Resisting the urge to cover the pounding in his ears Logan tried not to get separated from Ashley, Tommy, and Kim in the crowd outside the stadium. "Logan, I can not believe you managed to snag these tickets. This is the hottest concert in the city even back row tickets like we've got are sold out on the first day how the hell did you get them," Ashley demanded turning to face him the biggest grin on her face.
"Well I used a strong mixture of patience and fortitude, and a tent hitched in front of the ticket booth," he said, and she wrapped her forearms around his neck.
"But Celine Dion you shouldn't…" she started before he raised his casted arm and pressed two fingers to her lips.
"Enough of that now we both enjoy her and I had to do something for our two year anniversary," he said, and she smiled before she kissed him.
"That's all well and good but I don't see why I have to be here," Tommy said, and Kimberly slapped his shoulder.
"It's our anniversary to and though you may not like her I like Celine Dion. And since Logan was gracious enough to get these tickets for us right now I'm inclined to steal him from Ashley," Kimberly said.
"Hey you have your own man if you touch him I'll kill you," Ashley said, laughing and the two stepped ahead of the boys.
After watching them go Logan looked back at Tommy a sly grin on his face. "And this is coming from a guy who has a Celine Dion poster under two Marital Arts posters?" Logan said, under his breath.
"SHHH! Not in front of the girls. I got a reputation you know," he said, smiling.
"Yeah I know I just wish these tickets were better," Logan said, as they walked inside.
"Well what can you do with the money you make?" Tommy said.
You'd be surprised how much I make, hell I could live off what I make on my Microsoft stock, he thought.
He was about to say something when, "Logan! Tommy!" and they turned and surprise and wide surprised smiles.
"Mandy!" they exclaimed, as the man walked over and they shook hands.
"What are you doing here?" Logan asked, still stunned.
"I was in town thought I'd enjoy a concert of sorts, but what are you doing here?" Mandy said.
Before the boys could say anything they were enveloped in the girl's arms. "It's our anniversary gifts, and it's good to see you again Mr. Patinkin," Kimberly said.
"The pleasure is mine Kimberly, and call me Mandy, now where are your seats?" he asked, smiling at them.
"Way up there," Logan said, turning to point at the top of the stadium.
"Oh no, no friends of mine are sitting in the nose bleed section you are sitting with me as my guests," Mandy said, after glancing up.
"But Mandy…" Ashley said, wide eyed looking back at him.
"No buts just come with me and I'll arrange everything, and by the way how is Dana and Angel?" He said, waving off her objection.
A couple hours later Logan and the others were on their feet cheering madly as Celine Dion finished her final number of the concert. "You want to meet her? I have backstage passes," Mandy asked, when Logan stopped whistling two fingers in his mouth and everyone looked at him like he was Santa.
So that is how the group had found themselves back stage at the tunnel entrance Ashley jumpy as stage hands worked around them. "Pinch me I'm dream… don't even think about it," she snapped before Kimberly could pinch her.
Smiling Logan looked at Mandy. "Mandy this is too much, really," he muttered, to him.
Mandy shook his head. "After everything you did for me it's the least I could do and more," he said.
Knowing it was pointless to argue Logan turned back to see Tommy retying his ponytail. "You ok man?" he asked, frowning.
"Is my hair ok?" he asked, franticly the teens chuckled.
"You do know that I'm your girlfriend? Right," Kimberly said, an edge in her voice.
"Yeah… I know it's just she's a beautiful woman," Tommy said, quickly and Logan saw a bead of sweat appear on the back of his neck.
Smiling Logan refocused on the tunnel as crowd began to roar. Focusing he saw her before the others with his enhanced eye sight. Her short dark hair, narrow chin, and beautiful face.
He seemed to be in a daze as she walked down the tunnel stopping every now and then to talk and sign autographs. As she got closer he felt his nerves begin to rise and when she was just coming in they were so high he could hardly speak.
"Miss. Dion I'm Mandy Patinkin. It was a wonderful show tonight, and these are friends of mine Tommy Oliver, Kimberly Hart, Ashley Davison, and Logan Elivro," he said, waving at the teen who work lock jaw.
"It's a pleasure," Celine Dion said, in her soft sweet voice offering her hand and one by one they shook it.
As her smiling face reached Logan he caught movement out of the corner of his eye. At once he acted. Pushing Celine Dion aside he got between her and the stage hand that had turned and came at her with a knife.
At once Logan blocked the stabbed then followed up with a jab to the man's eyes with his fingers. The next thing the man knew he was flat on the floor and Logan over him his arm locked up. Then the man began to scream in pain dropping the knife after Logan drove his knee into the man's elbow resulting in the arm being broken.
Breathing like he had run a mile Logan looked up in time to see security officials rush Celine Dion out in case there were more assailants. "Never a dull moment with you," Mandy said, looking down at him.
"I wouldn't mind a little dullness," Logan said, keeping his grip on the screaming man.
When they were finally able to leave the stadium after giving their statements to the police Ashley laid against him on the bus back to her place. "Some anniversary," she muttered, looking up at him as he laid back his eyes closed.
"Next time I'll make sure there is no crazed fan assassin," he muttered, and she chuckled.
"I guess it must be pretty relaxing taking the bus everywhere now," she said, smirking.
"Perhaps to some but I miss my bike…" he said, opening his eyes and looking at her with a lungful look.
"…I want my bike," he whined, causing her to laugh.
"Don't worry handsome I want it back to," she said, laughing.
The next day Logan turned into the parking lot on his skateboard waving to a couple people calling out to him. After jumping the board onto the sidewalk making it spin under him he brought it to a skidding stop and kicking it into his hand. Taking off his helmet he walked into the Center to a roaring applause.
Slightly annoyed and embarrassed he walked inside waving off people congrats and admirations. When he reached the bar he had to fend off people offering to buy him drinks.
"Ernie what the hell is this," he said, when he got some room and Ernie got close.
"Come on Logan you didn't really think you could come to work with out this. Especially after you appeared on the front page and were the top story for the morning news," Ernie said, and Logan's face fell into his hand as Ernie placed his drink in front of him.
