DISCLAIMER: They own everything, I own nothing. :(
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sorry this chapter took a while coming. I'm in the middle of research presentations and the like at the moment, so time is precious. Plus I suffered a minor writers block. Please R&R, helpful comments or suggestions on where you want the story to go would be great! Thanks HuntoB :P
A Child for us All – Part 4
Kimberly Harte was fuming. 'Not just fuming,' she told herself 'Majority pissed off as well!' She thumped the stuffed dragon she was holding. 'I AM NOT a child!' The reason behind her not so good mood was her boyfriend Tommy. The one who ordered her off the battlefield without any thought. The one who didn't even let herself teleport out. The one who was in BIG trouble when he showed up.
"God he makes me so MAD!" Kimberly threw the dragon across the room as she shouted the last word.
Kim's mother's voice was heard from down the hall. "Kimberly? Did you say something?" Kim blushed, if only her mother knew.
"No mom, was just talking to myself!" She called back, throwing herself on her bed and daring Tommy to show his face.
The object of Kimberly's mood just happened to be heading over to pacify his girlfriend. He knew that he was in big trouble. Once again his protective instincts had gotten him into trouble. With Kimberly it meant vocal trouble. He sighed.
'Why do I do this to myself? Zordon's sure to kick my arse as well for taking over like that." The teen's thought was troubled. 'More to the point, why was I stupid enough to forget the protection in the first place? Wouldn't be in this mess otherwise.'
Tommy stuck his hands deep into his pockets and paused in his walking. 'Maybe flowers might help?' the hopeful thought was followed by a shake of his head. 'Nah, she'll know then that I know I'm in big. Just give her more ammo.' He continued to walk.
The white ranger tried to reassure himself that it wouldn't be so bad. It was at this point that he realised that he would much rather face one of Lord Zedd's monsters than his girlfriend at the moment. "Aw man," he muttered softly to himself. 5 meters away was Kimberly's house and he was in no way ready to face what was coming to him. He squared his shoulders and walked up the path to her door.
Kim was still in the middle of her personal rant when her mother announced that she had a visitor. The pink ranger pouted. She didn't want any visitor's; expect maybe a certain white ranger. She poked her head around the door to view her boyfriend's frame waiting on the doorstep.
"Oh, it's you." The words came out with an edge, Tommy winched – this was going to be uncomfortable.
"You'd better come in, we'll go up to my room" Stepping out from the side, she led Tommy to her room.
"Ki - " Before he could get a word out, Kimberly spun on her heel.
"Don't you say a word. You said enough earlier." She shut the bedroom door, wondering how sound proof it was. "You are going to listen to what I have to say now." Kimberly's eyes were bright with frustration. The petite teen shook her head.
"However you meant it, whatever instincts you were listening to, told you wrong. Who gave you the authority to spit out orders like that, and then don't even give the chance for those orders to be carried out? Man, even Zordon doesn't go that far!" She started to pace, a habit she had learnt from her boyfriend. Oh course, Tommy thought she looked violent that way, expressing her displeasure with fierce hand waving.
"You cannot take responsibility for everyone else Tommy, we are big enough to look after ourselves. That doesn't mean I don't want you to care for me but give me a chance. Let me have the opportunity to argue back with you, or at least follow your orders. Okay, you are the team leader fine. But if you undermine free will what sort of leader are you?" Kim was pleased that her voice had remained steady so far. It was increasing in volume however.
"I ought to kick your arse mister! I mean, how dare you! I'm not sure what else I can say; I am really annoyed at you at the moment. I know you get carried away sometimes and I am carrying you child but don't you think I want to protect it as well? Do you honestly believe that I would willingly endanger our child?" Tommy deduced that these questions must be rhetorical, because Kimberly wasn't giving him a chance to reply.
