Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers. Only my OCs.

Chapter 3: Gone and Back

Previously…

"Should we be worried that your brother is fighting those clay dudes over there? Kimberly's actually holding her own."

"What?" Zoey looked over, eyes widening in shock. They ducked behind a rock to watch what happens. "Who is that gold monkey?"

"I don't know. He'd look better with wings, though."

"Okay, no more Wizard of Oz." Zoey paused, covering her mouth as the monkey and it's clay minions disappeared with Tommy, "No."

"Kimberly's freaking out."

"She's freaking out? What am I going to tell my parents?"

"Nothing."

"What?"

"Think about it. We say anything, it could out their secret. We need to hope that they can save him and they whatever they do, they do it quickly."

"You're right. We need to stay calm. For my parents. And for him."

1-2-3-4-5

"Hey, Z." Jenna, taking a break from stacking newspaper, walked over and sat at the table with Zoey, "What's up?"

"Hey." The other girl waved gloomily.

"What's wrong? I'd thought you'd be happy that he was rescued."

"Huh?" She looked up from the book she was reading and blinked, "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm just thinking."

"About what?"

"I think something's wrong with him." She sighed, "I mean, he finally asked Kim out and they went to the dance and had a blast. And I'm happy for him. But, he seems… I don't know… drained. Like he has no energy."

"You think that monkey did something to him?"

"Yeah, I do." She looked around, dejected, "He's not even caring about other activities. I know that Jason has been asking him to spar in the afternoons, but he's dejected. He just goes home and does homework. He hasn't even come back into the Youth Center since the dance."

"Oh, dear. That's upsetting."

"Ya think?" She shook her head, "Anyways, our parents have noticed. They're not really sure what to do about it, but…"

"But, what?"

"Hopefully, they'll change their minds pretty quickly, but they're in the process of sending us somewhere."

"Wait, what?" Jenna stared in shock, "Y-you're leaving?"

"It's temporary. My uncle has some business in our old town coming up and he's agreed to take us with him. We'll be transferred back to our old schools. I am extremely unhappy about it. As upset as I was about this move to begin with, I'm even more so with leaving. I like it here. And I've found a sister."

"This sucks. How long are you going to be gone?"

"I don't know. Just until his business is done. Dad's job is sending him overseas for a little while, and they believe that this will help us in the long run. Mom goes with him until his work is done and we go with Uncle Josh." Zoey sighed, depressed, "I blame the monkey. If he hadn't have done whatever he did to Tommy, our parents would have let us stay here. They would have trusted Tommy to take care of me. Now… I don't know."

"When do you leave?"

"I'm going after the park clean-up. Tommy is coming after. Something about closing Uncle Josh's cabin up."

Jenna stared for a moment, upset, "But," she started to cry, "You're my sister. I don't want you to leave."

Zoey, who had thought she had already cried enough, teared up, "And you're mine. I'm not happy about this. At all."

"Hey girls." Jason walked over and hugged Jenna, "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"

"Our parents have to go overseas for some business and we don't know how long it's going to take. With the aliens and everything, my parents don't want to leave us here and they don't want to deal with an international school, so we're going with my Uncle Josh back to our old schools. He's got some races taking place over there and so he's going to be watching us."

"You and Tommy are moving?" Zack asked as he and the other three came over to the table, "That's crazy man."

"It's just temporary. Until our parents get back from Japan. I just don't know how long. I'm going with Uncle Josh after the park clean-up and our parents are bringing Tommy once they get the house and cabin closed up."

"I'm so sorry." Trini came over and gave her a hug, "I wish there was something that we could do."

"I wish there was. But, we don't have a choice in the matter."

1-2-3-4-5

"Hey kiddo."

Zoey looked up from packing and smiled, "Hey, bro. What's up?"

"Just wanted to know if you were mad at me."

"Why would I be mad at you?"

"I feel like we wouldn't have to leave if I was more… me."

"I blame the aliens."

He stared in shock, "What?"

