DISCLAIMER: No. 6. The song “Nowhere Bound” belongs to Diamond Rio. Roller Coaster belongs to the Partridge Family, and Together Forever is the property of one Rick Astley.
REALITY GEMS 6: DEEP PURPLE DREAMS
On the Animarium, Keith Partridge was playing his guitar during a peaceful period in the search for the other Reality Gems. He began playing ‘Happy Together, when the new Shadow ThunderCat, Capt. Daniel Aydelott, started tap dancing along with the music. Watching this were Jill Munroe, the Red Power Angel, and Kelly Garrett, the Black Power Angel. Although both liked the show, Kelly asked “An Air Force Captain who tap dances?”
“Hey, you’re a Southern girl who prefers Mexican food. I think you should appreciate the artistic side of men.” Jill spoke up. When Keith finished, Jill asked “Keith, I know how you began, but, Dan-how did you-”
“-Get interested in this?” he said, finishing her question, then answered “My parents and I were watching ‘An American In Paris’ on one of these movie channels, and I was blown away by Gene Kelly, and I knew I wanted to do this. I got the chance to trade steps with Gregory Hines, and learned as much as I could. This, and playing the guitar clears my head.” Dan finished.
Kelly asked “You still dance, given your profession?”
“Whenever I get the chance, which is a lot more often than you think, I pull them out, and let my feet do the talking. Besides, I think it’s fun, and it improves my timing.” Dan finished.
Julie Rogers, the Pink Power Angel, walked in just as Keith said “It seems that our newest ThunderCat is a man of many talents.”
Julie then asked “I gotta know, how did you get involved in the Martial Arts?”
“Well-my parents were both raised as Ninjas, and when I was 2 on up, I was raised in the ways of the Ninja. It was originally for inner peace, but now I can use my skills to protect the innocent.”
Dan finished just as Sabrina Duncan, the Blue Power Angel, came in, saying “Sorry to interrupt, but we’re needed.”
When they arrived at the main meeting area, Keith rejoined Batman 1 and Isis 1 in coming up with a plan with help from the Charmed Ones to create more fake Reality Gems and try and find the others. Piper Halliwell was creating an image of fake gems for Danny Partridge to take to Luthor and Rita. Isis 1 and Prue Halliwell had discovered that there was a way to get the Green Reality Gem away from Lord Zedd. But first-there was the discovery of the Purple Reality Gem in Mariner Bay-on the other universe.
“Anyone going-other than me?” Superman 2 asked.
“I will.” Martian Manhunter 1 spoke up.
“We will, too.” Tommy 2 added, speaking for himself, Rocky 2, and Jenny.
“I’m coming as well.” Jason 1 told everyone.
A spaceship soon landed on the Animarium. Soon, out hopped seven Rangers. Andros, the Red Lightstar Ranger, said “We heard that you need some help in finding some Gems?”
“That we do. We’ll stop by Mariner Bay before going to our destination. Are all of the Lightstar Rangers there?” Isis 1 asked.
“All here. I hear there is a counterpart of myself there.” Aisha 1, the Purple Lightstar Ranger, asked.
“Yup. Right here.” Aisha 2 answered. Both girls stared at each other.
“Wow. So-that’s what I look like in yellow. Damn, I look good!” Aisha 1 chuckled.
“I look hotter in purple! How did you become a Purple Ranger?” Aisha 2 asked.
“I became a Ranger the same time the other Lightstars did,” answered Aisha 1. “How about you?”
“Well, on my world, Trini, along with Jason and Zack, left the team to go to the World Teen Summit peace conference in Switzerland,” answered Aisha 2. “Before they left, however, Trini passed her powers on to me, while Jason and Zack passed theirs on to Rocky and Adam. Eventually, Trini came back to our team and became the Gold Ranger, while Jason and Zack came back about a year later as part of the Zeo team. However, there are no Purple Rangers where we come from.”
Aisha 1 nodded before saying, “That explains why your Rocky and Adam are wearing red and black rather than blue and red. Although I must say, I’m surprised that Trini is the Gold Ranger on your world.”
While they were talking, Julie smiled and said “I’m coming too, if no one minds. I’m starting to feel cooped up in here.”
“We’ll keep working on the phony gems. And, I’ve got a little scheme to get the Green Reality Gem from Zedd, it involves Danny Partridge.” Isis 1 finished.
“How do we keep Danny in the dark about what he’s really doing? I mean, I know something’s going on, and we can’t tell Shirley about this, but-” Phoebe asked.
“First, we have to trick him into thinking he’s got the true Reality Gems. Then, we have to get the Green Gem away from Zedd somehow. In the meantime, the Charmed Ones and I have found a way to save Danny from becoming Luthor’s son. They’ll need Batman’s help for this.” Isis 1 finished.
As the Charmed Ones and Batman 1 went to work in their plan, Superman 2, Martian Manhunter 1, Jason 1, Tommy 2, Rocky 2, Julie, and Jenny, all joined the Lightstar Rangers in the AstroMegaShip, going first to Mariner Bay in this Universe, then crossing over to the 2nd Universe.
At the Aquabase in Mariner Bay, Captain William Mitchell walked into the meeting room where his team, the Lightspeed Rangers, were assembled. Wasting no time, he addressed his team. “Alright, everyone, I’ve been in touch with the Martian Manhunter. He and a select group of Rangers and Justice League members are on their way as we speak.”
