Author's Notes: This is the third and final chapter in Book 3. Next up… Book 4, called simply, "The Wedding." I think we all know what this means.
Reviewer thanks: Ghostwriter, The-Knight2000 (Yay, Rocky! I'm going to convince people to like him, I know it. Rocky and Aisha seem to show up really low on people's lists of characters, and that's such a shame.), Mirajane92 (I hope you have fun with Rocky's perspective.), bleedredstars (Not sure how long I can keep up with the rapid updates… This kind of story sort of called for that. But hopefully I can keep them within at least a month!), dan (I think people don't like Aisha because the writers literally had no idea what to do with her. I went to a panel at a con with Karan Ashley, and she was delightful. She said she had to keep the writers from writing her too "sassy." In other words, she was continually pushing back against black girl stereotypes. She was immediately BFFs with Kimberly, and she at times was really passionate about social change, but then also really into becoming a fashion designer, and then she wanted to be a veterinarian? The poor actress was doing the best she could, but she was given nothing to work with. I'm trying to give her character more definition, because, dammit, she deserves better.), PsychoTangerine (I may be enjoying writing "jerk Tommy" far too much… He's just been my main pov character for so long, that having characters make judgments about him without all the information feels almost like a sacrilege.), and Son of Whitebeard.
Book 3: A Sense of Perspective
Chapter 14: Seeing Red
Rocky ran down the stairs, taking them two at a time and not slowing down when he hit the landing. He was late. Adam was going to be all pissy... or probably just leave when Rocky wasn't there right on time.
Instead of running to the door, he took a sharp turn and swung half into his father's office. "Carla? Could you call the Youth Center and send a message to Adam? I'm super late."
Carla raised her dark eyebrows slowly. She was surrounded by piles of papers, and Rocky's entrance had sent one teetering. She steadied it with one hand. "I'm not your secretary, Rocky, like I've told you before."
Rocky gave her his most winning smile. "Oh, come on, Carla. It's me."
Carla's frown softened slightly, and Rocky hoped that meant she would make the call. However...
"I know it's you. And your signature doesn't appear anywhere on my paychecks," she retorted. "Not your secretary."
"You're my dad's," Rocky said.
"I'm his PA," Carla said. She gestured around the office. "If it wasn't for me, everything around us would fall apart, and after your father asked me why he and his family lost everything and wound up on the streets, I would have to tell him, 'I'm sorry, sir. I was making phone calls for your son.'" She raised her eyebrows even higher. "And I noticed your hands are not injured. Make the call yourself."
Rocky grinned, not put off in the least. "Will His Highness grace us with his presence today?"
Carla gave a small smile. "Later tonight. He's still working on the land deal."
"Right," Rocky said with a wave. "I won't wait up."
It wasn't until Rocky was down the driveway and past the gate that he realized he'd left without calling the Youth Center. He sped through the residential area, pushing the gas and trying not to fly over speed bumps.
The day was gorgeous but swelteringly hot, and Rocky enjoyed the wind rushing past him as he drove the Jeep onto the main road. It was the last Friday before school started, and they didn't have Ranger training until Sunday. He'd spent the morning sleeping in, and now he finally felt like he could greet the day. It was a crime to do anything before noon if you could help it.
Rocky's mouth quirked at the thought of Ranger training. All damn summer, no attacks, but at least two hours of drills a day. And it wasn't just martial arts stuff. Tommy had them running scenarios and practicing maneuvers, and he even quizzed them on Ranger protocol. They'd all had to master at least three of the main Command Center systems—security, communication, and teleportation. Last week Tommy set up an obstacle course and then timed them all going through it, both morphed and unmorphed.
Rocky supposed some of it had been cool. And it was definitely awesome whenever they got to train morphed. But it had left little time over the summer for... you know... actual fun. This was the first summer in years he hadn't pushed his friends into going with him somewhere on vacation—rafting in Colorado, sightseeing in New York... He'd broached the subject with Aisha once, but she'd seemed far more interested in getting to know Angel Grove.
First real break from school, he decided, he would take the whole gang somewhere. Maybe even just nip over to San Francisco for a weekend.
Right now, though, everyone seemed pretty psyched about school. Alarmingly so. While Tommy and Kimberly shared his "take it or leave it" attitude toward school, Billy and Aisha were well into brainiac student-involvement mode, and even Adam was going on about that creative writing class. And soccer, of course.
Rocky turned on the air conditioning when he finally got into traffic and couldn't count on the wind to keep him cool. He'd skipped all of the try-outs and applications, despite Aisha shoving about thirty flyers in front of his face. He did baseball, and that wasn't until the spring. And he was teaching the kids' martial arts class with Adam. But that was enough for him. He didn't really care to have that much of his time scheduled, or to have that much responsibility he didn't need.
Besides, he smirked, he was already pissing his dad off enough by going to public school, when his dad was champing at the bit to send him to some fancy prep school. Rocky shivered at the thought. Living in a dorm with a bunch of trust fund dudes? Definitely not his scene. So... it wasn't like his dad was pushing him into joining too much at the public school.
His dad would probably send him to prep school if he found out he was a Power Ranger.
Rocky... didn't particularly frown, but his smile didn't quite have the same cheerfulness as before. Adam's reveal of his identity to his brother had sucked royally. He'd apparently shouted about Adam unfairly risking his life, and then completely shut down after that. Aaron and Adam were now giving each other the silent treatment, and when the Park brothers did the silent treatment, they knew how to do it. It was a struggle getting two words out of Adam on a good day.
Aaron had transferred that hostility to Rocky and Aisha as well, which was a damn shame. He, Adam, and Aisha had been friends since late elementary school, so he'd practically been raised by their families: Aisha's parents, Adam's parents, and then Aaron after the car crash.
Rocky focused on the road and tried not to think about that.
He'd been friends with Adam and Aisha after they had finally extricated Rocky's head from where it had resided most of his life: firmly between his butt cheeks. Growing up rich, always having nice things... it had made him think he deserved even the things that couldn't be bought, so he'd learned how to take. He didn't like to think of the person he'd been before. But if he forgot entirely, Adam and Aisha were there to remind him, just so he didn't go off the deep end again.
He decided he'd only be a few minutes late... when his communicator beeped. "Dammit," he mumbled, and started looking for a place to stash the car.
It was Sunday, an hour before the meeting was supposed to start, but Rocky hadn't been able to sleep in like he usually did. Something was bothering him, and he hated it when something was bothering him. So, for the first time, he teleported to the Command Center alone. He was surprised that he was the only one there. He'd never seen the Command Center without either Billy or Tommy stalking around.
His lip sneered a bit at the thought of Tommy. The guy was enthusiastically lobbying for a promotion from all-around jerk to confirmed asshole.
