Disclaimer: I don't own anything except the plot, Ivanox, and Khyuss, and the Dryads
Sorry again for another delay. Since this was my first week back from Spring Break, my teachers deemed it absolutely necessary to make sure we didn't forget any information. I have been swamped with tests, papers, and homework. So I am forewarning everyone, I will not be able to post as regularly as usual...
Thanks as usual to the reviewers!
Warning, much like the last chapter, there isn't that much plot significance with this chapter...well, until the end, that is...Onward, ho!
Chapter 12
In One Moment, It All Can Change
Sunlight streamed through the widow, bathing Conner's room in its balmy radiance. Conner groaned as the new day alerted its presence, and he stirred as the beams of light struck his back. The red ranger shook his head, his ears still ringing with the phoenix song. Ever since his return, the melody had been repeating in his mind, the same tune over and over. The spirit was trying to tell him something, but what?
Shifting slightly, he found a bundle of girl nestled into his chest, the ripples of golden curls splayed in a halo on the pillow beneath her head, her warm body spooned up against his, fitting flawlessly. The jock stared down at the beautiful musician held captive in his arms, her torso rising and falling peacefully as she breathed and, catching the smile of contentment on her face, smiled as well. He liked this, waking up with her next to him. This was something he could get used to.
Kira snuggled down into the blankets, slowly returning to the conscious world. Blinking away the fog of sleep, the musician's hazel eyes widened slightly in surprise as she discovered a toned, muscular arm snaked around her waist possessively and surrounded by Conner's distinctive scent. Recalling the events of the night before, the musician blushed and smiled happily. Kira slowly turned in Conner's arms as to not wake the slumbering jock but jumped as a pair of heavy-lidded honey orbs winked in her direction.
"Morning."
"Morning." Kira returned the greeting, shyness veiled in her soft tone, still not used to Conner's masculine presence in the same bed. The jock grinned down on her, raising himself on one elbow, a look of supreme satisfaction adorning his features. Slowly, he reached up and ran a finger down her cheek, prompting Kira to shiver at his touch.
"You're flushed."
Feeling self-conscious, Kira averted her eyes, "Um, yeah. Just thinking about, y'know, what happened..."
"Last night?" Conner chuckled, "Uh huh, me too." Kira's brow furrowed slightly, glimpsing Conner's frivolity, wondering how the red ranger could be so at ease while her nerves were at the breaking point. Sensing the insecurity in the musician, Conner leaned down and to catch her lips in a sweet, passionate kiss.
"It was amazing. You were amazing."
Kira's blush deepened at the praise, staring tenderly at the man across from her, "You're being biased."
A masculine titter rippled through Conner's throat, "And the problem is...?" The musician smiled.
"Well, thank you anyway." Kira slid her arms to rest around his neck, prompting a slight groan from the jock, "You weren't so bad yourself."
Conner grinned, "You were expecting something other than amazing?"
Kira rolled her eyes, "The only thing amazing is your ego."
Conner's grin threatened to split his face as it grew wider, sensing the challenge, "Those are fighting words, Ms. Ford." Kira yelped as Conner flipped them over, pinning her beneath him. The musician gazed up into the caramel eyes twinkling down at her. Intending to change the yellow ranger's opinion, the jock leaned down to capture her lips in a dizzying kiss.
"Conner..." Kira's feeble protest broke through the sensation of his lips as they traveled a path down her neck, "We have a workout at eleven."
"And it's only nine thirty." Conner's mumbled voice drifted upward as he lightly nipped her neck. Kira sighed at the jock's one-track mind on its course to prove his point and slowly but firmly grabbed ahold of his chocolate locks tugging upward. Conner's lips reluctantly unlatched from her neck, and he disentangled himself from their embrace. Kira laughed at the adorable pout on his face and leaned up to give him a quick kiss.