“What do they need us for?” asked Carter Grayson, the Red Lightspeed Ranger.
“Miss Fairweather can tell you can tell you more about that,” answered Captain Mitchell. “Angela?”
Miss Fairweather nodded and explained, “According to the Martian, they’re currently on a mission searching for the Reality Gems. To put it simply, if they fall into the wrong hands, it can only spell disaster. There are nine gems. So far, five have been found, and we’ve just been informed that they are looking for the sixth. Unfortunately, one is also in the possession of Lord Zedd.”
“Wait a minute,” said Joel Rawlings, the Green Lightspeed Ranger. “Lord Zedd? But I thought he had been converted to the side of good?”
“According to dad, he was,” said Dana Mitchell, the Pink Lightspeed Ranger.
“But apparently, this Zedd is from another Universe,” continued Ryan Mitchell, the Titanium Ranger. “The Rangers and JLA from his world followed him here. And we’re taking a little trip to this other world.”
A proximity alarm went off. “Trouble?” asked Chad Lee, the Blue Lightspeed Ranger.
“No,” answered Miss Fairweather. “That’s them.”
“Let’s go then,” said Kelsey Winslow, the Yellow Lightspeed Ranger with a smile. “I’ve always wanted to travel to another Universe.”
The Astro Megaship docked at the Aquabase. Superman 2 and Martian Manhunter 1 stepped out, followed close behind by their selected team of Rangers. The Lightspeed Rangers approached, Captain Mitchell saying, “Welcome. It is an honor and a privilege to be working with you.”
“The feelings mutual, Captain Mitchell,” said Superman 2 as he shook the captain’s hand.
Recognizing the redhead with them, Dana lit up and said, “Hey, you’re Julie Rogers! Part-time model and one of Charlie Townsend’s Angels!”
“Dana Mitchell,” said Julie with a smile. “I remember seeing your photoshoots. But I can see you had a higher calling.”
“Who’s the rest of your party?” asked Joel.
“As you can see, I am the Martian Manhunter,” said Martian Manhunter 1. “Along with Miss Rogers is Jason Lee Scott, the Red Tyrannosaurus Ranger. The rest are Andros, Zhane, Ashley Hammond, Cassie Chan, Carlos Vallerte, T. J. Johnson, and Aisha Campbell, the Lightstar Rangers. We are from this world.”
“And while you may recognize me as Superman, I am not your Superman,” said Superman 2. “I am from the other Universe, the one you are about to visit along with us. With me are Tommy Oliver, the White Power Ranger, his sister Jenny, the Green Ranger, and Rocky DeSantos, the Red Ranger.”
“Wow,” said Chad. “It’s going to be tough keeping up with everybody.”
“We’d better get going,” said Zhane. “That gem’s not waiting for anybody.”
“Good luck, all of you,” said Captain Mitchell. The assembled group of heroes then boarded the Astro Megaship and took off.
As they took to space, Ashley asked, “How are we supposed to get to the other Universe?”
“That’s where I come in,” answered Julie. Concentrating, the Pink Reality Gem inside of her body began to glow. A portal was opened in space. The Astro Megaship entered it and the portal closed.
Back on the Animarium, Danny Partridge was pounding on the energy field, screaming bloody murder. “LET ME OUT OF HERE! YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS! YOU’LL ALL PAY!”
Holding back her tears, Shirley Partridge touched the energy field, wishing it was her son’s hand she was holding. She hung her head and asked herself, “Where did I go wrong?”
FLASHBACK: Three days ago:
Danny Partridge crept back into the main area of the Animarium, intent on stealing the Reality Gems. 'So, I’m not good enough to be a ThunderCat, or any type of Ranger, huh? We’ll see what happens when I become the only hero on this planet!- Danny thought evilly to himself.
But as he reached for the Red Reality Gem, a clarion sound erupted throughout the Animarium. Within minutes, Danny found himself trapped in a field of energy, courtesy of Zordon 1. “CONTACT BOTH KEITH PARTRIDGE AND BATMAN. HE HAS GONE TO THE DARK SIDE.”
END FLASHBACK
“What did I do wrong?” asked Shirley. “How could my other kids turn out so good, but this one turn out so bad?”
Prue Halliwell walked up to Shirley, gently assuring her that “You didn’t do anything wrong. From what Keith and the others told us, you were the best. You did the best that you could.”
“Prue’s right. We loved our mom, but, you are the type of parent that we wished our mom could have been. Don’t you ever believe that this was your fault. You had nothing to do with how he turned out.” Piper Halliwell finished.
Phoebe Halliwell added “Instead, look at Keith, Laurie, Chris, and Tracy. Look at how great they turned out. You should be proud of them.”
“Maybe they’re not the ones who turned out so good,” countered Danny. “Maybe I was the one who turned out good. Did you ever think of that?”
“I don’t believe that, Danny,” said Shirley. “Not for one second. I just hope you learn that before it’s too late.”
“The world according to Lex Luthor. You really are a sick puppy, you know that?” Phoebe added.
“I have nothing left to learn, mother!” screamed Danny. “I was the one who should have been the Blue ThunderCat, not that hick you call a boyfriend! I’m smarter than him, I’m better-looking than him, I’m better than him as well as the rest of you in every way, shape, and form!”