"And just wait under Zordon gets his hands on you, boy you are in trouble. He wasn't pleased with you either. And then there's Zedd and Rita. They are going to figure that something is up if you keep on whisking me from the fight. Use your common sense, you are inviting them to cause trouble." Throughout her speech, Tommy's gaze had progressed from his girlfriend to the floor. Talk about being in the doghouse. Kimberly's heart relented a little at the sight of him, retreated into a silent figure, looking very ashamed of himself.
"Bottom line, I know you were just trying to be protective but do it again and there will be hell to pay!"
Tommy dared to look at his girlfriend. "I am really sorry. I'm an idiot, I know." The apology was softly spoken, he was relieved that she had finished and he was more or less in one piece. Kimberly crossed the floor and reached up to caress Tommy's face gently. She felt much better now she knew that he had been put right. Tommy reached up to hold his hand against hers and then enfolded her into a warm hug. They stood there for several moments before Kim broke away reluctantly.
"You'd better go, or you'll be late for your karate class." Tommy, along with Rocky, taught local kids karate at the youth centre. "I'll talk to you tomorrow" She added, kissing him goodbye.
As Tommy walked to the front door he thought to him 'One down, two to go. Or more likely, out of the frying pan and into the fire.' He was sure that Zordon and Billy had a few words for him. Zordon because he was his mentor and Billy because he was Tommy's second in command.
Rocky sighed in relief as he saw Tommy walk into the youth canter. He knew that he had been with Kimberly and to tell the truth he wouldn't have been surprised if she had kept Tommy in a lecture all afternoon. He felt that Tommy was in for it again after their class had finished. As usual some of the team had come to watch the class; today it was Billy and Adam. Rocky may not seem like it but he did posses a large amount of insight. It seemed to him that Billy was already handing Tommy his 'time and place'. He quickly ducked into the change rooms to get into his gi.
As Tommy walked into the youth centre he knew he was going to get a second serving. He knew that Billy was in there with Adam. As soon as Billy spotted Tommy he gave him his summons.
I'm going to want to talk to you after Billy's thought was serious.
Tommy mentally sighed. I know, I'll be waiting. He followed Rocky into the change rooms, resolving to change quickly so he could spend a bit of quality time with the punching bag.
Coming out of the change rooms, Rocky heard the rhythmic pounding of fists and material. Tommy was molesting the innocent bag with force, pounding his frustrations out. After 10 minutes of this abuse, Tommy paused, drew in a deep breath and turned to face Rocky and his class.
As the class started, Adam noticed that Tommy lost all physical traces of the preoccupation that had held him since he found out his predicament. Like all of the teens, the dedication that Rocky and Tommy held for their chosen art held true when they were instructing the younger generation.
After 45 minutes of instruction, a lot of laughing when Tommy and Rocky's demonstration didn't go so well, well not so well for the two instructors, the students thought it was the highlight of the class, the formal bow was taken and the class dispersed.
Rocky patted Tommy on the back and lent closer to wish him quick words of encouragement. "Buck up Tommy, Billy must know how you're feeling so he'll go easy on you won't he?"
Tommy looked at Rocky in amazement. "How long have you known Billy? Since he knows exactly how I'm feeling, he'll use it against me!" The bronzed teen's face was dismal as he made his way to the change rooms, dawdling all the time.
Billy made his goodbyes to Adam and Rocky as Tommy finally emerged from the change rooms. The young genius herder his leader out of the juice bar and towards Billy's house, where he could rant without making a public scene.
Adam watched the two leave and silently looked at his closest childhood friend. "I think we need to plan something for you tonight, don't you? Tommy's going to need some cheering up and Billy and Kimberly are probably in the same boat."
"My mum and dad aren't home tonight, so the brood isn't home, we could have it at my place." Rocky suggested. "If we ring up the girls, no doubt they'll want girlie movies but at least then the food is taken care of."
Adam shook his head, "Always thinking of your next meal hey Rocko?" Rocky maintained his innocent look, before breaking into a grin. "What else?" he replied.
