Chapter Sixteen

After they destroyed Cyclops, the six, still morphed Power Rangers teleported to the Command Center, deciding not to return to their homes they decided to speak with Zordon. There was still some unfinished business, regarding the green candle they had to take care of.

"We're going back in after the candle," Jason told his mentor, his desire to finish his mission apparent in his deep voice. This time, he was determined not to fail.

"I'm afraid it's too late, Rangers," Zordon said solemnly. "The Green Candle's been extinguished."

All of the teens gasped in shock. They had never faced a situation like this before, nothing like losing a Ranger has ever happened. They knew they had a risk of losing their live, they knew they could be turned evil, and have their personalities could be switched, but they thought they could lose their powers too.

Feeling the need to comfort her dear friend, Kimberly approached Tommy and placed a gloved on his shoulder. She knew this was hard on him. Being a Power Ranger may have been the most dangerous thing they could be, but they were proud to hold the power. It gave them all a sense of purpose and Kim felt it was more so for the Green Ranger.

"Then Rita's won," the Green Ranger said sadly.

"Ay yi, yi, yi, yi," Alpha whined.

"There is only on way to stop the transference of power now," Zordon said wishing to see hope on their young faces.

"Green Ranger must give up his power coin," he concluded.

"No way," Kimberly protested as she stepped forward. "He can't just give up."

"There's no other choice, Kim," Tommy said.

"By giving his power coin to another Ranger," the Eltarian explained. "It is the only way."

Tommy sighed. He knew he had no other choice but to hand over his coin. He didn't want Rita to regain control over the Green Ranger power. He knew she could easily use the power against his friends again. This time, she could make an even more powerful evil Green Ranger than he was and defeat the Rangers.

"I guess, this is it, huh,' he said as he removed his power coin from his morpher. "Well, it's been great."

The Green Ranger turned to the Red Ranger and placed the golden coin into his palm. The coin in Jason's hand flamed green then red.

"Oh, Tommy," Jason said with grief in his heart.

"Don't worry it'll be all right," Tommy assured him.

The leader of the Power Rangers felt his power increase as the power of the Green Ranger was added to Jason's Red Ranger power. A golden shield covered his chest, signaling the transference was successful and complete.

The boy was still wearing his Ranger uniform and in seconds it began to glow green. Tommy fell weak and would have fallen to the ground if it weren't for his friends.

"I'm so sorry," Kimberly said.

Tommy knew she pitied him. He knew they all pitied him. He also knew that more than pity lied in their hearts, they cared for him too. They had proven their concern by going into to the dark dimension and trying to get the Green Candle from Goldar. They all tried to save his power. It wasn't their fault. There was nothing they could do.

"It's over, isn't it," the soon to be Green Ranger asked as his body continued to glow.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Zordon said with sorrowful heart.

"And Rita," Tommy asked curiously.

"With the coin in Jason's hands the Power is protected," Zordon reassured.

"I fell strange," the teenager groaned.

"Your body is morphing back to its normal state," the mentor informed.

"Ah, this is weird," Tommy said as could literally feel his power seeping from his body.

His body didn't hurt. It just felt weak and odd. His entire body was tingling while the remaining energy drained from him.

"You are a strong and courageous fight, Green Ranger and an honorable man," Zordon praised.

Tommy stood, proud of what his mentor said about him. Then, he felt completely weak as the last of his power began to drain away.

"Something's happening," Billy said.

The Green Ranger power left Tommy's body, leaving him in his civilian clothing. He felt his body regain his natural energy. He was now stronger than he was during the draining of his Ranger power, but a lot weaker than he was than what he was with the power.

"Are you ok," the Pink Ranger asked, her voice aching with concern.

"It was great being a Ranger, Zordon," Tommy told the Eltarian. "It'll always be with me."

Jason approached Tommy and placed his hand on his shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Tommy," he said. "We tried to get the candle."

"You did what you had to do," Tommy said. "My powers are with you know. Use them to defeat Rita."

"You can count on it, man," the Red Ranger promised.

"What's important to me now is my friendship with all of you. I don't ever what it to change," Tommy said.

"It won't Tommy," Kimberly said. "You'll always be one of us."

Tommy smiled down at her. He wanted to believe her words, but he doubted that his friendship with them would ever be the same. He didn't know it then of how right the Pink Ranger was.