“My god! You are not only corrupt, you really are Luthor’s son! You sicken me!” Phoebe finished.
“Like your opinion matters to me, bitchy witch!” Danny snarled.
“Bravo, Danny, bravo,” said Batman 1 as he approached. “But what you fail to see is that sometimes, the smartest people have the most to learn. You and Luthor are shining examples of that.”
Larry and Leslie Zedden watched the whole thing, along with Carol, Frank, and Lilly. Larry said, “I feel sorry for the kid,” said Larry. “I just hope he doesn’t succumb to the same fate I did. If he does, Heaven help the Universe.”
“As do I,” came another voice. The party of five turned to see Batman 2 approach. “My counterpart has a plan that will hopefully make Danny see the light.”
“I sure hope he knows what he’s doing,” said Leslie.
“We don’t just look alike, Mrs. Zedden,” said Batman 2. “We think alike as well.”
Lilly then started walking away. Frank asked, “Hey, Lilly honey, where are you going?”
“I just need to get away, daddy,” said Lilly. “I’ll be fine.” Everyone watched as the child walked away.
As Batman 2 walked away as well, Leslie said, “Poor little girl. It must be disturbing having to see someone old enough to be her brother taking such a dark turn.”
Watching Batman 2, Carol said, “Somehow, I don’t think it’s just Danny that Lilly’s scared of.” Frank looked at his wife knowingly as she hesitantly followed the Dark Knight.
Carol looked around before finally spotting Batman 2 standing alone. As she hesitantly approached, Batman 2 asked, “What do you want, Mrs. Lambert?”
This surprised Carol. Nevertheless, she said, “It’s about Lilly.”
“What about her?”
“Look, Batman,” said Carol, “I understand that you aren’t the most social or trusting man. But quite frankly, Lilly’s terrified of you.”
“Unfortunately, it’s something I’ve gotten very good at,” said Batman 2.
“Batman, I understand that you don’t trust just anybody with certain things,” continued Carol. “But do you mind me asking. . .”
Knowing what Carol was getting at, Batman 2 finally whipped his head around and said, “Yes. As a matter of fact, I do mind. But if you need me to tell you something, let’s just say my intention is to frighten criminals, not children.”
Carol nodded and said, “Fair enough. But I think you need to tell that to Lilly.”
“You’re her mother. Isn’t that your job?”
“I’ve been a mother long enough to know that there are some problems a mother just can’t solve,” said Carol.
“I. . . think I understand,” said Batman 2. He then started walking away, looking for Lilly.
However, Carol stopped him, saying, “Batman, wait.” Batman 2 looked over his shoulder, waiting for Carol to speak. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but what made you decide to choose this path in life?”
Batman 2 looked away as images flashed through his mind. Images of his parents. The sounds of gunshots. Images of a young boy on his knees, his parents lying in the street dead. Finally, Batman 2 spoke. “A horrible memory. And a promise I made myself.”
“Have you been able to keep that promise?” asked Carol.
Batman 2 turned to Carol once more before answering. “I hope so, Carol. I hope so.” Carol was surprised by this, as this was the first time she’d ever heard Batman call her by her first name. As Batman 2 walked away, Carol allowed a smile to cross her face and a single tear to roll down her cheek.
Lilly Foster-Lambert threw a rock into the water. It sank. Lilly sighed. “I can’t ever get a stone to skip.”
She then gasped as she saw a bat-shaped shadow standing behind her. She turned to see Batman 2 standing there. He said, “If you’re going to skip stones, it’s going to take lots of practice.” He then picked up a stone and skipped it across the water.
“Wow,” said Lilly.
“Care to tell me what’s bothering you?” asked Batman 2.
Lilly hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I’m scared okay? You give me the creeps. Sometimes you scare me more than the bad guys.”
“That’s. . . understandable,” admitted Batman 2.
“Bats are scary creatures,” said Lilly.
“Do you know what my father once told me?” asked Batman 2. “He said that all creatures feel fear.”
“Even the scary ones?” asked Lilly.
“Especially the scary ones,” said Batman 2 with a slight smirk. “Do you know why I decided to become a bat?” Lilly shook her head and Batman 2 leaned down towards her ear. He whispered, “Because bats frighten me.” Batman 2 then stood up and walked away. When he was gone, Lilly managed a smile.
Danny had finally given up on trying to escape the energy field and collapsed in exhaustion. The Geo Rangers had watched the whole thing, Mark saying, “Finally, I thought we were never going to hear the end of it.”
“Poor dude,” said Cody. “I just hope I never cross over to the dark side.”
Karen finally turned and walked away. She spotted Keith’s guitar and sat down on a rock. Kris Munroe, the Yellow Power Angel, asked, “You play the guitar?”
“Yeah,” said Karen with a smile. “It’s helped me get through some tough times. Unlike the Partridges, though, I play more for fun than anything else. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to make it big in country music, but when it comes to my future, I’m a girl with many interests. Modeling, fashion, music.” She plucked the strings.
Hearing the tune, Keith asked, “I like what I’m hearing, but what are you doing with my guitar?”
“Oh, I’ve got a song in mind,” answered Karen, with a warm smile. “It kind of reminds me of Danny.” She started playing one of her favorite country songs. Kris sat down next to her as both began to sing.
