Disclaimer- Disney owns the rights, I don't. I only make 6.75 an hour at Borders Books so yeah; I have a snowball's chance in hell at owning them. This chapter was inspired by the song Not Really Good by Eyeshine. Again HUGE thanks to my awesome beta Carla (PernDragonrider) who has kept me sane through this whole ordeal.
AN- Final chapter! This is it. Thanks to all of you who read and reviewed, you all rock! Again all spoilers from previous chapters apply. Also I am so sorry for the delay; I've been putting the final touches on this when I ran into some technical difficulties.
Started- 4/4/06 Completed- 10/31/06
Shoutouts-
Redandblack 4eva- Thanks, I will!
Tay- He will.
the real vampire- Eh, close enough. Think of it as payback for the cliffhangers you kept leaving. (Gives another pointed look.) Here's more!
TKcola5- I think you'll like the turnout of this chapter.
Carla- Glad you like it. Thanks so much.
1080- Thank you! Here's more!
hansongirl14- (Grins) Glad you love it! Here's more!
caithzadz- (Grins) The wait is over, here's more!
HarryPassionFan- Thanks, yeah I can understand that, there really is no point in it. Here's more!
Red Dragon Spirit Ranger- Um, maybe, then again no one's compared me to a baddie before. I feel special now. Wee. Anyway, here's more!
Yellowwolf- Thanks! Here's an update.
Cmar and Dagmar Buse- Thanks!
Marius Girl- Oh yeah, so do I, leaves you wanting more. Here's the update!
Khion- (Raises eyebrow) Dream on. Thanks, hope you like how this turns out.
Cranelove- Thank you! Here's the long awaited final chapter!
tommykinfan1-Thanks, here's more. Sorry to disappoint but no cat fight.
Rule Three: Rules are meant to be broken.
Chapter Three: Our Love is Real
After getting over the shock of seeing Tommy and Kat together, again, Kim put on a brave face and followed Kat and Tommy into the house. Aside for the three of them it was practically empty. Kim's brow furrowed slightly. "Where's...?" She jumped a foot when a trapdoor opened and Jason climbed out of the basement/lair. Despite what she was feeling, a huge grin came across Kim's face. "Jason!"
Jason grinned as Kim sprinted to him and did all but jump into his arms. He enveloped his little sister into a tight hug. "Missed you little sister," he murmured to her.
"Missed you too Jase," Kim murmured back. She then reluctantly pulled away, shooting Tommy a questioning look as she did. "Who owns motorcycles and jeep outside?"
Jason chuckled as he crossed the room to Tommy and Kat, wrapping an arm around the Australian's waist as he did. "Those are motocross bikes Kim, and the Jeep is Tommy's."
Kim looked at Jason and Kat, then at Tommy. Her eyebrows went up.
Way up.
A slow grin spread across her face. As she smiled, a wave of relief swept through her. Okay, she was a teensy bit jealous, but who could blame her? She couldn't help it but she'd always felt second best to Kat, especially since she had given up her Power Coin to her.
"Zordon, there is someone who can take my place; someone who would make an amazing Power Ranger." She caught Aisha's stunned look, she also knew her best friend was hurt as well. She would miss her so much. "Alpha?"
"Ay-yi-yi, this is so emotional!" The tiny robot exclaimed as it pushed several buttons, teleporting Katherine in the Command Center.
"Hi everyone," the blonde said to the group.
"I hope it's okay Zordon, I asked Alpha and Kat to be ready just in case you guys got me to change my mind."
"KIMBERLY, ONCE AGAIN YOU'VE DEMONSTRATED WISDOM BEYOND YOUR YEARS."
Kim smiled, "Thanks Zordon."
Passing on her coin was the hardest thing Kim had ever done, next to writing the letter to Tommy. Kim mentally shook herself to rid herself of those thoughts, now was not the time to think of the past. She flashed Tommy a bright smile, "so, where's your team? Down in the basement?"
Tommy nodded; the smile had never left his face since Kim arrived, it was wonderful seeing her face-to-face again, even though it was for a short while. Leading his former teammates downstairs to the lair, Tommy couldn't help but grin wider at Kim's reaction to the Dino Command Center. He stopped at the foot of the stairs letting Kim, Jason and Katherine pass him. Though Jason and Kat had seen the lair before, it still awed them.
