Author's Notes - Yeaaah missed last week's update...or rather last 20 weeks. Sorry. This part is a bit…thrown together, I don't know, hopefully it's okay, even if I don't think it was worth the wait.
Summary - Kerch takes Zedd and Tommy to the zoo. Things get resolved, others understood.
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Family Outing
Tommy
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(One week later…)
Looking up at the large stone entrance way which will lead us into the zoo of sorts, I let my hand linger on the tags that I oh-so-graciously agreed to wear on my belt loop. The ones proclaiming that I am now vaccinated, disease free, and not a threat to this planet. Well an immediate threat, how much more crap I have to put up with while here will determine the long run.
It had taken Kerch all of two minutes to contact a healer and force him to see me at our convenience, and another two days to get me to agree to it after the horrendous humiliation which was my trip to the vet. Still though, in the end Kerch's persistence, and Zedd's bribery had won out, and I'd gotten the physical and shots which I needed, with no more fuss and embarrassment than would befall seeing a doctor on Earth. A slightly insulted and scared doctor, but a doctor none the less.
Hand touching my back, Kerch pulls me from my thoughts quickly. "So are you excited?" Looking at both myself and Zedd, he smiles at us broadly, looking for all the world like the proud farther that I truly believe him to be.
Giving a nod to satisfy him, as really I'm more intrigued than excited, I however comment in slight awe on the size of the structure, guessing from the buildings I can see in the distance that it is quite a large place. "It's very big."
"They have an exhibit on almost every animal on our section of the planet here. It's one of our largest enclosed habitats." Interesting.
"Geez the last time I was here…" Thinking it over and frowning slightly, Zedd apparently can't recall just when that time would have been, though as Kerch speaks up it's clear lack of memory does not run in the family.
"You were four hundred and seventeen." Smiling as Zedd turns surprised eyes onto his father, Kerch gives a shrug. "It was for your birthday, remember? You wanted to come see the Calics and Scorpionarachnids." Picking the last word apart and finally coming up with scorpion spiders, I have to wonder if that's accurate or not, and if so just how big said creatures are.
"Oh yeah." Recalling his trip now, Zedd gives a small nod as we head through the entrance, Kerch and myself dressed in casual clothing and white cloaks, while Zedd is of course clad in his usual black leather and silk, own black cloak standing out greatly against the white ones of the other patrons. "We took Zordon, he nearly wet himself after I got him to go into the Tragers pit on a dare."
Scowling at his son's laugh, Kerch shakes his head as we move to the first exhibit. "That wasn't nice, Zedd."
"No, but it was funny. Besides it got him back for daring me to kiss Zena the day before." Starting to see where their love/hate relation stems from.
"I swear you two are the most juvenile, immature, childish pair of… what the hell is that?" The scientist in me taking over as I get my first look at one of the inhabitants of the large exhibit before us, I momentarily forget about chiding Zedd in favor of moving closer to the animals, only to stop short as I realize there are absolutely no bars or any sort of visible deterrent to keep the enormous tiger like creature inside his space and out of ours.
"Oh the Tragers, do you like them? They're pretty much like your Earth Tigers only much bigger and with a purplish hue to their fur." Moving closer as he's explaining, Zedd only pauses when he sees I am not following any further. "What's wrong?"
"Where are the bars?"
"Bars?" Looking confused Kerch glances to Zedd for help, not seeming to quite understand what the problem is. "He wishes to…get a drink?"
"Oh, bars, right. No, he means bars on the exhibit. On Earth their exhibits have bars around them to keep the animals inside."
"Why?" Why? Because it keeps you from losing a limb?
Making a dismissive gesture, Zedd simply takes my hand, using his slightly greater strength to get me moving again. "Primitive world. Thomas there's no need for bars here, the structure is encircled with a force field, the animals can't get out, however this way the observer's view of them is not hindered. See much better for all involved." Until of course the force field fails and no one has any clue it has.
"I suppose." Studying the animals closely, only taking a small step back as one moves right up the invisible barrier in front of me, I marvel at just how purple and large they are. Definitely far bigger than any jungle cats we have on Earth.
"Don't tell me you're scared-" Tone far too amused, Zedd leans into my ear, giving it a teasing bite. "-of a little kitten like that."
Pulling away, head in the air and dignity in tact, I move onto the next exhibit. "Not in the least, I just find them slightly boring considering the fact I held the powers of one for a year or so."
"Mhm. What ever you say." Smug bastard.
Moving to the next display I find myself looking at what I would imagine would be very large monkeys. "What are these?"
Coming up beside me Kerch frowns apparently unsure himself. "I don't quite recall exactly what those are called. Give me a moment, there should be a plaque around here that will say." Moving a through the small crowd around us he leads me over to a small stone stand, which does indeed have a shining silver plaque fixed to it.
