Authors Note: I hope you guys enjoy my latest installment in the series.. PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW it's the fuel to my fire… I'll never say that again..

Jason Lee Scott: The Tale of the Golden Eagle
Chapter Three: A New Evil

Jason awoke violently thrusting his bed sheets off him. His fist flailed erratically striking the air. He jumped out of bed. His body was covered in sweat and his muscles were tense. His heavy breathing matched the panicking pace of his heart. His head jerked stiffly in different directions as his wide eyes scanned the dark room.

"It's just a dream," he assured himself. Jason's mindless state of terror beginning to evaporate. For the fifth night in a row he was a victim to this nightmare. Each night it had gotten more vivid. The muscle bound teenager shuddered as he recollected the images that had startled him out of his sleep.

Death was everywhere. He could see the lifeless faces of mothers and children as their eyes eerily peered at him. He was in a dark place, literally. The scenery had changed from the city streets littered with the dead to a dark void. He ran his head turning around to make sure the thing hadn't caught up to him. Something was following him, he could feel it. The fear that swelled in his chest assured him of the creature's presence, but he could not see it. As Jason ran, from the darkness voices called out to him, they screamed his name begging for help. So many voices, so much pain, he had to save them! Amongst the pleas from the innocent he could here his fellow rangers yell his name, begging for - mercy! He was back on the death filled city streets and five helmet less colorful spandex warrior lay before him. Only one remained alive and it was Sarah. Her crippled body was shaking. She weakly asked, "Why?" before her tearful eyes closed for the last time. Horrified he looked down at his hands, his blood stained hands.

The former Red Ranger always awoke at this point, terrified and confused. He hadn't told anyone about the nightmare, and he asked himself why should he? It was just a dream after all. Probably it was just occurring as a result of stress, he had been tense lately.

A little over four weeks had passed since his encounter with Bulk and Skull's gang. The beaten fugitives were carried off to a juvenile prison, a place for the next three months they'd be calling home. Jason had a hard time explaining to the cops how he had more than defended himself against several armed thugs. But his bruises, which now were mostly healed, helped provide a believable explanation.

He glanced at the red digits on his alarm clock; the time read four thirty five. He Didn't have to wake up for another two hours but there was no way he would be able to go back to sleep. With a sigh he headed to the shower.

The forces of evil had been dormant lately. But Jason still found a lot of stress and responsibility on his shoulders. At the end of the week he would be competing in a full contact karate tournament. This was not just any competition it was a fundraiser for charity. The winning team would be able to donate twenty five thousand dollars to a charity of their choice. The Little Angels Haven was Angel Grove's sanctuary for the parentless youth. It provided a wonderful environment for kids of all ages and the rangers were actively involved, especially the girls whom volunteered practically every weekend. Sadly due to a lack of funding the program was soon to be shut down, but there was hope. If they won this national tournament the shelter would be able to stay open.

Rocky, Adam, and Jason had been training under Coach Daniels everyday after school for the past three weeks. It was Thursday two more days until the tournament and things weren't going well.

"Come- on Rocky! Focus, focus!" Coach Daniels yelled out of frustration, his temper starting to show.

He and his students were in their second hour of training, and it had been an aggravating two hours for Coach Daniels.

A decent amount of people filled the stadium. Most were wannabe martial artist training, others were spectators. Coach Daniels ignored all with the exception of the three teenagers who were inside the blue matting sparring ring blocked off with red ropes.

Jason was dressed in white sparring pants with a blank tank top. Sweating from head to toe he let out a loud yell every time he kicked. Adam Park was leaning against the ropes taking a short rest. He was outfitted in a green Gi. His long black curls glistened with sweat under the stadium spotlights. He breathed heavily from his rigorous workout. The final and last of the three (and the one that was aggravating Coach Daniels the most) was Rocky De Santos. He wore a blue Gi. Rocky was a talented martial artist but this afternoon he was fowling up every kick or punch he executed.

