First things first, I would like to apologize for taking so long to get this chapter. Over the last month I've had finals and then all the holidays, and I simply haven't had that much time to write. I have definitely not forgotten about this story and will continue to write it. It is, however, a side project that I will work on when I have time. Right now, I'm optimistic that I will get 1 or 2 chapters before I go back to school on the 23rd, but I'm not making any guarantees. Hope you enjoy this chapter. Please read and review.
Chapter 12
The Rangers land teleport into the Command Center.
"Welcome back, rangers" Alpha says.
"I'm glad to see you were able to retrieve your powers." Zordon said. "However, now is not the time for celebration."
"You got that right." Zack says. "Who the hell was that guy?"
"I knew Rita had the Power Coin, but how did she find a user so fast?" Billy says.
"I wish I had the answers for you, rangers." Zordon says. "Unfortunately, I don't. The appearance of the Green Ranger was the first time any of Rita's creatures has appeared on Earth since the power coin was stolen."
"That doesn't make sense." Jason says. "That means Rita had to have the person in place before she even stole the coin."
"Or she took someone when she took the coin." Trini points out. "Maybe she took a D.E.T.A. employee, or one of the soldiers."
"I guess that's possible." Jason says.
"Whoever that guy was, he's got some serious skills." Zack says. "We need a better plan next time we go against him."
"Yeah, I doubt he'll give us time to form the Power Blaster next." Kim says.
"And what was up with that sword?" Trini says. "It had a curved blade and was able to fire lightning out of it."
"That is the sword of darkness." Zordon says. "One of Rita's most powerful weapons. The fact that she has given that sword to the Green Ranger means she is not messing around. She considers you a very serious threat, and sees the need to eliminate you."
"Well, that's no good." Zack says.
"No, Zack, it is not." Zordon responds.
"If she destroys you all, Rita will rule the world!" Alpha says. "She'll enslave mankind! She'll destroy the Command Center! She'll.."
"We get it, Alpha." Zack says.
"We won't let that happen." Jason says. He looks at his teammates and notices that they don't look so sure about their victory as he is. "We can't let that happen."
"Look, Jase, we'll try our hardest, but we barely beat that guy the first time." Kim says.
"Yeah, and the only reason we did beat him was because we caught him off guard with the Power Blaster." Trini says.
"Statistically speaking, our odds for a second victory are significantly lower now that the Green Ranger has seen the Power Blaster." Billy says. "And if what Zordon says about the Sword of Darkness is true, then we don't stand much of a chance."
"So what, you guys just want to give up?" Zack says. "I'm with Jason on this one. We'll find a way to stop the Green Ranger. Not because we want to stop him, but because we have to. Not just for us and our friends and families, but the fate of the world."
"You're right, Zack." Trini says. "We can't just give up."
"After a moment's hesitation, I agree." Billy says. "Even if the odds are against us, we are fighting for more than ourselves."
"Rangers, this task is more difficult than any you have faced to this point." Zordon says. "However, I am confident that you are up to it. I would not have selected you as rangers if you were not capable of protecting this world from anything Rita can throw at you. For the moment, we don't know her next move. You should return home and return to your normal lives until furthest notice. I will alert you if the Green Ranger returns."
With that the rangers nod and teleport away.
Alpha looks up at Zordon. "Do you really believe they are up to the challenge, Zordon?" Alpha asks.
"I am, Alpha." Zordon says. "I am."
Tommy walks into the main area of Rita's palace. Rita glares at him.
"Why did you retreat?" Rita asks with a snarl. Tommy is unshaken by this.
"I was caught off guard by their weapon." he says, as he walks right past Rita barely even glancing at her. He turns his head over his shoulder and looks back at her. "Next time, I'll be more prepared."
"You had better be." Rita says. Tommy keeps walking. "Where do you think you're going?"
"It's none of your business." Tommy says. "But if you must know, I was going to talk to Finster about the putties. Unless we make some changes, those things couldn't beat a 5 year old girl."
Rita walks over to Tommy and grabs him. "Listen you. The putties may not be the strongest of my creatures, but they are the only ones Finster can mass produce. We don't need them to be strong if we have enough of them."
"Apparently, you haven't made enough yet." Tommy says laughing.
"And even so, the rangers struggled with them before they morphed the first time." Rita points out. "Even Earth's military couldn't defeat them. So I'm not sure what you're talking about."
"It's quite simple." Tommy says. "Anyone who knows anything about hand-to-hand combat would be able to defeat the putties. I was going to talk to Finster about some modifications he could make to them to make them stronger and a more formidable foe. After all, isn't defeating the rangers our ultimate goal?"
"You're not in charge around, here." Rita says. "You work for me. You don't get to give anyone commands. As a matter of fact, go to the Dark Dimension and don't return until I have come up with a new plan of attack."
