Phaedos. January 2000.

Everyone looked at Billy's quiet, unassuming announcement. He looked at all his friends and then suddenly smiled wryly at them. His eyes seemed to be silently laughing at them all, but for what reason they couldn't fathom.
"I've known this for sometime now. You'll remember when I decided to stay on Aquitar?"
"You said that you had found someone that really understands you and that you were in love? Was that a lie?" Jason walked over to stand in front of his old friend, his expression confused, his tone concerned. Billy smiled at his oldest and dearest friend.
"It was, Jason. It was a necessary lie." He seemed to regret the words he had to use, but he spoke them anyway, his voice strong. "You see, before my illness, Zordon had explained a few things to me. Believe me, they took a lot of accepting and getting used to. But boiled down to it, basically I am the only hope that the Universe has when He broke through the Great Barrier. We all are, every single Power Ranger that's living right at this moment, is our only hope." They all looked at him, absorbing his words. Trini walked over to her friend, concern on her features. This was a lot to take in.
"Billy, but why you? I don't mean to be rude or offensive but what's so special and different about you? I can remember a time you could barely save yourself, but now, your going to save the Universe?" He opened his mouth to answer when Dulcea cleared her throat and looked at all of them.
"I can answer that for you. But the answer is long and complex, I suggest you make yourselves comfortable." The various rangers sat down in one large group, making themselves as comfortable as they could on the rocky ground of the temple plateau. They stirred up the fire and it's shadows mixed with those caused by the setting sun amongst the ruins of the temple. Dulcea placed her staff on the ground as she sat down next to Dimitra at the head of the circle.

"From the dawn of time itself, there has always been good and evil in the Universe. As races evolved and civilizations flourished, both evil and good grew. Conflicts arose between the forces over the eons until both Good and Evil were so powerful, that if they met in one more conflict, the universe itself would be destroyed." Dulcea paused a moment, marshalling her thoughts. "You see Rangers, the Universe is a place of balance, and the balance between good and evil must be maintained. But by this time it had become unbalanced. Zordon was a young mage on Eltar at the time and was chosen to represent the side of good in a historic conference to decide the fate of both good and evil. Dark Specter was chosen to be the representative of Evil." Involuntarily, Karone shivered and Zhane put his arm around her. That name still brought back horrible memories for her. Dulcea continued.
"They met and it was decided that the majority of evil's powers would be locked behind the Great Barrier and that all the power of Good would be spread out over all the galaxies and peoples. At this time, the majority of evil's powers resided with Him, he was even more powerful than Dark Specter. He volunteered to be confirmed, so that balance could be maintained. There must be good and there must be Evil. It's as simple as that. If either side were to gain the upper hand then chaos would reign supreme. So they decided to limit themselves. Neither side wanted total annihilation of the Universe, so they met in conference to work it out. And it wasn't a decision that was made lightly, it took centuries for all the details to be worked out and to carry out the instructions set forth in what we now call 'The Accords of Hope'. But once they were enacted a prophet came forward with the Great Prophecy." She sighed and looked regretful. "I wish I could give you all the details of the Prophecy, but I haven't been able to translate all of it over the centuries. It is in a language that was ancient even when the Prophecy was written. What I have translated states that a Blue Wolf will come forth, and knowing both infirmity and youth will study and become the greatest Mage that we have ever seen. He will lead his companions, all Rangers of Light and Power, in the greatest battle that the universe will ever see. And it will occur in the Year of Prophecy. It won't be easy and it won't be risk free. I won't lie to any of you. The Prophecy states that the Blue Wolf Mage will loose some of his companions, therefore your lives are really at risk this time. Before, it has only been a possibility of someone getting killed, now we know for a fact that some of you will die during this battle. If anyone wants to back out, you can, no one will think any less of you. Billy is the only Blue Wolf to come forth in centuries. He has known both old age and youth. He has studied with Zordon, Alesto of Aquitar, Trey of Triforia, Dex of Edenoi, Dimitria of Inquita and myself. He knows everything that there is to know about magic, spirit and soul. He is one of the most intelligent people in the universe; therefore he is the only person alive that has a chance of defeating Him once and for all. Because He has spread its powers around, and has been confined for so long, this last battle will not endanger the universe much, so there is no risk of destruction of it. But, if He wins, then, you can guess the consequences." Silence greeted her words, and glances exchanged. They were all Rangers; they didn't have to be told the consequences, they all knew intimately. Dulcea stood and they did as well.

