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Chapter Text

Ronny slowly released her grip on the edge of the car, where she had grabbed hold when her vision had suddenly grayed over and her knees gave out.

"Are you okay, Ronny?" a voice asked, as a hand appeared holding a water bottle.

"Yeah," she said breathlessly, taking the bottle with a shaky hand, "It's just the heat," she insisted.

Her boss, John Oliver, frowned, they've dealt with hotter, "It is a bit hot out isn't it?"

Ronny nodded, "I'll be fine," she insisted, twisting the lid off the bottle, and splashing some of the contents on the ground.

"I want you to go to Medical and get checked out before the race. If they don't clear you I'm calling in Justin."

Ronny grimaced, sipping at the water, "You don't need to worry about me John. I've fought monsters while feeling a lot worse than this."

"This isn't a battlefield, Ronny, this is a race track. While on the field you had your teammates with you, at least I assumed that they were there. Power Rangers always work as a team, right?"

Ronny nodded her head, and immediately regretted it as her head spun and throbbed, "Yeah," she admitted faintly.

"You don't have your team to help you out on the track, and it's my responsibility to make sure that you and all the other racers are safe, and if that means pulling you out of the race, then that is what I will do," John ordered.

"You can't pull me from the race," Ronny protested, taking a step forward only for her knees to buckle.

She grabbed onto the car for support, waiting for her head to stop spinning, "Fine," she growled, "I'll go," she promised.

...

The medic shook his head as he checked the thermometer, "Well, good news is you aren't running a fever," he announced, "But your blood pressure is low. You're probably just dehydrated," he announced, handing her a gatorade, "Try drinking a couple of sports drinks and avoid Pops and anything caffeinated."

Ronny took the Gatorade with a nod of thanks, "Think I'm okay to race?" She asked, taking a sip.

The medic shook his head, "Not until your blood pressure is up where its supposed to be."

Ronny sighed, "I guess Justin is going to be racing today then," she muttered.

"I suggest that you hang out in your trailer, avoid the crowds and enjoy the AC."

Ronny nodded, grimacing slightly as her head spun, she really needed to stop doing this, and was about to take another sip when she noticed something odd about her hand, it was emitting a flickering yellow light that danced up and down her arm.

"That's weird," the medic exclaimed, noticing it too, "Never seen anything like that before."

Ronny had to agree with him on that. She never seen anything like this either, but she was certain it had something to do with her powers, "Do you know where Justin is?" She asked, mentioning the mechanic and engineer that helped build her racecar and sometimes filled in for a racer if they were unable to race.

"Not really why?"

"Oh, I just want to talk to him about the steering on my car, you really have to yank on the wheel to turn left. If he's racing he needs to know that," Ronny insisted her eyes not leaving her arm and the traveling light. That was partially true, but the main reason she wanted to talk to the older man was because he was another power ranger. Maybe he knew what was going on.

The door to the Medical tent flapped open, and John entered with a tall man.

"Hey, Ron..." The man trailed off, eyeing the flickering light, "There's something seriously wrong with your powers," he announced, his eyes widening, "You need to get to a Power Rangers' Medical Bay, ASAP."

"Justin, the only Medical Bays I know of are in California," Ronny protested.

Justin frowned, "Don't you have teammates or other rangers that you can contact who can send a Zord, or teleport you, or something?" He asked.

"I do have some contacts on my phone, but it's in my trailer," Ronny confessed.

"I'll help you there," Justin offered, holding out a hand.

Ronny clasped it, stood up, and immediately collapsed. Justin guiding her down to the ground safely as her body started to spasm, "I think we better call an ambulance," Justin announced, "They can Life Flight her to Mariner Bay from the nearest hospital."

John glanced down at his best racer, his heart breaking slightly, a siezure meant the end of her racing career, and he knew how much she loved to race, "I better go contact her emergency contacts."

...

Spencer was just finishing the dusting when the cordless phone started to go off, "Thank you for calling Hartford Manor," he said answering it, "This is Spencer. How may I help you?"

"Spencer, great, this is John Oliver, I'm Ronny Robinson's boss. She has you listed as an emergency contact."

"I see, I take it something has happened?"

