He was breathing hard while he waited for the disorientation to pass; with a shudder, Jason straightened as soon as it was over and was promptly hit by a blast of hot water full in the face.

What the hell..!

Jason narrowly avoided bumping his head on the shower head.

Yep, everything's present and accounted for!

It was slightly ridiculous, but he couldn't help it -- as he rearranged the shower equipment, he ran his hands over his own body, searching for possible discrepancies but finding none. His mood, already elated at finding himself back to 'normal', rose accordingly.

Now for the rest...

Hardly daring to hope, he dried off and stepped into his room.

His room looked like he remembered it from before his adventure began; on his chair were a pair of jeans shorts and a black muscle shirt, like he was used to wearing, and at the back of his desk drawer was the box containing a red and a black communicator.

YES!!!

Jason dressed and let himself out of the house. It was all he could do not to run as he made his way over to the Juice Bar to see if this really was 'home'; he was sure that seeing his friends would give him final proof.

Once he arrived, he let his eyes roam around the gym area. Rocky was practising his splits; not that he needed to -- watching him made all the male Rangers wince and fight the urge to cross their own legs; Adam and Tanya were going through a few stances -- no serious sparring, just enjoying the smooth flow of motion; Kat........she waved to him from the ballet barre, her left leg arching gracefully out behind her as she bent over. Jason checked the room a second time. No, Tommy wasn't there, but then he remembered that for the last few months he usually came later on Saturday afternoons -- he took some extra sword practice with his former sensei, who was on a visiting teaching assignment at AGU.

Feeling giddy and almost lightheaded, Jason settled at "their" table, waiting for his friends to join him. Could it really be that he was home again, in his own reality where he belonged? Slowly, everyone drifted over, and nothing in their conversation was even slightly out of the ordinary, just their everyday easy banter about school, their weekend plans and mutual acquaintances and interests. Jason relaxed; he was sitting with his back to the door, and so didn't see Tommy's arrival.

"Hey, guys!"

Jason turned around at the familiar sound, and a relieved smile lit up his face. It was Tommy, in shorts and a red t-shirt, long hair caught back in a ponytail, grinning at him with his usual warmth. A sight Jason had seen countless times, but which had never been so welcome. His delight was evident in his voice and his smile as he greeted his best friend.

"Hey, bro."

Tommy bounded up the steps, put a hand on Jason's shoulder and squeezed gently. Same as always. Brown eyes sparkling with mischief, he waited until Jason looked up at him, then asked, winking at the others, "Miss me?"

Jason chuckled, covering the firm hand on his shoulder with his own. His voice slightly husky with relief, he met the warm gaze. "You could say that."

"Good."

Within a split second, Jason's world crashed around him -- again. Because Tommy, his best friend, brother-in-arms, fellow Power Ranger, leaned over and kissed him full on the mouth -- right in the middle of the Youth Center, surrounded by all their friends.

Jason froze. This was not a teasing peck, calculated to make everybody laugh; Tommy's tongue traced the seam of his lips, and instinctively he opened to let it inside. The kiss deepened, became just the slightest bit demanding, and Jason couldn't help the moan that seemed to rise out of nowhere. It brought him back to his senses, though. Tearing his mouth away with a gasp, he sat back, stunned, staring at his friend with wide-open eyes.

Tommy grinned, obviously pleased but slightly surprised by his reaction. Sliding a teasing hand around his neck, he briefly caressed the short hair in back before straightening and sitting next to him.

"What's up, Jay? You look as if I've never kissed you before."

Oh my God, not again!

Barely able to collect himself, Jason stumbled to his feet. His chair toppled over with a crash, but he didn't care. Shocking his friends with the desperate expression on his face, he backed away, shaking his head in a futile attempt to deny the obvious.

"Y-you haven't."

Then, Jason Scott did something he'd never done before in his life, as a person or as a Ranger -- he ran away.

A stunned silence lingered around the table as the five Rangers watched the broad back disappear through the door. Tommy looked at his friends.

"What was that all about? And what did Jay mean, I haven't kissed him before? Heck, you all know we've been together ever since he got back from Switzerland..."

Rocky looked uncomfortable. "Maybe......maybe he's under a spell, or something."

"I don't think so, Rocky," Tanya objected. "He seemed perfectly normal when we talked. Why would Mondo put Jason under such a selective spell, only affecting his relationship with Tommy?"

Adam frowned. "You don't think there could be someone else involved, besides Mondo?"

"Unlikely," Tommy decided. He determinedly pushed his chair back. "I'd better go and look him up, get to the bottom of this. You all know we have to get to Phaedos tomorrow. If Jason, Kat and Tanya don't get their Ninjetti Powers now, we might lose the Zeo Crystal altogether."

"Right. We'll meet at noon at the lake, right?"

"Uh-huh. I'll see you there." With that, the leader of the Rangers made his way outside, in pursuit of his Companion.

Tommy had a pretty good idea where he would find Jason. True enough, he sat at the small rise overlooking the lake, in almost the same spot Tommy had found him after he'd lost the Gold Power. As then, Jason was sitting with his knees drawn up, his chin resting on his arms. He looked up as Tommy sat down next to him. The deep voice was weary as he dredged up a smile.

"I guess I owe you an explanation, huh?"

Tommy draped a comforting arm around the broad shoulders, giving a reassuring hug. He failed to notice the slight stiffening.

"I'd like one, yeah, but only if you're ready. You know I can wait, Jay."

Jason sighed; despite the fact that this was the third time, giving this explanation was never easy. Meeting the warm brown eyes with a sad smile, he told his tale.

"Tommy....I'm not 'Jay'. I'm Jason, sure, but back home you always call me Jase, or bro....." It took longer than he thought to explain who he was, and how he'd gotten here, due to the innumerable questions Tommy had. Finally, though, it was done.

".....so, when the dizziness passed, there I was in the shower, back in my own body -- or so I thought, until you kissed me. I knew then that I'm still caught in this 'random reality warp' thing. I wish I knew how I can get home, and hopefully return all my counterparts to their own realities, but I don't."

"Oh boy."

Tommy was stunned. He'd been surprised when his Companion denied him, but he'd never suspected anything like this. A million things raced through his mind, with two things at the forefront: how was Jay coping with suddenly being displaced, and what was going to become of their mission? Somehow, it never occurred to him to doubt Jason's words; they'd never lied to each other, after all, and even though this was not his chosen partner, he still felt almost the same connection to him as to his own Jason. Making a snap decision, he scrambled to his feet, hauling Jason up with him.

"Come on -- I think it's time we brought Zordon and the others in on this. Maybe there's a way in this reality to help you."

Jason's look was skeptical, but he was willing to go along with almost anything; he was getting sick and tired of adjusting to ever new surroundings, having to cope with different versions of Tommy and the resultant changes in their relationship. At least he was feeling more like himself, now that he had his body back. He shoved the memory of Tammy to the back of his mind; that still hurt far more than he was comfortable with. Everything else, he could cope with. Then he remembered the kiss Tommy had given him. Then again, maybe not.

Tommy teleported the two to the Power Chamber and summoned the rest of the team. After explanations had been made all around, the six teens turned expectant faces to their ancient mentor.

"Alpha, will you run a scan on Jason?"

The little android already had an array of scanners ready. With a welcome minimum of fuss, he took readings of Jason, similar to those that had been taken that first time. Now, however, the results were slightly different.

"Zordon, there is a slight anomaly to what's in the databanks. It looks like the resonance between body and mind has been disrupted."

"That would account for the displacement you experienced. Tell me, Jason -- what effects did giving up the Gold Zeo Power in your own reality have on you?"

Jason swallowed; it had been weeks, and he was fully recovered physically, or so he'd thought, but he still hadn't quite come to terms with the experience.

"I...I think Zordon said the loss of the power was draining me of my 'vital life force', because it was never meant for a Human; of course, I'd never considered not giving it back, but it happened all so fast..." briefly he outlined the events of those days to his audience. Tommy's face slowly drained of colour as the full impact hit him.

"You... you're saying you could have died?!"

The ex-Ranger shrugged. "I knew it was a possibility, but we couldn't let the Machine Empire get hold of it. I'd do it again, if I had to." The others stared at him; they could see that their friend wasn't quite as nonchalant about this as he'd like them to believe. Nevertheless, they kept their opinion to themselves -- for now. Only Tommy took it harder. He was unable to separate this Jason from his own, they were so alike; the thought of losing him, when they'd only just found each other, was frightening. He barely held himself in check; this was not the time for the close embrace he wanted -- needed -- to give.

Zordon considered the information for a few moments.

"I would speculate that the imbalance created in your system was --is-- directly responsible for your affinity to this reality warp. Random occurrences of these phenomena usually are too weak to affect stable Humans. It also increases the likelihood that the personalities you displaced are indeed transported to your own reality. I think that, once the Zeo Crystal has again been stabilized, we can utilize the Crystal's Omega emanations to adapt the resonance left within your body from the Gold Power. It will not directly transport you back, but will insure your return once the random factor strikes again. Maybe we can determine a common thread in your experiences so far to pinpoint the next occurrence."

"Zordon, that's great!" Jason almost reeled. It was the best news he'd had in weeks -- for the first time, he had hope that it would -- could -- be over, and he'd be able to get home. As long as he had that, he could put up with whatever this reality might throw at him.

"But Zordon, what about the trip to Phaedos? We have to go tomorrow, as long as the solar eruptions will keep Mondo from attacking the Earth; you said so yourself!" Jason turned towards the Red Ranger. He'd led the team long enough to sympathize with his concerns. Before he could say anything, though, Tommy continued, casting a slightly skeptical glance in his direction.

