Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers, House of Anubis or Big Time Rush
House of Power Rangers
Chapter 17: House of Christmas
The past couple of weeks the Nighlok attacks had been getting tougher but at the same time, less frequent. It was strange but the rangers were willing to accept it as a Christmas miracle. It had given them enough time to go shopping for gifts, decoration and ingredients. It was the rangers first Christmas together, away from wherever they usually have it and who they usually have it with. It was the 23rd now though and since it seemed unlikely that there would be many more attacks Nina figured that if she were going to go anywhere now would be a good time to go… and by anywhere, she meant the palm woods. She'd promised she'd visit them before Christmas and before they were going back to Minnesota but even though she'd planned on keeping that promise, every time she tried to visit them something would happen keeping her back; Nighlok attacks, training, helping Mia cook or cooking herself, someone would need her help or they would just so happen to be going out too and she would have to stick with them (not that she didn't like going out with them, she just didn't want them to know where she was really going). Today, however, was finally the day she could go. Unfortunately, she was pretty sure they would have already left so she was planning on just leaving her gifts and cards at the front desk; she even brought something for Mr Bitters so he would be more willing to keep the things safe until they got back since it was clear he wasn't their biggest fan. As she enters though she sees the front desk is empty. She furrows her brow, putting her bags down; the pool had been deserted too… was it possible that no one was here? No, the door was open. There's no way everyone had left, was there? Even Mr Bitters?
"Nina?"
The purple ranger turned around to see Mrs Knight.
"Mrs Knight? Hi, what are you doing here?" She asks confused.
"I live here," she replies.
"Right, sorry."
"Do you want to come up? The boys and Katie are all there," she says walking over to her.
"Yeah, sure." She picks up her bags before joining Mrs Knight.
"Do you want me to help with those?" The older woman asks, pushing the button on the elevator but Nina shakes her head.
"No, it's cool. I've got it," she says as the doors open, and they walk into the elevator. "I'm glad to see that you're all still here but the guys and Katie told me you guys were going back to Minnesota for Christmas."
"Yeah, we were supposed to but have the boys told you about Griffin?" she asks. Nina nods her head, tentatively. They'd mentioned that he was Gustavo's - their manager - boss and he could be a real… handful, sometimes. "Well, he decided that they needed a Christmas ep and they had to record a whole album and three of the songs had to have guest singers. They just managed to do it, but we missed our flights and the rest have been cancelled due to bad weather, so we're stuck here," she explains just as the doors open.
"Oh, they must be heartbroken. I know they were really looking forward to going," Nina sighs. They'd all seemed so excited about finally being able to go home and see some snow and friends and family.
"They are. They've been lying in the living room with Katie since they got back a couple of hours ago. Hopefully, seeing you will cheer them all up a bit," she smiles at the teen. "You seem to have that effect on all of them." Nina can't help but blush at that statement just as Mrs Knight opens the door.
"Mum were you able to book a flight?" A female voice says, from the chair. None of them even look over at the door. Katie's lying on the red couch with her brother, looking up. Logan's on the floor and James and Carlos are nowhere to be seen.
"I'm sorry guys but there just aren't any to book," she sighs as Nina shuts the door behind her. "It looks like we're spending Christmas here but on the bright side, I was able to find this one."
"Who?" Nina hears a voice that sounds like Carlos, but it sounds kind of echo-y. Is he in the slide?
"Me," Nina says, and Kendall and Katie sit up hearing her voice.
"Nina!" Katie exclaims getting up and coming over to her as Logan sits up too.
"Nina?" She hears, James this time, before there's a couple of banging and Carlos and James pop out of the slide.
"Hey guys," she says, hugging Katie.
"We haven't seen you in weeks," the younger girl says as they break apart before she hugs the guys too.
"I know, I'm awful! Sorry! I've just been so, so busy and I'm technically not supposed to be here but the past few days have been looking very hopeful and I seem to be free today and I know I promised to visit before Christmas so here I am," she explains, walking over to the couch with her bags, putting them down beside her as she sits next to Kendall. "Honestly, though, it looks like you guys have been pretty busy too."
"What do you mean?" Kendall asks as the other join them. She smiles at him before she starts,
"Well, you were on the news a few weeks ago for performing the middle of the street causing major traffic."
