pretty poison: by cynthia_harrell [power rangers: pet]
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters presented here and am not making any profit off of this whatsoever.
Title: Pretty Poison
Words: 3,110 (total so far: 16,152)
Theme: pet
Fandom: Power Rangers
Warnings: Power Ranger level of violence.
Billy sagged back against the console, trying not to knock over too many of the tools scattered there as he could. He hadn’t been this tired in ages. Little odd thoughts, scraps of memory, kept wandering around in his mind, as always tended to happen when he was too tired to focus on what he felt was actually important. He kept seeing Sabrina’s almond-shaped eyes looking at him, with a slightly taunting and amused tilt to her lips at the same time. Had she been trying to get him to ask her to the dance? It seemed likely, yet at the same time, she was more than attractive enough to be able to date anyone she wanted.
He tried to push that out of his mind. He had to think about what he and Alpha were doing, not on any upcoming festivities. Especially since there were still a couple of weeks until the dance itself. Hopefully by then everything they’d been going through with the Green Ranger would be over and done with.
“Billy?” Alpha tapped him on the wrist and he looked up, reaching up to rub at his eyes at the same time. “We have everything repaired. We just need to allow a short while for the power supply to recharge itself enough to contact Zordon once again.”
“How long?” They’d done it. They’d fixed everything that the Green Ranger had destroyed in that assault. He could hardly believe his eyes, or his ears. But when he looked around, despite all of the tools and scraps of wire in the area, it was obvious.
“At least seven hours for a minimum charge. Normally it wouldn’t take that long at all, but because of the damage, it’s best to be safe.” Alpha told him. Billy nodded; that was yet another tool he would need to put in his mental arsenal. He yawned and rubbed the back of his neck a bit now. “You should go home and get some rest, Billy.”
Billy wanted to tell Alpha that he didn’t need it. That he was fine. But the fact he opened his mouth to do so and was caught by a huge yawn caused a change of heart. “I think you’re right.” Besides, the place could power up without his needing to be there. “Call me if you need anything, Alpha.”
“I will!” The robot agreed. Billy tapped his communicator and a moment later was in his own garage: his preferred arrival spot when teleporting home. No one ever argued when he came from there and they hadn’t seen him go in.
He paused and listened for a few moments, then headed on inside. His dad wasn’t home yet. All to the good; he could make himself something to eat and crawl into bed. Homework would not be that difficult; he could do it before he went to class the next day.
Once again, thoughts about Sabrina began to slide around through his mind, and there wasn’t that much he could do to stop them. She was pretty, and from the questions she’d asked and answered in class, she was smart as well. She was different from most of the girls that Billy knew as well, with a strong hint of the exotic that sent his senses reeling.
Maybe I should ask her to the dance. What would it hurt? It wasn’t as if it were something permanent. It usually wasn’t, in his case. He’d taken out other girls, most recently Marge, but it never really continued after that. I’ll ask Trini and Kim what they think, he decided. Zack was still mooning over Angela and would likely enough tell him just to ask Sabrina out in the first place, and Jason was so struck with Tommi that it wasn’t likely he’d even notice another girl existed.
He nodded to himself; he would ask Kim and Trini’s advice, and knowing them, he would probably be asking Sabrina out very soon.
In fact, now that he thought about it, it would be very likely that the Green Ranger would be finished soon. In just a few hours, the length of a good night’s sleep, they would have contact with Zordon restored, and he would be able to help them figure out who it was and how to stop them.
Caught up still in his relief that this nightmare was virtually over, Billy made himself a quick sandwich and settled down in his room, scarcely tasting the food as it went down his throat. It only took his eyes being closed for a few minutes before he was soundly asleep, his dreams full of dark eyes and dancing.
“Later!” Jason waved farewell to Zack as he and Tommi started away from the Youth Center. He barely looked at the other Ranger, however. He saw Zack every day. Tommi, Tommi was something else. Something wonderful. Something indispensable. Someone that he’d never dreamed that he could meet until he had met her. Now he didn’t want to get away from her at all. The thought of just going home and not seeing her until the next day was all but revolting.
