Title - The Emergency Ranger
A/N - Alright, it's been like a year since i updated this and i feel bad, but i've had ALOT of work over the past year, like finishing my first full length novel (I'm so porud :D). I was up late tonight (3:00 AM) and watching power rangers, since i need to watch EVERY episode before August 27, the Power Rangers Morphicon, when i decided that i should write a bit on this. So here's what i got. I know it's not what's expected but it's something to make me feel better for not writing in so long.
Chapter 16 - Return to Earth
XXX
Emma walked off of the ship, letting the door close behind her. It was strange being back on earth, things were different. People stared. Everyone in Angel Grove knew she was one of the Power Rangers and they greeted her with smiles, autographs and pictures. Something she didn't like. Then there was the fact that now that she was home she'd have to see her family and get ready for college. Uh. College. Not something she was excited about going back to. She'd been taking courses over the past few years with Tommy on earth and Alpha up in space.
As she walked down her street to her house she reminiced over the past, being a ranger here on Earth with her friends. Time flew so fast. Kim and Zack were down in Flordia. Kim for Gymnastics, and Zack for dance. Billy was off at some bit college for robotics. Jason was at college in LA and teaching Martial Arts at a school there. Trini was taking a symester off to spend time with her extended family in Asia. Aiesha was up north in Seattle at college. Rocky and Adam stuck together and went to San Diego for college and to teach at Martial Arts school there. Tayna was over in Africa helping out with one of the charity's there for her symester off. The space rangers stuck together and are all living in Andros' other ship orbiting Earth. They come down once in a while to see friends and family. Justin is with his dad now finishing High School here in Angel Grove. Besides him, Tommy was the only one to stick around. He'd be waiting for her back at Angel Grove University, it'd been the longest time in her life without seeing him. That was one thing that was killing her. Then there was the fact that her dad had gotten re-married while she was gone, and her entire family was home for the holidays, and that means everyone. Cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, everyone in the family, even pets. It would be a mad house there.
She walked into the house, not knowing what to expect. She was greeted by her entire family, giving her hugs and kisses and no breathing room.
"We're glad to have you back, kiddo." her dad said patting her on the shoulder with one arm while the other was wrapped around the waist of a tall blonde with fake boobs and a spray tan in a skimpy red dress. "This is Analise."
"Hi." was all she said as she put her bag down and rubbed her bare wrist. The first time in so many years without a communicator on her wrist and a morpher in her pocket.
"Hey Em, it's good to have you home." Logan walked over wearing his favorite outfit, a muscle shirt and jeans with too much greese in his hair and a comb in his pocket.
"I'd say the same but..." she looked around at the hosue and everyone. "It's not. I thought i missed this place. I guess what i miss i can't get back." she sighed and tucked the dog chains back in her shirt and walked up the stairs to her room. Everyone watched behind her and shook their heads.
"She's still upset about the whole boyfriend thing." her father rolled his eyes.
Emma stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. Walking back down the steps she nearly yelled. "I am not upset about a boyfriend problem. I'm upset because my boyfriend is dead and you don't even care. Everyone i truly care about is either dead, gone, or not here right now. Rex, Zhane, all my friends. I knew it was a mistake to come back to this house. I'd rather spend an entire life time stuck on an island with some of the worst monsters i have ever faced then spend one more minute in this house with you." she pushed her father and brother out of the way and made a bee line for the door again.
"Emma. You get back here right now."
"I'm eighteen, for one thing you can't tell me what to do, and second, i'm goin' to meet Tommy at school and third, you are the worst father a person could ever ask for. It's no wonder Rex wanted to leave here. I don't know what mom ever saw in you. You enjoy you're new wife, and thanks for the invite to the wedding, so fatherly of you."
"I think that Power Ranger nonsence went to you're head."
"Nonsence! You'd be dead if it wern't for my team and I. I've seen both sides of power and you know what? After seeing you today, i'm not surprised at how insane most of the villans are. And it's because they see people like you that they want to destroy the earth."
"Young lady."
"Don't you young lady me. If you knew anything about me you'd know that i can take you down without a sweat. I've faught guys ten times your size and won. don't tempt me."
"You walk out that door don't ever even think of comming back."
"I wasn't." She turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her. After a deep breath she took off in a sprint down the street and to the old juice bar which Addelle now ran. When she walked in she was greeted by applauses once again. Addelle walked over to her and smiled.
"Hi honey, what can i get for you?"
"Nothing right now. I just need to relax."
"Boy problems?"
"Family problems?"
"The worst kind. You need someone to talk to?"
"Nah, I'm alright. Have you seen Tommy lately?"
