Let me start by saying, I AM really, really sorry. A lot of things happened and got away from me. We had some family drama and such that lead me to not being able to write for a while. But today since we had a huge storm, I got to sit down and finish this chapter that I have been working on for a while. So here it is, as usual thank you to all those who favorite, follow or review the story and who put up with the sporadic updates (I do feel horrible to let you know). Hopefully this will make up for it a bit. Now on to reviews!
grapejuice101: While there might not be another full on team up between two teams for a while, the past rangers who show up will make great impact.
Wolfmoon6466: Thank you for the suggestion, I hope the fluff I put here lives up to it. And glad you love the chapter.
Fanficqueen306: First off, yeah I am so happy the L word got out. It was very important to me for them to admit it before going into the second half, since the first half we got to see them falling in love, in the second we get to see them being in love and how it affects their futures. And there are quite a few ways to go in the story, since we really only are about halfway done for now. I am also glad you love it, makes me happy.
ObsessedwReading: Thank you, glad you like the story so far.
FrostyGirl317: First off, I LOVED Descendants and the music from it. So maybe I'll see if I can fit a song from there. I will keep your suggestions in mind.
gossamermouse101: I am glad you enjoyed their team up.
shelby3323: Well it took me a while but here we are, hope you like this one just as much.
Star: Why thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
ranger fan: Thank you, if I made you laugh then I consider that a success.
Adela: Glad to hear it.
JoselinCastillo'Skywalker: Gracias.
luna: I'm glad then.
ZabuzasGirl: I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far.
WolfGirlStarlight17: Thank you and I missed you too, girl.
Ghost DarknessMaster: That makes me glad and I hope you think the same of this chapter.
ellahale101: Well, hope this chapter lives up to your expectations. And thank you.
hope: Thank you.
PrettyRecklessLaura: Well wait no further, hope you enjoy.
RPM Shadow: Glad you loved it so much. I don't know about fitting the whole team, I might see about Mack making a brief appearance though. And yeah the jealousy was my favorite part to write too.
Guest: Thank you.
ignaciogomezmarvez: Here you are.
Rebel: Hope this is worth the wait.
Kitilda101: Thank you for that.
Guest: First off, thank you, I am honored. And second look no further.
MoonPrincess: I hope this is worth the wait. And thank you, it always makes me happy to know people love this and reread this even when I haven't updated.
For my usual announcements, thank you first off to Wolfmoon6466 for the idea that gave me inspiration for some of the fluffier Jayden and Bay moments this chapter. The past rangers appearing today are, Trent, Conner, Ethan and Kira as well as Alyssa and her son Jack who is played by August Maturo. Bay and Amber's outfits are from the SIU episode Merry Merry it Up and the Liv and Maddie episode Joy To-A-Rooney. Finally the songs used are My Song For You by Bridget Mendler and Shane Harper and All I Want For Christmas Is You by Idina Menzel. All the flashbacks you will see are from different chapters of this story.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, only Bay and with help from you all, the plot. And sweetredranger owns Amber.
It was Christmas Eve morning in the city, the air was crisp with the winter chill and while there wasn't a speck of snow on the ground the sky was full of clouds leaving many hopeful for a white Christmas. The shopping center was currently packed with last minute shoppers hurrying to complete their final purchases.
"Thank you." Bay told the teenager at the counter of the coffee stand as she took her steaming beverage. She moved over to join Ariel and Tamara at a table. She smoothed out her red coat, that was paired with a black layered scarf and dark blue hat with a pom-pom on the top before sitting down.
"Christmas in the city there's nothing better am I wrong?" Ariel asked.
"Well…" Bay teased drawing out the word for as long as possible with a smile.
"Not as good as Christmas in NYC." Tamara threw in smiling as well. Ariel scowled.
"Good for you, Little Miss Big Apple. You get to go up and down Fifth Avenue shopping to your hearts content while Bo and I waste away here for break." She mocked. The three looked at each other and laughed.
"Well I wouldn't call it such a waste." Bay commented. "This city has its charm." She finished sipping her beverage.
"Why are you staying for break anyway?" Tamara asked. "I'd thought you'd be on the first bus out of here." Ariel nodded.
"It's mine and Jayden's first holiday together as a couple. I want to spend it together." She told them smiling softly. Both girls melted.
"Awww." Bay groaned.
"Alright, quit the chamber choir, will you?" She mocked. "We have about two hours before T's bus leaves and I still have a few more stores to hit plus the post office on my way back." The girls nodded and all stood up walking through the crowd chatting away.
(Shiba House: A Few Hours Later)
"Hey, Bay." Amber greeted as the redhead entered the meeting room the door shutting behind her with a click. Today the blonde was adorned in a black sequined short sleeve shirt, a high waisted black skirt with white, red and pink flowers decorating it with a gold bow belt to stylize, red tights and black calf length high heeled boots. She added simple golden bow studs in her ears, a gold chain link bracelet and a few gild rings. She applied dark grey eye shadow, mascara, light pink blush, light pink lipstick, and French nails with golden tips finally she left her hair in its usual elegant curls.
"Hey." The redhead greeted back shrugging her coat off her shoulders after she had discarded her hat and scarf. Today she was sporting a gold sequined tank top, over that a peach pink and transparent gold striped top with sleeves that stopped at her elbows, skinny jeans with the left leg dark blue and a lighter midnight blue on the right leg with sewn on pearls, and gold metallic boots. She complimented it a gold chain with a bell hanging off it, a metallic pink spiked bangle, gold studs in her ears, and silver rings. with Her make up consisted of gold eye shadow, mascara, light scarlet blush, light scarlet lip gloss, and peach pink nail polish with gold polka dots finally she left her hair in its usual loose curls but straitened sections of it and pinned the left side back with a golden clip and parted her bangs mostly to the left with a few in her face. She hung up her coat. "It is very cold out there." She told her best friend.
