Variations of SPD Part Two

Chapter 6: Road Trip Anyone?

“A successful team beats with one heart.” -Unknown-

- -

The sun was shining through the window and through the light pink curtains, right into her eyes, waking her. She blinked a few times, to clear the sleep from her eyes, and attempted to get up, only to find she couldn’t.

The night before rushed back to her, making her smile. He had fallen asleep watching the movie, and then she’d tucked him in before going down to gossip with the girls. And then she’d come back up and laid down for a while before she’d decided she needed a shower. He’d joined her after waking from a nightmare, and when they’d gone back to bed, they’d made slow, sweet, passionate love.

Smiling, Syd tried to snuggle closer to the warmth that was Sky. His arms were banded around her waist, one hand resting on her stomach and the other gripping her hip. His face was buried in her neck, so she could barely move. And his legs were tangled with hers. She could feel the beat of his heart, it was in sync with her own, and she could feel his warm breath tickling the back of her neck.

It was mornings like this that made Sydney so extremely happy to be alive. She felt safe, warm, and loved.

When the need to use the restroom and to get up out of bed started annoying her, she sighed softly and wiggled out of his embrace, disappointment filling her. While she would love to stay in bed with Sky, she knew she had a whole bunch of things to face at work that day.

With one last wistful look at her boyfriend, she moved to grab her uniform and headed into the bathroom.

- -

She hated mornings; hated them with a passion. Mornings usually meant that whatever peace was achieved in Bridge’s arms was going to get disrupted, and that made her crankier than anything else could. Sighing, Z attempted to snuggle back into Bridge’s arms, against his bare chest, and sink back into the land of dreams.

Not a chance.

Five minutes of lying there, and her body decided to rebel. Her tummy grumbled, her bladder reminded her it needed to be emptied because it was over flowing with one too many glasses of Pepsi from the night before, and she needed to brush her teeth and take a shower.

Not to mention, they all had to be to work at ten thirty for a minor briefing before they could spend the day doing whatever they pleased.

Moaning, Z slid out of the secure embrace of her boyfriend and headed for her room to grab a change of clothes before she went to shower.

- -

“Good morning,” Z murmured as she and Syd met up in the hallway, the pair heading down to the kitchen.

“Morning. Bridge not up yet?”

Z smiled. “Nope. He’s still sound asleep. I swear, for a guy who can feel what everyone else is feeling, he sure sleeps like a log.”

Syd laughed as they both moved about the kitchen, setting the dinning room table and then heading to the refrigerator to decide on breakfast. “Bridge has been like that for as long as I’ve been teamed up with him. It’s gotten better over the years; he’s really learned to block people out when he’s sleeping. Plus, it’s easier with you there because he can focus solely on you when he’s sleeping and ignore everything else.”

Z nodded and gestured toward the fridge. “What are we making?”

“Ever made pancakes before?”

“Only from the synthesizer.”

“Then let’s show you the old fashioned way, that way you can make breakfast for Bridge one morning, apple cinnamon pancakes are his favorite!”

“Ok, let’s do it.”

- -

Allison groaned when she heard the incessant beeping noise that was now a daily part of her routine. Rolling out of Jack’s arms, she grabbed her morpher and hit a button. “WHAT?”

“Allison, please wake the others and have them report to the Academy, immediately,” Cruger’s voice came over the device.

The Pink Ranger sighed. “Of course, Commander.” Heaving a huge sigh of defeat, Allison rolled over and back into Jack’s arms, which tightened around her. “Jack?”

“I heard. Come on, let’s go wake the others,” he yawned, and then pecked a kiss the tip of her nose. “Morning.”

She grinned and kissed his chin. “Good morning. Come on, the Commander’s waiting.”

- -

Allison found Bridge by himself in his room, and Z was no where to be found. When she and Bridge met up with Jack in the hallway, only Sky was with him. “Where are Syd and Z?” Allison asked Jack, who shrugged.

“Not a clue, except I smell food, which makes me think they’re cooking breakfast,” the former Red Ranger grinned and sprinted down the stairs to the kitchen, the others close behind.

When the group entered the kitchen, they found Z standing at the stove in her uniform, flipping pancakes, while Syd was sitting on the counter, also dressed for work, waiting for the next batch of toast to pop up. The kitchen table was set for six and there was a platter of food steaming on it even as the team sat down.

“Whose idea was it to cook breakfast?” Bridge asked, sitting down and grinning. He could feel his mouth starting to water at the scent of apple cinnamon pancakes.

“Syd’s. She took it into her head to teach me how to make pancakes,” Z smiled at him then glared at Syd. They’d almost gotten into a flour throwing contest, had dropped half a dozen eggs, and had spilt milk everywhere.

Sydney grinned at Bridge, and then turned her attention back to the toaster. Z growled and shut off the stove before moving toward the table, a plate of pancakes in hand.

Quietly, Sky prowled over to where Syd was sitting on the counter. He stood there staring at her until she looked up and smiled at him. Without a word, Sky moved to stand in front of her, her legs coming up to accommodate his hips. Sky’s arms moved to wrap around her waist as they leaned closer to one another, sharing soft good morning kisses.

“You’d better eat,” Syd told him giggling. “We need to leave in ten minutes.”

Nodding, Sky pecked a quick kiss to the tip of her nose before taking the plate of buttered toast to the table where he, Allison, Jack and Bridge ate breakfast.

- -

He was sweating profusely and grunting every so often as he lifted the bar of weights up over his head over and over again. This was one of those rare times of day when all of the younger cadets were in class, and the ones who were older than him but on lower level squads were in practice. It was the one time of day he could get a moment of peace and quiet, away from even his new teammates.

They were a unique bunch, he’d give them that. Less than two months on Earth, and already he felt like he’d lived there his entire life, and it was thanks to his teammates, and his sister and her friends.

As he finished the current set of reps, Brian sat up and grabbed the towel he’d brought with him. Slugging down some water, he thought about his teammates.

Aaron Matthews was the leader of the current active A Squad Rangers as the Red Ranger. For the most part, the nineteen year old was pretty quiet around the others, but he was a great leader for the Rangers. He was able to interact with each of them on their own level. To Brian, Aaron seemed to understand that there were bound to be times the team wasn’t going to get along because their personalities were bound to clash once in awhile. He also saw the way Aaron was when he was around Alana – he became very loving, and very romantic. But the thing that got to Brian the most about Aaron was that he was loyal, a trait shared by the other ‘Red Ranger’ of the A Squad, Jack Landors.

Jack was an interesting character, to say the least. He could switch from being sweet, affectionate and happy around the members of his squad to being a stark raving lunatic in about five seconds, something Brian wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy. The former Red Ranger was cocky, brash, and sometimes quicker to act than to think first, but somehow, he always managed to get the job done. And like Aaron, Jack was loyal to a fault. If you were on his team, you were his family, and he’d defend you to the end.

The next two who came to mind were the Yellow Rangers of A Squad – Alana Ortiz and Elizabeth Delgado, otherwise known as Lana and Z. You couldn’t get to more polar opposites then the Yellow Rangers. Alana was peppy, very goal orientated, and she had a real tendency, even at 17, to act like a mother hen when it came to her team.

Z, on the other hand, was pretty much the opposite of her younger counterpart. The senior Yellow Ranger was sarcastic, abrasive, and tough, but in a good way. Brian knew those were Z’s defense mechanisms from years of living on the streets dodging S.P.D. and gangs and what not. However, there was a side to Z that he saw peek through once in a while, a much softer side. Brian noticed he only saw that side of her when she was around Jack, Bridge, Syd, and heaven help him, Sky. The Yellow Rangers, he mused, were also fiercely protective of their teammates, their families, and it showed, a lot.

Brian chuckled to himself as he thought about the A Squad Green Rangers. Travis Gaines was hilarious, fun loving, and an all around great guy to hang around. If you needed a pick me up, Trav was the guy to go to. The same could be said for Bridge Carson. Brian shook his head. Bridge was really one of a kind. While he was like Travis in a lot of ways, Bridge was definitely unique. The biggest thing, Brian thought, that set Bridge apart, was his weird rambling and the way he was able to solve a crime or mystery via some pretty weird trains of thought. No one could do either better than Bridge.

Brian had learned a lot in his classes, but the biggest lesson he’d learned thus far was that it seemed it was always the girls who ended up being the heart and soul of a team, whether it was a Yellow Ranger or Pink, but more often than not, it was a Pink Ranger.

Throughout history, or at least Earth’s Ranger history, the girls in pink spandex had proven to be valuable assets to their teams. Allison Parker and his sister, Sydney, only enforced that theory.

Allison was fun, spirited, sweet, and good hearted. Brian also knew she’d matured a lot in the last six months, since she’d moved up in the ranks to become a ranger, and since she’d begun dating Jack.

Of course, if the word maturity applied to anyone these days apparently it was Sydney. Gone were the days of her being the spoiled princess, now she was set on task, mature, and had learned more lessons than she probably cared to think about in the last year. Of them all, Brian had leaned just how much Syd had changed after she’d become a Ranger. Now, not only did she look grown up, but she acted grown up.

