Chapter 5: Fear of Rejection

A few days had gone by since Syd and Z had had their little spat. Syd hadn't spoken to Z, which wasn't hard as they'd been avoiding each other. It wasn't as if Syd wanted to ignore Z. She was just hurt by what Z had said. After everything they'd been through, she thought she and Z were past their superficial differences. In saying that, Syd wasn't stupid. Z was in the wrong, not her. When Z was ready to apologise, Syd would forgive her, but until then, she wouldn't speak to her. Syd was content with who she was.

Syd made her way towards the gym. Today the B-Squad was sparring, to help C-Squad hone their hand -to-hand combat skills. Z was up against Charlie (Cruger's idea,) Bridge against Syd; and Sky would be training the C-Squad's top cadet; John Essen.

"Z, Charlie you're up first," Sky called from the sideline. Z and Charlie took up their places opposite one another on the mat, fists raised. Z glared at Charlie, a fire in her hazel eyes. "You know the drill. First to five knock-downs; no blows to the head. Begin."

The two women charged at one another, Z trying to fly-kick Charlie. However, Charlie slid underneath her, quickly rising and kicking Z in the ribs.

Z hit the ground, hard. "Point one; Charlie," Bridge called. He was the one keeping score.

Before the next round began, Syd asked C-Squad; "Did you see what Z did wrong?"

"She charged in head first, without considering her opponent, secondary attack or the consequences of her first attack failing." John answered.

"Very good," Syd responded. She returned to her position at Sky's side.

Z got up and turned to face Charlie. Charlie tried to be friendly; she smiled. Z just glared back. The second round began, Z swinging a right-hook at Charlie. Charlie caught it with her left arm, swung a jab into Z's stomach; and then proceeded to grab her right arm, flipping her over.

"Point two; Charlie." Bridge chimed.

"Try widening your stance," Charlie told her. "You'll be less likely to be caught off balance."

"Shut up." The C-Squad was shocked by Z's response, but she didn't care. "Let's just get this done."

Z charged again, swinging another right-hook. Charlie ducked once again, but was unprepared for Z's reverse-roundhouse, which collided with Charlie's left temple. Charlie was out cold.

"Charlie!" Sky rushed to his sister's side, as did Bridge and Syd. The C-Squad just stood in shock at what had just happened. "Say something, sis."

Syd turned on Z. "What the hell is wrong with you?" Z's blank stare in response infuriated her. "You've knocked her out cold!"

"I'm sure she'll be fine, Princess" Z replied coolly.

Syd was absolutely furious. "You arrogant bitch!"

Now it was Sky's turn. "This time you've taken it too far Z. Whatever your problems are with my sister, it's never okay to take them out onto the sparring mats."

The EMTs arrived and carried Charlie off on a stretcher, toward the infirmary.

XXX

A few hours later, Bridge sat with Boom in his lab, having been unable to find Z anywhere.

"I don't know what to do, Boom," Bridge sighed. "She's acting so crazy at the moment; I have no idea how to handle it."

"I hear ya, man." Boom thought for a moment. "Have you thought about giving her space? I mean, maybe that's just what she needs."

Bridge shook his head. "I'm the only one she'll talk to, if I leave her alone, she'll only withdraw even more." Bridge pounded his head on Boom's desk. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, of course," Boom said, sitting down in the seat next to Bridge.

"I care about her, Boom. And it kills me to see her like this. Do you have any idea what that's like?"

Boom sighed. "Unfortunately not, Bridge. I can't help you there, my friend. Sorry."

"I think I'll go visit Charlie," Bridge said. "You wanna come? She's your friend too, you know."

"Not right now, man. I've got some work to do. I'll visit her later."

"Alright," Bridge grinned as he left. "Thanks for the help Boom."

"No worries Bridge," Boom called after his retreating back. "Now, how do I configure the proton beam to be 12% more efficient in the Delta Blasters?" Boom scratched his chin, deep in thought.

XXX

Charlie lay on her back, in bed, having no recollection of the incident earlier in the morning. Bridge walked into the infirmary, with worry on his face.

