Post by Jade_Max on Jul 14, 2008 19:32:11 GMT -5
I should know better than to do this, but it's almost finished so yeah... part 1 of 2
Title: Miss Chief's Mistake
Author: Jade_Max (otherwise known as KoA)
Rating: T (ages 13+)
Timeframe: Set during "The Potion Notion" - AU
Disclaimer: Power Rangers and their affiliates belong to Disney and are used without permission and no money is being made off of this. I’m simply destroying the sandcastles in their sandbox.
Summary: Tommy gets hit by Miss Chief's love spray instead of Kimberly and is looking at her when it happens... but the effects aren't quite what everyone expects...
A good portion of the dialogue comes from the episode itself – that’s MMPR Season 3, episode #127 for those of you who don’t know it.
Author's Notes: I needed to write something fluffy and fun after working on chapter 6 of “Semper Fi” with chrisangelo - and this idea's been simmering for a while.
Miss Chief's Mistake
Less than ten minutes prior Bulk and Skull had sold Tommy and Kim tickets to the annual junior policeman's ball and Kimberly - delighted to be going as Tommy's date - couldn't contain her enthusiasm...
Tommy grinned as Kimberly spun, using one hand to pull her hair up and off her slender, elegant neck. "And I know just how I'm going to wear my hair, and - oops!" Her folders slipped from the hand clutching it to her chest and she dropped with them, kneeling to pick them up before they were kicked or stepped on.
Unknown to Angel Grove High, one of Rita and Lord Zedd's monsters - Miss Chief - was running rampant through the school casting random love spells at various people and sewing chaos in her wake. Teachers, students and even visiting guests fell under her charms, vowing undying devotion to people they'd only just met or never considered for a mate. As Kimberly bent to collect her folders, she unknowingly dodged Miss Chief's blast of potion - saving her from making a complete fool of herself over someone in her line of sight - and the blast struck Tommy full on instead.
As Tommy's gaze rarely wavered from Kimberly on any given minute whenever in her company - nor did it now - the potion took immediate effect as she straightened.
His arms slid about her waist, pulling her back against his chest. "No matter what you wear, you'll look stunning."
"Tommy!" Kim almost dropped her folders again - thought she couldn't say what would have been the cause; the way Tommy had said it - so easily and sincerely - or the way he nuzzled her ear at the end of his sentence and dropped a light kiss on the outer shell.
Turning to face him, she looked up into his face, searching for anything out of place. His expression was the same as it normally was - adoring (she privately suspected love-struck... it was nice to pretend anyway) - and the look in his eyes as intent and focused on her as always. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary beyond his physical display of affection.
Only that was just the beginning, because once she turned, Tommy would normally took a step back - this time, he wasn't moving. He held her loosely, his hands laced together at the small of her back, watching her avidly. It left them aligned from her waist and his hips to the floor. Not an all together uncomfortable pose, but one Tommy had taken great pains to avoid in the past.
Because of the dance?
"Are you feeling okay, Tommy?"
"Never better," he reached up to brush a tendril of her hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear and taking the opportunity to brush his thumb over the curve of her cheek. "Have I told you how much I love you today?"
Kimberly blinked, floored by the casual question of a statement she'd never yet heard from his lips and the qualifier. "N-no."
"Then I've been slacking." He smiled boyishly, like the Tommy she'd always known - and shocked her again by leaning down to place a kiss on the right corner of her mouth. "Am I forgiven?"
"Uh-"
"No?" A teasing light reflected in his eyes as he dropped a kiss on the left side of her lips. "How about now?"
Speechless, she was having trouble processing his actions. Tommy was never over demonstrative in public - why now? "N-not that I'm objecting, Tommy, but you're usually not this public with your affections."
"Does it bother you?" He frowned, looking about as if suddenly realizing they were standing by his locker in the school hallway.
"A little - it's not a bad thing," she assured him quickly, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. "It's just new and a little sudden."
His grip loosened in understanding. "I can take a hint," he winked.
The bell summoning them to class rang and Tommy dropped a quick, casual kiss on her slightly parted lips. "See you at lunch, Beautiful."
Kimberly stared after him open-mouthed, her own class completely forgotten until someone bumped into her from behind and spurred her into action. Tommy's sudden public affections and easy declarations of love - no matter how much she wanted them - would have to wait until lunch.
