A/N: Longer chapter this time guys! I'm trying to post so that each new chapter is from a different point of view. We're back to Zedd here.

THREE DAYS LATER

I finally arrive on Earth, having suffered bouts of sickness every night since the first. I swear, if I didn't know better, I'd think I was pregnant. And let's not even entertain that notion.

The computer regularly tells me I'm not sick, but I know it must be wrong as there is absolutely no other explanation for why I suddenly have migraines and throwing up so frequently. Stupid ship. Knew I shouldn't have trusted Goldar to make the last set of repairs. Suppose if anything I should just be happy I got it landed and the cloaking device to work. Even if it is fairly well hidden in the woods.

Heading towards the domicile that the computer had upon arrival on the planet indicated as belonging to Thomas I circle around, intending to head for the front door - as Rita insisted I be polite and not simply barge in - but stop at the sound of voices.

"You just keep talking until you eventually hit on something all right Connor."

Waiting curiously, I see four teens emerge from a group of trees nearby - each of them smelling of the power it takes me a minute but I do eventually recognize them from the information that Goldar gathered for me. So these are the new thorns in the side of evil. Hm kind of scrawny looking aren't they. Maybe they're easier to control that way though. Thomas is kind of scrawny himself when you think about it, though not in an unattractive way mind you. Wait why am I even thinking about such a thing?

Still trying to contemplate what Thomas' attractiveness has to do with scrawny Rangers my thoughts are interrupted as the one in blue speaks up next. "I'm telling you, it makes no sense. How is he getting away from rehab to help us and then going back? And what's more why won't he ever stick around long enough to talk to us. The least he could do is say more then 'go do this, go do that' and then disappear into thin air again. I swear he's using his invisibility power to do it too." What is all this now? Thomas is using his powers? But Rita said his powers abandoned him. Stupid all knowing woman, always getting her information mixed up.

"Dude, that's your first question? How he's getting out to help us? Mine would be, why is he going back and staying there if he's that much better?" Good question, red boy. Hm maybe not as dumb as his predecessors.

The lone girl speaks then making not only the red one shut his mouth but me as well. "Think about it Connor, if he is that much better, he realizes that getting that much better that fast can only endanger the rest of us." Damn females, know it all creatures is what they are. If only they weren't always right.

Before he can respond with what is no doubt a scathing remark the one in white spots me. "Um, guys? Can we save the debate for later? We've got company." Pointing to me in a manner which makes me smirk and take up a more sure and relaxed pose, I can't quite keep the amusement out of my voice as all of their focus comes to rest on me.

"You children really are lost without your mentor to call on at any given moment, aren't you?" Though it's not very surprising as the boy's previous teams were likewise clueless without someone to give the orders and lead them into battle.

They quickly exchange looks before returning their attention to me. "I'm not sure what you mean," says the girl.

Raising one eyebrow, I meet her brown eyes calmly, noting silently that she in fact looks a lot like Thomas; perhaps even enough to pass as his child were he a bit older or she younger. "Come now, girl. I'm not as stupid as you humans. Definingly colored clothing, talk of battles, you all lingering around your teacher's home on the weekend. Please give me a bit of credit."

Swallowing and exchanging looks, they clearly do not have lying down pat just yet. Lord they really are lost without Thomas aren't they.

Stepping up red boy is the first to recover, though I'm not certain if that's a good thing considering his response. "We don't know what you're talking about; we're just out for a walk." A walk.

Pinching the bridge of my nose as my migraine is only getting worse I shake my head wearily at him. "I repeat, a walk. Around your teacher's home. On Saturday morning. As you discuss Ranger battles. Children just allow me to cut to the chase as I honestly don't have the patience to deal with you all right now. I'm not even from this planet. I'm Eltarian." Letting this sink in for a few minutes, I watch the younglings. Not up to Thomas' level, but not too bad. "I'm here to see Thomas, your leader, holder of the Black Dino gem. Where is he?"

The girl turns to the others. What is her name? Kim? Kat? No those were the pink ones, Kristen? I really should pay more attention to Goldar's briefings. "I'm going to get Hayley."

The boy in white turns quickly. "Kira, wait. If he has friends, we don't want them to find the way in."

