Chapter 7: Leading a Normal Life
"I had a good time tonight." Keri says as she and Phil walk down the block towards her apartment.
"So did I." Phil responds as the street lights illuminate their path.
Keri interlocks her hands behind her back as she walks while Phil stuffs his hands in his pockets nervously.
"I love this time of year; fresh breeze, clear skies." Keri says taking a breath.
"Yea, not too hot not too cold. Simply perfect." Phil replies smiling at Keri who smiles back before turning away blushing.
"Cornball." Keri says giving Phil a light shove.
"But you like that stuff, so what does that make you?" Phil says with a smirk.
"A bigger cornball." Keri answers which makes both teens laugh as they arrive at the steps to Keri's apartment.
They both stop and turn to each other.
"Thanks for taking me out. I feel like a normal girl, even if it is for one night." Keri says.
"Funny, cause when I'm with you I feel like I'm the luckiest guy in the world."
"Your cheese is showing again Phil." Keri says smiling as she kisses Phil on the cheek. "But thank you."
Keri pulls away and is about to turn to the front door when Phil lightly grabs Keri's hand in his, causing her to stop.
"Wait Keri…"
Keri turns to Phil who begins to look flustered. Keri takes a step toward Phil as they hold hands.
"I don't know how…to say this exactly but this is our sixth date. And…" Phil struggles to say. "And I feel there's something between us that I want to pursue further."
Keri's eyes look into Phil's before dropping down as she knows what he's about to say.
"I want us to be exclusive. Boyfriend, girlfriend like James and Wendy."
"Phil….I can't." Keri begins to say. "There's just so much-."
Phil takes a step closer to Keri until their faces are only a couple of inches from each other.
"I know your afraid, honestly I am too. I've never felt this way about anyone before. And whatever is bothering you, whatever questions you have I want to be there with you to find the answers."
Phil's words calm Keri down as Phil moves in for a kiss as he goes in 90% waiting for Keri to return the other 10. Keri hesitates for a second and then closes her eyes as she moves in.
"Uhum!" a voice coughs which causes both teens to open their eyes and quickly turn to see an adult man in his mid 40s standing in the doorway.
"Dad!" Keri says embarrassed.
"Mr. Lovato!"
"Hello Phillip. Nice seeing you again." Keri's father says sarcastically.
"Likewise…" Phil responds awkwardly.
"Dad what are you doing down here?" Keri asks.
"Your mother asked me to throw out the garbage." Mr. Lovato says as he grabs the black garbage bag behind him and tosses it over the edge of the stoop where the garbage is held.
Keri's dad then leans back against the door as he looks at the two teens.
"Uhh dad?" Keri says.
"Yes?"
"Can you leave?!" Keri says becoming frustrated.
"Oh oh right. I'll be heading back upstairs then." Mr. Lovato says as he opens the door and closes it behind him.
"Sorry about that." Keri says turning back to Phil.
"It's alright, he's just being a dad." Phil responds.
"Yea, a little too overprotective of me." Keri says, "Especially recently."
Keri comes out of her thoughts as she sees Phil leaning in for another try at a kiss. But Keri raises her index finger and places it on Phil's puckered lips. The action causes Phil to open his eyes with confusion.
"Sorry Phil, but even though my dad said he left I know he's still behind the door." Keri says.
Phil leans back with disappointment. "Oh…"
Keri smirks as she finds Phil's disappointed look cute. "Listen, I'm going to go in but I'll leave you with this."
Phil looks at Keri waiting for what she has to say.
"Let's meet up after school is done. I promise we can discuss 'us' again."
Keri pecks Phil on the cheek and turns for the door. Once she reaches her door she opens it a crack and turns back to see Phil smiling waiting for her to enter her apartment. She smiles when she drops her head and enters the apartment, closing it behind her. Seeing the door close, Phil turns away and begins his walk back to his home.
"Ugh, Keri Keri what are you going to do?" Keri says to herself as her forehead is pressed up against the door.
"Since when did start talking to yourself?" A voice says which causes Keri to prop up and turn to see her father reading through the mail.
"Jeez dad, even when I asked you to leave you're still here eavesdropping on me."
"Excuse me? I'm picking up the mail." Keri's dad says.
"Dad, I picked up the mail and left it on the table before I went out." Keri states as she walks passed her father who smirks.
"I only want what's best for you dear."
"Yea yea I know. You're just being a dad."
Keri climbs up the stairs to her family's apartment as her dad is not too far behind. The door opens as Keri's mom is sitting at the table on the phone.
"Oh wait Cindy, let me call you back." Keri's mom says to the woman on the phone as she hangs up and looks at her daughter. "Soooo, how did it go?"
"It was good." Keri says non-chalant.
"Oh come now, give me the details."
"Sorry mom but I'm not in the mood right now. I just need some rest." Keri says as she walks towards her room when her father walks in the apartment.
"Ok sweetie, have a good night." Keri's mom says when she hears her door close which immediately causes her to stare down her husband.
"….What?" Keri's dad asks seeing his wife's face.
"You know what, what did you do?"
"Absolutely nothing, I went downstairs to throw out the garbage and that's it."
"And you just happened to walk in on her and Phil, right?"
Keri's father doesn't respond and instead grabs a bottled water from the fridge.
"Mark, you know we're trying to give Keri a normal life. We've finally settled down in this city and she's been able to make some good friends." Keri's mom says, "So why not just let her breathe a little?"
Keri's door opens a crack as she peers into the living room.
