STRANGERS WITH FAMILIAR FACES
PART TWO
"Kat! Hey, Kat, wait up!" Katherine Hilliard turned with a smile at the sound of the voice calling her name.
"Hello, Tommy," she said as the longhaired teen jogged up.
"Hey," he replied. His behavior seemed a little strange. After calling for her to wait, he did not seem to be in a hurry to say or do anything. He looked at his feet for a few moments, seemingly lost in thought.
"Did you need something, Tommy?" Kat asked.
"Um, well I was wondering, would you like to go out to dinner with me tomorrow night?" 'Tommy' asked in a rush.
Kat smiled. Tommy's occasional fits of shyness struck her as unbelievably touching. He was so confident in most ways.
"I'd love to," she answered, her heart soaring. She had waited a long time for a real date with Tommy.
"Great! I'll pick you up at seven. I thought we'd go to Marco's, I hear the food is excellent, and the atmosphere is comfortable."
"Wonderful. It's a date then," Kat replied.
"It's a date. I'd better get to class, Mr. Baker is a bear about students, especially me, being late." With that 'Tommy' hurried off.
Kat stared after him for a moment. For just a split second, she would have sworn she saw something dark in his eyes. But, that was ridiculous, nothing was wrong with Tommy, she was just jumping at shadows. So saying to herself, she headed off to her own class.
· * * * * * * * * * *
After school, 'Tommy' headed over to 'Billy's' lab for a quick meeting. They had found they needed to set up special times to meet, as the two of them had very different schedules.
"You alone?" 'Tommy' asked 'Billy' as soon as he entered the lab.
'Yeah, 'Dad's' still at work," was the reply.
"So, how's it going?" 'Tommy' asked, "How much longer until we are ready to rock?"
"Since I'm basically working alone, it may be a while longer," was the terse reply.
"Hey! It's not my fault you're taking the place of a boring, technological nerd with no life of his own." 'Tommy' protested. "While I have to keep up the appearance of an active social life."
"Oh, how you are suffering! My heart just breaks for you!" 'Billy' was ticked off.
"Knock it off! We are here to do a job, and you know full well what will happen if we fail. Whatever we have to do we will do. I have no desire to experience death at King Mondo's hands. So, again, what is the status?" 'Tommy' insisted.
"I have planted explosives in three of the consoles. The wiring is done for two others. I will need to wire and set the explosives in a total of nine locations in the Power Chamber to insure complete destruction. Only two of the Zords are set with explosive devices. The other three will be done as soon as possible. It would help if you guys would maybe damage them some in the next battle. I need a decent excuse to work on them. My guess is it will take another week or two to get everything done. Good enough for you?"
"The real question is if it is good enough for Mondo. I hope so for our sakes." 'Tommy' replied.
"Are you going to be around this afternoon?" 'Billy' asked.
"I'm meeting the gang to study for a chemistry test. What are you up to?"
"Guess I'll do a little work in the Power Chamber, then maybe drop by the Youth Center and visit with you guys for a while" was 'Billy's' plan.
"Good," 'Tommy' lowered this voice and leaned toward his companion, "Between you and me, I am in no hurry to get the job done. This is not a bad life at all, I could get used to this. I even made a date with Katherine for tomorrow night. Tommy has been hemming and hawing around about asking her out. What's the big deal? She's beautiful, and she wants Tommy. Maybe I can gain some special experiences before we are done here," 'Tommy' said with a leer.
"Great. I'm stuck in the damn Power Chamber communing with Zordon and that walking tin can, and you are getting cozy with the Pink Ranger. Guess I'm gonna have to get this guy a life," 'Billy' grumbled.
"Go for it!" 'Tommy' snickered as he headed out to meet the gang to study. "See ya!"
"Yeah, right, see ya."
· * * * * * * * * * *
Tommy and Billy were sparring. Though the cell was fairly small, they could still get in a pretty good workout if they were creative. The dungeon rang with their cries of "Kai" and Tommy's comments on Billy's skills.
"Good job buddy! You've almost got that move down pat." Tommy said encouragingly.
Before he could say anything else, there was the sound of the door at the end of the corridor opening. Both boys glanced out, expecting it to be the delivery of their meal. It was King Mondo, Klank, and a contingent of cogs.
"Ah! I see you both are feeling quite well. I hope you have appreciated this time I have allowed you to be unmolested in this safe cellblock. But, as you humans like to say, all good things must come to an end. I have always wanted to see just how much you frail humans can endure. Looks like this would be a good time to find out." Mondo relished the uneasy looks the two young men gave him.
While Mondo had been talking, Klank and some of the cogs had been working in the corridor. They had affixed a couple of manacles to the back wall, and a couple more to the bars of the cell across the way from the cell Tommy and Billy occupied. These additions to the décor heightened the teenagers' apprehension.
Mondo had kept one hand partially behind him while he addressed his prisoners. He now brought the hand out and displayed what he was holding. It was a short whip of braided rawhide. Less unwieldy than a traditional bullwhip, but it looked like it would do as much damage, if not more.
"Klank did some research. Seems you humans do not respond well be being whipped. I like to do my own experiments in order to verify the information we receive from the various planets we conquer. Bring them both out!" Mondo suddenly ordered the cogs.
Both Tommy and Billy resisted the cogs, but it was futile. Billy was bound to the bars of the cell, while Tommy was stripped of his shirt and manacled to the back wall, face to the wall.
