Chapter 25: Heroes Among Us

"This is impressive."

"Astounding, really."

"Never seen anything like it."

"Me neither," Flynn and Spencer's commentary had Dillon rolling his eyes. Summer, on the other hand, couldn't stop her grin as the two discussed the underside of the car they stood under. Dillon's car, raised up enough for them to examine, was caked in filth and sand, and they were horrified.

"Can you just get to the point already?" Dillon asked, impatient. Flynn and Spencer exchanged looks, and Flynn turned to the Black Ranger.

"Your torque converter is the heart of your drive train. It is your best friend," Flynn told him.

"And you've let your best friend, get filled with dirt as thick as a brick inside," Spencer forced the dirt loose, and it showered all over Flynn. The Scotsman spat and coughed up the dirt as it got into his mouth, and he stepped away, trying to scowl at Spencer, but the dirt had covered his protective goggles. "Sorry," Spencer chuckled.

"My point is-" Flynn knocked the wrench loose, and it hit the floor with a loud clatter. Dillon put a hand to his head, his eyes unfocused as Spencer and Flynn continued to examine the car. Only Summer seemed to notice, reaching out to him.

"This is a total mess. How was it even still running?" Spencer wondered as he grabbed a spike to scrape some of the more stubborn dirt out.

"Fear, I'd wager," Flynn answered, making the Gold Ranger chuckle.

The alarm blared suddenly, distracting them from their work, and snapping Dillon from the flash of a memory.

'Shield breach at A-14 and a de-fluctuation at City Hall,' Dr. K warned. The two mechanics rushed to the screens as Summer checked on Dillon, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"Let's move out!" Scott shouted, leading the charge out.

"Take cover!" Kayden shouted as he guided the terrified civilians away from the battle, while the Colonel and the rest of the troops covered them.

"Delta Squad! Move East one block!" Truman ordered, before looking around as more Grinders rushed them. "Fall back!" he shouted, firing his own gun as they pushed backwards.

"Z! Cover them!" Sky shouted, his blue shield shimmering as he blocked red blasts from the weapons the Grinders fired.

"I'm trying!" the young woman shouted back from various places, as her clones fought off the robots and cleared a safe path for people to move.

"Need a hand?" Z looked up as Teddie, Morphed in her White suit, landed on the shoulders of the Grinder she was grappling with. It staggered backwards, and Teddie jumped off lightly as it collapsed.

"You're as much a showoff as your brothers," Z told her.

"I know," Teddie shrugged, not taking offence, and Z laughed, before vanishing. "Clones. So weird," she commented, rejoining her team as they fought off the Grinders. "Rocket Hammer!" calling on her hammer, Teddie swept the robots out of her way, spinning it and clearing out any stragglers.

Spencer had to admit, Omni's power boost was helpful. While he'd never had trouble taking on the Grinders, having the extra boost was great. The Grinder he kicked flew backwards, colliding with more and making them all tumble over. He threw out an arm, slamming it into another, and kicked out, making the most of the power boost before he let it fade again, not about to risk letting Omni take over.

Hearing a scream as the power faded, he looked around to see a crowd of the Grinders moving away from the fight, and his eyes narrowed. He rushed after them, and over their shoulders, he saw Colonel Truman, as well as two soldiers, trying to protect a little girl as they were pincered in by both the Grinders, and a bigger Attackbot. It began to charge up an attack, both arms glowing, but as it fired the energy, Spencer leapt between them, raising a shield as he began to glow under his suit. The attack bounced off, and collided with the Attackbot.

"Dad!" Scott leapt in as well, fighting the Grinders off. Colonel Truman pulled the little girl to safety in a corner, watching as the Red and Gold Rangers fought to protect them. His eyes went to Spencer, who blocked each move of the Attackbot and slashed down its side with his Claw Hatchet.

"You're done!" Spencer flipped over the Attackbot and threw an energy ball at it. As the energy exploded, Spencer drove his weapon through the damaged chassis. "You make it too easy," drawing back, he watched as the Attackbot exploded. Satisfied, he turned to Scott, who finished off the Grinders with a powerful swing of his sword.

"Nice work," Scott told him with a nod.

"Thanks," Spencer grinned back, enjoying the adrenaline still running through his body from the fight. "Come on, let's make sure they're cleared off," he said to the Red Ranger.

