The Virus Hunters
by Akiko

Alex pulls herself out of the dirt, rubbing her behind gingerly. "I thought the point was to miss me during that series of kicks?"

"Sorry." Trini throws an arm around her friend. "Guess I got caught up in the moment."

"Look who's back," Kim says, gesturing over her shoulder.

Damiana walks over to Trini's audience as Clete and Glauce escort Titus into the stables. Damiana beams at her accomplishment.

"Let me guess. That's the warlord, Titus," Alex says when Damiana arrives.

"He's kinda cute," Kim says and then adds, "In a rough kind of way."

Trini and Alex shake their heads.

"That's right. I caught him. He put up a good fight, but he was no match for a highly trained Amazon," Damiana boasts.

"What's going to happen now?" Kim asks.

"Oreithyia says she's going to kill him," Damiana says, though still troubled by the friendly exchange she witnessed earlier. "It must be part of Oreithyia's bigger plan," Damiana thinks.

"Not yet," Queen Cyrene suddenly appears behind Damiana. "Sometimes my sister says things out of the heat of the moment. I will talk to Titus. The Amazons don't want trouble. I will find a peaceful solution to our current problem."

"Titus looked pretty bad," Trini says to Cyrene. "I have some medicine in my kit. Would you like for me to tend to him and the prince?"

"Thank you, Trini," Cyrene answers. "I have already asked Ephanine to tend to our guests, but I'm sure that she would appreciate any medical knowledge that you may offer."

"I'll help too," Damiana volunteers enthusiastically.

Cyrene raises an eyebrow at the sister who routinely skipped Ephanine's lectures on first aid on the battle field. She nods anyway, hoping that Damiana's sudden interest is due to her maturation.

Trini grabs her medical kit, double-checking that the homing beacon is still there. They meet Ephanine heading towards the stables.

"How badly injured did you say Titus was, Damiana?" Ephanine asks, also surprised at Damiana's sudden interest in medicine.

"He has a gash to the head and some scratches, but other than that he was unharmed," Damiana answers and adds boastfully, "Oreithyia wouldn't let me kill him, though I had the chance and the reason to do it. He was trespassing and he defiled Artemis's temple!"

"What were you doing at the temple? Clete said that you caught Titus above the Wells," Ephanine says suspiciously.

Damiana looks at the ground trying to quickly come up with a good excuse. While waiting for an answer, Ephanine digs around in her large satchel. She stops suddenly and digs around more deliberately.

"Damiana?" Ephanine scolds. "Where is my sage**."

Damiana looks sheepish, though she's glad that Ephanine has forgotten her previous train of thought.

"I was gonna replace it. Honest. I was going to go pick some more right after we got back from Amphypolis. But then there was the initiation. Then I had to capture Titus, and then...but doesn't my hair look great?" Damiana tries to joke.

Ephanine's scowl doesn't abate.

"Go bring me some sage, now," Ephanine says. "We'll need it to make poultices for Titus's wounds."

"But Ephanine, I can't. Oreithyia said I couldn't leave camp. Queen Cyrene...," Damiana gloats, "or Oreithyia might need me."

Ephanine sighs in annoyance. "Then I guess I'll be going to pick the sage."

"I'll go ahead and get started on Titus," Damiana says a little too eagerly.

"No," Ephanine says sharply.

"But...I could start tending his wounds. Besides, I can take care of myself. Afterall, I was the top of my initiate class."

"I said no. He's a caged, wounded animal. It's hard to tell what he'll do. Wait until I get back, and we will do it together."

"Um, Ephanine," Trini asks, "if it wouldn't inconvenience you, could I go along and help pick sage. I've heard that ancient peoples...er..people sometimes use it for cleaning and healing wounds, but I've never seen it practiced."

"Sure, we're going to need a lot to replace...," Ephanine glowers at Damiana, "what Damiana used on her hair."

With that, Trini and Ephanine walk toward the woods.

"If it wouldn't inconvenience you...," Damiana mocks. Once Ephanine and Trini are out of sight, Damiana makes a bee line back to the stables.

"Let me by, Clete," Damiana says carrying some water and bandage material. "Ephanine asked me to see to the prisoners' wounds until she got back."

Clete begrudgingly lets Damiana go in alone.

~*~

"Where is that girl?" Ephanine says testily as she and Trini return to camp with a basket full of fresh sage leaves. "She has just about plucked my very last nerve today. Forget it. We'll just start without her."

Trini smiles, noticing that Alex's lexicon is rubbing off on Ephanine.

"Clete," Ephanine nods acknowledgement as she and Trini reach the stables. Ephanine throws open the heavy stable door. The stream of light bounces off a pair of metal wrist cuffs.

"Damiana," Ephanine says in irritation.

Damiana proceeds with her examination, overexaggerating her movements as if they'll be more convincing.

"Oh, glad you're back. I just started. Besides some scrapes and some bruising, the prisoner's chest appears okay. He does have a nasty gash on his head, though, that will need some immediate attention," says Damiana.

Ephanine grumbles as she pulls her supplies out of her bag.

"Go tell Queen Cyrene that I am attending to the prisoners then come straight back," Ephanine says to Damiana.

Damiana stops her poke and prod session with Titus and heads for the door. As she passes by Ephanine, Ephanine grabs her cuff bracelet firmly but discretely.

"We will talk," Ephanine says in a low, stern voice.

After another sigh of irritation, Ephanine gets back to work. Trini grinds the sage in a crude mortar and pestle, trying to ignore the situation.

~*~

"The sage should help take Prince Triton's swelling down. Hopefully, he will regain consciousness soon," says Ephanine, finishing with Triton and then addressing Titus.

Titus begrudgingly lets Ephanine wrap bandage after bandage around his wounds. His sudden violent coughing interrupts her work.

"I thought you said he only had a few scratches," Ephanine says to Damiana.

"He did. But they seem to have gotten a lot worse," Damiana replies.

Ephanine presses down with a bandage on one of Titus's sores which continues to ooze blood.

"OW!" Titus yells, swatting at Ephanine's hand. The motion causes her hand to richochet off a piece of his armor. The edge of the armor catches and grazes Ephanine's knuckles.

"Hey! I'm trying to help you here! Unless you'd rather let your wounds fester!" Ephanine shouts and then adds calmly, "Trini will you please hand me two cloths."

Ephanine dabs at the trickles of blood forming where the armor took chunks of skin off four of her knuckles.

"This is soaked already?" Ephanine says with concern as she removes Titus's head bandage. Exposed to the air, the blood oozes profusely. "I don't understand why. It's not a deep wound."

The sopping bandage and increase in fresh blood cause the fluid to squeeze through and flow down Ephanine's outstretched fingers. She covers his wound with another bandage, then wipes her own hand which is drenched in a combination of hers and Titus' bloods.

"Hail, Queen Cyrene!" Clete shouts through the doorway.

Trini and the Amazons quickly stand.

"Continue with your work, sister," Queen Cyrene instructs Ephanine.

Ephanine applies a poultice to Titus' wounds.

"Lord Titus, you are treading on very dangerous ground," Queen Cyrene warns. "Why have you invaded Amazon land?"

"I like to hunt," he answers in a surly tone.

"And what quarry were you following at the Wells of Artemis? They are far from the border," asks Cyrene.

"Triton and I were hunting...Amazons," Titus sneers.

Ephanine deliberately presses firmly on one of Titus's wounds. He yelps before regaining composure.

"Our quarrel with Prince Triton and his father is over," continues Queen Cyrene. "I arranged the treaty myself. The Amazons and King Krokus's people now live in peace. I have dispatched a messenger to King Krokus to explain the unfortunate...situation...you have caused. His envoy should be here within a few days to escort Prince Triton safely home. Home. Where you should go and give up this petty grudge of yours."

"Never!" Titus snarls. He jumps up to get in the queen's face, but Ephanine stops him short.

"Krokus is a fool. To Tartarus with all of you," Titus shouts. With that, he spits in Queen Cyrene's face. The women are shocked and disgusted. Ephanine knocks Titus's feet out from under him to prevent anything more.

"I'll let Krokus deal with a traitor like you," Queen Cyrene says. "Unless my sister gets to you first. I'm afraid that Oreithyia is not quite as forgiving as I am."

Trini hands the queen a clean cloth. Cyrene exits, cooly wiping the spittle out of her eye.

"You know, guys," Alex says looking up from the fire, "as much fun as I've been having here, we really need to get back to our mission. We're wasting crucial time, time the other Rangers just don't have. Obviously, the virus isn't here. Maybe the Amazons will allow us to have some horses and some supplies so we can move on."

"As much as I hate to leave, I think you're right. We should try to leave by mid-day tomorrow if possible," Trini says.

"Ephanine!" Glauce shouts as she enters the firelight. She looks shaken and concerned.

"What's wrong, Glauce?" Trini asks. "Ephanine said she was tired so she went to sleep early."

"The queen's ill. She collapsed while giving instructions to her elite guard. The last thing she said was your name and Ephanine's."

"Tell Queen Cyrene we'll be right there," Trini says standing. "Kim, will you grab my medical kit?"

"Ephanine?" Trini says softly outside of Ephanine's tent. When she gets no response, Trini pulls back the tent flap and calls again.

"Yes," a weak voice replies.

"Queen Cyrene has called for us. She's ill."

"Tell my queen I'm coming. Go on ahead."

"All right."

Trini exits the tent.

"Thanks, Kim," Trini says taking her medicine bag. "Alex, will you wait for Ephanine and see if she needs anything? Kim, can you assist me until Ephanine comes?"

Kim and Alex nod in agreement.

~*~

"Here comes Alex with Ephanine," Kim informs Trini who is engrossed in checking Cyrene's vital signs. Cyrene sits slumped on a pile of skins, holding her head in one hand and massaging her own temples.

Without looking up, Trini says, "Alex, I think we may have a problem."

Alex and Damiana enter Queen Cyrene's tent with Ephanine leaning heavily upon them.

"No, Trini, we do have a problem," Alex says.

Trini stops her examination and turns to face them.

"OK, OK," Ephanine shakes the girls off her, "I can manage now."

She walks over to the queen's side and sit-falls next to her. "Are you hurt, my queen?"

"No, but my head feels like it is being pounded like Hephaestus's mighty anvil. It caused me to lose my balance earlier and frightened Glauce."

"I know what you're feeling. I feel it too. I think I know what has caused our ordeal. Artemis is unhappy with us. You saw how she blanketed out the sun earlier today. With all respect, Queen Cyrene, I think we should call the council and seek instruction from Artemis. Otherwise she may inflict all our sisters with this curse."

"I agree," says the queen. "Glauce, have Oreithyia call the council together and have the sisters begin preparation for the lodge."

"Ask Aella to get the ceremonial water and herbs," adds Ephanine.

"Damiana," the queen says, "help Oreithyia in any way you can."

"I'll go help with the preparations," volunteers Alex.

"Kim, can you stay and help me?" asks Trini.

~*~

The Amazon camp is a buzz with preparations for the ceremonial sweat lodge. As she helps one of the Amazons affix another skin to the frame of the small lodging, Alex sees Damiana out of the corner of her eye. Oreithyia seems to be giving Damiana some sort of instruction and then hands her a small skin-wrapped package. Damiana then heads toward the stables.

"Watch your hands," the Amazon warns, bringing Alex's attention back to the task.

A short while later, Aella returns to the campsite holding a large earthenware urn before her on her horse. Damiana, also returning, comes to Aella's aid. Seeing Damiana struggling under the weight of the urn, Alex comes to her side.

"Here, let me help," Alex says and takes up part of the urn before Damiana can protest.

The awkwardness of the urn and the situation makes Alex's brain reel for allieviation. Damiana finds that the urn becomes immediately lighter as soon as Alex takes hold of it. Alex struggles, putting on a good show, but the urn's weight is only slightly taxing on her mental abililities.

"Nice ring," Alex finally says in hopes of making small talk. "Is it new? I hadn't noticed you wearing one before now. What kind of stone is that? Opal?"

Damiana glances at her hand hugging the urn. "What? Oh, that. Uh, yeah,...I..uh...bought it in Amphipolis. It's a moonstone." She quickly repositions her hand so that it is hidden underneath the urn.

~*~

"Queen Cyrene," Glauce says entering the queen's tent, "Aella says the ceremonial lodge is ready, and the council is assembled."

"Thank you, Glauce."

Trini assists the queen, and Kim helps Ephanine to stand. They walk to the ceremonial lodge. A cloud of steam pours from the tent as Aella opens its flap.

"We'll help them from here," Aella offers. She and Oreithyia take Queen Cyrene by the arm. Trini releases Queen Cyrene's arm and goes to help Kim while they wait. Cyrene pauses at the tent's opening. She looks at Ephanine and then at Trini. She then steps inside.

"Trini, as a shaman for the American Amazons, Queen Cyrene believes it is appropriate for you to join us in the ceremony," says Ephanine.

Trini doesn't know what to think. She's flattered but concerned. She looks at Kim for advice. Kim just shrugs.

"Come," Ephanine says, releasing Kim's shoulder and taking Trini's. They step inside the tent.

