(We begin todays episode at Angel Grove High, where as usual, the rangers sit in their usual places at the front of the class; eagerly awaiting the return of their history reports that each of them worked so hard on. They stare intently as Ms. Appleby walks to the front of the class with a stack of papers in her hands.)
Ms. Appleby: Okay class, I finally graded all of your papers and I've got to say, that most of you did very well. I'm very happy to know this class has a firm understanding of African history.
(The rangers breathe a sigh of relief; each flashing confident grins at one another.)
Ms. Appleby: Although like with any other report, not all of you did so great.
Bulk: (snickers) ...I feel sorry for THOSE idiots.
Ms. Appleby: Now when I call your name, please come up and get your paper. Okay.... Hannah? ...Bertha? ....Timothy...?
Jason: What did you think of the project guys?
Zack: Boring.
Tommy: Well, I think it was okay; not as bad as I'd thought it'd be.
Billy: Affirmative. And it's always so thought-provoking to learn about such a rich culture and the hardships they endured in order to find equality in our modern society.
Zack: Huh?
Robbie: He said you don't know your own history.
Zack: Oh...
Ms. Appleby: Roberto?
(Robbie gets up from his seat and grabs the paper from the teachers hands; examining it carefully with an almost expressionless look on his face.)
Kimberly: How'd you do?
Robbie: She just wrote 'SEE ME AFTER CLASS!'
Billy: See me after class?
Robbie: I mean I always knew she had a thing for me, but this is completely unprofessional. I worked really hard on this paper and I want to know how I did!
Billy: I think that just means she wants to go into your paper in further detail and would rather talk to you about it in person.
Ms. Appleby: Billy?
Billy: Oh, excuse me.
(Billy gets up from his seat excitedly and reaches for his paper. Upon glancing over it briefly, his eyes brighten.)
Zack: How'd you do?
Billy: I-I...
Ms. Appleby: (proudly) ...did wonderfully! In fact, it was best grade in the class with an A ++.
(Billy flips his paper over, revealing the impressively high grade; leaving many of his classmates in awe, including each of his ranger friends.)
Trini: Wow Billy, great job!
Zack: (whispers) Yeah, I knew it was a great idea to ask him for help.
Jason: On a paper about Africa?
Zack: (obliviously) Why what's wrong with that?
(As Jason shakes his head disapprovingly and starts explaining his disappointment with him, somebody can be seen behind Zack listening in to what Zack just said. A husky looking woman with broad shoulders and a clean shaven buzz cut looks attentively at the others before looking up at a still beaming Billy. She scratches her chin and looks down at her own paper as if coming up with a plan. After class, Jason Billy and Robbie hang by their lockers discussing their papers; Robbie leaning miserably against his.)
Robbie: What is wrong with that stupid woman?! I swear to you, she has it out for me.
Jason: What's wrong?
Robbie: (outraged) What's wrong? I worked night and day for this stupid paper, because you know... I'm finally trying to care about my grades and all... Night and day at Trini's place, dealing with her mom giving me dirty looks as if I'm about to steal from her shop, and you know how Appleby repays my efforts? Not only does she fail me, but I get detention!
Billy: Detention?
Robbie: DETENTION. All because she didn't like my paper... have you ever heard of this nonsense?
Jason: What? That doesn't sound right...
Billy: Yeah, I've never heard of anything like that before; it sounds pretty unfair.
Robbie: Thank you! I'm thinking of reporting her to the school board.
Billy: Well if you don't mind my asking, what did she say was wrong with it?
Robbie: Oh I don't know... something about spelling. She's making me do it over.
Billy: Well perhaps I could take a look at it? Maybe I could help you a little bit?
Robbie: (sighs) Sure... whatever.
(He reaches into his old, run down back pack and pulls out his already crumpled up paper. Billy takes it from him and only needs a few seconds to read through it before he starts to wince.)
Billy: Uhm... Robbie?
Robbie: Yeah?
Billy: When Trini helped you with this, did she run a spell check?
Robbie: I don't think so, why?
Billy: Because there is only one 'G' in the country Niger.
(He hands it back to Robbie who looks through his paper one more time, this time with a pale white, horrified look.)
Robbie: There is...?
Jason: Yeah, I think so...
Robbie: Oh...
Billy: Yeah.
Robbie: ...guess I'll see you guys after detention.
Jason: See you.
Billy: Buh-bye.
(Robbie quietly walks off, still looking at his paper. Billy and Jason share a quick laugh with one another before Jason pats Billy on the back and grabs his belongings.)
Jason: Well, I'm gonna hit the gym and train before a karate class. I'll see you later man.
Billy: Yeah totally. Bye Jason.
(Jason walks off as well, leaving Billy to himself to organize his locker and take out the textbooks he's going to need for that night when from behind he feels somebody approaching him.)
Billy: Need anything else Jason?
(But no one responds.)
Billy: Jason?
(While closing his locker door, he turns around to approach the person behind him but instantly runs into them upon doing so.)
Billy: Oof... Oh, hi... Bertha. What's going on?
(He has to look up to speak to his lofty classmate, who says nothing; merely staring back at him without saying a word. She just munches on a toothpick and wipes off her paint stained flannel shirt which Billy ran into.)
Billy: (awkwardly) N-nice shirt. Where'd you get it?
Bertha: (munches on toothpick) Took it from my dad.
Billy: Oh... interesting. So anyway, I was just gonna head off to the library...
Bertha: You're helping me with my paper.
Billy: Uh, I beg your pardon?
(Bertha leans forward and becomes a little more forceful.)
Bertha: You heard me, you're gonna help me with my paper.
(Suddenly, Billy's initial awkwardness turns into a feeling of uncertain tension.)
Billy: Oh... well sure, I'd love to help tutor you and help you rewrite it. When are you free?
(Bertha snickers as she removes the toothpick from her mouth. She leans
over and spits a huge wad landing right next to him.)
Billy: (unnerved) I-is that chewing tobacco??
Bertha: You got a hearing problem boy...? I said you're gonna WRITE the paper for me.
Billy: Write it for you?
Bertha: (explosively) AM I STUTTERING?!
Billy: ...!!
(Billy is now clearly aware of what's going on and is suddenly breathing a lot harder. Bertha just closes in on him threateningly, forcing him up against the locker)
Billy: N-no... it's just... I can't do that.
Bertha: Why not; something wrong with your hands?
Billy: N-no... because that would be cheating and I can't do that... you'll never learn anything that way.
(Bertha just stops and shakes her head with disbelief before snickering to herself and starts to loudly crack her knuckles. Billy becomes more and more anxious; dropping his books to the floor but too afraid to even pick them up.)
Bertha: I won't learn anything... Boy, when I'm done with you, you can write a report about what you've just learned.
Billy: (gulps) ...?!
(She starts to growl at a Billy now paralyzed with fear. Thankfully though, he spots Mr. Kaplan strolling by from the corner of his eye and immediately tries to get his attention.)
Billy: Mr. Kaplan, come quick!
Bertha: Huh...?
(Kaplan turns his head to find Billy down the hall in an uncompromising position. He marches toward them with a stern look on his face.)
Mr. Kaplan: What's going on? Is everything alright?
(Bertha quickly backs off and wraps her arm around Billy and puts on a big smile.)
