CHAPTER 11: "Great to Be Home"



As the dust settled, the citizens of Angel Grove were able to breathe a huge sigh of relief. The majority of the blast of what used to be Slaisionnach went airburst, rather than surface blast. The heat was intense, but actual radiation levels were negligible. MODM, Vinny, and Kayla found themselves in the other Angel Grove. Jason, Zack, and Trini; however; were simply thankful to be back where they belonged.

Billy: "Jason! What happened?"

Jason: "It was the weirdest thing, guys! But I'm sure glad that weird Samurai character was there. Whatever that thing was I fought, I have never faced anything that tough before in my life!"

Kimberly: "Oh, Jason! Slaisionnach put you in the hospital? He almost killed me too!"

Tommy: "We all had a close call or two. Makes me glad that Volkonir pulled through."

Zack: "Aw, man! I had to miss out on the fun!"

Kimberly: "Trini? What happened to you?"

Trini: "It was...so horrible! We showed up out of nowhere, uncontrollably, and these mean officers just arrested us on the spot for seemingly no reason!"

Billy: "Percolation events can be quite terrifying to those not accustomed to the idea. No doubt, you probably intimidated the locals just by being there. Not everyone lives in a world where the Rangers are a thing."

Alpha: "Ay yi yi!!! Zack, Trini! Hanom was trying so hard to get you out of prison! It seems he succeeded! Are you hurt?"

Zack: "Only our pride."

Tommy: "It was brief; but I missed you guys anyway."

Trini: "And...what of Hanom? And the other Trini? And Vicken? And MODM?"

Zack: "I hope it's a while before we have to see that MODM fellow again! Causes almost as much trouble as he fixes!"



Zordon: "Zack is not wrong. MODM has promised to visit here as seldom as possible, for that very reason. He regrets the harm he has caused; but is unable to remedy his glitches on his own. I am extremely thankful, to Whomever would allow a being like MODM to exist in any universe in any context, that at least you were returned home safely. This universe of ours is big enough on its own. And its Earth needs its own Rangers to protect it."

Jason: "I second that. And I have to agree with Trini...being here is better for us than anywhere in that EccentriaVerse!"

Zordon: "Indeed. Kayla and Vinny need to return home to it. That world will get better in time; but it is their cross to bear. Not yours. I am also grateful for the Golden Lion Knight and his paramour. They came through when we needed them most, and were courageous heroes to our world when they didn't need to be."

Trini: "Vanna! My former cellmate has figured out who those two are! She told me all about it!"

Zordon: "Then they have a very difficult road ahead. We must wish them well. But they must travel it without us."

Kimberly: "You seem really upset, Trini. Way more so than the other one ever was. What's up?"

Trini: "I'm...just thinking how glad I'll be to finally act like this adventure never happened! I've never been so embarrassed!"

Kimberly: "Hey...own it! Kayla had the courage to own her past experiences. Not all of it was her fault, but she stayed true to her calling in spite the setbacks. She took responsibility for what was her fault, and translated it to her bravery. She did some amazing things in her brief time here. And she showed me that we can all come back from some horrible experiences, stronger and smarter. One day, some troubled youth may be able to benefit from you sharing your experience.

I got to see firsthand during the battle what happens to those who give up on themselves too soon. No matter what happens, don't let that ever be you."

Zack: "I'll second that."

Tommy: "Now that we can all go home, I'm just hoping that the others all made it back safely. I really enjoyed working with Fai; so I hope the Emo Rangers made it home safely too."

Zordon: "We may yet hear from them again. It is difficult to know that for certain. However, I am grateful for them too. Wherever they are."



Back in Crossover Gerosha, the Phaemer Village Peacekeepers made it safely back to their village.

Time Capsule: "That Possum chick had some real coolio 'tude, y'all! So...what'll we do now?"

Keet Kabo: "I dunno about you, but sit around bored sounds nice to me!"

Slip-Sadie: "We're not looking for your family, Evan! So don't even think about it!"

Time Capsule: "What? Nonsense! They thought I died 20-something years ago. And they're probably all dead now anyway."

Socratic: "We could always play Risk."

Bolte Chipotle: "No way! You always win at that game!"

