Kimberly knew she couldn't tell Tommy the truth. She had already lied to him about being happy in Florida. He'd never understand why she was weak and skinner. "Tommy, I don't know what you're talking about," Kimberly lied avoiding eye contact with Tommy. "I'm just really tired from the plane ride-"
"-Kim," he interrupted. "You are skinner, you're weak, and you fainted on me. You aren't okay."
She got up from the bed and started to head towards the door. Before she could get to the door she collapsed, and Tommy caught her before she hit the floor. He gazed down at her with a look of worry, concern, and anger. "Tommy, please you wouldn't understand," she croaked as tears formed in her eyes.
"Beautiful, why didn't you tell me you weren't happy in Florida?" he asked in a soft voice gently placing her down on the bed.
"Tommy, weren't allowed to-"
"-I know I teleported down to Florida and saw Coach Schmidt weighing you and yelling at you for getting hurt-"
"-when did you come to Florida?" Kimberly gasped as tears started streaming down her face.
"After I heard Coach Schmidt yelling at you in the background when I last talked to you on the phone," he revealed climbing on the bed with her. "I knew something was up when you told me there was another girl on the team with the last name of Hart. And I read this page that was ripped out of your journal."
Dear Tommy,
This is the hardest letter I've ever had to write. Something happened. This has been painful. Tommy, I'm being over trained, losing weight, and not getting enough sleep. That is why I've not called or wrote to you lately. Coach Schmidt says that I'm not trying, and I must practice until I get everything prefect. If I'm lucky I only get five to six hours asleep. I don't know if I want to be in the Pan Global Games anymore. During practice, I've passed out several times and have woken up in the nurse's office. I've sprung my ankle once and took a shot to get pain relief. The nurse says that isn't good and asks me I really want to continue with the training. Several of the athletes have quit because they weren't able to take much more of this Pan Global Games stuff. But, I don't have anywhere to go if I quit. I don't want to go to Paris. I'm looking forward to the holidays because I am coming back to Angel Grove to spend Christmas with you. I wish I could get on the plan knowing that I'd be staying in Angel Grove and not having to return to Florida. But, sadly, Coach Schmidt says we are not allowed to discuss what goes on at his training facility. If we do we're in serious trouble.
Kimberly
"You knew all of this?"
"Kim, I heard everything that Coach Schmidt said to you after we got off the phone. You don't have to go back-"
"-Where would I stay?"
"Actually, I was going to ask you to stay with me," Tommy beamed taking her hands in his. He took a deep breath.
"That's sweet of you," Kim said giving him a peck on the cheek.
About half a dozen Christmas trees were scattered all over the youth center. Four Christmas tree all lit up were behind a stage where kids were lined up into two rows practicing singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," for a Christmas pageant. They were also singing songs of joy, Prince of Peace, Menorah, Menorah, Holy Night, Silent Night, up on the House Top, Deck the Halls, and many other songs. Ernie had many tables sat up where other children were decorating Christmas cookies and making other Christmas goods.
"It's so great that the community is getting in to the holiday spirit," Tommy said with a smile as he walked into the youth center with Rocky, Adam, and Billy. He laid a large pot full of bright red poinsettias on Ernie's counter.
"Yeah, it's good to know that under privileged kids will have a happy place to celebrate Christmas," Billy added.
Tommy's attention shifted to Kimberly who was playing her guitar while Aisha was leading the kids in singing. His stuck his hands in his jacket and his fingers wrapped around a velvet box. "So, have you asked her yet?" Rocky hinted as Tommy began to blush.
"I was going to wait until the Christmas ball," Tommy answered with his eyes still locked on Kimberly. "But, I don't want to wait any longer. I'm going to do it sooner."
"I know Kimberly is going to be overjoyed when you ask her," Rocky said when he saw the kids take a break from practicing. "Aisha had told me about how Kim hasn't been happy in Florida and what that coach was like. She's very lucky to have someone who loves her as much as you do."
"That sounded great," Adam bragged when Kimberly and Aisha walked over to them.
"Thanks, the children have been practicing really hard," Aisha replied.
"Here it is guys," Ernie announced walking towards them carrying a large gold star. "The tree wouldn't be complete without it."
Ernie handed it to Tommy. Just as Tommy was about to go put the star on the tree he noticed a little girl sitting off by herself. She appeared like she wasn't in the mood of Christmas.
"I'll be back guys," Tommy said. He walked over to the little girl and kneeled beside her. "Just the person I was looking for. Want to help me put the star on the tree."
"I can't reach that high," answered the little girl in a sad tone.
"Come on," Tommy encouraged. "I'll give you a lift."
