Chapter 28: A Different Shade of Pink
Katherine covered her face crying. She ran her hands through her hair as she looked around.
"Help! Someone help!" No one was around. "Please, help me!" Katherine rubbed Kim's head. "I won't leave you to die here alone. I'll be right back." Katherine bent down and kissed Kim's forehead. She rushed to find Ernie's phone. Katherine dialed 911.
"Angel Grove Emergency, how may I help you?"
"Yes, please send help now! My friend has fallen at the Youth Center! She hasn't moved and I can't find a pulse!"
"The ambulance is on the way. Can you see your friend?"
"Yes!"
"I want you to go back to her and checked her pulse again."
"Okay!" Katherine rushed back. "I can't find it! I can't find it!" Katherine rushed back to the phone. "I can't feel one!"
"Are you sure?""I don't know!"
"Okay, okay, just calm down! What is your name?"
"Katherine, Kat Hillard. I'm so scared."
"Okay, Kat. I want you to breath and check your friend for a pulse again."
"Okay." Katherine took deep breaths as she was kneeling beside Kimberly. She smiled. "I feel it!" She ran back to the phone. "I feel it, but it's very weak!"
"The ambulance is on the way!" Katherine heard the sirens coming. Paramedics arrived.
"Katherine Hillard?"
"Over here!"
"How is she?"
"She hadn't moved. She hit her head pretty hard."
"Okay, we're gonna take care of your friend," A paramedic said. He pulled out the oxygen mask and put it on Kimberly after a neck brace. They got her hooked up to a machine immediately and carried her out.
"Do you know her parents' number?"
"Her mother lives in Paris, her father is not here! She is living with friends!"
"Okay, we can call them on the way." Katherine nodded taking Kim's hand as she lay in the stretcher.
Zedd couldn't believe Katherine turned against the evil. Rita couldn't believe the spell was broken that easily. Finster informed Rita and Zedd that Katherine's attempt to save Kimberly counteracted all the evil from the spell and freed her back to her good self. Because she did a selfless deed, she was free.
"Well, nothing last forever," Rita said throwing her hands up.
"What do we do now masters?" Zedd was not too thrilled, but was happy Katherine wasn't able to prevent what happened to Kimberly. Now he knew she would have to deal with the other Rangers finding out who she really was. He knew the Rangers wouldn't be pleased to find out it was Katherine doing his evil bidding.
Kimberly stayed in a coma on the ride to the hospital. She started coming to by groans, as the doctor was examining her in at Blue Cross Medical Trauma Hospital. Katherine was right here.
"Is she going to be okay?" Katherine asked. "She's awake!"
"What is her name?"
"Kimberly, Kimberly Hart, this is all my fault!"
"Miss, miss, can you hear me?" Doctor Jacobs asked. Kimberly's eyes opened.
"Where am I?"
"You are in Angel Grove Trauma Center, miss. You had a pretty bad fall. Can you tell me your name?"
"My name…? I don…."
"Okay, what is the last thing you remember?"
"Uh, someone calling my nam…." Kimberly passed out again. The machine alarm went beeping.
"What happened?"
"We're losing her Doctor!"
"NO!"
"Take her out of here now!"
"No!" A nurse pulled Katherine out the room.
"Please stay here, we're gonna do our best to save your friend."
"Please just help her!"
Katherine was pacing around the Trauma area as Tommy came rushing in with Aisha and her parents.
"Tommy!" Katherine rushed to Tommy and she hugged him tightly. Tommy was a bit taken back to the hug.
"What happened?"
"She was doing her gymnastics and she fell," Katherine said pulling away.
"Oh my god!" Aisha covered her mouth.
"She hit her head pretty bad. I don't know if she's okay." All of sudden the doctor came out. Tommy rushed over to the doctor.
"Doctor, how is she?"
"It is too soon to tell you anything concrete. I am rushing to have a CAT scan right now." Tommy went to touch Kimberly as she was being rolled out.
"Kimberly." Tommy held Kim's hand.
"Sir, we have to hurry." Tommy kissed Kimberly and let her go.
"This is all my fault." Katherine sat down crying.
"Tommy, you better call her mother."
"Right. I hate to do this, especially when we don't know anything."
"Kimberly's mother is going to be very upset, but she had to know." Tommy went to the phone. Billy, Rocky and Adam arrived. They all paced around throughout the night. Tommy kept Kim's mother and father informed every hour, but nothing had changed. Kimberly's mother was more upset that all the flights to the States were booked. She couldn't leave out for 2 days. Kim's father was in New York City, but needed to wait until the morning to fly out as well.
