Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter nine of "Just Away." This chapter has more action in the form of Ninja Ranger style. The entire team is reunited with Kim. There is some Tommy/Kim and Billy/Kat as well. Stay tuned for chapter ten.
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Chapter 9: Finishing Up/Revealing Truths/Calm
Rocky grunted as a Tenga slammed him against the side of his jeep while holding him by his throat. He punched it in the beak, loosening its grip on him. He did it again to the same area. This freed him from its grasp. He stood up and backhanded it across the cheek. He grabbed its arm and twisted it around. He went under it. He placed his foot against its backside. He shoved it into a bush.
All of a sudden, two Tengas pounced on Rocky from behind as the cawed loudly. He punched the first Tenga in the forehead and kicked the second in the stomach. He grabbed their arms to smack them together. He went under them while twisting their arms around. He leapt upward to kick them in their backs. This caused to them collide with another bush.
Two more Tengas grabbed Rocky. They gave him hard punches to his stomach. He got out of their grasp. He jammed his elbows into their beaks and turned around. They rushed their fists forward, only for him to catch them in his hands. He kicked them in their stomachs before flipping them over on their backs. He growled as he curled his hands into fists. He looked very determined.
"No one messes with the ape and gets away with it!" Rocky declared.
Suddenly, two Tengas grabbed the Red Ranger by his arms. He broke free of their grasp. He smacked their heads together. He jumped over his jeep as they ran around it. He ducked as the first one attempted to kick him. He rose to his full height. He kicked it in the back, knocking it into the driver's seat. The second Tenga tried to punch him, only for him to block it with his arm. He slammed his fist into the back of its head. This threw it into the backseat.
"Nothing like sitting in a jeep, is there?" Rocky joked. He spotted a Tenga coming his way and went to deal with it.
Adam and Aisha punched two Tengas in their beaks, followed by their chests. The Tengas cawed in anger and headbutted them very hard. They took hold of their throats and began to choke them. The Black and Yellow Rangers kicked them in their chests. They couldn't free themselves. They hit the same area again, feeling their grip on them loosening. They did it one more time, freeing themselves. They took hold of their arms.
"How about a double whammy, Sha?" Adam suggested.
"You're on, Adam!" Aisha said, giving him a thumbs-up.
He smirked. "Here we go."
Adam and Aisha took hold of the Tengas' arms with their other hands. They snickered as their enemies shook their heads rapidly. They twirled them around five times before letting go of them. The Tengas collided with each other. They fell into a heap on the ground. Adam and Aisha heard cawing and looked up to see a Tenga flying their way. They looked at each other.
"How about a little teamwork?" Adam asked.
Aisha nodded. "Yeah!"
Aisha took five steps back, her breathing soft and steady. She broke into a full charge. Adam got on his knees as she jumped off his back. She kicked the Tenga out of midair. It crashed head first into a trashcan. It fell over, taking the trashcan with it. Trash fell all over it as it ended up on its back. She landed gracefully, and he got up. He went to her side.
"Great teamwork," Aisha complimented and high-fived her friend.
"Yeah," Adam agreed. He and the Yellow Ranger saw three Tengas coming their way and went to fight them.
Billy threw a Tenga into a tree. He backflipped out of the way of another as it leapt at him. Rito appeared behind him and wrapped his arm around his throat. He cackled at his enemy's choking. Billy swung his leg upward, striking him in the groin to free himself. He spun around and gave him punches to his face. Rito growled angrily and headbutted him. He took him by the arm to pull him backward. He tossed him very hard. Billy hit his back on a tree. He landed on his stomach.
Rito charged at Billy, who stopped him in his tracks with a punch to the forehead. Billy uppercutted him in the neck four times before giving him a kick to the stomach. Rito snarled and jabbed the hilt of his sword into his chest. He headbutted him twice before swinging it at his feet to sweep them out from underneath him.
"You are mine, Blue Ranger!" Rito screeched.
Without warning, Tommy charged in and shoved Rito away from his friend. Rito stumbled sideways, yet he remained standing. He growled in much anger as Tommy stood in front of Billy defensively.
"I don't think so, Rito!" Tommy yelled.
"You will pay for that, White Ranger!" Rito responded, his eye sockets flashing red.
Tommy growled. "Come and get me. I dare you!"
Rito chuckled. "With pleasure!"
Tommy and Rito charged at each other. Rito swung his sword at him, only for him to miss when he ducked. They turned around to face each other. Tommy punched him in between his eye sockets. He backhanded him across the cheek. Rito jabbed the hilt of his sword into his forehead, causing him to stumble backward. He delivered a kick to his side after going to him.
