Jason shifted in the front seat of his car, glancing up and down the street again as he watched for his sisters. He hadn't seen them again after dinner the night before. And he also hadn't been able to find them that morning. So he was waiting outside the Rock Porium for them to come to work.

"Sweetheart, you need to relax," Trini said over the phone. "Everything is going to be fine."

"It is not fine," Jason said shortly. "Trini, they're rangers! They are not ok."

She sighed and he knew she was rolling her eyes at him.

"And so are we," she said. "And we started at a younger age, too. We came out alright."

"We nearly died countless times!" Jason exclaimed. "What happens if they get themselves hurt—or worse?"

"They're going to be fine," Trini said again. "Just like we were."

"But we had Zordon!" Jason snapped. "They don't have anyone."

"How do you know that?" Trini asked patiently.

"Alright, so maybe I don't," he scowled. "But even if they do, they aren't Zordon."

Trini paused, taking a deep breath.

"No, they aren't," she said quietly. "But they'll be fine, you'll see. The others have turned out fine. Dino Thunder, Ninja Storm, Lightspeed Rescue, Wild For—ok, so I can't really speak for Wild Force because frankly there are days where I'm not sure how they made it, but you get my point."

"Dino Thunder had Tommy," Jason muttered.

"Jason, they'll be fine," Trini said soothingly. "Vida and Madison can take care of themselves. You know that. They learned from the best."

"I know," he sighed. "But I'm still not happy about this…"

"No one said you had to be," Trini said softly. "But you have to let them do this—you can't interfere."

"And I won't," Jason said. "But if anything happens to them, someone is going to pay."

"And Tommy will be right there with you," she said. "And the rest of us behind you. You know he adores Maddy."

Jason chuckled faintly.

"Yeah, he does," he said. "She's his favorite."

"And you can't tell me you don't have the same thing with V," Trini said. "Between the two of you, those girls will never have to worry about having their hearts broken—all of the boys are going to be too scared to risk it."

Jason took a deep breath, sighing as he glanced down the street again. He caught sight of Madison and Vida coming down the sidewalk, laughing and talking.

"I've gotta go," he said. "They're here."

"Alright," Trini said. "Have fun and be safe. Don't drive them too crazy. I love you."

"Love you, too," Jason answered.

Hanging up, he climbed out of his car and jogged over to meet his sisters. Catching up, he fell into step next to them.

"Where have you two been?" he asked. "I've been trying to find you all morning."

"Sorry," Madison said. "We got a little sidetracked this morning…"

"Aren't you late for work?" he said. "I thought the shop opened hours ago."

"It did," Vida said. "But we aren't."

"Unless we don't get inside," Madison said, glancing down at her watch.

Vida grabbed Madison's arm in response, towing her twin after her as she bolted into the store. Chuckling, Jason followed them. Xander was already inside. He turned to look as they walked in the door.

"There you are," he said to the girls. "Where have you been?"

Jason smirked as both Madison and Vida rolled their eyes. He knew there was a reason he liked Xander—he kept an eye on the girls. Chip was there, too, leaning on one of the counters.

"We were—studying," Vida finally said.

"You were what?" Jason said, raising an eyebrow. "Studying? During the summer?"

"Maddy made me," Vida protested, looking at Madison expectantly.

"Right," Madison agreed. "We're both planning on taking a lot of classes in the fall—I just want to be ready…"

"See, coming from Maddy it doesn't surprise me," Jason said. "But you, V…"

"Hey!" she exclaimed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Jason laughed.

"Sorry, kiddo," he said. "But you and I both know your study habits leave something to be desired."

She grumbled, shooting a glare at him as she scooted over to her DJ equipment.

"So how did the—studying—go?" Chip asked eagerly. "Did you get a lot done?"

The girls shrugged.

"Not really," Madison sighed. "We just seem to keep going over the same things time and again…"

"Then maybe you should try a different subject," Jason said, leaning back against a wall. "That's what Billy always told us in high school when he was helping us with—well, homework... If one way doesn't work, try another one—eventually you figure something out. We always made it work."

