Chapter 3
................
Jason had lent his friends some of his clothes while their wet ones were drying and the party continued in the meantime. I had a dream recently about the day's events and kind of laughed (which felt good). How could have I not seen it? I think Tommy had suspected it first. Then it happened not even a week later -- the beginning of the end -- of the Power Rangers
.................
"LUNCH," Zack said settling down at their usual table.
"Have enough there, man?" asked Jason.
"Yo, I'm a growing boy!"
"And you wonder why Kim calls you the B.P.," Jason grinned.
"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask about that. What's that suppose to mean? Black person?"
"No! Bottomless pit!" Jason laughed.
"Ohhh okay. Where is she anyway?" asked Zack.
"At the library with Trini. They're using their lunchtime to help Tommy out with his math."
"I see. So at the camp he continued his studies?"
"Yeah. The state has a program to help them keep up. I was reading about it online. It doesn't seem that great."
"Online?" Zack asked.
"It's cool. Billy was showing me how to use it the other day on his computer. There's this thing called AOL and you connect with your phone line to information around the world. You can see pictures and everything," Jason explained.
"Oh. That's cool -- I guess," Zack said before lowering his volume and leaning in slightly. "You know what today is, right?"
"Wednesday," Jason answered. "And why are we whispering?"
"Rita, Jase. No putties, no anything since Saturday. Makes me think she's planning something."
"Makes me think you're paranoid."
"Four days is a long time without a call from Zordon or Alpha. We better stay alert for anything suspicious," Zack said sitting back.
"Believe me. I'd be the first one to see anything suspicious, but enjoy the time off while you can."
.............................
"Yes, enjoy your time now because when my evil Green Ranger is chosen, your time will be up! FINSTER!"
Finster looked up from his work and shook his head, utter frustration coursing through every fiber of his being. The lowly monster maker had been at it almost non-stop since Rita had commissioned him to create the shield needed to activate the Green Ranger powers. Deadlines kept the wizard scientist on his toes and driven, but at times like these Finster felt uncertain if he could continue to appease Rita with the small amount of time allotted to him.
"FINSTER! Get your carcass in here!"
"Coming, my queen."
Finster gladly set his tools down and proceeded to the throne room where he assumed Rita's voice was coming from. He instead found a path of candles lighting his steps elsewhere. This meant Rita was ready to begin a major spell Finster assessed. Continuing, Rita's henchman led himself downstairs to the dungeon; the one place in the castle Finster hates to go. The stone in which the steps were composed of seemed larger and scarier with only candles lighting the way.
Finster found Goldar waiting for him at the bottom of the stairway. With a grunt and his sword extended outward, the gold-laden warrior directed his apprehensive ally to proceed to where Rita stood waiting. Pieces of the putty soldiers littered the floor of the dungeon. Often when Rita would throw one of her temper-tantrums, she would have Finster create a small army of Putty Patrollers for the sole purpose of destroying every last one with her wand; a therapy of sorts.
"Is it ready?" the space witch inquired, her cold nasty voice echoing off the tall dungeon walls.
"Almost, " Finster answered, his hands fidgeting together. "I still have not prepared a matching holster for your chosen one's dagger though."
"Nevermind that. I need the shield," Rita said placing the wand's circular piece in front of her face. "The spell must begin now. I must activate the dragon coin and select one to wield its power at once. Bring me the shield."
"But--"
"The shield, Finster! NOW!"
Red energy illuminated from the ball on Rita's wand and struck Finster to the ground. His pain-filled cry was heard all throughout the dungeon. In the background Goldar stood chuckling to himself at the sight of the defenseless underling withering on the floor.
.............................
The students of Angel Grove High poured out the building finally free to enjoy their afternoon. A chatty Kim and Trini walked out together, Kim doing more of the talking. Trini tended to be more of the listener of the bunch, only chiming in when she has something constructive to say. That was the big difference between her and Kim, but somehow their friendship worked. What one lacked, the other made up for. Trini admired Kim's outgoing personality and fed off that as a source of inspiration to be more open and spontaneous with things.
