Power Rangers Zeo
"Best In the Bigs"

Beep! Beep!

The alarm went off. A very sleepy Carri Hillard woke up and looked over at her alarm clock, which read only 6:00 am. Carri was not a morning person. She reached over and slapped her alarm clock, accidentally turning it off. At least she claimed it was an accident.

Over in the room next to hers, Katherine Hillard, Carri's cousin, was waking up at 6, like Carri should have. Kat got up and took her time taking a shower like she usually did. She got dressed, did her hair, and felt refreshed. By the time she was done it was 6:47. Kat walked out of her room and saw Carri's room closed. Hearing no radio, she realized that Carri had done it again.

Knock Knock!

Carri threw the covers over her head. "Go away.", she muttered

"Carri it's 6:50!", Kat yelled

Upon hearing Kat's yell Carri sat straight up and looked over at her clock. Seeing that Kat was right, as usual, she yelled, "Again!"

Kat shook her head. Carri needed to get used to this early thing. But as long as Kat was there, Carri would be alright.

Carri jumped into the shower for 10 minutes, which she didn't like. The warm water usually woke her up, but this morning, like all the other ones she woke up late, she couldn't even tell what she was doing she had to go so fast.

Carri finished her shower and got out to get dressed. She threw on a top and some pants, then, seeing it was 7:05, she parted her hair and pulled each side up in a yellow clip.

Carri grabbed her backpack and flew downstairs to meet Kat. Grabbing a bagel, she ran out the door and into Tommy Oliver's car, who had been nice enough to pick them up.

"Carri, when are you going to learn?", Tommy asked

Carri hit him on his shoulder as she buckled her seatbelt and they were on their way to school.

After walking in as the bell was ringing for first period, Carri took her time getting to history class.

She slipped into her usual seat, getting glances from Rocky DeSantos and Tommy.

Rocky put his arm around Carri. "Again.", he said and sighed

"Shut up.", Carri said as Rocky leaned over and kissed her on the cheek

"Nice to see you too.", Rocky said

"You told every one, didn't you?", Carri asked

"Now that Adam and Rocky know, that would be every one.", Tommy replied

Adam Park is Rocky's best friend and he is the fifth and final member of the Power Rangers team.

Carri put her hand on Rocky's arm, which was still around her shoulder. The bell rang, and Rocky and Carri separated themselves from each other.

"May we please have your attention for the morning announcements.", asked the usual announcer, Jennifer Bostic.

Carri shrugged her shoulders, as if she was answering the question.

"Attention all baseball players.", Jennifer started, "Tryouts for the spring team will be tomorrow so that the team will be able to have fall practices."

Rocky leaned over and whispered into Carri's ear, "You are coming, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll be there cheering you on.", she told him

Jennifer continued, "The German Club will be holding a meeting tomorrow. All members must attend. The Debate Team will be competing tomorrow in San Francisco. Please come and support them."

"In San Francisco? I don't think so.", Tommy whispered

"The last announcement for the morning is just a reminder that the football team is at home tonight. We are going for our third straight win. Please come out and cheer us on. That's all for this morning. Thank you.", Jennifer concluded

The class started cheering. Jennifer could easily win the award for biggest stuck up snob on campus. Some say the only reason that she's even on the announcements is that her parents talked the principal into it.

"Alright already. Enough clapping. I don't like the girl either but I don't show it so why don't you follow my example.", said their history teacher, Mr. Wilson

The class settled down and got ready for their 45 minute lecture on European history.

The gang made it threw the day, as usual. Well, not as usual. They didn't have any Mondo attacks, but that was a good thing. Like they did every afternoon, they met at the Youth Center to chat and snack. The gang came in and sat at their usual table in their usual order of Rocky, Carri, Kat, Tommy then Adam.

"I'm hungry.", Rocky announced

"What else is new?", asked Carri

"I'm going to get something to eat. You want anything?", Rocky asked Carri

"Nope, I'm fine.", Carri responded

With that Rocky got up and went to get his food.

"So who's coming to tryouts tomorrow?", asked Adam

"Me.", Carri told him

"You're only coming to cheer on your man.", Adam told her

"If I think about it I can yell and occasional Go Adam.", Carri teased

"What about you two?", Adam said, referring to Tommy and Kat

"I haven't started my language paper yet.", Tommy said

"A ten page paper due Monday and you haven't started it!", Carri exclaimed, "Ai de me!"

"What?", Rocky asked after returning with his food

"Bozo over there hasn't started his paper yet.", Carri informed him

"Ai de me.", Rocky said shaking his head at Tommy

"Well, I've been meaning to.", Tommy said in his own defense

"Anyway. Kat?", asked Adam

"I have my dance seminar tomorrow. Sorry.", Kat apologized

"If I had known you both would have plans I would have had coach tell us about this years tryouts last year.", said Adam

"They would both still have something that they had to do since they're both lazy procrastinators that....", Carri looked up and saw every one staring at her

Carri got up and in frustration said, "I quit", as she walked over to the counter and sat down in one of the stools.

"Hello Ernie.", she said

Ernie just shook his head realizing that Carri was having another one of her over dramatic spells.

The gang just sat there ignoring Carri. They knew once she'd gotten her foot out of her mouth she'd be back.

"So, who's going to the football game tonight?", Tommy asked

"I'm going. I love football. A bunch of guys running around in tight pants. Yup, football is the sport.", Kat said

The boys laughed.

"I'll be there. Although I shouldn't go, practice starts at nine and I can be there no later than 8:30, but I'd like to see our football team continue with their first winning streak.", Adam said

"I guess I'm coming. I've got no other plans.", Rocky informed them

Carri came back and sat down. "Ok, I'm cool, calm, and collected."

"Good for you. Are you coming to tonight's game?", asked Adam

"I don't know.", Carri replied and she sat there looking like she was deep in thought

"You know you want to come.", said Kat

Carri thought for another second before her eyes lit up. "You're right. I do want to go."

"Why?", wondered Rocky

Kat and Carri made eye contact and they both cracked up.

"You don't really want to go to the game.", said Rocky

"Yes I do.", Carri responded

Rocky put his arm around Carri and the group looked like they were just getting comfortable when a noise interrupted them.

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

"All I ask for is a lame 24 hours.", Tommy muttered as the rangers got up and migrated to their usual quiet spot in the Youth Center.

"What is it Alpha?", Tommy asked

"The cogs are in the junk yard. It appears that they are looking for something.", Alpha informed the rangers

"Alright Alpha, we're on it.", said Tommy. Then he looked around to make sure they were still alone and he yelled, "It's morphin time!"

"ZEO RANGER I, PINK!"

"ZEO RANGER II, YELLOW!"

"ZEO RANGER III, BLUE!"

"ZEO RANGER IV, GREEN!"

"ZEO RANGER V, RED!"

And with 5 flashes of light the rangers teleported to the junk yard.

The cogs saw the rangers appear as they found what they were looking for. They grabbed it and turned around in fighting stance.

"Whatever it is that you've got, we're here to take it back.", Tommy yelled

The cogs quickly advanced toward the rangers. As usual, they fought. But instead of the cogs staying until the end, they left in order to protect whatever it was they came for. The rangers were left in awe.

"Well that was no fun.", said Carri

"There was something not right with that.", Rocky thought out loud

"I agree with you. Come on, let's go to the Power Chamber.", Tommy said. And with that they were gone.

"I don't get it", Kat started as she took off her helmet, "what's so special about whatever it was that they grabbed."

"In all actuality, I don't know. It was just like every other piece of junk down there. The only logical explanation I can come up with is that they have some major project in mind.", explained Billy Cranston, an ex-ranger and the genius of the group

"BILLY IS RIGHT.", said Zordon, the Power Rangers leader, "I'M AFRAID ALL WE CAN DO NOW IS SIT AND WAIT."

"I don't like this.", said Tommy

"NEITHER DO I TOMMY. BUT THERE'S NO USE TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT WITH WHAT LITTLE INFORMATION WE HAVE.", Zordon told him

"So what now? Just go sit and wait?", asked Adam

"YES.", answered Zordon

"Ai ai ai.", said Alpha

"Don't worry, I'm sure it's nothing that we can't handle.", Carri comforted their nervous robot pal

"I guess we might as well get out of here.", said Rocky

"You're right. We only have an hour before we have to leave for the game.", said Kat

The others nodded their heads in agreement.

"See ya Billy.", said Carri before she transported out

"I'll talk to you guys later.", Billy said to his friends who transported out behind Carri

"Come on!", yelled Adam

"Yes yes!", yelled Kat

"No!", Tommy screamed, followed by "Yes!"

"Watch out.", Rocky said before he yelled, "Keep it up!"

"Keep going... touchdown!", yelled Carri

"Yes!", Tommy exclaimed

"For a second there I didn't think he was going to make it.", Adam said

"If we can just hold them.", said Rocky

"I'm glad I came.", Kat said to see what Carri's reaction would be

Carri refused to look over at Kat. She knew if they made eye contact that she would double over laughing.

"Just under two minutes to go. The kick. Looks like it's going to end up in the end zone folks. Wait a second, #24 on our very own Angle Grove team appears to have stopped it at the 1 yard line. It would take a miracle for the Panthers to score. What away to end an amazing 21 point come back.", said the announcer for Angel Grove, Mark Peterson.

"I've always wanted to see a miracle, but today is not the day.", said Carri

"Don't worry. It would take the mother of all miracles to let them win.", Rocky assured her

"29 seconds, and they've made it to their own 47 yard line.", Tommy told them what they were all aware of

The Panthers quarterback took the ball and went back looking for an open man. Thinking he had found one, he brought his arm back and hurled the ball forward.

"Picked off! I can't believe he picked it off!", Adam yelled

"And that will do it for the Panthers. Angel Grove is going to let the clock wind down and they will take this one 37-33.", announced Mark

Everyone in the stands roared. The first six game winning streak in the history of Angel Grove football.

"We've got to jet.", Adam said looking over at Rocky

Rocky looked down at his watch. "You're right."

Rocky leaned over and kissed Carri. "See you in the morning."

"Bye.", she replied

Adam and Rocky ran up the bleachers and yelled good-bye. The three remaining rangers waved.

