DISCLAIMER: OK, folks, let’s wrap this puppy up!

REALITY GEMS EPILOGUE: RELAX

After the whole Reality Gems affair, some downtime was needed. The Partridge Family a/k/a the ThunderCats, were having a impromptu jam session. Mom Shirley Partridge was relieved and happy. Happy because Danny was no longer evil, thanks to Batman & the Charmed Ones, and relieved because Keith, Laurie, Chris, and Tracy, and her boyfriend Bill Engvall had all made it through the fight in one piece.

With them were Kimberly Hart and her fiancée Tommy Oliver, Trini Kwan and Billy Cranston, Andros, and Zack Taylor and Wonder Woman a/k/a Princess Diana. Andros was getting closer to Laurie, and it looked like Trini’s cousin, Sylvia, had a thing for Chris.

Eve Torres, the Diamond Power Angel, was also there, and as they began the song, eyes went to their special someone.

It’s YouIt’s you

Hello baby, yes it’s me again and I’mLooking for the rainbow’s end it’s hidden in your mindI’ll tell you baby, I think I can bring you throughThe answer lies within those lonely eyes of opaque blue

It’s you, it’s youI’ll never find another love like you, it’s youI would die if you should leave meBaby, baby, please believe me

And don’t you cryI’m here to dry your tears andIn a while I’ll make you smile againAnd see it’s me

Hello baby, yes it’s me again once moreOh I know that we can find the love that we once had beforeI’ll tell you baby, I can’t face another dayAnd before the sun goes down tonight I’ve got to hear you say

It’s you, it’s youI’ll never find another love like you, it’s youI would die if you should leave meBaby, baby, please believe me

It’s you, it’s youI’ll never find another love like you, it’s youI’ll never find another love like you

Eve smiled and applauded, walking over to Keith, and kissed him, prompting each couple to do so with their other half. Andros looked at Laurie, who giggled, and kissed him as well. Chris held Sylvia, while Tracy was talking to Franklin Park, Adam’s youngest brother. Danny frowned jokingly and said “You feel like the only single guy on the ‘Love Boat’?”

Keith looked at Laurie and sighed “I actually thought that Hyde was exaggerating when he told me about Kelso. It turned out to be the understatement of the year.”

Laurie looked at him. “You finally met him too?”

Keith frowned. “Jackie & Hyde were with Eric, Donna, and me when I was visiting Eric when-”

Flashback:

“Hey, guys! I found out that the Power Rangers and the ThunderCats are aliens!” Michael Kelso told everyone in the Formans’ backyard.

“Please! Aliens! Next thing you know, you’ll be telling us is Bigfoot is alive and well and living in Point Place!” Jackie Burkhardt snapped.

Keith looked at Eric & Donna. “When you told me about him, I thought you were kidding! Nobody is THAT stupid!”

“Shows how much you know, Partridge! Anyway, I read it in a book!”

Eric looked at Kelso and snapped “Kelso, that was a COMIC book!”

“Anyway, I gotta go, Brooke is all angry just because I set her living room on fire!”

Hyde shook his head and answered “Kelso, you know how I stay on good terms with Jackie? I DON’T SET HER LIVING ROOM ON FIRE! AND I DON’T LAUNCH BOTTLE ROCKETS IN THE HOUSE!”

As Kelso left, Jackie sighed and asked Donna “Why did I date him?”

“Because you were pretty shallow and vain, and at that time looks were all that mattered to you.”

“Will I ever go back to being that way?”

“Not if we have anything to say about it!” Donna finished.

Present:

Dan Aydelott and Kris Munroe walked into the garage then. “You both ready?” Kris asked.

“For what?” Laurie wondered.

“Dan, Kris, Eve, and I are going on a double date-Eve’s idea.” Keith told everyone.

“I really want to get to know all of you, and this is a good way to start. And-Keith and I are going out Friday-just the two of us this time.” Eve smiled. She then looked at Dan and asked, “I heard that you yourself sometimes dance. How often?”

