Disclaimer: Well, I still don't own them. I just wish I did. I do own some
of their newer friends but you all should know who they are by now. After
all, this is still a continuation of the first part.
AN: Well, for those of you that reviewed my last chapter, thank you. I look forward to hearing more of your opinions. And I will try to get some more action in this part, as there will be some gut wrenching events that will happen. Now, read the latest and please review!
MORE SECRETS
"This place is so perfect! I can't believe you managed to buy it!" Kim sighed as they stepped out the side door and jumped as a cat ran past her. "What the heck!"
Tommy pulled her back as a big dog chased the cat to an alley. "I hate to say this but that cat looked yellow and that dog looked kind of blue." He looked at her in wonder. "You don't think they could be..."
"I don't think so." Kim pulled him towards the alley as they heard voices. "But those voices sound familiar." She peeked around the corner and stared in shock as the cat talked to the dog.
"Okay, so what are we here for? All that's here is empty warehouses." The cat sat back as the dog laughed. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing. We have some company." The dog turned its head towards the end of the alley as the teens pulled back. "Tommy, you and Kim can come on in, we won't bite."
"Billy? Is that you?" Tommy pulled Kim over to the dog. He smiled as the green eyes looked at him. "Man, how did you do that?"
Kim laughed as the cat looked at her. "Trini? Man, I never thought I'd see you shorter than me!" She laughed harder as the cat growled at her.
"It was easy Tommy." The dog stepped back and was engulfed in a blue light. Suddenly it turned back into the human shape of their friend. "See? It is a benefit of the Master powers."
Kim turned as Trini returned to her natural form. "This is cool guys but why are you way out here?"
Trini shrugged. "I don't know. Billy wanted to show me something. What are you doing out here?"
Tommy smiled as he handed the folder to Billy. "I came to show Kim our new place." He squeezed her hand as she grinned up at him. "I am going to be making it into a karate and gymnastics studio. The upstairs will be the changing rooms and weight room."
"That's awesome! I can't wait to see how it turns out." Trini smiled as she looked up at the building. "I'm glad you found it Tommy."
"I owe it all to my uncle. He actually found it and let me know. I just took it from there." Tommy looked down as his watch beeped. "We have to get going. You guys have fun" He and Kim waved as they got into his jeep and sped off.
Billy laughed as Trini waved. "Well then, I really can't wait to see your expression now. The next building is ours." He led her to the next warehouse and unlocked the door. "Close your eyes."
Trini smiled as she did so and felt herself pulled into the dark room. " Can I open them yet?"
"Not yet. Wait until I get the lights on. Then I will tell you." Billy turned on all the lights and led Trini into the middle of the warehouse. "Now"
"Oh my gosh! When did you do this? How did you do this?" She turned around in a circle and took in all the equipment around them. "This is so amazing!"
"Billy smiled. "You like it?" When she nodded, he gave her a brief rundown of everything. "I started it after we were trapped on that island and forced to face our fears. I knew that if we were to really become an unbeatable team, we would have to train for every circumstance. In other words, we would all have to work on our fears until we can easily handle anything thrown at us about them."
Trini looked over at the small rock wall and bit her lip. "I think I can do that. But what I am wondering about is what is with the gymnastics equipment?" She walked over to the balance beam and ran a hand along it. "Kim will flip when she sees this."
"I hope she will. I put them in so that we all can work on our balance. We can't be caught off guard by this new threat. My dad has helped me with some of it since I was away. But I brought you hear because of this." He led her to a side room and typed in the password. "This is for relaxation for you and me."
Trini stepped inside as eh turned the light on. "Oh my gosh! Its beautiful!" She ran her hand over a nearby lantern. "It all looks so real!"
Billy smiled as a tear ran down her cheek. "I have something else to put in here but I wanted you to add it. This room is a holographic one just like at the command center. We can meditate and relax in any setting. I just chose this one for you."
"Why?" She walked around the room until she was standing next to him. "I don't deserve this."
"Yes you do. I wanted you to have a piece of your grandparents near you. This is my way of doing that." He walked over to a panel in the wall and tapped in a password. It opened up to reveal a safe. "I know you don't see anything of theirs but this is what I was talking about."
She took the package he held out and unwrapped it. "I don't know what to say!" She slowly traced the carefully carved frame and smiled. "This is so pretty!"
