Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter twenty-nine of "Don't Run Away." I'm glad it took just three days to get out. This chapter features the first appearance of Jason's family that was mentioned in previous chapters. I decided it was time to feature them and show their relationship. Elements of "Green With Evil" will be featured in the next few chapters. This includes lines and scenes from part two. Scorpina's first appearance is also coming up. I am looking forward to doing that very much. Ernie and the Youth Center will return after not appearing for a long while very soon. Stay tuned for chapter thirty.
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Chapter 29: Waffle House Breakfast/New Plans
Waffle House was somewhat quiet in the midmorning two days later. A young man entered and sat in the bar's third stool. A waiter approached him with her notepad and pen in hand. Eric, forty-year-old Elisa, Jason, and twelve-year-old Annie were seated at a table near the bathroom. The former two sat together. The latter two were across from them.
Elisa picked up a piece of bacon and popped it into her mouth. She chewed and swallowed with a loud gulp. Being Caucasian, she was the exact same height as Jason was. She was rather tanned. She was very lean and contained a muscular frame. Her short brown hair was rather shaggy. She had bags underneath her brown eyes. She had wrinkles here and there on her face, including laugh lines.
Annie grabbed her orange juice to take a long sip. She laid it down before smacking her lips. She was tall for her age, but she looked normal. She resembled her mother, but she had blue eyes and long blond hair. Her face had so many freckles that someone could connect them to each other and make a picture on it. Her skin wasn't as tanned.
Eric cut a piece of waffle and stuck it in his mouth. He chewed it up before swallowing with a loud gulp. He looked toward Jason, who picked up his cream-filled coffee and took a long sip. He watched him put it down. Jason grabbed his fork and poked it into his scrambled eggs. He looked toward his father, who raised an eyebrow.
"Jason, I never thought I'd see you drinking coffee. Teens don't drink coffee often," Robert said and cut more of his waffle.
"I thought I could use a buzz from the caffeine, Dad," Jason responded, getting a decent amount of eggs on his fork. He put them in his mouth. He chewed quickly. He swallowed before laying it down. "Tommy and Kim drink coffee. Why can't I?"
"Nobody said you couldn't. It just surprised Elisa and me when you ordered coffee. That's all," Eric pointed out.
"There is a first time for everything," Jason said, grabbing his coffee. He took a long sip and laid it down. "No one should forget that."
"Be careful, bro. You'll get hyper if you drink too much," Annie warned, eyeing her stepbrother.
"We don't want you bouncing off the walls in here," Elisa said and chuckled to herself.
"Don't worry. I plan to drink only one or two more cups," Jason assured.
"Good for you," Eric commented and ate more of his waffle.
Jason shrugged and popped a piece of bacon into his mouth. He chewed it quickly, swallowing it. Eric grabbed his orange juice and sipped a little bit of it. He smacked his lips while looking at his son and stepdaughter.
"Isn't it great that we're eating breakfast together at Waffle House on Sunday morning?" Eric asked in a happy voice.
"It's wonderful, Dad," Jason said gleefully. "Many people are attending church at this hour. After that, many churchgoing teens will head for their favorite hangouts, including the Youth Center."
"You don't have to go to church to be a good Christian," Elisa said, putting her bacon down. "In fact, you can have church anywhere, even in your own home."
Annie frowned. "Unfortunately, not all Christians practice what they preach. This is especially true for those who are only going to church to be part of a group."
Jason emitted a heavy sigh. "Some people will do anything for attention, including making fools of themselves on national television."
Eric cupped his chin in his hand. He saw Michelle as one such person who would be willing to act like a fool on TV just to be noticed. He remembered all the times she acted like a drama queen when she didn't get her way. This included when he refused to take Jason out of karate lessons, which he signed him up for when he was eight. He laid it on the table. He noticed Annie being deep in thought.
"What are you thinking about, Annie?" Eric wondered.
"I am thinking about how I should jump out of Jason's birthday cake," Annie said, wiggling her eyebrows.