"You know why Laura, we can't risk it." Keri's father explains, "We've spent all these years protecting her, so there's no reason to stop now."
"But she can't be a normal girl with you breathing down her neck all the time. She's grown up, sooner or later she'll leave our house and then what?" Keri's mother retorts which silences her husband.
Keri sighs as she closes her door and lies on her bed before falling asleep.
Elsewhere…
The evil Green Knight Ranger is sitting in his private quarters as he looks into a small crystal ball. Inside the mystical globe is the previous fights the Rangers have had to endure against the Knights and their monsters. The Green Knight is observing their fighting styles so he can defeat them later. He sees the different rangers using their attacks when the Gold Ranger appears. She is seen fighting monsters as the images of her keep appearing on the globe. The same clips are played over and over when a yelling is heard.
"GREENY!" a woman's voice calls out.
The Green Knight looks up from the globe to see the Yellow Knight open the door to his chambers. He quickly puts the ball out of sight and stands to his feet.
"What is it?" He asks.
"Just wondering what you were doing."
"Preparing for our next battle with the Rangers."
"Yawn, that's boring."
"Excuse me?"
"You should come out with me. It's a beautiful day."
"You mean the dark, dank dimension we live in?" The Green Knight says sarcastically.
"No, I mean on Earth."
"Why would I do that? Would Blue even know?"
"Oh she doesn't have to know everything we do. And if she asks, just tell him it's a scouting mission." The Yellow Knight states.
A mental image of Keri appears in the Green Knight's mind as he considers the proposal.
"Alright, I'll go with. But we're going to need a new look."
Later that night…
Keri's eyes open as she lies in bed. She quickly gets up and races toward the bathroom. Her electronic clock shows it is 3 AM as a flush is heard. Keri opens the bathroom door and yawns.
"Man, cold weather always makes me have to go." Keri says as she heads toward her room when an illuminating green light emanates from her parents' room.
'What the?' Keri thinks as she creeps up to her parents' room.
Inside Mark and Laura's room, Mark is asleep as Laura is kneeled at the floor of her open closet. The green light emanates from a box that Laura has opened. She stares at a green stone that almost looks radioactive. Laura lays her fingers on it as she brushes them across the surface and then presses them against the top right corner where it is visibly dimmer than the rest of the stone.
"Honey? Ugh what are you doing up?" Mark asks as he rubs his eyes. He reaches for his glasses and places them on his face. "You know you shouldn't be opening that."
Mark quickly sits up as he turns to the door, afraid someone might walk in.
"I know dear, but I felt there was something wrong." Laura responds as she turned to her husband and then back to the stone.
"Is there?"
"I'm not sure. But look at it, the light is dimming."
Mark gets out of bed and looks over Laura at the stone. He notices the dark spot on the stone and takes a deep breath.
Outside the room Keri puts an ear to the door so she can hear what is going on.
"What does it mean?" Laura asks concerned.
"I don't know, all these years and this is the first time I've seen it like that."
"Is something happening to our Keri? We've kept it from her for so long maybe that's why-."
"No, that can't be it. We've kept it away for a reason, you know that." Mark says cutting his wife off.
Keri is confused as she places a hand on the door. She wants to open the door right there and confront her parents.
"I know but-" Laura begins to say when a sound is heard from the door.
Laura immediately closes the case and slides it back into the closet as Mark shoots toward the door. He opens it and looks around the dark apartment, but sees nothing. He then closes the door behind him. In Keri's room, the young teen is plopped against her door as she steadies her breath. A sad look is present on her face as she lies at the foot of the door in the dark.
The next morning the sun shines down on Stuyvesant High School. Mike, James, Wendy, Phil and Justin are standing outside the school talking. The autumn breeze is crisp as the Rangers talk before classes begin. Keri walks up to the group, visibly tired.
"Hey it's Keri." Wendy says as she waves to their friend to come over.
"Morning guys." Keri says with a yawn.
"Tired I see." Justin says observantly.
Keri nods as she adjusts her backpack.
"You dog, you kept her up all night." James says as he shoves Phil.
"Shut up." A blushing Phil says, shoving his friend back.
"Oh grow up." Wendy says slapping James in the back of the head.
Mike laughs as he puts a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You still have a lot to learn bro."
"What does that supposed to mean? I already have a girlfriend." James replies. "You need to find one or you'll be alone."
"I can get anyone I want. And Justin is still single too." Mike says pointing to his friend.
"I have more important things to think about besides finding a partner. Perhaps if someone comes along who is 10 IQ points beneath me, then maybe I'll consider." Justin answers as he opens his phone to check the time.
"Look bro, I have Wendy, Justin has his computers and Phil has Keri that leaves you out." James points out.
"Ok James I think you need to zip it, you're giving me a headache." Keri intervenes as she rubs her forehead.
James is speechless as Mike laughs. A frustrated James then grapples his brother as the two begin to wrestle.
"Little boys I swear." Wendy says with a sigh.
"Come now Wendy, you give them way too much credit. Little cavemen is more like it." Justin sneers.
Phil walks up to Keri who is still visibly annoyed.
"Long night?"
"You bet, I wish things were easier."
"Want to talk about it?" Phil asks as he takes Keri's hand in his.
Keri slips her hand away as the bell rings. "Not now Phil, I just need some normalcy now. And nothing is more normal than plain old calculus."
"Ok." Phil answers with a smirk as he senses Keri's sarcastic humor which puts him at ease.
