Disclaimer: Well, you all know the drill by now. I only own the story,
Alex, and Corinne.
AN: Well, the last chapter was a little out of place as I can sure guess you figured out. I just needed to clear up a few things before continuing. This chapter picks up where I left off with Billy, basically two days after his trip.
AN: As usual, these are thoughts and "these are spoken".
Chapter 11
Billy sighed as he walked up to Mikala's lab door. He had bumped into Cestria on his way to the labs and they talked about the bonding ceremony. They came up with some interesting things to do to surprise the couple. He was in a very good mood by the time he reached Mikala's lab. However, the lights were off and there was a message on the view screen for him. He pressed the button to start the message. I hope she didn't cancel our work for the day!
"Billy, I know we are supposed to be working in my lab but the only way we could get the other Personal Data Consoles done is if we used the chip programmers in Cestro's lab. That is where we will be working on them. Niko and I will be there waiting." The view of Mika's face disappeared as Billy turned towards Cestro's lab. Well, at least it is a lab I know!
As he walked the few yards to Cestro's lab, he thought about what he could do differently with each of the pdc's to make them more personal. They already have the names and nicknames on but I added a tiger design to Trini's. He suddenly smiled. "That's it! I will put a design on each one that is relative to their nicknames or animal!" He opened the door and walked into the lab. "Hey Mika, Niko. So where are they?"
Mika smiled. "Hello Billy. They are on that table." She pointed to a nearby table where the other pdc's were waiting for their final components. "We have Jason's here and ready for you since his is the next one to be sent."
Billy stopped walking to the table and turned towards his friends. "You do? Thanks!" He walked over to the chip programmer and inserted a small disk. "This disk has everything ready to be programmed into his pdc. There is a disk in this case for each of the remaining consoles." He set a small box on the table next to the programmer.
Niko smiled. "Are you always this prepared Billy?" As Billy's face turned pink, he looked at Mika. "Did I tell you he has taken us up on our offer?"
Mika looked at Niko and then looked at Billy. "You mean it?" When Billy nodded she gave him a hug. "Oh thank you William! This means so much to us!"
Billy smiled and pulled away from her. "You are very welcome and it is an honor to be asked." He looked at Jason's pdc and grinned. "Now, can I turn this thing on so we can get our work started?"
Niko laughed as Mikala smiled. "Yeah, we will leave you to your programming and get started on the others." He grabbed the next two disks from the box and pulled Mika towards the other two programmers. "I'll take Kim's and you can take Tommy's."
Mika giggled. "Um, maybe I should take Kim's considering she is a girl and you are not." After getting a glare from Niko she continued. "Besides, Billy told us last time that he was going to have the two of you only do the guys, except for when it came to the finishing details."
Niko sighed. "Okay, you win. I will do as we planned. But don't think that will stop me from sticking with our plans on our other projects!"
Billy held his laughter in. No wonder they always get put together when another project comes up! "Hey you two! Do you mind using a little lower volume when flirting? I am kind of busy right now." As soon as he said that, he immediately regretted it.
Niko stopped his typing on his programmer and turned towards Billy. He suddenly had a fun idea. "You hear that Mika? He wants us to keep the volume down on our flirting."
Mika smiled as she saw him sneaking up behind Billy with a glint in his eyes. So that's what he plans on doing! I thought he was up to something! "Yeah, maybe we should listen and act our age." She walked up to Billy so he wouldn't see Niko sneaking up on him. "I am sorry Billy for distracting you."
Billy knew what they were planning and stopped his typing so they wouldn't cause him to screw it up. "No problem Mika." If they want to play, then I can handle that for a few minutes. "I just wish your life bond would grow up a little instead of trying to sneak up on me!" He suddenly turned and caught Niko's arm from hitting the back of his knee. "You know, I do happen to know more martial arts then I did last time I was here! I also have the powers of the wolf so I can sense things better than I did before."
Niko fell as Billy grabbed his arm and swept his legs out from under him. "Ok, I give up, Wolf-boy!" As soon as he said that nickname, he saw a flash of sadness in Billy's eyes. As Billy quickly let go of his arm, he immediately knew what was wrong. "I'm sorry Billy, I didn't know."
Mika was over her laughter and suddenly confused. "Billy, what's wrong?" She looked at Niko and saw him staring into Billy's eyes. "Niko, you didn't know what?"
Billy looked down as Niko looked away. Billy then raised his eyes to meet Mikala's worried gaze. "Trini calls me that." He wiped the tears away from his eyes before they could fall. "It sorta got to me when he just said it. He smiled at his friends. "You know, after what just happened, I can't wait till your bonding ceremony." He smiled evilly and turned back to his work.
Niko looked at Mika and could tell she was wondering the same thing. "Um, why do I feel we should be worried Billy?" When Billy took a deep breath and just laughed, he realized that Billy already had something planned for the ceremony. "You aren't going to do anything or say anything really embarrassing are you?"
Billy smiled. "No, I don't think so. At least Cestria and I don't think so."
Mika smiled. So Cestria is in on it too! "Well, if she is in on it, then do whatever you want. I trust the both of you." She headed back to her chip programmer. Niko smiled and did the same.
Five hours later, Billy was in the lab by himself. He was finishing the programming for Zack's Personal Data Console. As he turned off the machine and gathered the disks, he remembered his stone. I wonder if she would be awake right now. As he stored the pdc's in the storage room and walked back to his apartment, he remembered watching his parents' accident with her and Zack. She was right there holding his hand the whole time.