Jason looked at her with a smirk. "You should jump into the cake while your mother is baking it." He elbowed her in the ribs.
"Ow! I think you cracked something!" Annie groaned and rubbed her side.
"Aw. Did I hurt the little baby?" Jason taunted.
Annie growled menacingly. "I'll show you a little baby!"
Annie brought her hand to Jason's side and tickled it. He laughed and swatted her hand away. She punched him in the shoulder. She aimed for it again, but he caught her fist in his hand. He unleashed a tickle attack on her armpit. She pulled herself out of his grasp and smacked him in the back of his head. He mimicked her action, except he got her in the temple. They stuck their tongues out at each other. Mock anger appeared on Eric's face.
"Kids, you better cut it out before I make you!" Eric threatened with playfulness. The adolescents pulled their tongues back into their mouths and looked at them. "I mean it!"
"We can't cut it out!" Annie squealed.
"It'll grow right back!" Jason added and laughed.
"Sure, it will," Eric said and looked over his son's shoulder. "Hey, is that Halle Berry over there?"
"Where?" Jason said excitedly. He looked over his shoulder, but he didn't see the actress. He became disappointed. He turned back to his father, who laughed his head off. Elisa and Annie tried to stifle snickers, but they couldn't help themselves. "Ha, ha, ha, ha. You're such a comedian, Dad."
"I can't believe you still fall for that!" Eric said.
"You'd think you would've wised up to that trick," Annie said and crossed her arms.
"I can't help it when someone mentions my favorite actress," Jason muttered with a shrug.
"Someone needs to insert a bigger brain in here," Annie joked and tapped his temple with her finger.
"I think you're the one who needs a bigger brain," Jason retorted and pushed her hand aside.
Eric let out a small chuckle. He felt something hit him in the back of his head, followed by another. He looked over his shoulder to see two napkin balls sitting in the empty seat. His eyes turned upward and spotted a boy sitting at the next table. His mother talked with a waiter at the bar. She was oblivious to what was going on. Eric narrowed his eyes at him. Jason and Annie glanced over his shoulder at him. Elisa looked over hers at him as well.
"Hey, kid. Please, stop throwing those balls. I mean it," Eric warned quietly.
"I didn't throw anything," the boy said innocently.
"You did so. I can see the balls in this seat. You're the only one sitting there," Eric said and pointed his finger downward.
"I'm telling you. I didn't throw anything," the boy replied and shook his head.
"Just leave us alone, okay?" Jason said.
"We're trying to eat our breakfast," Annie added.
Eric turned around to resume eating his breakfast. So did Elisa, Jason, and Annie with theirs. Another ball hit Eric in the head. He glared over his shoulder at the boy. Kyle and Kim followed his lead. Elisa shot a glare at him as well.
"All right, kid. I'm warning you. Quit throwing those balls!" Eric commented loudly.
"I didn't do anything!" the boy said defiantly.
Eric gestured the three balls. "Don't lie, kid! You're the only one in this whole restaurant! How did the balls end up here then?"
"Someone must've put them there!" the boy blurted out.
"I don't think so," Annie retorted.
Jason looked angry. "If you think you can do whatever you want, you've got another—"
"I'll handle this from here, sir," the mother interrupted as she approached her son. "Hand over the balls."
"But, Mom, I didn't—" the boy started.
The mother gave him a stern look and held out her hand. "Hand them over!"
The boy mumbled inaudible words and handed the balls to his mother. She gripped them and gave him a glare.
"What have I told you about disturbing the other customers? Say you're sorry to this family," the mother demanded.
The boy cowered and looked toward Eric, Elisa, Jason, and Annie. He fidgeted somewhat and bit his lip.
"I'm sorry for throwing the napkin balls," the boy apologized.
"Thank you," the mother replied and eyed the family guiltily. "I'm sorry. I should've paid closer attention to him."
"It's all right. Kids are often sneaky these days," Eric replied sympathetically.