"Wow, what a totally awesome day," Kim said smiling up at the clear blue sky. "This is why Angel Grove rocks."
"Yeah," Trini agreed. "So you're teaching the gymnastics class today or no?"
"Yes. All week actually. Lucy's sick so I'm picking up the slack."
"Make sure you get plenty of rest tonight or you'll work yourself to the bones."
"Heh, I will. It's just this week. The extra money doesn't hurt either."
"No kidding," Trini said, her grin suddenly fading.
"What's the matter?" asked Kim.
"That girl over there. Look."
A tall blonde was sitting by a tree appearing to be rather unhappy. The look on her face suggested she had been crying.
"I've never seen her before. Is she new?" asked Trini.
"I think. Only one way to find out. Come on," said Kim.
Kimberly and Trini came over to the girl and knelt down beside her. She quickly wiped her face and tried to put on a small smile, but the attempt was transparent and pointless she realized.
"Hey, what's the matter?" asked Kim. "Bad day?"
"Bad doesn't describe it," the girl said.
"Was this your first day?" Trini asked.
"Yes it was."
"Oh, I'm Kimberly by the way," Kim said starting introductions. "And that's Trini."
"Pleasure to meet you both. I'm Katherine Hillard. You can call me Kat. Everyone else does."
"So what happened that was so bad, Kat?" Trini inquired.
"Gosh, where do I begin?" Kat asked.
"The beginning is usually a good place," Kimberly smiled.
Kat returned the smile, feeling a bit relieved already. She continued. "I've never moved before and my dad's company transferred him to here in Angel Grove. The move was so sudden. I know nobody and I miss my friends back home."
"I know how that is," said Trini. "I came here before freshman year, but I've met some really great people. It worked out."
"Well I met some not so great people today. Some girl made a comment about my accent and the way she said what she said really hurt."
"Hey, I like your accent! That girl doesn't know what she's talking about," Kim said. "Australian, right?"
"Correct," said Kat.
"How much you want to bet it was Veronica?" Trini asked Kim.
"Yeah. That was her name," Kat said.
"Don't worry about people like her. If you ignore her, she'll fly away and try to suck the blood out of somebody else instead," said Trini.
"And there's other things," Katherine continued. "I couldn't find some of my classes and some of the students and even some teachers were not very willing to help. It's such a big school you know."
"That totally breaks my heart that people act so ugly. I apologize on the behalf of all the meanies and jerks of Angel Grove High," Kim said digging into her purse. "I hate to split so soon, but I have a class to teach. Here's my number. Call me later and we can talk some more, 'kay?"
"Thank you so much, Kimberly," Kat smiled. "It looks like this day didn't end so bad after all. I made two friends."
"Silver linings all the way. I'll catch you girls later. Ta ta," Kim said getting up to leave.
"Bye, Kim," said Trini. "Kat, how about you and me go find something to do? I'd love to show you around."
"That'd be wonderful. You guys have been so great."
"What can I say? That's what friends are for."
.............................
Billy fell to the mat after his third failed attempt to execute the double spin kick Jason had been helping him with. Offering a hand, Jason helped the discouraged teen up.
"It's okay, Billy. It takes time."
"Maybe I'm just not cut out for this. It looks like I'm just going to have to be dependent on my Ranger powers after all."
"That's not true, man. Remember what Trini's Uncle Howard taught you a few weeks back? Clearing your mind of all fear and doubt will fill your mind with confidence and determination instead."
Billy shrugged and stepped back to his mark. Taking in a deep breath, the white belt narrowed his eyes slightly and focused on clearing his head of any mental infirmity hindering his concentration. Billy stepped forward with his left leg and brought up the other for the first of the two kicks, followed immediately with his left again to pivot and with his right again to execute the second. To his and Jason's surprise, Billy found himself standing erect.
"Congratulations. You just performed your first double spin kick," Jason said slapping Billy five.
Billy's smile was ear to ear but not for long.
"Big deal!" Bulk criticized from his seat by the juice bar, an extra large order of onion rings sitting in front of him. "I could still drop you with both hands tied behind my back!"