Jackal Semicolon: "I have...show! At club! We dance?"

Keet: "Sure, why not?"

Time Capsule: "I heard in 1999, there was this group that came out called Yankee Grey. Anyone know anything about that? I think it's been long enough, I should start upgrading my exposure a little."

Slip-Sadie: "I spent 10 years at SCALLOP Women's Containment for involuntary, and even I know what an iPod is! You don't?"

Time Capsule: "No, but it sounds cool. Does it skip like a portable CD player?"

Keet: "He was frozen for nearly three decades, Sadie! Go easy on him!"

Jackal Semicolon: "I not! Chop! Liver!"

Keet: "Right. Jackal's got it, guys! We'll let him be the music expert from now on!"

Socratic: "A reasonable compromise. Evan for the old, Jackal for the new. Is that not so?"



Captain Emohead was also eager to have his team back.

Captain Emohead: "Ah, Rangers! I was about 87% certain you wouldn't come back in one piece; but I'm glad to be wrong this time! Welcome back to Chelmsford!"

Vicken: "So...now what?"

Ross: "Who's up for Crosstown?"

Luke: "I would be. If..."

Fai: "Of course! Being around those Rangers of the future has made me think donuts can be really fashionable! Let's make it a date, Luke!"

Luke (confused, winking): "Sure!"

Stef: "That escalated quickly! And now I'm hungry too. Maybe I can start my food blog on them?"

John: "Do they have gluten-free?"

Ross: "Probably."

Emo 5: "I just can't take all this shameless advertising!"



Back in Gwirmalesh's lair, the Gwirdon Elites pontificated on what their next move should be.

Gwirmalesh: "Mogabir! What is the status on Slaughterquinn???"

Mogabir: "He is slowly adapting to this time. He will need more work; but should prove lethal - right in time for the Knight to return home."

Gwirmalesh: "And fortunately, we now have time!"

Hiktomoph: "Sire! Sources tell me that the Power Rangers are nowhere to be found at Gallatin County Jail. Do you suppose they escaped?"

Gwirmalesh: "Not in the traditional sense, Hiktomoph. They are far too noble to break laws casually. They had to be Percolated out! Which, given the energy readings on Zack and Trini, suggests..."

Hiktomoph: "That Slaisionnach is dead?'

Gwirmalesh: "Yes! And I have never been so happy to see Volkonir win! Not even when he killed Marzwhatti for us, have I been this delighted! I almost considered pardoning Morlikus and setting him free. Almost! But Volkonir has committed far too many other crimes against progress for me to simply ignore!"

Mogabir: "Indeed, sire, a wise assessment. And for what we did to their kingdom, the Cortascians will never forgive us."

Gwirmalesh: "Besides kissing my feet, do you have anything else to contribute, either of you?"

Hiktomoph: "Bad news, I'm afraid."

Gwirmalesh: "Now what? Did Mudo get outed?"

Hiktomoph: "Worse. Ezhnelli...has returned. I don't even know how she has lived this long, but she's back!"

Gwirmalesh: "Nooooo!!!! Curses!!! That Lirquinwur is even crazier and more murderous than her brother! She will no doubt wish to avenge him!"

Hiktomoph: "Shall I give the troops the order to remain on standby? We cannot go soft on the prince by aiding him; but it would be foolish of us to attack Ezhnelli. As much as I hoped Volkonir and Marzhwatti would finish each other off; I believe hoping once more for lighting to strike would be our best strategy right now."

Gwirmalesh (perturbed): "So be it!!! We cannot risk our next chance to conquer the multiverse being foiled by a single Lirquinwur! Slaisionnach's foolishness, has cost us dearly!"

Mogabir: "And worse: MODM is now an even more dangerous enemy than Volkonir!"

Gwirmalesh: "Undoubtedly! Once the Golden Lion Knight is rendered no longer a threat; we will have to turn our attention to this MODM fellow! Friend or foe, he may be our last hope for greatness! We must harness his potential - by force if needs be!"



Vinny, Kayla, MODM, and the remaining Rangers arrived in said Rangers' world. It was quiet at night, with most of the tent community fast asleep.

