Fractured Fates (S.P.D./inSpace Crossover/Power Rangers, prompt 3 ~ children
I hate having a conscience. >.<
I'm making all these plans to get a new computer before my beloved Hikari (my laptop) dies. And out of nowhere my brain kicks in to remind me of all the *other* things that money could go to instead. Things that, in the long run, are much more important than the really cool computer system that will keep me from killing rommates in the near future.
-Sighs- Stupid logic.
Title: Fractured Fates
Author: Tsukino Akume
Relationship: Zhane/Sky Tate, Jack Landors/Syd Drew
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers, because I probably wouldn't have done this to it even if I did. This is all purplestripe66's fault.
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: 3 ~ children
Author's Notes: Another chapter I'm not sure of, although I do like parts of it. Love to challon86 for encouragement and beta.
"When your monsters of the day are a cloud in a jar and an eyeball being eaten by a can opener, you know you need some vacation time," Zhane muttered, slouched against a wall as the other Rangers sprawled in various places around the room.
"Ahem," Cruger said loudly as he strode in, Kat just behind him.
Everyone scrambled to attention. Zhane winced as he noticed Bridge was still passed out against the console in front of him. The poor guy had looked increasingly more exhausted as the day wore on.
Cruger came to Bridge's side, leaning down next to his ear. "Cadet Carson ... " he crooned. "Bridge?"
"Five more minutes, Sky," Bridge sighed in his sleep, vaguely waving a hand.
Jack and Sky rolled their eyes at each other, while the girls exchanged glances. Kat seemed amused. Zhane held his breath and cringed in anticipation.
"All right," Cruger promised soothingly. "You just sleep as long as you want ... "
"Thanks," Bridge mumbled.
Zhane winced and stepped forward, raising a hand. "Uh, Sir? I can - "
But Cruger had already straightened up, staring down at Bridge. "Cadet Carson! On your feet! Now!" he bellowed.
Bridge yelped, fell to the floor, and scrambled back up to attention, yanking on his coat in the process.
"You think the Command Center is a place for you to take a nap?" Cruger demanded.
"No, Sir," Bridge said quickly.
"You think that fighting two robots is tiring?"
"No, Sir. But five is."
"And how is it that you fought five and everyone else here fought two?" Cruger snapped back.
Sky winced. "Don't answer Bridge," he murmured.
Zhane frowned at him. Why wouldn't Bridge answer?
"Dream fighting, Sir," Bridge finished.
"He answered," Syd and Z sighed in unison.
"There was a Cyclops robot, and one with a satellite on its head, and another with two horns," Bridge explained earnestly. "And they were beating us."
"I see," Cruger returned. "And - "
"Wait a minute, Sir," Kat interrupted, frowning. "I received a report from S.P.D. Command. Robots with that exact description just decimated Alpha 5. What if Bridge somehow picked up on their energy?"
"Interesting," Cruger murmured, turning away to pace as Bridge shrugged a little. "Cadets," he announced finally. "Grumm is undoubtedly staging an all-out assault. We must be prepared for anything. I suggest you get some rest while you can."
"Thanks," Bridge said gratefully as they began to file out.
The alarms sounded.
"None of that," Cruger snapped as Bridge and Zhane both audibly groaned. "You're Rangers."
"Ready?"
"Ready! S.P.D., Emergency!"
From the back of the group, Zhane stuck his tongue out at Cruger as he held up his Digimorpher. "Let's Rocket!"
****
"Sleep ... " Bridge mumbled as they wandered into the Rec Lounge.
Zhane already had a hand on his back, directing him down the hall toward his room. "Don't worry buddy, we'll wake you if we need you," he promised. "Just let us know if you have anymore premonitions, okay?"
Bridge offered him a sleepy smile over his shoulder. "Thanks, Zhane."
He patted his shoulder. "Anytime. Now get some rest, okay?"
"Mmm," Bridge agreed, plodding to his room with half-closed eyes.
Zhane waited until he was safely inside before turning back to the lounge with a sigh of relief.
"Why are you encouraging him?" Sky asked, frowning at him.
Zhane blinked. "Sorry?"
"The whole ... dream fighting thing," Sky waved a hand vaguely. "Why are you encouraging Bridge that it's more than just a dream?"
Something in his tone made Zhane pause, suddenly suspicious. "Why do you think it's *not*?" he asked warily.
