Big Problems, episode 01-02

[Legends Blue Ranger]

Billy was intrigued by Kimberly’s story wondering exactly what genies of arachnid she had spotted. The Angel Grove area was home to many different indigenous species. Thinking about it he realized it probably wouldn’t do to point out the fact that the park and the very mountain trail they were on had been the source for several of the arthropods which he collected as a child.

He glanced back over his shoulder thinking about asking Kimberly for more information about her spider to see if he could roughly identify it. Looking back he saw that Trini was still at the bottom of the trail seeming to hesitate in following the other two up.

“um, guys. Couldn’t we just…you know…have our meeting down here somewhere?”
Billy came to a stop as she spoke turning back around to address Trini.
“Well uhh…I suppose we could. I didn’t bring any instruments with me to test my theory about the teleportation signal and obviously they seemed to have no trouble picking us up on the ground before. So there is no technical reason to have to climb up.”

Something was obviously not right and for whatever reason she did not want to make the journey. Perhaps she saw some kind of tactical advantage to being down below or perhaps she was concerned about meeting up with Jason and Zack. He could wonder all he wanted but he would never find an answer without direct examination.
“Is there something wrong Trini?” He asked simply already starting to take a step back down the trail.

[Legends Pink Ranger]

“Well now that that’s settled. How about we try for the weekend?” Trini grinned, turning her attention back to the trail.

Having the picnic and friendly game of flag football over the weekend sounded quite promising. The only minor oversight on Trini’s suggestion divides the team into equal groups. If there were five all in on the game one would need to play the referee. If one agreed to be the referee during the first play, they could always take turns keeping score. A little bit of fun and relaxation with some friends was exactly the best solution after a grilling week of school and practices. Practice! Even though there were no classes and any assignments completed before hand, Kimberly still had practice with the squad in the morning leading into the afternoon. This poses a problem on possibly the only day that the others might have the day free as well.

A problem? Hardly if Kimberly could persuade the coach to reschedule practice for later that evening or change Saturday’s for Monday instead. That should not be difficult task to do. Kimberly nodded approving that the event should take place over this weekend. What they needed to decide next was exactly what kind of food and beverage to bring. They could each contribute something that way there would be plenty to go around. If there was, one dish that she was best at making was a fruit salad served with whip topping. In addition, what if they wanted to hear some music? Kimberly was not sure if they wanted to her any of the songs she had written. Zack would be the more likely candidate to accommodate.

With the palm of her right hand pressed against the next boulder Kimberly took a hold of the next closes rock hoisting up, groaning inwardly. Now she was beginning to recall one of the reasons that she did not partake of her brother’s idea of fun. At least the weather is nice today. Kimberly thought watching out for any hidden surprises.

“Um, guys.” Trini called, tentatively. “Couldn’t we just…you know…have our meeting down here somewhere?” Both Billy and she came to a stop drawn to the nervous tension caught in Trini’s voice. Kimberly would not oppose the meeting to be on the ground rather having to climb all the way up. Looking back saw the fear in Trini’s face clearly and at first, she did not register to why the raven-hair girl would be.

“Well uhh…I suppose we could. I didn’t bring any instruments with me to test my theory about the teleportation signal and obviously they seemed to have no trouble picking us up on the ground before. So there is no technical reason to have to climb up. Is there something wrong Trini?” Billy asked simply already starting to take a step back down the trail. Exchanging brief glance between the point of interest and where Trini stood bits of the puzzle was falling into place. Trini was afraid of heights. Following Billy’s descendant questioned if the she would tell them. Reading the other girl’s face again knew that she was not ready and wished Billy had not asked.

“That is fine with me all the same.” Kimberly replied joining them on the ground, “For I really do not want to continue climbing up wearing this.” Yeah, it seem very shallow thing to say in front of them. It was the only excuse Kimberly could think of at the moment to spare Trini from telling something that she was uncomfortable with. “Nuh-uh. This not an outfit that I want to get ruined in the process. Besides we should really wait for Jason and Zack too.”

