A/N: Stay healthy and safe everyone! At this rate, I'll have this finished by the time I'm allowed to leave the house again! Hahahaha. It helps fill the void that my canceled Comic-con has left. I was supposed to meet JDF again and have him meet Jack but Corona had other plans. Oh well! There's always next time.

Tommy

Confused rage was pooling inside of me as I paced around the small bedroom I was now being forced to stay in. I had no clue how to explain what had just happened. I had been just as surprised to see a form of me standing in the viewing globe as much as the others. When I watched them kill those people, it was like the floor had disappeared out from under me. The couple didn't even have a chance to run with how quick the attack had been. That person had killed them in cold blood and left them there.

And everyone thought it was me.

How could they even imagine that I would be capable of doing something so horrible? I had done some awful stuff under Rita's control but it was in times of battle or attacks. I never once sought out anyone and just ended their lives like this. I wasn't in her control anymore and Rita hadn't led an attack in a number of days. Blind rage filled me again and I grabbed one of the bunks, tossing it to the floor in a loud clattered. I stood there, seething as I looked down at it. Jason was convinced it had been me. I saw it in his eyes before he even said it out loud. My best friend, the one person I trusted more than Kimberly, thought I was the one who was doing this and I didn't have a way to prove it wasn't.

How does one prove their innocence? It wasn't like I could just pull up footage of me at my parents' house. I had spoken the truth. I couldn't sleep and I decided to go to my house to make sure my parents were safe. When I got there, they were sleeping. I took the time to shower quickly and pack some things I needed for an extended stay at the Command Center. I hadn't been gone very long and I had run in to Kimberly as soon as I had arrived back. Granted, I didn't tell her I had left. I was afraid if I had told her, she would tell Jason I had left the Command Center against his order. Things between us had already been rough since we were told we could no longer see each other. I didn't want to make it worse.

Who the fuck was I kidding now?

Sitting on the opposite bed, I buried my head in my hands. Each time I closed my eyes, I saw the couple getting their throats sliced open. It made me want to scream and throw up at the same time. Who could be doing this? Who had access to my powers that I didn't know about? Not even Rita was capable of using them. She had tried after I had been freed from her control. It was why she tried numerous times to drain my powers. This was definitely not Rita even in the slightest. This was something else and I knew it had to be connected to that strange Ranger that had tried to kill Kim and me before. I just didn't know who they were and what they were doing here. Or how to find them.

The thought of Kim's eyes as I told her to stay away from me came to mind. She was hurt. I knew she was. It had been something I said out of anger that wasn't directed towards her. But now as I sat here, I found some truth in it. Whoever was behind this was targeting my image and my powers. They wanted to make sure the world thought I was a monster capable of horrible acts. It was something they were succeeding at too. If they knew that Kimberly was a part of my life, she would be the biggest target. Zordon and Jason were right. Being with her was going to cause someone to get hurt or killed. I couldn't picture my life if that person was Kim. I would not be able to breathe if she ended up dead because of me. It was something I wouldn't allow myself to imagine for more than a brief second. I knew I had done the right thing and that Kim would be a great deal safer away from me.

Wat I had told Kim under the bridge that night had also been the truth. From the moment I laid eyes on her, there was something that drew me to her. Like a piece of metal to a strong magnet, I couldn't stay away. Thankfully, it was something that Rita was never able to detect when I was her servant or else she would have taken out that problem in the beginning. But it was there and I found myself wanting to be near her even with her as the enemy. It was easy when she didn't know who the Green Ranger was but when my identity had been made, I found that she was also drawn to being around me. It was something that caused backlash for her when it came to the others but still, she fought to try to break the spell.

I was so in love with Kimberly that it scared me at times, like now. Some people might think it wasn't possible at our age but I knew it was. There was no other way to describe the way I felt about her and that I was willing to die if it meant protecting her from anything in the universe. I felt tears brim my eyes as I lifted my head. I knew I had to tell her that things were over. It was the only way I was going to be able to protect her from what's going on. Then, I could go out and try to find the person who was doing this. If it meant going rogue for a while and fighting on my own, the Rangers were going to have to understand.

Standing, I fixed the cot I had thrown and placed it back in its place. On the floor, I spotted something that had fallen from underneath the thin mattress. Picking it up, I saw it was a little light pink envelope. Opening it, I saw a hand written note inside of it. I recognized Kim's hand writing and the fact that the note had been given to me when I first joined the team.

"Hey!" Kim said, walking out of the boy quarters as I walked up the hallway. I jumped slightly, surprised that she suddenly appeared like that. "Are you getting settled in?" She asked.