MODM: "Before we all go home, I would like to treat you Rangers to something special for all your help...er...tomorrow. After I've coasted through the Wave enough times to de-strain."

Jason: "We appreciate all the help. We'd better try to get back home."

Vinny: "How will we find lodging?"

Zack: "It's crowded, but you and Kayla can stay with me! I even have some Choco Tacos in the freezer; help yourselves!"

Vinny: "Good, because I'm pretty sure my money and Kayla's doesn't work here."

Kayla (lusty-eyed): "I'm game for it. If you are, Vinny."

Vinny (flirting): "Well, it's a guest house. We're not gonna do anything too crazy, right?"

Kayla (smirking): "No...probably not."

Billy: "Like, crazy how?"

Trini: "I think she means plug-and-socket crazy, Billy."

Billy: "You do wiring?"

Jason: "I think she wants to make a Vinny Jr., Billy."

Billy: "Oh! Oh! That kind of wiring! Oh, I'm so sorry, I...I didn't get that!"

Kayla: "Don't worry about it."

Vinny: "Soon, dear. Soon."

Kayla: "I'll make it worth the wait!"

Vinny: "Same. That, I can get behind."

MODM: "You all should try to become less conspicuous. I gotta go! Namely, to track down that hot Wendy-Chan!"

Just like that, MODM vanished. The town devastation nearby contrasted greatly with how peaceful all the camps were - along with the Angel Grove night sky. For Kayla, the only thing more ironically romantic than a tent community in a California fishing town not far from a war zone; was her own apartment back in Bozeman.

Vinny: "And Kim?"

Kim: "Possums love ceramic! And covfefe!!! Deal!"

Jason: "I'll get her a good therapist, guys; promise!"

Trini (de-morphing and blowing kiss at Zack): "I know. And you keep an eye on them, crazy guy!"

Trini leapt away ahead of the others. This time, Zack didn't bother to give pursuit. There was no need. He already knew she'd be back - whether for him, or for just the celebration MODM was planning. It didn't matter. She was warming up to him finally, and that's what mattered.

Kayla: "No shawarma tomorrow."

Billy: "No. Of course not."

Vinny briefly looked at Kayla after de-mogrifying. They both heard Zack mention the Choco Tacos, and weren't sure which one of them was more embarrassed by the coincidence.

Vinny: "Third base, maybe?"

Kayla (winking): "That...I can get behind!"



It was morning, and time for Kim to buy Vinny a new Biggby mug. She was actually quite pumped about it, because MODM had promised them a trip to Big Rapids...which meant she could tape a note to the window of the local barber shop and tell them they were ding-dongs. Nobody wanted to ask why she would think such a thing was necessary; but decided to go along with it.

Afterward, they all met up with MODM at a place he and Jason had agreed was the best place in town for them to meet up at: Mancino's Pizza and Grinders.

MODM: "Vinny! You made it back! Is our Awesome Possum wanted for vandalism yet?"

Vinny: "Nobody saw. Not that I care. Those jerks are exactly the same as the jerks that threw me in a trash can and got bubblegum on my fuzz back when I was trapped in that toy. If Kim being dumb with an 8-1/2 x 11 is gonna send them crawling to their safe space; I have bigger things to worry about."

Trini (snarking): "And...Dr. Machino and gang just filed class-action for all the Preparation H they need. Gwen's gonna get me in my sleep."

MODM: "Not likely. She's not usually a fighter."*

Vinny: "I'm just happy to have my coffee mug back. That Biggby looked virtually identical to the one in my world. How weird!"

Kim: "And a good thing we're here now! I'm so hungry, I could eat reptile food!"

Billy: "I don't think they were expecting this many of us at once."

Zack: "Hey, it's cool, man!"

Jason: "So...why are we in this universe, and not visiting Vinny's, if the goal was to buy a coffee mug?"

MODM: "Because Kim smashed the other one. And because her checking account doesn't exist in his world. That, and you'd all be wanted fugitives there."

Trini: "Aren't we under suspicion here too?"

MODM: "That's different...somehow. It's...complicated. And here, it has to be Kim, because Vinny's checking account doesn't exist here. Multiversal money counting gets mistaken for counterfeiting easily. See, that's how you make a lot of enemies really fast."