“More often than you think. I still pull out my taps on occasion.” Dan answered.

“I heard that you won a talent show.” Kris asked

“Yeah.” Dan sighed, thinking back 6 years ago-

Flashback:

Onstage, Dan was doing a high energy tap routine, and finished with a acapella soft shoe bit. There was thunderous applause from the audience, and when they announced the winner, Dan was amazed when they called his name. “The winner of the 2 million dollars, and title of most talented person-Daniel Aydelott!”

Dan stepped up to the mike: “Thaks you. Wow. Heavier than I thought. I would like to thank my mom for giving me a sense of appreciation for the arts, the Air Force, for giving me the guts to do something like this, my idols Gregory Hines and Gene Kelly,and, oddly enough, Bruce Lee, and finally my family and friends for being my rock. I am completely nervous, because I never expected to win this, so I’ll just finish with this-” and tapped his way off stage.

Present:

Dan was brought out of his reverie by Chris. “Batman said something about a new HQ. Anyone have any idea what it could be?”

“None. But, Keith. . .can Andros and I come along Friday?” Laurie teased.

Both Keith and Eve looked at Laurie, smiled, and said, “No Way!”

At this moment, Tommy & Kimberly went over to talk to Shirley. “Mrs. Partridge-” Kim began.

“Kimberly, I’ve told you and the other Rangers, call me Shirley, Mrs. Partridge makes me feel like an old lady.”

“OK-Shirley, Tommy and I have been talking about our wedding-we’re only sophmores, but what do you think of either of these dates to get married-Christmas or New Year’s?” Kim asked.

Laurie had overheard. “You both are trying to decide a date? Finally!”

Chris looked at his sister. “Hey, it’s their wedding! Let them take their time if they need to!”

Wonder Woman looked at Chris while holding Zack’s hand. “Are you sure you’re only 12?”

“Diana, my man Chris may look 12, but he’s mature enough to be 26. He has said some things that wouldn’t come from your normal kid.” Zack then kissed her, which she happily returned.

Kim grinned. “I am so glad you 2 finally got together. We all knew you liked each other. The Red Reality Gem just reminded you of that.”

Kris smiled, then added “Jill told me about you 2. I hope you’re both very happy together. As far as you and Tommy, Kim, how about starting your new lives together on the New Year?”

Eve agreed. “I think it makes sense. That’s what I would do.”

Keith grinned and said “Preferably-with me.” Eve smiled and kissed him again.

Wonder Woman walked over to the mike, looked at Zack, and started to sing-

Toto, I get the feeling we’re not in Kansas anymoreThrough the wind and storm, we find ourselves aloneAnd Toto, I get the feeling we’re not in Kansas anymoreWe’re on a golden road in a moving picture show

And oh, Don’t it feel like paradise,And oh, how can something be so niceAt least I got company, and Toto, it’s you and me,Here we go-

Toto, I get the feeling we’re not in Kansas anymoreBut all I want to know is how do we get homeToto, we found our way inside a book of dreams,Our time is almost gone, but it seems it’s just begun

And oh, Don’t it feel like paradise,And oh, how can something be so niceAt least I got company, and Toto, it’s you and me,And here we go-

‘cause I wanna go homeI wanna go homeI wanna go homeI wanna go home

Don’t it feel like paradise,And oh, how can something be so niceAt least I got company, and Toto, it’s you and me,Here we go-

Zack walked over to Diana and kissed her, which led to another round of kissing by everyone. He looked at Keith and asked “Do you know John Lennon’s ‘Woman’?”

