"…Check on our guest, young one."

"…He looks very pale; will he be all right?"

Billy opened his eyes and immediately found his vision blurred; for a moment, he wondered what had happened to his glasses and then pain shot through his head and body, causing him to groan loudly.

"Our stranger is awake," a gentle accent suddenly said. "Go and sit with him; take him his glasses."

Billy suddenly heard movement and felt his glasses being placed over his eyes, immediately correcting his vision. He saw a young African girl who dressed in a colorful tribal dress and bandana with a small triangle-shaped rock on a string around her neck standing over him. The girl gave him a gentle smile.

"How are you feeling?" the girl asked in a gentle voice as she knelt down beside where he was laying.

Billy frowned, "Where am I?" he asked, wincing as he tried to sit up. "My head and my chest really hurt."

"You hit your head when you slipped and fell," the girl replied. "You also hurt some of your ribs."

Unable to ignore the pain, Billy forced himself to lay back and was surprised to find that he was on some sort of a ground level bed and, moving the blanket, he found that his ribs had been bandaged up and that his shirt was gone. He was covered with large quilts that looked handmade, but very comfy.

"My name is Tanya," Tanya said, frowning at how much pain he seemed to be in. "The tribal healer found you hurt and brought you back to our camp. You've been asleep in this bed for three days."

Billy nodded and immediately winced, "You should rest some more and I will be here if you wake again," Tanya said in the same gentle voice. "Maybe if you feel better this evening, you can try to eat a bit."

Even though he knew he had to hurry and finish the task Zordon gave him, Billy couldn't help but find more rest appealing, especially considering the amount of pain he was in. As he closed his eyes again, Tanya gave him a reassuring smile and silently left the room so that he could sleep peacefully.

"He is sleeping again, Healer," Tanya said in a low voice as she approached a table where an elderly African woman sat with a young girl who was wearing a tribal dress and similar colored scrunchie that pulled back her dark, corn-braided hair. "I told him to rest and that he could eat later this evening."

The elderly woman nodded and Tanya edged closer to the table, "Healer, what about that strange coin the man had in his pocket?" she asked in a curious voice. "Do you think it might help him feel better?"

"It's got a symbol of a wolf on it," the other girl said in a quiet voice. "Does that mean he's brave?"

Tanya touched the coin and immediately began to feel as if her heart were on fire, "Healer, this man needs help that I think I can provide," she said, giving the elderly woman and a little girl a glance.

"Aisha, can you help Tanya?" the elderly woman asked as she looked to the other little girl.

For a moment, Aisha was silent and then she touched the coin; a warm feeling entered her heart.

"That's Billy in there," Aisha said, the memories of her past and days as a Power Ranger suddenly returning to her with such intensity. "He has come to us to accomplish something important."

Violent Freak. Mute Loner. Anorexic Hobo. Laura thought as she sat at her bedroom desk surrounded by open textbooks and a notebook. School had been long, hard, and trying that day and Laura was happy to be back in the bedroom designated hers at Dr. Oliver's house; it was truly a safe and secure zone for her.

Even being in most of the same classes as Rocky, Adam, Tommy, Jason, Katherine, Malcolm, and Zack, Laura knew that she was alone at Angel Grove High, especially now. Ever since she had tried to beat up Bulk, most of the students regarded her as a freak and shunned her. Bulk also continued to tease her.

It was nearly five in the afternoon and, although Laura had finished most of her homework nearly half an hour ago, she preferred to stay in her bedroom. Ms. Appleby's essay wasn't due until the next week and Laura planned to blow it off anyway, as she didn't have a hero in her life; she was alone and fragile.

Knock, knock, knock.

Laura remained quiet as she got up from her desk and walked over to her backpack that sat on her bed with spray paint on it; the result of either Bulk himself or those who listened to Bulk spread rumors about her, her past, and her fight with him. Her locker had gotten the same spray paint job earlier.

Letting out a quiet sigh, Laura dumped the books out of her bag on to the bed and tossed the backpack on the floor to never be used again, "Please just go away," she said in an annoyed voice. "I'm tired."

Footsteps moved away from the door and, relieved, Laura got up and walked over to the door. She opened it and stepped out, unaware that someone with sock feet was sneaking up behind her.

A hand went down on her shoulder and Laura screamed loudly, "Hey, it's just me," Tommy's gentle voice spoke up from behind. "I was trying to get you to come out of your room cause I was worried."

Laura turned and glared at Tommy, "I thought you were going to the Youth Center with David after school today," she said in an irritated voice. "I told your uncle that I was going to the hospital with Adam to take Skull his homework so that nobody would think to bother me here. I have homework to do."

