Chapter Text
(Nova Church – Planet Eltar. 65 billion years ago. Two days before Judgement Day.)
A feminine, human-like figure in a long maroon robe walked in circles around a grand white table while a blue-skinned monk laid atop it. The evil sorceress gripped a staff crowned with a half-moon symbol. Rita Repulsa broke the silence:
Rita: Did you ever imagine you would have the privilege of being my hostage?
The monk trembled. He was Retris, the leader of the Nova Church.
Retris: What are you planning to do with me, monster?
Rita (impatient): You don't need to know. Just stay quiet until they arrive.
Retris pleaded, warning her that the Rangers would come. Rita raised her wand, irritated, but just then an explosion threw her to the floor. Five armored heroes stood in the smoke-filled doorway, weapons raised. They were the Eltarian Rangers: Zordon; the red ranger, Felicio; the blue ranger, Kimyie; the pink ranger, Seesa; the yellow ranger and Zetax; the green ranger. Our heroes had arrived.
Rita (smirking): At last, Zordon, you are finally here my dear, but you really should work on your entrances though, it is rude to interrupt me like that.
Zordon: Enough with the jokes, Rita. The church is surrounded by our patrols. Your forces have fled. Surrender.
Rita answered with a blast from her staff, but the Rangers countered it instantly. The fight was fast and overwhelming—coordinated strikes from the team, reflected energy blasts from the witch and a final slash by the Red Ranger. Within seconds, Rita collapsed to the floor. The Rangers removed their helmets, revealing blue-skinned faces.
Zordon: Rita Repulsa, you are under arrest for crimes against Eltar and the Vica Galaxy. You will stand trial before the Great Tribunal.
He restrained her with energy cuffs, while she only laughed.
Rita: You really think I'd fall this easily? This is only the beginning.
Zetax and Kimyie freed Retris while Felicio and Seesa escorted Rita away.
Zetax: She's nothing without her pawns. Don't worry Zordon.
Rita's smile didn't fade.
Rita: You're lucky I didn't bother trying.
Zordon took her staff, unsettled. As Rita was dragged from the church, she turned back one last time.
Rita: Remember this, Zordy. Eltar will burn.
Zordon watched her go while gripping the staff tightly—already sensing that something was wrong.
(Headquarters of the Eltarian Rangers – Judgement Day)
Zordon was sitting at a table inside the Rangers' headquarters, staring at his untouched meal while Rita's words were still echoing in his mind. Her defeat had been too easy.
Gardiava (gentle): My love… what's troubling you?
Zordon: Rita's surrender doesn't make sense. She wouldn't give up so easily.
Zetax scoffed while cutting his food, never once looking up
Zetax: You're overthinking it. She was never strong on her own, just a parasite hiding behind her minions.
Gardiava hesitated.
Gardiava: Still brother, she has destroyed worlds alone. I don't believe she was just bluffing.
The tension sharpened between both siblings, something Zordon noticed.
Zordon: Is something going on between you two? - trying to lighten the mood, Zordon spoke without thinking - I hope this isn't because of the baby.
Total silence. Zetax looked up slowly.
Zetax: …What baby?
Zordon: You haven't told him yet?
Zetax stood up abruptly while Gardiava was freezed, unable to talk.
Zetax: You're pregnant?
Just then Zordon's wrist communicator activated and he stood up, uneasy.
Zordon: I need to answer this, I'm sorry my love. We'll talk later Zetax.
As Zordon left Zetax turned to Gardiava while lowering his voice.
Zetax: Do you realize what you've done? You've compromised everything by having a child with the enemy.
Gadriava: Zordon is not the enemy. Rita is and I won't let my child be part of her war.
Zetax: Weakness. That's all this is.
She pleaded with him to leave Rita's side, but his brother's eyes were cold.
Zetax: If the plan were starting today, I'd destroy you, Zordon and that baby myself.
Zordon returned just in time to see Gardiava in tears.
Zetax (ironic): Congratulations, Zordon.
He walked away, as Gardiava tried to force a smile through tears. She already knew what Zordon was going to say, so she decided to interrupt him.
Gardiava: Please… focus on the trial. I feel something terrible is about to happen, my love.
She kissed him, holding him longer than usual, while elsewhere Zetax activated his communicator.
Zetax: Goldar. Gardiava has changed sides.
Goldar: Then you know what Rita demands.
Zetax clenched his jaw.
Zetax: We'll deal with her during the trial – he paused – I'll deal with her.
Goldar (amused): Let the games begin.
Zetax ended the transmission, his expression was unreadable.
(Great Tribunal of Eltar, Judgement Day)
The Great Tribunal of Eltar was overflown. Eltarians of every caste were there surrounding the Solaris Crystal, a star-shaped prism positioned to receive full power from the light of Eltar's sun. Whispers, anger and anticipation filled the chamber as the trial was soon to start. At the center of the room, Rita Repulsa was standing restrained.
Five of her generals were present among the crowd: Goldar, Irissa, Veyatriz, Silphy, and Zetax. All but Zetax covered, as only he and Gardiava could move freely—and both were standing close to the front. No one noticed the others. King Zoldien, ruler of Eltar, raised his hand.
Zoldien: Silence. Today, the Great Tribunal convenes to judge those captured during the last campaign. Prince Zordon of Eltar, present the first case.
Zordon stepped forward.
Zordon: Your Majesty, before you, stands Rita Repulsa. She has committed crimes across the galaxy—terrorism, enslavement, and the practice of dark magic within Eltar itself. As the Red Ranger, and as your son, I ask for her execution. She is too dangerous to be left alive.
Zordon raised the Lunar Staff as evidence, while the crowd erupted.
Zoldien: By law, we must hear the accused. Rita Repulsa, do you have anything to say in your defense?
Rita (smirking): No. I plead guilty - the room fell silent - I regret nothing. I enjoyed every conquest, every scream, every planet that fell. I am Rita Repulsa, daughter of Vile and Deoxia— and I accept death as the final chapter of my legacy. Long live the Evil Side.
