Chapter 4: The Sixth Ranger
After I met with Tommy, I had begun counting down the days before 'Green With Evil' would begin. And the odds were good that it would happen sooner rather than later due to the Martial Arts Expo coming up. Jason did seem rather excited, and tried again and again to get me to enter. But I constantly refused, half out of disinterest...but mostly because I was scared of how badly Tommy or Jason would be able to kick my ass. Even still, part of me also knew that the moment the tournament occurred, Rita Repulsa would have her eye on it, and find her new Green Ranger. And I didn't intend to interfere in that, as much as it pained me to do so. Tommy needed to become a Ranger, too many future events relied on it.
So I took my place alongside the Rangers in the crowd at the Youth Center, and watched the tournament, cheering on Jason. It took me a moment to realize that I was standing next to Trini again. I had become fairly integrated into the group at this point, but since we sat near one another in class, I often found myself hanging out with her whenever we weren't with the others. "Jason's got a good chance of winning this." She told me, smiling.
"I mean, he does run his own class." I replied, keeping my eye on the event. Within moments, it was Tommy's turn. The usual events played out, Tommy and Jason being nearly evenly matched. As surreal as everything had been up to this point, it was still incredible to see Tommy performing his signature roundhouse kicks in person. We watched as the points rose on both sides. 1 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 2. In the end, the match wound up a tie, 4 points to both contestants, and the announcer called the draw. After shaking hands with Tommy, Jason came over to us and I passed him his towel. "You did good Jason."
"Most Impressive!" Billy said, patting him on the back.
Trini added in, "You were great!"
Zack also praised him, "You did good Jason." As Kimberly passed Jason his water.
Jason smiled back at us, but I could tell he was a bit upset at the result. And he made it clear, "I didn't win." He said.
"Oh come on Jason." Trini replied, as the six of us began to walk out of the Youth Center. "In Karate, it's the dignity and spirit in which you compete that's the most important." The line still sounded cheesy to me, even in person, but I nodded in agreement.
"I know. Listen I'm gonna go catch a shower and meet you guys at the Juice bar." Jason replied. We all agreed and began to head off, but I remembered what came next and turned around. Sure enough, I saw Kimberly looking at Tommy, and I smirked, walks over to her.
"Hey Kim, you coming?" Trini asked, joining us. When she saw Kimberly staring, she grinned. "He's gorgeous isn't he?"
"Y-yeah he is." Kimberly admitted.
I couldn't help myself and chimed in. "Hey Trini, sounds like Kimberly has a crush." I spoke quietly enough that only Kimberly and Trini heard, and sure enough Kimberly's cheeks flushed red.
"Well, maybe you'll see him at school." Trini told her.
"Yeah. Right. We should get going." Kimberly replied, still embarrassed, though I made sure she knew it was in good fun. As we began to file out of the building, I shot one more glace over at Tommy, knowing exactly what was coming up. I didn't expect I'd be much help in this arc, but if I could be, I'd try to.
The next day at school, I happened to notice from up the hall a familiar scene playing out. Tommy intimidating Bulk and Skull with his martial arts skills, much to the amusement of the onlookers, and especially Kimberly. After the two wannabe bullies fled with their tails tucked between their legs, Kimberly and Tommy began to speak to one another. I felt like I was reliving my childhood, as I watched them. This was one of the moments when my situation really felt as surreal as it should for me. Two of my Childhood idols interacting...and one of them considered me a friend.
Eventually, I decided to make my presence known by sneaking up on Kimberly and suddenly saying "Hey Tommy!" As loud as I could. Kimberly yelped and dropped her books, turning red with embarrassment. "Sorry Kim, couldn't resist." I told her, kneeling down to help pick her books back up.
"Was that really necessary, Ben?" Kimberly said, flustered.
We both heard even Tommy chuckle a little, as he bent down to help me with Kim's books. "Nice to see you again Benny." He said, the two of us handing Kimberly back her books.
"Oh Ben, you didn't tell me you knew him." Kimberly said, looking over to me.
"Oh yeah, ran into him a few days ago." I admitted. "When he was registering. You and Jason were incredible at the tournament today."
Tommy smiled, and I swear my excitement raised slightly. "Thanks Benny. Shame you didn't sign up too."
"Oh, I've learned a lot from Jason but I am nowhere near either of your level." I sheepishly said. Really, I knew I stood no chance and didn't want to attract Rita's attention. I couldn't even begin to imagine the potential butterfly effect if I alter such a major point in the series history. For a while in fact, I admit I was afraid of damaging the future.
"Honestly, Ben, you sell yourself short." Kimberly told me. "We should get going before we're late for class."
Tommy agreed with us, and he and Kimberly quickly discussed meeting up again later. All I could do was smile. Then, as Kimberly and I headed for class, I couldn't resist one more jab. "You're totally smitten." Her blush showed me I was right, though I knew that already.
