Part 8

Kimberly was late to practice that morning, suffered silently through "The Speech" her coach gave to every girl who was ever late, and then began her routine. The day dragged as Kimberly's focus was elsewhere, mostly on the dream she'd had the night before and what it meant – if anything – and the upcoming meeting that night with the other Rangers.

She was nervous; they had a new Yellow Ranger and one she didn't know. Rocky and Adam hadn't been conscious when she'd arrived in the arena to try and reach Tommy and Kat wouldn't be there to back her up – she'd still be in the hospital. The only allies – ally really – she could count on was Jason. Tommy was a mystery. He'd backed her up to Zordon, but would he back her up to the other Rangers? She hoped so – she was going to need his help to become a part of the group again.

Those thoughts made her make mistakes, distracting her and drawing the ire of her coach. Finally, fed up with her inattentiveness, her coach banished her to the showers for the remainder of the day. She went, reluctantly, but knew she'd have to come back later. Taking the time to eat, she returned an hour before they closed the gym for the night and practically begged her coach to let her practice. She promised to be careful and apologized profusely for her lack of attentiveness. Then she did something she hadn't done since before she'd come to Florida; she lied to his face.

She told him she'd received some unconfirmed news about a friend of hers having been hurt in a horrific accident and that was why her focus was off. Coach, a sucker for an accident story, was sympathetic but urged her to regain her focus as quickly as possible, confirming the story at whatever cost so she could resume her training. She promised to do so as soon as she returned to the dorm - and with his permission to make a long distance phone call - she was left to her own devices.

The doors had no sooner closed behind him, leaving her alone in the gym as was her nightly habit, then her communicator went off – talk about timing. "Kimberly here."

"Kim, are you free?"

She smiled at the sound of Jason's voice. "I'm ready if you guys are. How's Kat?"

"Disappointed she can't come; she seems to think the Rangers are going to try and eat you alive."

She laughed, but knew the sound was hollow. She was as nervous about the upcoming meeting as Kat was. "She's not the only one. Is everyone gathered?"

"Ready and waiting. Oh, and Zordon says to come in uniform – I think he's developed a flare for the dramatic."

Kimberly rolled her eyes. Zordon did so love his surprises. "Alright, on my way." She clicked the communicator off. Doing a double check to ensure she really was alone, she activated her morpher. "It's Morphin time! Zeo Ranger One – Pink!"

The energy flared around her, surging through her system like a drug as it rushed to her extremities and transformed her into the Pink Zeo Ranger for the first time. She almost screamed at the rush, the power sliding through her system like a bullet train after such a long absence. The transformation was over in seconds, but seemed to drag for long seconds as the power shifted through her and completed the transformation.

She stretched once inside the suit, flinging her hands towards the ceiling and bending backwards. She grinned, even though no one could see it. The suit was as formfitting as she remembered and responded to her movements like a second skin. She'd have no problem doing her gymnastics in this particular outfit. She straightened, taking a deep breath to gather her focus. The Zeo Ranger powers were at her finger tips, promising the power to do as she liked and to defeat the evils that stalked their world. Not to mention teleport her to the important meeting with the other Rangers.

Kimberly took a few moments to work through a brief calming routine, controlling her breathing and trying to slow the racing of her heart. Nothing, she knew, would change the fluttering of the butterflies in her stomach or the way her knees wanted to shake. Nor would anything rid her of the urge to gag except getting this incident over with. Balanced and feeling as ready as she would ever be, she teleported to the command center.

The other Rangers were waiting – in their street clothes – when she arrived.

Tommy and Jason were in quiet discussion – that cut off abruptly with her appearance – Rocky, Adam and the girl who had to be Tanya were standing off to one side, leaning against the computer consoles as they waited absently. They came to attention when she materialized in the center of the chamber and she saw how they all did a quick double take on the obvious differences between her and Kat. The height, for starters – all of the three Rangers who didn't know she'd accepted the Pink Powers once more did a double take at her appearance – going through to her obviously smaller stature, her slim athletic build down to the almost child-like quality of her appearance she was fairly certain in those moments that none of the three had any clue as to who she really was.

"Welcome Pink Ranger."

Kimberly inclined her head to Zordon. She couldn't bring herself to speak, not when Rocky and Adam would recognize her instantly.

Zordon, thankfully, took control. "Rangers, as you know, Katherine was grievously injured in the last fight and will be unable to continue her duties as a Power Ranger. She has chosen to return the Pink Powers to an individual most of you already know."

"Return?" Adam looked at Kimberly speculatively. "But Zordon, there's only been one other Pink Ranger."

Kimberly reached up and undid her helmet, pulling it off with a smile. "Surprise."

Adam, Rocky and Tanya stared at her. Adam and Rocky shared looks that drifted to Tommy and Jason. Tanya, never having met Kimberly – but having seen her pictures and having watched her in the arena with Tommy, crossed her armed over her chest and frowned. "Is this some kind of sick joke?"

