Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers. They belong to Saban, blah,blah,blah
Summary: A new girl arrives in Angel Grove, and captures Jason's attention. But what will happen when
he learns her secret? Please read and review.
The Phoenix Saga
Tommy leaned against his locker the next day at school. The day was only half over, and he as exhausted. Billy told him he would probably feel tired for a few days. Jason walked up to him.
"Hey bro, how ya feeling?" he asked, opening his locker.
"Like hell, but what else is new."
"You shouldn't have come today. I know how tired I am after yesterday; I can't imagine how you must feel."
"I'll be all right." Tommy shut his locker and the two were about to head to class when Jason's communicator went off.
"Aw man, not again." Jason stepped back. "Go ahead Alpha."
"Jason, teleport to the command center immediately.
"On my way. Tommy, you stay here. We'll call you if it gets to tough."
"Ok bro. good luck." He watched as Jason disappeared in a flash of red light. Why do I always feel like more of a liability than a part of the team. He knew he was just feeling bad about not being able to go, and he quickly brushed the feelings off. Besides, he had his own task. He walked over to the door to his and Jason's math class and waited for Erin. A minute later she walked up.
"Hey Tommy, have you seen Jason? He was supposed to meet me here?"
"Yeah, he wasn't feeling to well, so he went to the nurse's office."
"Oh."
"But actually, I need to talk to you anyway."
"What about?"
"Not here. Let's go to the park."
"Tommy, it's the middle of the day. We still have two more classes."
"I know, but it's important."
"Tommy, I'm not skipping class." She walked around him towards the door to their class.
"Not even about how you defeated Goldar yesterday at the park?" he took a gamble. She stopped dead in her tracks, then turned around slowly. "Yeah, I know who your are." She walked over to him.
"How the hell did you figure out who I am?" she asked, her voice threatening. The fear in her eyes startled him. She glared at him for a moment, then began to probe him slightly. Her eyes opened wide when she realized who he was. That energy signature! I know it!. "You're the g…"
"Not here." He repeated. Without another word, the two of them walked out of the building and headed towards the park.
Not a word was spoken until they sat down on one of the benches in the park. Erin was the first to break the silence.
"You're the green ranger." It was a statement, not a question. She looked up at him.
"Yes, I am. And you are…" he trailed off uncertainly.
"Phoenix." she answered quietly. She had never expected her secret to come out so soon. In her heart, she knew that someone would eventually figure it out. Staring at the ground, tears began to fall down her cheek. I guess this means that I'll have to leave here, too…
Tommy noticed the tears.
"Hey, are you ok?"
"Yeah. I just guess this means I'll have to start looking for somewhere else to move to."
"What? Why?" Tommy started.
"You've probably already told Jason and the others by now…." she stopped mid-sentence. Jason! Tommy's the green ranger, and there are six power rangers… She looked up at him expectantly. "Jason and the others… they're rangers too, aren't they?" Maybe she wouldn't have to leave after all. If Jason had a secret like hers, maybe things would be all right.
Tommy nodded, his face grim. Oh man. How am I going to tell her that Jason suspects her of working for Rita? "Yeah, they are. Which means we have a problem."
"What?" she asked.
"Well, the other rangers aren't exactly sure that you are on our side. You see, Rita Repulsa, the one who is responsible for the attacks on Angel Grove, has sent monsters in the past to befriend them, then turn around and try to kill them." Erin's heart sank.
"Have you told them yet? I mean, who I am?"
"No. I wanted to make sure I was right first. Plus, I wouldn't do that. Jason deserves to hear it from you."
"I can't tell him now! He'd hate me! Just like everyone else…" she trailed off. I care about him so much. I know I haven't known him that long, but I think I am falling in love with him! She began to cry quietly.
"What do you mean, just like everyone else? No one here hates you." She wiped at her eyes and looked straight at him.
"Not anyone here." She began slowly. "Tommy, I didn't come to Angel Grove because my dad got transferred." Her head dropped again. "My father kicked me out. When he found out what I was. He thought I was evil." Which isn't untrue. But there is no need to tell him that. She continued. "I moved to Angel Grove and got my own apartment. That's why I don't ever let anyone over. I can't answer the questions about where my family is."
