Green with Evil

Eclipse Part 1

The dim light of dawn filtered through the windows of Billy's garage, casting long shadows over the cluttered workbench. Tools and gadgets lay strewn about, remnants of late-night tinkering sessions. And last night was certainly busier than most. Billy sat slumped in a chair, his mind racing.

"Jason's gonna kill me," he muttered. The previous night, he had just revealed his identity as the Blue Ranger to Brent, a decision that weighed heavily on him. The implications were staggering, and he knew he needed to speak with the rest of the team. But how would they react? Trust within the group felt very precarious since the death of Daniel. That entire situation really divided Trini and Jason. It was hard to watch.

While they were bonding and closer than ever with Jason's rescue, this specific development was a lot to handle. And then there was Brent. Understandably, he was shocked and needed the night to consider what Billy had just revealed to him. Billy was very afraid that he was about to lose both Brent and Jason. Two birds, one truth and one stone.

He glanced at the bruise on his arm, a reminder of the constant battles and the secrets he had to keep. Telling Brent felt good, even if it was risky. But since they became Rangers, every move they made was a calculated risk and this wasn't necessarily any different. He thought back to the countless battles, the moments of fear and triumph, and how the secret had begun to weigh on him more and more each day. All of this was strange to him – feeling over logic. He made a decision based on how he felt, which wasn't how he liked to operate any problem.

The garage door creaked open, and Billy looked up to see Brent standing there, concern etched on his face.

"Morning," Brent said quietly, stepping inside. "Couldn't sleep?" Billy was a bit surprised at how well-adjusted Brent seemed to be considering the truth. Or, perhaps Billy was just too tired and reading into it too much.

Billy shook his head, the weight of the revelation still pressing heavily on him. "No, not really. There's just... a lot going on." That was an understatement. The guilt of telling his secret was eclipsing any relief he got from it.

Brent moved closer, pulling up a stool to sit across from Billy. "Billy, what you told me last night... I still can't believe it. You're really the Blue Ranger?"

Billy nodded slowly, feeling the burden of the truth in his chest. "Yeah, I am. It's been hard keeping it a secret from you. From everyone – parents especially."

"I've thought about this a lot last night, and I do have some questions," Brent leaned in, his eyes searching Billy's for answers. "Why did you tell me now? Why not sooner?"

Billy took a deep breath, struggling to articulate his thoughts. Those weren't the questions he was expecting, but they were fair enough. "I told you because... I couldn't keep lying to you. You've been so patient, so understanding. And I owe you the truth. But it's not just about you knowing my secret. It's about understanding why I do what I do."

"But Billy, why? Why do you risk your life like this?" Brent asked, his voice filled with concern and confusion. This was an interesting question, and not really one he'd considered. It was a lot and not just for him, but for all the Rangers.

Billy's usually composed demeanor began to crack, the vulnerability seeping through. "Because someone has to. Because there are people out there who need us. And because I believe in what we're doing. But it's so much more than that, Brent. It's about the responsibility we carry, the sacrifices we make. I wanted to tell you because I didn't want this secret to come between us. You mean too much to me."

Brent's eyes softened, seeing the pain and determination in Billy's eyes. "Billy, I had no idea you were carrying so much. Why didn't you ever let me in? I could have helped, or at least understood."

Billy looked away, the guilt evident on his face. "I wanted to, but I couldn't. Not just for your safety, but because... if anything happened to you because of me, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself. Every time I go out there, I know there's a chance I might not come back. And I didn't want you to carry that burden."

Brent reached out, taking Billy's hand in his. "We're a team, Billy. Whether it's fighting monsters or dealing with everyday life, we're in this together. You don't have to carry the weight alone."

Billy's eyes welled up with unshed tears, his usually steady voice breaking. "It's just... hard, Brent. Watching my friends get hurt, knowing that every day could be our last. And now, with everything falling apart, it feels like everything is getting worse."

Brent squeezed Billy's hand reassuringly. "What do you mean by 'everything falling apart'? What's going on, Billy?"

Billy took a deep breath, knowing he had to explain more. "The Command Center, our base of operations, was destroyed a few weeks ago. And Zordon, our mentor, is missing. He may have been destroyed too but we're…we're trying to find him, but it's been tough. And this Green Ranger—he's not on our side. He's the strongest opponent we've ever faced."

