One Week Later

Cranston Educational Complex - Reefside

The air was slightly cold, but Jason found that Reefside reminded him of what Angel Grove had been like back when he was a teenager; it was simple and relatively undamaged in the quake. It was incredibly peaceful.

Sighing, Jason turned to see where Nick and Ziggy were and sighed sadly when he saw that Nick was sitting on a bench with Ziggy, who already looked tired from the walk across the parking lot to the gardens that eclipsed both Billy's school and the residential rehab facility where Dr. Oliver and Rocky were now living. Laura had taken Kira around the city for a girl's day and so Jason decided to bring Nick along to the school to see if he also liked it.

"Hey there, Ziggy, are you tired out?" Jason asked softly as he went to the bench. "Or are you just nervous?"

Ziggy looked at Nick and sighed, "I'm tired," he spoke quietly. "And my tummy's really sore, but I can make it."

"Aw, Ziggy, don't hurt yourself because you think you have to keep up with me," Nick replied softly. "It's okay."

Jason smiled and picked Ziggy up off the bench, "We can try more walking later, okay?" he said kindly.

Ziggy nodded and remained quiet as he was carried into the school his father while Nick followed. The school was filled with transparent windows and looked to have the latest technology and lots of classroom space.

"Jason, hey!" Billy said as he poked his head out of the office. "I was wondering where you guys were."

Jason smiled at his sons, "Nick and Ziggy got a little tired," he replied calmly. "Tour or talk first?"

"We can tour first," Billy said calmly. "Classes aren't in session just yet, so I'll give you the full tour."

Reefside Mall

"Mom?"

Laura turned and smiled when she saw Kira holding two smoothies, "I got this for you from the food court," Kira said in a kind voice as she offered one of the smoothies. "You like blueberry pomegranate, right?"

"Yes, dear daughter, I do," Laura replied with a smile, taking the smoothie. "Thank you so much, Kira."

Kira smiled and eyed a store near the food court that had nice looking clothes, "Can I get some clothes for school?" she asked in an eager voice. "Since we're probably gonna move, I wanna look nice for my new school."

"You, Nick, and Ziggy would have to go to new schools anyway since they're tearing the ones in Angel Grove down and rebuilding," Laura replied gently, guiding Kira to the store. "You know what you're allowed to wear."

Kira nodded and wandered off to the section of clothes for teenagers while Laura went over to the women's clothes to see what she could get for herself while she waited. Laura had never been a fan of shopping because she hadn't ever had enough money to get what she wanted except for the one year she had been taken shopping for her birthday, but Jason had gently encouraged her to get a few things for herself now and then because she was beautiful and deserved to wear beautiful clothes. She, however, wasn't alone in the women's section.

A dark haired woman in a gray pantsuit was eyeing a light brown pantsuit that was on display, but she looked uncertain about it, "I think that would look very nice on you," Laura commented encouragingly.

The woman turned to face Laura, "You do?" she asked softly. "Well, you seem honest. I suppose I could try it."

Laura watched as the woman took the pantsuit, "Thank you," she said softly. "My name's Elsa Randall, by the way and I'm shopping for stuff I can wear to my job at the high school. School doesn't start for another week, but…"

"Oh, I think my daughter will be going to the high school," Laura replied kindly. "My name's Laura Scott."

Elsa Randall smiled, "Reefside High is an excellent educational institution," she replied in a pleased voice.

"I used to teach at Angel Grove High and Kira had just started there when that earthquake happened, so she's not very far into freshman year yet," Laura explained calmly. "They'll be tearing down the schools and rebuilding and Stone Canyon was completely destroyed. I have a friend who recommended the schools here as being excellent."

Elsa Randall smiled, "Oh, you must be talking about Doctor Billy Cranston," she replied. "He's the head of the board of directors for the educational institutions in Reefside and he's always promoting the schools here."

"Billy and I went to high school together and I'm also friends with his wife," Laura replied kindly.

Nodding, Elsa Randall smiled, "So you say you're an English teacher, hmm?" she said kindly. "Looking for work?"

"Yes," Laura replied in a confused voice. "I also have two sons and they're also in school, so I have time."

Elsa Randall smirked, "I'll be talking with Doctor Cranston about you," she said. "Reefside High is in need of a good English teacher and I think you'll be an excellent addition to the staff. It was nice to meet you, Laura Scott."

As Elsa walked off to try on the pantsuit, Laura stood there, deeply mystified that she had been offered work.

Cranston Educational Complex - Reefside

"Daddy, will it be hard to go to school here?" Ziggy asked as he sat in Jason's arms as they returned to the office and saw a red-haired woman working at the computer. "I think I like it and Angel Grove's really sad now."

Jason shook his head, "If you want to go to school here, Ziggy, you can," he replied in a reassuring voice.

