Disclaimer: Don't own Power Rangers or the song. Disney and Yellowcard own those things.
Song Used: One Year, Six Months
Thankie to all the reviewers!
the real vampire: I think you'll like this little confrontation between Conner and Trent. Thanks for the idea for a little Trent ass-whupping.
CamFan4Ever: I heartily agree! KirCo forever!
Beldaran: Maybe…but I think that's something Conner may have to find on his own…
Chapter 6
A Present Mystery Shrouded with the Past
Conner swallowed hard, trying to rid himself of the lump residing in his throat. Damn it all to hell. Kira gave an excited squeal and launched herself at Trent, hugging him tightly. If the day couldn't have gotten worse, the look of absolute exhilaration adorning Kira's face sealed the deal. Trent laughed as he disentangled himself from the yellow ranger's embrace. As Kira flashed a radiant smile, Conner felt the knife sink deeper into his heart.
"I thought you were in New York!"
Trent shrugged, smirking, "I was. Classes don't start until two months, and I got settled in pretty fast. Hayley's been keeping me posted on what's happening." He glanced towards Conner.
"So, the Chosen Ranger, huh?" The artist raised an eyebrow, insincerity oozing from the gesture.
"Who'd of figured that one? I mean, from a guy who's gotten his butt kicked so many times and by me, nonetheless."
Conner's anger flared at the remark, and he fought to keep his temper in check, a demanding task considering the state of irritation he was in, "Well, the power chose me. I guess that means I'm worth something." He stared defiantly at the white ranger.
"What are you doing here, Trent?"
Trent shrugged, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets. "Well, I have two months until classes start. I figured I'd give you guys a hand. Y'know, pick up the slack."
Conner bristled at the superior attitude the white ranger displayed, his anger fighting to come out, "Oh yeah, good idea. Y'know, considering you spent most of your time as a ranger being evil. I'd say you've got a lot to compensate for."
Trent's jaw set, "Well, Chosen Ranger. It's a good thing I'm here. Considering how many times I have kicked your butt, I'm definitely here to pick up your slack."
The red ranger smiled lazily, "Well, I didn't get beat up sitting on my ass. I've been training hard." Conner's honey eyes burned amber fire at the white ranger.
"It takes a lot more work to be good than evil."
Kira glared at both her teammates, "Are you two idiots done with your pissing contest?"
Conner nodded, staring down Trent, "Yep. I'm heading up." He locked eyes with the white ranger, "I have training tomorrow." As Conner turned to head up the den stairs, Ethan let out an embarrassed cough, hoping to ease the tension.
"So, Trent, did you catch Times Square?"
Kira was oblivious to the response as she gazed fixedly at the red ranger's departing back. Conner never liked Trent, that was a notorious fact, but the red ranger also treated him fairly decent. This openly hostile attitude intrigued the musician, and she followed the red ranger up the stairs to his bedroom. Pounding furiously on the closed door, the yellow ranger hollered at the soccer player inside.
"Conner, I know you're in there! Open up!"
The door flung open, and the red ranger's body filled the doorway, "Are you lost? Super-speed's my thing, and I seriously doubt Picasso down there has the ability to get up the stairs in under three seconds." Kira's eyes widened as she took in Conner's state of undress. The jock followed her gaze and grinned when he realized where her eyes were directed.
"Is my chest too distracting to you, Rock Star? Should I put on a shirt?"
Kira's eyes stayed fixated on the ground, "Just do it, Jockboy." Conner flashed her one last grin before disappearing behind the door. When he emerged, Kira bore down on him.
"What the hell is wrong with you?"
Conner raised an eyebrow, "Kira, I've never liked Trent, and I've never hid that. But from day one, he's kept secrets from us, hasn't been entirely honest to us. Excuse me for feeling betrayed, but I feel like I have a right."
"How can you say that when he's helped us in so many ways?" The yellow ranger protested.
"Dammit, that's not the point!" Conner raged, "It's not only what he did when he was evil to other people, but what he did to our team!" Kira lapsed into speechlessness as she gawked at her teammate. Conner blew out a deep breath.
"He hurt you, Kira. Really bad." Conner bit out, his voice shaking with suppressed anger.
"Day after day, I watched you kill yourself trying to help him. Watched your spirits and hopes build up whenever he did good, only to have them come crashing down when he betrayed us. I saw the hurt in your eyes when he spewed another one of his death threats or promises of our utter demise. And I saw your heart shatter into a million pieces when you found out he was the white ranger." Conner looked directly into his teammate's eyes.