Brent's face showed a mix of confusion and concern. "Zordon? Command Center? This all sounds... like something out of a sci-fi movie." Brent then smiled, referencing their first night together after homecoming. "Like Star Wars."

Billy managed a weak smile. "I know. It's a lot to take in. To summarize: Zordon is the one who gave us our powers. He's been our guide, our mentor. Without him, we're struggling. Rita is a very powerful enemy, and she's throwing everything at us and we're barely keeping up. This Green Ranger of hers…he's more powerful than us. And she has generals like Scorpina and Goldar. Scorpina was recently brought back to life…when your brother was taken…"

Brent's eyes widening, thinking back to when his brother and his girlfriend, Skarlet, were kidnapped by Rita's forces. All of this information offering new context to the event. "Rita," Brent said, he opened his mouth as if he wanted to say more but didn't.

"Yeah—She's the epitome of evil," Billy said.

Brent nodded slowly, trying to process the information. "Okay, I think I get it. But why is it so hard for you to talk about this with me? I mean, it must be isolating—no? Does anyone else know?"

Billy shook his head. "There are a few reasons… one of which is… Trask," Billy said. This one statement caused a deafening silence between them. "Your mother and him—Trask is kind of part of your family. And Trask hates us." Brent's eyes didn't move, as he continued to take it all in.

"He's not," Brent said, in a way that suggested frustration there, but he didn't elaborate.

Billy's expression turned somber. "And because being a Ranger means keeping secrets to protect the ones we love. Trini's boyfriend, Daniel, he was killed because of Rita. She recruited him and turned him evil. And we had to destroy him. It's something that's haunted all of us, and it made me realize how dangerous our lives are. I didn't want to risk you getting hurt because of me."

Brent's eyes widened, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "Billy, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were dealing with all of this. But pushing me away isn't the answer. We can face this together."

Billy nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "You say that, and I have no reason not to believe you. But it is a lot. I just... didn't know how to handle it. And there's something else. Jason was very clear about keeping our identities a secret. Telling you... I broke that rule. I'm terrified of what he and the others will say."

"Does anyone else know?" Brent asked. Billy shook his head.

"No, you're the only one outside of…well, us," Billy said.

"Jason," Brent said, beginning to understand. "So also, Zack, Trini, and Kimberly then?" he guessed, and Billy nodded his head. "Huh," he said, nodding his head as he put the puzzle together. Brent leaned in, placing a gentle hand on Billy's cheek. "I'm here for you, Billy. I need you to know that – you got me." This sentiment made Billy feel a great deal of things, but guilty was the strongest.

"Brent, there are going to be times when I can't tell you stuff. There are going to be times when I do some things that are dangerous—that we do some things. And you will need to get somewhere safe and not interfere."

"Billy, I'm not—"

"Brent, this is tricky. You and I—this relationship. This is new. And it's important to me. And you are important to me. But you can't…"

"Get in the way," Brent said, finishing his sentence.

"Yeah," Billy said.

"And if something happened to you—"

Billy felt a tear escape, rolling down his cheek. He quickly wiped it away, taking a deep breath.

Brent smiled softly. "You don't have to find out. This will be a learning curve to me. Not every day you learn your boyfriend is a Power Ranger. It's kinda hot, honestly," Brent said, letting out a laugh. "We're in this together, Billy. I'll follow your lead. Just don't ice me out."

Billy nodded, a small smile breaking through his emotional turmoil. "Yeah, together."

As they sat in the quiet of the garage, the morning light growing brighter, Billy felt a renewed sense of hope. He had taken a significant step in sharing his burden, and with Brent by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The path was still uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he wasn't walking it alone.

At the Youth Center, the morning sun cast long beams of light across the gym floor, creating a stark contrast to the shadows lurking in the corners. The center was a familiar haven, a place where the Rangers could find solace in their training routines and momentarily escape the weight of their responsibilities. Jason and Zack were finishing up an early morning workout, their muscles aching but their minds sharp with focus.

"Man, Tommy was really out of line last night," Zack said, wiping sweat from his brow as he finished a set on the punching bag. "You think he's hiding something?"

Jason, who was stretching nearby, frowned deeply. "I don't know, but we need to keep an eye on him. Something's not right."

Zack nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "Yeah, I got a bad feeling too. He's been acting strange ever since he showed up. And last night, he seemed almost... hostile."

