Disclaimer: I don't own them. I know, you know and the real owners of the power rangers know. But, I had to say it anyway.

A/N: This one picks up right where the last one left off. It is Wednesday afternoon and the group of friends are heading for the park, wanting to have a picnic. Rita and Zedd's plan seems to be working well, but there is someone who will talk some sense into Kim. Let me know what you think. LOL..

Mondo, Rita and Zedd watched the rangers as they all made it to the park. They were almost joyful at the way Kim was acting towards Jason.

Mondo looked at Jason in the viewer, seeing the tenseness of his muscles. "Are you having a bad day, Jason," he asked the image, his tone mocking. "Well, it isn't about to get any better."

Zedd walked over, looking at Jason along with Mondo. "The best part is, he's totally innocent of any wrong doing," he said maliciously. "He's not done anything different than before, but Kim will be seeing it in a different light."

Rita laughed. "This is getting better and better," she said. "And Amanda, just by being a friend to Jason, is encouraging Kim and Tommy's feelings of mistrust. I can't wait to see the fireworks from this one."

Kim didn't even look at Jason as they arrived at the park. She got out of the truck almost as soon as he had parked it and walked towards the picnic tables. She sat down at one, looking up as the others started to arrive. She really wasn't in the mood for this, but decided to stay, not wanting to ruin it for the others.

Jason got out of the truck, watching her walk over to the tables. He let his breath out in a long sigh. She had not said a word the entire way here, just looking out her window at the passing scenery. He closed his door and headed for the back of the truck, pulling down the tailgate and grabbing one of the coolers. He set it down on the ground as the others arrived.

Billy and Rocky walked over to him, each of them grabbing a cooler themselves.

Jason shut the tailgate and picked up his cooler, following the rest of them over to the picnic area. He set the cooler down, opening it and grabbing something to drink. He closed the lid, glancing over at the girls as they all sat down at the table. Kim was talking to the others, smiling and laughing along with them. He did notice that she was not even looking at Amanda, who did not sit down with the others.

Amanda walked over to the guys, slipping her arm around Tommy's waist.

Tommy put his arm around her shoulders, but didn't pull her closer, his mind still filled the images of Jason and Amanda getting married. He looked at her and gave her a small smile, but didn't try to talk to her.

Amanda let out a little sigh and removed her arm, turning away from him and going over to the table to sit with the other girls. She glanced back over to Tommy, but he didn't look her way. She turned her attention to Tammy and Carmen, who were sitting across from her.

Jason excused himself and walked down the hill, away from the others. He walked over to the lake, standing on the shore and looking out over the calm waters. His mind was totally confused by Kim's actions towards him. Around the others, she seemed fine, but around him or Amanda, she was cold and silent. He let his breath out in a sigh, standing there as he tried to figure out just what was wrong.

Billy stood on the hill, looking down at his friend, then turned and went over to the table. He took Kim's arm and pulled her to her feet, gently leading her away from the others.

Kim looked at him in puzzlement as he led her to a large tree, standing in the shade of it. "What is it, Billy," she asked.

Billy looked at her. "What's wrong with Jason," he asked, glancing down towards the lake. "He seems upset about something. He just walked off, not saying a word to anyone."

Kim glanced down at the lake, seeing Jason standing there with tense shoulders. She turned back to Billy. "I think he's upset with me," she said. "I've hardly spoken to him at all today. And every time he's touched me, I tense up."

Billy's eyes widened in surprise. "Why, Kim," he asked. "Did he do something to make you act this way?"

Kim shook her head. "No," she said softly. "But, I had these dreams last night, about him and Amanda. They were a couple, very much in love. I tried to convince myself that the feelings from them weren't real, but every time I close my eyes, I see them together. And the way Jason and Amanda were with each other at the youth center, well, it just made those feelings stronger."

Billy grabbed Kim's shoulders, making her look at him. "Kim," he said. "You've known Jason since you both were in kindergarten. Do you really think that he would betray you that way? Or Tommy? He loves you. You are the one he asked to marry him, not Amanda."

Kim shook her head again. "Billy," she said. "There is a connection between them," she said. "I can see it and feel it. They have this special bond and I'm not going to stand in his way if he wants to be with her."

Billy shook his head. "Listen to yourself carefully, Kim," he said. "Do you even hear what you're saying? This is Jason that we're talking about. He would never do anything like that. You know that. He loves you with all his heart, he has for a long time. He wouldn't tell you about his feelings because you were with Tommy. Do you think he would have asked you to marry him if he wasn't totally sure of his feelings?"

Kim stared at Billy, the feelings of jealousy fading as his words sank into her mind. She closed her eyes, bringing up the memory of Jason asking her to marry him. The look of love in his eyes as he did so. She opened her eyes and gave Billy a small smile. "Would you excuse me, Billy," she asked, turning to look down at Jason. "I have to apologize to someone for the way I've been acting."

