Disclaimer: We own nothing. All Power Rangers belong to Saban/Disney. We aren't making any money for our hours of laborious writing, we get nothing for the blood, sweat and tears poured into this story. Even though we slave over job and school and still find the precious hours to commit to our writing, we receive no monetary sanction for this work. (Note: tips are greatly appreciated. We will forward payment options to all interested. Thank you.)
Author's Notes: Thank you for all of your insightful reviews and patience. Destiny and Ivy were hit with the terror known as Writer's Block, and barely made it out alive. But we are faithful to our fans and fought our way through. Special thank yous to Jacks and Kitty for their multiple death threats. This fun little chapter is especially for you. Please review!!
Jason and Tommy stand stoically in front of Destiny and Ivy. "What are you doing?" Ivy asks.
Jason looks at her in surprise. "Protecting you, of course."
"From what?" Destiny asks.
"Duh, the readers!" Tommy says. "They are so gonna kill you after reading this!" (No bloodshed please!)
Timeline: This takes place during Zeo, shortly after Jason returns as the Gold Ranger.
Tommy closed his eyes, letting the silence wrap around him like a blanket. He savored the peace it brought to him. He had no idea how long his enemy had been taunting him. Time held no meaning in this place. But the psychological torment seemed ceaseless, and he felt nothing but relief for the rare moments of silent solitude.
He felt like he had been subjected to the Green Ranger's jeers and insults for an eternity. His enemy's malicious attacks came from all angles. Every memory was ripped from his head and twisted into some sick scene played out in hallucinations. What he thought was truth had been morphed into vicious lies. Nothing made sense anymore.
It took all the Zeo Ranger's strength to stand up to the evil force. He knew that he was growing weaker with each passing second. As hard as he was fighting, his strength was a limited resource that was quickly running out.
But something had changed. There was a warmth in the darkness that hadn't been there before. It was as if someone from the outside was giving him strength. But it wasn't just any strength.
This force was familiar, one that he had felt helping him through his fears many times before. Is it possible? Could he really…
An evil laugh interrupted his thoughts. Tommy closed his eyes. Not again. Please God, give me strength.
His doppelganger appeared in front of him, the usual sneer on his face. "You are so pathetic, you know that?" He raised the pitch of his voice mockingly. "Oh Jason, help me! Jason, you're the only one that can save me! Jason, be my night in shining armor!" His voice returned to its usual mocking tone. "You're totally predictable."
"Then shouldn't you be bored by now?" Tommy said, his voice steady. Whatever this new force was, it gave him added strength to stand up to his enemy's attacks.
Green Ranger laughed. "You don't bore me, Tommy. Your weakness is amusing. It's why I have been able to get so far. If you had the inner strength of Rocky, Adam or Jason my power would have been snuffed out by the greater good. But you…"
He smiled, very aware that his insults were piercing Tommy's defenses. "You don't even know yourself. You have been lost in a world between good and evil since before I even found you."
"What are you talking about?" Tommy growled.
"It's very entertaining, watching you try to fit into these powers. You try so hard to be a warrior for the side of good, to be a hero. To be a Power Ranger." He circled Tommy, trailing his fingers along the Ranger's shoulder.
Tommy flinched as the ice-cold touch crawled across his skin. "But a fish out of water can't breathe. A wolf can't survive very long in the jungle before a predator claims its life. And you, Tommy…"
He leaned closer, so that his face was only inches from his prisoner's. "You can't help who you are. You're not fooling anyone. We are all born with a destiny, and yours and mine have been entwined since creation."
With all of the strength he could muster Tommy pushed his enemy away. "I don't want to hear it. For the last fucking time, I'm not you!"
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Jason jerked awake as his hand was squeezed tightly. He sat up straight in his chair. "Tommy?" The unconscious young man was thrashing around.
Jason moved to the bed, perching next to his friend. He grasped his shoulders. "Tommy, can you hear me?"
The response was so loud that it startled the Gold Ranger. "For the last fucking time, I'm not you!!"
Tommy tried to pull away, but Jason tightened his grip. "Come on Bro, tell me what's going on. Let me help you fight this thing!!" Please Tommy, I'll do anything. Just let me help you pull through this!
