Til Death
by Cheryl Roberts

"Thanks, Alpha."

Tommy retrieved his father's second cell phone from the charger and dialed the number his folks had left for their hotel in Vienna. He hadn't wanted to chance using the regular phone lines as they were probably being tapped, and he wasn't sure if the service his dad used was capable of getting a call through halfway around the world, so he had gone to Dimetria for help. Thankfully, she was willing to bend the rules a bit for the duration of the "Mercyte crisis." He just hoped Alpha was able to transfer the call through the Rangers' communications system.

_What time is it in Vienna anyway?_ Tommy wondered as the call went through. Not that it mattered. Still, he hated waking his folks up—or worse, interrupting something. Two rings... Three....

"Guten Tag. Bon Jour. Hello!"

Tommy smiled; his father sounded like he was three sheets to the wind, not that that was remarkable; it didn't take much. His dad did not have a good head for alcohol—then again, neither did he. In the background he could hear his mother's sharp, "Thomas William...."

"Hi, Dad. It's Tommy."

"Tommy? What are you doing up at this hour?"

"It's the middle of the afternoon here, Dad."

"Oh, yeah, that's right."

"How's Vienna?"

"Wonderful city! Great food... even better wine... music... and the women...!"

"Thomas..."

"Don't you worry, Jan; you're still the loveliest lady in the whole country!"

Fortunately, Tommy was used to his parent's little side conversations.

"Ask the boy what he wants."

"Yes, I did. Have you guys been to Paris?"

"He wants to know if we've been to Paris."

"Did you guys like it enough to want to go back?" Tommy interrupted, getting to the point of his call.

"Do we want to go back...."

"Thomas, give me the phone... Tommy, what is going on?" Janice Oliver queried as

she took over the line, for which Tommy was grateful.

"Mom, I need you guys to swing back through Paris. It's important... it's about Kimberly..." and he gave his mother a brief outline of what had happened.

"... so you need us to go visit Caroline and let her know that Kim is all right—for the moment," his mother summarized at the conclusion of his tale.

"Kim hasn't talked to her mother since she fled Florida; I'm sure Mrs. Dumas is worried sick about her."

"What if we called her from here?"

"I wouldn't chance it. Kim's sure her mother's line is being monitored—our line is probably being monitored. It's a safe bet that they know you're in Vienna."

"Then how did you get a hold of us?"

"Some friends are helping bounce the call around." Tommy could almost see his mother's eyebrows climbing questioningly.

"The same friends you're always running off with at all hours of the day and night?"

Tommy smiled; if his uncle had been able to figure it out, then there was no doubt that his mother had to have, too—a long time ago. "Yes." There was an extended silence.

"Can your friends' help you two out? Will you be all right?"

"They're doing all they can to find out who sent these things; that's the only way to stop them. Kim and I can handle the tin cans now that we know these things are robots; we won't have to hold back. We're okay for the time being. Kim estimates that they won't be able to attack again until sometime tomorrow."

"You said Kim's hotel was torched; does she need anything?"

"Uncle John already took care of it."

"I knew there was a reason I liked that man. If she needs anything further, you know where the credit cards and things are, don't you?"

"Yes, Mom, you drilled that into my 'Swiss cheese' before you left."

"All right, young man, that's enough."

Tommy smiled at the affectionate jibe. "I need to get going, Mom, before someone figures out what I'm doing and traces this call. I didn't want to involve you guys, but it was the only way...."

"We're your parents, Tommy. We're involved whether you like it or not. You two take care."

"We will."

"I'll see about changing our flight first thing in the morning."

"Thanks, Mom."

"Is there anything else you need us to do?"

"Actually, there is one more thing."

"Yes?"

"Can you recommend a nice restaurant?"

~*~

Tommy's gentle prompting was followed by an equally gentle kiss. Kim, however, had been awake before he had even spoken; Tommy had made enough noise walking into the room to wake the dead, which was unusual because he used to be able to creep up on her without her being able to hear a sound.

_He probably did it to keep from being smacked again!_ She flinched at the thought. Still, she didn't feel much like waking up; she hadn't slept so well in ages! The bed was deliciously warm and comfy, and she felt so relaxed. She made sleepy, pouting noises, rolled over, and burrowed her face deeper into the stuffed animal tucked into her arms. She inhaled deeply... at first, she had thought it was Tommy's shirt because it smelled so much like him, then she realized what it was: Dragon, the stuffed dragon his great-grandmother had given to him when he had been very small. She recalled how Tommy blushed the first time she had been to his room and found it on his bed.

"A green dragon for a Green Ranger?" she teased. "Nanna Maggie gave it to me when I was three. Said her knight in shining armor needed a dragon to slay," he admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Come on, Cinderella. I thought a kiss was supposed to wake you up," Tommy teased. Kim opened her eyes and looked up into Tommy's smiling face. "I think you have your fairytales confused. You mean Sleeping Beauty; she's the one who woke up with a kiss."

"True, but Cinderella was the one who was going to the ball."

"Huh?" Kim sat up, belatedly recalled that she had nothing on, and ducked back under the covers. Then, she noticed the robe Tommy held out to her. He looked away modestly—to her amusement—as she gratefully slipped it on. Then, she observed that he was dressed in his best suit—tie and everything—and had his hair pulled back. "Who are you supposed to be? Prince Charming?"

"The ball starts at six, so unless Cinderella wants to eat dinner in the pumpkin patch, she'd better get her gown on."

"Tommy...?"

His grin broadened. "If we want to make our dinner reservations, you need to get dressed."

"Where are our reservations for?" she asked, eyeing his formal attire with trepidation. "The country club."

"How in the world...?"

"Dad has a membership through the firm. He has to have some place to take clients to lunch and dinner besides McDonald's or Denny's."

"Tommy, we can't go to the country club for dinner!"

"Why not? According to Dad, they have great food, and you've always wanted to go there."

"I don't have anything to wear!" she objected. "Maybe Mom has something in the wardrobe you can use," Tommy suggested. "Your mother is a good six inches taller than I am."

"I think she might have a short cocktail dress or something that would work." Muttering a variety of imprecations under her breath, Kim scrambled out of bed and padded over to the antique wardrobe. She flung the doors open and froze....

Tommy could not keep the smile from his face as he saw Kim's expression in the mirrors set in the wardrobe's doors as she found the lavender dress. It was worth every dollar spent to see her surprise and delight... the smile on her lips and the happy tears that glistened in her eye. For a moment, he saw in her shining eyes a flash of the old Kimberly—the radiant image of a carefree young girl hopelessly in love. Then, practicality set in.

"Tommy...." she admonished, turning to face him. He had already abandoned his seat on the bed. He held her gently by the shoulders and brushed his lips across her brow. Then, he silenced her protests with a finger to her cupid-bow lips.

"Answer me one question. When you tried this dress on earlier, how did it make you feel?" She blinked at him, uncomprehending. "Did it make you feel beautiful? Special?"

"Actually, seeing the way you looked at me when I was wearing this dress made me feel beautiful," she answered shyly. "I'd almost forgotten...."

"Get dressed, and let me help you remember," Tommy whispered.

"Why are you doing this?" Kim whispered timidly.

"Because I love you," Tommy replied, his eyes oh-so-serious. Then, a bit of laughter flared in the chocolate depths. "And because every Cinderella needs a fairy godmother."

"I thought you were Prince Charming."

Tommy shrugged. "So I have to pull double duty tonight."

"Is this just a fairytale, Tommy? Am I going to wake up tomorrow in some cheap motel room or under an overpass and find out this was all just a dream?"

"If you so wish it, my princess, you can wake up tomorrow in my arms. This is real, Kim, as real as my love for you. As real as your love for me."

Kim melted into his arms, and the two shared a lingering embrace. "Come, Cinderella," Tommy said at last. "The ball awaits, and Prince Charming is starved!"

"So where are my ladies-in-waiting?" Kim teased, finally getting into the spirit of things.

"They have the night off; I'm pulling the ladies' maid duty tonight, too."

"Go find the pumpkin and the white mice and get the carriage ready," Kim laughed, shoving him towards the door.

Tommy bowed. "As my lady wishes!"

~*~

"Are you kidding? I scarcely have room to breathe, let alone eat anything," Kim answered. "I'm not even sure I can get out of this chair I'm so stuffed!"

"I hope you can, because I thought we might go out on the terrace for a bit." Tommy rose from his seat and helped Kim from hers.