Billy watched her walk off, heading down towards the lake. He smiled and walked back over to join the others.

Jason turned as he heard someone approaching him. He looked at Kim as she walked over to him, stopping just a few feet from him.

Kim bit her lip, then looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry, Jason," she said softly. "I've been a real jerk today. I hope that you can forgive me."

Jason took a step towards her, unsure of what to say at first. He took a deep breath and let it out. "What did I do," he asked softly. "I've been trying to figure out what was wrong, but I couldn't come up with anything."

Kim took a step towards him, holding up her hand to stop him from saying anything else. "You didn't do anything," she said. "It was all me. I had these dreams about you and Amanda, as a couple, and I let the feelings from these dreams affect me all day." She held up her hand again as he opened his mouth. "Please, Jason," she said. "Let me finish." She took a deep breath as he nodded, remaining silent. "I saw how you and Amanda acted at the youth center, and it made those feelings of jealousy grow stronger," she said. "I'm sorry. I've seen this undeniable connection between you and Amanda and I let it go to my head. I know that she's your friend, and that you saved her life, but there is this bond between the two of you, and it made me jealous." She looked into his eyes as she took another step towards him. "Are you mad at me," she asked nervously.

Jason closed the distance between them, pulling her into his arms. He lowered his head and captured her mouth, kissing her with love and tenderness.

Kim melted in his arms, returning his kiss as all of her doubts went away. She felt his love poured out into the kiss and let him feel her love as well. It was several minutes before they pulled apart, looking into each other's eyes.

Jason gave her a small smile. "I love you," he said. "No one else will ever have my heart the way you do. I can't even imagine being with another woman. You are the only one I want."

Kim felt her eyes tearing up. She reached her hand up to softly stroke his cheek. "I'm sorry, Jason," she whispered. "I love you so much. I don't ever want to lose you."

Jason put his own hand on her cheek, cupping it gently. "You won't," he whispered. "I'm yours forever, Kim." He kissed her again, wrapping his arms tightly around her.

Kim clung to him as she kissed him back, pressing herself tightly against him, never wanting to let him go.

Amanda sat at the table, looking down at the lake and watching Jason and Kim. She smiled and turned around. Her feelings of confusion were fading away. She knew that there was a special bond between her and Jason, but it was not in the romantic way at all. She looked up as Tommy sat down beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders.

Tommy smiled as Amanda leaned into him, pulling her closer to him. He kissed her cheek as they sat there, talking to the others at the table.

Mondo was in a rage, glaring at Rita and Zedd. "You failed," he said. "It's not working anymore. I should have known better than to trust the two of you. Your magic is worthless. You can't even keep a simple spell on them." He turned to Klank. "Get the cogs we have ready," he said. "I don't care what it takes. I want Jason brought to me, now. Destroy the others, but bring him here alive."

Klank bowed and headed out, going to get the cogs that were available to go and bring Jason to his king.

Zedd walked over to Mondo. "We can still work on them," he said, anger in his voice.

Mondo turned to him, grabbing him by the throat and hurling him away from himself. "Get out of my palace," he ordered. "Don't ever come back here again. I don't want to see either one of you anymore. I will deal with Jason myself."

Zedd and Rita left the moon base, not willing to go against Mondo when he was in this mood.

Jason and Kim started to walk back up the hill to join the others. Jason had his arm around Kim's shoulders as they walked.

Kim kept her arm around Jason's waist. They were almost up the hill when Kim felt Jason wrenched away from her. She turned to see him being held by several cogs. She went to move towards him, but more cogs appeared, blocking her way.

Jason struggled against the cogs holding him. He looked up the hill as the others ran towards them. He winced as the cogs tightened their hold on him, dragging him back down the hill.

Tommy started after Jason, trying to keep the cogs from taking him away. He was almost to him when more cogs came out of nowhere, keeping him from reaching Jason.

Amanda stood back, watching as the others were surrounded by the cogs. They seemed to be ignoring her and she ran down the hill, wanting to help Jason if she could. She felt something strange run through her and she slammed to a stop, holding her hand up and pointing it at the cogs who held Jason. "Let him go," she yelled, energy shooting from her hand.

The cogs holding Jason lost their grips as the energy beam hit them. They flew backwards, landing on the ground hard with sparks flying out of them.

Jason looked at Amanda, his eyes wide with surprise. "How did you do that," he asked.

Amanda's eyes were wide as well as she shook her head. "I have no idea," she said.

Jason glanced up the hill and immediately crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Gold Ranger power," he said. He started up the hill towards the others, lifting his hand and calling on his power staff. He grabbed Amanda's hand as he ran past her. "Come on," he said. "We need to see if you can do that again."

