Hello to all my readers and welcome back to the fifth installment of Path of the Falcon and Crane the choices we make. I do hope you enjoy this chapter and please review. Now without further adue on with the story.
Chapter 5 The Falcon needs his Crane just as the Crane needs her Falcon
After Kimberly boarded the plane Tommy felt something he backed into a corner and slid down the wall. Seeing this his friends ran over to him.
"Tommy, what's wrong?" Billy asked
"I don't know a strange feeling just hit me," Tommy said with a grunt.
"Maybe we should get to the command center and ask Zordon," Adam whispered.
Silently agreeing that Adam had the best solution they helped Tommy up and the group found a secluded area to teleport. Landing in the command center Trini stepped forward to speak to Zordon. "Can you run a scan on Tommy he doesn't look so good."
Alpha grabbed a scanner and ran over to Tommy scanning him. After about five minutes with no results, Alpha stepped back shaking his head.
"This scanner isn't picking up any different biovibrations." Alpha 5 said
Moments later Dulcea appeared beside the group. "Rangers I felt a disturbance between the animals what has happened?" she quickly asked
"Kimberly has left to follow her dreams of competing in the Olympics, she will be training at Coach Gunther Schmit's facility," Aisha informed Dulcea.
Acting quickly Dulcea moved next to Tommy, and she grasped his shoulders. Looking into his eyes she saw how broken he felt.
"You're feeling the distance in your connection with the crane," she informed
"So what can we do?" Rocky asked
Dreading what she was about to suggest but knowing it was their only option, Dulceaa stood and approached Zordon's tube. "We must do something or they will both become catatonic eventually. The only way to handle this would be to allow Tommy to inform his family and follow his heart." Dulcea informed shocking the rangers as this would mean exposing a long-kept secret.
"Dulcea is correct this is the only way to help Tommy and Kimberly. I knew this day would come and I have thought about the repercussions of what will happen, Rangers this is a decision you must ultimately make on your own. I trust you all to do the right thing." Zordon explained
"We have to make sure all of us are safe, and with Kimbely all alone this may be affecting her more than Tommy," Jason said
"So we are doing this together?" Kathrine asked
"We have to protect not just the people of earth but each other as well, I feel that telling our families will be the only way to ensure everyone's safety," Tanya said
"Then why don't we tell them all together?" Rocky suggested
"You want to get everyone together and tell them all at once?" Jason asked
"Well, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea when you think about it," Trini said
"They're right guys," Tommy said through another grunt as he stood.
"So I think it would be best if we put together a Barbecue for tomorrow night, that would give us time to come up with how we are going to tell them," Rocky explained.
"You do have a good point, Rocky, why should we ask our leader to break one of the sacred rules if we aren't willing to ourselves," Zack said.
"That is a logical explanation, Zack," Billy said.
One by one everybody started understanding just what it meant to spill the well-kept secret. All of them coming to the reality it was all of them or none at all.
Kimberly after take-off
Kimberly followed her two fellow passengers to their seats. Coach Schmit offered to place her bag in the storage compartment for the duration of the flight. Kimberly accepted the offer and the moment when the bag left her person she began to feel weak, she sat down in the nearest seat, luckily it was her assigned seat. Bringing her hand to her chest she felt pain not physical but emotional pain. Immediately she thought of Tommy, she did her best to deal with it and not let this fear rule her, she would make it to her room at the training facility and then contact Tommy so they could come up with a plan together.
Later that night at the Oliver's
Tommy had asked if some of the guys could come over. Looking at her son Melissa could read the emotions coming off of him. In her efforts to make him feel better, she allowed him to invite his friends over.
"Your father and I need to speak with you about something., Melissa informed
"Alright could we do that in a little bit, I want to get a shower and change, it's been a long and hectic day?" Tommy requested
"That's fine sweetie your dad isn't even home yet, dinner will be at six we will discuss it then., she replied
Tommy jogged down the stairs to his bedroom which was a second family room with its bathroom. He reached his bed before dropping his bag stripping off his clothes headed for the shower. After he showered Tommy dressed in comfortable clothes.
Meanwhile wam Trueheart
Sam was walking around the suberbon area stopping at select houses and suggesting that they meet at the Oliver house for a gathering of the families. When he reached the Scott's residents he was invited inside before he could say anything.
"What brings you by Sam?" Preston asked
"Well, I have a feeling that your presence is required at Oliver's house this evening," Sam said just as Jason walked in the door.
"Hello Mr. Trueheart, Dad could we join the other families this evening at Oliver's house for a neighborhood barbecue?" Jason asked not knowing that he had just repeated some words of the older gentleman standing next to him.
"Well, I suppose that might be a good idea since you are the second one to mention something about it, in the last three minutes.
