Green With Evil Prologue: Black in Green

Disclaimer: This story is a fan-made reimagining inspired by the works of Boom! Studios and their Power Rangers comic series. While it borrows characters, themes, and elements from Boom! Studios and the wider Power Rangers franchise, this is my own creative interpretation. It is not an official work and has no connection to, endorsement by, or affiliation with Boom! Studios, Hasbro, or any related entities.
All rights to the original characters, storylines, and intellectual property remain with their rightful owners. This adaptation is simply a fan project, created for the enjoyment of fellow fans.

Green With Evil Prologue: Black in Green

The Moon's surface sparkled under the Earth's distant light, a lonely land of silver dust and sharp craters. But high on a jagged spire jutting out like a fang, Rita Repulsa's palace loomed—a grotesque fortress of twisted stone and glowing green light. Inside, the air stank of sulfur and magic, the walls faintly pulsing as if alive.

Rita Repulsa paced the throne room, her flowing robes billowing behind her like storm clouds. In her bony hands, she clutched the Green Power Coin, its eerie glow casting flickering shadows across her wrinkled face. She grinned wickedly, her blood-red lips twisting into a cruel smile.

"With this," she hissed, holding the coin high, "I'll tear the Power Rangers apart from the inside. They won't know what hit them!"

Goldar, standing stiffly near the throne, narrowed his glowing red eyes as he watched his queen's excitement. His golden armour glinted under the coin's sickly green light. "What's the plan, my queen?" he growled, his deep voice echoing through the chamber.

"My plan is genius, you lumbering fool!" Rita snapped, spinning to face him. She shoved the coin toward him, the energy inside swirling like a trapped storm. "This coin isn't just powerful—it's made for domination. It can give the Rangers power like they've never seen before… but at a cost. Whoever holds it will belong to me, completely under my control."

Goldar tilted his head, his lion-like features twisting into a cruel grin. "You're going to turn one of the Rangers against the others?"

"Exactly!" Rita barked, her laugh sharp and grating. She began pacing again, her staff clicking against the cold stone floor. "If I corrupt one of them, the rest will fall apart. Their teamwork is their strength, but it's also their weakness. Break their trust, and they'll crumble."

In a corner, Baboo and Squatt exchanged nervous glances. Squatt fiddled with his helmet, his voice trembling. "Uh, but, Mistress Rita… do you, uh, know which one to pick?"

"Yeah," Baboo added, scratching his chin. "The red one? He's the bossy leader. Or maybe the blue one—he's super smart!"

Rita stopped mid-step and glared at the two henchmen. "No, you fools! Jason's too stubborn. Billy's too careful." She turned back to Goldar, her eyes gleaming with a cunning idea. "But Zack… Zack is perfect."

Goldar nodded slowly, catching on. "The Black Ranger…"

"Exactly," Rita said, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "Zack hides his insecurities behind that swagger of his. He's confident, sure, but confidence can crack. I'll plant a seed of doubt, and it'll grow into a tree of destruction."

Her hand curled around the coin, and she held it close to her face, whispering as if to herself. "He'll be my Green Ranger, and he'll destroy his friends for me."

Goldar stepped forward eagerly, gripping his sword. "How do you want me to bring him to you, my queen? Shall I attack the city and draw him out?"

"No," Rita said, shaking her head. She tapped her temple with a long, claw-like finger. "This time, we'll be subtle. Strike when they least expect it. Take him when he's alone."

Her eyes sparkled with malice as she turned to the swirling vortex of her telescope. The Earth filled the lens, and with a wave of her hand, Rita zoomed in on Angel Grove. The Youth Center appeared, buzzing with activity. In the middle of it all, Zack busted out some smooth dance moves, his smile bright, his steps confident and sharp.

"There he is," Rita said, her voice almost tender as she watched him. "So full of energy, so confident. Let's see how sure he feels when he's all alone."

Goldar tightened his grip on his sword. "I'll bring him to you, my queen."

"You'd better!" Rita screeched, spinning to face him. Her voice rose into a sharp, menacing shriek. "And don't come back without him, or you'll wish you were never born!"

Goldar bowed deeply. "As you command, my empress." In a flash of golden light, he vanished.

