Bright Skies (Multi - Season Crossover/Power Rangers, prompt #69: Family, T)
Apparently feeling miserable leads to more writing. I's on a roll. ^_^V
Author/: Tsukino Akume
Fandom/: Power Rangers Time Force moving into S.P.D., multiple Rangers from each season
Characters/: Wes (Time Force), multiple Rangers from other teams (Literally too many to list)
Pairings/: Post - Wes/Eric, Rocky/Adam, Shane/Dustin, Hunter/Cam, Carter/Dana, Andros/Ashley, Zhane/Karone, Carlos/Ronny, Jason/Taylor, Conner/Ethan, Justin/Rose, Tommy/Kimberly, Tyzonn/Mack, Cassie/OC, Nick/Maddison, Zack/Aisha, Trent/Kira, Post - Billy/Cestria. Future Ryan/Carter and Billy/Hayley. More couples will most likely be mentioned, but not shown.
prompt/: #69: Family
Rating/: T (For non - graphic mentions of people having babies and being violent with one another)
Disclaimer/: I don't own the Power Rangers, but if Disney's hiring any new writers I volunteer.
Summary/: When Wes' life starts to fall apart, an accident gives him a chance at a fresh start in New Tech City, with Space Patrol Delta. But even a new life has its ups and downs - and weird friends. Meanwhile, Eric tries to move on.
Warnings/: A mentally handicapped person living in a medical facility, angst, male and female slash, non-cemented couples (In otherwords, pairings that will be separated), children created by scientific means, character death
Author's Notes/: I've been looking forward to writing this chapter for awhile now. Partly because it gets everything out in the open, but mostly because I love writing Keri. She's such a blast. ^_^
He tried not to seem like he was eavesdropping, but it was kind of hard with overdeveloped hearing. So he pretended he was busy going over his datapad, and completely ignoring the conversation going on in the corner of the officer's common room. The conversation he *really* didn't want to interrupt.
"So you two are getting along all right?"
"We get along great," Z sounded almost cheerful. "We've spent a lot of time working on Storm Blaster together." She hesitated. "He talks about you a lot."
"Well, that's a first," Rose returned wryly. "If we're not fighting and he's got something technological to work on, he barely remembers I'm alive."
Wes fought the urge to protest on Justin's behalf.
"That's so not true!" Z argued. "It's obvious Dad adores you!"
There was a soft beeping sound, and Wes winced while Z glanced at her wrist and sighed. "I gotta go. We're getting ready for Syd's surprise party. She's had a rough day, so we thought we'd cheer her up."
"Justin remembered to get her something from the both of us, right? And it's not tools?"
Z laughed. "He's not that bad!"
"You haven't known him as long as I have."
There was another soft chuckle, and Z hesitated. "I ... I miss you, Mom," she said awkwardly. "I can't wait to meet you in person."
"Me too, Z," Rose said softly. "I miss you. Stay safe, keep your father out of trouble, and tell Syd happy birthday for me, okay? I love you."
"I - " Z swallowed. "Me, too. Later."
"Talk to you later."
The comm went silent, leaving Z standing there staring at where her mother's face had been. After a moment she reached out to touch the screen. "I love you," she whispered.
Wes knocked over a clipboard, pretending to scrounge around for it for a moment. "Oh, hey. Isn't it time for us to get going soon?" he called loudly.
Z jumped slightly. "Yeah, you're right."
He stood, offering her an elbow as he joined her. "Since this isn't an S.P.D. party, can I escort you?"
She laughed. "Sure. Until Lieutenant Myers sees us, anyway. Then I had nothing to do with you."
He grinned. "Fair enough."
She was silent for a moment as they headed for the door. "Hey, Wes?"
"Yeah?"
"You're *really* bad at being subtle."
"Yeah, I know. But you've gotta give me credit for trying, right?"
He could sense her smile as she leaned against his shoulder slightly. "Maybe just this once."
****
"Surprise!"
Wes smiled as everyone ran to greet Syd, listening as Z teased Sky for needing to relax. He hung back as everyone else gave their hugs and well-wishes, leaning on the railing of the gazebo with a soft smile. Birthdays tended to make him a little melancholy these days, and unfortunately, today was no exception. Happy as he was for Syd, he couldn't help but remember the birthdays that he'd missed, for all of the Ranger Kids.
