SEQUEL TO: THE REASON
SUMMARY: As the hours of 2004 are coming to a close, the team reflects on what has happened as they gear up to bring in the new year.
DISCLAIMER: Power Rangers not mine. And you know the deal, they will never be mine. I just got to credit the work I do to create my own adventures with these characters.
A/N: I think it's said and done. Just read on.
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"It's the end of the year as we know it, and things are gonna be all right. Right? We've already done our part to save the world, we just gotta make sure nothing else can be out there to destroy it." -Eclyptyk Neo
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Only a few hours remained in the year of 2004. The cyber café had been shut down for the day to get set up for the night's festivities.
Hayley had returned the day before from Atlanta. And she was psyched about the celebration, though skeptic as well. The team had came by to help with the decorations.
"Relax, Hayley," Ethan called out as he helped Conner with a line of streamers on a ladder. "This may be the first cyber cafe New Year's Eve Celebration, but I doubt it'll be the last."
Tommy and Kim were blowing up balloons in another corner. Trent and Kira were behind the counter setting up glassware, while
Hayley had set-up a long table with food for the visitors.
"The weather has been rather odd lately. It's been raining quiet a bit," Hayley concluded.
"Hey, don't let that stop you. Besides, anyone who's anyone who hangs at the cyber cafe wouldn't want to stay at home to close off the year," Tommy said as he tied up another balloon.
It had been rather strange. The team had to leave early from their snowboarding trip to avoid getting snowed in at the lodge. Hayley's plane almost had to get re-routed when weather reports grew about massive flooding and rain. But, it had missed Reefside, and headed north toward Los Angeles. The rain in Reefside could not compare to the amount in LA. There were reports of nearly a foot of fresh powder in the mountains.
"Hey, at least we're not LA," Conner said. "I was talking to Jason, and he said he wanted to come down, but they had to shut down some of the roads due to possible mudslides or flooding."
"You don't assume it's anything bad, is it?" Kira asked as she finished behind the counter.
"Like I said, too early to tell," Tommy said as he placed a bundle of balloons on the wall.
Hours slowly passed as the team made last minute preparations for the celebration. Hayley had got a new projector system that could act as satellite television or a movie screen located by the stage. A few other independent singers had agreed to perform during the celebration, including Kira and Kim.
Hayley made some last minute check-ups on the stuff, including the blanket of confetti that was set to fall at the stroke of midnight. "I think we're all set."
"I think you're a little nervous about all of this," Conner said. "Everything looks fine."
The rest of the team was spread out on the couches, relaxing. Hayley slowly made her way over to them and found a seat in one of the couches.
"We got a few hours before the celebration begins. So, now what?" Trent said.
"We sit and wait," Tommy said.
"Good-bye, 2004," Ethan said as he let out a deep breath. "Man, this year has been hell."
"No kidding, especially with all those minor setbacks. And a few major setbacks," Conner said. "Like with you and Kim, Dr. O."
Tommy looked over at Kim and sighed, dropping his head. "Don't even start with me, Conner."
"Well, we all knew you guys would get back together anyway," Kira said. "And look where it got the two of you. Happily married, right?"
"They say if you can get through your first year in marriage, the rest of the years won't be so bad," Trent said. "Most of the time."
Ethan couldn't help but stifle a laugh as the team looked at him. "Nah, what I can't get over was that little thing you and Principal Randall had, Dr. O."
"There was nothing going on between us, Ethan" Tommy said clearly. "And at the time, she had been under Mesogog's control to do what he commanded."
"Now, she's hooked up with your dad," Conner said as he patted Trent's shoulder with a laugh.
"How are things going with them anyway?" Tommy asked.
Trent shrugged. "I don't know. I heard Elsa was out of town still and my dad has been busy at work."
"Sure, that's what they want you to think. They just don't want to admit that this little 'business trip' is something more," Ethan said.
"TMI, Ethan. Too much information," Kira shuddered under the thought of his last statement.
Trent shrugged again. "Hey, it's all about being happy. And as surprising as it may sound, I've never seen my dad this happy before."
Conner and Ethan looked at each other and began to hum "The Wedding March."
"It's too early to tell you guys," Kim said as she saw Trent shift uncomfortably.
"Yeah, I don't know if I'm really ready to call Elsa 'mom' yet," Trent shook his head.
"Yeah, well there's this thing going around about settling down by a certain age. If you don't it could spell disaster," Conner said.