Karen: You saved your money, boy
Bought you some shoes
The highway called
And you heard its cue
I know you thought
You had it beat
But now you’re leaving
On a one-way street
Karen and Kris: It’s a hard, hard lesson
But you’re gonna have to learn it
It’s a long, cold swim
Up against the current
Karen: And somewhere down the line
You’re gonna have it to turn it around
Cause, boy, right now
You’re nowhere bound
Kris: Her words still echo
In your mind
But fade away
As you cross the county line
Running from trouble?
Or from the truth?
It doesn’t matter
Either way, you lose
Karen and Kris: It’s a hard, hard lesson
But you’re gonna have to learn it
It’s a long, cold swim
Up against the current
Kris: And somewhere down the line
You’re gonna have it to turn it around
Cause, boy, right now
You’re nowhere bound
Karen: Well you walk ten miles
Just to make new tracks
But you turn around
And find that it’s twenty miles back
And it’s never gonna change
If you keep leaving
Your heart’s gonna break
But never break even
Kris: Where to now?
Do you know?
One thing’s for certain
Gonna reap just what you sow
And all you planted was
Heartache and pain
Don’t look now
But it looks like rain
Karen and Kris: It’s a hard, hard lesson
But you’re gonna have to learn it
It’s a long, cold swim
Up against the current
Karen: And somewhere down the line
You’re gonna have it to turn it around
Kris: Cause, boy, right now
You’re nowhere bound
Karen: Nowhere bound
“Great song. It does fit Danny. Thanks, Karen. I have a feeling I’m going to be talking to both you and Al a lot while looking for these Gems.” Keith said sadly.
Al had heard Keith’s statement as she walked over. Both she and Karen hugged the Red Lion ThunderCat, Karen saying, “Anytime, Keith.”
Prue and Piper Halliwell talked to Laurie Partridge about Danny’s plight, and how they were going to fix this. “So let me get this straight: You’re going back 14 years to when Luthor dreamed up this scheme?” The Pink Cheetah ThunderCat asked.
“You bet. Once free, Danny should lose his evil tendencies.” Prue revealed.
“Will he be a different person?” Chris Partridge asked. The Black Leopard ThunderCat was curious about this plan.
“No, not really. According to Phoebe’s visions, the Danny that is supposed to be here is still money-driven, but does have a sense of right and wrong. He does not want to be a ThunderCat, and has no desire for power other than wealth. This one is Luthor’s kid through and through.” Piper finished.
On an alternate Universe-
The Astro Megaship had appeared in the air. The Lightspeed Rangers looked out and saw Mariner Bay below them. “So that’s this world’s Mariner Bay, huh?” observed Carter. “Not much different than it is on our world.”
Suddenly, an alarm went off. “Danger, danger,” said DECA.
“Uh, oh,” said Superman 2. “Trouble. DECA, can you pinpoint the center of the disturbance?”
“Affirmative,” answered DECA.
Once they were able to get a fix on where they needed to go, Jenny said, “We’d better morph and get down there right away.”
“Right,” agreed Tommy 2. “It’s Morphin Time!”
“TYRANNOSAURUS!”
“GREEN DRAGON!”
“WHITE TIGER!”
Next was Jason 1. “It’s Morphin Time!”
“TYRANNOSAURUS!”
Andros gave the order for his team. “Let’s Rocket!”
Next was Carter and the Lightspeed Rangers. “Lightspeed Rescue!”
“TITANIUM POWER!” cried Ryan, joining the other Lightspeed Rangers.
Finally, it was Julie’s turn. “ANGEL POWER!”
At the Aquabase in Mariner Bay, the alarms were blaring. The Lightspeed Rangers of this Universe ran in, Ryan 2 asking, “What’s going on?”
“We just detected a strange energy reading,” answered Miss Fairweather 2. “I’ve never seen anything like it before. We’ve also got multiple villains on the attack, not just Bansheera’s goons.”
“Be extra careful, Rangers,” said Captain Mitchell 2. “And good luck.”
“We’ll do our best, sir,” said Carter 2 with a nod. “Lightspeed Rescue!”
“TITANIUM POWER!” Once morphed, these Lightspeed Rangers made their way out.
Elle Greenway walked around this new place she found herself taken to, Mariner Bay. 'I have a feeling that I don’t belong here- she thought to herself.
This was proven true, as Batlings and Quantrons began to attack, led by an armored woman that she somehow knew as-
“VYPRA!” Having never done this before, Elle shouted “ANGEL POWER!” A purple flash from the bracelet that she had found transformed her clothing into a purple version of the Power Angels’ outfits. Sending out a purple blast of sound, she short circuited the Quantrons, and sent the Batlings packing. “All right, Vypra, let’s dance.” The new Purple Power Angel shouted.
“I’m not alone, whoever you are! ATTACK!” Vypra was soon joined by the Royal Flush Gang, Silver Swan, Weather Wizard, Olympius, Major Force, and Dr. Light, the villain. “You’re outnumbered!”
“You’d better count again!” came the voice of Andros. The Astro Megaship had landed, and out came the heroes, morphed and ready to roll. They were joined by this Universe’s Lightspeed Rangers, also morphed and ready for action.
Aisha 1 shouted “We heard there was a party, and didn’t wanna miss it!”
The Yellow Lightspeed Ranger looked over and asked “A Purple Ranger? New colors are being added?” Kelsey 2 was clearly confused.
