Chapter Two: "The Darkest Dawn."
Present Day:
Time. It held no meaning, seeming to pass by unnoticed as for countless hours he just stood there, motionless, beside her grave. The tears had long since stopped their streaming, his eyes now a deep shade of red, a solemn expression remaining on his features. Tommy's eyes blinked ever slowly, his mind lost in the fragments of memory, remembering the beauty of her face, her smile, her voice. Now it was gone. She was gone. All that she was, now forced, into nothing but a memory.
And no matter how hard he closed his eyes, no matter how hard he hit the ground, it could never erase that pain, or the guilt that he carried from her death. Each moment that passed seemed to darken his heart, leaving nothing but an empty shell, a former shadow of what he once was. He would never forgive himself, could never forgive himself, an overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness coming over him.
"I should have been there." His thoughts whispered. "I should have been by your side to protect you!"
That fateful day continued to echo in his mind, forcing him to relive the moment, over and over and over. It was torture, ripping him apart inside, as he focused on nothing but that single moment. A few minutes, if he had only arrived there just a few minutes earlier then he could have saved her, would have been spared the crushing sight of seeing her die within his arms. But he hadn't. In the end it all came down to the single fact: he hadn't.
As the first particles of sunlight began to appear from off on the horizon, a sudden otherworldly cry shattered through the peaceful silence, causing Tommy to snap out of his reverie. In one fluid motion he outstretched his right arm in front of him, his left held back defensively, his gaze piercing through the surrounding darkness. The faint cry sounded again, this time from someplace much closer, the hairs on the back of his neck beginning to rise.
From out of the shadows they came, dark blood-red eyes flaring in the moonlight, long muscular arms hanging back on broad shoulders and a lean but powerful frame. They stood tall, as tall as any human, with hound-like features, and sharp pointed teeth. Their bodies were completely black, as black as any shadow, flexing deadly claws that framed their fingers. Tommy instantly recognised them, a powerful and deep hatred rising within him.
"No. no!" He shouted, almost pleading with the creatures that he had come to know as Shadow Demons. "Not now! Not here!"
Tommy ventured a final look back at the grave, the demons slowly advancing, filling him with a blinding rage. Before they had a chance to react, Tommy quickly ran forward, rushing head on into the fray. His left arm rose instinctively to deflect the oncoming attack, countering with a powerful right fist into the demon's stomach, quickly following through with a one- two combo. He instantly jumped forward, his right kick propelling the demon backwards, stepping back into his fighting stance.
"Ugh!"
The world suddenly jerked sideways, as a demon's punch hit him square in the face, spit and blood streaming out from the corner of his mouth. He staggered backwards, almost falling to the ground, trying to rise his left arm and shake of the grogginess at the same time. He managed to block the first of the attacks, but the demon suddenly rushed forward with inhuman speed, its arm crushing into his stomach.
The air was knocked out of Tommy's lungs, his body doubling forwards, suddenly flying through the air as the next punch sent him crashing hard into one of the headstones. He lay there like that for a long moment, body shaking in rage, before Tommy managed to push himself up from off of the ground. His hands pushed back the sleeves of his shirt, revealing the Zeo morphers that were strapped across his wrists, a slight hesitation as he felt the cold metallic structure.
His hesitation quickly ceased as once again their bone-chilling cry rang through the night sky.
"It's Morphin' time!" His arms quickly outstretched to his sides, before slamming together at the wrists, a blaze of red energy suddenly rising from the morphers. The power rose within him, coursing through his very veins, static energy flowing across his body. "Red Zeo Power!"
The transformation became complete, Tommy re-emerging into the light, as the Red Zeo Ranger. As his hands formed into powerful fists he knew that he did not have a lot of time. He ran forward, jumping high into the air.
"Zeo Flying Power Kick!"