"Great now I know why Miss Applebee was giving me that smile during class today, and the four reporters I had to ditch," he said, and chuckling Ernie moved off.
After downing half his drink in two great gulps he looked over and spied Kimberly sitting on the steps with a teenage girl about their age with a ponytail of blonde hair. Their hands moving in rapid succession. Smiling Logan picked up his drink and walked over to them.
"Hey Kim," he said, when they got close and she turned to look at him.
"Some night last night?" she said, looking at him and he nodded looking at the girl as she stared at him then tapped Kimberly on the shoulder who glanced at her.
"Oh Logan this is my friend Melissa, Melissa this…" She started but stopped when Logan raised a hand.
Sitting down next to them he looked Melissa in the eye and smiling signed, "My name is Logan and I've heard a good deal about you. You just got back from that special school for the deaf?" and Kimberly stared at him while Melissa smiled in mild surprise.
"Yes where did you learn to ASL?" Melissa signed.
"I had a good teacher," Logan signed, back.
"I would have to agree with that now can I ask you something?" she signed.
Chuckling Logan signed, "You just did but ask away."
"Did you really save Celine Dion last night?"
Sighing Logan looked at Kimberly who shifted uncomfortably. "I can't take credit after all the training I underwent… I just reacted nothing more. Now if you excuse me have to go see some Europeans about a band," he said, standing and walking off.
A short while later Logan was on stage with teens about his age one playing a violin, another on a small harp, and the last at the second microphone.
"I hear a baby crying
A sad sound, a loney sound
I want to take her in my arms
And then I dry away all her tears," the girl sang her eyes closed head swaying to the tune before looking at Logan.
"I see a boy, who's frightened
A young boy, with old eyes
I long to say 'You're welcome here,
You can be happy now that you're warm'" Logan sang bobbing his head looking back at her.
"We're all a part of one world
We all can share the same dream,"
"And if you just reach out to me
Then you will find deep down inside
I'm just like you,"
"Loud voices raised in anger
Speak harsh words, such cruel words
Why do they speak so selfishly
When we have got so much we can share?"
"So let your hearts be open
And reach out with all your love
There are no strangers now
They are our brothers now
And we are one,"
"We're all a part of one world
We all can share the same dream,"
"And if you just reach out to me
Then will find deep down inside
I'm just like you,"
"We're all a part of one world
We all can share the same dream
And if you just reach out to me
Then will find deep down inside
I'm just like you,"
"I'm just like you," they both sang with people applauding.
"Thank you, thank you now I want to thank Alasdair Sullivan our Irish delegate on the violin," Logan said, tuning to wave his hand, at this Alasdair arm and bow across his chest bowed.
"From Beijing, Mei on the harp," he said, turning to indicate her and she bowed her head from her seat.
"And with me a vocals the lovely Bohlale from The Congo," he said, and Bohlale bowed.
"Now the delegates of Angel Grove and with them the United States will soon be chosen for the main conference in Switzerland. So we're going to take a little break but I'll be back in a few," he said, before turning off the mike.
"Thanks for doing this guys," Logan said, turning to the others offering his hand.
"Think nothing of it friend; always thought music was a good way to get a message out. Helps with our work," Alasdair said, shaking his hand.
"And it's always nice to find people willing to help," Bohlale said, and the group moved off the stage.
Hopping down he met up with Jason and the two grasped hands. "Nice selections today," Jason said.
"Hey it wouldn't have worked without them, did you and Trini have a good date last night?" Logan said, and they turned toward the bar.
"Yeah it was, though we we're a little disappointed we missed the action last night," Jason said.
Logan sighed. "Yeah well I wish I got less heat from it," he muttered, and Jason looked at him with concern.
"Why you getting threats,"
"Worse fans,"
Jason laughed at this as they joined the others at the bar and trying not to bust a rib at the ridiculous outfits Bulk and Skull were wearing. "Quite you guys they're about to announce it," Trini said, looking back at the TV.
"Got your fingers crossed?" Logan asked, looking at Trini.
"All ten of them," Zack said.
"Well let's just hope it's not those two," Logan said, nodding at Bulk and Skull.
"Why because they'd probably start World War III," Rocky asked.
"No because they can stop wearing those ridiculous outfits, I mean do see the Alps or a German hotel anywhere," he said, and the others laughed as the announcer started as Tommy, Kimberly, and Billy came over.
"Out of thousands of entrances three names were announced today as the lucky students invited to attend the world peace summit in Switzerland. The three youths will meet and then travel with teen from all over the world to discuss global problems that affect all of us young and old. Hunger, pollution, poverty, cultural barriers, and education are among the topics on a very busy agenda for these young people.
They'll be visited by scientists, politicians, and academia's as they attempt to understand these issues and offer their perspective on solutions for World Peace,"
"Bulk and Skull," Skull said, proudly.
"Peace Ambassadors," Bulk Said, just as proudly.
Logan's face fell into his hand. God help us if that happens, he thought as they fail to say good bye in German and started talking about chocolate.
"…the three teens from Angel Grove are Jason Lee… Zack Taylor… and Trini Kwan," the anchor finished and around the three people cheered and offered their congratulations.
Facing an ear to ear grin faced Jason Logan offered his good hand and Jason grasped it. "Congrats man you guys earned this," he said, and Jason's smile faltered a little.
"Yeah now I just hope I don't make a fool of myself," he said, shakily.
Smiling Logan patted his arm. "Come on man you'll be great, now git going Tommy is waiting for you to start your class," he said, reassuringly.
"I wish I had your confidence," he said, and moved off.
'It helps when you know it to be true,' Logan thought as he watched him go then frowned as he spotted James stalking toward him a look of anger on his face.
"So you ditched me last night to save some pop star!" he snapped when he reached Logan.
"What are you talking about James?" Logan asked, as he reached for his drink.
"We had a lesson last night!" James snapped, and Logan looked at him as his eyebrows rose.
"No we didn't you get my note, I taped it to the door," Logan said, chuckling.
"Yeah why do you think I'm here, now why didn't you show up tonight!" he demanded.
"One because it was my anniversary last night and two because I arranged for you to join the public class here. Tommy has your uniform and well-earned belt. Now git or you'll be late class starts in five minutes," Logan said, jabbing his thumb.
