The key to immortality, is living a life which is worth to be remembered.- Bruce Lee

Phaedos.

The Rangers teleported to the surface, unmorphed, and still silent. Kat approached Dulcea, the white velvet bag in her hand and she handed it to Dulcea. When she spoke, her soft accented voice was full of pain.
"Dimitria said we had to give this to you. You would know what to do with it. Inquiris, it's." She stopped, unable to continue. Dulcea nodded gravely.
"I know Kathryn. I know." She accepted the bag and walked away from the Rangers to the edge of the temple, looking out over the Neola jungle. Most of the other Rangers had moved away from Jason and Billy, except Kim, Adam, Rocky, Kat and Tanya. Jason had just collapsed to the ground when they got back and was just sitting they're, staring at his hands, not moving. Blood was seeping down his arm from a minor wound but he was ignoring it for the moment. The others formed a loose semi circle around them both and Billy approached his friend. Placing his hand on Jason's shoulder he spoke softly.
"Jason. I'm so sorry. You don't know how sorry I am." With a suddenness that startled everyone Jason reached up and pushed Billy's hand away. He looked up and Billy winced at the pain and sadness in his friend's eyes. He leapt to his feet, his brown eyes full of pain and anger and he lashed out at the nearest target.
"Sorry are you? You could have saved them Billy! You have the power! You could have saved them! You did it before with Justin, why didn't you do it this time? Is it because you've lost your own wife that you thought no one else should have one? Is that it? You're all alone now and so you thought everyone else should be Billy. Is that it? Is that why you didn't save them. WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE THEM BILLY? WHY?" Billy recoiled at the anger and hurt in his friend's voice. The words sliced through him like a knife. His friend was in pain and lashing out at the one person who knew how he felt. He tried to not take the words to heart, but it still hurt. Knowing that whatever he said wouldn't be good enough he spoke softly.
"There was nothing I could do Jason. It all happened to fast. There was nothing any of us could do." Jason lashed out at Billy and Billy ducked under the wild swing. He tried to attack him again but Rocky and Adam leapt forward and held Jason's arms. They wrestled him to the ground and Jason started crying again.
"Why her? She never hurt anyone. Why her." He looked up into Billy's eyes and once again Billy's heart shattered with the pain he saw in his friend's eyes. "Why didn't you save her Billy. Why?" Jason broke down into incoherent sobs and Kim approached them. She nodded to Rocky and Adam and the three of them managed to get Jason to his feet and led him away to the nearby cave. Billy looked down at his hands, his mind a whirl of conflicting emotions and thoughts. He felt Tanya approaches him and he looked up at her.
"He didn't mean it Billy. He's just upset."
"But there is truth in what he said Tanya. I could have saved them if I acted quick enough."
"No one's that fast Billy. No one." He just shrugged and sensing that he didn't want to talk anymore she moved away.

Phaedos, December 31st.