"That's not always true. Some people like the bachelor/bachelorette life," Hayley said.
"So, what about Hayley? Is there anyone special in your life?" Ethan asked.
"Nope. Not yet. I'm not ready to settle down. My conclusion, have as much fun as you can when you're a free agent. When you're really ready to settle down, you settle down," she concluded.
"Yeah what about you, computer gamer? What's your story?" Conner asked.
"Single life. I mean, girls can be a hassle," Ethan began.
"Be careful how you say that Ethan," Tommy warned him.
"I mean, no offense to the three of you here. But, I have not been lucky with any of the ladies," he sighed.
"Even after all the advice we gave you?" Conner said. "Look, I'm gonna have to take you through my own little boot camp. C'mon, you can be a ladies man. First thing, get rid of the excessive computer gaming."
"That's my only way of life," Ethan protested.
"New Year's Resolution. Back off the computer games," Kira said.
"You know he's gonna break it in a week or two. No one can really keep a New Year's Resolution without breaking it within the first month of the new year," Trent said.
"Dude, do you seriously want to go your senior year without a date?" Conner asked, feeling slightly upset with his friend's decision. "Maybe you need to join something that will catch a lady's eye. Like a sport. Maybe basketball."
"Though basketball already started, I could talk to the coach and see if he can put you in somewhere," Kim suggested.
"I don't really like basketball though," Ethan said.
"You're only making excuses," Kira said. "Besides, I think a lot of people would be surprised to see you on the court."
Ethan dropped his head. "To tell you guys honestly, I've never even played basketball."
"What! Not even with your brother?" Conner breathed.
"He's more into football. But yeah, he plays basketball. Street mostly," Ethan shrugged.
"And football season has already come and gone," Tommy sighed. "But, here's something I know you're good at. Martial arts. And anyone who knows that, can dance, too. I saw you at our wedding. You were getting a lot of moves down. And don't give me the excuse that Zack showed you them. You guys were having a dance-off."
"I didn't think anyone would notice," Ethan sunk into the chair. "I was taking a few hip-hop classes at the local club, but stopped when computers kinda caught my eye."
"There you go, man. I hear the dance team is looking for some fresh new faces and moves," Trent said.
"You could perform at halftime with the dance team at home events," Kira said with a smile.
"No one would expect it. And it never hurts to try something new," Conner said as he patted his friend dressed in blue.
The others had encouraged the computer gamer to give it a try. And he could not deny it when he did have a few moves that could impress the ladies, if he wanted to. He was in the stages of learning to breakdance.
"So, how's the proposal for an actually Karate Club going, anyway, Dr. O?" Trent asked out of curiosity.
Tommy shrugged. "Still in the stages of getting passed through the school board. I don't know. I haven't gotten much word from the board or the administration."
"Meaning that would be a no," Conner concluded.
"They have Karate Clubs at the college level. But I don't think they want to put it at the high school level because they think teens won't be mature about it. Knowing some of the kids who would join would just show off what they learned."
"No, but if you ran it, you would have the choice to pick who would come in and out," Conner said. "You'd be the teacher."
"Then it wouldn't be fair," Tommy said.
"Yeah, well we know you take martial arts very seriously. And if they can't show the commitment, then they shouldn't even be in it," Trent said. "I mean, look at Science Club."
"I don't even try much in there as sad as it may sound. But we already got three other teachers in the mix next to me. Just put me where I need to be, and I'll go with it."
"Now, that doesn't sound like much of a leader," Kim said.
"Shh. Besides, I don't always need to take the lead position."
"So, what are everyone's resolutions anyway?" Hayley asked.
"Get more sleep," Ethan concluded. All eyes fell on him as he shifted uncomfortably. "And maybe try out this dance team thing."
"I don't know. Maybe I'll focus more on my school work. I've already gotten full-rid scholarships for soccer, but I haven't decided on exactly where I was gonna go yet," Conner said.
"I don't know. I don't really have any resolutions. I mean, I eventually do what needs to be done. And if I have to maintain it, I will," Kira concluded.
Trent thought for a moment when his eyes locked with his science teacher's. "Well, I guess I need to take my training a little more seriously. I don't know if you guys know this, but I've been training with Dr. O to compete in some of the city-wide martial arts competitions. There are a few coming up, I might compete in."
"I didn't know that," Conner said.
"Yeah, I was taking a few classes when I was younger. I got my black belt when I was 16. I kinda stopped when I felt my drawing was more important."
