"Wild Thunder"

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Hasn't changed...Chapter 1...

Revelations

The next day, Kris had joined the others for ranger training. Knowing she was new to being a ranger, Tommy had been taking it easy on her. After training, Kris left for Raintree while Kira and the others left for home as well. Being the last one to leave, Conner stopped to talk to Tommy. "Hey, Dr. O...ya got a minute?" He asked, catching up to the leader of the team. Turning to face Conner, Tommy asked "Yeah, sure, Conner. What's on your mind?" Smiling slightly, Conner added "Ya know, I think it's really great you giving Kris a chance like this...I mean, after her past and whatnot..." Concern and confusion taking over his face, Tommy asked "What do you mean 'her past'? Conner, is there something I should know about Kris that everybody's neglected to mention?" Surprised to find out that Tommy didn't know about Kris's past, Conner replied "You mean...Kira never told you?..." Even more confused and concerned now, Tommy asked "Told me what?" Sighing, Conner replied "Look, if I tell you, you can't tell Kira I told you..." Confused, Tommy asked "Conner, what's goin' on?" Looking around to make sure they were alone, Conner added "Kris...Kris works at Raintree on a work-release program..." More confused than ever now, Tommy asked "What do you mean?" Sighing and frowning slightly, Conner continued "Kris was released from prison on a work release program at the Raintree Thoroughbred Farm..." Furious that Kira hadn't told him that, Tommy maintained his cool the best he could while he replied "What! Conner, why didn't Kira-or Kris for that matter-tell me this!" Shrugging, Conner added "I don't know." Sighing, Tommy replied "Why don't you head on home and get some rest. I'll talk to Kira and Kris." Reluctantly, Conner gave in. "All right. See ya later, Dr. O."

Going inside, Tommy made his way down to the lab where he contacted Kira and Kris. "Kira...Kris, I need you two to meet me down in the lab. Immdeiately. It's important." Confused, Kira asked "What's goin' on, Dr. O.?" Equally confused, Kris asked "Yeah, is there something wrong?" Frowning and sighing slightly, Tommy added "Just be there. I'll fill ya in." With that, both girls just shrugged and left for Tommy's lab. A few minutes later, Tommy turned to see both girls walking in. Confusion written on her face, Kira asked "Is everything okay, Dr. Oliver?" Frowning slightly, Tommy replied "I was hopin' you two could tell me..." Exchanging looks of confusion, Kira and Kris couldn't figure out what Tommy was talking about. Turning back to Tommy, Kira asked "Dr. Oliver, what are you talking about?" Seeing that he was getting nowhere, Tommy continued "I was hoping you two could come clean and tell me why you never told me about Kris's past..." Sighing, Kris turned away from them as Kira approached Tommy. "Look, Dr. Oliver-" Quickly, he cut her off. "Kira, you know how important it is for us all to be honest with each other. Like I've said before, what we're doing here takes the ultimate trust in each other..." Turning back to face Tommy and Kira, Kris added "Look, Dr. Oliver, I've made some mistakes-and I'm not proud of them. But, I paid for them. I hope I don't have to keep paying for them the rest of my life." Sighing, Tommy added "Look, Kris. You should have just come forward with that. I would have believed you. But, now...how can I ever trust either of you again?" Quickly, Tommy turned away from them as he quickly wiped a tear from his eye. I can't believe Kira would do something like this...Of all people, I thought I could trust her...Looks like I was wrong... Ashamed that they'd betrayed his trust, Kira placed a hand on Tommy's shoulder as she defended "Dr. Oliver, if we had come straightforward with this, you might have trusted Kris, but we couldn't be sure that the others would..." Regaining composure, Tommy turned back around to face Kira.