"Not the whole time," Jason said, picking up a couple of weights. "At first he seemed really cool."

"Maybe, but he's definitely carrying a grudge or something," Zack replied.

Jason hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?" Zack responded, watching as Jason started lifting the weights in slow, deliberate curls.

"Do you think... Kimberly and Tommy. Do you think there's something going on there?" Jason asked, trying to keep his tone casual but unable to hide the underlying tension.

Zack raised an eyebrow. "I don't think so. I haven't seen anything that makes me think they're more than friends. Why, is it bugging you?"

Jason sighed, setting down the weights and running a hand through his hair. "It's just... complicated. Ever since homecoming, I've had these feelings for Kim. And now Tommy's in the picture, and I don't know where I stand."

Zack nodded. "I get it, man. But you should talk to her. You're not gonna figure it out just by guessing."

Jason looked down, his mind racing. "I know. I just... I'm afraid of what she might say. What if she's not interested? Or worse, what if she is interested in Tommy?"

Zack clapped a hand on Jason's shoulder. "You'll never know until you ask. It's Kim - she deserves to know how you feel."

Jason's voice dropped to a whisper. "But what if saying this out loud is worth losing her?"

Zack looked at him seriously. "That's a risk, Jase. But keeping it inside is eating you up. You gotta take that chance."

Jason nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, you're right. I need to talk to her. But right now, I think the timing is just off.

Just then, the doors to the Youth Center burst open, and Trini and Kimberly rushed in, their expressions urgent. Kimberly held up her communicator, her voice serious.

"Guys, we just got a message from Alpha. He thinks he's getting closer to finding Zordon," Kimberly said. Jason's eyes lit up, a sense of relief washing over him.

"Man, I hope that's true. Is Billy with Alpha?" Jason asked.

"No – Billy's at home. We actually need to go over there now," Trini said.

"He's got something important to tell us," Kimberly said, her eyes flickering with a mixture of hope and anxiety.

"Is he okay?" Zack asked.

"I think so, but it sounded important," Kimberly said.

Jason stood up, exchanging a worried glance with Zack. "Let's go. The sooner we know what's going on, the better." The four Rangers quickly gathered their things and headed out, their minds racing with anticipation and concern.

At Billy's garage, the team assembled in a tense semi-circle. Billy stood at the center, his usual demeanor replaced by visible anxiety. He took a deep breath, his eyes meeting each of his friends' in turn.

"I need to tell you all something," Billy began, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. "Last night, I told Brent that I'm the Blue Ranger. He knows about us."

"Oh damn," Zack said, looking at the ground.

There was a moment of stunned silence before Jason stepped forward, his face a mixture of anger and concern. "Billy, are you serious? You told him? Do you have any idea what you've done?"

Billy nodded slowly, his expression somber. "I had to. Keeping this secret was tearing me apart, and Brent deserved to know the truth. But I know this breaks our rule about keeping our identities hidden. I'm sorry."

"You're sorry," Jason repeated, his voice rising.

Zack added, "Wait, hold on man—why did Brent need to know the truth, of all people?"

Billy exchanged looks with his friends before settling on Trini, who offered a warm expression of understanding. "Because they're together," Trini said gently. "Because Billy and Brent are together."

Kimberly smiled for a moment, then looked around at Jason and Zack, who were not sharing her enthusiasm.

"You... and Brent?" Jason said, as if he were looking at a puzzle he couldn't solve.

"Explains why you spend a lot of time with him," Zack said.

"Not really," Billy said. "I've actually been trying to avoid him, and that's what led to him being more... persistent lately. But I had to tell him because I couldn't keep lying to him."

"Billy—Brent? Isn't his mother dating Trask? Trask, Billy. The man who wants our heads on a stick," Jason said, his voice more condescending now. "You're supposed to be the smart one, Billy—this wasn't smart."

"Hey!" Trini said, stepping forward. "No, you don't get to do that, Jason. You don't belittle your friend, let alone teammate. You're our leader."

"Jase," Kimberly said, taking one of his hands into her own to try and calm him. He looked to her and then turned his head, moving his hand free.

"Billy, I'm happy for you and Brent – but…you know, with what happened with…" Zack stopped himself before locking eyes with Trini.

Jason took a deep breath, trying to calm his anger but still visibly upset. "Billy, you know the risks. We have that rule for a reason. What if Rita finds out? What if Brent gets hurt because of this?"

