The Path of Friendship
By : Tsubasa Caligrapher
Chapter 8
Disclaimer : Yeah, I don't own Power Rangers ... I DO NOT I'm telling you ... leave me alone ! ... and I do not own CLAMP ... don't ask me why I'm say that ... you'll understand soon enough ...
--
Jason and Zack were awakened by a scream from Kimberly once again and rushed into her room, seeing nothing wrong.
" You know Kim, you can be our human alarm clock. " Zack yawned before a pillow was thrown at his face. Jason left after that and quickly returned with Billy sleeping on his back.
" What's up with Billy ? " Kim asked, yawning herself while combing her fingers through her hair.
" He was too tired to get up today if it wasn't an emergency. " Jason yawned as he moved Billy slightly, making him slowly wake up.
" Why did you wake us up this time Kim ? " mumbled Billy as he snuggled into Jason shoulder. After moments of silence, he pulled back and was fully awake.
" Jason. "
" Yes ? "
" Why am I on your back ? " Billy asked, his head clearing up a bit.
" Because you were too busy to wake up on your own and we didn't want to have our morning talk without you. " Jason said nonchalantly. He kneeled and slowly let Billy as he went into Kim's bed and laid next to her.
" I don't like people seeing me. " Billy said simply.
" Ok, so why did you scream today ? " asked Jason as he scratched the back of his head tiredly.
" No reason really. We just overslept today. Come on, let's go take a quick shower and wake up, everyone seems tired today. " Kim yawned. They all nodded and got their clothes before heading downstairs into the showers.
" Don't let anyone steal your clothes again ! " Trini yelled out to them, making Jason and Billy blush. When they opened the door to the showers, they realized that it was empty again.
" Am I the only one that's noticed that the showers and lockers are always empty ? " Zack mused as they deposited their new clothes and started undressing.
" You gonna use the stall again ? " Jason asked as he and Zack peeled off their shorts and threw them in the locker.
" Yeah, I think I saw enough of you yesterday. " Billy smiled as he saw Jason blush. He took off his own shorts and wrapped a towel around his waist. When they got to the showers, Billy took off his towel and hung it on the edge of the stall, walking in and they took a quick shower in silence.
" Oh thanks for the cotton candy by the way. " Billy said as they were putting on their clothes. Suddenly, all three boys froze as he mentioned the drugged sugary confection.
" What cotton candy ? " Jason asked as he pulled on his red tank top and red shorts.
" I don't really know. It just suddenly came to my mind ... " he trailed off as he put on a blue t-shirt and worn overalls. Zack looked at Billy, then at Jason, then at Billy, then at Jason. He quickly put on his black and white t-shirt and his black shorts.
" Come on you guys ! We can't keep the girls waiting. " said Zack as hastily pushed them out the door and to the dining area where the girls were waiting for lunch.
--
As they were walking around town once again, Zack inconspicuously pulled the girls away.
" Ummm, girls, we have a problem. I think Billy's starting to remember what happened yesterday ! " he whispered frantically.
" Hmmm, that is a real problem. " Trini said, rubbing her chin.
" So, what are we gonna do then ! We have to find something to distract them ! " Zack suggested. They proceeded thinking quietly while Jason and Billy were totally oblivious to what was going on.
" AHA ! " Kim yelled out of nowhere, pointing to a poster. They group huddled quickly, reading over Kim's shoulder.
" Angel Grove Quiz Rally ? " Jason read aloud.
" Sounds fun doesn't it ? " Trini quickly said, realizing this was the perfect oppertunity to keep they pair's minds off of yesterday.
" It's some kind of trivia thing ? " Zack wondered. He caught on to the plan but that didn't mean he wasn't interested in participating.
" Let's see .. ' This month's quiz competition is meant to encourage a greater understanding of Japan, a new friendly country. ' " Kim started.
" ' There will be a number of questions each leading to a hidden location. " Billy continued reading.
" ' We will present the champions with a magnificent trophy and a little extra prize. " Zack continued.
" ' To promote teamwork, we will only accept teams of two. ' " Trini finished. She watched as Jason quickly latched onto Billy and she hooked up with Zack.
