A/N Hello everyone and a Happy New Year! New Years means new resolutions. So here is my resolution for the year. First off I am not quitting fan-fiction. Thank you everyone for your love and support as I tried to figure out what to do. What I have decided to do is, instead of posing chapters as I write them I am going to complete the story and then post once it completely finished. That will be more manageable for me with my lifestyle right now. So please know for future I will post chapters as soon as the stories have been completed. From there I will come up with a posting schedule. Thank you everyone for understanding and all your support these past few months. Once more Happy New Year!
Also a big shout out to mae-E! You took my tiny idea and helped me turn it into an epic story! Thank you! This story wouldn't be possible without you!
Back home, or rather at the command center. Tommy and Kim were hanging out in the bedroom. They both sat on the back, leaning against the wall. Kimberly snuggled into his chest with one arm wrapped around his upper body. Tommy had his arms wrapped around her lovingly.
Kimberly was quiet, but based on the look of her face, Tommy knew she was thinking about something very deeply. He'd never invade her privacy by reading her thoughts, so instead, he gently ran his finger up and down her arm. "A penny for your thoughts?" He asked softly.
She actually jumped, showing just how deep in thought she really was. Then she chuckled softly. "Depends on how many do you have?"
"As many as you need," Tommy said honestly. "I'm sorry if I startled you. You just seem really out of it."
"It's not your fault. I just...I guess I am really deep in thought."
"About what? Your stunningly, handsome boyfriend?"
Kimberly giggled and shook her head. "No." Then she put her hands up in defense, expecting a tickle attack.
Tommy chuckled and took both her hands in his own and brought them to his lips, kissing them gently before releasing her. "Not today, Beautiful. I'd rather hear about what's going on in your head."
Kimberly sighed. "Do you remember when I told you about King Mondo messing with my memories?"
"Yeah, he showed you things that actually happened but changed enough to make you question the reality of it."
"There are still a lot of memories that I don't remember exactly what happened. There are still a lot of memories that are...forgotten, except for what I was shown. I'm just trying to work them through in my head."
Tommy kissed her forehead. "Just remember you can always ask me. I'll tell you anything I know about it. If I can't answer it, then the others can. Especially, Jason, he's been with you basically since birth so he can answer anything you want to know. You just can't be afraid to ask."
"But I am."
"Why?"
"Memories are important, some that I'm struggling with are treasured memories that I should never forget or even question. What if the others are angry, what if...what if I make you angry?"
"We all understand King Mondo messed with your mind. It's not like you chose to forget and change these memories. That choice was taken from you. We all understand that and won't ever get angry at you for it. I know for a fact I won't."
"Promise?"
"Of course." He kissed her forehead once more. "What memory are you so scared of telling me you forgot?"
Kimberly bowed her head. She couldn't look him in the eyes. "I'm sorry."
"Hey," Tommy said gently. He took her chin in his fingers and gently lifted her face to look at him. "Never be sorry for anything. I love you more than humanly possible. Please talk to me."
"Before I was taken the second time and we...we made love...King Mondo he...he changed it. I know what I remember now isn't the truth, but I just...I don't know what is true."
Tommy sighed before kissing her gently on the lips. "It was slow, beautiful, and passionate. We connected in a way we never have before. We were both a little nervous, but we loved and trusted each other enough to know everything would be ok."
"Did you laugh at me?" Kimberly asked.
"What do you mean? We laughed together when I accidentally dropped you on the bed."
Kimberly shook her head. "I was nervous about revealing myself to you because not all my scars had healed. In the vision, King Mondo showed me you laughed at me, said I should be nervous." Her bottom lip trembled as she tried not to cry.
"Oh, Kimberly." Tommy cooed. He hugged her tightly to his chest. "No, Baby. Never! You never, ever have to be embarrassed about revealing yourself to me. Your scars have never bothered me before, and they certainly didn't that night."
"What really happened?" Kimberly whimpered.
"You were nervous, but just like I said now, I promised you that I loved you despite your scars and you will always be beautiful in my eyes no amount of scars were going to change that. When you were comfortable, you revealed yourself, and I kissed each and every one of your scars. We made love and connected on such a deep and personal level our falcon and crane felt it."
"That sounds more believable," Kimberly said. "But did you really drop me on the bed?"
Tommy laughed softly. "Yeah, I really did. We were kissing and walking toward the bed, I had you in my arms, and I wasn't paying attention, so I bumped into the bed and dropped you and fell on top of you. We were both laughing about it."
"Thank you for telling me the truth?" Kimberly smiled.
"Always. Just remember to ask us, we will help in any way we can. Ok, promise?"
"I promise."
"Good." They shared a kiss to seal the deal.
"So, how was shopping with JJ? Did you guys have fun?"
"Yeah. LJ is just as crazy of a shopper as I am..well I used to be." Kimberly said.
"You'll get there again, Beautiful. It's just going to take time. You've been doing so well recently. Don't push yourself too hard." Tommy said as he gently ran his hands up and down her back.