"Where is Trini going?" Alex and Damiana ask in unison, although with different tones, as they approach the lodge.

~*~

Ephanine begins the ceremony with its ritualistic chants and hums, but a coughing fit causes her to waver. Aella picks up the chant, laying a sympathetic hand on Ephanine's arm. She finishes the chant and then shakes a smoldering bunch of herbs in a rhythmic pattern around the circle.

"Great Artemis..." Aella begins.

~*~

"What are they doing in there?" a curious Kim asks Damiana as the chanting sounds filter out into the night.

"Shhh!" Damiana warns, and then explains, "They just finished invoking Artemis. Now they'll offer up their prayer for guidance and deliverance."

~*~

Trini feels awkward listening to the supplication of a goddess but tries to be polite. She notices how pale Ephanine has become and how the queen keeps rubbing the back of her neck.

"And so, mighty Artemis, we ask for your restorative power for Queen Cyrene and Ephanine and your protection for all our sisters," Aella concludes and ladles a decorative gourd into the urn. She passes it directly to the queen who takes a sip. Queen Cyrene then passes it to Ephanine who takes a draught and passes it back to the queen. Cyrene raises the gourd with both hands as an offering and then passes it to Oreithyia.

"That can't be very hygienic," Trini thinks, "sharing a gourd with sick people...."

Trini jumps to her feet.

~*~

"Now, to close, they'll share the water," Damiana whispers over her shoulder to Alex and Kim.

Damiana walks back over to the Ranger girls after peeking through a small crack in the tent and giving them the play-by-play.

"Share the water?" Kim asks confused.

"That's what we brought in, right?" Alex asks.

"Yes, its healing properties come from the Wells...." Damiana stops and then charges through the tent flap. She and Trini almost collide. Trini backhands the gourd out of Oreithyia's hand just as Oreithyia raises the vessel to her lips. Damiana shoulders the urn so that it tips and spills its contents onto the ground.

"What is the meaning of this sacrilege?!" Oreithyia bellows, standing up.

"The water is poisoned!" Damiana exclaims.

"Nonsense," Aella chastizes, "I pulled it from the Wells of Artemis myself."

"I can't tell you how I know, but you've got to believe me," pleads Damiana. "If we drink it, it will kill us all."

"Damiana's right," Trini says. Neither one of them can believe they're agreeing. "The gourd is...tainted. If you were to drink after Queen Cyrene and Ephanine, you too would become sick."

The council of Amazon elders and leaders mutter among themselves. Aella shouting, "My queen!" interrupts them. Cyrene has slumped to the side, her eyes rolling back in her head.

"Quick," shouts Trini, "Take Queen Cyrene and Ephanine to the queen's tent."

"Oreithyia, help me with your sister," Trini says. "Kim, Alex!"

Oreithyia stands her ground, not use to receiving orders, much less from underlings.

"Oh, stop standing there and just do it for once," Aella uncharacteristically snaps at Oreithyia and gives her a little shove. Aella quickly recomposes herself and says, "I'll get my herbs."

The girls push past Damiana who has fallen to her knees in the entry way looking dazed.

"Artemis, what have I done?" Damiana mutters. She then gets up and runs toward the stables.

"Where is she going?" Alex complains but is quickly sidetracked by the situation at hand.

As they carry the sick to the queen's tent, two Amazon warriors race into camp. A third warrior slumps across the shoulders of one of the horses. As the warriors slide the wounded woman off the horse, a trail of blood is left behind.

"Thalla!" Ephanine says before drifting off into a fevered daze.

The warrior bleeds heavily from several slashings. The other two warriors help the injured woman over to Oreithyia.

"The Warlord...," Thalla moans. She takes a shallow, obviously painful breath and continues. "Titus has escaped."

"Clete is dead," one of the warriors informs Oreithyia. "She died by Titus's hand. He must have somehow gotten Clete's knife away from her. Damiana got there just in time to save Prince Triton from Titus."

Oreithyia growls in displeasure and thinks, "IDIOT! He thinks he can double-cross me. I'll take care of him and Prince Triton myself!"

"Where is Damiana now?" Oreithyia asks.

"Titus bested Thalla and stole her horse. After helping us with Thalla, Damiana took off after the warlord," the warrior says.

"Take care of Thalla's wounds," Oreithyia orders and then yells to the assembling crowd, "Prepare for WAR, sisters!"

Kim gulps and Alex bites her lip, each girl thinking the same thing, "Do we help them or the Rangers?"

"Well, the fit has hit the shan now," Alex says as Trini rushes by them.

"C'mon!" Trini yells over her shoulder. "I think we've found the virus!"

Kim and Alex look at each other and then race off after Trini.

Trini has already unpacked her medical kit by the time the other Rangers arrive. Trini's outstretched arm is the only thing that keeps Alex from accidentally stepping on the homing beacon.

"Remember what Dimitria said," Trini says to the Rangers. "If we can't bring back the host, at least bring back a blood sample. And voila, we're bringing back not one but three blood samples. I have a hunch that Titus is the source of the virus. If he's not, he must be pretty close. We'll give Dimitria samples from the infection cycle as we know it. Titus to Ephanine and Cyrene. Let's just pray that there aren't any more links in this chain. Alex, go 'lift' one of the bloody rags that Ephanine used on Titus. That will be exhibit #1. I will draw samples from Cyrene and Ephanine, and then we are out of here."

"We can't really leave now though," Alex says. "Queen Cyrene and Ephanine are on Death's door, and war is about to break out."

"But our Rangers are dying at home," Kim says.

Trini looks from her old friends to her new friends, troubled. Ephanine moans in pain.

"You two go back. I'm staying," Trini says matter-of-factly and then prepares to draw the sample.

"What?! You can't be serious," Kim says, shocked.

"With all the new gadgets and technology the Power Chamber has, I'm sure that you all will be able to find me again...eventually," Trini says, never taking her eyes off the syringe rapidly filling with Ephanine's blood.

"No, they won't," Kim argues. "You could die of old age before they could find you. You have to come back with us. Alex is our only way home. Dimitria said so, remember?"

"Not necessarily," Alex says, obviously deep in thought. "You need me to act as your anchor. Not me physically, just my power signature. I could try an 'ellaria.'"

"A what?" Kim says.

"'Ellaria.' I'm not sure what its English equivlent is. It was one of the last psi tricks I learned on Aquitar before coming back to Earth. I've done it across a room and across the pod unmorphed, I wonder...." Alex drifts back into thought for a moment. Then she snaps to attention, "Morphed, I bet I could do it to the Power Chamber."

"What are you babbling about?" Kim says, beginning to get annoyed.

"The homing beacon will be taking you back to the Power Chamber with the sample," Alex says and further explains, "My psychic aura will accompany you while my physical body stays here. Once you are safely in the Power Chamber, I will come back here. That way, Dimitria can find Trini faster later. In a sense, I will be in two places at the same time."

"I don't know. It sounds kind of risky," Trini says, her eyebrows furrowing in concern.

"It's got to work. We've met Titus's gang—they're brutal. I could help the Amazons even up the fight a little by flexing some brain," Alex says.

"I don't want to lose you," Kim says, kneeling next to Trini—her oldest and best friend.

"It's the best way," Alex says, hoping to change Trini's mind.

With a sigh, Trini nods. "Kim, prepare to go home."

"I'll have them get Billy on the horn as soon as we arrive in the Power Chamber. If anybody would know how to find you both, he would," Kim says.

Trini winces knowing that Kim is correct but still not wanting to open up such fresh wounds. She says maturely, "You're right. Billy is the man for the job."

~*~

Several minutes later, Kim returns with their backpack stuffed. Alex sits fiddling with the homing beacon. Trini bathes Ephanine's then Cyrene's brows with a damp cloth.

"I'm ready," Kim says, sliding the backpack on.

Alex closes the flap to the tent. "Don't want my secret getting out quite yet," she says.

"The samples are frozen and ready to go. The bloody rag is sealed in a plastic bag. Be careful," Trini says and then gives Alex and Kim a combined hug.

"Stop, or I'm going to start bawlin' like a big ole baby," Alex says, joining in the group hug.

Kim sniffles a reply and gives them both a hug.

"Stand back, Trini. Here we go," Alex says, pulling out her morpher. "SHIFT INTO TURBO! STAR RUNNER TURBO POWER!"

Kim whistles. "I'm impressed. How come we didn't get cool helmets like that? I had that big blind spot right down the middle of mine where the pterodactyl beak hung down and...."

"Let's go," Alex interrupts her. "The Amazons may need my help soon."

In case they encounter the same type of turbulence on the route back home, Kim hugs the medical case containing the blood samples and the rag close to her chest with one hand . With the other hand, she does a death grip on Alex's bicep.

"OW! Easy, Kim!" Alex complains.

Alex pushes the button on the homing beacon and then places her free hand up to the temple of her helmet, hoping to channel the psi energy. Trini gasps as Kimberly begins to disappear. An apparition of Alex disappears with Kim. A moment later all that is left of Kim are her foot prints. Alex stands like a statue—unresponsive. Trini isn't sure that Alex is even breathing, but she's afraid to disturb the physical shell of Alex. Afraid that one touch would doom her two best friends to a life in limbo for eternity.

"Noooooo, not another monster. I can't take any more battles," Cassie whines, weaving towards the Viewing Globe. "I'm tired, I'm sick, and I haven't had a real shower in three days! I can't stand myself anymore."

"Be strong, Pink Ranger," Phantom Ranger says.

Cassie gives the mysterious man a weak smile and admits silently to herself, "At least one good thing has come of this disaster."

"It may just be Blue Centurion," Phantom Ranger explains as the Power Chamber's computers whiz trying to identify the disturbance in the Morphing Grid. "He should be returning from checking out that disturbance. It was probably nothing, but you can never be too careful."

Cassie sneezes.

"I am concerned about your health status, Cassie," Phantom Ranger says and gently brushes down some of Cassie's wayward hair.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired, that's all," Cassie lies, trying to pull herself together.

"WOAH! What is that?" Alpha says at a rapidly expanding glowing light.

"Which one?" Cassie says incredulously, as two more lights begin to shine on her side of the room.

The lights beside Cassie are the first to materialize. Dimitria lights up her tube simultaneously.

"Welcome, Rangers," Dimitria says.

"Wow, this place has really changed since the last time I was here," Tommy Oliver says, surveying the surroundings.

"Hey, man, it's good to see you again. I didn't know that you'd been given the call too," Adam Park says.

"Tommy, Adam, I am glad that you accepted our offer," Dimitria begins. "The last three days have been very difficult on Cassie, even with the Phantom Ranger and Blue Centurion's help. Thank you for agreeing to restore your powers to help her until the new Rangers are well."

"Not a problem," Tommy says, "I had some vacation time saved up. What's the best way I could spend it? I've missed being a Power Ranger."

"Me too," Adam admits. "Though I'm going to have some serious explaining to do when I get back. I told them that I had to return home because my fiance was missing and possibly abducted. They were very understanding, but I just don't know how I'm going to explain it all."

"You may not have to explain much of anything!" Alpha says, redirecting everyone's attention back to the increasing orb of light. The light intensifies and soon two silouettes begin to materialize.

"Kimberly!?" Tommy gasps.

Kim, still dressed in her Amazon garb, completely rematerializes in the Power Chamber. She lets out a sigh of relief when she sees familiar surroundings.

"Alex!" Adam says, the weight on his chest suddenly lifting. His enthusiasm dampens as the Purple Turbo Ranger fails to completely rematerialize. "Alex? What's happening? Why aren't you completely here?"

"Adam, I can't stay," Alex says remorsefully. "Trini, the other Amazons, they need me here. Please, find us. Find me. I want to come home to you."

Kim steps away from the ellaria and towards Alpha. Adam races to Alex's projection until he is standing directly in front of her.

"Where are you? Tell me how to find you," Adam pleads.

"I'm in Ancient Greece. I don't know how you will find me, but please hurry." Though it puts a huge burden on Alex's brain, she unhooks her helmet so that she can look at Adam face to face. She reaches out to touch him, but the projection passes right through him.

"I won't rest until I find you," Adam says, reaching his hand out. He gently caresses the side of Alex's face without actually touching her.

"I know you will," Alex says, as she slowly dematerializes once again.

~*~

Trini gasps as Alex's helmet suddenly drops from her hands and rolls onto the floor. Trini starts to reach out to Alex but stops when she sees an expression of severe pain pass over Alex's face. A moment later, Alex's eyes roll back into her head, and she collapses to one knee inside the tent. Alex gasps for air as if she had been holding her breath the entire journey. Then again, maybe she had.

"Alex? Are you okay?" Trini says, kneeling into the dirt next to her friend. She grabs Alex's wrist to take her pulse.

The panicked look on Trini's face is enough to start Alex giggling. "Great party trick, eh?" Alex teases. "Are you okay? You look a little freaked out."

Trini sighs in relief. "I see that you are no worse for wear."

"Kim is there, and guess who else?" Alex says, pulling herself to a standing position. "Power down! Adam and Tommy."

"Really?" Trini says. "Well, then I know that they will find a way to bring us back."

