Disclaimer: Once again, I'm using characters that do and do not belong to me. Those that do not I'm using for entertainment purposes only. Those that do are not to be used by others without my consent. Failure to abide by these rules will result in extreme wrath and persecution by yours truly. No, I'm kidding about that, but I would like it if you asked me before using my original characters. They're like a part of me, and stealing them would be like stealing my soul and all, so...don't do it, okay? We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming.

Previously on Power Rangers Lost Galaxy: At the end of yet another hard day of fighting evil, Leo Corbett, the Red Ranger, returns home and takes in a stray white cat that turns out to be a catwoman named Felicia, and he tries everything he knows how to do to make things comfortable for both of them. Trakeena and company find out about the feline and devise a plan to cat-nap the poor creature.

A Feline Friend, Pt. 2

by RedLion

Later that same afternoon, a knock at the door jostled Leo from sleep and caused him to topple off the couch. "Ow...," he groaned. "Who's there?"

"Take a wild guess, lion,"

"Ash?! Psst, Felicia."

"Gotcha," Felicia whispered before going into her white cat form. Leo got up and opened the door while his 'pet' jumped onto the coffee table behind him.

"Hey, is it quitting time already?" Leo asked.

"Yeah," Ashlee replied, walking inside. Unknown to anyone, a small black speck sprang in after her and settled in Felicia's fur. "There weren't many to show today anyway, not since that attack." She petted the feline on the head and looked up at Leo. "I got a question though. When you left the shop today, I saw you walk off with that girl you said was in the way. What's up with that?" Both Leo and Felicia stopped in their tracks, knowing exactly what had been seen.

"Well, you see, after the Stingwingers left, she asked me to help her home," Leo said. "You're not jealous of some random bystander, are you? That's almost like you being jealous of Felicia here."

"You're right," Ashlee sighed. "It does sound silly anyway. I should know you better than that, Leo. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I can see where you're coming from. You're right on one thing though. You should know by now that you're the only girl in my life." A loud meow diverted Leo's attention from Ashlee to the table. "Well, sort of." Ashlee giggled as she lifted the cat into her arms.

"Don't worry," she assured Leo. "I can share with this one, so no catfight anytime soon."

"That's funny. Maybe you should go on TV with that act."

"Maybe." She looked down at Felicia. "What do you think?" Felicia just purred as she reveled in the attention. "I...guess that's a 'yes'. Excuse me for being a little ditzy, Leo, but what did you say her name was again?"

"Felicia."

"That's cute. Where'd you come up with that?"

"Dunno," Leo shrugged. "It just came to me. Are we going to spend all day talking about her, or is there another reason you came?" Felicia looked over and hissed at Leo slightly in response.

"Both of you behave, would you?" Ashlee said. "I didn't come here to play referee."

"You didn't?" Leo asked in mock-surprise. "So why did you come here anyway?"

"No reason. You're just better company then most of the others I know."

"If that's the case, then there shouldn't be any problem with me asking if you'd want to see a movie later today."

"Maybe...," Ashlee cooed. "You going too?"

"No, I was just asking so I wouldn't have to deal with you," Leo replied sarcastically. "Of course I'd be going. Why do you think I asked?"

The way these two go at it, Felicia thought, is a show in itself. I wonder who's got the popcorn.

"I knew that, Leo," Ashlee said. "You don't have to make a scene to make a point. So what's playing?"

"Dunno," Leo shrugged. "I'd have to find out."

"Well, when you do, call me." Ashlee set the cat down and headed for the door. "I'll be waiting. Bye, Felicia," she waved. The feline looked up and meowed before tending to a spot on her fur. "Later, Leo."

"Lata," he said as the door closed between them.

"So you're just gonna leave me here alone?" Felicia whined after becoming her humanoid self.

"Well, the theater probably wouldn't allow pets, and Ash wouldn't like this turning into a threesome, especially since she saw us together earlier."

"Oh. Never mind then."

"Listen, we'll do something together, but only as friends, okay?"

"Alright, I trust you."

"Good," Leo nodded. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to figure out what's good and what tanks at the movies."

