Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter thirty-four of "Dark Desire." This chapter has some Jason/Trini. This will be final appearances of the remaining Rangers, their mentors, and their enemies. The rest of the fic will focus on Tommy and Kim from the next chapter onward. Stay tuned for chapter thirty-five.

XXXXX

Chapter 34: Meet Up/Frustration/Finding Out

Jason and Trini sat on the bed while tying their left shoes six minutes later. They put their feet down once they were finished. They brought their right ones up as they looked over each other's shoulders. They tied their shoes quickly. They placed them on the floor and stood up with loud grunts. They ran their fingers through their hair, managing to fix it some. They went over to the front of the bed and held hands. He rubbed the backs of hers with his thumbs.

"We finished getting dressed at the same time," he said warmly.

"We sure did," she squeaked in delight. "We seem to mimic each other's moves really well."

"Imagine if our mirror reflections started singing and dancing by themselves. I would watch mine put on a show," Jason replied and spoke gibberish.

"I would do the same thing with mine," Trini said in much eagerness. "In Poltergeist III, Kane made mirror reflections act independently from their physical counterparts. He was determined to capture Carol Anne."

"That movie wasn't the best in the world, but it was far from the worst. The special effects were really good, especially when it came to the scenes with mirrors," Jason commented, his face full of amazement.

"Heather O'Rourke died of complications of a bowel obstruction before post-production could be completed. This caused the entire ending to be reshot using a stand-in for her. That is why you never see Carol Anne's face at the end," Trini explained, her voice showing much sadness.

"Her illness was misdiagnosed as Chron's disease," Jason said, snorting. "She was on medication for it. Had the doctors diagnosed her properly, her condition would've been cured with surgery." He shook his head in disbelief. "It sucks when doctors misdiagnose an illness in which it leads to people dying."

"Doctors aren't perfect. They will make mistakes from time to time," Trini pointed out matter-of-factly.

"That is true. Some illnesses have very similar symptoms," Jason admitted and bit his lip. "It can be hard to tell what the patient is really suffering from."

"The common cold and the flu have very similar symptoms. However, the flu is always accompanied by a fever. It is also common to get chills, aches, chest discomfort, and headaches. The cold rarely is accompanied by a fever. Chills and fatigue are uncommon. A stuffy nose, sneezing, and sore throat are very common with it," Trini murmured and licked her lips.

"With the flu, you are mostly bed-ridden for the duration of it. With the cold, you can often move around. Of course, you can feel a little tired afterward," Jason said.

"I always take Nyquil whenever I have the cold or the flu," Trini said with much pride. "It knocks the symptoms of both down."

"I take the same stuff whenever I have either illness as well," Jason responded and breathed deeply. "Not only does it control their symptoms, but it helps us sleep too."

Trini nodded in agreement. She pulled her hands out of Jason's and flicked his nose. She kissed the tip of it before rubbing it very lightly.

"I love it when you rub my nose," he said, his voice showing much sweetness.

"I'm glad you said that. If you hadn't, I would've pulled you into a headlock and held you there until you did," she threatened playfully.

"Ha! That doesn't scare me," Jason insisted, holding his nose upward.

"Don't hold your nose so high. You will drown if it rains," Trini teased, taking hold of it and pulling his head downward to where he was looking at her.

"You better take your hand off my nose or else," Jason warned.

She raised an eyebrow. "Or else what?"

He smirked. "This."

He grabbed a hold of her wrist and pulled her hand off his nose. He curled it into a fist and began hitting her with it.

"Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself! Stop hitting yourself!" Jason yelled in great delight.

"Very funny," Trini retorted and yanked her wrist out of his grasp. "I might as well tweak your nose and pull your underwear over your head."

"Do it. I dare you," Jason taunted and blew a raspberry.

"Nah," Trini said, shaking her head rapidly. "I like you just the way you are."

"Spoilsport," Jason mumbled.

"I heard that!" Trini yelled in mock anger. "Now, come here!"

Trini grabbed Jason's cheeks and pulled his face toward hers. She planted a hard kiss to his lips. She pulled away from him, getting a smile from him. He sighed in much content.

"That was great," Jason complimented.

"Thanks," Trini squeaked in delight. "You better not telling any girls they are better kissers than I am if we ever end up dating other people. Do you hear me?"

He nodded rapidly. "Duly noted. Just don't tell any other boys same thing in regards to me. Is that clear?"

She smiled. "Yes."

Jason and Trini shared a sweet kiss. They wrapped their arms around each other as it became passionate. Their tongues wrestled each other for control. They broke apart, gasping for air.

"Talk about another great kiss," he said in much amazement.

"No denying that," she agreed.

