Anxiety filled Laura as she stood in front of her house, watching as Detective Stone's car pulled up in front of the house with a sleeping Emily in the backseat. It was early in the morning and she had decided to greet Emily alone while Jason, Kira, Nick, Ziggy, Malcolm, Katherine, Ethan, Conner, and Laura slept inside. Not much had been said about Emily and Laura was nervous about getting her back.
From what Laura could see, Emily looked barely younger than Nick and her hair was still as blonde as it was when they had parted in Los Angeles a few years earlier. Unfortunately, Emily also looked small for her age and Laura knew it was most likely because of neglect. She had thought that the foster parents would be a good choice for her daughter because she didn't have money or resources to look after both of them and find a job after university, but she had obviously made a bad choice.
She had tried, but the authorities had warned her if she couldn't give Emily everything she needed, the child would be taken away and she would be arrested for neglect. Desperate, Laura had turned to Dr. Oliver for help and he had arranged for Emily to go to a family who had a child, but wanted a sibling for them. The agreement had been that Emily would be adopted and the parents hadn't wanted Laura to keep in touch, as it would only confuse Emily and they had threatened her with the police if she ever reached out to them in the future. Detective Stone had promised to let her know if there were ever any complications with the arrangement.
Then, she and Jason had married and she had never had the courage to tell him about Emily because he was recovering from 9/11 and she didn't want to overwhelm him. She had been grateful when she had finally told him and he had accepted Emily without complaint. They had not discussed Emily's father, but Laura knew there was nothing to be discussed and she had lied anyway, as she felt that Zordon had somehow clouded her memory of the event when she became a ranger…something that she was both grateful for and resented.
Laura sighed as Detective Stone got out and helped Emily out of the car before coming over to where she was standing, "Hi Mommy," Emily spoke softly. "Am I back forever?"
"Is Jason here?" Detective Stone asked as he produced papers. "I spoke to a judge and I managed to make it possible for him to adopt her if he just fills these out. I know you didn't expect this…"
Laura exhaled anxiously, "No, I thought they would adopt her and take care of her," she replied in a quiet voice before gazing at Emily nervously. "Emily, I'm so sorry. I thought I was helping you."
"I know you did, Mommy," Emily replied softly as she hugged Laura.
Nodding, Laura returned the hug and held Emily close as the front door opened and closed, "Ah, Jason, I'd like to talk to you," Detective Stone suddenly said in a calm voice, relieved to see Jason there. "Let's go to my car…"
Jason nodded and followed Detective Stone to the car while Emily and Laura stood together, "I got married and adopted other kids in the years we were apart," Laura spoke softly. "You have older siblings named Kira and Nick and a little brother named Ziggy. I don't know if Jason…"
To Laura's surprise, Jason quickly signed the papers without any protest before returning them to Detective Stone, "Mommy, I'm hungry," Emily spoke softly. "Is there food to eat?"
"Yeah, it's inside," Laura replied softly as Jason walked back to them. "Jason, I'm sorry…"
Jason sighed and offered a reassuring smile, "You were in a difficult situation and made a very difficult choice," he replied gently. "Anyone who hates you for that doesn't deserve to be in your life."
Laura exhaled anxiously, "Detective Stone will get the papers to the judge and Emily should be a Scott by the time school starts," Jason spoke calmly. "Should we get inside?"
Speechless, Laura nodded and walked alongside Jason and Emily as they went inside. To nobody's surprise, Ziggy was standing near the door in his pajamas. He smiled at Emily and hug-rushed her.
"Are you another big sister for me?" Ziggy asked eagerly, giving Emily a smile. "I'm Ziggy. I'm seven."
Emily looked nervous for a moment and then smiled, "I'm Emily," she replied softly. "I'm eight."
Jason looked amused as Emily slowly hugged Ziggy before they let go of each other, "Mommy had to send Emily to live with other people for a few years, but she's back now," Laura explained gently, wondering if the few years they had lived separately had damaged their relationship.
"Kira's playing her guitar in the yard and Nicky's snoring," Ziggy announced. "Do you like Pop Tarts?"
Jason smiled as Emily yawned, "I'm sleepy," Emily spoke softly. "Do I have my own bed here?"
Laura nodded and Jason immediately felt concerned, as how was it possible that he hadn't noticed Laura's struggles more closely when they were younger? If he had, he could have helped…
"You'll be sharing a bedroom with Kira because your Uncle Malcolm and his family live downstairs," Laura explained as they walked to the big bedroom that the girls shared. "Your bed is the yellow…"
Emily smiled and hurried over to it, not hesitating to get in and go to sleep with her shoes and jacket still on because she was tired, "It was better than a drawer," Laura spoke anxiously as she left the room and went into the kitchen. "I can see Kira from the window. Her playing is quite good…"
"How bad was it?" Jason asked as he came into the kitchen with Ziggy. "What's this about a…?"
Laura sighed anxiously, "We'll talk about it tonight in our bedroom when we are alone," she replied, cutting him off. "Besides Malcolm and his family, we have Adam, Tanya, Rocky, Conner, TJ, Carlos, Cassie, Mark, Dr. Oliver, and Detective Stone coming over later and we have a lot to get done."
Jason immediately felt worried, "You're scared they're going to judge you," he spoke gently.
Laura nodded as tears filled her eyes and Jason sighed as he gently held her close, "I don't even know who did it," she spoke anxiously. "I'm sorry, I know you need help. My mind's just not there…"
Jason sighed gently and didn't hesitate to guide Laura back to their bedroom, settling her on her side of their bed, "This hasn't been an easy day for you," he spoke softly. "Maybe some rest will help."
"Could you stay?" Laura asked softly, sighing. "I feel very safe in your arms, Jason."
Jason nodded and joined Laura in bed, holding her in his arms as she fell asleep. He lay awake, listening as the door opened and closed and smiled when he heard Kira and Ziggy talking.
"A small rest won't hurt either of us," Jason murmured softly as he closed his eyes to sleep.
"Tommy."
Nausea filled Tommy as he silently woke and found himself surrounded by fog and blackness.
"Tommy, rise," a cold, but familiar voice spoke. "Rise and face me, Black Dino Ranger."
Tommy shakily got out of bed and his hand went to the black gem around his neck, frowning when it transformed into a watch around his wrist, "You're ready," the voice said in an approving tone.
A wave of dizziness passed over Tommy as he felt a surge of power shoot through his body, "If you tell anyone I speak to you, they won't believe you," the voice said. "I am a part of you now."
The fog lifted and Tommy found himself alone in his bedroom with the watch locked to his wrist as if it had been glued there, "Tommy," the voice spoke. "See your reflection, Tommy…"
Tommy turned to look in the mirror and frowned when he saw Mesogog, a woman with short hair, and a metallic being he didn't know staring back at him, "My servants will keep an eye on you," Mesogog hissed coldly. "Zeltrax and Elsa will tell you what you need to do to weld your power."
"I feel dizzy," Tommy spoke in a weak voice, his expression pained. "I don't think I can…"
Mesogog swore and Tommy suddenly felt his throat constrict, "YES, YOU CAN AND YOU WILL!" he roared in a furious voice that caused pain to shoot through Tommy's skull. 'YOU CREATED THESE POWERS AND YOU HAVE BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS FROM DOING IT. YOU WILL MAKE IT WORK!"
Tommy screamed and collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by the choking and pain.
Mesogog looked patronizingly at Elsa, "I know you made a friend," he said quietly. "The one from the grocery store. He is also a former Ranger and might be stronger than this weakling. I will drain what power and energy I can from Doctor Tommy Oliver, but if it fails…we may need the other one."
Elsa smirked, "Oh, you mean Rocky?" she replied softly. "I will have him under my spell very quickly."
"The powers I sent you to Earth with have been damaged by external forces," Dulcea spoke in a quiet, somber voice as she stood in front of Malcolm, who was wearing a white tunic and shorts. "Those experiments have unleashed a fury of destruction on Phaedos, worse terror that that of the war."
Malcolm sighed, "That's why I'm dying," he spoke softly. "Because of the destruction."
Dulcea nodded as she faded from view, her expression one of intense sorrow and regret.
Sighing heavily, Malcolm opened his eyes and was relieved to find himself in the bed that he had shared with Kat since coming home from the hospital. He felt the spot next to him and found it empty, but he could also hear gentle talking and cooing, "Kat?" he called out in a sleepy voice.
