Fate’s Folly - M - 11/? (I blame chris)

[Jade_Max]

Chris convinced me to post this since it's still in the process of being written - any and all comments/suggestions etc are welcome to help me progress... thanks in advance!

Oh and he made some beautiful graphics for it



July 2008


Title: Fate’s Folly
Author: Jade_Max
Rating: M to be safe for later chapters
Disclaimer: Power Rangers and their affiliates belong to Saban/Disney and are used without permission and no money is being made off of this.
Author’s Note: Set directly after PRDT Episode - Golden Boy; AU after that.
Special Thanks: Huge thank you to chrisangelo for brainstorming with me on this one! I got stuck in the middle of the original chapter 2 and he really helped me a lot to take this in the direction I wanted it to go! Thanks man!

Summary: There are those who are blinded by fate, and those who accept it.


Fate’s Folly[/u]

Chapter 1[/i]

Kira, Conner and Ethan settled around a table in Haley’s Cyber Café, sliding their books on the table.

“Not performing today?” Ethan’s light tease was directed Kira’s way with a nod to the stage.

“I could ask you the same thing,” she returned, looking pointedly at the row of computers that was sitting mostly unused at the back of the café. “Don’t tell me your game shy.”

“Nope,” Ethan held up his text book. “I’m just reading ahead for Doctor O’s class.”

“Reading ahead?” Conner’s blank look was almost comical. “Why?”

“Why not?”

“Because… because it’s more homework!”

Kira laughed, shaking her head as a hand reached down to place her smoothie on the table. She looked up with a slightly shy smile. "Hey, Trent."

"Hi." His smile was easy, his gaze direct. "Can I get you guys anything else?"

"We're good." Conner looked to his companions. "Aren't we guys?"

Ethan and Kira nodded, Kira turning her gaze back to the table and the smoothie Trent had brought her. She knew he was waiting for an invitation to sit down, to join them, but she didn't dare voice it. When she'd made a mistake that afternoon in speaking with Trent while in Ranger form, she knew now she couldn't chance having him figure out that she was the Yellow Ranger. If he did, she hadn't a clue what he would do with the information. She didn't know him well enough to guess - no matter how much she wished otherwise - and she couldn't risk it.

"Alright." Trent's words were easy but Kira winced at the hurt she could just make out underneath it. "I'll see you later."

Ethan leaned across the table as Trent turned to help another table. "What was that about?"

"Yeah, normally you ask him to join us."

Kira glanced around to ensure no one was nearby before leaning forward into the huddle with her friends. "I called Trent by his name out there today. If he hears me talk, he might figure out who I am."

Ethan and Conner shared looked as Kira sat back, miserably contemplating the smoothie on the table. With a decisive move she grabbed her bag and packed her books back into it. "I'm going to head off, guys. I'll catch you later."

"Kira-"

She stopped, managing to smile for Ethan. "I'm going to find Doctor O. Maybe he knows something that can help. Who knows, maybe he had to deal with this before too."

Neither Conner nor Ethan tried to stop her and Kira did her best to ignore the look Trent shot her way as she headed for the door. Haley was behind the bar, watching her, but Kira averted her gaze so she could honestly say she hadn't seen any signal Haley might use to indicate they should talk.

Escaping the Cyber Café, she headed for the edge of town and the well used path between it and Doctor Oliver's home.

Things were quiet, for once, as she walked and Kira was grateful Conner hadn't offered her a ride since she felt she'd need the time to sort through what exactly she was going to tell Doctor O. She couldn't very well just come out and ask him about Trent - he'd think she was interested or something. And while she was ready to admit that Trent appealed to her - not only was he handsome but he was nice and not at all the spoiled rich brat people expected - she wasn't ready to face the questions those admissions might bring up.

It wasn't like Trent had asked her out or anything. No, she considered him her friend - her really cute, terribly distracting friend - but a friend none-the-less and she wanted to be sure he wouldn't recognize her.

"Kira?"

She jumped, dropping her bag as she spun about in surprise. "Doctor O - you scared me!"

Tommy Oliver arched his eyebrows in surprise. "Deep in thought, huh?"

Kira blushed, nodding.

"I've been known to do that too. Can I give you a lift?"

Kira scooped up her bag and climbed into the passenger side of his Jeep, feeling slightly foolish. "I was coming to see you, actually."

Tommy put the Jeep back into gear as he turned off into his driveway. "Something on your mind?"

Kira looked down to her lap where she was twisting her fingers together. Stilling them abruptly, she clenched them together to prevent the nervous fidget. "Can I ask you something, Doctor O?"

"Sure." The vehicle slowed around a corner as Tommy navigated the narrow drive lane leading towards his secluded home. "What's up?"

She took a deep breath. "How did you keep people from discovering you were a Ranger for so long?"

Tommy turned the last bend and applied the brakes. "There are quite a few ways I could answer that," he admitted as he stopped the car and put it in park. The engine died as he shut it down and unclipped his seatbelt. "I get the feeling this question is more specific to a set of circumstances."

Kira busied herself with climbing out of the Jeep, pulling the strap of her bag over her shoulder with one motion before turning towards Tommy's cabin."I mean, how did you do it while you were pulling people out of situations or checking on them afterwards?"

Tommy came around the front of the jeep and leaned against it, his shrewd gaze not fooled for a moment. "If you're asking how I managed to keep my identity a secret from my friends the answer is that I didn't have to. I was a loner before I was a Ranger, and the Rangers befriended me before Rita turned me evil. Once they found out who I was, and I knew who they were, we just had to keep it from everyone else."

"What about your parents?"

"I never had to rescue them as a Ranger," his lips twitched. "Though I'm sure my mother would have recognized me in person if we ever had. Thankfully all she ever saw were short news clips."

Kira took a deep breath. "What would you have done if she had recognized you?"

"Has someone recognized you, Kira?"

"No. Not yet."

"But you think they will."

She sighed. "Trent's my friend, Doctor O. I feel bad about this whole thing because he doesn't know about Conner, Ethan and I, but I spoke to him today when we came to help you against that gold thing. I spoke to him like I knew him and he got all suspicious. What if he recognizes me?"

"Then he recognizes you." Tommy smiled faintly. "Chances are he's just like everyone else when it comes to the Rangers. They all believe the Rangers are super heroes, with magical powers and super human strength - and that they're all adults."

"Uh, Doctor O. We do have magic-like powers."

"Thanks to the Dino gems. Before, you were all ordinary kids."

"Like you were?"

Tommy shrugged. "It was a long time ago, but we never had the advantages the Dino gems give us. We had to rely on the skills we had and the training we could help each other with. Jason, Trini and I helped Billy learn to fight, but I think being a Power Ranger helped too. Our strengths as a team outweighed any personal weaknesses. We were stronger and faster than normal kids - but not so much that people would recognize us."

"So what do I do if Trent recognizes me?"

"You'll think of something."

"Doctor O!"

Tommy chuckled at her outraged and exasperated expression. "I can't tell you what to do, Kira. If it were me, I might have something to say, but no one I know is in danger of figuring out my identity. I can only make a suggestion."

"And what's what?"

"Immerse yourself in your favorite hobby, something that helps you clear your mind and find focus. When you're balanced and at peace within, you'll be able to act with a clear conscience on something you find unbalancing."

"You're no help at all!"

Tommy pushed off the bumper. "No? Try it and see, Kira. There's nothing to lose but a little of your frustration and helplessness."

She watched him walk towards his home, something in his stride tipping her off to an inner turmoil she hadn't been aware of before - something in her words had awakened a painful memory and it hadn't been her intention. "Doctor O?"

Tommy stopped, looking back over his shoulder at her.

"Is that... is that what you did?"

Turning to look at her assessing, he finally nodded.

"Did it help?"

"It didn't hurt." Tommy shook his head and strode back towards her. "Come on; I'll take you home."

Kira was silent as she climbed back into his car and buckled herself in. She didn't speak as he turned the jeep around headed back up the drive lane to the main road. Doctor O. had given her a lot to think about.

----------

Tommy watched as Kira closed the door to her house and pulled away from the curb. Unintentionally, her question echoed through his mind again; the hesitant, almost fearful way she’d said it making it hurt all the more.

"Is that... is that what you did?"

Driving on auto pilot, he examined Kira’s question and why it had hurt so much - or rather, why it had stung to talk about the past when he’d believed himself to be beyond it all. He had done as he’d told Kira - focused on himself and his hobbies; focused on his martial arts to find his center and balance. Not only that, but he’d pushed himself to move beyond the impasse that his life had become. Stopping for a red light, he settled back in his seat, his hands clenching and unclenching on the steering wheel.

The impasse. That was a joke.

His life hadn’t been at an impasse, but a complete stand still and he knew why - he still had the reasons tucked away in a box in his closet along with an unopened wedding invitation. Perhaps that was why Kira's question had stung so much - or perhaps it was because she and Trent and their situation reminded him so much of his own youth and... and her.

Their idealistic views, the way they danced around each other awkwardly, trying to be friends, yet secretly hoping for that much more - a badly kept secret at that. All of his friends during that period in his life hadn't found his interest to be anything but natural - and encouraged him in it. Of course, his own insecurities about how she felt - despite their reassurances - had complicated matters until she'd taken the first step in seeking him out.

Without that little kernel of encouragement, he doubted he'd have found the courage to ask her out. Or maybe he would have - he didn't know how history would have rewritten itself if she hadn't sought him out that day. It all boiled down to one thing.

Random chance.

