[See Part 1 for Disclaimer]
KNOCK, KNOCK!!
"Jas, he's not answering."
"Try the door and see if it's open."
Zack tried the door and to his surprise found it open. He and Jas wandered into Tommy's room amazed at the site they saw. The mini bar's door was open door was open and empty. Junk food and candy wrappers were scattered all over the room and "With or Without You" was playing softly in the background. Tommy was sprawled across his bed with his hair matted and body covered with a clear sheen of sweat all over it.
"He looks like he's gone to hell and back," Zack remarked at Tommy's disheveled appearance.
"You're telling me," Jas remarked as he went over to Tommy and shook him. "Bro wake up, it's 7:30 and you wanted all of us up by that time so we could go cliff-diving."
Tommy slowly opened his eyes and then shut them and pulled a pillow over his head as he did. "Get out."
"No, get up," Jason said as he pulled Tommy up. Tommy sat upright and rubbed his eyes which Zack and Jason noticed were red obviously from crying.
"You look like crap."
"I feel like crap," Tommy said responding to Zack's last remark.
"You are crap considering all of the junk food you ate last night," Zack said.
"What did you do to her last night," Jason asked straight out. As soon as he had seen Tommy's face he had been able to read him like a book. Being friends for three years enables you to do that, especially considering how close they had become since they had been on the team. When you're around the same people day after day after day it happens! As soon as Jas had seen Tommy's tear-stained pillows and face he had known that only one person would be able to drive Tommy to this pathetic state. And of course that person was Kim.
"I don't know what you are talking about!"
"You're not going to get off that easily Tommy!"
"Fine. Kim was THIS close to telling me how she felt and then zip."
"Did you wait?"
"Well . . ."
"DID YOU WAIT?"
"NO!!!!"
"This coming from with a man with such discipline. Tommy, you said it yourself, she was on the VERGE of telling you."
"I know . . .it's no use now anyway, I saw her going into Ashe's room last night," Tommy said sneering.
"You don't even know the half of it man," Zack said in disgust. "You always just have to assume, don't you?"
"Oh come on, I saw it with my own two eyes."
"Whatever," Jason said as he and Zack walked out of his room, "why don't you try believing, just this once, what you know is the truth in your heart though?"
"I don't know . . .it's just so hard . . .I'm afraid to . . ." Kim said as she pulled on a pair of denim cutoffs over her bathing suit bottom.
"Afraid to admit that you love him so much. Kim I can't believe you're letting what happened to your mom get in the way,” Trini said as she tied her white blouse in a knot by her belly-button.
"Huh?"
"Please Kim. You know you're afraid that Tommy will find someone prettier or better and that's why you broke it off with him last time. You saw Kat and just assumed that Tommy would go for her."
"No . . .I," Kim stammered.
"Kimberly Ann Harte, don't you dare try to get out of this one. Kim, are you the only one who doesn’t see the love Tommy has in eyes when he looks at you?"
"Trini, I know he loves me, but I . . ."
"Kim, you know as well as I do that you can trust Tommy," Trini said facing her friend and placing a hand on her shoulder, "you better make a move before you lose him."
"I know . . .I . . .know."
Rocky had responded by saying, "Excuse me your highness. I'm so sorry that your friends are concerned about you!! Is it that time of the month with you or something?" Tommy had tried to slap him from the driver's seat, but his attempts went unrewarded much to the delight of Rocky who made hissing noises like a cat at him the whole time. Anyways, by the time they had reached the spot everyone had practically leapt from the van just to get away from each other. After they all cooled down, they found a great spot to start off from and gathered there.
"Man, I'm going to do a double back burnin', tripple flippin' . . ."
"Would you shut up and jump," Billy said much to the surprise of everyone.
Zack raised his eyebrows and with a cocky grin said, "You want a piece of me Billy-boy?"
"Zack, you know at your height and weight . . ."
"Oh why don't you both go for a swim," Rocky said as he pushed them off the cliff.
Kim was kneeling next to a bush that had some bright purple flowers and inhaling their heavenly scent when she glanced over at Trini who nodded at her and then Tommy. Kim shrugged her shoulders and put on her "huh" face as she quickly glanced back down at the flowers dreading what she knew was to come. Trini walked over to her, lifted her up, whispered, "You do it now," in her ear, and shoved her over towards Tommy. Kim quickly stuck her tongue out as she walked over to Tommy which Trini immediately did back to her.
[I've got to do this . . .I don't want to lose him . . .I've got to] Kim took a deep breath and walked over to him. "Tommy?"
Tommy turned around with a solemn look on his face and answered with, "What?"
Kim glanced down at her feet and then back up at him. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"I don't . . ."
"Please," Kim pleaded with her a single word and her eyes.
Tommy had to turn away for a moment because he knew he couldn't resist her when she looked at him like that.[I can't let her do this . . .I said I wasn't going to let myself get hurt, but . what if she . . .] "Okay," Tommy replied.
Kim gingerly took his hand and led him away to a secluded part of the forest away from everyone else. She stopped and took both his hands in hers and then slowly brought her eyes up to his. "I've been wanting to tell you this ever since I came back, but . . .well . . .I've been so scared, I," Kim bit her lip and then looked up at Tommy again, "Tommy, I . . lo . . ."
"Tommy," Kat called out from a position very close by.
"Man," Tommy said running his hands through his hair in frustration.
"Oh forget it," Kim said turning away from him so she could wipe away the tears that were starting to form in her eyes.
"No, I won't forget it," Tommy said putting his hands on Kim shoulders and whispering into her ear from behind, "please, tell me Kim. I need to hear I need to hear it so badly." Tommy looked down and was surprised to find himself shaking from anticipation.
"TOMMY," Kat called out again and this time even closer.
"Just go to Kat," Kim said as she leapt of one of the ledges into the crystal, blue water below.
"Kim," Tommy called after as he followed by diving into the lake below. As Tommy resurfaced, he glanced around and found Kim sitting on a rock that was situated directly underneath the ledge that they had both just leapt off of. Tommy swam over to her and placed his hands gently on his both of her thighs and his chin on her knees. "Kim, why can't you tell me?"
"I . . ."
"Tommy, I'm coming down for you!"
"No, it's too shallow. I'll come up," Tommy said as he began climbing up the incline. "Why," he whispered.
"Come on Tommy, step on it. Because . . ." Rocky started to say as the other boys gathered around him.
"I FEEL THE NEED, THE NEED FOR SPEED," all of the guys said and then high-fived each other while grinning.
All of the girls immediately rolled their eyes and grinned at each other. Sometimes the guys were just too funny! Not ha-ha funny though. More like, look how dumb they are funny.
"Sweetie," Emily said as she went over to Jason and wrapped her arms around him, "do you realize how stupid you just looked when you did that?"
"We didn't look stupid. We were just upholding our macho, manly images," Rocky said as he hit his fist to his chest and burped.
"Eww, gross," Kim said as she wrinkled her nose up in disgust.
"Come on Tommy, put on some tunes," Zach said while dancing to some ghost tunes that apparently he could only hear.
"All right, I've got a great one that you have just got to hear." Tommy said as he popped in a CD. "I'm sure Kimberly will love this one," Tommy said as he sneered at Kim while pressing the skip button to the desired song and then pressing the play button.
"Why did he just look at me like that," Kim whispered in Trini's ear as she followed Tommy's every move. Trini shrugged her shoulders and then walked over to Billy leaving Kim all by herself. As the first notes "Hole in my Soul" rang out, Kim immediately brought her knees up to her chest, buried her face in them, and whispered, "No. Then it was almost like she felt like she had to lift her face up, so she did just in time to see Tommy turn directly towards her. Everyone suddenly became quiet, and then Tommy's deep, hypnotic voice rang out as everyone heard him sing, "Tell me how it feels to be, the one who turns the knife inside of me, Take a look and you will find, there's nothing girl, yeah I swear, I'm telling you girl yeah cause there's a hole in my soul that's been killing me forever. It's a place where the garden never grows" his eyes cold and piercing as he did. [Why is he doing this to me? It was Kat who screwed it up last time anyway. God, it's just not fair.]
