Paige:  Wow!  I'm impressed.  Where'd you learn to kick so well?

Maya continues to kick while she speaks.

Maya:  Well, back in high school I was on the drill team which is where I learned to be so flexible with my legs.  But as a model I was always traveling around and there wasn't always a gym nearby for me to workout at.  So, I took up some martial arts classes and learned what I could when I could and practiced while I was away.  I found it to be a really good workout, too.

Paige:  Well, it's paid off.  Like I said Dad made me take classes when I was really young to get me ready for this.  At first I didn't understand.  I just thought it was for fun.  But as time went by I found a whole new appreciation for it.

Maya:  Me, too.

Maya stops for a moment.

Maya:  Hey, do you know where Lee's at?  I haven't seen him all morning.

Paige:  I don't know.  Hey, Kevin?

Kevin is laying on the workout bench doing bench presses.  He is finishing his last couple of reps with Marcus.

Kevin:  6 . . . 7 . . . yeah?

Paige:  Do you know where Leon is?

Kevin:  8 . . . 9 . . . 10!  Okay, Marc.

Marcus grabs the barbell from Kevin and he sits up.

Kevin:  Phew!  Yeah.  He went to the Jarvis Center this morning.

Maya:  The Jarvis Center?

Kevin:  It's a youth center for troubled teens where they can hang out after school and on the weekends.  I told him about the place because I had done some work up there myself.  He wanted to try and do some volunteer work there.  I guess he misses what he did back where he lived.

Marcus:  I wonder how his interview with the director is going.

At the Jarvis Center, Leon is sitting with Doug Kenner who is the director of the center.  They are in Mr. Kenner's office.  Mr. Kenner is reviewing Leon's application and résumé during the interview, which makes Leon a bit nervous.

Mr. Kenner:  Mr. Sparks, it says here that you too were a director of an all boy's youth facility.  Tell me about that experience.

Leon:  Well, all I can really say is that I loved my job.  I dealt with a lot of kids who needed a positive influence in their lives.  I can't say that it was easy because it wasn't.  I grew very attached to all my kids and there wasn't anything I wouldn't do to help them.  But I know each one of the is on the right path to a better life.  I've taught them lifelong values and how to make the right decisions but also made it fun.  I'd take them on camping trips   or we'd all get together to go see a baseball game.  But everywhere we went I made sure there was a lesson to learn.  And my boys enjoyed it at the same time.

Mr. Kenner:  I see.  If you liked your job so much, Mr. Sparks, then why did you leave the   position?

Leon pauses for a moment to try to figure out a way to explain why he had to move.

Leon:  Uh . . . you see, I was asked to move down here to help some friends of mine who were in urgent need of my assistance.  I'm afraid I can't go into detail about it right now, but what I can say is that it deals with protecting the safety of others.

Leon looks at Mr. Kenner to see if he's accepted his explanation.  Mr. Kenner simply continues to look at Leon's application and résumé.

Mr. Kenner:  Uh-huh.  Well, Mr. Sparks . . .

Mr. Kenner puts down the papers and looks at Leon.

Mr. Kenner:  . . . why you've been forced to move is really none of my concern.  But I am concerned about your qualifications and so far they are exceptional.  You have excellent references and those I've talked to on the phone at your previous job wish you didn't have to leave.  It's a shame that you've only applied for a voluntary position.

Leon:  Like I said, I came to help my friends.  And to be honest I'm not sure how often I'll be needed, but I can assure you that whatever extra time I may have you can count on me to do all that I can to help out here at the Jarvis Center.

Mr. Kenner:  That's very reassuring, Mr. Sparks.  All I can say now is welcome to the staff.  I'm   glad to have you with us.

Leon reaches out to shake Mr. Kenner's hand.

Leon:  Thank you.  And, please, call me Leon.

Mr. Kenner:  Alright then, Leon.  Do you have some time?  I'd like to show you around and introduce you to some of the staff as well as the kids.

Leon:  Sure.

Mr. Kenner:  Great.

The two get up from their seats and head out of the office.

In Mount Havoc,  Balizar and Vex are before Dimoc.  Dimoc seems a bit agitated.

Dimoc:  Where is she?  Levina!

Balizar:  As I said before, that witch is good for nothing.

Vex agrees by nodding.

Dimoc:  Argh!  When the metamorphosis is complete, I will no longer be forced to rely on any of you.  My power will be invincible!

Levina finally appears before them.

Levina:  Ahh, but for you now you are forced to rely upon us.

Balizar:  What's the meaning for your inexcusable absence?

Levina:  I believe I have no reason to give an explanation to you, Balizar.  But my apologies to our lord, Dimoc.  Forgive me.  I have been busily working on plans do defeat Zodiac   Five.

Dimoc:  Then share these ideas with us, Levina.

Levina:  They are incomplete and are therefore useless.  You will know when they are ready.