"Erin, I'm sorry. But what about your mom, or your brothers or sisters?"
"My mom didn't know what to think. She loved me, but at the same time, she was scared of me. Eventually, my dad convinced her that I was to dangerous to stay at home. As for my brother, he's ok with it. He actually helped me get the lease, but my dad threatened to disown him if she stayed with me. I still hear from him occasionally, but even that is starting to taper off." Tommy didn't know what to say. She had been through so much. I understand why she doesn't want to tell Jason. It's obvious she likes him, and she doesn't want him to turn her away like her family did. He looked and saw she was crying again. He reached over and gave her a hug.
"Don't worry. I won't tell Jason. I'll let you do that when you're ready."
"Thank you Tommy. You don't know how much that means to me." They sat there for a moment, until she stopped crying. It's a good thing Kim's not here. I'd have a lot of explaining to do. Erin pulled away, and wiped away her tears.
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"I forgot about what would happen if Kim happened to walk up."
"How did you…." he glanced at her. She smiled and laughed a little.
"I'm a telepath. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to read your mind. It's just that when I let my emotions get out of control, sometimes I lose control of my powers." She shuddered. Tommy noticed it.
"What?"
"I was just thinking about the time when I first realized that my powers were tied to my emotions." her mind drifted back to that day. "I was in the seventh grade. I'd had a bad day at school, kids were always teasing me, and I was really pissed off. I had to walk home. On the way, I saw a kitten that was stuck in a tree. I used my telekinesis to float it down to the ground. As I walked off, I heard growling and barking. I ran back and saw that a dog had killed the kitten. I looked at the dog and got really mad. Then it happened. I felt a tug, and I let lose a huge energy blast that incinerated the dog. I mean, completely destroyed it. Nothing left. I ran home and locked myself in my room for the rest of the day. At that point I realized that I had to guard my emotions VERY carefully, or I could kill everyone I loved. I couldn't afford to be a child anymore. I had to grow up right then and there. Over the next two years, I continued to get stronger and stronger. Then one day I slipped, and let my powers show at home. That was when everything went downhill, and I was forced to move here." She looked up at Tommy, waiting to see his reaction.
"Seventh grade? How long have you had these powers?"
"Since I was in the sixth grade. About 11 year's old." she dropped her head.
"Wow." They both sat there in silence. Suddenly, beeping came from Tommy's communicator. Erin looked at him surprised.
"Go ahead Zordon." he spoke into it.
"Tommy, the other rangers are in trouble. Rita's energy drain monster has returned. Teleport downtown immediately."
"On my way." He got up.
"Wait, Tommy. You're energy level is too low to fight that thing again!"
"I don't have a choice. It's morphin time! Dragonzord!" Suddenly the green power ranger was standing before her.
"Impressive," she smiled. "But I think mine tops that." Her eyes went completely white, reminding Tommy of a little kid rolling his eyes up into his head. Then it was like her entire body was on fire. He jumped back. In a sudden flash, the fire disappeared and she had on a black body suit, orange armor, and a black mask. A sword was sheathed at her side.
"Nice, very nice. Now let's go." In a flash of green light and orange fire, the two friends teleported to the battle. Tommy landed on the ground in front of his fallen teammates, Erin landed behind them. As Tommy rushed the monster, Erin headed to the rangers. Starting with the pink one, she placed a hand on them, and used her own energy to replenish what the monster had stolen. Last was the red ranger. As she let her energy flow into him, she sensed the strong presence and determination about him. This has to be Jason. He started to come around, and sensing someone with a hand on him, he looked up. He was surprised to see the girl that had come to their aid the day before. He hurriedly slapped her hand away. She fell to one knee, breathing heavily. That took a lot out of me… I need to remember that I'm not up to full strength yet. She looked at Jason, and he stared back at her.
"Go away," he yelled. "We don't need, or want, your help.
Frustrated, Erin looked up at him. "Really? Is that so? Would you have preferred me to leave you lying on the ground there, so when that monster is finished with your friend, he could kill you?" she replied sarcastically. She struggled, trying to get up. Oh, man. Tommy's not doing good. Jason thought, looking to his friend. Sure enough, the monster had the green ranger down on one knee and was pressing forward.