Billy's eyes flashed with frustration. "Jason, she's attacking the world regardless of whether people know who we are or not! Keeping our identities secret doesn't stop the danger; it just makes it harder for us to connect with the people who matter."

Jason shook his head, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and fear. "You don't get it, Billy. This isn't just about us. Every person who knows our identities is another potential target. Rita's relentless, and if she finds out who we are, she'll use that information to destroy us. Look at what happened to Daniel."

Billy's face fell at the mention of Daniel, a reminder of the stakes they were all playing for. "I know, Jason. I think about that every day. But I couldn't keep lying to Brent. It was eating me up inside."

"Of course it was," Trini said consolingly, "It's eating all of us up," she added. Jason didn't seem to budge from his position.

Kimberly stepped forward, trying to further mediate. "Jason, Billy made a choice. It's done. We need to figure out how to move forward together." It had fallen on deaf ears.

Jason's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. "Billy, you know the risks. We have that rule for a reason."

Billy took a deep breath, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I understand the risks, Jason. But I also understand that we can't do this alone. Brent knowing who I am doesn't change the fact that we're in constant danger. It just means I have someone else who cares about me, who can support me."

Jason's anger flared again. "And what happens when Brent's mother finds out? What happens when Trask gets wind of this? Do you think they'll just sit back and do nothing? You've potentially exposed all of us, Billy."

"Jase, stop!" Kimberly said.

Billy's voice rose, frustration breaking through his usual calm. "And what about our mental health, Jason? What about the toll this takes on us? We can't keep living in isolation, hiding everything from the people who matter most to us. That's not living; that's surviving."

The room fell silent as the weight of Billy's words settled over them. Jason's face softened slightly, the conflict in his eyes clear. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions.

"We're not all survivors like you, Jason. We're not all built like the stereotypical hero," Billy said, his words carrying a sharp edge. "We're all trying to do our best, but I'm not like you. None of us are. Statistically speaking, I understand that the probability of our loved ones being endangered by knowing our identities increases. However, there's no empirical evidence to suggest that isolating ourselves offers any greater protection."

Jason's eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms. "Empirical evidence or not, Billy, we're not just talking numbers here. We're talking real lives, real risks. Maybe isolating ourselves isn't perfect, but it's about minimizing danger. You think it's easy for me? Watching out for everyone, making sure we stay one step ahead of Rita? My families fallen apart and I'm still - I'm not just some 'stereotypical hero'—I'm trying to keep us all alive. So forgive me if I'm more concerned with keeping our secrets than running a social experiment."

Zack stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. "Come on, Jase. Billy's got a point. We can't just keep pushing people away and expect everything to be fine. We're all feeling the pressure, and being alone ain't helping. Brent knowing doesn't mean we're doomed—it means Billy's got someone to lean on. We're a team, man. That means we gotta trust each other's choices, even if they're different from what we'd do."

Kimberly, who had been listening quietly, stepped in. "Billy, are you happier now that Brent knows?"

Billy hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, Kim. I am. It's a huge relief."

Kimberly sighed, crossing her arms and looking down. "I get it. I haven't told anyone about being a Ranger, and sometimes it feels like the world is getting smaller and smaller. Keeping it all inside is exhausting. But I'm scared too, scared of what might happen if the wrong person finds out." Jason looked over at Kim, her words affecting him deeply.

Jason's expression softened as he listened to Kimberly. "I get that, Kim. Believe me, I do."

Trini stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Jason, I know you're trying to protect us, and I appreciate that. But Billy's right—we can't isolate ourselves completely. We need our friends and loved ones for support. It's what keeps us grounded and human. Daniel's loss showed me—showed all of us—how real the dangers are, but it also showed us how important it is to cherish the connections we have."

Jason looked down, his expression softening. "Maybe you're right. It just scares me. We've lost so much already. I don't want to lose anyone else. And I need you with us, Billy. I need your head in this, because I can't do this without you," he then looked at all of them, ending on Kim "I can't do this without any of you."

Billy nodded, his own anger ebbing away. "I get it, Jason. I'm scared too. But we have to find a balance. We need to trust each other and the people who care about us."

Kimberly placed a hand on Jason's arm. "This is okay, Jason."

Jason sighed, his shoulders relaxing a bit. "Just... be careful, Billy. We can't afford to lose anyone else."