"Don't worry, Jockboy. We have plenty of time for that." Flashing the disgruntled jock a grin, Kira slid from the bed, bringing the bed sheet with her, and strode to the bathroom. Conner leaned back against the headboard of his bed, the beginnings of a frown playing the corners of his mouth. As much as he hated to admit it, time was the only thing they didn't have enough of. The haunting melody of the phoenix song attacked his eardrums again, and Conner clapped a hand over his ear. What was the guardian trying to tell him?
xxx
Dr. O and Sensei Wantanabe stood at the head of the group of rangers, clad in uniforms and sweats. Sensei smiled at them all, his wise eyes surveying the group before him.
"Well, Rangers, it is nice to see you are all well and energized. Now that Hunter, Tori, and Conner are back, we are at our strongest, and Khyuss is sure to know that." Sensei grew serious, "We must be on our guard at all times. He may attack without warning, and his creations are getting more difficult to beat. This is a crucial time rangers. I feel we are nearing the end."
Tommy nodded in agreement, "Sensei's right. When the monsters get stronger, Khyuss is getting more frustrated. You all have to be careful. Hard work is the key at this point so your workouts are going to be intensified. You may feel it for a week, but this is for the best."
xxx
"Hey, Conner, you ok?"
A few days later, the fire ranger jerked back into reality as he released the grip on his head. The end remnants of the recurring song faded into oblivion, and Conner glanced back at Trent, Ethan, and Eric, returning his attention to their three on one sparring match. The three rangers circled around the Chosen One, looking for an opening.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Conner cracked a smile, satisfying his friends and teammates for the time being.
"You look happy this morning." Ethan raised an eyebrow at the jock. Feinting a jab, the blue ranger whipped off a tornado kick that narrowly missed Conner's head.
"I'm always happy in the morning." Conner protested, side stepping out of the way of a wayward strike and blocking a right cross from Trent.
Eric raised an eyebrow, "Dude, we've been brothers a long time and Trent and Ethan know you as well as one. You and 'morning' are not synonymous." The ninja student and current red ranger threw out a sidekick with Conner deftly averted.
"Do you remember two years ago when we had to catch a 5 a.m. flight to London for that stupid soccer tournament of yours? Mom made me turn the hose on you, and you still didn't get up! Now, given the facts, what makes you think we are going to believe that?"
Conner rolled his eyes, "Hang on a sec, Eric, I'm tearing with nostalgia. C'mon guys, nothing's up. I'm just happy."
Trent halted in the process of snapping off a roundhouse kick, "Whoa, hang on there, dude. You're a teenager and a power ranger and the Chosen Ranger. That is three times the angst of a normal teenaged person. In this age group, there is no such thing as 'just happy.'" The artist avoided a sweep to the ankle and stared at the jock imploringly, "So what gives?"
Suddenly, Eric halted, gazing at his brother, "No way! Bro, you didn't!" The three boys stopped and looked at the red Dino ranger. The younger McKnight twin stared around at the group excitedly, bursting with his revelation.
"Conner got laid!"
The Chosen Ranger reached out and cuffed his brother upside the head, rolling his eyes at the lack of tact his brother possessed, amazed that it exceeded his own, "A little louder, bro. I seriously doubt the fly in the corner of the water dojo heard you."
Eric grinned as he danced out of reach of his brother. Ethan shook his head, smirking in amusement at his leader and friend, "Whoa, Conner. For someone who waited six months to tell her how you felt, you sure work fast."
Conner all but growled as he flipped over Ethan, "Dude, you are so lucky I'm in a good mood."
Eric advanced on the jock, throwing out a right cross, "C'mon, bro. Now that we know your dirty little secret, spill." Conner halted, staring at his brother.
"Dude, what makes you think I'm gonna tell you." His gaze shifted to the white ranger, leaning in with interest, "Besides," he protested, gesturing to the artist, "didn't you have a thing for Kira?"
Ethan chuckled, "That was until he found a certain tree-loving environmentalist you took to the prom."
Conner gaped, "You and Krista?"
Trent shrugged indignantly, "Hey, no one saw you and Kira coming. Right?" The artist appealed to the group around him. Eric and Ethan grinned sheepishly, and Trent sighed, "Never mind."
Ethan stared imploringly at the jock, "So you gonna tell us?"
