Katherine and I took a stroll in the neighborhood during the warm summer breeze in Angel Grove. It seemed like an appropriate time given all the crap I had to endure. I've spent the next several days replenishing my body from that excessive training in preparation for the Pan Global Games. I managed to regain my power coin with the help of a friend who has done some things she wasn't fond of. For the first time in a while, I'm relieved of stress.
"Thanks for everything you did back there. I don't know what we would've done had you not broken free from Rita's spell," I complimented her.
"That's what friends do," she said. "I'm just glad you were okay."
"Me too," I smiled. Just hearing her reaction really showcased her courtesy and support she has among her peers.
"That was such a risky move. I can't imagine how upset Rita must be now I've come to my senses," she told me. I took notice of the insecurity skewed from her face. Ever since she arrived in the states, she had a sense of identity crisis figuring out exactly where she fit in.
"There's nothing to fret upon. You did what was necessary to help us in our fight against her and Lord Zedd. I mean, you even saved a friend from reaching the brink of death," I offered to her with some uplifting advice. "At the end of the day, you're the type of person who sees the good in people."
I took notice of the red blemish from Katherine's face.
"It really hits home hearing that. That may explain how I managed to break the spell," she said.
"You saved me more than once Kat. No doubt that's a prime example on what it means to be a good friend," I spoke wholeheartedly.
"I'm just thankful I don't have to turn into an actual cat creature again. Just the thought of turning back human only to find myself without clothes on is hideous," Kat shivered in fear. As I chuckled a bit, I didn't think it was necessary for her to make mention of that comment.
"It's best if we don't go there," I put it best. On another note, I had a confession to make. "Kat, there's something I need to talk to you about."
"Yeah, go on," she said.
"Ever since I became a Power Ranger, I've dealt with facing some of the deadliest monsters to come out of Angel Grove. There have been some that went as far as destroying our Megazords. I remembered one time a creature placed us under a hate spell that put us at odds against each other," I went on a tangent. "The point is that I had to cope with the responsibility of putting my body on the line to protect everyone in the city. That includes the people I love and hold dearly. With all the mess that's been going on, I've been contemplating this for quite some time now.
This instance had brought Katherine into question. "Kim, where are you going with this?"
I took a deep breath. My heart raced with anticipation knowing that the offer I hoped to make could be a life changing climax. "How would you like to step into the shoes as a Power Ranger?"
"Kim I-" Kat stammered a bit unsure of her reaction. "I don't know what to say."
"Kat," I continued, "That's what I thought the instant I received my powers. But the way you stood up to Rita shows the amount of courage you had risking your life to retrieve my power coin."
"I almost destroyed you Kimberly. Is it possible to turn over a new leaf after some of the terrible things I've done?" She asked.
"Remember back at the hospital when Tommy brought up his time being evil? If he was able to go through that redemption phase, chances are you can do the same," I rebutted. "The choice is up for you to decide. On a personal level, I know you can do it Kat. We could use all the help we can get to make sure our city remains safe."
"Oh don't get me wrong. I guess I wasn't expecting such a big offer," she said clearly stunned from what could be a window of opportunity. "From where I lived, I did a number of charity work to support those in need during a hurricane that destroyed a lot of homes. Lives were lost. I always wanted to give back to the community in some way, even if I wasn't going to disguise myself behind a suit. But after everything Rita and Zedd put me through, I think I have a good reason to get back at them."
Upon listening to her remark, I was stoked. My instinct got me into campaigning my endorsement for Katherine to be a valuable candidate as a Power Ranger. It took somewhat of a contemplation to consider a worthy successor if I were to step down from my tenure underneath the pink colored suit.
"I believe without a doubt you will make a great Power Ranger," I spoke to her with confidence. The sparkle that illuminated from her blue eyes became evident that the darkness no longer binds her. There was always that stigma of sincerity that when times were tough, she would pull through. Yet only knowing her for a short period of time, it's fascinating to discover a person with incredible optimism and determination.
"Do they know about you stepping down from your role as a Power Ranger?" She asked.
"I haven't told them yet. Unless I change my mind and decide not to go to Florida, I believe I've reached the end of the line," I clarified.
