Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter twelve of "Just Away." This chapter has some Billy/Kat. Ranger action is coming in the next chapter. I decided not to include Garbage Mouth because he was a completely useless monster. I replaced him with an original monster of my own. Stay tuned for chapter thirteen.
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Chapter 12: Great News/Discovery/Trouble
Billy and Kat walked down a sidewalk in Angel Grove Park in the late afternoon. They had their hands in their pockets. They spotted two gray squirrels chasing each other nearby. The squirrels ran toward a tree. They climbed it while squeaking softly. They got onto a branch just above the middle. They tussled in a playful manner. They broke apart and went higher into the tree. Their chittering could be heard faintly.
Billy and Kat came to a halt when a chipmunk ran out in front of them. The chipmunk headed for a bush. It pawed at the ground in which it revealed a cache of nuts. It pulled out one and started nibbling on it. Its whiskers and tail twitched almost constantly. They turned to each other. They resumed their walk as an American robin ran past them.
"It's not every day a chipmunk runs out in front of you," Billy said while putting his hands behind his back.
"The same goes for a kangaroo," Kat responded. "Sometimes, two dozen would hop past my family's jeep whenever we went on vacation somewhere in Australia."
"I've heard that kangaroos are the most common animals in Australia," Billy said, his eyebrows raising.
"Kangaroos are so numerous in some areas that the locals are permitted to hunt them for food. It helps keep the natural balance since Australia does not have a huge number of predators," Kat said.
He scratched the back of his neck. "I have little doubt it's rather tricky with all the hopping they do."
She smiled in much confidence. "The hunters find ways to get them."
Billy gave a shrug. He and Kat saw two blue jays fly overhead and gestured toward them. The jays flew up, down, and sideways. They headed for a tree up ahead. They landed on a branch near the top of it.
"What kind of kangaroos have you seen, Kat?" he asked in much curiosity and crossed his arms.
"I've seen mostly red and gray kangaroos. Several wallabies have caught my eye. They're such cute marsupials," she said in much sweetness.
"They sure are," Billy responded and chuckled lightly. "I want to hug them due to their little faces."
"They make me want to hug them too. Unfortunately, we can't because they're wild animals," Kat pointed out.
"That's true," Billy said, a long exhale coming from him. "It is best for wild animals to remain that way."
Kat inhaled the fresh air deeply and exhaled slowly. She clasped her hands together before glancing at Billy.
"I watched a video of a guy who got really close to a buffalo once. He wanted to take a picture of it. It got quite agitated. It charged at him and threw him into the air. He landed very hard on his back. That broke his pelvis," Kat said, wincing quietly.
"I saw that too. It astounds me how crazy he was to do such a thing," Billy said as he shook his head in disbelief.
"Many people think animals are cuddly. They try to pet them in their natural habitats like the caregivers do at zoos and wildlife parks. When the animals attack them, they are quite surprised," Kat muttered with a bad grimace.
"You'll never see me do that because I respect animals enough to give them their space," Billy said.
"I do too," Kat said in much proudness. "Let's not forget some animals don't have any fear of humans because they've rarely seen them. They can get really close to them."
"That's cool. At the same time, they still need to be respected," Billy commented truthfully.
"Oh, yes," Kat agreed.
He put his arm around her to give her a hug. He rubbed her arm so lightly that it seemed he had not even touched it. He felt her take his hand into hers and squeeze it gently. He heard her sigh heavily and became concerned.
"Are you okay?" Billy wondered.
"I just can't stop thinking about Kim and her parentage. She will be in trouble if Master Vile finds out about her true identity. That same goes for her baby," Kat whispered in much fear.
"We will protect both of them will our lives," Billy assured in a soft voice.
"But you are down one team member. You will be for a long time. Zedd and Rita have the opportunity to launch an attack," Kat mumbled in much fear.
"We have managed with five team members before, but Kim was always seen as the heart of the team. We couldn't have won many battles without her," Billy murmured.
"It could be a while before Zordon and Alpha are able to find another Pink Ranger," Kat said seriously.
"Maybe not," Billy said.
