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Disclaimer: Power Rangers: Zeo and all characters portrayed in this story are the property of Saban Entertainment. Scott Crane is my property and cannot be used without my permission.
In a house somewhere in Angel Grove a Teenager sleeps, however his dreams are anything but peaceful. For this Teenager was used by Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa and the Machine Empire to cause destruction and chaos and destroy the Zeo Rangers. In his nightmare he sees himself fighting them and winning and then he pulls out his dagger and without hesitation drives it through the power suit of Zeo Ranger I and into her heart. Her scream is short, but his own continues as he wakes up. Getting up and going to the Bathroom he splashes cold water over his face and turns to go back to sleep hoping the nightmare will go away, but Scott Crane knows the nightmare of being Dark Ranger will never be over.
The following morning in another house in Angel Grove another Teenager wakes up and realises something.
Tommy: Oh no I'm going to be late.
The leader of the Zeo Rangers quickly scrambles to his feet and pulls on his T-shirt and jeans and without looking back grabs his backpack and takes off for school. Not realising he has left behind his zeoniser and his communicator.
Minutes later the Red Zeo Ranger runs into school and without looking where he is going slams straight into.
Adam: Owh, Tommy watch where you are going.
Slowly getting to his feet Tommy extended his hand and help his friend to his feet.
Tommy: Sorry Adam I overslept and I don't want to be late again this week.
Adam: Tommy that settles it for your birthday I'm getting you an alarm clock.
Tommy smiled and Adam returned the grin as they quickly gathered their books and headed for class. Taking their seats the two Rangers joined their friends and watched as their teacher Mrs. Appleby walked in along with.
Kat: Scott!
Appleby Good Morning class, I would first like to introduce you to your new classmate Scott Crane.
As many of the class muttered their greetings the five Rangers could not help but remember the last time they had seen Scott Crane which was as the Dark Ranger attempting to kill them all. Scott carefully took his seat on the other side from where the five Rangers were sat.
The day continued and at the end before any of the Rangers could stop him Scott gathered his books and bag and left the room. As he opened his locker and placed his bags inside he turned as he felt someone come up behind him. Hesitating he turned to see Kat stood there and for an instant he saw Kat not as she was but as he had last seen her as Zeo Ranger I as he prepared to kill her. For a second he felt his throat close up and he looked away and braced himself against his locker feeling dizzy when he felt Kat put her hand on his shoulder in a reassuring gesture and he looked at her and saw nothing but concern.
Kat: Are you okay?
Scott: Why are you concerned. I... I tried to kill you.
Kat: I'll try not to hold it against you. In case you didn't know before I became a Ranger I tried to help destroy the Rangers I almost killed Kimberly my predecessor as a Ranger and Tommy before me almost did the same thing as the Evil Green Ranger. The Rangers accepted me and they accepted Tommy even for what he did. You had no control over what you were doing. Now you can either wallow in self pity or forget that and get on with your life.
With that Kat turned and walked away leaving Scott to ponder her words.
Four pairs of eyes watched this conversation. Two of them belonged to Rita Repulsa and Lord Zedd who watched from their Lunar Palace.
Rita: So our former slave is feeling guilty and the Rangers are ready to forgive him. Well, I have an idea that will forever destroy the Rangers and destroy the Traitor.
Zedd: What do you have in mind my Wife.
Rita: What if the Dark Ranger was reborn, but this time without emotion, so he cannot be affected by their words.
Zedd: How do you propose to do that? We have already seen that our Dark Ranger feelings are too strong to bury.
Rita: Not if we create a copy of him except without emotion. I will send Rito and the Cogs to attack our first Dark Ranger and they will take readings of him so that when we unleash the Dark Ranger, Zordon will not be able to tell whether it is the real Scott Crane or not.
As to who the second set of eyes one belonged too that will be revealed shortly. Meanwhile Scott walked through the park deep in thought about what Kat had said when he looked up and saw.
Scott: Rito.
Rito: And Company.
Scott turned to see a group of Cogs approaching him. Quickly adopting a defensive stance.