"Oh, that's a long story," James laughs.
"It was a good song though," she points out. The boys thank her before she continues. "Oh, and I heard about that contest where fans got to hang out with you guys for a day."
"Kendall's kid ending up having a huge crush on Katie," Logan tells her.
"Really?" Nina grins as the younger girl shakes her head.
"It was so annoying," she groans, causing Nina to laugh. "Let's not talk about it."
"Come on, you know you loved that dance at least a little bit," Carlos cooed, resulting in Katie hitting him.
"I did not!" Nina continues laughing, deciding to change the topic to save… well she didn't really know which one of the two she would be saving.
"Didn't you guys go to jail at some point too?" She asks, remembering Shaylee telling her about it. She didn't intentionally go out of her way to find this stuff out; Shaylee was just a big fan of the band, so she was the one to tell Nina of a lot of their antics.
"We can explain that," Kendall says, quickly.
"Mhmm. Also, should I even ask about that 'giant turd' song?" Everyone just burst out laughing at the mention of that.
"Nina, you have missed out on a lot," James sighs dramatically.
"Katie, Katie, Katie," Nina sighs, jokingly. "The red with the white is such a rookie washing mistake. Being a mum is not easy work."
"Thank you!" Mrs Knight says, from the kitchen. They'd all been talking for about an hour now (Nina had draped her jacket on the chair, about half an hour ago) and she was happy to see them all smiling now. At this rate, Christmas could maybe not be a disaster.
"Well, I know that now!" Katie replies as Nina smiles.
"And, you," Nina says turning to Kendall. "You seriously wrote that giant turd song?"
"It was a spur of the moment thing," he points out.
"What moment?" She asks, genuinely intrigued. It's such a random song!
"It was actually before we were even a band," he begins explaining. "All of the others had auditioned for Gustavo and he shut them all down, even James who actually wanted to be there. When I saw, it just kind of came to me on the spot."
"It was amazing! The best thing I'd seen," Carlos tells her, laughing at the memory.
"I wish I had been there," Nina says.
"Maybe you can be…" Kendall says, trailing off as he looks at the rest of the band. Nina can see their communicating in some intense secret bro way. She looks at Katie but she's smiling as though even she knows what they're planning. Nina smiles nervously as she looks between them… then they start singing.
"Oh, you're such a turd, oh yeah a giant turd and you look like a turd and you smell like a turd," they sing, quietly at first. Nina's mouth drops. They begin getting louder as they continue, standing up on the chairs and tables. Nina can't help but laugh at them.
"Okay, okay!" Mrs Knight says after a couple of minutes.
"You guys are insane," she smiles as they all sit back down, Kendall slightly closer than before. "How did you get a job after that?"
"Apparently, Gustavo liked his energy," Katie says.
"I can see why," she replies, looking down and seeing the bags before she remembers something. "Oh no!"
"What's wrong?" Kendall asks as she fishes something out of one of the bags.
"I totally forgot about the mac and cheese I brought," she sighs as she pulls out a tray from a bag before taking it over to the kitchen where Mrs Knight is.
"You brought us mac and cheese? That's so sweet," she says taking it from the girl.
"Yeah, it was supposed to be a sort of 'sorry, I've been A.W.O.L. for over a month' gift but by the time we made it, I thought you guys would've left so I froze it and was supposed to ask Mr Bitters to keep it frozen until you guys got back," she explains. "But even in the temperature control bag I think it may have defrosted a bit."
"Nina, this was so thoughtful, don't worry about it! We'll have it tonight," Mrs Knight smiles.
"I hope you like it," she grins as she goes back to sit with the other as Mrs Knight put the dish in the fridge before leaving the room.
"Nina, you didn't have to do that," Kendall tells her but Carlos interrupts before she can reply.
"What he actually meant to say was that we appreciate receiving food anytime."
"Noted," Nina replies, nodding once. "But that actually just reminded me of why I came here." She pulls the bags in front of her.
"Yeah, I've been wondering what the bags are for," Katie says.
"These are actually for you guys," she says. "I heard about what happened with your flights and I'm sorry about that but on the bright side, I get to give you guys these." She begins pulling out gift bags for each of them. They weren't huge but she was pretty content with what she got them; she'd also put their cards in there too.