Kat became very confused. "What do you mean?"
Billy let out a nervous chuckle. "I know this may sound crazy, but would you be willing to take Kim's place as the Pink Ranger until she recovers from giving birth?"
Kat felt her jaw drop to the ground as she and Billy came to a stop and released their hold on each other. She thought he was joking. She realized quickly that he wasn't.
"You want me to be a Power Ranger?" she asked.
"Why not? You were very brave to fight off Rita's spell. You saved Kim's life and that of her baby. Those qualities make you the perfect Ranger," he explained warmly.
"I did what I had to do. That's all," Kat insisted and swallowed hard.
"Kat, you have proven to be a very selfless person from the short time we have known you. You did not hesitate to help Kim after she fell. Because of you, she is recovering well," Billy said. "Please, Kat. We could use your help. We're in need of it."
Kat pressed her lips together. Though she was uncertain about being a Power Ranger, she knew Billy was right. The team needed a new member now. She wasn't sure how long it would be before Zordon and Alpha found a suitable replacement. She nodded at him.
"I'll do it, Billy. I will take Kim's place as the Pink Ranger," Kat announced bravely.
"Great," Billy said, happiness echoing from his voice. "Zordon and Alpha will be so thrilled. So will the others."
She giggled. "I am sure they will."
Billy and Kat hugged tightly. They inhaled each other's scent and sighed in much content. They stayed this way for thirty seconds before pulling apart. They made eye contact with each other.
"The battle with Turbanshell was the battle where I felt the most scared. He did such a number on the Thunderzords that I thought we wouldn't make it at all," Billy admitted.
"How powerful was Turbanshell?" Kat wondered.
"His power was way off the charts. He seemed to have an endless supply of it," Billy explained.
"Wow," Kat exclaimed.
"However, we learned he had a huge weakness. He couldn't stand heat from the inside and cold on the outside. Tommy hid in a melon cart and allowed Turbanshell to consume him. He shot his entire stomach with firepower from a laser rifle. Turbanshell looked like he was about to get sick when he felt the heat. Zack froze him with ice cold water from a hose. That immobilized him. We destroyed him with the Thunder Saber," Billy said.
"That's great teamwork," Kat said.
"That's one of the best things about being a Ranger," Billy said, a small laugh coming out of his mouth. "My friends and I can work together to come up with plans to defeat monsters and help each other in dire situations."
"You guys make a wonderful team," Kat commented in much warmth. "Oh, yes."
Kat ruffled Billy's hair, squeaking in delight when he did the same to hers. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar-looking object. Her eyes became wide with surprise.
"Is that a—" she started.
"Yes, it is," he answered with a nod. He knew she was talking about a communicator. "I want to give this to you, so you will be able to contact any of us whenever you need to. You can use it to contact Zordon and Alpha too." He gestured toward each button. "This one teleports you to the Command Center. The other one lets you talk to us."
"Thank you so much," Kat said as he gave it to her. She put it on and sighed happily. "When will you let Zordon know you have found a Pink Ranger?"
"Right now," Billy said and brought his communicator up to his face. "Zordon, this is Billy."
"Yes, Billy?" Zordon replied.
"I have found us a Pink Ranger," Billy announced happily.
"That is great, Billy!" Alpha cheered. "Who have you found?"
"It's Kat," Billy said and let out a soft chuckle. He looked toward her with a smile. "She would like to say hello."
Billy nodded to Kat, who couldn't help but giggle. She brought her communicator up to her face. She breathed deeply, her heart beating fast.
"Hello, Zordon and Alpha," Kat greeted in great joy.
"Hello, Kat," Zordon responded warmly. He emitted a soft chuckle. "It is nice to meet you. You are doing a great deed in taking Kim's place until after she gives birth."
"Thank you. At the same time, I can't help but feel nervous about going into battle," Kat admitted softly.
Alpha sighed. "It is understandable, Kat, but we will guide you every step of the way. We've done that for the other Rangers as well."
"I would like for you and Billy to teleport to the Command Center," Zordon commanded firmly. "We would like to tell the other Rangers the great news."