Rito punched Tommy in the chest five times before shoving him away with his foot. He rushed his fist forward, only for his enemy to deflect it with his hand. Tommy gave him a hard shove. He leapt into the air, as did Rito. Rito made a swing of his sword at him, hitting him. Only his opponent's ninja outfit fell to the ground. Rito landed gracefully and looked around in confusion.
"Hey, where did he go?" Rito yelled.
Tommy came up behind him. "Right behind you!"
Rito turned around and yelled angrily. Tommy did a spinning heel kick, nailing him in the chest. Rito went flying through the air. He landed on his back next to the jeep. He rose to his feet as the Tengas gathered around him.
"Oh, I hate it when he does that," Rito mumbled as the other Rangers gathered around Tommy. "All right, stay back! There's more of us than they are you. Don't get us wild. As I always say, now's a good time for a hasty retreat."
Rito and the Tengas disappeared from the scene. Tommy, Billy, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha groaned in annoyance.
"Ah!" Adam yelled.
"Damn it. We almost had him!" Rocky yelled and punched his fist into his hand.
"Yeah," Billy agreed.
"Next time, guys," Tommy said and pulled off his ninja outfit along with the others. They looked around. "Let's get back to the hospital."
Rocky, Adam, Aisha, and Billy nodded in agreement. They and Tommy proceeded to go toward the jeep.
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Kim was listening to Kat tell her about her time under Zedd and Rita's control in her hospital room ten minutes later. She brought the bear up to her chest and wrapped her arms around it tightly. She traced her finger over one ear. She did the same to the other one. She let out a long exhale. A nurse walked by, but neither of them noticed her.
"There were so many times I just wanted to pull you all aside to tell you I knew you were the Power Rangers and that all these terrible things that were happening because of me," Kat explained. "Every time I tried, it was like this strange force came over me and stopped me from speaking."
"Rita's spell," Kim whispered.
Kat nodded and sniffled. "Worst of all, I'm responsible for you being here."
"What are you saying?" Kim wondered.
"I was the one who stole your Power Coin," Kat responded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I almost took Aisha's too. I would've done it if Bulk and Skull hadn't shown up."
Kim exhaled. "Hmm."
Kat wiped the tears from her eyes as she let out another sniffle. She emitted a shuddering breath before swallowing hard.
"Kat, do know how Tommy became a Power Ranger?" Kim asked.
"No," Kat answered with a shake of her head.
"I was under one of Rita's spells too," Tommy explained solemnly while walking into the room along with his teammates. They came to the girl's side as she stood up. "It made me do horrible things. I almost destroyed the Power Rangers and my friends in the process."
"Yeah, but look what happened," Billy said, patting his friend on the back. "Everything turned out okay."
"Of course, you did better than I did. You managed to break the spell on your own," Tommy admitted. "The others had to destroy the Sword of Darkness in order to free me."
Tommy sighed as he remembered his battle with Jason. He considered it to be the most difficult one-on-one confrontation he'd ever had. He could never forget Jason's determination to beat him. He admired him for not giving up.
"Well, I just can't tell how sorry I am for what I've done to you all, especially with the way you've welcomed me into your lives," Kat said.
"You had no control over it," Kim assured in a gentle voice. "Our enemy's magic happens to be incredibly powerful."
"That's why we do what we do. That's why the Power Rangers exist," Aisha explained, touching Kat's arm.
"Exactly," Kim said with a nod. "The world would be a wasteland if Zordon had never chosen us to be Rangers."
Aisha sat on the side of the bed. She took Kim's hands into hers and rubbed the backs of them with her thumbs.
"So, the doctor says you'll be out of here in couple of days," Aisha said excitedly.
"I am looking forward to getting out of here," Kim said, a giggle leaving her mouth. "I hate lying around doing nothing."
"Some people do like being waited on hand and foot," Adam said, making a funny noise.
Kim shook her head. "Not me. I want to get going as soon as possible."
Rocky smiled warmly. "You can start practicing for the competition again."
Kim became a little nervous. Her heart started to beat a little faster as she breathed deeply. She set the bear in front of her. She flicked one of its ears before shuddering softly.
"Actually, I am not going back," Kim said.
"What?" Rocky, Adam, and Aisha yelled shockingly.
"What in the hell are you talking about?" Aisha commented. "You've got to go back. Coach Schmidt wants to continue training you."
"It's not that simple, Sha," Kim said, shaking her head. "I can't go back. My condition won't allow it." She exhaled. "It's too dangerous."
"What do you mean 'your condition'?" Adam asked confusingly.
"I do not know how to tell you this, but I'm—" Kim started.
"What?" Rocky wondered.