" Ok, well, I feel special. " Kim groused while everyone gave apologetic looks.
" Sorry. " said Billy.
" It's ok. I have some stuff to take care of anyway. Why don't we go explore a bit, we still have some time left before the competition starts. " Kim said as they all agreed but decided to split up for awhile before meeting again at the competition. The boys started wandering around when Billy spied a cotton candy machine.
" Hey, want some cotton candy ? " Billy asked, pulling him over.
" I don't know. I have a bad feeling about this. " Jason said insightfully.
" It's just cotton candy, what could go wrong ? " Billy asked.
--
Sophie was standing at her cotton candy cart when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. When she saw the small blond pulling the larger brown haired boy, she realized that it was the same two from yesterday. She gave a small eep and ducked under her behind her cart. She slowly heard their footsteps approaching and tried not to test another new creation on them.
" Are you sure about this ? " she heard the deep voice ask.
" Yeah, come on ! Ever since this morning, I've had a strange craving for it. " Billy shrugged. When Jason remained stubborn, BIlly pouted cutely.
" Hey, I thought you said you didn't know how to do that ! " Jason said in surprise.
" I can do it if I want something. " Billy smiled cheekily. Sophie gave up and caved, after seeing how cute Billy's pout was, all she wanted to do was give him free cotton candy. She popped up and smiled brightly at the two as Jason once again bought the cotton candy for Billy, not letting him use his money.
" You spoil me too much ! " Billy grumbled although he gratefully took the stick of cotton.
" So ? " Jason said as he took a giant piece of cotton candy and stuffed it into his mouth. Jason smiled brightly as Billy looked at the already half-eaten stick of cotton in horror, then he gave him a playful kiss on the nose.
" Don't even Jason. I will not forgive you that easily. " Billy mock-glared at him. Jason smiled and ate another piece of cotton candy while Billy playfully whacked him on the shoulder. Sophie watched it with amusement. If she didn't know any better, she would swear they were a couple.
" So, are you guys a couple ? " she asked slyly, seeing them stop and blush.
" Why ? " Jason asked, playing her game.
" Just wondering. " she replied mischieviously.
" Why, do you want to ask Jason out ? " Billy grinned as he saw Jason go red around the ears.
" No. Actually, I was thinking of asking you out. " she smiled at Billy as he blushed, her eyes twinkling.
" Then yes, we are a couple. " Jason said, his eyes also twinkling. He wrapped his arms possessively around Billy and rested his head next to Billy's on his shoulder. Billy stared at the playful exchange between his best friend and this other girl and decided he wasn't going to be left out of this one.
" Yes we are. " Billy said defiantly before turning his head and lightly blowing in Jason's ear. Jason jerked back blushing furiously, looking shocked at Billy. As they stared at Jason's face, Sophie and Billy burst out laughing.
" Sophie. " she said, holding out her hand and shaking each of their hand as they told her their names.
" Jason. "
" Billy. " and with that, they talked a little bit before they departed and the duo went elsewhere. Sophie smiled after them when a voice called her from behind.
--
After everyone split up, Kim doubled back and started following her boys. She watched them walk around until the cotton candy cart caught Billy's eye.
" Dang Billy and his sweet tooth. This is why I don't give him sweets, he always get a craving for them afterwards. ' Kim sighed but her breath hitched when she saw it was Sophie once again. She saw her duck behind her cart but after the exchange between Billy and Jason, she reappeared and gave them a stick of cotton candy.
Kim watched the playful exchange between them, amused. She made it all the way to the bush behind Sophie, no idea how she managed to get there without making a sound. She saw Billy blow in Jason's ear and almost burst out laughing but had to keep quiet. After they left, she called out to her friend.
" Sophie ! " Kim yelled, sticking her head out of the bush and scaring Sophie silly.
" Geez Kim ! Tring to kill me ? " she asked, helping Kim dust herself off after she emerged from the bush.
" You didn't drug them again did you ? " Kim asked exasperated.
