Author's Notes: Well, let's try this again. I did post another story, called 'A night of questions and magic', but I guess it wasn't interesting enough for people, so I deleted it. I will try this story-writing gimmick again with a longer, hopefully better story that can draw people in.

Warnings: Drama, Violence, Language, Slash, AU

Disclaimer: I do not own anything Power Rangers and have written this story for fun

Summary: Some people were born different. While some lived normal lives and never embraced their secret, others accepted it and lived double-lives. What happens when the animal is set free and the ones you care about just don't understand?

"What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to men. All things are connected." -Chief Seattle, Suquamish Tribe

The day seemed to start out normally for the Samurai Rangers. They had fallen into their usual morning routine, which consisted of breakfast followed by a bout of defense and sword practice. The current trainings pairs were: Jayden and Mia, Kevin and Emily, and Mike and Antonio. All seemed to be going well, but one Rangers was having a rough time keeping things simple.

Lately, Antonio had been having trouble controlling his anger. He seemed more on edge, like an animal that's been cornered and is ready to strike. In a way, that was true. You see, some people out there were born as shape shifters. This meaning those individuals had the ability to shift into an animal, usually larger in size than ones you'd find in the wild. While it normally didn't cause too much problems if the shifter is able to regularly morph into his animal form, if a person is unable to do so then their animal instincts tend to want to take over and the person becomes for on edge and primal, which can be a dangerous thing.

"Hey! Ease up, Antonio! It's only practice!" Mike shouted to his gold teammate as he was knocked back, hard, and landed flat on his back. A groan of pain escaped him as he rolled over while touching his lower back in his hands.

Mike's shouts had caused the other Rangers to stop their training and look over in concern. They saw the green Ranger on his back, writhing in pain, while the gold Ranger stood over him with a wild look in his eyes. They could all see that Antonio was breathing hard, as if trying to stop himself from just lunging forward and attacking. They had never seen anything like this happen before, and it scared them.

Upon hearing Mike's pained groans, and the other Rangers' gasps in surprise, Antonio finally snapped out of his stupor and took in the scene around him. A look of regret and pure horror crossed his face as he dropped his weapon and took a few shaky steps back. "I-I'm sorry…." He muttered breathlessly, his body beginning to shake as fear began to creep up his spine. "I-It was an accident…" He said before turning and running away from the Shiba House. He had to get away, had to get himself under control.

"Antonio!" Emily cried out as she watched her friend run out the gate. She wanted to go after him, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. The yellow Rangers turned and saw Jayden looking at her and shaking his head.

"I'll go after him. You stay here and tend to Mike." Jayden said as he gestured to the green Rangers, who was now standing thanks to Kevin and Mia supporting him. The red Ranger gave his teammates one last look before to took off after the runaway gold Ranger.

"Does any know know…what just happened?" Kevin questioned, looking around with a confused expression. He saw the other Rangers shaking their heads, while he noticed their Mentor standing in the doorway, a sad and understanding look crossing his face. What did he know that the others didn't?

Jayden knew exactly where Antonio would be. He always went there when he was troubled. He was not disappointed when he came to a small lake in the middle of the outlying forest. Tentatively, Jayden stepped into the clearing and towards the figure currently looking at his reflection in the shimmering water. "Antonio?"

Hearing his name, although no doubt having heard the red Ranger approach him, Antonio slowly raised his head and turned to look at Jayden with a sad expression. Although, the face was not that of a human, but of a wolf. Antonio was a shifter, and nobody but Jayden and Mentor knew about it. It happened by accident, and Antonio had been so afraid that he would be hated, but he wasn't. He was accepted by them, but the same may not be said to the others if they ever found out.

Slowly, Antonio rose to his paws and slowly made his way over to Jayden. His pure black fur swayed with his movements, and his liquid gold eyes filled with anxiety and anguish. Pointed ears were pinned back to his skull, and a long, fluffy tail was tucked low between his legs, showcasing how he felt for nearly attacking Mike like he did. A low whine escaped his throat as he reached Jayden and pressed his head into the red Ranger's chest. 'I didn't mean for it to happen.' Antonio said through a telepathic link with his mate. This incident was tearing him apart.

Jayden placed his hands on the top of Antonio's head, lightly stroking the long, fluffy fur and scratching behind his ears. "I know you didn't mean it, Antonio. But, you have to control yourself better. You know what'll happen if you let you instincts take over…" The warning was left hanging, because they both knew what would happen if Antonio allowed his wolf instincts to take over. He would be all animal, wild and fierce, and it would be near impossible to bring him back to human level.

'I just feel so bad. I hope Mike can forgive me.' Antonio mused, removing his head from Jayden's chest and looking at him with a puppy-dog look.

"I'm sure he will, Antonio." Jayden tried to reassure his wolf, bringing his hand up to cup the side of Antonio's cheek. He lightly scratched that area before placing a light kiss to the tip of Antonio's nose. "Just, be more careful next time. Now let's get back. I'm sure everyone is worried." He saw Antonio nod his head and slowly shift back into his human form. The pair embraced for a few moments before turning and heading back to the Shiba House.