A Morph In Time, part 4

[Trinifan]

Katie sat with Billy, Trip and the others in the waiting room; they had located Lucas and met up with the others, waiting for word on their friends.

"How are you holding up, Tommy?" Billy asked, watching the Green Ranger pacing around the room.

"I'm okay," Tommy sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"I hope Lucas and Wes will be okay," Trip said, Katie could only nod.

Jen sat in a dark corner with her head in her hands, hiding the extent of her real worry but unable to conceal it all despite her best efforts; Jason watched her, his arms around Kimberly as she drifted off to sleep. The leader of the Time Force Rangers was definitely a mysterious woman, only her closest friends seemed to get even close to understanding her . . . although they weren't much further along than anyone else.

Just then a doctor walked up to the group. "You may now visit your friend Wes, but one at a time please," he said.

Trip looked at Jen. "You go first, Jen," he said.

Katie looked at Eric, Jason, and Tommy. "What about Trini? And Lucas? Can we see them?" she asked, worried about her friend.

"I’m sorry," the doctor said, "but both Lucas and Trini are still in surgery, we will inform you how they are as soon as we know something."

"Thank you, Doctor," Tommy said, finally sitting down.

"Are they at least stable?" Jason asked, "I mean, does it look like they'll survive?" He looked up at the doctor, worry evident in his eyes for his childhood friend.

Jen stood slowly as the others questioned the doctor about Lucas and Trini, her mind was being filled with questions as she watched, but she kept quiet; instead, she walked through them and down the hall to the hospital room where Wes was.

The doctor shook his head. "At this time we don’t know anything," he told Jason.

Jason rolled his eyes and turned away to sit down with everything else, he had always disliked doctors, and had never trusted them either. He glanced at Tommy, then to his other side at Kimberly, both were stonily silent---worried about Trini.

'And Wes,' Jason added silently as he watched his girlfriend.

"What about Wes?" Zack asked, "is he gonna be okay?"

The doctor nodded. "He has suffered some head trauma," he said, "we’re not sure yet if he will have brain damage, but he will live."

Katie cried more as she heard the doctor speak, she could only hope Wes did not have any brain damage; Billy stood there silentlym worried about Trini, they had been friends since he was ten-years-old.

All of the sudden Trip's face turned pale and his gem glowed. "Oh no," he whispered, hiding his face on Katie’s shoulder so the doctor could not see the glowing gem.

Zack leaned over and looked at Trip with concern on his face. "You okay, little man?" he asked, worriedly. Trip appeared to be in a lot of pain, although he was doing his best to hide it.

"What's going on?" Jason demanded, keeping his voice low as Tommy talked to the doctor.

"He has visions" Katie told Jason, hugging Trip. "What are you seeing? What’s happening?" she asked.

Before Trip could answer, the sound of a heart monitor flat lining came from down the hall, then the loud speaker came on: "Code Blue, Room Five-Thirteen. Cold blue," it said.

The doctor talking to Tommy rushed off, Trip got more upset. "It’s Wes," he sobbed.

Jason sighed, watching the doctor hurry away and Jen walk out of Wes' room: Tears were in her brown eyes, her face was pale, and he could tell even from a distance that she was shaking. He wondered if she was reliving her fiance's death in her mind, he could only imagine how terrible it would be to lose someone you loved so dearly . . . right in your very arms.

"Jen, what happened?" Tommy asked.

Jen shook her head slowly, wiping at her eyes. "He flat-lined," she said, "he's gone . . . "

"No," Jason said, "he's not 'gone', the doctors might be able to revive him."

It seemed like forever before the doctor came back. "Well," he said, "the good news is we were able to save him, but the bad news is he’s in a coma. We're not sure when he’ll wake up."

Katie began to cry harder. "Oh, god . . . poor Wes," she said.

A nurse came in and whispered in the doctor's ear, after a second she left the doctor walked over to Tommy.
"Trini is out of surgery," he said, "but as of now when don’t know if she’ll survive the night."

"Oh, God . . . " Tommy whispered, "no."

Eric remained silent, but he was unable to hide his reaction completely; something flickered behind his dark eyes, and his mouth twitched slightly. 'Trini . . . ' he said, silently. He saw the pain in Tommy's face and secretly felt bad for the teenager, but he was also overcome with his own grief.

"But," Jason spoke up, "if she does live through the night, does that mean she'll probably survive?"

The doctor shook his head. "No," he said, "at this point if she does survive the night then she has a chance of survival, but it’s slim. We don’t hold out much hope for her."

Billy had to take off his glasses to wipe his eyes. "Don’t worry, guys," he said, "Trini is strong, she’ll fight this. She has to."

Katie looked at Eric. "Eric, are you okay?" she asked.

Eric jumped a bit, taken out of his thoughts by Katie's voice. "Of course," he said, folding his arms and shrugging. "I should get home, you guys will let me know what happens tonight, right?"

"Of course we will," Katie said. "Why don’t you just stay here? Mr. Collins will understand. Besides you should watch over Trini, and get two more Guardians to watch over Wes and Lucas, just in case Ransik comes back. "

"Katie, that’s a good idea," Billy said.

"Why can't you guys, do that?" Eric said, "we don't need the Guardians here . . . but I'll have some people posted outside the hospital just in case, I guess."

"That should be fine," Jason said, "we can guard their rooms on our own."

"I'll organize them," Eric said, "be back tomorrow morning to relieve the guards, okay?

Katie nodded. "Are you sure you're okay, Eric?" she asked.

Trip leaned over to Jason. "I think he’s in love with Trini," he whispered, not wanting Tommy to hear.

"I hope not," Jason whispered back, "if he does, Tommy's gonna find out . . . and he'll be majorly ticked off when he does."

"Yes," Eric spoke to Katie, "now I'll see you in the morning."

He walked out of the waiting room, disappearing down the hall.


The Next Morning


By morning, Lucas was released from the hospital but given strict orders to stay in bed; however, Trini was still in a coma, while Wes had just woken up but was still in very bad shape.

Katie rose early, finding Tommy and Jen awake as well; Eric had allowed them to temporarily stay at his house, they were all . . . cramped, to say the least.

"Can't sleep either?" she asked, pouring them some coffee.

"Yeah," Tommy said, "I'm really worried about Trini, in a coma. And Wes, too, of course."

