Disclaimer: I don't own them.
*Italic indicates thought
Chapter Thirty-Four: Kevin's An Idiot
A/N: Finally finished this chapter. In my defense I've been very busy. Things are continuing to get interesting.
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." -Robert Frost
Kevin saw Lauren and put his hands in his pockets. "Hey."
"Hey yourself," Lauren replied. "So, are you ready for this?"
"How is one ever ready to meet with the Kīpā?"
"They're not." She sighed. "You have really done it this time."
"I know."
"Come on, I won't yell at you too much. That's their job."
Kevin followed her into the temple and couldn't help but think that the last time he'd been here it hadn't gone well. He followed Lauren, trying to imagine what the Kīpā could possibly say to him. Then he remembered what they'd said to Antonio and knew he was in for it. Lauren walked ahead of him as confidently as ever. The attendants escorting them kept a respectful distance from her and Kevin. The blue ranger, consequently, tried to stay close. As they got clear he whispered to her, "I'm in a lot of trouble. Aren't I?"
Lauren smiled. "Oh you have no idea. But you're helping me make history."
"How?"
She smirked. "I'm fairly certain I'm the first shogun to present them with this situation." Kevin swallowed and felt his nervousness double. He hoped Lauren wouldn't have to take any heat for his actions. As they were lead into the audience room, he noted with some unhappiness that all seven Kīpā looked curious about the visit. He bowed with Lauren and stayed standing with her.
"Welcome, Lady Lauren," Mr. Reyes greeted. "As always, we are delighted to be visiting with you."
"I somehow doubt that," Lauren muttered so quiet only Kevin heard it. "I wish this visit could be on more...friendly terms. Unfortunately I bring some...less than good news." Kevin saw several eyes look at him for a second and hoped his face wasn't giving too much away.
"And what would that news be, if you please?"
Lauren sighed. "I regret to inform you that Kevin has sired a child and heir to the blue ranger powers."
There was a brief moment of silence as that sunk in. "I'm sorry Lady Lauren, but how is this possible?" one of the seven asked. "He is not married."
"No," Lauren confirmed. "He's not."
There was more silence. "And the mother of this child," another began, "does she have anything to do with the samurai?"
"No."
Even more silence. "Then she is not someone who was approved as a worthy parent by us?" someone else asked.
"That would be correct."
This time all seven of them looked at Kevin. The former blue ranger stood his ground, but he knew that he was in for it. "Samurai Kevin," Mr. Reyes began. "Is what Lady Lauren tells us true? Not that we doubt you, My Lady," he added hastily.
"Of course," Lauren nodded.
Kevin swallowed. "Yes. It is."
The room got so quiet you could've heard a pin drop. Mr. Reyes gave Kevin the coldest look he'd ever received. Which said a lot because he'd impregnated his ex-girlfriend. "Samurai Kevin," he began, "You are aware, I'm sure, about the severity of the situation."
Kevin nodded. "Yes Sir."
"You have sired a child outside the stable and traditional confinements of marriage."
"Yes Sir."
"Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in? Your reckless actions can cost the reputation of your family!"
"Yes Sir."
"Not to mention the reputation the current generation of Shibas in charge of you!"
Kevin hung his head and scuffed his shoe on the floor. He could feel the tension in the room getting...well...tenser. "Yes Sir."
"This is not good! Samurai are supposed to be smart and use common sense! Your actions have jeopardized the honor of the samurai! What do you have to say for yourself?!"
Kevin tried desperately to think of something to say. "I-I don't have anything to say Sir. My actions are very regrettable."
"What exactly are you going to do about this?"
Kevin wanted to go hide in a corner somewhere. "Well...I was considering putting the baby up for adoption."
"I think that would be wise. It is best if you distance yourself as far as possible from this disgrace."
"Yes Sir."
"Is that all, Lady Lauren?"
"Have you changed your minds about Antonio?" Lauren asked.
"We have not."
"Then that'll be all." She bowed and Kevin followed suit. "Come on." He followed her out and attendants hurried to see them out. "I told you that you were in for it."
"You're telling me. I suddenly feel like the worst blue ranger in history."
"I'm sure someone in your family has done worse."
"How?"