As she finished talking, she turned around and subtly blinked towards the crow. That was the signal her generals were expecting.
Zoldien: Then, by the authority of Eltar, I sentence you to be destroyed.
The Annonite judges that were by his side unleashed purple energy and launched it at the criminal witch, but suddenly Zetax morphed into the Green Ranger, slammed Zordon aside and threw the Lunar Staff to Rita.
In just one motion, Rita absorbed the execution energy and released it back to the panel. The blast killed Zoldien and the judges instantly.
Zordon: NO! – he said as he morphed into the Red Ranger and went to attack Rita, but Zetax blocked him.
Zetax: Don't touch my queen.
The other generals all revealed themselves, making chaos erupt inside the Tribunal. All the other rangers were overwhelmed—one by one, they all fell.
Meanwhile, Gardiava rushed to Zordon.
Gardiava: We need to escape now!
Rita noticed her.
Rita: My, my… so the little ranger's girlfriend defected from our side.
Zordon looked at Gardiava, shattered.
Zordon: Were you part of this?
Gardiava: No. Please believe me. Our son—
Rita's smile disappeared.
Rita: Zetax. Deal with your sister.
Zetax approached as Zordon tried to stand in front of his fianceé, but Goldar grabbed him and forced him to watch how his now ex brother-in-law stabbed his own sister in the heart.
Zetax: Long live Queen Rita.
Gardiava: I'm… sorry… Zordon…
As Zordon collapsed watching the love of his life died, he saw how Rita stepped into the Solaris Crystal.
Rita: This is why you never cross me.
And as she started to chant a magical spell, dark energy rose from all the dead present, feeding her staff, which she fired into Eltar's sun. Then a black hole formed in the sky and Rita's Palace Ship arrived, taking the sorcerer and her generals away.
Zordon, broken and alone, watched Eltar collapse around him. Doomsday had begun.
Zordon (whisper): I swear…I will destroy you, Rita.
(Eltarian Rangers Headquarters, Doomsday)
Zordon burst into the ruined headquarters.
Zordon: Alpha! Alpha, where are you?!
Alpha 4 appeared behind him while alarms were echoing in the background.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi! Zordon! What's happening? Why is the city being consumed by a black hole? Where are the other Rangers?
Zordon stopped. His voice broke.
Zordon: They're gone. All of them. Rita escaped. Zetax betrayed us. The Tribunal… my father… Gardiava… It's doomsday, Alpha. And it's my fault.
He slammed his fist into the main console.
Alpha: Zordon, it's not—
Zordon: It is. And I'm going to fix it. Prepare the Commander Cruiser. Send evacuation signals to all bays. We're hunting Rita.
Alpha hesitated, then nodded.
Alpha: And the new Power Coins?
Zordon: Where are they?
Alpha: In the lab. Zet-. He was experimenting with them. Trying to link them to the Morphin Grid without costing you your powers. He didn't finish.
Zordon: Bring them. Now.
Alpha returned with a small box, but before Zordon touched it someone else spoke
Mystika: They're safe.
Zordon and Alpha turned around. A young annonite girl stepped out of the shadows.
Mytika: He experimented on them, but he didn't sabotage them. One coin was altered… but it's not here.
She placed her headphones aside.
Alpha: How did you read that energy so fast?
Mystika: I'm an annonite. I read energy from everything. I'm Mystika—granddaughter of Great Shaman Ludica.
Zordon stiffened.
Zordon: You shouldn't be here.
Mystika: Your guards let me in. I needed to speak with you—
Zordon: There's no time. A black hole is destroying Eltar and I'm leaving this planet. You need to evacuate now. The Great Tribunal has already been destroyed and soon this place will be as well
Mystika walked to the window and saw it. She was shocked.
Mystika: My grandmother…She was at the Tribunal.
Zordon looked away.
Zordon: I'm sorry. No one else survived.
Mystika collapsed, silently crying.
Alpha: Commander Cruiser ready, Zordon.
Zordon nodded, forcing himself not to look at Mystika.
Zordon: Put her on an emergency ship. Send her to the Royal Bay.
Mystika: Wait. You knew my mother, didn't you?
Zordon froze.
Mystika: She died on a mission under your command. I need to know what happened to her.
Zordon: Not now - he turned away - Alpha, let's go.
Zordon and Alpha left but Mystika wasn't going to let them go away that easily.
Mystika (to herself): I'm not letting you disappear again.
Moments later, unseen, she slipped aboard the Commander Cruiser. Her destiny had changed forever.
(Solar System,65,000,000,000 years ago)
The PalaceShip burst out of a wormhole, entering an untouched galaxy. Rita Repulsa smiled.
Rita: At last, the Milky Way. Unclaimed. Empty. Perfect - she raised a glass - Eltar is gone. The Rangers are dead. And now, my loyal crew, we rule from here.
She turned to her comrades, savoring the moment.
Rita: And this victory shines brightly thanks to one of you.
Goldar straightened proudly.
Rita: Zetax. You proved your loyalty now on, you are my second in command.
Zetax bowed.
Zetax: It was an honor, my queen - he bowed - I gladly accept the position and let me add, you look—
Finster interrupted him from the cockpit.
Finster (alarmed): My queen, you should see this.
Rita looked through the scope. Her smile vanished.
Rita (annoyed): That Eltarian trash. Zordon is alive!
An energy blast slammed into the PalaceShip, tearing through a wing and destabilizing everyone inside. Meanwhile inside the Commander Cruiser, Zordon fired relentlessly.
Zordon: Alpha, keep the blasters charged!
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi! Zordon, they already are charged, if we overcharge them, we'll explode!
Mystika stepped forward—older now, visibly aged by the wormhole.
Mystika: Zordon, stop! You're going to kill us all!
Zordon turned, stunned.