Scott: This is definitely not a good day to attack me.
The Cogs didn't respond and simply charged. Greatly outnumbered the teenager fought valiantly and then he felt himself grabbed by two of the Cogs and then Rito entered his field of vision carrying a small device that emitted a light that passed all over his body. He tried to cry out but his voice failed him and then it was over and he fell to the ground. Looking around he saw that the Cogs and Rito had vanished. Standing up and dusting himself off the teenager quickly grabbed his bag and made his way back to his home.
At the Lunar Palace.
Rito: Sis. I'm back.
Rita: Did you get it or did you fail like usual.
Rito: No, I got the information and here it is.
Rito quickly handed the small device to Finister who pushed some buttons and then a Scott Crane appeared in front of them Zedd clapped his hands in delight and Rita laughed.
Rita: Perfect my plan is working.
Dark: What is your command my empress, emperor?
Zedd: Yes, it works. My command is this you will become the Dark Ranger and you will destroy the Power Rangers. Do you understand?
Dark: Yes, the Power Rangers will be destroyed nothing will stand in my way.
Rita: Then to Earth you go.
Rita pointed her staff and a bolt of energy appeared from it and the copy of Scott Crane vanished and moments later reappeared on Earth dressed in his the Dark Ranger outfit.
Dark: The Rangers will die, but first to get their attention.
Pulling out his blaster the Dark Ranger fired into the crowd and at the buildings. These actions did not go unobserved. Inside the Power Chamber.
Zordon: Alpha this is most dangerous situation. Summon the Rangers at once.
Alpha: Right away Zordon.
Alpha bent over his console and touched several button transmitting the signal to the Power Rangers communicator.
In the Youth Centre Kat related her conversation with Scott to her fellow Rangers when the signal came through the communicator. The Six Rangers quickly found a quiet spot and contacted Zordon.
Billy: What's up Zordon?
Zordon: Teleport to the Power Chamber at once, we have an emergency.
Billy: We are on our way Zordon.
The Five Rangers touched their teleporters and vanished leaving Tommy to realise that he had left his Communicator at home.
Tommy: Ah Man I left my Zeoniser and Communicator at home. I had better get there fast and get them.
Tommy turned and ran out of the Youth Centre.
At the Lunar Palace.
Zedd: So Tommy has left his Zeoniser and Communicator at home. Rito take the Cogs and delay him. Goldar go to his house and get his Zeoniser.
Rito: On our way Zedd.
The two warriors disappeared on their various tasks. Tommy raced through the park and was almost to the end of it when Rito and the Cogs appeared.
Rito: Hello Tommy.
Tommy: What do you want Rito?
Rito: Just to delay you while Goldar gets your Zeoniser.
Tommy: No way. He will never get it.
Rito: Oh and who is going to stop him. Cogs charge.
At his command the Cogs attacked the Red Ranger.
Tommy: Man I am in trouble.
Rito: Give it up Tommy without your powers you're helpless.
Tommy: Never Rito.
The Cogs attacked and Tommy easily dealt with them but he was quickly hit by one of the Cogs and he collapsed.
Rito: Well, Tommy it was nice knowing you, but goodbye.
Rito raised his sword and prepared to deliver the killing blow. As he brought it down it merely hit empty ground as Tommy disappeared in Red light.
Rito: Oh No, Zedd ain't going to like this.
The Power Chamber.
Tommy: Man was that ever close. Thanks Billy.
Billy: Your welcome Tommy.
Tommy: My Zeoniser. Zordon I left it home and Goldar has gone after it.
Zordon: Do not worry when I detected you in the park I had Billy scan for your Zeoniser and Communicator and had Alpha teleport them here.
Alpha quickly handed them to Tommy who gratefully accepted them. Before Zordon could speak again a bright light entered the Power Chamber and stood before the teens was.
Justin: Trey.
Trey: I am here to assist you.
Zordon: Rangers look at the Viewing Globe.
The Six Rangers looked at the Viewing Globe and watched in stunned silence as they saw.
