Author's Note: It's been awhile, LOL. Here's an update. Thanks for the reviews everyone. There will be a few days between this chapter and the next (sorry), but I'm a bit busier than before. Anyway, hope you all enjoy this chapter. It should tide you over since it's a long one :). Please remember to read and review. And just a heads up, this chapter is rated M for graphic sexual content...

Hart Residence

Angel Grove, CA

Saturday, 6:16 AM

…Tommy moaned at the wet heat around his shaft. Kimberly was straddling him, her back to his face, as she rode him fiercely.

He held onto her hips tightly, pushing inside of her at a rapid pace, bouncing her on his lap. Kimberly moaned above him loudly, her head tilted back as she rolled her hips in tight circles over him. He reached around her, rubbing her clit roughly, and she let out a cry, squeezing his knees as she came, loudly chanting his name.

Tommy bit the inside of his cheek, holding back his orgasm as she squeezed him like a vice. Feeling her grip on his knees weaken, Tommy grabbed Kimberly's arms. He sat up and pushed her onto her hands and knees before him. He reached behind him, grabbing a pillow for her to rest on, before plowing into her at a frenzied pace.

With her chest resting on the pillow, Tommy thrust at an angle that allowed him to repeatedly hit a spot that left her breathless and her toes curling. Kimberly snapped her hips back to meet his. The only sounds in the room were their lustful groans and skin hitting against skin.

Kimberly spread her legs a bit wider and Tommy groaned as he sunk in balls deep with each thrust. Throwing his head back, Tommy gripped her hips tightly, focused on achieving his climax. Kimberly was in a state of euphoria, sobbing openly on the bed as Tommy took her roughly. She was almost positive her pelvis would have bruises all around it, but she honestly didn't give a damn. Feeling herself so close to climax, Kimberly snaked down a hand to rub her clit furiously. After a few strokes, Kimberly's body seized up, and she detonated below him.

Tommy lurched out of his vision, sweating profusely and breathing heavily. His eyes crossed at the unbearable tightness around his cock; he looked down to see Kimberly's body tense, her hands in a white-knuckled grip on the sheets as she rode out her most powerful climax ever on his shaft. Her piercing cry rang through the house, and she shook violently. Tommy gave a startled cry, his own orgasm wrenched from him as he felt every single drop of him flow into her. His hips snapped forwards periodically as he came, convulsions wracking his lean frame.

Tommy had never come so hard in his short life, and from the way Kim screamed, he would guess it was the same for her. Tommy pulled his hair of his face, running a hand gently over Kimberly's soft behind. He could still feel the tremors running through her body, the slight twitch of her snug channel around his shaft. Carefully, he pulled out of her, and she let out a whimper at the sensation of his bare cock sliding inside her.

And suddenly, the reality of the situation hit him like a bucket of ice water.

Tommy jumped off the bed quickly, moving to put as much space between the two of them.

He didn't have on a condom.

Tommy ran shaky hands through his hair, unsure of how to react. Kimberly peered up at him, rolling over onto her side. She lifted her head in confusion. "Tommy?"

He looked at her with wild eyes.

"Tommy, what's wrong?"

He took a deep breath. "I wasn't wearing protection."

The room was silent for some time.

"I'm on birth control, Tommy. It's fine."

He felt relief flood his body quickly, dizzying him. "You sure?" he asked.

Kim gave him a lazy smile. "Yeah. I seriously doubt I'm going to get pregnant."

He moved to the bed, sitting on the edge. "Why are you on birth control?" he asked curiously.

"Helps me with my cycle," she said around a small yawn.

Tommy looked at her confused. "What's wrong with it?"

Kimberly giggled at him. "It just wasn't regular. The pills help with that. I've been on them since I was thirteen."

He seemed content with that answer. Looking down at the floor, Tommy wasn't sure how to breach the next topic.

"Kim…" he began, "you realize that we just…" He swallowed thickly. "We just had sex in our sleep because of –"

She cut him off. "Yeah, I know."

Tommy sighed heavily, his hands running over his face. "Kim, this isn't good. This is the second time this has happened."

She bit her lip as she looked at him, not sure if she wanted to say something.

"What?" he asked, noticing her expression.

"It's the third time," she admitted softly, watching him like a hawk. "It happened earlier tonight. I-I sorta woke up… during…"

Kimberly gasped loudly as she woke up, her body hot and wet all over. She hissed loudly as she felt a wonderful friction between her thighs, and arched her body at the pleasure. She looked up into the face of her boyfriend, his hands interlocked with hers as he thrust into her.

Kimberly blinked rapidly before she let out a loud moan, whispering his name as he rammed her against the bed. His mouth was hot on her neck, kissing and licking on her pulse. He moved to her ear, sucking it into his mouth.