Syd's surprise party was far from last minute; they'd managed to get the rest of B Squad in on hiding it from her. While they all knew that she loved her fancy parties Ryan and Nicole liked to throw, as it was one of the few times of the year when she could see both of her parents at once, it wasn't practical for a Ranger. So instead, they'd gathered her friends from S.P.D., from fellow Ranger Kids to other cadets to officers. All of C Squad had shown up, as well as Hawking Oliver, Heart Carson, and the Russell twins visiting all the way from Japan with gifts from Garrett Hillard and most of the S.P.D. Japan staff. The Mirinoi Rangers hadn't been able to attend, but there were gifts and well-wishes sent on their behalf. Chip had even brought Clare and Sam to Newtech for the day.
And Syd was loving every minute of the attention.
"Uncle Wes?"
He blinked, turning to smile at the birthday girl. "Happy birthday, Syd," he greeted warmly, giving her a hug of his own. "Seventeen already. Hard to believe," he teased.
"I'm catching up!" she returned cheerfully. She hesitated for a second. "Hey, Uncle Wes? If ... if I do something I'm not supposed to, would you get mad at me if it's really for the best?"
"Syd?" he asked warily.
She shook her head abruptly. "Nothing. Now come on, stop brooding. It's my birthday!"
He laughed as she tugged him down the stairs to join the rest of the group. "All right, all right." He paused, titling his head to listen. Then he grinned as he recognized the person sneaking up behind them.
"Uncle Wes? What is it?" Syd asked in concern.
"Gotcha!"
Wes flinched at the ear-piercing shriek, watching with an amused smile as Syd whirled to greet the younger girl who'd attacked her from behind. "Keri!" she squealed in delight. "What are you doing here? Oh, it's so good to see you!"
"Are you kidding me?" Keri demanded. "Miss my best friend's birthday? Not in *this* light-year."
Syd giggled, and they hugged again. "Look at you!" Syd gushed happily. "Red? Are you primary or secondary?"
"Secondary." The pride in Keri's voice was unmistakable. "Mama's already appointed me her heir. And what about you? Pink at last?"
"Like I'd take any other color!" Syd laughed. "Ooh! You have to come meet everyone!"
Wes froze in horror, but Syd was already dragging Keri away.
A hand rested on his arm. "We're going to have to tell him someday," Vanessa reminded him quietly.
"But ... what about Keri?" he asked worriedly. "She's not exactly ... subtle."
"That's the understatement of the year," she retorted with a snort. "Come on, Wes. It's not your job to protect them from the world. Just enjoy the party."
He let her pull him along, swallowing back the urge to reply. Because it was; they *were* Ranger Kids, after all. And he'd already failed Jack and Z once.
****
The food was halfway gone, and the cake well devoured. Wes sat back in a chair with a contented sigh, listening to everyone talking around him. Something about Syd seemed to inspire people to relax; even Cruger was talking with Kat - and for once, it had nothing to do with S.P.D.
"Happy birthday, Syd. Sorry; being a Ranger doesn't pay that much."
"Tell me about it," Syd laughed conspiratorially with Jack, and Wes smiled faintly at the sound. "It's perfect. Now I'd like to give you a gift."
He froze, watching as she leaned in to whisper into the other teen's ear. "Your birthday is February twenty-second, and you're seventeen years old, just like me."
Jack went still, staring at Syd as she pulled back to look at him solemnly. "S-Syd?" he stammered. "What - I don't understand. How do you ... ?"
She touched his hand gently. She said nothing; just watched him as he struggled to understand what she was telling him and why.
"Syd? What are you doing over here, girl? Aren't there still presents to open?"
Wes stiffened, even as Syd turned to look at Keri. "Keri! I - "
Keri paused, tilting her head as she studied Jack. "You look familiar, but I don't think we met yet." She offered a hand. "Karone Andros Johnson - call me Keri."
Jack seemed to shake himself, quickly accepting the handshake. "Jack Landors. Nice to meet you."
"Jack?" Keri's tone seemed off for a moment. "Huh. Weird."
"What? Something wrong with my name?" Jack demanded suspiciously.
"Of course not," Keri sniffed, waving a hand dismissively. "It's just ... I used to know someone named Jackson." She shook herself, much the same way as Jack had, and Wes could see Syd looking between them both warily. "Anyway, did you get a slice of cake, yet?" she asked. "It's almost gone."
