A/N Power Ranger Zeo Settings and Characters all belong to Haim Saban and Toei Company and the Fox. Any original characters and this story are copyright © 2011-2023 to Hopelessromanticgurl, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

Kimberly laughed hysterically with her friends. It felt nice to laugh and have fun again. She looked up at Jason's face and suddenly frowned. It felt like she was pulled into a completely different world.

Flashback

All the Rangers were having a sleepover at Jason's house. It was the night before he, Zack, and Trini left for the Peace Conference. They were sitting around on the floor in a circle in their sleeping bags.

"Do you remember that time when we went to the petting zoo, and Jason got so scared by the sheep that he cried?" Trini laughed.

"Oh yeah." Kimberly laughed. "I do! His dad had to take him out to calm him down."

"That was not my fault. That sheep was angry. He was going to attack at any minute." Jason said.

Everyone else laughed.

"It's ok, Jason. We forgive you for upsetting that poor nice sheep." Trini teased.

End Flashback

Kimberly had trouble remembering what happened after that. King Mondo had messed with that memory and changed it. Now she couldn't remember what really happened and what was an altered memory. All she could remember was what King Mondo made her see.

Flashback Continued

Jason stood up in anger. "You know what, Kim, you're the worst friend in the world. That was a traumatic time in my life, and you're sitting here laughing at me! I can't believe I ever thought for one second that you were a sister to me. A sister would never treat me the way you are! I'm actually glad I'm leaving. I don't think I could step another second being your brother!"

End Flashback

"NO! JASON! I'M SORRY!" Kimberly launched herself into Jason's arms crying. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Please don't hate me. I'll never laugh at you again. Please don't stop being my big brother! I'll never tease you again. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"

"Whoa, hey, hey," Jason said gently rubbing her back. "Kimberly, I could never hate you. Teasing is a part of being friends. I tease you and Trini just as much as you tease me."

Kimberly continued to cry into him. Jason gently lifted her face from his chest to look at him. "Hey, look at me." When she made eye contact, he continued. "Do you really truly believe that there is anything in this word that you could do that would make me stop being your big brother?"

Kimberly sniffed softly and shook her head.

"Why don't you tell me what really just happen?" Jason said move some hair behind her ear.

Kimberly looked down and then back up. "King Mondo, he messed with my mind. He would take my memories and make small changes. They would be small enough that I'd have to question if it was real or not. One of the memories he changes was us teasing you, and you got mad and said you didn't want to be my brother anymore."

"That was all a lie. You could tease me for the rest of my life without stopping, and I'd still be your brother." Jason smiled. "I might also have to tickle you until the end of time, but it'd be fair." He lightly and gently tickled her stomach making her giggle away her tears.

"I'm sorry. He messed with so many memories I'm still trying to figure out which ones were real and which ones were not." Kimberly said.

"That's perfectly understandable," Tommy said as he walked over. He climbed onto the bed and leaned his back against the wall. Kimberly moved from Jason's arms to Tommy's arms snuggling into his chest. "I'm going to take a wild guess though and say that anything King Mondo showed you was a lie."

"But it wasn't," Kimberly whispered. "He showed me things that I know for a fact are true...at least I think they are true...I...I don't know. I just...I don't know anymore!"

"Shh." Tommy soothed rubbing her back. "It's ok. It's over. You're safe. I can help recreate any memory you need. I'll happily take away your bad memories and fill it with good ones."

Kimberly nodded and closed her eyes as she rested against his chest. Tommy laid his head on her's and closed his eyes.

It was then the others noticed how tired Tommy looked. Tommy rarely ever looked tired. He had dark circles under his eyes, and his eyelids looked like they could barely stay open.

"Rough battle, Tommy?" Jason asked.

Tommy shrugged. "Not too bad."

"You sure? You look exhausted."

"I'm fine. But thanks for checking."

Jason shared a look with the others. It was clear he wasn't okay. But they let it go for now.

The next couple weeks went by uneventfully. Both Tommy and Kim continued to get very little sleep. However, neither of them wanted to be a bother to the other, so they both kept quiet about it.