"Honey, I didn't know that you could sing that well," Kat said as she walked over to him and put her arms around him.
"Yeah, well only one person knew about that one," Tommy said as he took his hands off the steering wheel and wrapped his arms around her, still keeping his gaze in sync with Kim's. "Come here," he said while leaning over and frenching Kat deeply right in front of Kim. He kept his eyes open the whole time and focused on Kim of course the whole time.[How does it feel Kim to have your heart ripped out? Does it feel good Kim? No, that's what I thought. If you don't tell me I swear . . .] Tommy suddenly pulled away leaving Kat breathless and stunned as he returned his hands to the steering wheel.
"Wow, what was that for," Kat said as she composed herself.
"I just felt like it," Tommy said while sneering at Kim.
Kat followed Tommy's gaze and as soon as she saw where he was looking, she knew the real reason for the much unexpected kiss. "Ohh," Kat whispered softly as she walked back to her seat and turned her gaze back to the ocean.
Jason and Zack who were revolted with the scene that had just unfolded waited until Kat returned to her seat and then immediately stormed over to Tommy. Jason slapped Tommy upside his head which caused Tommy to turn around and slap him on his arm.
"What the hell was that for," Tommy asked.
"What do you think you asshole? That kiss was sick and low . . ." Jason said.
"Even for you," Zack said leering at Tommy.
"Can't I show my girl some affection," Tommy said laughing coldly.
"How can you do that to Kim? She's hanging on by a freakin' thread!!!! How can you be so unsensitive towards her? You're the only man, as unbelievable as this is, that she's ever loved and with the way you're acting you're going to . . ."
"Just tell me when you became the sick f$#k that you are now," Zack asked bluntly.
"Whoa," Jason and Tommy both muttered under there breaths. They couldn't believe that they had just heard the cuss word they had come out of Zack's mouth.
[If Zack just said that then maybe I was out of line doing that. I mean I didn't really mean to, it's just that . . .] "Look I didn't really mean too. It's just that . . .do you have any idea of what she's put me through. Acting like she's going to tell me and then suddenly backing out leaving me in the dust. There's only so much a guy can take. I just wanted her to have a taste of her own medicine."
"Well, mission accomplished. Look," Zack said turning Tommy around so he could see Kim. Trini and Billy both had their arms around her and were trying to calm her down as she tried to keep the tears from streaming down her face. He could see her tiny shoulders bopping up and down and that her eyes were red. At that moment Tommy actually felt like killing himself. Seeing Kim in that kind of pain made him so sick to his stomach that he actually doubled over and Jason had to catch him.
"Reality hurts, doesn't it bro," Jas said as he held Tommy up.
"I didn't know . . .I,"Tommy said as tears began to fall down his face.
"I think he's realized what he's done. Let's get back toAngela and Emily," Jason said as he started to walk away.
"Why don't you try thinking before you act next time," Zack said as he started to follow Jason, "because if you ever hurt Kim again like that . . ."
"You'll have to answer to both of us," Jason finished and then they both returned to there seats.
"I have no idea as to what could have provoked Tommy to have proceeded with his actions except that obviously his ability to handle his emotions has been damaged and that . . ." Billy said as he rubbed Kim's back.
"Not now dear. Listen Kim, that jerk is trying to get back at you for not telling him again which wasn't even your fault this time. He's just so frustrated that he's trying to take his anger out on you and make you feel some of the pain he's going through," Trini said while holding onto Kim's shoulders.
"A superb answer which is the most probable answer. Sorry Kim, Tommy is just being an egotistical male. I also know that Tommy must be really hurting. He loves you so much Kim. When I was on Aquitar, Zordon rigged up a mail system for me, and everyday Tommy would write to me about you. I mean, you guys weren't talking anymore, but he'd write about what you had written to Adam or Rocky. He never once mentioned Kat's name. Kim, I know this is going to be hard, but you've got to give it another chance. You and Tommy, well you're like . . .peanut butter and jelly. You're a perfect match, and you don't get those a lot of times in life ," Billy said shrugging his shoulders.
"Well," Kim said with her voice wavering as she stood up, "I don't care about him right now. I have to get away from him for awhile so I can think. Besides we're out here to water-ski anyway, right," Kim said as she tried to smile.
"Kim, I really don't think you should. I just got radioed by my uncle and he said that the riptides have gotten really bad out here and that the coast guard advised everyone to use the utmost caution while out here," Tommy said as he turned his tear-stained face towards her.
"Well you know what? I don't really care about your opinion on the matter. It's not like they said we had to come in," Kim said as he zipped up her wetsuit.
"I don't know Kim," Ashe said as he walked over towards them. My friends and I were out water-skiing once when the same thing happened. Kim, I almost lost my best friend. I don't want to see something happen to you."
"Yeah, well it ALMOST happened right? Don't worry, nothing will happen."
"Kim . . ."
"NOTHING will happen. Tommy stop the boat."
"I don't think . . ."
"Stop it!!!!!"
"All right!"
Kim slipped on the skis and jumped off the side of the boat so that she was floating in the ocean. She held the line close to her chest. "All right, go!"
"Here goes nothing," Tommy said as he pulled back on the accelerator.
Kim gently lifted up from the water and glided along like a pro. "Whooo-hoo!!"
"No fair," Rocky pouted, "I should have gotten to go first.
"Wait! Tommy slow down a little," Jason said with a panicked expression upon his face which suddenly turned to terror as Kim wiped out.
Tommy pulled the boat back to a dead-stop when he heard the girls scream and quickly shoved himself to the front of the group. "WHERE IS SHE?"
"Calm down man. Kim's a great swimmer. Just hang on a second," Zack said as he nervously bit down on his nails.
"She just had to go out. She just had to do what she wanted to do. Kim if you don't," Tommy cried out in frustration. Two minutes passed and Kim still hadn't resurfaced. "That's it, I'm going in," Tommy said as he tore off his shirt and stepped up onto the edge.
"Tommy, what if you get caught," Kat cried out.
"Oh well," he said as he dove off the edge and swam fiercely and rapidly over to where Kim had wiped out. He took in a deep breath of air and then dove under searching for Kim. After four attempts, he finally felt her small arm and latched onto it pulling her up to the surface as fast as he possibly could. He wrapped an arm around her chest and quickly checked for a pulse. It was weak but still there. Next, he checked to see if she was breathing. She wasn't. [Darn it!] Tommy began swimming rapidly across the ocean to the boat knowing that he could lose her at any given moment. [Don't you dare die on me now!! Don't even try! I can't lose you now, not after the way I just acted. If you leave this planet thinking that I really was mad at you and not knowing that I love you more than life itself and that I could wait until we are old and gray for you to tell me that you love me . . .I swear . . .I'll really kill myself this time. Nobody will be able to stop me.] Tommy actually reached the boat in eleven seconds, but to him it seemed like everything was happening in slow-mo. As soon as he reached the boat he practically threw Kim up onto the deck and leapt up out of the water after her. "Stand back," Tommy said as he pushed everyone aside and knelt down to her basically lifeless Body. He quickly tilted back her head, shut her nose, and gently placed his lips down upon hers as he tried to breath life back into her petite body. After the fifth try, he could feel her body coughing, so he gently lifted her body as Kim began choking up water. As she did, tears of relief sprang into Tommy's eyes, and he wrapped his arms around her tightly.
"Yes," Trini said as she clasped her hands together.
"Thank god," Ashe remarked as he wiped away the tears from his eyes which he noticed that everyone else was doing also.
"Tommy, you might want to loosen your grip on Kim." Billy remarked as he noticed Kim having some difficulty breathing.
"Oh yeah, right," Tommy said as he loosened his grip on Kim so that he could look at her.
"I guess I should stick to dry land, huh," Kim replied meekly.
"Don't you ever do that again! I thought . . .I mean we thought we had lost you," Tommy said gazing lovingly into her eyes.
