Circle of Souls
by Susan Zell

Hours later, Billy's body rested on one of the non-functional tables that had withstood major structural damage. Tanya had found a blanket and placed it over her fallen comrade. Jason, Rocky and Tommy moved mechanically, trying to get the command center back into some sort of shape. Adam and Katherine still were in shock and standing listlessly off to one side. The crystal was already re-energizing their powers almost back to full strength but it was way too late to save Billy. But through his efforts Mondo could still be held at bay. The energy levels were registering at full strength. Billy had seen to that. Mondo wouldn't have the guts to attack now since his latest effort had failed to destroy his rival.

Adam's eyes were riveted to the table near Zordon's tube who was strangely absent. He slowly approached Billy's body, his movements stiff and robotic. He gazed down for a long time at his best friend, unable to believe that he was gone. He expected that at any minute Billy would rise and start his repairs on the devastated equipment with a complaint about how much work he had to do. But there was nothing but stillness before him and it was overwhelming.

The young Asian reached a trembling hand and lifted the blanket. Billy's pale face was streaked with blood and shadows of soot. His fair hair fell limply over his dark sunken eyes mercifully closed. Adam pulled his sleeve lower over his hand and proceeded to try and clean his friend's face, gently pushing the hair back into its normal place. Tears silently fell across his cheeks while emotions raged inside him. One second he was angry at Billy for being a hero and then in the next he realized that Billy knew no other way to be. He had diverted total disaster once again but this time the price had been too high.

Tommy silently watched Adam. He was about to go and stop him from torturing himself but then he realized that it was something they all wanted to do. Maybe it was okay. Adam was showing Billy his love the only way he could now. In the old days, it fell to family and friends to take care of deceased loved ones as a way to say goodbye. They had an opportunity to do the same. Adam was making his peace with his best friend. It had hit Adam hardest and Tommy wondered what the repercussions would be in the future.

Suddenly, the command center doors opened with a rumbling groan. Darkness and shadows only beckoned as a cool fog rolled into the chamber. They had been unable to spare the power to illuminate every section of the command center yet and therefore they could see little beyond the entrance.

Tommy stanced and felt Jason's and Rocky's familiar strong presence beside him waiting. Was Mondo foolish enough to attack? He would get more than he bargained for, that Tommy swore, but then rational thought took over. There was no way Mondo would come through the front door.

Abruptly from out of the mist an abnormally huge black wolf padded into the silent chamber. They all fell back a few steps. It looked at each of them in turn with wide amber eyes until it saw the table and the shroud. It approached steadily until Adam stepped between the wolf and its goal. The wolf's eyes narrowed and studied Adam.

"I would not place myself between the Wolf Lord and his cub," a familiar voice told Adam. The rangers turned as one to the new figure who had entered the chamber without anyone's notice. Tommy, Adam and Rocky recognized the tall lean woman draped in a huge forest green cloak, her staff standing erect beside her.

Dulcea. Master Warrior of Phaedos.

Jason, Katherine and Tanya stared in puzzlement at the beautiful and fierce woman who was more silent than the wolf.

"Who...," began Jason but Tommy stepped forward.

"Dulcea. What are you doing here?" There was fear in Tommy's voice. Jason remembered the name from the tale Billy and Adam had told him when they battled Ivan Ooze.

Dulcea pulled back her hood revealing a long curly mass of brown hair. "Tommy, the Falcon, I grieve with you for the loss of one of your own." She took in the rest of the Rangers. "I grieve with all of you."

"So you've come to pay your respect," Adam stated though it was more of a question. He still prevented the wolf from proceeding.

She drew in a slow, deep breath, proud of the frog prince as he guarded his friend. "Yes, in a way, small prince." She advanced towards the wolf and Adam. No one stopped her. As Dulcea passed unhindered, the wolf moved with her to the table's side. It stood on its hind legs near the head of the table, sniffing Billy gently. The wolf whined and licked the slack face.

Adam came to stand opposite the wolf. It's eyes darted quickly to him and then to Dulcea. A low moan flowed from the creature and Dulcea's hand immediately reached over and brushed the sleek spot between its ears to comfort it.

The rest of the Rangers gathered around the table, some watching curiously while others watched with suspicion. Abruptly the wolf leaped on top of the table hovering over Billy's body. All the Rangers jumped back except for Adam and Tommy.