Ziggy nodded, "Hayley Ziktor, this is Ziggy Scott, Nick Scott, and their dad, Jason Scott," Billy said as he entered the office and looked at the lady behind the computer. "Ziggy's going to be coming here when it starts again."

"Daddy, Uncle Billy, can I come to school here too?" Nick asked softly. "It looks really nice and Ziggy's here."

Jason gave Nick a look, "Are you sure, Nick?" he asked gently. "You don't have to go here if you don't want to."

"It just feels right to be here," Nick replied quietly, giving his father a look. "Besides, I gotta protect my brother."

Jason sighed and nodded, "I guess Nick and Ziggy will both be going to school here," he said in a kind voice.

"Hayley's one of the volunteers who's come in and helped run the office since the school opened and she also runs this awesome cyber café downtown," Billy explained calmly as Ziggy yawned. "Aw, Ziggy, are you tired out?"

Ziggy sighed and responded by closing his eyes to sleep, "The doctor said it would take Ziggy a while to recover from what happened and to just let him have naps when he gets tired because his body is healing," Jason said in a kind voice. "Nick, do you wanna talk to Hayley about getting you set up for school? I can register Ziggy later."

"Is Ziggy gonna be okay, Daddy?" Nick replied in a worried voice, gazing at his brother. "He sleeps a lot."

Jason sighed patiently and hugged Nick, "I know your mom and I haven't spent a lot of time with you and Kira since Ziggy got hurt and I'm really sorry, Nick," he said softly. "We've just been so busy dealing with everything."

"I'm not upset because I know Mommy and you love us," Nick replied softly. "How do I…sign up for school?"

Hayley smiled and as she talked with Nick about signing up for school, Jason shifted Ziggy in his arms and silently watched Nick give his personal information, "If you'll excuse me, I need to go next door to the apartment complex to give Rocky a break," Billy said in a kind voice. "Hayley, if anyone else comes in to register for school…"

"Uncle Rocky lives next door?" Nick asked in a confused voice, distracted. "I didn't know Uncle Rocky was here."

Jason frowned in confusion, "Rocky lives with Doctor Oliver and does what he can for him," Billy explained softly, giving Jason a concerned look. "It's been that way for a couple of weeks now, but even Rocky gets tired…"

"Did you want some company, Billy?" Jason asked kindly. "I'm sure Nick and Ziggy would love to see him."

Billy nodded, "Daddy, I'm signed up for school," Nick announced as he looked up at his father with a smile.

"We're gonna go on a walk with Uncle Billy, Nick," Jason said in a kind voice. "We've got some time."

Nick nodded and took his father's free hand as they left the school with Billy and walked across the courtyard to the tall apartment building. Billy led them through a foyer that was filled with a small common area, colorful plants, and comfortable furniture. There were security and medical staff around and everyone smiled at Billy.

Billy smiled as he approached a door and knocked on it, "Yeah?" he heard a tired, but kind voice call out.

"Rocky, it's Billy," Billy called out. "I've come to give you a chance to go grocery shopping and stuff…"

There was silence and the door opened, revealing a tired looking Rocky wearing khakis and a sweater, "Oh, hi there Jason and Nick," Rocky said in a pleasant, but tired voice. "You guys can come in too if you want."

The door opened further, revealing a large apartment that had furniture and equipment in the living room as well as closed doors. Billy led Jason, Nick, and Ziggy into the apartment and Jason was surprised to see that the kitchen was large and wheelchair-friendly and that there was also a bathroom and three other bedrooms inside.

"Doctor Oliver's just in his office on a work call," Rocky explained calmly. "He does Skype meetings sometimes."

Billy nodded and Rocky sighed tiredly, "I…I've been using the power Laura gave me to speed up his healing process a little bit, so that's why I'm tired," Rocky confessed quietly. "She healed my arm and I'm using it to heal him."

Jason looked worried, "Rocky, you don't look well," he replied worriedly. "Are you sure you should be doing that?"

"No, but I'm doing all that I can to be of help," Rocky replied in a tired voice. "He's the only parent I have left."

Jason and Billy suddenly went very quiet as they remembered that Rocky's entire family had been killed while Rocky was still in high school, "I should be back around five after I do grocery shopping, some stuff at the mall, and my therapy yoga class," Rocky said in a kind voice. "Adam said he might drive up today, but who knows…"

"Don't worry about anything here, Rocky," Billy said reassuringly. "Go take some time to relax, okay?"

Nodding, Rocky stepped into his shoes and silently left the apartment, closing the door behind him, "Do you think Doctor Oliver would mind if Ziggy napped on his couch?" Jason asked in a kind voice. "Ziggy will nap for a while."

Billy smiled and shrugged, so Jason went and laid Ziggy on the soft couch, "Hello?" a voice suddenly called out.

