Jason pounded away on the heavy bag, to work out some of the anger he felt. ‘It’s just not fair,’ he thought, ‘Tommy and Kim were so happy together. Why did he leave, just when we need him the most?”
He stopped for a moment, and looked around. Kim was at their usual table, staring off into space. She had a tendency to do that, ever since Tommy left. She didn’t have the heart to practice her gymnastics, saying that it just didn’t hold the same thrill it used to, knowing that Tommy wasn’t watching her.
Sighing, Jason headed over to her. “Kim?”
Kim came out of her funk immediately, looking up at him. “What is it, Jason?” she asked, “Did Zordon call us, or something?”
“No, he hasn’t,” Jason murmured softly, sitting in the seat next to her. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“What is there to talk about? Tommy’s gone off to die, and I’m miserable,” Kim said, “I just love him so much, Jason.” Even though she had done enough crying since Tommy left, Kim couldn’t help but start up again.
Jason gave her a gentle hug. “I know, Kim,” he said softly, “I know.”
“Whoa, look at what we have here. A real babe.” Jason looked up and over Kim’s head, and saw a tall young man walking up. Kim looked up, as well. “Why is such a beautiful girl crying? Don’t worry, babe. I’ll take your worries away.”
“Back off, Shane,” Jason warned. He knew the young man and his cohorts, who were crowding around, as being bullies in school.
“Oh, I’m really scared,” Shane said, “Who are you, her boyfriend? Oh, wait, that’s right. Tommy’s not around anymore. Kimmie here probably drove him off.” Fresh tears appeared in Kim’s eyes at his harsh words.
“I said back off, or there will be trouble,” Jason said, “Or do you really want to take on a black belt, who happens to be one of the best fighters in the city?”
“Not alone, no,” Shane said. He snapped his fingers, and two guys walked up to stand either side of him.
“The man said back off.” Jason turned at a presence beside him, expecting Zack and Billy.
He was taken by surprise to see Bulk and Skull there. They weren’t nearly up to Jason’s standards in fighting, but they were known to hold their own otherwise. Bulk easily towered over all three men, and Skull... well, he wasn’t too menacing, but Jason had heard that someone had underestimated him once in a fight, and paid for it.
Shane quickly started back pedaling, especially when Zack, Trini, and Billy all joined in with Bulk and Skull by Jason’s side.
“Or maybe you want to take on all of us,” Zack said, folding his arms over his chest. Billy and Trini both went into fighting stances, just in case.
Shane knew better than to go into this fight. He was facing three of the best martial artists, that being Jason, Zack, and Trini, as well as three that were known to surprisingly hold their own in fights.
“I’ll get you back for this, Scott,” Shane warned Jason, as him and his friends left them alone.
Jason turned to Bulk and Skull. “Thanks you two,” he said, “You really didn’t have to do that, you know?”
“We wanted to, Jase,” Bulk said, “You’ve surprised us once or twice, sticking up for us against Shane and his crew.”
“Yeah, we’re just returning the favor,” Skull said.
“Well, I really appreciate it,” Kim said, giving them both a peck on the cheek. They both blushed and shuffled off.
“At least you’re in better spirits,” Trini said, “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Kim said, “Just tired of everybody asking me if I’m all right. Believe it or not, Mrs. Oliver it taking it worse than I am. And you should see David and Daniel, Tommy’s brothers. And little Josh. He hasn’t stopped crying really since Tommy left. I don’t think he actually understands what’s going on, but feels something bad.”
“I didn’t think that it was possible to be any more grieving,” Zack replied, “All you’ve done the past few days is cry.” Trini glared at him, and he realized that what he said was a bit mean. “Not that anybody blames you, though.” That helped his conscience, and Trini quit glaring.
“Kim, what are you going to do now?” Trini asked, as she sat down next to her best friend.
“I’m going to try to go on with my life,” Kim said, “I know that’s what Tommy would want me to do.”
“Excuse me,” came a gruff voice. When they recognized it, the Lantern Rangers looked up. Batman and Robin were standing before them.
“Can I help you?” Jason asked.
Batman ignored him, and looked at Kim. He then looked around, and saw that no one was nearby. Things like this were so common in Angel Grove, nobody even noticed that the dynamic duo from Gotham had dropped by for a visit.
“We know that you are really the Lantern Rangers,” he said, in a low voice as he closed in on the group. “I’ve also heard about your loss, Ms. Ferris. I know how much Thomas Jordan had to have meant to you.”
“Thanks, I think,” Kim said, “How do you know my name?” Batman just stared at her. She smacked herself mentally. “Oh, right. You’re Batman. Ask a stupid question...”