"Whoa," cried Jason. "What's going on here?"

Unsure but still determined to protect Billy, Adam moved toward the wolf. Dulcea's stern voice stopped him.

"Adam! Do not interfere!"

He cast a confused look at her. "What's he doing?" he demanded.

Suddenly, to the relief of the young people present, Zordon appeared. "Dulcea!"

The woman calmly regarded the huge face. She bowed her head with quiet reverence. "Zordon. You are well. I am pleased."

"Billy reconfigured the shields," he stated simply.

Dulcea understood and an uncustomary tremor ran through her. She ran her fingers gently down the young man's cold cheek. "So brave, so wise," she whispered. Then she seemed to gather resolve and returned her attention to the green glowing tube. "You know why I am here, Zordon."

"Yes Dulcea." There was a tone present in Zordon's voice that sent a chill through all the Rangers. "However, this isn't the proper time."

She drew herself up angrily. "I have come only for what is rightfully mine."

Tommy stepped forward directing his question to his mentor. "What's she talking about, Zordon? What does she want?"

Zordon's attention never wavered from the warrior woman. "Dulcea, you have chosen an inopportune moment to deal with this," he reprimanded.

She flashed furious eyes at Zordon's housing. "It is you who have chosen the moment, Zordon. If I waited for you to be prepared it would be far too late." She gestured to the wolf and then to Billy. "For the Lord and for his cub."

Tommy despised being ignored at such a time as this. "Zordon! What is going on here?" He spun to Dulcea. "Explain yourself!"

The warrior only shook her head. "That is Zordon's job, one he has been sorely remiss in."

Adam half listened to the exchange, still intently watching the wolf. To his shock, a soft blue glow began to illuminate Billy developing at his chest and spreading outwards. The wolf sat back on its haunches and began to howl as the glow enveloped them both.

Adam tried to push the wolf away. It turned and snapped at his hand taking away a small chunk of skin.

Dulcea's voice easily carried through the steady rising of the wind which suddenly grew in the chamber. "Billy is Ninjetti, Adam. It is time for him to come home."

There was a chorus of shocked outbursts from the Rangers. Holding his bleeding hand, Adam stared with tear filled eyes at the wolf and his friend. The blue glow faded and with it the sudden eerie zephyr. The wolf gently licked Billy's face clean, completing Adam's work, and then leaped off the table. Dulcea gathered Billy easily in her arms.

Jason and Tommy made to grab her to prevent her from taking their friend but the huge wolf intervened. It's huge size and sudden aggressive stance was more than enough to make the Rangers pause. Dulcea was furious at their desecration of such a moment but relented knowing they lacked understanding. It was more Zordon's fault than the young warriors. When she spoke it was with barely restrained intensity. "Ninjetti are to be buried on Phaedos. That is the law. Now permit us to leave."

Zordon's voice filled the chamber. "This is wrong, Dulcea. Billy has family and friends here. This is where he should be buried."

"A Ninjetti belongs with his own. That is the way it has always been. That is the way it shall always be. Now stand aside!" Her voice deepened and was projected out like a physical force. Both Jason and Tommy winced in pain. The wolf began a low growl, its lips curling back in a snarl to reveal long white canines, advancing closer to Tommy and Jason.

Desperate to avoid a confrontation, Zordon made a decision. "Tommy. Jason. Let her go," the age old being commanded and the two Rangers reluctantly complied.

Katherine stepped forward. "We can't let her take Billy! What are we going to tell his father?"

Zordon was silent for a moment and then, "Billy's father is aware that his son was a Power Ranger. He will accept this, Katherine. For now, Dulcea is free to take Billy back to Phaedos."

Adam could tell the warrior woman was not pleased with Zordon in the least. "You had better make them understand what happened here today, Zordon," she warned as she strode to the door and into the fog. "Things will be easier in the future." With a sudden flash of light within the mist the three shapes were gone.

~*~

The Rangers stood in utter silence as the vapors gently settled to the floor. Billy was gone. Finally, Tanya couldn't stand it any longer and full-fledged grief gripped her in its icy hand. Rocky was there to hold her, his own face twisted with barely bridled emotion. Katherine was next and Tommy gathered her in his arms but pure outrage bathed his expression. His eyes settled unwaveringly on Zordon.

