Disclaimer: The usual. Don't own anything you recognize

Alright fellow readers, this next chapter is a lengthy one that will hopefully satisfy your craving for some action, and Sky/Syd and Bridge/Z loving! As always, pay attention to details, you never know what could be a part of the next chapter…

Chapter 5

That was Then, This is Now

Brandon's gaze hardened as he stared hard at the familiar figure of his foe. He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his recollections bearing down on his shoulders. He knew those eyes and heard that cackle before. They had haunted his every nightmare.

"Lieutenant."

Turning to Cruger, Brandon exhaled deeply, his face set with determination, "I'm going out there, Commander."

Cruger nodded, turning to the comm. link, "I'll send the rangers with you."

"No." Brandon met the dog's dark eyes directly, "Commander, they aren't ready. They haven't faced anyone like Falstaff before."

Doggie sighed, "Brandon, I can't send you out alone…"

"Then send them as backup." Brandon insisted, holding firm in his stance, "But don't bring them in now. He will destroy them."

"If you believe so," Cruger relented, turning to Dr. Manx, "Page the rangers, Kat. Have them on standby."

"Yes, Commander." Kat glanced at Brandon, "Your zord was sent yesterday. It's in the zord bay with the Runners if you need it. Be careful."

Brandon nodded, "Thanks, Kat." Whipping out his morpher, Brandon set his jaw, readying himself for the first face-off with Falstaff since he was captured.

"SPD EMERGENCY!"

xxx

Brandon roared to a stop in the center of Newtech's Main Street Plaza. All around him, civilians scrambled to get out of the way from the waves of explosions teeming from the sweeping sword. Dashing forward, Brandon halted, his baton brandished in one hand. The sleek helmet atop the tanned head rotated in his direction, and the one eye not covered by a patch narrowed. Through the scars and gashes adorning the weathered face, his lip curled in an unmistakable sneer.

"Well, well, excellent that you should join me, Lieutenant."

Brandon advanced slowly on the being, his own weapon held at the ready, "You know I'm not one to miss out on the fun, Falstaff."

Falstaff smirked, shaking his head in malevolent amusement, "I do find it amazing, silver ranger, that you haven't lost that wit of yours, even with all that has happened…"

Brandon tensed, the remark slicing deep. Burying the onslaught of emotions behind a poised veneer, Brandon shrugged, "I bounce back. I'm sure you're aware of that. In three years, you and your flying tomato have never succeeded in destroying me."

The general snarled, whipping his sword forward, "Well you know what they say, Lieutenant. There is a first time for everything."

Brandon braced himself, raising his baton to catch the discharge of energy whistling his way. Batting the orb away, Brandon rolled, avoiding a furious charge from his foe. Rising to his feet, the silver ranger ducked, the fierce slash cutting over his head. Falstaff lunged, countering Brandon's attack with two quick thrusts that were turned away. The silver ranger advanced swiftly, his baton raining enraged blows upon his target, each strike conveying a sensation of urgency. Fending off an attack on his right, Brandon forced Falstaff's blade upward, whirling to slash the general around the midsection. Leaping, Brandon struck, his booted foot connecting with the alien's chest, sending Falstaff tumbling backwards.

"You took away my parents, you took away my planet." Brandon growled, sweeping his baton forward, sheathing it at his side, "I swore to you that their killers will pay. Let it be known, I intend to keep my word."

From his sprawled position, Falstaff scoffed, "Foolish ranger, you underestimate my abilities." Falstaff sneered, "As well as my complete disregard for the honorable fight."

Flinging his arm forward, Falstaff hurled a sphere into the air, deploying a swarm of Krybots onto the silver ranger. Brandon back flipped, avoiding a pair of minions converging quickly on him. Shifting to his left, the silver ranger doubled a robot over with a swift uppercut to the midsection. Lashing out, he caught a second Krybot across the helmet with a right cross, whipping his arm back across to send another minion crashing to the ground with a back-knuckle punch.

Brandon whirled, leaving the ground in a flying leap. Pushing off a building, the silver ranger flailed, knocking a Troobian with a roundhouse kick, twisting to deliver another blow to its fellow. Drawing the pair of blasters at his side, the lieutenant rotated, picking off the surrounding Krybots with a volley of fire. A groan ripped from his throat as an energy wave released from Falstaff's sword caught him unawares, flinging him off his feet. Brandon grunted, his body colliding with the pavement in a resounding thump. Hefting himself to his elbows, the silver ranger caught his breath as a new wave of Krybots advanced.

xxx

From the command center, Commander Cruger winced as Brandon took a particularly vicious blow, sending the silver ranger reeling backwards into a pillar. Even with all his abilities, the lieutenant was simply outnumbered, exhausting himself to stay on his feet. As Brandon warded off a charging group with an energy orb, Cruger shifted to Kat situated at the center console.

