Fractured Fates, by TsukinoAkume (Zhane/Sky Tate)
Title: Fractured Fates
Author: Tsukino Akume
Relationship: Zhane/Sky Tate, Jack Landors/Syd Drew, Bridge/Ran, Charlie/Z
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Character with depression/health issues
Summary: When Andros put Zhane into cryogenic stasis, he didn't wake up until he was completely healed - twenty-four years later. Zhane finds a new team, and S.P.D. tries to deal with the aftermath.
List of 22: 20 ~ thrill
Author's Notes: Trying to write Zhane/Sky conflict was somehow harder than I thought it'd be. Love to BlackCrimsonLight for beta.
As far as I know, there isn't another S.P.D. base in Tokyo. That's actually a reference to Bright Skies, where S.P.D. Earth has a base in Newtech City, U.S.A., and Tokyo, Japan. I couldn't help myself. ^.^;;
"In an effort to help Zhane adjust to life at S.P.D., I've decided to assign each of you a subject to tutor him in. It is my hope that this exercise will also help you to bond as a team," Cuger informed the assembled line. "Cadet Tate, you will be testing Zhane's physical and fighting abilities. Cadets Carson and Drew, your job will be to assist him with understanding our technology and surveylance equipment. Cadet Delgado, I want you to go over pop culture. Cadet Landors, you will be in charge of teaching Zhane about S.P.D. policy and updating him on our fight with Grumm." He paused. "Any questions?"
Zhane raised a hand. "Is this really necessary?" he asked, annoyed. "I slept for a few years. I'm not a first year academy student."
"S.P.D. is not the Eltarian Ranger Collegient," Cruger returned, and it was hard not to glare at the somewhat condescending tone he used. "And this exercise is not optional. Dismissed."
"Of course it isn't," he muttered under his breath as he fumbled through the salute.
He followed the others out of the Command Center, turning to give Jack a long-suffering look. "Look, I know you're supposed to be keeping an eye on me and all, but why don't we ignore him and pretend we actually followed orders?" he suggested hopefully.
Jack grinned. "Sorry, buddy. But what the big dog says, goes."
"Since when are you so obedient?" he grumbled irritably, glaring at him. "I just lost so much respect for you."
"This isn't something to joke about," Sky snapped at him. "Don't you take *anything* seriously?"
He raised his eyebrows at him. "I take everything seriously. Do you ever lighten up?" he retorted.
Sky glared, Zhane stared back, and Jack stepped between them, clearing his throat loudly. "Hey, settle down guys. We're supposed to be bonding, remember?" He glanced at Zhane. "So what do you want to cover first?"
Zhane smiled, folding his arms as his eyes remained on Sky. "Physical and fighting tests sounds good to me. What do you think, Sky?"
Sky glowered, but raised his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Fine by me."
He gestured grandly down the hall. "Lead on."
As he followed Sky and grinned at how stiff and tense his shoulders were, he could hear Syd behind them asking "Are we sure they won't kill each other?"
"Don't worry. I promise to return him in large pieces!" he called back, smirking as Sky stopped for a brief moment, let out a barely audible growl, and kept going.
****
"This, is a standard S.P.D.-issue blaster," Sky lectured, demonstrating how to hold it. "Use your left hand to brace for accuracy, squeeze the trigger to fire. Got it?"
Zhane raised an eyebrow at the blaster he'd been handed. What a weird way to hold a weapon. "Yeah, I think so," he said casually. He hefted it in his hand for a moment, judging the weight. "So when do I get to shoot at something?"
Sky scowled at him. "Bringing training course online," he returned shortly.
He watched the three hovering balls of light as they appeared with a flash and swirled around the room. He raised his right hand, leaving his left at his side, squinted, and fired rapidly.
Perfect Score! New Record!
Zhane laughed openly at the expression on Sky's face. "That was fun," he said innocently. "Sort of like using the blaster mode on my Silverizer," he added, smirking as Sky's stunned expression faded to another dark glare. "I'm a little rusty, though - usually I'm faster than that. Must be the new weapon. What's next?" he asked innocently.
****
He emerged from the obstacle course covered in mud with leaves in his hair, whooping and throwing his hands up in triumph. "That was fun! Can I go again?" he asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Sky was too busy gaping at his stopwatch to answer.
****
He glanced around at the pile of sparking Krybots around him as the simulation ended, then flashed Sky a bright smile. "So. Should I try morphing now?"
Sky scowled.
****
"So how am I supposed to be getting around this place, anyway?" Zhane asked, glancing at Kat as Sky trailed after them, still sulking. "I haven't seen your teleport platforms anywhere. Do you have them in a more secure location?"
"We only use teleportation in extreme emergencies," Kat told him. "Instead, B Squad has been given the Delta Cruiser, and the boys use their Patrol Cycles to get around."