"You guys want to go get something to eat?", Tommy asked the girls

"Why not.", answered Kat

"I've got nothing else to do.", Carri told them

The three left with the crowd and went out for burgers at an all night cafe.

Rocky and Adam were standing on the baseball field watching the coach audition pitchers.

"I wonder where Carri is.", Rocky asked, "I told her to be here by 9."

"She'll be here soon.", Adam said, "Besides, it's not like she's missing anything."

"True."

"So who do you think will get the pitchers spot?", asked Adam

"None of them I hope.", Rocky answered, "My little sister could hit the best one's fastball"

"My grandmother could hit the best one, Kevin's I guess, fastball."

"I thought your grandmother was dead."

"My point exactly."

"Alright boys, listen up!", yelled Coach Anderson, "This is what we're going to do. I want some of you to go on the field. Kevin, who will be our best starter, is going to try his stuff out against Shawn. The ones on the field will field the balls that are hit and throw them in just like in a real game."

Then the coach muttered, "If Brown actually gets one across the plate." Luckily for him no one caught that.

"Alright I want the first timers out on the field. 1st - 3rd will be... Norris, Fink, Wilkinson, and Littrell. Left - right field will be.. Madison, Dye, and... and... you mean to tell me that out of the rest of you rookies none of you is comfortable in right. Rocky come here.", Coach Anderson yelled

"Yes sir.", Rocky said as he walked over to the coach

"Do you mind playing right for me? You don't even have to try. I'm only looking at the rookies right now anyway. I'll audition you boys from last year's squad later.", the Coach asked in a low voice

"Sure.", said Rocky as he went back and grabbed his glove, then headed for right field

Coach Anderson went back to his loud voice. "The catcher will stay the same. He's been working with us all morning." The coach looked around only to see some boys still standing around making shapes in the dirt. "What are you boys waiting for? Move!"

And with that the rest of them went where ever they were supposed to go. 4 or 5 pitches into the exercise Carri showed up. She came in and saw a few parents sitting on the sidelines. Not really caring to sit with them, she went and laid against the fence behind and to the right of the catcher. That was a good position to be in if you wanted to see the pitcher get yelled at. Adam saw Carri come in and went over to say hi.

"Hey, where have you been?", he greeted her

"Well, see, I set my alarm for 8 and, um...", she started

Adam rolled his eyes. "I'll leave it alone this time. I think this is more Rocky's business."

"Speaking of Rocky, where is he?", Carri asked

"In right field."

"Ooops.", said Carri, "I was too busy watching the pitcher get yelled at. Who is that idiot and why is he even on the mound?"

"He's our best pitcher. His name is Kevin Brown, and before you say anything it is just some wild coincidence because for his pitches to make it safely across the plate he has to throw them under 20 miles per hour."

Just then Kevin threw one of his wilder ones that came within inches of Adam's head.

"Watch it!", yelled Carri as she stuck her hand out to grab the ball. "I see what you mean."

"Hey girl, throw that to me.", Coach Anderson

"Hey girl?", Carri muttered before she threw a fastball at his head. "Well, what do you know. I've still got it."

"Kat was right.", Adam said

"About?"

"You being pretty good at this."

"Oh. Thank you."

While Carri and Adam were chatting Coach Anderson was busy shaking his bare hand that was unfortunate enough to catch Carri's ball.

"Hey you!", he yelled toward Adam and Carri and they looked up, "Come here."

Adam started to jog toward his coach but his coach stopped him. "Not you Adam, her."

Carri pointed a finger at herself. "Me?"

Coach nodded his head yes.

Carri made her way up to the mound. "Yes?"

"I'd say that pitch was fifty or sixty miles an hour. Have you ever played before?", Coach Anderson asked

"I used to pitch, but it's been three or four years.", Carri told him

Coach pushed Kevin off the mound. "Why don't you throw one.", he said handing Carri the ball

Carri shrugged her shoulders. What could it hurt? Carri stepped onto the mound.

"Unbelievable.", muttered Kevin

Carri bent over, put her glove hand behind her back and but the hand with the ball in it in front of her. Then she stood there. "Am I going to get a sign or what?", she asked

Kevin snickered. "You don't even know what the sign's are for."

The catcher, looking confused, finally put a one down. Carri saw it and she leaned back and fired the ball. Shawn tried to hit it and missed.

"For the first fastball I've thrown in forever that isn't too bad. Strike one.", Carri announced, proud of herself

The boys stood there with blank looks on their faces. Even Rocky looked a little baffled.

"Do that again.", said Coach

"Ok.", Carri said as she caught the toss from the catcher. "Same pitch?"

Coach nodded his head yes.

Carri drew her arm back and then flung it forward, releasing a pitch much better than the first one.

Shawn didn't bother swinging at that pitch. He just stood there in awe, staring at the ball as it went by.

A few seconds passed while Coach Anderson got over what he had seen.

"Can you pitch anything else?", Coach asked

"My curveball is ok, so is my slider. My changeup is decent, and I used to have a breaking ball... yeah right. Like I could pitch that now.", Carri informed him

"Let me see the other 3. Shawn, swing at them.", Coach said

Carri bent over and the catcher gave the sign for the curveball. Carri leaned back and then lunged forward. The ball started out like it should've, but then it took an extra curve toward the end. However, Shawn didn't know that and he chopped the ball foul down the 3rd base line.

Carri got a new ball and threw a slider that got the same result. Then she threw the changeup which Shawn popped strait up.

"Not bad.", Coach Anderson said. "The question is, can you bat?"

"The girl can't bat.", Kevin said

"My name is Carri.", she said looking at Kevin, "and I can bat."

Carri went and took the bat from Shawn. "Pitch me one.", she called to Kevin

Kevin got the ball and threw one that was high. Carri refused to swing.

"If you're gonna miss, do it down low. I like to fish.", Carri said

Kevin decided to grant her wish, and he pitched a low fastball.

Carri hit a line drive into the gap between center and right. "Thank you.", she said

Kevin threw her 10 more pitches. 3 of them were solid hits, 3 fly balls to the outfield, 2 grounders and 2 foul balls.

"I'm impressed.", Coach Anderson said. "Come pitch to Kevin."

Carri went and threw Kevin 10 pitches. 1 was a hit, 4 flies to the outfield and 5 ground balls.

"Carri, stay here for a second and Kevin, you go sit down. Carri I want you to pitch to Shawn for a while.", Coach Anderson said

Kevin was ticked. He went to the bench and slammed his glove down before he sat.

Carri and Shawn played for about 30 minutes. They worked fairly well, 50% of the pitches were strikes and 50% of them he got a piece of. Towards the end, Shawn was hitting Carri's 30 mile and hour pitches right back to her, possibly to short or second.

"You both look tired. Adam, why don't you come in and hit and.... Cory, come pitch.", Coach Anderson said

Carri was standing on the mound working her shoulder when Coach approached her.

"How would you like to be our starting pitcher?", Coach asked her

"I don't know. Can I have some time to think about it?", she asked

"Sure. You can have all afternoon if you need it.", he said

"Sounds reasonable.", Carri said as she walked over to the bench

Carri passed Adam who was getting ready to hit and he gave her five. Then Carri joined Shawn as they walked to the bench.

"You know, I've never missed a pitch by a girl before.", Shawn told her

"There's a first for everything.", Carri said

"Well, I'm sure I won't be the only guy with that problem. Hi, I'm Shawn Stevenson. I figure if we're going to be playing together, we should at least get to know each other.", he said extending his hand

"Carri Hillard.", she said as she shook his hand

Shawn and Carri walked into the dugout together and they sat on the opposite side of the bench from Kevin.

Carri just sat there debating joining the team or not while she watched the so called action on the field. About the same time Coach Anderson called the players in, Kevin came over to talk to Carri.

"You know I'm not about to loose my starting role to a girl.", Kevin said

Carri stayed seated and looked up at him. "Looks to me like you already have."

"I wouldn't join the team if I was you. Wouldn't want you getting hurt by us big strong guys.", he said

"Well you aren't me. And if you wanna know the truth, not one of you quote big strong guys scares me.", she said

Kevin got sick of looking down at her. "Do you mind standing up when I talk to you? I feel like I'm chewing out my little sister."

Carri stood up. "Better?"

"Lots. Now where was I? Oh yeah, reasons why you don't want to be on the team followed by reasons why we should frighten you."

Carri tuned him out and concentrated on blowing bubbles. Kevin didn't like that too much and he stopped mid sentence.

"You know, whoever invented bubble gum was a genius. Especially the guy who came up with watermelon Bubble Yum. That's the best. The little gum rectangles even look like watermelons. They're red and green and...", Carri started but got cut short

"Shut up!", Kevin yelled as he took his left hand and grabbed the right side of her shirt and then moved his right hand around

"Do you mind? I'm not in any mood to iron this shirt.", Carri said

He slightly raised his right hand, then put it down again.

"Oooh. What are you going to do now, hit me?", she asked. Carri didn't appreciate all of the hand movements so she took her right hand and knocked his left and free.

"Hey!", said a startled Kevin

"Ooops. My bad.", Carri said and started to sit back down

Kevin was so mad you could almost see smoke coming out of his ears. He grabbed Carri exactly how he had her and pulled her up. He raised his right arm with all intentions of hitting her.

Right as he was swinging his arm forward Rocky came over and grabbed his arm, stopping him from hitting Carri. "I think you'd be better off down there. You're lucky coach is over there or you could kiss this team good-bye.", Rocky said letting go of his arm

Kevin let go of Carri and turned toward the other side of the bench.

"Oh and one more thing", Rocky said and Kevin turned around. Then Rocky got up in his face so to keep what he was saying between them, "if you ever raise a hand to her again you won't live long enough to be able to regret it."

Kevin backed out of Rocky's face and headed toward the other end of the bench, cursing and kicking things the whole way down. Rocky turned around and went to sit down on the end of the bench beside Carri, who had already taken her seat.

"I can't believe that creep was about to hit you.", Rocky said

"Actually I was kind of hoping he would.", Carri told him

Rocky sat there with a blank look on his face.

Carri had to explain. "You see, California law states that a woman can not hit a man without reason. However if a man hits a woman, the woman can do whatever she wants without punishment, which for me would be suspension. I was going to let him have it."