Wendy breaks up Mike and James as the rest of the Rangers head to their first classes of the day. A few hours pass as the bell rings to end fourth period. The students exit their classes and pour into the halls. Mike and Justin are seen walking together when they notice a crowd of guys huddled around a locker.
"I wonder what's going on over there." Justin says.
"Let's find out!" Mike says as he pulls his friend with him.
Their path is cut off by the sheer number of guys. Mike jumps up and down to see over the crowd's heads. He sees a blonde-haired girl with a bob cut wearing a black leather jacket over a pink long tee. She's wearing blue skinny jeans and black and pink sneakers.
"Boys boys, I only have so many books for you all to carry." the teenage girl says with a giggle as her black painted fingernails brush a few strands of hair from her eyes.
The boys around her keep making their advances to help her with her books when she notices Mike jumping in the distance. Mike's eyes meet the girl's for a split second as her eyes shine yellow.
"Can you stop hopping like a drunk rabbit ready to get it on." Justin says as he pulls the back of Mike's shirt to stop him.
"But Justin….I think I'm in love…" Mike says with an enamored look on his face.
"What?" Justin replies confused.
Suddenly there is stirring in the crowd as the boys seem to part allowing the blonde-haired girl to walk by them towards the rangers.
"Hey cutie, what's your name?" the girl asks.
Mike and Justin look behind them before turning back to her.
"You're talking to me?" Mike asks.
"You're talking to him?" Justin says pointing to his friend.
"Of course I am, silly." the girl says with a giggle.
"Uhhh it's Mark, I mean Mike."
"Well Markimeanmike, my name is Holly." She says as she smiles.
Justin looks at the girl and then at his friend who just stands there, mouth agape, not saying a word.
"Well…nice talking to you but I have to get to class. Hope to see you soon." Holly says as she walks off with a crowd of boys following her.
Justin and Mike turn towards the mob that is walking further and further away.
"Mike….MIKE!" Justin yells slapping his friend.
"Whoa huh what?" Mike says surprised.
"If you're done salivating, we need to get to class." Justin says walking away from his friend.
"Uhh right, wait for me."
A few minutes pass when a whistle is blown.
"Alright class, it's another beautiful day for PE. Hope you are all ready." the school gym teacher says as the class is all lined up in white tees and black shorts. "Before we begin, Coach Simpson will make an announcement so listen up. Coach…"
The gym teacher turns to his right where the coach is standing.
"Ok class, this season has been rough for our football team. We have suffered numerous injuries and we are looking for a few good players to fill out the roster. This afternoon we will have open try-outs to make the squad, if you think you are up to it show up. Thank you." the coach announces as he takes his leave.
"Alright class, if you are interested meet on the field at 3pm." the gym teacher says pointing outside, "Now let's get class started with some stretches."
The class lift their arms in the air and stretch with the teacher.
"Did you hear that Phil?" Wendy asks between stretches.
"What? The tryouts?" Phil replies confused.
"Yea, you should totally do it. You're athletic enough."
"I don't know. Our other activities kind of get in the way, no?" Phil says with a look.
"I mean it could, but that's not all the time." Wendy explains, "And come on, you don't do anything as an extracurricular activity. You like sports, especially football, so it only makes sense to at least try."
Phil smirks as he replies, "Ok, you've convinced me. I'll do it."
"Great, and we'll all be there to show our support."
"Thanks Wen. You're good at convincing others to realize their potential, too bad you can't convince everyone." Phil says half-jokingly.
"Oh….well she'll come around. You're a great guy, and I'm sure she knows that but you need to give her time to figure out her own stuff." Wendy says, "Especially with all the things that are happening to her."
"Yea I know. But-."
"Phil, Wendy! Do I need to separate you two?" The gym teacher yells.
"Sorry…" the two teens say in unison.
"We'll talk later." Wendy whispers to which Phil nods in agreement.
Few hours later…
"Come on guys we're going to be late!" James yells as he, Justin, Wendy and Keri run off to the football field.
"Calm down James, it just turned 3." Wendy says as James continues to pull her with him.
"Yea, and where is Mike?" Keri asks in between pants.
"He said he will meet up with us a little later." Justin answers.
The four rangers arrive at the field and there are a few bystanders sitting in the stands as the football team with their coach are standing in front of a row of about 10 boys. Phil is there with his hands behind his back like if he was in a military line.
"Ok guys, thank you all for coming. We will start the tryouts-." Coach Simpson begins to say but is interrupted when he sees a figure running toward the field waving its arms in the air.
"Wait…wait for me…" Mike yells as he is donned in football gear.
"What is Mike doing?" Wendy asks.
"Oh jeez don't tell me…" Justin replies slapping his forehead.
"Hey bro! What is this?" James asks.
Mike stops real quick by the stands as his friends lean over.
"I'm trying out, what does it look like?" Mike says as he runs off to the field and joins the line. "Sorry that I'm late coach."
"It's alright son, let this be the last time I'm interrupted." Coach Simpson says as he continues with his speech.
"This is not going to end well." Keri says.
"Yea, Mike isn't the most athletic if you know what I mean." Justin says as he leans back.
"But this is kinda unexpected." Wendy says, "What would make him tryout?"
Justin hears a familiar giggle when he turns to see Holly accompanied by a few guys looking at the practice.
"I think I know." Justin says.
The others look to their friend, expecting an explanation.
"That girl over there; her name's Holly and me and Mike ran into her earlier today." Justin explains, "She seems to have her way with guys, and I bet Mike found out she would be here."