"Fingers crossed for snow." Amber told her. Bay shrugged and headed down the hall. She smiled as she noticed someone doing a few basic moves in the dojo. She ran up and jumped on his back.
"Ah!" Jayden stumbled but quickly regained his footing grabbing her legs to keep her steady. "Hello to you too, Bay." He acknowledged without looking up. Bay wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hi!" She greeted cheerily as she hugged him.
"How was shopping? Did you guys get Tamara on her bus on time?" He asked slightly relaxing and tilting his head to see her.
"Fine and yes we did, they both say Merry Christmas."
"Great, now will you get off me?!" He demanded.
"But I'm so comfortable." She told him seriously before giggling.
"All right, who gave you caffeine?"
"Me, myself and I." She answered. He sighed.
"Last chance before I drop you." Bay tightened her grip before kissing his cheek.
"You love me, you'd never drop me."
Your right, I'd never drop you." He agreed. "On purpose." He added before falling to the side causing Bay to fall off in the process.
"Not fair." She commented sitting up. He gave her a half grin before sitting up and tugging her into his lap. He gently grabbed her chin and tilted her face up to stare into her doe like eyes that he could stare into for hours.
"Are you mad at me?" He asked kissing her head.
"Yes." She told him crossing her arms. He kissed her forehead.
"How about now?" He asked with a smile.
"Ye-Yes?" She attempted to answer feeling her resolve breaking as she stared into his blue eyes that still seemed to take her breath away. He leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose.
"Now?" Bay nodded not trusting herself to speak. He kissed the corner of her mouth keeping inches away from her face.
"Now?" Bay threw her arms up in the air.
"Oh, just shut up and kiss me!" She finished wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him. She felt him smirk and pulled back. "You so did not win this." She told him seriously.
"Yeah I think I did." He told her before kissing her again one hand holding her waist and the other tangled in her hair.
"Yuck!" A voice came from the doorway. The two broke apart to see the others in the doorway. Mike looked disgusted. "We train on that floor!" Bay rolled her eyes.
"We were just kissing."
"More like making out, Princess." He corrected.
"Anyway, Mentor's going to be back anytime soon." Kevin told them.
"Yeah, come on and help us get the decorations." Mia encouraged. The two stood up and followed their acquaintances.
"I tried to stop him." Amber told them.
"We know." Both reassured her.
(An Hour Later)
"Hey, has anyone seen my camera?" Bay asked raising her head and looking at the boys over her shoulder. She had just realized the device was missing and had been for a few days. Everyone shook their heads except Jayden who reached up the shelf and handed it to her.
"You really need to take better care of your things." He told her with a slight smile, Bay took it and stuck out her tongue at him. "Now that's just childish." He said with a chuckle causing his girlfriend to tilt her head smiling back.
"I'm pretty much two years younger than you so I'm allowed."
"Now we know who the mature one is in the relationship." Mike whispered to Kevin behind his hand.
"Yeah." He nodded.
"I heard that." Bay commented without turning her head causing both to freeze.
"I hate her enhanced senses." Kevin commented under his breath.
"She heard that one too." Amber added from her spot next to her best friend. The door opened and Ji came in with a very large Christmas tree in his arms.
"Ho, ho, ho." He told them laughing as he set it down. "Now, that's what I call a Christmas tree." They all looked up gasping and smiling.
"Mentor!" Kevin gasped in wonder.
"Awesome find, Mentor." Mike praised as they gathered around.
"Yeah," he agreed, "it's the biggest one they had."
"Oh, it's looking a lot more like Christmas." Mia excitedly commented.
"I can't wait to decorate it!" Amber squealed clapping her hands.
"Why wait?" The pink ranger questioned coming forwards. "Let's decorate. "Do we have pink tinsel?"
"Whoa." Mike placated. "Let's get it up first." Bay smiled.
"Allow me." She placed her hand on the tree and neatly phased the trunk into the stand quick and easy.
"I will never get used to how you do that." Ji told her but she shrugged. She loved the fact that she used her powers openly now. She felt… free. Free to finally be all of her true self, and they all loved her for it. A hand squeezed hers and she looked at Jayden who pulled her over to the decorations with him. Some more than others now that she thought of it.
"I'm going to go get, Emily." Mike told them. Bay and Amber exchanged glances and he pointed at them. "Not a word Princess and… Angel."
"Angel?" Both asked. He shrugged.
"You two come as a set." He told them before walking away. Bay grabbed one of the ornaments and placed it on the tree admiring the way it adorned the pine before going back to the boxes. Amber grabbed a gold one turning it over sighing softly. Bay squeezed her arm.
"Come on, sis. Smile." The redhead encouraged. "Antonio promised he'd be back before New Year's." Amber nodded attempting to do so.
"I know, but I do miss him so much." Bay wrapped and arm around her and gave her a hug before the two moved to place more ornaments. Mike rejoined them assisting by grabbing more.
"Emily not coming?" Jayden asked.
"She wants to write to her sister. She said she'd check it out later." The group worked in unison laughing as they went. Bay reached to put one up above her head but it slipped from her grasp.
"Oh!" Luckily a hand caught it and Jayden held it smirking at her. "Show off." She commented reaching for it only to have him hold it above his head.
"What did you call me?" He asked amused. Bay jumped up to try to grab it. "When are you going to figure out that doing that doesn't work?"
"Jerk." Bay shot back although still smiling.
"Now that's not nice." Bay reached up and kissed him grabbing the decoration while he was surprised. "Tease."
"Technically, I'm a Vixen." Bay pointed out before they turned to see everyone watching them amusedly. "What?"
"Sometimes watching you two is like watching a sappy romantic comedy." Mike told them causing everyone to roll their eyes.
"Ignore them, you two are sweet." Amber reassured with Mia nodded encouragingly.