That got a smile out of Rocky. "I can go along with your logic.", he said

"You know what?", Carri asked

"What?", Rocky said

"I think you're looking at Angel Grove's newest pitcher."

"Great!", Rocky exclaimed

"Stay right here and I'll go tell Coach.", she said

Carri got up and went to let the coach know of her decision. Then he gave her the standard forms for participation in sports and Carri took them back to her seat to fill out.

"Just out of curiosity, where were you this morning?", Rocky asked when she came back

"Um.... well... my alarm... you see....", Carri started, or at least tried to start

"2 days in a row! Unbelievable.", said Rocky

"Um, sorry.", Carri said

"That's ok. You didn't miss much.", Rocky told her. "You're really good. I never knew you could pitch like that."

"Thanks.", Carri said as she picked up the pen to start filling out the form, then she put the pen down. "I wonder what Kat is going to say when she hears about this." Then she started to fill out the form.

"Hillard, Carri L.', Rocky read out loud. "What does L stand for?"

"Lauren.", she told him

"Carri Lauren Hillard. How did that come about?"

"When I was born my mom wanted to name me Carri. My dad was obsessed with Lauren. Finally they compromised. Dad said my first name could be Carri as long as it it was spelled C A R R I and not C A R R I E or something else. Mom liked that and she said she would go for it and have Lauren be my middle name. So, what's you're middle name?", she finished

Rocky leaned over so no one else could hear him. "Javier.", he told her

"Oh really. Your story?", she asked

"My grandmothers dying wish. My parents had to respect it.", he said

"Nifty.", she said

Just then Coach Anderson came over and called last years players onto the field.

"Talk to ya later.", said Rocky as he walked out onto the field

"Bye.", said Carri, then she waved bye to Shawn who had waved first

While Coach took the boys through drills, Carri sat there and filled out her forms.

After practice, all of the boys got dressed and quickly ran to see who made the team. Carri watched as the boys crowed around the posted sheet to scan for their names. After Rocky and Adam were done looking they walked over to her.

"Starting right fielder.", said Rocky

"Starting 2nd baseman.", said Adam

"Way to go.", Carri congratulated them

One of the guys who was on the team, the starting 1st baseman Mark Matthews, stood up on a bench to make an announcement.

"Attention all boys," he said then he saw the evil eye from his new female teammate, "I meant all people," then he saw the look of approval, "who were lucky enough to make the baseball team, I will be holding the annual congrats party tonight at my house. Be there at seven. And as you all know the cheerleaders are invited so bring a date at your own expense. Unless, of corse, you don't care for the cheerleaders, and I hope for the sake of this team getting along there's only one of us falling under that category."

Everyone laughed at that last comment.

Mark hopped off of the bench. Carri looked over at Rocky. "I hope for your sake there are 2 of us who don't care for the cheerleaders."

"Who are the cheerleaders?", Rocky asked

Carri nodded her head in approval.

Carri walked over to the gate. Rocky stayed back for a few seconds talking to someone then ran to catch up with her.

"Hold up!", he yelled

Carri stopped and turned around.

"Where are you going?", Rocky yelled

"Youth Center probably.", she said

"How would you like to go to grab a burger over at the diner with me and the boys?", Rocky asked

"Sounds like fun, but I would much rather go hang out at the Youth Center, with anyone who happens to be there. Like Ernie. Then I have to go find Kat. She'll get a kick out of this.", Carri said

"Fine, have it your way.", said Rocky

"Bye.", said Carri as she waved and walked out of the gate

"Bye.", said Rocky as he waved back

Carri walked into the Youth Center beaming. She went over and sat in a stool.

"Someone looks in a good mood.", said Ernie

"Well, I'm sure if you were back in the game you'd be happy too.", Carri said

"The game? As in baseball?", Ernie asked

"What else.", she replied

"You coaching little league?", he asked

She shook her head no.

"Don't tell me you're playing rec."

Carri shook her head no again.

"I give. What is it?"

"I am the pitcher for Angel Grove High.", she told him

"Wow. That's great. I'm proud of you.", Ernie said, before asking, "What made you try out anyway?"

"I didn't try out. I was there, cheering on my friends when I threw back a loose ball. Coach thought I was strong and he had me pitch. The rest as they say is history.", she explained

"Oh. Well, good luck.", Ernie said as he smiled and walked away

Carri realized that she was so hyped up she had to go tell more people about her good fortune. Tommy was writing a paper, Kat was dancing, Adam and Rocky already knew, so that left... Billy! Carri left the Youth Center and found a secure place to teleport.

The handful of boys from the baseball team walked into the diner. There wasn't as many as they had expected. Only Kevin, Rocky, Adam, Cory, and the two other outfielders, Mike and Craig showed up.

"So, looks like we have a pretty good team this year.", said Craig Jones, the center fielder

"Seems like we've adequately replaced our missing positions.", the left fielder Mike Avery

"Except for the pitcher.", said Kevin

"I think one of us would've done quite nicely.", Cory said pointing to himself and Kevin

"What is your problem?", Rocky asked as the waitress arrived at their table

"Hello boys. What can I get for you?", she asked

The boys quickly placed their orders and the waitress rushed off to fill them.

"Come on, she's not here. We can talk about how we really feel.", Kevin said

"I feel that you have a real problem.", said Adam

"Am I the only one who noticed that our new pitcher was a girl?", Kevin asked

"Nope, I think the rest of us are very aware of that.", Rocky said

"I'm gonna have to go with my boys on this on this one.", said Mike

"See there.", Cory said

"No, see our boys are Rocky and Adam. Not you two rookies.", Craig said

"Baseball is a mans game. She should have no part in it.", Kevin stated his opinion

"Says who?", Adam wondered

"Says us.", said Cory

"Whoop de do.", said Mike

"Look, if I was you, which fortunately I'm not, I would shut up. 2 against 4. Those aren't good odds.", Rocky threatened

Kevin and Rocky both glared into each others eyes for a few seconds, which seemed like forever, until Adam broke the silence.

"Look guys, our food is here.", he said, "Let's just drop it for now."

The boys started eating in silence, but eventually the silence turned into fun conversation, almost like they had forgotten about Carri. However, Kevin never completely forgot.

Carri popped into the Power Chamber unexpectedly and caused both Billy and Alpha to jump.

"Carri, is something wrong?", Billy asked

"Wrong? Just because I come unannounced doesn't mean something's wrong.", Carri said

"Then why grace us with your presence?", Billy asked

"Guess what?", Carri said

"I've never been any good at guessing games.", Billy said

"Come on, guess.", Carri pleaded

"I have no idea.", Billy said

"Fine then you're no fun.", said Carri as she walked over to Alpha. "Guess what?"

"Because of a freak accident Mondo is dead and there are no more bad guys.", Alpha said

"You wish.", Carri said, "Try again."

"Ai ai ai! I don't know!", said Alpha

"Alright. Fine. If you don't wanna guess I'll tell you.", Carri said

Carri wondered over to be in the center of the Power Chamber and the center of attention.

"You lucky people are blessed enough to be in the presence of Angel Grove's newest pitcher.", announced Carri

"That's the best news I've heard all day. Other than what I made up.", said Alpha

"Let me be one of the first to congratulate you.", said Billy

"Thank you. And, before you ask, I made the team because I threw a wild pitch that went my way back at the coach and he thought I was good.", Carri explained

"We weren't going to ask.", Billy informed her

"Oh. Well. You two will be the only ones not shocked. Well, except for Kat.", said Carri

"It doesn't surprise us. You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it.", said Alpha

"I AM PROUD OF YOU.", said Zordon

"Much thanks.", said Carri as she looked at her watch. "Wow, look at the time! Kat should be home any minute. See ya!", yelled Carri as she teleported out

"So where were we?", asked Billy

"Reconfigurating the electronic charge of the zeo cannon to give it more power." Alpha reminded him

"Right.", said Billy

"It took me until 3:00, but I finally finished!", exclaimed Tommy as he walked into Kat's house

"Good. If it had taken you any less time, I wouldn't have been here.", Kat told him. "Go ahead and take a seat. I'll grab some sodas."

"Ok.", Tommy said

Kat walked over to get the drinks and Tommy sat down on the couch. Quickly Kat came over and sat down on the other side of the couch from him.

"So, I guess we can watch TV.", Kat said

"Fine by me.", Tommy said

Kat flipped on the TV just as Carri teleported in. Carri saw the space between them and sighed.

It's amazing that neither one of them has any clue what so ever. Too bad. They'll eventually hook up She thought as she jumped into the vacant spot in the middle.

"Hey Carri. What were you doing at the Power Chamber?", asked Tommy

"Oh nothing. Guess what?", Carri said, wanting someone to guess, although she knew the chances were slim anyone actually would.

"I don't know. What?", asked Kat

"Don't any of you people like to have any fun! Someone guess!", Carri exclaimed

"Ok. I've got one. You got excepted to a school far, far away, like on Aquatar, and you're leaving and never coming back.", Tommy teased

Carri hit him with one of the couch pillows. "No! People of Angel Grove. No matter how smart they look, they really don't have a bit of common sense between them."

"Ok Mrs. Wise and all knowledgeable. Tell us.", Tommy demanded

"Not only am I Mrs. Wise and all knowledgeable, but I can also be referred to as Mrs. All important, Mrs. All that and Mrs. Can pitch better than anyone else at the school so she stole the role of starting pitcher.", announced Carri

Kat and Tommy sat there for a second, taking it all in. After they'd had a few seconds to come up with a response, they finally congratulated her.

"What do you know. Little Mrs. Thinks she's all that really is all that. Good going.", Tommy praised

"I'm happy for you. I've never seen you have more fun or be more competitive than when you're pitching. Except when you're fighting bad guys. And I guess you enjoy time with your man more. Well, ok, you do have more fun and are more competitive elsewhere. But still, you do enjoy it. And everyone that watches you enjoys it too.", Kat said

"That's because you have a big mouth and act stupid. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but people laugh at you, not with you.", Tommy teased, which promptly got him hit again

"Well, it's been so long. Something like three or four years. I hope I don't screw up.", Carri worried

"I'm sure you won't.", Kat assured her

"So, how did you do it?", asked Tommy

"I was there and a threw a wild pitch back. Coach though I was strong and he had me throw a few. Not much more to it.", Carri said

"Well, the team is looking at a winning season this year.", Kat said

"Thanks.", Carri replied

"Suck up.", said Tommy.