"Are you kidding me?" Jack laughed, giving him an amused look. "Come on, Zhane! I mean, seriously. I could see it if Bridge is just tired because he's not getting enough sleep, but 'dream fighting'. Come on," he scoffed.
"Come on what?" Zhane returned quietly, watching them all now.
"It's just ... " Z looked at Syd for help.
"Silly," the other girl supplied finally, shrugging. "I mean, I know Bridge means well and all, and maybe Kat's right - maybe he is picking up on their energy in his sleep. But that wouldn't mean that he's actually fighting them while he's sleeping."
"How would you know?" he countered. "Since when are you an expert on foresight, Syd? When are *any* of you an expert?"
"Zhane - " Sky tried.
He shook his head. "I don't believe this. What happened to all that bonding you said you did on Zentor? Didn't that mean anything to you? Bridge does something you can't understand, so that automatically means he's blowing it out of proportion?"
"That's not what - " Jack began.
He held up a hand. "You know what? I don't want to know what you're thinking. I really don't. I thought you guys had finally grown up after Zentor, that you were finally starting to see the bigger picture. But you're still just a bunch of stupid children who are in over their heads and don't even know it," he said, shaking his head again in disgust.
"Hey!" Z objected. "How dare you! We've been at this a *lot* longer than you have!"
He snorted. "I was a Ranger for five years before I died. You've been doing this less than a year. And Newtech City isn't exactly a warzone."
"You're out of line," Jack snapped at him, eyes flashing.
"No, *you're* out of line," he shot back. "What kind of team leader doesn't trust the abilities of his team? If Bridge hadn't seen those robots in his dreams, we wouldn't have even known they were coming to Earth. I *saw* you making fun of him earlier, Jack. Don't even try to pretend you ever believed what he was trying to say." He sighed in frustration, turning away from them all. "Seems like no matter where you go, prejudice doesn't die," he muttered.
"*Excuse* me?" Z hissed, her voice like ice.
He didn't even look back at her. "You don't trust Bridge because he's psychic. I know the signs. I was hoping the future would be different, but ... " He sighed again. "I guess I was wrong."
He left the lounge without another word.
****
Zhane looked up from his fifth attempt at reading the S.P.D. manual without falling asleep, if only so that he could taunt Sky and Cruger with the fact that he actually knew it. Unfortunately, his great plan wasn't working so well: he'd read status reports that were more interesting. Status reports written by *Andros*.
Bridge passed his perch in the lobby where he'd been avoiding B Squad, looking just as rumpled and sleep-deprived as he'd been all day. But now there was a sense of purpose in his eyes as he shrugged on his jacket.
"Need company?" he called.
Bridge turned to blink at him and abruptly smiled. "Sure."
He tossed the manual to a table without a second thought. "Let's go."
****
"Yes, but this is different!" one of the aliens insisted.
"Yes! Yes it is!" agreed the second. "Uh, Gineka? Destroying the Alpha 5 Star System was one thing. But ...taking on the Power Rangers?"
"Broodwing is smart. They've been engaged in battle *all day*. They're tired. They're worn. They're just *ready* to be defeated."
"We are?" Zhane asked, raising his eyebrows at Bridge as they finally stepped out of hiding.
"Nice plan," Bridge complimented, applauding. "There's only one problem with it." He pointed at them triumphantly. "I'm on to you! S.P.D., Emergency!"
"Let's Rocket!" Zhane echoed.
They raced after the three criminals as they tried to lose them by turning into a fully-stocked warehouse. "Halt!" Green shouted as they finally caught up again. "S.P.D.!"
"I don't know how you found us, but it doesn't matter," snarled Gineka.
"Oh contraire, my three amigos," Green returned easily. "That's where you're mistaken."
"Oh. Am I?" Gineka sneered.
"Judgment!" Green shouted, raising his morpher. "You are charged with purchasing and commanding three dangerous robots, and, trespassing in my dreams!"
Silver tried not to snicker. Bridge was too much sometimes.
"And you're guilty," Green finished.
"Don't make me laugh," Gineka shot back.
Silver blinked as the odd fog that always surrounded the S.P.D. Rangers and the criminals they were judging dissipated. That was new.
"Okay. Somehow you caught us," Gineka went on as the second alien behind him giggled. "But there's *three* of us. What can *you* two do?"