It was the dawn of New Years Eve. All the Rangers had gathered around the fire. All except Jason. Jason's continuing silence over the last two weeks and refusal to have anything to do with the Rangers had them all worried. He especially refused to have anything to do with Billy. Christmas had passed quietly, none of the Rangers felt like celebrating it. Dulcea approached all the Rangers that had gathered once again in the central area.
"Today will be the hardest day any of you have ever faced. Billy because he will be fighting Dathan tonight. And yours because you must all stay here." Murmurs of surprise echoed around the fire. That wasn't something they were expecting, they had all thought they would be going with Billy when he left to face Dathan. Dulcea waited for the murmurs to die down. "The Prophecy is adamant that the fight is between the Blue Mage and Dathan, no one else. So, before he leaves for the Asteroid where the final battle will take place, you will all gift him with your powers and love. Without this love and power, he has no chance of winning." They sat there silent, not knowing what to say. Zhane then broke the silence, his expression serious and eyes steady.
"None of us can go with him?"
"No. This is the one battle he must face alone." Billy stood up, deciding that he wanted to get this over and done with quickly. It was going to be hard enough as it was.
"I know that this is going to be hard on all of you. But knowing that you're all here, safe, is worth more than having you there with me." Zhane quirked a grin at his friend.
"Yeah, but it don't make it any easier Billy."
"Trust me, nothing is going to be easy about this whole situation." Dulcea stepped forward to get their attention again.
"We must do the ceremony in an hour's time. Billy will have to leave not long after that. It is a long journey to the Great Barrier." She moved away and the Rangers spilt up. Kim walked over to Billy, who was looking over at Jason's forlorn figure sitting on the rocks overlooking the forest. Her voice was soft with compassion and concern.
"You're going to have to speak to him sooner or later Billy. Better do it now."
"I know that Kim. Doesn't make it any easier though, does it." Billy sighed, looking at his friend and finding nothing but love and support in her eyes.
"Nothing about his whole thing is easy Billy. But this is what we've been preparing for all year, and now it's all up to you." He gave her a wry grin.
"Gee thanks Kim. Make me feel better why don't you." She gave a small laugh and hugged him. Releasing him she pushed him over to Jason.

Billy sat down next to his oldest friend, and could immediately sense the emotional pain he was in. It was a familiar pain as his soul was still feeling it every second of every day since he had lost T'Risa. They sat that way for a while and then Jason finally broke the silence.
"I'm sorry about those things I said Billy. It wasn't right of me to say them."
"It's okay Jason. You were upset, we all say things we don't mean when we're upset."
"Your going to make him pay aren't you Billy, for everyone of us?" Billy's eyes hardened and his voice was like steel.
"Oh yes. I'm going to make him pay."

They gathered together, all of them, for one last time. Dulcea approached the group and motioned for Billy to stand beside her. He moved and stood beside her, his whole manner slightly distant but strong. He had been preparing for this for all of his life, but that didn't make it any easier.
"Rangers. This will be the most difficult battle anyone has ever had to undertake. Billy will need all your help, love and power. So I want you all to get in touch with your animal spirit, and concentrate on all your love and faith on Billy. Then give all your love and power to him." She opened the small bag that Dimitria had given to Kat. "Billy, in this crystal is all the power of Inquiris. Hold out your hand." He did so and she placed the crystal in it and her hand over the top. Their hands glowed for a moment and then she removed her hand and the crystal, placing it back in the small bag. Her voice quavered a moment as she remembered her friend and the sacrifice she had made for them all. "Use that power wisely Billy. It is their legacy to us all." She stepped back and Billy faced all his friends. He moved to the center of the ground and the Rangers, holding each other's hands, formed a circle around him. Each of the Rangers closed their eyes and got in touch with their animal spirit. As one, each of them spoke their gift to him. Jason, leading all the red Rangers spoke first.
"Power of the Lion." Billy felt his oldest friends unspoken love and respect; he was moved immensely at the faith Jason had in him.
"Power of the Ape." Rocky's joyful and friendly spirit encompassed him next and he had but to smile, Rocky hid a soul of amazing depth and love.
"Power of the Hawk." Courage and respect flowed from Andros, as well as strength of spirit that was well hidden.
"Power of the Fox." Leo was the last of the red rangers, and from him Billy received great respect and awe.
"Power of the Crane." Kim's unwavering love and support flowed into him, as well as her hope for the future.
"Power of the Swan." Kat's unique spirit and strength of character was next.
"Power of the Dolphin." Karone's unbounding love for everything was an amazing thing to feel, as well as deep down, a remnant of the guilt for the deeds she had done and a desire to repent.
"Power of the Butterfly." Awesome amount of love was what he received from Kendrix. One of the few rangers who had made the ultimate sacrifice, she knew how to give as well as receive that most precious of gifts.
"Power of the Panther." Zhane's courage, strength and joyful spirit came next and the depths of the silver ranger's soul amazed once more Billy.
"Power of the Chameleon." Carlos's compassion and bravery came next.
"Power of the Tiger." Mike's strength of soul and honor was a revelation to Billy.
"Power of the Frog." Adam's respect, love and friendship were the last of the black rangers, and Billy was awed by the gift he was receiving from his friends.
"Power of the Bear." Aisha's love was powerful; encompassing everything with the joy that filled her soul.
"Power of the Cheetah." Tanya was the same; joy and love just radiated off her in waves.
"Power of the Deer." Maya's understanding of the universe and her love of all life came next, something he didn't expect from the quietest yellow rangers.
"Power of the Gazelle." Ashley's powerful spirit was last of all from the yellow rangers.
"Power of the Bull." Kai's faith and unshakable love was the last of all the gathered rangers to reach out to Billy's spirit. Dulcea then stepped forward and blowing her special sand into the flames she spoke.
"Let us not forget the power of the fallen. Power of the Monkey." Zack, the playful monkey that was in them all
"Power of the Condor." Damon, the quiet mechanical genius who he so wished he had more time to know.
"Power of the Wolf." This one was the hardest, his wife's spirit, now with the great barrier but still watching over him, and her smile was for him alone.
"Power of the Cougar." T.J. who's openness and strength he admired
"Power of the Falcon." Tommy, his friend through so much.
"Power of the Nightingale." Cassie, whose sweetness and courage would be missed.
"Power of the Squirrel." Justin, the young genius to rival his own intellect
"Power of the Eagle." And finally Trini. The one person he could always count on with her quiet courage and resolve.