"Right," Scott turned to his father and saluted, before running after Spencer.

"These attacks keep interrupting my rehearsals," Teddie complained, sitting with her guitar and flipping through the notebook in front of her.

"How rude of them," Summer teased as she walked past. Teddie stuck out her tongue.

"At least they know you're a Ranger," Arianna pointed out, peeking at the notebook. It was filled with scribbles that seemed barely legible to her, but Teddie seemed to understand it fine. "They'll understand why you have to keep running off," she said, and Teddie shrugged.

"Yeah, but I just don't like having to keep running off. I want to make sure I'm ready," Teddie complained.

"Didn't you do this stuff before becoming a Ranger?" Ziggy asked her.

"Again," Flynn added. Teddie glowered at him, and the Blue Ranger smiled sweetly back as Nora gave a laugh.

"They have a point," Heckyl agreed, and Teddie set down her guitar to lift her notebook to hit him with it. "How come you only hit me?" he complained, raising his arm to protect himself.

"Because they're not dumb enough to get close to me when they're mean. Plus, you're meant to take my side," she pointed out as she kept slapping him lightly with the book.

"Alright," she let out a squeal of surprise as he grabbed her, and Teddie's laughter rang through the garage.

"What a pest," Spencer shook his head, passing Flynn a wrench. "What are we looking at?" he asked. While he was an expert with bikes, his knowledge on cars wasn't as great. Flynn had offered to share his knowledge, and Spencer, in an attempt to branch out past being a Ranger, was happy to accept.

"Nothing but sadness, my friend," Flynn sighed, poking around the engine of Dillon's car.

"I think you might have been right. Dillon absolutely made this thing run with fear as a fuel," Spencer considered. Hearing them from his perch nearby, Dillon smirked.

"Rangers, a moment please," Dr. K called over the noise, making them all look up to see her emerge from the lab with Colonel Truman, Sky, and Hicks.

"Good afternoon Rangers," Colonel Truman greeted. "You know, I've been a soldier all my life," he started as the team, bar Dillon, lined up. Gem and Gemma bounced over to stand beside Teddie, looking excited.

"What's this all about?" Heckyl wondered to Nora, who shrugged as they stood nearby.

"Something to do with the fight today?" she suggested back.

"In that time, I've seen a lot of bravery," Colonel Truman continued, taking a box from Hicks. "But today, I witnessed a true hero," he announced, looking to Scott. The Red Ranger's eyes widened. "Spencer," almost as quickly, Scott's hopeful look died, and Spencer frowned, confused. "I'd like to present to you, the Medal of Valour, for the bravery you showed today in the battle against Venjix. The City of Corinth is very grateful," Spencer just blinked rapidly, completely caught off guard as Truman put the medal around his neck. A beat paused, and Annie elbowed him.

"Um...thank you, sir," he said slowly.

"No, thank you, son," Colonel Truman shook his hand, and walked away with Dr. K.

"Nice work Spencer," Sky nodded to him, and Spencer gave a small laugh as he looked at the medal. It was cool to the touch, and shone in the poor light.

"Right," he murmured, and Sky followed the others away. "What the...why?" Spencer wondered, completely baffled as he fixed his glasses, still staring at it.

"That is…"

"So cool!" Gem and Gemma rushed over to admire it.

"It's so…"

"Shiny!" Gem giggled. Annie peered at it too, looking impressed. Scott walked off towards his car without a word, as Spencer looked to the others.

"I just...I don't get it," Spencer shook his head. "I was doing what everyone else was doing out there," he shrugged.

"Well, you did take out the Attackbot by yourself," Arianna reminded him. "You saved the Colonel and that kid doing that," she added. Spencer shrugged, feeling overwhelmed by it. After all, it had only been a few days since he'd been forced to hear the hard truth, that there was more to life than being a hero.

"I guess," he muttered.

"It's awesome! You…"

"Kicked butt! You're…"

"A real hero!" Gem and Gemma exclaimed.

"We're uh-" Flynn cleared his throat. "We're all pleased as punch for you, man," he smiled weakly as Summer looked worried. "But uh, maybe we should...just continue on with the day," he suggested. Spencer looked up, the medal still in his hands.

"I just...don't understand why he gave it to me," Spencer shrugged.

