Once Commander Cruegar, Merrick and Ninjor were stable, I went to my room. I started pacing back and forth. The sight of seeing the Rangers hadn’t left my mind. At least with the nightmares I could easily dismiss them because they weren’t real, but it was hard when I was actually living in them. I grabbed a sticky note and a pen. I wrote down the names of the Rangers who didn’t make it. I stuck it on the wall then started pacing back and forth again, getting lost in my thoughts.
“Why me? There are so many others who could help. I can't do this. I can't watch anymore Rangers be..." I muttered. My mind was a whirlwind of memories and fears, my fists clenching involuntarily. "I can't," I repeated, the words becoming a mantra of despair. Suddenly I felt gentle hands on my arms, stopping my frantic pacing. I was startled for a moment, not realizing someone came in, until I saw that it was Jason. His touch was firm but kind, grounding me in the moment.
"Kali, I know you're scared, and that's okay," he began, his voice steady and soothing. "I was and still am. I wish I could say it’ll get easier, but that would be a lie. I wish you weren’t put into this war and that you were still back in Coral Harbor, living life with Devon and your friends."
His words struck a chord deep within me. The thought of home, of Devon, brought a fresh wave of tears to my eyes. "But the Morphin Masters chose you for a reason," Jason continued, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that demanded attention. "And the good news is you’re not alone. We’ve got your back, and I promise I’ll do whatever I need to protect you so that you’ll be able to go home. But you’ve gotta promise me that you won’t give up the fight, no matter what."
He paused, giving me a moment to absorb his words. "I’m old, and I’ve come to terms with the fact that I could die, and that’s okay because I’ve lived my life. But you’re still young. You have your whole life ahead of you, and you’ve got your friends, especially Devon, waiting for you back in Coral Harbor. You can do this."
I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. He was right. I couldn’t let my fear paralyze me. The legacy of the fallen Rangers deserved to be honored. Gathering my courage, I wrapped Jason in a hug, tears streaming down my face. He hugged me back, his embrace warm and reassuring. "Thank you, Jason. I promise I’ll keep fighting, no matter what. I’ll make sure to keep the fallen Rangers’ legacies alive. But you’re not allowed to die, either. You may be old, but you and your team are my and every other Ranger’s heroes," I said, my voice shaky but determined as I pulled back and wiped my eyes.
Jason smiled, a chuckle escaping his lips. "I was hoping you’d say I wasn’t that old. Thanks," he joked lightly. "But seriously, knowing that you think that, even though we’re not heroes, means a lot."
"Are you kidding? Without the Mighty Morphin Rangers, there’d be no Power Rangers and no role models for us to look up to," I replied with a small smile as we walked out of my room. As we made our way down the corridor, the gravity of the situation still weighed heavily on my shoulders, but Jason’s words had ignited a spark of hope within me. I wasn’t alone in this fight, and I couldn’t let my fear overshadow my duty.
As Jason and I walked into the command room, I caught the tail end of Billy’s worried voice. “Drakkon’s forces are everywhere. That would be impossible.”
I couldn’t help but smile a little as I replied, “We’re Rangers. Nothing’s impossible.”
Billy turned to me, concern etched on his face. “Kali! How are you holding up?”
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past few days. “As good as I can be. Jason gave me a little pep talk, and it helped me get refocused.”
Jason and I joined the others, who were deep in discussion. Ziggy was the first to speak up. “I think it’s time we take the fight straight to Drakkon.”
“But the problem is Drakkon’s forces are everywhere,” Jen interjected, her tone heavy with concern.
I thought for a moment, considering the options. “There… might be a way. It’s very risky, but we’re no strangers to that.”
Ziggy’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “What’s your idea?”
“I can pretend to take one of you guys prisoner. We should be able to walk right in,” I suggested, trying to keep my voice steady.
Jen frowned, her skepticism clear. “Won’t they kill us on sight?”
“If it was anyone else, yes. But they probably won’t kill me,” I said, glancing between Billy and Jason as I took a deep breath.
“Why?” Ziggy asked, clearly puzzled.
“Because I’m Drakkon’s daughter. I can pretend to be joining him and get inside,” I revealed, the words heavy in the air.