"I know how much you miss them so I contacted them. Your grandfather made the frame, your grandmother did the lettering, and they had their picture done professionally. All for you." He picked up a picture hanger and looked at her. "Now, you tell me where to hang it up."
Trini smiled as she glanced around the room. "Above the row of relaxation candles." She waited until he hung up the picture and rejoined her before pulling him into a hug. "Thanks you so much! You don't know how much this means to me."
He smiled as she started crying. "Yes I do. And I have another surprise for you." He wiped her tears and stepped back. Let's lock this place up and then we will go." He led her out after locking the room and turned off the lights. As they stepped outside, she turned to him. "Now, let's get back in that alley before someone sees us."
"Where we going Billy?" She followed him to a shadowed corner and stood close to him.
"We have one hour." He tapped his communicator. "Alpha, we're ready." He grinned at her before they were teleported away.
Trini looked around when they rematerialized in a garden. "This place looks familiar."
"It should be. You have been here before." He smiled as she tried to remember. "Don't worry. They will be here any minute. I'm sure you will remember them."
Trini froze as she walked over to a small stone tiger. "No way!" She turned as two voices neared the garden. "I don't believe it!" She saw Billy smile. "How?"
"I just asked a favor." He looked over as an older Japanese couple walked up to them. "Remember, we have one hour."
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Trini hugged her grandparents. "I can't believe you didn't tell me he was planning this!"
Billy smiled as he held out a hand. "Nice to see you again Liana. Tao." He shook her grandfather's hand before being swept up into a hug by Liana.
"Thank you for keeping your end of the promise William. "You've made her so happy." Liana let go of him and pulled her granddaughter towards the house. "Come on, let's get some nice tea. Then we can talk all about things."
Billy watched the two women and smiled. "She really is happy isn't she?" He turned to see Tao watching them as well. "Thanks for keeping our secret as well."
"William, it is nice to see Trini happy. We may not get to see her very often but every time we have, I have never seen her as happy as when she mentions you." He smiled and led the teen into the house. "You and your friends do an excellent job and we couldn't be more proud. Its an honor to keep that secret." He looked over at his granddaughter as they joined them. "Now, tell me all about the wedding."
Trini smiled at Billy and started talking. An hour later, she stood out in the garden with Billy. "Thanks for everything. I will see you at the wedding." She gave them each a hug before stepping back.
"You have a good time in Geneva and take it easy when you get back. You will need all the rest you can." Tao shook Billy's hand before letting Liana hug him. "Take care of them Billy."
"I will Tao. See you at the wedding." He tapped his communicator. "Alpha, we are ready."
The teens waved as they disappeared in yellow and blue streaks. Once they rematerialized in the Command Center, Trini sighed. She turned around and gasped. "Jeez! Don't scare me like that!" She punched Jason lightly on the arm as he backed away.
He laughed. "Sorry. I just arrived here too." He turned towards the others. "Is this the goodbye party?"
Billy laughed as he turned to Zordon. "Are they ready on Aquitar?"
"Yes Billy. They just contacted us. Whenever you are ready."
Billy smiled at his friends. "Please tell me I don't have to get more hugs?" As they laughed, he turned to Jason. "Keep them inline while I'm gone."
"I will." He held out a small box. "Give this to the Aquitain Rangers. It's for all the help they gave us. It's from all of us." He patted Billy on the shoulder and stepped back.
Kim smiled up at him. "You take it easy and hurry back." She winked as he laughed. "I don't want Alex thinking he's the smartest guy in town."
"Hey, I resent that!" Alex grinned as the others laughed.
Trini gave Billy a hug. "You hurry back." She whispered low enough for only him to hear. "I'll see you in a few weeks."
Billy kissed her quickly and picked up his bag. "I'll see you guys later." He nodded to Alpha and waved before disappearing in a blue streak.
ON AQUITAR
"Do you really think it will work? He catches on pretty quickly." Cestria bit her lip as she thought about her plan.
Mikala smiled. "He won't find out until he is back home for good. But he will be with Trini and Zack for two weeks. Kim will make sure nobody finds out."
Cestria nodded. "All right." She turned as a blue streak appeared near them. "Welcome back Blue boy."
