A/N: In case you're wondering why I don't show Jen's reaction to Alex's
break-up letter, her feelings during this will be showed in my upcoming
story entitled "Jennifer." Thanks to MrQuinn for the suggestion to do some
others, "Jennifer" will be posted when "Alexander" has been finished,
probably a couple weeks after the last chapter.
Thanks!
***
Alex rolled onto his side and yawned heavily, slowly opening his eyes to see the light peeking through the window, telling him that it was morning and time to get up. His body cried out for more rest after such a long trip back to Earth, he had come from a space station orbiting the planet Xybria; the planet was facing a threat by Ransik.
He sat up and twisted his back so it cracked and relaxed slightly, the knots beginning to loosen; he nodded and stood up, heading over to the bathroom and taking a quick shower. The hot water ran down his bare back, covered with scars from battle, the suit couldn't protect him from everything; he flinched and looked down at his hand, finding a gash running from his index finger to the heel of his hand.
"What the . . . ?" he wondered aloud, shaking his head.
He vaguely remembered his hand stinging briefly the day before during a small fight, but he hadn't taken the time to look and find out what happened; the blood was dried now, and a faint whiteness around the wound revealed an infection.
Glancing at the clock revealed he had two hours before he need to be at the Academy, so he took his time cleaning up and disinfecting his hand. He grimaced as the stinging began, then quickly wrapped it up with an old- fashioned bandage; he caught his reflection in the mirror and groaned quietly, he still looked horrible. Being apart from the one person who could always brighten his day and makes him smile had taken its toll, he feared their next meeting, by Cpt. Logan had insisted that he attend the graduation.
After a while, it was nearing time to leave so he put on his dress uniform; it was completely white, heavily decorated with medals and ribbons given to him by Time Force. He snatched a comb and ran it through his thick, black hair, slicking it tightly back; soon he had achieved the strict and proper look he had intended, and made his way outside.
"Collins, we're late," Logan scolded.
"I know, Captain," Alex sighed, "we'll get there in time. There ceremony never starts when it's supposed to."
Logan looked at him intently as they got into the car and began to drive off. "You all right there, Lieutenant?" he asked, his face betraying his concern.
"Fine, sir," Alex answered.
They were ten minutes late, but Alex had been right, the ceremony hadn't started and everyone was still sitting down, getting comfortable. The graduating cadets were in a back room that Logan and Alex entered, instantly, the cadets snapped to attention as someone---a feminine voice Alex recognized---called:
"Officer on deck!"
"At ease," Logan said, calmly. "First off, I want to congratulate all of you on this incredible accomplishment, very few people who enter this Academy ever graduate---this is a grueling training period, it was even for myself and Lieutenant Collins here. But now it is over. Now you begin your lives as Time Force soldiers, protecting the world---and the galaxy---from any threats."
Alex looked around quickly with his eyes only . . . Katie was standing with her hands behind her back, her hair tied back neatly, her uniform crisp and clean, an entirely different woman than the one he had met years ago. Lucas' face was a mask of impassiveness, no expression whatsoever as he faced Logan only a few short feet away, either hiding or not feeling the apprehension of everyone else.
And Jen . . . she stood across the room, her brown hair cut so it hung just below her ears, her face sharp and jaw set, unafraid as she faced this new chapter in her life. He smiled slightly, she didn't see him, looking at Logan and concentrating solely on him instead of the young man a few steps behind him, in the doorway.
"Well, I will leave you alone now," Logan said, "and I'll see you on the platform. As you were."
Alex left first, leading Logan onto the large platform in front of the crowd gathered to watch the ceremony; Logan caught his arm before he walked away.
"Why don't you stay," he said, "you know it's customary for the cadets to receive their badges from those closest to them."
"Then why would I stay?" Alex asked.
"Just do it, Alex."
He relented and stood with Logan as the Time Force Anthem began to play, the crowd fell silent as Logan read off the first name: "Cadet Adams, Edward C."
Alex blanked out as the names went on and on, so many cadets before they reached the one he was waiting for. Admiral Kendall was there to present a badge as Logan read out a familiar name: "Cadet Kendall, Lucas D."
Alex straightened as the tall, good-looking young man walked onto the platform and received his new badge from his beaming father; he turned to Logan and saluted him smartly, then shook hands with the Admiral and Alex, smirking when he recognized the young Lieutenant.
"Good luck, Ensign," Alex spoke softly to the newly-promoted soldier.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," Lucas said.