"My uncle's a lot smarter than you give him credit for," Tommy replied, cracking a smile. "He figured you were going to come back here to be by yourself, so he asked me to check on you. David and I were going to the Youth Center to watch Jason's class anyway and maybe you'd like to come with us too?"

Laura sighed, "No thanks, I'm not going to the Youth Center," she replied, having had enough shunning and torment for one day. "I'm assuming that you've heard the rumors Bulk's been spreading?"

"I have," David suddenly cut in as he came down the hallway. "They are just rumors."

Tommy frowned, "Why haven't you told any teachers that Bulk's making things so hard for you?" he asked in a worried voice. "I didn't think Bulk would keep teasing you after you tried to fight him."

"He spray painted my locker and wrecked my backpack," Laura replied standoffishly.

David and Tommy exchanged a look, "It might be a good idea for you to take Jason's class so you become better at standing up for yourself," Tommy commented. "Martial arts helps people to develop self-confidence and Jason's a really patient teacher; he would be more than happy to have you there."

"I've always wanted to learn martial arts," Laura replied, suddenly intrigued. "Could I really?"

Tommy nodded, pleased to see Laura looking so eager, "My uncle already said it was okay and he says he'll come by the Youth Center after he finishes some work at the school," he said in an upbeat voice.

"All right," Laura replied, secretly grateful that someone seemed to care about her. "Let's go."

Soft classical music filled Adam's ears as he stepped off the elevator and on to the Oncology floor where Skull had told him to meet him with the day's homework. Since Skull wasn't able to attend school anymore due to his weak immune system, he had asked Mr. Caplan to send someone to tutor him and Adam had readily volunteered after Mr. Caplan had been unable to get in contact with Billy.

"Excuse me, I'm here to meet a patient," Adam said in a kind voice as he approached the desk where a nurse sat working on a computer. "His name is Eugene Skullovitch and he's got a treatment today…"

The nurse nodded and pointed down the hallway, "Room Five," she said in a bored voice.

Seeing that the nurse didn't look too interested in helping him, Adam silently made his way down the hallway until he found the closed door to Room Five. The music he had heard earlier seemed to be coming from the room, he reasoned. Letting out a deep sigh, Adam carefully opened the door.

A figure in a hooded cloak was seated at a very clean piano in the corner of the room while a soft chair that Adam assumed to be Skull's was empty. Adam suddenly spotted an intravenous bag on a pole next to the piano and his eyes widened in shock; why was Skull playing music during his chemotherapy?

"Skull?" Adam asked in a gentle voice as he snuck over to the piano and removed the hood. "Whoa."

Skull flinched and he turned to face Adam, "Where'd you learn to play like that?" Adam asked softly.

"My mom got me learning piano when I first had cancer because it kept my mind off of being sick and having to have awful treatments," Skull replied in a nervous voice. "I thought Mister Caplan was getting Billy to bring me my homework every day since I can't go to school? That's what my mom told me."

Adam sighed patiently, "Billy graduated early and he went on a little trip," he lied in a nervous voice, as he had no idea where Billy had gotten to in the last few days; maybe Billy just wanted some privacy.

"Lucky shmuck," Skull replied in a tired voice. "Hey, Adam, have you hung out with Kimberly lately?"

Adam frowned, "Kimberly?" he asked in a worried voice. "I didn't know Kimberly was back in town."

"She came by during my treatment yesterday and said that if I wanted to be well, she could take my cancer away," Skull replied in a nervous voice. "I was a little freaked out and asked her to leave."

Adam nodded; he wondered if Rito was trying to find a replacement soldier since Mark Hillard had no memory of his past life as Zedison and no future desire to retake that role, but to send Kimberly…

"I didn't tell my mom that Kimberly stopped by, but I did tell Bulk to make sure that Kim wasn't hanging around the Youth Center today," Skull finally continued. "If this treatment doesn't make me too sick, I'm thinking of taking a bus over there to get a milkshake and maybe see if Bulk wants to play video games."

Suddenly remembering why he had come, Adam held out the books he had brought, "It's mostly reading today," he explained in a gentle voice. "There are some mid-term exams next week too, but if…"

"I'll just do a little of the reading," Skull replied as he slowly stood up, grabbed his pole for support, and walked back to the chair, where he sat down. "My mom and dad both have to work overtime to pay for these treatments, so I either stay home or hang out in the park until it's time to go to the hospital."

Adam quietly handed Skull the book on the top of the pile and Skull opened it just as quietly, "Ever since Bulk got into a fight with Laura Hammond at school, my mom's not letting him come visit me during my treatments because she thinks he's got an anger problem," Skull said softly as he flipped the pages.

