Chapter 4

Part 2

:P

Kimberly sat and listening to Tommy explaining how the Machine Empire came into their evil reign of power and how the rangers had to go on separate Zeo quest. "So, you found your grandfather?"

Kimberly sat and listened to Tommy explaining how the Machine Empire came into their evil reign of power to Earth. Tommy told her how each rangers went on a Zeo quest for their crystal, and how everything was almost lost when Rito and Goldar blew up the Command Center, but in the end the rangers were able to take on the powers.

"So, you know have a grandfather and older brother on your mother's side?"

"Yes, by Mr. Sam Trueheart I earned my Zeo crystal. I found out about David about a month ago."

"Wow. Congratulations."

"Thanks. All because of you. But enough about me, now, it's your turn."

"It actually starts off pretty funny."

"How so?"

"Well, it was late at night, I was walking around after a long and hard training session…I was so frustrated about missing and messing up elements, well mostly about…missing everyone, you know…" Tommy nodded. "I don't know what came over me even to this day…"

Flashback

Kimberly picked up a brick and threw it through the window to the dojo in anger. She never felt so much hate built inside her. As soon as she picked up the brick, the urge to throw it was to strong, but as soon as she let it go, she knew it was wrong. Kimberly gasped at the hole from the broken window. A light came on in the back and a door opened.

"Shit!"

"Hey! Hey you!" Kimberly took off running. "Hey! Stop right there!" A guy chased her after her. He grabbed her shoulder to stop her, only to be flipped over to his back, as Kimberly stood over him. Kimberly quickly stepped back into a stance to fight him. The guy jumped up. They squared off. "You are going to pay for breaking my grandfather's window!" Kimberly ducked and blocked all his swings and kicks.

"I am so sorry! I didn't mean to! If you would just…!" The guy continued to swing at Kimberly, though she blocked them all. Kimberly had him pinned against the ground with her knee in his chest, as her fist was raised to give him a punch.

"That is enough!" Kimberly looked back to see a man. "Release him now." Kimberly stood up quickly and stepped back.

"Look, I am so sorry about your window! I didn't mean to do it! I swear! I am so sorry!"

"Come with me, Miss." The young boy, maybe a few years older than Kimberly got up finally. He rubbed his jaw. Her kick to his stomach, back of his knees and side of his mouth, still sting him. Kimberly followed the old man. He brought her around back. She gasped at the huge training karate space in the back, taking up yards and yards.

"My name is Ken Morimorto that the young man you fought is my grandson, Miles."

"Sorry about that kick."

"Whatever. We should call the police, Grandpa."

"Wait, no! I'll pay for it all, I promise, I have tons of money saved up! Please, please don't call the police!"

"Miles, the police will not be needed. Go, make some tea for our guest."

"Guest! Grandpa! She destroyed the window!"

"That can be easily replaced. Go." Miles sighed and stormed out.

"Thank you for not getting the police involved. I don't know what overcame me."

"I knew you were coming."

"What?"

"What has saddened you, my dear?"

"Nothing. Everything is fine. I...I'm just…a bit tired from a late night."

"From what?"

"Uh, I'm a gymnast. We had our 4th straight night session after a long morning one," Kimberly said with a laugh. "I was just frustrated and…"

"Training is difficult."

"Not the right adjective."

"I see. You feel lost in your training."

"Uh, lost? No. Everything will be fine when competition starts. Olympics just right around the corner."

"Olympics will never come for one that is so sad and lost in the world, my dear."

"I'm not sad! I couldn't be happier! I'm training with the best coaches in the world! I have a great home here and fri-friends…not missing anyone... I couldn't be happier!" Kimberly looked down at the lake. "And I couldn't be more phony." She wiped away some tears.

"If you allow me, I can help you regain your true self."

"My true self is right here. This is me, this is all I can ever be."

"Kimberly, this is not you. Your soul may be dwelling, and you light may dim, but with help. You will gain it all back. Besides, you have a window to replace." Kim looked at him. "We will begin our training after you have some tea."