The fallen Rangers animal spirits rose up out of the fire and swirling around, as they to, gave their energy to Billy. Silently he mourned each and every one of them again, vowing to their spirits that their sacrifices wouldn't be in vain. He looked into the faces of all his friends and smiled gently at them all.
"Thank you. I love each and every one of you more than you know. Without your support and presence this past year, I don't think I could do what I have to do now. I'll see you all later." With those last words, he teleported to the waiting Zord. He had chosen to take Anzac on this journey, knowing what the name meant and the spirit it embodied, he had thought it appropriate. Kat had been pleased when he asked her about where she came up with the name for it and had explained it's special meaning to her, and for all Australians. He felt it was a good omen. Sighing he sat down in the pilots chair and set his course, wondering as he did so if he would see any of his friends again. Briefly his thoughts centered on his children, but he had already gotten things in place in case something happened to him. He had T'Risa's fathers solemn promise that if Billy didn't return but was successful in defeating Dathan, that the children would be sent to earth for Jason to take care of. He just hoped that it didn't come to that.

Asteroid near the Great Barrier.

Billy stood on the asteroid looking for Dathan, but he was no where to be seen. Billy was getting impatient. This fight was going to be the fight to end all fights, the fight that would decide the fate of the Universe and Dathan was late. Suddenly the ground started shaking, and out of nowhere Dathan appeared before him. Dathan bowed to him, Billy returning the bow.
"Let this be a battle of skills ranger, not a test of magic. Let us fight for this world as the ancients fought for theirs, in open handed battle." As Dathan spoke the words, Billy could feel all but his strength draining from him. He knew that he had to rely on his fighting skills and not be able to use his powers to end this fight. In a way he was glad that Dathan wanted it this way. He was a great Mage and was confident he could defeat Dathan in a fight of magic, but there was something good to be said about hand to hand combat. Billy's thoughts lingered one last time to all of his friends. The fights over this year gone that had cost them their lives could be traced back to one man, and this man was now standing before him.

