Destiny

Chapter two

Earth/America/ Angel Grove/ Dimension 3/ April 3, 1994

"Can I sit here?" Kimberly Hart politely asked.

The young man her request was directed to hurriedly moved his school bag out of the way making room for his friend. "Hey Kim," he said rubbing his eyes, the world of dreams still lingering in his psyche, making him appear a bit sluggish.

"Hi Jase," she quietly responded. Taking a seat on the brown leather next to her muscular companion. It was 7:30 in the morning and they were on a big yellow bus that would be delivering them to Angel Grove High School.

"Enjoyed yesterdays peace?" She asked. Referring to the fact that Rita Repulsa decided to let them have a day off on Sunday.

He gave a tired laugh and said, "Did I ever. I actually got a chance to teach."

"You went to the Juice Bar?"

"Ya. I have to thank Ernie for letting me teach free karate lessons, I know we already give back to the community and the kids. But it makes me feel a lot better when I can do it in person… Especially when it doesn't involve killing something."

"Hey Jay. I'm going to be there later today, probably after school to work on some gymnastics, you want to meet up?" Kimberly asked.

"Sure thing."

Kimberly bit her lip. She became slightly nervous. She wanted to ask Jason something, a big favor but she didn't know how. No that was not true, she knew how, she was just afraid. Afraid she would be rejected. "Jase," She began.

"What?" He asked.

"…Never mind," She hastily said. She tried to play cool but she knew her face reflected her heart and that Jason could see right through her. She was disappointed in herself for being so weak.

"Kim," his voice was full of concern.

"What?" She asked, even with this simple response it was obvious even to her that she was trying to conceal something. She was never a good actor, always to over the top.

"Just say it," She knew it was frivolous to lie to Jason. He knew her better than anyone, at times it seemed he cared for her more than her family did. That was the funny thing though they were family, all five…six of them. Even before they were granted with powers her and Jason had unique bond growing up. Countless people, mostly teachers, would make jokes saying that they were a young couple in love. The truth was Jason was her brother, forged not of blood but of love.

She bit her lip again. She bit down, to the point where she thought blood would draw. A nervous habit that would arouse sensual thoughts in any other male. There was no use in lying. "Jason… can…. Can you ask Tommy to come with you to the Juice Bar tonight?"

"Huh? Why?" He asked, a little slow on the uptake. She gave him a menacing look. Than it hit him. "Oh. OH. OK sure. You like him?"

"Ya, he's so cute. Don't you think so?

Jason shrugged his shoulders, "I guess how am I supposed to know?"

"So you'll do it?"

"Of course."

"Do you think he'll say yes?" She asked self doubt and worry beginning to set in.

"Kim," he said his voice soft and tender, "There is no doubt in my mind he will say yes. And if he says no I'll beat him up…" he smiled mischievously, "Again."

"Make sure you ask him casually, don't let him know he is going to meet me. I'll just sort of bump into you guys."

"What?… Okay fine. Lets just hope we can actually do this. I really want to teach today and if Rita ruins my plans I am going to be pissed. If anything happens today the putty that get in my face is going to loose his."

She rolled her eyes at his boyish machismo.

A loud beeping noises produced from their wrist communicators. Several students looked curiously around. Lost interest and went back to sleep.

"Damn't. I just totally jinxed us… What should we do?" Kim asked.

Jason looked around inspecting the bus. Mostly everyone was still or trying to sleep. There wasn't any eyes in their direction, "Let go," He said placing his hand on her shoulder, in a red and pink flash they were gone.

They arrived at the command center amongst ear piercing sirens. The command center was their power rangers headquarters. It featured a dazzling spectacle of alien technology, consoles filled with flashing multi colored buttons, in the center of it all was a large glass column that contained their mentor Zordon, who wasn't present at the moment.

Alpha 5 was frantically pacing around the command center, bouncing from panel to panel. Amongst the ruckus two other familiar faces were recognized: Billy whom was busily at work and Trini who stood next to him.

