Summary: Tommy reflects on the past…
A/N: WOOTS! It's here! Story 2 of Dino Thunder! Enjoy people -
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It's ironic, really. As I sit here, thinking about my first day of school, I never realized that my life would be turned upside down so quickly. Many things have happened since that day but I do not regret it. Because of it, Kimberly came back in my life. We even have a baby girl together; Serenity. She's adorable, absolutely beautiful. Not to mention, she's a riot as well. Crawling all over the place and making chaos around the house. Add Conner and Kira's son…well…lets just say we parents don't get rest.
But that's not the only good thing that happened. I made 4 new friends; Conner, Kira, Ethan, Trent and Hayden. I don't mean to be rude, but let me talk about Hayden for a moment. Hayden is the Gold Ranger and he is extremely powerful. He, under dangerous circumstances, has the ability to be twice Trents strength. Trust me, we all found out the hard way. You see, Hayden wasn't our ally in the beginning. No, he pulled a Trent, as we like to say. He started off evil…maliciously evil. He had killed several people dear to us and I don't think Conner has gotten over it completely, but I believe they've bonded some what.
Anyway, eventually, Conner went Super Psycho Triassic Ranger on Hayden and stomped a mud hole in him deeper then Mt. St. Helens. The resulted beating destroyed the evil coding in Hayden's Gem and granted him full control of its power. Hayden used it's power to destroy Merios and Vertox, two of our newer enemies, and then…vanished. We really don't know where he has gone. Conner said Angel Grove but he has yet to actually return.
Now that I've gotten Hayden out of the way, I can catch up on the others. There's a lot to say, to be honest. Conner and Kira are getting married next month and they have a son together – Blake Isaac McKnight. We all call him Blaze for short though, because he always seems to be leaving skid marks where ever he goes. Damn that kid is fast…I think he absorbed some of Trents Dino Gem power…isn't that a scary thought?
Ethan…well, Ethan is still Ethan. He finally cracked the code to update our weapons, so we've gained a considerable amounts of power. Ethan also was able to help me find the Cave of Souls, ironically. I've returned the Gold Power Staff to the spirit that resided there. I guess Trifforia can rest now.
Trey…whatever happened to him? Vertox's grand scheme was never set in motion, so Trey was never seen again…also, what came of the Zeo Crystal? So many unanswered questions; questions, I fear, that will say that way.
Anyway, besides getting married, Kira is doing well on her music gig. She put out her first CD not to long ago. I bought it about a week guy, finally remembering too and it's great! Favorite song probably has to be Patiently…hmm…I wonder who that song is aimed towards…Conner maybe? By the looks of things, she's stepping into this Motherly Role rather well. I was surprised, to be honest, considering she's only 19. Well, was 19. She's 21 now. God, has time flown by that quick? Vertox has been gone for…3 years? Wow. I lost track of time.
Who else is left? Oh, yes, Trent and Kimberly. I'll start with Trent first. He's doing a remarkable job with his art. He's got a deal with DC comics currently. He's working Green Lantern as both illustrator and lead writer. His first issue of Green Lantern will be coming out sometime next month, more towards the Christmas area.
Ah yes, my sweet love Kimberly. I could write pages and pages about her, if I wanted. She is the greatest thing to ever happen to me in my entire life. She gave me a very beautiful daughter and we were married not to long ago. God was that a disaster. But, it was an enjoyable one. Neither of us regretted it; at least I don't think. Originally Jason was going to be my best man…but that changed. Not something I'd like to discuss right now.
Anyway, like I said, our wedding was a disaster. The food arrived later, Adam lost his balance and ended burying his head into Kira's chest. Oh boy, I can still see the look on Conner's face; it screamed murder. Then Rocky showed up to the wrong wedding. All dressed up, comes rushing in with a "Surprise!" and gets one himself. Walked into a Hispanic wedding. Whoops.
Oh lord, what else went wrong? The Priest had the most horrid case of diarrhea I'd ever seen. Aisha passed out from drinking too much; guess Zack decided to have a little fun with the punch. Boy am I glad I don't drink that stuff… The only thing that didn't go wrong, thankfully, was no one attacked the wedding. Though, I'm pretty sure I felt Zedd's presence there once or twice. I could almost hear him laughing in the back of my mind…
Tommy laid the pen down and flexed his cramped muscles. He smiled and shut the diary for now and swiveled in his chair. It was night time and Kimberly was fast asleep in bed. In the corner, two meter's away from their bed was Serenity. She slept soundly in her crib, sucking on her thumb. Tommy couldn't help but smile as he gazed at his daughter. He moved towards her crib and leaned against it slightly, peering down at her sleeping form.
"T-Tommy?" He turned to see Kimberly stirring, yawning heavily. "What time is it?"
He glanced at the clock. "Quarter to five, why?"