"You got us Christmas gifts? You're the best!" Carlos says hugging her tight as she hands him his.
"You're welcome," she smiles. "But don't open them until Christmas!" She says as James starts peering into the bag, removing the tissue paper. He glances up at her, putting the tissue paper back in. "Where's your mum gone?" She asks Katie, who takes the bag.
"I'll take it to her. She's probably gone to her room."
"You know we actually got you something too," Logan says getting up from his seat.
"Oh yeah!" Carlos says jumping up too, the other two boys following. They all leave the room before they come back with Katie, carrying a gift-wrapped box and a gift bag.
"You guys didn't have to do this," she breathes.
"Neither did you," Mrs Knight says, entering as Katie hands them to her.
"Thank you so much," she smiles at them all.
"You deserve it," Logan replies as they sit back down in their spaces.
"I'm gonna go and start cooking. Nina, are you going to stay for dinner? It'll probably be ready in about an hour," Mrs Knight asks.
"No, I should actually probably be going in a minute. I should get back home," she says, checking her watch. She really hadn't planned on staying at all, considering she didn't even think they were here. She had to go help with the decorating at the Shiba house. They were doing outside today and would finish up decorating inside so she really should be getting back to help.
"Well, that's a shame," Mrs Knight sighs, giving the girl a hug. "We love having you here. You know you're welcome here anytime."
"I do. Thank you," Nina replies as Mrs Knight heads off to the kitchen area. Nina gets up, picking up her actual bag and the gifts, putting the box in the gift bag too. She wasn't going to be hypocritical, so she'd wait until Christmas to open hers too.
"I really should be going now though," she says, knowing none of them will know when that is until the day. Honestly, the rangers next day off after this will most likely be in a couple of months.
"Bye, Nina," Carlos says, giving her a hug. "And merry Christmas!"
"Have a great Christmas," Logan says giving her a hug too, James following.
"Thank you for all of this," James says. Katie approaches next.
"Please don't say away too long, Nina," she says, hugging her as well.
"I wish I could make that promise," she sighs. She told herself (and technically the others too) that after this she wouldn't come here unless it was really necessary. If the Nighlok ever found out who she was…
"I'll walk you down," Kendall says, taking the gift bag from her hand. She smiles at him gratefully.
"Thanks." They walk over to the door together.
"Merry Christmas guys," she waves as they leave.
"I still can't believe you dressed up as superheroes," Nina laughs.
"We had to! We didn't want to get arrested again but it was our song and we had to get it back," Kendall replied, smiling at her laughing. It had been difficult to tell the story after he mentioned that part because she couldn't help laughing at it even when she tried to stop which made no sense in her head considering her 'day job'. They'd come downstairs talking and they conversation just never finished so they ended up sitting in the lobby chairs. "I get it. I get why you did it," she nods, calming down. "It's fair."
"I'm pretty sure James loved it a bit too much. He's had bandana man as his alter ego since Minnesota," he says, and Nina notices his slight deflation. She reaches over and places her hand over his, making him look up at her.
"I'm sorry that you can't go home for Christmas," she tells him. He just shrugs but she can see that it's bothering him. "I know it won't be the same but the people you care about most are here, right? It's going to be different but you're going to have an amazing Christmas. Just let it happen."
"Thank you, Nina," he replies, turning his hand over under hers, to hold it, squeezing her fingers gently. She looks at their hands, unable to keep her smile down.
"What about you?" He asks, getting attention.
"What about me?" She asks.
"This is your first Christmas away from where you usually have it, right?"
"Yeah, it is," she says, sadly. "I usually spend it with my gran back in Ohio but I'm here now and she's still there… but it's okay." Nina takes a deep breath. She doesn't want to cry and she's not going to. "I miss her, but I've sent her a letter because bless her she can't completely work a laptop to check her email. I'm also pretty happy with where I am now. I love the people I live with and we've been through so much together already, they're easily my family now too. I'm glad to be spending Christmas with them," Nina says honestly.
"I'm happy for you," he replies. "I just wish the other guys' parents could be here too."
"You could video call them all," Nina suggests.
"Huh, that's so true, thanks!"
