The Nocturne Of Sacrifice

Part Two: Ananke's Decision

Note: I do not own any of the characters mentioned or songs, if I do mention them, at the end of the part, I'll credit the bands for the songs I use.

Timeline: Dino Thunder-A/U

I knew that I gave that I

I pushed to much

And I wanted more

I let you go right out the door

I would die for you

I would breathe for you

I believe in you

And I need you

And I don't want to be alone

Without you

Without this

Wind ninja academy

It was shortly before the dawn, and Tommy lay awake in his bed, his mind consumed with guilt and anxiety. Kira was dying, and he felt like he was to blame, her life cut short because he couldn't save her, and she was getting worse with each passing hour. When he had left her, she had been trying to stop her bloody nose, which hadn't stopped and seemed only to get worse. Billy had kicked him out of the hospital wing, insisting that there was nothing he could do and he was only panicking Kira, who'd been sitting calmly. He heard a soft knock on his door and though for a moment about getting out of bed, but he was too comfortable and warm to move.

"Come in" he called softly and immediately sat up as Kira walked into the room, her face was a pasty white and she looked so ill. As she walked over to his bedside she held out a dry erase board that had been given to her, her voice that he loved to hear was now no longer able to work. On the white board written in black was one word: Cuddle? Tommy smiled and moved over, knowing there was enough room for her, but before she tried to climb in she wrote: 'Thank you, I don't want to be alone.'
"What about Trent?" he asked, she shook her head and wrote again. 'Don't even ask, long story, too much pain, besides, I know I can trust you.' A smile worked its way on his lips and she set down the board on the nightstand and climbed onto the bed. He pushed back the covers as she laid down and once she had settled he covered her up, then moved her over closer to him so he could wrap his around her. He looked at her and she had a mirthful gleam in her eyes as she placed her face on his collarbone, then she sighed and settled into a seemingly peaceful sleep. On arm was wrapped firmly around her waist and the other was stroking her hair, he promised himself he wouldn't sleep, but would instead remain awake to watch over her as she slept. She'd been asleep for about 15 minutes when her whole body gave a violent and sharp jerk, and she awoke again, staring up at him with confusion.

"Are you ok?" she gave a small nod and then gestured, asking him if he slept, when he shook his head 'no' she mouthed 'why?'
"I want to watch over you, I feel like this is my fault that your dying." He said, his voice breaking as he said 'dying'. Kira reached up and touched his cheek gently, and mouthed 'go to sleep, I'm ok'. When he wouldn't even close his eyes, she moved and held him to her, he smiled, she may have been weakening but she still had a strong grip. Soon he felt himself falling into a dreamless sleep, leaving Kira awake; to worry about the days ahead as the sun began to rise.

Be free and on your own

It's not that simple

It's never that simple

It feels like the first time

That we'd fallen behind

And we faltered too far down

No one could save us

It feels like the first time

And we're standing about them

And no one can touch us

The worst is over

Aladora

The two groups walked through the humid jungle, the large temple in sight, Merrick lead the way with Cole, since their senses were heightened and they could hear, smell and see better than everyone. When they got to the entrance, Merrick could see no one or couldn't smell anyone around, so they entered, staring at the temple in 'awe' before deciding what to do.

"Lets split into two groups, one group goes to the right wing, the other to the left, we have these communication mirrors that Hayley created so when we need to contact the each other we can." Merrick said, handing the other mirror to Trini, who was in the first group with Ethan, Andros, Cole, Hunter and Rocky. Merrick looked to his team, that consisted of Conner, Dustin, Adam, Jason and Cam then they went to the right wing as the others went to the left.

As Merrick led them deeper through the hall, only stopping when he heard footsteps of one of Ananke's followers who had been trailing them. Though he hated using violence against women, with one effortlessly motion he hit her hard in the head. She fell to the sandy ground silently and he continued, knowing that time was running out. He came upon a hieroglyphics and stopped, just as a wall of flames shot up from the floor, nearly burning Dustin, who jumped back just in time.

"According to the hieroglyphics, this temple is filled with traps for those who dare to enter to get the soul crystal." Cam said, after one brief glance at the drawings on the walls. Then just as he finished speaking the floor dropped out from underneath them and the fell to a chamber below. As he heard hissing and realized it was filled with snakes he looked to the others.

"Oh boy, here we go." He muttered.

Meanwhile the other group was having a slightly better time by only setting off one trap that almost ended in Rocky losing his foot. Trini and Ethan silently lead the group slowly up a flight of stairs ducking around the corner of a pillar in the shape of the Goddess herself. As Trini looked across the empty room in the center was the alter of the Goddess, the statue was a few stories high and the Asian woman could see something in the palm of her cupped hands.

"Guys, do you see that?" she asked, they nodded and Cole could make it out the best, his instincts from the tribe he had grown in coming back in a familiar rush.

