I am sorry if I have made you all wait or this next chapter as myself and family have all been sick with the flu. Once I had recovered I had to catch up on cleaning in the house and etc. that take precedence over my writing. Anyway that is beside the point as here is the next chapter for both yours and mine enjoyment.

-o0o-

Chapter 9

Tommy's Pov

With having Zara and Tobi know that me and the others being Rangers turned out beneficial to our team. She add military strategies (thanks to David and his team mates relaying battles to her) that worked in tight situation as did her Empathy as she made sure that we didn't push ourselves too hard. Tobi was even a big help as he was always on hand to help Hayley with getting tools she needed or when any of us rangers needed an extra hand. I did have Zara move all of her gear, her bows, quivers, arrows, armor and defiantly the gun, down into the lab for safe keeping. I also finally answered Tobi's seemingly never ending questions but the video diary was a huge help with that as I had him and Zara watch it.

At that moment I was in the lab with Hayley as she was working on the computers with what she hoped was a computer glitch. Because if it wasn't it and we really did have an evil energy wave blanketing all over California. I received the answer to the problem by way of my girlfriend and her son arriving for a fun afternoon. Tobi happily ran over to me but I was more focused on Zara as she was rubbing her head and was rather pale. "Zara are you alright?" I asked as I walked over to her.

"I'm not really sure. I woke up with a terrible headache but its- I'm not sure how to describe it. It's almost like there's something in the air that's causing it." She explained well she rubbed her head well Hayley and I exchanged a concerned look. I had Zara sit down well setting Tobi up with a coloring book that I know kept down there for him before I went over to Hayley. I was just telling her that she should take a break and head home, when the evil energy surged again. This was followed by a small crash and Tobi crying out. "MOMMY!"

I looked and saw Zara passed out on the floor with Tobi kneeling next to his mom on the verge of tears as I ran over. I checked her pules which I was surprised to find was weak and her skin was cool to the touch. "Tommy bring her over here, quick." Hayley said as she quickly set up the cot that we always kept down here for the unexpected. I easily picked up my unconscious girlfriend and placed her on the cot where Hayley proceeded to hook her up to a monitor.

"Hayley what's going on with her?" I asked as I tried not to panic as I put my hands on Tobi's shoulders as he stood in front of me. I knew that if I panicked then Tobi would have reason to and that would get us nowhere.

"I can't be sure but an idea just came to me." Hayley had finished hooking Zara up and started to check the readings as she explained. "If there is indeed an evil energy wave blanketing over all of California it makes since that as an empath Zara would be affected by it. But I can't know for sure." We didn't really get a chance to see what the readings or explore what was wrong with Zara ad an alarm went off. Checking the monitors I saw the last thing I expected as I proceed to call in the others.

-o0o-

"Evil Power Rangers, how id that even possible?" Kira asked as she and the others looked at the screen showing the three former Ninja Wind Rangers.

"I thought we were the only ones left." Trent commented confused.

"So did we but there's been an evil energy surge over the past 24 hours." Hayley informed them before she explained further. "We think the abyss of evil has been opened up and that has in some way affected Zara because of her empathy." I was grateful in that moment that weeks ago Zara had headed my advice to tell Hayley and the rest of the rangers of her gift then I was at that moment. They of course had flipped when they saw her laying unconscious and hooked up to monitors when they arrived. Both of us were quick to assure them that as far as we knew she was alright.

"Dr. O, you think Lothor's back?" Kira asked nervously which I really couldn't blame her for be nervous after all if Lothor was back so could be his undead army that he tried to rise before he was defeated.

"Unfortunately but there's only one way to find out." I informed them as Conner, Kira and Ethan prepared to head out and face the three evil rangers, well Trent stayed behind just in case. The battle didn't go well as the wind rangers easily over powered my team and they had to retreat and return to the lab. I tried to boost their spirits but I have never really been go at motivation, not as good as Zara it seemed. Another advantage to her Empathy Zara was great at saying the right thing at the right to in spire the team. In the short time she had been helping out I had started to relay on it as I did her but she was out of commotion I had to step up. Which Conner and the others didn't make it easy as they wanted to use the Zords and destroy them.