Of course, if that had been the case and they're simply remained nervous friends - despite the obvious desires to try for something more - he would never have been in the situation he now found himself in. Instead he'd have been regretting his youth for the things he hadn't done, not the things he had. Not that there weren't things he regretted doing, but there were more regrets for what he hadn't done than those he'd accomplished. He didn't regret being a Ranger - but he did regret how that tenure had started. He didn't regret befriending the others - but he did regret how it had all ended.

He hadn't spoken with Jason in over nine years - not since the man had the gall to invite him to their wedding - Kat had all but vanished into her dancing and the others... they kept in touch sporadically. But it was the absence of his best friend and brother he regretted the most. The fact that it was his own actions, his request, which kept them apart didn't escape him, but it didn't make it hurt any less.

Those old wounds continued to fester, unhealed and unbound, just below the surface - but he knew that if he had the chance to change it, to bring Jason back into his life, he’d take it in a heartbeat. The reasons for their split – her choice - had dulled the ragged edges over time, but it hadn’t allowed him to move on.

Gunning the engine as the light turned green, he peeled around the turn leading to his home and the sanctuary he'd created. He had new purpose now, a new life and the old one shouldn't have had any bearing on it. But of course it did no matter how much he didn't want it to.

Being a Power Ranger was about the only thing he'd kept as a constant in his life, despite the lulls in between. Lulls. He almost snorted at the thought. Ten years was quite a lull from something that had occupied his high school years. In fact, now that he thought about it, he'd only been a Power Ranger for a fraction of his life time.

Of course, that fraction had been more rewarding - and heartbreaking - than anything else.

The rewards far outweighed the losses - or so he told himself. All of the actions he'd taken in his past had led him to where he was today. They had made him into the man he'd become, no longer a fresh faced loner of a kid - instead he was a jaded, loner of an adult.

Making a face, he parked his Jeep and climbed out, reaching for his bag.

He didn't regret his decisions, but then not all of those decisions had been his to make and some had been made without him. Tommy had a love affair with control and that was probably why, even after ten years, Kira's question stung; the one decision he should have had some control over, he hadn't. It had been taken from him, stolen, by a simple piece of paper and the mistake of thinking everything was as it always would be.

Unlocking his front door, he left the memories on the outside of his sanctuary where they belonged and stepped inside.

He had work to do.

[chrisangelo]

YAY!

I absolutely enjoy this fic almost as much as H&A, and you know I read that on a daily basis.

Gosh suspense is what I hate and what I love about this story D: *wants his damn TK already *

*wonders what people are going to do when all these good fics are coming out* I can totally see people banning against their family and toning them out just to read these!

[rapunzl]

Wow. I actually winced when I saw the wedding part.

Great pickup on the plot hole - I remember thinking about that, too, when I watched this episode, but (as is typical) the writers just left it hanging. Of course, if Trent didn't figure it out when he saw that Tommy was being hunted down by a golden alien robot, I think Kira's in the clear...

I'm really psyched to see where this goes.

[Jade_Max]

I'll reply to ya'll in a bit... not tonight though - need sleep... work was hell... so this is yo cheer me up - enjoy !

********

Chapter 2

"Kira!"

She turned, smiling as Ethan skidded to a halt beside her locker. "Hey."

"Hey yourself. You coming after school?"

"To Haley's?" She resumed pulling her books from her bag.

"Yeah. Trent's worried about you."

Kira kept her gaze focused on where she was putting the books in her locker. "I hope you told him I was fine."

"He wants to hear it from you. What gives?"

Kira sighed, glancing around. "I told you - I think he'll recognize me."

"If you avoid him, you'll only make him more suspicious."

"And if I talk to him, I'll only confirm the suspicions!"

"Or give him more." Conner appeared behind her, leaning casually against one of the lockers. "He thinks he did something wrong."

Kira laughed, shaking her head. "I can't win at this, can I?"

"Just talk to him," Ethan shared a look with Conner. "If nothing else, let him know you're not mad at him - just preoccupied."

"With what? Ranger business?"

"Ha!" Conner made a face and changed the subject. "Have you heard about the new music teacher?"

"Doctor O. was telling me they're expecting someone new." Kira zipped up her bag and closed her locker. "He suggested I join the music class."

"And what, drop science?"

She slanted a dirty look at Conner as they moved into the hallway traffic headed for Doctor Oliver's class. "Music would only be twice a week and it happens to fall in my fourth period spare on both days."

"So you'll give up your study time." Ethan sounded aghast.

"You don't have study time, why should I need it?"

"I'm three chapters ahead of the class."

"Which means Kira will just have more homework," Conner's cheerful observation was overly so and Kira elbowed him in the side.

"I can manage. Besides, I haven't picked up my guitar in weeks. This will be good for me."

"If you say so." Conner didn't sound convinced.

"It's like you picking up an extra gym class, Conner."

"Oh - Oh!" He brightened. "That would be awesome."

"Same thing," Kira told him with a grin. "Or like Ethan picking up an extra computer course. Trust me this; is going to be fun."

"I hear the new teacher is something else," Conner informed them seriously. "She's supposed to be a knockout."

"Is that all you think about?" Kira's tone was tinged with disgust. "I'm surprised you attend any class with a male teacher."

"Doctor O's not so bad."

"But he's no knockout." Kira's tease was almost malicious. "At least, not to you."

Ethan stepped away from them and silently disappeared into the classroom ahead of them. His silence and actions clearly stated he was unwilling to get involved in their discussion. Neither Kira nor Conner seemed to notice.

"What, do you think Doctor Oliver is a knockout?"

"He's not bad looking!"

"He's ancient!"

"And so's the music teacher. Old people can be good looking, Conner - it's not limited to youth."

"I'm flattered you think so, Kira."

"Doctor O!"

Tommy smiled faintly as she blushed, glaring at Conner. "To class - now."

Neither teen argued as they were herded through the door to first period Science.

-----

Kira collected her guitar from her locker just after lunch and made her way to the music room, grateful that class wouldn't start just yet - it would give her the opportunity to practice and possibly immerse herself in her music the way Doctor Oliver had suggested. Hurrying down semi-deserted corridors, she turned towards the music room and had one hand on the door before the soft chords of a guitar gave her pause. Cracking the door only a fraction, she observed the scene before her.

There was a woman bent low over the guitar, strumming softly to herself as she hummed along. Occasionally a word or phrase escaped and Kira found herself straining to hear even as she knew she shouldn’t - because she was looking at the new music teacher.

The new teacher was definitely pretty. Not in the knockout sense Conner had been describing, but in the quiet understated way of personal confidence in oneself. The long, auburn hair was arranged in a single braid down the teacher's back hanging almost to her waist. The bangs that hung around her face - from what Kira could see - were held back by a simple band of white cloth. The profile of the woman, deep in concentration, was pretty but not false - a genuine beauty that shone from within.

An honest person's face - and one that was vaguely familiar...

Kira finally knocked, drawing the brown-eyed gaze of the woman before her. "Ms. Scott?"

A faint, almost sad smile played over the lips of her new teacher. "Yes?"

“I’m Kira Ford.” She shifted her feet nervously, glancing about the classroom. “Can I come in?”

Ms. Scott waved her in, taking silent note of the guitar case in her hand as she motioned to a nearby seat. "Certainly - have a seat."

"Thanks. I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Not at all," the new teacher's smile was warm. "I understand you’re a songwriter.”

Kira blinked and then grinned, almost sheepishly. “They’ve been talking about me.” It wasn’t a question.

"Talent isn't an easy thing to hide - and you're coming to class with your own guitar."

Said guitar was sitting almost forgotten in her hand as Kira settled herself beside the teacher. To her surprise, the teacher was almost as short as she was. "Dead giveaway, huh?"

"Only to another musician." Ms. Scott smiled knowingly. "You're early for class."

“It’s been a while since I’ve played, I was hoping to warm up a little - I hope I'm not intruding..."

The teacher raised her eyebrows. "Intruding? Why would you think that?"

"You looked so intense - the way I feel when I'm composing. Do you write songs too?"

"Sometimes."

"Really?" Kira straightened in her chair. "Was that what you were working on?"

Ms. Scott shook her head. "I haven't written anything new in a long time. That was something I wrote… back when I was in high school. I was about your age, actually."

"Really?" Leaning forward eagerly, Kira’s eyes flashed with excitement. "It sounds like such a lovely tune. Could you teach it to me?"

Ms. Scott raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Just how much did you hear?"

With a grin, Kira flipped the lid off her guitar and pulled the instrument from its case. With smooth, practiced - and loving - motions she slid it onto her lap and ran a quick chord. Confident the tuning had kept, she closed her eyes and hummed what little melody she'd caught before letting her fingers move into the chords. It wasn't much, maybe a bar or two, but when she opened her eyes to find Ms. Scott staring at her with appreciative enthusiasm, Kira knew she'd played it true. "It's a simple song, but evocative. Are you sure you won't teach it to me?"

"I hear an or else in there."

A twinkle appeared in Kira's eye. "The song maker in me might be tempted to do it for you - and I'd hate to get it wrong."

Ms. Scott laughed, the sadness that had lurked in her eyes disappearing as she did so, a genuine smile creasing her face. "And the song writer emerges! I think that you and I are going to get along just fine."

"That means you'll teach me?"

"If for no other reason than to keep you from writing around that particular chord - it's in the middle of the song."

Psyched, Kira leaned down to grab the shoulder strap she hadn't taken the time to attach before showing off to the new teacher. "So why haven't you written anything new lately, Ms. Scott?"

The teacher looked taken aback by the curious question for a moment before she shrugged, running through the chords needed for the song. "I haven't found the inspiration. Part of my reason for moving to Reefside is to try and resurrect my muse."