The way to Billy's house was a silent one, both in the verbal and non- verbal sense. The lack of conversation or companionship cut Tommy to the core. It was Billy's way of letting his closest friend (more like a twin brother in a way) that he was hurt and not at all impressed by his actions. It was also one of Tommy's weakest points. Since the two teens has become joined through the mind, absence of Billy's thought was something that was alien and uncomfortable. Billy knew this, and understood it as he felt the same way. Tommy had overstepped the boundaries as a leader and may have brought future strife for the team; he had to understand the seriousness of the situation. By the time they were safety in Billy garage/lab, the leader of the Power Rangers was seriously close to tears.
Once he had shut the conjoining door to the house, the blue power teen turned to observe his leader. Tommy was now pale and his soulful eyes held unshed tears. Billy's heart relented, perhaps he did realise how wrong his actions had been. He reopened his link to Tommy, and found that his leader was already self riddled with guilt, and regretting opening his mouth at all and on top of that, stress was beginning to take its toll. The shouting match that Tommy was dreading was not going to come, Billy changed his approach.
"Tommy, you know what you did was wrong and resembled a dictator?" Billy asked his leader gently.
Tommy looked at Billy in disbelief, where was the ranting and raving he was expecting? "Um, yeah. I know and I'm truly sorry. I opened my mouth and managed to put both feet in at the same time. I haven't really been thinking straight at the moment."
"Okay, well I just want you to know that if you ever pull a stunt like that again, you will not get off lightly. I will use my authority as second in command over you in front of our team, an event you do not want to encounter." The blue ranger did not raise his voice but his tone of voice was serious, reflected in his mind, let Tommy know he meant business.
Tommy's gaze fell to studying his shoes, an action doomed to be repeated when guilt filled the teen. Billy watched Tommy in silence for a few moments, his mind silently assessing his leader's mood and health.
Tom, how are you really doing? I don't think you feel too great, myself Billy's thought reached out to Tommy, gentle and firm.
I'm not sure how I feel, I'm tired and well, scared I guess. Plus shooting myself for even opening my mouth on the battle field. Tommy's returned thought was faint and in monotones.
"Maybe you should go and talk to Zordon." Billy held up his hand, knowing what Tommy was going to protest. "I know it's something you'd wish to avoid at the present moment but he will be able to determine why you feel unwell."
Tommy didn't get a chance to reply, their communicator's chose to interrupt them both. Billy raised his to his mouth. "Yes Zordon?"
"I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU BOTH." Zordon's summons was as usual brief and commanded immediate attention. There was no need for a reply, both teens disappeared in blue and white light.
Alpha wasn't there to greet the two teens when they arrived. Zordon had asked him to take the opportunity to recharge, so he could speak to Tommy without interruptions.
"TOMMY, I ASSUME I DO NOT NEED TO ENLIGHTEN YOU TO WHY I WISH TO SPEAK TO YOU?" The mentor of the Power Rangers looked down at whom he considered his eldest child, the leader of the Power Rangers. Tommy was pale beneath his bronzed skin, and looked drawn. The mage did not have to make wild guesses at to what was nagging at Tommy. The episode of the earlier battle and the predicament of pending parenthood was eating away at the teen.
"I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW TOMMY; HOWEVER I DO WISH TO EXPRESS MY DISAPPOINTMENT." Zordon kept his tone low, alerted to the fact that Tommy was suffering from what Rocky had been known to call "the major guilt's".
"Please Zordon, I know I was wrong, I wish I had never said it, or did it but I have and you have no idea how bad I feel about it. I just wish to forget it." He ran a hand through his long hair and sighed. He felt about two inches tall.
"THAT IS NOT ALL I WISH TO DISCUSS TOMMY. BILLY HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN TO ME REGARDING YOUR MENTAL STATE SINCE KIMBERLY HAS ANNOUNCED HER PREGNANCY. YOU NEED TO ENSURE THAT YOU REMAIN HEALTHY BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY, TO ENSURE YOU DO NOT BECOME A BURDEN TO THE TEAM. PLEASE SIT DOWN, BOTH OF YOU." Two chairs appeared, which Tommy gratefully fell into, Billy chose to sit in his chair in the normal way.
