p style="text-align: center;" data-xf-p="1"strongEpisode 5: He Blasted Me With Science/strong/p
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p data-xf-p="1""People this smart kind of intimidate me," Emma admits as she peers around Billy's garage with curiosity./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I have no idea what any of this stuff is for." Tossing another box of spare parts into the back of the truck, Gia groans at how much work is left to do. The clutter in Billy's shop reaches the ceiling, with half finished projects crammed into the single car garage and leaving very little room to maneuver./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Billy was supposed to clean it out this summer, but… you know." His missing persons status is left unsaid, with Gia directing Jake towards the heavier stuff./p
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p data-xf-p="1"He takes the largest one in an attempt to impress, with Emma remarking at the revealed contraption. "What is this thing?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Two metal alcoves are separated by wires and tubes, with space for a person inside each one of the paired devices. Straps show where someone would place their wrists and ankles, with wires hanging at head height./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Is Billy a serial killer in waiting?" Jake whistles when returns for a second load, stepping closer for a proper inspection. "Or is he going the Frankenstein route?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Slapping him in the back of the head, Gia makes an educated guess. "Knowing Billy, it was probably something unbelievable, like downloading his mind into an android."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Well if we're betting," Jake turns and smirks at how close he and Gia are currently, with the tight confines of the mess helping bring them closer together. "I think it steals intelligence and Billy found it years ago. No way someone can be that smart naturally."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Snorting at the claim, Gia reminds him of his own best friend. "How does that explain Noah?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Billy and Zach are friends, so maybe he tested it out first on Noah." Chiming in with her own ideas, Emma climbs inside one alcove. It's been a stressful week and the playful banter is just what she needs, they all need it. "Want to find out?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Snorting at the idea, Gia gives it a pass. Jake however is antsy and in need of an outlet for his anxiety, so he straps himself in beside Emma./p
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p data-xf-p="1""If you get all my brains," He starts to make a witty retort, only for Gia to cut him off./p
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p data-xf-p="1""We may not notice for days." Widening her eyes in fake horror, Gia hesitates with her hand over the lever. Sure nothing emshould/em happen and the machine doesn't seem to be plugged in, but a feeling of dread fills her stomach./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Ha. Ha." He plays it off casually, but worries that's how she really thinks. "Smart and funny." emExactly why I don't ask anyone for help, you all react the same./em/p
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p data-xf-p="1""But not cute?" Emma defends a blushing Gia, who flips the lever in an attempt to silence her./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Sparks shoot from the tops of both alcoves, with black smoke filling the garage quickly. Emma and Jake convulse beside each other, with surges of pink filling him and black energy entering her./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Both cry out in pain as the energy courses between them, the most intense agony either has felt taking over. The lights above explode with a pop and leave the three coughing in the dark./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Struggling to free himself, Jake lets out a pitiful shriek. "Gia! Get me out of this thing!"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"It doesn't take long for Gia to get them out of the straps, her ability to see in the dark increasing each day. emDoes that mean Noah can smell us all? /em"Calm down Jake, it's just some smoke and Emma's doing fine."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""No I'm not!" He wails back at Gia, who frowns in realization. "And why are you calling me Jake?" His body stills and his face takes on a look of constipated thought. emDefinitely not his best look/em./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Why are in my body?" Emma grabs Jake by the collar and shrieks in his face./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Emma in Jake's body finally connects the dots and goes pale. "Jake… are you in me?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Um, maybe." Jake in Emma's body reaches a hand up, before experimentally poking her chest and gasping. "Okay, that's a definite yes."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Gia slaps her hand away, growling at Jake. "You can stop that now." emI'm not going to be able to look away for a second, am I?/em/p
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p data-xf-p="1""We can fix this, right?" Jake's voice gasps, as she watches the smoke billow out of the garage. "Right Gia?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""We better call the others." emI am not making things worse./em/p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1"As Alpha examines the body swapped rangers, Noah cannot stop grinning like a madman. "This is completely unprecedented and impossible." He turns back to the machine that has been brought to the Command Center and actually giggles./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Glad someone's excited about this." Jake is about to wrap is arms around himself reflexively, but a glare from Gia has him freeze in place. "Because I'm about a foot and a half too short, my balance is all...weird, and Gia's acting like my prison warden."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""You're the one who wouldn't stop touching me." Emma gives her best friend a grateful smile for the earlier intervention. "So deal with it until Alpha and Noah can fix us."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Alpha pauses his examination and his red optic light dims for a moment. "I'm not sure what this machine was supposed to do, or even what went wrong."