"Ugh, well if you're looking for restful or relaxation, this isn't the town to be in."

"Oh?"

"I haven't picked up my guitar in weeks thanks to some of the disturbances."

"Why not?"

"No time, in my case. Haley - that's the owner of the Cyber Café; have you met her?"

The auburn haired teacher shook her head.

Kira continued. "Oh. Well, you'll have to, she's about the coolest person ever - discounting Doctor O. of course - but she lets me play at her Cyber Café sometimes. You should come down after school and hang out with us; who knows, maybe she'd even let us play."

"While I'm grateful for the offer, Kira, I'm actually in Reefside to lay low for a while."

"So you're what, not going to have a social life?"

"Principal Randall seems intent on making sure I'm no stranger to my colleagues."

"Other teachers?" Kira wrinkled her nose. "They're all so boring."

"Even this Doctor O. you mentioned?"

"Well, except him - and he's only cool when he's not in school."

Ms. Scott arched her eyebrows. "You spend time with your teachers outside of class?"

"Not all of them - just Doctor O. My friends and I share a common enem... er..." Kira stuttered. She'd been about to tell the new teacher about their responsibilities as Power Rangers and she'd only just met her! What had happened to the whole ‘you can’t tell anyone’ mentality she’d been besieged with around Trent? Struggling to recover, she tried to remember what she'd just been saying. "I mean, we share a common interest in his field of specialty - paleontology."

"You like fossils?"

"More like my friends and I like the way Doctor O. teaches what he knows about them. It's pretty fascinating - have you met him?"

"Him?"

"Doctor O."

"Is that his full name?"

"Nah, but he's the youngest male teacher on the faculty - you can't miss him. Brown hair, brown eyes, built like Adonis and handsome as sin - ring any bells?"

"It sounds like someone has a crush on their teacher."

"What? Me? No way - I like Tre.. er..." Kira couldn't help the blush that stole over her cheeks at her teacher's teasing tone. "That's not the point. The point is that you'd like Doctor O. - if you'd met him."

"I'm not here to meet people - only to teach aspiring musicians like you."

Kira cocked her head. "But everyone's going to be curious about you; you're the new teacher!"

Ms. Scott's almost sad expression was back and she shook her head. "Let them wonder; I'm not here to indulge other people's curiosity. Now, starting with this chord-"

Kira knew when to call it quits, but the new teacher was intriguing. Even as she listened and mimicked the fingering for the song she was being taught, part of her mind was on the mystery of the teacher.

Why would someone as obviously beautiful as this teacher be disinclined to mingle? Kira suppressed a grin. It reminded her of Doctor O. Not that he was unsociable, but he could be a workaholic and from the looks of her, Ms. Scott was determined to become one. Maybe, just maybe, she could get the two of them to mingle together and in the process work through whatever issues they had personally. Who knew - they might just click.

Matchmaking her teachers wasn't exactly a pass time Kira'd ever intended to take up, but this opportunity was just too good to let slide. Conner and Ethan were going to help her - they just didn't know it yet and Doctor O. would never suspect his favorite students and fellow Power Rangers were up to something.

[rapunzl]

You know how you can see something horribly tragic coming, but since you can't stop it, you just stare and watch like a deer in headlights?

Yeah, that's how part of me felt reading this chapter.

The other part of me is laughing maniacally and can't wait to see the TK "reunion."

I also had to mention that the way you write the kinship between the three teen rangers is fantastic - I love how Kira knows just how to translate things into Conner language for it to make sense to him.

You've got me on the edge of my seat - can't wait for more!

[Kim]

Train wreck waiting to happen.....that about describes that Dr. O - Ms. Scott meeting....I can see it coming a mile away..... *shakes her head*

[kckatnip]

ah...i want more!!

[jill19]

i am on teh edge of my seat

i cant wait to read more

[cinquotes]

WOW...I can't wait to read more. Quick question, you have Kim listed at MS. scott...not MRS., even if something happened btwn her and Jase (ie divorce, death) she would stay MRS until she went back to Hart (IMO)

I want back story on how Kim/Jase ended up together and I want to see the T/K meeting.

Keep it up!
"C"

[shawn30]

I'm soooooooooooo into this story already. I can't wait to find out what's happened with Kim and Jason's marriage and the frist time TK meet. I need more of this story now!

S

[Jade_Max]

rapunzl – And so, I have once again accomplished my goal *evil grin* That train wreck is going to be a lot of fun to write

As for the kinship between the three younger Rangers – it’s been a challenge to get it right since I don’t feel I know the three (four really) of them as well as I should. That you feel the dynamic between them is there is very comforting to me since they’re the most trouble I’ve had writing. Thanks!

Kim – Indeed, indeed Train wreck is what I’m going for *grin* it’ll be fun.

kckatnip More is coming – slowly but surely.

jill19 – That’s about where I want the readers at this point – but I intend to draw out the agony just a little

cinquotes – Thanks. To answer your question, Ms. is the generic title for a woman, married/single/widowed etc. Kim is choosing to be called Ms – which should tell you just how strong her marriage to Jason is *laughs* on. As for the background – and how Tommy found out – that will be included later.

shawn30 – Thanks shawn – and more information is coming as the story progresses, but you’ll just have to wait for it like everyone else *grin*


Thanks for reading everyone! More to follow

---

Chapter 3[/u]

Tommy was heading back to his class after the end of the lunch hour, taking his time as he didn't have anything until the second period after lunch, and was catching up on some light reading when the strumming of a guitar chord caught his attention. His head came up automatically, turning in the direction of the music room and the familiar sound of Kira's voice, raised in question, came back to him. The distance was too great, with the musical interference, to hear what she was saying - or the reply of whomever she spoke with - but the melody caught and held him.

Unconsciously, he took a step towards it, straining to hear the rest of the melody. It was vaguely familiar, like the whispered remembrance of a dream...

"Doctor Oliver."

Tommy started, almost dropping his book and turned. "Principal Randall."

The Principal of Reefside High stood before him, her arms crossed, tapping her toes in annoyance as she looked at him disapprovingly over the rims of her glasses. "And just where have you been?"

"Pardon?"

"You should have been in class twenty minutes ago."

Tommy arched his eyebrows. "My next class starts in ten; I'm hardly late."

"And your excuse for missing the welcome luncheon yesterday?"

Yesterday? Tommy frowned. "Welcome... oh, the new music teacher. I got called away by an emergency." He wasn't about to tell her about the Tyranodrones which had held him and the other Dino Rangers up for almost thirty minutes. By the time the fight had been over, he'd had to shower and change before being presentable once again for class - and he’d missed the luncheon he’d completely forgotten about to begin with.

"You were back to teach your class in the afternoon."

"It didn't take as long to sort out as I'd thought it would."

The music faded away as Principal Randall grabbed him by his arm and steered him towards his classroom. "Of the entire faculty, you were the only one missing, Doctor Oliver. I had hoped we could make the new music teacher feel welcome. Ms. Scott came very highly recommended by Ocean View High and the last thing we want to do is make her feel like an outsider."

Pulling his arm free, Tommy reluctantly fell into step with her. He could ask Kira about the music he'd heard later. "I don't see how my presence at this particular luncheon would make her feel alienated. Ms. Scott likely didn't even notice I was missing - she doesn't know I exist."

"Precisely!" Randall turned on him, pinning him with a look. "Imagine her shock when she does meet you and you weren't there to greet her. I expect you to rectify this as soon as possible, Doctor Oliver. I refuse to have a staff that will not work as a team."

"How is my work related to-"

"Doctor Oliver!"

He snapped his lips shut. Whenever the Principal took that tone he knew better than to argue. Hell, whenever any woman took that tone he knew better than to argue.

Randall continued. "I expect you to remedy the lack of an introduction yourself at the earliest possible opportunity. Ann Scott is not to be left in the dark about any of her colleagues, do you understand?"

It was almost as if Randall believed the school was her personal military base and Tommy resisted the urge to salute smartly and retort with a "Sir, yes sir!" - it would only get him into more trouble. Instead, he thought about his answer before opening his mouth - a switch from high school. "My class starts in two minutes. I'll make a point of introducing myself to Ms. Scott when school's over."

"Make sure that you do."

Tommy shook his head as Randall swept away, leaving him just feet from his classroom. Why it was so important for him to make nice with the new teacher didn't escape him; he well remembered his own initiation into the Reefside High environment and Randall was a stickler for protocol. Making a mental note to stop by the music class before the end of the day, Tommy turned to his own classroom.

----------

"Ms. Scott is just awesome!"

Connor laughed as Kira skidded to a halt between he and Ethan. "A knockout, huh?"

Kira shot him a dirty look. "Not everything is based on looks Mister Popularity. Besides, looks have no bearing on talent."

"Speak for yourself."

"Are we headed over to Haley's?"

Connor and Kira nodded, but Kira pulled up short. "Oh shoot, I almost forgot." Glancing around, she pulled them off to the side. "Have either of you met Ms. Scott yet?"

"Nope."

"Can't say I've had the pleasure."

Kira checked again to be sure there was no one around and then lowered her voice. "I think she'd be perfect for Doctor O."

"Huh?"

Rolling her eyes at their dumbfounded expressions, Kira launched into her explanation. "Don't you guys ever wonder why a great guy like Doctor O. is still single?"

Connor and Ethan shared a look. "Uh... no."

"Whatever - the point is that Doctor O. is one of the coolest teachers we've ever had and the guy has issues. Major issues. I think Ms. Scott could help with that - doesn't Doctor O. deserve a little happiness for everything he does for us?"

"Are you forgetting something?" Ethan tapped his Dino morpher.