"Look because they were once people who were once good, but something's happened to them. Till we figure that out we defend our self, we don't destroy them." I told them wondering if this was how Zordon felt when me and my old friends had wanted to just take out our enemy at the time. As they reluctantly agreed with me I stood next to Zara, gently running my fingers though her hair whishing she would wake up.

Soon after that we talked about what would happen if Mesogog got wind of what was happening which he most likely had. The thought if those two joining forces did not sit well with any of us. Well Hayley and I tried to think up a game plan I sent the others out to do homework or something. I was almost tempted to send Tobi out with them but he had decided to curl up with his mom and had fallen asleep. Not worrying about them I decides to head up stairs to get some food and drinks for Hayley and myself. I could not have been gone for more than 5 minutes but when I came back down I was shocked to see only Tobi was asleep on the cot.

"Hayley, where's Zara?"

Zara's Pov

I knew I had passed out in the lab, I had been fighting it for some time as the heavy feeling in the air had begun to affect me on the way there. I don't really understand what happened next but it seemed my mind was being called to. When I go back and think about it now it feels like a waking dream as I found myself standing in what looked like ancient ruins. Having been to many placed around the world from my days in the military I have seen my share of places that were now rubble but once held life. Looking at the area around me and the vast jungle that went in every direction with one lone mountain, I began to wonder if this place really existed.

Suddenly I heard a soft sound behind me, turning I spotted a barn owl was sitting a rock that could have once been a pillar. We stared at one another for a few moments, neither of us saying anything but I could feel her. There was no questioning that though seemingly like a normal creature she was in fact a being capable of changing her forms. So after long moments of silence I decided to be the first to speak. "Just so you are aware I know you're not really an owl, your just barrowing the form of one."

That seemed to get a reaction out of her as she ruffled her feathers before she jumped off the rock, landing on two human feet the women that stood in the owl's place was not what I was expecting. She had long curly brown hair and was dressed in a match green bikini set that looked to made of vines. "Who are you that you would come here, yet not truly be here and know that I was more then I appeared in that form?"

"I was able to tell that you weren't a real owl as I'm an Empath so I can séance your emotions." I informed her with a shrugged as I put my hands in my pockets. "As for how I got here I have no idea as my son and I were with my boyfriend Tommy Oliver and Hayley Zikor. I did notice that the air felt heavy and it was giving me a headache on the way to Tommy's house and not long after we arrived I believe I passed out"

Hearing Tommy's name caused a surprised reaction from her. "Tommy Oliver, the white ranger?"

"Ya though he's not white anymore." I conformed a bit taken back that she not only knew Tommy but that he was a ranger.

"How does he fare? It has been many years since he and his friends came to Phaedos seeking my help." She told me with a smile. I could feel that she was a bit lonely and had very much welcomed their company at the time.

"He's doing alright, busy with being a teacher and mentoring a new generation of rangers. I'm Zara Rodgers by the way." I said as I smiled at her hoping to offer her a bit of comfort.

"I am Dulcea, master warrior and protector of The Great Power here on Phaedos." She told me as she approached seeming to look me over for some reason. She circled me once as she looked me over her staff held in a tight grip making me a bit nervous. "From simply looking at you and the energy that surrounds you I believe that you maybe a descendent of those who had been Ninjetti."

"I'm sorry, Ninjetti?" I asked confused.

"An ancient warrior race that used the power of the sacred animals and The Great Power to protect the universe from the forces of evil. They went out into the universe and it stands to reason that they would have had offspring with the power of the Ninjetti lying dormant inside of them. I believe that you dear Zara are one of them." Dulcea explained.