"Oh, I love it when they underestimate us," Silver laughed.
Green nodded in agreement. "They never learn." He turned to look back at the three criminals again. "We're taking you in!"
"What fools you are!" Gineka shouted.
"Make your move!" Green returned.
"They think they can beat all of us," Gineka sneered again, and he and his companions laughed.
"We don't think," Silver shot back. "We *know*. Come on, Bridge!"
Green raised a fist. "Let's do it!"
They charged. Green nearly head-butted the first alien, grabbing the second by the arm and twisting as the guy cried out in pain. A punch sent him flying. It only took Silver three quick strikes to take down Gineka: one to the head, chest, and stomach.
"Do something!" someone shouted in the background.
Out of nowhere, Silver was blinded by a flare of light and a shower of sparks, followed by Green crying out in pain. "Bridge!" he shouted furiously. He whirled to face the Orangehead that had struck his teammate. "Super Silverizer!" But the Orangehead moved faster than he'd expected, and he went down with a cry of his own.
"Knowing Broodwing sure comes in handy," Gineka boasted, coming forward to pat the Orangehead's shoulder as Silver moved protectively in front of Green as best he could. He was amazed Gineka didn't lose an arm for touching the Orangehead. "Now take care of them, while we make a getaway," the alien ordered.
The two Rangers scrambled to their feet as the three aliens scurried away. Instead, they found themselves blocked by two more Orangeheads and three Blueheads, all backing up the first Orangehead.
"This doesn't look good," Silver muttered uncomfortably.
"Tell me about it," Green said reluctantly.
They tried to stay back to back as they were charged, but Silver found himself pushed against one of the large pipes against the wall by an Orangehead. He could hear Green fighting somewhere nearby, but this guy seemed to have it in for him. "Get *off* me already!" he growled. "I don't kiss strange guys that are trying to take over the world, okay?!"
"I hope not," came a familiar voice. A hand closed on the Orangeheads shoulder, grabbing and tossing him harshly to one side. "You all right, Zhane?" Blue Ranger continued.
He took a deep breath, and grinned beneath his helmet. "My hero!" he cooed, miming blowing a kiss to his teammate.
Blue shook his head, clearly exasperated.
"Bridge! Zhane!" he heard Red call. "You guys all right?"
"Never better!" Silver shot back.
"These are the guys with the dream robots," Green explained as the others gathered around him. "Three criminals just ran out of here. Zhane, you go after them while we finish these bots, okay?"
"You got it," he returned, saluting cockily.
Flipping over the Orange and Blueheads, Silver charged after the three retreating criminals. There was no time or space to call for the Silver Cycle when the trio kept darting down every narrow alley they saw just when he caught sight of them again. "Will you give up already?" Silver grumbled in frustration.
He turned another corner just in time to hear Gineka shout "To our robots!"
He skidded to a stop as the three aliens shot beyond his sight, and three robots rose above Newtech City in their places. The exact three robots that Bridge had seen. "Great," he huffed, putting his hands on his hips as he paused to catch his breath. "Well, isn't that helpful?"
"Rangers?" Kat called over the comm. "The three wanted robots are attacking the city. Report to Delta Base. Since you're in S.W.A.T. mode, I thought you could use some new S.W.A.T. equipment."
"Roger that!" the other five chorused.
"You'll find your S.W.A.T. Flyers in Bay 4."
"All right!" Red cheered a few minutes later.
"S.W.A.T. Flyers operational. Exit ports in transition." A pause. "You like my presents?" she continued smugly.
"You rock, Kat!"
Silver sighed, folding his arms in irritation. “I’m just the unwanted step-child, aren't I?" he griped quietly, unable to help himself.
He heard Kat's snort. "Try again, Zhane. I've upgraded your MegaWinger. Now you have a great deal more firepower, and the WingBlaster has the potential to do even more damage then before."
"So ... Does that mean no more tackling?"
"Only if you want to," she sighed, but he could hear the smile in her voice.
He whooped. "MegaWinger, Online!"
While the S.W.A.T. Flyers weren't his MegaWinger, they definitely had one-up on Sky's helicopter. He caught up with them just in time to hear Pink exclaim "I *love* it!"
"So I take it you guys finally see what's so great about having a flying Zord?" Silver teased.
