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 © 2011-2023 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.


As they opened their eyes, they looked around and noticed they were in the Command Center. Their friends were scattered around on the floor sound asleep.

"Guess we've been gone a while." Tommy chuckled.

"It was only a few minutes," Kimberly said.

"Actually, It's been two days," Zordon said. "Welcome back, Tommy. How are you feeling?"

"Better, thank you. Have I really been out two days?"

"Since you were out a day longer than Kimberly it's been three days for you. Two days for Kimberly to save you." Zordon explained. "Now, I'm sure you both have a lot to talk about. I shall teleport you both to your room."

"What about the others?" Kimberly asked.

"They will be sent home to sleep in their own beds, with the knowledge of you both being safe."

"Thank you, Zordon."

"Of course. Alpha, teleport them."

"Right away, Zordon." Alpha turned to the machine.

In a flash of pink and white, they were gone.

"That was fast, Alpha," Zordon noted.

"I didn't do it, Zordon. I had just started preparing things, and then they were gone." Alpha explained.

"So you're telling me they teleported on their own? Is that possible?" Zordon asked.

"It looks that way," Alpha said. "But how?"

"Their connection is truly powerful. But we must know more about it. Alpha has there been any response from Drucla?"

"No, Zordon. Not a word."

"Keep trying."

"Of course."


Back in the bedroom Tommy and Kimberly both sat on the bed facing each other.

"So…" Tommy started.

"So…" Kimberly continued.

"Thanks. For saving me."

Kimberly chuckled. "I was just returning the favor. I've lost count at how many times you've saved me."

"It's not a competition. Besides if you really think about it…I suck at saving you."

"What? How could you say that?" Kimberly gasped. "I'd be dead if it wasn't for you."

Tommy let out a sigh. "If I had found you sooner, you wouldn't have been hurt in the first place. You had to come to me to get me to help you."

"That wasn't your fault. Neither of us knew what was happening. Besides, if my coach hadn't beaten me to a pulp, I would have been just fine."

Tommy smiled softly. "Listen to you. You've gained some confidence since I last spoke to you."

Kimberly just shrugged. "I guess the adrenaline hasn't worn off yet."

"I think it's more than that."

Kimberly sighed and shook her head. "You were pretty fast to change the subject."

"So are you," Tommy noted.

"Tommy, what happened to me it isn't your fault, none of it."

"What did happen to you, Kimberly? You never talk about any of it. It's been bothering me more than I've ever told you. In fact…it's been terrifying me, Kimberly. So much so I've been having these horrifying nightmares."

"Why didn't you just tell me?" Kimberly asked.

"You had so much on your plate, so many other things to focus on. I didn't want you to worry about me."

"You suffering until you went into a coma was a better idea?" Kimberly teased lightly.

"Well, I didn't know that would happen. But I'm glad it did."

"Really? Why?"

Tommy took Kimberly's hands in how own. "It reminded me of something significant…we do so much better when we are open and honest with each other about everything."

"Yeah, like the nightmares?"

"Yeah and like what happened between you and your coach."

Kimberly sighed and looked down. She quickly pulled her hands away. "Tommy…"

"Please, Kimberly. I know you're scared of telling me the truth, but I need to know. It will help both of us. But you need to say it. You need to admit it."

"You know, don't you?" Kimberly asked softly.

"I know what the signs say. I know what your attitude and body language are saying. But I could be 100% right, or I could be 100% wrong. That's why I'm asking you."

Kimberly inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. "Once I say this Tommy…it's going to change everything. How can I be sure it won't damage our connection? It will change how you feel about me."

"There is nothing in this world that you could say that would change how I feel about you. There is nothing in this world that could damage our connection. Please."

Kimberly nodded. Inhaling and exhaling once more she opened her mouth to speak. "My coach, while in his human form, he…he…Tommy, he raped me."

Tommy gasped. He was silent. Kimberly just bowed her head. This was going to be the end of their relationship she just knew it. This was… she was cut off by strong arms pulling her into a tight hug.

"I love you so much. I'm so sorry. This changes nothing."

Kimberly started to cry. Even after he knew the truth, he still loved her. To her surprise, he started to cry too.

"I'm so sorry, Kimberly. I'm so sorry! I should have found you sooner. I should have saved you before that monster got his hands on you. I'm so sorry! I'm sorry for everything."