"Alpha, how's it going?" Rocky said, putting his hand on the robot's shoulder.
Alpha looked up from his work, surprised. Zordon had apparently been reading something from text projected onto the inside of his tube, and he dismissed the text at Rocky's entrance. "Rocky, this is certainly a surprise," Zordon said. "Is there anything with which I can help you, or is this a social visit?"
Rocky grinned. "Yeah, I know I haven't been up here much on my own. And I'm early for the meeting. I just... I can't stand this whole thing about Adam, and I wanted to do something about it."
Zordon's head moved, and Rocky realized that was his version of nodding. "I share your concern, Rocky. Billy, Alpha, and Aisha have various tests and scans working, but given your aversion to computers, I would imagine you have something else in mind."
Rocky gave a half shrug. "That's just the thing. I don't know what to do. I'm a pretty good fighter, but I'm pretty useless otherwise. I just..." He cleared his throat. He didn't particularly want to share everything, but he needed Zordon on his side. "I need to do this for Adam. He's done so much for me, and I just can't sit by."
"I understand," Zordon said, and Rocky wondered if perhaps Zordon did understand. He didn't know how much Zordon knew about them, about him. He said he'd watched them, but how closely, and for how long?
"So, can I just talk this out?" Rocky said.
"Certainly," Zordon said, smiling.
Rocky took a breath. "So, we all know that Putties can sometimes be stronger. But we've been fighting Putties even before we were Rangers. And I guess in some kind of alternate reality where we fought Putties with plastic weapons. So one Putty getting the better of Adam is pretty friggin' unbelievable."
He paused, but Zordon just did that weird nod again, telling him to go on.
"I watched the fight afterward," Rocky said, "and Adam's not on his game, but Adam not on his game is still better than most people... or Putties. That Putty was different..." Rocky crinkled his forehead, trying to remember how it was different. "Can I see the fight again? Just Adam against the strong Putty?"
"Alpha, please pull up the video on the Viewing Globe," Zordon said.
The scene played again. Adam was fighting three Putties at once, when he was blind-sided by one of the Putties. As two used the opportunity to get away, the one Putty kept Adam's attention, refusing to let him move on. Alpha played the scene again, and again, Rocky asking him to run it back and play it again after each play-through. There was something that was itching at the back of Rocky's brain, but he was damned if he could figure it out. It seemed like just a standard fight, with standard Putty fighting skills. Unless...
"There!" Rocky said, pointing to the Globe. "Can you run it back a couple of seconds and pause it?"
"Will do, Rocky," Alpha said.
The video sped back, and Rocky got closer. It was what had been bothering him ever since the video but hadn't become obvious until right then. "That deflection," he said, pointing to the Putty's hand. "Adam's trying to get to the Z, but the Putty is deflecting. Over and over. The most Putties ever do to deflect is a few initial blocks." Rocky started pacing. "They want us to punch the Z's, especially when others are around to keep up the fight. They want the power feedback to weaken us. Why not this one?"
Zordon stared at the screen. "I confess, I did not pick up on that. I do not pay attention to Putty fights as I perhaps should. Why do you think this Putty chose to fight in this way?"
Rocky looked back at the video. "I dunno..." He quirked his mouth. "I was kinda hoping that someone with more experience would help figure it out."
If Zordon caught the jab at Tommy, he let it pass. They didn't have time to discuss it anyway, as the aforementioned leader of the Power Rangers chose that moment to teleport in.
Tommy took a look at the Viewing Globe. "Yeah, I reviewed that until I could watch it in my sleep. I still can't get anything out of it. Hopefully Billy and Aisha will have some news for us today."
Rocky squared his shoulders. "I may have found something."
Tommy raised his eyebrows, and Rocky had a petty thrill in knowing something the perfect Tommy didn't. "Would you like to share?"
Rocky considered smarting off, but that would work against him and definitely turn Zordon against him. He instead pointed to the Viewing Globe. "Right there." He made the same motion that the Putty was making. "Deflection. Every time. Adam's trying to dust the Putty, but it just won't let him."
Tommy frowned, looking closer. "I'll admit, that's weird. If we can get some readings on that Putty... it might be a monster in disguise. There have been Putties disguised as people, but we haven't run across the other way around, yet."
Rocky felt his shoulders relax a little. It wasn't a complete win, but at least Tommy was giving his idea some attention.
The others trickled in over the next few minutes, Adam showing up last, looking gloomy and deflated. Aisha looked over at Adam, and then caught Rocky's eye. Rocky shrugged. He'd done what he could for Adam. Adam was just going to have to get mad before he got over this, and that wasn't going to happen any time soon.
"Rocky, you wanna show us what you came up with?" Tommy said as a way to begin the meeting.
Quickly, Rocky showed the video and demonstrated how the Putty was fighting differently.
"I noticed that I couldn't hit the destruct button," Adam said. "But, then again, I was desperate and not fighting at my best. It could just be that I couldn't break through the Putty's preliminary deflections."
Rocky rolled his eyes exaggeratedly, making sure that Adam knew exactly what he was doing. "That doesn't mean that the Putty wasn't up to something. Like I said a thousand times, you've fought Putties before."
"Past performance is not a guarantee of present success. Rocky, I just screwed up," Adam said.
"I guess that's your excuse then. God, that's your excuse every time," Rocky said before he could stop himself.
As soon as he said it, he wished he could take the words back. Adam had that look, like he was furious and miserable at the same time. Aisha was shooting daggers at him and looked like she wished she could do so literally.
Rocky closed his eyes. Firmly between the buttcheeks.
"My scans haven't produced any abnormal readings from the Putty in question," Billy said. "Of course, we can only work with the readings we have, not with the original subject."
"I'm still running tests on Adam," Aisha said, still glaring at Rocky. "Those aren't going to be done until tomorrow."
"In the meantime, we might need to wait until the next attack," Kimberly said. "Both Zedd and Rita before him would usually start out with some kind of distraction. There's going to be some bigger plan in the works."
"Kim's right," Tommy said. "Waiting is not exactly satisfying, but we're doing everything we can. We just need to remain vigilant. Let's do a Zord check and then an hour of training. I want to prep for the same maneuvers we used on Friday, just in case we have to use them again."
It was Kimberly's and Adam's turn to check the Zords. Adam practically ran out of the room, while Kimberly trotted to catch up. She shot Rocky a sympathetic smile, but that was cut short by Aisha squaring off with him. She motioned with a sharp tilt of her head, and Rocky resignedly followed where she indicated. This wasn't going to be good.
As soon as they turned the corner, Aisha rounded on him. "Mind telling me what that was all about?"
"I was just trying to help him," Rocky said, the words feeling false in his mouth even as he said them.
