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The five teens dropped out of the portal into a pitch-black room, Jay couldn't tell much about it but he could feel it was large. "Is everyone okay?" he asked.

"I'm good," replied Tony from a few feet to his left.

"Us too," confirmed Will and Trini.

"I'm fine, Jay," said Kendrix. "Does anyone have any idea where we are?"

"Not me," Jay admitted. "Anyone else?" The other three admitted the same after a pause.

"Then allow me to shed some light on the situation," said a familiar voice.

At that moment, the lights came up and after a second to allow their eyes to adjust, the teens were able to identify the speaker. It was Jason's cousin Samantha Trueheart. She was standing next to a high-tech computer console in the middle of what appeared to be some sort of control center.

"Sammy!" exclaimed Jason. "What are you doing here? Where is here? What is here?"

The stocky brunette grinned slightly, "Well, hello to you too, Cousin." She turned to Kendrix and Will. "Now, I've heard about you two, but I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you. I am Samantha Trueheart, Jason's cousin."

"Hi."

"You may call me Sam or Samantha, I have disliked Sammy since I was twelve years old, a fact that some people... persist in forgetting." Here she glared at Jason, who grinned.

"As for our situation. We are inside a Class 4 Formanian Self-Sustaining Non-Autonomous Tesseract."

"Could we have that in English, please?" asked Will.

"A four-dimensional construct that is larger on the inside than the outside due to existing outside of 'normal space', and is connected to one or more static geographical locations." Trini supplied. "Not a common phenomenon, but my father has done a little work with them."

"Okay, I only understand about half of that," admitted Will. "But I get the general idea. I'm still a little fuzzy on the 'what are we doing here?' thing though?"

"I have brought the five of you here because the planet is in grave danger."

"What?"

"How?"

"Can't SPD...?"

"Or Lightspeed...?"

"All will be clear in a moment," said Samantha. "Twenty-five years ago, shortly after the inauguration of the Delta Base and SPD's Earth Division, I had a vision... a nightmare. That one day a great darkness would come to the Earth, one that even the vaunted Space Patrol Delta would be powerless against. Many would not have believed me, I was only five at the time. But my uncle - Jason's father - was an atypical man, open to possibilities that others were not, and he did believe me. So with the blessing of Commander Anubis Cruger and Lieutenant Charlie Varela of SPD and Kerovan Ambassador Hammond, he set about devising a countermeasure against such an eventuality."

"What would my father know about that sort of thing?� asked Jay. "I mean, I know he grew up in Angel Grove, which has had a lot of alien activity but... He's just a teacher. Isn't he?"

Kendrix went over to her friend and reached for his hand, he took it, gripping it tightly. "I'm sure he is now, Jay. But, I think your father was once more than just a teacher, Jay. In fact, I've suspected it since I first visited your house."

"Suspected what?"

"That Dr Oliver was once a Power Ranger," said Kendrix, and then glanced at Samantha for confirmation.

The older woman nodded. "Not just any Ranger though. Alpha-"

Kendrix glanced in the direction she looked and was startled to see an old friend, Alpha Seven, the Edenoian robot that had occasionally helped her father but had disappeared after his death. She almost went to him, but Jay's grip on her hand stopped her.

"Yes, Samantha."

"Run video file Legacy-Two-Alpha."

"Right away."

Samantha motioned for the five teens to join her around the hexagonal workstation in the center of the room. A second or two, a hologram of Tommy Oliver, looking perhaps ten years younger than his current age, appeared above the center of the workstation. "I'm Tommy Oliver. If you're not me, then something is seriously wrong. This video diary is a confidential record, only to be viewed in case of an emergency."

"This qualifies." Samantha stated.

"What you're about to see is a history of my life. My history... as a Power Ranger."

"My story begins in Angel Grove... When five teenagers with attitude were recruited to fight the evil space sorceress Rita Repulsa, harnessing the power of the dinosaurs to become Earth's first Power Rangers. Under the guidance of Zordon of Eltar, Trini, Zack, Kimberly, Billy, and Jason bravely defended Earth, which forced Rita to create her own Ranger." Here he paused. "Me."