Brian snorted and lay back on the bench to begin another series of reps. The “grown ups” of the A Squad had to be Brett Silvers and the anal, Sky Tate, both of the Blue Rangers. Brett was quiet and shy, which Brian attributed to the fact that three of his teammates were loud most of the time. The active Blue Ranger was pretty nice too, but when he was with Travis, he cut loose and could turn obnoxious at the drop of hat. He also was a stickler for following the rules, exactly like Sky.

The senior Blue Ranger, on the other hand, was the biggest, most detestable jerk alive. Brian still couldn’t quite understand what Syd saw in the moody former Blue Ranger. The two of them were complete opposites in more ways than they were alike. It hadn’t helped that Brian didn’t like Sky on the principal that the Blue Ranger had his sister’s undivided attention most of the time. There was just something, other than that, that rubbed Brian the wrong way where Sky was concerned. Of course, it didn’t help that Ninjor’s words kept coming back to him; he knew, sooner rather than later, he’d have to learn to get along with Sky Tate, for everyone’s sake, but none more than Syd’s. She loved them both, equally if differently.

“Hello.”

Startled, Brian stopped lifting and sat up. His eyes landed on a young boy in a blue S.P.D. cadet jumpsuit with red hair and freckles. “Hello.”

“You’re Brian, huh?” the boy between ten and twelve asked.

“Yeah. And who are you?”

“I’m Sam.”

Brian smiled. Z, Bridge, Jack and Syd had told him all about Sam, and his future self’s trips to this time to help out the Rangers.

“Nice to meet you, Sam. Shouldn’t you be in class though?”

Sam merely grinned. “I’m special, I don’t have the same classes as everyone else.”

“Because of your powers?”

“How’d you know? The Commander, Dr. Manx, and the Rangers aren’t supposed to talk about it to others.”

Brian grinned back at him. “Because I’m special too, watch.”

The younger boy’s face lit up when Brian disappeared into thin air and the weight bar began moving on its own.

“Cool!” Sam laughed. “How’d you do that?”

Brian reappeared a second later, smiling. “I inherited it from my dad. He was the Black Dino Thunder Ranger, and his Dino Gem gave him invisibility, which he passed on to me.”

“You’re Sydney’s brother, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Both of your parents were Rangers; Commander Cruger and Z told me about them.”

The teenager nodded. “Yeah, they were, before they died.”

“You’re lucky, at least you know who your parents were, and you have a sister. I don’t have any family, except for Z, who’s like an older sister to me, and I don’t remember my parents.”

The White Ninja blinked rapidly for a moment, taking in Sam’s statement. ‘He’s right. I’m luckier than I thought.’

“Yeah, I am.”

Sam smiled. “So I’ll see you around the Academy?”

“Of course.”

Waving, Sam turned and trotted out of the gym, leaving Brian to ponder the encounter while he finished his workout.

“ALL A SQUAD RANGERS REPORT TO THE COMMAND CENTER IMMEDIATELY.”

Sighing, Brian grabbed his towel and water bottle and headed for the command center.

- -

“Nice outfit,” Sky grumbled when Brian walked into the chaotic mess that was the command center.

The teen in white shorts and a white tank top merely glared at the former Blue Ranger. “Excuse me, I was working out and didn’t think this could wait until I changed. Generally when we get called down here, it’s an emergency,” Brian sneered.

“Enough! Both of you!” Cruger commanded, striding forward.

“Sir?” Jack asked, the team looking to Cruger, Kat and Ninjor.

“The senior members of A Squad and Brian are going on a mission with Ninjor.”

“Where to?” Z asked in alarm.

“We need help defeating this new foe, and Ninjor has graciously agreed to help you get what you need to defeat him.”

“Are you saying the active team can’t handle it?” Aaron accused, attempting to defend his team’s honor.

“Cadet Matthews, your S.P.D. powers will not affect these new monsters. S.P.D. Headquarters already sent us their reports – they sent their top team out and the couldn’t put a dent in the new monsters,” Kat informed him.

“Ninjor has faced our foe before, and has already told us the only power to destroy their defenses is the power of the ancient race known as the Ninjetti.”

The five non active Rangers looked at each other in worry. “Seeing how Brian, and indirectly Syd, have Ninjetti powers, the rest of you need them.”

The team of five nodded in unison. “When do we leave, Sir?” Jack responded.

“Tomorrow morning.”

The Rangers saluted before they turned and left the command center.

- -

The five of them were silent as they entered the house. Allison had been asked to stay behind and help prepare their survival kits, though she’d be coming straight over once she was done so she could spend some time with Jack before the mission.

“Oh man,” Z mumbled, plopping down on the couch next to Bridge. Jack collapsed into the recliner, while Sky stood in the doorway, arms folded over his chest. Syd had moved to the bay window that over looked the side yard and the corner of the street where they lived. Her arms were wrapped around her waist, and she was rocking back and forth on her feet very slowly.

“What do we wear? What do we need to pack?” Bridge asked.

“Comfortable clothing, and lots of water,” Syd responded.

“Syd?”

“Ninjor’s from the Desert of Despair. We’re going to need cool and comfortable clothing, lots of water, and sunscreen.”

“Shorts and T-shirts?” Bridge asked.

Sydney nodded.

“I guess we’d better go back then, huh?” Jack suggested.

- -

“What are you gonna take?” Sky asked upon entering Sydney’s room. He saw her sitting on her window seat, staring down at a picture frame in her hands, one he knew was of her parents, both sets of parents.

“I just got off the phone with Aunt Aisha and Uncle Rocky. They’re gonna call Uncle Billy and Uncle Adam and call back to talk to us about the trip.”

Sky nodded, infinitely glad that Sydney had the foresight to call the former Ninjetti Rangers for advice. “Syd?”

“Hmm?” she softly hummed, not once looking up from the picture in her hands.

“What are you gonna wear? And are you taking anything extra?”

“I don’t think we’re gonna need extra, just some water and food.”

Sky looked startled by her comments. “Why do you say that?”

“Because it only took my parents and the others one day to get their ninja powers, it shouldn’t take us longer than that, should it?”

The former Blue Ranger shrugged. “I don’t know, we’ve always been the straight forward team, we’ve never had to deal with magic and new powers like this before. I don’t know what to expect.”

“Brian does,” Syd sighed. “I tried to ignore it before, but he’s been trying to help me with my powers. It’s almost like we can read each other’s minds now. He sorta knows what to expect, but not completely.”

That was the last thing that the Blue Ranger wanted to hear. He really didn’t like the White Ninja to begin with, but this was just pushing it to the limit. The kid shared something with Syd that he couldn’t, and as much as he hated to admit it, it hurt him that she should have a link with someone that could go so much deeper than her link with him.

“Don’t think like that,” she whispered softly, setting the picture down and moving toward him. Sky sighed and wrapped his arms around her when she was within reach. Syd had her head against his chest, her ear right over his heart. If there was one pastime she loved most, it was laying against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of the heart that she knew beat for her, and her alone these days.

“What, are you reading my mind now too?” Sky teased.

“No, but I know that look on your face, and I know how you think. We’ve been friends for years, Sky, you can’t tell me you don’t know how I think most of the time either.”

The former Blue Ranger looked down at her and smiled. “You think we’ll be able to get back here in a day or so?”

“I hope so,” she murmured, snuggling back against him, her heart constricting as he held her tightly.

- -

“You summoned me, my Lord?”

The creature speaking was, by Earth standards, freakish and horrifying. It looked like a cross between a vampire bat and a human being; its skin pale purple, it’s eyes a glowing red. In fact, every person within the room looked exactly alike, except for the creature sitting on the large chair.

“Viper, is our plan nearly ready?”

“Yes Sire. The power of the White Dragon and Pink Phoenix, and by extension, the Ninjetti, will be yours. We’re ready to start our assault.”

“I want the power of the temple, and soon! I’m sick of being stuck in this hideous form!”

The creature called Viper, nodded. “We all are, Sire. We’ve been stuck like this for centuries, since Ninjor last led his Ninjetti against us. Our time is coming, at last!”

The figure on the large chair barely nodded, its body a mass of stone, save for its head. “Soon, very soon, the power of the Dragon and the Phoenix will be mine.”

- -

“So Cruger’s sending you to the desert?” Rocky’s voice came over the speaker phone. The former SPD Rangers were gathered in the kitchen, talking to Syd’s “Aunt” and “Uncles”.

“You got it. Ninjor’s here,” Sydney spoke, staring down at her dinner plate. Her chicken and sautéed veggies still sat there, staring back at her.

There were four gasps of surprise on the other end. “Did you just say Ninjor?” Adam demanded to know.

“Yes. He apparently raised Brian for Mom and Dad,” Syd told them, her thoughts on her birth parents. She looked up, startled, when someone grabbed her hand. Jack stared back at her, smiling. Syd couldn’t help but to smile back.

“Just be careful, all of you,” Aisha finally butted in.

“Aisha’s right. The map’s gone, so if Ninjor leaves you on your own to find the temple, you’ll have to work twice as hard as we did to find it,” Billy’s voice floated over the line, warning them.

“Call us as soon as you get home,” Aisha told them.

“We will, Aunt Aisha,” Jack addressed the former Yellow Ninja, who laughed and giggled at the endearment.

“Good luck, guys,” Billy told them.

“Stay safe,” Rocky laughed. “But don’t forget to enjoy the trip.”