"No, you were trying to bully him," Aisha said, crossing her arms.
Rocky's eye twitched. "That's not fair."
"Oh, you want to talk about what's fair?" Aisha said. "We can talk for days about what's fair. But just because someone isn't cooperating with you while you're trying to help them doesn't mean you can throw it in their face. And you know Adam is reliving some things right now since..." She stopped.
"Since he didn't make the soccer team," Rocky said. "Yeah, I know. He told me."
"Yeah, well, he's not the only one," Aisha said, her voice going lower. "None of the other Stone Canyon transfers got into any of the clubs or teams."
Rocky frowned. "I didn't know that."
"I just confirmed it yesterday," Aisha said. "Look, just... stop trying to protect Adam. He really can take care of himself. You need to focus on being his friend, not his bodyguard."
Rocky's mouth quirked up at that. That was pretty rich coming from "mama bear" Aisha. However, he knew saying that would just get him the silent treatment from her, too. "Okay, I think I can handle that."
Rocky got his first test on not defending Adam during the training session directly after the meeting.
Tommy had set up a simulation like the battle they'd faced on Friday. There was a large room in the Command Center where they could tap into the Morphing Grid to create realistic illusions, but only in that room. Billy called it a "holodeck" and Tommy called it a "danger room," but Rocky had no idea why.
Just like on Friday, Rocky was paired with Billy as they "made a path" for trapped civilians. Rocky didn't particularly like the maneuver. He was good at it, but he couldn't really let loose. Not with civilians to protect. Still, though, he managed to improve his coordination with Billy, and they were able to get the fake civilians out quicker.
They kept having to stop the simulation, though, as Adam kept letting more and more Putties through. Every time, Tommy would call a halt to the whole thing and then look pointedly at Adam (or, at least, face his helmet pointedly at Adam, since they were morphed). Adam would nod wearily, and then they would try again... with Adam doing worse each time.
After an hour, Rocky felt like his arms were going to fall off, and Aisha was barely standing, trying to fight harder to cover for Adam. (Rocky smirked. Mama bear.)
Tommy crossed his arms. When he was morphed, he looked damned impressive. The white suit, the black and gold shield around him, the tiger mask, the sword Saba at his side. Impressive... and, Rocky begrudgingly admitted, intimidating.
"Try it again, Adam," Tommy said, his voice quiet. "Just you. Just try to keep three Putties from crossing the line."
Adam stared at him, his helmet hiding what Rocky knew would be a frustrated and disbelieving expression. Rocky bit his own tongue, really hoping that Adam would just tell Tommy to go stuff it. Adam needed a break, not to be put on the spot and overworked.
Three Putties shimmered into existence, and a thick black line formed right behind Adam. Adam broke out of his reverie as the three Putties attacked. Reacting instantly, Adam threw a kick to the middle Putty's Z... which was a mistake. All five watching Rangers jumped as soon as he did it. Sure enough, the power feedback, which the Morphing Grid was able to simulate without actually hurting any of them, knocked Adam on his ass. The one Putty was gone, but the other two were already past the line. The simulation dissolved, and Adam looked down, not wanting to get back up.
Tommy sighed and shook his head. "Okay, Adam. We'll work on that later. You can't make these mistakes in real battles, though. Our primary job as Power Rangers is to protect the people of Earth. We can't allow them to pay for the war we're fighting."
"I know," Adam said quietly, still not getting up. "I'm sorry."
"I think we all need a rest," Kimberly said, trying to break the tension. "We've got school tomorrow. Aisha should have the test results back then. I can meet you up here to see what's what. After we do the... thing."
Aisha, who seemed to have been holding herself back from going to Adam, looked up. "Yeah. After the thing. Right."
The six powered down, and Kimberly and Billy teleported out. Aisha gave Adam one last look, and then gave a worried look to Rocky. "I'm just going to check to make sure that test is still running properly. See you guys later."
"I'll go with you," Tommy said, looking tired. "I gotta talk something over with Zordon."
They left, and Rocky finally approached Adam, who didn't look like he wanted to get up.
"Dude, it was just nerves," Rocky said softly. "We all know that we can't do things right when we're..."
He finally put a hand on Adam's shoulder, but Adam shoved it away and got up.
"Rocky, can you just not right now?" Adam said, his face darkening. "Do I have to be cheerful every second of every day to make you happy?"
Rocky took a step back. Definitely not where he wanted the conversation to go.
"I'm just trying to..." Rocky began.
"Stop trying," Adam said. "Just... just leave me alone. I know this is a foreign concept for you, but sometimes people want to be alone. Sometimes people want to be sad. Not everyone can live like you live. Some of us have problems."
Rocky flinched, but found that he couldn't say anything. When he didn't say anything, Adam gave him one last glare and teleported out.
"Well, you did want him to get mad," Rocky said to the empty room.
"You don't have to protect him, she said," Rocky muttered to himself. "He can take care of himself. He definitely won't start punching random people in the middle of the hallway."
Rocky was leaning against Adam's locker. Adam had been avoiding him all day, ever since he'd walloped Bulk and nearly gone after Skull... right in front of the principal and Aaron... Mr. Park. Rocky grinned. Actually, that had been pretty funny, and no one was saying Bulk and Skull weren't asking for it. If it had been under any other circumstance, Rocky would be making Adam a medal and pinning it to his locker.
But he knew Adam hated hurting anyone, even people who so richly deserved it. He was also going to be getting detention. That was a fairly common occurrence for Rocky, but it was like the end of the world for Adam.
Rocky looked at the clock in the hallway. He was going to have to come to his locker sometime.
The bell rang, and students rushed to their lockers so they could get out of there as quickly as they could. Rocky dodged around people trying to get their stuff, and then waited as the crowd started dispersing. Still no Adam. Rocky took to clasping and unclasping his communicator. He hated standing still this long.
"If you're waiting for your friend, you're in for a long wait."
Rocky smiled grimly and turned. Bulk and Skull were right behind him, Bulk leaning against a locker as well, uncomfortably in his personal space. Rocky resisted taking a step back.
"How's that?" he asked lightly.
"Oh, Adam's been in the bathroom, probably crying his eyes out," Bulk said airily.
Rocky smirked. "How's the black eye?"
Bulk's hand strayed to his eye, and then he stopped himself and glared. "You just warn your friend to keeping looking behind him. He's gonna pay."
Rocky started laughing, making Bulk trail off. "Tell ya what. You wanna make this square? Come by the Youth Center tomorrow after school."
Skull grabbed Bulk's shoulder. "That sounds like a set-up, Bulky."
Rocky finally stepped back, bounding off the lockers. "No set-up. Neither of us need to do that. I just want to show you something. You'll be there?"