"We haven't heard anything new," Jen told Katie, sipping her drink slowly, her hands trembling slightly. "I wonder if Mr. Collins went to see Wes yet . . . "

"Is he really bad enough that you think he might not?" Tommy asked, incredulously.

"Well," Katie said, "Wes has not seen his father much since he moved out. Sometimes I think he’s so wrapped up in his work that he doesn't even know he has a son. Are you going to vist Trini today?" she asked.

"Yeah," Tommy answered, "but visiting hours don't start till noon so I still have . . . " he looked at his watch and groaned " . . . five more hours."

"I'm guessing Mr. Collins will stop by today," Jen said, "I get the impression he does care, but he doesn't show it well." She hopped down from the picnic table. "I'm going for a run, I'll see you later."

"Are you gonna be okay, Jen?" Katie asked.

"I'll be fine," Jen assured her, "just need to get my mind off . . . things." She quickly went into the other room and disappeared outside.

The Yellow Ranger looked over at a forlorn Tommy. "Want me to fix you some breakfast?"

"Thanks," Tommy said, "I'd like that."

"So how long have you known Trini?" Katie asked.

"Not long," Tommy said, "I only moved to Angel Grove a few months ago, that's when I became a Ranger." He paused, remembering the troubling time. "It was a rough period, Rita brainwashed me and I nearly killed them all . . . Trini was really understanding after the spell was broken."

He sighed, gazing out the window as he sipped his hot drink, thinking of Trini . . .


***


Jen jogged down the streets of Silver Hills, thinking of Wes . . . 'I can't lose him. I just lost Alex, I don't think I can go on without Wes.'

She was absorbed in her work-out, and never noticed the broad-shouldered young man who watched her from across the street. His eyes flashed as he recognized her, the slim form beneath the the light clothes; without another thought, he called her name:

"Jen!"

Jen froze. She thought she had heard Alex’s voice call her name. 'No,' she told herself, 'it’s just all this thinking about Wes that has me hearing things.'

But despite her denial, turned around anyway---what she saw shocked her to the core. She cupped her hands over her mouth as tears came to her eyes.

"A-Alex?" she asked, not believing what she saw.

The white-clad man hurried across the street, not even looking for oncoming cars as he hurried to his fiancee; he stopped a few feet from her and saw the tears in her eyes, the trembling of her hands.

"Jen?" his voice was low. "What's wrong?"

Not waiting for an answer, he took her in his arms and held her tightly as she fought to stay calm, obviously struggling.

Jen tried to stay calm. "Alex . . . is it really you? How? I saw Ransik destroy you," she sobbed, hugging him tightly, not wanting to let go.

Alex paled as it slowly sunk in . . . all those months of no contact, the entire time Jen had thought he was still dead. He had assumed Time Force had informed . . .

"Oh, Jennifer," he sighed. "I thought they would have told you all. I was revived, after the fight with Ransik."

Jen shook her head. "No, no one told us anything," she said, calming down a bit. "But I want to know every last detail."

Alex cringed, thinking of the long, grueling recovery. "We'll talk later," he said, "Time Force sent me back to help out when we found out what was going on. Where is your base?"

Jen looked at him, then nodded. "We're staying over there," she said, pointing down the street as she began to walk toward it.

Alex followed her cautiously, sensing he had done something to upset her but not sure what it was; they walked silently till they reached Eric's house, they arrived just as Eric drove up. "Just came from the hospital," he spoke to Jen, "Trini and Wes are still the same . . . "

His voice died down as he looked at Alex in disbelief as the Time Force officer removed his dark sunglasses and stared back at him.

"Thank you, Eric," Jen said, then gestured to the unfamiliar man. "This is Alex." She waited. "You were about to say more?"

Eric shook his head, blinking. "Umm . . . who's Alex?" he asked.

Alex smirked, reaching out his hand to grasp Eric's, the Quantum Ranger did so hesitantly. "I'm here to help," he said, "I was the first to have the Red Chrono Morpher."

"And he happens to look just like Wes?" Eric said to Jen, obviously confused.

Jen looked at Eric with a sigh, then began to explain to him how Alex was a descendent of Wes’. "Why don’t you come up here with us?" she asked. "And what was this you were gonna say about Wes and Trini?"

"Just that they're in the same condition," Eric said, "not any better, but not any worse either." He looked back at Alex. "So if you were the Red Ranger, are you here to take over?"

"Well," Alex said, "I'm going to regain the Red Chrono Morpher."

"What!!??" Jen yelled.

Alex and Eric both jumped slightly at Jen's reaction, the former stared at her in confusion. "Well, it only makes sense," he said, "Wes has been injured and you need help . . . besides, I do have more experience."

Jen nodded slowly, blushing at her outburst as they walked into the small house; she was still taken aback by the fact that Alex was alive all that time.

Tommy stood up quickly when they walked in, his brow knotting with confusion; Katie dropped her mug of coffee in shock. Alex stopped and stared at them, he too had a surprise waiting for him:

"What is he doing here?" he questioned Jen.

"He and his friends got sent in time," Jen said, "but I thought you knew that. I thought that was what you wanted to talk to us about."

"No," Alex said, "I only knew about the Clock Tower being destroyed, and some of the Rangers being badly injured---so that's what happened to the original Rangers???"

Jason opened the door and stepped outside with them as Alex spoke, he listened silently till he finished, then said: "Yeah. Despite rumors that we deserted." There was an obviously bitter undertone to his voice that Alex detected.

"I'm Alex Drake," he said, "I'm here to help you all."

Kimberly looked at Alex, confused. "How can you help us?" she asked.

Katie just stood silently, looking at Alex along with Trip. "What are you going to do, Alex?" the Green Ranger asked

"As I told them," Alex said, gesturing to Jen and Eric. "I'm going to take the Red Chrono Morpher and assume command of the mission: We're going to locate Ransik's hide-out and take the offensive."

"Isn't that a little . . . dangerous?" Jason said, "he's got a prisonship of mutants there!"

"I know," Alex said, "but they're all in cryogenic containment, too. Harmless. We'd have to come in with the element of surprise, but we can do it once we've regrouped."

"I don’t know if now is a good time," Trip said, "I mean with Wes, Trini, and Lucas hurt I’m not sure some of us can focus."

"Trip is right," Katie said, " . . . but we can’t wait for them to attack us again."