Kendall put his hand on his son's back and led him across the stage, disappearing into the darkness of the wings; more names went by, names he vaguely recognized as cadets he used to instruct himself. They recognized him immediately when they reached Logan, and most couldn't help but smile; Alex allowed them a slight softening of his own face by smirking a little.
Finally . . .
"Cadet Scotts, Jennifer A."
She walked out with her head held high, no nervousness showing outwardly as she faced Logan, expecting to receive her badge from him; instead, Alex stepped out of the shadows and placed the badge right below her left shoulder. On her heart. He felt her shiver beneath his touch, and a small smile lit up her face as her eyes began to glisten with a mysterious wetness.
"A-Alex?" she murmured.
"Congratulations, Jennifer," he whispered.
"Thank you," she said, quietly.
After she had left, Alex turned on his heel and followed her; she glanced back at him and headed around down the hall to a dark corner. She reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him into the corner so he was facing her, only inches apart.
"I didn't know you were coming," Jen said, softly.
"I wanted to see you graduate," Alex replied, "you worked so hard . . . "
"I couldn't have done it without you." Her gaze fell, remembering what were better times in her mind . . . "Why did you write that letter, Alex?"
Alex sighed, gripping her shoulders gently and looking her in the eyes. "You know why," he said, "I didn't want to get arrested, and I certainly didn't want to ruin your career before it even began." He put his finger to her chin and raised it gently. "Please understand, Jennifer, it just couldn't be."
"And what about now?" Jen wondered aloud, "you told me Sienna was back . . . alive. I-I suppose you've moved on with her?"
Alex smiled. "No, Jennifer," he said, "I haven't. I've hardly seen her since she returned, and even if I had, she's just . . . too different now. We both are."
Jen nodded, looking back down at the floor as she tried to think of something to say; her eyes caught sight of Alex's heavily bandaged hand and her expression immediately went to one of concern. "What happened?" she questioned, taking his hand in hers and staring at it.
"Just a little cut from yesterday," Alex said with a shrug, "it's no big thing."
"A big bandage," her voice was dry.
Alex smirked, raising his hand and brushing her cheek gently, he leaned in and found she didn't resist him as he pressed his soft lips to hers; she wrapped her arms around his lean waist and up to his broad back and shoulders. She pressed harder against the wall under his weight, gasping softly as his tongue slid inside her mouth and he gripped her arms tighter.
"We can't do this here," she whispered.
"You're right," Alex agreed, stepping back. "You're still only seventeen, aren't you?"
"Yes." Jen nodded, regretfully. "Sorry . . . we could still get into trouble, couldn't we?"
"Quite a bit," Alex said, "you're underage. I'm almost twenty." He shook his head. "We'll have to wait another year . . . "
"A year???" Jen repeated.
"We have no choice," Alex told her, "you're too young . . . and I'm too old."
Jen sighed with disappointment, but looked up again and tried to smile for him. "I'll be eighteen in ten months," she said, "that's not so long, right? And . . . you'll come back then, won't you?"
"Of course," Alex said, "I'll look forward to it. You'll be here waiting for me?"
"Always," Jen replied, holding back tears and trying to maintain a calm appearance. She threw her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. "Oh, Alex, I don't want you to leave me again!"
Alex held her snugly against his chest, closing his eyes and smelling the fresh, pine scent of her hair; he could feel her rythmic heartbeat, and hear the quiet breathes.
"I love you, Jennifer."
"I love you, too."
*****
Alex rubbed his tired eyes as he sat down in front of his computer and typed in Jen's name, it had been eight months since her graduation and he hadn't seen her since, so he was anxious to find out how she was getting along in the harsh, military world.
"Ensign Scotts, Jennifer A.," the computer's voice came.
"Who is Ensign Scotts' partner?" Alex asked.
"Lieutenant Steelix."
Alex blinked, Steelix was a well-known officer in Time Force; he had defected by Ransik twenty years ago when he was still very young, and after many tests and exams, he was allowed to join the Force. He had proven to be worthy of wearing the uniform, capturing five mutants himself in his ten year career; Alex was surprised he would be partnered with a rookie.
'A promising rookie though,' he reminded himsef, 'perhaps they wanted an expert to develop her potential.' Although, truth be told, Alex had never fully trusted Steelix despite his record; a former follower of Ransik didn't deserve a second chance, although Steelix had never attacked under Ransik's command.
He watched as Jen's picture appeared, she was standing in front of a squad car with Steelix at her side, smiling broadly at the camera, and whoever was behind it. Alex reached out to touch the image, but the holoscreen flickered when it came into contact with him.
