THE REASON - Part Fifty-One: Ready to Go?
Summary: In a couple of hours, Kim is supposed to head out to Athens for the Summer Olympics. Tommy makes one final call to her before her trip, leaving behind a few messages from her friends on the West Coast.
Disclaimer: Power Rangers not mine.
A/N: Okay, I don't even know why I need to say this when it's pretty explanatory in the summary. But, as you can see there are a lot of jumps. And to make it clear, I won't be doing any Olympic coverage. No time, and that was literally two months as of now. Oh yeah, and things within are part of the little video made by the crew. But, read on and I'll see you later.
"Have fun. It's the best cure for having friends clear across the world saving humanity from 30-story monsters." -Eclyptyk Neo
Four days later.
The previous day the team had to deal with a curse that was placed on Ethan after he cracked the code to Tutehawken's tomb. Like always, he was determined to break a code that just so happen to make his day a living hell. Breaking the code was easier said than done, but with Hayley's help obtained a new vehicle. The all new Hovercraft Cycle. Luckily, the curse was over in a day, and Ethan made it clear that he'd be more careful about breaking codes, yet the team was never convinced.
But as of now, it was the day. The day that Kim would be heading over to Athens with the US team. The Olympics. It was it. Though the US would have the most representatives, it was only a question to how many medals they would be bringing home.
Tommy paced in his living room in the afternoon hours of the day. Not much had happened since the incident with Ethan, and he figured he'd give them all a day off, well, if Mesogog didn't decide to do something crazy. If he needed them, he'd contact them.
His break was giving Kim one last call before she headed to Athens. He figured once she was over there, their conversations wouldn't get to be very long or having one at all with her busy schedule.
He began to dial her number, which wouldn't matter in a month. He smiled hearing that word run through his mind again. 'Fiancee'
He collapsed on the couch pushing the receiver to his ear.
The phone rang once. Then twice. Then three.
Tommy forced out a breath waiting.
Then the receiver clicked and the familiar voice of his fiancee came onto the line. "Hey, you." she said, stifling her laughs.
Tommy cleared his throat, snagging a sip from the Corona bottle he got from the fridge. "Um...hey, yourself. What's so funny?"
"Sorry, it's just some girls from the gymnastics team, Tommy." she laughed again as Tommy heard the voices in the background. She told them to quiet down, but they all called out a greeting to the man on the other line. "They say 'hi'."
"Well, tell them I say 'hi'. But who all is there?" he asked.
"Just three of them. Mohani, Annia and Carly." she replied as the girls called out congratulations too.
Tommy chuckled. "So, they heard, too?"
"Well, it is obvious with the rock around my finger. And all those flowers you keep sending me. Stop spoiling me, Tommy."
"It's me. Sorry, baby. You know, I miss you." he sighed. "So, you're out of here in a few hours?"
"Yup. Gonna fly out with these girls and a few others from the swimming team. But with all the security measures it could be longer than expected."
"How long?"
"A little over 12 hours." she admitted.
"Damn! But, I know you'll have fun."
"Why didn't you tell me you were gonna send Aisha and Rocky over here to keep an eye on me?"
Tommy's eyes widened. As ninjas, he thought they'd keep it on the down low, but obviously they didn't. He had kept in touch with the two, and mentioned of Zack's little visit to Reefside before heading over to Athens to hang out. Yet, the two didn't mention that they got caught. They were having a fun time in Florida checking out some of the sights. Rocky was giving ideas for vacation spots they should check out.
"Uh..how'd you know?" Tommy asked quietly.
"Hello. Are you forgetting who's a ninja?"
Tommy forced out a breath. "Look, it's for protection, just in case. I mean, Mesogog could very well still be looking at you to scheme up something crazy. And you know how I am."
"I can take care of myself. But I think we'll be fine with all those strict ground rules at the Athletics' Village."
"Then they'll make sure you'll have fun."
"Yeah, I hear Zack and Tanya are in for the trip, too."
"Yeah. Zack stopped by just to see how things were going. And like always, he's gonna want some dirt from you about all that's happened."
"I wouldn't doubt it." she smiled and excused herself from the room. "So, how's thy green anger been? Anything serious lately?"
"No. Not really. It was almost like a one day thing, but I'm not convinced. We haven't found much answers yet, though."
