Disclaimer: If you don't know the drill by now, I feel sorry for you, but I'll go over it again anyway. Power Rangers: not mine. Original characters: mine. Got it? Good. Still going in the same timeline as my other two stories, but it occurs after Motor Mantis. This time my own personal spin is a crossover involving one of my favorite anime/video game characters. Which one, I'm not telling. You'll just have to read and see. ^_^ ^_^ Well…go on. Read. I told you, I'm ain't letting this cat out of the bag right now. You have to see for yourself. Now go.
A Feline Friend, Pt. 1
by RedLion
"Galaxy Megazord Saber, full power!" With a series of Orion-charged sword slashes, the Galaxy Rangers chalked up another win against Trakeena and her goons, this time by putting the lights out on a ravenously hungry and destructive beaver monster named Gnawful. After the victory, the five heroes disembarked from the Megazord before it reformed into the five Galactabeasts and went into hiding again.
"So…how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" the Green Ranger asked.
"Damon, that was a beaver, not a woodchuck," his blue teammate corrected.
"Close enough, I'd say, Kai," Leo, in his Red Ranger uniform, shrugged. "I gotta go though. I'm meeting Ashlee again tonight and I need to get ready. Later." He then dashed off from his team in a crimson blur. The others demorphed shortly thereafter and went their separate ways as well.
A short time later, Leo arrived at his room with a large paper bag in his hands as he fumbled for the electronic lock. As he finally cracked the entry code, a small white short-haired cat walked up to his leg and rubbed against it, mewing in a soft tone.
"And just where'd you come from?" Leo asked. He walked in and set the bag down on a table. Before the door could close all the way, the ivory feline darted in and upon the same table. "Hey, you little sneak," Leo said. The cat just looked up and meowed again. "Oh, alright, but behave yourself for now, okay? I've got company coming soon."
While Leo turned away to unload the paper sack, the kitty made its way onto the couch and curled up on the cushions. Out of the bag came another package, this one in what appeared to be waxed paper. Leo unrolled it onto a countertop to reveal a rather large cut of meat. His new companion immediately jolted up from a half-slumber and trotted up to the Red Ranger.
"Oh, no," he said. "This is for my invited guest. Hold on a second and I'll find something for you." Leo poked through the fridge and found a half-full milk bottle in the corner. "Perfect." Another rummaging brought out a small bowl from the cupboards. Leo filled the vessel with milk and set it before the cat, who started lapping it up almost instantly. "Now…maybe I can get something done here before-" He barely had time to finish his statement before the doorbell rang. "It's open," Leo shouted. Great, and I've barely done anything here.
The door slid open to reveal the leonine Ranger's girlfriend of several weeks, Ashlee Crider. In one hand was a plastic bag. The other held her purse which she set down next the empty bag Leo had brought in. "Hi, hope I'm not early," she said.
"No, I've just been distracted," Leo answered.
"Can't be a bad day. I saw the victory earlier today."
"It wasn't that," Leo sighed. "It's just that we have another joining us tonight."
"Who?" Ashlee asked, more annoyed than curious. As if on cue, the white feline walked out of the kitchen and back onto the couch. "Oh, is this what you meant?"
"Yes, it followed me in as I came home earlier."
"No tag," Ashlee noted. "She must be a stray."
"She?" Leo glanced up from his work across the quarters. "How can you tell?"
"The face…and other noticeable details."
"Okay…" Leo shook his head at his girlfriend's response before diverting his attention to the stove.
"She's adorable though," Ashlee added, petting the she-cat along her back. "I just love cats."
"Is that what brought you to me then?" Leo asked.
"Maybe. You going to keep her?"
"I might since she doesn't belong to anyone. Yow!" Leo jumped back as a small flame burst shot out in the kitchen.
"Problem?"
"No, it's just that Kai never gave me all the details about cooking a decent meal without a microwave."
"Should I feel safe around here now?" Ashlee asked inquisitively.
"You're dating a Power Ranger," Leo replied. "How can you get any safer than that?"
"To be honest, I feel safer around this cat than around you and a stove."
"That's not funny, Ash. I'm almost tempted to leave you hanging next time Deviot kidnaps you now."
"Leo Adrian Corbett!" Ashlee shrieked, jolting up from the couch and throwing the cat to the floor. "How dare you say that. I thought I meant more to you that that."
"Now that's funny," Leo laughed.
"Humph." Ashlee dropped back onto the sofa and folded her arms before her.
"Cheer up, would you, Ash? You know I didn't mean it." The girl didn't respond to Leo as he finished up in the kitchen and began setting plates of food on a two-person table nearby. "Fine, then I'm feeding your food to the cat. Right now, she has better manners anyway."
"Like heck you are," Ashlee retorted. "That's the reason I came here in the first place."
"Then why don't you get off your high horse and come eat before I have second thoughts."
"Maybe I will." She got up again and made her way towards the dining vicinity. "It smells good." Set before them was a plate topped with butted carrots, a wild rice medley, and a cut of the steak cooked to near-perfection. Leo came around and helped Ashlee settle into a seat. "Why, thank you," she said. Leo nodded as he took his place on the opposite side.
"I hope this will suffice," Leo said. "You and I both know that there are others who could do a lot better than this."
"Don't underestimate yourself," Ashlee replied. "It's fine. Besides, you do more than your fair share with keeping Terra Venture from harm all the time."
"And now…" Leo reached across the table and took Ashlee's hand in his. "I have an even greater reason to do so."
"Leo," she giggled, "you're making me blush."
"And that's a bad thing? I would say more, but the food is getting cold, and after both cooking it and dealing with that buck-toothed bozo earlier, I am famished."
"I hear you. Let's eat then. We'll talk later." The two then began to indulge in the meal set before them.
Several minutes later after cleansing their palettes, the pair began clearing the table and loading up the dishwasher in the domain.
"That was good, Leo," Ashlee said. "After that accident before, I was a little worried about it though."
"Accidents run ramped around the inexperienced, Ash," Leo told her. "A good friend told me that one, but that is how we learn, after all."
"Very true, Leo. You know, after we reach the new world, I was hoping I would be able to settle down with someone,"
"Like who?"
"Well…someone wise, resourceful, pleasant to be around. Someone who's honest not just with others but with himself."
"If that's supposed to mean something," Leo interjected, "I was being as honest as I could be in the Mountain Dome when we met."
"I understand that, Leo. I know that you wouldn't have been able to say anything about your secret life of heroics back then."
