Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter fifty-three of "Don't Run Away." I am glad it took just six days to get out. This chapter has a little bit of Jason/Trini. I decided to change the name of the girl who is on crutches do to a sprained knee to Laurie Smithson in chapter forty-eight. I felt it would be better suited for it. The next smutty scene involving Tommy and Kim will be in the next chapter. Stay tuned for chapter fifty-four.

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Chapter 53: Happy/Being Aware/Getting Back

Rita stood on top of the Lunar Palace's balcony stairs as she stared down at everyone. Goldar, Scorpina, and Dragontor stood together close to them. Finster was near them. So were Squatt and Baboo. They touched their cheeks while gibbering and babbling. Rita chuckled as she rubbed the top of her wand. She curled her hand into a fist.

"Dragontor, Scorpina, I am really proud of both of you. You did even more damage to the zords than he did with the Dragonzord!" Rita yelled in excitement.

"Talk about showing an incredible amount of aggression!" Goldar said with a small chuckle.

"I had even more fun showing it the second time around," Dragontor commented gleefully and clapped three times.

"I had just as much fun showing it as you did. There's nothing like the smell of smoked wire in the afternoon!" Scorpina cackled.

"Hey, all of you need to stop using my line," Goldar blurted out annoyingly as he turned to her.

"I'm sorry, Goldar, but I will use that line as much as I want to," Scorpina answered, eyeing him. "The same goes for everyone else."

"She's got you there," Dragontor agreed with a snicker.

Goldar rolled his eyes and shook his head in disbelief. He mumbled inaudible words while looking away.

"I hope we damage the zords to the point they are destroyed next time!" Dragontor shouted eagerly.

"Me too!" Scorpina added and gripped her sword with both hands tightly. "I want to drain all of their power!"

Goldar raised his hand. "Hey, don't forget Tommy and me. We'll help you two destroy the zords. I want to tear Jason's Tyrannosaurus Dinozord apart! He's given me more than enough trouble already!"

"You and Tommy are more than welcome to help Dragontor and Scorpina, my friends. All of you have really impressed me with the aggression you've showed the Rangers," Rita said.

"It's all thanks to your training. You showed us how we could use it to our advantage," Goldar said with pride.

Scorpina squealed delightfully. "Boy, did it help!"

"That's because aggression is the best thing for strength! You need lots of it to overpower your enemy!" Rita commented and cackled.

"That's right!" Dragontor said while crossing his arms.

"You got me there, Pokerpine," Goldar chuckled and patted his ally's shoulder.

"Me too!" Scorpina added.

Rita smirked. "It feels so good to be evil."

Squatt and Baboo stepped forward. They clasped their hands together and formed big smiles on their faces.

"It was great fun watching Dragontor and Scorpina kick the Rangers' asses, my queen," Squatt said gleefully.

"No denying that," Baboo agreed and patted his best friend's shoulder. "We did a great job staying safe."

"That's not to say we couldn't have been hurt by the flying debris during the downtown confrontation," Squatt whispered in a little fear.

"That is always a possibility," Baboo said regretfully. "Still, it doesn't take away the fun of watching giant monsters battle the zords."

"That's right, Baboo," Rita responded, a giggle coming out of her mouth. "Sometimes, it is worth taking risks."

"It sure is. I take a risk every time I make a monster. I can never be sure how well it will do against those troublesome teens," Finster murmured with a soft sigh. "I've made more than my fair share of shitty monsters."

"Yes, but you've made some great ones, Finster. Dragontor is the perfect example," Rita said, gesturing toward the dragon. "The Rangers haven't been able to hurt him that much."

"And they will never hurt me that much!" Dragontor roared with pride. "Anyway, when will the next big attack occur?"

"I haven't decided yet. If I start to get bored, I'll just send the Putties down to alleviate it," Rita answered.

"That sounds like a good idea, my queen," Scorpina responded, smirking widely. "Rushing in won't do us any favors." She snorted. "It's best to wait patiently for the right moment."

"I am doing my best to be patient," Dragontor growled and laughed to himself. "It's not easy."

"Who said life would be easy?" Rita asked, giving a shrug. "We just have to take it by the horns like Earthlings say."

Goldar, Scorpina, Dragontor, Squatt, Baboo, and Finster voiced their agreement. They and Rita shared an evil laugh with the exception of Finster.

00000

Jason, Trini, Billy, Kim, and Zack stood together in the Command Center. Zordon and Alpha listened as Jason spoke about crashing through the front doors when Scorpina threw him. Zordon showed sympathy after he finished, as did the others. Jason clasped his hands together and took three deep breaths. Kim pushed her bangs out of her eyes.