James stared at him for a few seconds before turning to dart for the lockers while shooting a quick, "thank you," over his shoulder.
"He's come a long way in a short while," Rocky said, next to him.
Nodding Logan looked at him saying, "Yeah he has, and I'm proud of him for it."
The two sat in silence for a couple seconds before Rocky bumped him with his elbow. "So it looks like it not juts you going away for a while, I gotta say I'm kind of jealous," he said, a smile on his face.
At once a dreamy look came over Logan's face. "Yeah can you imagine it? Two weeks of surfing, sandy beaches, and lovely relaxation in the lovely Aloha State," he said, wistfully drawing his hand through the air in front of himself.
As the dreamy images floated through his head Rocky shifted uncomfortably. "Is your father going with you?" he asked, and the dreamy expression disappeared from Logan's face and he looked at Rocky.
Rocky held his gaze for a second before lowering his gaze and Logan shifted to his feet and Logan climbed to his feet and walked outside the others watching him go. Once outside and around the corner he breathed hard trying to control his temper. Turning when he heard the door to the center open again he watched unsurprised as Kimberly, Adam, Rocky, Trini, Zack, and Aisha followed him out around the corner.
"Look will you guys just drop this! I do Martial Arts! I play hockey! Hell I even ride a horse every now and then!" he said, through bared teeth.
"Logan we're your friends it's our job to worry about you! And some of those breaks that I saw were years old!" Kimberly said.
"Well this is none of your business this is my family!" he snapped at them.
"You can't be serious Logan we're more your family than him!" Aisha said, taking a step forward.
Staring hard at them he took a step back. "You don't understand he made me what I am!" he defended.
Mouth open slightly Kimberly shook her head. "Logan not once since I've known you have I ever seen him take part in your life or shown pride in who you are! If anyone made you it's you! Every breath you took, everybody you helped, everything you learned made you who you are not some guy who beats you!" Kimberly snapped.
Logan opened his mouth to respond to this but stopped looking over Kimberly's shoulder. Following his gaze and they saw Ashley staring dumbstruck at them from the corner.
"Nice going thunder mouth and I suggest that you never consider a career as a doctor you have a serious problem with understanding confidentiality," Logan said, and Kim turned to look at him.
She opened her mouth to say something when Adam put a hand on her shoulder stopping her. "I think we've said, enough," he said, when she looked at him and after a few seconds nodded and the group turned to leave.
After a couple steps Kimberly stopped and looked over her shoulder at him. "I meant what I said, ever since I've known you I've thought of you as one of the brothers I never had," she said, before walking past Ashley without saying a word.
"and ever since I've known you I've thought of you as the mother and big sister I never had," Logan muttered, under his breath, as he watched her go before finishing his drink before turning his gaze to Ashley.
For a moment the two of them held each other's gazes. "Ash…" he started.
"Is it true?" she demanded interrupting him.
"Is wha…?"
"Don't you play me for an idiot Logan! Now is it true what Kimberly said, that your father beats you!" she sapped stalking forward until they were face to face.
He held her gaze for a few seconds before looking away.
Gently she cupped his cheek and turned his face back to hers. "How could you not tell anyone? How could you not tell me?" she asked.
"Like I said, Ashley he made me who I am. He made me strong," he said.
A small tear ran down her face at this. "You don't even see him for the bastard that he is…" she muttered.
At once his face hardened and he stepped back out of her reach. "I think for right now you had better go," he said.
Looking at him she slowly lowered her hand. "Maybe you're right. When you're ready I'll be waiting… but until then… I don't know," she said, before turning and left him alone.
He stood staring at where she disappeared from sight before turning and throwing his cup away. He watched it soar into the sky and out of sight.
'Oh that was mature I just hope it doesn't land on someone. It could kill whoever it does,' Red Dragon said.
'Oh stuff it.'
'My are we in a bad mood and for the record I happen to agree with them.'
'Oh yeah well think of it this way if he hadn't we probably wouldn't be together right now!' Logan snapped then turned as someone called his name.
"What," he said, looking at Dana (who was in her karate uniform) and Angel.
"Someone inside is looking for you," Angel said, pointing as they came toward him and took him by the arms.
Shoulders dropping Logan sighed. "It's not another reporter is it I had to dodge four after school already," he said, pretending to resist as they started dragging him.
Laughing slightly as they dragged into the main room he was still pretending to drag his feet as they did. Smiling he looked up at the bar and narrowed his eyes at the woman who had a shawl wrapped around her head and sunglasses and talking to Ernie. Narrowing his eyes he focused and his eyes widened when the shades and shawl vanished for him and he walked forward and surprised both Dana and Angel fell to the fell bum first onto the hard floor and scolded after him.
Paying them no mind he made his way to the woman at the bar as Ernie tossed his rag across his shoulder. "I swear I know I've seen you before," Logan heard him say and the woman fidgeted.
"Madame Sophia it's so good to see you," he said, when he got close and the woman turned to look at him.
"'Unless you want to cause a riot play along,'" he said, in French keeping the smile on his face.
"Logan you know this woman?" Ernie asked, and Logan looked at him.
"Know her back when I lived in New Hampshire I used to mow her lawn in exchange she taught me French," he said.
"And he was my best student," she said, with a look of pride that almost fooled him.
"Dame I could have sworn she was Celine Dion," he said, frowning.
"Man that never gets old. Back home the amount of people that stopped her in the street wanting autographs, pictures, and requests. Some people in town could have sworn they were twins separated at birth.
Now Ernie do you mind if I take a couple hours off for us to catch up?" he said, waving his finger between them.
Nodding Ernie waved them off. "Yeah sure man, take the rest of the day if you want," he said.
"We probably won't be that long, but thanks," he said, before offering his hand to the woman and helped her to her seat.
As they walked toward the door they rapidly conversed in French. Catching sight of Ashley staring at him from across the room and he paused. He held her gaze for a few seconds before he lowered his and holding the door open for the woman before following her.
A short while later the two stopped next to a bench in the park where they couldn't see or in Logan's case since anyone around within eye or ear shot. "Nice to see you in this neck of the town Miss. Dion," he said, turning to look at her.
