Super Zeozord II backed away, sparks flying from a slash in the chest. Super Zeozords III and IV continued fighting against the mighty metal tentacles sprouting from the space-submarine like weeds. Suddenly, one tentacle wrapped itself around the waist of Super Zeozord III, while another tightly gripped Zeozord IV. Tanya watched helplessly as the two zords were slammed into each other, large dents forming on the helmets of each humanoid-shaped machine. She desperately tried to get a lock on the submarine with her lasers, but the damage inflicted on the zord has compromised targetting. Tanya growled under her breath.

"Adam?" she called into her intership communications relay, "Rocky? You guys okay?"

^I'm a little dizzy...^ Adam muttered.

^I think I'm gonna hurl!^ Rocky moaned, ^I can't take much more of this!^

As if on cue, a strange, unidentified blip appeared on Tanya's screen. It was coming from the direction of the planet.

"Guys!" she called, "I think the Aquitians have sent reinforcements!"

Tanya enlarged the image on her main viewer, and gasped audibly. Her brown eyes widened in shock beneath her lemon helmet as she gazed mutely at the gargantuan machine floating in space. It was decidedly a shark, with powerful, razor sharp claws. A chill crept up her spine.

^Hey!^ said Rocky, ^Its the Goodyear Blimp! And its coming to rescue us!^

Tanya rolled her eyes. Despite being hurtled through space by a menacing villain, Rocky managed to maintain his sense of humor.

"Whatever that thing is, its big," Tanya said quietly. She watched on her screen as the massive ship flew past her, at a speed so fast it almost registered as merely a streak of silver light. The machine continued unabedded towards the space submarine. It slowed considerably, and the large jaw opened wide, allowing its enormous teeth to rip through the tentacles constraining Zeozords III and IV. Both zords fell back, and floated in space beside the Yellow zord. The shark then flew a bit away from the other zords, with mechanical tentacles still in its mouth. Everyone gawked at the new machine in shock.

^Salutations,^ came a surprisingly familiar voice through the Zeozords' communications relay, ^I trust I'm not too late to join the festivities.^

^Billy?!^ Rocky shrieked, ^Is that you in Jaws over there?^

^Affirmative. I know that both Katherine and Tommy are as of yet still unable to joing the battle, but are the rest of your zords functioning optimally?^

"Optimally, no," Tanya replied, "but they're functioning adequately."

^Excellent. Now, we must hold Divatox off long enough for Katherine to join us. Then, we can finish this battle.^

In a flash of bright pink light, Katherine Hillard arrived in the underground hangar that housed the Battle Borgs. She removed her helmet, allowing her soft blonde curls to fall about her shoulders. She looked around in confusion, and noticed the team of Aquitian Rangers. Cestro and Corcus were both on small hoverpads, operating a large laser machine that was somehow patching the hole in the hull of Super Zeozord I. Beside that zord was Super Zeozord V, which was still in the form of the torso of the Megazord. Near the pool of water was a large computer console, where Delphine was watching the battle taking place above the planet. On the other side of the chamber stood Aurico, accompanied by a few Aquitians that were unfamiliar to Katherine, but their high societal status was obvious by their dress. Katherine walked over to Delphine, and glanced at the screen.

"How are they doing?" she asked.

"The tides have changed since the Silvertip Sharkzord joined the battle," Delphine said, turning to face the Pink Zeo Ranger, "but they still are at a disadvantage. The only way they will destroy the space submarine is with the Super ZeoMegazord."

Kat's eyes narrowed as she saw another torpedo streak through the blackness of space. It struck the Sharkzord in the tail, but there wasn't too much visible damage. "Wow," she muttered, "Billy's zord is incredible."

"Indeed," said Delphine, "Tympanus designed the Sharkzord well. It, along with Pyramidas, were his greatest mechanical creations."

Kat's eyebrows rose slightly at the mention of Prince Trey's zord. "So, the Silver and Gold Ranger Powers are related?"

"Yes. They were created by the same man... the Eltarian wizard Tympanus. They are polar opposites of one another. While the Gold Ranger Power was designed to fight and destroy, the Silver Ranger Power is designed to heal."

Kat shook her head as she saw the Sharkzord fire silver beams of energy from its cold eyes. "It looks to me like the Silver Ranger is quite capable of destruction."

Delphine smiled. "True, but its primary purpose is healing. Are you familiar with the Gold Rush?"

Katherine nodded, easily recalling when both Trey and Jason, the two Gold Rangers, used that concussive energy blast. "Its destroyed quite a few Cogs, and monsters too."