Jay looked down at Kendrix, who squeezed his hand reassuringly as Tommy continued, "Her evil magic was too strong. I couldn't fight it. She commanded me to destroy the Power Rangers, and I almost succeeded. But my friends never gave up. They helped me destroy the Sword of Darkness, and I was freed. And that's when I joined the team, but not for long. I soon discovered the Green Ranger powers were only temporary.

"But when a new villain, Lord Zedd, began destroying Earth, the Rangers needed all the help they could get and I returned to lead the team, this time as the White Ranger. Not long after that Trini, Zack, and Jason departed and passed on their powers to three new Rangers making Rocky, Adam and Aisha the newest members of the Ranger family."

"And just in time, 'cause it wasn't long before Rita and Zedd teamed up to form our most powerful enemy yet, bringing with them a new terror, Rito. The new team fought bravely, but it wasn't enough. Rito destroyed our Zords. But, a Ranger never gives up, so Zordon sent us on a quest to find Ninjor, a warrior from the past who showed us the secrets of the ancient ninja. Our quest complete, we gained new weapons, new Zords, and new enemies. But along with new enemies, came new friends. Like me, Katherine had a rough introduction, but when Kimberly chose to leave, she was the only choice. Katherine assumed the Pink Ranger power, and just in time."

"We were under attack...We got out just as Rita and Zedd succeeded in destroying the Command Center. Beneath the ruins, we found the Zeo Crystal, a mystical power that guided us into the next chapter of our lives as Rangers."

This time it was Kendrix who was surprised, she was no expert, but Rangers changing color wasn't that common, she could only recall three others that had done it and none more than once and according to his video diary, Tommy had had two color changes, including a rather unexpected shift from White to Red.

"The Zeo powers were awesome, but when we needed reinforcements, we turned to an old friend. Jason returned, and assumed the power of the Gold Ranger. We sent Rita packing, and after high school graduation, it was time to face the world. But not before going on one last adventure as Rangers. It was time to shift into a higher gear. The old Rangers were gone forever, but the Turbo Rangers were born. A space pirate named Divatox launched an attack on Earth. We were given the powers of Turbo, and took her head on, with a little help from a surprise addition, Justin.

"But it soon it was time for us to move on and the Turbo Ranger mantle had to be passed to a new team - T.J., Cassie, Ashley and Carlos - were our choice for the job. But Divatox was tough, and the Piranhatrons were relentless. They staged a fearsome attack, taking out the Power Chamber, and Turbo Rangers' powers with it. Divatox headed for space, and Earth's ultimate destruction. The Rangers knew they had to follow her, and embarked on their most dangerous mission ever.

"The journey into space was treacherous, and the line between friend and foe was a thin one. But, Andros proved he was more than a friend, he was just the kind of leader they would need to fight a new enemy... Astronema. They thought they had no hope, but Andros brought them the Astro Morphers, bringing forth a new team. Later, the Astro Rangers freed Zhane from his deep freeze, and the Silver Ranger was a noble addition to the team. Together, they defeated Astronema, and the Earth was safe.

"But with the rise of Mesogog, it became necessary to invoke the power of the Dino Gems and Conner, Ethan, Kira and Trent became the Dino Rangers, and fought valiantly at my side until his defeat at the cost of their own powers."

"Dr Oliver was one of the Dino Rangers too?" said Kendrix, sounding even more surprised. Samantha nodded.

"Later, when peaceful co-existence of Briarwood was threatened by the return of Koragg and the Morlocks, the Sorceress Udonna lead five teenagers, Nick, Chip, Xander, Madison and Vida to their destiny as the Mystic Force Power Rangers."

"When Earth began taking in travelers from other worlds, it soon became obvious that not everyone was going play by the rules... so Siriusian veteran Anubis Cruger brought together Charlie, Beevor, Cliff, Ivan and Rachel as the newest team of Power Rangers. But this turned out to be a mistake, as they turned against him, and it was only thanks to Ranger Cadets Jack, Sky, Bridge, Z and Syd, and two Rangers from the future that the Earth survived.