"Kim," she said, bringing attention to what Kat intended on addressing. "You've really been a great friend. I've been doing some thinking also. When I sprained my ankle from the competition, it made me wonder how I could overcome my fear of diving. Is it possible for you to stop by the swimming pool later today?"
With no hesitation, I nodded. "Absolutely, I could surely use a demonstration from some friendly advice."
"Great, be sure to bring Tommy with you. He's been curious about my gymnastics experience also," she advised me. That comment alone had caught me off guard.
"For all the times we've been together, I don't remember him mentioning about that," I remarked.
"You two will love what I can bring to the table," Kat said, reassuring me of a small favor. "I'll see you then."
Kat waved her hand as we mutually branched off our separate ways. Just the cheerful expression on her face really brought out a positive vibe I haven't felt since I became the Pink Ranger. As I watched her from afar, my instinct told me I made the right decision to vie for Katherine as a potential Power Ranger in the making.
Later that day, I accompanied Tommy to the site of the swimming facility where Katherine would be practicing. This felt a bit uncanny as she made it known of her phobia towards water. Putting herself in an unpredictable peril would be demonstrated in front of our eyes to see.
"Are you positive she said she'll meet you here?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah, I thought it was weird too, especially after she said she was afraid of going into the water," I told him.
"Didn't she say she was afraid to go near the water? Looks like she changed her mind," said Tommy. By the time we arrived, we noticed her standing on the springboard of the diving tower.
"Oh my gosh. I believe she's up there," I gasped in shock. Kat informed me of that sprained ankle she sustained while making that dive off the platform and into the pool. I hate to think the worst. Could this be Deja vu again?
Tommy and I watched by the sidelines with the hope she would make this out alive and unharmed. Kat took a deep breath taking this opportunity to adjust the timing and coordination of her movement. As my heart pounded in fear, Katherine proceeded to do the unthinkable. With a successful leap off the springboard, she managed to make a big dive into the pool where she swam directly towards us.
"Good job Katherine," Tommy said, congratulating on her attempt.
"Unbelievable, what made you change your mind?" I asked.
"You did Kimberly. I had to do something to show you can overcome your fears," Kat answered. "Now there's something you need to do."
"I know," I sighed. I had to bury my seed of doubt if I were to participate in this year's competition.
"You don't have to worry. We'll all be there to support you every step of the way," Tommy provided me with some comfort as he caressed his right arm around my shoulder.
"Well said Tommy," Katherine concurred, continuing to dry herself with her towel.
"Thanks you guys," I complimented. "I'll say this. Whether I've been on the battlefield or living an everyday life, I've let my precariousness get the better of me. I thought I could juggle between ranger duty and my commitment to performing gymnastics. It almost came with the expense of jeopardizing my health. I realize now that even though I'm a Power Ranger, I'm in no way shape or form an inhuman. I'll do whatever is necessary to set my priorities straight." I reassured them on a lighter note.
"It's good that you're getting your act together. But don't discredit yourself. You've saved me a bunch of times when I was at my most vulnerable. Being strong doesn't just involve brute strength alone. It takes dedication and good judgment that shows how capable one person can be," Tommy confessed.
"Tommy," As I blushed little did I realize they noticed the shyness coming out from underneath.
"There's nothing to be embarrassed about. I've had my share of doubts too you know," Katherine empathized.
"To put it simply, I'm eager enough to get back to doing what I love. It's going to take some warm up exercises before I get to the main course," I said.
"You got this one in the can, Kim," Kat finished off the discussion with an indicator of advocacy. "I'm going to head over to the showers and dress back up."
"Absolutely," We spoke in unison. Tommy and I spent the next few minutes wandering the facility as we waited for our friend to return.
"Man, I don't know how she did it. With that talent, I can't picture myself diving off the springboard from that height," he said to me.
"Practice Tommy. I mean, for as long as you've been doing Karate, I figured you realize how much it takes a toll over your body," I bantered.
"Kim, you know how we are when it comes to training. With the right amount of exercise and nutrition, it helps strengthen our bones to reduce the risk of getting hurt," Tommy attempted to support his claim using his wisdom and expertise in Martial Arts.
"You're comparing apples to oranges. I don't see how that relates to pulling off such a daredevil move that Kat just performed," I responded to the argument. Much to Tommy's displeasure, the look in his eyes made it clear I was stepping out of line. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound patronizing from the way that came off."
