Disclaimer: Well, you all know the drill by now. I don't' own them, etc. I
wish I did!
AN: Well, thanks to all you who are just now starting to read my story and review it! I will try to keep the story as exciting and tense as I have been and put it out at a good pace. Or at least I hope I will!
AN: Well, I know a lot of you are curious as to how Tommy and AJ know each other so here it is. This chapter will be a little long because I am going to tell you about all the other rangers and their gift stories. As well as someone else. So read and enjoy and I will get the holiday over with ASAP.
CHRISTMAS SPLENDORS- PART 2
"Yeah, you went away for a few weeks. Why?" Kim looked at AJ in confusion. "Unless you had a reason to go to the hospital, you shouldn't have met AJ."
Tommy looked down for a few seconds when she looked at him. When he looked back up at her, he saw her scared expression. "Kim, don't be scared. It was only for those few weeks." He put his hand on her arm as she leaned on a console.
Rocky watched the scene in confusion. "Are any of you going to let us in on this because I am lost."
Maggie looked at him and smacked the back of his head. "DUH! Think about it. How did I meet her?"
Rocky thought for a second. "You worked at the hospital with the teen support group." As his eyes widened in realization, she nodded. "Oh."
Tommy looked at the group and smiled weakly. "Hey, it wasn't anything major. I just went every day for classes with a group. Ever since I became the good green ranger, I have been going on the weekends."
Billy smiled as he remembered something. "That's why you cut out on me that one weekend when I asked for your help!"
Tommy nodded. "Yeah, when I came back as the white ranger, I attended for one more month. Then I was done. I am in AJ's figurine because that was our first day there. We were both new to the advanced support group that day."
Kim sighed. "You could have told us you know." She smiled as he put his head down. "But we won't hold it against either of you if you both promise to let us know when you're feeling down."
Tommy watched as Amanda nodded and put his arm around Kim. "You'll be the first one beautiful."
Kim blushed as she turned towards the others. "So, who's left to spill their guts?" She smiled when Aisha's hand shot up. "So, what's your story Sha?"
Aisha smiled and held up a figurine of three young people. Maggie gasped, as Kim looked closer. "This is what got me hooked on music and dancing."
Jason took a closer look in confusion. "If I'm not mistaken, that looks like you, Maggie, and Adam. But it can't be Adam in those outfits!" He looked at Adam with a raised eyebrow and wary expression. "It isn't you is it?"
Adam had his hand on his chest as if he was trying to catch his breath and was looking down. "It's not. If you'll excuse me." He quickly walked out of the room with Billy right behind him.
Rocky put an arm around Maggie as Aisha sighed. She looked at Jason and smiled weakly. "It looks like Adam because it is his twin sister Adrian."
Trini gasped. "You mean she was the other person who died in that car accident?" as the others looked at her in shock, she turned to Aisha. "Billy told me there was someone else who was killed from his parent's accident."
Aisha nodded. "Yeah, that was the year after we did this." She pointed to the three young girls in what appeared to be cat costumes. A bunch of adults were behind them in the same kind of costume. "We won the all city dance contest and our prize was tickets to see and meet the cast of Cats on Broadway."
Maggie smiled. "Yeah, and we even go to keep the costumes they gave us!" She blushed as the others smiled at her. "Hey, I still have mine!"
Alex looked at his gift as Billy and Adam walked back in. "I know how you guys felt. I was the same way when this happened." He held out a figurine of a young boy holding some kind of device and a big check.
Billy smiled as he recognized it from a picture. "That's when you won state's wasn't it?"
Alex smiled. "Yeah, my invention won the state science fair. The prize was two hundred dollars."
Cori looked closer at the figure. "What was your invention?"
Alex blushed as Billy coughed. "Well, it was nothing big. I don't even have it anymore."
Trini watched as he shot Billy an evil glare. "Oh, come on! It had to be something good if it won states!"
Billy smiled. "Yeah, go ahead and tell them. After all, why would it matter if you don't have it anymore?"
Cori looked at her boyfriend and smiled. "Please tell us?"
Alex sighed. "Well, all right. But don't laugh because it was something I really needed at the time!"
Kim smiled. "Well then, tell us!"
Alex looked down and mumbled something only Billy heard. When Billy laughed and shook his head, the others stared.
Cori stepped up to them and took Alex's hand. "Come on, it can't be that bad."
Alex sighed and looked up at her. "Well, it was a bag that was small and light but could carry just about anything of any weight. It could even keep cold and warm things separate and in their two different temperature zones."
Zack looked at him. "But isn't there already something like that?"
Alex nodded. "Yeah, but mine was different because it was personalized. It had a wireless wristband that kept track of your heart rate, body temperature, and the temperature of the area around you. If either of them entered a risk or danger zone, a light would blink on the wristband and it would not open until they are back to normal levels. And only you could open the bag. If anyone tried to open it without hitting a button on the wristband, they would get a small pinprick."
Maggie smiled. "Gee, I could use on of them! But why don't you have it anymore?"
Alex turned beet red again. "Well, I got mad one day while using it and when my temperature rose too high from getting angry, the bag didn't open. However, I really needed what was in it so I tried to force it open. I didn't have an emergency release for it so I literally pried it apart. Well, when I forced it open, the motherboard to the main control system fried and then that was the end of the whole system."
Maggie looked at her gift and smiled. "That's too bad. But I'm glad my story has a happy ending!"
Amanda looked at the small figure and smiled. "Is that Mickey?"
Maggie smiled. "Yeah, he gave us a behind the scenes tour of Disneyland with the park manager on my eighth birthday. Rocky, Adam, Aisha, and Adrian came with us. When we got there, I was the first kid ever to be the one hundredth customer of the day. When they found out it was my birthday, they gave me and my guests a special tour." She held up her figure of her and the others in front of a building. "This is when Mickey showed up to join us. That was my birthday surprise part of the tour."
"Wow, awesome birthday gift if you ask me!" Zack smiled as he held up his gift from Santa. "But let me tell you what I won!"
"That looks like Amanda!" Maggie looked over at her friend and saw her smiling.
"It is. I won a dance contest in eighth grade and my prize was two tickets to see STOMP. I took Amanda because I knew she liked them and I wanted to try to cheer her up." He looked over at her and smiled.