"You have to put your emotions aside when you're in battle," Alex said, "as hard as that is. I understand you, Jason, as well as the other originals weren't trained for any of this---" he looked at his own team "---you are soldiers first, remember."

"Alex, that's easier said than done," Jen said.

Alex sighed. "You can't let it get to you like this when friends get hurt," he said, "we can't afford to let Ransik make the next move."

"What so you're saying we're not supposed to care about our friends?" Katie asked.

Kimberly had her head down, she stared at the ground and said quietly: "I’ll try to focus,." while Trip said nothing.

"Of course not," Alex told Katie, "it's perfectly natural to worry about them, but---frankly---we have more important things to worry about right now. Like the fate of the entire world." He glanced at Kimberly: "Good. Like I said, I don't expect you original Rangers to act like professionals---I understand that you're teenagers."

"Don't underestimate us," Jason said, "we'll get the job done."

Alex nodded. "I'm relieved to hear that." He led them inside, speaking as they entered Eric's cramped living room. "I'll explain the plan in more detail later, after you've all had a chance to rest and recover from Ransik's last attack."

"Sounds good," Jen said, "some of us are still pretty beat up."

"I can see that," Alex said, looking at each Ranger.

"Yeah, I’m so sore," Katie said, finding a spot to sit down.

"Eww, Eric," Kimberly said, "don’t you ever clean this place? It’s a dump!"

Eric glared briefly at the Pink Ranger, pouring himself some coffee and sitting on the arm of the couch. "Not really," he said, shrugging. "Never home. Maybe you're just picky."

Alex looked at them curiously, then back to his fiancee, noting her nervous behaviour as she gazed out the window; then he looked down at her hand, she was fiddling with her engagement ring. He shrugged it off, no doubt she was in shock over his surprising return.

Kimberly looked at Alex. "So . . . what's the story with you and Jen?" she asked.

Alex looked at her, the expression in his pale blue eyes revealing his surprise. "Well . . . we're engaged," he said, "what else do you need to know?"

"Well . . . " Kimberly began, "how did you two fall in love? And why didn’t you tell her you were alive? I mean, if you really loved her then you would have found a way to tell her."

Alex stared at Kimberly in disbelief as she continued with her bombardment of questions, when she finally finished, he said simply: "One; it's not that interesting. Two; I don't really see how it's any of your business."

"Oh well, excuse me for living!" Kimberly cried, getting up and walking away.

Katie looked at Tommy sitting on a chair, seeing how depressed he looked, she asked---putting her arm around his shoulders: "Do you wanna yalk about it?"

Tommy shook his head. "Nothing to talk about," he said, "I just can't get my mind off Trini."

"How about we play a game that might help you get your mind off Trini?" Katie suggested.

Tommy looked at her incredulously. A game??? "What kind of game?" he said, almost laughing.

Katie got up in Tommy’s face, staring in his eyes; when he blinked, she slapped him gently. "Ha! You blinked!" she said. "Should we play another game?"

Tommy smiled a little, then looked at Eric: "You got any good board games around here?"

Eric scowled, but got up and left; he returned a minute later carrying a box. "You guys know how to play Monopoly?" he asked, "it'll keep you busy for hours."

"Oh, I’m the shoe!" Katie said.

"I’m the hat," Trip said.

"Eww---like, you guys are really going to play a board game!?" Kimberly squealed, "that is like sooo immature. Grow up!"

Tommy smiled broadly. "I'm the cowboy!" he claimed the tiny piece.

Alex and Jen sat side-by-side on the couch, the former watching them setting up the game with great amusement. "What do you wanna be?" Jen asked him, teasingly.

Alex leaned forward, smirking as he picked up one of the pieces: "A money bag?"

"Wes always chose that one," Jen laughed.

Trip turned to her. "Don’t worry, Jen," he said, "Wes will be okay, we have to keep believing that."

"Eric, Jason; you guys want to play?" Katie asked.

Jason smirked, getting down on the floor with the rest of them and claiming his piece: The ship. Eric, however, scowled yet again: "No---" was all he said.

"Aw, come on," Zack said, "it'll be fun." He grabbed the iron, laughing as he placed it on the starting position.

"You have any thimbles?" Jen asked, "they're running out of pieces."

"Yeah," Eric said, "I have them all over! I collect them." He rolled his eyes.

"Eww, you collect them?" Kimberly said, "what a geek hobby!"

Billy shook his head as he watched them all play. "You should not put a person down, Kim. We each have our identifiable leisure pursuit."

"What'd he say?" Katie asked, looking at Tommy.

Tommy just shrugged, not certain himself . . . Trini's the one who translates for Billy, he thought sadly. But Trini was lying in a hospital bed.

"He said 'we each have our own hobbies'," Trip said, as Katie rolled the dice.

"I think Eric was being sarcastic, Kim," Jason said, then shot the older man a look: "I hope."

"Oh," Kim said.

"Well, this'll be fun," Zack said, "Jen, are you gonna play?"

Jen shook her head, leaning against Alex and sliding her hand over onto his leg where his lay, clutching the soft hand. "No, I don't think so," she said, "I'll just watch this time."

They played for a while; it was Katie’s turn and she once again landed on one of Jason’s properties. "Uh oh . . . " she said, "um, Jason, I can’t pay you---I don’t have the money, and all my properties are mortgaged."

"Just sue her, Jason," Trip joked.

"You're in a bind, Katie," Billy said.

Katie looked at Jason. "Will you take an IOU?" she laughed.

"None of that, Katie," Jen said, "you're done for!"

Jason smiled, then saw Kimberly eying Alex in the same way that she had been looking at Wes when they were staying in the Clock Tower. He seethed inwardly, then thought of something . . .

"Give me a kiss," he said, to everyone's surprise. "And I'll consider us 'even'."

"What???" Kimberly cried, not believing what Jason had just said.

Katie laughed. "You got a deal, pal."

As the others watched in amusement, thinking Jason was fooling around, the Red Mighty Morphin Ranger leaned over the board and placed a sound kiss on Katie's soft lips---it wasn't long, it wasn't anything spectacular, but they were all shocked.

"Jason!" Zack hissed, too low for anyone else to hear.

"Uh-oh . . . " Jen sighed.

Katie’s face became extremely red, but she managed a smile. "Not a bad kiss, Jason," she teased.

"That was shocking," Billy said.

Trip nodded. "Yeah."