"Besides, since Jay is missing -- his spirit, anyway -- what are we going to do about a sixth Ranger? We can't call Trey back so soon!"

Jason grimaced.

"If the Gold Power hadn't messed me up, I'd say I'd come with you. But Zordon said that I'd never be able to hold Ranger Powers again." All five teens reacted to the unconscious pain the deep voice revealed.

The Eltarian smiled benevolently. He enjoyed being able to give good news to his Rangers, and with some, more than most.

"Jason, the Ninjetti Powers are connected differently to the Morphin' Grid than the Dino or Thunder Powers. Even the Zeo connection, while to some extent dependent on the Ninjetti, is separate. Tell me, in your own reality, have you ever been to Phaedos, or met Ninjor?"

"No; no, I haven't. I'd left the team to go to the Youth Peace Summit, and transferred my Powers to Rocky; that's how he joined the team, along with Adam and Aisha."

Before Zordon could answer, Alpha piped up, bouncing excitedly.

"Ai-yi-yi, Jason, how did you manage the transfer?"

"Well, it was our last mission; the whole team went to the Deserted Planet and got the Sword of Light."

Now even Zordon betrayed excitement. "Jason, do you know by any chance if the Sword of Darkness still exists in your reality?"

Jason let the touch of pride he still felt whenever he recalled that moment show in his voice.

"It doesn't; I destroyed it to free Tommy from Rita's spell. She'd used it to reinforce her hold over him. Once it was gone, Tommy got out of her influence and joined us." He couldn't help the slightly triumphant look at Tommy; to his astonishment, it was met by an equally bright light in the brown eyes that seemed to share his delight. Without realizing it, their hands joined in a fierce grip, reaffirming their friendship which stemmed from that moment.

"That is excellent news, Rangers; now I can almost guarantee that all will be set right once you return. One who has touched the Sword of Light can never be completely stripped of the Power. That you personally destroyed the Sword of Darkness only reinforces this fact. I would think that your visit to Phaedos will completely repair the damage to your system -- Dulcea, the Master Warrior, will determine that. Should that be the case, once you return, you will once more be able to join the Rangers, should the need arise."

Elation filled Jason. "Zordon -- Billy was with us at the time; he's helped get the Sword of Light. But our Command Center exploded, and he got an overdose of negative protons; that's why he didn't take over from Trey. Couldn't he be cured, as well?"

"Why didn't he go to Phaedos?" Kat interjected.

"Huh? Billy started to age rapidly; he's been on Aquitar ever since. They have a special water source which restored him, but he has to stay close by....." Jason's voice trailed off as he saw the smiles on his friends' faces. Adam clapped a hand on his shoulder.

"Just tell him to go to Phaedos; he'll have to stay there for some time, but the Sacred Grounds will heal him. After all, they keep Dulcea young."

Rocky grinned as well. "Actually, that's where our Billy is right now. He'll be able to give you all the information you need for your own."

"Oh man, that's so great!"

Jason was nearly beside himself. They had all missed Billy terribly; the possibility of getting him back was just too good to be true! However, he had a more pressing matter at hand.

"Zordon -- could I transfer the Ninjetti Powers to Jay, if I went now? I mean, you said there's not much time, and besides the fact that I'll be able to go home, I'd really like to help, if I can..."

"I am afraid transferring the Ninjetti Powers is impossible. One of the Reasons Katherine has to go is that Kimberly's Spirit Animal is not really hers. We assume that it is similar to the Crane, but it was only a stop-gap measure so that she could take over from Kimberly -- it is also one of the reasons why the Zeo Crystal is unstable at this time."

Tommy spoke up at this point.

"Well, can't we just stabilize the Crystal for now, and then, at the next opportunity, Jay goes back to claim his own Spirit Animal?"

"If Dulcea is amenable to this plan, I do not see why it should not work. I wish you good luck in your endeavours, Rangers. May the Power protect you.".

The Rangers returned to the park to make final arrangements for the following day; then, everybody went home. Everybody, that is, but Jason and Tommy. The two regarded each other consideringly. Jason just didn't feel comfortable facing this Jason's parents; things seemed so much different here that he wasn't sure he could cope. He also had a lot of questions himself, especially about the relationship his alter ego shared with his Tommy. He cast about for a way to bring it up, when Tommy beat him to it.

"Uh....you want to go home, or do you want to stay at my place?"

Jason coloured slightly. "If you don't mind....." At Tommy's negative headshake, he continued. "I still need to know a few things." The two slowly made their way to the Oliver home. On the way, something occurred to Jason.

"By the way, how will you explain your absence to your folks, and at school? This is going to take longer than just a few hours, won't it?"

"Sure. We cleared it with Mr Caplan and our families when it became obvious we had to go now. Everything's okay."

Jason stopped and stared at the Red Ranger disbelievingly.

"What do you mean, you cleared it?"

"We told the people who needed to know that we were going to be off-planet for some time; why?"

"How can you do that without giving away your identities?"

It was Tommy's turn to stare.

"Huh?"

"I can see it's going to be a long night," Jason sighed as they resumed their walk. "Where I come from, we always had -- have -- to keep our identities secret."

"Oh man," Tommy grimaced. "I can just imagine the trouble that might cause."

"You have no idea..."

Both young men entered the Oliver house, to be greeted by Tommy's mother.

"Are you all set for tomorrow?" Before Jason could answer and inadvertantly give himself away, Tommy reassured his mom. He steered the former Gold Ranger towards his room, ostensibly to clean up, and briefed him quickly on SOP around the Olivers. "I'll explain everything later; what you need to know right now is that we've been Companions since your return, and you address my parents by their first names."

"What's a Companion?" Jason could tell that the term had a deeper significance than Tommy let on.

"After dinner. C'mon, I'm starved." He hustled his friend through his ablutions, and the two made their way back downstairs.

Jason found it slightly unnerving to be addressed as 'Jay' all evening; he wasn't used to that particular nickname, and there were undercurrents he was aware of, but couldn't quite understand. Thankfully, Tommy insisted on an early night, claiming last minute preparations. It was strange to discuss Ranger business so openly, even if they didn't go into any details; the need for secrecy was so much an ingrained habit by now that Jason had a hard time not to flinch every time Tommy casually mentioned Zordon or any other thing associated with the Rangers. Finally, the meal was over. On Tommy's recommendation, Jason called his own family to take his leave; his father seemed perfectly at ease at his somewhat halting explanation why he was spending the night before an interplanetary trip with Tommy instead of his folks. When the door to Tommy's room closed behind the boys at last, he sagged with relief. Then, he turned determined eyes towards his friend.

"Okay, Tommy, what's the deal?"

Tommy flopped down on his bed. "Why don't you sit down? This could take a while."

Impatiently, Jason turned a chair around and straddled it, resting his arms on the backrest. "What's up with you and Jay? It's pretty obvious that you're .... close." He blushed, remembering the kiss in front of everybody at the Juice Bar. It sent a shiver down his spine, which he tried his best to ignore. It didn't work.

Tommy drew a deep breath.

"Let me start at the beginning, okay?" Receiving an affirmative if slightly grudging nod, he took a few moments to collect his thoughts.

"We met at school only a few days after we moved here; there was a.....connection between us right away." Jason nodded, remembering those early days, even while Tommy was Rita's Ranger. They'd both been drawn to each other, although at the time neither knew exactly why. Only after the spell had been broken did they discover the friendship they still shared....and which had deepened into so much more for Jason. It took some effort to concentrate on Tommy's words.

"When we became Rangers, we knew that the Green Coin was unstable and possibly tainted by the time Rita had it, but we decided it was worth the risk; and for a while, everything went well. We defeated her every time....until she found a way to tap into the Green Energy again and subvert me to her service." Tommy closed his eyes briefly as he recalled that period; it still pained him to remember the things he'd done to his friends -- especially Jay. "You -- all of you -- tried everything you could think of to free me, but she'd handed the Sword of Darkness to me, and I couldn't break free. Then, she ordered me to capture you. I sort of ambushed you at school and teleported you to the Dimension of Darkness." Jason shuddered, along with Tommy. He sometimes still had nightmares about the fights against Goldar and the evil Green Ranger; he'd never been so close to death before or since, barring the loss of the Gold Power. He cast a quick glance at Tommy. What he saw on the angular features sent a chill down his spine. Almost too afraid to ask, he did so nevertheless.

"What happened there?"

Tommy opened anguished eyes. Even after all this time.....but, he owed Jason the truth, if they were to understand each other. Trying to buy some time, if only briefly, he countered with his own question.

"What.....what did your Tommy do?" It couldn't have been something good, he knew.

"He fought me, after Goldar almost had me over a barrel. I'd lost my morpher, and the communicator was jammed, or something...anyway, he was morphed, I wasn't, and he soon had me on the ground. If Billy hadn't transported me out in the nick of time......you almost killed me." Absently, he rubbed at the scar the encounter had left him with. "Why?"

His friend was very pale as Tommy admitted to his own darkest moment.

"I raped you." Neither young man noticed that at this moment they made no distinction between their alter egos and themselves.

Jason paled as well at the bald statement, fighting sudden nausea. It took him some time to regain the use of his voice. Even so, he could only speak in a hoarse whisper.

"Oh God...Tommy.....I'm sorry....!"

"You're sorry? Why?" Tommy raised agonised eyes to Jason.

He shook his head helplessly as he moved to sit next to Tommy on the bed.

