Jason walked into the youth center, intending to warm up before teaching
his beginners class. A petite redhead in white yoga pants and a purple crop top was already there,
running through some practice sets on the mats. Jason's jaw dropped when he saw the
complicated maneuvers she was performing. "I
guess you're not here for my class," he said, startling her.
"Oh! I didn't think anyone was here," she said,
crossing the mats to her bag. She reached for
her water bottle and downed a few gulps.
"You know, you're really good. What dojo do you attend?"
"No dojo. I took community classes in L.A. before
moving here, picked some things up from videos, from people at school."
"Really? They must have been more advanced than the ones I teach.
Hey, I was going to warm up before my class. You wanna spar?"
"Sure. I haven't sparred in a while, though, so I may be a
little rusty," she apologized. They took to the mats.
Jason found himself really liking the opponent he found in
her. He'd been sparring with the same people for so long that her approach
was both refreshing and challenging. He had to think much more quickly to
avoid her unconventional attacks, block the unexpected fists. They drew an
audience quickly; Jason was, of course, the youth center favorite, but the
unknown redhead was gaining supporters of her own.
"You know, you are really good. If that's rusty, I'd hate to see you
when you're in top form. What degree are you?" Jason asked her, dodging a
sharp left jab.
"Degree?" She ducked under his return attack.
"Of black belt. You must be at least third or fourth."
"No dojo, no belt. Never felt the need."
She ducked again, this time under a kick, and swiftly grabbed his ankle and
yanked, sending him hard onto his butt.
"Upf!" Jason stared at the ceiling for a moment,
blinking the stars out of his eyes. "Damn." He rolled onto his side
and back up to his feet. "Good fight. You know, I never caught your name."
"I never threw it. I'm Jamie." She grinned at him.
"Jason. Listen, I have to teach a class, but do you want to get
something to drink afterwards?"
"I'd love to. Do you mind if
I watch your class?"
"Go right ahead."
After class, Jamie and Jason were sitting at the juice bar. Bulk and
Skull came in with their usual assortment of electronic paraphernalia.
"What on earth are you two doing?" Jason asked.
"We're going to identify the Power Rangers by recording everyone's
voice, and comparing them to the voices we heard," Bulk explained.
"The...Power Rangers?" Jamie asked.
"You've never heard of the Power Rangers?" Bulk asked incredulously.
"I'm new in town. So sue me. What are they?"
"They're a group that fights these monsters made by this red guy,
Lord Zedd," he explained, "and we're going to reveal their true
identities." No one noticed that at the words "Lord Zedd,"
a tiny shiver passed through Jamie. Jason's communicator toned.
"Will you excuse me a minute?" Jason asked Jamie.
"Sure, but I'm timing you," she replied. Jason went into the
hallway.
<<Jason, you must teleport to the command center immediately,>>
Christina's voice echoed in his head. A shimmering picture of Jamie appeared
before him. <<Bring her with you.>>
<<Why?>>
<<Zordon will explain later. Hurry!>>
<<I read you.>> He went back to the juice bar and asked
Jamie, "Will you go for a walk with me?"
"Sure." They
left the juice bar, and when they entered the hallway, Jason checked for
people, grabbed Jamie's arm, and transported. When they materialized, Jamie
grabbed her arm back.
"What the hell was that for?" she exclaimed. Her eyes
had narrowed and she'd just opened her mouth to let out a tirade when she
realized where she was standing.
"Good, you're here," Christina said.
"Where's here?" Jamie asked.
"Now can you tell me what this is all about?" Jason asked.
"Hello? Can anyone hear me? What's going on?"
Jamie waved her hand in front of Jason's face, trying to get his attention.
"Zordon feels that Zedd is rallying his forces for another attack.
He feels that we need even more power than what I can provide. Jamie is
that power."
"Huh?" Jamie said. "What power? How'd
you know my name?"
"Jamie, will you become the Purple Ranger?" Christina asked.
"The what?" Jamie, ready to launch another volley
of questions, blanched. She screamed, clutching her head, and bolted out of the command circle
where she disappeared
in a flash of violet-red light.
"What just happened?" Jason asked. Christina
just looked at him, eyes wide with shock.
Chapter Two: Secrets and Lies
Back to Saga of the White Ranger
MMPR Universe
Back to the Castle
E-mail Me