The five former Rangers smiled until they heard Adam. “May the animal spirits watch over you.”

“Thank you,” Sky commented before the line went quiet. Bridge leaned forward and shut the phone off, then sat back to pick at his dinner.

“This is ridiculous. We’ve gone on missions before,” Z pointed out.

“Z’s got a point,” Jack started. “Remember our S.W.A.T. training?”

“We’re gonna be ok,” Bridge finally grinned. “As long as we’re together, we can get through anything.”

Both Syd and Sky looked up just then, and the team shared a smile and nodded.

- -

Sky was sound asleep in his bed but Syd hadn’t been able to lay next to him. For months now, she’d been trying to ignore it, but now, with this new mission upon them, she couldn’t.

The night her birth parents had sacrificed their lives for hers had awoken the power that had lain dormant in her since they’d been taken from her the first time.

She remembered clearly, the little pink bird who’d sat on her window seal, night after night, from her earliest memory until she’d turned six. It had spoken only to her, had been seen only by her, and had comforted her. When it had stopped coming, she remembered now, she’d begun forgetting about Tommy and Kim, and had accepted Jason and Katherine as her parents.

She knew now, thanks to Brian and Ninjor, that the little pink bird had been the Phoenix, and her Ninjetti animal spirit. Tommy and Kim’s deaths, coupled with the punch of power from the Rangers who’d gathered in the academy that night had reawakened the Phoenix, and her powers along with it.

Brian’s arrival had only reinforced the fact that she had powers she needed to learn to control. So, she had been doing just that. With Brian’s help, she had worked on improving her control these last few weeks. She was able to, now, telepathically speak with Brian and she could mildly read Sky, Z, Jack, and Bridge’s thoughts. Bridge was the hardest to read, as being a psychic had given him not only extra defenses against someone reading his thoughts, but would tell him when someone was doing it. Very few times, had she actually read Bridge’s thoughts, not wanting to push her luck.

Syd smiled and closed her eyes, leaning back against the wall of Sky’s window seat. She didn’t read their thoughts all the time, she mused, and if the thoughts she tried to were too personal, she’d back off. She’d gotten good at detecting when a good time to poke into their heads was. She never did it when they were sleeping, or when they were with their significant others. As for Sky, usually the only times she intruded on his thoughts were when he was raging and angry about something, when he was asleep so that she could keep him from dreaming about their horrible encounter with Visvajita, and when they were making love because she loved to know what he was feeling in that most intimate time they shared.

Syd had a feeling Bridge probably knew about her new abilities, but the former Green Ranger hadn’t said anything yet, which she was grateful for. Syd felt she wasn’t quite ready to share this new, and slightly weird, aspect of her life.

“Sydney?” Turning, Syd saw Sky reaching for her side of his bed, which was empty. Quietly, she moved toward him, all the while letting her love and reassurance seep into him as she linked their minds.

“I’m here, Sky,” she whispered, linking their fingers together as she slid into bed with him.

“Where’d you go?” he sleepily asked, laying his head in her lap and hugging her legs while she stroked his cheek and ran her fingers through his hair.

“I was sitting by the window. I kept tossing and turning; I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Love you, Syd,” Sky murmured, drifting back off, with a little help from Syd’s soothing.

“I love you too,” Syd smiled, continuing her vigil.

- -

“Are you ready?” Ninjor asked as the six walked into Kat’s lab. Kat and Commander Cruger stood by her desk, watching them tensely.

The team moved to stand around Ninjor, looking nervous and anxious. Sky and Jack stood on either side of him – Sky dressed in jean shorts, a white t-shirt and a blue and white flannel over shirt and Jack dressed in khaki cargo shorts, a white tank top and red flannel. To Sky’s right was Syd, dressed in a tiny pair of jean shorts and a pink, long sleeved cotton shirt. To Jack’s left was Z, dressed in blue jean shorts, a yellow t-shirt, and a black hat. Between Z and Syd were Brian and Bridge. Bridge wore a pair of black jean shorts and a green t-shirt while Brian was dressed in white jean shorts and a white tank top.

Ninjor nodded and they lifted their arms up above their heads in a v. “You’re creating a link between yourself and your teammates. This link will help you on your journey. Good luck, Rangers.”

Cruger and Kat gasped as each of the six around the Master Ninja began to glow with their color, and then disappeared.

- -

“I thought I told you not to call me?” she hissed into the small communicator.

“I do as his highness bids. What do you have to report, Miss Maxwell?”

“Viper, they’ve gone to the Desert Of Despair, in search of the Ninjetti.”

“I see. Stay alert for a call from his highness on your next move.”

“Understood. And Viper, I want him once his highness has the Dragon and Phoenix. I want him.”

“The Blue Ranger is yours, when and only when the Dragon and the Phoenix are delivered to Lord Vampra.”

Chapter 7: Going To The Temple
 
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” -- Helen Keller --

--

“Ok, where are we and where’s Ninjor?” Jack asked, spinning around once they’d reappeared. The team looked around, shock working through each of them. They really were in a desert, and it was smoldering hot to boot, not like the cool fall weather they’d left behind in New Tech City.

“We’re in the Desert Of Despair, and Ninjor’s at the Temple Of Power,” Brian informed them. “We’ve got to find our way there before we fry out here.”

“Lead away,” Sky smirked.

Brian stared at him for a full minute before he replied. “You think I know how to find the temple?”

Brian’s ensuing laughter started to worry the others. “You don’t?” Jack demanded to know.

“No. I lived my whole life in the temple, I never stepped foot outside.”

“You lived indoors your whole life?” Bridge asked, and then backed off as the others glared at him.

Brian shook his head. “No,” Brian answered patiently, use to Bridge’s weird questions by now. “I’ve just never stepped foot off of the temple’s grounds, or at least I hadn’t until I’d gone to New Tech City.”

“Why?” Z disbelievingly asked.

The young man sighed. “It wasn’t safe for me to. People have always been trying to find the Temple Of Power and the Ancient Ninjetti. Ninjor confined me to the grounds for my own safety and I never found a reason to question his orders.”

“Great,” Sky grumbled, and promptly shut his mouth when Syd reached out and squeezed his hand. He had promised himself he’d be nicer to the brat that happened to be Syd’s brother.

“Let’s go,” Syd murmured.

Z looked at Syd like the former Pink Ranger had lost her mind. “Why are we going anywhere when we don’t know where we’re going?”

“Because, I think I know where to look,” Sydney smiled. “See that rock formation there in the distance? My dad has a picture of the original six Ninjetti, out of uniform of course, standing in front of it. My guess is that’s where we should start looking.”

The team looked up at the large mountain in the distance and then back at one another. “It’s as good a guess as any. Let’s go,” Jack decided, motioning for the others to move.

The six turned in the right direction and then started out.

- -

“Sire, your Tengas are nearly there,” Viper told his master, who looked most pleased.

“Good. I want the Dragon and the Phoenix, and make sure Agent Maxwell gets her payment.”

“And the other former Rangers?”

“Dispose of them any way you see fit.”

“Yes Sire.”

- -

“I am so tired,” Z complained, sinking down onto Bridge’s lap as he sat on a large boulder. Jack and Sky were sitting on one opposite of them, while both Syd and Brian stood – Brian in front of Z and Bridge and Syd in front of Sky. The former Pink Ranger had her arms wrapped around Sky’s shoulders while his arms were wrapped around her thighs, just below her shorts, his fingers absently caressing her skin.

“We’re lost,” Jack whined softly.

“I’m sorry. I really though the entrance would be around here somewhere,” Syd softly replied, looking incredibly upset.

Sky hugged her to him, resting his forehead against her stomach while Syd’s fingers moved to caress the back of his neck. Jack rolled his eyes at their mushiness while Bridge and Z sighed, knowing how they felt, and Brian ignored them all together. He didn’t like seeing Sky being so affectionate with his sister, but he’d promised Ninjor he’d try to get along with the stuffy former Blue Ranger.

“It’s not your fault,” Jack reassured Syd. “They could have given us a few clues. Remember what the others said? They had a map the first time, so at least they had some direction, we weren’t given any.”

Before any of the others in the group could respond, a series of screeching and flapping noises could be heard descending on the small area.

“HEADS UP!” Z cried out, jumping from Bridge’s lap.

“Not them again!” Syd whined, whirling around just in time to see the incoming Tengas.

The six drew together and took up defensive stances. “Anyone got any ideas?” Sky asked, his voice tight.

“Brian?” Syd called out.

“I can try!” the younger warrior commented. “NINJETTI! WHITE DRAGON!”

“Uh oh!” Bridge mumbled when Brian didn’t change into his ninja uniform like he had the last time.

Jack sputtered. “What happened?”

Brian shrugged. “I couldn’t tell ya; I’ve never had problems with my powers before,” Brian told them, his face deadly serious.

“Ok, so we do this the hard way,” Sky grumbled, his face a mask of concentration..

“Brian, one question,” Jack finally thought to ask, wondering why he hadn’t thought of it before.

The younger male looked poised to answer. “What?”

“The rest of us ended up with genetic powers. Did you?”

The brown haired brown eyed Oliver boy grinned mischievously. “Oh yeah.”