"It's the crystal, contact the others." Hunter confirmed, as Trini lifted the mirror and called for Merrick, she felt dread wash over her and when the mirrors surface swirled she could see inside a dark chamber and a snake was slithering across the surface.

"They need our help." Andros said, and instantly he and Trini took off and the others followed. When they reached the main chamber 30 followers were waiting with weapons in hands, none of the warrior's faces held any emotions as the small group of 6 tensed for battle.

"Andros, Trini, go to the others, we'll try to hold these goons back." Hunter said, Trini looked to the younger ex-Crimson Thunder Ranger and nodded as he launched into battle. Andros grabbed onto Trini and together they fought their way over to the other hall where they began to follow their friends' tracks that were still in the sandy floor. Just as the footprints ended they heard struggling beneath them and Trini could see scorch marks in the sand, directly under their feet. Just as she saw the flames, she and Andros had jumped back, but the fire was faster and Trini didn't realize until she looked down that her arm was on fire. She didn't let herself panic and just as she was about to move to put out the fire Andros had removed the light weight coat he had worn and began to smother the flames.
"Thank you." She said, her voice trembling slightly, Andros sensed her fear and knew she was shaken by what just happened and gently hugged her, knowing that right now, she needed it. As she rested her head on his shoulder and let a tear fall she heard a flute play, the tune was mournful and sad and found herself hypnotized by the notes. They both looked down and moved back, Trini found a small switch hidden by a torch stand on the wall and pressed it. The floored opened and the music got louder, then as they peered down they saw hundreds of snakes gathered around Merrick who played his flute with his eyes closed, obviously lost in a memory from long ago. The other 5 were against the other wall and were staring up at Trini and Andros, Jason looked relieved and smiled up at the woman who was like a sister to him.

"Hey, Trini, fancy meeting you here. Do you think you could give us a hand?" he asked, she nodded and grabbed a coil of rope from the bag she had attached to her back and tied it around a pillar that was made of heavy brick. Tossing it down to him they began to climb up, besides Merrick who continued to play.

"Merrick, come on!" Dustin called, holding his hand down to the other man. Merrick slowly moved, knowing that at any moment the snakes could strike, his immune system as inhuman and he had an unnatural healing ability but he didn't know how many snake bites it would take to kill him. Knowing that these were the most venomous creatures and that they could kill him instantly. With one hand he still played and reached up to Dustin, who was now aided by Jason, Cam and Adam, because he was a very muscular man and he was heavy to be only lifted by one arm by one person. Just he was lifted out, one snake struck, he felt the fangs tear through his jeans and puncture his leg, he didn't cry out but clenched his flute in his teeth. He ripped the snake off and threw it back with the others and as soon as he was out completely Trini closed the floor. He rolled up his pant leg and found the fangs still imbedded in his skin, he could feel the venom being to course through his body. Clenching his teeth and sought a small dagger from his pocket and was about to cut into his leg when Adam snatched it away.

"Merrick let me, your shaking and could do more damage to the nerves in your leg." He said, Merrick let out an inhuman growl.

"I don't give a damn, just get them out NOW!" he insisted, letting out a hiss of pain as Adam cut into his leg, unfazed as a scream tore through the air. But it did quicken his hands and soon he ripped part of his shirt and tied it around the now larger wound. Cam and Dustin supported Merrick as the rushed back to the main chamber where the battle intensified and the Rangers began to lose. Adam saw blood soaking the ground and found Rocky unconscious on the ground, rage and adrenaline coursed through his veins as he rushed over to his fallen friend. He attacked without remorse, briefly glancing at the fallen man to see if he was still breathing. Rocky was, but it was labored and blood poured from a wound in his chest.

"Come on Rocky, wake up and look at me!" he shouted, hoping that the man would regain consciousness, fear rushing through him when Rocky let out a shuddering breath. 'Dear God, don't let me lose him.' He prayed and felt a blade enter his knee, causing him to fall beside Rocky, and as he looked up, a woman with a blade loomed over him and raised it for the final blow.

The Wind Ninja Academy

You believe there's something else

To relieve your emptiness

And you dream about yourself

And you bleed and breathe the air

And it's on and on

I just kinda died for you

You just kinda stared at me

We will always have the chance

We can do this one more time

"So Kira, what do you want for breakfast?" Alyssa asked, as Kira walked into the room, holding the dry erase board at her side. Kira smiled and began to write when she finished she held it up and it stated. 'I am dying and since these are my last day I say screw healthy foods, I want a barrito.' Alyssa laughed, and shook her head.