"Then you might want this to help you." Felicia tossed a rolled-up newspaper at the Red Ranger."

"Where'd you get this?" he asked, snatching the newsprint from the air.

"Outside while you were getting lunch. I get curious about current events sometimes."

"What cat doesn't?"

"Hey!"

"But seriously now, you've been sort of a blessing lately, and well, I guess I can say my life's changed for the better since we met last night."

"Sort of a blessing?" Felicia asked curiously.

"It's a work in progress, trust me," Leo answered, "but you're getting there. Just know who's boss around here, alright?"

"Sure..."

"I mean it, Felicia. If you don't mind your manners, I'll have to throw you out, no matter how much it would hurt me to do so."

"Okay, okay, I get it. Geez, what flea crawled up your shorts?" Suddenly, the catwoman started scratching at her leg. "And what flea crawled up mine?"

"You okay?"

"I...think so." The itch subsided, and Felicia sat down in her chair. "What was that all about?"

"You tell me."

"Hopefully nothing, but I'll be fine. You go on ahead and have fun. I'll just stay here...alone and unwanted."

"Felicia, don't give me that, okay?" Leo frowned. "You know you're welcome around here, but there are some issues that are best left untouched." Like what Ashlee would say if she knew about this set-up. "Now are you sure you're okay? I can cancel if necessary."

"No, don't ruin your life because of me," Felicia insisted. "I can manage. I've done so longer than you can imagine."

"Alright, if you say so."

"I do, Leo. Now go before I fling you across the room like I did that bug."

"I'm going, I'm going," Leo laughed as he vacated the apartment, newspaper in hand. "Crazy cat. She is something else indeed. Now to figure this little dilemma out." He walked down the hall, glancing at the listings every few seconds, until he ran into someone else and sent a grocery bag flying into the wall. It's contents, which were mostly vegetables and other produce, spilled out everywhere in the corridor. Leo stopped and retrieved most of it while still paying attention to the newspaper.

"What, no 'sorry' or anything?" a female voice snapped. "I thought you were better than that, Leo."

"Maya," Leo gasped, turning towards her. "Man, I really am sorry about this. I'm just totally not myself today."

"No big," the Mirinoi native girl shrugged. "I'm like that a lot when I'm thinking about home."

"No kidding. Well, I'm off again. Lata."

"Bye," Maya waved as Leo walked off. "Wonder what's bothering him. He hasn't been this distracted since he thought he had lost Mike on Mirinoi."

"Good grief, I've lost it," Leo said to himself. "Why are you doing this to me, Felicia?" The Ranger youth continued his trek through the maze of dwellings before coming face-to-face with that of his girlfriend's. "Oh well," he sighed before rapping on the barricade.

"Yes?" came a reply from the other side. The door cracked open slightly, allowing a pair of eyes to be seen in the space provided. "Leo, hi!" Ashlee opened the door completely, showing an outfit composed of a tight pair of jeans, and a purple top partially covered by a light blue jacket. "I've been expecting you."

"I can tell. Ready to go then?"

"I am," Ashlee replied with a smile. Leo smiled back as he slipped his arm through hers and led her away from home. "You didn't tell me what we were seeing though."

"Well...I kinda figured I'd ask you. Even with the choices at my side, it's still hard to find just one.'" Leo held the paper up for Ashlee to see.

"You're just as fickle as I am sometimes," she giggled. "Alright, but be warned. I have unusual taste."

"All is in place, Trakeena," Vilimax said. "Even that cursed Ranger is nowhere near to protect his 'pet'."

"But he will be," Trakeena growled, "once we make our move, so it'd better be done quickly."

"Oh, it will, I assure you."

After purchasing their tickets and making a quick stop at the snack counter, Leo and Ashlee made their way through the dimly lit theater and into a pair of seats halfway down the aisle.

"How long has it been since we've been together in the dark?" Ashlee asked quietly so not to disturb the other patrons.

"I think it was the last time I walked you home. You know, the day before you found out about...you know."

"Oh, right."

"Why do you ask?" Leo inquired.

"No reason. Oh, look, it's starting."