"Hey guys, this ornament is slightly cracked. We have any tape to fix it?" Kevin questioned. Everyone looked around through the boxes and such.
"I'll go see if, Emily has any." Mia volunteered. As she exited they all stepped back to admire their handy work.
"It's a work of samurai masterpiece." Kevin commented. Mike snorted as he put some tinsel in the box.
"Kevin, lighten up. That should be your new year's resolution." The blue ranger raised his eyebrows.
"Oh, really?" He asked before grabbing a bow and sticking it on Mike's head. The others in the room quickly burst into laughter before Jayden joined in and soon Mike was covered in bows. Both girls sat down watching and giggling as the green ranger grew more ridiculous. Jayden grabbed two bells.
"Oh, man." Mike mocked complained as the others laughed.
"You know you want to." Jayden told him smiling before hanging it with a laugh. Both girls moved to entertain themselves with a game of Connect 4.
"I win." Amber simply said for the third time in a row. Bay spluttered trying to comprehend this fact.
"I hate playing this game with you!" The redhead exclaimed.
"Excuse me?" Amber demanded. "Have you seen yourself when we play Jenga? Or Trouble?"
"I'm not that bad." Bay protested.
"You obliterated us the last time we had group game night at the Cyber Café." The guys laughed amusedly and Bay pouted crossing her arms.
"I did not." Jayden kissed the top of her head and both girls stood to help them with the finishing touches on the tree.
"Hey, Mia." Kevin called turning away coming to her. "Did you find that tape? Because we have a lot of presents to wrap." She smiled at him.
"Here." She told him handing him the dispenser. "I'm just going to check on my cookies in the oven real quick." She announced before leaving the room.
"Oh, Mia's cookies." Kevin commented with sarcasm. "Can't wait."
"They can't be that-" Amber trailed off as the others stared at her. "Never mind."
"Remember when she almost burned down the kitchen cooking that chicken." Mike asked with a smile causing the other three who were present to laugh.
"Mia was so sweet." Kevin recalled with a smile. "But that chicken was so sour. I just didn't have the heart to tell her how bad it tasted.
"None of us really do." Amber told him smiling thinking of the first time she had tried Mia's cooking despite her sister's warning. Mike hung the last pinecone and the five admired all they had done smiling.
"Alright," Mike began clasping the red and blue ranger's shoulders, "eggnog for everyone." They all nodded. "Let's go." They all turned and headed for the kitchen.
(A few hours later)
"Connect 4." Amber said running her manicured index finger over the four in a row she had done. Kevin looked shocked at being beaten in such a simple game that relied on strategy, an aspect which he specialized in. Bay laughed and high fived the blonde. Emily smiled from the doorway before retreating to her room with her snack from the kitchen. She reseated herself in front of her computer and began to write.
Then there's Amber, our black ranger. That's right we have the lost black ranger on our side again and it's amazing.
"Oh, right!" He said. He then turned to Amber. "Show them." He encouraged. Amber nodded and dug around in her bag and pulled out the two objects Antonio had seen. One was a device identical to their samuraizers and the other was a silver crescent moon shaped object with a black symbol on it. The others gasped in shock.
"What the heck?" Mike questioned.
"Where did you get that?" Kevin demanded.
"In a box of my father's stuff. Apparently it was passed down to him from his dad and so on. It had a letter saying that it hadn't been used for a long time and that when it was found by the right person to go to this city."
"Ji… is it possible?" Jayden asked his mentor.
"If I didn't see it, I wouldn't believe it." Ji responded. "But I think it is."
"Is what?" Emily asked turning to them.
"That's the zord and the samuraizer of the black samurai ranger." Jayden explained.
Amber is so sweet and kind to everyone, she can't ever hate. She and the white ranger are the best of friends working together to defeat every enemy they face.
"So, not the time for this conversation, Bay!" Amber said in a sing song voice as a few moogers surrounded them. Bay nodded and grabbed Amber's arm moving away.
"Elevator going up!" She began as Amber flipped over her and landed in a spin slashing moogers as soon as she hit the ground. Amber grabbed her friends arm next.
"Elevator going down!" She finished while flipping the white ranger in the opposite direction to finish them off. Suddenly the nighlock's tentacles attacked the rangers throwing them down again. They all looked up. The nighlock's eyes glowed red and it sent multiple slashes at them. They went down again in another explosion.
Amber is a bit different from us, she didn't know anything about her samurai heritage until recently. But when she joined the team she proved that she was a fighter, just like her dad. He was a soldier, he passed away a few years back along with her mother but Amber holds their memory in her heart and makes them proud.
"Ready?" Her dad asked squeezing her hand. Amber took a deep breathe.
"As long as you're here, yeah, I feel I can take on the world." She answered smiling.
"That's the spirit."
I remember when a nighlock with the ability to travel through time offered Amber the chance of a lifetime. The chance to relive her life with her parents.
Send me back!" She commanded through gritted teeth.
"Why, when you can stay here and relive those moments?" Amber paused.
"What?" The nighlock pointed at her.
"I can make it so your conciseness goes in your younger body and you can be with your little parents again. All you have to do agree and it's done." Amber looked back and forth between the family scene and the nighlock.
'I can be with them again?' She thought. 'Do I really want that?'
But she proved she was more than just our newest samurai, she was a soldier's daughter. She fought nighlock and won that day. Having her with us makes our team even better.
"I love you too, Baby Girl and remember I'll always be proud of you no matter what." Amber smiled and placed a hand over her heart looking up at the sky.
"Thank you, Daddy." She whispered.
"Well?! Times a wasting. I don't have all day you know!" The nighlock demanded snapping her out of her trance. Amber spun around grabbing her morpher.