He soared towards one of the demons; an explosion of sparks erupting as his right foot connected with its body, causing it to cry out in intense pain as it was propelled backwards, falling hard onto the ground. Several other demons took its place, rushing forward towards him. Tommy regained his footing, ducking under the slash of a claw, his whole body turning as he let out a roundhouse kick. The kick caused it to stumble backwards, and he turned again quickly, taking on the next of them.
"Hiya!"
He lashed out with a powerful right kick, but the demon managed to deflect it, countering with a lash of its sharp penetrating claws. The blast ripped through his Zeo suit, causing him to scream out in pain, as they sudden pressed in. As all six surrounded him he tried his best to block each of their attacks, but it was a futile attempt, their excruciating hits pounding him again and again and again. Two strong arms suddenly flashed out from nowhere, and he was down for the count.
"Ugh." For a brief moment Tommy reverted into his human form, before the power reinitialised, and he returned back into his Zeo form. "Ugh." His power was quickly fading, the longer he stayed as a ranger, the longer his life hanged in the balance.
Tommy took several steps backwards, his hand clutching his stomach, trying to find a means for escape. A spot suddenly opened up within their ranks, and he made a break for it. Rushing forward with all his strength, he dived towards the opening, ducking under their lunging fists, and descending into a forward roll. He quickly uncurled, rushing forward onto his feet, disappearing into the darkness.
He ran. Never once did he look back, but knowing that they could not be far behind. He raced down the deserted streets, ducking into a side alley, his back against the wall as he tried to regain his breath. He suddenly cried out in pain as he involuntarily powered down. A sharp pulse of light filled his vision, before a loud shattering sound came to his senses, and as he regained his sight, he looked forward to see the remains of his red Zeo crystal on the ground before him.
"No..." He did not know if the words came out of his lips or not. "No!" He crouched down to the ground, picking up the largest shard of the shattered crystal. "It's gone. It's finally gone."
Still clutching his stomach, Tommy pushed the shard into his pocket, disappearing into the mist that covered the dark alley.
--------------------
Six Weeks Before:
Katherine suddenly looked up, the sound of the doorbell startling her, her gaze having been solely transfixed on the television set. She quickly got up; making her way towards the front door, a smile instantly appearing on her face as she saw who it was that had arrived.
"Adam!" She pulled her long time friend into a deep hug and they embraced tightly, the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. "It's so good to see you!"
"You too Kat." Smiled Adam, pulling away slightly. "It's been a while."
"Too long if you ask me." Said another voice.
Surprise registered on Kat's features as another person came into view. "Tanya!"
Adam stepped out of the way, allowing the two friends to embrace, the tears now falling from Kat's eyes. After a while had passed she led them both inside, the door closing shut behind them. She smiled happily, but the smile could not stay forever on her face, the reason for their arrival coming back to her.
"So you've gotten word?" She asked, simply.
"We have." Answered Adam. "We came as soon as we could."
Tanya took a seat next to Kat on the couch. "Tommy?"
"Distant. He has been ever since he started having these visions." Her gaze wandered to the floor. "I - I know how this must sound, but I think I'm losing him."
"Kat, don't say that."
"But it's the truth." She closed her eyes. "When we talk, its like he is not even there, always a far off look in his eyes, his mind constantly reflecting on what lies ahead or on perfecting his moves. I try to reach him, and for brief moments, I know I do. But it's not long before he is back into that focused state of mind, not allowing his thoughts for anything else."
Adam slowly sighed. "Where is he now?"
"Training. Day in, day out, that's all he ever does, all he has time for."
"We thought as much." Nodded Tanya.
The absence of one of their team suddenly dawned on her. "Where's Rocky?"
Adam answered. "When we got your call we knew that he wouldn't be at his apartment, so Rocky went off to go and search for him. He should have met up with him by now."
"It will be ok." Tanya placed her hand on Kat's. "You're not going to lose him. He just has to remain focus, preparing himself for what he knows will come."