Billy walked into his apartment and closed the door. After locking it, he grabbed his stone and sat down. Trini? Are you there? He felt her mind reach out to him.
I'm here Billy but my roommate is here now so I will only think my thoughts to you. Zack heard me last night when I talked to you and thought I was losing it. I don't want my roommate to think I was going crazy. She smiled as she glanced at her roommate. They were watching a movie so any facial reaction she made wouldn't be noticed. So, what's up Wolf-boy?
Billy smiled. Well, I wanted to tell you that Tommy watched the memory bank with Kim and Jason. He knows about their nicknames too. He sensed the worry in her thoughts. Don't worry; they are handling it very well according to Alpha.
Trini smiled. That's good. I'm glad that Kim can finally get over her little nickname. If I remember correctly, she didn't want Tommy to find out about it.
Billy laughed. Yeah, we'll have to see how he reacts to that. He suddenly heard someone buzzing his doorbell like a mad man. I'm sorry Trini but someone is at my door and by the buzzing of the doorbell, it must be very important.
Trini sighed. Okay Billy, I'll talk to you later! I love you. She leaned back in her chair to watch the rest of the movie.
Billy smiled as he walked to his door. I love you too Tiger. With that he broke his connection and opened his door. "Niko? What happened to you?" The dirt and smoky smell told him there was a fire somewhere.
Niko grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the apartment giving him only enough time to lock the door. "Mika and I had to go back to get something with Cestria for Cestro. As we were leaving, the storage room exploded."
Billy stopped and looked at Niko. "Are they alright?"
Niko nodded and smiled. "Yeah, they were in front of me so I got the worst of the blast. Being a gentleman, I pushed them to the ground and blocked most of the debris."
Billy smiled and they started running to the lab. "I always thought you had it in you to be the hero type, now I know you do." As they rounded the corner to the labs, Billy stopped immediately. "Oh my god."
Niko ran past him to where Cestria and Mika were helping Delphine and Cestro put out some small fires. "Billy, the pdc's were ok but I think they got knocked around a little so you might want to check on them." He turned around to see Billy taking the fire extinguisher from Delphine and ordering her to rest. Once a ranger, always a ranger.
Billy waited until Delphine sat down to rest before attempting to put out the fire she had been working on extinguishing. "Delphine, you really should let others help you more. You will wear yourself out too fast. I am a proven example of that." He finished putting out the fire and sat down next to her.
Delphine smiled. "Thank you William. Sometimes I get carried away with my job as the leader of the rangers and forget that I need to rest as well." She looked at the three young aquitians and stood up. "Right now though I must find out what caused this. Since the four of you were the only ones in this lab today, one of you must have done something."
Billy thought about what all had happened that afternoon. "Well, Mika, Niko, and I were programming the pdc's and Cestria came in to work on some energy crystals. We all stuck to our work and put everything in its place when we finished. I even saw the energy crystals in the storage room as if they weren't even touched."
Delphine looked at Billy. "I can tell you are being truthful. But what could have caused the explosion that started all these fires?"
Billy looked at the young aquitians and noticed Cestria's downcast look. "As much as I hate to say it, I think you should ask Cestria."
Delphine followed Billy's gaze to the young woman. "I believe you are right Billy. It looks like she knows something. I will go ask her right now." She helped Billy to his feet and walked over to the young aquitians. "I am sorry to keep you all here but I need to know what happened today that could have caused an explosion like this."
The three looked at each other before Cestria spoke up. "I'm sorry, I didn't know this would happen. It is all my fault."
Delphine nodded to Cestria to continue. "It will be alright. Now tell us what happened today that could have led to this catastrophe."
Cestria nodded. "Well, I was working on some energy crystals for Cestro because he wanted to find ways of combining their energies without breaking them down. I thought I had put them back to their original states when I put them in the storage closet. After we were leaving this time, I remembered that I didn't get a positive reading when I double-checked the energies. The energy had been bouncing back and forth just like the others but by a little bigger margin."
Delphine took the information into account and had two more questions. "If it reacted the same way as the others but only in a bigger margin, did you record that in your notes? Also, did you store it with the others?"
Cestria nodded. "Yes I recorded the information in my notes. As for the crystal, I stored it on the same shelf but separate from the others just in case. I have that noted as well." As Delphine looked to Billy, he nodded in silent agreement that that is how he saw them on their shelf.
Delphine nodded. "Then that makes it an accident. The energy crystals I found when putting out the fires were all together so the shelf must have collapsed before the explosion. That means that the unstable crystal fell up against the others and caused the explosion. You are all free to go now. Thank you."
Billy smiled as they stayed where they were. "Delphine, I think they want to help." As they nodded, he thought of a way for them to help. "Can you guys help me get the pdc's back to my apartment or at least into something I can carry them all in?"
Mika nodded and smiled. She held up what looked like a blue fireproof bag with his name on it. "Actually, I had this in another storage closet that can hold them all. You can have it." She handed him the bag. "It was going to be for your birthday in a few months but you can have it now."
Billy took the bag and smiled. "Wow, thank you!" He headed towards where they had laid out his pdc's and gathered them up into the bag. As he turned around they were getting their things together to leave. "I will see you guys tomorrow so we can clean up this mess and decide where to continue our work."
Delphine laughed. "William, I have some programmers in my lab next door that you can use. I thought you would remember that!"
Billy blushed. Duh, how could I forget! "Uh yeah, I almost did. That's how I got trained on these ones! I will come by tomorrow morning after I check these over." He headed back to his apartment but stopped when Cestria ran up next to him.
