ORDINARY WORLD - PART TWELVE: HAPPY NEW YEAR
SEQUEL TO: THE REASON
DEDICATED TO: The players of the Power Ranger universe. you know who you are. Without any of you, none of this would be possible, and I talk for all of us here. This goes out to those working on Power Rangers Dino Thunder especially, because, without you, this wouldn't have gotten this far. Thank you for all your hard-work, dedication and giving life to these characters. Keep doing what you're doing.
SUMMARY: To close out the year, Hayley opens up the cyber cafe to a New Year's Eve celebration.
DISCLAIMER: Power Rangers is not mine, just the adventures depicted in this series. So, I hope you like. And to Duran Duran and Aurora UK for their versions of "Ordinary World. Without it, I don't think this series would have a better title.
A/N: Well, this is it. The end of 2004 and onto 2005. I know, again, I am slow to post, but I've just been busy. So, read on. I'll see you in the limelight. It's the final chapter of Part Two of the series. Yes! I made it to the end again. Review, please.
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"Well, as we approach a new year, I just hope this won't be full of surprises either. These past few years have been crazy, and the future is always in motion. I can only hope for the best, never the worst." -Eclyptyk Neo
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The festivities to end off the year of 2004 were under way at the cyber cafe as it reached the 7:00 hour. Many of the guests were of course, the many teens that made the place a hang-out spot. And that didn't seem to bother Hayley at all. It was good business. The dress was semi-formal/casual. But that didn't seem to stop those who just weren't feeling the dressy celebration. It was clear though, only those who had a ticket were permitted in, only fair. The cyber cafe could only hold so many people, and they didn't need to feel like a can of sardines.
The team had come in pairs at different times of the first hour. Tommy and Kim being the first. Then Ethan and Conner and finally Trent and Kira. And it was obvious for those who knew the science teacher or gym teacher had to know if it was confirmed. That there marriage had happened, and they were now considered husband and wife.
"You'll be bombarded all night," Hayley had whispered into Tommy's ear.
"No kidding," Tommy sighed as he took Kim's hand and walked over to the counter.
Much of the evening was set watching the projector as local news stations were reporting celebrations throughout the city. They enjoyed the company of independent music from the local singers in the area. And there would be a dance competition opened up later in the evening. The internet system was up for chatting and the usual things the teens would do.
The guys were hanging out in one corner of the cafe. Kira and Kim were by the stage tuning their guitars to get ready for their own performances.
"I say this is a good turn out of people," Trent stated looking around the room.
"Yeah, and there are still more people that will be coming in," Ethan said.
Conner had been watching the projector when the familiar face of a certain news reporter came on. "Hey, check it out. It's Cassidy."
Cassidy was overlooking a rooftop in the city. The calm dark night outcasted in the background. "...with only a few hours remaining of the year of 2004, there are many spots out there to check out in city for a little celebration to close off the year. Many of them would include the local clubs and cafes. Others will be at home with family while other would rather have fun with friends. But on one personal note, I don't think any of us could really enjoy such a nice and peaceful night without those multi-colored heroes we know as the Power Rangers. So, from all of us here in Reefside, if you're watching, Rangers, thank you for all you've done to protect this city. We appreciate everything you've done," she said with a wink. "This is Cassidy Cornell signing off. Happy New Year, everyone."
The teen boys looked at each other as a smile passed their faces. They looked over at their teacher/mentor, who seemed slightly confused, but happy for her comment.
"She would make a good reporter yet," Tommy stated as a smile passed his lips.
"But you don't think she knows, does she?" Conner tried to play it off as if he didn't know the real meaning behind the message.
Tommy shrugged. "If she did, and she played her cards right. She would respect the work the rangers have done."
"Hey, Conner. Hey guys," Krista had popped into the room.
The others greeted Conner's date. Conner greeted her with a kiss to the cheek. He had excused himself to get her a drink.
