Chapter 38:Declarations of War

"Astronema."

She looked up, eyeing Zeus' blank expression warily. They'd been relaxing in her room in silence while she brushed her hair, and Zeus simply stared out the window. "What is it?"

"Where is Tearrah?"

She frowned. "Training rooms, I think. She said something about Spectra being 'rusty'." She rolled her eyes at what all the Dark Rangers had taken as an innuendo. "Why?"

"Because it's time," he murmured.

He moved to the door swiftly, pausing only to glance over his shoulder. "Ready to test out that morpher of yours?"

He was gone before she could respond, leaving her staring. After a moment her eyes suddenly narrowed as her lips curled into an evil smirk. She reached for her wrath staff.

"It's about fucking time."

He knelt at the head alter, crossing himself out of habit. Bowing his head, he murmured his prayers to whatever deity might be listening. -( Please ... just help us get Justin back. He doesn't deserve this. Help us bring back the person C.J. always wanted to be. )-

His eyes snapped open at the sound of footsteps. The presence behind him registered almost immediately, and he relaxed. He shouldn't be so surprised to be found.

They had been on Eltar for nearly three weeks now, just over a month since they'd left Earth, with no word of any movement from the Dark Rangers. Everyone was impatient and uncomfortable, but there wasn't really anywhere else for them to go. Andros had taken the time available to accept Alpha 5's offer for repairs and upgrades to D.E.C.A., leaving them stranded as they waited for something to happen.

They had all been dealing with the sudden lack of anything to do in their own way. He'd tried sparring, helping T.J. scan for Dimitria, even having Pahla try to teach him how to meditate just to pass the time. The longer he was left to think, the more he thought about Justin. That had eventually led him here, down to the main floor of the Power Cathedral. What he hoped to accomplish here, he didn't know. But maybe just once, he'd get an answer.

"I thought you hated church," Adam said softly, kneeling beside him.

"I said the people in my church hate me. That doesn't mean I don't still have my faith."

"Sorry."

"S'okay."

There was a long silence. "You're praying for Justin, aren't you?" Adam asked at last.

He nodded wordlessly, his eyes watching the candle flames dancing in front him. They were similar to what he would have found in his own church, except that they came in every color he could think of. What color should he light for Justin, he wondered. Red or White, for his own success? Blue, for Justin himself? Pink, to remind him that he was loved?

"What did Chrin mean?"

He sighed. He should have expected this, honestly. He had asked Adam to keep an eye on Justin when he'd left the team, after all. "Which part?"

"Who's Nate?"

He closed his eyes. -( I'm sorry, Justin, )- he called silently. -( But I can't be the only one who understands you anymore. If we're going to help you, the others need to know who you really are, too. )-

"His brother."

Adam stiffened. "What?"

"He has an older brother, Nathan Stewart. Justin calls him Nate. You remember what Chrin told you, about the street gang in Jackson? They were both part of it. The gang was tracked down and broken up after Justin and Nathan got caught street racing. Nathan managed to convince the judge that he was the one who'd dragged Justin into it, and that he was the one behind it all. He went to Juvenile Hall in Jackson, and Justin's dad brought him to back to Angel Grove not long after that. They haven't seen each other since. Justin told me their mail is monitored, and they don't get phone calls all that often."

Adam could only stare at him, stunned.

"He wanted to start over when he moved to Angel Grove again, and forget everything that had happened. Once he became a Ranger, he let the Power turn him into someone else, so he could really forget." He glanced over at his friend.

"The Power ... changed him?" Adam murmured, his thoughts whirling.

He nodded. "Justin was never hyper. The only time I've ever seen him honestly excited was when I let him work on my van. That, and once when I asked him for help on my science homework." He shrugged slightly. "He told me that it was like a permanent sugar high. I'd never seen him like that, so happy and cheerful. He kept *smiling*. The last time I saw him smile was when I let him drive." He sighed, shaking his head and shrugging helplessly. "I couldn't take that away from him. I told him to keep the Morpher, and that I had to help out with my family more. They did need me, but I didn't really decide to do it until I saw him. And every time I saw him after that, he was a completely different person. I realized ... he was trying to become someone else. He wanted to leave the past behind him." He glanced up. "He wanted to become someone you guys would like."