Smiling she sat down on the bench slipping off her shades. "But it's not unfamiliar to me after all I grew up in a poor house of Charlemagne, Quebec. And after what happened last night you can call me Celine, and I meant what I said, you do speak French very well," she said,
"I had a good teacher, but why are you here?" he said, as he sat down waving it off.
"Well I thought I would thank you for what you did for me last night," she said.
Shaking his head he glanced around before looking at her. "Well you could have just sent a message or something," he said.
She shook her head. "After what you did last night I thought you earned the right for me to come in person," she said.
"Like I told the various reporters while I was on the run from today it was a simple case of right place right time," he said, resting his head on his fingertips.
"Mandy was right you are too modest for your own good," she said, and his eyes darted to look at her frowning.
"What else did he say," a little worried.
"That you have a great singing voice," she said, smiling.
"It gets me by now may I suggest we continue this conversation elsewhere before we attract unwanted eyes and ears," he said, when he started to feel people approach and he stood up.
"And I think I have the perfect place in mind, and you handled that whole thing at the center nicely," she said, standing and they started down the path again.
"Well it was either that. Or let a riot happen in the center, Ernie start charging admission, and Bulk and Skull ripping out the seat you were sitting on and selling it at the nearest auction house," he said, shrugging.
"Bulk and Skull?" she asked, frowning at him.
"The really fat kid and the skinny one dressed like they were going to either Berlin or Geneva,"
"Oh those two,"
Not long after the two climbed out of the cab at her hotel. "Whoa," he muttered, looking up at the grand building with wide grand marble stairs up to the front door and a uniformed doorman.
"What?" she asked, turning to look at him from the bottom of the stairs.
"Nothing just 'whoa'," he said, following her up the steps.
When he reached the top of the stairs the doorman blocked his way. "Sorry sir but guests only until the restaurant opens," he said, looking down at him.
"He's my guest," Celine said, pausing at the door.
"And who are you?" the doorman asked, looking at her.
In answer she lowered her sunglasses. "Sorry madam I didn't recognize you," he said, jumping back in surprise.
"That was the idea now I would appreciate it if you would apologize to my guest," she said, replacing her shades.
At once the doorman faced Logan. "My most humblest apologizes sir," he said, bowing.
A smug smile on his face Logan straightened. "That's quite alright," he said, and Celine chuckled as he swaggered inside.
When they reached the lobby Logan's jaw dropped in awe of the grandeur in that single room. Highly polished and waxed marble stone floors and wood surfaces, hand painted pillars that reached up to the ceiling, a grand stair case, with neatly uniformed bell boys going to and fro with guests coming and going or sitting in chairs dotted here and there. After gaping at the painted and molded ceiling Logan caught sight of a few people looking at him with slight looks of content and sneers as they glanced at his faded jeans and sneakers.
'Rich people what a bunch of snobs,' he thought as they walked to the front desk.
"Any messages for Miss. Belle?" she asked.
"No madam, and young man we do not have a buffet," the man behind the clerk said, frowning at Logan how turned his head to look at him.
At this Logan saw Celine's spine stiffen. "This young man happens to be my…" she started, but was interrupted when Logan placed a hand on her shoulder.
"It's alright besides they have bigger problems to worry about," he said, and nodded toward the elevators and they turned their back to the desk.
"Such as?"
Turning around the face the man Logan said, quietly, "like that guy scoping your rooms," walking backwards and jabbing his finger discreetly at a bell boy going up the stairs.
Once in the elevator and she gave the floor number to the operator she looked at him. "'scooping the rooms'?" she asked.
"Don't leave any valuables out and double lock your doors," he said, a grin on his face and she chuckled.
When the doors opened and they stepped into the hallway which was decorated with paintings and ornate furniture and lighting. He followed her to a set of double doors which she opened with her key. And his jaw dropped again as he looked around the large oval foyer.
"this place is as big as house, they must have had Queen Elizabeth in mind when they designed, this place?" he asked, as he gapped at the rooms she led him through until they reached the living room with double doors on either side room which was twice the size of the manager's office at his place.
"Well they don't call it The Royal Suite for nothing, it even has stairs to a second floor," she said, taking off her shawl and shades.
Before he could say anything they both glanced over as one set of the double doors opened and a somewhat large man with whitish hair and goatee darted into the room speaking rapid French.
Logan watched the two from the doors as he held Celine in a tight embrace. "'…so worried. I told you, I told you not to go, and we could have sent Frank or Joe….who is this?'" he said, holding her like he would never let her go then finally noticed Logan.
"'I'm Logan, it's a pleasure Misuser Angélil, or do you prefer René?'" Logan said, stepping forward offering his hand.
René blinked at him for a moment eyes narrowed in thought before taking his hand. "'Nice to meet… wait… Logan… You!'" he said, his eyes going wide in realization.
The next thing Logan knew René had his face in his hands and began kissing his cheeks. "'you saved her how can we ever… wait you spoke French,'" he said, and Celine chuckled behind him.
"Yes a… very, very close friend taught me, when I was younger, and I gotta say French men must be pretty liberal," he said.
"Yeah should I be jealous, you thinking of signing him," Celine said.
At once René turned to look at her. "Of course not darling you know I only have eyes for you," he said.
Laughing the two sat down in one of the sofas before motioned for Logan to sit across from them. "I got to say this place is great and defiantly not what I'm used to," he said, glancing around.
"Well consider this your home for as long as we stay here and, right now we have two requests for you," René said, smiling.
Narrowing his eyes Logan looked at them. "That's certainly a break from how this usually goes but ask away," he said, opening his hands.
"We would be honored if you would join us for dinner here," Celine said, and he blinked.
"Miss Dion I am beyond faltered but really you don't have to go to all the…" he started.
"It's no trouble at all and what the point of being a successful singer if you can't treat your friends every now and then when they deserve it. And besides I insist on it," Celine said, interrupting his objections with a wave.
Logan sat in silence just taking it in. "Can I invite some friends?" he asked, after a moment.
Smiling Celine waved her had at the elegant old-fashioned phone. "Of course the more the merrier," she said.
