Chapter 7:
"Hmm, strange… very strange," Udonna said as the rangers recalled the events the day.

"You can say that again," Sky echoed as he looked around the large multicolored room referred to as Rootcore. It was a strange place to have as a base of operations although Sky couldn't deny, it was actually a fairly secure location. Although it was a little too medieval times, sword in the stone, Merlin-ish for his taste. It was just a little too colourful for him to be able to take it seriously after spending the past few years at a high tech military base.

This Udonna woman appeared to be their… leader? Mentor? Commander? Sky wasn't quite sure what to classify her as but needless to say she was in charge. She certainly did seem to know what she was doing, even if Sky didn't understand it himself. She was currently being briefed on the day's events using her crystal ball… thing. It was all so weird. Sky was still trying to get over the fact that they were all wizards apparently. He hadn't ever even believed in magic and wasn't sure he even did now. Then again, they did travel here through a tree… Sky shook his head. It was all just a bit overwhelming. With the way things were going, he was feeling more like he had gone back 200 years into the past rather than 20.

"Are you okay Sky?" asked a concerned looking Madison.

"Huh?" Sky replied, blinking back into reality. "Pardon me?"

"I said, are you okay? You look a little out of it."

Sky shook his head, "No, I'm fine. It's just… it's a lot to take in all at once. I mean… I stopped believing in magic when I was 8 years old so this a lot to process."

Madison smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, it can be a little strange at first but you get used to it pretty quick."

Sky raised an to this, still skeptical. "I'll take your word for it."

"Schuyler," Udonna called.

"Sky," he corrected quickly.

"My apologies, Sky. I was discussing with the rangers your situation…"

"And?"

"It appears you were correct in your assessment of Troblicon. Troblicon is mystical creature of the likes that I have never seen before. He is not of this time which is why it is imperative that we return you and troblicon back the future. Otherwise the repricussions could be beyond our imagination."

"Do you have a spell that could send them both back?" asked Chip.

Udonna shook her head gravely. "I'm afraid not. This is where you were correct in your assessment Sky. The only way to bring him back is the same way you traveled here. If anyone were to attempt to cast a spell now it could have an even worse affect. It could reacted with the magic that is already in place and with your unique… energy Sky, I don't know what kind of affect this spell could have on you."

"So in other words, no magic to get us out of this one?" Vida asked.

"I'm afraid so." Udonna replied.

"So what do we do for the time being?" Xander asked. "I mean, do we just wait around until that monster attacks again?"

"We have no other choice."

"So what do we do until then?" Chip asked, "It's not like we can let our future friend here go waltzing around town."

"That's okay," Sky cut in. "I'm sure I can find something to do to pass the time."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"Forty one…forty two…forty three…forty four…"

"What on earth are you doing?" Vida asked as she and the other rangers approached Sky. After their discussion in Rootcore, Sky had wandered off into the forest. Although he promised not to go far, the rangers were still curious what he could being doing to out here to pass the time. None of them though, expected to find him out in the middle of forest doing push ups.

"I'm training… forty six…what did you think … forty seven… I was doing… forty eight…"

"We can see that," Nick replied, slightly annoyed by Sky's condescending tone.

"Forty nine… fifty… fifty one…"

"I think what they meant was, why are you training?" Chip asked.

"More importantly," Xander added, "Why in the middle of the forest?"

"Fifty three…Just because … fifty four… I'm in another …fifty five… decade … fifty six… doesn't mean I …fifty seven… can slack off …fifty eight…"

"Oh yeah, of course…" Chip replied, suddenly feeling very guilty about his own training habits, or his lack their of.

Sky paused for a moment in mid push up and then sat down, looking up at the staring rangers. They were all giving him queer looks and Sky was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable under their gaze. "Um… is there something you need?"

"No, no." Xander replied hastily. "We were just checking up on you. So…"

"We'll leave you to your training." Vida finished. With that the rangers went to walk away. They were quite surprised to hear him call after them.

"Hey guys," yelled Sky, "Um… you wanna join me?"

The rangers turned, looking at him strangely.

"Well I…" Sky started awkwardly, "It's uh… easier to train if you have someone to spar with and I was just about to go on short jog to warm up."

The rangers looked to each other, considering the proposition. Madison was the first to speak up.

"Well actually, Xander and I have to get back to work for our afternoon shift but maybe Vida and the guys will keep you company?" Madison replied, sending a pointed look towards Nick and Vida particularly.

"Yeah, sure," Chip replied enthusiastically. "Maybe you could show us a few crazy futuristic kung fu moves."

"Why not?" Vida replied half heartedly.

"Nick?" Madison asked, with pleading eyes.

"Fine," Nick sighed. "I certainly wouldn't mind the sparring part at least. Maybe you could learn something from your elders." Nick said turning to Sky, a smirk spreading across his face..

Vida smiled slyly. "Yeah, you know? I think a little practice could help. Exercise is a good stress reliever if you know what I mean."

Madison and Xander exchanged knowing glances. Maybe leaving Sky with them wasn't such a good idea.

"Alright then," Xander cut in. "We'll see you guys later." And with that, him and Madison disappeared into the nearest tree.

Sky just raised an eyebrow. "O-kay," he said turning to the remaining rangers, "So… five miles sound good to you?"

To be continued…

Sorry about the wait people! I've been busy! But I hope you enjoyed the chap! Thanks for the reviews so far! They've been lovely! Please keep it up! Ta ta for now!

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