TOMMY - MAY

I am about ready to put my fist through a wall. Mara Jane is graduating in a few days and I have no dress clothes that will fit. I guess I already knew it, but I was putting off dealing with it while planning and prepping for her and Megan's party. What the hell am I going to do?

Zedd comes in the bedroom, stopping short as he sees the state of said room. "Thomas?" he asks cautiously. "Did the closet explode?"

I give him a look. "No, Zedd, it didn't."

"Then what-"

"At the risk of sounding like Kira - I have nothing to wear for Mara Jane's graduation."

"Ah. So you destroyed our room in retaliation?"

"Funny. However the fact nothing fits me isn't."

"Okay, okay, it's fine." Picking up some of the clothes which are scattered on the floor he begins rehanging them calmly. "So you need to go shopping, no problem, right?"

"I'd rather not, but I guess I have no choice. The problem is nothing fits right and there's no time to have something tailored or altered. I'm going to look like a mess and Mara Jane's going to be ashamed of me and-"

Quickly, Zedd pulls me into his arms. "Stop, love. Mara Jane will NOT be ashamed of you. You're pregnant."

"I'm freaking huge and I'm gonna get bigger! I still have months to go! Before these kids are ready to be born, I'm going to have to wear a tent! And that's if I can even get out of bed without a damn crane!"

"A crane, love? Really now?"

"Yes, Zedd! Considering how huge I already am-"

"Thomas, you are hardly 'huge'. Just because you're showing a bit-"

"A bit? Zedd I'm bigger than you were at the end of your pregnancy!"

"I think that's pushing it a bit."

Before I can get even further worked up, Mara Jane calls from downstairs. "Daddy! There's a package for you!"

"A what now?" I'm not expecting anything.

"Let's go see, love" Zedd suggests before muttering under his breath, "Maybe it'll improve your mood and restore a bit of sanity."

I head for the bedroom door, tossing one more comment over my shoulder. "Bite me, Zedd."

"Wherever and whenever you like, love. Just say the word."

I can't help but snicker at this. Either Zedd's trying really hard to make sure that I know he's still attracted to me or me being this pregnant is a real turn on for him because it takes very, very little for him to want me lately. Idly wondering what he'd do if I put my glasses on as well, I make my way downstairs very carefully.

Mara Jane comes out of the kitchen, offering me a kiss as she goes by. "It's on the table, Daddy."

"Thanks, sweetie." It's a good size box and I don't recognize the return address, but it is clearly addressed to me. "What the hell?"

I open the box carefully. It's full of - fabric? No, clothes. I pull out the pieces one at a time to find that it's a finely made suit and shoes - perfectly acceptable for the upcoming event. I find an envelope at the bottom of the box. Quickly, I tear it open and read the note inside.

Thought you might need this. It's custom made so that you will be comfortable as well as properly dressed. We'll see you when you arrive next month. Kerch

Tears well up in my eyes. I can't believe he did this! I hear Zedd behind me. "What is it, love?"

I hand him the note and look over the clothes more closely. "I can't believe he did this for me. After the bad start we had, I can't understand how we got so lucky that he actually accepted me."

"Why don't you try them on and make sure that they fit properly?" Zedd suggests.

"Okay." I scoop up the clothes and head up to the bedroom. Zedd follows me and watches as I strip down and start to put on the new clothes. I hold my breath as I button the shirt, fully expecting it to be too tight. I exhale in relief as, not only does it button properly, it's still a little loose so that I can move easily and comfortably. Quickly, I finish dressing, finding that every piece has been tailored to accommodate my burgeoning belly. I turn to my husband for his approval.

He smiles at me. "Handsome as always, my love."

"I can't believe it fits so well! How would he even know..." My voice trails off as I realize that Kerch couldn't have known - not without some help. "Zedd, did you know about this?"

"As much as I'd like to take credit, the idea was all Father's. Since he and Mother can't make it for the ceremony, he called to let me know and we got into a discussion about how important this is for humans. It occurred to him that you probably wouldn't have anything that would fit properly for something of this magnitude. I was going to make sure you had something, but he wanted to do this for you. All I had to do was make sure that he had all the proper measurements. Truthfully, I was starting to worry that it wouldn't get here on time."

I can't help myself and start crying. Quickly, he pulls me into his arms.

"See, it's not so bad, right? You have something more than acceptable to wear, Mara Jane is about to graduate from school, and we'll be relaxing at home in just a few short weeks. Followed closely after that by the arrival of our two new children."

"I know."

"So no more destroying the house in fits of panic?"

Catching his teasing tone, I do my best to at least give him somewhat of a smile despite my tears. "At least not for the rest of the week."