"Typical, you finally get recognised as a hero and you're just confused," Annie teased him.

"Look, Spencer," Summer stepped closer, speaking quietly. "Scott leads us as we help protect the city every day. And the one time his dad notices, he gives you the medal," she pointed out, looking over at Scott, who was leaning over his car. "How do you think that makes him feel?" Summer asked quietly.

"I…" Spencer lowered the medal, watching Scott. He then turned and walked away without a word.

"Nice, Summer," Annie frowned at the Yellow Ranger.

"What?" the Yellow Ranger asked, confused.

"I get that you're trying to spare Scott's feelings. We're all aware that the Colonel never notices Scott. He's a fantastic leader, and a great Ranger, but all you've done here is make Spencer feel worse," with that, the Silver Ranger followed her partner to make sure he was okay.

"I wasn't trying to…" Summer murmured, looking to Flynn, who shrugged, concerned, and then over to Dillon. The Black Ranger met her gaze, and gave a shrug.

"Spencer has a lot going on right now. He's trying really hard to be a better person and step away from his ideal of being a perfect hero," Teddie spoke up. "Then the Colonel goes and gives him a medal. I get you're just trying to spare Scott's feelings, but, well, you've hurt Spencer's in the process," Teddie shrugged, looking sympathetic as Summer looked conflicted. She hadn't even considered that. "But he knows your heart is in the right place. Just give him time," Teddie offered a smile, but Summer just felt guilty.

"Guess I'll finish the overhaul by myself," Flynn sighed, returning to Dillon's car as Teddie patted Summer's arm gently and walked over to Scott.

"How are you holding up?" she asked carefully.

"Over and over, I have tried so hard just to make him proud of me," Scott straightened up to look at the White Ranger. "You know, I...just don't know what to do," he admitted.

"Well, how about trying for you instead of your dad?" Teddie asked, and Scott tensed at the suggestion. Teddie tilted her head with an innocent look, before leaving him to it. As she walked away, Scott pulled a worn picture from his pocket, of his brother and father shaking hands, as Marcus was presented with a certificate.

"What do you want from me?" he murmured, staring at his dad, before looking to Marcus. He gave a bitter laugh. "That's right. You want a hero," crumpling up the picture, Scott pushed himself up. "I'll show you a hero," he vowed.

Cracking his neck, Spencer decided he was done sitting about. Having checked the time, he realised that it was time for training, and finally emerged from his bedroom.

"Just in time. I was hoping I'd get to spar with you," Dillon commented, seeing the Gold Ranger walking down the stairs. Spencer gave a small laugh.

"Hoping to get knocked on your butt again? How unlike you," he taunted back, making Dillon smirk.

"Not gonna happen," he promised.

"Where's Scott?" Summer noticed that the Red Ranger's car was gone.

"He's probably just a wee bit upset, you know?" Flynn pointed out. "Needs a bit of time," he suggested.

"Flynn's right," Dillon agreed. "Just uh, give the guy some space," he suggested, headed toward the lab for training. The others followed, save for Spencer, who frowned as he looked at the empty space where Scott's car usually stayed. He could see the skid marks across the floor, and frowned, remembering another time that Scott had run off alone.

"I'll catch you guys up. Need to do something real quick," Spencer called, turning and jogging out.

"Now why don't I like the sound of that?" Teddie muttered.

To say Scott was annoyed, when Spencer's Zord landed near his car, was an understatement.

"How in the world did you find me out here?" he complained, and was surprised when Spencer was followed by Heckyl. "And why are you here too?" Scott asked.

"We followed your tyre tracks," Spencer shrugged.

"Teddie was worried that the two of you would do something stupid again," Heckyl answered, looking around the part of the wasteland that Scott had been speeding through.

"Again?" Scott repeated.

"Well, the last time you two ran off into the waste, the others had to bail you out," he smirked. Scott rolled his eyes.

"Okay," Scott muttered, walking back over to his car and leaning against it, arms folded.

"Here's what I don't get though," Spencer shrugged. "You have always been a big advocator of "stick with the team" and "don't run off alone" and "always have a plan". I remember that lecture you gave the others for running off to save me," the Gold Ranger gave a grin. "And then you come out here. Alone," he pointed out. Scott rolled his eyes again and looked away. "Why?" he asked.