Adam was silent for what seemed like several seconds and Skull suddenly blinked, "My eyes are fried," he said in a listless voice as he took a tissue from the tissue box on the nearby table and marked his place in the book with it before shutting it. "If my hair falls out while I'm asleep, please ignore it."

Skull's snores quickly filled the room as he fell asleep and Adam was left standing there holding several textbooks; he knew that the other Rangers would have to be alerted to the fact that Rito and Kimberly were trying to get Skull to replace the lost Zedison and that they would need to protect Skull.

As he watched Skull sleep, Adam couldn't help but wonder what Bulk was doing at that exact moment.

A large bucket filled with soapy water and a rag greeted Bulk as he approached the spot where Dr. Oliver told him to report after school; Laura's locker, which had been spray painted with many colors. Mr. Caplan had told him that Dr. Oliver was going to supervise the day's detention, much to Bulk's shock

"What is this?" Bulk asked, gazing at the filled bucket and rag with a dumbfounded expression.

As Bulk turned away, he suddenly felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder, "Consider it a hands-on detention," the stern voice of Dr. Oliver suddenly filtered into his ear. "Turn around and get to work."

Bulk quickly turned around and was shocked to see Dr. Oliver standing there in khakis, a red and white checkered dress shirt, boots, and a jacket with his familiar necklace around his neck, "You didn't think I'd find out about Laura Hammond's backpack and her locker, Mister Bulkmeier?" he asked in a stern voice.

"How?" was all Bulk could say as he was deep in shock about Dr. Oliver's anger. "How did you…?"

Dr. Oliver folded his arms, "I hear things from students who you've made enemies with," he replied in a stern voice. "It so happened that these witnesses came to me and I went to Mister Caplan. He and I agreed that after you're done cleaning the locker, we'll see if Laura wants to press charges."

"P-Press charges?" Bulk asked in a shocked voice as his eyes widened. "Like with the police?"

Dr. Oliver nodded, "Vandalism is a crime," he replied sternly. "I suggest you get to work immediately."

Bulk whimpered, picked up the rag, and began to clean the spray off of Laura's locker, "…You were invited to go watch Jason's class, sis," the gentle voice of Mark Hillard filtered down the hallway as Dr. Oliver suddenly heard footsteps approaching. "You didn't have to stay and help me with my work."

"...I'm not very social," Katherine said to Mark as the two came around the corner and she saw Dr. Oliver and Bulk standing at Laura's locker. "Oh, Doctor Oliver, hello; what are you and Bulk doing here?"

Bulk said nothing and focused on cleaning the locker, but Dr. Oliver smiled, "Just supervising detention, Katherine," he said in an amused voice. "Mark, how are you doing? Are you feeling any better today?"

"Yes," Mark replied as he held to Kat's arm. "I'm trying to get Kat to take me to the Youth Center for a little snack and to meet up with David, but she won't go. She was even invited to watch Jason's class."

Katherine blushed, "Malcolm invited me, but I'm too tired from school," she lied nervously. "He's helping Jason with the class and wants me to come watch and take a walk with him afterwards."

"Kat, it's really okay to hang out with Malcolm," Doctor Oliver replied, well aware of the secret admiration that Malcolm had for Kat as they had discussed it during one of their counseling sessions.

Mark patted Katherine's arm, "Sis, I can't even see what Malcolm looks like and it's so obvious that you want to hang out with him," he said in a gentle voice. "When he invited you, you sounded happy."

"Oh, you," Katherine said in an affectionate voice as she hugged Mark. "We'll go together, okay?"

As Katherine led Mark off, Dr. Oliver looked at Bulk, "If you even think about bullying any more people for any reason, I will make sure you get detention for the rest of your high school career," he said in a voice that warned Bulk not to be anything but agreeable. "Have I made myself clear, Mister Bulkmeier?"

"Ah, that mentor of the Rangers is alone with a stupid civilian," Rito sneered, deeply amused as he watched Dr. Oliver continue to supervise Bulk. "That civilian is big, though; he could cause trouble."

Kimberly came over to the telescope and had a look when Rito offered her one, "Bulk's all muscle and no brains, Master Rito," she said in an amused voice. "Doctor Oliver is exactly what we need, however."

"That gem around his neck and his brains are exactly what is needed to summon forces evil enough to overthrow my controlling sister and her dork of a husband!" Rito cackled in an amused voice.

Kimberly grinned and then sighed, "I would be happy, Master, but am I doomed to spend a lifetime alone even though I am prettier than that spoiled brat Katherine?" she asked in a despairing voice.