"So, what about you Dr. O? Why did you stop competing anyway?" Ethan asked.
"Through time we begin to lose interest in one thing and pick up another," Tommy sighed. "I never stopped training, I just didn't feel like competing anymore. I kinda figured five world-wide competitions was enough. But than again, I might go back. We'll just have to see."
"Like you and your racing days?" Kim couldn't help but laugh.
Tommy shrugged as everyone's eyes fell on him. They pondered what his resolution would be for the new year. "I don't know. Maybe I'll ease up on homework, quizzes and tests. But than again, I could just make more just to keep you guys on your feet. It may be your senior year, but not all of my students are gonna graduate at the end of the year."
"You can't do that," Ethan protested.
"I'm the teacher," Tommy said.
"That's a stupid resolution," Conner said. "So, what about you, Coach?"
Kim sighed and shrugged. "Hard to say. I would have to say the obvious. Watch what I eat and exercise regularly."
"But that shouldn't be a problem," Kira said.
"It can be at times," she said.
"But for someone like you?" Conner shook his head. "No way, you got someone like Dr. O to keep you on your feet."
"Actually, it's more like she keeps me on my feet," Tommy said. "She has always been a morning person. If she wasn't there to kick me off the bed, I'd be late for school constantly. And she is the one who makes sure I don't eat excessively."
"That's almost hard to believe coming from a guy with your standards, Dr. O," Kira said.
Tommy shrugged. "I'm only goal-oriented in certain things. You can ask Kim and Hayley, they know all about it."
"Yeah, Mr. Lazy here, never liked doing his school work. He was either too lovestruck or playing leader to keep up with school," Kim couldn't help but laugh.
"He was more goal-oriented in college, but screwed up a few times," Hayley nodded. "I had to get him outta a lot of situations."
"The thing that got me was how you managed to get good scores on your SAT's and ACT's, but any other tests you barely passed."
"Good scores on your SAT's and ACT's?" the teens seemed surprised.
Tommy nodded. "I got a 29 the first time I took the ACT's. And I got almost 1500 on my SAT's. I don't know, as much as I hated those tests, I could concentrate on them better."
"So, we really do got a genuis on our hands?" Conner asked.
"Like I said, it depends on the situation."
"Okay. Enough said. But, we haven't heard Hayley's resolution yet," Ethan said as he realized the rocket scientist hadn't said much in awhile.
Hayley looked away and shrugged. "I'm not much for resolutions myself. Just like many others, I've broken it within the first few weeks."
"I got one for you," Tommy said. "Go out and have a little fun. You work too damn much, especially with all those side projects you do for the team. You're not much for going out, even back in college. Sometimes, I don't think you live a very spontaneous life. I'll make a deal with you, I'll lay off asking you for a whole lot of favors, and you can go out and enjoy yourself more."
"You're making me sound like I'm anti-social," Hayley narrowed her eyes at her friend.
He shook his head. "It's nothing like that, Hayley. You work great with people. I just don't think you ever get much time to yourself. That's what you need."
"Stop, before you say something wrong," Kim covered his mouth.
Hayley had thought about it. And it was actually true. She had worked countless hours in the lab trying to find answers to many of the battles the team had faced in the past. She had worked on new projects and helped the team in many ways. Then she had to deal with running her own business on top of that. She never really had time for herself. She would consider his offer, but said nothing about it.
"I know this is wrong for me to bring up, but do you think we could be facing another huge battle in our future?" Ethan asked. "I mean, especially if we still have our powers."
The team looked at each other than held out their hand to reveal the bracelet hidden in the cuff of their sleeves. Again, there were mixed feelings for re-capping the days end of their final battle.
"It's too early to tell. But always remember, you'll be a Power Ranger, powers or not," Tommy said simply.
"I don't want to even think what kind of mess we'd be getting into," Kira said.
"No doubt. I mean, we're rangers without our zords. Has that ever happened?" Conner asked.
"Well, along with our zords or destruction of the command center, we lost our powers, too. But there was that one time where Lord Zedd had destroyed our old zords and we had to upgrade to the thunderzords, but we still had the powers," Tommy said.
"Then those were destroyed and we had to get new powers and zords," Kim sighed. "We've had our share of loss in powers and zords. Many of the teams have. You guys were one of the lucky ones to still have your powers."
"Most of the powers had been lost through time. And don't even ask me how that last battle had been escalated for all of usred rangers to morph. I still haven't figured it out."