"Why'd I come out here?" the two could hear the anger and frustration as Scott tried to keep his voice level. "Because it is the only way that my dad will ever-" he stopped himself abruptly, and gave a self-mocking laugh. "You know what? Who am I kidding? I screwed up," Scott sighed, slumping backwards against the car.

"Dude, it's okay. You're talking to someone who is always screwing up," Spencer laughed, walking over and patting his shoulder. "Like with this medal. I shouldn't have kept going on about it. I just...well, I'm trying to be a better person. Be more than just a hero. And after thinking about it, I started to wonder if I'm finally taking a step in the right direction. But if it upsets you…" Spencer pulled the medal off and hurled it away. "It's gone," he decided, making Scott's eyes widen.

"No, Spencer," Scott shook his head quickly. "You deserve that medal. Absolutely," he insisted. Spencer gave him an uncertain look, and Scott smiled before heading over to lift the medal. Heckyl suddenly stopped him, and Scott glanced to him.

"Look," Heckyl pointed past where the medal was lying. Scott followed, and shock settled into his expression.

"They're not Grinder footprints," he crouched to examine them, lifting the medal and handing it back to Spencer. The three followed the footprints that marked the sand-covered waste. "Come on," he led them along as they followed the tracks, before reaching the top of a hill. "There!" Scott spotted five figures hurrying away.

"They must have escaped a camp," Spencer realised.

"If they did, they didn't escape unnoticed," Heckyl pointed out the Grinder racing towards them on a bike. Hearing the dull roar, the four people started to run, but they looked injured and worn down. Another Grinder arrived, and before long they were circling the five, who stood together tightly, terrified. The smallest, who couldn't have been older than 6, clung to them as they tried to keep her in the middle.

"We need to help them," Spencer muttered, going to move, but Scott stopped him.

"No, wait," he shook his head. "Let's get them? That's the extent of your plan?" he asked, somewhat exasperated. Spencer couldn't help but smile.

"Well, plans are usually your thing. I tend to jump in headfirst," he shrugged.

"Does anyone in your family like to plan?" Heckyl asked him quietly. Spencer gave another shrug.

"My grandfather?" he guessed.

"Naughty naughty," they looked back down as Tenaya arrived with more Grinders. "No-one escapes that easily," she smirked at the five. "Venjix is gonna blow a circuit, when he sees the workers I've brought to the palace," Tenaya taunted them as they stared back silently. "Grab them!" she ordered with a snap of her fingers, and the Grinders grabbed the five, pulling them along after her.

"We can follow them right to Venjix' palace!" Spencer realised, but Scott shook his head.

"No, they'd detect our bio-signals before we even get close," he pointed out.

"Then how about another way?" Heckyl smirked, and the pair turned to him curiously.

It didn't take long for Grinders to find the three, as they left themselves out in the open, wearing the clothes that Spencer had conjured for them. Disguised like they had been travelling in the waste for a while, with their faces hidden from the sun, they hadn't been recognised, and gave themselves up without a fight.

"Well well well," Tenaya smirked as they were shoved down towards her. "Come join the fun," she invited, and took the medal offered by one of the Grinders. She examined it, and her smirk grew. "For bravery huh? You aren't so brave now, are you?" she taunted, getting in Spencer's face. He avoided her gaze, staring at the ground, and she gave a laugh, shoving him. Anger bubbled inside as he wanted to challenge her, hating how she treated those she saw as weak. But he kept his cover, avoiding her gaze. "Pathetic," she put the medal around her neck, and with a scoff, she turned and walked off.

Dr. K rolled her eyes in exasperation as the rest of her team followed her through into the lab.

"Even if you went out there, where would you begin to look for them?" she asked, having been made aware that the three were gone. "It's like finding a needle in a hay barn," Dr. K told them as she returned to her computer.

"You mean haystack, not barn," Ziggy corrected.

"No, Ranger Green," she denied, and he scowled at the use of his status again.

"Trying to correct her isn't going to help her like you," Nora muttered to him.

"Searching a stack would be child's play. But a whole barn would be hopeless," Dr. K explained her reasoning quietly. The Rangers didn't look any happier, and she sighed. "Look, I'm concerned too, but when they left, they put themselves in jeopardy. If we leave, we put the whole city in jeopardy," she told the team. Nobody could argue that.