"Good, because that's not something meant to be broadcast on the evening news." Ashlee laughed as the evening chores were finished and they went back into the living room. The cat Leo had found was curled up in a recliner fast asleep, softly snoring away.
"I swear she is just too precious to be real," Ashlee said.
"Yes," Leo nodded, "kind of like someone I know."
"Leo, you're doing it again."
"I know, but I can't help it. Ashlee, before I met you, I didn't know where I was going or anything. I was a lost soul looking for answers in a veritable ocean of uncertainties. Now I see the truth, and this time I'm not running from it." Leo stopped and took Ashlee's hands again. He also added a deep gaze into her sparkling green eyes. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to make that wish of yours come true."
Ashlee let out a silent gasp and almost fell to the floor, but her legs held firm as she tried to utter a response. "You…you really mean that, Leo?" she finally asked.
"I do, Ash. I've never been any more honest in my life than right now."
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you." Ashlee leaped upon Leo in a tight hug and toppled them both to the ground with a light thud.
"Rew?" The cat poked her head up and looked around the room before finding Leo and Ashlee below.
"Whoa, hold up here," Leo said. "Didn't you say 'after we found the new world'?"
"I did," Ashlee replied, "but I'm just really happy right now."
"Wish I could say the same, but I can't right now."
"Why's that?"
"I think you're putting unnecessary pressure on something vital."
"Whoops." Ashlee pushed herself back to her feet and reached down to help Leo. "Sorry."
"It's alright," Leo said once he was righted again. "I've survived worse."
"Maybe I should go home then," Ashlee suggested, "before something worse does happen."
"If you wish, but I don't see how anything bad has come from you being around."
"Thanks, but I should be going anyway. I have to be at work early tomorrow." Ashlee stopped to kiss her Ranger boyfriend before grabbing her purse and heading towards the door. "Later, lion," she waved as the mechanical gate slid shut behind her. Leo sighed and slumped onto the sofa, attracting the attention of the other female in the room.
"Man, what a night," he said, "and part of it I owe to you, little one. Maybe I should keep you around after all." The cat looked up at Leo and meowed before leaping onto his lap. Leo smiled and petted her back while he flipped though the various TV stations available on the space colony.
Later that night, a rattling sound awakened Leo from sleep. He looked up and across the room and found a light coming from outside his bedroom. He slipped out from under the covers and into the common area. The light had subsided, but by that time, Leo was on full alert thanks to the Power within him. "Who's there?" he asked. Soft footsteps filled his ears in the dark, and a pair of glowing blue eyes trailed around the room. "If you're trying to escape, you'll have to get through me, whoever you are." The steps came to a halt and another glow lit up around him. This time, it was from a wall lamp. The sudden luminescence caused Leo to stumble momentarily, but he never hit the ground due to a pair of arms catching him.
"Easy there, fella," an unfamiliar feminine voice told Leo. "You okay?" Leo looked up at the source of such a caring tone and saw the most unbelievable creature ever.
She was about his height with a head full of hair in shades of blue. Down her slender, yet slightly toned figure sporting a general flesh tone trailed white markings in various places, including over her chest and waist Her legs and arms also had a white stripe near the joints before leading into full ivory hands and feet, which were slightly oversized and had a feline contour to them, ending in short, red claws. A pair of triangular ears stood over her caring, delicate face and even a long tail swishing behind her added to the catlike effect.
"Who…are you," Leo asked after a seriously long bout of silence and astonishment, "and how do you know me?"
"My name is Felicia," she answered, "and I've been around here since this afternoon thanks to your hospitality."
"Excuse me?" Leo pushed away from the humanesque feline and back onto his feet. "Trust me on this one, okay? I'd know if I had let someone like you in here. Plus my girlfriend would have my hide for being around someone as stunning as you."
"Thanks for the compliment," Felicia said, blushing, "but you did let me in willingly earlier. I just didn't look like this. Watch." In a small explosion of light, she shrank down to the form of a white cat, the same white cat from the previous afternoon.
"That was you!" Leo exclaimed. Another flash brought Felicia back to two legs as quick as before. "That is some trick too. Care to explain?"
"Sure. You mind if I raid the fridge for a snack first? I got hungry earlier and started looking for something. I guess I was a little loud, huh?"
"Don't sweat it," Leo waved. "Go ahead. I'll wait on the couch."
"Thanks," Felicia smiled. "You're a dear."
"So I've heard." The Ranger leader shuffled into the living room and plopped onto the sofa. "Wow," he mouthed.
A few minutes later, Felicia emerged holding a sandwich and a glass of milk. She settled into a chair and propped one leg onto the other. "So where do you want me to start?" she asked.
"How about from the beginning?" Leo replied. "Otherwise the story wouldn't make much sense." Like it does right now anyway.
"Well, I realized I was a monster when I was six. Nobody would come near me or be my friend 'cause they were scared of me. 'What did I do to deserve this?' I'd often ask myself. I'd sit in front of the TV and watch musical stars all day long 'cause I had nothing to do. Until, one day, I realized... 'This is it!' How people would love me if I were up on that brilliant stage! I'm a pretty good dancer, too. I won't let anyone stop me! That started well, but when people found out about me, I was shunned. One day, I came across the shuttleport for Terra Venture. I figured that since that world wouldn't accept me, maybe I could start over on the 'new world'. Being nothing more than a little cat, I stowed away on a shuttle and took off for the colony. For several weeks after landing, I roamed the urban area, as well as a couple other domes, before coming back here, where I sort of stuck my foot in your door. I was hoping to keep this a secret until the journey was over, but I guess I blew that one."
"How so?" Leo asked.
"Because everyone who's seen the real me is afraid of me because of how I look."
"Answer this then," Leo said. "Do I look scared?"
"No…and that's what scares me a little."
"How am I scaring you? I'm the one who thought I was being robbed or something."
"I don't know," Felicia sighed. "You're different though. Why?"
"Because I know how it feels to be out of place," Leo replied. "If it weren't for my friends, though, I wouldn't have endured the way I did."
"How can I make it if I don't have the support you say you have?"
"But you do, Felicia. I was once told never to leave a friend in need. If you need a helping hand or someone to lean on, I'll be there. I promise."
"Thank you, Leo. I guess I shouldn't have expected any less from a Power Ranger."
"You heard that, huh?"
"Yeah," Felicia nodded. "Don't worry though. I won't say anything. I've heard of the Rangers during my roaming and I know how secretive they are about their identities."
"Good. I'll do the same thing about you. No sense letting the cat out of the bag yet."