Silence filled the basement suite and a moment later, Kat came into the bedroom and quickly went to Malcolm's side, "Hey, sweetie, how are you feeling?" she asked in a concerned voice.
"Kat, I'm dying," Malcolm spoke softly, sighing. "And…and I think I know why."
Frowning, Kat sat on the bed, "Dulcea appeared in my dreams," Malcolm spoke softly. "The power she gave me when she sent me to Earth were attacked by Tommy's experiments that made the Gems and caused that bad earthquake. Whatever Tommy has done is going to eventually kill me."
Kat looked very sad, but took Malcolm's hand in her own, "My strength will protect Phaedos from the evil that has been created from the experiments, and it will also protect Earth, so little Laura and Ethan will grow up in a safer world," Malcolm spoke softly, sighing. "I wish it didn't have to happen…"
Tears filled Malcolm's eyes, and he sighed, prompting Kat to hug him close, "Let's just make the most of the time we have," he spoke softly. "I wish Zordon was still alive so that he could comfort you."
Katherine smiled and touched his cheek, "Jason and Laura have to be exhausted with everything that's happened," Malcolm spoke in a kind voice as he slowly sat up. "Maybe we should see if we can do some of the cooking. We can take the baby monitor if you're worried about the kids…"
Nodding, Kat picked up the baby monitor and helped Malcolm up before they walked upstairs together. The kitchen was quiet, but they could hear sounds of a guitar coming from the backyard.
Katherine helped Malcolm sit at the kitchen table and then she quietly got everything that Jason bought for the barbecue out of the fridge and freezer. She gave Malcolm the vegetables and fruit to chop, as well as a knife, "Kat, I can grill," Malcolm offered softly. "I just have to sit while I do it."
Unable to say no to her husband's smile, Kat nodded as Ziggy wandered into the kitchen in his pajamas and froze at seeing them, "Hi," Ziggy spoke quietly. "I'm hungry. Is there cereal?"
A moment later, Nick wandered into the kitchen, "Hi Uncle Malcolm, Aunt Kat," he said softly.
Katherine smiled, "Do you guys want breakfast?" she asked in a kind voice.
Ziggy wandered over to the fruit bowl that sat on the kitchen table and grabbed an orange, "Can I have this?" he asked softly, trying to use his hands to open it only to fail. "I need help."
Nick scowled, "You're not allowed to eat those til you're better, Ziggy," he replied. "Remember?"
Malcolm slowly got up and walked over to the cereal cupboard, "How about you join your old Uncle Malcolm in having some oatmeal, Ziggy?" he asked in a kind voice. "I have to eat healthy too."
"You're not old," Ziggy replied as he put the orange back in the bowl. "You look tired."
Malcolm smiled and quietly made two bowls of quick oatmeal, smiling at Ziggy as he put the bowls and spoons on the table, "Hey, Ziggy, you're looking a little tired," he observed in a kind voice.
Nick looked worried, "Ziggy had a nightmare," he replied worriedly. "About the earthquake."
Ziggy nodded and poked at his oatmeal before yawning and resting his head on the table, "My tummy hurts," he whimpered softly through another yawn. "I wanna go back to bed."
Malcolm reached over and felt Ziggy's forehead, "It's cool," he spoke gently. "Maybe you overdid it."
Katherine walked over to Ziggy and picked him up out of his chair, "We're going to be having a barbecue later today with all our friends and I know you'll want to enjoy that, so why don't I take you back to your bed?" she suggested in a kind voice. "Malcolm, love, I'll be right back…"
Nick quickly followed Katherine and Ziggy out of the kitchen, determined to protect his little brother from his bad dreams. A moment later, Ethan came into the kitchen and froze at seeing Malcolm.
"Hi," Ethan spoke in a quiet voice, his expression worried. "Dad, what are you doing up?"
Malcolm sighed, "Ethan, come sit with me a moment," he replied. "I want to talk to you."
Ethan looked nervous, but obeyed and frowned when Malcolm removed the blue watch from his wrist, "I want you to take this and protect it," Malcolm spoke softly. "I know you don't want it, but I know you are supposed to have this. Ethan, you're my son and I love you very, very much."
Swallowing hard, Ethan accepted the watch, "Are you dying, Dad?" he asked worriedly.
"I am," Malcolm replied in a quiet voice, sighing. "Why don't we go for a walk and talk about it?"
Ethan sighed anxiously, "Aren't we having a barbecue later?" he asked in a confused voice.
Malcolm smiled, "We're not going to be gone long enough for them to worry," he replied.
Ethan nodded and helped Malcolm to his feet as Katherine returned, "Nick and Ziggy are back asleep," Katherine spoke in a kind voice. "Where are you two going?"
"I'm going to take our son for a walk and tell him what's happening," Malcolm replied softly.
Katherine nodded, "Take it easy," she replied softly. "Ethan, look after your father. I love you."
"Hey there, Doctor O!" Dr. Oliver heard a kind voice call out as he sat in the common area of the care apartments quietly eating breakfast before going off to Jason and Laura's for the barbecue.
Dr. Oliver smiled as Cassie came into view with Mark on her arm, "Hello there, you two," he said in a warm voice. "I take it you're in town for Jason and Laura's barbecue later?"
"Yeah," Mark replied calmly. "We came early to do a little fishing. I can fish with some help…"
Dr. Oliver nodded, "Rocky's told me that there are some nice fishing spots in this area and he's been a few times since we came here," he replied softly. "Maybe when I'm a little stronger, I'll go too."
"How are you feeling nowadays?" Cassie asked worriedly. "You're looking a lot better."
Dr. Oliver sighed, "Thank you, but I've still got a ways to go in my recovery, so I'll be using my handicap accommodations when I'm working," he replied calmly. "How are both of you?"
Cassie looked concerned, but Dr. Oliver offered a patient smile and she quieted, "Were you and Rocky invited to the barbecue later?" Cassie asked kindly, changing the subject. "Where is Rocky anyway?"
"Oh, that dear boy is sleeping in this morning," Dr. Oliver replied calmly. "He's been such a help to me and gave up a lot so I wouldn't be alone. I managed to get myself ready for the day this morning."
A stomach growl filled the air and Mark looked sheepish, "Um, Cass, I'm hungry," he said gently.
Cassie looked amused, "Might we join you for breakfast, Doctor Oliver?" she asked gently.
Dr. Oliver nodded and Cassie helped Mark sit at the table before going off to the food counters to see what she could get them for breakfast. Mark silently began feeling the condiments on the table so he wouldn't have to ask for help in getting what he needed when he had breakfast in front of him.
The tension in Jason's body was quickly obvious and Laura woke to it, as she had many times in the past since they had married. Jason was awake, but he was sporting the haunted expression on his face as if he had just had a nightmare about 9/11. Laura gently touched his hand.
"I…I'm sorry," Jason spoke quietly, sighing as he looked at her. "I just realized that I'm still not comfortable running the grill cause of the flames and coals. It's such a ridiculous thing, but…"
Laura sighed, "I do know how to run a barbecue grill, dear, so I can take care of it," she replied patiently. "Do you need your meds or more time to rest? I can get Kat and the kids to help me get everything ready if you do."
"You're so good to me," Jason replied softly, kissing her cheek. "I'd love both, actually."
Laura nodded, got out of bed, and quickly retrieved a dose of Jason's anxiety medication and his bottle of water from their bathroom. She sat with him as he took his meds with some water.
"I'm not sure I'll be able to work too much in Reefside," Jason spoke quietly, sighing as he laid back down. "The earthquake and all the people who got hurt or killed…it brought back so many memories, and I need time and maybe some counseling to get through all that. I'm sorry if it means we'll struggle for money..."
Laura lovingly stroked his face, "We'll manage," she replied quietly. "You don't have to go back to work if you don't feel ready to. We've got enough money to live on if we budget, so no pressure."
Jason sighed, "I love you," he replied sleepily. "I'll try not to sleep the whole day away…"
Laura gently kissed Jason before getting up, leaving the water on the bedside table, and leaving the bedroom so he could rest. She went into the kitchen and saw Katherine putting together the hamburgers and hot dogs for the grill while Kira, Nick, and Ziggy chopped vegetables. Laura sat in her highchair, smiling as she made a mess of simple animal crackers that Malcolm had given her.