"I KNOW YOU ARE WORRIED TOMMY AND SLEEP IS NOT EASY FOR YOU. BUT BILLY CANNOT SUPPORT YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE NINE MONTHS OF KIMBERLY'S CONDITION. YOU SHALL BOTH BE RENDERED UNFIT FOR BATTLE. TOMMY, YOUR SYSTEM IS ALREADY SUFFERING FROM NEGLECT, I DETECT THAT YOU CONTRACTED A VIRAL INFECTION. YOU SHOULD FIND SOME ANTIBIOTICS ON THE COMPUTER CONSOLE IN FRONT OF YOU. IF YOU FAIL IN IMPROVING YOUR SELF HEALTH CAPABILITIES, I SHALL ASSUME THAT RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU DO NOT WISH TO PASS." The rangers never went to a normal GP, the powers gave the teens abnormal healing capabilities and improved body function, if the medical profession ever uncovered this, the rangers would never leave a hospital or research facility. Zordon took the role of health care seriously, and if he felt the need, no amount of pleading would stop him from intervening into Tommy's health care.
"Um, thanks Zordon. I am feeling a bit tired I guess. But it's so hard not to worry!" Thanks were given to the mentor softly, and in a voice laced with fatigue.
Tom, you know you are not alone; we will never let you face this alone. I will never let you face this alone. Soft reassurance was given by Billy, who felt Tommy's tiredness sometimes like it was his own.
"BE SAFE IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE HERE FOR YOU, MY FALCON. LEADERSHIP AND FATHERHOOD MAY HAVE BEEN SOMETHING YOU ONCE SHIED AWAY FROM, YET YOU HAVE MY BLESSING. HOWEVER, MISTAKES LIKE THE ONE YOU MADE WITH KIMBERLY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED A SECOND TIME. YOU KNOW THAT YOU WELL BEING DOES NOT ONLY AFFECT YOURSELF, BILLY SUFFERS SECONDHAND"
Billy shot their mentor the darkest look he dared. Tommy was already suffering from a huge guilt trip, he did not need reminding that Billy's health was somewhat linked to his.
Tommy paled even more. Billy decided that his leader had had enough verbal bashing for one day, and he knew that Tommy was upset over his actions. The fact that Tommy was also physically unwell made things worse. Billy knew that in a few days time he would be suffering secondary affects of the virus but at the moment wasn't thinking for him. Adam had been unable to contact Billy and Tommy by the normal means, and since Billy was a telepath, was using mental communication to let them know about the gathering at Rocky's.
Zordon, if it is okay, I would like to take Tommy back to Rocky's. Hopefully relaxation and medication will lift the gloom I feel from him Billy thought this to Zordon, allowing this subtle form of communication to express how Tommy was truly feeling.
Zordon agreed. "TOMMY KEEP IN MIND WHAT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU. I THINK IT'S TIME YOU JOINED THE REST OF THE TEAM AT ROCKY'S HOUSE. I BELIEVE FOOD AND 'GIRLIE MOVIES' AWAIT YOU. I SHALL SEE YOU TOMORROW" Zordon's voice sounded bewildered as he relayed Rocky's version of the evening.
Both the teens smiled their thanks and teleported to Rocky's. Zordon remained thoughtful; he was constantly amazed over his 'children'.
Tommy and Billy arrived at Rocky's with everyone in high spirits. Spirits which sagged slightly when they took in their leaders wan appearance. However, reassurances did little to improve their concern as Tommy feel asleep halfway through the first movie. Billy insisted they let him bide, his system needed this. Somewhat reassured the movie night continued, worries over Rita and Zedd's next plan deflected until the next day. For tonight, it was time to be normal teens and forget that the fate of the world rested on their shoulders on a regular basis.