Leo sighed as he leaned back and tried to enjoy the film, but his thoughts kept bouncing back to Felicia. Why is she here? he asked himself. Why is it she came to me when there are so many aboard? About halfway through the movie, a rhythmic beeping filled the air around him.

"Um...Leo?" Ashlee said, poking his arm.

"Huh? What?"

"I think you're being paged."

"Oh, right." Leo quickly glanced around the room before tending to his Transmorpher. "Leo here," he whispered into it. "Go ahead."

"There's a major disturbance aboard the colony," Alpha 6's voice crackled outward.

"I'm on it. Where's it coming from?"

"Believe it or not, your apartment."

"What would anyone want from there?" Ashlee interrupted. "No offense."

"None taken. I don't know what they'd want either. There's nothing of any major concern except maybe..."

"Except maybe what?"

"Sorry, Ash, but I have to cut this short. Alpha, I'm already halfway there." Leo shot up from his seat and dashed back up the aisle out of the theater.

"Leo, wait!" Ashlee shouted as she attempted to follow him. "What is it?" The Red Ranger didn't respond as he raced across the colony at an unprecedented unassisted speed.

Hold on, Felicia, he thought. Help's on the way.

By the time Leo arrived in the hall where he lived, a loud crash rattled the walls around him. Leo carefully made his way down the corridor until he reached his door. He deactivated the lock and slid the door open. Before he could push it further, a white blur shot out into the hall accompanied by a strange clicking hiss of some sort. Leo squeezed in and came face-to-face with the largest parasite he'd ever seen.

"Ah, the Ranger'ssss home early," the large insect hissed.

"More like I'm just in time," Leo replied. "What are you?"

"That's the creep that was under my skin earlier," Felicia replied from behind. "After you left, he came out of hiding and tried to take me away. When I heard the door, I transformed and ran out into the hall."

"Smart move, but you'd better do it again. I think Ashlee was following me here."

"Right." Felicia changed back into her smaller stature just as Miss Crider rounded the corner.

"Leo," she called, "where are you?" The shout distracted him and allowed the alien parasite to throw him out of the apartment. "Leo!" Ashlee ran over and pulled off the wall. "You okay?"

"Yeah," Leo groaned, "but you two need to get out of here now."

"Two?" Ashlee asked, looking around in a confused manner. "But I only see-oh." Her eyes fell on the white cat in the hall, hissing madly at the advancing bug. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she's safe too."

"Good." Leo stood up and glared at the opposition. "Make sure you do. Go...Galactic!" With a few quick motions, Leo went from a normal youth to a universal hero and drew the Quasar Saber towards the king-size pest. "As for you," he sneered, "you'd better get lost before I smash you against a window."

"Big talk for just one Ranger," the insect replied.

"I mean it," Leo shot back, readying his weapon. "You better buzz off."

"Let's...get outta here," Ashlee said, scooping Felicia into her arms. "I'd say his plate is full enough without us in the way." She took off back around the corner, leaving the two to duel in the hall.

Good, they're gone. Now I can focus a little better. "You came to the wrong door, creature."

"Aw, and I was itching to play with your pretty kitty some more," Trakeena's alien lackey snickered.

"Leave her out of this," Leo warned. "Your fight's with me."

"Then the Terror Tick will be more than happy to oblige. Rah!" He charged towards Leo in the hall, but the agile Ranger slipped under the being's arm and swiped him in the back with the mystical blade.

"Would you mind if we took this outside?" Leo asked. "I just cleaned house."

"Are you sure it's not because you'd like your demise to be a public spectacle?"

"Fat chance, bug-face." Leo streaked down the hall and out of the building in a red blur. "Now come and get me!"

"My pleasure. I've been waiting to get under your skin anyway, Ranger." In the midst of a clicking, hissing noise, Terror Tick reappeared in front of the Red Galaxy Ranger and struck him with his many arms. "Feel my sting!" he roared.

"How about you feel mine?" Leo's Quasar Saber glowed bright red as he brought it down upon his insect foe. Terror Tick backed away, holding his wound. "I'm not warning you again. Leave my friend alone or else."

