Seven Days Later
Since the terrible battle that had injured several young students and killed Billy Cranston, Angel Grove was quiet and almost to the point where it had shut down. The word on the street was that the Power Rangers had fought valiantly and that somehow, Billy had detonated something to finish the monsters off without the Power Rangers knowing; something that had also cost the brilliant young adult his life.
The Power Rangers had been honored by the city for their work, of course, but the city also had erected a small memorial statue for Billy in the Angel Grove Park. It was at that statue that Dr. Oliver found himself sitting alone and thinking all that had happened in the past several days because of Divatox.
"Uncle Frank?"
Dr. Oliver looked up from the small flowers that had been planted around the statue and smiled as he saw Tommy, Tanya, and Adam walking towards him, "How does it feel to have your cast off, Uncle Frank?" Tommy asked as Dr. Oliver stood up and leant on a cane that he had been given for his leg.
"It's certainly different," Dr. Oliver replied in a somber voice. "You kids should be in school."
Tommy frowned, "It's Saturday, Uncle Frank," he replied in a concerned voice. "You said you were going out to get some groceries, but that was nearly three hours ago. Adam, Tanya, and I were just coming from Jason's house and we saw your car parked in the lot so we decided to see if you were here."
"It's such a warm day that I decided to stop by the park," Dr. Oliver stated softly. "You say that you three were just coming from Jason's? My guess is that nobody was home and that the Lee Scotts are all at the hospital waiting to see if Malcolm will wake up today. Doctor Cranston's been taking good care of him…"
Adam's eyes widened, "Billy's dad didn't take any time off from work?" he asked in a concerned voice.
"I asked Doctor Cranston about that yesterday when I stopped by the hospital," Dr. Oliver replied in a calm voice. "He told me why he hadn't taken time off and I understand why he didn't. Now, my leg is a bit stiff from sitting, kids, so why don't you walk with me to my car? I've got to go buy some groceries."
As Tanya, Adam, and Tommy followed Dr. Oliver across the grass, Tanya looked at Dr. Oliver, "Who's watching Ashley and Justin while you're out?" she asked in a concerned voice. "Justin's still recovering."
"David's at my house watching Ashley and Justin," Dr. Oliver replied softly. "Justin's resting and only able to have really soft food right now and both he and Ashley got their placement tests yesterday."
Tommy sighed, "I tried visiting Kimberly yesterday, but she doesn't want any visitors," he commented.
"Tommy, give it time," Dr. Oliver replied gently as he walked around to the driver's side door and unlocked the vehicle. "Now, before I go to the hospital, does anyone need a ride anywhere else?"
"Laura?"
Laura didn't turn from where she was standing, gazing into the room where Kimberly, who was dressed in clean hospital pajamas, lay on her bed holding a picture to her chest, "Laura, are you okay?" Katherine asked in a concerned voice as she walked up to Laura and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm fine," Laura replied as she turned to face Katherine. "I just needed a little space."
Katherine nodded, "I just left Mark to sleep and I ran into Mister Lee Scott in the hallway," she explained in a concerned voice. "He was concerned how all of Jason and Malcolm's friends are handling…"
"Has anyone bothered to find out how Skull's doing?" Laura asked, not wanting to talk about Billy.
Katherine sighed, "I'm not sure," she replied softly. "Skull almost died on Muranthias and…"
Swallowing hard, Laura opened the door to Kimberly's room and entered, "Kim, it's Laura," she said.
"Laura," Kimberly replied in a faint voice as she looked up at Laura. "How…how are you?"
Laura sighed, "I'm all right, all things considering," she replied softly. "How are you doing, Kim?"
"I can't believe Billy's actually gone," Kimberly whispered, gesturing for Laura to come closer.
Laura moved over to the bed and sat on the edge of it, "I didn't know Billy as well as you did, Kimberly, but I do know he died a hero," she commented softly. "He died protecting the world from evil…"
"A true Power Ranger," Kimberly whispered softly, gazing at Laura. "I cared about Billy a lot…"
Both Laura and Katherine nodded, but before they could speak, the door opened and a nurse walked in with a wheelchair, "Excuse me, are you Kimberly Hart?" the nurse asked. "A Eugene Skullovitch…"
"Skull's awake?" Kimberly asked in a toneless voice. "Last I heard, Skull wasn't supposed to make it."
