Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter thirty-six of "Don't Run Away." I'm glad it took just three days to get out. This chapter has more elements from "Green With Evil." It leads from part two into part three. It has some action in the form of Goldar and Jason battling each other in the Dark Dimension. Scorpina makes her first appearance. It's been a long while in coming, but it was worth it. Ernie and the Youth Center return after a long absence. Stay tuned for chapter thirty-seven.
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Chapter 36: Still Trapped/Arrival/Looking
Jason ducked as Goldar swung his arm at him in the Dark Dimension. He rose to his full height and performed a spinning heel kick. He nailed him in the nose. Snarling angrily, Goldar punched him in the stomach. He gave him a kick to the same area. He took hold of his arm and flipped him over on his back. He placed his foot on his enemy's shoulder. He pressed down. Jason yelled painfully.
"Yes! Cry your little eyes out!" Goldar taunted and let out an evil laugh.
"You're going to wish you never made that taunt!" Jason snarled.
Goldar growled softly. "That's what you think."
Jason gritted his teeth. "All right. You asked for it!"
Jason took hold of Goldar's ankle and pulled his feet out from underneath him. The golden warrior ended up on his back. Jason spotted his Morpher when the mist cleared. He got up and was about to race for it when Goldar grabbed his foot. Goldar jerked his feet out from underneath him. Jason fell on his stomach. He found himself within reach of it. He attempted to grab it. Unfortunately, Goldar stood up to grab both of his ankles. He pulled him away from it.
Goldar flipped the Red Ranger over on his back. He rushed his elbow downward. Jason rolled out of the way. Goldar straightened his arm as he hit the floor to avoid injuring his elbow. He stood up. Jason nailed him in the nose with a punch. He aimed for the same area, but Goldar blocked him with his arm. Goldar did a hard backhand to his face. Jason spun around, hitting the floor on his back. Goldar attempted to step on him, but his enemy rolled aside. He grunted angrily.
Jason got up, panting heavily. He saw his Morpher again and tried to dive for it, but Goldar caught him and threw him away from it. He hit the floor on his side. He got to his knees. Goldar approached him to slam his fist on his back. Jason fell on his stomach with a loud grunt. He became very determined. He rolled on his side and kicked Goldar in the chest. This knocked his opponent back.
Jason stood up and punched Goldar in the face. Goldar growled very angrily and swung his arm at him. Jason ducked and returned to his full height. He grabbed his arms and kneed him in the side. He let go of him. He delivered a punch to his stomach. He took hold of the golden warrior's arm to knee him in the side. He leapt into the air, dropkicking him. Goldar flew backward, colliding with the bars. He roared agonizingly at electrical surges going through him. He dropped to his knees. Jason went into a fighting stance.
"How does it feel to be electrified once again, Goldar?" Jason asked.
"I will do the same to you, Power Punk!" Goldar snarled, getting up.
Jason waved his hand toward himself. "Then come and get me! If you are determined to do it."
Goldar roared. "I will!"
Goldar and Jason rushed toward each other while yelling like maniacs. He swung his arm at his feet. Jason jumped over it. He gave him a kick to his head. Goldar slammed his fist into his stomach. He shot lightning from his fingertips. Jason was hit in the shoulder. This threw him backward into the bars. Electrical surges went through him. He cried painfully and fell to the floor. Goldar approached him. He forced him to his feet. He backhanded him across the cheek, making him stumble.
Goldar took hold of Jason's throat. He lowered him and tossed him as hard as he could. Jason landed on his back. He turned to see his Morpher. He reached for it. Unfortunately, Goldar appeared and kicked it away. He slapped him across the cheek. Jason felt his head snap to the side. He turned it back. He stared him in the eye.
Goldar rushed his fist downward. Jason struck him with a punch to the face, knocking him back. He jumped upward. He performed a series of kicks and punches to his chest and stomach. He looked toward the Morpher. He raced for it. Unfortunately, Goldar got to it and picked it up. He punched Jason in the face in which he knocked him down. He laughed tauntingly at his enemy's struggle to stand.