Rita turned back to the telescope, her grin widening as Zack finished his routine to a round of applause. Even if he couldn't see it yet, she could already spot the cracks in his confidence.

"This is going to be fun," she purred, clutching the Green Power Coin tighter. "Enjoy your last moments of freedom, Black Ranger. Soon, you'll be mine."

Her chilling laughter filled the room, echoing off the twisted walls. The Green Power Coin glowed brighter in her hand, its energy pulsing like a heartbeat, as if it, too, could feel the triumph to come.

---

The Angel Grove Youth Center buzzed with its usual vibrant energy. The rhythmic clatter of weights and the hum of treadmills mingled with laughter and chatter. Near the juice bar, a group of kids slurped on brightly coloured smoothies, their attention locked on Zack Taylor in the middle of the room. As usual, Zack was stealing the show.

"Alright, check this out!" Zack called, his grin wide, his voice brimming with energy.

He slid effortlessly into a moonwalk, his feet gliding across the polished floor like they were made for it. The crowd erupted in cheers, clapping and laughing as he spun into a dramatic pose and flashed his signature grin.

"Zack, that was incredible!" Kimberly called from a nearby table, where she sat with Jason and Trini.

"Yeah, man," Jason added, leaning back with a smirk. "Keep it up, and Ernie's gonna start charging admission just to watch you."

Zack snatched a towel off the rack and draped it over his shoulders. "What can I say? When you've got it, you've got it."

Trini rolled her eyes with a laugh. "You're allergic to humility, aren't you?"

"Hey, I can't help being good at what I do," Zack shot back, his voice playful as he tossed the towel onto his shoulder.

Behind the juice bar, Billy adjusted his glasses as he tinkered with a small electronic gadget. He glanced up with curiosity. "Your ability to execute such precise movement with balance and timing is fascinating, Zack. Have you ever considered other applications for your skills? Perhaps gymnastics?"

Zack chuckled, clapping Billy on the shoulder as he passed by. "Thanks, Billy, but I think I'll stick to what I know best: dancing and saving the world. What more could a guy want?"

Before Billy could respond, the air in the Youth Center suddenly shifted. A chill swept through the room. The lights flickered, dimming as an unnatural stillness descended. Conversations faltered. The crowd glanced around nervously.

Then it happened. A blinding flash of gold light erupted in the middle of the gym, its brilliance cutting through the dimness like a knife.

"Whoa, what's going on?" Ernie yelped, stumbling back from the blender he'd been operating.

When the light faded, a towering figure stood at its centre. Goldar's hulking frame gleamed under the flickering lights, his fiery red eyes scanning the room like a predator surveying its prey. He raised his glowing sword, its blade casting ominous shadows on the walls.

Gasps filled the room as panic rippled through the crowd. The civilians froze, their gazes locked on the fearsome intruder.

Jason shot to his feet, fists clenched as he instinctively adopted a defensive stance. "Goldar," he growled, his voice low and firm. "What are you doing here?"

Goldar's laughter was deep and guttural, sending a shiver through the onlookers. "I've come for you, Rangers… but especially you, Black Ranger." His glowing sword swung to point directly at Zack.

Zack's confident grin vanished. His body tensed as he instinctively took a step back. "Me? Why me?"

"That's for me to know and for you to suffer," Goldar snarled before lunging toward him.

Jason was faster. He intercepted Goldar's strike with a powerful block, his hands colliding with the massive blade in a loud, jarring clang. "Zack, get out of here!" Jason barked, pushing against Goldar with all his strength.

"Run? Seriously?" Zack shot back, regaining some of his composure. "I don't run."

But the room had already erupted into chaos. Civilians screamed as they scrambled for the exits, stumbling over one another in their panic. Chairs and tables were overturned in the fray. Ernie ducked behind the counter, his face pale as he fumbled for his phone.

"Everyone, get out! Now!" Kimberly shouted, grabbing the arm of a frightened kid and leading them toward the door.

"Stay low and move quickly!" Trini added, her voice calm but firm as she guided a group of gym-goers to safety.

Billy was fumbling with his wrist communicator, his hands trembling as he activated it. "Zordon, we have a situation! Goldar is here, and it's bad."