The nurse nodded, "Mister Skullovitch is in very critical, but stable condition as of last night," she explained in a soft voice. "He asked his mother to find you, but she didn't know where to look…"
"Okay," Kimberly whispered tonelessly as she slowly got off the bed. "Can I just walk there?"
Shaking her head, the nurse pointed to the wheelchair, "Sorry, hospital policy dictates that you can't," she replied apologetically as Kimberly hugged herself. "Do you want your friends to come with you?"
"No, I'd rather go by myself," Kimberly replied tonelessly as she sat in the chair. "See you guys later."
Not wanting Kimberly to get all worked up, Katherine and Laura left the room in silence, nearly running into Jason, "Jason, any news on Malcolm?" Katherine asked in a concerned voice. "Is he awake yet?"
"Not yet, but there's a good chance it'll be soon," Jason replied somberly, frowning as the nurse came out of the room with Kimberly in a wheelchair and didn't even acknowledge them. "How's Kim?"
Laura sighed, "I don't know," she replied softly as she crossed her arms. "She wouldn't talk to Kat."
"I've tried visiting Kim since we got back, but she refuses to see me," Jason commented in a concerned voice as he crossed his arms. "I asked my dad about it and he said that when people are involved in a traumatic event together, they're more than likely to stick close together than to others around them."
Katherine nodded, but sighed, "Have you been to see Skull yet, Jason?" she asked in a worried voice.
Jason shook his head and was quiet as a door suddenly opened and an exhausted looking Wilma Skullovitch came out and talked to the nurse and Kimberly, "…Eugene's very tired, but he said that he just wanted to talk to you and a young man named Billy Cranston. He said that Billy took care of him…"
Kimberly paled and immediately looked at the floor, "Kimberly, what's wrong?" Wilma asked softly.
Still overwhelmed by Billy's death, Kimberly didn't respond, "Mrs. Skullovitch, I'm Jason Lee Scott," Jason spoke as he walked over to Wilma, Kimberly, and the nurse. "I go to school with Eugene…"
Wilma nodded, but suddenly looked concerned, "I want to tell Skull myself," Kimberly whispered as she slowly stood up and shakily walked over to the door. "If anyone else tells him, he'll be really upset."
Before anyone could stop Kimberly, she opened the door and silently entered Skull's hospital room. As the door closed, Katherine and Laura walked over to Jason, Wilma, and the nurse so they could see through the window into Skull's hospital room. Fortunately, Kimberly or Skull didn't see them.
Skull was lying in bed in a hospital gown with tubes in his nose and various parts of his body, some of which were covered by the gown and blanket over his legs. IV's littered his pale, thin arms and his face was pale and he looked nearly dead because his eyes were closed, but his breathing was relaxed enough that it appeared he wasn't in a lot of pain. Kimberly slowly walked over to a chair beside the bed and sat.
"I didn't know Skull was this bad," Katherine whispered as she gazed at the machine that was next to the bed and obviously monitoring Skull's vital signs. "Mark was only in the hospital for a few days…"
Wilma sighed and silently watched for a moment as Kimberly gently touched Skull's hand, causing Skull to slowly stir and open his eyes. She then turned away and Jason, Katherine, and Laura watched as Kimberly said a few things to Skull. Skull replied and frowned as tears suddenly filled Kimberly's eyes.
"She's telling him about Billy," Laura whispered softly as she saw Kimberly say a few more things.
Suddenly, Jason moved away from the door, "I'll be right back," he said, suddenly feeling the loss of Billy hitting him hard enough that he needed a minute to cry alone. "Just hang out and watch Kim, okay?"
Katherine frowned, but Laura nodded as Jason hurried off towards the elevator at breakneck speed.
"Jason?" Thomas asked as he came out of Malcolm's hospital room and saw Jason walk towards the elevator at breakneck speed as if he wanted to run away. "Jason, I want to talk to you for a sec."
Instead of stopping and coming to his father, however, Jason slammed his hand on the elevator button and let out a distressed sigh as the door slid open. Thomas frowned as Jason went into the elevator and turned, revealing a distressed expression on his face and tears in his eyes. The door slid shut quickly.
"Is Jason outside?" Malcolm's weak, but concerned voice suddenly asked. "Dad, where's Jason?"
