I know it's been about a week, but that's how long it took me to figure out how I want this to go. While all this was going on, I wrote a one shot called "Honor" that fills everyone in on how Kyle went about giving the promise ring to Autumn. Please check that out; it's a sweet oneshot!
Anyway, this chapter picks up where the last chapter left off. It's a little on the short side, but I felt that the end for this chapter happened naturally and I was content to leave it there.
Anyway, there's no warnings for this chapter. So read on and leave a review!
See you at the bottom!
Continuing from the last chapter…
Conner looked at Kira. What are we supposed to see?"
Your new digs," David answered as he walked up with Tommy and Kim. Shawnee had finally shown up with Raine at her side. They were all together as Kayla led the way.
Our new digs? Conner asked. "What is she talking about?"
Kira took his hand in hers. "Our house."
Together, Rain and Kayla led them towards the little cottage; it wasn't too far from 'The Nest'. They held hands and were giggling, clearly excited about their surprise.
"How can they have so much energy?"Kira asked softly.
"We usually cut off her soda access around dinner time, but it wouldn't' surprise me if Kayla hid a can of it in her room just so she'd be up when you guys got here." Kimberly said with a smirk. "Raine and Kayla are thick as thieves when they're together, so one probably hid it, and then they both shared it, just for a caffeine kick."
"So how did you fit another building onto this property?" Conner asked. "I didn't think there was more room for another house."
"When we took possession of this land, after winning our case, this manor was all there was, surrounded by weeds and tall grass. We started with the manor and then expanded this place as needed. When we decided to give you guys your own place, all we really needed to do was clear more land."
Conner only nodded and then his eyes widened when he saw the place. It was a medium sized square home with wooden siding and a slightly slanted roof. There were big windows everywhere and where one would expect stairs to be, there was a ramp with black treading on it. There was a porch to one side with some outdoor furniture and a porch swing on it.
"Wow, that's amazing." Conner commented. "How many rooms?"
"It's two rooms, a living room and a bathroom. Originally, there was also a kitchen, but we didn't think you'd need one, so that space became the property of Beatrice." Tommy continued. "We put in a big dog door which leads to her own yard and we fenced it in just in case the other dogs get to be too much for her."
"You guys did all this in three weeks?" Kira asked with awe in her voice.
"Many hands make light work."Tommy replied. "Everyone that could, pitched in. We didn't have to do much to begin with, since it's a prefab home. All we really had to do was paint the walls and furnish it."
"While that happened, the kids designed the dog yard over rice crispy treats and juice boxes." Kim continued. "They created several crayon masterpieces and then Kyle and Autumn translated them into adult for us and after consulting the lady at the shelter, we made a trip to home depot and got what we needed."
"I won't ruin it for them, but our kids, and that includes Leif and Sapphire, are wholly responsible Beatrice's special yard and her sleeping area in the house. They're super proud of themselves." Kim added.
Tommy grinned. "They had a field day at PetSmart and asked Kyle and Autumn a million different questions about what Beatrice would need and they showed him at least ten different pet beds and toys, and everything a dog could ever want. Beatrice is going to be one spoiled dog."
"It's just Tris." Conner corrected. We shortened it."
"Come on guys!" Kayla said breaking into the conversation. "We wanna show you the yard!"
All this time, Beatrice walked by their side, keeping close to Kira. But when Kayla opened the gate to the yard, she walked into it with her tail slowly wagging.
While their new home was illuminated from within, the yard was much brighter. The gate was the basic wooden type but it had been draped with pet friendly greenery and mixed with jasmine blooms. There were also little jewels hidden in the boughs that glimmered slightly in the fading light.
When they entered the yard, they felt as if they'd been transported into fantasy world. Though it was a basic layout, everything had a very whimsical quality to it. From the wide doggy door in the side of the house, there was a porch with a smaller wooden ramp similar to the one on the outside of the house.
From there, the yard opened up to green grasses and in the middle, was a fountain in the shape of a giant mushroom with a fairy sitting on top. The water was slowly cascading down the side where it ended up in a pond full of colorful rocks and pebbles.
Tris immediately walked over to it and sniffed the water, before lapping it up.
Conner grinned at the sight and then his attention drifted to a corner of the yard where a big doggie pool had been installed. There was a sparkling purple tarp over the top to keep the sun off, and the pool itself held about a foot and a half of water in it. On closer inspection, one could tell that his advice had been taken to heart. There was a ramp leading into the pool itself and on the bottom of the pool had been textured to prevent Tris from slipping.
At the back of the yard was garden area with more fairy lights.
"So this was my personal project for this yard." Kimberly said breaking into the silence. "It's a doggie garden that features herbs and special plants that dogs love to graze on. Many times, dogs will eat grass to settle their stomachs. I spoke to the lady at the nursery and she recommended all the plants in this garden. There's nothing in here that will harm her."
