Power Rangers: Do Over

[scuba_steve83]

Power Rangers: Do Over
Episode 01 "Changes"

(Basically, I'm using people both fictional and real to rewrite the original Power Rangers series (some of it anyhow). I hope you find the characters just as appealing. I posted this before, but things were messed up so here we go -- again. Let me know what you think. It's my first try.
_____________________

DINO (dee-no)
Leaving Airport with family
12:33PM

The summer is near its end. A trip to Europe that many would covet for was not as much as it could be. Junior year was over. My friends were gone. They weren't gone for good, but we didn't keep in contact like we said we would. I told them I would call when I was away, but I didn't. Honestly, I don't care. I don't know why. When put in perspective, the guys didn't mean much of anything to me. I wouldn't chalk that up to maturity because I don't know really what maturity is. I sure hope it's not what my dad is. I know he's mature, but to live up to his example is a load I've express many times that I cannot live up to. I've expressed those feelings about my father to Christina ever since I moved here to Tampa. As much as it'd do me good to forget that name, it's that name that kept me from truly enjoying myself this summer. I love that girl. I tried to convince myself that I don't, but what my heart knows to be true is too powerful to repress.

In a blitz of rage, I had destroyed all my journal entries I kept to document our relationship. Yes; I actually documented it. I know it's not normal, and I don't think documenting is the word I'm going for. I just don't want to call it a journal or even a diary (sounds too girly for me). Okay, it was a journal. I didn't write cheesy shit in it. I didn't gush about Christina and how wonderful her smile is, how bright she is, how beautiful her eyes are, how -- forget it. I also tried to convince myself that I could win her back after I got back from the trip. Part of me still does want her back, but part of me thinks it might be too late.

There's this guy named Justin. He and Christina only recently started becoming closer friends, too close for me to handle. He's a minister's kid which obviously explains his rebellious life; similiar to mine. That's probably why I felt threatened by him, because he was so much like me. I blew it though. I waited too long and I made things more difficult than they had to be. I should of told her. I thought she knew. If I knew she felt the same way, I wouldn't had to fight so hard for something I easily could of had handed to me. The fight was worth it though because I was victorious. I had her. She was my girl.

* * *

Home
Bedroom
2:12PM

After the flight, I was feeling a little jaded. I don't know if I want to lay down or go find something to do. I'm sure as hell not going to unpack all this luguage of mine right now. My parents took me and my brothers to those designer shops in Europe where we could buy what would be expensive clothing for only a fraction of the price. It wasn't my favorite part of the trip, but it's not that I didn't enjoy it. I've only recently started to dress nicer, so it was cool to be able to get some new threads to sport later on. There I go again; I just reminded myself of the reason why I started to dress nicer, and she's only a few houses down the street. Jesus, help me.

Don't get the wrong impression. My life does not revolve around the girl. This year when school starts up again I'm going out for the wrestling team again. Shit. Yep, the reason why I'm joining again is to take my mind off of Christina. Maybe my life does revolve around her. At least I'm doing something about it so where it won't any longer.

My dad was right. CJ and all my other so-called friends are a waste of my time. I'm not saying I'm better than them, but I really can't place my finger on it. Something in me is changing. Maybe I'm slowly maturing afterall; emphasis on slowly. I'm thinking about giving at least one a call; maybe Aaron. He wasn't as much as a dick as everyone else.

During the flight I already decided to take a much needed shower when I got home. I grabbed a towel from the linen closet and went to the bathroom. I smiled at the sight of the shower radio we had installed a few days prior to leaving for Europe. I didn't get much of a chance to use it. I missed hearing music from the good old U.S.A. The music in Europe sucks with the expection of a few songs, most of the exceptions being the techno. They don't have techno in Europe; they have TECHNO. I bought some CDs while I was over there; two of the three from a German trio that must of been on some serious shit when producing their albums. It's that good.

I undressed, got in the shower, and immediately turned on the shower radio and began scanning the stations. I'm not a country fan, but it's perfect shower music in my mind at least. But alast, the station was quickly changed due to the song's lyrical content which reminded me yet again of that one girl I used to call my heart. I turned on 96.1 for "hot jams" as they advertise their station as, but music wasn't on, neither were commercials. It sounded like news radio. I put the radio on hold for a quick second to get lathered up before continuing to find a station that was playing a decent tune. I don't know what the hell was up, but it seemed as the more I scanned the more the stations all of a sudden killed the music and had a "breaking bullentin." If I were really paying attention, I would have caught on. It wasn't until my mother knocked on the door to call my attention.

"Dino, you have to see this! Hurry up in there!" Mom called out from the hall.

"Okay?" I said quietly.

Instinct prompted me to listen to the radio news report. I knew right away it had to do with what Mom was wanting me to see.

"Citizens of the eastern coast of the United States of America are in panic at the moment of the sight of an unknown weather phenomena occuring in the skies above. Reports are flooding media outlets of lighting, thunder, and other unusual visual occurances all culmunating soley from what is being described as a pool of purple sky peaking into the devil's hell. Flames of fire have brief appearances from the clouds, but only last for moments and are not any immediate threat because of their distance from us. No word as of yet from scientists, but no doubt this is as baffling for them as it is for us. The religious community is already citing this as the end as some are taking to the streets quickly for one last try to bring sinners to repentance."

I turned off the radio. What the hell is going on? I quickly rinsed myself and got out the shower. I ran to my room, dried off, changed, and joined my family out in the backyard who were watching what was already in progress. It was everything the newsman had said. It looked nasty, threatening, and mystical all at the same. It was beautiful; the colors that swirled together. It was like a master piece that an artist had some way of canvasing across the eastern skies.

"Daddy, are we going to have a hurricane?" my little brother Shawn asked our father.

"No, Son. No one knows what's going to happen," he answered in his usual grave tone of voice.

Damn. That's all I could think of. Just damn. People are going ape over something absolutely breath taking. Am I the only one that sees this as not a bad thing? It has potential to be a bad thing, but right now it's not and since no one knows what it is there's really nothing we can do to prepare for it so what's the point of worrying? It's not like space aliens are taking over.

* * *

CHRISTINA
Subway Restaraunt
Lunch with Jonathan, my cousin
2:51PM

"This is some messed up shit going on," Jonthan said before taking another bite of this sandwich.

Jonathan and I were watching CNN's coverage of the unprecdented occurance as we ate lunch at the newly built Subway store in front of my sub-division, even though the actual sky was right outside.

"Yeah," I said back.

"Are you alright? You look like something's wrong."

"No. I'm fine. I'm just curious as to what is going to happen."

"It's the end of the world, baby!"

"Jonathan, hush up. People are already panicing enough around the country; no need to start a panic here, too."

We continued to watch in silence as we finished eating our meals. My eyes glanced at the part of the screen showing today's date. There are only eight more days to school. Is the summer over already? Time flies when you're continually busy. Let's see; upon finishing junior year, I not only broke up with a jealous unfair boyfriend, but I got to work with kids at the local recreation center and had a blast. It's thanks to Justin I got the job. He works there as part of his father's church's youth ministry. That's actually how I started getting into church. I'm not "saved", but so far my first three weeks of church have been -- interesting. I'll probably explain later, but it's Justin who's been amazing. He's a changed person. Once another dime-a-dozen knucklehead like that green-eyed hothead I dumped, he's been reformed. Actually he was "backslidden" as he puts it. Justin's a Christian. He's got a wonderful Christian family as well. His father pastors a small local church I've driven by many times but never noticed until I was invited to play kickball with his youth group one Saturday afternoon. It's a small United Pentecostal Church that sits about ten minutes from my house. It's so easy to miss if you're just driving by without looking around.

Justin and I aren't together. We never were officially together. Ever since we started working together and ever since I started going to his church, our friendship has been simply pure. He's been a real friend to me. Justin listens to what I'm saying, what my opinions are. We laugh at the same stuff and share a lot of the same point of views on a lot of things. I really see a lot of good in him. He's encouraged me to go out for track again this year. I already had pondered joining again before junior year was done with, but he helped me make the final decision. It'd sure occupy my time, instead of anything things, or thoughts, occupying it.

"If this is the end of the world, what would you do before you die?" Jonathan asked smiling because of the possible answers he'd want to hear come out of my mouth.

"Nothing you'd want to do," I answered.

" Liar. You know what you want. Even I know what you want."

"If you say his name, I'm going to stuff the rest of your sub in a hole that's not your mouth."

"Whose name do you think I'm going to say?" Jonathan asked with a wide-eyed mischievious look on his face.

I really didn't know, but I had two in mind. Without any sign, a loud rumble rolled across the sky and slightly shaked the windows of the store and everything in it. I was starting to worry.

"We better leave," I said getting up.

"Hold on. I got one more bite."

I put my trash away and got ready to go. Jonathan finished up and followed me out the store. We got in his truck and left the small plaza that sits directly next to my neighborhood. He reached for his radio dial and turned on a station for the latest. As we rode back to my house, we listened in silence. News reporters could only given their opinions on what happened and could only advice listeners pre-cautions to take in case anything should happen. I looked over at my cousin to see his reaction to what we were hearing. He looked back at me and gave me a small smile.

"You know nothing ever happens around here. Tornados, hurricanes, and anything else never hit this dinky town of ours. We'll be fine."

"Sure," I said feigning a confident confirmation of Jonny's reassurance.

Jonathan, or Jonnny as I call him most of the time, is from Tampa like myself. We grew up together, so he's like my third brother, but I'm not the youngest one when he's around. He's only a year younger than me and is about to enter his junior year of high school. He's a cute kid with a short spiky blonde hair, blue eyes, and a smile that gets him a lot of attention with some girls at school, but not as much attention as his record for getting into fights at school. Though I think he's making wrong decisions in his life, he can definitely hold his own and he treats girls right; to their face at least. He thinks because he's got a tight little body that he can get any girl he wants, but he isn't a "playa" at all. He's only mildly popular at school due to his rep as a scrapper, but popularity is just a superficial thing to me so I don't really measure my cousin's character by it. He plays on the high school football team and is also going out for his sport again this year.

We turned onto my street and made our way to the house. Without thinking, I automatically peered over at Dino's house. I've been trying to stop doing that, but it's a reflex almost.

"Looks like they're home from their trip," Jonathan commented observing as well.

I kept my silence.

"You know you're not going to stop seeing him. We're all practically family. Your family and his have grown up together so it's a done deal."

"What's a done deal?"

"You and Dino. Whether you like it not, you two are at least going to be friends."

"Not if I can help it."

We pulled into the driveway. When we got inside, I saw my mom grabbing her car keys.

"Where are you off to?" I asked.

"The store to buy supplies before they run out," she answer.

"So they determine this is a storm then?" I asked hoping for an answer.

"No, but better safe than sorry. I'll see you kids soon."

"Be careful. Love you," I said hugging her.

"Love you too. Bye."

"Bye, Aunt Lillian," Jonathan giving her a brief embrace as well.

Mom left and shut the down behind her.

"So what now? Do we just wait?" I asked plopping down on the couch.

"Wait for what? Let's play some video games," Jonny said plopping beside me.

"Video games? At this time? With that outside?"

"Sure. It ain't like it's going somewhere. How about 007? Diddy Kong Racing?"

I rolled my eyes.

"Diddy Kong," I said sitting up as Johnny handed me my controller.

Jonathan turned on the game. As he set things up, I layed back on the couch looking out the window in front of us. Weather never really bothered me, but this is something different. With that rattle we felt at Subway and just the way the sky looks, something is difinitely up. This can't be just some storm. Figuratively speaking, I feel like something inside of me is going to burst. I just know something is going to happen.

"Hurry up, and choose your character," Jonathan said getting annoyed.

I snapped out of my daze and selected which character I wanted. I'm good at this game, but not as good as my cousin.

"I love you, Jonnny," I said giving him a quick hug from behind and a kiss on the cheek.

"What was that for? We're not going to die."

"Because I felt like it. Okay?"

Jonathan chuckled and squoze my hand lightly.

"I love you, too," he said back. "Try to relax. It'll blow over."

"I hope so."

We started playing the game. For over twenty minutes, we raced our cars through different courses. I won only once and Jonathan won all the rest. Right when we were going to start another race, all the power shut down. That didn't help my mood any.

"Wonderful," I muttered.

"Wanna play dark crystal now?"

"What are you? Ten?"

"Come on. It's fun. We used to play dark crystal all the time."

"Not now, Jonathan," I said getting annoyed.

"Whatever. You need to chill. Nothing's going to happen."

Right then another rumble shot through the sky and slightly shook our surroundings. A darker tent of purple shaded the skyline.

"I don't like the look of things outside," I said curling up on the couch.

Jonathan got up from the floor and closed up the blinds.

"Is that better for you?" he asked.

"Now it's dark. I can hardly see you."

"Well do you want them open or shut?"

"Open them back up so we can find some candles first. Then you can shut them."

I got up from the couch and looked around for the candles but couldn't find any in the kitchen. I then checked my mom's room.

"Nothing?" Jonathan asked me.

"Nothing. For the first time in history, this house does not have any candles. Wonderful."

"I'm going to unplug some of the appliances just in case."

"I'll go unplug my computer. I'll be right back," I said heading to my room.

After we did all the unplugging, Jonny and I sat in the kitchen dining area in the near-pitch dark.

"What now?" Jonathan asked.

"What do you mean? There's nothing to do, but wait. Mom will be back soon hopefully. I hope she's alright."

"Yeah."

Silence filled the minutes.

"Shit, I can't sit still. Let's leave," Jonny said getting up.

"And go where?"

"I don't know. Somewhere. It's dark and it's getting hot in here."

"No. I want to make sure my mom gets home safely. It's not safe for you to go driving either."

"I should check up on my family to see how they're doing."

"I'm sure they're doing fine," I said getting up, "but it's not safe for you to go driving; especially with all those shockwaves hitting the ground."

"I should bring in my truck into the garage just to be safe."

"Yeah you should. Just be careful."

We went in the garage and we manually opened its door since there was no power to open it automatically. Jonny got in his truck, turned it on, and pulled inside. After that he got out, but stopped me from shutting the garage door.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"We shouldn't stay here alone. We should go over to Dino's."

"This isn't a time for jokes."

"I'm not trying to be funny. I'm serious. It's safer to be in a place with more people in case something happens."

"You told me nothing is going to happen."

"It's not, but just in case."

"What about my mom?"

"We'll leave her a note."

"No. I don't want to go to Dino's and I don't want to leave my mom here alone."

"When she sees the note, she'll come over, too."

Right then the wind picked up. Some leaves blew into the garage with us.

"It's only for our safety. You don't have to talk to the guy, you know. You don't even have to be in the same room."

"I know," I said softly.

"I'll go write the note real quick. I'll be right back."

Jonny headed back inside for a minute and came back out.

"Ready?" he asked shutting the door behind him.

"I guess," I said recultantly.

We left the garage, shut the door, and locked it up.

"I left the note right by the keyrack. She can't miss it," Jonathan said as we began a brisk walk over to the Ricchino's.

"Okay."

I really didn't want to go over there. I didn't want to see his face, but I know it was for my own safety. Sooner or later I'd have to confront him.


* * *


JONATHAN
Ricchino Resident
4:04PM

Christina and I hurried over to Dino's. He only lived like five or six houses down, so we were able to get there quickly. The garage was open and there in it was Mr. Ricchino getting some things from the shelves.

"HEY," I shouted as we walked in the garage.

Richard Ricchino looked over his shoulder and smiled.

"Hey. How you guys doing?"

"Good. How was your trip?" I asked.

"Long," he said said getting out a box full storm supplies no doubt. "I've never done so much walking in my life. I had a good time though. We took a lot of pictures and video."

"Good."

"Yeah. If we're still alive after this thing passes on then we'll show them to you," Richard said half grinning. "I suppose you guys want to hide out here."

"We suppose," I answer.

Grinning again, Richard glanced over at Christina.