"Damn it! No! Let him go!" Billy strained against the restraints.
Mondo ignored him and unfurled the whip. The sound of the blow was loud in the enclosed area. Tommy drew in a sharp breath, but didn't cry out. The lash had drawn blood.
"Hmm. Must be a cumulative effect," Mondo mused as he lashed Tommy again.
He delivered five blows to Tommy's back as Billy watched in horror. The last blow drew a cry from Tommy. His body was visibly tensed, a sheen of sweat covering his torso despite the chill. Mondo found his reaction interesting.
"I think that is enough for the first time. Switch them!" he ordered.
The cogs quickly reversed the two prisoner's positions. Tommy went wild realizing they were going to do to Billy what they had done to him.
"Mondo! You have had your fun! You touch him and I'll see you are destroyed if it is the last thing I ever do!" Tommy had never felt such helplessness and rage.
Tommy's threats were ignored as Mondo plied the whip again. The five blows drew blood, and Billy's suppressed cries seemed to ring in Tommy's ears louder than a scream would have.
Mondo appeared to have enjoyed himself. "Most interesting reactions. I must consider what I have observed today. Klank informed me that you would be in danger of an infection if your open wounds were not cleaned. I am providing you with the medicine you need to prevent that. A small gift as it were. After all, I don't want you dying prematurely."
With that, both boys were released back into their cell to deal with their injuries as best they could.
· * * * * * * * * * *
"May I speak to Kimberly Hart please?" Jason asked the operator at Schmidt's Gym in Florida. "This is her friend Jason Scott of Angel Grove, California."
"One moment please while I locate Miss Hart."
Jason waited impatiently, hearing the white noise of the miles between California and Florida through the phone's speaker.
"Jason?! Jason, is that you?" Kimberly's voice clearly communicated her joy at hearing from a friend.
"Yep. How you doing girl?" Jason was just as glad to talk to an old friend.
"It's going good. But I will be glad for the break. I'm heading home next week. Will you still be there?" Kim asked.
"Yeah, I think I'm back for good now," He replied.
"Jason, is something wrong?" Kimberly had picked up on something in his voice.
"I don't know," he replied. "I think there may be something wrong with Tommy and Billy, but I can't be sure. I don't want to ask anyone on the team since they all seem to think everything is okay. I haven't even asked Zordon since it is such a vague feeling. But I can't get it out of my mind. I was hoping maybe you could ease my mind about it." He admitted, feeling guilty for asking this of her, since she probably had her own problems.
"Did something happen that makes you suspect this?" Kimberly asked.
"They were captured by Mondo a few days ago. They escaped after a couple of hours, and were pretty banged up when they showed up. But since then I just get these 'weird vibes' as Zack would say," Jason explained.
"Look, I'll be there Tuesday, and I'll make it a point to visit Billy to see if his behavior seems odd. Well, actually, I want to visit Billy anyway, but I will check him out too. Um, that sounded bad. You know what I mean," if a blush could be heard, Jason heard one in Kimberly's voice.
He chuckled. "I know what you meant. I'll see you Tuesday. Thanks."
He felt a little better after that, but he was still anxious for Kimberly's opinion. Tuesday couldn't come soon enough.
· * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tommy sucked in his breath with a hiss and clenched his jaw to keep from crying out. Mondo's idea of medicine was rubbing alcohol to clean their wounds. Billy was being as gentle and careful as possible, but it was agony. It didn't help to know he would be doing the same to Billy in a little while.
Tommy's soul was in torment. It had been bad being beaten that way, but seeing Billy beaten had been far worse. As the leader of the Power Rangers, he expected to be able to protect his teammates. To stand by helplessly was a torture he couldn't bear. He would have to find a way to keep Mondo from harming Billy.
"There, it's the best I can do." Billy commented as he capped the bottle of alcohol. "You can get your revenge now," he added with a wry grin, handing the bottle to Tommy.
"Don't joke about it!" Tommy snapped, "I would rather Mondo had beaten me senseless than to see you whipped!"
Billy was taken aback by Tommy's vehemence. "Easy, Tommy. None of this is your fault. You could not have done anything to change what happened."
"I'm the so called leader! I'm not supposed to sit by and watch a teammate be beaten," Tommy spat out, frustration making him sound harsher than he had intended.
"Tommy, do you really expect you can protect us from everything? Come on, man. That is unrealistic. You are a great leader, but, as the saying goes, shit happens. You cannot hold yourself responsible for the entire team, all the time." Billy tried to soothe Tommy.
"You don't know how I felt, seeing you beaten that way," Tommy explained.
"You think I enjoyed seeing you beaten?" Billy was losing his patience. "You think it didn't about drive me mad seeing them hurt you? But, I recognize there was nothing I could do. All I can do is try to put it behind me and go on. That is what you have to do also. Remember what you drilled into me during my karate lessons? 'Let go of the anger, it will hurt more than help you'. The same applies here. Forgive yourself for not being omnipotent, and forget it." Tommy found some solace in his friend's words.
Tommy had finished cleaning Billy's wounds. He wondered if he looked as pale and drawn as Billy did. Both boys carefully pulled on their shirts. (Billy had donated his tank top for first aid purposes, so he had only the flannel shirt.) They both lay down on their "bunks" and tried to relax. It wasn't easy, wondering as they were what Mondo had planned next.