Bulk balled his fists. "I'll be there. And maybe after, Adam and I can step somewhere less public."
Rocky almost fell down laughing. He honestly wasn't expecting Bulk to call for a duel. He wondered, with Bulk's love of costumes, if he'd show up in full knight's armor.
"Sure, Bulk," he said, trying not to laugh. "We'll do whatever you want."
With that, he left. Bulk was a blow-hard, but Rocky was pretty sure he'd been telling the truth about Adam being in the bathroom, and possibly about the crying thing. It wouldn't have been the first time.
Rocky finally got to the boys' bathroom on that side of the school and peeked in. At first, he thought there was no one in there. All the bathroom stalls were hanging open with no feet showing, and the urinals were empty. It was absolutely quiet, not even the sound of stifled sobs. Then he glanced around the door and saw Adam staring into a mirror above a sink.
"Hey, Adam! How's it going?" Rocky grinned. Adam didn't seem super upset. Maybe he was just killing some time before having to go to detention.
Adam didn't respond. In fact, he didn't seem to be moving. Or blinking.
"Hey, Adam," Rocky said a little more slowly, putting a hand on Adam's arm.
Nothing. Adam just kept staring into the mirror. Rocky looked at the mirror, and then back to Adam. Adam's eyes were glassy and unfocused, his face a complete blank. It was like he was hypnotized or...
Before Rocky could go for his communicator, Adam turned abruptly and left, never acknowledging Rocky was in the room at all.
There was the silent treatment, and then there was just primo weirdness.
Rocky stared at the door, trying to figure out what just happened. Then he slowly turned to the mirror.
A memory slammed into him. He was trying out for soccer, his brand new, top-of-the-line cleats gripping the ground satisfyingly with each step. The coach had divided them up into two teams, and Rocky had control of the ball...
Only for the ball to be taken by this tiny kid with curly black hair. This kid with a too-big t-shirt and second-hand shoes had ruined Rocky's big chance.
The next time the curly-haired kid ran by, Rocky twisted in his way (on accident, I promise! he'd claimed later) just so the kid would take a tumble on the grass. It worked perfectly, so Rocky did it again. And again. Each time the kid got up, he looked closer to crying, until he'd run off the field.
Rocky's communicator beeped. Slowly, he pulled his eyes from the mirror, feeling like he was coming up from a dream. "Yeah, I read you," he said.
"Rocky, Putties are attacking a children's soccer game in Marshall Park," Zordon said.
"I'm on it," Rocky said. He glanced at the mirror. How long had he been standing there? He'd replaced his watch with his communicator, so he had no idea. He was starting to forget why he'd been there in the first place.
"Putties. Right," Rocky said, pulling himself back to reality.
Rocky followed Kimberly to the science lab, carrying an unconscious Adam. He was practically weightless, and Rocky realized he hadn't unmorphed yet. Adam was unmorphed, though. He looked tiny, and there were bruises where the Putty's punches and kicks had gotten through his Ranger shielding.
"Put him on the bed," Kimberly said shortly. She went straight to a work station and started preparing a syringe.
Rocky laid Adam down gently and then unmorphed. His body was still buzzing, though… itching for a fight.
"What's wrong with him?" Rocky said, dancing on the spot.
"Don't know yet," Kimberly said. "He's beat to hell, that's for sure, but this should fix any injuries. If it's something interfering with his power, though..."
Kimberly trailed off as she gauged the right amount of serum, and then took her time finding a vein to give Adam the injection. She looked hesitant, and Rocky remembered that this used to be Trini's job.
As the serum left the syringe, Adam's bruises slowly disappeared, and some of the color came back to his face. He didn't wake up.
Kimberly breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm going to keep watch over him for a few more minutes. You head on into the main chamber. Hopefully Aisha will be back soon with news about the kid."
Rocky took one last look at Adam, and then left. Adam was going to be destroyed when he woke up if that kid got hurt.
He bounded the main chamber. Tommy looked up from his conversation with Billy. "Adam all right?"
Rocky took a breath. Fuck it, he was going to do it. "No," he said, bounding up the steps. "Just in case you haven't been paying attention, he's not okay. Oh, he isn't injured, but that doesn't mean he's okay."
Tommy frowned. "You seem like someone who has something to say."
Rocky laughed, although his stomach had turned to ice. "Something to say, the man said. Yeah, I kinda do. As in, maybe you can take some responsibility for what Adam's going through?"
Tommy's eyes widened, and even Billy looked up from his work.
"Say that again?" Tommy said.
"If you keep saying someone isn't good enough, they'll start to believe you," Rocky said. "All damn summer. You've been riding us, but you've been riding Adam the hardest. He's never good enough, never fast enough… He's never quite what you want him to be. None of us can measure up to perfect Tommy's standards, but Adam takes it the hardest. And you know it, so you single him out."
Tommy's eyes darkened; he was starting to look dangerous, something Rocky had never seen. "Oh, no, don't hold back," Tommy said. "Keep blaming Adam's mistakes on me. You accused him of making excuses, but you seem to be the one obsessed with making excuses for everything he does. He can't sneeze without you wiping his nose."
"And he can't sneeze without you calling him out in public!" Rocky knew he was starting to lose it… but this was a long time coming. "Like you did in Friday's battle. Like you did in training yesterday. You just want to make an example of him. You're just a bully…"
"I'm making an example of him?" Tommy said, his eyes narrowing even more. "I don't have to! That's twice that Adam has let a Putty get the best of him, and now he's let someone get hurt."
"He saved two other kids, and he was doing the best he could," Rocky said. "News flash, Tommy. People aren't perfect. I know that's a pretty foreign concept for you."
"You don't know anything about me," Tommy said.
Rocky knew that they were coming close to blows, and he wasn't entirely sure he could take Tommy… or that Zordon wouldn't kick them both out. He knew this wasn't in any way, shape, or form helping Adam. But he couldn't stop himself. It was like he was being pulled inexorably along this path… "I know that you're determined to believe that Adam... what? Meant for a kid to get hurt?" Rocky shouted back.
Kimberly walked into the room, looking alarmed at the growing hostility. "Adam's all right, by the way," she said deliberately. She stared at both of them until they backed down. "I gave him some serum. Still resting, so could the two of you keep it at a dull roar?"
Tommy finally looked away, and Rocky felt a bit of the anger bleed from him. What was he doing?
"How's the kid?" Tommy asked, and Rocky realized Aisha had teleported in without his noticing. "He make it to the hospital all right?"
Aisha looked warily from Tommy to Rocky. "Stable," she said. "Broken leg, possible concussion." She looked at Kimberly. "We couldn't... you know..." She mimed giving herself a shot in the arm.