" No ! Of course not ! ... ok, I was thing about but I didn't do it ! Honest ! " Sophie said. Kim stared at her a bit before believing her.
" Fine, I believe you. So, what did you talk about that made Billy blow into Jason's ear ? " Kim said, quickly slipping into gossip mode. After a quick discussion, Kim spotted Mr.Stone and the group of three thugs behind him.
" Hey Mr.Stone ! You caught them ? " Kim asked as she looked at the group of boys.
" Yes I did princess. But I must go and escort these three to the castle dungeon. You don't mind me leaving do you ? "
" No, of course not ! Go ahead ! " and as she saw them leave, she jumped up in freedom.
--
While the others were touring Angel Grove, Zack and Trini went back up to the grass plain.
" Well, when we moved here, I never knew we would have this much fun ! " reminisced Zack.
" Yeah, I know. We got really lucky this time ... but what if we have to move ? " Trini brang up.
" Well, that's going to be a problem. I know we tried not to get close to anyone but it's already happened, we've already accepted Kim and Billy into out family. "
" I know, but that's what hurts ... let's not talk about this anymore. " Trini ended. Zack nodded as they continued just walking through the grass.
" So, are we going ot tell Kim and Billy about the painting ? " Zack pondered.
" ... I think we should. But only after we make sure of it first. " Trini stated. They walked a bit more before they realized that the Quiz Rally was going to start.
--
They all met up and greeted eachother before they were each given a stamp booklet, besides Kim who acted as a cheerleader for them in the sidelines. The first question was revealed. The announcer held up a paper with a star made up of ten matches on it. They were supposed to use the same matches and make a different ' star. There were five different starting points and five different paths though they all ended up at the same finish. The group separated and started the race.
Billy and Jason went to a booth and Billy cleared a paper with a star on it. He pondered over it but unexpectantly, Jason came to the rescue.
" Let me try something. " and with that, Jason made a japanese character and showed it to the booth host.
" That it ! " he said as he gave them a stamp and a piece of paper. It told them where their next destination was and they ran there.
" Jason, what was the answer ? " Billy asked.
" The character I made was japanese for star. Aahhh, so nice to be trilingual. " Jason explained.
" Really ? So, what other languages can you speak. "
" French. " Jason said. Billy wowed and they continued on.
--
Zack and Trini cleared the ' star ' round and made it to their next destination, a store.
" The second question, to turn water into ice, you put it in a very cold surrounding and wait awhile correct ? Well, there is a way to turn ice into water instantly. How ? " Zack and Trini pondered it for awhile.
" Uhh, you throw it in a volcano ? "
" No, that would still take some time right ? " Zack pondered again.
" In the sun ? " he shot but the attendee nodded no. Zack gave up and looked to Trini. She grabbed a piece of paper on the table and wrote a character on it, then erased a part of it, holding it up.
" That's it ! " she clapped as she gave them a piece of paper and a stamp.
" Ahhh, to have a trilingual brother. So useful. " Trini said as they ran to their next destination.
" So, what did you write ? " wondered Zack, not remembering what Jason had taught them when they were younger.
" I wrote ice, and when I erased that little part, it turned into water. " she said as Zack made a silent ' oh '.
--
The two teams flew through the competition until they made it to their last destination.
" Ok you two. Do rock, paper, scissors. " Jason did paper and Billy did rock.
" Ok, the winner has to take the question. " Jason gulped nervously and approached the table. There were five coins going down and five coins across, but the five coins across cut through the vertical line and used one of it's coins to make their five, so there were actually only four going across, making it look like a cross.
" Ok, this is simple. You have to move one coin to make this all even. " Jason gulped again, this wasn't simple. He picked up a coin and fiddled with it until he saw it, he put in on top of the middle coin.
" Exactly ! " and they got their stamp and their last destination. They had to find a plaque and take it to the finish line.
--
Zack had to face the last question all by himself. There was a ball in a beaker, and without sticking his hand in or tipping the beaker, he had to get the ball out. He observed the table, cups, pencils, oranges, a water dispenser ... wait ! A water dispenser ! With the cups next to it, he thought it was for contestants to refresh themselves but what if ...