"Yes, we don't know what exactly, she's collapsed. We've called an ambulance and there's a good chance she'll be transferred to Mariner Bay. Another racer who happens to be friends with the Astro Rangers believes that there is something wrong with her powers."

"Oh, my, that does sound bad, I shall contact Mr. Hartford and the rest of the rangers right away. Thank you for the notification. I hope you have a good rest of your day."

...

"Dr. Mitchell," Dana said answering the phone at her office.

"Dr. Mitchell this is Dr. Johnson at Phoenix General Hospital. We have a Veronica Robinson in our emergency room. According to her reports she is a member of the newest power ranger team."

"Yes, Ronny Robinson, the yellow ranger of Operation Overdrive," Dana supplied, she, like most former rangers, kept update on teams and new rangers, "What's wrong with her?"

"We're not quite sure, heat exhaustion is really the only thing we've been able to diagnose. However, she is emitting a strange flickering yellow light. We're wondering if there might be something wrong with her powers that is affecting her physically."

"A flickering light like that means that that ranger's power is unstable. I'm going to send someone to pick her up. You don't have the equipment needed to find out why her powers are unstable."

...

"Hey Spencer, what's up?" Mack asked, nodding his head to the camera as he slid in front of the monitor.

"Is your father there?" Spencer asked.

"I'm right here," Andrew announced, stepping up behind his son, "What can I do for you?"

"Sir, I just received some... Troubling news about Ronny... Apparently her health has taken a sudden turn for the worse and she was rushed to the hospital."

"Do you know which hospital?" Mack demanded, gripping the table so tightly that it creaked under the strain.

"Mr. Oliver, her boss, believed that she would be transferred to Mariner Bay as there appears to be some problems with her powers."

"Dr. Dana Mitchell is an excellent doctor," Andrew agreed, "If anyone can help Ronny, it's her."

"Shall I notify the rest of the team?" Spencer asked.

Andrew shook his head, "No, at least not yet. We don't know what actually is going on. We don't want to worry the others if it turns out to be nothing serious."

...

Tommy Oliver was monitoring his class as they took a unit test when his phone dinged alerting him of a text. He glanced at his students, everyone's eyes were on their own papers, then glanced at the phone. There was a text from Dana on the home screen, '🚨, Call Me ASAP!'

He sighed glancing at his students, "I'm stepping out for a minute," he announced, "I'll be right back."

He left the door open, as he strode across the hall to a math teacher who had prep that hour, "Hey, I had a family emergency pop up, do you mind sitting with my class while I get coverage? They're just taking a test."

The woman nodded, following him back into his room. Tommy felt relief that none of his students where rushing back to their seats at the reappearance of their teacher. Good that meant they probably didn't cheat.

"I had something come up," Tommy announced, "Ms. Lyon will stay with you. You are to listen to her like you would me."

With one final glance at his students, and another quick thank you to Ms. Lyon, he hurried out the door.

He stopped briefly at the principal's office, stepping inside, and shutting the door that is always kept open, "Leslie," he said, "Do you think Anton will be willing to cover my classes for, well, it will probably be for the rest of the school year? I've been called in, who knows how long it will take."

Leslie nodded, "Who's with your class now?"

"Ms. Lyon she was in prep. Luckily I just need someone there to dissuade cheating. It will just be review and the finals, Anton knows where I keep my lesson plans."

"You best get going then," Leslie insisted, "The world is counting on you. I'll arrange for your sub."

...

With his class taken care of Tommy rushed out to his Jeep. It was only after he was secured inside it that he called Dana.

"What's going on?" Tommy demanded, "It's safe for me to talk."

"It's the new yellow ranger," Dana explained, "Her powers are extremely unstable, and well... You're our leading expert on unstable powers. Any ideas on what could be causing it. I'm treating her for heat exhaustion as well. Could that have caused it?"

Tommy shook his head even though Dana couldn't see him, "No, powers aren't affected by illnesses. The only reason a power is unstable is if someone or something is attacking it. The green ranger's powers were unstable because it was destroyed by Rita Repulsa. Kimberly's powers became unstable because Kat stole her power source, and Trent's powers were unstable because there were two people trying to use the same power source."

"You're saying that Ronny was attacked?" Dana asked.

"Yes, but I don't know by who, as far as I know all of their enemies have been defeated. We're shooting in the dark here."