"Cum for me again…" he whispered heatedly. "I want you to cum, screaming my name like you did before." Tommy's face was visible from the moonlight shining through her window. His eyes were unseeing, glazed over by a faint blue glow.

Kimberly's eyes rolled into her head at his words and she cried out as he thrust into her harder. Her headboard banged loudly against the wall at a furious pace, the mattress squeaking loudly as they rutted. Kimberly felt her toes curl tightly and she let out a shriek, crying his name as her orgasm hit her suddenly. She writhed beneath him in ecstasy; he grinned as his lips found hers in a heated kiss.

Tommy rolled them over, Kimberly now straddling him. She was still experiencing the last waves of her orgasm as he began to rock up into her eagerly. She let out a yelp, lurching forward to brace herself against his chest. He gripped her hips tightly as she slid over him, her wetness allowing her to ride him at a quick pace. Tommy sat up, capturing one of her bouncing breasts into his wet mouth, and she moaned as he sucked her nipple intently.

Tommy grabbed her ass, bouncing her on top of him. Kimberly's hands grabbed onto his shoulders, her nails scratching against his tattoo. She bit into his shoulder as she came again quickly, her body tightening hard around his pistoning shaft. Tommy pulled back from her chest and she gasped softly at the glow in his eyes. Up close, his eyes looked cloudy, swirls of blue where there would normally be dark brown. His face radiated pleasure, and he licked her shoulder as he felt her orgasm ebb.

Tommy wrapped his arms around her waist, rolling them over again so that she was on her back. Kimberly groaned harshly as he pounded into her, her eyes rolling into her head.

He rolled her onto her side, lifting one leg onto his shoulder while straddling the other. Grabbing the bed on either side of her body, Tommy began to fuck her furiously. Kimberly was positive her headboard was going to be nothing but splinters from how roughly it hit the wall. She clutched her sheets tightly, needing to grab onto something – anything – to handle the intensity of their coupling.

Kim let out a long wail. He got such a rush at being the cause of her pleasure, and felt his balls tighten in anticipation of a glorious release.

Tommy gasped, his eyes closed. "Again," he demanded breathlessly. "I need you to-" He groaned from the heat. "Again… please…" he begged.

Kim bit her lip hard, nearly drawing blood as she tried to hold back a loud cry. Another climax was building, and she arched wildly, hips bucking against his.

"Ohmygod… Tommy- YESYES! TOMMY!" she screamed loudly, barely recognizing her own voice, raw with need. Tommy's face contorted from the wonderful pressure around his cock, and he shouted loudly as he burst inside of her, hips pumping sporadically as he came.

"Kim…fuck- Iloveyousomuch…" he groaned as his body shuddered. His arms lost their strength, and he rolled onto his side. He lay on his back next to her, eyes closed as his damp chest rose and fell with harsh breaths. Kimberly was winded; somewhat relieved that Tommy's overactive sex drive had finally come to an end. He took her like a man possessed, and she wasn't sure how many more climaxes she could take.

She watched him weakly, his eyes fluttering open tiredly. He turned to look at her, confusion all over his face. The blue was fading from his eyes, and they were turning back to the soulful brown she loved to look into.

"Kim…" he mumbled sleepily before turning over, lying on his stomach. Kim watched him fall back into a deep slumber, and she rolled over, hands covering her face.

"Oh god…" she murmured. She remembered the glow in his eyes, the same bluish glow of the Imanyd shards. They had been in the middle of a vision, only she woke up while Tommy was still held captive to its effects. It had completely slipped her mind that they might act on their vision given their close proximity.

Kimberly had never had one as strong as the one they had tonight. Even though she was awake for most of it, she knew their visions never reached this level of intensity before. Never so passionate.

She sighed at the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach that was quickly drowning out her feeling of gratification.

The visions were getting worse.

Tommy looked at Kimberly with an unreadable expression.

"Kim, I…" he was at a loss for words, not sure how to process what she told him. "I'm so sorry! I-I didn't- I didn't mean…"

Kimberly shook her head. "Tommy, it's okay," she said, placing her hand on his cheek. He grabbed her wrist, pulling away from her. He sat stiffly for some time, the wheels in his head turning. Kimberly watched silently as he got up, moving to gather his clothes.

Kimberly jumped up as well, yanking on her panties and jeans as Tommy pulled on his sweater.

"Tommy, wait!" she yelled after him as he walked out the door, headed downstairs. She slipped on her t-shirt, chasing him down the steps as fast as her legs could carry her.

His hand was on the handle, door open when he heard her voice behind him.

"If you walk out that door…" Her voice was soft, but the ultimatum rang thunderously in Tommy's ears. His entire body went rigid.

He turned to her, eyes blazing. "If I walk out that door, what?" he hissed.

