Summary: Conner has returned and the Rangers are estatic; except for Tommy. When confronted above it, he seems reluctant to tell Kimberly. Fearing he may cause harm, he evades it and prepares both for school and his death…
Author's Notes: I'm really sorry I haven't updated sooner, but I've been the hospital for a while. Well, my dad has and I've been there. I'm afraid he's dieing so I don't know how much longer I'll be writing.. Anyway, I'll keep writing as long as I can. Love you all!
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Tommy stood there next to Kimberly, staring at Conner. At this point, he just didn't know what else to think, or even to say. He'd seen everything now; the Return of Zordon, The Death and Rebirth of a Ranger and now…his own demise that is yet to come. He wanted to run up and hug his student, welcome him home, but he couldn't find the strength. Besides, Kimberly had beat him to it.
He looked away from Conner and gazed out into the forest. Zordon's words lingered in his mind; "In two days Tommy, you are going to die." The sun was ever glaring, beating down upon Tommy's rather pale complexion. Even it, the standing point of hope, was laughing at him; mocking him. He clenched his fists and sighed, then turned to Conner.
"Welcome home, Ranger." Tommy said, taking a military stance.
Conner broke away from Kimberly's hug and played out. Snapping a crisp salute to the fellow in charge, he stood at attention.
"Thank you, sir. It's mighty good to be bad, sir." He answered, trying not to crack a smile.
This was the first time either of the rangers had seen Tommy so stern and in-control. The stance fit him to near perfection; showing his finely toned body and the sense of authority everyone saw in him. For a moment, they could have sworn he was in the military…
"You will be wanting this back, soldier." Tommy said, revealing a red dino gem. "I never stopped carrying it since you…'died'"
Conner looked down at the gem, smiling wildly. He reached out for it and swept it into his hand. Suddenly, warmth rushed through his veins and to his heart. For what seemed ages, the gem burned a bright, scarlet red in his hand and the roar of the tyrannosaurus echoed through his mind and spirit. But still, even with the ranger powers in his grasp and he still wasn't complete. No, there was one thing left he had to do.
"I know you two have a lot of questions to ask me…" He glanced between the two rangers. "But…um…there's something I have to do, okay? I promise I won't take very long…"
Tommy shook his head, smilingly brightly. "No, I have a good idea of what you mean. Go get her, kid." Kimberly rested a gentle hand on his shoulder and leaned up to kiss his cheek.
"Go get her, Tiger." She said and stood by Tommy's side.
Conner smiled and bowed respectfully before disappearing into the brush. The two rangers watched him disappear into the darkness of the forest and could only do one thing: smile.
XX- (so no one gets confused, it switches to First Person POV) –XX
Luckily, no one was in the house at the moment, so I could successfully sneak in without being hassled. Through the Dino Gem I could feel that Kira, or Kira's, was still here. I stand at the labs entrance, shaking in fear. I've only been 'dead' a couple days, but what Kira must have gone through. God, I just wished this never had happened. I love her so much and it hurts to even think of putting her through hell.
I reached over to the seemingly ordinary skeleton model and pull its lower jaw down. The lab's door gives a creek and slowly opens before me. The soft yellow-orange light bathes me with a cold wave and I feel it rush up my spine and to my brain.
Pushing the Grip of Fear away, I step down into the lab and listen to the door shut behind me. As I reach the bottom, I'm met with the glow; it's that of a dozen candles lit in the room. I can also smell incense burning in the distance; the stasis room, I think. Once again pushing away fear, I take my first step into the lab in what feels like a long time. The air lingers with the smell of apples, dust…tears. He choke back my own and glance around the corners, hoping no one was there.
Clear.
I swallow hard and step out in the middle of the room. Scattered all over the room is trash; wrappers, cans and such. He caught sight of a bottle of whiskey in the corner. Tommy's, most likely. Shrugging it off, I turn to the forest entrance. Sighing, I take one last breath and cautiously make my way over to the door next to it.
I can hear Kira's heart beating now; slow and steady. The smell of apples becomes a lot stronger and I can barely see into the softly lit room. A yellow-orange light mixes with the soft, but crisp blue of the stasis chamber as I slowly push the door open.
My hear stops.
There, laying against the chamber, fast asleep, is the love of my life. I step into the room silently, not wanting to disturb her and choke back my tears. Even now, eyes red from crying so hard, and her hair frazzled, she looks so beautiful. I smile, holding back my own tears and just gaze at her. Out of the corner of my eye, I see a shadow move and a white-clad figure step into the light.
"Hello, Trent." I whisper, feeling my confidence return to me. Placing a figure against my lips, I point to Kira and he nods.