Bertha: Everything's just fine Mr. K. Billy and I were just playing, right Billy?
Billy: Uhm...
Mr. Kaplan: (skeptical) Is this true Billy?
Bertha: Tell em why don't you?
Billy: (bursts out) No, it's not! She's trying to pressure me into doing her history project for her. She's threatening to beat me up if I don't!
Bertha: (mutters) Why you son of a...
Mr. Kaplan: (appalled) Pressuring a student to cheat for you? Why that is irreprehensible. Come with me young lady; you're in a lot of trouble.
(Bertha just stops and stares at Kaplan before grunting and begrudgingly letting Billy go.)
Mr. Kaplan: (turns back around) Oh, and Billy, you did the right thing. You know, most students would be too afraid, or rather too embarrassed to admit that a girl just punked them out. Way to do what's right, and not worry so much what your friends will think of you.
Billy: Well...
Mr. Kaplan: I might even make a school wide announcement to announce what you just did; perhaps inspiring others to do the same. Come Bertha, I'm gonna have a talk with your father.
(Billy sighs miserably as he looks down on his scattered books as if it were his pride on the floor. It had just dawned on him what had just happened. Meanwhile on the moon, Rita looks on.)
Rita: Ugh, I can't believe he tattled! What a little chicken?!
Baboo: Hasn't he ever heard the wise saying, "snitches get stitches?'
Squatt: Obviously he doesn't listen to gangsta rap.
Baboo: Obviously not.
Goldar: I've never snitched once in my entire life! Even as I saw my father get brutally slayed and decapitated, I refused to talk to the police about it. I know daddy must be proud of me.
Rita: It only adds salt to the wound that it was a girl who completely emasculated him.
Squatt: (shocked) You mean that thing was a girl?
Rita: Looks like the Mighty Morphin Power Ranger isn't feeling so 'Mighty' right now huh? Haha!
(The next day the rangers are all back in class in their usual seats in the same classroom, only this time, they are presenting a book report for their English class.)
Bulk: So in the end, the reader finds out that the reason the caterpillar was eating so much was so that he could become a beautiful butterfly. And that concludes my report on 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar.' Thank you.
(The classroom applauds half-heartedly as he makes his way back to his seat; none clapping louder than his biggest fan Skull.)
Ms. Appleby: Interesting choice Bulk... I'll give you a check.
Bulk: Awesome!
Billy: Now, next up with his report is Billy. Everyone welcome him on up.
(The class applauds again as Billy grabs a sheet of paper and takes center stage.)
Billy: Thank you everybody. Today, my report will be on a book called 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy.
Ms. Appleby: Oh, interesting.
Bulk: Show off.
Billy: The story delves into the events that led up to the French invasion of Russia and is widely considered one of the greatest...
(Suddenly someone in class starts coughing loudly, causing Billy to stop and lose his train of thought. He waits for the coughing to stop before he continues.)
Billy: Uhm where was I?
Jason: War and Peace is one of the greatest...
Billy: Right. War and Peace is widely considered one of the greatest works of literature of all time. Now the story is over 1400 pages long, so in order to finish this book in the week before the project was due, I had to...
(The coughing starts up again, sounding much more deliberate this time. Billy now suspects somebody trying to mess with him. His ranger friends even start to notice as they look around to see who is doing it.)
Billy: ...
Ms. Appleby: (oblivious) Is everything alright dear?
Billy: Everything's fine. I just... lost my train of thought.
Jason: ...
Billy: Uhm... so in order to finish this book in time I had to spend all my days and nights at the library doing nothing but reading this fascinating book. It is centered around these five aristocratic families who...
Voice in classroom: (coughs)QUEER!(coughs)
(Now it's obvious to Billy that somebody was trying to hurt him and by his now upset expression, it seemed to be working. He glances over towards the middle of the classroom to find Bertha chuckling to herself. Billy becomes so insulted, yet finds himself too ashamed from yesterday to cause another scene that he simply loses all interest in his presentation.)
Billy: (shakes head) I-I'm sorry Ms. Appleby... I'm not feeling too well today, is it alright if I just hand my paper in? ...just this once?
Ms. Appleby: Not feeling well? Do you need to see the nurse?
Billy: No, no... I just...
(Billy doesn't even bother to finish his sentence and just quietly sits down to the bewilderment of everyone in the classroom.)
Trini: (worried) Billy, is everything okay? Do you want me to take you to the nurse?
Billy: No, no... it's quite alright thanks. I'll be fine.
Trini: ...okay.
Ms. Appleby: Okay... uhm... I guess Jason, you're up next.
Jason: Sure.
(The class applauds, but Jason takes a second to give long wary look to his friend before finally going up.)
Jason: Hey everyone, my paper is on a popular book called 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey. It's about a guy who gets sent to a mental institution but who isn't mentally challenged. He sees how horribly everyone gets treated in their by the head nurse, who pretty much bullies these poor inmates that couldn't do a thing about for fear of worse treatment.
(Jason glances over at Billy who's sulking to himself; playing with his fingers.)
Jason: This story really touched me because I don't like seeing people get pushed around, and the way in which the nurse carried herself and manipulated the inmates if she didn't get what she wanted was awful.
(He glances over again to see Billy slowly picking his head up to listen to Jason, only to be met with a spitball to the back of the head. Billy grimaces, but other than turning his face half way back, does nothing about it.)
Jason: (stares coldly) And if I were there, I'd teach that woman some respect.
Robbie: Jack Nicholson's in that book right?
Trini: No. You're thinking about the movie.
Robbie: You sure? I don't think you read the book.
Trini: I don't think you read the book.
Jason: ...
(After school, Billy is seen exiting the school alone from the front entrance. He has his shoulders slightly slouched and his eyes lost in deep thought when he hears someone calling his name.)
Voice: Billy! Yo Billy, wait up!
Billy: Huh?
(He turns around to see Jason chase after him. He quickly shakes his head and forces the look off his face.)
Billy: Hey Jase, what's going on?
Jason: I just wanted to talk.
Billy: Certainly. What would you like to talk about?
Jason: Are you feeling better?
Billy: Feeling better?
Jason: From earlier today; you weren't feeling well during your report so you had to sit down.
Billy: Oh...? Oh! Yeah, much better; thanks for asking.
Jason: Okay... good.
(Billy sensed a shift in the conversation was coming that he really wasn't in the mood to get into so he started to inch his body away from Jason.)
Billy: Great... so... anyway, I've gotta get home. My mom really needs help with something and I...
(Billy takes a step away from him, but Jason stops him before he could get any further.)
Jason: Hey man... I just want to talk to you.
Billy: About what? What's there to talk about?
(He puts his arms around Billy and speaks quietly.)
Jason: Listen man, I saw what was happening.
Billy: W-what do you mean?
Jason: What do I mean? It was obvious; big Bertha was giving you trouble.
Billy: (laughs uncomfortably) What? Bertha? Nah... I didn't notice her doing anything.
Jason: I saw her chucking spitballs at you. And I'm pretty sure she was the one who made all that noise during your presentation and even called you that name. Whatever's going on between the two of you, that's completely uncalled for. I've already asked Trini and Kimberly to have a talk with her tomorrow.
Billy: (Abruptly) You WHAT?! W-why would you tell them anything?! I'm telling you the truth Jason, nothing's wrong.