She glared at him. "Why are you in bed?" She growled, arching a chocolate brown brow.
"Sorry, beautiful, was just writing in my journal." He said, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "Had some things on my mind I needed to get out."
She smiled and clutched the pillow tightly and buried her head into it. "Good…are you done?" She whispered; her eyes flickering shut. He smiled and nodded, leaning down to kiss her cheek. At the last moment, she turned her head and their lips meet in one of their oh so fiery kisses. He grinned, his hand gripping her tightly and the next thing he knew, she yanked him into bed and rolled atop him.
"Tiger want to play?" She said seductively, leaning on his chest. He couldn't help but grin.
"Oh you have no idea…" He answered and flicked his brows.
Then, the light went off…
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The Oliver Residence grew bigger over the past three years. With the addition of two children, it was almost inevitable. Now, it went from 12 to 16 rooms, two training rooms, 6 bathrooms, a double-sized kitchen, expanded dinning and family room and partridge in a pear tree. So much for a small and inconspicuous home…it stood out about as much as the Command Center did.
He still didn't regret it though. He'd never trade this happiness for anything in the world. He had Kim, he had his daughter, and he had 5 of his best friends living with him. Honestly, what else could one ask for?
"Hello, Handsome." Kimberly's voice snapped him out of his trance and slipped into the kitchen grinning.
"Hello, Beautiful." He said, wrapping his arms around her. "Ahm…what smells so good?" He peeked down, seeing the scrambled eggs and bacon. "You know how to spoil a man."
"Only you." She whispered and leaned back, kissing his cheek gently. "Did you sleep good?"
He grinned and squeezed her closer. "Heh…after last night, oh you bet." He teased, kissing her neck and shoulder.
"Hey you, stop it. The other's will be up soon and I need to get breakfast ready." She moaned, jabbing in lightly in the side with the spatula.
He groaned softly. "Alright, alright. I'll set up the table." He sighed and moved to the cupboard.
Kimberly grinned, watching him move from the table to the counter and looked down at the eggs. She stirred them rapidly, still grinning like a kid who just received some candy. Not ten seconds later, several others bound down the stairs to start their day off.
"Hey Conner." Tommy said without even looking up, pouring some orange juice into the glasses.
"Morning Dr. O." He said and moved into the kitchen. He kissed Kimberly on the cheek. "Morning Coach."
Kim smiled and nodded. "Morning Conner."
Kira appeared in the room a moment, desperately trying to catch her son as he giggled. Conner suddenly stepped in his path and reached down, scooping him up off the floor and into his arms. "And good morning to you, Blake." He said, poking his tummy lightly. Blake only giggled louder.
Kira smiled and shook her head, reaching into the frig and pulled out several items; butter, honey, ketchup. He kicked it shut with her foot and moved over to the table, helping Tommy sift through everything.
"Oh boy…only a week left of school!" Kira grinned, grabbing a few plates and set them out. "Then it's finally Summer Vacation!"
Blake squealed with delight as Conner chased after him.
"Yeah, it's hard to believe huh? 2005 has gone by so quick. It's hard to believe it's actually 2010." Tommy whispered, scratching his forehead. "And that I'm 32…and…still…a Power Ranger…"
Kimberly arched a brow as she divided out the eggs. "That's a bad thing?"
Tommy laughed and shook his head. "No, but under the circumstances, yeah, it is. Green Ranger, White Ranger, Red Zeo and Turbo Ranger and now the Black Brachio Ranger? I mean, it's not like I need to wear every spectrum of the rainbow." He said and wiped his brows. "Speaking of rainbow's, where's Amanda?"
Kim grinned and nodded towards the living room. "Trent was up before us and last I knew, she was passed out in his lap. I guess he tired her out, if you can believe that."
Tommy leaned slightly, peering into the living room. Trent was passed out on the couch along with Amanda. "Well, all be damned." He said, frowning. "He wore himself out too."
Everyone stopped, hearing the soft tap at the door. It wasn't heavy like most, nor loud. It was just soft and quiet. Another tap and Tommy moved towards the door. "Second." He said and pulled back the bolt. "Hell…"
The golden-brown haired man turned and face Tommy. He smiled broadly at Tommy and bowed his head. "Hello, Tommy."
Tommy couldn't find air to say anything but one word…
"Hayden!"
Hayden gasped as Tommy pulled him into the house. He stumbled slightly as he ushered him into the kitchen. "Sit down! Sit down! We have to talk!" He said and pulled back a chair and shoved him into the seat. Hayden laughed and shook his head. Same old Tommy.
"So where you been? What have you been doing?" Tommy asked, sitting down beside him. Conner had joined them as well, hugging his son close.
"Traveling, mainly. I wanted to see the world, yeah know, clear my head." He said with a heavy sigh. "But I figured after all this time, it was time to come home. I'm sure you guys were worried about me."
