Back to the beginning
Chapter 7 – Some things never change.
Angel grove 2002
Jason and Kimberly had just returned from their food shop and were putting away their groceries in the empty cupboards and fridge.
They had received a call from Trini just over an hour ago. She told them that later on in the afternoon, Billy needed his friends and had something to tell them.
The former red and pink ranger took the few hours they had, to get some groceries and to ensure their friends had something to snack on.
"What do you think it is?" Kimberly asked, arranging some canned items in a cupboard next to the stove.
"I'm not sure to be honest. Trini did sound pretty serious." Jason put away a couple of milk bottles in the fridge. "It must have something to do with his marriage plans."
Kimberly puffed out her cheeks as she retrieved some more items from the bags of groceries. "I hope it's not too serious. I'm so happy for him."
"I know right." Jason closed the fridge door and turned to his partner who was putting away the last of the groceries. "But let's just relax and let Billy say his piece."
"You're right." Kimberly closed the cupboard doors and swung around to face Jason. "How long do we have left?"
Jason glanced at his watch "Just over an hour."
Kimberly shot Jason a smile laced with desire. "So, we have enough time for a quick shower?"
Jason reacted to the smile in a similar way. "Yes, we do." He replied before quickly picking up a giggling Kimberly into his arms and running out of the open kitchen door.
Billy Cranston had just finished work. Daniel had calmed him down and got him ready for his chat with his friends.
As Billy said a vacant goodbye to the receptionist Lynette, he couldn't help but feel extremely nervous.
He somehow absentmindedly managed to get in to the parking lot. He quickly unlocked his car and took a seat inside. Putting his buzzing and aching head onto the steering wheel, his mind raced back to a time in his youth when he told the same group of friends another big secret he had.
Summer of 1989
Five young teens were sat on a blanket in Billy's back yard. They were having a nice day out enjoying the sun and had just been invited over to Billy's house for a bit of lunch.
"I hope you guys are okay with cheese or turkey sandwiches, I'm not big fan of tuna." Billy said, uncovering the plates his mum had just placed down on front of them.
"Yeah, of course Billy." Jason replied, looking around at the rest of the group as they nodded in agreement.
"We're pretty easy going." Trini added.
Billy smiled brightly at his friends, "We'll have some PB sandwiches too."
"Thank you, Billy. That's perfect." Kimberly said with a warm smile, fanning her face with her hand. The hot sun was not relenting.
"You're the best, my main brain!" Zack added with a gentle slap on Billy's shoulder.
"Don't forget the ice tea, you will need it in this weather." Billy's mom said, giving each kid a freezing cold glass of sweet, lemon ice tea.
"Thank you, Mrs. Cranston." The group said simultaneously, causing the dark blonde Mrs. Cranston to smile.
The kids all ate their sandwiches and drank their ice teas accompanied with plenty of jokes, stories and most of them looking forward to their new and final year in middle school before they're started their journeys at Angel Grove High.
"I'm rather nervous in all honesty." Billy muttered, thanking his mother as she took away the empty plates.
"Why Billy? High school is meant to be the best times of our lives, well, apart from college that is." Zack said.
Billy nodded his head in agreement. "Yes, I understand that. I'm just not that great with changes."
Trini leaned over Zack and placed her hand on Billy's wrist. "You'll have all of us guys there with you." She told him, giving him a warm smile along with a gentle squeeze.
"Yeah. We'll have your back bro" Jason promised, leaning over with a gentle pat on Billy's shoulder .
"We'll all be going through it together." Kimberly added.
"You ain't gettin' rid of us that easily bro." Zack chimed in.
Billy's cheeks began to glow a little red. "Geez. Thanks guys. I can't believe what an amazing group of friends I have managed to attain."
"You're a lovely guy. It's not that much of a shock to me." Trini said.
"Yeah. I mean, you have such a warm heart." Kimberly added.
Billy looked at his friends and tears nearly formed in his steel blue eyes. "Don't you guys think I'm a little weird?" He asked.
The group looked around at each other with confusing looks, until Jason spoke up.
"Well, aren't we all weird in our own ways? Everybody has a weird thing about them." He said, gaining nods of approval from everyone. "You're not much different from the rest of us."
"Yeah. Look at me. Obsessed with my hair and shoes and other crap." Kimberly said with a shy smile.
"And me, obsessed with karate." Jason added.
Billy shook his head slightly. "I understand what you are enunciating. But not in that way." Billy was lost deep in thought for a moment before coming back to the present due to a sharp chirp from a bird in a nearby tree. "I have something to tell you."
Trini looked around at her other friends before scooting around Zack and holding Billy's hand. "You can tell us anything you want Billy."