Syd sighed. "Keri, are you playing cake cutter again?"
"Hey, it's not my fault your mom forgot to bring the knife - again," Keri protested. "And it's not like I mind. Besides, my hands are clean." She reached out towards the birthday cake, flattening her hand out. It shimmered for a moment, then reformed, more solid than ever.
She sliced through the cake like it wasn't there, carefully lifting a slice onto a plate and offering it to Jack. "The sides look a little funny, but it tastes the same," she said cheerfully.
Jack stared at her as he accepted the plate numbly. "You - you have powers, too?"
"Powers? Oh! You mean this." Keri focused on her hand, softening it again. "Well, technically it's called remolecularizing. I can make my body more solid. I know, it's weird, but it has it's uses."
Wes moved to stand as Jack looked at her like she'd grown a second head. There was no way this could end well.
"But ... I do that," Jack said, sounding stunned. "Well, sort of." He moved, dropping his hand through the table as it shimmered in the same way Keri's had. "I go through things."
Keri went very still, and behind her, Syd had gone pale.
"You remolecularize, too?" Keri asked, her voice deliberately soft.
"Yeah." Jack forced his tone to sound lighter. "I've never met anyone else who could do that before."
Keri ignored him, turning to stare at Syd. "You knew," she accused.
Syd flinched. "Keri, I - "
"You knew!" Keri shouted. She whirled, turning to look around the assembled group. "You all knew, didn't you? You knew all along! And what, you just decided not to tell me? It didn't matter that I'm *still looking*, and he's been here the whole time?!"
Karone came forward, reaching out to put a hand on her shoulder. "Keri - "
"Don't touch me!" she snapped, jerking her arm away. There were tears in her voice. "How could you? How could *all* you?!"
"Keri!" Syd cried as the younger girl bolted. "Keri, wait!"
Marinda Hammond caught her arm, shaking her head gently. "We'll talk to her," she said quietly, tilting her head towards her cousin. Behind her, Ecliptor nodded.
"What's going on ... ?" Jack asked cautiously as Ryan and Nicole moved to their daughter.
Syd looked up at him. "Jack ... " she whispered, sounding tortured. "Keri is your sister."
She turned to bury her face against her father's chest, and Jack froze as everything he'd thought he'd known crumbled to pieces around him.
Author/: Tsukino Akume
Fandom/: Power Rangers Time Force moving into S.P.D., multiple Rangers from each season
Characters/: Wes (Time Force), multiple Rangers from other teams (Literally too many to list)
Pairings/: Post - Wes/Eric, Rocky/Adam, Shane/Dustin, Hunter/Cam, Carter/Dana, Andros/Ashley, Zhane/Karone, Carlos/Ronny, Jason/Taylor, Conner/Ethan, Justin/Rose, Tommy/Kimberly, Tyzonn/Mack, Cassie/OC, Nick/Maddison, Zack/Aisha, Trent/Kira, Post - Billy/Cestria. Future Ryan/Carter and Billy/Hayley. More couples will most likely be mentioned, but not shown.
prompt/: #69: Family
Rating/: T (For non - graphic mentions of people having babies and being violent with one another)
Disclaimer/: I don't own the Power Rangers, but if Disney's hiring any new writers I volunteer.
Summary/: When Wes' life starts to fall apart, an accident gives him a chance at a fresh start in New Tech City, with Space Patrol Delta. But even a new life has its ups and downs - and weird friends. Meanwhile, Eric tries to move on.
Warnings/: A mentally handicapped person living in a medical facility, angst, male and female slash, non-cemented couples (In otherwords, pairings that will be separated), children created by scientific means, character death
Author's Notes/: I've been looking forward to writing this chapter for awhile now. Partly because it gets everything out in the open, but mostly because I love writing Keri. She's such a blast. ^_^
He tried not to seem like he was eavesdropping, but it was kind of hard with overdeveloped hearing. So he pretended he was busy going over his datapad, and completely ignoring the conversation going on in the corner of the officer's common room. The conversation he *really* didn't want to interrupt.
"So you two are getting along all right?"
"We get along great," Z sounded almost cheerful. "We've spent a lot of time working on Storm Blaster together." She hesitated. "He talks about you a lot."
"Well, that's a first," Rose returned wryly. "If we're not fighting and he's got something technological to work on, he barely remembers I'm alive."
Wes fought the urge to protest on Justin's behalf.