"Yeah, your own thing with Trent isn't going so well, Kira - what makes you think Doctor O. even wants some floozy in his life?"

"Ms. Scott is not a floozy!"

"Kira."

The three turned and a grin broke out over Kira's face. "Ms. Scott! We were just talking about you. Is something the matter?"

Ms. Scott held up one of the guitar cases she held. "You forgot your guitar."

"Oh... thanks! Ms. Scott, these rejects are my friends. Connor McKnight - he's a soccer nut, and Ethan James - computer geek."

Connor and Ethan nodded to the new teacher only to stop and stare when she smiled - and Kira knew in that moment she'd obtained their help. Ethan stepped forward - he was slightly taller than the diminutive teacher - and offered his hands. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Scott."

"Likewise Ethan."

"Will you be joining us at Haley's today?"

"I'm afraid I have to take a rain check; I've a meeting I can't miss. Some other time, perhaps?"

"Oh. Okay. Do you know where it is?" Kira flipped open the spiral notebook she'd been carrying and scribbled the address down, ripping the page out before offering it to the teacher. "Here; if your meeting's over early, you can usually find us there until close."

"Close?" Ms. Scott arched her eyebrows. "Shouldn't you be studying - or doing your homework?"

Connor and Kira shared a guilty look and Ethan smothered a laugh with one hand. It was his same argument - just from a source they might be inclined to listen to. Connor cleared his throat. "We usually get our assignments done at Haley's - when Kira's not performing."

"Which is never." She elbowed him. "Unless I can convince Ms. Scott to join us."

"I might be persuaded, but not today."

"Tomorrow then - or Thursday?"

Ms. Scott smiled faintly. "If you're there as often as you say, it may be the only place I can locate you for additional practice time."

"Awesome!" Kira grinned and then struggled to contain her excitement. "I mean, I'm game if you are."

“The Café sounds nice too - the way you talk about it reminds me of the hangout my friends and I used to share when I was in High School.”

“Really? Did you play there too?”

“Not in the way you mean - but in a manner of speaking, yes. I think spent more time watching the work on the mats than joining it, though.” Checking her watch, Ms. Scott smiled an apology. "I have to go. I'll see you in class this Thursday, Kira. Keep practicing."

Kira exhaled loudly, turning to her friends as the teacher disappeared. "Do you see what I mean?"

"Doctor O. wouldn't want us to interfere," Ethan's protest was weak and Kira could see the wheels were already spinning.

"He might thank us later if they clicked."

"So what do we do?"

Kira's grin was wicked. "I say we set them up on a blind date - you guys work on Doctor O., let me handle Ms. Scott."

"He'll never buy it."

"Than what will he buy?"

“Rescue?”

Kira glared at Connor. “I am not putting Ms. Scott in the line of fire just to make Doctor O. rescue her. She could get hurt and I’d never forgive myself - or either of you!”

"Chaperon maybe?" Ethan considered the options. "The question will be to what."

They were silent, thinking, before Kira snapped her fingers. "I've got it. If we can convince Haley, this is what we do..."

[rapunzl]

I find it extremely interesting that Randall is so adamant on the two teachers meeting. Maybe our not-so-innocent principal knows something about Ms. Scott that she shouldn't...

I loved how Connor suggested rescue as a means to introduce people to Tommy - as if Connor's convinced his teacher's life revolves around school and rangering (and he may not be too far off, I guess).

Ah, what fun this is becoming!

[cinquotes]

loved it...thanks for responding to my question and the fact that she's going by her middle name must mean something is really up.

if the kids saw the ranger video when tommy was captured (and then turned black ranger) wouldn't they recognize kim??? could she have changed that much?

Great work, keep it up!

[Jade_Max]

rapunzl – or the reason is more innocent than it seems *laughs* I guess everyone will just have to wauit and find out.

And can you blame Connor? Doctor O is the ultimate power ranger – he doesn’t have a life according to his students!

cinquotes – I always try to answer the questions of my readers, it makes things interesting *laughs* Kim’s kinda incognito right now so don’t be surprised – and yes, she’s changed enough she only hints at who she was for the moment – Kira did think she’d seen the teacher somewhere, but ten years can change a person.

---

It's my birthday - so I'm gonna update this one

---

Chapter 4[/u]

Tommy forgot to stop by the music class.

To anyone who knew him, it wouldn't have been a big surprise - despite the ten years since his own high school experiences, Tommy Oliver's memory was as bad as ever. He was on his way out after a long day at school, just passing the closed and locked door to the music room, when he paused and cursed. His memory jogged, he shook his head in disgust - after he'd told Randall he'd make nice with the new teacher too. With a sigh, he continued onwards, making his way through hallways that were becoming more deserted by the moment.

A flash of movement caught his attention as he was passing the gym and he turned to look, curious who was using the space at the end of the school day. Sidling up to the doorway, he curled one hand about the door as he pulled it further open to get a good look.

Stretching out on one of the mats was a young woman.

An auburn braid was pulled back severely from the curve of her face, a semi-profile that he couldn’t quite make out as she bent over, stretching the long line of her legs. She wasn’t very big - maybe an inch or two over five feet - and slender as any gymnast he’d ever seen. At least, one particular gymnast he’d seen.

The resemblance in the posture was uncanny - but Tommy had learned over the years that most gymnasts used the same stretches and postures to ensure perfect balance. It was merely coincidence that this young woman, probably a student, reminded him of her.

Seemingly at the end of her warm up, the young woman slid to the mat in a perfect split, pulling the leg stretched out behind her upwards towards her head. There was a slight hesitance to her moves, almost as if she wasn’t sure if she could still do it, before the leg curled properly. She didn’t hold the move for long but there was no mistaking the shift in her posture - the pride that seemed to suddenly shimmer about her.

Another series of short stretches and the young lady moved, presenting him with a view from behind as she approached the balance beam he’d failed to note before. A sense of déjà-vu swept over Tommy as he watched, unable to take his gaze from the figure of the young woman.

It can’t be.

Planting both hands on the beam, the gymnast took a deep breath and pushed, applying her body weight to her hands and, using just her arms, pulled herself into a sitting position over the beam.

Tommy’s breath caught, held for a moment as he counted silently backwards from ten, knowing this particular gymnast wouldn’t hold it longer than that. Not because she couldn’t, but because it was part of her routines. He’d reached three before her arms started to quake slightly, indicating she was having more difficulty than expected in holding the maneuver. Stubbornly she held on until the count of one before pulling herself up to the beam.

Her elegant whirl as she turned in place to gain her feet made him exhale noisily - unwittingly drawing her attention as she was about to take her first step. She went rigid, stopping mid-move and casting about to find who watched her.

“Hello?”

The timber of her voice was husky, deeper than any teenagers and in that moment other hints clicked in his brain. The rounding of her hips, the elegance and poise in her movements - this was no student he was observing on the balance beam. A shiver raced through him and unconsciously he reached for the Dino gem on his morpher, feeling unaccountably threatened by the woman’s penetrating stare as it began turning his way.

Not threatened in the way Tyranodrones threatened him, but something more primal, more essential; something beyond the physical.

Instinct made him flee.

The need to protect himself fueled his movements as silent and unseen, he crept back into the hallway. Her features remained indistinct and out of focus as they turned in his direction and he didn’t wait to scrutinize them, feeling as if the invisibility granted by the Dino gem would be easily penetrated by that knowing look. Turning on quiet shoes, he resumed his walk to the parking lot, trying to deny the evidence of his senses.

It can’t be.

Somewhere, somehow between the gym and the now-uneventful trip to the parking lot he managed to convince himself he was seeing things. Kira's questions from the day before had rattled his carefully constructed universe and made him think of things better off forgotten. That what he'd just witnessed was all wishful thinking - that the girl he’d seen was someone else; probably the new teacher or one of the teachers he already knew. That the resemblance to her wasn’t uncanny; the person he’d seen was only a figment of his imagination.

Kimberly Hart was still firmly entrenched in her dreams down in Miami - there was no way she was the out of practice gymnast in the Reefside High gymnasium.

Somehow, he managed the drive to Haley's Cyber Café without killing himself or anyone else - or breaking any traffic laws. His mind at ease with having rationalized that he was imagining things thanks to Kira’s questions the previous day, he checked the occupants through the windows. A flash of yellow, blue and red caught his eye and he grinned, noting that his favorite students were already inside.

Good; he could use the diversion as he thought up ways to avoid Randall until meeting the new teacher. He paused at that thought and shook his head in disgust; if it was the new teacher he’d caught in the gym, he’d wasted a perfectly good opportunity thanks to his overactive imagination. But then, no Ranger could really expect to be a Ranger without the ability to suspend their belief in reality.

Hopping out of the Jeep, he made for the Cyber Café and pushed through the doors, heading straight for the bar - only to stop dead when the eerily familiar tune from the school suddenly caught his ear.

Kira’s voice was overlaid on the melody, humming along softly as she played it - slowly but true - to ensure no sour notes. Her eyes were closed, her brown wrinkled as she sought to remember all of the chording Ms. Scott had shown her. A hand suddenly covered hers where it lay on the neck of the guitar, flattening her fingers and pinning them painfully to the strings.

“Where,” Tommy’s voice cracked and he paused a moment as Kira looked up, shocked. “Where did you learn that song?”

Blinking in surprise - she didn’t know is she should be relieved or offended that he hadn’t assumed she’d written it. Wiggling her fingers under his to ease his grip, she tried for levity. “You could have just asked me to stop, Doctor O - I’m going to need those for school.”

“Where did you learn that song, Kira?”