And that's it for this chapter, it's time I worked on my thesis. I promise the next chapter will be soon, I'm on holidays at the moment and so in a better position to write. Until next time.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sorry this chapter took a while coming. I'm in the middle of research presentations and the like at the moment, so time is precious. Plus I suffered a minor writers block. Please R&R, helpful comments or suggestions on where you want the story to go would be great! Thanks HuntoB :P
A Child for us All – Part 4
Kimberly Harte was fuming. 'Not just fuming,' she told herself 'Majority pissed off as well!' She thumped the stuffed dragon she was holding. 'I AM NOT a child!' The reason behind her not so good mood was her boyfriend Tommy. The one who ordered her off the battlefield without any thought. The one who didn't even let herself teleport out. The one who was in BIG trouble when he showed up.
"God he makes me so MAD!" Kimberly threw the dragon across the room as she shouted the last word.
Kim's mother's voice was heard from down the hall. "Kimberly? Did you say something?" Kim blushed, if only her mother knew.
"No mom, was just talking to myself!" She called back, throwing herself on her bed and daring Tommy to show his face.
The object of Kimberly's mood just happened to be heading over to pacify his girlfriend. He knew that he was in big trouble. Once again his protective instincts had gotten him into trouble. With Kimberly it meant vocal trouble. He sighed.
'Why do I do this to myself? Zordon's sure to kick my arse as well for taking over like that." The teen's thought was troubled. 'More to the point, why was I stupid enough to forget the protection in the first place? Wouldn't be in this mess otherwise.'
Tommy stuck his hands deep into his pockets and paused in his walking. 'Maybe flowers might help?' the hopeful thought was followed by a shake of his head. 'Nah, she'll know then that I know I'm in big. Just give her more ammo.' He continued to walk.
The white ranger tried to reassure himself that it wouldn't be so bad. It was at this point that he realised that he would much rather face one of Lord Zedd's monsters than his girlfriend at the moment. "Aw man," he muttered softly to himself. 5 meters away was Kimberly's house and he was in no way ready to face what was coming to him. He squared his shoulders and walked up the path to her door.
Kim was still in the middle of her personal rant when her mother announced that she had a visitor. The pink ranger pouted. She didn't want any visitor's; expect maybe a certain white ranger. She poked her head around the door to view her boyfriend's frame waiting on the doorstep.
"Oh, it's you." The words came out with an edge, Tommy winched – this was going to be uncomfortable.
"You'd better come in, we'll go up to my room" Stepping out from the side, she led Tommy to her room.
"Ki - " Before he could get a word out, Kimberly spun on her heel.
"Don't you say a word. You said enough earlier." She shut the bedroom door, wondering how sound proof it was. "You are going to listen to what I have to say now." Kimberly's eyes were bright with frustration. The petite teen shook her head.
"However you meant it, whatever instincts you were listening to, told you wrong. Who gave you the authority to spit out orders like that, and then don't even give the chance for those orders to be carried out? Man, even Zordon doesn't go that far!" She started to pace, a habit she had learnt from her boyfriend. Oh course, Tommy thought she looked violent that way, expressing her displeasure with fierce hand waving.
"You cannot take responsibility for everyone else Tommy, we are big enough to look after ourselves. That doesn't mean I don't want you to care for me but give me a chance. Let me have the opportunity to argue back with you, or at least follow your orders. Okay, you are the team leader fine. But if you undermine free will what sort of leader are you?" Kim was pleased that her voice had remained steady so far. It was increasing in volume however.
"I ought to kick your arse mister! I mean, how dare you! I'm not sure what else I can say; I am really annoyed at you at the moment. I know you get carried away sometimes and I am carrying you child but don't you think I want to protect it as well? Do you honestly believe that I would willingly endanger our child?" Tommy deduced that these questions must be rhetorical, because Kimberly wasn't giving him a chance to reply.
"And just wait under Zordon gets his hands on you, boy you are in trouble. He wasn't pleased with you either. And then there's Zedd and Rita. They are going to figure that something is up if you keep on whisking me from the fight. Use your common sense, you are inviting them to cause trouble." Throughout her speech, Tommy's gaze had progressed from his girlfriend to the floor. Talk about being in the doghouse. Kimberly's heart relented a little at the sight of him, retreated into a silent figure, looking very ashamed of himself.
