Part 6

Zordon was waiting patiently when they reappeared in the command center moments later. The look on his floating face was knowing, but he didn't say anything until they'd regained their feet and Tommy lifted his hand away. Kimberly's fingers clung to his for a moment until reluctantly dropping away. He didn't want her touch and she wasn't about to force it on him. Hiding the hurt she felt by crossing her arms over her chest, she looked up to the floating representation that had been her mentor for three years - and was about to become so again.

"I did not expect you to return with Tommy, Kimberly."

"There's been a slight change of plans, Zordon. Something we have to run by you before he takes me home."

"You have resolved your differences then?"

"Not exactly." Her admission was quiet. "But we've come to an understanding for the moment. We've come to talk with you about Katherine."

"The situation is regrettable, she will, however recover."

"That's not what she means and you know it, Zordon." Tommy stepped up next to Kim. "Kat told us she was going to surrender the pink power coin back to you - and that you planned to retire it because of me."

"Katherine and I have discussed the issue at length, Tommy, and decided it is in your best interest and the interest of the Power Rangers, that the Pink Ranger should retire for a time."

"But we need the Pink Ranger, Zordon. Without her we can't pilot the Megazord."

"It will be difficult, yes, but not impossible. You have adapted to other obstacles in the past and I have faith that you and the Rangers will all adapt to this one."

"Does this mean you're going to let Tommy remain as the Red Ranger?"

"Have you completed your discussion?"

Tommy and Kimberly shared a look. Tommy arched his eyebrows in silent query. Kimberly smiled faintly. "Not completely, Zordon, but what needed to be said has been said. This isn't a problem that's going to be fixed by one little talk."

"I was more concerned with starting both of you down the path. Seeing as how you have met my condition, Tommy may resume his duties as the Red Zeo Ranger."

"Yes!"

Kimberly grinned at his enthusiastic reply. She was happy for him; being a Ranger meant more than anything else in his life and drove him to be more than he was. "Zordon?"

"Yes Kimberly."

"Tommy and I talked about one other thing - something you need to know about."

"I am listening."

Tommy's smile faded a little as he realized what topic she was about to broach. It was a sensitive one and one that Zordon would likely resist. He sidled closer to her, offering unspoken support in a fashion that seemed as natural as breathing. It was an action Kimberly was sure he hadn't thought about but she was grateful for it. Dealing with Tommy, and now Zordon, was testing the limits of her courage.

"Katherine told me before I spoke with Tommy that she wants to return home and surrender the Pink Ranger powers. However, she doesn't want to have them retired because all of the Rangers are needed, even the Pink one."

"Some would say especially the Pink one," Tommy's soft murmur almost broke her concentration. Had he realized he'd said it or was it a deliberate ploy to make her falter? She didn't know, but she filed the information away for another place and time - she'd have to ask him about it later. She turned her full attention back to the Ranger's mentor.

"Because of the difficulty of the Machine Empire's monsters, she believes that retiring the Pink powers are a mistake if there's another option available." She took a deep, bracing breath. "Kat has asked me to resume the role of the Pink Ranger in her place-"

"Impossible."

"-and Tommy agrees with her."

Zordon's objection had made her falter, but his silence after the last statement made her wonder what he was thinking. She didn't have long to wait - Zordon was never tongue tied for any length of time.

"Is this true, Tommy?"

"Yes, Zordon. Kat asked my opinion when she told me she intended to return to Australia. She also told me that Kimberly had agreed - which wasn't exactly true at the time - to resume the role of the Pink Ranger. The honor is hers by right. If she wants it back, she should accept it."

"Have circumstances changed to allow you to resume your duties as a Power Ranger, Kimberly?"

She winced. "No Zordon, but Tommy and I have discussed it. Pan Globals are just over a month away. I'll be an absentee Ranger until then, but they can call me anytime if they need me. With the Machine Empire's focus on Tommy, I should be able to fly under the radar until the competition is over."

"And if you are offered another opportunity after the games?"

"I'll decline." She held up her hand, forestalling the objection she knew Zordon would make. "Pan Globals is the only competition I ever aspired to, Zordon, and I would like to move away from gymnastics once they're done. At least for a little while. Angel Grove is as good a place as any to start looking at what I want to do with my life. I'll have a purpose here and my friends."

"The transfer back to you may not be possible, Kimberly."

Kimberly shot a questioning look at Tommy, but he shrugged. "What do you mean, Zordon?"

"It is unknown if a power, given up willingly to another, can be return to its original host. It has not been tried before."

"What about Tommy's return as the Green Ranger?"

"The Dragon coin had been reduced to zero energy. By re-energizing it in Tommy's hands, who still had residual Green Ranger energies in his body, it acknowledged him as the rightful wielder. Because he gave it to another active Ranger, it is possible that the power coin was able to be returned to him without problem."

"But the crane coin still works for me, and as I've never used the Zeo crystal, wouldn't it acknowledge Kat as its original host?"