This post has been edited by Legends Pink Ranger on Nov 8 2009, 07:02 AM

[Legends Black Ranger]

Jason continued to talk with Zack as they made their way through the large landscape of Angel Grove Park, making their way around the lake shore. “But you’re right about how different it would be. Hah do you think Coach Oliver will accept notes from Zordon if I show up late for football practice? Of course I was thinking about cutting back on some of my after school activates, but then what am I going to use for an excuse if I’m out late fighting evil monsters. I need to re-watch some superhero cartoons or something, see how they do this secret identity stuff.”

"Totally," Zack agreed. "You remember Masters of the Universe? You know He-man... you wanna see an example of what not to do with lame cover stories, check out Prince Adam sometime. He had the worst! Some of Clark Kent's were pretty lame too depending on what version of Superman you watch."

Zack thought back to the days when he used to watch Saturday morning cartoons and television after school. Most of the shows he liked involved super heros. The whole superhero banter seemed to be lightening things up and Zack was on a roll so he continued.

"Bruce Wayne, now he's a good example of how to cover your butt when you got to dawn your spandex," Zack said. "Of course we're not millionaires so I am not sure that some of his stories would work for us..."

Before long the two reach the beginning of the mountain trail. “That’s where Billy was suggesting we’d meet.” Jason commented looking around. “I guess they’re either up the trail or on the other side.”

"Huh," Zack said. He'd momentarily lost himself in his ramblings about super heros and secret identities.

He shot Jason a shy smile. "Oh yeah right," he said suddenly coming back to reality. "I don't see them so maybe we should head up the trail."

Zack decided to let Jason lead the way. The black ranger looked around to see if he saw any signs of the pink, yellow and blue rangers anywhere.

[Legends Yellow Ranger]

“Well uhh…I suppose we could. I didn’t bring any instruments with me to test my theory about the teleportation signal and obviously they seemed to have no trouble picking us up on the ground before. So there is no technical reason to have to climb up.”

Thank God, Trini thought, trying to slow her heartbeat, worrying they might somehow be able to hear it as loudly as she could.

“Is there something wrong Trini?”

“I-“ She started, then looked away, licking her bottom lip nervously. How best to explain? Would they laugh at her? Sure, she could stand up to Jocks and Bullies but when it came to mountaintops and high terrain, Trini was a wimp. “I just-“

Kimberely spoke up, seemingly sensing her distress. “That is fine with me all the same. For I really do not want to continue climbing up wearing this. Nuh-uh. This not an outfit that I want to get ruined in the process. Besides we should really wait for Jason and Zack too.”

Trini sucked in a breath of relief for the distraction, but cursed herself inwardly. What a coward she was being. If they were really going to superheroes, teammates at that, and rely on one another every day, wouldn’t it be better for them to know?

Kimberely evidently didn’t like spiders, so what? That hadn’t made Trini think any less of the other girl.

“Thanks.” She closed her eyes and took another deep breath. “It’s nothing,” she said, specifically to Billy since he had asked, but did not open her eyes. “I’m just not comfortable with heights.”

[Legends Pink Ranger]

“Thanks.” Trini closed her eyes taking a deep breath. “It’s nothing. I’m just not comfortable with heights.”
For a moment Kimberly’s descendent slow down gradually caught surprisingly by Trini’s courageous act of confiding to them what troubled her so. There was no mistake that everyone was afraid of something no matter the size and yet seldom there were those who would not speak openly in fear of persecution by their peers regardless of the size. Looking down towards Billy momentarily resumed climbing back down until she was close enough to make a jump. “Hey, it is all right” Kimberly replied walking over giving Trini a friendly hug, “If this is something that places you in an uncomfortable situation than we will not go any farther.” releasing her friend and smiled at Billy, “And I am sure that it is all right when I say that neither Billy or I think any differently.”

Kimberly shook her head lightly folding her arms in further thought. Both Billy and Trini made it self evident that they made their decision to accept such heavy responsibilities knowing the risk they were placing themselves in. Just look at them, Kimberly. It is plain to see that they have doubts as well. And yet the have confidence within themselves and each other that it could be done. Why can you not? That is simple. Because it is not there and would only end up putting them at risk. Kimberly thought squeezing her arms tightly

“Do you really want to know what I think?” Kimberly continued, “That you still one of the bravest people I’ve come across. Not to mentioned wicked moves.”