"Did you become a mute this summer?" he asked giving her a hug with one arm and holding the box with the other.

Christina smiled and hugged him back.

"No. I'm just worried about my mom. She went out to get some supplies."

"Why didn't she just come over here? We have plenty."

"I don't know. She always goes out to get stuff when we get weather like this. You know that."

"Yeah. She's brave going out there. Did she take her cell phone?"

"I don't know. Do cell phones work with no electricity?

"Cell phones use batteries, Teenie," I said cutting in.

"I know that, Jonny. I mean do signals work with weather like this?"

"I doubt it," Richard said leading us inside. "You could try calling her."

Christina took out her cell phone from her pocket.

"No. I can't even get a signal to connect," she said as she and Richard walked inside.

I walked back and pulled the garage door shut before coming inside. The kitchen's dark was alluminated with many candles.

"Thursty?" Richard asked us as he set the box down.

"I'm alright," I said.

"No, thank you," Teenie said sitting down at the counter.

Mrs. Ricchino walked in the kitchen and greeted us both with hugs.

"Where's your mom?" Diane asked Christina.

"Getting supplies. I'm worried about her."

"I'm sure she'll be fine," she said lighting another candle.

She walked back out to place the candle in the dining room adjacent to the kitchen.

Richard took out a flashlight out the box, checked the batteries, and turned it on. He beemed it around the kitchen and then beamed it in my eyes. I smiled and knocked his hand that held the flashlight away from my face. Richard then beamed the flashlight underneath his chin and smiled at Teenie.

"I suppose you don't want to see my son right now, huh?" he asked her.

"Shawn? Sure."

Just then Shawn came in the kitchen, saw me and Christina, and run over to us.

"Hi!" he said smiling as she embraced Teenie first, then myself.

"I meant my other son," Richard said.

"Dino's in his room," Shawn said chiming in as I picked him up.

"Did he mope around all summer?" Jonathan asked smiling again with intent to get me pissed off.

"Not all summer. Just for the first week."

"Jonny, please," she said wrinkling her brows.

"I'm going to bring the dog in," Richard said leaving us alone in the kitchen.

Christina sat back in her chair and looked aimlessly around the kitchen.

"Oh come on, Teenie. You're not going to just sit there until it's time to leave," I said placing Shawn down and then sitting down next to my cousin.

"Watch me," she said smiling sardonically.

"Whatever. I'm gonna go find out what Dino's up to."

I got up and left the kitchen.

"Yo, Dino. What's up?" I said knocking once as I opened the door.

The room was lit up with a few candles only because there was a lattern hanging in the corner that lit up the room fairly nice.

"Hey, bro," he said getting up from his desk's shivel chair and greeting me.

"How was it?"

"Europe?"

"No. Antartica, retard."

Dino scratched his eyebrow with his middle finger, a smug smile on his face.

"Europe was alright. We did a lot; a lot of walking, a lot of shopping, a lot of site seeing."

"Did you get layed?"

"No."

"Bro, Swedish girls are easy. Done deal."

"You need to stop going to those web sites that tell you that."

Dino got up from his chair again and got a small shoebox out from his closet.

"Of course I got layed, faggot," he said handing me the shoebox.

"That's my dawg," I said laughing and taking the shoebox.

I opened it wondering what was insider. Holy shit, Batman.

"Polaroids?!" I said like it was Christmas morning.

"Shut up!" Dino shushed.

"Oh my fuckin' God, Dino. You are the luckiest bastard in the world."

I began going through them all.

"Woah. Too much of you in that one," I said throwing the poloraid back in the box.

Dino laughed and sat back.

"How many?" I asked looking at my new idol.

"Just six," he said modestly.

"How the fuck did you get time to get away from your family?"

"I made the time. They let me go off on my own in Italy and France."

"Is it true what they say about French women and armpits?"

"I don't know; not those ones."

"I'm getting hard alone with envy."

"Thank you. I really needed to know that."

I took a few more minutes to look over the photos. Dino is a god! I don't understand this shit. I'm about as ripped as he is and I've absolutely have gotten nothing; ever. That's my secret. People at school think I have a reputation for that stuff, but I've only gotten head and got to do other stuff.

"Fuckin' sweet," I said handing Dino back the shoebox.

"And I have e-mail addresses."

"No shit? You are the p.i.m.p., baby."

"Fuck, I hate that song. They play that shit in Europe more than anything."

"50?"

"Yeah. I got some hard techno shit though."

"Techno can suck my dick."

"Suck your own dick, cockmonkey. This shit is for real. You have to hear this."

"You're going to create your own electricity or something, Dino?"

"I have a portable CD player, dickshit," he said as he got up to get one of the CDs.

Just then, Dino's dog pushed opened the ajarred door and pawed playfully at his best friend's body.

"Get off me, Nate Dogg," Dino said pushing him away.

Nate Dogg persisted for a few more moments before coming over to try me next.

"What's up, boy?" I said rolling his face in my hands like Play Doh.

The techno started.

"Okay, listen," Dino said sitting back in his chair.

Nate got off me to bother his master again.

"This is the best track," Dino said scratching his pet's head.

I couldn't give a fuck about the CD, but whatever. It wasn't that bad actually; the song I mean. It's like a trance type thing. It sounded kind of gothic, like a spirit has behind it. Shit -- spirits. Need I be reminded everyday, Jesus?

"The other CD would be tight if you're trippin' on something," Dino said getting it out.

As he got the CD out, Nate grabbed it out of his hands and ran out the room.

"Fuckin' great," Dino said running after his dog.

I got up and followed to see if Nate would break it with his teeth. That'd be fun to watch.

We ended up chasing after the dog to the kitchen, where he let go off the disc and layed down besides a chair -- Christina's chair. This should be good I thought anticipating what would be said between Teenie and Dino. I could read my cousin's facial expression so well I had almost laughed.

"Hi, Christina," Dino said civily to my surprise.

"Hi," she said back. "How are you?"

What the hell? Argue damn you.

"Alright," Dino answered as he bent down to pick up the slobbery disc.

He looked down at the CD pretending to examine it, obviously using it as a reason not to look at Christina. He tore off a paper towel from the roll and wiped the dog drool off.

"Isn't this nice? The three of us together in the same room?" I said smiling looking at Christina, hoping I'd get the reaction from her that I wanted.

"It's the best," she answered smugly.

Dino glanced up at Teenie with a slightly raised eyebrow and looked back down at the CD, finishing off the polish job he was giving it before disposing the paper towel into the garbage can.

"What'd you do this summer, Christina?" he asked feigning interest.

"Nothing much."

"Sounds fun."

"Oh it is."

Fight damnit. Entertain me.

A crackle off lightning ripped through the sky, trigging Nate to go into bark mode. Richard opened the front door adjacent to the kitchen just then to check out what the sky looked like, but it was a mistake because Nate ran right past him and out the door.

"Ah fuck. Nate, get your ass in here now!" Dino's father commanded.

"I'll get him, dad," Dino said sprinting out the dosor.

Teenie and I joined by Richard to watch, too.

"Did Nate go to take a poop, daddy?" Shawn said coming up behind him.

"Son, get away from here. It's not safe for you."

"But Jon and Teenie get to stand here!"

"Go, Shawn. Now. I'm not telling you again."

"But daddy!"

"Why don't you just do what you're told to do?" Richard picking up his son and carrying him away to other room.

Shawn wailed in the background as me and Teenie continued watching. Nate had ran off to the side and out of our view.

"Jesus, the sky is looking worse by the hour," I said in amazement at what was before us.

A gush of wind swept through and almost was able to push us. Teenie got a little scared and stepped back into the kitchen.

"It's not safe to keep the door open," she said indicating she wanted it shut.

"Just hold on. Dino will be back in a second."

But he wasn't. Another minute passed. What the hell? That dog ain't hard for Dino to catch. When I finished my thought, the weirdest shit happened. A golden bolt of lightning crackled across the lawn and Nate came running inside whimpering for his life.

"Oh my God," I said.

Without thinking about it, I ran outside to get Dino.

"Jonny! Get back in here!" Teenie commanded.


* * *


CHRISTINA
Ricchino Resident

Richard and Diane came out their room to see what the ruckus was about.

"Where's Dino?" Diane asked.

"Shit. What is still doing out there?" Richard asked peering from a safe distance in the living room with his cowardly dog hiding behind him. The three of us heard what sounded like a struggle. We couldn't see what was going on from where we were standing. As scared as I was becoming, I didn't know what was coming over me. I wasn't hyponotized, but I was drawn away and walking toward the door.

"Tennie, you can't go out there," Diane warned.

"I have to," I said bolting out the door.

"Teenie!" Richard yelled coming after me.

As soon as I got out there, I heard the door automatically shut behind me. Running around the corner of the house, I couldn't believe what I saw. I was horrified.


* * *


Eltar's Earth embacy
location unknown

"Zordon, we have to act swifly before Goldar destroys them."

"Yes, Alpha Five, but we must wait."

The two watched intently into heir viewing globe, waiting on the faithfulness of their Master to work His plan.

"Excellent. The prophecies are coming to pass."


* * *


CHRISTINA
Ricchino Resident
front yard


"What the?" Justin said getting out of his jeep, his friend in the passenger seat following behind.

"Justin! Theo! Help!" I cried out as the gold-plated monster picked me up by my neck, Jonny in his other grip.

Dino was on the ground behind me, trying to recover from the harsh blow to his stomach from the alien's size-20 something foot.

"My queen will have her victory now!" the winged creature proclaimed as he launched me and Jonny several feet forward.

The wind picked up. Justin and Theo ran over to me, Jonny, and Dino.

"Who are you?!" Dino asked commandingly.

"I am Goldar! That is the first and last time you will hear that name! And now, Rangers, your death comes!"

"Rangers?" Theo asked confused.

A golden-colored orb of light out of nowhere produced a long saber into his left paw.


* * *

Eltar's Earth embacy


"Alpha 5, it's time," Zordon instructed.

Alpha entered in a queue of commands into the control panel before him.

"They're on their way, Zordon."


* * *


CHRISTINA
Ricchino Resident
front yard

"God, help!" Justin cried as the sword's tip shewed a super-heated ray of light undoubtely produced to kill us.

I can't believe him. He's calling God to save us. Here stands an alien of great stature, an alien that contradicts a faith I was going to give my life to. I guess it doesn't matter now. We're done for.

"No one can save you now!" Goldar shouted.

In a moment's time, something happened. I thought maybe it was death and was surprised at the occurance. I was surprised that I could be surprised. So many thoughts were going through my mind that I couldn't make sense of what was happening. A pink shade of light came over me and lifted me away from the earth. I was travelling at a speed so fast, yet my body did not feel the effect. The only thing I could notice was other beams of shooting lights beside me; black, blue, yellow, and red. The lights that consumed us disappeared without any warning, our bodies just a few feet above a hard blue marvel floor.

We fell onto the floor with a startled scream and thud, not knowing where we were. My eyes couldn't begin to clue me to where the five of us were. In scared silence our eyes toured the place in utter amazement of what was before us.

"Hello, humans."

We all turned around to see who had spoken with such might in his voice. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"What are you?" Dino asked in a barely audible voice.

We stood before us was a large long glass-like tube. A cloudy myst of light blue light tented the inside, a giant head floating directly in the midst.

"I am Zordon of Eltar. I have brought you here."

I looked over at Justin to see his reaction. I could only imagine what he was thinking, how fragile his faith in God must be right now. His eyes teared up, but he fought them back. I glanced quickly at Theo, too. Theo is in the youth group at Victory Apostolic as well. He's a great Christian whose quite the wizard in science and math. He of all people surprise me that he'd have immense faith in God with all the knowledge he has, or at least proclaims to have. He looked alright.

"I am Alpha Five," said a short walking robot approaching slowly from a darkened corner of the place we stood.

We stood in a large circular room, completed circumfernced with a dark abyss. All that could be seen was the control panels that encircled us, a walking and talking robot, and a floating head in a tube.

"This is just some nightmare. It has to be," Justin whispered to himself.

I looked over at him as a tear rolled down his face. Instinctly, I reached out for his hand and held it.

"It'll be alright, Justin."

"I have summoned you for a reason," Zordon said beginning what would be quite a story. "Jonathan, Christina, Justin, Theo, and Dino, you are the five chosen. The prophecy of five has now come to pass. Congratulations."

"Congratulations?! What the hell for?" Jonathan blurted out. "Are you going to stick something up our asses now like you do to all the rest?!"

"I'm sorry?" Zordon said not understanding.

"Jonny!" I said touching his arm. "Please. Not now."

"The prophecy of five has been set many millienia ago," Zordon continued. "10,000 years ago, a sourceress called Rita in your earth language has been released from her prison when a meteror had hit her holding cell. Observe the viewing globe."

A floating glass orb desceneded from above and lowered itself in the middle of the five us. It was like some space-age television.

"Rangers, observe," Zordon said.

"This is the only footage our scanners could pick up," Alpha interjected.

We looked into the viewing globe and saw outer space. A large meteror was coming in contact with a large silver-looking canister, assumingly the prison Zordon had just mentioned. The metetor hit the prison dead on and an explosion had occured. The footage then stopped and the viewing globe ascended back into its darkened ceiling.

"What should of destroyed Rita only sent her travelling by force to the nearest location."

"The moon!" Theo said speaking up.

"Correct," Zordon affirmed.

"That's what N.A.S.A. had picked up on their scanners, but couldn't identify," Theo continued. "But how is she surviving on the moon?"

"Like I had mentioned, Rita is a sourceress. She can call forth her palace from the last location she had established it in."

"Let me guess. You want us to stop her? Fuckin' great," Jonathan said about to turn around.

Right then, colored lights appeared in all of our hands, the same colors of the beams of light that brought us here.

"You are chosen. There is no turning back, young man," Zordon said addressing Jonathan.

"Chosen to get killed over something I cannot do anything about?" Jonathan said turning back around to the floating being.

The lights stopped glowing and devices appears appeared in our hands.

"Power Rangers?" Dino said reading the text that encircled the device's borders.

In the middle of the devices layed golden coins, each having its own animal engraved on top. Mine had what looked like a bird -- a pyterodactyl perhaps. We took a moments and compared one anothers' device in awe of what unorthodoxed technology laid in our hands. The out-of-nowhere magic stuff didn't seem to phase us anymore at this point.

"These are your power morphers," Zordon said. "These will give the abilities to morph into your new powers; powers unknown to mankind."

"I already have power unknown to mankind," Justin said in a low growl.

"No one wants to hear about your--," Dino began to say to Justin before I cut him off with a push on the shoulder.

"Shut up, Dino," I warned.

Zordon continued, "These powers allow you to change or morph into the Power Rangers. The coins will give you knowledge of your new capabilities and zords."

"Zords?" Theo asked.

"Your zords are giant-sized machines that correspond to your animal on your coin. Jonathan, you will command the mastadon. Its powers include the ability to manipulate the ground beneath the enemy and produce arctic-temptured air from the zord's trunk. Christina, your zord is the pyteradactyl. An agile zord, it alone can attack from the skies above and control lightning from its own canons. Justin, the triceratops is yours. This zord presents a double threat to the enemy with its powerful laser canon and spears from its horns that can pierce the foe at hand and send jolts of electricity within a moment's time. Theo, you will control the saber-tooth tiger. Its swiftness and laser canon will serve you well. Finally, Dino, you will be lead the tyrannosarus zord as well as the group. It's--."

"What?! I said in obvious disagreement.

"Christina, the prophets have spoken. Dino is the leader of the Power Rangers," Zordon answered firmly.

I looked at Justin who shared the same expression of disapproval on his face at what Zordon had said.

Dino glanced down at his power morpher, his wrinkled expression turning into a small smile at what Zordon had appointment him for. He then spoke up.

"Zordon, it's cool and all you want to give us these powers, but we're just kids," Dino said looking up from his morpher.

"You're young adults, perfectly capable of commanding these powers," Zordon replied.