"Well, you've kinda changed since we moved here. I mean, like me, you've never really had any close friends before. Now, you have five. And Jenna's become like a sister to me. We've both changed." She sat down on the bed with him, "I know you've been attacked by the aliens." She paused for a moment, unsure if she wanted to continue, but decided to go for it, "Jenna and I saw you at the park that day."

He hesitated, "Which day?"

"The day those clay things attacked you and Kimberly and that gold-freak of a monkey took you. I was going to tell our parents, but Jenna warned me against it. She said that she knew that the Power Rangers would rescue you and telling our parents could make things worse."

He contemplated for a moment, trying to figure out an excuse and decided on a form of the truth, "The Rangers did save me. I'm not sure why I was taken, but I was rescued pretty quickly."

"What did they do to you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You just… don't seem yourself." She stared, "It's almost like you've had all of your energy and enthusiasm and… everything that just makes you, you… gone. It's like somebody stole your… life-force or something."

He just stared at her for a moment in wonder. How does she do it? It's like she knows what's going on with me without actually knowing what was going on. Amazing. "Honestly," Half-truth. "I can't explain it. The place that they had me in, it was… Dark. Soul crushing. It felt like a place of no hope. I was happy when I was rescued. And I was fine for a bit. But… sometime after the dance, it felt like I was missing my will to… do. Anything. I have no idea how to fix it. Maybe this going back is the best way for me to move forward."

"Well, as Robert Frost stated, 'The best way out is through.' So, we deal with it together and maybe when we come back, you'll be back to being my amazing big brother."

"Amazing?"

"Yeah, well, don't let it go to your head."

1-2-3-4-5

"I'm glad your parents are letting you spend the night." Jenna rolled the dice, then moved her car five paces, "I just passed go. Give me $200."

"I'll give you the $200, but you landed on my Baltic Avenue. With a hotel. Which means," Zoey held onto the two one hundreds and opened her other hand, waiting, "you owe me $450. I keep the two and you give me $250 more." Jenna just grumbled as she handed over the money.

"I don't know why I'm playing with you." The brunette chuckled, "From the day we first met, you have won every game we have ever played. It's like you're jinxed with perpetual good luck."

"Not so good since I have to leave."

"But you'll be back." Jenna jumped up, "Gimme a second." She ran out of her room and downstairs to the kitchen, "Mom? Can we have snacks in my room?" She dodged the towel her brother threw at her, "So childish. Aren't you supposed to be drying the dishes with that?"

"I'm multitasking." He in turn caught the same towel she threw back at him, "Now who's being childish? How's it going up there?"

"Overcompensating." She grabbed the basket her mom handed her, "Playing games, karaoke and whatever else we can do to keep our minds off of her leaving tomorrow." She put a couple of sodas in the basket and turned for the stairs, "We're going to be crying buckets."

"Hey," Jason came over and hugged her, "just remember that it's only temporary. They'll both be back."

"I know." She frowned, "I am really dreading having to put up with Mitzy all by myself." She adjusted the basket and turned to the door, "I need a distraction or I'm going to get in trouble for shoving her in her locker."

Jason just laughed and went back to drying the dishes.

1-2-3-4-5

"Red Ranger is the strongest!"

"Uh-uh. The Black Ranger has the most!"

"No way. The Blue Ranger is the coolest!"

"I hear that the Pink and Yellow Rangers are the best!"

"I'll let you guys in on a little secret." Tommy smiled as he walked over to the debated kids, "They're all totally awesome."

"I agree." Jenna laughed as she walked over to hug him. She stepped back and smiled as the Rangers came through, each taking a turn in shaking Tommy's hand, "Friends of yours?" She asked, inwardly smirking.

"They saved me once."

"They saved all of us." She grabbed his arm as they turned toward the stage, "They're heroes."

"That they are."

1-2-3-4-5

"Go! Go! Go!" Jenna yelled encouragement at her brother and his friends as they tugged on the rope against the blue team, "Pull!"

They finally pulled the flag to their side, tugging Bulk, Skull, Angela and Mr. Caplan into the mud. "Oh my gosh!" She ran over to the principal and tried to help him up without falling in herself, "Mr. Caplan, are you okay?"