In a daze Logan climbed to his feet and walked over to the phone and after picking up the receiver dialed. "Hi Ernie, its Logan, ah I think I'll take you up on the rest of the day… sure thanks, ah is Tommy or Jason free?... thanks," he said, into it.
"Tommy hi, um do you have a sports jacket?... Are you sitting down… because you are never going to believe where I am…," he said, looking back at Celine.
Then she led him back down in the hotel lobby where they watched AGPD escort the bell boy from the building in cuffs. Shaking his head and chuckling Logan watched as a amused Celine led him to the Hotel shop. Where the next thing he knew he was standing on a platform in front of three mirrors being fitted for a suit.
"Really this is just too much," he insisted looking at Celine in the mirror.
Again she waved it off. "Please let me do this I can afford it, and besides you look good in Armani," she said.
After the tailor finished with the sleeves he moved off and Logan striking a pose lightly puffed out the collar. 'Pretty darn good,' he thought.
'Don't let it go to your head,' Red Dragon said, to him.
'Have I ever?'
"What was that?" he asked, looking at Celine as she came close.
"I said, I was curious about that locket around your neck," she said, pointing a curious look on her face.
The smile fading from his face Logan reached up and took it in his hand. "I was adopted and I was always told that it hold pictures of my true parents," he said.
"Well then open it I'd love to see them," she said, beaming.
Face falling he looked away. "I've never been able to," he muttered.
There was silence between the two of them for a moment before she offered, "well… if you give it to me… I might be able to find someone who could…" and his head whipped around to look at her.
"No! I'm sorry but I have to insist on this. I've never parted from it and I've never taken it off," he said.
They held each other's gazes for a moment before she slowly nodded. "I understand," she said, taking a step back.
A couple hours later Logan was pacing back and forth in the living room feeling there were ants in his new pants. "Logan will you relax its going to be a great evening," Celine said, from the couch.
"I know, I know, it's just that… I don't want to give off the wrong impression…" he said, then stopped in his tracks.
"That did not come out right," he said, looking at her.
Smiling her waved it off. "It's ok I understand and we can tell your friends the truth that I insisted," she said, just as the doorbell sounded.
"No let me," he said, as he walked to the foyer breathing deeply to keep calm.
When he reached the front door he inhaled and exhaled rapidly a few times before opening the doors. "Hi guys come on in," he said, smiling at their awe-struck faces.
"This place is amazing these are my best cloths and I felt underdressed, and why do I have to wear a tie when you don't," Tommy said, fidgeting with it.
"because he looks better casual," Kimberly said, dressed in a light red dress a princess braid dawning her head and she gave Logan a hug and peck on the cheek Dana and Angel at her side in a pink and blue dresses.
"Well thank you all for coming," he said.
"are you kidding Trini has hardly stopped talking about it, and when Tommy got that call from you could have knocked him out of his seat with a feather," Jason said, his arm over Trini who was dressed in an oriental style dress.
Laughing Logan looked at Zack and Angela who was rummaging through her purse murmuring, "where is it?… where is it?…" over and over again.
"Where's what?" he asked, and she glanced at him.
"My Celine CD I was hoping she'd sign it, AH HA, thank god," Angela said, pulling it out of her bag.
Nodding he looked at Aisha, Rocky and Adam. "Well thank you guys for coming," he said.
Waving it off Aisha said, "it's nothing we kind of think of it as our welcome to Angel Grove High party," she said.
"Well it's a heck of a way to do it," he said, pausing when he caught sight of Ashley.
She was dressed in a light blue dress a scarf intertwined in her arms. "Awe guys why don't we wait in the next room I'm dying to see what this place would look like," Kimberly said, and the group moved through the doors.
For a moment the two just looked at each other. "I hoped you would come," he said, putting his uncasted hand in his pocket.
"Why wouldn't I? I've never been known to pass off a free meal, especially one that would cost half a college tuition," she said, a smile on her face.
Nervously he lowered his gaze. "It was some first fight," he muttered, looking up at her.
Blinking she glanced down. "Yeah it was," she muttered.
For a couple seconds the two stood in silence before he said, "Ash I hope you understand. That there are something's about me and my past that I can't tell you about or want to talk about," and she looked at him.
"I guess I'll have to, I just hope that one day you'll let me in," she muttered.
After a couple seconds he stepped forward. "Let's forget this morning ever happened and just try to enjoy the evening," he said, a warm grin on his face.
"I guess we'll just see what happens," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and they shared an embrace with a beaming Kimberly watching from the cracked open door which she silently closed.
"Wait a minute. This is Armani," Ashley said, in shock spying the label on the inside of his jacket.
"How the heck…" she started then looked up mouth open.
Shrugging he muttered, "She insisted," and Ashley blinked.
"How many girls can say that her boyfriend has an Armani suit given to him by a world-famous singer," she said, in awe.
Frowning he answered, "not many I should think now if you come with me our hostess is waiting," he said, leading her out of the room.
When the group finally made it back to Celine and René, Logan had one of the biggest smiles of his life on his face. "Sorry for the delay I had to settle something," he apologized.
"It's quite alright now who are your friends," Celine said, standing.
"Well you know, Tommy, Kimberly, and Ashley. The ones you don't know are Jason, Trini, Billy, Zack, Angela, Rocky, Aisha, Adam, Tommy's sister Dana, and Angel. Jason, Trini, and Zack were chosen to be Peace Ambassadors at the summit at Switzerland," he said, pointing to each in turn.
"Well it is a pleasure to meet you and see you again I've never meet Peace Ambassadors before… and would you like me to sign that for you," she said, pointing to the CD in Angela's hand.
After the group had ordered from the kitchen they seated and talking heartily in the living room. "…imagine my surprise this stranger calls me on the phone saying that his twelve-year-old sister is going to be my next star. I go and say that the bow that they tied it with did not impress me. So he says just listen to the tape and call me back in ten minutes.
So I took a chance listened to the tape and made a phone call that I never regretted to this day," René told them.
"It must have been scary for a twelve-year-old to go to a big time manager?" Trini said.