"You were fortunate to not be hurt when you crashed through the doors, Jason," Zordon boomed.

"I believe a stroke of luck is what prevented me from getting cut, Zordon," Jason replied calmly.

"You could've been hurt really bad if that hadn't happened," Trini said, swallowing hard as she looked at him.

"What matters is you and the other Rangers were unharmed. I'm very grateful for that," Zordon said.

"I am too," Alpha added.

The Rangers expressed a bit of worry. They gazed at each other for a minute before turning back to Zordon.

"Zordon, we were fortunate to spare the school serious damage and get away from Dragontor and Scorpina. The fact remains our zords were damaged even worse than when we faced him and the Dragonzord," Jason said grimly.

"It's going to take even longer for them to be repaired," Zack said frustratingly. "This is the second time in seven days this has happened."

Kim became fearful. "With our zords out of commission again, this is the perfect opportunity for Rita to launch another attack."

"It is very frustrating, Rangers," Zordon responded truthfully. "However, you can't let your frustration get to you."

"Zordon is right, Rangers," Alpha said, coming to the front of the team. "It is important we get that alternate power system installed in the zords and their weapons upgraded as quickly as possible."

Billy turned to the robot along with the others. "That is exactly what we will start doing this afternoon, Alpha."

"Is there a chance that Rita will attack the school again, Zordon?" Kim asked, looking toward Zordon. Her friends did the same.

"It is very possible, Kimberly. No place is immune to his attacks," Zordon answered.

"Zordon and I saw Mr. Kaplan tell a group of students and teachers that school would be open tomorrow after they came out of their hiding places on the Viewing Globe. He is hiring a cleanup crew to take care of the mess," Alpha explained.

"School will be in session tomorrow? I was thinking it'd be closed due to the attack," Zack said, sighing heavily.

Trini frowned and crossed her arms. "Me too."

"It's best for school to continue, my friends. Your studies are just as important as your duty as defenders of the universe," Zordon said.

"A stimulated mind helps you to think quickly on the battlefield. Without that, you'd get nowhere," Alpha said.

Zack huffed. "That's easy for you to say, Alpha. You're programed to think."

Alpha shrugged while tilting his head a bit. Zack placed his hand on his neck and furrowed his brow.

"Nevertheless, Alpha is right. Keeping your minds stimulated will help you in the long run," Zordon commented.

"I guess we'll just have to grin and bear going to school, won't we?" Zack asked, cringing a little bit.

"Yep," Trini answered with a nod.

"I'll tell you this right now. I'd rather be at school than sitting at home," Kim said truthfully.

"I'm with you, Kim. Working on our assignments can keep our minds off when Rita will strike next," Jason added.

"It's the perfect distraction for me," Billy commented eagerly.

"It is for me too," Trini said.

"Me three," Zack whispered with a sharp exhale.

"Good for all of you. Constantly thinking about where the next attack may happen won't help anything, but you must still stay on guard. Rita isn't one to pass up an opportunity for an attack," Zordon warned.

"We'll be waiting for her, Zordon," Jason replied and put his arm around Trini.

"You can count on that," Zack added.

"When Rita messes with one of us, she messes with the whole team," Trini said, her voice showing determination.

The other Rangers voiced their agreement. Zordon smiled warmly at them. He was grateful to have a group so dedicated to defending the universe from evil. He hoped Rita would lay low for a while.

"You should all go back to the school. Mr. Kaplan may need some help," Alpha suggested.

"You're right, Alpha. We'll head back right now," Jason replied, nodding at him. "We will be back soon."

"May the power protect you all," Zordon said.

The team teleported out of the Command Center. Alpha looked up at his mentor, becoming a bit frantic.

"Ay-yi-yi, Zordon! I am so scared for our friends! It probably won't be long before Rita attacks again! The Green Ranger could be part of the next attack!" Alpha cried.

"It's more than likely you're right, Alpha. I suspect the reason why he didn't appear because Rita was angry with him letting Jason escape the Dark Dimension," Zordon pointed out.

"That makes sense. Still, the Green Ranger is very dangerous! I do wish we had told the Rangers about the Green Power Coin in the beginning," Alpha responded. "It doesn't seem right we were so secretive."

"I regret not telling them then, but it doesn't matter now. They know about it," Zordon said.

"Ay-yi-yi-yi. I knew we would be facing an evil Power Ranger someday," Alpha said, putting his hands on his head. "I just didn't think it'd be so soon after Rita's escape from her dumpster."