"Billy, I want to talk to you about the bonding ceremony. I know you were rushing this morning so I want to make sure you still want to follow the plan." She stopped when she saw Billy smile.
"Of course I do. Let's get together in three days to set it up." He stopped and looked at her. "I think they will be embarrassed at first but they will thank us in the end."
She smiled. "Yeah, they will never forget that night." She laughed as Billy smiled back at her. "Goodnight Billy, I will see you tomorrow."
Billy watched her head off towards her apartment and walked to his. Now all I have to do is find a way to hide it until the ceremony. He entered his apartment and locked the door behind him. He put his bag down on his table and headed for his bed. I'm too tired to change. I'll just change in the morning."
Billy laid down and immediately fell asleep.
3 DAYS LATER Billy stepped out of the Elder's training room. Well, the bonding ceremony should go well if I had no problems today. He picked up the ceremonial robes from where the elder had placed them and headed to his apartment. Niko came up beside him and walked with him.
"Billy, how did the training go?" Nikolai watched as his friend smiled. I'm glad I saw him now instead of having to hunt him down later to find out how it went.
Billy looked at Niko and smiled. "Well, if everything goes as well as it did today, it will be easy for me. I did the whole thing today." He saw the shock on Niko's face as he unlocked his door.
Niko was surprised. "You did it all today? Nobody has ever done that, not even the elder himself!" He followed Billy into the apartment and waited for him to place his robes in the closet. The Elder does it best and he didn't do it all on his first try so maybe the council was right.
Billy finished putting his robes away and headed for the door. "Yeah, it shocked us both. We think that because of my high intellect and the powers I have held, my learning ability was increased and at a faster pace." He waited until Niko had walked out and locked the door. "But I got the feeling that the Elder knew it would be that way." He headed for Delphine's lab.
Nikolai nodded. "The blue wolf and unicorn are considered to be the wisest of all the animals." He was glad to see that his friend was assuming the position no being, other than Phaedotians, had ever managed to acquire. I just hope he will survive the quest for it! All the Aquitians who have tried have died so maybe his Earth characteristics will help him.
As they headed into Delphine's lab and took their places at the controls of the microchip programmers, Billy saw a strange glint in his friend's eyes. "What do you know that you aren't telling me?" I wonder if it has anything to do with my powers and me.
Niko smiled as they turned on their machines. "You'll find out in due time." He turned and went to work on programming Cestro's chips while Billy programmed the remaining devices and finished fixing the others.
BACK ON EARTH Kim sat down on her bed and picked up her phone. Good thing my practice went well enough for me to leave early! She dialed Jason's number and a tired voice answered. "How was class today BJ?"
Jason pretended to laugh. "Ha ha Sissy K, very funny. Next time I agree to substitute for anyone other than Tommy or Rocky, slap me."
Kim laughed. "Well, I will remember that. I heard Zack called you last night. How are they doing?" Actually I want to know if Trini opened her gift from Billy yet.
Jason smiled. "Well, apparently that package Billy sent was all Trini could think about but she wasn't allowed to open it until tomorrow." He laughed to himself. "Zack is going crazy since she won't open it. He says she is being too loyal to him since he won't be there in person. Man, he will flip when he finds out the truth about them.
Kim smiled. "Well, Zack will be surprised when he finds out about them. She isn't going to tell him until after she opens Billy's gift."
Jason suddenly got an idea. "Kim, do you know what he sent her?"
Kim sighed. "I honestly don't know. All I know is that she can't tell anyone unless it is their birthday."
"Their birthday? Why?" Jason was now very curious about it. What could be so secretive that she can't let the others know? After all, his birthday was 2 weeks after Trini's.
Kim laughed. "Well, apparently we will all be getting one on our birthday." She was glad her birthday was next month.
Jason smiled. "That's cool. Hey, I have to get going. I am meeting Kat in a half an hour." He heard her laugh. "Okay Sissy K, what's so funny."
Kim laughed even harder. "Does this mean that Kat and I can finally go out with our boyfriends and not have to worry about how they will get along?" She had been waiting for the chance to get him to admit his feelings for Kat.
Jason sighed. "Yes, Kim. Are you happy now? We are officially dating."
Kim smiled. "Wait till Billy finds out that BJ is now dating Miss Kitty."
Jason smiled. "Miss Kitty huh? I'll have to tell her you called her that."
She laughed again. "Go right ahead. Billy and I already call her that." Kim looked at her clock. "Well, I'll let you go now. Talk to you tomorrow."
"Okay Sissy K." He loved calling her that. God this brings back memories. After watching the memory bank with Tommy, they started calling each other by their nicknames again.
Kim smiled. "Later BJ." She hung up the phone and sighed. Ever since the memory bank, she felt they had gotten closer. Now Tommy was part of the small circle that knew Billy's secret. Billy's mom would be so proud!
BACK ON AQUITAR Billy turned off the chip programmer. He had stayed late to finish off Alex's device. As he headed outside and locked the door to Delphine's lab, he saw Cestria walking towards him. "Hello, what are you doing out this late?"
Cestria smiled. "Well, Niko said you had stayed late to finish Alex's pdc." He must have forgotten about our plans.
Billy suddenly realized what he had forgotten. "I'm sorry, I forgot our plans. Is there still time to set it up tonight?"
Cestria smiled. "Of course William. I came to drag you away but I see there's no need. I believe the bonding chamber is all set." She walked with him towards the chamber.