Tanya: Dark Ranger.
Tommy: In other words Scott.
Kat: How is that possible?
Zordon: I suspect Rita and Zedd have placed another spell on him and turned him into the Dark Ranger.
Trey: Well, however they did he is causing total chaos and we have to stop him.
Tommy: It's Morphing Time.
Kat: Zeo Ranger I. Pink.
Tanya: Zeo Ranger II. Yellow.
Justin: Zeo Ranger III. Blue.
Adam: Zeo Ranger IV. Green.
Tommy: Zeo Ranger V. Red.
Trey: Gold Ranger Power.
The Six morphed and arrived on the scene to find the Dark Ranger waiting for them.
Dark: I have been expecting you Power Rangers.
Kat: Scott let us help you.
Dark: Help me. I am going to destroy you and take my place as Zedd and Rita's General of their army as they rule this mudball.
Tommy: Scott you are under spell you broke it once you can do it again.
Dark: Never, your end is at hand Power Rangers. Cogs attack.
At his command the Cogs appeared and began to attack the Rangers.
Tommy: You guys take care of the Cogs I will deal with Scott.
The six split up and Tommy charged towards the Dark Ranger.
Dark: You want me Ranger come and get me.
Tommy launched himself at Scott and attempted to get in some blows that would take him down and then the Dark Ranger responded with his own and Tommy was blasted backwards as if he had been hit by a truck.
Dark: That might have worked before Tommy, but now I am stronger and you will be destroyed. I wouldn't worry though you will die last, Kat will be first and then the rest and you can watch as they all die horribly.
Tommy: Scott this isn't you talking, let us help you.
Dark: I don't want your help after all I've already got what I want and with your destruction I will have your Zeo powers as well making me even more powerful. Perhaps I will let Zeo Ranger I survive to become my Queen, for when I get your crystals I will be more powerful than Zedd and Rita combined.
Tommy: One last chance Scott stop this madness and let us help you.
Dark: You know something Tommy, you are right I will let you help me.
The Dark Ranger crossed to where Tommy was trying to get up and extended his hand. Tommy accepted and allowed himself to be pulled to his feet. Before he could react he felt Scott grab his blaster and smashed him back down to the ground.
Dark: Oh Rangers, time to die.
The other Rangers turned to see Tommy laid on the floor and the Dark Ranger with Tommy's blaster pointed at them and then he fired and the scene vanished in flames. Grabbing Tommy, Scott hurled him into the flames and started to laugh and then he stopped.
Dark: They are gone. Blast, this is not over Power Rangers I will destroy you yet.
At the Power Chamber.
Adam: Man was that ever close, thankfully Alpha and Billy were ready to teleport us at the slightest bit of danger.
Alpha: You are most welcome Rangers.
Kat: Zordon what can we do Scott even more powerful than before.
Zordon: As I feared his powers have been increased ten fold and he is now even more powerful than the Gold Ranger.
Tanya: Then if he is more powerful how can we beat him?
Zordon: By working together, combine your strength and you will win. Now you must go Rangers for he is attacking the Warehouse district of Angel Grove.
Tommy: We are on it Zordon. Back to action.
The Rangers teleported out and Alpha and Billy turned back to the consoles when Billy suddenly whirled around.
Zordon: Billy what is it?
Billy : I was just scanning Angel Grove when I detected Scott, but not in the Warehouse district, but in the park and with no powers. How is that possible.
Zordon: I believe I know, Rita and Zedd must have created an exact copy of Scott and given him the Dark Rangers powers.
Billy: So the one in the park is the real one and the Dark Ranger is a fake.
Zordon: Yes Alpha, now please teleport Scott here at once.
Alpha: Right away Zordon.
In the park Scott Crane continued to walk and think and was so deep in thought he did not feel the teleporter grab him and deposit him in the Power Chamber. Turning around he saw Zordon, Alpha and Billy stood there.
Scott: Zordon why have you brought me here?
Zordon: Look at the Viewing Globe Scott and all your questions will be answered.