Kimberly sniffed and looked up at him. "Thomas James Oliver don't you dare apologize! None of this is your fault. The only person who should apologize is my Coach. He's the one who started all of this. This was his plan from the very beginning, he even wrote the letters. He wanted to break our connection. He wanted to damage us so he could destroy the rangers. But it didn't work. He didn't win. Our connection is stronger than ever before. It is not your fault this happened. I do not want you to apologize anymore."

Tommy sniffed and chuckled softly. "When did you get so wise?"

"I'm just telling the truth. I don't blame you for what happened to me. I do not want you to blame yourself."

"I'll make you a deal. I won't blame myself, and you don't blame yourself either, deal?"

"How did you…"

"Our connection is stronger than you think." Tommy winked. "So…deal or no deal?"

Kimberly smiled gently. "Deal."

They shared a hug and then a kiss. When they pulled away, Tommy stroked Kim's hair behind her ear. "That's why you used to flinch when I tried to kiss you?"

Kimberly nodded. "Not anymore. I know you won't hurt me."

"I love you so much, Beautiful."

"I love you too, Handsome. Forever."

"Forever."

They shared one more kiss and just held each other close.


Kat walked into the youth center the moment it opened in the morning. She loved spending time with JJ. So she would go and see him before his shift would start in the morning, then again on his lunch break, and after he was finished, they'd go out to dinner together. LJ would sometimes join them, other times she left them alone.

Kat smiled when she walked in and saw JJ at the counter. He seemed so focused on something. She assumed it was homework. She walked over to him and then grabbed him by the shoulders. "Boo!" `He jumped and quickly slammed the book he was writing in shut.

She giggled. "Sorry."

"No, you're not. But it's ok." he smiled.

"What are you working on over here?"

"Nothing," he said quickly.

"Nothing huh? So why did you close your book so quickly?" She said in a teasing voice.

"Just some homework. I didn't want you cheating for answers." He teased back.

"Well, it's a good thing we're in different classes then. So you can let me see."

He chuckled and shook his head. "We're actually in three classes together and trust me. You really honestly don't want to see. It's nothing good."

"I highly doubt that. Come on, please?"

"It's really nothing important. I think you'd be bored anyway. I don't want to waste your time."

"JJ, come on. Please." Kat gave her best puppy dog pout. It worked all the time with LJ maybe this time it will work for her.

He groaned. "Kat, that's not fair."

She popped out her bottom lip. "Pwease"

"No, you really don't want to."

"Fine," Kat smirked. "You leave me no choice."

JJ gave her a confused look, and a second later she grabbed him by the sides tickling him. He gasped and jerked his arms back groaning slightly. "Not fair."

She grabbed the book and opened it. She gasped when she noticed what was inside. "JJ...these, these are beautiful."

"I know it's embarrassing. You don't have to lie to me."

"Lie to you, JJ, these are incredible. Did you really do all these?"

As she flipped through the pages, she noticed it was a comic book about a Ballerina Superhero named "That Satan Sash." She fought crime and protected people, especially woman. Her trademark was leaving a ballerina ribbon on her victims. "This is really cool."

"You think so?" JJ asked.

"Of course. They are awesome."

JJ smiled and read over her shoulder. "Thanks. I actually made them for LJ."

"She's the main character?" Kat asked.

"Yeah. After her...situation, she lost all confidence in herself and people. So I made a few comics to help her regain that confidence. They make her happy, so I never stopped."

"That's amazing. You're a great big brother."

JJ just chuckled. "LJ and I are closer than most siblings, but we still fight from time to time."

"What siblings don't?"

JJ just smiled. "Who knows, maybe you can do something similar for your friend."

"Huh?"

"You know, the one who is going through what LJ went through."

"Oh. Yeah. Maybe your right." Kat smiled as she thought about the new way she just might be able to help Kim.

As she made it to the last page, she stopped and looked closer at the current character that was only half drawn. "Who is that?" Kat asked.

JJ took the book from her hands and smirked. "You're going to have to wait and see. Just like LJ." With that, he turned and headed out of the Youth Center.

"JJ, wait! Come back!" She quickly rushed after him, giggling as she went.


A few days later things remained as normal as possible. Kimberly had become more confident in herself and her relationship with Tommy. But that was as long as the others were with her. However, the second she was alone, she withdrew into herself. She became quiet and shut down.

One afternoon Tommy and Kim were teleported back to the main room where the other rangers were. Just as they landed, everyone got quiet.

