A/N: I got the idea for this story from watching a Little House: A New Beginning episode. Also, there are no OCs, at least not ones with any major roles.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Power Rangers, sadly. Mr. Saban owns them, and always will.
Note: Because her brain won't work as properly as she wants it to, yes, her speech is still slow and slurred or rather a cross of both. (For now.) Scientifically speaking, certain areas of your brain control certain parts of your body. Therefore, you do have a part of the brain that controls your speech. If the speech part of your brain has damage, guess what…you're speech will probably be sort of like Emily's!
Also, this can be set in any season. Samurai or Super Samurai, doesn't matter.
"Hanaori" is the surname of Emily's Shinkenger counterpart, Kotoha!
"Shields" is also the made-up last name for Serena and Emily. I chose it because Emily's Earth Slicer is not only a weapon, but it can be used as a shield and she also has the element of earth and can create brick walls and such with her symbol power. Serena is also her sister, meant to be the original yellow ranger, and thus deserves to have the same surname. Enjoy and bear with me! (The surnames for Mike and Kevin are made up too! The only surnames they give us are Jayden Shiba, Mia Watanabe, and Antonio Garcia!)
~4~4~4~4~
That's A Promise
Chapter Four: A Big Sister's Comfort
Serena Shields looked out the window as a lack SUV pulled up beside the house. She had been watching it ever since it came into view. Her mother, Lilia Shields, came up beside her oldest daughter, drying off a dish from breakfast with a kitchen towel.
"That SUV has the Ranger Emblem on it," Lilia said. Serena nodded.
"I wonder who it is," Serena said aloud.
Lilia saw a blonde headed girl get out of the car and lightly limp all the way to the front door of her house. She saw the girl turn and wave to the SUV as it drove away. Out of the corner of her eye, Lilia saw Serena, her oldest, sick daughter give the biggest smile she showed since Emily left.
Lilia opened the door before the girl could knock and let out a big smile before fondly saying, "Emily, sweetheart! I'm so glad you decided to come back!" Lilia and Emily embraced. "Ji told me all about your situation and what happened!"
"It's only…for…a while," Emily said, giving a gentle smile. Lilia and Serena's hearts both broke when they heard little Emmy speak. "I'm not…staying…for good."
"I see. So Xandred hasn't been sealed up yet," Lilia said and Emily shook her head.
"Sorry, Mom…we're…trying. Oh! My team…says…'Hello'…to you…and Dad…and especially…Serena!" Emily said, as Lilia gave off a smile and nodded. She gave a bigger smile when Serena appeared in the front doorway, hearing her name. "Serena!"
"Emmy!" The two sisters embraced. "How are you?"
"So far…I am…well," Emily said. "And…you?"
"I can stand up and walk around, obviously," Serena said. "I'm doing better than when you left." Emily merely smiled.
"Why don't you two sit down and get reacquainted?" Lilia suggested. "I'll go make some lunch for the two of you."
"Thanks, Mom, that'd be great," Serena answered, the two sisters sitting down on the living room sofa.
Thomas Shields, Emily's father, also knew about Emily's situation and let her come back home for a while and permitted her to sleep in Serena's room. Well, he had no choice, actually. Emily wouldn't let herself sleep anywhere else.
When the lights had gone out, Emily turned over in her bed to Serena's. "Serena? You still…awake?"
"Yeah. Why?" The older girl asked.
"I'm here…because…I need…your help…"
"For what?"
"To help me…get over…this and…this brain damage," Emily said, sounding a little desperate. "I figured…that if…anyone…could help me…it would…be you…"
"Aww, Em, I'm touched that you would choose to come to me," Serena said, meaning every word she was saying. "My first piece of advice, Em, is to try not to think about it or anything related to it."
"Really?"
"Yeah, tomorrow, we'll do something fun. Trust me. We'll have you fit to be Yellow Ranger again in no time! One week! Seven days! That's how long it'll take!"
Emily smiled at her sister's willingness to help. Like always.
"If you…say so…good night…Serena…" Emily said, finally closing her eyes and falling asleep as Serena hummed Emily's favorite flute tune.
SUNDAY
The next morning, Emily was woken up early. She sleepily asked for more time to sleep, but Serena would have none of that.
"The horses can't wait, Em," Serena whispered in her ear.
"Horses?" Emily sleepily asked.
"Yep. We're grooming horses today, Emmy," Serena whispered.
Lilia told the two to put on coats or sweaters. They were out in the country and currently in the month of December, the month of Christmas.
As a kid, Emily remembered when they saw the horses in the barn, her favorite horse was a brown and white palomino named Cocoa. Apparently, the horse still remembered her, because as soon as Cocoa saw Emily, she started neighing happily. Emily smiled, reminiscing about her horse Cocoa.