"Tommy.....I know you. I'm sorry Rita made you do that. If there's one thing I'm absolutely sure of, it's that you would never have done something like that if you'd been in your right mind." Jason couldn't say for sure if he was getting through, but he was absolutely serious. Tommy looked at him, a mixture of remembered despair and hope in his eyes.

"That's what Jay said....."

"You see? You were not at fault here."

Both boys regarded each other, sharing a moment of silence. Then, Jason's curiosity got the better of him -- after all, considering his own history with the then-evil Green Ranger, it didn't make a lot of sense.

"There's one thing I don't understand, though....why rape? Why not kill me?"

Painfully, Tommy explained.

"Rita had picked up on the attraction we felt for each other. She wanted not so much to see you dead, but broken so that she could subvert you as well." A weak grin flitted over his face. "She hadn't counted on your stubbornness."

Jason returned the tiny grin. "Couldn't keep me down, huh?"

Sobering again, Tommy continued. "No. When you recovered, you escaped and made it back to Earth. Somehow or other, all of you succeeded in freeing me. I tried to kill you then, but you destroyed the Sword, and broke the spell." The Red Ranger blushed and lowered his head. Regaining his composure, he sought out the dark eyes of his best friend once more. Jason felt and heard the sincerity as Tommy recalled that moment.

"I'll never know why, but I'll always be grateful that you could forgive me. I think I'd have killed myself if you hadn't."

Both regarded each other for long moments. Then, Jason brought them back to the present. Trying to lighten the atmosphere, he ventured another small smile.

"I take it things have changed since then, haven't they?"

"Thank God, yes." Tommy released the breath he'd been unconsciously holding. "It took a long time, but we finally got together. Although, we only got really serious after you came back from the Peace Conference."

"Ah, yes, this 'Companion' business. Care to explain that?" Jason by now had a fairly good idea where this was leading, and marvelled at the changes Society in this reality had apparently gone through.

"Companions are same-gender pairings who are in an exclusive, committed relationship. It's nothing as serious as marriage, although that sometimes happens; it just means that we're officially together. As it is, we both want a family later; we'll have to decide then what we're going to do about us."

"Officially together....that means you and Jay are lovers, aren't you? And your folks and the gang know about it?"

"Yeah. What about you?"

Unaccountably, Jason blushed. Squirming slightly, he admitted the truth.

"My Tommy and I .... we're best friends. Nothing more."

Something in his tone or expression must have given him away, because Tommy leaned over and placed a hand on his thigh. With surprising insight, he murmured, "But you wish it were more, don't you?"

Jason wanted to deny it, but a look into the warm, understanding brown eyes permitted only honesty.

"Yeah."

It was the first time he'd admitted it out loud to another person. Even Tammy hadn't gotten that much candor out of him -- all he'd been able to tell her was that he was 'attracted' to Tommy. As if a dam had burst, Jason recounted the tale of his deepening feelings for his best friend.

"It's just ... I've known that I love him for quite some time now, even though I never said it out loud. I think, in his own way, he loves me, too; it's only recently that I've wanted more than friendship. Sometimes...." he trailed off, but an encouraging look brought forth a final admission.

"Sometimes it's so hard not to reach out and touch......." Jason was unaware that Tommy had scooted over and was now sitting next to him. He only felt the warm arm around his shoulders pulling him into a comforting embrace, and he wearily rested his head against the strong shoulder. For a while, he lost himself in the close contact, then eased back reluctantly. He met the chocolate eyes hesitantly.

"Have you told him yet?"

Jason hung his head. A part of him wished he were miles away, but another part was just glad to get it all out into the open. For once, he could be sure not to be censured, and if he were totally honest with himself, it did him a world of good to be able to talk about his feelings for the Red Ranger to someone who really understood.

"No....and I'm not sure I ever will."

"Why not? What's wrong with telling someone you love them?"

Jason laughed humorlessly and disengaged himself completely from Tommy's hold. Leaning back on his elbows, he spared him a sardonic glance. "Can you guarantee that he'll take it in stride? If there's one thing I know, it's that I don't want to lose Tommy as my friend. I need him too much for that. And if that means I'll have to keep my feelings under wraps, then that's the way it's gonna be."

Tommy was not convinced, but kept his opinion to himself -- for the moment. He and Jay had found too much joy in their relationship to totally buy into this denial thing. However, all he said was a non-committal "I suppose you know what's best."

Jason glanced at him quizzically, but let it rest. The two sat in silence, when suddenly they both were overcome by jaw-cracking yawns. Chuckling, Tommy heaved himself off the bed.

"It's been a long day, and tomorrow is going to be even longer. C'mon, let's go to bed."

"Right."

Jason, too, got up, then glanced around the room. It contained a desk, computer rack, a closet.....and one comfortable-sized bed......large for one, spacious enough for two if those two didn't mind getting very friendly. He felt the heat rise in his cheeks.

"Um.....Tommy?"

"Yeah?"

"Uh.....where am I supposed to sleep?" he asked sheepishly.

"What? Oh....." it was Tommy's turn to blush. It was just too easy to forget that this was not Jay. He grinned somewhat shamefacedly.

"I'm afraid we'll have to share. I mean, how would we explain it to my folks if you suddenly used the guest room?" Noticing the high colour in Jason's face, he tried to lighten the mood. "Look, I promise to keep my hands to myself, okay?"

Seeing that there was no choice if they didn't want to give things away, Jason just nodded, temporarily unable to speak.

What's the big deal, anyway? It's not as if you and Tommy haven't ever shared a bed, or a sleeping bag! That was true, as far as it went, but it had never happened since his feelings for Tommy had changed.

Trying to control his suddenly bubbling hormones, he joked weakly.

"I'll try to behave myself, too."

Tommy just barely managed to suppress his own disappointed moan. He'd hoped for a prolonged tryst with his Companion when they'd planned this last night on Earth; now it looked as if he'd have to rein in his libido far longer than he anticipated. It was not going to be easy, not with Jason so obviously in need for him -- and reminding himself of Jay so much. However, these were unusual circumstances. And Tommy had sworn to himself that he'd never force Jay into intimacy again. Sighing, he just shrugged. "If you say so."

At noon the next day, all six Rangers met at the lake, ready for the trip to Phaedos. The teleport was longer and more arduous than the three neophytes had expected, although Jason knew what to expect from his trip to the Deserted Planet over a year ago. They landed on the rocky shore as before -- only this time, they were not attacked by Tengas. Instead, a cheerful, familiar voice hailed them.

"Guys!"

"Billy! Man, it's good to see you!"

The former Blue Ranger greeted his friends enthusiastically. He looked more relaxed and fitter than Jason could remember, and he found himself hoping that his own old friend could achieve the same state, if he made a successful return to his own reality. The group of seven teenagers cheerfully made their way to the Sacred Grounds, filling the young genius in on the newest developments. He looked curiously at Jason.

"I'm very eager to learn more about your experiences. In my studies, I have heard about reality warps, but there are very few people who have actually experienced this. Most simply get stranded; you are lucky that your connection to the Morphin' Grid will enable you to return home."

"Then you think it'll work?" Jason could hardly restrain his eagerness.

"I see no reason why it shouldn't. Especially not if we can determine a catalyst for your previous shifts. I'll want to know more about the circumstances in each universe before we can go about recreating them."

They reached the rocky plateau just before sunset. Tommy, Adam and Rocky shifted into their Ninjetti uniforms as soon as they set foot on the Grounds; to Jason's surprise, they wore their old colours of White, Black and Red. Billy explained that, as they waited for Dulcea. "It has to do with their Spirit Animals. The Zeo colours are influenced by the Crystal's perceptions of its wielders, and the things they do with the Power. The Ninjetti may differ, and are more dependent on the actual animal."

Jason grinned at Adam. "There are green frogs about, though..."

Adam scowled at him, though not seriously.

"Thank you, but I've heard my share of Kermit jokes without that, too." He'd come to terms with his amphibian Spirit quite some time ago.

"Hey, if the flipper fits...." Rocky snickered. Before the teasing got out of hand, though, they were recalled to the present by the arrival of the Master Warrior. Dulcea listened to them earnestly, then scrutinized all three new applicants for the Great Power deeply. She took an extra long time with Jason, who met her penetrating gaze as openly as he could. Finally, she nodded.

"It can be done. If you can find your animal Spirit, you can help stabilize the Zeo Crystal and use it to reestablish the connection between your mind and your own body. You just have to be careful to gauge the degree; if you tighten the connection too much, you will be forced to remain where you are now."

"We'll be careful," Tommy promised. "But Dulcea, what about Jay?"

"Your Companion, White Falcon, will be welcome here as soon as he is returned to you."

Jason and Tommy shared relieved glances. As the others prepared for the evening meal and the ceremony, Billy took Jason aside and questioned him in depth about the three switchovers he had experienced so far. When he was finally released, he made his way over to Tommy, a strange expression on his face. Sitting down next to him, he stared into the flickering flames of the fire pit. The White Ninjetti waited for a while, then looked at his friend.

"Well? Did you find a catalyst?"

Jason looked at him out of the corner of his eye. "Sort of."

"What do you mean, sort of? Either you have, or you haven't."

"Well....Billy has a theory....." Tommy saw with astonishment that Jason blushed. Extremely curious, he probed further.

"What theory?"

Jason swallowed. Why was it so hard to tell Tommy? If Billy was correct, he would need his help if he wanted to go home; besides, even though this was not his Tommy, he sensed almost the same kind of connection as with his best friend at home -- and he would want Jay back as soon as possible. Drawing a deep breath, he launched into the explanation Billy had given him.