"We would be more than happy to come, Zordon," Billy responded in a very warm voice. "They are going to be so surprised." He looked at Kat. "Let's go."
Kat nodded. "Sure."
Billy and Kat teleported to the Command Center in blue and white streaks of light respectively. The wind started to pick up a little bit.
Billy and Kat stood in the middle of the Command Center's main room four minutes later. They watched Alpha speak with Tommy about needing to come here right away. They heard the latter mention Rocky, Adam, and Aisha were with him and that they were on their way. Alpha pressed two buttons and approached the duo.
"The others should be here momentarily," Alpha said, chuckling. "Ay-yi-yi-yi! This is so exciting."
"It sure is," Billy agreed. "When Jason, Zack, Trini, Tommy, Kim, and I retrieved the Sword of Light from the Deserted Planet, none of us knew who would be the new Red, Black, and Yellow Rangers. After we returned, they were teleported in. They were revealed to be Rocky, Adam, and Aisha."
"That was an exciting time too," Alpha said, happiness echoing from his voice.
"Indeed, it was," Zordon agreed warmly. "Rocky, Adam, and Aisha have served very well as Power Rangers over the past year."
Kat looked toward the sage along with Billy. "The others told me about some of the battles they took part in."
Billy chuckled to himself. "Kat was in awe of how we overcame almost impossible odds."
Just then, the other Power Rangers landed in the middle of the room. Tommy, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha gazed at Zordon, their faces showing much concern. Their mentor blinked twice.
"What's going on, Zordon?" Tommy asked.
"Rangers, I have great news. Someone has been found to take Kimberly's place as the Pink Ranger," Zordon announced.
Aisha furrowed her brow. "Who?"
Zordon, Alpha, and Billy shifted their attention to Kat, who stepped forward. She formed a big smile on her face as her friends eyed her.
"That would be me," Kat said proudly.
Tommy, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha gasped in shock. Their eyes became as wide as saucers, and their jaws dropped to the floor. Kat tried to hold back a giggle, but she couldn't help herself.
"Zordon chose you to be the new Pink Ranger, Kat?" Aisha blurted out while blinking three times.
"Actually, it was Billy who suggested I take Kim's place," Kat said, looking at the Blue Ranger. "He said I was very brave to fight off Rita's spell and didn't hesitate to help Kim after she fell."
"Really?" Adam said, awe showing in his voice.
"I knew Kat's qualities would make her the perfect Pink Ranger. Even when she was under Rita's spell, she showed great loyalty to us," Billy explained gently. "She was hesitant at first, but she agreed to take on the role."
"That's great," Tommy yelled in much happiness.
"We were worried that it would take a long time for a replacement to be found," Rocky added.
"Zordon was lucky he found replacements for Jason, Zack, and Trini in the form of us right away," Aisha said while gesturing to Rocky, Adam, and herself. "It was possible he wouldn't be as lucky this time."
"You are right, Aisha. However, Billy made a wise decision to suggest Kat take Kimberly's place," Zordon said as the team turned to him. "Without Kimberly's abilities, it would have been difficult for you to fight Zedd and Rita. Even with Tommy as the White Ranger, there was no guarantee you would come out on top."
"Let's not forget we still need to get the Pink Power Coin back," Aisha added with much seriousness.
"That is true," Zordon agreed. "I must warn you the Pink Ranger powers will be limited until the coin can be retrieved, Katherine. The others will use theirs to charge them, but they will eventually be drained. You may have to sit out some battles like Tommy did when his Green Ranger powers were limited."
"I am willing to take the risk, Zordon," Kat said, her voice showing much determination. "I can't stand by and let Zedd and Rita harm innocent people. Plus, it will allow me to redeem myself for what I have done. As long as I keep a positive attitude, that's all that matters."
"That determination will make you a fine Pink Ranger, Katherine," Zordon said proudly. "As the Pink Ranger, you will ride the Pink Shark Cycle. You will pilot the Crane Ninjazord one day. For now, you will pilot the White Shogunzord alongside Tommy."
"Thank you, Zordon," Kat said, sniffling. "Thank you so much."