Right then I'm done. No more patience. Taking a step forward, I give them all a hard look. "Look, you all have three choices. One, you just tell me what I want to know and I leave you alone. Two, you get this Hayley person and she can tell me. Or three, I can tear apart Thomas' home and the land for miles around and find out what I want anyway when I find his Command Center. It's up to you."

Of course, they don't realize that none of this is necessary. I could find him without their help, but the first two options are faster and the last one would just be fun. Just then another voice joins the conversation. "Who are you and what do you want?"

An adult, finally! As the redhead joins us from inside the house, the wind suddenly shifts and I'm surprised to note that I smell the power on her, as well. "Ah, the new Black Ranger, I assume."

She covers her surprise well as the four children turn on her, and her attention doesn't waver from me. "I believe I asked you a question." How collected, I like that.

"And I asked your children one. I'm looking for Thomas. Where is he?"

"I suppose that depends on who you are." Oh she is a defiant one. I can see the fire in her eyes as she strives to protect her friend. Perhaps these children won't be doomed without Thomas after all.

I smile slightly in amusement as I respond, "I suppose you can call me Zedd." Gasps from all but the one in white, they fall into fighting stances. My grin widens. "I'm guessing you've heard of me."

"Aren't you supposed to be dead?" Aren't you supposed to be smart considering you're the one in blue?

Still my grin falters. When the evil was destroyed, I had wished I was. The pain was excruciating and it was only through several months of Goldar and Scorpina tending to me that I recovered. "No. When Zordon's essence was released, the evil or the majority of it was burned from me. I wasn't originally as evil as I was back when Thomas served under the moronic mentors that he did, so it was 'killed' and the rest of me lived. Now, back to my other question. Where is he?"

The woman's eyes narrow. "Why do you want to know?"

"At the risk of sounding like a cliché, I owe him. I have access to things that can help him, but they are no use here. I do not want to ask again." Staring her down and almost certain I will actually have to find him myself, she in the end bends just a bit.

"He's in rehab for the injury he suffered."

"Thank you." With that information, I turn and start to walk away, though not before her next words stop me briefly. "You can't see him - none of us can." Can't? This is not a word I take kindly to.

"Oh I can and will. I am not leaving this planet until I've seen him. If he's healing well enough on his own, I'll leave him. Otherwise, he's coming with me."

"No way! He's our mentor and our teammate."

Turning to face - Conner was it? - I speak slowly. "He hasn't been by your side since he's been hurt. The gem has rejected him thus making him not only no longer an active Ranger but also fairly useless as a mentor." Not meaning to sound so cold, but also not one to offer false hopes and delusions, I heave a sigh as this is rebuked by the stubborn child once more.

"Of course he has. Who else would it be?" Staring at me defiantly, the red clad youth waits for an answer, one I know the woman does not want me to give.

My eyes flick to Hayley and then return to the boy. "What makes you so sure that it's him?"

He begins to tick the reasons off on his fingers, not yet aware I'm currently playing with the female - or at the very least - teaching the children some form of insight. "His fighting style, his command style, his voice -"

Sighing loudly, I interrupt him. "Boy, the Powers protect the identities of those that hold them. Have you never wondered why no one questions the fact that you wear red everyday? The mere fact that Thomas was hurt would coincide with the appearance of a new Black Ranger and people would get curious and look at his life a little closer. That would risk the rest of you. The new Black Ranger is made to look, fight and, yes, even sound like the old one to avoid the risk of discovery. Your Black Ranger stands among you. Now excuse me I have an old friend to visit."

Leaving them to chew on that, I head back in the direction of my ship half listening as their fading voices begin barraging Hayley for information on just what I was getting at. Kids.

Reaching my destination and preparing to enter, the girl which looks far too much like her mentor hails me in an out of breath rush. "Zedd! Wait!"

Turning, I raise an eyebrow at her and wait to see just what she requires. This had better be good. "What is it child I'm in a hurry."

Panting slightly but remaining calm and steady, she looks at me dead on. "Look, I realize that you have better medicine or magic or whatever at your disposal, but we were doing the best we knew how at the time." I nod in acknowledgement of this statement, biting my tongue to hear the rest of what she has to say. "Please, let us know how he is, okay?"

For the briefest of moments, I feel a kinship with this child before it's gone thanks to my lack of interest in Rangers and children in general. "I promise nothing."

