The Path of Friendship
By : Tsubasa Caligrapher
Chapter 12
Disclaimer : I do not own Power Rangers ... again, I DO NOT own Power Rangers ... but I own Sophie ... remember, the cotton candy girl ... and I don't own Charmed either ... you'll see what I mean ... I think ...
Thanks : PernDragonrider, Azure Kaze, KaiAN-Chan, PrettyDiva, and The Similerian. Thanks you guys for always reviewing my story. And The Similerian, if you're wondering where this is going ... all I can say is ... you'll just have to wait !
--
" CARNIVAL ! CARNIVAL ! CARNIVAL ! " Zack chanted happily as he ran around.
" Zack ! Shut up ! If my dad gets a migraine, it's not gonna help. " Kim said as she grabbed his back collar.
" Ughh ! Save me ! " Zack struggled out as he pretended to choke and reached out towards Jason.
" No way man, you got yourself into this ! " Jason chuckled.
" Ssshhhh. Quiet ! Aaggghhh ! Hide ! Mom's coming ! " and she pushed them away into a dark corner. They watched as Kim's mom kissed her dad good-bye and leave. They waited a while after she left and Kim cautiously moved to the bedroom door.
" Kimberly ? What are you doing here ? " Kim eeped as she noticed her mom was behind her. The others cautiously pressed themselves against the wall, trying to stay out of sight.
" Uhhhh ... uhh ... mom ? I-I was just gonna talk to dad. " she nervously chuckled, as her mother's eyebrow rose in question.
" I see ... well, excuse me. Goodbye darling, I must go to my sister's birthday. " she said as she kissed Kim's cheek and then grabbed something from the side and walked downstairs. After she peeked down to check if her mom and really left this time, she sighed and slightly stooped as she ran into her dad's room.
" Hey dad ! " Kim yelled happily as she flopped down on the bed next to her dad.
" Hello princess ! And what do I owe for this visit ? " he smiled happily as he put an arm around her.
" Nothing dad. " she smiled as she hugged him back.
" Come on baby, I'm not your mother but I'm not that dumb you know. " he joked.
" Of course you aren't ! ... ok, maybe there is something I want to ask you. " she admitted sheepishly.
" Hmmm, let me guess. You want to go somewhere with your friends again ? " he said with a knowing smile.
" How did you know ? " she said in slight shock.
" Let's just say ... I have my ways. " he grinned.
" That's what everyone says these days. " she mumbled with a smile.
" So, Billy and the other three are the ones coming I presume. "
" Right again dad. " she chuckled.
" Want me to prepare a carriage ? "
" That would help a lot. " she thought about it.
" So, do I get to know where you're going ? " he smiled good-naturedly.
" Don't worry dad, we're just going to the passing-by carnival. " she explained to him.
" Doesn't that charge money ? Do you need to borrow any ? " he asked.
" No, don't worry. We already won some free tickets. " she remembered.
" Really ? Wow, during the monthly break ? "
" Yeah. "
" So, do you think you need guards on this trip ? "
" Uhh ... no ? "
" You know I'm going to send them anyways right. "
" Hey ! You can't blame a girl for trying right ? " she grinned.
" So, you're only going to be gone for the afternoon right ? "
" Yes ... you know. This all seems to easy, even for you. What's the catch dad ? " she quirked an eyebrow at him.
" Nothing. I just want you to have some fun before your princess studies start again. "
" Oh, don't remind me. Do I have the same teacher ? I mean Mr. Caplan was nice but still, I would be rather learning about all of this from a woman. "
" Yes yes, don't worry. And guess what, we have enough staff this year to get the old school up and running again. "
" Really ? So, you don't mind if I have classes with Billy again right ? " she smiled.
" No dear. It's ok, I trust you and the others. By the way, don't make any plans the day after tomorrow. " he said.
" Why not ? " Kim asked in confusion.
" Oh, it's nothing serious. It's just that with your mother having to go on her trips, I've just been lonely. I'm free that day and I just want to spend it with my princess. "
" Really ? That's great ! I'll be looking forward to it ! Thanks dad ! " she kissed him on the cheek as she happily skipped out the door and closed it behind her.
--
" We're going you guys ! " Kim shouted to her awaiting friends. She and Zack held hands and started jumping around in joy.