"Then I guess I'll have to annoy you instead. Stingwingers!" A host of other insect warriors buzzed in and immediately surrounded Leo. "You'll feel my wrath soon enough, brat. Get him!" The swarm honed in on the lone Power Ranger and began to attack with the curved blades on their arms. Leo swiped a few away before making a hole in their line and regaining the upper hand. More arrived on the scene, and Leo soon became weary from the battle. Terror Tick moved in the deliver a fatal blow when a flurry of laser blasts stopped him cold.

"In trouble again, huh, Leo?" Leo looked up and saw his brother, the Magna Defender, with his laser shotgun still aimed at Terror Tick.

"Now what makes you say that?" Leo asked.

"A surveillance camera outside the building," Mike replied. "Commander Stanton's probably going to reprimand me for abandoning post again, but it's worth it to save your tail."

"Thanks a lump," Leo said. "Now can we please get on with this?"

"Not a problem." Mike holstered his weapon and brought out the Magna Blade in its place before charging into battle.

"Two Rangersss are definitely better than one," Terror Tick hissed after regaining his ground.

"Then how about six?" Before one could say "flea collar", the other four Rangers bounded onto the scene with Sabers flying.

"Even better." The alien bug ran through the six youths and struck down those in Pink and Green. "Who's next?"

"I am. Cosmo Claw! Ki-yah!" Kai leaped onto Terror Tick with his modified Transdagger and jabbed it into the insect's back. Terror Tick reared back and threw the Blue Ranger aside, leaving three against him.

"I've had enough of you," Leo said firmly. "Quasar Saber, energize!" He brought the sword down towards Terror Tick and released three fiery bolts from the tip. The invader of an insect deflected the blasts back at Leo, the explosions causing him to fly forward into the pest..

"Gotcha." Terror Tick snatched the Red Ranger from mid-air and squeezed him in a bear hug. The other Rangers brought out their projectile weapons and pointed them all at the monster. "Ah, ah, ah," he taunted. "Not unless you want to shoot him too."

"He's right," Damon said. "We can't risk it."

"If anyone's got a plan, I'm all ears," Kendrix added.

"Sorry, fresh out," shrugged the Magna Defender.

Around the corner of the apartment building, Ashlee knelt in the shadows with Felicia in her arms watching the battle. "Come on, Leo," Ashlee whispered. "You can beat this jerk. Don't let him bug you like this." Without warning, the ivory feline began to screech and struggle in Ashlee's arms. "Calm down, Felicia. You're going to give us away." The cat continued to squeal excessively before wriggling out of the girl's grasp. Felicia took off towards Terror Tick and with a loud hiss of her own, swiped a clawed paw into his upper leg.

"Hey!" he screamed, "Beat it, furball!" The large parasite kicked out and flung Felicia out of the way. A fading yowl echoed in Leo's ears as he tore from his foe's grip.

"Bad move," the ticked-off Ranger said, giving Terror Tick a spinning roundhouse kick that would last for days. He then took off to where the painful yell was heard.

"Leo," Mike called, "where are you going?" The younger Corbett didn't hear as he threw his helmet aside and found the fallen feline in the dirt several yards away.

"Felicia," he spoke softly, picking her up, "why'd you do this?" A bright light filled his eyes as the cat became half-human again.

"I...couldn't stand...to see you hurt," she strained to say.

"Felicia, you know I don't like seeing a fellow feline in pain."

"I know...but I wanted to help...after all you've done for me. Besides...it was my fault that thing's here." Leo tried to speak again, but footsteps behind him diverted his attention.

"Is she al-" Ashlee started to ask before she saw the catwoman in Leo's arms.

"She'll be fine," Leo answered, "but I thought I told you to take her somewhere safe."

"Take who?" Ashlee asked, again confused as heck. "I don't remember seeing her...except..."

"Don't be jealous of me, Ashlee," Felicia spoke weakly. "I'm just a harmless kitty cat."

"Felicia, don't speak," Leo said. "Save your strength."