~*~

"So, here are the samples." Kim brings everyone up-to-date very quickly in the Power Chamber. "Trini and Alex need our help back at the Amazon camp. We've got to find them again quickly."

"Right. Adam, take the samples down to Medical Center and help Alpha any way you can," Tommy immediately takes charge. "Kim, go home, change and get some rest."

"I'm fine," Kim says. "I want to help out."

"That's okay, Kim. We can handle it," Tommy says, taking Kim's wrist and gently guiding her towards the door. "I'll contact you the minute Adam or I find something out. Don't worry. I'll save Alex...and Trini."

Tommy's powerful hands inadvertantly press Kim's cuff bracelet into her arm. The pain triggers a flood of memories that ricohet through Kim's brain. There were so many times that she relied on Tommy to save her when she was a Ranger. Tommy was her leader as well as her boyfriend. She dutifully followed his orders. Tommy's face was soon replaced by Trevor's. She could hear all the put-downs and sarcastic comments Trevor used to say to "keep her in her place." The cold metal against her skin flashed one last memory through her brain. The day she became an offical Amazon sister. She had never felt so empowered in her life. It was her duty to protect her sisters—to find them and bring them home—no matter what the cost to herself.

"No," Kim says firmly, pulling her wrist out of Tommy's grasp and walking back towards the console. "I have another plan. Cassie, work on contacting Billy. Combining his intellect with his Aquitian experiences will allow us to find Alex and Trini faster."

"Right," Cassie says and begins flipping some switches.

"Tommy," Kim continues, grabbing Tommy's wrist and leading him over to another console. She slaps a device into his palm. "Start analyzing the ion trail that Alex's ellaria left behind. See if we can use it as a map back into the past."

Speechless, Tommy just shakes his head affirmatively.

Kim stifles a smile, amused at Tommy's surprised look. She puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder and adds sweetly, "Please."

"Ellaria, hmmm," Phantom Ranger says and suddenly wanders out of the Power Chamber.

"Adam, go help Alpha with the samples and update me on the status of the Turbo Rangers," Kim says and adds, "Cassie, be on alert. Divatox may try to pull a fast one, so you'll need to be ready for battle."

Everyone stares at the new and assertively-improved version of Kimberly.

"What are we waiting for people, let's go!" Kim says firmly but encouragingly.

~*~

The warning horn echoes through the Amazon camp. Trini looks up from mopping Ephanine's brow. The Rangers hear feet rush past the queen's tent towards the center of camp.

"Sisters!" Aella bursts into the tent.

Alex instinctively jumps to her feet, assuming a fighting stance. She relaxes a little when she recognizes Aella.

"Titus's army has arrived," Aella says. "We need every sister available to fight them."

"Damiana?" Ephanine moans in a delirious state.

"No one has seen her since she took off after Titus," Aella says.

"Find her. Please find her," Ephanine whispers before losing consciousness.

"Trini, can you tend to the wounded with me?" Aella asks.

"How many?" Trini asks.

"Seven wounded—two seriously—and three dead."

"Dead," Alex says in disbelief.

"Glauce, Aria and Portia. Their bodies are lying beside the stables. Leave them for now. We will give them a proper funeral pyre later," Aella says stoically though her face is etched with grief.

Trini fights the tears welling up in her eyes, and even Alex begins to feel a little misty.

"Nobody ever dies. They were always just clay or metal. The monsters we fought were never human," Trini says gravely.

"I know." Alex kneels down and wraps a comforting arm around Trini.

"Alex, morph. I don't want you to become another statistic," Trini says.

"I will, if I have to. I don't want to play all my cards at once," Alex says.

The clanging of swords and men's voices from outside grab everyone's attention. Alex jumps to her feet again and double-checks her morpher.

"Tell the others to bring the injured in here. The queen's tent is the largest," Aella says, pulling salves and bandages out of her bag.

"This will be a safe haven. I won't allow Titus's men to get in here," Alex tells them.

"You? Only one against so many?" Aella asks.

"Don't worry," Trini says with a small smile. "Alex can hold her own. Go kick some butt for me, Alex!"

~*~

"We've got it!" Adam announces triumphantly to everyone as he returns to the Power Chamber.

"Thanks, Billy. Kim out," Kim says into the Viewing Globe before turning around to see Adam.

"Alpha cracked the virus's code," Adam says and holds up three small test tubes. "This serum will stop the virus's replication. It can't repair the damage already done by the virus, but at least it will allow the victims' bodies to mount their own offensive. Alpha predicts that the Rangers will be as good as new in a few days to a week."

"That's fantastic," Kim says, with a sigh of relief.

"Was that middle-aged man on the Viewing Globe really Billy?" Adam asks.

"Yes. The hydrotherapy is working, but slowly as you can see. Billy has analyzed all of our data and thinks he can help us."

"Billy is coming here? Great! I haven't seen him in eons! We have a lot of catching up to do after this is all over," Adam says.

"I'm afraid not," Phantom Ranger says. "With Dimitria's help, Billy will come here as an ellaria. The strain on a non-psi-enhanced person will be great. He won't be able to stay long."

"Unfortunately, Billy's stay will only be long enough to bring us back home," Kim says, wishing that she could spend more time with Billy too. "Using the coordinates that Tommy's scanners found, Phantom Ranger is going to reopen the portal to Ancient Greece."

"Who's up for a challenge?" Cassie dangles two Turbo morphers from her hands.

"Count me in," Tommy says, reclaiming his old red morpher.

"You know I'm going." Adam takes the other morpher. "Alex needs me."

"Ready when you are, Phantom," Kim says, fingering the borrowed morpher already strapped to her wrist.

~*~

"Ooph!"

"OW!"

"Get off my leg, lead butt," Adam says, pushing Tommy off.

"Soon as Cassie gets her elbow out of my stomach," Tommy says, trying to get untangled from the group.

"Sorry." Cassie pushes herself off the ground clumsily. "That was definitely not a textbook landing."

"Hey, any landing you can walk away from is a good one in my book." Adam groans and pulls his bruised body out of the dirt. He gives Tommy a hand off the ground.

"What in the world?" Tommy says as the sound of pounding hooves increases.

A billow of dust rises up from beyond the hill.

"Watch out!" Cassie yells, knocking them all back into the dirt.

A maniac on a froth-soaked black stallion zips by the trio barely missing them. Only seconds behind him a girl, with black braids whipping in the wind, races by them.

"IDIOTS!" Cassie yells as the trio pull themselves back together.

They look down into the valley below. A collective gasp escapes their lips as they witness a bloody battle going on.

"Oh, no. What has Alex gotten herself into now?" Adam says worriedly.

"WHOOOOOOAHHHH! Oomph!" Kim says, finally tumbling through the porthole. "I really gotta work on my form."

"I was beginning to think that you'd changed your mind," Tommy teases.

"My sisters need me," Kim says seriously. "Let's go. Phantom Ranger said to go on, that he would catch up with us once Billy's ellaria arrives safely in the Power Chamber."

The Rangers take off down the hill. Kimberly protects the case carrying the precious serum and two new syringes by holding it close to her body.

~*~

Kim gasps when they get to the edge of the Amazon camp. The scene is much worse than their previous view. The carnage causes Cassie's stomach to almost turn over. She reaches down to activate her Turbo morpher and realizes that it is gone.

"My morpher!" Cassie says, looking around on the ground. "I must have lost it along the way."

"I hope it isn't lost in the portal," Adam says. "We'll never find it then."

"Maybe it fell off when we were all in a heap?" Tommy suggests.

"I've got to go back and check." Cassie doesn't wait for a reply. She immediately begins back-tracking to the portal, surveying the ground at the same time.

Cassie bends down behind the bushes to pick up her communicator and brush the dirt off it.

"Woooah...ooof..ow!" Cassie hears. Without standing up, she peers through the bushes.

After rolling out of the portal, the Phantom Ranger lies in an ungraceful heap at the base of a tree. The edge of his helmet has become lodged in between two tree roots. He tugs at his helmet for a moment and then says quietly, "Oh how embarrassing. Power down."

A trim but athletically built humanoid in a black jumpsuit of sorts appears on all fours with his head between the two tree roots. He stands to a more dignified position, running his hand through his silvery white hair.

Cassie, who had managed not to laugh out loud, can't control her gasp of wonder as Phantom turns in her direction. Upon hearing a noise, Phantom immediately assumes a fighting position.

"Whoa, sorry, it's just me," Cassie says emerging from the bushes. "I...uh..lost my communicator and came back to...wow...."

A pinkish tint colors Phantom's alabaster white skin. A shock of hair hangs down covering his left eye and partially shielding him from his embarrassment.

"Not quite what you were expecting?" Phantom asks as Cassie's jaw continues to drop.

"No...I mean yes..I mean I was hoping...," Cassie stammers.

"You were hoping...that I wasn't a giant brain or an extraterrestrial slug or something encased in a human-shaped shell?" Phantom tries to joke.

Cassie just continues to stare.

"Cassie?" Phantom asks as he walks toward her.

"I'm sorry," Cassie says as she pulls herself together. "It's just that I've been wondering what you looked like for so long. Why haven't you showed us your face before now? You have the most incredible violet eyes."

"Thank you. I've wanted to see you through them...without the helmet...for some time. But I was afraid that you would recoil in horror if you saw me."

"Recoil in horror? Why? You're a hotty!" Cassie blurts out and then wishes she could censor her last remark.

Phantom smiles at her discomfort, but his smile fades as he pushes the hair away from his face.

"Because of this," he says somberly.

A wide, long, magenta scar runs from his forehead above his left eye to his left temple. Though the skin is not broken, the scar tissue is visibly grotesque, uneven in texture and sometimes stretched. Only Cassie's eyes telegraph her reaction to the sight.

"Does it hurt?" Cassie asks stepping closer.

"No, the laser wound finished healing a few months ago, but the planet I was assigned to was fairly primitive. They healed me to the best of their ability, but the damage was extensive. Believe it or not, it used to look much worse. The worst part was that the laser blast damaged part of my brain. I need the suit of armor to help make up the deficiencies in my psi powers. I was on my way back to my home planet for reconstructive surgery when Dimitria called me," Phantom explains. "Now that you know my secret. Can I trust you to keep it until I'm ready to face the other Rangers?"

"Yes," Cassie says reaching out her fingertips to touch Phantom's face. She gently runs them from the side of his forehead down his cheek and onto his chest. Phantom gently pins her hand against his chest and leans toward her.

"HIYAH! HIYAH!" Alex yells, striking her attackers with powerful tornado kicks.

Trini hears the escalating battle from inside the Queen's tent. Trini takes Ephanine's pulse again and shakes her head worriedly.

"I wish Aella would hurry back with those supplies," Trini thinks. "I hope she hasn't been captured."

A sudden ripping sound interrupts Trini's thoughts. A moment later a burly man, who Trini recognizes from their previous battle with Titus's army, pushes through the now gaping hole in the back of the Queen's tent. Trini jumps to her feet, quickly surveying the area for anything to use as a weapon.

"Oh, look, it's that little Mongolian girl again. Let's finish what we started last time," the man growls, drawing his dagger and slashing it around menacingly.

"Didn't learn your lesson last time, did ya?" Trini baits him, trying to draw him away from the injured. She knows that killing Cyrene must be #1 on his agenda. Trini hops lightly around the tent like a boxer, her hands held up high to protect herself.

The man lunges at Trini, slashing his knife back and forth. Trini ducks and darts away, still leading him away from the injured. The soldier growls and lunges again. Trini slides to her left allowing the man to stumble past her.

"Adam?!" Trini hears Alex's voice say loudly outside the tent.

Trini looks towards the flap. The moment of distraction is all it takes for the soldier to overpower Trini. He knocks Trini into the dirt floor and pushes the dagger towards the straining muscles in her neck. Trini thrashes around wildly trying to get her leg free. She quickly pulls her leg up under the soldier's chest and with a groaning "HIYAH!" flips him off her. The point of the dagger rakes across Trini's stomach as the man crashes into the water urns to the side of the tent. Trini glances down. Her Amazon top now has a slice through it. Luckily, Trini is able to walk away with only a minor graze. She touches her fingers to the graze and then looks at the small amount of blood wetting her fingers.

"I've never been wounded like this before. Putties and Cogs only produced soft tissue injuries. The Rangers never bled," Trini thinks.

The soldier groans, pushing broken pieces of pottery off of himself.

"I've got to put this guy out of commission!" Trini thinks as the soldier struggles to stand.

"Hiyah!" Trini does a hitch-kick, slamming the soldier in the solar plexus.

The soldier gasps as the air leaves his lungs. Trini follows the move with a hammer fist to his groin. The soldier collapses back into the floor, howling in pain.

"That should do it," Trini thinks smugly. "He'll be out of commission for a while, but not permanently damaged."

"The cavalry has arrived!" Kim shouts a few minutes later, throwing back the flap to the Queen's tent.

"Looks like you've been busy," Alex says, nodding at the soldier. "What happened to him?"

Trini checks the knot securing the soldier's hands once more and then jumps up to hug her friends.