Amanda ran with him, sensing some strange power surging through her. She let go of Jason's hand as they reached the others. She lifted her hand and energy shot out once again, knocking back several of the cogs.

Jason lifted his staff, pushing the button and watching as the energy from his staff took out more cogs.

Tommy and the others looked at Amanda, their eyes wide with surprise. They didn't move as the rest of the cogs flew back, Jason's staff shooting them away.

Jason looked up as Mondo and Machina appeared behind Kim. "Kim," he shouted, but he was an instant too late.

Mondo and Machina grabbed a hold of Kim as Jason moved towards them. Mondo glared at Jason. "If you want her," he said, his voice throbbing with anger, "you will have to come and get her." Before Jason could reach them, they disappeared, taking Kim with them.

Jason powered down, looking at the others. "I think we need to get to the power chamber," he said. He looked at Amanda. "You'd better come as well. Dimitria might know what happened here."

Amanda nodded, grabbing Tommy's hand as they all teleported into the power chamber.

Dimitria looked up as they arrived, expecting them to come. She saw the look on Jason's face and shook her head, even before he could say anything. "You are not going," she said. "That is what they want you to do. It will only be a trap to get you."

Jason glared at her. "I'm not leaving Kim in their hands," he snapped. "They took her because of me."

Tommy put his hand on Jason's shoulder, trying to keep his temper in check. "We'll get her back, Jase," he said. "But not by sacrificing you."

Jason turned away from him, his anger beginning to build. He walked away from the others, clenching his fists as he tried to calm down. He looked up as the four guardians appeared in the power chamber.

The guardian of strength walked up to Jason, putting a hand on his arm. "You will get her back," he said. "you and your sister, Amanda."

Jason looked at him, not sure he had heard him right. "What," he asked. "My sister?"

Silence descended on the power chamber, everyone too stunned to say anything.

The guardian of knowledge walked up to Amanda, smiling at her. "You feel this bond with Jason," she said. "That is because you are his twin."

Amanda looked at her, shaking her head. "How can that be," she asked. "Jason is nineteen, I'm only seventeen. We have different birthdays."

The guardian of knowledge held up her hand, stopping Amanda's words. "Please listen," she said. "there is much to explain and not a lot of time. When you and Jason were born, we took you right away, placing you in a stasis chamber to keep you safe. We knew Jason's destiny, but yours was not clear at the time. So, we hid you away, erasing your memory from Zordon and Dulcea's minds. After Jason was found here and given to an earth couple to raise, we brought you here as well. Your destiny was revealed at that time. You are the guardian, protector of the Ultimate Ninjetti. We did not tell you before because we were waiting for you to receive your powers. Now that they have come to you, we knew that we had to let you know of your destiny."

Amanda stood in shock, not sure if she believed this. Then, she thought about her bond with Jason, how she felt this undeniable need to watch over him, protecting him from all harm. She turned as a hand gently touched her arm.

Tommy smiled at her. "Now I understand the connection I've seen between the two of you," he said. "You and Jason are brother and sister."

Amanda smiled at him, then moved to go over to Jason. She put her hand on his arm, smiling as he met her eyes. "We'll get her back, Jason," she said. "You and I together. I won't let Mondo get away with this."

Jason looked at her, giving her a small smile. "Now I know why I was so upset when you got shot," he said. "I didn't know that I was saving the life of my sister."

Amanda hugged him, feeling his arms go around her as well. She looked at him as they pulled apart. "We need to come up with a plan," she said. "One that Mondo will not expect."

Jason nodded and turned to Dimitria. "I'm going after her," he said, determination in his voice and on his face.

Dimitria sighed and nodded. "All right," she said. "But not alone. You'll need help to get out of Mondo's trap. So, here's what we're going to do."

Mondo laughed as Kim struggled in the chains holding her to the wall of the cell. "It will do you no good," he said. "The only way out is if I say you leave." He walked over to her. "And I don't think that I'll let you do that," he said in a low voice. "Not until I have my hands wrapped around Jason's throat."

Kim glared at him, stopping her struggles. "The rangers will not let Jason give himself to you," she said, anger in her voice. "He'll find a way to get me out, without you putting a finger on him."

Mondo laughed, grabbing her chin. "I don't think so," he said. "He will come for you and when he does we will be ready. He will walk right into my trap." He released her and exited the cell, closing the door and locking it behind himself.

Kim started struggling once again, trying to desperately get away. She knew that Mondo was right. Jason would come after her. She struggled some more, not wanting Jason to sacrifice himself for her.

Jason teleported into the moon base, without using any of his powers. He stuck to the shadows as he went down the halls, making his way silently to the dungeon. He was almost there when Mondo sprang his trap.

