How You Found Me series, Installment 2: The Tribute Gift
Disclaimer: Usual disclaimers apply. I do not own these characters, I am merely using them for the enjoyment of creating a story.
Author's note: This is the second installment to my How You Found Me series. If you have not read the first installment, it is titled: Green With Evil, Part 6. My introduction to the story and some of the changes to setting developments can be found in there.
Warning: This particular installment is rated MA for male/male rape, violence due to torture, and language. Please be advised and read at your discretion.
This installment takes off right after the end of installment 1. Jason wakes up to find himself in the Dark Dimension, where Goldar plans to rape him. There are multiple rape scenes, so again, please read at your discretion. It is not highly detailed and the imagery I do include is for a purpose, but I do feel safer giving as much warning as possible because of the content. If this distresses you and is offensive, please do not read.
For those of that you liked the first story well enough, are okay with the content that I wrote about, thank you for reading this second installment. I will say (again) that the rape scenes are not a full account of the entire sexual encounter, but do contain some vivid imagery. I do not write these scenes with the intention of any consensuality on Jason's part, nor do I try to depict that rape is an acceptable form of sex.
There will be ten installments total to this series. It is by and large a long, slow love story between Jason and Tommy. If you are looking specifically for when their relationship begins to bloom, please stay tuned for installment 3: The Cave.
This installment will have a total of 3 chapters, one chapter posted each Sunday and Wednesday.
Thank you to those who have left (positive) criticism/feedback. I hope the story continues to intrigue you!
Chapter 1: The Tribute Gift
A thick fog of dreamless sleep began lifting from Jason, slowly pulling him back into a cognitive state. The first thing his senses picked up on was that he was lying prostrate on a cold, hard surface. Instinct told him something peculiar had just happened; reflexively, his mind began back tracking, trying to figure out what his last moments of consciousness were. There was nothing.
The next basic impulse was of opening his eyes, but the image was blurry and indistinguishable. Blinking a few times, his mind worked at clearing the cobwebs, and things slowly came into focus. It was dark, but stars were shining off in the distance, giving enough light to illuminate his surroundings, glinting off several golden spokes that connected to green columns, forming what looked like –
Quick as lightening, Jason shot up to his feet. The sudden movement drove a thick needle of pain shooting to the back of his skull, while blood drained swiftly from his head, blinding his eyes with intense white light from standing up too fast. Strong dizziness ensued, throwing the Red Ranger back down to the floor on his knees.
Unable to do anything, Jason remained stationary until his body regained normal blood flow and returned his vision and equilibrium back to normal. His mind whirled before him in adrenaline-induced panic.
He was back in the Dark Dimension. For a second he swore that he was just re-visiting his recent nightmare again, but the pounding in the back of his skull and the ache in his spine told him he was very much experiencing reality.
He needed to morph, and now. Reaching back behind for his morpher, his hands closed on empty space. It wasn't there. His level of panic increased. Instinctively moving for his communicator next, he brought his left wrist up to his mouth, but there wasn't anything to speak into. It was also gone.
Jason frantically began searching the ground around him, but a thin mist had settled, making visibility on the floor extremely weak.
Fear paralyzed his lungs and squeezed at his heart. He could try searching for those precious items, but he knew the likelihood of finding them was slim to none.
He was trapped in the Dark Dimension once more, even more alone than before. Because before, he had at least had his communicator. That had saved him. Unless Goldar had it and was going to challenge him for it. But somehow he didn't think there were high chances of that happening.
It was as if thinking about the golden ape was powerful enough to summon, because suddenly his laugh was echoing loudly throughout the chamber. Standing up quickly, Jason turned around and faced the ugly brute, ignoring the pounding in his head and grateful that he didn't get lightheaded again.
"Welcome back to hell, Red Ranger!" Goldar chortled gleefully. "Did you think you could really get away from me?"
Jason's brows furrowed in anger, defiantly calling out, "It won't last long. My friends will come for me."
Goldar chuckled. His deep gravelly voice was thick with triumph. "I'd like to see them try! This place is untouchable to them. Without your morpher or your communicator, you are completely lost to them."
It was true. Jason's heart pounded with despair at the thought of it. Images flashed through his mind of Goldar forcing him to his knees, pressing his back against one of the green posts . . .
He blinked hard. No. He wasn't giving in. Where there was a will, there was a way. He would fight for as long as it took until he found it.
"They'll find a way," he retorted back confidently.