[Legends Blue Ranger]

“It’s nothing, I’m just not comfortable with heights.”
“Oh I’m sorry.” Billy apologized as he and Kimberly met back with Trini at the end of the trail. “I had no idea I mean there was no inclination that you had acrophobia.”
He wondered how sever her fear was, if she had actually been diagnosed with the condition or if it was a simple chosen avoidance of an uncomfortable situation. Given her resistance to even begin the trek it was obviously a very strong and reoccurring fear.

“If this is something that places you in an uncomfortable situation than we will not go any farther. And I am sure that it is all right when I say that neither Billy or I think any differently.”
Billy nodded in agreement returning Kimberly’s light smile before turning his attention back towards Trini. “Of course not we all have things we do not care to be around for one reason or another.”

“Do you really want to know what I think? That you still one of the bravest people I’ve come across. Not to mentioned wicked moves.”

“I will second that.” Billy started and for a moment he thought he should stop himself. But there were things he had been wanting to say for almost 24 hours and he wanted at least his two new friends present to hear them. “Seeing you fight yesterday was well simply amazing. It was like watching a movie I mean it was art really. You moved with fluidity and grace like you’d been doing it all your life.”
Billy was already starting to feel a bit embarrassed like he was gushing over her, so why he thought turning his attention to Kimberly would elevate that he had no idea. “And you too Kimberly. Hell you may have saved my life last night when you took that hit for me without a second thought. I just got to say that no matter what you two are most affirmatively my heroes.”

[Legends Red Ranger]

Jason just laughed and nodded in agreement as Zack quoted cartoon references of other heroes and their secret identities. This was why he considered Zack his friend because they could share such little geeky childish facts that they both remembered with fondness and not get laughed at. It was a level of comfort the two friends had with each other that made even a simple walk enjoyable.

As the two made their way up the mountain trail Jason continued to look out around them for the others. There was no sign of them on the trail and Jason began to wonder if they had somehow made it there before them or if the other three had changed their mind about the agreed destination. Jason was about to become worried about the situation when he reached the plateau before the turning decent to the other side of the mountain range. It only took a few steps around the bend before he could see the other three members of the group down on the distant ground.

“There they are.” Jason points out to Zack. He quickens his steps in order to get down to the rest of the group quicker. As he moved down the mountain trail the alarm on Jason’s wrist watch went off. Jason glanced at the beeping device as he hit the off button. He had set it with just a minute to go before the summons by Zordon and now time was up. He looked around making sure that there were no other park goers or mountain climbers in the vicinity and At this point Jason was running down the trail to get to the others before time ran out.

Jason slide and slowed himself the final distance from the trail to the trio as he came up on them.
“Hey guys!” He greeted with an attention getting wave of his arm. “Huh looks like we made it just in time.”

[Legends Yellow Ranger]

“Oh I’m sorry.” Billy said sincerely. “I had no idea I mean there was no inclination that you had acrophobia.”

Leave it to Billy to make things clinical, Trini thought in amusement.

“Hey, it is all right” Kimberley, hugging Trini comfortingly. “If this is something that places you in an uncomfortable situation than we will not go any farther.” She released Trini and smiled. ”And I am sure that it is all right when I say that neither Billy or I think any differently.”

“Of course not we all have things we do not care to be around for one reason or another.”

Trini tried to smile graciously, but it felt awkward settled on her face and she rubbed her shoulder unconsciously. “Yeah, I guess its pretty normal, I just don’t know anyone whose afraid of something as silly as heights. It seems…” She swallowed, looking up the hill. “Silly, I know, but I haven’t been able to help it.”

“Do you really want to know what I think? That you still one of the bravest people I’ve come across. Not to mentioned wicked moves.”

“I will second that. Seeing you fight yesterday was well simply amazing. It was like watching a movie I mean it was art really. You moved with fluidity and grace like you’d been doing it all your life.”

Trini beamed suddenly, color spotting her cheeks lightly, overwhelmed by their compliments. “Um, Thank you. I’ve worked hard to hone my craft. My style is not as powerful as Jason or even Zack’s but there is a subtlety to it that I like." She blushed deeper, embarrassed by her own arrogance. "It’s fair too, its straight forward theirs no trickery involved and anyone could take it up.”

“And you too Kimberly. Hell you may have saved my life last night when you took that hit for me without a second thought. I just got to say that no matter what you two are most affirmatively my heroes.”

