DISCLAIMER: They own everything, I own nothing. :(
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Okay, this chapter explains Tommy and Billy's mental connection. Due to Billy's newly discovered telepathic abilities, he can morph when needed into his ninja form. Don't ask why he just can! Hope you all like this chapter, please read and review.
A Child for us All – Part 3
It all started when the rangers were set a science project through school. Their goal was to determine how well their memory worked and if they could change their own personal interpretation of events through the introduction of different stimulus. Walking out of the classroom Tommy was beginning to have visions of repeating the year.
"Man – memory? You have to be joking, I'm going to fail for sure!" He was well known for his memory – or lack of. Billy laughed; by chance he had been paired with his team leader for the project.
"Not so Tommy. I am sure that this project could be carried out in such a way to aid your memory. A tool may be found to assist you through our research." Tommy sighed.
"Where's Rocky?" he asked. "I need to spar!"
***
Lord Zedd looked down on earth and growled. "Those pathetic teenagers are tying to improve the white ranger? Hah, good luck to them!" He began to glow as he faced Rita. "Pah, it's a wonder Tommy remembers to get dressed each morning!"
"Well Zeddy, why don't we mess up their project. You haven't been able to come up with a good plan for months – here's your chance!" Rita screeched at her evil husband.
"WHY YOU!" Lord Zedd raged. "Just you wait, I'll kidnap the leader of those pathetic power teens and have an experiment of our own! The white ranger will finally belong to me!"
"I'll believe it when I see it!" Rita retorted and stormed out of the room.
"Women!" Lord Zedd spat disgustedly as he turned to contemplate the fate of the white ranger. He spotted Billy and Tommy walking across the park. "Two rangers all alone, an even better chance for my putties to carry out my plan." The evil lord mused. "Putties go and capture the white ranger!" He ordered as he sent a putty patrol down the earth.
***
Billy and Tommy were halfway to the youth center when a large putty patrol appeared around them. The two teenagers instantly dropped down in a fighting stance. "Maybe we need to give Lord Zedd a memory lesson, like what happens when we fight his putties," quipped Tommy as he moved forward to take out two of the clay brains with a forward punch and a reverse elbow strike.
"I feel it will be a hard lesson for him to learn" was Billy's dry comment as he flipped over a putty and destroyed it with a side thrust kick. As Tommy and Billy fought, it seemed that the putties were trying to separate them, with no luck. As the two rangers gained the upper hand, a putty shrugged its shoulders and the whole group teleported from the area.
Tommy and Billy were teleported to the dark dimension. As their vision cleared they glanced at each other.
"This isn't good" Tommy muttered. "Can you contact Zordon Billy?" he asked. No sooner than Billy had put his wrist to his mouth and activated his communicator, did Goldar appear.
"Blue Ranger? What are you doing here?" The space monkey asked.
Billy looked surprised. "I can take my leave right now if you wish." He offered.
Goldar hesitated, apparently considering the offer before answering. He shook his head. "Insufferable fool, how dare you mock me!" The monster gave an evil grin, "No, two will suit my Lords designs quiet nicely!" He pointed his sword at them both and their vision became one of flames.
***
As soon as Tommy and Billy disappeared from earth, the sirens began to wail in the power chamber.
"Aye, ie ie! Zordon what's happening?" Alpha started to panic as he brought up reports.
"LORD ZEDD HAS CAPTURED THE WHITE AND BLUE RANGER. CONTACT THE REMAINING RANGERS AND SUMMON THEM AT ONCE." Zordon's voice was worried as he directed the small robot.
"Right away Zordon" Alpha hurried over to the consol as he complied with Zordon's bidding. Within moments, the teleportation beams announced the ranger's arrival.
"Zordon what's going on?" Kimberly asked, a frown on her face, "and where is Tommy and Billy?" She added as she looked around.
"TOMMY AND BILLY ARE THE REASON WHY YOU WERE SUMMONED HERE. LORD ZEDD HAS CAPTURED THEN BOTH." As Zordon answered the question, Kimberly turned pale.
"Why?" Aisha asked their mentor, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder.
"HE MEANS TO BRAIN WASH THE TWO, TURNING THEM AGAINST GOOD ONCE AND FOR ALL. WITH TWO RANGERS AS SKILLED AS TOMMY AND BILLY, HIS TRIUMPH WILL BE COMPLETE." Zordon informed them. "BEHOLD THE VIEWING GLOBE." The rangers turned towards the globe to see the two trapped in the dark dimension. Suddenly they disappeared in flames.
"Oh god, Zordon where have they gone?" Kimberly's voice sounded slightly hysterical.
"I AM NOT CERTAIN KIMBERLY." Zordon replied gravely. "ALPHA, TRY AND GAIN A LOCK ON THE TWO"
"At once" Alpha agreed, carrying out the necessary adjustments. "The computers cannot fix their locations. But evidence suggests that they have been taken deep into Lord Zedd's castle. We are unable to teleport anyone in or out. Aye ie ie, what are we going to do?"
"Well, we're not going to just leave them there, that's for sure!" Rocky affirmed, "Adam, you've worked with Billy often enough. Do you think we could come up with a way to get them out?"
"I'm sure of it" came Adam's reply, he was already reading the reports Alpha had printed out earlier.
"Well, let's get to work. I don't want Zedd to have them a second longer than we can help it!" And with that the reduced ranger team strived to come up with a rescue plan.
***
As Tommy and Billy recovered from their second unwanted teleportation, Lord Zedd gloated over his triumph.
"So what!" pouted Rita, "you've got lucky. Now what are you doing to do, brain wash them both?" She was sulking, annoyed that her husband had managed to pull off part of his plan.
"Exactly my prickly pear. But first I'm going to have some fun. Not only will those pathetic teens be brain washed, they'll be completely broken as well!" The evil lord was practically dancing at the thought. "GOLDAR!" He called.
The space monkey came rushing to his master's side. "You called?" he asked, eye's glowing with hope.
"It's time to break those teens. I've transferred them to the larger dungeon, use it as a training area to teach them a lesson in manners!" ordered Lord Zedd.
"At once my Lord!" Goldar practically saluted and ran off to do Lord Zedd's bidding.