Dimoc:  Then these plans better be faultless.  Otherwise I'll have your head.  Now, I want you to show me the activities of Zodiac Five.

Levina looks at Dimoc, irate about his remark.

Levina:  Yes, Dimoc.

Levina waves her staff in the air and an image of Leon with Mr. Kenner appears.

Dimoc:  Ahh, it seems Green Taurus has separated himself from the others.  Now would be an opportune time to take advantage of the situation.  Summon up a Dimocian Beast.

Levina waves her staff again and a Dimocian Beast appears.

Gor:  Yes, Dimoc.  I am Gor.

Dimoc:  Find Green Taurus and make sure Zodiac Five becomes Zodiac Four.  Ha, ha, ha!

Gor:  Argh!

Gor takes off through the caverns to the surface.

At Zodiac Central, the alarm sounds.  Everyone gathers into the control center.  Paige is already at one of the computers.

Kevin:  Paige, what is it?

Paige:  Looks like Dimoc is up to no good.

Marcus:  Alright then.  Let's go!

Maya:  Wait, what about Leon?

Kevin:  We'll have to do this one without him.  We'll call him if we need backup.  C'mon, gang!

Everyone exits the control center.

Near an industrial plant, Gor walks around looking for Leon.

Kevin:  Hold it right there!

Gor:  Hunh!

The others show up and stand atop a building looking down at Gor.

Maya:  Don't tell us you got lost.

Gor:  No, I know exactly where I'm headed.

Kevin:  Well this is as far as you'll get to where ever you're going.

Gor:  I don't think so.  Zoodos!

Zoodos appear around Gor with weapons.

Kevin:  Let's do it!

All:  Celestial change!

All transform into Zodiac Five and flip off the building and land on the ground to meet the Zoodos in battle.

Aries:  Aries Sacred Sword!

Aries uses his personal weapon to fight.  He defeats the Zoodos that have surrounded him.

Pisces:  Z-Saber!

Pisces fights with the sword and finishes off a group of Zoodos.  Gemini and Libra fight hand to hand with a group of Zoodos but find that there are too many to handle.

Gemini:  Let's get them all at once.

Libra:  Right!

Gemini and Libra jump and backflip away from the Zoodos and onto a nearby building.  They immediately jump off the building and pull out their guns.

Gemini/Libra:  Z-Magnums!

They fire at the Zoodos below where blasts explode around them.  The two land back on the ground and regroup with the others.

Libra:  Hey!  Where's the Dimocian Beast?

Aries:  I don't know.  He must have bailed out early.

Pisces:  What's up with that?

Aries:  I'd like to be the first to know.  Let's head back to Zodiac Central and see if we can't track him down.

At the Jarvis Center, Mr. Kenner and Leon are walking through the halls talking.

Mr. Kenner:  Now, Leon, unlike the center you directed in your hometown, this center is for both boys and girls.  Their ages range from 8 to 15 years old.  Many of them come from broken homes or troubled families.  Some have fathers who are incarcerated.  Others have parents who are recovering from drug and alcohol dependency.  The bottom line is   that these kids need some direction, a positive influence so that they don't follow the road their parents have taken.

Leon:  Believe me when I say I understand.  And I'll do my best to help whoever I can.

Mr. Kenner:  I know you'll be great.

The two finally arrive in the gymnasium, which is complete with two basketball nets and various other sports equipment.  Some teenagers are already together, playing a game of basketball.

Mr.  Kenner:  Here we are.  This is the gym.  It's not much but it's all we've got.  Listen, I've got to meet with a parent in about five minutes so I have to run.  Why don't you introduce yourself to some of the kids?

Leon:  I'll do that.  Thanks, Mr. Kenner.

Mr. Kenner:  Oh, call me Doug.  I'll see you again soon.

Mr. Kenner takes off through the halls in a hurry.  Leon walks over to the side of the gym to watch the game in progress.  One of the kids overthrows the ball on a pass.  The ball heads straight for Leon who catches it.

Leon:  Hey, mind if I join in on the game?

Chris:  Sure, why not.  The teams are uneven anyway.

All the kids gather around Leon except for one who stands in the middle of the court with his arms crossed.

Leon:  Thanks, gang.  By the way, the name's Leon.  Or you can call me Lee; whichever you like.

Chris:  Nice to meet you Leon.  My name's Chris.  And this is James, Tye, Kristen, Stephen, and Corbin.

All the kids wave to Leon and greet him.  He does so as well, but he notices the boy standing in the middle of the court.

Leon:  It's cool to meet you all.  Hey, who's that out there?

Chris:  Oh, that's just Jay.  Don't expect much from him.

Jay simply glares over at Leon and speaks in an impatient voice.

Jay:  Are we gonna play or what?

Leon shrugs his shoulders at the others.

Leon:  Okay, let's go.