"Kat, call the rangers."

xxx

Jack sat off in the corner of the training room, isolated from the team. His head fell back as a deep sigh wracked his body. He had made a big mistake. Running a hand through his dreadlocks, Jack failed to smother the overwhelming guilt from creeping into his conscious. His pride and his conscience battled incessantly, each waging war for dominance. Yes, he was ashamed of his massive misperception of Brandon Chase, but still, lying beneath that shame was the nagging annoyance that Brandon Chase had the unparalleled respect of the team, a feat Jack was still attempting to achieve. Jack had a troublesome notion he was certain wasn't without merit that the admired silver ranger had a strong potential to take over his position as the leader.

RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER. ALL B-SQUAD RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER.

Jack jerked from his reverie. A determined set to his dark eyes, the red ranger hitched his head, signaling to his teammates.

"Let's go."

xxx

Cruger rotated as B-Squad rushed in, snapping to attention. His dark gaze swept over the five cadets, grave in appearance. He motioned to the view screen displaying the battle. Syd instantly stiffened, a fear seizing her heart as Brandon's silver-clad form lashed out in a tornado kick.

The monitor centered in on Falstaff as the general leaped backward to avoid a slash from the silver ranger. Cruger gestured to the screen.

"Cadets, I'm afraid the battle against Emperor Gruumm has become slightly more complicated." His deep voice rumbled gravely as the commander addressed the file of rangers.

"General Falstaff, Gruumm's general and second-in-command, has arrived to aid in the capture of Earth. Until recently, Falstaff and his commander, Domitrius, whom you all have met, commanded the invasion of the planet, Narovia, battling against Lieutenant Chase, but since the lieutenant has left Narovia, Falstaff has followed to finish what he and Lieutenant Chase began."

Cruger paced before the cadets, his posture tense and serious, "General Falstaff is a dangerous being, rangers. He is ruthless, vindictive, and he will not hesitate to destroy any of you. You must proceed with caution."

Cruger halted, his somber eyes shifting to each ranger in turn, "Rangers, Lieutenant Chase is at the Main Street Plaza. You are to go to him and assist him in any way. You are under his orders." Jack shifted, the commander's words weighing heavy on his shoulders. Cruger caught the movement, his dark eyes settling purposefully on the red ranger.

"Lieutenant Chase knows General Falstaff's methods. He is the only one who has faced Falstaff before. I trust you will do exactly as he commands." Cruger nodded to the team.

"Be careful and good luck."

"Alright, guys, let's do it." Jack turned his head, glancing at his fellow cadets, "Ready?"

Four voices responded, a morpher grasped in each hand, "Ready."

"SPD EMERGENCY!"

xxx

Brandon tumbled backwards, rolling to a stop against a fountain in the center of the plaza. Hauling himself upwards, the silver ranger whirled, whipping a forearm up to ward off an on-coming strike. Drawing his fist back, Brandon unleashed a wild punch, sending the Krybot down. Brandon dove between the legs of a charging minion, rolling to his feet. His helmeted head swiveled, surveying his situation with a precarious eye. A band of Krybots hovered behind Falstaff, the single green eye narrowed in triumph.

"Well, Lieutenant, you can't say you haven't fought the good fight."

Brandon squared up to his foe, "And you can't say you've beat me yet, General."

Falstaff chuckled, "You naivety is certainly endearing, ranger. I am unable to deny that you haven't been a source of entertainment all these years."

Brandon cocked his helmeted head in a gesture of irony, "Well, you know me, Falstaff. I aim to please."

Falstaff inclined his head to Brandon, "That is for sure, Lieutenant. Pity it has to end."

As the army of Krybots converged, Brandon braced himself for the ambush that was sure to come. A hail of multi-colored lasers permeated through the din of battle, striking the front lines of the Krybots, sending them back. Brandon glanced up as the B-Squad rangers flipped over his head to land beside him.

"Well, I'm glad the commander has made this into a team bonding activity…"

Jack shrugged, "Cruger told us you needed some help."

Brandon smirked, "Understatement. But tardiness aside, I'm grateful." Turning to the rangers, he gestured to the Krybots situated opposite them, "You guys take the rust buckets. Keep them at back and make sure civilians stay out of harm's way. Falstaff will not hesitate to take an innocent life."

Jack frowned, "What about you?"

Brandon laughed, "Ole Staffy and I have some matters to discuss. I'm gonna do what I do best: irritate him."

Jack shifted to the higher-ranked ranger, "I'll help you."

Brandon rotated to face the red ranger, shaking his head, "No. You're not trained to handle someone like Falstaff. He could destroy you. Gruumm's lackeys are nothing compared to him. I'll take him."