The response only made Goldar laugh. "Hahahaha! You can say that all you want, pathetic human, but it will not happen! Rita has given you to me as my Tribute Gift. It is my reward for my faithful service to her, and I intend to keep what is mine!"
Rage boiled up inside of Jason. "I am NOT your tribute gift!" he shouted.
A growl rose up from Goldar's throat. "I will show you differently. You and I will battle now, to commence Rita's offering, and I will prove that I am worthy of this warrior's gift!"
Not waiting for a reply, Goldar roared out a battle call Jason had never before heard uttered from the creature, as he charged for the Red Ranger.
Jason ducked down and tumble rolled away from the attack, deflecting it easily. Standing back up in a defensive stance several feet away from Goldar, Jason waited for the brute's next move.
The battle was on.
"You are correct, Tommy," Zordon's commanding voice answered. "My senses tell me Jason is indeed in the Dark Dimension, but he is unreachable to us. I cannot pull him up on the globe."
All of the rangers had just recently assembled at the Command Center. It took far longer to rendezvous than Tommy would have preferred, and he was anxious to find a way to help his friend.
He paced back and forth restlessly. "Zordon, is there any way that we could find a way to get him out of there without his morpher or communicator?"
"I am afraid not. As you already know, Rita has powerful magic, and the Dark Dimension is one of her strong holds. It is protected extremely well."
Frustration and despair heated up inside Tommy. He wanted to shout out, but it was Zach who gave voice to those emotions instead.
"Man! We just can't accept that! There's gotta be a way we can get to Jason. We can't let him down!"
Trini spoke up next, thinking carefully. "Maybe if we could find out why Jason is there, what Goldar wants with him. That could give us a clue?"
Everyone was silent a moment, considering Trini's words. Then Kimberly spoke up. "Tommy, you knew right away where Jason was. How did you know that?"
All eyes turned to Tommy. As desperate as he was to help his new friend, he also didn't want to betray the secret that was trusted to him. But what if it helped save Jason's life? Maybe . . . maybe Tommy didn't have to give all of the information away.
The Green Ranger sighed. He hated having to recount his memories of being under Rita's spell. "In the end, Goldar didn't want Jason to be destroyed. At the very last second, when I was in there with Jason, I was ordered not to kill him."
Confusion wore on everyone's face.
"Why did he change his mind?" Zach inquired.
This was the most delicate question to answer. But Tommy knew what to say. "Because he wanted a slave instead. As a reward for his service to Rita." It was enough of the truth. No one else asked any more questions. They were all brain storming. Tommy breathed a silent sigh of relief.
It was Billy who finally responded. "I'll be right back. Alpha, can you take me to the Command Center's archives? Perhaps there's some information in there that can help us lure Goldar and Jason out of there."
"Sure thing, Billy. Follow me," came Alpha's voice, and they walked off together.
Jason rolled under cover of the mist, taking a moment to catch his breath. He wasn't lasting as long as he needed to. Goldar had begun with a series of attacks and charges, which the Red Ranger parried easily, mixing in a few of the choreographed moves he and Tommy had devised. To Jason's silent pleasure, a few of the moves were executed with enough force to send Goldar sprawling to the ground more than once. It should have been enough to wear down the brute's energy, but there appeared to be no sign of him slowing down. Instead, it seemed like he was gaining strength. With each physical block, parry, punch or kick where the two connected in some physical way, it felt like energy leeched itself from Jason into Goldar.
Breathing hard and laying low to the ground, Jason had to hope that the mist would conceal him as well as it did the first time he was here. He needed to buy as much time as he could for himself. It had taken him far too long to figure out that all Goldar was interested in was making physical contact and draining Jason of his Red Ranger energy. There was something about the Dark Dimension and being without his morpher or communicator that could strangle the connection of power. He needed to preserve as much of it as he could.
He didn't like it, but it was forcing him to flee from every one of Goldar's advances, staying strictly on the defensive side. It took sheer force of will to ignore and push past all of Goldar's taunts and bribes. Jason was riding on very high stakes and could not afford any loss of concentration.
Unfortunately, in his latest counter from Goldar's attack, it involved a jump and roll maneuver, and he miscalculated the amount of distance he had toward the wall. His left side slammed into the golden spikes, which produced several bolts of electricity coursing through him, sending his nerves into temporary paralyzed shock.
It was a costly mistake. He had managed to roll on the floor far enough away for Goldar to lose sight of him, but the electric bolts had sapped away precious strength.