Billy laughed as the girls double hugged him. "Geez, you miss me that much?"
Mikala laughed. "Actually, yeah we did. We were attacked yesterday. The boys are recovering form their Chi blasts. The monster absorbed the energy, then tripled it before sending it back at them." She saw his worried face. "Don't worry, they are ok. They are just being held at the infirmary so they won't overdo it for a few days."
"Good, let's go see them." Billy linked his arms through theirs and led them out of his apartment and towards the infirmary.
2 WEEKS LATER
Billy looked around his now bare apartment. "I'm actually going to miss this place."
Cestria laughed and handed him the keys. "Actually, it is yours now. You've lived here long enough and helped so much that the rangers are giving it to you. Whenever you decide to take a vacation or to just visit, it will be here for you and your friends. After all, this block is for any interplanetary visitor so there are plenty of apartments for them to use."
Billy looked at the others in shock. "Wow, I don't know what to say!" He gave her a hug. "Thanks. I'm certainly going to miss all of your surprises Ces."
"It's nothing I wouldn't do for my real brother!" She hugged him back before letting Mikala hug him. "Don't forget to bring your bride here for a few days too!"
"I won't!" He hugged Mikala. "I'll miss you too Mika. You take care of your grandfather and tell him I said thanks for everything. I'll miss him too."
"I will Billy. But right now, the rangers want to say goodbye." She stepped back and let him turn towards the rangers.
Cestro smiled and gave him a hug. "Good luck with everything Billy. Remember, you are smarter than the enemy. All you have to do is believe it and use what you know." He looked him in the eye and smiled. "I'm going to miss having you around."
"I'll miss you too Cestro. You help keep me on my toes when it comes to my science. Only one other person has managed to do that besides Trini and dad. Alex should take some lessons from you." He laughed and stepped back.
Delphine waited until the other rangers said their goodbyes before stepping up to Billy. She smiled as he bowed to her. "Billy, the elder would like me to give this to you." She held out a small white box and bowed. "It is from the Council of Elders."
He took it in astonishment. "The Council? Why?" He opened it to see a small medallion. A ranger stood in front of a lightning bolt with a rainbow of 12 colors over the top of him. "Its wonderful."
"The council recognizes everything you did as both a ranger and a non ranger. You are now an honorary member of the Council of Elders. Any alliance of the council must recognize you as such." Delphine smiled as he stood in shock. "Congratulations Billy."
"I...I don't know what to say!" He ran a finger over the rainbow of colors in awe. "I've seen the stories of the 12 colors but never thought I would be a part of the history."
"When you became a ranger, you became a part of it. But now, your color will be put aside as one of the rare choices. The colors choose their holders and with your name entered into the Council, your color becomes an alternate set aside for very special rangers." Cestro grinned. "As a fellow Blue Ranger, let me be the first to honor you." He knelt down on his right knee and bowed his head with his hands together in a fist. "Soul blue to soul blue, this ranger is under you."
Billy felt a tear slowly crawl down his cheek. "Cestro. Thank you. I am truly honored. Please tell the council of Elders that I am so. "He looked at his watch. "I must go now. I promise I will be back for a visit." He picked up his bags.
Cestria smiled as she and Mikala both hugged him again. "Take care Billy." They stepped back as he disappeared in a blue streak.
BACK ON EARTH
"Where is he? He said he'd be here at noon!" Trini paced the small room they were in.
Zack laughed as he looked at his watch. "Calm down, he still has a minute."
Trini stopped pacing as a blue streak entered the room. She immediately pulled Billy into a hug. "It's about time!"
Billy smiled as Zack laughed. "I told you I'd be here at noon. Let me get checked in and then we can talk."
Trini saw the slight glint of tears in his eyes and nodded. She pulled him over to the desk. "You'll love it here Billy."
Once checked in, Billy followed the two up to Zack's room. "I see you treat it just like your own room at home!" He laughed as Zack pulled his sweater off the spare bed.
"I was going through my clothes so I can do my wash later on." He set Billy's other bag down on the bed and helped him unpack. "What do we do now? Our last class was cancelled."
Billy pulled his device out and set it up. "Well, I say we go get started on our big shopping trip."
Trini grinned. "Really? Now? I'm in!"
Zack laughed. "Of course you would be!" He ducked her hand as Billy walked over to her. "I think its unanimous Billy."