"The SPD have protected the Earth ever since. But, sometimes even the greatest Ranger needs some help, and it is time for the power of the Thunder Gems to be unleashed. Samantha Trueheart will be your guide you on your journey. Good luck Rangers, and may The Power protect you."

�Wow,� said Tony, neatly summing up the five teens' feelings.

Jay nodded, �You want us to become Power Rangers to stop this... darkness?�

�If you agree. Yes, I hope to,� Sam agreed. �Are you willing?�

Jay looked at the others. �I'm in. Tony?�

�I've got your back, bro.�

�You know me, I love a good adventure,� said Will.

�You'll need someone to keep eye on Cowboy there,� Trini said. �I'm in too.�

�Kendrix?�

�My father gave his life his life to protect the Earth. I can do no less.�

�Well, it's unanimous then,� declared Jay. �Let's do it.�

�Very well,� said Samantha, and crossed to a small safe built into one of the walls and removed a small lock box. When she opened it, five glowing gems could be seen nestled in the padding. �These are the Thunder Gems. I've made some improvements since your parents' time.�

�What do we do?�

�Listen to your heart, and take the Gem that speaks to you.�

�What if none of them do?� Tony asked worriedly.

�Then you are not the one,� Samantha replied. �The Gems choose you, not the other way around.�

Tony nodded, then after a moment, nodded and took the blue gem. Seconds later, Jay took the red gem and Kendrix the pink. Finally, after nearly three minutes, Trini selected the yellow gem, and Will finally picked the green.

They stepped back into a line, and appeared to go into a trance for a moment. Then their eyes snapped open as pairs of silver bracelets appeared on their wrists. Once each Gem had been placed in its respective bracelet, a wave of color spread out from the bracelets, enveloping the Rangers. When it faded, each was dressed in form-fitting ninja suit with a wrap-around cloth jacket and headscarf. Each jacket had the signature color of the Ranger around the edge of the jacket and on the shoulder pads, and a gold metal badge on the left breast.

They reached up and pulled back their headscarves. �Well, I guess we were the ones,� Tony suggested.

Samantha smiled, �Indeed you are, my friends.�

She crossed over to Tony. �Tony, kind and gentle. You are Enhorn, the agile Unicorn.�

�Trini, eagle-eyed and sure. You are Griff, the high-flying Gryphon.�

�Will, stubborn and headstrong. You are Harka, the mighty Bull.�

�Kendrix, you shall rise from the ashes of your despair as Fenix, the graceful Phoenix.�

�And Jason, the linchpin around which all shall revolve. You are Drage, the Dragon. Mythical King of the Skies.�

�Now go my friends. The enemy will not stand idle long.�

Jay nodded. �Let's go, guys.� He smiled, recalling something that seemed like a memory... �Back to action!�

Alpha activated the invisiportal controls and the Rangers were teleported out of the Hub.

"Alpha, transmit a Priority A1 communique to Commander Tate at SPD Delta Base," Sam ordered. "'Kuronoeru Protocol Stage One, implemented. Stage Two in progress'."

�Yes, Samantha,� agreed Alpha. �Ai ai ai.�

The five Teens were dropped into the desert outside town. "Does anyone have any idea where to go?" Will asked, scanning the skyline.

"I think... this way," said Jay, heading towards the foothills. "Come on."

Minutes later, they arrived at a small valley, at the valley floor about sixty feet below, they could see the eerie glow of the obelisk powering the nullifying spell and a little behind the portal itself.

"This must be it!" declared Jay. "Let's go!" He immediately suited actions to words and seeing a broad ledge a dozen or so feet below - leapt off. The others followed his example a moment later. They followed the ledge around the cliff as it curved downwards, eventually joining the valley floor. �We don't have much time!� Jay declared once the others had joined him on the ground. �Let's go.�

The five teens took off at a run, heading towards the obelisk. When they were about twenty feet away, a massive figure stepped out from behind the obelisk and blocked their way. He resembled a larger version of the original team's nemesis Rito, but wore a coal-black suit of samurai armor. �Stop, who dares oppose the might of Emperor Kurayami?�

Jay paused for a second, �We're the Power Rangers.�

�Hah! Your pitiful powers are useless against my father's magicks,� Bossu declared, indicating the marble obelisk. �Depart, or be destroyed!�

�Not going to happen, Skullface,� declared Will.