"Galics; primitive mammals which spend the majority of their time mating. They are typically covered in course fur, are large in stature with thick tails, large eyes, and blunt teeth. Low grade intelligence and high temperament. Closely related to humanoid species found on primitive planets such as Tracik, Blean, and Ear- hey!" Reading the rest of the description I find myself bristling at the mention of my home planet. "They're comparing these over grown monkeys to humans?"
Laughing and sliding an arm around my waist Zedd shakes his head. "Well your species did evolve from-"
"Shut up. Just shut up." Finger out daring him continue, I move towards the next exhibit, Zedd's yell following me as I go.
"Hey look at those two go at it! I never knew they could bend like that!" Oh god.
Head down and slightly embarrassed to be seen with the still pointing and laughing Zedd, I sigh as Kerch catches up to me a slight smile on his face. "I see he hasn't calmed down with age."
"No, he definitely hasn't. Sometimes I think the kids are more mature than he is." Hell I'd even go so far as to say Conner is more mature than him when caffeine and sex are involved. All right and I did not just put the Red Ranger's name and the word sex in the same sentence, wrong, very very wrong and slightly stomach turning.
"Kids?" His one-worded question not registering as my attention is drawn again to the reason we're here, I barely notice as he doesn't instantly follow me.
"These look like lemurs." The next habitat displaying small grey primates with long ringed tails and large brown eyes, I move to find the information plaque on them, once more feeling my hackles rise as I see their description. "Acrinds; A young and fair recent breed of Acrads these creatures came about from isolation between the Ring-tailed Acrads and Rinfs off of the central coast. Typically half the size of purebred Acrads and Rinfs, these creatures present the grayish color of both along with the signature rings of the Rinfs along their tails. Prone to short tempers, violent outbursts, and manipulative behavior, these creatures' moods most commonly fit those of temperamental species such as granbs, jalstos, huma- all right that's it." Moving away and fighting my own temper as it really is no wonder eltarians thing so little of us if this is what they're taught to compare us to at a young age, I heave a sigh as Kerch returns to my side his hand finding my back.
"This was a bad idea?"
Feeling a bit bad as in reality it truly isn't a bad idea, just a bit frustrating with what it's bringing into light for me, I after a moment shake my head and offer up a small smile. "No, it's a good idea, I always like studying new species, and it really is very interesting to see some of the more primitive creatures from Zedd's word, just…"
"It's a bit insulting for you when they keep comparing said creatures to your species." Nodding when I do he moves me to the next area before pointing to a pool. "Perhaps you'll like these better."
Looking down into the water, I tilt my head as something skims the surface, though what it is I really can't tell. "What is- oh my god."
Smiling at my stunned reaction we both watch as the orange shark-like creature lifts itself out of the water enough to be seen. "It's a Tralon, they're very clever creatures, and fairly rare due to the fact they are not a crossbred, but yet as you can see by the eyes and shape have humanoid features." Yes it definitely does.
"It's amazing." Staring into the big blue eyes, and almost certain the creature is smiling at me in amusement, I barely catch Kerch's next words.
"Now you mentioned something about kids, Tommy? What kids are you talking about exactly?" Kids?
"Kids?" Frowning but to recalling what kids he's referring too after a minute I catch back up with our previous conversation. "Oh the kids, right. My students and the last set of Rangers I led."
Looking just a bit relieved as I suppose he must have misunderstood earlier, he gives a quick nod. "Ah yes, the Rangers, of course. How are they, by the way?"
"They're good. They've got their lives ahead of them, relationships on the horizon. I'm proud of them; they've come a long way since they first got the power, both as Rangers and strong individual adults." Realizing that I am indeed very proud of them despite their small 'quirks' and stumbles, I reach into my back pocket and fishing out my wallet show him a picture of all of us that Zedd took during prom.
"Well, you all certainly look nice. Let's see Conner, Kira, Ethan, and the boy in white is Trent, correct?" When I give a nod he points to Hayley curiously. "Who is the woman though?"
"Hayley, she's the one that helped me and Zedd set up the lair and get all of the technology working. She's sort of like my sister I guess. My protective, older, bossy sister." Smiling and taking my picture back I move with him to the next exhibit. "It was taken at prom - it's a dance human children have after they finish school."
"Why did you and Hayley go?"
"We were celebrating. You know defeating Mesagog and all of that." Recalling all too well what Zedd and my 'celebrating' entailed that night I swallow back my hormones, knowing Zedd is most likely getting a dose of heat wherever he is, and focus on the conversation. "Zedd danced half the night away with me."
"Zedd danced?" Lifting a brow and looking a bit surprised, he leans against the new plaque for what I would guess is the duck/cat hybrids.
"Of course he did. He's a great dancer. Very smooth, fluid, sort of like how he does everything. He's very…effortless when he wants to be."
"Zedd? My son Zedd?" Why is that so amusing?
"Yes your son Zedd."