"I'll be firing up the grill, so I just need someone strong to help me with the coals," Laura spoke in a kind voice. "Where did Ethan and Malcolm go? I can get Ethan to get the coals together…"
Katherine sighed, "Malcolm took Ethan for a walk," she replied softly. "Where are the coals?"
"In the garage near the workbench," Laura replied calmly. "The grill's in there too with boxes…"
Kat nodded and hurried outside, "Mommy, I need a hug," Ziggy spoke tiredly. "I couldn't nap."
Laura sighed patiently as she sat at the table next to Ziggy and gently commandeered him into her lap, unsurprised when he melted against her in a hug before drifting off to sleep.
"What's a Cyber Café?"
Malcolm, who was slowly beginning to tire and ache from the walk, looked up from the sidewalk and saw Ethan looking at a strange green sign that read Hayley's Cyberspace that hung out from a brick building that had obviously seen better times, "I'm not sure," he replied in a tired voice.
Ethan's eyes widened as he realized that his father was both tired and sore, "Let's go in and sit down," he spoke anxiously, his attention on his father. "Do you want something to drink?"
Malcolm nodded as he was led inside and was amazed at how much the place reminded him of Ernie's in Angel Grove. As much as he missed the place that his parents had built up, it had been better for the Angel Grove economy to let it go and let the building be turned into something useful.
"If you're the bank, we haven't got your rent!" an annoyed voice suddenly filled the café.
Malcolm froze as a girl sporting jeans, boots, a loose shirt, and messy red hair came out of the back and stopped at seeing them, "Sorry, I didn't know you were customers," she replied calmly.
"Seems like you've got things on your mind," Malcolm spoke calmly. "Can we help at all?"
The redhead chuckled, "I don't even know you and you want to help!" she replied with a laugh.
"Malcolm Scott," Malcolm replied softly. "My son, Ethan, and I are new to the area…"
At that moment, Malcolm felt a twinge of pain in his abdomen and quietly took a seat at the table closest to him to rest, "Hayley Ziktor," Hayley replied kindly. "Are…are you all right?"
"Oh, I'm recovering from surgery," Malcolm replied softly. "Now that we know each other…"
Hayley sighed, "This place is supposed to be a good hangout for teens, but I can barely keep the doors open," she replied mournfully, offering a smile. "The bank wants it back cause I don't have steady…"
"If you had a co-owner who could provide financial support, would it help you?" Malcolm asked in a quiet voice, knowing he needed something that would keep Kat, Ethan, and Laura off the streets after he was gone. "I used to own Ernie's in Angel Grove and I made a bit of money from selling it…"
Hayley laughed before going quiet and giving Malcolm a strange look, "You're not kidding," she suddenly realized.
"No," Malcolm replied calmly. "Whatever bank you deal with, get them on the phone…will you?"
Ethan joined Malcolm at the table, "Dad, are you all right?" he asked in a concerned voice, frowning.
"I will be once I know you, your mother, and sister will be taken care of," Malcolm replied softly, watching as Hayley hurried over to the phone and quickly dialled what he hoped was the bank.
"You bought a cybercafe?" Katherine asked in an astonished voice as she stared at her husband from across the table where they sat once Malcolm had bought the cybercafe and Ethan had helped Malcolm home. "Why…what prompted you…"
Malcolm sighed, "Kat, it will give you and our family an income once I'm gone," he spoke quietly. "I listed you and I as co-owners so that you can easily take over the lease once I'm no longer around."
A somber expression crossed Katherine's face, yet she was relieved that he had thought of the future and was preparing for it now instead of leaving it to her, "Are you going to die here?" she asked.
"No," Malcolm replied softly, eyeing his wife calmly. "I…there will come a time where I will go back to Dulcea and she will direct me. On Earth, it will be as if I passed away. At least that's how I think…"
Katherine nodded, "And you have to go alone?" she asked in a quiet voice. "I can't come?"
"I am a son of Zordon," Malcolm responded in a soft voice. "That is the only one who can go…is a son of Zordon."
Before Katherine could reply, Jason wandered into the kitchen and froze when he saw Malcolm and Katherine there. Instead of immediately acknowledging them, Jason peered out the kitchen window and saw that Laura was in the backyard grilling while Ethan, Kira, Conner, and Nick helped prepare for dinner. Meanwhile, Laura, and Ziggy relaxed in the grass, "Emily's still napping," Katherine spoke in a kind voice. "She was tired from her trip here. Laura decided to cook cause you needed to rest."
Jason nodded and Malcolm gave him a kind look, "Hey Jason, since you're not working right now, I could actually use your help with a new project I've taken on," Malcolm spoke kindly. "I remember how you wrote me all those letters about how you liked computers in university…"
"Malcolm bought a business called Hayley's Cyberspace and it's a computer café," Katherine joined in, seeing that Malcolm was having great difficulty explaining due to lack of energy. "On his walk."
Jason suddenly looked amused and concerned, "Do you know how long it will be before Dulcea calls you?" he asked quietly, his tone somber. "I…I have a feeling that's why you're not well."
"No," Malcolm replied quietly, sighing. "I'm going to rearrange my will on Monday…just in case."
Jason nodded, "However I can help, I will," he promised softly. "I…I think it'll be all right."
Malcolm looked thoughtful, "Have you heard from your parents lately?" he asked quietly.
Jason shook his head, his expression neutral because he knew Malcolm had forgotten his adoption due to his illness, "I…I meant our parents," Malcolm realized, flinching. "Jason, I'm sorry…"
"Maybe you should rest before the dinner," Jason spoke calmly. "There's not much needing doing."
Malcolm looked thoughtful, "Actually, Jason, can we chat in private?" he asked softly. "Downstairs?"
Suddenly sensing that Malcolm wanted to talk about Ranger-related things, Jason nodded and helped him downstairs to the basement suite. Katherine watched them go silently, but was spared from thinking about it because Laura came into the house, "Kat, can we talk?" Laura asked softly.
Katherine nodded, noticing that Laura looked unusually troubled, "Sure," she replied softly.
"I started feeling uneasy and having thoughts of Tommy," Laura explained quietly, joining Katherine at the table. "Nothing inappropriate, but I just get the feeling that he's in trouble. He was a good friend to me when we were younger, but we haven't spoken in a long time. I wonder why…"
Katherine frowned, "I've been having those same thoughts and I think Malcolm has too," she admitted in a quiet, concerned voice. "Malcolm thinks the experiments Tommy is involved in might have something to do with why he's dying now, but he also thinks Tommy's been affected…"
The mention of Tommy made Laura look very sad, "Don't mention Tommy in front of Jason," she explained in a worried voice. "Jason is still very angry about what happened on our wedding day and blames Tommy. He has nightmares about that day and blames his inability to take on powers for what happened to me. I also have nightmares about that day, but I don't blame Tommy. Promise me…"
Katherine opened her mouth to reply, but was interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the stairs and faked a smile when Jason and Malcolm appeared a moment later, "Hey," Laura spoke in a kind voice, gently embracing Jason and Malcolm. "The food's being taken care of and I think everyone's on their way. I was about to call Rocky to check and see if he and Doctor Oliver needed a ride. Once that was done, I was going to check on Emily and see if she wanted to go out and get to know everyone…"
"Why don't I call Rocky and you go check on Emily, my love?" Jason suggested softly, smiling at her.
Laura nodded and smiled at Jason gratefully before leaving the kitchen. She quietly made her way to the room that Emily and Kira now shared and was surprised to see that Emily was sound asleep and relaxed. Smiling, Laura sat on Emily's bed and Emily immediately woke. Emily smiled at seeing her.
"Hey, my sweetie," Laura spoke in a kind voice. "I wanted to see how you were doing."
Emily looked thoughtful, "I was thinking about Uncle Jerome," she admitted. "I miss him."
"He's coming today and he'll be close enough that he'll visit lots if we ask him to, I'm sure," Laura replied, also missing Detective Stone too and the closeness she, Emily, and him used to have back when he would care for Emily in Angel Grove. "Maybe you could draw a picture for him."
Emily nodded, "And I miss Zordon, Mommy," she spoke quietly. "I dream about him a lot."