Jason stepped forward and took up a position on Kimberly's left, facing the disgruntled Tanya. "No joke, Tanya."

Tanya looked at Jason and her gaze grew darker. "You're not serious; you don't honestly think she should be allowed to be a Power Ranger again after what she did to Tommy!"

"I didn't ask Kat to give me the Zeo crystal, Tanya."

"You didn't turn it down either." Tanya's words were biting. "What makes you think we want you as a part of the Power Rangers?"

Kimberly's smile faltered and she looked beyond Tanya to where Tommy stood. He was looking at her – staring really – with an unreadable look on his face. She silently begged him for help, for support, but he didn't move. Didn't so much as twitch – seemingly mesmerized by the fact she was in the Pink Ranger suit once more.

Jason stepped in to defend her – as he always did. "Kimberly wouldn't have accepted the crystal without Zordon's approval, Tanya."

"And what about Tommy?" Tanya motioned to where Tommy stood with an angry gesture. "don't you think he should have some kind of input as to if she should be allowed back in after what she did?"

"I asked Zordon to let Kimberly resume her duties as the Pink Ranger, Tanya." Tommy's words were soft but firm as he stepped forward, flanking Kimberly on the other side.

She just about fainted with relief. He'd come out of his trance in time to help her.

Rocky and Adam had so far been silent, but not yet moved from their positions behind Tanya. Tanya looked at Tommy with an expression of horrified disbelief. "You encouraged her? Tommy, how could you after everything she did to you? After she–"

"Enough."

Tommy cut the Yellow Ranger off with a quick cutting motion of his hand. "Kimberly is only stepping back in to help because Zordon and Katherine were talking about retiring the Pink Ranger. She'd better than going into battle with the Machine Empire at far from full strength."

"Uh," Adam put up his hand, like a child in pre-school. "Not that I'm questioning your judgment, Tommy, but what about her gymnastics? Kimberly still lives in Florida, right?"

"I do." Kimberly spoke for herself before Tommy could. "The Pan Globals are just over a month away. Until that time, Tommy has insisted I continue on with my gymnastics. Once they're done, I've agreed to move back here as the Pink Ranger."

"For how long, Kimberly?" Rocky's words were quiet. "You up and left to follow one dream, what's to stop you from abandoning..." his gaze flicked to Tommy quickly," us again?"

Kimberly flinched; she hadn't abandoned Tommy, but she couldn't blame them for thinking that. Yet it was a valid question applicable to all of them. "The answer is nothing, Rocky; nothing but my word. I left for Florida only after I was released of my promise to the Power Rangers by Zordon and the rest of you. I didn't walk out on you, I didn't abandon you; you all knew I was leaving. I even picked my replacement."

"Who should still be the Pink Ranger."

"I won't pretend that I intended to reclaim this mantel, Tanya. In fact, I never intended to become a Power Ranger once more." She powered down the Zeo crystal, leaving her once more in one of her pink practice leotards. "In fact, I asked Kat if there wasn't somebody better suited to the task, someone without my colorful history with the Rangers. She told me it was me or nothing."

Tanya didn't appear overly thrilled with the idea and Rocky and Adam looked distinctively uncomfortable about the whole thing. Tommy and Jason shared a look over Kimberly's head that she didn't understand. Tommy then did something she'd never seen him do; he pulled rank.

"Let's get a few things straight. Kimberly is here at Katherine's request – a request she made only after confirming that I wouldn't have an issue with it. You've all commented on the fact I can't always focus on the battles of late because of the danger the Pink Ranger is in and you all heard me call Katherine by Kimberly's name last week. Kimberly is the original Pink Ranger and was for almost three years; she has more battle experience than the three of you combined. This is not a debate. This is a session to inform each of you that we have an old member rejoining our team. And we will be a team. You will treat her like the teammate Kat has been and with the respect due a former Ranger. The history between Kimberly and I should have no bearing on how you treat her as a Ranger."

"Just don't expect me to hang out with her when we're not Rangers."

Kimberly bit her lip. Tanya was openly hostile, and while Rocky and Adam weren't saying much, their expressions and postures showed that they, too, wouldn't yet welcome her company once more. She inhaled deeply, letting it out slowly. It was to be expected with the way she'd left, but the reality hurt more than she'd expected. "I'll be in Florida for another four to six weeks before I can arrange to move back here. During that time, I suspect you won't see much of me so it won't matter."

"And it won't matter once you move back either."

"Tanya."

She whirled. "Yes, Zordon?"

"Your attitude is not one that's becoming of a Ranger. Tommy is the only individual present who has the right to object to Kimberly's presence on the Ranger team. He has voiced his support for her return and instructed you to do so as well."