"Well I'm glad my bro took my suggestion to heart." James said with a triumphant smile.
"Oh sweetie, give it a rest." Wendy says shaking her head.
Keri stares at Holly for a few seconds and then turns to the field. The tryouts begin as Phil, Mike and the others perform drills for the coach. After about an hour, the line has dwindled to Phil, Mike and one other guy.
"Wow, I didn't think Mike would last that long." Justin says impressed.
"Well, being a ranger has its benefits I suppose." Wendy adds.
"WOOO go bro, show them what you got!" James yells.
Mike hears his brother and turns to him with a smile before turning away.
'If only he knew, I'm dying out here.' Mike thinks as his smile quickly turns to a frown.
Phil turns to his friends and looks at Keri who returns to the look. She smiles and holds up an index finger, signaling number one. Phil smiles and turns to the coach. The other guy who has very short brown hair with olive colored skin turns to the stands. He looks in the direction of Holly whose eyes flare yellow as the guy's flares green.
"Ok gentlemen, congrats on making it this far but now comes the hard part. You three are going to run routes with the offense against our first team defense." The coach informs, "So get ready."
The three guys jog to the field and put their helmets on. First up is Mike who huddles with the offense, is given the play and jogs to the line of scrimmage. The quarterback hikes the ball as Mike runs the route given. The ball is thrown in his direction and Mike catches it but as soon as he turns around he is crushed by the defensive back. Mike plops backwards as the other rangers in the stands get up concerned for their friend.
"Wooo and that's how we do it!" the defensive back yells as he leave Mike on the floor.
Phil runs up to his friend and kneels next to him, taking his helmet off.
"Mike, you ok?" Phil asks concerned.
"I'm…ok…..what am I doing here?" Mike asks.
"Huh? We are trying out for the football team."
"What?!" Mike yells as he sits up trying to catch his breath, "Why the hell would I do that?"
"I don't know, it was your decision." Phil says helping his friend to his feet.
"Well I'm making the decision to quit." Mike says as he takes his helmet off, "Sorry coach, but this isn't for me."
"Fair enough son, hit the showers." Coach Simpson says.
"Good luck Phil." Mike says giving Phil a pound before running off to the locker rooms.
'Hey Keri…' a voice that sounds like a woman says causing Keri to turn around to find the source of the voice.
"You ok Keri?" James asks noticing her.
"Yea…I'm fine." Keri says with a smirk.
'Why are you lying Keri? You were never like that with me' the voice says again.
'Who…who the hell is speaking?' Keri says in her head.
'Oh don't you remember? You're my better half, and I have missed you so much.'
'What are you talking about? I'm sick of these cryptic messages just come out and say it!' Keri speaks psychically as she looks around trying to pinpoint where the psychic link is derived from.
"Now we're down to two victims. Robert Walker you're up." Coach Simpson says as the young man puts his helmet on and huddles up.
'In due time my dear, but in the mean time I think you should keep your mind on the action.' the voice says as Keri picks up a faint signal coming from a person in the stands.
Her eyes widen as she sets her sights on Holly who is not paying mind to Keri but is totally invested on the action on the field. She then lets out a moan as she puts a hand on her head.
"Keri you ok?" Wendy asks.
"I…I just got a headache." Keri says as she opens her eyes which quickly flare yellow.
The quarterback talks in the huddle when Robert looks up quickly to the stands at Holly who nods her head with a smirk. Robert nods in understanding as he and the others break up the huddle. He lines up and waits for the snap, once it happens he runs as the ball is passed his way. He reaches up and gets it before being hit in mid-air causing him to flip and hit the floor on his back. Shock rings over the field as the team medic runs out to the field.
"ROBERT!" Keri yells from the stands to the shock of her friends and Phil.
Keri then quickly slumps to her seat as her friends try to help her. Phil is confused as the medics help Robert who slowly gets to his feet.
"I'm ok, really. I just got the wind knocked out of me." Robert says as he swats the medics off of him.
"I'm glad you're alright Walker." Coach Simpson says as he hands the young man a cup of water.
"Keri what is wrong?" Justin asks.
"I…I don't know but I need to leave." Keri says as she stands to her feet.
Phil is about to run to Keri's aid when the coach calls him. "Martinez you're up!"
The young man turns back to his coach and takes a breath before putting his helmet on and huddles up.
"Keri you can't leave, Phil is about to-." Wendy states before being cut off.
"I just have to." Keri says as she runs out of the stands and toward the school leaving the other rangers confused.
Holly looks at Keri leave with a smirk. Robert looks on from the bench as he sees Keri running toward the school before he looks down.
"What was that about?" Justin asks.
"I don't know, I'll talk to her." Wendy informs as she gets up and goes after her friend.
"Ok, hun." James says as he and the rest of the Rangers turn back to the field.
The huddle is broken up as Phil lines up as wide receiver. The quarterback hikes the ball and throws the ball in his direction. Phil extends his arms and catches the ball, the same defensive back that crushed Mike comes flying towards him. Phil sees this and spins allowing the teen to fly by him. Phil then runs towards the goal line as the rest of the defense races after him. Phil dodges all of the defenders and reaches the end zone. The rangers and the others in the stands cheers as Phil does a little salsa dance in the end zone. Some of the other players run over to the ranger and congratulate him when he looks into the stands and sees his friends jumping up and down, cheering. Absent are Wendy and Keri which dampens Phil's spirits as he sprints towards the coach.