"That Zedd right there?" Pointing to my mate who is now examining another exhibit intently, Kerch is far too surprised by this.
"Yes that's the one. Why is that so surprising?"
"Because in his younger years he was a shy, inept, clumsy creature who could hardly keep from tripping over his own feet." The snide voice making me turn abruptly, temper flaring, and fangs bared as no one, and I mean no one will speak of my mate in such a way, I find myself face to face with a rather tall, blonde, weathered, and intimidating male. No allow me to correct myself, intimidating to others, not me.
"Kerr." Kerr? Looking the man dead on Kerch makes a point of pushing me behind him in a very Zedd-like manner of protection - one which will not do at all. "What do you want?"
"Maybe he wants a close up look at the Tragers. That could be arranged you know." Appearing at his father's side in a matter of moments, Zedd pushes the hood of his cloak back giving the man an unhindered look at his narrowed eyes and hard-lined features.
Not even bothering to acknowledge Zedd, something that I am almost positive he knows will push the sorcerer's temper to the top of the scale, Kerr, whoever he is, continues to address Kerch. "You know when Talon told me you'd taken the day off to come to the animal exhibits with the deviant and halfbreed, I thought he'd misunderstood. I told him surely Kerch of all eltarians would know better than to not only take an unvaccinated halfbreed, but also a wanted illegal - despite him being an inept one at that - out into the unaware public."
"Looks like you were wrong. Not that that isn't a typical pattern for you, however I would appreciate it if you didn't hunt me down and force me to prove it to you every time." Taking me by one arm and Zedd by the other as the both of us are now glaring in a manner that would probably befit two children, Kerch turns and begins leading us away. "Now if there's nothing else I've no intention of forcing my sons to share my attention with you today. Good day Kerr."
"You're breaking the laws dictated by the very council you serve Kerch." The Council, always with the Council. It's an obsession with their species I swear.
"I warn you Kerr, do not test my patience." Voice calm, but lined with hidden danger, much like his son's Kerch is quickly giving me the impression that looks aren't the only thing he and Zedd have in common. "Especially not where my children are concerned."
"Your children." Snorting and looking at me with open disgust, he's lucky my hand is now on Zedd's arm less he lose not only his teeth but also tongue and lips in the crossfire of Zedd's rage. "A mutt of a power holder and a temperamental deviant, not exactly something to be proud of Kerch." And the other hand is going on Kerch's arm now, even though I'd preferably have it on this Kerr guy's throat.
"At least we can be proud of him." Zedd's words surprising not only me but his father as well I'm sure, he moves forward staring the newcomer down. "Unlike your own son, who despises the very ground you walk on." His son? Who is…oh, oh my god that's why he looks familiar.
"You're Zordon's father." The words leaving my mouth before I can stop them, I look the man over once more. Why doesn't he look as much like Zordon as Kerch does to Zedd?
Tone now much more annoyed than smug, he looks at me through narrowed eyes. "An embarrassment of my own I'm afraid to admit."
"Says the egomaniacal scarecrow with the Napoleon complex." Zedd counters with a deadpan tone. Noting by the two confused looks which are turned on him, it takes me a moment to realize that neither parent would be aware of who Napoleon is, and furthermore the fact that Zedd is just shows how long he's been on our planet and away from his own.
"He says you're a self-centered idiot who thinks he has more power than he actually does," I clarify calmly. "And if in fact you do find your son something to be embarrassed about instead of in awe over, then I think I'll have to agree with him. Now if you'll excuse us - Kerr, was it? - we are currently having a bit of a family outing, one which you are not invited to join as I find your personality intolerable and your behavior distasteful at best. So in other words, good day, and goodbye." Turning away and starting off towards another exhibit I feel Zedd's pride over me through our bond, as I catch his rather smug response.
"What he said." Moving to catch up with me, his father by his side, both men have nearly rejoined me when the intruder's next words make us all take pause.
"Zarek is coming."
Stopping short at this all three us turn to fix the man with hard and heated looks.
"He will be here in a matter of days." Voice smug as he places the hood of his cloak back over his head, his expression is one that makes me suddenly wish I could control my power at the same will Zedd controls his. "Enjoy your 'outing', as it's likely it will be the last."
Watching him disappear back into the crowd, I take Zedd's clenched hand in mine giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Don't listen to him, what does he know."
"You mean aside how to anger and alienate people to the highest affect possible?" Kerch responds, his arm going around my shoulders as he steers Zedd and I over to an exhibit of something that looks like blue squirrels. "Not a thing, Thomas. Not one thing."
"Then why the hell did you use to mate with him?" Zedd's mutter causing me to look up in surprise and disbelief, I must have misheard. He couldn't have possibly said that-
"Same reason you did with Zarek, we both have bad taste in mates." Looking at me with a smile before I can protest, Kerch's arm finds my shoulder and gives a settling squeeze. "Present company excluded of course."
"Of course."
To be continued…..