Aisha reached into her pocket and pulled out Kim's Morpher. She approached Kat, who turned to her. She presented it to her, smiling lightly.
"This is yours now," Aisha said, handing the Morpher to her friend. "Welcome to the team. Kim left it behind when she went to practice at the Youth Center last night. She wanted me to keep it safe."
"Thank you, Aisha," Kat said, chuckling as she hugged her. She sighed contently at her hugging her back. They released their hold on each other before pulling away. "I promise from the bottom of my heart to make you and the others proud as the Pink Ranger."
"I am going to contact Kimberly," Alpha said, going over to the console before the plasma tube. "She is going to be so happy."
Alpha pressed two buttons as Kat came to his side. He repeated his action with three more before raising his arms above his head.
"Kimberly, do you read me?" Alpha asked curiously.
"Yes, Alpha," Kim answered and sighed in relief. "It is great to hear your voice. Before you ask, I am doing all right. I am still a little tired, though."
"That is understandable," Alpha commented. "We have great news. We managed to find someone to take your place as the Pink Ranger."
Kim gasped in surprise. "Who?"
Alpha looked at Kat. "She is right here with us in the Command Center."
Alpha stepped aside, allowing Kat to come up to the console. He tilted his head somewhat as she leaned downward slightly and placed her hand on it.
"Hello, Kim. I will be taking your place for the time being," Kat announced in great warmth.
"Kat, you were chosen to fight in my place?" Kim asked in amazement.
"It was Billy's idea. He knew I had the qualities to be the Pink Ranger. I wasn't sure at first, but I decided to join the team. I am aware the powers are limited, so I will preserve them the best I can," Kat explained.
Kim screamed joyfully. "That is wonderful, Kat. I know you will make a fine Power Ranger. It depends on my health on how long I will be out of action."
"I understand," Kat agreed. "I promise with every fiber of my being to make you proud of me."
"You already have, Kat," Kim responded in a sweet voice. "You saved my life and that of my baby. You fought off Rita's spell."
"Thank you. Thank you so much," Kat said with a soft sniffle.
"I better go. I need to rest some more," Kim whispered sadly.
Kat nodded in agreement. "Okay. See you later."
The console crackled with static. Kat rose to her full height and looked toward Zordon. She wiped a tear from her eye as she went to the others.
"I have no doubt you will miss having Kim on the team," Kat said.
"We will," Aisha admitted.
Adam looked toward Zordon, as did the others. "Zordon, is Zedd and Rita's spell over Kat really gone?"
Zordon sighed heavily. "Unfortunately, there may be some residual effects from Rita's magic. A spell that powerful does not disappear right away."
"I suffered from similar effects. I actually learned about one of Rita's plans not long after I joined the team," Tommy said as everyone glanced at him. "She was planning to unleash a monster called Horntron on the park. He resembled a two-legged African buffalo. Rita sent the Putties after me, but I took care of them. Jason, Zack, Trini, Billy, Kim, and I destroyed the monster with the Megazord and the Dragonzord."
"Wow," Aisha exclaimed.
Tommy put his fist out. "Let's do it, guys."
Adam laid his hand on top of Tommy's fist, followed by Rocky, Aisha, Billy, and Kat with theirs. They showed much determination while lowering their hands.
"Power Rangers!" the Rangers called while throwing their hands upward and leaping into the air.
Zordon and Alpha showed proudness as the team landed with much grace. They were so glad the Rangers were determined to stay on the fight against Zedd and Rita. They hoped Master Vile would not arrive anytime soon.
On the Lunar Palace's balcony, Rita was looking through the Repulsascope. Goldar and Scorpina stood next to her. Zedd sat on his throne. He tapped his fingers on the arm. Motha was close to him. She flapped her wings carefully as to not generate any wind. She curled her hand into a fist and punched it into her other one.
"What do you see, Rita?" Goldar asked with much curiosity.
"I just saw a rattlesnake bite a lizard on its back and slither after it after it ran away in a forest in northern Oregon," Rita said, looking at him and his comrade.
