Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter two of "Rising Above." I can't believe I got four reviews for chapter one. I didn't think that would happen, but I'm happy it did. I want to thank everyone who reviewed. As for other readers, don't hesitate to review. I'd love to hear your ideas for this fic. Anyway, this chapter introduces the original six Power Rangers. Bulk, Skull, and Ernie are introduced as well. Stay tuned for chapter three.

XXXXX

Chapter 2: Hanging Out at the Youth Center

The Youth Center was somewhat crowded in the midafternoon. Ernie grabbed a cup and a plate from a table near the arcade area. He took both to the kitchen to put them in the sink. He grabbed a wet rag. He returned to the table and moved the napkins, ketchup, and mustard to the side. He started wiping it down. He proceeded to sing nonsense. The radio played Pat Benatar's Shadows of the Night. The final notes came on.

"Angel Grove Radio," a woman sang.

"It's a stupendous Saturday in Angel Grove. The big hello goes out to Ernie and the kids at the Angel Grove Youth Center Gym and Juice Bar," the DJ said joyfully. "Keep the fruit shakes flowing, Ernie."

The radio began playing Whitney Houston's I Wanna Dance With Somebody. Jason and Zack sparred on the mats as Tommy watched from nearby. Trini was doing breathing exercises near the balance beam. Kim was practicing her gymnastics on it. Jason did a tornado kick at Zack, who jumped back to avoid it. Zack attempted the same move, only to miss when Jason rolled forward. Jason stood up as his friend turned around. He mimicked him, his breathing soft and steady.

Kim twirled around when she reached close to the middle of the beam. She took three steps forward before flipping backward. She landed very gracefully on it. Trini took a deep breath and turned her body sideways. She punched at the air. Jason threw a punch, but Zack deflected it with his hand. Zack rushed his foot forward. Jason caught it and threw it upward. Zack flipped backward, landing in a graceful way. He let out a small laugh. Jason walked up to him, a big smile forming on his face.

"Nice recovery, Zack," Jason complimented.

"Hey, thanks for teaching me, Jason," Zack said, holding out his hand.

Jason took it and shook it. "No problem, man."

"I have to admit that was really impressive," Tommy said, coming to Zack's side as he and Jason released their hold on each other.

"Thanks, Tommy," Zack said, smiling in much warmth. "So, what movie are you and Jason taking Kim and Trini to see tonight?"

"We are taking them to see Jurassic Park," Jason announced in much happiness. "They got really excited when we asked them if they wanted to go see it yesterday."

Zack gave the duo two thumbs-ups. "That is a good choice. I heard that movie is fantastic."

"Who doesn't love dinosaurs?" Tommy asked with a chuckle. "They are such amazing creatures."

"Who would've thought extinct critters would become such a hit, especially with children?" Jason wondered.

Tommy cleared his throat. "I got that Dino-Riders Triceratops when I was ten years old. I still have it."

"Jason and I both had the Torosaurus, but we accidentally broke ours. We lost the weaponry and action figures as well," Zack muttered dejectedly. "It really sucks."

"That's life," Jason said and looked around. He returned to his attention to his friends. "Now, all that Tommy and I have to do is wait for our students to arrive."

Tommy, Jason, and Zack started talking about starting their freshman year next month. Kim came to the edge of the beam. She flipped forward and landed with her knees bent. She rose to her full height and raised her arms above her head. Trini applauded as she came over to her. She smiled in much warmth.

"That was awesome, Kim," Trini complimented.

"Thanks, Trini," Kim responded and punched her best friend's arm lightly. She got a light punch to hers from her in retaliation. "I can't wait for tonight. Jurassic Park is supposed to be totally excellent."

"That's what I heard," Trini commented while placing her hands on her sides. "It'd be really interesting if scientists could actually clone dinosaurs back into existence."

"Unfortunately, actual cloning is a long way off. It wasn't even long ago the police began using DNA to identify suspects," Kim pointed out truthfully.

"I think we will see cloned animals," Trini said and rubbed her nose.

"Who knows how many we will actually see?" Kim responded, giving a shrug.

"I have no clue," Trini admitted.

"Just don't let one cloned animal be Godzilla," Kim yelled and started laughing. She imitated Godzilla's roar badly. "I can't get enough of watching Godzilla movies."

"Me neither," Trini agreed.

Billy walked in while taking a deep breath. He spotted Tommy, Jason, and Zack. He smiled very warmly and headed over to them. The trio looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"Hey, guys," Billy greeted.

"Yo, Billy, what's up?" Zack asked.

"Well, I think I'm mentally and physically prepared for my first karate class," Billy replied hopefully.

"Don't sweat it, buddy," Tommy assured in a gentle yet firm voice. "You will do just fine."

"You sure will. Tommy and Jason are great teachers," Zack added.

"It takes a lot of practice before you get really good at something," Jason added. He rubbed his hands together very fast. "It is very rare for someone to be a natural at anything."

"Like skateboarding," Zack said.

"Exactly," Jason agreed and put his hands behind his back. "Sometimes, you fail many times before you succeed."