Trini nodded in kind. “Courage is not the absence of fear but the will to go on in spite of it, which makes you two a lot braver than even Jason, Zack and I. Considering you were both untrained in any sort of martial arts, I think you did exceptionally well. Kim, your gymnastic ability gives you an advantage because you’re so agile and quick. And Billy, fighting isn’t always about brawn, it takes a brain to know where to land a hit where it might be to your best advantage.” She said, emphasizing with a quick light chop to Billy’s collar, barely allowing the side of her hand to make contact before moving away.

“I’m sure we could find a style to compliment each of your abilities, but if,” She said, very clearly. “And only if you wanted to.”

“Hey guys!”

Trini turned and saw Jason hailing them from a distance, she waved back quickly before wincing. “I hope they weren’t too keen about going up the hill.”

[Legends Black Ranger]

As the two made their way up the mountain trail Jason continued to look out around them for the others. There was no sign of them on the trail and Jason began to wonder if they had somehow made it there before them or if the other three had changed their mind about the agreed destination. Jason was about to become worried about the situation when he reached the plateau before the turning decent to the other side of the mountain range. It only took a few steps around the bend before he could see the other three members of the group down on the distant ground.

At first Zack didn't see the others either. Surely they didn't all three bail out on them? Zack quickly dismissed the idea. He was still nervous that some of the other rangers were going to decline but he knew they'd at least show up for the meeting. Just as Zack finished reassuring himself mentally that Trini, Kimberly and Billy would be present they came into view.

“There they are.” Jason points out to Zack. He quickens his steps in order to get down to the rest of the group quicker. As he moved down the mountain trail the alarm on Jason’s wrist watch went off. Jason glanced at the beeping device as he hit the off button. He had set it with just a minute to go before the summons by Zordon and now time was up. He looked around making sure that there were no other park goers or mountain climbers in the vicinity and At this point Jason was running down the trail to get to the others before time ran out.

Just in the nick of time, Zack thought hearing Jason's alarm. He knew any second that the group would likely be snatched up in a teleporting beam. The black ranger took a deep breath seeing Kim, Billy and particularly Trini and let it out slowly. Things had been a bit uncomfortable back at the Youth Center. He really didn't know what Trini thought of him right now. Zack just hoped Jason was right and was all a big misunderstanding and maybe with bigger things on their minds it wouldn't come up. Zack decided to take an unusual step and not say anything as he and the red ranger approached the others. Zack stayed a few feet back and just smiled trying to cover up his guilt over the misunderstanding earlier in the day.

Jason slide and slowed himself the final distance from the trail to the trio as he came up on them.
“Hey guys!” He greeted with an attention getting wave of his arm. “Huh looks like we made it just in time.”

Zack just smiled and nodded to them. He'd wait for Kim, Trini or Billy to respond before he said anything. Zack wiped his brow and looked around waiting for that beam to snatch them all up unexpectedly. He was was afraid to blink because the scenery might change unexpectedly. Teleporting was perhaps the weirdest experience of all the things that had happened to them in the past 48 hours followed closely by the sensation of morphing which was almost as odd.

[Legends Pink Ranger]

The three stood talking as if they had been friends for a very long time avoided from the social groups each were intentionally labeled. It was great to see this side of Billy no longer being socially awkward around the two talking more freely. Kimberly nodded in agreement describing Trini’s prowess as art. Even if it was a martial art form that anyone could take up required determine dedication that she saw within Trini. Kimberly ducked her head as the two spoke fondly of what she had done that very night blushing slightly if only for a moment. Never had she been described to be anyone’s hero.

“Courage is not the absence of fear but the will to go on in spite of it, which makes you two a lot braver than even Jason, Zack and I. Considering you were both untrained in any sort of martial arts, I think you did exceptionally well. Kim, your gymnastic ability gives you an advantage because you’re so agile and quick. And Billy, fighting isn’t always about brawn; it takes a brain to know where to land a hit where it might be to your best advantage.” Trini emphasized by giving a quick light chop to Billy’s collar, barely allowing the side of her hand to make contact before moving away. “I’m sure we could find a style to compliment each of your abilities, but if,” She said, very clearly. “And only if you wanted to.”