Tommy spoke up. "That's okay Kim. We all have our off moments sometimes."
"Plausible enough," I couldn't agree with him more. As our conversation was winding down, we sat over by an empty porch in the front entrance of Angel Grove's swimming headquarters. I watched as Tommy glanced over at his watch seeing it rotate in a counterclockwise motion.
"What time is it now?" I wondered.
"It's getting close to five-thirty. I promised Billy to stop by his place so he can check on the hydraulics to my vehicle," he informed me.
"Kat should be finished by now. I'll head inside to check to see if everything is good," I notified him.
"Sure thing," Tommy approved. I kissed him by the edge of his lips as a showcase of our intimacy. With some free time on my hands, I headed inside the building to locate Katherine by the women's locker room.
Throughout the week, I took to heart about the advice she lent to me. As an experienced gymnast, I've spent countless performances that require me to lay it all on the line; Day after day, I've devoted time and effort to perfect my craft. To maintain a healthy body involves the right nutrition and daily exercise needed to enhance my cardio. What does this do with my preparation for the Pan Global Games, you ask? I've had a wear and tear history when it came to fracturing a bone. I was no stranger to pain.
As I fully recovered from an injury, I resumed training for the competition. Mentored by Germany's greatest gymnast turned coach in Gunther Schmidt, I spent the morning tuning up my workout muscling my way through the monkey bars, even working the stair master drill. It's been quite some time since I felt the rush of adrenaline pumping through my veins. Thankfully, I managed to replenish with plenty of water to nourish my body.
Schmidt did the best he could to support me every step of the way. As a coach, he didn't hold back. When I made a mistake, he let it be known by calling out that misstep. While continuing to train under his guidance, I listened to feedback in regards to my performance. To say it was hard work would be an understatement. I maintained control of my humility; Even when a drill goes wrong, I made sure I didn't lose my temper. When it came time for the real thing, I would bounce back on the balance beam performing in front of a live audience.
It was exhilarating. Seeing a capacity crowd on their feet brought chills down my spine. I stood on the mat where the spotlight was adjusted towards me. Thankfully, it wasn't so bright to the extent it blindsided me. Some soothing ballad music played from the PA system as it enhanced my ability to concentrate. I demonstrated my talent along the balance beam, letting myself go as I took one step further. This would be a test to determine if I would be a valuable candidate to qualify for the Pan Global Games.
The instant I landed safely on the mat, the music faded. Everyone in attendance gave a round of applause while others stood in ovation. A panel of judges spectated by the sidelines to determine a score based on the demonstration alone. When I headed to the back, I utilized this time to give myself a shower cleansing away the sweat that moistened my body. I dressed myself back up in normal clothes before regrouping with my friends in the lobby.
"Hey, you did great out there Kim. I knew you could do it," Billy said, thanking me in the process.
"Thanks Billy. It really means a lot," I replied.
"Talk about making a comeback. You knocked it out of the park back there," Rocky spoke in a metaphorical sense.
"I couldn't agree more. Between the timing and your flexibility on the balance beam, you should definitely teach me some new tricks sometime," Aisha critiqued with praise.
"I'm just glad you guys are all here tonight. It was hard work but it certainly paid off," I said, appreciating their feedback.
"I try not to look back with regret but I wish I had the guts to continue gymnastics," Katherine confessed.
"Hey like they say it's never too late," Adam reassured her. Meanwhile, Coach Schmidt arrived by the door to congratulate me on my performance.
"Kimberly, you did wonderful out there," he said with much joy and enthusiasm.
"Coach," I reacted for a lack of a better response.
"Gunther Schmidt, it's me, Kat Hillard. I represented Australia at the previous Pan Global Games?" She reminded him. To the shock of everyone, neither of us had a clue they interacted before.
"Kat, I remember hearing about you," he said. "You were one of the top tier performers from down under. The event isn't going to be the same without you in it."
"It's no worries. I've had my fun in the sun," Katherine remarked.
"Whoa, I didn't realize you two have crossed paths before." Seeing the two in the same room seemed astounding given their background. Life can be full of surprises.
"I've been replaying the tapes from the last event. Her performance in the competition was so impressive that the Australian team managed to eliminate us altogether," Schmidt informed everyone around him. "Anyhow, I'm very grateful to have you here tonight."