Billy gave Trini a heartfelt smile before moving his gaze to the blanket underneath him. "Well basically guys. I have a condition. I'm, I'm on the spectrum."
He noticed the look of confusion on his friends faces. "I'm interpreting that you don't know what that is?" He asked.
His friends shook their heads and allowed Billy to continue. "I have a mild form of autism, Asperger's to be precise." Billy paused and hesitantly looked up at his friends for a split second. "Basically. My mind works and understands information in a different manner than everyone else. I don't tend to do well in friendships and relationships, hence why you guys are the first friends I've ever had." Billy explained.
Trini squeezed gently at Billy's hand as the rest of the group shuffled closer to him.
"I seem to have difficulty in understanding if an individual is being serious or joking, and I seem to have further difficulty in establishing rapport in a social setting." Billy's head dropped slightly. "And unfortunately, this is how I am, and how I always will be.
"Look Billy. We love you for who you are, however you are." Jason revealed.
"Nothing will ever change that," Kimberly added.
"We'll always have your back." Zack said.
"And you have defied your condition by finding not just one or two friends, but four best friends who love you for you." Trini explained.
Billy's eyes couldn't hold in his tears anymore. As he wept, out of happiness of being accepted, his friends all gathered around him and hugged him. They held on to each other as the sun behind them began to set, adding a golden glow to their beautiful embrace.
2002
Billy lifted his head from the steering wheel. A feeling of positivity taking over him, a resolute and determined look in his steely blue eyes.
Jason and Kimberly just finished laying out the table in the living room with snacks and cans of soda littered around their new, maple coffee table.
"They should be here any minute now," Jason told Kimberly who had now placed her hand in his.
"I'm kinda nervous." She said with a wry smile.
"Why, it's Billy's speech, not yours." Jason teased her, she responded by slapping his chest with her free hand.
"Ouch."
"I hope it hurt." Kimberly said, leaving Jason gobsmacked.
Knock knock knock
Jason walked over to the front door of their apartment and opened it, allowing Trini and Zack to step inside.
"Wow. It looks beautiful." Trini said, looking around the apartment and wrapping Kimberly in an embrace.
"Hey bro." Zack said as he clasped hands with his best friend.
Jason and Kimberly ushered their friends inside and to the sofas in the living room.
"Help yourselves." Jason said, pointing to the chips and other snacks around the table.
"I think we better wait for Billy." Trini said, checking her watch. "He should be here any minute."
"You're right." Kimberly responded, taking Jason's hand and sitting down on a couch opposite Zack and Trini.
"Aww look at you both." Trini gleamed with happiness at her two friends, causing them both to blush.
"You look so cute." Zack said, grinning widely.
"You both look so radiant." Trini said, before her eyes popped in shock at the realisation of why they looked the way they did. "Oh girl, we need to talk."
"About what?" Kimberly asked innocently.
"You know what." Trini replied.
Zack and Jason had just finished rolling their eyes at each other when there was a knock at the door, which Jason promptly answered.
"Hey Billy." Jason wrapped his friend in a warm embrace, allowing him inside the apartment.
The rest of the group stood up as Billy entered and each offered him a hug.
"Hey guys, did you miss me?" He asked with a bemused grin.
"Of course we did." Kimberly answered, moving everyone to the sofas. "Come sit down and grab a drink and some chips and make yourself at home."
"Thank you, Kimberly." Billy obliged, sitting down next to Zack and Trini on a three-seater couch. "Wow, I really love the color scheme and the way everything blends into perfection." He commented.
"Thank you Bill. You know how fussy I am with these things." Kim replied.
"I sure do." Billy said, opening his can of cream soda. "Look guys, I'll get right to the chase and then after that, hopefully you can make me feel a bit better."
"That's absolutely fine with us." Jason said.
"Go ahead, we're all ears." Kimberly said, offering her friend a bright snilem
Billy's heart began to race. As he put the soda down, he realised it hadn't eradicated the intense thirst in his throat and mouth. Billy found the courage to lift his gaze and steal a glance at all of his friends.
"Well, as you are aware, I have always been rather different." Billy waited for a response, but he didn't receive one, so he carried on. "I ummm, I can't marry Marge, you guys." Billy admitted. Feeling some of the load on his chest, disappear.
His friends shared worries glances at Billy's secret, but they didn't know what to say.
"Don't get me wrong. I love Marge for who she is. She's a beautiful, intelligent, amazing lady. But there's a slight problem." Billy winced as he said the last few words.
"Go on Billy. We're here." Trini said, placing her hand into his.