The ailing boy struggled harder, unaware of his friend's passionate pleas. Jason used all his weight, lying on top of the writhing body. A moan broke from Tommy's lips. "Please…."
His voice escaped in a hoarse whisper. "Please help me…God…Jason…" His struggles were getting weaker. "Jason, please…Jason help me…"
Jason closed his eyes, hoping with all his might that somehow his friend would hear him, or at least sense his presence. " I'm here Tommy… I'm here and I'm not leaving. I'll help you. You're not alone." Tommy's struggles were ceasing, but Jason didn't release him. "I'll help you, but you have to tell me how."
His response was a pained, helpless whimper that went straight to Jason's heart. His hand shook as he brushed a stray piece of hair off Tommy's flushed and sweaty face. He's still burning up. His body won't be able to take much more of this kind of assault.
As he gazed at his friend, once again lying silent and still, he felt moisture on his cheeks. Reaching up, he wiped the tears that spilled from his eyes. He knew that Tommy was flirting with death, and he had no idea how to help him. Please, God…
That simple thought let a ray of hope break through. Maybe there was something he could do. Gently laying Tommy down, Jason slid off the bed and knelt next to it. It's been a long time since I've done this, I'm just going to remember what my mom taught me when I was little.
Clasping his hand together, Jason closed his eyes and began to speak. "Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name…" No, this doesn't feel right. I guess I'll just have to wing it.
In a surprisingly strong voice he spoke, "I know I haven't talked to you in a long time. I was so angry when we lost Rich. I didn't want anything to do with you if you could take the life of an innocent 10-year-old boy. Especially since the other driver walked away. I still don't understand, but it's time I realize that things happen for your reasons, and I'm not supposed to understand them. I'm sorry that I walked away from my faith."
He squeezed his hands together, willing this prayer to reach the only one who could help Tommy. "After so many years of fighting for the Power Rangers and the safety of the earth, I have seen and experienced quite a few miracles. I've come to realize that you must exist, and you must love us."
He opened his eyes and gazed at Tommy. "The greatest miracle of all was Tommy walking into my life. He's made me into the person that I am today, teaching me about friendship and love. He has sacrificed more for the people of earth than anyone I know. He has saved so many lives, and touched everyone around him. So many people love him, and they don't want to lose him."
He reached out and took Tommy's hand. "I don't want to lose him. I would do anything to save him. Please don't take him away from us…from me…" Moving back onto the bed he pulled Tommy into his arms.
"If you do have to take him, then take me with him. I don't want to think about a life without him. Please, show him the love and mercy I have seen you show so many others. Please…" He laid his head on Tommy's burning skin. If you die, I go with you. Maybe not in body, but my soul will go with you.
A soft moan escaped Tommy's lips. Jason could feel his comrade's body shaking. "Take my strength… Feel me with you. I won't let you fight this alone."
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Tommy felt another wave of the strength that had invaded his tormented mind wash over him. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in the comforting sensation as his tired body leaned against a wall. When he opened his eyes he found his adversary sitting in a chair in front of him.
He was leaning back, arms crossed casually over his chest, a calculating smirk on his lips. "So you feel that, do you?" The voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard.
Tommy wasn't going to let the leak any information that might give his enemy the upper hand. "Feel what?" he replied, feigning indifference.
The smirk slowly grew into a sinister smile that made Tommy's blood run cold. "Jason. Really, you surprise me. Do you honestly think that I wouldn't notice your dear Gold Ranger draining your strength? I'm lucky to have such an ally."
That comment gained Tommy's full attention. "What are you talking about, asshole? Jason is not your ally."
Green Ranger sighed. "Must we continually reduce ourselves to such unrefined language? You and I are both more civilized than that."
"You are nowhere near civilized," Tommy growled.
His clone shot him an infuriating smile that made Tommy's teeth clench. "Let's get down to business shall we?"
"Business? Is that what you want to call it now?" Tommy glared at him. "What's on the agenda? Tormenting me with my weaknesses? Or better yet, taking exquisite pleasure as I battle my own illness? No wait, I think I figured it out. How about your lies?"