"Jennifer . . . " he sighed.
His communicator beeped: "Lieutenant, there's trouble at the plaza!" He stood and rushed out of his room, saying into it: "I'm on my way."
He raced outside and jumped into his car, driving off toward the plaza miles away; the adrenaline started pumping as his heart raced, he loved the feeling of the running into battle, despite the danger that awaited him. At the end of the day, he would always go home successful, having gotten another mutant off the streets; he squinted his eyes and quickly put on his dark glasses, enabling him to see much further than he could without them.
Up ahead, he could make out a mutant shooting lasers out of some sort of weapon that he held at his midsection; civilians fled the scene as Time Force officials took cover behind their cars and raising their weapons.
"Freeze!!!" Alex shouted, getting out of his car.
"I don't think so!" the mutant replied, "are you here to stop me???"
"That's right," Alex said, holstering his weapon, to the obvious bewilderment of the mutant. He raised his arms and shouted as he did the motions: "Time for . . . Time Force!"
The mutant laughed as Alex morphed into the Red Ranger charged at him, his Chrono Saber raised; the mutant underestimated him, giving him the perfect opportunity to lash out and cut him across his stomach. The mutant crumbled to the ground with a long, painful groan; he reached out and wrapped his hand around Alex's ankle, tripping him so he fell face-first onto the concrete.
Alex rolled onto his back as the mutant got up and leapt at him, he raised his legs quickly and kicked him away, then hopped to his feet, grabbing his blaster and firing it directly at the mutant, striking him in the chest. The mutant fell back and landed hard, lying still as Alex walked forward and got out his badge, saying calmly:
"In the name of Time Force, I place you under arrest."
He reached down and grabbed the mutant's arm, yanking him up and handcuffing him as the others came forward and took over.
"Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Captain?" he raised his communicator and spoke into it.
"There's more trouble," came Logan's voice, "get to the Academy ASAP."
"Yes, sir." Not even bothering to demorph, Alex got back to his car and took off; attacks at the Academy were extremely rare, since there were so many officers to protect it.
As he neared the Academy, a cadet ran out into the street as the mutant attacking shot at him; Alex slammed on his brakes and swerved wildly as the young man flew through the air, crashing into Alex's windshield despite his attempt to avoid him. The car slammed into the brick wall along the street, pinning the cadet between itself and the wall as Alex leapt out of the car and into battle.
"Ransik!!!" he shouted, grabbing his blaster and aiming it at the familiar figure.
"Well, well, well," Ransik chuckled, "look at this . . . a new Ranger! Do you really think you can stop me?"
"I know I can," Alex replied.
Ransik jumped forward, flying toward him and pulling a sword from his knee, making Alex cringe; he cringed even more when the sword struck him in the chest and he flew back, slamming against his car door. He moaned quietly as Ransik pinned him against it and pushed his sword closer, his hands immediately flew up and caught the sword before it cut into his throat; he tried to push the sword away as Ransik drew nearer.
A blast struck Ransik in the small of his back and forced him to the ground, Alex gasped and looked across the street to see Jen standing with her blaster outstretched, a small smile on her face; but Ransik was done yet, he rolled onto his back and kicked Alex's weapon out of his hand. Alex felt something snap in his wrist and cried out softly and clutched his wrist as Ransik stood up; Jen called his name and rushed forward, but Ransik quickly turned and kicked her in the stomach.
Alex recovered when he saw Jen double over and fall to her knees in pain, no doubt having suffered a few broken ribs from Ransik's blow; he felt rage fill him when he saw her in agony, and lashed out at Ransik with all he had. Ransik punched him repeatedly in the ribs, he felt the pain of ribs snapping, but continued fighting as fiercely as ever. Ransik's forearm hit his throat, his head flew back and he fell to the ground in pain; he never even saw the sword that came down and hit him in his chest.
"Daddy!"
Alex and Ransik both looked to the side to see Nadira staring at them. "We have to go!" she squealed as Jen got to her feet in an attempt to capture Ransik's daughter.
Ransik nodded, but looked frustrated as he shoved Alex aside and followed his daughter, disappearing in a flash of light; Jen was finally up, and she staggered over to Alex as he demorphed. "Alex!" she cried, slowly easing herself down to be near him. "Are you hurt bad???"
"No . . . " Alex moaned, trying to sit up, but falling back to the ground in pain.
"Please, just lie still," Jen whispered, "you'll be okay."