"You are so pathetic. You are just a mere human. No human will ever be a match for Goldar," Goldar insisted and tossed the Morpher into the air. He caught it easily. "Ever."
Just then, Rita appeared above the golden warrior in a hologram. He looked toward her, a soft growl leaving his mouth.
"Goldar, it's time to finish him off," Rita called and cackled evilly.
"Yes, empress, I will," Goldar replied, nodding at her. He watched her fade away. He turned toward Jason. "Now, I must do as my empress commands and finish you off."
Goldar's sword materialized in his hand. He waved the Morpher in the air. Jason managed to get to his feet.
"I still may toy with you before I dispose of you. Then again, I may not," Goldar hissed, flaring his nostrils.
"I'd hand over that Morpher if I were you," Jason demanded.
"Still demanding, aren't you?" Goldar said, shaking his head slowly. "As I said, you are in no position to make demands."
"Neither are you," Jason retorted.
"Shut the fuck up," Goldar snarled. "I dare you to come and get this Morpher."
Goldar moved his arm outward, dropping the Morpher. Jason attempted to hit him with a spinning heel kick. Goldar ducked, barely avoiding it. He returned to his full height. He made a swing with his sword. Jason jumped back, which caused him to miss. He rammed his fist into his face. He hit the same area with his foot.
Goldar swung his sword at his enemy again, but Jason dove for the floor to avoid it. Jason landed in front of his Morpher. He tried to grab it, only for Goldar to put his sword in front of him. He kicked him away. Jason landed on his back. Goldar approached him. He moved his sword from side to side in front of his face. Jason held up his hands while panting hard.
"Now, I think I am ready to end this game," Goldar said with a malicious chuckle. "I am sorry to see it end, but I obey when my empress commands."
Goldar raised his sword high. He brought it downward in a swift stroke. Jason rolled out of the way. It hit the floor with a loud clang. Jason leapt into the mist in which it rose and covered the entire floor.
"Huh?" Goldar said, looking around. He didn't see his enemy anywhere. "Huh?"
Growling fiercely, Goldar stood up and rushed his sword downward. He hit the floor, making a clanging sound. He took a step forward and raised his sword. He stabbed the floor again.
"There is no escape, Jason!" Goldar called, his eyes flashing red. "No way!"
Goldar raised his sword while taking a step forward. He gave the floor another stab. Jason was laying on his back a short distance away from him. He listened to the clanging of the sword three times.
"You are beginning to make me angry, human!" Goldar roared as he looked around. He turned, taking another step forward as he moved his sword upward. He poked the floor with it again. "Where are you?"
Goldar turned once more. He walked forward another step as he raised his sword. He stabbed the floor with it. He brought it upward and moved over Jason, who expressed much fear. He rushed it downward. Jason moved his head to the side as it struck the floor mere inches from him. Goldar looked around, but he still didn't see him anywhere.
"You are prolonging the inventible, Jason!" Goldar yelled and snorted. "Show yourself! I will be merciful!"
Jason swallowed hard. He knew Goldar wouldn't be merciful at all if he showed himself. He decided to stay put. Goldar walked away from him. He lifted his sword, stabbing the floor with it. Jason saw that his enemy's back was to him. He realized it was his chance to surprise him. He gritted his teeth. He got up, letting out a loud yell.
Goldar spun around to see his enemy. Jason leapt into the air, striking him in the chest with a hard kick. Goldar fell on his back. Jason landed gracefully and formed a fighting stance. He breathed hard. Goldar stood up, his eyes flashing with rage. He raised his sword as the Red Ranger stared him down. He tightened his grip on it.
"Tell me, Goldar. How does it feel to be outsmarted by a human being?" Jason wondered with much defiance.
"No human has ever defeat Goldar!" Goldar shouted very ferociously.
Jason pointed his finger at him. "Well, I am going to change that!"