" I hope there aren't a lot of clowns there. Ever since I was seven years old, they freaked me out. " Billy shuddered.
" Why ? " Trini asked.
" Well, when I was seven years old, I saw them and they freaked me out ... there's not really a story there. " Billy ended.
" Ok, now that the excitement's over, everyone off to bed. We're going to need our strength tomorrow if we're going to visit every attraction at the carnival ! " Jason's voice slowly rose as he got more and more excited. He and Zack bumped heads excitedly and started grunting.
" Ummm ... yeah. It's probably a guy thing. " Kim whispered to Trini as Billy glared at her. She looked at him and started smiling sheepishly. She dragged Trini over to Jason and they gave their goodnight kisses before proceeding to their rooms.
" I can't wait for tomorrow ! God, it's been so boring for the last week ! " Zack smiled brightly.
" I know, I'm so psyched ! I can't wait to see everything there is to see. " Jason's eyes shined. They both stopped and looked at the quiet Billy.
" What ? Am I supposed to add something ? " Billy asked.
" Well, I guess there'll probably be cotton candy. " Jason laughed when he saw Billy's eyes light up.
" Well, I guess there's that. " Billy said with a smile as the other two laughed.
--
" BILLY ! BILLY ! BILLY ! " Billy slowly woke up to see Jason and Zack bouncing about happily, calling his name. He saw that they had already dressed in their signature colors, waiting for him to get up.
" I'm up ! " he yelled, just to have a pair of his clothes thrown at him.
" Hurry and put them on ! The girls are waiting for us ! " shouted Zack as he and Jason appeared next to Billy's bedside.
" Yeah, I will when you guys move away a litttle. " the other two blushed as they realized how close they were to the unclothed Billy.
--
" TRINI ! TRINI ! TRINI ! " Trini opened her eyes to see her door being hammered down by powerful knocks. She looked to the right and realized that her roommate had already awakened and left.
" TRINI ! HURRY UP ! THE BOYS ARE WAITING DOWNSTAIRS FOR US ! " Kim yelled as she continued banging on Trini's door. She opened the door and Kim burst through, directly heading for underneath Trini's bed.
" Uhhh, good morning to you too ? " Trini yawned as Kim opened her clothes trunk and picked out an outfit.
" Here, put this on, the guys are already done and waiting. " Kim hurried her as she handed her the outfit.
" Are the guys really down there or are you just saying that to make me dress faster ? " Trini perceptively asked. Kim faltered a bit but quickly regained composure.
" Of course they are ! " Kim chuckled nervously.
--
The others hurridly pushed Billy and Trini downstairs, into Ernie's kitchen.
" Hey kids ! Kim, your dad said your carriage would arrive soon. Here, eat these on the way. " said Ernie as he passed each teen a paper bag. They looked in and realized it was packed with food.
" Thanks Ernie ! " they all chorused as they took a small snack out from the bag.
" No problem, I knew you kids would probably be hungry when I didn't see you at breakfast today. " he said as he was washing dishes.
" You made all these in the little time you had since breakfast ? Wow. " Zack praised as he took out a wrapped sandwich and bit into it.
" Thanks Zack. Oh Kim, I think the carriage is here. " Ernie said as he pointed to the door. They all nodded their thanks and ran out to the front.
" Wow. " they four slaves uttered. It was a pure white carriage, with intricate designs around the door. It was drawn by six white horses and their driver was one Billy and Kim were familiar with.
" Hey Mr.Norman ! " Kim waved at the old man as they walked into the large carriage.
" Finally ! Some space ! " Jason sighed as they saw they now had enough room to sit. Jason sat on the right along with Billy and Kim, the other two took the left side.
" This is nice ! " Zack smiled as he turned around constantly in his chair, forgetting about the food for a split moment.
" Thanks ! It's my own carriage, dad bought it for me last year ! " Kim smiled as she bit into an apple.
" Nice. " Zack still admired as Trini took some food out of Zack's bag and threw it to a smiling Jason. After awhile, Zack started to notice that his bag was getting more and more empty.
" Ok, it was alright for a bit there, but don't you think you overdid it ? " Zack stated as he lifted the bag upside down and nothing came out. Everyone else looked at eachother and burst out laughing.