----------
Tommy met Kim at her locker as the lunch hour started, taking her bag and holding it as she put her books away. She grabbed only what she'd need to have lunch and then secured the door, turning to fall into step with Tommy. He surprised her again by snaking an arm about her shoulders as if it were the most natural place in the world for it to be, and dropping an affectionate kiss on the top of her head. Delighted, she slid her arm about his waist as they walked towards where the Rangers usually met for lunch.
Aisha was hiding in a tree when they arrived, Rocky, Adam and Billy lounging around at the base.
"Something strange is happening," Aisha informed Kimberly without preamble, barely taking note of the way Kim and Tommy were standing. They were a couple - it was kind of expected they'd relax a little when not on Ranger time. Instead, her eyes darted about, like those of a rabbit being hunted by a fox.
"Strange?" Tommy echoed the word dubiously. "What do you mean strange?"
"Don't tell me you missed Miss Applebee's new suitors," Rocky snorted with contempt.
"Or Bulk's new obsessive interest in Aisha," Billy added. "It's most puzzling and confounding."
"Hey!"
"My a-apologies, Aisha," Billy stuttered. "I did not mean to imply it was confounding what someone would see in such a vivacious and unique person such as yourself - only that the interest is sporadic and inexplicable."
"That's better. Still, you're right about it being an obsession - I had to duck out and avoid my locker all together or Bulk would have insisted on joining us for lunch.”
Tommy appeared to have lost all interest in the conversation and was idly toying with a strand of Kimberly’s hair. Bending down, he pitched his tone for her ears alone. "Want to head for the lake?"
Kimberly blushed, noting that the rest of the Rangers were watching them intently. "I think we should check in with Zordon and see if this might be Rita and Zedd's doing. It's creepy enough to be one of their plans. Maybe later - after school?"
"I'll hold you to that."
Aisha, Rocky, Adam and Billy exchanged looks as Tommy spoke softly to Kim, seemingly oblivious to the rest of them. Aisha, as Kim's best girlfriend, spoke up for everyone. "Is now a good time to see Zordon for you two, or should we leave you alone for a bit?"
The blush on Kimberly's cheeks deepened and she shook her head. "No, no. Now's good."
The Rangers did a cursory check to ensure they weren't being watched - only to be interrupted.
“Nice to see you again, Rangers,” Goldar’s taunting voice echoed through the clearing as he appeared with a multitude of Tengas.
The Rangers shared a look before Tommy dropped into his transformation stance. “Nina Power now!”
The transformation took less than a heart beat as the Rangers were cloaked in their Ninjetti robes, leaping into the fray with the Tengas.
White and Red somersaulted over Goldar as the golden monster turned to face them, waving his sword menacingly. Behind them, the team separated.
Blue, surrounded by four Tenga warriors, leapt to the top of a nearby fence, using it to gain some height and jumped from one beam to another, before landing in the center of the circle the warriors created. He ducked as Pink dove in, rolling back to her feet. She drew their attention with a shout.
“Hey, over here!”
Two Tenga turned, coming after her and she cart wheeled out of the way, jumping up to sit on the top rail of the fence. Hooking one foot behind the rail’s post, she leaned all the way back, ducking a power swipe by one of the Tenga Warrior’s wings, the creature stumbling away off balanced.
“Ha, yah!” Pink knocked the next one over, hitting it solidly in the stomach with one fist before using it to roll her way off the fence. With a quick spin and snap kick, she sent the already wounded enemy back up and over the fence where it lay sprawled beyond it, stunned.
“See ya later, bird brain.” With a cheeky wave and a giggle, she turned back to the fight to find her next target.
Beyond her, Yellow used the fence as leverage, running up the rails vertically and flipping back over to avoid the Tenga on her tail. Side by side with Black, she dodged, leaping into his arms and extended both feet into the torso of the Tenga which came immediately forward. Solidly connecting with it, it was sent flying away as Black spun her back to her feet. They dropped into a prepared stance, ready for the next enemy to come their way.
White and Red dodged as Goldar attempting to strike, White ending up beyond Red. With a run, he voiced his intention.
“Rocky, comin’ at ya!”