Down in the dungeon, Billy and Tommy were trying to contact the rest of the ranger team, with no luck. Lord Zedd had confiscated their morpher's yet allowed for their communicators to remain. It was as if the evil being was taunting them.
"Pathetic human's, its time to die!" At the sound of Goldar's challenge the two teens looked at each other. It seemed that they were going to be in for some trouble.
"Try not to get to close to him," whispered Tommy, "we may be able to escape serious injury and wear him down faster." Billy nodded. They both stood up, facing Goldar. "We're ready when you are!"
Goldar rushed them both with his sword, at the last minute the two rangers diverted away from the monster, kicking him in the back as they passed. Goldar roared, as the battle began intent.
The two captured teens tried to stay out of the monster's reach, only coming in when he was off-guard to deliver a quick defensive technique. Jabs and snap kicks were repeatedly executed; these were safe techniques capable of injuring when performed correctly. Yet Goldar showed more stamina than the two humans, slowing gaining a greater number of hits. Billy had just delivered a low snap kick to the side of Goldar's knees when Tommy made use of the space monkey's diverted attention, setting himself up for a flying side kick to the monster's side – a vital target area. Unfortunately exhaustion had started to beset the two teens that cost Tommy his usual speed. Goldar managed to pre-empt the kick, grabbing Tommy mid flight and throwing him against the dungeon wall. The leader of the power rangers hid the wall and floor with a sickening thud. Billy glanced at his leader – he wasn't moving. Goldar spoke.
"Well human, there's no fun in playing with just one of you. Be sure that I'll return to finish our chat." As soon as he finished speaking, he disappeared. Billy crawled over to his fallen leader.
***
In the Power Chamber patience was wearing thin as the rangers desperately strived to find an optimal solution. Rocky had been observing his fellow team members for the last few minutes, noting that Adam was starting to look slightly hassled. Kim couldn't let a minute go by without asking the black ranger if he had any luck or was there anything she could do. If the pink ranger weren't careful, Zordon would have her sedated in the next few minutes. He decided to avert possible violence with a well-timed suggestion.
"Look, here's what I think. Adam you chose someone to stay here and help you. The rest of us will go and get out of your hair." The black ranger flashed a grateful look towards Rocky.
"RANGER'S I AGREE WITH THIS COURSE OF ACTION. TOO MANY BODIES MAY HINDER THE SEARCH EFFORTS" Like Rocky, Zordon had noticed Adam's distress.
"At the moment I don't really need any help – I have Zordon and Alpha." Adam really needed to have some time to think without any distractions, he was used to working with Billy, and that usually occurred in companionable silence. He found a diversion for them. "Why don't you go and finish our projects, that will keep your minds busy." Kimberley looked like she was going to argue, a look from Zordon silenced her.
"Come on guys, no use making it worse for Adam. I don't think a note from Zordon will get us out of homework either!" Rocky tried to rally the girls together.
"GO RANGERS, WE WILL INFORM YOU AT ONCE IF ANYTHING CHANGES." Zordon dismissed the three and with that Alpha teleported them out.
Adam turned to Alpha. "Maybe if we repeatedly swept the teleportation beam over the moon we'll find a weak spot to use as a reference point to teleport them out?"
"Good idea Adam, let's see how it works" agreeing with Adam, the robot turned towards the computers.
***
Back on the moon, Billy was desperately trying to wake Tommy up. *Wonderful* The blue ranger thought to himself, *how on earth am I going to carry him out of here?* Billy, from a young age had sometimes been able to impress people with his own thoughts, usually if he was feeling a particular emotion strongly. His mother had always told him to be sensitive to other people's feelings, and to a young Billy, this seemed like an extension of the appropriate consideration. When his mother passed away, the young boy unwittingly locked that aspect of his mind away and there the ability sat dormant. *COME ON TOMMY, PLEASE WAKE UP. I NEED YOU CONSCIOUS SO I CAN ASSESS YOUR INJURIES* this thought was blown from Billy's mind in frustration and worry. Second's later Tommy groaned. "Whatever just hit me, make sure you got that number plate!" Billy sighed in relief, unaware that his thoughts and feelings may have jolted Tommy awake.
"Where are you injured?" The blue ranger now needed to assess their injuries, in order to formulate a plan for their escape. "I think I've received some broken ribs and bruising," he added, wincing at the memory.
Tommy tried to sit up, and failed dismally at the effort. "Oh god!" he muttered between gritted teeth as pain radiated throughout his body. "I think you can be sure I've got some broken ribs in their somewhere! Can you help me get up?" Tommy's faced looked gray.
"Negative, it would be wiser to leave you where you are until we know the current state of your injuries." Billy placed firm hands on his leader's shoulders as Tommy once again tried to rise.
Tommy paled further, he was in a situation he always feared - he would not be able to protect one of his team members. "Billy, I can't leave you to face them on your own, you have your own injuries"
"Mine are mere scratches compared to yours. I shall be able to adequately hold them off until the rangers find a way to free us." Billy's reply was firm and no-nonsense. Tommy sighed, ousted by his own rules – if you were injured you did everything you could to keep the injuries contained. But his rules didn't count when they were applied to him. He had let down the rangers before, when he was Rita's green ranger. Tommy was never going to let down any of his team again. If Tommy couldn't help Billy against Goldar, he would feel like he had failed. "Billy..." Tommy's protest was cut short by the arrival of Rito. "Oh this just gets better!"
"Aw, the poor iddle ranger is hurt!" Rito teased. "Let Rito make it all better!" He advanced towards the two.
Billy stood up, readying himself to defend them both, Tommy was in no position to fight anyone.
"Billy, remember the tactics" Tommy hoarsely ordered. In his mind he had already failed the blue ranger. Rito had unwittingly began the mental destruction of the white ranger, Tommy would much rather take a physical beating than see any of his team under attack – without any chance of assistance.
Rito rushed towards Billy, who moved away from Tommy so he would be out of the firing line. The blue ranger was no longer the soft, vulnerable type he once was and could quite capably defend himself. Rito in truth was a clumsily warrior, but it was his stupidity and willingness to do battle where no one else would that made him dangerous. As the mutated monster made the occasional contact with Billy, Rito noticed that Tommy would flinch. Rito cackled "What's wrong Tommy? Feeling left out are we? Let me make you feel more welcome!"
