Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.

Chapter 5: Racing to the Future

"Forgive me Your Highness, I have failed you again." Zilas apologized, kneeling to Vrak.

"You have disappointed me, Zilas." Vrak told him. "I told you last time, I expected better results."

"Yes, sir, and next time I'll destroy those rangers once and for all." Zilas vowed.

"Congratulations, Troy!" Emma praised the Red Ranger.

After the battle with Zilas, Troy took his driving test the following day and aced it. After weeks of training, he had finally gotten his driver's license. As a treat, the others took him to Ernie's and bought him a victory smoothie.

"Well, it wasn't easy, but I'm glad it's over." Troy admitted.

"Man, I don't know about you, but I think I won't be driving anything for a while." Jake grumbled.

The others laughed.

"So, Noah, what were you saying earlier?" Troy asked the Blue Ranger.

"Huh?" Noah mumbled. "Oh right, hold on!"

Noah pulled up his laptop and opened up a file on the Power Ranger database. He then turned it around so the others could see.

"Does that look familiar?" Noah asked, pointing at the pictures.

Troy examined the images. It was picture of the same car that Mr. J gave him.

"So wait…" Troy said as he tried to piece it together. "That was the Lightning Cruiser from the Turbo Rangers?"

"Yeah, this car and its partner Storm Blaster were the common mode of transportation for the second generation Turbo Rangers." Noah explained. "It's also said that the two cars were captured by Divatox, but one of them escaped and managed to find one of the Turbo Rangers. Together, they helped the Space Rangers recover the Lightning Cruiser. That ranger was Justin Stewart."

"How could I have not seen it?" Troy scoffed incredulously.

"Don't worry, Troy none of us would have recognized him." Noah pointed out.

"What do you mean, Noah?" Jake asked.

"Well, Justin is the youngest ranger ever recorded in history." Noah explained. "He first became a ranger when he was only twelve years old and he dropped off the ranger grid since 1998. That means he's aged much more than other ranger because he was a kid."

"Wow, so even kids can become Power Rangers." Orion marveled. "That's awesome."

"Speaking of which, I think I'd better return the car back to Justin." Troy told them. "Come on, let's go see him."

He and the others climbed into the car. Troy then drove them across town.

After a few minutes, the rangers finally made it to Blue Racers. They climbed out of the car, and Troy walked into the shop.

"Mr. J?" Troy called. "I'm here to return the car."

No answer.

"You sure this is the place?" Noah asked as the others looked around.

"Positive, Noah." Troy confirmed. "Wait, Storm Blaster!"

Troy rushed into the back room, hoping to find the vehicle. Only it was gone, with no traces of where it went.

"Where could he have gone?" Troy thought to himself.

"Troy, there's a man outside." Gia called.

Troy rushed back outside to see the others talking to a man. Except this man wasn't Justin. He looked older.

"Can I help you, kids?" The man asked.

"We're looking for a guy who works here." Noah explained. "He's called Mr. J."

"Mr. J." The man pondered. "Oh him. He was just passing through town and offered to help us for some extra cash. I guess he decided to move on from here, but he did leave a note. One of you kids named Troy?"

"Here, sir." Troy spoke up.

The man handed Troy the note.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work." The man told them before entering his shop.

Once the man was out of earshot, Troy opened the note and began reading it aloud.

Hey Troy, sorry for leaving without telling you, but I am needed elsewhere. You and friends are doing a great job and we're all really proud of what're you doing. Remember, we'll be there when you guys need us the most. Farewell and Good luck!

Signed,

J.S.

P.S. Since you handled yourself well at the race today, I've decided to let you keep Lightning Cruiser for a while. I hope you can use him to your benefit. All I ask is that you and your friends drive responsibly.

"Ah, sweet, Troy's got a new set of wheels." Gia squealed.

"Ah, Ah, Ah, Gia, I'm just borrowing it." Troy reminded him. "That means we have to treat just like it's one of us."

"Well, I for one think it really suits you Troy." Emma complimented.

"Thanks, Emma." Troy smiled. "Now, how about I take you guys around town in my new car?"

"Don't have to tell me twice." Jake exclaimed as the rangers climbed back into the car.

"Ready, friend?" Troy whispered to the car.

Cruiser flashed its headlights twice excitedly.

"Here we go, guys." Troy told his friends as the car peeled off into the city. "It's all smooth driving from here!"

Unaware to the rangers, Justin and Scott were watching them away from afar.

"You did real good, Justin." Scott admitted. "There was a second there that I thought he was actually going to lose."

"Hey, give the kid some credit." Justin said, playfully pushing Scott's shoulder. "I think those six will surprise us all in the end."

"Yeah, you're right." Scott agreed. "Well, I guess it's time for us to go."

"Yup, come on." Justin affirmed as the two walked over to Storm Blaster.

"Hey, Justin, how about letting me drive the car this time?" Scott asked.

"Nope!" Justin answered.

"But I…." Scott began.

"Nope, I heard of your driving reputation, buddy." Justin told him. "There's no way you're driving this car.

Storm Blaster flashed its lights in agreement.

"Fine, let's go." Scott sulked as he got in the passenger's seat.

Justin got in the driver's seat, and began driving Storm Blaster down the highway.

Later that Night, Outside of town

Peaceful tranquility, owls hooting, whippoorwill calling, frogs croaking

Suddenly, a mysterious portal appears and five figures step out. As the portal closed, the five figures face each other.

"Okay, we have our mission. Find the targets and bring them in." The leader told them. "Let's move out!"

The other four nodded and the group split up as they raced into the city.

Suddenly, another portal opened up and this time a single individual stepped out.

"This is the right place." The figure said as he looked around himself. "Let's just hope I can reach them in time."

End Notes: Quite a hook for the next tribute. Your guess is as good as anyone. The next tribute will focus on Emma, and the plot will be very similar to a popular sci-fi movie.

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