A/N Power Ranger Zeo Settings and Characters all belong to Haim Saban and Toei Company and the Fox. Any original characters and this story are copyright © 2011-2018 to Hopelessromanticgurl, all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
Thank you mae-E for being my beta!
That night after everyone went home Kimberly and Tommy were sleeping peacefully together. Kimberly was woken up by the sound of a crying Falcon. She opened her eyes and saw Tommy squirming in bed muttering words she didn't understand.
"Shhh, it's just a nightmare. You're safe." She whispered and kissed his forehead."
"No," Tommy muttered. "No, stop! Don't, don't hurt her please!"
"Tommy, wake up! You're having a nightmare." Kimberly said louder this time.
"No, no, Kimberly! Kimberly!" he cried out.
Tommy seemed to be getting more and more upset, and she wasn't able to wake him up.
"I wonder if I can use our connection to change his dreams…" She inhaled and exhaled a deep breath she closed her eyes and focused on her Crane connecting with her Falcon.
When she opened her eyes, she was in some kind of abandon warehouse. She saw the Red Zeo Ranger standing by a wall pinning another Kimberly to the wall by her throat as her pink ranger helmet laid on the ground forgotten.
Quickly Kimberly went over to the red ranger and touched his shoulder. "Tommy, stop. This isn't you. This isn't even real. It's a nightmare. You need to wake up."
The Red Ranger shrugged her hand off. "Say goodbye pretty pink ranger. You will not be missed."
His voice was dark and cold. She looked to the dream Kimberly, and her face was beginning to change colors from the lack of oxygen. Kimberly knew she had to do something fast! Tommy was never going to forgive himself if he actually killed her, dream or no dream.
Closing her eyes she let herself remember her coach, she let herself remember his beating, and all the times he injected her. She let herself remember feeling scared and alone when Kat abandon her. Just then a loud Crane cry was heard causing Tommy to drop the dream Kim and turn to the sound. "Kimberly!"
"Wake up, Tommy! Wake up!"
When she opened her eyes again, they were back in her bedroom. Tommy was sitting up in bed panting.
"It's ok; it was just a bad dream. You're safe." Kimberly soothed him.
Tommy didn't speak he just panted and looked around the room. When his eyes landed on Kim, he looked down.
"Hey, it's ok," Kimberly said. She gently reached out and took his chin making him look at her. "It was just a bad dream."
Tommy sighed and couldn't look her in the eyes.
"Thomas James Oliver look at me."
Tommy finally locked eyes with hers. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.
"For what? For a dream? Tommy, that's all it was. It was a bad dream. I'm perfectly fine. You didn't hurt me."
"I almost killed you."
"In your dream. If I've learned anything about bad dreams, it's that they aren't real. They can't hurt you. I'm fine, not even an inch of pain."
Tommy nodded and let out one last deep breath before he could breathe normally again. "Are you ok? I heard your Crane."
"I did that to wake you up," Kimberly said. "I'm ok."
"Good."
They shared a hug and kiss.
"Let's go back to sleep," Tommy said softly.
"Are you ok?" Kimberly wondered.
"Yeah. Thanks."
They shared one more kiss and fell back into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning Tommy was up early. He showered and dressed and went into the main room while Kimberly was still sleeping.
"Good Morning, Tommy. You're up early." Zordon greeted him.
"I couldn't sleep." Tommy sighed. "I kept having these nightmares."
"Would you like to talk about them?"
"It was like I was in the simulation, only no matter how many times I yelled pecan pie it never went away. Everything that was happening was real, and I couldn't stop it." Tommy sighed. "I…I almost…"
"You almost killed Kimberly," Zordon asked.
Tommy nodded. He couldn't look Zordon in the face after that. He was too ashamed.
"Tommy, you have nothing to be ashamed about. Please, will you look at me."
Sighing softly Tommy looked up at Zordon.
"Tommy, do you know why this simulation is affecting you do differently?"
Tommy nodded.