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Tommy voice pulled Jason out of his prayers. He leaned in closer to make out the mumbled words. "Asshole…not your ally…" Tommy moved his body closer to Jason. "How about your lies?"
Jason wanted to scream with frustration. He had a strong feeling that this was much more than delirium. He grasped the unconscious boy's shoulders. "Lies, Tommy? Who's been telling lies?" When there was no reply Jason shook him. "Jesus Christ, tell me how to help you!!"
********************
Green Ranger circled Tommy once more. His fluid movements almost seemed serpentine, like a deadly Cobra waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The weakening boy took a steadying breath, willing his strength to hold. He knew his time was quickly running out. Part of him wanted to abandon this world of pain and surrender to the sweet tranquility of death.
But would the surrender really allow him to die, or would he just be sentencing his friends and family to the homicidal sociopath that lived inside of him? That was a risk he could not take at any cost.
He looked back at his rival, who was once again casually reclining in the chair. The ever-present evil smirk was on his face, and his eyes held a triumphant gleam that made Tommy want to throttle him. "Lies, Tommy? Who's been telling lies?"
Tommy started. He could've sworn that there was another voice that added to that statement, a voice almost more powerful than that of his evil captor. It was a comforting voice, one that had given him strength countless times in the past.
"Jason?" he whispered. A loud guffaw drew him back to the present. His doppelganger was doubled over with laughter. "What's so funny?" Tommy asked through clenched teeth.
Green Ranger sat up, calming himself with deep breaths. He looked a Tommy with total amusement. "The look of hope on your face. It's famous." He wiped his eyes. "You can't honestly think that Jason's presence will help you."
Tommy straightened up in an attempt to demonstrate added strength. "Jason's presence has always helped me."
"My dear boy." Tommy flinched at the sugary sweet term of affection. "Jason is not your strength. Exactly the opposite. Jason is going to be your very downfall."
Tommy scoffed at his enemy. "Oh right. Jason was the reason that you originally lost as the Green Ranger, and he's been the main reason you have never been able to take control of me. He chased away my fears and nightmares and showed me the strength that I have within me. Now he is going to be my undoing? I think it's your brain that needs to be examined."
Green Ranger brought his face within inches of Tommy's. "Mark my words. If Jason remains present in the outside world, then it's only a matter of time until you are mine."
Tommy glared at him, feeling the rage well up in his chest. "You're wrong!" he screamed, pushing his opponent away.
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Tommy flinched in Jason's arms. "You're wrong!" he screamed. "I will never be yours!" His voice was filled with such agony that hearing it made Jason feel like his heart was being ripped out of his chest.
"That's it, Tommy. Fight him!!!" He tightened his arms around his friend. "Feel me with you!! I'm here, I'm holding you and I'm not letting you go until you open your eyes."
"I don't know what your demented mind is dreaming up, but tell me the fucking truth!" Jason could sense the anguish Tommy's vocal cords were feeling at the strain of his screams.
Jason leaned in, moving his lips right next to Tommy's ear. "What truth? Tell me what's happening!"
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"I don't know what your demented mind is dreaming up, but tell me the fucking truth!" Tommy screamed.
"And asked so nicely." Green Ranger sighed, shaking his head with a disapproving look on his face. "Now now…if you and I are going to have a pleasant conversation you are going to have to be far more polite."
Tommy snarled at his enemy. "I'm sick of your goddamn sarcasm. Get to the point."
Green Ranger just gave him that same maddening smile. "You know, I too was quite surprised that Jason was the one who provided the most opportune moment for me to strike. I myself thought as you did, that he was your greatest strength. But circumstances change."
He shook his head. "Still, for him to turn around become your greatest weakness was surprising. It's rather humorously ironic, don't you think?" He snickered at the confusion on Tommy's face.
The Red Zeo had absolutely no idea where this was going, but he knew he wasn't going to like it. "So what are you saying? Jason was used to destroy me?"