"So, how is everyone? Ready to let 2004 go?" she asked.
"No doubt," Ethan breathed.
"I thought it would never leave. It's been a rough year," Trent nodded.
"And Dr. Oliver, I gotta know," Krista said with a gentle smile.
Tommy held up his left hand to reveal the simple band that hung on his ring finger. "December 18th."
"Well, congratulations," she said.
"Thank you," he bowed.
When Conner had returned, it was clear the two had wanted time alone. Tommy had dismissed them to spend it with each other. The trio of guys had moved closer to the stage as Kira took her place on the stage.
For the locals who had hit the cyber cafe, they had learned to appreciate the punk-rock singer and her lyrics. They enjoyed her performances, and this was no exception as people began to clap for the young teen. Hayley had introduced her as the cyber cafe roared with more applauds.
Kira had performed a new line of songs she had written. One was titled "Your Loving Spirit," which had a hidden meaning directed toward Trent. Another was titled "Good-bye," which had a hidden meaning toward the final battle the DT Rangers had faced nearly a month ago. Another was titled "Ending" to close off the year. And she had done "Patiently" collaborating with Kim on a remake of the song.
"Huh. I never expected that," Ethan said. "They make an awesome duo."
"No kidding," Trent said quietly. The songs had hit him hard as he tried to keep from crying.
"Kim mentioned a side project she had been working on," Tommy nodded, "And I guess this is what she meant." Tommy had hid his own tars inside, not wanting to show it off.
And then it was Kim's turn to perform. And it had been the first time she had really performed among a new audience. But when she had exchanged looks with her husband and friends among the crowd, the fright had gone away. And with Kira at her side,
it made the performance that much more significant and special.
As the last of the chords echoed out, the cyber cafe erupted with cheering and applause.
"Happy New Year everyone," Kim and Kira said as they slowly got off stage.
Kim had rushed over into her husband's arms as he tried to stop from crying, but it had been evident he had. They exchanged a passionate kiss, which they didn't seem to mind the spectators. Trent and Kira could only exchange a hug as Ethan congratulated her on another great performance.
Time passed slowly. People were enjoying the company of others as they made new friends. There were people conversing. Others were on the terminals, some danced, others ate. It was a nice way to close off the year.
Trent tried his hand at the DJ station Hayley had set up for those interested, knowing that it would be another place for him to shine in. And others couldn't agree more. He had potential in the DJ-ing business.
Kim was sitting on one of the couches talking to some of the girls who seemed interested in taking up gymnastics. Kira had been talking with a few people interested in trying their hand at songwriting. Conner was located at the bar with Krista, conversing and flirting.
Tommy was trying to give Ethan some pointers on starting conversation with a girl. "...if you ever expect to get anywhere with a girl, you're gonna need to get rid of that fear and just work with it. Yeah, the obvious thing is to be yourself, but be careful at how much you are yourself. Start off slow and build from it."
Ethan sighed. "Are you sure about this, Dr. O?"
"I've seen you look at that girl over at one of the computer stations all night," Tommy concluded.
"I didn't think anyone would notice," Ethan protested.
He had been looking at the girl for some time. She was also African-American with skills in basketball, and very athletic. He knew so little about her, even if she was in his math class. Her name was Sondra, and that's as much information as he knew.
"You're talking to a guy who likes to keep an eye on his team to make sure nothing wrong happens," Tommy patted the teen on the shoulder. "Now, c'mon, Ethan. You'll never know if someone likes you back if you don't ask."
"But I kinda like it that way," Ethan protested.
"C'mon, she seems like your kinda type. And by the looks of it, I think she's been checking you out for some time, too."
"Are you just saying that to cheer me up?"
"No, 'cuz I've seen her look this way a few times. Now, what can you tell me about her?"
"Um...her name is Sondra. And she plays basketball. I know her from math class," Ethan shrugged absently. It was clear he really didn't want to do this, but his teacher was driving him to try.