"Okay," Annie pinched the bridge of her nose. "They're smart dudes. All of them. They'll be fine. We just need to keep positive, and wait for them to contact us," she said to the team, hoping that she sounded more optimistic than she felt. Summer nodded, trying to look like she agreed. Teddie wasn't looking at anyone in particular, stuck in thought, not that Annie was surprised. Ziggy didn't look very reassured, and Dillon was only getting more annoyed. Annie sighed.

She was going to give them hell when they got back.

The prisoners were brought towards trucks that had been abandoned during the Battle of Corinth, where more people were being loaded in.

"You and your friends," Scott glanced around as the older man whispered to him. "Soldiers?" he guessed. Scott nodded. "I was with the 10th Battalion, Commander Murdoch," he introduced himself. "Corinth should be 20 miles due south. I'll get their attention," he volunteered.

"No, sir," Scott hissed a warning back.

"You and your friends, make a run for the city. Send help," the Commander told him.

"No, you don't understand!" Scott denied, shaking his head quickly.

"It's our only chance son," Murdoch insisted, and Scott groaned.

"No, stop-" the older man didn't listen, and instead ran off.

"Why can we never find anyone who listens?" Heckyl wondered. He made to move and free them from their cuffs, but Scott stopped him quickly.

"No, don't. We can't," he warned the two, who watched as Murdoch ran and attacked the Grinders. To his credit, he held his own, using the Grinder's own weapon against them and taking at least three out before more swarmed him and pinned him down.

"Three perfectly good Grinders, trashed!" Tenaya shouted as she stormed over. The man looked over, staring at the three who hadn't moved. "Shame. You would have made such a good hybrid," she complained, and kicked him in the chest, and as he doubled over, wheezing. He managed to look up again, but didn't look at Tenaya as she charged her weapon. Instead he looked at the three in disbelief.

"Scott…" Spencer hissed.

"Stay with the plan…" Scott stared at the ground, conflicted. When Tenaya gave a laugh, however, he sighed. "Screw the plan. Let's get them," he decided, pulling down the cloth that covered his mouth.

"Thought you'd never say," Heckyl gave a roll of his eyes, and with a flick of his fingers, freed the three from their bindings. Before the blue lights had even started to fade, Spencer lit up a ball of energy and hurled it at Tenaya. She looked up, and dodged the orb at the last second. The power in her weapon faded, and the three rushed her.

"RPM, GET IN GEAR!" Scott and Spencer Morphed, and they began to take out the Grinders while dodging Tenaya's attacks.

"Heckyl, keep them safe!" Scott shouted.

"You know, you aren't my leader," Heckyl said as he walked past their fighting, turning Grinders to dust if they tried to attack him.

"Just do it!" Scott groaned. Heckyl gave a mocking salute, using his powers to free the prisoners. The Commander stared at them as his cuffs fell to the ground. Scott focused Tenaya, who was too angry for her usual barbs, while Spencer took out the Grinders around the trucks.

"I've really had enough of these camps," Spencer hissed, letting Omni's power flow through him as he cut through the Grinders that tried to overwhelm him with numbers. He then snapped his fingers, and the prisoners were released from their chains, staring at them in shock.

Tenaya landed in a heap nearby, crying out, before scrambling back up and vanishing over the hills as the three regrouped, with Scott and Spencer demorphing.

"Some kind of soldiers," Commander Murdoch laughed as he approached them as well. Scott gave a small laugh in response.

"Okay, everybody! Into the back of the transport vehicle," Scott called to everyone watching nearby. "As quickly as you can please! Thank you!" he guided them along.

"Oh, can't forget this," Heckyl scooped up the medal and tossed it to Spencer.

"Right," Spencer slipped it into his jacket pocket, and they followed Scott to the truck.

"This is so exciting!" Shifter and Crunch watched as the new body that Siren had created was lifted from the pit, both excited.

"This will put the last body to shame," she smirked.

"The dawn of a new day," Shifter commented.

"What a makeover!" Crunch cheered as the new body was placed in front of them.

"Finish the download," Venjix ordered, and Crunch lifted the cables, running over to plug them in.

"Whatever happened to wireless?" he wondered, and yelped as Siren slapped the back of his head, taking the cables from him.