All four of them looked at Jason, who just shrugged. His phone started ringing and Jason straightened up. Pulling it out of his pocket, he glanced at the caller ID.

"I've gotta take this one," he sighed, heading for the door. "Hey, Adam. What's going on?"

He frowned, pausing to open the door.

"Rocky got his head stuck in what?" he exclaimed as the door opened before he could grab the handle. "How on earth—well, tell him he's not supposed to try and stick his head between the bow staffs!"

Nick walked in, looking at Jason in surprise. Jason just glared at him, stalking out the door as he continued talking to Adam.

"I don't care what got kicked back there," Jason snapped. "He's perfectly capable of moving them instead of trying to shove his way in."

Sighing, Nick let the door shut behind him, blocking out Jason's conversation.

"What is his problem?" Nick said, looking at Vida and Madison. "He keeps glaring at me like that and I can't figure out why."

"I don't know," Madison said. "Jason usually likes everyone…"

"Yeah," Vida agreed. "It's Tommy you've got to impress—I think you've just caught Jason at a bad moment."

"Yeah right," Nick scoffed. "I'm pretty sure he just doesn't like me."

"If Jason doesn't like you, he'll tell you," Madison insisted. "And like V said, it's Tommy who's hard to impress."

"He doesn't even like Xander," Vida added. "And Tommy's known Xander since he was a kid—so Tommy's going to be the hard one to win over."

"Right," Xander agreed. "Wait—what?"

He looked at Vida and Madison in surprise.

"Tommy doesn't like me?" he exclaimed.

Madison shrugged apologetically while Vida laughed.

"Sorry, no," she said.

"But—since when?" Xander asked.

The twins exchanged glances.

"Since we were little," Vida said. "You'll have to ask him about it next time you see him, though, because I really can't remember why…"

"He likes Chip, though," Madison said.

"Yes!" Chip exclaimed, punching the air.

"But he's the annoying one!" Xander protested.

The girls laughed as Chip frowned at Xander.

"That's probably why he likes him," Vida said. "Tommy never seems to have a problem with the oddballs. You should meet some of his friends."

"Hold up," Nick interrupted. "Who's Tommy?"

"He's Jason's best friend," Madison said. "Kind of like another big brother—he's been around for almost as long as I can remember."

They all sat down to talk. The shop was empty, though they could see Jason pacing just outside. Toby had left Xander in charge for a little bit while he went to get something to eat.

"So you're telling me that, if I want to hang out with the two of you, I have to get past both of them?" Nick said.

"No, just one," Vida answered. "Well, as long as that one is Tommy… He's better at changing Jason's mind…"

Nick frowned.

"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked.

"Well, if Tommy really doesn't like or approve of someone, Jason generally ends up agreeing with him in the end," Madison explained. "It's kind of odd sometimes—Tommy always seems to know when someone is going to turn out to be a problem…I really don't understand how he does it."

Vida shrugged, falling back in her chair.

"Doesn't matter anyways," she said. "They've never chased away any of our friends before—at least not the ones we really wanted around. Like Xander."

"Though they really are perfectly capable of it," Madison said absently. "I mean, Jason's a fifth degree black belt now."

"And Tommy's a seventh, right?" Vida said, glancing at Madison for conformation. "Which is why it's kind of surprising that he usually let's Jason do the scaring—though I guess big brother usually does look a lot more threatening. His muscles are more obvious than Tommy's."

Madison nodded in agreement.

"Wait a minute," Nick interrupted. "Black belts?"

The girls nodded.

"Yeah," Vida said. "Didn't we mention it before? Jason is a fifth degree black belt in karate. He's also got black belts in at least one other style—tai chi, I think. Trini was teaching him. And he's got belts in a lot of other styles, too. We did tell you he owns a dojo, didn't we?"

"And Tommy is even harder to keep track of," Madison added, shaking her head. "He's a seventh degree black belt in karate and he's got black belts in I don't even know how many others…but I do know that he knows tai chi, BBJ, mauy thai, and a whole bunch of others."

Nick stared at them in shock. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head.

"They're going to kill me," he muttered. "And I didn't even do anything."