He shivered as they turned the corner, and Tommi’s hand slipped into his. Every other thought seemed to vanish out of his mind at the feel of her hand in his. He hadn’t held hands with many girls, but he’d sparred enough with Kim and Trini to get an idea of what their hands were like. Tommi’s were somewhat wider and stronger than Kim’s, and more developed with muscle than Trini’s.
He ran his thumb a bit along the palm of her hand and looked over to see what she thought of it. It was so good to be around a girl who could just about look him in the eyes. Her eyes were so beautiful as well, warm and brown and full of heat and life.
“Tommi,” he said, a sudden thought crossing his mind. “There’s that dance coming up in a couple of weeks. You’re not going with anyone yet, are you?” Please say no, please say no, please say no.
She shook her head a little, and nothing but joy shot through him. Now, for the next question. “Would you like to go with me?” Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.
“Of course I would.” Tommi smiled just a bit at him. “I had a feeling that you were going to ask.” He liked the way that smile looked. So completely beautiful.
He glanced around a bit; it was dark and there weren’t too many other people around, so maybe…yes. He leaned forward, closer towards her, and brushed his lips across hers. He hadn’t kissed many girls either, and most of the time it had been rather awkward when he had. This was still kind of strange and startling, but as she kissed back, he couldn’t imagine it having been any other way, or with any other person.
She leaned closer, kissing more aggressively, and ran her fingers through his hair before she pulled back, then tugged him over to a concealing alleyway. “You really like me, don’t you, Jason?”
“Tommi, I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this for anyone before in my entire life,” Jason declared, not taking his eyes off of her for so much as a moment. “I’d do anything for you. Anything at all.”
That smile was still beautiful but there was a slightly chillier edge to it now. Jason still thought it was wonderful. He was giddy with delight, and aching to do something that would show how much he loved her.
She played with his hair again, and Jason found it a bit difficult to stand steadily. Her touch could do what armies of Putties and Goldar couldn’t. “There’s going to be something that I want you to do for me soon. Not tonight. But tomorrow.”
“What is it?” Jason could not form too many other words, much less thoughts, but he did manage that much. Anything, anything at all that would please her.
“You’ll find out tomorrow. It’s going to be a surprise and I don’t want you to tell anyone else about it, do you understand?” Tommi stepped back some. “I’d have to be angry with you if you did.”
Jason shook his head quickly. “I won’t tell anyone.” Whatever she wanted, it would be done, as quickly as he could manage. She leaned in again and kissed him, passionately and deeply.
“Good. I expect you to keep your word. Now, let’s go.” She reached down and took his hand again, walking onward. Jason nodded and kept pace with her, hardly able to control his joy. He paid very little attention to what was going on around them, and instead focused on Tommi and what he would have to do for their date. The thought of what her request might be didn’t even cross his mind.
When they reached his house, he all but sighed audibly. Tommi just tapped his hand. “Go home, go to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.” There was such firmness and command in her tone that even if he’d wanted to, he couldn’t have turned her down. And wanting to do something she didn’t want him to do was the very last thought on Jason’s mind right now.
Scorpina glanced over and saw the Green Ranger coming towards her. There was a satisfied smirk on those lips that she’d seen on her own more than once.
“You gave it to him?” Not having her own advantages, the female Ranger would have used Finster’s love potion at the earliest opportunity.
“And it worked completely.” Tommi very much enjoyed the effect she had on Jason now. She hadn’t thought she would, but seeing him at her beck and call was intoxicating. She could hardly wait for the next day, when she would make her request of him, and he would give her what she wanted.
Scorpina nodded slightly, her fingers tapping about the edge of her sword. “Would you like to spar some?” It had been some time since she’d fought against an opponent who was close to being her equal. Goldar was too easy to beat, despite his power. That was all he had, no cunning or grace at all. She let him think otherwise, looking forward to the day when she could ram her stinger into his throat.
Tommi tilted her right hand a little, snapped her fingers, and the Sword of Darkness appeared there. “As you wish. Where?”
“This way.” The castle had many rooms that were untenanted, what with Rita’s staff and court consisting of less than ten sentient beings. But Scorpina had explored and had found a wide room that would do nicely for a training room for herself. It was there that she led the Green Ranger now.
