2001
Newark Airport - New York City
Exhaustion and nausea washed over Jason as he sank into the seat he had managed to get on one of the first few flights that had been allowed out of New York City since the attacks. Ever since Billy, Kimberly, and Trent had moved to California to be closer to Billy's father, Jason had been alone in New York and had gotten his dual degree before working with the New York Fire Department in Manhattan.
All had been well and Jason had been planning to ask Laura to come out for her birthday weekend and spend it with him when the unthinkable had happened. The next couple of weeks had been a blur as Jason and his fellow FDNY colleagues had assisted in rescue, recovery, and reorganization efforts.
He didn't even have the courage to tell anyone that he had been in the North Tower when it had fallen and had been under the rubble for nearly a day before being rescued. When he had finally gotten in touch with his parents, Jason reflected as he put his seatbelt on, he had lied and said that it was hard to contact anyone because of the chaos. Fortunately, his parents had accepted his feeble explanation.
Knowing that Jason was in a smaller city in California, the others in his firehouse had rallied and had gotten him a ticket home as early as they could. Jason reflected that he had tried to protest, as there were others who could use the ticket to do other things, but as a rookie, he had been given that gift.
Not wanting a crowd of people to meet him and celebrate his safe return when so many hadn't made it, Jason hadn't told anyone that he was coming home. His plan was to get a taxi once he arrived back at the Angel Grove airport and take it to his parents' place. He would talk to other people later on.
Announcements and reminders of extra security measures were played over the plane's intercom, but Jason paid no attention to them and closed his eyes to rest during the flight. He hadn't bothered to change out of the uniform he had been wearing since that day, as he hadn't had the time, energy, or desire to see how badly everything had affected him. He had forced himself to run on autopilot.
To avoid being mobbed by anyone, Jason had covered his FDNY shirt with a gray hoodie and as the plane took off down the runway and lifted into the air, he laid back against the seat and closed his tired eyes.
Angel Grove Municipal Airport
It was nearly dinner time before the plane from Los Angeles, which had undergone extra security screenings before being allowed to depart, landed at the Angel Grove Airport. Jason had silently gathered his things and had limped off the plane, the sitting on the planes and the walking in the airports having taken its toll on his body. The airport was quiet and for it, he was truly grateful.
Jason silently made his way over to the luggage belt and got his suitcases with relative ease, but he didn't notice Bulk, who had passed the civil service exam after two years of Policing training at college, come over to him in uniform, "Jason?" Bulk asked, immediately recognizing Jason's features.
"Yes?" Jason asked, his eyes widening slightly as he turned and saw Bulk standing behind him in full uniform with a concerned expression on his face. "Oh, Bulk, I didn't see you come up behind me."
Bulk frowned at how pale Jason looked and his concern grew when he saw the FDNY emblem on Jason's shirt that he was obviously hiding, "I landed in Los Angeles in the afternoon, but security was so tight that I couldn't get a flight here until about an hour ago," I meant to surprise Laura at the high school since she told me she student teaches there and take her to dinner, but I can see her tomorrow."
"Do you want me to call you a taxi?" Bulk asked, feeling that Jason wasn't entirely well.
Nodding, Jason sighed and lugged his bags off to the restroom because he knew it wasn't safe to leave them anywhere. He set the bags on the floor near the door and as he washed up at the sink, one of the stalls opened and Skull came out in a uniform similar to Bulk's, "Hey," Jason spoke softly. "What's up?"
"Not much," Skull replied tiredly. "I'm working late tonight, so Spike's at my mom and dad's house."
Jason sighed and gazed in the mirror, aggravated that he still felt nauseous and tired even after resting as much as he could. A sudden burst of pain shot through his chest, causing him to keel over a bit.
"Jason?" Skull asked, frowning at Jason's trembling body. "Jason, are you okay? You look a little…"
Suddenly, Jason threw up in the sink and his eyes widened when he saw blood instead of vomit in the sink, "Whoa," Skull said in a concerned voice as Jason blinked. "Jason, I need you to come with me."
"My bags," Jason said in a trembling voice, scared to let go of the sink in case he collapsed.
Skull didn't move, however, and Jason let go of the sink with one hand and placed it over his aching abdomen. Realizing that Jason wasn't well and needed medical attention, Skull gently took hold of Jason and led him from the bathroom over to a padded bench that people sat and waited for flights on.
"Bulkie, call for an ambulance!" Skull barked anxiously as Bulk hurried over to the two of them.
