Author's notes - Brankel and Jokermask, hey! Thanks for your comments, it was great to hear from you :). Kekejo99, thanks so much :). Ae11021, actually, I hadn't realised just how many powers Tommy has to choose from. The powers Tommy ends up using are significant for his particular subplot, which you'll see a hint of, starting this chapter. Son of Whitebeard, the Samurai tapestry was so rich in terms of villains that I didn't need to look too further, but I tried to make these two villains as dynamic and interesting as possible. You'll see more of that as we go. As a quick note before we start, the 28th was the date (in August) when "Day of the Dumpster" first aired on US television. That's important here. Anyway, here's the first chapter. Enjoy :).

Chapter One

With a tired yawn, Jason Scott opened his eyes to the familiar sight of his bedroom. His body was still sore from yesterday, and he stretched out to test his aching muscles. Soft grey light was filtering in through the window, and looking past the trees in the garden, he could see the sky was overcast. It wasn't quite sunny, but wasn't raining either.

Jason smiled to himself. Another one of those days.

Anything could happen on those days.

Reaching for the bedside table, his fingers closed around his communicator, and he fastened the familiar metal band around his wrist like he'd done every morning for the last decade. Ready for the day, he swung his legs out over the mattress and climbed out of bed.

He suddenly heard noises from downstairs. That was odd. The Red Ranger's eyes narrowed and he crept towards the door, but then he heard the noise again and realised what it was – pots and pans clanking together in the kitchen. He laughed, and headed downstairs.

Stepping into the kitchen, Jason immediately saw Zac sitting at the counter halfway though a towering pile of Belgian waffles, complete with ice-cream, diced strawberries and chocolate syrup. Hearing footsteps, Zac looked up to see Jason approach, and he greeted one of his oldest friends with a grin.

"Good morning!" the Black Ranger beamed.

Jason pulled the seat out beside him and joined Zac at the counter. "You know," Jason began, "I gave you my spare key for emergencies, Zac."

"My waffle-maker was broken," Zac replied matter-of-factly. "Clearly your definition of emergency is not the same as mine. Oh, and you're out of ice-cream. I added it to the list," and Zac pointed to the shopping list pinned to the front of the fridge.

Jason smiled. "Thanks."

"The place is quiet," Zac said. It was hard to hear him through a mouthful of waffles, but Jason had decades of experience in deciphering Zac. "Oh, here," and he handed Jason the newspaper he'd grabbed off the front lawn. "I figured I'd save you the trip."

"Thank you," Jason said. Spreading the newspaper out in front of him, he quickly glanced through it as Zac continued demolishing his breakfast. Skimming through the international news, Jason nodded to himself. "Nothing too bad," he murmured. "The world's safe."

"Only you would sound disappointed by that."

Jason stepped across the kitchen and filled the kettle with water. "Don't you have classes this morning Zachary?" he asked.

"No, mostly because it's Saturday," the Black Ranger replied. "Of a long weekend. But no wonder you're a day behind. Your body is still in the wrong time zone. I saw the news last night. You spent all yesterday fighting off a raid of serpent demons on Buenos Aires with the Mystic Force Rangers."

The kettle started boiling, and Jason poured himself a cup of tea. "Nick and Madison say hi, by the way."

"Yeah, well, I found this on the bench here," Zac continued. Reaching into his pocket, he held up Jason's morpher. Jason blushed, and he quickly took the morpher and sat down opposite. "I know that Billy and Alpha's security means that our homes are the safest places in the world, but are you sure you want to be leaving that out like that?"

Jason stared at the morpher in his hand for a long time before replying. "I'm still the Red Ranger, you know?" he said, and sighed. "I know it's been years since the Countdown war, but I still feel like a Red Ranger all the time. No, that's not even true. I feel like the Red Ranger. I keep waiting for that to go away but it hasn't yet."

"I know," Zac nodded. "Your put that communicator on every morning. I've watched you do it. Meanwhile, you missed three calls from Emily yesterday, and I had to cover for your students."

"Emily?" Jason repeated. "Damn. I should go talk to her."

"Yeah. You really should. She's missing you."

Jason raced away, dashing up the stairs. "You're a life-saver Zac!"

Watching him go, Zac smiled. "You coming tonight?"

Thumps along the ceiling told him that Jason was getting changed. "Are you kidding? I'm not gonna miss it!"

"Good," Zac said. "There's hope for you yet. And invite Emily this time!"

