Variations Of SPD
Chapter 21: Pieces Of Hope
By: Pink-Green-White-4ever
Last Revised: September 12, 2006
Summary: Even the bleakest of situations crumble before the light of hope.
Rating: M, for adult-themed situations.
Disclaimer: I don't own PR, Disney does
Dedication: BV, because without you, I wouldn't be writing SPD. EK, for making me see I'm better than I thought I could be. Angela, for putting up with me trying to kill you with the cliffhangers.
An: This chapter was pretty emotional to write. You will see an excerpt from Variations Of Pink here. And there are some Non Kid Friendly scenes in this, so if you aren't at least 16 or 17, don't read this chapter.
"She would have done anything for you. She would have gone to the ends of the earth and back for you, and yet, you broke her heart. And you didn't care that you did it." –- my friend Angel --
"In the end, you always go back to the people that were there in the beginning." -- from "Dawson's Creek" --
"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." -- Antoine De Saint-Exupery --
--
"Well, what's the verdict?" Sydney asked, feet dangling over the side of the exam table. Dr. Felix had his back turned to her while he wrote something down in her chart.
"You're fine," he smiled at her when he turned around. "You just used too much energy before you were ready. After reviewing the battle footage Kat recorded, I'd say the more you learn to control your powers, less and less things like this will happen."
"Cool," Sydney grinned. "Am I free to go?"
Dr. Felix nodded and handed her the pink and gray uniform jacket from the back of the chair next to him. "You are, but I want you to take it easy for a while, alright?"
"You go it!" Syd chirped, hoping off the bed and heading out the door for the Command Center where a briefing for all senior officers was going on.
When she entered, she heard her brother's voice briefing Cruger, the rest of the Rangers, and all senior personnel. "And that's all he'd tell me."
Anubis looked concerned and deep in thought. "Well done, Cadet Oliver. Cadets Drew, Landors, Delgado, Carson, Matthews, Parker, Ortiz, Silvers, Gaines and Oliver, I'd like to speak with you in my office. The rest of you, remember what we've discussed. You're dismissed."
The group saluted, the non Rangers moving from the room while the group of ten waited and then followed Anubis out and down the hallway to his office. "Commander?" Jack started when the ten Rangers settled into various positions in the office. The girls sat in the four chairs before Anubis' desk while the boys stood behind them, leaning against the walls.
"Kat and Boom have analyzed the battle from this morning," he spoke, his words quieting all side discussions.
"And?" Aaron questioned, pushing up from the wall in the same manner Jack had just seconds before him.
"Cadet Oliver's information may very well prove useful. I've decided to send two of you to KO-35 to find this Debo. The rest of you will remain here, to protect the city, and more importantly, Earth, from whatever attacks may be launched." The ten looked tense. Anubis only hoped the two he'd chosen to go on the mission would be successful. He also hoped the three remaining members of their team could counter any unforeseen complications. "If my hunch is right, its going to take members of the Ninja Rangers to talk Debo into getting them to Eltar, and ultimately the Morphin' Masters Council. To that end, Bridge and Z, I've chosen the pair of you to go."
Jack, Brian and Syd exhaled slowly, knowing it was now completely up to them to keep Vampra's forces at bay. Aaron, Alana, Brett, Travis and Ally looked tense and yet relieved, until they realized that their jobs had just gotten a little harder. They would be needed to provide cover fire and back up support for three Rangers who were all that was left standing between Earth and its imminent destruction from Vampra.
"What about Jack, Syd and Brian? If we leave, that leaves them vulnerable!" Z argued, already opposed to leaving her teammates and best friends behind.
"No, it doesn't," Syd spoke up, gaining everyone's attention. "Think about it. It leaves us even with them, and it makes them think their plans are working. I got into Sky's head this morning, at least a little. They're trying to turn Z, Bridge and Brian against both Jack and I."
The others nodded, having discussed that while Syd had been in the infirmary. "We got that, from what you told us earlier," Aaron told her, reaching over to place a hand on her shoulder.
"Well, if Z and Bridge are gone, what's that going to say about their plans?" Brian asked, having caught his sister's train of thought without the benefit of reading her mind.
"That their plan worked," Jack spoke up. "They'll think Brian won't give up on Syd, but they'll think Z and Bridge did."
"Exactly. We could use this to our advantage," Syd passionately replied. "They'll think they have the upper hand and really won't. They won't know you're searching out the Morphin' Masters Council, but we will."
Anubis sat in his chair, silent and grinning. His team truly was progressing. Even with the blow they'd been dealt, they were still fighting.