"Bring it on Rito!" Tommy quickly replied, glad to have the focus off Billy. Rito's slow thought process was confused as he noticed Tommy's body language changing from afraid to defiant. He paused and scratched his head.
"Hey Goldy!" Rito yelled.
"What is it?" Goldar asked, appearing through flames. Rito sluggishly explained that if 'Ed wanted to break the white ranger, just make him watch Billy get beaten up, cause "it sure seemed to shut him up here" Rito, the dumbest of the lot, had just laid Tommy's weakness right out in front of them all.
Billy was watching his leader carefully. Fear and frustration radiated from Tommy. The white ranger's body language was showing Billy that he needed reassuring that he was not letting anyone down. He didn't want to confirm the monster's finding by verbally speaking to Tommy. *I'll be fine Tommy, have faith* Billy thought as he rushed towards the two monsters. Goldar brushed the blue ranger aside like a fly.
"Pah, you pathetic humans amuse me." He pulled a gun like device from thin air. "The blue ranger in trouble hurts you white ranger?" He taunted, pointing the gun at Billy and laughed at Tommy's increased signs of distress. "My master commands me to brainwash you both, this will be so much more amusing to see you suffer at the same time!" He pulled the trigger, releasing a beam of evil.
Billy was consumed with evil thoughts and memories of violent actions. *Must think of my friends, good thoughts* He feel to his knees and doubled over, groaning. *Mom, help me! * The blue ranger often talked to his mother in his thoughts, using her memory to help him through the tough times. This was definitely one of those tough times!
Tommy pushed himself onto all fours, gasping as pain overloaded his sensors. He WAS NOT going to let Billy down, never! Through his own distress, Billy noticed his leader. *Tommy, I'll be okay, I'm strong enough for this* He wasn't sure if he spoke this reassurance or not. *You haven't let me down Tommy, have faith in that thought*
Tommy's thoughts had momentarily gone from protecting Billy to fighting back the wave of darkness that was rapidly consuming him once again. He felt something in that darkness, something familiar – yet alien to him. *Billy?* he asked, seconds before unconsciousness overtook him.
***
As the report came back to the Power Chambers computers, Alpha nearly overloaded with relief. "Zordon, the computers have a lock on Tommy and Billy, teleporting them now!"
"WELL DONE ADAM AND ALPHA." Zordon's praise was tinged with relief. Moment's later, light beams of white and blue appeared from the Power Chamber roof. The beams dissolved, leaving Tommy and Billy lying on the floor. As Billy's senses cleared, he looked sharply at Adam.
"Of course we're okay, and I knew you would be able to perform the necessary functions in order to carry it out." The Blue ranger winced as he rose to his feet. "Alpha, could you teleport Tommy onto a med-bed? He's not going to be feeling wonderful with his injuries."
Adam and Alpha just stared at Billy. "Um, I didn't say anything Billy." Adam was sounding slightly confused.
Billy paused and put a hand to his head. "I swear that I heard you say something. Although my head feels abnormal at the moment, I may have imagined your voice." The young genius sounded perplexed, something out of the ordinary.
Zordon listened to the exchange and then allowed himself to 'feel' the two injured rangers. Like most from his home planet, Zordon had strong telepathic abilities. He sensed a change in Billy, and a similar but different, change in Tommy. "BILLY, I BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE BECOME SENSITIVE TO THE THOUGHTS OF OTHERS. IT SEEMS THAT THE ABILITY WAS PRE-EXISTING TO THIS MOMENT, BUT HAD BEFORE REMAINED DORMANT. TOMMY TOO, HAS BECOME AFFECTED IN SOME WAY." The Blue ranger started at the mention of Tommy's name.
"Adam, what's the diagnoses on Tommy's injuries? He is in quite a bit of pain." As Billy spoke, he also winched at the thought of his sore ribs.
"BILLY, PLEASE LET ADAM AND ALPHA TEND TO YOUR INJURIES, I SHALL SUMMON THE REMAINING RANGERS HERE." Zordon quickly scanned the medical condition of the two as he contacted Rocky. Billy had suffered some broken ribs and major bruising, which was already being healed by the ranger's accelerated healing. He had also activated his telepathic abilities by trying to mentally reassure Tommy. This act had created a permanent bond between the two. They would know exactly how each other were feeling and what the other was thinking. Tommy wasn't as lucky as Billy, he was still unconscious from the injuries he had received. Zordon reviewed them all: nearly half his ribcage broken, broken arm, dislocated knee, bruising and to Zordon's alarm some internal bleeding. Tommy's accelerated healing was already kicking in, and the med-bed was attending the worst of his injuries. *It may be safer to keep Tommy unconscious for a few hours, just till his ranger healing stabilizes his condition* Zordon thought to himself.
"We read you Zordon." Rocky's voice broke into Zordon's thoughts.
"ADAM AND ALPHA HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN RETURNING THE WHITE AND BLUE RANGER TO US, TELEPORT TO THE POWER CHAMBER AT ONCE." Zordon gave the Red ranger the good news and watched the ranger's teleport in.
Kimberley's soft cry could be heard as she laid eyes on her boyfriend. "Tommy!" No. Please." Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at Billy. "Billy, what happened?"
Billy sighed carefully, "Get comfortable guys, I'll tell you from what I can remember." Everyone settled him or herself patiently and listened to the start of their friend's misadventure. As the story progress, each were amazed at the length's Lord Zedd had finally resorted to.
40 minutes later...
"And now Zordon believes I've unearthed a telepathic ability that I have held dormant since I was small. I have also accidentally formed a mind link with Tommy, I am uncertain to how he feels about this – he has not yet woken from his injuries." Billy finished his throat dry and his mind tired.
"So," Aisha began uncertainly "This means that you know what we are thinking now?"
Billy sighed and then nodded. "When I focus, I can hear what you are thinking. At the moment I've pushed the noises away somehow. I am uncertain how I have done this. I unable to duplicate this with the link between Tommy and myself however." The Blue ranger seemed uncomfortable with this; he was not sure how the leader of the power rangers would take to having someone know him as intimately as Billy would. *I am uncomfortable myself with my exposure to Tommy* Logic proved to Billy that if he was feeling this way, Tommy possibly would as well.