Goldar smiled in much warmth. "That's good. The animal I like watching kill prey the most is the great white shark. It bites its quarry and shakes it violently. Then it lets go and swims away. It returns and pulls its prize underwater." He let out a soft growl.
"I love watching boas squeeze their prey to death. It's almost as if they are hugging them," Scorpina said as she wrapped her arms around herself. She put them at her sides. "You do not want to get a constrictor of any species wrapped around any body part."
"That's right," Goldar agreed with a nod. "Burmese pythons are wreaking havoc in the Florida Everglades. They have made a number of native species endangered due to consuming them so much."
"That's right," Rita said and pressed her lips together. She looked over her shoulder at Motha, who growled softly. Goldar and Scorpina followed suit with theirs. "At least we don't have to worry about monsters being endangered. We can make so many with Finster's help."
Motha clapped three times. "It'd be cool if Finster made a monster that played pranks on the Rangers and civilians."
Scorpina gave her a thumbs-up. "I'd kill for a monster like that. I would be laughing my ass off at the Rangers and civilians falling for the pranks."
Suddenly, Rita's face fell quite a bit. She began breathing heavily as her heartrate sped up quite a bit. She placed her hand over her heart. Goldar and Scorpina noticed her.
"What is wrong, my empress?" Scorpina asked in much concern.
"Something is not right," Rita said while turning back to the Repulsascope. She made an adjustment to it. "I need to check it out."
Rita moved the Repulsascope south. She looked into it, seeing Tommy, Billy, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha gathered together in the Command Center's main room. She could also see Alpha showing Kat what the consoles did. She narrowed her eyes at them.
"Zedd and Rita are going to be so shocked that we found a Pink Ranger," Tommy said happily. "It happens to be Kat, their former feline flunky."
"They were anticipating Zordon and Alpha taking a long time to find a suitable replacement. They were wrong," Rocky said in determination. "Billy found one very quickly."
"When will those two ever learn? Evil never triumphs in a million years," Billy commented with a fierce growl.
Aisha crossed her arms and formed a big smile on her face. "We will get Ninjor, the Falconzord, and the Pink Power Coin back eventually."
Adam placed his hands on his sides. "Those bastards and bitches will go back to the dumpster where they came from. No ifs, ands, or buts."
Rita screamed in great anger and pulled back. She balled her hand into a fist so tight that she would break a glass if she were holding one. She clenched her teeth very tightly.
"I don't believe it! The Power Rangers managed to find a replacement for Kimberly!" Rita screeched and looked over her shoulder at Zedd. "It is no other than Katherine herself! Billy convinced her to accept the role!"
"Damn it!" Zedd yelled angrily while jumping to his feet. He gripped his staff tightly as Goldar and Scorpina glanced over their shoulders at him. "I was hoping it'd take a long time!"
"I can't say I am surprised that Billy asked Kat to be the Pink Ranger. You said he had a habit of convincing others to do important things," Motha pointed out matter-of-factly.
"It doesn't matter now," Rita said, turning around along with Goldar and Scorpina. "We can still capture Kat."
"I agree with that," Zedd said, a malicious chuckle leaving his mouth. He looked at Motha. "It is time for you to go to Earth with a platoon of Tengas. You are to attack the park. Capture Kat, and bring her here!"
"I am more than willing to do that, my lord!" Motha responded in great excitement. She looked at the Tengas and whistled. Fifteen gathered around her, squawking and cawing. "Let's go. We have Power Rangers to blow away."
Motha and the Tengas disappeared from sight. Rita turned back to the Repulsascope, as did Goldar and Scorpina. Zedd approached the stairs. He went up them, coming to his wife's side after Scorpina stepped aside.
"I have a good feeling that Motha will accomplish her mission," Rita said hopefully.
"She had better. I am so sick and tired of us losing to those Power Brats all the time," Zedd griped in much annoyance.
"Kat needs to pay for her disloyalty big time!" Goldar growled and flared his nostrils. He swung his sword from side to side. "Damn. I am just as pissed off at her as I am at Tommy for betraying us."
