"Welcome back, Malcolm," Ms. Appleby said as Malcolm and Jason entered her classroom a few days later both in jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. Malcolm smiled and took his backpack from Jason's hands.
Malcolm nodded, "I'm sorry that I wasn't here to present my paper on the importance of peace to how we live our lives," he replied in a regretful tone. "I worked on it while I was home sick, though."
"Well, our class is shorter today because of the interviews for the Peace Conference," Ms. Appleby said in a gentle voice, knowing that she had only a short video on peace to entertain the class. "Why don't you take your seat and after I take attendance, you can present your paper to the class?"
Malcolm nodded and silently went to his desk. He sat down and quickly got the duotang out of his backpack that contained the paper he had worked very hard on just as Aisha, Rocky, Adam, Kimberly, Trini, Billy, Tommy, and Zack came into the classroom all dressed in their best outfits. They all smiled at Ms. Appleby as they quickly took their seats.
A moment later, Bulk and Skull entered the room, but Skull said nothing and merely went to his seat; he looked slightly drained and confused, but rather healthy.
A few more students came in just as the bell rang, "Good morning, class," Ms. Appleby said in a gentle voice as she closed the door and quickly took attendance. "Since our class will be short this morning because of the interviews and the demonstrations today, Malcolm Lee Scott will present his paper on the importance of peace to our lives. Malcolm, do you feel up to standing before the class?"
"Yes ma'am," Malcolm replied as he slowly got up from his desk and carried his duotang to the front of the room and opened it. He pulled out a small framed picture and set it on Ms. Appleby's desk for everyone to look at; it was a photo of him with his parents in front of the Crystal Valley dojo. "When I first thought of this paper, I couldn't help but think of my parents and their desire to teach me how to resolve situations peacefully. Because I used to solve situations with fighting, my father taught me about martial arts and also about how words can solve troublesome situations better than fighting."
For a moment, Malcolm was silent and Jason was worried that sharing the things that his parents had retrieved from Crystal Valley had been a bad idea, "Although my parents are no longer alive, I intend on maintaining the values of peacekeeping they taught me by using them on a daily basis," Malcolm said in a solemn, yet clear voice. "The martial arts demonstration Rocky and I are putting on this afternoon is merely to show how peace can be achieved if people with common interests work together. I agreed to the demonstration because my parents would not want me to waste my gifts; they would want me engaging in activities that promote unity and peace. To me, peace means creating unity based on common goals and preserving it in ways that will better humankind as we know it. Thank you."
"Very nice, Malcolm," Ms. Appleby said in a pleasant voice as the class clapped. "I am very much looking forward to the demonstrations you, Rocky, Jason, and Tommy are putting on for both the school and the interviewers this afternoon. While we're on the subject, is anyone else putting on a display this week?"
The entire class raised their hands, "While all of you are eager to show the best of Angel Grove High to the interviewers, I also remind you that it is important for ALL of you to be on your best behavior," Ms. Appleby said as she glared at Bulk and Skull. "Does anyone else have anything to share?"
Skull nodded and raised his hand as he reached into his backpack and pulled out a binder filled with papers, "Can I turn in some homework even though it's overdue?" he asked in a nervous voice, ignoring the shocked looks he was getting from the rest of the class. "I've been kind of sick lately and I couldn't do a whole lot except rest in bed. Anyway, could I hand it in and maybe get a passing grade?"
At a loss for words, Ms. Appleby walked over to Skull's desk and took the binder from his hand, "I'll look this over and let you know in a few days," she said as she tucked the binder under her arm. "Well, since nobody has anything else to share, we're going to watch a video about ways to promote peace."
As Ms. Appleby returned to the front of the room, Malcolm placed his duotang on the teacher's desk, picked up his picture, and quietly returned to his seat to conserve his energy. Jason exchanged a quick look with Kimberly, Billy, Trini, and Tommy; obviously Skull had also been affected by Zedd's spell.
"...Will Jason Lee Scott, Trini Kwan, Kimberly Hart, Billy Cranston, Zack Taylor, Eugene Skullovitch, and Adam Park please report to the office for their interviews?" a brisk voice said over the intercom.
As Jason, Kimberly, Trini, Billy, and Zack left the gym, Tommy turned his attention to Rocky, who was wearing a black karate gi complete with a black belt, "Didn't you and Aisha sign up to be interviewed for the Peace Conference?" he asked, seeing the nervousness on Rocky's face.
"Aisha and I got here early this morning and Mr. Caplan let us have our interviews before school started," Rocky replied as he looked over to where the custodial staff was setting up a ring of mats for the martial arts demonstrations that would take place after the lunch hour ended. "I ate my lunch about ten minutes ago and decided to get changed since our demonstration is first this afternoon."
Tommy nodded and sighed, "I should probably get changed so that I can do proper warm-ups when Jason gets done with his interview," he replied. "I had my interview in second period, but I'm not sure that I'm what they're looking for. They said that they need delegates with a form of stability."