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""What are you saying Alpha?" Gia hisses at the apologetic robot./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I don't know how long it will take to fix this." He shrugs at everyone's shocked looks. "I'm not perfect, I've seen Alpha Six in the basement ready to replace me."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I'm sleeping over," Insists Gia. "No way I'm leaving you unchaperoned for a whole night in my best friend."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""What about my truck?" Jake's worried gasp sounds very out of place in Emma's petite body./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Told my mom the power surge did something to it and we needed some parts."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Alpha reaches for one of the loose cable and when his hand closes around it, his body begins to jerk back and forth wildly. Troy's tackle manages to free to robot from his predicament, but surges of visible energy have Gia reliving the first incident./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Aye ai ai, my head hurts." Grabbing Troy's temples, Alpha lets out a pathetic whimper of his own. "Why does my head hurt? More importantly… how does my head hurt?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Lifting the fleshy fingers in front of his face, Alpha starts to giggle. He can feel how warm the room is and how much it tickles, when his hair brushes against his fingertips. "No wonder you are all so irrational, your body is telling me everything all at once and I can't figure out what to do first."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""My stomach is churning, does that mean I'm hungry?" He has wide eyes filled with amazement./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Yeah, sorry about that." Alpha's body struggles to it's feet and Troy squeaks out an answer. "Didn't have lunch yet."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Can I eat something?" Troy's face shifts into an eager smile, as Alpha begins to bounce on his heels. "I've always wanted to."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Alpha's not going to be any help like that, why don't you guys get him out of here and let me work?" Noah snorts at the sight of Alpha picking Troy's nose./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Gia pretends to consider it, before she concedes to the request. "Alright but Jake's buying."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""If I'm buying, does that make it a date?" He realizes and the smirk on Emma's body is very out of place./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I guess it does, so looks like you're doubling with Troy." Emma loops arms with a laughing Gia./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Wait, what?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Jake's question is left unanswered, as he and the other three vanish in crackling beams of energy./p
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p data-xf-p="1""You're really alright letting Alpha run around as you?" Noah quirks his lips into a smirk and stares at the robotic body housing Troy./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Troy considers the question, but ultimately shrugs. "He's been alone for a long time, he's earned a day off and I'm kind of looking forward to some peace and quiet tonight. Besides, it got the others to calm down once they had Alpha to focus on."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Alpha slurps at the dregs of his milkshake and excitedly slams the empty glass on the counter. "Another one!"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Maybe don't return Troy's body with a twenty pound weight gain." Gia hisses under her breath, but Emma just leans in close and laughs off the concern./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""Come on, let him have some fun. I'll even make sure he does some exercising tonight and Troy will never know"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Alpha bobs his head eagerly and pleads with a scowling Gia. "Please Gia, they will give me as many as I wish."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Because I'm paying," Grumbling under his breath, Jake reaches into the jacket being worn by Emma and grabs his wallet. "One more Al, then we're going to the mall."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Why?" Emma asks for everyone, when Jake doesn't elaborate on his own./p
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p data-xf-p="1""I'm always hearing how gross guys' bathrooms are, so I'm going to find out once and for all."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""That's your big plan?" Gia is clearly unimpressed./p
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p data-xf-p="1""If it wouldn't bother Emma, I'd see what it feels like to turn some heads."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Blushing at the idea of him doing so in her body, Emma gives a relieved sigh. "Thanks for the restraint, I don't think I could show my face here again if you did."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I honestly expected something a little more..." Gia trails off, but Jake catches her meaning./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Perverted?" He frowns at Gia's nod. "I have porn if I want to see a naked girl, no reason I would ever abuse a friends trust like that." Growling at the idea, he grabs Alpha's hand and leads him away. "You go do whatever you want, me and my strongdate /strongare going to get some desert."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Missing the byplay due to his lack of human interaction, Alpha cheers in eager delight. "Oh yay, can we try the cinnamon buns please?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Watching the two walk away, Emma elbows Gia in the ribs. "Nice going."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""I'll apologize, don't worry."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Good. Because that was rude even for you." Gia scowls at the snort, but accepts the ribbing without further complaint./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""What are they doing?" Changing the subject, Gia points to the crowd forming around Bulk and Skull./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""You really care?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Mildly curious," Gia admits with a shrug./p