"I say… Thanks but no thanks. I know in my heart I need to be with my friends. I'm a soldier's daughter, and that means I won't let you and any nighlock win." She then got into position. "Samuraizer!" She flicked it open and then held it to her opposite shoulder. "Go, go, Samurai!" She drew her symbol. "Ha!" She called striking it to morph.
Amber sat outside and pulled out her phone dialing. She waited patiently while listening to the voice mail.
"Hey, Antonio." She greeted. "I know it's late but, I just wanted to check in. I hope you're having a great Christmas Eve. We all are although I still wish you were here with me." She finished laughing slightly. "Anyway what I'm trying to say is… I miss you." She admitted softly shedding a tear. "Have a safe Christmas, I'll see you soon." She finished hanging up.
(Two Hours Later)
Bay walked into the meeting room with her hands behind her back a wide Cheshire grin on her face looking around for her boyfriend. He sat talking with Mike his back to her.
"And mom used to let us sleep under the tree every Christmas Eve so we could wait for Santa." He informed his friend.
"That sounds real nice, Mike." Jayden commented smiling at his companion. Mike noticed the look on his friend's face and kept quiet as the two kept talking. Suddenly a shower of tinsel rained on Jayden's head. Mike and the others laughed in amusement with Kevin picking up Bay's camera to snap a photo of the shocked look on his leader's face while Bay doubled over in a fit of laughter. He sputtered and whirled around. "Bay!" He called.
"So…worth…it!" She commented through her laughter. Jayden smirked and waited patiently until Bay controlled herself to look up. She froze at the look on his face. "Eep!" She took off running out of the room with the red ranger hot on her tail.
"Oh, you're going to get it this time!" He swore reaching out to grab her. Bay picked up the pace.
"Not if you can't catch me." She commented phasing through the kitchen counter and Ji. "Sorry Mentor!" She apologized as he cried out in shock. She booked it out of the room. Jayden not far behind also apologizing over his shoulder. He shook his head a slight smile on his face.
"Those two act just like they were when they were kids sometimes." He commented to no one in particular. He recalled a time when the two used to run around the home playing tag in every corner of the house.
From her room, Emily smiled as she heard Bay shrieking and the ensuing chase. She began to type away at her computer again.
Oh, I almost forgot about Bay, although how anyone could forget about Bay is impossible. She's our white ranger and she's one of our strongest fighters.
"Now, Bay!" Bay leapt through the air behind the nighlock and struck its back. It turned but she quickly flipped over it and struck again on the front. She then kicked it's middle throwing it away from her friend. She held out a hand like Jayden had previously done for her. He took it without hesitation and allowed her to pull him up. "Up for a combo?" He asked holding his sword up along with his disk. Bay nodded and grabbed her Samuraizer. "Alright, I'll follow your lead." Bay stepped up as the nighlock finally picked itself up.
"What are you going to do with that?" It weakly tried to taunt. Bay began to draw a symbol.
'Symbol power, Ice!' She called out in her mind focusing. A huge ball of ice appeared high in the air and Jayden put his disk on his sword getting into position. Bay then jumped in the air moving her body in a spiral to perform an old trick Conner had taught her. A bicycle kick, her foot connected with the ice and sent it flying towards the nighlock.
"Spin Sword, Blazing Strike!" Jayden called and he sent a blaze of fire at the ball. The attacks fused and a flaming ball of ice slammed into the nighlock. It crackled before exploding. Bay and Jayden both posed, with Bay tossing her sword in the air and catching it behind her back with one hand with the other on her hip.
Bay's great, she's sweet and musically talented. She never lets anyone put her down and always stands up for others.
"There's a girl left behind I must save her." Bay looked around and saw the frightened child. She stood up ignoring the small flash of pain and raced behind him.
"I'll help." She told him.
"Your hurt." He responded grabbing his sword.
"I'm fine. Just going to be sore in the morning." She insisted. Jayden slightly nodded,
"I'll distract the nighlock and you grab the girl," He ordered and Bay nodded, "get her to safety."
"You got it." Jayden charged towards the nighlock and Bay dashed towards the girl. She flipped over some rubble and landed in front of the little girl as Jayden tossed the nighlock away.
"Don't worry sweetie we won't let the mean monster hurt you." She reassured her helping her stand up.
It turns out, Bay's also special in ways we couldn't even imagine, she comes from a family of former rangers. And is a former ranger herself three times over!
"When it comes to dino gems and rangers…" She flicked her left wrist and a purple dino morpher appeared. "Like father like daughter." She finished inserting the gem before getting into position. "Dino Thunder, power up!" She called bringing both her hands to her right side one opened facing forward before bringing her morpher back. "Ha!" She pressed the button on her morpher to activate it. In a flash a purple ranger stood where she had once been. "Dino Thunder, Purple Ranger!" She announced.
Both teens spun them around in their left hands opening them and bringing their right arm back whilst bringing the morpher to their right cheeks. "Overdrive Accelerate!" They called bring their right arms forwards and striking the morphers down against them creating sparks. "Hah!" They slashed down their arms morphing into the Red Operation Overdrive Power Ranger and the Purple Operation Overdrive Power Ranger. Bay felt a flash of searing pain but ignored it as it disappeared as quickly as it came. Both ran forwards to join their new teammates.
She got into position pressing the stone which turned into her morpher. "Ready!" She slammed her hand into her fist which she had pulled back. "Jungle Beast, Spirit Unleashed!" She commanded crossing one arm over the other holing up her two index fingers on both hands before and extending one arm forward while the other pulled back to be level with her head keeping the two index fingers up. In a flash, she transformed. "With the mischief of a fox, Jungle Fury Fox Ranger,"
Bay can also be stubborn when she wants to be, if she sets her sights on it, she goes for it. That stubbornness drives Mentor insane. And one other person in completely different ways.
"Oh, and, Jayden?" She stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder leaning up. She felt Jayden freeze and smiled softly. She placed a lingering kiss on his cheek. "Thanks for being my knight in shining armor." She whispered before walking back towards the others. As she walked she felt a blush rise to her cheeks.