Courageous? Brave? Kimberly did not think or felt anything of that sort when it came to last night. It was nothing short of a fluke and to be told differently from her new friends made her feel like a coward. Her vision became blurry from the tears streaking down her face. Kimberly admired Trini conviction that they would be able to find a style complimenting each of their abilities still clung onto the fear that she would only be a hinder to them when the time comes.

“Hey guys”

Oh crap… Kimberly quickly searched her pockets for the package of tissues to wipe the tears and evident signs before anyone notice. At least Jason’s timing was perfect drawing Billy’s and Trini’s attention away from her. Maybe she was being a little vain, but she didn’t want anyone seeing her cry or looking a mess. Unable to find any tissues quickly dried her cheeks with the back of her hand. If anyone asked, she can blame it on the sand easily getting into her eyes.

“I hope they weren’t too keen about going up the hill.”

Taking a deep breath Kimberly look up as Jason and Zack in tow made their way over towards them. “I am sure that they wouldn’t mind at all.” Kimberly spoke calmly waving to Jason and Zack, “We will just have to tell them what you’ve told us. Jason is very understand guy and Zack…” she paused dragging it out “heheh…Can be too, but in his own special unique way. Don’t worry Trini. I think what happen earlier was that he got all excited about being a superhero. Heheh…Maybe he hasn’t quite grown up.”

[Legends Zordon]

As the five teenagers gathered back up together a white light suddenly started to envelope him. The same light enveloped the five rangers one by one. As the light covered them it began to take on a glow of the respective color of each ranger. In a split second the five were each enveloped in light and in a bright flash the light vanished from sight along with the five teenagers.

In seconds the five teenagers reappeared on the teleportation platform inside of the command center. This time the pathway from the platform to the main area of the command center was lit up. At round computer consol display stood the distinct form of the Autonomous Life Programmed Helper Aid, Alpha 5. The light strip across the dome head of the little robot lit up as it looked towards the five teenagers.
“Welcome back to OZ.” The robot sarcastically greeted them mocking the human’s numerous comparisons to the classic story. Punching a few buttons on the consol the other end of void which fills the command center lights up revealing the crystal stases of Zordon.

The holographic image of Zordon’s head appears in the air above it looking down upon the five teenagers. “Rangers I trust you have used the time allowed you to reflect on the decision before you.”

[Legends Blue Ranger]

Billy gulped hard and watched with wide eyed surprise as Trini brought her chopped hand up to his neck. He was struggling so hard not to panic that he almost missed her generous offer to help him learn a fighting style which suited him. An offer Billy was already seriously considering, especially if he was going to chose to be a power ranger. The brains which Trini so kindly complimented him on would do him little good if he could not protect himself. Perhaps Trini could help him succeed where he had failed on his own in learning some form of self defense.

Before any more could be said between the three of them, the sound of Jason’s voice caught everyone’s attention. He turned giving the duo coming to join the group a small wave.

“I hope they weren’t too keen about going up the hill.”

Billy chuckled lightly at Trini’s remark.
“We will just have to tell them what you’ve told us. Jason is very understand guy and Zack…heheh…Can be too, but in his own special unique way. Don’t worry Trini. I think what happen earlier was that he got all excited about being a superhero. Heheh…Maybe he hasn’t quite grown up.”Billy laughed even harder at Kimberly’s comment managing to stop himself as the two in question rejoined them on the ground.

“Huh looks like we made it just in time.”
“Hah affirmative it seems your appearance is just in time.” Billy remarked not realizing how right these words were as the teleportation beam came and engulfed the five teenagers before they can even realize it.

Billy blinked his eyes and he found himself with the others now in the eerie otherworldly atmosphere of the command center.
“Fascinating…” He whispered under his breath as he stepped down from the platform. He was making his way to the main computer center area as Zordon holographic image appeared to address them.

“Rangers I trust you have used the time allowed you to reflect on the decision before you.”

“Ohh yes thank you Zordon sir, the time allocated is greatly appreciated so we could calculate the gravitas of this crucial decision.” Billy stammered out immediately feeling rather awkward for being the first to speak up. He hopped he did not speak out of turn but had the calculated assumption at all five of them on one level or another were grateful to Zordon for all he had done for the five would be heroes.