Laura's expression grew somber, "I know you do, baby, because I do too," she admitted in a quiet voice, hoping nobody could overhear them. "Remember what he made us promise that day at the Command Center? You and I can talk about him by ourselves, but not to other people. Only special people can go to that place and you were very special, otherwise he wouldn't have allowed you…"
Emily nodded and took Laura's hands, "Mommy, I had a dream about another man who was really sad," the little girl explained. "His name was Tommy and he's really sad and sick and hurt."
Laura paused, but was prevented from speaking because Jason wandered into the doorway sporting a calm expression on his face, "I called Rocky and he and Dr. Oliver are going to come over soon," Jason announced in a calm voice. "Rocky's thinking of inviting someone. He's gonna call her…"
"Are you my daddy now?" Emily interrupted quietly, looking up at Jason uncertainly.
Jason walked into the room and nodded, "Yeah," he replied. "Detective Stone brought me papers that allow me to become your dad if I wanted to and I signed them, so I'm your dad now. Is that okay?"
Emily nodded, "Can we go out to the yard together, Daddy?" she asked quietly. "I'm awake now."
Jason smiled and Emily climbed out of bed, not hesitating to eagerly drag Jason out of the room. Now alone in the room, Laura got up and made the bed before leaving the room and going to the master bedroom to be alone with her thoughts. After talking with Emily, she suddenly missed Zordon after not thinking of him for a long time. As she closed the door to reflect, she suddenly felt shaky.
Sighing, Laura sat on the bed and exhaled softly. She was tired, but it was more than likely from life and since she and Jason were hosting a party, she needed to snap out of her tiredness soon. Perhaps it would help her to have a nap while everyone was busy. It would only be for an hour or so.
Laura silently moved up to her side of the bed and climbed into it, closing her eyes immediately once she was underneath the warm covers. A tired sigh escaped her lips as she drifted off to sleep.
"Laura?"
Laura sighed tiredly as she opened her eyes and saw Jason sitting on the edge of the bed looking worried, "Oh, Jason," she spoke in a groggy voice. "I just wandered in here and ended up falling asleep. I've been so busy lately what with helping Ziggy recover and the move and Emily…"
"And doing everything else you've been doing," Jason replied gently. "You've been working hard."
Laura nodded and sat up, "Is there something I need to do for the barbecue?" she asked softly.
"Actually, you've been sleeping for a while," Jason replied, smiling. "It's about time to eat. I came in here a few hours ago and saw you sound asleep, so I took over making sure everything was okay with Kat and Malcolm's help. Everyone who came is just hanging out in the backyard right now."
Laura silently got up, "I guess I've been tired lately with the move and everything," she explained in an apologetic tone. "Thanks for picking up the slack, Jason. I really appreciate it. How are you…?"
"I'm okay right now," Jason stated softly, sighing. "I might disappear after dinner, though. Malcolm wants to talk to me some more and we might go for a drive somewhere. He…he wants to."
Laura nodded, noting the sadness in Jason's eyes, "Do you want to talk about it?" she asked softly.
Jason thought for a moment and nodded, "Malcolm…he told me that he knew that he wouldn't be here long because he came here with a prophecy on his head that a son of Zordon would come here for only a short while, be subject to great trials, and then be needed elsewhere in the galaxy," he explained solemnly. "He's a little sad because he didn't expect to marry Kat and have a family…"
Laura looked very solemn at hearing that, "Um, we should try to bring him as much comfort as we can then," she replied in an equally solemn voice. "Until he has to go…"
Jason nodded and the two joined hands before heading out, going through the house, and heading into the backyard. As they sat around the campfire, Laura suddenly felt a darkness overcame her and froze.
"You recognize her, Tommy?" Mesogog asked in a dark voice as an image of Laura appeared before Tommy. "Your expression says that you do and…I can tell by your heart that you…loved her."
Grateful that he was alone and in the safety of his lab, Tommy sighed heavily, "It's not important now," he replied darkly, scowling at the image as Jason suddenly began talking to Laura worriedly because she wasn't responding. "She feels you…and me. How is that possible?"
"You two share a daughter who also has powers and that has created a connection between the three of you," Mesogog hissed. "Laura may not remember that you are the father, and you may not remember that you are the father, but you…are the father of Laura's daughter, Emily. You behaved quite badly while you were under the influence of Rita, Tommy. That's actually when you first met Laura…"
Tommy frowned, taken aback by the news, "You're lying!" he hissed. "If I did something like that…!"
"You did do something like that!" Mesogog hissed darkly. "You did that and you murdered your uncle's own wife with your gem experiments! That makes you the perfect person to serve me because you are damaged and you always will be!"
The image of Laura faded away and Tommy promptly threw up on his floor, prompting Mesogog to vanish. He had a daughter and he had committed a horrible act towards an innocent person to conceive that daughter. The whole thought of it all made Tommy feel sick beyond belief.
"How do I fix this?" Tommy breathed, suddenly feeling like he was in freefall. "How?!"
Tears fell from Tommy's eyes as he stumbled over to his control panel, "There has to be a way to fix this!" he hissed anxiously, staring at the mass of technology he had available to him. "There has to be!"
A vision of Tommy sobbing his heart out flooded Dr. Oliver's mind and caused him to wake with a start. He quickly blinked before realizing he was still in the common area of the care center and had simply fallen asleep there. Mark and Cassie were nowhere to be seen, but that was fine with him.
His appetite was gone and he just wanted to be alone. Sighing heavily, Dr. Oliver began to push himself away from the table and back towards his and Rocky's apartment. He heard footsteps and calls for him to come back, but he ignored them simply because he wanted to be by himself.
When Dr. Oliver finally reached his room, however, he was surprised to find Rocky awake and sitting on the window seat in the living room with his back to the door. The sound of sniffling filled the air.
As Dr. Oliver rolled himself towards Rocky, pain shot through his entire body, causing him to double over and let out a groan of surprise. Alarmed, Rocky turned and immediately ran to Dr. Oliver's side when he saw his mentor and friend doubled over in pain, "Doctor Oliver, what happened?!" he asked in a concerned voice. "What are you doing trying to get yourself around so soon? Where are…?"
"Still in the common area," Dr. Oliver replied weakly, breathing through the pain. "I wasn't hungry and I couldn't find them, though. I…I'm not sure I want to go anywhere today, Rocky, but you should..."
Rocky shook his head, "I can skip the barbecue if you're not well enough to go," he interrupted firmly. "In fact, I can book the kitchen and make us a nice little dinner here instead."
Dr. Oliver sighed heavily, "I should encourage you to go socialize, Rocky, but I'm just very grateful that you're here taking care of me," he replied weakly, slowly straightening up. "I…I think I overdid it and I'm just going to stay in today. Please pass on my apologies to Jason and Laura and the others, will you? I would do it myself, but I think I need to rest. Will you also let Mark and Cassie know?"
Rocky nodded, "Let me help you into your bed first and then I'll go find them, all right?" he replied gently.
Dr. Oliver nodded and silently allowed Rocky to settle him in his bed, "Rocky, before you go, can I ask you a favor?" the older man asked softly, gazing up at Rocky pleadingly. "Give Tommy grace."
Deeply confused, Rocky sat on the edge of Dr. Oliver's bed looking concerned, "Tommy…he caused that earthquake that killed Ms. Appleby and hurt you and a lot of other people," he replied in a concerned voice. "How are you not angry about all of that? How are you so forgiving…?"
"Tommy himself isn't well," Dr. Oliver explained softly, sighing sadly. "I just know he's not. Don't ask me how I know. He hasn't been well for a long time…not since Rita had control of him. Something worse has a hold of him now and he needs help and grace. He doesn't need to be abandoned."
Rocky suddenly looked thoughtful and nodded, "All right," he replied, knowing that Dr. Oliver had greater foresight than he did. "Why don't you sleep for a little while? I'll go get something from the store we can have here tonight, and I'll tell Mark and Cassie that you're not up for visitors right now."