Steel cables came at Jason from every direction. They wrapped around his wrists, biceps, waist and neck, holding him still as they tightened viciously.

Mondo laughed as he came out of the shadows, walking over to Jason. "I knew that you'd be coming here," he said. "After all, you couldn't let the love of your life stay in my hands, now could you?"

Jason glared at him, struggling against the cables. They were painfully tight, except the one around his neck. It suddenly loosened and fell away. He tensed as Mondo walked up to him.

Mondo looked at Jason, then nodded to someone behind the young man. "He's all yours, my dear," he said. "Once you have a firm grip on him, I'll release the rest of the cables. Then we'll take him to see that brat down the hall. I want her to watch as I squeeze the life out of him."

Machina grabbed Jason's arms, from behind, just above his elbows. "I have him dear," she said, her grip painfully tight on his arms.

Mondo released the cables, turning to head for the dungeon. "Bring him along, my dear," he said. "Time for the final show to begin."

Jason struggled, but Machina held him in her steely grip, not giving him the chance to get away. They reached the door leading into the cells, when they heard a commotion inside the dungeon.

Mondo threw the door open, only to see the rangers teleporting Kim away from the moon base. He turned back around, snarling in rage. He grabbed Jason by the throat, pulling him from Machina's grasp.

Jason lifted his hands to his throat, one grabbing Mondo's forearm, the other trying to pry the steel fingers away from his throat. He felt his feet leave the floor as the hallway started to spin before his eyes, the blackness starting to close in on him.

Mondo lifted Jason into the air, squeezing his throat tighter as he laughed. "She may have gotten away," he snarled. "But you, Jason, are going to die, right here and right now."

Jason struggles were getting weaker as the darkness slowly overwhelmed him. His hands fell from Mondo's arm and hand, his arms dropping to hang limply at his sides.

Mondo laughed and released Jason, watching him drop in a lifeless heap at his feet. "I've done it," he said, standing there and looking down at Jason's body. "I've killed him." He was suddenly slammed back by a powerful beam of energy. He flew down the hall, Machina flying along with him. They landed hard on their backs, sparks shooting out of them both.

Amanda came out of the shadows, moving to kneel over Jason. She lifted his head, smiling as he took a deep breath.

Jason opened his eyes, smiling at her. "Did it work," he asked, sitting up and pulling the protective neck piece off his throat.

Amanda smiled wider and nodded. "Like a charm," she said, glancing down the hall to where Mondo and Machina lay motionless, sparks shooting out from them. She helped Jason to his feet. "Nice acting," she teased. "I didn't know you had it in you."

Jason grinned at her. "I've learned a lot acting in the school plays," he said. He grabbed her arm. "Let's get out of here," he said. "I don't want to be around when they wake up."

Amanda nodded and they teleported out of the moon base, arriving back at the power chamber.

Kim ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck. "Don't ever do that again," she said. "I watched on the viewing globe and I really thought you had died."

Jason held her close, kissing her forehead. "I had to make him believe he had me," he said. "He wouldn't have just let you go otherwise."

Kim pulled back, smiling at him. Then she turned to Amanda. "I'm sorry for the way I acted towards you earlier," she said. "Are we still friends?"

Amanda smiled and put her hand on Kim's shoulder. "We'll have to be," she said. "After all, you are marrying my brother."

Kim looked at her, then her gaze drifted to Jason. "Brother," she asked.

Jason smiled at her. "It's a long story," he said. "I'll explain it in a minute." He looked at the four guardians. "What happens now," he asked.

The guardian of knowledge smiled at him. "Amanda will need to come to Phaedos," she said. "Zordon and Dulcea must learn the truth about her and she must learn to control her powers. We will send for her tomorrow. But, since her powers are not as extensive as yours, it will only take a few days, instead of months, for her to learn the control."

Amanda smiled at them. "I'll be there," she said. "count on it."

The guardians nodded, then teleported out of the power chamber, heading back to Phaedos.

Dimitria smiled at the rangers. "I think you were having a picnic," she said. "Go back to that. I don't think Mondo will be bothering you for a long time now."

The group of friends grinned and teleported out of the power chamber, going back to their interrupted day.

The rangers enjoyed the rest of their afternoon, taking the rest while they could. They knew that the machine empire would not give up, and when they struck again, they would be ready to fight back. But for now, today, they enjoyed just being with each other and relaxing, going about their normal lives for once.

A/N: This is where I'm ending this story. I'm going to start another one soon. It will take place after this one. I hope all of you will read my next one. Thanks to all who reviewed on a regular basis. It really helped me continue with this one. I'll see you with the next one. Hopefully, it won't take long to get it going. LOL.

her."