"What's going on?" Jason shouted over the commotion.

"Were not sure…" Billy replied returning to his work.

"Well that was helpful," Jason said to Kim.

The alarm ceased and Zordon returned. A black flash appeared next to Jason and Kim.

"What took you so long?" Jason asked their fellow ranger Zack.

Zack uneasily scratched the back of his neck and gave a charming toothy smile, "Sleeping."

Everyone just rolled their eyes.

"Rangers. I am sorry to disturb you at this hour. Our defense systems went off and incase of a potential threat I asked Alpha to summon you all at this early time." Zordon began.

Jason's body tensed. His face grew serious. Assuming the role of leader he was first to ask, "Is it something serious? What happened Zordon?"

The blue head let out a sigh. "I am not sure. It is rare for our technology to malfunction so I am uneasy at the moment. But I could find no threat. Sorry for disturbing you this early. Alpha run a scan on the operational functioning of our defense system."

"Scan in process," He said after pushing a few buttons.

"Talk about a wake up call. I'm throwing out my alarm clock, this works much better," Zack joked.

Zigzagging her way through a teenage filled lunch tables, she finally made way to hers. Placing her red eating tray down, she took her seat.

Let the gossiping begin! It was lunch time and the cafeteria was already full of murmurs.

"So what's for lunch today girls?" Asked Brittney a tall and skinny bottle blonde.

In unison the five other girls sitting at the table replied, "A water and yogurt." During the freshman lunch period, this table was notoriously known for being the female "popular" table, V.I.P. entrance only. If your daddy didn't own a Mercedes and you didn't weigh ninety nine pounds on the scale, you were out.

"A bagel, water, and yogurt," Kim said paying no heed to the nasty stares she was being the recipient to.

"A bagel?" Brittney asked her voice full of judgment. "That's full of carbs!"

"I know," Kim said. She needed the energy. Being a power ranger had done a lot more for her than just change her diet. It helped her blossom into the person she was meant to be…the person she always was. In the past she hid herself under expensive jeans, bottles of water, eyeliner, and cheerleader pompoms; being a two dimensional bitch to fit in with the in crowd. Her hobbies included shopping, talking on the phone, and gossiping, putting down others. No more. She no longer cared what her Barbie like friends thought of her.

"Loser alert!" The head cheerleader Jackie announced. "Look at the girl…what's her name… Trini. Oh my god I would never be caught dead in that shirt."

She tried to concentrate on buttering her bagel, fighting to keep her mouth shut.

"Tell me about it. Look at her eyes," The all giggled as they impersonated the beautiful Asian girl. Making racist gestures with their eyes.

Kim bit on her tongue. Hard.

"Nerd Alert," another one announced referring to Billy Cranaston whom at the moment was taking a seat next to Trini. "Look at them they make a perfect couple they -"

That was it. Kimberly grabbed her tray and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Brittney asked.

"Over there?" Kim said pointing to Billy and Trini's table, her voice remained steady and calm.

"With those losers?" They all giggled.

"You know what Brittney. They are a lot better people than all of you. You're heart will never be able to match theirs. You seriously are a bitch, I don't know why I didn't say this sooner. You think they are losers? Seriously you think they are the losers? They are going to be successful happy people why you are living in some trailer park shacked up with two kids drinker beer waiting for your ex-quarterback husband to return from his shift at the dump." She stalked away taking a seat next to Billy and Trini, feeling glad about her actions.

"Hey Kim," Billy said surprised that she was taking a seat next to him. "Where'd you come from?"

"I'm just realizing who my real friends are. Hey Trini what are you guys talking about?"

"Nothing just the latest theories on temporal logic…" Billy casually said.

"Fascinating….whatever that means."