"Rangers, come on. Let's help him!"
"Right." They were all up by now, and they ran to take on the monster. They drew him away from Tommy, and he collapsed to the ground. Erin ran over to him. Tommy? Tommy, answer me! she called to him telepathically. She scanned him over, and found that his energy was deathly low. She grabbed his arm and started to transfer her energy to him, when suddenly she got light headed, and everything turned green. Seconds later she opened her eyes and was shocked to see that she was in some sort of room, with all sorts of machines and computers everywhere. No time to worry about that now. She pulled Tommy's helmet off, and put her hands on either side of his head. She reached down into the core of her being, sensing the untapped, raw energy there. She let it flow out of her and into the injured ranger. Seconds turned into minutes, as it was a slow process. She didn't notice as 5 different colors of light teleported into the command center. She was too focused on helping the only person who had ever accepted her for what she was.
Jason watched as his best friend glowed orange.
"Zordon, what the hell is going on?"
"From what I can tell, Jason, this girl is re-energizing Tommy. Much like she did the five of you."
"But Zordon, what if she works for Rita?" Kimberly asked, full of concern for her boyfriend.
"Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi, rangers, I don't think it matters right now. Tommy would have died if not for her."
"I don't care," Jason responded. "I want her out!" At that moment, Erin broke her link with Tommy gasping for air. Blurry eyed and exhausted, she looked up at the other rangers. She could feel the hatred and animosity rolling off Jason. He glared at her.
"Get out. Now."
"What, no 'thank you for saving my ass, and the life of my friend?'" she responded sarcastically. I am in no mood to put up with his bull-shit. She stood up. "Fine, I'll leave. Just remember that without me, you'd all be dead right now." She stood up and in a burst of fire, teleported out. The rangers looked down as they heard Tommy groan.
"Man, I feel like I just got run over by a freight train." he stood up, with the help of his friends. "Where'd she go? Where's Phoenix?"
"So her name is Phoenix, huh?" Jason asked.
"Yeah. And she saved all our lives." Tommy recognized the look in his best friends eyes as they all demorphed. "Don't tell me you still don't trust her?"
"No, Tommy I don't. And now she knows who you are."
"Trust me, Jase. She's on our side. I know." Jason looked at him suspiciously.
"Really? And how is that?"
"Just trust me on this one bro."
"No. I'm not risking the lives of this team and the citizens of Angel Grove." In a burst of red light, Jason Scott teleported out of the command center. Tommy watched as the others followed, and, shaking his head, left as well.
Back in here apartment, Erin was sitting on the bathroom floor, having just thrown up every bit of her lunch. Man, I really need to take it easier. My body can't handle that kind of pressure yet. I need to slow down. Her thoughts turned to the hatred directed at her by Jason and the other power rangers. Why does everyone I love hate me when they find out who I am? She laid her head on the cool tile floor and began to cry.
"Hey, Tommy, have you seen Erin today?" Jason walked up to Tommy in the Youth Center.
"No. Why?"
"Well, she wasn't in class today. And it's not like her to miss." Jason was looking around the gym area, trying to find his girlfriend. "I was supposed to meet her here to go workout in the park. She always calls if she can't make it. I just have a bad feeling about this." He looked up at his best friend. "Hey, wanna come over to her apartment with me? I just want to make sure she is ok."
"Yeah, sure." I just hope she's there and didn't decide to take off. Tommy grabbed his stuff and began to walk out with Jason.
"By the way, how are you feeling bro?" Jason asked. Tommy knew that he was referring to their encounter with Rita's energy drain monster, and then Phoenix healing him.
"Man, I haven't felt this good in awhile." he replied honestly. "I have more energy than I have had since regaining the green powers." They walked out the door. The apartment complex where Erin lived was only about a 10 minute walk from the Youth Center. Jason eyed him skeptically.
"Are you sure you're ok?
"Yeah man." he paused. "I know what you're driving at Jase. You want to make sure I'm ok after all the energy Phoenix put into me. And I am. And you forget, she did the same thing to you and all the other guys. I really think you should give her a chance. She's not evil." And you are in love with her too.