Jason did a roundhouse kick. Goldar leapt back to avoid it and kicked him in the stomach. Jason landed on his side. Goldar swung his sword around. He tried to hit him with it. Jason moved aside and got to his feet. They resumed fighting.
00000
At the Command Center five minutes later, Alpha was trying to get a better lock on Zordon at the console in front of the plasma tube. He looked quite frantic. Kim and Trini were on either side of him. Zack stood behind him. Billy worked on the console next to Trini. All four Rangers felt their hearts pounding against their chests. It appeared their hearts would leap out and land on the floor beside them any second.
"Come on, Alpha," Zack yelled in desperation. "You almost had a lock on Zordon!" He started pacing. "Damn."
"Ay-yi-yi-yi!" Alpha yelled with much uncertainty and fear. "I am hurrying, Rangers! I am hurrying!"
Billy looked up. "The subgenerator is losing power."
Billy rushed over to the console on the Viewing Globe's right. He began trying to increase the power. Alpha shook his head in disbelief.
"Zordon's signal is fading," Alpha blurted out.
"Hurry, Alpha," Trini encouraged, her voice showing hints of uncertainty. "Please."
"Come on!" Kim muttered as she and her best friend looked up at the plasma tube. They could barely see Zordon. "Come on!"
Zack stopped pacing and came up behind Alpha. His body trembled so much that it appeared it'd never stop.
"Switching to alternate energy source," Alpha said and did just that.
"Come on," Kim mumbled, her body shaking. "Come on."
Billy rushed over to the others. "We're still not getting enough power. Zordon's signal is too weak."
The Rangers and Alpha looked toward the plasma tube. They saw their mentor had completely faded away. All that was left was the static.
"Poor Zordon," Alpha whispered with much sadness. "He's gone again."
"In that brief second that he was back, he was trying to warn us about the Green Ranger," Zack commented, holding up his hands.
"We have no doubt of his involvement in all this because we've already faced him three times," Trini pointed out.
Alpha looked down at the console and sighed to himself. His friends shifted their attention toward him.
"The computer is still trying to locate Jason. Unfortunately, it's come up with nothing," Alpha muttered regretfully.
"I have a really bad feeling about this, guys," Kim said seriously as she and her teammates gazed at each other.
"Something's not right," Zack said, an uneasy feeling creeping up in his stomach. "We're going to have to split up and try to find Jason, Kim."
"While you and Kim search for Jason, Zack, Trini and I will work on fixing our communicators," Billy responded.
"Okay," Zack commented, nodding at him. "Keep trying to find Jason, Alpha. Kim and I will be back as soon as we can."
Zack and Kim rushed over to the RADBUG. They got into their respective seats and fastened their seatbelts. He started the engine. Billy, Trini, and Alpha watched it fly upward and disappear through the invisible hole. They looked at each other.
"I hope they have some luck finding Jason," Trini whispered, swallowing hard and emitting a small shudder.
"I do too, Trini," Billy replied, sighing heavily. "It sucks we have to deal with all this crap. I want this thing with the Green Ranger to end."
"Who doesn't want it to end?" Alpha wondered.
"The past six days have been really hard for us because of him," Billy muttered tensely. "There is no doubt we will have to fight him again soon. We'll probably lose more battles with him."
"We didn't lose all our battles with him. We did beat the Dragonzord a little while ago," Trini pointed out gently.
"Trini's right. Even a single win can help a lot," Alpha added.
"I know. Still, it can be hard being positive in such a trying time," Billy murmured, frowning.
"We understand. Just hang in there," Trini assured.
Billy nodded at the Yellow Ranger. He looked around the main room. He returned his attention to her and Alpha.
"At least I can take comfort in the fact that this place is no longer a mess," Billy murmured in relief.
"You did an excellent job of repairing everything and cleaning it up," Trini replied, winking at him.
Billy shrugged. "You did help some, Trini, especially with the final repairs."