Jack recoiled slightly, taken aback, "But-"

Brandon cut him off, "Jack, you may be the red ranger, but right now, I'm pulling rank. I don't care if you never listen to me after this day, but right now, you listen to this: If you want to survive this day and keep fighting Gruumm while you're alive, you will take those Krybots and leave Falstaff to me."

Brandon turned back to the battle, "It's time to pick it up a notch." Whipping his morpher from behind his belt, Brandon thrust it forward.

"SILVER RANGER, ALPHA MODE!"

Powered up, Brandon nodded to the rangers, "You guys ready?"

Sky nodded motioning with a jerk of his head, "Always. Let's go."

The sextet of rangers rushed forward, meeting their opponents head-on, Jack leading the charge. Firing a path, Jack leaped, striking the first Krybot with a wave of ammunition discharged from his blasters. As Jack spun, cutting down a group of Krybots, he watched as Brandon whirled, rushing to the tall general. Returning his attention back to the battle, Jack rotated, his right hand coming up to catch a Krybot across the head.

"So I'm so powerful that you need assistance, Lieutenant? I should be honored." Falstaff smirked, taunting Brandon as the silver ranger lashed out with his Alpha sword, the blade connecting with the general's weapon.

"Don't flatter yourself, Cyclops," Brandon snarled. "It's hard to keep your wits when honor isn't an understood ideal." Brandon dropped down to a knee, swiping the general off his feet.

"Defending against the dirty fight is hard work."

Falstaff sneered, advancing to meet the lieutenant in the middle. Blades crashed and sizzled as they collided, the energy radiating off both weapons in deep sparks. From the perimeter, the rangers warded off the storming Krybots. Brandon danced away from a wayward blow, aiming a slash at the general's midsection. His head swiveled, checking on the other rangers in the split second he possessed while Falstaff regained his balance. The B-Squad held off the Krybots, keeping the perimeter clear. But as Brandon returned his attention to the alien being advancing on him, a scream of terror permeated through the din of battle, striking a chord of fear in the lieutenant's heart.

Turning and searching frantically for the source, Brandon dodged a wild slash. Brandon sidestepped to the left, an overhead slash ramming into his weapon. Shifting, Brandon's gaze swept over a perimeter to rest on a young girl cowering beneath a pillar. His eyes snapping to the closest ranger, Brandon hollered out to Jack as he kicked Falstaff away.

"Jack, get the girl!"

The red ranger glanced back at the silver ranger, barely able to stay on his feet as Falstaff rained relentless blows down on his head. Brandon staggered slightly from a particularly ferocious strike. Jack hesitated for a moment, seeing his team otherwise occupied. Brandon turned, wrenching Falstaff's attacking sword to the ground before lashing out in a tornado kick.

"Jack, the girl!"

Jack batted away a Krybot, torn between Brandon's difficult predicament and the young civilian. Either way, someone would end up hurt. Brandon skidded backwards, keeping an energy orb from crashing over the team of rangers.

"CADET LANDORS, THAT IS AN ORDER!"

Unable to refute a direct command, Jack rotated, sprinting towards the young girl. Sweeping the girl into his arms, he fought off the Krybots, keeping her covered in the cocoon of his arms. Leaping over an upended pillar, Jack handed her over to a paramedic rushing onto the scene.

The lieutenant's attention fixated on his teammate, Brandon failed to block the looming slash from Falstaff's sword. Sparks erupted from his chest as the strike connected. Brandon wavered before falling forward onto his stomach, forcibly demorphed. Falstaff smirked before kneeling down beside Brandon's prone form, leaning his head down to whisper in the silver ranger's ear.

"I would kill you, Lieutenant, but I am feeling charitable today. I will allow you to live this one time to live with the guilt of your failure." Falstaff chuckled.

"Sleep well tonight, ranger."

The last thing Brandon saw before the world plunged into an endless abyss of black was Falstaff's smug face leering down upon him, reveling in triumph.

xxx

"There is only one way to end it your pain. You know what you must do…"

Brandon gasped, sitting bolt upright. At his movement, his chest screamed its protest as the sweltering fire spread across his torso, prompting a deep and guttural groan from the silver ranger's throat. Immediately, a pair of cool, soothing hands braced themselves on his chest, easing him back onto the pillow.

"Easy there, Ace, you're not quite up for that yet."

Brandon blinked, shifting bleary eyes to the source of the voice, "Dani?"

Danielle Tate grinned, cocking an eyebrow at his confused expression, "Why so surprised, Brand? My specialty is medicine."

Brandon shook his head dazedly, "Sorry, it was a shock seeing you hovering over me."