"Good work Martinez, this decision may be easier than I thought." Coach Simpson says as he slaps Phil's shoulder pad, "Alright everyone, hit the showers. I will put up a list in the coming weeks."
The football team all huddle up and put their hands in the center before chanting "WIN WIN WIN!"
Inside the school, Keri rushes into the ladies room as she leans over the sink and runs the water. She cups some water in her hands and splashes her face, breathing heavy. The door opens up which startles Keri as she turns around to see Wendy which relieves her.
"Oh jeez Wendy, you scared me." Keri says steadying her breathing.
"Sorry, but I wanted to make sure you were ok." Wendy says as she closes the door behind her.
"I'm alright."
"It doesn't seem like you are." Wendy says as she approaches her friend. "Come on, talk to me Keri."
Keri sighs as she confides in her friend.
"I honestly don't know. While we were watching the tryouts it felt like my brain was being 'pushed'." Keri explains. "Maybe it's some kind of side-effect from my abilities."
"Ok…but why did you scream that guy's name? Do you know him?" Wendy asks still confused.
"I don't, but….I feel like I do. Like I've known him for years…"
"Weird…" Wendy adds trying to piece the information together.
"How did Phil do?" Keri asks anxiously.
"He did very well, I think he'll make the team."
"Oh I'm so glad." Keri says happily before a frown comes over her face. "I feel so bad…."
"Keri…I hope you don't take this the wrong way but what's the deal between you and Ph-." Wendy begins to say when her phone buzzes.
Wendy stops what she is about to say and opens her phone to see James calling her.
"Go ahead, tell the others I'll be out in a few." Keri assures with a smile.
Wendy nods as she flips open her phone and walks toward the door. Keri sees her friend leave the restroom as she looks back at the mirror.
"Awww poor Keri, poor poor Keri." the same voice that was in Keri's head earlier says causing Keri to turn around alertly.
"Who the hell are you?!" Keri yells as she kicks in the stall doors one by one until all are open, revealing nothing.
"HAHAHA!" the voice cackles, "So naïve, so weak."
"Show yourself!" Keri yells when she looks back to see the yellow knight ranger in the bathroom mirror.
Outside…
"Hey Mike, feeling better?" James asks as his brother limberly jogs back to the group who are standing on the football field.
"Yea, much better. Don't know what I was thinking." Mike says scratching his head.
"You weren't thinking, that was the problem." Justin says shaking his head.
"Yea yea whatever bro."
"Hey guys." Phil says as he runs up to the others still wearing his football gear.
"Heyy, congrats bro." James says as he gives his friend a pound.
"Thanks guys." Phil says as he notices Keri missing from the group, "So how's Keri doing?"
"She's ok, just not feeling too hot." Wendy says catching the others off guard as she walks up to them. "She's sorry she couldn't stay Phil, but-."
"You don't have to talk for her Wendy. She wasn't feeling well, that's it." Phil interjects.
The others look concerned at Phil's indifference when a loud bang is heard by the teens causing them to fall to their knees, holding their ears. Justin looks around at his teammates who hunch over in pain as all he hears is a ringing sound. He pulls his hand away from his ear to see small traces of blood on them. He looks away with surprised eyes as he grabs James and points toward a figure standing on the goal line of the empty football field.
'The green knight ranger…' James thinks with a shocked expression.
Inside the school, Keri stares at the bathroom mirror as the yellow knight ranger stares back. Keri takes a step back when the knight slowly begins to climb out of the mirror to the shock of Keri. Suddenly Keri gets a headache like the one from before as the knight takes its last step out of the mirror and stands across from the ranger.
"Pathetic….I remember you being stronger than this." The Yellow Knight Ranger sneers as she takes a step closer.
"Stop, don't act like you know me." Keri says as she stands her ground and pulls out her morpher. "Elemental Power Energize! Yellow Light Ranger!"
Keri takes her fighting stance as she is engulfed in a blinding light before her yellow armor covers her body.
"Oh sweetie, you just don't get it. I know you better than you know yourself." The Yellow Knight says with her arms crossed, shaking her head disappointed.
"Photon Arrow!" Keri calls as she raises her arm, causing a bow to form in her hand.
The ranger forms an arrow made of pure light energy and loads it on her bow. "FIRE!"
Keri's attack torpedoes toward the yellow knight who is only a few feet away. But in a split second, a scythe emerges from her armor as she holds it up to her face. All of a sudden, the light arrow begins to slow down until it comes to a stop a few inches from the knight's face.
"What the?" Keri says unbelievably.
"Ha, if you liked that then you'll love this."
The yellow knight flicks her the wrist holding the scythe which causes the light arrow to disintegrate. Keri takes a step back surprised when the knight opens her hand and holds the open palm towards the ranger. A force emanates from the knight's hand and pushes Keri through the bathroom wall outside.
"What was that?" Mike asks as he and the other rangers turn around to see Keri rolling on the floor as the yellow knight ranger steps out of the hole created by her attack.
"Keri!" Phil yells as he runs out to try and help.
The Green Knight dashes in front of Phil and kicks him in the sternum, sending him flying.
"Phil!" James yells out as he catches his friend causing both rangers to hit the floor rolling.
"Bad move to keep your eyes off your enemy, and I'm sorry rangers but you're not getting away from me." The green knight says as he forms a staff in his hands and strikes the ground in front of him like a flagpole. The impact causes a thunderous sound to emit and form into a giant dome that encapsulates the knight, Wendy, Justin, Mike, James and Phil inside.
"Welcome to my Thunder Dome." the knight says.
