Hello to all my readers and welcome back to the third chapter of Path of the Falcon Crane: the Choices we make. I'm sorry that it took me this long to give you another chapter, I had recently married the love of my life.
I'm glad to read all the comments, See all the follows, likes, and loves. I want to thank you for everything knowing that an audience enjoys my writing.
Now without further ado here is Chapter 3: The Crane Informs the Group.
Early in the morning, Tommy was startled when a flash of pink entered his bedroom.
"Kim... what are you doing here so early?" Tommy asked as he rubbed sleep from his eyes.
"I've made my decision and I wanted to tell you before the others," Kimberly explained as she walked over and sat on the edge of his bed. Tommy moved his feet to allow her space to sit. As she sat down immediately looking into the eyes of her true love she lost all words she had planned in her head.
Noticing she had lost her nerve Tommy sat up carefully so as not to disturb her he leaned up and stroked Kimberly's face with his thumb.
"What's got you so nervous beautiful?"
"I think it's just nerves I'm having trouble dealing with my decision. I had this whole speech planned on how I was going to tell you, but the second I sat down and looked into your eyes I lost my train of thought.
"Alright well is there anything I can do to reassure you it's ok no matter what you choose to do?" Tommy asked
"I'm not sure," Kimberly stated not speaking anything further Tommy wrapped her up in a hug conveying his love for her through his touch.
"I know the choice sat before you is daunting but it is only one you can make. If you choose to go and follow your dream we will be here to support you and if you make it to the big championship I will be there to cheer you on, and if we will continue the fight against evil and hopefully finally defeat them." Tommy explained placing a soft kiss on her forehead and finally her lips.
As if the kiss jolted her nerves Kimberly grabbed his face and planted a passionate kiss on Tommy's lips before she pulled back and explained.
"I know you and our friends will always support me in whatever I choose and that is part of the reason I'm ok with going. I am also nervous about the distance and strain it may put on our relationship." Kimberly explained what she had been feeling.
"You shouldn't worry about our connection and the communicators we should be able to stay in contact almost constantly," Tommy said
"We can't use the communicators that personal gain and a higher type of technology that would cause people to stare at us if we use them openly," Kimberly explained
"Well there are always letters and we could find a way to visit, plus if we need you for a battle you are only a teleport away, would bring back the memory of three years ago when I was at my uncle's cabin," Tommy said as he stood up and walked over to his dresser.
"Are you sure you're comfortable with something like that?" Kimberly asked
"Beautiful I will do anything to make you happy. If it means being patient to hear from you then that's exactly what I will do." Tommy said as he picked a pair of shorts.
"So you ok if I choose to take this opportunity," Kimberly asked
"Not that you need my permission, but yes beautiful I will be fine, just don't shut me out, that's all I'm asking," Tommy said teasingly
"Alright, I want to go," Kimberly informed finally voicing her decision.
Just then they heard footsteps stop in front of his door. At the sound of voices, the door opened to reveal James Oliver.
"Alright, well then maybe the two of you would like to join us for breakfast?" James said slightly startling the two teens.
"We will be right down in just a minute Dad," Tommy said
Kimberly waited while Tommy quickly changed in his bathroom, and then the two walked downstairs to find Melissa and James at the table waiting for them.
"Good morning Kimberly, what brings you here so early?" Melissa asked.
" I have come to a decision and I wanted to tell Tommy first I'm sorry if me being here this early is wrong.
"Oh, no dear it was just a surprise that's all," Melissa said
The four of them sat and talked while they enjoyed the breakfast James cooked. When it was time for Tommy and Kimberly to head off to school they put their dishes in the sink and walked out saying goodbye to his parents.
As the two walked they met up with their friends who lived close, walking toward the park as they did every day before school. Once everyone arrived Kimberly got their attention.
"Alright everybody I have made my choice," she said causing all talking to cease giving her their full attention.
"I've decided to follow my dream and train with coach Gunther Schmidt. I hope to make it to nationals and maybe the Olympics." Kimberly informed
"We believe you can do it," Jason said as he hugged her. This prompted a barrage of congrats, or I'm proud of you out of everyone culminating in a giant group hug.
"Not to put a damper on the mood but we still have to get to school." Billy reminded
Earlier in the morning up on the moon
Zedd was scanning the earth for activity when he noticed the pink ranger visit the home of the white ranger. Not being able to look inside the house, as it was protected by Tommy's connection to the Morphin grid.
"Blast those reached rangers connection to the morphing grid," Zedd stated as his wife entered the throne room.