Kimberly was fuming. "Jason Lee Scott, I cannot believe you did that!" she yelled.

Jason looked at her sharply. "Why is it so hard to believe?" he demanded, "all this time that we've been here you've been swooning over Wes, and now him---" he gestured toward Alex, who blinked in surprise "---maybe I'm sick of being your second interest!"

"Wow," Zack muttered.

"Hey, I can look, you know," Kimberly yelled back, "you're not my dad, Jason. And I’m not you're property!"

"I’m sorry if I started this," Katie said to Tommy.

"You didn't," Tommy murmured, "it was bound to happen. I can read Jason pretty easily, he was feeling frustrated since day one."

"My 'property'???" Jason rolled his eyes. "Aw, come on, Kim---when have I ever treated you like that!? Is it so much to ask that my girlfriend not be flirting with some other guy?"

Kimberly laughed, but there was no humor in her voice. "Oh, and it’s okay for you to flirt with other girls?" she said, "I saw how you looked at Trini before, and you can’t tell me you didn’t."

"This is going bad," Billy said.

"This is worse then when Wes and Jen go at it," Trip said.

"What!?" Tommy said, sitting up straight and looking from Kimberly to Jason a number of times.

"Are you crazy?" Jason said, "Trini's like a sister to me, she always has been! If I were interested in her I would've asked her out long ago instead of waiting around for you!"

Alex shifted uneasily in his seat, leaning over to Jen: "Does this happen . . . often?"

"No," Jen answered, "this is the first time."

"Yeah whatever, Jason. Look I need some air," Kimberly said, shoving Eric out of the way and storming out the door.

Everyone was silent, not knowing what to say as Jason got to his feet and went into the other room; both he and Kimberly were visibly upset over their argument. Eric raised one eyebrow quickly, finally breaking the silence:

"Well," he said, "that was interesting . . . a lover's first quarrel."

"Eric!" Zack groaned.

"I’m repentant, Eric," Billy said, "however, I fail to perceive the absurdity in that."

Katie was still feeling a little bad about what happened, she remained silent as the others discussed the brief argument.

"I have no idea what you just said," Eric said, "but I'm not sure I want to."

"He didn't think what you said was funny," Alex translated.

Eric shrugged, heading off to the kitchen to grab a beer while the others started playing again; but before he could do anything, his headset beeped.

"What is it?" he asked.

The others waited anxiously, trying to read his expression, but with little luck; when he was finished, Alex asked: "What was that?"

"A message," Eric said, "from the hospital. Wes had to be taken into emergency surgery, internal bleeding they had to stop."

"Oh no," Katie said, her hand to her mouth.

Tears came to Trip's eyes as he looked at Jen, watching her reaction; it was one of absolute terror, she stiffened against Alex and involuntarily pulled away.

"That is horrible," Billy said, "any news on Trini?"

Eric hesitated, glancing at Tommy. "They said she's having trouble breathing," he said, "they had to put in a chest tube to help her."

"Awww man," Zack said, "I-I'll go tell Jase."

Tommy leaned back against one of the chairs, his mind no longer distracted by the light-hearted game; Jen leaned forward, resting her head on the palms of her hands. Alex rubbed her back gently, asking quietly: "Hey, are you all right?"

Billy went over to Tommy and hugged him. "Don’t worry, Tommy," he said, "Trini will recuperate, she is a tough fighter."

"I hope you're right, Billy," Tommy said, quietly. "But no one is immortal . . . you know that, too. I just can't keep thinking she's gonna be okay when she might not be!"

Billy nodded at Tommy. "I know," he said, "we just have to keep positive, you know, even if it is hard."

"Not really," Jen said, "I'm gonna go finish up that run."

Katie went to Jen. "Look, Jen," she said, "I know how you are feeling, but you should not go off on your own right now."

"I'll be fine, Katie," Jen insisted, "I just need some air, I have to get out of here."

Alex stood up and walked over to her and Katie, grabbing her arm and holding it firmly. "It's going to be late soon, Jennifer," he said, "you shouldn't go now."

Katie looked at Alex, then back to Jen. "Jen, Alex is right," she said, "it’s late. Please, be careful."

"I will!" Jen insisted, "I can take care of myself, all right?" She shrugged into a jacket and headed for the door as Alex opened his mouth to protest once again, but slammed it before he could get a word out.

"I guess that's that," Eric said, dryly.

"She's never been that stubborn before," Alex said, bewildered.

"Get used to it," Eric told him.

As he spoke, there was a scream from the other room---Kimberly. They rushed to the back, where Kimberly had gone off; to their surprise, she was standing in one spot, flapping her arms around wildly and squealing.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" she screamed, "help, get them away! Get them away!!!"

"What the . . . ?" Eric watched Kimberly run around the room frantically, muttering some curses till she finally found a spot behind Tommy.

Then, even the Quantum Ranger, burst out laughing as they spotted the two small birds flying around---every bit as scared as Kimberly.

"Aww, come on, Kim," Tommy groaned.

Eric shook his head as the birds came to rest on each of his shoulders. "They're harmless," he said, "but how'd they get out?"

"I don’t know," Katie said, "but we all needed that laugh."

"You own birds???" Zack said, trying to control his laughter. "Looks like they love you, too!"

Eric shot him a glare, leaning down and picking up the cage---the birds on his shoulders never moving; very quietly, he spoke: "All right, get back in there."

"And he talks to them," Tommy mumbled.

"Did you knock the cage over?" Eric asked Kimberly.

Kimberly looked down at her feet. "Yeah, I’m sorry," she said.

Eric shrugged. "No problem," he said, "they've gotten loose before, they always come back." He set the cage up on its stand.

"And what’s wrong with talking with birds?" Katie asked Tommy.

"Yes," Billy said, "Trini talks to her dog, Killer, all the time."

"Yeah," Tommy said, "but Trini's a teenage girl."

"You didn't see me as the bird-owning type?" Eric smirked.

"More like the bird-killing type," Katie said.

"Yeah, true," Billy said, "maybe he's just lonely."

"Oh, not that!" Eric groaned, "I'm grabbing a beer, any of you kids old enough to drive? If you can show me a valid license I'll let you take my car down to the hospital."

"We all can," Billy said, flashing his ID.

"Okay, you drive," Eric said, "you seem like the only with any brains. It's an SUV so it's big, you'll all fit in okay. Just don't get pulled over."

