Chapter 14: Friends and Surprises
Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers or the theme song.
Author's Note: This chapter will feature the debut of Skull's new song at Paul's café. Skull and Kimberly meet up with a familiar friend from their past. There should be about six or seven more chapters before the epilogue
Chapter 14: Friends and Surprises
"Alright, debuting in their first duet as partners, I give you the musically talented Skull and Kimberly." Paul announced.
The curtain rose up to reveal the band playing with Skull and Kimberly. At the right, Skull, dressed in retro punk attire, was sitting on a piano bench, ready to start playing. Kimberly, dressed in a short pink dress with her hair tied to the right side of her face, was standing at center stage, holding a wireless microphone in her right hand. Behind her were Mark and his band.
"Alright, guys, this song are dedicated to the most amazing heroes Angel Grove has ever known." Skull spoke into the microphone. "You all know them by one name, so when we say "go go", shout it out.
"Hit it, Mark." Skull instructed. Mark nodded and performed the guitar intro. The drummer joined in shortly after. Skull started playing the piano.
Skull then sang the lyrics into the microphone.
They've got a power and a force that you've never seen before
They've got the ability to morph and to even up the score
No one will ever take them down
The power lies on their side
Kimberly and Mark joined in the chorus.
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
You, Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers
"Take it away, Kimbo."Skull stated.
Kimberly sang the second verse:
They know the fate of the world is lying in their hands
They know to only use their weapons for defense
No one will ever take them down
The power lies on their side
Skull rejoined her in the chorus.
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
You, Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers
Mark and his fellow guitarist began to play an epic guitar battle with each other. Skull pushed the bench from beneath him aside and started playing his piano wildly. Kimberly whipped her head back in forth with the beat of the music.
Skull and Kimberly sang.
No one will ever take them down
The power lies on their side
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
You, Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, Power Rangers
Go, go, POWER RANGEERRRRSSSSSSS!
The crowd went wild with applause as Skull and Kimberly bowed.
After saying a few words, the two retreated to their table and enjoyed the rest of the party.
"You two did great." A voice behind them said.
Skull turned to face another familiar face from his past. Could it be?
"Jason!" Kimberly squealed as she hugged her old friend. "What are you doing here?"
"Well, I heard there was going to be a party dedicated to the Power Rangers." Jason said. "And I knew that it had to be one of you guys who organized it."
"Actually, Skull was the one who wrote the song." Kimberly stated.
Jason's eyes bulged in shock. "You wrote that song, Skull?"
Skull nodded.
"Wow, first piano and now singing. You've become a double threat, Skull." Jason chuckled as he gave the boy a friendly shove.
"Thanks, Mr. Muscles." Skull laughed. "I don't know, but I felt like the Power Rangers deserved to be praised for protecting us all these years."
"Well, I'm sure the Power Rangers would be grateful for that song." Jason said as he gave a quick wink to Kimberly.
"Oh, I know they are." Skull chortled.
"What?" Jason asked.
Skull moved in close, making sure nobody was listening. Then he whispered in Jason's ear. "I know you were a Power Ranger."
Jason eyes bulged again, this time even wider. He then turned to face Kimberly with a stern look on his face. "You told him?!"
"I know, I'm sorry, Jason." Kimberly said. "But Skull's grown up since then, and I know I can trust him now. I just couldn't keep that secret when he was always honest with me."
Jason gave a heavy sigh. "Okay, I'm sorry. Let's just forget it."
"Good idea, Muscles." Skull chortled.
"Okay, Jason, what brought you back to Angel Grove?" Kimberly asked, trying to change the subject.
"Oh, right. Well, I'm looking for a place to teach karate lessons." Jason began, "but I've been having some trouble getting employed."
"I know how you feel." Kimberly admitted. "I want to open a gym and teach gymnastics. But I guess, for now it's all about paying your dues first."
"You know," Skull piped in, "If we all put our money together, we could maybe buy our own gym."
Jason and Kimberly turned their faces to Skull.
"What?" Skull asked dumbfounded.
"That's actually a good idea, Skull." Jason stated. "The three of us could start a gym here in Angel Grove."
Skull, Jason, and Kimberly returned to the apartment. Kimberly buzzed herself in.
"Okay, Jason, see you tomorrow." Kimberly waved. "Come on, Skull."
"Go ahead, Kim." Skull waved her off. "I want to talk to Jason about something."
"Alright, don't be long." Kimberly called as she shut the apartment door.
Skull turned back to face Jason.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Jason asked as he crossed his arms.
"Okay, I'm planning something for Kimberly tomorrow." Skull admitted. "And I really need your advice."
"Alright, I'm listening." Jason responded.
The following night, Skull and Kimberly found themselves eating at Paul's. Skull ordered ice cream for both of them. Once handed his cone, Skull licked the vanilla ice cream. Kimberly giggled as the liquid began dripping off his chin and onto his pants. After he finished, his chin looked like a toddler that had spilled milk all over his face.
"Oh, Skull." Kimberly chuckled. Grabbing the napkin she had on her lap, she began wiping her boyfriend's face. Most girls found this annoying, but Kimberly thought it was cute.
"Thanks, Kimberly." Skull grinned. Kimberly noticed that his face was paler than usual.
"Skull, are you okay? You look pale." Kimberly asked.
Skull realized that now was a good time as any. He took a deep breath and said, "Kimberly, you know I love you more than anyone, right?"
Kimberly nodded slowly.
"And I've enjoyed every moment being with you. There's no one I'd rather be with." Skull continued.
He got out his chair and slowly got down to his knees. He swallowed in order to calm himself. He then took Kimberly's left hand in his own.
Kimberly covered her mouth with her free hand, realizing what Skull was doing.
"Kimberly, I love having you in my life. You being here is what made me into a better man. I wouldn't be where I am right now without you."
At this point, Skull's heart was pounding as fast as a train. His voice started shaking as he spoke.
"I want to be with you forever. I want you to be there when I come home at night, and when I wake up in the morning. I don't want to live a day without you by my side. So I have to ask you…."
At this point, a single tear fell from Kimberly's eye. Skull dug into the inner pocket of his jacket. After a few seconds, he realized the object that he was searching for wasn't there.
"Uh-oh." He mumbled. Trying not to panic, he dug in the pockets of his pants. He then scrambled over the floor hoping it hadn't fallen out of his coat.
"Skull?" Kimberly whispered.
Skull's eyes met with hers.
"I think it's in your other pocket."
Opening his jacket again, he realized she was right. Starting over with, "So I have to ask you…" he pulled a small blue box and opened it to reveal a small but beautiful wedding ring. The clear diamond centered by the golden band glistened in the lights.
"Will you marry me?"
There was no denying Kimberly's answer. After a year of living and working with him, she felt that she had finally met the one she truly belonged with. The one who loved her so much, he'd stay with her until death.
"Yes, Skull, I will." Kimberly answered in a whisper. She flashed him that beautiful smile as he took her left hand and placed the ring on her finger.
Almost immediately, Kimberly kissed Skull full on the mouth. Of course, his mouth reeked from his dinner, but she didn't care. He may be a bumbling doofus, but he would soon be her bumbling doofus.
Before they broke apart, the entire restaurant was cheering and applauding. Among them were Jason, Mark, and Paul.
"I knew it." Paul chuckled. "I told you he'd do it."
Mark nodded. "Yes, you did."
Jason came forward and gave Skull a pat on the back.
"You did good, Skull." Jason grinned.
The next chapter will feature Skull and Kimberly's wedding. It will feature several old Ranger friends as well as a surprise guest star. Please rate. I appreciate feedback.