"The worst thing was, I couldn't do anything about it. I could only stand and watch as he broke your heart over and over again. And it hurt me because I couldn't protect you. Emotions are something so fragile and vulnerable and there's no way to keep them safe. I'm sorry if I'm bitter, if I don't forgive him. But I'm not gonna let him waltz back in here with that holier-than-thou look on his face like he's our God-given savior and allow the possibility for all that to happen again. You - " Conner diverted his eyes as he caught himself.
"You all mean so much to me for me to let that crap happen again, and we sure as hell don't have the time for it." Conner brushed past Kira on his way to the bathroom, "I'm sorry Kira."
The musician gazed after the jock, her thoughts in turmoil. She had no idea how much Conner had hurt during that confusing time. But his point rang clear; she had focused all her energy into helping Trent that sometimes, most of the time, she was oblivious to anything else. Maybe Conner's – no, the team's – feelings was one of those things. If she was unaware to the soccer player's feelings, what other things was she unconscious of? Dammit, Conner really had a way that made her second-guess everything.
xxx
Tori stretched from her place at Hunter's side and yawned deeply. As she laid her chin on the palm of her hand, the water ranger found herself wondering how long Hunter would be in his current state.
"He'll be okay." Tori jumped at the soft whisper of words that intruded her inner ponderings.
"Hey, Blake." The surfer braced herself a little. This was the first time they had interacted since the thunder ranger had arrived, and the first words spoken since the break up long ago, and she was hesitant of what regard Blake held towards her.
The younger Bradley smiled at her, quelling her inner mayhem, as he crossed over to Tori and pulled up a chair beside her. The navy ranger gazed sadly upon his brother's motionless form.
"He's strong; he's been that way for a long time, ever since he had to take care of us when our parents died." Blake's jaw set, the motocross pro fighting to restrain the emotions waging war in his mind.
"I feel so guilty. He's suffering, and I was riding a bike, circling a dirt track."
Tori shook her head, "Blake, there was nothing you could have possibly done."
The navy ranger hefted a heavy sigh, "I know." He chuckled slightly, "It makes sense that Lothor injected more of the virus in Hunter than he did in me. You know how stubborn he can be." Blake shrugged.
"With me, it was just follow big brother." Blake watched his brother lying helpless on the bed, and his fingers clenched into fists.
"He's been my protector for so long. I feel like I owe him so much. I should be going on that journey."
Tori raised an eyebrow, "You don't think Conner can do it?"
"He's got less experience with this saving the world stuff than I do, Tor!" Blake ran a hand through his dark strands, "He's undisciplined, compulsive, and reckless! Given the facts, how the hell should I trust him with my brother's life?" Wrapped up in their discussion, neither ranger noticed the fluttering in their companion's eyelids. The pair faded into uncomfortable silence, mulling over Blake's furious words.
Tori broke the silence, "Blake, I'm sorry."
The younger Bradley frowned, "For what?"
"For breaking up with you the way I did." The surfer shrugged, "I mean, it was so sudden." Realization struck the thunder ranger, and he waved away her apologies.
"Tori, I'm not gonna lie to you. It took me awhile to get over you." Blake smiled, "But I found Max, found love, and after awhile, I realized you needed someone who would be there for you, not one who will go off chasing some dream."
The water ranger glanced at him, her eyes compassionate, "Blake, I don't blame you for taking that sponsorship." The navy ranger remained mute, pondering his next words. Slowly, his gaze lifted to study his companion.
"You remember the amateur Nationals Blue Bay Harbor hosted, right? We were all there, Hunter riding, you watching him, and me promoting Factory Blue." Tori nodded, recalling the big event held two months ago at Blue Bay's local track. Blake stared at her inquisitively.
"Did you know that after Hunter won his division, a representative from Crimson Tide offered him a sponsorship?" Again, Tori shook her head. This was news to her.
"Well, Hunter turned them down."
The surfer's eyes widened, "Why? He's already turned down one offer, wouldn't he jump at a second chance?"
Blake laughed, "That's what I asked him. But Hunter said, he would have to leave you, and if he won anything, it wouldn't be as fulfilling if he didn't have you to come home and share it with. He told me he didn't need the fame or the money, but he did need you and having you was good enough for him."
"For once, he's right." Both rangers jumped at the intrusion of the third voice, and their heads whipped to the bed where a pair of baby blue eyes winked merrily in their direction.
"Hunter!" Tori plastered his face with kisses while Blake leaped from his chair to alert the others.
The thunder ninja grunted, "Easy, babe. I'm still feeling it." Hunter cracked a weak smile his girlfriend's eagerness. His ragged breathing evened, but his voice remained hoarse.
