Disclaimer: See chapter one. Thanks to Daylight for writing the terrific start to this section. First person to guess which of us is writing for which character gets a years supply of M&M's. I will say though that Daylight wrote the great introduction to this section. Also, as a personal note – I get heaps of reviews complaining about my spelling. Normally this wouldn't' bother me but I want to set the record straight here and now. I am Australian. We use a slightly different English dictionary here, but each and every single one of my fics has gone through a spell checker. So, as a favour to my worn out sanity, please don't complain about my spelling. Thank you. Mouse, April 2003.
Forever Friends: Chapter 2
By Daylight and Mouse
The children, girls and boys of various ages dressed in the colours common to Ko-35, sat haphazardly on the grass in front of their elders. They stayed enraptured during the story and gazed in awe, each child imagining just what it would be like to be chosen for such a destiny. Having grown up in a time of virtual peace on Ko-35, few of them had ever seen a Power Ranger before, but tales about the brave deeds of the Red and Silver Rangers had been told to them since the day they were born. The two former Rangers sat cross-legged in front of the large tree, the sun shining between its branches. Their wise bearing made them look like ancient gurus, until Zhane elbowed his best friend in the ribs.
"Hey!" Andros held his side and glared at the former Silver Ranger.
"Now come on Andros. Aren't you going to tell them exactly what happened that day?" Andros shrugged.
"I didn't think they'd be that interested in the details. It's not like there was any action going on."
"Not everyone is only interested in explosions. Not that's anything wrong with a bit of action." Andros rolled his eyes. Zhane continued ignoring him. "I just thought the kids would like to know what it was like to meet the mighty Zordon. Right guys!" Cries of enthusiasm came from the children.
"Fine, then you tell them what happened."
"Alright."
"Tell them your entire life story."
"I will."
"Fine." The two glared at each other but it soon turned into grins. Zhane leaned forward and began telling his story.
Zhane's POV:
The first memories I have are of a couple of people who loved me very much. I assume they must have been my parents, because not longer after there was a big bright light, a loud bang and I never saw them again.
Then I came to live with Andros and his family. His parents and his little sister Karone made me feel right at home, and I soon came to regard them as my family. Andros was great but it was Karone that really pulled me out of my shell. She was so full of life and joy when she was small, we doted on her. She could wrap either of us around her little finger and get anything she wanted with no effort at all.
(*And she still can with you Zhane.* Zhane snorted softly at his friend's thought and continued his story.)
On the day she was kidnapped I wasn't with them, as I'd injured myself the day playing hard with Andros at our training exercises and was in the local hospital. Otherwise she wouldn't have been left alone and then taken while Andros retrieved the ball they had been playing with. Andros, you have nothing on me when it comes to guilt over that day let me tell you.
Things started to go badly then for KO35. Andros and I grew closer and closer, becoming more than friends, we were like brothers. More than brothers come to think of it. There is no one I'd trust more at my back then him. But I digress, back to the story. I finally began to live again I think, after Karone was taken. I'd withdrawn and become very quiet when I had come to live with Andros and his family, so I think it was then that I realised no matter what I did, people I love would be taken from me, so why try to stop the tide, why not swim with the current. Hmm, I think I've been hanging around the Aquitian Rangers too much lately. Must remember to stop with the ocean metaphors.
So, I began to live my life like every day was my last, because I knew, that one-day it would be. Andros withdrew from everything and everyone except me. We grew stronger together, and fought harder together. We were the perfect pairing really. The quiet, sullen, strong Andros and the outgoing, friendly and warm Zhane. Funny how things turn out isn't it.
I clearly remember the day we were told that we'd been chosen to become Power Rangers. Apparently Zordon had been watching from afar and was pleased with out progress. Just as he had chosen his first set of Rangers on Earth, he also selected us to be Rangers on KO35. We were only twelve at the time we were joined with our powers, which was a pretty interesting day as I recall.
We were taken into this quiet, unassuming room at the council chambers. Zordon was watching from a video screen and there was a box on the table. Andros glanced at me, his eyes reflecting the same question back at me that I'm sure was in my eyes. I just shrugged thought to him: *This is weird, is that who I think he is?* Andros just nodded slightly and then Zordon spoke.