"I'll take it."

A few days later, I watch proudly as my daughter accepts her diploma. Her valedictorian speech was a rousing success, which didn't surprise me much, nor did her being chosen for the honor. I blink back tears, not wanting to embarrass myself or my family.

Softly, Zedd asks, "All right, love?"

I nod. "You know me, kalleimat. Tears at the drop of a hat."

"It's a big hat." I know what he means. This is the biggest thing to happen to our family since Jacob was born. I manage to pull myself together for the rest of the ceremony. It's not long afterward that Mara Jane finds us. Since Zedd can move a bit faster than I can these days, he gets to her first, pulling her into a huge hug. "I am so proud of you, sweetie!"

"Thank you, Papa." Beaming, she turns to me when Zedd releases her. "How was the speech, Daddy?"

"Perfect, of course, baby girl." I hug her as tightly as I can, given my current girth. As I release her, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Something's not right. As Dar and Pina take their turns congratulating Mara Jane, I look around, not sure what I'm looking for, but certain that I'll know it when I see it.

Noticing my suddenly alert posture, Zedd snaps to attention as well. "What is it, Thomas?"

"I'm not sure. Something just feels - off." A scream rings out on the far side of the crowd and I catch a glimpse of the problem, cursing as I do. "Shit. Broodwing and Krybots - what the hell are they doing so far from Newtech City?"

"We need to leave" Zedd says firmly.

"Zedd, we can't leave all these people to fend for themselves" I protest. "It'll still take a while for S.P.D. to get here."

"Thomas, I am not willing to risk you or any of our children to a fight that's not even ours!"

Before the coming argument can even start, I realize that we're out of time to discuss the situation as a small group of Krybots gets way too close. Gina, Mike and the kids are headed for us as well. "Shit! Zedd, we can argue about this later! We've got trouble now!"

I summon my staff, thankful that it wasn't out of range. A quick look over his shoulder has Zedd doing the same. I can't help but be grateful that Zedd saw the sense in using his magic to disguise his, the very recognizable stylized initial now hidden while on Earth. While we're fairly certain that the new evil knows he's on Earth, there's no point in advertising when it isn't necessary. Zedd, Pina and Dar all launch themselves at the nearby group of problems as Mara Jane quickly strips out of her graduation gown and cap, shoving them into Gina's hands as they reach us. "Hold this please" she says in a rush, before moving up beside me.

Jacob quickly moving into position on my other side even as Mara Jane sets for an attack. I know their focus is now on guarding their unborn siblings, and while I never wanted my children to have to fight, I can't help but be glad given the current situation that I started teaching them at such a young age. Mara Jane has more than ten years of instruction under her belt and Jacob about six. I instruct them, "If they get close, take them down. They're nothing but machines."

Firm nods from both sides and we spread out slightly to give each other room, but can still cover each other when necessary. "Daddy, I can start taking them out from here."

I shake my head at Mara Jane, seeing that she already has an orb at the ready. "We don't want to draw them over here, if we don't have to." The minute the words leave my mouth, I see a pack of them break free of the group and head for us. I sigh. "Or go ahead. Whatever."

She starts throwing orbs, but Zedd's not had her practicing for rapid fire so it takes her a bit. Although I will admit her aim is dead on, taking down any one that her orbs hit. Hoping against hope that I don't have to draw on my powers to morph, I strike the first to get through her defenses. Jacob takes on the second. I get stressed rather quickly as my speed and agility are definitely not up to truly battling. Fortunately, that's another area that Jacob takes after me, as his strikes are swift and sure, dodging before any return shots even come close.

I can't believe that Broodwing brought this many foot soldiers with him. If the whole point was to take over an area or even just terrorize it, he shouldn't have needed this many this far away from Newtech City. A quick look spikes my fear as I can see that Zedd, Dar and Pina are all surrounded. I barely hear Dar over the fighting. "There's no choice, Zedd. We have to."

Reluctantly, Zedd nods. "Forgive me, Thomas."

I'm not left wondering for long what he's hoping for forgiveness for as all three of them transform to battle mode. Fuck it all! All these years of dodging that particular bullet, shot to hell because of this bullshit!

Apparently taking as much of an interest in the matter as myself, Broodwing turns his focus to my still surrounded and now exposed mate. "Ah, there you are Lord Zedd. My master heard you were in the area. We've been looking for you."

"Too bad for you, you found me." Ordering Scorpina and Goldar to finish the matter, the three return focus to the Krybots that are once more advancing on them even as I'm forced to return my attention to the battle right in front of me.

Several minutes later, the majority of the Krybots have been taken out, SPD has still yet to show, but the battle at least has turned in our favor as it begins to wind down.