"Yeah, well . . .anything for some attention," Kim said which caused everyone to laugh. "Thank you, what was that like the hundredth time you've rescue me?"
"Hey, you know I'd do it a hundred more times for you. Anything for you," Tommy said as he gazed down at Kim.
As Kat looked at Tommy, she saw a look of such love in his eyes as he gazed down at Kim. A look that he never had when he looked at her. Kat realized at that moment that there never really had been anything between them. Tommy had only looked for in her what he had lost in Kim. She had been nothing more than a substitute, and if she hadn't been so blindly lost in what she thought was love with him she would have seen it sooner. She had been so desperate to have Tommy be in love with her that she had failed to notice that their relationship had been nothing but a charade. No, actually more like a mirage. You thought there was something there, but when you got down to it there really wasn't. The strange thing was that Kat wasn't upset by it. In fact, it was like a sense of calm washed over her body. Kat found herself with a new purpose. {Tonight it will be executed. And then everyone will be happy, except for me that is . . .}Then Kat suddenly glanced at Ashe who was staring at her and lost in his own little world. As soon as she did though, Ashe instantly looked down at his feet blushing and then up again at Kat, except this time smiling. {Then again . . .}
"Tommy, I . . .I"
"Yes Kim," Tommy replied hurriedly.
"I think I better get up." Kim replied as she gently disengaged his arms from around her waist and stood up. She walked over to the railing and then glanced back at everyone saying," Umm, I thinks that's enough excitement for one day. Why don't we head back in?"
Tommy slowly stood up sulking like a baby and replied, "O-kay."
Kimberly almost burst out laughing at the expression on his face, but she quickly put her hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter.[Oh poor baby! Good, if I make you wait a little bit longer you'll just appreciate it more when I say it. Besides, after that stunt you just pulled with Kat, you definitely deserved that one. And it's not like I'd say that in front of everyone, especially Kat. Kat . . .] Kim turned around and noticed that Kat was deeply engrossed in some conversation with Ashe. Ashe saw Kimberly looking at them and gave her a brilliant smile that warmed her heart. [Why do I feel so close to him? Well, at least now I know that Kat won't be too hurt after this. It looks to me like she'll be in good hands.]
"Always the center of attention, huh Kim," Tanya said as she walked over to stand on the left side of Kim.
"Of course she is. I mean whenever anyone of us gets any recognition, Kim always had to do something so that the attention is on her. Like when I won this karate tournament last year, Kim decided to put on this elaborate show for everyone. She started moaning and swaying, and then fainted. Everyone started shouting, and Tommy who was in the middle of a kata stopped and ran over to her. Then she looked up at him, and I'll never forget the look on Tommy's face as she whispered what she did in his ear," Adam said from her right side.
"What did she say," Tanya asked, loving to watch Adam tell stories about the old gang.
"She said, Honey, I just faked it! You should of known me better than that. Now you're disqualified! That's why I won the match," Adam said with the biggest grin on his face as he started laughing at the memory.
"Oh shut up," Kim said laughing as she slapped Adam on his arm.
"It's all good. Now though, I can whoop Tommy's sorry behind anytime."
"I heard that you little frog,”"Tommy said as he navigated the boat towards the hotel, "just for that, you and me when we get back to the hotel."
"I knew I was speaking to loud," Adam replied as he rested his chin on his fists.
"Oh come on sweetie, you give yourself to little credit," Tanya said as Adam walked over to Rocky who was singing another song.
"Really though girl, you had us all pretty scared. Especially Tommy, I've never seen the boy swim so fast," Tanya said shaking her head.
"Oh I'm sure he didn't swim as fast as he did this one time when we went to the lake."
"Come on spill it," Tanya said as she patted the seat beside her and got comfy.
"Well," Kim said as she sat down. It was last summer, and I had just gotten this new two-piece. They had just installed that high-dive that's down by the deep part of the lake, and we had all decided to go try it out. As soon as Tommy saw me in my two-piece he was like no way Kim, you are not even going on that, but I was like we'll just see about that. Everyone had jumped except me, and when I did . . .let's just say I should have listened to Tommy because I lost the top part of my swimsuit. Bulk and Skull just happened to be there, and Skull somehow winded up with the top part of swimsuit. I swear Tommy had steam coming out of his ears, and he raced after Skull, but it was too late. Then he saw me, so he ran and got a towel and swam so fast over to me I thought I was seeing things. He wrapped the entire thing around my body and then all but dragged me to shore. That's when he picked me up and slung me over his shoulder and carried me to the bathroom. However, at that exact time Skull peeked his head around the corner, so Tommy practically threw me down, and raced after Skull. I tried to get out of the bathroom in time, but all I heard was this SPLAT. Someone had been having a birthday party and Tommy literally threw him into the cake. Then Bulk charged Tommy, and he ducked, and Bulk landed right on top of Skull," Kim said laughing as tears came to her eyes. "I'll never forget the look on Skull's face when Bulk landed on him. He screamed like a girl and then started yelling, actually it was more like whimpering, get him off me, I can't breathe. Bulkie, as soon as you get off of me we're going to Jenny Craig."
"Oh no," Tanya said wiping the tears from her eyes. "Tommy must have been pretty worked up."
"Yeah," Kim said grinning as she looked over at Tommy, "he was."
"Come on," Kim said pouting, "won't anyone help me with it?"
"Well, even though I am starving . . ."
Kim stared at Rocky with her eyes open and then nodded over towards Tommy. Rocky pointed back and forth between the two, and then slapped his head.
"I STILL HAVE TO LOOK FOR A BABE TO TAKE TO THE DANCE TOMORROW," Rocky said loudly so that you-know-who would hear it. Rocky walked over to her real quickly and whispered in her ear, "Nice save huh?"
"Brilliant," Kim said and then turned around so she could roll her eyes. "Now get going," Kim replied and slapped Rocky's tush.
Rocky then got the biggest grin and cocked an eyebrow, "Why Kimmie I never . . ."
"Move!!"
"All right . . .all right, I'm going. Sheesh," Rocky said as he started jogging to catch up with Adam,Tanya,Jason, Emily, Zack, Angela, Trini, and Billy.
"Well," Tommy said coming up from behind Kimberly and gathering all of his wet hair in one hand, "I will," he replied as he squeezed all of the water out of it onto Kim.
"TOMMY," Kim squealed as she slapped his arm.
"You don't mind Kat, do you," Tommy asked.
Kat looked over at the two and couldn't help but smile, [They really are meant for each other. They're a perfect pair. . . you can get it over with tonight.] " Of course not. If you help Kim I'm sure she'll get it down by dark."
"Great," Tommy replied as he ran over to Kim who was already down by the shore.
Ashe looked over at Kat and for some reason knew that she knew. "I hear that they have this great vegetarian dish,” Ashe said as he walked over and put his arm around her. "Come on gorgeous."
Kat slowly lifted her radiant, blue eyes up to him and to Ashe's delight smiled. "All right handsome," she replied as she wrapped her arm around his waist, and then the two headed up towards the hotel.
Tommy glanced to the horizon and saw that the sun was more than halfway down. The sky was a deep blue, almost black, and the water was shining and sway as if almost in time to some unheard song. "All right, this is the last one shrimp."
"Who are you calling a shrimp?" "Hmm . . .let me think about that one. We're the only two people out here," Tommy said as he straddled the surfboard waiting for the next wave, "in fact you're on my dang board, and I know I'm not talking to myself. At least I hope I'm not so . . .ding, ding, ding, it must be you Kimberly Ann Harte."
"Ha, ha. That was so funny I forgot to laugh," Kim said as she turned around to stick her tongue out at him.
"All right . . .get up slowly," Tommy said suddenly as he held the board steady for Kim as she climbed up.
"Thanks for the great notice," Kim called out as she swiftly hopped up onto the board and held her arms out for balance.
"Anytime," Tommy said as he followed also holding his hands out and then smiled. He slowly edged up towards Kim, wrapped his arms round her muscular torso, and yelled "Wipe-out," as he tipped them both over.