"With a blindfold!" Skull added, his hand clenching the bottle of ketchup he was holding for Bulk.
"No one asked you two," Kim said coming over from her side of the floor. "I was watching from my class and I thought you did great, Billy."
"Thank you, Kimberly," said Billy.
A teen in a green tank and black pants walked into the Youth Center apparently looking for someone.
"He showed," Jason said to himself. "Yo, Tommy. Over here."
"Sorry I'm late," Tommy said joining the three on the mat. "I lost track of time."
"Naturally," said Jason. "What were you doing?"
"Does it matter? I'm here aren't I?"
"Um, I'm going back to my class now. Catch ya on the flip side," Kimberly said beginning to leave.
"Hey, Kim. Sorry, didn't see you there," Tommy apologized.
"Oh, it's okay," Kimberly said turning back around. "How'd the rest of your math go?"
"It went alright," Tommy said assuredly. "Thanks again."
"No prob," Kim smiled. "If you need anymore help, you have my number."
"Will do."
Kimberly returned to instructing her gymnastics class. Jason, having observed their body language, exchanged looks with Billy who shared the same sentiments.
"You missed it," Jason said to his brother. "Billy totally nailed his first double spin kick."
"Really? That's awesome, man. Congrats," Tommy said.
"Thanks," said Billy. "I'm going to grab a drink real quick. I'll be back."
"Now that he's gone, I can tell you," said Tommy.
"Tell me what?" Jason asked.
"Tara Martinez's house this Friday night."
"Okay?"
"Okay? Jase! It's party time, bro."
"Tommy, look," Jason began. "I don't think you need to be getting yourself--"
"I knew you'd say that," Tommy said interrupting.
"You didn't even let me finish my sentence!"
"You're assuming I'm going to go get wasted or whatever, right?"
"You're not going to play Guesstures. I know that much," Jason said crossing his arms.
"If I was going to go drink, then I wouldn't have told you I was going. I wanted you to go for that reason," Tommy calmly explained.
"To drink?"
"No, fool. To watch me not drink. I'm trying to prove something to you."
"If you want to prove that you've reformed, then don't go. That's proof enough," Jason said.
"I can still party without drinking, bro. Just come."
"Not my scene."
"I understand ... but let's make a deal," Tommy offered. "We spar for it."
"What?" Jason asked.
"We spar. If I win, you go with me to the party. If you win, I won't go. Plain and simple."
"I'm not sparring with you, Tommy."
"We use to spar all the time. What's the matter? Afraid I'll beat you?"
"It's not working, bro. Give it up," Jason said grabbing his gym towel.
"Come on, chicken. Spar."
Tommy grabbed the towel from Jason's hand and twirled it in the same manner of the bo staff he had mastered years ago. Jason remained uninterested, but was growing annoyed by his brother's teasing. Like a bull seeing red, something in Jason reacted the same way watching the red towel twirl back and forth over Tommy's shoulders.
"Give me that!" Jason said reaching for his towel.
Tommy snapped it away and delivered a kick to Jason's shins, sending the karate instructor to the floor. It was on now. From where he landed, Jason shot his leg up and brought Tommy to his level. Almost immediately people gathered around the mat for what appeared to be an impromptu sparring match between two of Angel Grove's finest martial artists. Little did they know what was really going on. Kimberly stopped teaching her class and looked to see what the commotion was all about. Evaluating the situation herself for only a brief moment, she concluded otherwise.
Billy, too, stood stunned. "Oh no. This can't be good!"
.............................
"This is so good! Baboo! Baboo, come look!" Squatt yelled.
The lankier one of the bumbling duo came to the balcony where his comrade stood staring into Rita's Repulsascope.
"What is it, my fat friend?" Baboo asked.
"Jason the Red Ranger! Look!"
Squatt moved over for Baboo to see.
"Wow! Who is that guy? He's handing that Ranger his tuccus!"
"I don't know," said Squatt, "but I think Rita and Goldar should see this. I think we've found our evil Green Ranger!"