"What's troubling you my wicked- grumpy husband." she squealed in her high-pitched voice.
"The power Rangers are planning something I can sense it," Zedd said.
As he turned around to scan again and then noticed the rangers in the park, he quickly called his bonehead henchmen. Rito and Goldar entered the throne room quickly after Goldar told Rito they would discuss his hiding later.
"You bellowed your excellency," Goldar said as he bowed his head.
"The two of you will go to earth and attack those reached rangers at once. I need you to distract them while we create something horrifying and nasty." Zedd exclaimed.
The two quickly gathered a large group of Tengas and Putties before they left for Angel Grove park.
Landing in front of the rangers.
On earth Ten minutes earlier.
Tommy and Kimberly left the Oliver house walking toward the Park.
As they walked they met up with Billy and Trini who were also heading toward the park as well. The four of them walked together until they met up with the last two who lived along their path to the park. Once they arrived at the park they headed for the pavilion they always meet at before school.
While they were sitting there waiting for the rest of their friends Goldar and Rito appear along with a horde of Putties Tengas. The rangers stood up shifting into a fighting stance prepared to fight off the evil forces that attacked Earth.
Tommy followed his mentor's wise words and the studies of his martial arts master not attacking first.
"What are you doing here Goldeylocks?" he asked
"Once and for all we will destroy you, afterwords our master will rule this Galaxy. Attack!" Goldar yelled as he lunged at his nemesis.
The battle was intense everyone fighting, ducking, and dodging as they have yet not morphed or shifted into ninjas. Jason, Zack, and Trini were slightly overwhelmed. Tommy, Kimberly, and Billy were holding their own but not able to break away from the fights they were in to help their returning teammates just when the situation couldn't get any worse for the rangers they heard three voices that had become familiar.
"Hey back off feather face Keey- yah," Aisha said as she kicked a tengu as well as Rocky and Adam followed by their Ki- yas.
With the assistance of Jason, Zack, and Trini they were able to battle back the wicked birds and putties. Minutes later from the south side of the park Tanya, Kathrine, and Justin noticed Goldar, and Rito were attacking their new friends. The trio rushed to aid them. As they reached the evil henchmen Justin landed a leaping kick to both Rito and Goldar's chest as they were charging Tommy who was being held back by six Tengu warriors. Kathrine and Tanya went to assist Kimberly and Billy respectively.
The twelve of them knew they had to get to school quickly but couldn't leave the goon squad loose to run around wreaking havoc all over town. They used the new team ability choosing to communicate telepathically they all agreed to regroup and fight as one unit rather than using the divide-and-conquer technique. As they fell back near the pavilion quickly deciding to shift into their ninja ranger form.
Once they were suited up the ninja powers allowed them to turn the tide in the battle. As they battled the villains back they noticed it would be best to divide and conquer their enemies. Breaking off into two teams they made quick work of the putties and the tengu warriors. When Goldar and Rito noticed that their numbers had dwindled the chose to retreat and live to fight another day which was better than a twelve-on-two two fight in their opinion.
"He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day," Rito said as he and Goldar disappeared just as the rangers were about to charge them. Knowing the fight was over they looked around before powering down as Billy checked his watch.
"Guys we need to make haste if we wish to make it to school promptly." he said
"Billy's right we don't need to be late," Trini said
Later that morning the group was in their third period classrooms. Jason. Aisha, Billy, Kathrine, and Justin were in Mr. Whilton's chemistry class. Tommy, Rocky, Zack, Tanya, and Adam were in Mr. Sanders's algebra class. Kimberly and Trini were in Mrs. Andrews's History class. Once those classes were over it was finally time for lunch, as soon as the bell rang both Zack and Rocky bolted out of their seats. Rushing past their friends not even slowing down to greet them.
"Well, thats our signal for lunch," Adam said through a laugh.
"Hey guys there is something I need to tell you at lunch so can we sit outside?" Kimberly asked as they all walked quickly to catch up with their two friends who couldn't wait for food.
Jason Immediately looked to Tommy to read the expression on his best friend's face, hoping this was good news, noticing the smile he was showing Jason knew his friend was hurting. Which told him that Kimberly had terrible news.
"That sounds like a good idea that way you can share your news and it can kind of stay private," Aisha said.
"Aisha's right but we also need to get there before Rocky and Zack eat all the food." Adam joked as the group rounded the corner to see the line coming from the cafeteria.