Jason: Huh? Then what was all that I saw?
Billy: For all you know, she and I are good friends.
Jason: Really?
Billy: That's just how we joke with one another. She calls me... 'queer' and I call her... stupid fat ugly cow. We're good friends. So please don't get involved; and if anything WERE wrong, I could handle it myself, okay? It's called Billy's problem, not Billy and Jason's.
Jason: ...okay. I'll see you tomorrow.
Billy: Bye.
(Billy storms off leaving a still worried Jason behind. Meanwhile back on the moon, Rita and Goldar find some use in Billy's dilemma.)
Goldar: Look at the blue power ranger; he's so depressed about this bully he doesn't even want to be around anybody.
Rita: Yes. Perhaps if we take that tank of a woman and turn her into a monster, Billy will be so afraid and embarrassed, that he won't even ask for help as she destroys him and gets him out of the picture!
Goldar: Yes! And from the looks of it, turning her into a monster should be a piece of cake!
Rita: AHAHAHA!!
Goldar: AHAHAHA!!
Rita: Cause she's ugly.
(A little later, Billy is seen hurriedly walking through Angel Grove Park on his way home. His eyes are locked to the ground; refusing to acknowledge anyone.)
Billy: (ashamed) Man... what is wrong with me? I'm a super hero for crying out loud. Why am I letting this girl get to me? I've beaten monsters twice her size... almost. (Sigh) I need to get a grip.
(Billy continues to storm through the park; lost in deep thought, until he begins to hear a pair of heavy footsteps creeping behind him. He slowly turns his head around to see who it is and finds none other than Bertha following him with a mischievous grin. Billy jerks his head forward and starts to walk even quicker after loudly sighing.)
Bertha: (mockingly) What's wrong boy; you not happy to see me? Not surprising to see you would run away from a woman.
Billy: Just leave me alone. Please.
Bertha: Aww, but I was just gonna do something nice and return your testicles to you. You dropped them on the floor yesterday.
(Billy stops in his tracks, takes a deep breath and turns around in an effort to stop this.)
Billy: Look Bertha, I'm really sorry for telling on you. I didn't mean to get you in trouble, I swear. I just kinda... freaked out.
Bertha: Do you know what you did when you told on me? Kaplan went and told my old man, who wasn't very happy when I got home. He just got laid off that morning.
Billy: I'm really, truly sorry. Look, if it means anything, I'll do your project for you no problem. I just, want to put an end to this.
Bertha: (menacingly) It's too late for that now.
Billy: ...
Bertha: (clenches teeth) You had your chance to end this peacefully... now I'm about to do to you, what pops did to me...
(Bertha approaches him with a perverse smile and cracks her knuckles once more. Billy just takes a deep breath and braces for the worst. However, just before she could raise a fist, she feels a firm tap on her shoulder.)
Bertha: Huh?
Jason: (Boldly) Why don't you pick on someone your own size?
(She turns around to spot Jason right behind her with his arms crossed and a cold, angered stare, right at her.)
Bertha: (intimidatingly) You talking to me, muscles?
Jason: (stoically) Cut the big girl act, you don't scare me. Now beat it; next time you mess with my friend, you gotta go through me.
(Bertha gives Jason a long scowl. Jason just looks right back at her completely unfazed. The two exchange tough looks, but before long, Bertha eventually blinks and steps back.)
Bertha: Whatever, I'm not gonna waste my time on you. I'll be back...
(Bertha turns around and gives Billy one last look before slowly walking off. Jason doesn't break eye contact with her until she's completely out of view.)
Jason: ....and stay out.
(He turns around and walks toward Billy with a look of worry. He tries to put his hand on Billy's shoulder to console him, but Billy furiously smacks it away.)
Billy: (annoyed) What are you doing here?!
Jason: What am I doing here? I was helping you out man... Some friend she is; it didn't look like you guys were playing around at all.
Billy: I told you, I had it under control.
Jason: Yeah, well it didn't look that way to me. Billy, I'M your friend, you have nothing to be ashamed of asking me for help.
Billy: Yeah?
Jason: Yeah.
Billy: Well then Just do me one more favor Jase, and don't do me anymore favors!!!
Jason: But Billy...
(Before Jason could say another word, Billy stormed off irately. Jason decides to just stay behind, though he shakes his head disappointingly. Elsewhere in the park, Bertha can be seen walking alone with a mean scowl on her face; clearly unhappy she was shown up, looking to make Billy pay next time she sees him. When from out of nowhere, a blinding light flashes in front of her.)
Bertha: Ahh!!
Goldar: Gyahaha, you're coming with me!
Bertha: Who the heck are you?
(In front of her stood a sword wielding Goldar and a pack of putty patrollers; Bertha didn't know who they were or what was going on, but she wasn't about to go down peacefully.)
Bertha: I ain't going nowhere you stupid monkey!
Goldar: Ha! Some spunk in this one; she'll be perfect. Putties, get her now!!
(The putties swarm around Bertha, and despite a minor struggle are able to outnumber her and hold her down.)
Bertha: What are you doing? Let go of me now!!
Goldar: Haha, I don't think so...
Bertha: You're... gonna.... PAAAAAYYYYY!!
(And with a flick of the wrist from Goldar, they each vanished into thin air and into Rita's castle.)
Rita: Good work Goldar; now to cast the spell.
(The castle is now pitch black; being lit only by a row of candles surrounding the cold metal bed in which Bertha lies on. She's been incapacitated, with a sheet covering her body. Rita appears before her and begins to summon the evil spirits from within her crystal ball.)
Rita: Call forth thee human, you shall fall under my spell! Yoo yaaam shoooo... Shabo!!
(Thunder claps right on cue.)
Squatt: (frightened) I'm scared!!
Baboo: (frightened) H-h-hold me....
Rita: You will become my newest monster. You will belong to me... humsha nooooo Shambo!!
(Her crystal ball, which is shaped into a skull lights up from the eyes, when suddenly the entire castle quakes from the core of the moon.)
Rita: You will use your Bull-like strength to seek out and destroy the blue ranger. Yoo yaaam shoooo... Shabo!!
(Lightning strikes the outside of the castle, sending an electrical current charge through the walls that travel to Bertha's metal bed, causing her to quiver violently as the sheet falls to the floor. She's awaken, only she wasn't an average school girl anymore, as thick, shiny fur began to spread throughout her entire body. Her shoulders began to broaden and become more muscular Her neck receding into a thick stump. She lifts herself into a seated position as her back begins to rise into an arch. Finally, long horns pierce through her skull, all the while Rita looks on excitedly.)
Rita: Yes, yes perfect! Bertha the Bull lives! Aha!!
Bertha the Bull: YAAAARRRG!!! I'm gonna POUND that nerd!
Rita: HAHA!!!
(We return to Earth on the following day. Jason, Zack and Trini enter the Juice Bar looking to unwind after another long day of school; the boys wearing tank tops with boxing gear on while Trini has on spandex and a towel.)
Zack: Man, do I need to let off some steam.
Trini: Me too... this semester's been beating me up worse than any monster Rita could ever make.
Jason: (Laughs) Yeah, I'd pick the Pudgy Pig any time before another one of those Science exams today.
Trini: Our curriculum IS unusually packed.