Jason closed his eyes and tried to even out his breathing and slow down his racing heart. He needed to regain control. Clear his mind, and figure out a way to keep the battle moving as long as possible. Tommy had to know something had happened to him by now. He never showed to their combined class. How long ago had that been now? How long he was unconscious for? He had to hope there was something the Power Rangers were doing on their end to bring him back. Would they be able to transport him back without his power coin or communicator? He couldn't afford to doubt. He had to trust and hope. And buy them enough time. He was not going to become Goldar's Tribute Gift.
Hearing the big ape's footsteps, Jason opened his eyes. Goldar stopped inches away from him. The Power Ranger froze, holding his breath and keeping very, very still. He prayed that hairy Big Foot would pass over him, just like last time . . .
Luck was not on the Ranger's side. Goldar looked down and spotted Jason through the mist. Letting out an exultant cry, he reached down, lunging for him. Jason rolled away, but his reflexes had been compromised from the electric shock. Goldar's hand closed on his right ankle, hoisting him off the ground so he was dangling in the air. Goldar laughed maliciously. The Red Ranger reached for Golden Hairball's legs, intending to disturb the beast's balance, but his strength and reflexes were too slow. Energy was being drawn from him. Goldar brought his left golden boot up and connected with the side of Jason's head, inflicting pain and stunning the Power Ranger. Stars exploded everywhere in his vision.
Goldar walked a few paces and then lowered him none-too-gently to the floor, leaving only his captured leg suspended in the air by Godzilla's grasp. He heard the clasp of iron and felt a weight enclose around his ankle. His left leg was then grabbed at and hoisted into the air, where his right leg was released. It fell only inches, hovering in the air by the attached chain his cuff was connected to. There was another clinking sound of iron and the same weight encased his left ankle.
Both legs were dropped to the ground, and pain shot through to Jason's knees due to the angle in which they landed. Mere seconds later, Jason's wrists suffered the same fate, and a disoriented, chained Red Ranger felt a mental wall close up inside of him, sealing him away from any connection to his power as a Ranger.
It felt like this deep well of power and energy was being asphyxiated from inside, getting locked away at some inner door he had no access to. His chest was tight. For a few excruciating seconds he was lost to the spell the chains were creating.
And then he was being dragged backwards until his back met against one of the green columns, and Goldar was hoisting him up by the shoulders, planting him on his feet for a split second before forcing him back to the floor in a kneeling position. Jason's back was pressed up against the pillar once more, and his chained arms were raised above his head, Goldar's fist clenching the chains tightly together. Then, with his other free hand, Goldar moved aside his armor girth plate, and released his phallus. Fully erect, it sprang forward, right in front of Jason's face.
His eyes widened with horror and disgust. Not again. He couldn't let it happen again. But he was weakened by the blow to the head and the spell that had been cast when he was placed in the chains. He clamped his mouth shut, but Goldar's free hand grabbed at his throat and began squeezing. Air was being robbed from Jason. He would have rather died from asphyxiation than to allow that vulgar phallus entrance once more, but there was more at work here than he realized. He had been bound in a Tribute Gift's chains by a warrior, and the spell in those chains would not allow Jason to deny its master's wishes.
To his absolute terror, Jason's mouth opened of its own accord. Luscious air flowed into him, followed by Goldar's black rigid phallus.
All the while, triumphant laughing and grunting boomed in his ears.
Tommy paced restlessly across the Command Center floor. Billy had been gone a while. Was he finding anything out that could help them get Jason back? Would he find out information about the Tribute Gift and link the clues together? Would he tell everyone?
Questions pounded away relentlessly inside his head. Kimberly reached out a hand for Tommy's, stopping him in his tracks and offering a reassuring smile. Everything in her eyes showed she had similar concerns for Jason. But right now those eyes were focused on him, and he could see that she was worried about him too.
Despite everything, butterflies fluttered away inside. Smiling back at Kim, he squeezed her hand, trying to convey back to her his appreciation at her concern.
Just then, Alpha and Billy resurfaced. All of the Power Rangers came forward from the various places they had spread out to. Tommy remained frozen in place, letting everyone else gather in front of him to hear what Billy had to say. Kimberly stayed by Tommy's side, keeping her hand inside his, offering silent comfort and hope.
It was hard to read everything in Billy's expression, but one thing was clear. He looked troubled. Tommy's breathing hitched in his throat.
"Well?" Trini asked, breaking the silence. "Did you find anything?"
Looking at her, Billy nodded slowly, though his expression didn't change. "I think so," he began. He cast his worried eyes on everyone else. "We're going to need to challenge him."