"Well, the Silver Ranger has a similar power, called the Silver Rush. However, the Silver Rush doesn't destroy. It repairs."

"Can it repair anything?"

"To an extent. It is most useful at breaking magical spells."

Kat nodded, and glanced around the chamber once again. "Is there anything I can do to help out?"

"No. Cestro and Corcus have managed to already repair a good amount of the damage done to your zord's head. The Red zord will take at least a few days to work on, but once we finish your zord, we can divert our energies to the repair of the Battle Borgs to assist."

"Isn't Tommy here somewhere?" Kat asked, noticing for the first time that the Red Ranger wasn't present.

"He had sustained injuries when his zord was attacked, so he is presently in the medical chamber. Would you like me to escort you there?"

Kat shook her head, and strapped her helmet back on. "I think I'll take a look around, if that's okay with you. Just give me the general direction."

After wandering around the complex of Triton for a few minutes, Katherine comes across the one room still inhabited-- the medical chamber. The door was open, and there were only three people inside, surrounded by tons of complicated medical equipment. Standing on the far end was and elderly Aquitian man, pouring a slightly green liquid into a rather large needle. Against the wall was Tommy, still dressed in his Red Ranger uniform, with his helmet on the white marble floor. He was leaning forward, his hands clasped tightly. Tommy was sitting on a chair, beside a large tube, with a silhouette inside. Although Katherine couldn't make out the person inside the fluid-filled tube, she could guess who it was.

"Tommy?" Kat said gently, taking off her helmet and approaching him. He glanced up at her, a solemn expression on his face. He smiled weakly as she pulled up a chair and sat beside him. The pair remained in silence for a few moments, as Katherine gazed through the glass tube. It was indeed Cestria, Billy's fiance.

"Kat," he said, turning to her, "what are you doing here? Is the fight over?"

Kat frowned. "Not even close. Divatox's torpedo blasted a hole in my zord's head, so I had to retreat. I lost control, and crashed into the ocean-- well, at least what's left of the ocean. Good thing Billy found me."

Tommy's eyes widened. "You saw Billy? Is he okay?"

"He's more than okay. He's the Silver Ranger now, and he joined Adam, Tanya, and Rocky in battle. I hope they can last until the Aquitian Rangers finish the repairs on Super Zeozord I."

"I know they won't get Zeozord V done anytime soon," Tommy sighed, "That damage is pretty extensive. Zordon would've chided me for weeks if I brought it home in that condition."

The two rangers laughed a little at Tommy's attempt at humor. But the situation was too dire for laughter to last long.

"So," said Tommy, "does Billy know about Cestria?"

Kat sighed. "Yes, Delphine told us both she was injured."

Tommy looked surprised. "And he didn't come to at least say goodbye to her?"

Now it was Kat's turn to look surprised. "What do you mean 'say goodbye'? How bad is she?"

"She's dying," the old Aquitian said, approaching the two heroes with a needle full of fluid, "Cestria is beyond my help."

Kat and Tommy watched mutely as Aquiva pressed the long metal needle into the glass. Somehow, the point passed through easily. The green liquid mixed with the clear liquid already bathing Cestria, and then the green coloring faded. Aquiva pulled the needle out of the tube, and the minute hole it created immediately vanished as well.

"What... what was that stuff?" Kat asked.

"Serastosine. Its a mind relaxer, to prevent Cestria from furthuring her injuries by unconscious telepathy. Its the equivalent of a muscle relaxer, to prevent a patient from muscle spasms that could prove damaging. Only its for the brain."

"So, there's nothing you can do to save her?" Kat asked in shock, "Nothing at all?"

Aquiva shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Aquitian medical technology is the most advanced in this galaxy. Both Prince Trey of Triforia and even your friend Billy came here to be cured by our healing waters. But the healing waters aren't mending her wounds. She was injured too extensively for anything to be done. It is a miracle she survived this long.

"Wait," said Kat, rising to her feet, "Delphine said that the Silver Ranger power can cure! Can that save Cestria?"

Aquiva looked at Kat sadly. "The Silver Ranger is a character of legend. Part of that legend is, that the healing power of the Sword of Tympanus is restricted to healing magical wounds It can undo evil magic, but when it comes to wounds inflicted by the physical world, it isn't very effective. If she was struck by a beam of magic, then that is another story. But she was injured by physical means, and therefore science, which is the mastery of the physical world, is her only means of salvation."

"Is there really that much of a difference?" asked Tommy. Aquiva nodded.

"Indeed. It is an important distinction. The Sword is a weapon of pure magic, and it has the uncanny ability to undo evil magic. However, it is by far less effective on physical wounds, and Cestria's wounds are too severe to benefit from the healing magic. I am sorry."