“Of course.” Keith grinned. They began to play, with Zack doing lead vocal:

For the other half of the sky-

Woman I can hardly express,My mixed emotion at my thoughtlessness,After all I’m forever in your debt,And woman I will try express,My inner feelings and thankfullness,For showing me the meaning of succsess,oooh well, well,oooh well, well,

Woman I know you understandThe little child inside the man,Please remember my life is in your hands,And woman hold me close to your heart,However, distant don’t keep us apart,After all it is written in the stars,oooh well, well, do do do, do dooooh well, well,

Woman please let me explain,I never meant to cause you sorrow or pain,So let me tell you again and again and again,I love you (yeah, yeah) now and forever,I love you (yeah, yeah) now and forever,I love you (yeah, yeah) now and forever,I love you (yeah, yeah)…

Trini brought everyone out of their bliss when she asked “Where are Jason & Jamie?”

Bill grinned. “They’ve got their own evening planned. Speaking of plans-” he finished, looking at Shirley.

Two days later, Batman was talking to the Investigative Branch of the Justice League, along with the Power Angels and the Charmed Ones. They had invited Dets. David Starsky and Kenneth ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson to One Police Plaza on the top floor. Starsky asked “Why are we here?”

“We hope you will accept our invitation after this little tour. Hall: Slideways.” Batman spoke.

” ‘ Slideways’?” Hutch asked.

“You’ll see.” Nancy Drew told them, as they followed them through the reddish vortex. The group soon found themselves standing outside of a large, domed & columned building.

“What is this?” Special Agent Aaron ‘Hotch’ Hotchner asked.

“Welcome to the Hall Of Justice.” Green Lantern & Black Canary told them. The Flash pointed across from where they were-and found themselves staring at Titans Tower.

“Wow. Back to History.” Det. Lilly Rush spoke.

“Back to what’s important. Wait until you see what’s inside!” Isis spoke, as the group walked in.

Before their eyes, they saw different weapons, mementos, and items taken from past cases. “I give it 2 weeks before some villain tries to break in and take the entire lot!” Emma Peel sighed.

“Trust me, Batman and the Blue Ranger dismantled each and every weapon. They are just useless props now.” Jason said, morphed as the Red Ranger.

“Getting sentimental now, is he?” John Steed asked

“If he were getting sentimental, he would have let us have the giant penny. Anyway, when the tour comes through-” Flash started.

“Tour?”

“Trust us, every safeguard has been activated. Our pride and joy is in this room, called the Kitchen.” Black Canary finished.

“The Kitchen?” Frank Hardy asked.

But Det. Mac Taylor smile and added as they went through the Slideways “Of course. If you can’t stand the heat-”

“Yes. Exactly.” Hawkman & Hawkwoman, along with Martian Manhunter and Firestorm smiled. They were now in a long room.

“Exactly how big is the hall?” Dr. Spencer Reid asked.

“What makes you think we’re still in the hall? Look outside.” Agent Jason Gideon told him, as the others walked towards the window. Looking out, they found they were now in the JLA Satellite.

“It’s a hell of a view.” Agent Emily Prentiss told everyone.

“BTW, are you ok with one of your former agents becoming a Power Angel?” Julie Rogers asked.

Agent Derek Morgan admitted “It shocked the hell out of us at first, but we got used to it, given some of the weird things we find ourselves in.”

Two hours later, the entire membership of the Justice League of America and the Titans were together for a group photo. Hawkwoman smiled. ‘This is going to be huge,’ she thought to herself.

Piper looked at everyone. “Batman’s in this?”

Prue smiled and said “Surprised me too, but it’s not like the world’s going to be seeing this. It’s just for the Satellite.”

“All together now-” Isis said. “And-”

Alternate Universe:

It’s youIt’s you

It’s youIt’s After returning to their own Universe, the Geo Rangers went home to give Carol, Frank, and Lilly the scoop on their last battle. Al was currently speaking, saying, “So, while our Superman was helping the Corps and some of the Legion members from the sky, the rest of us took on the different foot-soldiers on the surface of the Animarium.”

“They also brought their own Universe’s Royal Flush Gang,” added Karen. “The five of us took them on. No sweat.”

