THE REASON – Part Two: The Letter

Summary: Tommy has a flash back about his one and only true love, Kimberly. Is it time to invite her back into his life?

Disclaimer: Power Rangers belongs and will always belong to Saban Entertainment, BVS Entertainment Inc., Renaissance Atlantic Entertainment, Village Roadshow KP Producations Limited, ABC Kids, ABC Family and Disney. And to all other affiliates with the Power Rangers concept (ie. Sentai–the original Power Rangers). And, yes, before I forget, the main title of the story does tie in with Hoobastank's "The Reason". Gotta give you guys credit, so don't sue me, please!

A/N: This is a stroll down memory lane, and to help fill in the gaps for some people. But other than that, it does tie into "There's No Snow Business Like Snow Business Pt.1." And if you haven't noticed, I like to leave a message or quote before each chapter begins to have the readers thinking about the situation at hand. Just sort of a thing to wonder about. And I'm sorry if my facts aren't right. Just don't bash me too hard about that. That's just too much time I can't make for with this creative mind. So, enjoy and hit me back. And let's get things rollin'.

"What kind of life is it when you're all by yourself, and the person you once loved still lives strongly in your heart?" –Eclyptyk Neo

I walked into the kitchen, clean and tidy for the day. Yeah, I know, for a bachelor that's usually highly unlikely. But I guess the habit of being all clean and tidy usually came with how Kim was. I don't know.

But the house, itself, it was okay. It would eventually pay off in the end, and it's a great place to put an underground lab–if no one is stupid enough to fall into a sinkhole and run through the passages to find the place. I can't blame those three for it. They needed a way out, it just so happened to be in the area where my lab was. As for the normal part of the house–two stories high. Three bedrooms–the master bedroom, a guest room, and a room I changed to a quaint, small gym. Hey, it works out. The kitchen was more so off on its own, having its own little area, which hardly gets used for anything else but the microwave and coffee marker. Like I even have the skills to make some three course meal, no time and my culinary skills aren't exactly house-proof. Two bathrooms, one on the main deck and one upstairs. Nothing fancy, as long as I can shower down and get cleaned off for the day, I'm fine. A small attic, like it's even in use. I plan on making it another room of some sort. Haven't had the time to plan on it. Then there is the study, that never gets touched, but has a rather sophisticated look to it, with the books and dino remains and every thing. The basement, yes, is in fact the lab, just with some huge modifications. The regular study in my terms.

I looked at the time, trying to brush away how much I could fit into my day, now that I lost a few hours. I wore a black t-shirt that was covered with a khaki flannel. The cargo pants were of a darker shade, more of a brown color. As the years went, so did my obedience and closure to the rest of the world. Very rarely could I get into a long conversation with someone. Yeah, even with the guys. I was always the quiet one, and Adam was always the first to notice my silent raid. He never questioned me about it until we had time to ourselves. It's not that I wasn't a people- person, I just didn't find it right for some people to get into my personnel/personal life. Not that they had a right to know, I just figured some things are best left unsaid.

Kinda sad coming from a person who lead a team of fighters for nearly five years. I had also been working out, which was usually concealed behind the dress of a suit and tie, especially at the high school. It came from the degree in paleontology. It's what people expect to see in a professor or doctor. And continued to practice the martial arts, winning numerous titles in my class division, 5th degree black belt for five years. Not that I like to brag about it, but some people look at me as a regular celebrity because of it. I just ignore it. I'm good, just don't need to tell the whole world about it. Even my look showed how much I had matured over the years, letting the rebellious side of me slowly become concealed behind closed doors. Though, now, as a teacher, I had removed the earrings and gotten a more clean-cut, close-cropped set of spikes. But I was still a rebel at heart. Nothing could and ever will change that. But it was always a rarity to even see the man behind the Black Dino Ranger reveal such an aspect of his past.

I knew that my trust was given to the new team of Power Rangers. I can't obviously fight the good fight forever, and alone. I had to give them that respect because it was deja vu. I know what they're going through as much as any other ranger in existence. I could see a little of the original team in each of them.

Conner McKnight, star soccer player and leader of the new generation of Power Rangers, manned the Tyranno Zord and Red Dino Gem. With that, his new super powers were super speed to kick major ass. Though, a jock and cocky at times, he was always the center of bashing from his other two young ranger members. He may not appear to acknowledge his position as a leader, but knows what must be done to win the battle. An attribute given to all leaders of the Rangers. He was a little like Jason, but nowhere near his understanding at how the system of saving the world fits in his hands.