Kat and Tommy's faces both fell silent. The fate of the young Aquitian was sealed, and there was no way around it.

The Power Chamber is in chaos as alarms scream and bright lights flash. On the Viewing Globe, which Alpha monitored, Goldar, Scorpina, and Rito marched around Angel Grove, towering over even the tallest building like titans.

"Aye yi yi!" he shrieked, "What can the Ninjetti do against those?"

Suddenly, five bright flashes of colored light heralded the arrival of the Guardians-- the team of trained Venusian warriors selected to serve as the first line of defense of the magical isle. This day, however, the entire planet is in their care, while the Zeo Rangers battle for the salvation of another world. Kimberly, the leader of the Guardians, glanced up at her former mentor, her face determined.

"Is there any way we can combat Goldar and company while their economy-sized?"

"YOUR NATURAL POWERS WOULD NO DOUBT BE MINIMAL AGAINST THEM."

"As Ninjetti, we can summon forth spirit animals, as large as them," Sophia pointed out.

"True," said Renee, "but we can't sustain them very long. They won't do much in a fight."

"I still have the Crane Zord," Kimberly said, "What about the other Ninja Zords?"

"The Falcon was never salvaged," said Alpha, "and therefore, all the Ninja Zords are powerless. The only reason why the Crane still works is because your Ninjetti power can supply energy. That won't work for the others, because those aren't their zords."

"Okay... are there any other zords?" asked Jezebel.

"THE ZEO RANGERS TOOK THE SUPER ZEOZORDS TO AQUITAR. HOWEVER, THE ORIGINAL ZEOZORDS STILL EXIST, AND THEY ARE OPERATIONAL."

"Great!" said Kimberly excitedly, "Let's roll!"

"HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE PROBLEM. THOSE ZORDS ARE DESIGNED TO RESPOND TO THE ZEO RANGERS. ALPHA FIVE AND I MUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO ALLOW YOU TO USE THEM."

"How long?" Dalal asked.

"About an hour," Alpha answered. Kimberly grimaced.

"Angel Grove won't last that long," she muttered, "I'm going out there."

"Are you nuts?!" yelled Renee, turning to the Venusian monarch, "You'll get yourself killed!"

"I know how to operate the Crane, and I'm experienced as a Power Ranger," Kim retorted, "I can hold them off while the Zeozords are reprogrammed. Besides, there's no one else to do it. If we don't do something immediately, there won't be an Angel Grove to save in an hour!"

"SHE IS RIGHT," said Zordon, "MAY THE POWER PROTECT YOU, KIMBERLY."

Kimberly nodded, and vanished in a flash of rose light. The four remaining Guardians watched in the Viewing Globe as Kimberly's pink Crane soared onto the scene only minutes after her departure. Then, Renee turned to Alpha, worry crossing her face.

"Um, how are we supposed to fly the Zeozords?" she asked, "I mean, Kim once told me that she flies the Crane because the Power showed her how. But we aren't, and never were, Power Rangers. Those aren't our Zords."

"For a Ninjetti, anything is possible," Sophia quoted, "Our animal guides will ensure our victory."

Renee glanced at Zordon, obviously unconvinced.

"YOUR POWERS ARE SIMILAR ENOUGH TO THE POWER RANGERS FOR YOU TO PROPERLY OPERATE THE ZORDS. THE GREAT POWER WILL INDEED GUIDE YOU, RENEE."

"Then we have a slight problem," said Dalal, stepping forward, "I have not yet made the pilgrimage to Phaedos. I am not Ninjetti. The Power does not guide me. How shall I pilot a zord?"

Zordon thought for awhile. "THERE IS NO WAY YOU WILL BE ABLE TO PILOT A ZORD IN INDIVIDUAL BATTLE. HOWEVER, YOU CAN LEARN THE BASIC CONTROLS, TO LINK YOUR ZORD WITH THE REST, FORMING THE MEGAZORD. I SHALL PRINT OUT SOME INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOU TO STUDY WHILE ALPHA AND I MAKE ADJUSTMENTS."

Dalal nodded and collected the sheets of paper the computer spit out in haste. She glanced at the accumulating pile, a calm expression on her face. Renee looked at the pages, her eyebrow high.

"That looks like a textbook," she muttered, "Do you think you can do it, Dalal?"

The seasoned enchantress turned to her. "I shall have to. There is no other alternative."

"Katherine?" called a gentle voice, marked by a distinct warble. Kat looked up from the cold white floor of the medical chamber, and saw Delphine, the leader of the Aquitian Rangers, standing at the door.