No sooner had they both passed over the threshold, than Tommi leaped for Scorpina, grabbing for her sword arm. Scorpina moved back fluidly, bringing one foot around high and hard to slam into the other woman’s elbow. If she’d still been holding the Sword of Darkness, Tommi might have lost it then. But she’d already slipped it back into its hiding place, ready to be summoned forth again at need.
For the moment, she had to take the hit hard, and she knew there would be a bruise there. That was something to deal with later, though. She drove a hard punch towards Scorpina’s stomach, sweeping towards those armored feet with her own booted ones at the same time. Scorpina managed to jump over, but a quick shove sent her stumbling back as well. This fight was just beginning.
Back and forth the two went, their swords eventually clanging against one another, echoing throughout the palace. Putties came by, possibly to check and see if somehow or other the Power Rangers had invaded, but when they saw just Scorpina and the Green Ranger sparring, had at least enough higher quality clay in their heads to avoid interfering.
“Well done, well done!” Both of the warriors jumped back, turning towards the door nearly as one. If it had been a true threat, they would have turned all of their combined powers on whoever had been there. Instead, it was just Rita herself. They both bowed, their weapons vanishing, and she rustled her way into the room. “I trust this means you’re ready for tomorrow?”
Tommi nodded, bowing her head low. “I’ve done everything exactly as you commanded, my queen.”
“Good, good.” Rita patted her servant on the back of the head. “Good girl. By this time tomorrow, the Command Center will be no more, and the Power Rangers will be nothing but a memory!” She laughed wickedly, in the clear enjoyment of what was planned for the next day. “Go get your sleep. You’re both going to need it.”
Scorpina straightened up as the evil queen left. As far as she was concerned, this had been a light workout that had scarcely caused her to break a sweat. Tommi did look a bit more worn out, though. It was probably caused by her lack of full fighting experience. That could be changed, with enough time.
“We have a lot to do tomorrow.” The Power Rangers would be amazingly lucky if they survived the entire day. Some of them might, but their survival might be worse than their death, at least from some points of view.
She did so hope that the Blue Ranger was one of those survivors. She’d just barely begun to scratch the surface of what could be done with him.
Tommi nodded slightly, then vanished in a swirl of dark green. Scorpina watched where she had been for a moment. I wonder just how much she can be trusted. Rita’s spells are powerful, but they aren’t unbreakable. As much as she had enjoyed what they’d just done, it would be wise to keep an eye on the Green Ranger.
Five sparkles of light fell into the Command Center, resolving into the five Power Rangers. Alpha turned towards them, the lights on his helmet buzzing more and more quickly. “Rangers! I have good news!”
“Billy told us.” Zack said, grinning and looking up at the plasma tube where Zordon’s face usually appeared. “So how’s it going?”
“Just one moment and you’ll see!” Alpha tapped a few buttons, pushed a switch or two, and light crackled across the tube, resolving into the familiar look of their mentor.
“Zordon!” Five voices chorused their joy. Jason stepped forward some.
“Good to see you again!” the young leader declared. Zordon bowed his head a little towards them.
Likewise, Power Rangers. But we are still all in grave danger. Rita Repulsa has given the Green Power Coin to a chosen warrior. It is that warrior who attacked the Command Center and interrupted our communications.
“Yeah, we figured that much out.” Zack said. “That Green Ranger’s a real pain. Haven’t seen a lot of them, though.”
Zordon nodded briefly and was about to say something else when the alarms began to ring. Alpha checked quickly then whirled to look at the Rangers. “Green Ranger is in the park, and is not alone. Scorpina is there as well.”
“Scorpina?” Kim frowned at the name. “Who is that? I’ve never heard of them before.”
Scorpina is a powerful female warrior from another galaxy. Do not underestimate her. She is an assassin and a spy as well. Keep your guard up. Zordon told them. The Viewing Globe also revealed that the two warriors had a small army of Putties there with them, and civilians were being harassed this way and that.
Jason glanced more closely at where they were, and his eyes widened. Tommi lives around there! She could be in danger! “Guys, we’ve got to get over there! It’s morphin’ time!”
He didn’t bother waiting for everyone else; he simply grabbed for his Power Coin and morphed, teleporting as he did. The sheer thought of Tommi in danger set his brain on fire. Reality blurred around him and when it reset itself, he stood in the park, with teenagers and some adults running this way and that.