Billy smiled. "This all seems like it happened before. I hope it doesn't suddenly downpour." I hope Niko and Mika aren't in here again!
Cestria laughed. "Yeah, I heard it was supposed to be clear all night. That solar storm the last time you were here really scared everyone." She unlocked the door and paused before opening it. "You think they will be in here again?"
Billy smiled. "I hope not because it would ruin our surprise for the ceremony." He opened the door and turned on the lights. "So where are we going to put the virtual imaging screen?"
Cestria walked to a corner near where she and Billy would be for the ceremony. "Right here. I brought it in earlier. As life bonders, we have the privilege to tell the moments in their lives that we feel represent the true bond between them."
Billy smiled. "I can't wait to show them instead of just telling them. Their family and friends will be surprised, as well as in for a laugh."
Cestria smiled at his teasing attitude. "I believe they, as well as their family and friends, will feel a bit embarrassed about it at first. As I recall, they were both turning a bright shade of crimson when we burst in here to escape the solar storm."
Billy laughed as he set up their memory receivers. "There, all we have to do is hook ourselves up and do our job."
"They will love it Billy." Cestria smiled as she followed Billy out the door and towards the living quarters.
After walking in silence, Billy turned towards his own apartment and bid her goodnight. "I will see you tomorrow Cestria. Have a nice night." As she nodded and turned towards her own apartment, Billy felt his wolf spirit warning him. What is it?
"Young one, there is an important message for you. You must respond to it immediately. There is something that must be done if you wish your future team to work to it's full potential."
Billy unlocked his door and relocked it behind him. He looked at his communication link and saw the message light blinking. As he pushed the play button, he was surprised to hear Adam's voice. He sounds like he is scared of something.
"Billy, it's Adam. Zordon said I would have to contact you since it involves you. I know that Tommy has seen a certain memory bank of yours that Kim and Jason were a part of. I know it is a bad memory but I want to know if it is okay for me to watch it."
Billy stopped the message as he realized what memory bank Adam was referring to. Why would he want to see it unless something happened that forced them to bring it out in the open? He continued the message.
"Knowing you, I bet you are wondering why I want to see it and how I know about it. Well, I overheard Kim and Jason talking to Tommy about it. When they realized I was within hearing distance, they told me about it and said it was up to you to let me watch it. It is okay with them if you say yes. You see, something happened in my past that is in one of my memory banks. I think it has something to do with yours. If the dates and information they gave me are correct, then you may very well want to see this." Billy heard Adam sigh.
What could have happened to make him so uptight about this? He listened closer to the message.
"Zordon will send you a copy of my particular memory bank if you allow me to see yours. It will explain a lot about why I try to stay away from doctors and anything too dangerous." Billy heard Adam try to laugh. "That is, until I met you guys. I always thought that you must have experienced something as bad as I did when you were younger because you acted very much like me. It will also explain why I am so close to Aisha and Rocky. Now, I want to share my past with you in return for letting me see your past."
Billy wiped a tear from his eye. Wow, I guess I didn't hide it too well, unless his past was as bad as mine. He finished listening to the message.
"Let Zordon know about your decision and he will let me know. Keep in touch Billy. Your dad says hi and that he loves you." Before Billy turned off the message he heard a low voice in the background. That sounds like Rocky! He listened closer. "Adam, you forgot about us seeing it. We know about your story, but we think that if you are to watch it alone, you will go back to the way you were when it happened." The link cut off before he could hear more.
Billy hit the reply button and heard Zordon's voice.
"Yes Billy? I assume you have listened to Adam's message."
Billy smiled. He always jumps right to the point. "Yes, Zordon, that is correct. Please tell Adam, Rocky, Aisha, and any of the others that they have my permission to see it. Just make them promise not to feel sorry or pitiful for me about it. I have a feeling that Adam, Rocky, and Aisha won't but I am not sure about the others." Maybe now I can share everything with someone who actually knows what I really was feeling afterwards. If he went through something that was very similar to what I experienced, then that would explain why Adam and I are the way we are.
"He will be pleased to hear that Billy. So far, only Adam, Rocky, and Aisha have inquired about it but I will let the others know if they do ask." Alpha started to upload Adam's memory bank so Billy could see it. "We will send you Adam's memory bank file as soon as we end our link so that you can use your link to watch it."
Billy nodded and then remembered that Zordon couldn't see him. "Okay Zordon. Tell Adam I said thank you and I will talk to him soon." He turned off his message transmitter and let the memory bank data download to the link. He was curious as to what Adam experienced when he was younger. Well, I have the morning off tomorrow to get ready for my treatment so I will watch it then.
As Billy got ready for bed, he made a mental note to contact Trini on the device the following evening while he was recuperating from his treatment. After that, I will have to get ready for the bonding ceremony the next day. I can't wait!
As the sleep set in, his mind aroused a dream that he hadn't had since he came to Aquitar almost a week earlier. It was a wonderful dream that he hoped would someday come true.
As Billy slept, a bright golden light appeared above his bed. A young girl's voice echoed in his silent room. "Your dream is more than you think William." Billy murmured something in his sleep as if in response to it. "Dear Billy, you can heal others as you heal yourself. Trust your friends and their spirits. The beginning will only be found in the past." The golden light then disappeared as suddenly as it came.
AN: Well, I hope you all like this story but I can't tell how you feel about it unless you review it! PLEASE REVIEW! For those of you who have already been reviewing it (Wild-Melody, ScarletDeva, Gamine, and Bladewing), thank you so much. Since this is my first fic, it really lets me know how I am doing. I really appreciate it.