“GUYS! ENOUGH TALKING!” Syd yelled seconds before she was knocked backwards.

“SYD!” Brian and Sky yelled at the same time.

Brian’s worry turned to surprise when Sky threw up a shield and Z duplicated herself, adding two more fighters to their group.

“Bridge! Find out what the hell they’re after!” Jack called out as he and Brian helped Syd to her feet.

Bridge nodded and extended his hand after tugging off his glove. Sky and he shared a nod before the former Blue Ranger dropped his shield. The former Green Ranger gasped after a second, having caught a taste of what the Tengas were looking for.

“Bridge?”

“They want the Dragon and the Phoenix! And they want to take Sky too!”

Now that surprised the others. “Oh HELL NO!” Syd hissed, reaching into her pocket. She and Brian shared a thought and a look and then got busy.

The others gasped when Brian disappeared and Sydney went on the offensive. “FISTS OF IRON!”

Almost on instinct, the team grouped together and fought as one, just as they had for nearly a year and a half now. “You are not taking him!” Sydney screamed, knocking the Tenga attacking Sky, in the beak and sent him flying.

“You know, there’s a funny thing I’ve learned about morphing!” Sky gasped, looking at Syd, whose face was flushed and whose eyes were flaming with anger.

“What’s that?” Z panted in exertion as she sent another Tenga flying through the air.

“You don’t appreciate it until you can’t do it anymore!” Sky yelled just as he and Syd were tackled to the ground.

“Where the heck is Brian?” Bridge grunted, obviously tiring from the fight and worried about the younger boy.

“Right here!” Brian called out as an invisible force tore through the Tengas, sending them scattering. Beaten, and thoroughly scared of the Rangers, the Tengas took off in a flurry of feathers and screeches.

“Invisibility huh?” Jack grinned, ruffling Brian’s hair when the teen reappeared next to him.

“Got it from Dad, from his time as Black Ranger,” Brian offered, watching Jack nod and smile at him.

“Neat trick,” Sky conceded, helping Syd to her feet.

“OW!” Sydney cried out, collapsing. Sky reacted quickly enough to catch her in his arms before she hit the ground.

Z moved to her friend and squeaked, “Syd?”

Sydney cried out as Sky sat her on the ground. “My ankle,” she sniffled. Z held her hand while Sky moved to examine her foot, which was already swelling inside her tennis shoe.

“Babe, I think you sprained it,” Sky told her looking up into her eyes, his heart breaking as she scrubbed the tears from her face.

“How are we gonna find the temple if Syd’s hurt?” Z fired her question at their leader. Jack shook his head as if to say he didn’t know.

Looking at his team, Jack suddenly grinned. “Sky, can you piggy back Syd? You’re the strongest of us here.”

Sky nodded and then helped Z get Syd up on her good foot. Crouching, Sky felt Jack and Z settle Syd on his back. Sky couldn’t help but grin when he felt Syd’s arms around his neck or her breath near his ear. “Ready?”

“Yep.”

Slowly, Sky stood up. He was amazed, as he always was, at how light his girlfriend was. Carefully, he adjusted his grip on her legs before nodding to Jack. “Ready.”

“Let’s keep looking; I have a feeling its here, close by,” Jack commanded.

- -

“Well?” Cruger demanded.

On the screen before him and Kat was Ninjor, who was standing in the Temple Of Power’s main room. “They have not yet found the temple.”

“Did you give them a map to follow?” Kat incredulously asked.

“The Dragon and Phoenix know their way here, it’s ingrained in the very essence of their power and beings. They’ll be fine.”

“Of all the idiotic things,” Kat mumbled only to have Cruger and Ninjor fix her with identical stares.

“Dr. Manx,” Ninjor spoke. “They’ll be fine, I promise.”

Kat nodded and then strode away to another computer. “I apologize, Ninjor. Kat is very attached to the Rangers, and worried about them.”

Ninjor nodded. “Understandable. I’ll contact you as soon as they arrive.”

Cruger seem to grin. “Very well. Earth out.”

- -

“Hey! I think I found something!” Z cried out, motioning for the others to join her. “There’s a cave back here!”

Jack moved to stand in front of her, then looked back at Sky and Syd. “I’ll lead. Bridge, you and Z take the rear and watch our backs. Brian, help Sky with your sister.”

Brian helped Syd slide off Sky’s back while Bridge and Z took the rear and Jack led them through the tunnel to the cave.

After a few minutes, they found themselves at a dead end. “Ok, now what?” Z asked, peeved at their findings.

“Dammit!” Sky hollered, letting the others know he was upset. He moved to kick the wall he was next to and suddenly fell through.

“SKY!”

- -

The Master Ninja gasped softly when he felt the presence enter the temple grounds; it was Sky. Smiling under his helmet, Ninjor moved to the communications device in the corner.

“Go ahead Ninjor,” Kat spoke, her voice and demeanor rough.

“They’ve found the temple, Dr. Manx.”

“Thank goodness. I’ll inform Commander Cruger.”

- -

“Is it my imagination or did Sky just fall through that wall?” Bridge asked, looking confused.

“Nope, Sky definitely fell through the wall,” Z informed him, sorta grinning at him.

Jack inched toward the wall and gingerly stuck his hand through. “It’s a hologram.”

“We’d better go find him or Syd’s gonna freak,” Z finally whispered in their leader’s ear. Jack turned slightly and caught the look on Syd’s face as Brian held her up.

“Z, help Syd and Brian,” Jack nodded to the injured former Pink Ranger. “Let’s go, nice and easy.”

The five crept through the wall and gasped when they came out on the other side.

“Oh my gosh! Look at this place!” Syd murmured, turning her head to her brother. “You lived here?”

Brian grinned. It felt good to be home. “Yes. Come on, I know the way from here.”

Slowly, the five made their way to the gates of the temple. Surprisingly enough, Sky was there waiting for them. “SKY!” Syd cried out happily, throwing her arms around him when she was close enough.

“It’s locked,” Sky told them, kissing Syd’s lips with the briefest of pecks.

“No, it’s not,” Bridge grinned as the wrought iron gates with the face of a warrior adorning them swung open.

Sky nodded and hoisted Sydney into his arms princess style so she didn’t have to put her weight on her ankle.

Gradually, they followed Brian into the temple. “You made it,” Ninjor greeted as they entered the main room. “Sydney?”

“I hurt my ankle when we were attacked by those giant crows,” Syd told him.

Ninjor felt his heart stop for a moment – if the Tengas were here, it was a bad sign. Not once letting the Rangers know what was going on, Ninjor motioned for Sky to set Sydney down on a chair before he moved to lay his hands on her delicate ankle.

Chanting quietly, Ninjor channeled his energy into Syd’s wound. The former Ranger gasped softly at the warming sensation she felt in her muscles. “Try to stand,” Ninjor prompted. Hesitantly, Syd moved to stand, laughing as she stood on her own.

“It doesn’t hurt.”

“Now, we must move swiftly, you’re going to be needed shortly.”

“Ninjor?” Jack started to ask, fear in his voice and his eyes.

“Come.”

The team grouped around Ninjor, just as he directed them to. “My powers failed me,” Brian told him even as the team lifted their arms above their heads.

“That’s because they were weakened by your leaving the temple, and because you don’t have complete control of them, yet.”

Syd looked confused. “How’s that?”

“He needs to have them linked with the rest of the team’s.”

Ninjor stood in the circle created by the six and smiled under his helmet. They reminded him so much of his first six from Earth. “Older than time, man has always known the calling.”

He turned as he spoke, his eyes locking with each of theirs until all of them had closed their eyes but him. “Light of the light, strength of the soul, ignite this eternal power inside of me!”

Thunder could be heard rumbling in the distance, followed by the pounding of heavy rains. “I AM NINJA! I am pure of heart, body, mind and spirit! Join with me now as I become with the power of Ninja!”

The thunder grew louder, and the rain began to sound like a raging rapid, but the six could still hear the faint call of animals. “Open your eyes, the first half of your journey is complete.”

Doing as they were told, the six opened their eyes and found the glowing forms of six distinct animals sitting before them.

“For you to complete you journey, you must pass a test. Allow me to introduce your guides.”

“Mom? Dad?” Syd gasped when she saw which animals were sitting in front of her and Brian.

“Jack, your guide will be the mighty ape,” Ninjor started, looking at the former Red Ranger. “He is here to guide you as he once did Rocky.”

The former Red Ranger grinned. He and Rocky had hit it off during their first meeting, and he occasionally chatted with the other former Red Ranger when he got a chance.

Ninjor moved to stand before Z, and smiled under his helmet. She looked every bit as fierce as the woman who was represented by the animal before her. “The fierce bear will guide you, Z, as she once guided and represented Aisha.”

Z smiled and nodded.

“Bridge, the courageous frog, once a representation of Adam, shall guide your quest.”

Bridge grinned down at the little black frog sitting at his feet.

“Sky, your guide will be the silent wolf, once the representation of Billy.”

Deep blue eyes meet deep blue. An understanding passed between them before Sky smiled.

“Brian, your guide will be the just Falcon, who was your father’s animal spirit.”

The young man blinked back tears as he stared down at the white bird that had been his father’s spirit representation.