"That is possible."

She had him. She heard it in his voice.

"Tommy."

"Yes, Zordon?"

"You are now aware of the problems regarding your focus and the Pink Ranger. Will having Kimberly once again in this position hinder your abilities as they have with Katherine?"

"Never. Kimberly's never let me down as a Power Ranger, Zordon. I know what she can do, and so do you. I trust her to perform her duties as a Ranger."

Kimberly could have sworn he would have added "if nowhere else" on the end of it, but he didn't. Tommy seemed to understand that showing a united front for Zordon was the key to keeping a Pink Ranger in the group. For a guy who wanted little to do with her until he'd sorted things out in his head, his next words floored her.

"We need her Zordon; I need her. The Rangers haven't been the same since Kim left - you know that as well as I do. She'd the glue, the heart of the team, and has been since before I joined it."

She wanted to cry at the sincerity in his voice, at how earnest he sounded. But did he really mean it? Had Tommy become such an accomplished actor when it came to hiding his feelings that he could tell Zordon one thing, and treat her the opposite way?

"Very well. As the leader of the Rangers, I will accept your decision in this matter, Tommy. If Katherine should choose to pursue her decision to leave Angel Grove and the Rangers, I will welcome back Kimberly's wisdom and caring to the group. Resuming the role of Pink Ranger should prove to be no hardship for someone of her natural abilities."

"Thanks, Zordon."

Zordon's head bobbed. "Once you have spoken to Katherine, and should she still choose to relinquish her powers to you, I would ask that you return to the command center to meet with the rest of the team."

"I guess I'd better get started if I want to get any sleep before practice tomorrow."

"You'll get plenty of sleep." Tommy cut in with a look at Zordon. "We can't have a meeting until Rocky and Adam are released tomorrow. Do you still have your communicator?"

"It's in my room back at the dorm." She shrugged, smiling apologetically. "After I got to Florida I couldn't bring myself to keep wearing it. The temptation to use the teleportation function to visit home was just too much."

"I would ask that you resume wearing your communicator immediately upon your return to Florida, Kimberly." Zordon's instruction was phrased as a request but it was really an order. "The Rangers may need you at any time."

"Only in emergencies," Tommy cut in. "We can't be pulling her away from Florida every time the Cogs show up. I mean it Zordon - she's really going to be an absente Ranger until after the Pan Globas are done."

"I would not do anything to deny Kimberly this opportunity, Tommy. Once the other Rangers are able, I will contact you for a meeting."

"Morphinominal." Kimberly couldn't keep the smile from her face despite the anxiety churning in her gut. Each of the new Rangers knew how badly she'd treated Tommy - would that influence her reception back into the tight-knit group? He was betting the next while was going to be a test of her resolve. "Shall we see Kat before you take me home, Tommy?"

"Sounds like a plan. I'll check back with you later Zordon."

"It is good to see you smile, Tommy. May the Power protect you."

Tommy scooped Kim's hand up in his own before pressing the teleportation button on his communicator.

They rematerialized just outside the hospital, in the same strand of trees as before, and headed inside. By-passing the reception desk, they took an empty elevator to the floor where Kat was staying, and made their way towards her room. They paused outside, and Kimberly dragged him to the side of the door, looking into his face. "Before I do this, I just need to know one thing."

"Can't this wait?"

She shook her head. "I need to know before I tell her yes." His look was anything but accommodating, yet she forged ahead anyway. Depending on his answer, she might turn Kat down. "What did you mean when you told Zordon that you needed me?"

His expression closed completely and she knew instantly she'd pushed too far, too fast. She let go of his arm, allowing him to turn away. "Tommy, I'm sorry, I just... I need to know."

"I don't know why I said it, Kim." His voice was rough with uncertainty. "It just seemed the right thing to say."

"Thank you. I'll be out in a minute."

He didn't follow as she ducked into Katherine's room. The sight that greeted her made her smile. Jason had fallen asleep next to Kat and slumped forward. His head was cushioned by his folded arms on the bed beside her. Kat's uninjured hand was caught in Jason's like a life-line. Loathe to wake them, but knowing she had to, she stepped forward and place her hand on Jason's back.

Jason's head snapped up, his eyes opening to focus on her in a heart beat. He relaxed immediately. "Kim."

"Comfortable?"

She swore she saw him blush as he released Katherine's hand and sat back. Kimberly made a shooing motion, indicating he was to wait outside. He rose to his feet, looking at Kat for a minute before turning to face her. "Keep it quick, okay? She needs her rest."

"I won't be long, Jason; I promised her I'd stop by before I head out myself."

He caught her in a hug. "Don't be a stranger, Kim."

She returned it. "You'll see me again before you know it. Now git; I have a couple of things to talk to Kat about."

"Kimberly?"