"Come here," she said softly. He didn't budge. "God dammit, Tommy! Come here… please?" Her voice cracked, and that was his undoing. He closed the door softly, moving listlessly to stand before her.

She looked at him sadly, grabbing his hands in hers. "You didn't hurt me," she said firmly, mindful of the tick in his jaw. "You didn't take advantage of me or break me or anything like that. You weren't yourself, Tommy. I know that, but even when you were… possessed," she said for lack of a better word, "you didn't hurt me."

Kim knew Tommy would react this way once he found out. For that reason alone, she didn't want to tell him, but they had never lied to each other before and wouldn't start now. She understood his concern; he was significantly larger and stronger than her and had at least 75 pounds on her. The knowledge that he had acted on desires in his sleep and that she was awake for it…

He was unnerved.

She reached up, cupping his face. "Look, we were both having the same vision, right? It was going to happen regardless. I just happened to snap out of it when it did."

His eyes narrowed dangerously. "Yeah, but I didn't. What if you hadn't wanted it, Kim? What if they change and only affect one of us at a time? What if once I try and you don't – you fight me or-" Kim put her fingers to his lips.

"I wanted it, Tommy," she assured him. "I will always want you. And I trust you." She smiled. "You're too much of a gentleman to do something like that to me, shard or not."

Tommy wished he had as much faith in her words as she did.

Kimberly felt her body hum as she stroked the side of Tommy's face, an energy swelling just beneath the surface. Tommy leaned his head into her caress, eyes closing as her fingers danced across his skin. He opened his eyes, gasping at what he saw.

Kimberly stood before him, her eyes a mixture of brown and blue swirls.

He removed her hands quickly, putting several feet between the two of them.

"Your eyes," he breathed.

She cocked her head to the side. "Yours, too."

Tommy trembled, feeling the energy surging under his skin. He hadn't felt so energized in days, he relished the feeling. All the fatigue, the headaches, lack of coordination… now, he could run twenty miles without breaking a sweat. He closed his eyes, concentrating on the power coursing through him.

Kimberly felt strong, freakishly so, and she laughed joyously at the feeling. She jumped off the stairs, running up to her boyfriend in her excitement.

"Tommy? You feel it, too?"

He looked at her, smiling, only to have that look shift into one of confusion. "Kim…you're glowing."

She looked at her hands; they were giving off the same blue light that now filled her eyes. "What's going on?" she asked slightly panicked. Tommy looked at his own body, his fingertips glowing brightly.

Suddenly, a bright light hit them, and the two fell to their knees from its intensity. Kimberly felt a wave of desire hit her strongly, and her body doubled over painfully as she fought against it. Tommy was in a similar condition, hands clenching the sides of his head as he grit his teeth, fighting the wave as well. He groaned painfully as he felt something in his abdomen contract unnaturally.

Kimberly gave a pained moan as her body began to heat up, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She gasped heavily as she felt herself begin to suffocate, fighting desperately to get air to her burning lungs. Tommy crawled quickly to the wastebasket nearby, retching from the wave of nausea that hit him.

The rush began to ebb, and the two teens lay in a heap on the floor, sweating profusely. Tommy rested against the wall, eyes closed as he desperately tried to calm his body. Kimberly was hunched over, shuddering as the cool air caressed her feverish skin. They looked at each other, eyes back to their normal brown, a multitude of emotions dancing in them… mostly fear.

Things were definitely worse.

Day Room

Command Center

Angel Grove, CA

8:28 AM

Billy Cranston piled the last few items he would need in his gym bag. He packed all the essentials for their trip to Eltar, and a few extra items just as a precaution.

Rocky lay on the couch nearest him, head resting peacefully on Aisha's lap as he slept. She sleepily ran her fingers through his hair, a small smile on her lips.

Billy glanced over at her, a smirk on his lips. "Someone looks happy."

Aisha looked at him. "I am." Rocky let out a soft snore, causing Aisha to grin.

"Congratulations to you both," he said softly. "I've always admired your tenacity and fierce determination, Aisha," he admitted. "I'm glad to see you took the risk and allowed yourself the chance to experience happiness."

She gave him a grateful smile; his words meant a lot to her.

"Don't give her all the credit, bro. I'm the one that made the first move," mumbled Rocky sleepily, eyes still closed. Aisha rolled her eyes.

Billy gave a dry smile. "I also admire your patience. I imagine it cannot be easy to have a relationship with someone as… uncouth as Rocky… or as idiotic."

Aisha let out a small giggle as Rocky huffed.

Adam walked into the day room bright-eyed and smiling with two bags in his hand, one black and the other pink. He was still on a high from his night with Tanya, giving him a megawatt smile that was permanently stuck on his face. On his back getting a piggyback ride was Kimberly, who was pouting now that the ride was over.

Kim slipped off his back, grabbing her bag from him. She pinched his cheek playfully. "Good horsey."