· * * * * * * * * * * *
Kat had been ready for her date with Tommy for almost forty-five minutes. She realized she was being ridiculous, but she was unable to help herself. She had dreamed of this night since she had first met him. Going out with Tommy on a real date. Not just hanging out, but an honest to goodness, real, live, date. She tried to calm herself, knowing that if she were too keyed up she would ruin the evening.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the buzz of the doorbell.
"I've got it!" she called to her parents, hurrying to answer the door.
"Kat, you look terrific," 'Tommy' greeted her. She was wearing her favorite black cashmere sweater with pink trim, and a simple black skirt. The dark colors set off her fair beauty to perfection.
"You look pretty good yourself," she demurred. He was wearing a black tailored shirt with red piping and black pants.
"Well, at least we don't clash. But with both of us wearing black, we might not want to loiter in front of a bank tonight." He quipped.
She smiled in reply as her parents walked into the room.
"Mum, Dad, you remember Tommy," she said.
"Of course, how are you son?" greeted her father offering his hand in greeting.
"Fine, sir," 'Tommy' replied, shaking the proffered hand.
"Where are you kids going?" Kat's mother asked with a smile.
"Marco's for dinner, maybe a late show at the triplex if they are playing anything good," 'Tommy' replied easily.
"Well, have the princess home by midnight please," Mr. Hilliard requested.
"No problem, sir," 'Tommy' assured him as Kat blushed. "Ready?" he asked her.
"Absolutely, lets go," she replied.
The two of them made their escape to 'Tommy's' waiting car, laughing as they held hands.
· * * * * * * * * * *
Rocky, Adam, and Tanya were hanging out at the Youth Center. Supposedly, they were studying for an upcoming math test. In reality, they were gossiping. Though, of course, only Tanya would have called it that. The guys would have called it something more macho, "shooting the bull" perhaps, but the bottom line was, they were gossiping.
"I think Kim made a better match for Tommy," Rocky declared. "Kat is too serene for him."
"Serene? Where the heck did that come from? Too serene?" Tanya teased.
"Well, she is serene, isn't she?" he shot back.
"Yeah, I suppose she is, but what of it? Tommy could probably use some serenity in his life," Tanya said.
"Sure maybe for a while, but long term? Nah, he needs excitement, fire, someone who ignites him. That was Kim." Rocky insisted.
"Actually, I think you got it backwards. He needs the 'ignition' short term, and 'serenity' long term," Tanya replied.
"Nope, Tommy is an 'ignition' sort of guy," Rocky sounded very sure of himself.
"I think Kim would be a great match with Billy," Adam interjected before Tanya could reply to Rocky.
"Billy!?" both Rocky and Tanya were surprised at Adam's suggestion.
"Sure. The same way I think Tommy and Kat are a good match. They create a balance with each other. One fiery, one more placid. Balanced, ying and yang, whatever you want to call it," Adam explained.
The other two considered his suggestion.
"I guess that makes sense," Rocky thought out loud. "I just always thought Kim and Tommy made a great couple."
"I'm sure they did, it just ended up being short-term," Tanya added. She liked Adam's logic. "It would be interesting to see Billy and Kim as a couple. I can't quite picture it. Of course, it might help if I knew Kim personally, not just by reputation."
"She's going to be in town next week, you will have to meet her. I think you two will like each other," Adam remarked.
"I'm sure they will." All three jumped at the voice behind them, and turned guiltily to see 'Billy' standing there.
"How long have you been standing there?" Rocky croaked.
"Long enough to know who you guys think I should be dating." 'Billy' replied.
"Oops, sorry, we meant no offense," Tanya stammered. 'Billy' made her a bit nervous sometimes.
"None taken. I'm actually flattered you think I could date someone like Kimberly," he smiled.
"You should ask her out next week when she's in town," Rocky proposed.
"Maybe I will," 'Billy' replied with a grin.
Something about that grin bothered Adam, though he couldn't say why.
· * * * * * * * * * * *
Dinner at Marco's turned out to be as good as it was reputed to be. Kat was having the best date of her life. 'Tommy' proved to be a charming dinner companion, keeping up a light, entertaining conversation. He even danced with her to the soft music provided by a four-piece band. The entire evening felt dusted with enchantment.
After dinner, they strolled hand in hand down the main street, window-shopping, something Kat had not done since her youth in Australia. Eventually, they made their way to Angel Grove Park, to the path along the pond. 'Tommy' paused and looked out over the pond, seemingly deep in thought. Kat was silent, not wanting to break the mood. 'Tommy' finally turned to her and gently took her into his arms. The kiss was gentle and passionate at the same time. When at last they parted, Kat was left weak-kneed. Her eyes met his, and she felt herself lost in the depth of his gaze. Again their lips met, this time his kiss was deeper, more insistent. Kat was shaken by its intensity.
"Mmmm! Tommy, please!" Kat pleaded, pulling away from 'Tommy'.
"What? You don't like this?" 'Tommy' asked incredulously.
"I..I..It's going a little too fast," she stammered. "I like it, but, it's too, um, intense, I guess."
"Intense can be good. Just go with it, try, please," 'Tommy' pleaded, using his considerable charm.
Before Kat could answer, 'Tommy' kissed her again. Kat tried not to pull back, not wanting to disappoint him. Then she realized where his hands were. She tried to back away from him, but he just pulled her tighter against him, his hands roaming freely over her chest and up her skirt. She struggled more desperately, finally managing to drive her knee into his groin. That worked.
