A\N: And here we get some explanations...possibly. Hey, I'm an Evil Author-can't spoil the surprise, can I? ;p BTW, a note on names: Luna's birth name was probably not, in fact, Luna. Wiccans take a new name when they change as a person. Rita, however, just calls her 'Luna' because she's only concerned with discussing magic, not friendship. That, and she's not human, so the whole concept is a struggle to figure out. Enjoy!

Well, shit.

I sigh and look at Tommy, still lying prone on the bed. I've been spending the past...I glance at a chronometer. The past five hours, apparently, trying to figure out what the hell's wrong.

It's not working.

Tommy yawns and blinks. He woke up halfway through my work, told me he hated my guts, and then settled back and let me try to heal him. This boy is extremely odd. "You know, that was just like a really nice nap or something." He informs me.

"Yes, little dragon. That was sort of the point." I did not actually intend to call up every single trauma of your life and make you face them, especially when I'm focusing on more...recent...events. "Can you stay calm long enough for me to sleep?"

"I'm in a biodome on a hunk of rock in outer space. What the hell am I supposed to do?" Knowing you, destroy all my favorite knick-knacks. "Ooh, hey, what's that?"

"One of many pieces of art that I've already told you not to touch." I respond wearily, moving it away from his reach with a flick of my hand. Mother Goddess, this boy is a pain. And as tempted as I am to just lock him in his room (I forgot to clean it out. That's all. I did not keep it the way it was because I missed him), that's probably not the best idea given that he's aware of what's going on.

But it's a little hard to comfort the terrified boy inside of him when he's being a brat.

"Why don't you go and sleep, Tommy." I suggest, putting what little power I can into it. I am never using this much power again. "You've had a long day."

Tommy tilts his head at me, his eyes glowing green again. "No."

Argh. "Tommy, go find something to do." I warn. "Something quiet. And preferably non-destructive." I am incredibly tempted to just hand him over to Goldar and Scorpina. No, that would be a little too harsh. This isn't his fault, after all.

"No."

Sigh. I stand, stretching slightly, and, as the humans say, 'count to ten'. "Tommy, go find something to do or I'm locking you in your room for the night." I finally say, giving up on any attempts at being nice.

Tommy smirks. "You can't."

Oh, really? "Watch me."

He considers, then shrugs and lopes off. I sigh and shut my eyes, asking Scorpina telepathically to keep an eye on him.

She laughs and agrees, then drops out of the link.

I head for my bed.

My dreams are swift, tortured images, mainly from Tommy's mind-pain, fear, hate, a cold dark disgust that carries him through the worst so he can heal. Green shoots through the images, linking them, a power I can taste like lightning on my tongue, metallic and bloodlike.

When I wake, I see that I've spent the night writhing and tangling myself in my bedclothes.

I sigh and pull on the disguise of an Earth woman. All right, enough. If I don't have answers, I'm sure that Luna will.

I check on Tommy before I leave. He and Goldar are sparring while Scorpina watches. They must have been doing this long enough for Tommy to work off his attitude, because he's not trying to kick Goldar in the groin like he usually would.

Scorpina smiles wryly at me. He's quite a fighter, Rita.

I nod. Yes, I know-it's why I chose him.

Well, I'm sure Goldar can keep him in line until you get back. Scorpina nearly purrs, catlike in her thoughts. I've got some shopping to do, though. Do you mind if I head out? There's a planet two systems away with amazing blacksmiths.

I consider, then nod again. Just keep in contact if I need you.

Scorpina bows, then starts snapping orders, easily bringing the two combatants into line. I sigh. I have no idea how she does that, really I don't.

I turn and teleport away. Maybe I'm just too easy on him. I know that if I'd behaved that way as a child, spell or no, my father would have given me hell. But then again, my father wasn't exactly the best parenting model...

I hate my life.

Luna, High Priestess of the Amazon Circle, an Earth group of Witches I'm informed is called a 'coven', is currently working in her greenhouse. I walk in and smile. The Earth energy here is very soothing. Perhaps I should try using Earth energy on Tommy-it won't cure anything, but it might calm him down so I can work with him.

Luna stiffens. "Rita."

"Luna."

"Get out."

"I need help." Please try not to start a fight with me until you know why I'm here.

Luna turns, glaring. "Oh? And what would the great Rita Repulsa need my help with?"

"Rita Arria. Not Repulsa." I correct her. Stupid nickname of Zordon's..."And the Green Ranger."

Luna considers, then nods sharply. "Shut the door."

I bow and close the door behind me.

Luna turns back to her plants, sending energy through a sick one as she asks, "So, what exactly happened? Another backfired spell?"

"No. I...don't know, actually." I sigh. "Want the long version?"

"Sure. Not like I have a job or anything."

I smile dryly and give her the long version. When you're working with spells, it's best to be specific.

When I finish, Luna's sitting on a table, the two of us drinking some lemon-flavored liquid and chatting like old friends, or at least old coworkers. How deceiving, our appearances.

"One of four things, then." Luna says. "One, your spell had some unintended consequences. Two, Zordon's mental attack unlocked or created some sort of mental disorder. Three, it's a mix of the two, enhanced by the Power."