From that moment, everything ended up progressing as normal. At least I assumed it did, considering I didn't directly witness anything of it. But I had faith things would work as they should, faith that would be vindicated when I went over to Billy's place with Kimberly and Trini. As we approached, a scene I could quote almost by heart began to play in front of me. "Hey what's up." Kimberly said, catching the attention of the boys.
"Hey girls, Benny. You're just in time." Zack said, tossing a rag my way. It hit me in the face, seeing as I was expecting him to pass it to Kimberly. "Just grab a rag and join in."
"Sorry, I'm not in the mood." Kimberly told Zack, who noted her tone and turned serious.
"What's wrong?"
"Tommy." I replied, getting the rag off my face. "The guy Jason fought at the competition."
"Yeah, he was supposed to meet me at the Youth Center." Kimberly told them, "And he never showed."
Zack tried reassuring her, catching the rag I threw his way. "Well maybe something came up?" Before she responded, a familiar tune beeped out of their watches, and the rangers huddled together. I moved over and leaned in to listen.
"R-R-Rangers. You read m-m-me? P-p-please c-come i-i-in." Alpha's voice crackled through their communicators. I mentally noted that he was likely still glitching from Tommy's attack, and kept my face neutral. Jason tapped his communicator a few times trying to improve the signal.
"The communicators. They're non-functional." Billy noted, shaking his.
"That's...bad right?" I asked, starting to grow more nervous as the events progressed. I'd been waiting for this moment, but now that I was here, I was filled with a sense of dread.
"Yes, if they're down, our teleportation system is too." Billy told me.
Trini also tapped her communicator. "Guys something is seriously wrong." She said in concern.
"We have to get to the command center." Jason told the others.
Billy motioned over to the infamous flying car. "The Rad Bug."
"It's the only way to fly." Zack added, and the rangers rushed to get in the car.
I moved to join them, but Jason put his hand on my chest to stop me. "Benny, No." he told me firmly. "If something's taken down our communicators, then it's bad. We can't risk putting you in harm's way." I opened my mouth to protest, but Jason gave me a look that shut me up immediately.
"You're right." I said, hanging my head. I was only half acting. While I knew I couldn't be much help, I wanted to. I'd come to view the rangers as my good friends over the years, and hated not helping them more. Not enough to interfere heavily, but I still hated it. "Look, if there's anything I can do to help, anything at all, you tell me right away. Okay?"
"You got it." Jason said, quickly getting into the car.
"And one of these days you guys are gonna explain how you built a flying car!" I joked as Billy shut his door, trying to ease the tension. I swore I saw a slight smile come to their faces as the Rad Bug flew off. I let out a deep sigh, and started walking. As I left Billy's house however, I got the distinct feeling I was being watched, and looked around. I didn't see anyone however, and shook the feeling off. Later I would confirm I was indeed being watched, as a certain person who'd become quite vital to my story had found me…
The next day, I ran into Billy in the halls of the school, and he pulled me aside. "Something wrong Billy?" I asked.
"You might be able to actually help. I need a second set of hands." Billy told me. "I'll explain later, but the command center is in serious need of repairs."
"How bad are we talking? I'm not much of a repairman." I admitted, half-joking to ease things.
"I can walk you through what I need." Billy replied, and soon we were headed off to the command center. Despite knowing what was coming, the destruction of the command center was still surprisingly intense to me. It's very different seeing a cheap set torn apart compared to an actual high tech base. When I asked what happened, Billy explained. "Thjere's another Power Ranger, one working for Rita. An Evil Green Ranger. He got into the command center and tore it apart. Cut us off from Zordon."
"Right, what are we waiting for." I said firmly, and Billy began directing me on repairs. Trini eventually joined us while I was under one of the consoles trying to reconnect a few wires.
"Hey Benny!" She said, startling me enough to jump up and knock my head. "Sorry."
Rubbing my forehead, I peeked out from under the console and smiled. "Hey Trini."
"Didn't realize you were helping with repairs." She told me, leaning against the console while I worked.
"Billy said he needed an extra pair of hands, I was happy to help." I replied, sliding out and standing up. "Billy's been a huge help learning what I need to do. Honestly, it amazes me how quickly he's picking this technology up." I shrugged sheepishly. "I'm just doing what he says, this stuff is a bit much for me."
Billy patted me on the shoulder before opening another console. "You're doing your best, Ben. I'm just glad for the help." He told me.
Shortly afterward, the Rad Bug entered thew Command center. Zack and Kimberly both exited the vehicle and approached us. "Hey Benny." Zack said, before shifting his attention to Billy. "Any progress reaching Zordon?"
"Billy and I almost have the computer back up." I said, wiping away the sweat I've worked up.