"Training? Wow, wow, wait! I can't train with you! I have gymnastic, that is well more important."

"Than finding yourself?"

"I can find myself in September."

"You won't win until you find it now." She looked at him. "I will help you find your crane wings again."

"How did you.."

"Come on, tea should be ready." Miles appeared with a tray.

Kimberly started training with the Master along side with her gymnastic. 2 months after the first night, Kimberly met him; Kimberly was going through the house, when she came across a room that was locked. It wasApril now. She tried to open it when Miles appeared.

"What are you doing?"

"In this house, this is the only room locked, why?"

"None of your business."

"Gosh, sorry I asked." Kimberly walked down the hall to the back.

"Kimberly!" Kimberly fixed her the armbands to her wrist. She turned to see Miles coming toward her. "Look, I'm sorry."

"I know you hate me and the fact that your grandfather is training me, free of charge…"

"It's not that. That room holds our family heirlooms. Priceless items that hold powers of our family warriors, powers you can only imagine."

"I know a thing or two about ancient powers."

"Really, how?"

"Let's just say, I understand if you don't want me to touch anything."

"It's just, my uncle, he thinks Grandpa is crazy, insane due to old age and wants those heirlooms."

"Is your uncle like evil or something?"

"No, just power hungry, always looking for more money, and with these heirlooms he will gain another fortune in Japan. I just want to protect those things for my Grandpa. He doesn't deserve any more hassle from family. He gets it enough."

"I understand." Kimberly touched his shoulder.

"So, how did you learn all those karate moves?"

"I learned from one of the best…"

Kimberly was about to head to the American Cup, which determines the team of girls and boys that will be representing the team at the Summer Olympics in just 8 weeks. Kimberly came by the Karate Dojo.

"Master Morimorto? Master?" Kimberly rushed as she found him lying by the lake. "Master! Are you ill!"

"Kimberly, my dear. You came?"

"I nearly forgot to tell you how grateful I am for all your help these past few months. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Thank you."

"You are welcome."

"Can I get you anything before I head to New York? Do you need help? Where is Miles?"

"I am fine." Master Morimorto held up a long Japanese dragon-embroidery golden box. "This for you?" He had caught her in the locked room a few days ago. Her hand about to touch it, as a light glowed around her and the box; he cleared his throat to stop her. Kimberly quickly stepped away. 'I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…' she repeated before leaving the room. Master Morimorto saw as she left the box stopped glowing.

"The box." Kimberly gasped. She took it and was filled with images of rangers. Kimberly went to open it and found no means to open it. "How do I open it?"

"You will open, when you are ready to. And when that happens, you will know what to do."

"Will I ever see you again?"

"I will always be with you, my dear. Your training will never leave you, you will always have a home here, and nothing can change that. You are the daughter I never had, but always wanted." Kimberly had tears in her eyes. "Go. You have a plane to catch." Kimberly hugged him.

"Thank for, for everything." Kimberly got up and walked out.

Flashback ends

"Sometimes, I wonder if I…" Kimberly had moved her head against Tommy's shoulder, so he put his arm around her. She laid comfy against his chest, as they continued to swing on the porch. The sun heading to set in the distance.

"If, what Beautiful?"

"If I had any right to have the Zeo crystal?"

"Why?"

"I mean, if I never broke that window…"

"Sometimes things happen, and we have no control of it. You were meant to break that window, met the Master and train with him to regain your true self."

"But I just recently remember I had the box. After the America Cup and the teams were named. I pushed the box into my truck and forgot about it." Kimberly sighed. "Weeks passed before I even thought about it, I mean, I was so consumed with gymnastic. There is no telling how long that box would have stayed if I hadn't…"

"But you did open it, Kimberly."

"Only because I found it, unpacking my things from Atlanta."

"No, you were meant to open it then. Don't you see, the Zeo crystal chooses the ranger, not the other way around. Zordon chose you to be a Power Ranger, because he saw you and saw something special in you. The same thing with the Zeo crystal. It wouldn't have glowed for you and revealed it's true color, if you weren't meant to hold the power. Master Morimorto was right. When you were ready, you would know what to do."