Zach jumped in. "Challenge him? You mean as in a contest or something?"
Billy nodded. "Affirmative."
"What kind of challenge?" Kimberly asked.
"It would be called a Tribute's Challenge. As for what kind of challenge, that would be up to the opponent. But Goldar would have to accept. I did research on his species. There wasn't a whole lot I could find, but there were frequent references to these contests. It seems they happen regularly on his world. No one is allowed to refuse one when challenged."
"Why is it called a Tribute challenge, could you find out?" Trini asked.
Billy had more difficulty answering this question. Tommy's heart thudded in alarm. Billy knew.
"Well, from what I gathered, it appears the only kind of slaves they have on Goldar's world are called Tribute Gifts. Only warriors are able to acquire them. It's considered a high honor to have one. It means you are very skilled. But warriors can challenge each other for them. Hence what is known as the Tribute challenge. It gives the warrior high status and bragging rights to win one. It appears to be one of the few ways you can climb ranks. It's why they can't refuse."
Kimberly shuddered in disgust. "Ugh! Sounds like a world full of stupid, chauvinistic pigs to me. I can't believe societies like that exist."
"Yeah, that definitely sounds really messed up," Zach agreed. Then added, "I don't get it though, what's the big deal about these Tribute Gifts? Why does Goldar want Jason as one?"
Apprehension was written all over Billy's face. It was clear that he knew, probably even more than what Tommy did. But they were going to get Jason back. They were going to challenge Goldar and win. The others . . . they didn't need to know the details. Taking a shaky breath, Billy seemed about ready to answer when he caught Tommy's eye. The Green Ranger's eyes went wide with warning, giving the smallest, firm shake to the head while mouthing the words "No."
Billy's brows knitted together, revelation dawning that Tommy knew what he was about to say. He understood the message. Looking at the others, he lied smoothly, saying, "The stories were vague, not sharing any conclusive details." Billy hesitated, then decided to add, "Only that a Tribute Gift's life is of extremely poor quality."
Kimberly squeezed Tommy's hand, this time needing reassurance for herself. Her voice was full of anguish. "Oh my God. Poor Jason. You guys, we have to get him out of there and away from Goldar."
Billy looked back at Tommy, who nodded his silent thanks. Their eyes stayed locked together as Tommy asked, "Billy, how do we go about sending Goldar that challenge?"
With a final grunt of unbridled pleasure, Goldar pulled out and spent himself on Jason's face and hair. Thick white streams of hot semen shot out, hitting Jason in the nose and forehead, ricocheting up into his hair and the side of his head as he turned away disgustedly from the hot rain of cum. He struggled against his chains, but Goldar had a tight grip on them still. His arms remained trapped above his head, unable to shield himself from the load of pleasure that was dripping down his face. The Red Ranger's throat was working convulsively, but Goldar didn't release him until nothing more spurted out from his phallus. Contented, he released his hold on the chains and stepped away from the pathetic human as he doubled over on the floor and retched.
At long last, he now had his Tribute Gift, and it was the Red Ranger! This would be marked in the history of his home world. Once Earth was conquered, others would see the potential glory of the planet and come flocking. He would be viewed as the Ultimate Grand Warrior, defying all who would dare challenge him or his Tribute Gift. He would be revered, as the conqueror of a planet, mighty and fierce! His reputation as undefeated champion would earn him the highest rank of his kind. No, it would be more than that, because he had come to a new dimension and beaten an entire planet into submission! Who would dare call him a weakling then?
Just then, Rita's voice filled the room, shouting, "Goldar! Get your ass back here! You are being summoned!"
Growling at the interruption of his Tribute Gift initiation ceremony, Goldar was infuriated at being summoned away. Nonetheless, he obeyed his Empress and left to see who dared to summon him at this moment.
Rita was howling with rage. "It's the damn Green Ranger who betrayed me! He summoned you, the stupid peebrain!"
Now that he was out of the Dark Dimension, he could feel the lure of the summons. He didn't know the Green Ranger had learned the incantation for it. Those damnable Power Rangers had stolen too much from him and his Empress! Snarling with viciousness, he opened the mental link. An image flashed out before him and Rita, showing the Green Ranger and the rest of the Power Nimwads behind them.
"How dare you summon me, foolish human!" he growled out.
"We know you have Jason, Goldar. You can't have him!" replied the Green Ranger.
Goldar laughed gleefully. "That's what you may think, but you are wrong! My Empress has given him to me as a reward for my faithfulness to her. He is my Tribute Gift now! The ceremony is done, there is nothing you can do! He belongs to me, hahahahaha!"