Zordon: You?! How did you get here—and how did you?
Alpha (amazed): Temporal exposure from the wormhole. Accelerated aging. Only thirteen years forward. Incredible
Another blast nearly hit them. Back in the PalaceShip, Rita had regained control.
Rita (pissed off): FINSTERR! My deaf and blind cousin could pilot this spaceship better than you. Emergency protocol everyone. Irissa, Veyatriz, Silphy—evacuate. Return to Vica and wait for my signal.
Irissa: We could finish him here—
Rita: No! If I fall, you resurrect me. That is your purpose. Now you three, go to the ships. Finster start transformation of the PalaceShip. Goldar and Zetax to the cannons.
The PalaceShip descended to the moon surface, transforming itself into Rita's lunar palace. The generals' escape ships fired one last volley—crippling the Commander Cruiser—then vanished back through the wormhole.
Meanwhile inside the Commander Cruiser sparks flew. The ship was failing.
Zordon: Alpha, prepare a capsule.
Mystika: What are you doing?
Zordon: I'll land on the palace and self-destruct the capsule. If I get destroyed alongside Rita, then so be it.
Alpha: No! There's another option – the robot handed him a glowing device - A Morphin Bomb. It will trap everything within fifty kilometers… but it will cost half your Ranger energy.
Mystika: That would trap you too!
Zordon: Then that's my sentence.
He entered the launch capsule. Mystika suddenly took control of the ship.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi! Mystika, you can't pilot!
Mystika: I can—and I will. We will retrieve him after the blast Alpha.
Zordon: You're as stubborn as your mother – he spoke through a communicator to the cockpit of the commander cruiser - Fine. On three.
The ship flew dangerously close to the palace.
Mystika: Now!
The capsule launched. Zordon ejected mid-flight, hovering above the palace.
Zordon: One!
Mystika/Zordon: Two!
All: Three!
Zordon dropped the Morphin Bomb and a massive blue energy sphere erupted, crystallizing everything in its path and then sending it into a dumpster on the lunar surface. Alpha teleported Zordon back at the last second—his body partially petrified. Meanwhile the palace, Rita, and part of the moon's surface collapsed into the sealed dumpster-like prison, locked in an energy field inside a huge crater.
The blast of the explosion wave hurled the Commander Cruiser toward Earth. Meteorites rained down. Inside the ship, the Power Coins glowed—awakening. Five were ejected into the world below while the remaining five created a force field, trapping some dinosaurs with the ship once it touched land.
The dark age of Rita ended, but soon another was about to begin.
(Angel Grove, Early September 1993)
Angel Grove glowed under a flawless California sun; it was a growing city. Safe. Comfortable. Unaware that it was about to become a battlefield.
In the middle of Angel Grove High football field there was Jason Scott bent forward, with his hands on his knees, breathing hard. Football practice was over and his body screamed for rest. But something was feeling off. He glanced up at the sky. It was too quiet. A whistle sound interrupted him.
Coach Carl: Scott.
Coach Carl motioned him over. Jason jogged up, wiping sweat from his face, suddenly unsure of himself.
Jason: Coach, uh… can I talk to you for a second?
Coach Carl: You already are - Carl crossed his arms.
Jason swallowed.
Jason: I want to apply for a job. Part-time. Two days a week. – the coach raised an eyebrow - I won't miss games and I won't fall behind - Jason rushed - I promise.
Coach Carl: Is being quarterback a burden to you?
Jason (straightened): No, sir.
Coach: Then why are you asking me this? - Jason hesitated.
Jason: My mom's rent went up.
That did it. Carl sighed.
Carl: Two practices a week. That's it. And we better win the opener - Jason's eyes widened.
Jason: Yes! I mean, thank you, sir.
Carl: Go shower, you smell like regret.
Jason laughed nervously and ran off. As the young guy entered the school hallway he couldn't help but notice sound coming from one room. Jason slowed his pace as he realized it was coming from the cheerleaders training room. He didn't mean to stop but stopped anyway and took a look.
Inside, a brunette girl landed a split flawlessly, popped up, and nailed a cartwheel like it was nothing. Jason whispered a barely audible wow and then turned around and stood in front of the door, thinking about the girl when the door suddenly swung open
Cheerleader: Omg! I'm so sorry! - the girl blurted out.
Jason: No, no, totally fine. Door barely hit me.
Coach Rodriguez stepped out behind her. Arms crossed.
Coach Rodriguez: "Scott. Planning to audition? - Jason panicked.
Jason: Only if there's a football-throwing category.
His joke made the girl laugh a little bit while the coach sighed.
Coach Rodriguez: Go shower – then she turned to the girl - Miss Hart. Monday. Don't be late.
The coach left. An awkward silence.
Cheerleader: I'm Kimberly Hart- the girl said, confident smile already in place.
Jason (shy): Jason Scott.
Kim: I know. - he blinked.
Jason: You do?
Kim: You're the quarterback. Kind of hard to miss.
Jason scratched his neck.
Jason: Right. Yeah. That.
Kim (smirking): You were staring back then - Jason froze.
Jason: At the routine.
Kim: Mhm - she tilted her head - You liked it, didn't you?
Jason: I— yeah. It was really good.
Kim: Good answer.
She leaned closer. Jason forgot how breathing worked.
Kim: I'm training gymnastics at the Youth Center later - she added - What about you?
Jason: I teach karate - he blurted - I mean, I help teach.
Kim: Perfect, smoothies at Ernie's after then, right? – she said while playing with her hair.
Jason (nodding his head): Definitely.
She walked away, glancing back once while Jason stood there for a second, then he realized how much he smelled and finally decided to hit the showers.
Meanwhile at the entrance of the school a young black-haired girl entered looking to talk with the receptionist when she spotted Kimberly speaking to her. She couldn't help but hear what was going on. Kimberly was tapping her nails on the counter, clearly impatient.
Kim: So… are we done?