"Um ok. Say you're right, what does that have to do with me being here now and what is happening back home on earth?" I asked her confused.

"There may not be a connection but whatever is happening has brought your soul here to me. Perhaps I should call on the sacred spirits and see if they hold the answers." It was then we heard the screech of an animal and looking up we saw a small bird of prey heading towards us, or more pacifically towards me. I frowned as it landed on a piece of the ruins near me and stared at me with a feel of purpose as I took a good look at it. It was a Sparrow Hawk, a female by the look of how big it was with the white feathers above its eyes. Most of her feathers were brown, with white feathers that covered her belly, well her yellow talons looked very sharp. Looking at Dulcae I saw the look of shock on her face as she looked from be to the bird and back again. "Um is something wrong Dulcae?"

"The Sparrow Hawk is the symbol of one who is fare, but stronger then they appear. Having keen séances and carry the spirit of the warrior goddess." She said as she walked pass me and to the bird. When she was close to it, it took flight and headed towards me. I put my arms up to protect myself but needn't have bothered as the bird landed on my arm. The moment it did this flashes of images filled my mind. Three teen boys were in a dark place filled with evil, two were barely holding on as the third tried to keep a grip on them. Then an older man, this one dressed in an old eastern style robe, balled head with a strange black cap on his head appeared in my mind. He was tied up and a man surrounded by an intense evil aura sat on a thrown laughing at him. As quickly as the images filled my mind they were gone and I was back in the ruins with Dulcae.

"You saw something just now, what was it?" she asked. I told her about the old man and the boys I had seen and her face took on a hard expression. "Then you must wake and go help them."

"But-"

She didn't give me a chance to say anything as she hit me hard in the chest with her staff and I jolted awake back in the Dino lab. Looking around I didn't see Tommy anywhere and feeling the urgency of the situation I didn't wait for him. I untangled myself from Tobi, after giving him a quick kiss on the cheek and snuck out of the lab. Going outside I got in my car and drove out of there as fast as I could. I'm not sure how I knew where I was going but I didn't fight on where my feelings were telling me to go. An hour later I found myself on the outskirts of Blue Bay Harbour right by a crake in the ground were the evil energy was coming from. I began to feel light headed again but I gritted my teeth as I got out of my car and pulled out my long bow and quiver. I notched an arrow as I approached the crake slowly and stealthy in case anyone was around. This proved good as two girls dressed terribly came into view dragging the old man up out of the crake.

"Drop him and untie him now." Both girls looked at me in shock as I pointed my bow now notched with a seconded arrow at them.

They immediately dropped the old man's feet and began to untie him. "Please don't shot us. Believe it or not we're actually helping him, right sensei?" the brunette asked desperately as she removed the gage.

"Yes Marah and thank you both." The old man said as they untied him allowing him to get to his feet and looked gratefully at me. "I am Sensei Kanoi Watanabe of the Wind Ninja Academy."

"Zara Rodgers and I have heard of you sir from my boyfriend Tommy Oliver but right now that's not important. I believe three of your students are I trouble." I told him as I lead him down back into what a later learned was the Abyss of Evil.

-o0o-

After reassuring his son and the thunder Rangers, who took off to free their fellow rangers and friends I drove Sensei Watanaba to Tommy's where I was nearly crushed by my relived boyfriend. "I nearly had heart attack when I came back down to the lab and you were gone without a trace." Tommy said as he held me in a tight grip before he pulled back and gave me a stern look. I know he was trying to look intimidating but I can only find that look cute so of course I began to giggle. "Don't laugh I'm trying to be serious right now. If you're going to help out with this team you have to start telling us when you're leaving to help in the field. Alright?"

I rolled my eyes before I pulled him in for a long heated kiss that defiantly softened him up as he moan well holding me close. "Yes dear." Was all I said as I smiled at him well pulling out of his arms and bent to hug Tobi as he ran over to me.