"We'll just see about that! We challenge you for him, Goldar!"
Those words cut through Goldar's laughter. "What did you say?"
"You heard me. We demand a Tribute's Challenge. Warrior against warrior."
Goldar snarled in frustration. Rita had trusted too much information to a rookie. With her spell broken, his betrayal gave the Power Rangers unfair intelligence into their operations. He had looked forward to having his Tribute Gift for a while before any challenges came. He had waited too long for such a reward. The Power Rangers were always in the way! They must be destroyed!
Because of this, he welcomed the Tribute's Challenge. Now was his opportunity to take them out once and for all. He would still have time to enjoy what he'd earned. By accepting, he was the one who could set the terms.
"Very well," Goldar responded. "I accept your challenge. In two days, bring your Megazord and be ready for destruction!"
"Two days?" The Green Ranger asked tauntingly. "Are you so scared of being defeated right here and now that you think you need two stingy days to prepare?"
Goldar didn't buy the bribe, though it did anger him. He wanted time to enjoy pleasure first. It would make victory that much sweeter. "Two days, foolish humans! You will taste defeat!"
Without waiting for a response, he closed the link, and the picture before him vanished.
Rita cackled wickedly, "Hahahaha, this is just the opportunity I've been waiting for to destroy those Power Dipwads!" Her smile swiftly dropped, and pointing a finger at Goldar, she threatened him. "You'd better not let me down, Goldar! Look at what I've given you! You hand me those Power Ranger's heads on a plate, you got that?"
Goldar bowed. "It would be my great honor, my Empress, to do so. I will not fail you!"
Rita's smile came back, smug and confidant. "Good," she said, and walked away, dismissing him.
Eagerly, Goldar left her side and called himself back to the Dark Dimension. His gift was sitting toward the center of the room, knees bent upward, arms hugging around his legs. His eyes widened upon seeing Goldar appear, and then they darkened to a hardened mask of defiant anger. He had wiped away a good deal of the semen from his face, though some of it glistened in his hair. Goldar's phallus began to engorge at the mere thought of the Tribute Gift before him. His face needed to be marked again with pleasure.
Laughing exuberantly, he marched toward the human, relishing how he immediately began backing away. Goldar loved subduing a strong spirit.
Back in the Command Center, Tommy paced lividly. Goldar had accepted the Tribute's Challenge, and they were going to get Jason back, but it didn't feel like it had been enough. Goldar had set the terms of the contest. In two days' time, they would battle with the Megazord.
Two days!
That was too much time. Who knew what Jason would be subjected to in-between then? He looked over at Billy, who was watching him, a troubled expression on his face. No words were said, but looking at each other, both were sharing a private conversation. Tommy needed to talk to him, alone.
Everyone was heading back to Ernie's to teach their classes, unable to do anything more for the day. It was a perfect time for the two rangers to talk. Tommy started making his way over to Billy, but Kimberly stepped into view, stopping him.
"You wanna head over to Ernie's together?" she asked. The smile was tinged with worry. Everyone's mind was on Jason and the challenge they would begin preparing for tomorrow. Tommy's heart strings tugged. He wanted to go with her, to exchange comfort and support, but he needed to talk to Billy. He needed to know what he knew. He needed to get Jason back.
"Um, well actually, my schedule's clear for the rest of the day over there," Tommy began regretfully. "I think I'm gonna stick around here a while longer. I need to go over a few things. Get prepared."
He hated seeing the disappointment in her eyes. "Oh, okay."
"Sorry."
"It's fine. I understand." Kimberly tucked a strand of hair behind her ears and started to walk away, but promptly stopped and turned around. Looking Tommy in the eyes, she regarded him with concern. "Are you gonna be okay?"
She had such a deep, caring heart. It touched him and made it hard to push her away. He somehow mustered up a reassuring smile as he lied, "Yeah, I'll be okay. Thanks for asking. I appreciate it."
Kimberly tilted her head, considering his words. He was doing his best to meet her eyes and not squirm under her scrutinizing look. She didn't fully believe him, he could tell. He prayed she wouldn't push further.
Finally, she replied. "You're welcome. See you tomorrow then?"
Tommy tried not to look too relieved that she decided to let things be. "Yeah, first thing in the morning."
He started to turn away, but Kimberly called out one more time to him.
"Please don't blame yourself for this, Tommy. If it weren't for you, we might not still know what happened to him. We'll get him back."