"Great, but I have one more thing to do first." He grinned at Trini.
"What's that?" She stepped back as he grinned more. She was cut off from saying anything else by his kiss. "Mmm, that was not what I expected but I'll go with that!" She pulled him in for another kiss.
Zack watched them with a smile. "I never thought I'd see the day when Billy makes the first move." He laughed as Billy smacked his arm. "Shall we head out shopping or are you two going to just stand there exercising your lungs?"
"Shopping!" Trini pulled on their arms and dragged them out the door.
5 HOURS LATER
"Man, I can't believe how much cool stuff we found! They will totally flip when they find out who we are!" Zack set his bags down on his desk. "Good thing my dance class was cancelled tonight! I am totally whacked!"
Billy laughed. "Well, I for one am glad its over with. Now I don't have to go shopping for the rest of my time here." He set his bags down on his desk and leaned back on his bed. "Now what?"
Trini smiled. "Well, I can tell you guys about an idea I had while shopping. Something to add to our little surprise."
"Well, do tell! "Zack smiled and sat down on his bed. Two hours later, he laughed as Trini stood up. "This is going to be some homecoming if you ask me!"
Billy laughed as he walked Trini to the door. "I will see you tomorrow Tri." He kissed her quickly before watching her walk down the hall. He closed the door and turned to see Zack watching him. "What?"
"What is with you? We leave for the conference and you still hadn't told Trini how you felt. But when we got back for Christmas, you acted as if you had been dating for a long time." He shook his head. "I just don't get it. What happened while we've been away?"
Billy shrugged. "Let's just say that Kim tricked Trini and I." He smiled as he remembered how Trini ended up in his room. "She had me ready to call Trini and tell her how I felt but when she was talking to Trini, I kind of had one of my attacks. Since the rangers were busy, Trini was the first one that could have helped. Zordon teleported Trini over so she could help. Kim then snuck out."
"Man, that sounds just like her." He thought about something then grinned at Billy. "What was that you were saying when we were all online? Why did you say that?"
Billy blushed and looked at his hands. "Well, I felt like surprising everyone that day so I decided to spill something right then and there. After we got offline, I talked to her on our devices. When we all came home for Christmas, you guys happened to look away and I decided to kiss her before anyone looked. But we were found out."
"You two are really into it aren't you?" Zack watched as Billy put his shopping bags away.
"I don't know what you mean." He sighed as Zack pulled on his arm and made him turn around to face him. "Look, if I tell you, then nobody else can find out about it. Only Ernie, Kim, Jason, and Tommy know."
"That's fine by me man. Now tell me what's going on between the two of you." He grinned as Billy sat down in defeat.
"Well, I asked her to marry me on Christmas Eve." He smiled as he remembered back. "We are going to get married this summer after we get back from Florida." He looked down at his hands with a smile.
"Congratulations man!" He looked at Billy with a skeptical eye. "Now what else aren't you telling me?"
Billy coughed nervously. "Well, uh, let's just say that Jason won the bet."
Zack's eyes widened. "You're kidding me!" When Billy shook his head, he smiled. "Really? When?"
"The evening she joined me on Aquitar." He turned red. "Only Jason, Tommy, and Kim know though. Well, except for my dad and her parents."
"What? And they didn't kill you?" Zack was astonished.
Billy laughed. "That's the odd part. Our parents actually got together and got us a little present. Well, you can guess what it was." He turned an even darker shade of red. "They actually supported us and said it was ok."
"I can't believe that!" Zack laughed. "I can't wait to lay into Tommy about that!"
"I think he is still trying to accept it." Billy smiled. He was just about to say something else when a knock sounded on the door. "I'll get it."
Zack watched as Billy opened the door and looked down the hall. He came back in with a letter. "What's it say?"
Billy sat down with a thud on his bed. "Whoa."
Zack took the letter and read it. "That is intense. Are you going to do it?" He handed the letter back to Billy.
Billy reread the letter and grinned. "I think I will. Besides, it would really throw Trini off and it would boost your points."
Zack smiled. "Well then, let your old buddy in on your plan so I can make sure Trini doesn't find out anything about it."
Billy smiled and leaned in.