"Just as long as you're holding out."
"Yeah. For the most part."
"Oh, fair warning. The girls are hoping to meet a Power Ranger since you are located in that part of the country. But, relax, I didn't tell them anything about it. They just figured it out on their own."
"Great. Why not just come out in the open and tell the whole world?" Tommy sighed.
"Sorry, baby. But if you're ever in the nature of wanting to bring a Power Ranger by–or they come by, give warning to the teens."
"Got it. I mean, Ethan and Conner may actually like all this attention from the girls gymnastics team."
Kim laughed. "I wouldn't doubt it."
They talked for a little while more regarding how Trent was finding his place in the team and the search for finding a mate for Adam. But it was cut short for a moment when Kim had to tell the girls good-bye and she'll see them at the airport in a few hours.
Kim picked up the phone again, pushing the receiver to her ear. "Hey, baby. Sorry."
"Nah, it's cool." Tommy shook his head. "They just seem really excited about...."
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
Tommy raised an eyebrow, hearing the knocking in the background. "Expecting someone?"
"Not that I know of." she moved toward the door.
A FedEx guy stood there with a clipboard waiting to get signed. He didn't say anything as she signed it with confusion. He handed her the package and pushed open a smile, she returned the gesture and turned away as he left. She closed the door and headed back over to the couch.
"Well?" Tommy asked. "What did Santa bring you?"
"Ha. Ha. Very funny. I don't know. It's a small package and I didn't expect anything. And there's no return address."
"So, open it." he suggested with a shrug.
"What if it's a bomb?"
Tommy chuckled. "Is it ticking?"
She held it up to her ear, but heard no ticking come from inside it. She shook it, but could only hear the contents roll about. Nothing breakable. "Did you send it?"
"C'mon. If I did, I'd put my address on it." he said.
"Tommy." she groaned.
"Why not just open it? I'm kinda curious to find out what it is."
Kim sighed and opened up the package. She pulled the bubble wrap off of the object to reveal a tape in her hand. She raised an eyebrow. "It's a tape. Tommy, is this what I think it is?"
"Hey, I swear. I had nothing to do with this. But than again, it could be that music video that Kira wanted to send you, but was all in a rush to put her address on it. And trust me, if I was gonna send you something a little more revealing, I wouldn't be needing a tape to do it."
"You're nasty, Oliver." she chuckled.
He laughed. "You're fault for accusing me. Besides, it's not in my nature to do it."
"Oh, don't give me that excuse..."
"Just play it and you can judge me later."
Kim sighed and pushed the tape into the VCR and retrieved the remote for it. She collapsed on the couch and pushed PLAY on the remote.
It was blank for sometime until music began in the background.
It was the teens as the video shoot of Kira's music video.
"Hey, Kim." they greeted.
"Right now, you'll be seeing some behind the scenes work of Kira's video." Trent said.
"And after that the video. I hope you like it, Kim." Kira said with a smile.
"And go USA!" Ethan and Conner said.
"Did you make this?" Kim asked with a smile, pushing the phone to her ear again.
"Just watch it." Tommy said simply.
The video showed the teens before the music video began directing people what to do. Trent and Devin were the two manning the cameras. And there was even a segment where Ethan and Cassidy were talking like they were the best of friends. Then it went blank and the music video began. Time passed. And the music video ended, with the screen going blank. When another scene opened up, the four teens were sitting on the couch in the cyber café. Conner and Ethan were sitting on the top of the couch. Trent and Kira below them. Each of them held a bright smile.
"You guys ready to do this?" a voice said from behind the camera. Adam.
Conner ran a hand through his hair. "How's my hair?"
"It's fine." the teens shook their head.
"C'mon, you're making me waste camera. Let's go." Adam stated.
"Hey, you still need to get in this shot!" Ethan said.
"I'm doing my own segment."
"Okay. Okay." Kira stopped the two. "Let's just do this." she looked into the camera, waving. "Hey, Kim. It's us again."
"Hope you liked the music video." Ethan said.
"Yeah, thanks to Trent it was a success." Kira said.
Trent looked away blushing. "It was nothing. But we just want to wish you a great and fun trip to Athens."
"It's the Olympics, baby." Ethan laughed.
"Dude, that's stupid." Conner shook his head. "Hey, Kim, mind passing my name along to the committee or whatever. Ya know, Conner McKnight–star soccer player playing for the Olympics."