"Oh, relax," Vida said. "Jason won't do anything until Tommy passes judgment. They're funny like that."

"Unless you hurt one of us," Madison said. "Or make one of us cry—then there won't be any stopping him… Jason can be a little overprotective…"

"A little?" Xander said, raising an eyebrow.

"Ok, a lot," Madison corrected herself, thinking back to several occasions. "And Tommy really isn't any better…but we love them anyways."

Nick groaned, his face in his hands.

"So, we shouldn't mention the whole 'shy' incident from a few weeks ago?" Chip grinned.

Madison and Vida immediately shook their heads.

"No," Madison said. "We shouldn't… Especially to Tommy."

"He'd flip," Vida added.

Nick took a deep breath, shaking his head.

"Fine," he said. "We won't mention it. But you know what? I really don't care. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. We're a team whether your brother and his friend like it or not."

The other four smiled, nodding in agreement as the door opened. Jason walked back in, shaking his head and muttering under his breath.

"Why do I put up with him?" he grumbled to himself.

"Because Rocky is one of your best friends," Madison smiled. "Even if he does stupid things sometimes."

Jason chuckled, settling back into his place against the wall. He didn't look at Nick, but focused on the other four.

"Only sometimes?" he said. "I don't know about that. Wait until you hear what he did a few months ago."

"Leelee, we're closed," Nick sighed.

Vida, who'd been talking with Jason, and Xander both turned to look. Nick had been going to lock the door when she came strolling inside.

"Well that's perfect, then," she beamed. "You can come with me to see this new DJ."

She held out a flyer to him. But Nick started shaking his head.

"Can't," he said, locking the door and flipping the sign to closed. "I've got plans."

"But…" Leelee pouted as he turned and stepped into the backroom.

"Don't waste your time on him, Leelee," Xander said, leaning on the counter. "But you can always try sweet talking me."

She rolled her eyes.

"Alright," she said. "You can come with me."

"Cool," Xander grinned.

"No he can't," Nick interrupted, coming back out. "He's the one I have plans with."

Xander sighed, but didn't argue. The poster in Leelee's hand had caught Vida's attention and she walked over to take a look. Jason followed her over, leaning against the wall by the door.

"A new DJ?" Vida said curiously.

"Yeah, DJ Fly," Leelee said excitedly.

"Is he any good?" Vida asked.

"He's only the hottest new act in town," she answered.

Vida took the poster from Leelee to take a closer look.

"You've got plans, too, V," Nick said, shaking his head. "Remember? You promised."

He looked meaningfully at her, his gaze briefly flicking to Jason and back. Vida sighed.

"Yeah, I know…" she said.

"And now we've got to get going," Nick said, ushering Leelee out the door. "Maybe next time."

She started to protest, but Nick shut the door.

"Are you two ready to go?" he asked. "Maddy and Chip are waiting for us."

Vida sighed.

"I'm ready," Xander said. "See you tomorrow, Jason?"

"I'll be here," Jason said. "Here all weekend."

"Great," Xander grinned, heading out the door.

"You coming, V?" Nick asked, holding the door open.

"Yeah, I'm coming," she said, still holding the poster. "I'm going to walk with Jason to his car and then I'll catch up, alright?"

He nodded, heading out. Vida and Jason followed behind him.

"So what are you guys doing tonight?" Jason asked as they walked down the street.

"Not a whole lot," Vida shrugged. "Just a project we're helping a friend with—we're a little stuck on it right now."

"Anything I can help with?" Jason asked, putting an arm around her shoulders as they walked.

Vida smiled, shaking her head.

"No, we'll figure it out," she said. "Thanks, though."

"Anytime," he said, stopping next to his car. "Have fun with your friends."

"I will," Vida said, grinning. "See you in the morning."

Giving him a quick hug, Vida spun and hurried off in the other direction—away from her friends. Jason shook his head.

"She's not going to meet them," he muttered. "I really hope it's not important—or that no one's life depends on it…No. She wouldn't blow it off if someone was in danger."

Glancing down the street after her, Jason shrugged and climbed into his car to head back to his hotel for the night.