"I still can't believe you did this," Kim murmured as she took Tommy's proffered arm, and the two headed through the enormous glass doors to the well-lit patio. They wandered along the railing until they reached a section overlooking the pond. Silvery moonlight shimmered on the dark waters. In the background, music wafted out from the lounge. Kim sighed as she leaned against the balustrade and gazed out over the picturesque scene. Tommy casually draped his arm around her shoulders. "What is your father going to say when he finds out you used his membership card?"

"He already knows," Tommy replied. "He's the one who suggested it."

Kim's head snapped up, and her eyes widened fearfully. "How did he know? Tommy, you didn't...."

"I called him in Vienna."

"Tommy, do you realize what you've done? Your phone lines are tapped! The Mercytes know you're helping me... they'll go after your parents... !"

"I didn't use the phone. I had Alpha route the cell phone's signal through the Power Chamber's communication system. So unless they're monitoring the hotel in Vienna or the Power Chamber, the Mercytes won't know I called."

"Dimetria let you?" Kim asked wistfully, biting her lower lip as she thought of a call she longed to make.

Tommy knew what she was thinking. "You know what I found out when I talked to my folks? Their next stop is Paris."

"Paris?"

"Uh huh. I suggested that they look up your mom and...."

Kim flung her arms around Tommy's neck, nearly knocking him over. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"You're welcome, but don't you want to hear the rest?"

"The rest? There's more?"

"During the next 'lull,' I told dad we'd place another call and see if we can get your mom on the line."

Kim's knees nearly gave out. "Oh God, Tommy, it's been so long...."

"I know." A silvery tear trickled down Kim's cheek. Tommy gently brushed it away. "No tears allowed at the ball," he said softly.

Kim chuckled and brushed at her eyes.

"However, dancing is allowed," he continued. "Will you do me the honor of this dance, milady?"

With a trembling hand, Kim took his hand. Tommy pulled her close, and Kim relaxed in his arms, the scent of his aftershave filling her senses and his breath warm against her hair. The beat of his heart pounded soothingly in her ears. As they slowly swayed to the distant music, she recognized the tune and began to sing:

"Is that who sings this?"

"Uh huh. My aunt's played their stuff so much, I probably have the whole repertoire memorized."

"I heard this on an oldies station when I left Angel Grove after the tournament," Kim explained, "and it was so appropriate that it just stuck with me. All I wanted to do was tell you how sorry I was for hurting you. I wanted to tell you how I really felt—that you were the part of me I couldn't let go, but I couldn't risk it..."

"Sh, Kim. I know."

"It's just that... I really had given up, Tommy. If I hadn't been at the track when the sleazebuckets attacked yesterday, I'd have made my last stand, and when I'd have fallen, that would have been it. I never dreamed I get to tell you the truth... or even have a hope of talking to my mother again...." The emotions caused the words to jam in her throat.

"There'll be time for all that, Kim. There'll be time to see your mother again. Time for us to be together. Time for everything. Just don't ever leave again...."

While they were talking, the song had changed, and Tommy found the new ballad rather fitting.

"I don't sing much except for Christmas carols," Tommy answered with a shrug. "Please, Kim... I don't want to let you go ever again." And he held her tighter.

"I don't ever want to let you go again, either." The two danced long into the night, softly serenading each other as each new ballad seemed to say for them what was in their hearts.

"NO!"

Kim surged forward, but hands held her back. She fought to break free, even as tears scalded her cheeks and her cries rendered her throat raw.

"Kim, it's me; Tommy. Wake up! It's a dream... just a bad dream!"

"T-tommy?"

She opened her eyes to find herself wrapped in Tommy's arms. She was still in his parents' room; the covers from the bed had been scattered every which-a-way. A glance in the mirror revealed herself in a state of complete disarray from wild, tangled hair to red-rimmed, fear widened eyes and tear streaked cheeks.

"Tommy? Oh God, Tommy... t-they... they killed you... you died thinking I'd betrayed you...." she gulped between sobs, clinging to him as if he was her life line.

"Sh, it's okay now. It was just a nightmare," he murmured, stroking her matted hair. She shivered in his arms—as much from fear as from cold. Her nightshirt was soaked through with sweat.

"I don't want you to die because of me!"

"I won't, Beautiful. Do you really think a bunch of walking tin cans can do what Rita, Zedd, Mondo, and Divatox couldn't? We Rangers are a pretty hard lot to kill."

Slowly, Kim began to settle down. She felt ashamed of herself for reacting as she had. How many nights had she had nightmares similar to this one? How many times had she woke screaming and in tears only to have to calm herself down and reassure herself? Why couldn't she do that now; why couldn't she stop shaking? Why did it feel so much better to have Tommy hold her and soothe her fears away with gentle strokes and soft words?

"Why don't we get you changed," Tommy suggested, fingering the damp cotton.

Kim nodded numbly and started tugging at the hem of her cotton tee. Tommy's hands stopped her, and she eyed him questioningly.

"Are you sure you want to do that?"

She took his meaning and blushed. She hadn't been thinking, and she was completely naked underneath the oversized tee. Normally, she just slept in her clothes.

"Hang on a sec," he instructed. Tommy scrambled off the bed and collected one of the bags from the shopping trip. Rummaging around, he quickly located what he wanted and tossed it to Kim.

Kim eyed the garment with surprise. All silk and lace... it was the sweetest pink babydoll nightie; she hadn't worn anything like it in ages. Unaccountably, she felt herself blushing. Tommy seemed to be waiting for her to say something. "It's very pretty."

"I wasn't sure if you'd like it or not," Tommy said a trifle self-consciously.

Kim simply sat there staring at the rose pink lingerie as if she didn't know what to do with it. Tommy took her arm and slid it inside the sleeve of her nightshirt and did the same with the other, undressing her as if she was a small child. Kim watched, unable to do anything to help him as he slipped the fresh nightgown over her head and under the old. She wasn't quite sure how he managed it, but he had gotten her changed without seeing her at all. To Kim's surprise and discomfiture, she found herself profoundly disappointed when she realized that.

"Better?" Tommy asked.

Kim nodded.

"Why don't you try going back to sleep," he suggested, easing her back against the pillows and pulling the counterpane over her. He found Dragon and tucked him into her arms. Then kissed her gently on the brow.

"Will you be all right?" he queried.

"Yes."

"Good night, Kim."

Tommy reached for the light on the night table. "Don't!" she yelped without knowing why. She didn't need a night light. She had never needed a nightlight.

"Okay, how about I just turn it down?"

Kim felt ridiculous as he dimmed the light. She wasn't a child! She was a grown woman. She didn't need Tommy to baby her like this—to soothe her fears and tell her it was going to be all right; she had survived plenty of worse nightmares over the past year.

No, she didn't need Tommy to comfort her. She wanted him to comfort her—to make the trembling stop and chase the tears and shadows away, to tell her there was nothing to be afraid of.

"Tommy?" she called out suddenly, her voice cracking and her tone frantic. He paused in the doorway.

For so long, her wants had ceased to matter. All day long, Tommy had been trying to show her that they did, that they were important. This was something she wanted... if she could be brave enough to ask. She bit her lower lip and looked away as she made her timid request. "Stay with me?"

Tommy didn't answer right away, and Kim grew nervous. She looked up and was taken aback by the smile on his face. Her heart fluttered with hope.

"You really want me to?"

"Yes."

"Then, I'd be honored," he murmured, and Kim could scarcely contain the happiness swelling within her. She slid over to make room. Tommy lay down next to her and pulled her into his arms. Kim sighed as she settled into the nicest, warmest, safest place she had ever known.

~*~

Tommy had kicked the covers off so she was able look at all of him in the faint amber glow. He was as beautiful as she remembered... thick mahogany hair splayed across the pillow, lush lashes dusting bronzed cheeks, and full mouth curved in a faint smile. Her gaze swept across the smooth, hard expanse of his muscular chest and followed the line of his abs until the cotton flannel of his boxers disrupted the view. Without thinking, she reached out to touch him, thrilling at the feel of him. She had never really touched him like this before; she probably shouldn't even be doing it now, but she couldn't help herself. The silk of his skin stretched taut over steel muscles fascinated her. Her hand lingered over his chest, feeling the even rise and fall of this breathing and the steady drumming of his heart. It made her pulse quicken. Her hand slid lower, questing finger pausing at the puckered waistband. Kim swallowed nervously as she realized that she wasn't the only one having interesting dreams. She chewed her lip thoughtfully as she regarded the bulge in Tommy's shorts.

