EPISODE 3: Going Viral
It was dinner time at the Holling household and while Jason already discovered their secret, they made the choice to keep the Holling, since it was easier than going through all the paperwork all over again and still gave Jake some sense of protection.
But the Rangers, new and old didn´t mind the name they were using. This house was full of life and a place where Rangers could reunite apart from the cave in the beach. It felt good and it feel normal, in fact, there Noah was able to talk to other Rangers about something that was bothering him.
-You say is heavy? –asked Billy.
-Not for Jake but for the rest of us is too heavy-said Noah-. Jake says I could take a lot at it and see if I can make it lighter, just in case we are in the situation where we have to share our weapons. He doesn´t want to throw his axe to one of us if we can´t lift it and use it.
-I see… not even Troy can lift it? –asked Billy, looking at the weapon.
-He can move it but he can´t lift it, neither can Gia or Emma-said Noah-. We can use each other weapons, but not Jake´s.
Billy nodded, thinking as he passed a hand over the weapon. It felt heavy and he was sure it won´t be easy to change but lucky for them, more Rangers were coming and maybe, with more heads, he and Noah would find a way to make it happen.
On the living room, Jake introduced his family to the other Rangers with a big smile on his face. It felt so good to finally being able to make Noah and Gia part of his life, it even felt good to let Emma and Troy in.
-This is Zack Taylor, original Black Ranger-said Jake, pointing at Zack then; he pointed to the other Rangers-. Rocky DeSantos, second Red Ranger and first Blue Zeo Ranger; Tanya, second Yellow Ranger, Zeo Yellow Ranger and first Yellow Turbo Ranger and TJ Johnson, Red Turbo Ranger, and Blue Space Ranger.
Then, Jake pointed at Adam, who smiled at the Rangers, gently.
-And you know Professor Adam Park, second Black Ranger, Green Zeo Ranger and first Green Turbo Ranger.
-So you took the mantle for his mom? –asked Gia.
-Yes, Trini believed in me enough to give me her powers-said Tanya, smiling gently-… and looking at you I know why he trusted you.
-I been hear this before but I don´t quite understand yet-said Gia.
-You will understand, Gia, all you have to know is that you have a usual trait of the Yellow Ranger-said Tanya, taking Gia´s hand in hers-. We don´t always show our feelings but they are there and they are valid, never forget that.
Gia nodded, not realizing how much she needed this talk then, Tanya chuckled and proceed to take Gia away to have a private Yellow talk while TJ and Adam were talking to Troy, the serious Red Megaforce Ranger.
-You need to calm down-said TJ, taking Troy out of his thoughts.
-Sorry, is just hard to disconnect from what is happening in the city when you are a Ranger-said Troy-. Jake said you were a Ranger from Space, right? Do you know who is behind the attacks?
- Andros, the Red Space Ranger is investigating the situation with Zhane, the Silver Space Ranger-said TJ-. They will contact us if they find out more about the aliens trying to invade our planet but for the time being, you need to relax and enjoy this moments of peace.
-How can I do that? –asked Troy-. Being a Red Ranger is… hard.
-I know-said TJ-. But we are surrounded by our teams and that´s our sanity. Look at Andros, for example, he is working now but he knows his wife Ashley is waiting for him at home and he will do everything to get back and be with her and their kids.
-Andros is married? –asked Troy.
-Yes, to Ashley Hammond, the second Yellow Turbo Ranger and the Yellow Space Ranger-said Adam, giving a drink to TJ-. And Zhane is married to Karone, Andros ´sister… We talked about this before Troy, let things happen before you get stressed, ok? You are not alone, not everything has to fall in your shoulders.
Troy nodded, grabbing a water and the three Ranger continued talking about their life, allowing Troy to learn that TJ was married to the second Pink Turbo Ranger and Pink Space Ranger, Cassie and that the second Green Turbo Ranger and Black Space Ranger, Carlos, was traveling the world. Troy also learned that Rocky gave his Blue Turbo Powers to a kid that now was an adult.
Troy was impressed by all the information but the more they talked, the more he relaxed until he was able to smile and enjoy the time with the other Rangers.
In the kitchen, Jake smiled as he saw his friends talking to the other Ranger as if they always knew them. It made him feel like he did the best choice for his time. He was lost in his thoughts when he felt a hand on his shoulder and he saw his dad, Tommy and Zack looking at him and offering appetizers.
-So, my dear Jake… what is this thing I heard about you having a crush on a girl? –asked Zack.
-Who told you that? –said Jake, blushing.
-We did-said Tommy-. How was it? Did you confess your feelings?
Jake looked down and the other three Rangers looked at each other, their smiles falling a little. Jake didn´t want to tell but it was evident that nothing happened between Gia and him. Jake wasn´t brave as he appears to be.