"Good evening everyone," Alicia said as she walked in the door.
"Dear we have been invited to what appears to be a cookout over at the Oliver's this evening," Preston informed his wife.
"Well that will save me from having to cook a whole meal, I'll clean up and throw together a salad," she said
"I'll see you all there, I still have other houses to get to," Sam said as he headed for the door
Forty-five minutes had passed when the last of the teens reached their homes they were surprised to see that their parents were preparing a dish for the upcoming cookout.
"What's going on?" Billy questioned as he saw his dad pulling out some brownies from the oven.
"Oh hello son, I just had an interesting conversation with a gentleman by the name of Sam, he suggested that we meet over at the Oliver's for a cookout," Nathaniel said
"Well, would you mind if I stayed over at the Oliver's this evening?" Billy asked.
"I don't mind at all son." He replied
Billy quickly went to pack some clothes and rushed out the door to be greeted by Adam, Rocky, and Zack on his porch.
"Headed over to Tommy's?" Zack asked.
"Yeah, where are you guys going?, and are your parents making food for the cookout, I thought we were setting that up for tomorrow night?" Billy rattled off in quick succession.
"Yeah I thought that was the plan as well, but I guess someone had other plans, so I say we just go with it and when the time is right we will tell them," Rocky said as they all started walking toward the Oliver household.
They walked and talked about how they could tell them and then convinced their parents that they were telling the truth when an idea hit Adam.
"You know guys we may have to morph just to prove we are telling the truth," he said.
"That will be a last resort, I think with what we tell them they will have no choice but to believe us," Rocky said
"Rocky's right I mean why wouldn't they believe us we are their kids?" Zack stated then asked as they reached the Oliver's door. He then reached out and rang the doorbell.
Moments later the door opened revealing Melissa.
"Oh hey Mrs O is Tommy home?" Rocky asked.
"Yes he is downstairs can I ask you all something?" She said ending with a question of her own.
"You can ask us anything but I think we should reserve the right not to answer ones we feel he should answer," Adam said.
Nodding her agreement Melissa gestured for the four of them to sit down. Following her they sat down to hear her questions.
"Does this have anything to do with Kimbely's departure?" she asked
"Yes it is the distance apart they are both dealing with it," Billy said
"The look of pure despair I seen in his eyes what's that all about?" she asked
"I think you should hear that answer from Tommy," Zack said.
They then heard footsteps indicating Tommy's return to the main level of the house.
The shower didn't help he still looked in turmoil, acting just like he was going through the motions. Moments later the front door opened Mr. Oliver stepped through and shut the door behind him. Looking up to greet his wife he found his heartbroken son.
"Boys could you give us a few minutes with Tommy, you don't have to go home just down to Tommy's room. There is something we need to discuss with him." James explained calmly.
"Yeah, we will be down there when you are finished," Billy said
The Olivers sat down and explained what they planned to do for their son.
"Tommy we have talked and planned something I think it should put the wind back in your sails," James said.
"What do you mean dad, I just watched the love of my life board a plane because I love her I could ask her to stay because this is her dream," Tommy said just before he broke down. Catching him before he hit the floor, they sat there holding him as he cried his eyes out.
"Sweetie we have seen that the two of you have a bond so strong it is not natural for people your age. The way you are feeling I would bet she is feeling the same way." Melissa said
"So like we said there is a plan, your grandfather has offered to house you while you are completing high school at Miami Senior High," James explained
"What!" Tommy said shocked
"We started planning this after Kimberly told us about her decision," Melissa said
"Well I think there is something you need to know but it's something you and all the other parents should hear together," Tommy explained
"Ding Dong" The doorbell filled the air indicating someone was at the door.
"Now who could that be?" Melissa asked as she walked over to answer the door. Opening it she found David and Sam as the rest of Tommy's friends and their parents were walking up to the porch.
"I feel a gathering is in order," Sam said
Slightly agreeing Melissa stepped out of the way allowing everyone into the house. When Alicia and Preston walked up carrying a large bowl of salad.
"Sam said we should all meet over here around 5:30 and bring a side," Alicia said heading for the kitchen.
The same thing happened with each set of parents until Nathanial Cranston walked through the door carrying a large baking dish covered with foil.
"Careful these are still warm," he said informatively.
"Alright everyone please follow me out to the back patio it would be the best place for everybody," James suggested
About an hour later they were all sitting around the backyard when Tommy thought "This is as good of time as any." Grabbing Jason's arm he motioned for him to come close.
"I think now would be the best time to tell them I mean we are all here. well almost" Tommy whispered
"Alright, I'll gather the others and meet you back here in just a moment," Jason said
Five minutes later they were all standing around discussing the best scenario. Concluding that it's best to be honest. Tommy moved forward.