"Bottom line, I know you were just trying to be protective but do it again and there will be hell to pay!"
Tommy dared to look at his girlfriend. "I am really sorry. I'm an idiot, I know." The apology was softly spoken, he was relieved that she had finished and he was more or less in one piece. Kimberly crossed the floor and reached up to caress Tommy's face gently. She felt much better now she knew that he had been put right. Tommy reached up to hold his hand against hers and then enfolded her into a warm hug. They stood there for several moments before Kim broke away reluctantly.
"You'd better go, or you'll be late for your karate class." Tommy, along with Rocky, taught local kids karate at the youth centre. "I'll talk to you tomorrow" She added, kissing him goodbye.
As Tommy walked to the front door he thought to him 'One down, two to go. Or more likely, out of the frying pan and into the fire.' He was sure that Zordon and Billy had a few words for him. Zordon because he was his mentor and Billy because he was Tommy's second in command.
Rocky sighed in relief as he saw Tommy walk into the youth canter. He knew that he had been with Kimberly and to tell the truth he wouldn't have been surprised if she had kept Tommy in a lecture all afternoon. He felt that Tommy was in for it again after their class had finished. As usual some of the team had come to watch the class; today it was Billy and Adam. Rocky may not seem like it but he did posses a large amount of insight. It seemed to him that Billy was already handing Tommy his 'time and place'. He quickly ducked into the change rooms to get into his gi.
As Tommy walked into the youth centre he knew he was going to get a second serving. He knew that Billy was in there with Adam. As soon as Billy spotted Tommy he gave him his summons.
I'm going to want to talk to you after Billy's thought was serious.
Tommy mentally sighed. I know, I'll be waiting. He followed Rocky into the change rooms, resolving to change quickly so he could spend a bit of quality time with the punching bag.
Coming out of the change rooms, Rocky heard the rhythmic pounding of fists and material. Tommy was molesting the innocent bag with force, pounding his frustrations out. After 10 minutes of this abuse, Tommy paused, drew in a deep breath and turned to face Rocky and his class.
As the class started, Adam noticed that Tommy lost all physical traces of the preoccupation that had held him since he found out his predicament. Like all of the teens, the dedication that Rocky and Tommy held for their chosen art held true when they were instructing the younger generation.
After 45 minutes of instruction, a lot of laughing when Tommy and Rocky's demonstration didn't go so well, well not so well for the two instructors, the students thought it was the highlight of the class, the formal bow was taken and the class dispersed.
Rocky patted Tommy on the back and lent closer to wish him quick words of encouragement. "Buck up Tommy, Billy must know how you're feeling so he'll go easy on you won't he?"
Tommy looked at Rocky in amazement. "How long have you known Billy? Since he knows exactly how I'm feeling, he'll use it against me!" The bronzed teen's face was dismal as he made his way to the change rooms, dawdling all the time.
Billy made his goodbyes to Adam and Rocky as Tommy finally emerged from the change rooms. The young genius herder his leader out of the juice bar and towards Billy's house, where he could rant without making a public scene.
Adam watched the two leave and silently looked at his closest childhood friend. "I think we need to plan something for you tonight, don't you? Tommy's going to need some cheering up and Billy and Kimberly are probably in the same boat."
"My mum and dad aren't home tonight, so the brood isn't home, we could have it at my place." Rocky suggested. "If we ring up the girls, no doubt they'll want girlie movies but at least then the food is taken care of."
Adam shook his head, "Always thinking of your next meal hey Rocko?" Rocky maintained his innocent look, before breaking into a grin. "What else?" he replied.