Once again, he got hit with a pillow. But this time it was from Kat.

Ding Dong!

"I'm coming!", Carri yelled as she ran down the stairs

It was 6:30 and Rocky was there to pick her up for the party.

Ding Dong!

Carri yanked the door open. "Did you not hear me the first time?", she asked

"Yes. But I felt like ringing the doorbell a second time. Got a problem with that?", Rocky asked

"Actually, yeah.", she told him

"Too bad.", Rocky said

Carri started to walk out the door and close it behind her.

"You look good tonight.", Rocky complimented her

"I know.", she said, bragging about herself as she walked away from the door

Rocky caught up with her and grabbed her waist from behind.

"Yes?", she asked

"I just managed to say something nice, and you couldn't even say thank you?", he asked

"Nope.", she said then paused, "Actually I could've, but I didn't want to."

"You're not worth the trouble.", Rocky complained

"Then why are you with me?", she asked

"I don't know. Let me think about that one and get back to you.", he teased

By that time they had made their way to the car. Carri got in the passenger side and Rocky in the drivers, and they headed off to the first "official" team function of the year.

Carri and Rocky walked into the door of Mark's huge house."Hey!", Mark yelled from across the room

"Hey!", Rocky yelled back as they met each other half way and exchanged high fives

Mark walked over to Carri. "I don't believe we've had a chance to properly be introduced. I'm Mark Matthews.", he said extending his hand

Rocky, seeing that Carri was fitting in, left her to hang with some of his boys. Carri shook his hand. "Carri Hillard."

"Well Carri, let me the first to say congratulations.", he said

"Actually it's more like the... 7th or 8th or something, but still, thanks.", she told him

"For the last few months we prayed for a good pitcher to replace Greg and look what came to us. We are thankful.", Mark informed her

"Once again, I thank you. But I can't do anything without 8 excellent players behind me. And, from what I saw today, you definitely qualify as one of them.", she said, telling him what she thought

"You know, if we keep complimenting each other like this, we'll get along pretty well.", Mark joked

"You know it.", Carri said then she walked away to socialize

"So, who are we going to use as our pawn in my brilliant scheme?", King Mondo asked

"I don't know. But I do have a few prospects.", answered Queen Machina

"Dad, let's attack now.", Prince Sprocket suggested

"No, that would defeat the purpose. We have the rangers totally unaware that I am about to release one of the oldest, simplest, and most deadly creatures of all time. Klank, how close are we?", Mondo asked his number one man

"Well, as soon as the cogs finish installing and reconfigurating the final components, all we will be missing in one thing.", Klank informed him

"And, if things keep going this way, we will be through by tomorrow.", Machina said with glee

Carri introduced herself to everyone on the team. With the exception of Cory, she got mostly warm receptions. She didn't talk to Kevin. Her thoughts on him were probably illegal in 48 states. Carri went to get a soda from the food table. Which happened to be where two of the cheerleaders happened to be.

"Hello.", she greeted them as she grabbed her drink

"Like, hello.", the head cheerleader, Missy Elliot said

"Like, woah, you're a girl.", said Missy's friend Kitty Carlisle

"Like, no duh.", Carri said, making fun of them

"So, like, why are you here?", asked Missy

"Because, like, I'm on the like, baseball team.", she told them

"Like, oh my gosh! Like, totally cool!", exclaimed Kitty

"Like, I know.", she said

"So, like, are all of you alike?", Carri asked referring to their authentic valley girl talk and the way they bounced their blond hair with their hand while making sure it was in place.

"Like no way. There are like, some of us who like, don't have a car.", Missy said

"But like, you all like, talk the same way and act the same way?", said Carri as she mastered the hair thing

"Like, of course. Like, duh.", said Kitty

"Hmm. You are like, the only blonds I've ever met who like, meet the stereotype.", Carri informed them

They stood there for a second before they said, "Like thank you!"

Carri walked away trying hard not to laugh. Who in the world assigned the worlds biggest ditzes to be Angel Grove's cheerleaders.

Time passed by. Eventually it was 9:30, which is when all of the fun stuff started.

"Ok, listen up.", Mark said as he grabbed the microphone from the live band, "In just a few minutes we're going to do everyone's favorite thing, but first here are the cheerleaders to do a handful of everyone's favorite cheers."

"Oh wow. Now the party can really start.", said Carri sarcastically

Carri moved to the back of the crowed of ball players where she was quickly joined by one of the rookies.

"They don't have 1 brain cell among them", he said

"So I've noticed.", Carri commented

"You're... wait a sec, don't tell me... Jake Littrell, right?", she asked

"Yup. Taking over at third base for our dear departed friend. Who I never even knew, so it doesn't really matter.", Jake informed her

"I'm in the same position. But I've heard I have big shoes to fill.", she said

"Me too. However, your job will be a little more difficult.", he told her

"Jeeze, thanks.", Carri said

"Although I don't doubt you can do it, and I wish you the best of luck.", Jake said

"You too.", she told him

They both stood there and made rude comments about the cheerleaders, until they shut up. Which didn't happen soon enough.

"That was I close one. I didn't think I'd make it to the end.", Carri said letting out a sigh of relief

"I know. Man do they suck. You and I could do better without even trying.", Jake said

"Tell me about it. Although I don't think the guys would like us much because you wouldn't fair to well in that top and skirt and I prefer to wear clothes.", she informed him

"Seriously!", he exclaimed

Carri was having fun talking to Jake, who seemed like a pretty nice guy. But he's looking at me kind of weird. Maybe I should tell him I have a boyfriend. No, I'm probably reading too much into it. He's just a friend. She thought

Jake stared at Carri, looking deep into her eyes, which were some of the most gorgeous brown eyes he had ever seen. And her eyes matched the rest of her, gorgeous. How did I get so lucky? Not only did I make the team, but I get to work every day with her. One of the most good looking girls I have ever seen. I wonder if she has a boyfriend. No, she can't. She would've brought him with her. And the only people I've seen her talk to are ball players. I'll have to ask her out. But she is so gorgeous! What if she rejects me? Jake thought.

Rocky knew exactly what the next part of the evening was, so he called to Carri to get her to come over to stand by him.

Upon hearing Rocky, Carri excused herself from her conversation with Jake. "I'll talk to you later.", she told him

"Alright.", Jake said, counting the seconds until he saw her again

Carri walked over to Rocky. "What?", she asked

"Just stand here and listen.", said Rocky

Carri shrugged her shoulders and tuned back into Mark.

"....and without further ado, everyone's favorite part of the evening, I want each and every one of you, me and Brad included, to grab one of the members of the team.", Mark said

Rocky grabbed onto Carri's arm.

"Everyone paired up?", Mark asked

"Yup.", was the crowd's response

"Ok then. We'll turn it over to the band leader.", Mark said giving him back the mike as he and Brad Thompkins, their catcher, stepped down

"Alright. We're going to play a slow song. And you get to dance with your partner.", said the band's leader

Everyone moaned and groaned, excluding last years players. They actually enjoyed this part.

"And we get to call the shots.", Joey Smales, the band leader/guitar player said

"Hey DeSantos, from this day forth you suck!", some rookie yelled, angered that he wasn't the one dancing with the only girl eligible

"I knew what was coming!", Rocky yelled back

"Ok, now I want everybody to put your arms around your partner and get in close.", Joey said, pausing to make sure everyone did as they were told, "Now we are going to play a short, 3 minute song as you dance."

The band played the song. Everyone had fun. Of corse, everyone but the seniors left over from last year were imagining it was a cheerleader they were dancing with. Except Jake, who was picturing Carri in his arms.

Eventually the song was over and the guys quickly let go of their partners.

"Not so fast!", Joey yelled. "It's rude to dance with someone without a goodnight kiss. So come on, let's see it. A peck on the cheek, that's all."

Carri and Rocky did it first, and the rest of their teammates reluctantly followed their example.

Mark went back and grabbed the mike again. "Ok, now wasn't that fun! Now, you guys have an hour before I kick your lazy no good sorry behinds out of my place. Get it? Good.", he said sounding like a drill sargent, "Now, have fun.", he said switching to the sweet trusting tone of voice

Everyone kept on doing what they were doing before. Carri chatted with Rocky and Adam for a few minutes before going to have final words for the night with the rest of her team. Finally it was 11:45. Everyone left slowly, Rocky and Carri being the last ones out of the door, because they were chatting with Mark.

"So, how's my star pitcher doing tonight?", Mr. Brown asked his son as soon as he walked through the door

"Dad, I'm not the star pitcher.", Kevin informed him

"You're not?!?! Well, tell me the name of the boy who did better than you. Do I know him? It wasn't Cory was it? Because you pitch ten times better than him.", Mr. Brown said letting his anger show

"Carri Hillard.", Kevin muttered

"What? Did you say Carri?", Mr. Brown asked

"Yes sir.", Kevin said

"Carri! That's a woosie name! What man in their right mind would name their son...", Mr. Brown's voice trailed off as he noticed Kevin staring at his feet. "It's not a guy is it?"

Kevin shook his head no.

"I can't believe you lost to a girl! How dare you! You can't be my son. You had a promising career! She's screwing you up! I'll tell you what. You are going to go out there next week and show him that you are much better that any girl! You understand me?", Mr. Brown asked after going off on his son

Kevin nodded his head yes as he ran upstairs to his room. He slammed the door and started throwing things around, cursing and screaming about how and who he lost his starting position to.

Carri woke up around 11:30 Sunday morning. She sat up and stretched, and her left arm went over her head. Her right arm only made it about halfway. Then she let it drop, partly because it pulled itself back and partly because it hurt. I guess being out of the game for so long that coming and pitching for a half hour or so wasn't such a hot idea. Carri thought

Carri hopped out of bed and wondered over to her bathroom. She had been so tired the night before she plopped into bed the minute she got home and never gave a shower a thought.