One look at Jason prompted Bulk to nod and pull his radio off his belt, "I need to lie down," Jason said in a trembling, faint voice, groaning as he leaned back against the wall. "Someone needs to get my…"
"An ambulance is really close by," Bulk suddenly spoke up anxiously. "Where are his bags?"
Skull quickly sat down next to Jason, who was wavering between throwing up again and passing out, "Talk to me, Jason," he said in a calm voice, relieved to hear sirens in the distance. "What's wrong?"
Jason groaned softly and tried hard to focus on Skull, but he found himself slipping into blackness.
Ernie's was quiet, as the after school classes were long gone and only a few teens remained for the supper rush right before closing. Ernie and Malcolm were sitting at one of the tables silently going over bookwork while Ashley and Cassie were sitting at another table doing homework.
Rocky was sitting at the counter silently studying since there were no customers or karate students to keep him busy. He and Malcolm were the same year in university, but Malcolm had done his homework back at the university during a break while Rocky had eaten, socialized, and taken the time to enjoy the warm fall weather.
Noise suddenly filled the foyer and filtered into the Juice Bar, "Practice must be over," Malcolm commented, looking up from his work just in time to see Adam lead Justin, TJ, Carlos, and several other members of the football team came into the Juice Bar in their street clothes. "Hey there, guys."
"Oh wow, I'm beat," Carlos complained as he flopped down at an empty table. "I'm so hungry."
Rocky chuckled and looked to Ernie, "I'll whip up some supper specials," Ernie said in a pleasant voice as he got up from the table. "Malcolm, you should really take a break. You've been working hard all day."
"I guess I should," Malcolm replied pleasantly, a smile on his face. "I wonder if I should call Kat and…?"
Suddenly, Malcolm fell silent and a concerned expression crossed his face, "Is it me or did it just get extremely cold in here?" he asked in a concerned voice just as Laura came into the Juice Bar wearing a long skirt, a light sweater, and boots from her student teaching. "Laura, you look exhausted."
"I'm actually feeling tired and worried," Laura replied in an almost snappish voice, quickly setting her things on the table before walking over to the counter where Ernie and Rocky were working. "I've been thinking about Jason a lot ever since September 11th happened and I know he phoned you and your guys's parents and said he was okay, but I've just been worried. Could I use the phone here, Ernie?"
Ernie nodded and as Laura reached for the receiver, the phone rang and Ernie quickly picked it up, "Hello, Ernie's," Ernie said in a pleasant voice, shooting Laura an apologetic look. "Malcolm?"
Feeling very uneasy about the call, Malcolm got up and walked over to the counter, "Hello?" Malcolm asked as he took the receiver and held it to his ear. "Mom, hi there. What's going on?"
There was an uneasy silence and Malcolm's eyes widened, "What?" he asked in a worried voice.
Again, there was more silence as Malcolm listened and he nodded, "I'll come over there as soon as I can," he said in an anxious voice, ignoring the stares that everyone was giving him. "Love you too."
Swallowing hard, Malcolm hung up, "Jason managed to get a flight to Angel Grove today, but he collapsed at the airport during Bulk and Skull's shift," he explained in an anxious voice, not caring that he looked like a scared child as he spoke. "He's at the hospital and I need to get there very quickly."
"Laura, we should go too," Ashley spoke up, anxiously rising from her chair. "You're dating Jason."
Feeling that it would be inappropriate for her to go until Jason was able to have both rest and private time with his parents and Malcolm, Laura shook her head, "Ashley, it's late and we should be getting home since it's going to be dark before long," she replied anxiously, hoping Malcolm wouldn't be angry and feel like she was abandoning Jason. "Doctor Oliver said we had to be back before nightfall."
"Laura, it's okay," Malcolm cut in, sensing that Laura felt guilty about not rushing to Jason's side.
Laura nodded and looked at Ashley, Cassie, and Justin, "I think we should be getting home, you three," she commented in a teacher-like voice. "Adam, Rocky, are you guys going to come soon?"
"I might come soon since I'm a bit tired," Rocky, who struggled with long days of physical and mental exertion even now, replied gently as he came out of the kitchen rolling a dinner tray on a cart that was full of plates filled with hamburgers, salads, fries, and drinks. "I got everyone's meals all ready."
Adam turned in his seat to tell Malcolm to grab a bite before he left, but Malcolm was already gone, "The sun's going down, so we need to get going since we're walking," Laura said calmly, making a mental note to call Katherine so she could be there for Malcolm because he needed support.