Biting his lip, Thomas moved back inside the hospital room and was shocked to see that Malcolm was sitting up in bed with a concerned expression on his pale face, "Malcolm, you only just woke up," Thomas said in a concerned voice as he walked back over to the bed. "How are you feeling, kiddo?"
"My ankle and chest hurts a little bit, but I'm fine," Malcolm replied softly. "How long was I out for?"
Thomas and Helen exchanged a look, "Seven days," Thomas replied calmly. "You were very weak…"
Malcolm nodded and his eyes travelled to his left ankle, which was casted and resting on a pillow and he lifted one hand to his chest and immediately felt bandages, "I'm feeling a bit sore, but I'm okay," he replied softly, suddenly remembering that Billy had died. "Billy didn't make it home, did he?"
"No," Thomas replied somberly as he let out a sigh. "Malcolm, we met Zordon while you were gone…"
Swallowing hard, Malcolm nodded, "So, you know about the Rangers, then," he replied calmly. "Okay."
There was an uneasy silence and Malcolm sighed, "Where's Jason?" he asked in a worried voice.
"Jason went for a walk," Thomas replied calmly. "I think he's grieving about Billy being killed…"
Malcolm sighed, "Billy and Jason were my first friends here," he said in a somber voice. "I can't…"
"Why don't I go see if any of your friends are around and would like to visit you?" Helen suggested, knowing that Malcolm's friends would better be able to comfort him than she or Thomas would.
Malcolm nodded and slowly lay back, "I lost my powers, Mom," he said in a somber voice. "I…"
"Ohh," Helen whispered softly, gently hugging Malcolm close to her as he began to cry uncontrollably.
Thomas sighed, "I'm going to go see if I can find Jason," he commented as Helen held Malcolm close.
Dark and quiet was how Jason liked it, at least during the times when he needed to be alone.
It hadn't been hard for Jason to find an empty room on a random floor of the hospital, close the door, and turn off the lights so that he could sit in the small chair and cry where nobody would see him.
He had sacrificed his powers to save Malcolm's life. Jason thought as he sat there in the dark, allowing tears to freely fall down his face. The combination of losing his powers and one of his best friends really hurt, he thought as he sat there; it was almost as if he had lost two friends since Kim was ignoring him.
The door suddenly opened and Jason froze, "Is someone in here?" a concerned voice asked. "Hello?"
Swallowing hard, Jason got to his feet and flinched as the lights flashed on, revealing a concerned looking Dr. Cranston standing there in green scrubs and a lab coat with sneakers on his feet, "Oh, Doctor Cranston, sorry," Jason apologized, suddenly feeling slightly faint from standing up too quickly.
"Jason, are you all right?" Aaron asked, concerned by how pale and tired Jason was looking to him.
Jason sighed and slowly sank back on to the bed, "I should be asking you that, Doctor Cranston," he replied tiredly as he gazed at the floor. "Billy was your only child and you've lost him. I'm just a…"
"You were Billy's best friend, Jason," Aaron said in a concerned voice. "You were like brothers."
Jason nodded and sniffled, "I've not been feeling well since Billy died," he replied in a tired voice as he looked up at Aaron. "My parents have been taking turns being here with Malcolm and also at home with me, but I've been having trouble sleeping, eating, and concentrating in school. I hurt all over…"
Aaron nodded and took his stethoscope out of his pocket, "Do you mind if I check you over?" he asked in a concerned voice. "I'm worried you might have caught something with all that's happened."
It was then that Jason realized that he was in an exam room in a chair against the wall, "My dad's going to go nuts if he thinks I'm sick," he commented nervously as he stood up. "I'm feeling just fine."
Before Dr. Cranston could react, Jason quickly left the room and walked as fast as he could through the hallway, "Jason, is that you?" he suddenly heard Rocky's tired voice call up. "Come here a sec."
Even though he didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment, Jason turned towards the voice and was surprised to see Rocky in hospital clothes and a wheelchair, sitting in a small atrium that was in the far end of the emergency room, "Hey Rocky, how are you feeling?" Jason asked in a nervous voice.
"I'll be in this wheelchair for a while at least, but I'm managing," Rocky replied calmly, frowning as he saw redness and tears in Jason's eyes. "What's wrong, Jason? You look like you've been crying."