There was a silence and the office door suddenly opened. Jason looked up just in time to see Dr. Oliver slowly wheel himself out of his office wearing slippers, khakis, and a dress shirt, "Oh, hello!" Dr. Oliver said warmly.

"Grandpa Frank, hi," Nick said as he hurried over to him. "We gotta be quiet cause Ziggy's napping."

Dr. Oliver looked amused and Nick carefully climbed up into his lap, gently hugging him, "I missed you a lot, Grandpa Frank," Nick said quietly. "Grandpa and Grandma Scott went on a vacation because the earthquake freaked them out and they have Uncle Malcolm and Aunt Kat house sitting with Ethan and Laura."

"Who's Ethan?" Dr. Oliver asked in a confused voice, putting his arms around Nick. "Jason?"

Jason sighed, "Ethan showed up during that Youth Day thing and he ended up telling Malcolm that he didn't have parents, so Malcolm and Kat are fostering him while they work through adoption paperwork," he replied calmly.

Dr. Oliver smiled, sadness in his eyes, "Elizabeth and I were considering it when the earthquake happened," he admitted softly, his tone filled with sadness as he spoke. "We were going to look at it at the end of the year…"

Billy silently busied himself doing dishes and Jason went to check on Ziggy, as both of them knew that Dr. Oliver was still grieving over the loss of Ms. Appleby and occasionally had moments where he would go very, very quiet, "I miss Grandma too, Grandpa Frank," Nick spoke softly, giving Dr. Oliver a kind hug. "I'm sorry you're sad."

Dr. Oliver smiled sadly and gently hugged Nick back, "Oh, Nick, you're such a kind child," he spoke gently. "Did you know I just got a job doing counseling at the schools in Reefside whenever they need me to talk to students?"

"That's cool," Nick replied softly. "Daddy took me and Ziggy over to Uncle Billy's school and we're gonna go there."

Dr. Oliver nodded, "You know what I do to strengthen my hands and make me feel better when I'm sad, Nick?" he asked softly, smiling sadly at Nick. "I sit at my dining room table and I color. Would you like to help me color?"

"That would be fun, Grandpa," Nick said softly, smiling as Dr. Oliver wheeled them both over to the dining table where a small station of paper and endless coloring crayons, markers, and pencil crayons was set up for use.

Rocky sighed heavily as he drove through the streets towards the downtown district where the mall, grocery store, and other businesses were. He had only been in Reefside taking care of Dr. Oliver for two weeks and he was exhausted to the point where he feared he might die first simply because he had given up much of what was left of his powers to Dr. Oliver because he had nobody else to protect. He truly felt older than he really was.

Quickly finding a place in the downtown core to park, Rocky got out and decided to walk across the green space to the grocery store to wake himself up. He was tired, slightly dizzy, and ready to sleep, but he didn't have the time.

As Rocky moved away from his car, however, a massive dizzy spell hit him and he grabbed hold of his car; he knew that he had given too much of himself to make sure Doctor Oliver was able to heal faster, but he didn't regret it.

Without warning, Rocky slipped to the ground unconscious and hit the grass on his side; he was spent.

Several moments later, Tommy, who had been getting groceries and things he would need for school, drove by and saw someone passed out on the green space. Concerned that someone was sick, hurt, or had been mugged, Tommy quickly pulled over to the side of the road. He got out of his car and hurried over to the injured person.

"Sir, are you okay?" Tommy asked as he turned the man over only to find an awful surprise. "Rocky?"

Rocky didn't respond and Tommy silently checked for a pulse, frowning when he felt that his former friend's skin was cold and clammy, "I better take him to my house," Tommy murmured softly. "It's closer than the hospital."

Taking great care not to hurt Rocky, as he knew that Rocky had past injury and illness that made his systems messy, Tommy gently picked Rocky up and carried him over to his car. He silently secured Rocky inside before getting behind the wheel. As Tommy drove off down the street, he was hoping that nothing was seriously wrong.

It didn't take Tommy long to get home and he left the other things in the car, instead choosing to get Rocky inside and into the med-bed that was in his basement lab. Tommy knew almost immediately that Rocky had given some of his old powers to heal someone else and it had sucked enough energy out of him to make him severely ill.

After making sure that Rocky was comfortable and warm, Tommy dug into the medical technology that he had designed while at MIT for in case there were emergencies and no doctors around. He silently got what he needed and silently injected portable fluid capsules into Rocky's hands and arms before putting energy infusers on Rocky's forehead and chest that would stabilize his weak vitals. Tommy wasn't a medical doctor, but he could still help.

Beeps filled the quiet lab as the med-bed scanned Rocky and brought his information up on the screen for Tommy to look at. From what Tommy could understand, Rocky had a fever, was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration, and also had low blood pressure and a slow heart rate, "What have you been doing to yourself?" Tommy murmured softly, frowning when Rocky stirred and opened his eyes. "Rocky, don't freak out, okay?"