"Seriously?" Justin says mockingly.
"Jeer if you must mortals, but I recommend you ranger up before I end this quickly."
"Funny creep." Wendy says as she helps James and Phil off the floor.
The five rangers stand in line as they all reach for their morphers and yell out in unison. "Elemental power energize!"
"Red Fire Ranger!"
"Blue Air Ranger!"
"Green Earth Ranger!"
"Black Gravity Ranger!"
"Pink Metal Ranger!"
The powered up rangers all pose before they all charge the green knight. The knight takes his staff and charges at the rangers too as he thinks back at time he studied the rangers' fighting styles. The knight begins to dodge and weave the ranger's punches and kicks as he hits Justin with a thunderous smack in his chest from the staff and then trips up Mike.
"YA!" Wendy screams as she flips and kicks the knight in the head causing the knight to perform backflips until he has some distance from the other rangers.
"Good hit hun" James says.
Phil helps Mike up as Justin slowly gets to his knees. "Justin, you ok?" Phil yells out.
"I'm fine, go after him." Justin says.
"Alright guys, weapons!" James orders as the other rangers form their weapons in their hands.
The knight quickly charges at the other rangers, not giving them time to regroup.
"Watch out guys!" Mike says as he swings his sickle and strikes the ground in front of the knight.
All of a sudden, the knight's pursuit is slowed as the knight's body is being pushed down by Mike's gravity powers.
'Shit, my body feels like I'm carrying five elephants.' the knight thinks as he trudges toward the rangers.
"Wendy!" James yells as his teammate runs at the knight with her flail swinging.
"Take this!" Wendy screams as she slams her weapon down on the knight.
The knight looks up and stops his pursuit and takes the attack. Wendy's attack lands as the flail slams the knight on his shoulder which doesn't make the enemy flinch.
"What the?" Wendy says confused as the knight laughs.
The knight grabs the chain that connects the flail to the hilt of Wendy's weapon which causes Wendy to drop to her knees.
"Wendy what's going on?" James asks.
"Dammit, since I put my gravity field on the knight if he comes into direct contact with anything the gravity field will expand to them as well." Mike explains to the horror of his brother.
"Too….heavy." Wendy says as she tries to lift her weapon which the knight lets fall to the ground with giant thud.
"Good bye ranger." The knight says as he slowly lifts his staff with the end pointing at the Wendy's head.
He drops the staff and the gravity lets it fall towards Wendy.
"Wendy!" James screams as he runs toward them.
"Shit!" Mike says as he flips his sickle and swings it at the direction of the knight and Wendy.
"CHAAA!" Phil yells as he punches the ground causing a wall of rock to come between the knight and Wendy.
Unfortunately the weight of the staff breaks through the wall but the impact causes Wendy to be pushed back as the staff "impales" the ground.
"Ahh much better." The knight says as he feels the gravity being lifted.
James catches Wendy when he looks up to see the green knight pick up the staff and rush them. The knight gets ready to swing his staff when Phil comes in and strikes him with his Stone Axe. The knight is sent flying away from the other rangers as he rolls on the floor. Phil stands in front of Wendy and James as Mike stands next to him.
"Are you going to join us anytime soon Justin?" Mike asks.
"Give me a second. Something is off." Justin says as he gingerly walks over to the others.
"What do you mean?" Phil asks.
"When Wendy attacked it seemed like he let her hit him." Justin explains.
"Well that's because my gravity slowed him down so much that he couldn't dodge it." Mike says.
"No…Justin is right." Wendy says, "When I got close enough, he just stopped instead of trying to get away."
"So…what does that mean?" Mike asks confused.
"I'm not too sure, but perhaps he knew how your powers work." Justin says.
"Wrong ranger, not just his…" the green knight says as he gets up and pulls his staff in two, "All of yours."
Outside of the dome the yellow knight walks up to Keri and kicks her while she's down.
"Why Keri….where's your edge?" the yellow knight asks as she circles the downed ranger, "Where's your killer instinct that made us so close?"
The yellow knight kneels down and grabs Keri's neck. The knight leans in toward Keri's head and begins to sniff her.
"You even smell different." the yellow knight says as she caresses Keri's helmet.
"Sorry, but I don't swing that way!" Keri yells as she stabs the knight with a photon arrow in the knight's side causing blood to splatter on Keri's armor before she head butts the knight.
"Argh!" the knight yells as she falls grabbing her forehead, dropping her weapon.
Keri flips onto her feet and smacks the knight in the side of the head with her bow. She then forms another light arrow and loads her bow. She aims at the knight's head and is about to fire when the knight sweeps Keri's legs from under her. Keri falls back as the knight gets back up and is about to stomp on Keri but she rolls away. The two look at each other as the knight looks quickly to the ground a few feet away at her weapon. She lunges for it but Keri kicks it away just as the yellow knight reached for it.
"Nothing without your weapon, eh knight?" Keri snickers as she forms an arrow in her hand.
"You should know better than that." the yellow knight replies as she grabs Keri's ankle which immediately sends a surge through Keri's body.
"What…what is this?" Keri says as her body becomes weaker and weaker by the second.
"You made the mistake thinking my weapon is the source of my power." the yellow knight explains as Keri plops onto the floor as her Ranger armor begins to deteriorate, "I'm the ruler of time, I can harness it as I see fit."
The yellow knight gets up and hovers over Keri whose armor is cracking from the fast forward of time. Inside the armor, Keri feels her energy being drained.