Madison jumped in surprise when her phone went off in her pocket. They were at Rootcore, working on the Fire Heart Scroll again—though they still hadn't gotten any further. Setting aside the book she was looking through, Madison pulled her phone out. She was a little surprised it had actually rung. Their normal phones didn't always work in the magical realms.

"Hello?" she said.

"Maddy?" Jason said.

"Oh, Jason!" she exclaimed. "Umm… Hi."

"Where are you?" he asked.

Madison glanced around Rootcore, trying to come up with somewhere. Nick, Xander, and Chip were looking at her.

"I'm with Chip, Xander, and Nick," she finally said.

"Mmm hmm…" Jason said. "Is Vida with you? She wasn't at the store with you guys earlier today. Actually, I haven't seen her since last night…"

Madison frowned.

"No," she answered. "I think I heard her come in late last night, but I didn't see her…"

"That's weird," said Jason. "Should I swing by your apartment and see if she's alright?"

"No, that's alright," Madison said hurriedly. "I'm sure she's asleep by now. I'll check on her as soon as I get home."

"Alright," Jason said slowly. "But am I gonna see the two of you anytime soon? As much as I'd love to, I can't stay forever…"

Madison sighed.

"I'm so sorry, Jason," she said. "I know we keep disappearing…"

"It's alright," he quickly reassured her. "You don't need to feel bad about it. I just wanted to remind you that I'm going to have to head out sometime tomorrow."

"Oh…" she said. "Well, how about I meet you for breakfast? I'll make sure Vida comes, too."

"Sounds great," Jason said. "Don't be late."

"I won't," she smiled. "See you in the morning."

Hanging up, Madison sighed and put her phone away, turning back to the book she'd been going through.

"I give up," Xander sighed, shutting his book. "Maybe we're not meant to find the secret of the Fireheart…"

Nick grabbed another stack of books, passing them around.

"Come on," he said firmly. "Don't give up. Never give up."

"Wow," Madison said, glancing at Nick. "Nick, that's inspiring."

"Yeah…" he muttered, turning to go back to the other desk. "That's what I thought when Udonna yelled it at me this morning when I was ready to quit… By the way, where is Udonna?"

Madison shrugged.

"Last time I saw Udonna, she was teaching Clare another invisibility spell," she answered.

The four rangers exchanged looks.

"Which could be the problem right there," Chip grinned.

Vida came strolling in, drawing their attention from the books.

"Yo, crew," she said casually. "Sorry I'm late."

Nick scoffed, coming back to join the others again.

"Late?" he said. "We haven't seen you since yesterday. That's beyond late. So much for giving us your word."

Vida sighed, sitting down at the table.

"Relax," she said. "You're not my dad. So I missed a night of saving the world. Good news is the world's still here."

Exchanging glances again, the four looked at Vida in surprise.

"Uh, V," Xander said slowly. "It's not that you missed last night. You missed all day, too. It's nighttime again."

"I was worried about you," Madison added. "And so is Jason. He's been trying to find you all day and I've had to keep telling him I had no idea where you were…V, you know how Jase can get…"

Vida sighed, leaning forward.

"Look," she said. "I'm sorry. I gave my word and I blew it. It won't happen again. And I'll call big brother later—he's probably asleep by now."

"Hey. No problem, V," Chip smiled. "We all make mistakes."

She smiled back.

"Agh!" Nick exclaimed, doubling over in pain and holding his head.

The voice of Koragg echoed through his mind.

"Here me, red ranger, or all of Briarwood will be sorry."

Once Koragg had relayed the entire message, Nick pulled himself upright again, still wincing a little.

"Your brother is going to have to wait," he said. "Let's go."

When they reached the designated location, Koragg was nowhere to be seen. Then a whole group of Hidiacs appeared. The rangers all dropped into defensive positions.

"Let's ranger up!" Nick called.

Vida took a step forward.

"Why bother?" she scoffed, charging the Hidiacs.

She hit them hard, taking them down quickly—without help from the other rangers.

"Man, look at V go!" Nick exclaimed.