"Idiot," she muttered, connecting them. "You'd think a robot would know why it's better to use a cable," Siren stepped away and watched as Venjix downloaded himself into the new body. A vicious smirk tugged at her lips. "Now this is going to be fun," she murmured.

"Hey uh…" Spencer cleared his throat as he drove the truck back towards Corinth, with Scott and the Commander driving behind them. "Thanks...for coming out here," he said quietly, and Heckyl turned his attention from the view outside, to the Gold Ranger driving. "I know you did it because Teddie asked, but, well, I appreciate it," he shrugged, a little embarrassed.

"I didn't just do it because Teddie asked," Heckyl rolled his eyes and looked back out the window, resting his head in his hand. Spencer gave a small laugh.

"Right. Thanks," he said quietly.

"You don't have to thank me, you know," Heckyl replied, not looking back at him.

"I do. You're a part of the team," Spencer said firmly, taking him by surprise. "You've been helping me control Omni, you've kept my sister safe, and you came out here to help bring Scott back. You might not be a Ranger, but you're just as much a part of our team," he said, weaving between some rocks.

"Thanks," Heckyl said quietly, frowning as he stared out the window. Spencer snorted.

"You don't have to thank me," he said, and Heckyl laughed at his words being thrown back at him.

Explosions suddenly caused the sand and dirt to burst up around the truck, making it shake violently. Spencer struggled for a moment to keep it steady, stopping it from tipping. "I guess we got as much peace as we can afford in this world right now," he muttered.

"Just don't let me fall out," Heckyl unstrapped the seatbelt and leaned out the window, using his powers to take out the Grinders following on their bikes.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Spencer grinned.

Teddie drummed her fingers on the table, feeling jumpy as her stomach wouldn't stop squirming. Her notebook, open to her newest, unfinished song, was in front of her, but she could only stare at it as nothing would stick. The notes felt wrong. The words felt forced. The only thing keeping her from going crazy, was Arianna sitting beside her.

"Okay, enough," she finally broke her silence. "Dillon, if you don't stop pacing, I will stick your feet to the floor," Teddie warned, looking over to where Dillon was wearing a hole in the floor from pacing so much.

"I would love to see you try," he challenged, not stopping. Teddie gave a dangerous laugh.

"You think I need to move, to stop you?" she asked.

"Teddie," Arianna put a hand on hers, shaking her head.

"Enough, the pair of you," both Teddie and Dillon looked at Summer as she spoke up, approaching them. "I know you're both worried, but don't take it out on each other," she told them firmly.

"Sorry," Teddie murmured, forcing herself to relax.

"Right," Dillon finally stopped pacing, walking past Summer and pausing long enough to squeeze her hand. Impressed, Annie gave a small nod to Summer as the other blonde caught her eye, and Summer gave a thankful nod.

"Rangers, get to Sector Six," Dr. K ordered suddenly, emerging from her lab.

"Sector six?" Ziggy repeated as he stood, lifting his jacket.

"Yes. The Colonel is about to open the gates for Scott and those he's guiding into the city," Dr. K's words took them all by surprise.

"Honestly. They're ridiculous," Annie rolled her eyes as they all started moving with more urgency.

"Let's get moving," Summer called to the team.

The light-hearted chatter had gone as Spencer gripped the wheel of the truck tightly, racing towards the dome that was finally within reach. He murmured words of encouragement under his breath, pushing the truck as hard as it could move.

"Everytime I take one down, three take its place," Heckyl complained as he slumped back into his seat. "Even I can't keep them off us," he warned, face covered in soot with a burn across his temple, where one shot had been a bit too close.

Seeing Dillon's car, Flynn's jeep, and Teddie's bike pulling out of the gates, Spencer aimed for where they were preparing for a fight, and spotted the soldiers aiming carefully.

"Take your positions!" the order echoed through the air as Scott skidded his car to a stop and climbed out. Spencer and Heckyl reached the team too, and the soldiers fired their weapons, destroying the Grinders racing after them.

"Nice shot," Annie praised, before punching Spencer's shoulder and making him yelp.

"What was that for!" he complained, putting a hand to the new injury.

"For making us worry, you jerk!" Teddie punched his other arm, and he groaned. Scott couldn't help but laugh, and both girls turned to him. "Do not make us punch you too," she warned, and he raised his hands in defence. "Or you," Teddie added as she turned to Heckyl and saw his expression.