"I was afraid that you were going to say that," Dana confessed, "And I'm worried that if we don't do something soon, we might lose Ronny, she's fading fast."

"I'm on my way to Mariner Bay now," Tommy announced, "I can help stabilize her for now, but we're going to need her team's involvement. We need to stop whoever did this , and we might need to find an alternative power source to stabilize her."

"And right as they were getting settled back into normal life, too. Oh, being a power ranger," Dana insisted, and Tommy could almost hear her eyes rolling.

"Well," Tommy said, trying to grasp on something positive, "It could be worse, at least Ronny is public identity. Could you imagine what would have happened if she wasn't and her powers acted up like this?"

"Even better, Ronny works with Justin, who has established himself as a friend of the Astro Rangers. He managed to recognize the problem and took charge without raising suspicion."

"Yeah... How long will this luck last though?"

"With us, not long."

Chapter Text

Tommy slowly pulled the door shut behind him before turning to look at Dana, "She's resting peacefully for now," he announced, "but the fix is only temporary. We need to get her powers stabilized, or they will destroy her."

"Do you have a way to contact her team?" Dana asked.

"Adam should have their main number from when he helped them out, I'll give him a call."

...

Spencer was just finishing the laundry when the phone went off, "Thank you for calling Hartford Manor," he said answering it, "This is Spencer. How may I help you?"

"Spencer this is Dr. Oliver, my former teammates, Adam Park and Kira Ford probably mentioned me while they were helping you?"

"Yes, I seem to remember you being mentioned. Ms. Ford's science teacher, correct?"

"That's right," Tommy said, "I'm also the leading expert on unstable powers."

"Oh my, I got a call from a John Oliver not too long ago telling me that Ronny collapsed. He mentioned something about her powers then too."

"Yes, they've become dangerously unstable. I need her team's help if we're going to stabilize her powers. Can you contact them and tell them that they are needed in Mariner Bay ASAP?"

"Yes, of course, but I'll need help contacting Tyzonn, he and his fiancee already returned home to their planet. I have no way of reaching him."

"If you get a hold of the others I can reach Tyzonn," Tommy promised. "We need to act fast. Ronny's life is on the line here."

"I understand," Spencer said, "I assure you sir, I will contact them at once."

...

Mack glanced at the monitor, "Do you think Ronny will call us? Or at least call Spencer? Do you think she's okay?"

Andrew chuckled, shaking his head, "I'm sure she'll be fine. She's tough."

"Yeah, I don't think I would have been able to fight after having my life energy drained like she did."

Just then the monitor beeped alerting them of an incoming call from Spencer.

"Hey Spencer," Mack called, immediately sitting down in front of the monitor, "Any updates on Ronny?"

"As the matter of fact I do," Spencer announced, "Dr. Oliver just..."

"The Dr. Oliver?" Mack interrupted, "As in Tommy Oliver, the one Adam and Kira told us about. He's a legend!"

"Yes, that Dr. Oliver, apparently Ronny's powers have became completely unstable, and are vastly effecting her health. Dr. Oliver needs the teams help to stabilize her powers."

"How?" Mack asked.

"I don't know, Sir, however I've been instructed to tell you meet in Mariner Bay as soon as possible. I'm sure you'll be given more instructions there."

"Thank you for the update Spencer," Mr. Hartford said, "We'll break camp here and head out at once. Please contact the rest of the team.

...

Will hadn't yet put together his team. He was working on it, but nobody seemed to have the qualifications he was looking for in a partner. Some quick on their feet, smart, brave, flexible. People who could be serious on the job and a party to be with on the weekends. But none of them where as smart as Rose, as quick as Ronny, as gentle as Ty... Well they weren't the team.

So at the moment he was working alone, and when one works alone, one does not answer the phone no matter how much it is ringing.

...

Dax huddled over his old beat up laptop, in the dimly lit corner of a rundown coffee shop that only got any service when someone like him needed free wifi.

He stared at the screen, trying to decide what he could do to make the story even better. After all, he wanted to make a high end adventure movie, not a boring snooze fest film.

He had an idea in his mind which would be awesome. A high speed chase through the forest, ending with the protagonist slamming on the breaks and sliding to a stop mere inches from the edge of a cliff while the antagonist plummets over the side. The problem was, his main character wasn't the one he was picturing driving the jeep, he was just holding on for dear life while Ronny drove.

