Author Note: Hey all – just wanted to say thanks to those who reviewed the last chapter of AHtR. I just want to clear the air from the many questions of everyone asking about Sky/Syd. This is only my perspective of them. I've only watched very little of SPD while away at college, but this is how I see them, so I hope that clarifies. Anyhow, hope you all enjoy the next chapter. More guests are arriving, but who? (I've lowered the guest list to about 25-40 people, but knowing my mind might change it lol.) Enjoy!
Ashley sighed as she watched everyone as they all conversed on what was going on with their lives. Mentally, she was still angry at herself for lashing out at Andros throughout the whole trip up to Reefside, whereas she wanted to be at peace with herself. She just recently lost her job with a local airline where she and her husband resided, so it wasn't a pleasant moment of happiness. With the stress that involved it all, she also found out the other day, she miscarried the couple's first child. She shook her head as she attempted to talk to the others.
As everyone continued talking, more guests started to arrive. The sounds of cars pulling into the Inn made everyone turn their heads. With several excited women all scurrying to the sight, everyone was surprised to see who was also arriving. Three cars lined up in front of the Inn as the bellhops raced over to help those who were at their cars.
The families came in as everyone greeted them with warm hugs, handshakes, and kisses on the cheeks. Adam and Tanya Sloan with their two identical twin girls, Avia and Maria couldn't contain their giggles as they smiled. Everyone awed as the rambunctious four year olds stood next to their parents. Xander and his fiancée Claire came in next. The happy couple smiled as they entered into the busy Inn.
While everyone was getting acquainted, the Ranger children were all scattered around, listening to their parents' conversations. Miley and Destiny motioned to Avia and Maria as they all huddled around.
"Wow, it's been a long time since I've seen some of you," Adam said as he walked around, greeting his friends. The group of friends laughed as he circled around them. "Some look very familiar, whereas some I still have yet to know."
His friends laughed as he continued examining his friends, to his surprise he hasn't seen in several years, or even months due to a team up that occurred recently. He shook hands with the familiar faces as he and his wife introduced themselves to the ones who were yet to know of him.
It had been an eventful year for Adam and several other notable veteran rangers. They were called into duty to help defeat the mischievous villain Thrax. He was the offspring of the infamous Rita and Zedd as he took on his army of minions against the Overdrive Rangers. With the defeat of Thrax, all was safe from harm and it was up to the Overdrive Rangers to continue their quest of the Corona Aurora. Now, months have passed, and a holiday party with several friends was a great idea, as well as giving recognition to Adam and the other veteran rangers that served the world proud.
The revs of a motorcycle blared from the outside walls. Everyone scurried to the door as they heard who arrived.
"I wonder who that could be," Tommy said as he heard the sounds get louder and louder. Two motorbikes pulled up with four unmasked people who were sitting in their bikes. "Wow, it's so great to see you guys."
Kira Ford and her boyfriend Conner McKnight pulled off their helmets as they greeted their high school science teacher. As they got off their bikes, the former red Dino Thunder ranger gave him a firm handshake as Kira hugged him and Adam. The two smiled as they greeted everyone.
"Thanks for inviting us Dr. O., it's been quite a while since we've seen you," his friend replied as he began his conversation.
"That it has. Everyone this is Conner McKnight and Kira Ford" the teacher of science assured him.
Within a few seconds into their conversation, a slender female adorned with caramel and blonde highlights removed her helmet from her head. She and her acquaintance greeted everyone.
Ronny and Tyzonne hopped off their bikes as they looked at the atmosphere of Reefside. This was surely different than what they were used to. Snow capped houses, snow on the ground, and a hint of a pine tree in the middle of the hotel's reception area gave them a warm smile.
Adam introduced them to his friends as each of them greeted them. Ronny looked around in wonderment where her other friends from that year's team up would be.
"Ronny, Ty – these are the veterans," he joked a little as he introduced them to more rangers. The two laughed a little as they met the remaining rangers. Shortly into their introductions, Rose and Mack finally arrived into the hotel with Xander and Claire, along side them with Tori and Blake. "You guys finally made it. I thought you guys were going to be with families."
"And what? Miss the Ranger holiday celebration?" Xander laughed as he greeted his fearless leader from months ago. "Xander Bly and you are?"
"I'm Katherine, but please, call me Kat," the former pink ranger smiled as she formally introduced herself. Jason shook Xander's hand as the former Mystic Force Ranger introduced his girlfriend Claire. "We're so glad you could join us."
The young rangers nodded as they met the former rangers. It was an eventful afternoon of meeting new faces as well as getting acquainted with those who were around them. Tommy sighed happily as he looked over at his wife and children who were meeting some new friends and talking to those who they haven't seen since then. Jason walked over to his friend as he looked at his watched. He invited one last person, hoping he would make it.
The busy streets showed many cars, but one was yet to arrive. His friend patted him on the shoulder as the two waited.
"Hey bro, who else is coming?" his friend inquired.
"Anton," his friend replied, looking at his watch.
"He'll come bro, don't worry."
"I sure hope so. It's not like them to be late."
"Yeah, let's hope they know where it is."
Jason laughed as he and his friend went back inside the Inn. The two began talking to the rest family as they caught up on lives and stories. Meanwhile, two little girls smirked to themselves as they saw the snow glisten the ground.
The two little girls talked amongst themselves as they waited patiently for Christmas to come. The tree was filled with presents, but their extended family made them smile. Destiny mimicked her sister as they sighed again, waiting on what would be a great Christmas.
Sudden footsteps came to the door as the girls continued looking out the window. The man watched along with them as he silently stood behind them. Tommy and Kimberly smirked as they saw their little girls continued watching the snow fall.
"Do you think Santa's coming tonight?" Destiny asked her sister as her sister daydreamed. Miley smiled as she looked over at her, hugging her tightly. As the two giggled, the man came closer behind them, placing his hands on their shoulders.
"I think so. Christmas is going to be so special though," Miley replied as she hugged her sister tightly. As she turned around, she gasped as she saw the blue-eyed man smile at her. She gently tapped Destiny, as her sister too gasped, seeing the man smiling at them. "Uncle Anton!"
"Merry Christmas girls," he smiled, as he embraced them tightly.
Their parents smiled as they watched their girls embrace the gentleman. His eyes stung with happiness as he saw the two girls that resembled his best friend. He got up as he placed one of them on his hip.
"It's good to see you again, Anton," Tommy replied, shaking his hand firmly. As the two walked around, he introduced them to several friends whom he was yet to meet. The girls followed him around as they smiled in excitement. "Where's Elsa?"
Elsa stood next to him as she embraced Kimberly and Katherine. The two grinned as they greeted her. They later explained that Trent was still in New York City, but sent his warmed wishes to everyone.
"What are waiting for? Let's get this party started!" Zack shouted as he began dancing. The groups laughed as he boogied his way to his room, carrying in some of his suitcases. Everyone laughed as they departed for a moment into their rooms.
As everyone entered into their rooms, they were amazed at the surprises they were given. The Olivers and Scotts watched in awe as sudden shrieks were heard. It was one Christmas holiday no one would forget.
The last chapter will conclude tomorrow, December 23, 2007. For now, please leave a review. :-)