"I already finished my homework," Ashley said softly as she gathered her books. "Do I have to?"
Laura nodded and gathered her things, "I'm ready," Cassie said softly, picking up her bag.
"Adam, can I go?" Justin, who had been helping Adam at practice that day, asked softly.
Even though TJ, Carlos, and the other members of the team looked as if they wanted Justin to stay and hang out, Adam nodded, "Go ahead," he replied calmly, smiling at Justin. "I'll be along soon."
Justin nodded and followed Laura, Ashley, and Cassie outside and across the street to the park path that ended up near Dr. Oliver's house. The air was warm, but the sky was darkening very quickly and it looked as if a rain storm was headed their way. Nobody spoke as they walked across the park.
Soon enough, the group was back at the house they shared and to their surprise, Dr. Oliver was already there and busy in the kitchen with an apron over his dress pants, dress shirt, and socks. Pots of various foods filled the stove and there also appeared to be something in both the microwave and oven.
"Doctor Oliver, what's with all the food?" Justin asked softly, suddenly feeling very hungry.
Dr. Oliver smiled as he looked up at them, "I heard about Jason because Malcolm called me on his way to the hospital," he replied in a calm voice. "I'm sure things will be very busy for the Lee Scotts while Jason recovers, so I'm going to make some of the food into meals for them and the rest is for us."
"Dinner sounds like a good idea, but can you save some for me?" Laura asked softly, not wanting to eat with the rest of the house when she had papers to grade and worries about Jason occupying her mind.
Dr. Oliver nodded and Laura sighed, "I've just got some things to finish up," she replied softly.
As Laura walked off down the hallway, Dr. Oliver frowned and looked at Ashley, "I'm guessing Malcolm was at Ernie's when he got the phone call about Jason?" he asked in a worried voice. "Laura's not okay."
"I know," Ashley replied softly, suddenly feeling sad. "Do you think Jason's going to be okay?"
Justin frowned and Dr. Oliver sighed, "Do you remember that attack in New York a few weeks ago that the whole school watched on TV?" Dr. Oliver asked softly. "All the paramedics, firefighters, and police officers in New York responded to that and Jason was probably involved in the rescue efforts. He's probably not feeling well because he worked so hard to help people during and after the attacks."
"When are you going to take the food over to the Lee Scotts?" Ashley asked worriedly. "I wanna help."
Dr. Oliver smiled sadly, "I know you do, but I might wait until tomorrow while you are in school and just drop it by their house," he replied gently. "I'm sure Jason would appreciate some cards, though."
"Do you think some sort of evil monster like Divatox hurt the people in New York?" Cassie spoke up.
Shaking his head, Dr. Oliver sighed heavily, "They were people who made some very poor choices because their minds weren't in a very good place," he replied somberly. "Nobody knows why people choose to hurt other people, but it sadly happens every day. All we can do is help those who have been hurt and be aware of what's going on around us so that we can maybe stop bad things from happening."
"You sound like the Power Rangers can't stop whoever hurt the people in New York," Cassie sniffled.
Dr. Oliver silently began taking containers out of a cupboard to put the cooked food in and was very thoughtful in doing so, "There will always be a need for Power Rangers, I think, but even the Power Rangers aren't invincible to trouble that comes when people decide to cause harm to others," he explained in a somber voice just as Rocky came into the kitchen. "Ah, Rocky, have some dinner."
"Not long after Laura left with Cassie, Justin, and Ashley, Ernie said I should go and have a rest," Rocky explained, sitting at the kitchen counter. "I've been working too hard since this thing in New York happened and I've really got to slow down, but I can't seem to make myself stop working."
Justin frowned, "Are you getting sick again, Rocky?" he asked in a worried voice, his eyes wide.
"Not physically," Rocky replied in a reassuring voice, smiling at Justin. "Just emotionally drained."
Dr. Oliver frowned and Rocky silently went over to the cupboard that held the plates, "Do I have to keep helping the football team?" Justin suddenly asked, gazing at Dr. Oliver. "I'd rather work at Ernie's and help with the martial arts classes because I'm never going to be good at or even really like football."
"If you don't like football, Justin, why did you offer to help Adam with the team?" Ashley heard Dr. Oliver ask in a gentle, but concerned voice as she went down the hallway to check on Laura.
When Ashley got to Laura's room, she saw that Laura was silently meditating on her bed while a picture sat on the bed in front of her. A moment passed and Laura silently opened her eyes and sighed heavily.