Billy nodded. "Thanks," he said, rounding up the others. "You're not coming with us?"

"No," Eric said, "I've gotta get back to work---" he tossed Billy another set of keys "---for the house. I'm gonna lock up when I leave."

"We will let you know how Trini and Wes are doing," Billy said.

"All right," Eric said, "I'll be gone till midnight or so, don't freak out when you hear the door open." He headed for the shower as everyone went outside and piled into the SUV.

"Be careful, Billy," Zack joked.

"Don't wreck Eric's car," Jason warned.

Billy laughed at his friends as he got in the car and began to drive, then took a sharp turn, jolting his passengers.

"BILLY!" they yelled.

"If Eric saw that . . . " Zack said, "man, I don't even wanna think about what he'd do to us!"

"You're scared of Eric???" Jason laughed.

"Yeah!" Zack cried, "that guy could kick my butt!!!" He looked at the driver. "And he's gonna kick yours if you kill his car! Jeep! Whatever this thing is!"

"It’s an SUV," Billy said, "and I know what I am doing."

Katie looked at Tommy. "Let me get this right," she said, "Trini has a dog named Killer?"

"Yep," Tommy said, "a little pitbull, cute thing. Don't ask me where the name came from . . . maybe her brother called it that."

"Sure doesn't sound like Trini to me," Jason said, "I think it must've been her brother."

"I remember when she got that dog," Zack growled, "it bit me."

"Yeah, 'cause you were teasing it," Kimberly said. "It was her brother though, she wanted to name him---" she cut off, glaring at Jason "---Jason."

"Jason?" Billy said, "who would name their dog Jason?"

"What's wrong with that name?" Jason spoke up, ignoring Kimberly. "We were friends!" He shrugged, smiling with the others as they remembered.

"I was her friend, too," Zack said, feigning hurt. "But her dog bit me!!!"

"Maybe Trini’s dog likes dark meat," Kimberly said.

Zack laughed, but Katie's eyes went wide with surprise. "WHAT!?" she cried.

"Wow," Tommy said, "easy, Katie. Kim didn't mean anything by that."

"Naw, we joke around all the time," Jason added.

"Oh," Katie said.

Kimberly nodded. "Like the time," she began, "Zack tried to make Angela jealous and told Trini in a flirting way he was in the mood for Chinese and she slapped him. We were all shocked that she slapped him like that---Jason even choked on his burger. Tommy wasn't there yet."

"That was funny," Jason said.

"And painful," Zack whined.

Katie laughed at Zack. "I bet you didn’t flirt with Trini anymore," she joked.

"So I take it you guys have been friends a long time?" Trip assumed.

"Yeah," Jason said, glancing at Kimberly again. "A really long time."

"No joke," Zack told Katie.

Jason laughed. "Yeah right," he said, "Zack flirts with every girl he sees . . . especially one." He thought for a minute. "Wonder what ever happened to Angela anyway."

"I don’t know," Billy said as he turned into the hospital parking lot. "We are here."

Kimberly looked at Alex sadly, lowering her voice: "Jen told us that right after you proposed to her you were killed---or so they thought. Wouldn’t it be horrible if Trini died before Tommy and her could get married?"

"Kimberly!" Trip said, overhearing them.

Tommy looked over at Kimberly, then his eyes fell as he slowly got out of the car, having heard what she said as well; Jason shot a glare to his girlfriend---or, as it looks now, ex-girlfriend, he reminded himself---before following Tommy.

"Kim," Zack said, "that wasn't the best thing to say right now."

Alex nodded slowly, having come with them---preferring not to stay at home with Eric and wait for Jen. He walked in with them, Kimberly falling silent in shame and the others not speaking of the comment she had made.

As they entered the ICU waiting room, Kimberly spoke again: "I wish we could all see her at once."

"Yes," Billy said, sadly, "but you know we can’t, it’s the sanatorium’s procedure presently: One at a time when an individual is in ICU."

Katie looked at Tommy. "Let us know how she is," she said, "and give her our love."

"I will," Tommy said, following a nurse to Trini's room.

He entered and cringed immediately, Trini was pale beneath the blankets and tubes connected to her body; and oxygen mask covered her nose and mouth, and he could barely hear her raspy breaths.

"You can stay for fifteen minutes," the nurse said, "but no longer."

"Thanks . . . " Tommy pulled up a chair and took one of her bruised hands in his, holding it up to his cheek and kissing it. "I'm here, Trini. Don't be scared." He tried to smile. "Oh, and Katie sends her love---so does everyone else, actually."


. . . Trini lay there motionless, making no sound; but she could hear a faint, familiar voice close to her, and she felt something warm on her hand as if someone was holding it. It was like sleeping, and no matter how much she wanted to, she could not wake up; but she tried harder anyway, she finally opened them, but the light was so intense that she had to close them again . . .


"Trini?" Tommy said, hopefully. He had seen the small flutter of her eyes and gripped her hand harder, although still gently. "Come on, baby, wake up. I need to see your beautiful eyes again.

He gazed down at her face, glancing quickly at the heart monitor . . . which still beeped steadily; he felt tears burning his eyes as he reached into his pocket. "I-I bought you something," he said, "it's not much, I got it before the accident." He pulled out a small ring and slid it onto her finger. "Sort of like . . . a promise ring."


. . . the voice was getting louder and she could make it out it was Tommy . . . what was he saying? She felt a cool metal slide on her finger and tried even more to wake up, she forced herself to open her eyes once more, this time keeping them open even if the light hurt them . . .


"Trini!" Tommy gasped, his eyes growing wide as he saw her own open slowly. "Y-You're awake! How do you feel? Are you in pain?"

He could hardly contain his excitement, he didn't even think to call for a nurse or a doctor to alert them that she was awake.


. . . Tommy's voice felt like a sledgehammer into her skull, even though he was not yelling; she wanted so much to talk to him, to respond to his questions, but the pain was too much and forced her to once again close her eyes . . .


"No, Trini," Tommy pleaded, "don't close your eyes . . . please, stay awake." He leaned in closer, whispering in her ear in hopes that she might hear his voice. He was certain if she knew he was calling to her she would open her eyes again, if only he could get through to her.


. . . Trini heard Tommy plead and again fought all odds to open her eyes, she opened them to see Tommy and tried to smile at him . . .


"There you are," Tommy said, "my beautiful girl . . . " He brushed back her hair gently, then leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead. "How're you feeling?"


