Disclaimer: As usual, I don't own anything except any characters you never saw on TV...oh, and the plot. Don't want anybody taking that. ^-^

A/N: Thanks to all the people who review. I always enjoy getting reviews and suggestions on how to improve my story.

Chapter 9 ~ Mysterious Happenings

Kalli's 'extremely generous gift' turned out to be a large house. Yes, a house. Her third uncle twice removed (or something like that, Kalli couldn't quite remember) had died recently, and all his life he had this house but never really used it. He didn't have anyone to leave it to, and he vaguely remembered some distant relatives. After doing some research, he had decided to leave the house to Kalli. Kalli couldn't figure out why in the world he would leave this house to her, but she couldn't really complain.

Bria had gone home to grab all her things, telling her parents she was moving in with her friends. Andros and Ashley were of course happy to hear how well things were going. A few days after the Princess's visit, everyone was happily settled in a house nestled in Sun Valley.

Sun Valley was an almost equal distance between Mariner Bay, Turtle Cove, and Angel Grove. Since Bria was the only one who was still in school, she was the only one who had a problem with moving. All the others had been planning to or were already moved out. Bria transferred to Valley High, where she would complete her last few courses. Because she had taken extra courses in her first three years of high school, Bria now took only minimal classes, in order to keep up with being a Ranger.

A day or so after they had moved in, Bria and Jess were out grocery shopping. After they had parked the car, they walked inside, talking and laughing. Neither was aware of the figure that watched them.

When they came back out to load up the trunk of Bria's car, they were surprised to find the parking lot deserted. "What the--?" exclaimed Bria. They quickly put away the grocery bags and looked around.

"Does something seem a little different to you?" asked Jess.

"Just a tad," Bria replied, somewhat sarcastically.

The cousins stared. It was so silent; you could have heard a pin drop. Bria curiously walked around.

"Where did they all go?" she wondered out loud.

"I think I can help with that."

Bria and Jess spun around. In the middle of the parking lot there was a woman...or something that looked like a woman. She had short tawny hair and dull brown-gold eyes. Her lips and nails were blood red, and she was clad in gold boots, a gold skirt that was way too short, a gold halter top, and a gold headdress of some kind.

"Gee, like gold much?" muttered Jess.

"Gold is nice, but I think she went overboard," Bria replied.

"You must be the Power Rangers; pink and yellow, I assume," she sneered.

Bria gave Jess a meaningful look to stop her from correcting the strange woman. "Your point is?" Bria shot back.

"Oh nothing. Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm Sphinxra. Oh, I also dropped by to let you know you won't be Rangers for long."

"Uh huh. I'm so scared. You said you knew where everyone was?"

"Oh, them." The woman negligently waved her hand. "I scared them off so I could talk with you. I'd heard some Power Rangers were nearby. A wasted effort in my opinion."

"I'm sure. Let me guess; you work for Amenkotept...or whatever he's called."

The woman gave an evil laugh. "Very good. You're smarter than I thought." She put on a tragic expression. "So sorry, but I have an appointment to make...with one Amenkotept. In the meantime, I think I'll leave you with a little gift...something to play with." The woman grinned savagely. "Enjoy the Apepakes."

She disappeared in a sickly gold-brown light. Not two seconds later a purple-black mist formed followed by the snake creatures.

"Oh great," groaned Bria. "So that's what she meant by Apepakes."

Ten minutes later, Jess and Bria were driving home, slightly bruised and very annoyed.

"I want answers!" Bria exclaimed, letting out a long line of swears.

"Bria, please don't swear," Jess said calmly. "It's really not that bad. We'll figure it out."

Bria took several calming breaths. "Sorry Jess. I know it's not that big a deal...yet. It's just so frustrating!"

"I know, but we'll get there eventually."

Bria pulled up the long driveway to the house. After unloading the groceries, she informed Jess and Matt, who were putting groceries away, that she would be listening to music upstairs.

As Bria lounged on her bed, listening to music, she thought over Sphinxra. It was obvious that the Rangers were seriously unapt to fight right now. They were still trying to get control of their new powers. Besides, they had no way of even knowing if Amenkotept attacked...and just because he hadn't yet, Bria knew that didn't mean he wouldn't.

What they needed was help. Plain, old, simple help.

~Ambrianna.~

"Who said that?" Bria asked, startled. She stopped the music and sat up, looking around the room.

~I will help you.~

The deep voice echoed within Bria's head. Hey eyes widened as she figured out what it was...or to be more precise, who it was.

*But, you...you're...dead.*

~To some it may seem so. I am not truly dead. Did Andros ever tell you what I told him?~

*No. He always seemed to skip over that part of the story.*

~I told him that my spirit would forever live in all that is good. Are you not good? I will always be with you.~

*You have no idea how much better that makes me feel.*

The deep voice sounded amused. ~It is cheering to know you take such comfort in my presence. Please tell Andros you spoke with me. It will put his mind at rest.~

*I will.*

~As I have said, I will help you. I am sending someone to aid you; I believe you will like him.~

*Thank you, Zordon.*

~You are welcome, Ambrianna.~

Then the voice was gone.