The five Rangers ended up at Billy's garage. No one said anything while Billy went to get them all drinks. None of them were quite sure what to say especially Adam and Aisha. They had known him and Devon the longest and had agreed that something was odd about them but they wouldn't have guessed vampires, let alone a 600 year old vampire. Adam and Aisha were still coming to grips with the idea of being a Power Ranger without throwing this on the pile. Adam sat his glass down, "I think I am going to head home", Aisha also got up.
"I'll go too" she said and together the pair left. Tommy and Kim didn't stay long and no one mentioned Rocky or the others.
Adam was the first to see Rocky the next morning. Adam watched as he pulled the books from his bag and replaced them with others from his locker. He looked no different than he had. Nothing implied that he was a vampire or 600 years old. A part of him couldn't even believe the previous evening had been real. Finally Adam went over, "why didn't you tell us before" he asked as Rocky shut the locker.
"Hi Adam. You look like hell, did you get any sleep?"
"No."
"Nothing's changed. You are still who you are and we're still the same. Nothing was gained in telling you, then or now. Inside you are freaking out. Everything in your mind is resisting what you heard. You never want to see or hear from me. You feel angry and betrayed. But a part of you is curious. What's it like? What could we know? What have we done? Do we like it? I am still the same person who sat next to you in class. You have to decide which will win out: fear or curiosity". Rocky turned and headed off to class before he was late. Adam, however, didn't move until the bell rang.
The five teens sat around the table in silence. None of them were really hungry and picked at their lunch. "So what do we do with them?" Tommy finally asked the question they'd all been thinking.
"I don't think there is anything we can do" Billy reasoned. "I am sure Zordon knows and they have more to worry about than we do." He glanced around the cafeteria then ducked closer, "we're super heroes. The worst that happens if we're found out, we have a parade thrown in our honor. If hundreds of years of fairy tales and stories are to be believed they would be hunted down and killed".
"And that could give them cause to turn to Zedd. I've seen Rocky fight; I wouldn't want to face an army of him… Power Ranger or not." Adam said.
"But how do we know one of them won't say something?" Kim worried.
"We could make them one of us" Aisha suggested. "We're short a Ranger, Rocky can fight and it would align us as allies".
"We'd also risk Zedd finding out about them".
"I doubt that if Zedd doesn't already know there are 100 vampires in Angel Grove, it won't take making one a Ranger to find out. He isn't stupid"
Adam nodded,"He was just after me, Rocky and Aisha because we won the ninja competition, imagine if you hadn't saved us".
Tommy looked around the table at each of his friends and teammates, "could we all trust him?"
"Rocky yes… Devon no" Aisha said quickly and Adam nodded in agreement.
"Devon seems so much nicer" Kim argued.
"We should talk to Zordon incase there is something that was left out" Billy said when Tommy looked at him. Tommy nodded.
"We'll go after school". With that the bell ran signaling the end of lunch.
After school they all teleported to the Command Center. Tommy and Billy quickly outlined their conversation at lunch for Zordon.
"Whether you ask Rocky to become a Ranger or not, he will not tell anyone of your secret. He has spent most of the last centuries trying to protect his coven from humans and the humans from the evil vampires. They-"
"Wait" Tommy interrupted "there are evil vampires too?"
"Yes Tommy. Just as people are good and bad, vampires are as well. Many still choose to kill humans and the vampires that protect them. Rocky's coven protects much of the Southwest just as you protect the world from Zedd." All of the Rangers looked uneasy.
"Do you think he could be a Ranger?" Billy asked.
"I am sorry Billy. His past is long and cloudy but I do know he has not always been the person he is today".
"You mean he's killed people" Aisha concluded.
"I cannot say for certain".
"Even if he might have, it could have been 600 years ago, plus he fought in two world wars, that has to have an effect you" Adam argued.
"Do you know about Devon" Kim asked.
"Devon is very young".
They all looked around at each other "so are we" Tommy reminded him.