Goldar's mocking laughter echoed over the chaos. He swung his sword toward Zack, who narrowly dodged the attack, flipping backwards with surprising agility. "You're gonna have to try harder than that!" Zack taunted, though his voice carried an edge of unease.

"Brave words, Black Ranger," Goldar sneered. "Let's see how long your courage lasts."

With a roar, Goldar raised his free hand and unleashed a blast of golden energy. The bolt struck Zack square in the chest, sending him crashing into a row of weights. Sparks erupted from his Power Morpher as he groaned, struggling to rise.

"Zack!" Jason yelled, charging toward him.

But Goldar moved faster. He leapt across the room, landing in front of Zack and grabbing him by the arm. With a cruel laugh, he hoisted Zack into the air as though he weighed nothing.

"Let him go!" Kimberly screamed, pulling out her Blade Blaster and aiming it at the monster.

Goldar slammed his sword into the ground, conjuring a wall of golden flames that roared to life, cutting the Rangers off from him and Zack. The flames surged higher, forcing Jason, Kimberly, Trini, and Billy to retreat.

"Zack!" Trini's cry was filled with anguish as she stared helplessly at the impenetrable barrier.

Zack thrashed in Goldar's iron grip, but it was no use. "Put me down, you overgrown chicken!" he shouted, kicking at Goldar's armour.

Goldar only laughed. "You're mine now, Black Ranger. Rita has special plans for you."

With a final flash of golden light, Goldar vanished, taking Zack with him. The flames disappeared as abruptly as they'd appeared, leaving the Youth Center eerily silent. Smoke hung in the air, the faint scent of scorched metal lingering.

Jason slammed his fist against the nearest wall, his frustration boiling over. "We've got to get him back."

Billy's fingers flew over his communicator as he sent an urgent signal. "Zordon needs to hear about this immediately."

Trini's hands trembled as she stared at the empty space where Zack had been. "Why him? Why Zack?"

Kimberly placed a hand on her shoulder, her own face etched with worry. "We'll get him back, Trini. We always do."

Jason straightened, his expression hard and determined. "Rangers, to the Command Center. Let's move."

The group teleported away, leaving behind the wreckage of the Youth Center—and the shaken civilians who had just witnessed something they couldn't begin to understand. Far from home, Zack was about to face a challenge that could change everything.

---

Zack's head throbbed as his eyes opened, and his surroundings slowly came into focus. He was chained to a jagged slab of stone in a cavernous chamber filled with shadows and green light. The air felt heavy and oppressive, the scent of sulfur making it hard to breathe. The walls seemed to pulse faintly, and the occasional sound of distant, haunting laughter echoed through the space.

"You're awake," Rita Repulsa's voice pierced the silence, dripping with mock sweetness.

Zack's eyes snapped toward her as she emerged from the shadows, her twisted staff clutched in one hand and a glowing object in the other. The object's emerald light filled the room with a sinister radiance.

"Where am I?" Zack demanded, pulling at the glowing green chains that bound his wrists and ankles. "What do you want, Rita?"

Rita smirked, twirling the staff lazily. "Oh, Zack, always so quick to fight back. That's why I chose you. You have spirit, strength, and potential. Yes... so much potential."

She stepped closer, holding up the Green Power Coin. Its glow intensified, casting eerie shadows across her face. "This is the Green Power Coin. Its energy is unmatched. With it, you would be more powerful than Jason, faster than Kimberly, and stronger than all your friends combined; you'd be unstoppable. And all you have to do is take it."

Zack's jaw tightened as he stared at the coin. The power radiating from it was undeniable, and for a fleeting moment, he imagined what it might feel like to hold it, to wield it. But the thought made him shiver. "No thanks, Rita. I'm not interested in whatever twisted deal you're offering."

Rita's smile faltered, her tone turning icy. "Don't be so quick to refuse, Zack. They don't appreciate you, do they? Always second to Jason, always playing the sidekick. I can change that. You'd be the leader, the strongest Ranger of them all."

"Save it," Zack snapped, yanking at his chains. "I don't need your coin, and I definitely don't need your lies."