Zack: Yeah, still, anyone find it odd that Billy wasn't in class today? I mean it's not like him to miss class at all, much less miss an exam.
Trini: Yeah, I hope he's okay. He must really be sick if he has to skip out on a test...
Jason: Yeah well... I asked Tommy and Kim to stop by his house to check up on him. Make sure he's okay.
Zack: Good idea.
Trini: (points) Uuuh... I don't think he's home you guys.
Jason: What do you mean?
(Trini points toward the bar area where Billy is seen sulking to himself in the corner, nursing a milkshake.)
Jason: (shakes head) Billy...
Trini: (walks towards him) Billy! Billy, are you alright?
(Billy looks surprised to see them and quickly props himself up and wipes the frown off his face.)
Billy: Huh? Oh... hey guys. Yeah, I'm totally fine. Since when do you guys come here...?
Jason: The Juice Bar?
Billy: ...
Zack: Man, what are you doing here? You're sick; you should be in bed, not here drinking a milkshake.
Billy: (starts getting up) Oh... you're right. Yeah, I should probably get...
Trini: I hope this doesn't have anything to do with big Bertha picking on you.
Billy: ...!!!
Zack: Wait, wait... Big Bertha's picking on Billy?
Trini: Yeah that's what Jason told me, Kim and I we're going to talk to her today but she didn't show up. Robbie said something about her getting a vasectomy, but I'm pretty sure he's lying.
Jason: That's enough Trini.
Billy: (furiously) I can't believe you actually told!
(Billy snarls at Jason with clenched fists, shaking from the anger. But when Jason just looks at him sympathetically, he just exhales before long and starts to walk out of the Juice Bar.)
Trini: Billy...
(Trini starts going after him, but Jason stops her.)
Jason: Wait. I'm the reason he's upset; I'll go talk to him.
(Jason paces after Billy till they're both outside of the Juice Bar.)
Jason: Billy man, wait up.
Billy: I can't believe you actually told them! Do you have any idea how humiliated I am right now?
Jason: Look I was just trying to pro...
Billy: No, you look! Don't you see that now I look like a pathetic wimp to them? I just totally lost their respect... just like I've lost my own.
Jason: You haven't lost any one's respect Billy. You're still the nice, smart friend you were before she started picking on you so we don't have any reason to be worried about what we think.
(Billy just sighs and hangs his head.)
Jason: Why'd you skip class today?
Billy: I just felt that... that if I went to class today... Bertha would just... I don't know. She'd treat me worse for you stepping in. She'd think you were fighting my battles for me.
Jason: And how long were you planning on hiding for?
Billy: It's not hiding...
Jason: It is hiding. People like her... they get off on exerting their dominance over others who won't stand up for themselves because deep down they're just as miserable as they want you to be. They'll only stop when they realized you won't stand for their nonsense. Billy you've got to do something. Either tell Mr. Kaplan... or your parents...
Billy: (helplessly) I already told Mr. Kaplan when she first started picking on me... and it's only made things worse. And Mr. Kaplan can't always be there, neither can my parents.
Jason: (Punches hand) Then I'll take care of this myself.
Billy: Absolutely not! We're not solving this with violence. The threat of violence is the problem, I'm not about to put out a flame by throwing gasoline on it. Besides, like you always say in your karate class, violence should be your very last resort.
Jason: Yeah, but it seems like this might just be your last resort. She's just not getting it.
Billy: There has to be another way.
Jason: (looks up) Oh no! Speaking of bullies!
(From the skies, a pack of putties appear and immediately surround the rangers. Jason gets in fighting stance and charges at them while Billy seems almost hesitant, feeling almost inadequate.
Jason dives in leaning toward his first target with a stiff boot to the chest which sends the foot soldier flying and Jason going back in recoil. He swiftly turns around however and lands a roundhouse kick to the putty behind him. He strikes a pose with a battle cry of pure epicness before realizing that another putty is flying towards him from his right with a kick as is one on the left. Jason tries to think fast and does a back flip to move out of the way, allowing them to crash midair.
Billy on the other hand, was acting more evasive than ever. With three goons surrounding him, he did his best to jump out of the way of one's ground kick and quickly ducking another's overhand punch. The third gets him though with a strike to the mid-section sending him back toward the recycling bins. Afterwards, the putty runs toward him and lunges at him. Billy dives out of the way in the nick of time, causing the putty to land directly in a recycling bin and roll down a nearby hill.)
Billy: Should've dumped you in the trash bin.
(Clever quip aside, he was still in danger. More putties had joined to gang up on him and were beginning to move him away from Jason, making him feel uneasy. One tries to knock his head off with a heel kick but he ducks, narrowly avoiding getting hit. Out of desperation he backflips onto a nearby picnic table. However, his luck runs out as they circle him and grab him by the legs, forcing him off.)
Billy: (panicking) AHHH!!! Jason! Heeelp!
Jason: Billy you gotta fight back! I've got my hands full myself.
(The putty patrollers start tossing him around like a ragdoll before throwing him to the ground.)
Billy: Arrg... I'm getting sick of getting pushed around!
(And just on cue, a bright flash blinds a still floored Billy.)
Billy: Oh no... what now?
(The giant, intense looking bull appeared before Billy; drool down its mouth and snot spewing from its nostrils. It dragged its feet on the floor as Billy began to drag himself backwards.)
Bertha the Bull: (Derisively) Well then, why don't you get your boyfriend to come protect you!? If he can get to you that is...
(The bull drags its feet on the floor some more as Billy struggles to get back on his feet. However the second he does, the Bull unleashes itself on full speed and it gores him sending him flying through the air and onto a pile of boxes.)
Jason: Billy! I'm coming!
(He elbows the putty trying to grapple him on the right and lands and uppercut while still crouched over to the one on the left. He then leaps through the air to aid his fallen friend.)
Jason: (extending hand) Billy, you alright man?
Billy: (gasping for air) I'm alright... but it looks like they're all targeting me. This is a load of bull.
(Billy reaches out and grabs Jason's hand to help bring him back up. The Bull now approaches the two of them.)
Bertha the Bull: Muscles, I knew you'd come get in the way. This is between me and the nerd! So why don't you just get out of my way?! Make yourself useful by holding his purse as I crush him.
Jason: IT'S MORPHIN TIME!
Billy: Triceratops!
Jason: Tyrannosaurus!
(The now morphed rangers get in fighting stance standing across from the giant bull, who for some reason can't stop laughing at them.)
Jason: Huh?
Billy: ...?
Bertha the Bull: (amused) Gyahahaha! If I didn't think you were a sissy before.... spandex!?!?! Gyahaha!!! Please tell me they aren't bottomless!!!!
Jason: What's this monster going on about?
Billy: I don't know... but she sounds strangely familiar.
Jason: Obviously Rita knows what's going on and is trying to bully you. Just pound her like you would that lumberjack Bertha.
Bertha the Bull: (Brusquely) Hey!! You watch your mouth, muscles.
Jason: There it goes again calling me muscles...
Bertha the Bull: Putties, get this dumb jock out of my way. The blue one and I have a score to settle...
Jason: Huh? Wait a minute....
(Before Jason could react, a swarm of putties had grabbed Jason by both arms and pulled him away, tossing him from the scene.)
Billy: Jason no!