"I know. I really like LJ. We uh...have a lot more in common than I thought."
"You seem to be getting more comfortable with JJ, too," Tommy said.
Kimberly nodded. "I'm getting there. It helps to see him with LJ."
"He's a good big brother to her. I think once you're ready, you'll be able to trust him like you trust Jason."
"Maybe." Kimberly shrugged. She wasn't sure if she'd ever be able to trust a male fully again, but it just might happen with JJ.
They both fell into a comfortable silence, just enjoying being in each other's embrace.
Time went by pretty quickly after that. Tommy and Kim continued to train and practice battle her coach. The rangers were a force to be reckoned with. Kim was still hesitant to go into battle, but Zordon and everyone else was very understanding and didn't rush her. Kat had never felt so powerful between her zeo powers and her new Ninjetti power she felt like Supergirl. She and Kim were getting closer and closer every day. JJ and LJ had become part of the group pretty quickly. Every day they hung out together, Kim's trust in JJ grew more and more.
One afternoon Tommy and Kim were in the Simulation room preparing for their fight with Kim's Coach. Tommy went to put his helmet on when Kim stopped him.
"What's wrong? Are you not ready?" Tommy asked.
"I'm ready. That's the problem. I think...I think I'm ready to face him on my own. I love facing him with you by my side, but...but it's getting too easy. If I really want to get over my fear of him, I need to do it on my own. I think...I think I'm ready to do it on my own."
"Are you sure?" Tommy asked.
"I guess we will find out...but I think so." Kim inhaled and exhaled a deep breath.
"I'll be right here. Just remember pecan pie."
Kimberly nodded. She inhaled and exhaled a deep breath once more and then put the helmet on.
Once more, she found herself back in the gym. She inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. "You can do this, Kimberly. You're a lot braver and stronger than he knows." She said softly.
Slowly she walked over to the beam. She didn't need to get on it before her Coach came out.
"There you are. I've been looking for you. I must say I'm impressed to see you still training. A lot of the other girls have turned in for the night. But not you. That's why you're my favorite."
"Actually, I was just finishing up. I'm going to turn in too."
"No, no, no." Her Coach shook her head. "You're just getting tired. You need your strength. That's why I was looking for you. I have your next dose ready."
"How many time do I have to tell you, I don't want those stupid shots."
"I know you have a fear of needles, but this is for your own good. It's going to help you."
"I'm not taking it. You can't make me." Kimberly said.
"Actually, I can."
Suddenly both her arms were restrained, and she was pinned to the ground.
"What the…" This had never happened before. She looked to her left and right to see the big strong men holding her down. Suddenly she became terrified. Knowing Tommy wasn't there to help her, she screamed, "PECAN PIE!"
The room changed, and Kimberly yanked off her helmet and threw it across the room as if it was on fire.
"Hey, it's ok. It's ok. You're safe. You're safe." Tommy pulled her right into a hug. "You're safe. I'm here. I've got you."
Kimberly panted. "I've never seen them before; it's always just been my Coach and us."
"Who?"
"The two men who used to hold me down. They were there this time. I can't fight them, Tommy. I'm not strong enough. I used to try all the time. I'm physically not strong enough."
"So, let's make you."
"How?"
"You've got to start sparring again. I don't remember the last time you've sparred. We can work on your strength, and then when you can take on Jason and I, we will know you're ready."
"I don't know if I even remember how to spar." Kimberly sighed.
"We will take it slow. Make sure you've got your footing and then go from there."
"What if I can't do it?"
Tommy knew she could do it. He also knew deep down she knew she could do it. But the simulation messed with her mind and confidence, so he just had to bring it up. He smirked softly and shrugged. "Then I guess we will have to practice pinning you down and you breaking free. Maybe Jason and I will pin you down while Trini tickles you."
"Tommy, stop it. That's not funny." Kimberly whined.
Tommy chuckled. "You know I'm just teasing you, Beautiful. You and I both know you will be able to spar again. Don't let this simulation get to you."
Kimberly nodded. That was easier said than done.
"It's still pretty early in the day. You want to head over to the Youth Center and start a practice spar?"
Kimberly smiled and nodded.
Tommy took her hand, and together they left the Command Center.
They arrived at the Youth Center and went over to the sparring mats.
"Ok, let's start with the basics. Do you remember how to block?" Tommy asked.
"Yes, put your hand out in front of you." Kimberly nodded.
"Nope, use your arm. It's a lot stronger than the hand." Tommy showed her how to block. "I'm going to try and hit you. I want you to block me."
Kimberly nodded. She got into her fighting stance.
Tommy threw a punch in her direction. Kimberly blocked him with ease.
"Good, so you remember how to block. I know you remember how to punch. So let's take this up a notch. Let's spar, first one to get the other on the ground wins."
Kimberly nodded. "Let's do this."
They went back and forth, throwing punches and kicks and blocking each attack. Until finally, Kimberly kicked Tommy's legs out from under him and knocked him to the floor.
"I win." She smiled. She put her hand out and pulled Tommy back up.
