Disclaimer: No, I do not own Power Rangers or anything affiliated with Power Rangers. I do, however, own all original characters and this story line. So please, don't steal anything.

Spoilers: This story really doesn't have any set time within the Power Rangers Mystic Force season. Um…if I had to choose a time to place it within I would say some time after Code Busters.

Author's Note: I don't know how often I'll be updating this story. It all depends on how many reviews I get and how into writing this I am. I have a lot of other things that I'm working on right now, but I'll try and update this story as often as possible. However, I make no guarantees.

Deep Within

Chapter One

Briarwood. The sorceress stood on the cliff that over looked the town. She could feel the power that resided there, so strong that it nearly matched her own. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, inhaling the force. Yes. It was very strong indeed. A slow smile spread over the sorceress's face.

This was the place.

> > > > >

Briana ran a hand through her hair as she stepped out of the car. Surveying the town with a skeptical eye, she frowned.

"Isn't this just a beautiful place?" Her mother asked, grinning like the Cheshire cat. Leave it to Loraine Westfield to find the good in everything, even this latest move.

"Yeah, whatever." Briana snorted, sliding her sunglasses from the top of her head down onto her nose. She leaned against the hood of the station wagon and sighed. How long would they stay in this town, she wondered. Given her mother's track record, Briana guessed it wouldn't be long.

"I'm gonna walk around." She said, pushing away from the car and heading off down the sidewalk before her mother could object.

> > > > >

Five. That was how many times Briana and her mother had moved in the past two years. Ever since her husband had died, Loraine just hadn't been able to settle into one place. She had constantly needed a change of scenery. And Briana was growing sick of it. Just once she wanted her mother to find a place that she liked and to just stay there. Briana wanted a real home, she wanted friends, she wanted a life. But as long as her mother insisted on moving, Briana would never have that.

As she trudged along the sidewalk, hands stuck in her pockets, Briana studied the newest town that they had moved to.

Briarwood. It didn't look like it had much to offer. In fact, it looked like every other stupid town that her mother had chosen.

Music floated from the open doorway of a storefront, catching Briana's attention. A group of laughing girls came out of the store- Briana moved out of their way just in time to avoid a collision- looking over their purchases and going on about some guy. Briana shook her head. Even the girls were the same here.

She glanced inside the store and saw walls and walls of CDs and records. Curious, she headed in.

There were a handful of people inside, browsing through the selection that the store had to offer, and a few people wearing purple shirts that bore the store's name on them were busily stocking shelves and helping customers. No one so much as noticed Briana enter, which was exactly how she liked it.

Invisible. That was the way to live your life. At least to Briana it was. If no one saw her, then she didn't make friends. And, if she didn't make friends, she didn't have to feel any sense of lose when her mother suddenly decided to move again. So, invisible worked for Briana.

She moved towards a stand of music magazines, intent on browsing for awhile before going back to find her mom. She twirled the rack, searching for the latest issue of her favorite magazine.

"What is a lovely lady, such as yourself, doing without anyone to assist her?" The heavy Australian accent came from her left.

Briana glanced over her shoulder at the employee that stood just behind her, a charming- or what he probably thought was charming- smirk on his face. Briana's already agitated mood worsened at the appearance of this boy, who clearly thought of himself as God's gift to women if the look on his face was any indication.

"Lucky for you," he continued, "I'm here to be of service."

With a roll of her eyes, Brian returned her gaze to the magazine rack, hoping that he would get the hint and leave her alone.

"Xander's the name." He said, moving to her side. Briana tried to focus her attention on the magazines, but the irritating presence of this boy was more than she could take.

"Come now, I've introduced myself, it's only polite that you return the favor." He teased.

Fighting back the urge to punch the overconfident nuisance right in his handsome face, Briana turned to him.

"Briana." She replied, a biting edge to her tone.

"There, now that wasn't so hard." Xander's smirk grew. Briana scowled in response.

> > > > >

Xander could take a hint. Contrary to popular belief, he wasn't that stupid. But where would the fun be in leaving this girl alone?

She had walked into the Rock Porium looking as if she were mad at the world with her bow shaped mouth stuck in a deep frown. She had the air of a challenge about her. And what did Xander like more than a challenge?

"Now, what can I help you with today?" He asked, quickly checking her out before she could notice.

She was cute, with light brown hair that was pulled back in a ponytail, showing off her high cheekbones and lightly tanned skin. She wore a simple black t-shirt and jeans, but the clothes fit her in just the right way as to show her slim frame. A pair of black flip-flops adorned her feet, revealing the hot pink polish that she had used on her toenails.

"Well?" Xander asked after she didn't answer him for a few seconds. She turned her sunglass-hidden eyes to him.

"You really can't get a clue can you?" She snapped. "I don't need your help, you moron. I just want to be left alone."

With that she turned on her heel and stormed out of the store.

Xander watched her walk away, observing the gentle sway of her hips as she did so. He smirked to himself. Oh yes, this challenge would be fun.

> > > > >

Alright, so I know this chapter was kinda short- sorry 'bout that- but I hope you guys liked it. If you did, or if you have any advice to give me on how I can make this better, please review and tell me. Also, if you have any suggestions for a title, please let me know since I'm not all that happy with the one I'm currently using. Thanks.

PS. The name Briana means: Strong; virtuous, honorable.