Chapter 27: Paying A Debt
Fresno Bob was a patient man. To an extent. So when the person on the other end of the phone wouldn't stop shouting, he pinched at the bridge of his nose in an attempt to alleviate the headache and gave a sigh.
"I'm well aware of what you want. I'm telling you that you'll get it when there's a chance," he kept his tone level, not one for losing his temper. "Yes. Okay," with that, he hung up the phone and leaned back in his seat.
His moment of peace was interrupted abruptly, as there was a knock on the door. "What?" he growled, in no mood.
"Sorry to bother you boss, but...we found him," finally, some good news.
"Bring him in," Fresno Bob leaned forwards, resting his elbows on his desk and watching. He could hear the struggle outside, which only made him smirk.
"Lads, come on, be gentle would you?" Jim Murphy complained, and was shoved through the door. To his credit, he took a moment to compose himself, and gave a cheeky smile. "Good to see you, Fresno Bob. Glad to see you made it to the city in one piece," he greeted the head of the Scorpion Cartel.
"In better shape than you, Murphy," Fresno Bob took in his haggard appearance.
"Aye well, wouldn't be hard. Venjix camp was brutal," Jim shrugged, casual.
"You've been back a few weeks now Murphy. Where's my money?" Fresno Bob asked, forcing him to lose the casual air. He wasn't in any mood for it.
"Look, I've not even managed to find a job yet. Can you just-"
"I took your house as a promise that you'd never show your face in the same city as the Cartels again. Yet here we are," Fresno Bob gave a shrug. "I can't have you showing off that my word don't mean anything," he said, and started to rise.
"Wait! Please! I'll do anything!" Jim pleaded, trying to think as the men behind him started forwards and grabbed him. "My kid, she's friends with the White Ranger. I'm not meaning that as a threat or anything, I just-"
"The White Ranger?" to his surprise, Fresno Bob sat back down, suddenly interested. He nodded, and the two men released him. "Huh. I think there might be something you can do for me after all," Jim frowned, confused, and Fresno Bob beckoned him closer. The two muscled men didn't move as Jim glanced to them, before approaching the desk. He watched as the man opened a drawer, and pulled out two photos.
"Who are they?" Jim asked as Fresno Bob slid them over to him.
"Let's just say I know someone who's very interested to meet them. You only have to get me one, and I'll consider your debt more than repaid. Might even earn you a full time place here, no need to worry about finding a job," he watched as the man's eyes lit up at the thought.
"Is there anything you can tell me about them?" Jim asked as he took the pictures, studying them intently.
"She might be a little more difficult to nab," Fresno Bob started, and the man arched an eyebrow.
"Doesn't seem like she'd put up much of a fight. Seems like a sweet kid," he commented, and Fresno Bob gave a small laugh.
"Exactly why the media loves her. She's a Power Ranger, and a tough one at that," Jim's eyes widened in alarm. "But not just that, her boyfriend is the former Prince of Zandar," Jim whistled.
"Impressive kid," he murmured, understanding what he'd meant by hard to nab. Someone like that would never be alone. "What about this one?" Jim asked.
"Bit of a mystery, that kid," Fresno Bob gave a slight shrug. Jim arched an eyebrow. "I hear he did some work for SPD, but past that…"
"Looks pretty close to the White Ranger, in this picture," he said, examining the poor picture snapped without their notice.
"It's up to you to pick whichever you prefer," Fresno Bob told him, and gestured for him to leave.
"I won't let you down," Jim vowed.
"I hope not. I'd hate to have to ghost you when I've put this much faith in you," Fresno Bob's words were calm, and despite the clear threat, Jim was confident as he left, an idea forming in his mind.
Tuning her guitar, Teddie read the lines scribbled in her notebook, humming to herself. Nerves mixed with excitement, as the day was finally arriving. She'd been looking forward to the concert from the moment Kira had invited her to be a part of it.
"Sounds good," Levi praised as he walked over, having been talking to one of the bands who were playing as well.
"Thanks, hopefully it stays that way," Teddie chuckled.