Honestly it would be a cool cameo, Ronny was certainly famous enough for it.

His phone buzzed. He picked it up, "Yo, this is Dax, Blue Operation Overdrive Ranger, and future director of a future block buster, what can I do for you?"

"Master Dax, this is Spencer, I'm afraid I've received some rather distressing news about Ronny."

...

Rose read through the paper in front of her, blinking multiple times. Had this person even used spell check, or heard of it? Did they read the instructions at all? Not only was the spelling bad but the whole thing was all over the place. She couldn't pick out a main topic if her life depended on it. She really didn't want to fail this student, mainly because she didn't want to deal with his screaming harpy of a mother who can't fathom that her baby boy was an adult now and needs to act like it and not hide behind her.

"Professor Otis you have a call on line two." A voice announced. Rose picked up her phone, "This is Rose," she offered.

"Rose, this is Spencer, I'm afraid I've received some rather distressing news about Ronny."

...

Will handed the priceless painting back to his customer, "There you go, best upgrade your system so that it doesn't happen again," he explained.

As he left he pulled out his phone noticing that he missed a phone call from Spencer, "I wonder what's that about?" He asked, playing the voicemail.

"Will, this is Spencer, I'm afraid I've received some rather distressing news about Ronny. She's taken quite ill suddenly, something about her powers becoming unstable. Anyway Dr. Oliver of the power rangers need the team to meet him in Mariner Bay as soon as possible to stabilize her. Please let me know when you get this message."

...

Adam was just cleaning up from the last of his class when his started to vibrate. He glanced at it, Tommy Oliver.

"Hey man what's up?" He asked cheerfully.

"I need Alpha Six's help contacting Tyzonn on Mercury."

"Wow right into the demands. Not even a simple how are you?"

"Adam this is urgent, Ronny's life is counting on us getting Tyzonn back now!" Tommy snapped, "Get Alpha Six now. I'm working as the leader right now."

"Okay, okay," Adam muttered, calling over his robotic friend, "here."

...

"Are you sure?" Tyzonn asked as he stared at his beautiful wife, "Are you really sure?"

Vella nodded, "Yes, I'm certain," she assured him.

Tyzonn whooped in excitement, twirling Vella around, "This is amazing news!" He announced, "I can't wait to tell my friends." He dipped Vella and was about ready to give her a kiss when his communicator went off.

"Tyzonn this is Dr. Tommy Oliver of the power rangers. I need you to report to Mariner Bay Power Ranger Medical Bay for an urgent mission. Your teammate, Ronny's life depends on it."

Tyzonn glanced at Vella, "Come with me?" He suggested, "Who knows how long this mission will take, and I want to be there when the baby is born of at all possible."

"Of course."

Chapter Text

Will leaned casually against the wall of the hospital room, staring broodingly at the still form of Ronny Robinson in front of him, several IVs hooked up to her. This just wasn't like Ronny, she was usually so full of life, it was unusual to see her lying so still.

Mack was slumped in a hard back chair, staring blankly at Ronny, while Dax shook his head every once in a while.

Tyzonn clung to Vella for support, glancing at his friend, "Who would do something like this? All of our enemies are gone... Right?" He glanced at his teammates.

"I can't think of anyone either," a deep voice said as Tommy Oliver entered the room with Dana Mitchell, "All of the unaccounted for enemies have no reason to attack Ronny, they're from different teams and never interacted with her."

"But she's been attacked?" Dax asked.

Tommy shrugged, "That's the most likely explanation," he admitted, "But it could also be that for some reason her body is rejecting her powers. I've seen that happen once before."

Will pushed himself off the wall, his brow furrowed. "Rejecting her powers? But she's been a Ranger for over a year now. Why now?"

Tommy sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's rare, the Original Red had it happen while he was serving as the Gold Zeo Ranger. The power just became too much for him to handle. That's why we don't use the Zeo crystals very often."

"But, if it's a reaction to her powers, won't we all be experiencing symptoms?" Rose asked.