Rita's eyes narrowed, and she waved her staff. "You're making a mistake, Zack. But if you won't join me willingly, there are other ways that you can serve me."

The chains binding Zack tightened, glowing brighter as they hummed with dark energy. Zack winced but gritted his teeth. He wasn't going to let Rita win.

"You don't get it, do you?" Zack growled, his muscles tensing. "I don't give up. Ever."

Summoning all his strength, Zack pulled hard against the chains. The energy burned against his wrists, but he pushed through the pain. The stone slab cracked beneath him as he yanked harder and harder until the chains snapped with a burst of sparks.

"What?!" Rita shrieked, stumbling back. "How dare you!"

Zack rolled forward, landing on his feet. He clenched his fists, adrenaline coursing through him. "Time to go," he muttered to himself.

Goldar burst into the room, his sword drawn. "You're not going anywhere, Black Ranger!"

"Try me!" Zack shot back, dodging as Goldar swung his blade. The sword smashed into the ground, sending a shockwave through the room. Zack used the opening to dart past him, delivering a quick kick to Goldar's side that sent the beast staggering.

Rita waved her staff, summoning a group of Putty Patrollers to block Zack's path. "You're not escaping, Zack!" she screeched.

Zack leapt into action, flipping over the first Putty and landing a powerful strike that sent it crumbling to the floor. He ducked under another's swing and retaliated with a spinning kick, his movements fluid and precise. Each strike was a mix of finesse and raw determination, his training as a Ranger shining through.

"Come on!" Zack shouted, dodging a lunge from Goldar. He grabbed a loose piece of debris and hurled it at the exit, knocking over a row of Putties and creating an opening. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward the cavern's entrance.

"After him!" Rita screamed. "Don't let him escape!"

Zack raced through the winding corridors of Rita's palace, the sound of Putties and Goldar in pursuit echoing behind him. His heart pounded as he spotted a teleportation platform glowing faintly ahead. "That's my ticket out of here," he muttered.

As he reached the platform, a blast of green energy whizzed past him, barely missing his shoulder. He glanced back to see Goldar closing in, his sword raised. Zack dove onto the platform, slamming his fist onto the control panel. The room blurred as the teleportation activated, and in a flash of light, he disappeared.

---

Zack reappeared in Angel Grove Park, stumbling slightly as the teleportation energy dissipated. The fresh air hit him like a wave, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself a sigh of relief.

But the moment didn't last. Another flash of light signalled the arrival of Goldar and the Putty Patrollers, who materialized nearby. Goldar roared, pointing his sword at Zack. "You can't run forever, Black Ranger!"

Zack spun to face them, his fists clenched. "I don't need to run."

Before the Putties could advance, the other Rangers appeared in bursts of red, pink, yellow, and blue light. Jason stepped forward, Blade Blaster in hand. "Zack! You okay?"

"Yeah," Zack said, trying to sound casual as he fell into a defensive stance. "Just a little late to the party."

The Rangers formed a protective line in front of Zack. "What happened?" Kimberly asked, glancing at the approaching Putties.

"Long story," Zack replied quickly. "Let's just take these guys out first."

Jason nodded. "Alright, Rangers—let's do this!"

The fight was fast and furious, the Rangers working together seamlessly to take down Goldar and the Putties. Zack fought with renewed determination, using every move he knew to hold his own. With their combined efforts, the team soon forced Goldar to retreat, disappearing with a growl of frustration.

As the dust settled, Jason turned to Zack. "You sure you're okay? You've been gone for hours."

Zack hesitated for a moment, the memory of Rita's offer flashing through his mind. He forced a grin. "Yeah, man. I'm good. Let's just say Rita underestimated me."

Jason clapped him on the shoulder, his expression proud. "You handled yourself out there. Glad to have you back."

The others chimed in with supportive words, but Zack's smile faded slightly as he turned away. He couldn't shake the lingering weight of what Rita had said—or the fact that, for a moment, he'd been tempted.

As the team headed back toward the Youth Center, Zack hung back slightly, his thoughts heavy. For now, he decided, he would keep the truth to himself. They didn't need to know how close he had come to taking her offer.

