Sierra was alone in the house. Rocky was with her sister and Nova was God only knows where. Sierra was diligently cleaning the house when there was a knock on the door. She went over and answered it. It was Adam and he had dried blood on his lip. He was crouched like his face wasn't the only thing that got pounded. She gasped. She knew that since she had broken it off with him she wasn't supposed to feel like she should gather him up in her arms and help him but she did anyway.
"Adam?!! What happened?"
"I know you don't love me anymore but would you help me?"
"Of course I will." She sat him down on a stool in the kitchen and started to clean the dried blood off of his face."
"I didn't know who else to come to. No one trusts me anymore. I don't know what I did. I don't understand why you broke up with me, I don't understand why Alex is so jumpy around me, I don't understand why Rocky beet the snot out of me..." he just started crying. Clear tears ran down his tortured face. 'He really doesn't have a clue.' she realized. She wrapped her arms around him. He pulled away from her and gathered his composure.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be here. I have no right anymore to come to you for help with my problems." He got up and winced in pain.
"No, you stay right here and let me clean you up." He sat back down and she finished cleaning him up slowly and carefully.
"I thought you loved Alex. That's why I broke it off."
"Why would you think that?"
"When I asked you about the tattoo on your arm..."
"I don't have a tattoo on my arm."
"I saw it remember? Then you yelled at me and told me that my sisters were nicer than me."
"No, I didn't. I would never say something so cruel to you. I love you. And I don't have a tattoo, see." He pulled up both of his selves and sure enough the tattoo she had seen only days before was not there. She looked at him her eyes filled with confusion.
"I don't understand."
"Neither do I. But I bet I know someone who does."
"Who?"
"I can't tell you right now."
"Oh."
"Don't worry one of these days I'll be able to explain it to you." He slowly got up.
"You can't go you're hurt."
"Don't worry I'll be fine." He started for the door. Sierra stopped him and held his arm.
"Please don't go." She whispered.
"Why?"
"Because if you go I'm afraid that you will never come back." He grabbed her arm and held her chin in his hand.
"I will come back sweetheart, I promise. I will come back to you- I love you too much not to." He kissed her lips and then left.
He arrived at the Command Center just as the clone was finished explaining everything.
"Adam."
"Rocky. Stay away from me."
"Man I'm sorry about what happened."
"Tell that to my stomach. Zordon what in the world is going on?"
"ADAM, RITA AND ZEDD HAVE MADE A CLONE FROM A SAMPLE OF YOUR BLOOD. HIS MISSION WAS TO DESTROY YOU AN-"
"Well his mission was a success."
"LET ME FINISH. WE WERE ABLE TO BREAK THE SPELL CAST ON HIM. HE IS NOW ON OUR SIDE AND IS TRULY SORRY FOR EVERYTHING THAT HE HAS DONE."
"Adam I'm really sorry. It should have never happened."
"What about what you did to Alex you bastard!" screamed Rocky. Billy and Tommy both grab one of his arms to keep him from launching himself at John.
"What did he do to Alex?" asked Adam, who was still confused about what was going on.
"Go ahead and tell him what you did while pretending to be him." seethed Rocky.
"I don't remember what happened that night-"
"Well how nice for you to forget every vicious deed you committed. Alex has to live with what you did for the rest of her life. She will never forget!"
"Billy, Aiesha, Kim, take him back to the med. room and see if you can calm him down." instructed Tommy.
"What in the world did he do to earn me the ass whupin' I got from Rocky?" demanded Adam.
"He raped Alex." answered Tommy solemnly.
"Jesus. So that's why Alex treated me like I had the plague. Oh my God." Adam was stunned by the news he had just received. He now understood why Rocky beat him up before asking his side of the story. If he had been in that situation and Sierra had been raped, he would have done the same thing. But it still hurt to know that his best friend would believe that he was capable of such an act. "So what is going to happen to you now?" he asked, still dazed from the shock of what his clone had done.
"Well I was hoping that you wouldn't mind me hanging around. I'd like to make a life for myself- a good one."
"Oh yeah sure, ruin my life and then ask to be a part of it. How dumb do you think I am?"
"Adam, I-I… "
"You're what, sorry? Well it doesn't matter now does it? You are very lucky that I managed to smooth things over with Sierra. You were extremely cruel to her. You can mess with me, my body- what ever, but you, never hurt my Sierra. Is that clear?!"
"Yes." John said very calmly.
The other rangers stood there in silence. None of them had ever heard Adam's voice get so loud in anger. But Adam had managed to get his point across. "You just better pray to God that Rocky and Alex can be so forgiving. Even though you were under an evil spell, what you did can never be forgiven or forgotten. So I guess it's up to them whether or not you stay or go. Now get out of my sight for a while. Come back later and I'll discuss with you what needs to be discussed."