Dr. Oliver nodded gratefully and Rocky quickly made sure the older man was comfortable before he left. As Rocky moved through the common area, he noticed Mark and Cassie seated back at their table with some food, "Um, Mark, Cassie, Doctor Oliver's not feeling well right now, so he's not going to come to the barbecue and I'm going to stay with him," Rocky explained. "I'm just going to run over to the nearby store for something I can make in the kitchen for the two of us…"
"Do you want us to stay too?" Cassie offered worriedly. "We don't have to go…"
Rocky sighed, "They're expecting you both," he replied softly. "Truth be told, I'm struggling a little bit with the idea of being around everyone and their families today anyway, so it's just as well that I don't go. I'll just run over to the store and then just call Jason to let him know I'm not coming."
"Do you want us to stay with Dr. Oliver while you go?" Cassie offered quietly. "He shouldn't be alone."
Rocky sighed heavily before nodding, "I'd appreciate that," he admitted anxiously, frowning. "I don't know what's happening, but Dr. Oliver just seems to be getting weaker every day. He doesn't want to talk about it much, but he has told me he's just not himself anymore."
Mark suddenly looked unusually concerned, as if he was feeling something Cassie or Rocky weren't, but Rocky didn't notice Mark's expression because he was already out the door with his things, "Uh, Cassie, why don't you make some tea for all of us?" Mark suggested softly. "I think I'm just going to meditate for a bit til Rocky gets back."
Cassie nodded and walked over to the kitchenette to make some tea for all of them even though she didn't understand or like the disturbed expression that was now on her husband's face. She knew Mark had powers she didn't understand, and she wondered if he was trying to access them at that moment and what accessing them would mean for them and their future together.
It had started simply because Rocky had chosen to hold the door for someone who had come into the grocery store behind him, a very pretty someone who had a pretty face and dark hair.
That someone had followed him in silence for a few minutes before clearing their throat, causing him to stop in his tracks.
For a moment, Rocky stared at the dark-haired woman who had been following him, suddenly feeling very shy. Elsa, meanwhile, recognized Rocky immediately and knew she had to seal the deal because she could feel he was powerful, and his power could help her and her associates with their plans.
"Hi," Rocky finally allowed himself to say nervously, offering what he hoped was a smile. "Um…"
Elsa smiled, "I wanted to thank you for holding the door for me," she replied in a kind voice, immediately pleased because she could sense great power inside of him. "Not many men behave like gentlemen anymore."
"Oh, well, my family taught me that I should always do that," Rocky said nervously, ignoring the pangs of sadness in his heart that came as he mentioned his lost family. "Be a gentleman, I mean."
Elsa nodded and continued to smile at him, "Well, you can tell them that you were certainly a gentleman today," she replied gently. "You have made my day with your kindness to me."
Rocky's smile suddenly faded and sadness filled his countenance, "I wish I could tell them that, but they all passed away in an accident a while ago," he replied solemnly, sighing. "I'm sorry. I…I need to go. I'm glad I could make your day. It was nice to meet you…"
Overwhelmed, Rocky quickly left his cart behind and made his way to the back of the store. He lingered in a quiet corner, turned his back to the world, and silently wiped his eyes with his hands while allowing himself a moment to grieve over his lost family. Little did, he know, however, that Elsa had followed after him with his forgotten cart in tow and was watching him with great concern.
"Excuse me, sir, are you all right?" Elsa asked in a concerned voice. "You…you forgot your cart and I decided to bring it to you, but then I saw you crying, so I thought I'd check up on you…"
Rocky sighed anxiously and turned to face the woman, "I remember you, actually, now that I think about it," she suddenly spoke, changing her tone to rush the conversation along. "I met you here once before. You got a sandwich and a cobb salad. You called Doctor Oliver your surrogate father. You're Rocky DeSantos, right?"
Rocky blushed, suddenly remembering his previous meeting with Elsa, "I'm sorry I didn't remember you from before," he apologized. "I've just had a lot on my mind lately. I hope you're not offended. Elsa Randall, right?"
Elsa smiled and nodded, "I'm not offended," she replied softly. "I was actually hoping to run into to you again, Rocky. I've got everything arranged for that teaching job for you I spoke to Doctor Oliver about. Why don't we go out to dinner after we're done at the store and discuss it?"
Rocky smiled, "I wish I could, but I promised Doctor Oliver I'd eat supper with him at the apartment tonight," he replied in a tone of regret. "Perhaps, though, if it's appropriate, we can have dinner together sometime during the week?"
Elsa looked amused at Rocky's flirting, "I'd like that," she said softly, smiling. "Um…actually, what are you up to right now? Maybe I could help you."
"I could use some company right now, actually," Rocky admitted in a relieved voice, not wanting to admit that he was currently feeling overwhelmed by Dr. Oliver's worsening condition and the mounting bills. "Thank you."
As evening approached and the sun was beginning to set, lights illuminated Jason and Laura's backyard and the furniture, plates, and food that had been set up to celebrate the family's move to Reefside and Emily's arrival. Once the food was ready, the grill had been shut off, cleaned, and put in the garage, so the sight of it wouldn't upset Jason. Only once the grill was away had Jason come outside and he was now sitting in a comfy lawn chair on the deck next to Malcolm, who was resting on a lawn chair with a blanket over his lap. The two were watching Ethan, Conner, Emily, Kira, Nick, and Ziggy play a game in the grass while Laura played with simple toys nearby.
"Do you want me to see what's taking Kat and Laura?" Jason asked softly, gazing at Malcolm worriedly. "You must be hungry. You haven't eaten much today."
Malcolm sighed tiredly, "Don't tell Kat, but I honestly haven't been very hungry today," he admitted in a solemn voice, frowning at Jason. "I think it's part of the process…the process of me losing my powers. It's part of it, Jason. I got this recited to me in a dream one night not long after the earthquake that rocked Angel Grove: A son of Zordon will be needed to restore a balance that has been broken…"
"Are you sure that's you, though, man?" Jason asked in a concerned voice, frowning at him worriedly.
Before Malcolm could reply, Laura and Katherine wandered into the backyard with Billy, Kim, and Trent in tow, "I guess this is it for tonight," Laura spoke in an apologetic tone. "Everyone else we invited has to work tonight except for Doctor Oliver and he's not feeling well, so Rocky is staying with him. I just got off the phone with Rocky and he let me know."
Jason frowned, deeply worried, but Malcolm got up from his chair, "I don't have much of an appetite for dinner tonight, so maybe I'll go visit with Doctor Oliver while you all eat and give Rocky a break so he can come visit with all of you," Malcolm offered gently. "Besides, I want to talk to him about all of this. He'll understand this better than I do…I think."
Before anyone could reply, Emily got up and ran over to Laura, "Mommy, I'm hungry," she announced softly, hugging Laura. "Are we gonna eat soon?"
Laura swiftly paled while Billy, Kimberly, Kat, and Malcolm all looked astonished at what Emily had just called Laura, "Um, sweetie, do you want to go visit Grandpa Frank and eat dinner with him tonight instead of eating here?" Laura suggested nervously, not daring to look any of them in the eye because she knew she would have to explain herself and she wasn't ready to. "Do you remember him? He lives in Reefside too."
Emily nodded, smiling eagerly as Laura held her close, "Malcolm, do you mind if Emily and I go with you?" Laura asked nervously. "It's been a while since Emily's seen Doctor Oliver, but seeing her might lift his spirits. It might lift mine too…"
"I think we should take dinner to him, actually," Jason spoke up in a concerned voice, knowing he needed to stand by his wife. "Laura, why don't you go get the kids together and I'll get the food together, all right?"
Laura nodded and felt deeply surprised when Jason gently embraced her, "It's okay," he whispered softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," Laura whispered, warmed by Jason's love and support. "Thank you for letting me know that it's okay."
Nodding, Jason offered his wife a reassuring smile as he released her. As Laura went to the grass to gather the kids up, Billy, Kimberly, Kat, and Malcolm all looked at Jason questioningly, "First of all, Emily's not mine," Jason spoke in a low voice. "I just adopted her this morning when Detective Stone brought her and the paperwork here. I also don't know who Emily's biological father is. She told me she was assaulted by an addict friend of her parents, but I am not fully sure that's true. She was assaulted, but she may not remember by who. I feel like Zordon knew who the father of Emily was, and he took those memories from Laura when she became a Power Ranger so she wouldn't be overwhelmed by them. I'm not sure if I'm right, but I…I feel it."