"Why? Thinking of me that much?" Danielle caught the flash in his eyes as his gaze snapped to hers. Waving a hand in front of his face, Danielle smirked in amusement as she shook her head.

"I was kidding, Brandon."

The lieutenant let out a weak chuckle, "I must still be a little out of it. How long have I been out?"

Danielle shrugged, shining a light in his eyes as she checked over his vitals, "Uh, I'd say a bit over two hours. I gotta tell you, Big Shot, you had the whole team spooked. Syd is a wreck outside; I think she's squeezed Sky's hand off." Placing a hand onto the center of Brandon's chest, Danielle pressed down lightly.

"Does that hurt?"

Unable to speak from the rush of warmth the contact induced on his body, Brandon only managed a weak shake of his head. Danielle searched his eyes, sensing the hesitation within the light orbs.

"Where did all the scars come from?"

Brandon swallowed, glancing down at the ground, "The ones on my chest were from Falstaff's shock machine. They would…try to torture information out of me. The one on my back was when I got captured…"

Danielle nodded, her hand skimming over the raised skin, "Well, as of now, you're okay. I'd take it easy for a few days. Give your body a chance to rest."

Brandon's eyes drifted up to hers, seeing not pity radiating from the teal spheres but compassion and understanding. His head bobbed up and down in acknowledgement of the command as he took the proffered wife beater. Their eyes locked, the simple action speaking volumes between the pair, and Brandon opened his mouth to speak.

The doors to the infirmary crashed open as the B-Squad rangers swarmed in, eyes alight with apprehension. Brandon dragged his eyes from Danielle, the moment shattered. His breath left his lungs in a rush as a bundle of flying curly blonde hair launched herself into his arms.

"Brandon Zachary Chase, don't you ever do that to us again!"

Brandon turned a helpless gaze to Sky. The blue ranger shrugged in response, flexing his very red right hand, his other hand smoothing out his uniform jacket, the lapels rumpled from Syd's incessant grip and a large moist splotch prominent on his chest.

"Easy, Syd, I'm fine. Right, Dani?"

An amused glint to her eyes, Danielle nodded, "He's okay, Syd. A little banged up, but otherwise alright." Sensing the team moment, Dani backed away.

"I'm going to go check on Kent Pierce. Nasty blaster malfunction. Call me if you need anything, Big Shot."

Catching the glance exchanged between Danielle and Brandon, Z nudged Bridge, motioning towards the younger girl. A mischievous glint to the yellow and green rangers' eyes, Bridge slipped one leather glove off. Absorbing the auras radiated between the silver ranger and the C-Squad cadet, Bridge nodded to the yellow ranger, a sly smile on his face. Together, they turned back to the bed.

Syd extracted herself from Brandon's arms, hastily wiping the tears from her eyes, "I swear, Chase, you pull a stunt like that again, me and Sky will flambé you alive."

Brandon smirked, nodding his head as he pulled his turtleneck over his wife beater. Easing himself off the cot, Brandon stretched, saluting Syd with mock seriousness.

"Yes, ma'am."

Sky grinned, knocking wrists with the silver ranger before hitching his head back to the doors, "C'mon, guys, we have to file those reports."

As the rangers turned to leave, Brandon called to the group, "Jack."

The red ranger turned, and Brandon motioned for him to stay behind, "You and I need to talk." Motioning the rest of the group, Jack returned back to Brandon, standing stiffly at attention.

"What would you like to talk to me about…sir?" Jack added as almost an

afterthought. Brandon glanced sideways at the red ranger, drawing his uniform jacket around his broad shoulders, wary of the pain in his limbs.

"Why didn't you follow my orders the first time around, Jack?"

Jack stiffened, glancing down and unable to look the silver ranger in the eye, "I wasn't sure who was in more danger, sir. You looked like you were having a hard time with Falstaff."

Brandon sighed, zipping up his jacket, "I appreciate that, Jack. Really, I do, but never hesitate to help a civilian before a ranger." Brandon walked over to the table where his utility belt rested, hooking the clasp around his waist.

"Our job is to protect the innocent. If I lose my life in the line of duty, that is simply me following the job description. You can't get an innocent life back once it's taken away." Brandon leaned down to secure the thigh holster holding his blaster. Straightening, he looked the shorter man in the eye with a steady intensity.

"Look, Jack. I know what you're thinking, and I'm not here to try and take your place." Brandon paused as the red ranger shifted, his eyes diverting downward with guilt.

"To be honest, I wasn't planning to stay on Earth, but Commander Cruger insisted. I'm just here to finish what I started with Falstaff and Domitrius." Brandon straightened out his uniform jacket.