Tugging her hand free, Kira flexed her fingers. “The new music teacher taught it to me. What’s the big deal anyway? It’s not like you know it.”

Tommy slanted her an unreadable look. Showed what she knew. “Does it have words?”

“Not that I know of. I’m still learning the chording.” Kira took a really close look at his face. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, Doctor O. Are you alright?”

Alright? Tommy didn’t know if he was losing his mind or if he was just imagining things. Surely the song Kira’d been playing had only sounded familiar - it couldn’t be the real thing… could it? After his run-in at the school with the phantom gymnast, anything was possible. “Sorry about your hand, Kira. I guess I overreacted.”

“No harm done.” She flexed her fingers for him with a smile. “Wanna hear the whole thing through or should I be looking over my shoulder for you every time I want to practice?”

“Go ahead; I’ve got to talk to Haley.”

Bending back over her guitar, Kira kept one eye on him as his moved away and breathed out a held breath as he stopped at the counter out of ear shot. Her hand hurt where he’d grabbed her, exerting more force than she’d ever felt. Unconsciously she flexed her fingers, stretching out the tension.

“You okay Kira?”

She almost jumped out of her chair. “Trent!”

He smiled hesitantly at her. “Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. Are you okay? That was some grip Doctor Oliver had on your hand.”

“I guess he didn’t like the new song I’m learning.”

Trent arched his eyebrows. “That doesn’t sound like him.”

Kira shrugged. "He's been bent out of shape lately but I'm not sure why."

"He seems okay right now."

"That's just what he wants everyone to think," she made an unflattering sound in the back of her throat. "I think there's more to him that any of us ever realized."

"Psychoanalyzing Doctor O?" Ethan's tease was a lifesaver as he claimed a chair at her table. "I never thought I'd see the day."

Kira pushed him as he sat, almost unseating him and Trent was called away to another table. Conner joined them a moment later, sliding his books onto the table. "Did I see what I thought I saw?"

"What, Trent and Kira having a discussion?" Ethan earned another swat from said female Ranger.

"Well that, but I mean Doctor O. grabbing Kira."

She proffered her fingers for them to see and the imprint of the string was still visible in angry red lines. "I think that song really freaked him out."

"Why?"

"He didn't say."

Ethan glanced towards their mentor. "He should be out of earshot - play it for us."

"You guys sure? I don't think my fingers can take another round of abuse like that."

"We'll warn you if he comes by."

Satisfied, Kira pulled her guitar back onto her lap.

---------

Tommy glanced back towards Kira as he settled against the bar. "I'm losing my mind."

Haley looked at him amused. "What, after everything you've been through, Kira's the cause?"

"Not that - the song she was playing."

"It's something new - lovely tune though."

"I know that song, Haley."

The MIT auburn haired genius arched her eyebrows. "I find that unlikely. Kira doesn't normally do covers."

"It's not a cover, but it's not hers either."

"Then where do you think you've heard it before?"

Tommy turned, leaning against the bar as he cast an idle look around the Cyber Café. "High school."

"This from the guy who can't remember to restock his fridge unless he leaves himself a note?" Haley's amusement was obvious. "Come on, Tommy, there's no way you heard that song in High school. At Reefside, maybe, but from Angel Grove?"

"That's just it, Haley; I recognize it. I know it."

"Alright, let's say you're right - what's it called?"

"I don't... I don't think it ever had a name."

"Then how would you know it if you don't even know what it's called?"

"It's like one of those songs you hear on the radio that you can't get out of your head later but you don't know the title or the words. You just... just know."

Haley didn't try to refute his logic this time; instead she cocked her head thoughtfully. "You could have Kira play it again and try to jog your memory - what's wrong?"

"I think I hurt her." Tommy felt ill at the admission. "I grabbed her hand pretty hard."

"She seems fine to me." A tap on his shoulder made him glad back at Haley. "If you're that worried about it go and apologize."

"And intrude? No thanks."

There was no answer forthcoming from the genius as they watched Trent and Kira nervously dance about one another. Tommy couldn't help but wonder if he'd been as awkward around the girl he'd liked in High School. Unfortunately, his memories from those days were still pretty crisp and he could honestly say he had been - making the scene before him both painful and entertaining to watch.

Connor and Ethan - apparently oblivious to the undercurrent running between Kira and Trent - plopped themselves down at the table. Trent stayed for another half second before being called away, leaving the Dino trio to their own devices. As Tommy watched, they bantered for a moment and then Kira extended her hand - the hand he'd grabbed - to them.

Tommy winced. He had hurt her.

Great.

"Things are quiet on the home front, Doctor," Haley told him pointedly. "You might want to get in your rest while you can."

"Nothing at all?"

"Not a thing since yesterday. I think you guys gave them a scare with how well you dispatched their golden creation. Enjoy it while it lasts."

"I'll try."

Kira was bending over her guitar with a grin as Tommy watched, her fingers flowing into a familiar chording - he knew it because his own hand had crushed hers while on the strings. Turning away, he offered Haley a faint grin. "While I've got the time, I think I'll catch up on those papers I have to grade."

"What, no workout today?" Her tease was light. "I thought you were working on a new kata. Something with... black in it? You know - Green, White, Red... Black needs one too."

Tommy shot her a dirty look. His Ranger katas weren't for public consumption. "Working on? It's already finished. Get Kira something cool to drink - on me - that she can wrap her hand around and I'll see you later."

Haley waved him away, picking up the bill he'd placed on the counter without looking at it, and Tommy turned towards the table where his students sat.

The Dino trio looked up as he neared, Kira's fingers stilling on the neck of the guitar. "Feeling better, Doctor O?"

"How's the hand?"

Flexing her fingers, she smiled. "It's okay - really. Are you?"

"I owe you an apology, Kira."

Her eyebrows shot up and she shared a look with the guys. "Really?"

"Yeah. I overreacted when I heard that tune. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"No harm done," Kira insisted, holding her hand out for his inspection. The ugly red lines had begun to fade, but hadn't disappeared yet. "Give it a couple of minutes and they'll be completely gone. Don't worry about it, Doctor O."

"I'll catch you guys later."

"You're not going to stick around?" Ethan sounded disappointed.

"You guys have to study for a test tomorrow - and I have papers to grade." A collective groan rose from around the table and Tommy chuckled, feeling back on even footing. Apologizing to his students for any reason was never easy and always made him uncomfortable. "You know where to find me if there's trouble."

Connor waited until he was gone and made a sour face. "He's such a pain - who wants to study on a day like today?"

The sudden crashing of thunder outside brought them around in dismay as rain began to pour down and lightning lit the inside of the Cyber Café. Kira laughed. "You were saying?"

Connor simply groaned and let his head fall against the book strewn table.

With Doctor O. gone, Kira resumed her playing, the chording a counterpoint to the uneven rumble of thunder in the distance. When Trent brought the drink - compliments of her teacher - to the table, she was so relaxed from playing she invited him to join them without thinking twice about it before bending her head back to the instrument.

Trent declined and retreated to a stool by the bar, his expression thoughtful as he watched Kira play. He waited until she was absorbed completely before slipping away.

[cinquotes]

gah...you leave it THERE! well I guess its good a place as any. I am intrigued as to whats going on with trent. I like how you switched the focus from the Kim/Tommy story line back to Kira Trent...very nice very nice indeed.

[Kim]

Happy Birthday Jade! I'm interested to see where this goes from now....and really interested to see how that meeting really is going to go face to face....that could be scary....

[chrisangelo]

<3__________________________________<3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY KOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I've already read this chappy but I love it just like last time ^.^ -can't wait for more-

*has 4 birthday presents for you *cough* updated chappies & a graphic!!^^* have the best b-day ever!!

[chrisangelo]

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y < 3 ________________________< 3

[Jade_Max]

Aug 27, 2008 16:41:21 GMT -5 @chrisangelo said:

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y < 3 ________________________< 3

Chris... you rock!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes guys! It's been a wonderful one this year!

[chrisangelo]

Awe it's not the greatest but I'm glad you like it I hope your birthday went the best ever!!

[rapunzl]

Happy birthday, Jade. I'm sorry I missed it - classes started up extra annoyingly early.

As for the chapter... you are such a tease! Poor Tommy's left wondering if he was being haunted by the ghost of a memory, and the pensive look Trent's sporting makes me wonder if Kira relaxing around him was such a good idea after all!

[cranelove]

This is one of the best part of finding the board. You are one of my fave writers and I really missed your work, and I found this, and It's awesome as all your stories.

I really needed something like this, original, fresh, well written, with a good development of the characters; most of the stories out there have that problem, makes me feel like I watched a different show, they are just using the characters name, but with you and some others writers that are part of the board it's not like that. It's great that you could catch their personalities and make great stories with original ideas.

I can't wait to read more from you

Mili

[nfty07]

I love it how writers like you come up with original and fresh ideas. And connect with the characters from who they are now than how they were in the past. Great Job keep with the good work

[Jade_Max]

cinquotes – Yup, I left it there *laughs* And the point of view switch is going to be pretty continuous. It’s a K/T fic – in more way than one! (Kira/Trent & Kim/Tommy)

Kim – The face to face meeting is approaching rapidly – and I don’t think it’s going to be what everyone expects *laughs*

chrisangelo - *hugs* this wouldn’t be happening but for your encouragement to post it. Thanks man!

rapunzl – Tommy’s going to be wondering for a bit longer, but not too much, since eventually he has to run into the new teacher *laughs* as for Trent… he’s still at the point in the series before the White Dino Gem so he’s also questioning things about his dad right now, there could be more than one reason for that look

cranelove – Mili! You found your way here! Thanks for reading and you’re a doll to say you like my writing – I totally love your reviews They helped me push Hearts & Armor beyond the 4 chapters it was supposed to be *laughs*

Eventually this would have made its way over to ff.net – and it will – but I want to be sure I’m going to finish it. I intend to, but it’s not quite the rabid bunny that H&A was, so I’m still feeling my way through it.