For the first time since the discussion had begun, Bridge spoke up. "When do we leave, Commander?"
"As soon as a shuttle has been prepared, which Boom and Kat are working on as we speak."
Z let out a long, slow breath before looking over her shoulder at Bridge. "Guess we'd better go pack, huh?"
The Green Ranger nodded. "Sir, is there anything special we should take with us?"
"I'd like the five of you to record a group message that you will carry with you and give to the Council. Maybe it'll help with Debo as well if they see the five of you together." The group of Ninja Rangers nodded. "Those of you staying, go get some rest. You'll need to be recharged and ready to go. Dismissed."
The ten stood and saluted and then hurried from the room. Aaron stopped Bridge momentarily when they were all in the hallway. "Let us know when you're ready to go. We want to come see you off." The Senior Green Ranger nodded and the two bumped fists as the groups went in opposite directions.
--
"You'll be to KO-35 in less than a day if you go at warp seven. When you arrive, you need to search out Andros or Zhane, the Red and Silver Space Rangers," Kat told Bridge and Z while several of the younger cadets loaded the shuttle with supplies. "They'll help you find Debo."
The pair nodded and Kat stepped back to let the other members of A Squad say goodbye. Aaron, Alana, Travis and Brett gave them a quick salute and hugs. "Be careful," Alana whispered in Z's ear.
"Watch out for them for us," Z told her, watching Alana nod.
Ally and Brian stepped up next, gave them hugs, and wished them a safe trip and speedy return. And then it was just the two of them and Jack and Syd. The four faced each other, standing in a circle, and stuck their hands into the center between them. "Ok, not to get mushy or anything, but be careful," Jack grinned.
"All of us remain in one piece until we get Sky back, agreed?" Z laughed, but the four fell silent as Sydney looked up with tears in her eyes.
"Agreed." Quick hugs were exchanged between the four before Z and Bridge got on the shuttled and took off.
--
Z sighed for the hundredth time. Bridge was in the seat next to her, quiet as a mouse. The silence, both physical and mental, was getting to her. "Are you going to sit there or are you going to talk to me?" More silence followed her words. "Bridge, did I do something wrong?"
"No. Sorry, was zoning out," Bridge murmured, letting her into his head through their link. He felt and sensed her relaxing. "I've been trying to reach Sky. I can't seem to get through, and it's frustrating."
"All you're getting is static, right?"
Bridge looked over at her in confusion. "Yeah, how'd you know?"
Z smiled sadly. "I got the same thing when I tried."
"Z, do you think we'll get him back?"
The Yellow Ranger nodded. "I can't fathom, after all we've been through that fate would be that cruel, especially to Syd and Sky."
Bridge was quiet. Hope seemed like a foreign emotion to him. His best friend, his brother in everything but blood was working for their enemy, brainwashed into believing that their leader and their Pink Ranger had betrayed him. Bridge knew that was Anna's doing and Sky's insecurities. Sydney would never betray any of her friends, least of all Sky. Nor would she intentionally hurt anyone she loved. And Jack, Bridge thought, an image of the Red Ranger coming to mind, was the most loyal person he'd ever met. The Green Ranger had thought Sky had worked past his issues with Jack being Red Ranger, but apparently not. And then it hit him.
"Bridge?"
"I just thought of something."
"What?"
Bridge grinned. "We need to remind Sky that heroes come in all colors."
Z was startled by his words and then remembered Jack telling her about that very conversation between himself and Sky. "But what about Syd?"
The Green Ranger looked pained. "I think that's something only Sydney can fix."
The Yellow Ranger frowned. "Wonderful."
--
The hot water sluiced down his back, easing the tension in his muscles. The battle had taken more out of him than he wanted to admit. Sydney's display of power had left him shaken and on the verge of remembering something. And then it hit him.
Her morpher lay at her feet, shattered. He uniform was gone, a tunic of pink surrounding her, though it was torn to shreds, revealing once creamy skin now adorned with cuts, bruises and black smudges. The two bodies of her birth parents lay in front of her, obviously having died trying to protect her.
Sky soon saw what had her rapt attention. Right in front of her, was Visvajita. He was a mix of a humanoid and an android, and he looked like he'd already taken a pounding.
Sky watched her lunge for the console on her right, Visvajita yelling as she did. "SYD!" Jack hollered, his voice resonating with the emotions Sky, Z and Bridge also felt.
"NO!" Visvajita's scream ripped through the room, knocking the Rangers back away from Sydney, off their feet and to their knees.