"That's so not true!" Z argued. "It's obvious Dad adores you!"
There was a soft beeping sound, and Wes winced while Z glanced at her wrist and sighed. "I gotta go. We're getting ready for Syd's surprise party. She's had a rough day, so we thought we'd cheer her up."
"Justin remembered to get her something from the both of us, right? And it's not tools?"
Z laughed. "He's not that bad!"
"You haven't known him as long as I have."
There was another soft chuckle, and Z hesitated. "I ... I miss you, Mom," she said awkwardly. "I can't wait to meet you in person."
"Me too, Z," Rose said softly. "I miss you. Stay safe, keep your father out of trouble, and tell Syd happy birthday for me, okay? I love you."
"I - " Z swallowed. "Me, too. Later."
"Talk to you later."
The comm went silent, leaving Z standing there staring at where her mother's face had been. After a moment she reached out to touch the screen. "I love you," she whispered.
Wes knocked over a clipboard, pretending to scrounge around for it for a moment. "Oh, hey. Isn't it time for us to get going soon?" he called loudly.
Z jumped slightly. "Yeah, you're right."
He stood, offering her an elbow as he joined her. "Since this isn't an S.P.D. party, can I escort you?"
She laughed. "Sure. Until Lieutenant Myers sees us, anyway. Then I had nothing to do with you."
He grinned. "Fair enough."
She was silent for a moment as they headed for the door. "Hey, Wes?"
"Yeah?"
"You're *really* bad at being subtle."
"Yeah, I know. But you've gotta give me credit for trying, right?"
He could sense her smile as she leaned against his shoulder slightly. "Maybe just this once."
****
"Surprise!"
Wes smiled as everyone ran to greet Syd, listening as Z teased Sky for needing to relax. He hung back as everyone else gave their hugs and well-wishes, leaning on the railing of the gazebo with a soft smile. Birthdays tended to make him a little melancholy these days, and unfortunately, today was no exception. Happy as he was for Syd, he couldn't help but remember the birthdays that he'd missed, for all of the Ranger Kids.
Syd's surprise party was far from last minute; they'd managed to get the rest of B Squad in on hiding it from her. While they all knew that she loved her fancy parties Ryan and Nicole liked to throw, as it was one of the few times of the year when she could see both of her parents at once, it wasn't practical for a Ranger. So instead, they'd gathered her friends from S.P.D., from fellow Ranger Kids to other cadets to officers. All of C Squad had shown up, as well as Hawking Oliver, Heart Carson, and the Russell twins visiting all the way from Japan with gifts from Garrett Hillard and most of the S.P.D. Japan staff. The Mirinoi Rangers hadn't been able to attend, but there were gifts and well-wishes sent on their behalf. Chip had even brought Clare and Sam to Newtech for the day.
And Syd was loving every minute of the attention.
"Uncle Wes?"
He blinked, turning to smile at the birthday girl. "Happy birthday, Syd," he greeted warmly, giving her a hug of his own. "Seventeen already. Hard to believe," he teased.
"I'm catching up!" she returned cheerfully. She hesitated for a second. "Hey, Uncle Wes? If ... if I do something I'm not supposed to, would you get mad at me if it's really for the best?"
"Syd?" he asked warily.
She shook her head abruptly. "Nothing. Now come on, stop brooding. It's my birthday!"
He laughed as she tugged him down the stairs to join the rest of the group. "All right, all right." He paused, titling his head to listen. Then he grinned as he recognized the person sneaking up behind them.
"Uncle Wes? What is it?" Syd asked in concern.
"Gotcha!"
Wes flinched at the ear-piercing shriek, watching with an amused smile as Syd whirled to greet the younger girl who'd attacked her from behind. "Keri!" she squealed in delight. "What are you doing here? Oh, it's so good to see you!"
"Are you kidding me?" Keri demanded. "Miss my best friend's birthday? Not in *this* light-year."
Syd giggled, and they hugged again. "Look at you!" Syd gushed happily. "Red? Are you primary or secondary?"
"Secondary." The pride in Keri's voice was unmistakable. "Mama's already appointed me her heir. And what about you? Pink at last?"
"Like I'd take any other color!" Syd laughed. "Ooh! You have to come meet everyone!"
Wes froze in horror, but Syd was already dragging Keri away.
A hand rested on his arm. "We're going to have to tell him someday," Vanessa reminded him quietly.