"Tommy, I wish I could believe that, really I do. There's just something about her that I don't trust. And I'm not willing to put lives on the line because of it." They had reached the parking lot of Erin's apartment complex. Neither one of them saw her car anywhere. "That's strange. Her car's not here." Jason observed. "Come on, let's go up." The two friends climbed the stairs to the third floor. They walked down the hall, and Jason knocked on the door. A few minutes later he heard the door unlocking and Erin stood in the doorway, and she didn't look well.
"Jason, Tommy. What are you doing here?" She hugged her arms to her chest. She was wearing a sweatshirt that she had actually stolen from Jason one day in class (making it huge on her) and black shorts. Her hair was pulled back and she was sweating.
"We wanted to see if you were ok. You weren't in school today and I was worried." Jason reached forward and rubbed her back. "Let's go inside, you look like you should be sitting down." She nodded and ushered the two inside. She sat down on the couch and pulled her blanket back over herself.
"I'm ok. It's just the flu." Tommy stared at her, knowing it was a lie, but Jason didn't seem to notice and bought it. He sat down next to her, and Tommy took the chair across from them.
"I'm sorry you're feeling bad." he pulled her closer to him, and she laid her head down comfortably on his shoulder. He held her there for a second when she jumped up and bolted to the rest room. Jason got up to go after her, but Tommy stopped him.
"Hey, I'll go make sure she's ok, you go in the kitchen and get her a glass of ice water." Jason nodded, and went to look around in the kitchen. Tommy headed to the bathroom and found her sitting on the floor in front of the toilet. He grabbed a wash cloth and ran it under the cold water, then sat down next to her and placed it on her face.
"I know you're lying. What's going on?" he spoke in hushed tones so Jason wouldn't overhear.
"Simple." She looked at him. "I put to much strain on my body yesterday. It's not used to handling the levels of power that I had to tap into to." Tommy wiped her face with the towel. "I should be fine by tomorrow. Trust me, this has happened before. It's nothing really. I just need to take it slower and let my body adjust to the changes. It's been about a year since I last did anything major like that with my powers" She sighed. Tommy stared at her for a second.
"All right. Just do me a favor and call me if something like this happens again. I'm a friend, and I want to help you."
"I promise." she smiled as Jason came in and handed her the water. "Thank you." she took a sip, but felt nauseous again, so stopped. The two guys helped her up and back into the living room. She lay down on the couch, her head in Jason's lap and closed her eyes, quickly falling asleep. Tommy watched the two of them. They really do care about each other... I just don't know how Jase is gonna take it when he finds out who she is… Tommy looked at his friend and motioned that he was going to leave. He nodded, and Tommy left. Jason was there alone with his girlfriend asleep in his lap, and he felt very happy. He leaned his head back against the wall and fell asleep himself.
A few hours later Jason woke up. He looked down and noticed that Erin wasn't there. Then he heard the shower running. Man, what time is it? He looked around and found a clock; it was 7:00. He stood up and stretched. Man, I didn't realize I was that tired. The shower stopped and a few moments later Erin came out of the bathroom, wearing his red sweatshirt and a pair of black cotton pants with her hair up in a towel. Even exhausted Jason thought she was beautiful. He smiled at her.
"So I guess I'm not getting my sweatshirt back, huh?" he joked.
"Nope. It's real comfy." she smiled.
"Feeling any better?"
"Yeah, actually I am. I guess it was one of those 24-hour things. I'm still exhausted though." she sat sown on the couch and grabbed her blanket. She reached for the remote control and turned the TV on. Jason sat down next to her and she leaned her head on his shoulder. "I promise I won't run off this time." she joked. He put his arms around her and drew her closer to him.
"What time do your parents get off?"
"Um, they won't be back for a while." she told him.
"Ok. Well, I hate to do this, but I should go. My mom is really strict about being home for dinner. Will you be ok till they get here? Cause if not I'll stay…."
"No, I'll be fine. Really, I will, so go." she playfully pushed him away. He gave her a hug, and then stood up. They walked to the door.
"You'll be at school tomorrow, right?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'll be there."
"Good." He bent down and kissed her on the cheek. "See ya tomorrow then."
"Bye." He walked off down the stairs and she closed the door smiling. She walked back over to the couch and crashed, not even remembering to turn the TV. off. So this is what it feels like to be happy again. She fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
to be continued…