"I know," Zordon said and sighed heavily. "It's a dangerous time for us all. We have to do our best to fight our enemies."

Alpha nodded in agreement. "Of course. I am so proud of the Power Rangers keeping themselves together, despite all that has happened."

Zordon chuckled. "I am too, Alpha."

Alpha lowered his arms and tilted his head to the right. He let out a small sigh as Zordon blinked twice.

"We should get back to monitoring Rita," Zordon suggested.

Alpha saluted him. "Right."

Alpha took a long glance at the Viewing Globe before heading to the console on its right. He proceeded to press buttons.

00000

Inside Angel Grove High School, Violet pulled a notebook out of her locker on the first floor. It was the top first and located on the right in the middle of the left hallway. She unzipped her backpack and slipped it inside. Laura, Rocky, Adam, Aisha, Kat, and Tommy stood next to her. Rocky and Adam held books in their hands. They and the others had their backs leaned against the lockers. Tommy had introduced everyone to each other.

Laura, Rocky, Adam, Aisha, Kat, and Tommy watched students walk up and down the hallway. Violet got another notebook and placed it in front of the other in her backpack. She zipped it closed before slamming her locker shut. She picked it up and slipped it on her shoulders. She turned around to lean her back against her locker.

"I can't believe I forgot my notebooks," Violet muttered with a heavy sigh. "I feel like I'm forgetting everything these days."

"I know the feeling, Violet. While Rocky and I were hiding in the church, I realized I had forgotten one of my books," Adam said.

"So did I," Rocky added.

"It's better to leave your things behind than risk being grabbed by one of those monsters," Laura said honestly.

"I don't ever want to find myself in the middle of a monster attack ever again," Violet mumbled fearfully as she and Laura looked Rocky, Adam, Aisha, Tommy, and Kat. "I have never seen so many people running for their lives."

"Thank God Violet and I were able to find a classroom to hide in with Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Wilton, and several other students," Laura said, her body trembling a bit. "Unfortunately, we couldn't stay there forever and had to leave."

"The scariest part was being attacked by those monsters while we were trying to get to safety," Violet said, shuddering in much disgust.

"I know, but the Power Rangers came to the rescue," Laura said in relief.

"Yeah. I wasn't about to stick around to see how messy the halls would become," Violet commented.

"Me neither," Laura agreed.

Violet ran her hand through her hair. She and her friends decided to start walking. They went past the stairs. Students passed them on either side. They listened to their chatter.

"You girls weren't the only ones who were scared. Rocky, Adam, Kat, Tommy, and I were too," Aisha admitted.

"Really?" Violet asked and raised her eyebrows.

"Oh, yeah," Rocky said while nodding. "We were having a spat with Bulk and Skull when the attack first started. They ran away. They screamed like girls." He snickered under his breath.

Violet shrugged. "I can't say I am surprised Bulk and Skull ran away. They aren't known for being brave when faced with a dangerous situation."

Tommy scoffed. "You're telling me. The five of us didn't run. We fought the monsters instead."

"Wow," Laura said in awe.

"It had to have been hard for you to fight the monsters since neither of you are Rangers," Violet said.

"It was hard, but that didn't stop us," Rocky responded, showing much pride.

Kat drew a circle in the air with her hand. "When adrenaline is pumping through your veins, you will do whatever you can to survive a dangerous situation."

"The will to live is much stronger than any of us realize," Rocky said.

"We must never lose the will to live. If we do, we might as well lose our lives," Adam said grimly.

"That's something I don't want happening to me," Violet muttered and swallowed hard.

"Me neither," Laura commented.

Rocky batted his book gently. "None of us do."

The seven teens watched two students pass them. They heard them singing nonsense. Violet looked at Laura, who turned to her.

"Laura, thanks for comforting back in that classroom. I really appreciate it," Violet whispered gratefully.

"You're welcome. I'll do anything to help a friend," Laura replied, a small smile forming on her face.

"I hope Billy and his friends were able to get away from the monsters," Violet said, biting her lip.

"So do I. I'm sure they're helping to get people out of their hiding places."

"Mm-hmm," Violet agreed.

Laura, Violet, Rocky, Adam, Aisha, Kat, and Tommy rounded the corner. They came to a stop as Jason, Trini, Billy, Kim, and Zack walked up to them.

"Billy! You're okay!" Violet exclaimed very happily.

"Laura, Violet, are you two okay?" Billy asked.

"We're fine. Thanks," Laura responded.

"Mr. Kaplan and Mr. Wilton kept us safe along with a few other students in a classroom until we decided to risk leaving. Some monsters attacked, but the Rangers stopped them. We were able to get to safety in the daycare next to the school," Violet explained.