Seeing that his lackeys have been disbanded, Broodwing once more steps in with a nod of almost approval. "Impressive, but then I should have known you would easily pass Emperor Gruumm's test."

"Test?"

"Word is you have been out of our line of work for some time now. My master simply wished to make certain you still held enough potential to be of use."

Feeling Zedd's fury through the bond at this, even as I see his battle form surge with power he's barely keeping in check, it's all I can do to hold back on jumping into the mix, my own anger spiking at the insults regarding his abilities.

"I have a hell of a lot more than potential, as you are about to see firsthand."

"Now, now, don't take it personally. Truly you should be honored. After all you are no doubt well aware of how selective Emperor Gruumm can be in those he wishes to serve him."

"First of all, I am no one's servant, like yourself" Zedd growls back. "Second, if all you came here for was to try and convince me to help your pathetic excuse for a master you've greatly wasted your time and what few minutes of life you have left. I'm out of the conquering business and even if I wasn't, I sure as hell wouldn't waste my time with halfwits like yourselves."

The alien descends on my husband, his own temper beginning to show, though it's clear he's still either too fearful of Zedd or loyal to Gruumm to attack just yet. "You say you're out of the conquering business, but are you pleased with that decision? Truly, Zedd what have you gained by turning your back to our cause?" Making a sweeping gesture toward myself and the kids, he continues with a laugh. "A former foe turned bed warmer? A couple of mixed offspring?" Glancing next to the handful of people still in the area, he continues stupidly. "An attempt to pass for one of those humans? Honestly Zedd, no wonder half of the alliance has questioned your sanity."

Watching Zedd tense sharply, knowing the latest comment about myself and children has him past the point of control, I'm truly impressed as he forces himself to respond rather than attack head on first.

"I'll remind you just who the hell you're dealing with here, and just what it is that I do to those that cross me, never mind what happens to anyone who dares to insult my family."

"I know exactly who it is I am dealing with, Zedd. Your reputation has changed over the years you know, you're out of practice and no longer hold the power you once did. Come, serve Emperor Gruumm, regain the power and reputation you are allowing the universe to forget."

"Again, not interested."

"Pity, then I suppose I'll just have to take you by force."

"I beg you to try." The two start battling fiercely, Zedd's rage leading him.

"He's too angry, he's burning off power."

Frowning at Mara Jane's assessment, knowing she's watching just as closely as myself and the others are, I realize that she's right. Despite Zedd's years of practice and skill he is unfortunately allowing his emotions to get in the way and it's becoming clear that, much to my growing fear, Broodwing is actually a match for him.

"I can hit him, Daddy" Mara Jane says softly.

Tempted to let her help as Zedd takes a solid hit to the face, I cringe in concern, even as Dar and Pina set themselves to jump in. "Not yet."

"But-"

"Not yet." My tone far firmer than I mean it to be, I shake my head at her worried look. "Just wait. Give Papa time. We have to give him a chance." Everyone watches anxiously until Broodwing finally succeeds in knocking Zedd's staff from his hands, taking his momentary surprise as his opening, I watch as he slashes him across the chest.

Feeling his shock and pain as he's unable to block me now, I watch in panic as he drops to his knees, Broodwing already setting to deliver a very detrimental blow. "NO!"

Reflexively, I throw my hand up and am shocked a moment later when an energy orb, like Zedd's and Mara Jane's, launches from my hand and strikes Broodwing in the back. He screams in pain and thankfully backs off my mate.

Looking up in surprise himself, even as his hand quickly snatches his staff from the ground, Zedd uses the opportunity to launch his own energy based attack, and while not as critical as it would normally be, it never the less does the job to force a retreat.

"We'll get you yet, Lord Zedd." Casting a hateful glare at our group, even as Scorpina and Dar move to set themselves in front of Zedd, Broodwing has apparently had enough for the moment.

"You come after me again and I swear I will make you beg for death."

"Empty threats from a weakened version of a once great lord. We'll bring you back to our side. One way or another."

He takes off, leaving a handful of Krybots just as S.P.D. arrives and Zedd gets up off the ground, emotions all over the place, but clearly set on killing the bastard now. The Rangers deal with the leftovers as Dar, Pina and Zedd return to their normal forms and join the rest of us. "Good job, Mara Jane" Zedd praises.

"That wasn't me, Papa" Mara Jane answers wide eyed. "Daddy did it."

Jacob nods. "Sissy wanted to, but Daddy told her to wait and let you handle it."

Shocked, Zedd turns to me. "Thomas?"

