A/N 1: So this is a little plot bunny that just won't go away. Even though the views for stories is screwed the heck up. Note: I am not a Kat hater. But this one just won't go away so I gotta do it.

A/N 2: White Thunder and Fighting Spirit reimagined slightly. Kim puts herself in position to help Tommy. Billy meets Hayley for the first time.

A/N 3: Usual disclaimer. Power Rangers isn't mine. Eldin and Fienna are products of Boom Studios. Zophram too.

Chapter 8 – Falcon's Fight for Survival Part II

January 30, 2004

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside, CA

The last three days with Tommy in the amber had taken a toll on everyone in the Dino Thunder family.

But it had taken its toll on Hayley most of all.

Tommy was trapped inside the amber still. Three days since it had happened. It was no fault of her own, or his own, but it was no less crushing.

The worst part of it all, Hayley knew, was that Tommy could in fact die if she broke him out of that amber. The catch-22 was that if they didn't free Tommy, Mesogog would certainly win. Every member of this team would be essential to victory.

She also couldn't figure out the White Ranger. Yeah, he was evil, but he certainly was no fan of Mesogog. So who was he working with?

"Penny for your thoughts, ma'am? You seem to be in strenuous contemplation," a new voice said. It was from the counter where orders were made.

Hayley whipped her head around where she was working in the back and came face to face with a sandy haired blond man wearing a plaid blue and white button down shirt.

"Excuse me? Would you like to place an order?" she asked.

"I'll take a ham sandwich, but seriously, you look like you were in deep, deep thought," the man said.

She was about to fire off a snarky comeback but stopped short. The guy looked really familiar and she tried to place it.

Then suddenly a light bulb popped into her head. He was the genius from that video diary!

"Oh my gracious. You're...William Cranston, correct?" she stammered.

"Affirmative," he said. "Seriously, want to talk about it?"

"I'd say you have no idea what I'm going through but honestly, you might. Lunch can wait," Hayley said, suddenly turning to the back. "Mark, I have a visitor. Man the counter for a few minutes!"

"Yes ma'am," came the male response. Billy chuckled...the guy just sounded like an airheaded jock.

When the two found a back room, they both sat down.

"First question," Hayley said. "Weren't you, like, on another planet or something?"

"For a while, yes," Billy said. "I did it for my own safety because the team I was on, the team i remember, has been infiltrated by a serpent that wants to destroy us all. Now I co-own a hotel in Angel Grove, but it's really just a front. What's under it is a command structure that mirrors your lab but is even more advanced."

"I take it you know things. You better start talking," Hayley said.

"So I think I know what's on your mind, because I have been watching things as well. You're right to need Tommy free of the amber prison he is in, because you can't beat Mesogog without him. But by the same token, you are also right that breaking him out of that prison will greatly increase the chances he will die."

Hayley sighed.

"And it's all that White Ranger. Tommy's past may be the reason he dies."

"Actually, that's only partially correct. I know who the White Ranger is. Mr. Fernandez-Mercer is the White Ranger, though Tommy is the only other one that knows at this point," Billy said. Hayley's face went white as a sheet. One of her employees was working for evil.

"But if he's not working for Mesogog, then who is working for?" Hayley said.

"Another former Ranger...and someone I thought I loved once upon a time," Billy said. "She just so happens to be Tommy's wife."

"You know, I never wanted to say it, and now it's probably a good thing I didn't, but I always felt something was off about her," Hayley said. "She seems...what's the word. Fake."

"Yes. Fake is a good word," Billy said. "But she's extremely intelligent and has managed to infiltrate our operations through her marriage to Tommy."

Then Billy filled Hayley in on his own history as a Ranger, who Kat was related to and how that individual Lokar had given the Rangers problems, and finally why he left tor Aquitar. It hadn't just been his age...it had been to keep himself safe as long as he could.

He then told Hayley about Lokar's other child and how he too had infiltrated himself into the Rangers inner core. This, Hayley had now learned, was the reason for Kimberly's infamous letter. She'd found what she thought was love but it was with the enemy and not Tommy.