-You didn´t tell her, did you? –asked Jason-. We are scared of strong women, no matter how brave we are. They can kick our assess and stop talking to us.
-But you love her, don´t you? –asked Tommy, now looked at the boy with sympathy.
-Yes, I love her-admitted Jake, looking away.
-Oh…
Zack walked towards Jake a put a hand on his shoulder, giving him a smile to cheer him up. He knew how hard it was to be in love, all of them knew but being in love with a teammate when you are an already a Ranger… it was ten times harder.
-Love is always complicated, especially, Ranger love-said Zack.
-I was in love with her before I became a Ranger, but now is worse because I spend all my school time and my free time with her-said Jake, defeated.
-Is possible to have a relationship if that´s what you are worried about-said Tommy, with a smile-. You are not the first Ranger to fall in love with a teammate, look at me and Kimberly, your parents, now your dad and Kat, Rocky and Tanya, Andros and Ashley, Zhane and Karone and the list goes on and on…
-I´m surprised I´m the one married with someone outside the Rangers business-said Zack with a chuckle before he turned to look at Jake-. Look, kid, if you love her, try it.
-Really? –asked Jake-. I mean. I know the Rangers Epic Love but…
-Do you love her? –asked Jason, serious.
Jake didn´t need a moment a think.
-I do, dad-said Jake.
-Then get to know her, respect her as your friend and when the times comes, if she feels the same way then love her the way you want to –said Tommy.
Jake nodded, seriously. He took these moments to his heart and he looked towards Gia, as she talked with Tanya. Be her friends and let time do the rest… he could do that.
He would do that to try and win the final prize: her heart.
-Megaforce-
In Space
Far from Earth, Andros and Zhane were investigating the ships with the new aliens trying to invade Earth. Andros wasn´t exactly happy to have Zhane here, in a potential danger but his wife was quite persistent and Andros couldn´t refuse, even if he wanted.
They were looking for other planets where these aliens had been before to see their power but so far, there was nothing.
-I don´t like this, Zhane… these aliens seem different to anything we have seen before-said Andros, walking from one side to the other of the control room of the ship.
-All we can do is keep trying and stay a step ahead of them-said Zhane, stopping his best friend-. Andros, relax, the kids are good and they will defend Earth, besides, they have us.
Andros nodded and walked towards the screen, tapping a few keys when they got another communication and this time, DECA didn´t have to ask as Andros gave the command by pressing a key of the computer.
Communication
-I want those Rangers eliminated! Now! –screamed a monster, identified as Admiral Malkor.
-We are sending one of our best monster, sir. His virus will infect other humans, turning them into loogies-said a second monster-. The Rangers won´t be able to fight them and we will have our victory.
-Do whatever you want but solve this problem! I don´t have time for this idiocy!
End Communication
Andros looked at Zhane, both Rangers knowing what to do. They had to contact Earth and let the new Rangers know before it was too late.
-Megaforce-
Command Center
The next morning and taking the chance there was no school and he was free, Noah walked into the Command Center to talk to Billy and the other Blue Rangers to see if they could find a solution to Jake´s axe.
When he got there, he saw Rocky touching the axe, feeling it before lifting the weapon with both hands, surprising the other Rangers. Rocky moved it around, position his legs so he could cold the weight of the weapon.
-How can you do that!? –asked Noah, leaving his bag on the table near his panel-. We tried to lift it and it didn´t move an inch.
-Well, this thing is heavy as hell and my back is starting to hurt-said Rocky, looking at the axe-. But is all matter of balancing the weapon with your body.
-What do you mean? –asked Billy, not curious.
-Uh… I know what he means-said TJ, thinking-. Noah, does Jake moves the axe back and forth when he is not fighting?
-Yes.
-I see… He moves it to balance the weight with his body, begin this heavy, he needs to keep moving it so it doesn´t fall from his hands-said TJ-. Rocky, how is it feeling?
-Heavy? –said Rocky, looking at TJ-. I have to use the strength on my legs to keep it steady but I admit it gets better if I move it around.
-So is all matter of the movement…-said Noah when an idea came to his mind-. The wind he creates moving the axe is what makes him able to hold it?
-I see… now I understand.
The Blue Rangers turned to see Jake walking into the cave. Noah quickly looked at the axe and Jake understood, knowing Noah wanted to put his theory to test. He smiled at Rocky when he gave Jake the axe and then Jake looked back at Noah.
-So, what´s the plan? –asked Jake.
-I want to see if the theory we have is right. Wind is able to maintain the axe balanced that´s why you move it from one hand to the other-said Noah.
-Yes, when it gets heavy with one hand, I use the other-said Jake.