"Yes?"

"Your zord has been repaired. You must rejoin the battle against Divatox."

Kat nodded, and picked up her helmet. She then reached over, and squeezed Tommy's hand gently.

"Hang in there," she said to him, standing up. He looked up at her.

"Please finish this fight soon," Tommy said in a low voice, "I... I don't know how I'd be able to tell Billy that Cestria died while he was gone. I know he'll want to say goodbye."

Kat nodded, and strapped her helmet on. Then, she and Delphine walked quickly through the winding halls of Triton, toward the underground Zord hangar. After a few moments of silence, Katherine asked the question that had been plaguing her for some time.

"Delphine, why didn't you tell Billy that Cestria was dying?"

Delphine slowed, and glanced at the Pink Ranger. "Because, he surely would have wanted to come and try to save her. For all his brilliance, Billy is very emotional, like all humans. He wouldn't be thinking clearly. Indeed he is a skilled scientist, and even a worthy physician, but he couldn't give her better care than Aquiva, and Aquiva already made it clear that nothing could be done."

"Don't you think Billy deserves to know? She may die while he's up there, battling to save this planet."

"That is the point, Katherine. Billy cannot afford to have his mind elsewhere. The fate of this entire planet, and the billions of Aquitians living here, depends on him keeping his wits, and fighting at his best alongside the other Zeo Rangers. That means he must focus on the fight, and not Cestria's condition."

"Aquiva said that the Sword of Tympanus can't heal physical wounds. Is that really true?"

Delphine thought for a moment. "The true nature of the sword is still a mystery, since it was never really used by the Aquitian monarchy. However, because it is a creation of pure magic, it most likely will work best at curing magical ailments. That is the legend, at least."

"Then there is a chance, althought slight, that Billy can save Cestria!" Kat almost yelled, "He should be given the chance to save his love's life!"

Delphine frowned. "You humans certainly have a romantic vision of reality. Let's say that it is true, and that Billy could indeed restore Cestria to full health. Using the Sword of Tympanus as a healing item drains the user of his own energy, meaning that Billy would be extremely weak. Since Cestria is nearly dead, a great deal of Billy's own energy would go into her treatment, meaning it could take hours for him to recover. Meanwhile, Divatox is still battling the three remaining Zeozords. Even with you, Katherine, the Zeo Rangers were barely holding their own. What chance do you think Aquitar has if Billy wasn't up there?"

Katherine remained silent. Delphine continued.

"I understand how frustrated you feel, Katherine. However, one must regard the bigger picture. We can't risk billions of lives on the minute possibility that one life can be saved. Do you not agree?"

Kat nodded slowly.

"And if your planet were in such jeopardy that all humankind was at immediate risk, would you dare remove a ranger from the fight, just to save one individual?"

"I... I never thought about it--" Kat stammered.

"I pray, then, that you never are faced with such a dilemma. But think of this-- what would that individual think? How would he feel, knowing that his entire planet was sacrificed just so he may continue living? How would you feel, if the rangers sacrificed Earth to save you?"

Kat didn't respond. She didn't have a counter for Delphine's logic. Although it seemed rather cruel and unfeeling, it was correct. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Of course Billy, being a logician by nature, would understand that concept. Whether he will accept it in this instance is an entirely different question.

The two women finally reached the zord hangar, and Katherine stood at the edge of the pool, looking up at Super Zeozord I. To her amazement, it was in perfect shape. All the slashes were mended, and the helmet was repaired perfectly. Kat grinned beneath her helmet.

"Back to Action!" she cried, vanishing in a streak of rose-colored light. She then appeared in the cockpit of her zord, and activated the thrusters. After only a few seconds, Delphine activated the teleporter, and sent the Zeozord back into space. She then turned to Corcus and Cestro, who were assembling their tools to repair Super Zeozord V. Cestro looked up at her, his face grim.

"Is my cousin still alive?" he asked.

"For now," Delphine answered, "Aquiva thinks she will live for about thirty minutes. At most."

Cestro shook his head solemnly, and glanced up at Super ZeoZord V. "It is impossible for this ship to be repaired in less than five days, Delphine. It isn't advisable to begin repairs now. Perhaps it is best to work on the Battle Borgs, to aid the Zeo Rangers. The Yellow, Black, and Red Battle Borgs weren't damaged too severely."

"Then do so," said Delphine, laying a hand on Cestro's shoulder, "but first, I think you should visit your cousin. I shall assist Corcus in the repairs until you return."

Cestro smiled gratefully at his leader. "Did Aquiva yet inject her with Serastosine?"