Bertha the Bull: Don't worry blue boy, I promise I'll make it quick... maybe not so much painless.
(The bull slowly approaches Billy who without Jason to help him now feels helpless.)
Billy: What did I ever do to you anyway? Why do you only want me?
Bertha the Bull: Oh? I think you know exactly why!
(On the word why, the bull stiffs Billy with a back hand, causing him to lose balance. The bull then quickly wraps her muscular arms around Billy's neck and starts giving him a noogie.)
Bertha the Bull: You will pay for what you've done to me!
Billy: AHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Bertha the Bull: Oh quit your crying, you're wearing a helmet for God sakes.
(Out of desperation, Billy manages to stomp on the bull's foot, causing a kneejerk reaction to let him go.)
Billy: Alright, Jason's right... you leave me with no choice, I have to fight back!
(Billy lands a hard right to the jaw followed by and even harder left. Unfortunately, the bull barely budges.)
Billy: Uh-oh...
Bertha the Bull: (clenches teeth) Now you've done it...
(The bull rams into him, sending him flying again, this time though, he rolls down the nearby hill, onto a rocky canyon. Bertha just slowly walks down after him.)
Bertha the Bull: You dare lay you're hands on me?
Billy: I barely phased it... I hit back and it only made it angrier.
Bertha the Bull: (explosively) YEAH YOU DID!!
(The bull kicks Billy as he was down, knocking him further down the hill to the very bottom. From the very top, Jason could be seen fighting off the last putty. He spots his friend in a jam and tries to help.)
Jason: Billy! Billy are you alright?
Billy: Honestly, I've felt better.
Jason: Billy you gotta fight back; show that thing who's boss.
Billy: I just did... it didn't work. It's just beating me up even worse. It's way stronger than me.
Jason: Oh man... alright then, let's head back to the command center. Maybe Zordon can help us.
Billy: Right.
Bertha the Bull: Oh no you don't!
(Bertha cocks back for another kick, but just before she could land it, Billy along with Jason teleport out of there to safety.)
Bertha the Bull: Noo!!! Where are you?! I'm not done teaching you your lesson!! ARRRG!!!!
(Back on the moon, Rita gloats the early success of her new monster.)
Rita: (triumphant) They've run away! HAHA!! My new monster is working wonders! Finster, who would've thought all your stupid monsters would pale in comparison to this teenager with attitude?
Finster: (mumbles) Well, none of my monsters have any warrants...
Rita: Ah, but I've been here before... usually the power rangers will come back stronger than ever; usually with some new weapon they've somehow built from scraps in Billy's garage. I can't allow that to happen! Goldar!!
Goldar: Yes my empress?
Rita: Go to downtown Angel Grove and wreak some havoc; I can't allow the other rangers to get in the way of my plan, it's going too well.
Goldar: Yes, right away!
Rita: You stupid rangers won't outsmart me now... cause this time, I've got the bull by the horns!
(Meanwhile at the command center, the other five rangers have joined a now unmorphed Jason and Billy, who is leaning against the keyboard.)
Tommy: We got here as soon as we heard. Are you alright Billy?
Billy: (defensively) Yeah I'm fine. I wish people would stop asking me if I'm alright.
Tommy: ...
Jason: Billy got beat up bad by Rita's new monster. He couldn't even leave a scratch.
Billy: ...
Zordon: That is because it is no ordinary monster. Behold the viewing globe.
(The seven rangers each turn to face the viewing globe. They see an image of Bertha being kidnapped by Goldar and a pack of putties.)
Robbie: Wait...
Trini: Is that...
Kimberly: Big Bertha?
Zack: The baddest girl in school? What would Rita want with her?
Alpha: Rita captured her to turn her into her latest, most diabolical monster yet, Bertha the Bull.
(They see an image of Bertha, now as a giant bull, roaming the streets of Angel Grove; calling for Billy.)
Jason: Wait a second...
Billy: That's Bertha?!
Kimberly: I've got to say, she actually looks a lot better now as a monster.
Robbie: Yeah, it looks like she's at least she shaved now.
(The rangers see images of the bull beating Billy down and giving him a noogie.)
Robbie: But wait... why does it seem to only be targeting Billy?
Tommy: Yeah, and why Bertha of all people?
Billy: .......
Zordon: Perhaps, I am not the best person to address your concerns... Billy?
(Slowly, every starts turning to Billy; who's once again leaning up against the keyboards with his hands in his pocket.)
Jason: Is there something you wanna tell us Billy?
Billy: ...
Trini: Come on Billy, we're your friends... you can talk to us.
(Billy takes a deep breath before beginning to speak.)
Billy: It all started a couple days ago. Bertha confronted me in the hallways and told me that if I didn't do what she said and cheat for her, I'd get beaten up. Well, I told Mr. Kaplan because, well, at the time I thought it was the best thing to do. Only, since then, things got much, much worse. Now everywhere I went when I was at school, she was there. It got to the point that for the first time in my life today, I just... didn't feel like going to class. I feel completely weak right now not to mention totally emasculated. And I assume Rita knows this and decided to kick me while I'm down... I'm sorry for not telling any of you guys. I've just been extremely ashamed of myself for getting picked on by a girl.
Jason: And you hear that silence Billy? That's none of us judging you.
Zack: ...
Trini: ...
Kimberly: ...
Tommy: ...
Robbie: I'm doing it silently.
Trini: Billy, there's nothing to be ashamed of. None of this is your fault; in fact, we respect you more for not stooping to her level. That takes integrity, not to mention lots of patience.
Tommy: Yeah Billy, you shouldn't feel like any less of a person because somebody else isn't happy with who they are. Just let us all know next time; you don't have to fight back, but there is strength in numbers.
Zack: Well you know what? We're all here now; I say we buck this bull right now.
Jason: Yeah!
(A now relieved Billy can't help but smile with adoration of his supportive friends.)
Billy: You guys are the greatest. Man, I feel so much better. Yeah, let's take her down.
(Just then, the alarm goes off, sending Alpha into a panic.)
Alpha: Oh no; we've got another problem! Ay ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, yai!! Goldar and a swarm of putties are attacking downtown Angel Grove.
Zordon: Rita must've foreseen the other rangers coming together so she's using Goldar as a diversion.
Jason: That's fine; we'll just split up into teams of two.
Billy: No.
Jason: No?
Billy: No. This is my problem, I'm gonna resolve it my way. You guys can handle Goldar.
Jason: Are you sure?
Billy: (nods head) I'm sure.
(Billy puts his hand on Jason's shoulder reassuringly.)
Jason: Okay, but if you need any help just call us.
Billy: You got it.
Tommy: But Zordon, what about my powers? They're getting weak.
Robbie: Oh shut the Hell up; we don't have time for that nonsense.
Zack: Yeah seriously, stop trying to hog the spotlight.
Tommy: ...
Zordon: Very well then, and let the power protect you.
Jason: IT'S MORPHIN TIME!
Tommy: Dragonzord!
Zack: Mastodon!
Kimberly: Pterodactyl!
Billy: Triceratops!
Robbie: Stegosaurus!
Trini: Saber-Toothed Tiger!
Jason: Tyrannosaurus!