Jason sighed, "I was thinking about Billy," he confessed quietly as he knelt so that he and Rocky would be at eye-level with each other. "Billy died so that the rest of us wouldn't and I don't know why…"
"Jason, you said that Bulk and Skull were with Billy and Kim, right?" Rocky asked softly. "I wonder if…"
Jason shook his head, "Skull's in pretty bad shape and I haven't seen much of Bulk at all this week," he replied somberly. "He's been in school, but we haven't talked at all; he only seems to talk to Laura."
"Laura?" Rocky asked in a shocked voice. "I thought you and Laura were going out, Jason?"
Shrugging, Jason bit his lip, "Rocky, I hate to be rude, but I'm not in the mood to talk to anyone right now," he replied in a toneless voice as he stood up and moved towards the door. "See you later."
Before Rocky, who was shocked by Jason's sudden change in demeanor, could reply, Jason stormed from the room in silence. Rocky placed his hands on his wheels and slowly wheeled himself out of the atrium and into the main area of the hospital just in time to see Jason storm past Dr. Oliver, Adam, Tommy, and Tanya, who were coming in. Adam and Tanya were surprised, but happy to see Rocky.
"Rocky, how are you doing?" Dr. Oliver asked in a gentle voice, seeing that Tommy was smiling at seeing that Rocky was up and around even if it was in a wheelchair. "How much longer are you going to be…"
Rocky sighed, "I'm not sure, but I think Jason needs some help," he replied in a concerned voice as he looked up at Adam, Tanya, Tommy, and Dr. Oliver. "He was upset, but was trying to cover it up…"
"Jason's known Billy longer than any of us," Tommy commented softly. "And since Jason lost Trini…"
Tanya looked confused, but Adam and Rocky looked slightly uneasy, "Who's Trini?" Tanya asked softly.
"Trini was Jason's girlfriend for a while, but she died," Laura explained in a somber voice as she came up behind Rocky's wheelchair. "Mrs. Lee Scott says that Malcolm's awake and needs some company."
Adam looked relieved to hear that Malcolm was awake, "I'm going to head back to the house, Doctor Oliver, and see how Ashley and Justin are doing," Laura continued before anyone could speak.
"Okay, do you want to take my car, Laura?" Dr. Oliver asked gently, offering her his car keys.
Laura shook her head, "I've got Tommy's bike," she replied softly. "Thanks anyway, Doctor O."
Dr. Oliver nodded and sighed as Laura silently left the hospital, "Tommy, Tanya, Adam, I'm sure Malcolm will be quite happy to see the three of you, so why don't you run upstairs?" he suggested gently.
Tommy, Tanya, and Adam all nodded and walked off towards the elevators, "Doctor Oliver, can I talk to you for a few minutes?" Rocky asked in a soft, but worried voice. "I'm a little worried about Jason."
Dr. Oliver frowned and promptly sat down in a chair that was just against the wall, ready to listen.
Soft beeping filled Zack's ears and he opened his eyes to find himself staring at Alpha, who was standing at his bedside, "Alpha?" he asked in a faint, but steady voice. "How come I'm not on the beach?"
"Zordon teleported you here," Alpha explained in a calm voice. "You've been in a coma, Zack."
Zack nodded slowly and suddenly frowned, "Where's Aisha?" he asked weakly. "I want to see her."
Alpha suddenly went quiet, "Aisha is not here, Zack," Zordon's voice replied. "She did not survive."
Shock filled Zack and he sat up quickly, "No!" he cried out in an anxious voice. "Why…why?!"
"Zack, I understand your sorrow, but I must ask for your help with something," Zordon said in a calm, yet commanding voice. "Please walk over to the Viewing Globe if you feel like you have the strength."
Frowning, Zack slowly stood up and walked over to the Viewing Globe with the help of Alpha. As Zack peered into the Globe, he could see several shard like images of his friends; Jason was walking alone somewhere in Angel Grove, Kimberly was in a hospital room at Skull's bedside and sobbing her eyes out, Malcolm was in a hospital bed and being visited by Katherine, Tommy, Adam, and a girl he didn't know, Dr. Oliver and Rocky were talking quietly, and Laura was riding a bicycle somewhere in Angel Grove.