"Hey," Laura replied in a somber voice, smiling at Ashley. "I was trying to do my work and I just kept thinking about Jason, but I can't get too stressed out about it. I just have to trust he'll be all right."
Ashley nodded, but didn't say anything because she had found herself thinking about Andros ever since the attacks and about how his sacrifice had been in vain since bad guys still existed, "Sit down," Laura said in a gentle voice, sensing that Ashley was sad. "You'll find someone wonderful to love someday."
"I just can't let go of Andros," Ashley replied in a whisper, suddenly feeling chilled over the fact that she felt something for Skull and yet was so emotionally invested in Andros because of their time together.
Laura nodded and moving the photo, she helped Ashley sit on the bed and put her arms around her for a moment before Ashley handed her the cordless, "I brought this from the kitchen," Ashley whispered.
"I'll phone Katherine and see if she knows anything from Malcolm yet," Laura promised, taking the phone from Ashley and silently dialing the number to Katherine's cell-phone. "Just hang on."
Malcolm's head throbbed mercilessly as he sat in a chair in the darkest corner of the waiting room with his eyes closed and a hand on his forehead. He had taken a bus to the hospital since he didn't yet have a car of his own and had immediately secluded himself in the waiting room to wait for his parents because he didn't know where in the hospital Jason was. Currently, he felt very anxious and sick to his stomach.
"Malcolm?"
Sighing, Malcolm shakily extended his free hand out towards the voice and was surprised when he felt a hand gently take his own, "Hey there, kiddo," he heard his adoptive father's voice say. "You okay?"
"I think I have a migraine," Malcolm replied in a faint voice, scared to move and end up puking.
Thomas, who had left Helen talking with the nurses about Jason's condition, nodded and sat down next to his adopted son, "You're overexhausted from all the work and energy you've been putting into everything since the attacks in New York," he replied gently. "You've got a lot on your plate."
"I don't know," Malcolm replied, cringing as he laid back and slouched. "I really don't feel good."
Frowning, Thomas gently rubbed Malcolm's shoulder, "How is Jason doing?" Malcolm asked quietly.
"Apparently, Jason was rushed through the emergency room and right up to surgery because he had some pretty serious injuries," Thomas replied softly. "I was on a dinner break when I got the call…"
Malcolm nodded and felt himself growing very woozy, "I don't feel good," he whispered anxiously, only barely aware that he was being lowered on to the couch as visions of suffering and agony flashed through his mind from both the past and a future he didn't know. "Dad, are you there?"
"I'm here, Malcolm," Thomas whispered anxiously, his eyes filled with concern as Malcolm shakily sat up just enough to lay against the chair and look at him. "Do you want me to ask someone to help you?"
Unaware that Katherine had come to the hospital because of Laura's phone call and was now watching them from the hallway, Malcolm sighed heavily, "I just need some rest," he replied weakly. "I don't know what just happened, but I felt as if something very terrible had happened away from here."
Swallowing hard, Katherine edged down the hallway and pulled out her phone, as she felt that although Malcolm was probably right about trouble, Mark would have a better idea about what kind it was. They were both powerful young men, but Malcolm's mind was too preoccupied with Jason to truly focus.
Laura's mind was filled with turmoil; she was standing in the midst of a place he did not recognize and was surrounded by flames that had been caused by a monster. The vision then faded and she found herself standing in a white room with Zordon and people that were hidden from sight by shadows.
One of the shadows faded and Trini stood there in a yellow dress looking radiant and she was holding what appeared to be a necklace with a lion symbol that had an eagle resting on its shoulders, "Laura, this is for you and Jason," she said in a quiet, yet gentle voice as she held the necklace out. "Take it."
"Will Jason live?" Laura asked in an anxious voice as she took the necklace. "I'm worried about him."
Trini nodded, "He will live, but you make his heart come to life," she replied softly. "He needs you."
"I'm not as strong as everyone thinks," Laura replied anxiously. "I came into his world by chance."
Trini smiled, "You came into Jason's world in an act of faith," she replied softly. "Use it now."
Laura's eyes flew open and she realized that she was lying on top of her bed with the picture pressed to her heart. She slowly sat up and placed the picture on the bedside table before getting up and leaving the bedroom, well aware that she had a couple of days to mark the assignments. Everything was quiet.
Swallowing hard, Laura silently retreated into the kitchen and helped herself to a plate and some of the food that had been left out before sitting at the table, "Burning the midnight oil?" Dr. Oliver asked gently as he walked into the kitchen and saw Laura eating. "When dinner was ready, Ashley came to get you, but you had fallen asleep. I told her to just let you rest and I left some food out for you."