"You're the leader of this team, Jack. But being the leader sometimes means yielding and letting others take charge. Keep that in mind"

With that, Brandon strolled through the infirmary doors, leaving the red ranger alone with the tumult of thoughts swimming through his mind.

xxx

Jack twiddled the joystick as the holographic Blue Centurion dodged a wild swipe from the monster on the screen. Glancing sideways at the harsh look on Sky's face, Jack sighed.

"Look, I'm sorry about the whole Brandon thing."

Sky snorted, "You must really think I have a bad sense of character, Jack. That's the second time you've accused one of my friends with ulterior motives."

"What?" Jack demanded, his thumb punching a button on his controller, "You didn't think it all was a bit suspicious?"

Z scoffed from her position beside Bridge, "Oh, come on, Jack, Brandon's only twenty-one and he is a lieutenant in SPD and the silver ranger. Don't you think those accomplishments warrant the benefit of the doubt? I mean, the guy has been fighting a war for the last three years. How could you think he's out to get us all?"

Jack threw an irritated glance over his shoulder at the yellow ranger, "Listen, so I was wrong, and I'm sorry." Jack shrugged.

"I guess I was threatened."

Sky paused the game, setting his controller down, "Threatened?"

Jack sighed deeply, swallowing his pride, "Yeah. I mean, you guys all respected him so quickly. And it's obvious he's better than all of us. I guess I just felt like he could possibly take my place as the leader."

Sky nodded, an unreadable expression on his face. Jack's comment brought him back to the beginning and to that difficult time where he struggled with acceptance at the change in leadership. "That makes sense." Sighing, the blue ranger glanced towards Jack.

"I guess we could let this one slide." Sky smirked, "If you accuse my friends of having ulterior motives, I hate to think what you'll accuse my sister of."

Jack chuckled at the joke, "First degree murder?"

Sky grinned, "Or something like that…" His gaze grew slightly more serious, "You know, I may be pretty forgiving on this one, but just so you're aware, Syd won't be."

Jack winced, glancing down at his hands, "I figured that much."

The light atmosphere was interrupted as the doors to the lounge slid open to reveal Sydney decked out in formal wear. Sky's breath hitched as he gazed up at the beautiful pink ranger. Seeing his reaction, Z nudged Bridge, who grinned in amusement.

Jack smirked, "Well, I sure wasn't informed about this change in uniform."

Z laughed, "Is it color variant?"

Bridge shook his head, "Personally, I don't think a dress would flatter my boyish figure. Does that thing come in pants?"

Sky rolled his eyes at the team's antics, "Isn't it your birthday tomorrow?"

Syd nodded as she shot playfully irritated glances at the other three rangers, "Yeah. Mom and Daddy always take me out the night before."

Jack cocked an eyebrow, "And out invitations got lost in the mail?"

Syd shrugged sheepishly, "I knew you had to work, and it's a family thing."

The doors once again parted to reveal Brandon. Taken aback at the pink ranger's formal appearance, he frowned, "Uh, Syd, as amusing as this outfit is, I don't think it's really practical for field work." Catching her narrowed gaze, Brandon laughed.

"Just joking, Pinky. Happy early birthday."

Their mirth was cut short as Kat's voice boomed over the academy's halls.

RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER. ALL RANGERS TO THE COMMAND CENTER.

xxx

Syd grumbled as she hefted her bag up the stairs to the shabby apartment she and Jack would be operating from. What a day. First, Jack picks her to work the stakeout with him, and as of recently, he was not her most favorite person. Next, she realizes that she'll be missing her night out with her parents, and now, she's stuck in this run-down hell-hole for God knows how long…what a day.

Jack shot a sideways glance to the pink ranger, irately unpacking the equipment they needed, "Buck up, Syd. This isn't that bad."

Sydney glared at her leader, "Look, Jack. We may be working together, but that doesn't mean I'm still not pissed at you."

The red ranger hefted a heavy sigh, "I'm sorry for dragging you out here on your evening out, but it's true, you have the most experience in surveillance."

Syd growled, "Your compliments aside, I wasn't talking about that."

Jack grimaced, "Oh, yeah, about that Brandon thing. I'm sorry about that too."

Syd paced the worn apartment, "You just have no idea, Jack. None at all. I mean, it's one thing to go after Dru, I never liked him. But Brandon?"

Jack sat down beside where Sydney finally settled, "He means a lot to you, doesn't he?"

Sydney took a deep, calming breath, "Yeah. Even though we're not dating anymore, he's still the greatest guy. I never thought he would go for me, he was so focused at the academy, and everyone liked him."

Jack nudged the pink ranger, "So what happened?"

Syd grinned, "What a story…"

Sydney swiveled her head back and forth, trying to find her next classroom. She groaned as the bell sounded, signaling her tardiness. Finally, she stumbled into her demolitions class.