The team watched Sydney extend a hand in the emperor's direction, pink power blasting from her palm, slamming him back against a wall. Sky tried his hardest to push up from his knees until he saw her turn her body slightly toward him, her hand still on the console she stood by.
Her eyes were full of tears and her lips were moving, though Sky couldn't head her over the pounding of his own heart. However, he managed to read her lips – I love you.
Sky felt himself pulled apart as the world started to disappear, and the next thing he knew was he was no longer on the ship, but standing beneath it. The other members of his team were with him, looking just as dazed and disoriented. As realization dawned, Sky saw the ship explode.
"SYDNEY!"
'And she sacrificed our child to save her own life' he thought bitterly before the burning in his chest intensified. 'Maybe it was for the better. I don't think I could let my child stay with that whore!'
When he tasted the saltiness of his tears, he felt something in him shift. 'I miss you, Sydney. I miss what we had.'
Shaking his head to clear it, Sky shut off the water and climbed out of the stall. He quickly dried off, wrapping the towel around his waist before he moved into his and Anna's quarters. He really didn't like sharing a room with her, but his options were limited. It was sleep with her or sleep on the bridge of the ship.
"Hello Lover," she purred. Sky stopped short, his eyes on the bed, and took in the scantily clad woman. An involuntary shudder raced through him. He still wasn't sure why, but whenever she called him that, it made him ill.
"I thought you were with Viper plotting our next attack?" he asked, moving to put on a pair of navy blue silk pajama pants which he'd laid out before his shower.
"I wanted to be with you."
Sky arched an eyebrow at her even as he stood, arms crossed over his bare chest, staring down at the bed. "Right. Look, I'm tired, I'm irritated, and tonight, I don't want to deal with any more shit."
Anna narrowed her eyes at him, wondering what he meant. She didn't think he could possibly want to object to them being intimate. "Oh?"
"Yes oh. Now, I'm going to sleep. Goodnight." That said, Sky crawled into the bed on the side she wasn't on and shut off the light.
Anna lay in the dark next to him, contemplating her next move. She knew in order to cement herself into the Pink Ranger's place, she had to have a physical relationship with Sky. She closed her eyes and grinned; once Sky was asleep, she'd put her plan into action.
--
Syd sat with her back against Sky's headboard. His pillow was tucked in her arms and hers was behind her head and back. She was dressed in his SPD work shirt and a pair of gray shorts. Peanuts lay on the bed next to her, completely forgotten. She hadn't slept decently in a while, her dreams hand nightmares centered on Sky. Tonight, she knew, would be no different.
"Still can't sleep?"
Looking up, Syd saw Jack standing in the door way to Sky's room. The Red Ranger was wearing a white tank top and a pair of red and black sweats. With all three of their housemates gone, Syd knew they were both feeling oddly alone.
"Thinking too much," she yawned. "I'm afraid to go to sleep. If I dream about him and wake up, it kills me to know he's gone. If I have a nightmare, it reminds me it's my fault he's gone. If I had been stronger, faster, smarter, he'd be here."
"Sydney, Sky did what he did because he loves you," Jack told her, frowning because he didn't understand how she couldn't see that.
The Pink Ranger's baby blue eyes looked up into the dark brown eyes of her leader and big brother. "Then how do you explain the insecurities that turned him against me?"
The Red Ranger pondered for a moment the answer he was going to give. "You were his first in a lot of ways, weren't you?" Sydney nodded. "And of course, while he accepted me being Red, he never quite got over the hurt from being given Blue. Take into account, we know nothing of Anna's powers, or what she did to him or showed him to trick him."
Blue eyes narrowed. "That still doesn't answer my question."
Jack gave her a sad smile. "He's human, Syd. He hurts and worries and has all those things on his mind and heart that we, as humans, do. She's twisted him up inside and he can't figure which way is up."
"I miss him," she murmured, her eyes drifting down to the promise ring on her right hand.
"Surprisingly, I do too. We just got to hand in there and be prepared to pick up the pieces when it's all over."
Sydney's lips trembled and tears clouded her eyes. "What if we aren't as lucky this time as last time to have pieces to pick up?"
Jack's face was a mask of fierce determination and an even fiercer hope. "We will be. We've been through too much for fate to be that cruel now."
--
She tested to make sure he was asleep before she got up and undressed. She watched him, bathed in moonlight, as he slept soundly. He was on his back, head turned to the side. Grinning, she leaned over and carefully tugged the covers off the bed. Once that was done, she climbed onto the bed and straddled his stomach. In the short amount of time she and Sky had been dating before, they'd never gotten intimate. Now that dream would be fulfilled.