After her shower she got dressed, grabbed her gym bag and went downstairs, her arm still sore. So she took to Tylenol and went to see where Kat had wondered off to. They were supposed to have a girls afternoon. An hour or so shopping, and hour or so at the gym, that sort of thing.

Carri walked over to the bottom of the stairs. "Kat!", she yelled

Kat opened her door and came down. "Sleeping beauty has risen."

"And she still hasn't seen her prince.", Carri joked

"Are you ready to go?", Kat asked

"Got my gym bag in one had and my credit card in the other. So, yes.", Carri said

"Alrighty then.", said Kat as the two walked out of the door and headed for their first stop, the mall

Carri and Kat walked into the local gym after 3 hours worth of shopping. Carri went straight for some light weights.

"Trying to build up arm muscle?", Kat asked

"Not as much muscle as endurance. You have no idea what my poor arm is going through. I think it's about to fall off.", Carri joked

"Not a good thing. But it serves you right. You think you can jump right back into a routine. Speaking of a routine, when are your practices?", Kat asked

"Mondays and Wednesdays from the last week in September, this week, all the way through the first week in November. Then batting and pitching practice is optional. But trust me, I will be working out at least once a week between November and February. I'd hate for this to happen twice.", said Carri motioning toward her sore arm

"Sounds like fun. Darn that, I don't get to be involved.", Kat said sarcastically

"Oh hush!"

Kat went and jumped onto the first open treadmill. Carri stayed and worked her arm muscles for a while before joining Kat.

"So dad, when do we hit them with our plan?", Prince Sprocket asked

"Soon son. We've got to attack when they least expect it.", Mondo answered

"But dad, we haven't attacked for days!", Sprocket exclaimed

"I know. We'll attack them for two days with cogs, so they'll be totally confused. And, on Wednesday, during the rangers ball practice is when we send in my latest creation.", Mondo explained

At 6:50 am Monday morning Carri came downstairs and met Kat at the door, ready to walk to school.

"I'm impressed.", said Kat

"Me too.", Carri admitted

"Are you ready to go?", Kat asked

"You betcha.", Carri responded

"Alright then.", Kat said as the duo left, locking the door behind them

Carri waltzed into the halls of Angel Grove High. As usual, she went to her locker along with Kat, who was the only other ranger with a locker near hers. But unlike every other day, there was a guy waiting at her locker. And it wasn't Rocky.

"Hello.", Carri said, greeting Jake

"Hi.", he greeted her back

"How are you?", she asked as she fooled with the lock on her locker

"Fine. How was your Sunday?", he asked

"Eh. Went shopping. Went to the gym. Nothing important.", Carri informed him as her locker opened

"You're just mad that they had to order those shoes to get your size.", Kat butted in

"That's because I am the world's most impatient person.", Carri replied

"I know.", Kat said, "You're also the most lazy, procrastinating, loud.."

Carri cut her off. "The point has been gotten."

"Just trying to enforce it."

Jake stared from Carri to Kat, trying to get Carri to introduce him. She finally caught on.

"Kat, this is one of my teammates, Jake Littrell. Jake, this is my cousin Kat Hillard.", she said

"Nice to meet you.", he said

"Nice to meet you too.", said Kat

Carri slammed her locker.

"I don't think you're parents heard that!", Kat exclaimed

"Do you want me to try it again?", Carri asked

Kat gave her a look.

Carri shrugged. "Just a question."

"So, I'm heading across campus. Are you coming?", Kat asked

"I don't have anything better to do.", Carri said

"What's across campus?", Jake asked

"Some friends of ours.", Carri told him

"Oh.", was all Jake had to say. "Look, I've got some work I have to do. Do you mind if I leave you guys?"

"No, not at all.", Carri said

"Good. Do you think I could see you later?", he asked

"Come find me at lunch. We can chat then.", Carri let him know

"Ok.", said Jake as he turned around and left

"Come on, let's go find your man.", Carri said as she and Kat walked in the other direction

"He's not my man.", Kat said

"Not yet.", Carri told her

Jake walked away and felt like hitting himself. I had the perfect opportunity! She was standing there, all alone, and I couldn't manage to ask her out. I am such an idiot! I have to ask her to the movies on Friday. I'm not going to be shy about this. But I still think she'll reject me. She's so beautiful! Jake thought.

By lunch time Carri was bursting with energy. She ran into the lunchroom, followed by her friends.

"I would be walking with you, but I don't want anybody to associate us.", Rocky told her

"I'm glad I'm not the only one!", Tommy exclaimed

"That makes three of us.", said Adam

"Make that four.", said Kat

"You all suck. You're just jealous you don't have half my energy.", she said Rocky rolled his eyes.

"Why don't you two girls go sit somewhere. We'll get lunch today.", said Tommy

"Hey, no fair sticking me with crazy girl!", teased Kat

"No comment.", said Carri

The guys left for the line and the girls went to grab a round table. Not but a few seconds after they sat down, Jake joined them.

"Hello.", greeted Kat and Carri

"Hi. Well, here I am.", Jake said, almost hitting himself after realizing how stupid he sounded

"I'm here too. But I don't want to be. I'd rather be at home, in bed, asleep. But I don't have much of a choice.", Carri complained

"Don't mind her. We've all come to the conclusion she's on something.", Kat told Jake

Carri stuck her tongue out.

"I don't think she's on something. She's just overly energetic.", Jake said sucking up to her

There was a few seconds of awkward silence then the boys came back with lunch.

"Pizza for everyone, and just grab a soda.", said Rocky as he and Tommy each put one of their slices of pizza and two sodas on the table

"I wasn't that hungry anyway.", Carri kidded with Rocky

"If that's not enough, I could consider sharing.", said Rocky as he sat down his 2 slices

"That's ok.", Carri said as she started eating

"Hey.", Adam said when he noticed Jake at their table

"Hello.", said Rocky

"Hi.", Jake greeted his buddies

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

"Ug!", Kat exclaimed a little too loudly

"Could you excuse us?", Carri asked

"What was that?", Jake wanted to know

"Um, it was my pager. Must be important. We'll be right back.", said Rocky making it up as he spoke

"Ok.", said Jake obviously believing it

The rangers got up and walked outside, then quickly into an empty classroom.

"What is it Zordon?", asked Tommy

"KING MONDO HAS SENT HIS COGS TO THE PARK.", Zordon informed them

"We're on it.", said Tommy, then he looked around to make sure they were absolutely, positively, one hundred percent alone. When he was sure there was nobody around, he yelled quietly, "It's morphin time!"

"ZEO RANGER I, PINK!"

"ZEO RANGER II, YELLOW!"

"ZEO RANGER III, BLUE!"

"ZEO RANGER IV, GREEN!"

"ZEO RANGER V, RED!"

The rangers returned to the cafeteria about a minute before the bell.

"No time to sit and eat. Guess we have to take lunch to class.", said Adam

"Sorry we took so long. I guess...", Carri was interrupted by the bell, "we'll see you at practice."

Everybody grabbed their pizza and left. Jake got up and walked away.

The page must have been important for them to have been gone that long. Oh well. As Carri said, I'll see her at practice. Jake thought as he left.

"Alright, listen up!", Coach Anderson yelled

Everyone gathered around him and paid attention.

"I want the position players to spend the first half of practice at the cages. Pitchers and catchers, you're on the field. After an hour, we'll switch. That way everyone gets time somewhere.", he told them

"Yes sir.", was the response he got

Carri walked over and stepped onto the mound. Following her closely was Kevin. "What do you think you're doing?", he asked

"Practicing.", she told him

"I think I go first.", he said

"No, she goes first. She's our starter, so she goes first like she would in a game.", Coach Anderson corrected Kevin

Kevin walked toward the dugout and slammed his glove against the wall. Coach gave him the dirtiest look.

"Come on Carri, let's see your stuff.", Coach said

Carri got the sign and threw one right down the middle. Then she did it again, and again. And every time the pitch went about where she wanted it to. There was a ball here and there, other than that, she was flawless.

"I hate her! Why can't she just screw up like the rest of us!", Kevin complained from the dugout

"Come on man, let it drop. What can we do?", Cory asked

"We could kill her.", Kevin said out of anger

"Go home. Get some sleep. Think about it. She is pretty good. We could use the extra arm.", Cory told him

Kevin was getting ready to yell at him when the coach called for him.

"Time for your 20 minute practice!", he yelled. "Carri, go ahead and head toward the cage. We're done here.", Coach Anderson said as she was walking away

Carri went into the dugout and put her glove down. She looked for her bat, but someone had already taken it to the cages.

On her way out, Cory grabbed her by the arm and stopped her. "Hey Carri.", he said

"What?", she asked

"Nice job.", he said as he let her go

"Thanks.", she replied as she walked away

Practice went by quickly. Carri got a few good swings in at the cage while the rest of the team practiced fielding. After practice, everyone changed and came back onto the field so they could cut through to get to their cars, or in some cases walk, and go home.

Carri met up with Adam and Rocky when she got on the field. She hadn't had a chance to talk to them since school ended. Besides that, they were her ride home.

"So, how did you do?", Rocky asked

"Eh. Pretty good. Although I know I will get better. At least, I hope I will.", she told him

"Well, if you're not in top shape now then I can't wait to see you when you are!", Adam exclaimed

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

"Not again!", Carri yelled

Carri, Rocky and Adam walked off to a place where they couldn't be seen just as Jake walked onto the field. I wonder where they went? That's ok. I'll just talk to her tomorrow. And the next day, and the next. And hopefully many days after that Jake thought.

"What is it Alpha?", Tommy asked fresh off finishing up chemistry problems with Kat

"There are cogs in the park.", Alpha informed them

"Right. We're on it.", Tommy said "It's morphin time!"

"ZEO RANGER I, PINK!"

"ZEO RANGER V, RED!"

"What's wrong Alpha?", Rocky asked after he and his teammates got to a person free spot

"There are more cogs in the park. Tommy and Kat are there. You need to join them now.", said Alpha

"We're on our way.", Rocky told him. "It's morphin time!"

"ZEO RANGER II, YELLOW!"

"ZEO RANGER III, BLUE!"

"ZEO RANGER IV, GREEN!"

Rocky, Carri and Adam got to the park right after Kat and Tommy.