"Right," the feline yawned.
"Guess that's our cue to retire again," Leo said, rising from the couch. "I'll see you in the morning so we can discuss certain living conditions."
"Alright. Good night." Felicia slipped back into her full cat form and fell asleep in the chair while Leo returned to his room.
Again, wow, Leo thought. Ashlee would indeed kill me if she knew, but a promise is a promise.
The next morning, Leo emerged from the bathroom, fresh from a much needed shower, and caught a whiff of something from the kitchen. He looked out and saw Felicia by the stove with an apron about her, a light plume of steam rising before the catwoman as she pushed a frying pan around.
"Morning, Leo," she said.
"Morning," he groaned. "What are you doing?"
"Fixing breakfast. Take a seat and I'll bring it out to you."
"You don't have to do that, you know," Leo insisted.
"I know, but I want to. It's just my way of saying thank you for what you've done for me."
"You're quite welcome, Felicia," Leo answered, taking a seat at the table, "but you really didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"It's no trouble at all, honest." Felicia made a few more motions before bringing a plate of flapjacks and bacon to the seated Ranger. "You prefer milk or orange juice?"
"Normally orange juice, but with this, milk. Quick question. Where does a cat learn to cook like this?"
"Mostly from TV, but I have run across a few live demonstrations in my more feline form." She set a glass of milk in front of Leo before tending to one of her own. "I'm exactly not the runt of the litter, if you will."
"I never thought that," Leo corrected. "It's just that you keep surprising me every second you're around."
"Is that a bad thing?" Felicia asked.
"No, not at all. Your presence is welcome around here, but there are some issues to discuss if you are staying here."
"I know. You said that last night."
"Okay." Leo finished his meal and pushed the plate aside with a serious look on his face. "First order of business then is your dual identity. You know that when others are around, you are to be a full cat, right?"
"Right."
"Next is when you're just hanging around here on two legs. I know this is your natural look and the white tends to hide certain parts, but you really have to get some clothes. I'm already uncomfortable enough right now without having disturbing images running around in my head."
"How would I do that?" the female feline asked.
"Good question. I don't know what you'd prefer, so you'd have to pick things out yourself, but we don't want the public to see you like this. If I had some sort of cloak for you to use until you got what you wanted, that would be perfect."
"Maybe Ashlee has one?"
"I doubt it, but my other friends might. Hold the fort for a while, and I'll find out, okay?"
"Okay. I'll clean up a little while you do that."
"Alright, but you're not going to do all the work around here. Usually, it's the human that serves the pet."
"But I'm more than a pet, Leo," Felicia grinned.
"I know." Leo got up from the table and grabbed his denim jacket before heading out into the hallway. "Boy, do I know."
"What do you know?" a familiar voice asked, sending Leo back to reality.
"Hey, Ash," Leo said, turning around in the hall. What he saw was indeed Ashlee Crider, but she was wearing a red-and-yellow uniform bearing a knee-high skirt and a beret atop her blond hair. "What's with the outfit?"
"Work. Even in the infinite blackness of space, certain people expect pizza delivered to their door."
"Weird, but it's cute on you."
"Thanks," Ashlee replied with a smile. "Is that cat still around?"
"Yeah. That reminds me. Do you have a long, hooded coat I could borrow today?"
Ashlee shook her head. "Nope. What would you need one for anyway?"
"A friend," was all Leo could say. "Thanks anyway though. I guess I have a little more shopping to do then."
"What for?"
Leo stopped in his tracks at the question and seemed to blank out momentarily. "A few things for Felicia since she is staying "
"Who?"
"The cat. God, you're full of questions today."
"Sorry, Leo, but you look distracted. Is something bothering you?"
Hell, yeah. I have a drop-dead gorgeous catwoman who is almost stark-freakin'-naked in my house. "No, just tired," Leo said. "Felicia was stalking around the room late last night and it woke me up."
"Oh. Hope you feel better though. I may visit after work if nothing comes up, okay?"
"Alright. Later." The two parted ways in the hall, leaving a worried and slightly confused look on Ashlee's face. "That was too close," Leo said aloud. "Now to take care of business here."
An hour later, the Red Ranger returned to his dwelling with a large, plastic bag in his hands. "Felicia," he called. "You around?" He was quickly met with the cat creature in her four-legged form. As soon as the door closed, though, Felicia popped back onto two.
"Never left," she said. "What's up?"
"Try this on and we'll see if it'll work until later." Leo reached into the bag and handed a long, black cloak to Felicia. She threw it on and let the fabric settle against her before donning the attached hood. "Hmm…"
"What is it?"
"Except for the feet, it's a perfect disguise. You may want to keep your tail under control too in case it slips out."
"Gotcha. Let's go then. I haven't been shopping in what seems like forever."
Great…, Leo thought. This is going to be fun. He tossed the empty sack aside before leading Felicia out the door. A moderately lengthy walk brought them to what passed for a local mall, and they went straight for the ladies department of one of the bigger stores. Once there, Felicia started thumbing through the racks while Leo kept a keen eye on his surroundings, hoping none of his other friends would find him there.
"This is cute," Felicia uttered quietly. "Oh, I like this." She picked out a few wardrobe pieces and headed for the dressing rooms.
"Yes, great fun indeed," Leo sighed. "Hey, don't forget something for the ears," he called.
"Don't worry," came a muffled response. "I've done this before."
"Why am I not surprised?" Leo sighed again and leaned against the wall waiting for his feline friend. Ten minutes later, the door swung open and Leo had to do his second double-take in the past twenty-four hours at what he saw.
With the black cloak draped over one arm, Felicia emerged decked out in a pair of khaki pants and a tight blue shirt covered by her own denim jacket with a big, pink heart on the back. A Velcro-fastened visor was set on her head just right to cover her feline ears.
"Don't say it 'cause I already know," she said. "I look good."
"Uh…yeah," Leo stammered. Too good if you ask me. "If that's everything, then maybe we should go."
"One second. I saw a couple other things that might work too." Felicia darted away to another rack and started poking through it.
Eventually the pair left the store dragging several bags with them. "That should last me for about a month," Felicia said. She was soon met with a nasty glare from Leo. "Kidding. Gee, where's your sense of humor today?"
"Gone, like half of my bank account."
"Sorry, but I couldn't settle for just one thing, could I?"
"No, I guess not," Leo sighed. "Let's go home. It's been a long day."
-----
Deep within the Scorpion Stinger, Trakeena watched as Leo and Felicia trudged through the urban zone of Terra Venture. "Gah, another one?" the evil insect princess cried. "That Ranger's too popular for his own good."