"Now, let's go see if Zordon and Alpha have picked up any traces of Tommy and Kim," Jason said hopefully.

"Yeah," Trini agreed. "I wonder if Billy and Zack are heading to the main room as well."

He shrugged. "Beats me."

Jason and Trini went to the door. He opened it and held it, allowing her to walk out. He stepped outside as she stopped in the hallway. He closed the door behind him. They made a right turn and proceeded to go down the hallway.

00000

Billy and Zack headed down the hallway. They slipped their hands inside their pockets before clearing their throats. They let out small yawns. They spotted Jason and Trini coming their way. Jason and Trini stopped before the boys, whom halted themselves. They rubbed their noses. Billy and Zack took their hands out of their pockets.

"Billy, Zack, what are you two doing in this hallway?" Jason wondered in much curiosity.

"We were coming to see if you two would like to come with us to see if Zordon and Alpha are having any luck in locating Tommy and Kim," Billy replied.

"We were heading there to see for ourselves," Jason admitted, sighing softly.

"Wow," Zack said in awe. "Great minds think alike."

Trini chuckled to herself. "That is definitely right."

Billy noticed the couple's messed-up hair. "I can see you two have been engaged in a little intimacy."

"At least we don't brag about our sexual encounters," Jason pointed out truthfully.

"I hate it when people pull that crap," Zack commented in disgust. "No one wants to hear about your 'wonderful' sex life."

"Nor do we want to hear about how many partners you've had," Billy added, rolling his eyes.

"Having a bunch of sexual partners is just asking for trouble," Trini answered in a blunt voice. "The more partners you have, the more likely you are to catch an STD."

Jason cringed badly. "Some people know that having many sexual partners is very risky, but they don't care. They are determined to take that risk."

Zack clenched his teeth. "No amount of warning will stop them from taking it."

Jason took Trini's hand into his. He gave it a gentle squeeze, feeling her do the same to his. He planted a kiss to her temple.

"What do you say we go see Zordon and Alpha now?" Jason suggested.

"I say let's do it," Zack responded and started walking down the hallway. The others followed suit. "I do hope they are having some luck."

"It was a real disappointment to learn they had found no sign of Tommy or Kim when we came here after we told our parents we were going to bed," Billy said, a frown crossing his lips.

"If our parents find out we are Power Rangers, they will be so shocked," Zack exclaimed.

Trini gulped in a little uncertainty. "There is a chance they've already figured it out. They aren't about to tell us."

Jason squeezed her hand a little tighter. "I know why they wouldn't. It would be to keep Rita from finding out and going after them in order to get to us. Still, our parents would likely be very proud of us taking on the role of superheroes."

Trini, Billy, and Zack voiced their agreement. They and Jason started talking about their first day as Power Rangers.

00000

Alpha pressed three buttons at the console before the plasma tube in the main room four minutes later. He tilted his head somewhat before pressing two more. Zordon kept his eye on him. Footsteps caught their attention. Alpha turned around to see Jason, Trini, Billy, and Zack coming toward him. They stopped before him.

"It is nice to see you, Rangers," Alpha greeted warmly. "You've been gone a long while."

"We thought we'd come and see you and Zordon, Alpha," Jason responded in a gentle voice.

"Have you been able to find any trace of Tommy or Kim?" Trini asked hopefully.

"Unfortunately, we have not," Zordon said grimly.

"I have scanned all of Rita's dimensions within our reach," Alpha added with a heavy sigh. "Neither Tommy nor Kimberly are in any of them."

"We've also scanned a number of planets," Zordon boomed. "There isn't a single sign of Tommy or Kimberly on any of them."

"Damn it," Zack yelled, throwing his hands upward. "I thought we would've found one or both of them by now."

"Affirmative," Billy agreed, becoming a bit nervous. "Tommy could be doing unspeakable things to Kim."

"I don't even want to know what they could be," Zack said, shuddering badly.

"Wherever Tommy and Kimberly are, it is likely something is shielding them from our scanners," Zordon suggested.

Jason, Trini, Billy, and Zack looked at each other. They felt tempted to go to Rita's palace and demand to tell them where Tommy and Kim were. Of course, they knew their mentor wouldn't approve of it. They shifted their attention back to him.

"We feel so bad for Tommy and Kim's parents. There is no doubt they are out of their minds with worry," Jason said, swallowing hard.

"It is never easy contacting the police to report someone missing," Trini said, giving his hand a light squeeze.

"Nor is it easy to be questioned by police, especially when they could turn their attention toward you at any time," Zack added.

Zordon sighed. "We need to hang in there, Rangers. We will find Tommy and Kimberly and bring them home. We will break Rita's spell over Tommy."