"What the hell just happened here?" Jason shouted.

Adam came to the forefront and pointed a finger at his mentor. "What did Dulcea mean? What haven't you told us, Zordon?"

"Exactly what she said, Rangers. Ninjetti belong to Phaedos. She merely exercised her right."

"RIGHT?" Tommy finally exploded. "What right? Billy doesn't belong to anyone but to those who love him! She had no right to take him away!" Katherine gathered herself together and stepped away from Tommy's anger.

Adam nodded his agreement but then something puzzled him. "Dulcea called Billy Ninjetti. How can he still be Ninjetti? We lost those powers when the coins were destroyed. And how do you explain that blue glow around Billy's body. If that was the power of the Ninjetti why couldn't Billy ever tap into it?"

"The Ninjetti power is not one to be infused into a coin or a crystal. It is fused in the heart and soul of its warrior caste. Whom so ever chooses the Ninjetti path will never lose its animal spirit to guide them for they carry it always. You used the Ninjetti power to give you strength and courage in your journey to find the Great Power. Those two powers bonded together after you defeated the gargoyles but a part of you will always be Ninjetti regardless of what was lost." Zordon tried to collect his thoughts, hoping this was the best way to help them understand. "Billy did tap into his Ninjetti power. It was what he used to create the Red Zeo Zord and your weapons. The power does not have to be used solely for battle. There is so much more it is capable of. Those Rangers who are Ninjetti use that power unconsciously everyday."

Jason shook his head. He did not understand this Ninjetti stuff and now he was glad he wasn't one himself. "It sure wasn't capable of saving Billy's life, was it?" he stated bitterly cutting to the core of the matter.

Zordon remained silent, his heart torn by the anguish that he could not spare his charges. Finally Zordon realized that there was little the Rangers could do here. "Go home, Rangers. Now that the crystal is recharged I can initiate the command center's reconstruction and repair Alpha Five."

"I suppose I should tell Mr. Cranston what happened," Tommy spoke softly, his anger spent. He felt drained but he knew his responsibilities. Jason stepped up beside him.

"I'll go with you. Then I'll call the others. They'll want to be here."

Tommy nodded his appreciation. He turned to the rest of the team. "Adam, Rocky, take the girls home." With that they left none of them speaking, each wrapped up in their own world of grief.

~*~

Trini was standing beside the tall window of her apartment overlooking Notre Dame where the sun was finally attempting an appearance. She still hadn't shaken the ominous feeling that something terrible had happened. She had never returned to bed. The thought of sleep only made her shudder with absolute terror. Whatever was going to happen she would face it head on. She wished there was someone to talk to about what she felt. She could've told her mother but she didn't want to worry her. She thought about Zack but he was definitely not a morning person. She would have to wait till at least 9 or 10 am before involving him and probably by then she would feel better. She wished Jason was here but he had gone back home to help Zordon and the....

Suddenly the hand of fear gripped her again and a soft cry broke from her lips. Something had happened, she realized all at once. Something horrible had happened to the Rangers. She quickly reflected on each of them. Adam. Nothing. Tommy. Again nothing. Billy...

Trini cried out as stabbing pain washed over her. Oh, God, she prayed. Not Billy...

She jumped as the phone rang behind her with cold announcement, tears fell in a cascade over her porcelain cheeks. She stared at the phone as if her very future waited just beyond. It terrified her.

~*~

Angel

by Sarah McLachlan

Spend all your time waiting

for that second chance

for a break that would make it okay.

There's always one reason

to feel not good enough

and it's hard at the end of the day.

I need some distraction

oh beautiful release

Memory seeps from my veins.

Let me be empty

and weightless and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of an angel

Fly away from here

from this dark, cold hotel room

and the endlessness that you fear.

You are pulled from the wreckage

of your silent reverie

You're in the arms of an angel

May you find some comfort there.

So tired of the straight line

and everywhere you turn

there's vultures and thieves at your back

and the storm keeps on twisting

you keep on building the lie

that you make up for all that you lack.

It don't make no difference

escaping one last time

It's easier to believe in this sweet madness, oh

this glorious sadness that brings me to my knees.