"Something's different about this one though," Vilimax noted. "I detect a strange aura around her, like it's not of this world."
"Maybe, but just look at her."
"Calm down, Princess. I'll take some Stingwingers to the colony and see what she's really about."
"Then go. She's already making me sick to my stomach."
----
"You mind if we stop somewhere for lunch?" Felicia asked. "I'm getting hungry."
"I guess," Leo answered. It was then that they passed by a window with a red-and-yellow color scheme around it. Leo back-stepped to take another look and a thin smile appeared on his face.
"What is it, Leo?"
"Wait here." He dropped what bags he had and went into the accompanying door. Inside were several round tables, a few with other colonists around them, and the distinct smell of mozzarella in the air. Leo walked up to the counter where a costumed employee was tending to other matters. The worker turned back towards Leo after noticing a trailing shadow nearby.
"Hello, what can I get for y-Leo!"
"Hey, Ash," the red-clad youth before her waved. "Surprised to see me?"
"Heck, yeah. What are you doing here though?"
"I told you, I was out getting a few things for my new pet. I guess time just flew by on me."
"Looks like it. What can I get you?"
"I'll take a large pie. Half anchovies, half pepperoni and mushroom."
"Eww," Ashlee gagged. "You actually eat fish like that?"
"No, that's for Felicia. You'd think she was human by the way she eats." A loud shriek from outside turned Leo's head to the window where a small swarm of Stingwingers was attacking Felicia. Other civilians darted by in terror as an irritant buzz filled the air. "Hold that thought would you, babe?" Leo dashed out the door and began to force his way through the menace of alien bugs.
"What are these things?" Felicia asked, tossing one aside.
"Stingwingers. You get used to them after a while. Hah!" Leo dropped another to the ground with a chop to the gut before starting on those that remained. One pushed Felicia into a brick wall and swung down with its blades. The feline rolled aside, but one of the bug's sharp tips caught hold of her visor and flung it to the sidewalk.
"Hey!" she yelled. "I just paid for that." Felicia dropped to the ground and kicked out a small layer of sand from under her at the offending insect. It grabbed its face and started stumbling about. During its time of weakness, Felicia pounced upon the Stingwinger, grabbed it by the waist and started spinning around it while still attached. After a few revolutions, she planted her feet on the ground and flung her opponent down the street.
"How interesting," Vilimax mused as he watched the fight from afar. "I knew she was different, and now I see how much."
The rest of the horde was soon disabled, and Leo and Felicia were left alone again. Felicia stepped over and recovered her headgear before the avenue became full of people again. "What was that about?" she asked.
"I don't know," Leo answered, "but it can't be anything good. You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Good. I'll be back with lunch in a minute." Leo returned inside and found Ashlee with a pizza box on the counter near her. "That was quick," he noted.
"Yeah," Ashlee nodded. "That's what we're known for. Who was that you were talking to outside?"
"Just someone who got caught in the crossfire. No big deal."
"Okay. Well, here's your order."
"Thanks." Leo slipped twenty dollars out of his pocket and into Ashlee's hand. "Keep the rest," he said. "You deserve it." He then picked up the box and headed out the door while Ashlee put the money in the register. She glanced up and saw Leo and Felicia walking away together.
"No big deal, he says," she muttered.
-----
"Princess Trakeena, I have news about the Red Ranger's new ally," Vilimax reported.
"Spit it out already then," she squealed.
"She's not human. She's part cat and has a fighting style unlike anything I've ever seen before."
"Interesting." Trakeena paced around the room thinking. "And she knows that cursed brat who killed my father. This we may be able to use to corner him and his friends like the mice they are."
-----
Once back at the apartment, Leo set the bags and pizza down and slumped into the recliner. "This is probably why my parents didn't want us to have any animals in the house," he said.
"Oh, come on," Felicia giggled. "I'm not that bad, am I?"
"No, you're not." Leo peered over his shoulder at the catwoman. "Believe it or not, if I did have a pet back then, I'd want it to be just like you."
"That's sweet. I wish I had more friends like you, Leo. You've made the past day one of the best in my life."
"That's funny 'cause my girlfriend once said something similar to me."
"Oh my. I hope we don't end up fighting over you now."
"Not gonna happen," Leo said, "as long as we know our places."
"Right," Felicia nodded. "Can we eat now? I'm about to die here."
"Knock yourself out. I have something to take care of real quick." Leo rose from the chair and went towards the back of the domicile while Felicia tossed her visor aside and poked her nose into the pizza box.
"Hey, is Ashlee coming over later?" Felicia asked. "I like her. She rubs me the right way."
"Oh, and I don't?" Leo replied. "Yeah, she said she'd stop by later today. Sometimes I wonder about you though."
"Why?" came an innocent-sounding answer. "I haven't done anything. I'm just a harmwess wittle kitty cat." Leo came out from the back laughing and grabbed a slice of pizza.
"Right," he said, "and I'm the commander of this flying tin can."
"Hey! That was mean, Leo."
"Now you two are starting to act alike. If I didn't see both of you at the same time earlier, I'd swear you were one and the same. Anyway, I cleared out a place for your stuff so no one will find it."
"Okay, thanks." Felicia finished downing the fish-filled half of pizza and collected her bags to be stored. "Back in a few."
"'Kay." While Felicia tended to her new possessions, Leo stretched out on the couch and turned on the television. "Yeah, she's harmless alright, but not to those pests of Trakeena's. I wonder what she's up to this time."
-----
"She even lives with him?" Trakeena asked while watching the monitors.
"Doesn't he already have a girlfriend?" Kegler, Vilimax's waddling assistant, said. "You know, it's getting hard to tell one from another without a scorecard."
"Quiet," Trakeena hissed. "I'm trying to think. How do we get to her if she's inside like this?"
"Perhaps a feline parasite of some sort?" Vilimax suggested. "We can wait until we have access to the room, send the disguised monster in, and strike when their guard is down."
"I like it. It's simple and completely fool-proof. Do it."
"Yes, my princess," Vilimax bowed as he and Kegler left the chamber.
"I'll get you, Ranger," Trakeena snickered, tapping her fingers together, "and your little cat too."
To be continued…
Okay, so maybe that was a bad movie reference at the end, but I don't care. Read and review anyway.