Serena chose her own horse Peppermint to groom. As they were doing so, Emily couldn't help but wonder what Serena had up her sleeve. Her sister always had some type of card up her sleeve to play when no one was looking. Emily suspected that this was no different.
"Serena?"
"Yeah?"
"Why…are we…doing this?" Emily asked, curious.
"To teach you about the Yellow Ranger family line. Mom told me the same thing as we were grooming horses a long time ago. I was in the middle of Samurai training, of course, and you weren't there, because you were too young to actually get anything from Samurai training," Serena replied.
"Why…horses…though?" Emily asked.
"Our family has moved here from Japan after the Seventh Generation was notified that Xandred moved locations from Japan to America. So, all five families had to move here," Serena said, reciting verbatim what Lilia told her long ago, gently brushing Peppermint in strokes like a pattern or spell. "Along the way, our surname changed from 'Hanaori' to 'Sheilds' when one of our ancestors, a female, by the way, married an American by the surname 'Shields'. The Blue Ranger family's last name changed to Johnson, Green family's changed to Roberts, and Pink family's name changed to Watanabe. Only the Red Ranger family's last name stayed the same. As you know, it is Shiba."
Emily noddedm, but asked, confused, "But wouldn't…our last names…be different? Wouldn't…they be…Dad's last name…instead of…Mom's?"
"I wasn't done yet, Emmy. Right after that, though, a law between the five families was passed. At that point on, their last names were to remain the same: Shiba, Johnson, Roberts, Watanabe, and Sheilds. The Yellow and Pink rangers are usually always girls, but whenever a female Ranger marries, their husband takes on the wife's last name. It's kind of like when the wife takes the husband's name, expect it's the opposite for the Ranger ladies. Why?"
"Because of…the law," Emily said, understanding things better now. "But…what if…two Rangers…got married? Who would…take on…whose…last name? Or would… they keep…their own?"
"You know what? I really don't know the answer to that. We've never had two Ranger families intertwine by a marriage before. Why are you asking?" Serena asked her sister.
Emily tried to hide her light blush that came suddenly across her face. "N-No reason… just curious…"
When Emily was focusing solely on Cocoa, Serena gave her baby sister a knowing smile.
MONDAY
The next day, Serena re-taught Emily everything about the ranch, but they spent the most work on horseback riding. It took a while for Emily to get on Cocoa's back, but once she did, she was riding like a pro again. It made her smile even wider.
Once Emily had slowed Cocoa down to a walk, Serena spoke up again, "Do you know why our ancestors chose this ranch?"
"No…why?" Emily asked.
"Because it's perfect for Yellow Samurai-in-training to practice," Serena said. "When you ride Cocoa, how do you feel?"
"Peace…contentment…happiness…"
"That's because you're connecting with your natural element. Horses have been a natural symbol of our family ever since the First Generation. Horses are creatures of the Earth. When we connect with them, we connect, emotionally and mentally, and sometimes physically, with the earth. That is how, emotionally and mentally, we Yellow Rangers get stronger…"
Emily couldn't help but take in every word Serena had just said.
TUESDAY
Apparently, Serena thought it would be good if Emily started relearning her inherited symbols…
Both girls had a sketchpad and a paintbrush, along with some paint to write/draw with. Serena drew the 'Rock' and 'Earth' symbols perfectly. She was practicing just in case she got better and was finally able to take her place as the Yellow Ranger. Emily, though, had a lot of trouble. She may have tried walking and playing her flute again, but she hadn't tried writing again just yet.
"Hey, Em."
"Yeah?"
"I do appreciate the emails you send me, you know. It let's me know when you're in distress or you're happy. But in these emails, you also hint that you have a crush on one of the guys. Do you remember who it is?"
"Y-Yeah…why?"
"Can you tell me who it is?" There was a smirk in Serena's smile. Emily could tell. Judging by her know-it-all grin, Emily could tell that Serena already knew. She was just trying to get her little sister to tell.
"Alright…I'll spill…I really…like Jayden," Emily quietly said.
She could swear Serena wanted to jump up and down like a little kid and do a victory dance, but surprisingly, her older sister contained herself this time. Emily smiled.
"I see…the red Ranger, huh?" Both girls jumped lightly at the sound of their mother's voice. Emily nodded. "I hope you have better luck with him than I had with his father."
Both girls lifted a single eyebrow in confusion.
"I had the biggest crush on young Jayden's father when we first met, but it never really worked out," Lilia confessed. "But don't tell your father that. We were good friends, though, until he died."
Serena and Emily both giggled.
"Who do…you like…Serena?" Emily asked.
"Oh…that charming young man down the street a ways off. He works at the ice cream parlor," Serena said, a blush dotting her face.
"Ryan?" Emily said, this time being hers to smirk at her sister. "Good pick…like mine."