"This fear you have of being evil again and hurting Kimberly, as well as your fear of not being able to fight the evil if it comes has been a fear for you since the very beginning. From the very first time Rita trapped you under her evil spell, and then we broke you from it, that fear has been settling just beneath the surface for many years. Through the years it has stayed just below the surface. Now that you have had to face that fear in the simulation it has fully surfaced, and now it is completely controlling your thoughts and actions. That is why you're having nightmares and unable to sleep."
Tommy just sighed. He would never admit it, but Zordon was right. Ever since he was freed from Rita's evil spell, he had been terrified of ever being back under evil's control again. Especially with Kat being evil again, it brought back a lot of unwanted memories for him.
"You know the best way to defeat those fears is the face them."
"I know. I just don't think I can. I almost threw up after the last simulation. I'm not sure I'm ready to do that again."
"You and Kimberly have both been working very hard on your simulation, and I'm very proud of both of you. Don't beat yourself up over one bad experience. It will get easier."
"I guess."
"Do not worry, Tommy."
Tommy just nodded.
"Tommy, have you realized yet what these training and tests are doing?" Zordon asked.
"They are helping Kim, and I control our connection, so we don't hurt each other," Tommy answered.
"Yes, that is part of it."
"Only part?" Now Tommy was confused.
"Yes."
"What's the other?"
"Helping you and Kimberly overcome your fears."
Tommy was quiet for a minute. He hadn't even realized that by learning to control their connection, they were also learning to conquer their fears. "Wow. I guess I never noticed that."
"You conquered your last fear of not being able to get to Kimberly in time to help her when she needs you. Soon enough you will be able to conquer this fear of not being able to fight the evil and hurting Kimberly."
Tommy nodded. Suddenly he was feeling just a little bit better. "Thank you, Zordon."
"You're welcome, Tommy. Also, just remember you have come a long way since your green ranger days. You have grown into a strong, confident, brave leader. Everyone on this team trusts you and looks up to you. You are not the same man who was broken out of Rita's spell. You are so much more than that."
"Thank you, Zordon." Tommy nodded. He knew that deep down, but it was always nice to hear it from someone else.
"Now get some rest I can see you need it."
Tommy nodded and was teleported back into the bedroom where Kimberly was still sleeping peacefully.
After a few more hours both Kimberly and Tommy were awake and dressed ready for their day. They were teleported to the main room and greeted by Zordon.
"Good Morning Rangers, how are you both feeling? I heard you had a rough night."
"It was ok. Just nightmares." Kimberly answered.
"Did you experience them as well, Kimberly?" Zordon asked.
"Yes, a few." Kimberly nodded.
"I am sorry. Please know I am very proud of both of you. Since you have both been working so hard and doing so well, you deserve a treat." Zordon started.
"Are we getting a puppy?" Kimberly squealed.
Everyone laughed.
"No, I do not believe an animal would do well in here." Zordon chuckled. "However I think it will please you both to have something special for lunch today."
"What do you mean?" Tommy asked.
"How would you feel about going to the Youth Center, Tommy and gets yourself and Kim some food?"
"That would be amazing," Tommy said.
"There is a catch, though," Zordon added.
"What is it?" Kimberly asked. "I…I don't want to go…He could…"
"Do not worry, Kimberly. You will stay here with me where it is safe."
Kimberly nodded. "What's the catch."
"Kimberly, you will tell Tommy your order through your connection, and you must wait until he gets there to tell him."
"So it's a test?" Tommy asked.
"A test and a treat at the same time. This might be a better way to test the distance between your connection without having to upset either of you."
"I'm ok with that." Kimberly nodded.
"Me too. But what if the connection doesn't reach?" Tommy asked.
"I will make sure we are connected at all times in case something happens."
Tommy nodded. "Ok."
"Tommy, I will be teleporting you home, from there make your way to The Youth Center for lunch."
"Of course."
A flash of red and he was gone.
Kimberly inhaled and exhaled a deep breath.
"Kimberly, close your eyes and focus. You should be able to hear him very soon." As Kimberly closed her eyes, she could see and hear everything Tommy could hear and see.
"Hey lovely weather today." she heard Tommy say.