Kim turned in a full circle, taking it all in. It was unbelievable, in some ways it reminded her of the original command center, she then came to a halt when her eyes laid on thirteen figures watching her. One of them looked very familiar to her, but she couldn't quite place him. "Um hi?" She turned to give Tommy a look that said thanks for the warning.
Tommy grinned sheepishly, having temporarily forgot about the Ninja Rangers when Kim had showed up. "Sorry, Kim this is the Ninja Ranger team, they were the last team before us." He quickly made introductions, when he reached Cam, recognition clicked.
Kim's eyes lit up, "I knew I recognized you Cam!" She grinned at him.
Cam warmly returned the smile and quickly filled in his friends and father. "Kimberly and I met when I was in Florida for a semester of my junior year. I was exploring the campus and when I checked out the gymnasium I saw Kim teaching the gymnastics team for Miami University. She was showing a routine and the way she moved, it was as if she had had martial arts training. So after the practice, I approached her. I asked her about her background and wondered if she thought about furthering her training."
Kim nodded, picking up. "I declined; I mean it would've been wonderful to come back here but I had, have, a commitment to the team. He told me about his family's dojo and if I ever came back if I would like to check it out." Her gaze met Cam's, warm, caring, friendly. "I'd like that." She then grinned. "I take it the dojo is a type of Ninja school?" Her grinned widened at Cam's nod. "Thought so."
Tommy watched the interaction between Kim, his Kim, and the former Green Samurai Ranger and couldn't help but feel a little jealous. Though he knew he had nothing to worry about, he was almost sure that by the end of the weekend, he and Kim would be on the right path to being back together.
Kim's gaze then lingered on the four teens that were unusually silent, taking note at the obvious color-coding. She held back a sigh, had it been that obvious when she was a Ranger?
Tommy, somehow reading her thoughts, leaned over and whispered in her ear, "that we were beautiful." When she threw him a questioning look, he elaborated. "You aren't exactly a closed book." He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Grinning at her embarrassed/pleased look he turned to the teens. "Come on over here guys."
Conner was the first to reach them. He grinned at her. "Hi, I'm Conner McKnight, Red Dino Thunder Ranger; Dr. O forgot to mention how much more of babe you've become. OW!" He exclaimed as a hand connected with the back of his head. He turned to glare at Kira. "What was that for?" He demanded.
Kira's hazel orbs met Conner's in a fiery blaze. "One, this is not a day and age where you can just make dumbass comments like that. Two, this may have not gotten through your thick skull but you can't treat women as if they're a complete ditz." She paused, fury in her eyes.
Conner flushed, whether with embarrassment or anger no one was sure. "Finished?" He asked so quietly that only Kira heard him.
"No."
His gaze narrowed, "won't anything shut you up?" Conner demanded.
"Probably not."
"Oh yeah? Try this on for size." Before Kira could say anything else, Conner pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to her in a passionate kiss. The Yellow Ranger struggled, but only briefly before seemly melting into Conner.
A moment later she jerked away, passion in her eyes fading to fury. "How dare you! You have no right to do that to me!"
Conner met her fury with his own. "You know a minute ago you weren't exactly protesting. If I didn't know you better, I'd say you actually enjoyed it." Her hand flew across his face with a sharp smack. The jock stood there stunned as Kira whirled around, bolting out of the lair. A few seconds later Kim, Tori and Kat followed the singer.
Jason shook his head and murmured to Tommy. "I think this kid needs our help."
Tommy reluctantly nodded. "I think you're right."
XxX
Kira hadn't gone far; she just needed to be alone more than anything. Tear had filled her eyes, threatening to spill over. They weren't tears of sadness, more like tears of embarrassment and hurt. She was embarrassed because Conner, stupid Conner, had kissed her in front of practically complete strangers. Hurt because he'd only done that to shut her up, not because he even cared one bit about her. Two tears managed to slip away and she furiously swiped them away.
"Kira?"
Kira whirled around, seeing the three former Rangers walking up to her. Turning away some, Kira tried to wipe away the evidence of her tears, but her efforts were futile.
When she turned back to them, Tori gave her a sympathetic smile. "How you holding up?"
Kira smiled bitterly. "Humiliated mostly. I can't believe that that jackass did that to me in a room full of people we barely know!"
Tori's smile widened. "You like him."