Leaning over, she dropped wet kisses in a trail along his collar bone and chest before moving to nibble on his neck. She felt his hands slide up the sides of her thighs to her waist and she felt his arousal rubbing against her most private spot. A low groan escaped her when her hips automatically ground down against his.
Sky moaned in his sleep while his hands unconsciously held her waist. Anna was so lost in her thoughts and her body's reaction to his touch she felt like she had cold water tossed on her head when he moaned, "Mmmm...Sydney..."
Blue eyes snapped open and flooded with red power even as she scratched her nails down his chest, drawing blood and waking Sky instantly.
"OW!"
"Think again, Schuyler! I am not that little bitch Sydney!" she shrieked even as Sky bucked her off his body and scrambled to his feet next to the bed.
Blue met blue, electricity zapping and sizzling between them. "I know you're not Sydney," he ground out through clenched teeth, trying to control his anger at her. "And if I wanted you naked, I'd have undressed you myself. You go too far, Anna. I don't want you, not like that. Not now, not ever."
She shrieked in rage, extending her hand at him, her body illuminating as power whipped around her to the rhythm of her rage. "I'll kill you!"
"Go ahead, try. You'll be sorry, because before you realize it, I could kill you. Have you forgotten? I'm a Ninjetti; I possess unlimited power through the Morphin' Grid."
Anna glared at him even as she struggled into her silk robe that had landed on the floor next to her. "I hate you."
"The feeling's mutual. Now get dressed and leave me alone."
--
"Thank you for inviting me over, Aunt Jen," Sydney grinned the next morning. She'd been invited to have dinner and spend the night with Wes and Jen, just to get away for a while.
"Sydney, honey, you're always welcome here," Jen told her gently. "Why don't you take your things up to Sky's room?"
Jen felt her throat clog at the sadness that filled Syd's eyes. The former Pink Ranger was about to retract her offer when Syd sighed and started up the stairs toward Sky's room. "Everything okay?" Wes asked when he emerged from the study a few seconds later.
"She's so sad," Jen murmured, turning to hold onto her husband. "The look on her face when I told her she was staying in Sky's room about did me in."
Wes sighed and held her to his chest. He knew she was trying her best to be strong – it took a lot to break his Jen – but this whole situation with their son was threatening to reduce the former Time Force Officer to tears. "We're going to get through this, Jen, and so are Syd and Sky."
"I hope so."
--
Biting her lip, Sydney gently pushed open the door to Sky's childhood bedroom. It looked exactly as it had the last time she'd been over a few weeks before with Sky. The drapes were open at the French doors leading to the terrace, so sunlight filtered into the room. The bed was neatly made and all the memorabilia from Sky's childhood was dusted and prominently displayed. Shaking her head, Syd dumped her overnight bag in the corner and then sat down on Sky's bed, memories washing over her. This was the room where she and Sky had first made love, where they had unknowingly conceived their child.
Sydney could still remember the nightmare that had scared her half to death. Jen had pulled her into her arms after she'd fallen on the floor and had let her lay her head in the older woman's lap while she cried. She remembered, vaguely, Sky's fingers rubbing her back and legs in an effort to calm her down. The feel of Sky's arms around her, picking her up and cuddling her on his bed was still burned in her memory. She couldn't help the smile that erupted onto her face. They'd been making out and then they'd argued fiercely when her insecurities had gotten the better of her. How could I have thought he didn't want me? She asked herself.
Even as her arms wrapped around her waist and she closed her eyes, Sydney remembered him pinning her to the door and placing her hand on the bulge in his boxers. The fact that he'd twitched and moaned at the contact, despite her previous thoughts, had been a soothing balm on her feelings. She'd wanted an answer and her boyfriend had given her the most honest one he could.
Their love making that night had put an end to all her childish fantasies. The fierceness of wanting each other had been tempered by the innocence of it being their first times – both together and alone. Sky had been gentle and loving and had put her at ease. She could still feel the wonder at having his solid length buried deep between her thighs. The feel of his toned muscles against her softness still brought a shiver to her. I miss you, Sky; miss you holding me, miss your voice, you sense of humor, the love in your eyes when you look at me. I miss everything. I feel so empty without you.
With her eyes closed tight, Syd never noticed that her powers had flared, leaving her body a luminescent pink.
--
Anna slept beside him, unmoving. After their fight, they'd both gone to bed, but while she slept, Sky found he couldn't. Closing his eyes, Sky felt a warmth seep into him. It pooled in his heart, and spread out from his stomach to his loins. Memories began flooding his mind, images of him and Sydney making love, cuddling, sparring, arguing, fighting side by side in battle. He felt himself take a deep, shaky breath as memories of their first time assaulted his mind and heart.