................
Jason had lent his friends some of his clothes while their wet ones were drying and the party continued in the meantime. I had a dream recently about the day's events and kind of laughed (which felt good). How could have I not seen it? I think Tommy had suspected it first. Then it happened not even a week later -- the beginning of the end -- of the Power Rangers
.................
"LUNCH," Zack said settling down at their usual table.
"Have enough there, man?" asked Jason.
"Yo, I'm a growing boy!"
"And you wonder why Kim calls you the B.P.," Jason grinned.
"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask about that. What's that suppose to mean? Black person?"
"No! Bottomless pit!" Jason laughed.
"Ohhh okay. Where is she anyway?" asked Zack.
"At the library with Trini. They're using their lunchtime to help Tommy out with his math."
"I see. So at the camp he continued his studies?"
"Yeah. The state has a program to help them keep up. I was reading about it online. It doesn't seem that great."
"Online?" Zack asked.
"It's cool. Billy was showing me how to use it the other day on his computer. There's this thing called AOL and you connect with your phone line to information around the world. You can see pictures and everything," Jason explained.
"Oh. That's cool -- I guess," Zack said before lowering his volume and leaning in slightly. "You know what today is, right?"
"Wednesday," Jason answered. "And why are we whispering?"
"Rita, Jase. No putties, no anything since Saturday. Makes me think she's planning something."
"Makes me think you're paranoid."
"Four days is a long time without a call from Zordon or Alpha. We better stay alert for anything suspicious," Zack said sitting back.
"Believe me. I'd be the first one to see anything suspicious, but enjoy the time off while you can."
.............................
"Yes, enjoy your time now because when my evil Green Ranger is chosen, your time will be up! FINSTER!"
Finster looked up from his work and shook his head, utter frustration coursing through every fiber of his being. The lowly monster maker had been at it almost non-stop since Rita had commissioned him to create the shield needed to activate the Green Ranger powers. Deadlines kept the wizard scientist on his toes and driven, but at times like these Finster felt uncertain if he could continue to appease Rita with the small amount of time allotted to him.
"FINSTER! Get your carcass in here!"
"Coming, my queen."
Finster gladly set his tools down and proceeded to the throne room where he assumed Rita's voice was coming from. He instead found a path of candles lighting his steps elsewhere. This meant Rita was ready to begin a major spell Finster assessed. Continuing, Rita's henchman led himself downstairs to the dungeon; the one place in the castle Finster hates to go. The stone in which the steps were composed of seemed larger and scarier with only candles lighting the way.
Finster found Goldar waiting for him at the bottom of the stairway. With a grunt and his sword extended outward, the gold-laden warrior directed his apprehensive ally to proceed to where Rita stood waiting. Pieces of the putty soldiers littered the floor of the dungeon. Often when Rita would throw one of her temper-tantrums, she would have Finster create a small army of Putty Patrollers for the sole purpose of destroying every last one with her wand; a therapy of sorts.
"Is it ready?" the space witch inquired, her cold nasty voice echoing off the tall dungeon walls.
"Almost, " Finster answered, his hands fidgeting together. "I still have not prepared a matching holster for your chosen one's dagger though."
"Nevermind that. I need the shield," Rita said placing the wand's circular piece in front of her face. "The spell must begin now. I must activate the dragon coin and select one to wield its power at once. Bring me the shield."
"But--"
"The shield, Finster! NOW!"
Red energy illuminated from the ball on Rita's wand and struck Finster to the ground. His pain-filled cry was heard all throughout the dungeon. In the background Goldar stood chuckling to himself at the sight of the defenseless underling withering on the floor.
.............................
The students of Angel Grove High poured out the building finally free to enjoy their afternoon. A chatty Kim and Trini walked out together, Kim doing more of the talking. Trini tended to be more of the listener of the bunch, only chiming in when she has something constructive to say. That was the big difference between her and Kim, but somehow their friendship worked. What one lacked, the other made up for. Trini admired Kim's outgoing personality and fed off that as a source of inspiration to be more open and spontaneous with things.
