ZEDD

I watch as Thomas slowly turns away from the screen. I wish I'd realized before now how much he'd been keeping inside. It irritates me to no end that he repeatedly ignores my reassurances, but I don't know how to make him believe them. His gaze is locked on the floor as he heads out of the ship. Not surprisingly, all of us follow him. Once outside, he stops several feet from the ship and turns to us.

"Guys, I need to be by myself for a while and think things through. I won't do anything stupid or dangerous. I just need some space. I'm sure you all have things that need to get done."

He turns and walks away towards the woods. I start to go after him, but Jason stops me. I'm surprised to see the small smile on his face as he speaks. "Give him time, Zedd. He did something like this after we broke Rita's original spell on him and again when he lost the Green Ranger powers. He'll come through all right." At my worried look he continues. "It's a good sign, Zedd, honest. It's what you'd call his normal pattern of behavior, which is what we're going for here right."

I hesitate and check the bond. Confusion is paramount and there are several other emotions as well, but nothing worrisome. I sigh and run my hand over my face in frustration. I finally make my decision. "All right, but if something happens, I'm going to hold you personally responsible."

"Deal." The firm tone almost encourages me - almost.

Silence falls for a minute and then Pina speaks. "Well then, I'm going to go back to my research. Since he's gone out, I'll have to treat him later." At my look, she says, "It'll be okay, Zedd. Besides, I think that he needs this more right now."

"Well, I never thought I'd say this, but how about a match?" Looking to Jason, Dar is apparently getting fairly restless and knows now isn't the best time to get my best efforts in a sparring match from me.

"Why not." Casting one more look to the woods with me he again tries to ease my mind before heading off with Goldar. "He will be okay, Zedd. Trust me."

Watching the others retreat, reluctantly, I turn toward the castle. Thomas was right - I do have things to do. Business has fallen way behind. Perhaps, if I - as the humans say - buckle down, I can be caught up by dinner.