"Excuse me?" Blue retorted.
The horned robot released a round of laser missiles after the S.W.A.T. Flyers, while the other two fell back under fire from the MegaWinger. Distantly Silver was aware of the S.W.A.T. Flyers dodging, followed by Red asking if they'd gotten 'them'. He was too busy flying circles around the feet of the other two robots, trying to trip them up.
He kept them distracted while the others formed the S.W.A.T. Megazord. He blinked when he saw it, even as he moved back to let his teammates try out their new Zord. "Hello, MosquitoZord ... " he muttered to himself.
"Chiaggo! Delapoo!" Gineka cried as his accomplices' robots when down in a shower of sparks. "You may have them, but you'll never catch me," he growled.
Silver rolled his eyes. "That's what they *all* say," he complained as the horned robot transformed into a sleek jet.
"That's what you think!" Green shouted after the jet as it shot up into the sky.
"Zhane, stay here and take care of the other two!" Red ordered. "We've got this guy!"
"You got it," he agreed. He paused as the MosquitoZord took off. " ... Now how am I supposed to do that?" he mumbled.
****
"Zhane ... ?" Sky sounded uncertain, something even he knew by now that Sky rarely was.
He didn't move, leaning against the railing as he watched the sunset. "Yeah?" he asked finally.
Sky hesitated, and he thought he heard him fidget a little. "It's just that ... we all apologized to Bridge for not believing him sooner ... and I sort of got the impression that I needed to apologize to you, too."
After a moment of deliberation he let out a long sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. "I'm psychic, Sky."
No response.
"It's not like Bridge," he explained quietly. "Bridge is an aura empath, with limited telepathy and foresight, apparently. It seems like his Powers are still growing, although I'm not really sure why. Me ... I sense when people I'm close to are in danger. I get feelings about whether or not I can trust someone. I'm a little sensitive to energy, but not enough for it to be useful. It's not a lot, but still enough to get me the label."
"I'm sorry." Sky's voice was soft, stricken. "I didn't ... I'm sorry."
He smiled bitterly. "I know you didn't know. That's sort of the point."
Another pause, and he felt Sky come to stand beside him. "You've been discriminated against?"
He nodded. "I hide it pretty well, but at the Collegiate ... Let's just say I got pretty close to Andros pretty fast. And when things when wrong and I knew ... people noticed." He let out another sigh, turning around to rest his elbows on the railing as he leaned back to look up at the darkening sky. "Bridge ... can't help being what he is anymore than I can. And when you're different ... you learn to protect each other."
"We're all different," Sky pointed out. "We each have something that makes us stand out from other people."
He wasn't talking about their morphers, and they both knew it.
"But you still treat Bridge like he's different from you," he returned. "Like being psychic is worse than what any of you can do. But it's not."
"No. It's not," Sky agreed softly. He paused again. "I'm sorry, Zhane," he said again, solemnly.
He let out one more sigh, and forced himself to let it go. It wasn't worth being hurt and angry. Not anymore. "I forgive you."
An arm came around his shoulders hesitantly. He leaned into it almost without thinking, and had to fight off another sigh - of contentment. "This is cheating," he muttered.
"You said you forgave me," Sky countered.
"I do. But that doesn't mean I can't pretend to still be mad."
"You could. But it's not like you."
"When did you get to know me so well?" he grumbled.
He felt Sky's free shoulder shrug lightly. "Honestly? Sometimes it feels like I've known you forever."
He smiled unwillingly. "Yeah. I know what you mean."
Sky was solid, and warm. He had a surprising sense of humor despite how deep he tried to bury it, and he was never afraid to back down from a challenge. He was fire incased in ice, and there were days when Zhane wondered how he'd ever not known him.
There were others when he wondered if it was worth loosing Andros to find him. To find B Squad, and S.P.D. He still wasn't sure if he was ready for the answer.
"What if ... what if I said I wouldn't hit you?" Sky asked hesitantly.
He blinked. He slowly grinned as his brain caught up. Turning just slightly, he leaned forward and pressed his lips firmly and deliberately to Sky's cheek, near the corner of his mouth. Then he pulled away and returned his head to Sky's shoulder.
Sky remained stiff and awkward for at least a minute. At last the tension slowly began to fade from his body, his head turning a little to rest against Zhane's. The arm around him squeezed gently.