"I didn't say a word," he said, and Teddie rolled her eyes before reaching up. He flinched as her fingers brushed the burn, before she healed it.

"Good," she muttered, but pressed her fist against his chest softly. He chuckled, pulling her close and kissing her forehead.

"Guys, come on," Scott called as the back of the truck was opened and small ramps were pulled up so people could climb down.

"Prisoners?" Summer gasped, running after Scott.

"They must have escaped!" Flynn realised as he followed.

"Never a quiet moment, huh?" Annie slapped Spencer's shoulder, and ran over to help a woman with a limp.

"What happened out there?" Teddie asked as she led the little girl with them over towards the soldiers.

"We came across them in the desert," Heckyl explained as the girl looked up at the pair, covered in dirt. "Tried to escape, got caught. Scott's plan was to disguise ourselves as prisoners and find where Venjix' hideout is, but as usual with plans I'm involved in, it didn't go as he hoped," Teddie couldn't help but laugh.

"It's not just you. Kendall can attest to that," she told him, leaving the little girl with some soldiers.

"So can I. With Jack in charge, nothing really went simply," Annie chuckled, hearing them. Their Morphers then beeped, and Scott flipped his open.

"Go ahead, Doc," he answered.

'Welcome back, Ranger Red,' Dr. K greeted. 'I trust you had a grand adventure?' her question made him laugh. 'Unfortunately, it's time to get back to work,' no sooner had she said this, did the ground start to shake. A loud bang echoed for miles, and they looked up to see an Attackbot rising up.

"Out of the frying pan and into the fire," Scott muttered. "Let's do it!"

"RPM, GET IN GEAR!" the team Morphed and called on the SkyRev Megazord. As they moved towards the Attackbot, they were bombarded by blasts, knocking the Megazord about and throwing the team around the cockpit as they crashed to the ground.

"Pathetic!" Venjix taunted.

"We're no match! Dr. K, we need more torque!" Scott requested to their mentor.

'Ready for Riser Engine Afterburner. Activate,' Dr. K replied as their Megazord flashed in response. Venjix leapt at them, but they were ready in time and knocked the powerful Attackbot back. Venjix let out a yell, and crashed to the ground.

"Shields up. Let's move in," Scott told the team. They slammed into Venjix, grabbing hold of it. "That's right where I want him. Weapons at max!" he ordered, combining the weapon with the steering wheel and raising it.

"Now we're talking," Annie grinned.

"Lock on target!"

"Fire!" they blasted at close range, with such a powerful attack that it ejected the Rangers from their Megazord. They landed on the ground below heavily, groaning.

"Doc, the energy feedback blew us out of the Megazord," Scott reported.

"I'd rather destroy you in person anyways," Venjix snarled as he approached them. It hadn't escaped unscathed, as the metal chassis was scorched and chipped.

"Never going to happen," Arianna called as she reached them, standing in front of the team.

"'Anna!" Teddie shouted as the Mercury Ranger ran and attacked Venjix with a powerful punch. She dodged its sword swipes, using her Jet Fists to crack away at the strong metal that protected it.

"She's good," Dillon admitted as Arianna shook off any hits Venjix landed. She caught any opening he made, slamming blow after blow and making Venjix roar in anger. It then rammed Arianna, and she cried out as it shoved her backwards. It released his painful hold on her arms, and the girl hit the ground hard. Not letting up, Venjix fired an array of blasts, only for Dillon and Spencer to step in. Using their shields, they blocked the attacks from hitting Arianna, and she pushed herself back to her feet.

"I promise to make your demise swift and painless," Venjix promised.

"How sweet," Dillon snorted.

"Heads up!" Scott's shout reached them before he leapt in and slashed down the front of Venjix' armour. It staggered away, groaning. "You want her? You have to go through me!" he shouted.

"Scott!" Arianna shouted as Scott charged at Venjix. Sparks flew through the air and metal clashed against metal as they fought, exchanging blows, before Venjix landed a blow across his chest. Scott stumbled backwards, a hand to where it stung, but recovered quickly enough to block the blasts of red energy it fired with his sword, and hit the ground.

"Scott!" the others shouted, still hurting from the blast before.

"Give up Ranger," Venjix warned as he approached their fallen leader.