"Kira, if you guys had been honest from the beginning, they would probably have been more inclined to believe you..." Tommy explained. Confused as to how he even found out, Kris asked "Look, how'd you even know about my past anyway?" Turning to face Kris, Tommy replied "Conner told me..." Mentally scolding herself, Kira thought to herself Damn it...Knew I should never have told Conner...Shoulda known he couldn't keep his trap shut...Sighing, knowing she was wrong not to be honest right away, Kira added "Look, Dr. Oliver, I'm sorry we weren't honest with you right up front, but we just wanted to give Kris a fair shot at proving herself before anybody judged her solely on her background..." Understanding that they'd had good intentions, Tommy added "Look, I understand that. But like I said...This task takes the ultimate trust in each other..." Frustrated, Kris added "Look, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove myself...And my loyalty..." Looking from Kris back to Tommy, Kira added "Likewise..." Just then, the alarms went off. "What's that?" Kris asked, not having gotten the chance to learn about the computer and alert systems yet. "Your chance to prove yourself..." Tommy added, checking the monitors. Discovering Zeltrax was back for Kris, Tommy turned to the girls. "You sure you're up for this?" He asked. Nodding confidently, Kira replied "Oh yeah..." With the same attitude in her own voice, Kris added "You know it..."

Smiling to himself, Tommy asked "Ready?" Both girls exclaimed in unison "Ready!" All three of them, raised their morphers and exclaimed in unison "Dino Thunder! Power up!" After morphing, the three of them caught up with Zeltrax downtown. Turning to see the three rangers standing before him, Zeltrax noted the new ranger. "Well well well...Looks like we've already discovered the power...No matter. You will still serve Mesogog well..." He commented at the sight of Kris with the rangers. Having had enough, Kris retaliated "Yeah...right! That'll happen hmm...NEVER!" With that, Zeltrax attacked the rangers-Kris being the first. Not expecting the attack to be as forceful as it had been, Kris took a powerful blow the stomach. Grasping her stomach in pain, Kris fell to the ground hard. Trying to bail her out, Kira came to her rescue, slashing at Zeltrax with her Ptera Grips. Getting tired of the rangers' usual tricks, Zeltrax delivered the same blow to Kira-sending her flying into a tree. Angering at the sight of what Zeltrax had just done-especially what he'd done to Kira-Tommy drew his Brachio staff and charged at Zeltrax. Turning to face Tommy's attack, Zeltrax took a powerful blow to the chest. Quickly getting back on his feet, he sweep kicked Tommy off his feet. "I finally have you right where I want you, Dr. Oliver..." He hissed, drawing his sword. Just as he made to finish Tommy off, Kira's Thundermax Saber came out of nowhere and blocked the hit. "I don't think so..." She retorted. Suddenly, Zeltrax took a direct powerful hit from behind as Kris fired a shot at him.

Extending her hand, Kira helped Tommy to his feet. "Thanks." he commented, surprised at what had just happened. Smiling underneath her helmet, Kira replied "Not a problem." With that, Tommy and Kira shifted their focus back to the battle. Before any of them realized what was happening, Zeltrax had grabbed Kris. "Guys! A little help would be very much appreciated if it's not too much trouble!" Kris excalimed sarcastically. Turning to see Zeltrax with Kris, Tommy took a step forward and agressively stated "Let her go, Zeltrax!" Joining Tommy, Kira added "You just don't get it, do you? She'll never belong to you!" Laughing at their failed attempts at saving their friend, Zeltrax simply stated "We shall see about that, rangers..." Before Tommy and Kira could get to them, Zeltrax disappeared with Kris through an invisi-portal. In unison, Tommy and Kira stated "Power down." Turning away, Kira punched a nearby wall. "Damn it!" she hissed, obviously angry with herself over what had happened. Understanding her anger, Tommy placed a gentle, calming hand on her shoulder as he soothed "Don't worry...We'll get her back..." Turning to face Tommy, Kira just replied "I hope so, Dr. Oliver...I really hope so..." Without saying a word, Tommy just smiled reassuringly as he and Kira left for the lab.