-Then maybe we find something lighter to make it better-said Billy, with a smile-. I´m talking to a few friends but until I have the material, you will have to train with the original one.
-Yeah, I know…-said Jake.
Jake walked with his axe towards the training room where he started a simulation, taking off his jacket and grabbing the axe again while Noah watched and use the microphone to speak to him. Jake didn´t have an apparent problem, kicking virtual loogies back and forth with the axe and Noah was surprised.
-How do you know how much wind do you need to create with your body to hold the axe? –asked Noah-. And the way you rotate your body…
-It was you, Noah. You teach me this-said Jake-. Last year, final science project; we had to replicate the amount of wind an athlete has to recreate to throw that heavy equipment they have. You used me as your model and you spent hours whispering to yourself about your results based on me.
-You were paying attention? –asked Noah, surprised.
-I always pay attention to what you said-said Jake as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Noah smiled, sitting down as he continued to watch his friend train. He really paid attention to his thoughts and his ideas without judging him or thinking he was a freak.
He was truly his best friend.
-Come on, stop fooling around and join me! –said Jake, looking over his shoulder.
Noah chuckled and summoning his weapon, ran towards the virtual training room with the other Rangers looking at them while Jake and Noah team up to bring down a legion of virtual loogies, together.
-Megaforce-
Plaza
Emma and Gia meet with Troy after running their errands. The idea was to train a little and spend some time together; bonding over their new found friendship but Troy was still trouble for his Dragon´s words and what they could mean.
Who was going to fall? When?
Not far from him, a few steps ahead, Emma grabbed her best friend arm and looked at her with a big smile while Gia did her best to ignore her but she already knew there was no use. Emma was on a mission.
-So? You didn´t tell me anything about your date with Jake-said Emma, as casually as she could.
-Because it wasn´t a date-said Gia, looking away to hide her smile-. We went for ice cream. He was nice and we are friends, that´s it.
-Friends? You are telling me Jake Holling took the chance to be with you, alone and he did nothing to win your heart? –asked Emma, a little disappointed-. Come on, that´s not possible.
Gia chuckled and nodded. He was the perfect gentleman, nervous but always making sure she was comfortable and Gia was extremely grateful for him to come to her this way, it made her think that maybe they could develop a friendship and from there… well, only time could tell what will happen next.
But Gia was sure of something, Jake was a good guy and for the first time, she was looking at someone who was more than she thought he was.
-He was nice, Emma but we are being invaded by monster and the last thing I need is someone else to worry over, especially not a teammate-said Gia, looking at Emma-. I worry a lot about you already. I don´t need extra stress.
-But is not a ´no´? –asked Emma, hopeful.
-Is a maybe, with time and after this is over-said Gia, throwing a look at Emma-Why are you so interested in my love life so suddenly?
-I´m always interested but Jake is… cute and he is nice-said Emma, smiling sincerely-. I know he will be good for you, as a friend or as a something else.
Gia was about to say something when from the corner of her eye, she saw something strange and she stopped, making Emma stop and Troy to raise his head towards the civilians. The civilians were sneezing and every time one did that, they turned into loogies, passing the virus to other people, who transformed at the same time.
It was like a virus but this time, they were turning civilians into the enemy.
Troy quickly grabbed his morpher as Emma and Gia grabbed theirs, ready to get into action while the Rangers contacted Gosei and the other part of their team to regroup and think of a solution and quickly…
…before the planet was full of loogies.
-We have a problem… civilians are being infected by something and they are turned into loogies-said Troy-. We need everyone at the Plaza, now!
-On our way! –said Jake.
Troy ended the communication and looked at the girls, confused as the civilians ran around the city, transformed in loogies and with no control of their actions…
How are the Rangers supposed to fight what they swore to protect?
-Megaforce-
Bridge
Noah and Jake ran to meet their friends as fast as they could when Noah heard something and stopped, grabbing Jake´s arm to make him stop too. They looked around and found loogies attacking civilians in the parking lot near them. Some civilians sneezed, turning into loogies, and going for the rest.
-This is bad…-said Noah.
-Let´s morph. We need to rescue the rest of the civilians-said Jake.
Noah nodded and both guys transformed into Blue and Black Megaforce Rangers then, they ran towards the civilians still humans and Black jumped, pushing some loogies away with his axe while Blue ran towards a car, where a little girl was crying.
Blue looked through the window and then opened the door, gently, extending a hand towards the girl.
-I want mommy!
Blue looked over his shoulder, where Black push away a loogie, that would be the girl's mother. The girl seemed to want to run to her but Blue couldn´t let her do it and he grabbed her, gently, putting her to safety.
Was her father here? Could someone take her until this was over?
-Mommy!
-Blue! Get her to safety! –screamed Black.
-What about you!? –asked Blue.