"Why are Malcolm, Kimberly, and Skull in the hospital, Zordon?" Zack asked in a worried voice.
Alpha sighed and quickly looked to Zordon, "After Divatox murdered Aisha and injured you, Zack, she took hostages from Earth, allied herself with Rita and Zedd, and travelled to the island of Muranthias in an attempt to unleash a terrible monster named Maligore," Zordon explained in a toneless voice. "Those hostages were Mark Hillard, Bulk, Skull, Kimberly, and Billy. The Power Rangers were fortunately able to stop Maligore from being able to destroy the world, but a terrible price was paid in the process…"
"What do you mean by a terrible price, Zordon?" Zack asked in a concerned voice. "Who died?"
The scene suddenly changed to Jason standing in front of a small statue in Angel Grove Park looking as if he had lost everything, "I'm really missing you right now, man," Zack heard Jason say in an unusually sorrowful voice as he knelt on the grass in front of the statue. "I could always talk to you and now…"
Zack's eyes widened as Jason reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pocketknife, "You gave this to me for my 14th birthday and I almost used it to make myself feel better," Jason said in a voice that was filled with horror and disgust. "I was so down yesterday that I almost cut myself, Billy…"
"Zordon, can you teleport me there?" Zack asked in a worried voice. "I need to talk to Jason."
Alpha immediately hurried over to a console and pressed a few buttons, "Be careful, Zack," Zordon said in a concerned voice. "You may not yet be at full strength and you could easily relapse at any time."
Zack nodded and kept silent as he was teleported out of the large, quiet Power Chamber.
Despite the warm sun shining down on his body, Jason took no notice of it and instead focused on the knife he held in his hand, "…Malcolm's still in a coma and you're gone," Jason said in a pain-filled voice as tears streamed from his tired eyes. "Skull's fighting for his life and Kimberly's depressed…"
Sniffling, Jason closed the knife, made a hole in the dirt right in front of the statue, and promptly dropped the knife into the hole, "Even though I lost my powers saving Malcolm, I'm stronger than a little pocket knife," he said in a calmer voice, unaware that Zack was standing not far behind where he was.
"You lost your powers, Jase?" Zack asked in a shocked voice. "How? And why did Malcolm need saving?"
Jason nearly jumped out of his shirt at the voice, "Zack?" he asked softly as he turned and was shocked to see Zack standing there alive, but rather frail looking. "How…how long have you been there?"
"Long enough to see you put the knife in the dirt," Zack replied softly. "It made me think of Angela…"
Jason suddenly looked ashamed, "I'm sorry, Zack, I forgot," he replied in a remorseful voice.
"It's okay," Zack replied calmly. "Zordon said some bad things happened. You were talking to…"
Jason sighed, "Billy did something that he didn't have to and he died," he explained somberly.
"First Trini, then Aisha, now Billy," Zack commented in a somber voice. "Really terrible…"
Jason frowned, "Aisha's dead?" he asked in a confused voice. "When and how did that happen?"
"We were attacked at Angel Grove Beach by Divatox's submarine," Zack explained softly.
Jason nodded, but didn't say anything, "Malcolm lost his powers rescuing Mark Hillard and I lost my powers saving Malcolm's life," he replied in an anxious voice. "Malcolm's in a coma…"
"No, he's not," Zack interrupted in an anxious voice, seeing that Jason was losing it. "Zordon let me look through the Viewing Globe and Malcolm's awake. He was being visited by Kat, Tommy, Adam, Tanya, and your parents. From what I could see, he looked very tired and a little upset, but he's okay."
Jason looked stunned, "His ankle was in a cast," he replied somberly. "He doesn't even have…"
"Jason, what Malcolm's still got is more important to him than what he lost," Zack said in an anxious, but firm voice as he cut Jason's rant off. "You lost your powers, not your ability to help others."
Jason suddenly looked ashamed, "You're right," he replied calmly. "Can we go visit Malcolm?"
Pleased that Jason had listened to him, Zack nodded, "If we hurry, we can make the bus," he replied.
Wiping his face, Jason stood up and followed Zack across the grass towards the nearest bus stop.
