Hi...I'm back.
few things-
1. SOOOOO sorry this took me so long, so I made a slightly longer chapter to make up for it. Been dealing with some health stuff lately since I was in the hospital a couple weeks ago and it's been... something.
2. I have gotten comments and messages regarding "ships" in my story. I wasn't sure what direction I was initially going. I'm still not 100%, but I think I know where I'm going- however I am sorry to those who are not happy with my choices. Your love for your ships are totally valid. People have preferences, I tend to be a bit more open with my fics and who is with who. I'm sorry to anyone who feels that their time was wasted- obviously that is not my intention when I write. Thank you for reading even this far.
so with that in mind- here is Chapter 8
The Terrible Beauty
"Do you know anything about Clytemnestra, Zordon?" Kim asked.
She is a sister to Polla and Castor. I'm afraid that's all I know about her, Zordon replied.
"Well she is coming to test Billy at some point," Kim crossed her arms with a sigh. Tommy stood next to her.
Billy sighed and leaned against a console. Kat walked over to him and put a hand on his back.
"It'll be alright, Billy," she tried to comfort him. "You can overcome anything."
He turned and gave her a smile, "Thank you. There's just something that doesn't seem right."
"What do you mean?" Tommy asked.
Billy stood and glanced around at his friends. "Well, she said she was a rightful heir to the crystal," the young genius said. "Not 'the' rightful heir. 'A'."
"Which means there is more than one…" Adam realized.
"How many members are in this family?" Rocky asked.
"There were seven siblings," Alpha 5 informed them. "Polla and Castor were twins, as were Clytemnestra and Helena, then Philonoe, Timandra and Phoebe."
"Wait…" Tanya looked at Alpha and then to the others. "This was a family from Greek Mythology… except Polla was depicted as-"
"Pollux," Jason finished. "I remember doing a report on them."
"Zordon, is it them?" Tanya asked. "The stories of who was real and who was myth was a blurry line."
The power of the Crystals has existed for thousands of years. It's power has been woven into stories from different planets, the wizard informed them.
"So what does this mean?" Rocky asked.
"Clytemnestra may not be the only one wanting to demand a trial…" Billy answered.
Tommy walked over to Billy and placed a hand on his shoulder, "if there is anyone who could get through any trial thrown at them, it's you."
"Thanks Tommy, that means a lot coming from you." Billy gave an appreciative smile.
"You won't be alone," Kim said firmly. "Even if I can't physically be there…" she tapped her temple, "I'll still be with you."
"I'm lucky you're the one I'm 'tethered' to," Billy said with a laugh.
Kat tightened her lips and glanced at Tommy, trying to read his reaction to that.
If he felt anything negative towards the interaction, he didn't show it.
"So what now?" Jason asked.
"We continue as usual," Tommy said. "When the time comes, Billy will be able to handle it. No matter what, we'll be here for him."
"Absolutely," Adam promised.
Billy gave them each an appreciative smile.
-PR-
"Billy?"
At the sound of his name, the young genius glanced up from his college text.
He had gotten into a routine of early classes and studying in the youth center while waiting for the others.
But right now, Kat stood before him.
"Hey Kat," he checked his watch. "You're out of class early."
"Math test. We were allowed to leave when it was done. I thought I would find you here," she said softly.
"Well you were right," he moved his bag so she could sit.
"How have you been feeling?" She inquired.
He looked around the cafe space and gave a little sigh, "I'm not going to lie, I've been feeling anxious. I just keep expecting someone to appear or to be dropped into some alternate dimension for some challenge…"
She studied him for a moment, "have you been sleeping?"
He didn't look at her, "as well as I can be."
Only Kim knows that I've been plagued by nightmares… at least, she probably does…
"What about your…connection? Do you find that affects you with distance?" Kat danced around carefully.
With this he looked at her and gave her a small smile, "well… distance doesn't really seem to matter. There is this odd sense that there's…a door open in my mind, I guess would be the best way to put it. I don't always hear Kim… or even sense her, but sometimes I get a random wave that is clearly from her. It's comforting to know that I'm not…alone."
"You never were alone," Kat placed a hand on his. "Please know that."