"You butt," Kim said as she resurfaced. She started walking towards the shore, but was instantly knocked over by a wave, so she just sat there giggling.
Tommy looked back at Kim and smiled as he set the surfboard down by their towels. Somehow she was always able to make life seem like so much fun. Tommy wandered back over to where Kim was sitting and pulled her up.
"You should try that some time," Kim said smoothing her hair back.
"Why did you want me out here to help you? You didn't need any help, you were doing great."
"I wasn't before, but when you helped though . . . it was so much easier."
"Well, when we work together anything's possible," Tommy said softly.
"Yeah," Kim said huskily looking up intoTommy's big brown eyes which were framed so sexily by his long lashes. She absently tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear, and that was when Tommy finally looked down at Kim, and what he saw . . .
Tommy felt himself growing very self-conscious and when he looked down at his feet he noticed that his knees were starting to shake. [She looks like sh she can eat me alive! God, if I could only just . . .]Tommy thought as he stared down at Kim's lips.[Nope, I gotta be strong!! The guys are right I gotta wait until she's ready! I don't wanna . . ] "Ohh," Tommy moaned as Kim began to trace her fingers up and down Tommy's forearm.
"What's the matter," Kim asked as she stared innocently up at him.
"Nothing," Tommy said shaking his head back and forth furiously.[Distract yourself man!!] “Umm,” Tommy muttered absently as he gazed around. "Oh look," he said gazing at the horizon, "the sun's going to set. Didn't you say that you can see like a flash of green before it sets completely?" Tommy felt himself shiver as a light breeze picked up, although he didn't know if it was from the wind or the fact that Kim was so unbelievably close to him. "Kim," he asked when she didn't respond then looking down at her. Kimberly was gazing seductively up at him, and then suddenly her expression turned to longing (at least that's what Tommy interpreted as) as she gazed at his lips. And the next words that Kimberly spoke were ones that Tommy knew he would never, ever forget.
"Screw the sunset," Kim said.
Tommy almost fell over, and then said, "Excuse me," in a very squeaky voice.
"You know very well what I just said Tommy." Then it happened: the sun set completely leaving the sky somewhat dark because it was a full moon. That night the moon was in all her glory, and it was almost like she was beaming down at the two. The stars were also out which was making the ocean shimmer and appear silver in some places. Both Tommy and Kim were somewhat taken aback by the sheer beauty of it all, and Kim realized that the time could not be more perfect.
"Tommy, I have something to ask you," Kim asked sweetly while she placed one finger over his abdomen and began lazily tracing lines over Tommy's rock-hard stomach.
"Umm, what's that," Tommy managed to squeak out.
Kimberly brought her eyes up to his slowly and placed her respective hands on the left and right side of his body just above his pecs, "Why have I been so foolish?"
"Huh," Tommy asked with a puzzled face as he kept his hands at his sides. [If it's going to happen, I'm not going to screw it up this time!!!!!]
"Tommy, Tommy, Tommy," Kim said as she brought his arms up and wrapped them around her waist, "I guess I'm going to have to show you, huh?" Kimberly then brought one hand up to Tommy's face and he began to nuzzle it while she traced a line around his lips with her thumb. Then Kimberly did what she had been dying to do ever since she had come back, something she had missed so long. Reaching up on her tiptoes (with help from Tommy who lifted her) she gently placed her lips down onto Tommy's full soft ones and let all the emotions she'd been holding back come out.
[Oh my God, it's finally happening! Kim and me, we're . . .ohh. I'd forgotten how sweet and delicate her mouth was, it was always like our lips were a perfect fit. They always just molded together . . .but I know where this is headed and I know what it means . . .so] The heavens knew that he didn't want to break their embrace, but Tommy knew he had to ask . . .just to make sure. "Kim are . . .are you sure?"
Kimberly quickly caught her breath ready for more, and looked into Tommy's shining eyes replying, "More of than anything in my life," as she wiped the tears away from his eyes. Then she hungrily planted her lips down upon his as if she never had before. [Nothing has ever felt so right in my life as this moment right now. Tommy' lips have always been soft yet hard and, I swear they never felt this good before. Why did I wait so long? Oh yeah, Kat. We're going to have to deal with her . . .later] Then she felt herself being lifted as Tommy picked her up in one swift motion, their lips never breaking, and carried her to the beach. Tommy gently laid her down and started tracing a line up and down Kim's jawbone. "Come here," Kim said as she laid down moving Tommy so that he was wrapped up in her arms and that his head was lying on her chest. "I love you."
"Umm . . .say that again?"
"I love you. I'm so sorry I waited so long to say it. I just . . ."
"Shh," Tommy said as he placed a finger over Kim's lips, "you don't have to say a thing. I just want you to know that I love you with my mind, body, soul, and of course with all of my heart and that nothing will ever again come between us. You make me whole and only you. You're my heart and my only reason to live in this life."
"Oh Tommy," Kim said as she let the tears fall freely from her eyes, "don't you ever let me break up with you again."
"I can assure you," Tommy said sitting upright and moving Kim into his lap, "that I will never let that happen again. Kim, I have to ask you something though?"
"Oh God, can't you ask me tomorrow," Kim said turning away from him.
"Kimmie," Tommy said as he put a finger underneath her chin and pulled her face back towards him, "if I ask now then we'll get it over with so that we can enjoy the rest of our vacation."
"Okay," Kim said with a wavering voice and sniffling all the while, "shoot."
"Who was this guy and . . .and . . . and why a letter Kim? I mean what happened to us? What made you do or think that I was . . .I don't know . . .a jerk . . .or not trustworthy? What did I do to deserve that," Tommy asked as a fresh batch of tears came to his eyes.
"Oh honey it wasn't your fault at all. You didn't deserve any of it. It was me," Kim said as she kissed away the tears on his face. "I was so insecure when I went to Florida, and I missed you guys unbelievably so. When Aisha started writing me about Kat, I just assumed that you had taken a liking to her. I mean she's so beautiful, and sophisticated, and intelligent, and I knew she liked you. So I started hanging around this one guy who looked like you. I mean he was tan, muscular, had dark, long hair, and he was always so nice to me. He reminded me so much of you, it was almost like I was home, and then he asked me out. I was missing you so much by then, you're kisses, the way you'd hold me, our long talks at the beach that I just let myself be deluded. And I know you Tommy, it must have been just as hard for you not with me there because . . . you'2re the kind of guy who needs to be held, kissed, and always has to have his girl right there with him. It was too hard with me not being able to do that for you, so I figured I'd give you a chance with someone better. I thought I was being really mature and so nice by writing you that letter because I thought I was letting you off easy by doing that so you could go to Kat. The day after I wrote that letter though, when I was sitting with Marcus, I realized how he had been nothing more than a substitute. We had nothing in common, and I realized that I had really let you to because I was so afraid to commit because I didn't want what happened to my mom to happen to me," Kim finished as she broke down finally letting Tommy take her in his arms and rub her back.
"Kim," Tommy said struggling to fight back his own tears after what she had just said, "it was hard without you, but I rather would have lived the rest of my life with us just writing each other and not being able to see each other than for us to breakup. God, Kim how could you just think that I would just suddenly develop all these feelings for Kat when the only person I could think about was you? Did you think I'd just lose my feelings for you instantly? Geez, I nearly committed suicide again Kim. How could you not trust me? I mean, when you were away, all I could think about was what we would do when you got back. I pictured us graduating . . .from high-school and college, getting an apartment in New York because I remembered how you always said you'd love to live there . . .and us being married . . . and our kids, I pictured them. How could you not trust me?"
"I don't know. I mean, my mom trusted my Dad and then he ran off with another women. I just don't want that to happen to me," Kim said as she nuzzled her cheek into Tommy's chest.