"Ready to go again?" He asked.
She shook her head. "Tommy, this isn't working. I need to know how to fight back when I'm pinned to the ground, unable to use my hands."
"We will get there. It's just going to take time." Tommy said.
"We don't have time, Tommy. I can feel it in my gut. Something is going to happen and soon. I need to be ready to fight my Coach, and I can't do that if I have to start training to fight from the beginning."
"What are you saying?" Tommy asked.
"I want you and Jason to pin me down while I try to escape…"
Tommy gasped. He shook his head. "No, no way, not happening, absolutely not. Are you out of your mind?"
"I trust you. Please, Tommy, I need this."
"No, you've come so far since you first got home. Doing this could set you back. It could cause a panic attack. Many things could go wrong. What if this causes you to stop trusting us?"
"That could never happen. I love you too much."
Tommy shook his head. "This is not happening, Kimberly. We will continue to train, but I'm not pinning you down."
"Aren't you the one who said earlier that if all else failed, you and Jason were going to pin me down and have Trini tickle me?"
"Yeah, and you freaked out. Not to mention the fact I was joking."
"Tommy..."
"No, Kimberly. The answer is no. You're not doing this."
This was the first fight...since they met, other than when they were under spells, of course. Anger coursed through Kim that she hadn't felt in years. "You're not my father! You don't get to tell me what I can and can't do!"
"Whoa, what's going on here?" Jason and Trini walked over to them.
"Good, you're both here. You can help us settle this." Tommy said. "If Kimberly asked you to help her train by pinning her down and her trying to fight back and break free, would you do it?"
"No." Both Jason and Trini said at the same time.
"Absolutely not," Jason added.
"What if I told you I needed it, what if I said it would help me in more ways than one?"
"No," Jason answered again.
Trini shook her head. "I'm sorry, Kim. I know it's not what you want to hear, but I'm with the guys on this one. There has to be another way to train you without pinning you down."
Kimberly groaned. "I'm not a child. I'm not that scared little girl I once was. I can handle it."
"You don't know that, Kim. None of us knows how you'll react to being pinned down, not even you. Which is why we aren't pinning you down." Tommy said. "Let's go get a drink and maybe some lunch."
Tommy, Jason, and Trini turned and walked away, thinking Kimberly was behind them. She stood there angrier than she had been in a long time. She wasn't weak anymore; she had overcome the majority of her fears, and not they were treating her like a glass doll who would break at any second.
"Hey, Kim."
Kimberly turned to see Kat and JJ walking over to her.
"Oh, Hey, guys." She said softly.
"You ok, you seem upset?" Kat asked.
"Yeah, Tommy and I just had a big fight."
"Oh no, I'm sorry. Can I ask what happened?"
Kimberly was quiet for a moment before she spoke. "If I asked you to train me by pinning me down, would you?"
Kat's eyes went wide. "Uh...is this a trick question?"
"No, it's an honest one."
Kat looked to JJ and then to Tommy, Jason, and Trini, over at the counter. Her gaze went back to Kimberly. "No, I don't think I would. Tommy, Jason, and even Trini and I are in a good place again. I'm not doing something that can cause Tommy to hate me again. Not to mention Jason could actually kill me."
Kat had expected Kimberly to laugh, but she didn't. Instead, she sighed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be asking you to do something that would hurt your friendship with the gang. You've worked so hard to earn back their trust."
"If you don't mind me asking why is it so important that someone pins you down?" Kat asked.
"It's a long story," Kimberly answered with a sigh.
"What if we could train you without actually pinning you down," JJ suggested.
"What? How?"
"I may not know as much as Tommy and Jason, but I know some karate moves. After LJ was attacked, I felt so guilty and angry because it was my job to protect her, and I couldn't, I didn't. Anytime we went out somewhere, I was worried something would happen, and I would have no idea how to protect her or fight someone if they tried to hurt her. So I signed up for some self-defense classes. One of the things they taught me was things to try if you're pinned down."
"So, you'd pin me down?" Kimberly asked.
"No, Tommy and Jason would kill me, or at least put me in the hospital." JJ chuckled. "But I can show you."
"How?"
JJ turned to Kat. "You trust me, right?"
"Of course, but why..." before she could finish, JJ gently tackled her down to the ground pinning her down. She squealed in shock but then giggled. "Next time, I think I'll say no."
He laughed. Then he looked at Kimberly. "One thing my instructor taught me is that this move is really good at making the person on the bottom feel powerless. But you also have to remember they don't have the use of their hands either. Sometimes they do, but sometimes they don't. It all depends. But, I want you to look at Kat and tell me what you think she can do to free herself."
Kimberly looked to Kat. She seemed so vulnerable it scared Kim. But she shook the thought from her head and noticed JJ was sitting on Kat's waist using his hands to pin both of Kat's out to the side. "I don't know."
"Yes, you do. Just think she can't use her hands, but there are other ways she can hurt me to get me to let her go." JJ said.
"No pressure or anything, Kim, but if you don't answer him soon, there is a good chance he's going to tickle me," Kat said.