Using Red as a spring board, White leapt, landing light on the Red Ranger’s shoulder before pushing off to flip over Goldar to flank him, forcing the Golden monster to divide his attention. Goldar looked indecisively from one to the other before turning towards White, the more potent threat.
Taking advantage of his enemy’s turned back, Red came spinning in with a spiraling kick. “Watch this!”
White dodged as Goldar was sent his way, the Red Ranger’s feet having landed accurately between his wings an propelled him forcefully downwards. Goldar hit the ground, sprawling in an undignified manner as his sword slipped from his grasp. Rolling over, he growled.
“You’ll pay for that!”
Red dodged as Goldar regained his feet, picking up his sword with one hand and sending a blast of energy out towards him. Rolling, he regained position, taking up a fighting stance near Black and Yellow. The Tenga’s - having regrouped - came back at them swinging.
Pink came at Goldar on her own from behind, landing a snap kick to the monster’s head and taking a slap in the back from Goldar’s wings as he was spun in place. Pink crashed to the ground, unable to stop herself.
“Kim!”
White dove in, blocking a blow that Goldar had aimed her way, and retaliating. “Kim, are you okay?”
“Fine - not one of my brightest moves.”
White drive Goldar back several steps, ensuring he couldn’t reach Pink, before he took his gaze off the monster, and chanced a look back at Pink. “Are you-“
“Tommy!”
White didn’t have time to turn as a Tenga hit him in his momentary distraction, sending him sprawling. Pink, once more on her feet, grabbed the Tenga and twirled in place, releasing at the apex of the spin and sending the Tenga flying - right at Goldar.
Both monsters crashed to the ground and several other Tenga Warriors joined them as the rest of the Rangers regrouped on Pink and White. Another brief skirmish, and the Rangers had Goldar and the Tengas back on their heels. Goldar backward away and the Tenagas converged to cower behind him.
White gave a short laugh. “Oh I see, you’re just making a well calculated retreat, are ya?”
Goldar, knowing he was beat, twirled his sword. “Exactly. Until next time, Power Rangers!”
With a fiery flash, Goldar and the Tenga Warriors vanished.
The Rangers rushed in - but too late.
“Damn!”
“When is that guy ever going to learn?” Red wanted to know with a shake of his head.
The answer was obvious to them all and didn’t need to be voice; never.
“We should check in with Zordon,” Blue reminded them. “Whatever’s happening at the school has to be connected.”
“Power down.”
White started the sequence, the others following a moment later, and Tommy turned to Kim. “Are you okay?”
Kimberly cocked her head at him. “Just fine, Tommy. It’s not like we haven’t fought Tengas before.”
“Yeah, but you don’t usually go after Goldar either,” Tommy reached out and ran his hand up and down her arms, as if to satisfy himself that she wasn’t injured.
“I should have left him to you and Rocky.”
“You did fine - you just need to learn to avoid his wings.” Laughing, she acknowledge the light tease and then her eyes widened as he finished. “The only one who should sweep you off your feet is me.”
“Uh,” the other Rangers exchanged looks, Aisha and Billy looking pointedly at one another. Aisha spoke first. “Tommy? Aren’t we going to see Zordon?”
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Hitting the teleporter function on their communicators, they disappeared to their base of Operations. As the teens emerged in the Power Chamber, Tommy snagged Kimberly's hand, twining their fingers together.
"Greeting Rangers."
Billy stepped forward when Tommy seemed more inclined to stick next to Kim. "Zordon, something very strange is happening in Angel Grove."
“Rangers, this is exactly as I suspected. Observe the viewing Globe.”
The Rangers turned, Tommy sidling up behind Kim to observe. Not touching her beyond their joined hands, but nearer than normal.
Zordon continued. “This is Miss Chief. She has wreaked havoc throughout Angel Grove by haphazardly spraying her love potions. Do not underestimate Miss Chief’s power. Her love potion undermines common sense, leaving the individual vulnerable to danger.”
Exchanging knowing looks, Billy and Aisha slanted at glance at where Tommy stood beside Kim. He’d taking to toying with her hand, running his thumb back and forth over the back of it - yet didn’t seem to notice.
"Don’t take this the wrong way, Tommy," Billy ventured hesitantly. "But Aisha and I believe you to be under Miss Chief's influence as well."
