DISCLAIMER

Power Rangers belongs to Haim Saban and Nickelodeon. I only own the new plot. Reference to "The Green Candle Part 2".

Katherine held the puppy and petted it lovingly. He yipped and licked her chin.

"He likes you," Trini laughed.

"Yeah, and I'm growing fond of him," Katherine responded.

"Just like you're growing fond of Jason," Trini teased.

"I'm certain I have no idea what you're talking about," Katherine protested.

"Oh, please. You two have been practically joined at the hip for the last three weeks ever since the Junior Policeman's Ball," Trini reminded.

"That's not true," Katherine protested.

"Kat, I think it's safe to say you're boyfriend and girlfriend," Trini commented.

"Get serious," Katherine retorted. Sure we've been hanging out a lot, but I'm sure Jason's not ready for that step, she thought.

"I'm perfectly serious," Trini insisted and Katherine scoffed. Meanwhile, in Ernie's Gym And Juice Bar, Tommy and Jason were sparring. Tommy threw a kick, which Jason barely blocked. Tommy then let out a punch with the same result.

"Hey, what's up, man? You can usually block better than that," Tommy commented.

"Sorry, Bro. Guess my mind's not really focused," Jason answered.

"Ohhhhh. Thinkin' of Katherine again?" Tommy teased, shoving him gently.

"Don't be stupid, man. We're just friends," Jason answered, retaliating with his own shove.

"Who have been hanging out every day since your date a few weeks ago. Trust me, Bro. This is boyfriend/girlfriend territory," Tommy stated as they walked up to the counter.

"Katherine hasn't said anything about being ready for that kind of a step and I'm not going to press it," Jason replied.

"Okay, I can understand that," Tommy said. It had taken him a while after the date at the dance for him to ask Kimberly to be his girlfriend.

"Hey, guys. What can I get you?" Richie asked.

"Cheery Smoothie please," Jason requested.

"Vanilla Shake," Tommy added.

"Coming right up," Richie promised and then went to make the drinks. Zack and Angela came in laughing.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Jason asked.

"Nothin' much. Just enjoyin' a day off from school," Zack answered.

"And other things," Angela added. Zack quickly shushed her.

"You'll jinx us," he chided. Angela, Tommy, and Jason laughed. Richie brought out the drinks.

"So, where are the others?" Richie asked.

"Well, Aisha and Trini are volunteering at the shelter, Kimberly's at home working on her garden, and Rocky and Adam are in Stone Canyon for something or other, and I'm not sure what the others are up to," Jason answered.

"Ah," Richie answered. Back at the shelter, the black cat followed Katherine as she petted the puppy. The cat growled. It had a mission to do for Empress Rita and she was going to do it. Suddenly noticing the cat, the puppy began to bark.

"What's the matter with you, boy?" Katherine wondered. They turned to see a black cat.

"Hey, little fella. Haven't seen you before," Trini cooed. In the Command Center, the alarm blared.

"Ai-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi! There appears to be danger, but I'm not getting a visual," Alpha exclaimed.

"Increase the scanners."

"Right away, Zordon." Alpha did as he was told. Back at the animal shelter, the puppy was barking and growling ferociously at the cat and was trying to escape Katherine's grasp..

"I know dogs don't like cats, but I've never seen one act this violently," Katherine commented in surprise. What is going on? It's gone absolutely crazy, she thought. The cat hissed and advanced on the two. The puppy wriggled and managed to jump out of Katherine's arms.

"What on Earth?" Trini wondered, grabbing the puppy before it could reach the cat. "I guess somebody needs to be put back in his cage," she said. "I'll be right back, Kat," she stated.

"All right," Katherine responded.

"Shame on you for scaring that poor cat like that," Trini scolded the puppy, walking away. The cat meowed meekly and walked up to Katherine, purring and rubbing its body against her legs. Katherine bent down and began petting it. The cat purred and let itself be petted. Then, it struck! Katherine let out a cry of pain as the cat disappeared. She doubled up. What's-what's going on? she wondered. She put a hand on her communicator.

"Zordon-" she said, and then let out another cry of pain. Then, before she could say anymore, she suddenly found herself on all fours. She looked down to see herself with paws. Oh, this is not good, she thought to herself. She opened her mouth to call for help, but all that came out was a plaintive mew.