"Where…am…I?" Rocky asked in a faint, groggy voice, eyeing Tommy suspiciously. "Tommy? Is that you?"

Tommy nodded and Rocky squinted as he looked around, trying to make sense of things, "I found you passed out near your car and I brought you to my place so you can rest," Tommy said quietly. "I can help you if you let me."

"Jason…he's still mad over what happened," Rocky spoke in a faint voice as he tried to get up and failed because he didn't even have the energy to lift his head. "If I let you…he's gonna freak and think you're trying to hurt me."

Tommy sighed, watching Rocky's blood pressure drop past safe levels for a few moments before silently pressing a button that dropped a mask from above that was attached to a tube, "You're only going to get worse if I let you go now, Rocky," he replied quietly, forcing the mask over Rocky's face. "You're going to rest either way."

Even though he was terrified for his safety, Rocky found himself unable to fight sleep as the mask emitted a gas that made him feel sleepy and was relaxing his already weak body. Tommy had chosen to forcibly sedate him.

As Rocky succumbed to the sedation gas, Tommy silently vowed to talk to Jason about why Rocky was so sick and ask if it was some sort of sick revenge for what had happened on the moon on Jason and Laura's wedding day.

"Nick, are you okay?" Nick heard Dr. Oliver ask him in a kind voice. "You're staring out the window."

Nick looked at Dr. Oliver with a concerned expression on his face, "Is Uncle Rocky okay?" he asked softly.

Dr. Oliver gave Nick a curious look, "Uncle Rocky looked really tired today," Nick spoke quietly.

"I don't know if your Uncle Rocky is okay, Nick, because he doesn't tell me when he's not," Dr. Oliver replied in a quiet, but concerned voice because he too was worried about Rocky's health. "He's stubborn like your daddy is."

Jason looked amused as he walked over to the table with a plate of sandwiches, plastic cups, and a pitcher of apple juice, "I made lunch," he said in a calm voice, setting the items on the table. "I suppose I am a little stubborn."

"You're cool, though, Dad," Nick replied in a reassuring voice. "I mean, that's okay to say, right?"

Jason smiled and gave Nick a hug, "Yes, Nick, that's very okay to say," he replied kindly. "Ziggy, lunchtime!"

Ziggy woke and slowly sat up, waiting a few moments before he got off the couch and walked over to the table, "I think I can try bread today," he said quietly, wincing as he got up into a chair. "That was super high."

Jason smiled and scooped Ziggy up, setting him down on his lap as he sat because he could see that even climbing on a chair was hard for his littlest son and that reaching for sandwiches would be harder, "I don't want you to hurt yourself climbing on chairs and reaching for food, so you can sit on my lap," he said gently. "Okay?"

Ziggy sighed, "Am I bad cause I'm not better?" he asked softly as he eyed the sandwiches.

"No, Ziggy, your body's just taking a bit longer to heal from the operation you had," Jason replied in a gentle voice as he handed Ziggy a half sandwich, "Why don't you try this and see if your body is liking bread again?"

Ziggy nodded and silently ate half the sandwich before putting it back on the plate, "I'm full," he spoke softly.

"Dad, when are we gonna go look at the house?" Nick asked quietly. "You said we would today."

Jason smiled, "We have to go by the mall and pick your mom and Kira up first," he replied gently.

Dr. Oliver smiled as he and Jason dug into the sandwiches, but his calm expression suddenly faded and he dropped the sandwich and silently wheeled away from the table, "Excuse me," he spoke in a quiet voice. "I need a minute."

Jason frowned as Dr. Oliver stopped, closed his eyes, and put a hand on his forehead, "Are you okay, Doctor Oliver?" he asked, quickly getting up from the table with Ziggy in his arms. "You know I'm a paramedic…"

"I'm just tired, Jason," Dr. Oliver spoke gently. "I got up very early this morning and I'm feeling it now."

Jason put a hand on his shoulder, "Why don't you have a little nap then?" he suggested in a kind voice.

Dr. Oliver nodded and Jason silently wheeled him into his private master bedroom, being super gentle as he helped the older man from the chair into bed, "I'm usually not so tired in the day after my early morning sojurns," he said in an apologetic voice. "Jason, how much longer are you going to be angry at Tommy for?"

Deeply surprised, Jason sat down on the edge of the bed, "I'm not going to force you to deal with your anger, nor am I asking you to share, but it would be a good idea if you learned to forgive," Dr. Oliver spoke quietly with a tiredness in his voice that Jason had never heard before. "You've had a bit of anger in you for a while now and I'm not your parents, but I'm guessing that this has not so much to do with Tommy as it does something else?"