"Well then I'm commanding these powers to go away," Justin said placing his morpher down on top of the control panel.

"Same here," Jonathan said following Justin. "Let's go."

Jon and Justin started walking away toward the marvel path that lead into the abyss where a barely visible doorway stood. They proceeded forth as the door automatically opened for their exit and shut behind them. Not that I want to accept these powers, but I can't believe they were being so rude. I looked at my power morpher and at the exit hastily trying to make a decision. I then looked up at Zordon.

"I'm sorry," I said placing my morpher down next to Jon's.

Theo and Dino exchanged looks whether to follow or not.


* * *

Outside the Command Center


Once me, Jon, and Justin got outside we noticed right away the sky had returned to normal and the sun was setting. It was good to know that the panic was over, but how would we get down from where we were? We were walking along a mountain, too big to be a hill but big enough to be intimidating. Nonetheless, it wouldn't be sane to try to make it down without a safe and sturdy path to walk along.

"Did you see that shit?" Jonathan said to Justin. "A floating head and a four foot talking robot. What the hell is that?"

Justin, obviously angry, kept his silence as we continued walking along side the mountain.

"A sourceress called Rita? He's got to be making that up," Jon said as he continued to rant. "And zords? What was he smoking?"

I reached out for Justin's hand again, but he drew it away.

"I'm only trying to be supportive, Justin. Sorry I care," I said walking away in my own direction.

He grabbed me hand and pulled me back.

"I'm not trying to be a jerk, but this changes everything. You have no idea how I'm feeling right now," he said.

"I can imagine how you do feel though."

"But you really don't," Justin said with his tears returning to his eyes.

I gave him a hug even though it wasn't really going to help. I didn't know what else to do in this situation.

Jon stopped and peered around the mountain for a way down.

"Damn. I don't know how we're gonna get down from here," he said squatting down to look for a safe-enough route.

I kissed Justin's cheek before letting go of him and tried to put on a brave smile to encourage him.

"You and I both know He's out there. Don't jump to conclusions," I said trying to ensure my hurting friend.

"I sure hope so ... because I really need Him right now."

"Follow me, but be careful," Jonathan said stepping down slowly a path of smoother looking rocks.

Just as he stepped down a blast of laser shot down at his, all of us hitting the ground for cover. Right before us more out-of-nowhere orbs of light appeared and morphed into what looked like men. When the lights faded off, there appeared what was not a small army of men, but a small army of grey-colored clay-looking creatures. They were making some noise, an annoying noise, as if that was their way of communicating with one another. They were encircling us in a way that was bewildering, moving quickly in a gorilla-type style.

"Ugly things," I said backing up, my instinct leading me to grab Jon's arm for protection.

"Ah fuck," he said getting pissed that this was actually happening. "This Rita is for real."


* * *

JUSTIN
Outside the Command Center

With his trademark crazy look on his face, Jonathan shrugged Christina off and ran toward the clay monsters ready to fight.

"Looking for a fight, clay brains? You got it!" Jon said delivering a blow to one of the alien's stomach.

Two of the others grabbed ahold of him and tossed him several feet away. Teenie and I ran over to him and helped him up.

"Jonny, are you okay?" Christina asked her cousin.

"I'm fine!" he said as we helped him up. "Let's kick some ass!"

Just so you know, Jonathan plays football and boxes professionally in a teen circuit and I'm a teacher in an eastern form of self-defense at a local dojo.

Jon went bezerk on two of them. He jumped on top of one, wrestled him down, and kicked his legs up at the other coming behind him. Another came after me with a clay-modeled ball for a fist and swung, but missed as I ducked down and side-swept him off the ground.

"Get off me, creep!" Christina yelled as she struggled to break free from the grip that two of them had on both of her arms.

Thinking quick, she tossed her body back and flipped, taking both of them with her. She broke free from their lathargic hands and quickly stepped on one of their heads and then kicking the other right on the mouth. Another grabbed me from behind and wrestled me down. I was able to reverse and smashed his clay face in with my right hand.

"Ah sick," I said observing my hand.

I got up from the ground, my eyes drawing to what looked like a belt buckle of some sort.

"Putty patrol?" I said reading its belt.

A "putty" jumped on top of me in my few seconds of idleness and again I was on the ground trying to wrestle him off.

"Jon! I could use some help!" I hollered.

Jon was busy trying to break free from the grip two of the putties had on his waist, while another one struck him hard across the face.

"Aagh! Dumb fucks! Get off me!" Jon yelled trying to manuver his way out.

It was no use. Me and Jon were being overpowered and Christina was about to receive the same as several putties surrounded her. In the midst of us, the same golden beam of light appeared before us.

"Goldar!" I yelled still getting pumelled by the putties around me.

"Hello, Rangers! This time you won't escape!"

He drew his saber again.

"Who's first?!"

Before he could say anything else, yellow and red lasers rained from above aimed directly at Goldar. The monster growled, immediately looking up to discover the source of the attack.

"More of you to destroy. It's going to be my pleasure!" Goldar said as Dino and Theo made their way over. They had their power morphers in hand and shot more lasers at the winged alien.

"Putties! Get those morphers!" Goldar commanded.

The putty patrol let go of me, Teenie, and Jonathan and headed toward Dino and Theo.

"You'll have to catch us first!" Dino said running the other direction with Theo right beside him.

The putties quickly swarmed toward the two and cornered them to the end of the other side of the mountain. There was no were else for them to run to. Jon and Christina joined me as we chased after the putties and Goldar who were close to catching up to Dino and Theo.

"Guys, catch!" Theo said as he and Dino took out the other three morphers from their pockets.

They threw them high above Goldar and the putties, all three of them landing directly in all three of our hands. I can't describe my instinct at this point. This was right, as much as I didn't want it to be.

"Press down on the coins!" Dino commanded.

The putties and Goldar ran after us as we did what Dino said. Out came black, pink, and blue lasers, all three knocking down the aliens like bowling pins. Dino and Theo quickly made their way around the fallen monsters and joined us.

"Holy shit! These things work?!" Jon said looking at his morpher with a smile on his face.

"This ends now!" Goldar said getting back up.

"You know what we have to do, y'all," Dino pointing his morpher forward. "It's morphin' time!"

The rest of us lifted our morphers forward in the most exciting, scary, and life-changing moment we will ever experience.

"Mastadon!"
"Pyterodactyl!"
"Triceratops!"
"Saber-tooth tiger!"
"Tyrannosarus!"

In just seconds, colored aperitions of our dinozords came forward from our morphers and consumed us all, We all looked at our brightly-colored customes in amazement.

"Wicked!" Teenie said checking herself out.

All of us had helmets designed to resemble each of our dinozords. Jonathan had a mastadon helmet. He is the Black Ranger. Christina has a pyteradactyl. She is the Pink Ranger. I have a tricertops helmet. I am the Blue Ranger. Theo has a saber-tooth tiger helmet. He is the Yellow Ranger, and Dino has a tyrannosarus helmet. He is the Red Ranger; our leader who has his chance of proving himself as capable right now.

"No!" Goldar roared.

"Something wrong, goldy locks?" Dino chorted. "Here goes nothing. Rangers, let's move!"

The five us ran toward the putties and the putties toward us. We engaged in a battle like something you'd see out of a movie. I'm sure the others discovered this, but these powers given to us gave us all supernatural self-defense capabilites. Teenie jumped high above a line of putties, as if she were glidding. She kicked them one by one, sending five of them to the ground in agony of their rearranged faces.

"Come on!" I said side kicking a putty into another.

Goldar grabbed me from behind and threw me against a rocky wall, but it didn't hurt like it would hurt if I weren't morphed.

"This is amazing," I thought to myself as I retaliated with a frontward flip and kick to Goldar's chest.

In the likeness of a saber-tooth tiger, Theo pounced upon a putty, tumbled off quickly, and did the same to the next putty in front of him. Jonathan was launched by two more putties toward Theo and got back up.

"These guys don't quit!" Jon said dusting himself off.

"Our weapons!" Theo said drawing the red weapon that layed in his white holster.

The power coins worked their magic again and gave us the instinct to quickly convert the weapons into laser shooters. We fired directly at as many putties as we could. The others caught wind of what me and Theo were doing and did the same. The putties lost arms and legs left and right. Flapping his wings, Goldar flew up out of the battlefield of lasers to over the casim just feet away from where we fought.

"Now, my queen! It's time!"

We couldn't see it too well from where we stood, but something long (a staff of some sort) shot down from the sky and struck Goldar in the stomach. We happened next was beyond belief. Goldar grew into a giant.

"No more games, Rangers!" he said approaching the mountain where we stood.

We regrouped after the destruction of the putty patrol in uncertainty of what to do next.

"We're fucked!" Jon said turning to run.

"No we're not!" Dino said grabbing his shoulder. "We got the power here! We need dinozord power, now!"

What felt like an earthquake shook us almost off our feet. It shook Goldar, but he managed to stay on up on his feet. The same colored aperitions from our power coins came forth, shewing us what Zordon had told us about.

"Awesome!" Dino shouted.

"Now what?" Tennie asked.

"If my feeling is right then this!" he answer.

With a mighty jump, Dino went up and landed on top of the head of his zord.

"Let's go!" he said jumping inside the cockpit.

Me and Jon took the leap of faith next and jumped, both of us landing in our respective cockpits. Theo and Teenie did the same.

"Rangers, log on!" Dino said activating his zord.
"Mastadon; ready to go!"
"Pyterodactyl; lookin' good!"
"Triceratops; battle ready!"
"Saber-tooth tiger; online!"

"Ready, Rangers?" Dino asked.
"Ready!" we answered.

Goldar came after us with saber in hand, growling with all his might.

"Relax, monkey man," Christina said as she fired lightning down to the earth below.

She just missed Goldar's feet, but he tumbled off to the side to avoid being struck.

"My turn!" Dino said pressing his shift forward.

The tyrannosarus and Goldar begun to wage war on eachother. The red zord spun around and struck Goldar hard across the face with its large tail. The alien quickly bounced back, drew forth power from his saber, and fired it at the tyrannosarus.

"Shit!" Dino said as he was rocked around in his zord upon being attacked.

Tyrannosarus fell to its side and tried to get up, but Goldar gave it no opportunity to do so.

"You are first to feel my wrath, Red Ranger!"

"Not if I can help it!" I said as my ranger powers guided me to two buttons to disengage the horns from my triceratops.

They barely pierced Goldar's armor, but were in enough to stick. Goldar growled in response and dropped his sword in pain.

"But that's not all," I said typing in a three digit code.

A jolt of electricity went through the chains that connected my zord to the horns embedded in Goldar's armor. Goldar flew back into the mountains behind him.

"Am I going to get a turn or not?" Jon interjected as his mastadon stomped forward next to my zord.

Again Goldar was resillient in recovering from the blow and ran after our zords with full force.

"I wonder what this does," Jon said his a shift forward.

A cloud of cold air shot forth from the mastadon's trunk, stopping Goldar in his tracks.

"Coming through!" Theo said running up behind us in his saber-tooth tiger.

Jon and I moved out the way to let him by. The yellow zord pounced into the air and glidded effortlessly into Goldar, breaking the enemy free from his icy foot stalks and back against the crumbled mountain.

"I've had enough!" Goldar said getting up back.

His saber glowed with a brighter shade of gold as he launched the weapon in our path. It went straight forward and crashed through four of our zords, all four toppling over on the ground. All of us struggled to get our zords up, but couldn't figure out exactly how to do so in a moment's notice.

"I'm going to wake up tomorrow and laugh knowing this is some totally wicked nightmare," Christina said as her pyterodactyl zord hovered over us.

A pink light coming forth from Teenie's zord and protected us in a bubble-shaped shield. Goldar persisted to attack us anyway with a laser from his left eye, but was unable to penetrate it.

"Tough luck," Christina said as her zord asceneded higher. "And your luck is about to run out."

"You want to play in the sky?" Goldar said flapping his wings.

Rita's solider ascended into the sky and attacked Teenie's zord.

"Not good! Not good!" she said as her zord came tumbling down.

She pulled back on her controls before the pyterodactyl could hit dirt. Goldar swooped down with his saber ready to destroy the damaged zord.

"Rangers, it's time to form Megazord," Zordon said as he contacted us through a fifth picture-in-picture screen on our control panel's monitors.

The pink shield diminished, allowing the mastadon, triceratops, saber-tooth tiger, and tyrannosarus to rise up once again.

"You don't get it, do you, Goldar?" Dino said as his zord's head lifted toward the sky.

Fire shot out from two small canons in the tyrannosarus' mouth, stopping Goldar in his airborne tracks. He fell to the earth with a loud boom and rolled around to extinguish the fire. Right then all five of our power coins glowed brightly. It was time.

"Rangers, form Megazord," Zordon said commanding us once more.

We removed our coins from our morphers as a short ray of light extended out from the golden objects to form shardes of colored-crystals. Without further instruction, we placed the crystals into a slot on our dashboards similar to that of a car's iginition. Our zords ran along side each other and within moments we were united in one cockpit and as one zord.

"Megazord activated," a computerized voice said affirming the zords' transformation.

"No! Megazord!" Goldar said frightened of what just occured.

"Scared, Goldar?" Dino asked.

"We will meet again Rangers. Next time will be the death of you and your zords!"

In a blink of an eye, the same colored light that enlarged Goldar took him away and up through the clouds.

"What a pussy!" Jon said jumping up from his seat.

All of us rejoiced in victory. We really did it. We assumed the powers given unto us and were successful in our first battle. Our celebration was short lived.

"Rangers, return to the Embacy at once," Zordon said appearing on our monitors.

We looked at eachother and settled down.

"What do you mean?" I asked. "We got rid of Goldar. We won."

"You have won this battle, but the war is not over. Return to the Command Center immediately for further instruction."


* * *

THEO
Command Center
Meeting with Zordon

We teleported to the Command Center following our first battle. Instantaneously we become unmorphed as our power morphers returned to our hands in which we received them. If I may sound geeky for a minute, what we just did was *morphinominal*! At the same time I didn't know what to be more upset about; wheter I'd be killed soon for a battle that was not mine to begin with, or that my faith in God is now put into question. Zordon had mentioned prophecy several times. Are there really prophets outside the God of the heavens? Are these prophecies from God himself? I'm tempted to ask, but not comfortable doing so at this time. There's so many thoughts I need to sort through.

The pint-sized Alpha came forth and spoke. "Congratulations, Power Rangers, on your first victory. Rita now knows this planet will not be her's for the taking as long as you all are protecting it from her rein of evil."

"Zordon, what does Rita really want with our planet?" I asked.

"Planet Earth contains natural resources that would be of great use to herself and her allies. With natural resources, Rita can keep her palace's energy source running, produce more of her putty patrol, and ultimately when enough is collected she can call forth a zord that matches the strength of your Megazord."

"So then Rita has her own power coin?" Dino asked.

"Precisely," Zordon said. "Six power coins were created by six founding fathers of my home planet Eltar to protect it from evil forces that were enslaving other galaxies. They were superior sourcers with much knowledge on how the innocent ought to be protected."

"So where do dinosaraus fit in all this?" Dino asked again.

"Dinosaurus were not limited to this planet, Rangers. They inhabited many planets before a great explosion commenced the formation of the earth. They were the mightiest beasts known in many galaxies, therefore in the likeness of them did the six sourcers create your powers. When these powers were created, word got out to one of Rita's soliders that a power so great was able to put an end to her tyranny of the Elvarian Galaxy; the galaxy in which Eltar exists. Before these powers could even be tested, Rita had attacked Eltar."

I didn't want to believe this, but it has to be true. We in fact are the first Power Rangers. What happened today raises so many questions, but I couldn't interupt Zordon.

"As a result, Rita made away with the dragon coin and destroyed my original state of being when I tried to stop her taking it. Thanks to Alpha Five, my life was salvaged and I learned of my calling from him; that I am the chosen one to take the remaining power into the future to save the rest of the universe until the end."