Kira nodded and then her eyes landed on the biggest feature. It was a giant fairy house made of all organic materials. And on the mossy roof were more decorative flowers and fairy lights The door was an arch made from braided wicker and more dog friendly greenery.
Put simply, it was an Eden.
As Tris sniffed around her yard, the humans continued into the house to see the rest of their new home.
The house itself was furnished with handsome wooden furniture and Conner didn't miss the overstuffed chair. Kayla took him by the hand and led him to the recliner. Taking the hint, Conner sat down in it and pulled the lever.
I'm never getting out of this chair." He said with a happy grin.
Kira shook her head. "We'll see about that."
Conner winked at her.
The Manor
2nd Floor
Katsume walked into his room on the second floor and sat down on the very plush bed. He'd been given the basic tour of the manor, with the exception of the Adult's floor. As he'd walked through, he'd seen Ethan walk into the nursery and speak to a woman holding an infant. He could only guess that the woman was his significant other by the way he kissed her.
He was snapped out of his thoughts as Trent sat on the desk chair across from the bed.
"So, that's the mini tour, you shouldn't have any problem finding your way around here. This floor belongs to the under-age crowd. Autumn and Kyle pretty much run it. In exchange for that, they look after the kids when they come here and keep an eye on the nursery during the night.
Katsume nodded and Trent could see many questions in his eyes.
He sighed and steepled his hands. "I know this has been a long day for you, and I'm sure you have many questions…so open forum. Ask your questions and I'll do my best to answer them. I also know what you probably saw this morning in your hospital room. So, don't worry about being judged for anything said in here."
"Are you guys superheroes…or Power Rangers? Your friend isn't normal, is he."
Trent smirked. "No, he's never been normal." Just as he was about to continue, Billy walked in and stood in the doorway.
Katsume looked up at him and then glanced at Trent, feeling uncertain. Thankfully, Trent was on point. He got up and walked over to Billy holding out his hand in greeting.
"Hey Billy. This is Katsume, he's my protégé and ward. We had a hell of a showdown when we went to retrieve him. Conner had an episode and displayed some kind of extra power. Katsume saw everything. We're not sure what happened today."
Billy nodded. "Yeah, I heard about that and about what happened back on the boat."
Trent sat back down on the chair looking relaxed. Taking a cue from his savior, Katsume followed suit.
"My name is Billy Cranston. I'm not sure what you saw today, but to answer your question, 'yes and no.' At one time, we were Rangers, but we have since retired and left the space battles to the next generation. Trent and the others were our latest team before things started up in Briarwood. We've just survived some really dark times and painful experiences and we're just now back on our feet. You're welcome to stay here with us, just keep in mind that this is our time of peace and the only place we can be our self and the last thing we need is to be invaded by news reporters or rubber-neckers."
Katsume nodded respectfully. "Sir, they saved me from my probation officer. I almost killed myself just to get away from him. I want to be safe here too."
Billy's gaze shot up to Trent who nodded sadly. "We almost lost him the day before yesterday. The three of us went up against that asshole and that's why Conner was sick. I haven't reviewed the audio device I hid in the room, but I know that this douchebag cop was out to get him, and I would bet my Dino gem that there will be some nasty stuff on it. Katusme is a good kid, and he's a very talented artist who loves animals. There's nothing in his file to suggest that he wanted to end his life."
Billy gave the young man an understanding look. "No one can get to you while you live here." He turned to Trent. "In the morning, I'll listen to your device, but for now, your room is ready for you."
"Thanks, Billy."
The older man nodded and then looked at Katsume again, this time with a softened look. "Get some sleep, everything always looks better in the morning."
"A good night's sleep sounds amazing." Trent replied when they were alone again. "Tomorrow, I'll take you shopping for some better clothes and those art supplies I promised. Autumn's sweet 16 is happening next week, so you'll need a party outfit. When we do something this special, we go all out."
Conner and Kira's new house…
The house had the feeling of being a blank slate; it was plain. The walls had been painted in neutral colors that would pretty much compliment whatever décor they chose to add.
There was a mini fridge in the corner of the kitchen tucked under a bar area with a coffee maker on top and a microwave. Next to it was a sink and a mug rack along with a cabinet stocked with two matching sets of dishes and silverware. It was minimal and perfect.
The only other furniture for the food area was a modest table accompanied by two sturdy chairs.
In the living room, besides the recliner was a sectional couch that matched the recliner. It was flanked by couple throw pillows and a native American style quilt was thrown over the back.
The accompanying coffee table featured a glass top and display box below it. It was empty at the moment, but like everything in the house, it presented them an empty slate and gave them the chance to make this house their home.
Everyone had left them a few minutes before, and now, they shared an intimate moment standing in the only room in the house that wasn't decorated at all.
"I think it would be cool to recreate the Alaska in here with the northern lights going on overhead." Conner said in her ear as he held her from behind.