"Wow, what a totally awesome day," Kim said smiling up at the clear blue sky. "This is why Angel Grove rocks."
"Yeah," Trini agreed. "So you're teaching the gymnastics class today or no?"
"Yes. All week actually. Lucy's sick so I'm picking up the slack."
"Make sure you get plenty of rest tonight or you'll work yourself to the bones."
"Heh, I will. It's just this week. The extra money doesn't hurt either."
"No kidding," Trini said, her grin suddenly fading.
"What's the matter?" asked Kim.
"That girl over there. Look."
A tall blonde was sitting by a tree appearing to be rather unhappy. The look on her face suggested she had been crying.
"I've never seen her before. Is she new?" asked Trini.
"I think. Only one way to find out. Come on," said Kim.
Kimberly and Trini came over to the girl and knelt down beside her. She quickly wiped her face and tried to put on a small smile, but the attempt was transparent and pointless she realized.
"Hey, what's the matter?" asked Kim. "Bad day?"
"Bad doesn't describe it," the girl said.
"Was this your first day?" Trini asked.
"Yes it was."
"Oh, I'm Kimberly by the way," Kim said starting introductions. "And that's Trini."
"Pleasure to meet you both. I'm Katherine Hillard. You can call me Kat. Everyone else does."
"So what happened that was so bad, Kat?" Trini inquired.
"Gosh, where do I begin?" Kat asked.
"The beginning is usually a good place," Kimberly smiled.
Kat returned the smile, feeling a bit relieved already. She continued. "I've never moved before and my dad's company transferred him to here in Angel Grove. The move was so sudden. I know nobody and I miss my friends back home."
"I know how that is," said Trini. "I came here before freshman year, but I've met some really great people. It worked out."
"Well I met some not so great people today. Some girl made a comment about my accent and the way she said what she said really hurt."
"Hey, I like your accent! That girl doesn't know what she's talking about," Kim said. "Australian, right?"
"Correct," said Kat.
"How much you want to bet it was Veronica?" Trini asked Kim.
"Yeah. That was her name," Kat said.
"Don't worry about people like her. If you ignore her, she'll fly away and try to suck the blood out of somebody else instead," said Trini.
"And there's other things," Katherine continued. "I couldn't find some of my classes and some of the students and even some teachers were not very willing to help. It's such a big school you know."
"That totally breaks my heart that people act so ugly. I apologize on the behalf of all the meanies and jerks of Angel Grove High," Kim said digging into her purse. "I hate to split so soon, but I have a class to teach. Here's my number. Call me later and we can talk some more, 'kay?"
"Thank you so much, Kimberly," Kat smiled. "It looks like this day didn't end so bad after all. I made two friends."
"Silver linings all the way. I'll catch you girls later. Ta ta," Kim said getting up to leave.
"Bye, Kim," said Trini. "Kat, how about you and me go find something to do? I'd love to show you around."
"That'd be wonderful. You guys have been so great."
"What can I say? That's what friends are for."
.............................
Billy fell to the mat after his third failed attempt to execute the double spin kick Jason had been helping him with. Offering a hand, Jason helped the discouraged teen up.
"It's okay, Billy. It takes time."
"Maybe I'm just not cut out for this. It looks like I'm just going to have to be dependent on my Ranger powers after all."
"That's not true, man. Remember what Trini's Uncle Howard taught you a few weeks back? Clearing your mind of all fear and doubt will fill your mind with confidence and determination instead."
Billy shrugged and stepped back to his mark. Taking in a deep breath, the white belt narrowed his eyes slightly and focused on clearing his head of any mental infirmity hindering his concentration. Billy stepped forward with his left leg and brought up the other for the first of the two kicks, followed immediately with his left again to pivot and with his right again to execute the second. To his and Jason's surprise, Billy found himself standing erect.
"Congratulations. You just performed your first double spin kick," Jason said slapping Billy five.
Billy's smile was ear to ear but not for long.
"Big deal!" Bulk criticized from his seat by the juice bar, an extra large order of onion rings sitting in front of him. "I could still drop you with both hands tied behind my back!"