AN: Well, the last chapter was a little out of place as I can sure guess you figured out. I just needed to clear up a few things before continuing. This chapter picks up where I left off with Billy, basically two days after his trip.
AN: As usual, these are thoughts and "these are spoken".
Chapter 11
Billy sighed as he walked up to Mikala's lab door. He had bumped into Cestria on his way to the labs and they talked about the bonding ceremony. They came up with some interesting things to do to surprise the couple. He was in a very good mood by the time he reached Mikala's lab. However, the lights were off and there was a message on the view screen for him. He pressed the button to start the message. I hope she didn't cancel our work for the day!
"Billy, I know we are supposed to be working in my lab but the only way we could get the other Personal Data Consoles done is if we used the chip programmers in Cestro's lab. That is where we will be working on them. Niko and I will be there waiting." The view of Mika's face disappeared as Billy turned towards Cestro's lab. Well, at least it is a lab I know!
As he walked the few yards to Cestro's lab, he thought about what he could do differently with each of the pdc's to make them more personal. They already have the names and nicknames on but I added a tiger design to Trini's. He suddenly smiled. "That's it! I will put a design on each one that is relative to their nicknames or animal!" He opened the door and walked into the lab. "Hey Mika, Niko. So where are they?"
Mika smiled. "Hello Billy. They are on that table." She pointed to a nearby table where the other pdc's were waiting for their final components. "We have Jason's here and ready for you since his is the next one to be sent."
Billy stopped walking to the table and turned towards his friends. "You do? Thanks!" He walked over to the chip programmer and inserted a small disk. "This disk has everything ready to be programmed into his pdc. There is a disk in this case for each of the remaining consoles." He set a small box on the table next to the programmer.
Niko smiled. "Are you always this prepared Billy?" As Billy's face turned pink, he looked at Mika. "Did I tell you he has taken us up on our offer?"
Mika looked at Niko and then looked at Billy. "You mean it?" When Billy nodded she gave him a hug. "Oh thank you William! This means so much to us!"
Billy smiled and pulled away from her. "You are very welcome and it is an honor to be asked." He looked at Jason's pdc and grinned. "Now, can I turn this thing on so we can get our work started?"
Niko laughed as Mikala smiled. "Yeah, we will leave you to your programming and get started on the others." He grabbed the next two disks from the box and pulled Mika towards the other two programmers. "I'll take Kim's and you can take Tommy's."
Mika giggled. "Um, maybe I should take Kim's considering she is a girl and you are not." After getting a glare from Niko she continued. "Besides, Billy told us last time that he was going to have the two of you only do the guys, except for when it came to the finishing details."
Niko sighed. "Okay, you win. I will do as we planned. But don't think that will stop me from sticking with our plans on our other projects!"
Billy held his laughter in. No wonder they always get put together when another project comes up! "Hey you two! Do you mind using a little lower volume when flirting? I am kind of busy right now." As soon as he said that, he immediately regretted it.
Niko stopped his typing on his programmer and turned towards Billy. He suddenly had a fun idea. "You hear that Mika? He wants us to keep the volume down on our flirting."
Mika smiled as she saw him sneaking up behind Billy with a glint in his eyes. So that's what he plans on doing! I thought he was up to something! "Yeah, maybe we should listen and act our age." She walked up to Billy so he wouldn't see Niko sneaking up on him. "I am sorry Billy for distracting you."
Billy knew what they were planning and stopped his typing so they wouldn't cause him to screw it up. "No problem Mika." If they want to play, then I can handle that for a few minutes. "I just wish your life bond would grow up a little instead of trying to sneak up on me!" He suddenly turned and caught Niko's arm from hitting the back of his knee. "You know, I do happen to know more martial arts then I did last time I was here! I also have the powers of the wolf so I can sense things better than I did before."
Niko fell as Billy grabbed his arm and swept his legs out from under him. "Ok, I give up, Wolf-boy!" As soon as he said that nickname, he saw a flash of sadness in Billy's eyes. As Billy quickly let go of his arm, he immediately knew what was wrong. "I'm sorry Billy, I didn't know."
Mika was over her laughter and suddenly confused. "Billy, what's wrong?" She looked at Niko and saw him staring into Billy's eyes. "Niko, you didn't know what?"
Billy looked down as Niko looked away. Billy then raised his eyes to meet Mikala's worried gaze. "Trini calls me that." He wiped the tears away from his eyes before they could fall. "It sorta got to me when he just said it. He smiled at his friends. "You know, after what just happened, I can't wait till your bonding ceremony." He smiled evilly and turned back to his work.
Niko looked at Mika and could tell she was wondering the same thing. "Um, why do I feel we should be worried Billy?" When Billy took a deep breath and just laughed, he realized that Billy already had something planned for the ceremony. "You aren't going to do anything or say anything really embarrassing are you?"
Billy smiled. "No, I don't think so. At least Cestria and I don't think so."
Mika smiled. So Cestria is in on it too! "Well, if she is in on it, then do whatever you want. I trust the both of you." She headed back to her chip programmer. Niko smiled and did the same.
Five hours later, Billy was in the lab by himself. He was finishing the programming for Zack's Personal Data Console. As he turned off the machine and gathered the disks, he remembered his stone. I wonder if she would be awake right now. As he stored the pdc's in the storage room and walked back to his apartment, he remembered watching his parents' accident with her and Zack. She was right there holding his hand the whole time.