Next morning
Tommy was standing up while Billy and Katherine sat there. Aisha went home to get some clothes for Kimberly, and bring some gifts when Kimberly does wake up.
"How you holding up man?" Billy asked.
"She's in there, fighting for her life and I can't help her."
"You are helping her. You're here." Tommy nodded. Coach Schmidt arrived.
"I am so sorry. Has there been the news, how is she doing?"
"We don't know."
"I just want to say again. How sorry I am. I feel like this is all my fault."
"No sir. This was just an accident, Coach. Things like this can happen." Tommy looked over at Katherine. "Man, Katherine is taking this really bad."
"Yeah. Must have been difficult being the one to find Kimberly. I wonder what she was going at the Youth Center last night?"
"I don't know, and I don't care. I'm just glad she was." Doctor Jacobs came out.
"She's awake."
"What?" Katherine jumped up.
"Yes, she finally woke up during my morning check-up. With all the Cat scans we ran last night, it seems there won't be any permanent damage."
"Oh great. Can we see her?"
"She might be coming in and out of it for a while, but she will be okay. She was calling for Tommy when I left. Only one should go at a time though."
"Tommy man, you go first. She needs to see you. I'll call the others."
"Alright, thanks man!" Tommy grabbed LDZ and walked away. Katherine smiled with Billy. He put his arm around her. Billy went to contact the others.
Tommy went into Kim's room. She looked so tiny in that bed, a line running from her hand into a IV stand. Tommy smiled and went to sit beside her. Kimberly slightly woke up and looked right at him.
"Hey, don't you know, you're supposed to land on your feet," Tommy said waving LDZ into her face. Kimberly smiled and took LDZ.
"I was trying something new. I guess I should just stick to what always works, huh?" Tommy nodded.
"Oh, man, you really had me scared there, Beautiful. With all that's we have been through together with Rita and Zedd, this has to be the worst."
"Thanks for being here Tommy. I really appreciate it." Tommy smiled. He rubbed her forehead then kissed it. Kimberly looked at LDZ. "So cute. Just like you." Tommy played with her hair and laughed. Kimberly smiled. They talked a bit. Tommy watched her eyes get droopy, and then she was asleep. He softly caressed her cheek.
Lt. Stone sneaked into the hospital with Bulk and Skull to investigate Coach Schmidt. He was a bit hesitant to believe Bulk and Skull, but like any good cop, he was going to check it out. Aisha was walking to Rocky's car with Adam. She was carrying Kim's bag with some nightgowns, her robe, some teddy bears, her drawing pat, paint, all things to cheer up Kimberly. They just got the call about Kimberly being okay.
"Well I got front seat, ha!" Aisha said to Adam.
"Well, I got driver seat!" Rito and tengas appeared.
"Guess who!" Rita and Zedd sent them down to draw out the Rangers in battle, now down a Ranger.
"We don't have time for this," Aisha said putting her hand on her hips. "My girl needs me."
"Well, I suggest you make time," Rito said shaking his shoulders.
"Let's do it guys. Ninja Ranger Power now!" Tengas and Rito attacked Aisha, Rocky and Adam. Aisha was taken down.
"Guys, I think we need help."
Kimberly woke up and saw Tommy staring down at her, while holding her hand to his face.
"What happened? Did I fall asleep?"
"Yeah, doctor said you would be doing that for a while."
"I really like waking up and seeing your face." Tommy smiled and kissed her hand, settling it back to her side. Tommy bent down and kissed her on the lips. Tommy's communicator went off. Tommy groaned, and looked around. He brought up his communicator.
"This is Tommy."
"FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IS NICE TO SEE YOU ARE FEELING BETTER, KIMBERLY."
"Thanks for worrying about me Zordon," Kimberly said.
"I AM SORRY TO INTERRUPT YOUR VISIT, BUT THIS IS URGENT."
"What is it, Zordon?"
"ROCKY, AISHA, AND ADAM WERE ATTACKED BY RITO AND A GROUP OF TENGAS IN THE PARK. THEY NEED YOUR HELP. YOU MUST GO IMMEDIATELY." Billy came in. He patted Kim's leg.
"Hey, Kim."
"Hi."
"Tommy, I heard everything, we should get going." Kimberly sat up as if she was about to leave with them.