"And that's another thing that scares me." Kat said slowly. "If this future that he sees is so filled with darkness, then maybe it is true what he says. Maybe the rangers don't stand a chance."
"Come on." Adam stopped her. "We can't think like that! No matter what comes, we'll be ready for it, I know we will."
Kat remained silent for a long while. "I hope so, Adam. Tomorrow he is setting off for Turtle Lake in order to speak to the Wild Force rangers. Among other things they are going to discuss the recent increase in possible monster related attacks."
"Monster related attacks?" He inquired.
Kat reached for the remote, turning up the volume, the news still playing:
"Our top story once again - local officials are still baffled by the several strange deaths that have been cropping up over the last several weeks. The victims, with no identifying connections between them; were all brutally murdered; a deep three-cut slash across either their stomachs or faces. At the present time the Angel Grove Police Department our labelling the case as a possible monster attack, but who or what, we do not yet know.
--------------------
Rocky stood by the doorway to the Dojo, gazing out into the main hall of the large single-level building, catching the flashes of movement that came from inside. On one side of the Dojo a series of mini-tournaments were being held, on his left some joggers on their running machines, and in the far corner he found a familiar figure. He slowly walked into the adrenaline- fuelled room, a strong smell of sweat rising up into his nose, walking over to the figure who was lashing out at the punch bag.
Rocky watched silently as Tommy exerted all of his strength into each of his punches, lashing out at the dark red and black bag again and again, the sweat rolling off of his forehead, and over his T-shirt. He remained focussed, hardly paying attention to anything else around him, as he let out punch after punch after punch.
"Someone we know?" Rocky quipped, indicating the punch bag.
Tommy looked up as the familiar voice rang in his ears, his face shocked when he saw him, a smile quickly spreading onto his features. "Rocky!" He walked over to his friend, their hands clasping together in a firm shake. "Man, it's good to see you again."
Rocky nodded. "You too." They walked towards one of the nearby benches, Tommy picking up his towel on the way. "So." Rocky tried to think of a subtle way to say what he was going to say, but subtlety was never his strong point, so he just came out with. "Listen, Kat's worried about you."
Tommy looked up as he heard her name. "Kat, worried?"
"We talked on the phone last week, and she sounded so distraught. Tommy she needs you, and feels that you are slipping away."
"B-but I'm right here."
"In body, maybe, in mind, you know you're not." Rocky slowly sighed.
Tommy finally spoke. "It's just, hard, having to concentrate on so many things at once. And yet, none of it will matter, none of it will, when this darkness finally arrives. I-I've got to be at my best, so that I can protect her, so that I can help protect the city."
"Even without your powers?"
There was no hesitation in his answer: "Even without my powers."
"I understand, Tommy, I really do but, just remember." Rocky stood up. "That when this is all over, Kat might not be there to go back to." He sighed, walking towards the exit, leaving Tommy alone with his thoughts.
--------------------
Dawn. Such a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, the way the first threads of sunlight streak across the dark but brightening sky, the way a red and purple hue seem to emit from where the sun begins to rise, and the way all living things start to come alive under its touch. Dawn was indeed a splendid sight.
But, for the first time in years, Tommy looked up at the sky with dread. It felt different, tainted somehow, as if this dawn was rather the beginning of night rather than of day. A cold shiver seemed to pass before his soul, no life seemed to emanate from the growing rays of sunlight, no warmth or heat that gently caressed the skin, nothing but a cold, harsh touch in its wake.
He suddenly noticed that his hand was playing on the spearhead that was fashioned into a chain around his neck, a single token from the long gone journey from when he went in search of his Zeo crystal. He did not know why it was, but it had always felt special to him, the spearhead representing both swiftness and power, a balance that he strove to find in his fighting.
He slowly gazed back up at the sky, the sun continuing to rise in the east, no warmth receiving from its light. Whether this was some kind of forewarning or not, this truly was, the darkest dawn.