Scott turned and watched in silence as he saw the Rangers battling the Dark Ranger.
Scott: How is that possible? Wait a minute I was attacked by the Cogs and they took some kind of scan of me.
Zordon: I believe they used that scan to create a clone of you and they gave it the Dark Ranger powers. Even now the Rangers battle it thinking it is you.
Scott: I have to help them.
Zordon: And you will Scott. Extend your hand.
Back at the battle scene the Rangers regrouped following battling more Cogs.
Justin: Hey where's Kat?
Billy: I don't know, we got separated.
Dark: Hey Rangers I found something of yours.
The Rangers looked up to see the Dark Ranger carrying Zeo Ranger I who's suit was in tatters and no movement came from her.
Tanya: Leave her alone.
Dark: Since you asked nicely I won't. Now watch as she dies.
Pulling his dagger from his belt the Dark Ranger prepared to kill Kat.
Tommy: Scott stop, whatever you want we'll give it to you. Just spare her.
Dark: Very well give me your Zeo crystals and she will live.
Tommy: As you wish.
Pulling their Zeonisers from their arms they threw them to the Dark Ranger and they reverted to normal Teenagers.
Tanya: We have fulfilled our end of the bargain now release Kat.
Dark: I've changed my mind, she will still die and so will you.
The Dark Ranger raised his dagger and prepared to drive it into Kat's heart when he heard a noise and turned only for a kick to send him crashing backward.
Scott: No one dies today I think.
Picking up the Rangers Zeonisers he throws them towards them and they morph back into there Ranger suits and quickly run up to him.
Tommy: Is she okay?
Scott: She is very lucky to be in one piece. This will bring her around fully.
Lifting her into a sitting position the Silver warrior placed the pill in the partially conscious Pink Rangers mouth.
Scott: Easy just swallow this and you'll be okay.
For a second there is no reaction as she swallows and then her eyes open wide and she backs away as she sees the Silver Ranger.
Kat: Wh... Who are you?
Scott: I'm the Silver Ranger. Zordon sent me.
Dark: Well, six or seven doesn't matter to me. I am unbeatable.
Scott: I don't think so. Tommy are we alone.
Tommy: Yeah the warehouse crews took off. Why?
Without responding the Silver Ranger put his hands to his helmet and removed it revealing his identity to the shocked Rangers and Dark Ranger.
Adam: Scott!
Dark: You have my face.
Scott: No, you have mine. You see you are nothing but a copy of me.
Dark: No that is not possible, I remember my first step, my first kiss.
Scott: You remember because, the thing that created you also copied my memories. You are not the real Scott Crane, I am.
Dark: No, No, NOOO.
Summoning his blaster the Dark Ranger fired at a fuel tank causing it to explode. By the time the smoke had cleared he was gone leaving the seven alone.
Tommy: Man am I glad to see you Scott, but what are you doing here?
Scott: I will explain at the Power Chamber.
Justin: Well, lets get back there and get some answers.
Helping Kat to her the feet the Seven teleported back to the Power Chamber.
Tommy: Zordon what is going on if he is Scott and the other one is who is the real one?
Zordon: The one stands alongside you now is the real Scott. The other is a clone with Scott's memories and skills and no compassion whatsoever.
Scott: In others words, no amount of talking will stop him, just pure force.
Justin: The other question is how did you create a new Ranger?
Tanya: Yeah I mean I thought all the pieces of the Zeo Crystal had been found.
Zordon: With an urgent need for a new Ranger Alpha and I created the Silver Power Coin.
Adam: So although he has the powers of a Ranger he has them from a power coin instead of a Zeo-sub crystal.
Zordon: That is correct. Now however we have more urgent problem.
Scott: Yeah, my evil twin the revelation that he is not who he thinks he is, will push over the edge.
Billy: In other words next time you face him. He is going to be more powerful and very insane.
Zordon: I am afraid so Rangers.
Tommy: Well, looks like we are going to have to work hard to stop him.
Scott: Not we Tommy, me I have to stop him myself.