"But it didn't help much. It only cheered me up for a day or two. I still ended up going to the hospital." Amanda looked down as Tommy put a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry about it partner. There are a lot more people who don't even make it to the hospital. Depression is something that you can't prevent." Tommy patted her shoulder and smiled. "Just be glad that you had good friends who were there to help." He looked at Kim and smiled.
"You're right stranger." AJ turned to her oldest friends and smiled. "If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't be here now." She wiped her eyes as they all crowded around her for a group hug. "Thanks guys."
Kat wiped her eyes and smiled. "Oh geez, you guys are making me cry!" As they laughed, Cori walked up to her. "What?"
"So what's your story?" Cori motioned to the figure of a girl on a diving board with two adults behind her. Some kind of medal was around her neck.
Kat smiled. "It was the day I won the regional diving competition. I was supposed to go to the Pan Globals but in the qualifying finals, I hit my head on the platform. I haven't dived since."
Kim smiled and looked at the people behind the girl. "Who are those adults? I know they aren't your parents."
Kat smiled. "They are my grandparents. It was the first time they saw me win."
"That's great Kat. Do you keep in touch with them often?" Adam blushed when everyone turned to him. "What? I only asked!" He held up a figure of two boys and a girl standing in a stream while two other girls were outside of a tent.
Aisha laughed. "I remember that day! Your grandparents took us on our very first birthday weekend! Rocky threw a fit because he caught a shoe instead of a fish like you and Maggie."
"Hey! As I recall, you didn't catch anything either!" Rocky crossed his arms and stared at her.
"That's cause Adrian and I were busy putting up the tent that you guys couldn't get up!" She crossed her arms and stared back at him.
Tommy laughed. "Okay!" He turned towards Adam. "You guys do that every year?"
Adam looked down with a frown. When he spoke, it was just above a whisper. "We have gone every year since then, except for one." He looked up at Billy and saw a tear rolling down his cheek. "That year we never made it past Angel Grove."
Tommy caught the look between Adam and Billy and nodded. "Oh, okay." He then looked around at the others. "Since we all seem to be telling our stories, who's next?"
Cori smiled. "I will!" As everyone turned towards her, she held up her figure. A young girl was wearing what looked like some kind of dance uniform. "This is from Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade two years ago."
Alex looked at the outfit and smiled. "Is that one of those Irish dancing outfits?"
"Yeah, I won a dance competition for the chance to become the Grand Marshall in our St. Patrick's Day parade. There were actually two different parts to the prize for the winner though." She smiled and looked at the figure. "When my car got to the end of the route, a police car took me back to the beginning. There, I had to get on a float with the other three top dancers who finished behind me. That was the second part of my prize. We all danced our routines throughout the parade and then we danced a few dances as a group."
"That's cool. I'd love to see you dance sometime." Kat looked around as everyone groaned. "What?"
Kim laughed. "Just what we need. Another ranger to go against in the annual talent show!"
Kat smiled. "That's right! You all like to enter that don't you? Well, if she enters, then we'll have a better chance to win one for the group!"
"Awesome! I can't wait!" Cori looked at the others. "Ok, so who hasn't spilled the beans yet?"
Trini smiled as the others looked around. "Jason hasn't!" As they all looked at him, he glared at her.
"You haven't either!" He knew he was beat though once Billy put his arm around her waist and smiled evilly over at him. "Okay, I'll go. But be warned William!"
Billy just smiled and laughed. "Oh, I think you should be the one who should be warned. That is, IF you know what's good for you!" As the others stared at them in shock, he winked.
Jason laughed. "Okay, okay. Trini's is probably better than mine anyway." He held up his figure as the others looked at him in confusion, "Only Billy and Kim are in mine but Zack, and Maggie are with us in hers." He looked down at his figure with a huge smile on his face.
Tommy smiled when he saw three kids standing next to a guy on some kind of bike. "Who's the guy on the dirt bike?"
Jason laughed and looked at Billy. "Nobody knows. His name is Ryder X and he never reveals his identity to anyone. Only his sponsors, the racing association, and team know who he is. He has been undefeated ever since our parents were in high school. We think it is a family thing."
"How do you know all this, and why are you with him in the figure?" Trini was really curios now.
"When the three of us were visiting Billy's uncle in Florida, he took us to a race and the seat I was sitting in was chosen as the one to meet him. We got to shake his hand and ask him anything we wanted. He only answered the ones that didn't pertain to his personal details." Jason looked at Kim and Billy before continuing. "We also found out why he won't reveal who he is."
"So why won't he reveal his identity?" Tommy looked at the three of them in wonder. "Kim, you really watched the race?"
Kim smiled. "Well, our dad's always got together to watch the races so I got used to them. It is actually kind of cool. Anyway, he doesn't reveal his identity because of where he comes from."
"Why not? I mean if the dude's that good, he should let his hometown know about it." Zack was obviously confused by the mysterious rider's reasons.
Billy sighed. "Well, he said he wasn't exactly very popular where he comes from and if they knew he was racing, then they would only tease and pick on him about it. Either that or they would try to become buddies with him just to get his money."
"Well, he's gotta at least have some good friends that he can trust with his secret!" Amanda was just as confused as the others. "He didn't say anything about where he was from or why he wants it that way?"
Jason shook his head. "No, he only said that he comes from an average size town that has a lot of things going on all year round. And as for why he wants it that way, he just does."
Trini stared at Billy. "You mean to tell me that you spent that time talking to him and still didn't figure out who he was or where he was from?" When He nodded, she shrugged. "Oh well, but I wonder why he doesn't want anyone to know."
Billy shrugged. "Well, I do remember him saying that he just wants to be a normal person when off the track. He doesn't want anyone treating him like some superstar or something." He caught Jason's eye and smiled. "Besides, if he has a girlfriend, he probably wouldn't want to upset her by having girls following him all the time."
"Oh I get it now! He likes it and all but he still wants to live a normal life. So he keeps it a secret, just like we keep our ranger life a secret!" Rocky smacked his forehead. "It is so simple!"
As everyone laughed, Trini sighed. "Too bad I wasn't there. It would have been nice to meet such a down to earth person who made it big." She looked closer at the figure and noticed something. "Hey, is that a trophy you guys are holding?"