The Oliver household was quieter than it had ever been despite four people being inside of the various rooms and the quiet allowed David an opportunity to read in the living room. Ashley was in her room working on schoolwork that would help her be caught up when she started 9th grade in the fall and Justin was in the kitchen working on schoolwork while Mark was lying down on the den couch.
Even though David had been working for the past year so that he could go to college in the fall with Mark and help whenever needed, he found himself unable to concentrate. The clacking of a cane was a welcome distraction and David put his book down just in time to see Mark slowly come down the hallway with his cane in one hand while the other hand, which was bandaged from the palm to the wrist, was against the loose shirt that was covering bandages. Mark was very pale and looked tired.
"Mark, you shouldn't be getting up until Kat calls," David said in a concerned voice as he stood up.
Mark sighed tiredly, "I can't sleep, David," he replied in a faint voice. "I keep having bad dreams."
David nodded, "I think it's about time for lunch anyway," he said in a calm voice. "Want help?"
"Yeah, that would be great," Mark replied in a shaky voice, grateful when David took his arm.
David carefully escorted Mark from the living room and down the hallway to the kitchen where Justin was seated at the table with an open textbook and a notebook in front of him, "How's the catch-up work coming, Justin?" David asked as he helped Mark sit at the table. "It's about time for lunch."
"I'm almost done with this stuff anyway," Justin replied in a slightly scratchy voice. "Ouch…"
David smiled, "I think it's about time for your antibiotic," he replied calmly. "You need to rest your voice for a while too, I think. After lunch, I want you to go lie down until Doctor Oliver comes home, okay?"
"Okay," Justin replied in a whispery voice as he closed his books and reached for the small prescription bottle that was nearby. "Ashley's still in her room doing her work. Should I go tell her to come?"
David shook his head, "I'll go tell her," he replied calmly. "Why don't you get the leftovers out?"
Without waiting for a reply, David walked off towards Ashley's room and was unsurprised to see the door closed, "Ashley, it's lunch time," he said as he knocked on the door. "Do you want lunch?"
There was silence and then the door opened, "David, I made a card for Eugene, do you wanna see it?" Ashley, whose hair was now in a ponytail, asked as she came out into the hall wearing a yellow t-shirt, jeans, and bright yellow socks with a small, heavily decorated paper card in her hands. "See it?"
"I think Eugene will like it," David replied calmly as he saw the glittery card. "Where'd you get the…?"
Ashley cringed, "I borrowed it from Doctor Oliver's office," she replied softly. "Will he be mad at me?"
"No," David said in a reassuring voice. "Did you finish your homework like Doctor Oliver asked you to?"
Ashley nodded, "It was easy and I did it really fast, so I ended up bored," she replied softly. "You were busy helping Mark and Justin, so I snuck into Doctor Oliver's office and borrowed stuff to use…"
"Do you want to wash your hands before lunch?" David asked, unable to keep himself from grinning.
Again, Ashley nodded, "Come to the kitchen when you're ready to eat," David said as he walked off.
Divatox chuckled, caressing her SpyGlass as she watched Ashley take the piece of paper back into the bedroom and set it on the desk before the scene changed to Laura riding a bike in downtown Angel Grove with a helmet on her head and fingerless gloves on her hands, "The Rangers are divided," she commented in an amused voice as she turned to look at Rita. "Are you sure you want to leave?"
A small spacecraft was all Divatox had left since the explosion on Muranthias destroyed her submarine and several of her henchmen. She, Rita, Zedd, Elgar, Goldar, and Rito had promptly evacuated Earth and were now on the spacecraft in orbit of Earth until a new plan of conquest could be properly constructed.
"Zeddy was almost killed because of that meddling Blue Ranger, Billy!" Rita snapped as she stood up and peered through the SpyGlass. "Ah, it's that blonde little brat that fought off Katherine on Muranthias."
Divatox watched as Laura was stopped by a heavyset, but very young looking young man who was dressed in leather clothes and sporting a police badge on his jacket, "That skinny little brat couldn't possibly be capable of fighting a fly, let alone another human being," she scoffed in a doubtful voice.
"Well, why don't we have some fun with her?" Rita suggested in an amused voice as she held out her wand to Divatox. "We're planning to leave Earth soon, but we can stay for a little more fun…"
Rita suddenly grinned, "Are you still planning to attack the Power Chamber?" she asked Divatox.