"Guys, I don't know how to say it." Billy struggled with how to come out with the secret he had been keeping in his heart for well over a year now.
"Just say whatever is on your mind. It doesn't matter how it sounds." Jason said.
Billy nodded his head and proceeded. "Well, there's this person I work with. Dan. I ummm, me and him have kinda umm." Billy looked up to see his friends faces looking confused. He had to just be open about this. "I'm in love with him."
Billy saw the look of shock on his friends faces as they heard his shocking revelation. He was glad to see that even though they were shocked, they didn't seem to be upset or had judged him, but he had to make sure. "I can't marry Marge."
"That's totally understandable Billy." Trini spoke up first.
"Your heart has to be in it" Jason said.
"And if it isn't, then that will just cause her more pain." Kimberly chimed in.
"Yeah bro. We gotta do what's best for you but also for those involved." Zack surmised.
"But I need to tell her guys. Nobody knows apart from all of you and obviously me and Dan." Billy explained.
"So, Marge has no idea?" Kimberly asked.
Billy shook his head. "I don't know how to tell her."
"Tell her like you told us..."
"I don't expect it to be as simple as this." Billy took a long, deep breath. "It will break her heart."
"Maybe you can delay the wedding and just tell her you're ready ." Zack proposed. Taking a deep swig of the cola in his hand.
"No Zack." Trini turned to her husband. "Marge deserves the truth. And Billy deserves the freedom to love whoever he wants and not have to hide it."
"You're right. Thank you." Billy replied with a gracious smile.
"Whatever you choose to do, we will back you one hundred percent!" Jason said, with everyone in the group saying words of approval.
"Thank you, guys. It means a lot to me to hear these things." Billy said, casting each of his friends, a gracious smile. "I didn't know how you would react and if it would change the dynamic between us."
"Why would it change anything Billy?" Kimberly asked.
Billy gave her a forlorn look, "Well, you know, since you now know about my sexuality..?"
"That won't change a thing bro." Zack replied.
"Yeah dude. You'll always be our Billy no matter what." Jason said
"When did you start to feel this way!" Kimberly asked.
Billy took another big swig of his cream soda, "Well, I'm not sure to be totally transparent. I always had my doubts. I tried to keep my doubts buried inside. But it wasn't until I met Daniel that I knew for sure how I felt."
"Wow, that must have been tough on you Billy." Trini massaged the middle of Billy's back. "I wish you told us earlier. We would have always supported you."
"I know, I just want too sure myself." Billy placed his empty soda can on the coffee table in front of him. "Well, at least that's over with. Just marge to go." He said with a little sigh.
Jason checked the clock and had a great idea. "Well Billy, it's not even six yet, how's about we go to the juice bar for old time's sake? Cheer you up a bit and hopefully then, you will be ready to talk to her."
Jason's suggestion was greeted by laughter from Billy, Zack and Trini.
"Hey, what's so funny. Don't laugh at my baby." Kimberly asked, feigning annoyance.
"Well, when was the last time you two were here?" Billy asked.
"Well, after my stint with the Gold powers, we came back to help out with the children's shelter." Jason answered.
"And that was is it really. We haven't been since." Kimberly added.
Zack glanced at his wife and at Billy before revealing the information his friends didn't know. "Ernie has retired guys. He went to South America for a bit and then came back to Angel grove and retired."
"He had been rather insalubrious lately." Billy said with his trademark nod of the head, expecting everyone to understand his explanation.
"Which means?" Kimberly asked with a blank and confused expression.
"It means, Ernie's health hasn't been great recently." Trini explained.
"He sold it to Lieutenant Stone who then sold it to a lady called Adelle I believe." Billy said.
"And she renamed it, the surf spot." Zack revealed with a laugh.
"Ewww!" Jason and Kim reacted with disgust.
"But guess who owns it now?" Trini asked.
"Ummm, Mr. Kaplan?" Jason answered.
"Wrong! Bulk and Skull!"
Kimberly looked like she was about to faint, Jason looked like someone had just told him that his can of cola was actually sweat from bulk's socks.
Zack shook his head. "No but, they haven't done too bad you know."
"No way!" Kimberly said.
"Yeah, it's better than the surf spot and with lieutenant Stone. Come on, let's go. We'll surprise them with a trip to Bulkmeier's." Zack shouted joyfully. "We'll call the rest of the guys and see if they're up for it, if that's okay with you Billy?"
Billy gave his friends a gracious smile. "I think that would do me some good. One more night of fun before, you know."
Jason stood up, placed his hand on Billy's shoulder. "Hey, you got this bro."
The gang (Kimberly, reluctantly) cleaned up and set off to a building that they spent most of their teenage years at.