Conner and Tommy put on their best lying faces and denied the whole thing.
"You still have your powers?" Tommy asked, arching a brow.
Hayden grinned and flicked his wrist.
"Tommy, Conner." Dragon said, it's eyes glowing. "Hello Blake, Kimberly, Kira."
"Hello Dragon!" Kira shouted from over Conner's shoulder. Kimberly gave a wave, to busy with the rest of breakfast.
"I heard about Jason's death, Tommy." Hayden said, his eyes lowering slightly. "I'm sorry for the loss."
Tommy shrugged and smiled lightly. "Thanks…I guess God decided it was his time to go." He looked over at Kim. "Oh! Staying for breakfast?"
He shook his head. "No, I can't. I have to go visit my family, let them know I'm back in town." He said and stood up. "I thank you for the offer, but I'm kind of a rush."
Tommy frowned and then smiled. "It's okay. Stop by after school, okay?" He held out his hand as Hayden clutched it tightly.
"Will do." He said and waved. "Bye all."
Kimberly saluted him with the spatula and placed the bacon out now. Kira was helping her. Conner waved and showed him to the door. "It was good to see you again, man."
Hayden turned to face him and bowed. "As it was to you, Conner. Goodbye." He turned and left.
Conner glanced at Tommy and saw him nod with a smile. "At least he's okay." Conner said.
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Hayden moved through the streets towards his family's estate. He'd been gone for three years and hadn't said a word to anyone. Well, except for Conner, but nothing to his family or the others'. He sighed, running a hand through his golden hair and turned the corner.
And he ran right into an empty street.
Only then did he just realized that the streets were blank. There were no people, or horns of cars. It was like the black had become void of life. He turned again and his eyes narrowed suspiciously. Standing at the corner, high on the hill was a black cloaked figure. It's red eyes glared daggers at him.
"Who are you!" Hayden shouted, flicking his wrist. The morpher appeared and Dragon roared angrily.
"Your doom." The voice answered and moved towards him. Hayden raised his arm as his eyes narrowed.
"Gold Ranger, Dino Thunder." He pressed the small red button and Dragon roared angrily. The Golden Gem flared to life and it's powerful aura consumed his body. A long, slender, golden rod appeared in his hand as he lowered it to his side. "Full Power." He added in a bare whisper. The Golden energy expanded outwards in a shockwave that drove the cloaked man back. The sparkling energy shimmered vibrantly around his waist as the mantle appeared and wrapped around his waist.
"You maybe more of a challenge then I originally intended." The figure stated, producing a shimmer, white blade. "No matter, you shall meet your end just like that pathetic red ranger did!"
The sword snapped to attention and the figure raced forward. Hayden met him half way and their sparkling blades came together. A yellow implosion split them apart and Hayden stabbed the staff forward. The Cloaked One drew his blade away before swinging a backhand hard against Hayden's jaw.
He followed through with the spin and launched a roundhouse into the figure's neck and took a few steps back. Suddenly, Hayden drew the staff up and over his head. He moved it in a circle, leaving behind a tail of golden energy. "Energy Orb!" He hissed and threw his staff forward. The cackling, golden sphere slammed into the figure, zapping him with bolts of energy.
To Hayden's dismay, the attack didn't seem to affect him. If that wasn't insult enough, the figure whirled the blade over his head and threw it out, and sent the orb back at him. Hayden launched himself into a side-flip and clutched his staff tightly. "Dragon Morpher – Dragon Dagger!" he screamed and slammed against the ground. He rose up from his knees, clutching the dagger. "I commend you, Mysterious One. You're the first perfect to survive that Energy Orb."
The cloaked one growled angrily and stagger-stepped back. "Time to retreat. This battle has taken far to long and the spell has nearly worn off." He drew his arms an X over his chest and golden-black energy swirled up around him. Then, he was gone…
Hayden lowered the dagger to his side and his brows furrowed. So he's the one who killed Jason… He lifted the morpher to helmet. "Rangers, this is Hayden, come in." He waited a moment, staring at the spot his foe once was.
"This is Tommy, go ahead."
"I found the person who killed Jason."
"Who!"
"That's a good question. I got no name nor a good look at him. All I know is he was dressed in a cloak and he's…rather powerful. Hasn't to be he fought me and lived." Hayden boasted, grinning beneath his mask.
"Alright. We're on our way to class. We'll discuss this when we get home."
"Right. Hayden out."
"Hey! Hayden!" Conner's voice.
"What's up?"
"Does this mean your back?"
Hayden sighed and looked at the smoking hole in the ground; where his energy orb had hit. He could only say one thing…
"You better believe it."
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A/N: Welcome to Story Two of my Dino Thunder Series. This story is entitled "Spectres of the Past" and it will take place three years after A New Threat. So what do you guy's think so far? Comments? Feed back?
May the Powers Protect You.