January 2, 2011
A/N: Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read this story, and a special thanks to JuseaPeterson for reviewing each chapter. Expect more in the coming year.
Chapter 14: The Predicament
The ride to the sea cave in which Theo had discovered the energy reading was uncomfortably silent as each ranger dwelled on their own plans to achieve their goal: save the world and save Rose and Dai Shi. The S.H.A.R.C. wheezed as it touched down nearby the superficial looking crystal clear lake. Under the guise of docile and serenity, no one would ever suspect that underneath was an entrance to a forgotten underwater cave.
The rangers were about 100 yards, roughly a football field away from the lake. Each ranger loaded themselves down with their scuba gear provided by Mr. Hartford.
Theo paced inside the S.H.A.R.C. having been advised and reminded that he was permitted to come because he was the third support to firing the claw cannon. However, just prior to proceeding with obtaining the silver diamond, RJ was emphatic about Theo staying behind, despite his presence needed there to help with firing the claw cannon. The wolf ranger was confident they would find another way to balance and shoot the cannon without his presence. Although Theo never showed it, the fact he was so replaceable was a poignant dig into his self worth.
The jaguar watched with a forlorn look adorning his face as his friends made their way to the lake. Unable to stay seated or cooped up inside the compact airship; the jaguar with as much vigor as he could muster exited the S.H.A.R.C. and inhaled the muggy, clean, earthy smell of the forest.
In the still silence, Theo listened to the crunch of prowling animals, or so he thought until a low chortle rippled through the air. Turning to see who had laughed in such a sadistic way, Theo gazed upon Zhao Lee and his henchmen using Dai Shi and Rhinosaur as hosts for his two other generals. Gulping, Theo eased into a battle stance, knowing very well he was at a grave disadvantage.
Mouth of the Silver Diamond Cave
The rangers untangled their gear and began assembling it when a bubbling erupted from the peaceful lake. Frozen with curiosity, both teams watched Ling emerge. Tumbling from her admiration of securing the last and fatal diamond, Ling immediately searched an escape route, knowing precisely why the rangers were there. They, too, were after the silver diamond.
A howl of pain forced the rangers to look behind them and see an incapacitated Theo laying curled up, having been struck down by the three villains heading straight for them.
20 Minutes Later, Engaged in Battle
It was a conclusion not unfamiliar to any of them. Defeat the source (the villain) and the curse or spell that they were controlling would break. Understanding this well known fact didn't make their battle easier. Essentially, it meant that most of their team was fighting against Zhao Lee's generals with no chance of freeing them. The only way they could free them was to kill them, and that was not an option concerning Rose and Dai Shi.
Process of elimination, Will and Dax incinerated Rhinosaur. The black and blue rangers joined their teammates with tackling Ling, Dai Shi, and Zhao Lee. Mack in a wildly ungraceful spin kick managed to dislodge Ling's grip on the diamond, the jewel somersaulting away from the two. Casey snatched the diamond springing to his feet.
It was then he was hit with the most difficult decision he had ever ventured to come across. Neither Dai Shi nor Rose was in range to both have their possessed bodies freed. Casey would have to choose. Casey tossed his eyes between the pink ranger and the lion. Muffle voices of Mack yelling at him to use the diamond fiddled with Casey's senses. He could save Jarrod, now. He could end their whole war with Dai Shi, but then Rose would die either by Ling or by their hands.
'I'm sorry,' he thought, raising his hand high . . . towards Rose.
The battle quickly ended with the exorcism of Ling from Rose. Distracting Zhao Lee's last general, the others defeated him quickly. Dai Shi gave a gruff thank you, leaving abruptly afterward with Camille in tow.
"Hey," Lily began, putting a hand on Casey's shoulder, "we'll defeat Dai Shi." The yellow ranger threw him one more smile before racing to tend to the brutalized Theo.
"Yeah, but will we be able to save Jarrod?" the red tiger ranger asked solemnly to himself.
The Overdrive rangers hovered over Rose, waiting for some sign that she was okay. Her slow mumble eased their worries as she slowly came around. Mack cradled her, kissing her on her forehead, "What was that Rose?" he proded.
"That's the last excursion I go on with you, Mack. Every time I follow you on one of your treasure hunts, I'm possessed by some spirit. First, Brown Beard and now Ling," Rose groaned, Mack helping her to her feet.
The others' laughter from her comment died down as they fell under the wave of relief and splendid joy of having Rose returned unharmed. It would take considerable time, but all of the rangers, at least for the Overdrive team, felt a beacon of hope glow within them that everything would return to its happy, jovial state.
Months Later
Jarrod was maintaining a sound jog toward the mess hall, hoping Camille wouldn't be too unpleased with his tardiness. He trotted to a stop upon seeing Casey sitting forlornly on the school steps. Jarrod traded glances with the mess hall and his friend, an undeniable nudge in the back of his mind telling him Camille can wait.
"Uh, can I join you Master Tiger, sir," Jarrod stumbled. He was halfway in a sitting position when the thought that he should ask popped into his mind.
"Yeah, and Jarrod, I'm on break so no need to be formal," Casey answered off handedly. The young man returned to his trance-like state without a second thought.
"You're pretty easy to read, Casey, what's up?" Jarrod asked, cutting to the chase. He may have been a labyrinth of emotions and complexities, but Casey wasn't. His feelings and wants were transparent.
"I was thinking back to months ago when we helped the Overdrive rangers and how I could have saved you from Dai Shi earlier." His answer wept with a sense of defeat and self-pity.
Jarrod was not normally the one sought or willing to give comfort, but Casey and he had developed a bond having grown from a form of mutual respect, and so he felt an obligation to lift his friend's spirits.
"The fact that you never gave up is worth more that the few extra weeks I would have had been free from Dai Shi."
For the first time, Casey broke free from what he was starring at. He had never thought about it that way.
Jarrod gauged Casey's face, decidedly accepting his solace, the twinge of his lips curving into a smile as proof. Clearing his throat, he spoke, "If that's all, Camille is waiting for me."
Casey laughed, forgetting how trained Camille had Jarrod in the few months he had truly gotten to know the couple. Casey nodded, dismissing his friend. Whatever the reason at least the world was safe, and hey, he made some new friends along the way. People he thought he'd never have as friends.
~ End Fatal Treasure