Disclaimer: We do not own the Power Rangers, we just like to play with their universe. It's all in fun, so no suing please.
Authors' notes: Ivy and Destiny sneak out, holding Jason and Tommy before them as a shield. They throw the pages into the screaming masses. "Are we safe now?" Sorry it took so long!! Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed, and a special thanks to those who sent us death threats should we fail to update. A huge thank you to Chris for his constructive criticism and support. Please note that italics=internal thoughts.
Time: The Zeo era, shortly after Jason became the Gold Ranger. (And to be precise, the last chapter happened on a Sat., this chapter happens the following Tues.)
Jason stood at his locker, staring into space. He was worried. It had been three days since his fight with Tommy, and he hadn't seen or heard from the red ranger. They hadn't talked at all the rest of the weekend, and he'd been out sick from school the past two days. The anger caused by Tommy's accusations had faded, leaving only guilt at the way he had left. Why did I walk away? Why didn't I stay and work things out? Tommy is the most important person in my life; I can't lose him. So why am I not at his house right now, trying to fix this? He sighed. He knew the answer to that question. This wasn't the first time his own stubborn pride had stopped him from telling Tommy how he felt. His mind flashed back to the last time a wedge had been driven between his and Tommy's friendship…
Jason paced at the bluffs, Zordon's words echoing in his head. "So Power Rangers, may I assume that you are pleased with the new leader of the power team?" That statement had blindsided Jason. Tommy had appeared completely shocked as well, which comforted the red ranger somewhat. At least he knew it wasn't Tommy who had stabbed him in the back. I just don't get it. A new leader? What did I do wrong? And why wouldn't Zordon talk to me about it?
A voice interrupted his thoughts. "Hey." Turning, he saw Zack standing behind him.
"Where is he?" Jason asked, not stopping his pacing.
"With Kim. I talked to him, Jase. He had no idea what Zordon was going to do. He was just as surprised as the rest of us."
Jason sighed, pivoting again. "I know. I saw it in his face."
Zack walked towards his friend and grabbed him. "Stop pacing. You're making me seasick." He squeezed Jason's shoulders reassuringly. "Talk to me, Jase. This can't be easy for you."
Jason took a deep breath, trying to decipher his thoughts. "I just…I don't understand. Did I do something wrong? I've been trying as hard as I can. It's not like I had a handbook to go on or anything. If Zordon wasn't happy with my leadership, why didn't he tell me? I mean, I thought I was doing an okay job!"
"You weren't doing an okay job, you were doing a great job. Jason, you are an awesome leader! Don't ever doubt that! Billy, Trini, Kim, myself, even Tommy…we'd be nowhere without you!"
Jason looked at him dubiously. "If I'm such an awesome leader, then why did Zordon give the team to Tommy with absolutely no warning."
Zack shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe he meant something else. Maybe you and Tommy are going to be co-leaders."
"Zack, you heard him. His exact words were: "Congratulations Tommy. You are now the leader of the Power Rangers." What am I supposed to infer from that?"
The black ranger sighed. "I think this is something you're going to need to work out with Zordon."
Jason stared out at the ocean. "I just wish I knew what I did wrong…"
The two boys stood in silence for a long time. Zack kept one hand on Jason's arm, just wanting to comfort him with a friendly presence. After about twenty minutes, Zack said quietly, "He's worried about you."
Jason sighed. "I know. I need to talk to him. He needs to know that I'm not mad at him."
"Be honest with him, Jase. He knows this is upsetting you. Tell him what you told me."
Jason shook his head. "No. Tommy doesn't need my baggage right now; he needs my support. He's been through enough shit since moving to Angel Grove. If it's Zordon's decision to make Tommy the leader of the team, then I am going to be there to support him 100%."
Zack sighed. "It's your decision. But you know what I think. Honesty is always the best policy."
"I know…"
*****
"Jase!" Jason jerked back into the present. Turning, he saw Adam standing next to him. The black zeo ranger looked at him with some concern. "You okay? You were off in your own little world there."
"I'm fine." He slammed his locker shut. "What's up?"
"I'm going over to Tommy's to bring him his homework. Do you want to come with me?" Adam looked at him hopefully. He had been at Tommy's the previous day, and the red ranger had been sullen and withdrawn. Aside from being sick, Adam attributed a lot of that negative attitude to the fight that Jason and Tommy had on Saturday.
Jason looked at him, his thoughts trailing back to the memory he had been re-living. We tried to work it out then too, but it was too awkward. It was just better for me to walk away. Maybe I just need to give him time. "No thanks, Adam. But tell him I hope he feels better soon."