"He came in yesterday with a nice fellow, Andrew i think his name was."
"Not as tall as Tommy, brown hair, glasses, kinda dorky in a cute way."
"Cute in a Dorky way but yes."
"I know him."
"They said they were commin back today around three. If you wanna wait."
"Yeah. What time is it?"
"Almost two thirty." she smiled. "You sure i can't get you nothing to drink or eat? You look starved."
"Haven't been eating well lately. To much going on."
"You're not annorexic are you?"
"Not anymore. My friends have been helping me eat again. Kinda pushing me into it." she sighed again. "I get so upset that i don't wanna eat and i just keep working out and prefecting my fighting."
"You need to eat. Didn't you mama ever tell you that it's healthy to eat as long as you eat right?"
"My mom died when i was thirteen, we never really had those serious talks yet. My dad never cared and my older brother died in a car crash. I was the oldest and didn't really get those parent talks. But i've had help, and i'm rambling again."
"It's alright sweety. Let me get you something mice to eat, on the house."
"No. You don't have to do that. It wouldn't feel right."
"You've saved us so many times, it's the least i could do to pay you back for it."
"I don't want it to be paid back, it just feels good to help people. Free of charge."
"You're taking the food and that's final."
"Yes ma'am. Thanks."
"Any time child. Just take a seat and i'll bring it over to you." she smiled and walked away. Emma couldn't help but smile as she sat down and stared at the door way, waiting for Tommy and Andrew to walk in. She wasn't exactly ready for them but she still was excited that she'd get to see them early.
Just as Addelle was setting the food and drink down Tommy walked in, followed by none other then Andrew Hartford. "Em?" Tommy looked so happy to see her as he walked over and hugged her tightly in his arms. She'd missed him so much that it was nice to be so close and to smell his familar scent and hug his familiar muscles. When the broke apart it was time for Andrew. He looked so shy, but so happy to see her again. He embraced her in a hug and a gentle kiss on the cheek. His scent never changed, expensive calone mixed with dirt and a hint of pine.
"How've you been?" Andrew asked.
"Alright, i guess. You?"
"Alright."
"I thought you wern't getting in until next week."
"I came home a little early. I think it was a mistake though."
"Why?"
"Entire family in town at house. Big fight with dad. never come back. Not gonna."
"That bad huh?"
"I hate my father."
"No arument there." Andrew laughed as he sat down. Tommy and Emma followed.
"How was Terra Venture and the new team?"
"Alright. Leo needed a little work at first but he ot the hang of it in the end. Not as good as Jason or you but cutting it close. Kendrix was killed but since she was in ranger form when it happend the power saved her and set her free once the power was returned. Maya reminded me a bit of myself, man i sound old. But hse was really nice as the yellow. Oh Kendrix was pink. When she died Karone, Andros' sister replaced her for some time, she's good now. Damon was sweet, a bit reckless, but a good green ranger, and Kai was a bit of a know it all, but he was to nice to let that ruin him. Almost like Billy, but a bit nicer and not as great of a blue ranger. But he wasn't half bad either. Mike, Leo's older brother took the Magna Defender powers and helped out alot. He was really nice."
"I think the word you were looking for there is cute." Tommy made Emma blush.
"Shut up." she fake punched him and continued, "all in all it wasn't half bad. I missed Earth though."
"You missed Zhane i think is what you mean." Tommy said.
"Zhane?" Andrew asked.
"My boyfriend for about two years, he died in battle. Well he didn't reall die, he's still breathing but it's almost impossible for him to wake up this time."
"This time?"
"Long story." she pushed back a few tears.
"Em. He'd want you to be happy, not upset all the time. He'd want you to move on."
"I know, i just can't." she wiped the few tears that escaped her eyes and then reached into her bag. She pulled out a small white box and put it on the table. "If it were before this i wouldn't be as upset. I'd still be a werck but it'd take me a bit less time to be happy again."
Tommy stared at the box on the table and then realized what was inside of it. "Em. He didn't? Did he?" he picked up the box and hesitantly opened it, surely enough, right in the center of it was a small, yet beautiful, diamond ring. "He proposed?"
"About a month before it happened. I told him yes but after the rangers were done this battle. Never got that happy ever after i was hoping for."
"You will, with someone who loves you whole heartedly." Tommy assured, closing the box and handing it back to her. She hesitantly took it and put it back in her bag.
"I know. It's still hard."
"I know it is."
"Em? I know it's a bit off subject but you look really thin, like unhealthy thin."
"Thanks Andrew, i didn't want to say it but he's right Em. You don't look so good."