I stare at my hand. "I- I don't know, Zedd. I don't know how it happened. I just- he was going to run you through and-"

Momentarily distracted from his rage and surprise, he quickly focuses on my still present panic. "It's okay, I'm okay."

"You're not okay." Touching his chest carefully already seeing the blood soaking his shirt, I know the wound is deep and it takes all I have not to start shaking as the realization hits me of just how close of a call this was.

Before the conversation can go any further, I hear a familiar voice. "Is everyone all right?"

"No thanks to you." The snap response from Dar is not unjustified and I hear Pina quickly agree with his statement.

Apparently not one to be told off however Cruger is fast to let his title and rank lead his mouth. "Listen here-"

"No you listen, Zedd was almost gutted because you and your brats had better things to do than show up to fend off an attack on a group of children, two of which happen to be part of my family." Snarling and facing off near toe to toe with the canine, Dar, much like Zedd lets his anger take control. "I swear to hell if anything had happened to Mara Jane and Jacob and Zedd didn't instantly rip you limb from limb I would."

"Well perhaps next time you shouldn't have said children on a battle field."

Before I can even begin to correct this accusation, Zedd abruptly releases me, spins around, and punches Anubis Cruger right in the muzzle.

"Next time, shoot him." Growling but backing off as Zedd now takes up his spot, Dar moves to check on the kids, though keeps an eye on the on the ground commander.

Tone a near deadly calm, Zedd is quick to point the business end of his staff at his prey even as he begins to speak. "First of all, this shouldn't have been a battle field. When children are involved the situation should instantly be made top priority. That being said, where in all the hells have you and your puppets been?"

"Fighting another battle in Newtech City." Stepping in, the Red Ranger very carefully tries to defuse the situation. "We apologize for the delay, Dr. Oliver, Lord Zedd, however our battle it seems had broken out first. Honestly we were unaware you were being attacked until after we'd dealt with the Krybots and monster there."

The Green Ranger joining us and nodding in agreement, he continues seriously. "It would seem that they had this planned out. Keeping us busy while they launched the attack here."

"My best guess is that our battle was supposed to be a diversion since they've now found you and knowing what a pain you would be should they get their hands on you again, they wished to keep us out of the mix." Standing as Zedd reluctantly lowers his staff due to the two Rangers now being in his way, Cruger fixes him with a heated look. "And for the record I don't care who you are or were - hit me again and I will arrest you."

I can't help but glare at the Sirian. "You even try and arrest him and I won't even consider being a consultant for S.P.D. - ever."

Zedd shoots me a look that tells me that we will be having a serious conversation later. For now though, he turns his attention back to the new arrivals. "Keep your battles in your own yard from now on."

Looking to his team, the Red Ranger again tries his best to lower my mate's temper. "We're trying, but considering what just happened it seems like they want to get you back."

"That being said, we can only do so much" Cruger agrees.

Dar speaks up. "Well, keep them busy for the next month or so. After that, we'll all be off planet."

"Probably a good idea." The rest of the Rangers approach and he turns to them.

"Looks like we cleaned out the last of them, Commander" the Yellow Ranger reports.

"Good. Head back to base. We need to get ahead of their plan." The Rangers head off and Cruger turns back to us. "We'll do what we can to keep them busy, but I don't expect that they'll make it easy. You might want to do what you can to speed up your departure."

He follows his team. Someone starts to speak, but I hold up my hand to stop them. "Wait." Knowing that Cruger's hearing is every bit as good - or better - than the Eltarians', I wait until I'm sure he's out of hearing range before I lower my hand.

I'm rather surprised when the first comment comes from Mike. "Well, he's about eight shades of useless, isn't he?"

"He's going to be even more so after I neuter him" Zedd growls, even as a hiss of pain escapes him due to his adrenaline finally running out.

"So, you weren't kidding when you said you were dangerous" Mike replies evenly. We all turn to him, surprised at his calm take on the matter.

"No, I wasn't. However, you seem less concerned now than you were a few months prior when I was doing no more than trying to protect your family."

"If you had told me before who you all really were, there's no way in hell I'd have been willing to trust my family with you. But you just showed me that they will be safe in your care." There's a collective exhale of relief as this sinks in and I'm thankful for that much at least. "I assume that the schedule will remain the same?"

Zedd, Dar, Pina and I all nod. We're leaving in two weeks, but Dar's misleading statement will buy us some time. Mike, Gina and the kids head off as well, saying they'll see us in an hour at the party. Everyone turns their attention back to me. "Thomas, are you all right?"

I frown. "I seem to be. I still don't know how I did it and I don't know if I can do it again."

Pina speaks up. "Let's get back to the house and I can run some scans and tests." I sigh heavily, not really all that surprised as we head out ourselves.