Sergeant Haussler groaned, "Cadet Drew, late again, I see."

Sydney turned pleading eyes to the instructor, "I'm sorry, sir. I'm just having a hard time."

Haussler sighed, "One more, Cadet, and you'll have detention for a week. You know the rules. Unfortunately, we have already paired up for this lab. You will have to work with my teaching assistant." He glanced over to the back corner.

"Chase, I apologize for the burden."

Sydney followed the instructor's stare to rest on the blonde-haired man she had bumped earlier. Dazedly, she gravitated towards his lab bench, sliding into the seat beside the tall cadet. He smiled at her, a friendly light to his handsome face as he stuck out a hand.

"Hi. I know we bumped earlier, but I'm Brandon Chase."

Sydney accepted his hand, blushing slightly at the grin on his face, "Sydney Drew."

Brandon's grin widened, "Nice to meet you."

Syd shrugged, "There was just an instant chemistry. I mean, he's completely gorgeous but also really nice. He helped me out a lot after that. Both at the academy and socially. One of the first people Brandon introduced me to was Sky, and I remember helping him out on a demolitions project. It was kind of natural that Brandon and I started dating."

Jack locked eyes with his pink companion, "So what happened between you two?"

Syd smiled sadly, "Three years is a long time, Jack. That was then. This is now."

Jack grinned, "So falling for Sky, was that before or after that project?"

Syd chuckled ruefully, "That's been a recent development."

Jack ran a hand through his dreadlocks, "Look, I really am sorry about that whole thing."

Syd sighed, "I know you are, Jack, and although it's difficult, I really do forgive you. But you can't just accuse someone of something like that…"

Jack nodded, "Yeah, I know. I've never been that jealous of someone before."

Syd smiled, "It's okay, Jack. I guess I can kind of understand where you're coming from. Brandon's so good that he can be really intimidating. Since we're confessing, I'm sorry I made such a big deal about my birthday."

Jack shrugged, "Aw, it's all good. I guess I never understood the importance of a birthday. I don't know when mine is."

Syd smiled, "I know it can seem stupid, Jack. But we all need a day to make us feel special."

xxx

Sky crouched beside Bridge and Z as they waited for Sinuka to emerge. The green and yellow rangers were sitting face to face. Z's eyes shifted to Bridge.

"Bridge?"

The green ranger's tongue poked out as he studied the lady bug meandering across his leather glove. His eyes crossed as they followed the insect's path to the tip of his finger. Shaking his head from the weird sensation the action prompted, Bridge diverted his attention to his yellow counterpart.

"Yeah-huh?"

Z frowned glancing down at her hands, "Do you remember when Brandon first came we were talking about love and all that stuff?"

Bridge nodded, and Z tilted her head to look at the green ranger, "What did you mean when you said it doesn't take a psychic to know when two people like each other, you just have to pay attention?"

Bridge smiled, placing his hand on Z's. Immediately, the yellow ranger felt the surge of auras sweeping down on her at his touch, and one stood out prominently among the rest, flooding her body with a poignant warmth and affection. Bridge released her hand, his boyish smile tilting his face.

"Sometimes, the most obvious things are the hardest to recognize."

Sky's stern voice cut through their moment, "Guys, he's leaving the cave. Let's go!"

Z snapped from her reverie as the three rangers emerged from their hiding place to accost the villain. As her gaze flitted to the green ranger, Z frowned. She had never been in a relationship before, and these emotions Bridge prompted were slightly scaring her. What if she didn't know how to be someone's girlfriend?

xxx

Brandon whistled as he strolled down the hallway to Bridge and Sky's room. Knocking on the door, he waited as the entryway parted to reveal the blue and green rangers clutching presents for Syd's surprise birthday party. Brandon frowned as he took in Sky's appearance, throwing out a hand to halt the blue ranger's progress. Gesturing down at the blue ranger's choice of clothing, Brandon cocked an eyebrow.

"Whoa, Sky, buddy, what's this?"

Sky glanced down at his appearance, "What?"

Brandon threw an incredulous glance to his friend, "Dude, Sky, you're wearing your uniform. We're going to a party."

Sky glanced at his two counterparts. Bridge was dressed in dark blue jeans clinched by a leather belt. A black blazer covered his green t-shirt-covered chest, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a pair of white sneakers poked from beneath his jeans. The green ranger was dressed casually but stylishly. Brandon motioned down to his own choice of wardrobe. A black button-down shirt, opened to the center of his chest, the silver pin-stripes barely visible against the darker material and the long sleeves of the white band t-shirt poked from beneath the sleeves of his button up, folded up to his forearms. A pair of worn brown corduroy pants hung low on his hips, and a pair of black Chuck Taylor's peeked from beneath the hems.