�My name is Prince Bossu, Lord and Heir of the Caligum Imperium! Your defiance shall lead you to a nightmare beyond imaging!�

�Talk's cheap, Skullface,� Jay reminded him.

�Very true, 'Ranger',� said Bossu. �Batei Brigade!�

At that moment, a dozen or so strange creatures appeared as if from nowhere and surrounded the teens. They were roughly human-sized, but extremely wiry with deformed, caveman-like foreheads, clawed hands and bat-like arm-wings. They reminded Jay a little of certain portrayals of vampires. The teens instinctively moved into a circle facing outwards, �Any suggestions?� asked Jay.

�Nothing springs immediately to mind, apart from the obvious,� said Trini. Kendrix, standing on his other side, nodded her agreement.

�We'll go with that then,� declared Jay.

The five teens shouted, �Thunder Gem Power!�

At once, the headcloths snapped back into place around their heads and their costumes glowed slightly.

�Bateis, destroy them!� ordered the prince. The vampire-like minions responded immediately to the instruction, and charged snarling furiously towards the teens.

�Let's take them!� declared Jay, and immediately advanced towards one of the leading soldiers. His soldier blocked his first punch, and his second, but a third to the gut, delivered as Jay ducked a counterstrike knocked him back for a second, then a leg-sweep knocked him the ground. Jay glanced around briefly to check on the others while he looked for another target. Trini and Will were double teaming a group of three Bateis, trading punches, kicks and blocks, they weren't winning but he could tell they were going to. He couldn't see Tony, but Kendrix was in full view and she wasn't doing to well as two of the Bateis had her in arm locks. He was just about to go to her aid when she locked eyes with him.

�Jay look out!� she screamed. Jay ducked. But the scream didn't stop, in fact it got louder, and the force of it knocked the Batei behind Jay flying. The Bateis to either side of her were also thrown off balance and two sharp elbow strikes from Kendrix knocked both of them back. She shared a quick glance with Jay and then they turned away, looking for new targets.

As they were outnumbered two or three to one, it didn't take that long. Jay blocked an open-handed strike from his opponent, then stepped back a step to give himself enough room for a high-kick. The kick hit slightly lower than planned, but shattered a crystal hung around the Batei's neck. The creature promptly turned to dust. Jay staggered, but managed to right himself. �Guys, shatter their amulets. It destroys them!�

�Got it!� declared Will. Then his arms suddenly glowed green and when he thrust the right forward, it hit far stronger than normal and the target's crystal was also shattered.

Another power... Ken's got a powerful scream, Will's got strength. Wonder what mine is? Jay wondered as he ducked another Batei and then swept it's legs out from under it. Of course, I'm the Dragon, there's only one thing it could be. I've always wanted to say this... �Flame on!�

Sure enough, flames sprang into being - though sadly only around his arms. Jay wasn't really complaining though. �Excellent!� He blasted two oncoming Bateis and they dusted as effectively as before. He was just about to target two more when a blue blur flashed past them, destroying both. The blur solidified into Tony. �Now you see me, now you're dust,� quipped the brawny artist. �Who's next?�

The others had clearly been busy, as only Prince Bossu himself appeared to be left. The other three rushed over to Jay and Tony, and then they turned as a group towards Bossu. �You may have defeated my soldiers, but you will find me a far more difficult opponent!� he declared, and then his sword began to glow.

�That doesn't look good,� observed Will.

�Stand ready...� ordered Jason.

Bossu swung his sword downwards and three swaths of light flew from it and exploded around the Rangers, followed by another two salvos before they could react. When the smoke cleared, Jay had been knocked to the ground. The other Rangers had knocked in various directions and lay scattered across the area.