"The serum can only work on people with a power coin. We tried it once on Skull. Billy had to give him some of his Blue Ranger energy, and Skull's still abnormal because of it. Well..." Kimberly made a face. "Abnormal-er."
"All the more reason that we don't make this an issue," Tommy said, his face stony. "There's no excuse for civilians getting hurt, especially kids. Adam's got to know that."
"As if he doesn't know that," Rocky said, furious that Tommy would bring this back up again.
"He doesn't act like it," Tommy said.
Rocky noticed Aisha leave, even as he tried to put together more words, struggling past the rage going on in his head. He wasn't used to being so angry. In fact… he never felt this angry. It almost physically hurt, burning him from the inside out.
"And you don't act like much of a leader," Rocky said.
At this, Billy pushed off the console he'd been leaning again. "I think this is an unwise way to conduct an argument, much less an investigation," he said. "Spells and other illusions are not unheard of from our enemy's arsenal, and Adam's self-confidence is most assuredly effected. Once Aisha's scans have run…" He trailed off, uncomfortable now that Tommy and Rocky were both glaring at him.
"I think what Billy's trying to say is that we all need to chill our biscuits," Kimberly said. "Zordon, do you think Lord Zedd's using a spell, like Billy mentioned?"
Zordon frowned. "It's certainly possible. However, I do not believe that's the only possible explanation. It does not account for the Putty's increased strength and skill—if indeed Adam has been targeted by just one Putty. We've also sensed power readings far lower than even normal operating procedures from the Moon Palace, and a spell would certainly cause the power levels to spike."
"That and spells—other than the one time—aren't exactly Zedd's MO," Kimberly said. "That's more Rita's bag."
Tommy shook his head. "We have to take everything into account… but we've also got to start thinking about Adam's response to this. Instead of helping us investigate, he's become closed off and secretive. No, Rocky, I don't expect perfection, as you keep saying, but I do expect something more than just lying down and taking it. If he can't stand up to me, he can't stand up to Zedd. And if he's going to cut it as a Ranger, he can't do this. We need people we can count on out there, not people who are going to fold at a Putty attack..."
Rocky was about to angrily retort… when he noticed Tommy had stopped, looking past the Viewing Globe. Adam's pale face seemed to float in the darkness, looking half a ghost at Tommy's words. He stumbled, and Aisha ran forward to help Adam onto the steps.
Zordon spoke up before Rocky could get his next words out. "Tommy, that is enough. You've more than made your point, and you're not being fair to Adam. Or do I need to bring up tapes of your own mistakes. Perhaps the fight against Dark Samurai?"
Rocky was shocked to see Tommy—perfect, self-assured, jerk-lobbying-to-be-an-asshole Tommy—turn as pale as Adam's. The anger had gone out of his eyes, and he looked almost… haunted. Rocky wondered what Zordon could have same that could take the fire out of Tommy so quickly and utterly. "God, I'm... I'm so sorry, Adam," Tommy stammered out. "I wasn't thinking, and I wasn't fair."
"You're right, though," Adam said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I got someone hurt. I couldn't even get to the battle on time. I'm not fit to be a Ranger."
"And if perfection were a requirement of being a Power Ranger, we'd all be out on our butts," Kimberly said, giving a pointed look at Tommy, and Rocky again wondered what it was that the other Rangers weren't telling them.
"I refuse to accept that Adam's misfortunes have been entirely natural," Zordon said. "Alpha, conduct a body scan of Adam, paying close attention to any spells or influences Zedd may have implanted in him. Adam, I want you to recount everything that has happened to you since Friday morning, as that is when the attack started. Billy, you help Alpha. Aisha and Kimberly, go over the surveillance scans from the past seven days, just so we don't miss anything, either in Angel Grove or the Moon Palace. Tommy and Rocky, you're to review the two Putty fights again." He looked sternly at all of them. "Lord Zedd has managed to target one of our own and lay seeds of doubt. I want to know how he did it. I expect full reports from everyone tomorrow."
The effect on the group was instantaneous. They all scrambled to their assigned tasks, Billy helping Adam to his feet and leading him back to the science lab. Rocky gritted his teeth and considered the wisdom of complaining about being put in a group with Tommy… but Zordon's impassive face sent a pretty clear message. Shut up and do what I tell you.
The fight was very similar to Friday's fight, Rocky noted as he stood well apart from Tommy facing the Viewing Globe. Adam had things well in hand until one Putty screwed it all up. He'd been able to get the two soccer players out of the way, but the older boy hadn't been able to leave. Another few minutes into the fight, Adam was unconscious and the boy was on the ground, groaning in pain.
Adam was fighting better than he had during Sunday's training, but he was now overly cautious, missing opportunities that the Putty was taking full advantage of. Adam wasn't even trying to hit the Z, not with the boy right there.
They watched the clip over and over. Rocky knew there was something right in front of them, something that he wasn't seeing. He was just damned if he knew what it was.
Eventually, Aisha came in and made her way to her computer console, going over the scan she'd had running all weekend. Rocky hoped she found something there, because he was turning up dry.
"That is troubling. It perhaps lines up with some of what Adam has been telling me."
Zordon's words broke into Rocky's reverie, and he turned from the Viewing Globe. "Found something?"
"She has indeed," Zordon said. "All Rangers, please report back. Aisha may have found the root of the problem."
As everyone gathered and they waited for Zordon or Aisha to explain. However, Tommy broke in first. "Guys?" he said hesitantly. "I may have something, too. But, first, let's hear from Aisha."
Aisha turned, shooting annoyed looks at Billy who was craning around her to look at her readings. "There's definitely something going on," she said. "I had the scan looking at Adam's connection to the Morphing Grid, using myself as a control. What I found was that his brain chemistry was at an abnormal low, especially during fights."
Rocky frowned in confusion, and was thankful that everyone else, save Billy and Zordon, was doing the same.
Aisha sighed and crossed her arms. "Okay, so, our powers are tied to our life energy... which is just a simple term for all the chemicals and electrical impulses in our bodies. When we fight, our powers are partially being fueled by our hormones, especially adrenaline. Something is suppressing that in Adam, and it's starting to affect him whether he's fighting or not."
"But what's causing this?" Tommy said.
"We may have an idea," Zordon said. "But, first, Billy, you have something to add."
He'd been poking at Aisha's work station, and then looked up sheepishly. "Sorry, Aisha, I couldn't resist and didn't want to interrupt. Your initial scan set the foundation, so I was able to scan the rest of us, to make sure if anyone else was affected." He pointed the result out to Aisha.
Aisha whipped around. "Uh... Rocky? Are you feeling okay?"
Rocky backed up a bit at the sudden attention. "Of course I am. What are you saying?"
"Because while Adam is suffering from an adrenaline deficiency, your adrenaline levels are abnormally high," Billy said. "Though not as high as Adam's is low."