In the arms of an angel

Fly away from here

from this dark, cold hotel room

and the endlessness that you fear.

You are pulled from the wreckage

of your silent reverie

You're in the arms of an angel

May you find some comfort there.

~*~

A week later Adam walked in the woods near his house. There was a peaceful meadow where he went when he wanted to be alone. Lately he felt as if he lived there. It was a quiet day and he was grateful. The last few days had been horrible. He didn't think he would ever get through them and he never wanted to go through something like that ever again. The funeral had been three days ago. All of the Rangers, old and new had attended.

The memory of Tanya's song which she had sung in tribute to Billy lingered in Adam's mind. In all of their minds. It had spoken volumes about their friend about things they never realized. They had taken as much solace from each other these last few days as they could each afford. But now they seemed to be isolating themselves from the pain that resounded in each of them. Kimberly and Zack had to return right after the funeral due to prior commitments but Aisha and Trini had been able to stay though he hadn't seen either of them since the funeral.

Trini had stood stoically by Jason's side, her face utterly impassive. While the rest had been in tears she had not. Adam once thought he saw a tremor pass through her as Jason placed an arm around her shoulders but a second later she was as before. He couldn't figure her out. Didn't she care about Billy?

Billy's father had trouble comprehending all that had happened to his son. Eventually, Tommy had had to rig a communication link so that Zordon could speak to the bereaved parent. Finally the man had no choice but to accept the bizarre truth.

Adam remembered the man whose face was like stone watch the empty casket as it was lowered into the ground. There was nothing but doubt in Mr. Cranston's expression. Without a body what real proof did he have that his only son was truly dead. But Adam knew and the pain of that fact refused to relinquish its hold on the Ranger's heart. Sliding down the side of an old oak, Adam curled over his raised knees.

They had all been to the newly remodeled command center yesterday. Zordon had little to add to any of their questions. He was being specifically vague and the Rangers were antsy. Always before they had blindly accepted Zordon's decisions but this one was different. They needed to understand otherwise there would be no peace for any of them, Billy included.

Adam was Ninjetti as well. He had gone on the great quest. It seemed so long ago now. Did that mean he would have to be buried on distant Phaedos as well someday? How would his parents take the news? He still hadn't even told them he was a Power Ranger.

Tears brimmed unbidden in his dark eyes. He wanted desperately to talk to someone but he was almost afraid to discuss the matter with any of the other Rangers. He didn't know Trini very well. Tanya and Katherine were in too fragile a state, almost like himself. They would all just end up crying for an hour or two and Adam couldn't stand doing that right now. He had been crying for days as it was. Jason and Tommy were too angry to talk with. They hadn't even spoken to Zordon except to answer his questions. Adam had even called Rocky, but the Blue Ranger had withdrawn from all of them suddenly. It was like he was in denial, at war with himself over the events. Finally it was Aisha Adam turned to for answers. She was bearing up well through all this perhaps because she had witnessed death and disease in her native land of Africa and hadn't been present when Billy died. The distance of the events made her stronger both physically and emotionally.

But on the other hand, Trini was very obviously unaffected by the recent events. She hadn't broken down, not even at the funeral. He thought she cared for Billy very much, it seemed time had diminished those feelings. It took Adam by surprise. He had always thought the two of them were sort of meant for each other.

But for now, Adam remained alone with his thoughts and questions. If Billy were here they could discuss everything like they used to long ago. They were so similar in nature that there was little they couldn't share. Adam buried his watering eyes in the folds of his arms. God, he missed him.

He took a deep breath and then caught a glance of his watch. Damn, he was supposed to meet Aisha at the Juice Bar fifteen minutes ago. He had confidence that together they could come up with some answers. He hoped she'd understand the delay.

Adam stood up slowly not even caring about the state of his clothes, littered with leaves and dust. He was about to take the path out of the woods when he caught a glimpse of brilliant blue against the green foliage of the forest to the right of the trail. His heart leapt suddenly in his throat and then he slumped. Of course, Rocky knew about the meadow and he had seen Rocky with Aisha this morning. He was probably looking for him.