Adam sighed. "Okay." He still didn't want to interfere with these two – their friendship was a complicated thing that he had no comprehension of. It would probably be better to talk to Tommy anyway – Adam knew him a lot better and felt much more comfortable with him. He gave Jason a smile. "I'll see you later?"
"Yeah." Jason watched Adam walk away, leaning back against the lockers. It's better this way.
*****
Dr. Jan Oliver opened the door, and a smile spread across her face. "Adam!"
"Hi, Dr. Oliver," Adam said. "How's Tommy feeling?"
She sighed. "His fever's almost up to 103 degrees, and it's still climbing. I'm debating if I should check him into the hospital. I know how much Tommy hates hospitals." She stepped aside, letting the green-clad boy come in.
"Yeah, well he's lucky to have the combination of a great doctor and an awesome mom."
Jan laughed, giving him a hug. She loved all of Tommy's friends, but she had a special spot in her heart for the quiet and compassionate boy that had grown so close to her son. "I'm so glad you're here. I'm sure seeing you will cheer him up."
"I don't know about that," Adam replied with a grin. "I come bearing homework."
"Maybe it will be incentive for him to get better that much faster."
"I hope so. We really miss him."
She smiled. "Well don't tell me that, tell him! Go on up, you know the way."
"Thanks." Adam took the stairs two at a time, slowing when he reached the top. He knocked lightly on Tommy's partially opened door. "Tommy? It's Adam."
"Come in," a weary voice responded.
Adam pushed the door open and walked in. Tommy was on the bed, propped up against the headstand with pillows. Adam winced as he looked at his leader. "Man, you look like crap! Worse than you did yesterday!"
Tommy coughed. "Thanks a lot. That's just what I needed to hear."
Adam dropped his book bag and pulled out some books, placing them on the desk. "Brought you some homework to keep you busy." Tommy gave him a murderous glare he held up his hands in surrender, laughing. "Hey, don't shoot the messenger! I only do what I'm told." He pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat down. "So, how are you feeling?"
"Worse than I look." He coughed again. "I can't believe I'm sick!"
"Don't worry about it, Tommy. Everybody gets sick, even Power Rangers. At least you've got the powers to aid you in your recovery."
Considering it was my stupidity that got me here. What was I thinking, standing out in the rain all night? Tommy sighed. "How's the team? You guys doing okay without me?"
"Not as good as we would do with you, but we haven't come up against anything we couldn't handle. Of course, having Jason on the team is a big help." Adam watched his friend carefully, trying to gauge his reaction to that name.
Tommy wouldn't meet his eyes, instead finding a sudden fascination with his fingernails. "But he's not trying to take over, right? He's letting you lead?"
"Yeah. I mean, we're working together, but he knows the chain-of-command." Adam was silent for a moment, then added, "He said he hoped you'd feel better soon."
Tommy looked up, hope lighting in his eyes. "He said that?" Catching himself, he quickly sobered. "I mean, tell him thanks."
Adam sighed. "You know you can talk to me about anything, don't you? I'm always here for you."
Tommy gave him a small smile. "I know. It's just…I think Jase and I need to figure this one out on our own. There are a lot of issues here that you wouldn't understand."
Adam nodded. "I can accept that. But if you ever do need someone to talk to…"
"I'll come straight to you." Tommy held out his hand, and Adam clasped it with a smile.
Jan poked her head in the door. "Tommy, don't you think you should get some rest?"
Tommy groaned. "Mom, I've been resting for three days. The only time I've been out of this bed is to go to the bathroom."
"I think that was a hint directed at me. Don't worry, Dr. Oliver, I'm going." Adam turned back to his friend. "I'll stop by tomorrow after school, okay?"
Tommy nodded. "And keep me updated about any…" He glanced at the recently vacated doorway, then tapped his communicator.
"I will. Feel better soon. Rocky's promising to cook a big dinner when you get back on your feet."
Tommy visibly perked up at that. "With the DeSantos world-famous lasagna?"
Adam grinned. "You know it. And I think he mentioned something about cheesecake…"
Tommy gave him a big smile. "Finally! A reason to get better!" His smile waned a bit. "I should probably get some sleep."
Adam paused. Was that a note of fear in his voice? "You sure you're okay?"
Tommy nodded. "Just fine. Go on, get out of here. I'll see you tomorrow." He watched Adam leave, then settled down with a sigh. Maybe I can get a dreamless nap in. That would be really nice. Just a couple of hours with no demons to fight… Closing his eyes, he let the darkness pull him to sleep.
*****
TBC…Stay Tuned for the next installment..