~*~

Tommy waited as Kim paused uncertainly while studying his imprisoned erection. There was something in the way she looked at him... the way she was leaning up... the strap of her lingerie had slipped down her right shoulder, revealing the gentle swell of her breast without baring it completely. It was a compelling sight. The silky pink gown rode high on her thigh, and Tommy's heart raced. The urge to take her was strong, yet he resisted. Not because it was what he should do, but because he wanted to. What happened next—if anything—was wholly up to Kimberly. If she wanted to explore him further, he was willing. If she wanted to curl up in his arms once again and go back to sleep, that's what he'd do without a qualm. Kim's hand drifted closer to his groin, hovering just above the distended cotton indecisively. For a moment, he saw a flicker of nervousness in her eyes. At least it wasn't fear.

He recalled her eyes when she had first come out of her nightmare. He had never seen her look so terrified—small, fragile, vulnerable—in all the time that he had known her. He had never looked at Kim as someone who was weak and helpless and needing to be protected, although the urge to protect was strong. He had seen fear in her eyes, but only a fool never felt fear. Kim was no fool. She had always radiated such confidence and strength of will; her bravery ran deeper than she knew. It had shaken him to see that stripped from her, and it made him ache for her to watch her struggle to regain her equilibrium, to master her fear by herself. The loneliness of it reminded him of his own dark times, struggling with memories of losing his powers and his own fear and helplessness then. Kim had stood by him, had offered him her strength, compassion, understanding and love. That's what Tommy had tried to offer her, and thankfully, she had accepted.

~*~

She looked at him now with vision unclouded by girlish fantasies. She had no illusions—she had lost those when she had lost the life she once led. She knew Tommy wasn't perfect, wasn't the knight on a white horse that she had raised him up to be. He was forgetful and terminally tardy; he could be as full of himself as anyone. He had a temper, was moody and stubborn... but he was also steadfast and loyal, generous, warm and caring. He could make her laugh and make her feel things no one else ever could. It was as Tommy had said: somewhere along the way, they had become a part of each other. She couldn't even say when it happened, but when he hurt, she hurt. When he was dark and moody, she was light and cheerful. When she despaired and felt fear, he brought her hope and courage. She hadn't even realized it until she had let him go to save him; she had torn out a part of herself—the very thing that had made life worth living—leaving behind an empty shell. How had either of them survived that cold, lonely half-life?

_We're both too stubborn for our own good._

As she looked on him now, Kim knew more than ever that she didn't want to live without him again—even if it should be only for an hour or two more. Tommy was her life, and though they had reclaimed the missing parts of their souls, there was still an emptiness within. She still wasn't complete. The girl had become a woman in the time since Florida, the gymnast a warrior; however there was still a shadow of her former innocence tucked away, carefully preserved, waiting to be brought into the light and transformed.

She knew Tommy had felt that same sense of incompleteness. She had glimpsed it in his eyes earlier: a hunger, a need to be truly whole, completely one. She gazed up at him with eyes that were no longer innocent. She was not surprised to find him watching her. His eyes reflected the same depth of maturity and feeling back at her. Time seemed to stand still. Kim watched as his gaze flickered over her body and noted the catch in his breath. She was conscious of the fallen strap and the way it tugged the lacy bodice down enticingly. She made no move to correct that.

"Tommy," she whispered, almost afraid to speak.

"What is it, Beautiful?"

"Make love to me."

"Are you sure?"

In reply, Kim leaned forward, pressing her lips to his, searing his mouth with a passionate kiss torn from the depth of her being. As she savaged his mouth, she felt Tommy's hands at her waist, moving her until she straddled his stomach. When Kim pulled away to catch her breath, the left strap of her nightgown had slipped off her shoulder. She sat up, her breasts dangerously close to spilling out of the lacy confines. Tommy's eyes were riveted to where the forces of nature worked their laws against her scant clothing. She leaned forward oh-so-slightly, the bodice falling forward, slipping down, baring herself to Tommy's smoldering gaze. This time when she sat back, the pink silk lay bunched around her waist, and her answer flashed in need-filled eyes.

Happiness swelled within her as she lay next to Tommy, idly playing with his hair. She had never felt so wonderful; it was all she could do to keep from laughing, from jumping up and dancing around the room for the sheer joy of it. Last night had surpassed her fondest dreams; the first time they came together... it was so right. It was as if they had ceased being two people—they had become a part of each other physically as well as spiritually. Kim shuddered with delight. Tommy had taken her to heights she had never before imagined... he had seemed to know just what to do to make her feel good.

He had known too well.

With a pang of hurt, Kim realized that last night couldn't have been Tommy's first time. He had been a little hesitant initially, but now that she thought about it, it hadn't been the uncertainty of not knowing what to do but more not having used a particular skill in a long while. She supposed it didn't really matter; they were together now. That's what was important, wasn't it?

Kim slid out of bed, wiping her eyes as she wandered across the room to where Tommy had left her bags. She fought the urge to sniffle. She was being ridiculous. She had given Tommy up; he hadn't known that the letter was a lie, so she had no right to expect him not to move on. She had wanted him to be alive and happy; that was the whole purpose of her sacrifice. So he had found happiness in another woman's arms—probably Kat's. Yet, he had said that he and Kat hadn't been a couple for a while, that they hadn't clicked the way she and him had. It hurt to think that Tommy would have made love with another woman if he hadn't truly loved her. It hurt to think of him sleeping with another woman period.

"It wasn't Kat," Tommy said softly.

"Huh?" Kim hadn't even heard him get out of bed, but suddenly she felt the warmth of his presence right behind her. When she turned, he gently ran his finger across her cheek, brushing away tears she hadn't even realized she had shed.

"You're wondering who the other girl was," Tommy responded, smiling slightly at her bewildered expression. Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Tommy ran a hand through his hair and lowered his eyes. "It was pretty obvious that last night wasn't my first time."

"It... doesn't matter," Kim choked out, also unable to meet his gaze. "What you did... who you dated after I sent you that letter isn't any of my business."

"Kim, my first time happened before I ever met you... before we ever moved to Angel Grove, and it wasn't exactly something I chose for myself."

Curiosity got the better of Kim. "What do you mean?" Then, she blushed at her boldness. "You don't have to explain...."

"I've nothing to hide from you," he began. "It was when we lived in Houston... one of the short stays we had before coming out here. She was a woman from one of my classes at the dojo... older than me—college age, I guess. She needed some help picking up some of the moves and asked my sensei to recommend a tutor. I got the job. At the time, I had no clue what was going on; you know how dense I can be sometimes. I didn't realize she was hitting on me until she pinned me to the mat and kissed me."

"She took advantage of you?"

"Not quite," Tommy confessed awkwardly. "She asked me to have sex with her; I had the chance to say no, but she made it damned hard to refuse." He shrugged. "She was a knockout, and I was a horny kid; I don't think I could have said no. She taught me an awful lot."

"You were a very good student," Kim murmured shyly. Tommy tilted her chin up. "All that was between her and me was sex. You are the first woman I have ever loved; you're the only woman I've ever wanted to make love to. You have no idea how often I wished I hadn't fooled around with Cara... that I could have waited for you."

"You couldn't have known... and I can understand how you couldn't have said no—after all, that's kind of what happened to Jason...."

"You know about that?"

"Uh huh, but Jason doesn't know I know. I sort of overheard when he told Zack about it," Kim confessed. She sighed and wrapped her arms around his waist and burrowing her face into his chest. "It's probably for the best that it wasn't your first time, too. Lord knows I had no clue what to do last night; I think the fact that you did made it a lot easier on me."

"Thank you for understanding," Tommy said, relieved. "I always wanted to tell you but I never quite knew how." He stroked her hair and kissed the top of her head. His hands slowly wandered down her body. Kim sighed deeply, losing herself in the gentle caress. "Would you like to...?"

She wanted to, desperately, but she knew that they shouldn't. The mercytes would be back; she could feel it. Twenty-four hours was the usual interval between attacks. Sometimes, she felt as if whoever wanted her dead was watching her. She had had her one day; today she would pay for it.

"Maybe later," she demurred, her smile softening the rejection somewhat. "Aren't we supposed to be somewhere first thing this morning?"

"Yes, and if we're late, I'm gonna catch hell for it," Tommy sighed, disappointed. Still, he took a step back so that he could truly look at her. "You really are beautiful."