"Rocky," he called out hoping to catch him. "Over here." There was no answer. Adam pushed his way into the woods. Damn it, Rocky. I'm not in the mood for this. Though maybe it was a good sign that Rocky had snapped out of his depression. He saw the barest sign of blue swinging to his right again on the other side of the meadow and followed steadily, picking up his pace in order to catch his friend.

Adam could hear a strange but familiar sound somewhere in front of him just out of sight. He couldn't place it at the moment though. Adam pressed forward to investigate when his peripheral vision again caught a flash of blue. This time it lingered. Adam's breath escaped his lips and he sank to his knees at the visage before him.

It was a blue Ninjetti warrior. The figure stepped forward soundlessly out of the shadows and placed a finger to his lips signaling silence. The Ninjetti's eyes locked with Adam's and then the Ranger knew. It was Billy. Somehow it was Billy.

Adam couldn't draw another breath at the shock of seeing his friend. He tried to speak but the Ninjetti shook his head and pointed behind the heavy tall hedge to his left. The warrior's eyes softened and Adam could tell he was smiling gently beneath the cowl across the lower portion of his face

A branch snapped from the other side of the hedge and Adam finally turned to see what the Ninjetti had been trying to show him. A moment later his face drew into an furious scowl. Cogs. They were waiting for him to walk down the path. It had been a trap. A slow burn began within his stomach. He was sick of Mondo's back stabbing ways.

Anger seeped quickly into Adam and it tapped something very rare inside the Ranger, pure unadulterated rage. Before him were part of the reason Billy was dead. King Mondo was going to pay sometime soon for what he had done. But for now, Adam was content to lay waste to his lackeys. With a familiar intonation, Adam somersaulted over the hedge and landed amongst the Cogs as Zeo Ranger IV, Green.

"Looking for me?" he asked. It took extreme effort not to just wade in fighting but long ingrained habits died hard. Zordon's rule echoed in his head.

The startled Cogs fell back for a moment and then realizing that their prey was present they rushed the Ranger. Adam let them come and then let loose with a flurry of attacks, striking each with unrestrained force. The Cogs spun and toppled from each blow as Adam's fighting cries saturated the quiet woods. More Cogs rushed them and Adam met their adversaries eagerly. Ten minutes later the remaining machine force of three hesitated and Adam fell into a defensive stance. The Ninjetti stood just off to one side.

Adam stood there breathing roughly, and looked at the Ninjetti warrior who had warned him. The figure relaxed, calmly standing at Adam's side. The warrior turned and his eyes smiled again at the Ranger. Then quietly, the Ninjetti warrior began to fade, growing transparent before Adam's eyes. The Ranger rushed quickly to him but by the time he reached where the Ninjetti had been standing the figure was gone, nothing remaining but wisps of blue smoke that swirled around Adam..

"No," he whispered tears burning a path across his cheeks before being absorbed by the helmet's interior lining. He watched as the last of the blue vapor dissolved from his hands.

Another flash of light and the rest of the Rangers stood beside him. Zeo Ranger V turned to Adam. "Zordon said you might be having some trouble." He took in the pile of demolished Cogs around the woods. "Then again maybe not."

Adam shook his head as his chest heaved with exertion and sudden emotion.

Suddenly above the Cogs flew Mondo's dimensional doorway. It sucked up his defeated patrol and spun out of sight into the clouds. The Rangers demorphed and immediately Adam grabbed Tommy by his arms. "I saw him!" he shouted.

Tommy stared at Adam in confusion. "Saw who?"

"Billy!'

Katherine and Tanya rushed forward. "What?" they cried in unison.

"I swear to God. He was dressed as a Ninjetti, a blue Ninjetti!" Adam's voice was almost hysterical.

Jason critically eyed Adam for any wounds. Maybe the Ranger had taken a heavy hit. Adam saw his expression.

"I'm telling you the truth, damn it! Billy was right here fighting beside me." He tried to calm down, knowing how it all sounded.

Tommy was silent for a moment not wanting to express his honest opinion. "Adam, we all miss Billy but he's gone. There was no one here but you when we arrived."

Adam flung Tommy away in frustration. "He was here, Tommy. It wasn't some hallucination. I'd know."

Katherine moved gingerly up beside Tommy. "What if it was Billy?" she asked softly.

"It wasn't!" he shouted. "He's dead!" He waved a hand towards the sky. "He's buried on Phaedos, millions of light years from here!"