JJ laughed. "In most cases. But not today."
Kimberly got this far away look in her eyes. When she refocused, she smirked at Kat. "Kat, head but him and then knee him in between the knees...gently..."
Kat and JJ laughed. She pretended to act out the actions, and JJ fell over to the side, giving her a chance to get free. She stood up and then helped JJ.
"See," JJ said. "You can do it."
"You guys have just helped me more than I could say. Thank you." With that, Kimberly took off.
"Where are you going?" Kat asked.
"To do what I've needed to do since the beginning," Kimberly answered. She knew Tommy could sense her leaving and would be able to hear her thoughts of her plans, so she did the one thing she hated the most, and she shut him out.
Kimberly didn't waste a second before putting the helmet on and letting the room change. She marched over to the beam. "Hey Ugly, get out here!" She yelled.
Her coach came out right on cue. "Kimberly, was that you?"
"Well, it sure wasn't the Easter Bunny." She answered.
Her Coach stood there, dumbfounded. It was clear he had no idea what she was talking about. Regardless he shook his head. "I was looking for you. It's time for another dose." He held up the needle.
"Shocker." Kimberly rolled her eyes. This simulation was becoming way too predictable. "That's not going to happen, Coach. I told you, and I'll say it again. I'm not taking that stupid shot."
"Kimberly, it's ok to be nervous. A lot of people are scared of needles. Just hold still, and it will be over before you know."
Kimberly laughed. "You're right. This is going to be over a lot sooner than I thought."
She felt the two strong men grab her arms. This time before they could pin her down, she backflipped out of their arms and landed behind him.
The three of them stood there, confused. Looking side to side to see where Kimberly had gone.
"Looking for me?" She waved teasingly. "I'm right here."
"What is happening right now?" Her coach asked.
"Oh, I'll tell you what's happening," Kimberly smirked. "I won."
With that, she took down the two men with a few kicks and punches. Now all that was left was her Coach. She walked right over to him and kicked him between the knees and then punched him in the face. He fell to the ground. Kimberly put her foot on his chest.
"You know I can still inject this into your thigh." Her coach laughed,
He reached up, but the second his did Kimberly grabbed his wrist and bent it backward, making him cry out and drop the needle. "No, actually, you can't. You can't ever hurt me or inject me again."
Kimberly moved her foot off his chest and picked up the needle just looking at it. A few months ago, the site of a needle would have sent her into a panic attack. But now it was nothing. "Huh, I can't believe I was so scared of something so tiny. I'm not afraid of you anymore." She said before tossing the needle to the side. She looked to her Coach, who was still on the ground. "I'm not afraid of you anymore, either."
Suddenly her Coach vanished, and the room started to change.
She removed her helmet, and strong arms pulled her into a huge hug, spinning her around. She didn't have to ask who it was. She knew.
"Tommy put me down."
She was set back down on the ground and turned to see Tommy. "Hey." She said softly. She had turned their connection back up not long after she started the simulation. Now she was feeling guilty forever turning it down.
"Hey," he answered just as softly.
It was silent for a moment before they both spoke at the same time.
"I'm sorry!" They both said.
"No, I'm sorry." They both said again.
They both laughed softly.
"I'm really sorry, Tommy. I've been feeling so confident and strong lately. I didn't realize that I was practically forcing you into something you weren't comfortable with. It was wrong of me, and I'm really sorry." Kimberly sighed softly.
Tommy shook his head. "I'm sorry too. I hate to admit this, but I got used to you needing me all the time and being scared without me. I got so used to it that I forgot that you used to be this strong independent woman long before your attack. A good boyfriend would have helped you become her again. I let my own fears stop me from doing so. I have to step back sometimes and let you do what you need to do to heal. Even if I don't always approve."
"I appreciate that, Tommy. But you were right. Neither of us knew how I was going to react to being pinned down. It was wrong of me to try and force you to pin me down anyway. Can you forgive me?"
"Let's agree to forgive each other, deal?"
"Deal." They shook hands, but then Tommy pulled her into him and kissed her passionately.
When they pulled away, Kimberly spoke. "Tommy, I think I'm ready to go into battle again."
As if on cue, the alarm bells went off.
"Tommy, there is trouble in the park. You must meet the others there." Zordon's voice boomed over the loudspeaker.
"On my way, Zordon," Tommy said. He looked at Kimberly. "You sure you're ready."
"Let's do this." Kimberly smiled.
"Ok. Come on."
"Wait, can I say it, please?" Kimberly begged with a smile.
Tommy chuckled and nodded. "Go ahead."
"It's Morphin Time!"
Together they morphed and headed to the park.
At the park, Tommy entered the battle just in time to knock a group of cogs away from Kat.
"Thanks," Kat said as she stood up.
"Tommy, you made it," Rocky said.
"Yeah, and I didn't come alone." He smirked under his helmet.
"HIGH-YA!" A voice screamed, and seconds later, a group of cogs vanished. They all turned to see the pink ranger.