“And why do those other Rangers’ uniforms look like ours?” asked Joel 2.
“I think that’s because we’re you,” answered Joel 1. “Except we’re from another Universe.”
“It doesn’t matter how many of you there are or where you come from!” declared Vypra. “We will have the Purple Reality Gem! Get them!”
Diabolico appeared with more Batlings, saying, “Indeed. You are no match for us!”
“We’ll see,” said Elle with a frown.
Tommy 2, Rocky 2, and Jenny attempted to attack King, but he used his powers of mind control to slow their advances. As the three Rangers fell to their knees, trying to resist, King said, “Give in, Rangers. Join us. Join us and rule!”
“Never!” cried Tommy 2.
“I don’t know. . . how much longer. . . I can. . . fight. . . it!” cried Jenny.
Rocky 2, however, stood up. He crossed his arms over his chest, much to King’s shock. “That’s impossible!” cried King. “There’s no way you should be unaffected. . . unless. . .”
He never got to finish, as he was kicked down from behind. King stood up, only to find himself face-to-face with. . . Rocky 2? “Hello,” said Rocky 2. “Goodbye.” He then knocked out King with one punch. He then turned to himself and said, “The decoy idea worked.”
The other Rocky 2 smiled underneath his helmet before changing shape, revealing himself to be Martian Manhunter 1. J’onn simply smiled.
Ace took on Superman 2. But as strong as he was, he was simply no match for the Man of Steel. Superman 2 smiled and said, “You know the best part of fighting you, Ace? You’re an android. Which means, I don’t have to hold back.” And he didn’t, completely dismantling Ace with a handful of punches.
The female Lightstar Rangers took on Queen. She fired razor-sharp spades from her wrist shooters, striking all three of them down. However, they quickly got back to their feet, as Cassie said, “It’s going to take a lot more than that to put us down!”
“You got that right,” said Aisha 1. “Now let’s put the woman out of her misery.” The three of them then proceeded to give Queen a beating, overwhelming her with sheer numbers.
With Queen down for the count, Ashley quipped, “Royalty is so overrated.”
The male Lightstar Rangers were battling Ten. Ten cried, “Let’s see you boys get a bang out of this!” She then threw playing cards at the four Rangers. They exploded on impact, sending the four Rangers flying.
They stood up, clutching their chests. “Alright,” said Andros as calmly as he could. “If that’s the way you want to play.”
“Let’s get her,” said Zhane.
“Si, amigos,” agreed Carlos. The four of them then charged forward, overwhelming Ten, much the way the girls had done with Queen.
“Strike three, you’re out!” joked T. J.
Jack fired a laser from his cybernetically-enhanced left eye, but Jason 1, Julie, and Elle easily avoided it. Jason 1 leapt into the air, landing a flying kick. He landed two hard punches, followed by a roundhouse. Jack, however, remained defiant, asking, “Is that all you’ve got?”
Jason 1 frowned under his helmet, saying, “You’re going to wish you hadn’t said that.” He then turned to the two Power Angels and said, “Hit him with your best shot, Angels!”
Julie turned to Elle and smiled, asking, “Shall we?”
“We shall,” answered Elle with a nod and a smile. Julie sent a gust of wind at Jack, Elle another blast of sound. Their combined special abilities sent Jack flying, putting him down for the count.
As he engaged the Batlings, Ryan 2 said, “They’re trying. . .”
“. . . to overwhelm us!” finished Ryan 1.
Both Titanium Rangers turned to each other and cried, “That’s what I was going to say!”
Suddenly, more laser blasts came from the sky, taking down some of the Batlings. Everyone looked up to see another Astro Megaship approaching.
From inside, T. J. 2 said, “Looks like some of our friends could use some help.”
Andros 2 turned to someone standing in the shadows. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
The aforementioned person stepped out of the shadows. . . revealing himself to be Zhane 2! He smirked and asked, “What better way for me to get back into the swing of things?”
“Well, then what are we waiting for?” asked Carlos 2.
“Let’s Rocket!” commanded Andros 2. Once morphed, the Space Rangers exited the Astro Megaship flying down towards Mariner Bay on their Galaxy Gliders. They fired their Astro Blasters, causing the Batlings and the remaining villains to scatter.
When they were close enough to the ground, the Space Rangers jumped off and began fighting the Batlings as some of the other Rangers joined them. Seeing the Silver Ranger with them, Tommy 2 asked, “Andros, is that. . .?”
“Yes,” answered Andros 2 with a nod. “This is Zhane, the Silver Ranger. He just woke up from a two-year cryo-sleep.”
“And from the looks of things, just in time, too,” said Zhane 2 as he battled Batlings.
Suddenly, more of the Batlings were taken down. However, it appeared that nobody was there! Then, seemingly out of thin air, a figure in black armor appeared. Seeing the mysterious stranger, Jenny asked, “Who are you?”
“The Phantom Ranger, at your service,” answered the Phantom Ranger in a mysterious voice. The Phantom Ranger then proceeded to tear into the Batlings.
Cassie 2 noticed the fighting style with which the Phantom Ranger fought. She thought to herself, ‘Why do I feel like I’ve seen those moves before.’ She had no time to ponder on the matter further, however. There was work to be done.
Soon, the Batlings were finished. “Thanks, Space Rangers,” said Superman 2 with a nod.