Billy walked into his apartment and closed the door. After locking it, he grabbed his stone and sat down. Trini? Are you there? He felt her mind reach out to him.
I'm here Billy but my roommate is here now so I will only think my thoughts to you. Zack heard me last night when I talked to you and thought I was losing it. I don't want my roommate to think I was going crazy. She smiled as she glanced at her roommate. They were watching a movie so any facial reaction she made wouldn't be noticed. So, what's up Wolf-boy?
Billy smiled. Well, I wanted to tell you that Tommy watched the memory bank with Kim and Jason. He knows about their nicknames too. He sensed the worry in her thoughts. Don't worry; they are handling it very well according to Alpha.
Trini smiled. That's good. I'm glad that Kim can finally get over her little nickname. If I remember correctly, she didn't want Tommy to find out about it.
Billy laughed. Yeah, we'll have to see how he reacts to that. He suddenly heard someone buzzing his doorbell like a mad man. I'm sorry Trini but someone is at my door and by the buzzing of the doorbell, it must be very important.
Trini sighed. Okay Billy, I'll talk to you later! I love you. She leaned back in her chair to watch the rest of the movie.
Billy smiled as he walked to his door. I love you too Tiger. With that he broke his connection and opened his door. "Niko? What happened to you?" The dirt and smoky smell told him there was a fire somewhere.
Niko grabbed his arm and pulled him out of the apartment giving him only enough time to lock the door. "Mika and I had to go back to get something with Cestria for Cestro. As we were leaving, the storage room exploded."
Billy stopped and looked at Niko. "Are they alright?"
Niko nodded and smiled. "Yeah, they were in front of me so I got the worst of the blast. Being a gentleman, I pushed them to the ground and blocked most of the debris."
Billy smiled and they started running to the lab. "I always thought you had it in you to be the hero type, now I know you do." As they rounded the corner to the labs, Billy stopped immediately. "Oh my god."
Niko ran past him to where Cestria and Mika were helping Delphine and Cestro put out some small fires. "Billy, the pdc's were ok but I think they got knocked around a little so you might want to check on them." He turned around to see Billy taking the fire extinguisher from Delphine and ordering her to rest. Once a ranger, always a ranger.
Billy waited until Delphine sat down to rest before attempting to put out the fire she had been working on extinguishing. "Delphine, you really should let others help you more. You will wear yourself out too fast. I am a proven example of that." He finished putting out the fire and sat down next to her.
Delphine smiled. "Thank you William. Sometimes I get carried away with my job as the leader of the rangers and forget that I need to rest as well." She looked at the three young aquitians and stood up. "Right now though I must find out what caused this. Since the four of you were the only ones in this lab today, one of you must have done something."
Billy thought about what all had happened that afternoon. "Well, Mika, Niko, and I were programming the pdc's and Cestria came in to work on some energy crystals. We all stuck to our work and put everything in its place when we finished. I even saw the energy crystals in the storage room as if they weren't even touched."
Delphine looked at Billy. "I can tell you are being truthful. But what could have caused the explosion that started all these fires?"
Billy looked at the young aquitians and noticed Cestria's downcast look. "As much as I hate to say it, I think you should ask Cestria."
Delphine followed Billy's gaze to the young woman. "I believe you are right Billy. It looks like she knows something. I will go ask her right now." She helped Billy to his feet and walked over to the young aquitians. "I am sorry to keep you all here but I need to know what happened today that could have caused an explosion like this."
The three looked at each other before Cestria spoke up. "I'm sorry, I didn't know this would happen. It is all my fault."
Delphine nodded to Cestria to continue. "It will be alright. Now tell us what happened today that could have led to this catastrophe."
Cestria nodded. "Well, I was working on some energy crystals for Cestro because he wanted to find ways of combining their energies without breaking them down. I thought I had put them back to their original states when I put them in the storage closet. After we were leaving this time, I remembered that I didn't get a positive reading when I double-checked the energies. The energy had been bouncing back and forth just like the others but by a little bigger margin."
Delphine took the information into account and had two more questions. "If it reacted the same way as the others but only in a bigger margin, did you record that in your notes? Also, did you store it with the others?"
Cestria nodded. "Yes I recorded the information in my notes. As for the crystal, I stored it on the same shelf but separate from the others just in case. I have that noted as well." As Delphine looked to Billy, he nodded in silent agreement that that is how he saw them on their shelf.
Delphine nodded. "Then that makes it an accident. The energy crystals I found when putting out the fires were all together so the shelf must have collapsed before the explosion. That means that the unstable crystal fell up against the others and caused the explosion. You are all free to go now. Thank you."
Billy smiled as they stayed where they were. "Delphine, I think they want to help." As they nodded, he thought of a way for them to help. "Can you guys help me get the pdc's back to my apartment or at least into something I can carry them all in?"
Mika nodded and smiled. She held up what looked like a blue fireproof bag with his name on it. "Actually, I had this in another storage closet that can hold them all. You can have it." She handed him the bag. "It was going to be for your birthday in a few months but you can have it now."
Billy took the bag and smiled. "Wow, thank you!" He headed towards where they had laid out his pdc's and gathered them up into the bag. As he turned around they were getting their things together to leave. "I will see you guys tomorrow so we can clean up this mess and decide where to continue our work."
Delphine laughed. "William, I have some programmers in my lab next door that you can use. I thought you would remember that!"
Billy blushed. Duh, how could I forget! "Uh yeah, I almost did. That's how I got trained on these ones! I will come by tomorrow morning after I check these over." He headed back to his apartment but stopped when Cestria ran up next to him.