-You are her only hope now! She depends on you! Don´t fail her!
Blue looked down at the girl and saw she was terrified. He hugged her, knowing she was scared and stayed silent for a second; Black was right, he had this little girl in his arms, crying for her mother and he had to protect her until her mother was back. He had to do it.
He could do it. He was the Blue Megaforce Ranger. Blue looked at the girl and touched her face, gently.
-Hey, I´m Megaforce Blue-said Blue-. Are you hurt?
-No… but my mommy has changed-said the girl, crying-. I want her back.
-I know and I promise we will get her back but now you need to tell me if there is someone else who can take care of you until we help your mommy-said Blue, as gentle as he could.
-You will save my mommy? –asked the girl.
-I promise. My friends and I will save her and the others-said Blue.
The girl nodded and looked around, pointing towards a black car, when Blue brought her there, he saw a man, desperate looking for his family. Blue gave the girl to the man and nodded as the girl grabbed his hand.
-Power Rangers never lie, right? –said the girl, still scared.
-Of course not-said the girl's father, looking at Blue-. Thank you.
Blue nodded, seeing them leave the scene a moment later but with a warm feeling in his chest then, he turned towards the battle where he saw Black kicking a monster away from him but as he did that, Blue realized in horror, that the monster took the chance to grab Black by the arm, pull him close and breath the toxin close to his helmet.
Blue didn´t even know if their helmets would protect them from the virus when he saw Black falling to the ground.
-No!
Blue ran, only thinking about saving his best friend. He called for his weapon and jumped, firing at the monster while he scream with rage until the monster ran away like the coward he was and Blue fell beside Black, not daring to touch him as he saw green smoke coming from his helmet.
-Black? –asked Blue.
Blue was terrified when Black didn´t answer but he was alive. Blue could see it in the rise and fall from Black chest, slow but steady.
-Hey…-whispered Black-. Did you get the number of that truck? It hit pretty hard…
-Don´t speak… we will take care of you in a second-said Blue, at the verge of crying.
-Its ok…-said Black-. Call Billy… He may know what this toxin does.
Blue nodded, quickly grabbing his morpher to send a message to Gosei when he saw his friends running towards them. Once they got there, he saw Yellow and Red trying to touch Black and he stopped them, pointing to the green smoke come out of his helmet.
-We don´t know the consequences of the toxin apart from turning civilians into loogies but that has not happened with Black yet-said Blue-. I don´t know the effects on him yet… Black, how are you feeling?
-Dizzy and warm… is really warm-whispered Black, coughing.
-Warm? –asked Blue.
-I felt my whole body burning up-whispered Black.
Suddenly, he went still and a few second later, he screamed in pain, moving like a mad man while Blue forced the rest of the Rangers to stay back and not assist Black. He wanted to help but he couldn´t, not until he knew what to do and how to do it.
He had to be sure. Black´s life depended on it.
-We have to do something! –screamed Yellow, behind Blue.
-Red… I was calling Billy but I have to… I have to make sure Black stays alive-said Blue, his voice tense-. Let him know we can´t touch Black and we need assistance.
-But…
-Do it, now! –screamed Blue.
Red nodded, worried, and looked at Black while he called Billy while Yellow and Pink looked at Blue, knowing his mind was overwhelmed with worry and running to find a cure for Black but for Blue was hell because he had nothing… no ideas… nada.
-Blue… what happened? –asked Pink, touching his shoulder as gently as she could.
-I saw a little girl and went to save her. I was distracted because I didn´t see the monster while I brought the girl to her father and when I came back I saw Black fighting the monster… I tried, Pink but I wasn´t fast enough… I wasn´t…
-Is not your fault-said Pink, hugging him-. You can´t blame yourself for this, Blue; Black needs you more than ever now.
-You´re right…-said Blue, nodding-. We have to save him.
On the ground, next to Black, Yellow looked at him, worried and gripping the grass to try and calm down the need to touch her partner when she saw Black move his head towards her.
-Hey, that´s a pretty color…-whispered Black.
-See what happens when I´m not around? –asked Yellow, doing her best to keep her voice calm-. But don´t worry, Blue is here and Billy is coming. You´ll be back on your feet in time for dinner.
-I´m sure of that… we are in good hands-whispered Black and then, started coughing harder.
Yellow was happy to wear her helmet so no one could see her face of worry and frustration while tears fell from her eyes. Her tiger wanted her to open up but this was the reason why she didn´t do it, because she cared so much and so quickly that now, in a situation like this, she could break.
It was bad enough with Emma and now with Jake too… it was too much for Yellow.
Yellow raised her head when she saw a car and Billy, completely covered by a radioactive suit that covered his identity, walked towards them. He knelt beside Black and checked his pulse before touching his forehead and looking up to the rest of the Rangers.