Kira's eyes widened. "No, not me. Uh-uh, you've got the wrong girl. I don't like him, I detest him."
The trio in front of Kira grinned at her as she mentally groaned. She wasn't the best of liars, but she could pull it off when necessary. This wasn't one of those times.
Kat smiled. "It's all right to have more-than-a-friend feelings for him Kira. We've seen the way you two look at each other, though Conner's a bit more obvious than you."
Kira flushed hotly. "Whoever has feelings for Conner McKnight should have their head examined. He's an arrogant jerk; he thinks before acting, he's "
"A hottie?" Tori supplied with a grin.
"Yes, I mean no! No, not a hottie." Kira's face turned as red as Conner's Ranger suit. "Not a hottie," she repeated, trying to convince herself more than the other three.
Kim and Kat shared a secret grin; Kira was so much like her predecessors. Kim spoke up. "Kira, is really a terrible thing to care for Conner?"
"Yes, I'd kill him."
"Why?"
"Because he's such a player, one week it'd be me, the next Cassidy Cornell."
"Are you sure about that?" Kim inquired, studying the current Yellow Ranger.
"I guess I'm not." Kira looked down, slightly ashamed. Normally she wasn't the type to jump to a conclusion like that. She looked up at the others. "I don't want to risk lo caring for him."
Tori smiled and went over to her, wrapping an arm around the teen's shoulders. "Who wants to make that kind of risk? And for a guy who you're crazy about." Her aquamarine eyes met Kira's hazel ones. "It's really not that bad once you get past that confused feeling and just let yourself love him."
"Who said anything about love?" Kira muttered. She sighed. "I want to, but I can't."
"Why?" Kat asked softly.
Kira ran a hand through her soft blonde/brown hair, blowing out a harsh breath of air as she did. "How could we make it work? We don't have a blessed thing in common except our powers. We come from two different worlds. We're complete and utter opposites."
"Yet you're attracted to him." Tori couldn't help but point out.
Kira nodded wordlessly.
XxX
Tommy and Jason managed to corner Conner shortly after the girls hightailed it out of the lair. Ethan, who was with the Ninja Storm team, kept throwing looks toward the trio, wondering if they were planning Conner's funeral. The current Blue Ranger's gaze then traveled to Trent, who was talking to Blake about designs for his bike, but was slightly distracted. Ethan saw his distraction and couldn't blame him, he knew that Trent liked Kira and only tolerated Conner. He also knew that Conner liked Kira very much and wanted to ask her out. Ethan sighed and shook his head, looking at his teacher who seemed as if he were in 'lecture mode'. He could only imagine what the good doctor had in store for the Red Dino Thunder Ranger.
Conner winced slightly as he got a nice tongue lashing from his teacher and the first Red Ranger.
"Conner, not only were you disrespectful to Kim, you embarrassed Kira and humiliated her. She had every right to be upset with you."
"Tommy's right Conner." Jason said, he couldn't help but grin as he added. "A very important rule of being a Ranger: never piss of the females, they will hurt you."
Conner nodded, unconsciously rubbing the place where Kira had smacked. "Yeah, I wasn't thinking." He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "Not the first time either "
Jason shook his head, smiling. "You like her, right?"
Conner shot him a 'no, duh' look. "Yeah, I do. A lot."
"Then tell her! Conner, I know actions speak louder than words, but you need to say something before pulling another stunt like that. Next time it won't be a smack across the face."
Tommy nodded in agreement. "Jason's right Conner, if you wait to long it could be too late."
Conner sighed and nodded. "You're right, next time I see Kira, I'm gonna pull her aside and tell her how I feel."
The original Red Ranger grinned and clapped the current Red Ranger on the shoulder. "Good idea." His gaze then traveled to the stairs to the lair, the girls coming back down. His eyes met Kat's and she nodded, letting him know things were okay. He smiled and nodded back, he then turned back to Conner. "Looks like that'll be sooner than you think."
Conner paled slightly but nodded, striding over to Kira, making it there before Trent, who'd also been making his way toward Kira. "Can I talk to you?"
Kira opened her mouth to protest, but stopped when she saw the determination on Conner's face. She nodded wordlessly, nodding toward the stairs so that they could get some privacy.