"Give up? That isn't gonna happen, Venjix," Scott vowed as he got to his feet.

"Use this!" Spencer threw his Claw Hatchet to him, and Scott caught it easily.

"Thanks, Spence," he nodded.

"Let's finish this," Venjix growled, and Scott turned to it.

"I couldn't agree more. Time to rev it up!" throwing his sword into the sky, he leapt up and used it as a hoverboard, flying around to dodge the blasts Venjix fired at him.

"What?!" Venjix shouted in horror as Scott dodged the biggest of the blasts, headed straight for the virus-inhabited Attackbot.

"Street Sabre Strike!" using both weapons, Scott cut through Venjix. With a roar of fury, Venjix exploded.

"Now that was an explosion that's bound to make the Boom Twins happy," Spencer laughed, impressed as they were finally able to get to their feet and stagger over to their leader.

"And Arianna! You've been holding out on us," Flynn told the Mercury Ranger, who blushed deep under her helmet.

"Come on guys, there's still work to do," Scott laughed, leading them back to the city.

Pressing a bag of ice to her shoulder, Arianna walked through the garage, relieving her bruises of the pain with the cold.

"Embracing your war-wounds?" Spencer grinned as he saw her wince. She gave a sheepish smile.

"It's a good way for me to remember that I do contribute to the team, since I don't have a Zord to help out with," she admitted, and he ruffled her hair.

"We all know you're an important member of the team, but if that's what it takes for you to realise it, then I guess I won't offer to heal you," Spencer told her, and Arianna's smile grew.

"Thank you. You know," a mischievous look started to show. "I like this version of Spencer a lot more," she told him, startling a laugh from him.

"Thanks," he said, moving on to help Flynn inspect Scott's car. Having been racing out in the waste, not to mention narrowly avoiding Grinder attacks, Scott had been a little worried about his baby. Arianna's smile remained, even as she approached Teddie, who was staring at her phone.

"Is everything okay?" she asked her best friend, realising she looked worried.

"Chase just called me…" Teddie tapped her phone against her knee. "Oli's dad. He wants to see her," she said quietly.

"He's only just trying now?" Arianna tilted her head. It had been a few weeks since they had rescued him from a camp. It baffled her that he had only just reached out, and the thought made her chest hurt. She missed her parents deeply, but it was far too dangerous for any outside contact. The last thing they needed was for Venjix to spread his reach off-world.

"Says he wanted to get settled and sorted with a place to live before he saw her," Teddie muttered.

"Does Olivia want to see him?" Arianna asked, remembering when Olivia's father had run off, abandoning her to the Cartels. Teddie gave a shrug.

"He abandoned her, but he's her dad. It's hard," she sighed, and Arianna took her hand.

"Well, she won't go through it alone," she said confidently. Teddie finally managed a small smile.

"Right," she nodded.

"Excuse me," they looked around to see Colonel Truman walk in with Sky and Hicks. He approached Scott, who had been speaking with Dillon, and their leader looked around.

"Yes sir," Scott straightened up out of habit.

"Commander Murdoch and those other prisoners, they're only safe because of your courageous and...well-executed mission," the Colonel told him. Scott stared at his father, stunned. "It is an honour to present you…" he opened a box to reveal a medal like Spencer's. "With a Medal of Valour," even Dillon looked impressed as Colonel Truman put it over Scott's head. "The City of Corinth thanks you," with that, he turned to leave, only for Scott to sigh.

"Sir," he started, and Truman turned around.

"Something else?" he asked, a little confused.

"Yeah, there is," Scott nodded, and glanced over to the others. His gaze focused on Teddie, as he thought about what she'd said before. "Truth is, I wasn't out on a mission to save anyone. I left my post without permission, and in doing so jeopardised my friends and the whole city. It wasn't heroic, it was...well, it was selfish," he admitted, and pulled the medal from around his neck. "The day that I honestly deserve this medal, I will proudly accept it. But that's not today," Colonel Truman was quiet for a moment as Scott handed it back.

"Very well," he took the medal, and with another look at his son, he turned and walked away.

"That's a first," Sky muttered as he glanced back at Scott, who was surrounded by his team. "Got to hand it to him, he's got guts," he said, and Hicks hummed his agreement as Colonel Truman remained silent.

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