"Yeah. This place is incredible." I replied. She laughed, nodding.

"It's something else, isn't it? I mean it's not really homey or anything but it works after a long day of fighting or when we are going all night again Rita."

"She does tend to like those long hours." I replied. My heart was thundering in my throat it seemed and the smell of her shampoo wafted over me in a calming manner. "Thank you, by the way."

"For what?" She asked. I shrugged.

"I guess for saving me."

"Well, of course, Tommy. We weren't going to let Rita control you forever. It was a team effort."

"That's not what I meant." I said, swallowing hard. "You never stopped trying to get through to me the entire time. No one else did. I know it couldn't have been easy and I'm glad you didn't, Kim. I think it helped me keep some humility during all of this." A red blush filled her cheeks as she grinned.

"It was my pleasure. I knew you were still in there. I was just trying to find you." She clasped her hands together. "I have to go meet Trini to head to the mall. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay." She started up the hallway. Turning about halfway, she walked backwards.

"I left something for you on your bed." She shot me a wink before jogging out of sight. I raised an eyebrow, opening the door of the room. I looked over at my bed and saw a pile of clothing on there. Each article of clothing was green, the top being a green and white flannel shirt. There was a pink envelop on top of the pile and I picked it up. Opening it, I saw a note inside.

Tommy –

Welcome to the team! I thought you might want some new clothes to help you fit in. There's an unspoken dress code around here and wanted to lend you a helping hand. I'm glad you're fighting on our side now. We'll be quite the force now with you with us.

I'm just glad to have you back.

Love,

Kimberly

"Hey, bro." Jason voice said behind me as he walked into the room. I glanced over my shoulder at him, giving him a small smile. "What's that?" He asked, pointing at the note in my hand.

"Just something from Kim to welcome me to the team." I replied, tucking the note under the blanket in my cot. He snorted, grinning at me widely.

"Oh, really?" He closed the door behind him, checking the coast. "Look, just between you and me, Tommy. But I'm pretty sure she likes you. Like a lot."

"Yeah?" I asked, hoping to not sound too hopeful. He nodded.

"Totally. I've seen her crush over other losers before but this is different."

"Thanks." I said, flatty.

"Shit. Sorry. I didn't mean that you were. All I meant was that she isn't acting the same as she did with them. You're different somehow for her. I think you might want to look into it if you know what I mean."

"Kim's nice and all but I just joined you guys after everything that happened. I don't want to make things worse." Jason shrugged, shaking his head.

"You gotta let that shit go, man. You had no control in what you were doing. Rita got you good. You can't let her keep winning but thinking about what you could have done differently all the time. You're with us now. The good guys! We're gonna kick her ass all the way back to the moon and where ever the hell she comes from." He clasped a hand on my back in a supportive fashion.

"Thanks, man." I said, smiling at him. "She's not going to know what hit her."

"Exactly. C'mon. Let's go grab a smoothie. You're treating." He winked as we headed out of the room.

My eyes lingered over her writing, my finger tracing the smiley face she had drawn. It felt like a life time ago even though it had only been about a year since I had arrived here. The Power Rangers had become my home and my life, Kim being the main focal point of it all. Now, I was going to have to try living without her in it. I let out a ragged breath, wishing to go back in time about three days before this all happened. So that I could stop it and prevent all of this from happening. My friendship with Jason was suffering as well, something that I needed. He was my best friend and he was at risk too. They all were.

Standing up, I walked over to the small lockers that were built into the walls. I opened the one with my name on it and pulled out my backpack. I started shoving as much as I could into it, making sure I had enough clothes for my mission. I also packed what little possessions I had here; a watch my father gave me for my sixteenth birthday, my favorite book to read, and then a couple candid pictures of Kimberly. I tucked these in the pocket on the inside for safe keeping, ensuring they wouldn't get lost. I didn't exactly know where I was going to be going but I knew I needed to get as far away from Kim, Jason, my parents, and the rest of Angel Grove as I could to make sure they were safe.

Putting my bag on my back, I walked out into the hallway. It was quiet, the late hour aiding to this. I knew Alpha would more than likely be charging or in the Command Center, monitoring for an activity. If that were the case, Kim would be with him. I turned towards the hanger, knowing it would be the easiest way for me to sneak out. I stopped though, not able to make myself walk forward. I needed to see her. I needed to see Kim with my own eyes again before I could just vanish. I turned back towards the Command Center and walked towards it.