"Nervous?" Levi asked as he took a seat beside her.
"A little. It's been a while," she admitted.
"Mighty Power Ranger, scared of a crowd," Levi teased, and she stuck out her tongue at him.
"It's totally different," she shrugged, and he laughed.
"You'll be fine. I remember your performance in Amber Beach," he told her confidently, which helped soothe some of her nerves.
"Thanks," Teddie took a breath, and finished tuning her guitar. "What about you? You ready for tonight?" she asked him, setting it down.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Levi looked excited at the thought, which made her grin. Both then looked up, hearing a noise, and their eyes widened as screams suddenly echoed through the open area. The performers who had been preparing nearby were sprinting away, followed by Grinders.
"No rest for the wicked," Teddie complained, abandoning her things and running at the Grinders as Levi gave a shout. "Hey, how about a real fight?" she challenged. The Grinders turned, forgetting about chasing the civilians, programmed to focus on the Rangers. "Doc, there's an attack at-"
'The open stadium, I know. The rest of the team are on their way. Do what you can until they arrive,' Dr. K instructed.
"On it," Teddie dodged a strike from the first Grinder to attack, and kicked it back. It stumbled backwards, and she followed, using its falling body as a springboard to leap up and kick at more of the Grinders. The head of one came off, rolling away and landing at Levi's feet. "What are you doing? Get out of here!" she shouted as he lifted it.
"Sorry, but it ain't right to let one person do all the fighting by themselves," Levi told her with a shrug, and threw the head suddenly. It slammed into one of the Grinders rushing Teddie from behind, and some broke away to fight him, registering the threat. Teddie fought off the ones that stayed to fight her, but her attention was split between them, and Levi as she saw him fight.
"Dammit," she barely dodged a punch, forcing herself to get serious. "Okay, let's end this," she grabbed one and slammed it into another, and kicked the pair away. More swarmed her, and knocked her backwards into some crates.
"Teddie!" as she pushed herself up, wincing, Heckyl's powers wrapped around each of the Grinders, making them jerk violently before exploding. Clearing out the few that had shoved Levi back, Heckyl then reached Teddie, catching her as she stumbled.
"I'm okay," she muttered, standing up straight.
"I just left for a minute, how do you manage to get into so much trouble?" he asked with a teasing smile.
"It's a family trait," Teddie replied innocently, and kissed his cheek. "Thank you," she said, before they turned to Levi, who was dusting himself off. "I know those moves," she accused, pulling away from Heckyl and approaching the singer.
"And I know yours," he grinned back at her.
"You're an Earth Ninja!" they accused at the same time.
"What's going on?" Heckyl asked as he followed Teddie over. "Another Earth Ninja?" he asked, looking at the young man.
"I gotta say, I didn't expect it from you," Levi admitted with a shrug. "But that's right, I am," he confirmed.
"He fights like me! I didn't think that many Ninjas made it here," Teddie looked to Heckyl, a little excited, and saw him looking around.
"I wouldn't relax just yet. You know what normally follows this many Grinders," he reminded her, and Teddie looked around too. Finally a shiver ran down her spine, and she turned, grabbing a broken leg of a Grinder and hurling it at Siren. The Attackbot dodged with a laugh.
"At least one of you is on guard," she teased lightly.
"You two need to go now," Teddie warned, falling into a fighting stance.
"But-" Levi started.
"Go!" she shouted, and he reluctantly ran off. Heckyl hesitated for a moment, and she gave him a small smile, before he followed, looking unhappy about it.
"How sweet of you. Protecting the weak civilians from harm," Siren drawled, jumping down from the crates she'd been perched on. "Even if they're not that weak," she added. "Too bad, they'll just have to cancel their show after the Rangers are destroyed," she taunted.
"What's this about? Trying to pick us off when we're alone?" Teddie called back, ignoring the comments.
"I do like that idea," Siren considered, before letting out a powerful scream. However, Teddie was expecting it, and dove behind the crates, putting her hands to her ears. Making sure nobody else was around, Teddie then threw an energy-ball at Siren, following it so when Siren dodged the glowing light, she could only block Teddie's punch.