"Night fall approaches. We shall perform the ceremony of summoning the animal spirits then. Also, many of you have held various colors and powers." Here Dulcea gave them a rare smile. Truly, some of the color spectrums held by some of these Rangers were bedazzling to the eye. "But, there are only five true colors of the spirit; and they go with the Great Power. These will be the colors that we will give you. There will be some surprises, but our choices are right for each of you as we have looked into each of your spirits and seen what is there. Each of you will be given your spirit color. We will then split you into four teams, that way we will be able to react to anything that He can throw at us." Tom stepped forward.
"Dulcea, what about those who have held a few different colors in their times?"
"Tommy, some of you have had many colors, that is true. But we will give you the color that is in your soul. Now, everyone please relax for a while. We cannot perform the ceremony until nightfall, which is in about half an hour. Please, take the time to absorb what I have told you." Murmurs greeted her words and gradually all the various rangers broke away and moved into little groups. Billy stood talking to Jason for a moment and then walked over to Dulcea.
"Dulcea, do you think she will come?" Dulcea studied him a moment, her eyes somber.
"You told her of the summons?" He grinned wryly.
"I didn't have to, she already knew. You know what she's like. I was expecting her before this." He looked concerned but Dulcea suddenly smiled.
"She'll be here Billy. This is what she has been waiting for since she was born two centuries ago." He started to reply and then cocked his head to one side, also smiling. He looked up towards the darkening sky.
"Ah, here she comes now. She always likes to make an entrance. If you'll excuse me, Dulcea?" She nodded and he moved over to the middle of the temple, looking up at the sky. A few Rangers noticed what he was doing, and heads began turning. Just then a stream of white light headed towards the temple. It coalesced into young looking woman dressed in white short sleeved blouse and Blue trousers and boots. Billy reached out and embraced her, and then to the shock of everyone present, kissed her quite passionately. Everyone exchanged stunned looks, especially the original rangers. They couldn't believe that this was Billy, their Billy. He released her and smiled at her. He looked up to see all twenty-six former rangers looking at him. He reddened slightly and then smiled.
"Everyone, I would like you to meet T'Risa of Eltare, my wife."

To say that you could hear a pin drop in the temple grounds was an understatement, even the jungle was quiet. Jason was the first to break the silence. This was something no one expected, especially from Billy of all people.
"Your wife, Billy?" Jason's tone was incredulous, expressing what everyone was thinking.
"Yes." He chuckled as his arm encircled her. "I suppose I had better explain. T'Risa and I met while I was studying on Eltare with Zordon. It was love at first sight. We had a bit of a stormy courtship and then we were married eighteen months ago, and I can tell you, I have never been happier." Jason smiled at his friend and then embraced him. He then turned and held his hand out to T'Risa.
"Congratulations Billy. It's nice to be married wouldn't you say? I can honestly say I have never been happier myself. Welcome to the family T'Risa." T'Risa blushed softly and shook his hand gently, but he could feel the strength in her grip.
"Thank you. You must be Jason. Will has shared many fond memories of you." She spoke with a voice filled with quiet power and wisdom. She was the same height as Billy but had raven black hair with bright green eyes. Her smile was friendly and encompassed them all. Soon, all the Rangers, making her feel very welcome, surrounded her. After a few minutes, Dulcea walked over to them.
"Dulcea, it is good to see you again."
"You to T'Risa. You have been well I trust?" Dulcea nodded her head briefly in greeting.
"Yes, thank you. Are you ready for the ceremony?" Dulcea glanced around, giving them a small wry smile.
"Yes. You know the part that you will play?"
"Yes. I'm ready."
"Good. Let us begin." She walked to the center of the temple grounds and banged her staff on the ground, getting everyone's attention. "Rangers, it is time to begin."