"This catching-up-on-your-sleep thing seems to be paying off for her," Xander agreed, sounding impressed.

"Go, sis," Madison smiled. "I've never seen her like this before. Too bad Jason can't see her like this—he'd be impressed."

Chip nodded.

"Neither have I," he said slowly, frowning a little. "That was just weird…"

"Tornado power!" Vida cried, taking down the rest of the Hidiacs.

Grinning, the other four rangers ran to join her.

"Whoa sis!" Madison exclaimed.

"Hey, yeah!" Xander grinned.

"Way to go, V," Nick said.

But they didn't get to celebrate any further because they were interrupted.

"Very impressive," Koragg growled, appearing amidst the trees. "Now, how about a real challenge?"

The rangers watched as Koragg transformed into his Zord form. Pulling out their wands, they prepared to morph and do the same.

"Done!" they cried. "Magical Source, Mystic Force!"

Transforming into their own Zord forms, the rangers readied for battle.

"Welcome to your last fight!" Koragg exclaimed.

"That's what you think!" Nick snapped back.

Koragg didn't wait for them to make a move.

"Wolf attack!" he shouted. "Come on!"

The attack hit them and the battle began.

"You want some of this?" Xander growled, attacking with his axe.

"Could use some help, V!" Chip cried, blocking at attack from Koragg.

"Incoming!" V called in response.

Rolled into a ball, she landed in Chip's outstretched hands.

"Gotcha!" he said. "A little game of catch, Koragg?"

He threw Vida straight at Koragg in a direct hit. Koragg stumbled a little, but didn't fall.

"I'm not done yet!" he growled. "Now you'll feel my real power!"

Nick scoffed.

"Talk is cheap!" he said. "You don't scare us!"

"Let's show him!" Chip cried.

"Let's do it!" Madison exclaimed.

"Let's go!" shouted Vida.

"Right!" agreed Xander.

They gathered together.

"Mystic Titans, Dragon Formation!" they shouted.

At that moment, the sun appeared over the horizon. Vida stumbled in sudden pain.

"Agh!" she cried, falling. "The sun's so bright! I feel all…"

De-morphing, Vida fell to the ground in pain. All of the rangers spun to see what had happened.

"V!" Xander cried. "What's the matter?"

"Are you ok, sis?" Madison asked anxiously.

"V!"Chip exclaimed.

They all leaned over, looking down at her.

"What happened?" Vida groaned, panting as she looked up at them.

"You lose one and you all quit?" Koragg growled, interrupting.

Xander turned just in time to take a strike from Koragg. He stumbled backward, barely catching himself.

Koragg shook his head in disappointment.

"Look at your pitiful selves," he said. "You are defenseless. I waste my time."

He turned, leaving them alone in the forest.

"Guys, we have to help her!" Chip exclaimed, bringing their attention back to Vida.

With the threat of Koragg momentarily abated, they all de-morphed and ran to Vida's side.

"Sis!" Madison cried, dropping down next to her.

"Vida!" said Xander.

"V!" Chip exclaimed, scrambling back over to her. "Are you alright?"

The sun was slowly starting to rise higher in the sky and she wasn't getting up.

"I don't know…" Vida groaned, trying to push herself up again. "The sun…It's so bright…"

"Come on, sis," Madison said. "Let's get you back home…"

"We should get out of here anyways," Nick said, looking around. "Just in case Koragg decides to have another go at us."

Vida nodded, though she needed help getting up. Chip, Xander, and Nick helped, getting her out of the forest and back to the girls' apartment. It took a little while because Vida was moving slowly.

"We'll meet you back at the Rock Porium," Madison said as Vida stumbled into their apartment. "We shouldn't all be late…"

"Are you sure you two will be alright?" Xander asked.

Madison nodded.

"Just be careful," Nick said. "And don't worry, we'll figure out what's going on with V."

Smiling faintly, Madison shut the door. The three boys hurried away, rushing to get to the Rock Porium before they were late. They just made it, giving quick excuses for Madison and Vida when Toby questioned their absence.

"Man," Chip yawned a little while later. "Remind me again why we were up all night?"