(Jason, Zack, Trini, Tommy, Kim and Robbie soar down to the top of a skyscraper in downtown Angel Grove where they meet Goldar; who with a flick of his wrists, he is joined by a swarm of putties who immediately charge at the rangers. They waste no time getting to work ridding themselves of this diversion. Robbie and Zack take on half the putties on the south side while the girls handle a pack of their own on the north. And while outnumbered both ways, hold their own. Like the incredibly agile Zack, who practically dances around the enemy; frustrating their every effort at landing a punch with Matrix-like ducks and dodges then coming back at them with spinning kicks of his own before they have even the slightest chance to recover. Even Robbie, who while significantly less refined is much more aggressive in fighting style; disregarding defense, but lunges at pairs of them with flying clotheslines. They leave everyone, including him on the floor, leaving him open to be grabbed by more putties but he recovers by kicking them in the groin and slamming their faces to the hard cement rooftop with a bulldog.)
Zack: Man, you're all over the place. We need to hone your skills... try learning to dance.
Robbie: No thanks. Andre the Giant could teach me more about breaking skulls than 'Dirty Dancing' ever could.
Zack: Good movie though.
Robbie: Oh yeah, no doubt.
Zack: I honestly didn't mind that the girl was only like, 16; I think the whole thing was very tastefully done. I found myself rooting for Patrick Swayze.
Robbie: Absolutely. Swayze is a phenomenal actor. The movie itself doesn't offer much in terms of fighting intergalactic monsters; but yeah, I liked it.
(Meanwhile, the girls are trying to maintain as well, teaming up to take down their horde; Kim using her gymnast background using her evasive backflips; luring them toward Trini who uses her Kung Fu background to beat the living crap out of them. All the while, Jason and Tommy handle a sword wielding Goldar who is more than tough enough for the two black belts. He swings his sword over the ducking head of the red ranger who answers back with a kick to the abdomen. Tommy tries to capitalize with a diving lunge but is quickly neutralized with a swing of Goldar's blade. Jason tries to run to the aid of the fallen green ranger but is shoved backwards with a big boot to the face. )
Goldar: Just give up now, you could save your blue friend a lot of trouble. And even more pain. Gyahaha.
Jason: (defiantly) Never! You may have us outnumbered, and that new monster may be physically stronger than Billy. But we all have something that you could never understand and that goes twice for Billy... heart.
Goldar: How very touching. I can't wait to rip you open and see for myself.
(Just then, Tommy leaps onto the back of Goldar and quickly tries to restrain him.)
Goldar: What do you think you're doing? Do you think you're hurting me? I've worn backpacks heavier than you.
Tommy: Jason, shoot now!
(Jason pulls out his blade blaster and fires a shot directly at his chest, quickly taking him down. Meanwhile in a more calm setting on the outskirts of town, Comic-Con, a convention held annually for fans of comic books, popular super hero movies and all things science fiction is in full swing. Fans, young and old unite to meet their favorite stars or writers, meet others with their passion and most even dress up as their favorite characters for the occasion with homemade materials. It's a joyous occasion for a certain demographic of young kids. Kids that from the outside are typically referred to as...)
Bertha the Bull: NEERRRDDDSSSS!!!!!
(Bertha the Bull managed to somehow stumble into the convention and due to everyone being in costume has gone undetected.)
Fat guy in Zelda suit: Wow, that's a really good costume. I wonder who made it?
White girl as Chun Li: (With lisp) I don't know... what is he supposed to be anyway?
(Bertha storms through each stand searching for any leads.)
Bertha the Bull: He's got to be around here somewhere. Jeez this gonna be like finding a needle in a haystack. Maybe I should ask that fat Ironman over there. ....wait.... is that...?
(From the corner of her eye, she spots something that gets her attention.)
Bertha the Bull: HIM!!
(She bullets to the end of the room; knocking over several people in the process until she finally gets her hands around her targets scrawny neck.)
Bertha the Bull: (incensed) I KNEW you'd be here. I ain't done with you, blue ranger. I will not be done until I make you pay for what you done to me.
(What she thinks is the blue ranger is in fact a much skinnier 12 year old boy in a loose fitted, obviously homemade blue ranger costume with sneakers on. He gasped for dear life as his friend, a balding older male in a Sailor Moon costume desperately tried to pry the monster off of him.)
Sailor Moon: Get off; you're hurting him!!!
Bertha the Bull: GET OUT OF MY WAY!! This is between me and the dweeb.
Sailor Moon: Security!! Security, come quick!!
(He continued to pry as well as others jumping in to get involved. Yet, she continued the vise grip as the boy slowly began to slip away. A satisfying grin overtook the face of the monster who was taking joy in exerting dominance over a much weaker prey. The boy was just about to take his last desperate gasp for air when from out of nowhere the monster is knocked right to the ground with a shot from a laser.)
Bertha the Bull: (Stunned) W-what the???
Billy: You've harmed your last victim; now let my people go!
Bertha the Bull: You!! But I thought...
(Billy soars through the air, landing right by the bull, where he manages to catch Bertha by surprise and land a right hand followed by a kick that causes her to stumble backwards. He turns his attention momentarily to the innocent civilian harmed by the monster.)
Billy: Are you alright?
(The boy cannot speak, but he is able to give Billy the thumbs up.)
Billy: Good. Nice costume by the way. (Looks up) Guys, get him to safety. Batman, make sure no one else hurt him.
Batman: Right.
Bertha the Bull: Well aren't you the nerd messiah? Too bad in the real world none of that actually matters and you're still in the bottom of the totem pole.
Billy: Enough, I'm sick of your put downs. These people and I are no different than you or anybody else. They're good people who wouldn't harm a fly. But people like you know that, and you use that to put them down to make you feel better about yourself. Well no more.
Bertha the Bull: How dare you make those assumptions...? why I outta....
(Billy doesn't let her finish her though, charging the beast with all he's got. He attempts a bicycle kick, but is quickly deflected and knocked back to the table of a stand with a strong shoulder butt. )
Billy: Right... I forgot how strong she is.
Bertha the Bull: When I'm done with you, I'm gonna form a line out the bathroom door as I give these each of these geeks a swirly.
(Billy looks to see which stand he's in and starts thinking on his feet. He grabs the nearest poster he could grab and unravels it, revealing autographed photos of Kagome from Inuyasha and notices as it sends Bertha into a rage. He starts to wave it by side like a bull fighter which causes her to charge full speed at him. Then, at the very last second he yanks the photo away causing Bertha to collide into the stand itself, causing the roof of the stand to collapse on top of her; sending photos, T-shirts and a bunch of other Inuyasha merchandise to fly all over the place. Billy looked around with confusion as to why people hadn't yet evacuated the scene and are instead just standing there watching the fight.)
Billy: Man... I need to take this outside; this is gonna cause too much collateral damage. These people don't seem to get the urgency of this situation.
Fat Zangief: Man, this comic-con is awesome!! They even have a live show; I've never seen that done before.
Virgin Captain Falcon: Yeah, such great costumes too.
Billy: C'mon Bertha! Catch me if you can.
(Billy runs out the front entrance, as does Bertha once get gets back up from the rubble. Unfortunately though, many other people still think it's just a show and run outside with them.)
Billy: Oh no... they're gonna get hurt. You guys have to get out of here!! It's too dangerous!!