"Let's just say that he was on the receiving end of Hephaestus's mighty hammer," Trini says, acting out her move again.

The girls cringe.

"Painful," Alex says.

"What happened to your vest?" Kim says, inspecting Trini's top closely.

"It's nothing. See, it's already beginning to clot," Trini says, though the graze is beginning to sting and the leather rubbing against it makes it hurt even worse.

"I knew you would find us," Trini says to change the topic.

"What are sisters for?" Kim says taking hold of one of Trini's and one of Alex's cuffed wrists.

"Guess who decided to tag along?" Alex says lifting the tent flap again. She gestures at the guys to come in from where she asked them to wait.

"Trini!" Adam rushes to give his old friend a hug. Trini's breath catches as she locks eyes with Tommy over Adam's shoulder.

"Trini," Tommy acknowledges her cautiously.

"Tommy," she returns, also cautiously. "Thank you all for coming."

"Trini," Kim interrupts the awkwardness, "we brought the antidote."

She hands Trini the box. Everyone circles around Cyrene and Ephanine as Trini prepares the injections.

"I hope this works," Trini says and then completes her task.

Suddenly, Aella crashes through the tent flap out of breath.

"Trini, prepare the Queen and Ephanine for travel," she pants. "We're going to have to retreat. Titus's full army is close to the edge of camp. We can't hold them back for much longer — they outnumber us two to one."

The visitors catch Aella's eye for the first time. She immediately draws her sword and circles Tommy and Adam. They put their hands up in a defensive position.

"Aella, wait!" Kim yells.

"These are our...friends," Trini says reluctantly after catching Tommy's eye.

Aella looks skeptically at the guys. She drops her sword but doesn't put it away. She still isn't convinced that the strangers aren't actually kidnappers. Aella puts herself between the guys and the Queen, just to be on the safe side.

"It looked really bad out there," Adam says soberly.

"We've faced worse though," Tommy says. "All we need to do is a quick regroup. Adam and I will go take out the leader. Just tell me who he is. First we need to...."

"What is your plan, Trini?" Aella completely cuts Tommy off, turning her back on him to face Trini.

"How are we on supplies?" Trini says. "I'm not sure that Cyrene and Ephanine are ready for a long journey. It will take time for the antidote to work. We need...."

"We are not going to retreat," Tommy interrupts. "We can take these guys. All we need to do...."

Aella whips around to face Tommy, raising the point of her sword to right below Tommy's nose. "Silence! You will speak when the shaman asks for your opinion. Until then, you will be silent!"

"Shaman?" Adam turns to ask Alex. A withering look from Aella causes Adam to quickly close his mouth.

"I'll explain later," Alex whispers.

"He means no disrespect, Aella." Trini can't help but smirk at the look on Tommy's face. Nobody had ever shut him up so fast before. "Tommy—this man—means well. In our culture, men frequently assume...."

"Not to mention, presume," Alex adds sarcastically.

"They frequently assume the leadership position during crisis situations," Trini continues.

"Men?!" Aella snorts. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Men are too hot-headed during war. Their blood lust makes them unpredictable. They lose reason and act haphazardly. Sisters, your culture is a strange one. I would like to hear more about it at a later time. I always enjoy a good laugh."

"Hey!" Adam says, his feathers getting ruffled.

Alex puts a calming hand on his shoulder. Tommy continues to scowl.

"Tommy means well. He has a lot of experience as a leader. I will listen to his suggestions. Continue Tommy," Trini says.

Tommy clears his throat, having to remind himself that a good leader is a team player.

"We need to find the person giving the orders and cut him off," Tommy says. "Let Adam and I go—unmorphed—and take him out. Once he's down, it won't be hard to get the rest to surrender or retreat."

Alex remembers what Trini said about her last encounter with the former Red Ranger. Her blood begins to boil and she snaps at Tommy, "Nice plan, hot shot. Except you forgot one important thing...you two LOOK like the enemy."

"She's right," Trini says. "I'm afraid that the other sisters would attack you."

"You could explain to them that we're the good guys," Adam suggests.

"It would be hard to get them to trust you, much less get them to follow you," Trini says. "No, let Kim and Alex take out the leader. You and Adam stay here and protect the Queen."

Tommy grumbles and starts to protest.

Trini pacifies him by asking, "So how do you suggest Kim and Alex take out the leader?"

Everyone crouches down to the floor to see Tommy's crude line drawings in the dirt. They nod, everyone understanding his or her particular role in the operation.

"Father Ares!" Aella says suddenly and immediately bows down.

The others look over their shoulders to see Phantom Ranger—back in uniform—and Cassie materializing in the tent.

"No, Aella. This is our friend, Phantom Ranger. He's an ali...oh, never mind...he's a good friend," Kim says.

"Hmmmmmm," Alex and Trini say in unison, each thinking the same thing.

"Scrap that idea." Alex leans over and completely erases Tommy's detailed plan in the dirt with one swoop of her hand.

"This is what we are going to do...," Trini says matter-of-factly.

"Here are the bow and arrows you needed, Trini." Aella hands them to Trini who passes them to Cassie.

"Is everyone clear on the plan?" Trini asks into Cassie's communicator.

"Affirmative," Adam's voice replies. "Tommy and I are hanging out in the largest tree to the left side of the camp's entry way. I can see Kim and the other girls...I mean...warriors. They are beginning to move this way, back into camp."

"It's working. Titus's army is following us." They hear Kim say, her sentences punctuated with hiyahs! "Lete says the guy on the gray horse is Titus's second in command."

"Then we'd better make sure he gets a front row seat for the show," Trini says.

"You got it," Kim answers.

"Damiana...," Ephanine groans from the corner of the tent and tries to sit up. "Get my horse. I have to find her."

Aella and Alex rush to Ephanine's side. Alex gently presses her back down. "Rest, Ephanine. I'm going now to find Damiana. I won't come back without her. I promise," Alex says, but silently thinks, "I just hope Damiana is still alive and in one piece."

"Trini, you better give the command performance of a lifetime, because if this doesn't work, we're screwed," Alex says and then begins, "Shift into Turbo! Star Runner Turbo Power!"

Aella's eyes widen in disbelief as the purple armor envelopes Alex. Once the transformation is complete, Alex slips out the gaping hole in the back of the tent.

"Phantom, Cassie, give me two minutes to get to the dais in the center of camp and then let the show begin." Trini removes the royal horn from its ceremonial position on Queen Cyrene's throne. Aella hands Trini the royal mask—a heavy wooden mask ornamented with leather, feathers, and long dried grasses.

"Please God, let this work," Trini adds silently as she rushes out the front of the tent.

Kim grabs a bow and arrows from a fallen Amazon and prepares to shoot. Within seconds, three shots are fired. Arrows rain down around Graken, Titus's second in command. Graken's horse rears in fright. Once Graken is able to calm his horse, he looks for the culprit. He sees one petite Amazon—Kimberly. He kicks his horse and comes charging after her. Kimberly stands poised to fire another arrow. She stands valiantly until she's positive that he's coming after her, then she takes off for the entrance to camp. Running at top speed, Kim can hear thundering hooves behind her.

"He's going to mow me down!" Kim's mind screams in terror.

"KIMBERLYYYYYYYYY!" Tommy's voice echoes through camp.

With Graken so close that Kim can almost feel his horse's hot breath on her back, Kim makes a daring jump towards the Rangers' tree. With no chance for a mistake, Kim throws herself into the air, grabbing blindly for the Rangers' hands. All of Kim's gymnastic training pays off. She feels strong hands grasp hers. She uses the momentum and her upper body strength to flip herself up and over the lowest branch as if it was an uneven bar in the gym. Kim hangs gasping over the tree limb as Graken rushes underneath and into camp.

"I'd give that move a 10!" Adam says, breaking into a big grin.

"Please, Kim," Tommy says, leaning back against the base of the tree and taking a deep breath. "Don't ever pull a stunt like that again. My heart can't take it."

Meanwhile, Alex sneaks away from camp and the battle.

"Initiate scan," Alex says.

Her helmet visor lights up. A vertical, red bar makes a repeating path across her vision. Alex turns slowly in a circle.

"Nothing!" Alex thinks. "It's going to be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The trail is too cold now. Which way do I even start?"

Alex begins walking north. The scan continues.

"This thing is giving me a migraine. Cease scanning." The regular visor returns. "Wait a minute! I wonder...."

Alex stops dead in her tracks. She brings her hands up to her temples and focuses her concentration.

**Artemis...Artemis...Artemis...can you hear me?** Alex says slowly, projecting her thoughts skyward. **Artemis, I need you. Can you come here? Can you travel through the portal that Billy and the Phantom Ranger have created?**

Alex stands in silence, her fingers still resting on the temples of her Turbo helmet. A distant roar causes Alex to look up towards the hill. The reving sound increases and soon tearing over the hill is Artemis in her Turbo motorcycle form.

"Alright!" Alex says, jumping up and down.

Artemis skids to a stop beside Alex, covering her with dust.

"Boy, am I glad to see you!" Alex says, stroking Artemis' handle bars.

**You beckon, and I come. It does not matter where in the universe that you summon me. I will always come,** Artemis replies.

"That a girl!" Alex slides onto the motorcycle seat. "Now let's go catch us a bad guy."

With another roar of her engine, Artemis peels off.

**Artemis, scan the area for two people riding horseback at a high rate of speed,** Alex projects.

The screen between the handle bars lights up. Soon on the grid, two purple blips begin pulsing.

**The object is on the far side of the rise in front of us and continuing at a high rate of speed,** Artemis answers back. **At our current rate of speed, we will intersect their path in approximately 10 minutes.**

**Ten minutes! We're going to have to get the lead out. Let's take this to the max.**

With a sudden shift, Artemis accelerates into overdrive taking Alex to speeds that she had never been to before. Terrified, Alex clings to Artemis as tightly as she can. The scenery is one continuous blur to Alex.

"WHHHHOOOOAAAAAAA! OOMPH!" Alex yells as the pair fly over a ditch and land roughly on the otherside. **A little warning next time, Artemis, please.**

**Duck, Purple Ranger,** Artemis replies.

Alex barely ducks in time to miss a low-lying branch as Artemis whips through a dense grove of trees. **I'm just going to close my eyes now. Tell me when my life is no longer in danger.**

**I would never allow anything to harm you, Purple Ranger,** Artemis answers matter of factly. **Look, I believe we have found the people you search for.**

Alex strains her eyes looking ahead. Sure enough Damiana and Titus are on a wild ride through the dense forest.

**Hold on, Purple Ranger. We will intersect their present path faster if we take a short cut over the dry river bed coming up presently,** Artemis says.

Titus's horse struggles up the steep, rocky side of the river bed. Only a few lengths behind him, Damiana kicks her sweat-soaked horse faster trying to make up the distance between them. A roaring sound through the air causes both of them to look skyward. All they see is a metallic object hurtling through the air and landing on the other side of the river bank.

Titus's horse arrives on the grassy otherside just as Alex makes a sharp turn to face him. Alex revs Artemis's engines. The sudden noise spooks Titus's horse causing it to rear repeatedly. Titus struggles to keep his diseased-ravaged body in his seat. A sudden ku-thunk echoes through the air, and Titus falls heavily into the grass. His horse immediately takes off for shelter in the forest. An arrow sticks out of Titus's upper back. Alex looks up to see Damiana sitting proudly on her horse, her bow still perched in the air. Damiana cautiously knocks another arrow and aims it towards the strange purple creature coming her way.

"Don't shoot, Damiana! It's me...Alex. Power down!" The purple armored person says, transforming back into the Amazon-attired girl.

"Alex? What? How?" Damiana stammers, her jaw continuing to drop.

"No time to explain," Alex says, jogging up to Titus. "The other Amazons need us. Titus's army is giving them a serious beating."

"Is he dead?" Damiana asks as Alex leans over the crumpled man.

"No, I think he's still alive, but I don't know for how much longer. Looks like your arrow passed all the way through. We'll have to get Trini to look at it, but I don't think it's a mortal wound," Alex says, carefully surveying Titus's injuries.

"Then move out of the way." Damiana aims her bow at Titus. "Let me finish what I started."

"No, you can't kill him," Alex says, blocking Damiana's shot.

"I have to. He is responsible for the sickness in camp. I must avenge Queen Cyrene and Ephanine's deaths," Damiana says, tears of anger welling up in her eyes.

"But they aren't dead. Trini has a cure! They will recover."

"Really? Still, he defiled Artemis's temple. I heard him call upon Apollo and I saw him dip his hands into the Wells of Artemis. He must have something to do with the illness. For that, he deserves to die."

"What are you talking about?"

Damiana reluctantly tells what else she saw at the well, including Oreithyia's part in the plot against the Queen.

"Oreithyia...," Alex growls. "We should have known. That means Queen Cyrene's life is still in danger. You have to tell the others what you saw before Oreithyia finishes off the job Titus started. Find Titus's horse. We're going back to camp!"

Meanwhile, Phantom Ranger and Cassie slip out the back of the Queen's tent. Phantom turns to Cassie.

