MMPR Revisited

Green with Evil Sacrifice Part 1

The crimson liquid was so prominent that it became indeterminable if Jason's shirt had ever been any color other than red. He lay motionless on the floor, shrouded in an ominous smoke. Gasping for air, he slowly returned to consciousness after what felt like an eternity. His labored breaths gave way to agonizing groans, his eyes tightly shut, and his hands clutching his chest, the epicenter of his torment.

Attempts to rise were futile; the pain was excruciating. He managed to turn onto his side, then laboriously rolled over. The frigid floor beneath him, coupled with the pressure on his wound, offered a modicum of relief from the pain. Yet, all he saw around him was darkness and an endless, impenetrable fog.

"Hello?" he called out, but his voice merely echoed back, unanswered. An effort to crawl proved unbearable as the pain in his chest intensified, culminating in a frustrated cry.

"Where do you think you're going?" a sinister voice, low and menacing, caught Jason off guard. Struggling to turn his head, he could barely make out a shadowy figure. Moments later, the figure delivered a vicious kick to his stomach. "Time to finish you for good," the voice declared as it stepped into Jason's limited field of vision, revealing itself as the Green Ranger.

"You'll never win," Jason rasped.

"I already have," the Green Ranger retorted before raising his sword to strike Jason...

Suddenly, Kimberly jolted awake, sitting up in her bed with a terrified scream. "No, Jason!"

"Kimberly, what's wrong?" Trini, awakened by Kimberly's cry, sat up in concern.

Kimberly glanced around her room, the familiar objects slowly emerging from the darkness. She then turned to Trini, whose worried expression penetrated her fear. Realizing the source of her distress, Kimberly leaned forward, resting her head on Trini's shoulder and began to sob. Trini ran her hand soothingly down Kimberly's back.

"I don't understand," Kimberly sobbed. "I don't understand why we can't find him..."

"It was just a dream, Kimberly," Trini reassured calmly, trying to ease Kimberly's anxiety. Jason's disappearance weighed heavily on both of them with each passing day.

"I don't think he's coming back," Kimberly leaned back, wiping tears from her eyes. Trini, having entertained similar fears, shook her head.

"Kimberly, we will find him. Jason is strong, stronger than any of us. Rita doesn't have the power to take him from us," Trini asserted. However, Kimberly's attention had already drifted, and she stared vacantly into the darkness. "Kimberly?"

"I just feel so guilty..." Kimberly began, her voice quavering. "Jason and I... it's been tense lately. Homecoming was difficult for everyone—especially you. He just wanted to make me happy. We let things go too far, and I ignored him. I thought it would be a fleeting moment, and we could move on. But Jason cares about me, and that terrifies me. Now he's gone, and I can't tell him how I feel or apologize..."

"Kimberly, listen," Trini interjected gently. "Jason knows how much you care about him. Don't blame yourself. We need to be at our best to find him. Just breathe. You can tell him when we find him. For now, channel that fire. We need it."

Kimberly nodded, a single tear sliding down her cheek as she sought comfort in Trini's embrace once more.

"If something happens to him, I just don't know what I'll do," Kimberly confessed, and Trini continued to stroke her hair soothingly. Moments later, Kimberly rested her head back down and Trini watched as her best friend drifted back to sleep.

Morning arrived swiftly, as it always does for those who struggle to find rest. For Billy, it was a night of tossing and turning, and by morning, he felt almost relieved that he wouldn't have to try any longer. He sat up in bed and reached for his glasses on the nightstand. His first sight was Zack, sprawled out on the futon in his room. Since Jason's disappearance, the Rangers had pledged to adhere to a "strength in numbers" code, ensuring that none of them would be alone.

Billy reached for the remote and turned on the television, keeping the volume low to avoid waking Zack. The news flickered to life, and Billy hoped there were no new kidnappings since Scarlet and Trent.

"Good morning, Angel Grove. This is Cindy V. Today, we have Senator Michael Bosworth to discuss the recent kidnappings of Angel Grove High students Trent Redford and Scarlet Davis, as well as plans to enhance city security. Senator, thank you for joining me this morning."

"No, thank you, Cindy," Senator Bosworth began. "I want to assure you and the residents of Angel Grove that we take these kidnappings extremely seriously. The support shown by the community for the families of these kids is truly heartwarming and a testament to the unity of Angel Grove."

"I agree. Senator, I have to ask—any leads on finding them?" Cindy inquired, capturing Billy's keen interest.

"I'm not at liberty to discuss specifics, but I can assure you that every effort is being made to find and reunite Trent and Scarlet with their families."

"I think I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate those efforts. Last night, we questioned Commander Trask about his personal connection to this matter, as Trent Redford is—" Cindy was interrupted by Senator Bosworth, who cleared his throat and interjected.

"Setting personal investments aside, Commander Trask has made significant strides in making Angel Grove a safer place. It's regrettable that he has a personal stake in this matter, but he is surrounded by some of the brightest strategic minds in the country, and I have the utmost confidence in his abilities."