"Listen to me. Kim, I will never ever leave you. You're the best thing that has come into my life, and the only one that I've ever truly been able to connect with. Why would I ever want to give that up? You're the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Not to mention the kindest, most caring, and brilliant women either. We're . . .one, Kim. Can't you see that? I knew that day up in Dulcea's compound that our souls were like a perfect match. Dulcea even told me after you had fallen asleep. She said, "Tommy, I see that you and Kimberly have a deeper bond than any of the others here. As I blew into the fire when you reached down to discover your animal spirits, I saw you're souls . . .they were entwined. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, not to mention the first time I've seen it. Destiny has written that you two were meant for each other. Hold on to her because if you don't, you will never find another for you two are actually one." I vowed that day I would never let you go . . .unless it was you that wanted to go."
"That was beautiful. How come you never told me?"
"I'd always just assumed that she had told you also. I think she saw into the future though and realized that our love was going to be put to the test.
"You were going to come and see me?"
"Yeah, especially after what had happened when Divatox had captured you. I never told you but . . .it really hurt me when I took off my helmet and it didn't even faze you.
"Handsome, you know I was under a spell."
"Yeah, but the same thing happened to me and when Kat demorphed it startled me."
"Yeah, well that was also the day Jas decided to tell me about your first date. I guess I sort of just savored the evilness for awhile because I wanted to be mad at you. It also gave me an excuse to kick Kat," Kim said giggling at the memory.
"Naughty, naughty," Tommy said laughing at the memory also.[If Kat only knew . . .sheesh] Tommy laid Kim back down onto the ground and laid on his stomach and partly on her left side. He took her small hand and gently kissed it and then did the same thing with her mouth, "Kimberly Ann Harte, I love you."
Kim slowly ran a hand through Tommy's hair and then rolled him over so that she was laying on top of him. She delicately placed a kiss on his forehead then two tiny angel kisses on his eyes and then slowly kissed Tommy letting him know through her kiss exactly what she felt for him, "Tommy Lee Oliver, I love you. And this time I'm never gonna get rid of you."
"I know you won't, cause I won't let you . . .ever," Tommy said as he lost himself in Kimberly's sweet kisses. He slowly ran his hands hands up and dow Kim=92s back. [her skin is so unbelievably soft . . .I think I almost forgot how much it feels like velvet. She feels so good back in my arms again. Let's see if that one place . . .] Tommy broke the kiss leaving Kim gasping for breath as he lowered his face to her neck. [Where was it, oh yeah . . .it's been so long] Tommy tentatively placed a kiss on the left side of the nape of Kim's neck and to his delight found her shudder, so he then nuzzled the exact spot with his cheek which caused Kim to immediately squeal and go, "Stop it Tommy."
"Why?"
"Oh yeah, let's see how much you like it," Kim said as she began nibbling on Tommy's ear. Tommy immediately began to shudder and feel . . .well it was almost like when you tickled someone, but on a much higher level. You wanted the person to stop . . .but in another way you didn't because it just feels too good. Then both of their eyes sprang open because they realized they had almost forgotten a crucial detail to their situation: Kat.
"Kat," they both whispered at once. Kim slowly rolled off of Tommy as if she were in a daze and they both sat up straight.
"Tommy, you've got to tell her, but please don't hurt her. I don't want it to be awkward between us. I mean, I'm back for good this time, and we're all going to have to face each other, and . . ."
"Like she's not going to be hurt Kim. God, easy for you to say, Don't hurt her, when I'm the one that has to do everything. Man," Tommy said blowing out a long stream of air as he said the last word and running his hands through his hair.
"Then again," Kim said standing up, "you don't have to tell her and I could always just go look for someone else. There is Rocky and that cute tush of his," Kim said wiggling her eyebrows up and down and making that familiar clicking sound that Tommy had missed.
"Get down here you," Tommy said as he grabbed Kim's hand and pulled her down into his lap, "look, I'll do it tonight. Kat and I are supposed to meet out here at eight tonight anyway. It's just that . . .I don't want to hurt her the way you hurt me."
"What is this, the national Let's give Kim a Guilt Trip' day?"
"No, it's just . . .do you remember that day you came back and Kat was talking about one of our dates?"
Kim remembered it all too well and realized what Tommy had meant, "ohh."
"Yeah, ohh. Between the two of us I think there's been enough pain and suffering to last our whole group a life-time. I don't want to hurt Kat. She's always put my feelings before hers, and I think we both know that all she did was give and all I did was take."
"I know, I don't want to hurt her either," Kim said as she stood up and held out her hand which Tommy took as he stood up. Kim placed her hand on Tommy's forearm and said, "Try not to hurt her."
"Easier said then done Kim. Easier said then done. Oh by the way, were you trying to tell me that Rocky is cuter than I am," Tommy asked as he put his arm around Kim as they both started to walk back to the hotel.
"Honey, you're not even in the same league," Kim replied as she gave Tommy's behind a playful slap.
"Kat . . ." Tommy said softly as he gazed down at her. Kat looked lovely as always in a pale pink wrap-around skirt that fell to her ankles and a white halter-top. She had let her hair dry naturally so it was wavy, and in the moonlight it was shimmering just as her deep blue eyes were. [Oh Kat, how can I do this to you] Tommy walked over and took a seat beside her, and they both sat in silence for a couple of moments as they looked out to sea. Tommy finally broke the uncomfortable silence though, "So have you been enjoying yourself?"
"Actually I have. Everything is just so perfect here, I don't see how you can't enjoy yourself. I think this vacation has been just what we all needed," Kat said staring out at the ocean unable to look Tommy in the eyes.
"Yeah, especially with everyone back except Aisha. . .so?"
"So . . ."
"Tommy/Kat, I have something to say," they both said at once and then burst out laughing. [Laughter, that's a good thing] Kat thought as she gazed at Tommy's smiling face.
"You can go ahead," Tommy said, his face suddenly serious again.
"All right. Tommy . . .I really think it would be better if we were just friends. I think we both know that there hasn't been or maybe there never really was anything between us. When Kim broke up with you, you were just looking for someone to replace her with."
"Kat, that's not true . . ."
"Yes it is Tommy Oliver and we both know it. . . when Kim came back though . . .I chose to make myself believe for awhile that you weren't looking at each other that way and then I got very jealous. Which I have to say I am very ashamed of now, even though now I know that there really was a reason to believe that you two were feeling something," Kat said managing a tiny laugh as she spoke the last sentence. "I've seen the way you look at her Tommy; a look that I've never seen you give me or anyone else. Your eyes just light up and there's such love . . .I can't even begin to describe it . . . that is in them when you look at her. Tommy . . .Kim and you have something very special; you two are meant for each other. You're meant to be together, and we're not," Kat said finally bringing her eyes up to Tommy's as tears which she vowed she would not cry, streamed down her face, and to her surprise his also. "Tommy, you're crying."
"Yeah, I know," Tommy said as he wiped his eyes away. "Kat, you are the most selfless, generous person I have ever known. You're still being so good to me even now as we're breaking up. I .. .I don't think I ever deserved you. You're just too good. I'm sorry about what happened between us, and I'm sorry about what I did to you. You didn't deserve that . . .you deserve much better than me and what I can give you. I think you're right though . . .we were a wrong fit right from the start. Kim and I talked earlier . . ."
"I suspect you did more than talking," Kat said managing a weak laugh.
"Yeah, well," Tommy said blushing at the memory. "Anyway, I really do truly believe now that for every person there is another out there that is your soul mate. It made me think of how my dad almost took a job in L.A. instead of in Angel Grove. If he had . . .I never would have met Kim and I," Tommy said blinking rapidly to hold back the tears just at the thought of never have meeting Kim. Tommy looked over at Kat and placed a hand on her forearm, "Kat, I hope you'll find someone who can treat you better than I did. Someone who will worship the ground you walk on . . . your soulmate. Kat I hope you'll find him."
"Me too. I only hope to find what you and Kim already have. However, I think I might have someone who just might be that person," Kat said smiling at the thought of . . .Ashe.
"Who . .oh wait," Tommy said as he thought of all the times that Ashe had always gone over to Kat just to talk. [Those knowing smiles he always gave me!!] "Well, you two will make a handsome pair."
