Disclaimer: I do not own Adam or any of the Rangers in this fanfic. They are the properties of Saban. Any and all original characters, however, belong to me.

Special Thanks: To Ace Hart Hunter and my friend, Shannon, for looking beta'ing this chapter and getting it ready for posting. :hugs:

Hero

Chapter One
Spoilin' For A Fight

[~ Well I'm living on a line
I'm protecting my life ~]

November 13th, 2008
Angel Grove, California
Adam

I should have closed the dojo three hours ago. It's now ten o'clock and it's still open. Two of my students, Michael Reynolds and his sister, Jenni, are on the mats. I stand off to the side watching Michael help his sister with her lesson from today. I often keep the dojo open after hours to give my students a chance to work on their skills. Most of them, like Michael and Jenni come from underprivileged, single-parent families. Most don't have a place to go after school other than here, and don't have basements or open spaces where they can practice confidently. They know they are always welcome within these walls and I am more than willing to give up my time to help.

However, I can only stay open – and awake – for so long.

"Okay guys," I speak up. "I think it's time to call it a night."

"Aww, Sensei," Michael complains. "Just a few more minutes?"

I smile. I'm glad they're enjoying themselves. "I'm sorry, Michael, but I've got to close up."

"Okay," Michael relents. He tugs at the yellow belt around his waist.

Jenni kneels down at her bag, looking at me. "Thank you letting us practice, Adam."

"You're welcome, Jenni," I answer. "Do you want some company walking home?"

"We'll be okay," Michael says.

"You sure?"

"I'm twelve," Michael says pointedly. "I'm old enough to look after my sister and me."

I give the boy a smile. He's been trying to prove to his father and myself that he is more than old enough to look after himself and his sister. He's trying to lighten the burden his father has of looking after a very happy, bubbly, mildly autistic eight-year-old. Michael is also a lot more confident now than he was when he first started taking my classes a little over a year ago. After speaking with his father, I decided Jenni would benefit from the classes too. Their father had been worried about the extra expense; afraid he wouldn't be able to pay for both of his children. In response, I've let Jenni attend for half price. I don't mind doing those things; I'm not in this for the profit. If I were, I wouldn't leave the membership prices at $50 a month. Plus, it lets their father have some time to himself after work, knowing he doesn't have to worry about his children.

"Alright," I say, "just don't go through that alley, okay?"

"Why not?" Jenni asks. "You do."

This is true. "That's different."

"How?" Jenni asks.

"But it's the shortest way home," Michael protests. "And I told you, I can look after my sister and me."

"I know, but bad things happen in that alley and I don't want you two getting caught in there if something does happen."

Michael nods finally. "Okay."

"I'll see you two tomorrow," I say.

They head for the door. I start to turn for my office when Jenni comes running back.

"Oh! I almost forgot!" She's waving a folded up piece of paper at me. "Sorry my daddy couldn't get it to you two weeks ago."

I take the paper and unfold it. It's a cheque for Jenni and Michael's classes last month.

I kneel down in front of the eight-year-old. "Tell your dad it's okay. Better late than never."

"You're the best!" Jenni wraps me in one of her bear hugs. "See you tomorrow!" She unwraps her arms from around my neck and runs to the door where her brother is waiting.

"Goodnight Jenni," I smile, "goodnight Michael."

"Bye," Michael waves and follows his sister out the door.

That is why I do this. For Jenni's rib-crushing bear hugs, for Michael's confidence, the thank you's from the parents, the reports from the teachers telling me how much better they are doing in school… But above all that, it's seeing the smiles on their faces when they realize they are capable of doing something well, capable of succeeding in an oppressing society. That's where I've seen the majority of change; in their self-esteem and their attitude towards life. It makes me feel good about myself knowing I've been helping these kids and their families.

I lock the front door behind the siblings and continue the initial journey to my office. I put the cheque on Deana's desk with a short note asking her to process it tomorrow. Deana Maloy is one of my assistants. She's a 2nd Kyu Brown Belt and is still learning, but she also helps me teach the White, Yellow and Green Belt classes, while my friend and fellow co-worker, Riley Jackson teaches the higher classes with me. Deana also acts as our financial administrator. She handles all the money coming in and going out, as well as the payroll. I honestly don't quite know how I managed without her in the years before I hired her. She's taken a huge weight off my shoulders.