"What's going on?" Tommy asked.

"Nothing. We were just talking." Jason answered.

"About what? You guys all look guilty." Kimberly noticed. "What did you do?"

"Nothing...yet..." Trini answered.

"Yet?" Kimberly asked.

Jason inhaled and exhaled deeply. "The weather has been getting colder. Flu season is coming. We were just discussing going to get our flu shots."

Everyone looked to Kim waiting to see how she'd react.

To everyone's surprise, she growled. "I hate this!"

"Hate what?" Tommy asked.

"This, being terrified of everything! I hate that you guys have to tip-toe around me, walking on eggshells every time you do or say something, scared I'm going to break. I hate that I can't go like a normal person and get a flu shot without having a panic attack! I hate that I can't even drink a cold drink of ice water because it reminds me of the water that was splashed on me. I hate being scared of everything and everyone. It's not me! I was the pink ranger for crying out loud! I used to be fearless. I wasn't scared of anything! Now…" Kimberly chuckled as tears filled her eyes. "Now….I'm scared of everything and everyone, and I hate it."

Tommy wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back down onto the bed with him. "You were attacked, more than once. You have every right to be terrified."

"I know I have the right to be. I just don't like that I am." Kimberly sighed. "Mondo was able to break me because he realized my biggest fear was my Coach and being left alone with him. Once he realized it, he used it against me and broke me. If I wasn't so terrified he never would have broken me."

"So let's make you not terrified," Jason said. "You've already come so far. A few months ago you never would have been able to say your Coach's name, and now you say it like it's nothing. It's going to take time, but you're already doing better than you were a few months ago."

"Yeah, when you guys are with me. I'm terrified of being alone. I'm terrified of leaving the Command Center with or without you guys. I'm still terrified of everyone and everything that are outside these four walls."

"Ok, so let's work together and help you overcome that. Come with us to get a flu shot. That will help you overcome your fear of leaving the Command Center and shots."

"That's not a good idea," Kimberly said softly.

"Why? You just said you hated being scared, so this is the best way to make you not scared."

"Yeah but..." Tommy cut her off.

"Look, Jason does have the right idea. The best way to conquer your fears is to face them. Your fear of needles will come later. For right now let's start small. Like your fear of leaving the Command Center or that phrase that you don't like."

"How are we going to do that?" Kimberly asked.

"Simple. We just have to have to put you in situations where you are forced to face those fears."

Kimberly gave him a terrified look. He smiled gently. "Not alone. We'd all be there to help you."

"Yeah, I can call our family doctor and see if we can come in to get our flu shots together. We will go as a group, and we will all be there to support you."

"What about that phrase, or leaving the Command Center?"

"We can start slow. One morning we will just go out and spend some time somewhere of your choice. We only have to be out for maybe 30 minutes or an hour. Then we come back. Next time we are out for a long time." Tommy said.

"You just have to get used to hearing that phrase again and realizing nothing bad will happen when you hear it. We just have to say it enough that you get bored of hearing it and it won't affect you anymore."

"You make it sound so simple. What happens when the nurse comes near me, and I kick her so hard she falls over? What happens when you say that phrase and I have a panic attack? What happens if we go out somewhere and someone recognizes me or someone comes up behind me and scares me, and I freak out?"

"We're going to the doctor with you. We can hold you down, so you don't kick the nurse." Rocky said.

Kimberly's eyes went wide.

"The point of going is for Kim to realize that not all needles are going to hurt her," Tommy said. "For her to learn that she has to take them without us pinning her down."

"You might have to," she mumbled.

"We will see. As for the phrase, I think I have a better idea." Jason said with a smirk. "We don't want her to get bored of hearing it. We want her to hear it and knowing something exciting is going to happen." Jason said.

"How are you going to do that?" Kimberly asked.

"I'll show you," Jason said. "Trini, can you be Kim for a minute?"

"Sure." Trini stood up and put both hands on her hips. "You guys, that is like so totally gross. My hair keeps getting tangled up on this helmet."

Everyone laughed as Kimberly blushed. "You guys, I totally don't sound like that."

Everyone just laughed harder, and Kimberly blushed hiding her face in Tommy's shoulder. He chuckled and rubbed her back. He kissed her forehead.

"Kim, watch this," Jason said once they all calmed down.

Kimberly looked to Jason.