Malcolm nodded, being careful to keep his expression neutral, "Dulcea and Ninjor could have also done it while we were on Phaedos and for the very same reason," he spoke quietly. "It's not something we need to dwell on, though. We just need to be supportive of her as she welcomes Emily back into her life and not judge her for this. What she went through…it seems like it was very a difficult experience for her, and she doesn't need our judgment. She needs compassion and support."
Just then, the kids all filed past them and into the house and Laura came over to them, "They're all going to put something nice on," she explained in a quiet voice, knowing full well that they had discussed her and Emily while she had been getting the kids. "Why isn't the food packed up yet?"
"We were just getting to that," Jason replied in a kind, reassuring voice. "Do you think we should call Rocky and get him to help us surprise Doctor Oliver?"
Silence filled the air and Laura nodded, unsure of what else to do, "Um, why don't I call him?" she suggested nervously, wondering if her old friends were judging her over Emily. "I'll do that now."
"Doctor Oliver, I'm back from the store!" Rocky called out as he entered the apartment he and Dr. Oliver shared with a bag of groceries in his arms. "Mark, Cassie? I'm back from the store!"
To Rocky's surprise, Cassie was sitting alone in the living room and Mark was nowhere to be found, "Mark's talking with Doctor Oliver," Cassie explained as she stood up. "I also got a call from Laura and she's…"
"She's right here," Laura spoke in a nervous voice as she suddenly came into the room with Emily at her side. "I…I was wondering if Doctor Oliver has a moment? I have someone here who wants to see him again."
Rocky eyed Emily, deeply confused, "Wait," he spoke anxiously. "Why does that girl look familiar?"
"Rocky, this is Emily," Laura replied in a nervous voice. "I know she was younger when you and Adam and Doctor Oliver met her, but…"
Rocky's eyes widened in shock, "You got her back?" he asked in a shocked voice. "I thought she had been adopted, though? The police told you that you had to give her up. They said you had to give her up for adoption to those people that Doctor Oliver and Tommy helped you find..."
Laura shook her head, "Those people never did legally adopt her," she admitted solemnly, frowning. "They just fostered her. Detective Stone let me know about that not long ago because they asked me to take her back so they could focus on their biological child. When Detective Stone brought her back to me, Jason legally adopted her as his own and…I told everyone at the barbecue about her…"
"What did they say?" Rocky asked in a concerned voice, frowning. "You didn't have to share your pain with them. It was your personal business. How did they even react to that?"
Laura sighed, "Nobody said anything to my face, but I could hear Jason explaining things to them when I was gathering the kids off the grass," she explained in a distressed voice. "By the way, everyone's here. They're in the dining room setting up dinner. If Doctor Oliver's feeling up to it and if you're feeling up to it, you're invited to join us…"
"I'm sorry we couldn't come over today," Rocky apologized, sighing. "Did a lot of people come to the barbecue?"
Laura sighed, "Billy and Kim were the only ones who showed up and they brought Trent," she admitted softly. "Everyone else, including Detective Stone, said they had to work, but I think Tanya still hates me for hanging out with Adam so much before I gave Emily up. She thought I liked him as more than a friend and I didn't. He was just a good friend, as were you…"
"As was Tommy," Rocky finished in a concerned voice. "You haven't mentioned Tommy at all…"
Laura frowned, "Jason is still very angry at Tommy for what happened on the Moon," she explained in a concerned voice. "I thrust Jason's Morpher at Zedd and ended things, and Jason and Kim blame Tommy for the fact that I went to the Moon at all even though Tommy tried to stop me from going. I just think it's best that we don't mention Tommy in front of Jason or anyone else, all right? That goes for you too, Cassie."
A concerned expression crossed Rocky's face, as he too blamed Tommy for events on the Moon and Dr. Oliver's current condition, but he nodded in agreement, silently promising to keep the peace regarding Tommy because his friend had asked him to do so. Cassie, meanwhile, stood up and sighed tiredly, "I'm going to go see everyone else," she spoke softly. "You said they were in the dining room?"
Laura nodded and Cassie silently left the apartment just as Mark came out of Dr. Oliver's room looking tired, "I thought heard voices out here," Mark spoke shakily. "Where's Cass at? I'm not feeling well. I think I need to go home and rest..."
"Let's go find Cassie so you can go home, then," Rocky offered. "Here, Mark, take my arm. I'll guide you."
Once Rocky and Mark had left the apartment, Laura led Emily into Dr. Oliver's room and saw Dr. Oliver sitting in his wheelchair near the window wearing a simple sweatsuit, dark green shirt, and slippers along with his glasses. He looked terribly thin and tired, and his dark hair was beginning to grey.
"Laura, hello," Dr. Oliver spoke kindly, smiling at her before eyeing Emily, deeply confused. "How are you and who's this?"
Even though she was concerned about how much Dr. Oliver had suddenly aged, Laura forced herself to offer him a smile, "This is Emily, Doctor Oliver," she explained softly. "They never adopted her and gave her back to me. I just got her back this morning and she remembered you and wanted to visit you."
Dr. Oliver's eyes widened in surprise as Emily scooted over to him and quickly gave him a hug, "It's so good to see you again, Emily," he spoke warmly, smiling at her. "You're looking well."
Nodding, Emily gently released Dr. Oliver, "Mommy, where's everyone at?" she asked softly.
"They're in the dining room," Laura replied softly. "Why don't you go in the other room and wait for Uncle Rocky to come back? He'll take you to the dining room when he comes back, okay?"
Emily nodded and went into the other room to wait, "I told everyone about being pregnant with her when I was in high and Jason supported me, but nobody really had anything to say about it," Laura explained in a nervous voice as she sat at Dr. Oliver's desk. "I…I can't remember much of what happened even now. Do you think the memories will eventually come back now that Zordon's gone?"
Dr. Oliver suddenly looked very serious as he looked at Laura, "I don't know, but you shouldn't push yourself to remember it," he spoke firmly. "Zordon saw that experience in your mind when he treated you after Phaedos and he said he didn't want you to recall it because it was very horrific. That's why he blocked it from your memories. He wanted you to focus on the good things in your life and on the good you could do as a Power Ranger. Rita and Zedd tried to undo Zordon's help and that's why you got so sick, remember? You had help and plenty of people willing to babysit Emily in Angel Grove so you could do what you needed to, but now that you have Emily full-time, other children, Jason, and a whole new life to think of, you need to take care of yourself. Leave that part of the past in the past where it belongs. Did Jason agree to take responsibility for Emily legally?"
Laura nodded and Dr. Oliver sighed tiredly, "Then you don't need to worry about who her biological father is," he spoke firmly. "Jason is the only father she needs to know about. Whoever Emily's biological father might be…he's obviously not a good person if Zordon told you to leave the memories of Emily's conception alone. As far as the others not having anything to say, they have not walked in your shoes, and they would be very wrong to hate you for something that was outside of your control. What happened to you was terrible and it was absolutely not your fault. I don't want you blaming yourself or letting others judgment of you or the situation affect how you feel about yourself. All right?"
Nodding, Laura got up and gently gave Dr. Oliver a hug, a hug that he accepted with a smile on his face, "Thank you," she replied in a relieved voice. "I'm going to just focus on my new job tomorrow and not on what everyone thinks of my past."
Before Dr. Oliver could reply, Malcolm came into the room looking tired and holding a small collection of brochures in his hands. He froze at seeing Laura in the room and the brochures promptly slipped from his hands to the floor. Laura quickly hurried to pick them up before Malcolm could react and she frowned when she saw that the brochures were an application for an apartment, medical care, and hospice care forms. She quickly handed the forms back to Malcolm, who looked solemn.
"I'm going to bring the idea of moving in here to Kat when we get home tonight," Malcolm explained softly. "We can't impose on you and Jason until I die. It's not fair to any of you to have to deal with…"
Suddenly, Malcolm sank a bit and placed one hand on his chest and the other hand on his forehead, but Laura quickly grabbed hold of him, "It's getting worse," he breathed weakly. "Thank you for keeping me from falling. I don't know what I would have done if everyone would have come back and found me on the floor. I…I need to sit down. Right now."
Nodding, Laura quickly moved the desk chair close to Dr. Oliver and helped Malcolm sit down in it, "I'm dying," Malcolm spoke weakly, frowning at Dr. Oliver. "Not long after the earthquake, I had this recited to me in a dream, "A son of Zordon will be needed to restore a balance that has been broken…" And then I started getting really sick. I think I'm going to die soon."