"Yes, so you will not be able to mind-speak to her. However, I am sure she will be able to detect your presence, on some level of awareness."

Cestro nodded, and hurried out of the borg hangar. Delphine and Corcus then stood on the hoverpads, and rose towards the Yellow Battle Borg. Tideus stood by on the computers, watching the battle taking place miles above Aquitar's densely clouded atmosphere.

In space, ZeoZords II and III rush the space submarine, their swords held high. But their mighty weapons only make dents in the outer hull of the ship, and suddenly, another torpedo was launched.

"Great," muttered Rocky, quickly pushing on the steering wheel to cause the zord to dive out of the way, "I wonder what this torpedo does!"

^Somehow, I doubt its confetti,^ said Tanya.

"Hey! I'm the one who makes the jokes around here!"

^Guys,^ said Billy's voice through the intercom, ^back away. I want to try something out.^

^Go for it,^ said Adam, as all three Zeo Rangers watched the Silvertip Sharkzord on their screens. The shark pointed directly at the submarine, and inclined its head downwards, arching its back slightly. Then, the gleaming silver dorsal fin suddenly began to glow, and launched from the back of the zord. The fin streaked through space, spinning like a boomerang, and sliced into the wing of the submarine. Then, it swung around, completely wripping off the other wing, and then it returned to the Sharkzord.

"Wow!" said Rocky in awe, "I gotta get me one of those!"

Billy smiled beneath his helmet, as the four zords congregated before the submarine. Sparks still flew from where the wings used to be, and the disconnected sheets of metal floated away in space. Then, Billy noticed a pink blip on his screen.

"I knew Cestro could fix it," he said to himself, activating the intercom, "Kat, welcome back to the fight!"

^I certainly hope you left some for me,^ she answered.

"Indeed. Everyone, get ready to form Megazord."

^Uh, I think something's wrong with my communicator,^ said Rocky, ^Did you just say form Megazord?^

"Yes, that's what I said."

^But Tommy's still on Aquitar--^

"I realize that, Tanya. Trust me."

Billy then turned off his communicator, and activated a special computer, on the arm of his pilot's chair. A small screen came up, with some buttons on it. Billy began pressing buttons, scanning the possibilities for transformation. Finally, he found the zord he was looking for, and pressed the initiate button.

Outside, the pilots of the four Zeozords watched in surprise as a strange red aura clouded the Silvertip Sharkzord.

^Ohmigod!^ cried Kat, ^What's happening to Billy's ship?^

^Could it be one of Divatox's attacks?^ suggested Rocky.

^Billy said to trust him,^ Adam reminded them, ^He knows what he's doing.^

^We hope,^ added Tanya.

The red light faded, and the rangers all gawked at what they saw. Floating before them, less than a kilometer away, was Super Zeozord V.

"Okay," said Billy into his intercom, "Its time for Megazord!"

Awhile ago, Divatox screamed in anger when she saw the Silvertip Sharkzord appear. She knew that meant someone had already found the Sword of Tympanus. Later, she roared with rage when the Pink Zeozord rejoined the fray, just after her ship was completely disabled from warp drive, with both wings ripped off. Now that she sees the Super Zeo Megazord form before her eyes, she yells furiously, and rises to her feet.

"Rygog!" she barked, "Send out one of the drill torpedoes!"

"Captain, we.. we don't have anymore ready to fire!"

Divatox's icy blue eyes became silver, and a beam of silver energy flew at Rygog. Rygog ducked, and watched as the laser burned a hole in his seat.

"Porto! What can we do against the Megazord?"

"Well, considering all the energy expent earlier... not much."

Divatox frowned angrily, and looked at the screen again. The Megazord was complete, and it drew its sword.

"Evasive action!!" she screamed as the zord swiftly approached. Elgar did his best to move the submarine, but without the wings, it just wasn't very responsive. The swordstroke tore through the middle of the space submarine, rocking the entire bridge.

Divatox collapsed onto her chair as all the lights flickered on and off, and began exploding. "No," she muttered, rising to her feet and throwing her purple ponytail out of her face, "NOOO!!"

"Auntie D! We gotta get outta here!" Elgar yelled, running to his aunt and grabbing her arm. She glared at him, causing him to cringe and release her.

"Porto," she said, "where is the dehydration spell? I want to finish off that Goddess-forsaken planet before we leave. No one stands up to Divatox!!"

"Uh, there's a slight problem with that," muttered Porto, anxiously glancing at his computer station. It had exploded, and was sparking with electricity. Divatox growled.

"Don't tell me," she mumbled, "the pages were still in the computer."

"I'm afraid so."