Ethan James, the computer whiz, master of the Blue Dino Gem and Tricera Zord. His special abilities were the capability to create armored skin as a shield and protection against attacks. He was very much like Billy/Zack mix. And always held a personal grudge against Conner against the fact he was chosen as leader over the three of them. The grudge that Jason and I still would have was in all good fun. He would come around and see it that way too. Though he was capable of breaking into my video diary, he only intentionally wanted to find me. I can't blame him for that, because he's trying to get on good grounds with everyone around him. But of course, without the discovery, his heart wouldn't be in the war to protect the world from the evils of the galaxy. He always loved to learn new things, and find out more about the many unknown phenomenons that exist in the universe.

Kira Ford, a singer, master of the Yellow Dino Gem and Ptera Zord. Her special abilities included a sonic boom scream that knocked anything to the ground near by. She was much like Kimberly, as I could recall it. Both were singers, but she was more independent than Kim. She always found a way to stick out of a crowd, and intended on keeping it that way. She was more of the skeptical out of the three when they were given their powers, but has learned to reserve her power as a gift rather than a punishment. She'll always manage to knock some sense of intelligence into her Ranger counterparts, especially being the only girl on the team. And it's not easy when testosterones strike high, especially in high school. I let out a sigh, retrieving a mug from the cabinet. I filled it with a cup of cappuccino and disappeared into the living room. I took a seat on the couch and looked at the mess of papers I had left there the night before. I guess I can't complain. I chose to be a teacher, and it's helping to pay for the expense in the house. Not that all that investment money I had made through my years teaching of martial arts at the Youth Center, and at the college. I don't like to say I'm some millionaire or whatever. Just gotta keep it low. And stay low.

But then I turned my head up, and stared at the wall. Stared straight at it as if I could see through it. Beyond it. Into another dimension. Or simply a void. I didn't know why. Couldn't understand why.

Perhaps I'm just worried about Conner, Ethan and Kira. They should be here to train. Learn more about their powers as Rangers, but instead, I let them go do their own thing. I have–for nearly two weeks now. I mean, they need to enjoy it now, before the hardest battle has them living sleepless nights. I let out a sigh. But Mesogog hasn't even attempted to make any moves in the past several weeks since the incident with Nikki Valentina. Or could he be waiting for the right time to plan his next attack?

But it wasn't that. I knew that in the back of his mind. Something was missing. Or something needed to be resolved. I just couldn't seem to figure out exactly what it was.

Then I remembered. The dream.

My hand shook, involuntary. I forced my eyes shut, as the dream replayed in my mind.

High School. Angel Grove.

Junior year was full of many surprises.

Jason, Trini and Zack had handed their powers over to three new potential candidates: Rocky, Aisha and Adam. The three would be attending the International Peace Conference with other high school students around the world in Switzerland. Rocky, Aisha and Adam were apart of the new team of Power Rangers. They would hone the powers of the ancient Ninja powers–Ninjetti Powers–alongside Billy, Kim and myself.

I was given the position as the leader of the team. I wasn't really asking for such a huge responsibility, but Jason had reassured me that things were in good hands. Jason trusted me and I couldn't let him down. I always had him to watch my back, if I ever back-fired in my skills to lead the team. And now, here was Rocky wearing the colors of the leader, and he'd have to take-off where I could not be.

I was 17 years old, a junior in high school and loving every moment of it. Well, the moments that really mattered. Especially with the pride and joy of my life. The girl I wanted to spend every waking moment with. She was wrapped around my arm without a care to how jealous the other girls were. We both knew that. But I made it clear to the others that I had found the one. I knew that this would be the one I'd spend the rest of my life with. I would never let her go. Hurt her. She was my lifeline. She was my angel. She was my crane.

Kimberly Hart, also 17 years old. The Pink Ninja Ranger, and original member of the Power Rangers. She had been the one who saved me from a life of torment when I was under Rita's spell. Well, okay, Jason broke the spell, but she was there to lead me back to the light. To the end of the tunnel. She never gave up on me when I lost my powers of the Green Power Coin. She knew as much as I did, how much she cared and loved me. We were perfect for each other. Cut from the same apple in a tree. Two fish in the sea, who found our way. It wasn't rushed. It wasn't forced. It was timed perfectly.

