A/N: Hope you all enjoy this latest chapter!
"What is it?" Conner asks, confused by the gems still glowing brightly in the near darkness and Dr. O's sudden gasp. He looks up from the dog, staring at the four teenagers. Kira continues to pet it, needing to distract herself from whatever he's about to say.
Before he can explain anything however, the dog suddenly barks and arches its back, surprising Kira. It wags its tail, once, then takes off running across the yard. In two seconds, it has vanished into the night.
"I guess I scared it," Kira says sheepishly, getting to her feet and wiping her hands on her skirt. Trent shakes his head.
"I don't think that's it," he disagrees, smiling shyly at Kira.
"I think I'll go look for it," Tommy volunteers. "You guys better get home, you still have school tomorrow."
"Oh great." Conner rolls his eyes but then his face brightens. "At least tomorrow's Friday!" Ethan nudges him, a concerned look still on his face.
"Are you sure Dr. O?" he asks, crossing his arms. "I mean, we still don't really know what's going on and we could still-"
"No, it's fine," he cuts Ethan off. "I'm a teacher, remember? I can get into school late without an excuse. You guys can't."
"It's times like these I wish I had more adult privileges," Conner pouts. Dr. O shakes his head at his student's urge to grow up. if only they knew what growing up really meant.
"Come on Conner, let's go home," Trent encourages, turning his body slightly in the direction of the house. "See you tomorrow Dr. O! And this time, for real!"
"Yeah, no more midnight calls," Kira teases, flipping a piece of hair over her shoulder. Even in the darkness of the night, she's still clearly seen in her bright yellow top.
The students bid him goodbye as they head back to his house to collect their stuff then go their separate ways. Tommy watches them for a minute, making sure they all are okay, then turns in the direction that the dog ran off to.
It seemed to have followed a little-used path in the woods next to his house. It's probably not the smartest idea of his to go off into the forest at night, but seeing as he's a power ranger, he figures it's only necessary. Although he did wish the moon was a bit clearer…
He sees a lighter part ahead of him, a different sight from the darkened forest. He speeds up, hoping maybe the dog was attracted to the light instead of walking around in the dark all night. He breaks through the trees, seeing the little meadow has moonlight clearly shining down illuminating the sight before him.
The sight of Zeltrax pinning down Kasey.
For a moment he's too shocked to move. This is his worst nightmare, almost as bad as seeing Kim hurt. Now the enemy is going after his little sister? This is not happening.
"Get off of me!" Kasey demands, struggling under his grip. Zeltrax only laughs, the sound rusty and hard as nails.
"Now why would I do that?" he inquires, only tightening his hands. Kasey lets out a cry but grits her teeth from making any more noises.
"Because it's only polite," she retorts. Despite his fear, Tommy smiles slightly. Stubborn and sassy as ever. But he'd better morph or she won't be alive to be stubborn and sassy anymore.
"Dino Thunder, power up, ha!" he calls, taking out his morpher and transforming. Zeltrax turns his head at the sound and finds himself face-to-face with the Black Dino ranger.
"Back off Zeltrax," Tommy snarls. The other glares at him as Kasey stares openmouthed from the creature above her to the man in spandex.
"You're that one from before!" she exclaims, remembering the encounter from before, where he and two others had saved her from Zeltrax. Not that she needed saving of course, but still.
"You got that right." Tommy takes out his Brachio staff and waves it threateningly at Zeltrax. "I'll say it again Zeltrax, back off."
Zeltrax scowls, knowing as much of a match he is for the ranger, he can't fight him while holding onto the girl. Reluntanctly, he releases her and shoves her away from him. She scrambles backward, closer to Tommy, narrowing her eyes.
"This isn't over," the creature warns them before fading away into the darkness. Kasey gets up, still staring at the spot where Zeltrax once was.
"Are you alright?" Tommy asks, trying to make his voice sound a little deeper than normal so she wouldn't recognize him. Although, what's the point? If Zeltrax wants her so badly, then she's going to have to know he's a ranger again.
Great. That's all he needs. She's going to be so, so mad, he doesn't even want to think about it.
"Yeah, I'm good," she responds casually, picking up her backpack from where it had fallen before the struggle. She hits it lightly, casuign the dirt to fall off of it before putting it over her shoulders. "Thanks, again. I don't know why you always have to find me like this."
"It's my job," Tommy shrugs. "Right Kasey?" he adds, knowing he has to tell her sooner or later. And it's better sooner.
The girl freezes, turning slowly to look at him. The moonlight catches her surprised expression as she narrows her eyes slightly.
"How do you know my name?" she asks suspiciously. Tommy chuckles quietly, he can't help it. Even after all these years, she can still be so unobservant and paranoid.
"Power down," he says quietly, the black sparkles from his suit fading into the night.
Kasey's jaw drops as she can't believe the sight before her.
"Tommy?"