"Billy, I want to talk to you about the bonding ceremony. I know you were rushing this morning so I want to make sure you still want to follow the plan." She stopped when she saw Billy smile.
"Of course I do. Let's get together in three days to set it up." He stopped and looked at her. "I think they will be embarrassed at first but they will thank us in the end."
She smiled. "Yeah, they will never forget that night." She laughed as Billy smiled back at her. "Goodnight Billy, I will see you tomorrow."
Billy watched her head off towards her apartment and walked to his. Now all I have to do is find a way to hide it until the ceremony. He entered his apartment and locked the door behind him. He put his bag down on his table and headed for his bed. I'm too tired to change. I'll just change in the morning."
Billy laid down and immediately fell asleep.
3 DAYS LATER Billy stepped out of the Elder's training room. Well, the bonding ceremony should go well if I had no problems today. He picked up the ceremonial robes from where the elder had placed them and headed to his apartment. Niko came up beside him and walked with him.
"Billy, how did the training go?" Nikolai watched as his friend smiled. I'm glad I saw him now instead of having to hunt him down later to find out how it went.
Billy looked at Niko and smiled. "Well, if everything goes as well as it did today, it will be easy for me. I did the whole thing today." He saw the shock on Niko's face as he unlocked his door.
Niko was surprised. "You did it all today? Nobody has ever done that, not even the elder himself!" He followed Billy into the apartment and waited for him to place his robes in the closet. The Elder does it best and he didn't do it all on his first try so maybe the council was right.
Billy finished putting his robes away and headed for the door. "Yeah, it shocked us both. We think that because of my high intellect and the powers I have held, my learning ability was increased and at a faster pace." He waited until Niko had walked out and locked the door. "But I got the feeling that the Elder knew it would be that way." He headed for Delphine's lab.
Nikolai nodded. "The blue wolf and unicorn are considered to be the wisest of all the animals." He was glad to see that his friend was assuming the position no being, other than Phaedotians, had ever managed to acquire. I just hope he will survive the quest for it! All the Aquitians who have tried have died so maybe his Earth characteristics will help him.
As they headed into Delphine's lab and took their places at the controls of the microchip programmers, Billy saw a strange glint in his friend's eyes. "What do you know that you aren't telling me?" I wonder if it has anything to do with my powers and me.
Niko smiled as they turned on their machines. "You'll find out in due time." He turned and went to work on programming Cestro's chips while Billy programmed the remaining devices and finished fixing the others.
BACK ON EARTH Kim sat down on her bed and picked up her phone. Good thing my practice went well enough for me to leave early! She dialed Jason's number and a tired voice answered. "How was class today BJ?"
Jason pretended to laugh. "Ha ha Sissy K, very funny. Next time I agree to substitute for anyone other than Tommy or Rocky, slap me."
Kim laughed. "Well, I will remember that. I heard Zack called you last night. How are they doing?" Actually I want to know if Trini opened her gift from Billy yet.
Jason smiled. "Well, apparently that package Billy sent was all Trini could think about but she wasn't allowed to open it until tomorrow." He laughed to himself. "Zack is going crazy since she won't open it. He says she is being too loyal to him since he won't be there in person. Man, he will flip when he finds out the truth about them.
Kim smiled. "Well, Zack will be surprised when he finds out about them. She isn't going to tell him until after she opens Billy's gift."
Jason suddenly got an idea. "Kim, do you know what he sent her?"
Kim sighed. "I honestly don't know. All I know is that she can't tell anyone unless it is their birthday."
"Their birthday? Why?" Jason was now very curious about it. What could be so secretive that she can't let the others know? After all, his birthday was 2 weeks after Trini's.
Kim laughed. "Well, apparently we will all be getting one on our birthday." She was glad her birthday was next month.
Jason smiled. "That's cool. Hey, I have to get going. I am meeting Kat in a half an hour." He heard her laugh. "Okay Sissy K, what's so funny."
Kim laughed even harder. "Does this mean that Kat and I can finally go out with our boyfriends and not have to worry about how they will get along?" She had been waiting for the chance to get him to admit his feelings for Kat.
Jason sighed. "Yes, Kim. Are you happy now? We are officially dating."
Kim smiled. "Wait till Billy finds out that BJ is now dating Miss Kitty."
Jason smiled. "Miss Kitty huh? I'll have to tell her you called her that."
She laughed again. "Go right ahead. Billy and I already call her that." Kim looked at her clock. "Well, I'll let you go now. Talk to you tomorrow."
"Okay Sissy K." He loved calling her that. God this brings back memories. After watching the memory bank with Tommy, they started calling each other by their nicknames again.
Kim smiled. "Later BJ." She hung up the phone and sighed. Ever since the memory bank, she felt they had gotten closer. Now Tommy was part of the small circle that knew Billy's secret. Billy's mom would be so proud!
BACK ON AQUITAR Billy turned off the chip programmer. He had stayed late to finish off Alex's device. As he headed outside and locked the door to Delphine's lab, he saw Cestria walking towards him. "Hello, what are you doing out this late?"
Cestria smiled. "Well, Niko said you had stayed late to finish Alex's pdc." He must have forgotten about our plans.
Billy suddenly realized what he had forgotten. "I'm sorry, I forgot our plans. Is there still time to set it up tonight?"
Cestria smiled. "Of course William. I came to drag you away but I see there's no need. I believe the bonding chamber is all set." She walked with him towards the chamber.
Billy smiled. "This all seems like it happened before. I hope it doesn't suddenly downpour." I hope Niko and Mika aren't in here again!