The unnerving smile came to rest on the evil ranger's face once more. "Do I dare believe he finally begins to get it? I am astonished that it took you this long to figure out how I was able to succeed in my attack, and rather disappointed as well. It wasn't easy, and perhaps you should take some comfort in that. You do possess an admirable strength. It just wasn't enough."
Tommy glared at him, "Oh, so now I'm strong? What happened to the weak, pathetic being that you were trying to conquer? Maybe you're finally starting to get it – I do have strength. You haven't won yet."
********************
Jason sat in shock. Tommy had been speaking steadily now, and he was at least able to hear one side of whatever interaction was going on in his best friend's mind. Me?? I was used as a weapon against Tommy? Dear God!!!
He took a deep breath. There were no doubts left as to who Tommy's adversary was. This is for real! Somehow the Green Ranger is still alive, and he's doing this to Tommy. He's trying to take over again!
"You haven't won yet." Tommy stated matter-of-factly. There was a strength in his voice that sparked the hope in Jason's chest.
"Tommy, you have to listen to me. Don't give up. You can't, too many people are defending on you. You've got to keep fighting. I know it's hard with this illness in your body, but you've just got to. You can't give up on me! YOU CAN'T GIVE UP ON ME!!"
Jason could feel the adrenaline rushing through his body. He felt like he was fighting the battle as well.Maybe I am. Maybe there's a reason I'm here as well. I can't be his destruction, Green Ranger is just using that to trick him. He looked at Tommy, determination shining in his eyes. I have to get through to him somehow.
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"YOU CAN'T GIVE UP ON ME!" The voice echoed in the darkness. It jarred the two characters within this realm, stopping everything.
Tommy stared at the darkness beyond his prison, praying that there was an ally here to help him. But at the same time, he knew that was impossible. This was his battle, in his mind. However, somehow there was another presence there. "Jason??" he whispered.
The green ranger stared at him For the first time in what seemed like forever, his foe was rendered speechless. Tommy smiled. Those words from Jason granted him exactly what he needed, proof that his enemy wasn't entirely in control. A slow smile traced his opponent's face, and Tommy held back a chuckle. Sure, play it off. I know you didn't expect that.
"So he's telling you not to give up? I agree with him. I never thought you would, Tommy. In fact, I would be rather disappointed if you did. I just assumed you would fight until there was nothing left in this body but an empty shell. Which, of course, I would use for my own purposes." His grin widened. "Once again a helpful push from your so-called "friend." Remind me to thank him."
********************
Tommy lay still, the movements of breathing just barely perceptible. Frantically Jason shook his frail body. "Tommy? Come on. Don't leave me!!" There was no response. Jason found himself catching his breath.
The words came out of Tommy's mouth at a low level. Jason had to lean in to hear the barely perceptible dialogue. "When I can't fight anymore bastard, I'll make fucking sure you aren't going to win! That I promise you, even if it means my own death."
At first Jason felt relief that Tommy had not been lost, but the mention of the word death struck him deep, making him feel like he'd been stabbed.
"No…" It was a whisper at first, then increased to a shout. "NO!! You can't go like this! Do you understand me Tommy?!! I won't let you!! I'm not letting you go, not now!! Please don't die on me!!" He was shaking Tommy's shoulders, damning his own helplessness.
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Tommy was glaring up at the Ranger when he heard the startling scream, and he now could recognize Jason's voice. "I'm not letting you go, not now! Please don't die on me!!"
The agony Tommy heard in his friend's voice jarred him out of his present anger. He could almost see the pain in those midnight eyes. God, Jase…I'm trying…
The evil laugh that Tommy despised filled the room. Tommy closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He would be happy not to hear that for the rest of his life. "Look at you, totally abandoning the anger you just displayed. Giving up the fight. All because of Jason's voice." He chuckled to himself. "I knew he would be your ruin."
Tommy blocked out his enemy. There was only one thing that mattered now. He was completely sure that Jason was with him in the real world. He could almost feel Jason's arms wrapped around him, giving him comfort and strength. He could almost smell Jason's scent in the air, a smell that has always brought him peace.