Hey, Leo, I'd act the same way if she walked into my life like that. No, really, I would. I was actually inspired to write this by a dream where I met that fine fighting feline Felicia. drools momentarily Okay, enough of that. In case you don't know, Felicia the catwoman is part of the DarkStalkers/Night Warriors fame and, like the Rangers, does not belong to me. I'll finish this one up next time we meet. Until then, later, cats and kittens.
A Feline Friend, Pt. 1
by RedLion
"Galaxy Megazord Saber, full power!" With a series of Orion-charged sword slashes, the Galaxy Rangers chalked up another win against Trakeena and her goons, this time by putting the lights out on a ravenously hungry and destructive beaver monster named Gnawful. After the victory, the five heroes disembarked from the Megazord before it reformed into the five Galactabeasts and went into hiding again.
"So…how much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" the Green Ranger asked.
"Damon, that was a beaver, not a woodchuck," his blue teammate corrected.
"Close enough, I'd say, Kai," Leo, in his Red Ranger uniform, shrugged. "I gotta go though. I'm meeting Ashlee again tonight and I need to get ready. Later." He then dashed off from his team in a crimson blur. The others demorphed shortly thereafter and went their separate ways as well.
A short time later, Leo arrived at his room with a large paper bag in his hands as he fumbled for the electronic lock. As he finally cracked the entry code, a small white short-haired cat walked up to his leg and rubbed against it, mewing in a soft tone.
"And just where'd you come from?" Leo asked. He walked in and set the bag down on a table. Before the door could close all the way, the ivory feline darted in and upon the same table. "Hey, you little sneak," Leo said. The cat just looked up and meowed again. "Oh, alright, but behave yourself for now, okay? I've got company coming soon."
While Leo turned away to unload the paper sack, the kitty made its way onto the couch and curled up on the cushions. Out of the bag came another package, this one in what appeared to be waxed paper. Leo unrolled it onto a countertop to reveal a rather large cut of meat. His new companion immediately jolted up from a half-slumber and trotted up to the Red Ranger.
"Oh, no," he said. "This is for my invited guest. Hold on a second and I'll find something for you." Leo poked through the fridge and found a half-full milk bottle in the corner. "Perfect." Another rummaging brought out a small bowl from the cupboards. Leo filled the vessel with milk and set it before the cat, who started lapping it up almost instantly. "Now…maybe I can get something done here before-" He barely had time to finish his statement before the doorbell rang. "It's open," Leo shouted. Great, and I've barely done anything here.
The door slid open to reveal the leonine Ranger's girlfriend of several weeks, Ashlee Crider. In one hand was a plastic bag. The other held her purse which she set down next the empty bag Leo had brought in. "Hi, hope I'm not early," she said.
"No, I've just been distracted," Leo answered.
"Can't be a bad day. I saw the victory earlier today."
"It wasn't that," Leo sighed. "It's just that we have another joining us tonight."
"Who?" Ashlee asked, more annoyed than curious. As if on cue, the white feline walked out of the kitchen and back onto the couch. "Oh, is this what you meant?"
"Yes, it followed me in as I came home earlier."
"No tag," Ashlee noted. "She must be a stray."
"She?" Leo glanced up from his work across the quarters. "How can you tell?"
"The face…and other noticeable details."
"Okay…" Leo shook his head at his girlfriend's response before diverting his attention to the stove.
"She's adorable though," Ashlee added, petting the she-cat along her back. "I just love cats."
"Is that what brought you to me then?" Leo asked.
"Maybe. You going to keep her?"
"I might since she doesn't belong to anyone. Yow!" Leo jumped back as a small flame burst shot out in the kitchen.
"Problem?"
"No, it's just that Kai never gave me all the details about cooking a decent meal without a microwave."
"Should I feel safe around here now?" Ashlee asked inquisitively.
"You're dating a Power Ranger," Leo replied. "How can you get any safer than that?"
"To be honest, I feel safer around this cat than around you and a stove."
"That's not funny, Ash. I'm almost tempted to leave you hanging next time Deviot kidnaps you now."
"Leo Adrian Corbett!" Ashlee shrieked, jolting up from the couch and throwing the cat to the floor. "How dare you say that. I thought I meant more to you that that."
"Now that's funny," Leo laughed.
"Humph." Ashlee dropped back onto the sofa and folded her arms before her.
"Cheer up, would you, Ash? You know I didn't mean it." The girl didn't respond to Leo as he finished up in the kitchen and began setting plates of food on a two-person table nearby. "Fine, then I'm feeding your food to the cat. Right now, she has better manners anyway."
"Like heck you are," Ashlee retorted. "That's the reason I came here in the first place."
"Then why don't you get off your high horse and come eat before I have second thoughts."
"Maybe I will." She got up again and made her way towards the dining vicinity. "It smells good." Set before them was a plate topped with butted carrots, a wild rice medley, and a cut of the steak cooked to near-perfection. Leo came around and helped Ashlee settle into a seat. "Why, thank you," she said. Leo nodded as he took his place on the opposite side.
"I hope this will suffice," Leo said. "You and I both know that there are others who could do a lot better than this."
"Don't underestimate yourself," Ashlee replied. "It's fine. Besides, you do more than your fair share with keeping Terra Venture from harm all the time."
"And now…" Leo reached across the table and took Ashlee's hand in his. "I have an even greater reason to do so."
"Leo," she giggled, "you're making me blush."
"And that's a bad thing? I would say more, but the food is getting cold, and after both cooking it and dealing with that buck-toothed bozo earlier, I am famished."
"I hear you. Let's eat then. We'll talk later." The two then began to indulge in the meal set before them.
Several minutes later after cleansing their palettes, the pair began clearing the table and loading up the dishwasher in the domain.
"That was good, Leo," Ashlee said. "After that accident before, I was a little worried about it though."
"Accidents run ramped around the inexperienced, Ash," Leo told her. "A good friend told me that one, but that is how we learn, after all."
"Very true, Leo. You know, after we reach the new world, I was hoping I would be able to settle down with someone,"
"Like who?"
"Well…someone wise, resourceful, pleasant to be around. Someone who's honest not just with others but with himself."
"If that's supposed to mean something," Leo interjected, "I was being as honest as I could be in the Mountain Dome when we met."
"I understand that, Leo. I know that you wouldn't have been able to say anything about your secret life of heroics back then."
"Good, because that's not something meant to be broadcast on the evening news." Ashlee laughed as the evening chores were finished and they went back into the living room. The cat Leo had found was curled up in a recliner fast asleep, softly snoring away.
"I swear she is just too precious to be real," Ashlee said.
"Yes," Leo nodded, "kind of like someone I know."
"Leo, you're doing it again."