Billy watched the pair curiously as they made jokes at each other's expense. "Where's Tommy?" The question was directed at Kim.

She shrugged nonchalantly. "Beats me."

He raised an eyebrow. "He didn't say when he'd be here?" he asked her.

She kept her eyes on Adam. "He's not here yet?" she asked.

Billy's right eyebrow joined his left, high on his forehead. If anyone would know-

"He's in his quarters." He heard her voice in his head, though outwardly, Kimberly continued her conversation with Adam.

"Any particular reason we're communicating telepathically instead of verbally?"

"Tommy's in his quarters. He needs to talk to you about something important. The others… We don't want to alert them."

Billy slipped on an impassive gaze. "Excuse me for a moment. I need to pick up a few more supplies from my quarters. I'll return shortly," he said, heading out of the day room and directly for his team leader.

Billy stopped in front of Tommy's open door, his friend's back to him as he stared out the window.

"You requested my presence?" he asked.

Tommy didn't move. "Shut the door."

The blue ranger shut the door with a soft click, taking a seat on Tommy's desk. He waited for Tommy to speak, but the white ranger said nothing for some time.

"Forgive me, Tommy, but Kimberly informed me you needed to speak to me on a matter of great importance." He crossed his arms over his chest. "As it stands, however, you have yet to say anything that warrants –"

Tommy interrupted him, turning around to face his best friend. "The shard is doing something to us."

Billy remained silent for some time. "I know."

Tommy shot him a look. "How?" Billy shifted uncomfortably. "I examined your last few physical examinations over the last six months. Both yours and Kimberly's. I noticed a… disturbing trend in your vitals."

He cleared his throat. "It appears that they have been dropping rapidly since the mission to Greece. Everything from your blood pressure to your energy readings." Billy readjusted himself on the desk. "I looked for support for my hypothesis by contrasting your vital readings with the rest of ours."

"And?" asked Tommy.

Billy gave him a long look. "Without sufficient data, my hypothesis remains unconfirmed, theoretical at best."

Tommy rolled his eyes. "What's your hypothesis?" he asked directly. Billy gave him a sorrowful look.

"You and Kimberly are weakening. At an alarming rate, I'm afraid."

Tommy turned back to the window, arms crossed over his chest as he sighed. "I think your hypothesis is correct."

Billy's eyes widened. "You're certain?"

Tommy shrugged. "I spent the night at Kim's."

Billy nodded. "I was aware of this when your mother asked me to remind you about your uncle's wedding. I'm assuming you told her you were at my place?"

Tommy smiled. "Yeah. Saying I was at your house went over a hell of a lot better than me saying I was going to Kim's would have." Billy conceded his point.

Tommy took a seat on his bed. "You know how Kim and I have been having those visions, right?"

"Affirmative."

Tommy licked his lips. "The visions… they're of us having sex." He looked up at his blue-eyed friend. "But I'm sure you knew that."

Billy sighed. "Once it was discovered that Goldgoyle possessed the Shard of Brutality, it was apparent that the shard the two of you came in contact with was either desire or deceit. As neither Kimberly nor you have gone around lying to us, I suspected the shard in question was the Shard of Desire."

Tommy ran a hand over his face. "Well, your suspicions were right. The shard… when a vision happens, it sorta controls you, almost like being under a spell. Kim and I got caught up in a vision once and… went further than anticipated."

Billy's eyes bugged. "The two of you –"

Tommy shook his head. "No." He stood up then.

"Well- we, uh… after an incident in the janitor's closet, the visions got worse. And I mean significantly worse. Up until then, they had never really been that in-depth… just quick flashes here and there." He rubbed a hand on the back of his neck. "They got more vivid, more intense, more real… harder to fight."

Tommy sucked in a breath. "We took that final step last night." At Billy's look, Tommy shook his head. "Of our own free will. Up until then, Kim and I had been avoiding each other, not trusting ourselves to be near each other without acting on a vision. They were coming so frequently… couldn't risk it."

Tommy sat back down again. "We decided to take that step because we loved each other and it felt right."

He smiled briefly. "We were ready to go there, and we didn't want the choice to be made for us," he said fiercely.

Billy spoke up. "Am I correct in my assumption that the visions became worse after this?" Tommy looked at him confused, so he continued. "From my understanding, when the visions initially began, they only reached a certain level of intensity, correct?" At Tommy's confirmation, he pressed forward. "Having essentially fulfilled that desire by your… moment at school, the visions intensified. It would make sense that after consummating your relationship, whether by free will or through your vision, they would simply become worse."

Tommy was amazed at how technical Billy made everything sound - so clinical. "I see. Well, you're right," he confirmed. "After that …" he trailed off for a moment, "things started getting out of hand."

"In what way?" the blue ranger asked.