"Of course," she smiles back. They sit in a comfortable silence for a moment, but Kendall appears to be considering something before eventually deciding to ask,
"So, you were raised by your gran?"
"Yeah," she replies.
"Can I ask what happened to your parents?"
"Both my parents died when I was pretty young."
"I'm sorry for your loss," he says, his eyes softening.
"It's alright," she tells him. "But since we seem to be asking deep questions now do you mind if I ask you something personal which you don't have to answer?"
"Of course not. Shoot."
"...Mr Knight?" His hand clenches slightly in hers and she looks down to realises they're still holding hands.
"...he had an affair and when my mum found out he left us," Kendall says shortly, focusing on something past her. Whoa…
"I'm sorry," she says quietly. "But if he could see all of you now, I think he'd seriously regret a lot of his choices." His eyes shift back to focus on her with an intensity she hadn't seen before.
"So, do I," he agrees to which she smiles.
"Good." She's glad he knows it.
"You're not coming back, are you?" He asks after a moment. It takes her a moment to realise that he realised what she meant when she said she couldn't promise to not be long. She shakes her head.
"Probably not anytime soon, no," she sighs.
"Is there a way to change your mind?"
"Yes but no," she laughs sadly. "It's not that I don't want to visit because it's great being here. You guys are amazing! I just… shouldn't come here anymore." Looking out the window she sees the wind blowing the leaves on the trees out there, which is when she notices that she's missing something. "Kendall, I think I left my jacket upstairs," she says, suddenly. He looks around to see that it is indeed missing.
"We should probably go and get it," he says as she reaches to pick up her bag as he picks up her gift bag. However, before they stand up, they both look at their joined hands then look at each other. Nina looks away first, with a small smile, gently pulling her hand away, losing the warmth of his.
"We should go," she says, standing up.
"Yeah," he nods, getting up too.
Opening the door to the apartment, Kendall and Nina walk in, the smell of food wafting in the air. Mrs Knight must be done cooking, Nina thinks. On hearing the door open though, Katie looks over from the sink,
"Nina? I thought you left," she asks.
"No, we've been downstairs. I forgot my jacket," she tells her as Kendall hands it to her. She puts her bag down to put it on.
"You guys have been downstairs this whole time?" Carlos asks, eyes wide, from the table with the other and Mrs Knight.
"Yeah," Kendall asks confused. "Why do you look so shocked?"
"Maybe because you guys left almost two hours ago," Logan suggests. What?
"We've not been gone for that long," Nina replies before checking the time. "Or maybe we have!"
"Seriously?" Kendall asks to which she just nods. "I didn't realise it had been that long."
"Neither did I," she replies. "Oh my gosh, I really need to go home."
"Before, you do, how did you make this mac and cheese?" James asks, the others eagerly nodding. "Kendall you have to try it. This is the best mac and cheese I've ever had!"
"Aww thank you," she grins. "But I can't tell you. Secret family recipe."
"Seriously?" Carlos frowns.
"Yeah, sorry. Tell you what? Maybe I'll make it for you again some other time." She glances over at Kendall, shaking her head just slightly. He won't say anything yet. She trusts him not to.
"You are my favourite person!" He exclaims making her laugh. Her gran used to make loads of her dad's old recipes, so she'd feel more at home when she first moved in with her especially since he was a better cook than her mum (she remembers teasing her about it with her dad when she was much younger) so even when she tried to replicate them they were never quite the same but her gran had come very close. By the time she had to leave to join the rangers they were engraved in her brain. Jayden and Kevin had helped her out too. It had been fun cooking with them. "You don't happen to have a secret family corndog recipe, do you?" Nina purses her lips, shaking her head.
"No but I have lasagne," she offers.
"Good enough," he agrees.
"Okay, well I should actually go this time because I actually do need to be home but you guys have an amazing Christmas and happy new year too," she smiles walking to the door opening it before turning back to Kendall who still has her gift bag. He hands it to her before she pulls him into a hug which he returns.
"I'm gonna go on my own so I actually leave this time," she tells him to which he laughs a bit.
"Thank you, for everything," he says quietly before pulling back. "I think we'll have a good Christmas and I'm sure you will too."
"I agree. Thank you too," she smiles. "And I'll see you, eventually."