" I got it ! " Zack smiled brightly, moving the beaker under the dispenser and filled it with water, making the ball gently float to the top. He took out the ball and presented it to the attendee. They got a stamp and the last clue to where the plaque was.
--
" Hmm, the says it should be around here somewhere. " Jason said, looking around. They were in the back woods again and Billy slightly wandered off the path a bit more into the forest. He made it to a small ledge and looked down, seeing he was only about 15 or so feet up in the air. Suddenly, his mind flashed with images of him and Jason, watching lights, holding hands, moving closer together ... and he blacked out, falling off the ledge. The last thing he heard was his name being screamed.
--
Billy slowly moved and then he jolted up. He looked around a bit dazed and saw a campfire, the night sky with a full moon, and Jason's shirtless body resting against the rocks. He tried to stand up but quickly collapsed to the ground. He looked down and saw that his leg was bleeding but Jason had used strips of frabric from his tank top to bandage it.
Jason jostled awake when he heard the crash and he saw Billy sitting there, wincing in pain. Jason hastily moved over there and straightened his leg, seeing the pain ebb away from Billy's face.
" You ok ? " Jason asked quietly.
" Yeah, I am. But why does my leg hurt so much ? "
" Well, because we landed on this. " this smiled, holding up the plaque. Billy slightly smile but then it faltered.
" What do you mean we ? How did you get down here ? " Billy wondered.
" When you started falling off the cliff, I sorta dove in and caught you before you hit the ground. " Jason smiled sheepishly though Billy had no idea why.
" Jason ... " his voice full of guilt. Jason stopped him by pressing a finger to his mouth.
" Come on. We should at least finish this right ? " Jason asked. He got rid of the fire and grabbed Billy and put him on his back. Billy was going to protest but Jason gave him a stern look so Billy closed his mouth and enjoyed the piggy-back ride.
" Thanks. " he whispered quietly.
" What are older brothers for ? " he joked. Billy suddenly had a short flash of what had happened yesterday. It was still slightly fuzzy but he still remembered some of it and apparently, Jason hasn't a clue. Billy decided not to remind him just yet and nestled into Jason's broad shoulder.
--
" I'm sorry princess. We haven't found them yet. " Mr. Stone apologized. When she learned that Jason and BIlly were missing, she called Mr.Stone back and initiated a search but so far, it's been fruitless.
" I wonder where they were. " Trini said worridly, gripping the five tickets to the carnival they had won.
" Forget it ! I'm going out to search for them ! "
" Me too ! " and with that, Zack and Kim proceeded out towards the exit to see Jason carrying Billy on his back. They ran out to him and helped carry Billy in.
" Don't worry, it's just a cut. He will be fine in no time. " said the doctors as they rebandaged Billy's leg. After seeing that Billy was going to be alright, the trio had to go. It was the last night they were staying in town.
" I'm sorry you guys, but we have to go. " Zack said. Kim was about to protest but Billy stopped her.
" Fine you guys, it's ok. Go ahead. " Billy shooed them away. After they were out of eyesight, Kim turned to him, her eyes gleaming.
" You're not going to let them go are you ? "
" Why, of course ! But not without me ! " and they hastily followed their friends.
--
When they made it to the bazaar, it was starting to close but they begged with the owner to let them in. He disagreed at first but something in their voices caught his attention and he let them in. Kim and Billy closely followed behind and Kim just proved she was the princess and they were let in.
" Dang it ! Where are they ! " Kim said. But then they heard noises on the ither side of them and spied the ladder. Ths indoor bazaar was shaped like a V. One diagnal path and at a point, it turns and leads back up. Kim and Billy slowly crept up the ladder and peered over the top. They froze as they saw the portraits across from them.
" Oh my- " Kim started but Billy clamped her mouth with his hand. She could see it too, the striking resemblance of the royal portraits and of their dear friends.
--
" Those are your parents ... " Jason looked in awe as he saw the royal paintings.