Kimberly watched with half a smile on her face as she watched the girl put the star on the tree. She appeared to be deep in thought. Ever since she arrived in Angel Grove, Tommy had been hiding something from her. Earlier that morning she saw him show James something in a pink velvet book. But, she he saw her walk into the living room, he quickly closed the box and stuck it in his pocket. It had to be something very secretive. All she knew that it was more than likely a piece of jewelry.
"What are you thinking about?" Aisha puzzled.
"Nothing," Kimberly lied as she continued to watch Tommy.
"Oh, come on," Aisha encouraged with a smile.
"I'm really lucky to spend Christmas with you and Tommy," Kimberly answered as she looked down at the floor. "But, I am also really sad since it's my first Christmas without my mom and it seems so weird. I also was looking for the perfect gift for Tommy. I was thinking about getting him an engagement ring. But, I was able to afford the ring that I wanted to get him. All I was able to get him was this."
She pulled a green box out of her pocket and opened it. Inside was a yin yang necklace. Kimberly flipped the pendant over and it had his name and his February birthstone. Aisha put her hand on Kimberly's shoulder. "Look I know you miss her, but we can still have fun," Aisha promised putting her arm around Kimberly's shoulder. "Let's go finish with the decorations."
"Okay," Kimberly smiled weakly as they headed over to the tree.
"As for Tommy, I know he'll be just as pleased with the yin yang necklace," Aisha stated as Kimberly closed the box and put it in her pocket.
Bulk and Skull walked into the youth center in their junior police uniforms. Skull was singing jingle bells, but Bulk wasn't singing along. They were both getting to their community service project at the Christmas part. "But, you're the one who has to play Santa," Bulk reminded as he started to imitate Santa. "Ho-ho, I'm Santa."
Skull's eye's shifted over to Kimberly. She had mistletoe in her hand and was jumping trying to hang it. However, she was too short. "Need some help," Tommy asked as he walked over to her.
"Yes," Kimberly answered in a sweet voice as Tommy hung up the mistletoe. "Thank you."
"Kim, I have something I want to give you," Tommy revealed reaching into his pocket. "Kim-"
"-Tommy, I love it," Kimberly squealed when she saw the sliver heart pendant. "I love the pink heart gem with my birthstone in the middle." She quickly took it out of the box and fastened it around her neck.
He was hoping to give her the ring and the necklace later. But, he felt the box in his other pocket. Taking a deep breath, Tommy was reaching into his pocket. "Oh, look, mistletoe," Skull smirked when he got between Tommy as Kimberly. He gave Kimberly a kiss on the cheek and she stepped back wiping her face. "I love this time of year."
All the kids were back up on the stage practicing their final song. The same girl who was sitting off to the side was on stage and she still wasn't happy. Aisha was paying close attention to the little girl and approached her after practice was over.
"Becky, why weren't you singing?"
"Why does it matter?" Becky answered as she was about to walk off the stage. "No one will be here to see me sing."
Before they could say anything, Becky stormed off.
Meanwhile, at the north pole all of Santa's elves were working very hard at getting Christmas gifts ready. They were wrapping boxes with Christmas themed wrapping paper and sparkling bows. "Ho! Ho! Ho! How's everything going, number 1?" Santa asked walking into the work shop. He headed over to an elf with brown hair, dressed in green, and a Santa Claus hat. This Santa Claus hat was much different than Santa's. Half of it was red and the other half was green.
"Not so good, Santa," the elf answered looking up from her check list. "We're a little behind schedule."
Santa put his arm around the elf. "Oh, you worry too much," he replied in a laughing encouraging voice. "We get done on time every year."
"Guess, you're right-"
A spark of blue light appeared in the room and an ugly looking skeleton appeared in the room. All the elves stopping working and began to shake in fear. "What's going on?!" Santa demanded as tengas were rallying up the other elves. "What do you want?!-"
"I am Rito Revolto!"
"I know who you are!" Santa gasped raising a brow. "And you've been a very naughty boy this year!" The elf standing next to him began to shake her head yes. It appeared that everyone on the north pole knew who Rito was. It appeared that he was at the top of Santa's naughty list for several years.
"Yeah, yeah," Rito remarked pointing his sword at Santa. "And I'm you're new boss!"
The elf standing next to Santa bravely stepped down to confront Rito. "HEY! DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE MESSING WITH!?" She yelled as she investigated Rito's face, not showing any sign of fear. "You can't come in here and start pushing people around!"
"Oh, yes I can! Pushing people around is what I do best!" Rito corrected in confident tone. He pressed his thumb against the elf's head. He held up a dreidel. This dreidel was dark grey with a red Z. It appeared to covered cob webs and dust. "You are going to make these toys and nothing but these toys."