"Felicia?! But that's the same name as-"

"Yes, it is, Ash," Leo interrupted, "and for good reason too. Now this time, please go home and keep her safe until I get back. I mean it."

"Alright," Ashlee nodded, "but I will get an explanation when this is over."

"You will. Now go." Leo retrieved his lion-shaped helmet as Ashlee helped the clothed catgirl to her feet and away from danger and stepped towards the ongoing fight with Terror Tick with anything but mercy on his mind. "You've gone too far this time, creature."

"Aw, did I hurt the poor little fuzzball?" Terror Tick replied, tossing one of Leo's teammates into the others. "Next time, I'll make it even more painful," he laughed.

"There won't be a next time. Red Capsular Cycle!" The sleek, red motorcycle made its way alongside Leo, and he hoisted himself onto the moving vehicle. "This one's for you, Felicia," he whispered, revving the engine. "Fireball Mode!" The bike became encased in flames as it streaked towards Terror Tick. When the two collided, a fierce explosion rocked the neighborhood for miles around and Leo swerved to a stop to face the remains.

"Bro, I don't get you sometimes," his brother said. "How can you get so mad over a simple cat?"

"Because," Leo replied, "she's more than just a simple cat. She's my friend."

Later that day, Leo once again approached the door to his girlfriend's domicile. During the walk, his brain was running full tilt on how to explain the situation with Felicia to Ashlee. She had already seen them walking home together before and even noticed his emotions over the wounded catwoman.

"Well," he sighed, "it's now or never." He then tapped at Ashlee's door lightly. A few seconds later, it slid open to reveal a less than pleased version of Ashlee Lynn Crider. "How's the patient?" he asked.

"Fine. Nothing more than a few bruises."

"Good."

"Now do you mind explaining who she is and where she came from?"

"Ashlee, don't be this way. It's not what you think."

"Why shouldn't I think that way?" she practically shrieked in Leo's face. "First I see you two leaving the pizza parlor, and then you literally throw yourself at her during a battle she wasn't even at."

"But she was there," Leo insisted, "and I can prove it. Felicia!" A light groan echoed into the hallway as the female feline creature staggered towards the arguing duo.

"You rang?" she asked.

"Take a seat," Leo said. "We need to talk. All of us." He ushered Ashlee inside and settled onto one of the chairs in the living room. Felicia also took a seat, but on the opposite side of the room.

"This better be good," Ashlee said, seating herself as well.

"Trust me, Ash. It is. Felicia, a demonstration if you don't mind."

"Certainly." The humanized cat stood up slowly and, in her usual manner, altered herself into her alternative form.

"Okay...now I am officially freaked out."

"How can that be?" Leo asked Ashlee. "You live in a city floating through space that is constantly under attack by alien forces, and you hang out with at least one of it's protectors on a daily basis."

"I don't know," she sighed, "but what does this mean?"

"Simple. Felicia is what you would call a 'DarkStalker', one of the legendary-and often feared-monsters of Earth. She came aboard the colony in hopes of finding a world who would accept her for who she really is, a kind, caring creature, and not a freak of nature. The night after she came to my doorstep, I discovered her true form in the kitchen. We talked a while, and after hearing her story, I allowed Felicia to stay, but only after expressing certain rules to abide by. One of them was 'Stay on four legs around company', but I guess the cat's out of the bag now-literally." Once Leo finished, Felicia became a biped once more before throwing in her two cents.

"Don't be angry at Leo or jealous of me, Ashlee," she said. "He only did what he felt was best for all of us."

"Maybe...but I can't believe you'd keep such a thing from me and even lie about it. I thought we could trust each other, especially after what happened in that cave."

"You can trust me, Ash," Leo insisted, "and I do trust you."

"Then why do such a thing? If you can't answer anything else tonight, Leo, then just answer that for me. Why?"

"I...cannot say," Leo answered, lowering his head. "You already know that I put no one I know on a higher pedestal than anyone else, and I also wouldn't do anything to intentionally cause you grief."

"You still deceived me," Ashlee said.