She nailed it right on the head, the feelings he was trying to keep concealed. They hit him like a punch to the gut. Normally, those words would have meant something, especially because it was Kimberly saying them, but he knew the hell Jason was going to be trapped in for the next two days. Tommy felt very responsible for the fact that he was there. He had originally sent the Red Ranger to the Dark Dimension to begin with. He couldn't feel better about things until the Tribute's Challenge was over with.
And yet, it was he that made the decision for the others not to know what he knew. What Billy now knew. And after all, Kimberly was trying to help him. He didn't want to hurt her feelings. She cared, and that meant a lot.
"Thanks Kimberly. That means a lot. You guys have been nothing but great to me from the very beginning. It's why I can't relax until we win the Tribute's Challenge. It was Jason who initially invited me to join the team. I owe him a lot for that."
Those soft lips curled upward into a smile. "He made a great choice. Just remember that, okay?"
Tommy returned the smile as best he could. "Thanks, I will."
Feeling at peace with what she said, Kimberly turned and made a final exit out of the Command Center. Tommy waited until he was sure she was gone, then went over to Billy. They were the only ones here now.
"So," Tommy began. "What all did you actually find out?"
Billy blew out his breath. "More than I cared to. How much do you know? Why do you want it kept from the others?"
"If you were the one being raped, how many of us would you feel comfortable knowing about that?"
Billy gave that consideration. "Duly noted. Though, it is something that someone will have to know about. He's going to need help recovering from it emotionally and physically."
"I kind of have a hand in that area already." Billy raised his eyebrows in question. "Just trust me on it," Tommy insisted.
Nodding, Billy then commented, "You mentioned that Rita had changed orders for you to kill Jason because of Goldar. I'm assuming that's why you know the intended nature of a Tribute Gift?"
Tommy nodded. "Warriors use them to satisfy their . . . sexual appetites." It felt awkward to say the words. "Beyond that, I don't know much more, other than what you said to everyone. I don't like how much time Goldar has to . . . use Jason, before we can battle against him and get our friend back."
Billy was somber. "Unfortunately, the details get worse."
Anger began stirring inside of Tommy. Keeping his voice calm and neutral, he asked, "What did you find out?"
Billy took a moment to gather his courage before answering. "When you summoned Goldar, he mentioned that the ceremony was already completed. In the accounts that I read, when a warrior first gets his Tribute, there's an initiation that is performed. The warrior battles against the slave, fighting them into submission and placing chains on them that bind them to the warrior. Then they rape the Tribute, which concludes the ceremony."
So it had already begun. It wasn't surprising to hear, but it made the Green Ranger's stomach contort with fury at what Jason was already going through. He forced himself to remain calm. There was more information coming.
"And . . . what else?" Tommy prompted.
Billy swallowed audibly, unease written all over his face. "Warriors seem to have – voracious sexual appetites. The life of a Tribute Gift is often short. There is only so much they can withstand before . . . a warrior's violent temperament kills them, or they are won over by another warrior."
"But when a warrior challenges another warrior, the Tribute Gift can't be killed during that time, right?" Tommy asked hopefully.
Billy shook his head. "They're not supposed to, no."
Tommy's heart gave a wild thud to the chest. "But it has happened?"
It looked like a thin sheen of sweat was breaking out on the Blue Ranger's forehead. He swallowed hard, then cleared his throat. "The night before the Tribute's Challenge, it's common for the warrior to drink a strong aphrodisiac brew that enables him to – perform for a long period of time. There were a few stories of Tribute's dying because of the brew affecting a warrior too strongly.
Tommy squeezed his eyes shut, trying desperately to reign in his temper. Blood roared in his ears. He took several deep breaths, his fists clenching and unclenching. He was trying to stay in control.
"You said the only way we could get Jason back was through this challenge, though."
Billy's reply came softly. "Yes."
"So we have no choice but to go through with this. And let . . . let that happen?"
Billy lowered his head, staring down at the floor. He didn't answer.
Tommy couldn't stand still any longer. He was going to explode. He paced back and forth, hands clenched tightly, muscles bulging in his neck.
"Two days is too long! I tried to goad him into fighting sooner, but this is why he didn't . . ." Tommy left the thought hanging. After a minute of strained silence, he turned back toward Billy, asking through clenched teeth, "Is there anything more?"
Still staring down at the floor, Billy shook his head slowly.
The Green Ranger's face twisted into pure loathing. "We are going to knock some serious shit out of that huge dickwad."