"Billy, you and Trini should get to work on fixing the communicators," Alpha suggested. "I will continue trying to find Jason."
"That's a good idea," Billy said with a nod.
Trini touched his shoulder. "Come on."
Billy smiled at his friend and headed over to the Viewing Globe, where his toolbox lay. He picked it up and carried it over to Trini. He knelt down and opened it. He proceeded to look through it. She got on her knees beside him. Alpha turned around and resumed searching for Jason.
00000
On the Lunar Palace's balcony, Rita peered at Earth through her Repulsascope. She watched Zack drive the RADBUG through the sky toward the Cranston residence. She could see Kim looking out her window. Dragontor, Finster, Squatt, and Baboo came to her side. The dragon moved his tail up and down. He emitted a soft yet fierce growl.
"What do you see, Empress Rita?" Dragontor wondered.
"Zack and Kimberly are heading back to Angel Grove to look for Jason," Rita said, pulling back. She cackled loudly. "What they don't know is that he is trapped in the Dark Dimension."
"Are you going to summon Scorpina?" Squatt wondered.
"Yes, it is time call forth my old friend," Rita said, making her way to the railing. "She will be so happy to be free."
Rita raised her hand and wand high above her. Clouds rolled over the palace. They headed for Earth. They filled the skies above a mushroom field.
"From deep inside an evil place, bring forth a villainess to face the Power Rangers," Rita said.
A large boulder appeared in the middle of the field. It rolled five times before coming to a stop next to a mushroom. It moved from side to side. It continued forward.
"With her sting, Scorpina will bring her evil ways to the world," Rita continued.
The boulder came to a stop near another mushroom. Five scorpions appeared on it. They crawled over all it. It resumed rolling and went up a city stairway. It stopped at the top. Suddenly, it glowed brightly. Scorpina came out of it. She formed a fighting stance. She raised her boomerang-like sword high.
"Come, Scorpina! It is time for you to return home!" Rita finished.
"Yes, it is, my empress," Scorpina answered, smiling evilly. "Here I come."
Scorpina teleported to the palace. She appeared in the middle of the throne room. Rita, Finster, Squatt, Baboo, and Dragontor turned around. Rita smiled happily, as she came down the stairs. She approached her. Finster, Squatt, Baboo, and Dragontor joined their empress's side.
"Scorpina, it is so good to see you!" Rita squealed and hugged her old friend.
"It is good to see you too, Empress Rita," Scorpina replied, hugging her back. They pulled away from each other. "It's been such a long time since Zordon imprisoned me in that boulder." She moved her neck and shoulders with a grimace. "That can give you such a crick in the neck."
"It's been ten thousand years, Scorpina," Finster answered honestly. "You wouldn't believe the terrible shape this place was in when we escaped the dumpster."
Scorpina turned to him. "I am not surprised. By the way, it is good to see you, Finster."
Finster chuckled. "It is good to see you too, Scorpina."
Finster and Scorpina hugged each other tightly. They stayed this way for thirty seconds before breaking apart. She turned toward Squatt and Baboo. She heard both of them gibber.
"Hey, Scorpina. It is nice to see you," Squatt greeted.
"Just try not to sting us too much, okay?" Baboo asked with a little nervousness.
"I can't promise that, but it is nice to see you two," Scorpina said, smiling at the duo. "I mean that."
Scorpina gave the dimwits hugs. She felt them hug her back and let out a contented sigh. They pulled away from each other after twenty seconds. She gazed at Dragontor with much curiosity.
"Who are you?" Scorpina wondered.
"I'm Dragontor, Scorpina. I am at your service," Dragontor answered, saluting her. "It is nice to finally meet you." He held out his hand. "Rita told me all about you."
"I can't say I am surprised. It is nice to meet you, Dragontor," Scorpina said, shaking it. She let go of it. "What's been going on recently?"