"Yea, let's go," Kimberly said.
"NOT SO FAST, KIMBERLY. YOU STAY RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE!" Tommy pushed her back to lie down though looking at his communicator.
"I guess he knows me better than I thought." Kimberly smiled.
"He's right. We can handle this. You need to stay and get some rest. " Tommy smiled at her. "I'll be back as soon as I can." He gave her a kiss on the lips before standing up. Kimberly took his hand.
"Be careful."
"Hey, just rest. Everything will be okay." Tommy reached down and kissed Kimberly again.
"Bye."
"Bye. Ninja Ranger Power now!" Both Billy and Tommy morphed into ninja rangers and went to help out the other Rangers.
Kimberly hugged LDZ and went to rest up. Just as she closed her eyes Katherine came in.
"Hi."
"Oh, hi." Kimberly moved a bit. Katherine held up a teddy bear.
"I brought you a present."
"Oh, Kat. You didn't have to do that."
"I saw Tommy looking at it in the gift shop, so I figured you would love it."
"Thanks," Kimberly said taking the white bear. "Now LDZ has a buddy."
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine, I feel much better now. So, Tommy told me you were the one to found me. What were you doing at the Youth Center so late?"
"Kimberly, I haven't been completely honest with you or your friends. I'm not who you think I am."
"What?"
Tommy and the others were able to defeat the tengas and Rito and send them back to the Moon.
"Come on guys, Kimberly is awake!'
"Right!" They rushed back to the hospital.
Katherine explained everything to Kimberly. Kimberly touched Kat's hand.
"I just feel really terrible about all the evil things I done to you and the Rangers, all in the name of evil for Rita and Zedd."
"Katherine, you are not blame here. Rita and Zedd's magic is very powerful."
"But you could have been seriously hurt, Kimberly."
"Katherine, you want to know how Tommy became a Power Ranger first?"
"I was under one of Rita's spell, as well. I nearly destroyed the Power Rangers, my friends and the whole city in the process," Tommy said walking in with the other Rangers.
"Yeah, but where would we be without you now?" Kimberly asked, smiling at him.
"Yeah, it all turned out great man," Billy said.
"I just want to really apologize for what I did to you."
"You had no control over it, Katherine. Don't blame yourself," Kimberly said.
"That's why we do what we do. That's why the Power Rangers exist," Aisha said. "To fight evil."
"Exactly." Aisha sat on the bed with Kimberly. She rubbed her leg.
"So, Doctor Jacob, say you will be able to get out here in a few days, that means you can get back to training before Trials this weekend."
"Guys, I have something to tell you. I'm not going back."
"What?" Everyone said.
"I'm not going back, it's too dangerous and if you guys needed me and I wasn't there because…"
"But Zordon said that you could," Tommy said.
"Yeah, but he always said it was my choice. And I chose to quit, please understand." Aisha left Kim's bag by her bed. Tommy stayed behind, while everyone left her to be alone with him. Kimberly looked up at Tommy with tears in her eyes.
"Don't look at me like that." Tommy closed the door.
"You know why I am," Tommy said.
"Please don't try to try to change my mind, you know those looks of yours can get me to do anything you want." Tommy smiled and wiped her face as he sat on the bed.
"Why are you quitting, Beautiful?"
"I told you, it's too dangerous."
"You knew the risk well beforehand. You are soo close. So close Kim. I can't let you…just give it up now."
"Please, don't argue with me right now." Kimberly started crying. "I don't want to…. I can't fight with you about this, not now, please not right now." Tommy reached down and hugged her. Kimberly held him as she cried. Tommy rocked her and she fell back to sleep. Tommy stroked Kim's face and covered her better. Tommy clicked off the lights and went outside.
Tommy found Billy, Katherine and the others. He went on a walk with them, as Kimberly slept.
"Hey, man. You okay?" Billy asked.
"Yeah, just thinking about Kimberly. It's not like her to quit like this."
"I know, Kim's been doing gymnastic for as long as I've known her. Years. It's going to be weird to see her quit so close to the Olympics. I never thought I would ever see her quit."
"Yeah, I know. I just think there is more to this then she is telling us, telling me."
"Maybe, I can help." Katherine said with a smile.
"Really?"
"How?"
"I just have an idea, I'll…" All of a sudden, Rita and Zedd's monster appeared. It was there for Katherine. Tengas appeared and took her away from the Rangers.
