Disclaimer: Nuh-uh, Haim Saban owns Power Rangers; not me.

Just two more in the pre-WF era to warn you guys. The one-shots have flown. Another note- should the 'sub' language be Gaelic or Japanese? Thoughts?


ELEVEN: Gift

The final battle (for now) against the Orgs was approaching, Merrick could sense it. But he was deliberately putting that thought to the side for now. He had finished a gift for the princess at last, having worked on it for the past few weeks whenever he had had the chance. He hoped she would like it.

He found her in a secluded clearing on a bench, daydreaming most likely.

"Princess?"

Turning, she saw him standing shyly at the entrance to the clearing, dressed as always in his Warrior uniform. His floppy brown hair framed his face and his gloved hands were behind his back. Curiously she asked, "What is it, Merrick?"

"I, um, made you something."

"You did?" she exclaimed. "For me?"

Merrick just nodded, walking towards her. He revealed in his hands a elegantly crafted gold necklace with a large blue gem as the centerpiece. The princess's face lit up as she repeated, "For me?"

"Yes, for you. It's enchanted to enable you to communicate with us Warriors even over distances via our animal gems," Merrick explained as he approached. "I thought you might find it useful… and beautiful."

"Oh yes," she smiled up at him. "This first time could you put it on?"

"Of course, princess," he responded instantly as she lifted up her hair so he could do so. The pair enjoyed the almost-intimacy of the moment, but then Merrick stepped back when the necklace was properly on. Looking up at the Wolf Warrior she thanked him. His cheeks coloring Merrick protested, "It was nothing… you know I'd do anything you for."

"Anything?" she echoed half-hopefully, half-teasingly. His cheeks now a shade of bright pink Merrick stammered intelligibly before suitably reprimanding with an indignant "Princess!"

She reached up and pressed her hand against his hot cheek.

"You're so shy sometimes. I adore that about you."

His eyes melting Merrick muttered, "You're so good. How could I ever give you what you deserve?"

"Just give me you and let me give you me and we can call it even," she suggested earnestly. Pursing her lips she mused, "I really ought to give you a gift in return for this lovely necklace, Merrick."

"That's not necessary, princess."

"Yes it is," she countered, standing up. With a bashful smile she kissed his cheek, her hand still splayed out across the other. Resting her forehead on his she commented, "I believe we're now even."

"Yes, yes we are," Merrick breathed, his throbbing heart drowning out his words. Putrids, he hadn't been this close to her in so long… he inhaled her fresh, sweet scent, giving in and letting his brain shut down. He forgot why he had been fighting so hard against this wonderful, glorious feeling for so long.

Contentedly she rested her head on his shoulder.

"I love you, Merrick."

"I love you as well."

She laughed helplessly. "Was it really that hard to say?"

"Yes and no."

Making a sound that was either a laugh or a groan she stepped back. Wistfully breaking the moment she observed, "It's time to go to the main clearing… dinner will be ready soon."

Merrick held out his hand.

"Walk with me?"

"Of course."