"Kimberly!" They all cheered.
"Hey Guys, miss me?"
"More than ever," Billy said.
"Now, let's kick these guys into the next century!" Kimberly said with a large smile. It felt good to be back.
Together they battled the cogs, and of course, they won.
Everyone powered down and then rushed at Kim, giving her a huge group bear hug.
She laughed. "I love you guys too, but...I can't...breathe."
They all laughed and squeezed her just a bit tighter.
"Hey!" She squeaked. "That's not what I meant."
They all released her.
"It's good to have you back," Billy said.
"It's good to be back, Billy. I really missed being a ranger." Kimberly smiled.
"Did anyone notice how easy this was?" Kat asked.
"I wouldn't call it easy exactly," Rocky said. "We almost got our butts handed to us."
"No, I mean...I don't know. This seemed too simple. There was no monster, no destroying the monster to have it grow, just a bunch of cogs, and then they are gone. It doesn't make sense." Kat explained.
"It's because of me. They realized I'm getting stronger, and they were testing me. They wanted to see just how much stronger I've become. Their plan from the beginning was to weaken me, and instead, they've made me stronger. So they are testing to see just how much stronger I am." Kimberly said. "It won't be long now, I can feel it."
"What does that mean?" Kat asked.
Kimberly didn't speak. She knew she was ready, but deep down, she was still nervous. Facing her Coach in a controlled simulation was one thing. Facing the real thing was going to be very different.
"You have gotten a lot stronger," Jason said.
Zordon had allowed the non-rangers to help in battles unless things were dangerous. So Jason and the others helped in battles when they could.
Kimberly smiled proudly.
Jason smirked. "But I want to know just how much stronger you've gotten. You can take down a cog, that's good. But, I bet you can't take down..." Jason paused for a moment and then smiled evilly toward Kim. "The tickle monster."
"Jason, no!" Kimberly squealed and took off running.
Jason laughed and took off after her.
Tommy laughed as he watched. A few months ago, even her older brother chasing her would have scared her. Now she didn't care. She really had gotten a lot stronger. He couldn't have been more proud.
After a few minutes, Tommy was talking with the other guys when someone jumped onto his back. He chuckled, knowing exactly who it was. He grabbed the back of her legs to support her and keep her from falling.
"Hey, Beautiful." He greeted.
She just giggled. "Help me."
"What?"
"Help me." She giggled. She shrieked and burst into giggles.
Tommy tried to turn his head to see what was happening, but he couldn't see anything.
"Trini, what is happening behind me?" He laughed.
"Jason is touring your girlfriend." Trini laughed.
"Jason! Jason!" Kimberly squealed with giggles as she kicked her legs and tried to squirm away from him.
Jason laughed with her. "We need to change your color to tickled pink."
"More like ticklish pink." Trini laughed as she watched. "I've never met anyone more ticklish than Kim."
Tommy laughed with them. "What are you doing to her? I don't think I've ever heard her laugh this much or squirm."
"Jason!" Kimberly giggled breathlessly. "Please!"
Jason stopped to give her a break. "I've known Kim forever. I just know exactly where to tickle, and what to do to get the best giggles."
"You'll have to show me sometime," Tommy said.
"Maybe, I will."
Kimberly groaned and buried her face. Everyone laughed.
"You can let me go now, Tommy," Kimberly said.
Tommy let Kim go, and she got back to her feet. She turned to face Jason. He pulled her into a hug. "I was just teasing you before. I am so proud of you; I can't even put it into words. You've come so far from the scared girl I saw when I first came back to Angel Grove. As your older brother, it really warms my heart to see how much you've grown mentally. I love you, Kim, and I'm so proud of you."
"Jason..." Kimberly choked out. "Don't make me cry."
He chuckled and wiped a lone tear from his own eyes. "I think I made myself cry."
They all laughed together as Tommy pulled Kim into a hug.
"They are happy tears. That's what counts." Kimberly smiled.
"Life can only get better from here," Tommy said.
Kimberly smiled. He was right. All the fights and disagreements had been solved, Kat was no longer under a spell and had earned back everyone's trust, as well as their forgiveness, including her own. She even found someone to love romantically. Life really couldn't get any better. But deep down, Kimberly knew there was one more thing she had to do before she could really truly move on. Was she really ready?
The answer would be answered sooner than any of them expected. It all started one afternoon. Kat, JJ, and LJ were having a picnic in the park.
"Come on, JJ, show us!" LJ whined.
"Yeah! We've been waiting forever, just show us already!" Kat begged.
JJ laughed as he clutched his most current comic to his chest. This was going to reveal who the new character was. LJ and Kat were going crazy, waiting to see it.
"Ok, ok, but before you read it...Kat, you have understand something..." JJ said.
"Ok that sounds bad...should I be worried?" Kat asked.
"No just...just remember this was before I learned your secret and before you went on that journey with Tommy and Kim."
Kat gave him a confused look as he handed the book to LJ. They both looked through it until they reached the most recent section.
"Oh my gosh, Kat, it's..." LJ started.