"Look at you…so weak. You make me sick." The yellow knight says kicking the hurt Keri in the side, "I'm going to fast forward time on you until you're nothing but dust!"
The knight grasps Keri's neck and begins the process again but the power is suddenly cut to the surprise of the yellow knight.
"What?! But…why…WHY!" the yellow knight yells looking at her hand as she can hear small chatters in her head. "I don't know why you have a fascination with this one, but I'm ending it."
The yellow knight stops talking to herself as she spots her scythe and grabs it. She holds it up to Keri's neck and readies a deadly strike.
"If you won't lend me your power, then I'll just kill her the old fashioned way!"
Inside the dome the rangers prepare their second wave against the green knight. The knight begins twirling the two halves of his staff in a clockwise motion which gives off a loud whirling noise. The rangers hear this and immediately hold their ears.
"That sound…it's excruciating." Justin says.
"I can dampen the sound out a little." Phil says as he strikes the ground with his axe creating a large wall of stone that blocks out the noise, making it bearable.
"Good idea Phil." James says as the group huddles behind the wall as the knight gets closer.
"We need to block out the sound completely." Phil says
"I can do that, but I need some time." Justin suggests.
"I have an idea, Mick follow my lead." Phil says as Mick nods his head.
"Ok, we'll give you all the time you need. Everyone just fight through the sound until Justin does his thing." James says. "Rangers let's go!"
The four rangers jump from behind the stone wall as James fires beams of fire from his Pyro sword. The green knight whacks the beam away with his right hand when Wendy spins her flail over her head causing metal spikes to project from them. The green knight twirls his left hand holding the staff causing a thunderous roar to stop the projectiles in mid-air.
"See, I know all your moves!" the knight boasts when a swirling wind begins to form around him.
The green knight looks up to see Justin standing on the stone wall created earlier with his aero lance stuck into the ground as he clamped on it.
"Come on, come on!" Justin says as he concentrates his elemental power.
"What's this? A little fresh air?" the green knight mocks as he slams the two halves of the staff together making a sonic boom that looks to dissipate the wind, but the wind quickly recedes around him.
The wind then begins to take shape as a funnel forms around the knight.
"What's Justin doing?" Wendy asks.
"I don't know." James responds as the ringing sound being heard slowly dissipates as the funnel grows larger.
'Damn that blue ranger, he created a vacuum around me so that my sound can't travel.' the green knight thinks as he tries to fight his way out by punching the wind but to no avail.
The top of funnel begins to grow dark, causing the green knight to look up and see two figures hovered over it. The wind from Justin's attack is keeping Phil and Mick floating above as they prepare their attack.
"Ready Mike?" Phil asks.
"Yup, let's do it!" Mike says.
The two rangers take their weapons and cross them.
"Hey greeny, you say know all of our moves? I bet you haven't seen this yet." Mike says.
"Elemental Combination Strike - Geo Gravity Impact!" both rangers yell as their energy begins to make the ground shake.
Rock and boulders begin to rise from the ground and gather above the funnel between it and the two rangers.
"Don't let up Mike!" Phil yells as they both pour more of their energy into this attack.
The gravity from Mike's power begins to mold the earth into a giant globe.
"A…amazing…" Wendy says as the size of the globe continues to grow.
"Come on let it fly!" James yells as both Mike and Phil swing their weapons down which causes the globe of dirt and rubble to descend onto the funnel with the knight locked inside.
"RRRR this is impossible!" the green knight says as he looks up at the attack falling on him.
"Can't…hold this much longer…" Justin says as he tries to hold the funnel together.
The attack is a few yards away from the knight as he prepares for impact. Suddenly the knight notices something about the funnel around him.
"Almost there!" Phil yells.
"SSShit…" Justin says as he collapses from the immense energy used, his ranger powers leaving him.
The attack makes impact with the knight causing a force back of energy. James and Wendy hold their ground as they are pushed back by the backlash. The impact dies down as the rangers look on to see Mike and Phil on the ground in their civilian clothes.
"Guys!" Wendy yells as the two of them run over to their friends' sides.
"I'm ok." Mike says as James helps him up.
"Same here." Phil exclaims as Wendy helps him up.
"You guys did it." James says with a smile, "The dome is gone, so he must be dead."
"Where's Justin? Phil asks.
The others look at the exhausted Justin when they run to his side as well.
"Damn bro, what happened." Mike asks.
"I…I couldn't hold it." Justin struggles to say.
"It's alright, it was long enough." James says.
"No…it wasn't." Justin informs them when Wendy screams in fear causing the others to look and see the green knight in the middle of a crater surrounded by a small dome similar to the large one he created earlier.
"But…that's impossible…" Phil says horrified.
The green knight lets his shield down as he falls to his knees. He steadies his breathing before he looks at the rangers.
"Shit!" James says as he draws his sword.
"James we need to get out of here, the others have no more energy to fight." Wendy says.
"I know but what about Keri?" James asks as the knight gets back on his feet and grabs his staff.
"AHHHHHHH!" Keri's scream is heard from the distance which catches the rangers and the knight's attention.
"Keri?" the green knight says to himself and taps his staff on the ground causing a thunderous sound to be heard and teleport him away.
"Where did he go?" James asks confused.
"Good bye!" the yellow knight says as she lifts her arms to chop down on Keri's neck when the green knight appears and grabs the weapon, stopping it.
"Robert? What are you doin-." the yellow knight begins to say when the green knight punches her in the face causing her to fly away from Keri.