Zhane smiled.
I'm making all these plans to get a new computer before my beloved Hikari (my laptop) dies. And out of nowhere my brain kicks in to remind me of all the *other* things that money could go to instead. Things that, in the long run, are much more important than the really cool computer system that will keep me from killing rommates in the near future.
-Sighs- Stupid logic.
Title: Fractured Fates
Author: Tsukino Akume
Relationship: Zhane/Sky Tate, Jack Landors/Syd Drew
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers, because I probably wouldn't have done this to it even if I did. This is all purplestripe66's fault.
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: 3 ~ children
Author's Notes: Another chapter I'm not sure of, although I do like parts of it. Love to challon86 for encouragement and beta.
"When your monsters of the day are a cloud in a jar and an eyeball being eaten by a can opener, you know you need some vacation time," Zhane muttered, slouched against a wall as the other Rangers sprawled in various places around the room.
"Ahem," Cruger said loudly as he strode in, Kat just behind him.
Everyone scrambled to attention. Zhane winced as he noticed Bridge was still passed out against the console in front of him. The poor guy had looked increasingly more exhausted as the day wore on.
Cruger came to Bridge's side, leaning down next to his ear. "Cadet Carson ... " he crooned. "Bridge?"
"Five more minutes, Sky," Bridge sighed in his sleep, vaguely waving a hand.
Jack and Sky rolled their eyes at each other, while the girls exchanged glances. Kat seemed amused. Zhane held his breath and cringed in anticipation.
"All right," Cruger promised soothingly. "You just sleep as long as you want ... "
"Thanks," Bridge mumbled.
Zhane winced and stepped forward, raising a hand. "Uh, Sir? I can - "
But Cruger had already straightened up, staring down at Bridge. "Cadet Carson! On your feet! Now!" he bellowed.
Bridge yelped, fell to the floor, and scrambled back up to attention, yanking on his coat in the process.
"You think the Command Center is a place for you to take a nap?" Cruger demanded.
"No, Sir," Bridge said quickly.
"You think that fighting two robots is tiring?"
"No, Sir. But five is."
"And how is it that you fought five and everyone else here fought two?" Cruger snapped back.
Sky winced. "Don't answer Bridge," he murmured.
Zhane frowned at him. Why wouldn't Bridge answer?
"Dream fighting, Sir," Bridge finished.
"He answered," Syd and Z sighed in unison.
"There was a Cyclops robot, and one with a satellite on its head, and another with two horns," Bridge explained earnestly. "And they were beating us."
"I see," Cruger returned. "And - "
"Wait a minute, Sir," Kat interrupted, frowning. "I received a report from S.P.D. Command. Robots with that exact description just decimated Alpha 5. What if Bridge somehow picked up on their energy?"
"Interesting," Cruger murmured, turning away to pace as Bridge shrugged a little. "Cadets," he announced finally. "Grumm is undoubtedly staging an all-out assault. We must be prepared for anything. I suggest you get some rest while you can."
"Thanks," Bridge said gratefully as they began to file out.
The alarms sounded.
"None of that," Cruger snapped as Bridge and Zhane both audibly groaned. "You're Rangers."
"Ready?"
"Ready! S.P.D., Emergency!"
From the back of the group, Zhane stuck his tongue out at Cruger as he held up his Digimorpher. "Let's Rocket!"
****
"Sleep ... " Bridge mumbled as they wandered into the Rec Lounge.
Zhane already had a hand on his back, directing him down the hall toward his room. "Don't worry buddy, we'll wake you if we need you," he promised. "Just let us know if you have anymore premonitions, okay?"
Bridge offered him a sleepy smile over his shoulder. "Thanks, Zhane."
He patted his shoulder. "Anytime. Now get some rest, okay?"
"Mmm," Bridge agreed, plodding to his room with half-closed eyes.
Zhane waited until he was safely inside before turning back to the lounge with a sigh of relief.
"Why are you encouraging him?" Sky asked, frowning at him.
Zhane blinked. "Sorry?"
"The whole ... dream fighting thing," Sky waved a hand vaguely. "Why are you encouraging Bridge that it's more than just a dream?"
Something in his tone made Zhane pause, suddenly suspicious. "Why do you think it's *not*?" he asked warily.