I quickly get changed; jeans and a black sweater, then grab my jacket from the back of my chair and slip it on. I slide my duffel bag under my desk; I'll only need what's in it tomorrow morning anyway. I pick up my cell phone from my desk and turn it on. My message ringtone informs me I have a voicemail. I'll check it after I leave.

I look around the main hall. The cream coloured walls are in need of a paint job. Maybe I'll repaint them over the Christmas break. The blue mats covering most of the floor need to be cleaned, and some need to be replaced. I make a mental note to add them to the list of things needing to be revamped over the holidays. A few of the cedar pillars also need to be cleaned, and there's a few cobwebs in the open rafters. Maybe I'll recruit a couple of friends to help me clean the place up and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls; a change in colour would be nice too.

Seeing everything in order, I turn off the main lights before doing the same in the office and exiting through the backdoor, locking it. Yawning, I take in a breath of the crisp November air and head for the sidewalk to start the twenty-minute walk home. I pull out my phone to check my message.

"Hey Adam, it's Eugene. I was calling to see if you wanted to join me for coffee, but I guess you're still at work. Maybe tomorrow? Give me a call when you can. Oh, and Amy is making her chicken Alfredo pasta for supper tomorrow night. You know what that means!" Click.

Yeah, I know what that means: The woman would cook too much. I smile, and after erasing the message, search through my directory. Eugene Skullovich.

Skull and I have known each other since high school and have been friends since we graduated. Despite our long-time friendship, we only started talking on a regular basis by chance about six years ago not long after he and his wife, Amy, got pregnant with their now five-year-old son, Dylan. He and Bulk opened up a Hawaiian resort theme bar by the lake, which is still going strong, allowing the men to support their families. Skull and I meet for coffee when we can, and are sometimes accompanied by Bulk.

Amy has a notorious habit of cooking too much for dinner, which usually results in a phone call from Skull between 5:00 and 5:30pm asking for last minute company. I love Amy's cooking, so I make the trek over, usually via a ride from Bulk and his wife, Jane, which results in my sharing the backseat with their thirteen-month old daughter, Laurel.

I sometimes find it amusing that the two people I tried to avoid in high school are the two people I find myself having the most fun with on a Friday night.

That's not to rule out the friends I had in high school. I can't count the amount of barbecues Rocky and his wife have invited me to, or how many times Tommy and Kat have asked me to baby-sit their twins, and I see Kim three times a week when she picks up her son – who is also my Godson – from his karate class at my dojo.

Y'know, it kind of makes me jealous. With the exception of Kimberly and Jason, they've all settled down and are happy. Kim landed herself a man who didn't have the word 'responsibility' in his vocabulary and left her pregnant and alone seven years ago, and Jason lost his wife in a horrific car accident three years ago leaving him to care for their then six year old daughter. That's not to say Kim and Jason aren't happy, because they are two of the happiest single parents I know… But out of those who served with me as a Power Ranger, I am the only one without a family of my own…

"Hello?" Skull answers the phone after the third ring.

"Hey Skull, it's Adam. Sorry about the late phone call."

"Don't worry about it," Skull replies. "Amy and I were just watching a movie."

"Okay. I hear you need someone to help you eat supper tomorrow night."

Skull chuckles. "Yeah. You up for the challenge?"

"You know I'm always up to a challenge."

"Alright. Bulkie's coming with Jane and Laurel. I'll get them to pick you up around five."

I can't help but smile. For a man who hated schoolwork (other than music), he sure knows how to organize things. That's probably why Bulk got him to help him with his business.

"Sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow. And say hi to Amy and Dylan for me."

"Okay, Adam. Have a good night."

I flip my phone closed and stuff it in my back pocket, when something catches my ears. I freeze, the instincts I'd gained as a Power Ranger kicking into overdrive. I listen intently, searching for a direction, trying to put a name to the sound. It sounds like a—

"Michael!"

Jenni!