They continue the game and the ball is passed back and forth.  Leon makes a couple of shots.  All the kids are having fun except for Jay, who seems to be getting angry that Leon is playing and winning.  When Leon gets the ball again, Jay bumps into him and knocks him down.

Leon:  Hey!  Be careful there, buddy!

Jay:  Why don't you be careful!  You were in my way!

Leon:  Easy!  We're all friends here.

Jay:  Yeah?  Says who?  This bites.  I'm outta here.

Jay heads out the doors and into the playground.  Chris and the others help Leon up to his feet.

Leon:  Geez, what's his problem?

Tye:  Aw, he's just another abandoned case.

Leon:  What are you talking about?

Kristen:  His father left when he was really young.  It still bothers him.  He won't cooperate with hardly anyone, especially if you're a male adult.  Not even Mr. Kenner has been able to get through to him.

Leon:  That bad, hunh?  Well, excuse me for a sec.  I'm gonna see what's up.  I'll catch you guys   later.

Chris:  Okay.  Bye, Leon.  And good luck.

The kids wave goodbye to Leon as he heads out the door.

Outside the Jarvis Center Leon finds Jay in the empty playground sitting in a swing, barely swinging himself.  Jay looks down at the sand under his feet.  Leon heads over to the swing next to him and sits down.

Leon:  Hey, mind if I sit here?

Jay:  It's a free country.

Leon:  Okay, I'll take that as a yes.

Jay shrugs his shoulders.

Leon:  Listen, you can talk to me if you want to.  I know . . .

Jay looks up at Leon.

Jay:  Know what?  First of all I don't want to talk about it.  Second, you don't know how I feel.  You don't know anything.  I get sick of people like you telling me how I'm supposed to   feel!

Jay's eyes return to the sand.

Leon:  What, you don't think I know how it feels when you're father isn't there to help you ride a bike or when you catch your first fly ball in a baseball game?

Jay starts to look back up at Leon, who now stares straight out into the playground before him.

Leon:  Or when you finally climbed to the top of the tree?  Or when you built your first  snowman?  Yeah, I know exactly how that feels.

Leon looks back at Jay who doesn't look away.

Leon:  And people tell you it's okay to feel that way, but deep down it doesn't feel okay.  It hurts.  Jay, I'm not here to tell you what to do or how to feel.  I'm only here to help by being your friend.

Leon gets up from his swing and stand in front of Jay and looks down at him.  Jay looks back down to the ground.

Leon:  So, why don't I buy you lunch and for once you can do all the talking and tell me how you're feeling and I'll only give you advice when you ask for it.  Deal?

Jay looks up at Leon and slowly nods his head.

Jay:  Deal.

Leon:  Good, 'cause I'm starving.

He reaches his hand out to Jay to help him up.  Jay takes his offer of help and the both walk off across the park.

Jay and Leon are finished eating and are walking across a field.

Leon:  So, did you get enough to eat?

Jay:  You bet!  Hey, Leon?

Leon:  Yeah?

Jay:  Thanks for listening.  That was way cool of you.  You're the first person to really listen to me.

Leon:  Like I said, I've been there before.  I know what you're going through.  And I'll be here to listen anytime you need me.

Jay:  Cool.  Let's go finish that basketball game we started.

Leon:  Alright.

Gor:  Argh!

Leon and Jay turn around to see Gor standing behind them.  Leon gets in front of Jay to protect him.

Jay:  Who or what is that?

Leon:  I don't know.  Just stay behind me.

Gor:  Ha!  The name's Gor.  Don't you know curiosity killed the cat, boy.

Leon:  Leave the kid out of this, Gor.

Gor:  But it's too late for that!  Zoodos!

Zoodos appear around Leon and Jay.

Leon:  Jay, get out of here as fast as you can and get back to the Jarvis Center.

Jay:  But . . .

A Zoodo tries to attack Jay but Leon counters and knocks the Zoodo away.

Leon:  Now!  Hurry!

Jay nods and starts to run off.  Leon continues to the fight the Zoodos.  Suddenly, Jay yells out.

Jay:  Ahh!

Leon looks over to see that Jay has been caught by Gor.

Leon:  Jay!

Gor:  Now, surrender yourself to me or the boy is finished.

Leon:  Let him go!

Gor:  Not until you give yourself up!

Jay:  Leon, help!

All Leon can do is drop his guard and bow his head.  Two Zoodos grab each arm and push him down to his knees.  Leon looks up to see Jay struggling to break free.

Gor:  Ha, ha, ha!  Now I've got both of you.  Say goodbye to each other forever.

Leon:  No!

Gemini/Libra:  Rover Cannon!

Gemini and Libra fire a blast from their vehicle which hits Gor in the back, forcing him to release Jay who falls to the ground.  Gemini and Libra have arrived in their Z-Rover along with Aries on his Z-Cycle and Pisces on his Z-Runner.