"You're telling me," the mother said and scoffed. "Every time I turn my back, he goofs around after I tell him not to. I thought he'd be better behaved on Sunday morning, but I was wrong."
"Don't worry. He didn't ruin this morning for us," Annie commented.
"That's good," the mother whispered and took her son's hand. "It's time for us to go."
The mother pulled her son to his feet. She guided him toward the cashier. Eric, Elisa, Jason, and Annie glanced at each other and raised their eyebrows.
"It annoys me when kids think no one is looking and start fooling around," Eric mumbled and rolled his eyes.
"At least that boy's mother became aware of what was going on and stopped him. Many parents couldn't care less if their children disrupt other people's meals at restaurants," Jason whispered and let out a heavy sigh.
Annie held up her hands. "What is this world coming to when parents refuse to control their kids?"
Elisa blew her bangs out of her eyes and let out a quiet huff. "It's turning into a crazy world."
Eric, Jason, and Annie nodded in agreement. She grabbed her fork and knife to cut a piece of her ham-and-cheese omelet. She put it into her mouth. She chewed and swallowed with a loud gulp.
"Look on the bright side, Dad. I turned out just fine, despite Mom has caused a great deal of drama," Jason commented in relief.
"You sure did," Eric said proudly. He became serious and frowned. "I loved your mother, but she drove me up the wall with her histrionics. I couldn't take it anymore." He shook his head in disbelief. "I don't know why I married her in the first place."
"You married Michelle because you were in love, honey," Elisa said, gazing at her husband. She touched his shoulder. "You didn't know she would turn crazy."
"People say you shouldn't diss adults, but I don't like Ms. Lockard, especially when she makes unannounced visits to our house," Annie muttered in some nervousness. "She sounds drunk sometimes."
"She pulls these antics. Then she demands to know why I don't want to spend time with her," Jason said frustratingly. "Elisa, I see you more as my mother than I do her. You respect my boundaries while she doesn't."
"That's what a mother is supposed to do, whether she is biological or not," Elisa responded lovingly. She felt Eric put his arm around her. "I would never suggest an adult accompany you to any public place. You are old enough to do stuff on your own."
"There is no way I am letting this woman go," Eric said, giving his wife a hug.
"You have to let me go, so I can finish my breakfast," Elisa pointed out and blew a raspberry at him.
"Duly noted," Eric commented and released his hold on her. "We better finish our breakfast too."
Eric, Elisa, Jason, and Annie proceeded to finish their breakfast. More people began to enter the restaurant.
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Rita went up the Lunar Palace's balcony stairs fifteen minutes later. Squatt, Baboo, Goldar, and Dragontor were right behind her. The former two stopped before them. The latter two came to her side as she adjusted the Repulsascope. She looked through it. She saw Jason opening and closing his hands. He made quacking sounds. His father, his stepmother, and his stepsister laughed aloud. She tried to hold back a snicker, but she couldn't help herself.
"Jason is entertaining his family during breakfast in a restaurant," Rita said, her hand balling into a fist. "That is so cute, not!"
"You should check out what is going on with the other Rangers," Goldar suggested.
"You're right, Goldar," Rita replied, turning the Repulsascope west a tiny bit. She peered into it, seeing Zack driving the RADBUG through the sky toward the Command Center. Billy and Trini were with him. "Well, well, Zack is taking Billy and Trini to the Command Center."
"I am sure they are going to repair the Command Center some more," Dragontor commented and growled softly.
"I wonder what Kimberly is doing," Rita whispered curiously. "She has to be up like the others are by now."
Rita shifted the Repulsascope east some. She gazed through it and caught sight of Kim sipping coffee from a mug in the Baxter residence's kitchen. She chuckled and eyed the golden warrior and dragon.
"All of the Rangers preoccupied this morning," Rita yelled with great glee. "I love it when that happens!" She squealed.
"Something tells me Jason is planning to meet Zack and Kimberly at Billy's house, so they can go to the Command Center," Dragontor pointed out.
