Honor and Sacrifice
By: Silver Phoenix Ranger
Disclaimer: Power Rangers and all affiliates belong to Saban and Disney. They are being used without permission and no profit is being made from this.
Summary: Shortly after Kimberly turned her power coin over to Kat, Lord Zedd and his wife Rita and all their minions just simply vanish. Now the rangers have just graduated from High School and are spending one last summer together before they start their brand new future. Old Rangers return and they gather together to watch one of their own compete on a global stage. Then all Hell breaks loose. This is a battle where the Rangers not only face a loss of power but also the loss of life. They discover the bonds of friendship, the consequences of following their hearts and the real sacrifice of being a Power Ranger.
WARNING: This story contains scenes of violence and some mild profanity. There will also be character death. I did it with much regret, but it was where the story went. Death is an unavoidable part of fighting those who hold no regard for life. For those who love, death is something they will risk when fighting for others.
Part One: A Shattered Peace
Kimberly wondered what the hell was wrong with her. Her heart was hardly beating erratically, she had no problem catching her breath, and the blood that coursed through her veins did not burn with the thrill of the fight.
She was the World Champion and she didn't even give a damn.
She plastered her face with a fake smile and prepared to take the podium. She glanced out at the audience and saw her family cheering loudly and for just a moment, a genuine smile crossed her lips. Then it was gone.
Her victory only served as a reminder of that which she had given up; the world that she had abandoned and the bridges she had burned. "Get it together Kim." She reprimanded herself under her breath, "You made your choice; now live with it." She couldn't look back now.
Tommy couldn't remember a time when the Youth Center had been so quiet. Usually it was filled with the sound of Ernie's blender, the shouts of the martial arts students or the music that accompanied the many gymnastics or dance classes that were held there.
Today was different.
Today, they all stood still as they watched one of their own twisting high in the air. No one dared to breathe as she manipulated her body with the ease and grace she always carried with her. No one uttered a sound, not even Bulk and Skull, as they all watched her feet smack firmly into the ground and her body remained still.
It wasn't until she threw her arms above her head that the room erupted back to life.
Tommy felt such a surge of emotions; relief, joy, pride, and the gut wrenching pain of knowing she had achieved her goals without him. Once Kim had stuck the landing, he turned to his friends so he wouldn't have to see her face. He didn't want to know how happy she could be without him, especially when he was still trying to convince himself that he was finally happy without her.
Now, an hour later, the room was once again bustling with noise as everyone waited for the medal ceremony.
"To Kimberly Hart," Rocky stood tall and raised his glass, "world class gymnast and world class friend!"
Everyone followed suit "To Kim!"
Tommy was shocked at how easy it was to raise his glass and drink in Kim's name. He had become quite the pro when it came to acting unaffected whenever she was mentioned; that his heart didn't ache every time someone mentioned her name. He had to pretend, not for himself, but for the sake of his friends. After all they were her friends too and while she had chosen to cut him out of her life, she still remained close to her other friends. Well, up until recently that is. Tommy had found it a bit alarming when the others noticed how infrequent Kim's letters had become and how she was talking about continuing on to the Olympics instead of moving back to California and going to college like she had always planned.
I guess her dreams changed. I wonder what would of happened if I had asked her to stay. Tommy pushed the thought out of his mind as quickly as he could because he already knew the answer. He would have never been able to ask her something like that. It was unfair, cruel, and their relationship would have ended on a much more miserable note. He let her go and it was her choice to move on or come home where he would have been waiting. He had to ignore the cry of his heart that wanted to track her down and tell her she was wrong, that she had to come home to him. "I can't do that." He muttered under his breath, "It wouldn't be fair."
"What wouldn't be fair?"
The soft accent of Kat's voice broke through Tommy's thoughts and he became painfully aware that all of his friends here staring at him with pity written clearly across their faces. He met Kat's eyes and smiled, "Nothing," He replied, pleased with how calm and cool he sounded, "I was just thinking about something I was talking about with my mom, that's all." No one looked convinced.
"It's Kim, isn't it?" Tommy noticed the hint of sadness in Kat's voice as she spoke; he could see the regret in her blue eyes. "I was worried this might be too much for you."
"Really, it's not." Tommy didn't try to hide the frustration in his voice. "Listen you guys, I'm over it. It's the way things go. The long distance thing was too hard anyway. She moved on and so have I." Tommy punctuated the last sentence and looked directly into Kat's eyes and felt guilty for the lie. His guilt was made worse by the look of obvious disbelief written all over her face.