Lilia chuckled at her daughters' fun and games.
'I think Emmy's making some progress…' she thought. 'The whole point of Serena hanging out with her all day and all night is to take Emily's mind off of her situation…and so far, it's working out just as we planned…'
WEDNESDAY
Emily was indeed recovering. She was recovering faster here than she was at the Shiba House. Yesterday afternoon, Emily had typed up her first email since the drowning and sent it to the Rangers, stating that she was getting better and would be sending out another email, telling them of the day she would possibly coming home. Right now, Lilia and Serena were just talking to Emily when her laptop beeped, indicating that she had gotten a new email.
"It must be from your friends," Lilia stated.
Emily nodded as she reached for her laptop and opened the email. It read:
"Dear Emily,
It's so good to hear from you again. I hope you are doing better. There was a Nighlock attack on Monday, but the others defeated both of his lives. Thank you for leaving your zord behind. They wouldn't have defeated the Nighlock without it.
We have all enclosed our individual responses, but I'm sure they all say the same as this one.
Get well soon.
Sincerely,
Ji
Dear Em!
I miss you, Em! I hope you are doing well! I can bake you some cookies when you come home if you like, but only with your permission. Apparently, Mike let it slip that I'm actually a terrible cook. I'm taking lessons from Antonio and Mentor, and I never cook without either of their help now. So far, the others seem to like my cooking now.
Turns out that all I needed was a timer! Go figure!
Lots of love, Mia
Yo, Emily,
Great to hear from you again. It's also good to hear that Serena's doing a lot better. Remember, if she's half the fighter you are, she still be there when we all defeat Master Xandred. We all believe in you. Trust us.
Oh, just got this new amazing video game!
And Ape Zord misses you a ton!
Sincerely, Mike
Dear Emily,
It's nice to hear your feeling a lot better. Life really isn't the same without you here, Emily. Please, feel better soon, and say hello to Serena for me!
Kevin
Hola, mi amiga!
Great to hear from you again! Just caught the biggest fish in the world this morning. I was planning on cooking it for dinner tonight, but I'll probably save it for your homecoming dinner.
Get well soon, hermanita!
Antonio :)
Hey, Em,
I never really know what to say to you, but then again, I never have to. We always seem to know what the other is thinking. I noticed that while you were still resting up here. I never have to say anything to you, because you always understand me, not to mention everyone else, too.
Thank you for leaving your Ape Zord behind. Honestly, in a way, in felt you were right there on Monday, fighting the Nighlock along side of us, but in reality, your Ape Zord was flying around, helping us fight. I really owe you so many things, don't I?
Anyways, get better soon, Em. We need you more than you realize.
Jayden"
Emily smiled as she read the entire thing.
"Thank you…I'll try…my very best…"
THURSDAY
It was supposed to be a shopping trip. Lilia had taken both Emily and Serena, both of whom were well enough to go out in public, to go clothes shopping. Now, Lilia and Serena were at home, waiting for Emily to come home as well. Serena had come to Lilia and said that Emily had run away. Both girls were staring impatiently at the window. Thomas had come home about twenty minutes ago, but he had more work to do.
There was suddenly at knock on the door and Lilia immediately opened it. There stood a very angry and crying Emily.
"Was it Chloe?" Serena asked her little sister. Emily nodded. "Oh, when I get my hands on that girl, I'll strangle her! No one hurts Emmy and gets away with it!"
"Wait a minute," Lilia interrupted. "Who's Chloe?"
Serena was about to answer, but Emily did so first. "A mean girl…in elementary…school who…always bullied…me and…never cared…if she…hurt me…or not!" Lilia turned to her youngest daughter with an agonizing facial expression.
"What'd she say this time?" Serena demanded, and she coughed.
"I was…having…so much fun…that I forgot…about drowning. When Chloe…brought it…up, I…remembered everything…she said…that I…could have been…in more pain…that that…that me drowning…was the…best thing…to ever…happen to her! Then she…made fun…of J-Jayden…and Mia…and Antonio…and Mike…and Kevin! She didn't…know she was…but she did! But what…made me snap…is that…she made fun…of Serena! I couldn't…take anymore!"
Serena embraced her sister tightly and Emily let her tears fall and her wails fill up the remaining afternoon and that night. They only let go when Emily sent another email to Jayden, on Serena's advice.
FRIDAY
Serena took Emily back to working in the house. They weren't grooming horses or riding them, or practicing symbols, or going shopping. No, they were baking cupcakes. Just the two of them.
Yesterday's incident with Chloe was still fresh in everyone's minds. Emily was unusually silent. Serena didn't press on the touchy subject and merely let the cupcakes bake in the oven.
Emily's laptop beeped, but the owner of the laptop made no move to go and read the newly received email.
"Em…"
"I don't…want to read…any email…from Chloe," Emily said.