That was junior year.

We had been going out for nearly two and a half years.

Senior Year.

I would have to go it alone, without her. Without her physically. But, even I had every right to let her go. It was the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her to compete and train for the Pan Global Games in Florida. I was the first to convince her to go. Then, the rest of the team. She had coherently agreed, knowing that she couldn't let this opportunity go away. And that was when Kat had took her place on the team. And new ideas began to spark up in the team. I mean, okay, so Kat was cute. She loved to flirt with me, and I would play along, but there was never a moment I would step down and forget about Kim. She meant so much more to me. I was only making the transition for Kat that much better. Much more easier.

Though it was hard, Kim and I began to make a long-distance relationship. It was rough, and my grades were showing it, if not saving the world wasn't contributing. I couldn't stop thinking about her. I missed her. Spend late night phone sessions with her when I could. But it was bumpy. Letters began to grow scarce in the early months of senior year. Calls lasted for no more than 20 minutes.

Soon, it stopped. For a month. December.

I made the promise to come down to Florida over the holiday to see her. We did. And it was nice. We hung out, talked, did what most cautious couples would do. Not that in the back of my mind, I wanted to move deeper into our relationship, but I didn't want to rush into it. Give the credit to both of us about waiting it out. If things were going to work out for the better, and we'd make it for eternity, we would make that first night the best time ever spent.

But the following month, things would come crashing down on me. January.

The dreaded letter that was sent to Ernie's Juice Bar and Fitness Center–not my house–came.

"Hey, Adam." I handed the letter to him. "Why not read it? I gotta finish my sets."

"Sure, man. No problem." Adam began to read the letter out loud as I continued to lift weights at the bench. "Hey, Tommy. Hope all is well. It's me, Kim. I'm sorry I haven't been able to return any of your calls, but I've been very busy with the training and all. I'll be competing in the next few weeks and am really excited about it..."

"Man, she must be real excited about that." Rocky interrupted, having a bright smile on his face.

Adam sighed, continuing to read the letter. "...I'm fine. ... Hope things are going okay in Angel Grove. ..But, I must say that this may be the very last letter I will be sending out to you. You must understand that this long-distance relationship is rather hard. On us both..."

I stopped, nearly dropping the weight on me. My arms began to weaken as I placed the dumbbell back on the stand, sitting up. Adam exchanged a look with me and handed the letter over. I continued to read it slowly. "...For the past few months, I've gotten to know one of the assistant coaches for the team, and..." I paused to look at my friends with some astonishment, catching my breath. "...His name is Carl, and he's a really nice guy. You two would probably get along. ...This is really hard for me to say, Tommy, but I have to let you go. I mean, we shared something special. Really, we did. And I would never want to let that go to anyone else, but I'm really sorry. This long-distance thing cannot happen. Perhaps, it's time to let each other go our separate ways. ... Please understand. ...I am so sorry. I will always love you, Tommy. You were my first and true love, but maybe you can find someone who will be there for you until the very end. ...Send my regards to the others. I miss them. ... Love- Kimberly Anne Hart."

A silence fell over the ring of friends. Nothing could really be said. They were all speechless. They had nothing to say. No way to comfort me. They were shocked.

As each ranger looked to their leader, in reassurance, they could only see the pain in my eyes. The churning pain in my stomach. The knife stab in my heart. The emptiness void and lifeless activity in how my body stood.

Then a spark of rage shook me to the core. I tried to hold back. Control the rage as Kimberly had taught me, but it could not be done. I found my hands wrap tightly around a stool, and with brute strength, drove it into the wall.

THUNK!

The clash against metal vs. concrete.

THUNK! THUNK! THUNK!

Three more times.

I caught my breath, dropping the chair. There was a dent on the wall where I had struck it several times.

All activity stopped as eyes of curious and frightened teens turned to look at the angered high school senior.

The heart-broken teen, myself, said nothing more, storming out of the room, holding back my tears.

I opened my eyes, catching every short breath that escaped my mouth. It wasn't a dream. It was reality. Here I am re-living the past, again. Why?

I looked down, absently. I spilled the cappuccino all over the carpet, but that didn't seem to be of my concern at all.

Perhaps, I did miss her. And I think I may need her more than anything now. She always did know me best.

To be continued...