“They also had the Crime Syndicate with them,” said Mark. “Basically, they’re evil versions of Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, the Flash, and Green Lantern from another Universe.”

“Oh my gosh,” gasped Carol. “You didn’t actually try and fight them, did you?”

“Nah, we didn’t have to,” said Cody. “They were beaten by their heroic counterparts.”

“Yeah,” said Brendan. “Superboy helped their Superman and Supergirl against Ultraman, with Hercules from both Universes lending a helping hand. Both Wonder Women beat the snot out of Superwoman, both Batmen and their Nightwing fought Owlman, both GLs fought Power Ring and destroyed his ring, while both Flashes and RPM overwhelmed Johnny Quick.”

“So, once all the foot-soldiers were taken care of, Zedd, Rita, Luthor, and that guy they called the Master decided to make their presence known,” said Al. She then smiled and added, “They never stood a chance.”

“Yeah, totally,” agreed Cody with a laugh. “And once all those mean dudes were handed over to the proper authorities, we said our good-byes and came home.”

“Home,” said Mark with a smile as he looked around the house. He then leaned back in the chair he was sitting and closed his eyes, saying, “Home never sounded so good.”

Lilly smiled and listened intently while holding Mr. Buttons. When the story was finished, she said, “Way to go, guys.”

“We’re proud of all of you,” said Frank with a smile. “And we’re relieved you all made it back in one piece. So, how’s about a little family celebration? What do you say?”

“Who wants pizza?” asked Carol with a smile of her own. Everyone enthusiastically agreed.

While the Geo Rangers were telling their tale, the other Rangers had gone over to the Youth Center for some grub. Later that evening, after being joined by the Lambert-Foster family, Ernie graciously allowed them to put on a mini-concert. Adam and Kimberly were on electric guitars, Karen on acoustic guitar, Aisha on keyboards, Tanya on synthesizers, Trini on percussion, and Rocky on drums. Kat, Jenny, and Al provided background vocals. Everyone else, including Carol, Frank, and Lilly, sat in the audience. After the adventure they’d just had, everyone in the Ranger group was grateful for this much-needed downtime. Adam took the lead on the first song, Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”

Well, I won’t back downNo, I won’t back downYou can stand me upAt the gates of HellBut I won’t back down

Well, I’ll stand my groundWon’t be turned aroundAnd I’ll keep this worldFrom dragging me downGonna stand my groundAnd I won’t back

(I won’t back down)Hey, baby!There ain’t no easy way out(I won’t back down)Hey, IWill stand my groundAnd I won’t back down

Well, I know what’s rightI got just one lifeIn a world that keeps onPushing me aroundBut I’ll stand my groundAnd I won’t back down

(I won’t back down)Hey, baby!There ain’t no easy way out(I won’t back down)Hey, IWill stand my ground(I won’t back down)And I won’t back down

(I won’t back down)Hey, baby!There ain’t no easy way out(I won’t back down)Hey, IWon’t back down

(I won’t back down)Hey, baby!There ain’t no easy way out(I won’t back down)Hey, IWill stand my ground(I won’t back down)And I won’t back down

(I won’t back down)No, I won’t back down

As everyone at the Youth Center applauded, Adam smiled and nodded, saying, “Thank you.” He then backed away from the mike stand, allowing Karen to sing lead for the next song. Karen allowed herself to smile before playing “The Thunder Rolls” by Garth Brooks.