"And so are you," she added with equal appreciation. Neither wanted to move. Finally, Kim nudged Tommy's arm. "If we don't get some clothes on, we are going to be here all day."

"And that's a bad thing?" he teased.

"Only if my lethal friends show up to trash your parents' bedroom."

"Good point." Tommy made as if to retrieve his boxers then paused, his face scrunching up in an expression of revulsion.

"What's wrong?"

"Do you realize that we made love in my parent's bed?" The thought sent shivers up both their spines.

~*~

"We are, but not until later," Tommy replied. "Where's here?"

"A friend's dojo. Why do you think I had you borrow some of Mom's old leotards; we didn't exactly pick up anything for you to spar in."

"Speaking of which," Kim began as she squirmed in her seat, trying to unwedge the burgundy Lycra from the crevices it had worked itself into, "how did your father manage to shrink this so badly? It's even too small for me!"

"That's Dad for you. Boy, was Mom pissed; that was one of her favorites."

"I sure hope you know how to do laundry better than he does." The pair cut through the alley to the main street. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Kim wondered as she eyed the darkened front of the dojo.

"If you're going to kick my butt, I want to be able to land on something soft," Tommy teased.

"I doubt I can kick your butt," she replied.

"You've been out running killer robots that make Dimetria nervous, and I'm out of practice." Tommy tried the door and found it locked. "Where is he? I told him we'd be here at 6:30."

Kim glanced at her watch. It was just that now. "If he's a friend, he probably knows how punctual you are and set the alarm for 7:00."

"Shows you what you know. Uncle John runs a tight ship. If he says eight, he means it; if I want to drive, I have to be on time." Tommy backed away from the storefront and scanned the windows to the apartment overhead. He picked up a pebble and tossed it at the window.

"What are you doing?" Kim gasped.

"Trying to wake him up." He tossed a larger stone. "Yo! DeSantos! You've got company!"

"This is Rocky's dojo?" Kim queried nervously.

"Uh huh. I couldn't exactly get us into the Youth Center at this hour." Tommy hurled up another stone. "Come on, Rocko, wake up!"

"Sh!" Kim scolded. "You'll wake his neighbors!"

"Cut it out before you break my window!" the owner of the dojo and apartment hollered down as he threw open the window.

Kim felt a tug on her heart as she realized how long it had been since she had last seen Rocky.

"Tommy? Izzat you?" Rocky queried as he rubbed his eyes.

"Yes. I told you 6:30."

"I know, but it's you. I set the alarm for 7:15."

Tommy quickly shot Kim a warning look, and she swallowed her giggle. "Just come down and open the door. We don't have a lot of time."

"Aw right, aw right."

Rocky disappeared inside, and a few minutes later Kim and Tommy saw the lights come on in the dojo. Tommy motioned for Kim to slip behind him; she had the feeling he hadn't told Rocky what was going on. She grinned. Rocky opened the door and attempted to tame his sleep-styled hair which had begun to grow out. She noticed that he had rather hastily thrown on the pants from his gi.

"You owe me big time for this, buddy," Rocky grumbled. "You never told me why you had to be here so blessed early."

"Because I have to be at the track at eight."

"So where's this kid you're going to be giving lessons to?"

"Right here," and Tommy stepped aside.

"Hi, Rocky."

Rocky gaped at her in disbelief. "Kim?"

"It's good to see you again," she murmured as she hugged him.

"When'd you get back in town?" Rocky fumbled as he ushered her inside.

"Two days ago."

Tommy had already kicked off his shoes and was stretching out. "Tell you what. Let me go get some caffeine and get some decent clothes on, and we can get caught up while you guys spar."

"Sure, Rocky."

The former Blue Zeo Ranger hurried up the stairs, a million questions darting through his mind.

"Are you out of your mind?" Kim hissed at Tommy once Rocky was gone.

"What?"

"Bringing me here! It's too dangerous. What if the mercytes show up? They could destroy Rocky's dojo... or worse, come back when we're not here and retaliate. Why do you think they torched the motel?"

"Just take it easy, Kim," Tommy soothed. "We'll make sure that the sleazebuckets don't realize he's helping you. They probably haven't had me under surveillance for long. So maybe I come here every morning to work out before going to the track."

Kim just shook her head and sighed. "Where's the back door to this place?" It was startling for Tommy to see the change in her—from woman to warrior. On one level, it hurt to see her so cold and serious. He had tried so hard yesterday to break through that tough exterior; he thought he had succeeded. However, this was how Kim had managed to keep herself alive for over a year; now that he was involved, Tommy couldn't afford to discount it. He had to remind himself that the woman was still in there; it just wasn't her time.

"You ready?" Kim queried, kicking off her shoes as she returned to the main studio. She paused to roll up the legs on the too-large gi trousers.

"Sure am."

"The sooner we wrap this up, the better I'll feel—for Rocky's sake."

~*~

He took a seat on the stairs and sipped his coffee as he watched the two run through a couple of exchanges. Tommy was really out of practice. It was kind of sad to see; he had always been so good. The skills were still there, though; he just needed to start using them more. He hoped Tommy would take time to workout more—he was planning on having Tommy do some guest teaching in return for this favor.

Even more remarkable than Tommy's rustiness was Kim's sharpness. It was obvious she knew a little more karate than she had as a Ranger, but it was her other fighting skills that struck Rocky. There was an edge to her that she had never had before... a coldness and an almost lethal determination.

"Okay," Tommy began, his words disrupting Rocky's thoughts. "Ready for the real thing?"

"I'm always ready for the real thing."

Rocky could tell she was deadly serious. "You come at me as if I was one of the sleazebuckets...."

"They always attack first, Tommy. I've never taken the offensive with them."

"Okay. How's this... halt, intended target! Resistance is futile; you will be assimilated!" To accompany Tommy's teasing words were movements reminiscent of Frankenstein. As Kim glared at him, he caught her around the waist and started tickling her.

"Tommy!" she snapped, clearly not in the mood to play. "We had our fun. This is serious now. Please... this isn't like when we faced Zedd and Rita; I don't want to lose you to these things."

"I know. It'll be all right, Kim. I promise you," he assured her, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Come at me full throttle—like you would putties or tengas or whatever other goons you faced," she instructed.

What followed next came as close to frightening Rocky as anything he had ever seen as a Ranger. It wasn't Tommy's attack so much—he came at Kim with a devastating combination of kicks and punches—as it was Kim's responses. She met his assault with a ferocity Rocky had never seen in her before, and she wasn't pulling punches. The longer they sparred, the more he could see that she was dead earnest about what she was doing, and this began drawing Tommy in as well. Old reflexes and instincts started kicking in. His moves started losing some of their dull edges. Rocky nearly dropped his mug as Tommy grabbed a practice katana and resumed his attack; Kim rolled away from the sword stroke and came up by the bo staves. She snatched one up and continued meeting Tommy's advance.

"Shit," he whispered in awe as Kim planted the staff and whirled herself around it, catching Tommy in the midsection with both feet. What had happened to Kim to turn her into such a deadly fighter?

~*~

"Tommy...." she ventured hesitantly.

"I was right about needing the mats," he joked without humor. "Okay, this gives me a really good idea of where your fighting skills stand... boy, Zedd was lucky you couldn't fight like this as a Ranger otherwise...."

Kim held up a hand to silence him, feeling the hackles on her neck rise. "They're here," Tommy murmured as he scrambled to his feet.

"I'll draw them away from the dojo," Kim responded as she dashed for the back door.

"The vacant lot!" Tommy called after her.

"Would you mind telling me what's going on?" Rocky demanded, abandoning his seat on the stairs.

"Spar with me, Rocko. Make it look like we do this every morning," Tommy ordered in clipped tones—an echo of his former command voice.

"What's going on?" Rocky queried even as he obeyed. Old habits died hard.

"What you don't know won't get you killed."

"Tommy, if you guys are in trouble, I want to help."

"Not this time, Rocky. I should never have come here... I just wasn't thinking," Tommy murmured as he bowed to his friend. It took every once of will power he possessed not to look at the windows.

"Good Lord!" Rocky gulped, catching a glint of silver passing before the school's window.

"Don't draw their attention," Tommy hissed through clenched teeth.

"What are those things? They look like cogs on acid or something."

"Scanners indicate that the intended target is moving north by northeast, approximately 100 meters from our present position," one unit reported, the cold tones penetrating the windows of the dojo.

"Intended target... you mean those things are after Kim?"