Bay won Jayden's heart and it wasn't long before our leader won hers.
"Not on your life." He told her seriously. Bay pouted. "That doesn't work on me." Bay suddenly pulled her signature puppy dog pout with wide innocent eyes. "Okay, that might work." He said looking away. Bay giggled and flipped her hair off her shoulder.
"I know." She then leaned up and kissed him again. Jayden smiled and kissed back. When they pulled apart he surprised her by pulling her into his lap. "Whoa, not that I'm complaining, but a little warning." She told him before making herself comfortable. The two looked up to see everyone looking at them. She then gave a mischievous smile. "Oh, did we mention, we are "officially" together?" Mia and Emily squealed and the others smiled in happiness for them.
Having Bay on this team shows me that anyone can fight and she's proven time and time again that nothing is impossible.
The rangers gasped as Bay suddenly phased through the ground behind Octoroo, "and your-" Bay crossed her arms and cleared her throat. "What the-"
"Uh, I do hate to interrupt." She told him. "But please do feel free to go on; my dad taught me never to interrupt a bad guy when their ranting and/or in the middle of a monologue. You guys do know you reveal your whole "top secret" plan during those right?"
"How did you survive?" The nighlock demanded.
"I got powers of my own." She then smirked. "Care for round two?" The nighlock made throw her off balance again but she jumped forward phasing through it. Two purple flashes split from her waist and traveled up to her head and down to her feet with two more going down her arms. The nighlock threw hunks of gravel her but she crossed her arms in front of her and the gravel was deflected by another purple flash before it made contact with her skin. She then did her backwards kick and the nighlock flew back as she landed on her feet before turning to Octoroo. "Let my team go, not a suggestion."
"Make me." Bay shrugged and seemed to glow with a pink aura as she got back into her old Jungle Fury position.
"Calling to the beast inside, release the fox!" Her pink fox spirit burst out and attacked Octoroo knocking the staff away.
As the yellow ranger continued typing Bay continued running throughout the house veering off into the front yard trying to smoother her giggles. Suddenly someone crashed into her from the side.
"Gotcha!" Her boyfriend exclaimed as they fell to the ground. Bay laughed and attempted to break free.
"Okay-Okay-I-I give!" She finally surrendered. Both sat up laughing.
"I can't believe you thought you could get away with dumping tinsel on me." Bay pulled away and shoved him.
"Oh, lighten up, last time I pranked you, I pelted you with snowballs." He shook his head. Bay shoved him again causing him to fall back but he caught her around the waist and took her down with him.
"Yeah, I still need to get you back for that." Bay snorted pushing herself up to stare at him her red locks falling over her shoulder.
"Good luck trying, love." She teased kissing him before pushing herself up and walking back to the house. Jayden shook his head.
"Of all the people to fall in love with…" He joked before counting down from three.
"I heard that!" Bay's voice rang out from the house.
(That Night)
Later that evening the others sat again in the meeting room finishing up decorations and last minute preparations. Bay shot Emily a smile as she entered the room with two steaming mugs. She nudged Amber who looked up and the redhead offered her a smile as the blonde stood up and the two walked out into the yard. Bay sat down on the step and passed a mug to her sister.
"The Oliver secret recipe." She told her as Amber gratefully took the hot chocolate allowing it to warm her hands.
"What is the secret anyway?" She asked taking a sip before looking at her friend.
"Cinnamon." Bay admitted shrugging and taking sip herself. the two laughed and stared off into the night. "I'm glad you're here, Amber." Bay told her honestly without looking away from the starry night sky.
"Me too. Thanks for convincing me to stay." Bay grabbed her friends hand and squeezed.
"Be right there." She responded. She hung up and put some money down for the bill. She stood up and turned to Amber holding out her hand. "As my Uncle Wes would say we all chose our own destiny. What do you choose?" Amber looked at her for a moment before growing determined. She took Bay's hand, Bay pulled her up and the two ran out.
"What are best friends for?" She asked.
"Sisters." Amber corrected looking over at her. Bay nodded.
"What are sisters for?" She amended. Both girls smiled, clinked mugs and sat back admiring the twinkling lights above them. Amber pulled out a wrapped box from her pocket after a while of blissful silence.
"Oh, I almost forgot." She passed Bay the gift. Bay smiled and pulled another box from behind her back and handed it to her sister.
"Great minds think alike." Amber opened her gift to find a best friend charm and moon and stars charm key chain. Bay opened hers to find a similar key chain only with snow flake charms to replace the moon and stars on Amber's both girls looked at each other and laughed.
"I'm glad you came back. My life wouldn't be the same without my best friend. And my sister." Bay added. Amber hugged back.
"I'm glad too."
(Later That Night)
"Mike, you're not coming to sleep in your room?" Amber asked as she grabbed a glass of water. She had switched out of her outfit to white V-neck long sleeved shirt with a snowman adorning it and her name spelled out in purple letters, dark blue and white plaid pajama pants with snow flakes and magenta sequined slippers.
"Nope, thought I'd keep at least one Christmas tradition alive while I'm here." He told her. Amber smiled and sat cross legged next to him.
"I know what you mean, at my house we used to make gingerbread men and then save them for Christmas." She confessed somewhat dejectedly. Mike jumped up and grabbed her hand pulling her up. "What are you doing?" He yanked her into the kitchen.
"Come on. We have leftover ingredients from Mia's attempted gingerbread house last week." Both exchanged a glance and shuddered. "Let's see what we can make and surprise everyone." Amber nodded.
"Okay!" She consented ecstatically. She then pulled out her phone. "Oh! Let's record a video and send it to our families for Christmas. He nodded and the two rangers high fived.