Kim smiled as she watched the teens make their way out of the lair. They reminded her so much of Tommy and herself it was slightly scary, yet reminiscent. Did she miss being a teen and a Ranger? Yes, so very much. Did she want to be? No, it would be wonderful to be a Ranger again, but she knew it wasn't meant to be.
Tommy walked up behind Kim and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Penny for your thoughts?" He inquired softly.
Kim smiled. "Just thinking, about how much Kira and Conner remind me of us."
Tommy nodded, smiling. "I was thinking the same thing Beautiful."
Soon, the Ninja Storm team reluctantly left, with promises of returning tomorrow for the reunion. The team however hung around, Ethan was at laptop, blowing up something or other. Trent was working on a sketch of Kat and Jason, though he kept looking at the stairs every few moments wondering what was going on between Conner and Kira
XxX
They had gone out onto the porch, it was quiet, peaceful. They were quiet for a few moments before Conner broke the silence.
"I'm sorry."
Kira's gaze snapped to his. "About ?"
"What I did earlier, I should have listened to you and I shouldn't have embarrassed you like that."
Kira's gaze softened. "I shouldn't have hit you either, I just got "
"Upset, I get it." Conner smiled and reached out to brush a curl from her cheek. "It happens." He moved closer to her, their gazes never wavering.
"Conner, I " Kira said, losing all coherent thought.
"Kira," Conner murmured, his eyes closing. Their faces were only an inch apart.
Kira closed her eyes, tilting her head up.
Then the front door opened, causing them to jump a foot apart, both blushing tomato red.
Shane smirked at the two. "Sorry 'bout that, but we gotta get going. We'll see you guys tomorrow."
"You're coming to the reunion?" Kira asked as they filed past them.
Tori grinned, stopping in front of Kira. "Yep, can't get rid of us that easily." She threw a look at Conner then turned back to Kira. "Everything okay?"
Kira nodded, smiling. "I think so."
The girls hugged then Tori hurried to catch up with the group. When she caught up when a certain person, he caught her hand with his their fingers intertwining. She leaned into him happily.
Conner watched them go; slightly envious, wishing he could be like that with Kira. He turned to meet her gaze. "Kira, there's something I need to tell you."
Kira cocked her head slightly, wondering what was going through the jock's mind. "What is it?"
"I, uh been wanting to tell you this for awhile now, but I was afraid how you react."
She smiled. "I won't be angry, you can tell me anything, you know that right?"
Conner nodded, swallowing tightly. "Yeah, I do." He drew in a deep breath. "Kira I..."
"Am I interrupting anything?"
Conner bit back a frustrated yell as Trent walked out of the house and over to them. He was so close! Forcing himself not to glare at his teammate, he practically snapped. "Actually you-"
"Didn't," Kira cut in, throwing Conner a warning look. "It can wait till later, right Conner?"
Fury filled the Red Dino Thunder Ranger. "Yeah, later," he bit out before storming back inside.
Trent looked at Kira, seemingly feigning innocence. "What was that all about?"
"Um, nothing..." Kira murmured, looking in the direction Conner had gone. "Nothing at all."
Trent eyed her, not really believing her, but didn't press it further.
XxX
Back inside Tommy was giving Kim an 'official' tour of the lair, after finishing introductions. He showed her the technology Hayley had created.
Kim couldn't help but stare in awe at the technology that lay before her. It seemed much more advanced than the Command Center, but it didn't have the perk of teleportation. An image on the screen caught her eye; it was a green and black swirling mass on the edge of this sprawling property. "Uh, what is that exactly?" She asked, pointing to the screen.
Tommy leaned forward just as the invisiportal disappeared on its own. "That was an invisiportal; it's what Mesogog's goons use to get around in."
Kim nodded, then caught the look on Tommy's face, full of concern and worry for the team. She laid a gentle hand on his arm, catching his gaze with hers. "You'll defeat him, I know you will."
Tommy smiled, drawing Kimberly into his arms, never wanting to let her go. "Thank you Beautiful."
Kim smiled, closing her eyes in happiness. "You're welcome Handsome."
They stayed in their embrace for two more seconds before Conner came stomping down the stairs, causing them to reluctantly to part. The look on the jock's face said it all, he'd tried to tell Kira how he felt for her and they'd been interrupted. Keeping a firm arm around Kim's shoulders, Tommy tried to meet Conner's gaze. "Want to talk about it?"
