A/N: I hope everyone is well. This is the start to my new story. If you know my work well, you know that I will try to fit in as many of the older rangers as I can. This will be a journey that I hope everyone will enjoy. I don't own anything, but the plot.
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Once upon a time, the small Kingdom of Angel Grove was under attack. All the brave warriors rushed to defend the kingdom, as was their sworn duty. The evil force proved too strong for the warriors. All hope was lost until one appeared from out of the shadows.
He called himself the Mystic Warrior.
The evil that plagued the kingdom was quickly vanquished. In return for his help, the Mystic Warrior asked that the first princess born be trained as a warrior, under his teaching. The King and Queen agreed and sent their daughter off to train. Princes were already trained in combat by the palace guard, but the princesses were not. So the Mystic Warrior requested only that princesses be sent to train.
And, so the tradition of sending off the princesses to train began. For many decades the tradition continued. After several years, the Mystic Warrior disappeared, never to be seen again.
Throughout the years, many enemies tried to attack the kingdom. They were all stopped before they could reach the castle. No one saw who or what protected the kingdom's borders. The legend of the Mystic Warrior faded through time, except for members of the royal family.
They knew the legends were true.
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"Your majesty, may I present your daughter," the midwife said as she opened the doors to the Queen's chamber.
After all the screams, he expected to see his wife sleeping. She wasn't. In fact, she was smiling as she held their daughter in her arms. He rushed to his wife's side to finally get a look at the little girl he'd been waiting months to meet.
"Sorry to interrupt your peace talks with the Lunar Kingdom," the queen said.
"It's nothing that I can't reschedule," he said as he sat beside her on the bed. "It's not every day that you meet a princess."
"I haven't decided on a name," she said as she handed him their baby.
"I thought you wanted Olivia," he said as he cradled his daughter closer.
"She's not an Olivia," she said softly. "Our daughter needs a name that will make the people take notice."
"Being our daughter isn't enough?" he asked without looking at his wife.
He couldn't take his eyes off the bundle in his arms. Nothing could compare to the happiness he felt at this moment except the moment he fell in love with her momma.
"Being our daughter will be difficult, people will question whether she can rule or not. I want them to remember her name," she said touching their daughter's cheek.
"What name will be good enough?"
"Remember the old legend about the falcon and crane?" she asked.
One of the legends after the Mystic Warrior disappeared was that he sent a falcon and crane to protect the kingdom. At one time, the story contained other animals, but they were forgotten through the years until people could only remember the falcon and crane.
"That old legend about the Mystic Knight sending a falcon and crane to protect the kingdom?" he asked as he finally looked at his wife.
"Yes," she replied.
"What about it?"
He didn't understand what the old legend had to do with their daughter. It was just a fairy tale about birds that the people took comfort in. It was something to get them through the tough times.
"I want to use the name of the Crane," she said with a smile.
"Kimberly?"
It was an unusual name, but one that had been in his family for generations. The first queen of Angel Grove was named Kimberly. She was the one to agree to the Mystic Warrior's terms and sent her daughter away to be trained. The King wasn't happy to send his daughter away, but the Queen didn't care. The Mystic Warrior had saved their kingdom and only wanted to make sure that the Princess could protect herself.
"Yes, doesn't she look like a Kimberly," she said as she cupped their daughter's head.
"Kimberly?" he questioned as he looked down at his daughter. "Is your name Kimberly?"
The baby opened her eyes after blinking a few times. The look from her eyes pierced him.
"What do you think?" she asked.
"Kimberly, it is," he whispered as he leaned forward and kissed his daughter's cheek.
"She will be the light of our kingdom," she said.
"You know that she will have to go train when she's old enough," he said looking away from their daughter.
"I know, but that's okay," she said. "She will be braver than I could ever be. I want her to be a fighter. I want her to be loved by the people."
"She will be," he promised. "She has you as her mother."
She sighed as she leaned into his side. "I want her to be able to rescue herself and the kingdom if required."
"We will be here with her," he said. "You are worrying for nothing."
"Call it mother's intuition," she said. "Something will happen, I don't know what, but something will happen. I fear that Kimberly will have to save the kingdom without us."
"Carolina, I love you, but I hope you're wrong," he said as he wrapped his free arm around his wife.
"I hope I am too, but I don't think I am," she whispered. "We need to prepare her."
"We will," he promised. "Now, I'm sure you need your rest. You've had a busy day."
She smiled before yawning.
"See, you're tired," he pointed out. "I'll put Kimberly in her crib and you get some rest. I'll have Alpha inform the kingdom that there is a new princess."
"Hold off for a day," she said. "The kingdom will need to see her. They will want to be a part of the celebrations."
"You're right as always, I'll wait," he said as he kissed her forehead. "Now, rest."