"What?" Tommy gawked at the other Ranger as if he'd lost his mind. "That's crazy; I feel fine."
"Yeah, Billy, there's nothing wrong with Tommy." The look Tommy sent Kimberly's way made her feel all warm and fuzzy as she stood up for him. "He's just a little more affectionate than normal. Is that a crime?"
"Of course not, Kimberly," Zordon informed her succinctly. "However, it would be prudent to have all of you scanned to ensure none of you are under the influence of Miss Chief's spell. Alpha, run a scan for abnormal bio waves."
Alpha shuffled forward holding a scanning bar.
Each Ranger submitted to the test, Tommy going last as each one successively came up negative. He reclaimed Kim's hand, pulling her close to his side so he could slide an arm about her waist as they waited for what Alpha would say. It wasn't long in coming.
"Aie yi yi yi yi. Tommy appears to be under the effects of the love potion!"
"That's nuts," Tommy jumped in before the other did as he motioned to the viewing globe. "I feel fine Zordon and I'm not acting like the rest of those lovesick fools."
"Tommy has a point," Rocky conceded as they watched various people do ridiculous things to win the affections of complete strangers. Things that weren't only ridiculous, but progressively more dangerous as multiple individuals competed for the affections of a single other. "But you're still acting a little off."
"Overly affectionate, I believe is the term."
Rolling his eyes, Tommy looked to Kimberly. "Is that a bad thing?"
"Not in my books."
Tommy gave her a squeeze.
"I believe, Rangers that I understand why Tommy has not been affected like the others under Miss Chief's spell."
"You mean you have a theory, Zordon?"
"No Adam; I believe I know the true reason. It would appear that as the object of Tommy's affections, Kimberly is also whom he was looking at when the spell took effect. As Tommy's feelings for Kimberly are genuine, Miss Chief's spell had a different effect. He is not compelled to make rash gestures or grandiose statements to win her as he already sees Kimberly as his."
Kimberly blushed.
"That makes sense, Zordon," Billy conceded. "But if that is the case, then why the public displays of affection that have been absent in the past?"
"The spell effects appear to be more subtle on a subject who truly cares for the individual whom they were seeing when the spell took place. This is likely why Tommy's inhibitions have been lowered and his treatment of Kimberly more obvious."
"It'll wear off, right?"
"Aisha!" Kimberly gaped at her friend.
"It's a little creepy, Kim, you guys aren't usually so touchy-feely."
Tommy chuckled, not taking offence at Aisha's comment in the slightest. "I can't help it if I want to be around Kim, Aisha. It's always been like that - I don't think I could stay away if I tried."
"My parents might have something to say about that if you show up on our doorstep tonight."
Rocky and Adam snickered, and Tommy shot them a dark look. "You don't have to worry about that, right Kim?"
"Right. Tommy's a perfect gentleman. No love spell is going to change that."
“Regardless, you should keep a close eye on Tommy to ensure that his actions do not echo those of the others under Miss Chief’s spell. Should he begin to display similar symptoms, it is possible he could prove to be a liability in combat."
A half-smile crossed Tommy's face. "Not gonna happen, Zordon. I know my responsibilities to the team; I won't let you guys down." None of the other Rangers had anything to add - Tommy's performance against the Tenga and Goldar spoke for themselves. Sure, he was protective of Kim, but that wasn't really anything new. "We should get back to class while Zordon and Alpha work on a way to get everyone else back to normal."
"Everyone else?"
"You heard Zordon. Miss Chief's little love spell didn't really affect me so I'm more worried about people like Bulk or Mister Kaplan."
"Besides, even if they did reverse the effects on Tommy, it's not like things would be that different." Kimberly's reiteration drew a thankful smile from Tommy - but it was nothing but the truth.
"Point conceded," Billy agreed. "Hopefully Miss Chief will remain incognito until after class."
"We should head back and check with Zordon after school," Rocky agreed. "Are you going to survive the afternoon without Kim, Tommy?"
“Yeah, love potions undermine common sense after all,” Adam added with a grin. “Who knows, you might try sneaking into her classes.”
Tolerating the good-natured ribbing, Tommy motion to his communicator so the others would get the hint. Let his friends enjoy their fun while it lasted - it didn't bother Tommy in the least.