"I hope it happens really soon," Billy said, his body shaking some. "Who knows when Rita will launch her next attack?"

"All of us hate this uncertainty," Jason said, letting out a heavy sigh.

Alpha raised his arms somewhat. "So do Zordon and I, Jason. Rita has caused so much trouble lately! She really burns my circuits!"

Alpha stomped his foot in frustration. He curled his hand into a fist so tight that he would break a wrench if he were holding one. Jason, Trini, Billy, and Zack expressed sympathy for him, as did Zordon.

"It is understandable to be so frustrated, Alpha," Jason said gently. "Everyone is too."

"However, we can't let frustration cloud our judgment. If we do, we can't focus," Trini added.

"I know, but I wish Kimberly hadn't disappeared at such a critical time. If Tommy has her, I pray he isn't hurting her," Alpha whispered and uncurled his fist.

"The team stuck together when Jason went missing," Zordon commented. "It needs to stick together because Kimberly is counting on us to bring her home. Tommy is also counting on us to free him from Rita's influence."

"It won't be easy to destroy the Sword of Darkness. That is for sure," Billy admitted in some fear.

"It is likely fighting the Dragonzord will be difficult as well," Zack added, gulping in a quiet manner.

"The bright side is we have that remote-control system. We will be able to summon the Pterodactyl if we need the Megazord," Billy pointed out truthfully.

"Rita isn't going to beat this team down," Jason growled in determination. "No way, no how."

"Yeah!" Billy, Zack, and Trini yelled.

Zordon couldn't help but smile. He was so glad to have chosen these four teens to be Power Rangers. The same went for Kim, who had always showed determination like they did. He hoped she was okay and that Tommy wasn't hurting her.

"Zordon, we need to get home and go to bed. We have to wake up early and go to school tomorrow morning," Jason said seriously as he released his hold on Trini.

"I understand, Rangers," Zordon responded in sympathy. "Alpha and I will contact you if we locate Tommy and Kimberly."

Billy frowned. "I hope it doesn't take too much longer."

Zordon nodded in agreement. "As do Alpha and I. May the Power protect you."

Jason, Trini, Billy, and Zack teleported out of the Command Center. Alpha spun around to face Zordon.

"Oh, Zordon. I hope the Rangers have a good day at school tomorrow," Alpha whispered and sighed.

"I do too, Alpha," Zordon agreed. "You should get back to searching for Tommy and Kimberly."

Alpha saluted him. "Will do, Zordon."

Alpha looked down at the console with much determination. He resumed searching for Tommy and Kim.

00000

Rita adjusted her Repulsascope before looking into it on the Lunar Palace's balcony. Goldar and Finster chatted to each other while standing in the middle of the throne room. Squatt, Baboo, and Scorpina played jacks as they sat on the stairs. Scorpina picked up the ball to bounce it. She grabbed six of the twelve jacks before catching it. She let out an excited laugh. Squatt and Baboo cheered in much joy.

"Wonderful catching of the ball and grabbing the jacks, Scorpina," Baboo said.

"Thanks, Baboo," Scorpina said, sitting up tall and proud. "I'm becoming a great jacks player."

"You might be, but don't brag about it. That will get you in trouble," Squatt warned.

"Of course not. I have never been dumb like you two always are," Scorpina retorted in much annoyance.

"Hey, don't call us dumb!" Baboo yelled while shaking his finger at her.

"Oh, hush up," Scorpina said as she waved him off. She turned to Squatt. "By the way, I believe it is your turn, Squatt."

"I am so ready for it!" Squat yelled excitedly. "Yahoo!"

Scorpina handed Squatt the ball before laying the jacks on the floor. Squatt narrowed his eyes at the ball. He bounced it, managing to grab nine jacks and catch it before it hit the floor. He opened his hand, showing them to her.

"What do you think of that turn?" Squatt said and laughed warmly.

"It's great, but that doesn't mean you'll grab nine jacks on your next turn," Scorpina commented.

"I don't care if he doesn't grab that many. Nor does he. It's only a game," Baboo responded and pumped a fist.

Squatt gave the ball to his best friend before laying the jacks down. "It's a fun one at that. I have never cared about winning. I just play the game for the fun of it."

"I see nothing wrong with that," Scorpina said and cleared her throat.

Baboo pointed his finger at Goldar. "As you, Squatt, and I remember, Goldar sees winning as the most important thing. He hates it when someone doesn't think it is."

"Don't think I didn't hear that, Baboo!" Goldar hissed and looked toward the trio along with Finster.

"The same goes for me," Finster added and crossed his arms. "Not everyone agrees with your view, you know. I happen to think winning is very important, especially when it comes to very challenging games."

Scorpina stood up. "If we all thought the same, this would be a very boring universe."

