The Path of Friendship
By: Tsubasa Caligrapher
Chapter 20
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. Get it through your head.
Thanks: To all my usual and favorite reviewers, Azure Kaze, PernDragonrider, KaiAN-Chan, The Similerian, PrettyDiva, and phoenix83ad ! Love ya guys !
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" Those who figure out to crack this head, you will own the owner's bed ? " Billy repeated in confusion.
" Duh ! It's the bust at the front entrance ! " Janice yelled happily as she ran towards the front entrance, weaving through the halls. As they reached the front, the saw Michelle coming from the other side.
" No! " Billy and Jake watched in amazement as both Janice and Michelle jumped towards the bust at the same time.
" Let go ! "
" No ! "
" Let go ! "
" No ! " and it went through that for a long while as Billy and Jake sweatdropped at the site. Suddenly, Janice and Michelle lost their grip on the statue !
" Watch out Billy ! " Janice yelled as it flew right towards him ! He stuck out his arms and caught it. He didn't know what to do with it as he looked down.
" Run ! " Janice yelled as Michelle got up and started chasing him. His eyes widened and he started running away in fright. As they ran around and round the castle in circles, he looked back and tried to run faster as he saw Michelle gaining on him. What was even worse was that the bust was starting to get heavy.
' God, how was Janice able to carry this, much less wrestle with it ? ' he yelped in surprise as he felt Michelle tackle him. The bust flew out of his hands and Jake caught it. He started looking around nervously as he eyes landed on an angry Janice. She held out her hand, and he hurriedly put it in her hand as he heard Michelle screaming at him from the side. Billy rolled his eyes as he saw the whole chase starting over again.
--
" We need to find a way out of here!? " Kim moaned as she hit the wall, tired of staying trapped.
" Aaagghhh ! " they heard Sophie and Kat yell as their heads snapped up. Kim whooped out in joy as she realized that the two blondes have stumbled on a way out ! They all ran out into the fresh air happily.
" Yahoo ! " Zack and Kim jumped up in joy as they realized they were outside on the side of the castle, by the brook. They all turned their heads when they heard two familiar female voices yelling.
" Whoops ! " Janice tripped accidentally over a root as she fell forward, the bust flying through the air once again. This time, it flies right by Jason ! As he reached out, he was able to catch it, but he couldn't catch himself. He had gone out too far, and was slowly falling forward, with everyone's eyes widening in surprise.
" Oomph ! ... phew ... " Jason and everyone else sighed, as Rocky was able to catch Jason's stomach and hold him up, though he was still horizontal. They looked up again as they heard more steps coming their way.
" Hey ! " they all called as they saw a tired Billy and Jake running slowly towards them.
" Huh ! ... you ! " Jason and Rocky called out at the same time, noticing that Jake was with Michelle the other night. But, Rocky made the mistake of pointing at him to emphasize the point, then in turn, dropping Jason and making him drop the bust and breaking it.
" Heheheh ... oops. " Jason grinned sheepishly as they all gaped. But as soon as they saw a hidden message inside, they all dove for it, except for some of the smarter few.
" So, who do you think's going to get it ? " Kat asked.
" Well ... either Janice or Michelle. " Sophie observed as she observed the girls really going at it.
" You might be right ... but maybe Jason or Rocky's going to get it ... " Trini mused.
" Really ? You think so ? " Kim asked.
" Trini ! " Harry yelled as he popped up out of nowhere.
" What ! " she yelled in surprise as she took a step back.
" I need to talk to you ! " he said as he dragged her off to privacy while the other girls just stared at them oddly.
" Harry ... Harry ... Harry ! " Trini yelled as he stopped and turned back.
" Do you like Zack ? " he asked seriously.
" Uhhh ... what ? " Trini said in surprise.
" Do you like Zack ? Tell me the truth. It's ok. " he said, still serious.
" Seriously ? " she asked. As Harry nodded, she slowly let out her breath and told him.
" Yes, yes I do. I'm so sorry Harry. " she apologized as she pulled him into a hug when she saw his face look downcast.