Kira nodded. "When the time comes, we should ask Trent to paint us a mural." She paused. "And I think we could put in a sound system in here that plays ambient natural orca sounds accompanied by soft music. There's plenty of CD's like that on the market."
"I like it, and I think our little orca will enjoy it too. When he's old enough to understand what the room is, of course."
"They were quiet for a moment and then Kira turned in his arms. "What if it's a girl? All the time we've referred to our baby as a he, but what if it's a she?"
"Then she'll be our little orca. Gender doesn't matter to me, weather it's a boy or girl, it'll be an awesome mix of us and we'll be amazing parents." Conner smirked at her, "Although, if it is a girl, I'll need to raid the ranger armory when she brings her first boyfriend home."
Kira shook her head. "The same goes for if it's a boy. No bitch is going to mistreat my son. I'll beat her ass."
Conner grinned at her and hugged her tightly. "You're so sexy when you get all protective like that. But how about we get you through these next 9 months first."
They stood there in the empty room for a few minutes before they both walked back to the SUV to grab their suitcases, and for the first time, Kira noticed the Walmart bags.
She kept her thoughts to herself as they walked back to the house. All the big stuff would be carried into the house in the morning, but for now, they brought the small stuff in, including the bags from Disneyland. When they walked back in, they put the suitcase and duffle bag in the closet and then Kira put the Walmart bags on the bed. Taking her shoes off, she got on the bed and began to go through the bags.
The queen-sized sleigh bed frame was a walnut brown and the finish on the wood made it look so very high end. The mattress was brand new and the white sheets were the softest cotton she'd ever felt and the pillows and duvet were just as high end. Like the other rooms, the bedroom had the basics, but was still left as a clean slate for them to personalize.
Conner now sat across from her as she went through the shopping bags. He grinned as she looked through the onesies and laughed at the few novelty ones he'd bought. Then her smiled turned to a grin as she pulled out the winter hoodie.
She examined the piece of clothing and shook her head. It was warm enough and she just loved the Mohawk on the hoodie. "Ok, this is cute. Weather we have a daughter or a son, this works out great, but I've gotta ask weather this was payback for all the soccer outfits I bought at the mall."
Conner grinned at her. "Not really payback…it's more like me adding some variety to our baby's wardrobe. We are equals, and you deserve to have as much representation as I do. If you want to meet in the middle, than we can go shopping again in a few months when we know the gender."
Kira nodded at him and then yawned again.
Conner smiled at her and began to put the items back in the bag and deposited them back in the baby room.
When he came back, she was still laying on the bed staring up at the ceiling. He went to their duffle bag and pulled out his sleep pants and changed into them while sneaking glances at his gorgeous wife.
After pulling out her sleep shorts and top, he climbed back on the bed and hovered over her. "Hey, I got your PJ's. Wanna change into them before bed…or are you going to sleep naked?"
Kira rolled her eyes and pecked his cheek. "Nice try, Jock. but you're not getting any from me until you've had a full night sleep."
Conner pouted at her as she got off the bed to change into her night clothes. When she was done, she walked into the living room to check on Tris who was snoring loudly from her spot on a mini mountain of blankets and pillows.
She shook her head and walked back into the bedroom where her husband sat up in bed, waiting for her. He said nothing as she turned off the light and climbed between the sheets, however he did pull her close to him.
They laid there for a few minutes before Kira asked the question that was in her head since they picked her and Tris up from the hotel.
"What happened today? I know what Ethan and Trent told me, but I want to hear it from you."
Conner kissed the side of her head and she cuddled against him. "I'm not sure if there is a technical name in the ranger manual, but I think it was a mix of my shaman ability and some left over power from the Dino Gem."
"That idiot probation officer was being so cruel, and I wanted to charge in there and stop what was going down, but Trent wanted to be in charge, so Ethan and I were there as backup."
"I was angry, but I had my emotions under control…and then that asshat threatened my team. I haven't felt a rush like that sense we were rangers, but there was something else. I think I tapped into my shaman powers…I could feel real power flowing through me and all I wanted was to end the threat to my team…and save the kid. When it was over, I felt really drained and I just wanted to sleep, and I felt like I had a really bad headache."
Kira kissed his forehead. "And how about now, my Love?"
Conner played with her hair. "Good as new. Dad used his shaman power on me and made the headache go away. I'm a little groggy, but there's no more pain."
Kira lifted her head and kissed him softly. When he tried to deepen it and sneak his hand under her top, she stopped him. "Don't even think about it. I meant it when I said no playing around till I know you're at one hundred percent."
"But I'm fine Babe. I promise!"
"Go to sleep, Jock…and don't call me Babe!"
That was enough to shut him up and though he still held her close to him. In minutes, he was asleep and just before she surrendered to the sandman, she heard him mutter in his sleep.
"My Kira."
I hope you all liked this chapter! See you all next time!