He sputtered, trying to wipe the mud out of his eyes, "Oh, I'm fine. I'm really not sure how that happened."

"I think you were standing too close to their rope and either Bulk or Skull grabbed you as they went down."

"That sounds about right." He looked over at her and smiled, "Jenna, right? Jason's little sister."

"Yes, sir."

"Where's your shadow. There's usually two of you hanging about."

She frowned, "Zoey, sir. Tommy's little sister."

"Ah, Tommy, yes. Well, I'm aware of their situation and hope their parent's job doesn't keep them away too long. Tommy brought a freshness to their group." He grabbed a towel to finish cleaning his face, "Gave Jason a run for his money on the karate mat."

She laughed, "Yes, sir. He did. Like two halves of the same coin, those two."

"From what I've seen, you and Zoey were the same way."

"It felt like it. She became the sister I always wanted. I can't wait for them to come back. I don't really know what to do with myself."

"Don't you have any other friends?"

"I mean, I do, but they're only ones I talk to in school. I don't really have anything in common with anyone anymore."

"Well," He chuckled as he patted her shoulder, "you'll never know unless you try. Keep your spirits up and Zoey will be back before you know it."

"Thanks, sir."

1-2-3-4-5

"Hey, big brother." Jenna stopped her bike on the sidewalk and stared, "Where did you get the dog?"

"I cut through the park and he was just there. I petted him for a moment and when I tried to leave, he just followed me. He doesn't have a collar on him, so I thought I'd put up some posters and see if anyone's missing him. Are you going to the Youth Center?"

"He's so adorable." She cooed, rubbing his head, "Yeah, I'm heading in with my donations. I'll help you make the posters."

"How much did you get?"

She grabbed the bag out of her bike basket and smiled, "About $300."

"Seriously?"

"Adults like cute faces." She posed for a moment, eyes wide with a slight sheen to them, and smiled, "Helps to add a little tears. Really sells."

He sighed, "You little hosier." She giggled, "Where did you go?"

"Different houses. I've got some other kids from school going around to the business. See what we can do. We're gonna hit the rich neighborhoods tomorrow. Right now, I want to see if Ernie needs anything done."

"Lead on Big Shot!"

1-2-3-4-5

They walked into the Center and went to the bar where Jason's friends were sitting, "Hey, guys. How's Ernie?"

Kimberly leaned over, fascinated by the dog, "Not too good."

"Where'd you get the dog?" Zack as, sitting in between Trini and Billy.

"He's so adorable." Kim crooned, causing Jenna's eyes to widen in horror as Jason just smirked down her. "What?"

"Nothing." He chuckled and turned back to his friends, "He followed me after school. He looked lost so I brought him in."

"I'm going to make some Lost and Found posters." Jenna walked over and handed Trini her bag, "$300. We should have some more coming in once the other kids come back from hitting up some businesses. We're gonna go in groups tomorrow and head over to the more wealthier residents"

"You got $300?" Zack asked, incredulous, "Where did you get it from?"

"Just asking people on the streets." She smiled big, "I'm cute, so it works."

"I called her a hosier, but I think there's another word that I'm just not getting." Jason turned and leaned against the bar, "Can you imagine how much she would have gotten if she had Zoey with her?"

Zack cackled, "Those two together scare me, man. I can't wait to see how they will be when they get older. Terrors. Both of them."

"I'd take offense to that," Jenna smiled as she sat down next to Billy, "but I know that it's 100% true. So instead, I'll take it as a compliment."

Ernie came over with a little blue bowl, "I thought your new pal would like a little pick-me-up. He looks hungry."

"Thanks Ernie." Jason bent over and put the dog in front of the bowl.

"Well, I feel bad for the little guy." The older man said, "Being away from home and everything." He shrugged, "I mean, my problems don't seem so terrible all of a sudden." He sighed before walking back to the back.

"Ernie is so sweet." Trini said, saddened, "We can't let the Juice Bar go out of business."

"You right." Kim nodded in agreement, "You guys, there's got to be something that we can do."