Kat smiled afterward as she'd been thrilled to see the German coach after a long period of time.
"Same to you Mister Schmidt," she replied.
"Coach, is there any feedback you like to share with me?" I spoke with curiosity.
"You've nailed every trick in my playbook. When you're on the balance beam, your coordination comes off fluid and consistent. Not once did you flinch or look as if you were going to tip over," Schmidt critiqued on my efforts.
"Kim is one of the best gymnasts I've seen in town. She definitely has a lot of potential," Tommy continued to show his support in regards to my aspiration in the sport.
"You two have plenty of affection amongst one another. I see you have treated her well," Coach Schmidt assumed given the impression based on our intimacy.
"Through thick and thin, we've been through it all Coach," said Tommy. In the midst of all of this, my friends and I overheard a ringtone reverberating from the coach's cell phone.
"Looks like someone is trying to contact me. I'll be right back in a bit." Schmidt used this opportunity to seek solitude while proceeding to make a phone call.
"Absolutely," I said, respecting my coach's need for privacy. As we witnessed him marching back out into the outlet, we continued to socialize in my locker room.
"Even after the doubts that's been plaguing him, he seems like he's coming around fine," Adam reflected on that behalf.
"If there is one thing we've learned, we shouldn't blame ourselves for something that's out of our control," I attempted to lessen the negativity with some philosophical advice.
"You have a point there Kim," Aisha agreed.
"I'm thirsty. Who is up for some apple cider?" Attempting to clear an airwave of emotions, Rocky offered some beverages for us to have.
"Looks like this is a cause for a celebration." By reaching a compromise, we all abided to make use of our social gathering by providing refreshments for everyone to quench.
"The judges were really impressed out there. It's great to see that you're more mobile than ever," Tommy said.
"I was a little nervous behind the curtain. Just to see myself with a crowd that large is surreal," I told him with honesty.
"I know that feeling," he continued. "But guess what? You found a way to hold your own on the mat. I couldn't be any more impressed after how you performed. You're the pterodactyl that keeps my wings afloat even when I'm at my most vulnerable."
In unison, we exchanged a passionate kiss that sent our hormones skyrocketing like sparks of fireworks in the evening sky. As our lips went unsealed, we opened our eyes with amusement.
"I'm glad to be here with you tonight," he told me.
"Me too," I countered back with a similar response. We gathered around with the rest of our friends as we surrounded a cooler filled with glass bottles of apple cider covered in ice.
Spending the remaining few days in Angel Grove really reminded me of how much I've grown as an individual. With the wonderful amount of support from my friends since day one, it's fascinating to consider the impact of being a Power Ranger has had on me. This isn't a matter of inflating ego. I would not be alive right now had my friends not rescued me from the Moon Palace. With the trial and tribulations I've been through, I had some time to reflect about my tenure as a ranger. The Pan Global Games drew increasingly closer by the week. I had to make a decision that would greatly affect the course of my life.
We arrived in the Command Center to determine my status as a Power Ranger. My teammates and I gathered with Zordon and Alpha as we engaged in this formal meeting.
"Rangers, as I speak to you now, my thoughts and feelings are divided. Kimberly, you've been a proud warrior and have defended our planet valiantly. Yet the opportunity that lies before you is much too difficult for you to ignore." Zordon started off the conversation with a sincere thanks for my contribution to the team.
"Zordon, you don't have to worry. I thought about it. I'm not going to go to Florida," I said. As much as I dreamt of expanding my career as a gymnast, part of me had no intention of resigning from my ranger duties.
"Kimberly, are you sure?" Tommy wondered.
"Do you realize what you're giving up?" Billy chimed in.
"I do. This has been a dream my whole entire life. When I became a Power Ranger, I made some promises and one of them is to stand by you guys," I continued my confession.
"Kim, you promise to be true to yourself," Tommy said looking straight into my eyes. For as long as we've been a couple, he realized how understanding he was towards others, putting aside your personal needs to ensure satisfaction towards their peers. It sounds philosophical but there was some truth behind what he just said.
"Tommy is right, Kimberly. This is an experience that will prove invaluable not only to yourself but to us. Someday when you return, you'll be an even more effective Power Ranger," Zordon reassured. It seemed pretty apparent they were advocating for me to accept such a big opportunity, even if it means leaving Angel Grove for the foreseeable future.