"I know," he amended. "This is just… different."
"I've just been really worried about you," Kat stated. "You expressed feeling isolated from us… and that was a perfect tool for Rita to use," She looked down at their hands. "I know how it can linger. You know it's not your fault…"
"…Yet you still feel like it is," Billy finished.
Kat looked up at his crystal blue eyes and they both smiled.
"I know it's hard, but try not to stress about the trial… you'll only exhaust yourself beforehand," Kat gave Billy's hand a squeeze. "I know you'll do great."
"Thanks Kat, I really appreciate it," Billy kept her gaze with his smile.
Kat felt her heart flutter a bit as she opened her mouth to ask him if he would want to go to a movie or to dinner with her. But she was stopped by the quick turn and tilt of Billy's head, away from her, as if he was hearing something.
"Billy?" She squeezed his hand again, concerned.
He looked back at her, a look of concern in his own eyes.
"Kim is in trouble."
-PR-
Kim was at the park, practicing some simple walkovers and stretches.
"Twilight Ranger," came a voice. Kim turned to see a beautiful woman. She looked similar to Clytemnestra, but there was a clear difference. Where Clytemnestra's features were more sharp, this woman's was soft. She wore similar armor, however instead of a helmet, she had a gold diadem on her head, her blond curly hair with wisps of purple framed her face.
Kim raised her hands slightly in defense.
"Which sibling are you?" She asked.
"I am Helena," The woman offered. "And I am here to make my claim for the Midnight Crystal."
"Well it isn't here right now," Kim informed her.
Helena clicked her tongue and gave a small smile, "oh, I know. But instead of hunting it down, I figured it would be easier to bring it here."
"How…" Kim's question died. Of course she knew how. "Guess it's morphin time" She placed her hands together, summoning her crystal. "Twilight Ranger Power!"
She stood at the ready.
Helena looked her up and down.
"Polla chose so well," she said, almost sadly. "You stand just like her…"
"Look, I understand this is a family crystal thing, but Polla wouldn't have given me the crystal if Billy wasn't given his…" Kim started.
But she was interrupted by being hit on the side. She was flung down and turned to see, what appeared to be, soldiers standing in a battle ready stance.
They wore armor on their chests, arms and helmets on their heads. Their bodies looked like a human body, but their skin was purple and their eyes completely black.
Kim stood up and glanced at Helena, who appeared to be bored, checking her nails.
"Ok, rude," Kim muttered and brought her attention back to the soldiers. She engaged with them, flipping over one and spinning a kick into another. She turned back to the first soldier and landed a kick on his back, where there was no armor. The soldier froze and disappeared.
"Oh… that's your 'z' spot, huh?" Kim noted.
She landed a hit on another back, but felt herself feeling tired.
I can't do this alone, she thought.
Suddenly she got a rush of energy.
Good thing you don't have to, came Billy's voice in her head.
She spun around, seeing the rest of the rangers flipping into action, and landing by her side.
"Thought you could use some help," Billy said out loud.
"Are you alright?" Tommy asked.
"Better now," Kim replied.
The rangers put up their hands and faces towards their new foe.
"So… who are your friends?" Rocky asked.
"They belong to her," Kim pointed to Helena, whose attention was brought back to the action.
"Midnight Ranger," she practically cooed. "I knew you would come."
"Always when my partner needs me," Billy replied firmly.
"Kim, any hints on these guys?" Tanya asked, as the soldiers were now advancing.
"Hit them on the back between the armor straps," Kim told them.
"You heard her, let's go!" Jason started forward, followed by the others.
With the tip on how to face their new opponents, the rangers made light work of them.
Soon it was only them and Helena.
"You're outnumbered," Tanya warned her.
Helena gave a sigh, "oh what am I to do?" She eyed the rangers. "Whose heart is untethered?"
She kissed her hand and leaned slightly blowing across the same hand, as dust seemed to sprinkle over the rangers.
They shook it off of themselves.
"What is this?" Adam asked.
"Smells of lilac," Kim noted.
"Wow," Rocky said, "she's so beautiful…"
His words were slurred as he spoke.
"Rocky?" Billy inquired.
But the new blue ranger kept his eyes on Helena.