"Damn! Why did you do that?" 'Tommy' groaned.
Kat was in tears, "I…I..You…You…didn't….stop…" she was unable to complete the sentence.
'Tommy' realized he had gone too far. He hadn't wanted to hurt Kat, he was appalled at what he had almost done.
"Please, Kat, I'm sorry. God, you must hate me. I didn't mean to do that, I just got carried away, please, forgive me, I didn't mean to hurt you.." 'Tommy' pleaded with Kat, who continued to cry and back away from him.
"Let's just sit here at this table and collect ourselves, okay?" he proposed, seeing Kat couldn't even reply to him at this time.
She sat down on the edge of the bench, 'Tommy' sat the other end, waiting for her to regain her composure. Eventually, she was able to speak calmly.
"Tommy, I asked you to stop and you didn't. How could you treat me, treat anyone, that way? I never would have expected it of you."
"I don't know what to say Kat. I got carried away, I truly meant you no harm. I apologize for what I did, and I promise, I will never try to do something like that again," he replied.
Kat eyed him warily. "Please take me home now," was all she'd say.
They drove back to Kat's house in silence.
· * * * * * * * * * *
Tommy and Billy were carefully working out in their cell. Their lash marks had scabbed over, but they still had to be careful not to twist or stretch too far. The wounds had a tendency to reopen, an experience they found to be quite unpleasant. The two friends were trying to put the beatings behind them. They were making a conscious effort to regain some optimism. It was hard going, though. Both jumped at the sound of someone entering the cellblock. They started having bad dreams, their sleep was interrupted, and their tempers grew shorter.
"Damn it, Billy, be careful!" Tommy snapped as Billy accidentally hit him in the ribs.
"Sorry, I forgot how close you were, you could try keeping your distance consistent," Billy responded.
"Oh, of course, it's my fault. So sorry!" Tommy shot back.
"Don't be such a jackass!" Billy was getting madder by the moment.
"Look who's talking, jerk!" Tommy found himself face to face with Billy.
The moment spun out.
"Geez, I'm sorry Tom." Billy apologized. "I don't know what got into me."
"Hey, I'm sorry, too. We are just on edge these days. It's not like you hurt me, I just lost control there." Tommy felt as bad as Billy did.
Billy sunk down on the bench. "We're the original fun couple, aren't we?" he sighed.
"Maybe we're not fun, but we sure are cute!" Tommy quipped.
That got them both giggling. It wasn't that funny, it was just how they seemed to react these days. Between lack of sleep and the constant stress they were having mood swings that put any menopausal woman to shame. And both were sick of it.
· * * * * * * * * * * *
Kat stared out her bedroom window. Since her date with 'Tommy' two days before, she had rarely left her home. She knew her parents were worried, but she felt she couldn't face anyone. She just knew they would take one look at her and know what had happened. That was a shame she couldn't face.
"Kat, telephone!" her mother called up to her.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"Tommy, again," came the reply.
"Please tell him I'm busy," of all the people she couldn't face, he topped the list.
She heard her mother's muffled response to 'Tommy' and the sound of the phone being hung up. She heard her mother's tread up the stairs and down the hall to her door. Kat sighed, knowing what was to come.
"Kat, please, what is wrong? Did he hurt you somehow?" Kat's mother was more than a little worried. It was not like Kat to hide.
"No, Mum, we just had a disagreement. I need some time to get over my disappointment. I thought I could have a good relationship with Tommy, but it didn't work out." Kat tried to keep her voice steady.
Her mother heard the waiver in Kat's voice, and it broke her heart. However, she remembered the mercurial relationships teenagers were apt to develop. She had had her fair share of heartbreaks in her youth.
"I'll leave you alone then, if that is what you want. But, please remember, whenever you want to talk, whatever you want to talk about, I will be here for you." Kat felt tears come to her eyes at her mother's words.
"Thank you," she whispered.
· * * * * * * * * * * *
Rocky and Adam were at the Youth Center sparring when their communicators emitted the familiar beeping tune. They hurried to a deserted corner of the building and contacted the Power Chamber.
"This is Rocky, what's up guys?"
"Rocky, you and Adam must join the other Rangers in Angel Grove Park. Mondo has sent down the dangerous Machete Monster, who is decimating the foliage in the park." Zordon replied.
"On our way, Zordon!"
"It's morphin' time!"
"Zeo Ranger three – blue!"
Zeo Ranger four – green!"
In a flash of green and blue the two teleported out to join the other Rangers in Angel Grove Park.
The Machete Monster turned out to be like the other monsters Mondo had sent down recently, reasonably easy to destroy. They did not even need the Gold Ranger's assistance, though Jason was standing by in the Power Chamber. As soon as the Machete Monster was destroyed the five Power Rangers teleported back to the Power Chamber.
"That was quick," 'Tommy' commented. "Is it just me, or are we kicking butt big time recently?"
"It has gone quite easily," Adam concurred.
"If that is all, I am going to go on home," Katherine said softly.
"Are you okay? I haven't seen much of you the past few days," Tanya asked.
"I'm fine," was the soft reply. "I've just been busy."