"Because we have to finish translating that scroll," Nick answered quietly, glancing around.

The bell on the door jingled as Jason walked in. He strode straight to the boys, glancing around the shop.

"Where are V and Maddy?" he asked, frowning when he didn't see them.

The three boys exchanged glances.

"Umm… Last we saw them was when we dropped them off at their apartment," Xander answered. "They should be here soon."

"When did you drop them off?" Jason asked.

"A half hour ago?" Chip answered hesitantly.

Nick, catching the look on Jason's face at that answer, stepped up.

"We were out all night at a friend's house working on a project," he said, crossing his arms. "V and Maddy wanted to change before work and didn't have anything else with them. So we walked them home and came here. They shouldn't be too much longer. So, relax."

Jason glared at him.

"Don't tell me to relax, Rookie," Jason growled. "I have every right to be concerned when they aren't answering their phones and miss plans without warning."

Nick frowned, but before he could answer the door opened again and Leelee came walking in. She smiled, waving at the boys. Jason glowered at the interruption.

"There's Leelee," Nick said quickly, ignoring Jason. "Maybe she knows what happened to V last night—something had to have happened at that club."

Jason frowned. The three boys walked over to Leelee, who looked at them in confusion. Staying where he was, Jason listened in on their conversation.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, frowning.

"What happened to Vida at the club the other night?" Nick asked abruptly.

"V's been acting a little strange since then," Chip added.

Leelee shrugged.

"She was acting kind of strange at the club," she said. "She was, like, nice to me. Even talking to me."

Xander sighed.

"Leelee, this is important," he said.

"Oh, right," said Leelee. "I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. But, I couldn't stay. My mom called and I had to leave. Vida was fine when I left… And had a better tan."

They all spun to see Vida and Maddy coming in the door. Vida was still leaning a little on her sister. Seeing them both, Jason visibly relaxed and sighed in relief. Both of the girls paused, looking at him in surprise.

"Where have you been?" Jason asked, running a hand through his hair, a look of relief on his face. "You didn't show up for breakfast."

"Oh my gosh!" Madison exclaimed as Vida headed over to one of the counters. "I am so sorry, Jason. I completely forgot…V showed up while we were working last night and I forgot to tell her and then we got a little distracted and—"

"Maddy," Jason interrupted, chuckling a little. "It's alright. Things happen. I was just worried because neither of you answered your phones. I even went to your apartment. When I couldn't find you, I called Trini to let her know I'm staying an extra day or two. Adam and Rocky will handle the dojo, but I just want to make sure you're both alright."

Madison nodded.

"We didn't mean to worry you," she said softly.

Smiling, Jason put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug.

"No worries," he said, turning. "Now, V. Where have you—what on earth are you wearing?"

He hadn't noticed when they walked in, but Vida was wearing sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt. Not something normal for her. She also had the hood up with a baseball cap underneath and sunglasses on. She shrugged in response.

"Just a little sensitive to the sun today," she said.

"You look like a bum," Jason retorted, raising an eyebrow. "Are you feeling alright? You look really pale."

"I'm fine," she said.

Turning, she leaned against the counter. All of them watched her in concern. Chip was looking at her thoughtfully, a book of some kind in his hand. Jason moved over to Vida, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"V, maybe you should get some rest," he said. "I think you're getting sick—and being out all night couldn't have helped."

She let out a low hiss, though she didn't look up at him. Frowning, Jason glanced at her face. As she turned her head away, he caught a glimpse of something he didn't like. There was a strange red gleam in her eyes that reminded him of something from years before—and it wasn't a good memory. But when she looked back at him, her eyes were normal again.

"Maybe I should go home…" she said slowly.

"I think that would be best," Jason agreed, putting an arm around her shoulder. "I'll drive you home."

She nodded, leaning against him as they headed for the door.

"Do you want me to come, sis?" Madison asked worriedly.

Vida shook her head.

"Stay here," she said. "I'll go home and get some sleep and meet up with you later, alright? Big bro will make sure I get home alright."

Madison smiled faintly, nodding. With his arm still around her shoulders, Jason led Vida out of the Rock Porium.