Celine shook her head. "No what was scary was when he handed me his pen and told me to sing like I was in my family's pub. But enough about me I'm not the only talented voice here," she said, looking at Logan.
"Only if you count playing at the local community center," he said, from next to Ashley.
"Oh come on Logan, Ernie has said, multiple times how his business has tripled since you started playing there," Jason said, looking at him.
"Well if that's true why not sing a little for us," René said, sitting back his arm across Celine's shoulders.
"No really that's not necessary really," he said, as the people around voicing their agreements.
"Oh come on I'd like to hear for myself what Mandy was talking about," Celine said, and Logan's head fell back into the pillow.
"Alright, alright, but only if it's a duet," he said, looking at Celine.
"Got anything in mind?"
"I may have something René you any good on the piano,"
A short while later René was at the piano with Logan and Celine next to it lightly bobbing theirs head to the beat.
"Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly," she sang.
"Just a little change
Small, to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared,"he sang.
"Beauty and the Beast
Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise,"
"Ever just the same,"
"Ever a surprise,"
"Ever as before,"
"Ever just as sure,"
"As the sun will rise,"
"Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song,"
"Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong,"
"Certain as the sun,"
"Certain as the sun,"
"Rising in the east,"
"Tale as old as time,"
"Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the beast,"
"Tale as old as time,"
"Song as old as rhyme,"
"Beauty and the… beast,"
"Beauty and the beast," they finished and the people around them applauded.
"Mandy was right you do have a great voice," Celine said, turning to him and he shrugged.
"And if you ever want a manager give me a call," René said, as the floor butler came into the room to announce dinner was ready.
Not long after that they were all sitting around the table enjoying their meals. "Oh my god this has got to be the best T-bone I have ever had," Logan said, jabbing his fork at his plate.
"Oh yeah well this salmon is heaven on a fork," Aisha said, looking at him.
"Here try some of my pork chops," Ashley said, next to him cutting a piece off for him.
"Well I certainly am glad you're enjoying yourselves," Celine said, from the head of the table.
"'enjoying ourselves' let me put it to you this way Miss Dion. Logan you have to save celebrities more often I could get used to this," Zack said, and people laughed while Logan frowned at him.
"Please forgive my friend sometimes he speaks before he thinks," Logan said, and Celine waved off.
"Forget about it but do you remember that second favor we wanted to ask of you?" she said, looking at him.
Nodding as he reached for his glass he said, "Yeah I remember, though I still think it's odd you're asking me for something," before taking a sip.
"Well Celine here wants to offer you the position of head of her security and her personal bodyguard," René said.
In less than a second several things happened. One all eyes turned to Celine, two Logan choked on his drink and covered his mouth to stop himself from spitting it out.
"Can you… say that again," he said, when he was able to regain his composure.
Before a smiling Celine could respond Ashley pushed back from the table and swept from the room with Logan staring with a dumbfounded look on his face after her. "No let me," he said, when Celine started to get up and he followed her out.
He found her on one of the balconies overlooking the city as he stepped out she demanded, "Did you bring me here to brag?"
"Have I ever been the bragging type? Hell I didn't even know about the job offer until you did," he said, coming out to stand next to her.
She looked at him for a moment. "Well if that's the case…" she started when she was interrupted.
"It is the case,"
They both turned to look at Celine at the door. "I thought it would be nice surprise him at dinner with it. And Ashley I gotta say you have one in a million here because all day he's been saying 'it's too much,' 'you don't have to do this,' most would revel in what I've done for him today and he's been anything but. So please don't think of this as his way of rubbing it in your face or something," she said.
For a couple seconds the three of us just stood there looking at each other before Ashley smiled. "Thanks could you tell me where I could freshen up?" she asked.
Nodding Celine pointed. "Yes just before you get to the living room, but Logan could you stay I'd like to talk to you," she said, as Logan started to follow.
"Yeah sure, I'll be in, in a few minutes," he said, looking from Celine to Ashley and nodding Ashley walked back inside.
"Sorry to put the spotlight on you back there," Celine said, and Logan shook his head waving it off and turning back to lean against the railing.
"I didn't mean to pry earlier but I couldn't help but notice the script on the coffee table earlier," he said, glancing at her over his shoulder.
Nodding she smiled. "it's ok the producers want me to do a song for it, after reading the script I'm inclined to do it," she said.
"Titanic it should be interesting," he said, looking back over the city.
"Relationships more trouble than their worth," he muttered, running his fingers through his hair after a moment breaking the silence.
"I can understand that," Celine said, walking to join him at the railing.
"Yeah I bet you can," Logan muttered, before looking at her.
Looking at him with a frown she asked, "What do you mean by that?"
"I saw that interview you did last month with Sylvie, when you said, there was someone special in your life," he said, and she chuckled.
"Yeah I guess you would have," she said.
They stood in silence for a moment with him glancing at her. "It's René isn't it?" he asked, already knowing.
Her head whipped around to look at him. "Why would you th…" she started to deny but stopped when he arch his eyebrows and closed her eyes.
"Is it that obvious?" she asked, when she opened them.
Laughing he looked away. "I'd have to be blind not to notice the looks you give each other or the same sparkle in your eye that I see in Kimberly's, Angela's, Trini's, and Ashley's," he said.
"Yeah I guess you would. He wants to keep our relationship a secret to prevent it from hurting me. But sometimes it kills me that I can't openly show the man who hold my heart and how much I love him," she said.
He looked at her for a couple seconds before placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Listen to me Celine; you are an idol for millions. You went from rags to riches, and if there is one thing I do know about you is that your heart will go on. And if people can't accept who you give your heart to then to hell with them," he said.
Smiling she looked at him. "Thanks Logan, I really… wait why did you say that?" she said, a frown forming on her face.
"I thought it would be an encouraging thing to say," he said, eyebrow arched at her sudden change of tone.
"No that my heart will go on, why did you say that? Because that's the name of the song the producers want me to do," she said.
Realizing his error he tried to keep his face straight. "It's just a saying I grew up with, that's all," he said.
Frowning as she looked hard at him she asked, "Did you go through those papers?"
"No, no, I swear!" he said, stepping back.
"Then how did you know?" she demanded her frown deepening.