Adam looked ill. "I can't believe ... Why didn't I notice?"

He smiled humorlessly. "Justin's good at hiding his feelings."

Adam's eyes were tortured when he looked at him, and he flinched. "Aw, man ... " He pulled him into a swift hug. "I didn't mean to make it sound like that," he murmured. "It wasn't anything you guys could have done. He didn't *want* you to know. The only reason I did was because I snooped around and never left him alone when he tried to ignore me. I figured if he wanted to start over so badly, it was better that no one knew." He sighed. "Guess that's why I've never been the smart one ... "

"Stop it," Adam muttered. "You're not stupid."

He smiled wryly. This argument never seemed to get old. "And you're not weak," he retorted quietly.

Adam chuckled, leaning into him.

He inhaled the other boy's scent, smiling despite the situation. -( I never thought I'd get the chance ... )- His heart swelled, and for once he didn't have to remind himself that it wasn't what he wanted it to be.

:: Having fun? ::

His eyes shot open. "Justin?"

:: So we're exposing each other's weaknesses now, are we? :: A dark chuckle echoed through his mind, sending shivers down his spine. :: Then the gauntlet is thrown. You want a real fight: I'll give it to you. ::

"Justin, no!" He reached out, his eyes searching wildly.

:: That's right, Rocky. You should be scared. :: There was another chuckle. :: Let's meet on Saes. ::

"Justin, wait! We - Let's talk about this!"

:: I don't think so. You'll finally get to see just how 'different' I am these days. :: That laugh again. :: See if you can get there first. ::

"Justin!" He scrambled to his feet, spinning as he tried to find where he'd gone. "Justin!"

"*Rocky*!"

Adam's hands were on his shoulders, shaking him, forcing him to look into his eyes. "What is it? What about Justin?"

"Dios mio." His eyes stared straight forward in horror as he paled. "What have I done?" he whispered.

"Rocky? Rocky, talk to me," Adam begged.

His eyes focused at last, staring at his boyfriend. "Justin ... He heard me. Us. He knows that I told you. He said ... He's going to give us a real fight. He said he'll meet us on Saes."

"How do you know?"

He blinked, rationality seeping in through panic at last. "I don't know," he whispered. He stared at Adam, shaking his head. "I heard him ... but I don't know how."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "Let's get everyone together."

He started to lead him to the door, but Rocky paused, gently tugging his arm free and heading back to the alter of candles. Picking up the long matchstick that rested before them, he carefully lit each and every single candle. Bowing his head, he murmured "We *will* save you Justin. We'll save you from yourself."

Dropping the matchstick, he hurried after Adam.

Castine raised an eyebrow as Chrin and Billy finally skidded into the control room and turned off the alarm. Both were covered in dirt and grease, their hair wild and clothing rumpled. "What is it?" Chrin demanded.

"There's going to be an attack on Saes," Milos told him distractedly, already trying to scan for more information.

"Saes?" Billy repeated, staring. "Saes is a research colony. The only residents are civilians and scientists. What tactical advantage would one hope to gain by staging an attack on such a peaceful location?"

"Justin - I mean, Zeus, is challenging us."

Everyone looked at Rocky. He was frowning as he watched Milos work, folding his arms and tapping his fingers on an elbow impatiently. Adam hesitated before reaching up to put a hand on his shoulder.

"How do you know that?" Jason asked warily.

Rocky didn't answer, still staring at the viewing screens.

Adam squeezed the shoulder slightly. "Rocky?"

He jumped, blinking at him. "Huh?"

Adam gave him a faint smile. "How do you know Zeus is challenging us," he repeated.

Rocky blinked again, shifting a little. "I don't know," he admitted. "I heard his voice ... in my head."