"Now, I must address these questions—regarding the Power Rangers, are they friends or foes to the United States government?" Cindy asked, causing the Senator to appear uneasy.

"I cannot comment on that," he replied cryptically. "The Power Rangers remain an enigma that we are still trying to comprehend fully. While they have, at times, been an asset in the battle against these monstrous invaders, we do not endorse vigilantism. We believe that they can cause more harm—especially with the emergence of the Green Ranger. They are beyond our control, unpredictable, and, as such, a threat to order." Zack's loud snore interrupted their conversation, and he opened his eyes, startling Billy.

"Good morning..." Billy greeted him, to which Zack responded with a curious look before closing his eyes and falling back asleep. "Or... not."

Suddenly, a tapping sound drew Billy's attention to his backdoor, leading outside. He got out of bed, pulled back the curtain, and found Brent standing there. Billy's heart sank, guilt flooding in. Ever since Trent's disappearance, he had distanced himself from Brent, partly because of the guilt he felt for letting Baboo and Squat escape, and partly because he knew more about his brother's disappearance than he could reveal.

"Hi," Billy greeted, his surprise evident as he opened the door. Brent didn't speak immediately, and Billy took the initiative to step outside.

"Where have you been?" Brent asked, his tone a blend of concern and seriousness. "I've stopped by a few times, and your parents said you were in a study group." Billy hadn't considered that his lies to his parents might catch up with him this way.

"Yeah, Zack... he's been needing my help. He's passed out on my couch right now, in fact," Billy replied nervously, hoping Brent would buy the excuse.

"I'm sorry; I've just been freaking out, and the one person I've wanted to talk to is you. And you haven't been around," Brent admitted, causing Billy to feel even guiltier.

"I'm sorry... I've just been really busy," Billy said, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. Two things Billy never quite grasped were emotions and relationships. He and Brent hadn't defined what they were to each other, but there were intense feelings Billy didn't know how to handle. He felt guilty for wanting to dismiss them and focus on other matters. "Any news about Trent?"

"None," Brent shook his head, his voice tinged with defeat. "I don't know how much longer I can take this. He's always been there, Billy. If something happens to him..."

"I know. I'm sure he'll—" Billy began before Brent cut him off.

"Please, just... that's what my mom and everyone else keeps saying. It's just not comforting. I have a bad feeling," Brent said, his frustration evident. Billy placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, and Brent exhaled in exasperation. "I'm sorry, Billy... when can I see you?" Billy was taken aback by the question, and his confusion showed on his face.

"Uh..." Billy started to formulate an answer, but his words faltered.

"I mean, just us. I've missed you a lot. I know we've been keeping things low-key, and I don't want that to continue..." Billy wanted nothing more than for Brent to stop talking. Thoughts of Jason's repeated warnings about getting involved with people and the vulnerability it would bring filled his mind. He also feared the consequences for Daniel and Trini if he were to be discovered. He struggled to find the right words but was suddenly interrupted by an unexpected kiss from Brent. As Brent pulled away, their gazes met, Brent's filled with adoration.

"Soon. We'll see each other soon," Billy finally replied, although he half-regretted it. Brent enveloped Billy in a hug.

"I'm glad," Brent replied before departing. Billy watched as Brent turned the corner of his house before returning to his room. Sitting on his bed, he contemplated the encounter. Brent had come to talk about his brother but had also expressed how much he missed Billy. The latter sentiment was something Billy couldn't quite comprehend. With Jason gone, the Green Ranger and the Angel Grove Special Forces closing in, a relationship was the last thing on his mind.

"Is there something I should know?" Zack's voice suddenly broke Billy's reverie, causing him to let out a mild shout. "Jumpier than usual, huh?"

"You have no idea," Billy replied flatly. "What do you mean?" he asked, trying to sound confident.

"Was that Brent?" Zack inquired, and Billy's facade began to crumble. "I'm not trying to corner you..."

"No, you didn't..." Billy said. "It's just..."

"It's okay, Billy. It's none of my business. I just want you to know that you can talk to me if you need to. You're one of my best friends," Zack assured him. Billy was surprised by how much he was taken aback by Zack's support, and he felt a sense of relief as he exhaled and calmed his nerves.

"Thank you," Billy replied.

"Anything on the news?" Zack asked, redirecting their attention to the television.

"The usual suspects—government assures the people they have it under control, and the Power Rangers are more trouble than they're worth," Billy summarized.

"Right. Why did I think it would be any different..." Zack sighed. "Should we get going?"

"Yeah," Billy agreed. Lately, their routine had been to wake up and head to the command center. It had become their second home since Jason's disappearance. Both changed and teleported to the command center.

The first thing that caught their attention was Zordon's empty chamber, followed by Kimberly and Trini's absence. Nonetheless, they had work to do, and Alpha approached them.

The Rangers, having returned to their command center, were greeted by Alpha's familiar presence.

"Rangers, welcome back."

"Thanks, Alpha," Billy acknowledged.

"So, where should we start?" Zack inquired, grabbing a notepad covered in scribbles that lay nearby.