-He has high fever, maybe it was a different toxin but I wouldn´t know until I run a few test-said Billy, serious-. I need to transport him to the Command Center but whatever the problem is, you need to defeat the monster.
-We will-said Red, looking down at Black-. I promise you, Black. We will defeat him.
-Counting on you, leader-whispered Black.
-We will be back before you know it-said Yellow-. Don´t be a bad patient and do whatever the doctors need you to do, ok?
-As you wish, my lady-said Black, with a hit of laugh provoked by the authority in her words.
-Don´t play around, Black, ok? There is still a lot of things we have to do together, you understand? -said Blue-. You promised.
There was a moment of silence before Black took the big effort to raise his hand and put his thumb up towards his best friend, showing Blue he didn´t forget about the promises they made when they were younger.
-Take the axe, brother, and kick his ass with it-whispered Black-. Remember what we talked before…
Blue nodded and walked to the side, grabbing the axe, and lifting it, using the wind created by his own body to move it around. They were right, it was easier. He looked back at Black and saw the Ranger has lifted his head just enough to see him.
Blue can almost see Jake smiling behind that helmet and he nodded as a few tears ran down his eyes.
He was going to defeat that monster and save his best friend, no matter what.
Pink walked closer to Black once the other Rangers step away. She was worried too but she had faith in them and in Black, besides, she didn´t want to think in the other possibilities. It was too much.
She was starting to feel Black as a good friend.
-Pink? –said Black, which was almost going through some delirious thoughts-. If I don´t make it, keep an eye…
-Don´t finish that sentence, Black. You will make it-said Pink, with her voice almost breaking-. I´m just doing your job today, hard head but make sure you come back. You are in the right path.
Pink could almost hear Black laugh in delight before losing conscience and Billy finally was able to take him away while she reunited with the other Rangers and they ran to find the monster and put an end to this nightmare as soon as possible.
-Megaforce-
Red ran towards the park, seeing the monster infecting more civilians and turning them into loogies. He was furious because that creature hurt one of his friends and he wasn´t going to let this continue. He was the leader and he was chosen to protect the rest of the team.
His Dragon was roaring in rage and he could feel himself burning with rage but the problem was that he was surrounded by loogies, humans turned loogies and Red was still conscious enough to know he couldn´t hurt those loogies.
-We need to keep the loogies away from him-said Red.
-But he is creating more…-said Yellow-. We need to defeat him, quickly.
-Those loogies are humans. We can´t hurt them-said Pink.
Yellow looked at her and while she knew her friends were right, her and her tiger wanted nothing more than to push everyone away and defeat the monster so they could save Black on time. Her need to save and protect him was overwhelming and now, she knew what Jake meant with the strength of the tiger.
She saw Blue; silent, moving Black´s axe from one hand to the other before he looked at them.
-Bring the loogies to quarantine-said Blue, his voice low, dangerous-. I will take that monster down.
-Blue…-started Pink.
-He hurt my best friend-said Blue.
Blue looked at Red, as the leader, it was his choice but he felt relieved when Red nodded. He could felt Blue´s rage along with the shark, ready to strike and Red knew that when that monster infected Black, he also hurt Blue, turning him into a predator looking for whoever hurt his friend.
-Make sure you use the axe. Black will like that-said Red.
-Red, are you sure? –asked Pink, worried.
-He needs to do this for Black and we need to bring the loogies to quarantine-said Red, looking at Pink-. You will do this if it was Yellow.
Yellow and Pink; looked at each other, knowing he was right and they both nodded, following their leader while Blue faced the monster. He closed his eyes, grasping the axe and let a breath out, remembering the way Black fights with the axe.
I will beat this for you, Jake. I promise.
-Megaforce-
Billy arrived to the Command Center and screamed for Tenshou to help him. The robot, always ready, help to lay Black in one of the beds and demorphed him, showing Billy and Tenshou the effects of the virus on Jake.
He was pale and has patches of green all over his body. His fever was also getting worse and he was losing his battle with the virus too quickly.
-Tenshou, we need a scanner-said Billy.
-I am the scanner, step aside-said Tenshou.
Billy moved so Tenshou could raise his head, using his eyes to scan Jake from head to toe. When he finished, he quickly downloaded the scan to Jake´s panel and showed the results to Billy.
Billy looked worried, it wasn´t as bad as he thought but still the toxin trespassed the suit and ended on Jake´s system, triggering a different reaction from the normal loogie transformation and there was something else… this infection was different, stronger.
The monster infected Jake with a different toxin, that´s why the reaction was different.
-Billy, the Black Ranger doesn´t look good-said Tenshou.