Dulcea stood in front of the assembled Rangers and smiled at them. They were all good people; they knew how to fight and had the will to do what ever was possible to win. With these people they had a chance. She had seen many a Ranger over the years, many triumphed, some failed, but these, these were best she had seen.
"For those who are Ninjetti, anything is possible. We will call forth the Sacred Animals of the Ninjetti. Your Animal Spirits will guide and protect you. Listen to their advice; be in harmony with them. Now, because you are such a large group I will call forth your animal guides for one color at a time." She gave them a smile. "Would that all gatherings were like this, so many brave and noble Rangers at once is a rarity, you all bring honor to the Ninjetti." She took a deep breath, and calling on her spirit guide, she began. "Would the following Rangers please step forward, you will be our Red Rangers. Red Rangers are leaders; they are honorable, courageous and mindful of others. Sometimes to the extent of sacrificing themselves."

"Jason, Tom, Rocky, Andros, TJ and Leo. Please come forward." The six of them stepped forward. They all knew the burdens of leadership and what was expected of a Red Ranger. Some of them had to make some of the hardest decision that a Power Ranger has ever had to make.
"Red Rangers from the beginning of time have always been leaders. It is not a burden bestowed lightly, as being a Red Ranger can often involve great sacrifices." Each one of them looked at the other, knowing what they had all gone through made them feel closer to one another. "Close your eyes, and look deep into your soul. Within each of us is an Animal Spirit waiting to be released. Call upon your Animal Spirit and accept all that comes with it." They all closed their eyes as Dulcea took out the powder of spirits, blowing it into the fire. The fire flared and swirled, the powder reaching out to each of them. It flared again and then died down. Each of the Rangers was now dressed in a Ninjetti Uniform of red, with a gold coin showing their spirit animal. Dulcea picked up her staff and walked over to them, starting with Rocky.
"Rocky, you have re-joined with the Mighty Ape, proud and strong."
"Tom, you are once again the Falcon, winged Lord of the Skies."
"Jason, honourable and strong, you are the Lion, leader of them all."
"Andros, courageous and brave, you are the Hawk."
"T.J., swift and deadly, you are the Cougar."
"And Leo, sly and courageous, you are the Fox." She looked around at the Red Rangers, they were good leaders, good people. They were lucky to have them.
"Return to your friends, Red Rangers. Now I will call the Pink Rangers." The Red Rangers moved back to join the others. It took a special something to be a Red Ranger and to be a leader of a Ranger team. It was not something bestowed lightly and more often than not, a Red Ranger would sacrifice themselves for the good of the team. But these men were strong; they had each gone through trials that no ordinary person could handle. The power once again had chosen wisely. Dulcea moved back to the stone table, resting her staff against it she looked up at them.
"Kimberly, Katherine, Cassie, Kendrix and Karone, please come forth."

The five former pink rangers stood before the fire, ready and willing to accept what would happen. Dulcea spoke to the assembled women.
"Pink Rangers embody the heart of a Ranger team. They keep everything together. Wherever you find a Ranger team, the Pink Ranger will be the heart of it. Now close your eyes and reach deep inside of your souls, find the spirit inside each of you." The fire flared and swirled. After a moment the five women were standing there, in their Ninjetti uniforms, looking both vulnerable and strong at the same time. Dulcea once again picked up her staff and walked over to them, starting with Kimberley.
"Agile Kimberley, light as a feather, you are once again joined with the Crane." Dulcea stopped a moment in front of Karone and gave her a special, knowing smile.
"Karone, you once were at the heart of darkness, but a brother's love brought you back. You are the Dolphin, embodiment of all that is good and true." She moved on.
"Katherine, you too, were once at the heart of darkness, but friendship brought you back, you are the graceful and gentle Swan."
"Cassie. Your love for others and your compassionate spirit are what makes you special, you are the Nightingale, whose voice can make miracles." Dulcea stopped again in front of Kendrix. By now, the entire universe knew of the sacrifice she had made.
"And Kendrix. You went through an experience no Ranger has ever gone through before. But your self-sacrifice and courage are what make you special. You are the Butterfly, winged beauty of all she beholds." Kat and Karone didn't look too happy about the reminders of there past, but were happy with their animals. Finally, they could be at peace with their pasts. "Go now to join your fellow Rangers. We will do the Black Rangers next." Dulcea watched the Pink Rangers return to their friends. All of them were generous and kind of spirit and soul. Their love for their fellow man is what drove them and more often than not, they were the ones who bore the unpleasant duties as they felt that no one else should have to do them. That what was what made them unique. Their willingness to do for others before themselves.