Conner grinned, "Not a chance." His three teammates allowed a look to pass between them before rushing the fire ranger. Conner raised an eyebrow at the blatant challenge. Sidestepping Trent, the jock brought the white ranger down with a sideblade kick to the back of the knee. As he dodged to the left, Conner ducked around Ethan, and a roundhouse kick sent the blue ranger stumbling over Trent's hunched form. Catching Eric's jab, the inferno ninja tossed his brother over his shoulder, sending the red ranger sprawling, bowling over Trent and Ethan in the process. The trio crashed to the mat, a jumble of arms and legs. Conner laughed, hovering over his fallen teammates.
"Next time you guys have your minds in the gutter, find some other poor soul to satisfy that need." Turning away, he shot a grin at his teammates.
"Oh, and you might wanna find a more successful approach next time you target me as the poor soul."
Staring after the fire ranger, his fallen comrades shifted and groaned. Ethan grunted, attempting to disentangle himself from the group, "He's gotten better." Trent and Eric grumbled in reply.
xxx
Hunter stood alone in the earth dojo, his hands cutting through the air as he practiced a kata. Kicking out, the thunder ranger's attention was so engrossed in his movements that he failed to notice Blake standing at the doorway.
"Want some company?" Hunter grinned at his brother, reaching out to catch the training sword thrown in his direction. Whipping the sword up, Hunter settled into a fighting stance, raising an eyebrow expectantly.
"Only if you're ready for a beat down."
The thunder brothers revolved around each other, weapons held at the ready. Blake darted in with a thrust, followed by a backhand slash. Hunter blocked both strikes with ease, retaliating with an overhead slice. Their swords locked, both brothers grinning. Blake knocked Hunter's blade upward and, dropping to a knee, swiped the crimson ninja's feet out from under him. Blake shook his head.
"Whoa there, bro. Is age slowing you down?"
Cocking an eyebrow at his brother, Hunter flipped to his feet, "Hey, now. With age comes experience." Rolling underneath a wild swipe, Hunter struck back with two forehand slashes. As Blake rushed, Hunter blocked the oncoming attack and fell backward, throwing his brother over him. The crimson ranger smirked.
"Tsk, tsk. I think all those laps around a dirt track have gotten your brains scrambled. You always use that move."
Rising to his feet, Blake stared at his brother, mischief sparkling in his dark eyes, and he charged the crimson ranger. Cocking an eyebrow, Hunter saw the challenge and rushed as well. Bearing down on each other, both brothers attempted to sweep the latter off his feet. The thunder brothers collided with the other's outstretched sword in clothesline fashion. Hunter and Blake tumbled through the air, landing hard on their backs. Their impact on the mat floor resonated through the dojo, and the thunder brothers lay, winded, side-by-side.
Blake turned his head toward Hunter, "You getting up?"
Hunter started to shift, a grunt escaping from his throat and halted as pain flashed through his prone body. Surrendering to his current predicament, the crimson ranger settled back into his former position, "Nope."
"Yeah, me too." Blake stretched, "You staying down here?"
"Yep," Hunter huffed, "Moving is not an option right now."
"Yeah, me too." A comfortable silence passed between the two brothers, both content with just laying there. Blake turned to his brother, a thoughtful look crossing his face, "Hey, Hunter?"
"Huh?"
"I like this new you."
The crimson ninja turned confused eyes to his sibling, "Care to elaborate?"
Blake laughed as he shrugged, "You're not so dark and brooding anymore. You're happy and fun...It's like every day to you is like another motocross race you've won." The navy ranger gave his brother a sidelong glance, "What gives? Not that I'm complaining."
Hunter shook his head in exasperation, "You try pulling 'dark and broody' when your girlfriend's quirky." The grin splayed on his handsome features softened into a smile, "I denno, bro. Back then, I had so much to be dark and broody about there wasn't that much room for fun and happy." Hunter's expression grew somber as the memories flooded back.
"I mean, with Mom and Dad dead, I had to take care of us. It was hard, looking out for you, trying to make ends meet. Then that whole fiasco about being rangers, turning evil, trying to save the world. I don't know, it was just hard to find something to truly feel happy about." Hunter swallowed hard, recalling the pain and frustrations of the past.