"Thanks," Laura replied softly, picking at the plate of leftovers. "What time is it, Doctor Oliver?"
Dr. Oliver smiled, "It's about nine," he replied in a reassuring voice. "Everyone's in their rooms."
Laura nodded, "I phoned Katherine earlier and asked her to check on Malcolm since they are dating and I hope she got around to it," she said in a tired voice. "I need to go buy something special tomorrow."
"I'm sure Jason will love whatever you get for him," Dr. Oliver replied gently, smiling at her.
Laura blushed and Dr. Oliver chuckled, "I know young love when I see it," he commented gently, walking over to the cupboard. "I just came in here for a drink, but if you need anything, I'm in my office."
"Thanks," Laura replied, grateful for such a good surrogate parent in her life. "I'll remember that."
Nodding, Dr. Oliver silently got a glass, some water from the sink, and wandered out of the kitchen, leaving Laura alone with her thoughts and wondering how to find the necklace that Trini had showed her because it looked like it would be hard to find. Would she just have to use faith to find it?
Malcolm sighed heavily as he was helped into the house by Thomas and Katherine after being ordered by his adoptive mother to go home and rest, "I'm really sorry that I didn't just come home and rest, but I was so worried about Jason," he commented, watching as Katherine closed the front door.
"You've got such a big heart, Malcolm, but what good will it do you if you make yourself sick worrying about everyone else but yourself all of the time?" Katherine asked gently. "On the couch, right?"
Malcolm nodded and kept quiet as he was helped to the couch in the living room, "Will you stay for a cup of hot chocolate, Katherine?" Thomas asked gently, smiling as Kat nodded. "I'll go whip it up."
"Mark couldn't find anything, could he?" Malcolm asked softly, gazing at Katherine anxiously as his adoptive father left them alone in the living room. "I just felt as if something terrible happened."
Katherine shook her head, "Mark senses the same thing, but can't explain it," she replied, sitting down next to him and putting her hand on top of his. "I think we all feel the same way about it, though."
"I'm thinking of taking a couple days off to help my adoptive mom with Jason because my adoptive dad has to work a lot," Malcolm commented softly. "I'm still in school for the next year, but that's only during the day and even though I technically own Ernie's, I can let Rocky and Ernie handle things there."
Katherine nodded, but didn't say anything, "Now I know how Jason must have felt when he and Billy first found me after my accident," Malcolm continued, frowning. "I should call Billy and Kimberly since they were close friends with Jason before he left for New York and they don't live too far away."
As Malcolm made to get up, however, he felt weak and sank back down, "You don't have to do it tonight, Malcolm," Katherine commented softly. "Nobody was expecting Jason until Christmas."
"I had no idea that Jason would be able to come out here so soon after all of this," Malcolm commented anxiously, laying back on the couch. "From what the news said, planes weren't doing much flying."
Malcolm sighed heavily and closed his eyes, "I'm just so tired," he spoke softly. "So tired of evil."
Gently patting Malcolm's hand, Katherine nodded and just sat there, wanting to be there for him.
"JASON!"
Immediately recognizing Rita's voice, Jason's eyes flew open and he was surprised to see a woman resembling Rita in front of him, but clad in a white outfit resembling a habit, "Jason, it's good to see you alive even though you are still so impulsive," Rita said grandly. "Now, Udonna wants to talk to you."
"Who?" Jason asked in a confused voice, frowning at Rita. "Rita, who exactly is Udonna?"
Rita's eyes narrowed, "Call me Mystic Mother if you must call me something, Jason," she replied in a testy voice, smiling as a fading Udonna came into view. "Udonna, this is Jason Lee Scott."
"Ah," Udonna replied in an ethereal voice as she gazed at Jason. "Laura Hammond's soulmate?"
Jason's eyes widened and he took a step back, which caused Rita to chuckle, "Please, Jason, did you really think your relationship with that girl was such a secret?" she asked in an amused voice.
"What do you want from me?" Jason asked softly, gazing at Udonna. "I have no powers."
Udonna smiled, "You have deeper power than that which you Morphed with, dear boy," she replied in a calm, kind, but ethereal voice. "There will come a time where you will raise and mentor those who will carry powers similar to the ones you once had, but this is a responsibility not to be taken lightly."
"What does Laura have to do with this?" Jason asked softly, wishing he could be with her.