"We're here.", said Rocky

"Alright. Let's give the cogs a warm welcome.", Tommy said

"Right.", said the other 4 in unison

The cogs and the rangers engaged in a long, tiresome battle. After a good 20 minute fight, the cogs quit.

"Twice in one day. They must just be doing this to aggravate us!", exclaimed Carri

"All I know is I'm going home and getting some sleep.", said Kat

"Join the club.", Rocky said

"Alright, you three get your stuff and come back to Kat's house. We'll talk then.", Tommy suggested

The others nodded their head in agreement. And with that, they teleported back to wherever they were.

Carri opened the door and threw her stuff onto the floor. She was quickly followed by Rocky and Adam.

"So, what do you think?", Rocky asked

"I don't know. We talked to Zordon and he said this may be an attempt to tire us. This could also be an attempt to divert us, or catch us off guard.", Tommy repeated what Zordon had said

"How about pissing us off?", Carri suggested as she walked out of the kitchen with drinks on a tray

"Thanks.", said Tommy taking one of the 5 drinks from her tray, "I don't think making us mad is a motive. Although, it's a good idea but I think this time the cogs are to keep us on our toes."

"I just hope they don't keep this up for much longer. I hate having to deal with them all day.", complained Kat

"I don't know. I'm split on this. I'll bet they have some twisted ulterior motives.", Adam said

"All I know is there were 2 attacks in one day, and we haven't seen a monster yet.", Rocky pointed out

"Rocky's right. That may mean one is on it's way. Which is what I'm afraid of. Remember that junk they took from the junkyard?", Tommy asked

"What about it?", asked Adam

"Well, Billy thinks that Mondo has some new monster that could devastate us if they use what they've got wisely. Which, because it's Mondo, wisely is probably how they used it.", Tommy told them

"What should we do?", asked Kat

"I think we should just keep fighting cogs until we know more.", suggested Rocky

"Right.", Tommy agreed

And with that the Rangers broke up their meeting. Kat and Carri went to shower and the boys went home.

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

Carri, Rocky and Tommy heard their communicator go off at the end of second period. They rushed to the end of the hallway and went into a janitor's closet.

"What?", Tommy whispered

"More cogs in the park. You need to get there immediately.", Alpha informed them

"Right. It's morphin time!", Tommy whispered/yelled

"ZEO RANGER II, YELLOW!"

"ZEO RANGER III, BLUE!"

"ZEO RANGER V, RED!"

Tommy, Rocky and Carri joined Kat and Adam at the cog scene. They spent about ten or fifteen minutes fighting the cogs. Then they went back to school, each one of them having to make up an excuse for being late to class.

"Anymore cog fights and I swear I'm going to scream. Or maybe teleport to Mondo's house and kill him. Dead.", Carri whined as she and Rocky walked to her house

"I donno if I'd let you do that by yourself. The others might get jealous.", Rocky told her

"Grr. Anyway, time to watch the Astros beat the Cardinals.", Carri said as they stepped onto her street

"You'd better hope so. Because if they loose, they're out of the playoffs.", Rocky informed her

"Don't talk about that. You'll send them bad vibes.", Carri told him

"If you say so.", said Rocky

Rocky and Carri walked up her driveway and she opened the door so they could get in.

Tommy, Kat and Adam were chilling at the Youth Center. They were enjoying their afternoon, talking and getting ready to spar. At least Adam and Tommy were.

"Adam, Tommy is going to kill you. Don't even try.", Kat told Adam

"Kat! Don't be a pessimist!", Adam yelled

"She's not being a pessimist. She's telling you the truth.", said Tommy

"Thank you for your defense.", Kat said

"Anytime.", Tommy told her

"Come on Tommy, you know you have no chance.", Adam boasted

"HA!" Tommy yelled

The boys jumped onto the mat and got ready to spar.

"Come on Tommy!", yelled Kat

"Hey!", exclaimed Adam

"Yay Adam.", she said

"Thanks for the enthusiasm.", Adam said sarcastically

"No problem.", said Kat

"AHHH! NO!", Carri yelled, "Rocky cover my eyes." Rocky did as he was told. "No, don't." He took his hand off. "Wait! No, never mind. Bil-ly!"

"Ouch. Another one. I'm sorry. Um.... well.... look on the bright side. Only down by seven. And once he gets this last out, the next three batters are Biggio, Bagwell, and Bell.", Rocky said trying to comfort her

"Seven runs up already. And only one out.", complained Carri as she covered her own eyes for a second

Rocky was sitting on the far left of the couch. Carri was sitting on the couch with her feet up on the right side arm and her head leaning against Rocky's shoulder as she watched her team fall.

"NOT AGAIN!", she yelled as she covered her eyes

"Wait! Look! Strike three. Down goes Pagnozzi. One last chance for you.", Rocky told her

Carri uncovered her eyes. "Woo-hoo! Only down by 8. We have a slight chance in hell.", Carri said

"Well... you could might possibly maybe get in..", Rocky said

Carri rolled her eyes.

"Oh. Ok. Let's just watch.", said Rocky. "Look, Biggio's on base."

"Cooladge. Oh oh oh! Look! Bagwell hit the ball! First and third! Wow!", exclaimed Carri

"See. I told you that you guys had a chance.", Rocky said

"Wait! Bell hit the ball! And it's going really far! Keep going... HOME RUN!", yelled Carri as she pumped her fist.

"Only down by five.", Rocky said

"Yeah. But think of who's coming up next.", Carri said

"You guys tried.", Rocky said in a supportive tone of voice

Carri watched the end of the game. The next three batters were easy outs for Eckersly.

"Hmm. Well, we tried.", Carri said calmly before she started yelling, "You big dummies! I can't believe you let them beat you! The Cardinals for crying out loud!"

"I don't know what to tell you. The only comfort that I can offer is that the Dodgers are going to the playoffs.", teased Rocky

Carri sat up then turned around and hit him. "Stop gloating!", she exclaimed

Rocky and Carri were messing around, kind of "fighting", having fun before they heard the sound that always ruins their fun.

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

"Aw man!", exclaimed Carri

"What is it?", Rocky asked answering his communicator

"Rangers, it is more cogs in the park. Please teleport immediately.", said Alpha

"We're on it.", said Rocky as he and Carri reluctantly got up

"It's morphin time!", yelled Rocky

"ZEO RANGER II, YELLOW!"

"ZEO RANGER III, BLUE!"

"Come on Adam. You guys have been at this for a while now. You've already lost five times!", exclaimed Kat

"I'm not quitting until I win.", Adam informed her

"Man I don't have all night! Give up! You can't beat me, I'm the sparring champ! I've only lost.... a few times.", Tommy said

"But I'm not included. I won't rest until I make you look bad.", said Adam

"Boys! Adam! You do know that this will take an eternity and we don't have that much longer until closing time.", informed Kat

"All I need is one more chance.", said Adam confidently

Tommy just stood there with a "when pigs fly" look on his face.

"Alright man. One more time.", Tommy said

"I've got the edge. I've worn you out.", Adam said

"Please. Don't you think I've heard that one before?", asked Tommy

"And Tommy has always one.", Kat told Adam

"How come I get the feeling that you're not cheering for me?", joked Adam

"Hmm. I wonder.", said Kat

"Kat wouldn't cheer for you! That would be like... cheering for the Cubs to beat the Braves for the NLCS.", Tommy said

"Hey, it could happen.", said Adam

"Always the optimist.", Tommy joked

"Come on guys, let's get this thing started so Tommy can win and we can go somewhere else.", begged Kat

"Ok. One last thing. Tommy, don't you dare let me win.", Adam told him.

Tommy snickered. "Yeah right. And let you think you can beat me?"

"Ah-hem.", said Kat

"Right.", Tommy said

The boys got the fight going. They were doing pretty well. Adam looked like he had a shot. Tommy was tiring. But he was winning. Adam just had to take advantage of some of Tommy's weak spots. If he could find one. Just as Adam thought he could get the edge, he heard a sound that would temporarily put this fight on hold.

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

"Aw man. I'll just finish you off later Oliver.", said Adam

"Whatever. I was winning.", boasted Tommy as he and Adam stepped off the mat and headed off with Kat

"I don't think so!", exclaimed Adam

"I do.", said Kat

"But...", started Adam but he was interrupted when Tommy answered his communicator

"We're here Alpha.", he said

"Sorry to interrupt, but there are more cogs in the park. Rocky and Carri are already there.", Alpha informed them

"Man. Ok Alpha, we're coming.", said Tommy, then he looked around the room, "It's morphin time!"

"ZEO RANGER I, PINK!"

"ZEO RANGER IV, GREEN!"

"ZEO RANGER V, RED!"

Carri crawled into bed that night with everything in her body aching. She had just got finished with an extra long 30 minute cog fight. Plus the other two fights from earlier and you can't forget about baseball. All that combined made her want to crawl into a hole and die. All she wanted to do was sleep.

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

Carri rolled over and hit the alarm.

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

Carri hit the alarm again.

Beep Beep BeepBeep Beep Beep.

The third time her communicator went off she realized what it was. She sat up and answered it after she glanced at the clock and saw that it was 2 a.m.

"What?", Carri asked rather rudely

"Ai ai ai! I'm sorry for contacting you, but it's an emergency.", said Alpha

"I'm sorry Alpha. I was asleep and whatever Mondo is doing I don't appreciate him doing it at two in the morning.", she apologized

"That's ok. Mondo has sent more cogs to two different locations in Angel Grove. I am sending three of you to one spot, and two of you to the other. I am sending you along with Rocky and Adam into the city.", said Adam

"Got it.", said Carri as she stood up

"It's morphin time!", she yelled as loud as she could so she wouldn't wake her aunt and uncle

Carri returned home and looked at the clock. Three a.m. Carri didn't have enough energy to get under the covers. She collapsed on top of the bed and didn't move until her alarm went off the next morning.

"Wake up!", yelled the teacher as he came and wacked Carri, Rocky and Tommy on the head

"Sorry.", they all mumbled

The cog fights had drained the rangers of any energy or pep. All they wanted to do was sleep.

Bring!

The rangers left the class and headed for third period. The rest of the day they were all getting yelled at for dozing off.