"Are you-?" he started to ask.

Charlie held up her right hand. "I'm fine Bridgey, don't worry about me," she told him. He leant down, giving her a kiss on the forehead.

"Good."

"Bridge, I don't know what's going on with Z, but I can't keep pretending to be civil with her." Charlie was hurt, both in her pride and physically. "This was the last straw for me. I'm done trying with her."

"I know Charlie; and I'm sorry you got hurt." Bridge would always care about Charlie. She was like his second sister, after Sarah. Actually, he considered all his 'cousins' to be his siblings. There was no one closer than the Collins-Grayson-Myers family. "I'll let you get some rest," he told her, giving her another kiss on the forehead.

After Bridge left, Charlie couldn't help but feel that her situation with Z was much like her one when she'd first joined A-Squad all those years ago…

FLASHBACK
Charlie walked through the dimly lit halls of S.P.D. in her tight red short-shorts and an equally tight black tank-top, unable to sleep. Tomorrow was her first day as the A-Squad's Red Ranger and she was nervous. How was she ever going to live up to her father? She walked into the RecRoom to grab a drink of water.

"Can't sleep?" It was Brad Myers, whom she was replacing.

Charlie walked over to the long couch Brad was sitting on, his feet stretched out onto the glass table, wearing civilian clothes for his undercover assignment; a tight, grey t-shirt and navy-blue skinny jeans. He'd been reading a mission briefing before she walked in. "Nope," she said as she sat down next to him. Brad was one of her closest friends, along with Bridge, Syd and of course; Sky. But there was something about the tall, sandy brown-haired joker that always made her feel at ease. Maybe it was his huge muscles and chiselled abs. But she'd known him long before those existed; and the feelings had definitely been there long before.

"Well," Brad said as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. "I'm sure you'll be fine. You'll be a great Ranger, Charlie. It's in your blood."

There he was again, always there to reassure her. She looked into his bright-blue eyes and did what she'd been wanting to do since they were 15: She kissed him. He kissed back, his arms moving to her hips as she turned her body to face his. Her hands moved to his shoulders, their passion rising.

After about 15 seconds, it dawned on Charlie what she was doing; and she panicked. She pushed away from him. "I, umm, sorry. I have to go." She jumped off the couch and ran out the door.

"Charlie! Wait!" Brad put his head in his hands. He thought he'd screwed up his chances with her. 'Great work Brad, you've ruined it. Now she'll never go out with you.' He told himself. They saw each other regularly when Brad was back on Earth over the course of the next 3 years, but they never spoke one word about the incident.

To make matters worse, during her very first training session with the A-Squad, she'd had her ass handed to her; her mind still on the previous night's events. Ever since then, she'd been the one left out of the team. Making her feel worse than she'd ever felt. She wished she could go back to B-Squad, to her friends. No wonder Brad had spent all his free time with them. The rest of A-Squad were a bunch of assholes. To top it all off, they betrayed her, to side with Grumm. They'd brainwashed her, made her do terrible things and all through it, she just wanted to be a part of a team. But she wasn't. They rejected her, just as they'd rejected Brad. She'd never felt more alone.

END FLASHBACK

XXX

Syd and Sky walked out of Cruger's office, exhausted. They'd just spent the last 35 minutes debriefing him about the incident during training. They went to check on Charlie, but saw Bridge with her and decided to go to the mall for lunch.

Sitting down at a small café, they discussed things at S.P.D. and how they were progressing. "I don't like it, Sky." Syd told him. "Z's tearing the team apart."

Sky agreed with her, but was honestly just sick of the whole 'Z' issue. "Look, Syd. Can we talk about something other than work?" Syd was shocked to say the least. "I don't want to think about it right now."

Syd grinned widely and her eyes shone. Sky didn't like the look she gave him. "Take me shopping and we'll talk about something different," she said in her cute voice, whilst stealing one of his fries.

"Fine, whatever, I'll do it." He honestly didn't care what they did or talked about. As long as it wasn't Z.

