and... And I don't want to be him. But I'm not Frankie anymore either. I can't be. Frankie died in the water that day... I can't go back."

Hope nodded. "I can help you, Logan," she promised. "You've been heavily brainwashed, but my magic broke that connection. They can never activate the programming again."

"Sophie tried to help me... I convinced her to let me go... But she was using electrocution... Will you?"

"No. I promise I won't hurt you, Logan. I'm a doctor, and a witch. My magic can undo what they did, but it will take time for you to learn to trust yourself."

He was terrified and disgusted by everything he'd done. He couldn't face his brother... But if Hope could really help him find himself, he was ready to try that much. Logan nodded and followed her, hoping this time, things would work out better than they had before.

GREG

He was starting to feel something stirring inside of him... As he sat on his bed, his grandmother looked at him anxiously. "Gregory... There is something I have to tell you," she said seriously.

It had already been a hell of a day. Greg wondered what else could possibly happen. He took a deep breath. "What is it, Gram?" He asked cautiously.

"Gregory, your grandfather and I have been keeping a secret from you for all of these years... However, in light of... In light of the horrific attack on Eltar-"

Greg stared at her. "What?" He asked. How could she possibly know about that? Was he supposed to play dumb? What was going on?

"I know, Gregory... I know about your accidental trips to Eltar. I know about the Rebellion. I know what they did today. I know that you and your friends are the Power Rangers. I know everything."

He couldn't deny it. He knew it was pointless. "How?" He finally asked.

"Because, Gregory... My name is not Helen. I am Lady Eleanor, retired Captain of the Eltarian Guard. Your grandfather was also one of the higher ranking officials. We came to Earth when your father was young. We were on a long-term mission, and he grew up... And met your mother, an Earth girl. They fell in love, and despite my protests that they were far too young, they got married. He told her the truth about us, but she loved him anyway. And, shortly after they got married, you came along."

Greg stared at her. "I... I'm half Eltarian?" He asked in disbelief.

"Yes, my sweet boy... The day you were born, the sky filled with a brilliant light, and we knew you were going to be special. As your parents were driving home from the hospital with you, a hidden message revealed itself. It was written in an ancient dialect of the Eltarian language. The entire message was quite long. It told a story... And it was sent to the Earth by an Eltarian boy called Ash."

"I know," Greg admitted. "I found their notes. I've been translating it... I've even seen the original message, on Eltar."

"You found it... Incredible."

"Gram, the brother was innocent. I'm positive. I feel it in every inch of my soul."

"There is a reason for that, Gregory..." She sighed. "You keep finding things he left behind... You know the truth because..." She hesitated.

"Gram? What is it?"

"The message appeared on Earth because the one who sent it returned."

"I don't understand."

"Gregory... You are Ash's reincarnation... His very first reincarnation. You took all of this time to make your way back to the world of the living. We've known since the day your parents found the message, but it wasn't safe to tell you. Now, I fear we have no choice."

"I... I can't be," he whispered in horror. It made an impossible amount of sense, but his brain refused to accept it.

"I am so sorry, Gregory... This is a terrible burden to bear, but I vow to protect you as we always have."

"You're part of the Guard... That's why Lido ran from you!"

She laughed. "I've known that boy since he was a child. He knows better than to cross me!"

"Gram... How old are you?"

"I have been alive for several millennia, Gregory. Your grandfather took a very long time to finally convince me to have a child... And I am so glad I did. I loved your father with all I had, just as I love you... I know you may think I am too hard on you, but I have only been trying to protect you... Now that Zell has returned, it is even more vital that you be safe. If he finds you..." She shook her head. "He will have to go through me!"

"Are you immortal?"

"No. Eltarians naturally have extremely long lifespans."

The doorbell rang. "Ah! That would be our guest," his grandmother said.

"Guest?" Greg asked in confusion.

"I reluctantly agreed to the request of Doctor Hope Crocker to protect someone who will not be safe anywhere else... But if he puts one toe out of line, I will make him regret it!"

She walked to the door. Greg followed her. She opened it to reveal Van. He looked so broken, Greg didn't even question it. "Come on in, Boy," his grandmother said. "You are safe in our home. Gregory, do you mind if he sleeps on your floor?"

"I... No," he said. "Of course not."

"Thank you, Mrs. Arnold," Van said numbly.

"You may call me Lady Eleanor in this house," she said. "If you reveal my true identity to anyone, however-"

"I won't. You have my word," Van said.

She nodded. "Good boy. Come to the kitchen so I can put some food in you. You're looking weak."

"That's not necessary, Lady Eleanor."

"Hush! You will eat, Vancello. You need your strength. You are a growing boy. Go wash up and I will have a plate ready for you in a few minutes." She walked off.

"She's pretty insistent," Van said.

"Even though she's apparently a scary former Captain of the Eltarian Guard, she's still a grandmother," Greg said. "Her mission in life is to feed people."

Van nodded. "Greg... I'm sorry. If you want me to go-"

"You confronted your dad, right?"

"Yeah."

"Then you're probably not safe there. It's okay. It'll be fun. I've never had a sleep-over before... I've never even been to one."

"I guess there's a first time for everything," Van said with a weak smile.

They ate before his grandmother insisted they get some rest. She set up cushions, blankets, and pillows on the floor. When she left, Greg looked at Van. "You can take the bed," he said.

"Greg, I'm not kicking you out of your bed," Van protested.

"Look, I don't think I'll be sleeping much tonight. I don't mind."

Van stopped protesting. He fell asleep quickly, too exhausted to stay awake. Greg closed his eyes, but sleep didn't come. Instead, he began seeing things he wished he didn't. When it was finally too much, it felt like Ash slammed into him. Their minds collided. Greg couldn't tell where Ash ended and he began. He knew only one thing...

Calling Earth, Greg created a vine ladder and snuck out of the house. He began running, tears streaming down his cheeks, and didn't stop until he reached a house. He created another vine ladder and climbed up to a window, hesitating for only a second before knocking on it softly.

Darcy woke up and rolled over. Her expression turned from cautious to concerned as she saw him. She opened the window. "Greg? What's wrong?" She asked.

Greg was overwhelmed by Ash. He flung his arms around Darcy and sobbed into her hair. Darcy held him tightly, trying to soothe him. The bedroom door opened. Andie came in and saw this.

"Greg... What's going on?" She asked softly.

Darcy led him to the bed and sat with him. Andie joined them. "Why are you crying?" Darcy asked Greg gently.

He looked at them, unable to deny the truth as Ash's love for his sisters filled Greg's heart. "It's me..." He whispered. "I'm... I was Ash."

The power that suddenly hit them was intense. Greg knew the girls felt it, too. "What was that?" Darcy asked.

"Our souls..." Andie said. "Reconnecting... And I'm not sure what that means for us."

"Tonight, it means we all crash in my bed," Darcy said firmly. "It's big enough, and I think we need to stay together right now."

Andie nodded, shocking Greg. "I agree," she said.

"But... I'm a boy... I mean... Are you really comfortable with sharing a bed with me, Andie?" Greg asked.

"You don't scare me, Greg. You never have." She hugged him to prove this, which made Greg start crying again as flashes of a tiny Daphne raced through his mind.

You couldn't save them, he thought. You must this time.

As he found himself sandwiched between Darcy and Andie, Greg silently vowed that he'd find a way to get it right this time around.