"He is still lacking self control and could become a greater risk to you all. He tries hard and means well. Which ever you decide, bring them here if they accept".
"We will. Let's head to the park" Tommy told them. He wanted to make sure everyone really agreed on asking one of them to join their team. The last thing they needed was a weak link.
"Are we sure about this?" Tommy asked.
"We need another Ranger" Kim said. "It's been weeks".
"There are a lot of other people out there" he reminded them.
"But we haven't found anyone yet and there is always a chance he will say no. He's responsible for 80 vampires, training one, going to school, and who knows what else. It's entirely possible he will say no. I think Zordon is right about Devon. I think he's too much of a risk" Billy offered.
"He's been human the most recent. It makes sense since he's closer to our age" Kim argued.
"No it doesn't. Rocky only said he'd been with him for 15 years. We don't know what his past is either. But being a young vampire means he is more likely to turn on us. Rocky said he still needs supervision. Personally I wouldn't want to be in a Zord hoping he had breakfast that morning."
"Billy's right". Adam agreed. "At Stone Canyon he was still obviously uncomfortable with people. He might turn it down too. But I say we talk to them, as what one does, it will affect the other and since they both know already."
"Does everyone agree then?" Everyone nodded. "Alright let's-"
"Can we go talk to him tomorrow?" Aisha interrupted. "Maybe it's less creepy during the day".
They agreed they would teleport out to Rocky's castle the next afternoon.
They all stared up at the large building waiting for the door to open. It was less eerie during the day. Finally the door was opened by the same older man whom had let them in the last time. "We need to speak with Rocky".
"I'm sorry, he's not available."
"It's very important" Tommy pressed.
"He's asleep. I'd recommended speaking with him on Monday at school". Tommy looked at his watch only to find his communicator.
"It's almost 1" Billy offered quietly. Many of their classmates slept until noon which Tommy found absurd, let alone 1pm.
"It's a life or death matter" Tommy tried. The man raised an eyebrow; thoroughly doubting 5 human teenagers could have anything that important.
The old man sighed when he realized they weren't going to leave. If he could get Rocky up, he'd let him deal with them. Reluctantly he led them up several flights of stairs, "it will be a matter of life or death" he warned opening a heavy wooden door. "I make no promises on his reaction. Wait here" he said once they entered the room. It was dark, heavy curtains had been drawn over the windows. A low fire burned in the fireplace and there was a couch and several chairs in front of it. Books aligned the opposite wall and an enormous bed took up much of that end of the room.
Oliver shook the lump of blankets they assumed to Rocky was buried under. Even his head was covered by several pillows. "Sir, I'm sorry" they heard Oliver say as he removed the pillows. "No. It's Saturday". Rocky rolled over pulling the blankets over his head curling tighter into a ball. Oliver sighed again, "I really think Monday would be better" he said to the teens.
Tommy considered it. It had already been two months without a Red Ranger and surely a few days wouldn't matter, but he knew if they left now, they would never ask.
"I'm sorry" Tommy said and Oliver nodded. This time he took the edge of the blanket pulling them until he succeeded in getting them off Rocky.
Rocky was still curled up with his eyes closed, "Sir, you have guests and you need to get up".
"I am going to kill you" they heard him mumble.
"I am sorry. They said it was a matter of life or death".
"Yours or theirs?"
Oliver rolled his eyes, "presumably theirs. Now come on", he helped Rocky sit up.
The teens thought it was odd. Sure, none of them liked getting up in the morning but this was ridiculous. "Why do you do this to me? You know I have cobwebs for brains".
"I know. I'll bring you something for it. First you have to get up". He took a hold of Rocky's upper arm and pulled him up. Rocky could barely open his eyes and winced when he stood up. "I hate all of you" he said shuffling to a chair. He was barefoot and wore flannel pajama bottoms and a faded t-shirt. Oliver covered him with a blanket when he was curled into the chair. "Throw a few more logs on the fire" Rocky told Oliver.