Jason looked down as the dog whined, "Are you okay little guy?"

"He probably has to go to the little puppy's room." Zack joked, making them laugh.

"You're probably right. I should probably take him for a walk in the park."

"Hey, I'll go with you." Kim grabbed her bag, "It's on my way home."

Jenna watched them leave before turning to the other three, "Can one of you help me get the craft boxes from the back? I want to get started on those fliers. I need to keep productive."

"Yeah," Zack nodded, getting up, "I feel you, man. No Zoey or Tommy and now we're losing the Center. Surprised you haven't beaten up that ditzy, puffed up, pinkie pie yet."

She paused for a moment, trying to think of who he was talking about, then busted out laughing, "Mitzy!?" She cackled, "Oh, man. I needed that." She stood up with him, "Man, I do everything in my power to stay away from her. I don't know how I was every friends with that girl. She's a menace."

"She is a bit much." Trini nodded in understanding, "Too much glitter."

They laughed for a moment as they headed to the back for the supplies.

1-2-3-4-5

Jenna had just come back from the back when she saw Ernie petting the dog as he ate, "I thought Jason was walking him."

"He came back on his own." The bar owner grinned, "Must've given your brother the slip. I've got him hooked to this column so we can watch him."

"There's Jason's dog." They looked up at Zack voice as he and Trini came back into the Center.

"Hey, Ernie. What is he doing here?" Trini asked, walking over.

"He must really like my chili. I wish I had more loyal customer like him." Jenna watched in sadness as she watched her friend walk away. She turned back at the sound of a strange beeping noise, "What was that?"

"Um, our watches."

"There's no face on those." She frowned in confusion.

"We've been testing them for Billy. Voice activated for alarms. Gotta go." She watched them leave, even more confused.

She sat down next to the dog and rubbed on him as he ate, "I think those are their communicators. They really need to come up with a better story."

1-2-3-4-5

Later, Jenna was eating fruit chips and drinking a smoothie at the bar next to Ernie as they watched her brother and his friends play with the dog.

"Pierre! Oh, Pierre!" They looked up as a fancy dressed blonde woman came over, excited, "Oh, you naughty little thing. You had mommy so worried."

The dog went right to her and let her pick him up. "Pierre?" Jenna whispered, smiling at Ernie, who was trying not to laugh.

"This is your dog?" Jason asked, leaning on the bar.

"Yes. Which one of you wonderful children found my little angel?"

The teens all smiled for a moment before Kimberly held up a hand gestured behind the bar, "Um, the person you should really thank is Ernie."

"Then here you go Ernie." The woman stepped forward and held out a check.

"Holy cow." He muttered, "This is a lot of money."

"It's the least I could do. I don't know what I would do without Pierre." She hugged the dog for a moment, happy, "Well, I've got to get going. Thanks again." They all waved as she left and turned back to Ernie.

"Well, uh…" Zack and Trini clapped in excitement, "looks like you won't be needing this anymore." He said just before they pulled the 'Going Out of Business' sign down.

"I don't know what to say, kids." Ernie stared at the check in shock, "I mean, this is incredible."

"Ernie, good things happen to good people." Trini said as she and Zack came back up.

"And you're the best." Jason grinned as he stole one of Jenna's chips.

"Hey!" She elbowed him, "Get your own. This is lunch."

"It's just veggie chips. Why aren't you eating a sandwich to go with it?"

"All of my money when into the Juice Bar Fund, thank you."

"Well then," Ernie tapped the counter, "how about some sodas and pizza? On the house."

"Sounds great." They all cheered in excitement, happy for the day's victory.

Jenna looked over to see Bulk and Skull come in, acting weird. "Okay." She stood up, "I'm gonna help Ernie. I'll leave those two to you guys. They are so far out of my orbit, I can't even deal. Not alone."

1-2-3-4-5

Excited, Jenna ran into the Youth Center to see her brother and his friends putting their hands together in a Runaway Hand Stack. She rolled her eyes, knowing it was a Ranger thing. "Hey guys. Do I want to know what Bulk and Skull were doing covered in all of that food?"