Something in her tone told Tanya she was anything but "fine", but this would not be the time or place to pursue it. 'Tommy' barely glanced at Kat, he was going over something with 'Billy' regarding the just completed battle. The coolness and distance between 'Tommy' and Kat worried Tanya. She made a mental note to contact Kat privately as soon as possible.
"Yes, Katherine, nothing more needs to be done at this time. You are all free to go about your lives again," Zordon announced.
Without another word, Kat teleported out.
"I guess we can get back to our practice," Adam suggested.
At Rocky's nod, they also departed.
Jason walked up to Tanya. "Is something bothering you?" he asked quietly.
"Kat is bothering me. I think something is wrong between her and Tommy. Could be they had an argument. It might be a good idea if I drop on by her house for a visit." With that, Tanya teleported.
Jason glanced over to where 'Tommy' and 'Billy' were still discussing the battle.
"I think it would be a good idea to check over the Blue Zeo Zord. Rocky's reaction time seemed a little slow, and I don't think it was due to Rocky." 'Tommy' was saying.
"Will do," was 'Billy's' reply.
"I was going to head on over to the Youth Center for a workout. Either of you guys want to come alone?" Jason offered.
"I'm game," 'Tommy' replied.
"I think I'll finish up around here," 'Billy' responded. "Thanks for the offer. You guys enjoy yourselves."
Jason and 'Tommy' teleported out, leaving 'Billy' to continue his work in the Power Chamber.
· * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tommy and Billy were resting in their cell. They had just finished an intense workout that had left them sweaty and exhausted. The quiet was broken by the sound of the door at the end of the corridor opening. Both teenagers looked up apprehensively. It was Mondo, Klank, and a half dozen cogs.
"Playtime!" Mondo announced with demonic glee. "Get them ready," he ordered the cogs.
Billy was stripped of his shirt and bound to the end wall. Tommy found himself bound to the bars of the cell, where he would have an unrestricted view of whatever happened to Billy.
The boys had discussed what they could do when Mondo came for them again. Both had agreed to suppress their anger and fear, or at least their expressions of the emotions, as much as possible. So while Tommy experienced a fear and anger more intense than he could ever recall, he remained silent.
Mondo looked at Tommy curiously. Though the young man was silent, Mondo looked into his eyes and saw the truth. Klank was right. The Red Ranger would suffer more seeing his companion hurt, than if he himself were hurt. Interesting.
Mondo unfurled the whip. He glanced again at Tommy, then let loose with his first strike. Billy's gasp of pain was clearly audible. Mondo checked Tommy's reaction. The pain and fear in Tommy's eyes were a joy to behold.
"How does it feel, Red Ranger, to see a friend beaten in your place? Yes, this for your benefit." Mondo taunted the teen.
He continued the beating. By the sixth stroke, Billy was crying out loudly in pain. By the eleventh he was frantically screaming and struggling against his bonds. By the fifteenth he was unconscious.
Mondo had continued to observe Tommy's reactions during his friend's beating. Even as inexperienced as Mondo was in reading human emotions, he knew what he saw in the teenager's eyes. Pain, hatred, guilt and despair. Some things were universal after all. Looked like the torture of the Red Ranger was going well.
Mondo had to cogs released Tommy first. "Release your companion from his bonds, and take him with you back into your cell," he ordered Tommy.
Tommy carefully released Billy from the manacles. He lifted his unconscious friend gently in his arms and carried him back into the cell. He was shaking with emotion as Klank locked the cell door.
"I WILL get you for this, some day, some time," he promised Mondo.
"Some day you might," Mondo agreed. "That is, if you survive your time here. You must realize by now that your so-called friends have accepted the clones in your places. They haven't even noticed a difference. Seems the two of you are quite replaceable."
King Mondo chuckled as he and the others departed the cellblock.
Tommy looked down at Billy, tears in his eyes.
"Oh, God, I can't believe what he has done to you. Please, hang in there, we can't give up," he pleaded softly, as he reached for the alcohol. It would be best to clean the wounds before Billy regained consciousness. Tommy set about his painful task.
· * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tanya found herself outside Katherine's home. She steeled herself and walked up to the front door. Kat's mom answered her knock.
"Hello, Tanya, here to see Katherine?" Mrs. Hilliard asked.
"If she's here," Tanya replied.
"She is in her room. Go on up. I have had the feeling she needs to talk to someone since her date with Tommy. Did anything happen? She says not, but she has been so depressed it upsets me. Maybe she'll talk to you," Mrs. Hilliard paused, "I guess I'm babbling," she said sheepishly, "Sorry, I'm more worried about Katherine than I like to admit."
"I understand, Mrs. Hilliard, I'm concerned too. But she hasn't said anything to me about it. I'll see what I can do about that," Tanya promised.
Mrs. Hilliard offered her a thankful smile, as Tanya headed up to Kat's room.
Kat answered the knock on her door with a disinterested "come in." She had expected her mother, so she was surprised to see Tanya standing there.
"Tanya, I wasn't expecting to see you!" Katherine sat up and hurriedly tried to pull herself together. She felt definitely "rumpled" and didn't want her friend to see her this way. It might lead to too many questions.
"I know you weren't, but we need to talk," Tanya said in her direct manner. "What happened between you and Tommy?"
"I don't know what you are talking about, Tommy and I are fine. Nothing important happened," Kat hedged.