Meanwhile Bay finished swapping her ensemble for a red sweater that hung off her right shoulder, black pajama bottoms with silver stars and a silver ribbon and red slippers. She grabbed a brush and began to brush her hair over her left shoulder just as a knock sounded.
"Come in!" She called. The door opened and Jayden stepped closing the door behind him. "Hey."
"Hey." He repeated sitting down next to her as she grabbed a zebra print hair tie and fastened it to her hair to keep it in place.
"Today was fun don't you think?" Bay asked as he put his arm around her shoulders.
"Yeah, I can't remember that last time I had this much fun at Christmas. It just used to be me and Ji." Bay nudged him.
"You have us now Jayden, you'll never be alone again." He nodded kissing her head.
"I know." Bay's phone then sounded and she answered the face time request.
"Trent! Hi!" She greeted cheerily.
"Hey, sis!" He greeted before switching cameras to reveal her other Dino Thunder teammates.
"Hey!" The all called waving.
"Hi." Bay laughed happy to see them. "Merry Christmas!" Trent switched cameras and the others crowded around him echoing the sentiment. "Kira, I thought you were in Spain."
"I came home to surprise everyone, Trent picked me up at the airport yesterday afternoon. I fly back to headline the New Year's bash on the 30th."
"Yes, and she absolutely refuses to take us with her." Ethan joked faking exasperation.
"You're an up and coming tech mogul and you can't get us on a flight to Spain?" Conner shot back.
"Oh yeah!" Bay laughed.
"Guys! Hello?" She said waving at herself.
"Sorry." Both apologized.
"Ignore them, they cracked open the champagne early." Kira told her.
"Yeah, bunch of idiots." Trent added causing a pillow to be thrown at his head.
"HEY!" Conner shot back.
"Hey Bay, who's your friend?" Ethan asked noticing for the first time that she wasn't alone. Bay gulped.
"Well, um, this is my boyfriend, Jayden." She moved so they both were fully in the screen. "Jayden, these are my siblings, Trent, Kira, Conner and Ethan.
"It's nice to meet you, Bay's told me a lot about you all." Conner narrowed his eyes.
"Funny, can't say the same about you." He threw back.
"Be nice." Bay told him.
"Sorry." Bay's phone suddenly signaled another call.
"Look I have to go, I'll talk to you all tomorrow. Love you."
"Love you." They all replied before Bay ended the call and accepted the next. A pretty brunette woman held the phone.
"Aunt Alyssa." Bay greeted surprised.
"Hi, Bay."
"Uh, this is my boyfriend Jayden. Jayden, this is my Aunt Alyssa." She introduced.
"Nice to meet you ma'am. Merry Christmas."
"You as well." Alyssa responded.
"Is something the matter?" Bay asked.
"I'm so sorry to bug you."
"No. No. It's fine, totally." Bay reassured. "What's wrong."
"It's Jack, he won't go to sleep. Cole normally tucks him in. Do you think you could talk to him? He looks up to you so much, he'll listen to you." Bay nodded.
"Absolutely, put him on." Alyssa walked to her son's room.
"Jack, honey? Look who's on the phone." Jack took it.
"Lux!" He greeted.
"Hey, Sweetie." Bay greeted. "Say hi to Jayden." She said motioning to him.
"Hi, Jayden." He greeted waving. Jayden waved back laughing.
"What's this I hear about you giving your mom a hard time?" Bay asked.
"I'm not." Bay frowned.
"Jackson Leo Evans." He frowned his lip quivering.
"It's just not fair!" He sobbed.
"What's not fair, Sweetie?" She asked.
"First you go away and then Dad goes away too! It's Christmas! You always come and read our story and then Dad and I put out the milk and cookies for Santa and he tucks me in! IT'S NOT FAIR!" Alyssa let out a small sob from the other end of the room. Bay sighed.
"I know it doesn't seem fair right now. If me and your dad could be there believe me, we would." She soothed. She then pulled something from her nightstand. "In the meantime, it might not be the same but we can still have our story time."
"Okay." Bay began to read How the Grinch Stole Christmas and when she was finished noticed him almost asleep.
"Goodnight, Jack. I love you." She whispered blowing a kiss.
"Love you too." He murmured. Bay wished Alyssa a good night and shut down her phone. She turned to Jayden to see him in a state of awe.
"What?" She asked.
"You're really good with him. It's amazing how good you are." He told her as they laid down. Bay yawned.
"Yeah, I guess I've always been good with kids. I would like to have some of my own someday. Night."
"Night." He responded. Bay's eyes suddenly popped open and she got out of bed. "Bay?"
"Give me a second." She told him before grabbing her morpher. Jayden immediately sat up.
"What are you doing?" He demanded. Bay hushed him opening the window.
"Trust me." He stood behind her as she drew a set of complicated symbols and sent them into the sky. Immediately snow began to fall. He looked down at her as she closed the window.
"I think this whole city could use a white Christmas." The red ranger smiled at her and led her back to bed.
"Your something else."
"You love me." She murmured back already exhausted.
"That I do." The two then slipped into a peaceful sleep.
(Christmas Morning)
"It's Christmas!" Mike exclaimed excitedly rousing everyone from their beds. "Wake up, everyone! Santa came!" The other rangers jumped up from their beds and ran down the halls. "It snowed! It snowed! Woo-hoo!" He cheered. Everyone looked knowingly at Bay who merely smiled. They all raced into the meeting room laughing.
"Merry Christmas, everyone." Ji told his charges happily.
"Merry Christmas!" They all called congregating in a group hug. They all dove into the pile of presents set before them.
"All right, get back and sit down." Ji ordered to them. They all sat down with Bay and Amber sitting back to back on the floor by Jayden and Emily. Ji reached over and grabbed a pile from the tree. "Present time!"
"Yeah!" They all cheered clapping. He distributed to the presents to the rangers who thanked him all except Mike. They all opened their presents.