"But ... what about Keri?" he asked worriedly. "She's not exactly ... subtle."
"That's the understatement of the year," she retorted with a snort. "Come on, Wes. It's not your job to protect them from the world. Just enjoy the party."
He let her pull him along, swallowing back the urge to reply. Because it was; they *were* Ranger Kids, after all. And he'd already failed Jack and Z once.
****
The food was halfway gone, and the cake well devoured. Wes sat back in a chair with a contented sigh, listening to everyone talking around him. Something about Syd seemed to inspire people to relax; even Cruger was talking with Kat - and for once, it had nothing to do with S.P.D.
"Happy birthday, Syd. Sorry; being a Ranger doesn't pay that much."
"Tell me about it," Syd laughed conspiratorially with Jack, and Wes smiled faintly at the sound. "It's perfect. Now I'd like to give you a gift."
He froze, watching as she leaned in to whisper into the other teen's ear. "Your birthday is February twenty-second, and you're seventeen years old, just like me."
Jack went still, staring at Syd as she pulled back to look at him solemnly. "S-Syd?" he stammered. "What - I don't understand. How do you ... ?"
She touched his hand gently. She said nothing; just watched him as he struggled to understand what she was telling him and why.
"Syd? What are you doing over here, girl? Aren't there still presents to open?"
Wes stiffened, even as Syd turned to look at Keri. "Keri! I - "
Keri paused, tilting her head as she studied Jack. "You look familiar, but I don't think we met yet." She offered a hand. "Karone Andros Johnson - call me Keri."
Jack seemed to shake himself, quickly accepting the handshake. "Jack Landors. Nice to meet you."
"Jack?" Keri's tone seemed off for a moment. "Huh. Weird."
"What? Something wrong with my name?" Jack demanded suspiciously.
"Of course not," Keri sniffed, waving a hand dismissively. "It's just ... I used to know someone named Jackson." She shook herself, much the same way as Jack had, and Wes could see Syd looking between them both warily. "Anyway, did you get a slice of cake, yet?" she asked. "It's almost gone."
Syd sighed. "Keri, are you playing cake cutter again?"
"Hey, it's not my fault your mom forgot to bring the knife - again," Keri protested. "And it's not like I mind. Besides, my hands are clean." She reached out towards the birthday cake, flattening her hand out. It shimmered for a moment, then reformed, more solid than ever.
She sliced through the cake like it wasn't there, carefully lifting a slice onto a plate and offering it to Jack. "The sides look a little funny, but it tastes the same," she said cheerfully.
Jack stared at her as he accepted the plate numbly. "You - you have powers, too?"
"Powers? Oh! You mean this." Keri focused on her hand, softening it again. "Well, technically it's called remolecularizing. I can make my body more solid. I know, it's weird, but it has it's uses."
Wes moved to stand as Jack looked at her like she'd grown a second head. There was no way this could end well.
"But ... I do that," Jack said, sounding stunned. "Well, sort of." He moved, dropping his hand through the table as it shimmered in the same way Keri's had. "I go through things."
Keri went very still, and behind her, Syd had gone pale.
"You remolecularize, too?" Keri asked, her voice deliberately soft.
"Yeah." Jack forced his tone to sound lighter. "I've never met anyone else who could do that before."
Keri ignored him, turning to stare at Syd. "You knew," she accused.
Syd flinched. "Keri, I - "
"You knew!" Keri shouted. She whirled, turning to look around the assembled group. "You all knew, didn't you? You knew all along! And what, you just decided not to tell me? It didn't matter that I'm *still looking*, and he's been here the whole time?!"
Karone came forward, reaching out to put a hand on her shoulder. "Keri - "
"Don't touch me!" she snapped, jerking her arm away. There were tears in her voice. "How could you? How could *all* you?!"
"Keri!" Syd cried as the younger girl bolted. "Keri, wait!"
Marinda Hammond caught her arm, shaking her head gently. "We'll talk to her," she said quietly, tilting her head towards her cousin. Behind her, Ecliptor nodded.
"What's going on ... ?" Jack asked cautiously as Ryan and Nicole moved to their daughter.
Syd looked up at him. "Jack ... " she whispered, sounding tortured. "Keri is your sister."
She turned to bury her face against her father's chest, and Jack froze as everything he'd thought he'd known crumbled to pieces around him.