If only he could just give into those feelings and forget this fatal battle. But he knew that giving in to those feelings that represented Jason would mean leaving him in the end. If Jason could be sitting by his side after everything that had happened between them, then he wouldn't give up.
Okay, come on Tommy. You have to think clearly on this. He took a deep breath and cleared his mind of everything but the battle. The only way this fight would end would be for one of them to die. Either Tommy or Green Ranger had to be killed, there was no way that both of them could continue to exist. The battle of wits was ending, it was time to fight the real fight. It's now or never.
He fixed an iron gaze on his enemy. "You haven't won anything yet. I'm not going to give in to Jason, if that's what you were hoping for. Whatever illusions you have presented me with cannot warp those words I know came from Jason's mouth. You say he's my weakness? You are sadly mistaken. It's time you see how weak I really am."
He relished the look of surprise on the Green Ranger's face at the swift spin-kick that hit him. He took a few steps backwards and fell into a defensive stance. "Shall we?"
Green Ranger smirked. "Stupid boy. It will be my pleasure to obliterate you."
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Jason's body was shaking as he held Tommy close. "Come on, fight…I'm here. Take my strength. You've beat him before, Tommy. You can do it again."
He sent another prayer heavenwards. Please, Lord. I know it doesn't always work this way, but please let good beat evil this time. We need Tommy. Please, just give him the strength to win.
********************
Tommy gasped for air. He had forgotten how difficult it was to fight himself. Green Ranger matched him move for move, and he wasn't being attacked by an illness at the same time.
Tommy felt like his heart was going to jump out of his chest it was beating so hard. He knew his strength was almost completely gone, he could barely stand up as it was. I've got to think of a way to beat him!
His mirror image glared at him. "I'm surprised that you are still standing, boy. Your strength that you wish to use to defeat me will soon dissipate due to your overexertions. You don't even recognize your own limits. The illness attacking your body has almost won, as have I. Don't be stupid, just give in."
"I'd be stupid to give in, ranger." Tommy's voice adopted the sinister tone his double had been using. "You've been preaching to me how similar we are, how much I need you. Isn't that the way you told the story? Well I figured something out. You need me just like I need you. Imagine where you would be without me. You wouldn't exist. I made you didn't I? The only reason why you still exist is because I allowed it to continue. And I think I've decided that I won't allow it any more. You're finished."
His adversary took a step towards him, narrowing his eyes. "Is that so, Tommy? What brave words. Brave and stupid. You wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for me. You wouldn't have anything if I hadn't gotten it for you. I don't think it matters whether the egg or the chicken came first, my dear twin. All that matters is who is in control."
Their faces were now inches from each other. "I couldn't have said it better myself. So let's not waste our time with these petty arguments. Instead why don't we dwell on your survival, shall we? I'm in control."
Tommy's determination blazed in his eyes. "I allow you to continue on as you have, and I can destroy you. You've been trying to distract me from that fact, haven't you? That's why you've provided all of the hallucination, that's why you torment me with idle threats. Because that's all they are, idle. We both know the truth, and that is that I can destroy you at any time I choose."
"Is it really all that easy Tommy? To just destroy me with the snap of your fingers?" The ranger circled Tommy, stalking his prey. "If it's so easy then do it. Destroy me! I dare you to try." He sneered at his captive.
"You may have a point, but I'm not so foolish that I would not set up any safeguards. In this time you and I have become so closely bound that we are almost one being. You can give up and allow me to take control, but if you try to destroy me? You'll be sorely surprised, dear Tommy, that you will go as well. Destroy me, and destroy yourself."
With a knowing smile on his face, Tommy stepped in front of his twin. "Surprised? You really think that I wouldn't figure that out? You've underestimated me, dear ranger." He relished at his doppelganger's wince at the affectionate term. "Isn't that the plan? Or did we miss that portion of the discussion?"
His smile grew. "Did you really think that would save you? You of all people should know that I have no problem sacrificing myself for the greater good."
Enraged anger filled Green Ranger's face. "You will not destroy me!! I am essential, a crucial portion to even your own life. You can't have yin without yang. And I'll be damned if I let you kill yourself after all the trouble you have put me through. It won't be that easy!"