“So you’re here, Red Ranger,” the Green Ranger’s voice was a dark purr of black velvet. “So nice to see you. But this isn’t a party for one. Where are your little friends?”
Jason barely had a chance to take a step forward when the other four materialized around him. He grinned underneath his helmet. “They’re right here, Green Ranger! So let’s get down to business!”
He had now taken a couple of more steps, when Zack’s armored hand came down on his shoulder. “Wait, man. Zordon told us something. You’re going to want to hear this.” He sounded worried, but Jason pushed the hand away. He didn’t want to take the chance on Tommi being hurt. Sure, she could defend herself against Putties, but Green Ranger and Scorpina were a different order of magnitude.
“Oh, I think you should hear it too,” Scorpina laughed, pointing her sword at them. “If it’s what I think it is, then we both want you to hear it, don’t we?”
“Indeed.” Green Ranger laughed briefly. “Or perhaps I should tell you myself, Jason.”
That voice…Jason hadn’t been quite paying that much attention to who it sounded like, but now that he thought about it. It was familiar. Far, far too familiar. His head spun and he clenched his fists. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, just this, first.” Green Ranger waved a gleaming blade that was held in one armored hand, and emerald flames leaped up all around the Rangers and their enemies, rising high enough that no one could see what was going on from the outside.
“I don’t like this,” Kim muttered, moving a bit closer to Trini as she did. “What’s going on?” After what Zordon had told them…what else could possibly happen?
Green Ranger flicked the dark blade away, and then reached for the latches on the helmet. “You made a promise, Jason. You’re not going to go back on your word, are you?” And the helmet was lifted away, and a long dark brown pony tail of hair spilled out, and when she moved the helmet aside, a face they had seen in the halls and at the Youth Center was now blindingly clear.
Jason could hardly believe what he was seeing at all. He swallowed a few times. He wanted to rub his eyes, but his own helmet was still on. This had to be a joke, a trick. He couldn’t be seeing it. Couldn’t be seeing her.
“Tommi?”
To Be Continued
Title: Pretty Poison
Words: 3,110 (total so far: 16,152)
Theme: pet
Fandom: Power Rangers
Warnings: Power Ranger level of violence.
Billy sagged back against the console, trying not to knock over too many of the tools scattered there as he could. He hadn’t been this tired in ages. Little odd thoughts, scraps of memory, kept wandering around in his mind, as always tended to happen when he was too tired to focus on what he felt was actually important. He kept seeing Sabrina’s almond-shaped eyes looking at him, with a slightly taunting and amused tilt to her lips at the same time. Had she been trying to get him to ask her to the dance? It seemed likely, yet at the same time, she was more than attractive enough to be able to date anyone she wanted.
He tried to push that out of his mind. He had to think about what he and Alpha were doing, not on any upcoming festivities. Especially since there were still a couple of weeks until the dance itself. Hopefully by then everything they’d been going through with the Green Ranger would be over and done with.
“Billy?” Alpha tapped him on the wrist and he looked up, reaching up to rub at his eyes at the same time. “We have everything repaired. We just need to allow a short while for the power supply to recharge itself enough to contact Zordon once again.”
“How long?” They’d done it. They’d fixed everything that the Green Ranger had destroyed in that assault. He could hardly believe his eyes, or his ears. But when he looked around, despite all of the tools and scraps of wire in the area, it was obvious.
“At least seven hours for a minimum charge. Normally it wouldn’t take that long at all, but because of the damage, it’s best to be safe.” Alpha told him. Billy nodded; that was yet another tool he would need to put in his mental arsenal. He yawned and rubbed the back of his neck a bit now. “You should go home and get some rest, Billy.”
Billy wanted to tell Alpha that he didn’t need it. That he was fine. But the fact he opened his mouth to do so and was caught by a huge yawn caused a change of heart. “I think you’re right.” Besides, the place could power up without his needing to be there. “Call me if you need anything, Alpha.”
“I will!” The robot agreed. Billy tapped his communicator and a moment later was in his own garage: his preferred arrival spot when teleporting home. No one ever argued when he came from there and they hadn’t seen him go in.