"I guess."

They swing in silence for the longest time. Tommy loved every second. It was true bliss, Kimberly in his arm, her hand on his chest, over his heart, as their breathings and heartbeats the only sound besides the creak of the swing.

"Kimberly, you never told me what ever happened to the Master? Was he ill? Did something else happen…?" Tommy looked down to find her asleep. "Kimberly?" Tommy pressed his lips to her forehead. He sighed. About a block away, Katherine was coming to return a book, Tommy's mother lent her when she saw the two. Tommy lifted Kimberly into his arms and carried her sleeping form inside. Katherine grip on the book tightened. She walked away.

About 2 weeks later, about 12 days, a lot has changed. First, the Gold Ranger turned out to be Prince Trey, a triplet, whose powers were becoming unstable and needing a host to take over them before he loses them completely. Tommy could only think about one person, Jason. Jason Lee Scott came back and agreed to take the powers and use them. Kimberly and Tommy's relationship, now a friendship, though Tommy secretly wanted more with each passing day. Katherine not believing about them just being friends, but was always assured by Tommy or Kimberly. Kimberly knew how it was to lose someone you love and so she always tried to make sure Katherine knew they were 'just friends'.

One day, Kimberly overheard Katherine and Tanya talking. Tanya told Katherine that eventually no matter how Tommy tries, he is still drawn to Kimberly and that they will get back together. Kim was his first and he hold his heart open for her. Katherine insisted that Tommy loves her and he wouldn't hurt her like Kimberly hurt him.

Thursday morning, Halloween, Kimberly woke up to fine the sun just rose. She felt as though she just got to sleep. Tommy's parents had flown out to Washington yesterday morning, not to return until Monday. Kimberly wanted to throw a party tonight, with approval from Tommy's parents, which of course they did. They left Kim in charge and even gave her a budget. They left the set up to Kimberly and Tommy. Kimberly looked up at her clock. She slid on her robe and clicked the alarm off before it would wake Tommy in the other room. She unzipped her costume bag and smiled.Tommy woke up and turned his head to what time it was. He smiled and up.

"Morning."

"Morning," Kimberly said opening the bathroom door. She went and showered.

"Now, the food should get here by 4, so make sure you have things set up."

"I will."

"I have to get my nails done, so please don't be late."

"I'm coming straight here after school."

"Okay." She feed herself some cereal. "We are going to be late."

"We are always late." It was great getting to know their new selves. Tommy did think it was time to break up with Katherine. Though Kimberly and he wasn't anywhere near getting back together, it wasn't fair to be with someone that in the end could end up getting hurt.

Adam pulled the trays from Rocky's hands as he was tasting instead of setting up.

"Okay, food is set. Where's Kim?" Jason asked.

"Hair and nails."

"This long? It's almost 6."

"You know girls."

"We should hurry home and change," Rocky said. "Party in an hour."

"Yea, we'll see you later, bro."

"Thanks for all the help." Kimberly came in just as the boys were leaving.

"WOW! The place looks amazing, thanks guys!" Kimberly hopped around, so excited.

"No problem."

"Well, I gotta change," Kimberly said going upstairs. Tommy came into Kim's room and saw her laying on her bed on the phone. "Okay, Mom. I swear! I swear, I haven't signed anything. Yes, all the endorsements go into the account." Kimberly sighed. She had joined the team back on Saturday, October 12th and competed that same night, winning the first meet and taking home all-around title. With the next competition in 2 weeks, Kimberly knew she was going to have to work extremely hard. Though she came out strong, the lack of training and competitions showed. She didn't earn any custom 10s, but great scores of 9.8. "What's wrong?" Kimberly asked covering her cell.

"Do you need the bathroom?"

"Oh, uh, not right now. Go ahead. Huh, no Mom, I wasn't...okay, okay!" Kim groaned. "NO! I'm fine! Mom, look, I gotta go make sure things are straight. For what? The--the party...yes. Okay, love you too! Babyee!"