The way to Billy's house was a silent one, both in the verbal and non- verbal sense. The lack of conversation or companionship cut Tommy to the core. It was Billy's way of letting his closest friend (more like a twin brother in a way) that he was hurt and not at all impressed by his actions. It was also one of Tommy's weakest points. Since the two teens has become joined through the mind, absence of Billy's thought was something that was alien and uncomfortable. Billy knew this, and understood it as he felt the same way. Tommy had overstepped the boundaries as a leader and may have brought future strife for the team; he had to understand the seriousness of the situation. By the time they were safety in Billy garage/lab, the leader of the Power Rangers was seriously close to tears.
Once he had shut the conjoining door to the house, the blue power teen turned to observe his leader. Tommy was now pale and his soulful eyes held unshed tears. Billy's heart relented, perhaps he did realise how wrong his actions had been. He reopened his link to Tommy, and found that his leader was already self riddled with guilt, and regretting opening his mouth at all and on top of that, stress was beginning to take its toll. The shouting match that Tommy was dreading was not going to come, Billy changed his approach.
"Tommy, you know what you did was wrong and resembled a dictator?" Billy asked his leader gently.
Tommy looked at Billy in disbelief, where was the ranting and raving he was expecting? "Um, yeah. I know and I'm truly sorry. I opened my mouth and managed to put both feet in at the same time. I haven't really been thinking straight at the moment."
"Okay, well I just want you to know that if you ever pull a stunt like that again, you will not get off lightly. I will use my authority as second in command over you in front of our team, an event you do not want to encounter." The blue ranger did not raise his voice but his tone of voice was serious, reflected in his mind, let Tommy know he meant business.
Tommy's gaze fell to studying his shoes, an action doomed to be repeated when guilt filled the teen. Billy watched Tommy in silence for a few moments, his mind silently assessing his leader's mood and health.
Tom, how are you really doing? I don't think you feel too great, myself Billy's thought reached out to Tommy, gentle and firm.
I'm not sure how I feel, I'm tired and well, scared I guess. Plus shooting myself for even opening my mouth on the battle field. Tommy's returned thought was faint and in monotones.
"Maybe you should go and talk to Zordon." Billy held up his hand, knowing what Tommy was going to protest. "I know it's something you'd wish to avoid at the present moment but he will be able to determine why you feel unwell."
Tommy didn't get a chance to reply, their communicator's chose to interrupt them both. Billy raised his to his mouth. "Yes Zordon?"
"I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU BOTH." Zordon's summons was as usual brief and commanded immediate attention. There was no need for a reply, both teens disappeared in blue and white light.
Alpha wasn't there to greet the two teens when they arrived. Zordon had asked him to take the opportunity to recharge, so he could speak to Tommy without interruptions.
"TOMMY, I ASSUME I DO NOT NEED TO ENLIGHTEN YOU TO WHY I WISH TO SPEAK TO YOU?" The mentor of the Power Rangers looked down at whom he considered his eldest child, the leader of the Power Rangers. Tommy was pale beneath his bronzed skin, and looked drawn. The mage did not have to make wild guesses at to what was nagging at Tommy. The episode of the earlier battle and the predicament of pending parenthood was eating away at the teen.
"I AM NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW TOMMY; HOWEVER I DO WISH TO EXPRESS MY DISAPPOINTMENT." Zordon kept his tone low, alerted to the fact that Tommy was suffering from what Rocky had been known to call "the major guilt's".
"Please Zordon, I know I was wrong, I wish I had never said it, or did it but I have and you have no idea how bad I feel about it. I just wish to forget it." He ran a hand through his long hair and sighed. He felt about two inches tall.
"THAT IS NOT ALL I WISH TO DISCUSS TOMMY. BILLY HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN TO ME REGARDING YOUR MENTAL STATE SINCE KIMBERLY HAS ANNOUNCED HER PREGNANCY. YOU NEED TO ENSURE THAT YOU REMAIN HEALTHY BOTH MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY, TO ENSURE YOU DO NOT BECOME A BURDEN TO THE TEAM. PLEASE SIT DOWN, BOTH OF YOU." Two chairs appeared, which Tommy gratefully fell into, Billy chose to sit in his chair in the normal way.