Zordon did reach out to Ducla about the situation. They were waiting to hear back. Kimberly continued to show more strength and courage with her friends around than she did when she was alone.

As for Kat, she kept her distance. The only time she saw the rangers was during a battle. Even then things were tense and uncomfortable. As soon as the fight was over the Rangers would teleport back to the command center and Kat would be left alone again. She hated it, but she understood. She continued to spend time with JJ. He made her happy. She tried to deny it, but deep down she knew she liked him more than a friend.

One afternoon everyone was in the Command Center just hanging out and having lunch. They were expecting to hear back from Ducla at any time now. So they were all waiting together.

They were laughing together when there was a flash of pink.

Kimberly flinched closet to Tommy.

"Zordon I...oh...I'm sorry I didn't know you would be here," Kat said softly.

"It's ok. Alpha, please teleport the others to a different room." Zordon said.

"Wait, please," Kat said quickly.

"It's ok," Kim said softly. "I'll stay."

"Thank you." Kat smiled softly. "I haven't gotten a chance to talk to you since we were rescued. I really just wanted to apologize. I know that will never be enough to make up for what I did. But I truly am sorry. I hate remembering what I did to you. It hurts me knowing that I hurt you. You were my friend, and I hurt you. I will spend as long as it takes trying to make it up to you and earning your trust back."

Kimberly inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. "Thank you. I appreciate you saying that. I do forgive you. I know it wasn't really you. But at the same time...I don't know who to trust right now. So please know I'm trying to trust you again. I want to be your friend and trust you again. I just...I don't know how."

"I understand. Thank you for listening to me. I know I make you uncomfortable."

Kimberly smiled weakly. "I'm trying not to be."

"I know. It's ok. "

"Zordon, I'm ready."' Kimberly said.

"Of course."

In a flash of color, everyone was gone.

As they landed in the room, Kimberly exhaled a deep breath.

"Are you ok?" Tommy asked.

"I'll let you know when I can catch my breath," Kimberly answered softly.

"Are you kidding me? Kimberly, that was amazing! I am so proud of you!" Tanya rushed over hugging Kimberly tightly.

Kimberly flinched back and jerked awake violently as if Tanya was on fire. "Let go!"

Tommy instantly pulled her into him sending her calming feelings through their connection. Kimberly relaxed into his arms.

"Sorry, I forgot about the whole 'scared of touch' thing. I'm just so proud of you! This is great! You finally forgave Kat, and now you guys are going to be friends again, and we can all be a team again."

"Tanya, I just said I forgive her. That doesn't mean I trust her. There is a big difference between trust and forgiveness."

"Not really. If you forgive someone, you trust them."

"I forgave Kat because I knew she wasn't in control of her actions towards me."

"Exactly! So why can't you trust her? You know everything she did that hurt you was because of that stupid spell."

"Tanya, back off now," Tommy ordered. "Kim just made a huge leap in forgiving Kat. It will take time before she can trust her. Spell or not, Kat broke Kim's trust, and it's going to take time before that trust is earned back."

"I don't understand why you can't forgive her and trust her? You know her actions were because of the spell."

"Yeah? How do we know the spell is actually broken? She's fooled us all before, more than once actually. When we first met Kat she was under a spell, we had no idea. She was under a spell for months, and none of you even noticed, nor did you believe me when I told you. THAT is why I can't trust her yet, Tanya!" Kimberly snapped. "Are you happy now? Did I answer all your questions? Good. Now please leave." Kimberly walked over to the bed and laid down. She rolled onto her side, facing her back to the others as a lone tear slipped down her cheeks.

Tanya sighed. She bowed her head sadly. "I'm sorry. You're right. You have every right not to trust her. I just…I just hate that she's all alone these days. Except for battles we never see her anymore, and I hate it. Before you came back into town Kat and I were best friends. It seems wrong for me to betray her just because of something she did while under a spell, especially when that spell has been broken. Zordon has confirmed it."

"I hate to say this, but Tanya is right," Aisha said.

"Aisha!" Kimberly gasped as she sat up quickly facing them.