Zordon noticed the Blue rangers discomfort and cleared his throat, as he did so his team looked up at him expectantly. "RANGERS, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE BILLY'S NEW FOUND SKILL IN MORE DETAIL. I WILL ALERT YOU WHEN TOMMY HAS RETURNED TO CONSCIOUSNESS. I ASSURE YOU HE IS FINE." The rangers looked reluctant to leave the two newly returned teenagers so quickly but also knew that arguing with Zordon was completely pointless, and usually let to a sedative and a lecture later. They quickly said goodbye to Billy. Kimberly sighed and gave her boyfriend a soft kiss before they all teleported out.
Billy looked expectantly at his mentor. As he waited for Zordon to continue, he could feel his leader's struggle back to consciousness. At that same moment, there was an alien feeling washing over Tommy. The teen was soon peaceful in Billy's mind. *It's going to take awhile to get used to this* he thought to himself. Zordon noticed Billy's small frown as the sage 'encourage' Tommy to stay asleep for a while longer. "DO NOT WORRY BILLY. TOMMY'S INJURY'S WOULD BEST HEAL IF HE STAYED ASLEEP. HIS ACCELERATED HEALING WORK'S BEST IF THE BODY IS NOT BUSY." Zordon explained the alien feeling that Billy noticed. "NOW, LET US PROCEED TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW FOUND ABILITY"
"AS YOU HAVE ALREADY DISCOVERED, A TELEPATH IS ABLE TO TUNE OUT UNWANTED THOUGHTS FROM OTHERS. IT IS ALSO USEFUL WHEN YOU NEED TIME TO YOURSELF. YOU ARE GOING TO DISCOVER BILLY THAT A TELEPATH IS NEVER ALONE. YOUR LINK WITH TOMMY IS DIFFERENT HOWEVER. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TUNE OUT HIS CONSCIOUSNESS COMPLETELY. YOU WILL BOTH BE ABLE TO MUTE EACH OTHERS THOUGHTS, SO TO SPEAK." Zordon paused, Billy was looking thoughtful as he interrupted.
"I am correct in suggesting that we will be always able to 'feel' each other Zordon?"
"THAT IS CORRECT BILLY. ONCE YOU BOTH BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO THIS YOU WILL FIND IT TO BE A GREAT ADVANTAGE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST EVIL. IT SE..." The sirens in the Power Chamber interrupted Zordon.
"Aye, ie, ie! Zedd has discovered Goldar and Rito's failure! He's sent some putties down to the park with his new monster, Reader!" The little robot was panicking, something he was very good at.
"SEND THE RANGERS TO THE PARK AND WARN THEM AGAINST THE MONSTER, HE HAS THE ABILITY TO CONTROL WEAK MINDS. THEY ARE PROTECTED BY THE POWER." Zordon instructed Alpha. "BILLY YOU MUST REMAIN HERE. YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED YET WITH YOUR TELEPATHIC POWERS. A MEETING WITH READER MAY PROVIDE DISASTROUS."
"We're on it Alpha!" Rocky's reply could be heard as the ranger's teleported to the battle scene.
Once again Billy felt Tommy awakening through their bond, it seemed that whatever Zordon did to the ranger was not strong enough to keep him asleep.
"Zordon, Tommy is waking up. He's still feeling sore from his injuries, and he's confused about having me in his head." The blue ranger informed Zordon.
Zordon quickly assed Tommy's injuries, he should of thought that the young falcon would not be kept oblivious for long. Billy was correct, the teen was still in some pain but his curiosity over Billy was dominating over that pain.
Tommy mentally groaned *Man I'm gonna feel this* He somehow knew that Zordon had tried to spare him from discomfort but there was 'something' in his consciousness now, that wasn't there before. He could swear it was Billy, but he had no idea how. The blackness that had engulfed him was starting to lift and he knew that he could point to exactly where Billy was standing *what the?* was the last thought he had before he opened his eyes.
Three things hit him at once as he opened his eyes. First was the pain, it was there all right. *Man, Zedd is gonna die for this!* Secondly was the realization that they were no longer on the moon. Lastly, it was Billy.
"Billy?" Tommy asked. "Uh god. Zordon I can feel Billy! He's scared, and oh Billy, don't tell me they got you too?" His voiced showed his distress that he wasn't able to prevent one of his team members from injuries.
"TOMMY, PLEASE REMAIN CALM. BILLY IS IN A FAR BETTER STATE THAN YOU. AS TO WHY YOU CAN FEEL HIM, IT IS FOR BILLY TO EXPLAIN." Zordon tried to reassure the leader of his team.
As Zordon told Tommy that Billy would explain everything, the blue ranger flinched. *Thanks Zordon* he thought resentfully.
"Do you remember what happened Tommy?" Billy asked, uncertain of where to begin.
"Parts of it. Um, Goldar threw me into a wall – I know that much." Tommy's voice sounded confused, his thoughts felt confused to the young genius.
"Well, I somehow kick started telepathic abilities that had laid dormant. The kick-start was through a link to you. You and I now have a mental connection to each other." The only way Billy could explain it was straight up, he felt shock radiate through the bond.
"You're kidding me. Um, I'm not sure how I feel about that? You know what I'm thinking?" Realization dawned on Tommy "It's not one way, it's you who I'm feeling, and they're your thoughts!" Tommy closed his eyes, talk about a wake up call. *Well, if we've got it, flaunt it*
*Billy?* came Tommy's tentative thought.
*'fraid so*
At that moment the ranger team teleported in, victorious over Zedd once again.
"Tommy!" Kimberly's excited sequel could be heard as soon as the active rangers demorphed. She ran over to the prone teen, hugging him softly.
"How you feel having Billy in your head?" Rocky asked, without thinking.
"ROCKY!" chorused the rangers. The red ranger blushed.
"It's weird, but I guess we'll get used to it." Tommy replied. The use of the 'we' would soon become the popular identifier for the blue and white ranger. They would no longer think in the single term.
It had been a bit of a shaky start but Billy and Tommy soon became quite comfortable carrying each other around in their head. In fact, it would be possible to say that if the link were removed, they would not be able to function properly. Kimberly sometimes became jealous of the bond that the two shared, but made it an opportunity to become closer to Billy as well. In practical terms it made the rangers an even formable force against the threat of evil.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Okay, this chapter explains Tommy and Billy's mental connection. Due to Billy's newly discovered telepathic abilities, he can morph when needed into his ninja form. Don't ask why he just can! Hope you all like this chapter, please read and review.