Tommy took a deep breath. "We woke up having sex. And apparently," he pushed forward, ignoring Billy's expression, "we acted on it while sleeping, too."

"How do you know?" Tommy grimaced. "Kim woke up- during." Billy said nothing. He could read the emotions across his friend's face; he looked pained.

"When everything was over, our bodies felt… different."

Billy scrunched up his face. "Elaborate."

Tommy pondered how to describe it. "We felt stronger, faster… better. None of the fatigue or sluggishness from before. And we were glowing blue, like the shard. Our eyes, our hands… and it felt good," he admitted ruefully.

Billy studied him. "Interesting. And you say this happened after you... consummated your relationship? I wonder…" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Continue."

Tommy cleared his throat. "Afterwards, it all went straight to hell." His face paled considerably. "I got hit with this overwhelming feeling; it was so powerful, Billy. Brought me to my knees, literally." Tommy stared out of the window. "It was too much, so I fought it. We both did."

Tommy shook his head.

"I felt like I was dying," he said softly. "It felt like…" he paused. "…like my insides were being ripped apart." He rubbed his abdomen absently. "When it ended, I was throwing up in Kim's living room."

"And Kim?" asked Billy after some time, absorbing this information.

"Same thing." Tommy looked at his friend. "The glowing… the pain…" He stared off into space.

Billy's mind was racing. When Kimberly told him to see Tommy, he knew it would be serious, but nothing quite like this. Billy pinched the bridge of his nose. "Tommy, I must admit this is quite an unexpected development…"

Tommy gave him a look that clearly said 'no shit'.

"You stated that the two of you experienced pain whenever you attempted to… resist the effects of the shard, but when you surrendered to it, the reverse occurred and you felt empowered, enhanced in a sense?" asked the blue ranger.

"Yeah," said Tommy.

Billy moved to stand next to his friend. "You and Kimberly are in a most precarious position."

"I'm aware," said Tommy.

"I firmly believe the two of you should remain on Earth while the rest of us leave for this mission." Tommy's jaw tightened considerably. "You two are in no condition to be out on a foreign planet, even for a peaceful assignment such as this one." Tommy knew Billy was right. "With your visions and the repercussions of those visions if resisted…"

Billy didn't need to continue.

"While this is true," he started again, "I am certain that your presence is necessary. It would be unwise for only four of us to venture to Eltar and return with increased power while you and Kimberly remain here, significantly weaker." He sighed. "It is admittedly dangerous for you to be with us, but your vulnerability on Earth, coupled with an imbalance in power that is inevitable with our return if you remain… leaving the two of you is not an option."

Tommy gave him a small smile before his expression went serious. "We can't tell the others."

"Tommy, I am not sure that is the best course of action. The others need to be aware –"

"Of only what is absolutely necessary," he finished. "Billy, they can't know the seriousness of the situation. They're looking to me to lead them through this. Even though Rocky's qualified to lead the mission on his own, he still looks to me to take charge." Tommy sat on his bed.

"Not to mention, it would distract everyone. Kim and I don't want this to get out. Adam would hover because of their relationship, and I can't bear the sympathetic looks from Aisha. I'm only telling you because you're the smartest person I know, and you're the most rational of all of us… and you're my best friend."

Tommy looked up at him. "I know I can trust you to do what makes the most sense, regardless of feelings. You've always been an excellent advisor, even if I think sometimes you're a jerk." His attempt at humor placed a small smile on Billy's lips.

Billy said nothing in response for some time, sitting beside Tommy on the bed. "You need to inform them of the visible effects of the shard at the very least, Tommy. We need to be able to tell when the shard is affecting you. And you may also want to explain the… physical effects."

At Tommy's startled look, Billy held up his hands defensively. "I do not mean relay what the shard makes you and Kimberly do, but the enhancements of the shard. You mentioned that you felt stronger and faster, correct? And you also pointed out that going against the shard made you incredibly weak."

Tommy understood where he was going with this.

"Regardless of whether or not you want the others to know you two are in danger, it is inevitable," Billy said firmly. His heart broke for both of his friends, as he couldn't begin to fathom what the two teens were going through.

"I have no doubt the shard will have an effect on both of you while we are away. They deserve to know, in advance," he stressed heavily, "that the two of you may be out of commission during this mission. If we have to make preparations for your being sick… or worse, have to restrain you due to your apparently increased strength while under the shard's influence, it needs to be discussed now."

Tommy's head was in his hands, his body hot with anger. Billy continued hesitantly, knowing his next words would undoubtedly set Tommy off.

"You also need to notify Rocky that he will be leading the mission. I am sorry, Tommy, but I refuse to allow you to both partake in this mission and lead it in your present condition." His tone was final.