New story lines are important I think and you’re right. There’s a lot of stuff out there where people just slap a name onto a character and go “oh, this is them” but don’t do the research or try to understand the characters. I’m glad I fall into the “minority” of writers when it comes to Tommy/Kim stories – and the “majority” of that “minority” are here on this board!

nfty07 – Thanks *smile* New ideas are easy, it’s putting them to paper to making them come alive that’s sometimes tough. I’m flattered you think this is going well, thanks for reading



I'm -so- sorry this has slid by the wayside; life snagged me by the throat.

It doesn't excuse my absence, but it explains it - and I've another update for you guys and it's longer than the last one, but doesn't answer any question yet.

On the bright side, I have a vague idea where I'm going with this now that I'm updating again

Thanks for all your support on this guys - it's an ongoing project and I intend to finish it, I'm just not sure when.

---

Chapter 5[/u]

The image that he'd seen practicing on the balance beam taunted Tommy through the night. Not just that image, constantly being overlaid with memories of his high school years, but the other memories that surrounded them. Memories of teammates he'd not spoken to in years, the feel of the Juice Bar where they'd spent sixty percent of their time and even the smell of Angel Grove park where they'd spent the other forty invaded his sleep.

He didn't sleep well, tossing and turning as he sought to evade the memories and the bittersweet yearnings they dredged up from his subconscious. Asleep, or nearly asleep, he stood no chance in suppressing them or fighting them off as they sought to be acknowledged.

When he woke an hour and a half before his alarm, he felt as if he hadn't slept at all and come to a single conclusion.

He had to introduce himself to the woman he'd seen on that balance beam - and soon - otherwise the similarities between her movements and those of the girl who'd been his first love would continue to haunt his dreams. He just didn't yet know how to go about finding her. Somehow, someway, he was going to banish her ghost and move on.

----------

Principal Randall cornered Tommy before school later that morning. "How did your introduction go, Doctor Oliver?"

He hid a grimace. "She didn't stay late and I had the detention class again; I'll have to try again today."

"It's Wednesday, Doctor Oliver," Randall pointed out unnecessarily. "You had best make Ms. Scott's acquaintance before the end of the week or I'll have to consider forcing the issue."

"Of course. Now if you'll excuse me-?"

The bell rang, cutting him off, and Randall disappeared through the hallways as Tommy entered his class.

One of the downsides of having his doctorate was that he didn't teach only in his area of specialty. Of course, his tenure as the Science teacher wasn't that bad - it had led him to the other members of his Power Team. Setting his books down on the counter, he greeted his class.

"Good morning." Rubbing his hands together, Tommy looked out over the students and smiled. "I'd like everyone to put their books away-"

Groans of dismay reverberated through the room at his words - the ominous announcement that always preceded the revelation of a pop quiz.

Not one to disappoint, Tommy produced the expected method of torture and began handing them out. "You have ten minutes to complete your tests. When you're done place them face down on my desk."

The sound of clicking pencils and turning pages were audible in the sudden semi-silence as two friends shared a whispered word and Tommy ignored it, knowing they were discontented about the pop quiz. He well remembered Connor's quip to Elsa about his quizzes but that didn't mean he was going to stop them.

Retreating to his desk, he settled in to watch as the students began filling out the test.

----------

It was lunch before Tommy was able to search out the new music teacher, hoping to find her in the music room practicing with Kira, but unfortunately the lights were off and the door locked. Either she wasn't there that day or she had other duties coupled with her assignment as the school's music teacher.

As he was headed for the office to check and see if she had a homeroom, his communicator beeped and he silently cursed Mesagog for his horrible timing. Glancing left and right, he stepped into one of the corners in the deserted hallway. "Go ahead; I read you."

"Doctor O. we've got trouble!"

"Where are you?"

"The school yard; and we've got an audience."

"Sit tight, I'll be there in a minute."

"Roger, Kira out."

Tommy glanced around the hallway, which was now deserted, and flicked his wrist to bring his Dino Morpher into existence - so much for introducing himself to the new music teacher.

"Dino Thunder, Power up!"

The rush of energy that heralded the transformation from science teacher to Black Ranger surged through his system in a blinding rush even as the suit appeared, replacing his school appropriate clothing with the Ranger's uniform. Conveniently empty hallways led to a side exit where he used the additional speed and power of his morphed form to jump to the roof of the school. Cutting across towards the main school yard, he let the power of his Dino Gem engulf him completely, calling on the invisibility consciously this time.

Silent as a snake, he leapt from the top of the school to land amid the spectators. Weaving his way between them, he jumped over the last row and aimed at the knot of Tyranodrones which were closing in on Ethan and Kira. Connor was further behind them, watching their back and as the Black Ranger began his decent and round housed one of the Tyranodrones to the ground.

Releasing the invisibility as he landed, the Tyranodrones were forced to the ground under the Black Ranger's weight. Not even his trademark ki-yah had marked his entrance and something - a sense of self preservation perhaps - warned him not to speak. Instead he gestured for Kira and Ethan to run, spinning to take down two more Tyranodrones before turning invisible once more.

Kira and Ethan split, heading for cover where they'd have the safety of privacy to transform. Tyranodrones hit the ground behind them as the invisible Black Ranger created havoc among their ranks.

"Hey!" Connor's protest was sharp as the Tyranodrone he was fighting suddenly changed directions mid-kick. "I wasn't done with that yet!"

The Black Ranger appeared once more, motioning for Connor to run. With a dirty look no one but the uniformed Ranger caught, Connor darted after his friends. Turning to cover Connor's retreat, the Black Ranger exploded into motion as the half dozen Tyranodrones converged on his position at the same time. The prehistoric-like creatures fell in pairs as sweep kicks, snap kicks and punches drove them back and down.

Seconds later the other three Rangers appeared and the battle was all but over. It took less than a minute before the Tyranodrones decided to cut their losses and run. The Rangers insinuated themselves between the fleeing monsters and the spectators - who hadn't had the smarts to run and hide - waiting until they'd disappeared into an invisaportal before nodding to one another. Without a word, the Rangers waved to the crowd and jumped upwards, disappearing onto the roof of the school.

Tommy powered down first upon seeing the area was deserted. His students followed quickly and Connor - like usual - was the one to break their silence.

"What was up with that Doctor O? I totally had him!"

"Unmorphed you put yourself at risk, Connor. You know that. Not only are you at a greater risk of discovery, but injury as well. If you'd chosen to use the speed your dino gem has given you while unmorphed, your identity would have been forfeit."

"And ours along with it," Ethan reminded him pointedly. "Once one of us is found out, the others will be all but obvious."

"Er." Connor grinned rakishly, a hint of apology clear in the tilt of his lips. "Sorry, I guess I didn't think about that."

"Do you ever?"

"Sometimes."

"Yeah right," Ethan shook his head. "I bet it's only when you're trying to figure out how to ask some cute girl to lunch."

"Guys!" Kira jumped in before things could get any worse and headed for the door leading back into the school. "Speaking of exposing ourselves, it'll be a little obvious if the Rangers are suddenly gone and we're on the roof."

Effectively ending the bitching match before it could begin, the Ranger dispersed, descending back into the school. Tommy checked his watch as he closed the door behind them. Five minutes to the bell - the fight had taken far longer than anticipated which meant meeting the new teacher would need to wait until after school.

--------

"I'm sorry, Doctor Oliver, but Ms. Scott left early for an appointment." The secretary smile apologetically. "She'll be back in the morning."

"Thanks - I don't suppose she has a homeroom?"

"Certainly, all of the teachers do."

"Do you know where it is?" Tommy smiled faintly at the sudden interest the woman was taking and shook his head. He didn't have to be a mind reader to translate his casual question into perceived interest - and the receptionist loved to gossip. "I haven't met her yet and Principal Randall is going to have my head if I don't introduce myself and soon."

"Oh! Of course." Flipping through a couple of papers on her desk, the receptionist pulled a sheet. "Here it is. Top floor, corner classroom on the north wing - she has the ESL students for homeroom."

Which meant she was as far away from his homeroom and first period science as it got - it figured. "Thanks. I guess I'll have to show up early if I want to catch her."

"You could always join us for lunch. Ann's a sweetheart and she's always bringing goodies of one kind or another for the staff room."

"I..." Tommy couldn't very well tell her that most of his lunch hours were spent searching for dinozord eggs, fending off monsters or having impromptu meetings with his Power Rangers. "I would but I uh... I usually use the time to grade the papers from the morning so my evenings are free."

"So?"

"I'll see what I can do, but I'm working on a new dig on top of my teaching and it requires my evenings free."

"Ah well," the receptionist looked utterly disappointed, and he didn't miss her deliberate look from head to toe. "You really should come socialize more with us, Doctor Oliver; we'd love to have you."

He glanced down at her name plate and smiled apologetically. "I'm flattered to be invited, Mary, but I think I'll have to take a rain check. Thanks for your help."

"Anytime Doctor Oliver, don't hesitate to ask anytime you need anything."

With a wave of gratitude, he turned and left the office. Of all the rotten luck.

"Doctor Oliver."

He cringed - and more rotten luck. "Principal Randall."

"How was your day, Doctor?"

"Busy - and before you ask, I haven't yet met Ms. Scott. I'm told she left early."

Randall tapped her fingers against one forearm in irritation. "Should I set up a meeting for you, something that both of you will have to attend?"