"Are you sure sending me to the Dark Dimension is the best idea?" Tommy says with a smirk. "After all, if I miss school, people may start to wonder where I am. Wouldn't it be better for me to live my normal life so no one gets suspicious?"
Rita growls, in obvious anger. "Fine." Rita says. "Perhaps living among humans would be a good idea, so we can keep your identity as the Green Ranger a secret for as long as possible."
"I knew you'd see it my way." Tommy says. "If you don't want to me to talk to Finster, then I no longer have any need to be in this palace. Let me know what your next plan is, my queen." Tommy says, sounding sarcastic as he addresses Rita as his Queen. He then teleports back to Earth.
Rita is dumbfounded by Tommy's actions. "Finster, get in here." She shouts. Finster quickly rushes through the door.
"My queen, what is it that you need?" Finster asks.
"Our Green Ranger was just here, but seemed different this time." Rita says. "He was more aggressive and seemed less like a servant. Why would is this? Is my spell wearing off."
"As long as he posses the Sword of Darkness, he will be under your command." Finster says.
"Good." Rita says.
"However…" Finster begins.
"However! However, what?" Rita shouts at Finster.
"The Sword of Darkness is a manifestation of all that is evil." Finster says. "It amplifies the negative characteristics of the user. In the case of the past warriors, this hasn't been a problem as they were not human. They were completely evil creatures. However, as Tommy is human, his reactions to the sword is different."
"Why didn't you tell me this before we gave him the sword?" Rita shouts.
"I thought you knew my queen." Finster says. "I'm sorry."
"Will using the sword make him betray me?" Rita asks.
You used the sword to amplify your spell of obedience, but the longer he possesses the sword, the more he will begin to question your authority. It can not reach the point where he can disobey you if you insist upon a command, but he may take matters into his own hands."
"As long as he still maintains my orders, then I suppose it is something I'll just have to deal with." Rita says. "He is a great fighter, after all, and it will all be worth it once he destroys the pesky Power Rangers."
"What is the plan now, my queen?" Finster asks.
"Soon enough, we will attack again." Rita says. "Begin making me an army of putties. I've got a new plan, and this one can't possibly fail!" She then laughs maniacally.
Tommy walks up to his house to find his uncle waiting for him the living room. "Nice of you to finally show up." Tommy's uncle says.
"Uncle Frank?" Tommy says. "You seem upset. What's wrong?"
"Apparently, your car has been towed." Uncle Frank says. "Leaving it unattended in the middle of the road in downtown Angel Grove doesn't seem like the best of ideas now, does it?"
"Whatever." Tommy says. "Just give me a ride and we'll go get it from the impound lot."
"Oh no." Uncle Frank says. "I'm not giving you a ride anywhere until you can tell me what the hell you were thinking? Why would you leave your car in the middle of the road?"
"Look, it's not a big deal." Tommy says.
"That's not an explanation." His uncle says. "What were you thinking?"
"It's none of your freaking business." Tommy says. "I don't have to answer to you."
"Yeah, you kind of do." His uncle says. "You're living with me right now, and as long as you live under my house, you'll live by my rules!" He shouts. Tommy turns around and storms out the door. He looks back at his uncle.
"Fine." Tommy says. "I'll see you later… maybe!" Tommy then slams the door behind him. Tommy's uncle shakes his head.
"What's gotten into him?" He says out loud to nobody. "Or what has he gotten into?" He sits down on the couch and covers his face with his hand.
Tommy storms down his driveway. He looks over to see Kim walking up her driveway. Kim looks over and sees him.
"Something wrong, Tommy?" Kim asks, walking over to him.
"It's nothing." Tommy says. "Just got in a fight, that's all."
"With your uncle?" Kim asks.
"Yeah, him too." Tommy says. Kim gives him a strange look. He sees the look. "I mean, yeah, with my uncle. Apparently, my car was parked illegally and it got towed. Now, he's all pissed off for no reason and won't take me to go pick it up."
"I'm sorry, Tommy." Kim says. "I wish I had a car and could give you a ride. You know what? I bet Zack would be willing to give you a ride down there." She quickly pulls out her phone and starts to text Zack.
"That's nice of you, Kim, but I wouldn't want to impose on Zack like that." Tommy says. "Besides I don't even know him that well."
Kim's phone goes off and she reads the text. "Zack said he'd be fine with that, if you want."
"Well, I do need my car…" Tommy says.
"Look, it wouldn't be a problem." Kim says. "I know Zack. He's cool. I'll let him know to come over."
"Thanks." Tommy says. He smiles briefly before it quickly turns to a frown. His eyes glow green quickly, then go back to normal. "I'll be here when Zack gets here, but I should probably straighten things out with my uncle." Tommy says, quickly darting inside.