"I KNOW YOU ARE WORRIED TOMMY AND SLEEP IS NOT EASY FOR YOU. BUT BILLY CANNOT SUPPORT YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE NINE MONTHS OF KIMBERLY'S CONDITION. YOU SHALL BOTH BE RENDERED UNFIT FOR BATTLE. TOMMY, YOUR SYSTEM IS ALREADY SUFFERING FROM NEGLECT, I DETECT THAT YOU CONTRACTED A VIRAL INFECTION. YOU SHOULD FIND SOME ANTIBIOTICS ON THE COMPUTER CONSOLE IN FRONT OF YOU. IF YOU FAIL IN IMPROVING YOUR SELF HEALTH CAPABILITIES, I SHALL ASSUME THAT RESPONSIBILITY. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU DO NOT WISH TO PASS." The rangers never went to a normal GP, the powers gave the teens abnormal healing capabilities and improved body function, if the medical profession ever uncovered this, the rangers would never leave a hospital or research facility. Zordon took the role of health care seriously, and if he felt the need, no amount of pleading would stop him from intervening into Tommy's health care.
"Um, thanks Zordon. I am feeling a bit tired I guess. But it's so hard not to worry!" Thanks were given to the mentor softly, and in a voice laced with fatigue.
Tom, you know you are not alone; we will never let you face this alone. I will never let you face this alone. Soft reassurance was given by Billy, who felt Tommy's tiredness sometimes like it was his own.
"BE SAFE IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WE ARE HERE FOR YOU, MY FALCON. LEADERSHIP AND FATHERHOOD MAY HAVE BEEN SOMETHING YOU ONCE SHIED AWAY FROM, YET YOU HAVE MY BLESSING. HOWEVER, MISTAKES LIKE THE ONE YOU MADE WITH KIMBERLY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED A SECOND TIME. YOU KNOW THAT YOU WELL BEING DOES NOT ONLY AFFECT YOURSELF, BILLY SUFFERS SECONDHAND"
Billy shot their mentor the darkest look he dared. Tommy was already suffering from a huge guilt trip, he did not need reminding that Billy's health was somewhat linked to his.
Tommy paled even more. Billy decided that his leader had had enough verbal bashing for one day, and he knew that Tommy was upset over his actions. The fact that Tommy was also physically unwell made things worse. Billy knew that in a few days time he would be suffering secondary affects of the virus but at the moment wasn't thinking for him. Adam had been unable to contact Billy and Tommy by the normal means, and since Billy was a telepath, was using mental communication to let them know about the gathering at Rocky's.
Zordon, if it is okay, I would like to take Tommy back to Rocky's. Hopefully relaxation and medication will lift the gloom I feel from him Billy thought this to Zordon, allowing this subtle form of communication to express how Tommy was truly feeling.
Zordon agreed. "TOMMY KEEP IN MIND WHAT I AM TRYING TO TELL YOU. I THINK IT'S TIME YOU JOINED THE REST OF THE TEAM AT ROCKY'S HOUSE. I BELIEVE FOOD AND 'GIRLIE MOVIES' AWAIT YOU. I SHALL SEE YOU TOMORROW" Zordon's voice sounded bewildered as he relayed Rocky's version of the evening.
Both the teens smiled their thanks and teleported to Rocky's. Zordon remained thoughtful; he was constantly amazed over his 'children'.
Tommy and Billy arrived at Rocky's with everyone in high spirits. Spirits which sagged slightly when they took in their leaders wan appearance. However, reassurances did little to improve their concern as Tommy feel asleep halfway through the first movie. Billy insisted they let him bide, his system needed this. Somewhat reassured the movie night continued, worries over Rita and Zedd's next plan deflected until the next day. For tonight, it was time to be normal teens and forget that the fate of the world rested on their shoulders on a regular basis.
And that's it for this chapter, it's time I worked on my thesis. I promise the next chapter will be soon, I'm on holidays at the moment and so in a better position to write. Until next time.