"Yeah you're over it." Adam quipped, "And Rocky has finally had enough to eat."
"Hey!" Rocky's reply came from a mouth full of pizza.
Billy nodded, "I know you want to deny it Tommy, but it seems quite clear that you still harbor some feelings for Kimberly." He leaned forward and adjusted his glasses while he continued, "Perhaps if you would be more open with us about your feelings we would be able to help." He paused for a moment and Tommy could see that he was considering his next words carefully, "Even if you don't wish to talk to us, I still believe that it is important for you to speak with Kim. You need closure."
"And here I thought you were the genius." Tommy replied with an anger that shocked him, "She cut me out of her life, that's just the way it is."
Everyone was taken aback by the resentment in Tommy's voice and for a moment no one spoke they exchanged glances with once another and Tommy was almost certain he had managed to shut them up.
Then Aisha crossed her arms, leaned back in her chair and frowned at him, "Now you're just being stupid."
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me." She snapped, "Kimberly didn't want you out of her life. She even said that she would always be your friend, and I happen to know that she was devastated by your choice to cut off contact with her. You're the one who cut her off after the letter came."
Kat gave her friend a cold look, "Aisha, you're not being fair."
"I'm sorry." Aisha's voice softened slightly but her stern expression never wavered. "Listen Tommy, you had every reason to be hurt and upset with Kim after what happened but you only have yourself to blame for hanging on to those feelings instead of dealing with them."
Tommy glanced around the table hoping that someone would come to his defense, but even Kat seemed unable to argue Aisha's point. "Maybe you're right." He reluctantly admitted, "But it's too late now, she's made her choice and I'll have to live with it. Talking isn't going to fix anything." He stood up and gave a half hearted wave. "I think I just need to be alone for a little bit. I'll try to be back in time to watch the medal ceremony."
He expected them all to protest or at least one, probably Kat, to follow him. He hadn't expected Ernie to be the one to rush over and push him back in his seat. "You can't leave yet!" his face was red from running around in excitement and he was having difficulty breathing, "There's a huge surprise on it's way and you can't miss it!" he glanced at his watch, "It's just running a little late."
Tommy wanted to protest, but it was always hard to refuse Ernie after all the man had done and Ernie was never one to disappoint. To Tommy's relief, Ernie's news was a welcome change of subject for the time being. "What kind of surprise, Ernie?" Rocky asked, he was not hiding his excitement well, "Does it have to do with Kim?"
Ernie gave Rocky a sly smile, "It's the best kind of surprise and it involves all of you!"
"Even us?" Bulk came up from behind Ernie and wrapped his thick arm around the man's shoulder.
"Yeah, what's our surprise?" Skull's head appeared over Bulk's shoulder with a big grin on his face. "It had better be good!"
Ernie just rolled his eyes and pulled away from the two, "You'll just have to wait and see. They should be here any minute."
They? Now Tommy's curiosity was really piqued and for the first time all day Tommy forgot to think about Kim while he started going through the list of possibilities. He could only think of a select few that would get Ernie so worked up.
On cue, three distinct figures wearing yellow, black and red walked through the doors as if they had never left.
Jason felt relieved to be back in Angel Grove. Switzerland was incredible and he had accomplished some fantastic goals at the conference; but Angel Grove always called back to him. Maybe it wasn't the city itself; but what it meant to him. His eyes surveyed the room and landed on a table of shocked onlookers. This is why he--along with Zach and Trini--had decided to return to Angel Grove instead of touring Europe before going to college. This would always be their city; it was where they met each other, grew up with each other, and fought alongside each other. No matter where they went from here; they could always come back here and dwell in the comfort of their friendship.
"I see Billy and the others!"
Trini's exclamation was unusually loud for her quiet demeanor, but it no one was shocked as she threw herself around Billy and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"Wow, I think Billy just turned as red as the Tyrannosaurus Zord!"
Jason turned to Zach and barely contained his laughter. "You're not containing your eagerness any better." He pointed to his friend who was almost dancing with excitement.
Zach just shook his head and clapped him on the back. "Loosen up oh fearless leader. We're home!"
By now, Trini had dragged Billy back and the others were close behind. "Welcome home, bro." Tommy extended his hand and Jason grasped it firmly, he had missed Tommy the most. They were like kindred spirits, equals, rivals, best friends and teammates. "We really missed you all."