"Not as perfect as you and Kim though," Kat said smiling up at him.
"If he ever hurts you though . . .he'll have to answer to me."
"And if Kim breaks you're heart again she'll have to answer to me."
"Phew, knowing that you and Ashe feel something for each other makes me feel a lot better. I guess it makes this quite a bit easier."
"It's still not going to be that easy. You're not an easy man to get over Mr. Oliver," Kat said.
"Well neither are you Ms. Hillard," Tommy replied.
"Yeah, if you didn't have Kim though."
"Kat . . ."
"I know."
Tommy stood up holding out his hand to Kat and she took it standing up beside him. "Kat, thank you so much . . ."
"Geez, you make it sound like you're getting out of a bad lease."
"You know what I mean," Tommy said smiling at her.
"Yeah I do. How about one last hug," Kat said hopefully.
"Anything for you," Tommy said as he wrapped his arms around her and just held her for a moment.
"Friends?"
"Forever," Tommy said as he broke the hug. " You want to go back to the hotel?"
"Actually, I think I'm going to just stay out here awhile longer."
"All right . . .bye."
"G'night Tommy."
"Ooo, she's even beautiful in a battle stance," Ashe said as he stepped out of the shadows from the trees behind them.
"Ashe . . .Ashe are you all right, you're crying?"
"Katherine that was the sweetest thing I've ever seen anyone do."
"What are you talking about?"
"I sort of overheard you and Tommy . . ."
"YOU WHAT . . ."
"Sacrificing your own happiness for the happiness of others . . .you truly are something special."
"Not special enough for Tommy though. Or pretty enough . . ."
"Kat, you and I both know how special their relationship is. It was so strong that they both realized they couldn't live without each other. Besides, Tommy's loss . . .will hopefully be my gain."
"What?"
"Kat, you're beautiful, witty, free-spirited, and so gentle. You're my idea of the perfect women. I know we've just met, and although we don't know each that well, I know that we do have a great many things in common just from the conversations that we've had. I'm hoping that when you're ready . . .you might what to give me . . .us a chance."
"Do you really mean that?"
"Of course I do."
"Well then," Kat said surprised at herself because she knew what she was going to do next, “how about we give us a chance starting . . now," Kat said as she leaned over and delicately kissed Ashe.
"Wow! I was expecting to wait a little bit longer, but if you're ready I'm ready!"
"I thought I'd wait longer to, but I feel as if I've known you forever. I feel so comfortable around you, it's like I've known you for years. You're strong yet gentle, and handsome, and sensitive . . .I feel like I want or almost need to give us a chance."
"I feel the same way," Ashe said as he stood up and helped Kat up as well, "walk you back to the hotel?"
"My pleasure," Kat replied.
"No, the pleasure is all mine gorgeous," Ashe assured her as he wrapped his arm around and walked her back to the hotel.
"She broke up with me! She said she realized that there never really had been anything between us. I think she just said that though; I think we all know that Kat had some feelings for me. I know I felt at least a little something for her. However, there are absolutely no hard feelings between any of us."
"Your kidding," Kim said staring wide-eyed at Tommy.
"Nope beautiful," Tommy said finally reaching her and taking her in his arms, "we're together again, except this time for good," and with that he lifted Kim up and twirled her around just as he had the day they had shared their first kiss.
"Oh wow, I can't believe we're finally together again," Kimberly said still stunned.
"Well believe it," Tommy said as he reached down and kissed Kim. Somehow they started taking tiny steps back as Kim ran her hands through Tommy's long hair and Tommy started caressing Kim's back. Before you knew it, they both had taken too many steps backwards, and they both fell into the pool.
"Oh man," Kim said as she resurfaced, "I'm all wet!"
"You know you don't mind though," Tommy said as he swam over to her and took her in his arms. "In fact, I know that just because I'm here that you're loving it."
"Oh please," Kim said trying to turn away, but she couldn't resist the smile Tommy had on his face. So, she succumbed and ended up kissing him.
"Wait a minute," Kim said trying to push Tommy off of her a little but failing miserably. Tommy continued to kiss Kim, except on her cheeks and neck.
"No," Tommy said dreamily lost in his own little world.
"Fine," Kim said as she kneed him in his crotch.
Tommy instantly let Kim go and moaned, "Now what'd you do that for?"
"Oh, I'm sorry handsome," Kim said as she tucked his hair behind his ears, "but listen."
"Did you ever go to the Sydney Opera House?"
"All the time! Didn't you just love it when they put on Grease there?"
"You bet. I had front row seats!"
"Lucky . . ."
"Kat, is that you," Kim called out.
"Yeah, is that you Kim," Kat asked.
"Yeah," Kim replied as Kat and Ashe rounded the corner and found Kim and Tommy in the pool with their clothes on.
"Couldn't wait to get your swimsuits on, huh," Ashe replied as he and Kat burst out laughing.
"It was his fault," Kim stated as she climbed out of the pool.
"Oh yeah, sure," Tommy replied as he followed Kim, "put the blame on good old Tommy. I mean I fall in love and get dumped, and then I find another girl and get dumped, and then I fall in love again with the first girl who dumped, so I'll probably end up getting dumped again by her tomorrow morning," Tommy said laughing as he saw the expressions on Kim and Kat's faces.
"Oh shut up," Kim and Kat said at the same time. They looked at each for a moment in silence and then Kim decided to break the silence.
"Kat . . .I . . ., agh," Kim squealed and then ran over to her and hugged her, "thank you so much! I hope you're not mad at me!!"
"Oh Kim, you got me all wet," Kat replied.
Kim backed away and answered meekly, "I'm sorry."
Kat looked at Kim for a minute and saw how hard she was trying, so she said, "It's all right," before going over to her to hug her again.
"Friends?"
"Hopefully, we'll be the best," Kat replied as she broke the embrace. Tommy and Ashe rolled their eyes and Kat said, "I saw that you two."
"Hey, how about we all go get our swimsuits and then we go get in my uncle's spa? It's right by his condo just a little ways down the beach and I'm sure he won't mind."
"Sounds good to me," Ashe answered.
"Kat?"
Kat looked around for a moment and then replied, "Yeah, me too."
"Great," Kim said clapping her hands together, "how about we meet back here in fifteen minutes?"
"Sure," they both replied and they all walked back to the hotel.
"Well, it's certainly turning out to be the most interesting," Ashe said as he did the same with Kat.
"Hey Kim, what's this I've never seen it before," Tommy said as he fingered half of what looked like a coin that was hanging from a chain on her neck.
"Oh, it's this good-luck charm my mom gave me before I competed. It's weird though because it's only half," Kim replied.
"It almost looks like a power . . ." Tommy started to say before Kim jabbed him in the stomach with her elbow. "Ha, I mean . . a power . . .ful talisman."
"Nice save," Kim whispered in his ear.
"Ashe . . .you have one too," Kat remarked as she noticed that Ashe was also sporting half of a coin.
"Ashe, let me see that for a minute," Kim asked. Ashe handed it over as she took hers off and put them together. “Look,” there a perfect fi . . ..oh shit," Kim yelled as the coin started to glow. "Oh . . ." Kim said as the coin molded itself into one and then separated into two identical coins with different emblems.
Suddenly Tommy's communicator went off, and Ashe immediately asked, "What the hell just happened and what the hell was that noise?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Tommy answered trying to sound puzzled.
"Yo, yo, yo what's up with that Tommy not answering my page?? Look, Dimetria wants you to teleport to the Power Chamber with Ashe and Kim a.s.a.p."
"Why?"
"That's a surprise Tommy my boy," Alpha-six said before signing off.
"Who was that, what's happening," Ashe asked very exasperated.
"Umm . . .to put it bluntly . . . Ashe, we're the Power Rangers," Tommy said.
"POWER RANGERS,"Ashe yelled.
"Ssh," Kat said as she placed her hand over his mouth, "what are you trying to do, broadcast it to the whole island?"