"All right, Trini, that's it. No more Mr. Nice Guy." Jason said. Then he launched at Trini, tacked her to the floor and started to tickle her making her squeal with giggles. "Jason no!"

Kimberly giggled softly. She bit her bottom lip. She wasn't sure if she could handle being pinned down, even if they were only tickling her. They didn't know about what happened with her Coach yet. Tommy swore he wouldn't say anything until she was ready. Being pinned down right now would only terrify her more.

Jason stopped and returned to his spot. "So we just say the phrase and then tickle you or mess up your hair, or something fun that doesn't hurt you."

"I don't know, Jase. I don't know if I can handle being pinned down right now."

"I'm not going to pin you down. You'll have full access to push me away if you need to." Jason said.

"I don't know." Kimberly shrugged.

"You said you wanted to overcome your fears, right? Well, this is the best way to do it."

"There is still one more thing. I don't know how to overcome it."

"Your Coach?" Tommy guessed. "We will work on that last, let's focus on one fear at a time. We don't want to overwhelm you." Tommy said.

"I'll call the doctor later and set up appointments. In the meantime…" Jason smirked. "Who is up for a little game I like to call tickle Kimberly?"

"No!" Kimberly squealed. "Don't! I'm not ready!"

"Easy, guys." Tommy chuckled. "As much fun as that would be, she is still not ready to be pinned down and tortured."

"Thank you, Tommy." Kimberly smiled.

"Don't thank me yet. As soon as you're ready we're going to have a major tickle Kimberly day. We're going to dedicate an entire day to tickling you." he teased.

She groaned, and everyone laughed. "I think I like being terrified better." she teased back.


Everyone laughed, and she laughed with them. Maybe this wasn't going to be as hard as she thought.

The next day Kimberly had just finished getting dressed and ready for her day when Tommy walked over to her.

"Hey, Beautiful." He greeted.

"Hey, Handsome." She smiled.

They shared a small kiss. "Do you have any plans for today?" He asked.

"No. Why?"

"Because I'm headed to The Youth Center, and I'd like you to come with me."

Kimberly froze. "What?"

"You said you wanted to practice leaving the Command Center more. I think it's best you have some experience before we leave to go get the flu shots. Jason has a date scheduled."

"But..."

"I'm going to be right by your side. I promise. We can stay as long or as little as you feel comfortable with. Please."

Kimberly inhaled and exhaled a deep breath. The last time she left the Command Center...she shook her head to get rid of those memories.

"This time it's different. It's just us. You and Me, nobody else."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Kimberly inhaled and exhaled once more. This time she nodded. "Ok, let's do it."

"That's my girl."

They shared one more kiss, and Tommy pulled Kimberly into his arms.


They arrived at The Youth Center, and Kimberly inhaled and exhaled a deep breath.

"I'm right here. We are just going to go in, order our food, and then we can head back." Tommy said.

"I don't know if I can do this, Tommy," Kimberly whispered.

"Yes, you can. I know you can. Just take my hand. We will do it together."

Kimberly took his hand, and together they went inside and up to the counter.

Ernie went over, and his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Please don't..." Kimberly whispered.

Tommy nodded. "The fewer people to recognize her the better this would go."

Ernie nodded. "Welcome to The Youth Center, what can I get started for you."

"Two cheeseburgers with fries, one chocolate shake, and a strawberry shake," Tommy ordered.

"For here or to go?" Ernie wondered.

Tommy looked to Kimberly. "That's up to you."

Kimberly bit her bottom lip. She looked around at all the strangers and all men. Then she looked to Tommy and smiled softly. She inhaled and exhaled a deep breath and spoke. "For here please."

"You got it." Ernie smiled "He returned to the back to get their order."

Tommy smiled. "I am so proud of you."

"I'm trying." She whispered.

"You're doing amazing."

Kimberly just nodded. She inhaled and exhaled again. "Tommy, I can't breathe..."

"Shhh." Tommy soothed and rubbed her back. "You're safe. I'm right here. You're doing fantastic. We can change our order to go if you want."

Kimberly shook her head. "I have to do this."

"You don't have to do anything," Tommy said. "I don't want you to have a panic attack."

"I want to try and stay."

"Then we will." Tommy pulled her into his arms hugging her tightly. He rubbed her back and kissed her head. "I'm right here. You're safe."

Kimberly's breathing calmed down, and she relaxed into his arms. Then she noticed someone. "Tommy..."