"RPM, GET IN GEAR!" Teddie Morphed into her white suit. "Rocket Hammer!" she called on her weapon and swung it at Siren, who dodged.
"Grinders!" she shouted, snapping her fingers. More of the Venjix troops rushed in, only to be knocked away by Teddie's powerful attacks. However, as she tried to defend herself from them, she couldn't move in time as Siren let out another shockwave with her cry, and she hit the ground, her hammer spinning away. "Maybe we should just pick you off one at a time. You're weak like that," Siren taunted as she raised her blaster and fired. Before it could hit her, Dillon leapt in the way, calling on his shield. The attack slammed into it, almost forcing him back, before it vanished.
"Perfect timing," Teddie commented as she looked up at the Black Ranger.
"Sorry we're late," Scott called, as Dillon helped her up, and the rest of the team ran in to help take care of the Grinders.
"Better late than never," Teddie replied as Arianna handed over her fallen hammer. "Thanks 'Anna," she smiled, before they turned to Siren.
"It doesn't matter how many of you there are. You're going to lose," she vowed, snapping her fingers again.
"I mean, you say that, but every time you try to threaten us like that, you just end up losing," Ziggy commented, before letting out a shriek as an Attackbot landed on him.
"I don't think so!" Flynn punched the Attackbot, only for it to disappear with Ziggy. They appeared several feet up a little ways away, before disappearing in another flash of green before hitting the ground.
"Can someone-" Ziggy disappeared again. "Get this thing-" and again. "Off me!" he pleaded, before they finally hit the ground hard.
'Aside from having better control over Ranger Green's teleportation than he does, this Attackbot looks to be able to tap into your suit abilities,' Dr. K warned as Dillon finally grabbed the Attackbot and yanked it off the Green Ranger.
"Have fun with that," Siren laughed, wiggling her fingers at them before striding off.
"Do not let it go near Flynn," Scott warned the team as the Attackbot beeped and whirled at them, moving erratically.
"Yeah...I have to agree there," Dillon muttered, dodging as it leapt for him. It then made a beeline for Teddie, who yelped and swung her hammer hard.
"Let's uh, keep it away from Teddie as well," Spencer added as he knocked it away with a punch.
"How about we just take it out?" Annie grumbled.
"Good idea," Scott muttered. "Nitro Sword!" he called on his sword, as the others did the same with their weapons. The Attackbot looked to each of them, and immediately dove on Ziggy again. The Green Ranger yelped, and the two vanished.
"This is getting really annoying," Spencer commented.
"You're telling me," Dillon reached out to grab the Attackbot, finally getting a hold of it as Ziggy hit the ground again.
'Ranger Green, your suit's energy levels are dangerously low. Do not let the CopyBot touch you again,' Dr. K warned.
"Easier said than done," he complained as Summer helped him to his feet.
"Spencer. You, Annie and Arianna take the lead on this one. Without suit abilities, you'll be less at risk," Scott instructed. They nodded, and ran at the Attackbot. It was still for a moment, seeming confused, before dodging their attacks.
"It's fast," Spencer complained, kicking out. It dodged again, and punched back. Spencer let out a cry as it hit harder than he expected, and stumbled backwards. "And strong. Urgh," he complained as he recovered.
"Nitro Blasters!" the others stayed back, firing longer range weapons that bombarded the Attackbot and made it stumble backwards.
"Looks like it's armour isn't too tough," Arianna considered. The Attackbot beeped again, and suddenly turned, running off.
"Hey!" Scott frowned, but it was just as fast when escaping, disappearing. "Doc, it's getting away. Can you track it?" he grabbed his Morpher, calling on Dr. K.
'It's headed for a sewage pipe out of the city,' she warned.
"It really is fast," Ziggy commented, leaning on a crate.
"It'll be back," Summer said quietly.
"Venjix is upping the game," Teddie muttered, and they turned to her, curious.
"What do you mean?" Scott asked, not understanding.