Rose’s question hung in the air, thick with unspoken anxieties. Tommy nodded slowly. "Theoretically, yes. But Ronny's connection to the Overdrive Ranger powers has always been... unique. She seems to push herself harder, absorb more, than any of you. It’s possible that during one of your battles, she received an injury to her connection to the morphin grid, which has gradually gotten worse."

"What kind of things can cause those type of injuries?" Rose asked.

"Life energy drains are the number one cause of this type of injury, especially if you don't get the proper rest and recovery afterwards."

"The fearcats!" Will exclaimed, "Halloween, remember, they used her life energy to power their zord."

"That increases the chance that this is the case." Dana announced, "we won't know for certain until the test results come in."

"So what can we do?" Rose asked.

"You can help us stabilize Ronny's powers, and hopefully stop her from rejecting it." Dana announced.

"How," Mack demanded, sitting up straighter."

"The same way we stabilized my Green Ranger powers," Tommy announced, "She needs a new power source. It will strengthen her powers and stabilize them."

A collective gasp filled the room. “A new power source?” Dax echoed, his voice laced with incredulity. “But where are we going to find something that can replace the Overdrive DNA? Especially something that won’t… hurt her?”

Tommy held up a hand, silencing the rising tide of questions. “We don’t need to replace the Overdrive DNA. We need to supplement it, to create a buffer. Something that can help her body handle the immense power surging through her.”

Mr. Hartford cleared his throat, "Rose, do you know of any power sources we can use. In all your resource?"

Rose’s brow furrowed in thought. "There are a few theoretical possibilities," she began, her voice soft but firm, "Vhinstone crystals were supposedly used to stabilized the Earth itself."

"But Vhinstone crystals are just a myth, right?" Tyzonn asked, hope warring with disbelief in his eyes. "I mean, I've never even heard of them."

"That's what most people say about the Corona Aurora, or ghosts, or Atlantis, or Thor and Loki," Will pointed out, "And we dealt with all of that."

"Legends, rather than myths," Rose corrected, her gaze distant as she delved into the recesses of her memory. "There are accounts of their existence, fragments of ancient texts. They were said to possess incredible energy, capable of both creation and destruction. But finding them... that's the real challenge."

"Where do we even start?" Mack asked, his voice laced with desperation, this was his team, he needed to save Ronny.

Rose shook her head, "According to legends, Vhinstones are found in a cavern deep underground. But I don't know where the cavern is." She turned to Mr. Hartford, "Have you ever came across anything like that during one of your explorations?"

Mr. Hartford stroked his chin thoughtfully, his eyes gazing up at the ceiling as if searching for answers etched into the plaster. “Underground caves, ancient legends… Yes... Well not exactly. There was an expedition. We heard about an ancient Mayan city that supposedly, according to legends, was swallowed whole into the earth, supposedly by one of their gods, to protect something of great power. We looked for it, but never found it."

"That sounds promising," Tommy said, his voice laced with cautious optimism. "Mayan civilizations were incredibly advanced, and they often imbued their artifacts with powerful energies. It's a long shot, but it's the best lead we have."

"Oh right, we're going to Mexico!" Dax shouted.

"We don't know that for sure Dax," Rose insisted, "The Mayan empire stretched from Southern Mexico to northern Central America. For all we know we're going to Guatemala or Belize."

"I'm still excited," Dax insisted.

"Let's head back to San Angeles," Mr. Hartford suggested, glancing at Ronny.

"Dana will be able to take care of Ronny," Tommy offered, "And if you need me, shoot me a text. I teach high school so I can't just answer my phone whenever, but I will get to you ASAP."

The team shuffled out of the hospital room, a mixture of determination and anxiety etched onto their faces. Will lingered a moment longer, his hand hovering over Ronny's before he reluctantly pulled it away, guilt etched in his face.

"You okay?" Dana asked, placing a gentle hand on his arm.

"This is my fault," Will announced, "Ronny wouldn't have had her life energy drained if she hadn't sacrifice herself so that I could escape. It should be me on that bed."

Dana squeezed his arm, her gaze understanding. "Don't do that to yourself, Will. Ronny made her choice. She's a Ranger. She's a hero. And she wouldn't want you wasting time on guilt when you could be out there helping her. Besides, these things happen. The best team members put themselves at risk for the others."