Unable to lie to Dr. Oliver or feel any sort of negative emotion towards him, Jason nodded, "Ever since we had to help Malcolm by facing our own demons, there are times I think of my sister," he replied quietly, sadness in his normally vibrant voice. "I haven't ever talked about it with my parents because they don't ever discuss her or keep any reminders of her where people can see them, but I managed to steal photos of Elsa from the house…"

Dr. Oliver sighed patiently, "Laura knows about Elsa, but it's just a very painful thing I'd rather not bring up in front of the kids or ruin a date with," Jason spoke quietly. "With Zordon gone, you're the only one who gets it."

"I'm sorry you feel like you can't talk about your sister, Jason," Dr. Oliver spoke softly. "You certainly can and I would, in fact, encourage you to do so simply because talking about a lost loved one keeps their memory alive."

Jason nodded and sighed, "Anyway, Jason, please just consider forgiving Tommy because there will come a time where you will need to trust one another and work together like you once did," Dr. Oliver said quietly as he closed his eyes and relaxed. "If you allow anger to keep you from trusting him, the consequences will be great."

Frowning, Jason watched Dr. Oliver go into a deep sleep, bewildered simply because he knew that the older man had many powers he didn't quite understand. Sighing, Jason tucked him in, stood up, and silently left the room.

The plate of sandwiches was half gone and Nick and Ziggy were sitting at the table, "Grandpa Frank decided to take a little nap, so we'll go get your mom and Kira when Uncle Billy gets back," Jason explained in a quiet voice.

Just then, the front door opened and a tired looking Billy walked in, "Nick and Ziggy are all registered," he said softly, smiling at Jason before looking at Nick and Ziggy. "You guys are all set to come to my school."

"Doctor Oliver's having a rest," Jason replied calmly. "I'm gonna take the boys and get Laura and Kira."

Billy nodded and Nick climbed off of his chair, his eyes wide as Ziggy got off of his chair without any help, "I wanna try walking to the car," Ziggy said quietly. "Uncle Billy, thanks for letting us come and visit with Grandpa Frank."

"Yeah, Uncle Billy, thank you," Nick replied, not at all bothered that Ziggy wanted to be so much like him.

Billy smiled and Jason returned the smile before leading Nick and Ziggy out of the apartment and out to the Suburban. To Jason's surprise, he could see Laura and Kira getting out of a car that was parked nearby loaded down with shopping bags. A woman with short dark hair sat behind the wheel, but who was she?

"I'll be in touch as soon as I talk with Doctor Cranston," Jason heard the woman say. "See you later."

Laura smiled as the car drove off, "Hey there, my beautiful girls," Jason said, smiling at his wife as he took the bags from her hands and took the bags from Kira's hands. "I was just on my way to pick you guys up at the mall."

"Kira and I ran into the principal of the high school at the mall and this was on her way, so she offered us a ride," Laura replied in a tired voice, kissing her husband as Kira went over to Nick and Ziggy. "I've missed you."

Jason smiled and returned the kiss, "I've missed you more," he replied calmly. "Ready to go see the house?"

"Once we get the kids in the car, yes," Laura replied gently as they walked to the car. "Ready to go, kids?"

Kira nodded and gently picked Ziggy up because she knew he wasn't yet strong enough to get in and out of the car without help. As Kira put Ziggy in his car seat and strapped him in, Nick climbed in on the other side, "Thank you, Kira," Ziggy said quietly, smiling at his big sister as she got into the car next to him and got her seatbelt on.

Nodding, Kira got into the car and watched as her parents got into the car, "Let's go," Jason said happily.

Warmth filled Rocky's body as he slowly woke and found himself tucked into a bed that was in an unfamiliar bedroom, "Hello?" he called out in a weak voice, frowning as a dizzy spell filled his body. "Where am I?"

Silence greeted him and Rocky tried to sit up, but he immediately felt nauseous and was forced to lie back down, "Try not to move or sit up," a voice spoke from a dark corner. "You've suffered a serious power drain."

"Tommy?" Rocky asked in a faint voice, frowning when he saw a figure. "Tommy, where am I?"

Instead of replying, however, Tommy came into view and sat on the edge of the bed, "This should help," he spoke, sighing as he pressed the black gem into Rocky's chest. "You've been giving life force to someone important."

Rocky suddenly felt energy surge through him, but he still felt weak, "Why would you help me?" he asked weakly.

"Because it's the right thing to do," Tommy spoke quietly. "I know you gave your power to help my uncle"

Rocky sighed weakly, but didn't say anything, "I didn't steal the black gem, by the way," Tommy spoke in a calm voice as he took the gem back and strung it around his neck. "The gems choose people and it chose me."

"Tommy, please, I don't want to talk about it," Rocky replied in a weak voice. "They caused a lot of harm."

