A NEW SHADE OF POWER
AUTHOR'S NOTE/DISCLAIMER
This is the revised version of "A Different Shade Of Power", so any shout outs in the previous story will be deleted. Power Rangers belongs to Haim Saban and Nickelodeon. Some things are the same as the original Kat arch, but I'll try to make most of it different.
Jason and Tommy did an intricate kata in Ernie's Gym and Juice Bar.
"Man, you know, I never thought a relative of Rita's could be tough," Jason commented.
"I didn't even think she had a relative," Tommy quipped. They laughed.
"I'm just glad we were able to keep Rito from destroying our zords," Jason said.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," Tommy agreed. As the kata continued, so did the conversation. Both were unaware of Rita who was spying on them from the moon palace.
"Enjoying your victory, eh, boys? Well, enjoy it while it lasts, because after the little surprise Zeddy and I have cooked up for you, you won't be doing much of anything. Especially you, Red Ranger," she cackled. Soon, the world would be all hers. Back at the youth center, Tommy and Jason had finished their kata. Jason checked his watch.
"I gotta go before I'm late for my shift," he said.
"Bye, man," Tommy said and they started to part. A tall, blonde girl came in.
"Excuse me, could I get some help? You see, my car broke down and I'm new here and I haven't met anyone yet," she said in an Australian accent.
"I can help you out," Jason offered.
"That'd be great, thanks," she sighed.
"Let me just call my boss and tell him I'm going to be a little late," he said.
"Of course," she nodded. She nodded and headed outside. Jason touched his communicator.
"Bulk, Skull, I'm helping someone out with their car. Could you guys tell Lt. Stone I'm gonna be a little late?" he requested.
"Will do," Skull replied. At the precinct, they walked up to the Lieutenant.
"What can I do for you gentleman?" Lt. Stone asked.
"Jason called, said that he was helping someone out with their car and that'd he be a little late," Bulk told him.
"All right. Thank you, gentleman," Lt. Stone nodded. "All right, let's get started." With that, they headed out. Jason walked out the door, following the girl.
"Who was that?" Kimberly asked.
"I don't know," Tommy replied. Outside, Jason put some wires back together and then told the girl to start it. She did so and grinned as the sound of the engine revving filled the air.
"Thanks a million," she exclaimed, getting out of the car and throwing her arms around him.
"Ha, ha. No problem," he said, returning the hug briefly before pulling away. Then, "Is there anything else I can do for you before I leave?"
"Um, actually, do you know where I can get anything to eat?"
"Yeah, right inside." They walked in. "Oh, by the way, I'm Jason," he told her.
"I'm Katherine, but everyone calls me Kat," she stated. Wow. He's so cute, she thought to herself.
"Yo, Jase! You want your usual?" Ernie asked.
"No thanks, Ernie. I gotta get going," Jason responded.
"Jase, who's this?" Tommy wondered. Kat looked at him. He's kind of cute. But not as cute as Jason, she thought to herself. Now if I can just get Jason to stay long enough for Empress Rita to make her move, she continued to herself.
"This is Kat," Jason answered. "Kat, these are my friends Tommy, Kimberly, Billy, Zack, Trini, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha," he continued.
"Hi. It's very nice to meet you all," she told them. The others walked over to the counter, no one noticing the sudden flash of orange-ish red in Kat's eyes. Good Kitty. Now get the Red Ranger out of there, she heard her Empress' voice say. The girl gave an imperceptible nod. Katherine looked at her watch, and gasped.
"Oh, dear. I'm going to be late," she worried. "I better get going." She bit her lip. "But I'm not sure I know how to get there," she admitted.
"What's your address?" Jason asked. She told him. "I can take you if you want." Tommy snickered and Kimberly smacked him.
"That'd be great, thanks." They walked out.
"Aw, man. I better get home. Mom needs me to babysit," Rocky said. The others made similar statements, and each left the youth center. As they drove down the street, Kat smiled. He's all yours, Empress, she stated. With an evil cackle, Rita pointed her wand at Earth and electricity came down and enveloped the car, which disappeared and then reappeared in a vortex of fog.
"WHOA! What the-" Jason started to ask. What are Rita and Zedd up to now? he wondered.
"Jason, what's going on? I'm scared," Katherine said, grabbing his arm and leaning into him.
"It'll be all right, Kat," he said. He turned the wheel as if to steer it. What am I doing? he wondered. This vortex wasn't going to lead anywhere. Then, as the fog drifted up, Jason felt himself growing sleepy.
"Wha-wha-what's going-" the question trailed off as his eyes closed. Katherine chuckled as Rita appeared.
"Nice work, Kitty," she sneered, and then zapped Jason, causing him to disappear from the vortex and reappear in the palace's dungeon. Jason moaned and his body sprawled out on the floor.