Concern widens my eyes while a tinge of fear helps me pinpoint the direction.

"Let him go! Let him—"

SLAP

"OW!" The familiar sounds of Jenni's sobbing pull my eyes to the alley I don't like my students walking through at night.

"Shut up!" A cruel, cold male voice echoes flatly in the night air. Several different voices create a chorus of laughter.

Anger is quick to move in and take over concern and fear. Not for the knowledge I've been disobeyed. I no longer care about that. My students are in danger. Someone's just slapped Jenni, and I can only imagine how hard Michael is struggling to get out of whoever else's grip.

I break into a hard run; I nearly fall over when I stop quickly at the entrance to the long, alleyway that runs between two dark townhouse complexes. The smell of alcohol almost makes me choke.

Six youths barely out of high school stand close together, yelling and cheering. Jenni is on the ground curled in a near fetal position. Michael's arm is gripped in the hand of a Caucasian male I've seen in the neighbourhood while the others egg him on. Michael beats at the teen with his free hand. Any knowledge of what I've taught him has long since been replaced by fear and desperation.

"Hey!" I step into the alley. "Let them go!"

The teen holding Michael lets him go and the kid stumbles to his sister's side. The siblings look at me and a thankful relief washes over them. Jenni raises her head as I rush to their sides.

"I'm sorry, Adam!" Michael cries. "They were stealing a girl's purse and we—"

"It's okay, Michael," I soothe. "I'm not mad at you. I'm just glad—" My eyes fall on Jenni's face. She's bleeding from a cut on her right cheek. "Jenni, you're bleeding."

The girl puts on a sudden brave face. "It's just a—"

My anger boils over and I stand up, facing the teens still in the alley, watching in sick amusement as Michael comforts his little sister.

"You're a bunch of heartless bastards," I growl. "Who in their right mind hits a kid then laughs? You in this just for kicks?"

A black teen with a small build takes a step forward. "You looking for a fight?" His words are slurred. Uh oh.

"Is that a threat?" I ask. The last thing I want to do is get into a scrap. I know their reputations. Not to mention, this bunch is drunk.

"Maybe it is." A female steps out. Her stiletto heeled boots click against the pavement.

I survey the group. Three are Caucasian males with medium builds; two look like brothers, two are black; one towers over the others in both height and size. The female is mixed and is less than five and a half feet tall, but she looks like she can hold her own without too much trouble. I decide this is not a group to tangle with.

"Well, I didn't come here looking for a fight," I say finally. "I came to help these two and now we'll be on our way." I turn and set my hands on each of their backs. "C'mon." I usher them through the alley.

"Hey!" the cold voice from before calls after us. "You can't back down from a fight!"

"Coward!" the girl belittles.

Jenni looks at me. Her brave face has been replaced by fear. "Adam?"

"Keep going," I whisper. "Ignore them."

"Hey, Jeff," another voice speaks angrily, "you just gonna let this guy go? Nobody backs down from a challenge on our turf!"

I cringe and hold my breath. My gut is telling me to hurry up and get out of here. Something else tells me this is about to get ugly.

"Well I'm not!" A slurred voice is right behind me.

A rough hand grabs my shoulder, whipping me around. A closed fist makes hard contact with my jaw before I can react. The force sends me reeling to the ground.

Jenni screams.

I sit there, slightly dazed, rubbing my jaw.

"Adam!" Michael is at my side.

I get to my feet, and turn to Michael. "Go with your sister." He does and I turn to face my attacker. It's one of the Caucasian males. He grins at me and we begin to circle.

"Get him Chase!" one of them yells.

Chase responds by throwing the first punch. I block it easily. He retaliates with an off-course left hook. I duck. He strikes nothing but air. I step back to avoid another wayward punch, then wind up to take a shot at Chase.

"Adam, look out!" Jenni shrieks.

Too late.

A painfully sharp stiletto heel hits my lower back on the right side. The impact sends tingles through my lower back and right hip, and I go down.

A left hook, though sloppy, finds my jaw and I hit the ground. With a quick judge of distance, I whip my right leg around and catch Chase's ankles, breathing through the pain initiated by the stiletto to my back.