Kayla: "When I go world-hopping, I don't usually think about the Federal Reserve."

MODM: "Nobody does. Nobody ever jumps worlds when all they have is a debit card. That's why they need me, to teach them smart financing."

Jason: "I...don't think you're professor material, no offense."

MODM: "No worries, chap!"

Billy: "Thing I don't get is...why is Big Rapids so special?"

MODM: "There's a simple explanation for that, trust me! You see, if it weren't for the destruction of Boston in 2015 in the Gerosha universes, leading to the 2018 takeover of America by Halal Affadidah, then those worlds' Big Rapids towns would be exactly the same as this one. And Vinny's. And mine. Big Rapids would otherwise be the exact same town in every 'verse that has one! It's practically a multiversal singularity! Pre-2018, every Big Rapids is exactly the same!"

Vinny: "Except for bank accounts."

MODM: "Precisely!"

Vinny: "Well, then before we go home, maybe I can give our new friends the grand tour of my adventures? It's not like we're gonna run into any version of Cassie Helm again."

Zack: "I Gotta Grab a Grinder** first, guys; but I'm game after that."

Trini: "I dunno. Those DPS officers were giving us funny looks a few blocks back."

MODM: "Just don't jaywalk, and they won't have any grounds. And if that fails, you've got me. I mean, it's not like you're parking crooked or anything. Oh, you'd end up in a bankruptcy barrel otherwise stark naked, how they'd fleece you for that!***"

Kayla: "I'm all for it. Let's go!"

She knew better than to mention the purple pipe Cassie threw Vinny at to send him to the Pool of Healing and erase the toy spell. She'd made her love of...pipes a little too obvious recently, and feared saying something would lead to Billy embarrassing himself while questioning her. She'd been a bad girl indeed; and needed to make an effort to clean herself up. There were kids watching now.

* Gwen Indot from Camelorum Adventures, upon first being abducted by the Percolation Wave, was described by Candace as "not a fighter." This caused her cellmate, Anita Hallot, to worry for her safety. Gwen winds up in a dangerous alt-verse, but is rescued by Rutherford B. Hayes riding a saber toothed tiger. She later finds herself in a parody of Orange is the New Black, where the Mitchfeller girls have difficulty believing she blew up a ferret. About the only thing that can enrage Gwen is someone stealing a quote in front of her. Trini only knows about all this because of MODM.

** "Gotta Grab a Grinder" is a slogan created for Mancino's of Big Rapids for a TV ad in January of 2010. Information about the ad is available on the Dozerfleet Database.

*** Parking enforcement at Ferris State University has a notorious reputation for enforcing perfectionist parking, often ticketing students who are well within lines but just 10 degrees off from perfectly parallel with the lines. Many students in 2006 learned the hard way that the city just wants their money, and doesn't care. So fighting the tickets is a waste of time. They complained about this on a Ferris-themed Facebook page back then.




After a day of festivities, the Rangers needed to return to Angel Grove. They were going to miss having their new friends around. However, they needed to stabilize their universe - and the greater multiverse. And that meant things going back to the way they were before. Besides...Zordon needed to guide them on what was coming next. And there was plenty on the way. Now that word had reached the stars of Rita's defeat, what was to stop worse things from arriving?

Zordon: "You're back! That's a good thing. Alpha has some news for you."

Billy: "Oh, oh! Is it about MODM again? A cure for Kim?"

Kim: "Balrog slaps! Scurvy penguin hat fidget spinner!"

Jason: "I'm gonna need to have her committed, I think."

Zordon: "We're still working on that angle. But until then; Alpha will explain."

Alpha: "It's this stupid Melanie. She is obsessed with learning how the Morphing Grid works, and wants to establish a hotline to let you know when the government wants you to help."

Billy: "But Jason said we don't work for-"

Alpha: "To pacify them, more than anything, play along as long as it serves both our interests and hers. There's some radical faction splintering off of APEX. They call themselves the Silver Guardians. They aren't gonna wait for the government to make its own Rangers, and they don't trust you guys either. She's only keeping them at bay for now, on the pretense that you'll cooperate."