"I'm somehow convinced that Chloe doesn't know you email address," Serena said. "Besides, you're tougher than this, Em. Ignore her."
"It's hard…not to…" she confessed. "Her words…keep ringing…in my ears…"
"Well, will Jayden's words ring in your ears instead?" Serena asked, smiling gently.
Emily looked at her sister, who pointed at Emily's open laptop.
"He…replied?"
"Yep, some crush, huh?" Serena softly asked. "Read it."
She did. It read:
"Dear Emily,
Ouch, I hope you're still okay. And it sounds like she has some serious issues with you.
Don't worry, Emily. Don't listen to a single word she says. Remember our words instead. You are not weak, nor are you useless. You are the Yellow Samurai Ranger of Earth. You hold the entire team together, just like the Earth itself grounds together all of the other elements. You are a fighter and we can't do very much without you for very long. Trust me. Trust us. We're always here for you, Em, no matter how far away you run. When you feel lost, you'll always have a place and a family to come home to. We'll never leave you.
But only if you promise to never leave us.
Jayden"
Emily sniffed back some tears and typed up her response:
"Dear Jayden,
That's a promise. And yes. I do trust you. I trust you all.
But, never leave me, okay? Always stay by my side, Jay. Please.
Emily"
She sent it as soon as she typed it up. The timer signaling that the cupcakes were ready went off just as Emily got a reply, thirty minutes later:
"Always, Em. Always. That's my promise to you.
Jayden"
Emily, who never said a single word for the rest of the day, wasn't the only one crying with happiness that day. Serena was also trying to hold in her own joyful tears at the dedication of her sister's team.
SATURDAY
Lilia had to go grocery shopping, which meant she had to go into town again. Both Emily, who still hadn't spoken since she got Jayden's email yesterday, and Serena had volunteered to go. At first, Lilia wasn't sure about Emily tagging along, but her oldest daughter had reassured her that it was okay.
They were in the pasta aisle, when Lilia saw a girl walk up. She had extremely blonde hair (so blonde it was almost white) and she looked like a snobby rich girl.
Serena whispered, somewhat angrily, to Lilia, "Mom, meet Chloe."
Chloe got to talking right away.
"Serena, I see you're well enough to walk out in public. And you, Emily, some friends you have. They don't even support you. They're just a bunch of low lives like you, I bet."
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me, Chloe," Emily said.
Serena and Lilia snapped their heads in Emily's direction. Did she just…talk normally?
Chloe just stifled a laugh. "Really, Emily? You think I'd fall for that trick?"
"It's not a trick." Indeed, she had. "I have wonderful friends, Chloe, that support me, and always will. You are mean to me, because…well…you're jealous of me."
"Jealous?!"
"You don't have true friends like I do. You don't possess a kind heart like mine," Emily continued. "But you don't have to be alone anymore."
This caught Chloe off guard. "H-Huh?"
"How would you like it…if I was your true friend from now on?"
It took a while for Chloe to answer. But when she did, tears were pouring down her face.
"T-Thank you, Emily Shields…thank you so much."
~4~4~4~4~
A/N: Review! Tell me how I did! Chapter 5 will be up momentarily. Also, I made Emily become friends with Chloe, because I believe that's what Emily would do in that kind of situation.
Note: Yes, I am a Jemily shipper. Deal with it! (That does not mean I hate Memily or Jia. I think they're cute couples, but I just think of Mike and Emily more like siblings. Same with Jayden and Mia.)
I'd also like to advertise a story of mine. If you like both Jemily (Power Rangers Samurai) and Auslly (Austin and Ally), then read my story "Samurai and Spirits". Tell me what you think.
Also, if you want to read a Next Generation which focuses mainly on the future/present pairing of our dearest Jemily, take a look a "Power Rangers: Samurai Storm"!
Also, look out for my new Jemily story, sequel to 'That's a Promise', called "Leap of Faith"! A little preview:
"Why did you have to leave, Jayden?" Emily sounded desperate. She was desperate.
"There can only be one Red Ranger, Em." He refuses to look at her. He merely stared at the river's glittering water.
But water was also pouring from her eyes right now. "But–!"
"Lauren is your leader, now. Stay with her, Em."
"It's not the same without you there!"
"Sure it is. Just pretend I never existed."
"How can you say that?!" Emily shouted. "You made a promise to me, Jayden, that you would always stay by my side! Always!"
"Em…"
"Don't make promises you don't intend to keep!"
"Em!" He was still hurt from Fiera's ferocious attacks. It hurt to shout like that. "I'm sorry…"
Emily didn't know what to say.
Summary: She expected him to keep his promise, but he couldn't. Because, he wasn't the real Red Ranger. Lauren was. AU steaming off "Fight Fire with Fire", Jemily, possible Latonio and Kia