"Now, it's different. You're old enough to take care of yourself, have a job, earn money. I don't have anything to worry about. Now I have Tori."
"And you're in love?" Blake questioned, a grin forming on his dark features.
"Uh huh."
Blake smiled at the look of pure contentment displayed on Hunter's face, "Hunter?"
"Yeah?"
"How did you know?"
His crimson counterpart frowned with slight bewilderment, "How did I know what?" Hunter's brow creased with concern at the navy ninja's serious expression.
"That I would help you."
Hunter relaxed, visibly in relief, "Because we're brothers. Maybe not in blood but in something stronger. I saw it whenever you were with me. My pain was your pain, and its still that way. I didn't know exactly how you would help me, just that you would find a way somehow." Reaching over, he ruffled Blake's hair affectionately.
"And thanks."
Blake beamed with pride at his older brother, following with one more inquiry, "Hey, Hunter?"
"Yeah?"
"Love you, bro."
"Love you too, Blake."
xxx
Billy hunched over a microscope, manipulating two instruments as they poked and prodded at the interior of a Dino gem. Tommy stood, observing the process while Shane and Dustin assisted Hayley and Cam in repairs to the Zords. Billy pushed back from the worktable and carefully reassembled the morpher before returning it to Tommy. Calling the others over, Billy also handed morphers back to Shane, Dustin, and Cam.
"Okay, yours are the last ones. So here's the deal, I've made some adjustments to your morphers. By altering the power cells within your respective sources, I was able to add more energy to the existing core, this giving you a more powerful and longer-lasting source." Billy paced around the group of rangers, continuing with his explanation.
"With more power, I was also able to modify your powers to allow teleportation to be easier and much less draining. This way, you all will get to the battles quicker. Everything has been upgraded: weapons, defense systems, suit functions. With Khyuss' monsters getting stronger, the extra power is essential." Billy paused, "Any questions?" When he received no reply, the original blue ranger flashed his calm smile, "Okay then, you guys up for a test run?"
Shane snorted, "Don't need to tell me twice!"
Morphing, the four rangers felt the power surge. Dustin whistled through his teeth, "Whoa, definitely can do some damage with this thing." His counterparts nodded in agreement as they drew their weapons.
Billy chuckled, "That's the point. We are going to need this boost."
Hayley sidled up to Billy, nodding, "Which is also why we boosted the firepower in the Zords. Every little bit counts." The two geniuses shared a look.
"It's almost over, and we have to be ready."
xxx
Tori and Kira plopped down on the benches overlooking the lake, fresh from a strength workout. Kira winced as she sat down, already feeling the repercussions.
"How the hell did Conner make it through almost two weeks of that course?" The yellow ranger grumbled, easing her body down, "I feel like I'm gonna split at the seams."
Tori wiped the sweat from her brow, "I don't pity the guy. Shane's slightly sadistic when it comes to that course. It's a wonder why all the air students are so buff, right?"
Kira smiled, "Well, no wonder Conner's cotton so toned. I swear, the guy feels like he's been carved from stone."
Her fellow female ranger quirked an eyebrow, "And how would you know that, Ms. Ford?" Giggling at the heated blush creeping onto her counterpart's cheeks, Tori grinned, "Wow, your ears can sure get red." To add to Kira's embarrassment, Conner jogged up, stopping by the pair. Leaning down, he greeted the yellow ranger with a kiss. Kira's blush deepened as she raised her eyes and found herself staring at Conner's bare chest, glistening with sweat, a gray t-shirt hanging from the waist band of his red workout pants. Coughing, Kira averted her gaze and addressed the inferno ranger.
"Hey, where are you going?"
Conner shrugged, running a hand through his damp hair, "Just out for a run. I've been feeling kind of weird, so I thought it would help clear my head." Glancing at Tori, he furrowed his brow at the peculiar look adorning the water ranger's face as she fought to contain her laughter, "Hey, Tor, are you okay?"
"I'm fine." The surfer managed to squeak out, almost dissolving in a fit of giggles as Kira fired a death glare in her direction. Conner shook his head in confusion before turning back to Kira.