"No cycles for the girls?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "That doesn't seem to be your style, Dr. Manx."
He could see the fangs in her smile, but her eyes were amused. "Cadet Drew doesn't have a driver's license, and I wouldn't exactly trust Z with one."
He laughed. "So do I hitch a ride in the jeep, or do you have something else for me?"
Her smile faded a little, softening. "I've got something special in mind for you," she promised.
He was about to make another joke when the doors to the hanger slid open. He froze, eyes widening.
"Andros insisted that it be kept ready for you," Kat explained softly. "He wanted to make sure you would have everything you'd need."
He could feel Sky's puzzled stare at his back, but he ignored him, walking towards his Silver Cycle with a feeling of nostalgia. His hands ran along the front end tenderly, and he swallowed hard. Taking a step back, he reached for his morpher. "Let's Rocket!"
When the silver light faded from his vision, he raised a hand. "Galaxy Glider, Hang Ten!"
The transformation from Cycle to Glider was slower than it should have been - he'd have to do some maintenance - but it still worked. He jumped on, executing an easy flip in the process. He only went for a short trip around the hanger, testing its reflexes to check for damage. He couldn't be sure how often it had been checked while he was ... out, or how competent the people doing it were. It was serviceable for now, but he'd have work to do when he had the chance.
He slid to a halt, leaning back on the tail and raising the nose to brake. He dismounted and powered down in the same easy motion, reaching out to pat the Glider fondly. "We'll get you back in shape old girl, don't worry," he murmured, blinking back the sudden wetness to his eyes.
"His bike turns into a surfboard?" he heard Sky demand.
He grinned faintly before turning to offer Kat a sincere smile. "Thanks for taking care of her."
Kat just nodded. "There's more, Zhane."
"More?" he echoed, surprised. All he'd ever needed was his morpher, Glider, and -
He swallowed. No. D.E.C.A. wouldn't be here. Andros wouldn't just leave her sitting around like that. She deserved better, and they both knew it.
"Andros had it prepared for you - he said he thought you'd need it."
He blinked. What was ... ? Oh. Right. Kat.
"He said it's called the MegaWinger," she went on.
He turned to where she was pointing and stared.
She actually looked a bit like the Astro Megaship, only more streamlined. Done in his colors, silver, gold, and black, with -
He swallowed hard. KO-35's symbol had been painted on each of the wings. She was a Kerovian jet.
She was from home.
"She's beautiful," he said softly, his eyes never leaving the Zord. "Mind if I take her out for a spin?"
"I'll go with you."
He glanced back at Sky and saw that for once, he couldn't read the other teen's expression. Then Sky's eyes narrowed again. "Just to see that you don't cause trouble."
"You can fly?"
Sky raised an eyebrow, nodding to the blue Zord perched above the others before leveling him with another stare. "Can you?"
He smiled a little. "See if you can keep up," he returned cockily.
****
Nothing could ever compare to the feeling of being in the air. There was just something ... open and free about it. The only thing that could ever beat the feeling of flying a ship was his Galaxy Glider - and even that wasn't quite the same thing.
He executed a lazy loop just for the feel of it, and laughed delightedly at how easily the MegaWinger responded. She was a dream, all right. Whoever had built her had known exactly what they were doing.
He spared a moment to wonder if she'd been commissioned, or if Andros had just picked her up somewhere.
He glanced down as his communications console beeped. "This is Silver!" he answered brightly.
"Are we racing or what?" came Sky's voice. "Or are you just gonna fly around doing manuvers all day?"
He grinned. "I'll show you manuvers!" he retorted. "First one to Tokyo and back. There's another S.P.D. base there, right?"
"Wait, what? We can't leave Newtech City for that long - "
"Ready-Set-Go!"
"Wait - what - *Zhane*!"
He snickered as he shot up into the atmosphere, leaving Delta Runner 2 behind him. Finally getting Sky to call him by name: point to him. The fact that Sky was actually chasing him, point two. Maybe getting him to lighten up wouldn't be so hard after all.
Pinning a jet against a helicoptor wasn't much of a race, but he had to admit Sky made it more of one than anyone else would have. He had the speed, but Sky had better knowledge of the terrain and better handling capability. And it seemed, Zhane mused, Sky wasn't afraid to cheat - he made a point to cut off the MegaWinger as the two Zords looped back around toward Newtech City.
He retaliated by flying in loops around Delta Runner 2 as soon as he recovered.
He was laughing by the time they finally landed, launching himself over the side of the MegaWinger with one hand and powering down when he landed. He jogged over to meet Sky as the other left his own Zord. "Great race!" he told him cheerfully, offering a hand.
Sky looked at him for a moment. Finally a small, reluctant smile slipped across his face as he accepted the handshake. "You, too."
