Disclaimer: Nope, we don't own anything

AN: Thanks for all the reviews! Here's chapter 11, we hope you like it!

Enjoy and please review!

Quiet Evil

Chapter 11

By Andrea McPherren and Tanya DePass

Lilacmoon@hotmail.com and Direwolf1211@attbi.com

"Thank you Kimberly. I'll give him some time, but I won't let him suffer alone either. Give my regards to your mother," With that Hank left Kim on her front porch and headed back home to find the door to Billy's room cracked and a concerto by Bach wafting out into the house.

"Damn, he really is upset, but the door is open so to speak," Hank went up and knocked on Billy's door.

"Room for one more?" Hank asked his son.

"Sure dad," Billy replied, as his father joined him, and they began a long conversation. Billy paced a little bit before starting to speak. "Dad, I'm sorry I was so harsh earlier, but this thing with Jason is getting to me a lot more than I thought it would. I think it's because Tommy has kind of flipped out and now his two friends can't stand each other. I...Jason means so much to me dad," Billy confided.

Billy stood in the window, trying to calm himself before he really just lost control over his emotions. He hated feeling like this...so helpless, unable to "fix" things between he and Jason. Billy loved Jason as the big brother he never had. Jason had saved his life, literally by merely asking him to come to the park and play with his friends the next day, as he helped Billy carry home all his books. *so dad wouldn't have had to clean out my locker, afterwards* Billy thought, wondering if telling Jason would crack the shell that had replaced his friend.

If Jason knew that his casual invitation saved Hank Cranston the pain of losing his son to a sense of despair that had wrapped itself around Billy since they lost Rachel Cranston. Hank came over to stand with his son, knowing there wasn't much he could say that would make Billy feel better.

"Son, I don't have the words to make this okay for you. I do offer this. Let Jason cool off a little bit. Don't let your natural reluctance to discuss your feelings get in the way. You two have been friends most of your lives and Jason may be unsure of how to deal with this tension between you

and Tommy. It's not like you made Kim break up with him. I love you William, and it hurts me to see you suffering," Hank said.



Billy almost passed out when his father unwittingly hit the nail on the head, in regard to why Tommy hated him so. Instead, he looked over at his father and clasped him on the shoulder.

"Thanks dad, I...I know you love me and will be here for me. I'm going to go to bed and try to get some sleep. School is gonna be murder on Monday. Night dad, I love you," Billy said as he lay across his bed, and continued to stare out the window. Hank turned the stereo off, and bade Billy goodnight, wishing he could ease the pain of his only child. As the Cranston's turned in for the night, Jason was returning home to consider Tommy's deal. He kept playing it over in

his head. True he was mad at Billy for what happened, and didn't quite trust Tommy or Kim...yet. Tommy's offer was a bit much, especially the whole giving Billy to Master Vile as a trophy. Jason shuddered at the thought of Tommy becoming so cold again.

He went up to his room and signed in to msn messenger, thankful that his parents had turned in early. He was relieved to see Trini online, but unsure of how she was feeling toward him after his crack about getting Kim out of the way. Besides, he was falling for Trini and now that he realized it. Was that why he was being so hard on Billy and Kim? *Nah, it's not like he's

gonna turn to Trini after all this. I'm being silly*

WhiteLion00: Hey Trini...how are you?

GreyPanther01: I'm ok Jase. What's up?

WhiteLion00: Nothing...I had a brief meeting with Tommy. He wants me to give up Billy to Master Vile so he can get Kim back. The only hitch is I can't give Billy to them. I mean he knows too much about us, the weapons...and I'm starting to realize Tommy wants revenge, not to win her heart.

GreyPanther01: That's horrible! Why didn't you tell Z?

WhiteLion00: I am in the morning. I had to think about it. I mean they tried to kill us! Can you honestly say that you believe they are 100% back to normal?

GreyPanther01: For now, yeah... I have the feeling that they would have attacked by now or something. Beside you are taking this really hard Jase. What's the deal really?

WhiteLion00: I'd rather not discuss it over IM. Meet me in the morning at the CC?

GreyPanther01: Sure, I'll see you around 11?

WhiteLion00: 11 it is. Night Tri, and I'm trying to forgive him for what he did to Tommy, really I am. I'll see you in the am.

WhiteLion00: User has signed off at 11:25 pm PST

Trini logged off and crawled into bed, wondering what was going on in Jason's head about Tommy and Billy. "It's almost like three brothers turning on each other over the same woman,"

Trini thought aloud, but she knew Jason didn't think of Kim that way.

"So what is this about...I guess I have to wait until the morning to find out," Trini turned off her lamp and turned in for the night.

Meanwhile Kim was up and wide awake, chatting with Billy online.