“I wanted to offer my condolences,” Robin said, “He was a good man, and the world needs more like him.”
“Thank you, Robin,” Kim said, “And you too, Batman.”
“We’ve done what we’ve came for,” Batman said, “Good day.” With that, him and Robin walked out of the Youth Center.
Kim smiled. “Boy did he blow his reputation as a tough guy,” she said, attempting at a joke. It gained her several smiles. After a while, the gang went their separate ways.
Kim ended up on a walk through the park. All of a sudden, a blue, yellow, and red blur sped by and picked her up. Literally. “AHHH!!!” she screamed, “SUPERBOY!!!”
“Sorry, Kim,” the blur said, putting her down with a sheepish smile. It was Superboy who had done it. “I had been trying to get your attention, but you looked out of it. So I thought I’d do something to get it.”
“Yeah, well, don’t do that again,” Kim said, “You nearly gave me a heart attack when you did that. And I’m sorry about not paying attention. A lot has happened to me, and the whole team, since I last saw you.”
“So I heard,” Superboy said, “Boy, your friend’s uncle sure is tough. It took me forever to talk him into letting me come up here, and only then when I promised that I’d talk one of you into doing a photo with me in your Lantern Ranger gear, to try to attract even more customers.”
“Like he’d need it,” Kim said, “Where’d you hear about Tommy? From Batman?”
“Batman? No way,” Superboy said, “I’ve never even talked for more than two minutes with old pointy ears. I’m not even sure I’ve been formally introduced to him.” Kim giggled for the first time since Tommy left. “Word gets around the super-hero community quickly, and that’s how I heard. I just wanted to come, and give my condolences. Tommy was a cool guy, and I remember how good you two were together when you were in Hawaii. Jason’s uncle wanted to send his, too.”
“Well, thanks, Superboy,” Kim said, “And give Mr. Scott my thanks, too. Then again, I’ll tell him myself. I’m going with you for that photo. I need something to take my mind off Tommy, even if it is just momentarily.”
“All righty then,” Superboy said. Kim let him pick her up, and he zoomed off towards Hawaii. When they got there, Kim morphed, so that Jason’s uncle didn’t know she was actually there. Her and Superboy did several photos together, actually. They also did an autograph signing at the hotel.
When Superboy finally got around to bringing her back home, it was getting pretty late in Angel Grove. “Oh, my mom’s going to kill me,” Kim said, “She gave me an ultimatum that, Ranger or no Ranger, I’m supposed to be home by 10.”
“Sorry, Kim,” Superboy said, “I would help, but I have to get back.”
“Bye, and thanks for the trip, Superboy,” Kim said, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Going to Hawaii helped my mood some.”
“Hey, anything to help a pretty lady,” Superboy said. All of a sudden, he got a serious look on his face. “You be careful, all right?”
“I will, Superboy, and you too,” Kim said. With that, Superboy got that goofy look on his face again, and took off. Kim went into her house, and awaited the storm that she anticipated from her mother.
“Oh, now you come sauntering in,” her mom said, “Where have you been, young lady? It’s almost eleven o’clock.” Kim did a double take, looking at her watch. She hadn’t realized how late it was. “Just where have you been?”
“I’ve been in Hawaii,” Kim replied. Her mom gave her that patented “You can’t fool me for a second” look. “Really, mom. Superboy flew in, to give me his condolences over Tommy, and I flew back with him to fulfill the favor he owed by coming here.”
“I believe you, Kim,” her mom said, “After all, you are a Lantern Ranger. That was hard enough to believe.”
“Look, mom,” Kim said, “It’s getting late, and I think I’ll turn in. I have a lot to think about.”
Kim’s mom smiled. “I understand,” she said, “If you need my motherly advice, you know that all you have to do is ask.”
“I know, mom,” Kim said, “And thanks.” She gave her mom a kiss and headed up to her room. She flopped down on the bed and was quick to fall asleep.
Sometime later, she was too sleepy to be sure when exactly, she woke to a strange noise. A man appeared out of nowhere from the shadows. She almost screamed, but he clamped a hand on her mouth.
It was Batman, apparently wanting to talk again. “You really need to quit that,” Kim said, once he removed his hand.
“I’m sorry if I startled you,” Batman said, “I wanted to come and tell you how sorry I am about your loss, and to offer you my condolences, as well. Thomas Jordan was a good man, and his time came way too quickly.”
“Thank you, Batman,” Kim said. She made the mistake of looking into the blank eyes Batman had, and quickly looked away. “You don’t know how much I appreciate that, since it’s probably rare coming from...” When she turned back, the Batman was gone without a trace. “You.” Sighing, and convinced that it had been nothing but a dream, Kim went back to sleep.