"You won't get away with her. It's Morphing Time!" The Rangers morph and battle the monster. Rocky shields Katherine from a blast, when he gets her free from the tengas.
"Katherine, go somewhere safe!"
"Hurry, go to Kimberly."
"Right!" Katherine runs to safety back inside the hospital. Zedd makes the monster grow. The Rangers have to call their Shogun zords and battle the monster. They destroyed the monster.
Zedd was very angry, he wants to destroy Katherine for crossing them. But he knows now that the Rangers protect her, he needed leverage. Rita comes up with an idea by pointing to Ninjor in a jar. Zedd laughed. He knows what his wife is thinking.
Billy and Tommy find Katherine. Kimberly was still sleeping, so they decided to leave her alone. They walk around the hospital.
"You okay, Tommy? You seem out of it."
"I'm hanging. She looked so hopeless in there when she said she wanted to quit. I don't know what to do or say to her. I'm really worried."
"I know you are." Billy and Katherine touched his back. "Doctor Jacobs says she is going to be fine."
"It's not just that. It's this whole gymnastics thing and her quitting. I know her, she's better than that." Rita suddenly appears laughing.
"Oh great, the Adams' Family is back." Tommy and Billy stand before Katherine.
"Step back, all we want is the girl!"
"No way, Rita. You'll have to come through us first."
"Fine! So you know, if you give up Katherine, no harm will come to Ninjor."
"Ninjor?"
"No way, Rita!"
"You'll be sorry then!" Rita and her brother disappear laughing. A note is left before. It told Tommy and Billy, if they don't turn in Katherine tomorrow at dusk, then Ninjor will be tossed into the Sea of Sorrow will he will remain forever."
"Oh no."
Billy and Tommy went to talk to Zordon, Alpha and the others at the Command Center about this. Katherine went back to talk to Kimberly, after stopping home to pick up a few things. Kimberly was sitting by her open window, when Katherine knocked on her door. Kimberly was out of danger, so moved to a more private room.
"Oh, hey, Kat. I hate being all cooped up in here. I wish I could go outside, it's soo pretty."
"Hey, I want to show you something."
"Okay." Kimberly got up and sat on the bed with Katherine. Katherine opened her photobook.
"Wow, look at you!" Kimberly pointed a photo of Katherine.
"You know, I was suppose to go to Olympics too."
"As a gymnast?"
"No, a diver. I was top diver in Aussey, but at Worlds, a year before, I failed. I don't know if it was the stress or just being overconfident, but I hit my head on the board. I landed myself in the hospital for a week and missed out my chance to compete at Olympics. It really hurt to hit my head like that."
"I know that feeling." Kimberly rubbed the back of her head.
"After I woke up, I learned that I missed the team by 1 point because of that crash."
"Gosh, that sucks," Kimberly said.
"Yeah, but after that fall. I have never gone back on a diving board again. I guess I was too afraid. Isn't that how you feel?"
"No, I'm not afraid of beam." Kimberly laughed.
"Kimberly…"
"No, I just…"
"Are you sure?" Kimberly sighed.
"I'm terrified, Kat." Katherine touched Kim's hand.
"I know you are scared. Because fear is something we all have to stand up to. You're strong, the strongest person I've known in a long time. I mean, you hit your head pretty hard, and yet look at you now. Sitting up as if nothing happened. I know you can do this. You have spent years training for this. Don't give up just yet. Not yet. Just think about it for me, please?" Kimberly bit her bottom lip and nodded. Katherine smiled. Tommy came into the room.
"I see they moved you," Tommy said.
"Yeah."
"Well, I better head home for dinner."
"Billy is waiting. He'll walk you home with the others," Tommy said.
"Okay, thanks. Remember what I said, Kim. Just think about it."
"I will. Goodnight."
"Night." Katherine nodded to Tommy and left them alone. Kimberly looked at Tommy.
"Did something happened?" Kimberly asked as Tommy sat on her bed.
"Rita wants Katherine."
"I bet she does. She's not gonna get her."
"There's more."
"Then tell me."
"If we don't turn Katherine over to them by tomorrow, Rita and Zedd are gonna throw Ninjor into the Sea of Sorrow, where he will stay forever."
"Oh no. Poor Ninjor. This is bad, but we can't give Katherine to them."
"I know."
"But…Ninjor." Kimberly moved into Tommy's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Billy walked Katherine with the others home.
"I knew this would happen," Katherine said.