"Andros, Zhane. Thank you for coming today. I know that you both are excellent fighters, and together make one of the greatest fighting team that I've seen in my many eons of existence. Now is it time for you two to embrace your destinies. Open the box please Andros." Andros moved forward, no hesitation what so ever. I envied my friend his composure and strength, not sure if I could be as brave as he was being. *It's okay Zhane, he doesn't mean any harm, I think. And besides, I just have a feeling this is a good thing.* It always amazes me how well Andros knows me, but even I could tell he was just as nervous as I was. *Can you at least look uncomfortable with this Andros?* Andros's mental chuckle did well to banish my fears.
Andros opened the box and inside was five identical looking wrist bands, plus one other that was slightly similar but different. Andros stepped back to my side and we looked at Zordon.
"Andros, Zhane. Although you may be young in Kerovan years, your experiences and skill have led me to believe that now is the time for you to be joined with your morphers and become Power Rangers. What will happen when you accept your morphers is that your physical strength, speed, prowess will be enhanced. When you morph you will be encased in protective armour and the Power will give you great abilities and weapons. Because you are still young though, the power will bind itself to you for many years, but I foresee in about thirty or forty kerovan years, you will pass the power onto your children. This is a great responsibility for one's so young, so even though you will take your morphers today, you will not be able to morph into Power Rangers for at least another year. Do you accept these terms?" Andros looked at me and I could see that no matters what, he'd accept this responsibility. It would be his chance to find Karone and make a difference. For me, it didn't matter; I would do what ever Andros did. He was my best friend and I wouldn't let him face this alone.
"We accept Zordon."
I must say this that was the only and ever time that I meet Zordon, and that meeting left a great impression on my mind. Even though I was generally thought of as a great fighter alongside Andros, people felt that my sense of responsibility wasn't developed enough at the time. They all felt I was too much of a joker and a prankster to fully understand what I was accepting. Many a person tried to talk me out of accepting it, but to no avail. I fully understood what I was accepting to do. So did Andros.
"Andros, step forward and claim your morpher. You will be the Red Ranger, leader of the team of Rangers. You have the strength of will, gentleness of spirit and character that will make a great leader." Andros looked awed but stepped forward and took out the morpher that was surrounded by a red border. He strapped it to his wrist and a red glow encased his body, shimmering power seemed to emanate from him for the moment, and then it faded. He breathed out a soft 'wow' and looked at his friend. *That was amazing. It's such a rush. I feel, I don't know what I feel. But it's okay. It doesn't hurt, just tickles*. I smiled at Andros's words; I could feel the elation of my friend through our telepathic link. Just then Zordon spoke again and it was my turn.
"Zhane, you have been chosen very carefully for your role. I feel it is only fair to advise you that I did hesitate slightly before granting you your powers." I felt terribly confused I recall and a bit defensive I must admit.
"Why? Is it because people say that I'm not responsible, that I'm a bit too flighty." Andros was going to protest, I could see that and I stopped him with a thought. *No, this is my battle my friend. I will fight it my way.* Zordon just shook his head and smiled gently at me.
"No, it is because the powers I have decided to give you are extremely strong, it takes a special type of person to hold them." Now I was really confused.
"How can they be special, they'll be the same as Andros's won't they?" Zordon shook his head and smiled gently at him.
"No. You see, the Power takes many forms and many colours. But in the universe there are certain colours that are unique. That there will only be ever one off. In your case, one day, you will transfer your powers to your son or daughter, what ever the case may be; but for the meantime, you, along with Prince Trey of Triforia, have been chosen to hold a very unique power." This certainly got my attention and I was feeling suitably awed I must admit. I had heard of Triforia, who in the Alliance hadn't, and wondered what Prince Trey and I had in common to be given this great power.
"So, how come it's so different? Is it a weaker power, like I won't be much use unless I'm with someone else?" I honestly half expected him to say yes and was extremely surprised when he shook his head.
"No Zhane. In fact they and the Gold Zeo Ranger powers that Prince Trey will be holding soon, will make you one of the most powerful Rangers in the universe. You will be the Silver Ranger. Step forward and take your morpher." Well, it was with trembling hands I can tell you that I went forward and took a look in that box. There was a small rectangular grey and black morpher there; it was surrounded by silver, so I assume it was mine. My hand hovered over it for a moment, and I think Zordon must have sensed my hesitation or something as he smiled and spoke softly. "Pick you morpher up Zhane." I did as I was told and I have never regretted it, not once in all my years as the Silver Ranger. I felt a warmth come over me, it felt like I was being encased in light. Andros was right, it did tickle.
Tbc…
In the next chapter – their first battle..