Rita chuckled and suddenly, Ninjor appeared, "You are the Lion and you carry all weary travellers on your shoulders, including the Eagle when it is tired of flying alone!" Ninjor pronounced eagerly as pendants holding lion and eagle symbols appeared in his hands. "Even lions get lonely, however, and are in need of healing in a way that only a bird as free-spirited as the Eagle can provide to your weary soul!"
"What?" Jason replied, still deep in shock at all that had happened to him over the last few weeks.
Udonna smiled, "You'll understand when the time is right," she replied softly. "Rest well, Jason."
"Jason, honey, can you hear me?" Jason suddenly heard the soft voice of his mother ask.
Jason slowly opened his eyes and was surprised to see his mother and Malcolm sitting in chairs beside where he was laying. A silent, quick assessment of himself told Jason that he was in a hospital room in bed with one leg in a cast with a pillow underneath it while blankets and a gown covered his body and IV lines littered his arms and hands. He found it strange that a clip was on one hand, but he stayed calm.
"Mom, Malcolm, how did I end up in the hospital?" Jason asked weakly, looking at the two of them.
Helen smiled, "Eugene Skullovitch was working security at the airport and you collapsed there, so he and Officer Bulkmeier called for an ambulance," she explained softly. "You've been here since last night."
"Oh wow," Jason replied groggily, his eyes narrowing because of the bright sunshine shining through the window in his private hospital room. "That sun is really bright. I don't know why it's bothering me."
Malcolm quickly stood and closed the curtain before turning the light above the bed on, but he frowned when Jason tried to sit up in bed, "Why does it hurt when I sit up?" Jason asked as he slowly laid back.
"You had surgery and the surgeons took your spleen, sweetheart," Helen replied softly, taking Jason's hand as he closed his eyes and tried to relax himself. "Your lungs collapsed and they also had to fix those by putting tubes in your chest to help you breathe. You also broke your leg and a few ribs."
Jason sighed heavily and opened his eyes, "Wow," he replied groggily. "Mom, Malcolm, I need to tell you something really important and not get upset. I was trapped under the North Tower for a day."
"Oh, honey," Helen replied softly while Malcolm said nothing. "You just said you had been busy."
Jason nodded and shakily lifted his hand to his chest, "It hurts if I talk too much because I'm breathing too fast," he commented groggily, nothing wanting more than to go back to sleep. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry, Jase," Malcolm spoke up gently. "I'll be here for you just like you were there for me."
Jason closed his eyes, "I'm so tired," he spoke groggily, not releasing his chest. "I'm not good company."
Helen silently pressed the nurse's call button beside the bed, "Neither was I for the first little while, if you remember," Malcolm replied gently, concerned by how defeated Jason looked. "I took a few days off of running Ernie's and arranged to send my schoolwork in through email so I can stay with you."
Jason grunted and both Helen and Malcolm realized that he was blocking everything around him out in an attempt to block out the pain he was feeling, "Mom, I'm not sure Jason's really aware of what's going on or what he's saying," Malcolm whispered, looking at his mother. "I don't think he meant to tell us…"
Just then, an older woman in scrubs came into the room pushing a cart, "Mrs. Lee Scott, is Jason in pain?" she asked in a kind voice, cautiously approaching the bed as Jason looked like he was asleep.
"Mmm," Jason mumbled groggily, unaware that tears were coming out of his tired eyes.
As the nurse took a syringe from the cart and put it in Jason's IV, Malcolm immediately recognized her, "Mrs. Sloan, right?" he asked softly, seeing many of Tanya's features in her face. "How are you?"
"I'm doing very well, Malcolm," Mrs. Sloan replied calmly as she checked the machine that was monitoring Jason's vital signs and the chart that was sitting there. "How was Jason's sleep last night?"
Helen frowned, "I only saw Jason after he was moved here, but it was he little restless even though he was still a bit under the anesthesia," she replied in a worried voice. "Is he going to be all right?"
"I'm sure Jason will be because he's got support from family and friends," Mrs. Sloan replied gently.
Malcolm sighed, "Mom, why don't you go home, do some errands, and get some rest?" he suggested in a tired voice, knowing she had been there all night without rest. "I can stay here for a while."
"You're such a good young man, Malcolm," Helen replied, nodding. "I'll go home for a little while."
Mrs. Sloan smiled, "I'll walk you out," she replied, smiling at Malcolm as she left with Helen and the cart.