"Don't give me that line. I know better. I saw how you two reacted to each other in the Power Chamber. I felt the chill. Heck, I can see it now in your eyes. Something happened, and I want to know what it is. If you won't tell me for your own sake, then tell me for the team's sake. Having two members at odds with each other could lead to very big problems. Come on, Kat, spill it," Tanya ordered.
Kat paled, and tears came to her eyes. But still she didn't speak.
Tanya sat down beside her and put her arms around her friend.
"I won't tell anyone, unless it is a clear threat to the team. But seeing your reaction tells me that you need to get it off your chest. Please. If you won't tell me what happened, tell me who you would be able to speak to about it, and I will go with you to them. Kat, you need to talk about this," Tanya pleaded.
Kat started to cry. "It was Tommy. He….he kissed me. God, that sounds stupid. I mean he kissed me so…so…. intensely. I asked him to stop, he wouldn't. I got upset, I don't know, the kiss was just too much, too fast, I was feeling things, I wanted more, I wanted him to stop, I just…just…just…" Kat's voice devolved into sobs.
Tanya was beginning to understand what had happened. It was not as bad as she had feared, but it was not good. Tanya had sometimes heard older boys in her former village talk about how hard it was to stop when they got "excited". (Of course, the boys had no idea she was listening, that had been the point. Often, at the time, she had not even understood what they were talking about. Time had brought understanding.) Tommy had always struck her as having more control than that, but maybe that was a false impression.
She continued to hold Kat, soothing her with comforting words. Finally Katherine was able to speak.
"I'm sorry I lost it like that. You see, Tommy did not really do anything bad, I am just overreacting," Katherine started.
"Stop right there! He DID do something bad. He didn't stop when you asked him to. He overstepped the boundary you set up, and he betrayed your trust. Yeah, he did something bad." Tanya was adamant.
"Okay, it was bad, but it could have been worse. He did stop, eventually." Kat explained.
"How did you get him to listen to you?" Tanya asked.
"I, uh, kneed him where it counts." Kat was blushing furiously.
Tanya giggled. "I wish I could have seen that! Good job!"
"It did work remarkably well," Kat started to giggle too.
"Kat, you need to decide what you want to do about this situation. You can't ignore it, you need to resolve your feelings about Tommy." Tanya advised once they had stopped giggling.
"Tanya, I just don't know what to do at this time. I'm so confused. See, I wanted him to stop, but part of me didn't want him to. I am mad at him, and I still like him very much. Part of me never wants to see him again, and another part is ready to go out in search of him. God, and I thought PMS made me nuts!" Kat explained.
"You need to see him. Talk to him and get his reactions to what happened. If you are still confused at all, ask him to give you time to sort things out. He owes you at least that much. Do you think this would allow you to at least work with Tommy on the team, and maybe leave your room now and again?" Tanya asked gently.
Kat thought it over. "It's a plan. I'll call Tommy and set up a meeting so I can talk to him." She looked at Tanya almost shyly. "Thank you so much. I already feel a thousand times better."
"You're welcome. You know, you can always come to me if you need something. That's what friends do, isn't it?" Tanya asked.
"Yes it is, and I'll be here for you too, should you need me," Kat said sincerely.
"Tell you what I need. Ice cream! Let's say we get out of here and get some ice cream down at Ye Olde Ice Cream Parlor. Sound good?" Tanya was ready for action.
"My treat, let's go!" was Kat's response.
Mrs. Hilliard heard Kat's quick shout that they were going out for a treat, and the girls' giggles. The sound of that lifted her heart. It sounded like Kat was okay.
· * * * * * * * * * *
Tommy replaced the cap on the bottle of alcohol. He had done the best he could cleaning the mess that was Billy's back. Since Billy was still unconscious, he took the chance to clean some of the deeper cuts quite thoroughly. Most of them had stopped bleeding and were already scabbing over. Billy had once commented that the Power Rangers seemed to heal more quickly than normal. He speculated that it had to do with their connection to the powers. Tommy thought they must still have that ability, as he and Billy had both recovered from the first beating fairly quickly. However, looking at Billy's condition after this last beating, it was going to take a lot longer this time. If it were available, he could really use some time on the "table" as the Rangers referred to it. The "table" was a device Zordon had that could be used to accelerate the healing of soft tissue injuries. They only used it for severe injuries, and it was not useful for broken bones, but in a case like this it would be perfect. It would even keep it from scarring.
Tommy sighed and reached out to gently brush back the hair from Billy's face. He thought about how long he had known Billy, the things they had done together. There was a time in Tommy's life when, if he had been told one of his closest friends would be a quiet genius, Tommy would have laughed out loud. The thought that he would be a part of a team of young people dedicated to saving the world would have resulted in more derisive laughter. Odd how life worked out. Tommy didn't like to think where he would have ended up without the Power Rangers and the friends he made there.
Of the friends he made on the Power Rangers, Billy was the least likely. Tommy was far from stupid, but intellectual pursuits were not his thing. He was more a man of action, possessed of a natural athletic ability that allowed him to master any sport he attempted. Billy was his opposite. He could spend hours sitting in one place researching or studying an idea. Though Billy was certainly physically capable of athletic pursuits, it was not where his true interest was. He pursued karate for the ability it gave him to fight the minions of Rita, Zedd, or Mondo, and for the meditative aspects of the sport.