-I know. We need to analyze this and keep an eye on him-said Billy, looking at Jake-. Tenshou, I need you call Kim and Kat and tell them to come here as quick as they can. We need to prepare a cold bath to lower Jake´s fever and call Danna Grayson too. We need real help.
-Understood-said Tenshou.
Tenshou left, running as fast as he could while Billy looked down at Jake and sighed. He already lost Trini and he wasn´t going to lose her son, not in this life.
-Hold on, Jake. We will save you-promised Billy.
-Megaforce-
-What´s wrong, Rangers? Not so brave anymore? –asked the monster, laughing at them.
Blue was furious. He hit the monster with the axe and sent him flying to the ground but the monster got up and Blue could feel the frustration taking over his body. He looked at Black´s axe, wondering if he really can use his weapon to defeat this monster.
-Look at you, using your fallen friend´s weapon-taunted the monster-. Poor guy, do you know I hit him with a special toxin? He will be death before the sun leaves this planet!
-Shut up! –screamed Blue.
Blue used all his strength to hit the monster one more time with the axe but the monster blocked his attack, pushing Blue away. Blue stood his ground and used the movement to balance the axe and hit the monster one more time, finally hurting him and sending him to the ground.
The other Rangers came back to help Blue just in time to see him bring down the monster and use the axe to support himself. Red put a hand on his shoulder.
-Are you ok? –asked Red.
-Yeah… just give me a moment-said Blue-. This thing is heavy.
-I doesn´t matter what you do. Your friend is already gone-said the monster.
Yellow was going to give her a piece of her mind when Pink stopped her, shaking her head. She knew what the monster was doing, especially to Yellow and Blue and she needed to prevent her friends for doing something stupid.
-Calm down. He is playing with us-said Pink-. Black is strong and he will survive.
-Pink is right. We need to focus on defeating him-said Red.
Red summoned his sword, feeling his Dragon call for revenge. It seemed their spirits share a deep bond with each other and is reflected in the kick friendship they formed as soon as they became Ranger. He looked at Blue and Yellow, their bond with Black stronger, so he could only imagine what the Shark and the Tiger were feeling.
Even the Phoenix, always calm and elegant was asking for this monster to burn in the deeps of hell.
-We have a job as Rangers-said Red-. Let´s do it!
-Yes! –said the Rangers.
-You won´t win, Ranger! –screamed the monster.
Yellow and Pink summoned their weapons first, running to the monster and hitting him in the face with such a force the monster fell, then, Red hit him with his sword, burning with fire and to finish him, Blue fire his weapon against the monster and then used Black´s axe to hit the monster in the chest and making him scream in pain, finally defeated for a moment until he came back, bigger, and stronger. He was laughing when he looked down at the Ranger.
-Your time is over, Rangers! –screamed the monster.
-What do we do now? –asked Pink, worried-. Black is not here to manage his zord.
-Yellow can do it-said Blue, looking at Yellow-. She and Black share the same element and they are both the legs of the Megazord. She can manage them.
Yellow was unsure. She and Jake had a bond, which was for sure but she still didn´t know how deep those feelings ran and managing two zords required a lot of energy still, looking at Black´s best friend, she could see the conviction in his body language.
Then she felt something in her mind, her tiger.
-Snake will grant you permission to manage him, Gia-said Tiger-. We are good partners and have a strong bond.
-Really? –asked Yellow in her mind.
-Be ready, Ranger. I don´t have a lot of time-said another voice in her head.
Yellow winced in pain when she felt another presence, heavy and strong in her mind. She wondered how Black was able to manage him but then she looked towards Blue and nodded, giving him the reason about her managing both zords at the same time.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calling for the two zords that came alive at her command, leaving the rest of the team impressed as she managed to control both zords. Yellow jumped at her zord and they saw the snake, moving close to the tiger.
-Let´s go! –said Blue.
The rest of the Rangers jumped towards their zords, ready to fight as they formed the Megazord to defeat this monster for once and all.
-Megazord-
Dana Grayson was worried but she remained calm and focused while Jason looked in panic. She knew what to do Billy already had a good idea. She looked Jason and Billy lower Jake into the bathtub only in his underwear. The water had to be almost frozen but she focused, when she saw Jake shake and looked at Tenshou for the results.
She breathed in relief. Jake´s temperature was getting lower.
-We need to keep him there until his temperature goes back to normal-said Dana-. He can suffer a shock if his temperature keeps going up and down. Do we know what kind of monster did this?
-No but we ran a few blood test and this is what we saw-said Billy, giving Dana the results of the test.
Dana looked at the results and then at Jake.
-When the monster is defeated those green patches should be gone but we need to keep him awake and keep an eye on his temperature-said Dana, kneeling beside Jake-. Hey, big boy…
-Dana? –whispered Jake, shaking while the cold water hit his warm body.