"Just a few more wires to connect, and we should be getting something." Billy replied, plugging two wires together.
"Ooh, cross your fingers Rangers!" Alpha added in. I ended up giving the little robot a reassuring pat on the back. He flipped a few switches on the console and the room began to power up.
"Something's happening alright." I said, looking around as the lights slowly flickered back on. Soon even the Viewing Globe powered up, and I got a good look at the Green Ranger. "That's the new guy, right?"
"Now's our chance to nail him, and get to the bottom of what's going on!" Zack declared. I felt a slight chill, after all I knew exactly what was going on. I couldn't risk altering the timeline at this point though, I was too afraid that I'd make things worse. The last thing I needed was accidentally creating Lord Drakkon in the main Universe.
"Sub-generator is now operating, we have partial power." Alpha announced. "I'm checking the Morphing Lock now. We've locked on to his energy field!"
"Alright! Let's morph and get this green dude!" Zack said.
"I'll stay here, see if I can help Alpha finish the repairs." I told the group.
"But..we need Jason." Kimberly somberly noted.
"Yeah where is Jason?" I asked. Lying of course, I knew he was currently fighting Goldar. Zack tried to contact Jason, but of course he didn't get through. The group discussed the idea that the communicators were still down, so I spoke up again. "Alpha and I can try and contact him while I'm working. We'll get him to meet up with you." They quickly morphed and left, so I kept going, not watching the Viewing globe.
"I hope the Rangers will be okay…" Alpha worriedly muttered.
"They're the Power Rangers Alpha...the good guys will always win, right?" I replied, crawling back under the console so Alpha couldn't see my face. Mouthing some frustrated expletives, I kept working to try and restore Zordon.
"You're very optimistic Benny." Alpha said, leaning down to try and speak to me under the console.
"Hey the Rangers have been good to me." I told him. "Before I came to Angel Grove, I was a bit of a loner. Kind of a dork, kept to myself." I shrugged. "Never made many friends. Then I met the Rangers. They not only went out of their way to be nice to the new kid, but they trust me enough to help try and bring the big guy back."
"Well, I haven't known you for very long but I can tell you'd be Ranger material yourself." Alpha told me. I was so startled I again bonked my head and groaned.
"Me? A Ranger? Nah, never." I told him. "It would be awesome, sure...but Zordon chose them for a reason right? I'm just some kid." A kid chosen by Master Silver, but still a kid.
"Maybe some day." Alpha noted.
"Yeah, maybe…"
Events continued to move along as they were intended to. I alternated between helping Alpha in the Command Center, and keeping an eye on things at school. It was genuinely frightening seeing the shift of Tommy's personality, so I ended up keeping my distance from him.
That didn't work out so well.
One day, while I was helping Alpha work, I was under another one of the Consoles as he continued to lock on to Zordon. Unfortunately for me, I'd lost track of the time frame. "We've almost got you Zordon. The Computer is still decoding your co-ordinates." Alpha said as he worked.
"You must hurry Alpha! There is not much time." Zordon's voice echoed, distorted, from his chamber. I started tuning out the voices, when Zordon suddenly caught my attention. "Alpha! Look out! Behind you Alpha!" My blood ran cold, and I realized what I had forgotten. Peeking out from behind my console, the Green Ranger himself was in the Command Center and had disabled Alpha and begun laughing.
"I'm gonna make sure you don't come back this time!" He announced. I still don't know what inspired me to do this, but I slowly grabbed one of my tools and began creeping up on Tommy while he gloated to Zordon. As soon as I got close, I slammed the tool into the side of his helmet, distracting him from his tangent. He barely reacted, and slowly turned his gaze to see me. I froze in place, holding the tool tightly in my grip. There was just something frightening about being face to face with an Evil Power Ranger. "Benny Falke. Funny seeing you here." He said, a sinister chuckle following after. I swung again, and he caught my wrist. As his grip tightened, and winced in pain and punched him in the helmet, shaking my sore hand afterward. "Brave. But you don't have a chance here."
"Doesn't mean I'm not gonna try!" I yelled, trying to pull myself from his grip. He responded by throwing me into one of the consoles, which I tumbled over. I quickly got to my feet and started throwing things at him as he slowly approached me. "I don't know who you are but you'll never win!"
"I already have." Tommy declared, punching at me, which I only barely avoided. I tried a roundhouse kick, but he again caught it and tossed me like a ragdoll. I slammed into the console next to Alpha. "Why don't you run home. You might last long enough to see Empress Rita conquer the planet."
"Go to Hell!" I shouted, rushing him again. Tommy Roundhoused me in the face and I stumbled back. Before I recovered, he caught me by my shirt and tossed me into another console. This time, I didn't get back up, and began to drift out of consciousness. Before everything went black, I did manage to catch the scene of Alpha managing to trap Tommy, and the last thing I remember was Alpha's voice calling my name in worry.