Her brother just shook his head as the group laughed, "Not really, no."

"Okay." She shrugged, "Did you get your capsule buried?"

"Finally." Kim sighed as they walked back to their stools at the bar, "There were a few hurdles that we had to jump through, but we got it done."

"You came in here pretty darn excited." Zack winked, "Boy ask you out?"

"Hey!" Jason slugged him in the arm in mock anger, "She's too young."

"Yeah. Not really looking at boys that way. Not yet."

"Not for a while, I hope."

"A long while." She smiled again as she remembered why she came in there, "But, that's not why I'm here. Check this out." She held out a crumpled piece of paper that looked like it was squished by Bulk, "Sorry. I got so excited, I nearly tore it. Listen."

"Hey, Jenna,

Our parents are coming back! That means that Uncle John is going to start the process of getting us transferred back to Angel Grove. You mentioned that they were doing a Parent's Day at the Youth Center. If I've got the timing right, we should be back by the time that comes up. If not, right after.

Uncle John is going to stay with us until our parents get back, then he's got a major race tour that starts in Zandar in two months. I can't wait to get home and see everyone. I've had a hard time adjusting to being around all of my old friends again. It wasn't the same as before. They weren't you. If you're still willing, I would love to try out for the Cheer Team once everything gets back to normal.

Say hi to Ernie for me, glad he got to keep the Center, and tell everyone that Tommy and I are really excited to see them. He's been doing non-stop workouts and Karate Tournaments in his frustration. He's finally getting back to the brother I know and love.

Zoey"

"That's awesome." Ernie exclaimed as the group cheered. "How about a burger, J? On me."

"Really?"

"What goes better with good news than good food. I'll get you a soda."

"This is so awesome." Kim clapped, "Tommy's letters have been pretty sad lately. I thought he was still having problems."

"Zoey told me that he's been very focused on trying to get back to the way he was before they moved here. Hopefully, now that he's doing better, he can come back and just go back to being Tommy."

"We could throw them a welcome back party." Zack exclaimed, "I mean, if it's after Parent's Day, that is."

"That sounds like a great idea."

1-2-3-4-5

"Jenna, let's go!" Jason called, waiting at the front door, "We're going to be late. Mom and dad are already at the Center waiting for us."

"I can't go." She ran down the stairs, excited, "At least not yet."

"What do you mean, you can't go? Our parents are waiting for us."

"Tommy and Zoey are back. I just got off the phone with Z. I'm gonna go to her house and help her get her room straight and catch up. Tommy's still there, but once he finishes unloading the U-Haul, he's going to head to the Center. Zoey and I could catch up with you later. Please?"

He sighed, "Okay. I'll let the others know that they're here and to expect them later. And," He hugged her, "I'll take you to their house myself. Make sure you get there okay. Then I'll tell our parents what's going on."

"Great. I'll get my bike."

1-2-3-4-5

"I'm missing a box!"

"What's it say?!"

"It should have scrapbooks and journals written on it!"

"It's in my room!"

"What?!"

Jason and Jenna paused outside the Oliver house, smiling as they listened to the yelling coming from inside.

"Don't you dare open it, Thomas!"

"Why would I open your box?!" He paused, "You don't have anything boy related in there, do you?!"

"Gross! I'm too young to think about that crap!" Ding dong. "I got it!" They heard feet running on the stairs before the locks turns and the door opened, "Hello…" Zoey paused in her greeting and screamed, "OMG!" She rushed forward, knocking Jason back, and attacked Jenna with a massive hug.

"Hello to you to, Zoey." He laughed as Tommy came down the stairs to see what was going on, "Hey, bro. Welcome back."

"Thanks, man. It's good to be back. We sure missed it here." He stared at their sisters for a moment and just shook his head, "You two talked on the phones once a week and sent letters just as often. It's not like it's been a year since we were gone."

"Shut up." Zoey grumbled, "We're girls. We're allowed to be over dramatic.

"I'm gonna head to the Youth Center. Tell everyone what's going on. How long until you come over?" Jason clapped hands with Tommy, nodding to the girls, "And can you handle this alone?"