Kat: Are you crazy Scott. Twice the six of us have tried to stop and almost been killed. How can you one person stop him?
Scott: He is me, deep down buried there has to be something good within him. If I can reach maybe I can stop him from hurting any more people.
Zordon: Very well Scott you have made your point you may go and face him alone.
Scott: Thank you Zordon, I won't let you down. Back to Action.
Scott touched his teleporter and vanished in a Silver light the Rangers all turned to watch from the Viewing globe the coming battle and so preoccupied no-one heard Kat whisper.
Kat: Be careful Scott.
At Angel Grove Park the newest Ranger appeared to see a very busy park and watched as all these kids came up to see him. Scott allowed himself a small smile under his helmet and then concentrated on the task at hand. Seeing the two Detectives Bulk and Skull he ran over to them.
Scott: Hey you two, clear the park.
Bulk: Why?
Scott: I do not have time to explain the full story, but the short version the Dark Ranger is on the loose and he has it in for me. So get everybody out.
Skull: Will do Ranger sir.
The two Teenagers raced off and started to get people out of the park and Scott watched until he felt the presence of the Dark Ranger.
Dark: That is our difference Brother, you have compassion for these fools. I do not.
Scott: Listen to me you are under a spell. Fight as you once did before.
Dark: I was a fool to reject the power then. Now I embrace it and I will destroy anyone who stands in my way including my opposite. For that is what we are opposites. You are all that was me a weak and pathetic fool who believed by being good could change the world. I on the other hand am Strong and powerful and totally committed to changing the World as well into my own evil empire.
Scott: Sorry Dark Ranger the only way your turning Earth into your own Empire is over my dead body.
Dark: I was hoping you would say that.
Before Scott could react Dark Ranger leapt at him and slammed his feet into the Silver Rangers chest sending him crashing to the floor and before Scott could even react he pulled his dagger from his belt and drove towards him. Rolling out of the way Scott pulled himself to his feet and prepared to fight back.
Scott: That your best shot. Well, here's mine.
Scott ran towards his clone and at the last instant he pulled his legs into his chest and jumped over the Dark Ranger and as he went past he slammed his legs into the Dark Ranger sending him crashing to the ground forward and then he turned pulling the small dagger from his belt and held it in a defensive position. Before either combatant could strike again a ball appeared and was being chased by a small boy and girl. The Dark Ranger saw this and he pulled his blaster from his belt and aimed at the small children.
Scott: Oh no you don't.
Scott leapt with all his strength at the Dark Ranger and pulled him to the ground. Getting up he ran towards the kids.
Scott: Come on Kids lets get your ball and get out of here.
Suddenly a small scream from the little girl made the Silver Ranger turn his head to see his double had already recovered his blaster and fired it at them. Turning around Scott used his body to shield the kids until the energy bolts stopped.
Scott: Billy teleport these two kids out of here.
Billy: Already on it Scott.
The kids vanished leaving the two Rangers to face off against each other again. Scott painfully pulled himself to his feet only to collapse on the floor once more. At the Power Chamber.
Kat: Zordon we have to help him.
Zordon: Go now, but be careful.
Tommy: Back to Action.
The six materialised in the park to see the Dark Ranger stood over the Silver Ranger.
Dark: Oh good you have come to find me, saves me the trouble of having to find and kill you later.
Justin: I would not be so sure. This time you're going down.
Dark: You still do not understand. Very well, die.
Summoning every bit of his energy the Dark Ranger slammed it into the Rangers and they crumpled to the floor under the onslaught.
Dark: And now I will destroy you.
Scott: It's not over yet. I will fight with my last breath.
Dark: So be it. Time to finish it.
Scott: You're totally right I call on the power of the Silver Ranger.
The newest Ranger pulled himself to his feet and for a second nothing happened and then his whole body was surrounded by a silver aura. With a slight hesitation the young hero produced his dagger and charged towards his clone. On the Moon Rita and Zedd watched in horror.
Rita: Oh no, time to make our Dark Ranger grow.