(Billy waves at the crowd, but either they don't hear him or don't listen as they only cheer back.)
Billy: (shakes head) Stupid nerds...
Bertha the Bull: You're not running away this time!
Billy: I'm finished running. The only way to stop people like you is to stand up to them.
Bertha the Bull: Let's see how that works out!!!
(Just then, Bertha charges Billy with everything she's got and lands a brutal headbutt that sends Billy flying through the air, crash landing on top of the designated Segway parking; many of which start blowing up on impact.)
Fat Red Ranger: MY SEG!!!!
Bertha the Bull: Hahaha... this ain't a movie. And all of your 'stand up for the underdog' crap don't work in real life. Now, to finish you off... bwahahaha!!!
Billy: (writhing) ...Uhh.....
(Meanwhile, back to downtown Angel Grove, the others are finishing off the putty patrollers. Zack hops around his last foot solider just as Robbie pile drivers his last. Trini smashes as Kim leads them off the edge of the building and before you know it, Goldar was suddenly the one outnumbered.)
Jason: The jigs up Goldar, give up now, or you can end up like those clay brains we just finished off.
Goldar: You rangers will not get in the way of my empresses plan, I will not allow it.
Robbie: Stop calling her an empress!!! You need an actual empire to be an empress. And theirs only like, four of you in that castle.
Jason: Have it your way Goldar. Alright guys take out your weapons and give em everything you've got.
Tommy: Right!
Zack: Right!
Trini: Right!
Kimberly: Right!
Robbie: Right!
(The rangers all pull out their respective weapons and aim them at Goldar. Realizing things aren't going to end well; he decides to live to fight another day.)
Goldar: (begrudgingly) I guess you rangers might have won this time, but I promise you, I'll be back!
(With a flick of the wrist, Goldar retreats; disappearing into thin air.)
Zack: He got away!
Robbie: Crap!
Trini: At least now we can go help Billy.
Jason: Trini's right, now that the distraction is out of the way, we can shift our focus back to taming that bully. Zordon come in.
Zordon: Yes Jason.
Jason: Goldar just retreated. We're on our way to help Billy. We just need to know where he is.
Zordon: Billy is on the outskirts of down on the boarder of Stone Canyon. He is at the comic book convention with Bertha the Bull.
Trini: (thrilled) Comic-con?! Today?!? Aw man I didn't even get to finish my costume!
Robbie: What were you gonna go as?
Trini: The yellow ranger.
Robbie: I see.
Jason: Alright, let's go guys.
(The rangers teleport off the building to try and save Billy, who is in great danger. Still incapacitated on top of the Segway's with the giant bull closing in on him, he is history unless he acts fast.)
Bertha the Bull: What will it say on your death certificate when I'm done with you boy? Fractured skull? Asphyxiation? What about my favorite; death by wedgie?
Billy: I'd really prefer natural causes...
Bertha the Bull: NOT AN OPTION!
(Bertha cracks her knuckles one final time before grabbing Billy by the chest and pulling him up from the rubble.)
Bertha the Bull: Maybe I'll just get creative? Hahaha...
(She clenches one of her fists and cocks it as far back as she could; salivating at the thought of finally cracking his head open. All the while, Billy just braces himself for the worst.)
Bertha the Bull: This is gonna be so sweet; wish I'd brought some extra panties....
Billy: W-why do you hate me so much, Bertha? I never meant to wrong you... honestly.
Bertha the Bull: (Menacingly) Never meant to wrong me, huh?
Billy: No. I swear I just, I just got scared when you pressed me like that. I didn't mean to get you in trouble.
Bertha the Bull: (fuming) Didn't mean to get me in trouble? Didn't MEAN to get me in trouble? You little....what did you MEAN to happen when you ratted me out to Kaplan?
Billy: I...
Bertha: (continues) What did you MEAN when you made me look bad in front of the WHOLE SCHOOL? Did you have good intentions for me then? What about when Kaplan told my old man, who needed something to take his anger out on cause he just got laid off hours before; what did you intend to happen? Did you MEAN for him to do what he did to me...?
(Slowly, her eyes fill with a bitter rage as they start to wander off.)
Billy: What?! God, no... I didn't mean for any of that! My God, what did he do to you?
Bertha the Bull: (shakes head) THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS BOY!!
Billy: It isn't. But Bertha, whatever he did, it wasn't your fault, just as much as it wasn't mine.
Bertha the Bull: Don't pull that psych crap on me; my therapist tried that crap on me and she still hasn't woken up from her coma. Mistake or not, I'm gonna destroy you...
Billy: (sighs) ...fine. Go ahead.
(She cocks her fist back one more time; only this time, Billy just accepts it hopelessly. Though despite her dismissive reply, Bertha still felt like she needed to set the record straight.)
Bertha the Bull: Oh, and just for the record, I know it's not my fault! But that's how things are since my mom died.
Billy: I'm... so sorry for your loss.
Bertha the Bull: Don't be. She died years ago... though my old man still seems torn up about it. Fact is... he was never like this before. She just had this... calming effect on him. He'd get all wound up, and she seemed to know exactly what to say to wind him back down. But she's not around no more.
Billy: She sounds like a lovely woman.
Bertha the Bull: She was; beautiful too... queen of the trailer park so to speak. Definitely didn't belong in the slums, but lord blessed us I guess. But in the end, all she left behind were some old clothes, collectible Dale Ernheart plates and me... a 'fat, stupid, ugly piece of trash no one likes and won't ever be half the woman her mom was.' I swear... no matter how many people I beat up or how many pigtails I pull, pops always knows how to bring me down right away. Fact is, I just want him to notice me for once...
Billy: Bertha... I-I never knew this....
Bertha the Bull: I never told anyone... I was always kinda... ashamed to look weak around people so I just shut them out. Even people who wanted to help me.
Billy: ...trust me, I completely understand. But you don't need to be ashamed of anything; none of this is your fault. Look, if I had known you were going through all this... I would've just helped you on that paper to begin with.
Bertha the Bull: You... would've?
Billy: It's ethically sketchy, but... it looks like to me like you needed something positive to turn your luck around. And I would do anything to help those in need.
(Slowly, Bertha begins to come to her senses as she begins to lower Billy to his feet.)
Bertha the Bull: Man, what have I done? You're... alright.
Billy: Thanks Bertha, so are you.
Bertha the Bull: You know... what really spoke to me was that Bulk kids book report.
Billy: The Very Hungry Caterpillar??
Bertha the Bull: Yeah... good book based on his report. I plan on picking the book up sometime.
Billy: You do know that's a 1st grade level book right? And I'm pretty sure Bulk didn't even read it all...
Bertha the Bull: (ignores him) A tale about a plain old caterpillar, that all it does is eat and eat and eat... Then one day, it wraps itself up in a cocoon before becoming this beautiful butterfly.
(Billy looks on awkwardly as Bertha takes a minute to compose herself; fighting a tear that's squeezing out of her eye.)
Bertha the Bull: (hangs head) I want to be that butterfly one day.
Billy: You will be Bertha... you will be.
Bertha the Bull: You... really think so?
Billy: I know so.
(Billy gives her a reassuring nod when Bertha shakes her head and clears her throat in an attempt to recompose herself and casually pats him on the back.)
Bertha: Thanks bro.
Billy: No problem, pal.