Kim shakes her head. "What's wrong with him?" Kim says out loud to no one. She finishes texting and heads into her own house.
Tommy darts through the front door, then up the stairs to his bedroom. "What's wrong with me?!" He thinks to himself, as he slams the door behind him and falls onto his bed. "I felt pain the second I felt any happiness. Is this what the Green Ranger has made me? I don't know if I can take it!" He stands up and looks in the mirror hanging on his wall. His eyes glow green once again. "Of course I can take it. This power has made me than I ever thought possible. I'm not just going to give that up. Happiness comes in all shapes and forms. The power of the Green Ranger and the Sword of Darkness is what truly makes me happy. I'm not going to let some girl ruin that for me."
Tommy shakes his head and his eyes return to normal. Just then, he hears a knock on his door. "Tommy?" He hears his uncle ask. "Are you alright?"
Tommy opens the door and stares at his uncle. "I'm fine." He says, defiantly.
"You stormed out of the house, and then back into the house." His uncle points out. "Are you sure you're fine?"
"I'm fine." Tommy says. He sees a sweatshirt hanging over the back of his chair and grabs it and storms out. "I just came back to grab a sweatshirt. That's all." Tommy says. "Since you won't give me a ride to pick up my car, a friend is giving me a ride."
"Look, I told you I'd give you a ride if you can just explain to me why you were down there." His uncle says.
"And I told you I'm not giving you an explanation." Tommy says. "Besides, my friends already on his way. I'll see you later."
"You're not got leaving." His uncle says, blocking his path. Tommy shoves his uncle out the way and storms past him.
"You can't tell me what to do." Tommy says. "You're not my father!" Tommy runs down the stairs. His uncle chases after him.
"Tommy, wait." He says. Tommy goes through the door and slams it in his uncle's face. Rather than chasing after Tommy, he just lets him go. "I'll deal with that later." He thinks. "The more I tell him to do one thing, the more he'll want to do something else. I'll just give him some space."
Tommy, meanwhile, leaves his house and sees Zack's car out in street. Tommy walks down and gets in the passenger seat.
Zack looks over at him. "What's going on, Tommy?"
"Nothing." Tommy says and just stares ahead. They sit there for a second. Tommy looks over at Zack. "Are you going to drive or are we just going to sit here all day?"
Zack looks at him and shakes his head. "Calm down, man." He says. "I'm your friend. No need to bite my head off." Zack pulls away from the curb and starts to drive.
"Sorry." Tommy says."I do appreciate you doing this."
"No problem, bro." Zack says. "Besides, I really haven't gotten a chance to know you. Tell me about yourself."
"There's not much to tell." Tommy says. "Used to live in LA, now I live here."
"Well, yeah, I knew that." Zack says. "I mean, what are you into?"
"Um… girls?" Tommy says.
"No, not like that." Zack says. "I mean, you got any hobbies."
"I spend most of my free time doing martial arts." Tommy says. "Back in LA, I trained everyday. I haven't had as much of a chance here, but I do it occasionally."
Zack nods. "That's cool man." He says. "You know, Jason's really into Martial Arts. Maybe you guys should kick it sometime."
"I'll think about it, but I'm kind of a loner." Tommy says. "The 'friends' I had back in LA weren't the best group of guys. Got me into a lot of trouble. Ever since then, I tried to stay on my own as much as possible."
"Well, you and Kim seem to get along pretty well." Zack says.
"That's different." Tommy says. "She's always so bubbly and happy, and she's always trying to please people. I know she's not going to cause me any trouble." Tommy pauses here, then continues briefly. "It helps that she's smoking hot, too."
Zack laughs. "I get hear where you're coming from, but you're wrong." Zack says.
"Is that right?" Tommy says.
"Damn right, it is." Zack says. "The only reason you know Kim is so, how did you put it? Bubbly and Happy? Anyway, the only way you know she's that way is because gave you her a chance."
"That's your opinion, Zack." Tommy says. "I haven't had much luck with friends in the past. It's just easier to not have that many." Tommy turns his head and looks out the window.
"Well, regardless of if you want it, as long as you're Kim's friend, you're my friend." Zack says. Tommy shakes head.
Zack pulls into the impound lot. "I'll wait out here." Zack says. "Make sure you can get your car back."
Tommy gets out of the car. "Thanks." Tommy says and shuts the door behind him, and then he walks into the office.
Meanwhile, Rita has been watching this whole trip. "Our green ranger has helped our plans without even knowing it." She yells. "He drew the black ranger out by himself. Goldar! Take a squad of putties and attack the black ranger, now!"
Goldar nods. "Right away my queen."
Tommy walks up to the desk. "Can I help you?" The clerk behind the desk says.
"Yeah, my car got towed here." Tommy says. "It's the Red Chevy out there."