Shaking his head, Brandon shoved Sky back into his room. Rifling though Sky's closet, Brandon threw a white button-down shirt, a pair of dark jeans, and a blue V-neck pullover sweater on Sky's bed. Adding a pair of brown, leather flip flops to the mound, Brandon gestured to the bathroom.

"Sky, you have no idea how sad this is, but hurry up. We're going to be late."

Sky grumbled as the articles of clothing were heave into his arms as he made his way to the bathroom. As Sky's back disappeared behind the door, Brandon shot an exasperated glance to the green ranger.

"He was going to wear his uniform?"

xxx

Sydney strolled through the park, deep in thought. As the gazebo drifted into her vision, a wide smile split her face as her team jumped out, hollering out a chorus of, "Surprise!"

Syd raced up the steps and into the arms of her team as they engulfed her in a big group hug. Jack grinned, "We felt bad about what happened yesterday, so we decided to throw you a party."

Syd smiled at the red ranger. Plucking a cupcake from a tray, Syd put a candle on top, "I know you don't have a birthday, so you can share mine. You play your cards right, you can milk presents for a whole week."

Jack grinned, "Thanks, Syd."

xxx

Brandon's gaze swept over the gazebo to find Sky lounging by the food. Making his way towards his best friend, Brandon sighed, sidling up to the blue ranger.

"Sky, what are you doing?"

The blue ranger frowned, gesturing to the carrot in his hand, "Uh, eating?"

"What better time than now to make your move, Casanova?" Brandon groaned,

turning towards the table piled high with presents, snatching Sky's blue-wrapped gift from the heap. Thrusting it into Sky's chest, Brandon pointed to Sydney standing isolated by the lake. Rotating the blue ranger in her direction, Brandon shoved Sky Sydney's way.

"Go give her your present!" As Sky stumbled towards Syd, Brandon shook his head, "I swear, you act like you've never done this before."

xxx

"Hey, Syd."

Syd turned, a smile spreading across her face as Sky's gray-blue eyes shined down on her, teeming with affection, "Hey back."

The blue ranger sidled up beside his pink partner, tentatively holding out his gift. Shifting anxiously, he adjusted the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt, scratching apprehensively at the sweater covering the button-up, "I just wanted to give this to you. Happy birthday, Sydney."

Syd smiled, unwrapping the package. As she parted the folds of blue paper, Syd opened the small box. Nestled in the cushioning, Syd withdrew a metal coil, similar to the ones Brandon and Sky wore but with a feminine design. Engraved in the center was a SPD insignia.

"I had ordered from Tangar. It only seemed right that you should have one, too."

Sydney smiled, throwing her arms around the blue ranger, "Thanks Sky, I love it."

Sky gently withdrew himself from her embrace, "But there's something wrong with it, Syd."

A frown tinted her delicate features, "What's wrong with it?"

Sky shifted uncomfortably, "It's so you can be closer to your friends, Syd. But the thing is, I don't just want to be your friend." His eyes on the ground, Sky glanced up through lowered lashes.

"I want to be more."

Sydney gaped, her hand coming up to her mouth, his words washing over her. Swallowing hard, Sky hesitantly stepped forward, one hand drifting up to gently cradle her cheek. Syd closed her eyes, turning into his warm touch. Sky's deep blue eyes shone with an intense, intangible affection as he struggled to convey his emotions.

"Will you let me be more?"

Sydney's face split into a tender smile as she closed the distance between them. Her hand snaked up, sliding along the solid planes of his chest against the soft material of his sweater. Sky's free arm worked around her waist to draw her against him, pulling her to the heat of his body. Syd gazed up to his bright blue eyes, her own cornflower blue spheres meeting his directly.

"I'd say it would be the greatest birthday present you could give me, Sky."

As his brain registered her words, Sky's features parted to his rare grin. Syd gently caressed his strong jaw, her fingertips skimming over his full lips. All around them, the world faded, the sounds muted into silence. All they could see was each other, and all they could feel was the brisk staccato of each heartbeat. Her light honeysuckle perfume mingled with his subtle cologne, and the emotions sparked across the brisk afternoon air. An overwhelming sense of security and rightness flowed between the pair. Sky's chest rose and fell heavily as his breath hitched in his throat with heady anticipation. Syd's eyelids fluttered close as their faces inched closer. As their lips brushed, neither could disregard the rush of passion that hurtled through their enjoined bodies as each let an involuntary shudder ripped through them. Pulling Sydney even tighter against his body, Sky deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping between her pliant lips as her small hands clutched the fabric of his sweater. As they parted, Sydney let a whimper escape from her lips, and Sky's forehead came to rest gently on hers, his eyes closed in incredulous delight.