He paused and listened for a few moments, then headed on inside. His dad wasn’t home yet. All to the good; he could make himself something to eat and crawl into bed. Homework would not be that difficult; he could do it before he went to class the next day.
Once again, thoughts about Sabrina began to slide around through his mind, and there wasn’t that much he could do to stop them. She was pretty, and from the questions she’d asked and answered in class, she was smart as well. She was different from most of the girls that Billy knew as well, with a strong hint of the exotic that sent his senses reeling.
Maybe I should ask her to the dance. What would it hurt? It wasn’t as if it were something permanent. It usually wasn’t, in his case. He’d taken out other girls, most recently Marge, but it never really continued after that. I’ll ask Trini and Kim what they think, he decided. Zack was still mooning over Angela and would likely enough tell him just to ask Sabrina out in the first place, and Jason was so struck with Tommi that it wasn’t likely he’d even notice another girl existed.
He nodded to himself; he would ask Kim and Trini’s advice, and knowing them, he would probably be asking Sabrina out very soon.
In fact, now that he thought about it, it would be very likely that the Green Ranger would be finished soon. In just a few hours, the length of a good night’s sleep, they would have contact with Zordon restored, and he would be able to help them figure out who it was and how to stop them.
Caught up still in his relief that this nightmare was virtually over, Billy made himself a quick sandwich and settled down in his room, scarcely tasting the food as it went down his throat. It only took his eyes being closed for a few minutes before he was soundly asleep, his dreams full of dark eyes and dancing.
“Later!” Jason waved farewell to Zack as he and Tommi started away from the Youth Center. He barely looked at the other Ranger, however. He saw Zack every day. Tommi, Tommi was something else. Something wonderful. Something indispensable. Someone that he’d never dreamed that he could meet until he had met her. Now he didn’t want to get away from her at all. The thought of just going home and not seeing her until the next day was all but revolting.
He shivered as they turned the corner, and Tommi’s hand slipped into his. Every other thought seemed to vanish out of his mind at the feel of her hand in his. He hadn’t held hands with many girls, but he’d sparred enough with Kim and Trini to get an idea of what their hands were like. Tommi’s were somewhat wider and stronger than Kim’s, and more developed with muscle than Trini’s.
He ran his thumb a bit along the palm of her hand and looked over to see what she thought of it. It was so good to be around a girl who could just about look him in the eyes. Her eyes were so beautiful as well, warm and brown and full of heat and life.
“Tommi,” he said, a sudden thought crossing his mind. “There’s that dance coming up in a couple of weeks. You’re not going with anyone yet, are you?” Please say no, please say no, please say no.
She shook her head a little, and nothing but joy shot through him. Now, for the next question. “Would you like to go with me?” Please say yes, please say yes, please say yes.
“Of course I would.” Tommi smiled just a bit at him. “I had a feeling that you were going to ask.” He liked the way that smile looked. So completely beautiful.
He glanced around a bit; it was dark and there weren’t too many other people around, so maybe…yes. He leaned forward, closer towards her, and brushed his lips across hers. He hadn’t kissed many girls either, and most of the time it had been rather awkward when he had. This was still kind of strange and startling, but as she kissed back, he couldn’t imagine it having been any other way, or with any other person.
She leaned closer, kissing more aggressively, and ran her fingers through his hair before she pulled back, then tugged him over to a concealing alleyway. “You really like me, don’t you, Jason?”
“Tommi, I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this for anyone before in my entire life,” Jason declared, not taking his eyes off of her for so much as a moment. “I’d do anything for you. Anything at all.”
That smile was still beautiful but there was a slightly chillier edge to it now. Jason still thought it was wonderful. He was giddy with delight, and aching to do something that would show how much he loved her.
She played with his hair again, and Jason found it a bit difficult to stand steadily. Her touch could do what armies of Putties and Goldar couldn’t. “There’s going to be something that I want you to do for me soon. Not tonight. But tomorrow.”
“What is it?” Jason could not form too many other words, much less thoughts, but he did manage that much. Anything, anything at all that would please her.
“You’ll find out tomorrow. It’s going to be a surprise and I don’t want you to tell anyone else about it, do you understand?” Tommi stepped back some. “I’d have to be angry with you if you did.”
