Power Rangers: A Story

The final bell sounded at Reefside High School. As the student body flooded toward the warm outdoors; Dr. Tommy Oliver took a seat at his desk.

Absently he rubbed his face, not noticing the intense stares from three students.

"You okay, doc?" Ethan asks carefully.

"Fine," Tommy drops his hands to his lap, "Just feeling old, that's all."

"Old, you?" Kira laughs, "No way."

Tommy shrugs and stands up, "The meeting is still on for tonight, don't be late." He leaves the room.

The Rangers glance at one another, Kira mutters, "Did that seem odd to anyone else?"

"Yeah," Conner shrugs, "We've all be grumpy these days."

"I guess," Kira drops the subject.

The warm sunshine pressed through his shirt as Tommy walked. Around him the park is busy with happy people. He barely notices their smiles and laughter.

The weight of his bag rests in his hand as he stares at the ground. His thoughts consumed with the nightmares he's been suffering. For the past five days, it's been the same horrible dream.

"Tommy?"

He stops abruptly at the voice that calls to him. Looking up he frowns for a moment then grins, "Shelley?"

The girl waves him over from where she sits; he approaches and looks down at her.

"I heard you got a job in Washington." He says lightly, trying to ignore the giddy feeling in his chest.

"It was too provincial for me. So I thought I would check up on you." She looks him over, "You're a teacher now, right?"

Tommy nods silently, words seem impossible for a second. Shelley grins at him as if guessing the reason for his silence.

"What say I walk you home?" She stands and holds out an arm.

He smiles as laughter slips out, "Sure."

Kira and Ethan arrive at the same time just as Conner and Trent show up.

"Hey," Ethan calls out and Trent walks beside him, "Did you check out that new game?"

"I did, it's looks brutal." Trent mutters as they walk up the path to Tommy's house. "I can't believe they have fourteen levels."

"I know, finally a game worthy of attempting."

The two boys laugh as they walk into the house.

They stop abruptly at the sound of a woman laughing. Both boys share a glance as they follow the sound to the kitchen. Ethan can't help the surprise as he sees Dr. Oliver leaning close to a tall brunette woman.

"Guys! Wait up!" Kira hurries up behind them and startles Dr. Oliver into turning.

Tommy quickly backs up from Shelley as he notices the Rangers. He tries to hide his expression by putting on his glasses. Shelley turns and gives him a knowing look.

Conner saunters up behind them, giving Shelley a once over. "Are we meeting or not?"

"Ah, yes." Tommy answers shortly as he nods, "I'll be down in a minute."

Shelley touches his arm, "Its fine, Tommy. I have to go any way, I have an interview later on." She gives him a sweet smile and gathers her things.

The new Rangers watch as she leaves, glancing at Tommy with knowing smiles.

"Go Mr. O," Ethan mutters, "Being a superhero does pay off."

Tommy unsuccessfully hides the blush that rushes to his face. "Come on, we have a lot of work to do."