They spent the next 3 hours walking all over NewTech city's largest shopping complex. Syd tried on this outfit and that outfit, buying the ones she really liked. Sky didn't mind, contrary to popular belief, he actually enjoyed shopping a little. He even bought himself a few outfits.

As they were leaving, shopping bags in hand, Syd turned to face him, blocking his path. "Thanks, Sky." She leaned up and kissed him briefly on the lips. "I've really enjoyed today."

"Me too," he grinned.

Suddenly the two Rangers were swarmed by a flock of 20-something year old women. There were 6 to be exact. "Are you Sky Tate?" One asked. "Better known as Sky Collins?"

"Yes I am." Sky was used to fangirls who wanted a picture.

"Can we take a picture with you?"

"Sure."

Before long, there were dozens of people crowding him, wanting a picture. None took notice of Syd, who was by all accounts just as, if not more famous than Schuyler Collins; Red S.P.D. Ranger and one of two heirs to BioLab. After about 30 minutes of photos and such (he was always happy to oblige for people who looked up to him, especially the kids; who he had to be a role model for,) Sky politely excused himself. He walked back over to Syd, who was texting on a two-seat table in the middle of the food court.

"Hey, you ready to go?" Sky asked, sitting down opposite her.

"If you're done with your fan-club." Syd replied shortly.

"I'm sensing a little hostility here. Let's not forget about your fan club; and I don't complain about them."

"I'm just not a fan of big-boobed blondes getting all handsy with my boyfriend."

Sky was puzzled. "I wasn't flirting with them-"

"I know. I just wasn't a fan of them."

"You realise you're also a big-boobed blonde, right?" Sky teased, taking her hands.

Syd smacked his shoulder playfully. "I really loved the way you were with those kids."

"Hopefully someday, we'll have some of our own," Sky smiled.

Syd's eyes widened "I-"

Sky panicked "I didn't mean- like, not now- I wasn't trying to-"

Syd took his hands in hers. "I'd like that."

Sky grinned, his steel eyes locked on her baby-blues and they kissed softly. They both stood up, hand in hand, shopping in the other and walked out of the shopping complex.

XXX

Syd lay awake in her room that night. Charlie hadn't yet returned from the infirmary, so Syd was alone. She thought back to the first time she met Sky, Charlie and Bridge; and then to the day she realised she had feelings for Sky that were more than just platonic.

FLASHBACK
Sydney Drew stood nervously in the assembly hall along with the latest influx of Cadets for the S.P.D. Power Ranger program. There would only be 5 positions given to those who were next in line to be Power Rangers on both B-Squad and C-Squad. The rest would be placed into D-Squad and E-Squad and assigned to other positions within the S.P.D. organisation at a later date.

Commander Cruger stood on the podium. The moment of truth was upon her. Had she done enough to make it onto B-Squad?

"You have all worked extremely hard to pass both the physical and academic entrance exams to join Space Patrol Delta. That in itself is a testament to you, as an individual." He paused. "However, as you know, only a limited number of you can become Power Rangers. But I'm sure all of you will find your place here at S.P.D. whatever it may be."

There were murmurs throughout the crowd. When the noise had died down Cruger continued. "The next five names called, will be those who have made the B-Squad. Schuyler Tate. Charlotte Tate. Bridge Carson. Dru Harrington." Syd's heart was pounding in her chest, she closed her eyes and hoped she'd done enough. "Sydney Drew."

The next few minutes were a daze for Syd. She walked onto the stage, shook the Commander's hand and was taken by an S.P.D. officer to be introduced to her teammates.

XXX

They were taken to the 'RecRoom' and introductions began.

Dru went first. "Dru Harrington, from the planet Tangar, just here to do my part." Dru seemed noble enough.

Bridge was next. "Bridge Carson. I love science and books and people. I want to do the right thing and make my family proud." Syd automatically liked Bridge. He was smart, friendly and kind. He and her would most definitely get along. "My real last name is Grayson, I just go by Carson so that people won't assume I'm getting preferential treatment because of who my parents were; the first S.P.D. Blue and Pink Rangers."