"Until the end of what?" Justin asked with a tinge of dander in his voice.

"Revelation comes to those who wait for it, Justin," Zordon answered.

"So basically you want us to stop Rita for good and get back the dragon coin?" Jon asked.

"Precisely."

"Is Rita going to use the power coin herself?"

"No, Jonathan. Rita's lifeforce is too strong to assume the dragon coin herself. The coins were purposely created to be assumed by life forces of lesser power."

"Humans," I said hoping to be right on my assumption.

"Correct, Theo," Alpha Five said. "Only humans and other simliar lifeforces can assume the power coins."

"So then the next ranger will be a human, too?" Teenie asked.

"Not necessirily, Christina," Alpha said fielding the question again. "Any life force not great enough for the power coins can assume the power coins, but once a lifeforce does assume a power coin then the power coin cannot be assumed by another lifeforce until the power coin unfamiliarizes itself with its owner throughout a time span of several centuries; time that you humans simply do not have."

"So if one of us gets picked off or something that prevents us from continuing then the rest of us pretty much are screwed over," Dino concluded.

"Again, not necessirily. Zordon's founding fathers were great sourcers indeed and they thought of just about everything. Special backup morphers were created that would override your coins' abilities to only allow their current owners access to the powers. Unfortunately, we do not have access to Eltar unless someone from Eltar is able to access nor do we know what other hidden powers your coins have until time reveals them to us. We only have knowledge of what tradition has taught us about your powers."

"And no one can I assume," I said drawing another conclusion.

"We are unsure," Zordon said. We are trusting and hoping one day someone will be able to detect our whereabouts. Until then, the powers must be protected from the hands of evil. Now that evil has detected the coins to be in this galaxy and now knows the other power coins are in fact here on Earth, Rita will want them to be used along with the dragon coin to enslave other planets she so desires."

"Zordon and I understand that you have many other questions, Rangers, but out of courtesy you need to return to your families, for they worry about your well-being at this time. I will teleport you to where you were before our first meeting," Alpha said approaching a control panel.

"But first, Rangers, you must know this," Zordon said. There are three basic rules to follow or you will lose the protection of the power. Though I did not create these rules, they are of great importance and I am obligated to inform you of what would consequence in your removal from the power team. Your power coins are made to know your hearts. They will know if you have not followed the standards that I will now set before you. One, never start a battle unless evil forces you to. Two, never use your powers for personal gain. And three, keep your identity a secret. No one may know you are a Power Ranger."

The five of us nodded in agreement.

"Good luck, Rangers. And may the power protect you."

__________________

End of Episode 01

[Blue Diamond Ranger]

cool, keep it up

[scuba_steve83]

Power Rangers
Episode 02 - "Maybe I Won't Look Back"

Next on Power Rangers: The teens attend a back to school youth rally several towns away while Dino isolates himself back home following an argument with Christina. Rita decides to take advantage of the situation and sends her latest creation the Sphinx to defeat the lone Red Ranger. Is Dino confident enough to take on Rita's forces without the aid of the other rangers? Find out next on Power Rangers.



RITA
Moon Palace

I stood still on the balcony, looking through my telescope given to me from my father. It allows me to see even as far to the town in which the Power Rangers dwell. Studying the citizens' activities, I observered their everyday lives and pondered how I would love to make them all suffer for standing in my way.

Squatt and Baboo, two of my idiot cretins, stood in a darkened corner, wondering when I would speak again. They have been loyal to me for several centuries now and have completed many tasks for the greater evil. Since all of them have regained our freedom, I have not said much of anything. Around the corner of the court sat Goldar on a stairway leading to the next floor. Once a great warrior, he has weakened since our imprisonment. He couldn't even destroy the Power Rangers in our first encounter with them. He had them in their grip, yet he failed me. He has never failed me.

"Their culture is quite idiotic," I commented as I stepped away from the telescope.

Goldar lifted his head.

"Awful music, awful clothing, awful everything. Some of them act as if everything is wonderful. Only if they knew how miserable I'm going to make things for them."

"I take it you have a new plan, Queen Rita?" Goldar asked rising up.

"Yes. I will cast a spell to disguise my putties to spy on the rangers to give me information that will assist me on my next attack."

"Brilliant plan, my empress! The rangers will let their guard down and we'll be able to use their fallibilities to destroy them!"


* * *

DINO
Land O' Lakes High School
Registration Day
2:01PM

Summer is standing on its last leg. You know the fun is over when its registration day; the day when you get your schedule, school supply lists, and other related b.s. I had planned on going early to get a good locker, but I had hit the alarm and gone back to sleep. Eric (my half brother if you did not know already) had woke me up when he came over a couple of hours ago to see if I wanted to go with him. While I slugged myself out of bed to get ready, he and my dad were catching up since we were gone most of the summer. Eric was offered to go with us to Europe, but he had stayed back home to to help an elderly man take care of his ranch. We all thought it was good for him to keep busy with something constructive.

Like myself, Eric wasn't good news last year, or the year before that. We were partners in crime so to speak. We went through a lot of shit together; fights, booze, drugs, and girls of course. We're hoping he's changed a little since May, but we don't know yet. My parents are hoping I'm going to change, too. I need to. My grades have dipped tremendously since freshman year because of the garbage I got myself mixed up in. I really need to pull it together this year. This is my last chance to make a change for the better.

Before the whole Power Rangers deal happened, I don't think I'd have the will to pull myself out of my rut. Since our first battle last week, Rita has been kept her silence. The five of us are anticipating her next attack and we'll be ready to kick some putty behind. But now as a Power Ranger, as the leader at that, I have a new found inspiration to kind of grow up and get to where I need to be. I just hope Eric will find some inspiration as well.

Going in my Explorer Sport Trac, we headed to the school we would soon be imprisoned to yet again for the next nine months. As I suspected, I had to take a crappy parking spot in the back seeing that everyone and their mothers were already here. God knows each line inside is going to be at least ten miles long. Before getting out the truck, I checked myself out in the mirror to make sure I looked alright. Senior year is big. Image is important. I was wearing a white and red ringer tee and brown cargo pants my mom had bought for me when she stopped at the mall yesterday evening to go back-to-school shopping with Shawn.

We walked inside the school and into the commons. The place was packed out and noisy.

"Where to first?" Eric asked scanning his eyes about.

"I don't know. Wherever," I answered surveying the commons myself.

"Look; there's Will and C.J."

I looked to where Eric was pointing and saw the two talking to several other guys that I used to roll with.

"Come on," my brother said approaching them.

I rather not.

"You coming?" Eric asking turning around to face me.

"Nah. Go ahead without me. I'm going to get my schedule."

"Is something wrong? Why don't you want to go over there?"

"It's not that I don't want to. It's just that I don't want to be here long," I said walking away hoping to avoid continuing in this conversation.

I went up into the cafeteria were the lines were for getting schedules. The N' to R' line was pretty damn long. Typically I'd find someone to cut, but today I'm feeling a tad curious; odd even for myself.

"Dino Dinosaur, what's going on?" a cheerful voice asked.

I turned around to see who it was.

"Andrea, hey," I said as we exchanged a quick embrace.

"You must of had an awesome summer!" the energetic blonde said smiling brightly. "Did you take a lot of pictures?"

"You could say that," I said smirking at what she didn't know.

"Cool. You'll have to show me sometime."

"Um, perhaps. How was your summer?"

"I got a job as a lifeguard at the rec center."

"Oh. Cool."

"Yeah; lots of hot guys. Have you seen Christina here?"

I went from calm to annoyed in 1.2 seconds.

"Sorry," Andrea said obviously forgetting. "Slipped."

"No kidding."

Andrea is a mutual friend of me and Christina. She's pretty, blonde, popular, and has *the* party house; everything ugly fat unpopular chicks hate. I think she likes me, but I really don't know. I don't care for her anyway. I don't know where that cunt has been.

"Are you going to come to my party next Friday?" she asked smiling some more.

"Next Friday? I'll have to check my schedule."

"Yeah sure. You're coming."

"We'll have to see."

"Okay, sweetie. I'll see you Monday or maybe at the pool. You should come by. I can help you put on your suntan lotion if you want."

Damn...

"Perhaps."

She gave me another hug to which I was almost reluctant to return.

"Yeah, she likes me," I said under my breath after Andrea departed.

As soon as I finished my sentence, some idiot in a green camoflauge jacket ran into me as he walked by.

"Watch it, fucker," I said looking at the tall and lanky clutz.

He turned and looked at me. He must be new because he obviously doesn't know who the hell I am. He sure didn't look afraid of me. A superior smirk spread across his sweaty pale face.

"Fuck you, too," I said turning away.

After a mega long wait in line, my turn finally arrived.

"What's up, Red?" Theo asked smiling as he sat on the opposite side of the table.

"No wonder why the line is moving so slow; you're running it."

Theo, with usual cheerful self, dismissed the light-hearted remark and begin looking for my schedule.

"R-i-c?"

"C-h-i-n-o," I said spelling out the rest of my last name.

Theo fingered through the folders for a moment longer and pulled out my schedule.

"Do you get paid for doing this?" I asked predicting the obvious answer.

"Nope. Volunteers only."

Of course.

"Any other questions?" he asked.

"Yeah. Since I'm here, could I get Eric's schedule, too?"

"Sure thing," Theo said quickly retrieving the requested papers.

I quickly compared our schedules; no classes with Eric.

"Oh that reminds me, Dino."

"Hmm?" I said looking up.

"Oh nevermind. I better wait and ask you later. I need to get to the next student. I'll talk to you later."

"Alright," I said walking back to the commons.

I reexamined the schedules as I walked over to where I could purchase my locker. All throughout high school I've always had at least one class with my brother. Without him to talk to I would have fallen asleep and would have failed several classes. Too busy looking down at the schedules, I had ran into someone.

"Oh! I'm so sorry," she said immediately squatted down to gather her papers. "I wasn't looking."

"Me neither," I said bending down to help her.

I didn't even notice who it was until we looked up at eachother.

"Oh, hi," Christina said standing back up as I handed her her belongings.

We haven't seen or spoken to eachother since our first run-in with Goldar.

"Sorry," I said astutely. "Didn't see you."

"It's fine. I'll see you later."

"Done here already?"

"Yeah. I'm all set. I'll see you Monday -- or sooner if monkey man returns first," Christina said with a short but beautiful smile.

She gave me a smile...

"We never got to talk about that," I said trying to prolong the conversation.

This was insane; I love her, but I'm angry and pissed with her at the same time . I hate rejection. I hate it with all of my being. I hate it more when it comes from her. I know she probably doesn't even want to look or talk to me. I'm lucky she even gave me this much right now.

"What's there to talk about?" Teenie asked returning to her resolve.

"Everything," I said almost getting loud, but recomposing myself quickly.

"Everything?" Christina asked.

"About last week; Goldar, Zordon; all that."

"So our lives will never be the same again. No biggie," she said trying to make light of it all. "I really do need to get going. The rec staff are taking the girls out for an end of summer lunch and movie. ... If you want, you can walk me to my car."

She's actually offering me her time...

"Sure," I said trying to hide my heart-felt reaction from reaching my voice. Maybe she matured a little this summer.

Christina and I left the main building and headed over to the senior parking lot. We walked along the big sidewalk adjacent to the bus roundabout. It appears that they had repaved it completely and even added a sidewalk extending to the entrance of the school's science wing.

"So are you going to talk or is the pavement more interesting to look at?" Christina said speaking up.

"I apologize."

"You aplogize? Is that a new habit you picked up this summer?"

"Pardon?"

"Nothing, Dino."

"What was that for?"

"Nothing. Take a joke, alright?"

"If you're going to start hurling insults at me again, I might as well go back inside."

"It was a *joke*. Ha HA?" Christina stopping to look at me.

I looked intently into her eyes waiting for her to answer my question.

"Well," Teenie said moving her eyes away from mine. "If you want to know what I think, I think we have a dark and scary time ahead of us."

"So you're scared then?"

"If you aren't scared too then you'd be lying, Dino."

Christina got her keys out from her pocket as we proceeded to the parking lot.

"It's definitely a heavy burden Zordon put on our shoulders," she said looking around for her car.

"Do you think we really are chosen? I mean -- that prophecy Zordon talked about."

"I doubt it's some mistake that it was us. Goldar came looking for us beforehand. ... Why? Are you having doubts?"

"I don't know. I don't know how to say it. I think--"

"You think 'why me' and not someone else and that it's not your problem."

"That's not what I was thinking, Christina," I said obviously annoyed.

"Maybe this is all God's plan to teach you responsibility and leadership; that is if you can handle the position."

"I'm trying to be patient with you and you're not making it easy."

"It's a little late to start acting patient with me, isn't it?

"Look here, I--"

Before I could finish my thought, globs of silver-colored clay ran past our feet. Christina squealed in disgust as she jumped back from what we knew what was going to take place.

"The putty patrol!" she said as the schools of clay rose up from the hot concrete ground and shaped up into regular putties.

Several students in the vincinity saw what just took place and instinctly ran for safety.

"Seven of them, two of us," I said smiling. "No problem!"

With fists clenched, I charged ready to bust open some putty head.

"Zordon, if you can hear us we could use some help," Christina said.


* * *

Command Center


Security alarms set off as the viewing globe descended from its hiding space from the ceiling above. Alpha Five's internal computer awoke from its state of sleep as Zordon zapped his morphalectrical being into his gaint holding chamber to learn of the newly detected danger.

"Alpha Five, Dino and Christina are in danger," Zordon said observing the viewing globe of the two battling the putty patrol.

"Aye yi yi, Zordon! They are greatly outnumbered. I'll summon the other rangers at once."

"Be careful, Alpha. You must wait until the others are in a place with no onlookers."

"Yes, Zordon," the small robot said entering several commands into the computer.


* * *


DINO
Senior Parking Lot

I flipped backwards, my feet slamming a putty patroller backwards onto the trunk of someone's car. Another putty flew at me from behind, taking me down to the concrete beneathe. I wrestled with him to get him off as another putty joined the fight. I briefly glanced up to check on Christina.

The petite teen struggled as two putties grabbed her by the legs and attempted to drag her off. Christina managed to grab a hold of one of their shoulders and digged her sharp nails into one their necks, forcing the putty to relinquish her left leg in agony of pentetration. Teenie wrestled her other leg away from the other grip and sidekicked the clay goon backwards against another.

"We can't morph here with the chance of someone seeing us," Teenie hollered at me from where she was fighting.

"Let's get 'em over to the forest!"

Jumping up, I hopped onto a car and flipped past it to the grassy area leading to the forest next to the school. Christina did the same as the putty patrol chased behind.

"We're almost there!" I said running as fast as I could.

"Almost doesn't count, Red Ranger!"

A golden blast of energy hit two inches ahead of my feet, the force sending me flying to a nearby tree. I cursed at the pain upon impact but got right back up. The golden-platted alien approached me with sword in paw, pointing right at me.

"This will be sweet," Goldar snarled.

His crimson red eyes almost glowed with pure evil and hatred. Right when he was going to deliver the blow, a blue laser knocked the golden saber away from my face. Goldar let out an angry growl and looked to his right to see a Blue Ranger pointing a blade blaster to his face.

"Say hello to my little friend," Justin said giving a really bad Herve Villachez impression.

Justin pulled the trigger, but a putty had kicked the weapon away just in time to miss Goldar's ugly wrinkly face. I pulled out my morpher, pulling the same stunt I did last time when first encountering the putty patrol. A red laser with a tyrannosarus aperirition came forth from my power coin, completely removing the approaching putty's left hand.

"Fuckin' gross," I said observing the glob of clay oozing and dripping down from the putty patroller's wrist.

I sprung up from the lawn and bolted into the forest with Goldar right on my tail. Christina was already there fighting more putties that had arrived along with Justin's aid. I turned around to see Goldar already charging his saber with another bolt of golden energy. I took advantage of the leway and pulled out my morpher again.