"But you will help him." Pressing me, fist clenched at her side, she refuses to let me go without some reassurance, something that she is apparently not receiving from Hayley if she's so starved for it after such an extended period of time.

Stepping back towards her I lean close, impressed when she does not pull away. "Truthfully, it will depend entirely on what I find when I get there."

She studies me for a long moment before responding in much the same cryptic manner as me. "Why do I get the feeling that you and the truth are barely passing acquaintances?" Smart girl.

"More often than not. However, for whatever it's worth, you have my word that if he does require my help I will make certain he gets it."

She nods and steps back seeming to realize that this is the best she will get from me right now. "Tell him we miss him."

Watching her leave before returning to the main control room on my ship I start the computer searching nearby. These humans always go for the closest or the best. Thomas is obviously not wealthy so closest is most likely the best bet. That is unless he has a benefactor. Hmm.

In less than a minute, the computer lists three possibilities. One is a government run facility which reminds me more of a kennel then hospital, one which is definitely for the well-to-do and the third seems to be in the middle. I instruct the ship to program the coordinates into my teleportation cuff before heading off, determined to leave this planet before the day is out be it with or without Thomas. Though most likely I'd bet on it being with.

---------------

Landing in the shadows of the building, not wishing to draw attention to myself as wouldn't that be wonderful, I take a deep breath, smelling the air and nearly choke on the reek of fear and pain that emanates from the building. A smell I once enjoyed - and still do from time to time, if the truth be told - is thick and heavy enough that it would even have choked Dark Spectre and Master Vile. I growl low in my throat for a minute torn between taking it in and feeling repulsed, before I get myself under control.

Slipping out from around the side as casually as can and heading for the main doors I enter trying to breathe in through my mouth. The problem is just as bad; however, since I can taste the smell, it's so thick. I compose myself and try a little Eltarian charm on the woman behind the front desk. Smiling, I address her. "Hello, I'm here to visit one of the patients."

Looking at me doubtfully, she puts her book down. "Patient's name?"

"Thomas Oliver."

She turns back to her book. "He's not having visitors." You just know that off the top of your head? Is he that well known here?

Raising an eyebrow, I ask, "Why not?"

"He's refusing to see anyone." My eyes narrow as I realize that this statement does not mesh with the one that Hayley made. There is a galaxy of difference between can't and won't.

"I don't believe that it was a request. I will see Thomas and I will see him now. Either you can have him brought to me or I can find him myself." Suddenly feeling the nausea return and much stronger than before, I know that something is terribly wrong. Raising my head to sniff at the air, I barely catch the faded scent of power and fear, not to mention the distinct sounds of a struggle beyond the thick door to my right.

"Listen here, if you think you can just barge in here and-"

"Shut up." My eyes narrow again as the sounds beyond the door are suddenly silenced and the scent of fear strengthens even more. "Don't bother getting up I'll show myself around."

Walking briskly to the desired door and finding it locked I ignore the woman's continued protests giving a hard twist and a jerk of the handle to force it open. Sometimes it's nice to be Eltarian.

I follow the scent down the hall as I hear the woman calling someone for help, though who that'd be considering the lack of people around here I've no clue. I turn a corner and see three men in white uniforms grouped around someone who has clearly been fighting for an escape if their panting and swearing is any indication.

"Little asshole, you ever even think of biting me again and they'll have to wire your jaw shut." Hearing the down figure groan in pain as one of them delivers a parting kick. I hear the wet snap of a rib giving way and my anger climbs a little higher.

"Don't worry he doesn't like things in his mouth he doesn't have to have. Not with an ass like that just begging to be fucked raw." A hard smack to said ass brings a final cry of pain that I know I have heard before, most likely when I'd nearly broken the Green Ranger's wrist during one of our final battles. Thomas.

Before I can see him to confirm it, the men finally stop their assault, as the lead takes over the situation. "He won't fight us anymore. Get him up and strip him the rest of the way. I get to have him first." Like hell you do.

Stalking down the hall, not giving a damn about being stealthy, I suddenly stop in my tracks at the sight before me as the men part. Thomas, dressed in only a white shirt and a rag tied tightly around the base of his organ. Thomas, face swollen, bruised and bleeding along with most of the rest of him. Thomas, a Ranger, my Ranger being leered at, touched, molested by these creatures who are so below him it is absurd.