"Zack, Adam, Mike, Damon, Carlos and Zhane. Please come forward." Dulcea gave them a special smile, for the Black Ranger held a special place in her heart. Her one and only love had been a Black Ranger, but she would not dwell on that now. "Black Rangers often provide the team with their soul. Often irreverent in attitude but hiding a depth of concern and compassion that not many ever know. A Black Ranger will always find someway of making any situation, no matter how dire, into a way which they can always make people smile. The power to make someone laugh is one of the greatest powers in the universe, cherish it." With nervous glances at everyone they stepped forward to stand before of the fire. Dulcea, once again, took out the powder and blew it into the fire. Once more, the fire swirled and flared. After a moment it died down and the six of them were standing there, dressed in the uniforms of the Black Ninjetti.
"Zack, kind and happy of soul, you are the playful Monkey."
"Carlos, compassionate and thoughtful, you are the Chameleon."
"Mike. Brave and strong of heart, you are the Tiger."
"Damon, wise and free spirited. You are the Condor." Damon looked particularly pleased with that, and shared a wicked grin with Mike.
"Zhane, self-sacrifice and compassion for others made you what you are today. Carefree and swift, you are the Panther."
"And Adam, once again you are the Frog. You put others above your own happiness all the time." She smiled at him and he was reminded, once again, of the kiss he received when they quested the first time for their powers. "Please, Black Rangers, take your place with your fellow Rangers. We will do the Yellow Rangers next."

"Trini, Aisha, Tanya, Ashley and Maya. Please come forth." The five young women stepped forward. "Yellow Rangers are full of spirit and happiness. They fight best when paired with a Black Ranger, as the two are similar in spirits. They are often what the other Rangers depend on to provide harmony and peace. They provide the voice of reason and of passion. Whoa betide the person that gets a Yellow Ranger angry, for their protective instincts once aroused cannot be stopped." The five girls stood in front of the fire. Once again Dulcea drew out her powder, blowing it into the fire. Once again, it swirled and flared and then died down. It left five young women dressed in yellow Ninjetti uniforms, in its place.
"Aisha, strong and fierce. The Bear is glad to have you back."
"Tanya, cousin to Aisha. Brave and courageous, you are the Cheetah."
"Ashley, spirit and strength are your special qualities. You are the Gazelle."
"Trini, serene of spirit and soul, you are the Eagle, proud and free."
"Maya, far from home but among friends, your spirit is unshakable. You are the Deer." She smiled at the small group of women. The Yellow Rangers often bore the brunt of the problems within a Ranger team, and more often than not, were the most dangerous within each team, as well. "Rejoin your friends, we will now call forth the Blue Rangers."

"Justin, Kai, Billy and T'Risa. Please, stand before me. As Blue Rangers you are often intelligent, kind and courageous. Blue Rangers are often tested, as blue is the hardest color to hold. A Blue Ranger will often find themselves in situations that seem impossible to win; yet this is where their strength lies, in not giving up. A Blue Ranger is always to be feared and respected. Now close your eyes and relax." The powder was blown; the fire swirled and flared. When it died down all four of them was dressed in the uniform of the Blue Ninjetti.
"Kai, wise and kind, but lo and behold anyone who hurts your friends. You are the Bull."
"Justin, young and strong. You have shown that age is no barrier to hold the Power, you are the Squirrel."
"Billy, swift and cunning. The Wolf once again guides your steps."
"T'Risa. It has been over a century since an Eltarian has quested for the great power, but I am glad it is you. Wise beyond your years, yet filled with spirit and love and a dedication that few posses. You, also, are a Wolf." T'Risa smiled at Dulcea and reached out to clasp Billy's hand. The Blue Rangers joined their fellow Rangers as Dulcea moved over to stand by Dimitria. Sharing a glance with her friend she smiled slightly.
"Rangers, in the morning you will set out to quest for the Great Power. Now, rest and eat. It will be a long day tomorrow."

Tbc