Outside the building on school grounds while lunch was taking place some students decided to skip lunch for a recess of sorts. Regularly these students could be found a couple blocks down at the local teen hang out: The Juice Bar. But today most of the men were engaged in fierce game of basketball. A crowd surrounded them some guys… but mostly females looking on in approval. Amongst the competitors were Jason and Zack whom were on opposite teams.

Jason was defending the basket blocking Zack whom currently had the orange inflated ball. In his hands the ball bounced in a rhythmic motion against the black top, he was engaging in quick foot work trying to escape his friends defense. "I'm telling you Jason, watch the feet…Watch the feet. You know you can't touch this. Why you trying?" Zack said partaking in the ancient past time of friendly banter.

Jason laughed, "You talk so much shit."

"But I can back it up. And the hand is quicker than the eye my friend," He said and with a burst of speed he escaped the titans barrier jumping in the air slamming the ball into the net. Holding onto the red rim swinging like a buffoon he hollered, "Game point baby."

Picking the ball back up he said, "Zack get down from their, before you make yourself look like more of a fool. You got lucky lets settle this with another game."

"All right," Zack cockily agreed, "If you want to be schooled in front of everyone. AGAIN, that's fine by me."

Fifteen feet away a young man lay in the shade under a tall oak tree. He was clad in green and was lost in deep thought, his features had an intense appeal to them. His dark eyes captivated by the unknown. A couple of teenage girls giggled as they glimpsed admiringly at him. His long hair and silver earring perfected his loner image to the point where he was beyond desirable.

"Hey Tommy!" Jason shouted. Tommy's head jerked up searching for the voice that had called his name. "Over hear!" The Red Ranger called motioning for his comrade to join him. "Let get a game going on."

"No thanks," Tommy replied. Besides martial arts he had never been big into sports. He hoped Jason didn't take his rejection the wrong way, he really liked him and saw the potential for a lasting friendship. He just wasn't ready to open up yet, he had some things he needed to workout first, especially after yesterday.

Jason shook his head, he didn't understand his teammates self isolation, it bothered him. As a team they should all be a unit, united. But Tommy seemed out side of their tight circle. Was it because he didn't feel like he belonged? Or maybe he didn't want to belong… Was he still ashamed about his previous actions as the evil green ranger? Whatever it was Jason felt maybe he just needed someone to give him a little shove and to show him that every thing was cool. And as the leader that is what he intended to do.

"Hey Tom," Jason said, walking over to Tommy. Taking a seat next to his fellow ranger in the shade.

The newest ranger held a black sketch book along with a pen in his hands. He quickly shut it closed as Jason sat next to him, placing it in the grass by his side.

"Hey Tommy. You do martial arts, right?"

"Yea…Why?"

"I need a favor man. You know the juice bar?"

"Ya," Jason had caught Tommy's attention. He may have been shying away from the friendship aspect of ranger hood, but one of Tommy's main principles, a principle he learned through martial arts, was loyalty. To Jason he felt a strong sense of loyalty, not only because he was the team leader, but it was Jason whom was the one to save him. Breaking Rita's spell. And if Jason needed his help Tommy's sense of allegiance would try to give him whatever assistance was needed.

"Great. Well I teach martial arts there. And I am having trouble with this one kid. He just can't seem to get it and he is starting to really get down on himself. I was thinking maybe he just needs a new approach. So can you come?"

"Sure. What time?"

"Three thirty-ish."

"All right. See you then."

"You draw?" The teen asked reaching for the spiral sketch book by Tommy's side.

Tommy panicked. His face became very serious and stern. He intercepted Jason's hand and clenched his teammates wrist with a tight grip.

"Ok…Chill out if you don't want anyone to see your stuff I respect that?" Jason said slightly alarmed at his friends reaction.

Tommy's face flushed red, he felt foolish. But it was necessary, Jason couldn't see what was drawn in that notebook. No one could. "Uh…" he mumbled searching for an excuse, "Sorry I just like to keep that stuff private..."