Tommy knew he could simply ignore his friend's request. Billy had no authority over him, and his words were just that at best – words. Billy knew, however, that Tommy would listen to him, despite the harsh reality of what was said. Tommy respected Billy's intellect and friendship too much to go against him simply out of pride if he knew his best interests were at heart.

"I am aware that Rocky does look to you for leadership. He always has, but as second-in-command, he must assume the position of leader if you are unfit to do so yourself – he knows that. Given that the mission is peaceful and you will still be with us, I believe that he will handle it admirably, though he will be thrust into that position."

Tommy knew there was truth in Billy's words, but it still stung like hell to know he had to give up leadership for this mission for something he had no control over. Tommy took a deep breath. "I will agree on one condition."

Billy raised an eyebrow.

"You have to serve as Rocky's second-in-command. If anything happens, I know you can lead this team safely."

Billy merely observed his long-haired friend. The two had talked before about Billy having a leadership position on the team. Billy had originally been selected to serve as Tommy's second-in-command; however, the blue ranger refused, having no desire to fill that role. It was then decided, after a long debate, that Rocky would be the second leader. Tommy originally thought Rocky too impulsive, arrogant, and stubborn to lead anything, but Billy quickly pointed out how Tommy himself possessed those same qualities, as well as patience, understanding, determination and bravery.

Although Tommy could admit that Rocky proved to be a suitable second-in-command, he still sometimes wished it was Billy behind him instead. However, he grew to trust and respect Rocky and was confident in his abilities.

Billy thought long before providing his answer. "Affirmative."

Tommy let out a deep breath. "Okay," he said softly, standing to his feet and grabbing his bag. "Let's get this over with."

Billy cleared his throat. "Before you leave, there is something I need to share with you." Tommy glanced at him curiously. "And you may want to sit."

Slowly, Tommy sank back onto the bed.

"Zordon is still withholding information from us."

Tommy scoffed. "I figured."

Billy pressed on. "After I discovered the disturbing trend in your vitals, I brought it to Zordon's attention. I was… perplexed that he did not have as strong of a reaction as I did. He was unnaturally calm, and his suggestion was to use the Ninjetti coins to reenergize the two of you."

Tommy's eyes narrowed. "That doesn't make any sense. If we used the Ninjetti, we would kill ourselves. Why the hell would he even suggest something like that?"

Billy sighed. "My thoughts precisely. Needless to say, I was extremely frustrated and understandably livid at Zordon's seeming inability to comprehend the severity of the situation, so I left immediately."

Billy stood up slowly, his body losing its rigidity. "What is it, Billy?"

The dirty blond looked down. "I'm not quite sure how it escaped my notice… I suppose in my ire, I had not been paying as much attention to what's around me as I normally do." He paused. "Several days after getting the results, I discovered a message at the bottom of the printout – a coded message – in hexadecimal numbers. I'm assuming it was from Alpha."

At Tommy's silence, Billy continued. "I believe he was trying to ensure that Zordon wouldn't find out."

Tommy considered this. "What did it say?"

"It read 'IVAN OOZE DEATH. TRUTH. SECRET. NINJOR.'"

Tommy raised an eyebrow. "What the hell does any of this have to do with Ivan Ooze?"

Billy shrugged. "The only connection I could make was that at one time, he too had possession of a shard. I am as confused as you are, but it appears we will know soon enough."

Tommy stood, walking to the door; Billy stood behind him. The white ranger paused in his stride. "What results were you talking about earlier?" Billy gave him a blank look. "You said Alpha wrote on the bottom of a printout of test results. What test and what were the results?"

Billy felt his chest tighten considerably, and he took a deep breath before speaking.

"I was justifiably concerned by the inexplicable fatigue that was affecting you and Kimberly. I asked the computer to analyze the decrease in your respective energy readings and provide a reasonable estimate of when your energy would reach a level at which you could no longer function."

Tommy stared at him. "How long did it say?" he asked softly.

Billy coughed. "To be fair, the results are completely irrelevant now. Given this unanticipated advancement in your condition, it appears the expected trend no longer applies."

"How long?" asked Tommy gruffly. He knew Billy rambled as a method of avoidance.

"Three weeks," he said quietly. Billy looked at his friend, and for a brief period of time saw true fear in Tommy's eyes. The white ranger closed his eyes, swallowing hard.

"Let's go."

Main Control Room

Command Center

Angel Grove, CA

Kimberly sat on the arm rest as Adam's head rested against her thigh. She was still quite sore from this morning; Kimberly's face began to flush.

This morning.

Tommy had been so passionate when he took her. She bit her lip as she thought of the ways he slid inside her throughout the night.

Kimberly had always imagined her first time being with the man she loved, and was fortunate enough to have that experience. It had been painful and a tad scary losing her virginity, but it had been worth it in the end. Tommy had taken such good care of her and made their first time memorable.