"That sounds reasonable."
At the Power Chamber the gang was going over their plans for John. Much to Rocky's disapproval, they were letting him stay in Angel Grove. Billy had invented a device called a neuralizer, which was able to erase a person's memory or basically hypnotize someone so that you could give him or her an entirely new memory.
They had used it on the Parks and given them the memory of having twins. John was stolen from the hospital and has only now found his true parents. Billy made up all of the proper papers needed to pull this off. John Adam Park was born December 12, three minutes after Adam. He had a birth certificate and social security card. Billy also doctored up transcripts so that John could attend school.
Everything was set.
"There's just one problem."
"What are we going to tell the girls? I mean the three of them know something was up."
"Yeah, Sierra is suspicious."
"And John and Nova are in love."
"And let's not forget what Alex is going through. She deserves to know what's going on- they all do."
"I MUST AGREE WITH ROCKY. THEY HAVE ALL HAD EXPERIENCES WITH JOHN AND WILL KNOW THAT SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS IS GOING ON."
"Zordon, are you suggesting that we tell them everything."
"I BELIEVE IT MAY BE THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THIS INCIDENT UNDER WRAPS. I WILL ALLOW YOU TO BRING THE GIRLS HERE AND EXPLAIN EVERYTHING."
"Zordon's right. Rita and Zedd have already done a lot to hurt these girls because of who their boyfriends are. Who's to say they won't do something more." agreed Billy.
"He's right, they need to be prepared to be attacked at any time. Now that Zedd and Rita know how to get to us they'll keep doing it."
"Yeah I mean how many times have they used Tommy and me against each other and the team. And when they find out that Alex is pregnant it's gonna be open season on her." Said Kimberly, remembering the countless times her relationship was used against her.
"BILLY, CONSTRUCT COMMUNICATORS FOR ALL OF THE GIRLS AND ONE FOR JOHN AS WELL. RITA AND ZEDD WILL BE ANGRY WHEN THEY REALIZE THAT WE'VE TURNED JOHN OVER TO THE SIDE OF GOOD. ROCKY, ADAM AND JOHN, TOMORROW YOU WILL BRING THE GIRLS TO THE COMMAND CENTER."
"We understand Zordon."
"Now we have a welcome home party to set up for Alex."
"Thanks a lot guys, this is gonna mean a lot to her."
"It's the least we can do." said Tommy.
"Sierra is waiting for you and I gotta go pick up Alex, so hurry."
"Hey Sexy! Ready to blow this joint…I guess you are." He said when he noticed that she was fully dressed and waiting for him.
"C'mon, get me outta here."
"Not so fast. I ran into the doctor and he wants to talk to us before we leave."
Dr. Sheuller entered the room just as Rocky mentioned his name. He gave Alex her discharge papers and explained her restrictions. She was to stay home from school this week and when she returned she was to take it easy. She was to do no heavy lifting and no strenuous activity for the next month. He wanted to be sure she was a bit further along and there was less chance of miscarriage before she returned to her normal activities.
"Alex do you still have the name of the Obstetrician I gave you?
"Yes, thank you Doctor Sheuller. "
"Well then I wish you kids the best of luck. Maybe I'll see you when you deliver."
"Thanks."
The party surprised Alex. She never thought that she meant anything to Rocky's friends, but found that she was wrong. Everyone greeted her with smiles and hugs. Her parents had come and brought with them a box of baby clothes from her childhood. This meant that they were giving their support, but had still yet to give their blessing or approval.
She spent the entire party on the couch with Rocky clucking over her like a mother hen. She didn't mind the attention. After the gang left Alex and Rocky were left alone with her parents. They couple was anything but happy about becoming grandparents, but wanted to support their daughter.
Mr. Peterson wanted the two to be married before their child was born, but his wife thought the idea was crazy. There were still only teenagers who were still in school and had only been together for a short while. Having a baby together was bad enough.
"Alex I didn't mean it that way."
"There's only one way to meant it mother. You two have made it perfectly clear that you don't want us to be together having this baby- unless of course we're married. I don't need your support."
"Alex-"
"I'm going to bed. Rocky?"
"I'll be up in a minute." He said and watched as she headed upstairs.
"This is all your fault!"
"Oh great we're gonna start that again?"
"You turned our daughter against us." shrieked Sherri.
"The only thing I'm responsible for is getting Alex pregnant. Everything else is between you and her. If you'll excuse me I'm going to make sure she isn't too upset. It isn't good for her or the baby. Goodnight Mr. Peterson."
"Good night Rocky. You take good care of my little girl." He smiled.
"I will."
