Part II, Chapter Five

Angel Grove High's classes started normally on Monday morning. For most of the school it was nothing but an average boring day, yet for a few others it appeared to be a struggle to find their normal routine again. Time may have been passing, but the pain of their loss hadn't lessened one bit.

By now, It had been no more than a week and a half since Tommy's death, and the teachers were sure not to have the school forget so soon. A memorial was placed near the gym doors while pictures and roses were at the foot of his locker.

The Rangers were still distraught knowing they couldn't tell anyone their friend had died in battle. Freshman to seniors had spread the word that Tommy had died of a mysterious heart attack, which while it didn't make all that much sense to how healthy he was, the medical files were there to back it up.

Billy and Trini walked the hallways of the second floor, having no choice but to listen in on the conversations of nonsense rumors that they passed by.

"I heard things were so bad with his parents the stress brought on the heart attack."

"Damn, for real? I should go see the doctor after school…no way am I keelin' over because of the folks."

"Jess - you know the Tommy guy that died? Rumor has it the lunch ladies' food killed him."

"That's such bull, Nathan, give the guy some respect."

Trini clutched the shoulder strap to her backpack tightly, finally reaching her locker.

"Billy, if I hear one more rumor, I think I'm going to snap."

"Don't trouble over it Trini, the gossip will diminish as soon as it came; it's how we adolescents are." It was true, sadly. The moment something fresh happened it always replaced the current talk of the town in the high school.

Billy sighed as he opened his own locket next to Trini's, both beginning to bring out their textbooks for first period.

It was all too surreal to be back in school, picking up their normal schedule without one of their friends with them. Tommy usually wasn't even around them this time of day, it was simply knowing they weren't going to pass him on the stairs or sneak out of class with him to morph again.

Trini frowned, closing her locker door. "I have an algebra test today." Subconsciously she pondered on finding a way out of third period. She had completely forgotten about her school work until last night with how chaotic and emotional the week had been.

"It sounds exhilarating." Billy's words may have been full of sarcasm, but he looked at his friend with a joking smile. She weakly gave her own, feeling a bit better that he had some attempt to cheer her up.

Right as she was about to reply, a familiar face passed by them both. Immediately Trini turned around and saw Jason walking past them, dragging his red backpack with him.

"Jase!" Her voice called out just loud enough for him to hear, but to stray from grabbing the attentions of others.

Jason stiffened at her voice, debating on ignoring her and heading back to class, or dreadfully listening to what she had to say.

Matter of fact was, he had a good feeling of what she wanted to talk to him about. And obviously, it wasn't what he wanted to listen to.

"I'll catch up with you later, Billy." Trini brushed her hand on his shoulder before jogging up to Jason.

The Ranger gave her a quick glance before sighing and continuing to walk down the hallways with her by his side. He had a heavy feeling in his gut he wasn't going to enjoy this.

"Hey Jase, Kim called me this morning." Okay, nothing too troubling so far. Kim and Trini talk on the phone 24/7, right?

"Let me take a wild guess, she was asking for answers to our geography homework?" Jason only looked at Trini once as he spoke, taking a sharp turn down the school corridors with her.

"Jason…"

"Because Mr. Haines sure did get tough with those questions. I think only Billy's going to pass his class."

"Jason, she told me what happened."

He finally came to a stop at her words, feeling a deep exhale escape his lips. Of course, he saw this coming. It didn't mean he was ready for it, nor wanted to put up with it.

"Trini, this is Kim. She probably exaggerated every little detail to make me out to be the bad guy. There's no point in even discussing this, because God knows you've taken her side." Jason told her, adjusting the strap hung around his shoulder.

Trini shook her head, "No. In fact, I told her the same thing I told her last week, which is that she needs to be more considerate to how we're all feeling right now."

Jason blinked, turning slightly over to her. Either he was starting to hear things, or he was still dreaming. He didn't believe Trini wasn't down his throat screaming at him for what he had done.

"Really? You said that?" He asked in disbelief.

"Yes. But let me put an emphasis on 'how we're all feeling.' Jason, you were just as much of a jerk as she was."

Ahhh, there it was. The good 'ol Trini he knew and loved.

"Whatever, I have to get to class." Jason made an effort to drop the subject and move past the girl.

Trini stepped over to him before he could walk away, however, and he was too tired to put up a fight.

"Jase, it's normal to feel angry right now. No one is stopping you from feeling the way you are."

"Uh, correction," Jason looked up at her. "Last time I checked, Zordon is." His words were covered with venom, rage that Trini couldn't quite understand.