He watched as she closed her eyes before he left the room. His kingdom was secured for another generation. His wife's fears were firmly in his mind. Before they met, she saw their future together.
He never believed in her visions until the night of the wedding. She saved his life from an assassin sent from the Lunar Kingdom. She'd been telling him for weeks that someone would try to kill him on our wedding night. He began to worry that she was the one trying to kill him. At the last minute, he changed his plans and had one of his guards in the room where they were to stay.
The next morning he was called to the room and saw the dead man. His guard only killed one, but said there were several. They were part of the infamous Putty Patrol from the Lunar Kingdom. He increased his guards and sent a warning to Zedd and Rita, the King and Queen of the Lunar Kingdom.
After that, he trusted his wife's visions or fears. If Carolina believed that Kimberly would have to rescue the kingdom without them, then he would have to make preparations. He would make sure that his daughter was ready to rule by her seventh birthday. It was the legal age that she could assume the throne without a reagent.
Kimberly would be a great Queen and he would make sure she was ready for the challenge.
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"It is with great pleasure that I introduce the newest Princess of Angel Grove to you," Pierre shouted as he wrapped his arm around Carolina.
They stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard. Alpha had spread the word for the people to gather for the announcement. Everyone had been waiting for three days to know if they had a prince or princess.
"We have decided to name her after the first Queen of Angel Grove, Kimberly," Pierre said.
Everyone clapped as Kimberly opened her eyes to look around.
"That's your people," Carolina whispered to her daughter. "They are happy to meet you."
"You will be a great Queen," Pierre said as he looked down at his daughter. "They already love you and you're only three days old."
"Sire, are you sure it's okay for the Princess to be out in the air," Alpha asked coming up beside Pierre.
"She's fine, Alpha," he said without turning.
"You should've done a ball to introduce her to the people," Alpha stated. "It is tradition."
"She can't dance so a ball wouldn't be fun," Pierre said. "Alpha, it's okay. We will have a feast for the people when my wife and daughter have fully recovered."
"Aye, aye sire," Alpha said as he bowed low.
"In the next few weeks, we will celebrate with a feast. The entire kingdom is invited," Pierre called out.
The people cheered once more.
"Thank you," Pierre said as he and Carolina waved.
They turned and walked back inside with their daughter. Alpha was one step behind them as always.
"She is beautiful, Carolina," Countess Scott stated.
"Thank you," Carolina said. "I wonder if Jason and Kimberly will get along."
Both women glanced at the little boy currently trying to pull himself up.
"Our son will be Captain of the Palace Guard. It will be his duty to protect Princess Kimberly," Earl Scott stated.
"Honey, don't pressure our one year old son about the Palace Guard," Countess Scott said.
"Don't worry, I'm sure Jason and Kimberly will be as close as brother and sister," Pierre said.
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"A princess was born," Goldar said as he walked into the throne room.
"Are you sure?" Zedd asked.
"Certain," Goldar replied. "When would you like to attack?"
"A princess is different," Zedd stated as he spun his staff in one hand.
The staff was a gift from Rita's father. It was filled with more power than Zedd had ever seen. The power helped control the kingdom. The one thing that the staff could not do was break the barrier around the kingdom of Angel Grove. The Mystic Warrior made sure that they barrier was strong enough to withstand any attack. There had to be a way to break that barrier.
"Sire?"
"What?" Zedd hissed.
"I asked why a princess is different. She can still lead her people," Goldar said.
"A princess will rule with her heart. A prince uses his heart. Don't worry, I will take Angel Grove," Zedd said.
"What about Rita?" Goldar asked.
"My wife is too sick to help with any plan," Zedd said. "I'm sure she will agree that Angel Grove should be under our control."
"What do you need me to do?"
"Prepare my army," Zedd stated as he stood up. "Make sure they are ready when I give the word."
"They will be ready," Goldar said as he bowed before exiting the throne room.
Zedd smiled he thought about the fall of Angel Grove. His plan would be perfect before he attacked. His first task was to take down the barrier. It may take years, but he was prepared to wait.
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"Have you found my grandson?"
"No, mistress, he has not been found since you stripped him of his power," the man said with his head bowed.
"Find him, his son will need him," she said as she shook her head. "My great grandson will need his father."
"Mistress, do you trust him to raise your great grandson? The boy's destiny is foretold of a great warrior."
"I do not trust him, but a son needs his father," she said. "Find my grandson. I can change his mind and heart. I can make him good again."
"Begging your pardon, but you already tried that," he said. "And if you couldn't change his mind, how can his son?"
She paused as she processed his words. He was right. She had tried to sway her grandson, but it hadn't worked. He had broken his word. His greater sin was breaking his honor. She'd chosen him after the death of his father to assume the mantel. He betrayed his calling.