"Siren made a comment, I figured at first that it was a jab at me. But…" Teddie folded her arms, deep in thought for a moment. "The morale in the city's been pretty good recently, you've noticed it, right?" she asked, looking to her team.
"Sure, aye, people have been a bit happier," Flynn was the first to agree.
"That's what this concert is for too, right? To help with that?" Summer asked. Being trapped in a domed city for over a year had been hard on everyone, and those in charge had been working to help with that, as the Ranger's victories over Venjix only did so much.
"Right. Siren said something about cancelling the show. I think Venjix is trying to crush our spirits, and not just us in general," Teddie shrugged, voicing her views on the latest attack.
"Well we aren't about to let that happen," Scott punched his fist into his open palm. "Teddie, you keep things in order here. We'll keep an eye on the city for that Attackbot," he instructed.
"Sounds like a plan," Dillon nodded. Teddie nodded as well, but didn't speak, worried. If Venjix succeeded in crushing the spirit of those in the city, things would get even darker.
Now that he was out and somewhat free, Jim was no longer as confident as he had been in Fresno Bob's office.
Get the girl alone. That was his plan. He'd looked into Arianna, an alien whose father was rumoured to have been the Mercury Ranger when the Overdrive Rangers were active - something he didn't know much about. She was one of the more popular Rangers, sweet and caring and always willing to help. So if he could get her alone, he was sure he could get her to Fresno Bob before she knew what was happening.
"Do this, and you'll be safe," Jim repeated a mantra to himself as he walked through the streets. "Aye, do it, but how do I even get her...alone?" he slowed, seeing Arianna walking down the street. She looked around, seeming to be searching for something. Immediately Jim looked around, seeing nobody accompanying her. He'd made a point of memorising pictures and information of the entire team that was available to the public, and he could see none of them around. "Maybe that stereotypical 'luck of the Irish' bull is paying off," Jim laughed with disbelief, shoving his hands into his pockets and turning to walk in the same direction as her.
Now for the hard part. Getting her alone in a quiet enough area where he can catch her off guard. His heart was pounding hard against his chest as he tried to keep calm. "Am I really going to do this?" he whispered to himself, before shaking his head. "I can't quit. I need this. Then I'll get 'Livi back," he muttered to himself, turning a corner shortly after the blonde.
He had to wonder, just what the Cartels wanted with her. They already had their reach within the Power Rangers with the inept Green Ranger, and someone like Arianna wouldn't be a good fit there, so there had to be something else. Her being an alien, for one thing. There couldn't be many of them left.
"Nothing around this area seems out of the ordinary," he stopped as Arianna spoke suddenly, stopped and speaking into the device strapped to her wrist. Too far away to hear any responses, Jim kept far enough apart, leaning against the wall with his phone out, feigning like he was waiting for someone. Finally sneaking a glance up, he saw that she was now looking around, no longer speaking with the others. Nausea started to make a cold sweat run down his face, and he forced himself to straighten up and start towards her.
"Apologies, Arianna, I didn't mean to keep you," he stopped instantly, and cursed, trying to find a way to look natural as a young man he recognised from papers before Venjix strode towards the young woman.
"You didn't," Ariana smiled warmly to Philip as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to it. Jim rolled his eyes, and turned away, knowing his shot was missed. If he was there, there'd be at least one guard nearby.
"Shit," Jim hissed to himself, slinking off.
"I can't believe you're an Earth Ninja too," Levi said quietly as he stood with Teddie and Heckyl backstage. Things had settled down, and the performers had returned, reassured by the presence of Teddie being there, and the other Rangers not far off. "I would have thought for sure that I'd have seen you at the academy," he tilted his head.
"I grew up in New Zealand, so I didn't spend a lot of time at the Wind Academy," Teddie explained, just as hyped at the idea of him being a Ninja. "But the Earth Sensei is my uncle so he helped me out a lot when I moved back," she added.
"Sensei Dustin? No way!" Levi laughed as Teddie nodded.
"Levi!" someone else called the young man, who looked around.
"I better go, think my manager has some meets and greets planned before the show starts," Levi tipped his hat, and headed after the man waiting for him.