Billy nodded. "I promise, Jason. We'll be careful."

The team fell silent, the weight of their conversation hanging heavily in the air. Trini glanced around, sensing the need to move forward but also recognizing the importance of what had just transpired.

"I know this is a lot to deal with," Trini said softly, breaking the silence. "But I don't think there's anything further to say on this subject. We need to get to the command center, Alpha's message was crucial. He said he's close to finding Zordon. We need to focus on that next."

Billy gave a thankful nod to Trini for moving the dialogue forward. She was right. If they were close to finding Zordon, then that was the most important thing.

Jason's eyes traveled from Trini's to Billy's, settling on him. Jason's expression was hard to read, a mix of concern and lingering frustration. Despite his teammates' support, it was clear Jason had strong feelings about Billy's decision. Billy hoped Jason wouldn't hold it against him for too long.

"Alright," Jason said finally. "Let's head to the Command Center and see what Alpha's found."

With that, the team prepared to teleport, the tension still lingering in the air. Billy couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He knew Jason was still conflicted, and he could only hope that, with time, things would smooth over.

With a flash of light, they teleported out.

In the dark, sinister depths of her lunar palace, Rita Repulsa stood before her crystal ball, a wicked grin spreading across her face. The flickering light from the cauldron cast eerie shadows on the walls, illuminating the grotesque faces of her loyal minions: Goldar, Scorpina, and the Green Ranger. Squat and Baboo cackling with amusement in the distance.

"Ah, yes," Rita cackled, her voice dripping with malice. "The time has come to strike a blow so devastating that those pathetic Power Rangers will never recover!"

Goldar, his golden armor glinting in the dim light, stepped forward. "What is your plan, my Queen?"

Rita's eyes gleamed with malevolent glee. "An eclipse. I will summon an eclipse that will cut off the Power Rangers' access to their precious Megazord. This special eclipse will having some magical consequences! Ahahaha! Without the power of the sun, their Zords will be useless!"

Scorpina, standing beside Goldar, smirked. "An ingenious plan, my Queen. But how will we ensure that the Rangers are lured into a trap?"

Rita turned her gaze to Tommy, the Green Ranger, who stood silently, his expression a mix of inner turmoil and dark resolve, none of this visible beneath his helmet. "That's where you come in, my Green Ranger. You will lead them into the trap, ensuring they are exactly where we want them when the eclipse occurs."

Tommy nodded, his voice steady despite the conflicting emotions within him. "Yes, my Empress. I will not fail you."

Rita's grin widened. "Excellent. Now, let's discuss the details."

Goldar growled, his eyes narrowing. "How do we ensure the eclipse will last long enough to destroy their Megazord?"

Rita waved her wand over the crystal ball, revealing a swirling image of the sun and moon. "I will use my magic to accelerate the eclipse, giving us ample time to strike and then less time to react. The Megazord will be powerless, and we will crush it once and for all!"

Scorpina laughed, her eyes glinting with excitement. "I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they realize they're helpless. Jason will finally fall…" she said with blood-lust.

Rita turned and walked over to her telescope, peering down at Earth with a wicked smile. Through the lens, she spotted a school bus full of students making its way through Angel Grove. "Ah, perfect. A school bus full of children. Attacking them will certainly draw the Power Rangers out."

Tommy's eyes flickered with a moment of hesitation before hardening with resolve. "What do you want me to do?"

Rita pointed her wand at the telescope's view. "You will attack the school bus and hold the children hostage. The Rangers will have no choice but to respond. While they are distracted, the eclipse will begin, and they will be powerless against our combined forces."

Goldar stepped forward, his sword gleaming in the dim light. "And then the rangers will have to make a choice – fighting us or saving the children."

Rita nodded, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Exactly. Scorpina, you will join Goldar in the final assault, forcing their hand and ensuring that the Rangers are completely overwhelmed."

Scorpina bowed, her expression eager. "As you command, my Queen."

Rita turned back to Tommy. "Remember, Green Ranger, your primary objective is to keep the Rangers occupied and prevent them from uniting their Zords. If they manage to form the Megazord before the eclipse, our plan could fail."

Tommy bowed his head. "I understand, my Empress. I will do whatever it takes to succeed."

Rita's cackle echoed through the chamber. "Excellent! Prepare yourselves my faithful servants! The eclipse is coming, and with it, the downfall of the Power Rangers."