"Tori, there's something you should know." Tori shook her head violently as she cradled his cheek.
"No, don't talk. Save your strength."
Hunter struggled to sit up straighter, "It's important. I know about Conner and the prophecy." Tori frowned.
"But how? You were out when we found out."
Hunter gave a vehement shake of his head, "I can't explain it yet, but I will. You have to know that Conner can do it. He was chosen for a reason, and he will succeed." Tori stared at him silently as he reached out and grazed a finger across her cheek, smiling lovingly and wondered how he could put such blind faith in a teenager he barely knew.
xxx
Over the next few days, Conner progressed drastically in his training, all of his energy focused towards his success as a way to avoid the revolting encounters with Kira and Trent. His vast improvement was evident in all areas but two, and the wind rangers couldn't help but be impressed. Conner was rarely exhausted anymore from his agility and strength, and Dustin no longer felt the need to wear a protective mask to shield himself from Conner's wayward strikes. But with all his progress, one aspect especially eluded his grasp: control over the flames that burned within.
"Concentrate, Conner. Feel the fire die down." His concentration at a fierce level, the red ranger gritted his teeth as the sweat ran down his body, the flames before him dancing merrily. Out of the corner of his eye, Conner glimpsed Trent and Kira walking together, her face alight with laughter, and his arm slung casually around her shoulders. Hurt and anger coursed through the jock as he glared furious fire.
The small flame Conner was supposed to quell grew to monstrous proportions. The jock fell backwards off his feet as the flames surged, swirling around the dojo. Conner groaned as the emergency sprinklers activated and lay back on his elbows in exasperation, the water droplets trickled down his forehead. Damn it all to hell…
In the interval between his agility and weapons training, Conner made his way to the main dojo. The red ranger had made up his mind. He was going to make peace with Trent; it wasn't helping any part of his mission in both the individual aspect or the team chemistry. This was going to be a major shot to his pride, but Conner knew for them to truly succeed, he needed to completely trust everyone of his teammates…even if a significant one had tried on many occasions to utterly destroy him.
Conner entered the main dojo, and standing at the doorway, the jock spotted Dr. O. and Trent sparring lightly. Locking eyes with his mentor, the red ranger motioned towards the artist. Dr. O. nodded in understanding and, after a few words with the white ranger, departed. As the black ranger passed the soccer player on his exit, Tommy clapped a hand on the younger man's shoulder, giving him a meaningful look. Conner took a deep breath, gathered his wits, and prepared to throw away his pride for the sake of the universe.
"Hey, Trent."
The white ranger whirled instinctively, and regarded the soccer player warily, "Hi." Conner took a deep breath, and spoke.
"Look, Trent, can we talk?"
"What makes you think I want to hear what you have to say?" Conner ran his hands through his hair in frustration.
"Well, you probably don't give a damn, but it needs to be said."
Trent smirked, a thought forming in his head, "I'll tell you what. You and me right now, one on one. You win, I'll listen. I win…well, let's just say it'll be painstaking and humiliating."
Conner set his jaw, "Okay, fine. First to pin, wins." Trent nodded, his smirk growing wider as he remembered all the times he had kicked Conner's ass. This time would prove to be no different.
The two rangers circled one another, and Conner waited, anticipating Trent to make the first move, Blake's constant mantra of "Never attack first" resonating in his head. The white ranger unleashed a wild tornado kick, hitting nothing but thin air as his opponent ducked. Conner stayed on the defensive, blocking every one of Trent's advances and retaliating with solid strikes. Dropping to his knee, Conner swiped a leg under the artist, knocking him off his feet. Trent fell to the ground hard, winded from the strong attacks. Rolling away to evade the red ranger, Trent sprung to his feet. White-hot fury raced through his veins, and with a growl, the artist rushed at his opponent, the months of tension hoarded within coming to a halt. Instinctively, Conner grabbed the collar of Trent's shirt, and fell backward, throwing his leg up, sending Trent over him. Using the white ranger's momentum, Conner rolled over the fallen ranger and straddled the other boy's midsection, one hand on pinning him down.
"Give?"
Trent grunted, in no position to retaliate. Relenting, the white ranger gave a terse shake of his head, "Yeah."
Conner eased off, offering a hand to help the other boy up. The red ranger remained silent for a moment, pondering the correct way to begin, and took a deep breath.
"Look, Trent, I know we haven't seen eye to eye and 'friendly' just isn't us. Maybe that's come from you betraying us all those times; maybe it's just because we never really liked each other, but I think we both know how important it is that we defeat this freak." Conner rubbed the back of his neck, "Listen, it hit me hardest when I saw what it did to the team. That's why this is kind of hard. But you're a good fighter." Conner let out a long, suffering breath, prolonging his admission.