Jason shook his head quickly. “I won’t tell anyone.” Whatever she wanted, it would be done, as quickly as he could manage. She leaned in again and kissed him, passionately and deeply.
“Good. I expect you to keep your word. Now, let’s go.” She reached down and took his hand again, walking onward. Jason nodded and kept pace with her, hardly able to control his joy. He paid very little attention to what was going on around them, and instead focused on Tommi and what he would have to do for their date. The thought of what her request might be didn’t even cross his mind.
When they reached his house, he all but sighed audibly. Tommi just tapped his hand. “Go home, go to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow.” There was such firmness and command in her tone that even if he’d wanted to, he couldn’t have turned her down. And wanting to do something she didn’t want him to do was the very last thought on Jason’s mind right now.
Scorpina glanced over and saw the Green Ranger coming towards her. There was a satisfied smirk on those lips that she’d seen on her own more than once.
“You gave it to him?” Not having her own advantages, the female Ranger would have used Finster’s love potion at the earliest opportunity.
“And it worked completely.” Tommi very much enjoyed the effect she had on Jason now. She hadn’t thought she would, but seeing him at her beck and call was intoxicating. She could hardly wait for the next day, when she would make her request of him, and he would give her what she wanted.
Scorpina nodded slightly, her fingers tapping about the edge of her sword. “Would you like to spar some?” It had been some time since she’d fought against an opponent who was close to being her equal. Goldar was too easy to beat, despite his power. That was all he had, no cunning or grace at all. She let him think otherwise, looking forward to the day when she could ram her stinger into his throat.
Tommi tilted her right hand a little, snapped her fingers, and the Sword of Darkness appeared there. “As you wish. Where?”
“This way.” The castle had many rooms that were untenanted, what with Rita’s staff and court consisting of less than ten sentient beings. But Scorpina had explored and had found a wide room that would do nicely for a training room for herself. It was there that she led the Green Ranger now.
No sooner had they both passed over the threshold, than Tommi leaped for Scorpina, grabbing for her sword arm. Scorpina moved back fluidly, bringing one foot around high and hard to slam into the other woman’s elbow. If she’d still been holding the Sword of Darkness, Tommi might have lost it then. But she’d already slipped it back into its hiding place, ready to be summoned forth again at need.
For the moment, she had to take the hit hard, and she knew there would be a bruise there. That was something to deal with later, though. She drove a hard punch towards Scorpina’s stomach, sweeping towards those armored feet with her own booted ones at the same time. Scorpina managed to jump over, but a quick shove sent her stumbling back as well. This fight was just beginning.
Back and forth the two went, their swords eventually clanging against one another, echoing throughout the palace. Putties came by, possibly to check and see if somehow or other the Power Rangers had invaded, but when they saw just Scorpina and the Green Ranger sparring, had at least enough higher quality clay in their heads to avoid interfering.
“Well done, well done!” Both of the warriors jumped back, turning towards the door nearly as one. If it had been a true threat, they would have turned all of their combined powers on whoever had been there. Instead, it was just Rita herself. They both bowed, their weapons vanishing, and she rustled her way into the room. “I trust this means you’re ready for tomorrow?”
Tommi nodded, bowing her head low. “I’ve done everything exactly as you commanded, my queen.”
“Good, good.” Rita patted her servant on the back of the head. “Good girl. By this time tomorrow, the Command Center will be no more, and the Power Rangers will be nothing but a memory!” She laughed wickedly, in the clear enjoyment of what was planned for the next day. “Go get your sleep. You’re both going to need it.”
Scorpina straightened up as the evil queen left. As far as she was concerned, this had been a light workout that had scarcely caused her to break a sweat. Tommi did look a bit more worn out, though. It was probably caused by her lack of full fighting experience. That could be changed, with enough time.
“We have a lot to do tomorrow.” The Power Rangers would be amazingly lucky if they survived the entire day. Some of them might, but their survival might be worse than their death, at least from some points of view.
She did so hope that the Blue Ranger was one of those survivors. She’d just barely begun to scratch the surface of what could be done with him.