Title: Miss Chief's Mistake
Author: Jade_Max (otherwise known as KoA)
Rating: T (ages 13+)
Timeframe: Set during "The Potion Notion" - AU
Disclaimer: Power Rangers and their affiliates belong to Disney and are used without permission and no money is being made off of this. I’m simply destroying the sandcastles in their sandbox.
Summary: Tommy gets hit by Miss Chief's love spray instead of Kimberly and is looking at her when it happens... but the effects aren't quite what everyone expects...
A good portion of the dialogue comes from the episode itself – that’s MMPR Season 3, episode #127 for those of you who don’t know it.
Author's Notes: I needed to write something fluffy and fun after working on chapter 6 of “Semper Fi” with chrisangelo - and this idea's been simmering for a while.
Miss Chief's Mistake
Less than ten minutes prior Bulk and Skull had sold Tommy and Kim tickets to the annual junior policeman's ball and Kimberly - delighted to be going as Tommy's date - couldn't contain her enthusiasm...
Tommy grinned as Kimberly spun, using one hand to pull her hair up and off her slender, elegant neck. "And I know just how I'm going to wear my hair, and - oops!" Her folders slipped from the hand clutching it to her chest and she dropped with them, kneeling to pick them up before they were kicked or stepped on.
Unknown to Angel Grove High, one of Rita and Lord Zedd's monsters - Miss Chief - was running rampant through the school casting random love spells at various people and sewing chaos in her wake. Teachers, students and even visiting guests fell under her charms, vowing undying devotion to people they'd only just met or never considered for a mate. As Kimberly bent to collect her folders, she unknowingly dodged Miss Chief's blast of potion - saving her from making a complete fool of herself over someone in her line of sight - and the blast struck Tommy full on instead.
As Tommy's gaze rarely wavered from Kimberly on any given minute whenever in her company - nor did it now - the potion took immediate effect as she straightened.
His arms slid about her waist, pulling her back against his chest. "No matter what you wear, you'll look stunning."
"Tommy!" Kim almost dropped her folders again - thought she couldn't say what would have been the cause; the way Tommy had said it - so easily and sincerely - or the way he nuzzled her ear at the end of his sentence and dropped a light kiss on the outer shell.
Turning to face him, she looked up into his face, searching for anything out of place. His expression was the same as it normally was - adoring (she privately suspected love-struck... it was nice to pretend anyway) - and the look in his eyes as intent and focused on her as always. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary beyond his physical display of affection.
Only that was just the beginning, because once she turned, Tommy would normally took a step back - this time, he wasn't moving. He held her loosely, his hands laced together at the small of her back, watching her avidly. It left them aligned from her waist and his hips to the floor. Not an all together uncomfortable pose, but one Tommy had taken great pains to avoid in the past.
Because of the dance?
"Are you feeling okay, Tommy?"
"Never better," he reached up to brush a tendril of her hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear and taking the opportunity to brush his thumb over the curve of her cheek. "Have I told you how much I love you today?"
Kimberly blinked, floored by the casual question of a statement she'd never yet heard from his lips and the qualifier. "N-no."
"Then I've been slacking." He smiled boyishly, like the Tommy she'd always known - and shocked her again by leaning down to place a kiss on the right corner of her mouth. "Am I forgiven?"
"Uh-"
"No?" A teasing light reflected in his eyes as he dropped a kiss on the left side of her lips. "How about now?"
Speechless, she was having trouble processing his actions. Tommy was never over demonstrative in public - why now? "N-not that I'm objecting, Tommy, but you're usually not this public with your affections."
"Does it bother you?" He frowned, looking about as if suddenly realizing they were standing by his locker in the school hallway.
"A little - it's not a bad thing," she assured him quickly, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. "It's just new and a little sudden."
His grip loosened in understanding. "I can take a hint," he winked.
The bell summoning them to class rang and Tommy dropped a quick, casual kiss on her slightly parted lips. "See you at lunch, Beautiful."
Kimberly stared after him open-mouthed, her own class completely forgotten until someone bumped into her from behind and spurred her into action. Tommy's sudden public affections and easy declarations of love - no matter how much she wanted them - would have to wait until lunch.