"Okay, that's a start. It's good. We can work with that," Tommy said. "So, start off by introducing yourself. Ask her what she's interested in, but don't agree with her if you really don't. It's good to start off with some general information."
"I don't know, Dr. O," Ethan said quietly.
"You can do this, Ethan. Just relax," Tommy pushed the teen toward the station.
Ethan looked back at his teacher, but Tommy could only encourage him to move on. Ethan slowly walked over to the booth as he looked over his shoulder. His teacher was watching and analyzing everything.
"Um..hi," Ethan managed to say as he looked over his shoulder again. His teacher used hand signals to indicate the tips he had given him.
Sondra slowly turned to see who was at her side. She smiled gently, making the guy in blue freeze up. "Hey. Ethan, right?
From math class?"
Ethan nodded slowly. "Um, yeah. That's me."
"You're the guy who know computers like the back of your hand, right?" she asked.
"Um..sure," he managed to say. But wasn't sure if her question was meant for him to go away.
"Enough to change a few grades?" she asked.
Ethan took a small step back. He knew computers like a second language, and it wouldn't be hard to crack into any database. He has done it a few times to Reefside High's database, but never to change grades. Only to mess with the security, sprinklers, and other small things. He knew what was okay and what wasn't, and he just did those things out of the fun of it.
"Uh...no," he shook his head.
"You gotta be kidding me. I know you can. If you can re-program the sprinkler system. It'll just be a few quick things you gotta do for me. I don't want to get kicked off the basketball team," she said with a smile.
He knew she was a good basketball player, but he didn't expect her to have bad grades. He took another step back, shaking his head. "You would make me do that, with two teachers here?"
"Hey, you're cool with them. You could just say you're helping me out with my school work."
"On New Year's Eve?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Gotta keep those grades up. Hey, I know you're smart."
"Yeah, smart enough to walk away from this. Later, Sondra," he said and turned away. His head hung low, and he felt slightly discouraged to find the girl he had been crushing on during the semester was a cheat. He collapsed onto a chair aside from his teacher, who had snagged a pizza to eat.
"Didn't go well?" Tommy asked.
Ethan sighed and shook his head. "Let's face it, Dr. O. I'm not gonna find anyone. Turns out she was looking at me more for my brains to change a few grades rather than for just me."
"I'm sorry, Ethan," Tommy apologized as he patted his student's shoulder. "But, hey, remember, there will always be more fish in the sea."
Ethan sighed and got to his feet. "I need some air."
Tommy watched him go letting out a breath. He looked around the room, hoping to find someone else that could be in Ethan's taste. He couldn't help but feel guilty for pushing him to ask Sondra out. Conner, Kira and Trent had joined him some time later.
"Where's Ethan?" Kira asked.
"Outside to catch some air," Tommy sighed. "Unfortunately, Operation: Hook-Up could be on hold for a long time."
"Oh, so I see," Conner said. "Hey, don't feel bad, Dr. O. I think we've all been trying to find someone for Ethan here, but it's been no good."
Ethan came in some time later, meeting his friends at the table. "Hey, guys."
Trent greeted him with a handshake. "Hey. You all right?"
"Yeah, man. It's just a girl. Besides, we're here to have fun, right?" Ethan said as a smile passed his face.
"Now, that's the Ethan I know," Conner said.
"Anyone up to a little dance competition?" Hayley asked from the stage as she looked their way, winking.
"Now, it's your time to shine. Let's see those moves," Trent said, patting him on the shoulder.
A dance competition was opened to those that were interested in showing off some of their moves. The judges would be the spectators by how loud their applause would be. Trent took his place at the DJ-ing station to begin the competition.
There was only about ten contestants, and none of them seemed to be a challenge to Ethan. He blew the competition away no problem. And those who knew him best knew this was his place to shine other than the computer.
Another hour had passed, and there was only a good hour left before the end of the year was finally official for the West Coast.