"I'm sorry, but if the roles were reversed Kim, I would want Kat to forgive and trust me again too. If it was you and Trini, wouldn't you feel guilty?" Aisha asked. "I am NOT saying you have to trust Kat right away. I'm just trying to get you to see it from Tanya's point of view."

Sighing softly Kimberly nodded. "I understand your desire to be friends with her again. But I'm sorry, Tanya I'm not ready for that."

"I know. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have tried to force you in trusting her. Are we still friends, even if I am friends with Kat?"

"Of course. Just know I can't hang out with you when you're with her."

"I do understand. I will hang out with her alone. Thank you for understanding. I really am sorry for grabbing you and lecturing you on trust."

"It's ok." Kimberly smiled gently. "Friends?"

"Friends."

Knowing Kim wasn't in the mood for a hug she just gave one last smile and then teleported away.

"Are you really ok?" Tommy asked. He went over and sat next to Kim on the bed.

Kimberly nodded. "Yeah. I can understand why Tanya needs her friendship with Kat back. I just don't know when or…or even if I'll be ready."

"There is no pressure. It's your choice to make when you feel ready." Tommy said rubbing her back. "But, just so you know Zordon did confirm, the spell is broken."

Kimberly nodded. She did know that. She loved and trusted Zordon, but there was still something she couldn't explain that was stopping her from trusting Kat and causing her to fear Kat. She just wished she knew why and how to stop it.

In the Command Center Kat was still talking with Zordon.

Zordon, I...I would like your permission to tell someone my secret. I'd leave the rest of the rangers a secret. It would just be me." Kat said.

Zordon sighed softly. "I appreciate you coming to ask first, Kat. However, I cannot give you permission. Your secret identity is not just for fun, it's to protect you and the people involved. If you reveal your secret, you are putting not only yourself but whoever you just told in danger. King Mondo will use your feelings for this person as a way to hurt you or worse make you trade your powers for your friend."

"I don't want to put JJ in danger. I just feel like we are getting so close and I hate lying to him." Kat sighed. "But I do understand why I have to. Thank you, Zordon."

"I'm sorry my answer is not the one you were hoping for."

"It's ok." Kat nodded. "I do understand why. Thanks anyway"

Kat teleported away.

"Aye, aye, aye! Zordon, do you think Kat will obey you?" Alpha asked.

"I do believe she will. However, if she does not, I'm afraid I'll have no choice but to remove her from the team and wipe both her and whoever she told's memories of the rangers."

"Oh no! I hope it doesn't come to that."

"Me too, Alpha, me too."

Kat made her way to The Youth Center. Just because she wasn't allowed to tell JJ her secret, didn't mean she had to avoid him.

She went inside and looked over to the counter where JJ usually sat. Of course, he was in his regular seat, but this time was different. Someone was sitting next to him. This, someone, was a girl, and he was pretty friendly with her. Kat watched as he poked and tickled this girl making her laugh. She inhaled and exhaled a deep breath trying to keep her anger in check. She wasn't going to be one of those girls who freaked out and jumped to conclusions only to find out it's a relative. But she couldn't help but worry. Maybe JJ wasn't the man she thought he was.

Heading over to them she put on a fake smile. "Hey, JJ." she greeted.

"Kat!" JJ smiled widely as he stopped tickling the girl in front of him. He leaped off his chair and hugged her tightly. "I'm so excited to see you."

Kat smiled a real smiled but was hesitant to return the hug. He pulled away and turned to face the girl. "I want you to meet someone. This is my little sister LJ."

Everyone tense muscle in Kat's body relaxed, and she smiled widely. "It's a pleasure to meet you, LJ," Kat said putting her hand out to shake.

"You too. JJ talks about you all the time. I feel like I already know you." LJ said shaking her hand.

"Not all the time," JJ muttered.

"Most of the time." LJ giggled.

Kat giggled, she loved when JJ blushed. "It's ok, JJ. I'm honored."

JJ just smiled and shook his head. "So, how was your meeting? Is everything ok?"

Kat just gave a small smile and nodded. "It didn't go like I planned. But yes, everything is ok."

"Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?" JJ asked.

"No. Why?"

"LJ and I were going to head to the park. She's having a bit of a rough day, and I thought a day in the park might cheer her up."

