silence

Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers.

Chapter Eighteen

He blinks his eyes open to the lights of the infirmary. Dr. Campbell, Kat, Tommy and the princess are all standing over him. There's a sharp pain in his side, and his head is killing him. His ears are ringing, drowning out whatever they must be saying considering their moving lips. He must do something to alert them that he's awake, as they all turn their heads to look at him. The princess touches his cheek, her mouth moving once more. Her touch feels so good, and despite the physical pain he was in, he felt content. Despite his words to her the previous night, he still relishes in her touch. But as much as wanted this to continue, his eyes closed again, and everything goes black again.

"Jason? Jason?" His eyes have closed again, his head falling to the side. Tears make their way to her eyes.

"Go back to your room, princess." Dr. Campbell whispers softly, as if she was afraid she would break. "I will look after him. I'll alert you of any changes."

She still doesn't move. Dr. Campbell looks over at Kat, mouthing the words 'get her out of here.' Kat touches her shoulder, gently lifting her up. Kat guides her out of the infirmary, Tommy following closely behind them. Once they get out into the hallway, Kimberly collapses against the door, sobbing.

"He can't die! I can't lose him!"

"Jason is strong. He can beat this." Kat attempts.

"And take my word for it, Dr. Campbell is really good at her job. And I was in worse condition than him."

Kat places a hand on her shoulder. "He will be okay. Let's go back to your room."

Kat helps her up off the floor, wiping the tears from her face. "Are you going to be okay?"

"We'll be fine Tommy. Go back to the guards' quarters, and update the others." She smiles at him. The three of them walk to the end of the hallway together, where Tommy walks away from them both. Kimberly doesn't miss how he puts a hand on the small of Kat's back, leaning in as if he was about to kiss her. But he instead hugs her. Then he walks away.

"What was that?"

"What was what?"

"He was about to kiss you."

"No he wasn't. He just gave me a hug."

"Oh come on, you know what I meant. He clearly likes you."

"No he doesn't. We're just friends."

"Who are you trying to convince: me or you?"

Kat scoffs, shaking her head. "Do you really think he likes me?"

"Are you kidding me? Of course he likes you, and it's clear you like him too." Kat turns her head, but she sees her cheeks redden before she does. "You should go for it."

Kat shakes her head. "I could never do that. I don't exactly have much experience with dating, or any experience really. Most guards don't. We do not have time for things of the sort."

She doesn't know what to say. "I never knew that. But I really think you two would be really good together."

"Perhaps."

Kimberly gives her a look, as they reach her door.

"You wanted to see me, your highness?" Billy's voice echoes in the throne room. She doesn't respond to him, continuing to stare out the window. "Your highness?"

"Am I wrong here?" She says, mostly to herself.

"I'm sorry?"

"About Kimberly and Jason." She turns around to face him.

Billy's eyes widen, mouth gape. He stammers, clearly unsure of what to say. "I… am sure you did what you thought was best."

She turns back around, pressing her palm against the window. "What if I have done more harm than good?"

She sighs, pulling her hand away from the window. Kimberly was always more rebellious than she had been at her age. But she was already married to the king, and pregnant with the princess when she was her age. And Kimberly staying married to a guard would not benefit the kingdom. But it also wouldn't hurt the kingdom, not in any way that she could foresee. And she couldn't get Kimberly's words to her earlier in the day out of her head.

"Tell me honestly."

"Are you sure you want me to be honest?"

"Is that not what I said?" She says forcefully.

"I think… that you may think you are doing what is best for the princess, when you are only causing unnecessary pain. By preventing her from having a relationship with Jason, by pushing her to marry a prince when she is already in love with someone else. However unintentional, you are hurting her by not allowing her to be happy. All in the name of image, bringing two kingdoms together. And due to your own prejudices."

Her jaw clenches, having not expected him to be so blunt. Billy exhales, "my apologies, your highness."

"No need, Billy. Leave me."