"Yes, yes it is." Kimberly smiled.
Tommy continued to make his way to Ernie's making small talk with Kim. He arrived and went over to the counter. "Ok Kim, what do you want?" he asked inside his head.
He listened closely to her order and then nodded. "Hey, Ernie, can I have two double cheeseburgers no pickles or mustard, fries, and a chocolate shake, then one strawberry smoothie."
"Coming right up." Ernie put the order in and then returned to the counter. "So…have you seen Kim recently."
"What kind of question is that?" Tommy asked.
"Well I've been watching the news and the news about her missing is just blowing up. According to the reporter several other girls have come clean about their Coach."
"What do you mean come clean?" Tommy asked.
"These girls have been saying that he injected them forcefully with steroids against their will and was verbally abusive. Sometimes they were starved to lose weight."
"That's awful." Tommy gasped. He had thought Kim was the only one. That's what I was told.He heard Kimberly in his head. My Co…He told me all the other girls on the team willing took the steroids, I was the only one who didn't want them. I wouldn't put it past him to lie to me.
"But anyway the search for Kim is exploding now. Everyone is trying to find her. I was just thinking, I know I've seen her around here a few times. She seems ok. If you'd like I could call and tell them she's ok."
NO! Tommy heard Kimberly scream. He flinched at the loud cry of the crane and quickly shook his head. He put on his best leader voice and tried to sound as stern as he possibly could. "Ernie, listen to me very closely, DO NOT for any reason call that number. I know you want to help but I can promise you calling that number will do more harm than good."
"Oh my gosh, he…Kim got the same treatment, didn't she?"
Tommy could almost see Kim's face paling through their connection. He was worried she was going to throw up. "This stays between us, Ernie. Nobody, I mean nobody else can know."
"Of course. It's not my business to tell. I won't call the number either. Give Kim my best ok. I know wherever she is, you're taking good care of her."
Tommy smiled. "Thanks, Ernie."
"I'll go check on your food." He went into the back room.
Tommy sighed as he turned his back to the counter. You ok, Beautiful? He was worried when he didn't get an answer. Kim? Kimberly?!
I'm scared Tommy. I don't like people knowing what happened to me.
Ernie isn't going to tell anyone, he just said so. Besides he loves you no matter what.
Can you just hurry up and come back. I miss you.
I miss you too, Beautiful. But hey, this is supposed to be fun so let's have some fun. It's nice to know our connection can reach this far.
Yeah, I guess.
Before Tommy could say, more Jason walked over to him. "Oh, Hey, Tommy."
"Hey, Jason."
HI JASON!
Tommy chuckled softly. "Kimberly says hello."
When Jason looked confused Tommy tapped to his head a few times, almost in a scratching motion and Jason nodded. "Hi, Kimberly." Jason frowned softly and sighed. "Have you been watching the news?"
"No, but Ernie just told me everything," Tommy said.
"Your parents are freaking out, Man. Trini and I are covering the best we can and making excuses as to why you aren't home when they come over but we can only cover so much before they start becoming suspicious."
"What are you saying we do?" Tommy asked.
"You need to come home, even if it's just for a few hours. They have to see you."
Tommy sighed. "Jase, maybe it's time we told them the truth. They will understand."
"We can't, Tommy." Jason sighed. "Besides you know Kim doesn't want anyone to know."
"They already do," Tommy sighed with him. "If Ernie can figure it out, so can our parents."
"At the very least we can tell them she is away from her Coach and she is somewhere safe and happy."
"I don't know, Man. How are we going to explain Kim's sudden return?" Jason asked.
"You and Kim came back around the same time. Just say you came back together."
"It's not that easy, Tommy. You know all our parents are going to have a million questions."
Tommy sighed. "I know. You're right. I'll talk it over with Zordon and see what he thinks we should do and I'll let you know."
Jason nodded. Without another word he turned and walked away.
What do you think, Kim? He wondered silently.
I don't know. I don't want anyone to know, but at the same time, you're right. If Ernie figured it out, it won't take long before everyone else does too. I just don't think I'm ready to face them.