"That won't be necessary," Tommy silently hoped it wouldn't be necessary. "I'll make a point of being early tomorrow to meet her before home room."

"You'd better Doctor Oliver."

There was no mistaking the implied threat in her tone as she walked away and Tommy sighed. The new music teacher seemed to have appointments every day so far and she hadn't been at the school a week. Was she moonlighting or something? He didn't know and hadn't even met the woman to be able to form an opinion. Of course, it would be his luck to find that he arrived early tomorrow and Ms. Scott would be late; the way things were shaping up, he wouldn't even be surprised if that was how things played out.

----------

"Hey Kira."

"Trent!" She whirled, knocking her bag and spilling her books across the hallway floor as she almost sent herself after them.

Trent reacted, one arm snapping out to stop her fall as it hit palm first into one of the lockers. Kira fell hard against the line of his forearm, clutching it for a half second as she regained her balance and wondered what else was going to go wrong with this meeting even as she apologized. "Sorry."

"No biggie." Crouching, he smiled faintly and began collecting the scattered study materials. "How've you been?"

"Busy."

"So Ethan tells me. Something to do with the new music teacher?"

"Yeah," Kira couldn't keep a shy grin off her face. "Kinda like what would happen if we had a really cool famous artist suddenly show up to teach extra art classes - you'd be there in a heart beat."

Trent shook his head with a small smile as she knelt to help him and held her bag as he straightened out the binders and papers. "My father would never approve of it."

"Why not?" Kira tried to focus on his answer as his hands came to rest innocently on top of hers to slide the materials back into her bag.

"He's a business man; art's not really business."

"I guess it depends on the business." Kira replied absently, totally missing Trent's awkward dodge. "Thanks for your help."

Trent pulled his hands back as if burned - suddenly seeming to realize where they were now that they didn't have the excuse of holding her binders. "Sure, no problem. You'd do the same for me."

"Sure - if you ever dropped anything." Kira teased as she zipped the bag closed and stood, barely avoiding knocking herself on the door to her locker. "So... are you heading to Hayley's?"

"Not today." Trent regained his feet - but didn't meet her gaze.

"A big date?" The tease slipped out before she could stop it.

Trent, fortunately, only smiled distractedly and shook his head. "Not unless you count my father as one."

"Oh." A part of her was ridiculously pleased with his answer. "Will it take all afternoon?"

"Probably. Why?"

"Oh... well... Connor and I just thought you might want to study for the math test coming up at the end of the week."

"I'll have to take a rain check. Maybe tomorrow?"

"Ms. Scott and I are jamming tomorrow - I'm hoping she'll come with me to Hayley's so we can play on stage even if it's nothing formal."

"I'll see you tomorrow then?"

Kira smiled. "If you're going to be at Hayley's..."

"I only have tonight off - I'll be there."

"Then I'll find some way to convince Ms. Scott to come. Have fun with your dad."

"Thanks, but if you knew my dad, you'd know fun isn't high on his list of priorities."

Somehow during their conversation they'd moved from Kira's locker, out through the hallways and into the front area of the school. Kira placed a hand on Trent's forearm, her fingers tightening fractionally over the sleeve as they seemed to seek skin of their own accord. It was only through conscious thought she eased her grip. "Are you having problems with your dad, Trent?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary," he found a smile for her. "If I'm lucky I can make my shift at Haley's, but I asked for the day off just in case."

"Oh, okay. I hope I'll see you there then."

"Really?"

Kira winced at his astonished inquiry. "Yeah - we're friends, right?"

"I was starting to think we weren't. You've been avoiding me."

"Uh..." Unexpectedly, she could feel heat crawling up her neck and somehow she managed to keep the color from her face. "Sorry about that. It's been... weird of late with all the strange things happening around the city. I guess I didn't want to get too close in case something happened."

It was half of the truth anyway - except in this case she didn't want him getting too close to her. Either in the event he did recognize her and it put him in danger, or if he didn't and she put him inadvertently in danger.

"I wish you'd just have told me."

"Sorry," the sincerity in her tone wasn't forced. She really was sorry for having avoided him; she'd missed his company. "I promise I won't do it anymore, I just didn't want to get hurt - or hurt you."

Trent flashed her a genuine smile that lifted her spirits immediately. That was the self same smile that had caught her attention and held it the first time they'd met - and one that never failed to make her stomach churn... in a good way. "You won't. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Okay - bye!"

Trent hurried off, heading for a car that was parked at the end of the school driveway. Kira's spirits lifted as he paused long enough to turn back and wave before disappearing inside. Buoyed by her secret crush's acceptance, Kira turned and headed for the path that would take her to Hayley's and her friends.

[PrincessKimberlyD]

Oh I can't wait for more love it!

[chrisangelo]

AHHHHHHHHHHH *kills over dead*

I remember reading all of this months ago and I am STILL dying for the next chapy. Omg. <3___<3.

Tommy & Kim's reunion - unless he has some other excuse that makes me want to throw Alpha's head at him ^^.

Love this story so much... - goes and makes graphic for it -

[nfty07]

Writing down ideas and making them come alive is tough because your head says one thing and the writing utensil says another.

I wonder how the meeting is going to go between Dr. Oliver & Ms. Scott. That should be surprising. Maybe they will bump into each other on the way to the music room (not literally bump into each other because that kind of happens alot). I just can't wait for the two to meet. I am glad the Kira and Trent are not avoiding each other anymore

[Jade_Max]

And so inspiration strikes; sorry for keeping you guys waiting...

Thanks for reading - hope you stay tuned

---

Chapter 6[/u]

Kira arrived early to school the next morning, and found Ms. Scott already walking in from the teacher's parking lot. Her expression was strained, her brows drawn together as she walked slowly up the main sidewalk, her eyes firmly focused on the papers in her hand. A very thick sheaf of papers. Drawing near, Kira caught a glimpse of what looked like an official looking document before she spoke up.

"Ms. Scott?"

The teacher looked up, startled, flipping the stack closed and folding it in her hand - but not before Kira caught the words "Divorce Proceedings" on the front of it.

"Are you okay?"

"Fine, Kira. You're early for class."

"It happens sometimes," Kira returned with a smile. "I thought you had another appointment before class this morning?"

"I canceled it," Ms. Scott twisted the folded papers a little in her hand as a part of Kira's mind began putting the evidence of her senses together. "Was there something you needed?"

"Needed?"

A wan smile crossed Ms. Scott's face. "Can I help you with something?"

"No, I just-"

A gust of wind knocked Kira forward a step and sent Ms. Scott sprawling, her sheaf of papers popping free from her hands. The music teacher fell gracefully, far more gracefully than Kira could ever have thought possible, catching herself just shy of the pavement on her hands. There was a strength in her arms that Kira hadn't been expecting - especially when she pushed herself back to her feet.

But Kira didn't have time to marvel as a familiar sound caught her attention, and she barely suppressed a groan. Spinning in place, she dropped into a semi-crouch, positioning herself in front of her teacher. "Run, Ms. Scott."

"What are you... what are those?"

"Remember when I said Reef Side wasn't a place for relaxation? Run; I'll hold them off."

"I'm not letting you face these creatures alone."

"Please run." Kira took a step back and this time did groan as Ms. Scott came to stand next to her. She couldn't morph with the teacher around. It was deserted enough that if she could get her to leave, Kira could use her Petra scream - but only if she could get her teacher to go. "Ms. Scott. If you want to help, find Doctor O. for me; he'll know what to do."

"Not a chance." Ann Scott slanted a look at her student as if to say she was crazy and dropped into a capable looking defensive stance that took Kira by surprise. "You go find your Doctor O., Kira. I'll cover your back."

"Are you crazy?!" Kira ducked as the Tyranodrones charged, swinging at her head, and kicked out to the side. "Ya!"

To her surprise, her music teacher had engaged another, hitting the startled Tyranodrone with a one two combo kick that launched the auburn haired guitarist into a short series of backwards hand springs. Kira whirled, punching out at another Tyranodrone and sweeping the legs out from under another as she frantically sought a way to get her teacher gone. She turned back to do just that, and was completely shocked to see Ms. Scott landed easily, springing immediately upwards with an impressive "Ki-yah!" and dropping two more Tyranodrones as she hit them in the chest - in the full splits.

"Holy cow!"

It was a move Kira'd never seen - not anywhere - but the movements of her teacher were vaguely familiar. Kira was sent sprawling as another Tyranodrone barreled in and took advantage of her momentary distraction, slamming its arm into her back. Rolling awkwardly with the blow, she regained her feet with a wince, balancing her weight on the balls of her feet as she lashed out left and right, knocking the monsters back.

"Run, Kira!"

"Not a chance," jumping over another swipe at her, Kira turned and spun, lashing out at two more and forcing them backwards. Seeing that her teacher could defend herself, Kira turned her attention to the monsters around her. Once focused, the Tyranodrones didn't stand a chance.

Kira was too quick and too limber to be caught, using it to her advantage. As they began to retreat from her, Kira spun towards her teacher to help - and stopped dead in her tracks.

Ms. Scott was in the middle of a standing backwards flip to avoid two blows. She dropped immediately to the ground to avoid two more before rolling backwards and taking the four Tyranodrones to the ground with an impressive sweep of her legs and coming gracefully to her feet. Kira ran to join her, putting their backs together.