FrozenWolf: Hey Kim.. couldn't sleep either?

FireyCrane: Nope... this whole thing has me tied up in knots Billy. I mean Jason was so cold...

FrozenWolf: I'd rather not discuss him right now if that's ok.

FireyCrane: Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. Do you have any plans tomorrow?

FrozenWolf: Not really, dad was planning to hang out with his brother in Stone Canyon. I may get a couple of movies or join dad...I have no idea really. If dad does want to leave as early as he said...I may not even be awake in time to go with him.

FireyCrane: I see. Well, I was hoping we could do something just the two of us. Give me a ring once you wake up...I'll be home. Mom is kind of leery of me being out alone because of him.

FrozenWolf: What do you mean by that? Has he tried to hurt you?

FireyCrane: No...she is just being a little over protective I think. She always thought he had a mean streak...we both know he does. Oh well, I'm gonna try to get some sleep. Catch you later my wolf.

FrozenWolf: Sure thing Kim. I'll call you when I wake up. Night my crane.

FrozenWolf: User has signed off at 1:04 am PST

FireyCrane: User has signed off at 1:03am PST

Billy lay in his bed, staring up at the ceiling. What Kim had said about Tommy had unnerved him even more. He was no longer evil, but he would make certain that Tommy never laid a finger on Kim. Something wasn't right in the air. Something was going down, but the question was what. Finally, Billy let sleep take over, as he drifted off into a fitful slumber.

~*~*~*~*~

The next morning, Billy woke up about ten. His dad had already left, so Billy decided to shower and call Kim.

"Hello?" Kim answered.

"Hey Kim," Billy said.

"Hi sweet wolf," Kim replied.

"I think I'm going to take you up on that offer. I hope I didn't seem like I was pushing you away last night. I needed to be alone last night, but I really need you now," Billy replied.

"I understand Billy and I'm always here for you. I have to finish drying my hair, so why don't you come pick me up and we can decide where to go when you get here," Kim replied.

"Okay, I'll see you in a few," Billy replied.

"Okay, I love you Billy," Kim said.

"I love you too," Billy replied, as he hung up the phone. He always felt better after talking to Kim. Even if things were never the same between he and Jason, he would always have Kim. Plus, Rocky, Adam, Aisha, and Zack seemed glad to have them back.

~*~

Tommy approached Master Vile on his throne. "Well Thomas, have you succeeded in joining with the white ranger?" Vile asked.

"I'm afraid that Jason may not join me. But no matter, I will still have my revenge on Billy and the other rangers, and then Kim will be mine," Tommy said.

"Good, and the earth will be ruled by Master Vile. It's time to put our plans into action," Vile said.

"Yes it is," Tommy replied, as he teleported down to Angel Grove in search of his former teammates.

~*~

Billy arrived at Kim's house around 11. Kim opened the door after his knock and invited him in.

"Good morning," Kim greeted, as she kissed him.

"Morning love. What are we going to do today?" Billy asked.

"I've got that all planned. We are going on a romantic picnic in the park," Kim revealed, as she picked up the picnic basket and blanket.

"You do know what I like," Billy replied.

"Of course I do, you're my man," Kim replied, as she traced her fingers on

his chest.

"Your man huh? I think I like the way that sounds," Billy replied, as they embraced in a passionate kiss. After that, Billy and Kim headed off into the park, in search of the perfect picnicking spot.

Meanwhile...

Jason and Trini teleported in to discuss the latest developments with their mentor Zordon. Jason stepped up to the tube, wishing there were an easier way to deal with this whole mess.

"Zordon, Billy and Kim are back to themselves or so they claim. Billy swears the EMP blast that Tommy hit him with diffused the venom in his system. However, we may have a bigger problem than them. Master Vile has taken Tommy, and he offered me a deal to get Billy out of the way so he can get Kim back," Jason finished as Trini stepped forward to add her thoughts.

"While, we are a little hesitant to believe that Billy and Kim are just suddenly back to themselves, we also can't just hand them over to Tommy and Vile. Master Vile only wants revenge for Rita and Zedd's deaths and Tommy wants Billy dead for "taking" Kim away from him. We both were really angry at them, and there have been words exchanged that may not allow the team to be the same way it was, so we leave it to you to decide if Kim and Billy will be allowed back on the team," Zordon is quiet for a moment, pondering what he should do about the massive rift in his team. After another moment of thought he told Alpha to find Kim and Billy and bring them to the Command Center.



"ONCE THEY ARE HERE, YOU WILL WORK OUT YOUR DIFFERENCES. I CAN NOT ALLOW THIS TO CONTINUE IF THEY ARE TO BE ALLOWED BACK AS PART OF THE RANGERS,"

Trini and Jason exchange a wary look as Alpha contacted Billy and Kim, who were sitting around in the park, enjoying their impromptu picnic. They look down as their communicators go off in tandem.