----------
Tommy met Kim at her locker as the lunch hour started, taking her bag and holding it as she put her books away. She grabbed only what she'd need to have lunch and then secured the door, turning to fall into step with Tommy. He surprised her again by snaking an arm about her shoulders as if it were the most natural place in the world for it to be, and dropping an affectionate kiss on the top of her head. Delighted, she slid her arm about his waist as they walked towards where the Rangers usually met for lunch.
Aisha was hiding in a tree when they arrived, Rocky, Adam and Billy lounging around at the base.
"Something strange is happening," Aisha informed Kimberly without preamble, barely taking note of the way Kim and Tommy were standing. They were a couple - it was kind of expected they'd relax a little when not on Ranger time. Instead, her eyes darted about, like those of a rabbit being hunted by a fox.
"Strange?" Tommy echoed the word dubiously. "What do you mean strange?"
"Don't tell me you missed Miss Applebee's new suitors," Rocky snorted with contempt.
"Or Bulk's new obsessive interest in Aisha," Billy added. "It's most puzzling and confounding."
"Hey!"
"My a-apologies, Aisha," Billy stuttered. "I did not mean to imply it was confounding what someone would see in such a vivacious and unique person such as yourself - only that the interest is sporadic and inexplicable."
"That's better. Still, you're right about it being an obsession - I had to duck out and avoid my locker all together or Bulk would have insisted on joining us for lunch.”
Tommy appeared to have lost all interest in the conversation and was idly toying with a strand of Kimberly’s hair. Bending down, he pitched his tone for her ears alone. "Want to head for the lake?"
Kimberly blushed, noting that the rest of the Rangers were watching them intently. "I think we should check in with Zordon and see if this might be Rita and Zedd's doing. It's creepy enough to be one of their plans. Maybe later - after school?"
"I'll hold you to that."
Aisha, Rocky, Adam and Billy exchanged looks as Tommy spoke softly to Kim, seemingly oblivious to the rest of them. Aisha, as Kim's best girlfriend, spoke up for everyone. "Is now a good time to see Zordon for you two, or should we leave you alone for a bit?"
The blush on Kimberly's cheeks deepened and she shook her head. "No, no. Now's good."
The Rangers did a cursory check to ensure they weren't being watched - only to be interrupted.
“Nice to see you again, Rangers,” Goldar’s taunting voice echoed through the clearing as he appeared with a multitude of Tengas.
The Rangers shared a look before Tommy dropped into his transformation stance. “Nina Power now!”
The transformation took less than a heart beat as the Rangers were cloaked in their Ninjetti robes, leaping into the fray with the Tengas.
White and Red somersaulted over Goldar as the golden monster turned to face them, waving his sword menacingly. Behind them, the team separated.
Blue, surrounded by four Tenga warriors, leapt to the top of a nearby fence, using it to gain some height and jumped from one beam to another, before landing in the center of the circle the warriors created. He ducked as Pink dove in, rolling back to her feet. She drew their attention with a shout.
“Hey, over here!”
Two Tenga turned, coming after her and she cart wheeled out of the way, jumping up to sit on the top rail of the fence. Hooking one foot behind the rail’s post, she leaned all the way back, ducking a power swipe by one of the Tenga Warrior’s wings, the creature stumbling away off balanced.
“Ha, yah!” Pink knocked the next one over, hitting it solidly in the stomach with one fist before using it to roll her way off the fence. With a quick spin and snap kick, she sent the already wounded enemy back up and over the fence where it lay sprawled beyond it, stunned.
“See ya later, bird brain.” With a cheeky wave and a giggle, she turned back to the fight to find her next target.
Beyond her, Yellow used the fence as leverage, running up the rails vertically and flipping back over to avoid the Tenga on her tail. Side by side with Black, she dodged, leaping into his arms and extended both feet into the torso of the Tenga which came immediately forward. Solidly connecting with it, it was sent flying away as Black spun her back to her feet. They dropped into a prepared stance, ready for the next enemy to come their way.
White and Red dodged as Goldar attempting to strike, White ending up beyond Red. With a run, he voiced his intention.
“Rocky, comin’ at ya!”