A Child for us All – Part 3
It all started when the rangers were set a science project through school. Their goal was to determine how well their memory worked and if they could change their own personal interpretation of events through the introduction of different stimulus. Walking out of the classroom Tommy was beginning to have visions of repeating the year.
"Man – memory? You have to be joking, I'm going to fail for sure!" He was well known for his memory – or lack of. Billy laughed; by chance he had been paired with his team leader for the project.
"Not so Tommy. I am sure that this project could be carried out in such a way to aid your memory. A tool may be found to assist you through our research." Tommy sighed.
"Where's Rocky?" he asked. "I need to spar!"
***
Lord Zedd looked down on earth and growled. "Those pathetic teenagers are tying to improve the white ranger? Hah, good luck to them!" He began to glow as he faced Rita. "Pah, it's a wonder Tommy remembers to get dressed each morning!"
"Well Zeddy, why don't we mess up their project. You haven't been able to come up with a good plan for months – here's your chance!" Rita screeched at her evil husband.
"WHY YOU!" Lord Zedd raged. "Just you wait, I'll kidnap the leader of those pathetic power teens and have an experiment of our own! The white ranger will finally belong to me!"
"I'll believe it when I see it!" Rita retorted and stormed out of the room.
"Women!" Lord Zedd spat disgustedly as he turned to contemplate the fate of the white ranger. He spotted Billy and Tommy walking across the park. "Two rangers all alone, an even better chance for my putties to carry out my plan." The evil lord mused. "Putties go and capture the white ranger!" He ordered as he sent a putty patrol down the earth.
***
Billy and Tommy were halfway to the youth center when a large putty patrol appeared around them. The two teenagers instantly dropped down in a fighting stance. "Maybe we need to give Lord Zedd a memory lesson, like what happens when we fight his putties," quipped Tommy as he moved forward to take out two of the clay brains with a forward punch and a reverse elbow strike.
"I feel it will be a hard lesson for him to learn" was Billy's dry comment as he flipped over a putty and destroyed it with a side thrust kick. As Tommy and Billy fought, it seemed that the putties were trying to separate them, with no luck. As the two rangers gained the upper hand, a putty shrugged its shoulders and the whole group teleported from the area.
Tommy and Billy were teleported to the dark dimension. As their vision cleared they glanced at each other.
"This isn't good" Tommy muttered. "Can you contact Zordon Billy?" he asked. No sooner than Billy had put his wrist to his mouth and activated his communicator, did Goldar appear.
"Blue Ranger? What are you doing here?" The space monkey asked.
Billy looked surprised. "I can take my leave right now if you wish." He offered.
Goldar hesitated, apparently considering the offer before answering. He shook his head. "Insufferable fool, how dare you mock me!" The monster gave an evil grin, "No, two will suit my Lords designs quiet nicely!" He pointed his sword at them both and their vision became one of flames.
***
As soon as Tommy and Billy disappeared from earth, the sirens began to wail in the power chamber.
"Aye, ie ie! Zordon what's happening?" Alpha started to panic as he brought up reports.
"LORD ZEDD HAS CAPTURED THE WHITE AND BLUE RANGER. CONTACT THE REMAINING RANGERS AND SUMMON THEM AT ONCE." Zordon's voice was worried as he directed the small robot.
"Right away Zordon" Alpha hurried over to the consol as he complied with Zordon's bidding. Within moments, the teleportation beams announced the ranger's arrival.
"Zordon what's going on?" Kimberly asked, a frown on her face, "and where is Tommy and Billy?" She added as she looked around.
"TOMMY AND BILLY ARE THE REASON WHY YOU WERE SUMMONED HERE. LORD ZEDD HAS CAPTURED THEN BOTH." As Zordon answered the question, Kimberly turned pale.
"Why?" Aisha asked their mentor, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder.
"HE MEANS TO BRAIN WASH THE TWO, TURNING THEM AGAINST GOOD ONCE AND FOR ALL. WITH TWO RANGERS AS SKILLED AS TOMMY AND BILLY, HIS TRIUMPH WILL BE COMPLETE." Zordon informed them. "BEHOLD THE VIEWING GLOBE." The rangers turned towards the globe to see the two trapped in the dark dimension. Suddenly they disappeared in flames.
"Oh god, Zordon where have they gone?" Kimberly's voice sounded slightly hysterical.
"I AM NOT CERTAIN KIMBERLY." Zordon replied gravely. "ALPHA, TRY AND GAIN A LOCK ON THE TWO"
"At once" Alpha agreed, carrying out the necessary adjustments. "The computers cannot fix their locations. But evidence suggests that they have been taken deep into Lord Zedd's castle. We are unable to teleport anyone in or out. Aye ie ie, what are we going to do?"
"Well, we're not going to just leave them there, that's for sure!" Rocky affirmed, "Adam, you've worked with Billy often enough. Do you think we could come up with a way to get them out?"
"I'm sure of it" came Adam's reply, he was already reading the reports Alpha had printed out earlier.
"Well, let's get to work. I don't want Zedd to have them a second longer than we can help it!" And with that the reduced ranger team strived to come up with a rescue plan.
***
As Tommy and Billy recovered from their second unwanted teleportation, Lord Zedd gloated over his triumph.
"So what!" pouted Rita, "you've got lucky. Now what are you doing to do, brain wash them both?" She was sulking, annoyed that her husband had managed to pull off part of his plan.
"Exactly my prickly pear. But first I'm going to have some fun. Not only will those pathetic teens be brain washed, they'll be completely broken as well!" The evil lord was practically dancing at the thought. "GOLDAR!" He called.
The space monkey came rushing to his master's side. "You called?" he asked, eye's glowing with hope.
"It's time to break those teens. I've transferred them to the larger dungeon, use it as a training area to teach them a lesson in manners!" ordered Lord Zedd.
"At once my Lord!" Goldar practically saluted and ran off to do Lord Zedd's bidding.
Down in the dungeon, Billy and Tommy were trying to contact the rest of the ranger team, with no luck. Lord Zedd had confiscated their morpher's yet allowed for their communicators to remain. It was as if the evil being was taunting them.