"Kimberly!" Tommy shouted, as the Pink Ranger stepped down out of the shop. "Kim, over here!"

Sweeping her gaze over the lunch-time crowd, Kimberly spotted Tommy standing by the curb. "Hey Tommy," she called, and weaving her way through the mass of pedestrians, she soon reached the Green Ranger and wrapped her arms around him. Tommy returned the hug for a few seconds, and the two stepped back.

"It's good to see you again," Kimberly began. "It feels like weeks since we last caught up."

"Closer to a month."

"Sorry," Kim said. "I've just been so busy with the shop."

"That's okay," Tommy said. "There's a little place down on the boardwalk overlooking the water. I thought we could try it out?"

"Sounds awesome," Kim smiled. She offered him her hand, and with their arms linked, they joined the crowd.

"It looks like the shop's going well," Tommy said.

"It's been crazy busy," Kim replied. "Our music nights are booked out weeks in advance. And our barista won second prize in the best coffee in town comp this year."

"I'll definitely come visit more often," Tommy said. "How goes the gymnastics?"

"I missed the cut-off for the Olympics this year," Kim replied. "But Coach Schmidt says that if I take a break from the shop, I have a real shot at the next Commonwealth Games. It's the one thing I never did. Now I have the time, I'd love to try." She paused as they waited for the lights to change at an intersection. "So how's life on your end? How's Kat?"

"We're good," the Green Ranger replied. "Kat's out of town visiting her grandparents right now."

"Are you still working with the coast guard?"

Tommy shook his head. "A life at sea wasn't for me," he said. "My stomach didn't agree with the ocean. For the second time this year, I'm officially unemployed."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I still have some money saved from that time I tried to make it as a stock racer. Seriously, what was I thinking doing that?"

The Pink Ranger giggled. "You'll be all right," she said. "My brother has, like, five years on us, and he still doesn't know what he wants to do either. I think some people just take time to figure this stuff out, you know? You'll get there."

"You haven't given up on me yet?"

"Never," Kim said. "I tell you what, one of our regulars works at the museum. She says there's an internship opening up in a couple of weeks. You should totally apply."

"At the museum?" Tommy asked doubtfully, and then paused. "History always was one of my best subjects. Remember I minored in ancient history at college."

"Plus, c'mon," Kim added. "Your job history tells us that you like exciting and dangerous. And if all those years as a Ranger taught me anything…"

"It's that museums are the place for that," Tommy nodded. "I'll think about it."

"Who knows? You might even become a palaeontologist or something."

As they turned a corner, the crowd around them grew significantly larger. Looking ahead, Tommy could see a troupe of entertainers by the entrance to the city park, standing on a small raised platform before an audience of dozens of small children. Onstage, brightly-clad figures in spandex were battling a succession of foam-suited monsters. The two Rangers stopped to watch the crowd of enthralled youngsters.

"They've been here all week," Kim said. "It's kinda cute."

Up ahead, the evil Green Ranger suddenly appeared, and the hero-actors froze in fear, before launching themselves at their new opponent while the crowd cheered and roared with delight. Kimberly frowned. Without another word, she grabbed Tommy's arm and steered him across the street.

Tommy laughed. "It's fine, really," he said. "I've made my peace with the evil Green Ranger a long time ago. Still," and Kimberly saw him glance over his shoulder. There was something melancholy in his eyes, but it was gone just as quickly. "I guess it's still a little sore. But time heals all wounds, right? I can't change what happened."

Kimberly sighed with relief. "Good. While we're on the subject, are you coming tonight?"

"Hell yes," Tommy replied. "Trini said that they're bringing Ryan. We haven't spent nearly enough time with our godson."

"You're not wrong," Kimberly agreed. "I haven't seen Ryan in months. He is Billy and Trini's son, though. He's probably already learned a second language. Pick me up at six?"

"It's a date!" Tommy said, then froze. "But, not. Don't tell Kat I said that. Oh look, here's the café…"

Kimberly laughed, and followed him inside.

Climbing out of the car, Trini reached back for the pile of folders and case notes lying on the backseat. Locking the door, she couldn't help but notice the long shadows draped over the front yard. Was it sunset already? She frowned and brushed a long strand of dark hair back behind her ear. It was bad enough having to work all Saturday, but how on Earth did the day manage to slip by so quickly?