"All this time, I never realised. Maybe I'm losing my touch," Teddie considered, folding her arms and thinking about it.
"Not really. You were always oblivious," Heckyl shrugged, and she pushed him with a laugh. "Isn't that the point of Ninjas? That you hide in plain sight?" he continued, making Teddie laugh again.
"I hate your logic," she complained, still pushing at him, but he didn't budge, grabbing hold of her arms.
"I know," he said simply as she giggled, trying to break free of his firm grip. When he didn't let go, she instead moved closer to him and pressed her head against his chest. "Nevous?" he asked, feeling her pulse where his hands held onto her wrists.
"Yes…" she mumbled, not looking up. He laughed lightly, patting her head.
"You'll be fine. I've told you before, you aren't bad at it," he said, and Teddie lifted her head, arching an eyebrow. "What?" Heckyl asked, looking innocent, and her lower lip stuck out in a pout.
"I hate that I take that as a compliment," she complained, pressing her face into his chest again.
"Well it was the nicest thing I said to you," Heckyl reminded her, thinking about it. There was a moment of quiet, before he heard Teddie's muffled giggle.
"Yeah, it was," she agreed, and he felt his face warm at her laughter. "I guess once I get up there, I'll be fine," she muttered.
"That's the spirit," he said, and she looked up as his grip on her wrists loosened. He leaned in, but Teddie's Morpher then beeped loudly, drawing a sigh from both. "The downside to you being a Ranger," Heckyl muttered, and Teddie paused before answering it.
"I thought the downside was us kicking your butt," she said innocently, and before he could register it entirely, she answered the call. "You find something?" Teddie asked, trying to be serious.
'Readings detected close north of your location,' Dr. K announced. 'The rest of the team are already en route,' she added.
"On my way," Teddie replied, and as soon as she ended the communication, Heckyl's arms went around her and she gave a squeak as she found herself between him and the temporary wall of backstage.
"Kicking my butt? I don't recall that ever happening," he whispered, making Teddie giggle.
"I have to go," she whispered back, well aware that there was an imminent attack. Heckyl didn't reply, but he dropped his hands, not moving back. Teddie found the action very familiar as he didn't look away, watching her as if he wanted to say something. "You okay?" she asked, tilting her head, and he blinked.
"Of course I am," he shrugged, and Teddie suddenly pulled him down into a gentle kiss. Immediately he caught hold of her again, unable to resist. After a moment though, he reluctantly took a step back, drawing in a breath. "Go," he murmured, and Teddie smiled before running off.
People ran screaming, as the small Attackbot, bronze in colour and faster than most rushed around. It attacked any that got within range, not focusing on anyone.
"Ever get the feeling that someone is looking for you?" Spencer muttered as the team climbed from their vehicles and stood nearby.
"I don't want to get hit again…" Ziggy mumbled.
"We know what we have to do here. Be fast, don't let it escape," Scott warned his team, who nodded.
"It's a good idea," they looked over to Siren as she walked into view. "But can you really put it into practice? It seems lately you've been winning against us through dumb luck," she taunted.
"Is it any wonder that we keep winning? You're like a broken record," Annie rolled her eyes.
"Then let's see if you can keep up that streak," Siren snapped her fingers. Grinders burst into view, rushing towards them.
"Ready?" Scott called.
"Ready!"
"RPM, GET IN GEAR!" they Morphed and immediately split up, with Spencer and Annie taking the Attackbot as Arianna went after Siren, and the rest worked on clearing out the Grinders.
"What's the matter, Mercury Ranger? They took scared to take on the Attackbot themselves?" Siren laughed as she dodged Arianna's punch and kicked her away.
"Of course not. That's the real reason we keep winning," Arianna pushed back in, grabbing Siren's wrist as she swung her arm towards her. "Because we think smart," Siren let out a cry as Arianna flipped her, jumping back. Siren pushed herself up, her smirk gone and her mouth not tilted downwards as she couldn't stop herself from baring her teeth. It was all Arianna could see of her face, but at least that meant she wasn't taunting anymore.