"Hey, our production schedule is already booked!" yelled the elf. Tengas appeared behind Santa and were holding him in place.
"You either make these toys or you and the man in the red suit will be out of business!"
Kimberly walked outside where Becky was sitting all alone. "Hey, it's Christmas Eve, you're supposed to be happy," Kimberly chirped taking a seat next to Becky and putting her jacket around Beck's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Kimberly," Becky apologized turning to face Kimberly. "I didn't mean to ruin everything for everyone. It's just all I want is for my dad to come hear me sing. But, he's already told me he can't come because he has to work."
"I bet the reason why your dad works so hard is because he wants you to be happy."
"Doesn't he know what makes me happy is spending time with him?"
"Not unless you tell him."
"Okay," Becky replied as a big smile appeared on her face. "I going to be extra sure to tell him just how I fell." Kimberly smiled and shared a big hug with Becky."
Tommy stood by the entrance way to the youth center as Kimberly walked in with Becky. Once they got in, Becky handed Kimberly back her jacket. He looked up and saw that they were under mistletoe. Kimberly reached into her pocket and got out a green box. "I thought I'd give your gift," Kimberly said handing Tommy the box. He opened the box and found the yin yang necklace.
"I love it," Tommy smiled giving her kiss on the check and then he put on the pendant. "While, I'm thinking of it, I have something I want to give you. I meant to give you this before I did the heart necklace."
Just as he was about to ask her his communicator off. Tommy quickly got the other four rangers attention. Once all of them were together, Tommy answered the communicator. "Come in Zordon."
"Tommy, you and the other rangers must come to the command center immediately."
"We're on our way."
Six beams of multi colored light appeared in the command center within just a few short seconds. The command center was decorated with all types of different Christmas decorations. "What's going on?" Billy asked.
"Rito Revolto has taken over the North Pole. He's captured Santa and is forcing the all the elves to make Zedd's evil Christmas toy."
"Zordon, when did Zedd get into toy making?" Adam questioned.
"What kind of toy is he making?" Tommy asked.
"It has the power to brain wash children into thinking that Zedd is there master," Zordon stated looking down from his column at the six teens. All of them were exchanging looks with each other with looks of shock and concern.
"We need to get to the North Pole and stop them-"
"-yes, Rocky. But, at the North Pole there one extra complication," Alpha addressed.
"You won't be able to use your powers there due to the amount of holiday magic," Zordon warned. "And you won't have your morphing powers to protect you."
"That's a risk we'll have to take," Tommy acknowledged feeling Kimberly's fingers lace up with his.
"Before you go there's someone who wishes to speak to you," Zordon spoke. All the rangers turned to the viewing global and Kat appeared on screen.
"Hi, everyone one," Kat greeted. "I'm sorry I can't be there with you."
"Don't worry about it," Tommy assured her.
"Take care," Kat answered.
All of them waved good bye to Kat and turned to face Alpha and Zordon. "Alpha will now teleport you to the command center," Zordon announced.
Alpha pressed some buttons on the command board and six beams of lights disappeared from the command center. "Keep warm rangers."
They appeared in front of Santa's house. Snowmen, Christmas trees, and large Candy Canes were all over the place. They walked around until too they got to front door. Being very quiet, they opened the door just a crack. Rito had Santa wrapped in tinsel and Rito demanded that elves got back to work. "It's just like Zordon said," Tommy clarified closing the door.
"Even without our powers we can't attack," Adam realized. "Santa and the elves could get hurt."
"We'll have to think of a different way," Tommy advised.
"I doubt they'll be able to use their powers here," Billy theorized and they all gathered around to listen to what he had to say. "If our powers don't work, then why would theirs. But, we can't be certain until we test the theory."
"I say we go for it!" Rocky encouraged and they all spilt up in different directions.
Kimberly and Aisha snuck inside and hid behind a large Christmas box. They got the attention of the elf who stood up to Rito. Giving her a signal to come over to them, the elf made sure no one was watching and went over to the box. All of them ducked down and kneeled behind it.
"We came to save you," Kimberly whispered.
"We could sure use it," answered the elf.
"But, we'll need your help," Aisha added.
"Just say the word," said the elf and they whispered their plan to her.
Rito walked around them room checking to make sure no one try to pull an empty box trick. "MERRY CHRISTMAS, RITO!" Aisha greeted as her and Kimberly sprung up behind the box.
"Why don't you come out and see what we brought you," Kimberly smiled as they ran outside. He followed them outside, but they were out of view.
"I know you're here-"
"-that's right, Rito!" Tommy remarked as they all jumped out behind a Christmas tree. "We're all here!"