"Kim here, what's going on?"

"Kim, I need you and Billy to come to the Command Center now please," Alpha's request came over the small device on her wrist. Even the small automaton sounded worried for them she thought as she got out of the way so Billy could pack up their lunch.

"We'll be there in a moment, Kim out," Billy said nothing, as he took her hand and teleported them to the Command Center. He expected that they were going to be fully stripped of their powers and remanded to civilian life for what they had done. Instead, he found Jason and Trini standing off to one side as they materialized in front of Zordon's tube. He looked from Zordon

to them without saying a word. Zordon spoke, sparing him having to do so for the time being.

"WILLIAM AND KIMBERLY. YOU HAVE COMMITTED SERIOUS TRANSGRESSIONS AGAINST YOUR FELLOW RANGERS, THE TOWN OF ANGEL GROVE AND THE PLANET. I REALIZE THAT YOU WERE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL WILLIAM AND DID NOT ACT UPON YOUR OWN FREE WILL. HOWEVER, YOU DID COERCE KIMBERLY TO THE DARK SIDE, AS WELL AS ATTEMPTED TO KILL TOMMY.

NORMALLY FOR THESE CRIMES, YOU WOULD BE STRIPPED OF YOUR POWERS AND PERMANENTLY BANNED FROM EVER HOLDING THE POWER AGAIN. IN

YOUR CASE THIS CANNOT HAPPEN, DUE TO THE VENOM FUSING YOUR POWER

PERMANENTLY TO YOU...YOU WILL FOREVER HOLD THE BLUE AND PINK POWERS. AS FOR YOU REJOINING THE TEAM, YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO REJOIN THE TEAM ON A PROBATIONARY BASIS. FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS, YOU WILL BE OBSERVED FOR ANY ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR OR ODDITIES IN YOUR DEMEANOR TOWARDS EVERYONE.

IF YOU ARE INJURED IN BATTLE, YOU WILL BE EXAMINED FOR ANY SIGNS OF SPELLS, EVIL POTIONS ETC. NOW IN LIGHT OF YOU RIDDING THE GALAXY OF RITA REPULSA AND LORD ZEDD, I WILL REDUCE YOUR PROBATION FOR ONE MONTH. WHILE I COMMEND THE RESULT, I DO NOT CONCUR WITH THE METHOD YOU EMPLOYED TO DISPOSE OF THEM.

THE OTHER CONDITION IS THAT YOU REPAIR YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE OTHER RANGERS IN DUE TIME OR YOUR PLACES ON THE TEAM WILL BE REMANDED DESPITE YOUR GOOD BEHAVIOR. YOU ARE NOW EXCUSED."

Billy bowed his head slightly and turned to face Kim, he didn't even want to acknowledge Jason's presence in the room, since he had hurt him so badly before. There was something in the way he was looking at Kim that made her think of a wounded animal that would bite if it

were cornered. She realized that if Jason was going to forgive Billy, Jason would have to make the first move.

"Kim, may we go now? I hope you'll understand I'm not really in the mood to finish our picnic now." Billy said in a flat tone of voice, devoid of any emotion. Kim realized he was throwing up his first line of defense...shutting down his emotions. As Kim was about to answer, Jason came

up to them and tapped Billy on the shoulder. Billy turned to gaze up at the older boy who he loved as a brother and friend, only this time there was no warmth in the greenish-blue eyes as he stared at Jason.

"Is there something you wanted?" Billy asked in a tone that could have frozen a glacier. Jason flinched a little bit at the deep pain in his friends gaze and voice.

"I wanted to talk, seriously...about everything. I want to get it out in the open and hopefully work on mending our friendship," Jason said as he returned Billy's unwavering gaze, wishing he could take back the cruel words he had spoken to his little "bro". Jason waited patiently as Billy seemed to let his words sink in and run around in circles in that agile mind of his.

"Very well, meet me in one hour at the usual spot in the park. No one else, no bullshit either Scott. We either resolve this issue or we go our separate ways. See you there," with that Billy teleported out, with Kim following him in a blaze of pink energy. Jason and Trini look at each other, wondering if the one time Jason let his temper get the best of him was going to cost them all dearly. Trini went to Jason and hugged him briefly, and he sank into the embrace, grateful for the contact and reassurance from his old friend.

He looked into her eyes and no matter how much time passed, Jason Lee Scott would never have an explanation for what moved him to kiss Trinity Lynn Kwan that morning. Maybe it was the emotionally charged moment, the way she was holding him in a loose embrace or the way the lights played off of her honey complexion. But he bent to kiss her, letting his emotions carry him over the edge into an abyss of joy for the moment. As Trini surprisingly enough returned his fervor until the need to breathe took precedence over longing. And they smiled at each other before embracing again.