Adam spun around. "And I'm telling you the Ninjetti warrior was Billy!"

Rocky stepped between Adam and Tommy, his face like stone. "Does it matter whether we believe Adam or not? If there's even a chance it's true we should check it out." His voice carried no inflection. Jason and Tommy exchanged glances. Finally, Tommy nodded. "Let's go talk to Zordon."

"I'll call the others," Jason offered not wanting to leave out Trini and Aisha.

Seconds later, the group teleported into the command center. The two ex-rangers appeared moments after. Zordon, perhaps expecting trouble, awaited them. Alpha stood off to one side.

Tommy ran a weary hand through his loose hair. He hesitated almost afraid of asking the question that soured in his mouth.

Adam still saturated by adrenalin rushed up instead. "I saw Billy, Zordon! He was right in front of me! He was...." His voice trailed off as he took in the expressions of those around him. He stared at the floor in an effort to collect himself. He raised haunted eyes to his mentor. "What was he, Zordon? A ghost?" He gripped his head. "Or maybe Tommy is right. Maybe I'm just going mad."

Trini and Aisha staggered under the news. Jason quickly brought them up to speed on the situation. Trini looked incredibly pale as she hung onto Jason's strong arm. The muscles in her jaw clenched as she tried to regain her composure. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Katherine quickly wrapped her arms around herself. Tears that had lingered all day fell abruptly. She couldn't stand this pain any longer. None of them could. It was tearing them all apart inside. Zordon's voice retained it's deeper baritone that had began the day Billy died. "Adam. I am not surprised at what happened. But I am not sure what you saw was real. I detected no one in your vicinity other than the Cogs." There was a lengthy pause. "Stress often plays havoc with ...."

"Is that all you think it was? Stress!" Adam's cry was high-pitched. His eyes then narrowed. "So you all just think I'm going mad. Fine! But I know what I saw!"

Jason placed a quieting hand on Adam, surprised that the angry young man didn't shake it off. "Zordon, I think we need some closure to this. Maybe the answer is on Phaedos. Let us go and at least see where Duclea...." He struggled with his next words, "...buried Billy."

Adam's eyes refocused on Jason thankful for his support.

"I am not sure that is a good idea," Alpha interjected.

Rocky suddenly pushed his way forward from the back. "You're not hiding anything are you, Zordon?" He glowered with anger and suspicion. He had been struggling with thoughts of betrayal and secrets all week, ones he dare not voice to the others, but unexpectedly he couldn't help himself. Zordon was definitely acting weird.

Zordon affixed Rocky and then the Rangers with a sorrowful gaze. "If you wish to go to Phaedos, than go. I will not stop you. Perhaps it would be for the best. Alpha, see to their teleportation." And with that he was gone.

~*~

The trip to Phaedos seemed long to all of them, then abruptly they stood dazed in the bright sun blinking against its glare. Tommy, Rocky, Aisha and Adam recognized the stony beach from so long ago, but the rest of the Rangers gasped in amazement at the savage environment in which they suddenly found themselves. It was breathtaking and frightening all at once, even the air smelled and tasted different. Trini rubbed her arms as the heavy moisture settled around her. It felt like someone was touching her.

Immediately Tommy got his bearings and moved off across the rocks, heading for the temple. Adam followed with the rest trailing after while Jason took up the rear. It wasn't long before Tommy saw what he had been expecting since they arrived. Dulcea barred the path before them, waiting, her staff gripped tightly and ready for defense. It was rare that he saw her relaxed. She was as tense as a cat. It seemed odd that her totem spirit was an owl. It had far more patience than Dulcea could muster.

Adam stood just behind the fuming Tommy. His quiet warning brushing across the Red Ranger's ears. "Don't piss her off, Tommy. We need to get by her." Tommy breathed deeply trying to get control of his anger.

"What is it you want here?" Dulcea asked laying her staff down defensively across her waist. Nobody dared to get within striking distance.

"We demand to see Billy," Tommy announced, his voice tight.

Dulcea's eyes widened and suspicion played about her face. "What do you mean?"

Adam felt a surge of hope at her slip but didn't pursue it. He kept to the script he had decided on prior to teleportation. "I want to see Billy's grave. To say goodbye. Is it permitted?"