Tommy scowled, "I know that and I don't expect forgiveness," he hissed. "Just someone to listen."

"Listen to what?" Rocky snapped, his anger growing. "You put your uncle in a wheelchair, Tommy!"

Tommy flinched and watched as Rocky slowly got out of bed, "You killed so many innocent people and destroyed half of Angel Grove to replicate gems simply because your uncle wouldn't give them to you!" Rocky snapped.

"I didn't intend for an earthquake to happen!" Tommy snapped. "I just needed some extra power!"

Rocky scoffed, "You don't care about anything but power!" he snapped. "That's not the Tommy I know!"

Before Tommy could reply, Rocky shakily left the room and Tommy flinched as he heard Rocky walk out of the house, "Don't pursue him," a dark voice hissed. "You already failed. I'll send my other henchman to do it."

Swearing loudly, Tommy marched out of the spare room and into the kitchen to sort out his angry thoughts.

The house was a bungalow, much like the one that Jason had lived in while growing up in Angel Grove, and it had a sitting room, a den, a dining room, a large kitchen, two bathrooms, a master bedroom that included a bathroom, and three other bedrooms along with a large backyard. A garage was in the back that was attached to the house.

"Jason, this is a nice house," Laura spoke in a surprised voice as she got out of the Suburban and stared. "But…"

Jason smiled as he got out of the vehicle, "It used to be Doctor Oliver's before he moved to Angel Grove, but he never sold it," he explained calmly. "He said this was his home back when he first came to California after…"

Laura nodded, as she was one of the few that was privy to Dr. Oliver's past life as an ancient Power Ranger and she knew he must have made great sacrifices for the cause, "Where's all the furniture?" Nick called out.

"A lot of our furniture was damaged in the earthquake, Nick," Jason explained calmly as he wandered through the house and saw Nick and Ziggy standing in a bedroom. "Do you guys want to share this bedroom?"

Nick nodded, "Can we get new beds?" he asked quietly. "Our beds were broke during the earthquake."

"I think new furniture might be a wise idea," Laura spoke as she came into the bedroom. "We do have personal things like photos that we obviously want to keep, but there's so much that was damaged and not worth fixing."

Jason nodded, as he suddenly felt very tired and wanted to rest, but he didn't feel comfortable going back to Angel Grove because it reminded him too much of New York after 9/11. "Jason?" Laura spoke softly, gazing at him.

"I think we should get a hotel room for tonight and ask our friends to help us move what we managed to salvage from the earthquake," Jason replied in a quiet voice, offering a small smile. "It's a long drive back to Angel Grove."

Laura nodded, sensing that the earthquake had triggered bad memories in Jason and he was trying to avoid going back to those reminders, "Maybe Malcolm and Katherine can bring us what we need until we can move in here," she replied gently. "We can get a hotel room that has a kitchenette because it'll be healthier for all of us."

Jason nodded, but didn't speak, "I'll drive us to the hotel and while you and the kids nap, I'll talk to Doctor Oliver about what we've decided," Laura spoke softly. "Then, I'll phone Kat and see if she can help us out."

"Kira, Nick, Ziggy, we're gonna leave and go to a hotel," Jason called out. "We're going to take the house."

Excited about the prospect of a fresh start, Kira, Nick, and Ziggy followed their parents out to the car and all three of them talked excitedly while Laura drove them to a nice motel. It didn't take long for the family to check into a suite-like room that had a kitchenette and Jason immediately settled the kids with quiet books while he took a nap. Laura got her small address book out of her purse and silently dialled the number of Katherine's cell-phone.

Angel Grove was quiet and Malcolm found himself taking advantage of the quiet by walking his baby daughter, Laura, through the park in her stroller. The park was one of the very few places that hadn't gotten hit hard in the quake and it was a source of refuge for many. That day, however, it was quiet because people were trying to get on with their lives however they could. Katherine had taken Ethan to get clothes and other things he didn't have, but needed just to get through each day. For Malcolm, each new day was a painful reminder of what was gone.

The Angel Grove they had known growing up had been slowly taken away by Rita, Zedd, Ivan Ooze, and various things that had been caused by unnatural forces. Whatever Tommy had done to cause the latest earthquake had taken what little away that Malcolm had loved about Angel Grove. Now, if it weren't for his wife and daughter…"

Laura cooed and made baby noises, prompting Malcolm to stop near a bench, sit, and put her on his knee, "Daddy is really grateful for you," Malcolm spoke softly, gazing at her. "He's really been hurting bad lately."

Tears filled Malcolm's eyes and Laura immediately began playing with his face, "Well, little one, should we go home and have something to eat?" Malcolm asked tearfully. "Mommy and Ethan will be shopping all day."