(The two share an unusually warm moment for a ranger and a monster as attendees to the convention just looked on bewilderingly. It would appear that a new friendship was in the making.)
Jason: FIRE!!
Zack: FIRE!!
Trini: FIRE!!
Kimberly: FIRE!!
Tommy: FIRE!!
Robbie: FIRE!!
Bertha the Bull: What the...?
Billy: NOOOOO!!!!
(Without much time to react, Billy lunges out of the way of oncoming fire aimed directly at Bertha that takes her down instantly; exploding before hitting the floor leaving Billy was complexly horrified. All that could be heard after Bertha's flames stopped were the applause of an amused crowd.)
Zelda: (applauding) Thank God! It was starting to get a little lame and preachy there for a second...
Billy: (mortified) ...!!!!!!!!!!
Trini: Are alright Billy?
Jason: We got here as soon as we could.
Billy: Bu-but... w-why? How could you guys?
Tommy: What?
Billy: (distraught) I just talked Bertha down... I finally reached her non-violently and we... bonded. We just had a great talk... why...? She's gone now!
(Billy emotionally crawls over the pile of ash where she once stood. The others uncomfortably remain silent; just giving bewildered looks at one another while Billy mourns.)
Billy: (sighs) ...I can't believe you guys...
Robbie: (Snickers) She thought she was gonna be a butterfly.
(Meanwhile back on the moon, Rita is livid at yet another defeat by the power rangers. However she's in no mood to hear any excuses from her bumbling staff. This time, she just seethes to herself on her balcony, and groans.)
Rita: (Incensed) UUURG, I HATE YOU POWER RANGERS!!!!!!!!
(We return back to Earth for our final scene, back at the Juice Bar; where the rangers sit in their usual seat, all crowding Billy who's just gone through a roller coaster of a day.)
Jason: (remorsefully) So Billy man, I just wanted to apologize for what happened to Bertha. I guess we just sort of... jumped the gun a bit.
Billy: (Shakes head) It's alright. Zordon said it himself that destroying the monster only meant the spell was broken. She'll be back to herself with no recollection of what just happened. So in essence, you did me a favor sort of.
Zack: We sort of dodged a bullet there huh?
Robbie: Too bad she couldn't.
Jason: I know what Zordon said Billy, but what I'm apologizing for is for... underestimating you. You told me all along you wanted to handle it alone and you wanted to handle it non-violently. I of course was the meathead who wanted to fight first ask questions later but I only succeeded in making things worse for you. I wanna say sorry.
Zack: Yeah and kudos for beating her without throwing a punch.
Trini: Yes Billy, I completely agree. She did nothing but harass you and make mindless insults about your manhood. But you kept calm, and in a rough situation where many would have cracked and resorted to using their fists, you did the right thing and talked it out with her; like a true man would.
Billy: (beams) Wow... well thanks for the kind words guys! And honestly Jason, I couldn't have done it without knowing I had a great friend in you... in all of you, to support me and not judge me no matter what. Now... my only remaining issue is. If Bertha's not gonna remember what happened, she's still gonna hate my guts.
Tommy: Well don't worry Billy. If you could handle the situation once, we have faith you can do it again.
Billy: Thanks!
Kimberly: Oh... and speaking of which, that opportunity might come a little sooner than you'd like.
(The rangers each turn around and to their discontent, see Bertha stumble in; clutching her head in intense pain.)
Kimberly: Oh no... looks like you've got some trouble your way Billy.
Billy: Yeah...
(Bertha passes by him without even noticing, but Billy turns around to get her attention.)
Billy: Hey Bertha?
Bertha: (shortly) Huh...? What do you want boy?
(She gives him a long threatening stare before spotting Jason. She was confused however, to see that none of them had any look of hostility in their eyes.)
Billy: I was just concerned cause it looks like you're in pain. Do you wanna sit down?
Bertha: I don't need no charity from you. Don't you think I forgot all about you blabbing to Kaplan. And don't you think I'm scared cause your boyfriend's here. I'll beat you up in front of him as he holds your purse.
Jason: You've already said that.
Bertha: Have I?
Jason: Yeah.
Billy: No charity. I just wanted to apologize for any trouble I might've caused you. I got to thinking, and I realized I was a little unfair and I want us to start over. You can still hate my guts, heck you can beat me up if you want. But if you'd like, I would love to help you with your project; and anything other projects if you'd like. Just ask if you need help.
Jason: ...
Zack: ...
Trini: ...
Kimberly: ...
Robbie: ...
Tommy: ...
(Bertha stands completely still and just eyes him up and down for a bit before stepping closer to him and lowering her head to meet him eye to eye.)
Bertha: Help? Boy, you know what I need?
Robbie: (mutters) Bigger seats on the bus?
Billy: (tensely) Uhm... what?
Jason: (to the other) Get ready in case she tries anything...
Bertha: (Smiles) More friends like you.
(Bertha leans back and extends her arm for a handshake as Billy breathes a sigh of relief.)
Billy: (jubilantly) Let's get started on that paper then! First let's grab some shakes, you want one?
Bertha: Sure!
Billy: Great! Shakes for everyone on me!
(Billy turns around carelessly, but winds up running into Bulk and Skull who were walking right behind them, holding milk shakes that wound up splattering all over their faces.)
Bulk: ....!!!
Skull: ...!!!
Billy: ...or on them rather.
Bulk: (punches palm) You little PUNK! You're gonna pay for that...
Skull: (punches palm) Yeah, you're gonna pay for that.
Billy: G-guys! I'm sorry. It was just an accident, I didn't mean to...
Bulk: (threateningly) Oh no, you didn't mean to.... just like I won't mean to shove my fist down your throat.
(Quickly, the other rangers get up to aid Billy and stand behind him. Bulk just smirks to himself.)
Bulk: Aww looks like the other dweebs came to rescue you. Don't worry; you guys can hold his purse while I pound him.
Jason: (fed up) Billy doesn't own a purse you guys!
(Billy gets uncomfortable as Bulk leans in confrontationally. However, he doesn't get much farther as Bertha steps in front of him.)
Bertha: You got a problem?
Bulk: (surprised) ...Huh?
Bertha: I said, you got a problem, boy? Cause you mess with him, you gotta go through me first.
(Jason cracks an approving smile as Bulk and Skull are suddenly intimidated by Billy's new friend. Who outsized even Bulk by a considerable amount.)
Bulk: (feign laughter) Uh-uh... no... of course not. We we're just... playing.
Skull: Yeah... and leaving.
(Skull cautiously steps backwards, but unknowingly steps over the mess and takes a long comic slip on his back. Bulk doesn't notice however and upon stepping backwards himself, slips over the same puddle and lands right on top of his smaller friend.)
Jason: (laughs) Welcome aboard Bertha!
Bertha: (Laughs) Thanks!
Robbie: (laughs) We're never gonna see you again after today huh?
Bertha: (laughs) Probably not.
(Bertha and the rangers burst out laughing at Bulk and Skulls expense as the episode ends.)
YOU ARE READING
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Robbie Chronicles
FanfictionThe Mighty Morphin Power Rangers universe, re-tolled with a seventh, Hispanic ranger (the BROWN ranger). He's crude, he makes snide remarks, and treats everything, including his job and his teammates with universal indifference.