" It might be, but we have to look on the back to make sure. " said Zack as he went to one side of his painting and Jason went to the other. They lifted it and gently laid it on the ground, reading the name aloud.
" King Walter Taylor. Emmual Kingdom ... " Jason read.
" Well, that's my dad alright ... " Zack mumbled, still not believing it.
" You guys ... look. " she pointed to where the painting used to be and there was another one behind it.
" This can't be right ... " Jason uttered out but there it was. A painting of a man who looked exactly like an older Jason wearing a red cape and a golden crown. He stood there frozen as Zack and Trini also lifted it and carefully laid it on the ground.
" King Austin Scott. St. John Kingdom ... " Trini read. This was getting too wierd ! So far, all of these kingdoms have perished in war ... and the survivors to the throne were standing in that very room. Jason and Zack hurridly got up and took off Trini's painting and once again, there was another one under it.
" No way ... " Zack uttered out. It was a man that looked exactly like ... Billy. They laid down Trini's painting and quickly took down Billy's as well.
" Empress Thuy Kwan. Trang Kingdom ... " Zack read.
" Emperor David Cranston. Yost Kingdom. " Jason read.
" Dad ? " they heard a voice utter out. They looked around them but Trini pointed up. When they followed her gaze, they saw Kim and Billy.
--
" Is that - " Kim gasped.
" Dad ? " he croaked out. He wasn't ready yet. He was not ready to tell them and he was not ready to face how his father had died. But he saw Jason and the others look up and see them. BIlly and Kim sighed as they slowly climbed down the ladder. They quickly ran to the other side to face their friends.
" Hey guys. " Kim said quietly.
" Hey to you guys too. " Zack said, trying to smile.
" So, it seems that everyone in ithis room is royal. " Trini pointed out.
" Yeah, but all of our kingdoms are destroyed, except for Billy's and Kim's. But the Yost Kingdom is the one that started the raging war that still continued in other parts of the world. But if Billy is the heir to the throne, what are you doing here ? " Jason asked. Billy slightly faltered but realized that he had to tell his story, just not all of it.
" Well, I'll tell you the short version. When my mom died, my dad slowly gave up living and one day, he was found dead. He left a will giving everything to me, but only when I turn eighteen so our goverment advisor was given all the responsibility. But it seemed that he planned everything like that and ended up betraying me. He sent me to a slave trader and somehow destroyed all the records that showed that I existed. Everyone who tried to testify against him was attacked. That's when the war broke out. " Billy told his story while everyone listened intently.
" Than one day I went to visit Billy at his castle. He wasn't there and when I found out where he was, my family immediatly went to him and got him to be our own. We couldn't tell the truth just yet, my family knew what happened when someone spoke the truth and our family military just wasn't that strong yet. " Kim continued the story.
" So, we plan to wait until my eighteenth birthday and then go up against him. If can find the will my dad left, than we should be able to dethrone him. "
" But why do you think he still has it ? As you said, it could immediatly depower him, so why would he keep something that dangerous ? " asked Trini.
" Because, he needs it to access everything I should have gotten when I turn eighteen. He needs it as much as I do. " he explained as everyone nodded understandingly.
" So, I guess this is a pretty big shock to you all huh ? " Kim said.
" You have no idea. But it's just another piece of our past, it's not going to change anything. " Zack said. Nobody knew who started it but they all ended up laughing and the tension in the air was broken.
" Come on you guys. It's getting late, we should go back and have a nice sleep before we go back home. " Kim said as they followed her out the bazaar and started heading back to the inn. They walked through the town square and once again, a certain cart caught Billy's eye once again. He immediatly turned to Jason.
" No ! No more candy today ! " Jason said stubbornly but Billy was already starting to drag him to it while the other followed closely behind. Jason glared at him angrily but Billy started to pout and quickly broke him down.
" Kim ! We didn't you tell me about his sweet tooth ? " Jason glared at her.
" Uuhhh ... I forgot ? " Kim smiled sheepishly. Jason sighed as they approached Sophie.
" Fine, Billy. I'll buy just one more but you have to promise not to have anymore later ok ? " Jason said while Billy nodded.