. . . Trini tried to respond, but when she tried to talk pain filled her lungs and her breathing became harder for her; she felt like there was a weight on her stomach, crushing it. She squeezed Tommy’s hand, letting him know how frightened she was . . .


"Shh . . . " Tommy tried to comfort her, sensing her fear. He reached over and pushed the button, alerting the doctor that Trini was awake and in pain. "It's okay, Trini," he whispered, "you're gonna be okay . . . I'm not leaving."

The doctor rushed in to Trini’s side, he turned turn to Tommy: "I’m sorry, young man, but you're going to have to wait out side."

"What's going?" Tommy demanded, rising slowly.

"Her ribs are bearing down on her lungs," the doctor answered, "we have to do surgery on her now."

Tommy couldn't speak, he moved away slowly and stood out in the hallway as they prepared Trini for surgery; Jason was walking up the hall toward him, a grim look on his face.

"What's going on, Bro?" he asked.

"Something's wrong," Tommy whispered, "they have to take her into surgery."

Jason sighed, putting his hand on Tommy's shoulder as they watched Trini being pushed out of the room and down to the OR.

Kimberly came over and stood next to them. "Is she going to be okay?" she asked, tears running down her face.

"Of course," Billy said, though he had his doubts. "She’ll be okay, Trini is strong and will recuperate from this."

Tommy nodded, trying to look optimistic as the doctors disappeared through the swinging doors; finally, they turned and went back to the waiting room. Zack stood up, looking worried: "Is she okay?"

"No," Tommy said, "they have to operate."

"It'll probably be a few hours," Jason said, sinking into one of the chairs.

Katie and Trip sat down. "I wonder how Wes is?" Katie said.

"You know," Trip spoke up, "I never thought I’d say this, but it looks like Ransk is winning."

"Don’t say that," Kimberly said; she turned to Jason. "The Rangers never lose, right?"

Jason looked up from staring blankly at the magazines on the table to meeting Kimberly's eyes, he then turned to Trip. "Yeah . . . " but his voice didn't sound hopeful. 'Rita defeated us,' he reminded himself, 'we're still stuck here in the year two thousand one.'

"We can't afford to think like that," Alex said, "we're here to bring back Ransik, and we can do it---" he paused "---I wouldn't have sent you back here if I didn't think you were capable of completing the mission."

"Yeah," Katie said, "you're right, Alex, we can do this. We can win."

Kimberly looked at Alex. "Hey, you're from the future," she pointed out, "wouldn't you know if Wes and Trini survive? But I thought you guys said Trini was gonna be shot by Jason?"

Alex frowned. "History has been altered by Ransik's interference," he said, "just like Rita tampered with the timeline by sending you to this time. Originally, Trini was supposed to be killed by Jason, but that may have changed since originally she was never supposed to have met us."

"Confusing stuff," Zack snorted.

"Yeah," Tommy said, "how do you keep track of it all?"

"That's what the Time Force does," Alex said, "we monitor the timeline, make sure it isn't altered so much that it effects our time in a bad way."

"Wow," Billy said, "that is astonishing! So when was time travel invented?"

"You know," Katie said, "instead of talking we should think about what we are going to do about Ransik right now---and what we have to do if worse comes to worse and they don’t make it."

"I'm afraid that's sensitive information, Billy," Alex said, "I'm not at leave to disclose it." He looked at Katie. "I already know what we need to do about Ransik, and so do you. It's plain and simple. We can't let him continue to be on the offensive."

"Well, how do we stop him?" Jason questioned.

"We attack," Alex replied.

"We're not strong enough yet," Zack said, "with our friends here in the hospital---besides, we're three Rangers down."

"No, we're not," Alex said, "the Time Force Rangers were originally fighting with only six, then you came and there were twelve, now there are still ten."

"Yeah, but half of us aren't that strong anymore," Kimberly said.

"Kim is right," Katie said, "I don’t think Jen and Tommy are in the right mind to fight. I mean, your return really shocked her, and now Wes could die."

Alex leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees and looking at each Ranger in turn. "At the risk of sounding like a cold-hearted SOB," he said, "they need to put that behind them in battle. We can't allow our personal problems to get in the way."

"That's impossible!" Tommy protested, "I can't just forget that my girlfriend is in the hospital fighting for her life!"

"Then you're putting your life," Alex said, "and everyone else's at risk."

"Alex, how can you be so cruel?" Katie asked.

"I can’t, Alex," Trip said, tears in his eyes, "Wes is my friend, I can’t fight knowing he might die."

Alex shook his head. "You don't have a choice," he said, "we can't stop, we can't give Ransik another opportunity to strike us while we're down." He looked up. "Look, I know how it is to try and concentrate on a mission when you're distracted by personal issues . . . but you have to find a way to get through it."

Kimberly nodded. "Okay," she said, wiping her eyes, "we’ll try to stay focused."

The others seemed to agree, although Trip only nodded sadly; Alex stood up: "I'm going to head back, I think I can find my way from here." He attempted a sympathetic smile, then left the waiting room; Tommy's eyes glaring into his back.

"I know he's your friend, but . . . " his voice trailed off.

"But what, he’s a jerk?" Katie finished.

"Yeah," Tommy growled.

"Why does something tell me," Zack said, "he has no idea what we're going through? Man! Hasn't he ever been faced with losing someone he loves?"

"Or does he even love?" Tommy said, doubtfully.

"I wonder what Jen ever saw in him," Katie said.

"He didn’t even seem happy to see her," Trip pointed out, "and she thought he was dead all this time."

"She doesn't seem too interested in him now," Zack laughed, thinking of Wes lying in a hospital bed. "Seems like she's pretty smitten with Wes now."

"Has he been chasing her long?" Tommy asked.

“Since we came here" Katie said "He has it bad for her" "I Kinda like Wes better then Alex" Trip said

"'Kinda'???" Zack said, shaking his head. "I definitely like Wes more than Alex! Was he any different when he and Jen got engaged?" "I can't see her standing for him," Tommy said, "she's tough."

"No," Katie shaking her head "Actually he was really sweet believe it or not he help get her though the Police academy" She stood next to Tommy "Some people Change you know Billy said In twenty years from now Trini could be a street hooker" he said laughing a bit at that

The others fell silent as Tommy stiffened and shot a glare at his young friend. "What the hell kind of thing is that to say???" he demanded, his eyes flashing.