Three-thirty in the morningNot a soul in sightThe city’s looking like a ghost townOn a moonless summer night

Raindrops on the windshieldThere’s a storm moving inHe’s heading back from somewhereThat he never should have been

And the thunder rolls

And the thunder rolls

Every light is burningIn a house across townShe’s pacing by the telephoneIn her faded flannel gown

Asking for a miracleHoping she’s not rightPraying it’s the weatherThat’s kept him out all night

And the thunder rolls

And the thunder rolls

The thunder rollsAnd the lightning strikesAnother love grows coldOn a sleepless night

As the storm blows onOut of controlDeep in her heartThe thunder rolls

She’s waiting by the windowWhen he pulls into the driveShe rushes out to hold himThankful he’s alive

But on the wind and rainA strange new perfume blowsAnd the lightning flashes in her eyesAnd he knows that she knows

And the thunder rolls

And the thunder rolls

The thunder rollsAnd the lightning strikesAnother love grows coldOn a sleepless night

As the storm blows onOut of controlDeep in her heartThe thunder rolls

As she kept playing, Karen couldn’t help but smile. Those in the Youth Center that knew the song started making some noise, as they knew she was about to sing the rarely-heard third verse. It went like this:

She runs back down the hallwayThrough the bedroom doorShe reaches for the pistolKept in the dresser drawer

She tells the lady in the mirror“He won’t do this again”Cause tonight will be the last timeShe’ll wonder where he’s been

The thunder rollsAnd the lightning strikesAnother love grows coldOn a sleepless night

As the storm blows onOut of controlDeep in her heartThe thunder rolls

More applause rang in the Youth Center. Karen smiled and said, “Thanks,” before blowing a kiss to the audience. She then left the mike stand, allowing Kim to take the lead this time. She chose to perform “Eternal Flame” by the Bangles.

Close your eyesGive me your hand, darlingDo you feel my heart beating?Do you understand?

Do you feel the same?Am I only dreaming?Is this burningAn eternal flame?

I believeIt’s meant to be, darlingI watch you when you are sleepingYou belong with me

Do you feel the same?Am I only dreaming?Or is this burningAn eternal flame?

Say my nameSun shines through the rainA whole life so lonelyAnd then you come and ease the pain

I don’t want to lose this feeling, oh

Say my nameSun shines through the rainA whole life so lonelyAnd then you come and ease the pain

I don’t want to lose this feeling, oh

Close your eyesGive me your hand, darlingDo you feel my heart beating?Do you understand?

Do you feel the same?Am I only dreaming?Or is this burningAn eternal flame?

(Close your eyesGive me your hand, darlingDo you feel my heart beating?Do you understand?)

(Do you feel the same?Am I only dreaming?)Is this burningAn eternal flame?

(Close your eyesGive me your hand, darlingDo you feel my heart beating?Do you understand?)

(Do you feel the same?Am I only dreaming?)

An eternal flame?

(Close your eyesGive me your hand, darlingDo you feel my heart beating?Do you understand?)

(Do you feel the same?Am I only dreaming?)Is this burningAn eternal flame?

Once more, those in attendance at the Youth Center applauded. Kimberly smiled and said, “You guys were great,thanks.” She then stepped away, allowing Jenny to take the mike stand. Karen put her guitar down and took Jenny’s place on background vocals. They rocked the house one more time, this time to Pat Benatar’s “Invincible.”

This bloody road remains a mysteryThis sudden darkness fills the airWhat are waiting for?Won’t anybody help us?What are we waiting for?

We can’t afford to be innocentStand up and face the enemyIt’s a do-or-die situationWe will be invincible

This shatterered dream you cannot justifyWe’re gonna scream until we’re satisfiedWhat are we running for?We’ve got the right to be angryWhat are we running forWhen there’s nowhere we can run to anymore?

We can’t afford to be innocentStand up and face the enemyIt’s a do-or-die situationWe will be invincible

And with the power of convictionThere is no sacrificeIt’s a do-or-die situationWe will be invincible

Won’t anybody help us?What are we running forWhen there’s nowhere, nowhere we can run to anymore?