"Yeah, he won the championship that day. He let us hold it as we talked to him. " Jason smiled as he looked at the figure. "It was a really awesome day."
Trini smiled and looked at her own figure. "Maybe, but in my opinion, my day was better. It was actually me who did the winning!" She held up a figure of six kids in front of two older adults. "These are my grandparents who fly in for a visit every other year. They flew in the year after I moved to Angel Grove so they could see me in my first karate tournament."
"You were in a karate tournament?" Alex looked at Billy in surprise. "You never told me that!"
Billy shrugged and blushed. "Well, I didn't exactly tell you everything about anyone."
Alex laughed. "True." He looked back at Trini. "So, I take it you won? It looks like you are holding some kind of award."
"Yeah. I was in the kata division. The kata I performed was one my grandfather had put together. He then taught it to my father, and they both taught it to me. Along the way, they modified it to suit each one of us. And yes, I did win." She sighed as she remembered that day. She turned to say something to Billy but noticed he was watching something behind the group.
"Is that all of us now?" Maggie looked around. "We all told our little stories right?"
Billy shook his head. "I don't think so." As the others looked at each other in confusion, he smiled. "Alpha, do you have something you want to say?" The gang parted a bit to let their friend in.
"Yes Billy. Zordon and I have listened to all of your stories. And we would like to tell you one of our own." Alpha gave him a figure and Trini the other. "Trini, that figure is Santa's gift to me. The other one is for Zordon."
"Is that Trini and Billy with you?" Kim looked at the figure of Alpha, and two people standing next to what looked like one of the zords, the Triceratops to be exact.
"Yes, it is Kimberly." Alpha turned towards Billy and Trini. "I am sure you remember that night rangers."
Trini smiled at Billy and turned towards the group. "We do Alpha. You see, a few weeks after becoming rangers, Billy and I decided to stay overnight and let Alpha teach us how to fix the zords and the consuls in case he weren't available."
Billy nodded and looked at Alpha. "Why was that so important to you Alpha?"
"Billy, I have been the only one here to do anything to the zords and computers. When you and Trini became rangers, I knew I had finally gotten some help and I wouldn't have to overload my circuits doing repairs all the time. When Zordon asked me to teleport five teens, the computers already had your profiles selected. I knew the two of you were capable to help me out." Alpha turned towards the others. "All of you have been learning many of the same things but Trini and Billy already knew most of the basics. Therefore, they understood most of it right away and didn't have to be taught the fine details as much."
Kim smiled. "Well Alpha, I think I speak for everyone when I say they are the smartest when it comes to the computers here. And that they are the best helpers you could ever ask for."
As a chorus of yeas followed, Alpha saw the glimpse of a smile from Zordon. Although anyone else would say that he looked the same. "Aiy yi yi. Thanks rangers."
The happy group was interrupted by Zordon's voice. "Rangers, Alpha and I have been alone for so long that he was very happy to have someone else to talk to." As the rangers all smiled, he continued. "I would like you to look at the figure I have been given."
As Billy held it up, he caught a glimpse of something in Trini's eye. Something unusual was there, almost as if she was in deep thought. Wonder what she is thinking about.
"Hey! That's all fifteen of us! Well, fourteen and Alpha. But who is the guy between Alpha and Billy?" Kat was staring hard at the man she couldn't place. He seemed familiar but couldn't place him. Where have I seen him before?
As the others looked closer, they too each murmured something about him being familiar. Trini on the other hand stood back and watched the group. Billy caught her eye again and cocked his head in wonder. "Well, the guy does look familiar!" He turned his attention back to the figure and studied it closely, pretending he didn't know who the man was. " Let me see, there are all of us, Alpha, and there is Zordon's tube behind all of us, so it has to be someone associated with the rangers."
Alex nodded, not noticing the looks Billy and Trini were giving each other. "Yeah, I came to the same conclusion."
Cori jumped suddenly as her watched started beeping. "Oh my god, I have to be home in fifteen minutes! I told my mom that I wouldn't be late. I have to baby-sit my sister and brother. And I still have to get my bike form the park!" She gathered her things and got ready to go.
"Wait, I'll give you a lift. We can put your bike in my trunk." Alex gathered his things as well. "We'll see you guys tomorrow right?"
"Actually, we should all get going. Especially if we are going to spend all day helping Ernie get the Juice Bar ready for the community dinner." Jason watched as everyone gathered their things. "Can all of you be there at seven forty five?" He stared at Tommy.
"What? I'll be there on time!" Tommy held up his hands as everyone looked at him. "I promise!"
As everyone laughed, Kim patted his shoulder. "Don't worry Jase, I'll make sure he's there on time."
Kat raised an eyebrow and looked back and forth between Tommy and Kim. "Oh really? And how do you plan on doing that? Or don't I want to know?"
As the couple blushed, she smiled. "Easy. I'll just tell his mom to throw some cold water on him if he isn't out of the house by seven thirty." Kim laughed as Tommy backed away from her, shaking his head.
"Don't you dare! I'll be on time." Tommy stopped walking backwards and looked at the others. "I'll see all of you tomorrow." He glared at Kim and teleported out.
Before she could teleport, Billy grabbed Trini's arm. When everyone else was gone, he smiled at her. "I want to show you something." He then smiled and teleported them to his house.
"Okay, what's going on Billy?" Trini was a little worried when he sat her on his bed.
"I know you recognized the man in Zordon's figure. You have to know who it is." He walked to his desk and grabbed a worn out notebook. As he flipped through the pages and walked over to her, she saw a bunch of pictures.
"What are those?" Trini took the notebook and set it on her lap as he sat down beside her. "So what am I supposed to look at?"
Billy smiled and turned the page. "This. Look closely at it and tell me what you see."
Trini looked at the small picture and gasped. "No way! It's the same man isn't it?" She smiled when he nodded. "But why in the figure?"
Billy shrugged and moved closer to point out another picture. "I don't' know but I do know that he is very good friends with this guy." As he looked over at her, he smiled. "Like what you see?"
Trini smiled and nodded. When she looked up, she realized he had moved a lot closer than she thought and was looking right into her eyes. "Yes, I love it. And I also know that we are in your bedroom and you are a little too close."
