Chapter 11: Shadow Heart

PS. I dedicate this chapter to all my avid readers out there. Hope you enjoy this. And my apologies for the long wait.

I love you - those three words have my life in them.
by Alexandrea to Nicholas III

The greatest thing you'll ever learn
Is to love and be loved in return.
From "Unforgettable with Love" by Natalie Cole

It was a lousy weather to begin with.Thunder rumbled across the sky but students had lessons to attend. There wasn't an option.

Sky drove Sydney in his convertible to their college directly from the S.P.D academy. It's been two weeks since Sky and Sydney had been together and counting.

"Bad weather, isn't it, Syd."

"Affirmative. If only we didn't had to go to school. I really hope to stay in," Sydney sighed and continued, "to do something more constructive."

"Like?" Sky had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Sydney shoved at his shoulder. "Nothing of that sort you were thinking, besides I'm not ready." She blushed lightly.

"I wasn't. Syd, where were you thinking?" Sky turned to look at Sydney who was hot with embarrassment and decided to stop making fun of his girlfriend. "Alright, I was teasing. Go on."

Sydney told him that she wanted to do an oil paint. Rainy days always inspire her to come out with something nice and creative.

Ten minutes later, they stood outside their lockers.

"I hate to leave you, Syd. Even if it's for only an hour." Sky mumbled into Sydney's hair.

Sydney smacked his arm, "Silly, it's only a lesson." She laughed, "you know, Sky, it's really funny to see you like that. I thought you were a," she hesitated before continuing, " a textbook freak that is." Sydney smiled cheekily at her boyfriend. She saw a few girls were staring at them already. Girls looked at her jealously, shooting dagger eyes at her at the same time.

Sydney stared at them back with victory eyes. They spoke through eyes, too bad girls, he's all mine now. With that, she turned her attention back to Sky.

She said to Sky huskily, "and you got me so worried during the mission with Jack then, what with the asteroid and all. I was really so afraid for you, and Jack." She pleaded softly, "Sky, please, promise me, don't do this to me again."

Sky did not answer but his mouth sank onto hers. It was a long, deep and hungry kiss. Their mouths melded with mutual desire. Sydney melted into Sky's warm embrace. They stopped to catch their breaths, both breathing heavily.

"I'll meet you here later. Let's go, I'll walk you to class."

Forty-five minutes later when lesson was over, Sydney grabbed her books and left the class, humming a tune as she walked along. Her best friend, Kathy caught up with her in long strides.

"Hey girl, wait up. Why are you in a hurry? Are you going to meet your boyfriend huh? When did it begin? How long has it been already?" Kathy looked at her, thousands of questions in mind. "And why am I the last to know?" She demanded immediately.

Sydney had an incredulous look on her face. Her friend certainly had a lot of questions. Kathy was with the Gazette, what with being in the school newsletter team, and as the vice editor, she's good at prodding answers from people.

"Where shall I begin with, Kat, you asked too many at once or do you want me to come up with a report of it, ready to be published on tomorrow's papers?" Sydney replied with sarcasm in her voice.

Kathy did not notice the acidity in her tone and looked eagerly at Sydney. "But of course," She laughed madly before replying, "I could even see the headlines. Football Star Quarterback and Head Cheerleader madly in love. Wouldn't it be cool?" Kathy waved her hands in the air while Sydney shook her head at her friend's ridiculous reaction.

"I must and have to be the one to report on it." Kathy said stubbornly and excitedly.

"Come on, Kat. We have another half hour to spare. Wanna go eat while I go over with you in details of the past few weeks?" Sydney suggested to her ever so enthusiastic friend cum sister.

"Wow!" Kathy exclaimed loudly. "That was so romantic. And really, Syd, all of us were very surprised that Mr. Super-Gorgeous and you are an official couple. How I envy you. And I'm absolutely happy for you too."

Sydney nodded and chewed on her straw. Her soda still half finished. "It's really being sometime since we last gossiped, agreed?"

"Yes, yes, and…"

Sydney looked at her friend with knowing eyes, "got a question?"

Kathy chuckled, " Ms Know-it-all, you got it."

"Hurry then, I've got to go in five." Sydney scanned the crowd for Sky.

"Make it ten. It's, well, erm," she hesitated for a second before saying, "done it?" And blushed hotly at that.

Sydney stared at her friend, saucer-eyed at once. "You really, you…you would ask all the way, don't you?" Before her friend could reply, she added, "but no, we didn't."