"It has to do with the morphing grid," Hayley said simply. "A lot of energy was escalated through your last few battles which in turn, powered up the old morphers and powers for some time. But than again, there were still those few rangers who had their powers either way, who had no problem to guide them in the battle. Like the Zeo Rangers and original Ninja Rangers."
"Okay, now you're just making my head hurt with all this thinking," Conner groaned shaking his head.
"If you ever expect your lives to go back to normal, it won't," Tommy said. "No ranger's life will ever be normal. Just keep that in mind. Most of the time, a ranger never really gets to choose their power, it's the power who chooses the recipient."
"Wise words coming from the legendary ranger," Kim couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't start with me about that," Tommy grumbled.
"But it is true, Dr. O," Kira said with a gentle smile.
"Four colors now. What's next for the guy who's done it all?" Ethan asked.
"Hoping to hang up his morpher and leave it at four colors," Tommy said simply.
The others couldn't help but laugh, but even they were convinced that his ranger days wouldn't leave him anytime soon. And he knew it just as much as them. It wouldn't go away as quickly as he hopes it would.
"Well, I guess the obvious thing is saying good-bye to 2004," Ethan said.
"It held plenty of interesting memories, but it's just gotta go," Trent nodded.
"I'm kinda sad though. I mean, another year has come to an end. It almost seems like I didn't do enough in the year," Conner sighed.
"That's how it will always be," Hayley said with a nod. "But I think for the most part, we just want it to go for all the bad times we went through."
"No doubt," Trent sighed. "You guys know I didn't mean any of the things I did or said when I was under the influence of the evil encoding of the white dino gem."
"Yeah, where have I heard that before?" Kim looked over at her husband.
Tommy lowered his head, letting out a breath. "If that's supposed to make me look bad, I apologize. As much as Trent here, I never meant or expected to be put into the evil suit again. I hated it years ago, and I hated it now."
"Hey, we forgive you guys, though it took some of us longer to accept it, but we forgave and forgot," Ethan said.
"Well, at least this year ended on a good note, right?" Kira asked hoping to ease the tension in the room.
"Shoot, if we didn't have to come back so soon, I bet I'd be hitting those big slopes by week's end," Conner said
"You were the one who took the most spills though," Ethan couldn't help but laugh.
"Still, I was getting better. You guys even said I was improving," he defended himself.
"We could always plan another trip up there," Trent shrugged.
"No, I think we should try to get Conner out onto a surfboard or something," Kira said.
"I am not going anywhere near the water," Conner protested.
"We'll see about that. But I do recall some of those battles you went through required getting your feet a little wet," Tommy stated.
"That was different. I was nearly 30 feet up, and I wasn't actually in the water."
"Okay, what about when that White Terrorsaurus threw us into the river?" Ethan asked.
"Stop, okay. I am not a swimmer. I hate the water for my own reasons. Do you have to make it a big deal?" Conner asked.
"It's sorta a bother to us, that's all," Kira said with a shrug.
"Okay, all right guys," Tommy said as he stopped his students from making anymore harsh comments. "I think we've all had our ups and downs. But we've all learned from our mistakes, and there are still a few things we have to overcome, but that doesn't mean anything right now. Look at how far you guys have gotten. I remember when you guys couldn't even stand each other, and now you're the best of friends."
The teens looked at each other, recalling the very first day they had gotten their powers. It was the first day of school for the original DT rangers. And Trent months later, first as a threat, and finally the last member of the team. And they had made a great team, left behind their mark in the ranger legacy.
"It's just hard to imagine that seemed almost like yesterday," Conner sighed as he nodded.
"We have come a long way," Ethan nodded.
"And then again, we never would have expected this year to be full of surprises," Kira said.
"It's just time to gear up for the next year," Trent said.
"2005, here we come," Kim nodded.
"Expect the unexpected," Hayley said.
"Anything is possible. Keep your eyes open for anything," Tommy instructed.
The team nodded again. Then they heard the clock strike. It was 6:30pm. The visitors would be there in thirty minutes and they had yet to get ready for the festivities.
They all exchanged a quick good-bye and headed out to get ready.
to be continued...
A/N: Okay, this was longer than I had expected, but I hope you like it anyways. It was the only way I felt was best to close off 2004. And of course, all this has been brought to you by the powerful world of AU and fanfiction. Thanks, for all the support and reviews. It's greatly appreciated. I'll see you next chapter. There's only one more left and it'll be onto Part Three of the series. See you soon. May the Powers Always Protect You.