"Jase. Please tell me your not punkin' out?" Zack hollered dribbling the ball on the court. "Lets get another game going!"

"See you at the Juice Bar," Jason said patting the new ranger on the back, running off to play another game of street ball.

---

The class had exceeded his hopes. Not only did Tommy show up and help the struggling student, it proved to be a great bonding experience for the two rangers. Sweaty and exhausted, they had trained with each other long after the kid had left. Now they sat on the Juice Bar's red bar stools laughing as they traded jokes and stories. Things had gone perfectly. He had broken through his teammates barrier of shyness and reserve, to discover a great friend.

Sipping his smoothie he gave Tommy a proposal, "Hey Tom I do these classes about twice a week. Sometimes even more, depending on the schedule Rita gives us. I was thinking you want to teach with me from now on?"

"Sure thing, of course." Tommy replied, glad that Jason invited him. He was having a great time.

Behind him Jason heard the gentle giant known as Ernie whom was the owner of the Juice Bar. He was a gentle man who was usually outfitted in button up Hawaiian shirts. He asked, "Hey Kim, what'll be?"

Jason turned around, and smiled. There was his petite fellow ranger and friend Kimberly. She was dressed in a short denim skirt paired with a pink top that exposed her belly. To him it was obvious she had gone out of her way to look good for this "Run in". Tommy most likely didn't notice. Giving goggle eyes at Kim Jason doubted all of Tommy's blood was in his brain.

"Hey guys. What are you two doing here," She asked walking over to the two martial artist's.

"Working out can't you tell?" Jason laughed wiping the sweat that streamed down his face.

"Hey Tommy," She waved.

"Hi Kim," Tommy managed to choke out, practically choking on his tongue in the process.

Jason rolled his eyes. This kid needed help, with the rate he was going if Kim said another word he would pass out, his eyes rolling into the back of his head while he fell with a thud onto the ground. "Hey Tom, lets get changed. She doesn't need to smell us." Jason said excusing himself from the stool heading towards the men's changing room, motioning for Tommy to follow. Excusing himself with a mouth full of mumbles Tommy rushed towards Jason, practically tripping over his own feet.

Inside the changing room applying deodorant Jason said, "Tom you like her don't you?"

"It's that obvious isn't it?" He blushed.

"To be honest, yes. I thought you were going to faint," Jason chuckled.

"Did I leave a bad impression?" Tommy asked a little worried.

"No. You did fine. You just need more confidence that's all. Believe in yourself. Trust me bro, I think she has something for you to."

"You think so?" Tommy asked a broad smile filled his face, he was wearing a grin that stretched from ear to ear.

"Definitely. But calm down. You Don't want to let her know you like her, just be cool."

Tommy paused taking a moment to absorb Jason's advice. In the empty changing room their wrist communicators went off terrorizing their ears with a loud beeping followed by the voice of their wise mentor: "Rangers. Rita's putties are terrorizing children at the local park."

"Damn't." Jason cursed holding the communication device to his mouth he pressed the button to talk and replied, "We are on are way Zordon. Guys me and Tommy are going to check it out if we need help we'll call for it"

Trini, Billy, and Zack all asked over their communicator, "Are you sure."

"Positive," The leader ranger confirmed.

"Lets go," Tommy said, ready for action.

"So much for getting changed," Jason laughed before teleporting to the park.

Within a second they were at Angel Grove's park, thanks to the wonders of teleportation. Just as Zordon foretold there were a dozen putties terrorizing the park children. A pink wave appeared besides them, it was Kimberly she had her game face on. The clay foot soldier's behavior enraged Jason, his fist curled into tight balls.

"Ready," Jason asked, receiving confident nods he yelled, "Lets go!"