AN: Well, there you go, another chapter out of the way. More action to come! I promise! Really! There is going to be some major heart stopping action later on. Now, go and please review!
AN: Well, for those of you that reviewed my last chapter, thank you. I look forward to hearing more of your opinions. And I will try to get some more action in this part, as there will be some gut wrenching events that will happen. Now, read the latest and please review!
MORE SECRETS
"This place is so perfect! I can't believe you managed to buy it!" Kim sighed as they stepped out the side door and jumped as a cat ran past her. "What the heck!"
Tommy pulled her back as a big dog chased the cat to an alley. "I hate to say this but that cat looked yellow and that dog looked kind of blue." He looked at her in wonder. "You don't think they could be..."
"I don't think so." Kim pulled him towards the alley as they heard voices. "But those voices sound familiar." She peeked around the corner and stared in shock as the cat talked to the dog.
"Okay, so what are we here for? All that's here is empty warehouses." The cat sat back as the dog laughed. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing. We have some company." The dog turned its head towards the end of the alley as the teens pulled back. "Tommy, you and Kim can come on in, we won't bite."
"Billy? Is that you?" Tommy pulled Kim over to the dog. He smiled as the green eyes looked at him. "Man, how did you do that?"
Kim laughed as the cat looked at her. "Trini? Man, I never thought I'd see you shorter than me!" She laughed harder as the cat growled at her.
"It was easy Tommy." The dog stepped back and was engulfed in a blue light. Suddenly it turned back into the human shape of their friend. "See? It is a benefit of the Master powers."
Kim turned as Trini returned to her natural form. "This is cool guys but why are you way out here?"
Trini shrugged. "I don't know. Billy wanted to show me something. What are you doing out here?"
Tommy smiled as he handed the folder to Billy. "I came to show Kim our new place." He squeezed her hand as she grinned up at him. "I am going to be making it into a karate and gymnastics studio. The upstairs will be the changing rooms and weight room."
"That's awesome! I can't wait to see how it turns out." Trini smiled as she looked up at the building. "I'm glad you found it Tommy."
"I owe it all to my uncle. He actually found it and let me know. I just took it from there." Tommy looked down as his watch beeped. "We have to get going. You guys have fun" He and Kim waved as they got into his jeep and sped off.
Billy laughed as Trini waved. "Well then, I really can't wait to see your expression now. The next building is ours." He led her to the next warehouse and unlocked the door. "Close your eyes."
Trini smiled as she did so and felt herself pulled into the dark room. " Can I open them yet?"
"Not yet. Wait until I get the lights on. Then I will tell you." Billy turned on all the lights and led Trini into the middle of the warehouse. "Now"
"Oh my gosh! When did you do this? How did you do this?" She turned around in a circle and took in all the equipment around them. "This is so amazing!"
"Billy smiled. "You like it?" When she nodded, he gave her a brief rundown of everything. "I started it after we were trapped on that island and forced to face our fears. I knew that if we were to really become an unbeatable team, we would have to train for every circumstance. In other words, we would all have to work on our fears until we can easily handle anything thrown at us about them."
Trini looked over at the small rock wall and bit her lip. "I think I can do that. But what I am wondering about is what is with the gymnastics equipment?" She walked over to the balance beam and ran a hand along it. "Kim will flip when she sees this."
"I hope she will. I put them in so that we all can work on our balance. We can't be caught off guard by this new threat. My dad has helped me with some of it since I was away. But I brought you hear because of this." He led her to a side room and typed in the password. "This is for relaxation for you and me."
Trini stepped inside as eh turned the light on. "Oh my gosh! Its beautiful!" She ran her hand over a nearby lantern. "It all looks so real!"
Billy smiled as a tear ran down her cheek. "I have something else to put in here but I wanted you to add it. This room is a holographic one just like at the command center. We can meditate and relax in any setting. I just chose this one for you."
"Why?" She walked around the room until she was standing next to him. "I don't deserve this."
"Yes you do. I wanted you to have a piece of your grandparents near you. This is my way of doing that." He walked over to a panel in the wall and tapped in a password. It opened up to reveal a safe. "I know you don't see anything of theirs but this is what I was talking about."
She took the package he held out and unwrapped it. "I don't know what to say!" She slowly traced the carefully carved frame and smiled. "This is so pretty!"