"Christina!"

She looked over at me with her morpher already out about to do the same.

"It's morphin' time!"
"Pyterodactyl!"
"Tyrannosaurus!"

Following my transformation, Goldar released another bolt of golden electricity to which I swiftly manuvered. The tree behind me took the hit and fell over on to two of the putties.

Thanks, Goldar!" I said drawing my blade blaster. "Ever thought about working for Zordon?"

"Zordon is a crippled bastard child and he shall feel Rita's wrath as soon as I destroy you miserable humans!"

"Yeah? Well fuck you, too," I said firing my laser.

Goldar reflected the shots away with his saber and ran after me full throtle.


* * *

RITA
Moon Place

I watched carefully through my telescope, watching my golden warrior pumble the Red Ranger. That tiny blade blaster is no match for Goldar's saber.

"Ah, excellent!" I said turning to face Squatt and Baboo. "As soon as Goldar finishes off Dino, then the rest of the rangers will be without the tyrannosarus to form Megazord. Then they'll be unable to destroy what I have in store for them next!"

"How about we go down their ourselves and help?" Baboo said taking out a weapon from his tote bag.

Squatt shook his head in cowardly disagreement of his comrad's suggestion.

"Excellent idea," I said turning back around to the telescope. "The quicker the better."

"What about the undercover putties?" Squatt asked stalling to take action.

"They're still at work. Just in case things backfire, we'll be ready!"

I shook my wand in evil jubliee and left the court to consult my spell book. I have another idea that could help destroy the rangers quicker than I had hoped.


* * *

DINO
Forest

Falling back from Goldar's kick, I got up and drew my blade blaster once again.

"Red Ranger, you're toy gun is laughable! Make it easy on yourself and surrender your power coin to me!"

"Let me explain, Goldar. When I say 'fuck you' it means I disagree. So fuck you!"

I pointed my blaster at Goldar to which he was ready to block its laser once more, but instead I aimed upward at a branch.

"Bullseye!" Jonathan said as the large branch smashed on top of Goldar's pointy head.

"It's about time you got here, bro!" I said happy to see my friend.

Just then more putties showed up, along with two monsters we've never seen before.

"Rangers, regroup!" I said as the four of us ran toward mid-battlefield.

Likewise, the putties assembled with Goldar and the two other monsters.

"Eleven of us, four of you, Rangers! There's no winning for you!" Goldar said pointing his saber upwards.

"Shit, what now?" Jon asked taking his battle stance.

"We make pottery out the clay brains first," I said pulling my blade blaster.

All of us fired upon our enemies. Goldar and the other two rolled away behind some trees. Arms, legs, and heads from the putty patrol came flying off as we continued our fire.

"Only pussies hide behind trees, Goldar!" Jonathan said mocking the alien.

The teasing brought the monster out from hiding, shooting forth his saber's golden energy one more time. We took a big hit, all four of us falling onto our backs.

"You're through, Rangers!" Goldar said coming forward ready to slay.

The four of us struggled to stand as Goldar's saber came closer and closer.

"This is for my queen!" the alien said raising his sword above us.

"Not today, Goldar," Yellow Ranger said showing up just in the knick of time.

Theo shot his yellow laser, knocking the gold saber from Goldar's mighty paws.

"Yellow Ranger, how nice of you to join us today," Goldar said turning to face our late team member. "My putties would like you to join your friends!"

The three remaining moon goons sprang forth with daggers given by the short fat monster with the pouch. With Goldar's attention diverted momentarily, we rose again and drew our blade blasters.

"Take a seat, big boy!" Jon said firing first.

The multi-colored lasers hit Goldar's wings, causing them to fall off.

"Oh shit!" Jon said laughing heartedly. "Your face is priceless, Goldy!"

"Argh! Rangers, you will pay!" Goldar said turning his saber downward and plotting it into the ground.

Instantly, a cloud of gold energy took the alien and the surviving putties away.

"Did you see that? Monkey boy got his wings clipped," Jon said still in amusement.

"Sorry, guys. Zordon contacted me when I got a bathroom break, but I had to find someone to fill in for me at the school first," Theo said explaining his tardiness.

"How? I mean how did he get a hold of you?" Teenie asked.

"If I told you a little birdie told me, would you think I'm crazy?"

"Yes."

"Then I'm crazy."

"A bird didn't talk to you. ... Did it?" Teenie asked in disbelief.

"Sure did," Theo said looking at the rest of us. "He won't be doing that regularly. He and Alpha are working on something better. I have to be going now. I'll see you all later tonight. Peace."

Theo unmorphed and started to make his way back to the school.

Christina did the same and left. Justin, Jonathan, and myself were last to unmorph.

"That was cutting it close," I said. "We're going to need help if attacks like those get worse."

"True that. Goldar's a big bitch," Jon said stretching his arms in fatigue.

"OH. Dino, did Theo tell you about T.R.I.P already?" Justin asked me.

"No. I guess that's what we wanted to ask me about?"

"Yes," Justin affirmed. "It's a back to school youth rally in Ocala tonight. It's powerful stuff."

"Who's going?"

"The youth group."

"Is Christina going?" I said expecting an affirmative.

"Yes," Justin said changing expressions. "Is that a problem?"

"Yes. I don't really care to be around her today."

"The guys and girls take separate vans up to the campgrounds. You probably won't even have to see or hear from her at all."

"Not until everyone goes out to eat afterwards," Jon said making my decision much easier.

"Forget it, Justin. Even if she wasn't going, I probably wouldn't end up going anyway," I said giving my final answer.

"It's dope though. I don't want you to miss out on it."

"Jus, I'll level with you. I don't go to church. You know that. I go twice a year with my parents for Easter and Christmas. I'm not interested, okay?"

"Well if you change your mind, you have my cell phone number so don't hesitate, bro. I'll see you guys."

Taking in with blue light, Justin was teleported away. How does Alpha knew when he's ready? Is he eavesdropping from the Command Center or something? I dismissed the thought and was about to go back to the school to get Eric, but I noticed the expression upon Jonathan's face.

"What's wrong, bro?"

"Hmm? Oh -- nothing. Don't worry about it, man."

"Jon, we're practically blood. It's just you and me here."

"Listen, you can't tell Christina because she didn't want you to know."

"Know what?" I asked anxious to know what the hell he was going to say.

"Hold up. How has Christina been treating you lately?"

"Why does that matter?"

"Dino, just answer. Has she been treating you bad?"

"Well -- yeah, kind of. How did you know?"

"That's what I'd figure she'd do."

"Why? What happened with her?" I asked wanting to know more.

"Bro, she met a guy this summer."

Instantly I felt my heart sink. I didn't want to hear this, but I continued to listen.

"When you were on vacation, she had to attend a seminar in Orlando in order to work at the rec center. It's required, you know that."

"Yeah. And?" I asked hoping Jon would just tell me what I didn't want to hear.

"They're not serious. He lives in Vero Beach. It's too far from here."

"So what are they?"

"I don't know. I just know they talk everyday."

"What's his name?"

"I shouldn't even have told you that much. I'm not going to say anything else, but just let it go now. Teenie's moving on."

I didn't want to hear this. I really didn't. Jon continued.

"I think you should, too. Move on, bro. There are plenty of other pebbles on the beach, you know?"

Jon pat me on the back and left me alone in the forest. I wouldn't think for a minute that Christina would -- I mean that she -- I don't even know what to think. Sitting down on a log, I sat in anger, in disappointment, in ants. I got back up and brushed my bottom off and left.


* * *

RITA
Moon Palace

"Goldar, you dolt! Can't you do anything right?!" I said scorning the wingless maggot.

"I'm sorry, my empress. I will succeed next time."

A putty came into the courtyard and approached Squatt and Baboo. Only they can decode the putties' incoherent rambling.

"What is it, Squatt?" I asked wanting to know what the putty had to report.

"Putty says that he was spying on the rangers and heard them say the rangers will be out of town tonight."

"All of them?" I asked, my mouth nearly watering at the opportunity.

"All except for their leader."

"Blast! Red Ranger is a tenacious fighter, but without the others' aid, he'll be unable to handle what I've conjured up."

"Ooh, tell us your plans, your evilness!" Squatt said jumping excitedly at my teaser.

"I've summoned a companion for Goldar. Behold the Sphinx!"

Lightning flashed over us and shewed forth the monster.

"Sphinx, when the other rangers leave, I will send you with Goldar to crush the lone Red Ranger. Do you understand?"

The stony Egyptian-inspired monster nodded accordingly and grunted with a pleasing evil in his laugh.

"Ah, the power coins will soon be mine!"


* * *

DINO
Andrea's Party
9:10PM

"Bro, at least try to act like you want to be here," Eric said handing me a beer.

I peered down at the can to see what I was drinking before pulling the tab. It was a warm Friday night and the last weekday evening before school starts on Monday. What better way to ease the pain than to have a party with food, alcohol, weed, and hookups? Eric and myself sat outside on the terrace, along with several others. A cool breeze settled as I aimlessly stared off into the distance while everyone else talked amongst themselves. Turning my attention to the people in my company, I observed quietly those whom I wanted to separate myself from; people I once considered friends. I just don't get it; I mean there's something in my mind I can't pin point -- like something's wrong. I don't mean wrong as in trouble -- I don't know. I just don't know.

"Hi'ya, Dino," Andrea said sitting on my leg.

"Hey," I said taking notice right away to what she was wearing -- or lack thereof.

"You don't look like you're having fun. What's up?"

Remaining unresponsive, I took a sip of my beer, my eyes falling upon her very short jean skirt and then back up to her yellow cut-off tee.

"You wanna come down stairs with me? I need someone strong to help me get some more bags of ice from the freezer."

"Aaron's downstairs. He's strong, too," I said taking another sip.

"Please? I got better stuff in the garage fridge if you help me."

God, this girl is persistent. She's cute and all and has a body that I'd bang with no problem, but I really don't want to -- not tonight anyhow. What's wrong with me? What's changed?

"Okay," I said putting down my beer.

Andrea smiled and got up from my lap. I glanced back at Eric as I followed the hostess back into the house, seeing my brother smile at the 'what the fuck, why not' look only he could read from my face. We made our way downstairs and through the hoards of people that filled the living room. Andrea grabbed a hold of my hand so we wouldn't get separated. I can only imagine what an onlooker will say to me at school next week, but I don't care right now. I'm too low and ready for more to drink.

"Who picked the music? It blows," I said as we entered the garage.

"I did. Sorry you don't like it," Andrea said opening the freezer.

I reached into the freezer and took out two bags of ice.

"Where do you want them?" I asked.

Andrea giggled and walked to the door.

"Don't be mad, but I lied. We don't need anymore ice," she said closing the door.

"Yeah, I know. I just wanted to leave."

I placed the bags back in the freezer and shut the door.

"There's Bacardis in the fridge. Help yourself."

That's the better stuff? Okay? I grabbed one anyway and tossed one over to Andrea as well.

"Hey, what if I dropped that? It would of broken."

"It's your party. You clean it up," I said.

Grinning, I opened my bottle and took a good sip. Andrea opened her's next and sat next to me on the counter top next to the refrigerator.

"So tell me about your summer," she said moving her hair back.

"What about it?" I said. "I did a lot."

"Like what?"

"Walked, shopped, walked some more, ate."

"Did you go to any famous sites?"

"Yeah. ... A few."

Andrea wrinkled her brow at my half ass answers.

"Do you not want to talk to me, Dino?"

"Honestly? Not really, but after a few more of these I might."

She didn't seem bothered by my answer.

"Finally; a decent song," I said listening in to the music.

"That's my one of my favorites. It's good to dance to," Andrea said hopping off the counter, "Come on."

I shook my head with a low chuckle, taking another swig.

"It's just you and me here."

"I don't dance," I said hoping she'd take the hint already.

"You're not being yourself. What gives?" Andrea whined.

"I -- I don't know what's the matter."

"Yes you do. You just won't tell me."

"Fuck, if I knew I would say it, but I don't. Alright?"

"I must have hit a sore spot."

"No. It's just you keep badgering me with extremely transparent attempts."

"Attempts at what?"

"Forget it. Listen, I'm sorry for being a dick. I'm not having a good day."

Andrea smiled and sat back up on the counter.

"I'm here to listen. You can tell me anything," she said touching my leg.

"Only if you get me another one of these. Better make it two."

"Not a problem."


* * *

RITA
Moon Palace

"Goldar! Get ready!" I said turning briefly looking away from my telescope. "Red Ranger's guard is down and the other rangers are far gone."

"Yes, my queen. Soon the rangers will be destroyed and the earth's resources shall be yours, empress."

"Eh-heh-heh! Yes!"


* * *

DINO
Andrea's garage

"So you're not going to talk to her anymore?" Andrea asked raising her bottle to her mouth.

"Of course I am. She's on my team."

"What team?"

Fuck fuck fuck.

"Nothing."

"Hey, we're buds. You can tell me."

"Nope."

"Another one these then I'm sure you'd spill," Andrea said handing me another Bacardi.

"It's only my third, babe. I'm straight."

"Say ... how many will it take for you to fool around?"

With a buzzed-induced smile, she leaned forward to my face as if she were only pretending to be joking.

"Can I make it anymore obvious, Dino?"

"Can you be any more of a bad friend to Christina?"

"You broke up with her. Big fuckin' deal. She can get over it. ... It's not like anyone has to know."

Andrea returned to her smile as she extended her hand back to my leg, slowly caressing it as she moved it upwards.

"You'd have to be queer if you wouldn't wanna, Dino," she whispered into my ear.

I smiled at the ridiculousness of what was unfolding, but I let it continue for a moment longer.

"Gotcha to smile," Andrea said smiling, too. "What else can I do to make you happy?"

Oh Christ; so many things I can say. I can be mean, I can be nice; what shall I choose?

"I know your friend there is happy," she said rubbing my expanding pant bulge.

Fuck; I forgot about that. Oh damn. Andrea continued to rub the outline of my cock as she leaned forward to place her lips on mine. Her tongue met mine as they tangled with one another during this Bacardi-flavored French kiss. Taking my hand, Andrea moved it up to her mini-skirt to the outline of her panties. She helped by reaching inside and moving them aside for me. For a quick moment we looked at each other in what we were doing. The bitch was horny as hell and I really wasn't -- but my dick says otherwise. Andrea kissed my lips again as she awaited for me to take advantage of her moist snatch.

"Let's go up stairs," Andrea said as I withdrew.

We got up from the countertop and headed back inside. My fingers were still wet from the exploration, but no one seemed to notice as we passed through. Why would they anyway? Andrea and I went upstairs. She checked the first bedroom, but some people were already occupying it.

"Fuck, let's just go to my parent's room. No one's in there," Andrea said leading me down the hall.

She took out a key and unlocked it. We got in and shut and relocked it, walking normally to to large bed before us.

"Now where were we?" Andrea asked pulling down her skirt.

As I started to take off my shirt, a loud crash was heard underneath. I pulled my shirt back down and looked at Andrea.

"It's probably Aaron kicking someone out. Ignore it," Andrea said attempting to get rid of my shirt again.

More crashing sounds continued along with horrid screams.

"What the hell?" Andrea said sitting up. "If anyone breaks anything, I'm going to get in so much shit with my parents."

The disturbances continued. Out of nowhere, the instinct I felt when I first assumed my power coin returned to me. There was trouble down there. I quickly redressed and bolted out the door. As I made my way down stairs, I heard a familiar growl.

"Red Ranger! Show yourself!" Goldar said flipping over a coffee table. Screaming in panic, people rushed to the nearest exit to get out of the monster's path. Andrea ran up behind me to see the one who was down there causing havoc. I placed a hand over her mouth to stop the scream, but it was too late; Goldar spotted us.

"There you are!"

Andrea ran back up stairs and locked herself back in her parent's room.

"If you want me, you're gonna have to catch me," I said almost seeing double.

Shit; this isn't happening. I gotta stay straight.

"What's the matter? A little too much refreshments?" Goldar said approaching the staircase.

"Oh shit!" Eric said as he stopping from coming any closer to the living room.

"Eric, get out of here!" I shouted.

Goldar turned to my brother and pointed his saber at him.

"This human is your brother? Ha! He'll make a great appetizer for Sphinx!"

Everyone else left the house it seemed, as it was only me, Goldar, and Eric that remained.

"Which will it be? Your coin or his life?" Goldar asked giving me an altermative.

"Coin? Dino, what is he talking about?" Eric asked looking up at me.

"Oh! He didn't tell you? Your brother here is--"

Thinking quick, I grabbed a painting off the wall and tossed it like a frisbee, hitting Goldar right on the mouth. He growled in pain as his saber dropped from his paw.

"Eric, leave!"

My brother turned around and left as quickly as he could through the back porch. I did the same and made my way out the open front door as Goldar came after me.

"It's only minutes until you meet your death, Ranger!"

I flew across the lawn and onto the street where some of the people remained in loud chatter of what they saw.

"Go! He's coming!" I said trying to clear the area.

Everyone did what I told them to do and split as Goldar made his way out the house.

"Let's take a trip!"

"Huh?" I said not understanding his random comment.

The short fat alien I saw earlier today come forth from the darkness with a device in hand.

"Now Squatt!" Goldar instructed.

"Woo-he-he-he, this will be great!" Squatt said pressing the device's buttons.

A red ray of light came forth and transported me from where I stood. Instantly I was teleported to a place unknown to me. Wherever I was, the sun was still out and all I could see were mountains and deserted land. Goldar appeared soon after.

"You had your last fun tonight and now it's time to meet your death, Red Ranger! I have someone for you to meet!"

A zap of energy came down from the sky and there appeared a new monster.

"Behold the mighty Sphinx!"

The dude was pumped and scary looking.

"Your weakness from your carnal indulgence from tonight will only make it easier for us, Dino!" Goldar said continuing his shout fest. "Putty patrol!"

The globs of clay morphed upward and formed into their normal shape, all six taking their battle stance.

"Now's not the time to be doubting yourself, Dino. I can do this, sober or not," I said to myself.

"Surrender now and avoid suffering our wrath!"

"No deal. It's morphin' time!" I said pulling out my morpher. "Tyrannosaurs!"

Instantly I became the Red Ranger.

"So be it! Your handicap will only make it easier! Putties, attack!"


* * *

Command Center


The alarms set off as Alpha went into his usual fit of aye-yi-yi's.

"Alpha, activate the viewing globe," Zordon said to his assistant.

"Yes, Zordon."

The spherical television orb came down and displayed a battle between Red Ranger and the putty patrol. Two other monsters were seen in the background, both instantly recognized by Alpha.

"Zordon, it's the Sphinx monster! Rita must have summoned him from his slumber."

"Yes. Sphinx is a great ancient warrior. He has yet to be defeated."

"Alpha, save the coordinates of his location for later research. Until then, the other Power Rangers must be contacted at once."

"I'm afraid they are out of our reach for now."

"Then Dino must face Rita's forces alone."

"Aye yi yi," Alpha whined. "He's greatly outnumbered and something's wrong. He's not fighting like he did last week."

"You're right, Alpha. I noticed this as well, but we must have faith in him. In the mean time, be ready to contact the others if the chance is given."

* * *

DINO

Rock Quarry

The Sphinx flew at me with a sword of his own, slashing me across the chest to which sparks flew out from my power suit. I rolled back several feet, trying my best to get up. Goldar took his turn next and jumped over the Sphinx with his saber ready to attack. I rolled out the way again and drew my blade blaster.

"Pitiful, Red Ranger! Pitiful!"

Goldar blasted several lasers from his left eye, but missed as I rolled out the way again. My head was spinning from the constant movement. Sphinx let out a great growl as he attacked once again. I drew my blade up, trying my best to stop another thrashing to my body.

"You're one ugly dude!" I said kicking up my right leg to his waist.

Sphinx stumbled back as the putty patrol surrounded me.

"You're done, Dino! Put down your weapon and surrender!"

"Over my dead body, Goldar."

"If you wish!"


* * *

RITA

Moon Palace

"Yes! Victory is near! Red Ranger is surrounded with no place to go!"

* * *

Command Center

"Alpha, I believe it's time."

"You mean the power weapons, Zordon?"

"Yes. Red Ranger must receive his sword now; before it is too late."

"It's on its way," Alpha said punching in commands into the morphing grid.

* * *

DINO

Rock Quarry

Just right when the putty closed in on me, bright red lightning cackled above us, diverting all of our attentions. The light crashed into the mountain side and my powers again revealed to me what I must do next. Wasting no time, I barreled through the idle putties and jammed it over to the mountains.

"Argh! You fools let him get away!" Goldar whined as he started after me with the Sphinx. "Blast him!"

Rita's warriors shot their lasers, but not quickly enough. I don't think I ever ran this fast in my life, but I was slowing down. The drinks were catching up to me. I could hear Goldar laughing in the background as I struggled to get to what I knew what was going to help me fend the two off. More lasers shot at the mountain side, causing me to almost fall back down to where I was just a moment ago.

"Remember what I said earlier, Goldar?! Fuck YOU!"

I fired my laser upon several boulders. They came rolling down the mountain side toward the monsters and putty patrol. That buying me time, I high-tailed it up the steep to retrieve what was mine. I grabbed for the half buried object and pulled it out. A great sword had been sent to me. It was lined with red, obviously indicating that this was truly mine. Turning back to Goldar and Sphinx, I pointed my sword to the ascending aliens.

"It's downhill from here, y'all -- literally!"

I jammed my sword into the ground, causing more boulders beneath me to crash onto my enemies below.


* * *


RITA
Moon Palace

"No! Red Ranger has his own sword now!"

"Your evilness, may I suggest you make Goldar and Sphinx grow?" Squatt said fretfully.

"You certainly may. Go ahead!"

"Uh, okay. Um, I suggest they grow."

"Thanks for the brilliant idea, you ninny! Wand, make my monster grow!"


* * *

DINO
Rock Quarry

As the last of the boulders came down, I saw the same staff I saw last week come down from the sky. It landed between Goldar and Sphinx, making both grow high above the mountains.

"Go ahead, Red Ranger! Call your zord! It's two against one!"

"Shit."

Sphnix and Goldar took several steps, shaking the ground beneath me. I rolled out of the way of Goldar's sword and reached my hand into the air.

"Tyrannosarus Dinozord, power up!"

A loud roar rumbled through the quarry. Sphnix and Goldar looked at eachother and then peered over to a mountain in the far distance to see where the sound came from.

"You told me to call my zord, didn't you, Goldar?"

"It's no use, Red Ranger. Your zord cannot withstand our power."

Jumping, I soared up the side of my zord to on top of its head.

"Ready to eat your words, Goldy?"

"Give it your best shot, ranger!"

I jumped inside the cockpit and activated the zord to my command.

"Let's hit it!"

I steered my zord forth to the two aliens, using my zord's tail to knock 'em both around. Sphinx grabbed ahold of it and swung Tyrannosarus into the side of the small mountain next to me. Rocking around in the cockpit, I got a grip on my controls again and continued my attempt to disarm the villians. Growling, Goldar sliced his saber across Tyrannosarus, causing the zord to hit dirt again.

"Blast him!"

The heat, the pressure; I almost couldn't think. My mind was racing and I was about to become toast. What did I get myself into; I mean this Power Ranger business. I didn't ask to put my life on the line for something I didn't understand as to why it was happening. Without thinking to, my hand reached for the left controller.

Tyrannosarus fired lasers from its mouth canons, quickly fending off the pending opposition. I grabbed ahold of my other contoller and pulled my zord back up on its feet.

"Round two," I said firing the canons again.

Goldar and Sphnix took another blow and tumbled back again. In bitter rage, the two arose and joined their swords together, creating a blast of their own. Tyrannosaurus charged forth the space aliens without myself telling it to do so. I couldn't understand what was happening. It's like it had a life of its own and I was just going along for the ride.

"Your funeral, ranger!" Goldar said releasing the blast.

Tyrannosaurus swung its tail to the adjacent mountain and caused several large boulders to come down on top of Sphnix. The monster met the ground again and stuggled to get back up.

"Your next, Goldar!"

My zord attacked Rita's warrior, slashing his left paw which held his saber. Giving him no time to recover it, I spun Tyrannosaurus around and smacked Goldar across the face with the zord's tail. Sphnix was slowly breaking free as Goldar and I did battle. I couldn't let him escape. My zord is still smoking from Goldar's saber.

"Tyrannosarus, full power!"

Risking my zord's ability to carry the fight any further, Tyrannosaurus overtook Goldar and tossed him on top of Sphnix.

"Tyrannosarus canons, lock on and fire!"

My screen indicted the power levels of my zord concentrating fully on my zord's mouth canons, then releasing a red-shaded fury of lasers to my inmobile enemies. Goldar turned over in time to see what was coming his way and rolled out at the last second. Sphnix received the blast and instantly exploded into a large pile of flames and smoke.

"We will meet again, Red Ranger! This I promise!"

Goldar vanished into thin air as Tyrannosaurus stood still in its mighty victory. I couldn't believe what just happened. I actually took on both of them and succeeded. Holy shit.

* * *

CHRISTINA
Driveway
Sunday, 5:31PM

In about twelve hours I will be waking up to the sound of my alarm clock telling me it's time to get up and get ready for school. How dredful.

"Teenie!" Jon said throwing me the ball.

I caught the basketball and shot.

"Missed again. This ain't your day, sis," my brother Joshua said retrieving the ball before it could roll off the driveway.

"Just warming up," I said smiling. "Even though the game is half over."

"Sure. Yo Ben, did you call Dino?" Josh said asking my other brother, whom was also playing too.

"Yeah. He said he'll be over in a few minutes," Ben said whiping the sweat off his forehead.

"But the teams will be uneven," I said objecting to a fifth player.

"Your team needs another player anyway," Josh said joking about our low score.

"And she's suppose to be a basketball coach?" Jonathan said adding on.

Giving my cousin and teammate a dirty look, I walked to the garage and grabbed a sip of water from my cup.

They knew I didn't want anyone else playing not because of uneven teams, but because it was Dino. We played uneven teams all the time. No one said anythng though. They knew know not to tease after the first few times when I got really upset with everyone for not minding their business.

"Come on," Jonathan said calling me back to the game. "Let's hurry up and lose so I can go home and eat."

Just then Dino walked on to the driveway ready to join us. He was wearing his number 23 Chicago Bulls jersey and red track pants; the same jersey and track pants I had gotten him for his birthday last year. He always looked good in them, especially in the jersey. My eyes always took notice of his arms when he wore it, but now I'm a little more mature. Who am I kidding? I still find the guy as incredibly attractive as ever.

The guys greeted him and were ready to start again.

"Teenie, come on," Jon said calling me back.

I was going to play along, as much as I wanted to go back inside. I didn't want to make it seem like I even cared anymore. I didn't care on Friday when I saw Dino at school during registration day. At least I thought I didn't. I tried my best to act like I didn't.

"Dino, you're on Teenie and Jon's team," Josh said passing him the ball.

"How bad are we losing?" Dino asked my cousin.

"Not too bad. We'd be winning if Christina would at least try to play."

"Just a few bad ones," I said taking the ball from Dino.

I shot the ball trying to prove that I could make a shot, but again I missed. I never got angry about playing basketball with my brothers, but all of a sudden things changed. I wanted to cry, not because I missed, but because I suddenly became an emotional immature little girl who is standing next to someone I was just trying to impress, someone I'm suppose to be loathing yet yearning to touch and kiss. I hate this.

"I'm done," I said heading back inside.

"What's wrong?" Jon asked not understanding my sudden change in behavior.

My eyes welled up as I walked inside the kitchen and shut the door. There have been so many Sunday evenings like this; when the five of us would play basketball together before dinner. Now things are different and it's seriously upsetting me.

"What's wrong, baby?" Mom asked turning around from the stove.

"Nothing," I said going straight to my room.

Shutting the door behind me, I sat on my bed rubbing away the tears before they could hit skin. I feel so foolish, so embarassed, so--"

"Christina," Dino said knocking on my door.

I didn't answer. I didn't want to. I know I'd sound like a stupid little girl if I were to say go away.

"What is it?" I asked.

"May I come in?"

I didn't answer, but that was a yes to him. He came in, shutting the door behind him.

"If you didn't want me to come over, all you had to do was tell me so."

"Why would I? Jon, Josh, and Ben aren't mad at you. No reason why they can't still have their game," I said through my sobs.

"It's your game, too. It's always been that way."

"Don't act like things aren't the same. You know you didn't want to come over here. That's why you were late."

"No it wasn't," Dino said sitting next to me. "I had to give Nate a bath and he had to be walked. My being late had nothing to do with you. Christina, when are you going to get over it?"

"When am *I* going to get over it?" Ha, when are *you* going to get over it? On Friday, you--"

"Friday was bullshit. You gave me bullshit. I was trying to be nice just for the sake of doing so."

"Whatever. Things aren't the same anymore. Playing basketball with you isn't the same."

"Well you can get over it and come back out or you can stop playing altogether. Either way, your brothers and cousin are basically my family, too."

"I don't even want to think about it anymore."

"What a hypocrite; you always got mad at me for saying that and now you're doing it."

"Can you leave please?" I asked getting up to open the door.

Dino grabbed my arm to stop me.

"Don't touch me!"

"I'm not leaving. I'm gonna tell you what I really wanted to say to you today. Do you have any idea what shit happened Friday night?"

I fell silent for a moment before answering.

"Yes. Jon told me."

"I did more that just took on putties, Goldar, and some other ugly fuck, but I did a whole lot of thinking. I came to the conclusion I don't have to take shit like you gave at school on Friday."

"Then don't! Don't come over anymore then."

"You know that ain't happening. As much as you won't admit to it, you aren't mad at me as much as you think you are. Truth be told, I'm not so mad at you either. I was so use to myself being the one to blame that I didn't realize you had your part in this, too. It was your fault just as much as it was my fault."

"For what?" I asked getting angry at what Dino was pulling.

"Fuck, Teenie! Don't do this shit to me. It's so easy for you to place all the blame on me, but you played your part in us breaking up."

I had to laugh.

"We've been through this more times than I'd like to remember, Dino. You absolutely did not trust me, especially around Justin. You were such a prick!"

"Only because I loved you!"

"That wasn't love. That was being a control-freak."

"And I apologized and tried to stop and you still held it against me, even after the school year was over, even now. But this school year is going to be great. Not only am I going back to the wrestling team, but I know I will be doing a hell of a lot better with my grades and without the fucks I hung around with last year."

"You're ditching everyone?" I asked surprised at his announcement.

"Pretty much; including you. I don't need them keeping me back from what I need to get done and I don't need you to keep punishing me for my mistakes. I don't want to have anything to do with you, but as long as I'm around here and for everyone's sake I'll pretend that we're getting along, just so everyone else can have a good time."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He was rejecting me. This is fucked. I'm the one who does the rejecting.

"Know this, Teenie. I do love you. I hate loving you, but I plan on getting over it and quick. Right now though this shit between us has to stop; this going back and forth. I rather just get along with you in front of people and go back to ignoring your unforgiving hateful ass when I leave."

"You don't mean that," I said tearing up again, my guard crumbling more and more with each word coming from his mouth.

"I probably don't. Everything I've been feeling the entire summer and from Friday -- all here. That's it. That's all I had to say."

"... Do you really hate me?"

"No. I feel like I hate you. There's a difference."

"I feel like I hate you, too," I said as if that was suppose to be some come back.

"That's great. Fine. We agree on something at least. We feel like we hate eachother."

"This entire conversation is so fucked," I said burying my face in my hands and beginning to sob.

"Damnit, Christina. Don't do this shit to me. Don't try this crying shit so I can feel sorry for you. Why don't you go call your new boyfriend so you can go cry to him?"

"I'm not trying anything! And I don't have a boyfriend. Go, Dino. Just leave me alone," I said getting up to open the door.

"You know I hate seeing you cry."

"I know. So eat it up, asshole," I said turning the knob.

Dino grabbed my hand and moved it away.

"Just leave me alone," I said trying to get the door open again.

"Please, don't cry," he said trying to get me to stop.

"Then don't make me."

"I didn't make you do anything."

"You know what I meant."

I know what Dino was going to do next. He always does it, when I'm upset or crying. He'd always hug me. He'd hug me tight to get me to feel better.

"Please, Dino. Don't," I said too upset to even try to stop him.

"Just shut up," he said.

I released the rest I was holding back and let go, my chin taking its place back on Dino's shoulder where it has been absent for many months.

__________________

End of Episode 02

[scuba_steve83]

Power Rangers
Episode 03 - "Food Fight"

Next on Power Rangers: The high school is hosting an international food festival and the ranger teens participate with a dish of their own. Rita catches wind of the event and sends the Pudgy Pig to ruin the festivites and to make mud of the rangers. Can the Power Rangers overcome this powerhouse pig monster before it's too late? Find out next on Power Rangers.

______________________________________

JUSTIN
School Cafeteria
Monday, 11:54AM

So this was it; the first day of the last year of high school. Praise God. First day senior year has its own special energy to it. We're at the top, everyone else is below us. We have the best parking, our own cafeteria, and generally anything else that is due to us. Now how about some decent food for a change?

I paid for my food and found a seat saved for me next to Christina. We've got a class together which is great because I don't have any other friends in my other classes.

"Thanks," I said taking my seat.

Christina brought her own lunch; an apple, a sandwich, and V8.

"On a diet?" I asked.

"Kind of. Track tryouts are next week. Shouldn't you be, too?" Christina asked looking down at my tray of crinkly fries and battered chicken tenders."

"Nah. You know I hit the gym like everyday."

"Well I don't. I've been running all summer, but I can't seem to kick my BK habit."

"BK?"

"Burger King."

"Ah, of course."

Theo approached our table.

"Hey, y'all. How's your first day going?" he asked.

"Alright I suppose," Christina said opening her milk carton. "How about yours?"

"So far so good."

"Yeah," I said. "Is this your lunch period?"

"Yeah, but can't eat right now. I have some work to do in the I.M.C. What else do they got to eat today besides that?" Theo asked looking at my food.

"Chicken nuggests."

"The crispy ones?"

"You mean the burnt ones? Then yeah."

"My favorite. Maybe Friday's food festival will inspire the school district to provide better fare for us in the near future."

"Hopefully," I said touching my luke-warm fries.

"Did you all sign up?"

"Sign up for what? Teenie asked.

"Students can sign up to bring a dish representing their nationalities."

"Oh. That's cool."

"Yeah," Theo said. "I'm bringing some of my family recipe gumbo. What are you guys anyway?"

"Crackers."

"Oh."


* * *

RITA
Moon Palace

"Ah, so the Rangers are going to have a food festival, huh?"

"My queen, have you come up with a new plan?" Goldar inquired.

"Not quite. Right now I'd love to ruin their fun for even having the gull to put up a fight from earlier."

Squatt poked his head around the corner, apparently listening in.

"How about we send the putty patrol to pose as students to make their first day really miserable, Queen Rita?"

"Yes. We'll annoy 'em to death, Squatt. Your brilliance is outstanding."

"How about you send down a pig monster, Rita?" Baboo said speaking up. "He not only could eat all their food at their festival, but he could eat the world's entire food supply!"

I looked at my henchman with sheer outstandment.

"Is that the best you can do?" I asked. "Seriously?"

Baboo hesistated to answer, to which my wand met his head with a harsh blow.

"Why do I even keep you around? Goldar! Where's Finster?"

"In his lab no doubt. Shall I retrieve him for you?"

"Yes. Tell him to send down that pig monster."

"But I thought you just said--"

"Just do it! I have a spell that could assist our pig friend in being immune to the rangers' attacks."

* * *

JONATHAN
School Commons
Friday, 7:21AM

Barely awake, I took a seat in the cafeteria next to some friends. I'm still not use to waking up this early. Junior years sucks already. I'm the only one on the power team who is not a senior and I have a shit load of homework already. I had to promise my parents I'd do better this year. I hardly passed sophomore year as it is.

"What's up, Jon," a familiar voice said.

I lifted up my head from its rest to see who it was.

"Hey," I said putting my head back down on the cold cafeteria table, but then up again at the smell of something real good.

"Thought that'd work," Dino said as he showed me what was in the aluminum pan.

"Is that for the food festival?" I asked.

"No; it's my lunch. Yes it's for the festival. My Uncle Joe let me take it home from the restaraunt last night."

"True. So, you gonna enter it in the contest?"

"What contest?"

"Best student dish wins $100."

"Oh shit. For real?"

"Yep. You won't win though. Teenie went all out."

"What'd she make?"

"She didn't want me to tell you. She said she wants to blow everyone away."

"Teenie can eat shit. She ain't gonna win. This is baked ziti from the world renowed Papa Joe's restaurant."

"You can eat shit with diaherra gravy poured on top because no one is going to vote for your ziti except you," Christina said huggig me from behind as she joined the table.

"Shit with a diaherra gravy? Isn't that what's on today's lunch menu?" I asked.

"Okay, you guys are disgusting," Dino said getting up from the table with his ziti. "But know you'll not only have shit with diaherra gravy to eat later, but you're going to have those little bits of corn from the shit stuck between your teeth after I win that $100."

Don't you just love friendly competition?


* * *


THEO
Marine Sciene class

So far, so good. The week's been great. Homework's been easy and best of all me and the other rangers haven't heard so much of a peep from Rita, Goldar, or any other foul alien trying to run amuck. Lunch is soon, which kicks off today's food festival festivites. I brought some gumbo, inspired from my Cajun heritage. I know it won't win, but I can't resist seeing the reaction on some peoples' faces when they spit it out. The best part is the extra spice I added. That'll really set them off. The spicy the better.

The bell rang and dismissed the class for lunch. Justin met me in the hall, his third period class being convientely next to mine.

"How's your day going?" I asked dapping my brother in the Lord.

"Great. Where're you going?"

"I have to run to my car real quick. Come with me."

We made our way outside to the senior parking lot, a nice sunny day meeting us there.

"I can't wait to try everything at the food festival," Justin said.

"You're going to flip when you taste my gumbo."

"What'd you put it in?"

"Oh I'll never tell!"

Justin stopped in his tracks.

"Theo, you smell that?"

"Bro, you smelt it you dealt it."

"No. I smell -- I smell bacon?"

Before Justin could say any more, two garbage cans exploded in the distance, a fat walking pig charging out of the smoke.

"Isn't it a little early for Halloween?" I asked.

"That ain't no trick-o-treater, Theo."

The pudgy pig stopped charging and gave out loud snort. A second later, a team of putties appeared in front of the monster ready to attack.

"Need food! Must eat!" the pig said running towards the entrance to which we came out from.

"He must be headed to the food festival!" I said.

"Thank God you're here, Theo. I wouldn't have been able to figure that one out on my own. It's morphin' time!"

"Saber-tooth tiger!"
"Triceratops!"

* * *

Command Center

"Aye yi yi, Zordon!" Alpha said looking intently into the viewing globe. "There's a new attack in Land O' Lakes."

"Civilians are going to be hurt if Theo and Justin are not able to subdue this pig monster. The others will be alerted of the trouble within moments."

* * *

JUSTIN
Senior Parking Lot


"We gotta stop him from getting inside the school!" I said side-swiping a putty.

"We need the others quick!"


* * *

DINO
Locker
11:48AM

Putting away two books, I closed my locker and headed back into the hall. I was headed over to the school commons where the food festival was being held. Weaving through the crowd of people, I made my way to the table where I was stationed at; "Little Italy."

"Hey, good lookin', whatchu got cookin'?" Andrea asked coming over to my table.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Actually I wanna know why you keep ignoring the messages I've been leaving you."

"Then get this message; don't bother me."

"What the hell crawled up your ass?" Andrea asked displeased of my attitude towards her.

"Seriously, I don't like you."

"You sure seemed like you on Saturday."

I leaned in to her, lowering my voice. "I was drunk, so were you, that was it. Don't like you. Buh bye."

"What will Teenie think when she finds out though?"

My heart sunk.

"You're not--"

"She might already know."

"She might already know you're not a true friend," I said growing more impatient with this conversation by the second.

Andrea casted her eyes downward. "I don't care."

I see what's going on here. It's typical high school bullshit. Two girls are friends, one gets real popular by putting out, and then starts to roll with a whole new crew. Andrea used to be a pretty decent person. I didn't think she'd be one to do that to someone she had been friends with since the sandbox. Speaking of which.

"Hey, guys," Christina approaching the table with her usual happy self. "What's up?"

Okay, so she doesn't know. Andrea gave us both a transparent smile and left us without a word.

"Is she okay?" Teenie asked looking at her "friend" walking away.

"I guess. I don't care. How 'you doin'?"

"Good."

I looked at ex-girlfriend wondering what was the matter. She continued. "Hey, I wanted to apologize about earlier for what I said. I wasn't really being serious."

"It's okay. I wasn't really being serious either," I said smiling at the situation. "I went a little overboard with the corn crack."

"I thought that funny actually."

I looked at her with hidden amazement. I can't explain the million things in my heart for her right now. Here she is. We're actually talking like normal and she's the one that approached me by choice this time mind you. I swear on the Bible this is the only girl I've ever been obessed with in my life. My dad says no girl in the world is ever worth losing sleep over except the one you're going to marry.

"I'm also sorry for what I said last week, too," Christina continued.

"For what? Why are you apologetic all of a sudden?"

"I'm sorry for not saying you're not able to lead the team. I know you're perfectly capable of doing so. You proved it Saturday."

"But why are you--"

"Why am I apologizing to you?"

"Yeah."

"It won't come out right if I tried to explain it you, Dino. Just know I'm sorry."

I looked at her in disbelief and complete confusion at the pain in her eyes that she was doing a horrible job with hiding. I didn't understand. I *want* to understand.

"Can we talk about it after school?" I asked hoping to find answers, maybe hope as well.

Before Teenie could give me an answer, screams of horror bellowed through the halls. My heart was embraced by the instinct once more.

"You think that-?"

"Yes," I said answering Christina's question before she could answer.

Jonathan ran in to the commons, looking frantically for someone, then eyeing us.

"Guys!" he said running over. "We got trouble."

"We know," I said. "We need to morph."

"Wait. What is it, Jonny?" Teenie asked.

"A monster; a pig monster."

Christina and I exchanged expressions.

"Yeah you heard me. Let's go make bacon out of him!"

"Clever, Jonny. Quick, you guys. The bathrooms," Teenie said as the three of us hussled to the adjacent hall.

* * *

JUSTIN
Hall

The team of putties crash the school, me and Theo following along trying to catch up. The pig monster was ahead, quickly following the scent of its meal.

"We got to stop them!" Theo yelled.

The hoards of teens that stood aside took notice of Theo and me chasing after, but not as us, but as the Blue and Yellow Rangers. Come to think, this is our first ever public appearance. No time to bask in new found fame; it's to put down this pig.

"Food good! Need food!"

"Not today, fatty!" I said pulling my blade blaster.

I blew out a few putties from our path, Theo doing the same. People ducked for their lives, all quickly trying to retreat into the nearest classrooms. The pig made its away past the school library and was close to the cafeteria. The remain three putties halted and turned to prevent us from intefing.

"Sorry, clay brains. No time to play," Theo said pouncing on top of a putty with his coin-powered prowl.

I grabbed a putty by the arm and swung him against the wall, then back against the floor. Another jumped me from behind, attempting to bring me down but with no avail. Theo kicked his opponent against mine, both of them clashing and hitting the linominum tile with a tough thud.

"Quick!" I said running into the cafeteria.

The pudgy pig was already turning over tables and was beginning to gorge on whatever he could get his enormous hooves on. Right then the other Power Rangers arrived on the scene, blade blasters already drawn.

"Who are they?" said a voice I heard in background.

More panie insued as people rushed to evacuate the premise.

"Power Rangers, turn up the heat!" Dino said aiming his blaster.

The five of us fired upon the monster, but nothing happened! It kept right on eating.

"It had no effect!" Theo said looking at his blaster.

"I bet this will!" Dino said jumping forward.

Our leader extended a leg to the side, kicking the monster over a table.

"Don't even think about touching my ziti, bitch!"

The displeased pig monster grunted in anger, firing brown glops in retaliation. The mud-like attack blinded Dino's visor, leaving him vunerable to the pig's attack. Before the overgrown ham could raise hoof, Jonathan reached over and grabbed ahold of a metal warming plate.

"Catch, piggy!" Blue Ranger said throwing it like a frisbee.

The monster opened its mouth and swallowed the plate to all of our surprise. Continuing its feast, the five of us stood there like confused idiots wondering what to do now. The pudgy pig picked up a pot and began gulping its content, but threw it down in rejection. It had let out a painful yell before disappearing before our eyes.

Before any of us could react, we were instantly teleported out of the school and into the Command Center.

"Zordon, did you see that?" Christina asked as all of us unmorphed.

"Yes. Rita is at it again, rangers. Her plan this time is quite unusual."

Alpha turned away from his computer to face us.

"Rangers, it appears the pig is only out to eat food."

"No kidding, Alpha?" Jon asked. "What else can you tell us that we already know?"

Alpha, not understanding the human pasttime of sarcasim obviously, continued. "However, this monster was not able to be disarmed by your blade blasters. Your lasers should have cooked him."

"So why didn't it?" I asked looking up at Zordon for an answer.

"I theorize Rita's pig monster can only be defeated by a means unknown to us at the moment. Alpha is working on a solution."

"I don't get it, Zordon," Dino said speaking up. "The pig was eating it up, but then he got upset over something and left. What gives?"

"That could be a clue, Red Ranger. Alpha, can you get a reading on what the monster ate last?"

"No, Zordon. We need a sample of what was last eaten by the pig to determine the cause of his sudden retreat."

"Alright. Just teleport us back so we can investigate," Dino said reading to play detective.

"Good luck, Rangers. And be careful. The pudgy pig could return at anytime."


* * *

CHRISTINA
2:07PM
Hall

School was done for the day and everyone was still talking about what had happened at lunch. Media swarmed the outside perimeters of the school trying to get answers. The hoopla about the extra-large pig on legs and extra-trestrial life in general paled in comparison to the attention to the five multi-colored superheros who tried to save the day. According to a television news report playing in all classrooms, an onlooker heard the "Red one" address the other four as Power Rangers.

I made my way outside, trying quickly to weave my way through the crowded sidewalk or media reporters hounding the students.

"Miss! Miss! Did you see the Power Rangers?" a reporter asked practically cramming her microphone into my face.

"No, she didn't. Goodbye," I heard a voice say as he pulled me out of the stampede of students.

"Thank you!" I said collecting my berrings.

"Crazy, huh?" Justin asked. "All this attention."

"I'll say."

"Maybe there'll be a made for TV movie."

"Do you think we could get royalties?" I asked bright-eyed.

"Who knows? You hungry?"

"Sure am. Burger King?"

"Sure."

We made a detour across the lawn and around the media to get to our cars.

"Did Alpha get a sample yet of what made the pig retreat?" I asked getting out my keys.

"I don't know. Theo told me he and Dino were going to try to find it but I haven't heard from either of them since."

* * *

RITA
Moon Palace

"No! They'll discover my monster's weakness! Goldar! Get down there and distract the Power Rangers!"

"Yes, empress!"


* * *

THEO
Garage
2:12PM

Unfortunately, Dino and I were unsuccessful in finding out what the pig monster had eaten last. All the food was thrown everywhere, ergo we could not tell one food from another. Though my gumbo went untouched by any person, a lot of it was gone. Maybe it had splattered on to the ground when the pudgy pig knocked it over.

At any rate, Dino came home with me. This is first time he's ever been over. We got talking after our investigation and he kind of just stuck around. I almost felt like he was avoiding something, or someone. I didn't bother asking. It's good just to have company. Justin's the only friend I have both inside and outside of church aside from fellowship in the youth group. I don't have time for friends in general. If it's not school work, then it's music ministry reheseral. If it's not that, then it's babysitting my kid brother.

Dino peered around my garage, gawking at all the contraptments inside.

"This is some high-tech stuff you got here," he said observing the surrounding technology. "Must of cost you a pretty penny."

"Not much actually," I said throwing him a bottled water. "I built most of it myself."

"I'm impressed. It's like a lab in here. Does your mom mind?"

"Nah. She encourages me to challenge myself, though I spend a lot of time in here when I'm not at the church."

"What do you there?"

"I sing. I sing gospel."

"I didn't know that. That's cool -- I guess."

I smiled.

"It is," I said. "I love God, man. He's been faithful; always there to help me through everything."

Apparently not induldging, Dino continued to browse around.

"What's this do?" he asked.

"That? It's a weather tracking device. It lets me know when a storm is coming."

"Ever heard of watching the news?"

"This just doesn't tell me when a storm is coming. It lets me know the tempterature, the humidity, the direction of the wind, and it can block signals."

"Block signals? For what?"

"It just kind of happened by mistake. You never know when it might come in handy."

"I guess."

A flash of golden light blinded us momentarily before fading away. There stood Goldar with a team of putties.

"Hello, rangers! Can I play, too?"

"Not today, Goldar," Dino said pulling out his morpher. "It's morphin' time!"

"Saber-tooth tiger!"

"Tyannosaurus!"

Laughing, Goldar commanded the putties to attack.


* * *


Command Center


The alarms went off and the viewing globe engaged.

"Trouble again, Alpha Five. Quickly locate the others' whereabouts so I may summon the rangers at once.

"Right, Zordon."

* * *

DINO
Theo's driveway

Goldar slashed his saber across Theo's back, sending the teen rolling into some bushes. I drew my blade blaster to fend off some of the putties, but there were too many for us to handle on our own.

"Give up, rangers! There's no chance!"

"Bad monkey! Bad!" Jon said firing his laser as he arrived on the scene with Christina and Justin.

"All five! Exactly what I wanted!" Goldar said with another round of his redundent ha-ha-ha's.

The five of us took on the putties and defeated them easily within a minute. It was just us and Goldar now.

"Five against one, Goldar. If you know what's good for you, get going," I said drawing my power sword.

"Get going? Good idea!" the winged monster said drawing a device.

He fired at us, the golden light taking us back to where I was last week when I fought the Sphnix. Goldar appeared a moment later and charged. One by one, he slashed us before any of us could collect our bearings.

"This is too easy! I'm going to enjoy destroying you!"

* * *

RITA
Moon Palace

"And while Goldar is busy with the ranger brats, my piggy can destroy their city!"

"I'll green with evil. I wanna help!" Squatt said jumping forward with anticipation.

"No! I'm not taking any chances on any of you ruining my chances of finally winning! The pig goes alone!"

Raising my wand toward the earth, I transported the pig to run amuck. Maybe Squatt's nimrod idea might avail to something afterall.


* * *

Command Center


"The alarms again, Alpha. More trouble is afoot. Engage the viewing globe."

The pudgy pig was shown headed toward the rangers' hometown to whatever food it could get its slimy hooves on.

"Aye yi yi. We still need to find out what caused him to retreat."

"Watch the monster cafefully, Alpha. It may eat something that will cause it to distress again. As for the rangers, get them away from Goldar. They must protect the civilians from harm's way."

"Yes, Zordon."


* * *

DINO
Rock Quarry

"Let's go, monkey!"

I drew my power sword and attacked Goldar. Our swords clashed, sparks drawing from one another. He smashed his paw against my chest, pushing me back a couple of feet. I kicked up a leg to which he caught and flug me to the side. Firing lasers from his eyes, I was blasted again, my body rolling back from the force.

"Dino! Are you alright?" Christina said running to my side.

"I'll be fine!" I said kneeling up. "Shit, hold on."

"What's wrong?" Jon asked as the others ran over to us.

"I can't explain it."

"Your powers. They're telling you something again?" Theo asked.

"Why the hell can't ours do that?" Jonathan asked looking down at his morpher.

"They will in a second. Trust me. Guys, quickly, combine our lasers. Tower formation now!"

Jonathan, Justin, and I stood shoulder to shoulder as Theo and Teenie flipped upward, landing perfectly on our shoulders. The tips of blade blasters joined together and generated a diamond-shaped laser.

"What?! Big deal! You'll never discover all your powers!" Goldar said shouting at us. "Rita will be through with all of you yet!"

"Fire!" all of us said in unisom.

Before our blast could reach the monkey, he vanished.

"Great team work, everyone," I said as we all regrouped. "I have a feeling though the danger ain't over yet."

Right then we were teleported back to the city limits of Land O' Lakes where the pudgy pig was rampaging on a local fruit stand. Its obnoxious oinks resonated throughout the air as it paced quickly to eat whatever in sight.

"Do you think that mega blast we tried on Goldar will work on the pig?" Jonathan asked me.

"Only one way to find out."

Before we could try, all of us were teleported yet again. We landed in the Command Center.

"Zordon, what's going on?" I asked.

"Rangers, your blade blasters are not able to subdue the pudgy pig. You need greater weapons, but even those will not fully desimate Rita's monster."

"Then what will?"

"Alpha and I are still working on that. For now, you must use your new weapons to keep the monster at bay."

"New weapons?" Christina asked.

"Red Ranger has received his power sword. Now the rest of you must receive yours. Jonathan, Christina, Justin, Theo; extend your hands and accept all that has been granted to you."

My teammates obeyed Zordon's command and received spectacular new weapons.

Zordon continued. "Jonathan, the Power Axe is at your disposal. It doubles as a cosmic cannon when reversed. Christina, the power bow is yours. Use it wisely. Justin, you have the power lance. It may assist you in fending off several opponents at once. And Theo, your power daggers are a great defense against any sword attacks from Goldar and other future monsters with sabers of their own."

"Thank you, Zordon," Justin said examining his lance. "We won't let you down."

"Go now, Rangers. And may the power protect you."


* * *

THEO
Collier Parkway

"Yum! Pizza good!" the pig monster said downing an entire pie.

Civilians ran for safety as the monster attacked the local Italian eatery. We were teleported several feet away and began to make our way over to the patio area where the pig was causing chaos. With weapons in hand, we were ready.

"Nasty! It's taking a shit!" Jonathan said pointing at the excretions coming from the pig's behind.

Rita's monster spotted us and was ready to defend itself again.

"We're armed and dangerous, pig! You might want to think twice!" I said before thinking that an alien pig creature probably couldn't understand much of anything I was saying.

"Snack time!" pudgy pig said scooping his poop up.

"Ew, what is he doing?" Christina asked.

The pig came out of the patio area and charged forward.

"Battle positions, rangers!" Dino commanded.

Snorting loud, the pudgy pig through his fecial matter.

"Watch out! Flying poo!" Jonathan said rolling out the way.

The pig's excretions hit Christina's visor, to which she shrieked in digust. I almost wanted to laugh, but offered my assistance.

"Here," I said flinging it off with my daggers.

"Thanks, Theo! Just smear it some more!" Christina said still just as upset.

"Hey, no one said this was going to be a pretty job."

Dino, Jonathan, and Justin already were at it with the pudgy pig, their weapons assisting them quite well.

"Try and eat this, fatty!" Jon said slicing a piece of ham from the pig's cheek.

Pudgy pig let out a great snort, so great that the three cowarded back in pain of the haniously loud sound. Teenie and I regrouped with them, ready to take on the monster as a team now.

* * *

RITA
Moon Palace

"Ha! Those power geeks can't destroy my monster. My spell is working!"

"Empress, their power weapons still could weaken him," Goldar noted.

"Yes, you're right. I'll just give him a new command," I said raising my wand over the balcony. "Pig! Eat their weapons!"


* * *


JUSTIN
Parking Lot

"Look!" I said pointing at the incoming red bolt of lightning.

It zapped the pudgy pig, but no growth spurt came as I and probably the others had expected.

"Weapons! Food!" the pig said starting up at us again.

"This ain't no Debbie snack, bacon bitch!" Jon said flipping his axe around. "Cosmic cannon!"

Black Ranger fired his axe cannon. It proved useless as the pudgy pig ate its black-colored lasers.

"Yum! More!"

"Any ideas?" I asked Dino.

"No, but get ready! Here he comes!"

The five of us attacked together hoping to take the monster down with mob mentality. Instead, the monster got ahold of our weapons and began to swallow them.

"Let go!" Jon said as we all tried to hold on to our weapons.

"Mine! Gimme!"

"No way, pork grind!" Dino said pounding away at the pig's snout with a free hand.

Theo and Christina were able to break free, then myself. Dino and Jon were losing grip on their weapons.

"Don't just stand there! Help us!" Black Ranger said looking back at us.

"Jonny, please! We're thinking!" Christina said yelling back at her cousin.

"Please! Take your time! We got all day!"

"Cool it guys," I said to them both, then turning to Theo. "Theo, it's happening."

"What is, Justin?" he asked.

"What Dino's powers did. Bro, it's total revelation."

"Dumb it down a shade, Justin."

"I mean I figured out what caused the pig to leave the school! Quick, let's get to that restaurant."

"Way to go guys! Thanks for the help!" Jon whined as the pig swallowed the Power Axe and Power Sword.

Dino spun and kicked the pig down to buy us time. "Go for it, guys!" he said. "Jon and I will keep him busy."

Theo, Christina, and I ran over to the patio area of the restaurant. The two looked at me waiting for further instruction.

"Quick, find any sausages and red peppers you can!" I said.

"Justin, that's it!" Theo said. "It was my gumbo that got him good eariler. He hates spicy foods."

"Then it's indigestion time," Christina said picking up a link of sausages along with a bottle of hot sauce.

We looked back over at the pig monster who was firing more of his dung.

"If there's anymore monsters like this in the future that does that, then I'm quitting!" Teenie said as we ran back over to the poo covered Red and Black Rangers.

"I hope Alpha does dry cleaning," Jonathan said as we handed him and Dino what we could find.

"What will these do?" Dino asked me.

"Spicy foods," I answered. "He hates them."

The five of us turned our attention back to the menancing pig monster, who was trying to flee to find more food.

"Hey, pig! We got your food right here!" Teenie said calling for its attention.

The pudgy pig turned back around and eyed the food in our hands.

"Gimme!" it yelled coming back to us.

"Gladly!"

The five of us launched the food at the pudgy pig. He opened his mouth wide and took it all in. Seconds later an internal explosion of indigestion caused the pig to thrown up the power axe and power sword.

"Great going, guys!" Dino said reclaiming his weapon. "He's weakened! Let's show him what our weapons can really do! Form Megablaster!"

Again, the great powers bestowed on us guided our path. Jonathan threw his axe up, then did Teenie, then myself, followed by Theo. Dino jumped foward, attaching his power sword on top. Together, our weapons formed one great weapon.

"Fire!"

Multi-colored lights gleamed forth, instantly destroying the pig on impact. We all shouted the victory as we withdrew our weapons.


* * *

RITA
Moon Palace

"Ahh! I knew this wouldn't work!" I said grabbing my head at the feeling of another migrane.

I turned to Baboo.

"This is all your fault! I shouldn't have listened to you!"

"I didn't do it! Finster made the monster!"

Finster cowarded in his corner, hoping not to get it next. Defeated again, I left to my chambers in bitter disgust of my worthless henchmen. idiots.

* * *

DINO
Theo's house
6:00PM

Theo had invited us all over to watch the news report of today's event on television. His mother was glad to cook for all of us, as she is always one to be hospitible as Theo says.

"Those Power Rangers sure are something, huh?" Mrs. Randall said taking her roast out the oven.

"You can say that again," Jon said as we all exchanged expressions.

We all sat around a large round table, everything already set out.

"It's real swell of you to have us over, Mrs. Randall," I said as she came to set the roast down in the middle of us.

"It's always my pleasure. Lord have mercy, I never have cooked like this for almost a year now!" she said smiling brightly at all of us.

Theo's mother has this classic mom vibe to her. She's meek and tiny. Her appearance is clean and conservative.

"If you'll excuse me, I need to go freshen up and then we'll go ahead and pray and eat," Mrs. Randall said exiting the dining area.

"When I grow up, I wanna be a Power Ranger," Theo's kid brother Christopher said getting up from the couch to join us.

"And why is that?" Theo asked smiling.

"They save people and they have really cool weapons."

"Who's your favorite, sweetie?" Teenie asked.

The five of us looked at the child hoping to hear our ranger identity.

"Umm..." Chris said thinking aloud. "I think my favorite is--"

"The Black Ranger?" Jon asked.

"No, not him."

We laughed, except Jon.

"I think I like the Red Ranger the best."

I was humbled by the child's answer.

"How come?" Jon asked wanting to know.

"He had a lot of cool moves. Did you see the kick he did? It was way cool! And his sword was awesome."

"So? The other rangers did a lot, too. They deserve equal credit," I said hoping to divert the attention.

The others grinned at the compliment as we turned our attention back to the continuing coverage.

* * *

CHRISTINA
Theo's driveway
7:29PM

After dinner, we got a game of basketball going. It was me, Justin, and Jonny versus Dino, Theo, and Chris.

"Right here!" I said as Justin passed me the ball.

I aimed and made it.

"8, 2," I said looking at Dino. "You guys are stinkin'. Might as well give up."

"Gloat now, pinky," he said stealing the ball and dunking right above me.

"That didn't count. You have to check it," Justin said self-appointing himself as ref apparently.

Dino handed the ball over to Jon as he wiped his sweat off his forhead with his shirt. I caught a glimpse of his abs, to which I had to turn away, inconcupiciously I hope. My heart still soars at random things like those, though I'm not one to have a constant mindset for that.

"I'm going to get a drink of water," I said heading back to the garage.

"Me, too," Dino said following in suit.

No no no. Go away.

"Let me shoot!" I heard Chris say as Jon picked him up to make a basket.

I picked up my plastic cup and took a sip.

"You know I was really enjoying myself until you followed me in here," I said turning around to face Dino.

"I know," he said grabbing his cup. "I do what I can. No need to act ugly if that's what you're going to do."

"I wasn't going to, but since you brought it up I would -- but I'm having a nice time so I won't."

Dino put his cup back down. "How mature of you. ... So are we going to get to talk or what?"

"I had forgoteen about that."

"So what is it?"

I sighed, quickly gathering my thoughts and words I had wanted to say, though it seemed impossible what I wanted to express.

"I don't know, Dino. ... It's just I really do care about you."

"Why's that so hard to say?"

I searched his eyes, seeing confusion, maybe even a little hurt.

"I've been so rude to you," I said continuing. "But you've been so awesome as team captain and you've been basically putting your life on the line to get the job done, it's -- it's just made me think."

"Okay..."

"Yeah. -- So. It just made me feel uneasy to think if something should happen to you and if we were on bad terms."

"Are we? Are we on bad terms?"

"I don't know," I said looking back outside to check on the others and then back to Dino. "It doesn't feel like either good or bad."

"I know what you mean."

A moment of silence passed before any one of us said anything.

"So what now?" I asked.

"Nothing," Dino said taking another sip from his cup. "Let it be and see what happens. I just wanna go play some b-ball now. Let's go."

I shrugged at the answer, but it was an answer nonetheless.

"Oh, by the way," Dino said looking back.

"What?"

"Caught you looking."

__________________

End of Episode 03