"Take this!" Rito threatened holding up his sword and a small amount of red light weakly came out. "My laser doesn't work."
"Looks like we were right," Adam smiled watching Rito bang his sword on the ground.
"Your powers don't work here," Billy added as Goldar appeared next to Rito. "This is a place where only good can win."
All of them started to throw snow balls at Rito and Goldar. Neither one could fight back since they had snow balls come from all directions hitting them in the face. Rito turned and shoved Goldar out of the way as he ran inside. Goldar got up while snow balls were still coming behind him and rushed inside behind Rito. Inside they couldn't get away. Elves had a bow out to trip them. Ornaments and marbles were poured on the floor sending tengas in all direction as the tripped. Everyone ganged up on Rito, Goldar, and the tengas and tied them up with Christmas ribbon and sent them back to Zedd along with a Christmas present. His own toys that he wanted to give children all over the world.
"This whole incident has put us behind schedule," stated an elf. "We need a miracle to finish the presents on time-"
"We have on miracle on our side," Santa smiled turning to face the rangers. "This is the time of miracles."
"I think maybe we can help," Billy said with a smile as he and his friends went to help Santa and the elves catch up on finishing getting presents ready to send to all the kids all over the world. Right after they finally got done Santa gave them a sack of toys to take back to the children attending the party.
Bulk and Skull stood by the fire place. However, Skull was dressed as a reindeer and Bulk took on the role of Santa. "Isn't this great, Bulky?" Skull asked turned to face Bulk sitting in the chair. "I mean Santa."
"Yeah, this is the best," he remarked pulling down his fake beard some that had candy canes sticking to it. "Having kids crawling all over you. That's my idea of fun."
Skull walked over to the little boy next in line and sat him down on Bulk's lap. "What do you want, little boy?" Bulk asked watching the little boy unroll a big scroll of paper and began to read from it.
"Sorry, we're late Santa," Tommy announced as all of them walked in carrying a bag of stuffed toys. "But, we brought some toys for the kids." Every kid in the room made a dash to the sack grabbing any stuffed animal that they could get their hands on before someone else.
Kimberly looked around and went over to Becky. "Kimberly!" Becky beamed throwing her arms around her. "I thought you forgot about me."
"Never," she promised. "And I know someone else who won't either."
Becky turned around and her dad was standing behind her. "Daddy!" Becky squealed running over to hug her father.
"I'm sorry I wasn't here sooner," her father apologized smiling into his daughter's tickled face. "I promise from now on, I'm going to spend more time with you. You're the most important thing in the world to me. I love you."
"Me too, daddy."
"Hey, how about you treat your dad to some hot chocolate?"
"Sure," Becky grinned turning over to look at Santa and the Reindeer. "But, there's something I've got to do."
She walked over to where Bulk and Skull were standing in the Christmas costumes. "What do you want for Christmas?" Bulk asked when she took a seat on his lap.
"My Christmas wish already came true, thanks to you Santa."
"It did? Bulk questioned removing his glasses.
"You brought my daddy home. And that's all I ever wanted. I love you Santa," Becky praised kissing him on the check.
"Well, that's what Christmas is all about," he answered. After Becky got off his lap, Bulk pulled his beard down.
"That was beautiful," Skull cried as a tear ran down his face.
Tommy and Kimberly were standing under the mistletoe. Finally, there were no interruptions and nothing to stop him from asking her the big question. "Kimberly," he said nervously getting the pink box out of his pocket. He opened the box and her eyes landed on the sliver ring with the pink heart gems in the shape of flower petals around a white center. "Will you marry me?"
Kimberly's mouth dropped, and her eyes swam with tears as those words sank into her ears and down into her heart. "Of course, I will."
Tommy slipped the ring on her finger and they kissed under the mistletoe. "Merry Christmas, Tommy," she smiled gazing into his chocolate eyes.
"Merry Christmas, Kim," he answered back gazing into her doe eyes with a smile.
"I don't know what could make this day any better," she beamed looking down at the ring on her finger.
"Kimberly!"
She looked up from her ring and there was her mom. "What are you doing here?" she cried flinging her arms around Caroline's neck.
"I took a flight back Paris," Caroline answered as Pierre walked over to them. "I couldn't leave my baby alone on Christmas."
Author's Note:
I've always liked the episode I'm Dreaming of a White Ranger. But, I made some changes to it as you can see. For those of you who don't know, when I'm Dreaming of a White Ranger came out VHS back in 1995 there was a scene where Kat was on the viewing global talking with the rangers. I wish they included it in the episode when it was released on DVD. So, I included that moment in this chapter. In the following chapter things Rita and Zedd will meet Elsa and Mesogog.