"Okay, that narrows it down," Kimberly said. "Something the two of you did, or some place the two of you were, either today or over the weekend." She chewed her lip. "But I wasn't able to find anything in the surveillance."
"So it'd have to be some time when they're off surveillance," Tommy said. "Our bedrooms..."
"It would have to be the same place," Adam said. He seemed to be waking up, now that there was an explanation for what had been happening to him. "We haven't been to each other's houses. And I thought you said the security on our houses was tight."
"Bedrooms are unlikely," Billy said. "I haven't found any security breaches, or even any evidence of tampering."
"Or the bathroom," Tommy said. "Surveillance drops off every time we enter one."
Kimberly frowned. "Wait a minute... Alpha, pull up the surveillance footage on Adam this afternoon right around 2:00."
The fight on the Viewing Globe disappeared to show Adam trudging down the corridor. A minute later, he entered the boys' bathroom. Sure enough, the feed stayed outside, letting him have his privacy.
"Speed it ahead at 32 times," Kimberly said. "And put a timer at the bottom."
The timer began, and the video sped up. People flew past at high speed, but Adam didn't leave. Ten minutes, twenty minutes, half an hour...
The Rangers looked at Adam, who blushed. "That doesn't make sense. I only went in there to pee. I was maybe in there for five minutes."
"Notice that no one else is going in," Rocky pointed out. "I mean, it's not class change, but you'd think someone..."
As he spoke, the feed showed Rocky approach the door.
"Slow it down, Alpha," Kimberly said.
They watched as Rocky peeked into the bathroom, and then entered it. Rocky bit his lip. He vaguely remembered looking for Adam, and then trying to find him in the bathroom, when...
A few minutes later, Adam left, while Rocky remained inside.
"Adam," Zordon said. "You mentioned going to the restroom and staring into the mirror. You did say you lost track of time."
"So, I guess we should go check that out?" Rocky said. "Lift the surveillance block for right now?"
"All of us go," Tommy said. "We're taking no chances. But before we go... I think I have a handle on our Putty problem."
The six Rangers teleported into an empty classroom near the bathroom in question. They ran across the hallway, entering quickly so they wouldn't be noticed. The presence of Kimberly and Aisha would raise too many questions.
"Which mirror do you think it is?" Tommy said, scanning the row of sinks.
Adam started forward, but Billy caught his arm. "Careful," Billy said. "We don't want any additional effects from the mirror."
Adam nodded, and then pointed to the second from the right.
"Yeah, I think that's it," Rocky said. "I'm starting to remember now. That's where I saw Adam, and he was just staring ahead. And then I guess I..."
Adam and Rocky looked at each other, suddenly remembering exactly what the mirror had shown them.
"Damn," Rocky said weakly. "I guess we can never get past that, can we?"
Tommy, Billy, and Kimberly looked confused, but Aisha crossed her arms. "Oh, God, the soccer game. The mirror monster at the soccer game, and we missed the clue completely."
Adam was stubbornly refusing to look at anyone. Rocky's throat closed up, and he swallowed hard. "Adam, I'm really sorry. And I probably made it worse..."
"I've already told you that you don't have to apologize anymore," Adam said wearily. "We've been friends too long now."
Rocky gritted his teeth. "And that damn mirror probably made me start acting like I used to."
"Rocky, you give the mirror too much credit," Aisha pointed out. "You hadn't looked at the mirror until this afternoon."
"Guys," Tommy said warily, "I'm sorry, but if we're going to solve this problem, we're going to need to know what happened."
Kimberly had a hand on Adam's shoulder. "That'll loosen its hold on you, and then we can destroy it."
Adam crossed his arms, still looking away. He looked like he was resisting the urge to look in the mirror again. Rocky felt a compulsion to the mirror, but he'd spent less time with it. It obviously had a stronger pull on Adam.
"I was a bully," Rocky blurted out before he could stop himself. He had to get it out. "A grade-A jerkwad. I treated people like..." He took a breath. "I bullied Adam. We were trying out for the soccer team in elementary school, and he was better than me. So I cheated. I kept tripping him until he ran off the field."
Rocky looked at his new friends steadily, ashamed that he had to reveal that side of himself. "And that wasn't the worst," he made himself say, choking on the words. "You see, the coach knew what I was doing. He didn't let me on the team, and he told me why. So… I blamed Adam. I… I spent a year doing everything I could to…"
The anger that Rocky had been holding in started to bleed out of him. It felt like he could breathe again, even though everyone was looking at him and he knew they were disgusted with him and…
"You know you weren't the only guy to bully me," Adam said, picking up where Rocky had trailed off. His shoulders were starting to square, and he was finally looking Rocky in the eye, and not shying away from the gazes of the others. "See, I could have picked myself up any time. The coach came to me later, gave me a chance to try out again. I refused. I was afraid. I stopped trying anything, and I let it control me." A smile finally came to his face, and Rocky realized it was the first real smile Adam had had in days. "I won't lie. I started hating my life… but you didn't ruin my life, Rocky. That was a whole team effort, and I made myself the captain of that team. And I don't regret what happened… because without that, we wouldn't be friends now."
Rocky's eyes were burning, and he preemptively wiped them with the back of his arm. "No regrets?"
"None whatsoever."
With those words, the mirror flashed brightly, and then disappeared, leaving a blank space above the sink where it had been.
Before anyone could celebrate, Tommy spoke up. "What I want to know is… why?"
He turned to a gray figure leaning against the doorway. It was the Putty, the one who had targeted Adam twice and put a boy in the hospital. The Rangers put up their guard, but the Putty continued to casually lean.
"And you can drop the act," Kimberly said. "We've already figured out who you are. So answer the question… or attack. We don't care."
There was another flash, this time in the shape of orange flames, and the Putty disappeared to reveal Goldar. He kept the same casual lean. "I dropped enough clues in the last fight. You'd have to be brain damaged not to pick up on it." He grinned. "Did you like our little present?"
"Answer the question," Tommy said in a brittle voice. "Why? Why do this spell when we could easily figure it out? Why disguise yourself as a Putty? Why target Adam?"
Goldar continued to grin. "Because it was funny."
If they'd been expecting an answer, it wasn't that. They all looked at each other warily, and then back at Goldar.
"You think tormenting us is funny?" Billy said, a hard edge to his voice that Rocky hadn't heard before. "You think hurting a kid is funny?"
"Oh, I think it's funny enough, in a sad sort of way," Goldar said. He still didn't move, and Rocky wondered if he was even planning on attacking. "Oh, and to set your mind at ease… I didn't hurt a little kid. If you'd bothered to wait around or monitor the hospital, you would have seen the boy who was hurt had no parents and no connections. A mere Putty. We've… gotten better at disguising them." He laughed. "But what would you have done if it had been real?"