"Adam get back in there!" Daniels instructed. "Rocky, get over here!"

Rocky let out a sigh of relief, him and Jason were sparring. He wiped his forehead and jogged to the end of the ring where Coach Daniels stood. Adam engaged Jason with an improvised jump kick taking his chances sparring with his leader.

With one hand the balding coach held up a black target, "Rocky, Rocky spinning heel kick my hand," Daniels commanded slapping the dark target.

Taking a deep breath Rocky let out a roaring yell; his body spinning through the air; leg following. His heel was aimed for the target but instead he received a fresh breeze of air before he fell with a loud thud onto the mat.

"Now look your trying to hard!" Daniels said as Rocky groaned on the ground.

Tommy and Adam were both resting against the ropes taking a slight intermission between their sparring match. Both of them had a sweat stained towel slung over their shoulder and a water bottle in hand.

"Hey Rocky, maybe we are trying to hard," Adam said as Rocky approached the two. Adam was clearly exhausted and Rocky was obviously agitated.

"Maybe were not trying hard enough!" was Rocky's blockheaded reply.

Tommy and Adam stood mortified. They watched as Rocky tried another spinning heel kick. This time not only did he miss the target - he went flying out of the ring.

Rocky cried out, his body shook with pain. He saw his two friends and his coach run to his aid.

"Don't move!" Jason ordered.

"AHHH MY BACK!" Rocky grunted.

"Can we get some help?" Jason demanded.

"I'm so stupid," Rocky muttered.

"You're going to be okay man, just relax," Adam said.

Jason felt like smacking himself, how could he forget that Rocky injured himself training for the tournament. He had been so busy with Sarah and so absorbed in his training that the realization had failed to occur sooner. Luckily Rocky wasn't permanently injured but he wouldn't be able to compete on Saturday.

---

"I'm such an idiot!" Rocky sighed, he was strapped down to a mechanical hospital bed, his fellow rangers had come to visit him they brought flowers, candy, and balloons as presents. It was Friday night, the tournament was tomorrow.

"Rocky don't say such things," Kat said.

"Ya, man you just get better," said Adam.

"Rocky for now please just concentrate on making a full recovery," Billy stated.

"What about the tournament? We need to win - for the kids," Rocky asked

"Tommy is going to fill in for you," Kim informed.

"Just relax bro, you have nothing to be ashamed of," Jason reassured.

"Just please get better Rocky," Sarah pleaded and all the rangers nodded in agreement.

Rocky could be a pain in the ass at times, he could be immature, unreasonable, and at times uncooperative. That being stated he was loyal, caring, sincere, funny, and brave. He was their teammate, but foremost Rocky was their friend.

The night before feeling responsible Jason had pleaded with Zordon to use the command centers resources to heal his friend. Against his own will Zordon had to say "NO" for two reasons. Rule number one of being a power ranger "Never use your powers for personal gain". Of course Rocky's predicament was far from selfish, but he had still hurt himself on his own time, and not in battle. Second even if the wizard did allow Rocky to be healed using the command center's technology, it would be very suspicious. Dozens of people had seen Rocky's accident and it was now all over the local news. If he healed overnight from a devastating back injury it would arouse wonder, to much of a risk of the press finding out of the ranger's identity.

As a leader Jason understood and respected his commander's decision, respecting it did not mean he had to enjoy it. The former Gold Ranger had not shed a tear, but inside he was devastated. To see Rocky in the condition he was in broke his heart. And he couldn't help feeling responsible even though Rocky himself had assured Jason he had no reason to feel guilty.

His mood cheered slightly as Rocky made a joke that had all seven of them chuckling. Their communicators ringed dimming the jolly mood.

"What could it be?" Katherine pondered aloud. It was late and as far as she knew they had taken care of all the remaining monsters.

RANGERS REPORT TO THE COMMAND CENTER IMMEDIATELY, Zordon's voice commanded over the mechanical devices that the seven brandished on their wrist.

"Sorry Rocky," Sarah apologized.