What followed afterwards, though…? She gave an involuntary shudder. Was it wrong that through all the craziness and lack of control and fear…

She loved it.

Kim knew how Tommy hated what was happening to them, and on some level, she felt the same way. They were stripped of their free will, acting on their most secret desires because of something they accidentally touched while trying to save the universe.

It was wrong. It was unfair.

It was exhilarating.

When Kim woke up in the middle of the night to Tommy between her legs, fucking her with abandon, she had been confused… and completely aroused. She remembered the lustful expression on his face as he took her, his insatiable appetite for her body, and his need to make her climax over and over again…

Kimberly felt a deep stirring in her stomach, causing her to seize up in panic.

'Not now!' she thought to herself.

She focused on quelling the feeling, relieved when it finally faded away. Kimberly was aware that what she had felt had been simple lust, nothing like the feeling induced from the shard, but all the same, it terrified her.

And then she remembered the rest of that morning.

The excruciating pain she felt from that wave… Kimberly had literally felt like she was on fire. Her skin had been so hot, sticky with sweat in a matter of seconds. She remembered when her throat closed up, and she was gasping, wheezing for oxygen…

"Kim?"

She snapped out of her reverie, looking up at Rocky with a frown on her face. He was looking at her curiously.

"Hmm?"

"You all right?" She nodded, though her face indicated otherwise. He held out his hand to her, holding a strawberry Pop-Tart in silver foil. Kimberly felt a smile cross her lips as she took it from him, taking a bite.

Ever since they were eleven-year-olds, Kimberly had been receiving a Pop-Tart from Rocky Desantos whenever she was feeling bad.

Kimberly sat on the merry-go-round in the park, eyes puffy and wet as she hugged her knees to her chest.

It had been a week since her father had moved out of the house and three days since he had filed for a divorce. The preteen hadn't taken the news from her mother well and had been crying seemingly nonstop. Just thinking of how her parents screamed at each other, faces flushed from anger and frustration, brought another set of tears to her eyes.

She couldn't forget how he yelled about being unhappy where he was, unfulfilled… her mother screaming something about Rebecca, the nice assistant at his office.

Kim could vividly recall seeing her mother crying hysterically from her perch on the staircase. Her father had told her to go to her room, and she left, closing the door but never actually going inside. She watched him storm off in anger, eyes blazing. She remembered how the house shook as the door slammed loudly, her mother crumpled on the floor in a heap.

Kimberly sniffed as she sat alone, the wind blowing gently through her hair. She had told Aisha and Trini about it. The two girls had been her best female friends since they were five. They gave her a shoulder to cry on and an ear to vent her frustrations.

But at the moment, Kimberly wanted to be alone.

She adored her friends, but she was tired of their sympathetic glances and worried looks, as if she would break at any second. Granted, Kimberly felt as if she would lose it any day now, but didn't need her friends to add to that belief.

"Hey, Kim," said a breathless Rocky as he ran up to her. Kimberly gasped before wiping her eyes quickly. Rocky's smile dropped when he noticed that his friend looked upset. He observed her swollen eyes and flushed cheeks.

"Um… are you okay?" he asked awkwardly.

Kim rolled her eyes; Rocky was such a boy. "I'm fine, Rocky," she croaked, voice hoarse from crying.

"You sure? You look like you've been crying," he stated.

She gave an irritated sigh. He had a way of stating the obvious. "I was, but now I'm not so you can go away now," she snapped, internally wincing at her attitude.

Rocky simply looked at her.

"Sorry," she muttered.

He sat beside her on the merry-go-round. "Wanna talk about it?" he asked after a few minutes.

She looked over at him. "Do you?"

He shrugged. "Not really, but that's always what Aisha says to people when they're upset. Seemed like the right thing to say."

Kim felt her lips twitch slightly in humor. She took a deep breath. "My dad's gone."

"Like on a trip?"

She gave a dry laugh. "Yeah –a permanent trip. My parents are getting a divorce. Dad's moving away," she said softly.

Rocky crossed his legs. "That sucks." Kim silently agreed.

Rocky played with his hands for a while nervously, not knowing what to say in response. Suddenly, he reached into his jean pocket, pulling out a rectangular piece of foil.

"Want a Pop-Tart?"

Kim was thrown by the randomness of his question. "What?" she asked confused.

He gave a lopsided smile. "Do you want a Pop-Tart?" he asked again.

"Um… no? Rocky, why would I want a Pop-Tart right now? And where'd you even get that?" she asked incredulously.

He blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I got it from home. Grabbed it before my dad brought us here."

He looked around a bit before leaning over to her conspiratorially. "Between you and me," he motioned between them, "they work wonders. Especially the strawberry ones." Kim raised an eyebrow.

"When I get upset… I eat a lot. And I mean anything – popcorn, pizza, chips, you name it." He stared at the foil in his hand. "I don't know why… but Pop-Tarts always work the best." He grinned shyly. "I always end up feeling better."