"I'll catch you later." With another kiss, Conner departed, pulling on the t-shirt. Shifting, Tori raised her head, hollering to the Chosen Ranger.
"You go, Conner! Keep that rock body in shape!" Swiveling his head, the jock sent a funny look Tori's way. Kira buried her face in her hands, muffling a horrified scream.
"Oh, God! I am so gonna kill you."
Tori laughed, "Oh, c'mon! It's not like Hunter and I never did anything like that."
"I seriously doubt it was under the same circumstances." Kira sighed, shaking her head.
"Was it to make up for Conner blowing up after her heard about what happened with Khyuss?"
Kira blanched, "You heard about that?" The yellow ranger questioned weakly.
Tori shrugged, "Not really. Hunter told me the basics, and I kinda predicted the reaction." Tori cocked her head at Kira, "It wasn't hard considering it's Conner and how much he loves you. Not to mention how protective he is of you."
The musician expelled a long breath, "You have no idea."
The water ninja smiled gently, "You'd be surprised at how well I do." Laughing to herself, Tori recalled a specific recollection.
"You should have seen Conner when he got off the vidphone with you while we were at Phaedos. It was like his whole disposition changed. The guy had literally spent fifteen minutes spewing fire from his fingers and was brutally exhausted. After he saw you for five minutes, he couldn't have been happier. All because he saw you for five minutes. That's devotion. So I guess you can't really blame him.:
Kira shook her head ruefully, "No, I can't. That's why this whole experience - for lack of better word - is so hard. I know I'd do the same thing given the position."
Tori smiled sadly, "Hopefully, you won't have to find out."
xxx
Conner's feet pounded on the pavement, his breathing steady and light. Running was his escape, his way to vent his frustrations. When life's burdens buckled his knees, he ran. Anywhere. Anywhere his feet would take him. You didn't have to think to run, maybe that's why he was so good at it. So when thinking made his head spin, Conner ran. Running cleared his head, and life was so much easier when all you had to worry about was the correct route to get home. He didn't have to go through the masquerade of being Reefside's Golden Boy, or even the responsibilities of the Chosen Ranger; he was simply Conner McKnight.
Conner halted at the edge of the boardwalk, overlooking the beach. Grinning, he hauled himself up on the railing, flipping off onto the smooth sands. Sprinting off across the sands, the Chosen Ranger breathed in the sharp smell of the ocean air that mingled with the sound of the softly crashing waves. Conner climbed up the cliff overlooking the shores of the beach and stretched, enjoying the view before his eyes. Wiping his face on his t-shirt, Conner sat down on a large boulder.
Since his return, life had slowed to a relatively normal pace. Aside from the occasionally Dryad attack to keep them on their toes. Conner stared out into the endless ocean abyss, gazing out at the gently lapping waves. Resting his elbows on upraised knees, the Chosen Ranger had been feeling weird since he had gotten back. Not a sick weird but a powerful weird. He felt as if the world was at his fingertips, and it scared him. He was an eighteen year-old kid; the world had no business being at his fingertips or any part of his anatomy for that matter. The phoenix song recurring in his mind confused him. Dynah had told him to listen to the phoenix song. That it would guide him to his chosen destiny. But what was his chosen destiny? Obviously it was to defeat Khyuss but Conner felt there was more to it.
Khyuss stood at his balcony, observing the red ranger sitting on the cliff. The sorcerer turned to the cyborg standing beside him, and a silent command was issued between master and general. Ivanox nodded as he brandished his sword. Vengeance was ripe in the cyborg's mind, and he was looking to deal a devastating blow to the rangers.
Conner was lost in thought, trying to sort through the mess of thoughts raging war in his head. Thinking back, the Chosen Ranger didn't think there was a day in this ordeal that he hadn't felt some kind of confusion. Today was no different. The haunting melody replayed in his mind, and the jock frowned. What was the spirit trying to tell him?
The Chosen Ranger's honey eyes snapped open as he realized something was amiss, and his honed senses alerted him to trouble. Allowing his instincts to take over, the jock sprung into a dive off the boulder. Rolling to a knee, the Chosen Ranger looked up into Ivanox's expressionless helmet.
