Zaley Love: Just some quick facts; this is my first 'Power Ranger' fan fiction ever. I will mix in some of the original characters every now and then, but don't be surprised if I only use a few 'real' characters and then most of my 'own'. I adore Tommy/Kim, my heart broke with Tommy's when he got the letter. I NEVER watched anything other then 'Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie', that had Kat in it. Don't get me wrong, I ADORE Kat; I just can't stand the thought of Tommy with someone who isn't Kimberly. This 'Gem Force' is MY idea, I did not steal it from anyone. I came up with it in a dream, oddly enough. This story doesn't start in this year, it actually starts back in 2004, after the Dino ranger days. But I'll not spoil the plot with hints, snip-its, or clues!
No, sadly though; I do NOT own Power Rangers (Saban does though!). I wish, but I'm not THAT awesome. I do own the 'Gem Force' idea, this plot, and -for sure- three of the five* main characters (i.e Charlie, Gwen and Edmund).
(*Number subject to change)
Reefside, CA.
The sounds of a door opening and closing echoed throughout the empty house, causing the male to pause for a moment and just look around. School had just let out for winter break, leaving the teachers with little to do if they were people like Dr. Thomas Oliver. Yes, the former power ranger or many colors was finally done with the ranger work. It had been seven months since the destruction of the dino gems, and even during the span of seven months; he hadn't gotten used to the quietness of his house. He partially missed the constant presence of the four teens and Hayley. Oh, alright so the last one was his own fault. Though he still wasn't entirely sure what he did to make Hayley leave, but it was big enough in her mind. Had it really only been two weeks ago that Hayley was smiling over the couch at him as he made up some dinner? Shrugging as he set a load of papers on the counter, Tommy ran a hand through his neatly trimmed hair and made his way to the fridge.
Okay, so he may have said the wrong thing a few times, but did she really have to go to the extremes of 'never-seeing-you-again'? He'd about had enough of those departures to last him a life time or two. But did it show on the outside in any way? Never! Tommy was too strong to appear weak in front of people. No, he was a leader through-and-through. And even at nearly twenty-six years of age; he could still hold his own in any fight. He was the longest running ranger, much to Jason's chagrin. He half smirked at recalling the conversation between Jason and himself a year ago. Wait, had it really been a year since he'd spoken to his 'best friend'? Tommy shook his head, the first thing he was going to do after a nice warm shower, meal and sleep; was take a trip down to Angel Grove for his break. What better way then to surprise Jason? He wouldn't mind, Jason was always trying to convince Tommy to visit him. So why not now? Sure he had been distancing himself from Angel Grove for the past few years, but it would be nice to visit for a change... get away from everything in Reefside for awhile.
With this in mind, Tommy set to work finishing the remains of a salad he'd brought home the other day, his eyes trailing the mantle. For some reason he couldn't help but keep pictures of his different 'teams' up there. It was a reminder of how he came to be who he was today. At some times a painful one, but on good days; just a reminder. He glanced at the pictures starting with the most recent.
Hayley and the 'Dino' bunch. It was odd how he'd spent so much time with them on their team, and even though they all still went to high school where he taught; he only ever saw them in class and briefly around the school. Everyone seemed to be catching up on all the things in life they'd missed while being Rangers. This thought made him smirk. Had he ever really gotten the chance to live a 'normal' life, or was being a Ranger the 'normal' thing for him?
The next picture was of the Turbo Rangers. He hadn't been a part of that team for too long. Tommy remembered the ambush vividly in his mind, and never once regretted passing on his powers to T.J. It was the right thing to do, and T.J. was just the man to take his place. He nodded, not really in a hurry to get to the shower. He was now content to mull over his photos and just remember.
His Zeo team came next, allowing himself a soft chuckle as he took in the picture. In this one he stood next to Kat, his arm casually about her waist. She was quite the beauty, still is; or so Jason claims. He thought at one point he'd be with her 'forever' but then realized that they were too different. They both wanted different things after high school, so they went their separate ways. But that also gave Jason a shot at her later in life, and from what Tommy heard last; they were still going strong. He reluctantly took in the next pictures, different emotions building up inside his chest as he did.
There were a few different variations of this 'team'. Kat in a picture, Rocky, Adam and Aisha. Then the picture with Jason, Zack and Trini still on the team. Of course, try as he may; his attention was brought to the petite brunette standing next to him in two of the pictures; one with him in green, the other with him in white. But no, it didn't stop there. Tommy -for whatever reason- couldn't bring himself to remove the photo of just him and this petite brunette from his mantle. In this picture, He was sitting on the ground under a tree with his legs spread, the female pulled as close to him as she could be sitting in front of him. Both were laughing, and an unreadable expression seemed to be captured in their eyes. She was his first love, and though he wouldn't admit this to anyone; his only real love. The girl who could brighten his day just by being there, the girl who he shared his first kiss with. The girl who ripped his heart in two; Kimberly Anne Hart.
Tommy took the picture in his hand for a moment, them placed it face down on the mantle. Sure enough, behind that picture was the faded paper. He didn't need to read what it said; he had read it several hundred times since first receiving it. Tommy could feel his knuckles pop as he closed his hands into fists, his teeth clenching. Quickly, he turned from the mantle and toward the hallway. The last thing he needed was to let ANY of those feelings resurface. No. He was stronger then that. Besides, he'd gotten over her. Tommy shook his head, grabbing a towel and some clothes from his drawer before heading into the bathroom for his shower.
After a good ten minutes in the shower, Tommy was out and dressed. A pair of black sweats was all he wore, wiping the mirror clear to brush his teeth. Just as quickly as all the unwanted feelings and emotions rose; they were gone. For someone to be able to handle their emotions so well, one would think he'd suffered nothing at all from the letter now. But that wasn't true. There was always something inside him, whispering to him that he wasn't good enough. His inner demons were not as kind as to let him forget, even if he could suppress most of the emotions; his anger still showed through. But was it anger toward her, or himself?
Just as this thought occurred; there was a shattering sound in the living room. Tommy reacted out of habit, taking a fighting stance as he opened the door and stepped out. He walked down the hallway, and turned in time to see the broken window, but was thrown back against the wall as a strong force met his chest; knocking the wind out of him. For a moment Tommy sat dazed, then shook his head. But before he had time to react; an excruciating cry ripped from his lips as something plunged into his chest. He felt a jolt of energy seeping through his body before passing out.
(Alright, so this is my first installation to the story, please review! Everything is welcomed! Just a heads up, the first chapters are going to be more of a glance at each character, just like this one. But after the first few chapters, things are going to start mixing up in a way that I hope we can all enjoy. Thank you!
~ Z.L.)