"It's alright Zordon," Kimberly stepped beyond the supportive presence of Tommy and Jason, stepping forward to stand beside Tanya in front of Zordon. "Really. I don't expect everyone to welcome me back with open arms. I've made a lot of mistakes and there are issues we'll need to work through." She turned, meeting Tanya's hostile gaze head on. "But I'm hoping my previous service as a Ranger will speak for me. I've never let this team down, even at great personal costs, Tanya. I came when Zordon sent Alpha for me because I still care about this team and what happens to it. I came because once you're a Ranger, a part of you is always a Ranger. It was my duty, despite no longer being official. When you pass along your powers some day, you'll understand."

Tanya didn't appear convinced, but she no longer looked hostile.

Kimberly turned to Rocky and Adam. "Both of you know me from my Rangers days. You know what I can do, you've seen me in action. Have I ever let you down when push came to shove?"

"No."

She smiled faintly at Rocky's reluctant agreement. "I didn't then, and I won't now. Tommy's asked that I be an absentee Ranger, called only in the event of emergencies, until after my move back to Angel Grove. I want all of you to understand that, absentee Ranger or not, you're to call me no matter the time of day if you need me."

"In moderation," Tommy's addition was firm. "With the Machine Empire focusing everywhere but on the Pink Ranger, we should be able to get through most of the battles without you, Kim. Until you're back in Angel Grove that is."

"And when they find out I'm not Katherine?"

"We'll deal with that when we get there."

"So why not retire the Pink Powers until Katherine is out of the hospital?"

"Because, Tanya, Katherine is returning to Australia." Kimberly secretly hoped they'd still be able to convince Katherine otherwise. "If she surrendered the powers, it would remain that way until Zordon chose her successor."

"So why didn't he?"

"You know why." Tommy's words cut through the tension. "This is the best of the options. Accept it – you're going to have to put your life in her hands some day."

"Not if I can help it. Are we done here, Zordon?"

"For the moment, yes."

"Then I'm outta here. I've got things to do."

Kimberly almost sagged with relief as Tanya's departure brought with it a noticeable easing of the tension. Rocky and Adam were quick to follow, their expressions guarded but guardedly optimistic. As if they wanted to welcome her back but didn't yet know what kind of Ranger she'd be upon her return. What kind of Ranger and what kind of friend – and what effect it would have on their group of friends.

She wished she could answer that question.

Jason's hand landed on her shoulder and squeezed. "You did fine."

"I'm starting to think this is a bad idea."

"Tanya will come around," Tommy's reassurance was confident. "She's just never been through a Ranger change and Jason's the first new Ranger she's seen. Having you replace one of her best friends is a bit of a shock."

"That's putting it mildly." She sighed, shaking her head. "What do you think, Zordon?"

"I believe Tommy is correct, Kimberly. Tanya, while rash and impulsive, is fiercely loyal. It will take time for her to accept you as the new Pink Ranger."

"Don't you mean old Pink Ranger?"

Jason chuckled. "You're not the same person you used to be, Kim. I know that, Tommy knows that, but the rest of the team will need to get to know you again. Give them time; they'll come around."

Tommy turned away at Jason's words and she felt her heart stall for a moment. Tommy didn't know that. He didn't know her, he didn't know how she'd changed, or what differences she'd made in her life. He knew her how she'd been, not who she'd become in their time apart. "You're wrong Jason. Only you know that. Everyone, even Tommy, is going to have to get to know me again – but I can't force it. They'll let me get close only if they want me close, otherwise I'm simply one of the team when things get rough."

Jason didn't have anything to say to her softly spoken words, so he simply squeezed her shoulder in silent support once more. Tommy hadn't turned to look at her and gave no outward indication that he'd heard what she'd said, but somehow she knew he had. Her words had been for him, an acknowledgement of the fact that they weren't the same people they'd used to be and she wasn't going to try and turn back the clock. Anything they were going to do would be done going forward, built on the good memories of who they'd been to become who they were going to be.

But only if he wanted.

Tommy turned. "I guess that's it. Are you alright heading back on your own, Kim?"

She sorely wanted to tell him no, but didn't dare. "I promised Kat I'd fill he in on today's meeting. Once I'm done there, I'll head back on my own. I kinda bombed in practice today so I need to make up for it tonight."

"Kimberly…"

She grinned at the warning in Tommy's tone. "Relax; I'm not worn out because of monster battles this time and I have no intentions of ending up in the hospital once more. I won't let you down, Tommy. I won't let any of you down. Not this time."

"Kim, if you're distracted, working on the beam isn't going to help."

"Actually, Jason, this whole meeting was why I was elsewhere today. Once I see Kat, I'll be right as rain - as the saying goes. One hour isn't going to kill me."

"It almost did last time."

She arched her eyebrows at Tommy's calm observation, hearing a slight tremor in his voice. "I highly doubt any one of you would miss me at this point if it did."

Jason and Tommy both opened their mouths to reply, but she'd had enough. Hitting the teleportation button on her communicator, she zipped away before either could speak. She was hurt, bruised and battered emotionally and wanted nothing more than a sympathetic ear to listen to her vent. Katherine would provide it since she'd known when Kimberly had been getting herself into by accepting the Pink Powers once more.

So she headed for the hospital and her friend.