Conner shook his head. "No, but thanks anyway Dr. O." He looked over at Ethan, "I think we'd better get going anyway."
Ethan nodded in agreement, shutting his laptop down. He stood and walked over to the original Green and Pink Rangers, grinning. "It's an honor to meet you Kim."
Kim smiled at Ethan. "It's an honor to meet you Ethan; you've done the Blue Ranger mantle proud. The same goes for Conner, Kira and Trent."
Ethan couldn't help but blush at one of the highest compliments of all. "Thanks."
"You're very welcome." She and Tommy watched the two leave the lair, as did Jason and Kat. The duo soon made their way over to the first power couple.
Tommy glanced at them, reading Jason's face. "Leaving as well?"
Jason smiled and reluctantly nodded. "Unfortunately, yeah, but not to worry we'll be here bright and early tomorrow morning."
Tommy grinned and clasped hands with Jason, then pulled him into a tight bear hug.
Kim and Kat hugged tightly, "take care of him, okay?" Kim murmured.
"I will," Kat promised.
They pulled apart and Jason scooped Kim into a brotherly hug and kiss whilst Tommy did the same to Kat. Then he, Kim and Hayley followed Jason and Kat out to Jason's car. As they watched them pull away, Hayley said regrettably, "I'd better get going as well." She smiled at Kim. "It was great meeting you Kim." Then surprising both Kim and Tommy, she gave Kim a quick hug. As she did, the redhead whispered. "Don't you dare hurt him again."
Kim nodded slightly. "I wouldn't dream of it Hayley," she whispered back.
Hayley pulled away, nodding once, believing her. She smiled at them before heading over to the side of the house where her blue-green Sedan was parked, out of view from everyone.
Kim sighed as Hayley drove away, she turned to Tommy. "I should be headed to my hotel as well."
"Before you go, could we take a walk and talk?" Tommy asked, not wanting her to go just yet.
Kim smiled, "sure."
Tommy grinned and held his hand out to her; Kim grinned back and accepted it, their fingers twining together. They walked off; toward the direction the sun was setting.
The silence was comfortable between them, but Tommy didn't want to break it, but he knew eventually it would. He decided to start off with something easy, somewhat. "Do you miss being a Ranger?"
Kim slowed to a stop, turning to look up at Tommy. She nodded. "I do, but I've had my time."
Tommy nodded in understanding. "Remember when your time was nearly up before you were ready?"
Kim nodded, her face darkening. "How could I forget?"
"How is she Billy?" Tommy asked once Billy had completed the scanning on Kimberly. Her power coin had been stolen from her, then unknown at the time, by Kat.
Billy hit a few buttons on the scanner. "She's in a deep sleep," he said with a sigh. "By loosing her power coin has caused her body to get very weak. And I'm afraid with her power coin missing there's never gonna be another Pink Ranger."
"Ay-yi-yi! This can't be happening!" Alpha exclaimed.
"There's gotta be something we could do Zordon." Tommy said, looking up at their mentor. "We can't lose Kimberly." He looked down at her with pain filled eyes. "I can't lose her." He added softly.
"I could hear what was going on, but my body refused to wake up, it was like I could never wake up." Kim said with a small sigh.
Tommy could feel the pain radiating from Kim and pulled her close to him. "I'm sorry Beautiful, I shouldn't have reminded you."
Kim shook her head. "It's all right Tommy, yes it bothers me but I can talk about it."
Tommy smiled. "I'm glad to hear that."
Kim smiled and changed the subject. "So who's all on the party list?"
"Let's see, you, Jase and Kat of course. Adam, 'Sha, Rocky, Billy, Zack and Tanya, that's just from our team. Justin couldn't make it, something or other to do with a special project with NASA. TJ Johnson and Cassie Chan from the Space team, Leo Corbett and Karone from Lost Galaxy. Then there's Carter Grayson and Dana Mitchell from Lightspeed, Eric Myers and Wes Collins from Time Force."
Kim frowned slightly, remembering something about the Time Force team. "Weren't they a team from the future?"
Tommy nodded. "All except Wes and Eric, the rest of the team is back in the year 3004."
"Wow " Kim murmured.
"Yeah apparently, Wes loved their Pink Ranger, Jen, but she couldn't stay."
"That's awful, to be in love with someone who's another millennium away." Kim murmured sadly.