Billy sighed in relief. "Good."

"What about you five? Are you okay?" Jason wondered, glancing toward Tommy, Rocky, Adam, Aisha, and Kat.

"All five of us are fine, Jason. We faced off against the monsters," Rocky replied honestly.

Kim felt her jaw drop to the floor. "You did?"

"Yeah!" Adam said excitedly. "You should've seen us! We fought those monsters with all we had!" He punched at the air.

"They knocked us down a few times, but we kept getting right back up!" Aisha said, standing tall and proud.

Trini laughed in much delight. "That's great, guys!"

Rocky, Adam, Aisha, Kat, and Tommy looked at each other with big smiles on their faces. They turned back to their friends.

"I believe you five would make great Power Rangers," Zack said and rubbed his hands together.

"Oh, come on! That could never happen!" Adam shouted while shaking his head rapidly.

"Never say never, Adam," Trini warned sternly as she shook her finger at her friend.

"Trini's right. It could happen," Billy said.

"I guess it could, couldn't it?" Rocky commented, rubbing his chin.

"It'd be so cool for the five of us to be Power Rangers!" Kat said eagerly and squealed cheerfully.

"Yeah. Of course, it's not the glory it's made out to be. It is hard work," Rocky pointed out.

"I don't mind hard work," Aisha said, holding up her hands. "All of us like working hard."

"Being a superhero is a dirty job, but someone has to do it," Rocky said matter-of-factly.

"Yep," Adam agreed. "The Power Rangers are the greatest superheroes in the universe."

Jason, Trini, Billy, Kim, and Zack looked at each other with smiles on their faces. It warmed their hearts to hear people say such positive things about the Power Rangers. They hoped that would continue, though they were aware some people didn't like them. They didn't mind that, as they knew that was expected. After all, no one liked everyone.

Tommy pressed his lips together. He wanted to tell Jason, Trini, Billy, and Zack what was going on with him badly. However, he couldn't do that with his other friends there, as he knew keeping his identity as the Green Ranger secret was vital. He also wasn't about to break Kim's trust. He saw Jason, Trini, Billy, Kim, and Zack shift their attention back to him and the others. He scratched his throat.

"This has been a very long day," Rocky whispered, letting out a long yawn.

"No kidding. Who would've thought that Rita would attack the school just as it was letting out for the day?" Aisha asked.

"It happened to be our first day in our new school," Adam said with a nervous chuckle.

"There seems to be no limit to places that she will target," Laura commented.

"I wonder what place she might target next," Violet said, rubbing her chin.

"It's clear that all of us will need to keep an eye out for danger," Adam said seriously. "We can't let Rita show we are afraid of her."

The others voiced their agreement. Kat slipped a lock of hair behind her ear. She sighed regretfully.

"I hate to cut this short, but I do need to get home and call Mom to tell her about my first day at school," Kat whispered. "She will be so surprised to hear what happened. If she hasn't seen it on the news, that is."

"Would you like to join Rocky, Adam, and me at the Youth Center after you are done with that?" Aisha suggested.

"I'd like that," Kat said gratefully.

"Can Laura and I join you at the Youth Center too?" Violet asked hopefully.

"Sure," Rocky answered, smiling. "I do wish Jason, Trini, Billy, Kim, Zack, and Tommy could join us."

"We do too," Jason commented. "We can do it in the next day or two."

"I guess that's fair enough," Laura murmured. "What are we waiting for? Let's get going!"

"I'll walk with you," Kat added, squeaking softly.

Jason, Trini, Billy, Kim, Zack, and Tommy observed their friends heading down the hallway. They gazed at each other. Kim turned to Jason.

"Jason, would you mind if I walked Tommy home?" Kim wondered.

"You really want to do that, Kim?" Tommy responded, smiling lightly.

Jason turned toward his little sister. "I guess that's okay. Tommy did mention his house was a block away from Billy's. We were planning to head there to get our stuff done." He chuckled. "Ah, what the heck? You can go with him. What we need to do can wait a few minutes."

Kim laughed and smiled widely. "Thanks, Jase. We can part once we get to the first intersection in the neighborhood. Going left will take Tommy and me to his house."

"Don't take too long," Zack said calmly yet firmly. "What we need to do is important, all right?"

"I won't, Zack," Kim assured and looked toward him. "I promise."

Billy jerked his thumb in the direction of the front doors. "Come on. Time is wasting away."

Jason, Trini, Billy, Kim, Zack, and Tommy started walking. They began talking about the attack on the school.