"I know how much you miss them so I contacted them. Your grandfather made the frame, your grandmother did the lettering, and they had their picture done professionally. All for you." He picked up a picture hanger and looked at her. "Now, you tell me where to hang it up."
Trini smiled as she glanced around the room. "Above the row of relaxation candles." She waited until he hung up the picture and rejoined her before pulling him into a hug. "Thanks you so much! You don't know how much this means to me."
He smiled as she started crying. "Yes I do. And I have another surprise for you." He wiped her tears and stepped back. Let's lock this place up and then we will go." He led her out after locking the room and turned off the lights. As they stepped outside, she turned to him. "Now, let's get back in that alley before someone sees us."
"Where we going Billy?" She followed him to a shadowed corner and stood close to him.
"We have one hour." He tapped his communicator. "Alpha, we're ready." He grinned at her before they were teleported away.
Trini looked around when they rematerialized in a garden. "This place looks familiar."
"It should be. You have been here before." He smiled as she tried to remember. "Don't worry. They will be here any minute. I'm sure you will remember them."
Trini froze as she walked over to a small stone tiger. "No way!" She turned as two voices neared the garden. "I don't believe it!" She saw Billy smile. "How?"
"I just asked a favor." He looked over as an older Japanese couple walked up to them. "Remember, we have one hour."
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Trini hugged her grandparents. "I can't believe you didn't tell me he was planning this!"
Billy smiled as he held out a hand. "Nice to see you again Liana. Tao." He shook her grandfather's hand before being swept up into a hug by Liana.
"Thank you for keeping your end of the promise William. "You've made her so happy." Liana let go of him and pulled her granddaughter towards the house. "Come on, let's get some nice tea. Then we can talk all about things."
Billy watched the two women and smiled. "She really is happy isn't she?" He turned to see Tao watching them as well. "Thanks for keeping our secret as well."
"William, it is nice to see Trini happy. We may not get to see her very often but every time we have, I have never seen her as happy as when she mentions you." He smiled and led the teen into the house. "You and your friends do an excellent job and we couldn't be more proud. Its an honor to keep that secret." He looked over at his granddaughter as they joined them. "Now, tell me all about the wedding."
Trini smiled at Billy and started talking. An hour later, she stood out in the garden with Billy. "Thanks for everything. I will see you at the wedding." She gave them each a hug before stepping back.
"You have a good time in Geneva and take it easy when you get back. You will need all the rest you can." Tao shook Billy's hand before letting Liana hug him. "Take care of them Billy."
"I will Tao. See you at the wedding." He tapped his communicator. "Alpha, we are ready."
The teens waved as they disappeared in yellow and blue streaks. Once they rematerialized in the Command Center, Trini sighed. She turned around and gasped. "Jeez! Don't scare me like that!" She punched Jason lightly on the arm as he backed away.
He laughed. "Sorry. I just arrived here too." He turned towards the others. "Is this the goodbye party?"
Billy laughed as he turned to Zordon. "Are they ready on Aquitar?"
"Yes Billy. They just contacted us. Whenever you are ready."
Billy smiled at his friends. "Please tell me I don't have to get more hugs?" As they laughed, he turned to Jason. "Keep them inline while I'm gone."
"I will." He held out a small box. "Give this to the Aquitain Rangers. It's for all the help they gave us. It's from all of us." He patted Billy on the shoulder and stepped back.
Kim smiled up at him. "You take it easy and hurry back." She winked as he laughed. "I don't want Alex thinking he's the smartest guy in town."
"Hey, I resent that!" Alex grinned as the others laughed.
Trini gave Billy a hug. "You hurry back." She whispered low enough for only him to hear. "I'll see you in a few weeks."
Billy kissed her quickly and picked up his bag. "I'll see you guys later." He nodded to Alpha and waved before disappearing in a blue streak.
ON AQUITAR
"Do you really think it will work? He catches on pretty quickly." Cestria bit her lip as she thought about her plan.
Mikala smiled. "He won't find out until he is back home for good. But he will be with Trini and Zack for two weeks. Kim will make sure nobody finds out."
Cestria nodded. "All right." She turned as a blue streak appeared near them. "Welcome back Blue boy."
Billy laughed as the girls double hugged him. "Geez, you miss me that much?"