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p data-xf-p="1""What's going on?"Raising her voice loud enough to be heard, Emma calls out to her ex and his friend./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Bullet! Get over here dude, I heard the yellow ranger and you saved the kid." Bulk grabs her arm and yanks her beside him. "My buddy the Black Ranger and I saved the whole mall, with some help from Skull and Sharkie." He adds when Skull makes a whining noise behind him./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""You should help us find out who they are, they might need our expert help again one day."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""So you're with Gia I see, Emma still hasn't found anyone?" Skull tries to act casual, but his twitchy eyes give him away. "Not that I care of course."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""She'd date my dog before looking at you that way again," With savagery unusual for both Emma and the body she inhabits, she dismisses Skull as an afterthought./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Burn!" Bulk's eyes pop out of his head, while Skull folds inwards on himself in embarrassment./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Sorry Bulk, but I'm kind of on a date here." She gestures to Gia, hoping to get away before she really lays into Eugene./p
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p data-xf-p="1"Bulk shows a moment of uncharacteristic understanding and grins back. "I hear ya man, go have fun."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Thanks for telling everyone that," Gia hisses when the pair round the corner./p
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p data-xf-p="1""Crap, I'm sorry." Blinking in realization, Emma grabs her friends hand desperately and misses Jake's dad walking by. "I was still playing along with the joke and didn't think at all."/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Gia frowns, but slowly her expression shifts into a smirk. "At least you're playing the part well."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I've been having a harder time reading today." Emma whispers, worried about doing anymore harm to someone's reputation. "I never really understood what being Dyslexic meant before, but if it's always this hard for him… I'm impressed more than anything."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""Really?"/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Yeah and who could blame him for taking a quick peek, I was going to." Winking at Gia, Emma steps around her and leaves Gia sputtering in the hallway./p
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p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Can you believe her?" Jake vents to Alpha as he stuffs Troy's face. "Thinking I would do something like that."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""I finished, I would like to try some chocolate now please." Standing abruptly and looking at the menu with hungry eyes, Alpha ignores Jake completely. His sensory overload ruining Alpha's ability to maintain rational thought. "And after that I need to try using the bathroom, I think my tank is getting full."/p
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p data-xf-p="1""Maybe you have had enough." Jake pulls a green faced Alpha away from the counter. "I'm not getting blamed when you throw up."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I don't feel good Jake."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""That's because you ate way too much buddy, you just need to sleep it off." Jake pats him on the back, causing Alpha to let out massive belch. "Nice one Dude."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I can taste the milkshakes again," He whimpers in response and clutches his belly. "Do you think I'll dream tonight? I always wondered what that was like."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I hope so."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1""I really think I need to use the bathroom now." Alpha whines pitifully, drawing curious glances from those walking by./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
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p data-xf-p="1"With an uncomfortable look on Emma's face, Jake makes his voice a hushed whisper. "When we find one, just use a stall and drop your pants. I'm not dealing with proper explanations or a mess right now."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""How come when I look at some of you Troys body feels strange, but the girls don't give me that feeling?" Confusion covers Alpha's face, but Jake just shushes him./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""No idea and none of our business. Do not mention this to the others, I mean it Alpha." Jake's expression is forced into a stern frown, which looks strange on Emma's face./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Okay Jake, if you say so."/p
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p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
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p data-xf-p="1"Peering down from her balcony on the moon, Rita steps away from her telescope and cackles. "Good job Baboo, your sabotage worked even better than intended."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Thank you your evilness," He whimpers out. "But what sabotage?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Was it not you who crossed the wires in the machine? You made it when human and no one else knew it even existed." Frowning at her sycophantic servant, Rita strokes her chin in thought. "Or are you just grossly incompetent?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yes, it was me." Being careful with his wording, Baboo can only be happy he never tested the device himself. As Billy he always had trouble expressing his feelings and this machine was supposed to share them directly, but not like this./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Rita sneers at Scorpina, her least reliable servant by far. "The principal's transformation is nearly complete, I suppose even you would find the occasional success."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Accepting the words for now, Scorpina keeps her head bowed and considers her coming revenge. Rita may have power in spades, but she throws it around like a toddler having a tantrum and that leaves openings for someone to exploit./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Once he wakes, the rangers will be helpless as they are now." She promises Rita./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Since my brother and the yellow ranger will be under your roof tonight, I need you to make them a proposal." Rita strokes Scorpina's cheek and purrs. "It will be far easier to find Zordon's hideout, if one of them accepts my deal."