"I need a distraction so that the Rangers don't come running to their mentor's rescue," Divatox replied in an annoyed voice as she glared at Rita. "Zordon would prove a great energy source to the United Alliance of Evil's plan to conquer other galaxies, but the Power Rangers are much too strong…"
Rita sighed and her eyes suddenly widened, "I wonder if Laura's confidence is shaky again since she seems to be separating herself from the other Rangers?" she asked in an amused voice. "Perhaps I should pay her a visit and remind her just how alone she is since Jason and Malcolm lost their powers."
"I don't want to have to battle those icky Rangers yet again," Divatox replied in a pouty voice. "I can always go find some innocent alien that could pass for a human and help me kidnap Zordon, I guess."
Rita grinned, but before she could reply, Zedd came into the small room and glared at Divatox, "You can't kidnap just any alien to help you commandeer the Power Chamber," he replied in a scathing voice, deeply disgusted at how simple Divatox's plan seemed to be. "I know of one who would be perfect."
Divatox scoffed and gave Zedd a doubtful look, but remained silent as Zedd walked over to the SpyGlass, sat down in one of the chairs that was in Divatox's Bridge, and switched the viewer away from Earth to a planet that was at the other end of the galaxy. "I assume you are familiar with the planet Aquitar?" Zedd scoffed as the SpyGlass suddenly switched to another planet. "Its neighbor is a planet called KO-35."
"Aquitar is filled with useless aliens who are dependent on water for survival," Divatox scoffed. "I really doubt that any of them could be useful in my quest to capture Zordon and use him as a power source."
Rita snorted but a sharp look from Zedd kept her quiet as the scene changed to a planetary surface where a young man with shoulder-length blonde hair was working on a spaceship in a navy blue jumpsuit that sported red cuffs, a red belt, and a red collar. He looked very peaceful and determined.
"This is Prince Andros of KO-35 and according to my source, he has a relative innocence about other planets in the galaxy and has no idea who Zordon is," Zedd explained in a gruff, but amused voice.
Divatox looked amused, "An innocent alien boy," she commented slyly. "Perhaps it is a good idea to use him."
Malcolm sighed and blinked to keep himself awake so that he could focus on Katherine, Adam, Tommy, and Tanya visiting him while his parents lingered in the hallway to give them privacy, "...How long do you think you'll have to be in the hospital for, Malcolm?" Tanya asked in a sweet, concerned voice.
"I should ask Doctor Cranston that next time he comes in here," Malcolm replied in a calm, but tired voice as he shifted himself to keep himself awake. "I'm really sorry, guys, but I'm getting tired and…"
Before Katherine, Adam, Tommy, or Tanya could reply, Dr. Cranston came into the room holding a folder and he looked surprised, but relieved to see Malcolm awake and coherent, "Well, hello there Malcolm, how are you feeling?" he asked in a cheerful voice as he walked over to Malcolm's bedside.
"A little tired and sore," Malcolm replied in a tired voice. "Doctor Cranston, can I ask how you're doing?"
Dr. Cranston was quiet for a moment and then smiled, "I'm doing okay, Malcolm," he replied calmly just as Thomas and Helen came into the room. "Thank you for asking such a considerate question."
Malcolm nodded and sighed, "Do you think I'll be able to get out of the hospital soon?" he asked softly as he struggled to stay awake for Dr. Cranston's sake. "The last time I was in the hospital, I was recovering from the car crash that killed my parents and I didn't like it any more than I do right now."
"Well, I do want to keep you here for at least a couple of days to make sure that there aren't any long-term side effects from whatever attacked you and your friends on that school project," Dr. Cranston replied in a calm voice as he opened the folder. "I think what you need now, though, is some rest."
Katherine smiled and gently caressed Malcolm's hand before silently leaving the room, "Adam, can you do me a favor?" he asked in a quiet voice as Adam approached the bed. "Can you and Rocky look after Justin for me until I'm well enough to get back into my normal routine? Justin needs a lot of friends…"
"Actually, Doctor Oliver enrolled both Justin and Ashley in community sports programs that are sponsored by Angel Grove High and coached by the senior students," Adam explained calmly. "They need to get used to being around older kids anyway since they're both starting 9th grade in September."
Malcolm looked surprised, "Wow," he replied softly. "They're both good kids. I'm sure they'll do well."