At full speed he ran towards a group of putties jumping in the air he let out a devastating "Hiya" kicking a putty in the head. The clay villain exploded upon impact, its clay shrapnel shooting within a two foot distance. He moved without hesitation towards three other's delivering a sidekick to ones abdomen while cutting down another with a jaw breaking back fist. Upper cutting the last putty in his vicinity he grabbed the two children and rushed them out of the park. Placing them safely in the parking lot.

They could have been no older than seven, their awestruck eyes wide, their jaw hanged on the hinges, they couldn't believe what they saw. Jason uneasily stared at them before saying, "Don't do drugs." Running off to aid his friends in destroying the last of the putties.

Tommy was making easy work of the few putties that surrounded him. With a weird yell that made Jason laugh he jumped in the air, turned around, and snapped kicked one of the silver beasts in the jaw. With a few lightning fast boxing combinations he ended the existence of the final putties.

Kim screamed and the two combative males jerked their heads in her direction. In the distance they witnessed a horrific sight. A lone putty clutched a tearing youngster high in the air, threatening to drop him off the jungle gym he was standing upon. Where are these kids parents, Jason thought. He shot a look to Tommy and the two understood what needed to be done. Jason charged towards the putty hopping on the blue plastic surface of the jungle gym. While Tommy ran towards the soon to be falling baby. Frightened the silver dimwitted creature saw the red titan running furiously in his direction. His primal combative instincts kicked in letting go of the crying child, so it's hands would be free and able to trade punches. The infant kicked and screamed as the distance between it and the ground lessened.

Kim screamed, "Tommmmmy," Tommy quickened his already frantic pace. He was to late he would never be able to make it in time! The baby continued to plummet towards the cold, black dirt. He had to do something.

Fast!

He closed his eyes extending his arms. He sprung his legs backwards and jumped lunging his body forward. He prayed it would work. As he heard Jason finish off the finale putty his heart was put to ease as the baby fell safely into his arms. The baby was safe but he wasn't so lucky as he fell painfully into the dirt his arms cushiononing the fall…for the baby. He stood up blood flowing from a gigantic wound he brandished on his arm.

Kim ran over taking the child from his arms. "Tommy are you okay. Oh my god, that was amazing!"

"Thanks he said," And then his stomach began to churn. He grasped his head in pain, the wound he sustained from the fall no longer mattered. He couldn't feel it. His head pounded. God he felt sick.

"Tommy your hurt, lets get you back to the command center," He yanked her arm off him grasping his head.

"I'm fine," He yelled, awkwardly running off. Stumbling and tripping the whole way because of the pain and his blurry vision. A few blocks away he stumbled into an alley collapsing onto his knees onto the littered ground. Tears formed at the base of his eyes as he tried to fight it off. He was fighting. Battling for control. The struggle was being represented in his eyes. Flashing on and off, green then brown, green then brown.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" He yelled kicking over the tin garbage can the stood next to him. "GET OUT, GET OUT," He furiously cried pounding his head. Berating his skull with a fury of blows. His body ceased to move. The battle was won.

Evil was victorious.

He stood up. His eyes burning green. With a cocky swagger he strolled out of the alleyway.

His voice had changed. It was rough, confident, and cool all at the same time. Very reminiscent of Tommy Oliver, the Tommy Oliver that had once been under the evil witch Rita Repulsa's control "Now," he asked himself thumbing his chin, "What trouble can I cause?"

Galaxies away steadily approaching the planet that the humans called Earth was a horrific sight. Not seen for centuries the ship of the Lord of Evil had arose. Soaring through the cosmos once again. The wicked emperor himself was back. Freed from his prison. Though imprisoned for centuries it had not been hard for the Dark Lord to reestablish his threatening empire. Loyal servants from all over came in the name of loyalty and fear.

His main destination was Earth but along the way he had regained what had once been his. And the countries not willing to submit to his rule were forced or annihilated. His purple fingers drummed patiently against the steel arm of his mighty throne.

"I am coming for you Zordon. You will pay, along with your beloved adopted race," With utter disgust he finished his sentence, "The humans."