Tommy stood in one corner of the cafe, taking a drink of the soda in hand. He watched the teens, recalling his own days when he had shared memories with his old friends. He almost missed those days back in Angel Grove.
Kim walked over to him wrapping an arm around his waist before laying a kiss on his lips. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Looking at all this, kinda reminds me of our days in Angel Grove when we were in high school. I guess I kinda miss those days, ya know," he admitted.
"Yeah, well sometimes, we just to move on. I do miss those days too, but ya know they're still around," she said with a smile.
"Well, I know these guys wouldn't mind a few more reunions with the old crew," Tommy sighed. "We may need to set another one up some time soon."
"Don't you two look so cute?" a voice greeted them as they turned toward it.
Kim stepped back clearing her throat as a smile passed her face. It was Cassidy. The two teachers greeted their student, commenting on the good job she had done for the news report earlier in the evening.
"Well, I want to congratulate the two of you. It seems the knot has been tied," Cassidy smiled looking at the band on her science teacher's left ring finger.
"Thanks, Cassidy. So, where's Devin?" Tommy asked.
"Oh, he's around here somewhere. But, actually, I was wondering if I could talk to you alone for a moment, Dr. Oliver. In private," she requested.
Tommy exchanged a look with his wife who could only shrug. He nodded and followed the teen out of the room and into the back.
From another side of the room, Ethan had pointed out to Trent and Kira what he was seeing.
"Hey, check it out, guys. Cassidy's talking to Dr. O," Ethan said.
"You think she's gonna tell him?" Kira asked.
"It looks like it. Hey, Conner," Trent nudged the guy in red beside him.
Conner stopped his conversation with Krista to look over his shoulder to see the news reporter and science teacher disappear into the back. He excused himself from his girlfriend and collapsed on a chair beside his friends. "So, what do you think he'll say?"
"I guess we'll have to see," Kira sighed.
Kim walked over to them, obviously wondering what was going on. She had noticed their stare on them earlier, and wanted an explanation. "You guys know something, don't you?"
Conner looked at his teammates and back up at the woman dressed in pink. He slowly pulled out a small tape hidden in his pocket and shoved it back in when Kim saw it.
"She knows!" Kim breathed as she collapsed in a chair beside Ethan. "How?"
"It seems the last battle didn't go complete unnoticed without a certain camera guy and news reporter in the area to tape it," Trent said simply.
"This whole secret identity thing is just not working," Ethan concluded. "I swear the rest of the world will know by the time this school year ends."
"So, how do you think Dr. O will react to the news?" Kira asked.
"I don't know. He can real reserved about who gets to know and who doesn't. We'll just have to see," Kim said.
In the back, the music and noise became muted as silence covered the two. The teacher took another drink of his soda before asking what was up with his student.
Cassidy turned away for a second, catching her breath. "I know you caught that report I sent out to the city a few hours ago."
"Yeah, I did. Kinda an interesting statement to put at the end to the Power Rangers, though. But I know they were listening," he managed to smile. "So, what's up, Cassidy? What did you need to tell me?"
Cassidy turned around and looked into her teacher's eyes. It was at that moment, she had seen why the teens had called him the legendary ranger. The skills of a true leader danced in his eyes. And she knew she had to come out and say it without hesitation. "I know you're one of them. I know you're the Black Dino Thunder Ranger, Dr. Oliver."
For awhile, his expression had not changed. His eyes seemed to stare right through the teen into another place. Then he finally blinked and nodded slowly. "I know."
"Wait, you knew? They didn't tell you, did they? Because I was--" Cassidy tried to say but he held up a hand.
"No, Conner or the others didn't tell me at all. I kinda figured it out on my own," he said simply. His voice was calm and understanding. "I knew you were trying to find the identity of the Power Ranger for some time. Kira had told me months ago when she got that internship at the TV station. She told me there were a number of news reporters, including yourself, searching for any information on the rangers. And I know I can't keep it a secret now. During our last battle, I had not mentioned it to my teammates, but I knew we were being watched by an outside source, possibly being video taped."