"With a blindfold!" Skull added, his hand clenching the bottle of ketchup he was holding for Bulk.
"No one asked you two," Kim said coming over from her side of the floor. "I was watching from my class and I thought you did great, Billy."
"Thank you, Kimberly," said Billy.
A teen in a green tank and black pants walked into the Youth Center apparently looking for someone.
"He showed," Jason said to himself. "Yo, Tommy. Over here."
"Sorry I'm late," Tommy said joining the three on the mat. "I lost track of time."
"Naturally," said Jason. "What were you doing?"
"Does it matter? I'm here aren't I?"
"Um, I'm going back to my class now. Catch ya on the flip side," Kimberly said beginning to leave.
"Hey, Kim. Sorry, didn't see you there," Tommy apologized.
"Oh, it's okay," Kimberly said turning back around. "How'd the rest of your math go?"
"It went alright," Tommy said assuredly. "Thanks again."
"No prob," Kim smiled. "If you need anymore help, you have my number."
"Will do."
Kimberly returned to instructing her gymnastics class. Jason, having observed their body language, exchanged looks with Billy who shared the same sentiments.
"You missed it," Jason said to his brother. "Billy totally nailed his first double spin kick."
"Really? That's awesome, man. Congrats," Tommy said.
"Thanks," said Billy. "I'm going to grab a drink real quick. I'll be back."
"Now that he's gone, I can tell you," said Tommy.
"Tell me what?" Jason asked.
"Tara Martinez's house this Friday night."
"Okay?"
"Okay? Jase! It's party time, bro."
"Tommy, look," Jason began. "I don't think you need to be getting yourself--"
"I knew you'd say that," Tommy said interrupting.
"You didn't even let me finish my sentence!"
"You're assuming I'm going to go get wasted or whatever, right?"
"You're not going to play Guesstures. I know that much," Jason said crossing his arms.
"If I was going to go drink, then I wouldn't have told you I was going. I wanted you to go for that reason," Tommy calmly explained.
"To drink?"
"No, fool. To watch me not drink. I'm trying to prove something to you."
"If you want to prove that you've reformed, then don't go. That's proof enough," Jason said.
"I can still party without drinking, bro. Just come."
"Not my scene."
"I understand ... but let's make a deal," Tommy offered. "We spar for it."
"What?" Jason asked.
"We spar. If I win, you go with me to the party. If you win, I won't go. Plain and simple."
"I'm not sparring with you, Tommy."
"We use to spar all the time. What's the matter? Afraid I'll beat you?"
"It's not working, bro. Give it up," Jason said grabbing his gym towel.
"Come on, chicken. Spar."
Tommy grabbed the towel from Jason's hand and twirled it in the same manner of the bo staff he had mastered years ago. Jason remained uninterested, but was growing annoyed by his brother's teasing. Like a bull seeing red, something in Jason reacted the same way watching the red towel twirl back and forth over Tommy's shoulders.
"Give me that!" Jason said reaching for his towel.
Tommy snapped it away and delivered a kick to Jason's shins, sending the karate instructor to the floor. It was on now. From where he landed, Jason shot his leg up and brought Tommy to his level. Almost immediately people gathered around the mat for what appeared to be an impromptu sparring match between two of Angel Grove's finest martial artists. Little did they know what was really going on. Kimberly stopped teaching her class and looked to see what the commotion was all about. Evaluating the situation herself for only a brief moment, she concluded otherwise.
Billy, too, stood stunned. "Oh no. This can't be good!"
.............................
"This is so good! Baboo! Baboo, come look!" Squatt yelled.
The lankier one of the bumbling duo came to the balcony where his comrade stood staring into Rita's Repulsascope.
"What is it, my fat friend?" Baboo asked.
"Jason the Red Ranger! Look!"
Squatt moved over for Baboo to see.
"Wow! Who is that guy? He's handing that Ranger his tuccus!"
"I don't know," said Squatt, "but I think Rita and Goldar should see this. I think we've found our evil Green Ranger!"