"Are you kidding me?" Jack laughed, giving him an amused look. "Come on, Zhane! I mean, seriously. I could see it if Bridge is just tired because he's not getting enough sleep, but 'dream fighting'. Come on," he scoffed.
"Come on what?" Zhane returned quietly, watching them all now.
"It's just ... " Z looked at Syd for help.
"Silly," the other girl supplied finally, shrugging. "I mean, I know Bridge means well and all, and maybe Kat's right - maybe he is picking up on their energy in his sleep. But that wouldn't mean that he's actually fighting them while he's sleeping."
"How would you know?" he countered. "Since when are you an expert on foresight, Syd? When are *any* of you an expert?"
"Zhane - " Sky tried.
He shook his head. "I don't believe this. What happened to all that bonding you said you did on Zentor? Didn't that mean anything to you? Bridge does something you can't understand, so that automatically means he's blowing it out of proportion?"
"That's not what - " Jack began.
He held up a hand. "You know what? I don't want to know what you're thinking. I really don't. I thought you guys had finally grown up after Zentor, that you were finally starting to see the bigger picture. But you're still just a bunch of stupid children who are in over their heads and don't even know it," he said, shaking his head again in disgust.
"Hey!" Z objected. "How dare you! We've been at this a *lot* longer than you have!"
He snorted. "I was a Ranger for five years before I died. You've been doing this less than a year. And Newtech City isn't exactly a warzone."
"You're out of line," Jack snapped at him, eyes flashing.
"No, *you're* out of line," he shot back. "What kind of team leader doesn't trust the abilities of his team? If Bridge hadn't seen those robots in his dreams, we wouldn't have even known they were coming to Earth. I *saw* you making fun of him earlier, Jack. Don't even try to pretend you ever believed what he was trying to say." He sighed in frustration, turning away from them all. "Seems like no matter where you go, prejudice doesn't die," he muttered.
"*Excuse* me?" Z hissed, her voice like ice.
He didn't even look back at her. "You don't trust Bridge because he's psychic. I know the signs. I was hoping the future would be different, but ... " He sighed again. "I guess I was wrong."
He left the lounge without another word.
****
Zhane looked up from his fifth attempt at reading the S.P.D. manual without falling asleep, if only so that he could taunt Sky and Cruger with the fact that he actually knew it. Unfortunately, his great plan wasn't working so well: he'd read status reports that were more interesting. Status reports written by *Andros*.
Bridge passed his perch in the lobby where he'd been avoiding B Squad, looking just as rumpled and sleep-deprived as he'd been all day. But now there was a sense of purpose in his eyes as he shrugged on his jacket.
"Need company?" he called.
Bridge turned to blink at him and abruptly smiled. "Sure."
He tossed the manual to a table without a second thought. "Let's go."
****
"Yes, but this is different!" one of the aliens insisted.
"Yes! Yes it is!" agreed the second. "Uh, Gineka? Destroying the Alpha 5 Star System was one thing. But ...taking on the Power Rangers?"
"Broodwing is smart. They've been engaged in battle *all day*. They're tired. They're worn. They're just *ready* to be defeated."
"We are?" Zhane asked, raising his eyebrows at Bridge as they finally stepped out of hiding.
"Nice plan," Bridge complimented, applauding. "There's only one problem with it." He pointed at them triumphantly. "I'm on to you! S.P.D., Emergency!"
"Let's Rocket!" Zhane echoed.
They raced after the three criminals as they tried to lose them by turning into a fully-stocked warehouse. "Halt!" Green shouted as they finally caught up again. "S.P.D.!"
"I don't know how you found us, but it doesn't matter," snarled Gineka.
"Oh contraire, my three amigos," Green returned easily. "That's where you're mistaken."
"Oh. Am I?" Gineka sneered.
"Judgment!" Green shouted, raising his morpher. "You are charged with purchasing and commanding three dangerous robots, and, trespassing in my dreams!"
Silver tried not to snicker. Bridge was too much sometimes.
"And you're guilty," Green finished.
"Don't make me laugh," Gineka shot back.
Silver blinked as the odd fog that always surrounded the S.P.D. Rangers and the criminals they were judging dissipated. That was new.
"Okay. Somehow you caught us," Gineka went on as the second alien behind him giggled. "But there's *three* of us. What can *you* two do?"