She saw the relieved look in Kathy's eyes. Funny, she thought, what has it got to do with them. Before she could bring her mind further, her friend chipped in.

Kathy looked at Sydney uneasily, before darting her eyes around and bent forward, whispering for both of them to hear, "Syd, there is something you need to know and definitely must know."

The air changed. Sydney changed to a stern expression and spoke seriously. "Tell me, Kat."

"You know, there are many girls out there who have a thing for Sky, you know the head over heels in love kind. I guess you know it already and…"

Sydney cut her at that, "Do you think you can get straight to the point. For one, I'm in a hurry and the way you talk resemble a friend of mine which, pardon my bluntness, kind of irritates me."

Kathy looked at her best friend, took another sip of her cola before continuing, "Okay, there's this group of girls. They are mad, super mad and I overheard them in the washroom just now that they are going to find chance to attack you. I didn't hear the full details but I must warn you to be careful. They are vicious, enough to kill I suppose, from way I heard." She stopped for another sip of her cola before adding, "I'm worried for your safety, Syd."

Even though Sydney thought that it was ludicrous for her friend to think that way, she was very touched by her friend thoughtfulness. It's been so long that anyone, especially a girl who would show concern to her. Minus Z, of course.

Sydney moved forward to console her best friend. "I'm not that weak. I can protect myself. Don't worry; I'll take your point seriously. But I have to go now. We'll meet again, okay?"

Sydney walked towards their meeting place, hoping that she wasn't late.

"Hi, Sky."

"Hi, yourself."

"No more lesson for you and me for the day. Any plans?"

"I was hoping to stay in as you suggested just now."

"Funny."

Before she could continue, she turned behind her immediately. For a moment she thought someone had been spying and eavesdropping at their conversation. She shrugged it off thinking that she might be too tired to be hearing things.

Sky turned too, his eyes looked around warily. Sydney urged him forward, "there's nothing. I thought Bridge was tagging along behind."

"Bridge? You must be kidding. He should be with Z now. C'mon, let's head back to the academy."

Meanwhile, Bridge and Z were playing solitaire at the S.P.D quarters. Drinks and snacks were thrown around the place. And none noticed when Jack strolled into the room.

"Hey, hey." Jack greeted the two.

"Oh, hello Jack," said Z, "what brings you here?" Bridge nodded in agreement.

"Looking around, now that my baby sister and Bridge are an item, and recently Sky and Syd got together, I'm on my own," Jack clutched his heart dramatically, "I'm so-so alone."

Bridge and Z looked at each other before throwing their heads and laughed.

"Seriously brother, it's time for you to look for one. Don't you think so, Bridgy?"

"Yeah, Jack. Go get yourself a girlfriend so we can double date, or triple date soon."

Jack ignored them and sat down at the sofa, taking out his favorite comic at the same time. No point in explaining to them. They wouldn't understand. And now isn't the time to talk of girlfriend and there isn't any girl whom he was interested in.

At the same time, "B-squad power rangers report to command center now." Kat's voice was over the intercom.

When the three rangers arrived at the command center. Z asked Cruger, "Anything, Commander?"

Anubis looked around at the three rangers and asked, "Where are Sky and Syd?"

Jack replied, "Not back from school yet, Sir."

Cruger nodded. "There's a report that a new alien is out at the New Tech town square now. I want the three of you to go investigate."

Omega floated to them in an orb of light. " I want to help too."

Jack gave orders to his team. "Bridge, Z, you take the west lake. Sam, you and I take the east. Let's go."

Cruger sighed.

Kat Manx looked questioningly at Anubis. "Commander?"

"This won't stop until Grumm is being confined. And it's getting tougher each day."

"Sir." Jack mouthed into his morpher.

"Yes, Jack."

"All clear. There's no sign of troobians or aliens anywhere yet."

"Good. Keep looking for awhile more."

"Commander, West Lake is clear. No troobians, no monsters, no aliens." Bridge said.

"Good job, cadets. Check for a little while more and report back to base."

The following day, the cheerleading team had a practice and Sydney, being their captain was leading them.

"Touch down boys, one more time!
Over the line
Over the line
Touch down boys, one more time!"

"Good girls, one more time. Back flip, cartwheels, you go girls," yelled Sydney with her loud cheer. "Give me more, torrents."

"You might be good at basketball
You might be good at track,
but when it comes to football
You might as well step back
you might as well step back!"

"Great job everyone, take a break here. We'll continue in ten minutes."