"I know, I've been to upset to eat and you know me, when i get upset i don't eat and i'm practicing hours on end to blow off steam."
"You've got some nice fattening food right on the table, dig in, and i'm gonna make sure that you do not train until you look a bit healthier."
"But..."
"No if's, and's, or but's. You're eating and not trianing until you're healthy again. How much do you weigh not anyway? 80?"
"85."
"That's not healthy." Andrew shook his head and pushed the burger closer to her. "Zhane would want you to eat."
"He'd also want you to sleep." Tommy pointed out, running a finger under her baggy, tired, eyes. "When's the last time you slept?"
"On the ride back."
"How long was the ride?"
"Three days."
"When'd you sleep?"
"After i left."
"Two days ago. Come on Em. Eat then I'm taking you back to my place and you're going to sleep. Then when you wake up you're going to eat some more, and when you look healthy again you can go back to your normal life. But not until you're atleast 98 pounds. So you've got to put on thirteen pounds before you start training again." Andrew said. Emma looked like a little girl who's parents said she couldn't have her doll until after she ate her spinich.
"Fine."
"Good, now eat."
"Yes, sir." she said scarcastically as she picked up the burger and started eating.
XXX
When they got back to Andrew house it was almost five and Emma was exhausted. She didn't even make it up the stairs to the guest bed room. Tommy had to pick her up and carry her all the way there. Then he and Andrew stayed in the room to make sure she slept. Tommy fell asleep on the chair next to her while Andrew slept on the floor.
When Emma awoke it was almost noon the next day and Tommy and Andrew were downstairs in andrew's guy working out. Emma walked in and both of them stopped. Andrew walked out first and went to make lunch while Tommy stayed behind with Emma.
"You still look tired."
"I still feel tired. I've never been so weak in my life."
"You haven't been 85 pounds since you were eleven and shorter."
"Are you mad?"
"Em. Why would I be mad? I'm worried about you. I don't want to see you kill yourself like this."
"I'm not. I've just been so upset."
"Em, this universe can't live without you."
"The universe has other rangers to protect it."
He shook his head and tucked a fly away strand of hair behind her ear. Taking a step closer and holding her hand in his he smiled and said, "I can't live without you."
"Tommy."
"Em. It's been over a year. Zhane would want you to be happy and live again."
"It feels wrong to go on without him."
"I'll help you. We'll get through this together. I won't leave you."
"Promise?"
"I promise. I'll be with you forever. You're my best friend. I can't let you down."
"I thought Jason was your best friend."
"I haven't know Jason since the day i was born."
"Adpoted."
"Same day."
"I know."
"Smarty pants."
"I know."
"Come here." he pulled her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. "We've been best friends our entire lives, nothing will ever change that. Do you hear me?"
"I know. You're the only guy that i can ever truly be me with."
"I know." he smiled and backed away. Emma turned and began to hear towards the kitchen when he called her back. "Hey Em."
"Yeah?"
"I love you. You know that right?"
She smiled and blushed a bit. "I love you too."
"Come on, let's get some food in that entirely too small body of yours." he joked and they walked into the kitchen together where Andrew was trying to make turkey and ham sandwiches, which was going horribly wrong, just like every meal Andrew tried to prepare. "With that brain of yours i'm surprised you can't figure out the sharp end of a knife."
"Hey it's not as easy as it looks."
"At least you haven't burned the place down."
"That was one time."
"The Angel Grove Fire Department loves you Andy." Tommy laughed and leaned against the counter.
"Like you've never burth down a kitchen trying to help with christmas dinner."
"the big words in there being trying and help. And i haven't burt down anything."
"Yet."
"Hey. I..have you know, am an excelent cook."
"Ice doesn't count."
"Can you make ice?"
"Not important."
"and that's the reason why in ten years or less Andrew with have a butler to do everything for him." Emma giggled and sat at the counter.
"Hey." Andrew looked offended for a moment then nodded. "True."
XXX
The week went by fine, and Christmas was almost here. Andrew's family was celebrating with Emma's so he went there, but she refused. So Tommy took her to officially meet his real family for the holidays. They were really nice and she grew to love his brother David. He was such a sweetheart.
"So you're the Emma Tommy's told us so much about." Tommy's brother smiled when they were first introdused.
"Is that a good thing?"
"Most definatly. You're a Power Ranger right?"
"Uh huh."
"Cool." he smiled and led them into the house.
"You guys celebrate Chirstmas?"
"The entire tribe does." he said as they walked into the living room. "This is the family." there were only about thirty people in the room and Emma smiled.