Present Day:
Time. It held no meaning, seeming to pass by unnoticed as for countless hours he just stood there, motionless, beside her grave. The tears had long since stopped their streaming, his eyes now a deep shade of red, a solemn expression remaining on his features. Tommy's eyes blinked ever slowly, his mind lost in the fragments of memory, remembering the beauty of her face, her smile, her voice. Now it was gone. She was gone. All that she was, now forced, into nothing but a memory.
And no matter how hard he closed his eyes, no matter how hard he hit the ground, it could never erase that pain, or the guilt that he carried from her death. Each moment that passed seemed to darken his heart, leaving nothing but an empty shell, a former shadow of what he once was. He would never forgive himself, could never forgive himself, an overwhelming sense of despair and hopelessness coming over him.
"I should have been there." His thoughts whispered. "I should have been by your side to protect you!"
That fateful day continued to echo in his mind, forcing him to relive the moment, over and over and over. It was torture, ripping him apart inside, as he focused on nothing but that single moment. A few minutes, if he had only arrived there just a few minutes earlier then he could have saved her, would have been spared the crushing sight of seeing her die within his arms. But he hadn't. In the end it all came down to the single fact: he hadn't.
As the first particles of sunlight began to appear from off on the horizon, a sudden otherworldly cry shattered through the peaceful silence, causing Tommy to snap out of his reverie. In one fluid motion he outstretched his right arm in front of him, his left held back defensively, his gaze piercing through the surrounding darkness. The faint cry sounded again, this time from someplace much closer, the hairs on the back of his neck beginning to rise.
From out of the shadows they came, dark blood-red eyes flaring in the moonlight, long muscular arms hanging back on broad shoulders and a lean but powerful frame. They stood tall, as tall as any human, with hound-like features, and sharp pointed teeth. Their bodies were completely black, as black as any shadow, flexing deadly claws that framed their fingers. Tommy instantly recognised them, a powerful and deep hatred rising within him.
"No. no!" He shouted, almost pleading with the creatures that he had come to know as Shadow Demons. "Not now! Not here!"
Tommy ventured a final look back at the grave, the demons slowly advancing, filling him with a blinding rage. Before they had a chance to react, Tommy quickly ran forward, rushing head on into the fray. His left arm rose instinctively to deflect the oncoming attack, countering with a powerful right fist into the demon's stomach, quickly following through with a one- two combo. He instantly jumped forward, his right kick propelling the demon backwards, stepping back into his fighting stance.
"Ugh!"
The world suddenly jerked sideways, as a demon's punch hit him square in the face, spit and blood streaming out from the corner of his mouth. He staggered backwards, almost falling to the ground, trying to rise his left arm and shake of the grogginess at the same time. He managed to block the first of the attacks, but the demon suddenly rushed forward with inhuman speed, its arm crushing into his stomach.
The air was knocked out of Tommy's lungs, his body doubling forwards, suddenly flying through the air as the next punch sent him crashing hard into one of the headstones. He lay there like that for a long moment, body shaking in rage, before Tommy managed to push himself up from off of the ground. His hands pushed back the sleeves of his shirt, revealing the Zeo morphers that were strapped across his wrists, a slight hesitation as he felt the cold metallic structure.
His hesitation quickly ceased as once again their bone-chilling cry rang through the night sky.
"It's Morphin' time!" His arms quickly outstretched to his sides, before slamming together at the wrists, a blaze of red energy suddenly rising from the morphers. The power rose within him, coursing through his very veins, static energy flowing across his body. "Red Zeo Power!"
The transformation became complete, Tommy re-emerging into the light, as the Red Zeo Ranger. As his hands formed into powerful fists he knew that he did not have a lot of time. He ran forward, jumping high into the air.
"Zeo Flying Power Kick!"