He could still remember the feel of her smooth skin under his palms, her breasts pressed against his chest, her slim, strong thighs cradling his hips and her toned arms wrapped around him. Sky felt his throat tighten as he thought of the wonder he experienced at seeing her naked before him and the awe of taking her innocence even as he'd given her his own. For a moment he thought one vicious thought – that was one thing Jack couldn't take from him. The moment he and Sydney had given each other their innocence would always be with him.
Power as deep blue as a clear morning sky began to radiate from the Blue Ranger, who lay in bed, ignorant to it all. He was so focused on his memories; he didn't notice the pure power singing in his veins, trying to clear away Anna's torture and brainwashing. I miss what we had, Sydney. I'm sorry it didn't last.
--
She woke gasping for breath, his voice echoing in her ringing ears. Tears ran in tiny rivers down her cheeks. She pressed a hand to her heart, feeling as though something inside her had died. Somehow, she knew she and Sky, despite current circumstances, had connected somehow. She slid off the bed and went into the bathroom, stripping as she went. Syd let out a shaky breath when she saw the sticky wetness coating her things and panties. Shaking her head, she started the shower and then climbed into the stall.
Even with her head under the spray, Syd could taste her own tears. Pulling back, she took a deep breath and tried to ease the trembling in her limbs. Deciding the familiar routine of showering would help, the Pink Ranger went through the motions of cleaning up. Once she was done, she wrapped her hair in a big fluffy blue towel and then took another and wrapped it around her body.
Quietly, she moved into Sky's room, donning her sweats and a tank top, leaving the towel in her hair. Once she was dressed, she headed downstairs to apologize to Jen and Wes for falling asleep on them.
The silence in the mansion was eerie and creepy. Upon arriving in the kitchen, Syd found a note on the counter in her aunt's flowing script.
Sydney
We had to go grab some last minute items for dinner. Be back soon. Drinks are in the fridge and snacks are in the pantry.
Love
Aunt Jen and Uncle Wes
Grinning, Sydney reached into the refrigerator to her left and pulled out a bottle of juice before stepping over to the pantry and selecting a bag of animal cookies. Snack in hand, the Pink Ranger headed for the stairs and stopped short when she saw the tall figure entering Sky's room.
"Wonderful," she muttered. She quickly set down her juice and cookies. Taking a deep breath, she quietly went up the stairs and stealthy entered Sky's room. Her heart ached at the sight of him standing in the middle of the room, eyes closed and a pained expression on his beloved face.
"Why are you here, Sydney?" he asked softly. For a second, his voice almost sounded normal, maybe even tender and full of regret.
"Because despite what Anna's tricked you into believing about me, your parents still care," she wanted to hiss, but instead her voice came out choked with emotion. "Come home, please."
Sky's blue eyes lit with power. He looked mad. "Why should I?"
"Because your parents miss you, because worrying about you is eating at them. Your mother, your strong dependable mother looks worn out and tired. Your disappearing act is slowly killing her."
The pair stared at each other, not moving and not speaking. "I've found my place."
"YOUR PLACE IS AT HOME! WITH ME! WITH YOUR PARENTS! WITH PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU!" she screamed at him, startling him back a few steps. Her tears feel without notice on her part. Sky could see her chest heaving as each ragged breath tore through her. "Damn you! I love you! I miss you! It's always been you, always will be you!"
Sydney looked startled to see him staring at her, a longing in his eyes that she hadn't seen in some time. "It's not that simple, Sydney. You betrayed..."
"WHAT? HOW?" she demanded, her fists clenching at her sides. "With Jack? Why would you think I betrayed you with Jack? Damn you, Sky, I love you. I love Jack like the brother I didn't know I had until a few months ago. Don't you get it, she lied to you. Did you forget? Jack has Ally, our red headed junior Pink Ranger. The one who makes all of us laugh and makes him smile, the one he loves."
"Sydney...I..."
"Syd! We're back!"
The Pink Ranger watched as Jen's voice caused just enough of a disturbance in her getting through to Sky that he was able to throw up an emotional wall around himself. "Nice try, Pink Ranger. But now, I think it's time you and I finally went one on one."
Before Syd had time to blink, he thrust a hand up, his blue power slamming into her and sending her flying into the hallway. She heard Jen and Wes cry out for her as a second wave of Sky's power knocked her off her feet and through the railing on the second floor.
"SYDNEY!"