Pahla's head came up, eyes narrowing. "In your head?"

He nodded somewhat unwillingly. "I don't know how ... I just heard his voice. I thought he was in the room somewhere, but Adam never heard it. Just ... me," he finished uncomfortably.

"Telepathy." Vengi informed him. "There must be a telepath among them that spoke to you."

The hope that lit Rocky's eyes was more than obvious. "You mean I'm not crazy?"

Vengi shook his head, trying not to smile. "No, Rocky."

"Got it!" Milos declared triumphantly. He froze as his eyes scanned the screen.

"What is it?" Chrin demanded, moving quickly to his side.

"T-the Dark Rangers," he answered. His voice shook slightly. "They ... they're heading toward Saes with Zords. And a fighter squadron. Saes won't survive." His eyes were wide as he looked up.

"The Power Flyers won't be enough." Theovis looked angry, but his eyes were worried.

"We still have the Astro Megaship. We'll back you up," Andros declared, his expression booking no argument.

"And the Delta Megaship," Zhane agreed, frowning.

"But Andros can't control the Delta Megaship while we're with the Astro." Ashley protested. "A monster fight is one thing, but not during a space battle."

Andros shook his head. "Zhane can - "

"The Dino Rangers can handle it," Zhane interrupted. He shook his head at Andros' startled look. "It's better if she's piloted with a team."

"Actually, I'd rather Kimberly take the Pterodactyl," Chrin said absently, going over another screen. "It's more than ready for battle, and no one knows it better than her."

"The Pterodactyl?" Kimberly repeated, looking stunned.

Billy nodded. "Chrin and Alpha 5 have reproduced and grossly updated the DinoZords; all are more than prepared for altercation. However, being a confrontation in space, Pterodactyl is the only DinoZord currently available to partake in this particular skirmish."

Kimberly blinked.

"They rebuilt the DinoZords, but Pterodactyl is the only one that'll fly in space," Trini informed her.

"Oh." She hesitated, then nodded, her eyes determined. "I'll do it."

Tommy stared at her. "Kim - "

She looked up at him with a slight smile. "You guys'll be there to back me up with the Delta Megaship, right?"

"Of course," Jason answered quickly, shooting Tommy an odd look as he continued to stare.

"You know we've always got your back, Kim," Zack told her with a grin.

"You'd better," she teased in return.

Pahla smiled at their display. "I shall join you as well. My White Dragon shall be more than up to this task."

"As will I," Phantom put in softly.

"Is there anything *we* can do?" Aisha asked, biting her lip as she silently pointed out the fact that not everyone had a Zord now.

Castine gave her a smile. "We would greatly appreciate it if some of you would help Alpha 5 to monitor the battle for us from here."

"I will," Kat volunteered.

"Me, too," Tanya put in.

"The rest of us can try to evacuate the colony," Adam suggested.

"Sounds like a plan," Jason agreed. "Let's get to it. It's Morphin' Time!"

"Dragonzord!"

"Mastodon!"

"Pterodactyl!"

"Triceratops!"

"Saber-Tooth Tiger!"

"Tyrannosaurus!"

"Black Ranger Power!"

"Yellow Ranger Power!"

"Red Ranger Power!"

"Zeo Ranger 1, Pink!"

"Zeo Ranger 2, Yellow!"

"White Taeo, Ready!"

"Shadow Ruby!"

"Ranger Mode, Blue!"

"Ranger Mode, Pink!"

"Ranger Mode, Yellow!"

"Ranger Mode, Green!"

"Ranger Mode, Red!"

"Let's Rocket!"

"Light Crystal! Yellow!"

"Time to Shine! Power of the Black Star!"

"Power of the Purple Star!"

Everyone looked at one another when the display of light and energy finally faded. At last Black Dino put his hand out. Without a word, hands piled on top. This time however, it wasn't a shout but a prayer, and a declaration of loyalty.

"Power *Rangers*."

-( Power protect us all, )- White Taeo prayed silently.