"Remember, Cassie. You may slip a little in the air when I let go of your hand so we can reappear, but I won't let you fall," Phantom says, taking Cassie's left hand gently. "I promise."

"I know you won't," Cassie says confidently, breaking his grip. She takes his hand again, lacing her fingers through his.

The pair disappear as Phantom Ranger activates his invisibility power.

Aella stands silently after all of the Rangers are gone. She surveys Ephanine and Cyrene's conditions one more time and then spots the small metal case that Kim had brought the serum in. She inspects the two empty syringes carefully, amazed at the technology of the American Amazons. She gently tips the final and still filled syringe back and forth. She places all the syringes back in the case and snaps it closed. Aella places the box back down, on top of her bulging medicine bag next to Ephanine. The stream of light provided by the large hole in the back of the tent suddenly becomes blocked. Aella grabs her sword and whips around defensively. She relaxes when she sees Oreithyia standing there, a large gash across her thigh.

"Sister, come. Let me bind your wound," Aella says, resheathing her sword.

"I've come for the royal horn and mask," Oreithyia says, not even inquiring about the Queen's health.

"But Cyrene is...," Aella says.

"Silence! It's time to call a retreat. Give me what rightfully belongs to me," Oreithyia snarls and then adds as an after thought, "I'll send a search party later to come back to get Cyrene and Ephanine and the other wounded."

"If there is anything left of them," Oreithyia thinks coldly.

"Give me just a little time. I can prepare them for travel. Why don't you let me tend to your wound first," Aella says, trying to buy some more time.

Aella bends over at the waist to inspect Oreithyia's wound closer. Oreithyia jerks the older woman to a standing position and hisses into Aella's face.

"I said where are the royal horn and mask!?"

"Trini has them," Aella says.

Both Amazons look over their shoulders as they hear the royal horn echoing through camp.

"You're a fool, Aella!" Oreithyia growls and violently backhands the older woman.

Caught completely off guard, Aella takes the full blow and crumples to her knees. Aella grabs her now broken and bleeding nose protectively.

"Cyrene's reign is finally over, and I have no place for you. Stay here and die with the rest of these cowardly fools," Oreithyia says icily.

Oreithyia pulls her dagger and lunges for Cyrene. In a vain attempt to save her Queen, Aella throws herself at Oreithyia. The pair struggle. Because of her superior strength, Oreithyia is able to break Aella's vice-like grasp. Oreithyia backhands Aella a second time, sending the injured woman to her knees. Oreithyia kicks Aella right on the base of the chin causing Aella to lose consciousness.

"I'll deal with you later," Oreithyia snarls, wiping the blood off of her cheek from where Aella's nails had raked across it. She picks up the dagger, determined to finish what she started. Oreithyia raises her arm above her head and aims the dagger at Cyrene's chest.

Ku-thunk! The metal serum box bounces off the back of Oreithyia's head. She collapses to one knee, grabbing the back of her head protectively. Her vision temporarily disturbed from the blow, Oreithyia doesn't see the water urn headed towards her temple. Intricately decorated pottery rains down on Ephanine, but she continues to throw whatever she can get her hands on at Oreithyia, hoping for another direct hit.

"That was for Damiana. And this one is for Alcippe." Ephanine cracks a still dazed Oreithyia up side the head with Aella's medicine bag.

Oreithyia crashes face down into the dirt floor where she remains.

Trini has to duck several attackers as she makes her way to the dais.

"C'mon! Get out of my way!" Trini grumbles under her breath. She flings herself onto the dais. Trini brings the royal horn to her lips and blows. The sound echoes throughout camp, but no one stops fighting. Trini blows the horn again. Nothing.

"Cassie, can you help me out here?" Trini says to the thin air behind her, hoping that Cassie and Phantom are up there.

"Stand back. This could get ugly," Cassie's voice says.

A hail of laser fire rains down from the sky without a visible source. The ground in front of the dais lights up like a great pyrotechnic rock show. Trini stumbles backwards in spite of herself. The explosion causes everyone to stop fighting for an instant. Trini blows the horn a third time. She stands tall and reaches her arms upward.

"Now let the show begin!" Trini thinks and then bellows, "Oh Father Ares! Why have you foresaken your favorite daughters?"

Trini falls dramatically to her knees and continues, "Artemis! Artemis! Your warriors need you. Please help us!"

Trini kowtows dramatically up and down.

"Shift into Turbo. Wind Chaser Turbo...," an invisible Cassie whispers and then adds in a booming voice "POWER!"

Just as Cassie's transformation is complete, Phantom Ranger releases Cassie's hand and she becomes visible in flash of pink light. Everyone in camp looks up as the pink-armored woman hangs effortlessly in the air.

There is an audible gasp as Phantom Ranger suddenly appears also, the sun glinting off his black shiny armor. Phantom adjusts the microphone in his helmet to produce a booming, deep voice.

"Ares! Artemis!" Trini says loudly, in case anybody was confused.

"Who dares attack my sacred daughters?!" Phantom/Ares booms. "Bring that leader forward!"

"It's Graken, father," Trini says, turning to point at Graken. "He follows Titus's orders to attack us."

Graken gulps nervously.

"Graken, leave now and never return," Phantom/Ares continues.

"But Ares, this was our land first," Graken says. "We've been loyal followers of yours. You helped us during our campaign against Draco. Why are you turning your back on us now?"

"I..uh..I..," Phantom fumbles around for a good excuse and then says quickly, "Silence! I don't have to justify myself to a mere mortal!"

Graken doesn't look convinced.

"Titus defiled MY temple," Cassie/Artemis jumps in. "He should be punished for his sacrilege. I should strike you all down without a second thought! Only Ares tempers my wrath today."

A collective gasp escapes from the audience as the sun is suddenly covered by the moon. Cassie jumps a little at the eclipse herself, not realizing that that was part of Phantom's plan.

"Leave, Graken! Before I lose my patience," Phantom/Ares says.

"But Ares, we were promised...," Graken begins again.

"Silence! My mind is made up. Leave Thracia now or prepare to die, Graken." Phantom/Ares releases several laser blasts from his laser gun.

Titus's troops begin to get ancy. Cassie/Artemis draws her bow and sends down an arrow at Graken's feet. Cassie is just as startled as Graken is when the arrow suddenly bursts into flame.

"Thank you again, Phantom," Cassie says quietly under her breath.

Titus's army now begins to break rank. Several men drop their weapons and start running.

"Let's keep these turkeys running," Kim says triumphantly from their tree.

"Shift into Turbo! Desert Thunder Turbo Power!" Adam yells.

"Red Lightning Turbo Power!" Tommy yells.

"Mountain Blaster Turbo Power!" Kim yells.

The trio leap down from the tree in brilliant streaks of light.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" One of Titus's soldiers runs at the Rangers, swinging his sword menacingly.

"Oh, please!" Kim says, whipping out her turboblaster and firing several shots in front of the guy.

She purposefully misses him, but sends the shots close enough to change the soldier's direction and send him scurrying out of camp. Adam and Tommy begin firing too, corralling the fleeing soldiers out of Istria and back into the forest.

"Your arrogance, Graken, annoys me," Cassie/Artemis booms. "I curse you and all of Titus's followers. If you ever set foot on Amazon land again, you will immediately die. And so will all your male children."

Graken has heard enough. He kicks his horse and makes a beeline for the forest, not stopping to help any of his fellow soldiers. When the camp is empty of invaders, a triumphant cry echoes through the air.

"Very impressive," Adam says to Kimberly, eyeing her new Turbo outfit.

"You definitely look better in it than Justin did," Tommy adds.

Kim just laughs and guides the guys towards camp. The Amazons' jaws drop in wonderment as Cassie/Artemis and Phantom/Ares land gracefully on the dais. The Amazons drop to their knees in respect.

"Please, sisters. Stand," Trini says to them. "We played a little trick on Titus's army. These are my friends—Cassie and the Phantom Ranger."

"Power down!" Cassie says.

The Amazons gasp in amazement when they see a young woman standing in Artemis's place. Phantom Ranger continues to hide his identity. The crowd parts as Kim and the guys pass through. The Amazons continue to hold their weapons tightly, unsure of the newcomers. The trio comes to the front of the dais. Trini looks down at them and gives them a smile.

"Sisters, it's me, Kimberly. Power down!" Kim says.

The Amazons visibily relax some when an Amazon-attired Kim reappears.

"You American Amazons truly have wondrous armor. I would swear that mighty Hephaestus forged your armor himself," an older Amazon says.

"Not exactly. But that's a whole 'nother story," Kim says. "Let me introduce you to our friends—Tommy and Adam."

"Power down!" Tommy and Adam say in unison.

The collective gasp is even louder than before. Some of the younger warriors whisper and giggle. Tommy stands proudly, but Adam looks a little self-conscious. A warrior in her twenties walks boldly up to the pair, circling them and looking them up and down appreciatively.

"I think Lete likes your outfits," Kim says quietly over her shoulder to Tommy and Adam.

Tommy suddenly wishes that he had put another shirt over top of his red tank top that morning, and Adam wishes that he had selected a looser fitting pair of blue jeans. Adam jumps when another warrior reaches out to touch his curls.

"Has anyone seen Alex?" he asks nervously.

A thunderous roar at the end of the camp makes everyone quickly turn around. The Amazons draw their weapons.

"Alex, you're back. How did Artemis get here?" Adam asks, reaching out his hand to take hers.

"No time!" Alex says briskly as she rushes past them towards the Queen's tent.

Alex draws her turboblaster and charges into the Queen's tent, praying that she's not too late.

"Ephanine?" Alex says in shock.

"Damiana!" Kim says, as Damiana rides into camp, leading Titus's horse. Titus is strapped unceremoniously over the horse's back. Blood seeps down his arm from his wound. Alex had telekinetically broken off the arrow and pulled it out before placing Titus on his horse. The girls' makeshift first aid was somewhat successful—Titus's wound wasn't bleeding quite as heavily any more.

"Don't touch him!" Trini warns, hopping off the dais and racing towards the pair. "He's still contagious. Rangers, can you give me a hand? We can disinfect your gloves when we return home."

"No need," Phantom Ranger says "lifting" Titus off his horse and moving him through the crowd. The Amazons' jaws drop. Phantom gently places Titus on the dais, wounded shoulder side up. Trini crawls back onto the dais and carefully inspects Titus's wounds.

"Sisters!" Alex's voice causes everyone to turn.

With Alex's help, Ephanine hobbles through the tent flap and into the open. She shades her eyes from the sun's harsh glare. Soon the sisters drop to one knee as a bruised Aella helps Queen Cyrene limp into the open.

Trini rushes in front of the Queen and drops to one knee.

"My Queen, good news. The enemy has been defeated. Titus's army will never return to Istria."

"Thank you, Trini," Cyrene says and then notices a shamefaced Damiana. "Damiana, I am glad to see that you are not hurt."

"My Queen," Damiana collapses to her knees in front of Cyrene. "Oreithyia and I have betrayed you."

"What?!" Oreithyia snaps, a panicked look on her face. "She doesn't know what she's talking about, sister."

"No, I do," Damiana continues. "Your sickness, the attack on Istria...it's all our fault."

Oreithyia continues to stammer a rebuttal. Cyrene looks suspiciously at her sister.

"Guards, seize them!" Cyrene announces.

"Wait! You can't do this," Oreithyia protests.

"If even half of what Damiana says is true, dear sister, I most certainly can," Cyrene says coldly. "Bind Oreithyia, Damiana, and Titus and take them to the stables. Aella, Trini, you may tend to their wounds. When you are finished, I will hear their case."

"Alex, did you see the syringe box in the Queen's tent?" Trini asks and Alex nods. "Bring that and Aella's medicine bag to the stables. I'm going to need your help to tend to Titus without getting infected myself."

A few hours later Queen Cyrene sits on her throne, her face still pale but the color starting to come back into her lips. The Queen's mask is pushed back on her head so Cyrene's face is exposed.

"My Queen," Lete says, "Prince Triton's envoy has arrived."

"Tell the envoy's commander that he may set up camp in the southern field. We need Prince Triton for a short time more. They are free to rest and garner fresh supplies from us. We will be sending the Prince home tomorrow."

Lete nods and scoots back out the door.

"Now, bring the traitors forward," Cyrene says sternly.

Two Amazon guards escort a hobbling Titus, his hands bound with rope. Trini had managed to patch Titus up and revive him. After careful consideration, Trini administered the third and final syringe of antidote—the spare—to Titus. The guards push Titus roughly to his knees. Two more guards follow bringing Oreithyia, also bound, and do the same to her. She snorts in indignation. Finally, Damiana walks into the tent, bound but not guarded. Trini and Aella break off from behind her and join Ephanine and the other Rangers several feet behind the traitors. Damiana drops to her knees at her own choosing and hangs her head. Finally, Prince Triton enters the tent, flanked by two of his high-ranking officers. The trio wait off to the side.

"Titus," glares Cyrene, "I advised you earlier to give up your petty feud and go home. You didn't heed my advice, therefore you will accept our punishment. Under Amazon law, immediate death is prescribed. However, a quick death would be too kind. So I hearby release you to Prince Triton's care. You may have attacked my people, but there is someone else you have affronted more. No doubt King Krokus will have special plans for a traitor like you — if you make it back to Athens."