He soared towards one of the demons; an explosion of sparks erupting as his right foot connected with its body, causing it to cry out in intense pain as it was propelled backwards, falling hard onto the ground. Several other demons took its place, rushing forward towards him. Tommy regained his footing, ducking under the slash of a claw, his whole body turning as he let out a roundhouse kick. The kick caused it to stumble backwards, and he turned again quickly, taking on the next of them.
"Hiya!"
He lashed out with a powerful right kick, but the demon managed to deflect it, countering with a lash of its sharp penetrating claws. The blast ripped through his Zeo suit, causing him to scream out in pain, as they sudden pressed in. As all six surrounded him he tried his best to block each of their attacks, but it was a futile attempt, their excruciating hits pounding him again and again and again. Two strong arms suddenly flashed out from nowhere, and he was down for the count.
"Ugh." For a brief moment Tommy reverted into his human form, before the power reinitialised, and he returned back into his Zeo form. "Ugh." His power was quickly fading, the longer he stayed as a ranger, the longer his life hanged in the balance.
Tommy took several steps backwards, his hand clutching his stomach, trying to find a means for escape. A spot suddenly opened up within their ranks, and he made a break for it. Rushing forward with all his strength, he dived towards the opening, ducking under their lunging fists, and descending into a forward roll. He quickly uncurled, rushing forward onto his feet, disappearing into the darkness.
He ran. Never once did he look back, but knowing that they could not be far behind. He raced down the deserted streets, ducking into a side alley, his back against the wall as he tried to regain his breath. He suddenly cried out in pain as he involuntarily powered down. A sharp pulse of light filled his vision, before a loud shattering sound came to his senses, and as he regained his sight, he looked forward to see the remains of his red Zeo crystal on the ground before him.
"No..." He did not know if the words came out of his lips or not. "No!" He crouched down to the ground, picking up the largest shard of the shattered crystal. "It's gone. It's finally gone."
Still clutching his stomach, Tommy pushed the shard into his pocket, disappearing into the mist that covered the dark alley.
--------------------
Six Weeks Before:
Katherine suddenly looked up, the sound of the doorbell startling her, her gaze having been solely transfixed on the television set. She quickly got up; making her way towards the front door, a smile instantly appearing on her face as she saw who it was that had arrived.
"Adam!" She pulled her long time friend into a deep hug and they embraced tightly, the tears threatening to fall from her eyes. "It's so good to see you!"
"You too Kat." Smiled Adam, pulling away slightly. "It's been a while."
"Too long if you ask me." Said another voice.
Surprise registered on Kat's features as another person came into view. "Tanya!"
Adam stepped out of the way, allowing the two friends to embrace, the tears now falling from Kat's eyes. After a while had passed she led them both inside, the door closing shut behind them. She smiled happily, but the smile could not stay forever on her face, the reason for their arrival coming back to her.
"So you've gotten word?" She asked, simply.
"We have." Answered Adam. "We came as soon as we could."
Tanya took a seat next to Kat on the couch. "Tommy?"
"Distant. He has been ever since he started having these visions." Her gaze wandered to the floor. "I - I know how this must sound, but I think I'm losing him."
"Kat, don't say that."
"But it's the truth." She closed her eyes. "When we talk, its like he is not even there, always a far off look in his eyes, his mind constantly reflecting on what lies ahead or on perfecting his moves. I try to reach him, and for brief moments, I know I do. But it's not long before he is back into that focused state of mind, not allowing his thoughts for anything else."
Adam slowly sighed. "Where is he now?"
"Training. Day in, day out, that's all he ever does, all he has time for."
"We thought as much." Nodded Tanya.
The absence of one of their team suddenly dawned on her. "Where's Rocky?"
Adam answered. "When we got your call we knew that he wouldn't be at his apartment, so Rocky went off to go and search for him. He should have met up with him by now."
"It will be ok." Tanya placed her hand on Kat's. "You're not going to lose him. He just has to remain focus, preparing himself for what he knows will come."