---

Back in the Command Center, Zack leaned against a console, trying to steady his breathing. The familiar hum of machinery surrounded him, a sharp contrast to the chaos he'd just escaped. The other Rangers stood nearby, speaking in hushed tones as Alpha 5 fussed over the equipment.

"You sure you're okay, man?" Jason asked, stepping closer.

"Yeah," Zack said quickly, forcing a grin. "Nothing I couldn't handle."

Jason hesitated, studying his friend for a moment before nodding. "Alright. If you're good, we'll let Zordon know the Putties were dealt with."

As Jason rejoined the others, Zack glanced up at the massive tube where Zordon's glowing face watched over them. Even without eyes, Zack could feel the ancient being's penetrating gaze.

"Zack," Zordon said, his voice calm and measured, "I would like to speak with you privately."

The other Rangers looked over, curious, but Zordon's tone left no room for argument.

"Go on," Kimberly said gently. "We'll give you some space."

The others teleported away, leaving Zack alone in the Command Center with Zordon and Alpha 5. The silence stretched, the hum of the machinery the only sound.

"Zack," Zordon began, his voice softer now. "You fought bravely today. Your determination to escape Rita's clutches is a testament to your strength."

Zack shifted uncomfortably, staring at the ground. "Thanks, Zordon, but I don't feel all that strong right now."

Zordon tilted his head slightly, as though to study him more closely. "I sensed the conflict within you, Zack. You were not only fighting Rita's forces—you were battling yourself."

Zack looked up sharply, his jaw tightening. "She got in my head, Zordon. She… she showed me things. Told me I wasn't good enough. That I was just the backup on this team." He paused, his voice quieter now. "And for a second, I almost believed her."

"Rita is a master of manipulation," Zordon replied. "She preys on doubt, amplifying the fears you already carry. But doubt is not weakness, Zack. It is what you do in the face of it that defines your strength."

Zack frowned, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "It wasn't just the words. She showed me this… coin. The Green Power Coin. She said it would make me stronger than Jason, stronger than anyone. And for a moment…" He trailed off, his voice barely a whisper. "I thought about taking it."

Zordon didn't speak right away. The silence felt heavier than the chains Zack had broken earlier. Finally, Zordon's voice came, steady and reassuring. "It is not unusual to feel temptation, Zack. Power can be alluring, especially when it promises to silence your fears. But you chose to walk away. That choice speaks to the strength of your character."

Zack let out a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping. "What if I hadn't? What if next time, I'm not strong enough to say no?"

Zordon's tone shifted, firm but kind. "Your strength does not lie in the absence of doubt, Zack, but in your ability to overcome it. You are not alone in this fight. Your friends trust you, and they believe in you. Let that belief guide you."

Zack's chest tightened at the mention of his friends. He could still hear their cheers when he rejoined them in the park, still feel Jason's hand on his shoulder. "They can't know about this," he said abruptly, his voice tinged with guilt. "If they find out, they'll think I'm weak. Or worse… they'll think I'm a traitor."

Zordon was silent for a moment before replying, his tone careful. "You are not weak, Zack, nor are you a traitor. However, I understand your concern. For now, it may be wise to keep this to yourself. The bond between you and your team must remain strong."

Zack nodded slowly, though the weight of the decision pressed heavily on him. "Alright. I'll keep it to myself. But, Zordon… what if she tries again? What if she offers me that power and I can't say no?"

Zordon's voice softened. "Then you must remember who you are, Zack. You are a Power Ranger, chosen for your courage, your heart, and your loyalty. Those qualities will always guide you, even in the face of great temptation."

Zack took a deep breath, letting Zordon's words sink in. "Thanks, Zordon. I needed that."

"You are a vital part of this team, Zack," Zordon said. "Trust in yourself, as your friends trust in you. Now, return to them. They will need your strength in the battles to come."

Zack activated his communicator, preparing to teleport. Just before he vanished, he glanced back at Zordon. "I won't let you down."

"You have not, Zack," Zordon replied. "And I do not believe you ever will."

With a flash of black light, Zack disappeared, leaving the Command Center quiet once more. Zordon gazed at the Viewing Globe, where an image of Rita's palace flickered. In her grasp, the Green Power Coin still glowed, its energy pulsing ominously.