"Bye Nina," he says as she walks out the door.
Nina ended up getting back just as they were about to start, some of the boxes out on the porch. She quickly dropped her things off in her room before going out to help. The next day (Christmas Eve!) was spent decorating inside the house but it was actually really fun! Especially when Mentor brought in the huge tree to decorate! Everyone was there, except for Emily. She had was sending an email to her older sister, Serena. It's strange to think that it could've been her with them instead of Emily. No doubt she would be amazing, but it was so clear Emily is a big part of the team, it's strange to imagine her not there. Nina was going to email Eddie tonight. Since he was staying with his dad for Christmas, he was still in England and they were hours ahead of where they are so by the time, she went to bed it was already Christmas there. Also, Eddie had told her he was kind of a kid on Christmas so it was one of the few times of year when he would probably be awake pretty early, and it was true. He responded to her emails pretty quickly, so they'd actually been talking for a couple hours before Nina decided to call it a night.
"It's Christmas! Guys, wake up!" Nina could hear Mike yelling from the living room in the morning. Groaning as she looked at the clock (it was only 6! she was hoping she'd get to sleep in for more than fifteen minutes) she got out of bed, grabbing a hoodie.
"Why is he so awake?" Shaylee asked her roommate. Nina just shook her head, tiredly shrugging, opening the door, yawning. The two of them walked to the living room to see everyone already there.
"There you guys are!" Mike yells loudly, causing Nina to wince at the volume. "Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas guys!" Nina smiles.
"Merry Christmas," Shaylee cheers, tiredly.
"Alright! Let's get this party started with some Christmas tunes!" Mike says, going to the radio.
It's much later in the evening when things finally begin winding down. Today had been incredibly fun for everyone! They had spent the day cooking, baking, eating, they even did some karaoke! Ji was awful but it was hilarious. Giving out the gifts had been an amazing experience for all of them too; although it started off as a bit of a prank to Mike. All the presents under the tree had been given out to the team excluding Mike. They had all bought gifts for each other, but the rangers, Shaylee and Ji decided to put their money together to collectively by a gift for Mike; his own motorcycle! He'd loved it so much when he found out that he took it for a spin right away. While he was out however, Nina had gone back to her room. She hadn't opened her gift from Mrs Knight, Katie and the guys so that was what she went to do. Opening them she found few things inside, in the gift wrapped box was a box of chocolates, and in the gift bag there was a notepad, scented body soap and lotion, a couple bottles of pillow mist, a bracelet and comb (definitely James' idea). There was a card in the bag too, which she had already displayed on the desk. At the bottom of the bag was a smaller gift-wrapped box she hadn't see at first. She reached for the box, taking of a little note stuck to it. Unfolding it she sees a short message,
I hope this helps whenever you feel like you miss the UK
- Kendall
She unwraps the box to see a cute box with the Union Jack printed around it. A United Kingdom scented candle… it smells just like it. Even before she opens the box, she can smell it already. She doesn't even know how but somehow; this is what being in the UK smelled like. Taking out the candle she takes a deep breath and shutting her eyes she realises it even captures Trudy's cooking! Nina almost tears up. It's perfect, exactly what she didn't know she needed. Deciding to light it, the purple ranger gets up, heading for the kitchen for matches. She finds them in a drawer but when walks out of the door she almost walks in Jayden.
"Whoa, hey," she says.
"Hey," he replies, looking at what's in her hands. "Matches? Were your gifts that bad that you have to burn them?"
"No," she chuckles. "One of them was a candle."
"That makes more sense," he says, grabbing some water from the fridge. Just before Nina's about to leave she remembers,
"Jayden, I actually have something for you."
"You do?"
She nods, "Were you going to your room?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, I'll go and grab it from mine, and I'll bring it over," she says, smiling. She really wanted to see his reaction when she gave it to him, hopefully he would love it! Speed walking to her room, Nina sets the matches down and quickly rummages through her drawer grabbing the present. She hadn't had time to wrap it, but she figured it wouldn't matter now. She shuts her door as she leaves, going down the hall to Jayden's. He opens it after she knocks, inviting her in. She sits on his bed, noting a little stuffed lion. Folding one leg up on it so she can turn to face him, she picks up the lion as he sits down too, slightly further down.