"Interesting," she said. "Out of all of you, only one heart doesn't yearn for someone else?"
She held out her hand towards Rocky and he started towards her, entranced.
"Oh no you don't," Tommy informed her.
"Rocky, snap out of it!" Adam demanded.
But Rocky kept moving towards Helena.
"Oh, sweet boy," she said, in a flirtatious tone. "Do my heart's bidding."
Rocky turned suddenly, unsheathing his Zeo Laser Blade and immediately aimed an attack towards Kim.
"Kim!" Kat cried.
The team made their moves.
Billy turned himself in front of Kim, placing his arms around her. He felt a swipe across his back, which caused him to cry out. Kim's arms instinctively grabbed him, holding him up.
Tommy and Adam grabbed a hold of Rocky, as Jason turned towards Helena, glaring through his helmet.
They teleported away from there.
A smile crept onto Helena's face.
"Interesting indeed."
-PR-
They landed in the Power Chamber. Adam immediately turned towards a console, hitting two buttons which set a force field to surround Rocky. It caused him to demorph.
The others powered down as well.
"Billy, are you OK?" Kim held onto him as he slowly started to stand.
"I'll be alright," he assured her with a smile.
"We should check you over in the Medbay to be sure," Tanya offered.
The three of them started out of the room, but were stopped by Rocky's plea.
"I need to get back to her," Rocky said. "Let me out."
Alpha went over with a device to scan over Rocky.
"The effects of this spell will wear off shortly," Alpha told the others.
"Good," Kat said.
"Why wasn't anyone else affected?" Tommy asked.
Helena is known for turning hearts, Zordon answered. But she cannot take control over someone who is in love with another…
"Well, that makes sense with us," Tanya looked to Adam. "And Jason with Emily."
"And clearly you all have someone you are crushing on," Jason said to Tommy, Kat, Kim and Billy. There was an uncomfortable silence for a moment, as the four of them refused to look in any direction.
Billy winced, faltering slightly, which broke the still silence.
"Billy," Kim gripped him a bit tighter, careful not to touch his back.
Kat looked from them to Tommy, whose lips were thinned with concern.
"You should get that looked at," Tommy told Billy.
Billy gave a nod. Jason came to his other side and, along with Kim, helped him through the door, Tanya leading the way.
Kat went over to Tommy.
"Are…you alright?" She asked him.
"I'm frustrated," he said honestly. "There's so much madness going on, and I feel like I can't do anything to help."
She placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You're doing the best you can," she said firmly.
"How can I lead if I can't protect my team?" he asked quietly. "Billy was hurt protecting Kim, who could have been hurt. I didn't reach Rocky in time to stop him…"
"Tommy, that's not on you," Kat turned him to her. "We're going to get hurt. We are going to face challenges. You lead us when we face them. You encourage us to continue on."
She looked over at Rocky. "And he is going to need your encouragement when he snaps out of that spell. You know how it feels to realize you hurt someone you care for."
Tommy looked over to their detained friend and then back to her.
He gave a nod and then a smile.
"Thanks Kat. You always know what I need to hear."
She smiled and placed a hand to his cheek. "Don't beat yourself up," she said. "Or I'll beat you up."
He gave a laugh.
"Guys? Why am I in here?" Rocky asked, the spell dispersing.
Tommy took one last glance at Kat and gave a little sigh as they both turned to him.
"You got caught up in a spell," Adam informed him. "It caused you to attack Kim."
Rocky blanched at that.
"Is she…"
"She's alright. Billy protected her…" Kat said slowly.
"And Billy?"
"Only a little hurt," Tommy said quickly. "He'll be fine."
Rocky leaned over, placing his hands on his knees.
Adam released the forcefield. Kat and Tommy went over to comfort Rocky.
"I'm going to be sick."
Kat rubbed her hand across Rocky's back.
"It's OK," Tommy said.
He looked over at Kat.
"We're all OK."
That's the end of that chapter.
for those of you still following along, I really appreciate it. Knowing that people are reading this, whether they like it or not, means a lot to me.
I may have a lot of rest time soon, so at least I'll have time to write! (I'll try not to take too long with the next chapter).