The guests started arriving around 7:30. Kimberly and Tommy meeting them at the door with candy. Kimberly was in her Cleopatra costume, black braided wig with gold braids, white/purple crop top, sheer layered skirt with gold edging, golden snakelike belt and staff.

"You look amazing," Rocky said. He was Caesar. Kim's costume matching his.

"Thanks, Julius." Kimberly fixed the golden wire on his head.

"Hey, Beautiful, care to dance," John said. Kimberly turned, a little disappointed to see John. Kimberly looked over to see Tommy.

"Tommy, love, can you get me another drink?"

"Sure, Kat."

"Me too," Tanya said quickly. Tommy just nodded. Kimberly sighed and took John's hand. Katherine was in her Dorothy costume, Tanya got Adam to play the scarecrow as she was the good witch of the east. Tommy returned from getting drinks to see John and Kimberly tight together, dancing. Her jewelry jingling with each turn and dip.

"Be right back," Kimberly said going to mingle and get another drink. Kimberly was in the kitchen pouring some water, when John came inside. He closed the door.

"Having fun."

"Yea."

"Want more?"

"What do you mean?" John pulled out a bottle of Bacardi Rum.

"John! Put that away!"

"Come on, we had fun at the bar! Don't you want a few hits?"

"No, and don't let Tommy see you."

"Hey, my boys got plenty. Come on." He poured a small shot. Kimberly took the cup. Jason came into the kitchen briefly to catch Kimberly taking the shot and shaking her head. She followed it quickly with soda.

"That stuff is strong!"

"You drank more Saturday!"

"I was celebrating, great win for my team."

"Jasmine might not like that."

"Like I care." John laughed. He poured another shot. Jason briefly came into the kitchen and saw the two taking shots. He closed the door quickly, so they didn't see him.

"Yea, we were all having fun until you left with what's his name. You two aren't dating, so why do you think you have to please him."

"John, don't!" He handed over the cup. Kimberly took the shot. Kimberly made another face.

"Okay, no more. How strong is that!"

"Nearly 90 proof."

"Good lordly. Put it away," Kimberly said walking away.

"You done with just 2?"

"Yes." She opened the door briefly. "For now." John smiled and put it away after drinking from the bottle.

"HEY! KIM! COME!" Becky yelled. Kimberly went over to dance. Tommy watched 2 guys sandwich Kimberly. A boy, Ryan, held her butt. Tommy was about to go over when 2 hands stopped him. Adam and Jason put their hands on his chest.

"What do you think you are doing, bro?"

"Jase, let me go."

"She can handle herself," Adam said.

"Both of you..." Adam and Jason held their hand up. Jason stopped him again.

"Bro, don't make me hurt you. You two are just friends, she doesn't need you jumping the gun every time a guy shows her attention."

"Let me go." Ryan kissed Kim's neck, and when he moved up, Kimberly pulled away.

"You need a drink, go talk to John."

"Okay," Ryan said walking away. Kim sighed. Kimberly was going into the bathroom, when Tommy pushed her in before anyone could see them and locked the door.

"Don't scare me like that!" Kimberly yelled hitting his chest.

"Having fun with the football star?"

"Yes, actually. Aren't you with Dorothy?"

"That is not fair."

"Whatever. I have to pee, go."

"You know, as your friend, I am just looking out for you."

"Fine, but as my friend, you need to understand that I can handle myself and let me have my fun."

"Even with a loser, you will never love?"

"Not everything is about falling in love! This is our senior year! We need to have all the fun possible! College is right around the corner!"

"I know." She leaned up against the sink. "You look good out there," Tommy said.

"Thanks. Mr. Racecar driver." She touched his jumpsuit. "Now, can I pee alone?"

"Uh, sure, sorry." Kim nodded. Tommy left.

Emily, Jason's new girlfriend, came over just as Tommy left the bathroom. The door closed and after a few minutes, Kimberly came out.

"What?" Kimberly asked.

"Nothing."