Alex nodded, his eyes drooping as he stared up at her and the bright blue sky beyond her; the darkness closed in from both sides and he knew no more as Jen's voice faded away:
"Alex!?"
TBC
Thanks!
***
Alex rolled onto his side and yawned heavily, slowly opening his eyes to see the light peeking through the window, telling him that it was morning and time to get up. His body cried out for more rest after such a long trip back to Earth, he had come from a space station orbiting the planet Xybria; the planet was facing a threat by Ransik.
He sat up and twisted his back so it cracked and relaxed slightly, the knots beginning to loosen; he nodded and stood up, heading over to the bathroom and taking a quick shower. The hot water ran down his bare back, covered with scars from battle, the suit couldn't protect him from everything; he flinched and looked down at his hand, finding a gash running from his index finger to the heel of his hand.
"What the . . . ?" he wondered aloud, shaking his head.
He vaguely remembered his hand stinging briefly the day before during a small fight, but he hadn't taken the time to look and find out what happened; the blood was dried now, and a faint whiteness around the wound revealed an infection.
Glancing at the clock revealed he had two hours before he need to be at the Academy, so he took his time cleaning up and disinfecting his hand. He grimaced as the stinging began, then quickly wrapped it up with an old- fashioned bandage; he caught his reflection in the mirror and groaned quietly, he still looked horrible. Being apart from the one person who could always brighten his day and makes him smile had taken its toll, he feared their next meeting, by Cpt. Logan had insisted that he attend the graduation.
After a while, it was nearing time to leave so he put on his dress uniform; it was completely white, heavily decorated with medals and ribbons given to him by Time Force. He snatched a comb and ran it through his thick, black hair, slicking it tightly back; soon he had achieved the strict and proper look he had intended, and made his way outside.
"Collins, we're late," Logan scolded.
"I know, Captain," Alex sighed, "we'll get there in time. There ceremony never starts when it's supposed to."
Logan looked at him intently as they got into the car and began to drive off. "You all right there, Lieutenant?" he asked, his face betraying his concern.
"Fine, sir," Alex answered.
They were ten minutes late, but Alex had been right, the ceremony hadn't started and everyone was still sitting down, getting comfortable. The graduating cadets were in a back room that Logan and Alex entered, instantly, the cadets snapped to attention as someone---a feminine voice Alex recognized---called:
"Officer on deck!"
"At ease," Logan said, calmly. "First off, I want to congratulate all of you on this incredible accomplishment, very few people who enter this Academy ever graduate---this is a grueling training period, it was even for myself and Lieutenant Collins here. But now it is over. Now you begin your lives as Time Force soldiers, protecting the world---and the galaxy---from any threats."
Alex looked around quickly with his eyes only . . . Katie was standing with her hands behind her back, her hair tied back neatly, her uniform crisp and clean, an entirely different woman than the one he had met years ago. Lucas' face was a mask of impassiveness, no expression whatsoever as he faced Logan only a few short feet away, either hiding or not feeling the apprehension of everyone else.
And Jen . . . she stood across the room, her brown hair cut so it hung just below her ears, her face sharp and jaw set, unafraid as she faced this new chapter in her life. He smiled slightly, she didn't see him, looking at Logan and concentrating solely on him instead of the young man a few steps behind him, in the doorway.
"Well, I will leave you alone now," Logan said, "and I'll see you on the platform. As you were."
Alex left first, leading Logan onto the large platform in front of the crowd gathered to watch the ceremony; Logan caught his arm before he walked away.
"Why don't you stay," he said, "you know it's customary for the cadets to receive their badges from those closest to them."
"Then why would I stay?" Alex asked.
"Just do it, Alex."
He relented and stood with Logan as the Time Force Anthem began to play, the crowd fell silent as Logan read off the first name: "Cadet Adams, Edward C."
Alex blanked out as the names went on and on, so many cadets before they reached the one he was waiting for. Admiral Kendall was there to present a badge as Logan read out a familiar name: "Cadet Kendall, Lucas D."
Alex straightened as the tall, good-looking young man walked onto the platform and received his new badge from his beaming father; he turned to Logan and saluted him smartly, then shook hands with the Admiral and Alex, smirking when he recognized the young Lieutenant.
"Good luck, Ensign," Alex spoke softly to the newly-promoted soldier.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," Lucas said.
Kendall put his hand on his son's back and led him across the stage, disappearing into the darkness of the wings; more names went by, names he vaguely recognized as cadets he used to instruct himself. They recognized him immediately when they reached Logan, and most couldn't help but smile; Alex allowed them a slight softening of his own face by smirking a little.