To say Hayley felt pity for Billy's plight was an understatement, and Kimberly as well. Yes, Kim had made some bad choices but none with the intent of malice.

"I don't think Tom knows any of this either. I am certain he thinks Kat is still one of the good people," Hayley lamented.

"Tommy wants to see the good in everyone because of the awful Green Ranger days," Billy said. "But some are just evil to the bone."

"Then how do we stop her?" Hayley said.

"First thing we have to do is ensure Tommy survives this whole ordeal," Billy said. "Then we can decide what to do about Kat."

"The toughest part of it all as you know is that you and I collectively may not be able to save him," he added. "There may be only one person that can."

"Kimberly." Hayley said.

"Affirmative," Billy said. "Whether any of us like it or not she can still save him. The question is, is she mentally prepared to try and help him? The will is there but her spirit is battered and bruised."

"I can guess her husband, in addition to being evil, is a complete asshole," Hayley said.

"You got it," Billy said. "Unfortunately I can't stay too long. I have to go back to the hotel I checked into. Kat will certainly find I'm here if I don't. One last thing."

"Yeah?"

"Don't let Kat on Tommy's computers at the house."

"I never let her on as I've always had a funny feeling about her. No problem," Hayley said.

"One last thing. As my mentor told us many times...may the Power protect you, Hayley."

February 9, 2004, late afternoon

Hayley's Cyberspace

Reefside, CA

The last two days had been two VERY long days for Trent Fernandez-Mercer.

Trent had been severed from evil just before he had been killed by his father. And he'd helped the Rangers beat Copy Otter. But that didn't mean his hell was over. No, in many ways, it was just starting.

The team was giving him the cold shoulder, all of them. From Conner on down. Of course every time he was near Kat he got a hostile glare on the sly because he had broken free of her control. Though, her spell on Trent had lasted slightly longer than Rita's on Tommy and was only broken by pure luck, Kat was still really really mad.

Only Hayley was being somewhat nice to him for some goofy reason. Probably because he was one of her better workers but he knew not to tempt fate and get himself fired.

And Hayley had called a meeting with him. He had a feeling his job security was in real jeopardy as he came to the room Hayley was in.

"You wanted to see me, boss?" Trent said cautiously. In the next moment he noticed there was someone else in the room he didn't really recognize. Was that good for him or not?

"I did, Trent. Come on in, please," Hayley said as Trent walked in, found an empty chair and sat down.

"Trent, I know you're concerned that you think I'll fire you for your actions as the White Ranger," Hayley began. Trent gulped.

"But I won't do that because I know it wasn't your fault you were under that spell in the first place," Hayley said. "In fact I know who did that to you. And I know because of the person next to me."

"Hi, Trent. I'm Billy Cranston, the original Blue Ranger. I am truly sorry that one of my former teammates did what she did," Billy said.

Trent gasped. This was unbelievable. Five seconds ago he was fearful of losing his job. Now he was in the same room as a legend!

"I believe Billy is more equipped to tell this story than I am," Hayley said. "I still can't believe it myself."

Then Billy proceeded to tell Trent, in non techno-babble, about who Kat really was and who she had most likely sent to poison the Dino Gem.

"So, either Kat sent her brother or gold guy, Goldie whatever his name is," Trent said. "No wonder that spell was so powerful."

"The fact remains though that if Dr. O dies his blood will be on my hands, to most of the team at least."

"He's not going to. It won't be easy but he will survive, Trent," Hayley said. "What I am concerned right now is your mental state."

"Yeah, I'll be real, I feel like a pretty big screwup right now."

"That's how your mentor felt after we broke him from his evil spell," Billy said. "If you need an extra person to talk to, I'll give you my number and we can be in contact."

"I'd like that, thanks. Obviously, I can't tell anyone outside this room what's going on. Only the three of us, and those you are close to, Billy, can know."

"Yes. Affirmative. If Kat ever finds out that we are aware of her plans, we're all screwed," Billy said.

"One last question. This Kimberly you are counting on. Given the history you told me, and what she's gone through, will she be ready to fight?"

"If the old Kim is still there, she'll be ready. I and one of my allies will be going soon to inform her of the situation. The question is, does the old Kim still exist? I have a feeling it still does," Billy said.