"If I could have your attention for a moment please," he asked
All talking ceased as the parents, grandparent, and brother wanted to hear what the young man had to say. Once situated they signaled he could continue.
"We have been keeping a secret from all of you for about three years, well most of us it's been that long. Not the point, we had been chosen to protect not only Angel Grove but the world." Tommy said.
"What are you talking about?" Preston asked
"Truthfully, we are the power rangers," Tommy replied
The group of parents laughed at them. This is one of the reactions the group had anticipated. Not wasting any time Tommy reached behind his back grasping his morpher he quickly pulled it out starting the morphing calls.
White Falcon
Black Frog
Blue Wolf
Yellow Bear
Red Ape
Bronze Puma
Purple Dolphin
Orange Cheetah
Gold Lion
Platinum Panther
Silver Tiger
Trini finished the morph, standing there they removed the helmets proving to their parents they are the Power Rangers. Shocked they were all silent.
"So you were telling the truth Nathaniel Cranston said, as he was more surprised than shocked.
"Yeah Dad we were selected by our mentor at the beginning of freshman year, we have been a team since adding new members when Jason, Zack, and Trini left for Switzerland. Just recently adding not only them back but also adding our newest recruits." Billy explained
Some other parents were coming out of their stupor hearing Billy's words and began to ask questions.
"So can we assume that Kimberly is the twelfth member?" Alicia asked.
"Yes Mrs Scott, Tommy answered for his girlfriend.
As everything sand in they found acceptance, worry, and pride all over their faces the group powered down before they started mingling in the group of parents. Justin's parents wrapped him up in a strong hug causing the other parents to show their emotions. About an hour later they were sitting around listening to how they were selected
Flashback
"Danger Danger Its the big one we'll all be destroyed," Alpha 5 said
"Calm down Alpha it's Rita she's escaped and is attacking the planet," Zordon said
"Aye yie yie what do we do?" Alpha asked
"Teleport to us five overbearing and overemotional humans," Zordon said
"No not that not Teenagers," Alpha said
"That is correct Alpha," Zordon said
Moments later five teenagers landed unceremoniously on the floor in a pile. As they stood they started looking around trying to figure out what this place was.
"Welcome humans I am Zordon, this planet is under attack and I have brought you here to protect it. Each of you will be given extraordinary powers drawn from the creatures you call dinosaurs. These are your power morphers, when in danger simply raise them to the sky calling out the name of your dinosaur.
Two months later just after they broke the spell on Tommy.
"What have I done," he said
"What you did you did under Rita's influence, You own the power now fight by our side and we can defeat Rita," Jason explained
"After everything that's happened?" Tommy replied
"Tommy we need you, It's where you belong," Kimberly said
"Will you join us, Tommy?" Jaons said offering his hand.
Taking it Tommy accepts the duty of a Power Ranger.
Over a year and a half, he fought, lost, and regained his green ranger powers only to permanently lose them after the battle with Zedd's Turbanshell. Knowing that the team needed a sixth ranger and Zordon sensing a shift in the morphin grid he and Alpha embarked on a secret mission that left the command center to shut down.
Sending the rangers into panic and allowing Lord Zedd to plan a tactical attack that kept the rangers on their toes. Finishing the secret mission after being caught by Billy. Zordon called the rangers into the command center to introduce them to their new team member and leader.
When the time came for Jason, Zack, and Trini to fight for world peace they passed their powers to Rocky, Adam, and Aisha.
Endgame
"Now after Lord Zedd and Rita have joined forces with her brother they have become more powerful, with all of this happening now Kimberly is off following her dreams and I'm going through this feeling of emptiness Zordon has recruited six more rangers and I'm glad to have Jason, Zack, and Trini back as well as adding Tanya, Justin, and Kathrine to the team after all its more protection for the planet," Tommy explained
"Well, you all have been through a lot in just three years." Marlin Park said.
"It's dangerous but it's our responsibility," Adam said
"I'm very proud of all of you, most teenagers are supposed to be worried about missing dates, and curfew but your out saving the world." Bruce Kwan said.
"Well, the world is something worth saving after all it is where we live," Justin said
Another hour passed and it was starting to get dark parents started rounding up their belongings and children to head home. Melissa found Tommy in the backyard staring up at the stars. Walking up behind him she wrapped him up in her arms "Cheer up kiddo it will all get better soon." she said.
"I know I was just trying to reach Kimberly," Tommy replied as she turned to face his mother he felt the relief he'd been waiting for when a very missed voice told him she had landed. The moment his biggest worry was eliminated he felt he could relax.
Seeing his expression change Melissa knew everything would be just fine.
"So you still need a ticket to get to Florida right?" Melissa asked her son.