Unlocking the front door, Trini stepped inside. There at the dining table was Billy Cranston, typing on his laptop with every available square centimetre of space around him covered by wires, flashing lights and blinking devices. A few feet behind Billy, Ryan lay in his crib, currently grasping at a squeaking yellow toy tiger.

Trini smiled. Regardless of everything else, it was good to be home.

Billy looked up as Trini slid the case notes onto her desk. "Hey," Billy called, pulling his glasses off and massaging his eyes. Trini stepped over and kissed him lightly on the forehead.

"How are my two favourite Cranston men?" Trini asked. Reaching into the crib, she picked up Ryan, and Billy followed her over to the couch. Ryan giggled, grasping at his mother's fingers as they sat down together.

"He had a quiet day," Billy said. "Meanwhile, the experiment I've been running in the lab?" and he nodded to the garage behind the house. "It's showing results within the expected parameters already. I need to submit a report by next week, but it should be concluded by the end of the weekend. Which is excellent," and he leaned down to brush the blond curls on Ryan's head. "Because it gives the pair of us more paternal bonding days."

"I almost wish you weren't so efficient," Trini said. "It feels like it's been a week since I spent time with either of you. When I'm here at home, I'm either sleeping, eating, or reading case files."

"How was your day?" Billy asked.

"Long," Trini replied. "We have a new patient. I just can't figure him out."

"You'll come up with something brilliant," Billy said.

"I hope so," Trini sighed. "It's just what we need though. More time away from each other. At least we have tonight."

"I've been jubilantly anticipating this occasion for days now," Billy nodded.

Trini laughed. The more excited Billy got, the more impossible he was to decipher. "It'll be good to spend some time not working," she agreed.

"Speaking of which," Billy began, "Zachary dropped by this afternoon to borrow our waffle-maker. He seemed excited for the occasion as well."

At that, Ryan giggled. The smell reached their noses at the same time. Billy frowned, while Trini smiled helplessly. "I think someone needs a change," she said, and turned to her husband. "Just think Mr Cranston, you traded studying dark matter in Switzerland to be elbow-deep in nappies."

Billy waved his hand. "The Bern facility will still be there in a few years," he replied, then frowned. "Hopefully. But our little scientist is likely to grow up faster than we realise. I'd honestly rather be here to observe that happen. Actually, I just remembered I didn't get around to sorting the washing."

Trini stood up. Her eyes were watering. "I'll take care of our little man, and you can do that."

"You're sure? I don't…"

"Affirmative," Trini replied.

Billy stood up, but stopped by the door and turned back to his wife. "I love you Trini," he said.

Trini smiled, but her expression soon fell. Holding her son close, she stepped into the bedroom.

The Youth Centre carpark was almost empty as Tommy and Kimberly pulled in and parked by the front door. The stars tonight were hidden by a veil of thick cloud. The night was cool and quiet, and a light mist began falling as Tommy locked the car. Jogging over to the front entrance, the two Rangers quickly ducked inside.

"I can't believe this place is still here," Tommy murmured, as they stepped through the deserted foyer.

"I know it's been rebuilt a few times," Kim nodded. "But this place is as much a part of the city as we are." Glancing over to the wall, she spotted a new display that hadn't been there the last time she'd visited, a line of pictures protected by wooden frames and heavy glass. "Oh hey, check this out."

Wandering over, they soon saw that behind the glass were dozens of photos, stories and articles about the Power Rangers. Battles the team had fought, monsters they'd faced, and days when they'd stopped the sky from falling. Kimberly peered closer, and saw a photo of the Megazord facing off with the Spit Flower monster. "You remember that?" she asked. "The day the city was almost eaten by a swarm of homicidal flower blossoms."

Tommy laughed. "That was a weird one," he said. "Let's head inside."

Stepping into the building proper, they gazed around the wide space, empty but for four people and a pram up by the Juice Bar. Kimberly smiled. There was Jason and Zac, with Billy, Trini and baby Ryan. Hearing their friends arrive, the group turned to greet their two final members.

"You're late!" called Zac.

"Tommy forgot," said Kim.

"I didn't forget!" Tommy exclaimed. "It just kind of slipped my mind a little."

Kimberly and Tommy stepped over to the bar to join the group. Jason and Tommy immediately hugged, while Kimberly and Trini pulled each other close.

"So how's our little man?" Kimberly asked, scooping Ryan out of his pram and bouncing him in her arms. "Wow, he's growing up fast."