" Hey you guys ! Mmmmm, nice Jason ! " Sophie complimented as she saw Jason was shirtless. He blushed as he bought a stick of cotton candy for Billy and took a big piece of it for himself, earning another glare from Billy.
" Hey, don't think we met. Sophie. " she said, holding out her hand and shaking Trini's and Zack's.
" Hey, I'm Zack and this is Trini. " announced Zack.
" Pleased to meet you. " she smiled.
" You didn't put anything in the cotton candy this time right ? " Billy asked before popping a piece into his mouth, as everyone suddenly froze.
" What do you mean Billy ? " Kim chuckled nervously. Billy was silent in thought and everyone nervously held their breath, besides Jason.
" Hmmm, I don't really know ... want some ? " asked Billy, pointing the stick towards them.
" No thank you Billy. " Trini replied. They let out their breaths in relief and they just continued talking the day away.
--
" So, what do we do now ? " wondered Zack. He was laying in his bed , Kim and Trini were sitting on Jason's and Billy's bed, and Jason and BIlly were standing in the corner. They had just eaten dinner and were resting in the boy's room.
" Well, we are going home tomorrow, shoudn't we pack all our clothes and stuff ? " Kim suggested. They agreed and the girls left for their room. They finished putting most their clothes away but when Billy came to his stuffed triceratops, he decided to leave it out.
" Do you like it ? " Jason asked, flopping down next to Billy and staring at the toy.
" Yeah, thanks again by the way. " Billy said as Jason nodded. Suddenly they heard Kim scream ... again, and they rushed into her room ... again.
" What ! " all three boys yelled frantically as they collapsed in her room. Kim was staring at her open window angrily as Trini tried to calm her down.
" That stupid Vomen ! Wait 'till I get my hands on his stupid ghostly neck - "
" Kim ! Calm down ! It was a ghost, aren't you supposed to be scared ? " Trini wondered.
" What is going on ? " Zack yelled so loudly that they all stopped. After they got over the initial shock, they all sat down and Trini told them the story.
" Hey Billy, Kim said you guys have already had troubles with Vomen, is that true ? " Trini asked.
" Vomen ... Vomen ... Vomen ! Oh man, that little ghost ! I remember him from five years ago when he stole some of our clothes and never gave them back ... wait. Didn't that happen to us already ? " asked Billy as they all remember the day before when all their clothes were stolen from their lockers.
" Wait, so you mean ghosts exist ! " asked Zack, bewildered.
" Yeah. " Kim grumbled.
" Well, he was a little boy that he was born here in this hotel but he died at a young age because he was heavily sick. " Trini said.
" But when he became a ghost, he gained freedom and likes to play little pranks on the guests here once in awhile. " Billy explained.
" Yeah, me and BIlly met him five years ago and caught him, making him give back our stuff and say sorry. He promised he'd never do it again but I guess with me and Billy back, he just couldn't help but play with us. " Kim huffed.
" So why were you so angry when we came in ? " Jason wondered. Suddenly, Kim's eyes glowed in anger again and Jason immediatly regretted asking.
" He stole my bunny ! " she shouted.
" Uhhh Kim ? Is that all ? Because I don't think- " Billy started.
" What do mean ! What if her stole your stuffed animal huh ? " Kim snapped at him as his face faltered. He immediatly charged out of the room. They could hear crashes and riffling from the other side of the wall then they heard Billy scream.
" It's gone ! " Billy screamed as they all burst in.
" So, are you with me now ? " Kim shouted as she pumped her hands up in the air.
" OH ! IT'S ON NOW ! " Billy's eyes blazed with anger as he held up his fist. They joined together and suddenly a fire erupted behind them in the background.
" That was scary ! " Jason exclaimed.
" Wow, they have more in common then we thought. " Trini sweatdroppped.
" And we thought we had nothing else to do tonight ! " Zack smiled.
--
So ? How was this one ? Yes, day three is NOT over yet ! It will continue in the next chapter ! Please review and leave me your comments ! Please ! It will give me inspiration ... yes it will ! Stay tuned if you want more !