Sighing, Malcolm returned Laura to her stroller and silently travelled through the park back to the house they had been watching for his parents. As expected, the house was quiet and Malcolm quickly settled Laura in her highchair and made himself a sandwich while he got Laura some baby food that Katherine had bought.

The schools in Angel Grove weren't being rebuilt so to honor the memories of those who were killed in the earthquake and most parents were sending their children to Stone Canyon or other schools in the area, so the Juice Bar was slowly becoming obsolete. Many offers had come to buy the property and turn it into a replacement for one of the businesses that had been lost, but Malcolm wanted to keep the building to honor his parents.

Most of the people he knew, however, had gone or weren't the same since before the earthquake and Malcolm had begun to feel as if he was needed elsewhere. His power was still very much a part of him and he could feel that the gem he now guarded was now waking a new kind of power, a power that would change the world.

As Malcolm sat beside Laura's highchair, deep in thought, the back door opened and Katherine came in with Ethan, who was carrying a large amount of shopping bags, "Ethan, I've made a decision," Malcolm spoke gently.

Ethan froze and he dropped the bags, "I've decided that you can legally become part of our family if you want to," Malcolm spoke in a kind voice, feeling that it was the right thing to do. "Katherine and I have been discussing it."

"Really?" Ethan asked in an excited voice, a smile appearing on his face. "You actually want to keep me?"

Malcolm nodded and gave Ethan a hug, "Malcolm, Laura called me and wants us to bring some stuff to them in Reefside," Katherine spoke calmly. "They decided to move and have their kids go to school out there."

A thoughtful expression crossed Malcolm's face, as he knew that Jason had been unhappy being back in Angel Grove, "Jason might do better somewhere new," he replied gently. "Um, we should get their things together."

"I know where Uncle Jason stored their stuff," Ethan said softly. "I can go start putting some of it in the car."

Malcolm nodded and Ethan hurried off to the storage room, "Malcolm?" Katherine asked softly. "What's wrong?"

"Daddy, what can I carry?" Nick asked softly as he watched his father park the car in front of their hotel room after going to get groceries so they could have Malcolm, Kat, Ethan, and Laura to supper that evening. "I'm strong!"

Jason chuckled, feeling refreshed and cheerful after his nap, "How about a light bag?" he suggested kindly.

Nick nodded and grabbed two light bags as they got out of the car and unloaded the groceries, with Jason taking two bags on each arm. They entered the room and saw that Laura was on the phone in the sitting area.

"…Thank you so much, Billy," Laura said in an enthusiastic voice. "Yes, Monday will be a good time to start."

Jason smiled as Laura hung up the phone, "Jason, I was just hired as an English teacher at Reefside High," she said in an enthusiastic voice, smiling at him. "Billy and Principal Randall talked and agreed I could have the job."

"That's wonderful," Jason replied in a pleased voice. "Nick and I got a few things for supper tonight."

Laura nodded as she got up and hugged him and Nick, "Kira's in her room and Ziggy's in the bedroom he and Nick are sharing," she explained in a kind voice. "Nick, do you wanna help your old mom put supper together?"

"You're not old, Mommy," Nick replied as he set his bags on the counter. "You're just right."

Laura giggled and Jason grabbed the ice bucket off the kitchenette counter, "Do we need ice?" he asked.

Nodding, Laura took his bags off his arms and set them on the counter, "Thanks, honey," she replied softly.

Jason kissed Laura's cheek before going outside and down to where the vending machines and ice machine were located. A dark-haired boy that looked to be about Kira's age was getting things from the vending machines using quarters that he kept in a sock in his hand and he kept putting the items in a laundry basket.

"I'm almost done," the boy said in a quiet voice, looking at Jason. "I'm just getting some food for myself."

Jason looked concerned, but silently watched as the boy finished what he was doing, "Oh, I work here as an errand boy if you or your family need anything done," the boy said kindly. "My manager says you have a big family."

"A wife and three kids is a big family, yes," Jason replied pleasantly. "My name is Jason Scott, young man."

The boy nodded, "Conner McKnight," he replied nervously. "I live in a room not far from yours."

Jason nodded, "That looks like it could be heavy, Conner," he spoke calmly. "Do you want some help?"

"I gotta hurry and get this back so I can eat and go run the desk," Conner replied. "So the boss can eat."

Jason watched as Conner took the basket and hurried down the sidewalk. He then filled his ice bucket and carried it back to the room, "Malcolm just called," Laura spoke calmly. "He, Kat, Ethan, and Laura are on their way."

With his mind still on Conner, Jason silently went into Nick and Ziggy's room and saw that Ziggy was asleep on his bed with a book in his hand, "Hey there, Ziggy, you should get up so you can be awake for when your Uncle Malcolm and Aunt Kat come," he spoke gently as he sat on the bed. "I know your body's still healing, but…"

Ziggy opened his eyes, "I was reading and I got super tired, Daddy," he spoke quietly. "I'm okay now."