"Whoa. Thank you, Ji." Jayden commented on his gift trying them out.
"Oh! A new apron!" Mia spoke with glee holding it up.
"Emily." Ji handed her a gift.
"Thank you, Merry Christmas." She commented opening it. "So cute. Oh, my gosh! It's a scarf, I told you." She bragged. Ji handed the sisters gifts.
"Thanks." Both said. Amber opened hers gasping. It was a new bow for her violin with her samurai symbol hanging off of it.
"Oh, thank you." Bay opened hers to see a box set of the current novels in the Game of Thrones series.
"I've been wanting to read these forever, thanks!" She cheered.
"Thank you." Kevin commented holding up his new blanket laughing. Ji continued passing gifts and they continued to open them.
"Who! This is awesome." Jayden exclaimed as he opened his new baseball mitt.
"And here's another present for Mia." Ji said smiling as he handed it to her.
"Thank you." She opened it. "I love it!" She commented holding up the cookbook.
"There's some good recipes in there." Kevin pointed out before his face turned serious. "You should read it." Everyone laughed. Ji held out another gift.
"For Kevin."
"Thank you." He opened the box. "Perfect!" He held up the new watch. "This is just what I needed. My old one's slow by three seconds." He told them causing more laughter to occur.
"For Amber." She smiled as she took the gift.
"Thanks mentor." She opened it. "Aw, thanks." It was the photo Mike had taken of her and Antonio on their first date in a black and gold frame. Ji handed out another gift.
"For Baylee."
"I'm going to let you have that one just this once." Bay joked taking the gift and opening it. It was a set of new clothes for the warmer weather. "Cute!" He then handed Amber another gift.
"It's from my uncle!" She opened it to find a stunning necklace that once belonged to her mother and a Swiss army knife previously belonging to her father. "Oh!" She hugged them to her chest.
A little later all the presents had been opened and the floor around them was covered in wrapping paper. Mike whose smile had fallen all throughout the process looked up.
"Did Santa forget me?" He questioned looking at each of them. They all exchanged smiles and Ji pondered for a second.
"Now, wait." He said smiling and holding up a finger. "I think there's an envelope under the tree." He bent to grab it.
"An envelope?" Mike questioned. "That's-That's it?" Ji held it out to him and he took it pulling out the note inside. "Go to the front door." He stood up and headed for the doors with the rest following anxious to see this. He pushed them open with both hands. "No way!" He exclaimed at seeing the bike in the yard. He turned to face them with his mouth wide open but at the same time still grinning as they all laughed at his expression. He embraced Emily and Jayden who were the two closest to him before moving to Kevin and Bay. "Thanks guys, so much!" Kevin held out his jacket.
"Here, go for it." He encouraged.
"Have fun." Emily called as they all laughed again.
"All right!" Mike called back. "Boo-ya!"
"Woo, he is happy!" Kevin commented as they watched him jump on. Bay leaned into Jayden's side as she watched Mike start the engine.
"Catch you later!" He called as he sped off.
(A Few Hours Later)
Ji passed around mugs of hot chocolate. They all thanked him as they took the mugs.
"Merry Christmas." They all toasted before moving to drink them. The door then rattled open causing them to all look over. A snow covered Mike walked in.
"Mike?" Mia questioned confused. "I didn't hear you bike outside. Did you run out of gas?"
"No, I gave it away." Mike answered with a smile.
"What? Why?" They all questioned in shock.
"I saw these guys at the park who had nothing at all." He began. "And it made me think of everything I have here with all of you. I wanted them to have something special, so I gave it to them." Emily smiled and stepped forward.
"Mike, your something else." She told him hugging him.
"That's some real Christmas spirit." Kevin told him. The teenagers all moved to embrace each other.
"Merry Christmas!" Suddenly a knock on the door sounded confusing them all. Ji went to open the door.
"Hey, Mentor." A voice came that made Amber freeze.
"Well, this is a surprise." Amber ran to the door shoving Ji aside as she leapt into her boyfriend's arms.
"Antonio!" She cried delighted as he held her tight spinning her around.
"Well, Pretty Lady, it looks like you missed me." He commented.
"You have no idea how much." Amber told him giving him a peck on the lips before returning to embrace him. Only the sound of someone clearing their throat broke them apart. They looked back to see their friends all standing there with knowing smirks on their faces. Both pulled back and Antonio waved.
"Hey guys, I'm back."
"We can see that buddy." Jayden responded hugging him. Everyone moved to sit back down and the three musicians bought out their instruments. Antonio played a tune facing Amber.
Key:
Amber
Antonio
Both
Didn't know what to get you
Ordinary just wouldn't do
But I just found the perfect gift for you
Now I got it all ready
But it's not wrapped in red or green
Come and sit down beside me here
Underneath the Christmas tree
We've got mistletoe and firelight
On this cold December night
The snow outside will set the mood
As I sing my song for you
I hear church bells a-ringin'
Carolers are singing harmony with me now
You are looking so lovely, yeah
Even if the lights go out
We've got mistletoe and firelight
On this cold December night
The snow outside will set the mood
As I sing my song for you
You're so beautiful
I only hope you see what I see (see)
Every word is meant to show you how much you mean to me
We've got mistletoe and firelight
On this cold December night
The snow outside will set the mood
As I sing my song
We've got mistletoe (mistletoe) and firelight (firelight)
On this cold December night
The snow outside will set the mood
As I sing my song (sing my song), sing my song for you.
As the two finished the others applauded happily. Both stood up and bowed before Antonio stole a quick kiss. Amber then grabbed a gold wrapped gift and Antonio did the same with a silver wrapped gift.
"Merry Christmas." They said at the same time. Antonio opened his first to reveal a fishing lure in the shape of a waterfall with a fishing leaping from the water, carved into it where their kanjis.