Tommy nodded and pressed a gentle kiss to Kim's temple before continuing. "Finally Taylor Earheart and Cole Evans from Wild Force and of course the whole Ninja Storm team."
Kim smiled then glanced at her watch. "As much as I hate to do this Handsome, I'd better get going before it gets too late." It was now dusk.
"Kim, wait Why not stay here, with me?" At Kim's surprised look, Tommy quickly clarified. "I mean you could stay in the guestroom or I'll take the guestroom and you take my room " Tommy trailed off, seeing the amused look on Kim's face. "I'm babbling, aren't I?"
Kim bit back a giggle and nodding. "Just a bit and I'd love to stay here with you."
Tommy smiled and they made their way over to Kim's car to get her luggage. Walking into the house and up to the guestroom, Tommy stopped short in the doorway. He mentally groaned, forgetting about the huge mess in there. Half-empty boxes were scattered about, looking like what was left in them had exploded. Whatever wasn't in a box was on the floor or on the bed.
Kim peeked in the room as Tommy turned back to her. Her eyes met his.
"I'm sorry Kim."
"Don't be, you didn't know you'd have someone staying over. It's fine, I'll crash on the couch."
"Absolutely not, you take my bed and I will take the couch."
Kim gave Tommy a steely glare. "I don't think so; I saw the couch you'd barely be able to fit on it."
Tommy tried to match her glare with one of his own, but failed miserably. "Okay, since I won't let you take the couch and you won't let me, so now what?"
Kim smiled. "Well, this is probably stretching it some, but oh well. We could share your bed. Since we're both mature adults who know what their doing."
Tommy smiled and nodded. He'd been thinking the same thing but hadn't wanted to say anything in fear of scaring Kim off. "Sounds like a plan. Why don't you go ahead and freshen up? I've got to finish some things down in the lair."
Kim nodded and took her bags from Tommy then went into the bathroom. He turned to go when Kim's voice stopped him.
"Tommy?"
He turned as Kim walked up to him. "Yes Kim?"
She said nothing, just stood up on her tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on his lips. When she pulled away she murmured, "thank you Tommy. I'm so glad we found each other again." With that she turned and went back into the bathroom. It wasn't until Tommy heard the shower running he murmured back. "Me too Beautiful."
Down in the lair Tommy sat in front of the computer, studying the imagine that Kim had seen. The property was so familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. The house itself was quite luxurious, all white with sprawling gardens as well as a greenhouse. A nice sized pond was nearby the property. Tommy sighed, wracking his brain, he knew he'd see that house before, but who owned it?
Then the Black Ranger sat up straighter, realization hitting him like a ton of bricks.
It was the home of Anton Mercer.
Tommy frowned, his brow wrinkling in confusion. Why would there be invisiportals on Mercer's property? Could it be possible that he was somehow involved with Mesogog?
No, Anton couldn't be. Tommy thought, shaking his head. Then again he isn't the Anton you once knew.
"Tommy?"
He turned, seeing Kim standing her in a pair of black sweat pants with hot pink stripes down the middle and a white and pink spaghetti strap shirt, showing off just a tiny hint of her tanned tummy. Tommy's mouth dried up, even the simplest of bed wear could send his heart racing.
"Tommy?" Kim asked again when he didn't answer. Concern filled the features on her face, on the inside she was pleaded that all after all these years she could still leave him speechless.
"Huh?" Tommy said when he finally snapped out of it. "Sorry Kim, I was thinking."
"Thinking." Kim repeated with a small smile. "What about?"
"I figured out who lives on that property where you saw that invisiportal."
"Really?" Kim said as she went to get another look at the image.
Tommy nodded, watching her walk past him, catching a whiff of her perfume, warm vanilla sugar. He snapped himself back to reality. "It's where Anton Mercer lives."
Kim paused, turning to meet Tommy's gaze with hers, the same thing running through her mind just as it had run though is. "You don't think " She trailed off, not wanting to accuse Tommy's former associate of something she barely knew about.
"I don't know Kim," Tommy said, turning to shut down the equipment. "I mean those invisiportals have been appearing all over the city, but as far as I know, not on anyone's property, just in the city or out in the forest." He turned. "It could be just a crazy coincidence."
"And if it's not?" Kim inquired softly.
"I hope it is Kim, I really hope it is." Tommy sighed as he stood. "Mercer is Trent's father. He adopted him after his parents passed away." His eyes met hers.