"It's me..." Kat gasped.
Both girls were stunned into silence as a new Superhero named Pink Phoenix came in and saved the Satin Sash just when she needed it the most. Pink Phoenix's costume was very similar to her outfit as a ranger. Instead of leaving a ribbon sash on the villains, a feather was left behind. After Pink Phoenix saved the Satin Sash, they talked and agreed to become partners in crime.
"So..." JJ asked anxiously as they closed the book.
"It's amazing! A partner is exactly what the Satin Sash needed." LJ squealed.
JJ looked to Kat, who was speechless. He took her hands in his. "I thought a Phoenix would be good because it reminded me of you. How they die and then raise again and start as new. Thankfully you didn't actually die, but in a sense, your old life, your past, the bad things you did, that died, and you were reborn as you worked hard to move past it and make amends. I wanted to do something fitting for you, and that's the first thought I had. I swear I had no idea it would soon become your spirit animal."
"JJ, that is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. It means so much to me that you see me that way. The fact that you dedicated an entire character to me just...it's beautiful." Kat smiled. "Thank you." They shared a hug and kiss.
"I'm glad you two liked it. Actually, I was thinking of ending this series."
"NO!" LJ cried. "You can't! JJ!" Tears actually filled her eyes. "JJ, No."
"Whoa, easy, LJ, let me finish. Please don't cry." JJ said. He pulled his sister into a hug. "I'm ended this comic series and starting a new one. This one is going to show the adventures of both Satin Sash and Pink Phoenix together."
"Oh, that's better." LJ chuckled as she wiped away a lone tear. "Sorry, I guess I'm still a little emotional."
"It's ok, Sis. I know how important these comics are to you. I'll never stop writing them. I promise." They shared a hug.
"Is all this emotionalness coming from your dad?" Kat asked gently. "I never did hear what happened."
"We're working on our relationship. We've both agreed to see a therapist together to help us. It's still hard sometimes. He's scared to come near me because he is scared of upsetting me. But we're working through it." LJ said.
"Good, I'm happy you guys are in a better place." Kat smiled.
"Yeah. You know, if I really think about it...life is pretty much perfect right now, isn't it?" LJ smiled.
"It absolutely is." JJ smiled.
"Basically."
As if on cue a group of cogs appeared
"Spoke too soon." Kat groaned.
"Can we help?" JJ asked.
"Yeah, get yourself and LJ somewhere safe. Take any other person you see with you."
They all stood up, and LJ and JJ went to help others get away.
Kat grabbed her wrist and brought it to her mouth. "Zordon, I'm at the park. There are cogs everywhere. I'll need back up."
"Right away, Kat, stay strong until help arrives. May the power protect you."
"It's Morphin Time!" Kat yelled before she morphed into her ranger suit and began to fight.
Help arrived not long after that. Together everyone fought the cogs with a series of hits, kicks, and punches.
The only strange part was whenever Kim went to fight a cog; it ran away from her. Now, Kimberly knew she was strong, a lot stronger than she used to be, but never in her history of being a ranger has the enemy actually just ran away from her. Not only were they running from her, but they were downright ignoring her. Something wasn't right.
Regardless she ran after a cog, not realizing just how far away from the others she was headed. Eventually, the cog stopped running and started to fight. Kimberly fought him with ease and destroyed him before long.
"That was almost too easy. What is going on?" She looked around and noticed she was alone. "That cog led me away from the others on purpose, but why?"
"Because unlike you, he does exactly as I tell him." A voice said from behind her.
She gasped. She knew that voice anywhere. She turned to see her Coach, in human form for now. She squeezed her eyes shut and started to chant "pecan pie, pecan pie, pecan pie..."
"Wow, someone is hungry. Don't worry; we will fix that before you rejoin the team." Her coach laughed.
Kimberly opened her eyes and gulped. This wasn't a simulation; this was real. This was the moment she had been training for, for months. Yet, now that the moment had finally arrived, she was terrified. Suddenly she felt like she couldn't breathe and started to gasp for air. Her hands shook, and she took a step back.
Her coach smirked at her fear and stalked toward her.
Kimberly dropped to her knees. She couldn't do this. She wasn't ready. Just like that, she let her crane cry out to Tommy."
Back with the others, Tommy was fighting cogs when suddenly he dropped to his knees and started to gasp for air. He heard Kim's crane screeching in his head. "Ah, Kimberly is in trouble! Someone go get her!" He yelled, gaining just enough strength to stand and continue to fight the gang of cogs.
"We can't! We're overwhelmed!" Jason yelled as he did his best to fight off the cogs.
"No! Kimberly! Hang on!" Tommy screamed.
"Wait, I have an idea," Kat said as she threw a punch at a cog. "Let's all save her. If we all send her a little bit of our strength using our spirit animals, we can help her. Quick, everyone send Kim as much strength and bravery as you can."
As they battled the cogs, they all used their spirit animals to send Kim strength.
Back with Kimberly, she was on her hands and knees panting. Her coach continued to stalk slowly toward her, taunting her.