Moon Palace, a few weeks previously.
"My lord, we have just learnt that Jason was just released from hospital after a brutal attack by some humans." Scorpina had just flashed into the throne room and prostrated to Prince Gasket.
"Now would be a great time to attack him, my liege." Silverback added, resting his giant, silver encased knee onto the hard floor with a clang.
"No, not yet." Princess Archerina slid off Gasket's knee and allowed him to get up and give his foot soldiers an explanation.
"Though he is weak, I want to break him. And that will take some time. A slow torturous demise." Gasket walked over to the platforms from where the gentle, glow from the moon seeped into the throne room. "I want to break the rest of that group of goody goods that called themselves the Zeo rangers. Who are the people with him?" he asked.
Scorpina stood up to answer her master. "Kimberly, Trini, Zack and Billy. The original power rangers' sire."
"Aaah that makes sense as to why Silverback is so keen on attacking them now." Gasket faced his silver soldier who stood and returned the gesture.
"No, my lord, It is just an opportune time." He replied.
"I just want you to be aware, these punks didn't cause the demise to your brother. His biggest rivals were Jason and Tommy. The chosen ones. The leaders that Zordon chose himself. The very same sage whose sacrifice ended your brother." Gasket said with an air of caution.
"I understand sir." Silverback growled through gritted teeth, that Gasket didn't seem to notice.
"What is their next move?" Gasket asked.
"Please sir, if you will. The rest of that group lives in Angel Grove from what I have discovered. Tommy lives quite far but my spies have told me, he plans on traveling to Angel grove to meet up with the original team." Scorpina explained.
"Excellent news. Well done, you are excused." Gasket said, making his way back to the throne.
Scorpina and Silverback exited the throne room, getting to the stairs that led to their Chambers.
"Hey Silvie, I have to go feed the prisoner." Scorpina said, giving the bag attached to her back a gentle smack.
"That's fine with me. I'm going to get some sleep. We certainly deserve it." The monstrous beast replied.
They said their goodbyes to each other and Scorpina made her way down the familiar steps that led to the dungeons whilst Silverback went upstairs to his room.
"Oh, it's you," Aisha Campbell said, gingerly standing up inside her cell. "Did you get it?"
"I did." Scorpina replied, taking the bag off and opening it, filling the dungeon with a glorious aroma.
"Oh my lord. I can smell the cheese and bacon." Aisha said, flaring her nostrils and taking in the scent. "You didn't kill anyone for it did you?"
Scorpina paused whilst taking out the box they contained the earthen food. "No. I disguised myself as human, gave the fat man your order, received the bag and left." She replied curtly.
Aisha gave her captor a weak smile. "Thank you. Were you followed?"
Scorpina shook her head.
"Great. Oh my, there it is." Aisha laid her tired and puffy eyes on the big box that was squeezed through the cell bars. She took the box and quickly opened it, revealing a double cheeseburger with fried onions and bacon. No tomato.
The former yellow ranger instantly took a bite of the lukewarm, but juicy burger and closed her eyes. "Thank you Scorpina. It's so good."
"Don't thank me human. I will see for myself." Scorpina retrieved another box from the bag and opened it.
"You got one too?" Aisha asked, now opening the slightly cool can of orange soda.
Scorpina nodded and took a big bite from the burger. "It's not bad. It doesn't come close to space worms, but that yellow stuff is pretty nice." She said through a full mouth of chewing.
"That's good ol' processed American cheese. You can't beat it." Aisha took a big gulp of her orange sofa and closed her eyes. She didn't know how long she had been here now, but the food she received today was definitely welcome. She was glad that Scorpina had stopped beating on her. She had to keep working on her to have any hope of escaping. The very fact that the ex power ranger and an evil soldier who served Rita, Zedd and the United alliance of evil, were sat on a dungeon floor eating bacon cheeseburgers together, that filled her heart with hope. The two sat in a comfortable silence and finished their meals.
2 weeks later
"My lord, we have successfully fixed the monster- matic ." Scorpina along with Silverback came running into the throne room to give prince gasket the news.
Gasket swivelled around in his throne to face his soldiers. "That is great news. What about the clay?"
"Most of the tools and ingredients were unfortunately destroyed sir. But the putty mold is still usable. We just need to find some magic clay." Scorpina explained.
"And where do we find the clay?" Princess Archerina asked from her usual spot on her husband's metallic knee.
"Well, that part is pretty simple. The clay can be found on the moon," Scorpina stroked her chin and jogged back some memories. "I remember that Rita used to perform a magic spell on the clay to activate it."
"I'm sure master would be able to send you a spell to use, my prince." Silverback added.