"Bring me my great grandson," she ordered. "He will be the next Mystic Warrior."
"Yes ma'am," he said before rushing away.
She looked out over the ruins of the temple. Zordon may have granted her immortality when he made her the first Mystic Warrior, but it was a curse. She was responsible for making sure each new Mystic Warrior was trained and was worthy. Her grandson had proven unworthy. She could only hope that her great grandson was worthy.
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Sixteen Years Later
Standing up on Crane's back, Kimberly lined her arrow up and fired. It hit the target dead center. Archery was her main skill that she learned during her time with the Mystic Warrior. She could also use a sword if she needed too.
"Kimberly!"
Sighing, Kimberly slid back into the saddle before she turned to see her best friend rushing towards her on his horse. Her precious time alone was cut short, like always.
"Jason," she muttered as he drew near.
"What in the world were you thinking? Your father would kill me if he knew you were standing on Crane's back again," he said as he pulled back on the reins of his horse, Red.
"My father wouldn't kill you," she sighed.
She was an expert rider. So what if she liked the challenge of standing up on Crane's back? She trusted her horse more than most people.
"He would remove me from your guard," he stated shaking his head at her.
The look of disappointment in his face made her angry. He was only one year older than her and her best friend. He didn't have the right to be disappointed in her because of her choice in freedom.
"Good!" she yelled. "You shouldn't have ever been placed in my guard."
"Why? I worked hard to be in the palace guard," he said.
She noticed the hurt look on his face and groaned. She hated hurting him.
"I know you did, but Jason you're my best friend. It's hard having you as my guard," she explained.
"I always guarded you anyway, why not be official with a sword," he said as his hand rested on the hilt of his sword.
"You don't get it," she muttered as she looked down at her hands.
"Do you not trust that I can protect you?"
"Jason, I know you would protect me with your life," she said. "It's just that you know me better than even my parents."
"I know, which is why your father granted my request of becoming a Palace Guard at a young age," he said.
"Youngest ever admitted to the Palace Guard," she muttered.
"Yep, which means that I am your protector," he stated as he patted his sword.
"Jason, I can take care of myself. My father made sure that I knew how to fight," she said looking back up at him.
"And how did he do that?"
She felt Crane move sideways before pawing the ground with her hoof. Her horse didn't like stand still for long.
"You know I can't talk about my time away, but trust me when I say I know how to fight," she said as she snapped the reins to get Crane's attention. "Now, if you don't mind, I would like to ride through the meadow today. Crane needs the exercise."
"No," he said as he moved his horse to block her escape.
"Excuse me?"
"Your parents sent me to find you," he said.
"They knew where I would be," she snapped. "I already told them I would be out here before I went riding."
"I know which is why I didn't have to search the entire kingdom for you. They are getting ready to leave," he said.
"What? I thought they decided not to go," she said as she glanced back at the castle.
"I guess they changed their mind," he said.
"No, something happened to make them change their minds," she said as she spun her horse around and headed towards the courtyard. She knew her parents would be there loading their horses.
What happened between last night and today to make her parents decide to journey to the Mystic Warrior?
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Goldar motioned to the Putty Patrol to burn the village. This was the fifth village along the border that they were to destroy. Once the barrier had come down, they were able to attack the outlining villages. This was the next step in King Zedd's plan to take Angel Grove.
Now that Rita was dead, it was time to take Zedd's plan to the next level. Once the village was destroyed, he and the patrol traveled back to castle. The edges of Angel Grove would send a warning to the King and Queen. They wouldn't be able to stop Zedd this time though.
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"Stay safe, we will be back before you miss us," Pierre promised his daughter.
"Why do you have to go?" Kimberly asked.
"The Kingdom is under attack and your mother and I must do what we can to save it," he said.
"Don't worry, Kimberly. We will be back in enough time to see your coronation. It's not every day your daughter becomes a Crown Princess," Carolina said as she kissed Kimberly's cheek.
"I'm already the Crown Princess," Kimberly stated as she crossed her arms.
"Not until you swear the oath," Pierre said. "Now, I want you to behave while we're gone. I've asked the Earl and Countess Scott to watch over you while we're gone."
Of course, they asked their best friends to watch her. It wasn't enough that she had a personal watchdog now. She uncrossed her arms and held her arms at her side.
"You and Jason better stay out of trouble, while we're gone," Carolina said as she shook her finger at Kimberly.
"Yes, momma," Kimberly said even as she crossed her fingers behind her back.
"Stop crossing your fingers," Carolina ordered. "I know that trick."
Kimberly sighed and dropped her arms to her sides once again.
"Why can't I come with you?" Kimberly asked.