"If the Sword of Darkness had never been destroyed, Tommy would still be with us," Scorpina said. "There would be no White Ranger. That is unless Zordon found another candidate."
"Kimberly would still be winning battles for the Rangers," Goldar pointed out truthfully.
"She wouldn't be pregnant or know of her true past, though," Scorpina commented and cleared her throat.
"That is true," Goldar agreed, nodding in a slow way. "That Sword of Darkness was a piece of—"
"Shut the hell up about Tommy's betrayal, you two!" Rita commanded with much fierceness.
"We don't want to hear any more about it!" Zedd added, his visor glowing quite red. "We are tired of it."
"We were just—" Goldar started while holding up his hand.
"Be quiet now!" Rita screeched, her voice echoing through the throne room. She pointed her wand at him, followed by his comrade. "I mean it!"
Goldar and Scorpina nodded rapidly. They went down the stairs and out of the throne room. They mumbled inaudible words as Zedd and Rita turned to each other.
"Those two get on my nerves," Zedd mumbled annoyingly.
"Forget about them. I just want to keep an eye on Motha's attack," Rita said and glanced at the Repulsascope. She looked into it and saw people walking around Angel Grove Park.
Rocky, Adam, and Aisha listened as Tommy talked about the fight with Mutitis in the Command Center's main room five minutes later. They raised their eyebrows when he spoke of the Megazord and Dragonzord being sprayed with toxic foam. They cringed at his imitating his, Jason, Billy, Kim, Zack, and Trini's landing on the Island of Illusion with a downward motion of his hand.
Billy motioned toward the buttons on console as Kat stood next to him on the Viewing Globe's right. He whispered inaudible words, causing her to giggle in a soft manner. Alpha was near the duo. He tilted his head before raising his arms somewhat. Suddenly, the alarm started blaring in which this made the team look toward it. Alpha waved his arms about.
"Ay-yi-yi-yi! There is trouble!" Alpha cried in a frantic voice.
"What is going on?" Tommy asked while glancing toward Zordon along with the others.
"I sense trouble in the park," Zordon said gravely. "Behold the Viewing Globe."
Tommy, Billy, Kat, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha made their way to the Viewing Globe. They could see three Tengas punching three teen boys in their stomachs at the playground in Angel Grove Park. They watched Motha shoot fireballs from her mandibles at three young women. The women ducked, causing them to miss. They resumed running for their lives. They screamed and cried.
"This is Motha. She is Lord Zedd and Rita's newest monster. She happens to be quite powerful and aggressive," Zordon said.
"Oh, shit," Rocky mumbled.
"No denying that, Rocko," Adam agreed, his breathing turning to shudders.
"Zedd and Rita didn't waste much time sending a monster," Aisha said, crossing her arms.
"It is possible they know Kat is the new Pink Ranger," Billy commented.
Kat exhaled sharply. "Most likely. I am sure they will come after me as well."
Tommy became determined. "We're not about to let that happen."
Tommy, Billy, Kat, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha turned away from the Viewing Globe. They went to Zordon, their breathing soft and steady.
"Zordon, can you contact Kim and let her know what is going on?" Tommy asked.
"Of course, Tommy," Zordon said with a nod. "Go now. May the Power protect you."
"It's Morphin Time! White Ranger Power!" Tommy shouted.
"Black Ranger Power!" Adam called.
"Pink Ranger Power!" Kat summoned.
"Blue Ranger Power!" Billy yelled.
"Yellow Ranger Power!" Aisha cried.
"Red Ranger Power!" Rocky shouted.
The Power Rangers teleported out of the Command Center. Alpha came to the console before the plasma tube. He made eye contact with Zordon, who blinked three times.
"Ay-yi-yi. I hope Kat does well in her first fight and doesn't get captured by Motha and the Tengas!" Alpha yelled fearfully.
"Try not to worry, Alpha. Kat is very resourceful and clever," Zordon assured gently. "You need to contact Kimberly and tell her what is going on."
Alpha nodded at him. "Of course."
Alpha turned to the console with a soft sigh. He proceeded to press buttons as the alarm continued to blare.