“Wait… you’re his daughter? How can we trust that you won’t actually join him?” Jen asked suspiciously, her eyes narrowing at me.
Before I could respond, Jason stepped up beside me. “Because we trust her.”
Billy chimed in, “And Tommy trusted her, too.” Trini nodded in agreement, adding her silent support.
I gave them a small, grateful smile. Ziggy nodded, though Jen still looked uncertain. She remained silent, her eyes filled with doubt. I took another deep breath, gathering my thoughts. “Jen, I know you’re skeptical, but I need you to trust me on this. I won’t let you down.”
Jen finally spoke, her voice softer but still wary. “I’ll trust you, Kali. But don’t make me regret it.”
“I won’t,” I promised, meeting her gaze with determination. “Now, let’s go over the details. We need to make sure every step is flawless.”
As we huddled together, mapping out our plan, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was our chance to take the fight to Drakkon, and I wasn’t about to let my team down. Not now, not ever.
A little while later-
Dragging Jason along as my prisoner, I approached Drakkon’s fortress with a mixture of determination and anxiety bubbling in my chest. The ominous structure loomed before us, its dark, foreboding presence casting long shadows in the dim light. The guards at the entrance eyed us warily as we approached.
“Step aside, fools. Don’t you know who I am? I’m here to see my father, Lord Drakkon,” I demanded, fixing them with a steely glare. The guards exchanged uncertain glances, hesitation clear in their eyes. For a tense moment, I feared they might call my bluff, but then they reluctantly stepped aside, allowing us to pass. I let out a silent breath of relief, my heart pounding in my chest.
Never imagined my time being evil would actually be useful.
As we entered the fortress, the oppressive atmosphere pressed down on us. The hallways were dimly lit, the air heavy with a sense of dread. More guards intercepted us, their expressions a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
“Take me to my father, Lord Drakkon,” I ordered them, my voice steady and authoritative. Again, they hesitated, glancing at each other before nodding and leading us deeper into the fortress. Jason, bound and playing his part, leaned in slightly.
"Are you sure about this, Kali?" he whispered, his voice laced with concern. I gave him a quick, reassuring look.
"We don't have a choice. We have to get close to Drakkon," I whispered back, determination hardening my resolve. The guards led us through a series of twisting corridors, the walls adorned with menacing symbols and banners. The fortress was a labyrinth, designed to disorient and intimidate. Finally, we arrived at a massive set of doors, flanked by more guards. One of them stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized us.
"What business do you have with Lord Drakkon?" he asked, his tone skeptical. I straightened my posture, meeting his gaze without flinching.
"I bring news of the Rangers' activities and a prisoner," I said, nodding towards Jason. "My father will want to hear this directly from me."
The guard studied me for a moment longer before nodding. "Very well. Enter," he said, pushing the doors open. Inside, the room was vast and dimly lit, the air thick with an oppressive silence. At the far end, seated on a throne of dark stone, was Drakkon. His eyes gleamed with cold, calculating interest as he looked up, a twisted smile spreading across his face.
“Well, well. My prodigal daughter returns, and we finally get to meet. Brought me a Ranger as a gift?” Drakkon’s voice dripped with sinister glee, his eyes gleaming with a cruel light as his gaze shifted to Jason. His presence was suffocating, a chilling reminder of the evil he embodied. Jason's face remained stoic, but I could feel the tension radiating from him. I stepped forward, forcing myself to maintain a confident facade.
"Father, I bring you Jason, the Red Ranger. His capture was not easy, but I knew you would appreciate the effort."
Drakkon rose from his throne, descending the steps with an eerie grace. "You've done well, Kali. But tell me, why now? Why return to me after all this time?"
I swallowed hard, the weight of his scrutiny pressing down on me. "I've seen the futility of fighting against you, Father. The Rangers are losing, and I... I want to be on the winning side. I want to join you."
Drakkon studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Is that so?" he said slowly, his tone skeptical. "And why should I believe you?"
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "Because I'm your daughter. I've seen the truth. The Rangers are weak and divided. With you, I can be strong. We can be strong together."