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What am I to offer them?" She whimpers back, as Rita's nail leaks her toxic magic into Scorpina's skin./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Why the chance to live and serve me of course." Rita sneers at her general. "I always thought my brother would look better in green, but if he is too scared... I know Gia has uses for the power."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1".../p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You sure it's fine to leave you here for the night, we can hide you in my room." Hesitating before he heads to meet the others, Noah has concern plastered across his face. "You can play my Nintendo, or we could even get a head start on your math?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Tilting his disc shaped head to the side, Troy let's out a chirping laugh. "I'll pass on that."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alright, I guess I'll see you in the morning." Noah snorts at the hi-jinks likely going on at the mall. "Hopefully Alpha will have adjusted enough to help out, or this could take days." He waves goodbye and dissipates into a crackling sapphire beam./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Zordon chimes in with an amused smile sliding onto his face. "It was very kind of you Troy, to allow Alpha Five this opportunity to experience humanity. He will never forget this, nor will you I believe." An unidentifiable look flashes in his eyes, as he loses himself in ancient memories./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I've been called a robot before, but I never expected it to be so..." Troy pauses, searching for the perfect word. "Relaxing."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It does provide a sense of clarity, does it not?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"emSounds like you've experienced this yourself. /emWithout the distraction of his overactive danger sense, Troy is able to actually think about what he did wrong. Having no emotional guilt weighing down his thoughts, it becomes clear he did everything he could and somehow... that feels worse. emNothing I did could have changed anything./em/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Why didn't you tell us how Vile creates his generals? I could have saved Jason, if only I knew it was him."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Zordon looks down at his red ranger and smiles sadly. "It has been a long time since I faced him, I forgot exactly how personal he made things."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""How could you forget something that big?" Instead of feeling the rage he knows he should be, Troy considers the admission and realizes he has a hard time remembering his own mother's face. emTen thousand yearsstrong is/strong/em ema long time after all./em/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I am sorry Troy, I forgot how much something like this would affect y-." Zordon stops himself and changes tactics. "Humans feel everything so much, but as time passes… you will no longer be bound by the pain and that will make the hurt return fresh."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Not really encouraging advice."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""But it is the truth and that is what I will always provide you," Zordon promises firmly./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"emLet's see how true that is/em. Troy blocks out any distraction and gives Zordon his full attention. "Okay, can I ask you some questions?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Of course, I am here to guide you after all."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Troy considers all the things he wants to know and asks the first thing that he thought of. "What happened to the last team of rangers, when did you choose them?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Almost three thousand years ago, I chose six rangers to face Ivan Ooze." Zordon's face shows his love and grief for them in equal measure. "Dulcea was an incredible disciple and I hoped she would one day replace me, but Ooze decided otherwise. In the final battle to seal him away forever, he bound her with him to his prison."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm kind of stuck on the strongsix/strong ranger part." Troy admits, shocked at the revelation./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Her coin was lost in the battle and to keep Ivan from being awoken ever again, the other five hide the island even from me." Pride fills Zordon's voice. "To this very day, their descendants should remain ever vigilant wardens of Phaedos."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Arriving at the mall has Noah presented with four disgruntled rangers. Emma's body is stuck in a very Jake like pose, with his knees pulled up to his chin and a mopey expression fighting off tears./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Looking at Gia's back, reveals her posture as one leaking shame and even Jake's body looks ready to scream beside her. In Troy's body and enthusiastically failing at using a paddle ball, Alpha is the only one who seems to have enjoyed the experience at all./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Noah!" Alpha drops his toy and throws himself forward, forcing Noah to catch him awkwardly. "Did you come to have fun at the mall with us?" Completely oblivious to his companions' moods, Alpha begins regaling him with his 'adventure'./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Managing to put him back on his own feet, Noah holds up a hand to stop the rambling. "Sorry, but the malls going to close soon. I'm going to bring you and Emma home with me tonight and I need you to try and pretend to be a normal teen."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""That means no eating with your hands Alpha," Jake allows an amused smirk to appear on Emma's lips./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"With a not very Jake like giggle, Emma adds. "And you have to answer to Troy, or it will make things difficult for him when you switch back."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Will you still show me how to fight?" With a childlike look of desperation, Alpha pleads with her. "You promised."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""If we can use Noah's backyard, I guess so" She concedes with a glance at Noah. emNo one should see us in the dark, Troy's reputation will be fine/em./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Noah nods slowly and realizes he's not the most uncoordinated right now. "Mind if I join in?