“And last but not least, Sydney,” Ninjor started. The others watched the tears slip down Syd’s cheeks. “The graceful Crane, who was the embodiment of both of your mothers, will guide your journey.”

Sky moved silently and pulled Sydney into his arms, holding her tightly while she finished crying.

“You must leave soon, to finish your tests, but for now, allow me to show you to your rooms where you may rest.”

That said, the animal spirits disappeared and Ninjor escorted the six to their rooms.

- -

“Any word on them, Dr. Manx?” Allison asked when the five junior members of A Squad entered the Command Center to see if they could find out how their friends were doing.

“Actually, yes,” Kat smiled. “They’ve reached the temple.”

The Pink Ranger sighed in relief. The other Rangers merely smiled and nodded. “Awesome.”

“When will they be coming home?” Aaron asked.

“That’s still unknown,” Kat sighed and frowned.

Just then, the alarms went off. “Kat?” Commander Cruger barked upon entering the Command Center.

“We have a monster attacking downtown!” Kat informed him from where she stood at a console. “It has the energy readings of the last one.”

Cruger growled then spun to face the Rangers. “Be careful. GO!”

Aaron nodded then the team shouted, “S.P.D. EMERGENCY!” Moving quickly, the team went down their jump tubes to the Delta Runners.

“Kat, contact Ninjor. Let him know we need the others here, and soon!”

- -

Sydney felt like she was floating. Ninjor had escorted them to their rooms, and then they’d been fed an enormous feast before Ninjor had sent them to rest. When she and Sky had returned to their shared quarters, they’d cuddled together on the large bed and one thing had led to another before culminating in them making love.

Now Syd felt spent, curled against Sky’s side, her head on his chest. “You look like a cat that’s just gotten into a bowl of cream.”

“I feel like that,” she grinned, pecking a couple of kisses to his chest. “I’m really relaxed.”

Sky laughed and ran his hand up and down her bare back. “I should hope so; you certainly came hard enough, and long enough to be relaxed.”

Syd glared and pinched his arm. “Look who’s talking. Besides, can I help it when you have this fantastic ability to do that to me?” she asked, fluttering her eyelashes at him.

“Nope,” Sky yawned and then grinned. “You turned me inside out too, but now, I think we should get some sleep.”

Sydney yawned in response. “Gladly.”

- -

Bridge and Z lay tangled together in bed. They weren’t nearly as intimate as Syd and Sky, but their nights together had brought them closer over the last few months. “Bridge?”

“Hmm?”

Z lifted her head, rolled over on her stomach and then laid it on her arms, which were folded on Bridge’s chest. “Have you ever thought of… you know?”

Bridge’s eyes opened a fraction of an inch. “Uh, Z, I have, uh, no clue what you’re talking about. What I mean is, I’m clueless, per say, um, about what you meant. Or, it could be I know what you’re talking about but I don’t want to guess wrong and…”

“Sex! Bridge, I mean sex, with me,” Z rolled her eyes and then watched her boyfriend blush.

“Actually, I have.”

The former Yellow Ranger looked startled by his admission. “Really?” she asked, her face scrunching up cutely.

Bridge grinned and nodded. “Yeah, I have, a number of times, but its usually when we’re sleeping, or rather, when you’re sleeping.”

Z blushed. “Oh.”

“Why the sudden interest in knowing that?”

“I was just curious.”

“Z, it’ll happen when we’re ready, don’t force it.”

Z nodded and then turned her head so that she could try to get some sleep. A small smile blossomed on her face as she fell asleep and felt Bridge’s arms tighten around her.

- -

“Nice digs.”

Brian grinned as he and Jack reclined in his old quarters. The two of them were the only two without significant others, or in Jack’s case, his significant other wasn’t present. Brian felt the need to bond with the Red Ranger a little more, as he’d been spending a lot of time with Bridge, Z and Syd lately. He had to balance it out, he knew, and spend time with the man who was their leader in the field.

“Thanks. Ninjor let me redo it about three years ago, I wanted something more grownup. Before it was done for a little kid, now it looks more adult.”

Jack found he couldn’t argue with that. The kid had done a remarkable job incorporating the blacks, whites, reds, and greens that stood out the most with subtle hints of yellow, blue, light pinks, silvers, and golds.

“You know, I think you have every Ranger color ever in here,” Jack laughed, watching Brian nod.

“That’s what I aimed for. So, you ready for this test?” Brian asked, suddenly switching topics.

Jack’s grin faltered. “Actually, no, I’m not, but I don’t think any of us have much of choice.”

Brian nodded, and then took a deep breath. “We should rest; it’ll be time to get going.”

Jack nodded and then snuggled down on the pile of pillows he was sitting on while Brian fell asleep on the bed.

Chapter 8: Journey Of The Ninjetti

"Let your mind start a journey thru a strange new world. Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to be...Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar, and you'll live as you've never lived before." -- Erich Fromm --

Dedication – To the Ninjetti spirits within us all! May they protect us always!

- -

They arose before dawn the next morning, each still sleepy as they trudged into the room where they’d met their guides for their journey the night before. Ninjor sat on a pillow, his back to them, and looked to be deep in meditation.

None of them dared disturb the Master Ninja, so they simply stood together. Bridge yawned as he and Z leaned their heads together, his arms wrapped securely around his girlfriend. He had to smile. He hadn’t noticed it the day before, but she was wearing the heart pendant of citrine and emeralds he’d gotten her for their first date. He prayed she’d remember she was wearing it and think of him while she was on her quest. For his part, Bridge had her earrings, which she’d taken off the night before, tucked safely in the pocket of his shorts.

Jack stood between Z and Sky, his hand grasping one of Z’s tightly while the other was resting comfortably on Sky’s shoulder. He was nervous, as well as surprised to feel the tension in both of his best friends. It wasn’t like them to be this tense, but then he knew it had to do with not knowing how this mission would turn out. This was far different than facing Gruumm or Visvajita; this was an unknown.

Tucked safely under Sky’s right arm was Syd, still half asleep, her head resting on his shoulder. Sky was doing everything in his power to not start to worry about what lay ahead of them, instead he was trying to focus on the events of the night before, or the celebrating they could do when they got home. Sydney maintained a strong outward front. She didn’t want to think of the dangers she knew they were going to face. Her right arm was wrapped around her brother, who was leaning on her shoulder and trying to meditate lightly, making the trio look more like a family then they would have ever thought.

That was the picture Ninjor was presented with when he stood and turned to them. They were all connected, in some way, and looked more like a family then the mere team they were, even with Brian’s added presence to the group.

“The second half of your journey is about to begin, and it is far more treacherous and difficult than anything you have faced to this point. Are you ready?” Six heads nodded in unison, making Ninjor smile under his helmet. “Good. Follow me.”

- -

She ached all over. Kat and Commander Cruger had been correct when they’d said that their Ranger powers wouldn’t hold up against their latest foe. One by one, every member of her team, and Cruger who’d been in battle as Shadow Ranger, had been forced to demorph, thanks to energy blasts and the foot soldiers they’d learned were called Tengas that had ganged up on them.

“Alley, you still breathing?” Leave it to Travis to try and crack a joke at a time like this, she thought, grinning.

“Barely. You?”

“Barely. Aaron?”

“You call this breathing?”

“Could be worse, you could have had to stay in the infirmary like Commander Cruger,” Alana muttered, rolling on her side so she was cuddled against Aaron’s side, making the Red Ranger hiss in pain as he tried to wrap his arm around her shoulders. Cruger had suffered nine broken ribs, which Kat and Boom were trying to help Dr. Felix fix even as they spoke. Aaron was infinitely glad none of the rest of them had gotten hurt that bad; Cruger healed a lot faster then they did.

“Brett?” Alley asked softly.

“Just let me die in peace!” the Blue Ranger snarled, his soreness and pain evident in his voice before Travis touched his shoulder. He and Travis were laying on the floor of the common room, perpendicular to each other, his head on one of Travis’ thighs. Aaron and Alana had pushed the couches together so they could lie side by side, and Allison had collapsed in one of the chairs, her feet up on a foot stool.

“When are the others getting home?” Alana questioned, her voice slurred by pain and oncoming sleep.

“Soon,” Alley whispered. ‘I hope’ she added silently, a picture of her boyfriend and his teammates popping into her head. ‘I miss you, guys, come home safely. Especially you, Jack.’

- -

They were sleeping when she strode into the common room. They were none the worse for wear, merely banged and bruised from the fight with Lord Vampra’s Tengas. She couldn’t help the grin that stole across her face.

“Rest while you can, Rangers,” she muttered softly, watching them with an intensity that was damn near scary. “Soon, your precious friends will be gone, the Phoenix and Dragon will belong to Lord Vampra, who will destroy Earth with their power, and I’ll have Sky all to myself.”

With a flourish, she turned and swept from the room, leaving the A Squad Rangers to rest, only, one of them wasn’t sleeping. Sitting up, Allison looked around, her eyes wide with shock.

“Did I just hear that right?” she asked herself, wondering if it had been a dream or reality.

- -

They trudged to the very edge of the Temple’s grounds, to a small cave that was hidden obscurely behind a waterfall. Carefully, the six gathered around while Ninjor went about unlocking the heavy, oak and metal door that locked unwanted wanderers out of the cave.