"All I have ever needed to destroy you was Jason. You can't deny that he has not abandoned me. He's there in my room holding me in his arms, giving me his strength to combat you. He might have been the step you used to gain your advantage, but no more. Jason was only my weakness because I let him be one. He has always, and will always be my greatest strength, and there is nothing you can do to destroy that."
From some dimensional pocket his enemy pulled out the Sword of Darkness, pointing at Tommy's chest. "If I can't control your mind then at least I'll know that your end was due to a virus instead of a death more fitting for a warrior." The sick smile once more appeared on his lips. "You've made your point. I realize I can't win. Once again you have impressed me as you have always done. I did underestimate you, and I shouldn't have."
This is my mind, my battlefield. If he can access his weapon… Tommy concentrated on summoning his own sword, and sure enough it appeared in his right hand. His enemy's eyes widened, and Tommy smiled. "You will never torment me again, or anyone else. This virus won't be the end of me, Green Ranger, but it will be the end of you."
With a quick thrust the sword was embedded in his double's chest. Wide eyes full of shock looked down at the bleeding wound. The blood dripped out of him in exquisite slowness. "How does it feel to fall victim to your own plan. You plotted this for my destruction, ranger. Now you can die knowing that I am the one who came out victorious, even if it means my own destruction."
Pulling the sword slowly out of his being, the weapon dropped to the floor from weak hands. Falling to his knees gasping for the last breath of air, the green ranger fell forward and lay still, extinguishing the dark flame of Tommy's past for all eternity.
For several moments Tommy could only stare at the ranger who had befallen by his hand. It's over. After so many years, it's over. He's finally gone…" Breathing became difficult when the reality of his ailment came back full force.
He had pushed himself to the limit of whatever strength he had left. Dropping to his knees, he struggled to keep the darkness from overcoming his consciousness. There was one last thing he had to do.
Closing his eyes he used all his strength to put his feelings into words. "Jason…"
********************
Jason was barely breathing. For some reason he had heard both sides of the battle, Tommy's and Green Ranger's. He knew the evil ranger was no more, and was so proud of Tommy for finally finding the strength to defeat him. But his friend wasn't out of the dark yet, and Jason was getting worried.
Tommy wasn't breathing very well anymore, and his face was becoming even paler at each passing second. His body was definitely more relaxed, but the skin was still burning to the touch.
Suddenly the whispered voice spoke once more. "Jason…I love you…So sorry…."
"Tommy?! NO!!!" Jason shook the boy, praying for a miracle. Was it too late? Tommy's temperature had been so high for an extended period of time, much longer than it should have been. He didn't have enough nutrients in his body, and the final battle might have absorbed the last of his strength. It can't end like this...
********************
Tommy smiled, welcoming the peace that surrounded his body. He had done all that he could do, he had defeated the evil and saved the day. Now it was time to rest. The tired Zeo Ranger lowered his body to the ground and surrendered to the welcoming stillness.
********************
There was utter silence in the room. "Tommy?" Jason leaned over the boy, holding his cheek inches from the slightly open mouth. He felt nothing. His heart stopped in his chest and he moved his fingers to the still boy's neck. There was no pulse. "No…"
It took a minute for the facts to register in Jason's head, and then he let out a scream. "NO!!" Placing his hands on his friend's chest, he began compressions. "Don't you dare die on me, Tommy Oliver!" He pinched Tommy's nose and breathed into his mouth, then once again started compression. Tears ran down his cheeks. "God dammit, don't you fucking die!!" he screamed
The Olivers' ran into the room. "Oh God…" Jan whispered. Picking up the phone, she dialed 911 and quickly gave them the information. Then she looked at her husband. "Tom, get him. He's not doing any good."
Mr. Oliver grabbed Jason. The Gold Zeo Ranger struggled against him. "NO!! He can't die! He can't leave me!" He watched as Jan took over CPR, and let himself be pulled to the side. His body convulsed with sobs, and Tom tightened his hold. "He can't," Jason sobbed, burying his face in Tom's chest. "Tommy, please…please don't die…"
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TBC… (remember, no killing!)