" Yeah, yeah, I know. I had a feeling that you liked Zack ... even though I tried my hardest to get you to like me ... and I already know the truth ... but it still hurts. " he said quietly as she hugged him tighter. Zack looked over from the side sadly, knowing what had happened.
" I got it ! " they all turned their heads when they heard Michelle.
" Use this and your knowledge of math, to go through feathers and find the hidden path. " Michelle quietly read aloud, but everyone was able to hear her. They all looked at each other and the groups separated. Jason, Rocky, Trini, Zack, and Sophie went right into the castle, Michelle, Duke, Jake, Kat, and Anne ran around the left side of the castle, while Kim, Janice, Harry, and Billy went around the right side.
--
" Umm, aren't we still supposed to be only in groups of two ? " Sophie remembered as they all halted.
" Yeah, right. But hey, I guess its ok for now right ? " Jason mused as the others just agreed. They had no idea what feathers the clue talked about, so they might as well try to find out together. Whichever pair gets the castle for winning will be decided then.
" So, do you guys have any idea what it was talking about ? " Zack asked.
" Well, I think I have an idea. " Trini said as she ran upstairs, the others following her.
--
" You finally asked her, didn't you. " Kim said insightfully as she ran beside Harry.
" Yeah. " he answered simply.
" Are you ok ? " she asked in concern.
" No, not really. For now anyway, but I think I'm going to get better. I just need some time. " he said as he gave a small smile. Billy on the other hand, was starting to get more and more confused about his relationship with Jason.
' Do I love him ? ... do I not love him ? ... do I love him ? Aaaaaggghhh ! This is all too hard ! I shouldn't have to deal with this ! I already have a girlfriend ! And I'm not gay ! ' Billy yelled out in frustration as Janice looked at him strangely.
" Billy ? Are you ok ? " she asked as she saw him gripping his head.
" Huh ? ... oh, yeah. I'm fine. Just a little frustrated. " Billy said as he snapped out of it and calmed down.
" Hurry up you guys ! I think I know where to go ! " they snapped their heads up as they heard what Kim had to say. She and Harry suddenly sped up and turned, leaving Billy and Janice with no idea where to go.
--
" Jake, Duke, Anne, hurry up ! " Michelle yelled as they mindlessly ran around in circles. As they tried to keep up with the brunette, Kat on the other hand was deep in thought. She kept on repeating the clue over and over, trying to figure it out.
" Hey, were you able to figure it out ? " Kat looked up as she heard her best friend, Duke.
" How did you know I was thinking about it ? " she asked, smiling.
" Well, because I've known you since ... ever. " he gave a wide grin as he heard Kat chuckling.
" You did always know me huh ? And yeah, I think I might have an idea where to look, but I don't think Michelle's going to like it. " Kat grimaced slightly as she thought of Michelle's reaction to her theory.
" Michelle ! Follow me ! " Kat yelled as she saw Michelle turning back. She gave a sharp turn, and smiled when she heard the others' footsteps following her.
--
" Oh my god. " Kim and her group gasped as they opened a door, called the feather room. When they opened it, they entered a stone room ... full of yellow and white feathers ... everywhere ...
" Don't you think this is just a bit too obvious ? " Harry asked uncertainly. Billy and Janice looked at each other nervously, pondering over what Harry had said.
" Who knows ? We can't know until we try right ? " Billy and Janice couldn't catch Kim in time, as she walked right into the room. She stepped in the middle of the room and waited, and waited ... until the others saw her turned around and flashing them a peace sign. The others let out breaths they didn't know they were holding, as they started to walk into the room. But as they neared closer, they saw Kim disappearing !
" Aaagghhh ! " their eyes were wide in shock as they saw a hole where Kim was just standing, after she had just fallen in.
" I knew this was a bad idea ! " Harry yelled as they all quickly turned back and started running towards the door.
" ... huh ? " they all wondered as they felt something was missing. As they looked down, they realized the floor was gone ! They turned to look at each other, wondering how they were still able to stay afloat in the air. But as soon as that thought crossed their minds, they all comically fell into the dark pits below ...
" Ow ! " they all yelled as they fell onto the ground.
" Ow. Why does this keep on happening to us ! " Janice yelled in frustration as she hit the ground with her forehead.