Kevin was having trouble opening his locker. He knew he had to hurry so he wouldn't be late for practice. The late penalty was running three laps around the field. And Kevin didn't really feel like doing that.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, someone appeared. Well, not really someone but something.

"Hello Kevin. My name is King Mondo.", Mondo introduced himself

"What do you want?", Kevin asked

"I've heard you would like revenge on the whole baseball team, especially Carri Hillard.", he said

"Yes I do. But what can you do for me?", asked Kevin

"Come with me and you'll find out.", said Mondo

Kevin just shrugged his shoulders and went with Mondo.

"Now to unleash the humans own evil. The one thing that can motivate humans to kill. Or at least think about it, and with a little help from an evil genius like me, do it. I am going to release Kevin's own jealousy and use that as my weapon against the rangers.", King Mondo said explaining his plan

"Yay! We finally get a monster with motive. There's no way he'll let us down dad!", exclaimed Sprocket

Rocky was sitting on the left side of the bench with Carri curled up beside him, and Adam leaning his head on her shoulder. They were all asleep. They were the first ones out on the field and they had been asleep for a while before anyone else joined them.

"WAKE UP!", yelled Mark

"Huh? What?", said Carri as she opened her eyes

"You guys were asleep.", Mark told them

"Aw man. Did anybody else see us here?", asked Rocky

"Nope. I was the first one out here.", Mark informed them

"Good.", said Adam letting out a sigh of relief

Five minutes later everyone else was there and the coach blew the whistle for practice to begin.

"Alright guys, one lap!", Coach Anderson yelled

Everyone reluctantly started on their lap. They had gotten about halfway through it, with Carri at the lead and Mark jogging right beside her. Rocky and Adam were so tired they were lagging and they were about in the middle of the pack. All of the sudden, a monster appeared on the middle of the field.

"Oh man. Tell me I'm hallucinating.", muttered Carri

"That makes two of us.", Mark said

"I am Green Eyes and I have been built off the ultimate human weapon. Jealousy.", the monster announced

"Whoopee. Was that supposed to thrill me?", asked Carri

Some of the baseball players stood there in fright. Some of them thought they'd be big men and try to fight the monster. The rangers just stood there yelling at them to get out. They needed to morph.

"Come on, let's go!", Rocky yelled

"Don't just stand there! He looks dangerous!", yelled Adam

Carri snickered.

"Wait! You all aren't going anywhere!", Green Eyes exclaimed

Suddenly about two dozen cogs appeared around the baseball players.

"Oh man!", yelled Carri

Some of the cogs grabbed the most frightened players. The rangers started fighting the cogs. Some of the ball players helped out, like Mark and Craig, kicking the cogs and trying to fight.

The rangers were able to get the cogs off of the scared players who then looked to some of their teammates for protection.

Jake fought. He fought for only one reason. I don't want Carri to think I'm a looser. She's fighting them. So are the others. I can't look like the big 'frady cat that I am.

The cogs were wearing out the rangers. And Tommy and Kat where no where to be found. The rangers needed to morph, but they couldn't do it with all the other players there. Carri was the first one to break free of some of the cogs and she immediately charged toward the monster.

"Ok, you've had your fun. Send the cogs back.", Carri demanded

"Nope. I don't think so. I need to keep the others busy while we fight.", said the monster

And with that the monster charged Carri. Carri couldn't do much. She wasn't morphed, so a true fight wasn't such a hot idea.

Green Eyes and Carri exchanged a few punches. Green Eyes shot a blast at her which caused her to go flying backwards.

"I'll be feeling that one for a while.", Carri muttered as she got up off of the ground

"Now to finish you.", the monster said

"Dream on.", said Carri, although she feared he may be right. Without any morphed rangers on the scene, and with Rocky and Adam still busy with cogs, she had no idea how long she could hold up.

Carri walked out to the monster. He came up to greet her. Instead of throwing punches, he grabbed her. And as soon as he had a grip on her she disappeared.

"Carri!", Rocky yelled pushing cogs out of the way

Adam was quick to follow, taking out the cogs as fast as he could.

"What have you done with her?", Rocky asked

"That's for me to know and you not to.", said the monster

Rocky and Adam charged for the monster but Tommy and Kat appeared and held them back.

"No! Don't touch him!", exclaimed Tommy

"Look, it's 2 of the Power Rangers!", Mark yelled pointing at them

"Where were you?!?! Because of you, Green Eyes got Carri!", Rocky yelled

"I can't believe you two! Let the innocents do the work, we'll come when we get around to it. And now you won't even let us fight! At least there were people here taking care of this monster problem! You rangers make me sick!", Adam said exploding in anger

"Yeah!", the players echoed

"Come on, everyone get out of here.", said Tommy still having to hold back Adam and Rocky

The players ran off, followed by Rocky and Adam. They were too angry to even deal with the others.

By this time, Green Eyes had left and taken the cogs with him.

"Hey, where do you guys think you're going?", asked Tommy

"Anywhere, as long as it's away from you!", yelled Rocky

Suddenly they were all teleported to the Power Chamber.

"What?", asked Adam confused and still angered

"If you guys stand down there and bicker, you'll never get Carri back and you'll never destroy Green Eyes. Is that what you want?", asked Billy

"No.", said Kat

Tommy and Kat took off their helmets. Rocky went and got in Tommy's face. "What do you think your doing? Where were you the whole time? We fought the cogs for almost ten minutes by ourselves. You have a lot of nerve you know.", Rocky said

"Hey man, let up a little. We were here. Zordon didn't want us to go fight the monster. He is dangerous. One touch sends you to a virtual reality world.", Tommy informed him

"Then why didn't you at least come and warn us?", asked Rocky

"Zordon said not to. He was afraid we'd blow your identity.", Kat explained

Rocky backed down out of Tommy's face. "Maybe I could possibly grow to believe that.", he muttered

"Rangers, observe the viewing globe. This is the virtual reality world Tommy told you of.", Alpha said

The rangers looked and saw Carri wandering around, confused, tired and alone.

"Zordon never mentioned that this could happen when he asked me to be a ranger.", Carri said

Carri was walking to see where this place extended to. She noticed grid lines as she walked.

"I must be in some sort of virtual reality world. Hmm. They should've at least tried to make it look real.", Carri said

Carri was walking along the land when all of the sudden the land beneath her feet disappeared and she was falling. She managed to catch herself on a rough part of the cliff. Slowly, she pulled herself back up.

"I guess I found the end.", she commented

Carri continued to walk around in different directions. Occasionally she would try her communicator or try to morph, but it never worked.

"Poor Carri.", said Kat

"We've got to do something!", exclaimed Rocky

"But what?", asked Adam

"We have to...", started Tommy but was interrupted by the alarm

"IT LOOKS LIKE GREEN EYES IS BACK AND THIS TIME HE'S TAKEN HIS RAGE TO THE PARK.", Zordon informed them

"On our way. It's morphin time!", yelled Tommy

"ZEO RANGER I, PINK!"

"ZEO RANGER III, BLUE!"

"ZEO RANGER IV, GREEN!"

"ZEO RANGER V, RED!"

The rangers arrived on scene and they saw Green Eyes running around trying to grab people.

"Remember, don't let him grab a hold of you, or touch you!", warned Tommy

"Right.", said the others

Their first matter was to take care of the cogs that Mondo sent with Green Eyes. They took out the cogs quickly, as usual.

"Now it's your turn!", yelled Tommy

"I don't think so. Don't forget, I control the fate of your friend!", he yelled

"Should we get him with our blasters?", Adam asked

"I don't know.", Tommy said before contacting Billy. "Well?"

"Blasting him will not destroy the VR world. However, to get Carri back you want to destroy the VR world. But be warned, Mondo has ultimate control over it. If he thinks he could loose, he might transfer the VR world somewhere else, which means you might loose Carri forever.", Billy told them

"Got it. So, what do you say?", Tommy asked his fellow rangers

"Well?", Green Eyes asked getting inpatient with them. "I'm waiting on you. Having you start the fight makes it much easier for me to lure you into my VR world with your friend."

"Let's blast him!", yelled Rocky

"Right!", yelled the others in agreement

The rangers pulled out their blasters and let Green Eyes have it.

Carri was walking around, wondering when the rangers were going to get around to save her. Just as the rangers shot Green Eyes, there was an opening in the grid. Carri tried to teleport, but that wouldn't work. So she decided to see if the opening was weak enough to at least let her morph.

"It's morphin time!", she yelled

"ZEO RANGER II, YELLOW!"

And she was right, she could morph, the opening had given her enough energy to morph.

"Now to figure a way out.", Carri said

As Carri morphed, extensive amounts of energy were drained from Green Eyes and he collapsed.

"Do you think?", Rocky asked Tommy

"Go for it.", Tommy replied

Rocky looked at Adam and he nodded his head as if to say, "I'm with you."

Rocky and Adam decided to seize the opportunity and they ran for Green Eyes. Unfortunately, Green Eyes wasn't down as long as they hoped he would be. When he regained some strength, he reached up and grabbed Adam and Rocky, who had been violently attacking him, and sent them off to VR world.

"Rocky!", Tommy yelled but it was too late

Tommy started to mindlessly charge Green Eyes.

"Tommy no! We have to retreat!", Kat yelled

Tommy stopped when he realized she was right and he went back to join Kat. "This isn't over!", he yelled as they teleported away

Rocky and Adam appeared in the VR world.

"Aw man! We were doing so well!", exclaimed Adam

"Never mind that. Let's go find Carri.", said Rocky

Adam and Rocky walked around the strange VR world looking for Carri. Eventually, they found her.

"Carri!", Rocky yelled to get her attention

Carri turned around and saw who it was. She ran up and gave him a hug. "How did you get her?", she asked still holding on to him

"Well, Green Eyes was at a temporary loss of energy and we thought we could take him.", Rocky started

"Then he was back at full power. And you can guess what happened.", Adam said

"Oh. When I was able to morph, that must have knocked his energy down.", Carri explained

"Why didn't you morph earlier?", asked Rocky

"I couldn't until there was a sudden energy loss.", she told him

"Our blasters.", said Adam

Rocky and Carri were still standing there, embraced in a hug.