There was a story Jason was keeping from them all, it was obvious to everyone. Trini didn't have the heart to push it on him, though. Instead, she locked eyes with him, showing through her own that she held true concern.

"Yes, but Zordon isn't human, is he Jason?" She kept her voice low, "It's a natural for humans to be angry when their hurt. Just…stop trying to push your friends away because of it. We're here for you."

Jason couldn't place his emotions at hearing Trini. She held such interest and compassion for him that surpassed everyone else that had spoke to him recently. He should be feeling upset and sickened…but he wasn't.

Maybe Trini was different. Maybe she didn't pity him like the others…instead cared.

His mouth gaped open, but a struggle for words kept him from speaking. Trini understood, nodding her head softly at this.

"Listen, we're all meeting outside at the lunch tables after school to pick from Tommy's things. Do us all a favor and apologize to Kim. We don't need this right now."

Jason had to agree with her here. They didn't need it, he didn't need it. But he also wasn't the one who created the problem.

"I have no reason to apologize, Trini," Jason took a step away from her. "And I apparently have nothing to be there for."

At that, the school bell rang loudly, followed by an ambush of dashing teenagers heading to their classes.

Jason took one last look at Trini before he made his way down the hall. She could only sigh before turning around, and going to her classes as well, she left muttering about failing a test.

If Jason's parents questioned their son's tardiness for dinner and exhausted appearance, they didn't do so loudly. At least, not with their voices. Eyes watched him carefully throughout their meal, watching him take bites of food as if it were interesting.

The Scotts ate in silence, no one daring to speak and only occasionally looking at each other. Tony and Caitlin's eyes were thoughtful; Jason's weary.

"So, uh…" Tony gently put his fork down on his plate, wiping his hands with a napkin timidly. "How was your first day back at school, son?" The man looked towards his wife with eyes begging for assistance, but only saw her staring at their boy with worry written on her face. He seemed to get physically worse by the day, and her motherly instincts were screaming.

"It was fine." he said quietly, "I think I might have failed one of my tests though."

Caitlin stopped eating and set down her fork. "Sweetie, if you're not ready to go back I'm sure we can get you a few more days off. The teachers are more than understanding of it."

Jason's mother kindly reached out to place her hand on top of his. It was a surprise when Jason drew his arm back as she tried.

"No, it's fine mom. I have midterms coming up soon anyways. I can't afford to miss any more work." Jason stared at his food intently, as if his peas and mashed potatoes were dancing for his entertainment.

The silence had become normal for the family. Tony and Caitlin didn't want to engage in delighted, casual conversations with their son so quiet and grieving. The more evenings went by, the more awkward things got for them all.

Suddenly, Tony had cleared his throat loudly and moved his plate aside. "You know, I saw this awesome thing on TV yesterday -"

Ding-dong.

All three's attentions were brought to the front door in the other room. "I wonder who that could be at this time." Caitlin pushed her chair back, leaving the napkin that lay in her lap on the table as she went up to answer the door.

Tony and Jason sat in more silence at this, being unable to hear what was going on at the front door making eavesdropping pointless.

It was then Jason put his fork down and said, "Wrestling."

"Huh?" Tony cocked his head slightly to one side, confused.

"It was what you saw on TV - a wrestling match. You told us last night," Jason said, grabbing his half-eaten plate and getting up from his chair.

"Ah…right." Tony watched as Jason gathered his utensils and napkin, about to go into the kitchen when a voice stopped him.

"Jason honey, Zackary's here!"

Jason made a vague sound in the back of his throat; something his father could only assume was a groan as the boy put his dinner plate back on the table and made his way into the parlor.

"Don't be too long Jason; his parents are out there waiting," Caitlin told him, making her way back into the kitchen and leaving the two teens alone.

Zack stood outside on the porch, biting his lower lip as he waited until his friend's mother had left before handing over a large envelope.

"These are for you. They're the rest of the pictures we divided up this afternoon." Surprised they bothered to give him anything. Jason hesitantly took the packet from him.

"You could have just waited to give them to me at school tomorrow," he pointed out once he had put the pictures on the nearest end table.

Zack nodded his head at this, wrapping his arms tightly around his chest at the cool fall wind; "Yeah, but I had nothing else to do, so I figured I'd do it now." His eyes skimmed into the house; left, right, anywhere but at Jason.

Usually the Scott household was loud and busy during the evenings, in the living room playing charades or at the dinner table discussing something. It was eerie to hear such silence, a tension brought on him that he felt uncomfortable around.