He smirked at their silence. "Heroes." He snorted in derision. "You're like I've always said. Children playing with matches. You're going to eventually get burned… or burn the world all around you. Even you three." He indicated Tommy, Kimberly, and Billy. "You've seen the larger universe, and you still don't understand the war. We're at your school—do you want an education?"
"Keep talking," Rocky said, "since I guess that's what you've decided to stick to."
Goldar smirked at Rocky. "Listen to the new Red Ranger," he said speculatively. "Trying to fill your predecessor's place, when you're not even half the warrior he was." He chuckled, and Rocky realized Adam and Kimberly were holding him back.
"Fine, I'll keep talking," Goldar said. "Why do you think we attack Angel Grove, a relatively small town, a mere speck on the planet?" He grinned and didn't give them the chance to answer. "We're targeting you. All of you. Haven't you figured out that we care nothing about Earth?"
"Your target is Zordon," Tommy said. "It always has been."
"And who's between us and Zordon?" Goldar indicated all of the Rangers in a sweeping gesture, making some of them jump. "Zordon needs Rangers to protect him. You're all that's standing between him and the forces of darkness. And the only thing that's really keeping him safe is your strength. Your health. Your sanity. Once that's gone… He might find new Rangers, but we can play the long game. Our lives are far longer than yours. Zordon will keep throwing Rangers at us until you all wear out, and he gives himself up. You're the fodder of war."
"So are you," Adam said, his voice stronger than it had been in days. "You were literally a Putty this time around."
"I've made my peace with that," Goldar said. "Have you?"
The six Rangers stared at him with pale faces, trying to come up with some kind of retort and failing.
"I believe that's enough for now," Goldar said, chuckling.
"You still think it's funny?" Tommy said, his voice betraying barely-restrained anger.
"Let's just say I've gained a sense of humor… ever since you robbed my grave. Gives a whole new perspective on things."
With that, Goldar disappeared, his bitter laughter echoing in the bathroom after he was long gone.
"They've done this before," Tommy said to the quiet room. The Rangers were gathered in the Command Center, and the mood was somber. Even Alpha, for once, was still, his work paused as they processed the latest attack.
"Spells and illusion," Tommy said bitterly. "After a big attack, Rita used to set up small attacks with potions, or glamours… all aimed at our fears and insecurities. Those attacks aren't designed for them to win… but to make us feel like we lost."
"One time she dumped us in this other dimension called the 'Island of Illusion,'" Kimberly said, putting hand quotes around the dimension's name. "Home to this sadistic little jerk who liked to test us by giving us illusions of our worst fears. She didn't even attack the city while we were there. She just wanted us to suffer."
"Additionally, she cast spells on us, particularly designed to turn us against each other," Billy added. "For instance, that rivalry spell between Tommy and Jason."
Tommy smiled grimly at the memory. "We can't do much to prepare for these attacks. They're not monsters. In these attacks… they turn us into the monsters. And…" he took a breath. "They'll want to target you three, as the new Rangers."
"We get that," Aisha said. "I mean, our first time… that we remember… of helping you guys out was when the whole town had a spell cast on it, and Goldar was trying to turn us evil. Not even sure that would work, now. I mean, doesn't the Morphing Grid give us some kind of protection from those spells?"
"Some," Kimberly said. "But only enough that we can pull ourselves back. Not enough that it would completely protect us. Like Rocky and Adam showed, we have to do that ourselves. They may want to turn us into monsters, but, with the help of our friends, we can always turn back."
"Goldar wanted to take away our hope," Tommy said. "Like he said, we're what's standing between them and getting Zordon… but he lied when he said they didn't want Earth."
"That is true," Zordon said. "Even if I were to move to another planet, or even another dimension, the forces of darkness would target Earth for its potential power. For the power of humanity. The ability to bond with the Power Coins and other powerful relics, to become Power Rangers. Not all species can."
"So don't believe everything they tell you," Kimberly said. She stretched. "Okay, Ernie's throwing a big back-to-school bash, and we desperately need some fun after this weekend. Last one there is a rotten egg?"
Somehow, this very normal statement lifted the mood in the room. Rocky teleported out first, while Kimberly physically pried Billy's hands away from a computer console, and Aisha followed them, laughing.
"Adam, could you hold back a sec?" Tommy said.
Adam looked up in surprise… and possibly a little dread. His conversations with Tommy had never gone well.
"I wanted to apologize," Tommy said.
"You already have," Adam pointed out.
"Not for everything," Tommy said. He glanced up at Zordon, but Zordon remained silent. "I… Rocky was right. I'm not sure how much you heard of what Rocky said, but he was right. I've been too hard on all of you, but I think I've been targeting you… I know I've been targeting you, and it took Rocky pointing it out for me to notice."
Adam frowned and crossed his arms. He waited.
"I… didn't get my power through conventional means," Tommy began hesitantly. "For the longest time, I was sort of the extra member. And then, after Zordon made me the White Ranger, he made me the leader, knowing that Jason was going to leave and wanting a veteran Ranger in charge. So I went straight from the lone wolf to the guy at the top… and I have no clue what I'm doing." Tommy looked down, but then forced himself to look back up. "My first mission as leader was a disaster. I was just so afraid of doing wrong, that I took it out on you guys. And I started training all of you like my mom trained me, and that was definitely the worst thing I could possibly do."
"Huh…" Adam said, after Tommy had stopped talking. "I… Well… You're definitely not the 'perfect Tommy' that Rocky goes on about."
"Not in any way, shape, or form," Tommy said, finally smiling. "But please tell me when I obviously start thinking I am."
Adam smiled in response. "Okay, I hate parties… but I think we may need one."
They teleported out, after waving to Zordon.
"I believe, Alpha," Zordon said, "I have made some wise decisions in my Rangers."
"I know you were worrying about Tommy, Zordon," Alpha said. "Do you…" Alpha became hesitant, "do you still think he may be the one the prophecy talks about?"
Zordon frowned, contemplating. "He's a male with long hair, but notice I did not make him the Red Ranger. I do not intend to die any time soon."
Alpha wisely dropped the subject.
Aisha let herself be pulled from the dance floor by Rocky. They were both laughing and covered in sweat. Adam greeted them with drinks.
"You could have joined us," Aisha said.
"I think the world would implode if I tried to dance," Adam said, a small smile on his face.
A girl walked by, casting Rocky an appraising look. Rocky downed half his drink, used a napkin to wipe the sweat from his face, and bounded after her.
"And we've lost him," Aisha said. She downed half her drink as well, but stayed put. "Hell of a weekend."