--
" WE'RE HERE ! " Zack shouted happily as the carriage made a stop. Everyone hopped out happily, looking at the old-fashioned carnival.
" Cotton candy ! ... oh dear god ! " Billy almost fainted as a clown on stilts appeared in front of him.
" Hey, can I try those ? " Zack asked excitedly, pointing to the stilts.
--
" All right, heads up everybody ! Witness the Zack-man on stilts ! Ahhaha ! Yeah ! " Zack shouted happily after he got a few short lessons from the clown.
" Keep it up man, you're doing great ! " Jason shouted encouragingly.
" Yeah ! " Zack laughed.
" No way, I could never do that. The only thing I can balance is a shopping bag, you know, on my arms. " she said to Billy, making him chuckle.
" Remember to balance yourself ! " Trini shouted out worridly.
" Hey, check this out ! " Zack called as he started dancing on them, making them all chuckle. But soon after, he started losing control.
" Be careful ! " Kim shouted, as Jason started to move in front of Zack.
" Whoa ! Whoa ! " they all chorused.
" Look out ! " Billy yelled as he saw Zack falling. Jason caught him right before they hit the floor, then they fell down together.
" Oh, my big strong hero ! " Zack yelled in a girly voice as he jokingly kissed Jason on the cheek.
" Ugh, get up man ! " Jason wiped his cheek as he lifted Zack up.
" Come on you guys, let's go see the rest of the carnival. " Trini suggested. They turned and left, not noticing another clown joining the other and glaring evilly at the small group.
" Don't worry Francis, we'll get them. All of them. "
--
" Would you like to try ? " asked a clown as he appeared in front of Billy and started juggling small pineapples.
" Ummm, no thanks. " Billy nervously chuckled as he went behind Jason.
" I'll try ! " Kim yelled out, moving to the front of the crowd. The clown handed her four eggs and she threw them up in the air as she saw Bulk and Skull come.
" What are you guys doing here ? " Billy asked.
" Didn't you read the sign at the entrance ? No geeks allowed. " Bulk chuckled.
" Hey, I thought you guys changed. " Trini said.
" Well, we haven't changed all that much. " Skull said as an egg landed on him.
" 1, 2, 3, ... 4 ! " Kim counted as they alternately landed on Bulk's and Skull's heads. The group laughed as they proceeded foward on their adventure.
" Cotton candy ! " Billy yelled excitedly as he dragged Jason to the vaguely familiar cotton candy cart.
" Hey, I know that voice ... Billy ! " a high voice shouted as a blond head popped up.
" Sophie ! " they all shouted happily.
" Here, it's on the house. " she said as she gave a stick of cotton candy to a happy Billy. He was about to start eating it when Jason tore off the top half and devoured it, smiling cheekily. Billy stared down at it in horror and smacked Jason on the arm.
" This seems vaguely familiar ... so, have you been blowing in Jason's ear lately ? " she smiled as she saw the two boys freeze and blush.
" Whoa, what ? Hi, I'm Zack remember ? So, what happened between these two ? " Zack asked eagerly.
" Nothing ! " the pair concerned yelled at him as they glared at Sophie.
" Yeah right ! As if it was nothing. " Kim said, forgetting that she wasn't supposed to know.
" And you know this because ? " Jason glared at her.
" I was hiding in the bushes ? " she said nervously as they all stared at her strangely, besides Sophie.
" Why ? " they all asked, besides Sophie.
" Um yeah, she'll get to that later. But now, pay up ! " Sophie said as she held out her hands to Kim.
" What ? I thought it was free ! " pointing to Billy and Jason.
" Yes, that was. But did you forget to tell me what happened to my cart last time ? " Sophie quirked her eyebrow. Kim nervously chuckled and gave her a few coins.
" Well, this is a but much but hey, I'll take the rest as a tip ! " Sophie grinned.
" That was so wrong. " Kim grumbled as Sophie continued grinning.
" Jason ! " Billy glowered angrily as Jason took another piece of cotton candy.
" What ? " Jason asked mock-innocently as he fed Billy a piece of cotton candy while he just continued to glare at him.
" Ok you two ! Time to go enjoy the rest of the carnival ! " urged Trini as she pushed them away.
" Bye Sophie ! " they all yelled happily as they continued.
--
" Pryamid ! Step up and watch the human pyramid, or give it a try yourself ! " a clown called out as they passed by.