"But how?" Cassidy couldn't seem to believe it.
"You're talking to a guy who knows the field quite well. I've had my share of surprises. Plus, after that last battle, I noticed you and Devin would exchange a few of those worried looks in class. The kind of look that tells me that 'You know something that you're not sure you should be knowing.' If you're asking if I'm mad, I'm not. I knew eventually you would find out. My only question for you is what are you gonna do with the information you now know about us?"
Cassidy didn't know what to say. She felt like she was being probed somehow, by the skilled black DT ranger, but she didn't know how. "I gave the tape to Conner. And I promised them I wouldn't speak of your identities to anyone. Both me and Devin,
Dr. Oliver. We swore we wouldn't," she took a step back, trying not to look to freaked out. "You have my word. I won't tell anyone."
The science teacher nodded slowly and winked. "I know you won't."
"Are you sure you're not mad?" Cassidy had to know. "I mean, I would have thought you might decide to kill me for knowing too much."
Tommy chuckled before wrapping an arm around his student. "Now, don't tell me they told you that. Cassidy, it's not in our nature to do that. Just be careful what you say around others now. That's all I got to say."
"Uh... sure, no problem, Dr. Oliver," she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Now, c'mon. I thought we were here to have some fun. There's only about thirty minutes left of 2004, Relax, I ain't mad. Trust me," he said sincerely.
"Not even upset?" she asked.
"I'll admit I'm a little. But I'll get over it. Eventually, others will know that a guy with a degree in paleontology who decided to teach at ahigh school in Reefside has more to him than meets the eye," he winked again. "You're okay in my book, Cassidy. Now, c'mon. We only got a few minutes left of 2004 to enjoy."
Cassidy chuckled uncomfortably as the science teacher directed her out of the room and back into the limelight of the celebration. They walked over to the teens stationed at one of tables. They looked at their teammate/mentor confused.
"It's okay, guys. She checks out," Tommy said simply. He excused himself and took his wife out onto the dance floor to share a dance.
Cassidy collapsed on the chair, still unsure what to make of the conversation she had with the black DT ranger. Devin had joined them, wondering what the news was on the situation.
"So, what happened?" Ethan asked.
"Is he always that calm about a situation?" Cassidy asked.
"Yeah, he can be. But that's what happens when he's real reserved about a situation," Kira said. "But, hey, if he says you check out, you should check out."
"I don't know, that calm attitude kinda scares me," she admitted. "I mean, it felt like he was probing me or something."
"He wants people to think that. He can be complicating at times. But when you get to know him, he just likes to do that for fun," Conner said.
But the team knew something she didn't. They were convinced their mentor was probing their minds with his ninja powers. Kim had told them he wasn't, but it was hard to believe her too if she had been associated with the legendary ranger by ninja standards. Someone like Jason couldn't tell them. And it was no good going to Adam, Rocky or Aisha about the situation. They didn't know what the original ninjas were really capable of with their ninja magic, and it's what made them cautious around their predecessors.
"Well, if she checks out, I should too, right?" Devin asked.
"I wouldn't see why not," Trent said. "But enough talk. Let's make these last few minutes of 2004 worth it."
Ethan quickly got to his feet and rushed over to the dance floor to bust out some of his moves. Devin had taken Cassidy's hand. Trent had kindly asked Kira for a dance. And Conner took Krista by surprise carrying her to the dance floor, though she wasn't much of a dancer.
On one side of the dance floor, Kim had rested her head on Tommy's shoulder as they danced close.
"You okay?" Kim asked before looking into his eyes.
Tommy looked into her eyes briefly before looking away. "I'll be fine. It shouldn't surprise me. It didn't. It's just the line between those that know and who don't is getting smaller."
Kim stood up taller and laid a kiss on his lips. "Just remember, all that will go away at midnight. All those regrets should leave you."