"I told you that in that first alternate reality, you were a girl, right? And last time, that I was in a female body?" Seeing the affirmative nod Tommy gave, Jason went on. His cheeks hot, he gave further details.

"What I didn't tell you is.....I made love to your counterparts in both realities. To Tammy, and as Jess." He waited for a commentary, but all Tommy would say was a noncommittal "So?"

"So.... I was transported onwards within a short time of having climaxed with either one. Apparently, or so Billy believes, the physiological changes in the body during sex somehow ease the way for the reality warp to hit me again. If I got it correctly, it has to do with higher hormone levels and a shutdown of higher brain functions. As soon as body and brain return to normal, I'm anchored within a body that resonates to my mind, or whatever. Billy got a bit too technical in the end."

"Yeah, he does that sometimes, doesn't he?" Both Rangers chuckled, recalling times past when Billy had needed Trini to translate for him. Then, Tommy sobered. He made no pretense to being as intelligent as their genius friend, but the implications of his theory were all too clear. It also explained why Jason wouldn't quite look at him. However, there was no sense in beating around the bush.

"What you're saying then is, you have to have sex with me after we do whatever we have to do with the Zeo Crystal, and you and Jay get switched back?"

Jason just nodded. For the life of him, he couldn't look Tommy in the eyes right now. In a way, it would show him what he had wished for so long, but on the other hand it was clear from the outset that it would be a one-time thing. He wasn't sure he could cope with touching his dream only to have to give it up almost as soon as it was within his grasp. Then, he thought about his counterpart, and knew he had no choice. He couldn't just consider his own needs. Jay had to have a way home to his own reality, and Tommy.

"Okay."

The softly-spoken word took some time to register in Jason's mind. He turned to look at Tommy, meeting the brown eyes with his own. He lifted a questioning eyebrow; considering their banter from last night and this morning, he hadn't expected the hesitancy Tommy displayed.

"I hadn't thought about it before, until now, but in a way I feel as if I'm going to cheat on Jay if we get together."

For a moment, Jason had no answer. Then, he grinned slightly.

"If it's any consolation, technically you won't be cheating. After all, this is Jay's body. It's just my mind which is in it right now."

"But I love Jay not just because of his body -- it's his personality, his spirit which has always drawn me."

"I'm sorry." Jason looked away, not knowing what to say to that. It mirrored too closely the misgivings he'd had when he fell in love with Tammy; only she had convinced him to disregard them.

Tommy shook himself, mentally and physically. He put a hand on Jason's forearm.

"Look, I know it's the only way for you to go home. By extension, it's also the only way I'll get Jay back. I'd do anything for that. Making love to you won't be that hard." He attempted a friendly leer. He couldn't quite pull it off, but Jason understood what he was trying to say. Closing his eyes, he inhaled deeply, then made himself meet those warm orbs. A last moment of indecision, then he committed himself.

"All right. If you're sure...."

"Yes."

Their hands found each other in a firm grip.

Darkness blanketed the view of the Neola jungle as Dulcea gathered the seven teens around the blazing firepit. She was flanked by Tommy, Billy, Adam and Rocky in their Ninjetti uniforms as she faced Jason and the two girls. Speaking the ritual words and telling them to look deeply within themselves, she blew a handful of sparkling powder into the flames which flared up and obscured the three from sight. When the fire died down again, Kat and Tanya wore Pink and Yellow uniforms like the rest of the team; only Jason was left in his shorts and tank top. Tommy exchanged worried glances with the others as Dulcea approached Kat. Looking deep into the sparkling blue eyes, she Named her Spirit Animal.

"Katherine, you are the Flamingo, stately and cautious; your spirit strengthens the team." Taking a few steps, she stood in front of Tanya. "Tanya, fleet and lighthearted; follow the Gazelle on your path." The Yellow Ninjetti exchanged a delighted smile with her friend, while the Master Warrior made her way to the last applicant. Her green eyes bore deeply into the dark ones of the only person who had not transformed.

"Jason....which Spirit spoke to you?"

The young man inhaled a shaky breath. Meeting that probing gaze was not easy.

"I ... I saw ... something big. It had an eagle's head, and wings. But the body was furred, like a giant cat."

Billy stepped forward. "You saw a Gryphon?" To Dulcea, he explained. "It's one of Earth's mythological beasts, like the unicorn. It is a mixture of an eagle and a lion."

Dulcea thought for a moment. Then, she fixed Jason with her eyes once more.

"It is rare that two Spirit Animals fight over an individual. Neither has the upper hand at the moment -- a sign that there is not sufficient harmony within you between your body and spirit." She lifted a hand to forestall any comments. "It is through no fault of yours. However, it means that you must go and search for the one which will guide you. At one point, you will have to choose between the Eagle and the Lion. Only one will bring you to the true path of your destiny. Choose wisely, Jason, or you will be lost."

The former Ranger returned Dulcea's serious look. "I will do my best."

"Good. That is all anyone can ask of you."

The Master Warrior was about to turn away, when Tommy spoke up. "Dulcea?"

She turned. "Yes, Tommy?"

"Does Jason have to go alone?"

A small smile played around her lips as Dulcea regarded the two. She waited long minutes before she answered.

"No, Tommy; you may go with your Companion. However, I must warn you: Do not interfere with the path he chooses. even if it is not the one you would take. All choice must come from Jason, and him alone. Can you accept that?"

Tommy didn't even hesitate.

"Yes."

"Very well. You leave at first light."

With that, she stepped past the group of teens into the darkness. Moments later, a white owl ghosted down the mountainside, her plaintive hoot echoing softly through the night.

Dawn found Jason and Tommy well on their way from the Sacred Grounds. They had left their friends with Billy, who promised to give them the necessary instruction to stabilize the Zeo Crystal once they got home, and how to focus it on Jason to match his spiritual resonance to his own reality, so that he could go home again.

Tommy was slightly surprised that Jason didn't head directly into the jungle, as they had done on their way to the Monolith. Instead, he made for the treeline, keeping in the shadows, but at the same time able to watch over the savannah. The two didn't talk much, each lost in his own thoughts, as they walked briskly along. They took short breaks from time to time, to rest and recover, but made steady progress throughout the day. When night fell again, Jason walked deeper into the lush vegetation, until he found a small clearing next to a spring. Gratefully, they settled down, picking some fruit for dinner and drinking of the cool, clear water. As the jungle sounds around them began to die down for the night, Tommy broke the silence.

"How did you know this was here?"

"Hmm? Oh -- the spring. I don't know, really. Somehow, it seemed right to come here."

The two sat side by side at the foot of a sun-warmed boulder, relaxing in the still-warm air. They had no need for a fire, since the temperatures were warm enough, and Phaedos' two moons cast bluish-green light through the canopy of trees -- enough to illuminate the small glade. Both were lost in thought. After a while, Tommy addressed his friend once more.

"Jason?"

He got a questioning look.

"Have you thought about what we talked about last night?"

Even in the dim light, Tommy could make out the flush on Jason's cheeks.

"Yeah. To be honest, I could think about little else."

Tommy grinned lopsidedly.

"Me, too. I mean -- we agreed to do it, right?"

"Yeah...."

"Well, I was wondering....you've never been with another guy before......do you want to wait until after the Crystal is ready to send you home, or....."

"Or what?" Jason felt his insides churning slightly; he wasn't sure if the cause was nervousness, or anticipation.

Tommy lowered his gaze and fiddled with his gauntlets. Blushing himself, he found it rather hard to meet Jason's eyes.

"Well...if it's allright with you, we could....experiment a little....sort of show you beforehand what it's all about....if you want to, that is."

Jason seemed to take an inordinately long time to think about Tommy's proposal. At last, he raised serious dark eyes to the White Ninjetti.

"It--it'd probably be a good idea if I knew what to expect....."

Tommy released a breath he hadn't been aware of holding. For all his ambivalence earlier, he found himself strangely eager to explore this path with Jay's counterpart. Sitting up slightly, he touched the strong arm next to him in a gentle caress.

"You want to do something now?"

The ex-Ranger closed his eyes briefly. Giant butterflies seemed to dance in his stomach as he made himself look up. Swallowing past his suddenly dry throat, his deep voice was husky as he gave in to the tension that had sprung up between them.

"Yes."

It was all the encouragement Tommy needed. He leaned up and over and captured the dark head between both palms. His own voice was a sensual growl as he bent down to the slightly parted lips.

"I'll make it good for you this time." His mouth closed over Jason's.

Jason held still, stunned, as the firm lips pressed against his. When Tommy started to lick around the contours of his mouth, he opened up, just as he'd done at the Youth Center. Only this time, he had enough presence of mind not to draw away. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the taste and feel of that skilled tongue foraying for his own. As his instincts began to take over and he responded, a few things stood out with startling clarity. One, he had basically just agreed that Tommy could seduce him; the thought sent his butterflies into a veritable frenzy. Two, Tommy's last remark showed him that the Red Ranger bore his own scars from the past -- by letting Tommy make love to him this first time with his consent, he could help dispel the shadows of that other, violent first time he'd had with Jay. Three, if he ever screwed up enough nerve to talk about his feelings to his own Tommy, this would give him the perfect opportunity to learn what he needed to know. Four --- at this point, Tommy's tongue tip made contact with his own, and everything else vanished besides the fact that it felt pretty damn incredible. Jason's arms came up around Tommy's chest. The two lost themselves in the kiss, playing a gentle game of dominance which neither wanted to lose and didn't give a damn who won. They explored each other's mouths with everything they had, until the need to breathe forced them apart. Jason opened his eyes as Tommy licked teasingly at his lips in parting. He could feel the warm breath against his skin as he whispered a question.