"At least Finster agrees with my view," Goldar said, placing his hand on the scientist's shoulder.

"I am proud to agree with you," Finster said with much pride.

Scorpina rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief. She went up the stairs as Baboo bounced the ball and picked up ten jacks. She saw him catch in the corner of her eye. She joined Rita's side. Rita pulled away and adjusted the Repulsascope a bit.

"Were you able to catch anything interesting, Empress Rita?" Scorpina wondered with much curiosity.

"I just saw a boa swallow a monkey it had squeezed to death," Rita answered.

Scorpina squeaked. "Great."

Rita moved the Repulsascope north and looked into it. She spotted Alpha talking to Zordon. She narrowed her eyes at them while putting her hand on her head.

"Oh, Zordon. I want Kimberly to come home very soon," Alpha said in much sadness. "I miss her very much."

"I do too, Alpha," Zordon agreed. "Tommy will need our help adjusting to being on the side of good once he is free from Rita's spell."

"There are many uninhabited planets he could've taken her to. That is if he has her," Alpha commented, tilting his head.

"Several planets are Earth-like and contain animals from Earth. If they are on one of these worlds, they would be surrounded by familiarity. He could be teaching her how to live off the land," Zordon suggested.

Alpha looked a little uncertain. "Even if he is doing that, that doesn't mean he will always be nice to her."

Zordon shook his head. "Of course not. That spell is very powerful. It can easily retake control of him, even if it weakens quite a bit."

Rita showed some surprise and pulled back. She looked at Scorpina, who showed some confusion. Squatt, Baboo, Goldar, and Finster shifted their attention toward her.

"What is it, my empress?" Scorpina asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Kimberly has disappeared from the face of the Earth. Zordon and Alpha think Tommy is behind it," Rita responded and licked her lips. "It must have happened sometime today."

"We didn't even know because we've been too busy discussing tomorrow afternoon's attack on the park," Goldar said, coming to her side.

"Oh, well. You can't keep track of everything," Squatt said honestly as Rita, Goldar, and Scorpina gazed at him and Baboo.

"That is right," Baboo commented, holding up a finger. "No one can keep an eye on anything every second."

"If Tommy did kidnap Kimberly, we could hold her hostage. If the Power Rangers don't pledge themselves to serve us, then we will throw her into the Dimension of No Return!" Rita yelled with a malicious cackle.

"I love that idea!" Goldar roared in much eagerness.

"I do too!" Scorpina cheered. "It is so brilliant! That dimension has earned its name very well! No one has been able to escape from it!"

"The Rangers will go crazy at the thought of their friend being thrown into a such a place," Finster said, walking up to the stairs.

"I need to contact Tommy about this new plan," Rita said, leaning her wand against the Repulsascope. "I am sure he will think it is brilliant."

Rita touched her temples and closed her eyes. She concentrated deeply while breathing at a steady pace. Unfortunately, she was unable to sense her and Tommy's telepathic connection. She gasped and felt her jaw drop. She opened her eyes, her breathing becoming a little faster. Goldar and Scorpina became concerned.

"What is wrong, Empress Rita?" Goldar asked in uncertainty.

"Tommy has cut off our telepathic connection!" Rita screeched in great anger. She grabbed her wand and turned around. "He has betrayed me!"

"Oh, no!" Baboo yelled.

"That is not good!" Squatt said, standing up along with his best friend.

"I knew it was a mistake to assume we had complete control over Tommy, my empress," Finster commented, clasping his hands together.

"Shut up, Finster," Rita retorted irritatingly. "I want you to start searching for Tommy immediately!"

"Of course, Empress Rita," Finster said, nodding at her. "I will do just that."

Finster spun on his heel and walked out of the throne room. Rita looked toward Scorpina, who pressed her lips together. Goldar came to the latter's side, his breathing soft and steady.

"What will we do about the planned attack on the park?" Goldar asked, holding up his hand.

"I have decided to put that on hold for now," Rita replied with a snort. "I want to put my energy into locating Tommy over the next several days. I am aching to make him pay for his betrayal."

"Look on the bright side, Rita. You still have the Dragon Dagger here," Baboo said, standing up along with Squatt. "Someone else can summon it."

"That's right!" Squatt yelled and nodded rapidly.

Rita smiled somewhat. "Oh, yes. Tommy's parents would've become suspicious if they found it in his room."

"Once we find Tommy, I will give him a piece of my mind for betraying you, my empress," Goldar growled very fiercely.

"I will do the same in regards to mine," Scorpina agreed. "No one betrays our empress and gets away with it."

Baboo gave a sharp nod. "For sure!"

The villains broke into a fit of evil laughter. It was so loud that it echoed throughout the palace.