The other teens groaned shaking their heads.
"Can we start over?" Kira asked.
"No. Bloopers are funny when it runs straight through a scene." Adam protested.
Kim chuckled. "Oh, Tommy you didn't..."
"Hey, didn't I tell you to just watch it. Make comments later." Tommy stopped her.
"...the point is, Dr. Oliver made the suggestion we give you a little farewell message." Conner said.
"She isn't going away forever, Conner." Ethan said.
"That's not what I meant, I was just trying to say that we wish her well on her trip."
"Then why didn't you say that?" Kira said, looking at their red counterpart.
"Focus, people!" Adam said.
"Ya know, I don't like you manning the camera. Why didn't Dr. O do it?" Ethan asked Adam.
"He was busy doing other things. Now, let's go."
"Anyways, Kim." Trent said clearing his throat. "Hope you have fun out there. It's probably no surprise that you found out Aisha and Rocky were out there too. But they said they'll make sure you have fun. And congratulations."
"On what?" Conner asked.
The teens groaned again. "The proposal!" they said.
"Oh, right that. Ya know, we could have still hooked up..." he began but Ethan covered his mouth.
"You're done, dude." Ethan looked back at the camera. "But yeah. Have fun. Don't forget the souvenirs."
Kira smacked him on the knee. "That's not important." She looked back at the camera. "But, anyways. Have fun. We'll see you when you get back."
"Yeah. Go USA. And bring us home a gold." Trent smiled.
They all waved a good-bye and the scene ended.
Then another popped up with Kat and Jason.
Jason furrowed his eyebrows. "Uh...is this thing on?"
"What does the red light indicate?" Adam sighed.
"Oh. Right. Hey, baby sis. It's us."
"Hi, Kim." Kat waved. "We'll just keep it simple. Congratulations. I'm glad you two found each other again. Have fun in Athens. I wish I could go, but ya know, how it is. Always busy."
"Yeah, and don't forget the souvenirs. I'm not kidding." Jason pointed out. "And since you're gonna be all the way across the world, don't even think about cheating on him...."
Kat smacked him on the back of the head. "Stop it. This is suppose to be a positive segment."
"It is?" Jason scratched his head. "Oh, well in that case. Let's try this again. Congratulations, Kim. Sorry, Tommy took forever to ask you. Knowing him, he was just being a baby. But have fun in the Olympics. Bring home a gold for the team."
"We're all anxious for your return to this side of the country." Kat said.
"No doubt. Cali-born. Have fun. And see ya when you get back, baby sis."
"See ya."
The two waved their good-byes as the scene ended.
As another scene came up, it was clear that it was located somewhere in Florida. It was now the shot of Tanya, Aisha, Rocky and Zack. Each was hand-in-hand with their significant other on a picnic table.
"We'll see you in Athens." they said in unison.
"Hey, home girl. What's up?! You ready to do this?" Aisha asked.
"Okay. Sorry about the whole spying thing." Rocky apologized. "It was all Tommy's idea."
"Yeah." Aisha nodded. "But ya know, we're just looking out for you. Just gotta make sure you're not going anything stupid or whatever."
"Anyways.." Tanya stopped the two from making anymore apologizes. "We're all just letting you know we're gonna make sure this trip is gonna be fun."
"No doubt." Zack nodded. "Hey, Kim. What's up, girl? Yeah, I know I haven't made much of an appearance anywhere. But, hey, you can't forget the Bill-meister. Yeah." he ran a finger along his upper lip. "I got a little hair up here. Aisha don't seem to mind it. It makes me look a little more mature."
Aisha chuckled. "I told him it makes him look older than he needs to be."
"But we'll make sure you'll have some fun while your out in Athens. I mean, it is the Olympics. Gotta bring home gold, right?" Rocky said.
"And ya know, we're gonna go shopping, girl." Aisha said smiling.
"Oh, yeah. Shopping. No doubt." Tanya agreed.
"No." the guys groaned.
"Hey, you said we needed to spend more time with each other." Tanya smacked Rocky on the head.
"But shopping?"
"Oh right. And we also got to find someone for Adam."
"No." Adam said from beyond the camera. "Forget it. I didn't come all this way to be apart of some dating show."