"You want more?"

"Oh God, yes!"

"Good. So do I." With that, Tommy kissed him again, more forcefully this time. Soon, both were clutching at each other, straining against hard, muscled chests, devouring each other's mouths. As a questing hand slipped under his tank top to glide over his pecs, Jason tore himself away. Gasping for air, he let his head fall back, exposing the sensitive skin of his neck to the sensual assault. Before he fully realized what was happening, Tommy had stripped him of his shirt and shorts, and was slipping a hand into his briefs to close around his already throbbing cock. Jason tried to get at some skin himself, but could not seem to find a way to loosen the Ninjetti uniform. Breathless, he summoned what willpower he had left and stopped the maddening hand from wandering down to his balls.

"Wait....please, Tommy, wait...!"

"Hmm? What?" Tommy was nuzzling down to the hard brown nubs on Jason's chest; he was about to fasten his mouth to the nearest, when the panted plea sank into his consciousness. Reluctantly, he eased off. For a moment, he feared he had caused Jason some kind of pain, but a single glance into the blazing dark eyes took care of that. Smiling wolfishly, he nipped at the heaving chest.

"Do you really want me to stop?" He squeezed the straining rod slightly for emphasis.

Jason returned the smile with an equally feral expression, thrusting into the firm grip.

"Only long enough to get you out of this thing." He tugged at the collar of Tommy's uniform. To his surprise, it seemed to melt off, leaving him in the shorts and tee he had worn the day before.

Laughing breathlessly, Tommy swooped in for another hot, thoroughly arousing kiss, calling forth a deep moan, before he released his friend. Both quickly stripped, flinging their clothes every which way. Finally naked, both stopped to really look at each other. The moonlight cast interesting shadows across their tanned skin, highlighting sculpted muscles and strong sinews. Their cocks were fully erect, pulsating in synch with their thundering heartbeats and the rapid rise and fall of their chests.

Jason reached out with a hand that wasn't quite steady. He'd touched Tommy while he was Jess, but somehow, that had been different; it wasn't a small, delicate hand closing around the hard shaft, but his own strong fingers. The feel was different and yet the same as when he touched himself, and he couldn't resist the impulse to pump once. Tommy moaned. Encouraged, Jason repeated the motion, until Tommy was writhing under his hands, vocalizing his pleasure with sighs and groans.

Soon, they were rolling on the moss-covered ground, groping and exploring each other, hands gliding over sweat-slick skin and mouths kissing, licking, biting wherever they could. Their throbbing cocks mashed into hard abs as fingers squeezed firm asscheeks. Jason found himself on his back, clutching at Tommy's shoulders, as the dark head moved inexorably downward, licking wet trails over his quivering muscles towards his needy manhood. His eyes were closed in anticipation as the hot wetness sent flickers of fire into his most sensitive spots. Jason moaned ecstatically as the first moist swipe moved around his flaring cap. He didn't care that it was another man swallowing him deep into his throat, all that mattered was the rush towards orgasm which was slowly building up inside of him. He knew he was going to come soon as his hips began to pump into that deliciously hot, sucking mouth. He was about to abandon all restraint, as a last shred of rational thought suddenly penetrated his pleasure-fogged brain. Billy....what was it Billy had said about his shifts into different realities? They seemed linked to him having sex with Tommy?

It was the hardest thing Jason had ever done; he was so close, Tommy's hands and mouth on his sex felt so incredible, but if he wanted a chance of getting home soon and putting things to right, he had to stop now! He grabbed for the long, silky strands of hair which dusted against his skin. Barely able to think, much less move, he forced himself to speak.

"Tommy..........Tommy, don't.......oh God, stop, I ......." the rest was lost in a hungry groan.

The White Ninjetti was only dimly aware of the frantic hands burying themselves in his hair. All his senses were concentrated on the smell and taste of his lover, whose hard, hot organ filled his throat to capacity. He couldn't wait to feel it probing his ass! He pressed his tongue-tip to the one spot just below the velvety head which he knew would bring Jay to the point of no return, when he became aware of a difference in the straining muscles. While the slim hips still bucked slightly into his mouth, it seemed as if Jason tried very hard to stop. Not understanding, he lifted his head slightly to search out the dark eyes, sliding his lips up until he held only the very tip of the large cock inside. Jason thrashed his head around, panting, but the words he gasped out were not pleas to finish him off; it sounded more like he was begging him ....to stop?

Reluctantly, Tommy eased off. He had trouble breathing too, but he'd made himself a promise after Jay finally became his lover -- he'd never force him again. Crawling upwards, he pressed his own aching erection against the smooth skin and reached out with an unsteady hand to turn the sweaty face towards him.

"Jay?" His voice was hoarse with desire. "Jay, what is it?"

Jason focussed with difficulty. Part of him wanted to scream with frustration, he needed to come so badly, but he knew he couldn't -- not now, at least.

"Tommy.... we can't..." His normally deep tones came out in a needy groan. He barely restrained himself from throwing himself at the hard, smooth body next to his.

"Why? Did I hurt you?"

"No...." he moaned. Dragging his eyes open, he couldn't help but pull Tommy down into a desperate kiss. Tearing himself away, he rolled out of the heated embrace. Head swimming, he sat up, running shaky hands through his short hair. Still gasping for air, he directed a rueful smile at his teammate.

"Remember what I told you about Billy's theory? I get switched as soon as you and I have sex? We're not finished here yet -- we can't ..."

"Oh, man...!" With a disappointed groan of his own, Tommy collapsed next to Jason. His body was screaming for release, but Jason was right -- they couldn't allow themselves to continue, not if they wanted to succeed with their two-fold mission.

It took long minutes for both to get their raging hormones under at least nominal control. When they were finally able to move without having the overwhelming urge to just grab the other and finish what they'd started, they sat next to each other, carefully not touching. At last, Tommy directed a sheepish smile towards Jason.

"I'm sorry; I didn't think....all of a sudden, I just wanted you, as much as I've ever wanted Jay..."

"It's okay; I wasn't exactly thinking clearly, either. When you touched me...." Jason shuddered pleasurably, trying to ignore his still-throbbing cock.

"Yeah...." The two shared a smile that was at once apologetic and full of promise. Tommy's voice was a sensual purr as he leaned over to brush a brief, hot kiss against Jason's mouth. "As soon as we're home, though....."

"Mmhh..." Jason felt a delicious chill race down his spine. "Definitely." His dark eyes were still lit with a hot flame, although the fire was banked now. Tommy settled next to his friend. Sharing the silence, both tried to control their rampant anatomy, but the other's nearness and nudity didn't help. Tommy tried to shift his legs unobtrusively, but caught a similar movement from Jason out of the corner of his eye. A quick glance confirmed that his friend's phallus was just as hard as his own, straining into the warm night air. He couldn't help the small snort of laughter as he tried to picture them, sitting side by side with raging hard-ons, trying very hard not to touch.

"Tommy?" The deep voice, calmer now, came out of the darkness.

"Hm?"

"You...uh...need to...uh....?"

"Yeah," sheepishly.

"Me, too."

At that, Tommy sat up, astonished. "You can do that?"

"Masturbate? Yes. I didn't, while I was Jess -- it was just too weird --, but in that first reality...Tammy got me so hot, sometimes...."

"And that didn't make you switch, did it." Tommy sounded a bit excited, Jason thought. Now why...?

"No. Billy thinks it's because of the affinity we share that it has to be you who's making me come. I don't know if it would work with another partner, but going solo doesn't."

Tommy felt his excitement rise again. Maybe he couldn't be the one who got Jason off, but there was a way he could help him -- and himself, which would be a lot more fun than sneaking off into the bushes to take care of business alone. Kneeling up, he reached out a hand to brush against the firm lips. Slipping a fingertip inside, he gasped as a wet tongue briefly bathed his digit in moisture and white teeth bit gently on the sensitive pad.

Breathless, he put his plan before Jason. "Maybe....maybe we can't do each other, but....why don't we do ourselves....together?"

Dark eyes fastened onto his, sparkling with curiosity and renewed lust. "How?"

Tommy stole another heated kiss.

"Let me show you."

He drew Jason up, so that they both knelt opposite each other, knees almost, but not quite touching, slightly spread for better purchase. He draped a hand around the strong neck and drew his friend into a long, slow tongue duel. His free hand wandered down the broad chest to wrap around the still-hard pole which began to throb with renewed vigour. Tommy gasped into the willing mouth as he felt Jason reciprocate. When they were both at almost the same fever pitch they had reached before, he reluctantly released both the swirling tongue and the pulsating shaft.

Straightening, he sat back on his haunches and watched Jason do the same. His chest heaving, he instructed him what to do, his voice a deep rumble that raised goosebumps on Jason's skin.

"Watch me."

He started to run his hands down his own body, pinching his nipples into hardness and gliding around sculpted muscles. To his delight, he saw that the former Ranger caught on quickly and began to mimic his moves. The two young men were less than two feet apart -- barely enough to sense the heat from each other's skin, as they avidly watched each other's hands. Simultaneously, their hands wandered down, to cup heavy sacs and pump straining cocks. They tried to draw it out, but couldn't -- the sight of the other pleasuring himself just as each was doing, the sound of their heavy breathing which escalated into deep moans, was too much for either of them. Their fists closed harder around their organs, stroking faster and faster, until they could stand it no more. Muscles locked, hips snapped forward, and first one, then the other came into their own hands, shouting out their release into the night air. As the last spasm faded, Tommy reached out again, only to be met halfway by Jason, and they devoured each other in a hot, wet kiss. Trembling and out of breath, they separated, staring into each other's eyes with equal amounts of triumph and satisfaction. Tommy lifted his still-wet hand and brushed the sticky moisture coating his fingers over Jason's mouth. His cock started to twitch with revived interest as he watched Jason's tongue sensuously lick the come off his lips.