"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that," Rocky replied in a mournful tone. "Who are you living with anyway?"
Tommy sighed, "My parents sent me to Angel Grove to live with my uncle about a year ago to get me away from their troubled marriage," he replied softly. "My Uncle Frank is actually the counselor at Angel Grove High and I talk with him sometimes when I've had a bad day or when I feel overwhelmed."
"I don't think I could talk to any counselors about what I went through while I was a prisoner of Lord Zedd and that freaky witch, Rita," Rocky replied quietly. "I wouldn't want to break my promise."
Nodding, Tommy suddenly frowned and sighed, "I'm not going to go into details, but you might want to talk to Malcolm about that," he replied in a quiet voice. "Hey, where is Malcolm at, anyway?"
"Some guy came by at the beginning of lunch hour and he's in the locker room with Malcolm right now," Rocky said in a concerned voice. "He's been gone for a while, though. Maybe we should check on him?"
Tommy nodded and followed Rocky towards the boys' locker room; hopefully, Malcolm was okay.
"Uncle Thomas, you didn't have to buy me anything," Malcolm said as he took the box from Thomas, who was smiling despite the uncomfortable suit he was wearing. "It's only going to be a simple match."
Thomas chuckled and crossed his arms, "I didn't buy it," he replied in a gentle voice. "It was the martial arts outfit that your father wore when he was the age you are now. It's the first time you're engaging in something to do with martial arts since your parents passed away and I thought this would give you the confidence you need to do your best. Your father would be very proud of you if he were here today."
"Thanks," Malcolm replied tonelessly, suddenly unable to control the sorrow he was feeling over missing his parents and the way they died. Tears suddenly escaped his eyes and he quickly turned away.
Thomas watched him silently for a moment and then gently pulled Malcolm into a hug, "I guess having the flu made me a little more emotional than I used to be," Malcolm commented as they pulled apart and he saw Tommy and Rocky enter the room. "I never, ever used to cry about anything at all."
"Uh, did we interrupt something?" Rocky asked, unaware of who the bigger man was.
Tommy, however, smiled, "Hi Mr. Lee Scott, how are you?" he asked kindly, smiling at Thomas.
"I'm fine, Tommy," Thomas replied, smiling at Tommy. "I just came by to visit Malcolm before…"
Rocky suddenly looked embarrassed, "You're Malcolm's uncle and Jason's dad?" he asked.
"Yes," Thomas replied in an amused voice. "I brought Malcolm a uniform to wear this afternoon."
Tommy suddenly looked intrigued, "Go ahead and see if it fits you," Thomas said in an encouraging voice, pleased that Malcolm liked the gift. "You are a Lee Scott and you deserve to wear it."
Nodding, Malcolm silently carried the box into the changing area, "Poor kid seems so nervous about today," Thomas commented in a sympathetic voice. "He'll be okay, though; he's much like his father."
There was an awkward silence and Rocky coughed, "I hope Malcolm knows that I didn't mean to tease him so much when I first transferred here," he said in an apologetic voice. "I didn't know about…"
"Rocky, would you please not bring that up again?" Malcolm's voice filtered out of a cubicle.
The cubicle door opened and a moment later, Malcolm came into the common area wearing a black karate gi and a black belt tied around his waist. The collar of the karate gi had special symbols on it.
"You remind me so much of your father when he was your age," Thomas commented, fighting back emotion at seeing Malcolm wearing his brother's karate outfit. "Did you have something to eat?"
Malcolm nodded, "Ms. Appleby's class was short, so I grabbed something from the cafeteria about an hour ago," he replied softly. "After the match, I might go to the Youth Center and see if Ernie needs any help doing anything. I've been thinking about it and maybe I should get an after school job."
"What if you get selected to go to the Peace Conference?" Rocky asked. "I know you signed up for an interview and Jason did too. If you go to Switzerland, how can you get a job in Angel Grove?"
The calm look on Malcolm's face suddenly melted into a frown, "I won't be going to Switzerland and I don't even have a shot at it anymore," he replied in a solemn voice as he looked at the floor. "The interviewers were given information about the students who signed up to help them decide who would be best at attending the Peace Conference. When they read the information on me, I guess the fact that I was recently orphaned because of a car crash disturbed them and I got a letter from them about their concerns while I was out sick; they thanked me for my interest, but had to refuse me an interview."
Thomas looked disgusted at hearing that, but Malcolm spoke before anyone else could, "If you guys could just keep this a secret from Jason, I'd appreciate it," he said in a soft voice. "He's in his interview right now and I want him to stay focused. I just want to get through the demonstration this afternoon."
"We should warm up," Rocky suddenly said, knowing that Malcolm wouldn't want to dwell on the negative because it would take away from the match. "Tommy, would you come and spot us?"