"Also," Zack finally looked at Jason, "You look like crap. I didn't have the time to tell you at school."

Jason rolled his eyes cynically, "Thanks Zack, I appreciate that." He went to close the front door, only to be stopped by a forceful hand on it.

"I'm serious, Jason." He cautiously let go of the door. "You look like you haven't had a decent meal or nights sleep in days."

"It's not your job to worry about me, Zack."

"Hey, who said I was worrying about you? If you want to handle it this way, by all means do so. But be prepared for unpleasant visits to the school counselor and constant talks from Zordon."

Jason sighed, his head bowed as he painfully pinched the skin on his fingers. He didn't want to slam the door on his friend, but the last thing he felt like dealing with was this.

He looked up with a sly, sarcastic smile. "Okay, fine. After all, I deserve Zordon to keep reminding me this is my fault." He once again tried to close the door, and it was the same result of Zack stepping forward to stop him.

"Jason, excuse me here, but what the hell? Just last week you were screaming at Zordon saying it was his fault. Now we're back in the self-guilt mode?" Zack tried to keep his voice low, making sure Jason's parents didn't hear them speaking of their intergalactic mentor. He suddenly frowned, letting go of the door again. "Jason, what happened? If you know something we don't, telling will help us understand why you're acting this way."

Jason froze. His hand still held a tight grip on the door, but his eyes were no longer connected with Zack. He stared attentively at his feet, momentarily deliberating if he should speak but eventually finding his thoughts had slipped and he was listening to his own breathing.

"I could have saved him," His voice was in a low whisper. It took a few seconds for Zack to grasp what he had said.

"Jase, come on. For the millionth time, you had no choice. I was there." Zack's voice was quiet as well, but held a stern tone that Jason only responded shaking his head to.

"No, no. Not at the beach, not when he was…" Jason caught himself before he said any more. He glanced behind him, seeing his parents in the living room watching TV, and took the chance to step outside and shut the door behind him.

The cold air prickled against his skin at first, temporarily distracting him from what he had been saying. "Remember when I had left Billy's lab for a while, as he was trying to break through Zedd's force field?"

Zack slowly nodded his head, not seeing where this was going.

"Zordon…he had got in contact with me."

"But we tri-"

"I know. Apparently with the force field up, we couldn't get through to him, but he found a way to get through to my communicator. It…it took a while, Alpha had messed up the systems badly finding a way to teleport me in."

Every word Jason spoke was filled with strain, struggling to tell the story without choking up. He refused to cry, he didn't need to show weakness right now. Not as their leader.

"I…I don't understand, man. I know the systems were screwy when we got there, but Billy figured it was from the force field. Why…why did Zordon teleport you in?" Zack was starting to feel anxiety jumble up inside of him. He surely wasn't ready to hear more life-changing news, and was regretting asking for it.

Jason looked up at him solemnly. "Zordon knew Tommy was losing his powers. He knew he was dying."

:-:-:-:-:

Jason had found himself from staring at the outside of Billy's house, to looking into the face of Zordon in the matter of seconds.

He barely caught his landing when he was teleported, completely off guard and unprepared for it. If it weren't for one of the computer consoles he came next to he would have fallen flat on his face.

"Zordon!" He gasped in surprise. "What's going on? Why didn't you bring the others, how come —"

"There is no time for questions, Jason," The deep and loud voice cut him off, and Jason stood still briefly, overwhelmed with confusion. One moment he was with the others crossing his fingers that they could break through the force field, and the next he was praying that he was going to be alive to see tomorrow.

Snapping back to reality, Jason pushed his thoughts aside and went straight down to business. "What do I have to do?"

"Alpha has found a way to receive a lock on the outer world's sensors. It appears that Lord Zedd has given this crystal," Jason turned his head around to the viewing globe where he saw a broken, white crystal in Zedd's hands, "And the energy that possessed it to Turbanshell."

"You mean that turtle has twice the strength now?" Jason could only stare in hopelessness as the viewing globe images changed to the streets of Angel Grove, where the monster stormed in rage.

"I'm afraid it is worse than that, Jason. Turbanshell has already acquired what Ranger power Tommy seized. That combined with the crystal's power is enough to destroy Angel Grove as we know it."

His eyes went wide as his breath caught in his throat. "Wait, what about Tommy, Zordon? Is he okay?" Jason knew his friend's recent condition, his powers were becoming his only weakness yet the one thing keeping him alive. To hear that Zedd had some monster strip him from all he had set a sickening awareness in his stomach.

"With the Command Center under Lord Zedd's force field, it is impossible to locate Tommy, especially if he remains in another dimension."