"That sounds like fun. But I don't want to intrude." Kat said.

"You wouldn't be. It'd be a lot more fun if you came with us." LJ said.

"I don't think so. You two go have fun."

LJ frowned. "Please, it will really cheer me up."

"Oh, the guilt trip." Kat chuckled softly. "You're a lot like your brother."

"Please. I could really use a female friend."

Kat smiled. LJ had the same puppy dog eyes as JJ. Those eyes she could never say no to.

"Ok, ok, I'll come. It sounds like fun."

"Yes!" LJ cheered.

She leaped off her seat and rushed outside. JJ chuckled. "Looks like she's feeling better already."

"Good. We better catch up to her." Kat smiled.

"Yeah, good idea."

Together they two of the rushed after LJ.

The three of them arrived at the park. They took a walk around the lake and even played a game of tag. Then it was time to rest. They were all sitting in a shady spot by the lake. They made small talk for a bit and then it was filled with comfortable silence.

After a few minutes, Kat realized LJ was gone. She looked around and spotted her a few feet away. LJ was standing under a tall tree in the shade. It seemed as if she was doing some kind of dance. Kat smiled when she realized LJ was doing ballet.

"Wow, she's really good," Kat said.

JJ looked at her and smiled. "Yeah, she is. I was wondering if she'd dance today."

"What do you mean?"

"LJ doesn't do ballet as much as she used to."

"Why not? She's amazing!"

JJ nodded. "I agree with you. I wish she would do it more."

"Why doesn't she?"

JJ sighed. "There was a...situation, and it caused her to lose her confidence in herself and her dancing. Now she only dances if she thinks nobody is watching. If she messes up, she gets so frustrated and gives up."

Kat watched LJ as she did a perfect plié. She even managed to do a perfect spin while balancing on one foot. Suddenly LJ tried to do a releve, but the second she got up onto to her tiptoes she'd fall. Kat smiled as she stood up and tried again and again, and again. But then Kat frowned. After falling for the 4th time, LJ didn't get up. Instead, she started punching the grass.

Without another word, Kat stood up and went over to her. Knowing she'd had only just met LJ, she decided not to try and speak to make her try again. Instead, Kat went over and started to do a few simple ballet tricks of her own.

LJ smiled. "Wow, you're terrific."

"Thanks. I've been doing ballet for as long as I can remember. One of the most important things to remember is..." Kat paused and stopped putting her hand out to LJ. "No matter how many times you fall down, always get back up."

LJ smiled and took Kat's hand and standing up. Together they did a few simple ballet moves.

JJ watched from a distance with a smile on his face. Kat seemed to really get along good with LJ and vice versa. That was always a plus.

Both girls and LJ smiled softly. "Can you help me? I keep messing up."

"And that's ok. It takes a lot of practice. But I'd love to help you. Are you trying to do a releve?"

LJ nodded. "The second I get up I fall on my butt."

"Do you mind showing me? If I can see what is messing you up, I can help you fix it."

"Um..." LJ looked around and bit her bottom lip.

"It's ok. Nobody is watching." Kat smiled gently.

LJ nodded. She inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. She carefully reached her arms up above her head and then slowly moved her feet up till she was on her tiptoes. Then less than a second later she fell. This time Kat caught her before she hit the ground.

"You're doing really good. But you're putting all your weight on your tiptoes. Try focusing more on standing on the ball of your foot."

LJ nodded. She tried again, this time following Kat's orders. She was up for a minute longer before falling.

"I did it!" She squealed as she quickly stood up. "I really did it."

"I knew you could. Try again."

LJ smiled as she did the releve again, and again, and again, and again. Each time being able to stay up a little longer than the time before.

"I'm doing it, I'm really doing it! Thank you, Kat."

"My pleasure. Are you in a class or anything?"

LJ shook her head. "I don't really do ballet a lot anymore...only when I'm alone."

"Why? You're perfect."

"There was a situation at my gym. Ever since then I haven't had the confidence to start again."

"I'll tell you what, Ernie has been letting me use The Youth Center to help teach ballet to the kids. I'm sure he would let me have an extra hour or two. So I can help you too."