I start to get to my feet.

"You're not going to get away with that," Chase's brother slurs. "Nobody touches my brother and lives to tell about it."

I am hoisted the rest of the way. The girl and the smaller black teen have both of my arms. The girl is a lot stronger than she looks.

Before I can muster a way out, a carefully aimed fist makes hard contact with my stomach.

I look up. Jenny and Michael are staring at me, horrified. I take a breath to tell them to run, but I cough instead. Michael holds his sister to him, shielding her eyes. He stares at me in disbelief.

A right hook lands on my left cheek.

I think I know what's going through Michael's mind.

A left upper-cut hits the other side of my jaw.

How could I, Adam, his Sensei, be overpowered by a group of drunk teenagers?

I weasel my way out of the girl's grip. I give the smaller black teen a punch. He nearly hits the ground. Before I can move again, another stiletto finds my thigh as Chase's brother lands a punch to my ribs. A sharp crack has me gasping and I go down. I manage to trip Chase's brother and land a kick to the black teen's shin; they both go down. The pain that ricochets through my ribs is sharp and I pray my ribs have steered clear of my lungs.

I can hear Jenni sobbing and feel Michael's shocked gaze. How could I lose a fight? I never lose a fight…

"Hey Jake," the girl calls. "Finish him off."

The taller of the two black teens comes forward. Now, I don't normally want to crawl into a hole and hide, but just the sight of his guy in my wounded state has me wishing I could.

Breathing through the pain, I try to get to my feet as quickly as I can, but when his steel-toed boot comes in contact with my stomach, I crumple.

"Get up and fight like a man," the teen taunts.

I make another fruitless attempt to get to my feet. My attempt is ended when the girl plants her heel into my side.

But the worst part about this whole thing is, Michael and Jenni have to watch. Well, Michael at least. He is doing a good job of keeping Jenni's eyes covered.

Chase is on his knees in front of me. A right hook splits my lip. A left leaves me unable to see out of one eye. A hit to the stomach has me gasping again. A boot to my side gives me another pair of broken ribs…

The blows continue. They're all coming at me at once now; Chase and the smaller black teen are landing punches while the taller black teen and Chase's brother take turns kicking, occasionally allow room for the girl to strike with her stilettos.

I've lost count how many times their fists and feet have hit me or where. I can't take in deep breaths. I can feel blood running from a cut above my eyebrow. My jaw hurts like hell and I can't move it…

I feel guilty knowing they have to watch, knowing they're too scared to do anything else… watching me lose a fight. I know how my students look up to me. They see me as indestructible, a hero… What good is a hero if he can't win a fight? Not so indestructible now, am I kids?

The assault stops suddenly. I try to get an elbow underneath me, but collapse to the ground in a broken heap. My head is swimming; I feel nauseous, and my vision is blurred. I can barely tell one injury from another. The pain in my legs runs into the pain in my hips and back, which runs into the pain from my ribs, which runs into the pain in my jaw… and I lose track of where it goes from there…

I can hear the teens above me and I pray they leave me here. Leave me unable to move, but alive.

My prayer isn't answered.

The steel-toed boot makes contact with the middle of my back, hard. I writhe. Another kick to the ribs follows. My ribs have to be shattered by now.

A fist drives into my temple, ramming my head into the hard concrete. My head feels heavy and thick, and I can't see at all. I struggle to breathe; my chest burns with every breath and I cough. The pain shooting through my ribs is crippling. I cough again; blood drips onto the pavement.

They say in the moments before your death, your life flashes before your eyes. You relive the moments you wish you could live again, and the moments you wish you could take back. But what if your life is right in front of you, watching your potential death approaching? Those kids are my life. Since I no longer fight monsters on a regular basis, I live for their success… When Michael graduated from White Belt to Yellow, the smile on his face lip up the whole dojo. Jenni had been proud. She looks up to her brother, which adds to his want to prove he is capable of looking after her when their father or I isn't around. What are they going to do if I'm not here?

The steel-toed boot strikes the back of my head with full force.

My name in Michael's screaming voice is the last thing I hear…

Then everything goes black.