"Don't worry about it."

"Talk to you later," Adam said.

They all said there goodbyes and after making sure the cost was clear the six teleported to their base of operations in a colorful blaze.

"What's wrong?" Billy was the first to verbalize his concern. Alpha ran around the command center pressing flashing buttons, turning knobs, and pulling levers.

"I don't know," Alpha cried.

"Zordon what's going on?" Jason inquired.

After a short pause their mentor responded, "Rangers I wish I had an answer. Or sensor detected a - powerful disturbance. But it seems that it was just an error, at this present moment I detect nothing. Alpha please run scans on the operating ability of our monitoring devices."

"I'll get right to it," The mechanical servant obeyed.

"The six of you have had a long night, best thing to do is get some deserved rest you have a big day tomorrow. I wish you luck," Said Zordon.

The rangers agreed, they were tired, and the day had been long.

Sarah and Jason exited the command center together, they were the last to leave everyone else had already teleported home. It was rather chilly in the desert night and Jason gave Sarah his leather jacket to prevent her from shivering. The two were perched on a large smooth surfaced rock enjoying the beautiful desert landscape that was covered in a midnight blue. Above them the stars sparkled and the bold full moon illuminated the darkness.

Sarah lay with her head rested against Jason's chest his strong arms wrapped around her, protecting her. She melted at his touch; he made her feel so relaxed, protected, and loved. The way he looked at her made her smile; his eyes spoke love and concern. His delicate touch warmed her heart and she could easily fall asleep in Jason's loving embrace. Because of these tender moments Sarah knew that she and Jason had something more than just puppy love, it was so much deeper than that. Sarah doubted she would ever be capable of verbalizing the love she felt, and she didn't need to. All she needed was the satisfaction of knowing Jason felt the same, and as his fingers delicately caressed her hair the young teen knew that her boyfriend did.

"I'm so sleepy," The red ranger yawned.

"Zordon's right it's been a long day, you should get some sleep."

"That's the problem I've been having these nightmares…"

"What could be bothering you so much that it's keeping you awake? I mean it just a dream."

Jason felt her body tense, her muscles contracted and Sarah tightly shut her eyes, "I don't remember, I forget when I wake up. I just know that their scary," Sarah lied. "Jason promise me something,"

"Sure, I'd do anything for you."

Sarah paused briefly and when she spoke her voice was a sad whisper, "Promise me that you'll always be there for me. Promise me that you'll always protect me."

"Sarah," Tilting her chin so that their eyes met, Jason whispered softly, "I promise. Don't you know that – Sarah, I love you."

"Jason, please promise me one more thing?"

"What?"

"Promise me that you'll let me protect you."

---

Tommy exited the ring with a grin on his face. Replacing Rocky, Tommy was the third member of the Angel Grove team. He had just fought and won his last individual match. It was a long night of competition. Adam, Tommy, and Jason were exhausted having won several fights already. Tommy returned to his corner where his fellow teammates and coach awaited.

"Good Job Tommy," Coach Daniels congratulated, "Guys lets get it together I know you're tired but here is what we've been training for! You win this and the shelter stays open!"

The announcer entered the ring, he was a man of medium build and his short jet black hair was slick with jell. A microphone dropped from the ceiling and his loud voice boomed through the stadium, "Ladies and gentlemen! Tonight has been a night of spectacular Martial Art action, but the final event, the event you have been waiting for will now begin! As you know it's a team battle and our remaining finalist or non other than Angel Grove and Stone Canyon!"

"Go get 'em guys!" Coach Daniels encouraged as his three students headed for the battle field.

Entering the stadium boxing ring Jason faced his opponent as did Tommy and Adam. He could hear the cheers emanating from the crowd, he knew that somewhere Sarah and the kids were watching him, he couldn't let them down. He wouldn't let them down. At the sound of the bell he respectively bowed to his challenger and the combat began.