"Um, you guys. You can do that later. I think we have a problem we have to address.", Adam said

Carri and Rocky broke apart from each other. "A problem that I might have an answer to.", said Carri. "Come with me. Let me show you what I found after the blast."

"What are we going to do now?", asked Kat

"I don't know, but what I do know is that blast you administered destroyed our viewing globe connection.", Billy informed them

"So we can't see them?", asked Tommy

"I'm afraid not.", Billy answered

"RANGERS, IT LOOKS AS THOUGH ALL YOU CAN DO NOW IS SIT AND WAIT FOR HIM TO ATTACK AGAIN.", Zordon told them

The rangers sulked but nodded their heads in agreement.

"Look.", Carri said pointing to a mountain

"What about it?", Rocky asked

"Can you not see the obvious outline of a door?", Carri asked

"I see it.", said Adam

"Well, if you look hard enough...", said Rocky

"I think that's our ticket out of here.", she said

"And I suppose you have the key?", Rocky asked

"As a matter of fact, I do.", said Carri. Then with one swift kick, she kicked the door open.

"How did you know that would happen?", asked Adam

"I didn't. I just hoped it would so I could shut Rocky up.", she said

The rangers looked through the door. All there was was black, empty space, with no sign of a floor.

"I say we jump.", said Carri

"Are you nuts!", exclaimed Rocky

"Got any better ideas?", asked Carri

"Well, no, but..", Rocky started but couldn't think of what to say

"I think I'm with you on this one.", Adam said

"Ok then. It's settled.", said Carri as she walked up to the edge of the door. Then she extended her hand for Adam to grab it and he did.

"Rangers stick together.", said Adam

"Even though sometimes we don't agree with each other.", said Rocky as he join the others and grabbed Carri's other hand

"Well, the only thing left now is to jump.", Carri said

"On the count of three. 1..2..3!", Rocky yelled as they all jumped to what they didn't know

The rangers fell to the bottom of... of where ever they were falling to. As they got close to the bottom, they saw green grid lines they hit them then...

"Hello.", said Carri as she realized that she was in Mondo's place and they had gotten out of the VR world

"How the...", started Mondo

"Well, gotta go.", said Rocky as they all hit the button on their communicator which would allow them to teleport home

"Get them!", Mondo yelled and immediately cogs head their way

But it was to late. The rangers had already teleported.

"You let them escape! Go down to earth NOW and fix this!", yelled Mondo

"Yes sir.", said Green Eyes as he left

"Hey guys.", said Carri as they arrived in the Power Chamber

"How did you get out?", Tommy asked

"Long story. Right now I think we have a monster to destroy.", said Rocky

"Ai ai ai!", exclaimed Alpha

"What?", asked Kat

"It looks like Mondo is using Kevin from your baseball team as the life for his monster. His jealousy is what is the driving force behind this.", said Alpha

"Aw man!", exclaimed Carri

"If we destroy the monster will it destroy him?", asked Adam

"I don't think so. I believe that destroying the monster will put things back to normal.", said Alpha

"Then it's settled. We destroy it.", said Tommy

Suddenly the alarm went off.

"It's back to action!", yelled Tommy

"Hahaha!", Green Eyes laughed, "You won't get me!" And with that, Klank and Orbus made him grow.

"We need zeo zord power, now!", yelled Tommy

All of the rangers jumped into their zords and Tommy brought them together to form the mega zord.

"All I have to do is touch you and I win!", yelled Green Eyes

"Not so fast! I have a bone to pick with you!", yelled Carri

"Oooh! You pathetic rangers really scare me!", Green Eyes said sarcastically

"Zeo sword, power up!", Tommy yelled

And with one swift motion, the zeo sword took Green Eyes down for good. Immediately, the rangers got out of their zords and went to get Kevin.

"Are you ok?", asked Tommy

"Yeah. But I don't remember anything after meeting King Mondo.", Kevin said, then he looked up. "Wow! The power rangers!"

"We had to come in and take care of you because you let jealousy run your life which made you an easy target for Mondo. He used you and your jealousy to make a monster.", explained Carri

"Oh man. What ever I did, I didn't mean to.", he apologized

"That's ok. I just think you need to work out this jealousy issue so something else bad doesn't happen.", said Rocky

Then the rangers went back to the Power Chamber. Adam, Rocky and Carri went to practice and Kat and Tommy went back to the Youth Center.

"Hey Carri!", everyone greeted her

"Are you ok?", Jake asked

"Yeah. Thankfully the Power Rangers rescued me.", she said

"Wow. You were rescued by the Power Rangers!", exclaimed Mark overcome by it all

"Hey, I was the monster and the rangers had to rescue me to!", Kevin yelled as he came up to the team

"Come on man, that's the biggest lie we've heard all year!", yelled Craig

Then the team laughed at Kevin. All except for Rocky, Adam and Carri. Kevin looked like he was going to blow up. Then he calmed down and pulled Carri aside.

"Yes?", she asked

"I'm sorry for saying you sucked. I was jealous of your talent.", he said

"Wow. I'm shocked. But thank you.", she said

Then they walked away as practice started.

After practice, Jake finally decided to go ask Carri out. Hey Carri.", he greeted her

"Hey.", she said

"So, that must have been quite an experience.", he said

"Yeah, it will stand out in my mind when I'm old and grey.", she joked

"So, anyway, um, I was wondering if you'd like to go see a movie with me Friday night.", he said finally asking her out

"Let's see. Am I doing anything Friday? Um... nope I can go. Wait a minute! I almost forgot! I can't go, can we postpone this until another night?", she asked

"Like when?", he wanted to know

"Maybe next weekend or something.", she said

"Sure. I'll talk to you later.", he said as he walked away

"See ya.", she yelled to him

Thursday and Friday both went by interruption free. No cogs, no monsters. The rangers were enjoying their Friday night activities. Rocky and Carri were going to the movies, and Adam, Kat and Tommy had rented a movie and fixed popcorn for their entertainment.

"Well guys, we're outtie.", said Carri as she and Rocky left

"Bye.", said Kat

"Ok, you are about to watch the classic parodies.", said Tommy

"Like?", prompted Kat

"We've got Robin Hood: Men In Tights and Spaceballs. And if we have time we can watch a classic comedy, Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail. What do you want to watch first?", asked Adam

"Spaceballs!", yelled Tommy

"I was asking Kat.", Adam said

"I was answering for her.", said Tommy

"Spaceballs is fine.", Kat told them

"Alrighty then. Spaceballs it is.", proclaimed Adam as he put the movie into the VCR

"Back two seats?", asked Rocky as he and Carri walked into the theater

"Last seats on the right. The ones we always get.", said Carri

Rocky and Carri were about 5 minutes early. They sat down and watched the ads.

"Why in the world are they trying to get us to go to San Francisco to go shopping?", asked Rocky

"Because they don't think that our rinky dink little shopping centers are good enough.", said Carri. "Which they aren't. So bye.", said Carri as she started to get up but Rocky pulled her back down

"Where do you think your going?", he asked

"Shopping in San Francisco.", she replied

"You and Kat can do that tomorrow night. Tonight we're on a date.", said Rocky

"Nope can't. Tomorrow night we're going to go ice skating at the mall.", Carri told him

"Ice skating?", Rocky questioned

"Hey, don't diss it. I haven't done it since I was a little girl. I wanna see if I can still balance.", she told him

Rocky just shrugged his shoulders. "Whatever floats your boat.", he said

Carri snuggled up to Rocky as it was getting closer to time for the movie started. As he leaned over to kiss her, Jake walked in.

After they were done kissing, Carri looked up and saw him there.

"Hi!", she said

"Hello. I thought you had plans.", he said

"These are my plans. I had forgotten Rocky and I had talked about going to the movies on Tuesday.", she apologized

"That's because you were too busy whining about the Astros to remember.", Rocky said

"You're right.", she agreed

"So, I take it this isn't a team thing.", Jake said

"What would it be?", asked Rocky

"Wait a minute, did you not know we were dating?", Carri asked

Jake shook his head no.

"I thought you knew. That was the only reason I was even there on try out day.", Carri told him

All Jake could say was, "oh" because he felt like he was going to break down. He went to get front row seats so Rocky and Carri couldn't see him.

"I think I should go talk to him.", Carri said

"You're right.", Rocky agreed

I can't believe it. I am probably the only one in all of Angel Grove who didn't know that Rocky and Carri were dating. How could I have been so stupid! Jake thought

"Hey.", said Carri as she approached him

"Go away.", Jake said, not exactly believing he'd said that

"Look, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I thought you knew. If anyone should be beating themselves up, it should be me.", she apologized

"I'm not beating myself up over it. It's just... well, I'm upset that I didn't figure it out. I mean, why else would you have been there last week. And then there was the clue that Rocky was the one who defended you the most against Kevin.", Jake said

"I'm sorry about the mix up, can we still be friends?", Carri asked

"Yes.", said Jake as he accepted her apology

Jake stood up and they hugged each other.

"Wanna come join us?", Carri asked

"Nope. It's your date, I don't want to feel in the way.", Jake said

"You wouldn't be.", Carri assured him

"I'll sit here. You go ahead.", said Jake

Carri just shrugged her shoulders as she walked back up to Rocky.

"So, what do we do?", asked Kat

It was Saturday morning, and Kat, Adam, Tommy and Carri were sitting around board. Rocky was at work, he had the 9-noon shift.

"Oh, idea.", said Carri

"Yes?", asked Tommy

"How about we go to the Youth Center!", she exclaimed as if that were the first time ever anyone had suggested it

"Wow. The Youth Center. When was the last time anyone went there.", Tommy played along

"I say we go. I don't remember too much about it and I'd like to see if it's changed at all.", said Adam

"I agree. We can talk, and you guys can do that thing you do.", agreed Kat

"You're right. Because Oliver, you owe me one.", Adam said

"One what? Beating?", asked Tommy

"One round. I'm the one who owes you the beating.", said Adam

"I don't think you'd win Adam.", stated Carri

"Great. Another pessimist.", complained Adam

"Well, come on. The quicker we get there the quicker I kick your butt.", said Tommy

"You got it.", said Adam

Adam was the first one out the door. Then he was followed by Tommy, Carri and finally Kat who locked up as they went to the Youth Center for the "first time in a while".

The End

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