" Uhhh, I don't think this is a good idea. " Billy said nervously as Kim dragged him onto the platform.
" Come on ! It's only use five and the clown ! The pyramids is gonna be really small anyway ! " Kim urged. Jason and Zack got down on all fours next to the clown while Kim and Billy climbed on top, waiting for Trini.
" Uhhh, I agree with Billy, this isn't a good idea. " Trini gulped.
" Come on Trini, I though you got over your fear of heights. " Zack said.
" I did ! But I don't love it either. " she defended. After moments of pleading, she finally caved and warily climbed to the top.
" See, you could make it ! " Jason shouted up.
" Hehehe, yeah. " Trini nervously chuckled as she looked down, and started to become dizzy.
" Ahhh ! " she yelped as she lost her balance and they all came tumbling down.
" Well hey ! At least we finished it ! " Kim said optimistically.
--
" Ferris wheel ! Ferris wheel ! " said Billy excitedly as he pointed to the giant wooden wheel.
" It doesn't look that safe ... " Trini said nervously.
" Look what you did ! Billy's on another sugar high ! " Kim whined to Sophie. After awhile, they met up with Sophie again and she gave Billy some more cotton candy, deciding she wanted to go with them too, and took a break.
" What ? So ? He ... uh ... expresses himself more now. " Sophie grinned sheepishly.
" Yeah yeah, let's hurry up and get on the ferris wheel. " Kim sighed. They approached the short line and waited patiently, trying to calm Trini down.
" Hmmmm, it's seems that it's three per seat. Well, it's obvious Billy's going with Jason. " she said pointing to the pair, seeing how tightly Billy was holding onto Jason's arm.
" Let them go with Trini, they both can probably keep her calm, let's go with Zack. " Sophie suggested. Then boarded the next two gondalas and tried to enjoy the ride. The first round was pleasant, but it ended their second time around. The ride started to rumble, and then it just stopped.
" GET ME DOWN FROM HERE ! " they heard an inhuman yelled break the sound barrier.
" Well, that was creepy. " Sophie deadpanned.
" I swear, we are cursed ! " Kim sighed into her hand.
" I hope she doesn't do anything drastic. " Zack nervously chuckled.
--
" Billy, do you think I'm an agile person ? " Trini asked.
" Yes ... why ? " he asked cautiously.
" Because, I think I can leap my way to the bottom ... " she thought.
" No ! " they both shouted, holding her down.
" That is way too dangerous ! " Jason said.
" Yeah, don't worry. It's probably going to start up again soon, hey, at least we aren't stuck at the top. " Billy joked. Then, as soon as he said it, the ferris wheel started moving again ... only for it to stop at the top !
" NNNOOOOOO ! " Trini howled.
" Billy ! You jinxed it ! " Jason whined as he tried to calm Trini down.
" I'm sorry ! Blame Sophie ! It's her fault I'm on a sugar high ! " he said.
" I heard that ! " Sophie yelled up.
--
" Sophie, sit down ! " Kim yelled, pulling her friend down.
" Wow, I think Trini's going crazy. " Zack sighed. Finally, the ride started up again and they all made it safely to the bottom.
" I will NEVER go on that again ! " Trini panted.
" Yeah, yeah. After that, I don't think I ever want to go on it again either. " Billy shuddered.
" Well, since that took longer than expected, I gotta go and man my cart. " Sophie waved goodbye as they continued on their journey.
--
" So, where to next ? " they wondered as they continued touring the place.
" Hey, let's try that. " said Trini as she pointed to a stand.
" Knock down the milk jugs ? " Zack read. It had a small raised platform, stacked with six milk jugs in a pyramid. Jason saw someone throw a small sack at the middle of the pyramid, and it didn't move a centimeter.
" I wanna try ! " Kim shouted excitedly. She paid the attendant and got a single hackey-sack. Kim reeled back her arm and pitched the ball forward, her aim was slightly off and she only hit the top jug off. Kim pouted in sadness and turned to the others.
" Let me try. " Trini said as she paid and got a sack. She sighed, then she threw it forward, hitting the pile straight in the middle but she was too week, and it only rattled it.
" Me next ! " Zack shouted excitedly as he got a sack himself. He aimed, then shot it forward, hitting the middle but was only able to shake off the top pin.