Receptionist (calmed): Just ten minutes more.
Trini Kwan, the girl who just entered, got close and stood beside her while waiting her turn to talk with the school's receptionist. Kim fake sweet smiled at her and then turned back to the receptionist.
Kim: You know my mom is on the PTA, right? – Kim gave her the "hurry up" eyes
Trini: She said ten minutes - Kim blinked
Kim: Excuse me?
Trini: You heard her - Trini replied evenly - You're not invisible.
Kim scoffed.
Kim: Oh Wow. First of all, who are you? and second of all, you have a big attitude for a new girl.
Trini (tilting her head): I am Trini Kwan, and I come from Connecticut, and let me tell you something, new city, same rules.
Before Kim could respond, her mother snapped, entering the school.
Mrs. Hart: Kimberly! Why are we waiting?
Kim pointed at Trini.
Kim: Because she won't move and stop distracting Mrs. Stevenson here - Mrs. Hart looked Trini up and down.
Mrs. Hart: Do you know who we are?"
Trini (calmed): No and I don't think it matters.
That stung.
Mrs. Hart: We are Harts - she said sharply - This city listens to us.
Trini: That's unfortunate – she smiled politely.
The room went silent. Kim stepped forward.
Kim: You should watch how you talk.
Trini met her gaze. Steady. Thoughtful.
Trini: You should try listening first.
Mrs. Hart: This is unbelievable! – she exploded
Trini sighed and grabbed her bag.
Trini: I needed my schedule, but I'll come back on Monday - she said to the receptionist - When it's quieter.
She walked out without saying another word while Kim stared at her, shaking with rage. As Trini walked out of school, she took a deep breath and stared at the sky, then went to her bike and put some headphones on before riding it.
Trini rode her bike through town with music in her ears and her face calm again. She thought to herself "New town. New rules" then a "HELP WANTED" sign caught her eye. She stopped in front of the building it was posted on; it was the Youth Center. The new place for young teenagers to hang out.
Inside it, Zack Taylor was carrying a stack of boxes toward the counter of the juice bar, clearly annoyed.
Ernie (grumbling): Zack, the freezer is in the back, put those boxes away from my clean counter—and please stop dragging your feet.
Zack: You know that's physically impossible, right? - he said while raising an eyebrow which made Ernie stare at him.
Ernie: Move.
Zack sighed and obeyed. At that moment, Trini walked into the Youth Center, quietly taking in the space. Her eyes landed on another crooked HELP WANTED sign still hanging by the counter.
Trini: Does that sign still legit - she asked Zack - or is it just vintage decoration now?
Zack glanced at it, then at her. A half-smile formed
Zack: Depends. You okay with noise, chaos, and customers who think bananas count as protein? - Trini considered it.
Trini: …Yeah.
Ernie nodded from behind the counter.
Ernie: Aprons in the back. Zack, you teach her the basics.
Trini put on one of the aprons.
Zack: Welcome to your worst mistake. I'm Zack.
Trini: Trini.
Zack: Cool. Don't break anything.
Trini (serious): No promises she replied.
Zack smiled. As he left the boxes on the freezer, he went back to the bar to teach her how to prepare the smoothies, he gestured toward the blender.
Zack: Green button: life. Red button: death.
Trini: Who designed this?
Zack: Someone with issues
Trini (while nodding): Checks out.
A comfortable silence followed.
Zack: You're new around AG, but not the lost causes kind that moves here.
Trini: Well, yes, what about you?
Zack (while shrugging): Former idiot. In recovery.
Before she could respond someone interrupt them
"HEY, LOOK WHO IT IS!"
A loud voice from the entrance. Bulk and Skull walked in, laughing.
Bulk: Taylor, working at a juice bar. That's a degradation
Skull: Used to be one of us, now he serves us - he leaned toward Trini.
Zack's jaw tightened. He said nothing, Trini looked at them calmly, then spoke:
Trini: Well, are you ordering something, or did you two just come here to scare away our clients with your face?
Bulk (blinking): What?
Trini: Thought so.
Zack let out a short, surprised laugh.
Skull: We're leaving, but we'll be back.
Zack: Yeah - Zack said without looking at them - You always are.
When they left, Trini looked at Zack.
Trini: Old friends?
Zack (shaking his head): More like old mistakes.
Trini nodded—and didn't push. He appreciated that but still decided to walk away as he needed a minute, luckily for him he had to clean the gym area, which was empty as the karate classes hadn't started yet.
As Zack wiped down workout machines he heard something.
"Zachary."
He froze. Slowly turned to see Billy Cranston stood there in a karate uniform, perfectly upright.
Zack: Only my mom calls me that.
Billy: Oh, I'm sorry, I understood, then I will use Zack.
Zack: What are you doing here Billy?
Billy: I'm waiting for the optimal pre training window. I want to do good on my karate class.
Zack: And that would be…?
Billy: Now.
Zack studied him.
Zack: Right, then what do you do in this optimal pretraining thingy?
Billy: Oh, nothing, just look at the machines we will use
Zack: You do know you don't use none of these machines for karate, right?
Billy tilted his head slightly.
Billy: Correct. That is why I only look at them.
Zack: You're not like the others.
Billy: Correct again.
Silence. Zack exhaled.
Zack: Look man, I'm going to be honest, last year I was a jerk to you on your last year of middle school, so uhm, yeah… I'm sorry. For before. In class - Billy looked at him honestly.
Billy: I know.
Zack: You do?
Billy: Yes. Your behavioral patterns indicate guilt.
Zack let out a dry laugh.
Zack: Great. Even my guilt is obvious. I don't even know how I'm going to walk into school on Monday.
Billy offered his hand.
Billy: Maybe you need a friend to help you through – Zack looked at him – Hey think about it, we can be friends and from what I've heard, friends assist you in difficult times.