As they dispersed to prepare for the attack, Tommy lingered for a moment, his mind racing. He could feel the remnants of his former self fighting against the darkness, but the spell's grip was strong. With a final glance at Rita, he steeled himself for the task ahead, determined to carry out his orders.

As the lunar palace buzzed with preparation, Rita gazed into her telescope once more, her laughter echoing through the dark halls. The eclipse was coming, and with it, the downfall of the Power Rangers.

With a flash of light, the Rangers teleported into the Command Center, the familiar hum of machinery and glowing monitors filling the room. Alpha 5 was busy at one of the consoles, his mechanical hands flying over the controls.

"Rangers! I'm glad you're here," Alpha exclaimed, his voice tinged with urgency. "I've been working on finding Zordon's location."

Billy and Trini immediately moved to assist Alpha, their focus shifting to the task at hand at the main control deck. Jason, Zack, and Kimberly, however, stepped aside to discuss another pressing issue.

Jason leaned against a console, his expression dark and brooding. Zack shot him a look, sensing the tension.

"Hey, Kim, there's something we need to talk about," Jason began, his voice tight. "It's about Tommy."

Kimberly looked at him with a mix of concern and curiosity. "What about Tommy?"

Zack jumped in, "He's been acting really strange lately, Kim. Last night, he was almost hostile. We think something's up."

Kimberly frowned, clearly troubled. "He's been a bit distant, but hostile? Are you sure?"

Jason took a deep breath, struggling with his words. "Yeah, we're sure. I know you care about him, Kim. But we need to be careful. Something isn't right with him."

Kimberly crossed her arms, looking defensive. "I just can't believe Tommy would be involved in anything bad. He's nice – or at least, he seemed like a nice guy and now just... different lately. Maybe he's going through something?"

Jason's jaw tightened. He didn't want to upset Kimberly, but he couldn't ignore the signs. "Maybe. But we need to be cautious. We're not saying he's definitely involved with Rita, but we can't rule anything out."

Kimberly's eyes flashed with anger. "So what, you're just going to accuse him based on a feeling? Maybe he's been through a lot, too. Maybe we should try talking to him instead of jumping to conclusions."

Zack tried to mediate, his tone calm. "Kim, we didn't accuse him – we're just saying something is off and we can't ignore it. Last night, he was almost looking for a fight with Jason."

Kimberly shook her head, frustration evident. "Maybe he's just dealing with stuff. We all have our ways of coping. It doesn't mean he's a threat."

Jason's eyes widened, very surprised by her reaction. "That's not – Kim, whoa – I don't know why you're this upset about this, we're just saying what happened and what we've observed…and if you really think about it…"

"Well what I've observed Jason is that it seems like you're trying to pick a fight with everyone," Kimberly's eyed widened in surprise at herself, a moment of regret immediately.

Jason's frustration boiled over. "Kim, we're just trying to keep everyone safe. Ignoring the problem won't make it go away. We need to be vigilant."

Kimberly glared at Jason, her voice rising. "Vigilant? Or paranoid?"

Jason looked hurt, his voice hardening. "I'm simply saying we should be on our guard here. He was hostile toward us – you know who else is? The Green Ranger. If you can't see that, then maybe you're the one who's not thinking clearly."

"You're wrong," Kimberly's eyes filled with hurt and defiance. "You know what, Jason? Maybe you're right. Maybe I'm not thinking straight. Maybe I'm just tired. I just – he can't be evil," she said this, almost as if to convince herself.

"Kim – we don't know anything," Zack said, offering an olive branch. The damage was done, though.

Just then, the alarms of the Command Center blared, red lights flashing across the room. Alpha's voice rose with panic. "Ay-yi-yi! Rangers, there's trouble! There's an attack on a school bus full of children in Angel Grove!"

The monitors flickered to show the scene: a school bus surrounded by putties and a mysterious green figure, the students inside visibly terrified.

Jason's eyes narrowed with determination. "The Green Ranger. It has to be him."

Kimberly's eyes widened, fear and concern etched on her face. She looked over at Jason, but he didn't return the glance. She tried to shake the earlier dialogue out of her head. "We have to help those kids!"

Zack's fists clenched. "No way we're letting this happen. Let's move, guys!"

"It's Morphin Time!" Jason declared, and all of them raised their morphers for transformation.