He stood there in silence trying to think of the best answer when she warned, "If value the friendship we formed in the last few hours you will tell me the truth."
He signed, in resignation. "Fine I'll tell you the truth. But I swear you are going to think I'm crazy, but can we do this a little more private," he said, before Red Dragon could object glancing around.
"Ok follow me," she said, and led him back inside.
After closing the door to one of the bedrooms she sat down on the bed facing him. "Well I'm waiting," she said, crossing her arms as Logan fidgeted nervously and clasping his hands.
"Ok I know this will sound crazy. So I'm just going to blurt it right out… Oh boy… I'm from the future," he said, letting his hands go and smiling.
She looked at him for a couple of seconds before saying, "you're right I think you're crazy and I'm tempted to call the police," she said, starting to stand.
"No, no, no, no, wait let me prove it to you," he said, side stepping to get in her way.
She halted crossing her arms. Keeping his eyes on her he rolled up the sleeve of his casted arm before grasping it and phasing it off his arm and her eyes went wide. She caught it when he tossed it to her.
"How did you…" she started looking it over.
"I can use magic and…" he said, detaching his Dragon Gem and making sure none of the others were in ear distance before casting a spell to make sure no one could hear them.
"Dragon Riders! Unite! Ha!" he called morphing as she gapped at him.
As he stood straight and removed his helmet the cast fell from her limp hands hitting the floor with a clatter. "I'm a Power Ranger," he said, smiling rolling the helmet between his palms.
"I need to sit down," she muttered, and he helped her sit.
"Logan you shouldn't have done that!" Red Dragon said, scolding him the dragon eyes on his helmet flashing.
"Who was that?" she demanded in shock.
"My partner The Spirit of The Red Dragon, and now for the proof. Partner do you mind, the music video," he said, placing his helmet on a chair.
"You jeopardize everything by showing your identity and you ask more from me. Only for you and make sure it's only this one time! And Miss Dion I truly enjoy your music," Red Dragon said, and Celine looked taken aback as an image appeared out of thin air.
For the next few minutes they watched the music video of 'My Heart Will Go On' in silence when it was over Logan watched her as he powered down. "I guess I don't have to tell you to take that job. I grew up listening to it and can tell you it will be huge," he said.
"How far back have you come?" she asked, turning to look at him.
Sitting down he groaned, "I'm from the year 2014, so we're both in the same boat when it comes to our relationships because I haven't even been born yet. And by the time I am and reached my age my girlfriend will be more than twice my age. You know I gotta say it's a relief to talk to someone about it."
She was silent for a couple seconds. "What about me and René?" she asked, cautiously.
Smiling he chuckled and squated down to take her hands. "All I can say on that is maybe you should get him to read the script, and maybe within a few years you could have your family. Just don't give up," he said, standing with her following him.
Looking up at him she smiled then in one movement embraced him. "Thank you, you have given me... such joy," she said, stepping back taking his face in her hands.
Lightly taking her by the wrists he looked at her. "And now you know why I can't take that job. No matter how tempting it is, I have to stay in Angel Grove I have… responsibilities here that if altered could change my future," he said, and after a moment she nodded.
"Look we'd better get back," he said, lowering the spell.
"You're right, oh don't forget this," she said, handing him his cast.
Sighing he put it back on. "I cannot wait until I go on vacation and don't have to wear this thing," he said.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"Hawaii,"
The next day around lunch Logan was taking some things out his locker when Rocky, Adam, and Aisha came up to him. "Hell of a welcoming last night," Aisha said.
"Yeah a hell of a party," he said, closing his locker.
"Celine seemed a little distracted when you came back downstairs," Adam said, frowning in curiosity.
"Well she had a lot on her mind with the rest of the tour,"
'And a few things you put there,'
'Well sorry if I valued the friendship of one of my childhood idols,'
'Well let's just hope it doesn't b back fire on us, we now have two people out there who knows our secrets,'
'Who were also cleaver enough to corner me and besides they also know no one would believe them, especially without proof. Which we can easily get rid of if they try to come out,'
"What was that?" he asked, Rocky.
"I asked, have you seen the others today at lunch?" he asked, again frowning.
"Well I think they went to see you know who, at you know where about, you know what," Logan said.
"Speaking of which what will Jason, Zack, and Trini leaving what will happen to the team?" Adam said.
"More than likely it will mean they will have to be replaced, or else they'll have to teleport back every day or so," he said.
"I guess who do think he'll get?" Rocky said.
"No idea," Logan said, and Aisha went to her new locker.
'Red Ranger,' he thought then spotted Bulk and Skull come out of detention and groaned when they eyed Aisha.
"What is it?" Rocky asked, turning and seeing Bulk head for her Skull a little dazed from being knocked in the head by the closing door.
Rocky started frowning in annoyance started to walk over but stopped when Logan grasped his arm. "Wait this should be interesting," he said.
The three watched as Bulk tried to open her locker for her then started hitting it hard as they walked over and leaned against the other lockers. Just as Bulk ripped the door off Logan caught sight of the terrified look on Skull's face and turned to see a purple mist come toward them. At once he dropped down concentrating just as the others did to grab Aisha's things which had fallen out.
Pretending to be asleep and heard Rocky bark "Duck!" before they were teleported out. Opening his eyes he saw Bulk and Skull snoring loudly as they slept. Climbing to his feet as the spell filtered the air around him he looked around.
"Zedd he's unleashed Serpentera," he muttered, in horror phasing out of his cast.
'Either that or everyone in the city decided to take a nap,'
"Ashley!" he barked and ran down the hall stuffing his cast into his bag.
Barging through the door of the cafeteria he sighed when he saw her asleep on the lawn where she had been tossing a Frisbee with her friends. It was short lived when he heard a revving engine his eyes going wide with horror as a car jumped the ramped backend of a parked eighteen wheeler. Streaking forward he caught the car in midair and groaning his muscles popping has he fell to one knee and he barely managed to turn it onto its side.
Leaning against the bumper he breathed deeply to catch his breath before climbing up and to the driver's door (who was snoozing peacefully at the wheel) and reached in and turning off the car. "I need to work out more," he said, dropping down and picking up Ashley in his arms and carried her to a safer position as she snuggled closer and he gently laid her down.