"And I guess if having you around means having another body for the Dryads to kick around, it wouldn't be so bad." The jock shook his head, "You make Kira happy, and if she's happy, that works for me. Even if it is you." Conner shrugged.
"So I guess what I'm trying to say is," The red ranger held out a hand, "There's always a place for you on this team." Trent smiled and grasped the offering, slapping palms with the jock. Conner nodded and lightly cuffed the artist on the arm before turning to depart.
"Hey, Conner." The jock returned his attention to the white ranger who shrugged, "You know, we're not together." Conner shifted, rotating to face Trent fully. The artist grinned.
"I may make her happy but not nearly as happy as you do." Conner stared at the white ranger, unable to utter a comprehensible statement, Trent's words sinking in. Those words resonated in the red ranger's mind as he exited the main dojo.
xxx
From just outside the door, Tommy smiled at the mature gesture the Dino team's leader showed. Heading down the stairs to the lower level, he passed Hayley, frantically searching for him.
"Tommy! Just the man I was looking for!" The café owner grabbed her friend's wrist and led him down to Ninja Ops. The pair stopped and surveyed Cam slumped forward against the work area, snoring loudly, his face buried in his arms. Gently, Hayley prodded the samurai ranger. Cam jerked and bolted upright, his glasses askew and eyes glassy.
"Gnrk! I'm up, Barry! Welcome to Burger Palace, can I take your order?" Bemused, the green ranger took in his surroundings and shifted towards the two adults peering down on him, amused.
"What? Being a samurai doesn't bring in the bucks like it used to."
Hayley shook her head as she smiled, "Just show him the prophecy, Burger Boy."
Tommy examined the scroll closely, scratching the goatee whiskered across his chin and read the passage aloud.
"'Where one Great power resides, more will be found. A journey to be made a second time around'." As Tommy mulled over the words, the answer dawned on the ranger, "Phaedos…"
Hayley quirked an eyebrow, "Phaedos?"
Tommy nodded, "Yeah, as in the location of the Great Power of the Ninjetti."
Hayley lit up with realization, "Of course, but are you sure it's there?"
The black ranger grinned, "I'm not, but I know someone who would." Dr. O. turned the to samurai ranger, "Cam, send a transmission to the planet Aquitar and have it connect with Delphine." The green ranger nodded, his fingers flying over the keyboard. Hayley cocked her head at her friend.
"Billy?"
The veteran ranger flashed a smile, "Billy knows all…"
The two adults were interrupted by an image appearing on the screen, and Delphine gazed kindly at the group.
"Tommy, excellent to see you."
"You too, Delphine. Can we talk to Billy?"
The white Aquitan ranger frowned, "He's not here. I thought you knew that."
"'Not here'?" Tommy echoed, "What do you mean he's not there?"
"Billy left Aquitar two years ago." Delphine explained, her concern evident, "He's been living on Earth. Somewhere called Blue Bay Harbor. I thought he told you."
Tommy shook his head, "No. We haven't talked in awhile." He inclined his head to the white ranger, "Thanks, Delphine."
"Anytime, Tommy. May the power protect you."
Tommy turned to Hayley, his eyes cloudy with anxiety, "Billy's been on Earth for two years? And here? Why hasn't he contacted us?"
Hayley frowned, "Do you think he knows?"
Tommy expelled a deep breath, "I don't know. But we have to find him. He may have answers for us."
xxx
Tori walked back through the garden of the academy, satisfied with Conner's training session. As she passed the center fountain, strands of music floated to her ears, accompanied by Kira's melodic voice.
Sew this up with threads of reason and regret
So I will not forget. I will not forget
How this felt one year six months ago
I know I cannot forget. I cannot forget
The aspiring musician stopped as she noticed the water ranger approach, "Hey, Tori. I heard Hunter woke up."
The surfer beamed, joining the yellow ranger underneath the shade of the tree, "Yeah, and he's already complaining about not being able to surf or race. I told him he was lucky he was blinking."
Kira chuckled appreciatively, "I've been meaning to ask you, you and Hunter?"
Tori grinned, "Yeah. It totally caught me off guard. He was always there when I needed him, no questions asked, and always seemed to go out of his way to make me happy. I guess love grew from there."
"Conner's a lot like that…" The yellow ranger murmured.
Tori smiled inwardly, recognizing the affectionate look in Kira's eyes, "So you and our Chosen Ranger?"
The younger woman blushed deeply, clutching her guitar to her chest, "It's not like that."