"Alot smaller then mine. I love it." she was glowing with you and health, since with Tommy and Andrew's help, she'd gotten back to great health. 100 pounds exactly and she was training again. It was nice to feel strong again, stronger than she'd felt in over a year.
After a few hours talking to Tommy's family Tommy finaly got to talk to Emma. "I haven't seen you this happy in years."
"I haven't been this happy in years. I have you to thank for that." she smiled and hugged him tightly. "Thank you so much for being the best friend i could ever ask for Tommy."
"You're welcome." he said with a smiled as he hugged her back.
"Hey guys it's snowing." David called from the other room. Both of them ran out and saw a thin sheet of white snow on the ground, with more falling ever second. It looked beautiful.
"A white Christmas."'
"It's perfect." Emma said and then she shivered. Tommy pulled off his jacket and wrapped it around her arms, pulling her close to him to warm her up.
"It is perfect." Tommy smiled as he held her and watched the snow fall for what seemed like hours before they went back in. When they did they both cuddled under a blanket and sat infront of the fire.
It was getting late and Christmas was tomorrow. So Emma headed up to the guest room she'd be sharing with Tommy, while Tommy stayed downstairs with his grandparents and his brother.
"When are you gonna tell her?" David asked a few minutes after Emma dissappeared up the stairs.
"Tell her what?" Tommy asked guiltily.
"Tell her you love her." his grandfather answered.
"I did, like a friend."
"Tommy. You know what i mean. You are head over heels for her. You said so yourself the last time we talked. You'd been talking no stop about her for the past year. Don't tell me you're chickening out."
"I'm not. I'm just..."
"Tommy, just tell her."
"I can't tell her after everything that happened with Zhane."
"It's been over a year."
"He proposed to her before he died."
"What? You never told me that."
"She showed me the ring when i saw her for the first time last week."
"He is gone isn't he?" his grandfather asked.
"Andros said it's unlikely he'll ever wake up."
"Then start out by comforting her, then go in for a kiss, and tell her the truth about how you feel." David smiled.
"I can't. I don't know if it's really that way though."
"Tommy. You were never this tense and gookie eyes with Kim or Kat. You truly love her." David smiled even wider.
"She loves you too. I can see it in her eyes and the way she acts around you." his grandmother added.
"Should i tell her."
"YES." all three of them yelled as if it was the dumbest question in the world. Tommy took a deep breath and nodded before standing up and walking out of the room. Yelling 'good night and merry chirstmas' over his shoulder.
XXX
"Good morning." Tommy said with a smile when Emma walked down the steps the next morning. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Tommy." she smiled and gave him a big hug.
"I have something for you." he said with a very excited smile as he led her into the living room. Everyone was gathered around drinking hot choclate and opening presents. When they sat down on the floor David handed Tommy two presents. "Thanks man." David smiled and went back to his present. Tommy handed the one with a white ribbon to Emma and held the one with the rid ribbon on his lap. "Not yet." he whispered as David finished opening his present. Emma looked around, everyone was so happy and having so much fun, she couldn't help but smile brightly.
"Emma, why don't you open yours next." Tommy's grandfather said with a smile as she looked at the present in her hand and the three that had just been pushed over to her. She looked at Tommy who shook his head.
"Mine last." he said with a huge grin as she opened the first one. It was from David. A beautiful pair of mocasin slippers with a power rangers helmate sewn into the front of them.
"David there're beautiful, you didn't have to."
"I know." he smiled and slid over to give her a giant hug. The next one was from Tommy's grandparents. she opened the silver wrappings and the box to reveal a beautiful and collorful dreamcatcher. Something she truly needed.
"You didn't have to. It's beautiful though. How'd you know i needed one of these?" she smiled and gave both of them a hug.
"Tommy told us you were having trouble sleeping. It'll help. Just make sure the sun hits it every morning so the bad dreams are washed away and it always works." his grandmother smiled and gave her another hug. The last little present didn't have a name on it. She looked at Tommy who smiled.
"It's from the rangers. As a thank you." Tommy smiled as she opened the red wrappings and inside the box was a beautiful framed photogtraph of the original team, Jason, Zack, Billy, Trink, Kimberly, Tommy, Herself, Alpha, and Zordon in the command center. Under it was another one with the second team, Rocky, Adam, Aiesha, Billy, Tommy, Kat, Herself, Alpha, and Zordon. Then one of the third team, Tommy, Rocky, Adam, Tayna, Kat, Jason, Herself, Alpha, and Zordon. Then on of TJ, Carlos, Jutin, Ashley, Cassy, Herself, Alpaha, and Demetria. Then one of Andros, TJ, Carlos, Cassy, Ashley, Zhane, herself, and Alpha in the megaship. The last one was of the new team, Leo, Kai, Damon, Maya, Kendrix, Karone, Mike, Herself, and Alpha infront of the stone with the Qusar Sabers on Miranoi.