"Do you realize that that was the only copy of that spell in existence?!"

Porto stumbled back as Divatox marched up to him, her eyes glowing with silver fury.

"I'm sorry, Captain, but with all the fighting, it was difficult to divert enough energy from the weapons to finish the restoration."

Divatox backed down as the ship began shaking, and a console caught fire. She jumped back from that console, and glared at the screen, were the Megazord was still visible through the static.

"You will pay for this, Powre Rangers of Earth! I promise, you will not forget Divatox! I will destroy you, and your entire world!"

Divatox ran to the back of the bridge, and pressed a few buttons. "To the escape pod!" she ordered, "We'll get a new ship, and some reinforcements, and then we shall exact our revenge!!"

Divatox then ran from the bridge, followed closely by her crew. Soon, they were inside the circular escape pod, which streaked inconspicuously into outer space as the submarine exploded in a blinding flash of flames.

Kimberly uttered a choice Venusian curse she picked up during her month-long reign over Venus Island. She quickly pushed down on her steering wheel, causing the Crane to dive low, narrowly missing a well-aimed blow from Goldar's gargantuan sword. She had tried to fight from a distance, since she knew she wasn't in a position to put up much of a fight at close range. However, Scorpina and Goldar are both skilled strategists with centuries experience more than the young Venusian. They managed to corner her, and now Kimberly is just barely managing to keep ahead of the swordstrokes flailing from all ends.

"Its only a matter of time, Majesty!!" Scorpina growled. She was now in her monster form, and her deep voice was dripping with dark sarcasm at the use of Kimberly's title. Kim flew in low, blasting a round of laser rays at her fellow Venusian Ninjetti. Scorpina roared in pain, and swung her mighty arm, knocking the small zord off balance. Kimberly managed to regain control before crashing into a skyscraper.

^Kimberly!^ came a voice over her communicator, ^Do you read me?^

"Yes, Alpha," she responded between clenched teeth, "Give me some good news!"

^Well, the Zeozords are ready for combat! But Dalal can't pilot one, so we'll have to combine into the Megazord before entering the fight. You need to teleport back here.^

"Gladly," she said, aiming her zord to the clear blue sky. The magical machine began to vanish, and in a flash of pink light, it was out of sight completely. Scorpina, Goldar, and Rito all gazed at where the zord had been, obviously confused.

"Coward!" Goldar rumbled, "She would rather save her own skin than protect her planet! Victory is ours!!"

"Not yet," Scorpina replied, turning full circle and scanning the area cautiously, "Kimberly is cautious, because she is the sole monarch of Venus Island. However, she is not a coward, nor a quitter. She will return."

^You got that right!^ came a voice from behind. All three villains turned around in surprise, and saw the Zeo Megazord standing, gripping its mighty sword in its right hand. "Okay, ladies," Kimberly said to her crew after turning off the outside speakers, "are we comfortable yet with the controls?"

"This thing is amazing!" Renee gasped, from her seat at the Yellow Ranger's controls, "Now I know what you miss about being a ranger."

"I think we've figured out all the necessary functions," Jezebel answered from the Pink Ranger's chair.

"And Zordon aptly explained the mechanics of the Megazord," said Dalal, tapping at the control panel at the Green Ranger's station.

"All systems are ready," said Sophia from the Blue Ranger's chair.

"Then let's get a move on!" cried Kimberly, programming the zord to leap forward, "I've got first attack!"

The Zeo Megazord rushed the villains, swinging its sword against theirs. It managed to outdo Rito rather quickly, forcing the dense villain to toss his sword away. He didn't manage to pick it up before the zord turned around and punched him in the jaw with its left hand. Rito wimpered and backed off, allowing Goldar a clear shot at the zord with his energy beams. The zord moved, and tried to approach Goldar. But he and Scorpina both continued firing energy beams, forcing the zord to stay back.

"Any ideas?" Kim asked.

"Let me try," said Jezebel, "Zeo One Battle Helmet!"

Pink and Lavender Ninjetti switched seats, allowing Jezebel control of the weapons. On the outside, the red helmet of the Megazord was replaced by a pink and blue one, with a large cannon at the top. From that cannon powerful bursts of energy shot forth, slamming into the unsuspecting villains with cosmic force. Both Goldar and Scorpina began to lose their magical energy, slowly shrinking to their original size.

"And now to hit them even harder," said Sophia, "Zeo Three Battle Helmet!"

This time, the head of the Megazord became blue, and a triangular burst of energy flew from the zord at all three villains. The energy exploded on contact, sending Rito, Scorpina, and Goldar reeling.