"We meet again, Chosen One." Ivanox slowly advanced on the inferno ranger, his sword wielded.
"What do you want Bucket Head?" Conner spat, his suspicions getting the best of him.
Ivanox chuckled, "You, Do-gooder."
"Sorry, Dungbrain. I don't sway that way. Nor do I condone interspecies relationships." Conner swiveled his head as the Dryads surrounded him.
"Well then, Ranger, we shall have to take a more forcible approach."
Twelve morphers alerted their owners simultaneously, and Billy's voice floated over the devices, tinged with apprehension, "Rangers, Conner's in trouble. South end of the beach, near the cliffs. Hurry!"
Morphing, team teleported off to the battle, apprehension tingeing every one of them.
Conner flew backwards as a Dryad connected with a strike. Bracing his palms above his head, Conner flipped to his feet. Running up the side of a mountain face, the Chosen Ranger lashed out with a kick, taking down a minion before whirling in mid air to fell its companion. Seizing the moment, Conner began his morph sequence when a blast from Ivanox's sword knocked him backward off his feet. The Dryads swarmed around the Chosen Ranger, holding him captive. The jock struggled against his restraints. Closing his eyes, the ranger concentrated his mind, allowing the power to flow. A fire blast tore through the Dryads, flinging them away. Taking advantage of the distraction, Conner super-sped away...or attempted to. Before the fire ranger could make his escape, a purple force field halted his progress, engulfing the ranger, paralyzing his movements. Wrenching him back, Conner floated to the feet of Ivanox. As the force field dissolved, the Chosen Ranger found himself unable to move, and a strike to the stomach with the butt of Ivanox's sword brought the jock to his knees. Grinning triumphantly, the cyborg struck Conner across the head with a vicious backhand, dropping the ranger to the ground. Pain exploded through the jock, and he raised a heavy head to the cold, expressionless visor of Ivanox.
The group of rangers teleported to the cliff, plunging headfirst into the din of battle. They were met with a group of Dryads. Fighting through the barrier of minions, the team surged ahead. Skidding to a stop at the edge of the scene, the rangers looked up just in time to glimpse a group of Dryads hauling an unconscious Conner to his feet. Ivanox turned to the rangers, reveling in his victory.
"Look, Rangers at your Chosen One." Grabbing the chocolate locks of Conner's hair, Ivanox yanked upward, exposing the jock's beaten and battered face, the blood flowing from cuts on his eyebrow and lip. Letting Conner's head drop, the cyborg cackled.
"Do you enjoy this feeling, Rangers? How can you defeat us without your Chosen Ranger? Your savior is in my clutches, to suffer at my wishes. Soon, your world will be turned upside down."
With a growl, Kira darted forward, knifing through the Dryads rushing to intercept her. The general grinned, firing an energy bolt at the yellow ranger. Kira flew backward, rolling to a stop in front of her team. Staggering to her feet, the musician watched, helpless, as Ivanox jammed the butt of his sword into Conner's stomach. An agonized groan tore through the jock as his knees buckled beneath him. Raising bleary eyes, the inferno ranger gazed upon his team, apologetic pleadings masked in his eyes.
"Say goodbye to your beloved, Yellow Ranger. It will be the last time you shall see him alive." Ivanox thrust his sword into the ground, vanishing himself, the Dryads, and Conner in a flash of purple light, his taunting laughter ringing through the harsh air.
"Conner..." With a sob, Kira collapsed into Eric's arms. The team gathered around her, every single one of them lapsing into stunned silence. Grimly, Tommy raised his morpher to his lips.
"Billy, Khyuss has Conner..."
Coming Up:
Khyuss' plan for Conner
The Rangers struggle to retrieve their Chosen Ranger
A spirit from the past long before reveals a secret for the future
There you go! Hope you like this little twist in the plot. What could Khyuss possibly need with our Chosen Ranger? And does he have the balls to actually kill him? More like do I have the guts to actually kill him off? Hmmm...we shall see in the next chapter...
Roxie