The surfer quirked an eyebrow, "According to you or to him? Have you seen the way he looks at you?"
Kira frowned slightly as she contemplated the wind ranger's words. He did always seem to have a special look reserved for her, and his general disposition did have a way that strived to work towards her happiness. Not to mention he always was available to lend an ear. Could she have feelings for Conner? As soon as the thought materialized in her head, Kira vanished it away.
"No way. I could never love Conner as more than a friend." Kira immediately began to rethink her words said more out of self-conscious denial.
Tori tilted her head towards her teammate, "The longshots have a way of sneaking up on you, and I'm talking from experience." Kira averted her eyes, pondering to herself, and changed the subject.
"So how's Conner doing?"
"The same. He's really struggling with controlling the fire." Tori shrugged, "His life force is way out of balance. Without it at peace, Conner won't be able harness the power."
Kira frowned, "What's throwing it off balance?"
"He's withholding his emotions." Tori affirmed, "Whenever a ninja buries his feelings, it always throws the power off." The water ninja explained.
"But the only emotion that would leave control completely out of Conner's reach is…" The water ranger faltered unsure of the reaction she would receive.
"Is what?" Kira gazed questioningly at her companion. Tori's steady blue gaze lifted to meet Kira's inquiring hazel one.
"Love." As the musician's eyes widened, Tori continued, "Conner must be withholding love for someone. And I think we both know that someone isn't Trent."
The yellow ranger faded into silence, contemplating her thoughts. Conner loved her. But what did she feel towards him? The was no way she, Kira Ford, could fall for Reefside's Golden Boy…right? The musician began to think back to all the things he had done for her, all the times he gave her his support unconditionally. Kira countered those thoughts with Conner's unfailing tendency to drive her into insanity, always resulting in some kind of heated argument. How could she be with someone where disputes were a common occurrence, even if those squabbles were kind of enjoyable? In fact, Kira liked the challenge her spouts with Conner presented, and she couldn't think of anything else, besides the obvious, that she would rather be doing. With what had happened, Kira didn't expect the drastic maturity in the red ranger and found herself endeared by the devotion and effort Conner put to succeeding. With those thoughts, realization clubbed her over the head.
"Oh my God…" Kira whispered, her hazel orbs lighting up, "I do love Conner…" And she did. Kira loved his engaging grin, his lively personality, the confused look he got on his face when something exceeded the boundaries of his comprehension, the way his eyes expressed his emotions. Kira Ford loved Conner McKnight.
"I have to tell him…" As Kira made to get up, the Dino gem on her wrist flashed.
"Kira! Monster problem in the city. Get there quick!"
"Apparently, this will have to wait." Tori quipped.
"He's waited this long, he can wait till after we whip some mutant-freak tail." Kira grumbled.
"NINJA STORM, RANGER FORM!"
"DINO THUNDER, POWER UP! HA!"
xxx
Conner ducked a ferocious swipe from Ivanox's sword. Catching the general's blade with his own, Conner countered with a sideways slash, followed by an upward slice that sent the cyborg back in a shower of sparks.
"Improved a bit, have we, Chosen One?"
The red ranger gritted his teeth, "Just doing what it takes to send you scumbags back to the black hole you came from." Conner unleashed a vicious tornado kick, connecting with the side of Ivanox's helmet. Whirling, the jock gashed the cyborg across the midsection. Ivanox staggered in retreat.
"Until we meet again, Chosen Ranger." Thrusting his sword into the ground, Ivanox and the remaining Dryads disappeared. Conner's attention reverted to the others as a surge of purple energy engulfed Khyuss' fallen monster, enlarging the creature to larger magnitudes.
"Cripes, is this fifty-foot stage really necessary?" Calling upon the Tyrannozord, Conner plunged headfirst into the tide of battle.
Khyuss watched from his throne as another one of his creatures met its untimely demise at the hands of the rangers. The sorcerer growled, his white, withered hands clutching his staff in a vice grip. The rangers were flourishing, and the Chosen Ranger thriving. Khyuss' anger reached an impossible decibel, and the sorcerer threw his head back and unleashed a frustrated roar.
Miles away at Ninja Ops, Hunter slumped forward, crimson thunder crackling from his body. The pain surging from his body was tinged with an anger not his own. His blue eyes glowing purple, Hunter grimaced in agony, a loud roar assailing his ears before he collapsed on the Ops floor.
Coming Up:
Hunter's connection with Khyuss
A familiar face becomes an ally
More tensions are resolved
Conner finds his peace
The final test before the journey
As you can see, next chapter has a lot of stuff happening so stay tuned! You know the drill!
Roxie