Arriving at the lab, Tommy and Kira were greeted by the others. Noticing Kris wasn't with them, Trent asked "Where's Kris?" Sharing the same concern, Ethan added "Yeah, I thought she was with you guys..." Sighing, Tommy explained "In a word...Zeltrax..." Confused-as usual-Conner asked "What do you mean?" Exasperatedly, Kira continued "He means...Zeltrax finally got what he came for...He disappeared with Kris during the fight..." While Kira was explaining the story of what had happened to the others, Tommy had started searching for Kris. Noticing Tommy sitting alone at the computer, Kira approached him and sat down beside him. "Hey...Need a hand?" She asked, smirking. Surprised to see Kira beside him, Tommy replied "Kira?...I thought you'd be waiting with the others..." Understanding Tommy's logic behind his assumtion, Kira replied "Kris is my friend...I'm gonna do whatever it takes to find her and make sure she's safe..." Smirking, she added "Besides...Do we really wanna repeat the fiasco of Trent..." Hearing the last part of Kira's comment, Trent whined "Hey!...I heard that!..." Listening to Trent's complaint, Tommy and Kira couldn't help but chuckle-despite the circumstances.

Getting back on track, Tommy added "Well, I suppose a little help couldn't hurt." Smiling, Kira turned to begin a scan for Kris. Watching her smile, Tommy thought to himself as he began a scan of his own. Man, I can't believe that smile of hers...Wait a minute, what are you saying...Do you have any idea what you're saying...She's your student, Tommy for God's sake...Even if you did feel the way you think you do about her-and it were okay-...She couldn't possibly feel the same way...Could she?...Tommy finally managed to put all his feelings and doubts aside as they continued the search for Kris. Finally realizing he was wrong to have ever doubted Kira or Kris, Tommy turned to Kira. "Kira..." Turning at the sound of her name, Kira replied "Yeah, Dr. O.?" Nervously, Tommy continued "Listen, Kira...I just wanted to say that...I'm sorry I ever doubted you and Kris...I was wrong to have doubted you two..." Smiling, Kira replied "It's okay, Dr. Oliver. We were wrong, too. You were right, we should have been honest with you right from the beginning." Placing an understanding hand on her shoulder, Tommy assured her "It's okay, Kira. I understand you were just trying to protect your friend. And-in the same situation-I probably would have done the exact same thing..." Surprised, Kira asked "Really?" Smiling reassuringly, Tommy added "Of course..." Taking in the sight of his smile, Kira thought to herself God, he always gets me with that smile of his...Hold on...Kira, what are you saying!...The guy's your teacher for cryin' out loud...Even if you are into him as much as you think you are...he couldn't possibly feel the same way...Could he?...Quickly brushing her doubts and thoughts aside, Kira replied "Yeah, well...We should probably get back to looking for Kris...Don't ya think, Dr. O.?"

Chuckling, Tommy replied "First of all...Kira we're friends-and we're not in class...It's okay to call me Tommy. And second of all, yeah, you're right. We should..." Smiling to herself, Kira thought to herself Wow...That's the first time one of my teachers has ever told me to call him by his first name...He couldn't be falling for me...Could he?...Brushing off her thoughts and questions, Kira shifted her focus back to the task at hand. Turning back to the computer, Kira continued her scan for Kris as Tommy did the same. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Tommy spoke up. "Got her." Turning to see what Tommy had found, Kira asked "Really? Where is she?" Smirking, Tommy added "Big shock here...Mesogog's lab..." Knowing what Mesogog most likely had up his sleeve, Kira added "I'd be willing to bet money he's getting ready to turn her against us..." Knowing she was more than likely right, Tommy added "And I'd be willing to bet you're right..." With that, he turned to Trent, Conner, and Ethan. "You three stay here and keep an eye on the city. Make sure Mesogog doesn't decide to take advantage of our absence..." Turning back to Kira, he added "Kira, you come with me..." In unison, all four teens added "Right." Stepping away from the computers, Tommy and Kira prepared to morph. Turning to Kira, Tommy asked "Ready?" Ready to do whatever it took to make sure Kris was safe, Kira replied "Oh yeah..." In unison, she and Tommy exclaimed "Dino Thunder! Power up!" After morphing, Kira mounted her raptor cycle while Tommy mounted the black ATV. Finally, they arrived on Mesogog's lab.