"Oh, I love it when they underestimate us," Silver laughed.
Green nodded in agreement. "They never learn." He turned to look back at the three criminals again. "We're taking you in!"
"What fools you are!" Gineka shouted.
"Make your move!" Green returned.
"They think they can beat all of us," Gineka sneered again, and he and his companions laughed.
"We don't think," Silver shot back. "We *know*. Come on, Bridge!"
Green raised a fist. "Let's do it!"
They charged. Green nearly head-butted the first alien, grabbing the second by the arm and twisting as the guy cried out in pain. A punch sent him flying. It only took Silver three quick strikes to take down Gineka: one to the head, chest, and stomach.
"Do something!" someone shouted in the background.
Out of nowhere, Silver was blinded by a flare of light and a shower of sparks, followed by Green crying out in pain. "Bridge!" he shouted furiously. He whirled to face the Orangehead that had struck his teammate. "Super Silverizer!" But the Orangehead moved faster than he'd expected, and he went down with a cry of his own.
"Knowing Broodwing sure comes in handy," Gineka boasted, coming forward to pat the Orangehead's shoulder as Silver moved protectively in front of Green as best he could. He was amazed Gineka didn't lose an arm for touching the Orangehead. "Now take care of them, while we make a getaway," the alien ordered.
The two Rangers scrambled to their feet as the three aliens scurried away. Instead, they found themselves blocked by two more Orangeheads and three Blueheads, all backing up the first Orangehead.
"This doesn't look good," Silver muttered uncomfortably.
"Tell me about it," Green said reluctantly.
They tried to stay back to back as they were charged, but Silver found himself pushed against one of the large pipes against the wall by an Orangehead. He could hear Green fighting somewhere nearby, but this guy seemed to have it in for him. "Get *off* me already!" he growled. "I don't kiss strange guys that are trying to take over the world, okay?!"
"I hope not," came a familiar voice. A hand closed on the Orangeheads shoulder, grabbing and tossing him harshly to one side. "You all right, Zhane?" Blue Ranger continued.
He took a deep breath, and grinned beneath his helmet. "My hero!" he cooed, miming blowing a kiss to his teammate.
Blue shook his head, clearly exasperated.
"Bridge! Zhane!" he heard Red call. "You guys all right?"
"Never better!" Silver shot back.
"These are the guys with the dream robots," Green explained as the others gathered around him. "Three criminals just ran out of here. Zhane, you go after them while we finish these bots, okay?"
"You got it," he returned, saluting cockily.
Flipping over the Orange and Blueheads, Silver charged after the three retreating criminals. There was no time or space to call for the Silver Cycle when the trio kept darting down every narrow alley they saw just when he caught sight of them again. "Will you give up already?" Silver grumbled in frustration.
He turned another corner just in time to hear Gineka shout "To our robots!"
He skidded to a stop as the three aliens shot beyond his sight, and three robots rose above Newtech City in their places. The exact three robots that Bridge had seen. "Great," he huffed, putting his hands on his hips as he paused to catch his breath. "Well, isn't that helpful?"
"Rangers?" Kat called over the comm. "The three wanted robots are attacking the city. Report to Delta Base. Since you're in S.W.A.T. mode, I thought you could use some new S.W.A.T. equipment."
"Roger that!" the other five chorused.
"You'll find your S.W.A.T. Flyers in Bay 4."
"All right!" Red cheered a few minutes later.
"S.W.A.T. Flyers operational. Exit ports in transition." A pause. "You like my presents?" she continued smugly.
"You rock, Kat!"
Silver sighed, folding his arms in irritation. “I’m just the unwanted step-child, aren't I?" he griped quietly, unable to help himself.
He heard Kat's snort. "Try again, Zhane. I've upgraded your MegaWinger. Now you have a great deal more firepower, and the WingBlaster has the potential to do even more damage then before."
"So ... Does that mean no more tackling?"
"Only if you want to," she sighed, but he could hear the smile in her voice.
He whooped. "MegaWinger, Online!"
While the S.W.A.T. Flyers weren't his MegaWinger, they definitely had one-up on Sky's helicopter. He caught up with them just in time to hear Pink exclaim "I *love* it!"
"So I take it you guys finally see what's so great about having a flying Zord?" Silver teased.
"Excuse me?" Blue retorted.
