Chapter Eighteen
Lost in the afternoon shuffle of New Tech City, Shadow could almost forget her problems. Almost. Her shoulder ached slightly, and Shadow wished she had taken some of the pain killers that Kat had given her before storming out of Headquarters. Rubbing her shoulder gingerly, she weaved her way through the crowded sidewalks to a small, out of the way store.
"Well if it ain't Miss Shadow." The woman behind the counter grinned. A smile traveled up Shadow's face.
"Hey, Vivian." She said, moving towards a rack and flipping through the clothes hanging there.
The older woman, with her silvery-gray hair hanging loose around her shoulders and her green eyes shining, returned the smile.
"Haven't seen you around here lately. What have you been up to? Not getting into more trouble I hope." Vivian scolded her lightly.
"Nope." Shadow shook her head. "Unless you call getting drafted into the SPD B Squad, trouble." Vivian looked confused. "I'm their newest Power Ranger."
"You, a Power Ranger?" Vivian chortled, "Child, you sure know how to make an old lady laugh."
"It's true, Viv." Shadow argued, piqued that one of her oldest friends didn't' believe her. Vivian stopped laughing and studied the young woman that stood glaring at her.
"Well I'll be." She placed her hands on her round hips, "You sure as shootin' ain't kidding me. I wouldn't believe it if you weren't so serious. 'Scuse my laughing, Shadow, but I've known you since you was in diapers. You sure was a terror back then." She shook her head and chuckled. "Never would have thought you'd end up following in your grandparent's footsteps."
"Neither did I." Shadow muttered.
"Well 'nough reminiscing," Vivian was suddenly all business, "what can I do for ya today?"
"I'm just looking today." Shadow moved to another rack and picked up a dress. Holding it up against her, Shadow studied her reflection in a mirror that hung on the wall across from her.
"That dress would certainly suit you," Vivian said moving to stand beside Shadow. The older woman fingered the silky fabric as if it were a precious jewel.
"You think?" Shadow asked.
"Most certainly. Why don't you try it on."
With a grin, Shadow stepped into a dressing room, stripped off her clothes, and pulled the dress on over her head.
"Well, what do you think?" She asked, walking out and striking a pose.
"Lordy child," Vivian breathed, "that dress was made for you."
"Really?" Shadow studied her reflection. It was true that the sapphire blue dress flattered her figure and drew attention to her eyes. But it showed way too much skin for Shadow. The neck was a low V that swept down to nearly halfway between her breasts. The gown reached down to her ankles, and there was a long slit on the right side that traveled up above her knee and reached about mid-thigh. Her legs, toned by years of running on her high school's track team and training with the Power Rangers, were perfect for the dress.
Shadow cocked her head to the side, her hair brushing against her bare shoulder. She studied herself. The dress seemed molded to her body, hugging her in all the right places.
"It's official, Shadow, this dress belongs to you." Vivian headed towards the register. "Anyone else wearin' it would just be a crime."
"Viv, I can't afford something this great. Besides, I'd have nowhere to wear it. And another thing, I don't wear blue. Black, white, pink, and red yes, but not blue. Nobody in my family's ever worn blue."
"You always said you were the black sheep in your family," Vivian grinned, "it's about time you broke out of that color scheme. Just 'cause no one in your family was ever a blue Ranger doesn't mean you can't wear the color. And as for the cost, it's free."
"Oh, Viv, I can't take this." Shadow protested, joining her friend. "It's not right."
"Consider it an early Christmas gift." Vivian smiled good-naturedly.
"Viv, Christmas isn't for another six months." Shadow shook her head.
"Then consider it a very early Christmas gift." Shadow could see there was no arguing with the woman. With a shake of her head, she went to change.
Jack sat in the command center, waiting nervously for Shadow's return. She had been extremely angry when she left, and he could only hope that she wouldn't do anything rash.
Jack bit the pad of his thumb, chewing lightly on the skin. His foot tapped the floor in a steady staccato rhythm, nervous energy making it difficult for him to stay still.
"You're more antsy than a cat in a cage." Kat said, walking in to check the monitors for activity from one of Grumm's minions. There hadn't been an attack in a few weeks, and everyone was anticipating one soon.
"I'm just worried." He said, moving around the center consol where the Rangers usually congregated for briefings. "Shadow's been gone a long time."
"She just needs to cool off. You saw how she reacted to having to take a break from her duties."
"I'm starting to think that wasn't such a great idea." Jack sighed and hung his head.
He cared about Shadow, a lot, and he didn't want to see her get hurt. But by placing her on involuntary leave, he had a feeling that's just what he was doing.
Kat placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, she'll be back." Jack smiled weakly, grateful for Kat's words. Though he didn't quite believe them, he needed the comfort, the reassurance.
Suddenly, the alarms went off. Jack and Kat both hurried to the monitors. Grumm's latest alien had landed.
"Go," Kat ordered, " I'll call the others." He nodded, and hurried out of the room.
With the dress safely tucked inside a garment-bag and slung over her shoulder, Shadow made her way back towards SPD Headquarters. The little shopping excursion and her talk with Vivian had helped to calm her nerves. After trying on the dress, she had talked to Vivian extensively about the pressure that was building up on top of her. The older woman had listened with a sensitive ear and had helped Shadow bring things into perspective. Now, with a clear head and an eased spirit, Shadow was ready to return to the headquarters and the Rangers.