"Rocky, don't get involved," Tommy warned. "They're robot assassins sent back in time to kill Kim—and anyone who helps her. I butted in before I knew what was going on—not that knowing would have changed things—but you've got your school to think of. If you get involved, those things could come after you at any time, possibly while you have innocent students around. They don't care who gets caught in the crossfire."

As the hunters moved off, the two ceased going through the motions. Tommy dashed to the window. "Man, I hope they bought this. Look, Rocky, I gotta go help Kim."

"Have you at least called the Rangers?"

"Yes, they're doing what they can to stop these guys at the source. Kim and I just have to keep ourselves alive."

"Don't go out the front," Rocky cautioned as Tommy reached for the door handle. "They may still be watching this place. Out the back, down the alley, and two rights will get you to the vacant lot ahead of those bozos."

"Thanks, Rocko."

"At least let me know how you guys are doing, okay?"

"Sure. I'll be back for my lessons, racing and robots permitting."

~*~

_Two down, six to go._

Tommy knew Kim couldn't keep up her pace forever, and she was rapidly running out of places to duck out of sight for a temporary respite. Also, the longer the battle waged, the greater chance there was of the neighbors waking up, coming out, and possibly being hurt. He knew what he needed to do—Kim had told him all she could about the hunters on the drive over.

It was hard to stifle the sharp ki-yai, but he forced it back as he slammed hard into the back of one of the robots. His momentum carried him forward, and he quickly aimed for the chest panel of the next assassin. However, it was not his intent to take the tin cans one on one. Diving and rolling to dodge a lethal blast, Tommy came up with one of the hunter's weapons and started firing. Guns had never been his preferred weapon as a Ranger, and it had been a while since he had fired one. His shots did only marginal damage.

"Kim, get over here! I'll cover for you!" He lay down a swathe as best he could; Kim arrived at his side a fraction of a second before a probing beam.

"Here," he offered, handing her the heavy gun; this was not the time to try and be macho. "You're a lot better shot than I am—always were."

Kim hefted the weapon far more easily than he had. "You always were better with the sword," she murmured and started picking off her targets with deadly accuracy. She had never taken the offensive before; it was different knowing there weren't living beings inside the suits. It felt good to cut loose at last. Her attackers fell under her marksmanship, and Kim offered silent thanks to the punk who had taught her how to shoot. "By the way, which one did you get this off of?"

"The one with the smashed chest plate. Why?"

"If I shoot him, the gun dissolves too. Whoever the gun comes from, goes last," Kim instructed.

In a matter of moments, the gunfight was over. Kim and Tommy were the only two left standing.

"Did we get them all?" Kim wondered, discarding the weapon before the metal melted. "I think so; I don't see any of them," Tommy replied, eyeing the smoking remnants of their assailants. "Are the assaults always like this? Once you started shooting, they fell awfully quickly."

"This is the shortest attack I've ever been through," Kim answered, "but then, I've never really fought back before. It was always more just doing what I could to get away or simply outlasting them. Their power supply is limited—I have waited them out before—but they have a good three or four hours in them usually. You're right, though; that seemed almost too easy."

"Well, it was after you got the gun. They probably didn't expect you to go for the jugular."

"They'll be expecting it next time," Kim said grimly. "They learn from their mistakes."

"We'll be ready for them," Tommy remarked soberly. He noticed that she was shaking, and he wrapped his arms around her. It wasn't until he caught Kim's concerned glance that he realized that he was shaking too. He smiled bravely as he wiped at the smudges on her cheeks. They stood drawing strength from each other for several moments.

"We should get out of here; I don't think they'll bother us again until tomorrow at the earliest," Kim said at last. As she stepped off to head back to the parking lot, Tommy noticed that she was walking gingerly, favoring her right ankle.

"You're hurt," he said as he hastened over and slipped an arm around her waist. "It's nothing..."

~*~

"Field Unit Six to Command Unit. Awaiting further instructions."

"Reroute remaining power supply to essential motor functions and assume surveillance mode. Engage cloaking field."

"Field engaged. Unit Six in pursuit of target."

"I know; it's just that...." He didn't need to voice his concerns; he could see them reflected back at him in his wife's eyes.

Suddenly, he heard a car pull up outside, and John was out of his chair in an instant. His relief at seeing Tommy's truck was marred when he saw the condition of the occupants. Bedraggled and smudged with dirt, clothes torn and worst of all Tommy helping a limping Kimberly told him that they had had a busy morning.

"Are you two all right?" he queried as he came out to help.

"We ran into some of my friends," Kim quipped somberly.

"Kim hurt her ankle...." Tommy began.

"I just twisted it; it's no big deal," Kim demurred. "I've sustained worse damage than this."

"Let's get you inside, and Jessica can take a look at it," John recommended. With a sigh, Kim ceased resisting and allowed the two to usher her into a chair. Tommy hovered nearby as his aunt went to fetch the first aid kit.

"Tommy, I'm all right," Kim assured him, giving his hand a squeeze. "Your aunt can take care of me, so why don't you go get cleaned up and changed. You're due on the track in half an hour."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, and I'll join you out there as soon as I'm cleaned up."

As he observed the pair, John shook his head. "How can you be so calm and accepting about all this?"

"It's the only way I've stayed alive," Kim said bleakly. "It's been my life for the last year."

"It's not going to be your life for much longer," Tommy vowed. He bent down to give her a kiss, and she favored him with a sad sort of smile.

"Go on," Kim ordered in a whisper. She waited until Tommy disappeared down the hall before tugging off her shoe, wincing as she did so.

"Okay, let's have a look at that ankle, and... good Lord!" Jessica gasped upon seeing the bloody mess that were the soles of Kimberly's feet.

"There was a lot of broken glass and sharp metal in that empty lot," Kim explained with a shrug. "There wasn't time to put my shoes on. None of the cuts are deep, but I think there might be some glass in a couple of them."

"Why didn't you say something to Tommy; you shouldn't have been walking on these!"

"I suppose I should have... I'm just not used to having someone else to rely on yet. Please, don't tell Tommy, though. It'll only worry him, and he doesn't need the distraction right now."

"I think he likes worrying about you," Jessica murmured, smiling. "All right. Let's clean some of these cuts..."

After having her feet tended to and a nice hot shower and a nap, she felt like a new woman _... a woman who's very much in love!_ To that end, she decided to take a little more care than usual in getting dressed. It had been like old times—except for the limited selection offered by her wardrobe. However, there had been a few things in those bags that she had been surprised to find... like the white shorts which had a three inch inseam (if that!) and the hot pink cropped halter. She shook her head, knowing exactly how they had wound up in with her selections. The next time she and Tommy went shopping, she was going to have to pay closer attention to what he was doing. Still, she had to admit that it wasn't a bad choice. The clothes were extremely flattering, and since Tommy had picked them out, she knew he'd like them on her.

As she headed to the infield, Kim felt lighthearted, almost giddy. It was all she could do to keep from skipping. The early morning attack meant that the rest of the day was hers. Normally that meant getting on the bike and hitting the road; if she kept moving, it made it harder for the mercytes to track her down. She wasn't running any more. Angel Grove was her home. This was where she was happiest. This would be where she made her stand with Tommy at her side. There would be time enough for planning later. For now, she was going to watch Tommy's practice, catch a little sun, and maybe the two of them could spend a little more time together.

In spite of her sore feet, there was a spring in her step as she passed Tommy's truck and her motorcycle. It still struck her as funny to think that she owned a motorcycle; that was more up Tommy's alley. She ran her fingers absently across the worn seat and tapped her helmet. She noticed that the paint was chipping off, and she scraped at the black flecks revealing more of the color underneath. Admittedly, she had been impulsive in buying the helmet, but the design had spoken to her somehow. Yet, it stood out like a beacon, which was why she had taken to painting over it. Ultimately, it hadn't mattered what her helmet looked like; the mercytes had always been able to find her. With a shrug, Kim collected her head gear and took it along.

~*~

"Amazing what a day off can do," Eddie muttered. "Has he had any complaints about the tire?"

"None; I think you got it this time," John replied, "and I think it's more than merely having a break."

"Hey, John!"

Both men looked up at Kim's hail.

Eddie let out a low whistle of appreciation. "What's she trying to do—cause an accident?"

John simply shook his head in amazement. _And she trashes killer robots?_

"Think Tommy can handle her?"

"A lot better than you could." The two fell silent as Kim bounced over.

"How are you feeling, Kim?" John queried.