Aries:  Cycle Lasers!

Pisces:  Runner Machine Guns!

Aries and Pisces fire away at the Zoodos surrounding Leon.  Jay runs to Leon who's already up.

Jay:  Are you okay?

Leon:  Yeah, what about you?

Jay:  A little scared, but fine.

Leon:  It's alright.  Everything just got better.

The others regroup around Leon and Jay.

Aries:  Are you two alright?

Leon:  We will be as soon as we get rid of Gor.

They all look over at Gor who's being helped up by Zoodos.

Aries:  Leon, you better get your friend to a safe place.

Libra:  He'll be alright in the Z-Rover.

Leon:  Thanks.  C'mon, Jay.

Jay:  What's going on?

Leon leads Jay to the Z-Rover and let's him in.

Leon:  Listen, we're friends now, right?

Jay:  Of course we are.

Leon:  Good.  Then I need you to do me a really big favor and keep a secret for me.

Jay:  You mean . . .

Leon:  Yeah, I'm a member of Zodiac Five.  But I need you to keep that between you and me.  I'll tell the others at the Jarvis Center when the time is right.  I just don't want to stir up any unnecessary attention.

Jay:  Don't worry.  I won't tell a soul.

Leon:  Thanks, Jay.  Now do me another favor and stay in the Z-Rover.  This won't take long.

Jay:  Alright.  Get one in for me.

Leon:  You bet.

Leon runs back to the others, gets in front of them, and faces Gor and the Zoodos.

Leon:  Gor!  You've gone too far, threatening not only an innocent child but one who happens to be my friend.  I won't let you get away with it!

Gor:  Argh!

Leon:  Celestial change!

Leon transforms into Taurus.

Taurus:  (posing) Green Taurus!

Aries:  (posing) Red Aries!

Pisces:  (posing) Blue Pisces!

Gemini:  (posing) Yellow Gemini!

Libra:  (posing) Pink Libra!

Taurus:  Celestial Task Force . . .

All:  (posing) Zodiac Five!

Jay:  Cool!

Gor:  Get them!

Zoodos attack Zodiac Five.

All:  Z-Sabers!

Zodiac Five fights off the Zoodos with their swords.  A couple of them go after Jay and try to open the door.  But Jay kicks the door once it's open and knocks one of the Zoodos down.  Taurus arrives in time to take care of the other one.

Taurus:  Kyah!  Jay, pretty good there bud!

Jay:  Thanks!  Man, ya'll are awesome!

Taurus:  You just sit tight.

Taurus runs back and goes for Gor.  Taurus jumps in the air and comes down at Gor with his saber but Gor grabs the blade and throws Taurus over his head.  Taurus lands on his back.

Gor:  Argh!  Green Taurus, I will complete my mission and destroy you!

Taurus gets back up.

Taurus:  Then I have no other choice than to destroy you first.  Taurus Double Axe!

Taurus calls for his axe and starts to fight with it.  He succeeds in injuring Gor with his attacks.  Gor is finally knocked into the air and falls to the ground.  The others regroup.

Aries:  Zodiac Combo Cannon!  Aries Sacred Sword!

Taurus:  Taurus Double Axe!

Pisces:  Pisces Mega Triton!

Gemini:  Gemini Battle Batons!

Libra:  Libra Lunar Bow!

Aries:  Interlock weapons!

All:  Okay!

Zodiac Five combines their weapons and point the cannon at Gor.

Aries:  Ready!

All:  Fire!

The blast from the cannon hits Gor and destroys him.

Taurus:  Alright!

Jay gets out of the Z-Rover and runs over to Zodiac Five.

Jay:  Man, that was great!  And Leon . . .er, I mean Green Taurus, you're the best.

Taurus:  Thanks, Jay.  Just remember, this is between you and me.

Taurus sticks out his hand.  Jay grabs his hand and shakes it.

Jay:  You bet!

Taurus pulls Jay to him and gives him a hug.

Maya:  Leon, do you really think Jay will keep his word?

Leon:  Yeah, I know he will.  We share a common bond and I don't think he wants to break our trust.

Kevin:  Well, you must have been some kind of influence on him.

Leon:  All it takes is a big heart and an open mind.  There's always a way to reach even the most impossible kids.  I guess that's why I love what I do.

Leon stands there in a daze, thinking about what he had just said.  Suddenly, the basketball comes flying out of control.

Jay:  Leon!  Look out!

Leon:  Hunh?

Everyone else ducks out of the way as the ball hits Leon on the top of his head and knocks him to the ground.  Jay runs over to see if Leon's okay, and when everyone sees Leon smiling they all start laughing.

Jay:  Well, what are you waiting for?  C'mon!

Jay grabs Leon by the hand and pulls him to the court.  The others follow behind and start playing.