-It´s me. I came to help you, ok? But you need to do me a favor and stay away-said Dana, sweetly-. Do you remember what happened?
-A monster hit me… with his toxin-whispered Jake-. Noah and the others will, defeat him…
-They will, I´m sure-said Dana, smiling at the boy then, she got up and looked at Jason-. Stay with him and keep him awake, Jason. I need my bag and put some fluids to help his body fight the fever.
-Dana…-whispered Jason.
-Don´t let him fall sleep, Jason and trust the Rangers. They will win-said Dana, putting a hand on his arm.
Jason nodded. She was right, he had to trust them and while he knelt by his son side and looked at the screen Tenshou provide to watch the fight, and he knew they will win, for Jake.
-Is ok, buddy-whispered Jason-. They will make it on time.
-I know, dad… I know -whispered Jake.
Behind them, Tommy hugged Kimberly close while TJ talked with Andros and Adam through the phone, not far from them. Rocky and Tanya helped Dana to bring her equipment and Billy and Tenshou continued analyzing the result, in case they missed something important but so far, they only were sure of one thing.
The Rangers needed to defeat that monster.
-Megaforce-
Plaza
At the Plaza, Yellow was not having a good day. Controlling two zords was a challenge and all she could do was to keep them standing up while the other fought the monster.
Yellow felt frustrated she couldn´t do more.
-Don´t feel bad, Ranger. We are not easy to control, especially in these forms-said the Snake in her mind.
-We need to keep focus or Black´s life will fall and with him, yours too, Snake-said the Tiger.
Yellow pushed the controls father when the monster hit him to prevent them from falling and keep herself from screaming in frustration when she saw Pink hit the monster and then Red use the sword to push the monster away from them.
That´s when she felt it, cold, frozen water in her mind that almost paralyzed her. She had to take a minute to understand that she it's only a feeling but it was horrible. She feels uncomfortable and extremely cold.
-My boy is under frozen water to keep the fever from burning him, Yellow-said Snake-. For his sake, you need to win this. I can feel his trust in you.
Yellow closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The Snake was right, Jake trusted her… all of them and they couldn´t let him down. He gave them the power and it was time to show why he thought they were the best for this job.
-You are going down! –screamed Yellow, opening her eyes.
Yellow pushed the controls, kicking the monster first with her zord and then with Black´s zord to put some distance between them and the monster and then looked at the rest of her team, happy to finally be able to help.
Blue hit the monster right after, taking a deep breath now that Yellow seemed to have some control of the zords and turned his focus to the fight. He remembered Black, always supporting him, and fighting for him.
He couldn´t let him down.
Flashback
-Noah!
Noah looked around, seeing Jake run towards him while Noah tried to find his glasses that fell when a few kids pushed him to the ground. A few kids didn´t understand him and made fun of him only because Noah was a little smarter than them.
-Jake?
-Yeah… you lost your glasses again? –asked Jake, looking confused.
-Yes, a few kids pushed me but it's ok… I´ll find them-said Noah, moving his hands to the ground trying to find the glasses.
He saw a blurry patch of black leave and come back seconds later and then someone touching his face and putting back something. By the time Jake was done, Noah realized Jake found his glasses and put them back on Noah´s face.
-Thanks. I couldn´t see without them-said Noah.
-I know. Don´t worry, if those kids are who I think they are, I will give a lesson next time we are training at the soccer field-said Jake, convinced.
-You don´t have to do it, Jake. I don´t want to get you in trouble with them-said Noah.
-They attacked you and that means they attacked me too-said Jake, looking at Noah-. We are family, remember? Brothers protect each other.
Noah looked at Jake, not knowing what to say while he smiled, containing the emotion he felt while Jake laughed and they both walked towards the field, talking about a new strategy for the upcoming match Jake had that same day.
End Flashback
Blue took a deep breath, trying his best not to cry when something started to glow in his card holder and he saw a new card appearing there. He grabbed it and looked at it, confused until Gosei talked to the Rangers through the morpher.
-Your bond with Black is strong, Blue Ranger-said Gosei-. The Sea brothers are a representation of that bond, use their power to defeat the monster and bring justice to your best friend.
Blue nodded, feeling Black´s presence behind him, as he was giving the necessary strength to finish this fight. Blue put the card on the morpher and activated it, looking at the monster.
-Activate, Sea Brothers! –screamed Blue-. Sea Megazord, activate!
Three new zords appeared Black and Blue and transformed for the Megazord, giving it more power to defeat the monster. The Manta Zord attached to the Megazord´s head for defense, the Hammerhead Zord attached itself on Pink´s zord, allowing Pink to help Yellow to control the legs of the zords and the Sawshark Zord, attached itself on Blue´s zord, giving the control to Blue while Red went to control the Megazord new wings.