A small smile playing across her lips, Shadow rounded the corner and stopped short.
The Rangers were engaged in battle with Grumm's latest alien. Instinctively, Shadow's hand flew to her com-unit. Nobody had called her to tell her of this latest attack. Fresh anger surged within her and Shadow could literally feel her blood boiling within her veins.
The bag dropped to the ground and Shadow grabbed her morpher. Holding the morpher in front of her, she cried. "SPD emergency!"
Pain surged through his back as Sky landed on the ground. Bridge helped him up, and they quickly turned back to the fight. This alien was putting up a good fight, one far better than all the previous aliens.
Quickly, he grabbed his blaster and shot. The shots barely fazed him. Sky stared in shock.
"How the heck do we defeat this guy?" Z limped up next to Sky. He looked at her out of the corner of his visor and shook his head.
"I don't know."
Jack, Syd, and Bridge landed at their feet, sparks flying from their uniforms. The yellow and blue Ranger quickly helped their friends up.
"This guy is tough." Syd groaned, rubbing her wrist. She let out a painful hiss.
"Looks like I got here just in time." Sky turned at the voice. Shadow stood behind them, in full morph, her arms crossed over her chest. Though her face was covered by her helmet's visor, Sky could tell that she was glaring.
"Shadow," Jack stepped towards her, the alien forgotten, "you shouldn't be here."
"And why not?" She asked angrily. "I'm a Power Ranger same as you."
"Shadow." There was a dangerous edge to Jack's voice, a warning that Sky had never heard in their leader before.
The black Ranger took a step towards Jack. Anger and annoyance radiated off of her.
"One minor injury and you think you can lock me up and keep me safe. I don't think so, Jack. I'm a Power Ranger, it's my job to fight. You can't keep me from what I'm supposed to do."
"I already told you," Jack stepped towards her. Soon they were face to face. "You are not allowed to fight until Kat clears you."
Sky watched the two intently, along with Z, Syd, and Bridge. No one noticed the alien approaching.
"You can't tell me what to do." Shadow seethed.
"I am the red Ranger." Jack nearly shouted, trying to get his point across to the hardheaded black Ranger.
A blast hit the four Power Rangers watching in the back. They flew through the air and landed at the couple's feet. Jack and Shadow quickly turned their attention to the alien.
Sky picked himself up, dusting the dirt off his uniform. His eyes focused on the alien, which was cackling mercilessly, while still keeping Shadow in the corner of his vision. She was standing rigid, her shoulders back and her back straight. There was an air of determination about her. He felt a swelling of pride within his chest. He knew he shouldn't be, but he was proud of Shadow for standing up to Jack the way she did. Sky knew that if it had been him, he would have stood up to Jack the same way that Shadow had.
He watched, with a small burning of jealousy, as Jack placed his hand on Shadow's uninjured shoulder.
"Go back to Headquarters." He ordered her. Shadow turned to look at the red Ranger.
"No." She replied sharply.
"You're disobeying a direct order, Shadow." Jack's voice had acquired a superior air to it.
"I don't care." She shouted.
"This isn't the time for a lover's quarrel." Sky interjected, cutting off Jack's retort. He couldn't help the bitterness that crept into his voice as he spoke. "We have a job to do right now."
Shadow turned her head to look at Sky. He could feel her gaze penetrating his visor. Her stare unnerved him, but Sky would not let his discomfort show. Quickly, he returned his attention to the alien.
"Alright." He heard Jack sigh. "But you had better make sure you don't get hurt."
Shadow could have kissed Sky. But, as soon as that thought popped into her head, she quickly dismissed it. She was only glad that he had spoken up and ended the fight between herself and Jack, forcing Jack to concede and allow her to fight. That was all. There was no hidden desire inside her to want Sky's lips once more on hers. No, absolutely none.
Thrusting all thoughts of kissing from her mind, Shadow quickly joined the fight. Dull pain traveled nonstop through her shoulder, but she pushed through the pain and focused her entire being on fighting and not getting hurt, again.
Locked in a saber battle with the alien, Shadow pressed her blade down on his, trying to force his sword from his hand. He kicked out, knocking her to the ground. Pain traveled up her arm as she landed on her injured shoulder. The alien lifted his sword above his head, ready to plunge it into her heart. Shadow froze.
Time seemed to move slowly. Her heart felt as if it would burst from her chest and the blood roared in her ears. She watched, horrified, as the blade lowered. Her shoulder hurt too much for her to even consider rolling out of the way. Closing her eyes, she waited for the plunge.
Hehe, I am so evil. I think I'll just leave you with this cliffhanger. I hope you all will review and tell me what you thought. Also, don't forget to cast your vote for who you want Shadow to end up with. Right now the count is at:
Sky- 66
Jack- 57
PS. I know y'all are probably wondering why I put in the first scene. Well, I thought I should include some characters from Shadow's past, just so you can kind of figure out how she grew up to be who she is. Vivian might be making a few more appearances, I just love writing the whole Southern belle character. Also, look for an appearance by someone who has had a big part in shaping Shadow.