"Okay, cake time," Kimberly yelled as she brought out the tray of Halloween cupcakes. A mad rush for the cupcakes. Kimberly barely got out of the way.

"Here, saved you one," Adam said. Kimberly smiled.

"Thanks."

"Hey, where were you?" Katherine asked as Tommy handed her a cupcake.

"Outside."

"I looked outside."

"Walking around."

"Why?"

"It was hot in here."

"Oh, it was." She kissed his cheek. "You smell like...cherry blossom."

"I do? Oh, might be because I used Kim's shampoo."

"Oh."

"Want to dance?"

"Sure," Katherine said smiling, as she took his arm. She smiled at Kimberly as they passed. Katherine kissed his cheek. Kimberly smiled as well and walked away.

Katherine and Tommy stood outside arguing in his driveway.

"Do you still like her?"

"NO!"

"No?"

"It's complicated Katherine. We are just friends now, but eventually, I know we will be together," Tommy said.

"Is that what she wants?"

"Well, not actually."

"So you are breaking up with me, so you can potentially get back with Kimberly."

"Yes. Look, Katherine, I am really sorry. I wish...but..."

"You will break my heart like this, even when you clearly said she doesn't want to be with you?"

"Kat, I care about you. Really I do. That's why I'm doing this now. I don't want you hurt when Kimberly and I get back together. I'm sorry, but I just can't be with you like this anymore, not when I know my heart belongs to Kimberly. I'm sorry, I just wasn't in love with you, I guess I never will love another again."

"Because of her."

"Yeah."

"I can't lose you."

"You won't! We will still be friends. We are a team."

"Friends! Do you really think after what you just said, we can be friends!"

"I...I hoped that.." Kimberly came over to them.

"Tommy, phone." Tommy went to Kimberly and took the phone. "Is everything okay?"

"Yea."

Kimberly looked at Katherine.

"What?"

"Like you don't know." Katherine wiped her eyes. "I guess, congrats are in order. You won. You won him back."

"This wasn't some game, Katherine. Tommy cares about you, as do I. And us being friends, shouldn't.."

"Oh, yea, you care about me. All those night of fucking him behind my back, I'll bet."

"What! Fucking Tommy! We have never slept together!"

"Yea, right! I caught you two kissing in the halls!"

"Yes, we have kissed a few times, but never again since that last time a few weeks back."

"So you admit to kissing my boyfriend."

"Yes, but we both agreed to be just friends."

"How can you two be just friends! You love him!"

"I do love Tommy, I won't lie. But I am not in love with him."

"Love, in love, same thing!"

"NO! Tommy and I are just friends."

"Yea, for now. I am not stupid. It will only take one look, a hand will touch and you two will be together again, all lovely!"

"I can't tell the future, but right now, we are miles away from getting together and.."

"Like I would just hand him over to you! A slut like you!"

"ME! I am not a slut!"

"You have got him to break up with me to get back with you! The next step is Tommy in your bed!" Katherine slapped Kimberly. Tommy dropped the phone and ran to stop the girls fighting. Everyone could heard fighting and ran outside. Jason, Adam, Rocky and Billy ran to stop the girls.

"Short bitch!"

"Blonde bitch!"

"Katherine! Kimberly!"

"Slut!

"Slut! Don't hate me because he wants me! I told him we are just friends!" Katherine swung, missing Kimberly. Tommy threw Kimberly over his shoulder, when pulling at her wasn't working. Tommy backed away with Kimberly over his shoulder, though she was still kicking at Katherine and swinging to get put down.

"Stop this! We are all friends!"

"Me! Friends with that slut!" Katherine said holding her bleeding mouth. Tanya helped Katherine.

"I hope you are happy," she said.

"I am just getting started! She attacked me," Katherine yelled.

"You slapped me!" Kimberly yelled.

"You deserved it for stealing my boyfriend!"

"For the last time, we are just friends!"

"Get her out of here!" Tommy yelled carrying Kimberly away. "Everyone leave! GET OUT! GET OUT NOW!"