"I know, but I can't help it. Ashlee, before I met you, I didn't know where I was going or anything. I was a lost soul looking for answers in a veritable ocean of uncertainties. Now I see the truth, and this time I'm not running from it." Leo stopped and took Ashlee's hands again. He also added a deep gaze into her sparkling green eyes. "If it's okay with you, I'd like to make that wish of yours come true."
Ashlee let out a silent gasp and almost fell to the floor, but her legs held firm as she tried to utter a response. "You…you really mean that, Leo?" she finally asked.
"I do, Ash. I've never been any more honest in my life than right now."
"Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you." Ashlee leaped upon Leo in a tight hug and toppled them both to the ground with a light thud.
"Rew?" The cat poked her head up and looked around the room before finding Leo and Ashlee below.
"Whoa, hold up here," Leo said. "Didn't you say 'after we found the new world'?"
"I did," Ashlee replied, "but I'm just really happy right now."
"Wish I could say the same, but I can't right now."
"Why's that?"
"I think you're putting unnecessary pressure on something vital."
"Whoops." Ashlee pushed herself back to her feet and reached down to help Leo. "Sorry."
"It's alright," Leo said once he was righted again. "I've survived worse."
"Maybe I should go home then," Ashlee suggested, "before something worse does happen."
"If you wish, but I don't see how anything bad has come from you being around."
"Thanks, but I should be going anyway. I have to be at work early tomorrow." Ashlee stopped to kiss her Ranger boyfriend before grabbing her purse and heading towards the door. "Later, lion," she waved as the mechanical gate slid shut behind her. Leo sighed and slumped onto the sofa, attracting the attention of the other female in the room.
"Man, what a night," he said, "and part of it I owe to you, little one. Maybe I should keep you around after all." The cat looked up at Leo and meowed before leaping onto his lap. Leo smiled and petted her back while he flipped though the various TV stations available on the space colony.
Later that night, a rattling sound awakened Leo from sleep. He looked up and across the room and found a light coming from outside his bedroom. He slipped out from under the covers and into the common area. The light had subsided, but by that time, Leo was on full alert thanks to the Power within him. "Who's there?" he asked. Soft footsteps filled his ears in the dark, and a pair of glowing blue eyes trailed around the room. "If you're trying to escape, you'll have to get through me, whoever you are." The steps came to a halt and another glow lit up around him. This time, it was from a wall lamp. The sudden luminescence caused Leo to stumble momentarily, but he never hit the ground due to a pair of arms catching him.
"Easy there, fella," an unfamiliar feminine voice told Leo. "You okay?" Leo looked up at the source of such a caring tone and saw the most unbelievable creature ever.
She was about his height with a head full of hair in shades of blue. Down her slender, yet slightly toned figure sporting a general flesh tone trailed white markings in various places, including over her chest and waist Her legs and arms also had a white stripe near the joints before leading into full ivory hands and feet, which were slightly oversized and had a feline contour to them, ending in short, red claws. A pair of triangular ears stood over her caring, delicate face and even a long tail swishing behind her added to the catlike effect.
"Who…are you," Leo asked after a seriously long bout of silence and astonishment, "and how do you know me?"
"My name is Felicia," she answered, "and I've been around here since this afternoon thanks to your hospitality."
"Excuse me?" Leo pushed away from the humanesque feline and back onto his feet. "Trust me on this one, okay? I'd know if I had let someone like you in here. Plus my girlfriend would have my hide for being around someone as stunning as you."
"Thanks for the compliment," Felicia said, blushing, "but you did let me in willingly earlier. I just didn't look like this. Watch." In a small explosion of light, she shrank down to the form of a white cat, the same white cat from the previous afternoon.
"That was you!" Leo exclaimed. Another flash brought Felicia back to two legs as quick as before. "That is some trick too. Care to explain?"
"Sure. You mind if I raid the fridge for a snack first? I got hungry earlier and started looking for something. I guess I was a little loud, huh?"
"Don't sweat it," Leo waved. "Go ahead. I'll wait on the couch."
"Thanks," Felicia smiled. "You're a dear."
"So I've heard." The Ranger leader shuffled into the living room and plopped onto the sofa. "Wow," he mouthed.
A few minutes later, Felicia emerged holding a sandwich and a glass of milk. She settled into a chair and propped one leg onto the other. "So where do you want me to start?" she asked.
"How about from the beginning?" Leo replied. "Otherwise the story wouldn't make much sense." Like it does right now anyway.
"Well, I realized I was a monster when I was six. Nobody would come near me or be my friend 'cause they were scared of me. 'What did I do to deserve this?' I'd often ask myself. I'd sit in front of the TV and watch musical stars all day long 'cause I had nothing to do. Until, one day, I realized... 'This is it!' How people would love me if I were up on that brilliant stage! I'm a pretty good dancer, too. I won't let anyone stop me! That started well, but when people found out about me, I was shunned. One day, I came across the shuttleport for Terra Venture. I figured that since that world wouldn't accept me, maybe I could start over on the 'new world'. Being nothing more than a little cat, I stowed away on a shuttle and took off for the colony. For several weeks after landing, I roamed the urban area, as well as a couple other domes, before coming back here, where I sort of stuck my foot in your door. I was hoping to keep this a secret until the journey was over, but I guess I blew that one."
"How so?" Leo asked.
"Because everyone who's seen the real me is afraid of me because of how I look."
"Answer this then," Leo said. "Do I look scared?"
"No…and that's what scares me a little."
"How am I scaring you? I'm the one who thought I was being robbed or something."
"I don't know," Felicia sighed. "You're different though. Why?"
"Because I know how it feels to be out of place," Leo replied. "If it weren't for my friends, though, I wouldn't have endured the way I did."
"How can I make it if I don't have the support you say you have?"
"But you do, Felicia. I was once told never to leave a friend in need. If you need a helping hand or someone to lean on, I'll be there. I promise."
"Thank you, Leo. I guess I shouldn't have expected any less from a Power Ranger."
"You heard that, huh?"
"Yeah," Felicia nodded. "Don't worry though. I won't say anything. I've heard of the Rangers during my roaming and I know how secretive they are about their identities."
"Good. I'll do the same thing about you. No sense letting the cat out of the bag yet."
"Right," the feline yawned.
"Guess that's our cue to retire again," Leo said, rising from the couch. "I'll see you in the morning so we can discuss certain living conditions."
"Alright. Good night." Felicia slipped back into her full cat form and fell asleep in the chair while Leo returned to his room.