"Sorry honey, maybe I can get someone to make a run to Taco Bell or something for you, I'm currently only making breakfast." The woman laughed, Kira's face was aglow with mute laughter and drew a smiley face on the board. She hugged Alyssa then left the room, clearing want to walk on her own two feet as much as she could began she was too weak to walk. The girl journeyed out onto the grounds and sat down in the grass, letting the cool breeze chill her skin. She closed her eyes and began to think about her last days, longing that Conner would return and come back to her. She hugged herself, yearning that they were Conner's arms, wanting so badly to kiss him one last time as a paralyzing pain washed over her. As she crumpled in the soft grass she felt hands touch her bare arms and slowly opened her eyes, Kim was there, the first pink ranger was taking the dying girl into her arms. Kira realized Kim was trying to comfort her the only way she knew could help, gratitude washed over Kira and she mouthed 'Thank you' and rested her head on Kim's leg. The older woman wrapped her arms around Kira's ribs, trying not to cry as she stared down at Kira. They stayed like that for a while, and then Tommy, Ashley, Taylor and Danny joined them. No one spoke, and soon Kira felt herself drift off to sleep, feeling at ease because she wasn't alone.

"She means a lot to you, doesn't she?" Danny asked Tommy, the elder man nodded and felt tears prick his eyes.

"Yes, the world. I love her, not in the way I love Kim (the woman blushed), but I love her still. I can't find any other way to describe it, she's been there for me ever since we first met, she's just a great girl and I hate that this is happening. She doesn't deserve it, I mean, no one does but she's the last person…" Tommy trailed off, unable to finish, Kim gently touched his arm and gently kissed his temple.
"She'll be ok, don't worry." Was all she could say, wondering if she believed her own words. With a sniffle Tommy drew Kira into his arms and he carried her back inside and brought her back to his room, Kim went with him and helped him get Kira into his bed. Then she sat at his side was he took Kira's limp hand and wrapped his around it, then brushed it against his lips, then returned to holding it tight in his. Then a question struck him and tearfully voiced it to Kim who rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him.

"What happens if she does die? What am I going to tell her parents?" his eyes fell back to the long gashes across her face that had barely healed.

"I think, that if, if she does, you tell them the truth. She died valiantly, as a Ranger and that…she'll only be gone if she is forgotten." Kim said, sadly, her eyes resting on the girl too.

All around me are familiar faces, worn out places, worn out faces

Bright and early for the daily races

Going nowhere, going nowhere

The tears are filling up their glasses

No expression, no expression

Hide my head I want to drown my sorrow

No tomorrow, no tomorrow

And I find it kind of funny

I find it kind of sad

The dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had

I find it hard to tell you

I find it hard to take

When people run in circles its a very very

Mad World

Adam closed his eyes, waiting for the final blow that didn't come, instead as he opened his eyes he realized that everyone had stopped and those who had been standing fell to their knees. He lets out an inaudible gasp as he rested his eyes upon the Goddess who stood in the center, he inclined his head and she spoke her voice holding no emotion and was level.

"Who has dared to enter my temple, coming only to take what is mine?" Adam didn't think he could speak if he wanted but Conner stood, he was splattered with blood and dirt.

"I do, dear Goddess, please I have come to ask for the soul crystal to-" she gently cut him off and approached him, offering her hand to him as she helped him up. A small smile toyed on her lips.

"I know why you have come Conner McKnight, and what makes you think you have the right to ask for this crystal?" in her hand she held the shimmering pink and white crystal and was lighting the darkening temple.

"I have to save Kira, please, your Goddessness" Merrick rolled his eyes and shook his head at that. "I love her, please you must understand, it isn't her time yet?"

"Is that so mortal? Do you think that you have the knowledge of the fates? Are you sure this isn't her time to die? Why should I save one mortals life, its meaningless." Ananke said, Conner gaped at her for a moment then found his voice again.

"I don't care, I cannot live my life without her, I will give you anything if you will save her." His voice cracked and was now sounding desperate. Merrick stood slowly, nearly collapsing as he got his feet under him. He took something from his pocket and Conner's eyes grew wide, it was Kira's morpher.

"Ananke, I do know that there is nothing we can do to change your will and we do not ask you two, but if could we exchange the gems of Power from the young woman's morpher for the soul crystal? She is giving up her destiny as a Ranger and did it all to save her friends, her devotion must be seen by you." Ananke held out her hand and took the silver bracelet in her hand, the soul crystal growing brighter.

"Yes, the young mortal is known to me from my children the fates, and you were right Conner, it is not her time yet. But it is soon, though it seems you have only been gone a day here, it has been four there, by moonrise here, it will be the dawn of her last day. This is yours now." The Goddess said, placing her crystal into Conner's hand, the teenager looked to her and bowed deeply.

"Thank you my Goddess." He said, she nodded as the rest of the groups got off the floor and began to stand. They began to head for the exit and Ananke called to them.

"Wait" She said, instantly bringing them to a halt in mid step. "You all have proven your worth to me and in return I will also heal you." She said, holding up her hand a white light flashed over the room and instantly all those who had been hurt began to heal. Then she gestured for them to go and they exited the temple as the moon rose of Aladora

To be continued in Part Three: The Nocturne of Sacrifice

(The songs used in order from the first to the last are: Empty Promises by Sunset Black, First Time by Finger Eleven, Aurora by the Foo Fighters and

Mad World by Gary Jules (originally by Tears For Fears) )