Thinking of Billy's pursuit of karate brought a ghost of a smile to Tommy's face. Billy had been so bad at karate at first. Tommy had heard of the awkward teen years, but he had never met an embodiment of them until he met Billy. He had been so clumsy. It took him at least twice as long as anyone else to learn the basic moves. But, Tommy had quickly come to respect Billy's determination. He never gave up. It had paid off, when finally Billy's body got in harmony with his mind, and overnight it seemed Billy could fight effectively. Tommy had a strange sort of satisfaction seeing how well Billy did in hand to hand combat now. He was proud of his friend.
When Jason came back, he commented to Tommy on how improved Billy was. Jason had been Billy's first karate teacher, but had had to leave before Billy had gotten very far. Tommy thought back to those early days, and one conversation in particular.
They had been working out at the Youth Center. Tommy was still the Green Ranger, Jason the team leader, and Billy a beginning karate student. Billy had finished his lesson and headed home to do some research. Tommy and Jason had been alone at their usual table talking.
"Do you think Billy is ever going to get it?" Tommy asked.
"Oh, yeah, he'll get it," Jason assured him. "I've known Billy a long time, if he sets his mind to learning something, he will learn it."
"If you say so. It is just that he really isn't very good," Tommy replied. "You have a lot a patience with him."
"He's my friend," Jason stated simply. "In some ways I think of him as a younger brother. Which is kind of silly since he is actually a couple of months older that I am." He laughed.
"Really? I thought he was at least a year or so younger," Tommy was surprised.
"Nope. But I understand your confusion. There is just something about Billy that makes him seem like the quintessential younger brother. If you look at him, he is almost exactly the same size as Zack. Maybe even slightly taller. But in my mind Billy is much smaller. I don't know why, but that is how he appears in my mind. Maybe it has to do with the fact I know Billy has had a hard time in life. He has always been a misfit, his mom died a few years ago, bullies like Bulk and Skull are forever targeting him. Whatever, but he gives the illusion of needing protection. Boy, would he be pissed if he heard me say that!" Jason said.
Tommy thought about what Jason had said. He had articulated what Tommy had been unable to regarding their quiet friend and he had never forgotten that conversation. Billy did still sometimes seem smaller and more vulnerable than the other Rangers did. Even though it was an illusion, it still brought out the protective tendencies in Tommy. Which made this situation even more hellish.
· * * * * * * * * * * * *
In the Zeo Zords secret hideaway, 'Billy' had managed to successfully wire an explosive device in the blue zeo zord. That meant he now had three of the zords set, as well as four locations in the Power Chamber. Things were progressing nicely. He decided he had done enough for one day, time to get out and see the real world for a while. He had been careful to try to keep up the schedule his memories indicated were normal for Billy. But it was hard to labor all day in the Power Chamber while there were so many other things he could be doing.
He headed to the Youth Center intent on getting in a workout. He knew Billy did that occasionally, and it was one activity the clone actually enjoyed. Maybe he could hook up with a date for the evening.
He spotted Rocky and Adam upon entering. He waved to them before stopping by the counter to get a smoothie. Both boys smiled at 'Billy' when he joined them at the table.
"Escaped from your cage, did you?" Rocky asked with a smile.
"Yep. Alpha turned his back, and I got away. They got to learn to be more careful," was 'Billy's' cheerful reply.
Adam grinned at him. "Getting out is pretty easy. Getting in, now that can be the problem. Just ask Mondo."
"Tell you what, you ask Mondo. I'd just as soon avoid the place. I came close enough on the trip back from Aquitar."
Though they all chuckled at that, Adam's heart wasn't in it. They had come much too close to losing Billy that time. He still felt a chill when he remembered how close it really had been. He decided a change of subject was in order.
"Kim is going to be in town for a couple of weeks, she arrives Tuesday. It'll be great to see her again. Though I feel a little guilty after the way she dumped Tommy."
"Yeah, it does make it a bit awkward. But, Kim is still our friend, I plan on seeing her, I just won't tell Tommy about it," 'Billy' said.
"It's been long enough, maybe Tommy can handle seeing her," Rocky suggested.
"That would be nice. It would also make things easier for all of us. Guess we'll just have to wait and see," Adam replied.
· * * * * * * * * * * *
Tommy sat on his "bunk" staring morosely at the floor of the cell. He was deeply worried about Billy, who was still unconscious. He had no idea if this was normal or not. He sighed and looked over at his friend. He was startled to see weary blue eyes looking back at him.
"Billy, welcome back," Tommy greeted him quietly.
"If you ask how I feel, I will kick your butt," Billy replied gamely. "Provided, of course, I ever get to the point where I can stand up."
"I guess I'd better not ask, then," Tommy smiled slightly, more heartened by Billy's attempt at humor than he would have believed. It told him his companion was still fighting. "Probably wouldn't like the answer anyway."
"Probably not. How bad is it? It doesn't actually feel that bad right now, but I haven't tried to move yet."
"Bad. You've been out two or three hours. I didn't count, but I think he got you fifteen times or so. Some are very deep, but the bleeding stopped pretty quick," Tommy looked away. "I'm so sorry. This is my fault." Tommy's voice was nearly inaudible.
"How do you figure this is your fault?" Billy was frankly amazed at Tommy's attitude.
"Mondo said your beating was for my benefit."
"That doesn't make it your fault. Mondo is the one who is at fault for everything we are going through. Tommy, you can't blame yourself for the evil actions of a psychotic pile of scrap like Mondo," Billy said with quiet emphasis.