"Don't worry, Katherine, we won't let anything happen to you," Billy said. "I promise."
"Thanks. I'm so glad to have friends like you on my side to help. I don't know what I would I do." Billy smiled and put his arm around Katherine.
Before dusk, Katherine called Tommy to meet her at the Youth Center. Rocky came along with Tommy.
"I've decided, that I will give myself up for your friend Ninjor," Katherine said sitting down.
"No, Katherine, we can't allow that," Rocky said.
"Yeah, we'll come up with another plan. Billy is working on that as we speak"
"No, this is the only way. Not another friend of yours will be hurt because of me."
"But you're our friend too," Rocky said as he touched Katherine's hand.
Billy came up with a plan to trap Katherine in a beam, not allowing Rita to get to Katherine. This way, the Rangers can get Ninjor back and keep Katherine safe. They went up to meet Rita in the park. Billy set the trap, but Zedd sent down the tengas and as the Rangers were fighting them. Billy is able to grab the blue vase supposedly carrying Ninjor, but it was empty.
"Guys, it's a lie, there is no Ninjor!" One tenga knocked over the beam, and Katherine was taken by Rito.
"Oh, man!" Rocky said as they demorphed.
"Come on guys, we gotta get to the Command Center. We gotta see if Zordon can help us get Katherine back." They teleported out. After searching, Zordon finally sent the rangers home to rest and they would try again in the morning.
Tommy went to Kimberly's room after finding out nothing could be done tonight.
"Katherine was taken."
"What? What are we going to do?" Kimberly asked.
"Get her back."
"Can't Billy locate her?"
"Not yet." Tommy stayed the night with Kim, after she ate dinner. The doctor came in and found Tommy still sitting on the bed with Kimberly.
"You should rest if you want to be released in the morning Kimberly."
"Oh, I will Doctor."
"Visiting hours are over with, Tommy. I am sorry."
"Can't Tommy spend the night, please doctor?"
"Normally, we ask guests to stay in the waiting room, but I guess, just this once since you have no blood relatives here yet. I'll make the exception, for you two. As long as you are sleeping, when I get back," Dr. Jacobs said leaving them. Kimberly smiled. Tommy pulled up a seat next to her bed.
"He's right. You should just go right to sleep, Beautiful."
"Hold me," Kimberly said pulling the covers back. Tommy smiled. Tommy pulled off his shoes and sat beside her in the bed. He sat up against the bed, while Kimberly laid her head on his chest. He rubbed her back and forehead. Kimberly was sleeping, by the time the doctor came in. He smiled.
"Good job, Tommy. Good night."
"Goodnight, Dr. Jacobs." Doctor Jacobs turned off the lights and closed the door behind him.
Next morning
Kimberly was released from the hospital. Kimberly was able to shower and go home the next morning early. Tommy found Kimberly brushing her hair after she just finished blow-drying it.
"You ready?"
"Almost."
"Take your time." Kimberly hugged Tommy.
"We're gonna get her back, today, right?"
"Of course." Tommy kissed the side of Kim's head. "Let's get going."
"Okay." They teleported to the Command Center to meet up with the rest.
Katherine woke in the dark cave, still trapped behind bars in her cage. She looked around, wondering if there was anyway to get out. Rito was made to keep watch on Katherine. Katherine saw a special box on a mantle, pink sparkles going around it.
"Hey, what's that?"
"None of your business." She smiled. Rito groaned. "Stuck down in this dark cave, how do they think I am?" Katherine's eyes noticed the keys Rita gave Rito.
"Oh, Rito. You must be tensed. How about a massage?"
"Sure." Rito got comfortable before the bars. Katherine made a face and started massaging Rito.
"So, Rito, what is in that box?"
"Oh, nothing. Just the Pink Ranger power coin." Katherine's eyes went wide.
"Oh really."
"Yeah, now keep going!"
"Sure thing."
Kimberly landed with the other Rangers at the Command Center.
"FIRST, IT IS GOOD TO HAVE YOU BACK, KIMBERLY. WE HAVE MISSED YOU DEEPLY."
"Thanks, Zordon, I just wish it was on better terms."
"Alpha, any news on Katherine?"
"I am sorry, Rangers. But I haven't been able to find anything."
"Hey, let me help you."
"Thanks Billy!" Billy began his search of Katherine with Alpha.
Katherine was able to get Rito asleep.