February 13, 2004, very early in the morning

Miami, FL

She was being shaken awake, despite the fact that she had the week off.

In truth, she wished she didn't have this week off. But she did it since her corrupt, vile husband always wanted it this way. The rule was, Kimberly didn't go to work during Valentine's Week. The reason being, Kaden wanted to shower her with attention and wanted her to do the same for him. She used to love this week as a kid and during her Ranger years. Now she hated it and always thought it couldn't end soon enough.

Kim felt herself still being shaken awake. Another long day in hell was about to begin.

Though, she actually had a feeling this shake awake may not be so unfriendly.

"Wake up, Sister Crane," a familiar voice said.

Kim rubbed her eyes awake...it had actually been a very peaceful sleep, and cleared them to see...

"Billy!" she said, her heart leaping into her throat. "Have you lost your ever loving mind coming here? You're damn lucky the bad guys are away!"

"I know the risks and I came prepared," Billy said, taking out a small ray gun and pointing it at the ground. Pressing a trigger, he fired a shot out of the ray gun that connected with the ground.

"That keeps anyone evil from getting in. This room is now encased in a bubble that also disables the security cameras while I am here," Billy said. "Even those slime balls Ooze, Lokar and Lokar's kids. They try getting in, they won't like it."

"OK, then," Kim said, relaxing a bit. "This is about Tommy, isn't it? Kat can't stop preening that Tommy is going to die some day soon. They've made me watch what's going on so I guess I have a cursory understanding of what's happening. I've never wished I was at work more than this week."

Billy sighed and said, "Yes, this is about Tommy. The evil White Dino Thunder Ranger, who as you may remember was placed under that spell by Kat and Goldilocks, trapped him in amber. The tech advisor of their team Hayley got him out of the amber but now he can't demorph. I know exactly what will happen."

"And?"

"Hayley will try and get him back to normal but in the end he will be forced to fight for his survival. I will put this very simply...if you do not help him, he dies. They are celebrating because they think you are too weak to help him and also that he will not accept your help."

"I'm also not confident I could be of much help. Billy, I've been mentally beat and physically beat," Kimberly said. Billy frowned just looking at Kim. She had been through hell.

"Bastards," he muttered to himself.

"When's the last time you've been to a bar, had a drink? When's the last time you've played a guitar?" Billy asked. "I can tell it's been a long time since you've had any fun. You haven't used much of the one of the secret weapons Zordon gave us, have you?"

"I haven't had much of a chance Billy. I am on strict curfew. Have to be home by a certain time of night, traffic be damned," Kim said. "Only they get to go to the bars and party, not me. As you know, Goldar resides in this building now too."

What Billy and Kimberly were talking about was that as one of Zordon's last gifts, every Ranger had a secret banking account that Zordon had created with JP Morgan. Rangers who worked in business like Adam had helped with refining those accounts, and Kim had a better idea of how to use hers since she went to business school at Florida before going into law.

That was where Kim had stashed her six figs that she earned every year at her law firm. Kaden, Lokar and Ooze had no idea where that money was going.

In addition, the old Council of Meledon had enough respect for Earth's past heroes that they had decided years ago that they would lend the past Earth Rangers money every year. It was Zenemetars and other riches, but they could be translated to Earth dollars. Thousands of dollars. This was how many of the Rangers were able to pay their way through college.

This was one of the reasons Tommy had been able to purchase a house, along with the money from Anton's internship. Kat had no idea how he'd been able to do it as she was the only one without an account and neither Kat nor Tommy saw each other's bank accounts.

She had more than enough resources to escape should she try it. She wanted to try but was mentally and physically shot.

"It's truly sad what they've done to you, Kim. But now, you're going to have to summon the courage to help Tommy. I'm here to help, but Kim, you have to promise me that you will not kill the next individual you are about to meet - again. He is a face who you have an unpleasant past with as do I, but Kim, he wants to help."

Kim sighed and said, "OK, fine. Surely he's not worse than Lokar, Ooze, Goldar and my abusive husband. And the shield doesn't let anyone evil get in, you said?"