Finally . . .
"Cadet Scotts, Jennifer A."
She walked out with her head held high, no nervousness showing outwardly as she faced Logan, expecting to receive her badge from him; instead, Alex stepped out of the shadows and placed the badge right below her left shoulder. On her heart. He felt her shiver beneath his touch, and a small smile lit up her face as her eyes began to glisten with a mysterious wetness.
"A-Alex?" she murmured.
"Congratulations, Jennifer," he whispered.
"Thank you," she said, quietly.
After she had left, Alex turned on his heel and followed her; she glanced back at him and headed around down the hall to a dark corner. She reached out and grabbed his arm, pulling him into the corner so he was facing her, only inches apart.
"I didn't know you were coming," Jen said, softly.
"I wanted to see you graduate," Alex replied, "you worked so hard . . . "
"I couldn't have done it without you." Her gaze fell, remembering what were better times in her mind . . . "Why did you write that letter, Alex?"
Alex sighed, gripping her shoulders gently and looking her in the eyes. "You know why," he said, "I didn't want to get arrested, and I certainly didn't want to ruin your career before it even began." He put his finger to her chin and raised it gently. "Please understand, Jennifer, it just couldn't be."
"And what about now?" Jen wondered aloud, "you told me Sienna was back . . . alive. I-I suppose you've moved on with her?"
Alex smiled. "No, Jennifer," he said, "I haven't. I've hardly seen her since she returned, and even if I had, she's just . . . too different now. We both are."
Jen nodded, looking back down at the floor as she tried to think of something to say; her eyes caught sight of Alex's heavily bandaged hand and her expression immediately went to one of concern. "What happened?" she questioned, taking his hand in hers and staring at it.
"Just a little cut from yesterday," Alex said with a shrug, "it's no big thing."
"A big bandage," her voice was dry.
Alex smirked, raising his hand and brushing her cheek gently, he leaned in and found she didn't resist him as he pressed his soft lips to hers; she wrapped her arms around his lean waist and up to his broad back and shoulders. She pressed harder against the wall under his weight, gasping softly as his tongue slid inside her mouth and he gripped her arms tighter.
"We can't do this here," she whispered.
"You're right," Alex agreed, stepping back. "You're still only seventeen, aren't you?"
"Yes." Jen nodded, regretfully. "Sorry . . . we could still get into trouble, couldn't we?"
"Quite a bit," Alex said, "you're underage. I'm almost twenty." He shook his head. "We'll have to wait another year . . . "
"A year???" Jen repeated.
"We have no choice," Alex told her, "you're too young . . . and I'm too old."
Jen sighed with disappointment, but looked up again and tried to smile for him. "I'll be eighteen in ten months," she said, "that's not so long, right? And . . . you'll come back then, won't you?"
"Of course," Alex said, "I'll look forward to it. You'll be here waiting for me?"
"Always," Jen replied, holding back tears and trying to maintain a calm appearance. She threw her arms around him and buried her face in his shoulder. "Oh, Alex, I don't want you to leave me again!"
Alex held her snugly against his chest, closing his eyes and smelling the fresh, pine scent of her hair; he could feel her rythmic heartbeat, and hear the quiet breathes.
"I love you, Jennifer."
"I love you, too."
*****
Alex rubbed his tired eyes as he sat down in front of his computer and typed in Jen's name, it had been eight months since her graduation and he hadn't seen her since, so he was anxious to find out how she was getting along in the harsh, military world.
"Ensign Scotts, Jennifer A.," the computer's voice came.
"Who is Ensign Scotts' partner?" Alex asked.
"Lieutenant Steelix."
Alex blinked, Steelix was a well-known officer in Time Force; he had defected by Ransik twenty years ago when he was still very young, and after many tests and exams, he was allowed to join the Force. He had proven to be worthy of wearing the uniform, capturing five mutants himself in his ten year career; Alex was surprised he would be partnered with a rookie.
'A promising rookie though,' he reminded himsef, 'perhaps they wanted an expert to develop her potential.' Although, truth be told, Alex had never fully trusted Steelix despite his record; a former follower of Ransik didn't deserve a second chance, although Steelix had never attacked under Ransik's command.
He watched as Jen's picture appeared, she was standing in front of a squad car with Steelix at her side, smiling broadly at the camera, and whoever was behind it. Alex reached out to touch the image, but the holoscreen flickered when it came into contact with him.
"Jennifer . . . " he sighed.