I sighed, clearing my head before I responded. "I really want to go. Only if it's okay with you guys."
"Look, I don't want to lose you Kim. I can't sit back and watch you give this up. It wouldn't be fair," convinced Tommy.
"We'll always be here for you, Kim," Adam said.
"Even though you're not going to be with us, you'll always be a Power Ranger in our eyes," Zordon continued to be supportive when it came to making a decision.
"Zordon, what are we going to do without a Pink Ranger?" Rocky questioned. To be honest, he had a point. We've been accustomed to working together through thick and thin. The thought of losing a Power Ranger without a successor to fill in those shoes would be a scenario my friends may have to adapt to.
"Lord Zedd and Rita are probably thinking of ways to get revenge right now," Aisha took into account the repercussions with Kat fighting alongside us.
"I'm sure that you're correct Aisha," Zordon affirmed.
"Zordon, there is somebody out there that can take my place. Somebody who can make an amazing Power Ranger. Alpha," I said, prompting our prodigy robot to initiate the teleportation sequence. When a white light descended from above, Katherine arrived to find us all standing here at this time.
"Hi everyone," Kat greeted us.
"I hope it's okay, Zordon. I asked Alpha and Kat to be ready just in case you got me to change my mind," I told him. After what she had been through and her redemption to undo the wrongs she committed, this was the cue to signify the transition from one civilian to the next.
"Thanks Zordon," Katherine's delightfulness to be here ignited a spark of gratitude on our mentor.
"Katherine, I agree with Kimberly. Your selfless bravery under extraordinary circumstances will make a fine addition to our team," he said.
"I promise Kimberly from the bottom of my heart that I will do everything I can to carry on as you would," she pledged an oath to remain loyal to our mission statement. With much anticipation, the time had come. I reached inside the pin pocket of my dress, pulling out my power coin. I took one last glance at it to remember all the times I utilized this device to morph into action. On cue, I bestowed my coin over to Katherine. I felt a trace of pink energy being extracted from my body. By the time the energy transferred over to her, the process proved to be a success.
"The power is all yours now." It was that point onward which signified my days as a Power Ranger is now over.
"Zordon, is Zedd and Rita's spell over her really gone," Adam spoke with curiosity.
"Unfortunately, there may be some residual effects from Rita's magic, a spell that's powerful does not disappear right away," he answered.
"As long as I'm on the right team, that's all that matters right?" Kat hoped to clear the air on some loose ends.
"That's the attitude that will make you a true Power Ranger, Katherine. In the future, you must listen to your fellow rangers as they guide you in the use of your new powers. They will teach you well," Zordon instructed. To coincide with her promotion as the Pink Ranger, Alpha keyed in the buttons needed to summon a familiar set of wheels. "You will command the Pink Shark Cycle with precision and care. Someday, you will control the Pink Crane Zord with grace and intelligence. But for now, you will pilot the White Shogunzord alongside Tommy."
I continued listening to what he had to address as my Power Ranger tenure came to an end.
"Kimberly, thanks to you, the legacy is in good hands. I cannot thank you enough for everything you've done as a Power Ranger." As Zordon concluded his speech, I wiped a teardrop from my eye. For two years, I devoted time and energy to do battle against the alien forces invading our world. I've put my body on the line day after day, week after week holding my own against the creatures that Rita and later Zedd have created and summoned. Even when I was at my most vulnerable, my undying fortitude kept me alive through trial and error. It's been a wild ride and I've been grateful to have served my time helping my friends overcome our adversaries.
"I don't know what to say. You guys are the most amazing friends I ever have. Most of all, I'm going to miss us being together. I love you guys." I choked up in the middle of my sentence. I couldn't believe it but it's true. After contemplating my future as a ranger, this just so happens to be the end of an era. I lent out my hand, signaling as my friends responded with the gesture. It was our celebration of unity that cemented the empowerment of our cooperation. For the last time, I savored this moment to cherish this ceremony with my friends. Now that's what I call Morphenominal.
A/n: Some of these scenes from this chapter are transcribed (not translated as I mistakenly mentioned) from the ending of A Different Shade of Pink, Part 3 with slightly extended dialogues and moments juxtaposed. Any sort of feedback will be appreciated.