Zack: Okay, I will think about it but uhm…thanks. – He shook Billy's hand and then got an idea – But hey, since you say friends assist, why don't you help me clean the machines. – Billy nodded his head enthusiastically.
As both were cleaning the rest of the machine, the TV in the room was broadcasting the coverage of the NASADA mission that was about to change the life of these 5 teenagers and of the entire world.
(Earth's Moon surface, 20 minutes before the liberation)
While the rest of the world remained oblivious to what was about to happen, two astronauts stepped out of the NASADA space shuttle that had just landed on the Moon.
Astronaut 1: Houston, have you read us? This is Red Eagle. We are ready to disembark.
Colonel: Copy that, Red Eagle. You are clear to proceed. Remember: you have twenty minutes to explore the lunar surface. Authorized range is nine hundred meters. We only want visual material from your cameras. No extracurricular activities.
Astronaut 1: Understood, Houston. We are stepping onto lunar ground now. Cutting transmission.
The connection went silent.
Astronaut 2: Wow, three months of training just to look at dust and rocks
Astronaut 1: Come on, O'Ryan, you know we're making history - the other replied - But yeah… it's kind of boring.
Astronaut 2: Boring? - she scoffed - Try depressing. What if we go beyond the marked zone?"
Astronaut 1: Go beyond? - he hesitated - I don't know, that sounds risky. And we don't have much time.
Astronaut 2: Come on, John - she insisted - We can do whatever we want up here. There's nothing and no one to tell us what to do. Let's check that crater. Maybe we'll find something interesting.
John: No - he said firmly - Our mission is clear, and we should stick to it. I get that you want more, Collins, but I don't want to ruin this. It's NASADA's first major mission, we're carrying the weight of the entire program.
She sighed, then softened her tone
Astronaut 2: Look, John… I'm saying this as your girlfriend, not your mission partner. Let's do something more than what we were told. It's just another kilometer. Let's really make history.
John paused.
John: …Alright, Stacy. Let's do it.
As the two astronauts walked beyond the safe zone, they didn't know how close they were getting to the force field created by the Morphin Bomb 65 million years ago. Just as they were about to step into the crater and cross the invisible barrier, a brilliant light surrounded them—a light coming from Earth. They turned around.
The planet shimmered, and a flash—originating from Angel Grove—pierced the darkness of space. They didn't understand it, but it was a warning. Something—or someone—was trying to stop them.
The light intensified, almost forcing them to step forwards to it. But just then, suddenly, a lunar tremor happened. They lost their footing and fell straight into the crater, crossing the force field. As they recovered from the fall, they stood up, shaken.
John: Oh my God—Stacy, are you okay? - he asked urgently.
She didn't answer. She was staring, hypnotized, at the center of the crater.
Stacy: What… is that?
John: …It looks like a dumpster.
Stacy: A landfill? On the Moon? This feels like a fairy tale.
John: More like a science fiction movie.
Stacy: We should go.
John: No, you said it yourself. Let's make history. Let's see what it is.
Stacy: I don't know, John. I'm scared.
John: Don't be. Just give me your hand.
Stacy: …Okay.
They approached the container. With every step, the light from Earth grew stronger, until—once they stood beside it—the light transformed into something like an aurora borealis, contained only within the crater's sky.
They barely noticed it. John placed his hand on the lid and then sky instantly darkened.
John: What is this thing?
Stacy: It looks like it has inscriptions.
John: Alien language? Oh my God – he whispered - We've discovered extraterrestrial life, Stacy.
Stacy: Let's not jump to conclusions, this could even be human.
John: A civilization more advanced than ours then?
Stacy: Could it be, didn't you write about the nonlinear time theory for your thesis, could that be possible?
John: I don't know… but there's only one way to find out.
Stacy: Which is?
John: We open it.
They placed their hands on opposite sides of the lid and pulled. It moved—just a little. Suddenly, a geyser-like explosion blasted the lid into the space, and a massive wave of dark energy flooded the crater.
John and Stacy tried to run, but the energy wrapped around them, turning them into stones. At the same time, a massive castle rose from the crater's center. Everything was silent.
A familiar scream shattered the silence.
Rita: AAAAHHH! After all this time… I AM FREE! WHERE ARE YOU, ZORDON, YOU PATHETIC LOSER?!
Goldar: My mistress… at last, we are free - he said, kneeling.
Zetax: Does anyone know how long we were trapped?
Finster: Based on stellar positioning – he muttered - approximately sixty-five billion years.
Rita: …What?
Finster: Sixty-five million.
Rita (annoyed): Oh, by all that is evil – she snarled - That filthy rat, Zordon.
Zetax: Where could he be now?
Goldar: Probably dead, that explosion should have destroyed him.
Rita: Stupid ape - she snapped - He's not dead. If he were, my Lunar Staff wouldn't feel like this.
Goldar: Then…
Zetax: Yes, he's alive.
Finster: But where?
Rita: If you keep asking questions, Finster, I'll cut out your tongue - she hissed - He's close… my staff can feel it. There! On that planet. – she pointed at Earth
Finster: What planet is that?
Zetax: It seems to be a world full of subspecies like Eltarians, they're called humans. Homo sapiens. Very similar to you, Goldar.
Goldar: How do you know that Zety? - he growled - And did you just call me a subspecies?"
Zetax: Yes. I did. And unlike you, I used those sixty-five million years wisely. I turned my morpher into a computer capable of analyzing an entire planet in second – he showed his wrist morpher now looking like a minicomputer.
Rita: Impressive, young Venexian – she paused - Enough. Silence. I need to think.
Without a word, Rita levitated and hurled herself toward Earth—only to be violently slammed back by the force field to the lunar surface.
Rita: NOOO! That Eltarian trapped me again! But how?!
Zetax; It's Morphin Energy - he explained - The field reacts to your Chaos Magic specifically. It won't let you pass… but the rest of us sure can – he said while watching his now ex morpher.
Rita: And how do I destroy it? With my own magic?