"I hope you're right Tommy." Kim murmured. "I know we've been though a lot in the past, but we've never encountered Rangers whose enemy was their family as well."
Tommy nodded, their team hadn't, but others had. He knew it was hard for those teams, but always they had returned to the call of duty. He sighed and shook his head then held his hand out to Kim. "Let's go to bed beautiful," he murmured, sending shivers up and down Kim's spine. She nodded and accepted his hand, together they walked hand in hand to his bedroom.
XxX
"Hey Beautiful, it's time to wake up."
Kim's eyes met Tommy's in disbelief. She smiled. "I don't believe it. I must be dreaming... is it really you?"
Tommy grinned at her. "In the flesh."
Tommy woke to the smell of bacon and something cinnamon-y cooking. He couldn't help but smile when he still felt Kimberly snuggled into his side. They wound up facing each other when they'd gone to bed, but somehow they'd wound up spooning with Kim's back against Tommy's front, his arm wrapped around her waist. The place where she'd slept was still warm. Tommy grinned to himself as he sat up; he hadn't felt this happy in a long time.
Padding down to the kitchen still in his sleepwear, Tommy paused in the doorway, just watching her. She was standing at the stove, cooking French toast. She was wearing a pink flowered sundress with ballet flats on her feet.
Kim threw a look at him. "You going to just stand there all day and watch me?" She asked with a grin.
Tommy grinned back, making his way over to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the cheek. He then eyed the large content of food on the stove and counter. "I take it we're having company soon?"
Kim nodded. "Jason and Kat are on their way, so are Conner and Kira."
Tommy nodded. "Need any help Beautiful?"
Kim smiled and shook her head. "Thanks but no, I'm almost done." She took in his sleepwear of a black tank top and boxers and grinned wickedly. "But I think you should change before your students get here and you embarrass them and yourself."
Tommy mock glared at her then kissed her one more time before heading back to his bedroom.
As Kim was finishing up, she heard a knock on the door. She wiped her hands off on a hand towel before heading for the front door. The newest Red and Yellow Rangers greeted Kim when she opened the door. She grinned at the teens. "Come on in, breakfast is in the kitchen."
Conner didn't have to be told twice, making a beeline for the kitchen, with a "thanks Kim!" over his shoulder.
Kira rolled her eyes but she was grinning. She then sobered. "Hey Kim, can I talk to you for a sec?"
Kim nodded and the both made their way over to couch, making themselves comfortable. The teen was quiet for a minute or two; they could hear Tommy joining Conner in the kitchen. Kira looked at Kim, hazel meeting brown. She drew in a nervous breath then let it out. "I think I love Conner," she confessed.
Kim smiled. "I figured as much," she said softly. "It's not hard to see the chemistry between you two."
Kira sighed, her shoulders slumping forward. "But what about Trent? I mean I like him as a friend and all but I think he wants more."
Kim sympathized with her; she knew what Kira was going through. She sighed. "I wish there was a right answer to this Kira, but there isn't. You just have to be honest with Trent and hope he'll understand."
"I hope so," Kira murmured. "I would hate to lose him as a friend."
Kim nodded, gently patting Kira's wrist. "I know." She stood. "Come on; let's go on out there before all the food's gone."
Kira grinned as she stood up. "Yeah, Conner's a human garbage disposal when it comes to food."
An offended "hey!" came from the kitchen as Kim and Kira laughed. They settled themselves at the table, chatting about this and that, though both teen were wanting to hear stories about their Ranger days.
"... So there he is, arguing with his saber, while Zack, Jase and I are fighting off putties." Kim was saying with Kira and Conner cracking up at the story. She grinned at Tommy's dark look at her. "That should be a rule of a Ranger: do not argue with your enchanted talking saber, you will get your ass kicked."
Tommy glowered at her. "Very funny, as I seem to recall, you fainted just before that incident."
Kim matched his glare with her own. The two teens looked back and forth between their mentor and their new friend. A knock from the front door snapped them out of it. They both grinned sheepishly. Tommy stood, "I'll go get it."
The three watched Tommy go, Conner then turned to Kim. "You know with the way you two act around each other, it's like you never split up." He failed to notice Kim's face fall slightly, but Kira did. She slapped his arm.
"Ow!"