His communicator beeped: "Lieutenant, there's trouble at the plaza!" He stood and rushed out of his room, saying into it: "I'm on my way."
He raced outside and jumped into his car, driving off toward the plaza miles away; the adrenaline started pumping as his heart raced, he loved the feeling of the running into battle, despite the danger that awaited him. At the end of the day, he would always go home successful, having gotten another mutant off the streets; he squinted his eyes and quickly put on his dark glasses, enabling him to see much further than he could without them.
Up ahead, he could make out a mutant shooting lasers out of some sort of weapon that he held at his midsection; civilians fled the scene as Time Force officials took cover behind their cars and raising their weapons.
"Freeze!!!" Alex shouted, getting out of his car.
"I don't think so!" the mutant replied, "are you here to stop me???"
"That's right," Alex said, holstering his weapon, to the obvious bewilderment of the mutant. He raised his arms and shouted as he did the motions: "Time for . . . Time Force!"
The mutant laughed as Alex morphed into the Red Ranger charged at him, his Chrono Saber raised; the mutant underestimated him, giving him the perfect opportunity to lash out and cut him across his stomach. The mutant crumbled to the ground with a long, painful groan; he reached out and wrapped his hand around Alex's ankle, tripping him so he fell face-first onto the concrete.
Alex rolled onto his back as the mutant got up and leapt at him, he raised his legs quickly and kicked him away, then hopped to his feet, grabbing his blaster and firing it directly at the mutant, striking him in the chest. The mutant fell back and landed hard, lying still as Alex walked forward and got out his badge, saying calmly:
"In the name of Time Force, I place you under arrest."
He reached down and grabbed the mutant's arm, yanking him up and handcuffing him as the others came forward and took over.
"Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Captain?" he raised his communicator and spoke into it.
"There's more trouble," came Logan's voice, "get to the Academy ASAP."
"Yes, sir." Not even bothering to demorph, Alex got back to his car and took off; attacks at the Academy were extremely rare, since there were so many officers to protect it.
As he neared the Academy, a cadet ran out into the street as the mutant attacking shot at him; Alex slammed on his brakes and swerved wildly as the young man flew through the air, crashing into Alex's windshield despite his attempt to avoid him. The car slammed into the brick wall along the street, pinning the cadet between itself and the wall as Alex leapt out of the car and into battle.
"Ransik!!!" he shouted, grabbing his blaster and aiming it at the familiar figure.
"Well, well, well," Ransik chuckled, "look at this . . . a new Ranger! Do you really think you can stop me?"
"I know I can," Alex replied.
Ransik jumped forward, flying toward him and pulling a sword from his knee, making Alex cringe; he cringed even more when the sword struck him in the chest and he flew back, slamming against his car door. He moaned quietly as Ransik pinned him against it and pushed his sword closer, his hands immediately flew up and caught the sword before it cut into his throat; he tried to push the sword away as Ransik drew nearer.
A blast struck Ransik in the small of his back and forced him to the ground, Alex gasped and looked across the street to see Jen standing with her blaster outstretched, a small smile on her face; but Ransik was done yet, he rolled onto his back and kicked Alex's weapon out of his hand. Alex felt something snap in his wrist and cried out softly and clutched his wrist as Ransik stood up; Jen called his name and rushed forward, but Ransik quickly turned and kicked her in the stomach.
Alex recovered when he saw Jen double over and fall to her knees in pain, no doubt having suffered a few broken ribs from Ransik's blow; he felt rage fill him when he saw her in agony, and lashed out at Ransik with all he had. Ransik punched him repeatedly in the ribs, he felt the pain of ribs snapping, but continued fighting as fiercely as ever. Ransik's forearm hit his throat, his head flew back and he fell to the ground in pain; he never even saw the sword that came down and hit him in his chest.
"Daddy!"
Alex and Ransik both looked to the side to see Nadira staring at them. "We have to go!" she squealed as Jen got to her feet in an attempt to capture Ransik's daughter.
Ransik nodded, but looked frustrated as he shoved Alex aside and followed his daughter, disappearing in a flash of light; Jen was finally up, and she staggered over to Alex as he demorphed. "Alex!" she cried, slowly easing herself down to be near him. "Are you hurt bad???"
"No . . . " Alex moaned, trying to sit up, but falling back to the ground in pain.
"Please, just lie still," Jen whispered, "you'll be okay."
Alex nodded, his eyes drooping as he stared up at her and the bright blue sky beyond her; the darkness closed in from both sides and he knew no more as Jen's voice faded away:
"Alex!?"
TBC