"Yuck." Katherine reached down under his funky form and grabbed the keys. She unlocked the door and went over to the box. Rito was telling the truth. Katherine gasped, as it was the Pink ranger power coin. She smiled and picked it up. "I have to get this to Kimberly." Rito woke up.
"Hey! Get away from that!"
"No! I am giving this back to it's rightful owner!" Rito chased after Katherine.
The computer in the Command Center beeped in. Kimberly and Tommy looked at each other with the rest.
"Billy, what is that?" Rocky asked.
"This is strange," Billy said.
"What is it, did you find Katherine?" Tommy asked.
"No, it's the pink power coin." Kimberly hurried to Billy's side.
"What does that mean?" Kimberly asked. .
"It's in good hands, again!" Alpha said. Kimberly smiled.
"Katherine! She must have it," Kimberly said hugging Tommy.
"Yippee!" Alpha exclaimed.
"Can you teleport her out of there?" Aisha asked.
"I'm trying. Everyone cross your fingers." Kimberly crossed her fingers.
After a few moments, Katherine appeared in the Command Center. She landed a bit shocked as Rito was seconds from grabbing her.
"Yes!"
"Great, I can't believe it worked," Billy said with a smile.
"Wow, what is this place? It's amazing," Katherine said looking around.
"KATHERINE, I AM ZORDON. THIS IS THE COMMAND CENTER MY HOME. THE RANGERS AND I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU HERE." Katherine turned to see everyone. She smiled at Kimberly.
"Oh, I believe this belongs to you," Katherine said handing her the coin. Kimberly took it and kissed it many times.
"OH! Thank you, thank you sooo much!" Kimberly hugged Katherine.
"How did you get it?" Adam asked.
"Let's just say I was in the right place at the right time."
"Oh, thank you."
"My pleasure."
Zedd knew that the power coin was back in good hands, so sent down a monster to deal with the Rangers for retaliation. The alarms went off in the Command Center.
"What is that?"
"Another attack. We have to go."
"Oh, don't let me stop you."
"You ready for this, Kim?" Tommy asked.
"You bet I am." Tommy held his hand out for her.
"Take it over then." Kimberly smiled.
"It's Morphing Time!" Kimberly yelled in command. The Rangers morphed to battle the monster. Zedd and Rita made the monster grow giant size once Kimberly had landed from her flying spun kick, leaving the monster new powerless.
"Do the honors Kim."
"We need Shogun Megazord Power Now!" With their Shogun Megazord, Zedd's monster was destroyed. Kimberly and Tommy hugged inside the Megazord.
"Way to go Kim."
"Thanks."
Kimberly got home with Aisha and Tommy.
"Hey, you have a message Kim." Kimberly walked over to her phone. She hit the button for messages. There was a message from Katherine.
"I wonder what she wants?" Tommy shrugged. Kim asked Tommy to come with her, which he agreed.
Tommy and Kimberly walked to the pool where Katherine asked Kimberly to meet her.
"I wonder why she asked us to meet her here?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah, I know, especially since she told me she was afraid of the water. Hey, is that her?" Kimberly asked looking up. "Wow, she's really up there!"
"Not for long. Look!" Tommy pointed out just as Katherine did a simple dive into the pool. They clapped.
"Wow!" Kimberly continued to clap as Katherine swam over to the side. Kimberly handed her a towel as she got out.
"Good job, Katherine," Tommy said.
"Thanks."
"Yeah, but what made you change your mind?"
"You did, Kimberly."
"I did?"
"Yeah, I had to show you, that you can too overcome your fears, if I can," Katherine said wrapping her towel around her body.
"Yeah, but…"
"Now, there is something you need to do tomorrow and I think you know it." Kimberly smiled and nodded.
"Yeah, I know."
Kimberly stood at the sidelines with Coach Schmidt. She was at the 1995 Pan Global Trials. Kimberly was in awe as Shannon Miller, Dominique Dawes, and many other great ladies gymnasts had competed here on their way to Olympic glory. She was going into her final program of the evening, in the lead of the Trials, her first time competing at one. Kimberly was dressed in her pink bodysuit. All the guys sat on the front row cheering her on.
"I can't believe she doing it," Aisha said holding Tommy's shoulders.
"She looks great out there," Tommy said.
Coach Schmidt stood at her side through each routine, coaching and cheering her on like Tommy said Kimberly needed. Kimberly was great on floor, vault and bars, not scoring her perfect 10s as normal, but hardly had any warm-ups from her stay in the hospital and now. Kimberly was basically fighting on instinct today, but she was still at the top.