We can’t afford to be innocentStand up and face the enemyIt’s a do-or-die situationWe will be invincible

And with the power of convictionThere is no sacrificeIt’s a do-or-die situationWe will be invincible

Yeah! Yeah! (Ooh-ooh-ooh)Yeah! Yeah!(Ooh-ooh-ooh)

(We can’t afford to be innocentStand up and face the enemyIt’s a do-or-die situationWe will be invincible)

(We can’t afford to be innocentStand up and face the enemyIt’s a do-or-die situationWe will be invincible)

One more round of applause sounded through the Youth Center. The band lined up on the stage and bowed.

The next day after school, all the Ranger teens had gathered at the Foster-Lambert house near the lake to have some fun, along with Jai and Iris West, Tim Drake, and Cassandra Cain. Cody laid back in a beach chair singing the Beatles “Twist and Shout” off-key while Karen simply laid in the sun nearby wearing earplugs.

Al swung on a rope into the lake screaming, “YEE-HA!” Upon splashdown, she quickly came up out of the water laughing.

Jason then yelled, “Look out below!” He followed his girlfriend into the lake, cannonballing into the water after letting go of the rope.

Watching from a small inner-tube nearby, Lilly said, “That was great, guys! Do it again!”

Jason smiled and said, “Sure thing, little Lilly.”

“Race ya,” challenged Al as she swam towards the shore.

Brendan, who was swimming near Lilly to make sure she didn’t drift too far away, smiled and said, “Those two sure seem happy.”

“Why shouldn’t they be?” asked Aisha as she, Kat, and Tanya joined them.

“Yeah, I think they’re perfect for each other,” said Tanya.

“I hope someday you’ll be able to find a girl that you can do things like this with, Brendan,” said Kat.

“Maybe,” said Brendan with a shrug. “Right now, though, I’m happy being the carefree one.”

“Besides, he and Cody are the ones I have the most fun with,” said Lilly with a smile.

While everyone else did their own things, Carol and Frank sat on the porch watching. Carol smiled and said, “You know, Frank, it sure is nice to see our kids having fun together and getting along for a change.”

“We have their new friends to thank for that,” said Frank. “Without them, our kids would probably all still be fussing with each other all the time.”

Wally West joined them with a tub of ice cream saying, “It’s those kinds of friendships that help make parenthood a little easier. Thanks for letting me bring my kids along to join them.”

“Anytime, Wally,” said Carol. “Just make sure you don’t eat us out of house and home.”

“Don’t you worry none about that, Carol,” said Wally as he scooped some ice cream and fed himself. “That why I brought food for just me and the twins. With our hyperactive metabolisms, we need it.” He then walked away to join the others.

When Wally was out of earshot, Frank smiled and said, “You know another great thing about this? We finally have a private moment together.”

“Private?” asked a chuckling Carol. “It’s hardly private when there are a bunch of teenagers hanging out in our yard.”

Frank responded with, “That’s what makes it so private: Nobody’s looking at us.” Carol laughed as she finally realized Frank’s point. They then leaned forward and kissed.

At the Daily Planet in Metropolis, Clark Kent was typing away at his computer, trying to finish up his story. His article was about how the Justice League had been on the search for the Reality Gems. He included brief descriptions of some of the battles that had taken place over the gems and how the Outsiders, the Justice League reserves, and the Justice Society had quickly quelled any rioting from various villains who had failed to retrieve them.

As Clark continued to work, his wife Lois approached, apparently ready to leave. “Hey, Smallville, you done yet?”

“Just one minute, honey,” said Clark. “I’m almost finished.” He finished typing moments later and after a quick proofread, he handed his story in to Perry White. Once out of his boss’ office, Clark took his hat off the rack and said, “Let’s go.”

As husband and wife walked out of the Planet with arms linked, Lois asked, “So, I assume you’re going to give me the whole scoop on the whole Reality Gems affair?”

“Of course,” answered Clark with a nod. “As you know, there are some things I couldn’t disclose, but I can talk to you about it over dinner. It’s quite a story. How’s Chinese sound?”

“Sounds perfect,” answered Lois with a smile.

THE END