"You're fools," Siren hissed, launching at her again. Arianna saw her moves coming and countered this time with a fast punch that shoved Siren backwards again.
"Maybe, but we're very determined fools," Arianna gave a shrug. Frustrated that the Mercury Ranger was landing hits, Siren let out a yell and rushed her again.
Nearby, Spencer and Annie worked together to keep knocking the Attackbot back. It rarely focused on them for long, seeming to be picking up on the others and their suit abilities. When it tried to jump towards them, its guard dropped and allowed them to land hits.
"The whole stealing their suit's ability is different, but…"
"It's kinda screwed against us," Annie finished for the Gold Ranger. However, now sooner did she speak, did the Attackbot ram into her hard. Annie let out a shout as she hit the ground, smarting from the blow despite the suit's protection. It then launched itself towards Summer, who let out a gasp as she saw it coming.
Before it could reach her, Teddie's hammer slammed into it, and the Attackbot went flying, colliding with Siren.
"Would that be a home run? Or a strike?" Teddie wondered as she rested her hammer on her shoulder.
"Thanks," Summer nodded to the White Ranger.
"Sorry I'm late," she apologised, looking to the three different groups. The Attackbot scrambled up, twitching a little, and turned to bolt, only for Annie to land in front of it.
"I don't think so," with a hard kick, she threw it back towards Spencer.
"Teddie, help Arianna with Siren," Scott ordered, seeing Siren landing furious blows as Arianna fought back just as fiercely.
"On it," Teddie nodded, running towards the fight. Siren looked up just in time for Teddie's flying kick to knock her into some crates and palettes left lying around. "You okay?" Teddie asked Arianna, who nodded with a smile.
"Not for long!" Siren let out a scream that threw the pair off their feet.
"You really need a muzzle," Teddie grumbled, pushing herself back up. As she stood, Siren's fist collided with her helmet.
"Teddie!" Arianna gasped as Teddie fell again. "Jet Fists!" calling on her weapons, Arianna slammed into Siren. The Attackbot blocked with her arms, skidding back several feet.
"Ow…" Teddie groaned, vision swimming as she got back to her feet. "Nice hit," she allowed.
"You won't be complimenting me when I do it again," Siren warned. Seeing her sharp inhalation, the two dove away from each other, managing to evade the shockwave that she emitted with her shrieks. She turned towards Teddie, and managed to move to avoid the energy ball coming for her face. "You're not quite as good at landing sneak attacks as your Silver Ranger," Siren growled, before her legs were suddenly swept out from under her by Arianna.
"I dunno about that," Teddie laughed as Arianna ran to her side. "Shall we?" she asked the Mercury Ranger.
"We shall," Arianna grinned back. "Jet Fists!"
"Rocket Hammer!" the two launched at Siren as she got up. She couldn't stop the scream as she was thrown back, smashing through a wall. "Nice," Teddie high-fived Arianna.
"I don't know about you, but I'm starting to get real tired of this dude," Spencer cracked his neck as he and Annie stood together again.
"It might be easily distracted, but damn it's tough," Annie had to agree with him, finding herself breathing heavier than usual. "We need something big to crack through it," she considered.
"Maybe it's weaker on the inside?" Flynn suggested as he stopped nearby, tossing a Grinder aside easily.
"What do you mean?" Spencer frowned, and grabbed the Attackbot as it hurtled itself at the Blue Ranger. "No way," he denied, hurling it away.
"Well, how about we give it what it wants?" Flynn grinned, gesturing to Teddie as she helped with the swarm of Attackbots.
"That's insane," Spencer hissed.
"And might just work," Annie allowed. "That energy burst comes from inside, it might be strong enough to at least crack that armour and let us finish it off," she told the Gold Ranger, who didn't like the idea at all.
"It's better than it eventually getting to us," Scott had to agree, close enough to hear them. "Get everyone else back," he instructed as he headed towards Teddie. Spencer hesitated, making his dislike clear.
"You heard him, come on," Annie patted his shoulder, and the two ran back, with Spencer grabbing Ziggy as the Green Ranger went spinning past, still having trouble wielding his axe.
