The Deal with Strings
By: M14Mouse
Summary: Anubis's POV on the events in Beginning Part 2.
Disclaimer: Don't own them.
I have been told that you can judge a man's soul by looking into his eyes. Perhaps, they are correct. In my students' eyes, I see their hopes, dreams, and their desires not to fail. They hope to become the next great protectors of the world. The Power Rangers. In my comrades' eyes, I see their desires to protect the city and the universe.
But in Jack and Elizabeth's eyes, I see the darkness and weariness of the world. They saw things I wouldn't want any child to see. Yet, I see hope and desire to overcome that darkness. They help others who want to capture them. There is real good in them. In good conscience, I couldn't just leave them in this cell.
I came up with a deal. I would wipe their records and in exchange, they would join SPD. I left to give them time to talk among themselves. By the time, I return. I could feel the division in the cell. Elizabeth was standing by the cell's door and Jack was lying on the cot with his back turn away from us.
"You got yourself a deal, Big Dog." Elizabeth said. I was somewhat surprise that Jack didn't take the deal as well. I open the cell's door and step aside. We walk down the quiet hallways in silent toward the dorms and the training hall.
"Can I visit him?" Elizabeth said softly. I could hear the angst in her voice.
"You may if it doesn't get in the way of your training. Starting tomorrow, you will take a series of tests and classes to see where you will be placed. Get some rest, Elizabeth." I said as I tap onto the power console to open her temporary room.
I watch her enter her room. Her shoulders were sagging and she was fighting not to cry in my presence. The moment the door closed behind her, I could hear the sobs. I turn away with a great sadness in my heart and a question.
Why? Why did Jack refuse my offer?
Once I return to my station, I read over their files and watch over their brief fight on video. The power never lies. Those two would be the last members of squad B. The power would never force anyone to choose. They have a choice to choose their own destinies.
Two days later, I return to tell him of Elizabeth's process and hopefully persuade him again to take the deal. My presence was less than welcome when I saw Jack again. He treats me coolly but I could see flashes of pride in his eyes when I talk about Elizabeth's quick process in her tests.
"The deal is still on the table, Jack. You have the opportunity to help yourself but the others in the community. I saw the lengths you would go to help others, even those who are out to capture and destroy you. You are a noble man, Jack. Don't let your demons destroy you. You have a second chance. Take it." I said as I watched him struggle with his emotions.
"No deal comes without strings. So, what happens if we do something we don't do something you like? Are we going to throw it back into this cell? No thanks. I will serve my time. Besides, I had my second chance. It is gone." Jack said as he turned his back away from me.
A knot forms in my stomach and sadness in my heart as I walk away from his cell. I knew of the scholarship to the school. Curiously enough there was a two year absence in their files before they reappeared here. It was shortly after Elizabeth's powers came out in full force and their caretaker became deadly ill and dead. Where did they go? What did Jack have to do in order for them to survive? Do I really want the answers to those questions?
To the Great Power, what have you done to your children?
Some demons run deeper than others do.
Perhaps, Elizabeth would have a better chance of reaching him than me.
My days grew busy with attacks and reports but I made sure to stop by his cell at least once a day to at least inform him of Elizabeth's process. I sent the B squad out for some field time which turns out to be a full scale attack. The other squads were busy and I couldn't send students to help them. I saw Jack staring at the monitor from the corner of my eye. I had no time to wonder how he got out of his cell.
"Will they be alright?" Jack asks as his eyes didn't leave the monitor.
"I don't know. They are outnumbered and the odds do not look good even with the Power in their hands." I said as I watched him. His face and eyes flick with multiple emotions. I could see the range of worry and compassion but as will as that burning fire to help. Finally, those emotions seem to harden into a source of resolve.
"We have a deal." Jack said as he turned to me. When I handed him the morpher and I could swear, I could hear the Powers sing. It was done.
They are whole.
The End
A/N: I am thinking of doing Z's POV on the events in Beginning. That is up in the air. I do realize that Z may be a little out of character. I think it was hard decision for her to step away from Jack. They are very much family. I think Anibus knows a lot more than what he is telling. Then again, only more episodes will tell if I am right or wrong. I also plan to do a little Bridge, Sky, and Syd's POV story on their first night with their new teammates. I hope enjoy the story. Read and Review if you wish.