Billy smiled and shook his head. "No I'm not, I'm just following tradition." He pointed to the ceiling above them. A small branch of mistletoe hung from a hook right above them. "My mom always made it a point to put it right above my bed on Christmas Eve morning. That way, she could give me an extra Christmas kiss."
Trini smiled and gave him a kiss. "Happy now?" When he nodded and stood up, she followed suit. "Well, I better get home."
Billy nodded and kissed her again. "Sweet dreams Tiger."
"Sweet dreams Wolf-boy" Trini smiled and teleported to her car for her drive home.
Billy put his figure on his desk and went to bed. He fell asleep imagining what would happen the next day.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Billy opened his eyes and smiled. He put his glasses on and looked at the clock. Oh wow, I'm actually up before the alarm! I better get packing while I still have time. Then I won't have to worry about rushing later.
As he packed, showered, and got ready to meet the others, another figure was up earlier than expected. I can't believe she did that! He put his shoes on and headed downstairs. "I'm leaving mom!"
"I'll see you later honey!" His mother smiled as she went back to reading the paper.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER
Billy smiled as Trini walked up to the door with Kim. "Good morning tiger. Hey Sissy K." He saw a flash of light from Trini's hand and smiled. As he took her hand, he gave her a quick kiss. "I see you're wearing it."
Kim watched them in confusion until she too caught the flash of light. "Where'd you get that ring Tri?" As Billy looked at Trini with a red face, she smiled. "Billy, did you do what I thought you did?"
"What'd he do?" Jason walked up to them with Ernie.
Billy looked at Trini and smiled. "I guess we can tell them. After all, aren't they going to ...you know."
Trini nodded and raised her right hand. "It is only on this hand because we don't want anyone else to know yet." As Kim squealed, Jason and Ernie congratulated them. "Kim, I want you to be my Maid of Honor."
"Jase, would you be my Best Man?" Billy watched as Kim and Jason exchanged smiles. "And you have to promise not to tell the others."
"You got a deal!" Kim looked at her watch. "Ok, we have ten minutes before everyone is supposed to be here. Tommy better get here soon!"
Billy and Jason laughed as Tommy snuck up behind her with a finger to his lips. "Kim, what are you going to do if he doesn't get here on time?" Trini stifled a laugh as Tommy pulled a small box from his pocket.
"I'll call him and tell him I'll pour the water on him myself when he actually does get here!" Kim looked at her watch again but stopped when a hand covered her eyes. "HEY!"
Ernie smiled when Tommy nodded at him. "I think you are supposed to guess who."
Kim smiled as she realized who it was. "Well, with these sexy hands it has to be Adam."
Tommy took his hand away. "That hurt!" He pretended to look brokenhearted. "I guess you don't want your gift then."
Kim grabbed his arm and pulled him in for a kiss. "Not so fast handsome. Since you got here early, I intend to get my gift while I still can!"
The others laughed as Kim kissed him hard and long on the lips. When she finally let go, Tommy took a deep breath. "Wow! Now I really need to give you your gift!"
Ernie looked at his watch. "You have five minutes Tommy."
Tommy placed the small box in Kim's hand. "Merry Christmas Beautiful."
She opened the box and saw a pink heart shaped stone surrounded by two tiny diamonds. She looked at Tommy in wonder. "You mean..."
Tommy nodded and knelt down. "I knew I loved you when I first met you. Will you marry me Kim? Even though I am still mad at you for calling my house this morning to wake me up early." He laughed as she put the ring on and pulled him up into a hug.
"You bet I do!" She blushed as she heard applause from behind her. She turned around wiping the tears from her eyes and smiled. "Hey guys, look who got here early!"
Ernie shook his head and unlocked the door to the Juice Bar as the others laughed. "Okay guys, let's get busy. The room isn't going to decorate itself."
As everyone entered the doorway, he closed the door behind them and turned on the lights to the hallway. What he didn't see was Billy sneaking into the main room and guarding the light switch to that room. "Okay, someone get the main lights please."
As everyone walked towards the main room, the lights still weren't on. They walked in carefully so as not to hit anything and waited for Ernie to walk in and try to turn the lights on. Ernie didn't hear them leave him in the hallway so he walked on towards the main room. "Guys? I could use some lights here!"
Billy smiled as he saw him walk into the room. He quickly flipped the lights on and looked at Ernie. "Merry Christmas."
Ernie stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the robot in the middle of the room. "It's beautiful guys! How'd you know I've always wanted one? And how did you guys build it?" He walked over to it and ran a hand over its metal frame before giving them each a hug.
Billy smiled. "Santa knew you wanted it and decided to recruit me to design one that you could use for every task you have around here. He built it in his workshop. Not even his elves helped him."
Ernie gave Billy another hug. "Thank you so much Billy. Your mom would be so proud of you today." As Billy stared at him in wonder, he smiled. "She always knew you would be a great scientist someday."
Billy shook his head. "Well, it wasn't really that hard Ernie. All I did was design the thing. Santa was the one who put it all together."
"Don't be so modest Billy. Santa himself told us that you fixed the one thing he couldn't. And that was the robot. You got it to work." Jason patted him on the back. "Face it BB, you're a genius."
Ernie nodded. "Yes, you are Billy. Your mom knew that. She always knew you would be like your dad." He sighed as he looked back at the robot. "She had great plans for you."
As the others looked at him in confusion, Billy looked at Ernie. "What do you mean? I didn't even know what she had planned for me."
Ernie looked at the others. "You guys get started on the decorations. They are in the box in the corner. I need to talk to Billy." As the others headed off to their chores, Ernie led Billy back to his office and locked the door. "I want to tell you a story Billy."
AN: Well, as always, please review! And if you have any questions, let me know. I won't be saying what the story is just yet. It will be a few chapters until I do. But the next chapter will be shorter! Sorry this one was so long but I just couldn't find a way to shorten it without cutting out everyone's gifts. And all these gifts come into play sometimes in the future of this story so they are sort of needed. Oh, thank you to all who have been reviewing this whole time. And as for the new reviewers, I hope you continue to do so. I promise to get the next chapter out a little faster, if I am given the time to do so.