Jason deflected a roundhouse kick to his rib countering with a roundhouse of his own. His rival responded with a series of aggressive punches to Jason's midsection, the muscular teen skipped back blasting a spinning round house that connected on his opponent's temple.

Adam engaged his challenger with a flashy jumping kick which the Stone Canyon martial artist easily side stepped shooting a devastating side kick to Adams ribs. Adam stumbled a bit and started to fall, but regained control sweeping his opponent. The challenger bounced off that mat lashing out with a powerful combination of kicks. Deflecting them as they came Adam jumped in the air spinning around thrusting his foot into the solar plexus of his opponent, dropping him.

Tommy faired worse than his fellow comrades. His opponent clearly outweighed him and was a few inches taller. Using his reach advantage the Stone Canyon representative launched his assault with powerful punches a few the connected sending Tommy stumbling. Recovering he regained his composure and faked a roundhouse kick to the combatants stomach and then switched legs and with a loud thud his foot cracked into his opponents head.

It was over. They won, they shelter would not close. Inspirational music blared from the stadium speakers and the three comrades gathered close unable to contain their excitement. Adam was overwhelmed with emotion as the announcer announced their victory handing them a golden oversized check for twenty five thousand dollars. The green zeo ranger ran wildly around the ring with the check bouncing up and down hollering.

Sarah, Katherine, Kimberly, Rocky, Billy, and Coach Daniels flooded inside the ring congratulating the tired warriors. Jason hoisted a young kid dressed in blue named Justin onto his shoulders brandishing the trophy.

Afterwards there was a celebration party at Ernie's juice bar. It was a blast; it brought warmth to all their hearts to see the kids running around laughing and giggling. Even Rocky found himself having a great time trying to catch the kids in his wheelchair. Jason was instructing one of the orphans on how to correctly perform an advanced kata.

"Good Justin, your effort is starting to pay off," Jason said.

The brilliant youth replied, "Ya. Maybe someday I'll be as good as you!"

"Hey Sarah," Justin greeted as the younger of the Oliver's approached.

"Hey Justin can I borrow Jase, for a second?"

"Ya,"

"Justin I'll be right back, keep on practicing," Bowing to the kid he turned to Sarah, "Hey,"

"Can we go somewhere more…private?" She asked.

Hand in hand the two exited the building strolling the empty night streets. They conversed lightly, giggling every so often. Without warning Sarah abruptly fell to her knees. She screamed clutching hear head her body violently shaking.

"Sarah what's wrong?" Jason asked kneeling beside her grasping her trembling body.

"He's coming!"

With one last scream her body relaxed. The screams of terror and pain were replaced by the sound of tears. The beautiful brunette collapsed into Jason's arms trembling as her tears splattered onto his shirt. Jason found his own eyes damp, it hurt him to see his girlfriend in so much agony. That explosion of screaming and crying just attacked her with out warning, what had caused it?

"Are you all right? Sarah Who's coming?"

Still crying and shaking Sarah replied, "I don't know."

"Sarah, what just happened?"

"I honestly don't know, I can't remember. All I know is we should be afraid," Her voice quivered.

"Lets go to Zordon," Jason said.

A he finished voicing the last word their communicators loudly beeped followed by the powerful voice of their mentor, Rangers, repot to the command center now.

Their was a tone in his voice that worried Jason. It was a little to odd that Zordon requested their presence right after Sarah's - breakdown.

Entwining fingers with the woman that completed his soul, he raised his communicator chest level pressing the button that teleported them to Zordon's earthly domain. The two were the last to arrive. The mood in the room was tense, something was wrong.

With a flash Zordon appeared a grim look on his usually jolly face. Their was a look in his eyes that scared Jason, it was a look of fear.

"I'm sad to say an evil that has been dormant for thousands of years has risen from the Earth's crust. Thousands of years ago a group of young warriors like yourself waged war on a being of evil like no other. By pure luck they deceived the creature trapping him in a spiritual prison, burying him deep under this very city. This villain is now back. His name is Ivan Ooze."