Dulcea's expression gave way to genuine sorrow. "My apologies," she offered. "Of course, you may see him. He is buried within the temple. You know the way. Look for the sign of the wolf." And with that she walked away.

Rocky passed Adam gripping his shoulder briefly. "Good thinking, Adam. It's time to get to the bottom of this."

"Yes," Tommy spoke quietly. He strode steadily ahead up the ancient path, determination plastered to his face.

Hours later, the tired, sweating group arrived at the ruins of the Ninjetti temple. It was nearing evening and the shadows crawled along the huge pillars. The cold broken stones chilled each of the non-Ninjetti Rangers. There was a stillness to the ruins that only brought back feelings and memories of the fallen command center of a week past.

The four old Ninjetti warriors however felt differently. A sudden calm washed over each of them, the memories of their first visit seemed comforting in a way. Tommy had forgotten how peaceful the temple appeared. It emitted a warm presence. Tommy's eyes slipped closed as he bathed in it. He wondered if the rest of the Rangers felt the same way.

Obsessed with but a single mission, Adam walked resolutely around the huge fallen pillars searching for the tomb of his friend. He was drawn to a section of the ruins that faced the morning sun. He unconsciously beelined for it.

The others watched his movements amazed and frightened at his uncanny sense of direction. They followed him at a discreet distance. The Green Zeo Ranger's eyes never strayed from a portion of stone that was near the edge of the great cliff overlooking the distant monolith which had once housed the Great Power. The wind picked up and flew through the cracks in the rocks producing an eerie cry almost a familiar howl.

Adam halted his advance and stood mutely staring at a huge portion of the temple. On the forward stone was carved the name William James Cranston in a magnificent scrawl. Images of wolves and Ninjetti warriors were entwined across it's surface bound forever in a dance of honor and mysticism around a huge replica of Billy's Ninjetti power coin. It was elegant, a fitting memorial to the long time Ranger and Ninjetti so unlike the small non-descript tombstone on earth. Adam wiped at moist eyes and then reached out to touch the stone. The moisture left a dark signature where his wet fingers touched. It was remarkably warm despite the dropping temperature. "Hello, Billy," he whispered.

The others came to stand beside him. "It's beautiful," Tanya whispered her voice thick with emotion.

Each Ranger stepped up to the stone and one by one drew their fingers across the memorial's surface. Aisha removed a necklace from around her neck and placed the delicate chain in a deep depression in the stone. As she touched it she shuddered and Rocky was there in an instant. He placed an arm around the young woman's shoulders and eased her away.

Tommy and Katherine approached next. Katherine placed some small, delicate flowers at the marker's base which she had picked along the way to the temple. She placed her hand across Billy's name. She wanted to say something but her throat constricted so finally she just stood and waited for Tommy. The Zeo Ranger leader dropped his hands to his side just staring for a long time at the tomb. Then gathering strength from somewhere, he reverently bowed to his fallen comrade, warrior to warrior. He straightened slowly and together with Katherine moved aside.

Jason and Trini came up last. Trini took great pains to trace the images and bowed her head to the warm stone. She uttered something low that the others couldn't hear. Jason was closest and it sounded Korean in nature. She raised her head and Jason saw the silent tears cascade from her dark eyes. She turned and walked slowly away, her back stiff, her movements carefully controlled.

Jason studied the beautiful carvings. He wondered who had done it. He assumed Dulcea had but then he knew so little about this planet. Who knew what else or who else lived here. He saw a figure of a tiny young boy standing beside a massive wolf etched in the stone. He remembered how small and awkward Billy had been when he had first met him. Jason had taken him under his wing hoping to ease the awkwardness in Billy and give him some self-confidence. He believed he had succeeded. He smiled and touched the small carving. "Goodbye little brother." He moved to where the group was standing near the fire pit. He noticed Adam wasn't there. He was further away from the group standing near the edge of the high cliffs and gazing out over the immense valley.

Jason methodically started gathering some wood for the fire. He didn't know what the plan was but the night was growing cold and a fire would warm everyone. Rocky noticed what he was doing and went to help him. Soon they had a roaring fire going and the Rangers sat around the flickering flames, all except Adam. Jason again turned to look for him. The young man was by the memorial once more, sitting on a fallen pillar. Jason made to rise and go to him, but Tommy stopped him with a hand on his knee.