Using Red as a spring board, White leapt, landing light on the Red Ranger’s shoulder before pushing off to flip over Goldar to flank him, forcing the Golden monster to divide his attention. Goldar looked indecisively from one to the other before turning towards White, the more potent threat.
Taking advantage of his enemy’s turned back, Red came spinning in with a spiraling kick. “Watch this!”
White dodged as Goldar was sent his way, the Red Ranger’s feet having landed accurately between his wings an propelled him forcefully downwards. Goldar hit the ground, sprawling in an undignified manner as his sword slipped from his grasp. Rolling over, he growled.
“You’ll pay for that!”
Red dodged as Goldar regained his feet, picking up his sword with one hand and sending a blast of energy out towards him. Rolling, he regained position, taking up a fighting stance near Black and Yellow. The Tenga’s - having regrouped - came back at them swinging.
Pink came at Goldar on her own from behind, landing a snap kick to the monster’s head and taking a slap in the back from Goldar’s wings as he was spun in place. Pink crashed to the ground, unable to stop herself.
“Kim!”
White dove in, blocking a blow that Goldar had aimed her way, and retaliating. “Kim, are you okay?”
“Fine - not one of my brightest moves.”
White drive Goldar back several steps, ensuring he couldn’t reach Pink, before he took his gaze off the monster, and chanced a look back at Pink. “Are you-“
“Tommy!”
White didn’t have time to turn as a Tenga hit him in his momentary distraction, sending him sprawling. Pink, once more on her feet, grabbed the Tenga and twirled in place, releasing at the apex of the spin and sending the Tenga flying - right at Goldar.
Both monsters crashed to the ground and several other Tenga Warriors joined them as the rest of the Rangers regrouped on Pink and White. Another brief skirmish, and the Rangers had Goldar and the Tengas back on their heels. Goldar backward away and the Tenagas converged to cower behind him.
White gave a short laugh. “Oh I see, you’re just making a well calculated retreat, are ya?”
Goldar, knowing he was beat, twirled his sword. “Exactly. Until next time, Power Rangers!”
With a fiery flash, Goldar and the Tenga Warriors vanished.
The Rangers rushed in - but too late.
“Damn!”
“When is that guy ever going to learn?” Red wanted to know with a shake of his head.
The answer was obvious to them all and didn’t need to be voice; never.
“We should check in with Zordon,” Blue reminded them. “Whatever’s happening at the school has to be connected.”
“Power down.”
White started the sequence, the others following a moment later, and Tommy turned to Kim. “Are you okay?”
Kimberly cocked her head at him. “Just fine, Tommy. It’s not like we haven’t fought Tengas before.”
“Yeah, but you don’t usually go after Goldar either,” Tommy reached out and ran his hand up and down her arms, as if to satisfy himself that she wasn’t injured.
“I should have left him to you and Rocky.”
“You did fine - you just need to learn to avoid his wings.” Laughing, she acknowledge the light tease and then her eyes widened as he finished. “The only one who should sweep you off your feet is me.”
“Uh,” the other Rangers exchanged looks, Aisha and Billy looking pointedly at one another. Aisha spoke first. “Tommy? Aren’t we going to see Zordon?”
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Hitting the teleporter function on their communicators, they disappeared to their base of Operations. As the teens emerged in the Power Chamber, Tommy snagged Kimberly's hand, twining their fingers together.
"Greeting Rangers."
Billy stepped forward when Tommy seemed more inclined to stick next to Kim. "Zordon, something very strange is happening in Angel Grove."
“Rangers, this is exactly as I suspected. Observe the viewing Globe.”
The Rangers turned, Tommy sidling up behind Kim to observe. Not touching her beyond their joined hands, but nearer than normal.
Zordon continued. “This is Miss Chief. She has wreaked havoc throughout Angel Grove by haphazardly spraying her love potions. Do not underestimate Miss Chief’s power. Her love potion undermines common sense, leaving the individual vulnerable to danger.”
Exchanging knowing looks, Billy and Aisha slanted at glance at where Tommy stood beside Kim. He’d taking to toying with her hand, running his thumb back and forth over the back of it - yet didn’t seem to notice.
"Don’t take this the wrong way, Tommy," Billy ventured hesitantly. "But Aisha and I believe you to be under Miss Chief's influence as well."