We aren't going to do anything unless you're comfortable.
Ok.
Tommy sighed. Why did food always take longer when you were in a hurry to leave?
"Oh Hey, Tommy!"
Tommy groaned, and he could feel Kimberly tensing up at the voice. "Hello, Kat." he greeted.
"It's good to see you. You and Kimberly have been attached at the hip lately." She playfully grabbed his hip making him jerk away at her touch.
"Awww is someone ticklish." she teased in a baby voice.
"Cut it out, Kat! I don't want you to touch me." Tommy said.
"Wow, Sorry I'm just teasing you. Where is Kimberly anyway? I'm surprised she actually let you leave her side."
"We're not going to talk about Kim. I just came to get some food, I'm hungry."
"Me too. We should eat together just you and me here, alone together." She slowly stroked her finger down his chest.
"Kat!" Tommy growled grabbing her finger. He could feel Kimberly's anger growing every second.
"Stop growling at me. You're not a dog!" Kat said. "Anyway, I really just wanted you to come help me with something."
"Like what?"
"Sparring. I'm having a little trouble with my roundhouse kick. I keep falling on my butt it's really embarrassing."
I would pay to see that.
Tommy bit back the laugh as he heard Kim's comment in his mind. He focused on Kat. "I've seen you in battle you're doing really well. Your roundhouse kick is really good."
"Really? Wow! Thanks, Tommy that means a lot coming from you."
"Yeah? Then stop lying to me. You don't need my help you just want an excuse to flirt with me."
"What? Tommy…I…"
"Listen, Kat, if you want to stay friends you really need to stop. Otherwise, we aren't going to be anything other than teammates if even that! I have a strong urge to ask Zordon to kick you off the team."
"You can't do that!" Kat gasped.
"I can and I will. Do you really think I don't hear you? All those little side comments you make after defeating a monster? You bad talk Kimberly and say how much better you are than her and how she would never have been able to defeat the monster like you did. I hear it, and if you were a real ranger, you never would have said those things. This is your last warning Kat. Otherwise, I'm going to Zordon, and I'm getting you kicked off the team."
Just then a bag and two travel cups was placed on the counter behind him. Tommy grabbed the bag and cups, and left the money on the counter and stormed off.
Before Kat could run after him Rocky appeared in front of her. "You need to back off and leave him alone."
"Excuse me? Tommy is my friend and I was just saying hello." Kat said.
"Oh please." Rocky rolled his eyes. "I saw the whole thing. You were trying to flirt with him, knowing very well he's in love with Kim. Listen leave him and Kimberly alone, or I will help Tommy get Zordon to kick you off the team."
Kat growled as anger boiled inside her. "Is every so blinded by Kimberly Hart that they can't see her true colors? I swear she's like everyone's idol! You worship the ground she walks on. Fine, I'm going to make it my job to prove to everyone what Kimberly Hart is really like.
With that, she stormed off. Rocky sighed. He suddenly had a bad feeling that Kat was going to do something that was going to hurt Tommy and Kimberly in the worst way possible.
With Kat in an unknown location, she put some money into a pay phone and dialed a familiar number. "Hi, yes, I am calling because I have some information on Kimberly Hart…" Kat smirked as she listened to the lady on the other end.
After that conversation ended Kat hung up, and turned to walk away from the pay phone. "He won't be yours for much longer, Kimberly."
In another unknown location, a man stood talking on a pay phone.
"Master, I've located her. ...yes I'll go after her right away, personally... I won't fail you again...yes I know how important she is to the plan… I'll look for your operative...we will not fail you..." With that the man hung up and looked out into the distance. "I will find you, Kimberly Ann Hart. You won't ever see me coming."
Back at the command center Kimberly and Tommy were eating their lunch as they discussed what had just happened.
"If Kat is willing to openly flirt with you public then there is no telling what she will do." Kimberly as she popped a fry into her mouth.
"I agree. I didn't think she was this bad, but this is the worst I've ever seen her. We really need to watch her, there is a good chance she'll call the Coach." Tommy sighed.