"I shouldn't be too much longer. I've got to finish separating boxes and then get the U-Haul truck back to the company. As for that…" He dodged the girls as they ran past them to go upstairs, "…well, let's hope I'm not here that long. I don't know how much I can take."

"We missed you man."

"Same. I can't wait to see everyone."

"It hasn't been the same without you."

"Let's just hope you-know-who doesn't cause any problems today. I really don't want to have to explain anything to the parents."

"You'll think of something if you have to." They clapped hands again before Jason started to back out, "Tell everyone I said hi. I'll see y'all later."

"You got it."

1-2-3-4-5

"I'm so happy you're back." Jenna sat on the bed, going through a box, "It just wasn't the same without you."

"Tell me about it." Zoey stood up from the closet, pushing hair out of her face, "I couldn't get settled. I didn't even hang out with my old friends. Not that wanted to be around me anyways. I got the cold shoulder."

"What? Why?"

"I left. Then I come back and tell them that I won't be staying, explain the situation, and they decide it's better not to be around me. Something about me not being the same as I was. Which I take as a compliment."

"I'm not the same either." She smiled as she found their scrapbook in the bottom of the box, "And I think I know why."

"Yeah, I haven't messed with it since I left. I shoved it in my trunk and just left it. Too depressed."

"I've been saving all of the newspapers for you." She held it up for display, "I'll help you fill it."

Zoey hesitated, "I don't know if I want to keep it."

"Because of what happened to your brother?"

"Yeah." She stared for a moment, conflicted, "He's not one of them anymore and he's started to get back on even ground."

"It's not going to change anything." Jenna patted her friend on the shoulder in sympathy, "The aliens are still going to attack. But, if you don't want it anymore, I'll take it and keep it at my place. You can still help me with it."

The idea of getting rid of it hurt. "How about we stick it in my closet for now, let's get resettled, and go from there."

"Sounds good."

They worked in silence for a bit when Tommy came back in, "Hey girls. I'm gonna return the U-Haul and head to the Center. Are you going to be okay alone?"

"We'll be fine, big bro." Zoey got up off the floor and hugged him, "We're gonna finish in here then head there ourselves."

"How much longer do you think you'll be?"

"A few hours. Maybe."

"Okay. There's sandwich stuff in the fridge if you get hungry."

"Yes, sir." She saluted, making him ruffle her head before leaving. "Hungry?"

"Starving. Thought I could wait until we got to the Center, but that's not happening."

"Alright. Let's eat and turn on a movie or some music to work to. Then we'll take off and bother our brothers."

1-2-3-4-5

"So, when do your parents get back?" Jenna asked as they parked their bikes at the Youth Center, ready for some fun.

"A few more weeks."

"Did you hear. The Green Ranger is back." The girls paused for a moment as a couple of teens walked past them, "He showed up for the robot fight."

"Do you think he'll stay this time?"

"I hope so. His robot is my favorite."

"Oh. My. God." Zoey's eyes widened as the two girls stood in shock, "If our theory was correct, and T was the Green Ranger, he got his powers back."

"Something must've happened after he left us. Something big."

Zoey chewed on her nail for a moment, thinking, "Whatever it was, he wouldn't hesitate to jump in and help." She grinned, "Maybe this will finally make him 100% whole again." The girls high-fived, happy, "Let's go."

They went inside and stopped in the hallway as they saw their brothers and their friends laughing at the door. "What's going on?" Jenna asked, catching their attention.

"Food fight." Jason gestured them over and pointed.

"Another one?" She goggled, "Is that our parents?" They laughed some more, nodding. "Oh, my gosh."

"Aren't they supposed to be adults?" Zoey giggled, leaning into her brother.

"We were just talking about that." He laughed, "Zack said it best. You're only as old as you feel. Shame our parents aren't here. Would've made it better."

She looked up at him for a moment and smiled. Whatever happened to cause you to become the Green Ranger again, I'm glad. You're back. She looked over at Jenna and laughed, happy again.

They were whole.

They were home.