" When you think about it, doesn't this all seem just way too familiar !? " they heard Kim groan from right beside them.
" Yeah ... where are we ? " Harry asked as he and the others got up. They surveyed their surroundings, and they all groaned in frustration as it all seemed too familiar.
" We're in the wall again ! " Kim yelled.
" Actually, I think we're in the basement this time ... " making the others just stare at Billy strangely.
" Not helping dude. " Harry said, making Billy just shrug.
" Anyways, we have to find a way out of here ! " Janice said as they started searching for a way out ... again.
--
" Oh my god. " Michelle gasped as they made their way into a room full of ... birds.
" What ? It's the only place I could think of. " Kat said in her Australian accent.
" But birds ! Why ? It's going to mess up my outfit ! " Michelle yelled, making the others around her just sigh. Especially Kat, she just knew that this was how Michelle was going to react.
" Well come on ! If I'm gonna ruin my outfit, we better find that hidden path. " Michelle said, making Kat smile.
" Ok you guys, split up. " Kat said as they started moving around the room quietly, not wanting to upset all the loose birds, set on poles sticking out of the wall.
" Oh god. This is taking too long ! " Anne yelled out in frustration as they had searched around the room for a long while now. Duke just shook is head at her and went to a small corner covered by feathers. But as he got near it, the birds acted as if on cue and they all started squawking and fluttering about violently.
" Aaaggghh ! What's happening ! " Jake yelled as he covered his head in the cloud of beaks and wings.
" Duke ! You had something to do with this didn't you ! " Anne yelled at him as she shielded herself.
" It's not my fault ! Not this time ! " and as he warily stepped back, he stumbled over something and fell into the pile of feathers in the corner. As he used his hands to try and get back up, he felt something under his hand and he pushed it down, not noticing it was a switch.
" Aaaaggghhh ! " they all screamed as the floor suddenly seemed to slant. They all fell on their butts, as they slid down the floor into an opening in the wall that had just magically appeared there, disappearing into darkness ...
--
" Oh my god. " Jason's group gasped as they opened the door to their room. All of their pillows were ripped open and there were feathers everywhere.
" It's over here too. " they turned and saw Zack opening Michelle's room door.
" Well, I didn't exactly expect this to happen ... " Trini mused as she stood next to Zack.
" Well, should we start looking then ? " Sophie suggested. And they did. Rocky, Jason, and Sophie started searching their room while Trini and Zack searched Michelle's. First of all, when Rocky first stepped into the room, he tripped on a pile of feathers and it scattered everywhere.
" Smooth. " Sophie smiled, making Rocky smile sheepishly back at her. Jason rolled his eyes at them and then he started searching around the room. After awhile, Sophie had paired off with Jason while Rocky looked on the other side of the room.
" Are you and the others really going to leave ? " Sophie asked quietly. Jason looked shocked, but then just sighed and smiled.
" How d'you know ? ... never mind. I can't keep anything from you can I ? " she smiled as she heard the smile in his words.
" If you're wondering, Trini and Zack already said yes. " Sophie said sadly.
" Really ? Wow ... do the others know ? " he asked as he moved a couple of feathers away.
" I don't think so. But I think we have another problem. " Sophie said, looking up as she saw Jason's alarmed face.
" Really ? What ? " he asked in surprise.
" I think Billy knows. " Sophie said, watching Jason's face change.
" What ! How ! " he asked, staring at her.
" Remember when Kim yelled at Anne about you and Rocky kissing ? " Sophie asked as she and Jason both looked at the ceiling, remembering Kim's outburst.
" She was kinda loud. " he said skeptically.
" And if I heard right, which I probably did, I heard two pairs of footsteps running away right outside the wall. And if I was right, by the time we got out of there and when Billy and Janice got the bust, they should have appeared right when they came out, which they did. So, I'm sure that it was their footsteps that I heard. " Sophie deducted.
" ... are you serious ? " Jason asked skeptically.
" Trust me Jase. I know. Don't you trust my abilities ? " she said, giving him a look. Jason just stared at her, but then just nodded.