~*~*~*

Billy teleported them to their secret base. "I brought us here, because I don't think you should be by yourself in Angel Grove with Tommy on the warpath," Billy said.

"Well, I'll stay here while you meet with Jason if it will put your mind at ease," Kim said, as she wrapped her arms around him. "I love you Kimmy, I don't know what I'd do without you," Billy said, as he nibbled at her neck.

"And you'll never have to find out. And when you come back later, I'll show you how much I need you," Kim replied, with a longing gaze. Billy trapped her lips in a fervid kiss, before breaking the kiss, and teleporting to the park to meet with Jason.

~*~*~*

"Hey little bro," Jason greeted.

"Hello Jason," Billy said flatly.

"Look Billy, I want to try and put all this behind us. I want to make amends. Can we do that?" Jason asked.

"I want to make amends too Jase, though after what I have done to all of you, I probably don't deserve your friendship. But what you said to me hurt Jason it hurt me worse than you can ever know." Billy said bitterly as he stood there with his arms crossed.

"Let's not discuss that, we've been on that topic long enough. I know it's going to take time before our friendship is ever back to normal, if that's possible, but I'd like to start today. And as for what I said.I'm sorry Billy. I was just so angry at you trying to kill Tommy. And then when he went back willingly it was like I failed both of you. Please understand I didn't want it to hurt you so deeply. I let my emotions get out of control once and that is the result."

Jason held his hand out to Billy. as he hoped and prayed that Billy would take his offering... Billy waited so long to respond, Jason thought Billy wasn't going to take his hand and accept the white flag he was offering. Finally he clasped Jason's hand and smiled briefly, letting him know things were back on the mend with them. Jason returned the smile, relieved that they had taken that small step toward recovering their friendship, giving Billy a brief hard hug.

"So you and Kim huh? I never thought I'd see that one," Jason said.

"Yea, I never thought I would either, but I think I've always loved her," Billy replied.

"Why don't you two come to the youth center and we can all hang out," Jason said.

"Okay, Kim and I'll be there around six," Billy said. Jason eyed his watch.

"That's two hours from now, what could you and Kim possibly be doing for two hours?" Jason asked with a grin. Billy blushed. Jason laughed, glad that some things would never change.

"See ya later bro," Jason said.

"Later," Billy replied, as he made sure the coast was clear, and teleported to the secret base.

~*~*~*

"How did it go?" Kim asked.

"Good, Jase really wants to repair our friendship. I told him that we'd come hang out with the gang around six," Billy reported.

"Two whole hours, what will we do?" Kim said in a mischievous tone as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Billy locked her lips in a passionate kiss, while hoisting her into his arms. Without breaking the kiss, Billy carried her to the bedroom.

~*~*~*

"Billy must have some secret base, I'm not able to locate them," Vile said.

"No matter, sooner or later Billy and Kim will go to the youth center. They and the other rangers are back on speaking terms. And once they arrive, I will be there to surprise them all," Tommy said, with an evil glint in his eyes.

~*~*~*

Billy and Kim made very good use of the time they had to spare until they were supposed to meet up with the others at the Youth Center. Billy curled himself around Kim and sighed happily as he caressed her back and neck.

"Kim, you make me so happy. Who would have ever thought we'd end up together?" Billy wondered as he held Kim, glad that they were together despite the high price they all paid for their happiness. Kim sighed and turned over to face Billy.

"We opened our eyes love. I was blind to not see what a great guy you are for so long, and we paid a high price to get here as well," Kim kissed Billy lightly as she got up to start the shower for them. "C'mon...we're gonna be late..." Kim said as she tested the water to see how hot it was. She knew Billy loved really hot, long showers but she preferred a nice warm shower or

bath... Billy hopped up and joined her, wincing at the temperature.

"Kim! It's freezing!" Kim smirked and continued to clean up.

"Sorry pal, you're gonna have to suffer in the interest of being on time. Besides, I'll make it up to you soon," Kim told him with a leering smile as she handed him the shower gel and a wash cloth. Billy took it and cleaned up, making sure he was the first one out...it was just too cold for him.

While they were getting ready to head over to the Youth Center, the rest of the guys were there wondering why Jason and Trini seemed to suddenly be ok with Kim and Billy, after the tirade that Jason put them through the day before. Adam and Rocky had an idea, but they decided to wait until everyone was present and accounted for to speak their minds.

AN: Hope you liked it! Sorry it took so long to get up, but the holidays have kept us both pretty busy. Thanks for reading and please leave a review. Later!