"Baby," Kira muttered. "Do you have no empathy at all?"
"Huh?" He caught Kim's look and realized the full meaning of his words. "Kim, I'm sorry."
Kim waved his apology away, she smiled. "It's fine Conner, really. All that matters now is the future."
"Sounds pretty good to me," a familiar voice said from the doorway.
Kim turned, her eyes brightening. "Aisha!" She jumped out of her chair and sprinted over to her best friend. The girls hugged tightly. "Missed you so much 'Sha," Kim whispered.
Aisha smiled. "Missed you too Kim."
Adam smiled as he and Tommy walked up behind them. "Been too long man."
Tommy nodded in agreement, smiling. "Way too long."
After pulling away from Aisha, Kim practically pounced on Adam in a tight, brotherly hug. Adam grinned as he released her. "Missed you."
"Missed you too."
XxX
By midday the party was in full swing. Kira, Conner, Ethan and Trent had no trouble talking with their predecessors, learning more about them and some new/old moves as well.
Tommy stood near the outside cave entrance, just taking it all in. Billy, just arriving from Aquitar, had fallen into a quick discussion with Hayley over the Dino technology. Tommy couldn't help but grin for his two longtime friends; he could tell the attraction was strong between them.
As for some other people... He thought, his gaze traveling to where Taylor and Eric were, within his hearing reach.
"You know Myers, you're really starting to piss me off," Taylor snapped, her eyes full of anger.
Eric's gaze matched hers. "What else is new?" He growled. "You can't get along with anyone else because you're such a bitch!"
Taylor's eyes widened then narrowed. "Oh like you're any better? At least I make an attempt; you just push people away before they can push you away."
"I hate you Earheart." Eric snapped.
"Oh yeah? Well, I loathe you, Myers." Taylor said, her eyes blazing. She whirled around and stormed off to the other side of the lair where Cole and Leo were talking.
Wes walked over to Eric. "Why don't you just admit it?"
"Admit what?" Eric snapped.
"What you care for her." Jen Scotts said, walking up next to Wes.
Eric shot her a glare but didn't deny what she said.
Wes couldn't help but grin. "Not your type my ass."
Eric shot Wes a glare that should've scorched his eyebrows. But the former Red Time Force Ranger merely ignored it. "Talk to her," he gently urged.
Eric sighed, swallowed his pride and made his way over to the other side of the lair.
Wes snickered and murmured to Jen, "Too bad we don't have a video camera on us."
Jen tried hard to fight back a grin but failed. "You have a point there."
Tommy grinned and started to make his way across the cave to Kim, who was with Dana and Kat. His gaze met hers and he grinned, there was no doubt in his mind, he loved Kimberly Ann Hart.
Kira watched Tommy and Kim interacted with each other and held back a wistful sigh; she knew she had deep feelings for Conner but how to tell him?
"Hey Kira."
The Yellow Ranger turned, coming face to face with Trent, he was grinning at her. She weakly grinned back. She had to tell him. "Trent, I need to tell you something."
"Okay, what is it?" He asked, suddenly concerned. "Something wrong?"
"No, nothing like that, it's-" She was suddenly cut off by the blaring alarms.
Tommy bit back a groan and dashed over to the system. His eyes narrowed as he saw Elsa with a whole gang of Tyannodrones.
Tori and the rest of the Ninja Storm stepped up behind him. "Apparently some people don't know when to quit." Shane commented.
Tommy nodded then turned to the team as they lined up. His eyes met Kim's as she walked up to him.
"Be careful." She murmured, uncaring of the many eyes watching them.
He smiled and gave her a quick kiss. "I will Beautiful." He murmured back. "I love you Kim."
"I love you too Tommy."
Nothing could wipe the grin off Tommy's face. His eyes never left Kim's as they prepared to morph.
"Ready guys?" Conner said.
"Ready."
"Dino Thunder, power up! Ha!"
The End
AN2- I'm breaking it off here for a few reasons, one, I'm evil get over it. Two, I really didn't want to make it any longer than it is. Three, yes, there will be a sequel to tie up all the loose ends. So you can't kill me just yet. Another note, the "Ranger Rules" are not mine, I borrowed it from Marius Girl's fic, Code of a Ranger, if you have not read it you should, it's hilarious. Okay, go push that little blue button and leave me a review. No flames please. Thanks!
Dannie