"Well, I guess we will have to wait until we get food before we find our seats inside or outside," Justin said
Minutes passed and the group had moved closer but some people were getting anxious about being in line this long. What they didn't realize was there was a new cafeteria lady serving today. They quickly found out her identity when Kathrine looked up and noticed who was serving food.
"Oh My Gosh" she whispered
"What is it, Kat?" Trini asked quietly
"The lady serving is my mother," Kathrine said with embarrassment in her voice
"Well she is doing a good job, so what's the problem?" Justin asked
"It's kind of embarrassing." Kathrine said keeping her voice down.
As they were talking the group moved closer and closer to the food area, a short time later they were looking for a place to sit and have the discussion that Kimberly wanted to have with them. Rocky spotted two tables empty close together and he chose to take the initiative to point them out. Minutes later they sat at the two tables while Kimberly was explaining what she had decided.
"You guys know about my opportunity to train at Schmits gym for a chance to compete in the Olympics." Kimberly informed or reitorated.
" As I told you on the phone weeks ago this has been a dream of yours ever since you were a little girl and knew what the sport was in my opinion it would be foolish to pass it up." Trini said
"As your big brother I'm proud of you and scared for you." Jason said
"What do you mean? " Tommy asked knowing he felt fimilar joy and worries about Kimberly's desicion.
"Well honestly I know she is amazing at whatever she puts her mind to, however its the fact of her being there all alone." Jason said explaning his fear without saying it out loud.
"I wanted you all here so I could inform you of my decision and I plan to not only compete but bring home the gold." Kimberly said with mor conviction thatn she had this morning with Tommy.
"When would you be leaving?" Aisha asked
"I need to accept the offer and then they would inform me my departure would be." Kimberly explained to the group as the bell rang signaling that lunch was over.
They quickly gathered their treys and headed inside. Making quick work of any mess on the treys and placed the dishes on the convaer belt that lead into the kitchen. Heading for their next class. Which for Tommy, Jason, Zack, Adam, and Tanya it was woodshop. While Kimberly, Trini, Aisha, Kathrine, and Justin had PE. Rocky, and Billy had Art class.
IN PE CLASS
The class was getting warmed up while Aisha, Kimberly, and Trini jogged around the track as they discussed their newest powers as they heard the approaching footsteps as Justin ran up to them.
"Justin you scared the hell out of me! Aisha said as he tapped their shoulders.
"I'm sorry I was only catching up to you ladies." he said sheepishly
"Made me think it was an emergency." Aisha explained quietly while indicating her communicator.
"Oh! I'm really sorry." he said again
"Don't worry, some of us could unwind a little." Trini said attempting to calm the situation.
"Hey were is Kat she should be out here by now?" Kimberly asked
As Kimberly asked they noticed the person in question was approaching.
"Hey you didn't have to wait for me Kat said teasingly.
"Before the teacher sees us just standing around why don't we get to walking." Trini suggested
MEANWHILE IN ART CLASS
Billy and Rocky were hard at work on their peice of the class project.
"I think using clay was our best option." Rocky said as he was carving the lower portion of the statue.
"Yes it appears the materials are much easier to reform if we make a mistake." Billy said as he formed the balloons at the top of the statue.
"I think this will be the best ferris wheel I've ever seen." Rocky said.
"I would have to agree with you on that Mr DeSantoes." said Mrs Kramer as she passed by them while walking around the class.
The two continued working on their peice of the class project. The class was given the choice between the night life of Angel Grove or Carnival of Angel Grove. This particular class chose Carnival of Angel Grove.
Shop Class
Tanya was sanding down her project's edges as the shop teacher Mr Saville as she passed by them while walking around the room.
"Way to get rid of the sharp edges miss Sloan." he said
"Thank you." Tanya said
Bulk and Skull were showing off their talent by welding a sidecar on their junior police cycle.
"You two be careful with the dangerous equipment." Mr Saville expressed.
Adam was working on his coffee table with the engraver when Mr Saville walked by him.
"Marvolus job with the table Mr. Park really putting in the details on the design." he said as walked passed his student.
"Thanks Mr Saville I've been worried how the engraving would look." Adam said
"Are you still planning for a glass top for the table?" asked Mr Saville
"Yes sir after I finish engraving the family name on the top, I also wanted to ask if I was able to burn the side of the table?"
"Whe you are ready for that step we can get a stincle for you." Mr. Saville explained as he continued his walk around the classroom.
Jason was working on an old fashioned sparing dummy when the teacher approached him and asked.
"Mr. Scott what is that your building?"