Sorry Tommy" Billy said looking down at his feet

"It's all right," Tommy said, "I know you didn't mean anything by it."

Billy looked at Tommy and put his hand on him "I know you must be really apprehensive your esteem for IS so Physically powerful" Billy said

"I love her a lot," Tommy said, "more than anything . . . " he looked up, a doctor was hurrying down the hallway, toward them. "What is it, Doctor???" "Calm down, it's all right," the doctor said, "Trini is still in surgery, and it's going well. But I thought you'd want to know---your friend Wes is awake. And alert."

Katie Smiled Thanks doctor, Can we see him now?" she asked hugging Tommy ""I,m so delighted She ok Billy said

"Only a few of you," the doctor warned, "I don't want him being over-exerted. So pick a couple of you to go in and visit, but only for a few minutes." "We should call Jen," Tommy said.

I concur she should be the first to Visit him since he Is partial to her" Billy said

"Get a hold of Alex," Tommy told Katie, "you can contact him over his morpher, maybe he can find Jen. She should be back from her run by now, right?"

Katie Nodded "Right" she said then tapped her morphed "Aleex It’s me Katie Wes is awake can youFind Jen and Tell her that she can Visit him now?" she askd

Alex's voice came after a second, he sounded reluctant: "I'll see if I can find her . . . out." Jason's eyebrow climbed slowly, he looked doubtful; Zack rolled his eyes. "Something tells me," he said, "Alex is not going to tell Jen about this!" "Can't say I blame him," Jason said, "his fiance's in love with another guy, after all."

"But He should Tell Jen she will hate him if he don't" Lucas said speaking for the first time since he was released from the hospital. "Yeah I mean he can’t be that heartless can he?" Trip asked "Alex Heartless I can see it" Katie said

Tommy shrugged. "I've never met someone like him," he said, "he's so . . . cold. I can't imagine treating Trini the way he's been treating Jen." Jason didn't seem too interested in Alex and Jen's personal problems, he looked over at Kimberly: "Gonna go and see Wes?"

"Yeah but I’m gonna let his friends go frist" Kimberly said nodding "Are you going to?" Katie looked at Tommy "Trini is Very Lucky to have you you’re a good man Tommy just wish Eric and Alex could be like you" She said Billy looked at them all "Maybe their cold Focal point is just a facade for their precedent anguish" he said

"What!?" Zack sputtered, "Billy, my man, you've gotta quit that fancy talk! Our translator isn't here right now." He shook his head as Jason shot a glare toward his girlfriend. "No," he said, "I don't think I will."


"Whatever" Kimberly said sating down next to Zack "My apologies Zack" Billy said "How many times do they have to do surgery on Trini?" Katie asked

"This was an emergency surgery," Tommy said, "I don't really know otherwise . . . aww, man, I hope she'll be okay." Jason looked to his friend, forgetting about his little argument temporarily as she reached over and squeezed Tommy's shoulder. "She will be, Bro," he said, "you know Trini." As he spoke, another doctor came up, removing his gloves . . .

Billy stood up biting his lip as the doctor came up and removed his gloves " Is Trini ok?" he asked not knowing if he even wanted to know the news. Kimberly Hugged Tommy looking at the doctor.

The doctor opened his mouth to speak, but as he did so, Jason's morpher went off; he slapped his hand over it, turning away and walking a few feet away. He whispered into it: "What's going on?" Alex's voice answered: "I'm at Eric's house, Ransik sent another mutant after us. We need you all back here . . . " there was an explosion " . . . now." "Guys!" Jason said, "we've gotta go."

"The doctor looked at them "Were you going?" he asked As Lucas Trip and Kimberly got up to leave Katie stood next to Tommy "You guys go Tommy and I will stay and catch up after we talk with the doctor Alex will just have to understand that" Katie said knowing Tommy would be no help to them if he didn’t hear what the doctor had to say.

"Okay . . . " Jason said, not certain how Alex would react. He took off with the others behind him, hopping into the driver's seat of the SUV; his heart was pounding, knowing only three Rangers were at Eric's house, they couldn't hold off a mutant for long. He ignored the speed limits but kept an eye out for other vehicles, speeding down the highway anxiously; finally, the house came into view. Alex was morphed and fighting the mutant one-on-one while Eric and Jen---also morphed---tried to get rid of the many Cyclobots surrounding them. "Get out!" Jason yelled as they pulled up. He morphed as he leapt out of the vehicle, calling on his Power Sword just as the mutant struck out; sparks flew from Alex's chest and he fell to the pavement.

crazynsyncfan2001 (3:57:25 PM): Kimberly Lucas Billy and Trip Jump out and Mophed and Joined the fight "You picked the wrong time to attack" Billy yelled at a cycorbot Slashing at him If my friend is dead you will all pay!" Kimberly yelled slashing at them as well "Katie Held Tommy’s Hand what is it doctor is Trini ok?" She asked


Eric shot them a look of worry beneath his dark visor, he snapped out a powerful kick, then pulled his Quantum Defender and shot over Alex into the mutant. The mutant staggered back, giving Jason time to slash it across the chest with his sword. "Where are Katie and Tommy?" Alex managed, getting to his feet slowly. "They stayed behind," Zack explained, "to see about Trini." "Damn it!" Alex swore.

"What is wrong with you The woman he loves could be dead right now are you that heartless?" Kimberly Yelled at Alex Slashing the Mutant with her blaster in baton mode. "Yeah if she dies you two will be sorry" Billy said to Alex and Eric

"Me!?" Eric laughed, "what the hell did I do?" He lunged forward, punching the mutant in its mid-section as Alex turned to Kimberly. "And we could get killed because they didn't bother showing up!" he shouted, "the doctor will have the same news after this!"

You fought with her a lot and even she tried to be nice to you was still rude to her not as mean as you are to the rest of us but not really that nice either" Kimberly said to Eric to Alex she said "I knew it you don’t have a hart" she said shooting the mutant


"I have a mission!" Alex replied, "and whether you're friend lives or dies is really not my problem! I'm a hell of a lot more interested in making sure millions of other people don't die, and you should be, too!" Eric gritted his teeth, trying to control his temper even as he reached out and grabbed the Pink Ranger's arm, tightly. "Remember whose house you're living in?" he demanded

Jen could not bereave Alex and how cold he was being she shook her head "Alex I agree with you but have some compassion for them besides they are just teens. Jen said her mind was really on Wes

"Hey you Jerk let go of me" Kimberly yelled sounding as if she was going to cry

"Touch her again and I'll kick your ass, Eric!" Jason shouted, from his position on the other side of the mutant. "How about we concentrate on kicking his first?" Alex broke in, motioning to the mutant. He called for his Chrono Saber and jumped in, hitting it across the chest; the mutant struck back, closing its enormous hand around his throat as he struggled to free himself.

"ALEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Jen screamed running to Him slasing at the monster

Right Billy Trip and Lucas Said Kicking the Mutant making it Droup Alex.

Alex stumbled back a few steps, rubbing his throat and gasping for air; Eric ran forward, pressing his hand to Alex's back and using it as a brace so he could propel himself into the air and leap at the mutant. He shot down, the mutant fell, and the other Rangers attacked. As the explosion shook the suburb, Katie and Tommy arrived, teleporting onto the street; Alex shook his head, not speaking as they walked up.

"Glade you can Join Us" Jen said scowling behind her mask "Looks like you guys did just fine without us" Katie said walking up with Tommy Kimberly rushed to them "Is she ok what happened?" She asked Tommy "We should get inside" Billy said

"As if you could've known that for certain," Alex snapped, demorphing, his icy blue eyes fixed on Katie. "You're a Time Force officer, Katie. I won't tolerate this lack of regard for your comrade's lives!" Eric demorphed as well, glaring but walking up to listen to what Tommy had to say; the young man smiled a little, his eyes brimming with tears. "She's alive," he said, "the doctors said she pulled through, and she's looking really good."

Katie put her head down unable to look at Alex as tears shone in her eyes "I’m sorry Alex I should have known better I’m sorry" Katie said softly. That‘s Grate News Tommy, Are we allowed to see her?" Kimberly asked Then Turned to Alex "Gosh Alex do you have to be such an ass all the time?" "Yeah Alex why don’t you Lay off Katie she did nothing wrong" Lucas said

"Lucas, you should be inside resting," Jen told him, putting her hand on his arm. "And not questioning me," Alex added, "our lives were put at risk because Katie thought it was more important to stay at the hospital and hear news that would be waiting there when we were finished." He looked at the young woman. "All right, let's get inside." "And hope Ransik doesn't blow my house up," Eric muttered.


Lucas nodded going in side All but Katie followed she stood there looking at Alex "Fine if I’m such a horrible Time force officer then there is my badge" Katie said handing him her Time force badge Tears falling down her face "Yeah we don’t need anymore people in the ER" Billy said to Eric

Alex took the badge and stared at it for a moment, his thoughts unknown to anyone but himself. "No," he said, "I gave you this badge, and I'm not giving it back. But you need to put personal problems aside from now on." He placed the badge back on her uniform. ******** Eric took an unsteady breath as he walked into the hospital room and saw Trini lying in bed, her eyes closed, but her breathing deeper than before. He pulled up a chair and sat down slowly, unsure what to do or say.

"Trini . . . " he whispered, "I love you . . . " He clasped his hands together and lowered his head, closing his eyes to block out the image of her helpless form lying in front of him.

Trini could hear a faint voice saying the words I love you and knew it had to be Tommy she struggled to open her eyes and was shocked to see Eric there "Eric?" She asked weakly looking around with her eyes "Were is Tommy?"

Eric sat up quickly. "Umm . . . he's back at the house," he explained, "he was here for a while, but Jason said he should get some rest. He looked pretty tired." He swallowed. "How're you feeling?"

"I’m still in a lot of pain" Trini said Looking at Eric "no offence Eric but you’re the last person I‘d thought I see here I mean I didn’t think you-" Trini cut off remembering the faint I love you that had woken her "did you tell me that you love me?" Trini asked

Eric's face drained of all color as his eyes fell and he began to awkwardly fiddle with his hands, he couldn't tell her how he felt now, could he? Not with her penetrating, dark eyes staring straight into him and searching for answers . . . answers that he couldn't give. "No," he said, "uh . . . you must've been dreaming."

Trini looked skeptic "Are you sure what took you so long to answer?" Trini asked

"Uh, yeah," Eric said, "I think I would know if I said something like that!" He tried to get the gruffness back in his voice, and found himself failing miserably.

"You did say it" Trini smiled a bit "You can’t even get mean to me" then her smile faded I’m sorry Eric I like you a lot you’re a grate man but I love Tommy and it would never work out I mean your half my age Eric." Trini said tears in her eyes.

"Actually, I'm twice your age," Eric said, trying to smile, "right now anyway. I never said it could work . . . of course it couldn't." He stood up. "Nothing ever could . . . I've gotta go now, get better soon." He turned and began to walk toward the doorway

"ERIC WAIT!!!" Trini called out raising up and reaching out to him but fell back in pain "Eric Please I’m sorry don’t go" Trini said in pain

"Lie back down, damn it!" Eric snapped, hurrying back in and helping her to a more comfortable position. "Now . . . you don't have anything to be sorry for. This is just the way things turned, I get that. You're in High School! I haven't been there in . . . well, a long time."

Trini winched at his harsh Tone as he help her "Can I ask you what you saw in me I mean I just came a few days ago and the first day we was ready to kill each other" Trini said

"I don't know," Eric said, "I guess because . . . no matter how big of an a---er, no matter how big of a jerk I was, you didn't seem to care. You actually bothered to try to look past that."

"I didn’t look past it I saw the pain behind it" Trini said reaching for his hand "You remind me so much of my brother you keep pushing people away just to keep the pain away Please promise me you will open up more I don’t want to see you end up like my brother I care for you Eric"


"I'm not going to open up to anyone," Eric said, "I don't need to. I get along just fine without anyone, believe me, I've had plenty of experience." He stood up again. "Now I really need to go."

"No Eric please don’t do this to yourself or me" Trini begged him tears streaming down her pain stricken face "I don’t want you to die alone like Tyun did" Trini sobbed

"It doesn't matter if you die alone!" Eric insisted, "all those men died side-by-side and known of them cared&

[powerrangersforever]

This is a good story, please continue I would like to know what happens. I want tp see where their friends are parents are in the 8 years that past. I like how you portrayed them, it's really good. please continue this story, I can't wait to read what's next.