Charlie went next. "I'm Charlotte Collins, call me Charlie. Sky's my brother, Bridge is my cousin; let's just clear that up straight away. I'm here because I want to protect people; as well as make both my parents proud. They were the first S.P.D. Red and Yellow Rangers. Sky and I both go by 'Tate' to avoid people thinking we get preferential treatment because of who our father was." Syd also liked Charlie. She seemed smart, confident, fun and serious all at once. They were going to have lots of fun together. Plus, Charlie knew how to dress too.

Sky was second-to-last to introduce himself. "I'm Sky, Charlie essentially introduced me, so I have almost nothing to say. Except that I'd be lying if I said part of me wasn't here to find my father's killer and bring him to justice." Syd wasn't sure what it was about Sky, but she knew he and her would get along, maybe even more. She had the feeling they'd drive each other insane at times, but they'd also always be there for one another.

Syd was last, she needed to introduce herself. But she was nervous. She wanted to be accepted. They knew the pop-star, the Olympian and the model. They didn't know the real her. No one except her parents did. She was afraid they'd reject her.

"What's wrong?" Charlie asked.

"I'm nervous," was all she could reply.

"Don't be," Bridge told her, smiling.

"Okay, umm well I'm Sydney Drew. I've recorded music, gone to the Olympics and-"

"Wait." It was Sky who spoke. "We all know this." Syd's eyes hit the floor. "Let us know the real Sydney Drew. There's more to you than everything in the news. I know it."

Syd looked into his eyes nervously. "How can you be sure?"

"I'm a good judge of character. If I didn't think you were worth it, I wouldn't waste my breath."

And so Syd told them the truth. "I'm sick of being the poster girl for everyone and everything. I want to make a real difference. I want to help protect people. This is the only way I know how."

She looked at the others, her eyes having been locked on Sky's steel-blues for her entire introduction; and they were smiling at her.

"I think we're all gonna get along just fine." Charlie grinned.

XXX

Syd and the rest of the B-Squad had been at the academy for close to 6 months. She knew Sky was hot. And she knew he thought the same of her. But it was that one day that everything changed.

Syd was sitting at one of the many tables in the cafeteria for lunch, waiting for her teammates. She was skewering a piece of tomato from her salad on her fork, when a voice called her name.

"Sydney."

It was one of the D-Squad Cadets; James Killon. She wasn't fond of him. He'd asked her out, she'd said no and he'd been nasty to her ever since. Bridge and Charlie had both spoken sternly to him about his behaviour, but it hadn't stopped him. She was slightly disappointed Sky hadn't done anything, but she took secret pleasure in the jealousy that flashed in his eyes any time Syd was talking to another guy, especially James.

"Can I help you, James?" Syd asked innocently, turning to face him.

"I just thought I'd let you know that I've figured it out." He told her smugly.

"Figured what out?" She sighed exhaustedly. Syd wasn't in the mood for his games.

"How you got on to B-Squad."

"Me too; good test scores," Syd replied sarcastically

"No, no, no. There's no way. It's all about who you slept with."

Syd was taken aback. "Excuse me?" She stood up, her heart beating, fists clenched and blood pumping.

"You heard me. You're a no good little slu-" Before James could finish his sentence, he'd been grabbed by the shoulder, spun around, punched in the stomach and winded; and then had his forehead beaten against the table. It was Sky.

"Sky - What the hell was that?!" Syd was shocked; an unconscious James lay at Sky's feet.

"He was disrespecting you. You're a good person Syd. You're beautiful, intelligent and you have the kindest heart of anyone I know. You of all people don't deserve to be treated like that." Sky told her.

Syd's eyes welled with tears. It was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to her. She rushed forward and threw her arms around Sky's neck, his around her back. "Thank you Sky." She said, wiping away the tears.

"Any time." He grinned.

END FLASHBACK

Syd smiled to herself. That was the first day she'd realised Sky was a keeper and he'd always be there for her. That was the first day she'd realised that her feelings for him were more than just platonic.

End of Chapter 5. PLEASE REVIEW! :)

A/N: When you picture Brad, just picture Stephen Amell (Oliver Queen, in "Arrow.")