Again, wow, Leo thought. Ashlee would indeed kill me if she knew, but a promise is a promise.
The next morning, Leo emerged from the bathroom, fresh from a much needed shower, and caught a whiff of something from the kitchen. He looked out and saw Felicia by the stove with an apron about her, a light plume of steam rising before the catwoman as she pushed a frying pan around.
"Morning, Leo," she said.
"Morning," he groaned. "What are you doing?"
"Fixing breakfast. Take a seat and I'll bring it out to you."
"You don't have to do that, you know," Leo insisted.
"I know, but I want to. It's just my way of saying thank you for what you've done for me."
"You're quite welcome, Felicia," Leo answered, taking a seat at the table, "but you really didn't have to go through all this trouble."
"It's no trouble at all, honest." Felicia made a few more motions before bringing a plate of flapjacks and bacon to the seated Ranger. "You prefer milk or orange juice?"
"Normally orange juice, but with this, milk. Quick question. Where does a cat learn to cook like this?"
"Mostly from TV, but I have run across a few live demonstrations in my more feline form." She set a glass of milk in front of Leo before tending to one of her own. "I'm exactly not the runt of the litter, if you will."
"I never thought that," Leo corrected. "It's just that you keep surprising me every second you're around."
"Is that a bad thing?" Felicia asked.
"No, not at all. Your presence is welcome around here, but there are some issues to discuss if you are staying here."
"I know. You said that last night."
"Okay." Leo finished his meal and pushed the plate aside with a serious look on his face. "First order of business then is your dual identity. You know that when others are around, you are to be a full cat, right?"
"Right."
"Next is when you're just hanging around here on two legs. I know this is your natural look and the white tends to hide certain parts, but you really have to get some clothes. I'm already uncomfortable enough right now without having disturbing images running around in my head."
"How would I do that?" the female feline asked.
"Good question. I don't know what you'd prefer, so you'd have to pick things out yourself, but we don't want the public to see you like this. If I had some sort of cloak for you to use until you got what you wanted, that would be perfect."
"Maybe Ashlee has one?"
"I doubt it, but my other friends might. Hold the fort for a while, and I'll find out, okay?"
"Okay. I'll clean up a little while you do that."
"Alright, but you're not going to do all the work around here. Usually, it's the human that serves the pet."
"But I'm more than a pet, Leo," Felicia grinned.
"I know." Leo got up from the table and grabbed his denim jacket before heading out into the hallway. "Boy, do I know."
"What do you know?" a familiar voice asked, sending Leo back to reality.
"Hey, Ash," Leo said, turning around in the hall. What he saw was indeed Ashlee Crider, but she was wearing a red-and-yellow uniform bearing a knee-high skirt and a beret atop her blond hair. "What's with the outfit?"
"Work. Even in the infinite blackness of space, certain people expect pizza delivered to their door."
"Weird, but it's cute on you."
"Thanks," Ashlee replied with a smile. "Is that cat still around?"
"Yeah. That reminds me. Do you have a long, hooded coat I could borrow today?"
Ashlee shook her head. "Nope. What would you need one for anyway?"
"A friend," was all Leo could say. "Thanks anyway though. I guess I have a little more shopping to do then."
"What for?"
Leo stopped in his tracks at the question and seemed to blank out momentarily. "A few things for Felicia since she is staying "
"Who?"
"The cat. God, you're full of questions today."
"Sorry, Leo, but you look distracted. Is something bothering you?"
Hell, yeah. I have a drop-dead gorgeous catwoman who is almost stark-freakin'-naked in my house. "No, just tired," Leo said. "Felicia was stalking around the room late last night and it woke me up."
"Oh. Hope you feel better though. I may visit after work if nothing comes up, okay?"
"Alright. Later." The two parted ways in the hall, leaving a worried and slightly confused look on Ashlee's face. "That was too close," Leo said aloud. "Now to take care of business here."
An hour later, the Red Ranger returned to his dwelling with a large, plastic bag in his hands. "Felicia," he called. "You around?" He was quickly met with the cat creature in her four-legged form. As soon as the door closed, though, Felicia popped back onto two.
"Never left," she said. "What's up?"
"Try this on and we'll see if it'll work until later." Leo reached into the bag and handed a long, black cloak to Felicia. She threw it on and let the fabric settle against her before donning the attached hood. "Hmm…"
"What is it?"
"Except for the feet, it's a perfect disguise. You may want to keep your tail under control too in case it slips out."
"Gotcha. Let's go then. I haven't been shopping in what seems like forever."
Great…, Leo thought. This is going to be fun. He tossed the empty sack aside before leading Felicia out the door. A moderately lengthy walk brought them to what passed for a local mall, and they went straight for the ladies department of one of the bigger stores. Once there, Felicia started thumbing through the racks while Leo kept a keen eye on his surroundings, hoping none of his other friends would find him there.
"This is cute," Felicia uttered quietly. "Oh, I like this." She picked out a few wardrobe pieces and headed for the dressing rooms.
"Yes, great fun indeed," Leo sighed. "Hey, don't forget something for the ears," he called.
"Don't worry," came a muffled response. "I've done this before."
"Why am I not surprised?" Leo sighed again and leaned against the wall waiting for his feline friend. Ten minutes later, the door swung open and Leo had to do his second double-take in the past twenty-four hours at what he saw.
With the black cloak draped over one arm, Felicia emerged decked out in a pair of khaki pants and a tight blue shirt covered by her own denim jacket with a big, pink heart on the back. A Velcro-fastened visor was set on her head just right to cover her feline ears.
"Don't say it 'cause I already know," she said. "I look good."
"Uh…yeah," Leo stammered. Too good if you ask me. "If that's everything, then maybe we should go."
"One second. I saw a couple other things that might work too." Felicia darted away to another rack and started poking through it.
Eventually the pair left the store dragging several bags with them. "That should last me for about a month," Felicia said. She was soon met with a nasty glare from Leo. "Kidding. Gee, where's your sense of humor today?"
"Gone, like half of my bank account."
"Sorry, but I couldn't settle for just one thing, could I?"
"No, I guess not," Leo sighed. "Let's go home. It's been a long day."
-----
Deep within the Scorpion Stinger, Trakeena watched as Leo and Felicia trudged through the urban zone of Terra Venture. "Gah, another one?" the evil insect princess cried. "That Ranger's too popular for his own good."
"Something's different about this one though," Vilimax noted. "I detect a strange aura around her, like it's not of this world."
"Maybe, but just look at her."