"Yes Sir" Oliver moved his hand offering the teens the empty couch and then hurried to build the fire. "Give him several minutes to come to" He told them.
"This isn't a normal sleep is it?" Billy asked looking at the sleeping vampire in the chair.
"No, he is supposed to be hibernating this weekend".
"Hibernating? He said you slept every few days."
"Most of us do. With time and practice you can go without feeding and sleeping for longer periods. The result is you go into hibernation. Master Tristan usually hibernates every third weekend".
"Tristan?"
"He has many names. If you'll excuse me a minute and don't provoke him" he pointed to his sleeping master and then hurried out of the room. He didn't want to leave the teens longer than necessary until Rocky had something to drink. He was never sure how he'd react between being woken and coming to.
They all waited silently watching Rocky sleep. As promised Oliver returned a few minutes later with a large mug. "Sir" Oliver gently shook his shoulder, "this will help" he pressed the mug into Rocky's hand. "Drink up, you'll feel better". Rocky did as he was told while Oliver opened the curtains at the far end of the room and then returned. Rocky handed him the empty mug.
"Thank you" he said quietly. Rocky's eyes were still barely opened but he ran his hand through his hair and yawned revealing two sharp pointed fangs, reminding each of the Rangers what they were really dealing with.
"Should I stay" Olive asked.
"No, I doubt I'd be able to take them all out before you'd get back." Oliver nodded and left closing the door behind him.
Rocky laid his head on the side of the wing backed chair pulling the blanket over his shoulder. "What do you want that could possibly be life or death" he asked with his eyes still closed. "I can hear you just fine" he added before Tommy could open his mouth to say anything about it.
"Well" Tommy started "we are one Ranger short. We wanted to offer the position to you or Devon".
Rocky's eyes shot open "What?"
"We've spoken to Zordon. You and Devon are the only others that know who we are and we need someone who can fight." Tommy tried to reason ignoring the burning look in Rocky's eyes.
"We also think that when Zedd knows about you… your kind, it would help to have you on the team incase he tries to recruit you." Adam added.
"So, you're looking for an alliance?"
"Yes. Essentially."
"Of all the people in the world to be Power Rangers, you want me or Devon? I don't think so. We aren't. I'm not the good wholesome person Zordon looks for and Devon isn't ready. One slip up and he could kill you. He's just now mastering his new life without all these superpowers of yours".
Zordon says your past is too long to judge you. He's letting us come here to offer you the power."
"Why couldn't this have waited until Monday? And I think you are all crazy. Yesterday you were terrified of me and now you've walked into a house of vampires, again."
"We know you've spent a lot of your life protecting humans and vampires from each other and all of us from the evil vampires. This could help-"
"That isn't a fight you belong in. Your powers won't work against them". His tone of voice caused them all to sit back a little. It was cold and tinged with an accent that had slipped through and caused each of them to think maybe they really didn't want to be involved after all.
"Look, we need another Ranger now. Zedd's attacks are getting worse and more frequent, we need help. Will you at least consider it?"
Rocky stared at them, "I'll consider it, despite how ill advised I think it is".
Tommy nodded "let us know soon. We'll go and let you get back to sleep".
Rocky rolled his eyes "not a chance now. It isn't something you just fall back into. You'll find Oliver in the hall waiting to show you out." The Rangers took that as being dismissed and headed out of the room. As promised Oliver was waiting for them in the hall. He didn't say anything as he showed them out but they knew he was annoyed with them.
Oliver returned to Rocky's room with another mug. Rocky was trying to button his shirt. "I am sorry Master… I told them now wasn't good". Oliver handed Rocky the mug and buttoned the shirt for him.
"It's alright Oliver. You didn't know what they wanted." He said quietly. "I feel like hell".
"Yes Sir. It will pass". Oliver studied his Master carefully. He was looking thin and pale again and had been pushing himself too much between feeding and sleep. Each hibernation got harder to pull him out of. He'd already suggested taking a week off school and resting. There were enough people to look after Devon while he slept but Rocky always said he would consider it.