“Through this door awaits the second half of your journey, Rangers. Be careful, for things are not always as they may seem, and remember, you will be tested to your limits before you discover that which you covet. I shall meet you on the other side.”

“Ninjor, won’t the other side be outside the temple grounds?” Jack asked, having paid attention to the placement of the waterfall.

“Remember, young ones, things aren’t always as they seem. Good luck.”

The team nodded and one by one, they hugged Ninjor and entered the cave, the door shutting firmly behind them with a resounding thud.

Chapter 9: Boogying With The Bear
 
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” -- Ambrose Redmoon --

“Love is the force that ignites the spirit and binds teams together.” -- Phil Jackson, Sacred Hoops --

“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” -- Audre Lorde --

“No more duty can be urged upon those who are entering the great theater of life than simple loyalty to their best convictions.” -- Edwin Hubbell Chapin --

- -

Her first instinct was to go on the defensive. She’d been with the others when they’d stepped through the door into the cave, and Jack had been saying something about sticking together because of the darkness and the next thing she knew, she was by herself, in the dark, and there were strange noises sounding from every direction, some echoing some not.

If there was one thing Z hadn’t ever told anyone, not even Jack, Syd or Bridge, it was that she hated being in the dark, had been deathly afraid of it since she was a child. Of course, over the years, she’d gotten use to it, and it wasn’t so bad when she wasn’t alone in a dark room, but now she was in the middle of nowhere, with no one familiar, and it was pitch black out.

“You only fear the unknown, and yet, you shouldn’t, because what is unknown only stays that way for a time.”

The voice was deep, but definitely female, and for some reason, while Z knew she should be questioning why the voice was talking to her, she wasn’t. “Who’s there?” Z demanded, or tried to sound demanding. Her voice wasn’t cooperating.

“Do not worry, Elizabeth, I would not harm you, color sister to she who bears my mark.”

Z’s mouth dropped open at the voice’s words, and a tiny squeak came out when a soft, yellow light appeared in front of her. As the light grew, it began to outline the form of…a large bear.

“OH MY GOD!” Z gasped, back pedaling on the ground as the bear stood before her, staring at her with what looked like mild amusement on her face. “What are you? Who are you?”

The bear seemed to smile as it moved closer to Z, nudging her leg in greeting. “I am the Yellow Bear, Ninjetti Spirit Animal to the one known as Aisha Campbell DeSantos, and your guide for this portion of your test.”

Z looked shocked. This bear was definitely different than the one who Ninjor had introduced to her before. The one the day before was the size of a bear cub, this one was a full grown bear. “Ok.”

“Do you understand what’s before you, Elizabeth?” the bear asked softly, sitting down on it’s haunches before Z.

The former Yellow Ranger could only shake her head. “Ninjor said we had a test to pass, before we could get what we coveted. I’m assuming that’s why I’m here.”

“The road to being Ninjetti is a path of self-discovery, Elizabeth. Some are granted the power instantly and forced to follow the path and learn as they go, and others, they are forced to learn before they receive the power. You have much to learn before you receive what you need to save your home.”

Z looked angry. “We don’t have time for games! Earth’s in danger, and so are my friends! I won’t waste what little precious time I have left to save them.”

“Then come, we’ll leave now.” The bear stood and then lumbered away, Z left in her spot, spitting and sputtering before she stood and chased after it.

- -

Z found herself jumping at every little noise that bounced out at her as she followed the brightly colored bear before her. There were no lights, anywhere; save for the slight glow that was cast off the Yellow Bear. “Where are we going?” Z asked, her senses kicking into over drive.

“To meet a friend, who can help you,” Bear told her, looking over her should for a moment before continuing forward.

There was a rustling in the foliage next to where Z was walking, which made her stop in mid step. Gulping, Z shook her head and looked to her right. Nothing. Turning back around, the former Yellow Ranger began walking again, only to hear the rustling, this time much closer to the path she was on.

Before Z had time to blink, Bear let out a snarl and half a dozen shadowy figures popped out of the brush before her, attacking Bear at once. Z was frozen in place for a moment before the natural act of defense snapped her out of her stupor. The former Yellow Ranger rushed forward, intending to help, when she found her way blocked by a large, ferocious looking creature.

“AH!” Z screamed, falling backwards to avoid the large beast.

“I don’t think you want to get in the middle of that fight,” the beast snarled.

Z was as startled to hear this animal, which she now could readily identify as a Bengal Tiger, speak as she had been to hear Bear’s voice. “I need to help her!”

“You need not interfere, little one.”

The sassy side of Z lashed out. “LITTLE ONE?” she yelled, watching the tiger pace back and forth in front of her. “Who the hell do you think you are? That’s my friend, and I will be damned if you keep me from helping her!”

“Fearless are we?”

“No, but you can’t let fear rule you, or you’ll be running for the rest of your life,” Z shot back.

“A lesson you best keep in mind, Elizabeth. The Bear knows what she’s doing, she doesn’t need your help,” the tiger snarled, before rushing back into the bush. Z turned her head, forgetting about the disappearing tiger, and taking in Bear’s form. The shadows were gone, and Bear was heaving.

“Elizabeth?”

“I’m ok!” Z called, jumping to her feet and rushing forward, her hands sliding over Bear’s strong shoulders in search of any injuries. “How about you?”

“Nothing I haven’t handled before,” Bear snorted, making Z smile. “Come, we have a long way to go yet.”

“Bear?”

“Yes, Elizabeth?”

“I’m not afraid, whatever lies ahead can’t be any worse than what I’ve already faced.”

The bear turned her head and stared deep into Z’s eyes. “We shall see.”

--

It seemed like they had been walking forever when Z finally felt she couldn’t take another step. “Can we rest?”

“Of course,” Bear replied, the pair sitting down. Taking a deep breath, Z closed her eyes for a few moments before opening them back up and taking in her surroundings. She was startled to see that the sky was lightening just a tad. “Tell me, Elizabeth, about the young man known as Bridge?”

Z cracked a smile at Bear and unconsciously reached up to touch the heart shaped pendant around her neck. It was a constant reminder to Z that she no longer was alone; she had Bridge beside her as long as she wanted him there.

“What do you want to know?”

“Just from what I’ve been told, and what I saw briefly yesterday in the Temple, he appears very important to you.”

Z smiled. “He is.”

“Tell me.”

The former Yellow Ranger nodded and swallowed, choosing her words carefully. “He’s so gentle,” she started, closing her eyes as tears pricked at their backs. “He was my first real friend besides Jack, and definitely my first friend at SPD. After I was assigned to B Squad, he didn’t look at me as a thief getting a free ride, he looked at me like a girl who needed redemption, and he was right to do so.”

“He knew of your past?”

“Yeah, well, he knew what Cruger had on record for him to know. During those early days, when we were struggling to gel as a team, I knew I could count on him to brighten my day, no matter what. He never made rash judgments, especially if I screwed up, and he was always willing to work with me on my faults, even the ones I wouldn’t acknowledge.”

The smile on Z’s face said more than her words ever could. “Is he the first you’ve ever loved?”

Bear’s question startled Z, who opened her eyes and blinked away the tears. She had loved others, hadn’t she? Wracking her brain, she thought about her time on the streets of New Tech City, and realized that before Bridge, heck before even Jack, there had been no one she had loved as much or as intensely. Gasping softly, she shook her head. “Yes, he is. I had thought, you know, maybe the guys I had had crushes on, that I loved one of them, but no. Jack’s always been my brother, I’ve never thought of him any other way, but Bridge…”

The gentle giant seemed to smile at Z, who looked surprised. “Does he love you?”

“Yes.” Z grinned broadly, not even hesitating to answer that.

“How do you know?”

“It’s in all the little things he does,” Z ducked her head, thinking about her boyfriend. “It’s not so much him telling me, but the smiles he gives, the encouragement, the patience. He shows me things no one’s ever shown me.”

Bear nodded when Z looked up and continued. “Like if I’m having a bad day, he’ll either crack jokes to make me smile or he’ll sit in silence with me; he gives me back rubs after training really hard, or he’ll come in the bathroom with me when I’m soaking in the tub and he’ll light candles and wash my hair for me.”

“You are very lucky,” Bear told her, cocking her head to the side to stare at Z. “Very few find their soul’s twin, but it seems you have, in Bridge. It is even rarer, because very few Rangers find their other half.”

“Why is that?” Z asked, curious.

“Being a Power Ranger is a life long commitment, and very few non Rangers can understand that. Most Rangers end up pairing with other Rangers, though there have been some exceptions. Just remember, the greatest three things you’ll ever possess are Faith, Hope, and Love. The first two are interchangeable, but love is the one that sustains you in your darkest hours.”

Z nodded in understanding, her fingers clutching her necklace. “Are we ready to start again?”

“Yes, come, my friend should be waiting for us.”

The two stood and tromped off down the path again, neither noticing that the sky had become a little lighter since they had sat down.

- -

“I’m so tired,” Z murmured as she and Bear trudged along the path. It had been hours since their talk about Bridge and neither had said another word since. “This is pointless, we’re walking through a deserted jungle.”

“Patience, Elizabeth.”

Z shot a glare at Bear’s back and heard the large animal almost chuckle. “Patience? My friends back home are, more than likely, in trouble, and you’re telling me to be patient?”