Kimberly sighed softly.
"Don't worry, I doubt it will do any good. If all those other girls are coming clean that the Coach hurt them too, it isn't long before the cops get involved and then you'll get justice. Your Coach will be punished for his crimes."
"I don't want the cops to get involved. I didn't want anyone to know anything." Kimberly sighed as she set down her burger. "If the cops get involved I'll be asked to testify, and then I'll have to face him in Court I can't do that."
"It might be the only way to get justice. It might also be the only way you can face your fears of him."
Kimberly didn't answer she just took an extra long sip of her smoothie. Tommy sighed knowing this conversation was going to be endless. "So, how's the smoothie?"
"Good. Just like I remembered it to be too." Kimberly smiled. "These fries are delicious too and the burger. It's all really good."
"Good. I'm happy you're enjoying it." Tommy smiled. "Kimberly, I know you don't want to, but we have to talk about our parents. I'm sure by now your story has gone Global, everyone, even those in Paris should have heard about it by now. I think it's time we get our parents involved."
Kimberly didn't speak she just looked down at her food.
"Why are you so scared of them?" Tommy asked.
"I'm not scared of them. I'm scared of their reaction. I'm scared they will take me away from you. I'm scared my mom will…" Kimberly inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. "I'm scared my mom will think I'm just like my dad…"
Tommy was shocked. Kimberly hardly ever mentioned her father anymore. He had no idea he had done drugs.
"He took them willingly. He wanted to be better and stronger than my mother and I. He wanted to use his strength to overpower us when he needed to." Kimberly answered.
"That's why you're so against people finding out what happened. You think they will assume you're just like your father." Tommy asked.
Kimberly nodded. "Besides I'm not allowed the leave the Command Center."
"You're right about that. You shouldn't leave here. But we can set up a webcam whenever we meet them. The question is…are you ok with us meeting with them and telling them everything, minus the Ranger details."
"I guess. I don't really have a choice. They will figure it out either way."
Tommy nodded and rubbed her back. "I promise it will be ok."
Kimberly just sighed and nodded. She ate the rest of her meal without a word. She was scared. How would the parents react when they found out? She just hoped everything went well. "Do we have a story?"
"You and Jason arrived back in Angel Grove around the same time. So the best story would be the closest to the truth."
"So Jason and I agreed to come back together? Why would I just up and leave?" Kimberly asked.
"Maybe you wrote him a letter in secret, or e-mailed him. It could have been something as a small mention of things getting harder there and how homesick you were. Then we can say Jason knew something more was going on and he went there to get you out and together you guys came home."
Kimberly shrugged. "I guess."
"We can make the story whatever you want, minus the teleporting part."
Kimberly sighed. She looked down to her food no longer hungry.
"Please tell me what you're thinking. I know I can just read your mind but I'd rather you tell me."
"It's what I should have done. Written and letter or e-mail, even a phone call to any one of you and you would have come to my rescue and I wouldn't have been beaten."
Tommy sighed. He moved to sit next to her and pulled her into his arms. "Listen, Beautiful, we can drive ourselves crazy with the what if, or beating ourselves up over what she should have done. But it's not worth it. We can't change the past. All we can do is learn from it and do our best to move on."
Kimberly sighed and nodded. "I like the story of telling Jason about what was happening and him coming to save me. But I think Trini should be included too. Trini would never let Jason come rescue me by himself. She would demand to come with him and even though he'd object she'd come anyway."
"Then that's what we will do. You told Jason, Jason told Trini, and they both came to rescue you and brought you back home. We will have you set up here with a webcam so you can talk to them and they can see you're ok. But for your own safety they can't know where you are."
"Can't you just go talk to them and I stay here hidden under my blanket?" She said in a half serious half kidding tone.
Tommy chuckled. "I promise everything will be ok. It's our parents, Kim. They love us. They love you."
"My mom…"
"Your mother loves you. She knows you are nothing like your father."
Kimberly inhaled and exhaled a deep breath and nodded. "Ok, Let's do this."
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