Sydney took a swig from her water bottle and wiped off the perspiration off her face. She sat down and took out her clipboard from her backpack. Sydney begun taking attendance when Courtney, her co-captain walked towards her, with two others behind her.

Courtney stood before Sydney for three minutes and couldn't stand her ignorance.

"Sydney Drew, are you intending to ignore your co-captain?" Courtney asked haughtily.

Sydney stood up face to face with her. "Yes, Courtney? What do you want?"

Sydney never did like her co-captain at all. Even though she was the captain of the cheerleading team, certain things had to be discussed with Courtney and things didn't end well most of the time. Courtney is beautiful with her long and wavy auburn hair and is currently dating the co-quarterback, Ken.

"Good to hear, Syd, and I was soooo worried that you would ignore me now that Sky and you are on steady terms," she added with distaste clearly in her voice, "I'm kinda surprised Sky would be smitten by coquettish Drew." Courtney and the other two girls laughed.

Sydney rolled her eyes, "Cut me some slack, Courtney. What do you want from me this time? Go straight to the point."

Sydney knew from a long time ago that Courtney had a big crush on Sky. But she didn't succeed and was given the cold treatment each time.

"Fine. Tell me how did you get Sky to be your boyfriend? You must've seduced him, didn't you?" She accused Sydney angrily.

"Really, Courtney, I think it's none of your business. What would Ken think of you if you were being sneaky behind his back?"

The cheerleading members were already back and were crowding around and were beginning to whisper.

"You jolly well know what I meant." Sydney added. It was common knowledge that Courtney had been going out with boys other than Ken and many of them knew it.

But before Courtney could continue, Sydney clapped her hands and told her cheering squad to start gathering. Courtney stamped her feet on the floor angrily and told her two friends, Allison and Dana, "I'm not going to let that bitch off easily. Just she watch out." With that, they stormed to join the squad and took her position beside Sydney reluctantly.

"Girls, here's the schedule for next month's practice." She started to give out the handouts.

"We need to work on certain moves thus the tighter schedules. And not to mention, the match with Reef High School is in two months' time. That said, do you have any other doubts?"

Sydney looked around at her team. They are a great bunch, pretty and intelligent and powerful.

Everyone shook their heads.

"Great, so I'll see you guys around during the next practice. Dismissed."

Sky waited patiently outside for Sydney. He wanted to give her a surprise.

Sydney packed up her bag and started walking out. She was surprised to find her boyfriend there. She threw herself at Sky and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, Sky. I'm so happy to see you."

She tore herself away from Sky and asked, "I see your practice is over since you're perspiring all over. Here, let me wipe off the sweat for you."

Before she could remove the towel from her bag, Sky hauled Sydney into his embrace again. She went willingly, clutching him tightly.

"What's wrong, Sky?"

"I miss you." His voice muffled into her hair. Sky had always loved the lemon scent shampoo that Sydney used so very often.

"And I, miss you too."

Sydney encircled Sky's neck with her hands, pulling his mouth to hers. As her breasts flattened against his hard chest, they breathed and gasped hardly in unison. Time seemed to cease at that magical moment, just for them. The kiss went on, deeper each time and when they finally broke the kiss, Sydney felt dizzy with ecstasy. She felt lucky to have Sky as her boyfriend. Dizzy, she leaned her hips against his hard body for support.

Breathing heavily, Sky said, "How would you rate this kiss?"

"Like on a scale of one to ten or A to F or just an F or P? Is that what you mean?" Sydney giggled playfully.

"You promised to make me improve. By the way, you were great out there. I saw the last two cheers. It was totally hot, and awesome."

"Thanks Sky. I shall award you with another kiss for your compliment." And she initiated the kiss for the second time of the day.

Sky, Syd, come in." Jack called them through the morpher.

Sky recovered first while Sydney looked dazed.

"We are still in school. Grumm's into it again?"

"Nope, just rushing you to get your ass back here. Kat needs our morphers to do some upgrading. I think S.W.A.T mode is finally ready to be launched. And, she wants our morphers as soon as possible."

"You got it, I'm heading back soon."

"You had better. Syd is with you right?"

"Yes, I am."

"Right, see you guys later."

"Syd, we are finally getting S.W.A.T technology. That way, we'll be in better position against Grumm."

However, things didn't go smoothly for Sydney at college for the following few days. There had been several attacks, deemed to be too much of a coincidence but little did Sydney noticed it or intended to shrug it off as nasty tricks.

And the common denominator was they are all female. Correction, these are girls who were very much or have had a crush with Sky before.