Before he was tempted to do more, he sat up again. Words were unnecessary as they both made their way to the spring to quench their thirst and clean themselves off. Drawing the unresisting body into a close embrace, Tommy kissed Jason deeply once more before they settled down to sleep. Just before he dropped off, he heard a sleepy murmur rumble into his skin.

"Can't wait for the real thing..." Even breaths told him his friend had fallen asleep. Smiling with delight, Tommy's last thought before he, too, slid into the darkness, was a lustful image of the two of them entwined on his bed, doing all the things they had to deny themselves tonight.

The next day brought them further away from the lush vegetation, although they never lost sight of the treeline. Jason seemed to know where he was going, although it had no plan as far as Tommy could tell. Mindful of his promise to Dulcea, he tagged along, content in their companionship. This time, they talked and laughed in between the comfortable silences, touching often, sneaking in quick and not-so-quick kisses and gropes -- even the occasional pinch into firm cheeks. The sensuality was always simmering under the surface, but both were careful to keep it at a manageable level.

By midafternoon, they had reached an area where a small river drew a dividing line through the landscape. Picking their way cautiously along the rocky shoreline, Tommy noticed that Jason became increasingly restless. Just as he was about to call a halt and ask what was going on, Jason stopped and seemed to listen intently -- for what, Tommy had no idea.

Jason felt his heart beating fast in his chest; he couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen. He scanned his surroundings. Shading his eyes against the afternoon sun, his gaze was drawn upwards. Far in the distance, a small dark speck seemed to hover in the air. As it came closer to circle overhead, he could make out the enormous wingspan of a bird of prey. It was too far up, but the sharp cry and the smooth glide in the air currents seemed very familiar, somehow. Without knowing how he knew, he was sure the creature was an eagle, come for him. He turned towards Tommy, who was watching the raptor with delighted eyes. Just as Jason was about to speak, a movement at the edge of the trees behind Tommy caught his attention. Gasping with surprise, he recognized the powerful lines, the golden-brown fur and darker mane of a male lion loping towards him. The beast settled about halfway between the jungle and the two boys, fixing Jason with large golden eyes, his tail twitching. Just then, the eagle settled on a bolder across river, also staring towards him.

Tommy watched all this, his own heart thudding almost painfully. This was it -- the decision Jason had to make. Part of him wished he would choose the Eagle; his own Spirit Animal, the Falcon, spoke to him of the joys of shared flight, of soaring high above the Earth, conquering the skies. But he dared not speak. Waiting breathlessly, he divided his attention among the two magnificent beasts and his friend.

Jason felt torn as never before. He'd always been so close to Tommy, no matter in which reality he found himself; their bond seemed to transcend space and time, and he could feel the kinship between the Eagle and the Falcon. He looked at the great cat once more. He'd raised himself on all fours again, slowly turning away, back towards the trees. Something caught Jason's attention. He squinted slightly against the sunlight. Just barely, he could make out other golden-brown shapes among the foliage, smaller, some lighter in colour, waiting for their leader. With sudden insight, Jason knew what he was seeing.

It's his pack! Of course -- the Eagle is solitary; apart from his mate, he lives alone, far away from everything. The Lion is a pack animal, with one male commanding the pride, the others hunting and living together, never alone, but....almost a team.

Words from his past echoed in his mind. We're a team.--This means nothing without my friends to share it with me. -- We're always here for you. -- You're a part of us.

Once more, Jason glanced at the Eagle. The giant bird thrust himself into the air with a single strong sweep of his wings, circling above his head and crying out. Then, he winged off, into the distance. Jason watched until he was once more just a speck in the sky, then turned resolutely towards the jungle. Summoning Tommy with a single glance, he followed the Lion and his pack into the trees.

The two made their way on the barely-visible path, catching only occasional glimpses of bronze fur, but Jason picked his route without thinking; he knew where he was going. All Tommy could do was follow. Not a word was spoken until they reached another glade, a large grassy patch bathed in sunlight, with a profusion of blooms bordering the edges. A small waterfall to the left splashed with muted noise into a rocky basin, to form a stream which led further into the jungle. The Lion stopped in the middle of the clearing, sitting and turning towards them, as if he was waiting. Instinctively, both stopped. Hardly daring to breathe, Tommy watched, mesmerized, as Jason went on, approaching the large predator who sat, tail twitching, until the young man was within touching distance. Then, he raised himself on all fours and roared a challenge. Jason stood stock-still. As if in a trance, he reached out with his right hand until he made contact with the dark brown mane. Before Tommy could call out a warning, the Lion moved, pressing himself against Jason's legs. A bright flash of light obscured his vision for several seconds, then all was quiet.

The White Ninjetti waited for the colourful spots to clear from his eyes. When he could see again, he anxiously scanned the clearing. Of the Lion and his pack, there was no trace, but Jason lay in a crumpled heap where he had stood before. Tommy dashed forward, suddenly afraid. He skidded to a halt next to his friend. Before he could say anything, Jason moaned and stirred, sitting up slowly. As he opened bleary eyes, he looked directly into warm brown orbs which sparkled with something he couldn't quite name. Jason shook his head once, to clear it. He reached out a hand to Tommy, who helped haul him to his feet. Just when he was about to comment on the strange experience, he became aware of what he was seeing: his arm, which was held in a firm grip by his friend, did no longer show his tanned skin, but was instead swathed in soft, bronze-coloured folds, his hand covered by a gold-edged gauntlet. Jason made a quick visual inspection of himself, then his eyes met Tommy's in a delighted exchange. Like Tommy, he was wearing a Ninjetti uniform, with the image of a roaring Lion etched into the golden coin on his chest.

The six Rangers met at the seashore once more to take their leave of Billy, who had to stay on for another few months. Though he missed Earth, he didn't seem too put out to be spending more time on the Sacred Plains, and he promised to let them know about his return.

"Just remember, you have to focus your energies into the Zeo Crystal to stabilize it. Once that's done, give it a couple of days, then you call the energy outward to allow the Omega Emanations to work on Jason for exactly 3.4 minutes. Anything less, and you risk damaging the resonance between his mind and body further; anything more, and you'll trap him in this reality, with no chance of reversing the process."

"Thanks, Billy. I really appreciate all you've done." Jason drew his oldest friend into a brief hug, which made Billy blush slightly. The others grinned, while Tommy looked on indulgently. The sexual energy between him and Jason had not gone unnoticed by the rest of the team, and they'd come in for a goodly share of good-natured teasing, whenever they were caught kissing or just scoping each other out. Jason was slowly becoming less self-conscious about expressing his desires, and had even learned to initiate contact between the two of them. Tommy was filled with anticipation; long talks with Jason had helped clarify both their motivations, apart from the obvious, and they were both at peace with what they both had and wanted to do. Besides, he and Jay indulged themselves frequently -- they were all but living together, anyway, dividing their time between both their houses. It was a rare night they spent apart. Consequently, abstaining had not been easy. They had not repeated their mutual masturbation session, both fearing they'd get carried away. They'd had some close calls, though.

Recalling himself to the present with a mental shake, Tommy said his goodbyes, promising to return with Jay if he could. Then he activated his communicator to send the special signal to Alpha so that the little android could teleport them home. Billy called out last greetings as the Rangers felt the familiar tingle of the teleportation beam and they dissolved into a rainbow of coloured lights -- white changing to red, red into blue, black to green, pink, yellow and golden-bronze.

At the Power Chamber, their return coincided with the collapse of the solar flares which had prevented the Machine Empire from attacking the Earth for the duration of their absence. Almost immediately, the five Zeo Rangers launched into battle against another of Mondo's monsters -- this time, he had transformed someone's boom box into a grotesque shape which blasted the city with sonic waves, damaging the structural integrity of several buildings and shattering glass wherever it turned. Jason watched with Zordon as the Megazord finally landed a killing blow, and the monstrosity shrunk back into a mangled heap of circuitry and smashed plastic.

The battle over, the Rangers decided to go home to get a good night's rest before they reassembled the next day to infuse their Power source with their combined Ninjetti energies. Jason especially was thrilled to participate; it hadn't happened often that the whole team called upon the Power to work. When they did, though, it always tended to reinforce the bonds of friendship and caring the Rangers shared; never had he felt so close to all of them. Kat and Tanya nearly bubbled over with excitement once they were done -- the girls had an almost overwhelming urge to be close to the whole team, and all of the male Rangers got more than their fair share of affectionate hugs and friendly pecks.

As for Jason and Tommy, the experience drew them even closer. They touched frequently, not caring who saw them, enjoying the added sense of oneness. The others watched them indulgently, well aware that they soon would share one last encounter before Jason was hopefully returned to his own reality, and they got their own Bronze Ninjetti back -- or maybe Jay would choose to follow the Eagle instead, in which case his colour would be different.