He looked up at her, his eyes clouded with torment. "But what if we can't find this Vhinstone? What if it's just a legend, a fairytale? What if Ronny..." He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.

Dana shook her head firmly. "Don't think like that. We have to have faith. We have amazing resources out there. Mr. Hartford will pull every thread he can to find this lost city. Rose will cross-reference every legend, every historical account. You guys are the best team I've ever seen. You'll find it. And even if the Vhinstone isn't the answer, we'll find something else. We always do. That's what Rangers do."

Will took a deep breath, trying to absorb her words. He knew she was right. Dwelling on guilt wouldn't help Ronny. Action would. He straightened his shoulders, a flicker of determination returning to his eyes. "Okay. You're right. We need to focus on finding this city."

"That's the spirit," Dana said with a warm smile. "Now, go. Get some rest. I'll stay here with Ronny. And remember, even heroes need to recharge. A well-rested Ranger is a more effective Ranger."

Will nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Thanks, Dana. For everything."

He turned and walked out of the room, his steps a little lighter, his purpose renewed. The weight of guilt hadn't completely lifted, but it had lessened, replaced by a steely resolve. He wouldn't let Ronny down. He would do everything in his power to bring her back.

Back at the Hartford mansion in San Angeles, the atmosphere was a whirlwind of activity. Mr. Hartford was on the phone, barking orders in multiple languages, pulling every contact he had to gather information on the lost Mayan city. Rose was hunched over a holographic display, sifting through countless archives and ancient texts, her fingers flying across the keyboard.

Dax, despite his initial enthusiasm, was pacing nervously, muttering about ancient curses and hidden traps. Tyzonn sat quietly in a corner, polishing his Rescue Blaster, his face drawn and pale. Mack, ever the leader, was trying to maintain order, assigning tasks, and keeping everyone focused.

"Rose, anything?" he asked, his voice strained.

Rose shook her head, her eyes glued to the screen. "I've found references to a city called Xibalba, the Mayan underworld. Legends say it was a place of trials and tribulations, a gateway to the realm of the gods. Some stories mention a powerful artifact hidden within its depths, protected by ancient guardians."

"Xibalba," Mack repeated, tasting the word on his tongue. "That sounds promising. But is it the city Mr. Hartford mentioned?"

"It's the closest match I've found so far," Rose replied, scrolling through a series of images depicting Mayan glyphs and symbols. "The descriptions align with some of the legends he mentioned. But there's no direct connection to the Vhinstone crystals."

Mr. Hartford slammed the phone down, his face a mask of frustration. "Dead end after dead end! It's like this city vanished from the face of the earth. No records, no maps, nothing!"

"We can't give up, Dad," Mack insisted, stepping forward. "Ronny's counting on us."

Mr. Hartford sighed, running a hand through his thinning hair. "I know, son. I know. But time is running out. We need a breakthrough, and we need it fast."

Suddenly, a chime echoed through the room. Rose looked up, her eyes widening. "I think I found something," she announced, her voice tinged with excitement. "I've been cross-referencing the Xibalba legends with geological surveys of Central America. And I found an anomaly, a series of unusual seismic readings in the Petén Basin of Guatemala. It's a region known for its dense jungle and ancient Mayan ruins. But these readings are unlike anything I've ever seen. They suggest a large underground structure, a cavern complex that could be the remains of a swallowed city."

A collective gasp filled the room. Hope flared in their eyes, pushing back the encroaching darkness of despair.

"Guatemala," Mr. Hartford breathed, a glimmer of renewed energy in his voice. "That's it! Prepare the SHARC. We're going to find this city, and we're going to save Ronny."

"Alright," Dax said, "Finally," he clapped his hands together in excitement, "Let's go."

"Is there someway I can help?" Vella asked.

Tyzonn glanced at his wife before shaking his head, "This mission might be dangerous," he gently placed a hand on her stomach, "We need to think about the baby," he confessed.

"Perhaps Vella can keep Ronny company?" Spencer suggested, "Dr. Mitchell just called to inform me that Ronny has just regained consciousness."

"So Ronny's going to be alright?" Dax asked.

"It means that Dana and Tommy were able to alleviate Ronny's symptoms for the time being," Rose said, "They still need us to find the Vhinstones."

"And we aren't going to stop until we do," Will insisted.