“They never learn,” said Ashley 2.
“Now that that’s taken care of, lets deal with the rest of these creeps,” said Cassie 2.
Tommy 2 and Jason 1 attempted to double-team Silver Swan, but she swatted them away like flies with her super-strength. “Die, pathetic Rangers!” cried Silver Swan.
A blast of sound sent her flying. Elle stepped in front of the two Rangers and frowned, saying, “Not on my watch.”
Tommy 2 turned to Jason 1. Although these two had, technically, never fought together before, they still seemed to share the same bond. Tommy 2 smiled under his helmet and said, “Ready to do this?”
Jason 1 returned the smile and said, “I was born ready, bro.” The two of them then proceeded to leap and land simultaneous flying kicks, knocking her down.
Silver Swan stood up and attempted to use her destructive soundwaves, but Elle had other ideas. “Oh, no you don’t!” She countered Silver Swan’s sound attack with one of her own, putting the villainess down for the count.
Rocky 2, Jenny, and Julie took on Weather Wizard. Weather Wizard attempted to blow the three heroes away with strong winds, but Julie countered with winds of their own. Both soon realized this was a battle neither of them could win. Weather Wizard then said, “I’m impressed. But can you handle this?” He then fired a bolt of lightning from his wand.
Thinking fast, Jenny played a tune on her Dragon Dagger flute. The lightning strike hit her shield, reflecting back to the source. Weather Wizard was barely able to dodge. Jenny asked, “Don’t you know it’s not nice to fool with mother nature?”
“This will put a stop to that,” said Rocky 2 as he pulled out his Blade Blaster. He fired, destroying Weather Wizard’s wand.
Weather Wizard snarled and asked, “You think that’s going to stop me? I no longer need my wand to control the weather!”
“I’m afraid you won’t get the chance to prove it,” said Julie. She then created a tornado, catching Weather Wizard. As he struggled to breathe, Rocky 2 and Jenny leapt into the air and simultaneously hit him with flying kicks, taking him out of the fight.
The Lightstar Rangers took on Major Force, landing multiple shots on him. However, Force countered, bashing all seven of them away. He boasted, “You Rangers are weak! You can’t stop me! Nobody can stop me!”
“Yeah, we’ve heard that before,” said Aisha 1 with a frown.
“I hear you can’t die,” said Andros 1.
“If that’s the case, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t do this,” said T. J. 1.
“Spiral Sabre!” cried Andros 1. He began spinning like a drill and struck Major Force, causing him to scream in pain.
Carlos 1, T. J. 1, Cassie 1, Ashley 1, and Aisha 1 combined their weapons. “Quadroblaster!” cried Carlos 1.
“Fire!” cried the five Rangers in unison. They fired, causing Major Force more pain.
“Super Silverizer!” cried Zhane 1. He fired it in blaster mode, causing Major Force to scream in pain once more. Zhane 1 then touched a switch on his weapon, converting it to blade mode. He then performed and energized slash. Major Force took the hit and screamed as he fell and exploded.
The Lightstar Rangers’ counterparts, the Space Rangers were dealing with Dr. Light. “Your weapons will do you no good, Rangers,” boasted Dr. Light. “I can absorb their energy, making myself more powerful!” He then fired a destructive blast of light at them, but the Space Rangers were able to avoid it.
“Then I guess we’ll just have to beat you the old-fashioned way,” came a voice from out of nowhere.
“Who said that?” asked Dr. Light. His answer came in the form of a right to the jaw, knocking him on his rear.
The Phantom Ranger appeared before him, saying, “I did.”
“You think that alone is going to stop me?” snarled Dr. Light. He then fired at the Phantom Ranger, but the mysterious Ranger was able to avoid the shot. Before he could take another shot, however, the Space Rangers moved in. Andros 2 landed two punches to the jaw. Zhane 2 added two roundhouse kicks. Ashley 2 and Cassie 2 landed simultaneous flying kicks. And finally, T. J. 2 and Carlos 2 simultaneously punched him, knocking him out.
While the others took on the rest of the villains, Carter 2 said to his counterpart, “We’ll deal with Vypra. Your team can take Diabolico. What do you say?”
“Sounds good to me,” said Carter 1 with a nod. “Let’s do this, guys!”
Dana 1 smiled beneath her helmet, and shot a blast from her V-lancer, hitting Diabolico in the chest, and distracting him. “I’ll make you pay for that, Ranger!” Diabolico snarled.
“You and what army?” As Dana 1 said this, Carter 1 and the other Lightspeed Rangers called forth both their V-lancers and blasters, Dana 1 rejoining them as they blasted Diabolico into the ocean.
“I don’t think taking him out is going to be that easy, guys.” Chad 1 spoke.
“For once, you are right! I will destroy you all!” Diabolico shouted, but was knocked on his ass by Julie, the Pink Power Angel.
“You talk too much,” said Julie. “Like all bad guys.”
“I can do more than talk, Angel! Yes, I know all about you and those other 4 that have popped up! As I was saying, I do more than talk, I FIGHT!” Diabolico then charged the Pink Power Angel, forgetting about both the Lightspeed Rangers 1 and Elle. He would soon regret it. Elle blasted him with a sound that was almost like that of a sonic boom. The Lightspeed Rangers 1 then attacked with their V-lancers, slamming Diabolico into a building.