"Let's get out of here!" Scorpina growled. Goldar and Rito both nodded, and all three villains vanished from Angel Grove.

"That was easy," said Renee, glancing at Kim. Kim nodded pensively.

"Almost too easy."

In five flashes of bright light, the Pink, Blue, Green, Yellow, and Silver Rangers appeared in the underground Battle Borg hangar. Now, along with the five borgs and Super Zeozord V stood the remaining Zeozords. All except the Silvertip Sharkzord.

"Billy," said Tanya, unclasping her helmet and glancing at the Silver Ranger, "where did you put your zord?"

"Back in the mountain range," he responded, "There's no need for it to take up so much space."

The five Aquitian Rangers hurried to where the rangers were standing, and Delphine took Billy's hand.

"Excellent job, Billy," she said, "I'm certain you have made Tympanus very proud."

Billy grinned, and took off his helmet. He then looked around expectantly. Kat saw this reaction, and glanced at the floor nervously.

"Where's Cestria?" he asked at last. Delphine's warm grin fell, and her grip on his hand tightened.

"She is still in the medical chamber," she said, guiding him out of the hangar, "She doesn't have much time left."

Billy grew ghostly pale. "Until what--?" he asked absently.

"Until she dies," Delphine responded as she lead Billy into the medical chamber. Tommy was still sitting beside the glass tube, his hands clenched tightly and a morbid expression on his face. He glanced up at Billy, and sighed.

"She... she's--?" Billy stammered helplessly, gazing at the tube.

"No," said Tommy, standing up, "Not yet, at least. She's comatose, but she's still alive."

"Barely," said Aquiva from across the room. He came to Billy, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I am sorry, William. There's nothing I can do for her."

"But... but... she can't be dying! You've got to do something!! Aquitar has the most advanced medical technology in the galaxy!!"

"And she is beyond medical care," Aquiva said calmly, "You came just in time to say goodbye."

"No," Billy said, his hands shaking as he drew out the Sword of Tympanus from its sheath, "she's not going to die. I won't let her! Silver Rush!!"

Billy touched the silver blade to the glass, and squeezed his eyes shut. A silvery glow exuded from both Billy and the sword, and everyone stepped back from the intense magic. Billy began to sweat, and he staggered under the stress of the energy. After a solid three minutes, he collapsed to the ground, dropping his sword. Tommy and Delphine helped the distraught Silver Ranger to his feet. He glanced at Cestria, who laid unchanged, and unresponsive to his efforts.

"Why didn't it work?!" he yelled.

"She is beyond all help, Billy," Delphine answered, "Medical as well as magical."

Billy's eyes welled with tears of despair and frustration, as he turned and lay his hand on Cestria's tube. He wiped his face with his other hand, and trembled. Meanwhile, the other Zeo and Aquitian Rangers stood at the doorway, watching in silence. Katherine approached Billy, and touched his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry--"

"Don't give me apologies, Kat!" Billy yelled suddenly, turning to face the Pink Ranger, "Why didn't you tell me she was dying?! You knew, didn't you?!" Kat bowed her head, blinking back tears. Billy then turned to Delphine, tears streaming down his red cheeks.

"And you--! Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell me, Billy, what would my telling you have accomplished?"

"I could've gotten here sooner! I could've helped Aquiva save her!"

"How?" she inquired, "Aquiva is the most skilled physician on the planet. Your help couldn't have been useful."

"Maybe if I had gotten here sooner, I could have cured her with the Sword!"

"The chances are minute--"

"--but still existent!" Billy yelled.

"Billy," said Cestro, walking into the room and looking at his friend sadly, "you are a servant of Aquitar, just like the rest of us. When you came, you became an honorary member of the Aquitian Rangers, dedicated to protect this planet. If you had come here instead of fighting Divatox in space, this planet would have been destroyed. She is my cousin, Billy, and I love her deeply. But there was nothing anyone could have done. Nothing."

Billy wiped his eyes again, and glanced at the computer alongside the tube. It was her heartbeat, being monitored. And suddenly... it stopped.

Silence reigned for a solid minute.

"She's gone, Billy," Tommy whispered, wiping his own moist eyes. Billy glanced blankly at Tommy, as well as all his human and Aquitian friends. He then glanced at Cestria's serene face, and screamed in anguish, collapsing to knees. Finally, he bowed his head to the ground. Tommy approached him again, but Delphine caught his hand.

"We should leave him alone, Tommy," Delphine said, "Billy is now in mourning, and surely would rather grieve in solitude. Aquiva, please come with us."