"Yes, it would be an easy spell for him, if Rita could do it." Gasket surveyed his soldiers with a determined glare. "Go retrieve the clay and I will contact master and tell him of our requirements." He took a glance at the platform from where he could see the earth.
"The ranger dweebs are all back in that ghastly Angel Grove. We need to act fast." Gasket turned his attention to the golden insectoid. "Scorpina, would you be able to use that machine once we prepare the ingredients?"
"Yes sir. I watched Finster use it a fair few times." Scorpina replied.
"Excellent. Go now, we don't have time to waste."
Silverback and Scorpina heeded Gasket's command and left the throne room to exit the castle and find the moon clay.
"So, Scorpina. You were telling me about my brother." Silverback turned around as they descended down the huge staircase that led to the Palace entrance.
"Yes, as I said, he was the most fierce and commanding warrior I had ever encountered. But he also had an incredible soft side. A side that I was lucky enough to see." She answered him, smiling faintly.
"You seem to have been more than just comrades." Silverback mumbled in his gruff voice.
Scorpina smiled wider and shook her head gently. "No. We were very close and spent a lot of time together following Rita's orders. But we never got the chance to take it any further."
They reached the Palace entrance and Silverback opened the door for his ally. "I'm glad to hear you shared a bond, and that my brother wasn't alone."
"He wasn't lonesome. That, I can guarantee." Scorpina said, exiting the castle and into the Palace courtyard. "He spoke fondly about you, you know."
Silverback allowed his disgusting, grotesque mouth to curve up into a little smile. "Though he did not come looking for me, I'm glad he did not forget me."
"He believed you to be dead Silverback. That is the only reason he didn't search for you." Scorpina replied as they stepped onto the moon's surface.
"Well, we have clay to search for. Let's make sure we acquire it."
The two soldiers of evil proceeded onto the moon to complete their mission. An air of uncomfortable silence now hanging over them like the mist of a grey cloud.
Angel grove
"No way!" Kimberly shouted as the group of friends got out of their cars parked outside of the youth center.
She looked up at the building that the friends spent so many hours of their teen years at. The building from the outside looked the same, but the famous
Angel grove
Youth center
Gym and juice bar
Sign had disappeared and replaced with a colourful sign BULKMEIER'S, which was surrounded by palm trees.
"Wow, I wonder what the hell it looks like inside." Jason commented.
"Wait til you see what bulk has done with the back yard." Trini said, a wide smile plastered over her face.
"Let's go find out." Jason replied, taking Kimberly's hand into his. "We've never been here as a couple." He added to her in a whisper.
"No, we haven't." She replied simply, offering him a very warm smile followed by a quick peck on the lips.
The friends made their way inside and past the familiar front doors. That was the end of the familiarities. Once they got inside the building, Jason and Kimberly were nearly floored.
All of the gym had now disappeared and been replaced with a large dance floor. There were also now tables and chairs just to the side of the dance floor towards the bar area. More tables than before, there were a few people sat on them, eating their meals and drinking their drinks, but the place wasn't as busy as it once was.
The arcade machines were still in their usual places but the walls were no longer painted. They were plastered with a wallpaper screaming Hawaii. Faux palm trees were scattered around the building and the juice bar was now a very sleek looking bar.
The menu showed many food items including the now infamous, BulkWich (a humongous meatball sub), milkshakes, ice creams, sodas and health shakes, but also boasted some adult drinks too. It was almost as though this building had grown up as they themselves grew up.
"This is umm, very different." Kim said, looking around the place, trying to get past the huge difference.
"Trust me guys, it's better than the surf spot. That just completely changed this place." Zack explained.
"Oh my god. Look who's back in Angel Grove." A familiar, shrieking voice boomed from the bar.
"Hey Skull. Long-time no see." Jason responded with a little laugh.
"Please Mr. Scott. Do come in." He replied.
Skull looked more or less the same from when they remembered him from school. His hair was shorter and styled back with oil. And he genuinely didn't age much at all.
"When did you become so formal Skull?" Kimberly asked as their group made their way towards the bar.
"Well Kimberly, I have seen a lot in these past few years. Suffice to say, I have matured quite a lot." Skull said, stood behind the bar, his arms leaning on the bar top, a cloth draped over his shoulder, dressed in a silk shirt with palm trees decorating it. "But enough about me. I've heard the good news. Congratulations guys."
"Thank you Skull." Jason and Kim said in unison, something that had become a habit of theirs.
"Aw look at you both. You are a very lucky guy, Jason." He replied.
"I am aren't I." Jason smiled as he took a seat on a bar stool with his partner and friends, stealing another glance at his fiancé next to him.