While this was going on, the Lightspeed Rangers 2 charged Vypra. “I have waited for this a long time.” the villainess snarled.
“Then you only waited to die! GET HER!” Ryan 2 shouted. As one, Joel 1 and 2, and Chad 1 and 2 called for their battleizers, as Carter 1 and 2 called for their Trans-Armor Cycles, each hitting Vypra in the chest, causing her great pain. Ryan 1 and 2, Dana 1 and 2, and Kelsey 1 and 2 then fired their V-lancers, slamming her into Diabolico.
“Party’s over!” both Joel 1 and 2 shouted. Once more, using their Rescue Blasters, the villains were put down for the count.
“We’ll be back!” Diabolico screamed, as they vanished from sight.
Meanwhile, Prince Olympius targeted both Superman 2 and Martian Manhunter 1, saying “Mother will give me the Star Power for good after this. Destroying Superman will be quite a feather in my cap. I’ll just create some handy Kryptonite.” Using the Star Power, he made a chunk of Green Kryptonite, and threw it at who he thought was Superman 2. Then, after he thought the Man of Steel was done for, he charged, expecting an easy fight.
Instead, he was shocked, when Superman 2 picked up the piece and quipped, “Looks good, and I am hungry. May I?” He then began to eat the rock, saying, “Not bad. A little stale, and could use a bit of salt-but all in all, a nice little snack. Oh, by the way-look behind you.”
Olympius turned around and saw-Superman 2, who socked him in the jaw. “Wow. Dumber than I thought.”
Turning back into Martian Manhunter 1, he quipped, “Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Wow. Hal was right, I have been hanging around Wally WAY too long.”
Meanwhile, on the Animarium:
The heroes there started to get bored again, and the Partridges thought they had the solution. With Both Zack 1 and Kimberly 1 filling in for Danny, they started this song, with Karen joining in midway:
KEITH: I recall when I was youngMy papa said don’t cryLife is full of ups and downsLike a roller coaster ride
ZACK: There’ll be times you’ll get so scared,Rollin’ down these hillsBut hang on tight with all your mightCause you don’t know what you feel
KEITH: You go up, down, all aroundOn a cycle that’s never endin‘You got on this train when you were bornAnd the wheels just keep on spinnin‘Like a roller coaster, it keeps going fasterI’m going faster, thrills comin‘ at yaAnd I walk down, all aroundLike a roller coaster
KAREN: I left home at just sixteenThought I’d have some funHitched a ride on a diesel truckHeaded for Washington
KIMBERLY: I know now what my papa meantWhen he told me heart to heartSon, you’ll find out soon enoughLife is just an amusement park
KEITH: You’ll thrill, like a kidYou’ll get so excitedYou hang on tight with all your mightAs if your hearts ignited
You go up, down, all aroundOn a cycle that’s never endin‘You got on this train when you were bornAnd the wheels just keep on spinnin‘Like a roller coaster, it keeps going fasterI’m going faster, thrills comin‘ at yaAnd I walk down, all aroundLike a roller coaster
Up, down, all around, all around, all around
KEITH: Up, down, all around, all around, all around
On a cycle that’s never endin‘You got on this train when you were bornAnd the wheels just keep on spinnin‘Like a roller coaster, it keeps going fasterI’m going faster, thrills comin‘ at yaAnd I walk down, all aroundLike a roller coaster
Applause filled the place, as another song began, led by Hyde:
If there’s anything you needAll you have to do is sayYou know you satisfy everything in meWe shouldn’t waste a single day
So don’t stop me fallingIt’s destiny callingA power I just can’t denyIt’s never changingCan’t you hear me, I’m sayingI want you for the rest of my life
chorus:Together forever and never to partTogether forever we twoAnd don’t you knowI would move heaven and earthTo be together forever with you
If they ever get you downThere’s always something I can doBecause I wouldn’t ever wanna see you frownI’ll always do what’s best for you
There ain’t no mistakingIt’s true love we’re makingSomething to last for all timeIt’s never changingCan’t you hear me, I’m sayingI want you for the rest of my life
Together forever and never to partTogether forever we twoAnd don’t you knowI would move heaven and earthTo be together forever with you
So don’t stop me fallingIt’s destiny callingA power I just can’t denyIt’s never changingCan’t you hear me, I’m sayingI want you for the rest of my life
Together forever and never to partTogether forever we twoAnd don’t you knowI would move heaven and earthTo be together forever with you
As this was going on, Elle and Julie were wrapping up the Royal Flush Gang while the Lightspeed Rangers 2 were wrapping up the other villains. Once they were taken away, the Rangers all demorphed except for the Phantom Ranger. Carter 2 spoke up. “Alright, guys, what’s going on here? For that matter, why are there look-alikes of us?”
“As we stated before, we are from another Universe,” said Carter 1. “As for why we’re here, we’ve been looking for the Purple Reality Gem.”
“‘Reality Gem?'” asked Kelsey 2 in confusion. “What’s that?”
“The Reality Gems are a set of gemstones that can be used to change the very fabric of reality itself,” answered Superman 2. “If they fall into the wrong hands, it could be catastrophic.”
“Fortunately, we’ve been able to successfully retrieve five of them thus far,” continued Martian Manhunter 1. “We believe the purple gem is somewhere in this area.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” asked Chad 2. “Let’s find it.” While the others began searching manually, Superman used his x-ray vision.