I could see the tears burning in Trents eyes as he laid a genuine smile on me. He rest a gentle hand on my shoulder and turn for the door, leaving me alone with my soul mate. My soul mate. How distant the word would have been 2 years ago. Now, those are the only words I want to hear for the rest of my life.
Kneeling down before her, I brush a strand of her golden brown hair away from her face and I see the streaks left behind by the tears on her cheeks. I gather her into my arms as best as I can without waking her and bury my head against her shoulder. My own tears begin to roll as I think about things I could have missed; the pain I must have caused her.
And so I do the only thing I know how to do now…I just hold her…for the rest of my life…
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The clocked chimed painfully to Tommy's ears as he sat at the kitchen table, staring endlessly into the darkness of the house. Almost like everything else now, it seemed to engulf himself and right down to the barest cracks of the floor or walls. It was the never ever pain; one that couldn't be defeat.
Tommy faced the window now, scanning the forest. A light wind had settled upon the land and it weaved its way through the bushes and leaves; swaying them against its might. Then, he began to think; think of what was to come – and soon. Zordon had said he was going to die in two days, but never said against who or how. No, instead he gave him the why. Then his mind drifted to Conner and he couldn't help but smile.
Conner had been one of his best students and looked to be a younger version of him. Well, minus the red hair, jock-like attitude and love of soccer, you had Tommy – 10 years younger. But with Conner came the tomorrow and Tommy groaned, remembering it. The first day of school…
"Tommy?"
He jumped, startled by the suddenness and twisted in his seat. He relaxed, though, upon seeing Kimberly. She smiled a bright smile and sat down beside him, clutching a cup of tea. "I wasn't sure if you wanted any, so I brought you some." She said, pushing a large mug towards him.
"Thanks…" he answered, clutching her hand. She met his gaze and could see the mixed emotions within him: fear, anger, sorrow. He looked down at the table and brought the cup to his lips for a refreshing drink.
"Tommy…what's wrong?" She questioned, scooting close to him. Her arm went around his neck as he hand pressed his head against her shoulder. "What's bothering you?"
"A lot of things, Kim." He answered and kissed her jaw and smiled, hearing her giggle. 'There are just too many things going on to give you a straight answer, Beautiful."
She kissed his forehead and wrapped her arms protectively around him. That, she knew, was the only thing he needed at the moment; his one true companion. Looking out at the forest, her own confusion swirled to life within her. Things were getting complicated by the day; Conner having died then brought back to life and school starting tomorrow. Kimberly sighed heavily and looked down at Tommy, seeing her asleep on his shoulder. With a soft smile, she kissed his forehead and rested her eyes…
Tomorrow would be a big day.
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Conner, Ethan and Kira stood before Reefside High School, staring endlessly at it's bold, white letters.
"Ok…can someone please tell me why in blazing hell we are back here?" Conner asked, clutching his old school bag. "I'm suppose to be going off to major league soccer!"
Ethan glanced at his friend with a look of bewilderment. "You got us these jobs, remember?"
"I thought you spoke 'Conner', Ethan?" Kira asked, leaning forward. "I agree with him, though. Why in blazing hell are we here?"
She jumped as two strong hands landed on her shoulders. "You're here because you chose to be here, Kira. Having second thoughts?" Dr. O.
Kira put on a smile and faced him. "No, of course not, Dr. O! Just surprised I'd be back here so soon…" She bit her tongue on the next comment.
Tommy rolled his eyes and then slapped Conner's shoulder. "I'm pretty sure you guy's," He glanced at Kira. "and gals, know where your classrooms are. I shall let you get to them!" He clapped his hands together and walked past them. Behind him came Kimberly, smiling widely.
"Well…first day as a teacher." She said, glancing at them. "For all of us."
"And we're all going to bomb." Conner whined as head fell. All three set of eyes fell on him. "Um…or not?"
Kim looked to Kira again and shook her head. "You will do fine." She said and slapped her shoulder. "All of you. Now go on, you three. I, luckily, have first hour prep!"
All three whined.
"Go on!" Kim shouted, pushing them all towards the door. "Get! Get!"
Conner gave a sigh and looked up at the bold white letters. "I was less afraid fighting the Source of all Evil." He gave his companion's a quick glance and with three heavy sighs, they headed in for their first day of class…
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OHMIGOD! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to leave you guys/gals all hanging! I'm really sorry people, but I've had some serious family issues, so I sincerely apologize for the lateness of this chapter.
Anyway, has anyone seen the show Charmed? Wow, what a great show! I never knew a Soap Opera could be funny.
May the Powers Protect you…