Kimberly was last up on beam. She did her punch front onto the beam, getting a round of claps. Kimberly did some dances into her stretch. Kimberly did her 2 layout sequences. Kimberly performed her newer move, the Hart, and did it with perfection. Kim ended her beam routine with a double twist at the end. Tommy was the first one jump up, cheering.
"Wooohooo! Kimberly!"
"Yay! Kimberly!" Kimberly ran over to Coach Schmidt and he gave her a big hug. Kim scored a 9.95, earning her chance to go to Worlds.
The guys decided to throw a huge surprise party for Kimberly in congratulation at the Youth Center after the Trials, whether she won or not. Kimberly went home and changed. Tommy left a note telling her to come by the Youth Center. Ernie saw her coming a block away and yelled for everyone to hide. He forgot to turn off the lights, so when Kimberly came into the Youth Center and saw all the decorations. She knew what was up. Kimberly laughed as Bulk was desperately trying to hide under the table.
"Surprise!" Kimberly turned with a smile. She went to Aisha and hugged her first. Tommy came up and hugged Kim. With the hug, he lifted her off the ground with Kimberly kissing his cheek.
"Thank you guys so much!" Tommy put Kimberly down. "Oh, and especially, you Kat." Kimberly took her hands before they hugged.
"Kimberly, you have lived up to the what the scouts have always said about you. You are truly one of the greatest gymnasts out there. You are the best gymnast that I have ever worked with. You proven that today, by taking the Trials on your first time there. Never before has a gymnast done that with such high marks. You will surely take Worlds in 2 weeks. I sincerely would like if you were to join me at my camp in Florida and we can bring that gold medal home to the USA gymnastics." Kimberly gasped and looked back at the guys. Coach Schmidt left her to decide.
Tommy was sitting with Kimberly. He took her hand and sat a glass of punch in front of her.
"Hey, you okay?" Tommy asked, as she was staring ahead. Kimberly looked up at Tommy.
"Would you go?"
"What?"
"Would you leave?" Kimberly asked.
"If it was my dream…I guess so. I would have to take it."
"But Florida, Tommy. That's…"
"Over 3000 miles away." She nodded. He took her hand again.
"I think you should take it."
"So, you want me to go?"
"No! But I don't want you to give up on your dreams."
"My dream is to be with you!"
"I'm not going anywhere," Tommy said with a smile. Tommy kissed her hand.
"I just don't…I don't know what to do or say."
"I know this is a big step, but…I don't want you to feel rushed into making the decision, no matter what I say or what anyone says. This is your decision."
"I need to talk to my mother, everyone, I need to think this completely through, okay."
"I agree with you 100 percent. Now, let's have some fun. How about a dance?"
"Sure." Kimberly smiled and stood up. They danced with a few other couples on the ground. "I love you."
"I love you too, Beautiful."
Next morning
Kimberly asked the others to meet her to the Command Center the following morning. Kimberly had secretly talked to Katherine and Alpha before heading to the Command Center.
"RANGERS, I COME BEFORE YOU WITH MY THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS DIVIDED. KIMBERLY, YOU HAVE BEEN A PROUD WARRIOR AND HAS DEFENDED OUR PLANET WITH A GRACE AND LOVE."
"Well, have you decided anything?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah, I'm not going to Florida," Kimberly said looking at everyone. She was hold the heart pendent Tommy gave her.
"BUT THE OPPORTUNITY IN FRONT OF YOU IS TOO MUCH DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO TURN AWAY FROM KIMBERLY."
"Do you realize what you are giving up?"
"Zordon, guys, you don't have to worry. This has been a dream my whole life to be an Olympian and compete. But I don't have to move to Florida to do this. I know what I would be giving up by not working with Coach Schmidt. But when I became a Power Ranger, I made some promises. One promise was to stick with you guys until the end. I will stay with you guys here and continue my training."
"Kim, you also promised to be true to yourself."
"TOMMY THIS IS RIGHT. THIS IS AN OPPORUNITY THAT WILL PROVE TO BE INVALUABLE FOR YOUR FUTURE, AND TO OURS. THE DAY WHEN I CHOSE YOU TO BE A POWER RANGERS, I NEVER WANTED TO TAKE AWAY YOUR DREAMS OF THE FUTURE. MAYBE SOMEDAY IN THE FUTURE WHEN YOU RETURN YOU CAN ONCE AGAIN BE A MORE EFFIECENT AND BETTER POWER RANGER. "
"I really wanna go," Kimberly said with a slight laugh. "But only if it's okay with you guys."