Jason nodded and smiled as Ziggy crawled into his lap, "When you start school, I don't want you to run around at recess and gym quite yet because it could hurt your body," he spoke softly. "Give it a little time, okay?"

Ziggy nodded, "Did you want to watch TV while Mommy and Nick make supper?" Jason asked softly.

Nodding, Ziggy got up and went into the sitting area with Jason, both of them smiling as they sat on the couch.

The grocery store was quiet and Rocky was grateful for that, as it meant he could go as slow as he wanted to and recover from escaping Tommy's house. Tommy had changed for the worse and now had dangerous power.

Sighing, Rocky silently walked over to the deli and as he began browsing for something that he could easily make for himself and Dr. Oliver, he was unaware that he was being watched. Principal Randall silently came into view with a cart and accidentally bumped Rocky, determined to do what Tommy had failed to do earlier.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Principal Randall apologized as she looked at Rocky. "The cart got away from me!"

Rocky looked up and smiled at her, "Oh, it's all right," he replied calmly. "I was just buying dinner."

Principal Randall nodded, "Are you new to Reefside?" she asked softly. "I haven't seen you before."

"I moved here with my surrogate father, Doctor Oliver, after the earthquake in Angel Grove," Rocky replied in a quiet, somber voice. "It killed his wife and paralyzed him, so we're living at the apartments Billy Cranston owns."

Principal Randall nodded, unable to avoid feeling compassion for Rocky and Dr. Oliver's situation, as she had read about the damage and fatalities Angel Grove had suffered due to the earthquake, "Um, I'm Rocky DeSantos, by the way," Rocky continued in a kind voice. "I was just walking back to my car after getting some exercise."

"Elsa Randall, Principal of Reefside High," Principal Randall replied sweetly. "What do you do for a living?"

Rocky sighed, "I have an education degree, but honestly, I've only subbed at the Angel Grove schools and I'm not really employed right now," he admitted quietly as he selected a large sandwich and a cobb salad from the cooler.

Principal Randall nodded, "Um, I should probably get home," Rocky said calmly. "It's about suppertime."

"Nice to meet you, Rocky," Principal Randall spoke kindly, smiling as Rocky walked away to pay for his food before she steered her cart into an empty aisle and got her cell phone out. "Perhaps…there's a way to watch him."

By the time Rocky got back to the apartment he and Dr. Oliver shared, it was dark, "Doctor Oliver?" he called out as he entered the apartment and found it quiet. "Doctor Oliver, it's Rocky! I brought some dinner from the store!"

When no response came, Rocky wandered into the area that served as the living and dining rooms and found that Billy, Kimberly, and Trent were sitting at the table with Dr. Oliver, who was in his wheelchair, "Hey," he said calmly.

"Rocky, I got a call from the principal of Reefside High and she thinks you would be a good choice to teach health and physical education at the school," Billy spoke calmly, remembering the sudden phone call he had gotten from Principal Randall before Rocky had gotten there. "She said you made a good impression on her at the store?"

Rocky frowned, "I did?" he asked in a confused voice. "Billy, I was just myself. How did that earn me a job?"

"I have no idea, but I do know that Principal Randall is very particular on who she likes," Billy spoke gently. "I also know that you've not had female friends for a long time and perhaps she is someone who could be your friend."

Rocky scoffed, "Don't go playing Cupid, Billy," he replied firmly. "I am, however, interested in the job."

Kimberly chuckled and Billy nodded, "It was good to see you," Billy said calmly. "I'll call with details."

Once Billy, Kimberly, and Trent had left, Rocky sat at the table, "Are you okay?" Dr. Oliver asked softly.

"I passed out near my car and woke up at Tommy's," Rocky spoke softly. "He healed me with his gem and forced me to stay until he did it even though I tried to leave. I escaped after it was over and I don't feel well now."

Dr. Oliver frowned, "You've been giving your life energy to me and you're connected to the black gem now," he spoke in a concerned voice. "The black gem is not meant to be used to heal those low on life energy."

Rocky sighed heavily, "Just watch how you feel over time and if you start to feel unwell, come see me when it's possible for you to," Dr. Oliver spoke calmly. "I'll be working as a counselor for all of the Reefside schools."

"Are you sure you're well enough?" Rocky asked in a concerned voice. "Tommy…he might see you."

Dr. Oliver nodded, "Being an adult involves dealing with difficult situations and also people that may have caused hurt," he spoke in a gentle, but firm voice. "I may not have the gems anymore, but I still have my own powers."

Before Rocky could reply, Dr. Oliver silently placed his hands on his shoulders, "I'll do what I can to make sure the gem cannot damage you," Dr. Oliver spoke in a calming voice. "Just close your eyes and trust my power, okay?

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