“Do you believe your friends so weak that they need you every step of the way?” Bear finally asked, turning to stare into Z’s eyes.

“No.”

“Do you believe yourself so powerful that you can solve any problem?”

“No.”

Bear nodded, and then turned to started forward once more. “Inner strength is as important as outer strength, Elizabeth.”

“I know that!” Z argued.

“And yet, you act as if your friends have no inner strength, or outer strength. Or is it that you do not possess the inner strength to be away from them?”

Z’s eyes filled with tears. “I spent more years alone, on my own, than you will ever know. I only had myself to depend on, and then Jack. I hated being alone, hated it with a passion. So excuse the hell out of me if I don’t want to see the only family I’ve ever known torn apart when I know I can do something to stop it!”

Bear stopped, a hidden smile on her face, before she turned to face Z once more, her face neutral. “Is that so?”

The former Yellow Ranger seemed to shimmer with anger, as she glared at her guide. “You have no clue what I went through this last year!” Z nearly screamed, her face turning redder by the second. “First Gruumm, and then I damn near lost Sydney to Visvajita! AND NOW THIS! I WILL NOT LOOSE WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO ME BECAUSE YOU THINK I HAVE THINGS THAT I NEED TO LEARN!”

Bear merely let Z scream and cry at her. “I know what you went through, this last year, Elizabeth, or have you forgotten so soon the link shared between the Ninjetti?” Z continued to heave, breath after breath, while she stared at Bear, who suddenly looked so much wearier than she had their entire trip. “The Falcon was my brother, the Crane my sister, in power, spirit, mind, heart, soul – everything but blood, just as their chosen ones were that for the one who my chosen is.”

Z suddenly felt ill. Of course Aisha’s spirit animal would feel the deaths of the Falcon and Crane, as closely and as intensely as Aisha had felt Tommy and Kim’s deaths. “I’m sorry.”

“As I said, Elizabeth, inner strength is as important as outer strength. I have grieved for those I have lost, but I do not let that grief swallow me whole, for if I do, then their sacrifices were for nothing. If I loose myself, they died for nothing; it wasn’t only the Dragon and the Phoenix they forfeited their lives for, they did it for all of us.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Apology accepted, now come, we’re almost there,” Bear spoke, turning, and was suddenly assaulted again by the shadow warriors. “ELIZABETH! RUN!” Bear howled fiercely, taking on the six shadows with a fierceness Z hadn’t ever seen.

Z moved to run back the direction they had just come from when she saw what was happening just past Bear – the tiger she had fought with earlier was being attacked by the same shadows as Bear, only the tiger seemed to be losing. Shaking her head, Z ignored Bear’s command and rushed forward.

“BACK OFF!” Z yelled, her fist smashing into the face of the shadow that was hanging on the back of the tiger, choking it. Belatedly, Z realized her fist was going to go right through the shadow until she actually connected with something solid.

Wailing in pain, the shadow figure released the tiger and fell off. It was just enough distraction for the tiger to get it’s footing again and begin attacking. However, Z found herself at a loss. Without her morpher, she was pretty defenseless against these things that seemed to give even a Ninjetti Animal Spirit a hard time.

“When in doubt,” Z muttered, closed her eyes, and replicated herself, so that instead of just her, there were three warriors, all of which launched themselves at the shadow. The battle raged on, the tiger and Bear taking on the majority of the shadows while Z managed to take on one or two of them and seriously beat them to a bloody pulp. After a good twenty minutes, the shadows were all laying on the ground, each starting to disappear slowly, while Z, Bear and the tiger we’re trying to catch their breath.

“You fight well, little one,” the tiger grumbled, sitting down on it’s haunches, Bear and Z following suit.

“Thanks,” Z mumbled back, leaning against Bear.

“I thought you were supposed to stay put after last time?” Bear questioned the tiger.

“I caught them heading into the jungle, and knew they were coming for you two. I couldn’t just let them attack you, not again.”

“Tiger, I admire your loyalty,” Bear grinned and settled down, her eyes shifting to Z who was watching Tiger closely.

“Loyalty had nothing to do with it.”

“Yes, it did. You’re as loyal as your bearer, to not only your fellow animal spirits, but to those you deem worthy of your protection. Thank you.”

Tiger merely brushed off Bear’s gratitude and focused on the very tired looking Z. “Are you alright, little one?”

Z nodded. “I have a lot on my mind,” the former Yellow Ranger informed them.

“And so you should. Bear, it’s time.”

Z watched in horror as Bear stood, rubbed noses with Tiger and then turned to her. It was as if Z knew that she was being left in the care of this new ally. “Elizabeth, I have guided you as far as I can, I leave you to Tiger’s care.”

“But!” Z gasped, tears springing to her eyes.

Bear leaned forward and nuzzled her nose against Z’s cheek, effectively wiping away Z’s tears. “Worry not, Tiger will let no harm come to you. Just remember what you’ve learned, for it will serve you well on this last leg of your journey.”

“Which is what?” Z asked, watching as Bear started to fade away.

“Do not let fear rule you. Love is a gift, cherish it. Strength comes from within as much as without. Loyalty to those you care for is important, but do not let it blind you. And lastly, have faith. All will work out in the end.”

Z nodded as Bear disappeared, leaving her sitting there with Tiger. “Shall we go little one? The sooner we reach our destination, the sooner you’ll find your friends, and what you’re looking for.”

Standing quickly, Z followed Tiger into the jungle, never noticing that the sky was lightening even more.

- -

“What is this place?” Z asked in wonder as Tiger led her up into the mountains into what looked like the ancient ruins of a building.

“These are the ancient ruins of the Ninjetti Temple.”

“Oh wow!” Z gasped, looking out what was once a wall of windows to the jungle they had just emerged from. “It’s beautiful, but how did we get here? I remember being at Ninjor’s temple, then the darkness of the jungle.”

“The gateway you stepped through is a portal to this place. You are no longer in the cave, but on another planet, one called Phadoes,” a new voice rang out, causing Z to turn sharply. Standing before her was a blonde haired green eyed woman in an earthy looking bikini and thigh high boots, carrying a large staff. “Welcome, Elizabeth Delgado, Yellow Ranger.”

Z looked confused and surprised before she managed to gather her wits. “Who are you?”

“I am Dulcea, Master Warrior of the planet Phadoes, and I bid you welcome.”

 

Chapter 10: Ring Around The Ape
 
“The greatest test of courage on the earth is to bear defeat without losing heart.” --R.G. Ingersoll--

“It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else.” --Erma Bombeck--

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” --Robert F. Kennedy--

"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." --Abraham Lincoln--

- -

He woke up with a splitting headache and wished he had some aspirin. “Get up! Get up! Time’s a wasting!”

Squinting, he opened his eyes and stared up into the glowing red face of...a monkey.

“I am no monkey, Jack Landors.”

He wasn’t sure what to think. Maybe he’d hit his head harder than he thought, or maybe he was dreaming, but he could have swore that the monkey had just talked to him, had even read his mind.

“I said, I am no monkey.”

Sitting up, Jack shook his head and stared at the animal before him – correction, a larger version of the primate he’d seen the day before. “You’re...”

“Yes, I am the Red Ape, and a representation of Rocky DeSantos. Know where you are?”

Jack shook his head. He didn’t have a clue, except that he knew his test for power would be taken here.

“You are correct in that assumption, you are on your journey to get your powers, but for now, might I suggest we get moving? Staying in this jungle too long gives me the heebie jeebies.”

Blinking rapidly to dispel the confusion, Jack nodded and then stood up, following the hulking form of the Ape into the jungle. “And you can call me Ape!” the red colored figured said in a sing song voice that had Jack wondering why he got stuck with the spirit guide who was on a caffeine kick.

“I heard that!”

- -

It felt like hours later when Jack and Ape finally sat down for their first break. Sighing, the former Red Ranger took a minute to think about something other than what he was doing.

The first thing that came to mind was Allison.

He had dreamt about her the night before. The dream had been so detailed that it had been scary at first, before he realized, all his dreams for the future had come true. She’d been in a room lit only by the soft orange glow of a nightlight, sitting in a rocking chair, a blue bundle cradled in her arms. She was feeding the baby, and rocking it to sleep.

He wanted a family, a career, a life outside of SPD. However, the way things were going, it would be a very long time before he got his wish, if ever. Every time it seemed that he and the others weren’t needed anymore, they got drawn back to being Rangers. Not to mention, Ally had a long career ahead of her as Ranger, even if he didn’t. That in and of itself presented some problems for the family he found he wanted with her.

“It happens to the best of them,” Ape spoke up suddenly.

“Excuse me?”

Ape shook his head before cocking it to the side to stare at Jack’s incredulous look. “I said it happens to the best Rangers, to be called back to a duty they thought they’d passed on. Only those who were the best of the best are ever called back for a second time in uniform.”

“That means every Ranger on Earth shares that honor,” Jack grinned.

“You are correct, and might I add, very few other teams outside of the Earth teams have ever been called back. However, back to your original thought. Have you stopped to think that now is not the time for those dreams to come true? What about wanting to be a better officer? What about passing your legacy onto the next generation?”