"Ooh. That's a perfect idea. Gotta call up Kira with the idea." Aisha laughed.
"No. I like being single."
"You're miserable without a girl. You have too much time on your hands."
"And I'd keep it that way." Adam said.
"Whatever." Tanya shook her head. "Anyways, Kim. We gotta go. But we'll see you in Athens."
"No doubt, girl." Aisha said. "It's gonna be a party."
"Go US!" the guys said. "And congratulations."
"Oh right." Tanya nodded. "Congratulations on your recent engagement."
"It's about time, girl." Aisha said. "We'll see you when we do."
They waved and the scene ended.
Moments later.
Adam was holding the camera out in front of him, looking into the camera. He was located outside somewhere as the shot was taken from below him. "Hey, Kim. You probably wondering where I'm at, so check it out."
He moved the camera away from him and let it fly through the area settling on one particular spot. Trini Kwan's gravestone.
"Now, don't think of it as I'm trying to bring back some sad memories," Adam continued to talk as the camera angle stayed on the tombstone. "Of, course we're all glad that the tension is over and you and Tommy finally found each other again. We don't need our friendship to be put on jeopardy for something that happened a few years ago. And sorry of the accusations. Anyways, no one would probably have been proud to see you two back together than Trini. We all miss her. And she'll never be forgotten." Adam turned the camera toward his face again. "And though this is your first Olympic appearance, don't make it your last. Have fun and come back soon. It isn't the same without you. May the Powers Always Protect You."
The scene ended.
Kim was literally in tears as that last segment ended. Tommy sat there in silence hearing every bit of the video pass through his ears as it played in the background. It was his idea to make a video, but didn't know how to approach it. He wasn't no camera whiz, so left the job to Adam to do. But he had to admit that several tears had escaped his eyes too. He hadn't seen the product in its entirety, but he knew it was in good hands with Adam and Trent editing the work.
Then another song began. It was Hoobastank's "The Reason." And the scene opened up with Tommy sitting on a couch. The camera was angled up from the coffee table in his living room to look at him.
"Hey, baby. By now, I figured you'd by bawling over the work we did to present this to you." he began. "And as far as I could tell, I wasn't the best guy to go about making up ideas for this little video. So, thank Adam and Trent for that. And I know you liked that music video by Kira. As things go, I'm the last one up. And knowing you, you probably left me hanging on the other line. And ya know, that everyone misses you. I was about to get the family in on this, but they were a little camera shy. They still send out their greetings. And wish you well. We all want you to bring home a gold. Tell the team good luck. We all say it. We were working a little fast to get the footage to you before you left for the Olympics, so hope you don't think it's complete crap." he paused dropping his head. He let out a breath and looked up, where tears formed in his eyes. "You know, that no one was ever more perfect for me than you. And after all that's happened, I don't think I could have ever made it without you there, Kimberly. I want to thank you for that. For all that you've done to change my life. You're everything to me. You definitely are an angel. And I'm glad you decided to become my wife. I waited far too long to do this, but it is done. And I'll be there at the airport when the games ends to take you home. I'll see you when you get back. Have fun. Go US! And I love you, Kimberly Ann Hart."
The song faded out and it went blank. A set of credits ran across the screen and the tape finally ended.
Kim wiped her eyes, sniffing. "Wow. I don't really know what to say....."
"You don't have to say anything." Tommy said as he cleared his throat and took a drink from the Corona bottle. "Just thought it would be a good idea.
And it was kinda a spur of the moment idea."
"I could tell. But thank you, Tommy. Tell all of them I really appreciated what they did. And I did like Kira's music video. It was original."
"Just how I like it. But I should let you go. Call me when you get in?" Tommy said.
"Of course. And thank you again. It was really sweet."
Tommy nodded. "No problem. I knew you'd like it. Love you. And stay safe."
"I will. Love you, baby. Be careful." she said as the receiver slowly clicked to end the call.
Tommy set the phone down and decided to head to the local Chinese restaurant to get something to eat. When he got back, he was too lazy to climb the stairs to his bedroom, so settled for some sleep time on the couch.
To be continued....
A/N: Okay, kinda of a nice sweet thing, I think. If you don't too bad. Anyways, I hope I'm answering most of your questions now. If not, just keep reading and I'm sure you'll get some answers. Until next time, peace. And may the powers always protect you.