"Well, Schuyler Tate Collins, if that's how we're gonna celebrate my birthday, you're gonna have to find a way to beat this standard next year."

Sky's deep chuckle assaulted her ears, and the blue ranger gently stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb, "Don't worry, Syd. I'll think of something."

xxx

Z plopped down next to Bridge, her face shining with delight, "I love birthdays."

Bridge grinned, "Yeah, me too. And Hanukkah, and New Year's, and Thanksgiving. The best foods come around the holidays, not to mention the great auras that -"

Z nudged the green ranger, "Thanks, Bridge. I get it." Glancing at her green companion, Z studied Bridge. The psychic let out a gust of breath, blowing a wayward strand of hair away from his forehead as his leather-covered finger absently drifted up to scratch the tip of his nose. Bridge had such a boyish innocence about him that Z found it endearing, yet he radiated such a wisdom that was completely without the jaded perspective of one his age. Z couldn't remember harboring such strong feelings for another person, not even Jack.

Bridge frowned at the intensely searching look of the yellow ranger, "Uhm, do I have something on my face? Because you're staring at me and with all the food I've eaten, that is a definite possibility."

Z shook her head, a smile on her face, "No, Bridge. You're good."

Bridge nodded, "Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?"

Z's gaze snapped to the green ranger in astonishment. Bridge laughed, tapping his head as a reminder, "I'm psychic, remember?"

Grinning sheepishly, Z shot a sideways glance to the man beside her, "When you touched me yesterday…?"

Bridge nodded, "Those were my feelings. I like you, Z. I just didn't know if you felt the same way." He shrugged, "I'm not very experienced at dating. I don't want to screw this up."

Z paused, thinking for a second. Taking Bridge's hand, she gently removed the glove, placing her hand atop his. Bridge's eyes flashed as the onslaught of Z's emotions rained down on him, and he smiled as the auras radiated the same feelings his did. His eyes locking on the yellow ranger, his features split into his boyish grin.

"I guess we should give this a shot?"

Z grinned, "Shucks, Carson, it's like you read my mind."

xxx

"Brandon."

Brandon shifted at the voice to find Jack making his way in the silver ranger's direction, his hands stuck in his pockets. Jack halted, fidgeting uncomfortably.

"Look, man, I'm sorry about…y'know."

Brandon chuckled, shaking his head, "Don't worry about it, Jack. I understand. It's hard when someone threatens your position especially when you're still trying to solidify your place. You feel the need to assert yourself. It's hard, I get it. But we're on the same team, and I'm not going to try to take your place. You're the red ranger, and I respect that."

Jack nodded, sticking out his hand, "So what do you say we start acting like teammates?"

Brandon shook the offering, nodding, "Sounds good."

As Jack walked away, Brandon's gaze diverted to the pink and blue rangers, wrapped up in an embrace by the lake, and his hand drifted up to play with the hemp choker around his neck.

"Does it hurt?"

Brandon glanced to his left as Danielle Tate sidled up beside him. Rotating to face her, he found himself at a loss for words as he took in her appearance. Her shapely body was encased in a white off-the-shoulder top trimmed with light blue and a pair of low-rise jeans complimented the outfit. Finding his wits, Brandon shook his head.

"No. They're happy, and in my experience, happiness can be fleeting. You learn to take while you can. When you've seen as much death as I have, you appreciate love as it comes, and you strive for it. Even when it means letting go."

Danielle smiled, "What about you, Brandon?"

Brandon quirked a grin, his eyes meeting Dani's, "Sometimes, it takes time to really see potential. I don't know what I've found, but it's something." Glancing at the younger Collins, Brandon smiled as Danielle averted her gaze, a blush spreading across her cheeks. His eyes gravitated back towards Syd and Sky. What he and Sydney had was the past. That was then. She and Sky were the present and the future. They were now, and Brandon was okay with that.

xxx

Falstaff reclined back in his command chair, gazing down on the clear waters of Earth. A slow, indulgent smile crept across his face as he gestured to Domitrius.

"The time has come, my friend. Soon, Lieutenant Chase will see his failure for Narovia was not a fluke, and Earth's doom will not come at our hands, but from someone a bit more familiar."

Coming Up:

The Commander's past strikes a chord of familiarity for Brandon

Relationships progress

More past rangers make their appearance

Past events shed some light on the future

Well, I hope you all liked that healthy serving of action and romance. Some twists are coming that will throw you all for a loop! Stay tuned as Syd and Sky and Bridge and Z get some loving. Plus, what is to be of Danielle and Brandon? The next chapter will be loosely based on the Shadows two-parter. Also, I have some plans for the revision, if you will, of the Reflections two-parter since Sky's father is obviously alive, but I'm sure it will still keep you all in suspense. But that's not for another few chapters…

Roxie