Dr. Oliver suddenly looked thoughtful and placed his hand on Malcolm's chest, "I'll give you a little more time to learn what you need to," he replied softly, quickly closing his eyes. "Just relax."
Malcolm obeyed and Laura looked stunned as a mixture of gold and white light emanated from Dr. Oliver into Malcolm's body for the next several minutes. Swallowing hard, Dr. Oliver released Malcolm and Malcolm opened his eyes, "You're the last Guardian Ranger, aren't you?" Malcolm asked softly, frowning at Dr. Oliver. "You…you still have power even without your black gem. Only Guardian Rangers, those who fought to protect the Royal Family in the war, kept their powers…"
"I am," Dr. Oliver replied softly. "And you're starting to remember things too…from your own past. I know you are. Otherwise, you would not have recalled me serving your father's kingdom as a Guardian Ranger."
Malcolm sighed heavily, "I've tried not to, as it's only reminding me of what I'm going to lose here, but at the same time, it's hard to ignore," he admitted solemnly. "Thank you for helping me."
"It's not your time, young prince," Dr. Oliver suddenly replied in a knowing voice, slightly inclining his head as he studied Malcolm curiously. "Not yet. This, you will soon learn for yourself."
Footsteps suddenly filled the air and Emily looked towards the door as Jason suddenly poked his head into the room. He immediately grew worried when he saw Malcolm seated in a chair close to Dr. Oliver looking unusually tired while Dr. Oliver looked unusually determined, and almost protective of Malcolm.
"What happened?" Jason asked in a worried voice. "Why do you look so tired, Malcolm?"
Malcolm sighed, "My legs gave out briefly and I also had a little headache and trouble breathing, but Laura caught me before I fell and got me into a chair," he replied tiredly. "Don't tell anyone. I don't want to ruin the dinner for Doctor Oliver. I'll just rest my eyes here while you all enjoy yourselves."
"You should see a doctor, man," Jason argued in a concerned voice. "Doctor Oliver, is one on duty here at night? Maybe they could…"
Malcolm sighed tiredly and showed the pamphlets to Jason, "I'm thinking about moving in here, actually," he admitted solemnly. "We've imposed on your family enough…"
"You are also my family," Jason replied firmly, scowling at Malcolm. "And I won't give up on you just because your body might be giving up on you. The dinner can wait. Doctor Oliver, is there…?"
Dr. Oliver nodded, "I can use the phone to call for the building's medical services," he offered softly.
Not wanting to be a bother to anyone, Malcolm sighed irritably, but chose to stay quiet and accept help instead of protesting because he knew Jason and Dr. Oliver were getting him help because they cared about him, "Jason, can you get me the phone, please?" Dr. Oliver asked softly. "I'll call for the medical services."
"Do you want me to go find Kat?" Laura asked softly. "She's your wife, Malcolm. She should know that you're not feeling well."
Malcolm nodded and was about to speak when he suddenly passed out in the chair. Dr. Oliver quickly pressed the emergency call button that was on the wall near his wheelchair while Laura ran to find Kat and Jason tried to wake Malcolm, alarmed that his cousin had passed out without any warning.
"You didn't tell me your uncle still had powers!" Mesogog hissed angrily. "I thought the black gem was it!"
Anger and confusion surged through Tommy as he stood in his lab, silently studying the power of the gems on his computer. He knew they had been given away, but he didn't know who had them now. He had thought his former friends would still have them, but they were now gone. All he had left was the gem he had taken from his uncle, but it seems his uncle was not so powerless after all…
"I didn't know about his other powers!" Tommy hissed darkly, saving his data on the gems. "If I had…!"
Mesogog snarled and promptly sent a wave of pain through Tommy's body, causing him to grab his chest, "Look at the screen!" Mesogog hissed angrily. "Your uncle is the last Guardian Ranger!"
Tommy turned towards the viewing screen just in time to see it light up and reveal Dr. Oliver touch Malcolm's chest and cause it to light up with gold and white energy, "And Malcolm is the lost son of Zordon that was sent here after the Great Galactic War!" Mesogog hissed angrily. "He must be destroyed before he can return to his mother's world to restore the disrupted balance!"
"Where is Malcolm now?" Tommy asked in a dark voice. "And where is my uncle now?"
The screen switched to a view of a bedroom in what appeared to be an apartment. Malcolm was laying unconscious on a gurney being seen to by paramedics while Dr. Oliver and Jason watched worriedly. As paramedics were getting ready to take Malcolm out of the room, Laura came into the room with Kat and Tommy felt both anger and love fill his heart. He had truly cared for Laura in their younger years and had stood by her during the times she had struggled with Emily, but they had ultimately grown apart after Billy's fake death and she had chosen Jason over him. Now that he knew Emily was his daughter, however, Tommy felt himself wishing that things could have been different between him and Laura even if it had hurt Jason in the process. He also found himself very angry at everyone else who had turned their back on him after the events on the Moon, as that was not his fault. Laura had chosen to go and strike Zedd with Jason's Morpher to end the fight, but he had taken the blame in silence. He alone had suffered for years, and he would now make everyone pay…
"Your feelings for Laura Scott are obvious," Mesogog suddenly spoke. "As is your anger against…"
Tommy scoffed, "She took my daughter from me and is allowing my enemy to raise her," he hissed darkly, unable to keep himself from hating Jason because he, not Jason, should be raising Emily. "I'm angry at her, but I cannot forget what we had. What Rita let us have. And what we can have again once I eliminate what stands in my way…"
"Jason is protected by the Son of Zordon and those who carry the other gems," Mesogog hissed darkly. "And the Guardian Ranger. Once you find out who carries the other gems, I will give you the power to eliminate them all…"
Tommy chuckled darkly, "When they're gone, I will take what should have been mine," he hissed.
"You may have an easier time getting to Laura than you think," a voice suddenly spoke from behind.
Tommy turned and was stunned to see Elsa standing in his lab sporting a smirk on her face, "She's going to be teaching English at Reefside High School starting tomorrow and you can always befriend her there," Elsa explained in a menacing voice. "I know a part of her still wants to be your friend, so take advantage of that. I'll allow it as long as it doesn't distract from you finding the other gems and the keepers of them. You have a great deal of potential, Tommy. Don't squander it."
As Elsa teleported out of the lab to go take care of the plans she had in place in case Tommy failed to live up to her end of their agreement, Tommy turned back to the screen and his frown deepened when he saw Malcolm conscious and lying in a hospital bed in a room where Jason, Dr. Oliver, Kat, Billy, and Kim were. Just then, Laura came in and Tommy immediately noticed that Billy and Kim were acting like Laura shouldn't be there and even inching away from her as if she were bad news, but Kat, Jason, and Dr. Oliver seemed to be fine with her being there. Laura said a few things to the group before leaving the room again in silence with tears falling down her face.
Tommy's eyes narrowed, unable to keep himself from getting mad at the fact that Billy and Kim seemed to be judging Laura over Emily. He knew Laura had told them about Emily. He didn't have to even ask. He could tell that she had told them, and they were judging her for it. They had no right to act like they were better than Laura, Tommy thought bitterly. He would make them pay.
And he would begin by attacking Billy's pride and joy, the schools that Billy had poured his life into.
"Laura!" Jason called out anxiously, quickly moving towards the door. "Malcolm, I'm sorry, but Laura needs me…"
Malcolm, who was appalled that Billy and Kim had acted like Laura didn't belong there, nodded and Jason quickly raced after his wife. Kat, meanwhile, gave Billy and Kim a look, "I think Malcolm needs rest," she spoke in a firm voice. "And I don't think you need to visit him til you come to your senses."
Kim frowned, but Malcolm sighed tiredly, "I don't have the energy to yell at you both for your really rude behavior, otherwise I would," he spoke tiredly, frowning at the two of them. "And I seldom yell. I also think my wife is right. I think you both need to leave and not visit me again til you apologize to my sister-in-law. Do you think she asked for what happened to her when she was a teenager?!"
Taken aback by Malcolm's anger, Billy and Kim exchanged a look and silently left, "Now, when can I get out of here?" Malcolm asked tiredly. "I passed out, but…"
"You're staying overnight," Kat replied softly. "And I saw the pamphlets in your hands. Are you looking into us moving here?"