-Finish him, Blue! –screamed Red.
-This is for you, Black! –screamed Blue-. Sea Strike!
The Sea Megazord flew through the air, with Pink and Yellow controlling the stability of the Megazord while Red keep them in the air and Blue prepared the Megazord to strike the monster then, the Megazord flew towards the monster, attacking him with one final strike and defeating the toxin monster, putting an end to this nightmare.
The Rangers breathed in relief when the monster finally disappeared when their morphers activated again.
-Come back to the Command Center, Rangers-said Gosei.
-Jake…-said Red-. Come on, we have to go!
They broke the formation of the Megazord and using the zord, they went back to the Command Center, hoping for their friend to be fine.
-Megazord-
Command Center
The Rangers made it back home in record time with Troy running a second before the others. He wanted to know first, in case something went wrong but he got there, all he saw was a bathtub and ice all over the ground. There was TJ and Tommy, too, cleaning the mess.
As soon as they noticed Troy first and then the other, they stopped, looking at each other.
-Tommy… what is all this? –asked Troy, fearing the worst.
-He had a high fever-explained Tommy-. We had to put him into a frozen bathtub to lower the temperature.
-But we took care of the monster-said Emma, looking around-. Where is Jake?
Emma was grabbing Gia´s hand to support her best friend while they waited for an answer and Noah, beside Troy, was paralyzed with fear that they got too late and Jake didn´t survive the toxin, after all, the monster seemed sure the Black Ranger was going to die.
That´s when they saw a boy and a woman. She was dressed like a doctor while the boy was putting black muscle shirt over his body. His hair was messy and wet and Emma chuckled when she saw her best friend look away, blushing.
-Jake!
Noah ran to his best friend and hugged him, surprising Jake for a moment until the Black Ranger smiled down at his best friend.
-I saw what you did there, Noah. That was awesome! –said Jake.
-You idiot! You almost die! - said Noah-. Don´t ever do that again!
Jake laughed, hugging his best friend one more time then, he moved to hug Troy and Emma, both of them happy to have their teammate and friend back and then, finally, he stopped in front of Gia. She put her arms around him and they hugged for a few minutes, no words were needed as all they wanted was to enjoy the warm of the other.
Then, Gia broke the hug and looked at his smiling face.
-I saw you there controlling two zords. You were amazing-said Jake, sincerely.
-It had to be done but next time; I would like my partner there with me-said Gia, giving him a small smile.
-You will have it. I promise -said Jake.
Gia nodded when Jake finally let her go but stood by her side before looking over his shoulder and turning to grab the hand of the woman who came into the main room with him. The woman smiled, looking at the new generation of Rangers.
-Please, let me introduce you to Dana Grayson, Pink Lightspeed Rescue Ranger, and our Doctor-said Jake-. Aunt Dana, these are my friends and new Rangers. Troy is the Red Ranger. Gia is the Yellow Ranger. Noah is the Blue Ranger and Emma is the Pink Ranger.
-Is a pleasure to meet you all-said Dana, nodding at the Rangers-You did an amazing job, out there. My husband and my brother are taking care of the evacuation and making sure everyone is back to normal but they will come back later.
-The pleasure is our, Dana-said Troy, smiling at her.
-Wait… Lightspeed? I know you…-said Emma.
-Probably, my husband is Carter Grayson, Lightspeed Red Ranger and the Captain of the Fire Department in Mariner Bay and my brother is Ryan Mitchell, Titanium Ranger, and Commander of our Command Center-said Dana-. We don´t morph as often as we used to but we are still active in our jobs and you know, once a Ranger…
- … always a Ranger. - said Jason; appearing behind them-. Thank you, Dana, for everything.
-No need to thank me. Your stubborn son is also my nephew-said Dana, smiling at Jake and squeezing his shoulder-. But you know since I´m here and I have to wait for Carter and Ryan. I wouldn´t mind for someone to show me around this city. It seems nice when a monster is not attacking the Plaza.
-Is a wonderful city-said Emma, grabbing Gia´s arm in excitement-. Gia and I can show you around and call the other Rangers to have a girl day out, right?
-That would be perfect-said Gia, looking at Jake-. And you are paying, that´s your punishment for worrying us.
Jake was about to say something when he saw the girls leaving, ignoring his expression. He turned towards the others and found they were gone too, leaving only Noah there, who was laughing at him.
-Help me? –asked Jake.
-Not this time, brother-said Noah-. This time you are in your own.
Noah walked out, laughing as Jake groaned. Noah smiled, breathing the beach air, happy. Jake may never change but Noah didn´t want him to. They were perfect the way they were and no one could change that, ever.