�He's right!� said Kendrix, struggling to her feet. �We can't beat him like this!�

�She's right, 'Rangers'. Give up now and I will be merciful.�

�No thanks,� said Jay, staggering to his feet and joining Kendrix. When the others had also made it to their feet, he raised his left arm, the others followed suit. �Let's take this to the next level!�

�Right!� agreed Kendrix, Trini, Tony and Will.

�Dino Thunder, Power Up!� declared Jay.

�Drage!�

�Enhorn!�

�Griff!�

�Harka!�

�Fenix!�

�Power Rangers Dino Thunder!�

�How is that possible?!� screamed Bossu.

�Surprise.�

�No matter, I shall destroy you even with your powers!� declared Bossu, and bringing his sword up into a guard position, he charged.

�Thundermax Sabers!� ordered Jay, drawing the twin guns at his belt and shifting them to Blade Mode. He charged towards Bossu, and when the prince got within range and struck, he was able to catch the blade between his. �You�re going down!� he declared.

�I don�t think so!� declared Bossu, wrenching his sword downward, he charged it and brought it up in a brutal slash, cutting under Jay�s guard and hitting him in the chest. Jay cried out and flew backwards, slamming into the side of the cliff.

Kendrix ran over to him, while the other three engaged Bossu. �Are you alright, Jay?�

Jay nodded, and jumped to his feet, �I�m fine. He�s not as tough as he thinks he is.�

Kendrix looked back at the battle. Trini and Tony were still on their feet, they were currently trying to repeat Jay�s unsuccessful strategy, but without much luck. Sure enough, Bossu freed his blade seconds later and cut down Trini, then turned and slashed at Tony. He managed to block the first strike, but the second hit him.

�Let�s try something different,� said Jay, picking up his sabers from where they�d fallen. �Thundermax Sabers... Laser Mode!� At the command, the twin blades returned to their gun form. Jay turned them on Bossu. �Fire!�

The twin laser beams shot towards Bossu, he snarled, and parried them with his blade, sending them back at the two Rangers. They dodged out of the way and then fired back. Again he managed block the two of the beams, but the third got through, rattling them slightly. But before he could respond, another laser blast hit him from behind. Jay and Kendrix turned to look for the source. It was Will.

�Altogether now!� ordered Jay. �Fire!�

The four beams slammed into the skeletal samurai, he dropped to the ground, smoking slightly. �A credible opening move, Red Ranger. But not enough! Beyond, the true power of the Obelisk!�

�This can�t be good,� said Kendrix.

�Oberisuku Kesu!�

The Obelisk glowed, then transformed into a blue-skinned warrior with white hair and a midnight-black armor engraved with lightning bolts.

�Definitely not good,� agreed Jay. �Stand ready...�

�Denjiki Seichou!�

A wave of dark energy erupted from the portal, and the warrior was shot into the air. A split second later, it began to grow, and by the time it landed on the ground at the top of the cliff it was the size of a skyscraper. �Denjiki, destroy the Rangers!�

�This... is not good,� said Jay. He raised his Morpher to his helmet. �Sammy, got anything for us?�

�I�ve got just the thing.� Samantha confirmed. �Skidbladnir�s on his way.�

�Excellent.� Jay told her. �You�re the best.�

�Where�s Skullface disappeared to?� asked Will.

Jay looked away from the giant monster that was eying them from the top of the cliff for a moment. �Don�t know, I�m sure he�ll be back though.�

�Definitely,� agreed Kendrix.

�Let�s go topside,� said Jay.

�Right behind you, bro,� said Tony.

The five teens leapt upwards, easily making the jump to the clifftop and landing gracefully.

At that moment, a massive invisiportal opened up near them, and the Carrier Zord Skidbladnir - modeled after a giant Viking sailing ship - slid out of it. When it came to rest, the front of the ship split down the middle and opened, exposing the inside of the vessel. Five Zords were docked inside, two on the lower level and three on the upper one.

�Thunder Zords!� declared Jay.

A ramp extended out from the base of the ship and Enhornzord and Harkazord charged down it. Seconds later, Dragezord, Griffzord and Fenixzord took off. As they passed the Rangers, the five teens leapt up into the Zords� cockpits.

�Ready guys?� asked Jay.