"Yeah, Beautiful?"

"Look..." She pointed over by the patted mats. Tommy looked over to see Kat hanging out with two people he didn't know.

"Looks like Kat made some new friends."

Kimberly smiled softly. "I think she made more than that. Look at the way that guy is staring at her."

Tommy chuckled. "You would notice that." Then he frowned. "If you're not comfortable we can leave. I had no idea she'd be here today."

"No. It's ok. We can stay." Kimberly said. "I'm feeling a little better."

"We can just stay over here, away from her."

Kimberly shook her head. "I think I'd like to go say Hi, but..."

"Your worried about that guy aren't you?" Tommy asked.

Kimberly nodded.

"If he's a friend of Kat's I doubt he's dangerous. Regardless, I'll be right by your side." Tommy said. "It's your choice. We don't have to."

"I want to try," Kimberly said.

"Ok, let's go." Tommy took her hand and together they walked over to the others.

"That's great, LJ, you're getting so much better," Kat said.

"You're a great teacher." LJ smiled.

"I do my best," Kat responded. Then she noticed Tommy and Kim and gasped in surprise. "Tommy! Kim!"

She went to hug them but stopped herself before she could upset Kimberly. "May I hug you?"

Kimberly shook her head. "Not right now." Her nerves were high enough. The last thing she wanted was someone to touch her.

Kat nodded. She looked to Tommy.

"How about a handshake?" He asked.

"I'll take it." They shook hands and then Kat turned to JJ and LJ.

"This is Tommy Oliver and Kimberly Hart. Tommy, Kim, these are my new friends JJ and his sister LJ."

The two men shook hands. Tommy offered a hand to LJ. LJ looked to him and bit her lower lip. She looked to Kat and then JJ.

Tommy removed his hand and just smiled. "It's nice to meet you, LJ."

"You too." She whispered softly.

JJ looked to Kim. He could tell she was nervous around him. So he just smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Kim."

Kimberly just nodded. She appreciated him not trying to touch her, but he still made her nervous.

"What are you guys doing here?" Kat asked. "I know Kim has been hesitant to go anywhere too crowded."

"We're working on it," Tommy said. "We're just getting some lunch. How about you?"

"I'm helping LJ with her ballet," Kat answered.

"JJ is just watching," LJ answered. "Because he has to be with Kat at all times." She teased.

JJ blushed as everyone else laughed. "That's not true."

"How did you guys meet?" Kimberly asked.

"Here. LJ and I work here. We just moved here, and we're helping out our Uncle."

"Ernie? He's your Uncle?" Tommy asked.

"Yeah."

"That's pretty cool." Kimberly's nerves settled. If this guy was related to Ernie, he had to be a good guy.

"JJ, LJ, orders up," Ernie called from the counter.

"That's our cue," JJ said. "We will be right back."

He and LJ walked away.

"He seems nice. I'm really happy for you, Kat." Kimberly said.

"Thanks. He's a good friend." Kat answered.

"Are you sure that's all he is?" Kimberly said teasing her a little bit.

Kat blushed. It had been too long since they had teased each other. "I do like him. But I'm taking it slow. After everything, I just went through...I don't want to rush anything."

"I think that's a good idea," Kimberly said. "I am happy for you."

"Thanks. I'm happy for you too. I'm proud of you, for getting out and trying to overcome your fears."

"Thanks," Kimberly said softly.

They shared a small friendly smile.

LJ came running back over. "Hey, Kat, we're about to start our break. Come join us."

"Of course." Kat smiled. She followed after LJ. Tommy looked to Kim who had this strange look on her face.

"What are you thinking?" He asked.

Kimberly just smiled and then did something to surprise them both. "Hey, Kat, wait up."

Kat stopped and turned to Kimberly.

"Tommy and I just ordered our food. Would you like some company?"

"Of course. The more, the merrier." LJ said. Then she looked to Kat hoping she didn't make things uncomfortable.

Kat smiled. "Of course. Always."

Together they went to sit down and eat. Kimberly stayed close to Tommy. The second she started to feel nervous or tense, Tommy was there to calm her.

There was never an awkward moment. They all talked and laughed together. By the time it was over LJ had become a lot more comfortable with Tommy and Kimberly had become a lot of more comfortable with JJ and even Kat too.

Kimberly was happy. Her first day out of the Command Center went a lot better than she had expected. She just hoped things went this well when she went to get her flu shot.


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