" So, I guess I can't really ask you to come back safely, can I ? " she asked sadly as she started searching around again.
" ... I really guess you can't. But I can at least promise I won't let the other two get hurt until I die first. " Jason said.
" Don't talk like that Jase. But promise me this first. " Sophie said as she held up one finger.
" Sure Sophie. "
" You have to tell Billy you're leaving. "
" ... hehehe, I do ? ... can't I just tell Kim ? " he said in a whinny voice.
" No. We're telling Kim. But what are you going to do then, just say bye to Billy and leave for like ever, right when you guys get home without giving him an explanation ! " Sophie almost yelled, noticing that Rocky had grown quieter than usual. She started to notice that Rocky's ears perked every time they said something.
' So, I guess I'm not the only one with freakishly good hearing. ' she smiled as she turned back to Jason.
" But what am I supposed to tell him after he heard Kim ! Oh, I love you Billy, even though I know you're straight and you like Janice. Sorry if I'm gonna hurt you but me and the others are going away FOREVER ! " he almost-yelled.
" Hey, hey ! Calm down dude ! ... well actually, what you said kinda wraps it up, just don't say the forever part. And speaking of Janice, you're gonna have to watch out for her. " Sophie said in a warning tone.
" What do you mean ? She loves Billy doesn't she ? "
" Well, yeah. But remember that we still don't know everything about her. " Sophie said. She just had a strange feeling about her, something she couldn't fully trust. But she knew she had to leave it up to Jason, and she would take care of it herself is she had to, but it's not her battle.
" But then what about Rocky ? We don't really know him either. " Jason pointed out, not wanting to believe anything that would jeopardize Billy's happiness.
" Yeah, but look at him ! He's like a little innocent toddler ! There's not a bad bone in his entire body. Besides, you kissed him right ? "
" Yes. " he dragged out, not getting her.
" And would you kiss anyone you didn't fully trust ? "
" Well, I guess not ... " he trailed off.
" Good ! Because- aaagggghhhh ! " she and Jason yelled as they felt the floor tilt. They looked over and saw that Rocky had somehow stepped on a switch, and the floor kept on turning, until it was directly vertical !
" Rocky ! " Sophie yelled.
" I didn't do anything ! " he yelled as they slid down into a pit of darkness.
--
" Zack ! What did you do ! " Trini yelled as they slid down into the seemingly bottomless pit.
" Nothing ! I swear ! " he yelled back as they landed on the hard ground with a thud, and saw Kim and the others there already. They raised their heads when they heard more yelling from above them, and they screamed as they saw all their friends !
" Agggghhhhh ! " they tried to scramble up as they were pounded by Jason, Rocky, Sophie, Kat, Duke, Anne, Jake, and Michelle all in one blast !
" What the hell ! Get off me ! " Anne screamed.
" You get off me ! " Sophie yelled.
" Everyone, stop moving ! " Kim yelled.
" Get off me you filthy creatures ! " Michelle shrieked.
" Hey ! Watch it ! " all the guys yelled. They all screamed in frustration as they quickly got up and separated into their respective sides.
" What the hell ! " Kim and Anne screamed at the same time.
" We have to find our way out again ! " they all sighed. Then, they all stopped and looked around at each other.
" What are you guys doing here ? " they all asked at the same time as they looked at each other.
" I guess all our guesses were duds ... " Trini, Kim, and Kat sighed sadly.
" Billy, Jason needs to talk to you. " Sophie said.
" No he doesn't ! " Jason yelled.
" Yes he does ! " she said as she glared at him.
" No he doesn't. Excuse us for a sec. " Rocky smiled as he grabbed Sophie and dragged her off.
" Rocky ! What are you doing ! " she asked as they were beyond hearing range of the others.
" Now is not the right time. " Rocky said.
" Then when is ? When we get out from under the castle ! " she said skeptically.
" Well, actually, yes ... and when we know how Billy really feels. We've only got one day left, and we don't want it being filled with awkwardness. " Rocky said.
" What do you mean we ? " she asked, confused.
" I'm leaving when this little trip's over. I still have to look for Adam. Trini, Zack, and Jason are going to the border, Kim, Billy, Harry, Janice are going back to the castle, and you're still staying here right ? " Rocky said.