"Some people consider failure not to be an option at all," Zack grumbled while shaking his head in disbelief. "They think they have to succeed at everything."

"They tend to become obsessed with success," Jason muttered and shuddered badly.

"No one succeeds at everything," Tommy commented in a blunt way. "That is the truth."

Tommy and Jason began talking with Billy about their karate class. Bulk and Skull came through the entrance while chewing gum. They blew small bubbles in it. They popped them and used their tongues to get it back into their mouths. They removed their sunglasses and slipped them into their jacket pockets. Kim and Trini spotted them while coming closer to each other. The bullies looked toward them and formed big smiles on their faces.

"Oh, no. Look who's here," Trini said.

"Bulk and Skull," Kim added.

"Hi, girls," Bulk said. "How about that double date we talked about?"

"Yeah," Skull said and laughed raucously. He laid his arm on his best friend's shoulder. "What about it?"

"Sorry, guys," Trini apologized.

"We've already made a double date with Tommy and Jason," Kim added and moved her eyebrows up and down. "We're going to see Jurassic Park."

"Oh, that dinosaur movie. I heard it sucks ass," Bulk said and let out a loud huff.

"Yeah!" Skull agreed, nodding rapidly. He snorted loudly, causing Kim and Trini to cringe in disgust. He smacked his lips three times. "Dinosaurs are stupid animals."

"You two just can't appreciate dinosaurs," Kim retorted with a roll of her eyes.

"Just give it up," Trini said while shaking her head in disbelief. "We are not interested in you two."

"How about you get a hobby?" Kim asked while furrowing her brow.

"You two should start collecting bugs," Trini suggested with a smirk. She heard her best friend stifle a giggle. "You do love bugging people."

Kim and Trini broke into a fit of hysterical giggles. Skull waved them off and began to walk away, but Bulk grabbed his jacket and pulled him back to his side. Bulk shook his head rapidly. Skull bit his lip before swallowing hard. They looked at the girls, who became quiet. Bulk curled his hand into a tight fist and gritted his teeth.

"What's the matter?" Bulk asked very rudely. "We're not good enough for you?"

"Leave us alone, Bulk," Trini demanded in a stern voice.

"We mean it," Kim added fiercely.

Bulk narrowed his eyes at the duo. "Oh, yeah? Make me."

Skull smirked while pointing his finger at himself. "Yeah! Make me!"

Just then, Tommy came up beside Kim and put his arm around her shoulder. Zack mimicked his friend's actions with Trini. They snorted at the bullies. Skull stopped smirking and chuckled nervously. He pointed his finger at Bulk, who eyed him.

"Him...make him," Skull said, his body beginning to shake a bit.

"You heard what my girlfriend and her best friend said," Tommy responded while hugging Kim tightly.

Zack flared his nostrils. "They told you to leave them alone. They are not interested in you."

"Oh, what do you know?" Bulk asked, a big smirk crossing his lips. "The dancer wants to be a fighter."

"That is just rich!" Skull yelled mockingly and spoke gibberish.

"It's okay, Tommy, Zack," Kim assured gently. She and Trini removed Tommy and Zack's arms from their shoulders. They showed much determination. "We can handle these two."

Bulk hissed as Tommy and Zack backed away. "Oh, really? Let's show them some karate moves, Skull!"

Skull balled his hands into fists. "Yeah!"

Bulk raced toward Trini, as did Skull with Kim. They outstretched their hands and screamed as if they were maniacs. The girls held up their hands and caught the bullies' arms. They flipped them over on their backs. They formed fighting stances. Bulk and Skull groaned while looking very embarrassed. Tommy and Zack returned to Kim and Trini's sides. Several teens gathered around them. They broke into raucous laughter as they pointed their fingers at Bulk and Skull.

"You guys should definitely join Tommy and Jason's karate class," Kim said honestly.

"On top of that, you two need new hairdos," Tommy quipped with a snicker.

"No denying that, Tommy," Zack agreed and high-fived him. They formed fists and bumped them together. "How about those two get buzz cuts? That would be the perfect hairdo for them."

Kim giggled. "Great one, Zack."

Trini squealed in delight. "For sure."

The entire crowd stopped laughing and went in different directions. Bulk and Skull sat up with loud groans. They shook their heads while babbling. They looked at each other.

"I hate it when those geeks embarrass us," Bulk growled in a bit of anger. "I hate it! I hate it!"

"Yeah!" Skull said. "I wish they would be the ones to get embarrassed."

"Me too," Bulk agreed while nodding sharply. "They deserve it."

"Oh, yes," Skull commented and mumbled inaudible words in Spanish.

"I think I know a way to embarrass those geeks," Bulk replied.

"What do you mean?" Skull asked confusingly.

"That's for me to know and you to find out," Bulk said, getting up. He grabbed his sidekick's arm and pulled him to his feet. "Come on."

"Why not tell me here?" Skull responded.

"Shut up," Bulk said irritatingly. "Let's go."

Bulk whispered inaudible words to Skull as they headed out the exit. Three young women passed them while entering.