A/N: Hope you enjoyed the first chapter. I'd like to think so if you're reading the second. This next part was fun to write and gives a little more background of my OC and the relationship I pretend she has with Tommy. Also, the setting is still toward the beginning of Tommy's time on the series. The original gang. It's what I grew up with and know best.

*OMINOUS MUSIC INTRO*

Meanwhile, at her fortress, Rita watched the scene play out. She took particular interest in the new girl.

"So," she said. "Tommy has a pretty little cousin. Hmm, there's something different about her. She could be useful. I'll send some Putties to toy with them and try to learn more."

They walked through the park together. Tara had her new rolling suit case. Tommy had his gym bag slung across his body.

"So, how is it living with your gran?" Tommy asked. "I've met her at a few family parties. She's… interesting."

Tara laughed. "Oh, Tommy, you don't know the half of it!" She stopped at a picnic table to take a break. "There's a lot I haven't included in my letters. I guess because, sometimes, I can't even believe it."

Tommy gave a sad smile. He knew all too well what it was like to keep a secret, even from his own family. It was one of the promises he had made a while back. And there were days where he felt like he had woken from a strange dream. But, no. The things in his life were real and it was for their own safety that his family never knew the truth… Like now.

"What are those things?" Tara cried, pointing. Tommy turned to see a group of gray figures in the distance and closing fast.

"Get behind me!" he shouted, as he instinctively assumed a fighting stance.

Tara scrambled up a nearby tree and watched with amazement as her cousin battled, 6 against 1, the creatures. She was so in awe, she didn't see 4 more shaking the tree until she almost fell.

Her scream distracted Tommy for a moment and he took a hard kick to the chest and landed hard. "Hang on!" he shouted, starting to get up but 4 of the original Putties blocked his path.

Suddenly, there was a burst of light. Tommy turned to see a Putty near the tree, his arm on fire. He looked into the tree to see Tara launch a second at another's feet.

Rita shrieked. "She's a witch?"

Her minions cowered behind her, expecting a tantrum. But instead, she got the look she always got when plotting something.

"All of you, out! I need to think!" She turned to her telescope and said to herself, "If I can't have the Green Ranger, I'll take the next best thing."

Tara and Tommy stood staring at each other. The Putties had vanished as suddenly as they arrived. Then, the questions began from both of them.

"What the heck were those things?"

"How did you learn how to throw fire?"

"When did you become such an amazing fighter?"

"When did you learn to throw fire?"

"How often does this happen here?"

And, in unison, "What else have you been keeping from me?"

Tommy raised a hand. "Let's get to the house and I'll explain as much as I can."

Tara glared at him and crossed her arms. "So, secrets on both ends, then?" Tommy didn't reply. He just grabbed the bags and continued walking.