"Zordon, I wish you were still here," Malcolm said in a tired voice, sinking into the chair closest to Jason's bed. "I don't know how to help Jason through what's happened and I don't know if I can."
Since it was a day that she was in classes instead of teaching, Laura found herself walking around the campus of Angel Grove University with the small lunch she had packed. Her class that morning had been short and quiet, as most classes had been since September 11 and there wasn't another class that day.
Finding herself unable to leave campus and go in search of the necklace that Trini had shown her, however, Laura sat down on the bleachers and silently began to enjoy her lunch. Unknown to her, however, someone had been following her from inside the school and was now approaching her.
"Laura? Laura Hammond?" a quiet, yet very familiar voice suddenly spoke from behind Laura.
Laura turned and saw Kimberly standing there in jeans, boots, and a sweater with her purse on her shoulder to make her look like any other student, "Kim, how are you?" Laura asked pleasantly.
"I'm back in school and trying to finish up my Design degree and we're staying with Billy's father," Kimberly explained as she sat down next to Laura. "Billy works from home and so he's looking after Trent while I do school during the day. I saw you and decided to see how you were doing."
Laura sighed, "Jason came back to Angel Grove last night and he ended up in the hospital after collapsing at the airport," she replied anxiously, grateful for someone to talk to. "I haven't gone to visit him yet, but I'm so scared that my presence will only make it worse. I don't know what to do."
"You've been there for Jason ever since you met him," Kimberly replied softly, both unnerved and concerned over Laura's sudden break in confidence. "I'm sure Jason will enjoy seeing you."
Laura swallowed hard, "I felt terrible things, Kimberly, and I think Jason's been through a lot more than anyone may realize," she commented softly. "I had this dream last night about Trini and she…"
"Trini's giving you her blessing," Kimberly interrupted softly. "Before you came to Angel Grove, Jason and Trini had dated, but Trini confided in me that she wasn't actually sure if they would last. Don't get me wrong, as they were very close, but it was if Trini knew that she wasn't Jason's perfect mate."
Laura remained silent for several seconds before sighing, "Trini showed me a special necklace, but I feel like I have to find it before I can know how to help Jason," she explained softly. "It was a pendant of an eagle resting on the shoulders of a lion and it reminds me of our Ninjetti symbols, but I can't find…"
"Ninjor," Kimberly finished anxiously, her eyes widening. "You have to get the necklace from Ninjor."
Laura frowned, but nodded, "I had a feeling I did, but I don't know where he is," she replied softly.
Before Kimberly could reply, she and Laura vanished from the quiet campus without anyone noticing.
Malcolm's eyes opened wide when he realized that he wasn't in Jason's hospital room anymore, but in a canyon with pillars that had Ninjetti symbols on them. Looking down, he realized that he was in his Ninjetti Tiger suit with a crown emblem on his chest. He saw Ninjor standing several feet away.
"Ninjor, what am I doing here?" Malcolm asked in a concerned voice, gazing at the Ninjetti Master.
Suddenly, Laura and a shaken Kimberly appeared, "Ninjor?" Laura asked in a nervous voice.
"Ah, the Eagle!" Ninjor proclaimed in an anxious voice. "You had faith to come seek me out!"
Laura's eyes widened as Ninjor raised his hand and caused the pendant that Trini had shown her to appear in his hand, "As it was told to Jason, even lions get lonely and are in need of healing in a way that only a bird as free-spirited as the Eagle can provide to your weary soul!" Ninjor proclaimed, lowering the necklace to show Laura, Kimberly, and Malcolm. "You are the healer and he is what will keep you going."
Ninjor silently handed the necklace to Malcolm, "I am unable to keep my power up enough to remain on Earth for long, so I will pass this on to he who has power from both Earth and beyond," he said in an anxious voice as his form began to fade. "With new evils on the horizon, power isn't what it used to be."
"This belongs to you," Malcolm said in a calm voice, setting the necklace in Laura's hand. "Have faith."
Before Laura could reply, she found herself back on the bleachers behind the university with her bag beside her and the necklace in her hand. Kimberly was sitting next to her looking mystified.
"Thanks for coming, Kim," Laura said as she stood up. "Now I know what I have to do."
Kimberly nodded, but as Laura walked off, she silently got her cell-phone out to phone Billy about the experience they had just had with Ninjor. He would be able to help prepare for whatever was coming because his job involved technology and it was by technology that powers of the past came to be.
"TJ, are you sure about this?" Ashley asked softly as she followed TJ down the hallway to the open doorway of Jason's hospital room. "Laura's not teaching today, but she'll know if we skipped."