"What's four?" I ask.

"The Green Ranger's schizophrenic."

I laugh aloud. Luna smiles and adds, "You can't rule out mental disorders. Have you asked the Yellow Ranger?"

"Of course not!" Oh, wait, she doesn't know. "They're all children, Luna." I explain. "Zordon's idea of a...what is it you say? A fuck-you?"

Luna frowns. "Really? I knew they were young, but..."

"Sixteen." I confirm. "They even have the same classes in high school." I sigh. "It's why I'm here. I want to save them, but I'm just not sure how."

"The monsters are inspired, I'll give you that." Luna says with a dry smile. "As far as training goes, it's pretty subtle."

"Thank you." I nod my head in acknowledgment. I always like an audience for my work.

"But the Green Ranger..." Luna shakes her head. "I was joking about schizophrenia, but have you ever considered that he's just being a brat?"

I frown.

"He's got power." Luna says. "And I know you've had longer to forget this, but beginners can pretty much do whatever they want. Our magic guides us. He could have easily mastered enough spellcraft to be just overwhelmed by it."

I shake my head. "No. To-the Green Ranger's noble. If he saw something wrong, he'd speak out, but not like this. All the children are very mature."

Luna smiles dryly again. "Rita, you're a sweet woman, but you're far too removed from motherhood. He's not a five-year-old, he's a teenager, and his brain is bathed in a cocktail of hormones constantly. Most teenagers would have started acting out long before now."

I nod. "I know. But his version of acting out is self-harm and depression. He doesn't turn into a brat." Although I've had to telepathically suggest to Jason that he needs to keep his best friend alive quite a few times. "And if he were acting out, I don't think he'd lash out at Jason."

Luna shrugs. "My own son would, but that's just him."

I consider. "So we're back to the outside-influence theory."

Luna gets up and turns to her plants. "Have you tried hypnosis?"

"Not really. What I did was sent him to sleep while I scanned his recent memories. I thought it would be clearer from his perspective." I explain, taking another sip of the lemon drink. This is rather good. I'll have to get the recipe from Luna.

"Hypnosis would involve him a little more. You're reviewing his memories, yes, but that doesn't mean you understand what he thinks." Luna says, sending her energy through a sick plant. "Try it. If all else fails, though, I would still ask the Yellow Ranger for help. Child or not, she's a smart girl."

I consider, then bow. "Thank you, Luna. As always, your advice is welcome."

"Doesn't mean you follow it, now does it?" Luna asks, sighing. "The things I do..."

I bow again, because really, there's nothing to say to that. Then I head off.

I teleport up to my palace and find five Power Rangers in my throne room.

Well, that was...unexpected.

"Rangers." I say calmly, trying not to roll my eyes. "Dare I ask what Zordon told you, or should I just assume you decided to storm my palace for the fun of it?"

"Give us Tommy back, Rita!" Jason shouts, pretending to be bold as he strikes a pose.

And this, Zordon, is why you never recruit teenagers: They threaten beings older and about ten times more powerful than they could dream of being because they don't know any better.

I wave my hand. The Rangers wind up in midair.

"Jason? You remember Tommy's attack on your life?"

"Yeah, and we know that was your fault, Rita!" Kimberly shouts.

"You're not getting him back!" Trini adds. And this is the girl Luna recommended to help. Lovely.

Billy and Zack are about to chime in when I raise my hand. "Enough." The word carries enough power to silence them. "Finished?"

"Nope!" Zack says cheerfully.

Well, at least they have a sense of humor. "I am not trying to...what is the phrase? 'Turn Tommy evil'. Not in the least because good and evil are actions, not football teams." I study them, then let them fall to the ground. "And, furthermore, I have no idea what's wrong with him."

"So why'd you kidnap him?" Kim challenges, her hand going to her blaster.

"Because Zordon was trying to use a form of telepathy to heal him." I reply. "However, Zordon is also living proof of why we do not accept telepathic help from anyone without a credential."

"What?" Zack asks.

"He's bad at it." I retry. Teenagers. "It would have hurt Tommy. So I brought him here."

"Because you want to turn him evil!" Shall I just go talk to the walls, Jason? I think it would have the same results.

"No, because I'm a better healer, and my fight is with Zordon, not his puppies." I quickly consider. "If you're willing to stay morphed, you can see Tommy."

"Why morphed?" Trini asks suspiciously. Well, well, you have some subtlety after all, Trini. Good girl.

"Because at the moment he's being a brat." I explain with just a hint of exasperation. "And if he attacks one of you I'd like it if you weren't injured, thank you very much. I have enough work to do today."

The Rangers glance at each other. This is not what they expected. Perhaps I should have played the part of a villain...no. It's not worth it. They're worried about their friend, I shouldn't scare them more.

I smile dryly. They're lucky I'm not insane, or scaring them is exactly what I would have done.

"Come on." I tell them, leading them to Tommy's room.

He's lounging on his bed, playing with a sphere of green fire. Oh, wonderful. I step out of the way of the Rangers, who have all decided to ignore said fire and charge in anyway, screaming Tommy's name.

He doesn't reply.