"It's amazing!" He told her embracing her. "You next." Amber giggled and nodded. Her gift contained a book containing sheet music from Wicked.
"Oh, Antonio!" The two embraced again before kissing, only breaking apart at Kevin's cough. Both blushed red as memories of their time together over took them.
"No problem, Pretty Lady." He then stumbled causing her to giggle again. "I'm Antonio by the way." "Amber." The blonde answered shaking his hand. Antonio looked over at her.
"We couldn't have done it without you." She told him softly. Antonio smiled and returned the hug. After a while Kevin cleared his throat and the two pulled back looking at each other and the other rangers who had knowing smirks on their faces. Both blushed and jumped back.
"Reel it in." Antonio ordered. Amber tried but the fish seemed stronger than her. "Um, Antonio!" Antonio quickly got up behind her and wrapped his arms around her to help her. "Come on, you got this." He encouraged. The fish started to come up. "You got it!" "I got it!" Amber squealed. "Not bad for your first try chica." He praised. Amber looked up at him blushing but beaming. "Can I try again?"
"Forgot something." She told him and Ji. "What?" Antonio asked. "This." Amber squeaked summoning all her courage. She kissed Antonio on the cheek before hugging him tightly. "Don't do anything stupid." She ordered before running back out after the others leaving a stunned Antonio behind.
"So, I don't know if you like musicals or something," She began waving her hands around, "but I have these two tickets to see Wicked in a few weeks. And I figured, if you don't have anything planned, we could, maybe go together. I mean- it's cool if you don't. No biggie… I just think it would be a fun thing to do… You know together." Antonio looked confused. "I understood only about ten percent of that." He admitted rubbing the back of his neck. "But if I got the gist of it, it kind of sounded like you were asking me out." Amber nodded. "You're asking me out?""Yeah, I like you. I mean really like you. I know it sounds crazy-" Antonio smiled and hugged Amber tightly spinning her around. "I like you too!" He told her over excitedly.
"So, does this mean, we're together?" Amber asked before stiffening. "I-I, mean if you want. I know we haven't talked about it much but-" Antonio suddenly leaned over and kissed her cheek. Amber blushed. "Yeah, Pretty Lady. We are together." Amber smiled and the two held hands. "I like that option."
"Okay, Princess. Let's see you dazzle us with those pipes." Mike encouraged turning to the redhead. Bay laughed and sat down strumming.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas baby is you
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you, you baby
Oh, I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
I just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do?
Baby, all I want for Christmas is you, you baby
Oh, all the lights are shining so brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me?
I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh, I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby, all I want for Christmas
Is you yeah
You
Is you woo
All I want for Christmas is you (All I want for Christmas is you)
All I want for Christmas is you (All I want for Christmas is you)
Give me more
All I want for Christmas is you
Give me two now
All I want for Christmas is you
I sing all I want for Christmas is you
All I want for Christmas is you
I don't need nobody more than you
I don't need nobody else but you
I don't need nobody (I don't need nobody)
I don't need nobody, but you (I don't need nobody)
All I want for Christmas is you
All I want for Christmas is you
All I want for Christmas is you
All I want for Christmas is you...
Everyone applauded and as they turned to show Antonio his gift pile Bay grabbed Jayden's arm and lead him outside grabbing the gift she had hidden under the bench.
"I wanted to give this to you in private." She explained. Jayden opened it and to see an ancient sword that when unsheathed he saw that Bay had gotten everyone to engrave their kanjis into the blade. "To remind you that even when this is over, you will never be without us again." Jayden embraced her and handed her a gift as well.
"Merry Christmas, Bay." Bay opened it and sat down to see a photo album in ice blue with snowflakes and her symbol adorning the cover. She flipped it open to see pictures of the previous year at the Shiba House.
"So, that's where my camera went." He nodded.
"Do you like it?" Bay nodded hugging him.
"It's beautiful, thank you." The two embraced for a few minutes letting the memories of the previous year wash over them.
"Oh, my gosh, I like Jayden." She realized before walking on. She then smiled. "And I don't think I have a problem with it." Since she was so consumed in her thoughts she didn't notice Jayden stay frozen for a moment touching his cheek. A grin then spread across his face and he quickly jogged to catch up with his teammate.
"Whoa!" She cried in shock as she fell. Jayden reacted quickly and caught her bridal style. Bay opened her eyes when she found herself not falling anymore. Her brown eyes locked with a pair of blue ones. She blushed at realizing where she was.
"Yes, Jayden. I would love to go on a date with you." Jayden grinned widely and pulled her into a hug which she returned resting her head against his chest.
"Okay. But no interrupting." He ordered before taking a deep breath. "Bay, will you be my girlfriend?" Bay nodded. "Yes, Jayden." The two shared one more kiss before Bay went in her room for the night. Once she shut the door she gave a little squeal.
I love you, too." He told her honestly resting his forehead against hers. Bay smiled. "Really?" She asked hopefully. Jayden nodded. "Really, I love you Baylee Oliver. More than you'll ever know." Bay's smile widened and she kissed him again. "And I love you Jayden Shiba, with all my heart." She confirmed her smile never leaving her face.
"Hey, lovebirds." Mike called breaking them out of their reverie. "Merry Christmas." He drew a symbol which caused mistletoe to grow from above their heads. Both smiled and the green ranger turned to go inside.
"Mike." Bay spoke softly coming up to him. She embraced him tightly. "Merry Christmas, bro." She whispered. Mike grinned.
"Merry Christmas, sis." He responded before walking away. Bay returned to Jayden and kissed him softly.
"Come on." Both joined hands and walked back inside to rejoin their teammates and friends.
Well... What do you all think?
Did you love it?
I should never have to tell you all this... REVIEW!
I hope to have the next chapter up soon, if all goes as planned. That will be the chapter that will kick off the Super Samurai arc so fingers crossed.
Until next time,
Ciao!