"Lots better. Jess said I should come down here to the pits to watch Tommy practice," Kim said.

"No problem. You'd be too exposed up in the stands," John agreed, and he heard Eddie bite back a chuckle.

"How's he doing?" Kim shaded her eyes against the glare as Tommy streaked past.

"Really well. I think he'll do fine at the time trials this weekend."

"I'm glad. I was so worried that he'd be too distracted with worrying about me and the mercytes that he wouldn't be able to keep his mind on driving."

"To be honest, I think this is the most focused I've seen him. If you don't mind me saying so, you coming back and working things out—robots included—is the best thing to happen to him." His words made Kim blush.

"If you're going to be in the pits," Eddie interjected into the following pause, "I'd better find you a coverall."

"Any particular reason?" John teased his crew chief.

"So she'll blend in better."

John did his best not to laugh.

~*~

"Hey, Beautiful," he greeted, sweeping her into his arms and kissing her. "Where'd this come from?" He plucked at the jumpsuit. "You sure make it look good, but I think I liked what you had on when you first came down to the pits."

"I didn't know you saw me," she answered. "Eddie thought it'd be better camouflage if I dressed like everyone else here."

"Eddie probably didn't want the crew to fall all over themselves drooling over you."

"Tommy...." She playfully swatted him. "We're going to have to talk about your taste in my clothing."

Tommy shrugged. "Can I help it if I know what I'd like to see you in?"

"Oh, you...."

"What are you working on?"

Kim handed him her helmet. She had almost completely uncovered the vibrant pink bird done in stylized flames against a white background. "I saw no reason to keep it covered up anymore."

"It suits you," Tommy remarked, thinking of her former affiliation with the firebird. "So, when do I get to have a ride on your bike?" It had been a while since he had sold his motorcycle; he had traded it in shortly after he and Kim had first started dating. Side-by-side seating was much more convenient on dates.

"When I get to drive your race car," Kim quipped.

"Okay, hop in."

"What? You're not serious...."

"Sure I am."

"Tommy, I couldn't... your uncle wouldn't want me driving his car!"

"You've driven machines far more sophisticated than this; you could handle it. Besides, Uncle John has headed back to the trailer. Just take it out for a couple of laps."

"Tommy..." Kim protested, albeit a little more weakly. She had wondered what Tommy saw in driving a car in circles really fast. It just didn't make sense to her. "I shouldn't... what if someone on the crew sees? I don't want to get you in trouble."

"They're all busy. Besides, if you wear my helmet and I wear yours," he began, placing his head gear on her then slipping the pink firebird on himself, "nobody will know the difference."

A wry grin tugged at the corner of her mouth. "You don't think the fact that the person in the pink bird helmet is a foot taller than before and completely lacking a figure will go unnoticed? I'm surprised that thing fits you. Although, it is a little large on me. I didn't even care about the size when I bought it."

"Maybe I'll borrow it for luck during the time trials," Tommy teased. "So, are you going for a ride or not?"

"Will I regret this?" she sighed as she allowed him to conduct her to the car.

"You won't know until you try."

~*~

~*~

"I'm surprised you let him sleep in," Jess remarked teasingly. "Normally, you prefer him to ride shotgun."

"He probably could use the extra couple hours after the past two and half days. Besides, it's not like we had to drive clear across the country to reach the track."

"A good thing, too, since neither one of you can navigate worth a damn."

"Don't worry, dear; you will never be out of a job when it comes to that." Giving his wife a quick kiss, John headed for the back of the RV. He quietly padded through the trailer to the "living room." It gave him a moment's pause to find Tommy and Kim snuggled together on one of the pullout beds. It wasn't like they had done anything... both were still dressed and on top of the covers, so they probably fell asleep watching TV or something. Still, Jan probably wouldn't be too happy if he let that continue. He wondered if he should have a talk with the boy—no, Tommy was hardly a boy. He was a grown man, one who had been a Power Ranger. If that hadn't taught him responsibility and accepting the consequences of one's actions, nothing would. He reached over to tap Tommy on the shoulder—no sense in waking Kim, too—and was caught by a well-thrown elbow. John fell back with a groan, clutching his midsection.

"All right, who... oh geez! Uncle John! I'm sorry," Tommy sputtered, scrambling out of bed to help him up. Kim was also at his side in an instant.

John found it amazing that for two people who had been sound asleep moments ago both Tommy and Kim were wide awake and what he'd call battle ready. "I'm okay. That'll teach me to try and tread quietly around you two."

"I'm sorry. I've gotten in the habit of punching first and asking questions later," Kim apologized. "I guess it's already rubbed off on Tommy."

"Don't worry about it, Kim. I'll know better next time. Anyway, we're at the track. We've got our pit assignment; we need to get set up and find out when you're scheduled for practice laps," John said.

"Give me a minute to get changed, and I'll be right out," Tommy answered, still looking slightly sheepish at having nailed his uncle.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Kim queried.

"We can use every hand we can get for set up," John replied. "I'll see you both in a bit."

~*~

"Kim!"

Tommy's voice cut through her reflections. She managed a smile for him. No sense in worrying him anymore than he already was. "What's up?"

"I'm on the track next. I wondered if you were going to come down and watch with the rest of the crew."

"Sure."

"Is something wrong? You're so tense, and you look like you're dressed for a fight. You're expecting trouble, aren't you."

"I'm always expecting trouble."

"Which is why you're distancing yourself from the crew, isn't it?" Tommy realized. "Maybe I should tell Uncle John...."

"No," Kim cut him off. "Tommy, I don't want you to set your life aside because of all this nonsense. I know how much you want to drive in the Classic, and to do that, you have to drive in the practices and the time trials."

"Kim, the race won't mean anything to me if something happens to you." For a moment neither could speak, but Kim squeezed Tommy's hand tightly. "That means so much to me," she murmured hoarsely. "Tell you what, I'll stay by the pit. That way, if something does happen, I won't be alone, and your uncle can radio you. All right?"

"All right," he reluctantly agreed to the compromise. "Say, can I still borrow your helmet for luck?"

"Of course."

~*~

"Is something wrong?" he queried.

"Just a feeling," she mumbled. "Would you mind if I brought my motorcycle down here?"

He couldn't imagine what she would need it for, but if it made her feel better... "Sure."

"Thanks."

Kim sprinted for the access tunnel under turn three as Tommy started his warm-up lap. The equipment truck was parked about halfway down the lot. Tommy's pick-up had been left in Angel Grove, but they had stowed her bike in with the race car. The back of the truck was still open, the ramp in place. For some reason, that disturbed Kim, and she approached cautiously. Nothing seemed to be out of place, and no one else was about. She entered the trailer, her gaze darting here and there. It was difficult to see in the back of the semi; she hurried over to her bike and rummaged through the side saddle until she located her flashlight. She swept the beam across the confines.

_You're letting your imagination get the better of you,_ she chided herself as her investigation turned up nothing. Then, a glint of silver caught her eye. It lay between the tire tracks of the car in a smudge of oil. It was a band of metal—about three inches in width and a half inch thick, and seeing it caused a cold knot to tighten in the pit of her stomach.

_Please, please let this be off the car!_ Kim quickly jumped on her bike and headed back into the speedway.

~*~

"Eddie!" she shouted, searching frantically for the crew chief.

"Kim, what's wrong?" John queried, just as Eddie ambled over. "I found this in the truck... it would have been under the car... do you recognize it?" Kim implored.

Eddie turned the ring of metal over in his hands. "I've never seen anything like this," he murmured, finding the thick band surprisingly light.

"But you have," John remarked upon seeing Kim's pale face.

"Mercyte armor," she gulped. "Get Tommy out of the car; they've done something to it!"

"Right."

Just as John tried to raise Tommy on the radio, Tommy put a call through.

"Uncle John, I've got a problem. The breaks aren't responding."

"Eddie, call up to the tower and have them get the emergency crews on stand-by. Don't mention it's sabotage," John directed, and the crew chief hurried off. To Tommy, he instructed, "Ease up off the gas and start slowing down."

"Coast to a stop. Got it."

Kim and John watched anxiously as the race car started shedding speed. As it whizzed past, Kim spotted a flash of blue light, and smoke wafted up from the tailpipe.

"Something else is wrong," she said.

"What's going on here? All of a sudden this thing is shaking like it's going to come apart," Tommy radioed.

"Take it back up to speed until the shaking stops," John ordered. To Kim he added, "I bet you anything those tin cans fixed it so that if the car drops under a certain speed, it'll blow or something."