"Calm down, Princess. I'll take some Stingwingers to the colony and see what she's really about."
"Then go. She's already making me sick to my stomach."
----
"You mind if we stop somewhere for lunch?" Felicia asked. "I'm getting hungry."
"I guess," Leo answered. It was then that they passed by a window with a red-and-yellow color scheme around it. Leo back-stepped to take another look and a thin smile appeared on his face.
"What is it, Leo?"
"Wait here." He dropped what bags he had and went into the accompanying door. Inside were several round tables, a few with other colonists around them, and the distinct smell of mozzarella in the air. Leo walked up to the counter where a costumed employee was tending to other matters. The worker turned back towards Leo after noticing a trailing shadow nearby.
"Hello, what can I get for y-Leo!"
"Hey, Ash," the red-clad youth before her waved. "Surprised to see me?"
"Heck, yeah. What are you doing here though?"
"I told you, I was out getting a few things for my new pet. I guess time just flew by on me."
"Looks like it. What can I get you?"
"I'll take a large pie. Half anchovies, half pepperoni and mushroom."
"Eww," Ashlee gagged. "You actually eat fish like that?"
"No, that's for Felicia. You'd think she was human by the way she eats." A loud shriek from outside turned Leo's head to the window where a small swarm of Stingwingers was attacking Felicia. Other civilians darted by in terror as an irritant buzz filled the air. "Hold that thought would you, babe?" Leo dashed out the door and began to force his way through the menace of alien bugs.
"What are these things?" Felicia asked, tossing one aside.
"Stingwingers. You get used to them after a while. Hah!" Leo dropped another to the ground with a chop to the gut before starting on those that remained. One pushed Felicia into a brick wall and swung down with its blades. The feline rolled aside, but one of the bug's sharp tips caught hold of her visor and flung it to the sidewalk.
"Hey!" she yelled. "I just paid for that." Felicia dropped to the ground and kicked out a small layer of sand from under her at the offending insect. It grabbed its face and started stumbling about. During its time of weakness, Felicia pounced upon the Stingwinger, grabbed it by the waist and started spinning around it while still attached. After a few revolutions, she planted her feet on the ground and flung her opponent down the street.
"How interesting," Vilimax mused as he watched the fight from afar. "I knew she was different, and now I see how much."
The rest of the horde was soon disabled, and Leo and Felicia were left alone again. Felicia stepped over and recovered her headgear before the avenue became full of people again. "What was that about?" she asked.
"I don't know," Leo answered, "but it can't be anything good. You okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Good. I'll be back with lunch in a minute." Leo returned inside and found Ashlee with a pizza box on the counter near her. "That was quick," he noted.
"Yeah," Ashlee nodded. "That's what we're known for. Who was that you were talking to outside?"
"Just someone who got caught in the crossfire. No big deal."
"Okay. Well, here's your order."
"Thanks." Leo slipped twenty dollars out of his pocket and into Ashlee's hand. "Keep the rest," he said. "You deserve it." He then picked up the box and headed out the door while Ashlee put the money in the register. She glanced up and saw Leo and Felicia walking away together.
"No big deal, he says," she muttered.
-----
"Princess Trakeena, I have news about the Red Ranger's new ally," Vilimax reported.
"Spit it out already then," she squealed.
"She's not human. She's part cat and has a fighting style unlike anything I've ever seen before."
"Interesting." Trakeena paced around the room thinking. "And she knows that cursed brat who killed my father. This we may be able to use to corner him and his friends like the mice they are."
-----
Once back at the apartment, Leo set the bags and pizza down and slumped into the recliner. "This is probably why my parents didn't want us to have any animals in the house," he said.
"Oh, come on," Felicia giggled. "I'm not that bad, am I?"
"No, you're not." Leo peered over his shoulder at the catwoman. "Believe it or not, if I did have a pet back then, I'd want it to be just like you."
"That's sweet. I wish I had more friends like you, Leo. You've made the past day one of the best in my life."
"That's funny 'cause my girlfriend once said something similar to me."
"Oh my. I hope we don't end up fighting over you now."
"Not gonna happen," Leo said, "as long as we know our places."
"Right," Felicia nodded. "Can we eat now? I'm about to die here."
"Knock yourself out. I have something to take care of real quick." Leo rose from the chair and went towards the back of the domicile while Felicia tossed her visor aside and poked her nose into the pizza box.
"Hey, is Ashlee coming over later?" Felicia asked. "I like her. She rubs me the right way."
"Oh, and I don't?" Leo replied. "Yeah, she said she'd stop by later today. Sometimes I wonder about you though."
"Why?" came an innocent-sounding answer. "I haven't done anything. I'm just a harmwess wittle kitty cat." Leo came out from the back laughing and grabbed a slice of pizza.
"Right," he said, "and I'm the commander of this flying tin can."
"Hey! That was mean, Leo."
"Now you two are starting to act alike. If I didn't see both of you at the same time earlier, I'd swear you were one and the same. Anyway, I cleared out a place for your stuff so no one will find it."
"Okay, thanks." Felicia finished downing the fish-filled half of pizza and collected her bags to be stored. "Back in a few."
"'Kay." While Felicia tended to her new possessions, Leo stretched out on the couch and turned on the television. "Yeah, she's harmless alright, but not to those pests of Trakeena's. I wonder what she's up to this time."
-----
"She even lives with him?" Trakeena asked while watching the monitors.
"Doesn't he already have a girlfriend?" Kegler, Vilimax's waddling assistant, said. "You know, it's getting hard to tell one from another without a scorecard."
"Quiet," Trakeena hissed. "I'm trying to think. How do we get to her if she's inside like this?"
"Perhaps a feline parasite of some sort?" Vilimax suggested. "We can wait until we have access to the room, send the disguised monster in, and strike when their guard is down."
"I like it. It's simple and completely fool-proof. Do it."
"Yes, my princess," Vilimax bowed as he and Kegler left the chamber.
"I'll get you, Ranger," Trakeena snickered, tapping her fingers together, "and your little cat too."
To be continued…
Okay, so maybe that was a bad movie reference at the end, but I don't care. Read and review anyway.
Hey, Leo, I'd act the same way if she walked into my life like that. No, really, I would. I was actually inspired to write this by a dream where I met that fine fighting feline Felicia. drools momentarily Okay, enough of that. In case you don't know, Felicia the catwoman is part of the DarkStalkers/Night Warriors fame and, like the Rangers, does not belong to me. I'll finish this one up next time we meet. Until then, later, cats and kittens.