"Pathetic human's, its time to die!" At the sound of Goldar's challenge the two teens looked at each other. It seemed that they were going to be in for some trouble.
"Try not to get to close to him," whispered Tommy, "we may be able to escape serious injury and wear him down faster." Billy nodded. They both stood up, facing Goldar. "We're ready when you are!"
Goldar rushed them both with his sword, at the last minute the two rangers diverted away from the monster, kicking him in the back as they passed. Goldar roared, as the battle began intent.
The two captured teens tried to stay out of the monster's reach, only coming in when he was off-guard to deliver a quick defensive technique. Jabs and snap kicks were repeatedly executed; these were safe techniques capable of injuring when performed correctly. Yet Goldar showed more stamina than the two humans, slowing gaining a greater number of hits. Billy had just delivered a low snap kick to the side of Goldar's knees when Tommy made use of the space monkey's diverted attention, setting himself up for a flying side kick to the monster's side – a vital target area. Unfortunately exhaustion had started to beset the two teens that cost Tommy his usual speed. Goldar managed to pre-empt the kick, grabbing Tommy mid flight and throwing him against the dungeon wall. The leader of the power rangers hid the wall and floor with a sickening thud. Billy glanced at his leader – he wasn't moving. Goldar spoke.
"Well human, there's no fun in playing with just one of you. Be sure that I'll return to finish our chat." As soon as he finished speaking, he disappeared. Billy crawled over to his fallen leader.
***
In the Power Chamber patience was wearing thin as the rangers desperately strived to find an optimal solution. Rocky had been observing his fellow team members for the last few minutes, noting that Adam was starting to look slightly hassled. Kim couldn't let a minute go by without asking the black ranger if he had any luck or was there anything she could do. If the pink ranger weren't careful, Zordon would have her sedated in the next few minutes. He decided to avert possible violence with a well-timed suggestion.
"Look, here's what I think. Adam you chose someone to stay here and help you. The rest of us will go and get out of your hair." The black ranger flashed a grateful look towards Rocky.
"RANGER'S I AGREE WITH THIS COURSE OF ACTION. TOO MANY BODIES MAY HINDER THE SEARCH EFFORTS" Like Rocky, Zordon had noticed Adam's distress.
"At the moment I don't really need any help – I have Zordon and Alpha." Adam really needed to have some time to think without any distractions, he was used to working with Billy, and that usually occurred in companionable silence. He found a diversion for them. "Why don't you go and finish our projects, that will keep your minds busy." Kimberley looked like she was going to argue, a look from Zordon silenced her.
"Come on guys, no use making it worse for Adam. I don't think a note from Zordon will get us out of homework either!" Rocky tried to rally the girls together.
"GO RANGERS, WE WILL INFORM YOU AT ONCE IF ANYTHING CHANGES." Zordon dismissed the three and with that Alpha teleported them out.
Adam turned to Alpha. "Maybe if we repeatedly swept the teleportation beam over the moon we'll find a weak spot to use as a reference point to teleport them out?"
"Good idea Adam, let's see how it works" agreeing with Adam, the robot turned towards the computers.
***
Back on the moon, Billy was desperately trying to wake Tommy up. *Wonderful* The blue ranger thought to himself, *how on earth am I going to carry him out of here?* Billy, from a young age had sometimes been able to impress people with his own thoughts, usually if he was feeling a particular emotion strongly. His mother had always told him to be sensitive to other people's feelings, and to a young Billy, this seemed like an extension of the appropriate consideration. When his mother passed away, the young boy unwittingly locked that aspect of his mind away and there the ability sat dormant. *COME ON TOMMY, PLEASE WAKE UP. I NEED YOU CONSCIOUS SO I CAN ASSESS YOUR INJURIES* this thought was blown from Billy's mind in frustration and worry. Second's later Tommy groaned. "Whatever just hit me, make sure you got that number plate!" Billy sighed in relief, unaware that his thoughts and feelings may have jolted Tommy awake.
"Where are you injured?" The blue ranger now needed to assess their injuries, in order to formulate a plan for their escape. "I think I've received some broken ribs and bruising," he added, wincing at the memory.
Tommy tried to sit up, and failed dismally at the effort. "Oh god!" he muttered between gritted teeth as pain radiated throughout his body. "I think you can be sure I've got some broken ribs in their somewhere! Can you help me get up?" Tommy's faced looked gray.
"Negative, it would be wiser to leave you where you are until we know the current state of your injuries." Billy placed firm hands on his leader's shoulders as Tommy once again tried to rise.
Tommy paled further, he was in a situation he always feared - he would not be able to protect one of his team members. "Billy, I can't leave you to face them on your own, you have your own injuries"
"Mine are mere scratches compared to yours. I shall be able to adequately hold them off until the rangers find a way to free us." Billy's reply was firm and no-nonsense. Tommy sighed, ousted by his own rules – if you were injured you did everything you could to keep the injuries contained. But his rules didn't count when they were applied to him. He had let down the rangers before, when he was Rita's green ranger. Tommy was never going to let down any of his team again. If Tommy couldn't help Billy against Goldar, he would feel like he had failed. "Billy..." Tommy's protest was cut short by the arrival of Rito. "Oh this just gets better!"
"Aw, the poor iddle ranger is hurt!" Rito teased. "Let Rito make it all better!" He advanced towards the two.
Billy stood up, readying himself to defend them both, Tommy was in no position to fight anyone.
"Billy, remember the tactics" Tommy hoarsely ordered. In his mind he had already failed the blue ranger. Rito had unwittingly began the mental destruction of the white ranger, Tommy would much rather take a physical beating than see any of his team under attack – without any chance of assistance.
Rito rushed towards Billy, who moved away from Tommy so he would be out of the firing line. The blue ranger was no longer the soft, vulnerable type he once was and could quite capably defend himself. Rito in truth was a clumsily warrior, but it was his stupidity and willingness to do battle where no one else would that made him dangerous. As the mutated monster made the occasional contact with Billy, Rito noticed that Tommy would flinch. Rito cackled "What's wrong Tommy? Feeling left out are we? Let me make you feel more welcome!"