Noting Tommy and Kira's arrival, Mesogog greeted them. "Just like clockwork. I knew you'd try to save your friend..." Seeing Tommy and Kira arrive, Kris shouted to them "Guys, get out of here!" Turning to Kris, Kira replied "Not without you!" With that, Mesogog, Zeltrax, and Elsa all began attacking Tommy and Kira. At first, the fight had seemed pretty evenly matched-as far as skill went. Soon, Kira had started trying to work her way over to Kris. About halfway over to Kris's cage, Kira had forgotten about Zeltrax and the others behind her and Zeltrax delivered his most forceful blow during that battle straight into Kira's back. Screaming in pain, Kira fell to the ground as she powered down. Noticing that Kira wasn't moving, Tommy screamed after her "Kira!" Firing a shot at Kris's cage, Tommy managed to free her. As he and Kris managed to fend off the rest of the attackers, Tommy powered down and ran to Kira's side as Kris opened an invisi-portal so they could get back home. Meanwhile, Tommy lifted Kira's head up into his lap. "Kira...Kira...Kira, can you hear me?..." Tommy kept trying to get Kira's attention but kept receiving no response. Turning to Tommy and Kira, Kris was just as scared for her as Tommy was...or atleast she thought she was...

Trying to stay strong for Tommy-since she knew he was struggling with that right now-Kris cleared her throat. Looking up, Tommy realized she'd opened a portal. "Good work..." he managed to say but only in a hoarse whisper. Clearing his own throat, Tommy regained his normal voice. "Kris, you take Kira's rapter cycle..." He instructed as Kris followed his orders without question. As Kris made it through the invisi-portal, Tommy picked Kira up off the ground. Fighting back the tears, Tommy carried her through the portal. Arriving back at the lab, Tommy set her down as Hayley began running scans to see if Kira was okay.

Noticing Kira's new-found unconscious state, Conner asked "Is she gonna be okay?" Turning to him with a solemn look on his face, Tommy answered "I don't know...I really hope so, Conner...I really hope so..." Tommy said sighing as he returned to the monitor as he was looking over the scans Hayley was running on Kira. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, Tommy saw Kris storm off. Going after her, Tommy addressed her. "You okay?" As she turned to face him, Tommy saw that Kris's eyes were full of tears which were now streaming down her face as her voice shook when she replied "This is all my fault!..." Placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, Tommy assured her "Kris, this is not your fault. Okay? None of this is your fault. I don't blame you, nobody blames you..." Looking up into his gentle brown eyes, Kris asked "Really?" Smiling, Tommy assured her "Of course. You had no control over the situation..." Knowing how he felt about Kira, Kris spoke up, regaining some stability to her voice "I'm sorry...". Confused, Tommy asked "What do you have to apologize for?"

Seeing that he wasn't picking up on what she was trying to say, Kris added "Look, I know how you feel about her. I can see it in your eyes. I can see it in hers, too, actually." Confused, Tommy defended "Kris, what are you talking about?..." Half smiling, Kris explained "I can tell when somebody loves another person-an old trick I guess I picked up in prison-I can see it in their eyes. And I see it in yours. Plus, anybody would have figured it out by your reaction when she was taken down..." Realizing that Kris was right, Tommy asked "Kris, can we please just keep this between us?" Understanding his need for secrecy, Kris replied "Of course, Dr. Oliver." Smirking, Tommy added "Kris, you're not my student. It's okay for you to call me Tommy." Smiling, Kris replied "Right...Tommy." With that, both of them returned to the group.

Turning to Hayley, Tommy asked "How is she? Have you found anything out yet?" Turning to face Tommy, Hayley replied "Yeah, she's fine. She just needs to rest a bit..." Sighing a sigh of relief, Tommy replied "Hayley, you're the best..." Smiling, Hayley replied "Well, I can't take the credit unforunately...As much as I would love to, I can't...Kira just got really lucky." Turning to face Kira, Tommy approached her. God, what I wouldn't give just to see her wake up...He thought to himself. What I wouldn't give to take her place...To absorb her pain and suffer for her...Finally, after what seemed like a millenium, Kira's eyes slowly began to open.