AN: Well, thanks to all you who are just now starting to read my story and review it! I will try to keep the story as exciting and tense as I have been and put it out at a good pace. Or at least I hope I will!
AN: Well, I know a lot of you are curious as to how Tommy and AJ know each other so here it is. This chapter will be a little long because I am going to tell you about all the other rangers and their gift stories. As well as someone else. So read and enjoy and I will get the holiday over with ASAP.
CHRISTMAS SPLENDORS- PART 2
"Yeah, you went away for a few weeks. Why?" Kim looked at AJ in confusion. "Unless you had a reason to go to the hospital, you shouldn't have met AJ."
Tommy looked down for a few seconds when she looked at him. When he looked back up at her, he saw her scared expression. "Kim, don't be scared. It was only for those few weeks." He put his hand on her arm as she leaned on a console.
Rocky watched the scene in confusion. "Are any of you going to let us in on this because I am lost."
Maggie looked at him and smacked the back of his head. "DUH! Think about it. How did I meet her?"
Rocky thought for a second. "You worked at the hospital with the teen support group." As his eyes widened in realization, she nodded. "Oh."
Tommy looked at the group and smiled weakly. "Hey, it wasn't anything major. I just went every day for classes with a group. Ever since I became the good green ranger, I have been going on the weekends."
Billy smiled as he remembered something. "That's why you cut out on me that one weekend when I asked for your help!"
Tommy nodded. "Yeah, when I came back as the white ranger, I attended for one more month. Then I was done. I am in AJ's figurine because that was our first day there. We were both new to the advanced support group that day."
Kim sighed. "You could have told us you know." She smiled as he put his head down. "But we won't hold it against either of you if you both promise to let us know when you're feeling down."
Tommy watched as Amanda nodded and put his arm around Kim. "You'll be the first one beautiful."
Kim blushed as she turned towards the others. "So, who's left to spill their guts?" She smiled when Aisha's hand shot up. "So, what's your story Sha?"
Aisha smiled and held up a figurine of three young people. Maggie gasped, as Kim looked closer. "This is what got me hooked on music and dancing."
Jason took a closer look in confusion. "If I'm not mistaken, that looks like you, Maggie, and Adam. But it can't be Adam in those outfits!" He looked at Adam with a raised eyebrow and wary expression. "It isn't you is it?"
Adam had his hand on his chest as if he was trying to catch his breath and was looking down. "It's not. If you'll excuse me." He quickly walked out of the room with Billy right behind him.
Rocky put an arm around Maggie as Aisha sighed. She looked at Jason and smiled weakly. "It looks like Adam because it is his twin sister Adrian."
Trini gasped. "You mean she was the other person who died in that car accident?" as the others looked at her in shock, she turned to Aisha. "Billy told me there was someone else who was killed from his parent's accident."
Aisha nodded. "Yeah, that was the year after we did this." She pointed to the three young girls in what appeared to be cat costumes. A bunch of adults were behind them in the same kind of costume. "We won the all city dance contest and our prize was tickets to see and meet the cast of Cats on Broadway."
Maggie smiled. "Yeah, and we even go to keep the costumes they gave us!" She blushed as the others smiled at her. "Hey, I still have mine!"
Alex looked at his gift as Billy and Adam walked back in. "I know how you guys felt. I was the same way when this happened." He held out a figurine of a young boy holding some kind of device and a big check.
Billy smiled as he recognized it from a picture. "That's when you won state's wasn't it?"
Alex smiled. "Yeah, my invention won the state science fair. The prize was two hundred dollars."
Cori looked closer at the figure. "What was your invention?"
Alex blushed as Billy coughed. "Well, it was nothing big. I don't even have it anymore."
Trini watched as he shot Billy an evil glare. "Oh, come on! It had to be something good if it won states!"
Billy smiled. "Yeah, go ahead and tell them. After all, why would it matter if you don't have it anymore?"
Cori looked at her boyfriend and smiled. "Please tell us?"
Alex sighed. "Well, all right. But don't laugh because it was something I really needed at the time!"
Kim smiled. "Well then, tell us!"
Alex looked down and mumbled something only Billy heard. When Billy laughed and shook his head, the others stared.
Cori stepped up to them and took Alex's hand. "Come on, it can't be that bad."
Alex sighed and looked up at her. "Well, it was a bag that was small and light but could carry just about anything of any weight. It could even keep cold and warm things separate and in their two different temperature zones."
Zack looked at him. "But isn't there already something like that?"
Alex nodded. "Yeah, but mine was different because it was personalized. It had a wireless wristband that kept track of your heart rate, body temperature, and the temperature of the area around you. If either of them entered a risk or danger zone, a light would blink on the wristband and it would not open until they are back to normal levels. And only you could open the bag. If anyone tried to open it without hitting a button on the wristband, they would get a small pinprick."
Maggie smiled. "Gee, I could use on of them! But why don't you have it anymore?"
Alex turned beet red again. "Well, I got mad one day while using it and when my temperature rose too high from getting angry, the bag didn't open. However, I really needed what was in it so I tried to force it open. I didn't have an emergency release for it so I literally pried it apart. Well, when I forced it open, the motherboard to the main control system fried and then that was the end of the whole system."
Maggie looked at her gift and smiled. "That's too bad. But I'm glad my story has a happy ending!"
Amanda looked at the small figure and smiled. "Is that Mickey?"
Maggie smiled. "Yeah, he gave us a behind the scenes tour of Disneyland with the park manager on my eighth birthday. Rocky, Adam, Aisha, and Adrian came with us. When we got there, I was the first kid ever to be the one hundredth customer of the day. When they found out it was my birthday, they gave me and my guests a special tour." She held up her figure of her and the others in front of a building. "This is when Mickey showed up to join us. That was my birthday surprise part of the tour."
"Wow, awesome birthday gift if you ask me!" Zack smiled as he held up his gift from Santa. "But let me tell you what I won!"
"That looks like Amanda!" Maggie looked over at her friend and saw her smiling.
"It is. I won a dance contest in eighth grade and my prize was two tickets to see STOMP. I took Amanda because I knew she liked them and I wanted to try to cheer her up." He looked over at her and smiled.