"I was a Power Ranger, but I gave my powers over to Kat when I left to train for the Pan-Global Games," Kim added.
"Oh my," Ashe said trying to compute what he had just heard.
"We better get out and go," Tommy said as he got out and got a towel for Kim and wrapped it around her. After they were all out and had towels, Tommy said, "Ashe you hold onto Kat, and Kim . . ."
"I know what to do, it hasn't been that long," Kim snapped at him.
"All right, ready Kat,"Tommy asked.
"Ready," she replied.
"Four to teleport," Tommy said as they took off.
"Yep," Adam said quietly, just as confused as everyone else about what was happening.
"Dimetria, what's this all about," Tommy said as he walked over to her column.
"Is it not true that the pieces of the coin Kim and Ashe were wearing molded together and then became two?"
"Yes, but . . ."
"Alpha would you not lead them to the Power Room and proceed with the story," Dimetria asked.
"You got it Ms. D," the little robot replied as he led them to the room where Tommy, Kat, Adam, Tanya, and Rocky had first received their Turbo Powers. [NOTE: See Author's comment at the end.]
"Yoda," Rocky asked in disbelief.
"Yeah Yoda, but not the one from Star Wars you moron. Anyways, together they were able to create two more coins which they molded into one and broke, and the pieces sent down to earth around 1634 to Kim's family. Kimberly, those coins were handed down by your REALLY old ancestors with instructions to give the coin, which was broke in half, to the first set of twins in the family. . ."
"Twins . . ."
"Yep, you two are twins!"
"TWINS," everyone shouted as Kim and Ashe stared at each other in astonishment.
"Well obviously not identical but fraternal. . ."
"Hold up, then how come Ashe and I . . ."
"Geez, if you would have waited I was just getting around to that. Ashe and you were seperated at a very early age, and he was sent to live with relatives. They told him he was adopted, just like they were supposed to as were the instructions Zordon had given. You see, they knew you two would want to put those coins together, and that couldn't be allowed until you were needed."
"Needed?"
"Yeah, that's another thing, you guys remember that Millennium Message?"
"Yeah," they all replied except Kim and Ashe.
"Well it was just like what the prophecy said, and everything would have been fine if that idiot Blue Centurion hadn't come!"
"What do you mean," Tanya asked.
"If you alter the present you will undoubtedly alter the future. You know that Divatox got her hands on that knit-wit before we were able to get him right?"
"Yeah," they all replied.
"Well by doing that she learned about what was supposed to happen before she was supposed to. She's changed what was supposed to happen in the future to the present."
"Oh my God," Tommy said finally comprehending everything he had just heard, "when you said that Divatox was on vacation it was just a cover-up so that we wouldn't get worried. She's actually on a voyage to contact Rita, Zedd, Mondo, his wife, and Prince Sprocket."
"Bingo, not to mention Sardonus."
"Who's Sardonus," Adam asked.
"Let's just say bad news. Dimetria sent for Ashe because the timeline has been screwed with, we don't know when the attacks will start. That's why we need you two. Would you please stand up to the Turbo stand?"
"After you sis," Ashe said smiling.
"Sure thing bro," she said returning the smile.
"Please drop your coins into the top slots."
Kim looked up at Tommy and found him smiling at her nervously. He gave her a thumbs-up sign, so Kim said, "Here goes nothing." Kim and Ashe both dropped their coins in the slots and threw their heads back as two bursts of energy shot up out of the column in purple and turquoise. They could both feel the Turbo morphers materialize on their arms and they both looked down to watch before their eyes they're Turbo suits appear on their bodies. Before you knew it, the transformation was complete.
"Sorry, it took so long. Zordon and Yoda didn't know if you'd be Turbo, Zeo or what," Alpha said.
Kim looked down at her purple suit and then over to Tommy. She popped open the latches on her helmet, took it off, held it by her side, and struck a pose asking, "What do you think?"
Oh, what a sight for sore eyes. Kim, it's so good to have you back on the team," Tommy said as he bent down and kissed Kim.
"So how do you feel," Kat asked as she watched Ashe take off his helmet and look over his turquoise uniform.
"I . . .I don't know if I can put it into words . . .it's like nothing I've ever felt before," Ashe said smiling.
"Listen up now. Kim you have Ultraviolet Ray Turbo Power. Instead of being powered by the Turbo source, you're powered by the sun. You don't have any regular weapons except those guns that you all have, but you do have the power to send bursts of energy towards your opponent and literally fry them."
"Sweet," Kim said beaming.
"Ashe, you have Tsunami Wave Turbo Power and you're powered by the ocean. You have the ability to send bursts of energy to you're opponent and drown them. Now Tommy can morph and take the Shield of Power."
"What?"
"Oh didn't I tell you that the leader of the Power Rangers would have to have the Shield of Power in the battles with the allied forces, especially the last one, in order to conquer them?"
"No," Tommy replied sarcastically.
"Oops," Alpha-six replied shrugging his shoulders.
"Yeah oops," Tommy replied as he took out his morphers, "Red Lightning Turbo Power," Tommy said as he morphed into the Red Ranger.
"Okay, now Kim and Ashe you come and stand in front of Tommy." Kim and Ashe put their helmets back on and stood in front of Tommy.
"Okay, now all you have to do is picture balls of energy in your respective colors and send them to Tommy."
"Won't we be burning or drowning him though," Kim asked.
"Nope."
"Okay," they both replied and sent their bolts of energy over to Tommy who immediately absorbed it. A Golden Shield materialized on his chest similar to the one that he had when he was the White Ranger.
"Now that thing will up your powers 10x and it will also allow you to actually create red lightning. Kim and Ashe, you both have your own Turbo Zords that will connect to form your own Mega Turbo Zord."
"Cool," they both replied.
"All right guys, power down," Tommy ordered as the three lowered their arms and demorphed.
"Okay guys, let's head back to the Power Chamber," Alpha-six said, and they all followed him back to the main room.
As soon as they were back in the main room, Adam immediately asked, "Dimetria, are you sure we're going to be a strong enough force against all of them? I mean Alpha was making it sound like we were going to be fighting a battle that . . .we were going to die in."
"Adam, do you really doubt the team that much? Do you really believe that you won't accomplish defeating the enemies?"
"No . . I guess I . . ."
"Adam, I believe in you and all of the others very much. I know that you can do anything if you set your mind to it, and you should too. You are now the most powerful force the universe has ever known. Don't forget that," Dimetria said.
Tanya stumbled forward not believing what she just heard. "You spoke a sentence!"
"Oh my God," the others all replied just as stunned, except for Ashe and Kim.
"Oh really," Dimetria said shaking her head.
"Hey guys," Tommy said sticking his hand out, "we have to do it, it's like tradition." "It is so good to be back," Kim said laying her hand down on Tommy's. The others all laid their hands on top of each except for Ashe. He looked around hesitantly and then laid his hand down on top of Kat's as he saw the smiling faces staring back at him.
"To the return of an old friend . . .and the addition of a new one," Tommy said smiling.
"POWER RANGERS," they all shouted jumping up.
"Man," Rocky said.
"Yes," Tommy said.
"What's that about," Ashe asked.
"Oh Rocky is still mad that he's not the highest when he jumps, and Tommy's glad he still is," Kim said laughing.
"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm dead beat," Ashe said yawning, "how about we . . .we?"
"Teleport," Tanya said smiling at him.
"Yeah, that's it. Teleport back to the hotel," Ashe asked.
"Wait," Alpha said handing Kim and Ashe their communicators, "Ashe you can contact anyone of us or teleport to the Power Chamber with these things."
"Yes, purple! I'm so glad I'm finally the color I always wanted to be," Kim replied happily as she strapped hers on.
"Well, you sure look good in it," Tommy replied poking her in the side. "Ready guys?"
"Ready," they all replied.
"We're outta here," Tommy said as they all teleported back to the hotel.