The voices of my friends slowly faded in as I began to regain consciousness. I woke to find myself in a hospital bed. "Guys, he's waking up." Jason said. My eyes slowly opened to see the five standing over me with looks of concern on their faces. "Ben, you okay bro?"
"I feel like I've been hit by a truck.." I admitted, groaning.
"We found you at the Command Center, brought you in for medical aid." Billy explained to me. "Your parents will probably be coming by soon. You've been out for a few hours."
"Alpha said you fought Tommy. What were you thinking man!?" Zack said, anger and worry in his voice.
"Tommy?" I asked, my head still fuzzy. "What do you…?"
"Tommy's the Green Ranger." Kimberly explained.
"Explains the kick…" I replied, sitting up. But Trini put her hand on my chest.
"Don't move. You're still badly bruised. Might have some broken bones too." She told me.
"Guys...I'm sorry for worrying you." I told them. "Tommy appeared in the Command Center, he was going to cut off Zordon again. I just...I had to try." I explained slowly. "So on a scale of 1 to 10, how screwed are we."
"I'd say an 11." Jason admitted. "Zords are damaged…" At that point, a nurse came in and told us that my family had arrived. "We'll see you when you're better Benny. I'll keep track of the work you missed."
"Thanks guys...I appreciate it." I told them, laying back in the bed. I wasn't able to leave the Hospital yet, as the ragdolling I got actually cracked a few bones and the Doctors wanted to make sure I had fully recovered. My Parents in this world never left my side unless they had to for work. Can't say I blamed them given the beating I had received. I ended up missing a lot of the rest of the arc while I recovered.
Around my last day in the hospital I got an unexpected visit. Tommy came into my room and sat by my bed while my parents were out. "Hey, Benny." he said, his voice back to the softer, kinder person he was before Rita.
"Tommy. Judging by your face...they freed you?" I asked, smiling slightly.
"Yeah. The others broke the spell on me. I'm part of the team now." He replied, before sighing. "I'm so sorry you got so hurt."
"Don't blame yourself." I told him, wincing a bit as I sat up. "I'm the idiot who tried to fight a Ranger. Besides, I blame Rita, not you."
"Still, you're in here because of me." He said.
I shook my head. "Water under the bridge Tommy. I'm just glad you're okay." I told him back. We exchanged a smile. Then I decided to lighten to mood. "So, you and Kimberly finally start dating?"
"Actually...yes." He replied.
"Oh wow I was joking." I admitted. That was NOT a lie, as I didn't expect them to start so soon after Green With Evil. "I think you'll be a good couple." I knew where Tommy's Love life would end up going. I actually liked him with Kat in the show, but part of me couldn't help but want to be as supportive as I can of the current relationship.
"Well, thank you." He replied, standing up. "Hope to see you back at school soon. Get well soon man."
"Thanks Tommy." I nodded as he left the room. Leaning back in the bed and breathed a sigh of relief. The worst was over for now. There wouldn't be any more major shake ups until the Green Candle, and the return of Tommy's powers.
As for me myself, I wouldn't have any major impact on the Rangers for a while. I was there for them as Tommy lost his powers, and eventually regained them. We continued to meet up at the Youth Center almost every day, and I practically melted as I watched Kimberly and Tommy's romance developing. I often found myself wondering if I'd find love in this world I now lived in. In retrospect, I think Trini had a crush on me. But that never ended up going anywhere, and my wife continued to tease me over my missed chance. At least until….well I'll get into that event much later….
This next bit I heard after the fact, so I'll be paraphrasing. While I was recovering in the hospital, Alpha and Zordon had been discussing me in the command center. Apparently something about me had gotten Zordon's interest, and they were studying some strange readings they had gotten from me during the downtime between Rita's attacks. It wouldn't end up bearing fruit until after the arrival of Lord Zedd, the next year…
That was the year everything changed. For the Power Rangers. For Me. For my Future…
To Be Continued…
I'm back. I'm Alive. The story lives!
Green with Evil was a difficult story to adapt, and I apologize yet again for the fast pacing. The Pacing is going to be a problem for at least one more chapter I'm afraid, as my next chapter will be mostly covering a mix of the Ninja Encounter and the Power Transfer. Afterwards though, things are going to become very interesting for our dear Benny Falke.
Also, confirmation that no, my OC did not end up with Trini Kwan. I admit that was the original plan when I first wrote the story, but as we hadn't yet seen Once and Always, I ended up changing who the wife was by the time I started writing. However, I will still say that we are going to be meeting her within the Zordon Era.
NEXT TIME: New Friends, Transferred Powers. And a meeting that was fated by the Grand Game...