Finster: No, my queen. I'm afraid the only way is with Chaos Energy far greater than what you currently possess – Finster said while also looking at Zetax's wrist computer.
Rita: My head… it hurts…
Finster: My queen - he offered nervously - would you like some zombie tea? It always helps—
Rita: SILENCE, deformed gremlin! - she snapped again - I must reach that planet. I must make him fear me.
Goldar: I agree, my queen. It's time to strike.
Rita: Goldar, stop licking boots and take one of my monsters. Go to Earth and destroy everything. The Knight will do. Go to this place called Angel Grove my staff is going wild over that place—that's where Zordon must be
Goldar: At once, my queen – Goldar retired from the palace.
Rita stepped onto the highest balcony of her palace. From there, she could see Earth in the distance… and below her, her putties were rising from the lunar surface like zombies. She smiled proudly.
The war had begun again.
(Command Center, 20 minutes ago)
On the outskirts of Angel Grove, in an arid and scorching desert, the remains of the Commander Cruiser lay buried beneath the sand. However, these were no longer ruins; they now resembled a building.
It was the Command Center now.
It was clear that 65 million years had prepared Zordon, Alpha, and Mystika for something to happen. And thankfully, they had. Alpha was the first to react.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi!, Zordon, I am detecting chaotic signals on the Moon.
Mystika: Chaotic? Could it be that maybe—
Zordon: Yes, Mystika. Someone is near the protective barrier. Alpha, activate the lunar tracking protocol - Zordon moved his right arm from his chair, pointing toward one of the consoles.
Mystika: Zordon, don't you think it's time to consider what we talked about?
Zordon ignored her as he looked through the viewing globe, where a beam fired from it illuminated the sky with a powerful glow. It was the same signal that had blinded the astronauts earlier.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi!, Mystika is right. We have spent the last decade preparing for this.
Zordon: I will not endanger another team unless it is absolutely necessary.
Mystika: Zordon, when we awakened, we said it would always be necessary. We have no contact with Eltar, and anyone who locates you here will drag this planet and its inhabitants into a war that does not belong to them.
Zordon: You said it yourself—it is a war that does not belong to them. I cannot choose them.
Mystika: You are not the one choosing, Zordon. They are - she pointed to the five power coins resting atop one of the consoles.
Zordon: Mystika, silence. I already said no.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi!, Zordon, look!
Alpha pointed toward the viewing globe. The astronauts on the screen were freeing Rita, horrifying Zordon and Mystika. At that exact moment, a massive earthquake struck the Command Center and the Earth itself. Dark energy made its presence felt across the planet. The five coins began to glow intensely. Zordon and Mystika exchanged glances.
Mystika: It seems the time has come, whether you want it or not, Zordon.
Zordon: Alpha, scan the city and monitor the atmosphere. I want to know everything that happens—who enters and leaves Earth. And above all, locate the glow of the coins. Use the teleporter and bring the chosen ones.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi!, understood, Zordon.
Mystika: So, is it time to create a new Ranger team?
Zordon: Unfortunately… yes.
As Zordon stared into the viewing globe, the tremor subsided and the Earth grew still. Chaos in Angel Grove was immense, and Zordon watched with concern. He had been serious about not wanting to choose a new team, he did not want to trust anyone else to do his job again. But with his body now extremely weak, it was no longer possible for him to be a Ranger.
(Juice Bar, 20 minutes before the release)
The Juice Bar was packed with teenagers. Several groups were seated at tables while others stood by the counter. Some were exercising in the gym area, and on the second-floor balcony, several workers were fixing support beams. Trini began serving tables. She had mastered the blender, but since Zack was still cleaning equipment with Billy, Ernie assigned her where help was needed. That was when Trini ran into Kim and Jason.
Jason had caught up with Kim before she left school and offered to drive her and her brother to the Juice Bar, which was perfect for Kim since, after the incident with Trini, she didn't want to keep listening to her mother's rant. The two teens sat at a table while Jason's class started.
Kim: I love this place. It always has great options, and their smoothies are the best in the city.
Jason: Yeah, you can say that again. Uh, and you know, that is why I was thinking about asking Ernie for a job. Maybe I could learn how they make your favorite one.
Kim: Are you kidding? Jason, you cannot work here. You are the quarterback. You're above serving tables—that's a loser's job.
Jason was silent. He didn't want to ruin the chemistry he had with Kim, but her comment bothered him. Just before he could respond, Trini interrupted.
Trini: Welcome to Ernie's. What can I get you? - she spoke calmly, ignoring the earlier incident with Kim.
Jason: Hi, I'd like a strawberry smoothie. Kim, what do you— Jason couldn't finish what he was saying.
Kim: You? Wow, they really hire anyone here. First Zack Taylor and now you? You really should change your mind about applying here, Jason.
Jason: What? Zack works here? I didn't know that.
Jason sounded surprised; he had not talked to Zack in a while.
Jason: Who are you, and how do you know her, Kim?
Kim: That's Lizzie. She's from Iowa— she is the crazy girl who was rude to my mom.
Trini: My name is Trini, and I'm from Connecticut. And I wasn't rude to your mother—I was just honest. She's rude herself, but I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Kim: Excuse me?!
Kim stood up furiously. She wasn't going to let anyone compare her to her mother. Jason stood up as well, trying to calm her down. At that moment, Zack and Billy walked out of the gym area and came face to face with the others. Zack and Jason exchanged uncomfortable looks.
Zack: Jason… hey man, what's up?
Zack tried to sound friendly.
Jason: Zack, wow, it's true—you work here.
Jason tried to be polite, though he couldn't hide his surprise.
Kim: I told you, Jason. Loser's job – she smirked.
Trini: Oh yeah? Then why don't you work here? You'd be the perfect candidate.
Trini snapped, and Kim shot her with an angry glare.
Billy: There are no such things as loser jobs, nor ideal candidates. For a job like that to exist, there would need to be an organization that randomly hires people and categorizes them as winners and losers - the other four teens stared at him in confusion.