Kim grabbed Tommy's helmet. "Then it's up to me to get him out of there. Help me set the radio so I can talk with him."

"Will you be able to match his speed?"

"We'll find out." As Kim hit the accelerator, she spoke into the mike, "Hang on, Tommy; I'm on my way."

"I'll try and hold her steady. But I'm losing control fast. Something's eating at my systems, shorting them out one at a time."

Kim bent low over the handle bars as she raced after Tommy, her mouth set in a determined line. She would get to him in time; there was no other alternative. She found herself grateful for the spin around the track she had taken yesterday. It had showed her that the track was more than simply an asphalt oval; it had its own special nuances. Tearing down the straightaway was not the same as tearing down a stretch of highway.

"How you doin'?" Kim queried.

"It's starting to get awful hot in here."

"I'm giving her all I got..." But both knew it wasn't going to be enough.

"I'm taking my foot off the accelerator. If I can bleed off just a little more speed..."

"I'll be along side you before that thing blows," Kim vowed.

"I know you will."

Kim shoved her fear down as she watched the cloud of smoke pouring out of the back of the car grow thicker. The racer was fishtailing all over the place.

"Steering's gone." Tommy reported.

It was going to make it difficult to come up beside him; it was almost as if the mercytes were controlling the car by remote control. _I wouldn't put it past them._

"I've got fire under the hood...."

"Just a little bit more..."

"I've got a blow out..."

". . . almost there..."

"Kim, I gotta bail out now..."

Kim wasn't sure where the final burst of speed came from, but suddenly she shot alongside the wildly swerving car.

"Do it!"

Tommy was already halfway out the window. He held on for a moment longer then pushed off. Kim nearly lost control as he landed behind her; she didn't even wait for him to get settled but veered off as quickly as she could. A moment later, the car erupted into a ball of flame, debris showering them.

"That was too close," Tommy muttered, glancing back over his shoulder. "Oh man, the car..." Already the fire equipment was moving out onto the track.

"We're not out of trouble yet."

Tommy caught a glimpse of silver in the stands moments before the first shot rang out. "We've got to get out of here before they tear the speedway apart," Tommy said. Kim swerved away from a section of asphalt that suddenly turned into a bubbling morass. "Ow!" Tommy winced as a beam clipped his arm. "Tommy?"

"It's not bad... just singed me, that's all."

"I'm making for the main entry..." However, the next shot that crossed their path took out the tire and sent the motorcycle careening out of control. They skidded towards the pits.

"Abandon ship!"

The two dove off the bike as it crashed into a gas pump; a spectacular column of flame tore into the air. They both flew threw the air for several yards before tucking and rolling to a hard stop in the grass. However, there was little time to recover. Both were on their feet and in defensive stances as their attackers materialized in the infield.

"Surrender," the command unit intoned emotionlessly.

"Go to hell!" Tommy rumbled, lashing out with a kick that did little more than glance off the nearest hunter. He was promptly grabbed by a second attacker and forcibly restrained.

"Tommy, no!" Kim shrieked as Tommy was forced at gun point to his knees. "Let him go!" Kim launched herself at the robots holding Tommy. The move caught the mercytes by surprise.

Tommy quickly pulled free and tackled another hunter by the knees. When that assassin came crashing down, Tommy snatched up its gun. He whirled and fired at the automaton converging on Kim. He quickly worked his way to her side. He surrendered the gun, and as Kim cut a deadly swathe through the armor-plated ranks, the two attempted to get to some cover; however, they were outnumbered. A pair of mercytes cut off their escape route. With fire at their heels, Kim tugged Tommy in a different direction. That, too, was cut off. Tommy urged her towards the opposite path and found it blocked. In short order, the two were completely surrounded and looking into the barrels of the mercytes' arm cannons.

"No," Tommy whispered defiantly, but as the two looked at each other, they knew it was over at last.

Kim tore off her helmet and flung it at the command unit. "Why! Why are you doing this to me? What do you guys want? Who wants me dead!"

"This unit is not authorized to divulge that information. Target and the human designated as Tommy Oliver have been neutralized. Implement Program Omega 13: termination of intended target."

"I can't believe this is happening," Kim whispered, her eyes filling with tears. "There's still a chance... you aren't scheduled for termination. Maybe they'd let you go...."

Tommy pulled off his helmet and wrapped his arms around her. "No, Kim. If they kill you, they'll have to kill me, too," Tommy said gravely, looking deep into her eyes. "Like they say during the wedding vows, 'til death do us part'."

" til death," Kim echoed, smiling bravely as their lips met in a final kiss. She poured her heart and soul into the exchange, giving to Tommy all the passion she held inside and taking the like from him. She no longer feared death. She feared nothing with Tommy at her side. Tommy pressed her more tightly to him as their tongues dueled in a primal dance. While their mouths made passionate love to each other, the two waited for oblivion.

And waited.

Finally, the need for air forced them apart, and they were astonished to discover that they were still breathing. As one, the pair looked around. Eight assassins, guns still locked on target, stood motionlessly around them. No lights flickered on the chest plate powerpacks, and the unblinking red eyes were dark.

"Are they... ?" Kim began hesitantly, scarcely daring to believe. Tommy attempted to pull a gun from one of the androids. While he could not remove the weapon, the hunter made no move to stop him. He had Kim back out of the way as he depressed the firing mechanism. Nothing happened.

"Dead," Tommy murmured in awe. "The guns. The assassins. Everything."

"But how?"

Then, the two heard an all-too familiar hum, and five brightly colored streaks of light assumed the shapes of the Turbo Rangers.

"What's going on?" Tommy queried.

"We came to tell you that we located the time portal these things were using," the Red Ranger reported.

"It wasn't a naturally occurring time hole; someone went to a lot of expense to open it," the Blue Ranger added. "A rip like that could have caused serious damage to the space/time continuum."

"You guys closed it? Is that what turned these guys off?" Kim asked eagerly.

"According to Dimetria, the carrier signal powering the mercytes was cut off before we closed the hole," Red continued.

"They were shut off at the source!" Tommy realized. With a jubilant shout, Tommy caught Kim under the arms and spun her around. "Do you know what this means, Kim? It's over!"

"It's over?" Kim repeated numbly, shock filling her features as she looked blankly up at Tommy. He pulled her to him tightly and nuzzled his cheek against the top of her head, giving her a soft kiss. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks.

"Yes, Beautiful. Your nightmare is finally over."

"No one will think anything of it," Tommy replied as he emerged from his parents' bathroom. After the media had finished with them and the paramedics released them, they had retreated to the quiet of the Oliver house. "You've been through a horrible ordeal; it's only natural to be shocked and relieved that it's over.

_Is it?_ Kim wondered privately. Someone had gone to an awful lot of trouble to try and kill her; that someone wasn't likely to give up easily. Kim didn't relish the idea of living her life always looking over her shoulder; however, Dimetria had said that she would monitor any unauthorized time portals, so she'd have some warning next time. She leaned against the door frame, her arms wrapped about her as if to ward off a chill. "I can't believe there were so many reporters at the track covering a practice," she murmured.

"The Canyon Classic is big news around here."

"I suppose; it's just that I'd always tried to avoid getting into the news."

"I'm glad the emergency crews were on hand. The mercytes really did a number on the track," Tommy said.

"I really feel badly about that. I shouldn't have gone with you... I knew an attack was coming...."

"They would have wrecked havoc anywhere you'd have gone. At least the track was mostly empty; there were firemen and paramedics on hand, and the damage wasn't that bad. Things will only be set back a day or two at the most, according to Uncle John." Tommy pulled Kim into his arms and hugged her reassuringly. "Now, it's time to put this behind you. You have your life back; what are you going to do with it?"

"I don't know." Kim looked up at him with confusion in her eyes. "I stopped thinking about the future a long time ago."

"You'll want to see your family again," Tommy suggested.

"I can't believe my mom will be here in forty-eight hours!" Kim bubbled, perking up. The first thing they had done upon reaching the house was call Paris.

"You'll probably want to go home with your mom, too," he continued, his tone carefully neutral. He didn't want to let Kim out of his sight again, but if she really wanted to go to Paris with her mother....

"Just for a little while." Tommy's expression brightened noticeably, and Kim smiled. "I've been on my own for so long, I don't think I can go back to living in her house and by her rules. She may try to treat me as an adult, but I'll always be her baby. Besides, Angel Grove is home. More importantly, it's where you are."

