Disclaimer: Don't own the rangers just the plot and Kate.

Chapter 2: Peace of Mind

Jason was at a stand still. Kate hadn't returned to Tommy's house and Kim didn't know where she was. He hoped she wasn't on Phaedos still. It was rare anyone stayed overnight there because there were dangerous animals in the jungles at night.

"Are you sure she didn't call or anything?" Jason was currently pacing the living room of the Oliver household.

"Yes I'm sure. Unless she called Tommy but he's not here so you'd have to call him and ask," Kim said as she stood at the granite counter in the kitchen cutting up veggies.

"I don't know what to do sis."

Kim turned towards him. He was miserable. "Tommy and I both told you to tell her when you first said you were dating this girl. God Jase, she told you not to wait for her, but I don't think that she believed you wouldn't."

The door opened then, and Tommy left his briefcase by the door. He had seen Jason's red and gold Dodge Ram in the driveway. "How's it going Jase?" he walked into the kitchen giving his wife a kiss.

"Not to good bro. I was just asking Kim if she knew where Kate was," his focus was on the ground.

"Well she's not here. We had an argument this morning like I said and she left. We haven't seen her since about six this morning. I have a pretty good idea where she is though." Tommy glanced at Kim.

Realization dawned on Jason's face, "No, she wouldn't stay there all night. Would she? I mean she know how dangerous it is."

"You're talking about Kate. She was a Marine and a Ranger, she's not going to be scared out there," Kim sighed. She thought having Kate out of the house would make things easier but in the end they were all tied together because of their friendships and the Ninjetti Animal Spirits.

"She may have been both but that isn't going to stop me from worrying about her," Jason moved to the doorway.

"Really? Were you so worried about her when you wrote to her, telling her how much you missed her and how much you cared? You need to figure out what you want from her. Rather it's just friends or more because if you hurt her again she may not forgive you," Kim's voice was dead serious. "You're my big brother, I love you; but you can't do this to her. Don't make my mistakes Jase."

"I didn't write her a break up letter sis."

"No, but you did make it sound like you were waiting for her. You kissed her after 9/11 happened and again when you guys talked before she left. What was she supposed to think?"

Tommy stepped in. "Think it over and then talk to her. Going after a pissed off Kate is like going after this one," he gestured to Kim who smacked him with her dish towel.

Jason nodded. "Alright, I'm out of here. See you guys soon."

Many miles away on the planet Phaedos, Kate was sitting in the Ninjetti Temple ruins. This was her place to think. The place where she felt the most at home in. If only Dulcea was still alive it would be perfect. She remembered spending many nights here with her, training and hearing the stories of the Ancients. It was a time that had passed by to fast and when she had joined the Marines her journeys here became a lot fewer.

Kim, Tommy, and even Jason had joined her on these trips in the past. Now for the first time she was here alone at night. It was strange. So quiet that you could here animals moving around in the jungles about a mile under the ruins.

"I love him Dulcea. Even before I knew what the scrolls said. I have to keep it a secret though or he'll think this is why I love him. Though I guess in the long run it's for the best if the scrolls are right."

"Talking to yourself again?"

Kate jumped looking to her left, Tommy was standing there. "I thought we were all taking a break from each other?"

"Doesn't mean we're not still worried when you don't come back home."

"I'm fine Tommy. I've been through worse then this." Kate poked at the fire she made with a stick. "You and Kim need to work things out. I'm sure she doesn't want you up here with me."

Tommy chuckled. "Actually she sent me after you. Jason showed up at the house today. He was looking for you. I told him you know about his girlfriend."

Kate through the stick aside and stood up. "I don't have time to deal with Jason right now. I have to find the rest of the scrolls.

"Why are they so important? What are you looking for?"

Kate sighed. "If the knew evil bad guy shows up, which we both know is very likely, I want to have as many answers as possible. I don't want to be in the dark about any of this."

"Ok, I just figured you wanted to be closer to Dulcea," Tommy shrugged nonchalantly.

Kate tilted her head, "I do, and she was more of a mom to me then anyone else." She studied him more closely. "Wait…did you…you and Kim thought I wouldn't come back? That would never ever happen. I couldn't stay up here for the rest of my life and leave you, Kim and Rocky, any of our friends."

Tommy smiled.

"Look, I know these past couple years have been extremely tense for everyone. We will all get through everything in time."

Jason was watching from afar. He didn't want to interrupt them. Even from this far away he could see how upset and sad Kate looked. Tommy could normally pull her out of it but not this time. She sounded happier but it just didn't reach her eyes. He snuck away quietly; he'd talk to her tomorrow now that he knew she was safe.

Tommy stayed a little longer before leaving Kate to her thoughts. Though her thoughts weren't exactly a safe place to be at the moment. Soon she would have to pull everyone together and explain. Soon she'd have to face Jason; but tonight was hers. One last night of peace.

A/N: It's going kind of slow. I promise it will pick up the pace more in the next couple chapters.