The elderly physician nodded, and followed the two teams of rangers out of the medical chamber. Billy remained kneeling on the floor, leaning his head against the glass tube that held the wordly remains of his love.

"William?" came a familiar voice, "What are you doing here? You have a job to do!"

Billy turned his head, and saw Tympanus sitting in the chair Tommy had occupied earlier. Billy's eyebrow arched.

"How did you get in here? How did you find me?"

"A good magician never tells his secrets," Tympanus answered with a grin. His grin fell when he saw Billy's pained expression.

"You know she had to die, William," Tympanus said at last, startling the young man.

"Why?!" Billy demanded.

"Because, she is the only thing tying you to Aquitar. You see, you were destined to come here, to claim my Sword. But you can't stay here forever. The only way for you to leave was for her to die."

"I... I don't understand..."

"Divatox wants revenge, and the Aquitian Rangers can't beat her. Only the Zeo Rangers, along with you and the Venusian Empire, can finally bring this witch to justice. She has destroyed many lives, and many worlds, Billy. Her villainy must end."

"So you knew she was going to die too?!" Billy asked incredulously. Tympanus nodded.

"Unlike most Earthlings, Eltarians and Aquitians believe quite strongly in destiny. I knew you were destined to return to Earth with your friends. It is where you truly belong."

"No its not," Billy muttered, "Without Cestria, I don't belong anywhere."

"You belong where you feel loved and needed, Billy. That was Aquitar for a time, but without Cestria, you no longer feel that bond of love. However, on Earth, there is the irreplaceable bond of friendship waiting for you."

Billy turned away from Tympanus, obviously unconvinced.

"You finally have what you've been yearning for for months! Restored Power! Now, as the Silver Ranger, you are a much-needed addition to the Zeo Rangers. They have made a new enemy this day, who will return, more powerful than before. They need you to stop her. And you will finally return home."

Billy turned to Cestria once again, and breathed deeply. "Still... she didn't deserve to die."

"Very few truly deserve to die, but Cestria is in a better place now. When the time is right, you will be reunited with her. In the meantime, however, you must live your life with the people who love you. Your family and your friends. They will help you through this tragedy."

Billy looked up to the wise sage, his face still grim. Tympanus picked up the Sword, and handed it to the Silver Ranger.

"Now there are more pressing matters. The water is still evaporating. You must break the spell Divatox has cast, and allow the rains to restore Aquitar's ocean. Only you can do it, and you must do it quickly. Already the water is only about two kilometers deep."

Billy nodded, and strapped on his silver helmet. After gazing at Cestria a little longer, he grasped the sword, and vanished in a streak of silver light. Tympanus smiled, and placed his hand above Cestria's head.

"Rest well, child. You accomplished your life's mission. You made sure the Chosen One found me. You shall not be forgotten."

That said, Tympanus vanished from Triton before anyone besides Billy ever saw him.

Billy appeared atop the mountain, now among many spots on the planet above sea level. He glanced up at the tremendous cloud cover, and unsheathed his sword. He instinctively knew how to use the healing power of the sword. He raised the sword high, and closed his eyes beneath his helmet.

"Silver Rush," he said unenthusiastically.

A bright beam of silver light struck the clouds, the force of which pushed the Silver Ranger to his knees. After he lowered the sword, the patch of sky suddenly began to rain. After a moment, the surrounding cloud area began to rain, and so on across the horizon. Billy sank down on the rock, panting heavily from the exertion. He pulled off his helmet, letting the rain soak his light brown hair and pale face. The streaks of rain water washed away the sweat on his brow, as well as the tears forming in his eyes, as he looked at the mighty Sword of Tympanus. He then lay it down beside him, and picked up his helmet. He stared into the visor, and saw his face in the reflective tinted glass.

"Its ironic," he thought aloud, "The powers of the Silver Ranger include healing, even on a scale such as an entire planet. The water was actually down to about one-sixth of the total water on the planet, and it wasn't too late. The power to save a planet, but not the power to save the woman I love."

Billy wiped his face with the back of his hand, and touched his forehead.

"I didn't realize the situation she was in. I didn't realize she was dying. Delphine knew it would worry me, and then I'd make mistakes. Mistakes could have cost us the fight. But, didn't I deserve to at least _try_ to save her? By the time I arrived, all I could do was stand by her side when she... when she..."

Billy started to sob outright, into the sleeves of his uniform. Slowly the water levels rose as water poured from the skies as it would from a bucket. As his heart mourned the loss of the love of his life, his overachieving mind couldn't help but ponder the irony of the situation. The day that should have been the greatest day of his life-- the day he was restored as a superhero and saved a planet-- has become the worst.