" Now, me. " said Jason as he got a sack. He reeled his arms back and threw it forward, hitting the bottom middle jug and knocking it down, to have the other two still standing and keeping the pyramid alive. They all gaped at the results.
" I swear, this thing is rigged ! " Zack sighed.
" Hmmmm, I was sure I could do it ... " Jason mused.
" Don't worry Jase, none of us could do it ... except maybe Billy but he didn't want to try. " Kim said as she patted his back. As they continued on, Jason sneaked back and when the attendant wasn't looking, he grabbed a sack and knocked the jugs down.
' I knew I could do it. ' Jason smiled proudly.
--
" Come on, come all ! Come here if you want to reveal your true love's identity ! " a man dressed in a cloak said.
" How does this work ? " asked a curious Billy as the group made their way to it.
" With this. " he said, holding up an apple.
" Show us. " Jason said as he stood by Billy.
" Ok then. First, you must fill your heart with only thoughts of love. Close your eyes, and blow on the peel. " he instructed Billy as he cut the apple. He put in front of Billy while he blew.
" Drop the peel into the water, and watch. " he said as he dropped it into a barrel of water.
" And how is it, that this apple knows this big secret ? " Jason asked.
" It's simple really, apples are the fruit of knowledge. " he simply said as he looked into the water.
" The letter J. Your true love's first name begins with a J. " he said as they two boys peered into it.
" Hmmm, think it's Jenny Craig ? From the west side ? " Jason wondered.
" Nah. " they said at the same time as they thought about it.
" Come on you guys ! Let's go ! " they heard Kim yell as they left the barrel.
--
" No ! No no no no no no no ! " Billy yelled as Kim and Jason tried to pull him into the giant colorful tent.
" Come on Billy, it's going to be fine ! " Jason said.
" No ! There are clowns in there ! " Billy shouted.
" Don't worry ! They're not going to hurt you, we're going to be right here ! " Kim pleaded.
" No ! Nothing you say will make me go ! " he yelled, starting to draw people's attention.
" Uhhhh, I'll buy you some more cotton candy. " Jason shot.
" Really ? " as he dropped his guard, he was hauled through. As soon as they closed the curtain behind them into the empty space, with only chairs and a small platform, Billy made a dash for it.
" Oh no you don't ! " Kim and Jason yelled as they grabbed him while the other two laughed. Jason put the squirming Billy on his lap again and wrapped his arms around his waist.
" I hate you. " Billy grumbled.
" We know you don't mean that. " they all chorused. Billy stubbornly crossed his arms and leaned back against Jason.
" Come on, just watch the show. " Jason whispered to him.
" Fine, but only if you buy me cotton candy later. " Billy muttered as Jason smiled. A clown started the opening act with juggling.
--
The show had finally ended and the small group were making their way out of the tent when a clown walked in on the entrance and blocked their path.
" Dude, what's up ? " Zack asked.
" Nothing, nigga. " he growled. The group sighed angrily, they knew they would run into people like him sooner or later. Suddenly, a knife whistled through the air and landed right next to Jason's face. They turned around and saw the knife thrower, spinning knives and smiling evilly at them.
" Hello kiddies. " said a sinisterly familiar voice. Out of the shadows came the familiar enemy.
" Francis. " Jason seethed out as his eyes flashed red.
" Wow, you remember my name ? I'm so glad ! So, how is my little boy toy, Billy ? " he said with a sick happiness. Billy tightened his fist, but remained cool. Kim noticed that they were all just staring at eachother, not paying attention to the petite girl. With all her effort, she swung around and kicked the clown blocking the door in the chin and knocked him out. Everyone took the chance and hightailed outta there.
Billy looked around and saw more enemies closing in. He saw Trini run by him and they both made it outside the enemy circle, fighting them off one by one. As soon as the other three emerged, they purposely made their way towards the center.
" Zack, Kim ! Form a human chain ! " Jason yelled.
" Locked on ! " Zack said as he climbed onto Jason shoulders and fell back with his arms outstretched.
" Me too ! " Kim yelled as Zack out stretched out his legs and Kim hooked onto them. Jason started raising them and spinning, Kim stretching out her legs too. Soon, the crowd was blown down by their rain of punches and kicks. Soon after, everyone was defeated and all that was left was Francis himself.