The green knight quickly walks up to the yellow knight and grabs her by the neck.
"Give her energy back."
"Wha…why?" the yellow knight says as she is being choked.
"Just do it! Or I swear that I'll kill you."
The yellow knight pauses for a few before extending her arm out as waves of energy emanate from it to Keri. The yellow ranger's armor begins to look like new as the power used to fast forward time has now reversed.
"There…it's done." the yellow knight says still struggling.
The green knight tosses her aside as he Keri, exhausted from the fight, powers down. The green knight looks at her as the yellow knight gains her bearings.
"You fool, I don't know what you see in her but we belong together. We were made for each other." the yellow knight says berating the other.
The knights see the other Rangers in the distance as they try and help their comrade.
"Let's go…" the green knight says as he walks away from the yellow knight.
"But why? They are empowered, we can take them out easily." the yellow knight asks when
"We are both weak right now. We used too much power." The green knight explains, "Live to fight another day Holly."
Both knights teleport away as the rangers arrive on the scene.
"Keri!" Phil yells as he and the others run to their friend's side.
"Wha…where am I?" Keri clumsily says as her eyes open to see Wendy, James, Mike and Phil standing over her.
"Whoa easy there Keri." Mike says as Keri springs up.
"You're in the power chamber." James says as Keri calms down.
"Jeez, last thing I remember was fighting that knight." Keri says as she takes a deep breath.
"Yea, we had our own run in with one." Phil informs as he smiles.
"Really?" Keri says shocked, "But why were there only two of them?"
"That's what I was wondering." James says.
"Who knows the knight's reasoning." Mike adds as he stretches his arms.
"Well, since they know our identities we must be on our toes at all times." Wendy chimes.
"Yea, but where's Justin?" Keri asks.
"Analyzing some of the yellow knight's blood that was splattered on your armor." Phil answers, "He hopes to get a clue on our enemy with that."
"That's good…" Keri says nervously as she looks at Phil.
"Well, we all had a long day." Wendy says, "We should head home, the school grounds will be a mad house tomorrow after our fight."
"Yea, me and Mike will go take Wendy home." James says.
"Phil, you'll take Keri home?" Wendy asks with a small smirk.
"Yea I will." Phil answers.
"Justin told me earlier he'll stay here a little longer to analyze the data." Mike says as the rangers nod and teleport back to Manhattan.
The group splits like they said as Phil and Keri walk over to her apartment. There trek is mostly silent as the events of the day has waned on the two of them. But to clear the air, Keri finally speaks up.
"Listen Phil, I-." Keri begins to say.
"So it looks like I'm going to make the team." Phil says interrupting his teammate, "I play a lot of games, so there are plenty of times you can see me."
Keri looks at him for a second as she sees him with a small smile which causes her to smile. "Most definitely."
The two arrive at her apartment when Phil walks Keri up the steps to the door. Keri digs for her keys as Phil takes a step down the stoop when Keri grabs his arm. Phil looks back as Keri wraps her arms around his neck and plants a kiss on his lips. The young man is taken back at first but then returns the kiss as he closes his eyes. Keri pulls away slowly as the two look into each other's eyes.
"Phil, I know I've given you a lot of stuff since we met and I've always said I didn't know what I want." Keri starts to say as Phil listens intently, "I always thought it was to have a normal life, but now I realize I want something extraordinary. And I know that means being with you cause no matter what, you make me feel special."
The two embrace as the sun finally sets on the Manhattan skyline.
In the Knight's flying castle, the green knight is sitting in his chambers as he loads the data from his last fight into his globe. The new elemental combination attack is logged as the knight sighs. The video is then changed to a live feed of Keri and Phil embracing each other as the green knight clenches his fists.
The next morning…
"You know you didn't have to drive me dad." Keri says as she sits in her father's car.
"I know, but I had the day off and I figure we can chit chat before you go to school." Keri's dad says which is met with silence.
Keri's mind immediately thinks to the other night when she heard her parents talking in her room.
"So….how's life?" Keri's dad asks non-chalantly.
Keri's urge to bring up that night builds up when she finally opens her mouth.
"Nothing really just school, boys the usual." Keri answers with a smirk as she looks at her dad for a reaction.
"Boys huh?" Keri's dad says looking at her daughter, "Or is it one particular boy?"
"There's no hiding anything from you dad." Keri says sarcastically.
"Well, as long as he treats you right. I'm happy." Her father says which surprises Keri.
The car pulls up to the school as her friends are gathered outside. Keri goes and hugs her dad and pecks his cheek.
"I love you dad."
"Love you too, have a good day."
Keri opens the car door and climbs out, closing it behind her. Her father drives off as Keri runs over to her friends. Police are at the school as the damage done the day before is being investigated.
"Hey guys!" Keri yells out as the others turn to their friend. "Hey cutie."
Keri grabs Phil's hand and gives him a kiss as the other's smile at the sight.
"Phil, you dog." James says, "You finally wrangled her in."
Wendy elbows James in the side to his chagrin as she says, "Congrats guys."
"Thanks." Phil and Keri say when she notices Justin missing.
"Is Justin running late again?"
"Yea, you know him." Mike says when a car screeching is heard in the parking lot.
The group looks to see Justin quickly parking his car and running out towards the group.
"Guys! Guys!" Justin yells as he reaches them and tries to catch his breath.
"What's wrong Just?" James asks concerned.
"The blood work….from the knights…" Justin says in between breaths.
"Yea?" Phil asks anxiously.
"It's human!"