" Well yeah, but ... " Sophie trailed off.
" Then let's win this thing first, before we all come clean ok ? " Rocky said.
" ... fine, fine ! Fine, but you're gonna have to help me with one last thing. " Sophie said as she held up her index finger.
" Sure, what ? "
" Come here. "
--
" Kim, we need to tell you something. You too Harry. " Trini and Zack said as they dragged their friends aside.
" Hey ! What are you guys doing ? " Kim asked as she freed her arm. She looked back and saw Sophie and Rocky talking to Kat, but everyone else was still looking around for a way out.
" Uhhh ... there's something we gotta tell you guys. " Zack said seriously.
" What ? That you and Trini are together now ? If that's it, we already know ok. " Kim said, sawing Zack's face slightly shocked, but then he got serious again, actually making her worried.
" No, it's something more serious than that. " Trini said as she laid a hand gently on Zack's shoulder.
" Well, when we get back to the castle, I think we should throw a party. You know, to celebrate that we all met. " Zack said first.
" What do you mean ? I know Rocky and Sophie's got there own home out here, but what do you mean to celebrate that we all met ? Did you forget, we all live together ... unless you mean ... " Kim's smile suddenly faded as she thought about what he said.
" No, no, no. This can't be happening. " Harry said.
" We're leaving. Me, Zack, and Jase are leaving. " Trini said quietly, cringing when she saw the other two wincing.
" ... when ? " Kim quietly asked, afraid of the answer. One of the things she was scared of most was coming to reality, her friends were leaving her.
" The day after tomorrow. " Zack said sadly.
" What ! Why ? " Kim almost yelled.
" Well, because- " Trini started but she stopped when they heard Rocky yelling.
" Oh, my god ! "
--
" Oh, my god ! " Rocky gasped.
" I told you right ! " Sophie jumped excitedly next to Kat. What she needed Rocky's help with, was this.
" I told you that we could be related ! " Sophie said excitedly to Kat.
" My word. It's like looking in a mirror ! " Kat responded in awe. And Rocky agreed with her completely. When Sophie had asked him if she looked anything like Kat, he was a bit skeptical at first, but then she had taken off her hat and tied her hair into a ponytail, copying Kat.
" I knew there was something familiar about you ! You look just like me ! " Sophie smiled widely, clapping happily.
" Scary. " Rocky said quietly.
" Come on Sophie, I think I found a way out. " Jason said in deep concentration as he didn't eve look up and grabbed Sophie's arm as he led her to a particular wall.
" Well, I guess you guys aren't exactly alike. " Rocky smiled.
--
" ... right here. " Jason's fingers treaded over the cold stone, as he pressed a stone sticking out, and the wall started to rumble.
" What did you do ! " he heard Kim yell, making him grin sheepishly.
" It's moving ! " he heard Billy, as he look towards the wall. And indeed it was moving. Everyone stopped and looked towards a wall as it showed a path leading up. Everyone looked at each other and slowly walked up the path into light.
" And now we're outside ... again. " Jason sighed.
" And I think I know where the last place is ... " Sophie muttered quietly, though it drew everyone's attention. She suddenly turned and dashed off, everyone else hot on her trail.
--
" I can't believe we won ... " Kim uttered softly. Everything had gone by so quickly when they had followed Sophie to the hidden location. How Zordon had congratulated the team of Rocky and Sophie, because they were the first two to get through the door. And how Rocky and Sophie had decided to live at the castle from now on, with them making a few trips away once in a while.
" Me neither ... " Sophie and Rocky said at the same time. They stopped and looked at each other as the corner of their mouths started to curl up.
" This is so cool ! " they yelled excitedly as they jumped around in joy. Everyone else was relaxing, now that the game was over. But some didn't take it as well as others.
" No ! This is so unfair ! I totally made it in before those two ! " Anne screeched.
" Hey hey hey ! I made it in first ! " Michelle yelled.
" This is gonna be a long day. " Duke groaned from the side. Jake on the other hand, was walking around the room, when he clumsily tripped over a rug ...