Tommy looked over at him with haunted eyes. He wanted desperately to be able to believe what Billy was saying, but his heart just didn't buy it. But, he realized he shouldn't burden Billy with his guilt. God knew Billy had enough problems of his own to deal with right now.
"Dinner came when you were out of it. Think you could eat anything?" he asked.
"I suppose I should at least try. And to do that, I'll have to try to sit up," Billy replied. He very slowly started to shift around so he could sit up. Tommy hurried to his side to help. Despite their care, it was extremely painful. Tommy was appalled at how pale Billy turned.
"Maybe we shouldn't have done that," he worriedly said.
"Had to be done some time," Billy gasped. "I can't spend the rest of my life lying on this bunk afraid to move. Since I'm up, I might as well try to eat."
"Oh, yeah, that will make you feel MUCH better," Tommy noted, making a face of disgust. Both boys smiled wearily and settled down to eat.
In the silence, they both were wondering how much longer before the Rangers discovered the clones, and how much more they could take.
· * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Katherine met Tommy in a quiet corner of the Youth Center. She was nervous, but determined to come to some sort of decision, even if it was only to request more time to think about things. Talking with Tanya had made her realize that she was allowing what had happened with Tommy to rule her life. That had to change.
"Kat! It's good to see you," 'Tommy' greeted her, looking up with a bright smile and hopeful eyes.
This was not going to be easy.
"Tommy, hi. Thank you for meeting me here," Kat replied.
"Hey, no problem, I've been wanting to talk to you," 'Tommy' said. "I really wanted to apologize again. I feel terrible about what happened. There is no excuse for my behavior, so I can't even try to offer one. All I can say is, from the bottom of my heart, I am sorry." 'Tommy' directed his gaze downward, almost as if expecting a blow, either verbal or physical.
Kat sighed. "I know you are sorry Tommy. And I accept your apology." At this 'Tommy' looked up hopefully. "But I don't know if I want to try to date you again." Katherine blushed a little, realizing she might be assuming more interest on Tommy's part than actually existed.
"I would like to be given another chance. I hate to think I blew my only chance to date you," 'Tommy' stated.
Katherine almost wavered in her decision. Then she looked into 'Tommy's' eyes, and she remembered what Tanya said regarding if she had even the slightest doubt.
"I need some time, Tommy," she said firmly.
"Well, time I guess I can give you," he answered quietly.
"Um, are we going to be okay working together?" Kat asked hesitantly. "Are we still friends?" She felt a bit silly asking, but she had to know for sure.
'Tommy' gave her a smile. "Yeah, we are still friends. Nothing has changed between us regarding the team. Right?"
"Right" Kat finally felt the weight she had been carrying around on her heart since the disastrous date lift. She felt like she was okay, at last.
· * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jason waited impatiently at the airport. Kimberly's flight had been due forty minutes ago, and the most recent announcement indicated it would be another fifteen minutes at least. The last couple of days had been quiet. The only thing Jason had noticed was that 'Tommy' and Katherine seemed to have worked out whatever problem they had developed. They were cordial to each other, if not particularly friendly. Jason figured their date must not have gone too well.
'Tommy' and 'Billy' continued to bother Jason, and he still could not figure out why. He had found himself analyzing everything the two of them did or said. Then he realized what he was doing, and that he was bound to find all sorts of problems if he approached the two of them that way. He needed a new perspective, and he hoped Kimberly could provide that.
And, of course, he would be glad to see her. It had been far too long, and so much of the time they were literally on different sides of the world.
He moved over to the gate area as passengers finally started to filter into the airport from the long delayed flight. Jason searched the crowd for the familiar, petite figure.
"Kimberly! Kim! Over here," Jason shouted once he had spotted her.
Her smile warmed his soul. "Jason!" With that, she threw herself into his waiting arms. "It is so good to see you. It is so totally cool to be back!" She appeared to be trying to look everywhere at once with her usual energy. "I can't wait to see everyone!"
"Everyone?" he asked discretely.
"Well, almost everyone," her excitement waned suddenly. "Does he hate me?" She asked in a small voice.
"I doubt that he could ever hate you," Jason replied. "But he was very hurt. It has taken him a long time to get over it."
"So, he is over it? Good. I hated thinking I was hurting him." Kim looked over to the luggage carousel.
"So how is it going with your new boyfriend? Is he going to be coming to visit you here?" Jason asked as they headed over to collect Kimberly's luggage.
Kim's voice was quiet. "We broke up about three weeks after I wrote the letter. How's that for ironic?"
"I'm sorry. You must have been incredibly hurt."
"It is in the past. Why don't you tell me what is going on with Tommy and Billy. You sounded so worried when I talked to you," Kim said as they headed toward Jason's car.
"You will probably think I'm nuts, but I think the best thing is if I don't tell you anything. I would like for you to visit Billy without any preconceptions from me. I know it sounds mysterious, but I really want your unbiased opinion." Jason explained.
"Okay, that works for me. Let me get settled and I'll go hunt up my favorite walking encyclopedia. I've really missed him. And if he acts weird, we will figure out what we need to do then. 'Course with Billy it is sometimes hard to tell weird weird from normal weird." Kim smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry Jason. If something is wrong we will get to the bottom of it."
Jason actually did feel a lot better.
To be continued