"But it didn't help much. It only cheered me up for a day or two. I still ended up going to the hospital." Amanda looked down as Tommy put a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry about it partner. There are a lot more people who don't even make it to the hospital. Depression is something that you can't prevent." Tommy patted her shoulder and smiled. "Just be glad that you had good friends who were there to help." He looked at Kim and smiled.
"You're right stranger." AJ turned to her oldest friends and smiled. "If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't be here now." She wiped her eyes as they all crowded around her for a group hug. "Thanks guys."
Kat wiped her eyes and smiled. "Oh geez, you guys are making me cry!" As they laughed, Cori walked up to her. "What?"
"So what's your story?" Cori motioned to the figure of a girl on a diving board with two adults behind her. Some kind of medal was around her neck.
Kat smiled. "It was the day I won the regional diving competition. I was supposed to go to the Pan Globals but in the qualifying finals, I hit my head on the platform. I haven't dived since."
Kim smiled and looked at the people behind the girl. "Who are those adults? I know they aren't your parents."
Kat smiled. "They are my grandparents. It was the first time they saw me win."
"That's great Kat. Do you keep in touch with them often?" Adam blushed when everyone turned to him. "What? I only asked!" He held up a figure of two boys and a girl standing in a stream while two other girls were outside of a tent.
Aisha laughed. "I remember that day! Your grandparents took us on our very first birthday weekend! Rocky threw a fit because he caught a shoe instead of a fish like you and Maggie."
"Hey! As I recall, you didn't catch anything either!" Rocky crossed his arms and stared at her.
"That's cause Adrian and I were busy putting up the tent that you guys couldn't get up!" She crossed her arms and stared back at him.
Tommy laughed. "Okay!" He turned towards Adam. "You guys do that every year?"
Adam looked down with a frown. When he spoke, it was just above a whisper. "We have gone every year since then, except for one." He looked up at Billy and saw a tear rolling down his cheek. "That year we never made it past Angel Grove."
Tommy caught the look between Adam and Billy and nodded. "Oh, okay." He then looked around at the others. "Since we all seem to be telling our stories, who's next?"
Cori smiled. "I will!" As everyone turned towards her, she held up her figure. A young girl was wearing what looked like some kind of dance uniform. "This is from Chicago's St. Patrick's Day parade two years ago."
Alex looked at the outfit and smiled. "Is that one of those Irish dancing outfits?"
"Yeah, I won a dance competition for the chance to become the Grand Marshall in our St. Patrick's Day parade. There were actually two different parts to the prize for the winner though." She smiled and looked at the figure. "When my car got to the end of the route, a police car took me back to the beginning. There, I had to get on a float with the other three top dancers who finished behind me. That was the second part of my prize. We all danced our routines throughout the parade and then we danced a few dances as a group."
"That's cool. I'd love to see you dance sometime." Kat looked around as everyone groaned. "What?"
Kim laughed. "Just what we need. Another ranger to go against in the annual talent show!"
Kat smiled. "That's right! You all like to enter that don't you? Well, if she enters, then we'll have a better chance to win one for the group!"
"Awesome! I can't wait!" Cori looked at the others. "Ok, so who hasn't spilled the beans yet?"
Trini smiled as the others looked around. "Jason hasn't!" As they all looked at him, he glared at her.
"You haven't either!" He knew he was beat though once Billy put his arm around her waist and smiled evilly over at him. "Okay, I'll go. But be warned William!"
Billy just smiled and laughed. "Oh, I think you should be the one who should be warned. That is, IF you know what's good for you!" As the others stared at them in shock, he winked.
Jason laughed. "Okay, okay. Trini's is probably better than mine anyway." He held up his figure as the others looked at him in confusion, "Only Billy and Kim are in mine but Zack, and Maggie are with us in hers." He looked down at his figure with a huge smile on his face.
Tommy smiled when he saw three kids standing next to a guy on some kind of bike. "Who's the guy on the dirt bike?"
Jason laughed and looked at Billy. "Nobody knows. His name is Ryder X and he never reveals his identity to anyone. Only his sponsors, the racing association, and team know who he is. He has been undefeated ever since our parents were in high school. We think it is a family thing."
"How do you know all this, and why are you with him in the figure?" Trini was really curios now.
"When the three of us were visiting Billy's uncle in Florida, he took us to a race and the seat I was sitting in was chosen as the one to meet him. We got to shake his hand and ask him anything we wanted. He only answered the ones that didn't pertain to his personal details." Jason looked at Kim and Billy before continuing. "We also found out why he won't reveal who he is."
"So why won't he reveal his identity?" Tommy looked at the three of them in wonder. "Kim, you really watched the race?"
Kim smiled. "Well, our dad's always got together to watch the races so I got used to them. It is actually kind of cool. Anyway, he doesn't reveal his identity because of where he comes from."
"Why not? I mean if the dude's that good, he should let his hometown know about it." Zack was obviously confused by the mysterious rider's reasons.
Billy sighed. "Well, he said he wasn't exactly very popular where he comes from and if they knew he was racing, then they would only tease and pick on him about it. Either that or they would try to become buddies with him just to get his money."
"Well, he's gotta at least have some good friends that he can trust with his secret!" Amanda was just as confused as the others. "He didn't say anything about where he was from or why he wants it that way?"
Jason shook his head. "No, he only said that he comes from an average size town that has a lot of things going on all year round. And as for why he wants it that way, he just does."
Trini stared at Billy. "You mean to tell me that you spent that time talking to him and still didn't figure out who he was or where he was from?" When He nodded, she shrugged. "Oh well, but I wonder why he doesn't want anyone to know."
Billy shrugged. "Well, I do remember him saying that he just wants to be a normal person when off the track. He doesn't want anyone treating him like some superstar or something." He caught Jason's eye and smiled. "Besides, if he has a girlfriend, he probably wouldn't want to upset her by having girls following him all the time."
"Oh I get it now! He likes it and all but he still wants to live a normal life. So he keeps it a secret, just like we keep our ranger life a secret!" Rocky smacked his forehead. "It is so simple!"
As everyone laughed, Trini sighed. "Too bad I wasn't there. It would have been nice to meet such a down to earth person who made it big." She looked closer at the figure and noticed something. "Hey, is that a trophy you guys are holding?"