"That desire will be addressed in time, Kimberly," Rito replied. "After we get Doctor Oliver."

Nodding, Kimberly stepped away from the telescope, "I apologize, Master, I am just very exhausted," she replied in a tired voice. "I have done my best to destroy those Power Rangers for you and…"

"Why don't you remain at the palace and rest?" Rito suggested in a coy voice even though he knew that he would not return and Kimberly would soon become a prisoner of whatever evil was en route.

Kimberly nodded and then suddenly pulled a large dagger from her pocket, "Did you honestly think I would let you abandon me?" she hissed in a vengeful voice as she touched the tip of the dagger to Rito's throat. "I had a feeling you would try this and I will not allow it. I summoned King Mondo to deal with you and he is on his way with the rest of his Empire. We must get Doctor Oliver NOW or lose out…"

"How did you even know about King Mondo?" Rito gasped in a horrified voice. "You couldn't know…"

There was a spark and Kimberly suddenly exploded, "I am already here, Mister Revolto," King Mondo said as he suddenly stepped out of the shadows. "My wife is taking care of Kimberly in the dungeons and I believe you mentioned something about a Doctor Oliver? I suggest you go and find him NOW."

Too stunned to speak, Rito promptly teleported out of the Moon Palace. King Mondo chuckled and turned his attention to the telescope; they had been on the moon for days, secretly kidnapped Kimberly, and replaced her with an android to fool Rito. Now that Rito knew, however, it was time to act and begin building an Empire that would do what Rita and Zedd could not; destroy those Power Rangers.

The sun was beginning to set by the time Billy woke again and he was surprised to see both Tanya and Aisha standing at his bedside as he sat up. Tanya handed him a tribal colored shirt, which he put on.

"I remember," Aisha suddenly spoke as she held out her closed hand. "I remember everything, Billy."

Billy frowned, but stayed quiet to let Aisha talk, "I remember being turned into a child by the Orb of Doom and I remember being sent here," she said as she opened her hand, revealing the triangle-shaped necklace that she had removed after regaining her memories. "I can't go back, though. I really can't."

"Why?" Billy asked in a quiet voice as he took the stone from her. "Even after all you remember; why?"

Aisha sighed, "My heart is here now," she replied softly. "This tribe is my family and I love them."

"What about your friends back in Angel Grove?" Billy asked worriedly. "What about Malcolm?"

Tanya gave Aisha an amused look, but Aisha sighed, "I can't do it," she replied softly. "I can't love him."

"I don't understand," Billy said in a confused voice. "You and Malcolm seemed to get along so well."

Aisha winced, "Yes, but he carries pain that I can't help him with," she replied. "I see it in his eyes."

"Running away isn't the answer, Aisha," Billy replied. "You should come back and help him."

Aisha smiled at Billy, "It's a pain I don't understand, so I can be of no help," she explained. "Besides, I am loved here and I feel that my place is here. Right before I came to you, Zordon came to me and…"

"Zordon came to you?" Billy asked, smiling at Aisha. "Did he know that you've decided to stay here?"

Aisha nodded, "He understands," she replied softly. "I do want you to take this necklace, though."

"Billy, I want to help you," Tanya spoke up in an intrigued voice. "Aisha told me everything."

Billy looked surprised as Tanya stood up and offered him her hand, "You don't know what the time travel will do to you," he protested as he slowly got to his feet. "It could age you horribly, Tanya."

"I understand," Tanya replied as she again offered her hand. "Let's get back to the present, Billy."

Aisha smiled as Billy took Tanya's hand, "I love you all," Aisha whispered as Billy and Tanya vanished.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Rito asked in an amused voice as he appeared in the hallway where Dr. Oliver and Bulk were. "A chubby civilian and the prestigious Doctor Oliver with his gem!"

Bulk threw the rag in the bin, "Who are you callin chubby, you stack of bones?" he hissed angrily.

"Bulk, shut your mouth and let's get out of here," Dr. Oliver replied in an anxious voice, knowing full well what kind of damage Rito could do with that bone sword. "You won't be needing us today, Rito."

Rito cackled and waved his sword at Dr. Oliver, sending the teacher flying backwards into the wall. Bulk whimpered when Rito turned to him and saw a necklace around his neck that was just a black rock.

"So he gave you the gem!" Rito cackled to Bulk in an amused voice. "You may yet prove yourself useful!"

Ignoring the pain radiating throughout his body from being thrown into the wall, Dr. Oliver staggered forward and was horrified when Rito tapped Bulk with the bone sword, encasing Bulk in a block of ice.