"And that's another thing that scares me." Kat said slowly. "If this future that he sees is so filled with darkness, then maybe it is true what he says. Maybe the rangers don't stand a chance."
"Come on." Adam stopped her. "We can't think like that! No matter what comes, we'll be ready for it, I know we will."
Kat remained silent for a long while. "I hope so, Adam. Tomorrow he is setting off for Turtle Lake in order to speak to the Wild Force rangers. Among other things they are going to discuss the recent increase in possible monster related attacks."
"Monster related attacks?" He inquired.
Kat reached for the remote, turning up the volume, the news still playing:
"Our top story once again - local officials are still baffled by the several strange deaths that have been cropping up over the last several weeks. The victims, with no identifying connections between them; were all brutally murdered; a deep three-cut slash across either their stomachs or faces. At the present time the Angel Grove Police Department our labelling the case as a possible monster attack, but who or what, we do not yet know.
--------------------
Rocky stood by the doorway to the Dojo, gazing out into the main hall of the large single-level building, catching the flashes of movement that came from inside. On one side of the Dojo a series of mini-tournaments were being held, on his left some joggers on their running machines, and in the far corner he found a familiar figure. He slowly walked into the adrenaline- fuelled room, a strong smell of sweat rising up into his nose, walking over to the figure who was lashing out at the punch bag.
Rocky watched silently as Tommy exerted all of his strength into each of his punches, lashing out at the dark red and black bag again and again, the sweat rolling off of his forehead, and over his T-shirt. He remained focussed, hardly paying attention to anything else around him, as he let out punch after punch after punch.
"Someone we know?" Rocky quipped, indicating the punch bag.
Tommy looked up as the familiar voice rang in his ears, his face shocked when he saw him, a smile quickly spreading onto his features. "Rocky!" He walked over to his friend, their hands clasping together in a firm shake. "Man, it's good to see you again."
Rocky nodded. "You too." They walked towards one of the nearby benches, Tommy picking up his towel on the way. "So." Rocky tried to think of a subtle way to say what he was going to say, but subtlety was never his strong point, so he just came out with. "Listen, Kat's worried about you."
Tommy looked up as he heard her name. "Kat, worried?"
"We talked on the phone last week, and she sounded so distraught. Tommy she needs you, and feels that you are slipping away."
"B-but I'm right here."
"In body, maybe, in mind, you know you're not." Rocky slowly sighed.
Tommy finally spoke. "It's just, hard, having to concentrate on so many things at once. And yet, none of it will matter, none of it will, when this darkness finally arrives. I-I've got to be at my best, so that I can protect her, so that I can help protect the city."
"Even without your powers?"
There was no hesitation in his answer: "Even without my powers."
"I understand, Tommy, I really do but, just remember." Rocky stood up. "That when this is all over, Kat might not be there to go back to." He sighed, walking towards the exit, leaving Tommy alone with his thoughts.
--------------------
Dawn. Such a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight, the way the first threads of sunlight streak across the dark but brightening sky, the way a red and purple hue seem to emit from where the sun begins to rise, and the way all living things start to come alive under its touch. Dawn was indeed a splendid sight.
But, for the first time in years, Tommy looked up at the sky with dread. It felt different, tainted somehow, as if this dawn was rather the beginning of night rather than of day. A cold shiver seemed to pass before his soul, no life seemed to emanate from the growing rays of sunlight, no warmth or heat that gently caressed the skin, nothing but a cold, harsh touch in its wake.
He suddenly noticed that his hand was playing on the spearhead that was fashioned into a chain around his neck, a single token from the long gone journey from when he went in search of his Zeo crystal. He did not know why it was, but it had always felt special to him, the spearhead representing both swiftness and power, a balance that he strove to find in his fighting.
He slowly gazed back up at the sky, the sun continuing to rise in the east, no warmth receiving from its light. Whether this was some kind of forewarning or not, this truly was, the darkest dawn.