"I managed to find a wielder for the Green Power Coin. His name is Tommy Oliver. He is a classmate of the Power Rangers. He is an excellent fighter," Rita explained, clearing her throat. "We encountered the Rangers for the first time when we set out to conquer Earth after we escaped. They defeated Goldar in our first battle against them. Since then, we've lost many battles against them. We did manage to win three battles after we added Tommy to our ranks. One of them involved Dragontor and the Dragonzord attacking the abandoned warehouse district in Downtown Angel Grove. The Dragonzord was defeated not too long ago by the Megazord, despite the team was down one member. Jason Lee Scott is trapped in the Dark Dimension with Goldar. He is the Red Ranger. Zack Taylor is the Black Ranger, Kimberly Hart the Pink Ranger, Billy Cranston the Blue Ranger, and Trini Kwan the Yellow Ranger."
"I see," Scorpina commented and became eager. "I am so ready to do battle with them." She grabbed her sword with both hands. "I want to rip them to pieces!"
Dragontor swung his tail from side to side. "I do too! I am aching to do some damage!"
"Patience, you two. You will get to do battle with the Rangers in time," Rita said softly. "For now, you will remain here."
"I am pretty hungry. Is there anything to eat?" Scorpina wondered.
"There is some rattlesnake stew brewing, Scorpina," Finster answered, clasping his hands together. "Would you like some?"
Scorpina nodded rapidly. "Sure. There is nothing better to have as a first meal after ten thousand years of imprisonment."
Finster and Scorpina headed for the kitchen. Dragontor and Rita decided to follow them. Squatt and Baboo went up the stairs. They approached the balcony railing. They stared at the Earth.
00000
A teen boy went to the Youth Center's arcade area thirty minutes later. He approached arcade soccer and put in a quarter in. He started it and proceeded to play. Ernie looked at him as he wiped off the Juice Bar with a damp rag. He turned back to the counter after ten seconds. He dried it with a paper towel. He tossed the towel into the trashcan before taking the rag to the kitchen and putting it in the sink. He returned to the Juice Bar and set the napkin holder in the middle of the counter. He appeared satisfied with his work.
Ernie looked toward the TV as it played Home Alone. The scene where Kevin tricked the pizza boy came on. He couldn't help but laugh. Approaching footsteps caught his attention. He turned to see Kim coming his way. He smiled as she stopped before him. She placed her hands on the counter. Her body trembled a little bit.
"Hey, Kim," Ernie greeted.
"Hey, Ernie. Have you seen Jason around?" Kim asked in concern. "We've been looking for him. We can't find him."
"I'm sorry. I haven't seen Jason all day," Ernie admitted regretfully.
"Oh, damn," Kim mumbled a bit tensely.
"Do you think he is in trouble or something?" Ernie wondered with a furrowed brow.
"I don't know, Ernie," Kim answered with a heavy sigh. "I just want to—"
Just then, Bulk and Skull came up on either side of Kim. She rolled her eyes and became annoyed. She felt tempted to leave, but she knew it was likely the bullies would follow her outside. She decided to stay put.
"Hey, we'll help you find Jason-Shmason," Bulk said.
"Missing persons are our specialty," Skull added eagerly.
Kim touched her temples. "Thanks but no thanks."
Bulk scoffed. "Hey, we work cheap."
"And what is cheap?" Ernie asked, his eyes full of curiosity.
"We take payment in kisses," Skull answered, gazing at Kim and making a kissing sound.
Ernie showed disgust. Kim laid her hands on the counter and pressed her lips together. Suddenly, she got an idea. She looked at Skull, a determined expression appearing on her face.
"Okay," Kim said, smiling lightly. She saw Skull become quite eager. "Close your eyes."
"Kim, don't do it!" Ernie yelled.
Kim eyed her friend and nodded at him. She turned back to Skull, who closed his eyes and puckered up his lips. Bulk gestured toward him while laughing. Skull leaned toward Kim, and she moved out of the way. He kissed Bulk's cheek. Bulk yelled in disgust as his best friend opened his eyes and became horrified. Skull turned away and made a retching sound. He and Bulk looked at each other.