Cestria laughed. "Yeah, I heard it was supposed to be clear all night. That solar storm the last time you were here really scared everyone." She unlocked the door and paused before opening it. "You think they will be in here again?"
Billy smiled. "I hope not because it would ruin our surprise for the ceremony." He opened the door and turned on the lights. "So where are we going to put the virtual imaging screen?"
Cestria walked to a corner near where she and Billy would be for the ceremony. "Right here. I brought it in earlier. As life bonders, we have the privilege to tell the moments in their lives that we feel represent the true bond between them."
Billy smiled. "I can't wait to show them instead of just telling them. Their family and friends will be surprised, as well as in for a laugh."
Cestria smiled at his teasing attitude. "I believe they, as well as their family and friends, will feel a bit embarrassed about it at first. As I recall, they were both turning a bright shade of crimson when we burst in here to escape the solar storm."
Billy laughed as he set up their memory receivers. "There, all we have to do is hook ourselves up and do our job."
"They will love it Billy." Cestria smiled as she followed Billy out the door and towards the living quarters.
After walking in silence, Billy turned towards his own apartment and bid her goodnight. "I will see you tomorrow Cestria. Have a nice night." As she nodded and turned towards her own apartment, Billy felt his wolf spirit warning him. What is it?
"Young one, there is an important message for you. You must respond to it immediately. There is something that must be done if you wish your future team to work to it's full potential."
Billy unlocked his door and relocked it behind him. He looked at his communication link and saw the message light blinking. As he pushed the play button, he was surprised to hear Adam's voice. He sounds like he is scared of something.
"Billy, it's Adam. Zordon said I would have to contact you since it involves you. I know that Tommy has seen a certain memory bank of yours that Kim and Jason were a part of. I know it is a bad memory but I want to know if it is okay for me to watch it."
Billy stopped the message as he realized what memory bank Adam was referring to. Why would he want to see it unless something happened that forced them to bring it out in the open? He continued the message.
"Knowing you, I bet you are wondering why I want to see it and how I know about it. Well, I overheard Kim and Jason talking to Tommy about it. When they realized I was within hearing distance, they told me about it and said it was up to you to let me watch it. It is okay with them if you say yes. You see, something happened in my past that is in one of my memory banks. I think it has something to do with yours. If the dates and information they gave me are correct, then you may very well want to see this." Billy heard Adam sigh.
What could have happened to make him so uptight about this? He listened closer to the message.
"Zordon will send you a copy of my particular memory bank if you allow me to see yours. It will explain a lot about why I try to stay away from doctors and anything too dangerous." Billy heard Adam try to laugh. "That is, until I met you guys. I always thought that you must have experienced something as bad as I did when you were younger because you acted very much like me. It will also explain why I am so close to Aisha and Rocky. Now, I want to share my past with you in return for letting me see your past."
Billy wiped a tear from his eye. Wow, I guess I didn't hide it too well, unless his past was as bad as mine. He finished listening to the message.
"Let Zordon know about your decision and he will let me know. Keep in touch Billy. Your dad says hi and that he loves you." Before Billy turned off the message he heard a low voice in the background. That sounds like Rocky! He listened closer. "Adam, you forgot about us seeing it. We know about your story, but we think that if you are to watch it alone, you will go back to the way you were when it happened." The link cut off before he could hear more.
Billy hit the reply button and heard Zordon's voice.
"Yes Billy? I assume you have listened to Adam's message."
Billy smiled. He always jumps right to the point. "Yes, Zordon, that is correct. Please tell Adam, Rocky, Aisha, and any of the others that they have my permission to see it. Just make them promise not to feel sorry or pitiful for me about it. I have a feeling that Adam, Rocky, and Aisha won't but I am not sure about the others." Maybe now I can share everything with someone who actually knows what I really was feeling afterwards. If he went through something that was very similar to what I experienced, then that would explain why Adam and I are the way we are.
"He will be pleased to hear that Billy. So far, only Adam, Rocky, and Aisha have inquired about it but I will let the others know if they do ask." Alpha started to upload Adam's memory bank so Billy could see it. "We will send you Adam's memory bank file as soon as we end our link so that you can use your link to watch it."
Billy nodded and then remembered that Zordon couldn't see him. "Okay Zordon. Tell Adam I said thank you and I will talk to him soon." He turned off his message transmitter and let the memory bank data download to the link. He was curious as to what Adam experienced when he was younger. Well, I have the morning off tomorrow to get ready for my treatment so I will watch it then.
As Billy got ready for bed, he made a mental note to contact Trini on the device the following evening while he was recuperating from his treatment. After that, I will have to get ready for the bonding ceremony the next day. I can't wait!
As the sleep set in, his mind aroused a dream that he hadn't had since he came to Aquitar almost a week earlier. It was a wonderful dream that he hoped would someday come true.
As Billy slept, a bright golden light appeared above his bed. A young girl's voice echoed in his silent room. "Your dream is more than you think William." Billy murmured something in his sleep as if in response to it. "Dear Billy, you can heal others as you heal yourself. Trust your friends and their spirits. The beginning will only be found in the past." The golden light then disappeared as suddenly as it came.
AN: Well, I hope you all like this story but I can't tell how you feel about it unless you review it! PLEASE REVIEW! For those of you who have already been reviewing it (Wild-Melody, ScarletDeva, Gamine, and Bladewing), thank you so much. Since this is my first fic, it really lets me know how I am doing. I really appreciate it.