Jason felt like retorting at Zordon, but knew it'd be a waste of time. The more he stood still, full of fear and shock, the longer Angel Grove remained in danger. He knew it was his responsibility as a Ranger to save them.

Then it hit him, and Jason spun around to face his mentor. "Zordon, our morphers disappeared when Zedd brought us back from the other world. How am I supposed to fight?"

"When Lord Zedd broke the crystal, the energy that kept your morphers in his world was shattered and they were returned to their true location."

Alpha came stumbling in, a metal tray placed in his arms. "Here you are, Jason."

He stared down at the tray with his mouth hung open, forgotten. "What about the others? If Turbanshell is as powerful as you say, there's no way I can battle him alone."

Jason knew he was stalling. Zordon explained there was no time for this, but his feet seemed planted on the floor, refusing to go out and fight with so many questions unanswered.

"Ayi ayi ayi, it seems the only way we could teleport you through the force field was to borrow some of the power from the other Ranger's morphers. It won't be long until they are finished charging, but you will have to break Lord Zedd's force field so they can claim them."

"Jason, you must hurry, there isn't much time." Zordon's deep and husky voice echoed the command center, as Jason hesitantly picked up his morpher from Alpha's tray.

His face took over a pondering air, and thoughts passed behind his eyes like shadows. It was times like now he proved why he was a Power Ranger. There was nothing stopping him besides his fear.

And as always, Jason found a way to push it aside.

"Okay, I'll go. But please Zordon; tell me the moment you get a lock on Tommy." Jason stared down at his morpher, his thumb tracing the outline of his coin while he tried to compose himself.

He knew just by showing his expression that Zordon would see he was more worried about his teammate than the fate of Turbanshell's destruction.

"May the power protect you, Jason."

With that, Jason nodded his head and took a deep breath in. It was now or never.

"It's morphin' time!"

:-:-:-:-:

Zack willed his eyes to look into the Red Ranger's face even though they strained to turn away.

"So…that explains why you were picked to morph and fight Turbanshell alone."

Jason nodded his head wearily, "Yeah." He clipped his answers short, hoping that his friend would just be satisfied with the story and go home.

"But, that doesn't explain how Zordon knew Tommy was in trouble, and why you're blaming him." Zack could hear Jason sigh in frustration, as he pushed himself off the front door and ran his rough hands down his face.

"Zack, remember when Billy had finally gotten the force field down? And after that, you all had morphed and met me downtown?"

Zack furrowed his brow, puzzled. "Yeah…we called the Zords, iced the turtle, and were brought back to the Command Center where Zordon tol-" He went no further than that, his own throat cutting off at the thought of speaking the words.

It was painful to remember them all standing in the Command Center, listening as their mentor informed them that Tommy had lost his fight in life.

"Before that…when you were making your way downtown…Alpha was able to get the lock on Tommy. Zordon contacted me and he told me Tommy had teleported to the beach…I still don't know how, Zordon believes the future message Tommy got had to come in play somehow."

Zack stared at Jason, his expression unreadable as he tried to swallow. He knew his hunch was right, that there was more to this that he didn't know.

Jason looked up from the ground despondently, "Zordon had told me Tommy didn't have much longer. I…I just told him we'd be there once we finish off that creep."

"Wait…are you telling me you knew? B-but, you seemed so shocked…when Zordon told us all that…we all assumed that you-"

"I didn't want to believe it! Rangers don't die, Zack. I figured…even if Tommy was out there dying, Zordon would do something. It was only a few more moments. I just called the Zords and focused on destroying Turbanshell. I made a huge mistake, and it's my fault." Jason's voice started to crackle. His hands balled into tight fists as anger rushed through his body.

Zack tried to reach out towards his friend, but when his hand touched Jason's shoulder he was ruthlessly brushed away. "Jase, come on, you did the right thing. A few more moments and Turbanshell would have replaced Angel Grove with a black hole."

"No, Zack," Jason shook his head furiously; "I could have done something else. I should have backed out and saved Tommy. I should have done something."

"Jason-"

Before the two could even think about starting a dispute, a familiar beeping tone came from them both. Zack's wrist came to view faster than he could even comprehend the action, while Jason rolled his eyes and went to open the door behind him.

"Great, let me guess, another little meeting you all have planned with Zordon?"

Zack looked up at him, his face a frightening pale.

"No."

Jason's heart stopped beating at hearing that. For a split moment, they stood frozen, reading each other's expressions before making a hasty run to find a safe place to teleport.

This wasn't good.

To Be Continued