Feeling the rage and frustration building up inside of him Billy rushed at Dathan in a fit of blind rage, throwing a façade of punches at him as fast as he could, but Dathan was ready, and blocked all of them. And as he did, he watched for the opening that he was waiting for. As Billy threw a right hook, Dathan ducked it instead of blocking it, which caught Billy off guard. Dathan moved to Billy's side and unleashed a powerful round kick into Billy's ribs. Billy felt his rib cage give way, and was knocked to the ground, the breath rushing from his lungs. As he tried to get to his feet Dathan drove another kick into his ribs that sent him flying across the asteroids surface, scratching him, bringing him back to reality. Billy quickly stood up and stared at Dathan. "I must control and vent my anger!" Billy thought to himself, he could not lose this fight, everything depended on it.

Dathan approached and they circled each other, staring into each other eyes trying to find an appropriate time of weakness in the stare to attack. Billy moved first, he drove forward with his left foot then retreated. Dathan fell for it and attacked at his forwarding foot, but as it wasn't there, his attack went passed Billy, leaving him with an opening to attack, and Billy didn't waste any time. He moved to Dathan and landed a right underhand punch into Dathans left side, and he felt Dathans body give way. Billy followed through with a right overhand, punching Dathan in the jaw, and with an almighty crack, felt that too give way. Dathan stumbled back, and fell down into a sitting position. Billy moved at the injured adversary in front of him and sent a round kick at his open and stunned head. Dathan saw it coming and moved under Billy's leg, and as it passed over his head, he swept Billy's other leg out. Billy hovered in the air for a millisecond, giving him just enough time to realize what happened before he felt the hard ground beneath him. And with a puff of dust and a mighty thump, Billy landed on his back, and in the nick of time saw Dathans leg approach his head. Winded Billy moved to the left, and Dathans leg hit the ground next to him. Both of them rolled backwards and stood up, but Dathan came up a second before Billy and before he knew it, Dathan had already punched Billy in the head and put him to the ground again. His head ringing Billy tried to focus but Dathan landed several kicks to Billy's head and body, breaking his nose, and several ribs before Billy could grab Dathans leg and roll towards him and up his leg, throwing Dathan off balance and to the ground. Billy continued to roll up Dathan, and unleashed an elbow into Dathans head, shattering his cheekbone and drawing a scream from Dathan that would wake the dead.

Billy stood over Dathan breathing heavily. Spitting blood from his mouth he stared at the person lying on the ground in front of him. The person that had ended so many of his friend's lives now lay squirming in front of him. Billy let him get to his feet. Dathan threw one more punch at Billy's head, but Billy easily ducked under it and moved behind Dathan, he placed a tight choker hold on Dathans neck, and moved in close. Billy looked at where they were facing, and there in front of them was the Great Barrier. The thing that his wife had given her life to ensure that it stayed intact. Images of his friends flashed through Billy's mind, he knew that Dathan could no longer fight, but he knew also that if he got away, he might recover enough to return stronger than ever. The images of his dead friends and his wife became too much for Billy to handle, so he tightened his grip around Dathans neck and with one swift movement, he turned his upper body 90 degrees and rolled his shoulders. A loud "crack" filled the air as Billy broke Dathan's neck, ending his life forever. That sound would remain in Billy's mind for as long as he lived.

Breathing heavily he looked at Dathan's body on the ground. Slowly he felt all his powers returning to him. He looked up as he felt a presence and saw his wife standing before him. The shades of all the dead Rangers standing behind her.
"Well done my husband. The Universe can now right herself." With the striking of the midnight hour the Universe seemed to shimmer and wink out for a moment. But then it returned and he felt a sense of well being and love infuses his soul. With a thought he healed his injuries and looked at his wife. She smiled as she started to fade away, this time for good. "One day my love, we will be re-united." She faded away and Billy sighed in regret. He looked down at Dathan's body one more time and began wondering. He wasn't that great a fighter; Dathan had years of experience on him. Yet this fight had been fairly easy. Maybe Dathan had just decided that this existence had gotten too much for him, and he wanted to join his wife. Billy didn't know, and somehow he knew, he would never know. Bowing his head a moment, he said a silent prayer, and he then held out his hand over the body and it glowed for a moment and then turned into dust. A wind came up out of no where and blew the dust away. Billy sighed and took what he knew would be his last look at the Great Barrier. Silently saying goodbye to his wife and his fallen friends for the last time, he wiped a tear from his eye, he smiled slightly and then teleported himself away.