Titus snarls but then breaks into a coughing fit.

"Oreithyia, you and Damiana have committed the ultimate treason. You betrayed your own sisters—and with the help of a man no less," Cyrene looks at them in disgust.

"Sister," Oreithyia says slyly, "I think there has been a misunderstanding. I was just trying to broker a peace deal with Titus after I learned of his intention to betray Triton and harm us. Surely, I did it in your...our best interest."

"You said, 'Cyrene's reign is finally over, and I have no place for you. Stay here and die with the rest of these cowardly fools,' when you came to get the mask and horn," Aella accuses.

"You know I am hot-headed, Cyrene, and sometimes speak without thinking," oozes Oreithyia. "Trust me, those words were said while I was in battle spirit and not totally in control of my tongue."

"Your majesty!" Ephanine shouts and stops leaning on Trini for the moment, "She was standing over your sickbed with a dagger poised to kill you!"

Oreithyia scowls at Ephanine and then says sweetly, "Look, Cyrene, Ephanine is still ill. Surely, she was hallucinating. I would never hurt you, my own blood sister."

"Oh, shut up, Oreithyia! Neither one of us believes that," snaps Cyrene. "You've been after the throne since we first came to Thracia, and we both know it. I just didn't think you'd stoop so low as to betray your own sisters."

Oreithyia struggles in rage to get up, but her captors hold her fast.

"And what do you have to say for yourself?" Cyrene glares at Damiana.

"I will carry the souls of our fallen sisters on my heart forever because my stupidity cost them their lives," Damiana says quietly. "I beg your and the other Amazons' forgiveness. Please understand that if I'd known fully of the treacherous plot, I would have never been a part of it. Instead, I would have alerted you immediately."

"Oh, please," Oreithyia sneers. "You don't actually believe that, do you Cyrene? Damiana knew exactly what she was doing and even approached Titus on her own. I think the little minx fancied him. She is, afterall,'of age' now."

Damiana blushes in embarrassment.

"You're just jealous, Oreithyia, that I shunned your favors for hers," sneers Titus.

"You...," Oreithyia snarls and tries to lash out at him. Titus just laughs and begins to cough in her face.

"Enough!" Cyrene shouts. "Damiana, is this true? Did you seek out Titus on your own accord?"

"Yes," Damiana says regretfully.

"And what did you mean by 'if you'd known fully of the treacherous plot'? Does that mean you knew about Titus's plan?"

"No...I mean yes..I mean...I should have known."

"Did you help Oreithyia with her plan?"

"Yes."

"Then you are just as guilty of treason as she is. Under ancient Amazon law—which you are so eager to cling to, Oreithyia—the punishment for treason, the ultimate crime, is death."

Damiana gulps. The Ranger girls gasp. Kim grabs Trini's arm in horror.

"But as you know, I follow the new Amazon law. So since you are so keen on living in the past, to our past is where I send you. We have no place for you here. You are hereby banished from Istria and from Thracia. You and your followers may go back to the Thermodon and the old ways. You want to be queen so badly, Oreithyia. Fine, form your own tribe of Amazons. But, I will send messengers to all the other tribes letting them know of your treason. If you try to join another band of Amazons, they have my permission—no, my order—to kill you on sight. That applies to you too, Damiana."

"Queen Cyrene," Alex says, "may I speak?"

"Yes, Alex, come forward."

"Your majesty, in our country when someone unknowingly becomes involved in a crime, the court often gives that person a lesser punishment."

"This is NOT your country," Cyrene says more sharply than Alex is comfortable with.

"No, it's not," Alex tries to check her temper. "But although Damiana isn't completely innocent, she's not completely guilty either. She was duped. Oreithyia had her thinking she was just being helpful...just being loyal. Damiana did what any dutiful Amazon would do when asked by her superior."

"She should've realized she was committing treason."

"Should've? My queen, we didn't realize Oreithyia was planning on committing treason until she shot her mouth off at Aella. How could Damiana know when Oreithyia only asked her to do seemingly normal things, and usually in front of other people? Damiana didn't realize Oreithyia and Titus were lovers. She thought it was all some strange technique to trap him."

"In that situation, who could've been so foolish as to NOT see and recognize Oreithyia's plan?" Cyrene asks.

"Alcippe," Ephanine says and comes forward. "And she ended up dead. My little blood sister also dutifully followed Oreithyia once. She carried out Oreithyia's wishes without question, believing that it would make her a better warrior. Instead, Oreithyia's blood lust poisoned Alcippe's mind."

Kim looks down at her boots. A shiver runs up her spine when she realizes that she is wearing the boots of someone deceased.

"Alcippe knew exactly what she was doing," laughs Oreithyia.

"Maybe she did, maybe she didn't. All I know was that she was young and impressionable. So when you provoked that scuffle with Graken two summers ago, she followed you and your blood lust dutifully. She was about Damiana's age and a lot like her in spirit. I swore the day I lay her on the funeral pyre that I wouldn't let you do the same to my niece Damiana."

Ephanine walks over and hugs Damiana's slumped shoulders.

"I'm sorry I failed you," Ephanine says quietly, fighting to restrain her tears.

Damiana is so dumbfounded by Ephanine's admission and comment that she can't manage to say anything at all.

"Queen Cyrene," Prince Triton says, "if I may...."

The Queen nods approval.

"I have to admit I was doing some pretending while I was in your 'care'. Though I do have quite a large lump on my head, it actually didn't keep me knocked out quite as long as I led you to believe."

Queen Cyrene gives him an "Oh?" expression.

"I heard the girl come into the stable to see Titus the day he was brought in," Prince Triton says. "I think the girl did somewhat fancy him. Obviously, she hasn't had much experience in dealing with men."

Damiana cringes.

"Titus," Triton says to him, "your attempt to woo this young woman was quite possibly the worst I've ever heard. It's a good thing for you that she was naive enough to believe you. You gave her something—a ring perhaps—a small token of your affection. Knowing you, probably stolen. Then you went to kiss her. Why she'd want to kiss you I'll never know, but fortunately Ephanine and her friend arrived before you could."

"Fortunate, indeed," Trini thinks, reminded of Carlos and Ashley.

"What about the knife that killed Clete?" Cyrene asks.

"Damiana definitely brought it in, but I don't think she realized what it was. It was wrapped. She said it was a package from Oreithyia and that Oreithyia said he should wait to open it until nightfall. Which, of course, he didn't."

Oreithyia and Titus look at one another with venomous stares.

"He waited until most of the Amazons were occupied with your ritual. We overheard the sentry tell another Amazon that was what you were doing. Then Titus attacked me. The Amazon sentry heard us scuffling and came in. The two grappled for a while. Titus stabbed her just as Damiana got to the stable door. Then Titus came after me again. He would have stabbed me as well if Damiana hadn't hit him with two feed buckets. It was enough to stun him and make him momentarily lose his grip on the knife. I guess he wanted to escape before the rest of the Amazons were alerted. He bowled right over top of Damiana, knocking her to the ground. Another Amazon on a horse came. He slashed her with the knife and dragged her off her horse. Titus then used the horse to escape. Damiana alerted others of Titus's escape and the Amazon's wounds. Then she grabbed a horse and took off after Titus."

"I see," says Cyrene. "Prince Triton, it is good of you to speak on Damiana's behalf, especially since this whole incident has left you with fewer kinsman than you came to Thracia with. We regret this unfortunate incident and offer our apologies for the loss of your soldiers."

"Yes, it is a regretable situation," says Triton. "However, as my father told me, forming peace treaties often requires patience and understanding. Titus duped us all. It would be easy to end the alliance based on the circumstances, but I believe our kingdoms would both benefit by maintaining the relationship. So I will advise my father to keep his peace agreement with you, and hold Titus accountable for our losses."

"That is good of you. To celebrate our renewed relationship with King Krokus's kingdom—and to celebrate our victory with the help of our American Amazon sisters and their friends," Cyrene smiles at the Ranger girls, "we would like to invite you and your soldiers to a feast this evening. We will also supply you with provisions for your journey home."

"Thank you," says Prince Triton, "We gladly accept."

"Take the prisoners away," Cyrene says to the guards. "We will deal with them after the celebration."

The guards drag the three captives to their feet. Damiana chokes back her fear and sadness. The look on Oreithyia's face causes chills to run up Damiana's spine. She has no doubt what will happen once Oreithyia and her sword encounter Damiana alone.

"Queen Cyrene," Prince Triton says, "in a gesture of friendship and cooperation, I would like to suggest two of your Amazons return with me to Athens. There, they can act as ambassadors for Istria and help us further our peace accord and trade agreement between our kingdoms."

"Agreed," Cyrene replies and then turns to Ephanine. "Ephanine, once you have fully recovered, I would like for you to be our ambassador. Please choose another sister worthy of such a great honor to accompany you."

Ephanine looks at Aella and then at Trini and then turns to face Cyrene.

"I choose...Damiana."

Damiana looks up in shock.

"Ephanine!" Cyrene says in exasperation.

"Queen Cyrene," Triton jumps in, "I would be pleased to have Damiana as an ambassador. She saved my life."

"And her bravery brought Titus to justice," Alex adds.

"She truly was first in her class," Aella adds finally, giving Cyrene, her oldest and closest friend, a compassionate look.

Cyrene sits silently for a few moments and then says, "So be it. Release Damiana. Take the others away."

Oreithyia and Titus grumble and struggle as they are led away.

Ephanine cuts the binds from Damiana's hands and gives her a tearful hug. Aella does the same. Afterwards Trini, Kim, and Alex join together to give Damiana a group hug.

"Prince Triton, please tell your men to join us at sundown for the celebration." Cyrene smiles.

"We are looking forward to it," Triton replies with a smile.

"I bet they are," Ephanine says knowingly under her breath to the small group that surrounds Damiana.

One of the Amazon guards catches the eye of one of Triton's entourage. She smiles coyly at him and then winks.

A roaring bonfire burns in the background, its light bouncing off Cyrene's ceremonial armor and cuffs. She has the royal mask pushed back on her head so she can speak clearly. Kim, Trini, and Alex stand before her with Cassie and the guys slightly behind them.

"...And so we honor our American Amazon sisters and their friends for saving our lives not once, but twice. First from the dreaded disease and secondly from Titus's treachery," Cyrene proclaims. She steps down from her throne and approaches the girls. Cyrene takes off her left cuff and places it on Kim's forearm. She then grips both of Kim's forearms in the Amazon greeting gesture.

"Kimberly, you put your own life in danger and faced fear head-on to lead our sisters in the assault against Titus. Your act of bravery and cunning will be remembered and retold as a teaching story to young Amazon initiates for generations to come."

Cyrene releases Kim, passes over Trini, and faces Alex. Cyrene places her other cuff on Alex and grasps her forearms.

"Alex, no one could ask for a more loyal friend than you. Even after Damiana treated you unkindly, you came to her aid, found the good in her, and defended her. You embody the ideal of sisterhood, and we will forever consider you our greatest ally."

Cyrene releases Alex and turns to face Trini. She grasps Trini's forearms.

"Trini, to you I am most indebted for your wisdom and skill not only saved my life but the life of my people. Truly, Athena has blessed you with her knowledge and the Fates have woven an important future for you. I understand your need to return to your people—the absence of their powerful shaman must be sorely felt. But know that there is always a place for you here—for all of you," Cyrene adds looking at Kim and Alex as well.

"Please take this with you, Trini, to show your sisters," Cyrene says removing her mask and placing it on Trini's head. "Let it signify your permanent place in our tribe and our everlasting debt to you three."

Cyrene steps back from the girls and smiles.

"Now, let the celebration begin!" Cyrene shouts jovially.

The ceremonial drums begin and some of the Amazons begin chanting and dancing around the fire. Alex taps her feet.

"Oh, Alex, just go for it." Kim laughs.

"You'll regret it if you don't," Trini says and gently pushes Alex toward the dancers.

Alex walks hesitantly over to the fire. Seeing her uncertainty, a dancing Lete grabs Alex's hand and pulls her into the circle. After a moment or two of shuffling while observing, Alex gets her groove on and performs the dance uninhibited.

Standing off to the side, Kim and Trini whoop with laughter at their friend's enthusiasm.

"Your friend is quite the dancer," Aella says to the girls.

"That she is." Trini smiles.

"There must be some heck of a party over at Prince Triton's camp," Kim says, spotting an Amazon and a soldier linking arms and heading off into the woods. Kim recognizes the Amazon as the one from the Queen's tent earlier who had winked at one of Triton's entourage. "That's the third couple I've seen take off."

Ephanine and Aella look at one another knowingly and roar with laughter.

"What did I say?" Kim asks innocently.

Adam and Tommy laugh politely but awkwardly. Trini throws her arm around her friend's shoulder and laughs.

"You know, Damiana," Ephanine says quietly to the girl, "you're 'of age' now. You too could find a new friend and go to Triton's 'party.'"