Before anyone could respond, a powerful earthquake struck and knocked all five of them to the ground. When the shaking stopped, screams filled the air as people began to run. The five teens stood up, each preparing to flee, but an instinct made them look around. Several people were in danger. Without saying a word, they moved to help.
Billy saw the bar's kitchen engulfed in flames. He grabbed the nearest fire extinguisher and put out the fire successfully, unaware that a blue glow surrounded him.
Meanwhile, Zack ran up to the second floor, where a waiter was hanging from the balcony. Zack grabbed his hand and pulled him up. As they headed toward the emergency stairs, Zack was enveloped in a black glow.
Kim ran toward her younger brother, who was at one of the arcade machines. Little Allan was terrified and didn't notice a light fixture hanging above him, about to fall. Kim pushed him out of the way, saving him.
Kim: Allan, oh my God, are you okay? - the boy nodded - Good. Run.
Kim pointed him toward the exit. She felt she couldn't leave yet—something deeply worried her. She didn't notice the pink aura surrounding her.
Jason and Trini were under another second-floor balcony. A railing had collapsed, blocking the entrance to a bathroom, and a little girl was screaming for help inside. Jason and Trini looked at each other.
Jason: Trini, right? I'm Jason. Help me move this.
Trini: It's really heavy. I don't think we can.
Girl: "Please don't leave me in here. I don't want to die."
The desperation of her voice gave them the strength they needed. They lifted the railing and opened the door. The girl ran out, crying and thanking them. They pointed her toward the exit.
Both teens glowed intensely, red for Jason and yellow for Trini.
The five teens regrouped in the center of the Juice Bar. They were alone. They stared at each other, noticing the glow around their bodies for the first time, not understanding what was happening. Jason broke the silence.
Jason: What the—
He couldn't finish the sentence. The five teens glowed even brighter and were teleported away. Just before that, the TV at the Juice Bar aired a local news report: a monkey-like man in golden armor and a knight-themed monster were attacking downtown Angel Grove with dozens of gray soldiers.
(Command Center, immediately after the teleportation)
The five teenagers stood up from the floor once again. All five knew they were no longer in the Juice Bar, but in a completely strange place, filled with consoles, a crystal globe in the center, and a throne facing it. The atmosphere was tense and Zack broke it with a joke.
Zack: Does anyone know where we are? I do not remember buying express tickets to wherever this is.
Kim: Of course not, genius. Does it look like any of us know what this creepy place is?
Trini: Is this even a real place? I feel like I'm dreaming
Billy: Theoretically, it must be a real place. There is no evidence of shared subconscious generated projections during sleeping time.
Kim: Uh, first of all, nerd. Second, what are you talking about?
Jason: Come on, Kim, don't be mean. I'm sure uhm uhm is trying to—
Billy: Billy, Billy Cranston.
Jason: oh right, Billy here is trying to explain something, but I don't think i understood him correctly.
Trini: Billy means that we are definitely somewhere, and none of us is dreaming because no one has proved that shared dreams exist.
Billy: Exactly.
Zack: Leave Billy alone. He didn't bring us here.
Voice: Exactly. I am the one who brought you here.
The teens were startled. The five looked at each other and then turned their attention to the throne in front of the viewing globe, which slowly began to turn. Sitting there was Zordon, while Mystika and Alpha appeared from his sides. The team was astonished.
Billy: Who - What are you?
Zordon: My name is Zordon, Prince of Eltar, former leader of the Eltarian Rangers, and your new mentor.
Kim: Mentor?
Zack: Eltar?
Trini: Eltarian Rangers?
Jason: Why did you brought us here?
Zordon: I have brought you here because the Power Coins have chosen you to conduct a very important mission—to defend Earth from the claws of the intergalactic witch Rita Repulsa.
The five teenagers looked at each other again. None of them understood what was happening or why this strange blue humanoid alien was asking something from them.
Kim: Uhm, what do you mean by defending Earth?
Zordon: I mean that Rita escaped from the lunar prison, where I placed her 65 billion years ago, and now she threatens to destroy Earth and enslave all of humanity. Therefore, it is crucial that the five of you accept the Ranger mantle, use the power coins, and become the next generation of Power Rangers to save your planet.
Zack: What?! Us? Have you even looked at us? man?
Jason: There must be some mistake. We don't even know each other, let alone you, and you're asking us to become superheroes?
Mystika: There is no mistake, Jason. The coins chose you.
Kim: And you are?
Mystika: I am Mystika, an annonite from Eltar. A type of eltarian that wields incredibly advanced energy.
Trini: Then why don't you defend Earth? Or you, Zordon?
Billy: I think it must be because you're injured, right? Half of your body looks weak.
Alpha: Very intuitive, Billy. That's correct. Neither Zordon nor Mystika can use the powers because the coins are connected to the Morphin Grid, and the Morphin Grid is what has chosen you five.
Jason: And you robot?
Alpha: I am Alpha 4. I am your technical assistant and the one who designed your team's equipment and weaponry.
Kim: Hey, four-eyes— she pointed at Billy - You were wrong. We must be in some kind of dream, because this sounds crazy, don't you think?
Zack: I'm with her. This sounds like something out of a movie—aliens, a talking robot, being superheroes? Something is very wrong here.
Zordon looked at the team impatiently. His patience had worn thin.
Zordon: Alpha, your computer made a mistake. These five are not the Rangers the coins chose. None of them is worthy.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi! Zordon, that's not possible. The calculations do not fail. They are the ones the coins choose.
Mystika: I also believe that the coins are correct, Zordon. It must be the initial shock or something.
Kim: Hello? We're here and we can hear everything you're saying.
Zack: Yeah, man, don't act like we're not here.
Trini: I hate to agree with Kimberly, but yes, it's rude.
Billy: What kind of calculations did your computer make? I don't think I could be a hero, I don't have the strength.