Phaedos. January 1st, 2001.

It was the early hours of dawn when he finally arrived back on Phaedos in Anzac. He teleported down by the fire and was immediately engulfed in hugs, kisses and general merriment that he had returned to them unharmed. All his friends were waiting for him. He quickly explained that although he had healed himself, he did get injured fairly well in the fight. As one they all hugged him, just glad that this long ordeal was finally over. Dulcea approached him and smiled gently at him.
"You have done well Young Wolf. You are the last of the True Ninjetti. You must honor this in all respects and be true to yourself at all times. In time, you will send your children here and they will train to be Ninjetti like yourself. The Ninjetti will not die out, thanks to you." They all stared at Billy and Jason broke the stunned silence.
"You've got kids?"

Earth. Washington DC. January 26th, 2001.

In what was a world first, the Power Rangers had organized a press conference. Press from all around the world came to see what they had to say. Every single person on the planet viewed it, as every single network carried it across the globe. The reason they had decided to call this conference was that the death of Damon had been captured on videotape, and the attacks on Earth had suddenly stopped. Everyone was mighty curious as to what had occurred. So, after some discussion when they had returned, they had decided it was only fair to let the people know what had happened. And boy, did the world want to know what was happening. Jason and Billy had been elected to hold the conference and at the appointed hour appeared in full Ninjetti uniform on the podium that had been set up for them. Jason stepped forward, having been summarily appointed by Billy to speak first.

"Thank you all for coming. Over this last year gone, 29 Power Rangers gathered together to fight the worst evil this Universe has ever known. As you know, attacks were made against Earth, KO35, Aquitar and numerous other planets. You've seen these happen. You also saw the death of a Black Ranger." Jason took a deep breath and Billy reached out and gave his friend's shoulder a gentle squeeze to encourage him. Jason glanced at him and nodded slightly. He continued then, his voice growing slightly stronger.
"This enemy was meet and vanquished on New Year's Eve. Most of you will have noticed that on the stroke of midnight that it seemed like the Universe turned itself off for a moment? The stars seemed to have winked out for just an instant and despair filled your hearts? And then the stars came back and you were filled with unbelievable joy. Well that was the Universe righting herself, getting rid of all the evil inherent in herself." Jason gave a wry smile under his Ninjetti mask, but the reporters could hear it. "Oh, there will still be the odd evil being or empire crops up now and again, but nothing along the lines of what we witnessed over the last year." He sobered again and took a deep breath. Billy moved to his side, lending his strength and support. "It was my sad duty as leader of the Rangers, to inform the families of all the fallen Rangers. It is also my joyful duty to present the people of Earth with this memorial, with the names of all the fallen Rangers on it. Blue Ranger, if you will do the honors." Billy nodded and spoke quietly into his communicator.

They had previously obtained permission for the memorial to be placed where it was, and they had all chipped in to make it. In a blaze of white light it appeared behind the podium where the two rangers stood. It was a stone statue of a Ranger, in the traditional stance of hands on hips, and on its chest instead of an animal, it had the universal symbol of peace. A dove holding an olive branch. Jason spoke again, his voice full of pain.
"Please always remember the fallen. And honor what they stood for. Thank you." With that they stepped back and quickly disappeared in a stream of red and blue light. The reporters looked at the statue, stunned into silence. On the brass plaque was the inscription 'For those who have fallen in the Greatest Battle of them all. For Peace.' Below that in Eltarian script was the names of all those who fell and below that in English were the colors of the fallen Rangers. As one, the assembled crowd bowed their heads in respect and remembrance.

The End.