Tommy nodded and Thomas followed after the three boys out of the quiet locker room to watch them.
"I can't believe those Power Rangers and their love for peace!" Rita yelled, disgusted by the scene she had just witnessed in her telescope. "I should send some Putties down to disrupt their match!"
Suddenly, there was a loud boom, "Mother, those incompetent servants of yours have damaged the monsters Finister created just the other day," Zedison said as he came storming into the throne room holding a trembling Finster by one of his large ears. "We only have Putties at our disposal right now."
"Zedison, I want you to disguise yourself as a teenager and stalk that pesky Black Ranger," Rita said in a menacing voice as she turned to face her son. "The rest of the Power Rangers are all excited about that Peace Conference and the Black Ranger wasn't even invited to try for it. He will want to be alone."
Zedison nodded and quickly transformed into a tall, thin young man that was dressed in black sweats, black boots, and a black sweatshirt who had glasses and slicked back hair. Rita nodded approvingly.
"I will join you when you have cornered Malcolm," Rita said menacingly. "Now get out of here!"
Zedison bowed, released Finster's ear, and swiftly walked out of the room to head to the Earth.
"…How's the match going?" Jason asked as he climbed the crowded bleachers and took an empty seat next to where Billy, Kimberly, Tommy, Adam, and Aisha were sitting. "The interview took a really long time and the interviewers were impressed with everything I had to say. They made me a finalist and want me to come to this class that they're holding for interview finalists in about an hour."
Tommy frowned, "It's almost time for the last bell to ring," he replied in a hushed voice, as he didn't want to distract Malcolm and Rocky from their match. "What about our demonstration, Jason?"
"Oh, Mr. Caplan called it off because of how long Malcolm and Rocky's match is taking," Jason replied in a cheerful voice. "Apparently, the whole school is enjoying this more than they would enjoy a demo."
Kimberly frowned and looked past Jason, "Where are Trini and Zack at?" she asked in a concerned voice.
"They're still being interviewed," Jason replied, unaware that a disguised Zedison had just entered the gym and was watching the match from near the gym door. "I think they'll be made finalists too."
Suddenly, a whistle sounded and Jason turned his attention back to the mats just in time to see a tired looking Malcolm and Rocky bow to Mr. Anderson and to each other. Loud applause filled the gym.
"Atta boy, Malcolm!" Jason heard his father shout in an excited voice. "You have the Lee Scott spirit!"
As the dismissal bell rang, Jason stood and hurried down the bleachers over to where Malcolm was, "Malcolm, Dad, I have a meeting in an hour," he said in an excited voice. "I was made a finalist."
"That's cool," Malcolm replied softly. "I'm going over to the Juice Bar to see if I can help Ernie with the after school rush today. You mentioned the other day that it gets kind of busy so I'm going to help him."
Having overheard Malcolm's last comment, Thomas smiled as he and Helen came over to the boys, "I suppose that's all right as long as you find time to do your homework," he said in a gentle voice.
"Cool, thank you," Malcolm replied in a nervous voice, smiling at them before hurrying out of the gym.
Thomas and Helen exchanged a look, "After I'm done at the meeting, why don't we go by the Youth Center, pick up Malcolm, and go to dinner as a family?" Jason suggested. "It's Friday, after all."
Jason's parents nodded and smiled as Jason waved to Kim and Tommy, who descended the bleachers and left together. Jason then smiled at Billy, Aisha, and Adam before turning back to his parents. He was unaware that the disguised Zedison had left the gym right behind Malcolm, determined to trap him.
Angel Grove will soon be cold. Malcolm thought as he walked across the sand towards the rocks that people often sat on when they came to the beach and didn't swim. I wonder if it will snow THIS year.
As he took a seat on the rock closest to him, Malcolm zipped up the jacket that Jason had given him to wear that he had gotten from his locker before escaping the school to be alone with his thoughts. He would no doubt get into trouble later for lying about his whereabouts, but that didn't matter now.
"All alone with nowhere to run," a dark voice suddenly said, causing Malcolm to get to his feet and turn around. He saw a young man with glasses there and was horrified when Zedison suddenly appeared.
Zedison cackled, "Where are your little Power Ranger friends, Malcolm?" he asked menacingly.
Malcolm said nothing and immediately reached for his Morpher, which was hidden under the sleeve of his jacket on his left wrist. However, as he pushed his sleeve up, he was suddenly knocked to the ground by a large staff. The Morpher flew off his wrist and landed in the sand near Zedison's black shoed feet.
"Did you think it was going to be that EASY?!" Rita cackled as Malcolm winced and looked up at her.
Placing a hand on his chest, Malcolm slowly got to his feet and faced both Rita and Zedison. Rita cackled, waved her staff, and six Putties promptly appeared. Zedison picked up the Morpher and chuckled softly.
Can I please have some thoughts on how y'all like the story?