Through the doorway, I saw it was empty. Alpha was not here and neither was Zordon. Kim was absent as well, leaving me to think she was in her room. I stepped up the hallway more, heading towards their quarters. I could hear soft singing as I approached and I saw that the door was open. I stopped, unsure if this was the right thing to do. If I left without a word, it might be easier for her to deal with. But I wouldn't be able to deal with myself if I did. Taking a deep breath, I walked to the doorway and leaned against it.

Kim was sitting on the edge of her bed, brushing her hair. It was wet, telling me she had just come out of the shower. She was singing softly under her breath as she did, her eyes focused on something on the other side of the room. She had changed into a pair of black shorts and a pink t-shirt, one that clung to the wetness of her skin. Beads of water travelled down her arms and neck as brushed out her caramel locks.

"I figured you show up here at some point." She said, not turning to look at me. I was surprised, not knowing she had seen me here. "That's why I left the door open."

"I didn't mean to just show up." I said, feeling shy.

"Sure you did. That's why you're here." She turned, smiling at me as she dropped her arm to her side that held the brush. Standing, she walked over and put the brush in her open locker. Her eyes landed on the bag on my back and her face fell. "You're leaving." She stated. It wasn't a question.

"Yeah." I replied, feeling sweat coat the inside of my palms. "I can't stay, Kim. It's not safe for you."

"Maybe you should let me decide what's safe for me or not." She said, walking towards me. "I'm a big girl, Tommy. I can take care of myself."

"I have to do this alone." I said, softly. "Whatever this is isn't like Rita or anything else we've fought. It's out to kill anyone in its way and it seems to have its sights set on me. I can't risk you getting hurt. You or anyone else. I'll be back once I take care of it."

"I'm not letting you go off, halfcocked on a suicide mission!" She exclaimed. "We're a team, Tommy. Remember? We all signed on for this and knew that it would be risking our lives. You can't decide what's too dangerous for the rest of us. We're all Power Rangers. We all have a duty to protect the Earth and everyone on it."

"Listen to me." I said, grabbing her shoulders. "You saw that video. And you saw the way Jason looked at me. He thinks I'm guilty just like everyone else here does right now. And there's no way in promising that it's not going to get worse each time this happens. I'm trying to protect you the only way I know how. If I find this thing, I can stop it with as little blood shed as possible. Please don't make this harder than it need to be. I don't want to leave you. I don't want to leave us." I felt a burning sensation behind my eyes as I tried to fight back the tears that were forming.

"Then don't." She whispered, giving me a pleading look. "Stay here. With me. We can fight this thing together. We will find a way to show them that it isn't you and that you aren't the one behind this. Jason is pigheaded sometimes but he will come around. They all will. Don't go, Tommy. I feel like I just got you back. You can't just go." Tears slipped from her eyes and down her cheeks, on landing on the back of my hand that held her shoulder.

"I have to." I said, closing my eyes. I reopened them, feeling a tear escape from my own eye. I released her shoulders and cupped her face in my hands. "I love you, Kimberly. I have loved you from the moment I met you and there's no denying that fact. I wouldn't be doing this if you didn't mean so much to me." I kissed her forehead, lingering there for a moment. "There's nothing I wouldn't do to protect you. I need you to remember that, okay? Remember all of our good times together and how much I love you."

"Tommy…" She trailed off, holding in a sob. I pulled her into me, wrapping my arms around her tightly. Kissing the top of her head, I felt her shake with tears. I hated this. I hated the feeling in my chest. I knew there was a good chance I was never going to see her again. There was a chance I would leave tonight and not be able to stop this force. I could die and not ever see her beautiful eyes again. Touch her soft skin again. Or kiss those lips I've craved so long for. "I love you too." She whispered, grasping my shirt in her hands. "I would die for you."

"I know." I croaked out, the raw emotion thick in my throat. I pulled away slightly so I could look at her face. "That's why I have to go. I understand what Zordon and Jason were trying to warn me about. I'm not about to lose you like that. We are too much of a risk together." She shook her head, pulling away. She wrapped her arms around herself and turned her back to me.

"I wish I had never become a Power Ranger. Then maybe we would have had a chance at a normal relationship. We would have to out everyone else first. We could go on dates and tell people we are together. We could be together and not have to worry about everyone trying to use us against each other. I wouldn't feel like an intergalactic version of Romeo and Juliet." She said. "I'm tired of making all these sacrifices and for what? So that the one thing on the Earth that I want can be taken away from me? How is that fair?" She balled her fists. "I hate this. I hate all of this." She turned to me. "Don't you regret this?"

"No." I said, shaking my head. "Cause then I wouldn't have you." Her expression softened and she let out a little whimper. Taking three long steps, she put her pressed her lips to mine.