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Chapter Four

I watched as Trini crossed back to where Zac, Scott and I were standing by the tangled ruins of the robot I'd destroyed. Zac was calling the robot a trophy, and ignoring Scott's advice that it would not look good in our backyard. The advance scouts, soldiers and tank pilots who'd come through were huddled in a group behind their king. The portal was still open, but once the Rangers had arrived, the king stepped back through and ordered an immediate ceasefire. At the moment, he and the Rangers were engaged in deep conversation. Behind us, more and more police cars and ambulances were rolling up the hill.

"Teresa was right," Trini said once she reached us. "From what I heard, they come from a world ruined by industry and warfare. There was nothing left. Their people were starving and choking."

"So forced settlement on another planet was their only option," Scott said.

"It's the reason they came," Trini said, and turned to me. "The king sends his apologies," and I could hear the Yellow Ranger smiling beneath her visor. "Nobody's ever single-handedly destroyed one of their robotic corps before. The soldiers are impressed and a little scared."

"So what do they do now?" Zac asked.

"There are plenty of habitable planets in the Milky Way," Trini said. "Right now, Zordon is offering to help them find an unsettled country, far away, where they can have a second chance at building a society. That's all they really wanted."

"I don't get it though," I said. "They knew we were here. Why didn't they just ask for help in the first place?"

"It doesn't always happen like that," Trini replied. "It should, but I think they were scared. A lot of people are. Sometimes, people have already given up. Some don't want to drag anyone down with them, and some people think they deserve their fate. Maybe it was all the above for them? I don't know. But I think they just needed somebody on their side."

I thought of Brody Graves, and looked away.

"I need to find someone," I said quickly. "Tell the others I'll be back to help with the clean-up soon. I just… I need to go," and I turned and ran back into the city.

The rain had eased as I stepped into the café. It was still mostly empty, but gazing around the interior, I saw who I was looking for. Brody was sitting in one of the booths by the entrance, staring out the window.

I hung my coat up by the door. "I'm surprised to find you here," I said. "It's been a rough night."

He replied without looking. "Most of them are."

"I'm glad you're okay though."

"Sure you are."

Calling to the waitress and ordering a hot chocolate, I slid into the booth opposite him. I hesitated for a second, then reached over and took his hand, forcing him to meet my gaze. "I met someone tonight," I said. "Somebody who made me think of you. So here's the deal," and I lowered my voice. "I'm on your side, I promise. And you can trust me. My friends and I don't break our promises. I know we're not friends, and if you don't want to talk, that's cool. I can even leave if you want, but personally? I think that'd think they just needed somebody on their , people have already given up hope. Some don' powers itself can be realbe a waste of some excellent hot chocolate. Seriously, you should try some of this, it's really good."

He shook his head, but I could see a hesitant smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You're annoying, you know that?"

I waved my hand. "I've been called worse," I said. "So that's it. That's the deal. I mean, if you want, we can just sit here and be grateful the world is still turning. That works too."

I looked out the window, but heard a sigh and knew I wasn't going anywhere.

"It's been rough, lately," he said softly, as the waitress approached. "Just little things all hitting me at once. And everyone's always so busy, you know? I feel like I'm drowning sometimes," and he paused to indicate my mug of chocolate. "Can I get one of these too?"

I sat back in the booth as Brody continued. "School stuff, particularly," he began. "Do you take geography with Mr Caplan?"

I nodded. "Just between the two of us?" I began. "I hate that class."

"I know! It's so dull! And what the hell is going on with his hair?"

We sat there talking until late. It was well after eleven before we left. I walked him back to his house, wished him good night, and promised I'd see him again on Monday. He even asked if we could work on our art history assignments together. And once he was home safe, I returned to my friends in the city.

I honestly think all he needed was the chance to get all the pressure and stress off his chest. Because even if someone's in real trouble, they won't always tell you that they need you. The important thing, I think, is to find a way to let them know that you're there. Not everyone wants you to save the world for them. Sometimes, all they need is someone to sit with them in the wreckage and tell them they're not alone.

Sometimes, that makes all the difference in the world.

My name is Teresa. I'm the White Ranger.

And whether one of my friends is in trouble or whether the sky is falling, it's gonna be okay.

I'm here to help.

The End.