My rage spikes to a level it hasn't been anywhere near in decades. Without thinking, I am across the room and have the closest one slammed into the wall with enough force to crack the plaster. As he slides to the floor, I punch a second one and grab the third. He lands a lucky punch that splits my lip, but otherwise doesn't faze me a bit.

Wiping the drop of blood from my mouth I give him a vicious snarl. "Consider that your one and only shot." Throwing him first against one wall and then the other I finish up by pinning him against the one farthest from Thomas and lean in close. "So many body parts so little time."

Snapping his wrist with too much ease, I grin sadistically as he yells out at nearly the same volume as Thomas had earlier. And that's just one bone. Oh the possibilities. Oh the fun. Oh the…scared, hurt Ranger. Shit.

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see the fear written on Thomas' face as he shakes from his place on the floor, no doubt terrified of the person who is supposed to be his savior. Nice one Zedd.

Taking a deep breath and forcing myself to show restraint I lean into the man's ear once more making sure I'm understood clearly. "Understand that the only reason I am not using your intestines for Christmas decorations is that I will NOT scare him any more than he already is. So thank whatever deity you believe in - after you thank me."

Of course I never give him the chance. As soon as he whispers a faint and highly fearful 'thank you', I knock out sorry excuse for a human being, smiling evilly at the smear of blood which follows his limp form down the wall all the way to the floor where he falls in a limp heap. He'll live, though not with all of his higher abilities to think intact. I love ironic justice.

Still reveling in my glory and victory, even if it's only a small one in the grand scheme of things I only recall my main reason for the swift delivery of justice when a small amount of movement from Thomas' still shaking form catches my eye. Oh shit, Thomas.

Turning back to the wounded and most likely traumatized human I make certain to wipe the smirk from my face as I fall into a much less threatening posture. "Thomas? It's all right now, they can't hurt you anymore."

Holding my hand out as I continue towards him - a gesture I've seen Pina do when encountering wounded animals in the woods outside my castle - when he doesn't answer aside a terrified whimper I crouch lower knowing that any false movement will only make things worse. "Come on Thomas; let me have a look at you. I promise I won't let anything happen."

As the sounds of shouting and rapid footfalls are heard I know I'm quickly running out of time. He has to come with me and now if I've any shot of getting him out of here unscathed, or at the very least less scathed then he already is.

"They're coming." It takes me a moment to realize the small statement has come from the trembling bundle, but once I do I'm on my feet once more already rushing towards the main door.

"Yes they are." Grabbing it just as another man in white does the same from the opposite side I give a hard pull snapping it from his grip and slamming it closed with wall shaking force. Cursing myself as I recall I'd snapped the lock on my way in, I bend the door handle down, careful not to break it completely as I twist the metal enough to prevent it from being turned. That should buy us a few minutes if nothing more.

"Time to go." Voice serious and probably much too stern for his fragile state I nevertheless grab his clothing from the floor and move back to him with a fast stride.

"W-where?" Does it matter? Isn't anywhere better then here? Reminding myself quickly that he's not exactly playing with a full deck though and if anything has most likely been heavily drugged if his dilated brown eyes are any indication, I respond as gently as one can while so very pressed for time.

"Home, now come here and we'll get you dressed and get out of here." Honestly not even wishing to bother with his clothes as I could care less if he's naked or not, I do however know enough about humans to know that they're normally modest, and in a case like this lack of clothing will most likely do him more harm then not.

Hesitating nearly a minute too long, seeming torn between trusting what in all fairness to him probably seems like a very dangerous person, or remain with potential rapists he finally reluctantly takes my hand when it's offered allowing me to help him up.

"I know that you're afraid, but I won't hurt you. I give you my word Thomas." Hoping he can see the sincerity in my eyes as I steady him against me, I wait for a small nod before helping him carefully step into the white pants, though not pulling them up until after he with shaking fingers manages to carefully remove the rag that's been tied around his organ.

Collapsing against me after he's redressed, the beating and stress of it all clearly taking its toll on the normally strong human, I still greatly dislike the way his body is still shaking. "Hurts."

"I know, I'm going to fix that as soon as I get you out of here. Just close your eyes and hold onto me as tightly as you can." Making certain to keep my arm firmly around him I hit the teleportation bracelet on my wrist pulling us both out of the hellish building and back to my ship just as the door is broken in. Fucking humans, should burn the damn place to the ground.