Mikala laughed. "Actually, yeah we did. We were attacked yesterday. The boys are recovering form their Chi blasts. The monster absorbed the energy, then tripled it before sending it back at them." She saw his worried face. "Don't worry, they are ok. They are just being held at the infirmary so they won't overdo it for a few days."
"Good, let's go see them." Billy linked his arms through theirs and led them out of his apartment and towards the infirmary.
2 WEEKS LATER
Billy looked around his now bare apartment. "I'm actually going to miss this place."
Cestria laughed and handed him the keys. "Actually, it is yours now. You've lived here long enough and helped so much that the rangers are giving it to you. Whenever you decide to take a vacation or to just visit, it will be here for you and your friends. After all, this block is for any interplanetary visitor so there are plenty of apartments for them to use."
Billy looked at the others in shock. "Wow, I don't know what to say!" He gave her a hug. "Thanks. I'm certainly going to miss all of your surprises Ces."
"It's nothing I wouldn't do for my real brother!" She hugged him back before letting Mikala hug him. "Don't forget to bring your bride here for a few days too!"
"I won't!" He hugged Mikala. "I'll miss you too Mika. You take care of your grandfather and tell him I said thanks for everything. I'll miss him too."
"I will Billy. But right now, the rangers want to say goodbye." She stepped back and let him turn towards the rangers.
Cestro smiled and gave him a hug. "Good luck with everything Billy. Remember, you are smarter than the enemy. All you have to do is believe it and use what you know." He looked him in the eye and smiled. "I'm going to miss having you around."
"I'll miss you too Cestro. You help keep me on my toes when it comes to my science. Only one other person has managed to do that besides Trini and dad. Alex should take some lessons from you." He laughed and stepped back.
Delphine waited until the other rangers said their goodbyes before stepping up to Billy. She smiled as he bowed to her. "Billy, the elder would like me to give this to you." She held out a small white box and bowed. "It is from the Council of Elders."
He took it in astonishment. "The Council? Why?" He opened it to see a small medallion. A ranger stood in front of a lightning bolt with a rainbow of 12 colors over the top of him. "Its wonderful."
"The council recognizes everything you did as both a ranger and a non ranger. You are now an honorary member of the Council of Elders. Any alliance of the council must recognize you as such." Delphine smiled as he stood in shock. "Congratulations Billy."
"I...I don't know what to say!" He ran a finger over the rainbow of colors in awe. "I've seen the stories of the 12 colors but never thought I would be a part of the history."
"When you became a ranger, you became a part of it. But now, your color will be put aside as one of the rare choices. The colors choose their holders and with your name entered into the Council, your color becomes an alternate set aside for very special rangers." Cestro grinned. "As a fellow Blue Ranger, let me be the first to honor you." He knelt down on his right knee and bowed his head with his hands together in a fist. "Soul blue to soul blue, this ranger is under you."
Billy felt a tear slowly crawl down his cheek. "Cestro. Thank you. I am truly honored. Please tell the council of Elders that I am so. "He looked at his watch. "I must go now. I promise I will be back for a visit." He picked up his bags.
Cestria smiled as she and Mikala both hugged him again. "Take care Billy." They stepped back as he disappeared in a blue streak.
BACK ON EARTH
"Where is he? He said he'd be here at noon!" Trini paced the small room they were in.
Zack laughed as he looked at his watch. "Calm down, he still has a minute."
Trini stopped pacing as a blue streak entered the room. She immediately pulled Billy into a hug. "It's about time!"
Billy smiled as Zack laughed. "I told you I'd be here at noon. Let me get checked in and then we can talk."
Trini saw the slight glint of tears in his eyes and nodded. She pulled him over to the desk. "You'll love it here Billy."
Once checked in, Billy followed the two up to Zack's room. "I see you treat it just like your own room at home!" He laughed as Zack pulled his sweater off the spare bed.
"I was going through my clothes so I can do my wash later on." He set Billy's other bag down on the bed and helped him unpack. "What do we do now? Our last class was cancelled."
Billy pulled his device out and set it up. "Well, I say we go get started on our big shopping trip."
Trini grinned. "Really? Now? I'm in!"
Zack laughed. "Of course you would be!" He ducked her hand as Billy walked over to her. "I think its unanimous Billy."