As he brushed some hair out of her face his morpher began to vibrate and he pressed the sides and saw Serpentera flying silhouetted by the moon. 'Time for us to go to work,' Red Dragon said, and Logan stepped back and morphed and opened a portal and stepped though.
Coming out in The Command Center he looked up at Zordon. "You sent them after the Sword of Light didn't you?" he said, before Zordon could say anything.
"Yes Logan we did, why?" he said.
"Zedd is following them in Serpentera, they need me now. So I need you to teleport me there now!" he said.
"But without you Logan and if Zedd returns the Earth will be defenseless," he said.
"If they don't return the future won't exist I won't be here," he snapped back.
"ok we'll teleport you there but only for a short while do what you have to do then we have get you back here we sent Rocky, Aisha, and Adam to deal with The Sleep Machine and they may need you," Zordon said.
"Fine! I'll take it now teleport me and my Cycle!"
The next thing he knew he was down one knee and looked up at a deserted landscape. "What the hell happened here?" he muttered, as the dust blown wind and looking at the floating upside down pyramid just as the ground began to shake.
Falling against his Dragon Rider Cycle he looked over toward a loud noise. "Oh... my... god," he muttered, in terror as he beheld the horror of Serpentera.
"That thing his huge!" he said, jumping on his bike and roaring into the sky.
'Well maybe it has an Achilles heel,' Red Dragon said.
'Are you kidding me I'd need my zord just put a dent in that thing. It packs enough heat to take out a planet!' Logan responded.
'Well we'll think of something,'
'Well think of something… FAST!' Logan as Serpentera turned its head and fired its main laser at him.
Swerving hard to avoid it he tore close the ground and like a wall of destruction the laser followed. When he was far enough behind Serpentera he sighed in relief when it stopped firing.
"We can't do this alone," he said, looking over his shoulder before looking back.
"WHOA!" he yelled in surprise rolling out of the way of Thunderzord Assault Team then spun around and tore after it.
"Jason what are you trying to do kill me!" he demanded when he got close.
"Hey you weren't watching where you were going!" Jason shouted back.
As they soared behind Serpentera Logan's despair increased. "Jason there is no way in hell we are going to out muscle that thing. We have to put other issues aside and work together to either stop it or at least slow it down!" Logan said.
"You got any ideas," Jason said, his zord's head turning to look at him.
For a few seconds he was silent then. 'Red Dragon dig up anything you can find on that thing, find something!' he barked in his head.
A few minutes later Logan was in Jason's zords hand as it flew toward the head of Serpentera. "Are you sure about this?" Jason asked, him one last time.
"Right now I'm not sure of anything but this all come down to timing because we'll only have one shot at this!" Logan shouted over the wind.
When they at long last reached the head Serpentera started to open its jaws issuing a great roar. "NOW!" Logan yelled, and Jason's zord drew back its arm and threw him.
After tumbling a few times through through air Logan righted himself and soared toward the closing jaws as he spun himself sideways hands and arms out stretched. His fingertips were clear… his elbows… the teeth were inches from his face… his head was clear… his chest and stomach were clear… he felt them barely scraping his knees. The teeth slammed home just as the tips of his toes cleared and he rolled onto his back completely out of breath.
For a few seconds he remained where he was too stunned that it worked. 'I'm never doing that again,' he thought.
'Well I'm all for that but right now we have more pressing issues!' Red Dragon said.
'Right lets go,' he said, climbing to his feet.
Using magic to steady himself he went to the back of the mouth and began to feel along the side. 'You said, it would be here!' he snapped.
'It is, it is,' Red Dragon said, before Logan turned and saw a lightning like energy run along the surface.
'Well find it faster!' he snapped as the jaw began to open and the energy began to grow.
'I don't want to be the main course of this thing!' Logan shouted as the energy continued to grow just as part of the wall sunk in under his hand.
At once a panel opened and he leapt inside and closed it just as the main laser fired again. Leaning against the panel he breathed like he had just ran several miles.
'You were bound to be right at some point I'm just glad it was today,' he muttered, in relief.
'Me to now let's go find what we're looking for,' Red Dragon said, and Logan turned and making a ball of light that floated before him walked down the passage.
After sliding down a shaft and landing with a roll a moaning Logan climbed to his feet. 'Why the hell would Zedd put so many passages in this thing,' he thought.
'well it's my theory that he did to have armies of putties on hand for invasion, and it looks like we finally reached our destination,' Red Dragon said, as Logan came up to a chamber with a giant tube conduit that stretched from floor to ceiling pulsing a pale gold light with various sized wires branching out from it.
'The primary power unit, if we can sever the right one we can shut this thing down for a short while,' Red Dragon said.
'The trouble is picking the right one, and we don't have time to go Innie Minnie Miny Moe. Oh hell that one looks important,' he said, drawing his Draco Blaster and forming The Dragon Ninja Sword slashed out at the main conduit cutting it in half.
At once a small explosion erupted from it launching off his feet throwing him against the wall. "Ow," he muttered, shifting some debris off him and looking around the scorched room.
"I think we did it… Jason," he said, then bolted from the room.
Once he reached the still open mouth again he looked down to see Jason's zord emerge from what looked like a giant turtle zord. "Tor am I ever glad to see that thing," he muttered, as Jason turned to look up at him.
"You ok Red Dragon!" he shouted up at him.
"I'll be fine now get back to the others and get that dame sword so we can get outta here!" he yelled back and nodding the zord vanished.
Sagging against one of Serpentera's teeth he muttered, "I need this vacation," before freezing at a sound turning a looking he saw a wave of energy run up Serpentera's neck.
"This is not good!" he shouted and leapt from the Zord's mouth landing on his cycle and zoomed away as Serpentera fired at the ground before taking off.
At once what seemed like a black hole appeared on it and with a great rush of wind began sucking the planet in bit by bit. Rolling to avoid debris Logan went full out on his cycle but still bit by bit he was being dragged in.
"Zordon! If you can hear me now would be a great time!" he shouted looking over his shoulder at the blackness.
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