Tommi nodded slightly, then vanished in a swirl of dark green. Scorpina watched where she had been for a moment. I wonder just how much she can be trusted. Rita’s spells are powerful, but they aren’t unbreakable. As much as she had enjoyed what they’d just done, it would be wise to keep an eye on the Green Ranger.
Five sparkles of light fell into the Command Center, resolving into the five Power Rangers. Alpha turned towards them, the lights on his helmet buzzing more and more quickly. “Rangers! I have good news!”
“Billy told us.” Zack said, grinning and looking up at the plasma tube where Zordon’s face usually appeared. “So how’s it going?”
“Just one moment and you’ll see!” Alpha tapped a few buttons, pushed a switch or two, and light crackled across the tube, resolving into the familiar look of their mentor.
“Zordon!” Five voices chorused their joy. Jason stepped forward some.
“Good to see you again!” the young leader declared. Zordon bowed his head a little towards them.
Likewise, Power Rangers. But we are still all in grave danger. Rita Repulsa has given the Green Power Coin to a chosen warrior. It is that warrior who attacked the Command Center and interrupted our communications.
“Yeah, we figured that much out.” Zack said. “That Green Ranger’s a real pain. Haven’t seen a lot of them, though.”
Zordon nodded briefly and was about to say something else when the alarms began to ring. Alpha checked quickly then whirled to look at the Rangers. “Green Ranger is in the park, and is not alone. Scorpina is there as well.”
“Scorpina?” Kim frowned at the name. “Who is that? I’ve never heard of them before.”
Scorpina is a powerful female warrior from another galaxy. Do not underestimate her. She is an assassin and a spy as well. Keep your guard up. Zordon told them. The Viewing Globe also revealed that the two warriors had a small army of Putties there with them, and civilians were being harassed this way and that.
Jason glanced more closely at where they were, and his eyes widened. Tommi lives around there! She could be in danger! “Guys, we’ve got to get over there! It’s morphin’ time!”
He didn’t bother waiting for everyone else; he simply grabbed for his Power Coin and morphed, teleporting as he did. The sheer thought of Tommi in danger set his brain on fire. Reality blurred around him and when it reset itself, he stood in the park, with teenagers and some adults running this way and that.
“So you’re here, Red Ranger,” the Green Ranger’s voice was a dark purr of black velvet. “So nice to see you. But this isn’t a party for one. Where are your little friends?”
Jason barely had a chance to take a step forward when the other four materialized around him. He grinned underneath his helmet. “They’re right here, Green Ranger! So let’s get down to business!”
He had now taken a couple of more steps, when Zack’s armored hand came down on his shoulder. “Wait, man. Zordon told us something. You’re going to want to hear this.” He sounded worried, but Jason pushed the hand away. He didn’t want to take the chance on Tommi being hurt. Sure, she could defend herself against Putties, but Green Ranger and Scorpina were a different order of magnitude.
“Oh, I think you should hear it too,” Scorpina laughed, pointing her sword at them. “If it’s what I think it is, then we both want you to hear it, don’t we?”
“Indeed.” Green Ranger laughed briefly. “Or perhaps I should tell you myself, Jason.”
That voice…Jason hadn’t been quite paying that much attention to who it sounded like, but now that he thought about it. It was familiar. Far, far too familiar. His head spun and he clenched his fists. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, just this, first.” Green Ranger waved a gleaming blade that was held in one armored hand, and emerald flames leaped up all around the Rangers and their enemies, rising high enough that no one could see what was going on from the outside.
“I don’t like this,” Kim muttered, moving a bit closer to Trini as she did. “What’s going on?” After what Zordon had told them…what else could possibly happen?
Green Ranger flicked the dark blade away, and then reached for the latches on the helmet. “You made a promise, Jason. You’re not going to go back on your word, are you?” And the helmet was lifted away, and a long dark brown pony tail of hair spilled out, and when she moved the helmet aside, a face they had seen in the halls and at the Youth Center was now blindingly clear.
Jason could hardly believe what he was seeing at all. He swallowed a few times. He wanted to rub his eyes, but his own helmet was still on. This had to be a joke, a trick. He couldn’t be seeing it. Couldn’t be seeing her.
“Tommi?”
To Be Continued