"Bring it on Rito!" Tommy quickly replied, glad to have the focus off Billy. Rito's slow thought process was confused as he noticed Tommy's body language changing from afraid to defiant. He paused and scratched his head.
"Hey Goldy!" Rito yelled.
"What is it?" Goldar asked, appearing through flames. Rito sluggishly explained that if 'Ed wanted to break the white ranger, just make him watch Billy get beaten up, cause "it sure seemed to shut him up here" Rito, the dumbest of the lot, had just laid Tommy's weakness right out in front of them all.
Billy was watching his leader carefully. Fear and frustration radiated from Tommy. The white ranger's body language was showing Billy that he needed reassuring that he was not letting anyone down. He didn't want to confirm the monster's finding by verbally speaking to Tommy. *I'll be fine Tommy, have faith* Billy thought as he rushed towards the two monsters. Goldar brushed the blue ranger aside like a fly.
"Pah, you pathetic humans amuse me." He pulled a gun like device from thin air. "The blue ranger in trouble hurts you white ranger?" He taunted, pointing the gun at Billy and laughed at Tommy's increased signs of distress. "My master commands me to brainwash you both, this will be so much more amusing to see you suffer at the same time!" He pulled the trigger, releasing a beam of evil.
Billy was consumed with evil thoughts and memories of violent actions. *Must think of my friends, good thoughts* He feel to his knees and doubled over, groaning. *Mom, help me! * The blue ranger often talked to his mother in his thoughts, using her memory to help him through the tough times. This was definitely one of those tough times!
Tommy pushed himself onto all fours, gasping as pain overloaded his sensors. He WAS NOT going to let Billy down, never! Through his own distress, Billy noticed his leader. *Tommy, I'll be okay, I'm strong enough for this* He wasn't sure if he spoke this reassurance or not. *You haven't let me down Tommy, have faith in that thought*
Tommy's thoughts had momentarily gone from protecting Billy to fighting back the wave of darkness that was rapidly consuming him once again. He felt something in that darkness, something familiar – yet alien to him. *Billy?* he asked, seconds before unconsciousness overtook him.
***
As the report came back to the Power Chambers computers, Alpha nearly overloaded with relief. "Zordon, the computers have a lock on Tommy and Billy, teleporting them now!"
"WELL DONE ADAM AND ALPHA." Zordon's praise was tinged with relief. Moment's later, light beams of white and blue appeared from the Power Chamber roof. The beams dissolved, leaving Tommy and Billy lying on the floor. As Billy's senses cleared, he looked sharply at Adam.
"Of course we're okay, and I knew you would be able to perform the necessary functions in order to carry it out." The Blue ranger winced as he rose to his feet. "Alpha, could you teleport Tommy onto a med-bed? He's not going to be feeling wonderful with his injuries."
Adam and Alpha just stared at Billy. "Um, I didn't say anything Billy." Adam was sounding slightly confused.
Billy paused and put a hand to his head. "I swear that I heard you say something. Although my head feels abnormal at the moment, I may have imagined your voice." The young genius sounded perplexed, something out of the ordinary.
Zordon listened to the exchange and then allowed himself to 'feel' the two injured rangers. Like most from his home planet, Zordon had strong telepathic abilities. He sensed a change in Billy, and a similar but different, change in Tommy. "BILLY, I BELIEVE THAT YOU HAVE BECOME SENSITIVE TO THE THOUGHTS OF OTHERS. IT SEEMS THAT THE ABILITY WAS PRE-EXISTING TO THIS MOMENT, BUT HAD BEFORE REMAINED DORMANT. TOMMY TOO, HAS BECOME AFFECTED IN SOME WAY." The Blue ranger started at the mention of Tommy's name.
"Adam, what's the diagnoses on Tommy's injuries? He is in quite a bit of pain." As Billy spoke, he also winched at the thought of his sore ribs.
"BILLY, PLEASE LET ADAM AND ALPHA TEND TO YOUR INJURIES, I SHALL SUMMON THE REMAINING RANGERS HERE." Zordon quickly scanned the medical condition of the two as he contacted Rocky. Billy had suffered some broken ribs and major bruising, which was already being healed by the ranger's accelerated healing. He had also activated his telepathic abilities by trying to mentally reassure Tommy. This act had created a permanent bond between the two. They would know exactly how each other were feeling and what the other was thinking. Tommy wasn't as lucky as Billy, he was still unconscious from the injuries he had received. Zordon reviewed them all: nearly half his ribcage broken, broken arm, dislocated knee, bruising and to Zordon's alarm some internal bleeding. Tommy's accelerated healing was already kicking in, and the med-bed was attending the worst of his injuries. *It may be safer to keep Tommy unconscious for a few hours, just till his ranger healing stabilizes his condition* Zordon thought to himself.
"We read you Zordon." Rocky's voice broke into Zordon's thoughts.
"ADAM AND ALPHA HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN RETURNING THE WHITE AND BLUE RANGER TO US, TELEPORT TO THE POWER CHAMBER AT ONCE." Zordon gave the Red ranger the good news and watched the ranger's teleport in.
Kimberley's soft cry could be heard as she laid eyes on her boyfriend. "Tommy!" No. Please." Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at Billy. "Billy, what happened?"
Billy sighed carefully, "Get comfortable guys, I'll tell you from what I can remember." Everyone settled him or herself patiently and listened to the start of their friend's misadventure. As the story progress, each were amazed at the length's Lord Zedd had finally resorted to.
40 minutes later...
"And now Zordon believes I've unearthed a telepathic ability that I have held dormant since I was small. I have also accidentally formed a mind link with Tommy, I am uncertain to how he feels about this – he has not yet woken from his injuries." Billy finished his throat dry and his mind tired.
"So," Aisha began uncertainly "This means that you know what we are thinking now?"
Billy sighed and then nodded. "When I focus, I can hear what you are thinking. At the moment I've pushed the noises away somehow. I am uncertain how I have done this. I unable to duplicate this with the link between Tommy and myself however." The Blue ranger seemed uncomfortable with this; he was not sure how the leader of the power rangers would take to having someone know him as intimately as Billy would. *I am uncomfortable myself with my exposure to Tommy* Logic proved to Billy that if he was feeling this way, Tommy possibly would as well.