TJ smiled, "It's still lunch hour, so we're all right," he replied in a pleasant voice. "We'll just…"
Ashley's eyes widened as she and TJ entered the room and saw Malcolm standing by Jason's bed in shoes, jeans, and a sweatshirt while Jason slept, "Shouldn't you two be in school?" Malcolm asked softly, giving TJ and Ashley a look. "TJ, I know you volunteer here, but that's not til after school."
"It's lunch hour and I thought we'd come see how Jason was doing and phone Laura since today's not one of her teaching days," Ashley replied in a confident voice. "Since we're here, can we sign his cast?"
Malcolm shook his head, "Maybe after Jason wakes up again, you can," he replied calmly. "He just got in to Angel Grove last night and I think he'd rather be awake to see whoever is wanting to visit him."
"We told some of the teachers at the school about Jason and we heard Miss Appleby and Dr. Oliver talking about getting a group together to order flowers and make cards to welcome Jason home because of what he did to help on September eleventh," TJ spoke up softly. "People think he's a big hero."
Malcolm frowned, "Jason would be overwhelmed if a ton of people started visiting him and talking about what he did in New York," he replied in a concerned voice. "From someone who has had endured a traumatic experience, Jason just needs time and opportunity to slowly adjust to being back home."
"That's right," Laura replied softly as she entered the room. "TJ, Ashley, enjoying your lunch break?"
Ashley's eyes widened as Laura came into the room, "I thought you were at the university today?" she asked in a shocked voice, sighing as Laura approached Jason's bed. "TJ and I came to check on him."
"I've been to class and I don't have anything else to do until tomorrow," Laura replied calmly. "You and TJ have just enough time to get back to school and eat lunch before school starts. I'll see you later."
Understanding themselves to be dismissed, Ashley gave Laura a hug and then left with TJ, "I hope this helps," Laura said as she took the necklace out of her purse and set it in Jason's hand. "I really do."
Almost immediately, the necklace glowed and a stuffed lion materialized in Jason's hand before the necklace moved back into Laura's hand, "Jason was given some pain medication earlier, so nobody will know what effect the necklace will have on him until it wears off," Malcolm commented softly, grateful that even though he was no longer a Ranger, he was still entrusted with certain sacred things.
Without warning, Jason's eyes slowly opened and his hand gripped the stuffed lion while his eyes travelled to Laura and Malcolm, "Hey there, my handsome prince," Laura said in a gentle voice as she placed her hand over the hand that was holding the lion. "We're really glad to see that you're alive."
"I know," Jason replied in a groggy voice, too groggy and weak to do more than look at both of them.
Billy frowned as he watched Kimberly pace anxiously back and forth in front of the chair where he was working on the computer, "How can evil still be out there?" Kimberly asked anxiously, having driven home quickly after leaving Laura. "Ninjor said that power isn't what it used to be because of evil."
"I don't know what kind of trouble could be brewing, but it must be serious if Ninjor had to pass the responsibility of giving the Ninjetti necklace to Malcolm," Billy replied in a concerned voice. "Now that I'm working for a company that specializes in defense technology, though, perhaps I can be of help."
Kimberly nodded and sighed, "I'm so glad Trent is in school right now and can't see what we're doing," she said in a concerned voice as she put her arms around Billy. "What do you think is out there?"
"I wish I knew," Billy replied in an anguished voice. "To take our minds off this trouble, why don't we order some flowers to send that will cheer Jason up while he recovers? Maybe in a few days, we can also visit him."
Deeply relieved that Billy's friendly feelings towards Jason seemed to be strong even though they hadn't communicated much in recent years, Kimberly nodded, "That's a really good idea," she replied eagerly.
Frank, I am in deep trouble and I know there's no way out for me. Dr. Oliver heard the faint, yet familiar voice of Allan Mercer echoed through the younger man's mind as he sat at the desk in his office, trying to work on his new computer and eat his lunch at the same time. Keep the gems safe from harm.
There was a sudden knock at the door and Dr. Oliver looked up to see Rocky standing there, "Oh, Rocky, it's good to see that you took me up on my offer to talk," he said pleasantly, relieved that Rocky wasn't adverse to coming to the school during lunch hours and talking about how things in his life were going.
As Rocky came into the office and sat down in the visitor's chair, Dr. Oliver focused his attention their chat and failed to notice that a small box containing the gems had appeared on his office bookshelf behind his other knickknacks.
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