"Sick!" Bulk screeched.
"Yeah, sick!" Skull responded.
Bulk growled angrily. "You kissed me! You are really going to get it!"
Skull ran out the exit with Bulk right behind him. Ernie couldn't help but laugh. Kim took two steps back before slipping a lock of hair behind her ear.
"If you see Jason, will you tell him we are looking for him?" Kim asked.
"Sure thing, Kim," Ernie answered warmly.
Kim smiled. "Thanks."
Kim started heading toward the exit, only to bump into Tommy, who was on his way there. She stumbled, but she regained her footing. He stopped in his tracks and looked at her. He expressed guilt.
"I am sorry, Kim. I didn't see you there," Tommy apologized.
"It's okay, Tommy," Kim responded and sighed heavily.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Tommy wondered with much concern.
"Have you seen Jason around?" Kim asked hopefully. "We've been looking for him, but we can't find him."
Tommy became a little nervous. He wondered if he should tell Kim the truth. He didn't want her to be shocked or angry with him. He decided it wasn't worth keeping quiet. He gestured toward the hallway. They went into it. They stopped a short distance from the doorway.
"Jason is trapped in the Dark Dimension with Goldar," Tommy whispered gravely. "He's been in there for nearly two hours."
"Oh, no," Kim muttered in shock.
"I didn't like the idea of him being sent there, but I couldn't say anything," Tommy replied, swallowing hard. "Communicators don't work in there. Power Morphers work, but I suspect Goldar has been keeping Jason's Morpher away from him."
"What can—" Kim started.
Tommy put his hand over her mouth. "Don't worry. I have a plan to get him out of there and back to your friends. I suspect Rita will summon me to the palace for something very soon." He took it away.
"Please, be careful," Kim pleaded, taking his hand into hers. Her body trembled badly. "I don't want you to get hurt. My teammates and I hurt you enough at today's battle."
"And I hurt all of you enough as well," Tommy pointed out and gritted his teeth. He expressed a bit of frustration. "I hate having to do that, but I don't have a choice."
"I hate it just as much as you do, but I don't have a choice either," Kim pointed out and emitted a soft sniffle.
"Have faith in me. I will get Jason out of the Dark Dimension," Tommy assured in a calm yet firm voice.
Kim nodded. "I will. Are we still on for Tuesday night?"
"Yes," Tommy answered truthfully. He kissed her forehead and stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "I can't wait for our meeting in the park."
"Me neither," Kim commented, a tear falling down her cheek. "I'll see you in school tomorrow."
"You too," Tommy murmured, giving her forehead another kiss. "Bye."
Tommy felt Kim let go of his hand. He turned around and walked away. He passed Zack. Zack came to a stop and looked over his shoulder at him. He raised his eyebrows.
"Hey, Tommy," Zack greeted.
"Hey, Zack," Tommy said, waving at him.
Zack watched his friend go out of sight. He shifted his attention toward Kim and walked up to her.
"Any luck?" Kim wondered.
"I asked people everywhere. No one has seen Jason," Zack said grimly and shook his head in disbelief. "What about you?"
"I got the same result. I honestly believe Rita is behind Jason's disappearance," Kim commented seriously.
"I do too," Zack agreed. He felt his heart begin to beat a little faster. "She or one of her minions could be doing some horrible things to him."
"I don't even want to think about that," Kim said, shaking her head rapidly. "It makes my stomach turn."
"Mine too," Zack responded, shuddering in disgust.
"We better get back to the Command Center. Maybe Billy and Trini have fixed the communicators by now," Kim whispered hopefully.
"Yeah," Zack agreed.
"Let's go," Kim said, gesturing toward the exit. "Let's pray Rita doesn't send anyone after us."
"You got that right," Zack said, nodding at her. "Come on."
Zack and Kim headed out of the building. They went to the sidewalk and proceeded to go down it.