Turning in a circle, they struck out at the Tyranodrones, one at a time, legs and fists flying. Ms. Scott put her hip into Kira, linking her arm and Kira was almost thrown forcefully around as she was tossed over and across her teacher's back. Using the momentum, she kicked out, knocking back two of the attackers and sending them sprawling. Inspired, she regained her feet, spun, and proceeded to send her teacher across her back in an identical fashion. Her teacher weighed next to nothing and there was something almost kindred in the way she didn't hesitate to follow Kira's lead, but also didn't hesitate to take it.

Up and over went Ms. Scott, and two more of the monsters fell away, rolling backwards with the power in her feet. Ms. Scott regained her feet without so much as a stumble, spinning gracefully in place as she dropped back into her defensive posture. Shoulder down, back slightly turned towards Kira

The Tyranodrones retreated from the two women, helping one another to their feet as Kira and Ms. Scott advanced - only to vanish into an invisiportal as quickly as they'd come.

Dusting off her slacks, Ms. Scott was smiling - to Kira's amazement - as she straightened. "You fight like a friend of mine."

"I was about to say the same thing." Kira had a decency to look sheepish. "Sorry about telling you to run back there, Ms. Scott; I didn't know you could move like that."

Stretching her arms towards the sky, Ms. Scott forgave Kira with an understanding smile - and winced. "It's been a long time," she admitted, bending over, almost in half. "I think I pulled something."

Kira rolled her eyes and set about collecting her school bag, the teacher's satchel - and the roll of papers that was lying forgotten nearby. "If I did the splits like you did, I'd probably pull a lot of some things and be unable to walk for a week. Where'd you learn to do that?"

"I've always been into gymnastics," Ms. Scott told her pleasantly as she extended her legs into a stretch. "Ever since I was a little girl and I've just kept with it."

"Shouldn’t you be more limber then?" The younger woman was feeling a little guilty for the fact she wasn't the least bit sore or strained from the fight. She would have a bruise in the middle of her back, but that was only because she hadn't ducked when she should have. "Not that you're not - I mean, uh-"

Laughing, Ms. Scott shook out her arms and legs to release the tension. "I'm a little out of practice thanks to some recent life changes, that's all. If you're interested, I could show you."

"If I had time, I might take you up on your offer - here."

"Thanks."

Kira didn't fail to note how her teacher's sunny smile faded as she accepted the divorce papers - but she didn't mention it. "Connor and Ethan are probably waiting for me by now; will I see you at class?"

"If you're not busy for lunch, I'll be in the music room - feel free to join me."

"Awesome, I'll do that. Thanks! See you later Ms. Scott!" Darting away, Kira waited until she was out of sight - and then ducked into a corner where no one could see her. Lifting her communicator, she pressed the button that would connect her to her team mates. "Connor! Ethan! This is Kira, come in."

There was no answer - not that she really expected one immediately when both would likely be with their other friends at this hour. She waited impatiently for them to respond, keeping a nervous eye out.

"Connor here."

"Ethan too."

She smiled. "Are you guys on school grounds yet?"

"Yes." Both boys responded at the same time; Connor's was distinctly unhappy about the fact while Ethan was as bright and perky as always.

"Good. Meet me by the library in five. Kira out."

----------

"The library, Kira?" Connor groaned as he dropped into the chair beside her, his backpack hitting the floor with a soft thump. "Couldn't we meet some place cool for once?"

Ethan snorted softly. "Some place you know better you mean. I bet you had to ask at the office to find the place."

"Guys!" Kira sharply brought them to order, glancing around before lowering her voice and drawing their immediate silence. "I got jumped outside the school this morning."

"Are you okay?" The joking went out of their manner immediately and it was gratifying to know they cared - even if it was just because they were a part of the same power team.

"Who was it?" Connor added with a glance towards Ethan. "Someone we know?"

"A bunch of someones," her confirmation was grim. "But I wasn't alone this morning. I'm alright, but I might not have been if Ms. Scott hadn't been there."

"Ms. Scott?!" Connor almost shouted her name in his surprise before consciously lowering his voice. "What the hell?"

"I know, I thought the same thing," Kira agreed softly. "I told her to run, to go find Doctor O. so he could help me - or I could call in you guys, or even morph, but she wouldn't. She refused and even told me to run."

Ethan whistled softly. "She told you to run."

"Yeah. Practically ordered me to - like she was used to it or something. And... she can fight like one of us."

"No way."

"I'm not kidding - she's got moves I've never seen before, moves Doctor O. can't do, and she's a smart fighter. She didn't try to take them on one on one, and she wasn't a rookie when it came to teamwork in a scuffle. It was like... like she'd done it all before."

"But... but she's so tiny." Connor shook his head, trying to wrap his brain around the subject. "And she's not one of us - there's no way she should be able to take on Ty... to take them on."

"She may not be one of us, but she sure moves like it," Kira slanted a look this way and that to ensure she wasn't overheard. "I thought for sure she was going to run when they first showed up, but she wasn't afraid of them at all!"

"What if there are more gems?" Ethan put forward softly. "She could be one of us, right?"

"Doctor O. would have said something if there were," Connor put in, surprising his fellow Rangers with the moment of insight. "It's too dangerous right now not to."

"We could use the help," added Ethan. "Not that we can't do it on our own, but if she's as good as you say, another experienced-"

"Hey guys." The trio snapped back into their chairs almost guiltily at the hushed greeting. "I wasn't expecting to find you in the library before class."

"Hey Trent," Kira glanced towards the desk where the librarian usually sat. "We didn't see you come in."

"You guys were having a pretty heavy discussion. Anything I can help with?"

The trio exchanged looks and Connor and Ethan looked Kira's way as if to say she needed to send him away - especially if they wanted to get to the bottom of the Ms. Scott mystery. But if she sent him away, Kira knew she'd be giving him the wrong impression again. It wasn't something she wanted to do, especially after her discussion with him the day before. In that moment she decided that - should Trent realize who she was in uniform - she'd deal with it if it happened. She wasn't going to deprive herself of his company because of fear and she didn't want to push him away again. Making up her mind, she decided to use his presence to her advantage. Trent's father had resources they didn't and maybe he could shed some light on their mystery.

"Do you know anything about Ms. Scott, Trent?"

“The new music teacher?” He looked surprised by her question, settling into a chair next to Kira. “Not much. My dad says she moved here from Florida and she’s overqualified to be teaching music.”

“Overqualified?”

Trent leaned forward. “He said she’s a decorated Olympian - won silver at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney or something.”

“Scott?” Ethan flipped open his laptop, pulling up the internet. “I don’t remember a gymnast by the name of Scott being mentioned.”

"There wasn't," Connor supplied with utter certainty

"[/i]You[/i] watched the Olympics?"

"Just the soccer," the jock defended himself with raised hands. "It just happened to be shown at the same time as the ladies’ gymnastics."

"So who did win the silver?"

Connor shrugged. "It wasn't someone named Scott that's for sure. But she was a cute, pint sized brunette who could bend like a rubber band."

Kira rolled her eyes. "All gymnasts can do that, Connor. Besides, I saw divorce papers in her hands this afternoon, so she probably wasn’t Ann Scott back in 2000."

“Nope.” Ethan’s confirmation drew all of their gazes. “Kimberly Hart won silver at that Olympics in the all around competition along with gold on the beam and floor routines. She placed fourth in the bars and fifth on the vault.” He whistled softly. “She’s a three time Pan Global gold medalist to boot. Wow, no wonder they tapped her to go.”

“Is there a picture?”

Ethan googled the name of the gymnast - but nothing he came up with was very good quality. “She kinda looks like Ms. Scott - but her name’s not Ann.”

The laptop was spun around, showing a grainy, difficult to see detail on, photo of the medalists for the women’s gymnastics.

“Kimberly Hart…” Kira murmured the name to herself, her eyes taking on a distant look. “I know that name from somewhere…”

The warning bell chose that moment to ring, snapping Kira from her thoughts and the quartet scrambled to their feet, collecting their things as they rushed off to class. Trent stopped Kira outside the library just before she was about to rush off to science.

"Kira?"

"Yeah?"

"What are you doing for lunch?"

She blinked, surprised by the question and nervously looking at the clock over the nearby doorway - she was going to be late and Doctor O. wouldn't like it. "Ms. Scott asked me to join her in the music room for a little jamming session, why?"

"Oh." He smiled faintly. "I guess I'll see you after school then."

"At Hayley's?"

"Sure. See you there."

Trent turned away and Kira went in the opposite direction, darting into Doctor O.'s class just as he was reaching to close the door. It wasn't until she was seated and reaching for her textbook that she realized what Trent had been asking her in the hallway. He'd wanted her to join him for lunch - and she'd been too worried about being late to class to realize it. Closing her eyes, she groaned softly, dropping her forehead to the table top before her.

"Is there a problem, Kira?"

Snapping her head up, she met Doctor O.'s polite expression and managed to find a slightly sick smile. She wasn't about to explain in the middle of class. "Problem? No problem."

"Good. Now, everyone open your text books to page fifty seven and we'll pick up where we left off yesterday."

Kira glanced at the clock as she did as instructed, mentally calculating how much time it would take at the end of her last class before lunch to rush off to find Trent before joining Ms. Scott in the music room. Maybe, if she was lucky, she could convince him to join them.

[PrincessKimberlyD]

Wow this is soooooooo brilliant. Kim and Jason married? Kim on the low? what is going on here?!!! loved it cant wait for more

[jps1926]

Aw, poor Kira. She just can't catch a break when it comes to Trent. But I thought she'd catch on to who Kim was by the end of this chapter. She may have if it wasn't for Trent. Anyway, as always another interesting chapter that gets us a little closer to finding out what has happened in Kim's life. Wow, six chapters and still no reunion? I have a funny feeling it's going to be in the middle of a crisis when they lay eyes on each other again.