"Yeah, Mom I can't use my powers like that it's personal gain," Tommy explained
Later that night in Tommy's room
"So what do you want to do Tommy?" Adam asked
"He should go to Florida, and be with Kimberly," Rocky said
"I don't envy your position at all my friend." Zack as he patted Tommy on the back.
"I agree with Rocky, It is the best way to know you are both safe, and if the need is great enough you're only a teleport away," Billy explained.
"It killed me to put her on that plane guys it made me feel like my world split apart. To be honest I don't know that I can fight like this." Tommy confessed.
The amount of emotion in his voice screamed at them, hearing that from someone who has led the team for almost three years shook them a bit.
"Without my heart, I'm just a vessel, so I feel it best to name someone to stand in as leader for team one while I'm gone, I'm sorry to put this weight on anyone else's shoulders but I have to admit that I can't. Billy you have fought by my side the longest and I think you are smart enough to make the right decisions for the team. As far as the full team Trini will take leadership while I'm gone. I don't mean to sound ironic but I have to follow my heart." Tommy said
"Tommy, are you sure you want me to lead?" Billy said nervously.
"Billy you would make a wonderful leader," Tommy said
"When is your flight?" Rocky asked
"I don't know yet," Tommy answered
"Well as soon as you know, let us know please," Adam said
"Of course, I will tell everyone that it is coming," Tommy said
Meanwhile in Florida
Kimberly made it through the airport and the ride to the training facility. Before another wave of emotions hit her this time she just started crying. Shawna hugged Kimberly and then offered to help her to her room. The two walked down the hall looking for their names on the wall. After passing four doors they spotted Kimbely's room on the left.
Opening the door they found a spacious room with a corner closet and dresser. Across the room was the bed, to their left was a desk, to their right was the bathroom, and the middle of the room was left open allowing a space for exercise. Kimberly dropped her bag and went straight for the bed, with the white bear in her grasp.
"I'll let you rest, see you in the morning," Shawna said as she headed back out into the hallway.
With Shawna out of the room Kimberly brought her wrist up to her mouth "Tommy?" she said into her communicator.
Angel Grove same time
The guys were sitting around watching a movie when Tommy's communicator beeped.
"Tommy?"
Answering it very quickly "Yes Kim."
"I made it safely," Kimberly said biting her tongue trying not to say something else.
Seconds later she heard Tommy in her head "I miss you beautiful."
"Tommy what am I going to do?" she thought back.
"I need to tell you something?" Tommy said
"OK?" Kimberly answered nervously
"My parents surprised me this evening but I would like to talk to you in person give me just a few seconds," he replied
"Alright." Kimberly thought puzzled, Tommy pushed the button on his communicator, wordlessly teleporting away.
"Zordon I know it's late but I need to talk to you," Tommy said
"What is it, Falcon?" Zordon said although he already knew what his white ranger wanted to talk about.
"Would it be possible to talk with Kimberly? face to face I mean." Tommy asked then clarified
Zordon pondered the question for a moment knowing the condition the two must be in. "I wouldn't allow it very often while you're still here but there must be something serious for you to ask this," he said
"It is Zordon my parents explained what will happen and I wanted to tell Kimberly," Tommy said
"Very well be safe," Zordon said
Seconds later, a white light appeared in Kimberly's room. The moment the light faded, Kimberly grabbed Tommy and pulled him into the tightest hug he had ever felt. He hugged her back without saying a word, and they both felt whole again.
"There is something I have to tell you," He said pausing only for a moment when he noticed she was waiting for him to continue as he spoke. "My parents have set up a living arrangement for me here in Miami. I don't know when but I will be attending Miami Senior High once I am settled in at my grandfather's place," Tommy explained.
Squeezing her boyfriend tighter Kimberly looked up at him and said. "That's wonderful news. Just knowing that you will be close makes me feel whole again. He kissed her forehead, and she smiled. "I'm so happy for you," she said. "I'm glad we can be together." The plane ride was a nightmare."
The two sat down on her bed and talked until jet lag caught up with her. Tommy was talking to her when he finally realized she had fallen asleep cuddled up next to him. Knowing he couldn't stay he slowly and gently lifted her head slipped off the bed and placed a pillow where he had been. Before leaving he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and then whispered "I love you beautiful." before teleporting to his bedroom. Tommy lay in his own bed, his thoughts consumed by the events of the day and the tender moment they had just shared. As he stared at the ceiling, he couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them and how he could protect her from the dangers that lay ahead.
A/N: Well there you have it folks chapter five is complete so now that you have read please review it and tell me what you think, please don't assume that this is the end of the fighting for the two in question. Trust me surprises are just around the corner.
Until next time lads and lassies, may the power protect you.
AJ Oliver