It wouldn't take her long to pack her bags. Normally, they would let her come with them. In fact, her father always took her so that she could learn how to be a great queen one day.
"This is dangerous and we can't risk the future of the kingdom," Pierre said as he kissed Kimberly's forehead. "Now, you better practice kneeling in your crown. You would hate to fall over at your own coronation."
"Why can't I wear my tiara? I know how to kneel in it," Kimberly said as she watched her parents mount their horses.
"Tradition dictates you wear the crown," Pierre replied as he grabbed the reins in one hand. "We love you."
"Love you too," Kimberly said.
"We'll be back before you know it," Carolina said as she took the reins.
Kimberly nodded as she watched her parents ride out the back gate and into the forest beyond the wall. She stood there until she couldn't hear the horses before she walked into the main hall.
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"Sire, the King and Queen of Angel Grove have entered the Dark Forest," Goldar said as he entered the throne room.
"Good," Zedd hissed. "Take some of the Putty Patrol and subdue them. I want them brought to me by nightfall."
"Yes, sir," Goldar said with a bow.
Zedd watched as his number one guard left. He turned and looked out the opening the castle wall. His castle was smaller than the one in Angel Grove. It was also on the verge of falling apart. It didn't matter though because he would be moving into the castle in Angel Grove soon. The princess wouldn't be able to stop him. In fact, he would make her marry him or she too would die.
It was time to gain Angel Grove once and for all. The famed Mystic Warrior was gone as well as his protection on Angel Grove. He would fulfill his family's wish of conquering the small kingdom that lies between him and the sea.
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Two Weeks Later
"Kimberly!" Jason called out.
She sighed as she released her arrow. It hit the target dead center. Like it always did
"Jason, I asked you to leave me alone," she said as she grabbed another arrow from her quiver.
He had been dogging her steps for the past two weeks. Ever since her parents left, she was never left alone. Someone, mostly Jason, was around her all hours of the day and night. It didn't end when she went to sleep either. Her maid was stationed next to her bed while a guard stood outside. It was getting out of hand, which is why she ordered everyone to leave her alone this afternoon. No one dared to question her order, except for Jason.
"Kimberly, there's news about your parents," he said as soon as he reached her side.
"What is it?" she asked as she turned to face him.
She'd been waiting for something from her parents for two weeks. It wasn't like them to not send her word they were safe. She knew the journey they were taking. They should've been back by now. The Mystic Warrior's realm was not that far from Angel Grove.
"Their bodies have been found," he said slowly.
She nodded before dropping her bow and arrow.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
She nodded again as she straightened her shoulders and marched back inside the castle. Weaving her way through the twists and turns of the hallway, she finally made it to her room.
"Princess," one of the guards said.
She held up her hand before slipping inside her room. She latched the door before leaning against it. Her parents were dead. She had known there was something wrong. It was the reason, she sent men out to look for anything to tell her of her parents whereabouts.
She slid down to the stone floor. The pain was coming in waves. She didn't know how to stop it, but stop it she must. Angel Grove needed a ruler, now more than ever. It was her duty to lead this kingdom.
It was time to take her place as Queen of Angel Grove.
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"Mistress, the King and Queen of Angel Grove are dead."
"What?" she asked as she spun around to face her most trusted aide.
"Their bodies were found in the Dark Forest," he said.
"Who was behind their murders?"
"No one knows," he replied.
She sighed. "It was Zedd."
"But, mistress, he is still in mourning for the death of his wife Rita," he said. "He allows no one in the castle because of his grief."
"If that man is grieving the death of his wife, I would be shocked. He married her for the power her father could give him," she said.
"Vile was well versed in the Dark Arts," he said.
"Yes, he was, but Zedd is more powerful. The staff that Vile gave him has harnessed his powers," she said.
"What should we do? Princess Kimberly is now ruler of Angel Grove," he said.
"Send word to the commanders, they need to journey here to Phadoes," she said.
"Why here?"
"Because she will journey here," she said. "Kimberly's destiny is more than becoming a Queen."
"What is her destiny?" he asked.
"She is to become a great warrior. It will only be through her that Angel Grove can be saved," she said.
He nodded before he left her.
She reached for her staff. Twirling it, she checked on the protection barrier she had placed around Angel Grove many decades ago.
It was gone.
There was only person who could've removed the barrier. Her grandson was alive and working with Zedd. Only a holder of the power could've removed the barrier. She knew she didn't remove it and neither did her great grandson.
It was time to make Tommy ready. Kimberly would be in Phadoes in a matter of days. Zedd would attack the Princess soon. It was up to her to ensure Kimberly had everything she needed to defeat the King of the Lunar Kingdom.
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I hope everyone enjoyed this first chapter. Don't forget to let me know what you thought. The next chapter should be out soon.