The horned robot released a round of laser missiles after the S.W.A.T. Flyers, while the other two fell back under fire from the MegaWinger. Distantly Silver was aware of the S.W.A.T. Flyers dodging, followed by Red asking if they'd gotten 'them'. He was too busy flying circles around the feet of the other two robots, trying to trip them up.
He kept them distracted while the others formed the S.W.A.T. Megazord. He blinked when he saw it, even as he moved back to let his teammates try out their new Zord. "Hello, MosquitoZord ... " he muttered to himself.
"Chiaggo! Delapoo!" Gineka cried as his accomplices' robots when down in a shower of sparks. "You may have them, but you'll never catch me," he growled.
Silver rolled his eyes. "That's what they *all* say," he complained as the horned robot transformed into a sleek jet.
"That's what you think!" Green shouted after the jet as it shot up into the sky.
"Zhane, stay here and take care of the other two!" Red ordered. "We've got this guy!"
"You got it," he agreed. He paused as the MosquitoZord took off. " ... Now how am I supposed to do that?" he mumbled.
****
"Zhane ... ?" Sky sounded uncertain, something even he knew by now that Sky rarely was.
He didn't move, leaning against the railing as he watched the sunset. "Yeah?" he asked finally.
Sky hesitated, and he thought he heard him fidget a little. "It's just that ... we all apologized to Bridge for not believing him sooner ... and I sort of got the impression that I needed to apologize to you, too."
After a moment of deliberation he let out a long sigh, closing his eyes for a moment. "I'm psychic, Sky."
No response.
"It's not like Bridge," he explained quietly. "Bridge is an aura empath, with limited telepathy and foresight, apparently. It seems like his Powers are still growing, although I'm not really sure why. Me ... I sense when people I'm close to are in danger. I get feelings about whether or not I can trust someone. I'm a little sensitive to energy, but not enough for it to be useful. It's not a lot, but still enough to get me the label."
"I'm sorry." Sky's voice was soft, stricken. "I didn't ... I'm sorry."
He smiled bitterly. "I know you didn't know. That's sort of the point."
Another pause, and he felt Sky come to stand beside him. "You've been discriminated against?"
He nodded. "I hide it pretty well, but at the Collegiate ... Let's just say I got pretty close to Andros pretty fast. And when things when wrong and I knew ... people noticed." He let out another sigh, turning around to rest his elbows on the railing as he leaned back to look up at the darkening sky. "Bridge ... can't help being what he is anymore than I can. And when you're different ... you learn to protect each other."
"We're all different," Sky pointed out. "We each have something that makes us stand out from other people."
He wasn't talking about their morphers, and they both knew it.
"But you still treat Bridge like he's different from you," he returned. "Like being psychic is worse than what any of you can do. But it's not."
"No. It's not," Sky agreed softly. He paused again. "I'm sorry, Zhane," he said again, solemnly.
He let out one more sigh, and forced himself to let it go. It wasn't worth being hurt and angry. Not anymore. "I forgive you."
An arm came around his shoulders hesitantly. He leaned into it almost without thinking, and had to fight off another sigh - of contentment. "This is cheating," he muttered.
"You said you forgave me," Sky countered.
"I do. But that doesn't mean I can't pretend to still be mad."
"You could. But it's not like you."
"When did you get to know me so well?" he grumbled.
He felt Sky's free shoulder shrug lightly. "Honestly? Sometimes it feels like I've known you forever."
He smiled unwillingly. "Yeah. I know what you mean."
Sky was solid, and warm. He had a surprising sense of humor despite how deep he tried to bury it, and he was never afraid to back down from a challenge. He was fire incased in ice, and there were days when Zhane wondered how he'd ever not known him.
There were others when he wondered if it was worth loosing Andros to find him. To find B Squad, and S.P.D. He still wasn't sure if he was ready for the answer.
"What if ... what if I said I wouldn't hit you?" Sky asked hesitantly.
He blinked. He slowly grinned as his brain caught up. Turning just slightly, he leaned forward and pressed his lips firmly and deliberately to Sky's cheek, near the corner of his mouth. Then he pulled away and returned his head to Sky's shoulder.
Sky remained stiff and awkward for at least a minute. At last the tension slowly began to fade from his body, his head turning a little to rest against Zhane's. The arm around him squeezed gently.
Zhane smiled.