Jason: "Trying to Sokovia Accord us into her knockoff Suicide Squad with slow bait? Sneaky woman!"

Kim: "I think I'd look cool with a Harley wig! And Trini could be Katana! Swish!!!"

Zack: "Yeah...but...I'm not claiming Boomerang."

Trini: "Noooo...comment."

Alpha: "Just for now, we play along. Keep the heat down. I've developed some special comms to fit into your suits, based on the tech MODM shared. It gives her a hotline to you."

Jason: "Uh...sweet?"



It was not too long afterward, that a crisis did occur.

Jason: "Okay, guys. She's about to give us the infodump. Whatever you do, be mindful of the Ranger guidelines, and be wary of her trying to game us. She wants to know our identities, to gain leverage on us. Try not to give her anything."

Zack: "I'm a lotus of nothing."

Jason: "I'll believe that when I don't hear it."

Melanie Sheer (over comms): "Hi, Rangers! Mmmm...."

Jason: "Yeah, could you get to the point, and not be creepy about it?"

Melanie: "Nervous about advances? Interesting. Anyway, we've got another one of your friends from space terrorizing Albuquerque, and he's not named Walter White."

Billy: "That's cool. What you calling him?"

Melanie Sheer: "Discovery 4050671. A big, mean hog that seems intent on..."

Billy: "How about we just call him 'Pudgy Pig' and get on with it?"

Melanie: "Oooohh...a nicknamer! I like that!"

Zack: "Please tell me you're fully dressed."

Melanie (flirtatiously): "But of course, Black Ranger! I have standards, you know. So, where were you guys when that eyeball-laden Discovery 4050670 showed up?"

Billy: "Eye Guy? Didn't we defeat him, and then go help MODM and Volkonir defeat Slaisionnach?"

Melanie: "What's a Slaisionnach?"

Trini: "Long story."

Melanie: "You're in a confessing mood there, Yellow. Don't worry. I don't have enough on you to make you the Orange Ranger...yet!"

Trini: "Slammit!"

Melanie: "Paranoid. Awesome."

Kim: "I'm an Awesome Possum!"

Jason: "No!!! Arrrgghh!!! Now she knows your catchphrase!"

Melanie (chuckling): "Whom did she vote for? Jill Stein?"

Jason: "Hey, now that's low-brow!"

Kim: "Yeah!!! And I would've preferred Darrel Castle anyway!"

Melanie: "Votes third party...doesn't go conventional...thinks outside the box...eccentric? I'm learning so much so fast today!"

Billy: "I didn't think we were old enough to vote?"

Jason: "Blast it all!"

Melanie: "Not old enough to vote...high schoolers...delinquents...athletic...Hi, Jason! Oh don't worry, I won't tell those Silver Guardian nutjobs...yet. You haven't crossed my red line yet, Red Ranger!"

Jason: "How did you? Know what, never mind! Are we done playing Guess Who with Spokeo? I think this is a serious situation!"

Melanie: "Instant Checkmate, actually. But thanks for the suggestion."

Jason: "Moldy spit!"

Melanie: "The Goldar thing appears to be getting weaker, and so is Pudgy Pig as a result; so I don't think you'll need your city-wrecking toys. But do try to avoid harming those misguided Guardians. They might shoot at you though. So...they'll be really annoying."

Trini (thinking out loud): "Pot, meet kettle!"

Zack: "I'm not claiming Boomerang!"

Melanie (tauntingly): "Relax, Black Ranger. You're so silly, you're more of a...Croc! By the way...if you are so concerned about your silly identities, I think it's only fair warning that the Angel Grove High detention room is going to be bugged for the foreseeable future. If anyone outside your group even sneezes that they have you all figured out...I own you. Where else am I going to find a gang of delinquents to do my bidding? Over and out!"

Jason: "I really hate that woman!"

Billy: "Agreed. Let's go make this porker a lean chop though, right?"

Trini: "Couldn't agree more."

Zack: "Croc? I'm not reptilian!"

Kim: "That's not what the pizza said! ♫ What does / the pizza say!? ♫"

Jason: "Man, I feel like a Flagpole Sitta!"