"I know, and I truly am sorry about that. If you can't find it in your heart to forgive me, then I guess I have no business here." Leo got up from his seat and slowly walked to the door with Felicia watching him and expressing a somber look on her feline face. Ashlee was unmoving throughout the dismissal, allowing Leo to leave without question. "Goodbye then" were the only words heard as the automatic barricade slid shut.

"Why'd you let him leave?" Felicia asked suddenly.

"I don't know." Ashlee looked as if she would break out in tears any second. "Maybe I really can't forgive him for this, even after all the joy he's brought into my life."

"And I've brought nothing more than misery and unhappiness last night," the catwoman added. "I guess I'll go back to Leo's and pack my things so I don't cause any more of a disaster."

"No, it's not you, Felicia. I know you mean no harm. I'm the problem."

"No, you're not, Ashlee," Felicia replied. "From what Leo's said about you, you one of the few in this or any world with a kind heart and a forgiving nature."

"He said that?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Oh, Felicia, how could I be so foolish?" Ashlee sobbed. "I threw away the one good thing in my life, and over what? A stray cat."

"No, you didn't. Find him. We can all still make amends. Hopefully, it's not too late."

"You think so?" Ashlee asked between tears.

"Honey, I have what you would call a 'sixth sense' about these things. Call it a gift from my animalistic side. I know about these things. Now come on before you really blow it."

Leo sighed heavily as he neared the door to his place. "Man, what a mess," he said. "Ashlee seemed really ticked off, and knowing her, Felicia may be nothing more than a pile of kitty litter by now. Why do I always end up hurting those I'm closest to?" He reared back and slammed his fist into the wall.

"Now that's no way for a Ranger to act." Scared almost half to death, Leo jumped around to face the source of the verbal blow. He dropped his guard as soon as he saw who was mocking him.

"Ashlee," he said plainly, dropping his guard. "What brings you here?"

"Repentance," she answered, closing the gap between the two, "for an extremely grave error on my part."

"Why? What'd you do?"

"I was mad at you for no reason. All you were doing was being the same person I fell in love with back in the day, and I just couldn't see that. Can you forgive me?"

"I can," Leo nodded. "I know you're not a mean person. There are even times I feel that I know you better than you know yourself."

"Oh, really? Then what do you think I'm going to do next."

"I don't have the slightest clue."

"Sure, you don't," Ashlee teased, "but I'll go with it anyway." She pulled herself up to Leo's face (since she is a few inches shorter) and planted a serious kiss on his lips that lasted longer than usual.

"Now this is what I'd rather see other than bickering," another voice chimed in.

"Hey!" Leo broke off and pointed towards the newest verbal assailant. "Keep your whiskers to yourself or you're going straight to the vet."

"Oh, I'm so scared," Felicia taunted. "Anyway, I'm glad to see you two are back together. Maybe I don't have to turn tail and run after all."

"Who said we'd let you anyway?" Ashlee asked. "I want to thank you, Felicia, for helping me see the error of my ways and for backing Leo up earlier today. I know now that you're not out to tear anyone apart."

"I told you there was nothing to worry about, Ash," Leo said before turning to Felicia. "You're still welcome to stay if you'd like. After today though, I doubt I'd have it any other way."

"Thank you," Felicia smiled, "both of you. Now I know that I truly have friends who'll accept me for who I am."

"Sure," Leo spoke again. "Just don't jump into another battle like you did. I don't want the headlines to read 'Ranger Saved by Housecat' or anything like that."

"Oh, come on. Are you saying you'd rather be choked to death by that pest?"

"Than be humiliated throughout the colony? Hell, yeah."

"Leo, that's not very nice, you know."

"Hey, I have a reputation here, or have you forgotten?" Leo and Felicia kept bantering back and forth as they returned to their shared living quarters, leaving Ashlee out in the hall, She giggled before following her beau and the two-legged cat inside.

"What have I done?" she laughed as the door slid closed behind her.

* * *

Man, I love happy endings, and that one just takes the cake. I wouldn't expect paradise to last long between those three though if I were you. Can you say 'love triangle'? I knew you could. Anyway, R & R if you don't mind and I'll catch you next week...hopefully.