"Most certainly. What would you like to drink? We serve alcohol in the evenings here now. The couples' drinks are on the house, all night." Skull offered.
"No way Skull. Thank you for the offer but we can't accept that." Kimberly said.
"I will not take no for an answer. See it as my way for apologising for all the crap I put you guys through in my younger days." Skull explained.
"Hey, we were young, and trust me. You guys weren't that bad. You always had your hearts in the right place." Jason replied.
"Totally. And you are our friends." Kimberly said.
"Well then, this is a friend treating his friends for their engagement. And I will not take no for an answer. Believe me." Skull said.
"Do we get free drinks too Eugene?" Zack asked with a cheeky grin.
"Be quiet Zachary." Skull snapped at Zack but quickly resumed his new character "Umm I mean, no sir. This offer is for this new couple on their return home." Skull replied.
"He was just fooling around Skull. We'll have 2 Pina coladas please." Trini said.
"A gin and dubonnet for me please." Billy said.
"A mojito and a strawberry daiquiri for us please Skull." Jason said, glancing at his fiancé as she approved her drink.
"You got it guys. It's really nice to have you back you know. We missed you." Skull said with a warm smile at the group as he went about making the drinks. "You can go round back if you want. Though the weather isn't the best time for it in all honesty."
"Why, what's round back?" Kimberly asked.
"Feel free to have a look, please, be comfortable guys. This is your place as much as it is mine and Bulk's." Skull responded.
Billy, Zack and Trini ushered Jason and Kim past the bar to the left and through the door which led to the empty back yard of the former youth centre. What they saw, totally shocked them.
The back yard was just a back yard before. A place for garbage, storage and parking. But now, walls had been reinforced around the back yard and a large swimming pool was right in the middle with sun loungers surrounding it.
"Hey. Look who it is." Bulk shouted with happiness. He exited the small, wooden bar at the side of the pool and wrapped Jason and Kimberly in a hug.
"Wow. Hey Bulk." Kimberly managed to squeak out from Bulk's shoulder.
"It's nice to see you too." Jason added.
Bulk released his grip on them and stood back. "Let me look at you, let me look at you." He surveyed them for a moment. "You look beautiful together guys. Sorry where are my manners. Take a seat at the bar or the sun beds and I'll fix you up some drinks. On the house."
"Thank you, Bulk. Skull is getting our drinks ready back inside." Jason said.
"We love what you have done with the place. The back yard looks amazing." Kim added.
"Thank you miss Hart. It took a lot of effort but I'm glad people are enjoying it." Bulk glanced at the empty pool and the beds surrounding it. "Though, business is a little slow in the fall."
"I'm sure it'll pick up when the weather gets better." Trini said.
"Yeah. Well, you guys are welcome to stay here or take a seat inside. I'll fix you up some food." Bulk responded.
"In one condition." Jason said.
"What may that be Mr. Scott?" Bulk inquired.
"You will let us pay for the food." He answered.
"Oh no. Come on Jason. Let me welcome you back at least."
"You already have. We won't be accepting free drinks and free food Bulk." Kimberly said.
"But."
"No buts Bulk." Jason said.
"Yes sir. Take a seat inside and I'll bring you over the menu." Bulk said with a genuinely warm smile.
The group took their seats inside and were given their drinks by Skull. As soon as Bulk gave them the menu, they were joined by some more of their friends.
Tommy, Kat, Rocky, Adam and Tanya made their way into the building and tables were joined together to accommodate them.
"Just like old times huh guys." Tommy said, taking a seat next to Katherine.
"Yeah. Somethings never change." Jason replied.
"You look so radiant Kimberly." Kat said, smiling at her friend.
"Thank you, Kat. So do you." Kim replied.
"I'm afraid not. I'm still feeling a bit of jetlag in all honesty." Kat said truthfully.
"Well, you look gorgeous to me." Kimberly retorted.
"Oh, you look so handsome Jason you big stud you." Tommy said sarcastically.
"Why Thomas, thank you. You look pretty sexy yourself I must say." Jason responded.
"Oh, stop taking the mickey will you." Kat said through a big smile.
"What are we going to order guys. I'm starving.?" Rocky said.
"Me too. Let's get our orders in." Zack followed up.
"Well, what do you recommend?" Kimberly asked, taking her sip of the strawberry daiquiri, which was surprisingly very good.
"Well, my lady. The BulkWich feeds up to four people who aren't named Farkas. We also have the family platter which can feed 4,8 or 12 people. It includes a bit of everything. And if you know me, then you know that I don't do small portions." Bulk replied.
"Yeah, we'll take the family platter for eight people please Bulk. Is that okay with everyone else?" Zack asked.