"Hey, as much as I don't want to lose you or see you go so far away, I can't just let you give this up," Tommy said touching her arm. "It wouldn't be fair."
"We'll always be here for you Kimberly," Adam said.
"Thanks."
"EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE NOT WITH US, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A POWER RANGER IN OUR EYES."
"Zordon, what are we going to do without a pink ranger?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah, Rita and Zedd are probably thinking of ways to get revenge right now," Aisha said.
"I AM SURE THAT YOU ARE CORRECT, AISHA."
"Zordon, there is someone out there that could take my place. I know she would make a terrific Power Rangers. Alpha, could you please?"
"Right away, Kimberly. Aiyayaya, this is so emotional!"
"I asked Alpha to have Katherine standing by, just in case you guys changed my mind." Katherine landed in the Command Center.
"Hi everyone!" Katherine smiled and waved.
"I hope this is okay, Zordon."
"KIMBERLY, ONCE AGAIN, YOU HAVE SHOWN WISDOM BEYOND YOUR YEARS."
"Thanks, Zordon."
"I AGREE WITH KIMBERLY. YOUR SELFISH DEED TO SAVE KIMBERLY, GIVES ME EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT YOU WOULD MAKE A FINE ADDITION TO OUR RANGER TEAM."
"Thanks," Katherine said. "I promise you Kimberly from the bottom of my heart, that I will try and carry on your legacy as best as I can." Kimberly smiled and touched Katherine's arm.
"I know you will Katherine." They hugged. Kimberly pulled her power coin out and handed it over. "Now the powers is you." Kimberly stepped back with a smile. Tommy put his arm around her.
"Zordon, is Rita's spell completely gone for Katherine?" Adam asked.
"UNFORTANTELY THERE MAY BE SOME RESIDUAL SIDE EFFECTS. A SPELL THAT POWERFUL WON'T JUST GO AWAY, IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME."
"Well, as long as I am on the right side, that's all that matter, right."
"Exactly," Kimberly said.
"THAT IS THE ATTITUDE THAT IS NEEDED TO MAKE A TRUE POWER RANGERS, KATHERINE. IN THE FUTURE YOU MUST LISTEN TO YOUR FELLOW RANGERS, AS THEY GUIDE YOU IN THE USE OF YOUR NEW POWERS."
"Welcome to the team." Zordon showed Katherine her pink shark zord. Kimberly tried to fight back to the tears rolling down her cheeks. Tommy squeezed her hand.
"THANKS TO YOU KIMBERLY, THE LEGACY OF THE PINK RANGER IS IN GOOD HANDS. I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW PROUD I AM FOR ALL THE GOOD YOU HAVE DONE IN YOUR YEARS."
"I don't know what to say," Kimberly said with tears rolling down her face. "You guys are most amazing friends I could or will ever ask for in my life. I love you all very much and I'm going to especially miss the time we spend together." Tommy put his arm around her. "I really love you guys so much. One last time, together." Kimberly put her hand out. Tommy put his hand on top, everyone followed. Kimberly nodded to Katherine. Katherine added her hand finally.
"POWER RANGERS!" They all yelled and jumped up in the air.
Kimberly asked Aisha to tell her parents that she was staying with Tommy tonight after dinner with her parents. She had spent the day with her parents before telling them her good news. Kimberly's parents were proud of their daughter's opportunity and welcomed the moved to Florida. Tommy was pulling down another pillow, when Kimberly came down his stairs to his room with some juice.
"I brought you some juice."
"Thanks," Tommy said taking the cup. Tommy had yelled up to his mother for something to drink, when Kimberly arrived. So, she brought it down with her. Kimberly pulled off her shoes and sat on his bed. She brought her knees up to her chin. "Are you not going to change for bed?"
"Not right now. I'm not really tired."
"Okay." Tommy sat on the bed next to her. "You okay?"
"Hold me." Tommy hugged her.
"Everything is going to be fine, nothing has to change."
"I know."
"I love you, Kim. I always will."
"I know. I love you too." Tommy and Kimberly stayed up all of the night making love and talking. By the time they did fall asleep, the sun was rising.
Until next time, please review...about 4/5 more chapters to go :P