"Yeah, he won the championship that day. He let us hold it as we talked to him. " Jason smiled as he looked at the figure. "It was a really awesome day."
Trini smiled and looked at her own figure. "Maybe, but in my opinion, my day was better. It was actually me who did the winning!" She held up a figure of six kids in front of two older adults. "These are my grandparents who fly in for a visit every other year. They flew in the year after I moved to Angel Grove so they could see me in my first karate tournament."
"You were in a karate tournament?" Alex looked at Billy in surprise. "You never told me that!"
Billy shrugged and blushed. "Well, I didn't exactly tell you everything about anyone."
Alex laughed. "True." He looked back at Trini. "So, I take it you won? It looks like you are holding some kind of award."
"Yeah. I was in the kata division. The kata I performed was one my grandfather had put together. He then taught it to my father, and they both taught it to me. Along the way, they modified it to suit each one of us. And yes, I did win." She sighed as she remembered that day. She turned to say something to Billy but noticed he was watching something behind the group.
"Is that all of us now?" Maggie looked around. "We all told our little stories right?"
Billy shook his head. "I don't think so." As the others looked at each other in confusion, he smiled. "Alpha, do you have something you want to say?" The gang parted a bit to let their friend in.
"Yes Billy. Zordon and I have listened to all of your stories. And we would like to tell you one of our own." Alpha gave him a figure and Trini the other. "Trini, that figure is Santa's gift to me. The other one is for Zordon."
"Is that Trini and Billy with you?" Kim looked at the figure of Alpha, and two people standing next to what looked like one of the zords, the Triceratops to be exact.
"Yes, it is Kimberly." Alpha turned towards Billy and Trini. "I am sure you remember that night rangers."
Trini smiled at Billy and turned towards the group. "We do Alpha. You see, a few weeks after becoming rangers, Billy and I decided to stay overnight and let Alpha teach us how to fix the zords and the consuls in case he weren't available."
Billy nodded and looked at Alpha. "Why was that so important to you Alpha?"
"Billy, I have been the only one here to do anything to the zords and computers. When you and Trini became rangers, I knew I had finally gotten some help and I wouldn't have to overload my circuits doing repairs all the time. When Zordon asked me to teleport five teens, the computers already had your profiles selected. I knew the two of you were capable to help me out." Alpha turned towards the others. "All of you have been learning many of the same things but Trini and Billy already knew most of the basics. Therefore, they understood most of it right away and didn't have to be taught the fine details as much."
Kim smiled. "Well Alpha, I think I speak for everyone when I say they are the smartest when it comes to the computers here. And that they are the best helpers you could ever ask for."
As a chorus of yeas followed, Alpha saw the glimpse of a smile from Zordon. Although anyone else would say that he looked the same. "Aiy yi yi. Thanks rangers."
The happy group was interrupted by Zordon's voice. "Rangers, Alpha and I have been alone for so long that he was very happy to have someone else to talk to." As the rangers all smiled, he continued. "I would like you to look at the figure I have been given."
As Billy held it up, he caught a glimpse of something in Trini's eye. Something unusual was there, almost as if she was in deep thought. Wonder what she is thinking about.
"Hey! That's all fifteen of us! Well, fourteen and Alpha. But who is the guy between Alpha and Billy?" Kat was staring hard at the man she couldn't place. He seemed familiar but couldn't place him. Where have I seen him before?
As the others looked closer, they too each murmured something about him being familiar. Trini on the other hand stood back and watched the group. Billy caught her eye again and cocked his head in wonder. "Well, the guy does look familiar!" He turned his attention back to the figure and studied it closely, pretending he didn't know who the man was. " Let me see, there are all of us, Alpha, and there is Zordon's tube behind all of us, so it has to be someone associated with the rangers."
Alex nodded, not noticing the looks Billy and Trini were giving each other. "Yeah, I came to the same conclusion."
Cori jumped suddenly as her watched started beeping. "Oh my god, I have to be home in fifteen minutes! I told my mom that I wouldn't be late. I have to baby-sit my sister and brother. And I still have to get my bike form the park!" She gathered her things and got ready to go.
"Wait, I'll give you a lift. We can put your bike in my trunk." Alex gathered his things as well. "We'll see you guys tomorrow right?"
"Actually, we should all get going. Especially if we are going to spend all day helping Ernie get the Juice Bar ready for the community dinner." Jason watched as everyone gathered their things. "Can all of you be there at seven forty five?" He stared at Tommy.
"What? I'll be there on time!" Tommy held up his hands as everyone looked at him. "I promise!"
As everyone laughed, Kim patted his shoulder. "Don't worry Jase, I'll make sure he's there on time."
Kat raised an eyebrow and looked back and forth between Tommy and Kim. "Oh really? And how do you plan on doing that? Or don't I want to know?"
As the couple blushed, she smiled. "Easy. I'll just tell his mom to throw some cold water on him if he isn't out of the house by seven thirty." Kim laughed as Tommy backed away from her, shaking his head.
"Don't you dare! I'll be on time." Tommy stopped walking backwards and looked at the others. "I'll see all of you tomorrow." He glared at Kim and teleported out.
Before she could teleport, Billy grabbed Trini's arm. When everyone else was gone, he smiled at her. "I want to show you something." He then smiled and teleported them to his house.
"Okay, what's going on Billy?" Trini was a little worried when he sat her on his bed.
"I know you recognized the man in Zordon's figure. You have to know who it is." He walked to his desk and grabbed a worn out notebook. As he flipped through the pages and walked over to her, she saw a bunch of pictures.
"What are those?" Trini took the notebook and set it on her lap as he sat down beside her. "So what am I supposed to look at?"
Billy smiled and turned the page. "This. Look closely at it and tell me what you see."
Trini looked at the small picture and gasped. "No way! It's the same man isn't it?" She smiled when he nodded. "But why in the figure?"
Billy shrugged and moved closer to point out another picture. "I don't' know but I do know that he is very good friends with this guy." As he looked over at her, he smiled. "Like what you see?"
Trini smiled and nodded. When she looked up, she realized he had moved a lot closer than she thought and was looking right into her eyes. "Yes, I love it. And I also know that we are in your bedroom and you are a little too close."