The Red Zeo Ranger shook his head. "He needs to work this out on his own."

Jason rubbed a weary hand across his brow. "What are we looking for, Tommy?"

Tommy stared at the fire unblinking. "Like you said, closure. I guess how long depends on each of us." Personally, he didn't really expect to find anything here except old memories and cold stones. He glanced towards Adam. "For some it will take longer than others."

"I'm worried about him," Katherine voiced. Her eyes shone in the dancing light. "First it was Billy we worried about and now it's Adam. I never realized how much alike they really were."

"We missed the boat on a lot of things," Rocky's brows knitted further together with barely checked anger. "I don't think we ever took the time to ask the right questions."

Jason realized that Rocky was talking about something other than Billy and Adam. "What are you getting at Rocky?"

The thin man twisted a branch into the soft dirt. "I don't think we're seeing the big picture here. Obviously, Zordon and Dulcea are keeping something from us."

"I agree with Rocky," Tanya said. "I hate to say it but there is something they're not telling us and I want to know what it is."

"The question is who do we confront," Jason pointed out.

Tommy's eyes hardened. "Zordon. We trusted him this long."

"I'd say that was a bad move on our part," Rocky remarked acidly.

Tommy grew angry. "What is with you, man? Zordon has never steered us wrong before. Why are you so suddenly against him?"

Rocky leaned forward. "He's always been so secretive. That damn viewing globe can see everything but he only shows us things after the fact. Don't you remember anything? He hid the truth that he built a new power chamber and never let us in on it till we thought he and Alpha were dead! God, Billy almost died for them right then and there! Zordon didn't trust us with that information and he still doesn't. 'We didn't want to worry you,'" he mimicked. "What a crock of bull! It's obvious he's hiding something, Tommy. There's something they're afraid to tell us. And I'm not doing anything else for that big floating head until he tells me what it is!"

Tommy scrambled to his feet furious at Rocky's accusations. Jason was there to hold him back as Rocky stood to meet any challenge his leader cared to make.

"Stop it! Both of you!" Katherine shouted. "This isn't the time to argue amongst ourselves. That's not why we're here!"

"Exactly. May I remind you of where we are and who we're here to see," Trini stated evenly, the sound of her voice startling them. She had barely spoken to anyone since her arrival for the funeral. "What do you think Billy would say if he saw us yelling at one other? At his grave no less!" Her voice rose sharply at the last and she caught herself, regaining control once again.

Tanya emphasized her own opinion. "Regardless of what we know or don't know, Zordon is the person to ask. If he's hiding something, he was doing it because he thought it was for the best. I sincerely doubt that he would hide something that would hurt us. We were young teenagers with attitudes for pete's sake. There are plenty of things my parent's didn't tell me because I was too young."

"Yeah, but your parents wouldn't trick you into doing something potentially dangerous either. We're about to graduate so I figure we're 'old enough' to know the truth," Rocky insisted. "And he damn well better tell us."

"We'll ask him as soon as we're finished here," Jason looked again towards the missing member of their party. "Do you think he's going to be okay?" The conversation needed to be diverted to something just as pressing. They were a team. If there was one in trouble then they needed to stick together and offer their support. Adam needed them badly right now. He needed a united front and instead they were divided and angry. It's no wonder he kept to himself. Hell, right now Jason didn't even want to be part of the group. They were falling apart suddenly almost as if Billy had been the cement that had bonded them together all these years. But now steadfast logic and resolve eluded them and they couldn't seem to get it back.

They all looked over at Adam silhouetted against the purple skyline as the veil of evening descended on the alien planet. He seemed small and frail.

Tommy settled down in his place by the fire once more, the weight of leadership falling back on his shoulders. "I just don't know how to prove or disprove what he believes."

Katherine laid down and placed her head on Tommy's lap. "Maybe the light of day will offer some answers." She stared up at the strange constellations dying in this corner of the universe and again she felt the chill of the strange planet. Tommy ran his fingers absently through her fair hair as she tried to relax closing her eyes. She just couldn't stand feeling this way anymore. All she wanted to do was forget the pain for a time. She curled up on her side and drifted off into a troubled sleep.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Epilogue