Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie - Heather Ray (read me like a book txt) 📗

Dedication

Thank you to all the people that have read all my books so far! Love you all! Please continue reading these books because there's a lot more to come! Again, thank you so much!

Disclaimer

The Power Rangers and all related characters belong to Saban Entertainment. Some of Kimberly's Miami friends, assorted family members, and Lord Zedd's origins are of my own invention. If you'd like to use any of them, go right ahead.

Author's Note

Yes, this is another Kim/Tommy angst story. Though I personally think it's much more than that. It's a pretty original take on the infamous Letter, and the shocking and tragic consequences Tommy and Kim have to face because of their pride. I like to consider this piece a dramatic epic, as it spans nearly half a year, includes action and introspection, and covers the rise and fall of heroes and villains. I'm beyond proud of this story, as I feel it is, to this date, the pinnacle of my writing in any genre.

Part One: The Chessboard

Chapter One

Sunday, February 9, 1997

In the spacious, state-of-the-art gymnasium owned and operated by Coach Gunther Schmidt, a group of young American athletes trained for the Pan-Global Games, an international sports competition that would be hosted by the United States in May. Many of the determined athletes were teenagers who have devoted their entire lives to gymnastics. Most were recruited by Coach Schmidt as early as their pre-teen years, and they had slowly but surely progressed into champions of the sport. However, one young athlete amidst the talented assembly didn't lived her life for the balance beam or uneven bars.

Coach Schmidt recruited Kimberly Anne Hart during a scouting trip that led him to Angel Grove California that past July. Even though she had only trained professionally for half a year, the graceful phenom quickly became one of the team's most dependable performers for the floor routine as well as the balance beam. It was clear to anyone looking at her that she was natural athlete, grim-faced determination proving she was no stranger to pressure, and powerful, lean muscles working in a symphony of movement that was so precise, she moved like a well-oiled machine.

But there was a character trait even more amazing to those who came to know her. No matter how strenuous the exercise, or demanding the instructors, the moment she stepped away from an exercise, her focused scowl collapsed into a genuine smile. Her cheerful attitude permeated everything she did, and it was absolutely contagious.

Everyone recognized that she brought out the best in the people around her.

Coach Schmidt surveyed his team of athletes as they practiced on the varied gymnastics stations. As usual, he kept a careful eye on two of the most promising gymnasts: Kimberly and her roommate Renee Ryan. Pairing the two young women was no accident… for he recognized early on that they were the heart and soul of his team. Over the decades of his career, the German legend had coached many world-class teams, and usually, no matter how much he had tried to create group cohesiveness, there was always an undeniable current of competition between his best athletes. Internal strife inevitably led to failure. Coach Schmidt had hoped to avoid conflict by putting the two girls together in the same room… and it worked. Renee and Kimberly quickly became close friends, to the point that both would be genuinely ecstatic to see the other victorious.

"Coach, it's nine o'clock."

Gunther blinked, snapping out of his studious haze at the voice of his assistant coach and right-arm, Trevor Monroe. "So it is," he realized, glancing at his wristwatch with surprise. "Then it's time to call it a day."

Gunther strode from the sidelines to the center of the gym and blew his whistle. The several dozen athletes responded like Pavlovian dogs, freezing their routines at the sound and turning to the man that would make them stars.

"Okay, everyone!" he shouted in his distinguished European accent. "Great practice by all!"

Trevor then leaned toward the Coach, and whispered something in his ear. Gunther's hard face cracked into a grin, and he nodded in agreement.

"You've all done a phenomenal job this week," he continued loudly. "As a reward, I'm treating you to frozen yogurts. Now hit the showers!"

The group of teenagers cheered happily, and separated into the locker rooms.

Chapter Two

The girl's locker room buzzed with excited chatter as the team hurried to get cleaned up and dressed in time for the treat. After all, with a strict diet, it was a rarity to indulge in sweets. Even low-fat ones.

Renee hopped out of the narrow stall after a record-breaking three-minute shower. She deftly swept a soft towel over her rich tawny skin, and wrapped another around her dripping mahogany curls. While making her way to her locker, her dark gaze fell upon Kimberly, who pulled a sweatshirt over her leotard.

"Not taking a shower, Kim?" she asked with mock surprise, "I hate to burst your bubble, Hon, but you don't smell springtime fresh."

Kim smirked, grabbing a sweaty towel and launching it at her roommate. Renee yelped, ducking out of the missile's way.

"I'll take one in the apartment," she answered, tying her hair in a ponytail, "I don't like the whole idea of communal showers, 'Ne."

"So, I take it you're not going to come get fro-yo with the rest of us?"

"I can't. It's Sunday!"

"And…?" prompted Renee, raising her eyebrow.

"I call Tommy every Sunday night at ten. You know that."

"Kimberly," her roommate groaned, "you can't live your life around Tommy's schedule."

"But I'm not," Kim protested. "It's a compromise. He calls me Thursday nights, and I call him Sunday nights. Scheduling time for each other guarantees that we don't wind up playing phone-tag. Besides, talking to Tommy is the highlight of my week!"

Renee exhaled slowly, a small frown on her face. Suddenly, her tone shifted from overly dramatic to completely serious. "Kim, don't you think you're being a little naive? I mean, here's the deal: your boyfriend is a hot, popular guy, whose girlfriend is three thousand miles away! You may talk to him Thursday and Sunday nights, but who do you think he's with the rest of the week? I bet my Tupac collection he's not sitting in his bedroom staring at a picture of you."

Kim stared her friend square in the eye. "Renee, I trust Tommy. He'd never go out with anyone behind my back."

Renee held her peace for a moment, gazing at her friend's unflinching expression. Kim's always wore her feelings on her sleeve; it was easy to see just how deeply her affection for Tommy Oliver ran.

She was a schoolgirl in love…but she wouldn't be the first to be burned by a long-distance relationship.

"How do you know, Kim?" Renee challenged in a soft voice, "I mean, don't get me wrong; I'm