Zordon noticed the Blue rangers discomfort and cleared his throat, as he did so his team looked up at him expectantly. "RANGERS, I WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE BILLY'S NEW FOUND SKILL IN MORE DETAIL. I WILL ALERT YOU WHEN TOMMY HAS RETURNED TO CONSCIOUSNESS. I ASSURE YOU HE IS FINE." The rangers looked reluctant to leave the two newly returned teenagers so quickly but also knew that arguing with Zordon was completely pointless, and usually let to a sedative and a lecture later. They quickly said goodbye to Billy. Kimberly sighed and gave her boyfriend a soft kiss before they all teleported out.
Billy looked expectantly at his mentor. As he waited for Zordon to continue, he could feel his leader's struggle back to consciousness. At that same moment, there was an alien feeling washing over Tommy. The teen was soon peaceful in Billy's mind. *It's going to take awhile to get used to this* he thought to himself. Zordon noticed Billy's small frown as the sage 'encourage' Tommy to stay asleep for a while longer. "DO NOT WORRY BILLY. TOMMY'S INJURY'S WOULD BEST HEAL IF HE STAYED ASLEEP. HIS ACCELERATED HEALING WORK'S BEST IF THE BODY IS NOT BUSY." Zordon explained the alien feeling that Billy noticed. "NOW, LET US PROCEED TO EXPLORE YOUR NEW FOUND ABILITY"
"AS YOU HAVE ALREADY DISCOVERED, A TELEPATH IS ABLE TO TUNE OUT UNWANTED THOUGHTS FROM OTHERS. IT IS ALSO USEFUL WHEN YOU NEED TIME TO YOURSELF. YOU ARE GOING TO DISCOVER BILLY THAT A TELEPATH IS NEVER ALONE. YOUR LINK WITH TOMMY IS DIFFERENT HOWEVER. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TUNE OUT HIS CONSCIOUSNESS COMPLETELY. YOU WILL BOTH BE ABLE TO MUTE EACH OTHERS THOUGHTS, SO TO SPEAK." Zordon paused, Billy was looking thoughtful as he interrupted.
"I am correct in suggesting that we will be always able to 'feel' each other Zordon?"
"THAT IS CORRECT BILLY. ONCE YOU BOTH BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO THIS YOU WILL FIND IT TO BE A GREAT ADVANTAGE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST EVIL. IT SE..." The sirens in the Power Chamber interrupted Zordon.
"Aye, ie, ie! Zedd has discovered Goldar and Rito's failure! He's sent some putties down to the park with his new monster, Reader!" The little robot was panicking, something he was very good at.
"SEND THE RANGERS TO THE PARK AND WARN THEM AGAINST THE MONSTER, HE HAS THE ABILITY TO CONTROL WEAK MINDS. THEY ARE PROTECTED BY THE POWER." Zordon instructed Alpha. "BILLY YOU MUST REMAIN HERE. YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED YET WITH YOUR TELEPATHIC POWERS. A MEETING WITH READER MAY PROVIDE DISASTROUS."
"We're on it Alpha!" Rocky's reply could be heard as the ranger's teleported to the battle scene.
Once again Billy felt Tommy awakening through their bond, it seemed that whatever Zordon did to the ranger was not strong enough to keep him asleep.
"Zordon, Tommy is waking up. He's still feeling sore from his injuries, and he's confused about having me in his head." The blue ranger informed Zordon.
Zordon quickly assed Tommy's injuries, he should of thought that the young falcon would not be kept oblivious for long. Billy was correct, the teen was still in some pain but his curiosity over Billy was dominating over that pain.
Tommy mentally groaned *Man I'm gonna feel this* He somehow knew that Zordon had tried to spare him from discomfort but there was 'something' in his consciousness now, that wasn't there before. He could swear it was Billy, but he had no idea how. The blackness that had engulfed him was starting to lift and he knew that he could point to exactly where Billy was standing *what the?* was the last thought he had before he opened his eyes.
Three things hit him at once as he opened his eyes. First was the pain, it was there all right. *Man, Zedd is gonna die for this!* Secondly was the realization that they were no longer on the moon. Lastly, it was Billy.
"Billy?" Tommy asked. "Uh god. Zordon I can feel Billy! He's scared, and oh Billy, don't tell me they got you too?" His voiced showed his distress that he wasn't able to prevent one of his team members from injuries.
"TOMMY, PLEASE REMAIN CALM. BILLY IS IN A FAR BETTER STATE THAN YOU. AS TO WHY YOU CAN FEEL HIM, IT IS FOR BILLY TO EXPLAIN." Zordon tried to reassure the leader of his team.
As Zordon told Tommy that Billy would explain everything, the blue ranger flinched. *Thanks Zordon* he thought resentfully.
"Do you remember what happened Tommy?" Billy asked, uncertain of where to begin.
"Parts of it. Um, Goldar threw me into a wall – I know that much." Tommy's voice sounded confused, his thoughts felt confused to the young genius.
"Well, I somehow kick started telepathic abilities that had laid dormant. The kick-start was through a link to you. You and I now have a mental connection to each other." The only way Billy could explain it was straight up, he felt shock radiate through the bond.
"You're kidding me. Um, I'm not sure how I feel about that? You know what I'm thinking?" Realization dawned on Tommy "It's not one way, it's you who I'm feeling, and they're your thoughts!" Tommy closed his eyes, talk about a wake up call. *Well, if we've got it, flaunt it*
*Billy?* came Tommy's tentative thought.
*'fraid so*
At that moment the ranger team teleported in, victorious over Zedd once again.
"Tommy!" Kimberly's excited sequel could be heard as soon as the active rangers demorphed. She ran over to the prone teen, hugging him softly.
"How you feel having Billy in your head?" Rocky asked, without thinking.
"ROCKY!" chorused the rangers. The red ranger blushed.
"It's weird, but I guess we'll get used to it." Tommy replied. The use of the 'we' would soon become the popular identifier for the blue and white ranger. They would no longer think in the single term.
It had been a bit of a shaky start but Billy and Tommy soon became quite comfortable carrying each other around in their head. In fact, it would be possible to say that if the link were removed, they would not be able to function properly. Kimberly sometimes became jealous of the bond that the two shared, but made it an opportunity to become closer to Billy as well. In practical terms it made the rangers an even formable force against the threat of evil.