"Yes," Billy confirmed.

"Before he comes out, Billy, I'll spoil the surprise for Kim," another voice cut in. Even from the grave, Kim knew that voice anywhere.

"Trini," Kim said. "You still have a habit of showing up in the right spots."

"Someday, Kim you will see justice," Trini said, in ethereal form. "I will cut to the chase. Kim, the being that's coming to help you is Guitardo. Kim, I was there then too. Lots has changed since. He leads a small coalition of past monsters that chose not to ally with Lokar and Kat. He was in the final fight where Zordon sacrificed himself, but it is his respect for you and us that saved him from Zordon's wave."

"Kim, Guitardo's team, which is led by Pachinko Head and a few others, has been victimized by Lokar's team too," Billy said. "They had a villa on KO-35 that was rent asunder by these forces and had friends killed too."

Kim nodded mutely. Any help was better than none and if Billy was to be believed, then maybe she could at least try to have fun for a few minutes.

"Bring him out, Billy," Kim said.

"May the Power protect you, Kim," Trini said as her form disappeared. In the next instant, Billy nodded at the shadows.

"In all the years I've known you guys, I've never seen one of you look so defeated. Now I feel sad," someone said.

Kim nodded - it was indeed Guitardo that emerged from the shadows of a closet that was nearby. Guitardo took one look at her and his eyes flashed dangerously.

"What did they do to you Kimberly?" he said.

"Terrible things, but I did this to myself too, Guitardo," she said solemnly. "I just told Billy I don't remember the last time I played guitar...I put it in a safe storage place in the building's attic. It's probably collecting cobwebs. I can't go up there anyways. Would rouse suspicions."

"Use one of your wishing coins and bring it here. Trust me," he said.

Taking one of her coins out, she said, "I wish my guitar be brought here."

Instantly, the coin disappeared and her guitar appeared in her hands, and she set it down next to her.

"A little dusty but nothing I can't fix," he said. "Just follow my lead. Trust me...and Billy."

March 12, 2004

Miami, FL

Billy and Guitardo's plan had worked wonders.

The last month had done wonders for her mental state. Kim had not only rediscovered how fun playing guitar could be, she was much more relaxed overall.

They'd been to see her about three or four times and she'd even went to Grandma F's basement command post once and had been reintroduced to Justin. Every time they came to see her, the security cameras would be disabled by Kim in advance, and when they left, Kim had turned them back on like it was nothing.

She didn't know if she would be successful in saving Tommy, or even if he wanted her help. But one thing was sure. She was ready to help him fight for his survival.

The true tell was that the bad guys were nervous for once. She could see it in their faces - they didn't know what was going on but they saw where the orb was power wise and they realized something was afoot. This was a project by Kat to eliminate Tommy that, if it failed, would put a lot of egg on her face.

Kim wouldn't have long to wait. Her true test was at hand.

1492 Valencia Drive

Reefside, CA

Kat's mission was very close now.

Tommy, just as she thought he would be, was stupid enough to use his Dino Gem as a source to bring him back to normal. The attempt had put him in a coma and the students were already headed to the hospital.

All she needed to do was be in the room while Tommy battled for his life. That wouldn't be too hard, she mused, as she was his wife. If she was able to accomplish that, she'd help end him. Then the Rangers would blame his death on Trent while ignorant to the true threat that was in their midst.

She walked out the door and was almost to her car when she felt a needle prick her left forearm. In the next moment, she went limp and crashed to the driveway.

She would never make it to the hospital to end Tommy herself.

As soon as the "assailant" was sure Kat was out like a light, he reached up and took his hood off. Ninjor had been behind the mask the whole time.

"Bad kitty," Ninjor admonished. "After Tommy survives, you and your father will be held accountable for your crimes."

He turned to see his companion, Tanya, coming up behind him.

"Did my potion work?" she asked.

"Yep. Out like a light," he said.

"Now we hope Tommy survives," Tanya muttered.

"He will, don't you worry," Ninjor said. "My Crane is ready to fight for him."

"We should get back home. Before Lokar suspects."

"Right," Ninjor said, and they teleported out.

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