" Hey, you ok ? " Kat asked as she leaned over her.
" Yeah, I'm ... whoa ... " he muttered as he slowly opened his eyes.
" What's wrong with him ? " Sophie asked as she moved over there too.
" ... I think I'm seeing double ... " he said uncertainly as Kat and Sophie looked at each other and laughed.
--
" Ciao. Come by and visit anytime ! " Sophie waved excitedly to Kat as her group departured.
" So, I guess I'm going to have to say good-bye to you too. " Rocky said sadly to the others. They all exchanged their goodbyes, when Rocky pulled Jason out of sight while Janice disappeared behind the walls. She wasn't sure what she was looking for, bur she swore that something had just flown past her.
She started sifting through the bushes, when she saw an arrow. She almost threw up as she saw the dead mouse speared on the tip of it. Janice warily picked it up, and untied the piece of paper that was on it.
" ... you haven't forgotten our little deal have you ? ... if you don't hurry and complete your mission ... this is gonna be your brother ... " she tried not to cry as she thought of what could happen.
' But how can I do this ? How can they still expect me to be able to do it ? ... but if I don't ... ' she collapsed against the wall and cried.
--
" What ? Rocky ! " Jason whined as his friend let him go and stared at him sternly.
" Remember. You're going to have to tell him. " Rocky reminded him.
" I know, mom. " Jason glared at him.
" So, are you coming back for one last visit before you leave ? " Rocky asked hopefully.
" No, I can't. We need to get there as soon as possible. " Jason replied sadly.
" I see. Well, you better come back alive ok ? " Rocky said as he pulled him into a hug.
" Rocky ... " Jason started but Rocky stopped him.
" I know. I know ... well, have a safe trip back at least. And you better tell Billy ! " Rocky said one last time as Jason waved goodbye and walked away.
--
" Hey, you ok ? " Billy asked with worry as he and Janice stepped onto the carriage.
" Yeah, yeah. I'm ok. " Janice said quickly, turning away from him. She didn't want to look at him, knowing what she was going to have to do to him, soon. Billy turned his head up when he heard the others entering the carriage, and his eyes turned to Jason, his mind going back to that moment. Jason turned and took one look at him, and knew for sure that Billy knew.
" We have to talk. " Billy mouthed.
" Home. " Jason mouthed back. Billy nodded back as he saw that the others were starting to get on too. He watched as everyone started chatting to each other, but he was starting to get more and more nervous as time passed. Billy watched how Jason talked happily, how cute he looked when he grinned ...
' Whoa ! What was that ? ' Billy groaned as he buried his face into his hands. Jason looked at Billy and frowned. He was not looking forward to telling Billy that he was leaving the next day to an almost guaranteed death. Kim looked at him sadly and leaned her head on his shoulder.
" Hey, how ya hanging up. " Kim asked quietly as her eyes lingered over the others.
" It's ok I guess. So, you know too huh ? " he asked tiredly, not the bit least surprised.
" Yeah, you can't keep anything from me ... one of our friends will tell me sooner or later. I know I can get Zack or Harry to crack, easy. " she said, making Jason chuckle.
" So then, do you have any advice for me to tell him ? I can't just tell him I'm leaving forever. "
" I can't help with that. Like Trini said, this is all up to you. " Kim responded. It seemed like Jason was about to say something, but then he shut his mouth as the carriage rolled along smoothly.
--
As they got back to the castle, they all gathered in the dining area, when Billy left upstairs. Janice followed after, but Kim and Trini watched them carefully out of the corner of their eyes. Jason noticed it too, and slowly stalked after them. Billy didn't even notice Janice following him as he went into his room. He didn't even have time to react, when suddenly an arm wrapped around his neck and held him tight.
" I'm sorry. " was all he heard before he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. He looked down, and saw the hilt of a knife sticking out of his shirt. He turned back and saw Janice's tear-stained face ... and Jason at the door with his mouth wide ...
--
Hey you guys ! Sorry, once again, been a bit busy. And if this chapter ain't that good, I'm sorry. Not real proud of it, but I hope you guys still like it. Hope you review ! Oh, and I think the next chapter's gonna be the last ...