Damiana shifts from foot to foot in discomfort.

"Uh, no, I don't believe I need to make any new friends tonight," Damiana says twisting the moonstone ring around her finger. "In fact, I don't need to be making any new friends at all until I make ammends with Artemis."

"Suit yourself," Ephanine says, catching the eye of a muscular Athenian guard and smiling.

"Woo!" Alex pants, stumbling up to the circle with Lete in tow. "Wow, what fun!"

The young Amazon who fingered Adam's curls earlier appears on the edge of the circle. She smiles at him, looks away to the woods, and turns to smile at him again. Alex's smile quickly dissipates when she witnesses the action. Adam fidgets under the circumstances. Her smile returning, Alex decides to let him off the hook. She wraps her arms arund his waist and gives him an empassioned kiss. She hears Kim tell an incredulous Damiana, "Yes, in our culture, we usually try to pairbond for life. Like Alex and Adam—they hope to get married pretty soon."

"Are you and Trini pairbonded with men too?" Damiana asks.

"Uh, no. At least not presently," Kim says, looking awkwardly at Tommy, though she didn't really mean to.

Lete sidles up to Tommy, running her hand appreciatively across his chest and down his bicep. "I hope you aren't pairbonded."

Tommy stammers some nonsensical syllables. Kim stifles a giggle. Tommy steps closer to Adam to escape Lete's pawing.

"Wow, look at the time," Tommy says looking at his watch, though it is the wrong time. "We really need to head home, guys. Dimitria is under a lot of strain. We shouldn't let her suffer any longer."

"You're right. We'd better head back," Trini says, looking around. "Has anyone seen Cassie and Phantom?"

"I hope they're not 'doing as the Romans do'," Alex says mischieviously. "Ohhhh...Caaaaassie...," Alex croons into her communicator. No answer. Alex tries again. "Caaaasssie, don't make me have to get Artemis to locate you and Phantom on her viewing screen...."

"You called?" Cassie says emerging from the woods. Phantom emerges behind her straightening his helmet.

The Rangers say their final goodbyes as Phantom contacts Billy about opening up the portal again.

"You better take Artemis through first, Alex," Phantom says. "Wouldn't want her to run over anybody."

"Oooo!" Adam shouts at Alex, "Can I drive?"

"No, you can't," Alex replies firmly.

"Aw, c'mon, Alex. I let you drive my motorcycle even though it was against my better judgement."

"What do you mean 'against your better judgement'?!" Alex looks miffed.

"Remember? You dinged my bike and Zordon chewed my butt out for it," Adam reminds her. "But being the loving fiance that I am, I still let you drive it any way."

"Well, somebody drive it or send Artemis on her own. The portal is now open," Phantom says, his hands up to his temples.

"Alright, alright," Alex capitulates.

With an enthusiastic whoop, Adam jumps onto Artemis and revs the engine. Alex slides on behind him. Her final wave to the Amazons ends abruptly as she grasps frantically for Adam. They enter the portal doing a wheelie.

"Easy!" the Rangers hear Alex yell.

Kim and Trini finish their final round of hugs.

"I hear a double-decker, bacon cheeseburger calling me. Let's go home." Kim links her arm in Tommy's and pulls him into the portal.

Trini smiles at her new friends and then puts the royal mask on proudly. She walks confidently into the portal.

"I'll be waiting for you," Cassie says, her hands resting gently on Phantom's metal chest plate.

With obvious mental effort, Phantom lowers one hand from his temple and gently caresses Cassie's cheek.

"I'll hurry," he says, and returns his hand to his temple.

Cassie turns, looks back at Phantom, and then enters the portal.

**Billy, Dimitria,** Phantom Ranger projects back to the Power Chamber, **I'm coming through now, then we can close the portal.**

Phantom takes one last look at the Amazon camp and then steps inside the portal.

The ride back to the Power Chamber is much smoother than the one to Ancient Greece. Alex can feel the portal pulling them. She *grasps* onto the pulling force allowing Artemis to make a straight shot back to the Power Chamber. Alex wraps her arms tighter around Adam's waist as they see the end of the swirling time portal. Like bursting through the surface of a tranquil, silent ocean into the loud, air-filled surroundings, Artemis bursts through the gateway of the portal and into the Power Chamber.

"Brakes!!!!" Alex yells both verbally and mentally.

Artemis skids to a stop, sliding sideways to break her momentum. Alex and Adam both drop their left legs to keep the motorcycle from completely going horizontal. They hear Alpha gasp.

"That was too close," Adam says, taking a gulp of air. He uses his right hand to measure the distance between Artemis and some of the irreplaceable machinery in the Power Chamber.

"Another 2 inches and that computer would have been history," Alex says.

"I am always in control of my power, Purple Ranger," Artemis answers indignantly.

"Billy! Man, I'm so glad to see you!" Adam slides off Artemis and rushes to Billy's ellaria.

"You too. I wish that I was in a more concrete form. I would love to stay and catch up with everybody," a still slightly graying Billy says. "Unfortunately, my time is almost up. I know that I'm taxing to Dimitria. Plus, I've got to get back to the problems here on Aquitar."

"You can't leave yet, Billy." Alex walks up to stand beside Adam. "There is someone you need to talk to."

"I know," Billy says seriously.

"BILLLLLYYY!" Kim's perky voice shrieks as she and Tommy step through the portal and into the Power Chamber.

Cassie follows only seconds behind them. She has a pleasantly distracted look on her face. A moment later Phantom Ranger passes through. Dimitria lights up her tube as soon as Phantom Ranger arrives.

"The mission was a success?" an obviously tired Dimitria says to Phantom Ranger.

"Yes, we have restored peace to the area, cured the sick, and brought our Rangers safely home," Phantom Ranger informs her. "We will release Billy shortly. I know that maintaining the ellaria is difficult for you."

"Thank you, Phantom Ranger. Yes, I can feel my powers weakening. I need to release the ellaria and recharge some," Dimitria says.

Billy's image begins to flicker. "Wait. Where's Trini?" he says.

"She was right behind us," Alex says. "Did you pass her, Kim?"

"No, I didn't see her. Cassie?" Kim asks.

"Nope, me neither," Cassie answers.

"Please, find Trini quickly. I can't keep the portal open for much longer," Dimitria says, concern slipping into her voice.

Billy's image disappears for a moment and then reappears. Then the warning sirens go off.

"Dammit!" Alex swears. "We don't need this now."

"Rangers," Dimitria says weakly. "Divatox must know that I am weak and has decided to take advantage of the situation."

"I'll go get TJ and the gang," Cassie says and heads toward the door.

"Cassie, wait," Dimitria says. "Though the Rangers are healing quickly, I do not believe that they are ready for battle yet. Former Rangers, can you defeat Divatox's Piranhatrons in the park?"

"Can we defeat some Piranhatrons?" Tommy says cockily.

"Let's go kick some lousy fish tail!" Adam says and then quickly adds, "No offense, Billy."

"None taken," Billy says, disappearing again.

"Shift into Turbo! Desert Thunder Turbo Power!" Adam begins.

"Wind Chaser Turbo Power!"

"Red Lightning Turbo Power!"

"Guys, I can't leave while Trini is still missing," Kim says regretfully. "She's my best friend."

"Mine too," Alex adds. "We'll be there as soon as we can."

"I will contact Blue Centurion for you, Rangers. He will join you shortly," Alpha says.

"Let's go then," Cassie says, and the trio disappear in streaks of brilliant light.

"I will return into the portal to search for Trini," Phantom tells them. "Dimitria, just a moment longer please."

Dimitria nods, her eyebrows furrowing from the strain. Billy has been gone for over a minute now. Alex wonders if Billy will still be there when Trini arrives. Alex and Kim stand silently at the edge of the portal as Phantom Ranger steps back in. They unknowingly hold their breaths during the wait.

"What if Trini is lost forever? What if she ended up somewhere else?" Kim says.

"How would we ever find her again without her Power signature?" Alex adds.

Dimitria groans from the strain. The time portal begins to shrink.

"Hold on, Dimitria. Just a few more minutes," Kim says, peering into the black hole anxiously.

Suddenly an arm with a cuff bracelet shoots out of the center of the portal. Kim gasps. The fingers wiggle, trying to grasp onto something. Relieved that the arm seems to still be attached to a body, Alex mentally and physically grabs Trini's hand and yanks her through the portal.

"Trini! Thank God you are okay!" Kim gushes, giving Trini a big hug.

"What happened?" Alex asks.

"I guess I lost my way. I had second thoughts about leaving Istria. Maybe I should have stayed there. I'm not sure that I am really needed here, at least not right now," Trini answers honestly, fingering the Queen's mask still perched on her head.

"What are you talking about?" Alex asks in shock. "We need you. I need you. Being shut out of your life was the worst punishment I've ever received."

"I wasn't punishing you, Alex," Trini answers. "You weren't even on Earth for part of the time. I just needed some space from the Rangers. You are so close to Adam, and he just reminded me of the pain the Rangers caused me. I'm sorry. I won't ever do it again."

"You better not." Alex gives Trini a playful punch in the arm.

Phantom Ranger steps out of the rapidly shrinking hole.

"Dimitria, you may close the portal now," Phantom Ranger says and then turns to the girls. "Ladies, we must go help the others in battle."

"Battle? Oh no, not Divatox already," Trini groans.

"Yep, she never learns," Alex says and then turns to Dimitria, "Can Trini take Ashley's powers for a little while?"

"Alex, I think I want to pass. I mean, if you really need me, of course, but otherwise, I'm ready to put my crime fighting days behind me. I want to have a normal—albeit boring—life," Trini says soberly.

"Then so be it," Alex says sadly but not in anger. "SHIFT INTO TURBO! STAR RUNNER TURBO POWER!"

"MOUNTAIN BLASTER TURBO POWER!" Kim suits up again.

"Let's go!" Phantom Ranger says, and the trio disappear.

With a sigh of relief, Dimitria releases the portal. It rapidly shrinks and then completely disappears. Trini hears the door whoosh as Alpha leaves to check on the sick Rangers. Trini walks around the Power Chamber silently, pretending to look at the computer monitors. She removes the mask from her head and places it down on an empty table. She fingers the decorative feathers, her mind slipping back to her recent adventure.

"Trini?"

Trini jumps and quickly turns around. Dimitria's tube is dark, Alpha is gone, and the whole Power Chamber feels dead. A light intensifies and soon a middle-aged version of Billy appears.

"Billy?!" Trini gasps.

"Trini, I can only stay a moment longer. I have to return to Aquitar. They need me," Billy says with pain crossing his face. "But I had to tell you....I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. I hope that one day you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. I never meant to hurt you."

"I'm sorry too, Billy. I realize now that I didn't want to let you go to Aquitar because that would mean admitting my defeat. My pride stood in the way of my better judgement. I'm sorry. I just couldn't let you go. I didn't want you to leave me."

"I know. Even with the best treatments here on Aquitar, my recovery is going slowly. I'm so sorry, but I just had to go. I apologize for being so callous about it though. I didn't mean to rip the team apart. I'm sorry I ruined your friendship with the other Rangers," Billy says remorsefully.

"I'm trying to repair it. It's just going to take a while," Trini says, looking up at Billy's ellaria, her eyes beginning to fill with tears.

Billy's image begins to fade.

"Billy, wait!" Trini says, coming closer to the ellaria.

"Trini, I'm sorry. I have to go. Please, try to heal the rift between you and the other Rangers. We were all so close once. Don't let a wonderful friendship end over this unfortunate situation. You'll never find better, more loyal friends than the Power Rangers." Billy disappears. A moment later he reappears one last time. "Goodbye, Trini. I don't know when we will meet again, if ever. If not, please know that you were the first love of my life. And I wouldn't change that for anything. We made a great team. Together we could accomplish anything. Hey, who else deserved a constellation named after her? Thank you for caring about me."

Billy disappears, and the Power Chamber is empty. Trini walks to a nearby computer and fiddles with the knobs. Soon a view of space appears on the Viewing Globe. Trini rotates the view until she finds the constellation she was looking for. Trini's Heart.

"The point of the heart is where Aquitar is," Billy's voice echoes in Trini's mind as if he were still laying beside her during their camping trip.

Trini's sobs echo through the Power Chamber.

Ten minutes later Dimitria lights up her tube again. Trini wipes her eyes with the back of her hand and sniffs.

"The Rangers are returning," Dimitria tells her gently.

Trini sniffs again, trying to pull herself back together quickly.

Colorful lights stream into the Power Chamber followed by a huge ruckus. Everyone, except Phantom, removes his/her helmet.

"Whooohoo!" Tommy whoops. "Man, that felt good. I haven't had that much fun in a long time."

Trini plasters a smile on her face though her eyes are still red from crying. She says cheerfully, "So Divatox was defeated?"

"Easily," Adam answers.

"Same crap, different day," Cassie adds. "Divatox never changes. Send in the Piranhatrons, plant a detonator, make a monster grow, yadda, yadda, yadda....Kaboom! Rangers go home victorious and Divatox sulks."

"Now, that's not totally true," Kim says. "Divatox did actually show up today and attempt to plant the detonator herself. She should at least get an 'A' for effort."