Author: Tsukino Akume
Relationship: Zhane/Sky Tate, Jack Landors/Syd Drew, Bridge/Ran, Charlie/Z
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Character with depression/health issues
Summary: When Andros put Zhane into cryogenic stasis, he didn't wake up until he was completely healed - twenty-four years later. Zhane finds a new team, and S.P.D. tries to deal with the aftermath.
List of 22: 20 ~ thrill
Author's Notes: Trying to write Zhane/Sky conflict was somehow harder than I thought it'd be. Love to BlackCrimsonLight for beta.
As far as I know, there isn't another S.P.D. base in Tokyo. That's actually a reference to Bright Skies, where S.P.D. Earth has a base in Newtech City, U.S.A., and Tokyo, Japan. I couldn't help myself. ^.^;;
"In an effort to help Zhane adjust to life at S.P.D., I've decided to assign each of you a subject to tutor him in. It is my hope that this exercise will also help you to bond as a team," Cuger informed the assembled line. "Cadet Tate, you will be testing Zhane's physical and fighting abilities. Cadets Carson and Drew, your job will be to assist him with understanding our technology and surveylance equipment. Cadet Delgado, I want you to go over pop culture. Cadet Landors, you will be in charge of teaching Zhane about S.P.D. policy and updating him on our fight with Grumm." He paused. "Any questions?"
Zhane raised a hand. "Is this really necessary?" he asked, annoyed. "I slept for a few years. I'm not a first year academy student."
"S.P.D. is not the Eltarian Ranger Collegient," Cruger returned, and it was hard not to glare at the somewhat condescending tone he used. "And this exercise is not optional. Dismissed."
"Of course it isn't," he muttered under his breath as he fumbled through the salute.
He followed the others out of the Command Center, turning to give Jack a long-suffering look. "Look, I know you're supposed to be keeping an eye on me and all, but why don't we ignore him and pretend we actually followed orders?" he suggested hopefully.
Jack grinned. "Sorry, buddy. But what the big dog says, goes."
"Since when are you so obedient?" he grumbled irritably, glaring at him. "I just lost so much respect for you."
"This isn't something to joke about," Sky snapped at him. "Don't you take *anything* seriously?"
He raised his eyebrows at him. "I take everything seriously. Do you ever lighten up?" he retorted.
Sky glared, Zhane stared back, and Jack stepped between them, clearing his throat loudly. "Hey, settle down guys. We're supposed to be bonding, remember?" He glanced at Zhane. "So what do you want to cover first?"
Zhane smiled, folding his arms as his eyes remained on Sky. "Physical and fighting tests sounds good to me. What do you think, Sky?"
Sky glowered, but raised his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Fine by me."
He gestured grandly down the hall. "Lead on."
As he followed Sky and grinned at how stiff and tense his shoulders were, he could hear Syd behind them asking "Are we sure they won't kill each other?"
"Don't worry. I promise to return him in large pieces!" he called back, smirking as Sky stopped for a brief moment, let out a barely audible growl, and kept going.
****
"This, is a standard S.P.D.-issue blaster," Sky lectured, demonstrating how to hold it. "Use your left hand to brace for accuracy, squeeze the trigger to fire. Got it?"
Zhane raised an eyebrow at the blaster he'd been handed. What a weird way to hold a weapon. "Yeah, I think so," he said casually. He hefted it in his hand for a moment, judging the weight. "So when do I get to shoot at something?"
Sky scowled at him. "Bringing training course online," he returned shortly.
He watched the three hovering balls of light as they appeared with a flash and swirled around the room. He raised his right hand, leaving his left at his side, squinted, and fired rapidly.
Perfect Score! New Record!
Zhane laughed openly at the expression on Sky's face. "That was fun," he said innocently. "Sort of like using the blaster mode on my Silverizer," he added, smirking as Sky's stunned expression faded to another dark glare. "I'm a little rusty, though - usually I'm faster than that. Must be the new weapon. What's next?" he asked innocently.
****
He emerged from the obstacle course covered in mud with leaves in his hair, whooping and throwing his hands up in triumph. "That was fun! Can I go again?" he asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Sky was too busy gaping at his stopwatch to answer.
****
He glanced around at the pile of sparking Krybots around him as the simulation ended, then flashed Sky a bright smile. "So. Should I try morphing now?"
Sky scowled.
****
"So how am I supposed to be getting around this place, anyway?" Zhane asked, glancing at Kat as Sky trailed after them, still sulking. "I haven't seen your teleport platforms anywhere. Do you have them in a more secure location?"
"We only use teleportation in extreme emergencies," Kat told him. "Instead, B Squad has been given the Delta Cruiser, and the boys use their Patrol Cycles to get around."