They heard loud bangs from the kitchen, and they barely dodged a stream of frosting spewing over the bar.
Aisha was about to get up as she heard Billy's and Ernie's raised voices from the kitchen, but Adam put a hand on her shoulder. "They probably need someone to just calm them down. I can do that."
He got up, happy to have something else to do other than socializing. Aisha sat back down and stretched her legs out, watching Tommy and Kimberly dance. She noticed Christy staring at her, and she waved at her, smiling at her glares.
They fought monsters. They had alien emperors put spells on them… and still, there was life. Everyday evil, everyday battles. High school with superpowers was still just high school.
The song changed, and Tommy and Kimberly walked off the dance floor. Tommy stopped to talk to Rocky, who had just been turned down by the girl he'd been following. Kimberly joined Aisha at the table.
"Get you a drink?" Aisha said.
Kimberly glanced warily at the kitchen, where Adam was being drowned out by Ernie's and Billy's voices. "Nah. Tommy and I are about to leave anyway." She noticed Christy glaring at them from across the room. "I really don't know what she's trying to accomplish."
"She's jealous," Aisha said. "Of you. Of us. Of anyone who she thinks has it better than her."
"Oh, boy, do I not have time to deal with anyone else's insecurities," Kimberly said.
"So, we don't," Aisha said. "I've been thinking about what we talked about before. I think, whatever happens when we tell Mr. Kaplan and Girls' Chapter central office, that Girls' Chapter at Angel Grove is just not going to cut it for us. We need something new."
"What do you suggest?" Kimberly said, a grin spreading on her face, which made Christy glare even harder.
"A new club," Aisha said. "But nothing about status, or pointless fundraising, or stupid social events. Let's be honest... even at its best, that's what Girls' Chapter ended up being."
"Agreed," Kimberly said.
"I'm thinking a mentorship club, with younger and older members," Aisha said. "We get girls from the elementary school and do activities with them. Sort of act like surrogate sisters. That way it's always focused on helping others, not ourselves."
"I think that's an excellent idea," Kimberly said. "And we can recruit high school girls from the other clubs... Maybe ones who either didn't know or didn't agree with the whole Stone Canyon blacklisting thing. Once this gets out, there might be some who get really pissed off over the whole thing."
"I think that's a good idea," Aisha said, hoping that Kimberly was right. She looked over Kimberly's shoulder. "I think your ride is ready to go."
Kimberly smirked and grabbed her purse. "Oh, I'm his ride. Meet me in Mr. Kaplan's office first thing tomorrow, and we can pitch the idea of the mentorship club so we don't just have bad news."
Kimberly skipped out with Tommy. As she left, Aisha noticed Christy's eyes following her. No... not just her. Them. Suddenly, the "trashy boyfriend" comment made a bit more sense, and Aisha contemplated that perhaps Christy was jealous of Kimberly for completely different reasons.
Rocky sat heavily in Kimberly's vacated chair. "So... hell of a weekend?" he said.
"I dunno," Aisha said. "Things are looking up."
Rocky surveyed a sea of young boys and girls, all staring up at him with dubious expressions. Some were students from Jason's and Zack's class the year before, and some were new. One kid he recognized from Stone Canyon was grinning up at him, but the rest were apparently wary of the replacement.
Rocky wondered when everyone would stop thinking of him as Jason's replacement
He also noticed that Bulk and Skull had walked in. They looked like they were psyching themselves up for a fight, but they stopped when they saw the children. Rocky just grinned at them. Everything was in place.
"So, we wanted to talk to you guys about what this class was going to be about," Rocky said. "Our major focus is going to be on karate, but we're going to be throwing in some other styles. Most importantly, we're going to be learning control and discipline. Martial arts develops your mind and body, and it teaches you how to be a better person. It's never to hurt anyone, and you're never to use it on each other outside of this class."
Slowly, some of the kids started nodding. These were obviously familiar concepts, especially to the older ones.
"Today we're going to learn a simple kata, just to get everyone on the same page, but first Adam here is going to demonstrate what you can achieve through years of practice and discipline."
Adam shot him a surprised look. "We didn't…"
"Just do the routine you did to get accepted in the ninja competition," Rocky said. His eyes cut to Bulk and Skull, making sure they were watching.
Adam shifted uncomfortably as all eyes turned on him. "Okay, these are some moves I've been working on, so… yeah."
As he settled into a stance, all awkwardness and discomfort disappeared. Adam seemed completely in his element. He whirled through the combinations, giving his martial arts skills an almost weightless quality that Rocky never could quite manage.
The flawless performance went on for about three minutes. The kids were spellbound, but Rocky was especially watching Bulk and Skull. They'd apparently not known about Adam's skills, and their looks of shock and fear put the icing on the cake.
He slipped over to the two as the children were still watching Adam. "So, you guys still want to take on Adam? I'm sure he'd accept any challenge you threw his way."
"Uh…" Bulk was getting up, grabbing on his backpack and getting tangled in the straps. "I think I left the oven on."
"I think I left the whole kitchen on," Skull echoed, and they both left as fast as they could.
Rocky sidled back up to the mats as Adam finished with a bow. The kids all broke out into spontaneous applause, making Adam grin sheepishly. "Was there a point to that?" Adam muttered to Rocky.
"Just taking care of some business," Rocky said. "Okay, guys, let's get up and see if we can adapt Adam's opening moves to a kata you can do."
Goldar edged into the dim chamber. A silver bed was in the middle of the room, hooked up to all sorts of medical equipment. Lord Zedd lay on the bed and did not acknowledge Goldar when he came in.
"No change in his condition," Finster said. He was at one of the monitoring stations, and seemed to be adjusting the chemicals seeping through Lord Zedd's tubes. "I have Squatt and Babboo working on some potions, not that they'll have any more luck."
"They'd better," Goldar growled. "That plan worked fine for keeping up appearances, but someone's going to notice soon that there's no activity in this sector."
"Would that be so terrible?" Finster said wearily.
Goldar frowned. "Never assume that Lord Zedd can't hear you. And, yes. You know the dangerous position we're in. If we leave, even if we tried to make it back to…" He stopped short of saying Rita's name. "We'd never make it to her. We'd be picked off too quickly, and Dark Spectre would not be very forgiving of warriors and scientists who abandoned their lord."
Finster nodded. "Well, I have no idea what's preventing him from recovering. He should have fully recovered weeks ago, but it's as if there were something blocking his power. All we can do is wait."
Goldar looked at Lord Zedd, who looked sunken, his usually bright red body taking an almost gray tinge, like spoiled meat. "We can't wait for long. Sooner or later, someone's going to notice."
Empress Rita Repulsa sat in her chamber at her father's home, monitoring the situation with satisfaction.
"Everything is going to plan," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