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Of course." Emma agrees gladly, before frowning at the tension between Jake and Gia. "You two aren't going to kill each other... are you?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Jake crosses his arms and hisses. "Maybe, I could be a psychotic ax murderer."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Groaning at her screw up, Gia sits down on a bench and pats the seat beside her in invitation. Jake gives her a hesitant glare, but does accept after almost a full minute of silent deliberation./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm sorry okay." No attempt to shift the blame is added, just an admission of guilt. "You've more than proven you aren't like my dad and Eugene, it's not fair to expect the worst from you."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Blinking in shock at the apology, Jake grabs one of Gia's hands in forgiveness. "My dad is one of those shitheads and I never want to be like him, only going after someone meek he can manipulate. I like you because you challenge my stupidity and would never let me act like that."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hell no."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""But give me the chance to screw up first, maybe I'll keep surprising you." He lets go of her hand and stands, nothing left to say on the matter right now./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Whispering to Emma and Alpha, Noah has wide eyes. "I know I'm surprised, he normally sulks way longer."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"In the Taylor's backyard and lit by only the porch light, Emma slowly demonstrates some beginner moves. Alpha keeps falling down laughing, still not quite used to how bendy humans are. Noah however, is copying each movement with determination and precision./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The door swings open and his mother steps outside with a pleasant, if anxious expression on her face. "Your learning to fight now Noah?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Just want to learn how to defend myself Mom." He doesn't look back, instead watching Emma like a hawk. "City does keep getting attacked you know."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"She goes deathly quiet, which finally gets her son to look at her anxiety riddled face. "I know, that's why I'm so worried about you. Zachary knew how to fight, but he's still gone and I don't want you thinking you can impress some girl like this."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I'm doing this, so I can make sure I come home every night." Noah's voice is filled with a strength she hasn't heard before, which makes her heart swell./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"She sniffles and wipes at her eyes. "I'm so proud of the man you're becoming. Now remember, bedtimes still eleven."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Mom!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Sorry. I mean don't stay up too late." Smirking at her son's embarrassment, she leaves him and his friends to their fun./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Emma waits until she has gone inside, before turning to a struggling Alpha. "Why are you trying so hard... Troy, I thought this was your idea of fun?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Alpha One was a warrior model and designed to aide the rangers in battle." Alpha admits, sadness being expressed from every pore. "He went missing protecting the second team of rangers and was never found, which is why the rest of us have all been support only."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You want to fight?" Emma can hear the longing in his voice./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Alpha frowns and has a moment of self reflection. "I do. It was supposed to be my purpose, but I was never given the chance to be that robot."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You lost your whole family to Master Vile and those who came after him," Gasps Noah, finally understanding why today has mattered so much to Alpha. "This is the first time any Alpha, ever got to just be a person."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""It was so much fun, I'll never forget today my… friends?" Alpha's statement becomes a question by the end, worry pouring from his body./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Of course we're friends," Bother rangers speak in unison. "I put up with Jake/Gia, don't I?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Noah checks his watch and grins at the blushing Alpha. "Now what else do you want to do, we've still got some time."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"In Emma's rather cramped but impeccably clean room, Jake raises an unforeseen issue with Gia."Should I just sleep in these, or... what?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Emma said she was going to peek at you, so just change like normal and don't ogle her more than you have to." Gia concedes with a sigh. emIf she can trust you with her body, I can try and be reasonable over this whole situation/em./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Really?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"She looks at him in silence for a while, but decides to explain her reasoning. "If Zordon chose us all based on Alpha's footage and we both have a best friend who was selected, I should have the same faith in all three of you as I do myself."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""But not as much as Emma?" Jake has laughter in his eyes./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Hell no, she's a gold medal and we're all fighting for silver." She snorts at the idea of Emma ever hurting her./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Joining Gia in the giggles, he admits the truth of the declaration. "Fair. She's probably the only person I've ever seen intimidate my dad and she was only seven."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""He was littering as I recall."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Oh, so you do remember going to elementary school with me?" He smirks at Gia's blush, embarrassed at being found out./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Trying to play it off, she returns a smirk of her own. "I tried to block most of those years from my mind, but bad memories seem to keep popping back up."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Well yeah." Jake exclaims like it's obvious. "If you don't actually deal with what's bothering you and just repress that shit, you'll only self-destruct one day."