"I'm glad," Tommy whispered huskily, giving her hand a squeeze. "Will you get a place of your own and find a job?"

"I'd like to, but in order to get a job that I can support myself on, I need to finish school."

"Will you go back to Angel Grove or work on a GED?"

"I'd feel funny going back to school—being older than everyone, following a rigid schedule—but I missed a lot when I left, and school just may be what I need to help me discover a sense of normalcy. However, going back to school means I won't be able to work full time...."

"You know you can stay with my family until you get on your feet."

"I don't know, Tommy; I don't want to be a bother...."

"You were a bigger bother when you weren't around," Tommy said with a laugh; he hugged Kim when he saw her flinch at the reminder of what she had done. "At least think about it. My folks would love to have you, and it might make your mother feel better about you staying."

_Look what happened the last time she let me stay,_ Kim reflected, but she knew Tommy was right. "Okay, I'll think about it."

"How about thinking about it in the tub? The water isn't getting any warmer." He offered her a chivalrous bow. "You bath awaits, milady."

With a giggle and an exaggerated curtsey, Kim allowed herself to be ushered into the bathroom. She gasped in surprise and delight. The room was aglow with candlelight, and soft music added to the romantic atmosphere. Beside the tub sat a tray with two wine glasses and a bottle in the ice bucket.

"Tommy?"

"Allow me," was all he said. He reached around and untied the knot in her belt, then he held the robe for her as she slipped out of it and eased into the steaming, foam-covered water, immersing herself with a contented sigh.

"May I join you?"

Only then did it register that Tommy wore his bathrobe as well. Her grin widened, and her eyes danced with joy. "Be my guest." She slid over to make room as Tommy dropped his robe and waded in.

"Mm," Kim purred as she snuggled into his arms. "I figure we might as well make the most of this before my folks get home."

"Oh, you...." She gave him a playful swat, and she turned her attention to the bottle chilling in the silver container. "That isn't what I think it is, is it?"

"If you think it's sparkling white grape juice, it is," Tommy quipped as he reached for the bottle to pop the cork. "Dad hates the real thing, and where would I get champagne?"

"Grape juice is perfect," Kim assured him. She gave a startled squeak as the plastic cork burst free. Tommy poured out the drink with flair then handed her a glass.

"To the future," he toasted.

"The future."

Tommy attempted to twine his arm around Kimberly's as they sipped their drinks; however, both glasses tipped, and Kim shrieked as the cold beverage splashed down her chest. The two burst into peals of laughter, and Tommy made as if to brush the stain away. Suddenly, neither one of them was laughing.

"So, do I get to wash your hair this time?" Kim queried after a lengthy pause.

"That depends," Tommy responded lightly. "Will you be in any shape to after I'm done pampering my princess once more?"

"Hm, good question," Kim sighed longingly. "A girl could get used to this royal romantic treatment. Might as well enjoy it while I can; more than likely, it'll be a while before we get another chance."

"Maybe," Tommy answered absently as he scooted the ice bucket out of the way and reached for the remote for the CD player.

"What's that?" Kim queried, noticing a small box that had been hidden behind container. The old wood was dark with age and trimmed with brass fittings. With its domed lid, it resembled a miniature treasure chest.

"You've seen this before," Tommy replied. "It's always been on my dresser. It's Nanna Maggie's treasure chest.'"

"I remember now! You once told me how she'd play the queen and you'd be her faithful knight who rescued the royal jewels from the wicked dragon," Kim recalled, smiling fondly at the image. "I always thought that was so cute of your great-grandmother—and so fitting considering you were always my knight on a white horse."

"Tiger," Tommy corrected, and Kim's smile warmed him. "I never showed you what's inside, did I?"

"No."

"Open it."

"Puzzled, Kim pushed the lid back; inside the velvet lined chest was a ring, cunningly wrought. The band resembled a braided vine, and the etched leaves making up the shanks were dusted with tiny diamond flecks. The crown was an exquisitely crafted rose in full bloom, the delicate petals shaded a burnished rose color. In the heart of the flower sat a large diamond that sparkled and flashed in the firelight.

"It's beautiful," Kim gasped, awestruck. "Where did you get this?" She couldn't imagine that Tommy could afford something like this, and the craftsmanship was unlike anything she had ever seen.

"Read the inscription."

Kim peered into the band. The spidery script was worn, but she could make out the words: To my beloved Rose. JM 1863.

"It belonged to Nanna's grandmother," Tommy explained. "Nanna gave it to me the Christmas before she died."

"But you were only three!"

"It was the last of the treasure,' she said. She commanded her faithful 'knight' to guard this until he found a worthy princess to bestow it upon."

Kim handed the ring back to Tommy, and he studied it with a distant, thoughtful gaze and a soft smile. She couldn't fathom where his thoughts had wandered, so she watched and waited. Tommy suddenly snapped out of his reverie at the intro to the next song.

"Ah, perfect!"

"What?"

"Listen."

"Sh!"

"I need you, Kim; you're a part of me I can't live without. More than that, I love you, and I want to be with you always. Kimberly Hart, will you marry me?"

Kim's eyes were wide as Tommy held the antique ring at the tip of her left ring finger. She tried to speak, but the words still wouldn't come.

Tommy saw the answer in her eyes, but he waited. He needed to hear her say it. When it finally came, it was scarcely above a whisper as the music swelled in the background.

"Yes."

Tommy slid the ring onto Kim's finger and pulled her close, their lips meeting in a tender kiss that blossomed with the passion and love running deep in their souls.

"She was supposed to die! He wasn't supposed to propose to her!" The energy flew from fingertips, smashing into the orb and shattering it into dust-fine particles. The sorceress known as the Dark Lady rose from her throne, the lunar palace quaking with her wrath. She crossed the antechamber to the balcony; like a blue/white jewel on a velvet cloak, the planet Earth loomed beyond the moon's horizon.

She cared not for conquering the planet. Her burning ambition lay in other directions... her acquisition of wealth and power—technological and arcane—geared towards one goal: the destruction of Kimberly Hart—a woman who had been dead for more centuries than the Dark Lady cared to count.

To that end, she had marshaled all the resources at her command and laid her plans carefully for centuries... The mercytes were the most lethal, most feared, and most successful assassins in the galaxy. It had cost her nearly half the wealth accumulated by her predecessors to purchase a cadre loyal only to her programing.

_And they couldn't even kill one powerless human female!_ The time hole had also cost her dearly—an expenditure of her magical powers that had taken her years from which to recover.

_And those meddlesome Rangers sealed it!_ It would be centuries before she could open another, unless she could find a naturally occurring portal (most, however, had been sealed over the millennia by one group of Rangers or another). A window to the past did not concern her; time was one commodity she had in abundance. The day she destroyed her mistress and unwittingly assumed her powers was the day time stood still for her.

"Invincible assassins—HA!" the Dark Lady sneered. "The little slut figured out how to take you out—even without Tommy's help."

They had had her! Kimberly had been as good as dead; if only Tommy hadn't interfered... If she hadn't pulled the plug when she did, those stupid blast-happy robots would have fried him right along with Kimberly. That would have ruined everything! Tommy had to live... if he had died, there would be no hope of ever undoing the damned spell.

"This is all your fault, little pink bitch," the sorceress hissed menacingly, conjuring a vision of the hated young woman. "If Tommy had never gone back to you, none of this would have ever happened to me!" Clapping her hands together, she obliterated the image. Would that she could be rid of the woman as easily. "This isn't over, Kimmie, not until death claims one of us, and I have all the time in the universe!"

Laughter reverberated throughout the corridors of the deserted palace as its mistress swept through the lonely halls to begin her scheming anew. She would have her revenge.

Through the twisted, madness-darkened corridors of the Dark Lady's mind, laughter echoed—the shrill, screeching cackle of a mistress long dead at the sorceress' own hands.

"Such an evil kitty..."

End

The songs used in this story were used without permission. In order of appearance:
"Look Away" by Chicago
Chicago's Greatest Hits 1982 -1989

"You're My Best Friend" by Queen
A Night at the Opera

"Hard To Say I'm Sorry/Get Away" by Chicago
Chicago's Greatest Hits 1982 - 1989

"Will You Still Love Me?" by Chicago
Chicago's Greatest Hits 1982 -1989

"I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love" by Chicago
Chicago's Greatest Hits 1982 - 1989

"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
The Game

"You're The Inspiration" by Chicago
Chicago's Greatest Hits 1982 - 1989