A/N: This theme is shorter than what I usually write, but I think that its brevity fits the given prompt. This is also an experiment in writing style so I'm a bit nervous about it, but I think that it came out okay. Enjoy!
"…": characters talking to each other
'…': characters talking to themselves
(…): extra facts about something in the story
(Takes place after "Soul Specter")
Theme 21: Youth
Rootcore, December 23, 2006, 8:00 pm – Briarwood, CA, USA
"Chip, you're a fool sometimes, you know that?"
A pause. "Yeah."
"I agree with Xander, Chip. Opening a bottle that just randomly appears is never a good idea, and you should know that."
Grumbles. "Yeah, yeah. I acted like a rookie superhero. Sue me."
"You're unusually reticent, Chip."
"Yeah, well, that's what comes from being an idiot and doing stupid things like somehow acquiring a black hole in your stomach."
"Get over it. We're kids; that's what we do. We take risks."
A snort echoes from across the room. "You, maybe. Me, I much prefer pacifist tactics."
"Yeah, that worked so well. I distinctly remember you getting blasted on your ass. That was a sight to see."
"You like that V? 'Cause I can show you more if you want." A raised eyebrow and a smirk.
"Pfft. In your dreams, Xander." A smirk is sent back across the room, and one nervous Yellow Ranger decides to remove himself from the middle of the evolving battle of flirtations. After all, he is not such a foolish youth that he would willingly involve himself in something that might end in either cuts or bruises… or something else entirely. Yep, he is going to leave right now and not do anything but find something to take his mind off his flirting friends. Maybe Clare needs something done…