Kim stared at the foil in his hand before her eyes connected with his. She knew in his own crazy way, he was trying to help her, and she actually found it kind of sweet.

She took the Pop-Tart from him, opening the paper and taking one out. It was strawberry-flavored. She bit into it carefully, smiling at the sweetness of it. Rocky gave her a wide smile, taking out the other and eating it as well.

"Thanks, Rocky," she said softly before laughing at the mess the boy made from devouring the treat.

It wasn't until her mother called her over to leave did she realize that she really did feel much better than before.

"Seemed like you could use one," he said with a pointed stare.

She smiled weakly. "Yeah."

"Kim, what's –" He stopped speaking when he realized her focus was not on him but past him. He turned to see Tommy and Billy behind him, both wearing serious expressions.

All of the rangers stopped what they were doing, turning their attention to their leader.

"Before we leave for Eltar," began Tommy, "there are a few things that we need to go over." Kim peered at him closely, and he resisted the urge to look at her.

"We will still be leaving for Eltar at nine. Everyone should have already packed their essentials for this quest. We will not be returning until our mission is complete." His tone left no room for argument.

After a moment, Tommy sighed heavily. "Due to recent… changes, this mission will be led by Rocky-"

"What?" the red ranger asked loudly, his face scrunched in confusion.

"-with Billy holding the position of second-in-command," Tommy continued, ignoring Rocky's outburst. Adam and Aisha looked at each other questioningly.

"Tommy, what are you talking about? I'm not leading this mission," said Rocky forcefully.

"I expect you to treat them with the same respect as me. I will be present during this trip-" His voice was raised, speaking over Rocky.

"If you're going to be present, why the hell aren't you leading?" asked Rocky heatedly. "You're the goddamn leader!"

Tommy's jaw clenched tightly. He turned quickly to Rocky. "BECAUSE I CAN'T!" he exploded. The red ranger paused, not prepared for Tommy to yell at him.

"I want to be out there, doing my job as the leader, Rocky, but for reasons beyond my control, I can't!" he yelled.

He walked closer to Rocky, getting in his face. "I cannot handle being leader on this mission, Rocky. I entrusted you with the position of second-in-command because I believed you would be able to take charge when the time calls. Now's the time."

His voice dropped to a whisper, "Step up and do your job."

Tommy turned, leaving Rocky speechless. Kimberly stared at her boyfriend, knowing from his body language he was trying to remain strong in the face of his team.

"Due to the effects of the Imanyd shard, both Kimberly and I will be vulnerable during this mission. I do not believe we will face any danger on Eltar, given that Lord Zedd and Rita avoid it like the plague and Goldar is presently in our galaxy." He looked around. "It was decided that although we will be vulnerable, our presence is needed on Eltar. We cannot have an imbalance in the power of our team. That would provide us with an obvious weakness that can be exploited in battle."

Tommy took a deep breath. "While we are on Eltar, the Imanyd shard will most likely have an effect on the two of us." He took a long pause and for a moment, Billy thought Tommy might not continue.

"It's okay, handsome," Kimberly said in his head.

Tommy cleared his throat. "When Kimberly and I are under the shard's control, our eyes and bodies begin to glow a faint blue, similar to the glow of the shards. We have reason to believe that the shard boosts our energy levels, making us unnaturally strong and quick."

"What do you want us to do if this happens?" Adam asked.

"Restrain us." The others shot him a worried glance. "Tie us up; lock us away. Just… keep us away from each other." He ignored Kim's pained expression.

"If we find each other and…" he searched for words, "…act under the shard's influence, the situation could get drastically worse. You cannot allow that to happen. Under any circumstance."

The other rangers agreed to this request. "You should also be aware of a… side effect of not acting under the shard's influence." He looked at Kim, who gave him a sad smile. She knew this wasn't easy for him to talk about, especially to the rest of the team, but as their leader, he had to tell them.

"There are painful repercussions. You may hear us scream in agony, or watch us writhe in pain. We've already experienced suffocation, high fever, and severe nausea from this."

Adam flashed a look of deep concern at Kim, unaware that the two of them had been going through so much.

"Do not let your sympathy as our friends keep you from doing as I say. You are rangers, and I am giving you an order," stated Tommy firmly. "Even if we beg you… do not set us loose." No one said anything, but Tommy knew his order was understood.

"Any questions?" He looked into their eyes, seeing thousands of questions hitting him at once, but none were voiced.

He turned to Rocky. "Your call."

Rocky stared at his friend, eyes wild, body tense.

Rocky looked around, eyes connecting with Billy as the weight of leadership fell on him suddenly. He took a deep breath, reassured by Billy's silent encouragement and Tommy's confidence.

"Let's do it."