Disclaimer: As much as I would like for it to be, Power Rangers is not my creation.

Ch. 10 Joining the Team

Just a short thirty minutes after Bella and Ajax had put their children to bed they found themselves in their bed with their two ten-year-olds between them. They talked about what was going to happen the following day and what Karone and Andros' lives would be like afterwards. Bella and Ajax, after several hours of trying, finally managed to get both Andros and Karone to sleep about an hour before they had to get up.

"So, are you ready for today?" Ajax asked his wife as they headed downstairs to prepare breakfast.

"No," Bella answered truthfully, "but I really don't think I have much of a choice." They fixed breakfast in silence, each trying to come to terms with the upcoming events the best way they could. It wasn't long before two very sleepy ten-year-olds entered the room. "Are you two hungry?" At their nods Bella hurried and fixed them both a plate. They all say down at the table and ate in silence until Bella couldn't help but ask, "Are you two worried about today?" Both her children nodded but neither elaborated. "You two have nothing to worry about. As long as you to stick together everything will be fine."

"Your mother's right," Ajax added. "And if you two ever need anything you know we're here and if you don't want us your uncle is just a phone call away."

"We know, dad," Karone stated. "Plus, if we didn't call someone if we needed something we would be in all kinds of trouble." Andros just nodded in agreement although it was still obvious to everyone else in the room that something was bothering him.

"What's wrong, buddy?" Ajax asked, pulling his son onto his lap.

"I don't want to do this," Andros whispered. "What if no one else likes me and what if the others are better than me?"

"Listen," his father began, "there's no reason for you to worry about that now. Give this a chance to be something good. Now, let's get ready and go see who these other rangers are." Everyone headed off to get ready and about thirty minutes later they met back in the living room. "Are you guys ready?" Everyone nodded and Ajax ushered them all out the door.

It wasn't long before they found themselves at Kinwon's house. Andros and Karone stared out the window at the large number of cars at the house. Their parents also seemed highly confused which only increased their children's anxiety. As they walked to the door it opened and Andros and Karone were separated from their parents. Their parents looked shocked at the move and they could only send their two terrified children silent words of comfort. Andros and Karone soon found themselves in a room with five other children. All the children seemed to be at least close to their age and they all looked very confused also.

"Hi there," the boy in silver began, coming straight over to Karone," my name's Zhane. Do you know why we're here?"

"No," Karone replied, a blush slowly forming on her face, "our parents told us we were coming for a test but they looked surprised when we were separated so we were hoping someone in here knew what was going on. Oh, I'm Karone and this is my twin brother Andros."

"Nice to meet you," he stated. "Our parents all told us the same thing but apparently something's changed. Oh, this is Jenna, Brylee, Aalion, and Xadrian." They all gave a slight wave and then the door opened revealing the man who had brought them in. He signaled for them to follow him and they did so without question.

When they arrived at the room where their parents were they noticed they all looked even more depressed and Andros immediately asked, "What's going on?" The tone of his voice alone told Kinwon he needed to tell them about the change of plans that had occurred.

"You all know that you have been chosen," he began and they all nodded. "Well, are original plan was to test you all and give you a chance to get to know each other but the plans have changed. You will now have to go straight into training so that you will be ready if an attack comes."

"So, why are there all those people waiting out there?" Karone asked nervously.

"Well," her mother started, "you'll be receiving your morphers today and those people are waiting to see you." The adults could tell that all the children were nervous but the formal introduction of them as the planet's protectors had to be done. A few minutes later the seven children found themselves on stage with the entire colony staring at them. Although their parents and Kinwon were standing with them, they still felt all alone.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Kinwon began, "as you all know there have been threats made by Dark Specter that KO-35 will be one of the next planets he attacks. Before this happens we have decided to name a ranger team to defend us. I would like to introduce that team to you." The colony stared at the children in front of them, everybody hoping that Kinwon wasn't serious. These children couldn't possibly protect the planet but if Kinwon was going to give them that responsibility the colonists had no choice but to except it. Slowly, the audience began applauding and a smile came to the commander's face. "I am very happy that you all approve of my decision," Kinwon stated after the applauses stopped. "I am now going to take our rangers to their training facility so they will be ready when Dark Specter attacks." The children and their parents followed Kinwon to the Ranger Academy and were given the grand tour.

Later that night Andros was lying in his bed staring at the morpher on his wrist. He just couldn't seem to wrap his mind around all the events that had happened that day.

"Andros," Karone whispered from her bed, "are you awake?"

"Yeah," he whispered. "Do you want to come over here?" In a matter of seconds he felt his sister lie down beside him. "Couldn't sleep?"

Karone shook her head and explained, "I'm afraid. What is they decide we're not good enough?"

"I don't think that will happen," Andros replied. "I'm not sure any other kids would be willing to take on this responsibility." Karone nodded, making herself comfortable, and before long they were both asleep.

A week had passed since Andros and Karone had received their morphers and today was the day that they would be moving into the Ranger Academy. It had taken quite a while to convince the children to leave their homes but after spending time together at the academy they were all very excited about moving in together.

"Hey, Karone," Andros began, standing at the bottom of the stairs, "are you sure you packed enough?" Alden laughed as his son unsuccessfully dodged the pillows being thrown at him.

"You know, he actually has a point," Ajax stated. "I'm not sure five suitcases are enough." This time the pillow were directed at him and were being thrown by his wife.

Thirty minutes later they found themselves in their new rooms at the academy. Andros and Zhane were sharing a room, Aalion and Xadrian were sharing a room, and all the girls were sharing a room. The three rooms were located close together mainly because they were the youngest students at the academy and also so they would be able to bond outside of training. Little did they know this bonding would take a little more work than they had expected.

A/N: Please Review!