"What?" Tommy gawked at the other Ranger as if he'd lost his mind. "That's crazy; I feel fine."
"Yeah, Billy, there's nothing wrong with Tommy." The look Tommy sent Kimberly's way made her feel all warm and fuzzy as she stood up for him. "He's just a little more affectionate than normal. Is that a crime?"
"Of course not, Kimberly," Zordon informed her succinctly. "However, it would be prudent to have all of you scanned to ensure none of you are under the influence of Miss Chief's spell. Alpha, run a scan for abnormal bio waves."
Alpha shuffled forward holding a scanning bar.
Each Ranger submitted to the test, Tommy going last as each one successively came up negative. He reclaimed Kim's hand, pulling her close to his side so he could slide an arm about her waist as they waited for what Alpha would say. It wasn't long in coming.
"Aie yi yi yi yi. Tommy appears to be under the effects of the love potion!"
"That's nuts," Tommy jumped in before the other did as he motioned to the viewing globe. "I feel fine Zordon and I'm not acting like the rest of those lovesick fools."
"Tommy has a point," Rocky conceded as they watched various people do ridiculous things to win the affections of complete strangers. Things that weren't only ridiculous, but progressively more dangerous as multiple individuals competed for the affections of a single other. "But you're still acting a little off."
"Overly affectionate, I believe is the term."
Rolling his eyes, Tommy looked to Kimberly. "Is that a bad thing?"
"Not in my books."
Tommy gave her a squeeze.
"I believe, Rangers that I understand why Tommy has not been affected like the others under Miss Chief's spell."
"You mean you have a theory, Zordon?"
"No Adam; I believe I know the true reason. It would appear that as the object of Tommy's affections, Kimberly is also whom he was looking at when the spell took effect. As Tommy's feelings for Kimberly are genuine, Miss Chief's spell had a different effect. He is not compelled to make rash gestures or grandiose statements to win her as he already sees Kimberly as his."
Kimberly blushed.
"That makes sense, Zordon," Billy conceded. "But if that is the case, then why the public displays of affection that have been absent in the past?"
"The spell effects appear to be more subtle on a subject who truly cares for the individual whom they were seeing when the spell took place. This is likely why Tommy's inhibitions have been lowered and his treatment of Kimberly more obvious."
"It'll wear off, right?"
"Aisha!" Kimberly gaped at her friend.
"It's a little creepy, Kim, you guys aren't usually so touchy-feely."
Tommy chuckled, not taking offence at Aisha's comment in the slightest. "I can't help it if I want to be around Kim, Aisha. It's always been like that - I don't think I could stay away if I tried."
"My parents might have something to say about that if you show up on our doorstep tonight."
Rocky and Adam snickered, and Tommy shot them a dark look. "You don't have to worry about that, right Kim?"
"Right. Tommy's a perfect gentleman. No love spell is going to change that."
“Regardless, you should keep a close eye on Tommy to ensure that his actions do not echo those of the others under Miss Chief’s spell. Should he begin to display similar symptoms, it is possible he could prove to be a liability in combat."
A half-smile crossed Tommy's face. "Not gonna happen, Zordon. I know my responsibilities to the team; I won't let you guys down." None of the other Rangers had anything to add - Tommy's performance against the Tenga and Goldar spoke for themselves. Sure, he was protective of Kim, but that wasn't really anything new. "We should get back to class while Zordon and Alpha work on a way to get everyone else back to normal."
"Everyone else?"
"You heard Zordon. Miss Chief's little love spell didn't really affect me so I'm more worried about people like Bulk or Mister Kaplan."
"Besides, even if they did reverse the effects on Tommy, it's not like things would be that different." Kimberly's reiteration drew a thankful smile from Tommy - but it was nothing but the truth.
"Point conceded," Billy agreed. "Hopefully Miss Chief will remain incognito until after class."
"We should head back and check with Zordon after school," Rocky agreed. "Are you going to survive the afternoon without Kim, Tommy?"
“Yeah, love potions undermine common sense after all,” Adam added with a grin. “Who knows, you might try sneaking into her classes.”
Tolerating the good-natured ribbing, Tommy motion to his communicator so the others would get the hint. Let his friends enjoy their fun while it lasted - it didn't bother Tommy in the least.