"I'm pregnant," Kim said, her breathing coming out in shudders. "Tommy is the father of my baby."
Rocky, Adam, and Aisha felt their jaws drop to the ground. They opened and closed their mouths, but they couldn't get any words to form. Tommy, Billy, and Kat didn't move one bit. However, they knew it was likely their friends would have reacted like this. Suddenly, Aisha got angry.
"I can't believe you and Tommy weren't more careful, Kim!" Aisha blurted out with a scoff. "You would think all those sex ed lessons would've helped you two be cautious."
"Not to mention you were planning to go to Paris to be with your mother after school was finished," Rocky added.
"I won't be surprised if she flips out at this news," Adam warned while crossing his arms.
"We know, and we are so sorry!" Kim said, choking back a sob. "It was such a rough battle with Goldar and Scorpina that we wanted to feel each other fully that night."
"It helped us relax so much," Tommy added with much regret. "We never wanted this to happen."
"Yes, but it has produced a baby now. You can't change that," Rocky pointed out. "Let's not forget we will be down one Ranger for a long while."
"I will tell you one thing. I am not abandoning Kim or the baby," Tommy growled fiercely. "I plan to talk to Ernie about getting a part-time job at the Youth Center."
Rocky, Adam, and Aisha breathed deeply. They began to calm down and became regretful over the way they reacted. Tommy, Billy, and Kat pressed their lips together as Kim wiped a tear from her eye.
"We are so sorry we got angry with you, girl," Aisha apologized.
"We understand. We just wanted to tell you," Tommy said and cleared his throat. "By the way, Billy and Kat already know."
Rocky raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"I happen to overhear it when Tommy was talking with Zordon," Billy responded.
"Kim told me when I came to see her," Kat added. "I wasn't about to say anything because it would've made you angrier. I pledged my support right away."
Billy snorted. "I did too."
"Well, the rest of us support you just as much," Rocky said proudly.
"Oh, yes," Adam agreed as he uncrossed his arms.
Aisha let go of Kim's hands. "You will always have my back, girl."
"Thank you so much. We really appreciate it," Tommy said, happiness echoing from his voice. "Kim is four months along. She will be due March 26. She will miss the final two months of her junior year, but we plan to sign up for the teen parent program."
"There is something else I need to tell you," Kim said in much seriousness. "It's about my true origins."
Tommy became confused. "What do you mean, Kim? We know your story. Your birth parents passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Hart adopted you."
Kim ran her tongue all over the inside of her mouth. "That story was just a cover for who I really am. I don't know how to tell you this, but I am a princess of the M-51 Galaxy. I am the daughter of Master Vile and Lady Fienna. My real name is Kara. I am Rita and Rito's long-lost baby sister."
Tommy, Billy, Kat, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha let out very shocked gasps. They thought Kim was joking. They realized she wasn't quickly. Tommy ran his hand through his hair, his breathing getting a little hard.
"My mother fled with me when I was a newborn because my father had grown mad with power. She tried to save Rita and Rito, but she couldn't. She went to Zordon, who entrusted Rasmus with my safety. Rasmus took me to Phaedos and watched over me alongside Dulcea. She is its Master Warrior and the guardian of the Great Power. It happens to be the greatest power source in the universe," Kim explained.
"Whoa," Billy whispered in much awe.
"No shit, Billy," Adam agreed.
"My mother joined Zordon in his crusade to protect Earth from Rita. She died in battle by Goldar's hand," Kim said, sobs rising in her throat. "Rasmus dropped me off at the Angel Grove Police Department under the guise I was an orphan due to my parents dying under unknown circumstances. I was placed with a foster family. The Harts adopted me not long after." She sniffled. "Lady Fienna left a message for me. She spoke of how hard it was to give me up and that she would always love me and be with me in spirit."
Kim began to cry. Aisha stood up as Tommy came to the bed and seated himself. He took his girlfriend into his arms, allowing her to bury her face into his shoulder. This muffled her cries.
"It's okay, Kim," Tommy whispered soothingly. "There was nothing you could've done to prevent your mother's death."
"I am amazed at how well you are taking this," Kim said as he pushed her back. "I was scared you'd think differently of me. I mean, I am the daughter of a ruthless dictator."
"Where you are from doesn't make you who you are. It is what is in your heart," Billy pointed out matter-of-factly. "You have an incredible heart. Your mother was very brave to spare you from corruption."
"No matter what happens, we will never leave you, especially me," Tommy assured. "I love you more than life itself."
"I love you too, Tommy," Kim replied and hugged him once more. He responded by giving her a bigger hug. The others couldn't help but smile.