"I don't know to be honest." When they were outside Lauren paused outside her SUV. "Kevin," she said, looking at her friend. "About what they said. About putting the baby up for adoption-"
"It's fine Lauren," Kevin replied. "You don't need to worry. I'll do it. Your honor will be safe."
"No it's not that."
"Then what?"
Lauren sighed. "Kevin...being a samurai isn't everything. There are some things in life that are more important. You understand?"
"Not really."
"Me ether I guess. Just know that whatever you do, I've got your back."
"Thanks Lauren."
"Samurai forever?"
"Samurai forever," Kevin agreed shaking her hand. "I have to go."
"Ok. Bye."
"Bye." Kevin got in his SUV and started to drive away. His samuraizer went off as he got onto the main road a couple minutes later and he answered it. "Hello?"
"Hey Kevin," Jayden said.
"Hey Jayden. Been a while."
"I know, sorry. I've been busy."
"I've heard. Disowning your family and all that. How've you been?"
"Pretty good. You?"
"Oh I've definitely been better."
"So I've heard. I talked to Tiara the other day and she said you've been causing trouble."
"You can say that again. I accidentally got my ex-girlfriend pregnant." A second later he had to add, "Jayden stop laughing, it's not funny!"
"Actually it's hilarious," Jayden laughed. The Kīpā must be thrilled with you."
"They were a little less than thrilled."
Jayden just kept laughing. "I can't believe you did that."
"Are you sure this is Jayden? Because the Jayden I know would not be ok with this."
"Well the Jayden you know is changed."
"Oh really?"
"Yes. I've realized now that there are more important things in life than being a samurai or having a spotless reputation."
"Seriously. Is this really Jayden?"
"Seriously. It's a new me."
"Well this new Jayden sounds like a lot more like a person."
"Thanks Kevin. Listen, I have to go. My break is over."
"Ok. Have fun."
"I'll try."
Kevin shut the samuraizer and smiled. "Sounds like he's really getting his life together. At least someone is."
-Samurai Ranger Life-
Kevin walked into the hospital and headed for the room Brooke had said she would be in. He stopped just outside the door and calmed himself. He braced his nerves and went inside. Brooke was laying on the bed, with her fiancé next to her. "Hello Brooke. Jeff."
"Kevin," Brooke replied. She looked at Jeff, who had his arms crossed and was staring pointedly at the ground.
Kevin stood in the room, which suddenly felt to small, on the other side of Brooke and leaned again the wall. "So...how's the whole adoption thing coming along?"
"It's going good," Brokke told him. "In a few months we'll be meeting with a lawyer."
"Lawyer?"
"Yes," Jeff said, like Kevin was a child. "You two need to sign away your parental rights."
"Oh. Ok." Kevin crossed his arms and sighed. "Look Brooke, for what it's worth, I'm sorry."
"Yeah well you should be!"
"I wasn't talking to you!"
"Can you two be quiet?!" Brooke demanded. "Kevin, sorry doesn't make up for the fact you've almost completely ruined my dream. I'm already getting old as far a Olympic gymnasts go. You understand that, right?"
"Yeah," Kevin replied, sheepishly.
The door opened and the doctor came in. "Hello," he smiled. "I'm Dr. Wilson. How is everyone today?"
"Fine," Kevin answered stiffly.
"Fine," Brooke and Jeff answered unanimously.
"Ok." Dr. Wilson could no doubt feel the tension in the room. "Ok, so. You're here for the sonogram?"
"Yes," Brooke nodded.
"Ok. We'll just get you all set up here."
Kevin stared at the ground awkwardly. He hated having to be here. He didn't look up unitl he heard a strange pulsing sound. He looked up and saw a blurry, black and white image on a screen. He moved closer. "I don't see a baby."
"Well, it's only a month along," Dr. Wilson said. "But if you look right here." He pointed at the screen. "That is your baby."
"Is it a girl or a boy?"
"Well it doesn't have a sex yet. To early to tell."
"Why do you care?" Brooke asked Kevin.
"I was just curious. So that bean shape really is the baby?"
"Yes. Right about now it's heart is forming."
"Neat." Kevin stared at the peanut-shaped baby. So strange to think that is my baby. He felt his heart swell strangely. Wow.