Jason: Guys, quiet - the teens fell silent - Zordon, these coins—how do they chose us? How do they know we're the chosen ones?
Zordon: They simply know Jason. Unfortunately, the coins choose you, and if you do not accept the mantle, Earth is destined to fall.
Jason: Is there any proof of that?
Zordon: Look at the viewing globe and confirm it for yourselves.
The five teenagers approached the viewing globe, which now showed Angel Grove's central park being devastated by dozens of Putties led by Goldar and the monster Knight. There was fire in buildings, rubble everywhere, and civilians running. The team watched closely, worried.
Zordon: That golden monster you see there is Goldar, one of Rita's generals. They are looking for me. I am the one responsible for this attack. But they cannot find me, and I cannot go after them. Believe me, if it were up to me, your lives would continue normally, but for some reason of fate, the coins chose each of you to wield the power of the prehistoric creatures that existed when we arrived here.
The power coins started to glow again
Zordon: Zack, you will take the power of the Mastodon and become the Black Ranger. Kim, your power will come from the Pterodactyl, making you the Pink Ranger. Billy, you will be the Blue Ranger, honoring the Triceratops. Trini, you and the Sabertooth Tiger will connect to make you the Yellow Ranger. And you, Jason, will take the role of the Red Ranger, with the power of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and you will lead this team. You five will be the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. It is the only way.
As Zordon said this, the five received their Power Morphers with the coins.
Jason: Zordon, I'm not sure about this.
Kim: If they're looking for you, why don't you just turn yourself in instead of cowardly choosing us to deal with it?
Zack: Yeah, I agree. It's not possible that our planet is in danger because of you and you want five teenagers to handle it.
Billy: Yes, and without prior training, at such a young age, it's far too dangerous for us to do this.
Trini: I think the same, Zordon. This seems like something you should do yourself.
Zordon: Leave.
Mystika: Zordon, you know that—
Zordon: ALPHA, TELEPORT THEM AWAY. I DON'T WANT THEM HERE. MAKE THEM LEAVE NOW.
Alpha: Ai-yi-yi-yi!, Zordon, at least let them take the Morphers. They are the chosen ones.
Zordon: Teleport them out of here.
The team looked uncomfortable. None of them said anything, they simply didn't want to stay there. Jason thought differently, but he didn't say anything. Alpha pressed a button on the console, and the five were gone.
Zordon stood up from his throne and leaned against the viewing globe. A tear fell as he shouted in anger. Mystika and Alpha exchanged worried looks. No one had accepted, and Goldar was attacking the city. Everything seemed to be going against the side of good.
(Angel Grove Park, Goldar's attack)
The five teens had been teleported back to the city. All five were in the same park they had seen through the viewing globe minutes earlier. No one knew what to say. Zordon's anger was too harsh. Just before anyone tried to say something, the putty patrols looked in their direction.
Kim: Guys, I think it's best if we go back to the Juice Bar. I need to find my brother, and those things are watching us. Let's run before they hurt us.
Billy: Yes, I think so too. Let's run.
Jason: You can leave if you want. I can't watch this and let them get away with it.
Jason ran toward the Putties. A girl was being attacked, and he kicked the Putties, pushing them back, it was enough for the girl to get up and run toward the other teens.
Trini: Wow, he's completely crazy—but he's right. If we leave now, I'd never forgive myself.
Zack: That's Jason Scott for you. He may be Mr. Perfect, but he's always doing what's best for others.
The four looked at each other and followed Jason.
The teens fought the Putties, each with a different fighting style. Jason was direct, striking with flying kicks and karate moves. Zack fought while dancing, staying true to his joking style. Trini moved using tai chi, something she had practiced as a child, using it effectively to defeat the foot soldiers. Kim used rhythmic gymnastics to evade attacks, performing cartwheels and splits so the Putties hit each other. Billy performed the worst in combat—he didn't know how to fight properly, but he used his surroundings to defeat them, reading the battlefield well.
Soon, the five managed to defeat several Putties and save more civilians, but their luck ran out. Goldar raised his sword and summoned a lightning. The blast sent the five teens flying to one side. Goldar approached them threateningly, alongside the remaining Putties and the monster Knight.
Goldar: Who are you insolent apes?
Zack: You're calling us apes with a face like that?
Kim: Exactly. You look more related to monkeys than we do.
Goldar: Silence, little vermin.
He fired another blast. The five fell to the ground, staring at him with rage.
Goldar: One, two, three, four, and five.
Trini: He knows how to count? What a surprise.
Billy: You're right. A monkey that evolved is incredible - the others looked at him - But still very stupid.
Goldar: You are Zordon's disciples, aren't you? That rat truly crossed the line, sending others to do his work—and without Ranger powers. Hahaha. It seems the side of good is finished.
He celebrated with his foot soldiers.
Knight: Rita, if you're watching this, look at what Zordon has done. Hahaha. We've won.
At that moment, Jason remembered—the Morphers and the coins were still in their possession. Maybe it was time to take on the role Zordon had given them.
Jason: Guys, on your feet. Now.
The five stood up. Jason stood in the center. Trini and Kim positioned themselves on each side, with Zack and Billy beside them.
Jason: Zordon is right. We have to accept this mission. Let's use the Morphers he gave us and face these monsters.
The teens looked at each other and grabbed their Morphers. Jason raised his and pointed it at Goldar. No one had taught them how to use them yet, but the knowledge was innate. Jason said one final phrase.
Jason: IT'S MORPHIN TIME.
A brief flash shot out from each Morpher, and then each teen was enveloped by the glowing aura they had before—only now stronger and more visible. Soon, a suit formed around each of them, each bearing the prehistoric creature Zordon had mentioned earlier. When the light faded, the five were fully transformed.
Goldar and his army were stunned.
Earth's Power Rangers had been born. The team had transformed for the first time.
The five were now the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS!