Power Rangers Zeo - Heather Ray (top romance novels txt) 📗

Jason, getting back under the covers, "Now, could we please not talk about this? Have a nice day at work."

Margaret stared mutely at her son for a few moments, and then slowly got up to leave. She began to close the door behind her, but then stopped and turned around.

"Jason, could you please do me a small favor?"

"Okay."

"Go get a shake at Ernie's. Could you do that for me?"

"Mom, I--"

"Please, Jase?"

Jason remained silent for a while, and then sighed loudly.

"If you insist."

Margaret Lee blew her son a kiss, and then closed the door behind her. Jason waited until she was gone, and then got out of bed. He stretched his legs, and watched from the window as his mother's white Lexxus pulled out of the driveway. He then closed the blinds, and went to the bathroom. He started the bath water, with dozens of thought swimming though his head.

Now what have I got myself into! I just promised my mother I'd go hang out at the Gym and Juice Bar today! She'd be really disappointed if I told her I didn't want to go, and I can't lie to my own mother. Oh well, I can't keep myself locked in this house forever! I wonder what I'm so afraid of! Tommy? The others? I don't believe how tough it is for me to see my old friends again. I mean, I should be cyked about seeing Billy and Tommy, and Rocky and Adam. But no, I'm nervous and insecure.

Jason lowered his tan body under the fluffy foaming bubbles, allowing all of his toned muscles to relax.

They're my friends, whether or not I'm a Power Ranger. I guess I just don't want to lose face in front of them. Especially Tommy. I never realized how much he respected me until Kim pointed it out. I don't want him to think I'm a quitter for leaving the Peace Conference. I don't want to lose his respect.

Chapter Six

At about noontime, Jason Lee jogs out of his front door. He was wearing a gray sweatsuit, with a red towel thrown around his neck and black and white running shoes. He jogged casually along the sidewalk, headed for Ernie's Gym and Juice Bar, which was right next to Angel Grove High, about six miles from Jason's house. As he jogged, he scanned the houses he passed. His gaze fell upon a white house with gray trim, a basketball hoop, and a tomato garden. He smiled as he passed that house, for he spent many hours on that driveway, shooting hoops with his best friend.

Man, I don't remember the last time I visited the Taylors' he thought as he ran, Ever since Zack and I became friends, I always spent my afternoons there, shooting hoops until sunset. Then, his mom always invited me for dinner, and she always made a batch of those delicious fudge brownies, just for us. Those really were the good ole days. Carefree, alive... just me and my friends. Zack, Kim, Billy, and Trini... we were family. Always together. Always having fun. Even after we became Power Rangers, it was fun and games. Then Tommy came aboard, and we welcomed him in. But then, Rita started playing hardball, first with creating that Green Candle, and then kidnapping our parents. Those were some tough times. There were some tough decisions to be made. And I made them. I could stand the pressure, and my conscience always pushed me to do what's best. Best for the team. Best for the planet. Best for the universe. And what was best was for me to pass the leadership on to Tommy. He deserved it. He still deserves it, I'm sure. It was for the best. For the team, the planet, and the universe. But, not for me...

Jason jogged past the park. That park was where he and his friends had dozens of picnics, frisbee games, football games, and karate lessons. He sighed wistfully as he sat on the bench and took a sip of water from his bottle.

Not that I'd ever put my well-being before that of the team and universe, but I can't deny that giving Tommy command really affected me. He's probably a terrific leader, but I can't help but wonder. Doubt myself. I was never one to doubt myself. But, I guess people change.

Jason stood up and stretched his legs and back before continuing his jog to the Juice Bar. In about half an hour, he reached the Youth Center. He took a deep breath and walked into the restaurant/gym. He sat down at the bar, and looked around. As usual, the Juice Bar was crowded by Angel Grove High students coming to eat and relax during lunch. Jason had already graduated from high school in Switzerland, but he really missed his old high school, and his old friends. Many of the people he saw were familiar faces. Some of them recognized him, and some did not. Jason scanned the room for four young men in particular--Tommy Oliver, Billy Mitchell, Rocky DeSantos, and Adam Park. No doubt they'd be sitting together with the new Pink and Yellow Rangers, on a round table. He continued to look through the crowds, until a hand tapped his shoulder. He turned around to see one lanky man and one burly man in trench coats and sunglasses.

"Jason?" said the lanky man, "When did you get back from Switzerland?"

"Oh, not too long ago," he said, "Bulk, Skull... what're you two up to now?"

"What d'ya mean?" asked Bulk, sitting beside Jason. Skull sat on Jason's other side.

"I mean the trenchcoats. Are you planning on sneaking around the park, looking for the Power Rangers?"

Bulk and Skull removed their sunglasses, and they both looked at Jason and smirked. Bulk then leaned closer to Jason.

"We gave that up ages ago," he whispered, "We're private investigators now."

"Yeah," whispered Skull, "and we're on a secret mission. We're tailing the suspicious guy on the treadmill. We think he stole some acids from the chemistry department three days ago. He's our only suspect."

"Skull," said Bulk, looking away, "Our man looks like he's leaving. Let's go. Bye, Jason."

"Yeah, bye Jay. Nice to see ya again. Welcome home."

With that, the two private investigators snuck out of the Juice Bar, leaving a bewildered Jason sitting alone at the bar.

Private investigators!! Sheesh, I've really been gone long! So much is different...

Finally, Jason spotted Tommy. Actually, he spotted Tommy's dark ponytail, although it was substantially longer than it was before. What really threw Jason off was the fact that Tommy wasn't wearing his signature color.

Red?!

Does that mean he's the Red Ranger now? Nah, it can't be. Rocky's red...

Just then, Rocky and Adam sat down with Tommy and the two girls. Jason was so surprised that he couldn't help but stare.

Rocky's wearing blue? What happened to Billy? Where is Billy anyway? I guess that blonde girl is Katherine, the one that replaced Kimberly. I can only assume that black girl is Aisha's replacement. And why is Adam wearing green? Could he be the Green Ranger now? Whoa, the team has changed so much that its barely recognizable.

Then, the five teenagers all glanced at their watched simultaneously. They then looked at each other, and then looked around the Juice Bar. Jason quickly turned around to avoid their glances, with a smile on his face.

Well, they are

the Power Rangers. Sheesh, I never realized how conspicuous we are when we leave. Its so obvious something's happening. Oh, well, I guess the Power Rangers are going to save the world again. Without me, of course...

Jason turned back around, and just caught sight of Tommy leaving the Juice Bar. However, before he left, Tommy turned around, taking one last look around. Jason's and Tommy's eyes met, and a shocked expression crossed Tommy's face. He almost looked like he was about to come back in, but then changed his mind and hurried out of sight. Jason sighed and slouched into his seat.

Well, now Tommy knows I'm in town, and it won't be long before he drops by to visit. There's no going back now. I'm gonna have to face him. Very soon.

Chapter Seven

That evening, Jason sat home alone, eating a microwave dinner. His father was in his office, working on an important case, and his mother was also putting in a long day at work. Jason sat and watched television in the den, picking at his fried chicken and mashed potatoes. He was startled by a knock on the front door.

"I wonder who that could be," he asked himself, opening the door. He tried to hide his surprise when he saw Tommy, standing rather uncomfortably on the step.

"Hey, bro," said Tommy, "How've ya been?"

"Not bad," said Jason, "What's on your mind?"

"Uh... can I come in? We need to talk."

Jason nodded, and the two young men walked over to the couch. Jason turned off the television, and looked at Tommy expectantly.

"So, Jase... when did you get back from Switzerland?"

"A few days ago," he answered.

"Where are Zack and Trini?"

"Greece."

"So, uh, how long will you be here, bro?"

"I... I'm not sure. But, I've already decided not to return to the Peace Conference."

Tommy looked at Jason in surprise, and then stood up, with a knowing smile on his face.

"I knew it!" he declared, "I knew it! I had suspicions for a while now, but when I saw you in the Youth Center this afternoon, I was convinced!"

"What?" asked Jason, bewildered, "What're you talking about?"

"Why didn't you tell me, bro? I thought we trusted each other! You could've told me..."

"Told you what?!"

"That you're the Gold Ranger, Jason!"

Jason stared at his friend in shock. "Who?"

"The Gold Ranger. You know, the mysterious ranger who helps us out all the time, but never sticks around to tell us who he is! He's been showing up for a couple