" No ! This wasn't supposed to happen ! " Francis yelled engraged. He picked up a fallen knife and threw it a Billy, but Jason caught it and threw it to the floor.
" Game over, you lose ! " Jason said angrily. Francis frantically dove to attack Kim, but two figures tackled him down in mid-air.
" Bulk ? Skull ? " they all said in surprise.
" Hey you dweebs. Sorry we took so long, we lost you for a while there. " Bulk apologized.
" You mean ... " Kim started, expecting them to finish the rest.
" Yup ! We're your guards ! Mr.Stone said we had to be inc-incon-incon-inconspicuious ... yeah ! " Skull said.
" Well, I hope you brought some back-up because we all all of this taken home and thrown into the dungeon. " Kim said as she pointed to the giant knocked-out crowd.
" Don't worry, back-up is already coming. Princess, I suggest you go back home now, and you geeks better protect her. " Bulk said as they all smiled.
" Wow, who knew that Bulk and Skull were your guards all along. " Trini said as they made their way back to Kim's carriage.
" I told you clowns were evil. " Billy mumbled to Jason.
" Sorry, sorry. You were right. " Jason apologized.
" You still owe me cotton candy. " Billy said.
" And there she is. " Jason said, pointing to Sophie's cart. The group walked over to their friend.
" Hey guys ! I heard there was a fight over there by the circus tents. " she said with a knowing smile.
" Yeah, we heard about it too. " Kim chuckled nervously.
" Here you guys. And this is your own bag Jason, stop eating Billy's candy. " she smiled as she gave them each a plastic bag of candy. They smiled their thanks and left. Moments later, Sophie was unlocking the wheels on her cart when she saw a bag of cotton candy.
" I thought I made only two bags ... and one of them was my age reducement potion ! " her voice slowly rose higher as she remembered.
" Oh shit ! " she yelled running towards the exit, wanting to catch the group but came only in time to see the carriage already being driven away.
" Oh damn ! I hope Billy and the others don't charge over here and get mad at me ... hey, maybe they may not notice ... yeah right ! Who wouldn't notice hunky muscle guy Jason acting like a little kid ? Oh well ... I just hope my potion doesn't cause any unwanted side-effects, it's only a test formula anyways ... " she sighed.
--
" I'm beat. " Kim yawned. They had made it back to her castle already, and were gathered in the boy's room.
" Yeah, me too. Goodnight ever- " suddenly, Jason felt lightheaded and he fainted.
" Jason ! " they all yelled.
--
After Jason's collapse, the group decided to spend the night all together. Kim and Trini took Zack's bed, Billy had his own, and Zack slept on the floor with the spare pillow and blankets. Soon after daybreak, Jason woke up and gave a loud yawn, waking everyone up.
" Jason ? " they called out as they slowly got up. They looked and saw that he was tiredly rubbing his eyes, slowly nodding. Jason mumbled something they couldn't hear.
" What ? " Billy asked as he leaned in.
" Babi ? " Billy repeated in confusion as he pulled back, before he leaned in again when Jason mumbled something else.
" Momin ? " Billy relayed again.
" Huh ? Haha, Jase hasn't said that since he was ... " Zack lost his smile and looked shocked at Trini.
" ... since he was ... how long had it been since daybreak ? " Trini asked as she looked out the window.
" I think about fifteen minutes ... why ? " Kim asked as she joined Trini by the window.
" Fifteen minutes after daybreak ... " Zack whispered.
" Jason, how old are you ? " Trini asked happily, ... like she was talking to a child. He stuck his thumb into his mouth and started sucking it while he held up his hand.
" Dear Scott ... Jason's four years-old again ... " Zack muttered. Jason yawned again and pointed to something under Billy's bed, whining for it. Kim slowly walked to it and pulled out Billy's blue triceratops.
" Do you want this ? " she asked, holding it up while Jason nodded eagerly. She gave it to him and he put his arm around it, still sucking his thumb. He yawned again and fell on Billy's lap.
" Housten, we have a problem. " Zack joked.
--
Sooooo, how was this chapter ? Please tell me if you liked it or not, in a review please ? They really mean much to me. And to my dear reviewers out there, if you like my story, recommend it to you friends ! Love ya all ! Please review !