The two evil-doers raised their staff and watched as the Dark Ranger grew. On the ground the Rangers watched.
Adam: Our problems just got bigger.
Tommy: We need Zeo Zord power now.
At their command the five Zords appeared and formed the Zeo Megazord and began to fight with the Dark Ranger. On the ground Scott watched helplessly and then he contacted Zordon.
Scott: Zordon I've got to help them, but I need a Zord.
Zordon: And you can Scott. Simply call for your Zord.
Scott: What is my Zord?
Zordon: You have been given access to the Shogun Zords simply call and all five will come and form the Shogun Megazord and control it by yourself.
Scott: Okay here goes nothing. I need Shogun Zord power.
Calling out his Zord appeared and joined the Zeo Megazord.
Adam: Scott is that you?
Scott: Yep, what do you think?
Tommy: I think the Dark Ranger is going down.
Dark: Come on then attack.
The Dark Ranger raced forwards and produced his dagger and struck the Megazord sending it stumbling backwards.
Justin: Zeo IV Battle Helmet. Okay Dark Ranger let me give you a lift.
The Battle Helmet came down and Justin used it to grab the Dark Ranger and slam him up and down on the ground.
Tommy: Zeo V Battle Helmet. Zeo Saber now.
Scott: Okay guys take him out.
The Zeo Saber swung around and struck the Dark Ranger that sent him crashing to the ground, but he didn't explode like the normal monsters.
Dark: Was that your best effort.
Scott: There is plenty more where that came from. Shogun Megazord Power Weapon fire.
At Scott's command the Zord fired an energy bolt that staggered the Dark Ranger but still did not finish him off. The Rangers were at a loss about what to do when Zordon came over their communicators.
Zordon: Scott you must call on the Shogun Megazord's full power and that will finish off the Dark Ranger
Scott: Right Zordon.
Dark: You think that piece of junk will stop me.
Scott: That's what you think Dark Ranger it is finally over.
The Shogun Megazord power sword appeared and with a swing struck the Dark Ranger and with a final scream he collapsed and blew up.
Kat: Yes, we've done it.
Tommy: Let's get back to the Power Chamber.
On the moon.
Zedd: No, this is all your fault, such a stupid idea.
Rita: I didn't see you coming up with any other ideas.
Zedd: Six or Seven Rangers I swear this I will destroy them all.
The Power Chamber.
Zordon: Well, done Rangers. This a most impressive victory, not only have you defeated the Dark Ranger and you have gained a new team-mate. Scott your courage saved the Rangers and I am most pleased to welcome you aboard.
Scott: I was glad to help Zordon.
Tanya: What you did today saved many people. If not for you Kat would be dead.
Scott: I know, I stopped my clone, but I can't erase the damage he did before I stopped him or the damage as the Dark Ranger I did, but maybe I can as the Silver Ranger. That is if you guys want me as your team-mate.
Tommy: Scott I think I speak for all of us, welcome aboard.
Tommy smiled and extended his hand and Scott accepted it while returning his smile. The other Rangers all clustered around Scott and offered their words of encouragement.
Zordon: Power Rangers the prophecy about the Seventh Ranger has almost been fulfilled.
Scott: What do you mean almost fulfilled?
Zordon: One day the Seventh Ranger will be as his fellow Rangers are a Power Ranger empowered by a Zeo Crystal.
Kat: When will this happen Zordon.
Zordon: When the Seventh Ranger has gone through the veil of death and embraced life.
Justin: Say what.
Alpha: Zordon said that the Seventh Ranger has to die and return to life before he can become a Zeo Ranger.
Scott: You mean I have to die and come back to life, sounds simple.
Adam: Man was that ever a tough day. I think I'm going to be sore for days.
Kat: Well, at least you didn't almost end up dead.
Billy: Yeah it was a good thing Scott was around.
Scott: Glad I could help.
Scott smiled and Tommy turned to look at him and the other Rangers.
Justin: Well, Scott welcome to the team.
Tommy extended his hand and the others put their hands on top.
All: Power Rangers.