Jack pursed his lips for a moment, carefully deciding what he wanted to say. “Aaron and the others are great Rangers, and we’ve barely had to help them at all.”

“True, but the coming war will not be kind to them, Jack. They haven’t faced what you and your team have faced. You’ve taken out two of the most heinous villains in history; one who destroyed planets, star systems, who killed billions of beings, and the other who is one of the few people in the known universe to have killed Power Rangers.”

The former Red Ranger felt his heart ache. The team’s victory against Gruumm had come with many prices, but they had been lucky. The victory over Visvajita just months ago, well, that had been vastly different. They had learned some really hard lessons during the battles with the mad man, including the fact that even Power Rangers can die. “Your dreams will come true in time, Jack, but remember this – they might not all turn out the way you had planned, and dreams change.”

Nodding, Jack sighed. “I’m rested and ready to go, how about you?”

“I am as well. Come, we have a long journey ahead, and we still have someone we need to find.”

“One of the others?” Jack asked hopefully.

“In a way, but not the way you’re thinking!” Ape called over his shoulder as he waddled down the path, Jack following.

- -

The second all hell broke loose on the path, Jack knew he’d never forget the sight of the mighty Red Ape making hissing sounds and trying to shake off half a dozen shadowy looking figures.

After a moment of confusion, Jack rushed forward and attempted to help, but found himself being tossed back by the shadows who seemed to find Ape a lot more interesting then him.

“Hang on!” Jack called and rushed forward again, this time using his genetic powers to phase through the figures when they threw punches his way, until he was at Ape’s side and standing over the injured spirit guide. “Back off!” Jack hissed, putting his martial arts skills to the test.

Soon enough, the shadow warriors were retreating, not wanting to try and take on the former Red Ranger much more than they already had. “What the hell were those things?”

“Vampra’s Shadow Warriors. You’ll be seeing more of them, trust me,” Ape muttered, attempting to stand.

Jack let out a startled chirp when the mighty Ape crashed back to the ground. Bending, he moved one of Ape’s long arms around his shoulder and helped the spirit guide to the side of the path, just in case their friends came back. “Are you ok? Damn, I shouldn’t have frozen like that! You’re hurt!” Jack muttered, helping Ape sit down before kneeling before him and checking his wounds.

There were several long, deep gashes across Ape’s legs and arms, and a few not so deep ones across his stomach, chest and back. Jack sighed in relief, thankfully there weren’t any injuries to Ape’s head.

“I’m sorry,” Jack murmured, shaking his head.

“Jack Landors, what do you have to be sorry for? You came to my aide, you did not let me fight all on my own.”

“You’re hurt, it’s my fault.”

Shaking his head, Ape stared into Jack’s face, glowing red eyes meet dark brown. “It was not your responsibility to keep me safe, Jack. It was my choice to help you, and my stubbornness to take the long route in seeking our companion, that led me to being injured.”

“But...”

“No buts. You must remember, we have free wills, therefore we must accept responsibility for not only our actions, but the consequences of our actions, and the choices we make each and every day.”

Jack could only nod. Cruger had taught him that early on in his Ranger career. Every action has a consequence, and you had to take your lumps when you made bad choices. It was the only way you’d learn from your mistakes. “Can you continue, or should I go by myself?”

“I will be fine, I’ve been through worse over the years, especially with Rocky as my bearer.”

Laughter was Ape’s only answer as Jack helped him to his feet and the pair continued down the path, albeit slower than before.

- -

Jack and Ape struggled down the path for a few hours before they had to sit and rest again. Jack was seriously starting to worry about the amount of blood Ape had lost. “This isn’t healthy for you,” Jack started. Ape gave him a look that said ‘Oh really’ and ‘Continue’. “I mean, you’re a spirit animal, you’re not supposed to bleed, are you?”

Ape seemed to smile. “Where we are is one of the few places where Ninjetti Animal Spirits can take solid form, which is why I was so easily injured. That, and I’m weak, because I haven’t been with Rocky as I should.”

“I don’t understand. Why are you helping me if being away from Rocky will hurt you?”

Ape looked at his hands, contemplating how to explain to Jack, in terms the former Ranger would understand, why he was here. “I’m here, because he who is my bearer asked me to come and guide you. My fellow animal spirits are with your friends for the same reason, the Falcon and the Crane the only two exceptions. Those two are always with the Dragon and the Phoenix.”

Jack seemed to grasp Ape’s words a lot easier than the animal spirit thought he would. “You mean, if they hadn’t asked you, you wouldn’t be with us?” Jack asked.

“Not in the capacity that we are now,” Ape told him. “We’d have hidden in the shadows, only coming to you if you needed us; we certainly wouldn’t have led you to those who can help you find the power, you’d have had to do that on your own.”

“I see,” Jack murmured, and then smiled. “You were pretty courageous out there, fighting those Shadow Warriors. Especially since you could have been killed because you’re here.”

Ape let out a series of chirps and grunts that made him sound like he was laughing. “In my limited experience, Jack, failure and courage go hand in hand.”

Jack was about to respond when a loud whining sound could be heard not far from where they were sitting. Ape seemed to shrug his shoulders when Jack gave him a questioning look, and then the former Ranger stood up and moved cautiously back into the trees off the path.

What he found gave him a shock. Tangled there in the dense foliage of the jungle was a pure white horse, with what looked like large, feathered wings on its back. “Easy boy,” Jack murmured, inching closer to the struggling horse. Jack stared into the horse’s frightened eyes and smiled reassuringly. “Give me a minute, and I’ll get you free.”

Jack was amazed at how calm the horse seemed once he’d stated his intentions. After about five minutes, he had the horse free and was carefully taking a few steps back, just in case the horse bolted.

“Long time no see, old friend,” the horse finally spoke.

Jack was in shock, thinking the horse was talking to him, until he heard another voice reply, “Too long. I see you’ve met Jack.” Turning, Jack saw Ape hobbling over, and rushed to help him. “That was courageous of you, Jack Landors, to rescue that old stick in the mud from those vines. Normally, he’d sooner eat his foreleg off then let someone help him.”

The horse seemed to glare at Ape before looking to Jack. “He’s right, you showed great courage. Thank you, Jack Landors.”

“Who are you?” Jack blurted out, not stopping to acknowledge that thanks.

“I am Pegasus.”

“Ok. How the heck did you get stuck in the vines?”

“I was trying to escape Vampra’s Shadow Warriors, and I got stuck,” Pegasus said, somewhat embarrassed. “Plus, I was coming to see if you two were ok. You hadn’t made it to the designated point at the time we set.”

Jack started to look like he was piecing the puzzle together. “You’re the friend Ape said we’re going to meet.”

“Yes. Unfortunately, we’re running out of time. Bear has already left this plane,” Pegasus told Ape, who nodded.

“Wasn’t the bear Z’s guide?” Jack asked Ape, who, again, nodded.

“Yes, and if she’s left this plane, it means Elizabeth has found her second guide and is awaiting your arrival. Jack, I know you’re confused, but the rest of the journey, you must do with Pegasus.”

For a moment, Jack looked stricken with the thought of leaving Ape. “But...”

“You’ll be fine, Jack. As much as Pegasus and I butt heads, I’d trust him with my bearer any day. Now, you must go, and fast. You’re friends are going to need you.”

Jack took a deep breath, leaned down and hugged Ape. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Remember, your dreams will come true, in time, even if they do change on you. Learn to let the others be responsible for their own actions, the world does not rest on your shoulders, and lastly, remember courage, failure, and faith go hand in hand, and it’s ok to not always be courageous, failure is merely a lesson learned, and you must always keep faith.”

Jack grinned and nodded before moving to Pegasus.

“I’m ready when you are.”

“Then hop on,” Pegasus seemed to grin. Once Jack was seated on the great winged horse’s back, Pegasus gave a head bow to Ape, who was slowly disappearing, and took to the skies.

- -

“Amazing!” Jack laughed as Pegasus soared over the dense jungle they’d just been standing in. In the distance, Jack could make out what looked like a building, and noticed they were heading for it.

When Pegasus dropped down, Jack looked around in awe, before spotting the three figures around the fire. “Z!”

“JACK!” Z scrambled up from her spot leaning on Tiger to throw her arms around her big brother. “You made it!”

“Was there any doubt?” Jack teased, hugging her tightly. “The others?”

“Still out there,” Z told him, pulling back to look up into his eyes.

“Welcome, Jack Landors,” the blonde woman called out.

Jack was surprised to see her. “Who are you? And where the heck are we? I know this jungle couldn’t fit inside that tiny little cave.”

“I am Dulcea, Master Warrior of the planet Phadoes, which is where you’re at. These ruins, the sacred temple of the Ninjetti,” Dulcea responded, smiling. “Come, sit, eat, we still have to wait on the rest of your friends.”

Jack wrapped his arm around Z’s shoulders and let her lead him back to the fire, where Pegasus was now resting next to what looked like a Tiger. “A friend of yours?”

“Yes.” Leaning close, Jack pecked a kiss to Z’s temple. He could feel his little sister’s fear, and it matched his own in intensity and scope. “They’ll be ok, won’t they Jack?”

Smiling, Jack nodded. “I have no doubt. If we made it, they will too. I trust the animal guides too much to believe they won’t help the others get to us.”

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