Malcolm sighed tiredly, but nodded, "I'm not going to get better, Kat," he admitted softly. "I…"
"Jason's got paramedic training to help you with your medical stuff whenever you need help and I like the idea of us being surrounded by support while we're dealing with this, whatever it is," Kat interrupted in a concerned voice. "As nice as it was to visit Doctor Oliver and Rocky at those apartments, I don't like the idea of us living here. The entire place seems rather hospital-like. I'd rather you be somewhere you're going to be comfortable, like at home with your family…"
Malcolm frowned, "Doctor Oliver and Rocky seem comfortable enough here," he replied tiredly.
"Doctor Oliver suffered permanent injuries in that earthquake that seriously damaged about 80 to 85 percent of Angel Grove and he's never going to walk again," Kat explained in a concerned voice. "He needs a place like this to help him with recovery. Rocky also sees Doctor Oliver as the only real family he has left and he feels responsible for taking care of him, so he's going to stay by his side and help him even if it's not an easy thing for him to do. When I was in Rocky and Doctor Oliver's apartment, I noticed a stack of bills on the coffee table. I think Rocky's struggling with the situation, but feels he has to handle everything by himself…"
Malcolm sighed tiredly, "Everyone's just hurting and struggling so much right now," he replied sleepily. "I wish there was something we could do to help everyone get along."
Kat silently climbed up on the bed beside him, "I think, right now, the best thing you can do is get some sleep and let the doctors run tests on you in the morning," she spoke softly, cuddling him gently. "I asked Laura to get the kids home safely. She said she would. I hope she's okay…"
"Can you call home after I'm asleep?" Malcolm asked tiredly. "Check on them all?"
Kat nodded and gently kissed Malcolm's face. As Malcolm drifted off, Kat gave him a gentle hug and got up off of the bed to call Jason, hoping that he, Laura, and the kids were all right.
Rocky's heart sank as he stood outside of the apartments, silently watching as Jason's vehicle and Billy's vehicle drove off in separate directions. The dinner had ended early due to Malcolm's illness and a fight that Billy and Kim had apparently started with Laura, and everyone was either angry or sad. Rocky, however, couldn't get anyone to talk about the fight. He only knew people were angry.
And that made Rocky hurt. He was hurt because other people were hurting, and he was also hurt because people weren't explaining what exactly happened so he could be of help. Billy and Kim had simply told him to stay out of it, Laura hadn't spoken at all, and Jason had just said Billy and Kim had been rude to Laura, so they were going to go home. Everyone had then left, and Dr. Oliver had returned to his room in silence, requesting to be left alone for the rest of the evening so he could rest. Rocky had tried to follow everyone outside in an attempt to get an explanation, but nobody had given him one and he was now feeling hurt and left out. He felt like nobody wanted him to be their friend anymore and were slowly pushing him out of their lives even though they knew he had very few people in his life since his family was killed. Was he really destined to be the forgotten one?
Sighing tiredly, Rocky sat on the bench that was in the outdoor courtyard and gazed up at the stars with a pained expression on his face. He had struggled with feeling forgotten as a Zeo Ranger when Jason had come to the team, but he thought they had settled their differences. Now, with this latest conflict and him being left on the outside of it, he wasn't so sure where he stood with Jason and his family anymore. Was his help and his care ever going to be enough for anyone?
"Rocky?"
Rocky looked down just in time to see Elsa climb out of a car holding a large takeout bag, "Oh, Elsa, hi," he spoke nervously, smiling for the first time since seeing her at the grocery store. "Um…"
"Did you and Doctor Oliver already have supper?" Elsa asked curiously. "I just finished my errands for the day, and I thought I'd bring you two something from a place I know of that's downtown…"
Rocky sighed, "Doctor Oliver's actually not up for company and asked to be left alone tonight," he lied nervously, not wanting to get into talking about the disastrous evening. "I'm, uh, just out getting some air before I get some rest myself. I'm kind of nervous about school Monday."
"I think you'll be a good teacher," Elsa spoke in a reassuring tone. "You're very kind and gentle."
Rocky smiled as his eyes travelled to the takeout bag, "And very hungry," he admitted softly. "The dinner Doctor Oliver and I were supposed to have kinda got disrupted, so I never got anything to eat. That takeout smells amazing. Maybe we could share it?"
Pleased that her plan to seduce Rocky, whom she suspected of also having powers that the gem holders did not, was working, Elsa smiled and nodded, "I'd enjoy that very much," she replied softly, offering the bag to him as she walked over to the bench. "Perhaps I can tell you a bit about Reefside High while we eat so you won't be so nervous when you show up for work tomorrow?"
"I'd like that," Rocky admitted nervously as he stood up. "Let me show you to a table where we can enjoy our dinner. It's not too cold out, so we can eat out here if you want. If it's too cold outside for you, they have tables inside the building that we can use too…"
Elsa smiled, "We'll keep each other warm just fine out here," she replied sweetly. "Shall we?"
"Can I escort you to the table for dinner then, my lady?" Rocky asked, offering his arm to Elsa.
Letting out a giggle, Elsa nodded and took Rocky's arm, "Of course, kind sir," she replied, deeply amused.
The moment Laura and Jason got back to the house with all of the kids, Laura immediately busied herself making sure that Ethan, Conner, Emily, Kira, Nick, and Ziggy in their rooms for the night while she settled Little Laura to sleep in the travel crib that Malcolm and Kat kept in the living room and kept the baby monitor in the kitchen.
Once everyone was settled for the night, she got to work making school lunches for all of the kids who would be going to school and for herself. As she worked in the kitchen, Jason wandered in and watched her with an expression of concern on his face.
"Do you want to talk?" Jason asked in a concerned voice. "You didn't talk at all after we left the…"
Laura sighed irritably, "Because I'm very angry and I'm very hurt, Jason, and I didn't want the kids to see all of that," she replied firmly. "I simply shut down and pretended like things were fine, just like I used to do back when Ashley and I were in Los Angeles or when I was struggling in Angel Grove…"
Tears filled Laura's eyes, and she silently hugged herself, "I thought I was close with Billy and Kim," she continued in a shaky voice. "I didn't think I would suddenly become trash to them just because I was assaulted when I was a teenager and had a baby from that. I…I don't know who the father is, but…"
"I felt like you didn't," Jason replied in a comforting voice as he gently embraced his upset wife. "I don't think you actually remember who hurt you, but even so, having such a terrible experience doesn't make you trash. You're actually very brave and I love you. I don't care what Billy or Kim thinks about it or you. They were my friends, but you are my wife. I made promises to love, protect, and cherish you above all else for better or for worse. And I'm not going to break that promise, Laura Leigh Scott."
Comforted by Jason's warmth, Laura exhaled softly, "I love you too, Jason Lee Scott," she replied softly. "What are you going to do tomorrow while the kids and I are at school? I worry…"
When silence was the only reply Laura got, she turned and saw Jason looking solemn, "I'm not sure yet, actually," he admitted softly. "I'm thinking of maybe seeing if I can get in to see a therapist to talk about things I went through when I was away from Angel Grove. I realized last night, when I struggled with being able to light the grill to cook dinner, that I need to talk to someone about what happened to me. I can't solve those problems on my own, but I need to also be around to help Malcolm…"
Laura nodded, "Do you want something to eat before you go to bed?" she asked softly. "I'm making lunches for the kids and I anyway, so I don't mind making you something. Dinner kind of got ruined and I don't really feel like eating, but if you're hungry…"
"No, I'm okay, but I'll help you with the lunches so you're not up so late," Jason offered kindly.
For the next several moments, Jason and Laura worked together to finish the school lunches and store them in the fridge. When they were finished, they cleaned up the kitchen together, turned off the lights, locked the house up, and then took Little Laura to their bedroom in the travel crib so they wouldn't wake her from sleep.
As Little Laura continued to sleep, Laura and Jason got ready for bed and then Laura turned the light off. Then, the two of them lay together, holding each other in the darkness and trying to forget all the terrible things that had happened that evening even though it was hard to. Slowly but surely, however, the two of them drifted off to sleep in each other's arms.
Little did they know, unfortunately, that their troubles were only just beginning…