"I really don't want to be in a kiddie class." LJ blushed.

"Oh no. That's not what I meant. Either before or after the Kiddie class. I can work with you one on one."

"Really, just you and me?"

"Of course."

LJ smiled. "I'd really like that."

"Good. You ready for one more."

"Let's do it."

LJ smiled as she did one more releve. Suddenly fingers found their way to her armpits, tickling her. She let out a squeal and yanked her arms down falling to the ground.

Kat was shocked at first but then noticed JJ was now tickling her on the ground. She laughed and squirmed. Kat chuckled. She loved watching JJ with his sister. He seemed like such a good brother.

"JJ!" LJ choked out between giggles. "JJ..." Every time she tried to speak it would be cut off by giggles.

"Let's see, what was the first position again?" JJ teased. "Oh yeah! You have to raise your arms above your head and hold them like that as long as you can without pulling them down." He grabbed LJ's hands and lifted them up above her head and then tickled her armpits.

LJ would squeal and yank her arms down trying to push him away. "Stop it!"

"Nope, you have to keep your arms up." JJ teased and lifted her arms back up again. "Let's try again." he tickled her armpits getting the same reaction.

"Kahahahat!" LJ laughed. "Hehehehelp!"

Kat chuckled. She debated helping LJ or helping JJ.

"Here, I'll help you," JJ said. He raised her arms up once more, this time holding them there and then tickled her armpits. LJ laughed hysterically as she struggled to pull her arms down. Her laughter went mute as she squirmed under her brother.

"All right, JJ. I think she's had enough. Let her go." Kat said.

JJ stopped and let her go. They both stood up off the floor. LJ playfully smacked her brother. "Jerk! I was almost at 5 minutes. You ruined it."

"Yeah! Besides its fifth position, raising your arms up like that. Not first. Second tickling her armpits isn't fair. Nobody can keep their arms up like that when you tickle their armpits." Kat said.

"Ok, ok, my bad. I won't mess up your dancing again. I promise. You're free to practice without me." JJ chuckled.

LJ just stood there and crossed her arms over her chest. She had a good feeling the second she raised her arms to do the releve again he'd tickle her. JJ chuckled. "I promise. You are free to continue dancing." He looked to Kat. "You on the hand..."

"Me?" Kat asked.

"Yes, you. You're in big trouble."

"What did I do?" She asked innocently.

"You interrupted me when I was in the middle of a perfectly good tickle attack. That's extreme punishment right there."

Kat just chuckled. "I'm not scared of you.

"Oh, but you should be." He took a step toward her. "Now, let's see just how long you can keep your arms up while I tickle your armpits."

"JJ, no! I'm super ticklish on my armpits." She squealed.

"I need to help you practice the fifth position." JJ teased.

"No!" Kat squealed, and she turned to run. JJ smirked and ran after her. LJ laughed as she watched them.

She had encouraged JJ to befriend Kat for his own sake. Now she was happy he did because Kat was a really great friend to her as well. She heard Kat squealing and giggling. As she looked into the distance, she saw Kat on the ground as JJ tickled her. She laughed and rushed over to help save her. Despite how her day had started, it had a pretty good ending.

"NO! KIMBERLY!" Tommy shot up in bed panting. He looked around to see Kim was sleeping peacefully next to him. He sighed. These nightmares wouldn't leave him alone. Each one seemed to get longer and longer, and each time it seemed harder and harder to wake up from.

"Dude, you ok?" Tommy turned to see Jason walking out of the built-in bathroom. It was then Tommy remembered the Rangers had decided to stay the night.

"Yeah," Tommy answered. "Just a bad dream. I'm ok. I'm just glad I didn't wake Kim."

"Having us here seems to help her sleep," Jason said.

"Good. She needs it."

"She's not the only one." Jason sighed.

"What do you mean?" Tommy asked.

"You haven't gotten much sleep either. You need your sleep too."

"I'm fine. I get plenty of sleep. I'm going to try and go back to sleep now. Good night."

Tommy laid back down and closed his eyes. He had hoped his nightmares would go away, or at least his dreams would get better. But deep down he knew, they were only going to get worse.

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