By the time Rocky reached her bedroom she was fast asleep. She was laying across the bed- the wrong way- and still had her clothes on. Smiling, he repositioned her and took of all of her clothes. Rocky sat and watched her for several minutes. She looked to be at peace finally. Before he learned about the rape she was always on guard, even in her sleep. Now she was the picture of tranquility.
Rocky placed his head on her belly and listened. He thought about his baby and what it was doing, how it was growing. What was it going to be? He was hoping for a girl that was a miniature version of Alex- minus the temper. But he'd be just as happy for a boy. Someone to carry on the DeSantos name. Someone to carry on his father's name. He began to wish that his father was there to be apart of his life and the life of his child.
Rocky placed a kiss on her stomach. "Thanks dad, for protecting my baby. I wish you could be here with me, but I'm glad you're watching over me and the woman I love." With that he started for home to get some rest. He had a big day ahead of him tomorrow. But first he must tell his mama the truth about Alex.
Rocky was up particularly early the next morning. He had a fitful night's sleep filled with distressing dreams of Alex being raped and him not being able to protect her. He could only watch as John had his way with her. He awoke in a pool of sweat before dawn and decided it was better to get up than to see those images again.
He went out to his back yard and practiced a kata to clear his mind and prepare himself for what was to happen today. He couldn't stand the sight of John, how was going to explain that this maniac was going to be allowed into Angel Grove society- into Angel Grove High where she would have to see him daily? Boy was she gonna be mad! And Alex could be very dangerous when she was mad. He only hoped that the safety of their child hampered whatever feelings she had of doing John bodily harm.
Rocky set out to see Alex before school. The group decided that it was best to do it and have done with it. They had all planned to meet at the Power Chamber at seven-thirty and drop the bombshell on the three unsuspecting young women. "…And don't forget we're all going to see Alex after dinner." He recalled his mother's words to him as he left the house.
It had been surprisingly easy to tell his mother about her becoming a grandmother. She claimed that she had known the two were intimately involved for quite some time. She then returned Alex's underwear that he had mistakenly left in his jacket pocket the night of the Homecoming dance. She only gave him a knowing smile.
Maria DeSantos wasn't happy to be becoming an abuela so soon, but she was much more accepting than Mrs. Peterson. In fact once she began to think about it she became excited that there was a new baby coming. She ran to the attic and rummaged through boxes until she came to the one that held Rocky's childhood belongings. They went through them together and talked about the couple's plans to raise their child. She offered all of her love and support. She hoped that the two would move into her home so that she could be of more help to them. She already thought of Alex as a daughter and would think nothing of having her stay with them until the kids were old enough to marry or move out on their own. Whatever decision they made she promised to be there for them no matter what.
John arrived in the music room to hear Nova singing "Run To You". He knew that she came here often before school to sing out her troubles for he sometimes watched from his pocket dimension on the moon. She was so sad and it was all because of him. Why did he have to be made? He was causing nothing but trouble everywhere he went. He made the mistake of falling in love with Nova. No, it wasn't a mistake, but it could never be. He had done awful things to people, including her. And he did an unforgivable thing to her sister. How could she ever look at him with anything but contempt? How could he live in Angel Grove knowing that he couldn't be with her?
He forgot about his thoughts when she broke down and began to cry. He could tell that she needed to cry and let it all out for she had been holding back for far too long. He followed his instincts and went to her. He placed an arm around her shoulder. "Don't cry love. It hurts me too see you so unhappy."
Nova looked up to see the one she was crying for holding her as if he would never let go. She knew that it wouldn't be long before Sierra came to his mind and he hurried off so she took all that she could get for however short amount of time it lasted. "Oh Adam." She cried and threw her arms around him.
"Rocky! What are you doing here?" she said and gifted him with a kiss and tight hug.
"Alex I don't know how to explain this so I'd better just show you. Hold on to me." He said and pressed the teleportation button on his communicator.
"Rockeeeey…"
"I'll meet you at your locker in a few minutes I'm supposed to pick up Alex's assignments."
"Wait…can you do it later? Three's something really important I need to talk to you about."
"Sure Hon, what's up?"
"Thanks for holding me, but you'd better go." Nova said after wiping away the last of her tears.
"I can't. I can't let go of you. I love you Nova."
"You…love me?"
"Yes. I have since the first moment I saw you."
"What about Sierra?"
"I don't love her. I never have."
"But-"
"There's a lot more that needs to be explained."
"Okay. I'll listen."
"You will?"
"Yes."
"Great! Um, hold on to me."
Rocky and Alex reformed in the Power Chamber with her clinging to him for dear life.
"Rocky, where are we and how did we get here?"
"ADAM!! Oh my god! What just happened?"
"Sierra?"
"Alex?"
"Whoa! That was cool."