Goldar patted his comrade's shoulder. "Dragontor is right. I think this would be the perfect time to think of a new plan."
Rita tightened her grip on her wand. "Yes, it would. What would be a very good plan?"
Rita, Goldar, Dragontor, Squatt, and Baboo cupped their chins in their hands. They became deep in thought. Suddenly, an idea came to Squatt's mind. He babbled eagerly. Rita, Goldar, and Dragontor turned around.
"What is it, Squatt?" Rita wondered.
"Why don't you kidnap Jason and imprison him in the Dark Dimension?" Squatt suggested.
Rita formed a big smile on her face and approached the duo. "That is a great idea, Squatt!"
"How about you let Goldar take care of Jason while Tommy battles the other Power Rangers?" Baboo added.
"I love that idea too! Without their leader, the Rangers will be easy targets!" Rita blurted out with much delight.
Goldar unsheathed his sword and came to her side along with Dragontor. "That's right."
"It is so brilliant!" Rita said, pumping her fist. "Tommy can take a squadron of Putties and attack wherever he wants to. After tiring Billy, Trini, Zack, and Kimberly out, he can summon the Dragonzord and do battle with their zords."
"All of that sounds excellent, my empress. It sucks that I won't be a participant in this battle," Dragontor grumbled in much disappointment.
"Not to worry, Dragontor. You and Scorpina will go up against the Rangers in another attack. I am summoning her to the palace later on today," Rita said comfortingly.
Dragontor expressed happiness. "That's great."
"I can't wait to see Scorpina again, Rita. I miss her a lot," Goldar growled warmly.
"I do too," Rita commented, laughing evilly. "She was a great asset to me in the first war with Zordon. She did a great deal of damage."
"Just make sure you don't ever tell her you had Goldar kill—" Baboo started.
"Don't even say that name, Baboo!" Goldar warned very sternly. He emitted a fierce snarl. "I mean it! I don't want you or anyone else mentioning it in my presence! Is that clear?"
Squatt and Baboo nodded rapidly while appearing quite fearful. Goldar showed much satisfaction. Dragontor leaned toward Rita, who eyed him carefully. He swung his tail up and down.
"What was he talking about?" Dragontor asked confusingly and tapped his temple with his finger.
"That's for us to know and you to find out," Rita whispered seriously.
"Oh," Dragontor murmured. "Anyway, you should tell Tommy about these new plans."
"Yes," Rita agreed. "I need to see what he is doing first. I don't want to risk anyone getting suspicious."
Rita went to the Repulsascope. Goldar and Dragontor turned around. She turned it west somewhat and looked through it. She saw Tommy drinking orange juice from a glass in the Oliver residence's kitchen. She saw Josh's van was gone. She laughed and looked over her shoulder at her minions.
"Tommy is home alone! His parents have gone somewhere!" Rita yelled happily.
"What are you waiting for? Summon him!" Dragontor yelled impatiently.
Rita narrowed her eyes at him. "I will, Dragontor. Keep your armor on!"
Rita gazed at the Repulsascope and leaned her wand against it. She put her hands on her temples. She closed her eyes, putting in much concentration.
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Tommy approached the Oliver residence's kitchen sink and placed his glass there. He headed for the living room and went to the couch to sit down. He grabbed the remote off the coffee table and turned on the TV. He flipped through the channels until he came to one playing The Terminator. The scene where the Terminator entered the police station came on. He laid the remote on the couch.
Tommy propped his head up with his elbow on the arm. Josh and Kerri left the house thirty minutes ago to explore Angel Grove. They offered him to come with him. He turned them down politely because he wanted time alone after having such a busy first week of school. They told him they understood that and told him they would be gone until later this afternoon. He said he was fine with that.
He thought about last night's meeting with Kim at her mother's house. He enjoyed playing board games with her, including checkers and SORRY. He managed to win the majority of rounds they played. They also made love several times. Their sex drive wasn't quite as strong as it was the night before. He stayed until midnight. Before he left, they agreed to meet in Angel Grove Park on Tuesday night.