"This is a sparing partner from early years in China, I learned about their traditions while I was with the peace summit. When I made my decision on what to build this was the only choice that made sense." Jason answered as he lightly demonstrated how it would work.
" Seems like it works well." Mr. Saville said as he walked towards the next project/ student.
Zack was working on the swing he planned to hang on the front porch, when the teacher had approached him.
" This is coming together quite nicely Mr. Taylor," he said
"Thank you sir this is going tobe my moms birthday present". Zack stated
"Have you thought of burning a photo onto the backrest?" Mr Saville asked
"I hadn't thought of that but thank you for the idea, I think I know just the photo to use for it.
"Your welcom I've studied things like this for years it is why I became a teacher, to shape young minds." he said just before finishing up his lap around the room.
Tommy was putting the finishing touches on his coo-coo click.
"Well done Mr. Oliver now the only thing left is to figure out what stain your going to coat it with. " Mr Saville said.
"I thought aobut using a cherry stain." Tommy retorted
" That would look amazing." he said just before the bell rang signaling the class was over.
The rest of the day went by and it was finally time for dismissle as the friends walked home they spit up once they arrived at teh park. Kathrine, Tanya, and Justing all headed south out of the park. While Jason, Zack, Trini, Aisha Adam walked north away from the park. Billy Rocky left the park heading west. Tommy Kimberly walked toward the youth center in hopes of cathcing Coach Gunther Schmidt there.
Ten minutes later the rangers had reached their destinatinons. Most went straight in to complete any after school chores, or homework. As for Tommy and Kimberly when they walked into the youth center she quickly spotted Coach Schmit sitting at a very familiar table that was close to the juice bar.
The two walked closer to the man, as they approached Kimberly stepped in his line of sight, shortly after he looked up.
"Ah Miss Hart, I was hoping to run into you, were your still considering the offer I explained to you?" He asked
"Yes.. I was acctually coming to give you my decision, this is not a decision that I made quickly I though long and hard about it and I even asked advice from my friends and loved ones and after taking their advice into consideration I would most humbley accept this offer and I hope to become a better gymnast and maybe even compete in the Olympics." Kimberly said
"This is great news, I would like to see you in action before we leave if you have time tomorrow I could be here by six in the evening." he said
"I could make that time frame its not a problem." Kimberly said
"Great I'll see you then I should also have the travel informaiton by then." Schmit said
"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow then." Kimberly said as her and Tommy started to head out of the youth center. Heading for their homes still walking together. While walking Tommy was looking down at Kimberly thinking of how things would be after she left. Kimberly glanced up at him and read the emotions writing all over his face.
"Whats on your mind handsome, you seem to be thinking really hard about something." she asked.
"Just thinking about whats its going to be like around here without you." Tommy said
"You Know I don't have to accept this offer and we can spend every day together." Kimberly said emotions evadent in her voice.
"Its not fair for you to give up on a dream for me beautiful, this in an incredible oppertunity and I'm not going to stand in your way just as I would exspect you wouldn't if the roles were reversed." Tommy explained as they reached the Hart residents
"Tommy you know this is only temprary, I will be coming back after the olympics." Kimberly said as Caroline stepped outside.
"Hello! Tommy, would you mind if I steal Kimberly for a moment?" she asked as she approached the two.
"Not at all, Kim I'll see you in the morning." he said as he wakled across the street to the house diaginal from Kimberly's house.
"Mom whats going on?" Kim asked
"Kimberly as you know Pierre is a painter, I wanted to inform you that Pierre has been given the opportunity to work for a company in Paris. I figured with your opportunity of training for Nationals we would be able to take the opportunity and be back around the time of your return. I would like to discuss it furth over dinner ." Caroline explained to her daughter
"Mom I'm happy for both of you an i wish you safe travels. Im gonna miss you while your gone. I just hope that everything Tommy and I have can survive what we are about to put it through moma." Kimberly said as the fact that everything was changing and she would miss it while she was away training and hopefully making the olympic games finally sunk in.
"Kimbery sweetheart come here." Caroline said as she opened her arms. With her emotions getting the best of her she needed the comfort that her mother was now offering she quickly grasped on to her mother and let the tears flow freely.
"Oh sweetie you must be dreading your decision." Caroline said
"Its mm my decision to go and I've just accepted the offer, I've chosen to follow my dream." Kimberly said just before breaking down again...
And thats the end of chapter three thank you so much for reading now please review, I hope you all are enjoying this fic and there is more to come. I really like the direction the plot has chosen to go and hopefully you all will as well.
May the power protect your all AJ OLIVER