"But the Life Ring...or whatever-in-the-hell that monster was...was so LAME," Cassie argues. "She deserves a 'C-', and I'm being very generous."

"I did bring home a little souvenir this time." Alex giggles. From behind her back, Alex pulls out Divatox's crown/eyepiece. "What do you think? Is it me?" Alex puts it on and does her best Divatox snarl.

Trini smiles in spite of herself.

"Hey, look who's here!" Adam says.

Everyone turns to face the door. The Turbo Rangers hobble through the doorway. Justin leans heavily on TJ, and Carlos has an arm wrapped tightly around Ashley's waist for support.

"We watched the whole fight from the monitor in the Medical Center. Too cool!" Justin says.

"I think I have something that belongs to you," Kimberly says, taking off her Turbo morpher. She immediately morphs back into her Amazon attire. She hands the morpher back to Justin. "Thanks for letting me borrow it. We couldn't have defeated Titus's army without it."

The rest of the Rangers power down. Adam and Tommy hand over their borrowed morphers.

"Thanks for the thrill ride, TJ," Tommy says, clasping TJ's hand.

"Any time. You know all you have to do is ask," TJ says.

"So, did we ever find out what the virus was?" Carlos asks.

"Not really." Trini shrugs. "We know that Titus was the host, and he had been at the Wells of Artemis. Maybe it was something in the water. But then again, the Amazons had been using the Wells for a long time as a water supply without a problem."

"Maybe Artemis hexed him for defiling her temple," Alex adds smugly.

"C'mon, don't tell me you buy all that gods and goddesses stuff," Tommy says.

"Nah, not really. But Phantom's tricks were very impressive," Alex says. "How'd you manage the eclipse?"

"I didn't do it," Phantom answers. "A lucky coincidence, I guess."

"I liked when my arrow burst into flames right at Graken's feet," Cassie says. "How'd you do that?"

"Uh, I didn't do that either," Phantom says with a shrug.

"Spooky!" Kim says, glancing nervously from Alex to Trini.

"How about we name the virus in Artemis's honor?" Alex suggests.

"Good idea," Trini says. "Alpha, catalog the Rangers' blood samples under 'A' for Artemis's Revenge."

"You got it, doll," Alpha answers.

"Well, this has possibly been the most eventful Spring Break that I've ever had," Cassie says and then sneezes. "Ah, man! I thought I was over this stupid cold."

"Now that your body is coming down off its adrenalin-high, your body will need to finish healing itself," Phantom Ranger says.

"Well, at least now you can go back to your original plan," Justin reminds Cassie. "Go sleep the rest of Spring Break."

"Maybe later," Cassie says, but thinks, "I'm not going to waste any of my valuable 'Phantom Time' asleep."

"I want to go home," Justin says.

"Let's all go home," Ashley suggests.

"Well, I'm going to the Youth Center for a burger and a Cherry Pepsi," Alex announces. "And you all are welcomed to join me—though I'll need about five minutes to get changed first. I don't think the Youth Center is quite ready for this outfit."

Several of the Rangers decide to take Alex up on her offer. Only Trini is silent.

"Aren't you coming, Trini?" Adam asks.

"I think I'm going to go back to Florida now," Trini answers.

"Yeah, to get some clothes. And then we'll be right back," Kim says, swinging an arm around Trini's shoulders.

"No, I think I'll just stay there. I want to go to the library and look up some ancient Greek history."

"Why would you want to do that?" Justin asks.

"Yeah, like been there, done that," Kim adds.

"I'm just curious to see if any of our escapade leaked over into ancient Greek history," Trini says.

"Kind of gives you a big head, huh, to think that you are a legend now?" Alex teases.

Trini shrugs.

"C'mon, Trini! We're still on Spring Break. Let's live a little. Let's go visit some of our old haunts in Angel Grove. It'll be a blast. Plus, you and Alex have to help me figure out the best way to dump Trevor when we finally go back to Florida." Kim holds a cuffed wrist in the air. "Trevor is history."

"Wachooo!" Phantom Ranger sneezes.

"Looks like somebody has caught Cassie's cold," TJ says.

"How could he have caught it? Unless....noooo. Maybe?" Alex says.

Cassie blushes.

"Oh! Excuse me for a moment. I am going to have to go clean out my helmet," Phantom Ranger says sheepishly.

"Eww!" Several of the Rangers say in unison and then head for the door.

"Here's the plan," Kim announces, grabbing Alex and Trini and pulling them back a few steps. "Dinner with the gang, then sleep over at Trini's. We have details to discuss, you know. Then tomorrow, we shop!"

"Can I steal Alex for a while?" Adam asks, putting a possessive hand on Alex's shoulder. "I haven't seen her in over a month."

"I guess," Kim says with a mock exasperated sigh.

"Alex, what are you doing?" Trini asks as Alex drops to her knees and crawls around the Power Chamber floor on all fours.

"Have you seen my communicator? I think it fell off?" Alex sticks her hand underneath one of the consules and fishes around.

"Alex!?" Trini says exasperated. "How many is that now, 10?"

"Try 3," Alex corrects Trini. "I only lost my communicator twice before now. The catches on them just aren't secure."

"Yeah, sure. It's amazing that you are the only one who ever loses her communicator," Adam teases.

Alex shrugs. "Can you make me a new one, Trini?"

"Not my job. I don't know who is in charge of doing repairs and replacements now a days," Trini says.

"Yeah, that was always Billy's job. He was forever fiddling with our communicators," Kim says.

Trini bites her lip, her last few moments with Billy replaying in her mind.

"Are you guys coming?" Tommy says, coming back through the door.

Tommy locks eyes with Trini. She immediately drops her eyes to the floor and then over to Cyrene's mask. With a deep breath for encouragement, Trini removes the mask from the table and walks over to Tommy. She places a hand on his shoulder.

"Tommy, can we talk sometime?" Trini says, gathering all the courage she can muster. "Billy wanted us...I mean...I want us to be friends again. Can we sit down and iron some things out?"

"Yeah, I'd like to," Tommy says with a small smile.

Trini visibily relaxes.

"What are we waiting for then? Let's go!" Kim walks up behind the pair and throws an arm around each of their shoulders.

"Trini, I want you to know that I think your and Alex's plan back there was really great. I think it worked much better than mine would have," Tommy admits humbly.

"Thanks," Trini beams, placing the mask on the top of her head.

Kim leads them out the door. Alex can't stop from snickering as she sees Tommy suddenly leap into the air—Kim had goosed him. The door wooshes closed.

"It's gone. I must have lost it in Greece or in the portal." Alex stands back up and brushes the dirt off her hands. "Let's get going too."

"Wait a minute," Adam says, pulling Alex backwards and into a strong embrace.

"I've missed you," Adam whispers into Alex's ear.

"I've missed you too." Alex looks up into Adam's warm, brown eyes.

"It's hard being out on the road all the time. You're lucky to still be in Angel Grove with all your friends," Adam says wistfully and then leans down to kiss Alex.

It is like kissing a statue. Adam looks up with a confused expression.

"I'm in trouble, aren't I?" Adam says, picking his brain. "I missed your birthday. No, that was earlier. Our anniversary? That's it. I forgot our anniversary, right?"

Alex pushes away from Adam angrily and turns her back on him. "No."

"Are you still mad about me cancelling our last visit together at the last moment? I said I was sorry. I didn't have a choice. They added an extra week of shows. I couldn't just leave. I thought we were finished with this argument," Adam says, trying to turn Alex around.

"You just don't get it, do you?" Alex says angrily. "Being stuck in Angel Grove by myself isn't exactly fun. My classes are boring. My dad spends more time in Washington, D.C., than at home anymore. Our Rangers are all on their own now. I don't really even know the new Rangers. My best friend lives in Florida, and I haven't really made any new friends. And to top it off, I get to see my fiance once every couple of months when it is convenient with his schedule! My life sucks presently. If the portal back to the Amazons were to open up again, I think I'd jump back through and stay there!"

"So this isn't about our Engagement Anniversary," Adam asks.

"Damn it, Adam. Our anniversary is next month!"

"I'll make a mental note," Adam says. "C'mon, Alex. Have a seat."

Adam drags a reluctant Alex over to a table and pulls out a chair for her. Alex sits stiffly in the chair, her arms firmly folded across her chest. Adam stands closely beside her though Alex is presently trying to ignore him.

"My second guess was going to be Jade, but obviously that wasn't the issue either," Adam says.

"Miss Thing IS part of the problem," Alex snaps, trying not to be too immature.

"What about her?" Adam asks, genuinely perplexed.

Alex rolls her eyes and lets out a "hmpf".

"Are you jealous of Jade? You are, aren't you?" Adam realizes as Alex squirms around. Then he begins to laugh. "Alex, trust me. She isn't interested in me. I'm not going to lie. She did flirt with me when we went out for dinner, but it was just because she was trying to butter me up. When I told her that I wouldn't break my contract with the stunt show, she immediately cooled off. Besides, she only dates the big players, not little company peons. Why would she be interested in me?"

"Because you have more talent than the rest of the company peons combined," Alex says, still pouting. "And you're smart. And you're incredibly handsome."

Alex bites her lip to keep from smiling and then adds, "And you're a hotty in your little Egyptian outfit."

Adam laughs loudly and kneels down so that he can look Alex in the eye.

"If anything, Alex, you should thank Jade," Adam says, tilting her head up gently with his hand so that she will look him in the eye. "When upper management caught wind of her propostion, they made a counter offer. Legally, I could have broken my contract right there because of a minor technicality, but I chose to honor it instead. They were afraid to lose me. They are 'grooming' me, they said, to be their next star. Plus they are hoping that I will join their new tour starting next summer—as a headliner. They raised my salary to that of a principle actor. I still don't make as much as the headliners, but now I make double what the company does."

"The next tour?" Alex says sadly.

"We'll be married by then. You can come with me. I'll be important. I'll try to talk them into giving you a choreography job or dance job of sorts in the show," Adam says excitedly.

"I don't know," Alex says seriously. "I don't really know what I want. I just want you though. I'm tired of seeing you only a few days here and there."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know that you were so lonely here." Adam gently brushes Alex's cheek with his hand. "I thought you were really busy. Mom said that she only sees you once a month max."

"Don't get me wrong, Adam. I really like your parents and all, but I feel really awkward at their house having dinner with them. I'm just waiting for them to say, 'So, how come when Adam comes home, we rarely get to see our son? Matter of fact, how come he insists on keeping his own apartment when he only sleeps there a month probably out of the year?'"

Adam laughs heartily. "Alex, they know why. It's one of those I-know-that-you-know-but-let's-pretend-otherwise kind of deals. You're just lucky I don't have any nosey siblings to embarrass you in front of my grandparents."

"Do your parents know that you are here now?" Alex asks.

"Heck no. They still don't know that we were Power Rangers. How would I explain this little escapade of yours? The stunt show gave me a week off, more if I need it," Adam says.

Alex does a mental calculation. "That means we have 5 full days left. Dad knows that I'm 'moonlighting.' He's off to D.C. again this afternoon for a week. Long as I check in with him to let him know I'm safe, I'm free for the rest of the week."

"Do you think we could hide from the world in my apartment for the rest of the week?" Adam asks slyly.

"Only if you wear the Egyptian outfit," Alex says with a wicked smile crossing her face.

Adam leans forward to kiss Alex and this time she kisses him back.

"I knew I wasn't going to get off that easy," Damiana mumbles. "I'd better work faster. Queen Cyrene isn't going to let me leave with Ephanine for Athens tomorrow if this stable isn't spotless. And I've GOT to have a bath before we go."

Sunlight suddenly bounces off a metallic object behind the Queen's tent. Damiana drops her pitchfork/rake and goes to investigate. She kneels down in the grass to inspect the object. Using her fingernails, Damiana pries the object out of the soft ground. She wipes the object off and holds it up the light.

"It's some sort of bracelet or maybe an anklet," Damiana thinks of the metal watch-like contraption with the purple detailing. Damiana shines the bracelet up on her tunic and admires it.

Damiana looks up to hear Lete clearing her throat. Lete peeks through the back of Queen Cyrene's tent—where she is currently repairing the rip.

"You better not let Queen Cyrene or Ephanine see you loafing, Damiana," Lete chastizes.

"I'm not loafing! Oh, never mind," Damiana says, seeing Ephanine out the corner of her eye.

Damiana puts the bracelet on her wrist—above her Amazon cuff—and walks briskly back to the stables and her pitchfork/rake.

End

MINI AUTHORS' NOTE: SAGE HAS BEEN USED SINCE ANTIQUITY AS BOTH A HEALING AND BEAUTY HERB. THE MEDITERRANEAN HERB HAS ANTISEPTIC PROPERTIES. IT IS USED TO STOP BLEEDING AND ENCOURAGE HEALING. IT IS ALSO GOOD FOR STIMULATING AND CLEANSING THE SCALP. IT IS USED IN SHAMPOOS, SOAPS AND HAIR RINSES, ESPECIALLY FOR DARK-HAIRED PEOPLE.