Jason gave her one last squeeze before heading for the door, leaving Kimberly to deal with the semi-conscious Katherine. Kimberly settled into the chair Jason had just vacated and smiled at her friend. "Yeah, it's me. How're you feeling?"

"Can I go home yet?"

"In a couple of days, Kat honey."

Katherine blinked and winced as she attempted to move, observing her visitor with sleep fogged eyes for a couple of minutes before she realized the significance of who it was. She managed a weak smile of welcome, and tilted the bed with the remote so she could look at Kimberly in a more relaxed position. Kimberly waited as Katherine made herself more comfortable, managing not to squirm under her friend's penetrating look.

"Did you talk to him?"

There was no need to identify who "him" was - both knew she was talking about Tommy. Kimberly nodded. "More like we yelled at one another, but it cleared the air somewhat. He even backed me up to Zordon to resume the duties of the Pink Ranger."

"I hoped he would. I'm sorry for putting you in this situation, Kimberly."

"Don't be; we'll work it out. You, however, should reconsider going back to Australia."

"I told you, I can't stay."

"Won't stay, you mean."

"They're one and the same."

"Kat... I know things are tough right now, but running away isn't going to make them any easier. The people who love and care about you are here."

"My parents are in Australia."

"That's not what I mean. Don't get me wrong, parents are great, but what about the rest of us who want to make sure you're okay? You wouldn't deprive us of the right to see you healthy, would you?"

"Jason was right when he called you a brat, Kim."

"But it's working, isn't it?"

Katherine's smile was a little more lively. "I'll have to think about it. I can't go anywhere until I'm let go from the hospital. Even then I might not be able to fly until I have a clean bill of health."

"Good." Kimberly sat back, satisfied with the arrangement. "I know that I for one would be very disappointed if Jason lost his Ranger Powers simply because he needed to check on you to be sure you were okay."

"Jason wouldn't."

"He would. He's worried about you, Kat; we all are, but I think your injury has hit him hardest."

Katherine lowered her gaze, unwilling or unable to meet Kimberly's. "He's been a good friend."

"Yeah. He has lots of practice." Kimberly fell silent, watching Kat pluck at the blanket across her lap with her good hand, twisting it in her fingers. She remembered doing the same when she'd been hospitalized; only she'd been picturing what it would be like to snap Tommy's hair tie and run her fingers through his hair. It was a reoccurring fantasy and one she'd never dared fulfill. Kimberly couldn't help but wonder what Kat was thinking as she smoothed the blanket over her thigh.

"I don't want to pressure you, Kat, but I have to get back to Florida. If you've changed your mind about this whole Ranger thing, I'll understand."

"What? No; no no." Katherine turned her attention back to her friend. "I meant it when I offered and I still mean it now. The Rangers need you, Kimberly in a way they don't need me. Here."

Kimberly watched as Katherine removed the Zeo morpher from her good wrist - using her teeth to unclip the snap. A roll of her wrist later, Kat had the morpher in hand. She extended it to Kimberly. "This belongs to you, Kim. I can't thank you enough for the experience - it's one I'll never forget."

Kimberly accepted the Zeo morpher and Kat, in a gesture reminiscent of her own months before, folded her fingers around it and squeezed. A surge of energy raced through Kimberly's body, knocking her back in the chair. It was unlike anything she'd felt before and stronger than any of the powers she'd ever wielded. The Zeo crystal fairly hummed in her hand, pulsing as it adjusted to its new wielder. The morpher slid onto her wrist with a mind of its own, settling into the slight hollow as if it had always been there.

Katherine's smile when Kimberly was able to focus again was one of complete understanding. "Quite a rush, huh?"

They shared a laugh and Kimberly leaned down to hug her friend. "Thanks for everything Kat."

"Thank you, Kimberly. Take care of him, okay?"

"If he'll let me, I promise."

There was little more to say, so they bid each other good night with Kimberly promising to drop by the following day after the Ranger meeting to let Katherine known how things went, but that promise combined with the look on Kat's face left Kimberly feeling apprehensive. Kat seemed to anticipate trouble - not that she was really surprised. All of the Rangers would likely have known about her past with Tommy, and if they hadn't before, they'd likely have been filled in by now. Just how that would affect the meeting tomorrow had yet to be seen.

Tommy and Jason were waiting for her when she exited Kat's room, Jason taking her place in the blink of an eye, and she turned a questioning look to Tommy. He shrugged with a small smile. "Jason's sweet on her - has been since he returned. I'm hoping that even if Kat's no longer a Ranger, she'll consider staying for his sake."

"Me too. Are you ready?"

"Do you have what you came for?"

She held up her wrist. "Ready for action, oh fearless leader. Just call when you need me."

"Cute. Just don't forget to put your communicator on when you get home."

Kimberly almost laughed. Advice from Tommy-Mr.-Forgetful-Oliver; talk about laughable. He took her hand as her mirth faded and she wondered just how far she'd sunk in his esteem for him to feel it was necessary to remind her of anything.