"What's your name?" The clerk says.
"Tommy Oliver." Tommy says.
The clerk looks at his computer. "Ah, here it is." He says. "Thomas Oliver. Do you have proof of ownership."
Tommy pulls out his wallet. "Yeah, it's in here." He says. He pulls out a sheet of paper and hands it to the clerk. He looks at it and hands it back to Tommy.
"Alright." The clerk says. "That'll cost 250 dollars."
"250 dollars?!" Tommy says. "Are you freaking kidding me?"
"You want it to be more?" The clerk says. "Since it's your first offense, 250 dollars."
"Well I don't have that much on me." Tommy says.
"That's not my problem." the clerk says. He looks up out the window and sees a bunch of putties running around the building. "What the hell are those?!" The clerk yells and runs to the back of the store. Tommy laughs.
"Perfect timing, Rita." Tommy says. He jumps over the counter and gets on the computer and deletes his entry off the computer. "That takes care of that." Tommy says
Tommy then walks outside. "I wonder why these putties are here?" Tommy says. He looks over to Zack's car and see the driver side door open. "Zack?" He looks around for where Zack may have gone, figuring he just got scared and hid. Instead he sees Zack going toe to toe with Goldar. "What the hell?"
Zack kicks Goldar in the chest. "What are you doing here, Monkey brain?" Zack says.
"I'm here for you." Goldar says swinging his sword at Zack. Zack dodges the attack, then dives behind Goldar. He kicks Goldar in the back.
"This is getting nowhere." Zack says. "It's Morphin' Time!" He yells and pulls out his Morpher. "Mastodon!" Then he begins to glow and transforms into the Black Ranger.
Tommy's eyes widen. "Him?" Tommy says. "He's a Power Ranger? Wait does that mean? It can't be." He ducks behind some hedges to watch more.
Goldar swings his sword at Zack, and Zack blocks it with his Power Axe. He dives away from Goldar and then arm towards his mouth to use his communicator. "Zordon, Goldar attacked me. I need some help." Zack yells.
"Help is on the way." Alpha says back to Zack.
"Thanks, Alpha." Zack says. Then he charges back at Goldar. He swings his Power Axe at Goldar. Goldar avoids the attack. He then grabs Zack's throat and throws him back. Zack lands on his back. At that point, 4 beams of light land between Zack and Goldar. It's the other's rangers, unmorphed.
Tommy's eyes widen again. "Then it's true. I'm right." Tommy says. "They are the Power Rangers. I need some answers." He pulls out his morpher. "Dragonzord!" Tommy shouts and transforms into the Green Ranger. He runs out to Goldar.
"Goldar!" The Green Ranger shouts.
"What are you doing here?" Goldar shouts at him. "Rita sent me to take care of them."
"We're done here!' The Green Ranger shouts. He grabs Goldar's arm and then the two of them and all the putties disappear.
Zack demorphs. "What the hell was that about?" He asks.
"No idea." Billy says.
"Zordon didn't know why Goldar attacked here. "Trini says.
"Wait, Zack, weren't you taking Tommy out here?" Kim asks.
"Yeah." Zack says "Where is he?"
The rangers rush inside and see that Tommy is nowhere to be found. "Man, I hope he's alright." Zack says.
"I'm sure there's some logical explanation for what happened to him." Billy says.
"I bet he just got scared when he saw the putties and hid somewhere." Jason says. "Either way, we should probably get out of here before the cops show up and want an explanation."
"I have to drive back home." Zack says. "But once I get home, I'll meet up with you guys. Meet at the command center in a half hour?"
"Sounds good." Jason says. The other four rangers teleport away. Zack runs out to his car, starts it up and drives away.
Tommy rushes into to Rita's palace. "What the hell, Rita!?" Tommy shouts. "You held out on me!"
She looks behind Tommy to see Goldar there. "What are you doing back here, Goldar?" Rita asks.
"I brought him back!" Tommy says. "You didn't tell me my friends were the Power Rangers!"
"Friends?" Rita says. "You barely know them."
"Regardless, you lied to me!" Tommy says.
"I didn't lie to you." Rita says. "I simply didn't tell you the whole truth. It didn't seem important."
"Well, it's important to me." Tommy says. "You know what? Forget it. You can get yourself a new Green Ranger. I'm done!" Tommy says starting to charge out.
"FINSTER!" Rita yells, and Finster rushes in. "We're losing him."
"He can't break the spell of the sword of Darkness." Finster says.
Tommy keeps walking out when all of a sudden he stops and falls to the floor in pain. "AHHHHHHH!" Tommy shouts. He then stands back up and looks at Rita. "I am your humble servant. Your wish is my command. They are no longer my friends, but my sworn enemies."
"Excellent." Rita says.
END CHAPTER 12