Suddenly Kimberly heard the cry of her Falcon, the loud growl of a bear, a howl from a wolf, a ribbit of a frog, a call from an ape, and lastly, a cry from a phoenix. Strength and bravery rushed through her like she hadn't felt in a long time. Gaining back her strength, she stood up.
Kimberly turned toward her Coach. She gave him such a harsh glare she was secretly hoping he'd burst into flames from the intensity…no such luck.
"Awww is wittle Kimmie, angry?" Her coach taunted.
"Try furious," Kimberly growled. She took a step toward him. They started to circle each other.
"Oh no, Kimberly is furious with me. I'm so scared." Her Coach faked scared but then laughed. "How could I possibly be scared of someone as weak as you?"
"You underestimated me, that's your first mistake. I've gotten a lot stronger than when you saw me last." Kimberly said, holding her glare.
"I'll believe that when I see it. I also remember you saying the same thing shortly before I injected you for the first time."
"Yeah, well, this time you won't get a chance to touch me." With the strength of her friends and falcon inside her and she ran at her Coach, and they began to fight.
This time Kimberly was winning.
They stopped to catch their breaths. "Ready to give up?" Kimberly asked. "I really don't want to hurt you." That was a lie, but he didn't need to know that.
"Oh, babe, I'm just getting started." Her Coach smirked.
"Eww gross, never, ever, call me babe again," Kimberly growled.
"That's it, no more mister nice guy."
Kimberly didn't flinch like she would have a few months ago. "Bring it on."
Knowing he was going to lose, her Coach changed into his robot form. This didn't scare Kimberly one bit.
"Gross, I don't know what's worse you as a robot or you calling me babe, both are truly hideous."
"You're going to pay for that little miss." He said.
"No, actually, you're going to pay," Kimberly said as she ran at him and started fighting him, pulling out her inner crane for that last bit of strength. "You're going to pay for every injection, every rude or disrespectful comment, every hit, every kick, every punch, Anything, and everything you've ever done to me you're going to pay for!" Kimberly's punches came so fast, and so strong her coach could barely keep up. "I'm done, Coach, you hear me? I'm done! I'm doing being scared of you. I'm done being scared of needles. I'm done being too scared to speak your name. I'm done being terrified of men. I'm done jumping and being skittish at every sound or noise. I'm done letting you control my life." Kimberly kicked her Coach hard in the stomach sending him flying into a tree, destroying him completely. But she wasn't done with him yet. She ran over and continued to punch him and yell at him. "Do you hear me? I'm done! I'm done!"
The remaining cogs vanished, and everyone regrouped. "Tommy, how is Kim?" Jason asked.
"How dare you ask me that, do you really think I'd still be here talking if she was still in trouble!" Tommy snapped.
Everyone stared at him in shock. He sighed and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap."
"It must be Kimberly's anger," Trini said.
"Yeah, we better go check on her."
Everyone rushed toward the way Kimberly headed.
When everyone arrived, they saw Kimberly punching a broken robot, that was once her Coach. The top of her Coach's head had broken off, so all that was left was metal, wires, and a few sparks. Kimberly was beating him so much her gloves had ripped and torn all the way down to the skin in places, leaving her hand bleeding. She continued to scream, "I'm done." as she continued the savage assault on him. Slowly Tommy went over, sending her calming thoughts. But it didn't seem to help. Tommy reached her and touched her shoulder. "That's enough, Beautiful. He's gone."
Kimberly stopped and panted as she took in the sight in front of her. "He's...gone? He's really gone?"
"Yes, he's gone. You did it, Beautiful, you defeated him."
A large smiled covered Kim's face. "I did it!" She squealed. She pumped her fist in the air. She suddenly hissed and yanked it down. It was then she noticed it was bleeding. "I guess I let my anger get the best of me," Kimberly said.
"It's ok. I've done it too. Let's get you home and cleaned up."
"No way!" Jason said as he and the others rushed over. "We need to celebrate. Drinks from Ernie's on me."
"Let's do it!" Kimberly smiled.
Tommy chuckled. "Ok, let's go get your hands fixed, and we will meet you all at Ernie's."
They all agreed and went their separate ways.
Tommy and Kim arrived at Ernie's a few minutes later. As they walked over to the table, everyone stood up and started to clap. Kimberly blushed. "You guys, you don't have to do that."
"Of course we do. You defeated and conquered one of your greatest fears. That deserves some applause." Jason said.
Everyone sat back down, and Kim and Tommy joined them. LJ and JJ had also joined the group. It was clear they had been told about what Kim had done.
"I wasn't that brave, Kim. I never faced the man who hurt me." LJ said.
"That's just it; I wasn't brave. The second I saw him, I dropped to my knees and begged him not to hurt me. I was yelling pecan pie so many times I made myself hungry. I wasn't brave." Kim sighed.
"When we got to you, your Coach had been defeated. So unless he spontaneously combusted, I'm pretty sure you defeated him on your own." Billy said.