"No cycles for the girls?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "That doesn't seem to be your style, Dr. Manx."
He could see the fangs in her smile, but her eyes were amused. "Cadet Drew doesn't have a driver's license, and I wouldn't exactly trust Z with one."
He laughed. "So do I hitch a ride in the jeep, or do you have something else for me?"
Her smile faded a little, softening. "I've got something special in mind for you," she promised.
He was about to make another joke when the doors to the hanger slid open. He froze, eyes widening.
"Andros insisted that it be kept ready for you," Kat explained softly. "He wanted to make sure you would have everything you'd need."
He could feel Sky's puzzled stare at his back, but he ignored him, walking towards his Silver Cycle with a feeling of nostalgia. His hands ran along the front end tenderly, and he swallowed hard. Taking a step back, he reached for his morpher. "Let's Rocket!"
When the silver light faded from his vision, he raised a hand. "Galaxy Glider, Hang Ten!"
The transformation from Cycle to Glider was slower than it should have been - he'd have to do some maintenance - but it still worked. He jumped on, executing an easy flip in the process. He only went for a short trip around the hanger, testing its reflexes to check for damage. He couldn't be sure how often it had been checked while he was ... out, or how competent the people doing it were. It was serviceable for now, but he'd have work to do when he had the chance.
He slid to a halt, leaning back on the tail and raising the nose to brake. He dismounted and powered down in the same easy motion, reaching out to pat the Glider fondly. "We'll get you back in shape old girl, don't worry," he murmured, blinking back the sudden wetness to his eyes.
"His bike turns into a surfboard?" he heard Sky demand.
He grinned faintly before turning to offer Kat a sincere smile. "Thanks for taking care of her."
Kat just nodded. "There's more, Zhane."
"More?" he echoed, surprised. All he'd ever needed was his morpher, Glider, and -
He swallowed. No. D.E.C.A. wouldn't be here. Andros wouldn't just leave her sitting around like that. She deserved better, and they both knew it.
"Andros had it prepared for you - he said he thought you'd need it."
He blinked. What was ... ? Oh. Right. Kat.
"He said it's called the MegaWinger," she went on.
He turned to where she was pointing and stared.
She actually looked a bit like the Astro Megaship, only more streamlined. Done in his colors, silver, gold, and black, with -
He swallowed hard. KO-35's symbol had been painted on each of the wings. She was a Kerovian jet.
She was from home.
"She's beautiful," he said softly, his eyes never leaving the Zord. "Mind if I take her out for a spin?"
"I'll go with you."
He glanced back at Sky and saw that for once, he couldn't read the other teen's expression. Then Sky's eyes narrowed again. "Just to see that you don't cause trouble."
"You can fly?"
Sky raised an eyebrow, nodding to the blue Zord perched above the others before leveling him with another stare. "Can you?"
He smiled a little. "See if you can keep up," he returned cockily.
****
Nothing could ever compare to the feeling of being in the air. There was just something ... open and free about it. The only thing that could ever beat the feeling of flying a ship was his Galaxy Glider - and even that wasn't quite the same thing.
He executed a lazy loop just for the feel of it, and laughed delightedly at how easily the MegaWinger responded. She was a dream, all right. Whoever had built her had known exactly what they were doing.
He spared a moment to wonder if she'd been commissioned, or if Andros had just picked her up somewhere.
He glanced down as his communications console beeped. "This is Silver!" he answered brightly.
"Are we racing or what?" came Sky's voice. "Or are you just gonna fly around doing manuvers all day?"
He grinned. "I'll show you manuvers!" he retorted. "First one to Tokyo and back. There's another S.P.D. base there, right?"
"Wait, what? We can't leave Newtech City for that long - "
"Ready-Set-Go!"
"Wait - what - *Zhane*!"
He snickered as he shot up into the atmosphere, leaving Delta Runner 2 behind him. Finally getting Sky to call him by name: point to him. The fact that Sky was actually chasing him, point two. Maybe getting him to lighten up wouldn't be so hard after all.
Pinning a jet against a helicoptor wasn't much of a race, but he had to admit Sky made it more of one than anyone else would have. He had the speed, but Sky had better knowledge of the terrain and better handling capability. And it seemed, Zhane mused, Sky wasn't afraid to cheat - he made a point to cut off the MegaWinger as the two Zords looped back around toward Newtech City.
He retaliated by flying in loops around Delta Runner 2 as soon as he recovered.
He was laughing by the time they finally landed, launching himself over the side of the MegaWinger with one hand and powering down when he landed. He jogged over to meet Sky as the other left his own Zord. "Great race!" he told him cheerfully, offering a hand.
Sky looked at him for a moment. Finally a small, reluctant smile slipped across his face as he accepted the handshake. "You, too."