"I need to speak with Devon".
"I'll fetch him".
"Bring him to the Library". Oliver gave a brief nod and left.
Rocky stared at the dark blood left in the cup and sighed. He hated being pulled from his sleep, it always left him feeling groggy and even the simplest tasks became impossible. Oliver kept telling him to rest more and he knew he was right. There was no need to push himself for three weeks and made a promise to himself to slow down.
Slowly he made his way up to the Library where Devon was waiting by the fire. "Master!" he looked surprised at Rocky's appearance despite Oliver telling he wanted to see him.
"I'll be fine" he sat in the chair opposite of his apprentice. "The Power Rangers came by again today".
"Again? Why? What do they want?" Rocky held up a hand.
"They are looking for another Ranger".
"Here?" Devon sounded confused and Rocky didn't blame him any.
"I know. They suggested that either you or I would be a suitable Ranger".
"But, but I'm not qualified"
"Neither am I, Devon. I think you could do it if you wanted to. You've made much progress these last years and you've been blending in at Angel Grove. You are young and a good person; you could better understand these teens. It hasn't been that long ago since you were one yourself."
"Thank you Sir, for your kind words, but I am not ready. I still think about biting people".
"The thought never completely goes away. The desire to act on it will in time".
"I'm afraid that whatever this power is, will only make it worse. I wouldn't trust myself with it. I think you would be a much better person for it."
"Hardly. A life time of good can never undo the evil things I've done".
"Master, it was a long time ago. Long before any of us were here. Long before the Power Rangers. It wasn't your fault, but you are still paying reparations for it".
Rocky didn't say anything. He carefully fingered the heavy cross on the long chain around his neck. It was horribly old fashioned and thousands of museums would want it. Jewelers would die to get the dark rubies out of it, but it was the only thing he had left from his first life, a life that had been so violently ripped from him. "Who's to say what a thousand souls are worth? Why should it matter if it was 600 years ago or 6 hours ago?" Devon had only heard some stories, rumors mostly, of his Master's early years but never from his own mouth.
"Perhaps then, being a Power Ranger and helping to save Angel Grove and maybe the World could help in that repayment?" Devon tried carefully. "You are the most generous and kind person any of us here knows. You've been a teacher and mentor to many. You took in those of us who were left for dead by others. You're the only father figure some of us have ever had and you've been a friend and supporter to all of us. Why should that not qualify you to be a Power Ranger? For what it's worth, I think you should do it".
"Thank you Devon. If I were to accept, it would be a time consuming commitment. Perhaps it would be time to end your studies with me".
"But Master!" Are you," he took a deep breath "are you kicking me out?"
"Of course not. You are always welcome to stay as long as you like. You would no longer be my apprentice. I think you have been delaying the inevitable. I will still be here to offer my advice, but you would be on your own, more or less."
"Would you leave school?"
"No, I will at least finish the year and I recommend you graduate. You will need a foundation for your new life and since you haven't been to college, I recommend it".
"Does this mean I can date?" Devon asked hopefully.
"Yes Devon, if you wish. These are decisions you will need to make for yourself." Devon looked perplexed
"Does it mean you will become a Ranger then?"
"I don't know. I wish to speak to their leader first" Devon nodded.
"I have homework to finish" Devon stood up to leave "Master, aren't"
"Devon, I am no longer your Master"
"Oliver still calls you 'Master'."
"Only because he refuses to call me by my name".
Devon ignored him, "aren't you supposed to be sleeping?" he asked.
"Yes. They made Oliver drag me out of bed. If I didn't have a guilty conscious and a splitting headache I would have killed them".
"Perhaps the fresh human blood would have helped with the hang over", Devon teased.
"Get out! Out you!"
After Devon left Rocky stayed to watch the fire, he wasn't sure about the idea of becoming a Power Ranger. He or any of them were the last thing he thought of when he heard the word superhero. He decided he wouldn't agree to anything except that he would speak to Zordon.