"Mister Bulkmeier!" Dr. Oliver shouted, unaware that Miss Appleby was coming up behind him. "Please, Rito, let Mister Bulkmeier go! He's just a student who's serving a detention and can't help you!"

Suddenly, Dr. Oliver dropped to his knees and fought hard to keep from screaming; Rito had pointed the sword at him and he suddenly felt very lightheaded, plus his back and his shoulders hurt very badly.

"Bye bye!" Rito cackled as he kicked over the bucket and vanished with the iced Bulk in tow.

Deeply exhausted and relieved that the sword had never actually touched him, Dr. Oliver immediately sank to the floor. He suddenly felt gentle hands patting his cheek and immediately jerked away.

Swallowing hard, Dr. Oliver pulled himself into a sitting position and was immediately embarrassed to see that Ms. Appleby was standing over him, "Are you all right, Doctor Oliver?" she asked as he immediately winced in pain. "What on earth was that creepy thing that took that block of ice away?"

"I-I don't know," Dr. Oliver replied in a pained voice as he immediately doubled over. "Ohh…"

Ms. Appleby immediately knelt down next to him, "Do you want me to call an ambulance for you?" she asked in a worried voice, seeing the intense pain that the counselor was in. "What exactly happened?"

"I was overseeing Mister Bulkmeier's detention and that thing showed up," Dr. Oliver replied in a pained voice as he tried to keep himself from being sick all over the floor. "It threw me into the wall, encased Mister Bulkmeier in a block of ice, and then took him away. Oh man, we have to find him before…"

Dr. Oliver suddenly winced and groaned, "I think you'd better get looked over at the hospital," Ms. Appleby said in a gentle voice, knowing that he wouldn't be able to get up without help. "You should just stay there and try to relax while I go call an ambulance. I don't think I should drive you myself."

"I'm fine," Dr. Oliver whispered as he slowly got to his feet with a pained expression on his face. "I promised my nephew I'd meet him at the Youth Center to spar with him, but I might not spar today."

Ms. Appleby gave him a look, "Let me at least drive you over there," she replied in a gentle voice, immediately recognizing where Tommy got his stubbornness from. "You've had a rough day."

"Thank you," Dr. Oliver replied in a pained voice as he allowed Ms. Appleby to help him down the hall.

The Youth Center was busy when Tommy, David, and Laura walked into the main area. They could see that Jason and Malcolm were busy teaching Jason's beginner's class while Kat and Mark sat at a table close to the Juice Bar area. Mark was listening to an audio textbook while Kat silently watched Malcolm with an intrigued expression on her tired face.

Laura had borrowed a karategi from Tommy and because it was too big, she felt rather nervous as she approached the group that Jason and Malcolm were teaching. She would have left, but Tommy and David were right behind her and could catch her easily if she tried to let her fears dominate her future and make a run for it.

"Jason, I've got a new student for you," Tommy said in a loud, cheerful voice. "Laura wants to learn a bit about martial arts."

Jason grinned, whispered something to Malcolm, and came over to where Tommy, Laura, and David were standing, "So you want to learn some martial arts?" Jason asked in a gentle voice. "Do you want to show me any moves you already have?"

"I don't have a lot of moves," Laura lied, not wanting to show the moves she used on her parents' friends to fight them off.

Jason nodded and got into stance, "Well, I can teach you some katas," he replied in a reassuring voice. "Go ahead and try this."

"Like this?" Laura asked as she got into the exact same stance. Behind her, Tommy and David smiled at Jason approvingly.

Before Jason could reply, the ground suddenly began to shake and Rito appeared welding his bone sword. He grabbed Laura and intended to destroy her Power Coin, but Jason immediately pushed Rito away and Rito touched his Power Coin instead.

As Jason collapsed, the karate students all screamed and fled the building, as did Ernie. Malcolm, however, rushed over to Jason and gave Kat a look to stay back when she stood up. Rito cackled and struck Malcolm's Coin with his sword, breaking it in half.

"Jason, Malcolm!" Kat yelled anxiously as Malcolm collapsed next to Jason and didn't stir. "Rito, stop this evil scheme now!"

Rito cackled, deeply amused by what he had just done. Suddenly, Laura and Tommy were teleported out of the Youth Center and, enraged, Rito turned his focus to Katherine and Mark, "Ah, the prince and princess are unprotected!" he roared.

Determined to protect her brother, Katherine got in front of Mark, ready to fight Rito even if it meant sacrificing her life. Rito, however, was amused and promptly teleported away. As Katherine turned around, she was suddenly teleported out of the Youth Center.

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