Everyone nodded in agreement and Bulk took the menu's and went to the back to prepare the food.
Skull meanwhile, put some dance music on as the dance floor began to slowly fill up with the patrons. Trini asked Billy for a dance and were joined by Zack, showing off his insane dance skills. Adam and Tanya followed them, leaving a very hungry rocky to play one of the arcade games.
Kat leaned in and whispered into Kimberly's ear. "Kim, Tommy would like to have a quick word with you in private if you are up for that. He wants to keep it quiet and not make it look obvious"
Kimberly wasn't totally shocked to hear of this, so she nodded her head in agreement. "I'd like to ask Jason before I do though."
"Yes of course. Tommy asked me too, obviously, since I'm the one telling you." Kat responded with a little giggle.
Kimberly giggled back and mouthed on one minute to Kat and turned to face her fiancé.
"Jase..." she whispered in to his ear.
"What are you two planning now?" Jason asked in a hushed tone.
"Nothing silly. But umm, is it okay with you if me and Tommy have a word in private. I think he needs a bit of closure after the way I ended things." She whispered quietly into his ear.
Jason nodded his head and gave her a warm smile.
"I love you baby." She whispered again into his ear.
"I love you too." Jason responded.
Kimberly gave him a quick kiss on the ear before turning back around and nodding at Kat.
"Jason. Tommy tells me you are the best at Mortal Kombat. I kick his arse all the time. So naturally, I now challenge you to a duel." Kat said, standing up and pointing at the arcade machines behind them.
"You're on!" Jason responded as he and Kat made their way to the arcades, leaving Tommy and Kimberly alone at the joined tables.
"I hope you don't mind Kim. I'm sorry if this is awkward for you." Tommy finally spoke up and looked at Kimberly from two chairs away.
Kim shook her head and smiled. "No of course not. You will always be one of my closest friends Tommy."
"I'm glad to hear that." Tommy smiled back before it quickly faded. "I just needed a bit of closure you know."
"Yeah, I expected that." Kimberly pursed her lips and then smiled at the former green ranger. "I'm so sorry with the way I ended things. It was so immature and silly of me to that." She explained.
"I won't pretend that it didn't hurt. But I also understand that you were all the way across the country."
"It's not an excuse though, I should've at least called you."
Tommy inhaled deeply. "Yes, that would have been better."
"I know. I'm so sorry. I just didn't have the courage to tell you and hear the heartbreak in your voice. So, I took the cowards path."
"You're not a coward." Tommy said with smile. "But what was the reason. Was it the distance?"
Kimberly nodded her head. "Yes, it was. But there were other factors too"
"Like what?" Tommy asked.
"Well, we stopped talking Tommy. One letter a month. One phone call a month at most. We just seemed to have gone different ways."
Tommy nodded his head in agreement.
"And I didn't like the way I was around you if I'm being brutally honest." Kimberly quickly carried on when she noticed Tommy's confusion. "I don't know why. But around you, I became a weaker person. A damsel in distress. I over relied on you and it wasn't fair on the both of us."
"It didn't bother me, Kim." Tommy said with a shake of his head.
"It bothered me." Kimberly placed her fingertips on Tommy's forearm. "What we had, was amazing. I'm very fond of our time together and I don't regret any of it. But I guess we just grew up and grew out of it."
"Yeah, you're right." Tommy replied.
Kimberly looked behind her at Kat who was furiously trying to beat Jason in an arcade game. "We both found someone amazing though didn't we."
Tommy followed Kimberly's gaze. "We sure did. If it wasn't for Kat, I don't know where I would be right now."
"Same goes for Jason. Life is all about timing isn't it. They were both there for us in our time and need, and we connected with them. Destiny brought us together."
"It did. But you know what." Tommy said, looking at Kimberly who was taking another sip of her drink. "I'm not surprised that you found Jason."
Kimberly placed her drink down and looked at Tommy with confusion.
"There was always something in the air when you two were around each other. I have to admit. I remember being jealous of him at one point." He explained.
"You, jealous of Jason?" she asked.
"Yeah. I could tell you were crazy about him."
Kimberly's eyes opened up with shock. "No way. By the time you came into the picture, I started getting over him."
"Aaah. So, you admit you were crazy about him." Tommy asked with a little laugh.
"Yes, a long time ago and now again." Kimberly moved her eyes behind her once more. He looked so sexy in his black shirt and blue denim, bashing the buttons on the arcade machine. She was feeling almost jealous of the arcade machine, it was getting all of his attention right now.
"I'm really happy for you Kimberly." Tommy said, noticing the look on her face.