"This is so cute! Who's it from?" She asks, looking at the lion squishy face. It hadn't been there the last time she'd come in a couple of days ago and she doubted he could've (or would've) got it himself, between then and now.
"It's from Emily," he says, looking at the lion too. Looking up, Nina notices a fond smile on his face as he looks at it.
"This was really sweet of her," she replies, playing with the surprisingly soft mane before she puts it back down.
"Yeah, it was," he replies before he seems to snap out of a little daze. Nina wonders is it really the lion that caught his attention or was he thinking about… the person who gave it to him? That's a question for another time!
"Okay, so I didn't actually have time to wrap it up but it's fine," she says and he's smiling at her, which she finds distracting, making her laugh. "Stop smiling like that."
"I'm only smiling because you're so excited," he laughs.
"I can't help it. I really think you're going to like it," she replies.
"Okay, okay!"
"I've actually had since I was a kid but considering all you've been through as a leader and with Deker I think that's it best you have it," she says, pulling out a wooden toy samurai from her pocket and holding it out to him.
"Nina," he smiles, gently taking it from her.
"'As true samurai, your enemies shouldn't scare you; they should-'" Nina begins quoting.
"'Make you better,'" Jayden finishes, looking down at the toy, a small smile on his face.
"I know it's kind of stupid but I -" she begins but he cuts her off.
"Nina, this isn't stupid. At all. It's beautiful," he says earnestly. "Are you sure you want to give it to me? If you've had it since you were so young - are you sure?"
"Of course, I'm sure," she replies, confidently. "Besides, it's not like it's completely gone anyways. We're all still here."
"Thank you. I really needed this," he says, to which she smiles brightly.
"I really needed this," she replies, pulling out a necklace from her pocket. It had a silver chain and at the end was a purple gem sitting on a silver disc with the wolf kanji inscribed on the back and a silver lightning bolt next to it. It had belonged to the previous purple ranger; her mother. However, Nina had remembered seeing her mother put it on before running into her final battle. She thought it had been lost. "Is this really it? Was this one actually hers or were you able to copy it?" She knew she didn't have to say who she meant. He must know because it couldn't have been a coincidence. Her father had had it custom made for the previous purple ranger, so Jayden definitely hadn't just picked it from a store by chance.
"It was hers," he tells her. Nina feels her eyes begin to water a bit.
"How?" She whispers, running her fingers over the kanji.
"After the battle, the rangers all came back here with… the red and purple rangers' bodies. I didn't know where any of you lived until the day before I sent the arrow so I couldn't send anything to you. Anything of the rangers that you don't have, we most likely have kept here," he explains. "When I was looking through one of the photo albums of the rangers a few weeks ago it reminded me of the necklace. I figured it would mean a lot more to you than it does to me."
"This is amazing," she says. "Thank you." She leans forwards to give him a hug which he returns but they are soon interrupted by a knock on the door. They pull away, Nina wiping a couple of tears away.
"Jayden are you in there?" Emily's voice calls through the door.
"Uh yeah, come in," he replies.
"We were," Emily begins as she opens the door before entering and noticing the purple rangers. "Oh, Nina hey, I was actually about to come and get you. Are you okay?" She asks, noticing her eyes are slightly red around the rims.
"Yeah," she laughs as Jayden gets up to grab a box of tissues. "I'm alright don't worry."
"Are you sure?" The yellow ranger asks, glancing at Jayden as he hands her a couple.
"Yeah, I'm good."
"Alright, well we were gonna watch a Christmas film and I wanted to ask if you guys wanted to join," she asks.
"Yeah sure," Nina nods, getting up. "You up for it?" She asks Jayden.
"Yeah, why not?" He shrugs. As they begin to walk out, Nina notices Emily smiling at something before they exit. Turning, she realises she is smiling at the lion.
Chapter, Christmas edition, seventeen is out! It's just under a month after Christmas but better late than never in this situation, right? So, Nina and Kendall… interesting. Also, the necklace, I have a couple of potential images but I'm not too sure yet but what I might do is upload it at the story image. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! I don't know but I really love this chapter (then again, I really love Christmas so maybe I do know why). See you on Friday and thanks for reading!