Adam nodded, "Take care, okay?" he said in a concerned voice. "I might come by after dinner."
Malcolm nodded and sighed as Adam left the room with Tanya at his heels, "Tommy, please look after Jason for me?" Malcolm asked in a worried voice. "I know he's upset and he needs his friends…"
"I will," Tommy replied softly. "I think Jason's just scared of showing his emotions around people."
Again, Malcolm sighed, "I should really try and visit Rocky and Skull while I'm here," he commented in a tired voice as he looked at Dr. Cranston. "Do you think I'd be able to do that while I'm stuck in here?"
"I'll see what I can arrange, but only after you get some rest," Dr. Cranston replied in a gentle, but very firm voice as he closed the folder. "You just woke up from a seven day coma, so take things slowly."
Malcolm nodded and promptly closed his tired eyes, "Adam, Tommy, why don't we go now and let Malcolm sleep for a little while?" Dr. Cranston suggested gently as he gestured to the door.
Adam and Tommy exchanged a look, nodded, and followed Dr. Cranston from the room, not at all surprised when Dr. Cranston closed the hospital room door, "Mister and Mrs. Lee Scott, I've advised Malcolm to get some rest for now and I suggest that you all do the same," Dr. Cranston said in a gentle, yet commanding voice as he looked at Thomas, Helen, Adam, Tanya, Tommy, and Katherine. "I'm on shift for the rest of the day and I'm also on tonight, so I'll check in on him from time to time."
"Actually, I'm going to stay with Malcolm for a while this afternoon so Thomas can go find Jason and spend some time with him," Helen replied in a calm voice. "Aaron, if you want to join us in Malcolm's room for dinner tonight, though, you'd be more than welcome to. We'll order in some food…"
Dr. Cranston nodded, "I'd like that," he replied calmly. "Anyway, I should be getting on with my work."
As Dr. Cranston walked off down the hallway, Helen sighed, "Adam, Tanya, Tommy, and Katherine, thank you for coming and visiting with Malcolm," she said in a tired voice. "It's a beautiful day outside, so why don't you all go enjoy the nice weather and maybe you can come back to see Malcolm later?"
Understanding themselves to be dismissed, Adam, Katherine, Tommy, and Tanya all offered quiet goodbyes and walked off towards the elevators, leaving Helen and Thomas alone outside of Malcolm's room.
Laura sighed as she parked Tommy's bike on a patch of grass and walked over to a tree where leaned against the base and sighed wearily; she had tried to be of help to her fellow Rangers since Billy's death, but they had been somewhat standoffish towards her even though they had included her in things.
"Well hello, Blue Ranger!" Rita crowed as she suddenly appeared in front of Laura. "All alone, are you?"
Laura frowned, "What do you want, Rita?" she asked in a nervous voice. "Are you looking for a fight?"
Rita grinned and cackled, "Not today," she replied in an amused voice. "I just wanted to talk to you."
"About what?" Laura asked in a more confident voice. "I can't imagine you just wanting to talk, Rita."
Rita smirked, "I've watched you for many years and I know what you've had to go through with those horrible parents of yours," she replied in a dark voice. "Everyone you think loves you is really afraid of you and that's why they've been so distant with you since Billy was killed."
"Are you going to kill me, Rita?" Laura asked in a brave voice as she crossed her arms across her chest.
Rita snickered, "You might want to kill yourself once you realize that you have no use to the world once you give up your powers someday," she hissed in an amused voice. "Everyone you care about will leave you once you're no longer protecting the world as a Power Ranger. You're not of value as a helpless civilian."
"Why should I believe you, Rita?" Laura scoffed angrily. "I know that I have friends, surrogate parents, and a sister who really care about me.
Rita smirked, "If your friends, surrogate parents, and sister care about you, why are you all by yourself?" she asked smugly. "Maybe they blame you for Billy's death since you were the last one to see him alive before the Turbo Powers were given to Zordon. They were all closer to Billy than you ever were."
As Rita disappeared, Laura quickly removed Tommy's helmet, set it on the grass, and quickly teleported out of the park. If anyone could help her find the truth behind Rita's words about everyone's true thoughts of her, it would be Alpha and Zordon. She was feeling overwhelmed and they would definitely be able to help her.
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