It wasn't long after that our team of rangers, the tree I helped save and the newly freed rangers came and joined us in the lab. I stood with Tommy as the group of rangers joked around a bit and bonded with one another. Tobi was in the thick of it as he sat among them once in a while one of them would scuff up his hair or playfully bump him. Soon enough it was time to get back to the situation at hand. "We're glad you're here but now its time to get down to business." Tommy said.

"Tommy is right." Sensei Watanaba agreed. "We have a serious problem on our hands."

"And it's going to take all of us to defeat him." Tommy said as we started to work on a plan of action much to Tobi's disappointment. I decided to distract him with an idea for after things had calmed down and we all had moment to relax. With Tobi's help I soon had two Hamburger casseroles in the oven and we ran out to get buns and salad for sides. We did miss watching the battle with Sensei Watanaba and Hayley but I wasn't too worried about it. I was just coming down the stairs as Hayley informed the Ninja rangers that their powers were gone for good. "Well I guess it's a good thing we got you guys." Shane said with a bit of sadness in his voice.

"You've done your part, it's our turn to take over where you left off." Conner said as with more sincerity then I had ever seen him use ever. It was after that the circumstances of how Kapri and March rescued their sensei before I showed up was dissolved, which we all got a laugh out of. "What do you guys have any idea how heavy he is?" Kapri stated before turning to Sensei Watanaba. "Hey sensei you should cut back on the cookies with your afternoon tea."

"I'll keep that in mind now that I am returning to my normal life." He said full heartily well everyone continued to laugh at their hysterics.

"Well I hope you all don't mind but Tobi and I have made a bit of dinner and I expect to see all of you upstairs dishing up." I said cutting into to conversation and I saw many of the rangers perk up at the thought of food. We were all soon crowded in Tommy's kitchen and dining room, many different conversations going on. I stood next to Tommy who had a firm grip around my waist as it seemed he didn't want me to disappear on him again. I didn't mind as I liked how it felt to be pressed into his side well watching Tobi sit on the edge of his seat listening to the stories the rangers were telling him. We all ended up staying till late into the evening before the Ninja Storm rangers left as did Conner and the others. Tobi had long since passed out on the couch as it was passed his bed time well Tommy and I cleaned up from in prompted party.

"I have to say Zara the casseroles you and Tobi made were great." Tommy said as he took the plates I handed him and he began to put them in his dishwasher.

"Why thank you. I had a feeling all of you rangers would be hungry after the battle and it was a means of keeping Tobi busy. "I informed him as I put the left overs in his fridge and turned to look at my sleeping son with a fond smile. "Speaking of which I should get him home."

"And wake him up?" Tommy asked as he looked at Tobi's sleeping form deep in thought. "You know why, not just stay the night here. I have room and it would be better to move him to the guest room then to have to wake him up to take him home."

I thought about it, well reminding myself that I did now keep changes of cloths in the trunk of my car, just in case. "You know what why not. If you tell me where the guest room is I'll move him there." Tommy smirked with a bit of mysterious in his eyes as he told where the guest room was well I picked up Tobi. I wondered what he was thinking as I was too tired to pick up his emotions peroperly, as I went upstairs and headed to the first door on the right and tucked Tobi into bed. I gave him a kiss on the check before I left the room quickly and quietly, running right into Tommy.

In a flash he pulled me against him well claiming my mouth in a heated kiss then backing me into the wall. A moan left me as his tongue made its way into my mouth as my hands went into his hair as I returned his passion. After a few moments we had to come up for air and he moved my head a side and started kissing down my neck and his right hand found its way under my shirt. "Tommy." I moaned.

"Humm." He mumbled against me skin making me shiver as he rubbed circles on my hips.

"We'd better move to your bedroom. I would hate to have Tobi wake up and see us like this, especially if things continue to-" he didn't let me finish as a growl escaped him as he covered my moth again as he picked me up and carried me into his room. What fallowed after was the best night I had in a very long-time with a man I loved.