There were scribbling on her desk with words like slut, flirt and bitch. Or couple of days ago, her girl friends, or rather acquaintance whom she seldom had close contact with, had embarrassed her in front of their lecturers during a presentation or even made snide comments and remarks at whatever she spoke.

There was cheerleading practice today, and that was probably the one thing she was looking forward to the entire week so far.

"One, two, three

At the count of three

Give me a T

Give me an O

Give me two Rs

Give me an E…"

At that very moment, Sydney tumbled down from her friend's shoulder and fell knees first to the floor.

The entire squad gasped when they saw their captain hit the floor. All rushed to her aid and crowded beside her and they spoke all at once.

"Syd, are you alright?"

"Syd, oh my god, where are you injured?"

"Syd?"

Courtney laughed smugly to her friends and whispered to them, "Well done, girls, she deserved it."

Then she walked up to Sydney and said in a feigned concern voice, "Syd, let's call it a day. You need a rest, right guys?"

"She needs an ice bag, someone?" Eleanor called out and pulled up Sydney. "Are you okay? Here, put your arm around my shoulder, I'll help you to the seat."

"Thanks Ale, I'm alright, good thing we learnt some gymnastics." Sydney joked and limped along her way, biting back the pain. She was too proud to admit it.

The whole squad stood around her, clearly shocked and worried and awaiting for her orders.

Sure, fighting Grumm's army had caused Sydney some bruises but none of which had been that pain. Sydney smiled when she recalled how Sky had always covered for her, and protecting her with that shield of his.

There was also the first time she saw Sky laughed heartily when he poured water over her head during the diamond assignment. He was complaining about babysitting diamonds and felt that Jack was obviously abusing his powers or pulling ranks. And when Sydney complimented him being looking good when he smiled, but he waved the shield before her. Beautiful memories.

Pulling herself from those memories, Sydney said, "Girls, I guess we'll call it a day then, I'll see you guys tomorrow to make up for today."

The squad started protesting, saying that she was unfit but she silenced them. "We really need more practice, the competition is drawing near and we hadn't much time left."

When all of them left including Courtney, Eleanor stayed behind to help her.

"Syd, are you feeling better already? You sure had a bad fall. What exactly happened out there? We had never had this problem before." Eleanor and Sydney were from the same class and was aware of the events that happened the past few days before so she guessed somehow there was something amiss.

"You think it was a foul act?"

Eleanor nodded and added hastily, "I suspect that it could be related to the past day events."

"That I'm not sure, but why? Why do you think they are doing this to me?"

"Syd, I do not know. But I urge you to be careful, okay? I'm calling Sky to come fetch you. You wait here and I'll be right back."

Upon receiving the news from Eleanor, Sky's face paled. He abandoned his team and rushed immediately to Sydney's side.

"Syd—Syd, oh my goodness." Sky rushed to hug Sydney, "Where are you hurt? Eleanor told me and I rushed over. Let me check. Do you feel pain here?" Sky moved his hand around her leg and to the ankle, "here?"

"Ouch, that hurts."

"Syd, I'm afraid you had sprained your ankle," Sky said, "here, I'll carry you to my car and hurry us back to S.P.D infirmary.

"A sprained ankle and a pair of badly bruised knees. What she needs now, is rest aplenty." The doctor stopped for a moment, then said, "she shouldn't be walking so much, but rather she needs a lot of carrying around. And she's not allowed to go for battles until I allowed so."

The doctor left and leaves Sky and Syd in the infirmary. Sydney looked at Sky from the corner of her eyes. Sky started to nag at her while she bit her bottom lip, to later gaze at him innocently.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Sky asked as he raked her hair off her forehead adoringly.

Sydney stretched out her arms, wanting to be hugged.

"No, I'm afraid I'll hurt you."

"Sky," she pleaded with puppy eyes, "please? I want you to hold me."

Sky relented and moved to take her in his arms. "Baby, I don't want anything undo to happen to you again, it pains me to see youin painand I…I wish I could be in your place instead."

"Sky, really, I assure you I'm alright. It's only a sprain; I'll be as agile as I had been before in no time."

Sky gazed at his girl friend intently. The next thing was inevitable. His lips caressed her temple, then trailed wet kisses down her cheekbone and her throat to the hollow. They took quick, deep breaths.

"Syd, what would I do without you?"

Ps. I'll be back soon for more actions. Now, a little review from you doesnt hurt, does it. Thanks guys :)