Kimberly blushed slightly and smiled at her friend. "I'm really happy for you too. Kat isn't just beautiful, she's a gem. A real diamond. You better not fuck it up Mister." Kimberly pointed her finger at the first ever white ranger.
"I won't." He smiled in response. "I have to ask you one more thing though." He noticed Kat looking upset, she had lost the challenge.
"Shoot." Kim said.
"Was Jason the other guy in the letter?"
Kimberly puffed her cheeks slightly and took another pull of her drink before answering the question. "Yes and no. It was more of an excuse to be honest Tommy." She shuffled slightly in her seat and glanced at bulk who was loading the food onto the bar, ready to be served soon. "Jason did come and support me during the pan globals, but there wasn't anything going on. I promise you. I did start to feel things again for him, feelings that had disappeared out of my mind and heart but were creeping back in. We didn't start taking it over the line of friendship until way after I sent the letter."
"Right. I understand Kimberly. It's weird because you met Jason again and I met Kat. I'm a big believer in destiny." Tommy said.
"Yes. Me too. Things just fell into place didn't they." She peered over at Jason who put up his thumb to which Kimberly replied with a nod.
"Thank you, Kim. I needed this." Tommy said.
"I think I did too." Kimberly squeezed Tommy's hand as Jason and Kat made their way over to the table.
"He really does make you stronger." Tommy commented, watching as Kimberly moved slightly to allow Kat and Jason to take their seats again.
"He beat me!" Kat said. A big frown on her face.
"It's okay Kat. Join the club." Tommy replied.
"I don't think you ever beat me Tommy. Not even one round. Not even with Johnny Cage or scorpion." Jason said, teasing his friend.
"No. No I didn't." Tommy responded, glancing at Kimberly before turning to Rocky who had just finished and saw Bulk carrying the food to the table. "I think he might give you a run for your money." Tommy pointed his thumb at Rocky, following the food to the table.
"I think I'll beat him when he's on an empty stomach." Jason responded, laughing at Rocky who stole a mini burger from one of the giant platters of food that Bulk was carrying.
One hour later
"Man, I'm stuffed." Rocky said, putting down the chicken leg that was now missing all of its meat.
"Affirmative. That was one insurmountable pile of food." Billy said, watching Bulk pick up the empty plates and glasses.
"I did tell you guys. My portions are different to everyone else." Bulk said with a giggle. "Shall I wrap that up for you guys?" He said, pointing at a platter that still had some food left on it.
"Yes please. I think Rocky could do with a nice midnight snack." Adam said, laughing as his friend nodded his head furiously in agreement.
"That was very nice Bulk, thank you so much." Kimberly said to her high school friend.
"My absolute pleasure Miss Hart."
"But remember our condition. We will be paying for the food." Jason said.
"I wish you wouldn't Jason. But an agreement is an agreement."
"Shall we help you clean up?" Kimberly said.
"No way Kimberly," Skull said, helping Bulk pick up the cutlery.
Bulk and Skull cleaned the table, gave Rocky the goody bag and said goodbye to their schoolmates who all split the bill and gave Bulk and Skull nice tips, and totally ignored their protests.
"Well, that was a real nice evening guys. Thank you." Billy said as he opened the door of Bulkmeier's.
"I totally agree. This place has changed a lot, but it was nice being back here again." Kimberly added, exiting the building with Jason's hand in hers.
"It may not have changed that much. Look." Zack said, pointing out into the parking lot ahead of them.
The rangers all exited the building and were faced with a sight they never thought they would see again. An army of about fifty putties stood in formation at the edge of the parking lot. And behind them, walking slowly towards them, they made out the sight of Scorpina and a colossal beast that looked very familiar.
Adam and Tanya shielded Rocky who was peering over his best friend's shoulder at the sight before him.
"Goldar?" Jason asked, squeezing Kimberly's hand in his and moving in front of her to protect her from the threat in front of them, Kimberly
This beast came into light and towered above the putties. "My name is Silverback. You have a price to pay for that name that you better get out of your mouths."
"No way, this can't be. " Tommy and Jason shared concerned faces.
"I'm sorry bro, your evening may be turning bad." Zack said to Billy, both ex rangers swapping anxious looks as they eyed the army of putties who looked much larger and menacing than before.
"I shall make you pay for your part in my brothers' demise." Silverback said with a thundering growl, drawing his humongous sword and ordering his army of putties to attack the group of ex power rangers who were frozen in shock.
I hope that was a quick enough update my dear readers. This story is beginning to pick up pace. This is the mere beginning.
What are the ex rangers going to do?
They are faced with a huge army of putties and a menacing beast. Find out in the next chapter.