"Rita's schemes grow more dangerous," Zordon murmured to himself. "And the prophecy is close to being fulfilled."

The Command Center dimmed, the soft hum of the machinery continuing as the ancient guardian fell into silence, pondering the challenges that lay ahead.

---

The moon palace trembled with Rita Repulsa's fury. Her shrieks echoed through the jagged halls, a cacophony of rage and frustration. Green lightning arced from her staff, striking a cauldron, which exploded into shards and sent Squatt and Baboo scrambling for cover.

"I can't believe it!" Rita screeched, pacing furiously. Her long robes swept across the cold stone floor, trailing dust and sparks of magic. "That insolent Zack defied me! He broke my chains! He resisted the Green Power Coin! Nobody resists me!"

She spun around, aiming her staff at Squatt and Baboo, who huddled together behind an overturned table. The tip of the staff crackled ominously, making the pair shrink further back.

"And you two!" Rita spat. "What good are you if you can't even stop one pathetic Ranger from escaping?"

Baboo peeked out nervously, adjusting his cracked glasses. "Uh, well, your Evilness, Zack is, um… very agile! A real slipper—uh, uh, skilled escape artist!"

"Yeah!" Squatt chimed in, nodding vigorously. "Very hard to catch! Like, uh… soap! Really evil soap!"

Rita's eyes narrowed dangerously, and the energy at the tip of her staff flared brighter. "Soap? Is that your excuse for failure? Are you calling me incompetent?"

Squatt yelped, waving his arms. "No! Never! You're the most competent, scariest, most evil queen ever!"

Baboo bobbed his head in agreement. "Oh yes, absolutely, Your Magnificent Malice!"

Before she could blast them, Goldar stepped forward, his heavy sword resting against his armoured shoulder. "Your rage is understandable, my queen," he growled, his deep voice cutting through the commotion. "But you don't need that coin to destroy the Rangers. Let me crush them! They are no match for my strength."

Rita whirled on him, her anger undiminished. "Do you think I retrieved the Green Power Coin just to let it sit there, useless? Do you have any idea what I went through to find it? It will be part of my plans, Goldar—whether you like it or not!"

Goldar bowed his head slightly, but the tension in his posture was clear. "Of course, my queen," he said reluctantly. "But Zack is already strong. He will only be harder to break now that he's escaped."

"That's enough out of you!" Rita snapped. She stormed toward her telescope, gripping the edges with both hands as she leaned over it. "Zack may have escaped this time, but the Green Power Coin will find its champion. And when it does, those Rangers will pay for defying me!"

She waved her staff, and the magical lens of the telescope shifted, showing images of Angel Grove. The scene moved from street to street, park to park, before settling on a young boy in green standing in a grassy field. His long hair fell over his shoulders, and there was quiet confidence in his stance as he watched his younger sibling kick a soccer ball. The boy's name came unbidden to her lips.

"Tommy Oliver," Rita murmured, a wicked smile spreading across her face. "Now there's someone interesting."

Baboo crept closer, peering nervously at the telescope. "Him?" he asked, his voice tinged with doubt. "He doesn't look particularly evil…"

Squatt joined him, scratching his head. "Yeah, he looks kinda, I dunno, nice. Are you sure he's scary enough?"

Rita silenced them with a sharp wave of her hand, her gaze never leaving the image in the telescope. "He doesn't need to be scary. Not yet. All he needs is power—and the right guidance." She held up the Green Power Coin, its energy pulsing faintly in her hand. "And with my help, Tommy Oliver will become the most powerful weapon in my arsenal. The Rangers won't see it coming."

Her laughter filled the chamber, dark and triumphant, as she watched Tommy walk off with his family, blissfully unaware of the sinister forces beginning to circle around him.

Squatt and Baboo exchanged nervous glances, then turned back to their queen. Baboo muttered under his breath, "This can't end well for him."

"...Or for us," Squatt added with a gulp.

Rita ignored them, her laughter rising in pitch as she clutched the Green Power Coin tighter. The glow of its energy reflected in her eyes, filled with dark ambition.

"Tommy Oliver," she whispered again. "Soon, you'll be mine."

End