The two days they had to wait for the Zeo Crystal to realign itself passed for Jason in a strange dichotomy of passing time -- on the one hand, the minutes seemed to crawl as he waited for the moment when he could begin his journey home; on the other, the time he could spend expressing his feelings for Tommy seemed to fly, and a part of him desperately wanted to cling to this. Finally, the moment had come. The team reassembled in the Power Chamber, morphed and ready as Alpha set the timer. The five gathered around their friend in a circle, raising their hands high and touching palms as they called upon their link to the Crystal, the Great Power and the Grid. Jason stood in the middle, watching the intense concentration on their faces as he felt the energy build around him. The hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up, his skin began to tingle all over and there was a sound like waves crashing on the rocks in his ears as he dimly heard Zordon give the signal to the Rangers. He could almost see the brightly coloured streams of energy flowing into the Zeo Crystal, diffusing and breaking as if filtered through a powerful kaleidoscope and rushing outwards toward him, seemingly entering every cell of his body. A sensation of heat and cold enveloped him, then a flash of brilliance obscured his vision, and he knew no more.

The white flare slowly died down, and the circle broke up. Tommy took a step towards Jason, steadying his friend who was swaying with his eyes closed. The touch of his hand brought Jason back to his senses.

"Whoa!" he croaked, rubbing his eyes. "That was intense!"

"Are you alright?"

He smiled at Tommy.

"Yeah, I think so." He returned the firm grip with one of his own.

"Jason, let me take some readings," the squeaky voice of Alpha interrupted. Grumbling under his breath, he let himself be placed on the medbed, uttering dire threats towards Rocky and Adam, who took the opportunity to wisecrack about the amount of time he'd spent lately being scanned for this or that. Finally, Alpha was done, and they all quieted down as they waited for the results. Tommy drew unconsciously close to Jason, slipping a reassuring arm around the broad shoulders. Jason leaned slightly into the embrace, relishing the unspoken support.

"Ai-yi-yi, Zordon, there is a marked difference in the data; it looks like we succeeded in matching resonances."

The Rangers released a collective breath, and soon the atmosphere in the Power Chamber became somewhat boisterous. Zordon didn't exactly kick them out, but after a while suggested strongly that they take their celebration elsewhere. By mutual consent, the group teleported out to meet at the Youth Center. Only Jason stayed behind a few moments longer. He looked up to the bluish face of his mentor, hovering in his timewarp.

The booming voice betrayed no surprise as he addressed the young man who had been instrumental in shaping his Rangers into one of the most formidable fighting forces of the known galaxies.

"Is there something you wanted, Jason?"

The first Red Ranger shook his head.

"No. I...I guess I just wanted to thank you, Zordon .... for everything. If you hadn't picked us that day, I don't know what my life would have been like. I've had some hairy moments, true, but......." he shrugged, at a loss for words. "Thank you."

The ancient interdimensional being nodded, understanding perfectly.

"I could not have chosen a better leader for the first team of Earth Rangers, Jason. Your service was always exemplary, and I sincerely hope that you will be able to rejoin the team, now that the damage done by the Golden Power has been repaired. I wish you luck in your return to your own reality -- and it is I who has to thank you. Without you, the Rangers would perhaps have taken a far different path. May the Power protect you -- always."

There was nothing more to be said. More than slightly choked up, Jason activated his communicator and teleported out, to join his friends at the Juice Bar one last time.

The gang had claimed their usual table in front of the counter when Jason joined them. He sat next to Tommy as he earnestly regarded his friends. The mood was not as jubilant as before, but not exactly somber either as they sipped their drinks. After a while, Jason took a look around before he spoke up, as much to himself as to the team.

"You know....this is where it all began. Not just this little jaunt I'm on right now, but ... everything. I was here when Zordon picked the first team, I saw Tommy here for the first time...." he smiled at his friend as Tommy laid a comforting hand on his arm. "I guess...I guess I just want to thank all of you for being my friends. The last six weeks --- I don't know if I could have made it without all of you. It was such a relief to know that, no matter where or how, we're all still friends. The other two times, I never had the chance to say good-bye...." Jason's voice trailed off as he saw Kat's and Tanya's eyes mist over. Both girls hugged him silently, and Adam and Rocky nodded in agreement. Tommy just sat next to him, his support evident in the closeness and the reassuring pressure of his hand on his arm. Then, Jason shook off his melancholy. He cast about for something to lighten the mood, when he suddenly hit on the perfect means.

"Say, guys -- you know that the history of the Rangers in this reality is somewhat different from my own. Isn't there anything funny that happened to you, but not to me?"

Intrigued, Rocky sat up.

"Like what?"

An impish smile spread over Jason's face. He winked at Tommy as he launched into his first tale.

"Well, this was before you joined the team back home. There was this one time where Billy had invented a machine which was supposed to enable us to read minds -- but somehow, when he tested it on Kim and himself, it backfired, and......"

Soon, they were laughing uproariously, as they dredged up funny anecdotes from their past, and the shared laughter helped them to get past the inevitability of saying goodbye.

It was already dark as Tommy and Jason made their way home to the Scotts' house. They walked slowly, enjoying the company and the gentler warmth of the night, so different from the moist heat of the Neola jungle. Jason's folks weren't home; they'd left a note that Mr Scott had to be out of town for a few days, and Jason's mother had decided to accompany her husband. Ordering a pizza, they made a quick evening meal, then decided to put up a large air mattress on the back porch. It was far too warm to sleep comfortably indoors, but for what they had planned, the air conditioning would be too cool. When they were set up, they slowly undressed, until they sank naked onto the mattress. Pulling each other close, they kissed quietly, relishing the skin-to-skin contact as they relaxed, knowing that this would be the first and last time they ever came together quite like this. Hands roamed gently over strong backs, limbs intertwined, and without realizing it, they fell asleep in each other's arms, gaining a precious few more hours together.

Jason awoke as the first early birds began to sing in the rising dawn. For a few moments, he enjoyed the peace and quiet, the morning breeze along his skin and the feel of Tommy's hard, warm body pressed close against him. Carefully, he leaned up on one elbow and looked into the angular face, softened in sleep. The long dark hair was spread out over the pillow, and his almost feminine lashes cast crescent-shaped shadows on his cheek. Jason felt a wave of longing sweep over him; would he ever be able to look at 'his' Tommy like this? He knew now, that if -- when -- he made it home, he'd tell Tommy about his feelings; he owed him that much. What came after that would be up to Tommy. He brushed gentle fingers over his face, outlining the contours of his mouth. As the brown eyes opened slowly, he leaned over to kiss his friend, whispering softly "I love you" before claiming the firm lips with his own.

Tommy gave himself up to the kiss, opening his lips and searching for the moist tongue with his own. They connected and entwined, dancing around each other, enflaming their senses as their hands began to explore smooth skin and hard muscles. Soon, the almost languorous caresses grew more intense as the two lost themselves in the slowly gathering heat. Cocks began to stretch and fill with blood as Jason and Tommy writhed together; mouths wandered down strong necks to chiseled pecs to lick and nibble at hardening nipples, leaving trails of cooling moisture in their wake. Hands roamed downwards, molding firm buttocks and stroking eager rods, which throbbed with their mounting desires. Finally, Tommy tore himself away from the hot mouth which devoured his own. Breathing hard, he sat up and pressed Jason onto his back. Flashing him a devilish smile, he inserted his hand between the strong thighs and parted them, only to kneel between them. Jason lay back, exposed to Tommy's glittering eyes, and he felt the familiar sensation of need and anticipation in his stomach. He reached out a hand to twine a hank of mahogany hair round his fingers. Drawing the Red Ranger down for another heated kiss, he growled into the wet mouth.

"Do it."

Tommy didn't have to ask what. Nip-kissing his way down the heaving chest, he paused briefly to tongue the little brown nubs into hardness, then lost no time to swallow as much as he could of the straining cock in one single gulp. Jason gave a strangled cry at the sudden sensation, arched off the mattress, and sank back, moaning in ecstasy as Tommy began to lick and suck every inch of his manhood. Strong fingers delved between his cheeks and probed for the hidden opening. Helplessly, he let his legs fall open, offering himself completely to his lover's touch. Just as he could feel the beginning of his orgasm, though, Tommy eased off, releasing the pulsating prick from his mouth. Left on the brink, Jason groaned in frustration and dragged his eyes open, to look into Tommy's face. The feral expression in the chocolate eyes sent shivers down his spine.

"Tommy...!" he moaned/begged, desperate to come.

His friend moved aside, lying down next to him and brushing his fingertips whisper-light across the sweat-slick skin. Jason squirmed, trying to thrust his aching cock into the maddening hand.

Tommy leaned over, carefully not touching the hard rod. He licked at the outer shell of Jason's ear, making him gasp with pleasure, as he told his lover what he wanted him to do.

"I want you to take me first. I want your hot cock thrusting into my ass, stretching me wide, until you're all the way in. C'mon, Jason -- you know it's what you want. Fill me with your come, and then I'll do the same for you!"

The hot whisper fired Jason's senses into overload. With a growl, he grasped the hard shoulders, gave a not-quite-gentle shove, and pushed Tommy over onto his back. Almost insensate with desire, he attacked the muscular body with his hands and lips, making him writhe and moan as he had before. Finally, he found himself between the spread thighs. Tommy reached for the bottle of lubricant they had placed conveniently close the night before, and poured some of the musky oil into his palm. He massaged most of it into the satiny skin of Jason's cock, but before he could apply it to his own crack, Jason stopped him.

"Let me."