"I mean, I threw enough punches to hurt him, but I…"
"So you must have gotten off the floor at some point. That means you were brave." LJ said.
"No, I only got up once I knew you guys were behind me. I was too scared to face him on my own."
Everyone just looked at each other and smiled. Kat's plan had worked.
"Kim, we weren't behind you until after you defeated him," Jason said.
"No, I felt you. I could feel Tommy's Falcon, Kat's Phionex, Adam's frog, Billy's wolf, Aisha's bear, and Rocky's Ape and in a weird way, I even felt Jason's t-rex and Trini's tiger. I could feel each of you with me. You had to have been behind me."
"No, we weren't. I felt your fear, but I couldn't get to you. We were ambushed by cogs." Tommy said. "Nobody could."
"So I suggested we sent our spirit animals to help you since we couldn't. That's what you felt." Kat said.
"Still, I couldn't do anything until you guys helped me." Kimberly sighed.
"No, all we did, we give you a little push, a little encouragement, and some strength. You did the rest by yourself." Jason said.
"So, I really did defeat my coach on my own?" Kimberly asked.
Everyone nodded.
Kimberly smiled a mile wide. The reality was finally setting in. "I did it. I actually did it! Not just in a simulation but in real life!"
Tommy chuckled. "Yes, in real life."
"We are all so proud of you, Kimberly. You've come such a long way, and we are all so proud of you." Jason said.
"I couldn't have done it without you guys."
"GROUP HUG!" Rocky yelled.
Everyone laughed and squished Kimberly in the center of a giant group hug. Kimberly just laughed. She had the best group of friends a girl could ask for.
"I love you guys too. But….I can't breathe."
They all released her.
"Hey, Kim, look…" LJ said and pointed to the TV on the counter. "Isn't that your…"
"My coach…yeah…" Kimberly looked to the TV to see a picture of her Coach. "Ernie, turn it up, please."
Ernie raised the volume on the TV.
"Thanks to the strength and bravery of a one, Kimberly Hart, several other women have come forward calming abuse from their Coach as well, many said he was physically, verbally, and even sexually abusive to them. They also said he would starve them and force them to take steroids against their will. There is a warrant out for this man's arrest. More on this later, back to you in the studio."
Kimberly turned back to her friends. "Wow…"
"You've inspired them," LJ said.
"Yeah, I guess, but…"
"No, no buts. You hear it on the news, 'thanks to the strength and bravery of Kimberly Hart…' that's you." Jason said.
"This also means the rumors and public shaming should stop," Trini said. "No more situations like what happened at the mall."
"Thank goodness. I couldn't handle another situation like that." Kimberly nodded.
"You can also come out of hiding. You can move back in with Jason and me, plus see your mom again."
"Yes!" Kimberly cheered. "That's the best news I've heard all day. We should celebrate. Let's go to Ernie's!"
Everyone laughed.
"All right, I'll go order," Jason said as he stood up.
"Actually, could you wait for a second, Jason?" Tommy asked.
"Sure, everything ok?" Jason asked.
"Yeah, I just want you to stay here for a second. I have to do something important."
Suddenly Jason's eyes went wide when he realized what Tommy was doing. Tommy had confided in him a few weeks ago about something, and Jason had helped him with a very special task. Now the task was about to be completed.
He turned Kimberly's chair around to face him. "Kimberly, from the second I saw you, right here in this very gym, I knew without a doubt that you were going to be a very special and important person in my life. Then I saw you again at school with Bulk and Skull, I knew you could have easily defended yourself against them, but I felt this need to protect you, so I did, and right away you invited me to be your friend and hang out with the gang. You were so sweet and kind, and I just knew you were the girl for me. I know, we've had our ups and downs, spells were cast, words were said, you left to go to Florida…letters were written…but through it all, I knew that one day we'd be together again. I knew without a doubt that one day when you'd come home, I was going to make you my wife. So…"
Everyone gasped as Tommy reached into his pocket. He pulled out a beautiful sparkling pink engagement ring. He held it open to Kimberly as he got down on one knee.
"Tommy…" Kimberly squeaked out with tears in her eyes.
"Kimberly Ann Hart, would you do me the greatest honor and become my wife?"
Kimberly nodded frantically too emotional to talk. "Yes," she choked out. "Yes, yes, yes!"
Tommy slipped the ring onto her finger, and then they kissed passionately. Everyone around them cheered.
Life was truly perfect.
THE END
A/N I never thought two words like 'the end' would be so bittersweet. This is my longest story to date as well as the most popular! I had no idea it would end up being as amazing as it was. I owe a lot of it to mae-E who helped me with ideas and over come writers block at times. This story would really not have been as incredible without her help and input! Thank you so much mae-E!
As for what I'm working on next...I have a few ideas I'm tossing around. Once I know which I've decided to do first I'll post the summary to my facebook page. Please make sure you're following me there!
Thank you everyone for all the alerts and favorites! It means the world to me and you have all made this my most popular story so a big thank you to everyone! Once more HAPPY NEW YEAR!