"Nova?" said her sisters simultaneously.
The three girls looked at one another with surprise then turned to their boyfriends.
"What in the world is going on?" asked Alex.
"And where the heck are we?" questioned Sierra.
"ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN." Came the voice of Zordon from behind them.
"Ahh!"
"Geez!"
"Good Lord in Heaven! Didn't your mother teach you not to sneak up on people?" scolded Alex before she realized who it was she was chastising.
"I AM SORRY. IT WS NOT MY INTENTION TO FRIGHTEN YOU. AND TO ANSWER YOUR NEXT QUESTION, I AM ZORDON, MENTOR AND FRIEND TO THE POWER RANGERS. AND YOU ARE IN THE POWER CHAMBER OUR BASE OF OPERATIONS."
"Power Rangers?"
"That's right. We're the Power Rangers." stated Tommy as he and the others entered the room.
"And you're telling us all this because…? asked Nova.
"Forget that. Why are there two Adams?" asked Sierra.
When Alex saw this she unconsciously moved behind Rocky.
"That's the reason we've brought you all here…" began Billy.
Nova and Sierra's legs gave out on them and them sat on the floor rather unceremoniously. No one was sure if what had been said had yet to register with Alex.
"…So all of the strange behavior- the haircut and the tattoo were all John?" question Sierra. "And all of the flirting with Alex and Nova wasn't really my Adam?"
"Never once."
"So you're the one that- that…It was never Adam. All this time I've been blaming my friend for what you did. Nova get away form him!" She yelled and pulled Nova roughly away from John.
"Alex no!" Rocky said knowing what was next, but he was too late.
"You bastard!" she screamed and punched John in the nose with all of her might. There was a sickening crack when her fist connected with his face. John fell back and landed hard on the floor. Alex was there to pounce, but Rocky grabbed her just before she did.
"No Alex, no! Think about the baby. You can't do this."
"We almost didn't have a baby because of him. He doesn't deserve to live!" she cried and tried to break free of Rocky's vise-like grip.
"No. No. Listen to me- Alexius Serena Peterson, listen to me!" he yelled and got her attention. "If you do this you will risk losing the baby and you'll never be able to live with yourself.
"But I do live with it. I live with it every time I go to sleep- every day of my life." She cried and fell into his embrace.
"I know, baby. I know." He said and held her to him.
"Wait, what did he do that we don't know about?" asked Nova.
"You do know about it." Rocky said and gave both sisters a knowing glance.
"Oh my God!" Sierra gasped. Adam was there to hold her.
"No." Nova said barely audible. "No." she shook her head not wanting to believe that the man she was in love with was capable of doing what Rocky had implied.
"Nova, I was under Lord Zedd's control. I had no idea what I was doing." he said holding his nose as blood dripped down his hand.
"He doesn't even remember what he was doing most of the time."
"I know it doesn't make it better, but I do remember falling in love with you."
"And I can never forget how my sister looked after you raped her. Billy can you take me out of here please?" she said as tears formed in her eyes.
"Um, su-sure." He said and did as she asked.
"Ya know we need to get to school." Sierra suggested.
"She's right. Let's get going. We'll cover for you Rocky." Said Tommy then he, along with the others, disappeared in a rainbow of colors leaving Rocky and Alex alone in the Power Chamber.
"Let's go home sweetheart." He said softly against her hair. She only nodded her response.
Several months later
It was the holiday season and the Youth Center was celebrating with a dance. Alex sighed as she glided along in Rocky's arms.
"What's wrong sweetheart?" he asked.
"Nothing I guess. We're all happy now, aren't we?"
Rocky took a look around the room. Adam and Sierra were dancing very close to one another. Things had worked out just fine for them. John and Nova were talking at a table together. They were now inseparable. Rocky was still unsure of how Alex managed to tolerate his presence. He guessed that Alex's love for Nova was much stronger than her hate for John.
Everyone had accepted him. Adam's parents were elated to have their son back with them. The team was glad to have a new friend and ally. John was doing his best to redeem himself of his past wrongs. And he made Nova happy as a clam- which was probably the only reason Alex managed to endure him.
Then there was Alex. Besides having to deal with the rape she was the picture of happiness. She was all aglow from her pregnancy. And her love for Rocky was stronger than ever. Things had worked out for the best and everyone was okay.
Then he noticed poor, miserable Billy. He secluded himself in a corner of the room and just watched people make merry while inside he longed to cry. Rocky still couldn't understand how he had given her up. Or how she could use and hurt someone as wonderful as Billy. She claimed to love him and yet she threw him away for the love of another. Perhaps things had not worked out for the best. At least not for Billy anyway.
Rocky had a feeling that this was not the end, but the beginning of many things to come.
The End
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