"They're amazing. How did you get all of these?"
"Alpha sent them over, he wanted you to have them, and all the rangers signed the back of them. So you'll always remeber you're friends."
"I'd never forget any of you."
"I know."
"Thank you." she hugged Tommy as tight as she could and then picked up her present from him. "You didn't have to."
"Just open it."
She smiled and ripped open the package. Inside the box was the most beautiful jacket she had ever seen, black leather with native american designs on it in brown felt. Under it was a small envelope. She picked it up and smiled. When she pulled out the contents of the envelope she nearly fainted.
"Just to get you started on what you really want." Tommy smiled. She was speachless, all she could do was choke back tears and hug Tommy harder then she ever believed possible. Tears started streaming down her cheeks as she hugged him.
"Tommy..." was all she could say through the tears. When they finally settled down she looked at his deep brown eyes and smiled. "You souldn't have. It's too much. I don't know what to say."
"I talked to Alpha and he said one more symester and you're done business school. You could open your own business. He also said you had an eye on a place to start you're own martial arts studio. I talked him into telling me where and the rest was cake. And i saw you staring at the jacket in that store window. I had to get it for you. Besides, i wanted to use a big box." he smiled as she hugged him again and kissed him on the cheek.
"It's the best present anyone has ever given to me. You're the best friend i could ever ask for. How'd you afford it?"
"My adpotive parents are rich. Remeber?"
"I remember." she smiled. "You're turn." she said as his presents were pushed towards him. "Oh wait. I have to go get the presents i baught."
"Got 'em." Tommy smiled. "Brought the bag down while you were sleeping."
"Thanks Tommy."
"Don't mention it." he said as he opened his presents. A new katate uniform, a new jacket, some CD's, a movie, and some old Power Ranger picture of the original teams that he was on. Then there was Emma's present. He smiled and opened it up. Inside was a few things. One was a frame of his old power coins, then there was a jacket that was white with a red lined color and dark green writing on the back that said OLIVER, which was a KO-35 styled jacket. Lastly was also an envelope. Tommy looked at her with a smile and opened it. Inside was a set of keys. He looked at her curiously since there was nothing to go with them. Just keys.
"The Dragon Zord missed you."
"You fixed him?"
"Took a while and Andros helped by he's sending it back from KO-35 along with..." she reached into the pocket on her pajama shirt and pulled out another set of keys.
"The Tiger Zord too?"
"Thought they'd come in handy some day, and besides, they're great space traveling ships now."
"Em."
"Don't mention it. The Jacket is from KO-35, Ashley took me on a shopping spree when i was there and i saw that and had you're name put on it, in you're colors. And the power coins were just my idea of telling you that you're the most special Ranger ever."
"Em. You shouldn't have."
"I guess we're even then." she smiled and he hugged her tightly.
Once everyone was done with their prestents the kids went out to play in the blanket of snow outside while most of the aldults went to make lunch for everyone. Tommy and Emma sat near the window and watched with huge smiles. Emma rested her head on Tommy's shoulder and smiled.
"This is the best Christmas ever." she finally said. "And it's all thanks to you."
"Don't thank me."
"Tommy you're always there for me."
He shrugged. Emma smiled and looked him in the eye.
"I really meant it when i said I love you."
"I did too." he said with a smile.
"I don't mean in a friend way."
"I didn't either." he said as he put a hand on the side of her cheek and slowly leaned in and kissed her. When he backed away he was suprised to see her smiling. "Too soon?"
"Not soon enough." she leaned in and kissed him. When the kiss broke this time she cuddled into his arms and held him tight. "You were right about moving on. Zhane would want me to be happy. And i never realized that true happiness was always right infront of me and I never knew it. I love you Tommy."
"I love you too, Emma. More than i've ever loved anyone in my life."
"I feel the same way." she smiled and closed her eyes.
It really was the best Christmas ever.
XXX
TO...BE...CONTINUED...
A/N - I hope this is good since it's my first time writing this in so long. Tell me what you think and hopefully i'll get more up before the end of August. HOPEFULLY. :D
OH AND YEAH, TOMMY IS RICH IN THIS...AND IF I GOT SOME FACTS WRONG IT WAS FOR A REASON, BUT IF SOMETHING IS REALLY OFF TELL ME AND I'LL FIX IT. THANKS. :D