Billy smiled and shook his head. "No I'm not, I'm just following tradition." He pointed to the ceiling above them. A small branch of mistletoe hung from a hook right above them. "My mom always made it a point to put it right above my bed on Christmas Eve morning. That way, she could give me an extra Christmas kiss."
Trini smiled and gave him a kiss. "Happy now?" When he nodded and stood up, she followed suit. "Well, I better get home."
Billy nodded and kissed her again. "Sweet dreams Tiger."
"Sweet dreams Wolf-boy" Trini smiled and teleported to her car for her drive home.
Billy put his figure on his desk and went to bed. He fell asleep imagining what would happen the next day.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Billy opened his eyes and smiled. He put his glasses on and looked at the clock. Oh wow, I'm actually up before the alarm! I better get packing while I still have time. Then I won't have to worry about rushing later.
As he packed, showered, and got ready to meet the others, another figure was up earlier than expected. I can't believe she did that! He put his shoes on and headed downstairs. "I'm leaving mom!"
"I'll see you later honey!" His mother smiled as she went back to reading the paper.
TWENTY MINUTES LATER
Billy smiled as Trini walked up to the door with Kim. "Good morning tiger. Hey Sissy K." He saw a flash of light from Trini's hand and smiled. As he took her hand, he gave her a quick kiss. "I see you're wearing it."
Kim watched them in confusion until she too caught the flash of light. "Where'd you get that ring Tri?" As Billy looked at Trini with a red face, she smiled. "Billy, did you do what I thought you did?"
"What'd he do?" Jason walked up to them with Ernie.
Billy looked at Trini and smiled. "I guess we can tell them. After all, aren't they going to ...you know."
Trini nodded and raised her right hand. "It is only on this hand because we don't want anyone else to know yet." As Kim squealed, Jason and Ernie congratulated them. "Kim, I want you to be my Maid of Honor."
"Jase, would you be my Best Man?" Billy watched as Kim and Jason exchanged smiles. "And you have to promise not to tell the others."
"You got a deal!" Kim looked at her watch. "Ok, we have ten minutes before everyone is supposed to be here. Tommy better get here soon!"
Billy and Jason laughed as Tommy snuck up behind her with a finger to his lips. "Kim, what are you going to do if he doesn't get here on time?" Trini stifled a laugh as Tommy pulled a small box from his pocket.
"I'll call him and tell him I'll pour the water on him myself when he actually does get here!" Kim looked at her watch again but stopped when a hand covered her eyes. "HEY!"
Ernie smiled when Tommy nodded at him. "I think you are supposed to guess who."
Kim smiled as she realized who it was. "Well, with these sexy hands it has to be Adam."
Tommy took his hand away. "That hurt!" He pretended to look brokenhearted. "I guess you don't want your gift then."
Kim grabbed his arm and pulled him in for a kiss. "Not so fast handsome. Since you got here early, I intend to get my gift while I still can!"
The others laughed as Kim kissed him hard and long on the lips. When she finally let go, Tommy took a deep breath. "Wow! Now I really need to give you your gift!"
Ernie looked at his watch. "You have five minutes Tommy."
Tommy placed the small box in Kim's hand. "Merry Christmas Beautiful."
She opened the box and saw a pink heart shaped stone surrounded by two tiny diamonds. She looked at Tommy in wonder. "You mean..."
Tommy nodded and knelt down. "I knew I loved you when I first met you. Will you marry me Kim? Even though I am still mad at you for calling my house this morning to wake me up early." He laughed as she put the ring on and pulled him up into a hug.
"You bet I do!" She blushed as she heard applause from behind her. She turned around wiping the tears from her eyes and smiled. "Hey guys, look who got here early!"
Ernie shook his head and unlocked the door to the Juice Bar as the others laughed. "Okay guys, let's get busy. The room isn't going to decorate itself."
As everyone entered the doorway, he closed the door behind them and turned on the lights to the hallway. What he didn't see was Billy sneaking into the main room and guarding the light switch to that room. "Okay, someone get the main lights please."
As everyone walked towards the main room, the lights still weren't on. They walked in carefully so as not to hit anything and waited for Ernie to walk in and try to turn the lights on. Ernie didn't hear them leave him in the hallway so he walked on towards the main room. "Guys? I could use some lights here!"
Billy smiled as he saw him walk into the room. He quickly flipped the lights on and looked at Ernie. "Merry Christmas."
Ernie stopped dead in his tracks and stared at the robot in the middle of the room. "It's beautiful guys! How'd you know I've always wanted one? And how did you guys build it?" He walked over to it and ran a hand over its metal frame before giving them each a hug.
Billy smiled. "Santa knew you wanted it and decided to recruit me to design one that you could use for every task you have around here. He built it in his workshop. Not even his elves helped him."
Ernie gave Billy another hug. "Thank you so much Billy. Your mom would be so proud of you today." As Billy stared at him in wonder, he smiled. "She always knew you would be a great scientist someday."
Billy shook his head. "Well, it wasn't really that hard Ernie. All I did was design the thing. Santa was the one who put it all together."
"Don't be so modest Billy. Santa himself told us that you fixed the one thing he couldn't. And that was the robot. You got it to work." Jason patted him on the back. "Face it BB, you're a genius."
Ernie nodded. "Yes, you are Billy. Your mom knew that. She always knew you would be like your dad." He sighed as he looked back at the robot. "She had great plans for you."
As the others looked at him in confusion, Billy looked at Ernie. "What do you mean? I didn't even know what she had planned for me."
Ernie looked at the others. "You guys get started on the decorations. They are in the box in the corner. I need to talk to Billy." As the others headed off to their chores, Ernie led Billy back to his office and locked the door. "I want to tell you a story Billy."
AN: Well, as always, please review! And if you have any questions, let me know. I won't be saying what the story is just yet. It will be a few chapters until I do. But the next chapter will be shorter! Sorry this one was so long but I just couldn't find a way to shorten it without cutting out everyone's gifts. And all these gifts come into play sometimes in the future of this story so they are sort of needed. Oh, thank you to all who have been reviewing this whole time. And as for the new reviewers, I hope you continue to do so. I promise to get the next chapter out a little faster, if I am given the time to do so.