The Rangers jabber animatedly, trying to pull him to his feet, and he just watches them, his fire vanishing. I call my powers to the ready. I don't know what's going on in his head, but if his earlier behavior means anything, he's not just going to sit around.

And he doesn't.

Green fire forms a wave, sending the Rangers sprawling, all demorping. I step in instantly.

"Tommy. Enough."

Tommy looks at me. "You lie as much as they do." He accuses me, a faint trace of hurt in his voice.

"Yes, you've told me repeatedly." I sigh. "Tommy, stop using the witchfyre."

"Or what?" Tommy smirks. "You'll send me to my room?"

"Do you really want to find out?" I ask, my voice low and dangerous. I'm not going to hurt him, but I am very fed up with this boy.

Tommy lashes out.

I toss the witchfyre away, then reach out and strike back. The invisible wave hits a pressure point on his neck, and he crumples, his eyes closing.

Kimberly screams.

I sigh, pick the boy up, and set him on his bed. "Relax, Kimberly. I haven't hurt him."

"Right." Jason snarls.

"I just knocked him out, that's all." I reply wearily. "Honestly, if you children want a fight, why don't you go bother Goldar or something?"

Jason's about to snap at me, but Trini holds up a hand. "He attacked us."

"Yes."

"Using...witchfyre?"

I nod.

"Damnit." Trini mutters. I raise an eyebrow. You are not old enough to swear, young lady. "All right, what's wrong with him?"

"You don't honestly-" Jason starts. Trini turns and glares. Jason shuts up. I smirk.

"That wasn't normal. He's getting power from somewhere, and I'd like to know where." Trini says. Hmm, know something about Zordon, do you, Trini? I'm no expert on teenagers, but from that tone I'd say you do.

"I think the power is his own." I tell Trini, curious enough to feed her more information. This isn't anything that could traumatize her, she's seen worse, and anyway, I'd like to see how much she actually knows. "He's certainly got enough power. He just never realized how to shape it."

"Wicca 101. Nothing matters but intent." Trini tells me, stepping closer and examining Tommy. "Hey, Bill."

"Yeah?"

Trini says something only her helmet picks up. A private comm? I didn't know they knew how to use that. Trini is clever.

"Here." Trini says, stripping off a glove and pressing her hand to Tommy's.

She listens for a minute, then puts her glove back on. I can see why Luna recommended her-the girl has skill, a kind I've not seen on Earth before, save for Luna's. "Hunh."

"What did you see?" I ask curiously.

"He's lost it." Trini says bluntly. "There were two forces, tangled together, fighting. I don't think they should be..." Trini sighs. "Dark and light green. That's what I saw. They were trying to kill each other."

Dark and light...

I am going to go insane now.

I touch Tommy's shoulder and focus. Sure enough, his energy is right there. Like anyone who works with the Power, he falls into one of three categories: Light, Dark, and Shade. Tommy himself is a Shade, like Trini, someone who can call on either Light or Dark energies at need and represents the balance between the two.

And his energies are conflicting.

"And here I thought introducing him to Jason would fix this." I mutter irritably, then look closer. Oh, wonderful, it's so tangled it'll take days to unknot. Did anyone take this boy to a psychiatrist after taking him from me? Anyone?

"What?" Jason asks.

I sigh. "It's a perfectly simple problem with a solution that will take about a day. Trini, next time I spend a full five hours on the most complex problems available, remind me of this, would you?" Honestly, talk about overthinking it.

"Um...what problem?" Kimberly asks, still clearly suspicious. Of course you are, little daughter of Light. I'm your antithesis.

"There are three types of people who work with the Power." I explain. No point keeping them in the dark, Jason at least needs to know this. "Lightsiders, such as yourself, Darksiders, such as me, and Shades, like Trini and Tommy. A Shade can draw on both Light and Dark energies. Tommy's trying to become purely one or the other, but that goes totally against his entire being, so he's also driving himself insane while doing it."

"So...this is just the Evil Green Ranger thing?" Jason asks.

I nod.

"Wait, I thought he was over that!" Zack protests. "He was even hanging out with us and everything!"

"Zack, he's sixteen. He's a child. All of you are." I sigh. "That was my fight with Zordon." I admit as I look down at Tommy's sleeping face. "The original argument...children aren't meant to be soldiers. You're too good at hiding pain."

"Hey!"

"I'm not insulting your fighting prowess, Jason." Honestly. "I'm speaking of ethics. Now shoo. I need to help Tommy, and this will take a while."

The children look at each other.

"Go on, go!" I tell them, rolling my eyes. "Go back to Earth. I'll send Tommy home when I'm done. I'm sure you don't want to be up here the entire time, you'll be bored to death."

"We'll take being bored." Jason deadpans.

"Then at least leave the room, I need to focus." I gesture with my hands. "Go on, out of here. Go play or something."

The Rangers look at each other, then Trini shrugs and head off. They all follow, and as I shut the door I hear the beginnings of an argument in the hallway. Well, let them work it out.

I turn to Tommy. All right. Let's get this done.

And let's hope Zordon doesn't decide to tell the Rangers to make this take any more time than necessary.