Andros 1 soon found the Purple reality Gem-not too far from where the Queen had left her card flyer. “Is this what you are looking for?” he asked as he reached for it.
“Don’t touch that!” cried Superman 2 as he sped over and stopped Andros from touching it. “Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, but three of our comrades were negatively affected after touching a Reality Gem. I don’t want a repeat of what happened to your Wonder Woman, Karen, and Al.” He then turned to Elle and said, “Ms. Greenway, I think it’d be best if you handled it.”
“If you say so, but why?” asked Elle.
“Um, Elle, I know this is a lot to take in, but-” Julie started.
“But what?” asked Elle.
“Well, to put it simply, you can place the gem inside your body,” explained Julie. “That’s the best way to keep it out of the enemy’s hands.” Elle nodded, somewhat understanding as she picked up the Purple Reality Gem. “Now, concentrate,” instructed Julie. Elle did so, and soon, the gem began to glow. Guessing that now was the time, she placed the gem inside of herself.
“Wow,” said Elle in surprise. “That actually didn’t hurt.”
“Mission accomplished,” said Rocky 2.
“For now, Rocko,” said Tommy 2. “For now.”
“Yeah, we’ve still got three more Reality Gems out there,” agreed Jenny. “And Zedd still has the green gem.”
Everyone then turned to the Phantom Ranger as Ashley 2 asked, “But who are you? Why haven’t we seen you before?”
“You have,” answered the Phantom Ranger. “Perhaps this will jog your memory.” Touching the center of the chest, the Phantom Ranger demorphed, revealing a blonde-haired girl with glasses. She smiled and looked at the Space Rangers, saying, “Hey, guys. Did you miss me?”
Cassie 2’s jaw dropped. “K. . .Kendrix? You’re alive!” She then ran over and hugged Kendrix. Kendrix just smiled. “But how?” asked Cassie 2.
“Best if I start from the beginning,” answered Kendrix. Addressing the other heroes, she asked, “My name is Kendrix Morgan. You guys have heard of Terra Venture, right?” The heroes from both Universes nodded. Kendrix continued, “Well, Terra Venture is protected by a team of Rangers, the Galaxy Rangers. I was the Pink Ranger.”
“We’ve heard rumors about such a team,” said Superman 2.
“A few days ago, Darkonda had shown up and teamed with our enemy Trakeena,” continued Kendrix. “The Space Rangers, along with the Outsiders, showed up to help us out. Darkonda was looking for a weapon called the Savage Sword. While Trakeena kept the others occupied, Cassie and I tried to stop Darkonda, but he found the sword before we could get to it. During the fight, Cassie ended up losing her morpher and Darkonda tried to take its power, causing Cassie pain in the process. The sword ended up mutating him, causing him to grow to giant size. Finally, the others showed up and were able to stop him. However, that didn’t stop the Savage Sword from continually hurting Cassie. So, I did the only thing I could do to save her: I destroyed the Savage Sword. Unfortunately, it costed me my life.”
“But how did you come back?” asked T. J. 2.
“Yeah, Cassie was devastated by your loss,” added Carlos 2.
“Well, Karone, with her knowledge of magic, was able to store my spirit inside a Power Ruby. It restored me to life,” explained Kendrix. “The ruby now resides within me, and I’m able to call upon its power, thus giving me the power of the Phantom Ranger. To show my gratitude, I allowed Karone to take my place as the Pink Galaxy Ranger.”
Andros 2 smiled and said, “That’s great. A perfect opportunity for Karone to try and make up for her wrongdoing. Her trial was brief, as our leaders showed her mercy and allowed her to travel the Universe to try and seek redemption.”
“Now that everything here has been settled, I think it’s time to go,” said Jason 1. “Andros, thanks for the help. And you too, Kendrix. Oh, and Lightspeed Rangers, show that Queen Bansheera who’s boss.”
“Count on it,” said Kelsey 2 with a nod and a smile. The heroes then boarded the Astro Megaship. It took off and soon a portal was opened, the Astro Megaship going through.
Soon, everyone was back on the Animarium. “How’d it go?” asked Black Canary 2.
“Great,” answered Jenny with a smile. “Six down, three more to go.”
“So far, so good,” said Black Canary 1. “Let’s hope things continue going as good as they have been.”
“They’ll have to,” said Flash 1. “Two Universes are depending on it.”
“More like all Universes, Barry,” corrected Flash 2. “If one gets screwed, they all get screwed.”
A couple of hours later, the fountain sprang up. “It’s another gem, everyone,” said Princess Shayla. Turning to the visiting heroes, she added, “And once again, it’s in your Universe. Charterville, to be exact.”
“Charterville?” asked Kat 2 in surprise. “Billy, isn’t that the home of the Beetleborgs?”
“Yes,” answered Billy 2. “And as you guys know, my cousins Drew and Jo are the gold and purple Beetleborgs, respectively.”
“Meanwhile, I’ll call in some friends of mine from Silver Hills.” Jason 1 spoke up then.
“Time Force?” Batman 1 asked.
“None other.” Jason 1 finished.
Prue smiled and looked at Shirley Partridge, saying “Meanwhile, we can get started on saving Danny Partridge.”
“And I should check in on the JLA Investigative Branch. They may have some information we can use.” Batman 1 added.
NEXT: Running Out Of Time