Tommy nodded slowly before a smile passed his lips. He laid a kiss on her lips. "Thanks, Beautiful."
"Just making it better for you. What would you do without me" she smiled.
"I might have already jumped off a building," he admitted.
They shared another kiss as the song ended, and a new line of upbeat songs blasted through the room. It brought up the hype, and had more people hitting the dance floor rather than hanging off to the side or at a computer. And that's how the party was supposed to be.
Everyone just having a good time, with no real worries. It was the last day of the year, and it was time to move onto new things.
Then it was down to five minutes and counting. The team had raced around the room, handing over noisemakers, hats, poppers, etc. anything that would set the new year off with a bang.
News reporter from Channel 3 were stationed throughout the city, giving the reports of visitors to the hot spots in town.
"...people here at Club Icon are already celebrating the new year with lots of noise and drinks..."
"...though there are a few showers, it doesn't seem to stop these people out here at the park. They still want to see the firework show the Reefside Fire Department will put on at the stroke of midnight. And they're all ready to welcome in 2005..."
"...and teens here at Hayley's Cyberspace are just as anxious to bring in the new year as anyone. This was the first ever celebration that welcomed teens to a place to hang-out without worries..." Cassidy had reported.
And then the timer clicked. Cameras were averted to city hall where their own version of the ball drop, similar to the one in New York, was slowly moving. It was one minute and counting.
"...this is it, ladies and gentlemen. We are less than a minute to the year of 2005 for residents of the West Coast," one reporter stated beyond the loud cheering in the background. "And everyone is so excited about it..."
Everyone at the cyber cafe grew quiet as they watched the ball slowly move down the pole. They watched the timer wind down.
30 seconds. 29...28...27...26...25...
People could barely breath. They were on edge to release their confetti surprises, or share a hug or kiss.
Then...
"10...9...8..." the cafe erupted with those counting down the seconds. "7...6...5...4...3...2...1..."
The 2005 sign above city hall lit up and that was it.
"Happy New Year!" everyone called out as cheering and screaming fell over the room.
Confetti poppers erupted. Noisemakers were sounded. Hugs and kisses were exchanged. And then the huge pile of confetti from the ceiling fell like a blanket as "Auld Lang Syne" played in the background as people sang along, or hummed to it.
"Happy New Year, Kimberly," Tommy whispered into his wife's ear as they shared another kiss.
"Happy New Year, Tommy," she smiled brightly.
Conner and Krista had shared a brief kiss before embracing each other in a warm hug.
Trent and Kira simply shared a kiss on the cheek before sharing a hug and wishing the other a Happy New Year.
Ethan raced through the room clasping others in hugs and handshakes, welcoming in another year.
Devin and Cassidy shared a kiss, holding each other close.
The confetti continued to fall as others threw it around, causing a fight among those who were interested. And it was clear that after the adventures the team had faced in the last year, it was now onto a new line of adventure and surprises.
The team came together in a corner and wished each other a warm Happy New Year, exchanging hugs and kisses.
And not that 2004 was only a chapter of memories in their lives,
they knew that they had to keep an eye out for anymore surprises in the year to come.
THE END
A/N: Okay, I admit, the ending wasn't probably the best, but that only opens the door for things to come in Part Three. I hope you liked Part Two of the series. It is finally done after being nearly two months behind. I know, I'm sorry. And I know, there wasn't any real action in this part, but it only sets up for the next part. Thank you to the readers, who want to see Part Three. Just give me a few days to set it up, aiight? Thanks, again to all those who decided to stick with me and see what my mind could come up with. Without you, or the legacy of the Power Rangers in itself, this series would not be possible. Keep a look out for Part Three: "'Til I Collapse" See you on the flip side. Keep doing what you're doing. And isang diwa, isang mahal! (One Spirit, One Love!) May the Powers Always Protect You. Anything is possible in the world of imagination.