"So," Kim replied as she and Tommy finally reached her door. Somehow Kim knew that she wouldn't be able to sleep that night if she let Tommy go back to his room. After all of the events that had occurred that day, Kim knew that she just couldn't let him go. They had just gotten back together after all . . . "Tommy, umm," Kim mumbled as she looked down at her feet and noticed that she had turned one of her knees inwards which was something she always did when she was nervous, "do you want to sleep with me tonight?"
Tommy's eyes almost popped out of his head, but then he smiled and raised his eyebrows and said, "Oh Kimmie, I didn't think you'd want to so soon."
Kim rolled her eyes at him and playfully punched his arm, "You know exactly what I mean, but I guess if that isn't enough for you, you can always just go back to your own room."
"No," Tommy immediately responded, not wanting to miss any opportunity. "That's fine."
"That's what I thought," Kim said smirking as she opened the door and walked inside. Tommy shut the door and immediately pounced on Kim knocking her to the bed.
"Tommy," Kim squealed as he began to kiss her cheeks and neck.
"Hey, I want to make up for lost time," Tommy said as he planted his mouth fully on Kim's and kissed her deeply.
Kim savored his every touch and immediately felt the temperature in the room rising. "Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?"
"It sure is," Tommy responded. They spent the next thirty minutes just kissing, but then Tommy decided to be courageous, so he slid his hand up her his hand up her thigh and underneath her dress. Kim immediately caught his hand and slid it back down her leg though.
"Hey," Tommy said pouting, "why'd you do that?"
"Well," Kim said as she straddled Tommy, "first of all, we just got back together. Second of all, we're going to be together for the rest of our lives, and if we take it to fast then we won't have anything new to experience as we grow older. We might get bored."
Tommy rested his hands on top of her hips and began stroking her stomach through her dress with his thumbs, "I'd never get bored with you."
"Well, being a man you probably wouldn't, but there's only so much to see with you," Kim said biting her lip as she said the last words to stifle the laughter that was bubbling up inside her.
"Oh really," Tommy said pulling her down to kiss her nose.
"Yep," Kim replied as she rolled off of him and sat up beside him, "besides the fact that if I make you wait longer you'll just want it more."
"Oh please," Tommy said sitting up, "I can wait just as long as you can."
"Yeah right, everyone knows that it's harder for men to resist temptation than women."
"Cha, I don't think so. I know I could resist just as long as you can."
"We'll see."
"What do you mean we'll see?"
"Let's see how long either one of us can go without touching each other . . .tonight," Kim said with a mischievous smile on her face.
"Tonight," Tommy squeaked gulping loudly.
"Yep!"
"Fine," Tommy said with a false look of confidence on his face.
"Starting now," Kim said as she laid back.
Tommy laid back also but kept his distance and tried not to stare at Kim. Except he couldn't, so he turned and found Kim with her eyes closed rubbing her neck. She was smiling dreamily and then she sat up and took her hair out of the ponytail she had it in and shook it out. [Oh man, I can't believe she's doing this to me, but I gotta be strong. If the guys found out that I was one who succumbed to temptation first, I'll never live it down. Besides, this isn't just about me and Kim and our wills. This is a battle of the sexes! I've gotta resist for my gender!!! I think I know just what to do to] Tommy got up off the bed and stood up in front of it and checked to make sure Kim was looking. She was with a puzzled look on her face because she didn't exactly know he was going to do. Tommy slowly took of his shirt in front of her then slowly took off his shoes and socks. Then with a cocky smile on, he took off his jeans so that he was standing there in his red boxers.
Kim had bitten her lip as soon as he had taken off his shirt and soon found herself growing quite antsy. [Oh boy, he's knows how much I love it when he has his shirt off and he's using it to his advantage!! What a butt!! Not that I mind that he did but . . .] Kim thought her eyes were going to pop out of her head when Tommy took off his pants so that he was standing in his boxers. So she put on her best angry face and asked, " Just what do you think you're doing?"
With an innocent expression he answered, "Getting ready for bed. You didn't think I slept in my shirt and jeans did you," as he climbed into bed.
"Well two can play this game," Kim said as she scrambled off the bed and into the bathroom.
"What are you doing Kim," Tommy called out anxiously.
"You'll see," she replied.
[Expect the worst man. You better prep yourself] Tommy began breathing in and out slowly and then opened his eyes when he heard the bathroom door open but wishing he hadn't instantly. "Wha . . ." Tommy managed to say as he tried to take Kim in. She had on a long white wrap around skirt and the white bra she had been wearing that day. The only thing unusual about her was that Kim had a white see-through scarf tied around her face so that only her eyes were visible. "Do you remember when you told me you had a thing for belly-dancers," Kim asked as she walked over to the CD player and popped one in.
[Oh no . . .] Tommy immediately thought. [I know who's going to be losing this one.]
"Well I did," Kim said as she punched in the number of the song she desired. The CD blared out the exotic, sensual, Arabic sounding notes of "My Love is for Real" as Kim started slowly rocking her hips back and forth. Suddenly she started singing though, so along with the music Tommy was also lost in Kim's sweet voice.
"Watching you, wondering what I feel inside
Deep in my soul I've got nothing to hide
If you ask me how I feel
My love is for real
If you ask me how I feel
My love is for real
So baby please don't worry
I wanna make it better
I wanna be your only love
This time I'll understand you
I'll never leave you side
This time it's got to be for you."
Kim slowly started walking closer to the bed, swaying her hips back and forth slowly. Then she began sharply thrusting her hips to the left and right as the strong notes from the electric guitar rang out.
"You told me, you loved me."
Kim then began rolling her head around.
"You said that I need you, you want me."
Kim then began swaying her whole body back and forth like a snake. And that's when Tommy leapt up from the bed, took her in his arms, dipped her, and kissed her passionately.
Then Kim sang out, "I told you."
"I don't even care," Tommy said as he carried Kim to the bed, "that was way too hard . . .I couldn't . . .not when you were dancing like that."
"I knew it," Kim said and then looked at the clock, "I better go put on my p.j's," as she hurried to the bathroom. She came out in a pair of tiny boxers and a tank-top.
"Come here you," Tommy said gazing at her lovingly as she turned off the CD player and then hopped into bed.
"Umm . . ." Kim murmured as she snuggled into Tommy's arms, "admit it, you're weak."
"Yeah, I am, but I don't mind when it comes to things like that," Tommy said giving Kim a quick kiss on the lips.
Kim quickly reached up and turned off the light. She then laid down next to Tommy so that her back was to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. "I couldn't think of a better way to fall asleep."
"Me either,"Tommy said kissing Kim gently on the side of her neck. Then for the first time in weeks, Kim and Tommy were able to fall asleep.
"Man, look at Kim and Tommy. They look so good back together again," Zack commented as he watched the two dance to "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Look For." As the lyrics came up, everyone heard Tommy yell, "I have!!"
"I'm gonna throw-up," Rocky said as he heard Tommy say that.
"I think it's cute," Tanya said as Adam wrapped his arms around her.
"Yeah, I haven's seen Tommy that happy since . . .well ever," Jason said which caused everyone to burst out laughing. Then the sky burst into color as the fireworks started.
"Hey sis, get over here," Ashe said still shaking his head in disbelief.
"Yep, you definitely had quite a vacation," Kat said voicing his very thoughts, "becoming a ranger, finding out you have a twin sister . . ."
"And nabbing you," Ashe said before he bent down and kissed Kat slowly on the lips. "How'd I get so lucky?"
"Oh would you all shut up," Rocky said before being attacked by everyone.
"Hey guys, look," Kim said pointing up to the sky as To peace, love, and happiness' was spelled out with colored smoke which was illuminated by a spotlight.
Tommy wrapped both his arms around Kim and nuzzled her neck and then said, "Everything's back to the way it was with us."
"No, everything's back to the way it's supposed to be with us," Kim replied before she kissed Tommy beneath the exploding fireworks, twinkling stars, and the moon which was once again beaming down at the couple . . . almost as if it was smiling at them.
Author's Comment: Justin's father came back and moved him to L.A., and Rocky wanted back on the team because he missed it so much.
THE END