Jason took a moment to greet the others and he was hardly surprised to see that Zach had his arm around Adam and Trini held Aisha in a fierce hug. For as little time as they had known their replacements, their friendships were strong. Jason had no doubt it was because they were all Rangers, it was something that they all shared that no one else could possibly comprehend. It was a powerful force in their friendship. He nodded to Billy and embraced Rocky. "Thanks for stepping up." He squeezed his shoulder, "You did awesome."
Rocky placed his hand on Jason's shoulder and looked him square in the eye and as he replied. "I did my best, but I had big shoes to fill. Thank you for giving me the opportunity."
Jason nodded and his eyes drifted on the tall blonde standing behind Tommy. For a moment Jason thought she wasn't part of the group, the way she seemed uncomfortable and the nervous smile she forced on her face. He extended his hand towards her and she tentatively took it.. "You must be Kat; the new Pink."
This caught Zach's attention and he turned away towards Adam and placed his arm around Kat's shoulder. "I heard you're quite a dancer."
Kat's beamed at that statement, "You must be Zach." She seemed to relax a bit, "I've heard good things about you as well."
"The original Black at your service, and these two would be Trini and Jason-original Yellow and Red respectively."
Kat nodded and shook Zach and Trini's hands. "It's nice to meet you all, these guys have told me about all the amazing things you guys have done."
"So, what do you think of being the Pink Ranger?"
Kat turned to Trini and her smile faltered slightly, "I really don't know, I never had to morph" She shrugged her shoulders and Jason could see they had touched upon a sensitive subject. "Right after Kimberly left, Lord Zedd and Rita just vanished. We were really fortunate."
Zach shrugged his shoulders, "You'll probably still get the opportunity to try it out. After all, evil never rests." He stopped and he thought for a moment. "I wouldn't mind another chance at it sometime."
Jason felt his smile grow wistful; he had often had the same longing. "Really?" Kat seemed taken aback at Zach's statement. "You would want to go into battle again? You would give up the normal life you've grown accustomed too?" She shook her head. "I understand going into battle because it's necessary and someone has to do it, but why would you ever want too?"
"Well that's just it," Rocky put his hand on Kat's shoulder and grinned. "Being a Power Ranger becomes a part of your everyday life. It's who we are."
The group nodded in agreement, but Kat simply stood there aghast. "But what about your lives, being a Power Ranger isn't normal! You have to give up so much."
"I guess it just becomes part of who you are." Tommy stepped next to Kat placing his hand on her shoulder, "Even after giving up our Powers, there's nothing normal about us any more. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger."
Jason noticed something akin to pain and regret flash across Kat's eyes and she stepped away from Tommy. "Tommy is indeed correct." Billy continued, "I must admit that there is a certain thrill to being a Power Ranger that I will always miss; but it has created a bond between all of us that cannot be severed. We will never live completely normal lives, but we will not be alone."
"Here, here!"
"Hey you guys, the ceremony is just about to start!" Ernie's voice carried over the crowd. "Kim's taking the podium now!"
"Oh how could we forget?" Aisha was the first to rush towards the television grabbing on the Trini and Kat and pulling them with her. Jason watched Tommy carefully, trying to observe his best friend at the mention of Kim's name. Tommy was carefully guarded with his expression and Jason knew he would have to get the dirt from others before confronting Tommy about the situation. For now, they would simply celebrate their friend's achievements.
"Did you get to see Kim compete at all?" Adam asked, while they waited for the medals to be presented. "Ernie had said you guys were running late, so I thought maybe you had intended to be here while she did her routines."
"We were fortunate," Trini answered "even though our flight was late, everyone in Angel Grove has their TVs turned to this. We stopped by an electronics store and watched her there. She was amazing."
The room fell silent once more as they started playing the National Anthem. The camera focused on Kimberly who was singing proudly with her fake smile across her face. Jason had recognized it, being one of the few she had confided in after her break-up with Tommy. He looked over at the White Ranger and saw that he was looking at her with unease. Could he see that Kim was as unhappy as he was? Would that finally push him to go after her to make things right between them?
He turned his attention back to Kim and his heart stopped. Kim was no longer smiling and she had turned a sick shade of white as she focused her gaze out in the crowd. The camera zoomed closer and Jason recognized a look in her eye that only a Ranger could identify. It was fear, anger, and a determination to fight no matter what was next. He felt the rest of the group tense around him as Kim's face shifted into an unyielding gaze; she dropped the roses she was holding and slid into a defensive pose--she was poised for battle.
The screen went white.