Zac whistled as Kim passed Ryan to Tommy. "I can't believe a couple of us have one of these," Zac said. "I still feel like one of these."

"We know," Jason said, and Zac laughed.

"It's my favourite customers!" came a voice, and everybody turned to see Ernie step out of the kitchen.

"Ernie!" Kimberly cried, and gave him a quick hug. "How are you?"

"Great," Ernie smiled. "My new diet's going fantastic. I'm down two sizes. But I'm glad to see you kids. I was worried you wouldn't show."

Billy adjusted his glasses. "Have we gotten predictable?"

"C'mon," Ernie said, and pointed to the calendar on the wall behind the bar. "It's the twenty-eighth day of the month. That's Power Ranger day, the date the Rangers first showed up all those years ago. You kids never miss it, although you're usually here earlier."

"Kids?" Zac repeated. "Ernie, some of us have kids of our own."

Ernie blushed. "Force of habit," he replied. "It just means I'm a grandpa these days," and he leaned over to tickle Ryan, who giggled. "Listen, I'm doing inventory out the back. It'll probably be a quiet night, so if you need anything…"

"We learned how to use the juice machine about nine years ago," Jason said.

"Fair enough," Ernie said. With a final smile, he retreated inside.

"So that'll be six fruit juice smoothies?" Kim asked.

"I'll help you carry them," Trini said, and they made their way up towards the counter.

"It's great to see you," Jason said to Tommy, as Billy took Ryan.

"I wouldn't miss this," Tommy replied. "Like Ernie said, it's Power Ranger day."

As one, the four guys turned to the stairs, each one focussing their gaze on the same spot. "You remember that day?" Zac asked.

Jason nodded. "We were all standing right there," he said.

"The building's been demolished and renovated multiple times," Billy added, "but that was the spot where we changed. Ten years and five months ago. I can still recall it like it was yesterday."

"Me too," Jason said.

Over behind the counter, Kimberly pulled a tray free and began placing drinks on it. "Ryan's adorable," she said. "He'll be a handful before you know it."

"Like we were?" Trini laughed.

"How is married life treating you?"

"It's good," Trini replied, but Kim noticed that her smile faded. "It's not great, it's just… it's good."

"You guys having trouble?" Kim asked.

Trini reached for a handful of straws. "It's nothing serious," she began. "It's just, with careers and responsibilities and Ryan, Billy and I don't seem to have any time for each other anymore. Is that a selfish thing to want? Am I being a bad mother?"

"Of course not," Kim replied. "You and Billy are the best parents in the world. We might not be saving the world anymore, but you still need time to catch your breath. For whatever it's worth, I don't think that's a bad thing, not at all."

Carrying the six juice smoothies, they walked back over to rejoin the guys, and everyone sat down around the nearest table. Trini passed out the drinks as Billy rested Ryan back in his pram.

"So what are we toasting tonight?" Zac asked.

"To us?" Trini suggested, and then frowned. "Wait, no. That's terribly pretentious. Let's not do that."

"To Zordon?" Tommy asked, looking around the group.

"We did that last time," Billy replied.

"Okay," Jason began. "How about, to all the friends we made, and all the young men and women who have no idea what they're getting themselves into?"

Everyone laughed. "Sounds good," Kim nodded.

"Cheers," Zac smiled.

Footsteps suddenly echoed out of the foyer. The six Rangers all turned to see a teenage boy stagger into the building, limping badly and holding onto the wall in a clear battle to stay upright. He seemed barely conscious, and looked all of sixteen. He had short dark hair and a green t-shirt caked with dirt and dried blood. Glancing frantically around the room, his gaze fell onto the six Rangers.

Everyone was on their feet in a second. Tommy jogged down towards the boy with the other Rangers a step behind. Billy and Trini stayed back with the pram.

"Can we help you?" Tommy asked.

"Jason," the boy stammered, his voice almost lost to the hum of the building's air-conditioning. "I need to talk to Jason. I can't… I need to find Jason."

Jason glanced to Zac, then stepped over towards the boy. But as Jason reached him, the boy's legs collapsed out from under him. Jason caught him as he fell. "That's me," the Red Ranger said quickly. "I'm Jason. Who are you? What do you need? Are you hurt?"

The boy's dark eyes glanced over Jason and he nodded, before speaking in a voice so quiet Jason almost didn't hear him. "Jayden's in trouble," he murmured, before shutting his eyes and slipping into unconsciousness.

To be continued.