"Great, but I have one more thing to do first." He grinned at Trini.
"What's that?" She stepped back as he grinned more. She was cut off from saying anything else by his kiss. "Mmm, that was not what I expected but I'll go with that!" She pulled him in for another kiss.
Zack watched them with a smile. "I never thought I'd see the day when Billy makes the first move." He laughed as Billy smacked his arm. "Shall we head out shopping or are you two going to just stand there exercising your lungs?"
"Shopping!" Trini pulled on their arms and dragged them out the door.
5 HOURS LATER
"Man, I can't believe how much cool stuff we found! They will totally flip when they find out who we are!" Zack set his bags down on his desk. "Good thing my dance class was cancelled tonight! I am totally whacked!"
Billy laughed. "Well, I for one am glad its over with. Now I don't have to go shopping for the rest of my time here." He set his bags down on his desk and leaned back on his bed. "Now what?"
Trini smiled. "Well, I can tell you guys about an idea I had while shopping. Something to add to our little surprise."
"Well, do tell! "Zack smiled and sat down on his bed. Two hours later, he laughed as Trini stood up. "This is going to be some homecoming if you ask me!"
Billy laughed as he walked Trini to the door. "I will see you tomorrow Tri." He kissed her quickly before watching her walk down the hall. He closed the door and turned to see Zack watching him. "What?"
"What is with you? We leave for the conference and you still hadn't told Trini how you felt. But when we got back for Christmas, you acted as if you had been dating for a long time." He shook his head. "I just don't get it. What happened while we've been away?"
Billy shrugged. "Let's just say that Kim tricked Trini and I." He smiled as he remembered how Trini ended up in his room. "She had me ready to call Trini and tell her how I felt but when she was talking to Trini, I kind of had one of my attacks. Since the rangers were busy, Trini was the first one that could have helped. Zordon teleported Trini over so she could help. Kim then snuck out."
"Man, that sounds just like her." He thought about something then grinned at Billy. "What was that you were saying when we were all online? Why did you say that?"
Billy blushed and looked at his hands. "Well, I felt like surprising everyone that day so I decided to spill something right then and there. After we got offline, I talked to her on our devices. When we all came home for Christmas, you guys happened to look away and I decided to kiss her before anyone looked. But we were found out."
"You two are really into it aren't you?" Zack watched as Billy put his shopping bags away.
"I don't know what you mean." He sighed as Zack pulled on his arm and made him turn around to face him. "Look, if I tell you, then nobody else can find out about it. Only Ernie, Kim, Jason, and Tommy know."
"That's fine by me man. Now tell me what's going on between the two of you." He grinned as Billy sat down in defeat.
"Well, I asked her to marry me on Christmas Eve." He smiled as he remembered back. "We are going to get married this summer after we get back from Florida." He looked down at his hands with a smile.
"Congratulations man!" He looked at Billy with a skeptical eye. "Now what else aren't you telling me?"
Billy coughed nervously. "Well, uh, let's just say that Jason won the bet."
Zack's eyes widened. "You're kidding me!" When Billy shook his head, he smiled. "Really? When?"
"The evening she joined me on Aquitar." He turned red. "Only Jason, Tommy, and Kim know though. Well, except for my dad and her parents."
"What? And they didn't kill you?" Zack was astonished.
Billy laughed. "That's the odd part. Our parents actually got together and got us a little present. Well, you can guess what it was." He turned an even darker shade of red. "They actually supported us and said it was ok."
"I can't believe that!" Zack laughed. "I can't wait to lay into Tommy about that!"
"I think he is still trying to accept it." Billy smiled. He was just about to say something else when a knock sounded on the door. "I'll get it."
Zack watched as Billy opened the door and looked down the hall. He came back in with a letter. "What's it say?"
Billy sat down with a thud on his bed. "Whoa."
Zack took the letter and read it. "That is intense. Are you going to do it?" He handed the letter back to Billy.
Billy reread the letter and grinned. "I think I will. Besides, it would really throw Trini off and it would boost your points."
Zack smiled. "Well then, let your old buddy in on your plan so I can make sure Trini doesn't find out anything about it."
Billy smiled and leaned in.
AN: Well, there you go, another chapter out of the way. More action to come! I promise! Really! There is going to be some major heart stopping action later on. Now, go and please review!