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Tommy, Billy, Kat, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha walked past the emergency entrance sign an hour later. They observed an ambulance going toward the entrance and stopping in front of the doors. The EMTs opened the ambulance doors. They got out and unloaded a patient. They headed inside while whispering inaudible words. The teens turned to each other.
"What a morning," Rocky said and let out a soft groan.
"You said it, Rocky," Aisha agreed. "First, Rito and the Tengas attack. Then we learn Kim is pregnant. Next, she reveals she is the daughter of an evil dictator and his estranged wife who happen to be Rita and Rito's parents." She swallowed hard. "Her father is Master Vile. Her mother is Lady Fienna."
"The thought of Kim being related to Rito is a little nauseating. He smells so bad," Adam grumbled and emitted an irritated groan.
"There is no doubt in my mind Rito had a humanoid form at one point. Something caused him to lose it," Tommy said.
"From what we can see, it is likely a fire caused his skeletal appearance," Billy suggested. "Rita was involved. Rito does not harbor any resentment toward her. Nor did her parents."
"Imagine if you told your families about where Kim was really form," Kat said, chuckling nervously.
"I know they would be quite shocked. Then again, I do not think they would believe us," Tommy commented.
"Why would they? Kim looks like any other normal human, except she is very powerful. We've always suspected there was more to her than what it seemed. Even Jason, Zack, and Trini had their suspicions," Billy explained.
"What I don't understand is why Zordon didn't tell you all sooner about Kim's origins," Kat said, sighing heavily.
"I say he didn't want to risk Zedd and Rita finding out about it. I can't blame him. He was just trying to protect Kim," Tommy said sympathetically.
"The fact that Lady Fienna recorded a message for her daughter shows the extent of her sacrifice. She was determined not to let Master Vile corrupt her like he did Rita and Rito," Adam said, waving his hand in the air.
"As far as I am concerned, Mr. Hart is Kim's true father," Tommy said in determination. "Master Vile has no right to claim that title. He allowed his lust for power to turn him into an evil monster." He shook his head in disbelief. "Fienna did everything in her power to get Kim's siblings back. She didn't succeed, but she was at peace that she did save one of her children."
"I imagine she was crying when she gave Kim to Rasmus, so he could take her to Phaedos. It makes me wonder if we will ever see him and Dulcea ourselves," Billy said curiously.
"I say it is possible," Tommy admitted. "It would be nice to get to know her guardians."
The teens watched a young woman push an elderly man in a wheelchair toward her car at the end of the parking lot. They could hear them talking, but they couldn't make out their words. They turned to each other.
"What remains now is for Tommy and Kim to tell their families about their baby," Adam said seriously.
"I know," Tommy said, his body shaking somewhat. "We have no idea when or if Kim's mother will make it into town. We do want her to be here when we spill the beans." He swallowed hard. "Both of us fear adverse reactions from them, especially her grandparents. They are very strict on the sex-and-children-within-the-bounds-of-marriage stuff."
Adam sighed in a heavy manner. "Many elderly people are."
Rocky crossed his arms. "I hope Aisha's parents don't kick Kim out of their house for being pregnant."
"I honestly believe they won't do that, though they will likely be angry with her," Aisha said truthfully. "They aren't the type of people to throw out anyone unless they have been caught stealing from them or doing drugs in the house multiple times."
"I remember when your parents caught my cousin lighting up a joint in the upstairs bathroom at your house back in Stone Canyon, Sha. They were as pissed as hell," Adam said.
"You said it," Aisha commented with a nervous chuckle. "Charlie acted like it was no big deal. Mom and Dad reprimanded him harshly over his drug use. They warned him he would no longer be welcomed in the house if they caught him doing it again. He hasn't smoked marijuana since."
Kat smiled. "Good for him. I do not want to be around someone who is stoned out of their mind."
"Who does?" Billy said as he touched her shoulder. "We're not just concerned about Zedd and Rita discovering who Kim really is. We're concerned about them doing something to you for betraying them."
"I am not afraid of those two monsters," Kat said, determination showing in her voice. She curled her hand into a fist. "They can kiss my ass for all I care."
"That's good thinking, Kat," Billy said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. He put his hand at his side.
"The best thing about being free of that spell is I don't have to deal with Rito's stench anymore. I heard Scorpina complain about it quite often. Rito insulted her over her looks," Kat said, snickering under her breath. "It was rather entertaining to see them at each other's throats constantly."
Tommy snorted. "I saw Squatt and Baboo squabble over silly stuff when I was the Green Ranger. I found it funny."
Everyone picked up his or her pace. Tommy started talking about the time he and Jason had to learn to work together to find the Thunder Slingers.