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""You're telling me to deal with my problems, Mister 'I won't tell my dad what I want to do for a living'." Crossing her arms at his 'advice', Gia tosses herself onto Emma's bed./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I may not be confronting him now, but that's just so he doesn't kick me out and I know he would." He grimaces. "For all I know, he still has a few more hidden families out in the world. He goes on business trips often enough for it."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Knock knock, I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" The bedroom door is flung open, with Trini sauntering inside with uncaring arrogance./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Gia growls at the disguised Scorpina. "What do you want?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""I was supposed to offer you a deal, but you are such an ungrateful mammal… I don't see how you will be of any use." Scorpina's eyes flash an intense amber, as she steps towards her sister's body. "How about you Jake, would you like all your dreams to come true?" emNightmares are still dreams/em./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Of course I'd have to sell out the world first, wouldn't I?" He leans away from the hand stroking his cheek, causing Trini's face to settle into a frown./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Rita wants a servant, but I have plans of my own and find myself in need of a king… what do you say Handsome?" She purrs seductively, causing Gia to reach for her morpher reflexively. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, wouldn't want to escalate things now… would we?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Knowing deep down it's already to late but desperate to try, Jake makes a counter offer. "Give back the people you kidnapped and I'll come with you." emLike Noah would say, 'the needs of the many'/em./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Sorry, but these transformations leave a monster starving. We may have some bones left though." Scorpina taunts him and shrugs. "Oh well, I tried. You may want to get to Turtle Cove though, Rita's looking for revenge and Caplan should almost be ready."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Why would you tell us that?"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Scorpina rolls her eyes at Jake's response. "And here I thought the rumors of your intellect were only cruel lies. Rita and you both stand in my way, the more you slow each other down… the more time I have to grow my own hive."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Beeps of alarm come from both ranger's watches, with Scorpina smirking at the sounds. "Better answer that, or all those pilots will die." With those parting words, she turns on her heels and saunters from the room./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""What is it Zordon?" Gia answers first, with Jake speaking closer to hear./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Rangers, Turtle Cove is under attack. You need to morph immediately and join the others at the air force base." Despite the gravity of the situation, Zordon's voice remains calm./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""On our way." She ends the call and glances to Jake expectantly. "It's prime time for power!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Approving of her own variance to the morphing call, Jake follows her lead. A moment later, matching beams of pink and yellow soar into the sky./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"…/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Doing what they can to keep the Mighty Minotaur from crushing the soldiers below, Alpha slams one of the Megazord's fists into it's chin. The force of the blow throws the creature away from the base, sending it crashing into one of the nearby hills./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Nice hit!" It doesn't really matter who is cheering, Alpha can only focus on how… right this feels. Being here in the Megazord Alpha Two designed and morphed as the red ranger is exhilarating. Being human just allows him to enjoy what he should have been doing his entire existence./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Yeah, now we got to make sure he stays down!" Gia warns them, sending more power to the legs./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Right. I should use the Mega Sword, shouldn't I?" emOr maybe switch to tank mode, go with a full power cleansing/em. Alpha hesitates in long enough for the monster to climb back to his feet. emGuardian mode might be better though, this thing is definitely mighty indeed/em./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Noah manages to cut through his haze of inaction with a panicked yelp. "Do something Alpha!"/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""This is what you've always wanted, isn't it?" Emma stays calm and whispers in Alpha's ear. "The chance to be a ranger. So show us what you were designed for, I believe in you."/p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""We all do," Adds Gia, her voice unusually supportive./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1""Thanks rangers." Alpha ignores all the things he could do and focuses only on what he will do. He draws the Mega Sword and leaps over the freeway as gracefully as can be, meeting the Mighty Minotaur in combat./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"A bolt of crackling silver arrives inside the cockpit, revealing Alpha's gleaming body. "I know you can do this, I'm with you every step of the way." Troy places a hand on his own morphed body./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"The two titanic forms trade blows back and forth, but ever so slowly, the Megazord forces the monster backwards and away from the base. The unified front of the rangers, has them recover from each strike faster and deliver returning ones with ever increasing precision./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"When they knock the Minotaur down a second time, Alpha narrows his eyes and sends the Morphing Grid's energy into the Mega Sword. He raises the blade above the Megazord, bringing it down in a fierce slash./p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1" /p
p data-xf-p="1"Rainbow energy strikes the monster and like with the shark, causes the changes to revert. Slowly at first the Minotaur shrinks in size, but to Alpha's great pleasure and everyone's relief… a naked principal is revealed./p