Drakkon's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I feared he would see through the deception. But then he nodded, a cruel smile curling his lips. "Very well, Kali. You may join me. But first, prove your loyalty."
He motioned for the guards to take action, and they quickly disappeared, only to return moments later with a prisoner who looked like he had been through hell. His face was bruised, and his uniform was torn. It took me a few seconds, but then it hit me. “Joel!” I gasped, my heart sinking. Immediately, I regretted it.
Oh man, I hope I didn’t just blow my cover.
I glanced back at Drakkon, my pulse racing. He didn’t seem to react, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he had noticed.
No, he had to have noticed. There’s no way someone like him wouldn’t catch that.
I quickly regained my composure, forcing myself to adopt a colder tone. “The Green Lightspeed Rescue Ranger,” I commented, trying to sound indifferent. Drakkon’s gaze flicked to me, a hint of suspicion in his eyes.
“Yes, Kali. One of the many thorns in my side. But he’s of no consequence now.” He turned to Joel, a cruel smile playing on his lips. “Tell me, Ranger, how does it feel to be so utterly defeated?”
Joel, despite his injuries, managed to lift his head and glare defiantly at Drakkon. “You won’t win, Drakkon. The Rangers will stop you,” he spat, his voice hoarse but full of determination.
Drakkon chuckled darkly. “Such spirit. It’s almost admirable. Almost.”
I clenched my fists at my sides, struggling to maintain my composure. “Father,” I began, my voice steady, “what do you plan to do with him?”
Drakkon’s eyes gleamed with malice. “Oh, I have many plans for our dear Ranger here. But first, I want to test your loyalty, Kali. Prove to me that you’re truly committed to our cause.”
My stomach twisted with dread, but I forced myself to nod. “Of course. What would you have me do?”
He stepped closer. “Take this,” he said, handing me a blade. “Show me that you’ve truly forsaken your former allies.”
I stared at the blade, my mind racing. “You want me to hurt him?”
Drakkon’s smile widened. “I want you to show no mercy.”
I glanced at Joel, who was watching me with a mixture of confusion and defiance. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my trembling hands. “As you wish, Father.”
Stepping towards Joel, I met his gaze. “Joel, I’m sorry,” I whispered, hoping he could hear the sincerity in my voice.
“Do what you have to,” he replied quietly, his eyes filled with understanding.
Raising the blade, I made a shallow cut on his arm, enough to draw blood but not to cause serious harm. Drakkon watched intently, his expression unreadable.
“Good,” he said finally. “But you can do better. Show me your true strength.”
I swallowed hard, knowing I couldn’t betray Joel any further. “Father, I’ve proven my loyalty. Hurting him more won’t make a difference.”
Drakkon’s eyes narrowed. “Perhaps. But I need more convincing.”
My mind raced, desperately searching for a way out. I took a deep breath, tightening my grip on the blade. “As you wish, Father,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
I stepped closer to Joel, meeting his gaze. “Trust me,” I mouthed, hoping he understood. Raising the blade, I pretended to prepare for another strike, but instead, I turned swiftly and slashed at the guards holding him. They were caught off guard, their grips loosening as they cried out in pain. In that split second of chaos, Jason sprang into action, fighting back against the guards holding him. The guards were stunned, taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
“Pretending to join me so you could infiltrate my fortress. You’re more like me than you think,” Drakkon smirked.
“I’m nothing like you!” I shot back angrily.
“Yeah, and now it’s time to end this,” Jason shot back, delivering a powerful punch to the guard closest to him. He grabbed a weapon from one of the fallen guards and tossed it to me. I caught it mid-air, feeling a surge of adrenaline.
“We’re not leaving without Joel,” I declared, my voice steady despite the chaos around us.
Drakkon’s eyes narrowed, his hands clenched into fists. “You’ll regret this betrayal, Kali.”
“Better than regretting joining you,” I retorted, stepping in front of Joel protectively. The remaining guards closed in on us, but Jason and I fought them off with a renewed vigor. I could feel the energy of our shared determination, a force stronger than any weapon. With each strike, I felt more resolute, knowing that this was the right path.