"This has got to be your most insane plan I've heard yet," Teddie summed up to the Red Ranger, kicking a Grinder back as it lashed out at the pair.
"Hey, it's Flynn's idea," Scott shrugged. "Just don't die," he told her as he backed up as well, cutting through the Grinders on his way.
"Don't die," Teddie muttered as she turned to the Attackbot. "Wouldn't be as casual if he was the bait," she grumbled, and the Attackbot's yellow eyes locked onto her. "I hope this works…" she muttered, running at it as Siren got back to her feet.
"No!" she shouted, realising what she was doing. Teddie reached out, taking a deep breath, and let the Attackbot grab her arm. Its eyes seemed to light up even brighter, and a shockwave exploded from inside it, tossing Teddie back and taking out the Grinders still standing. Siren crashed to the ground again, and cursed, forcing herself up and running off.
"Ow…" Teddie groaned as the Attackbot staggered, having been forced to release her.
"You okay?" Flynn was over and helping her up, only for Teddie to punch him. "Hey!" he complained, putting a hand to his shoulder.
"Next time you come up with a plan, you can be the bait," she told him irritably, and the Blue Ranger grinned, keeping quiet.
"Looks like it worked," Dillon commented as he turned to the Attackbot. It finally recovered from its own attack, and rushed at them again.
"Then let's finish it off! RPM Enforcer!" the team combined their weapons.
"Claw Hatchet! Skyship Laser!" Spencer and Annie combined their own weapons as well.
"Fire!"
"Fire!" the attacks slammed together, and ripped through the damaged Attackbot, causing it to explode. Almost immediately Teddie slumped back, her suit shattering.
"I am never doing that again," she vowed, and after seeing that she was okay, the rest of the team couldn't help but laugh.
The night had finally arrived, and the city square was filled with people attending the concert. Music filled the air as a band performed, and the cheers could be heard for some distance.
Teddie flinched as Heckyl poked one of her visible bruises, and she shot him a weak glare.
"Just trying to help with the nerves," he defended with a playful smile, and Teddie rolled her eyes.
"Wish that JJ and Ryan had wanted to join in," she muttered, hugging her guitar closer to her chest.
"You'll be fine," Heckyl then pulled her into his arms. "You always are," he soothed, and she was sure he had to be able to feel her heart pounding against her chest. Fighting bad guys was one thing, but this was somehow all the more terrifying.
"Right," she mumbled.
"Besides, there are plenty of people out there to support you," he added, and she looked up.
"Just out there?" Teddie asked with a grin.
"Just out there," Heckyl replied, his grin just as teasing, before he kissed her lightly. "And perhaps back here," he allowed, making her giggle.
"Ted? You're up after this song," Kira called as she walked over. Immediately Teddie's giggles were gone, and she took a deep breath.
"Right," she nodded.
"You'll do great," the former Ranger ruffled her hair as she passed. Teddie nodded, seeming a little more reassured by her words, and disappeared to get ready. As she did, Heckyl moved to leave backstage and watch from the side, and before long she stepped onto the stage amidst cheers.
Almost immediately the nerves faded, and Teddie flashed a bright smile to the crowd before shouting a greeting to them. Her music started up as she began to play her guitar, singing into the microphone left on stage. The song was cheerful and upbeat, the lyrics seeming to be an attempt to inspire confidence to the listeners.
As applause rang out, followed by the next song, a shiver ran down Heckyl's neck, and he looked around, sharp eyes scanning the crowds. When his eyes met the watery blue of an older man who then looked alarmed to have been noticed, Heckyl watched as the man immediately looked away and made towards the stage. A bad feeling settled into his stomach, and he followed, wondering what the man was up to.
"Hello?" he called out as he stepped backstage, where the crates for the set were being stored. Looking around, he couldn't find any sign of anyone, and shook his head with a sigh. Berating himself for being too cautious with what was probably just one of the workers, Heckyl turned to leave, only for pain to explode in the back of his head. Staggering, he turned to see who'd hit him, before everything went dark.
So...that was a thing.
Let me know what you think!