�I was born ready!� declared Will.

�Then let�s bring them together!� declared Jay. �Thunderstrike Megazord Formation!�

Harkazord's legs folded up into its body then its back split in two and extended out into a pair of sturdy legs, then the head and shoulders rotated downwards so that they are on the underside of the Zord. Dragezord lowered its head; the legs turned so they were parallel with the body; the tail shifted around to the left; and the bottom half detached exposing a fist. Enhornzord split into the head and the body, the legs retracted into the body and the Zord attached to the outside of Dragezord's right leg. The combined Zords flew towards the Harkazord and locked onto the front of it with Dragezord's head just above Harkazord's. Dragezord's wings folded forward into shoulder pads, locking down over the tops of the arms to frame the dragon's head in the Megazord's chest. Fenixzord's head and chest rotated around to expose a head, which locked down at the top of the Megazord. The body complete, the Griffzord docked with the back of the Megazord adding a pair of wings. Finally, Dragezord tail and the Enhornzord head, now morphed into a flat blade and a small flat shield descended and were caught by the left and right fists. Then the Megazord shifted into a battle-ready position, sword pointed towards the monster.

�Thunderstrike Megazord, online!� declared the quintet.

�Not for long!� declared the monster. �I�ve got your number.� Blue-white energy arced between its hands and then blasted towards the Megazord, hitting them straight in the chest.

Inside the cockpit, sparks flew as the Rangers struggled to keep their balance. �This guy�s pretty tough!� said Kendrix. �I say we finish this quick and fast. Fenix Scream!�

A sonic pulse blasted from the Megazord�s head and hit the monster, it staggered, but didn�t fall.

�Good try, Ken,� said Jay. �Let�s try this one. Drage Vibro-Blade!�

The Megazord raised its sword and the weapon began to vibrate and then glow. Then the Megazord cut down and then up again, drawing two diagonal cuts across the monster�s chest. It groaned, then fell to the ground and exploded. In the background, the eerie glow of the Emperor�s portal faded.

�We did it!� cried Will. �Yes!�

�This was only a temporary setback for the Emperor of course,� Sam reminded them when they returned to the Hub.

�We know, Sammy,� Jay said. �And when they return, we�ll be ready.�

He took a moment to examine his team�s costumes. Though they greatly resembled the old Dino Ranger costumes, there were some differences: all five suits included the shoulder pads previously present on only the Black Dino Ranger�s suit, and the patterns on their arms were a series of gold-bordered white triangles rather than black-edged diamonds. His suit was slightly different in that it boasted two Thundermax Sabers rather than the usual one. The other four suits were identical, save for color and the skirts on the girls' costumes.

�Power Down!� he ordered.

The quintet�s suits vanished in a crackle of energy, leaving them clad in their Prom outfits.

Sam took a small box from the worktable and turned back to the Rangers. �Thanks to my improvements, the Morphers and Gems will stay hidden unless they are called for. So I want each of you to wear one of these comlinks at all times.�

The 'comlinks' turned out to be sophisticated-looking electronic wristwatches, which the guys immediately strapped on. The girls slipped theirs into their handbags. Samantha looked like she was about to say something, but then nodded her understanding.

�Now, there are two rules, and one piece of advice, that I have for you before you go,� said Samantha, as she returned the now-empty box to the worktable. �First, never use your powers for personal gain, and second, never escalate a fight unless your opponent forces you to.�

�Agreed,� said Jay. The others nodded in turn.

�My advice, which at one time was a third rule, is: Do not reveal your identities as Rangers to non-Rangers unless absolutely necessary. We are a very different set-up to Lightspeed or SPD, and so must be more careful.�

The five teens nodded in agreement.

�Now that that is over with, I am going to return you to the Convention Center. The Prom was canceled due to the power outage, but it would be best if you were seen there in any case.�

The five teens arranged themselves into a small group, then Alpha Seven activated the portal controls and they were teleported away.

A/N: 'Kuronoeru' means 'Black Christmas' and refers to Tommy who is occasionally known as the Black Christmas Ranger (because he has worn the 'Christmas Colors' White, Red and Green.

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