You Found Me: A Story of Sky and Syd

Disclaimer: Just imagine all the fun I would have with Chris Violette if I was his boss…which I would be only if I owned Power Rangers…which I don't. I'm sure he is very glad for this.

Challenge: Dawn

Timeframe: Somewhere before Endings.

After tossing and turning for hours, Syd climbed out of bed. She dressed quickly in the semi-darkness in a cream colored S.P.D. T-shirt and soft pink sweats, prepared to take a quick jog as was her morning routine. She decided to get a bottled water to take with her.

Sydney strolled into the Rec room and selected the water option. On her way out again, she noticed a familiar figure at the window.

Syd gazed at the blue trim of her friend's uniform fondly. He had the fingertips of one hand resting on the glass, watching the sky turn slowly from night to rosy dawn.

"Sky."

He didn't acknowledge her statement or give any sign that he'd even heard her.

"Sky," Syd repeated, a note of concern in her tone.

This time he turned to her. It was clear he'd been crying. "H-hey Syd," Sky murmured shakily.

Syd placed a hand on his arm. "Everything alright?"

Sky was silent for a bit, looking at the horizon. He shook his head.

Sensing Sky would talk when he was ready, Syd merely continued to stand by her friend, watching the sunrise with him. Hesitantly, she found his hand and threaded her fingers through his. There was no indication of objection.

"My mom," Sky said quietly. "I got the call late last night. There was an accident. Her car was hit by a drunk driver."

Syd's eyes were soft as she studied him. "Sky…"

"And it's just that she was the one who raised me, after Dad died and everything. She was the one who was there."

"Your mother was a good person, Sky."

The next thing Syd knew was that she had been pulled into a tight embrace. Sky buried his face in her shoulder and allowed her to rock him back and forth at a leisurely, soothing pace.

"Shh," she said in a calming voice. "It's alright."

Gradually the rest of the academy roused themselves. The training fields were soon littered with cadets sparring. When the rest of their team drifted in for breakfast, Syd just tightened her grip on Sky, glaring to keep them silent.

When Sky distanced himself from her, he continued holding her hand. They watched the sun finish rising in silence.

"Thanks."

Syd looked up to see a tiny grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "You're welcome. I'm here, you know, if you ever want to talk…"

"I know."

Giving her a swift kiss to the cheek, Sky marched out of the Rec room, not reacting to the rest of B-Squad's presence .Syd leaned against the window for support. She had a sneaking suspicion he'd never take her up on the offer, but she was content knowing he'd let her into his secluded little world and let some of his pain out.