He narrowed his eyes at the TV as the scene went to the Terminator killing the police officers and Sarah waking up at the sound of their screaming. He cupped his chin in his hand. He appeared to be deep in thought. Suddenly, he felt something in his head. He touched his temple and began to concentrate. He let out a long yawn before smacking his lips.
"Tommy, I need you at the palace," Rita said.
Tommy exhaled. He wondered if Rita had come up with another plan to attack the Power Rangers. He wished she would hold off a little longer, but he knew he couldn't turn her down. He picked up the remote, turning off the TV. He returned it to the couch. He stood up to go to the window. He looked out it, seeing the coast was clear. He approached the TV and closed his eyes. He concentrated. Kako and the spell rose to the surface. Both went through his mind, taking control. Kako's evil laugh could be heard.
Tommy opened his eyes with green flashing in them. He teleported to the Lunar Palace. He appeared next to the balcony stairs. Rita turned around, smiling at him. She approached him. Goldar and Dragontor came to her side. They made eye contact with him. They looked quite happy to see him. Dragontor snorted fire from his nose.
"Welcome back, Tommy," Rita greeted.
"I am happy to see you, my empress," Tommy said, bowing to her with much respect. "Have you come up with another plan to tackle the Power Rangers?" He smiled evilly.
"Yes, I have. It was actually Squatt and Baboo's idea. The plan is to kidnap Jason and imprison him in the Dark Dimension. Goldar will take care of him. Then you will take a squadron of Putties and attack a place of your choice. After you tire the other Rangers out, you are to summon the Dragonzord and attack wherever you please," Rita explained. "Jason is having breakfast with his family. Kimberly is having a cup of coffee at her mother's place. Zack is taking Billy and Trini to the Command Center in the RADBUG. We believe Jason will meet Zack and Kimberly at Billy's place to go with them to the Command Center."
"It sounds like a good plan, Empress Rita," Tommy commented with much eagerness. "How about I attack Angel Grove Park like we did last time? Instead of the lake area, I will choose another part of it to attack. After that, I will summon the Dragonzord and unleash its fury on a forest outside of Angel Grove."
"All of that sounds very good, my Green Ranger," Rita responded.
"You will be happy to know that Rita is summoning Scorpina later on today," Goldar growled with a cackle.
"She and I will participate in another attack!" Dragontor added gleefully.
"That's nice," Tommy said and chuckled sinisterly. "I can't wait to meet her."
"Just keep Scorpina's stinger away from me!" Baboo cried fearfully. "I hate that thing!" He whimpered. "I hate it with a passion!"
"Me too," Squatt agreed. "It hurts so badly when we are stung by that thing!"
Tommy understood Squatt and Baboo's fear of Scorpina's sting. He recalled Goldar telling him how painful it was while he was having his snack Thursday afternoon. He hoped he would never have to deal with being stung by it, but he was prepared to do that as best he could.
"Empress Rita, my parents won't be home until late this afternoon. They're exploring Angel Grove. Would you mind if I hung out here for a little bit?" Tommy wondered.
Rita nodded at him. "Sure."
"You can hang out with Dragontor and me," Goldar commented with a laugh. "You and I can have an arm wrestling match."
Tommy gazed at him. "I'd like that very much. I need to test my strength against yours."
"I play the winner!" Dragontor called and clapped twice.
"What are we waiting for?" Goldar growled very eagerly. "Come on!"
Tommy, Goldar, and Dragontor left the throne room. They talked about the upcoming attack against the Power Rangers. Squatt and Baboo walked up to Rita.
"I have to admit it is nice to have Tommy around," Squatt commented and spoke gibberish.
"He may scare us for the fun of it, but at least he is smart and plans ahead," Baboo added with a laugh.
Rita squeaked. "Yes. How about the three of us get something to drink?"
Squatt and Baboo voiced their agreement and pumped their fists. Rita smiled with much warmth. She waved her hand toward herself and headed out of the throne room. They were right behind her.