"I'm not sure," Billy admitted.

Zack launched into his idea, saying, "Remember what happened right before we defeated the Dark Warrior?" Billy pondered for a moment, his mind drifting to thoughts of Trini at the mention of the dark warrior.

"He stole back the Scorpina artifacts," Zack continued, prompting Billy to nod. "Didn't Zordon say that a ritual was required to bring her back?"

"Yes," Billy confirmed.

"Then what if that's what they're doing? Think about it – they have the Green Ranger, they have Jason, this is a great opportunity for Rita to build on her army," Zack proposed, and his logic made sense. But one thing didn't quite add up – what did this have to do with Scarlet and Trent?

"Goldar does have her helmet; he got it from us when he used that little boy as bait," Billy pointed out.

"Right – exactly. And remember when Zordon said that the ritual for Scorpina was specific, and he didn't deny the use of a sacrifice?" Zack connected the dots, and Billy's eyes widened behind his glasses.

"Ayiyiyiyiyi!" Alpha exclaimed as he also grasped Zack's suggestion.

"I'll begin scanning where her tomb was now…" Billy stated, his fingers flying over the controls.

"There isn't much time," Baboo squawked gleefully, dancing back and forth with Squat. Goldar and Finster stood before Scorpina's tomb, with all her relics in place. Finster held an ancient black book, his eyes fixed on its pages.

"We'll definitely destroy those brats now!" Squat concurred.

"Quiet!" Goldar snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Can't you two idiots see that Finster is trying to concentrate? Go be obnoxious elsewhere."

"No, we'll be quiet. We can't miss this!" Baboo replied, and they both settled down.

"Well, Finster? Do we have what we all need?" Goldar inquired.

"Almost," Finster replied. He waved his hand, and black candles materialized around Scorpina's tomb. Snapping his long, white fingers, he ignited them.

"Ooh," Squat cooed in amazement, attempting to touch one of the candles before Baboo slapped his hand away.

"Empress, it's time…" Finster said, and moments later, in a cascade of red lights, Rita appeared before them. All bowed in her presence, and she smiled at the tomb and relics.

"The time is now…" Rita declared, her wicked grin spreading from cheek to cheek. "Wonderful job, Finster."

"Thank you, my queen," Finster responded. "You know what you have to do now."

"I will unleash stored darkness into her, and then the blood of the flesh shall make her reborn," Rita replied, her tone sadistic. Squat and Baboo joined in Rita's delight, their laughter filling the cave. Trent and Scarlet, suspended by their arms above Scorpina, their wrists bound and gags in place, heard Rita's words and began to struggle against their restraints.

"Do you have something to say?" Rita taunted as she removed their gags.

"Let us go!" Scarlet pleaded, but Rita merely laughed.

"Don't be rude. The guest of honor hasn't even arrived yet," Rita responded.

"You're a sick freak," Trent stated.

"Watch it now. You're being spared for my dear Scorpina. It's a great honor, really. It wouldn't be much trouble to do away with you now. You are replaceable, my dear," Rita scoffed.

"You won't get away with this. People are looking for us and will find us. The Power Rangers will find us..." Scarlet declared.

"Silence!" Goldar bellowed.

"If the Power Rangers were going to find you, they would have by now. No one will find you. Well, maybe I shouldn't lie. They'll find you, but certainly not alive!" Rita laughed again, joined by Squat and Baboo. "Enough fun; the time is now." Rita handed her scepter to Goldar and placed her hands on Scorpina's relics.

"Easy does it, my Queen," Finster cautioned, but Rita remained silent. She closed her eyes, enveloped in a dark aura that also surrounded the relics.

"Calling on the darkness within, restore the being full of sin; release her now from the gates of hell, to the land of the living from whence she fell," Rita chanted. The relics became cloaked in darkness, and a sound like an unlocking door resonated. The darkness dissipated, leaving Rita hunched over, exhausted, her eyes heavy, and her body weakened. Goldar supported her, and she took back her scepter from Finster.

"Excellent work, my Queen," Goldar praised, but Rita made no response. "Finster, take her back; let her rest." Finster led Rita away, disappearing with her.

"Is it done?" Squat asked.

"Almost. The magic binding her is removed. She can be resurrected!" Goldar exclaimed.

"No..." Scarlet cried, and Goldar glanced up at her.

"Don't think we've forgotten about you…" Goldar said as he drew his sword.

"Oh, let me! Let me have the first poke and prod!" Baboo pleaded.

"No! Me!" Squat whined.

"This pleasure will be mine and mine alone!" Goldar declared, and Baboo and Squat fell silent. "Listen to me. Humans desecrated Scorpina years ago. They took her from me, and it's only fitting that I get my revenge. These two humans will hardly make up for the torment that was caused, but it's a good start."

With that, Goldar's wings extended, and he levitated into the air. Scarlet and Trent watched as he ascended closer to them until he was nearly at eye level. He began to laugh and raised his sword.

"No…" Scarlet pleaded, her eyes filled with fear.

"This is the end, humans," Goldar announced, raising his mighty blade.