Breathing hard, he squirted another measure into the demanding hand, then moaned helplessly as strong fingers searched for and found the hidden opening. First one, then two slipped inside, opening him up, stretching the tight ring of muscle until he bucked his hips in rhythm with the shallow strokes. Suddenly, the hand withdrew, and Jason bent over him. Their eyes met and held as the soft lips closed hungrily over his phallus. Jason had no experience, but Tommy didn't mind; it just felt too good to thrust into the wet heat. It was over too soon, though. With a last lick, Jason straightened again and raised Tommy's hips onto his thighs. Parting the firm globes with one hand, he probed for the tight channel once more. Again, the hard fingers teased him, then withdrew, to be replaced by the softer, hotter tip of Jason's cock. Tommy relaxed his muscles. Jason pressed himself carefully against the clenching hole, feeling it give slowly, then slid in. Both men moaned at the exquisite sensation. Small, gentle thrusts pushed deeper and deeper into Tommy, until Jason felt his balls rest against Tommy's ass. He paused for a moment, his senses reeling. He'd never felt anything quite like this in his life! Then, he ventured a first stroke. His breath hissed out sharply as tingles spread out from his groin all over his body. He thrust again, and Tommy began to move under him, meeting him with a thrust of his own. It was too much. Abandoning all restraint, he started to snap his hips forward, plunging again and again into the tight channel, letting the pressure build until nothing existed but the grip Tommy's ass had around his aching rod, squeezing and massaging, until he could feel his balls contract and give up their heaviness into the depths of his friend's body. A final thrust buried him deeper than before, and Jason bellowed out his release, spasming uncontrollably until he was completely spent. His head was swimming as he collapsed onto the slick chest, gasping for much-needed air.

Tommy held him until his softening manhood slipped out of its tight sheath. Sighing equally with satisfaction and disappointment, he rolled off the hard body, to find himself gathered into a close embrace. The hot mouth sought out his own, and he blissfully surrendered to the wet caress.

"Mmmhh!"

A wicked chuckle was his answer as Tommy leaned over him. Opening his eyes with some difficulty, he met the glittering brown gaze with a tired but brilliant smile. Tommy kissed him again, harder. Jason had to chuckle himself; he could feel the throbbing hardness against his hips, but he wasn't quite ready to give himself over to his lover. Instead, he buried his hands in the long locks, drawing Tommy deeper into the kiss.

Tommy went along with it for a few moments, but his own need soon reasserted itself. Capturing the tip of Jason's tongue, he coaxed it into his own mouth, then, when it slid along the edge of his teeth, he bit down. Not enough to really hurt, but enough to earn a somewhat startled yelp from his lover. Laughing into the dark eyes, he dipped his own tongue soothingly between the moist lips.

"It's my turn now."

Jason mock-pouted, but relaxed onto the mattress.

"What exactly do you have in mind," he growled as he slid his hands down from the silky hair to roam over the muscled back.

"How about more of the same?" Tommy asked, as he once more nibbled his way to the juncture of neck and shoulder. Jason laughed breathlessly as he angled his head to give Tommy better access. "You'll have to wait a bit for that -- I may be a superhero, but I'm not Superman!" Both grinned, and Tommy moved towards the hollow of Jason's throat, where he began to trace lazy circles with his tongue. His hands moved up to the broad chest, to tease his nipples into hardness once more. Pinching gently, he murmured between licks, "I was thinking more about 'Do unto you as you've done unto me'."

Another shiver raced down Jason's spine. Moving his own hands down the muscular body of his friend, he closed his fingers around the throbbing shaft and squeezed lightly. "Sounds good to me," he gasped as Tommy bit with precisely-calculated pressure into his right nipple, causing him to arch into the skilled mouth.

Tommy looked up then, gazing deeply into the sparkling dark eyes. Finding what he was searching for, he claimed the smiling mouth in another hot, devouring kiss. Both were out of breath as he finally released Jason, sitting back on his haunches. Jason started to spread his legs, but Tommy stopped him. Running a slightly trembling hand from his shoulder over his chest into the dark curls surrounding his slowly reviving cock, he held his eyes for long moments, then made his request.

"Kneel for me."

For a moment, everything seemed to freeze around them. Then, Jason slowly and deliberately turned over, lifting himself onto his hands and knees. He waited, hardly daring to breathe, for Tommy's next move.

The first thing to touch him were the warm hands, which slid up and down his back, molding his hips, dipping towards his genitals, then wandering back again, until they finally came to rest on his ass. Tommy massaged him slowly, circling around the firm cheeks, sliding a teasing finger between them until Jason moved with the gentle stroking, swaying back and forth.

Then Tommy's mouth fastened onto him, licking, biting, covering evey inch until he almost sobbed with the exquisite sensation. Tommy's hot breath wafted across his crack, sending shivery chills into the rest of his body. Jason's senses almost went into overload as the maddening tongue-tip slid between his cheeks, seeking and finding his twitching hole. He hadn't known that something could feel this good, but the longer Tommy was eating his ass, the more he wanted.....more. Not knowing what to ask for, he gasped out Tommy's name as he drove his tongue again and again into him.

"What do you want?" Jason hardly recognized Tommy's voice, it was so raspy and deep. "Tell me what you want!"

He was almost past coherent thought. Rocking back as far as the firm grip on his hips would allow, Jason tried to make his vocal chords work one more time.

"You. I want you -- in me. Now!"

A deep growl was his answer. Then suddenly, something slick and cool trickled down his crack. A long finger smoothed the oil down, circling around that most sensitive place, then sliding inside. Jason moaned at the gentle invasion. The pressure against his sphincter seemed enormous, but it only increased as a second digit joined the first. Instinctively, he tried to move away, but the hand on his hip wouldn't let him. Trembling with a mixture of arousal, need and fear, he held himself as still as he could, concentrating on the slow glide of those fingers in and out of his body. Slowly, the discomfort lessened, and Jason began to relax. The fingers delved deeper, opening him up, until Tommy thrust easily into the tight hole. Jason moved automatically into the rhythm. Suddenly, Tommy withdrew. The unexpected feeling of emptiness seemed nigh unbearable, but before Jason could protest, something hot and hard pressed against him. The burning sensation as the tight muscle was stretched crested, then faded as Tommy's cockhead disappeared inside of him. He gave him a few moments to get used to the fullness, then pushed slowly deeper. In one long, smooth, excruciatingly slow glide, Tommy filled him until he felt the strong thighs pressing against the backs of his own. Jason sobbed once, his muscles contracting around the throbbing invader. Holding himself as still as he could, he waited for Tommy's next move. It came as an equally slow, drawn-out backstroke, which sent sparks of energy into every part of his body. Jason couldn't help himself -- as his lover drove forward again, he rocked in a countermotion, sending the hot shaft even deeper as before. It was what Tommy had waited for. Thrusting his hips back again, he increased his tempo until he had established a hard, fast rhythm, which Jason matched enthusiastically. Soon, they were rocking in unison, driving each other higher and higher until nothing existed but the hot shaft drilling deep into the tight channel, until finally the world around them exploded into a supernova of bright light, carrying both into oblivion.

They came to their senses when Tommy's softening cock slid out of Jason's ass. Groaning exhaustedly, the Red Ranger rolled off his lover's back, his eyes still closed. Jason shifted slowly, until he could rest his head on the smooth chest. If he concentrated, he thought he could still feel the hard thrusts filling him, and he smiled contentedly. Their eyes met, tired but satisfied, and they were just about to drift off to sleep again, when an all-too familiar chime jerked Tommy up from his comfortable position. Mumbling curses against Mondo under his breath, he located his communicator and lifted it to his lips.

"This had better be serious," he grumbled. "Yes, Zordon, I read you."

"Tommy, the Machine Empire has launched another attack in the harbour district. You need to go there right away,"

Alpha's tinny voice announced over the wrist device.

Tommy sighed resignedly. "I'll be right there, Alpha." Casting an apologetic look at his lover, he hastily threw his clothes on. Jason lay back, watching him with unreadable dark eyes. Before Tommy teleported out, he checked himself. Leaning down for a heated, too-brief kiss, he clearly wanted to say something, but couldn't find the right words.

"It's okay, Tommy."

"I just wish it didn't have to be this way," Tommy said helplessly.

Jason touched the lean cheek.

"I understand. Go."

He watched as Tommy disappeared in a bright red streak of light, and as he saw it vanish over the roof, he whispered a final farewell.

"Goodbye, Tommy."

After a moment, Jason heaved himself off the mattress and ambled towards the bathroom. He knew that, if the procedure at the Power Chamber had worked, he would soon be transported home, to his own reality. Remembering the circumstances of the last two switches, he was determined to be at least dressed this time around. Hurrying through his shower and shave, he dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. Too restless with anticipation, he decided to forego breakfast. Grabbing an apple on the way out, he made his way to the park, just like that Saturday morning six weeks ago. He could see the Megazord pummeling a multi-armed monstrosity in the distance, but turned resolutely away. Wandering aimlessly along the winding pathways, he wondered how much time had passed. If Billy's theory was correct, surely something should have happened by now?

Jason topped a small rise near the lake, when his attention was caught by a rainbow of coloured light coalescing a few dozen yards before him, transforming themselves into his friends. He watched them exchanging high fives for some minutes, celebrating their latest victory, then slowly made his way down the grassy knoll, careful not to slip on the dewy surface. When he had crossed about half the distance towards them, he saw Tommy look up at him. Before either could utter a single word, Jason suddenly felt the familiar wave of blackness engulf him, followed by a cold, then hot flash. He stumbled on the wet grass and moaned; the accompanying dizziness had never been this bad. Falling to his knees, he tried to call out to his friends, but it was too much. Feeling his senses spin out of control, Jason sank to the ground, unconscious.