2. Grin and Bear It

Many things could happen in a short amount of time, as the Power Rangers could attest. In less than twenty-four hours, they had gone from fretting over their friendship and what they would pack to worrying about the destruction that Zedd's new planet-sized zord would cause (thank god its power source was so faulty). Not only that, but Jason, Zack, and Trini weren't even Power Rangers anymore! Well, as far as the other Rangers knew – it wasn't clear just how the Sword of Light transferred the powers over to the new three. Speaking of whom, the new guys were Rocky, Adam, and Aisha! They were now permanently residing in Angel Grove...somehow...going to school at AGHS, hanging out at the Juice Bar frequently, teaching classes there, acting like upstanding model citizens; all the requirements of Rangerdom. It looked like the team would still be as effective at defending the city as they always had been.

As such, there was the possibility that the original incarnation could be forgotten. It was laughable, even silly; how could soldiers ever forget their battles together? Still...teenagers were fickle, and as their lives moved on, ties to the past were often severed. Could the team be an exception? They'd see in due time.

Jason, Trini, and Zack found that being relieved of their duties gave them more breathing room (at least a bit, seeing as they were already busy enough before Rita came along), and that made preparing for Switzerland less stressful; not to mention having to wrap up all the classes they taught. Of course, it also allowed them time for, er, other extra-curricular activities, such as spending Monday afternoon - two days after the announcement - with the staff of The Temporibus – Angel Grove High's newspaper. Now, it would be an understatement to say that the three had survived a lot together, but this time, they felt rather unnerved.

People buzzed all around them – furiously typing, discussing different components of the current issue in production, examining photographs, and perhaps the most noticeable, talking and yelling at each other about things that had nothing to do with the paper. They couldn't allow themselves be distracted, though. After all, they had a photoshoot to participate in.

"Aw, you guys," whined the wimpy, raven-haired girl taking pictures of them. "You're being totally bland. Is it the lighting. Oh yeah; let's move you over by the window." She gripped Trini's shoulder and practically shoved them all over to the opposite corner of the room while they exchanged weary glances. Once she decided they were situate, they each forced a smile. "Yes, there it is! Alright, work it! You are peace! Embrace the camera like it was your long-lost brother! Work it ou-"

"For God's sake, Tibby, this is a news photo!" interjected a tall, serious-looking blond girl. She side stepped in front of Tibby and smiled. "Hi, I'm Lilly Landau, staff writer and co-editor. I am so sorry; if I would've known she was going to do...um, this...for the cover photo, I'd take it myself." She took the camera. "Alright, try to smile, and three...two...one..."

"And there you go! Sorry about that – again." She gave them a charming smile, shoving the camera back to Tibby with a disdainful glance.

"Eh, don't sweat it," said Zack, waving her off. "It was the last time we could stand around and do nothing for awhile."

"Seriously," said Jason, "Touring for the peace conference will keep us busy."

"Oh, well, don't tell me that; tell your interviewer...whenever she gets here." Lilly bowed to them, sent them one last smile, and went over to the teacher's desk on the other side of the room. There sat Melvin, scribbling furiously on a piece of graph paper. Lilly ran a hand through her hair and sighed. "Did she call you and say she was gonna be late?"

"Why on earth would she call me? I know she's – heh – afraid of me and all," he said, wrinkling his nose.

Afraid? Maybe of catching whatever bug you have that's screwing up your respiratory system so bad, she thought, smirking. "Well, she wouldn't call me. The girl's been here two months and she's barely talked to anyone except you and me – and like you said, she's 'afraid' of you, and she doesn't like me, so..." She shrugged. "You know what, if she doesn't show up soon, I'll improv. I'll only ask a few questions, but I feel bad for making those guys wait so long."

"If she doesn't show up, I'll kick her off the paper!" He pounded his fist on the desk, only to quickly recoil it and massage it with his other hand. "She screwed up on the day of the announcement, and I've had to wait two more days for her to get her act together! I wanted the report on Saturday! It's disorderly and noisy enough around here without one more miscreant anyway."

Lilly pursed her lips, and crossed her arms over her chest. "I'll give her a couple more minutes."

In the mean time, the three leaned against the wall, looking slightly bored. "At first I felt like a model...but then she just kept on flashing. I thought I was going to go blind," said Trini, rubbing her eyes for emphasis.

"I've heard stories about what goes on with the paper behind the scenes," said Zack, making a wave motion with his arm. "I thought they were too ridiculous to be true. Well, they're ridiculous, but they're true."

"You know something? They move kinda like Putties," said Jason, getting a laugh out of everyone. "but trying to create a newspaper every two weeks would make things crazy."

"I agree. And creating such a good one, too! They touch on a lot of important issues, and take really good pictures." Trini's face fell a bit. "Barely anyone picks up a copy, though. I hope that changes."

"Well, ya gotta admire them for keeping it going even when no one reads and staffing is tough." Zack sighed. "I wish we could give that interview soon. We gotta get down to the Youth Center for the class award ceremonies. What are you doing for yours, Jase?"

"I figured I'd give em all their next belt promotion. Nothing special, just people will be watching, and maybe there'll be some music. You?"

"Check it." He put his backpack on his lap, and took out a handful of shiny pentagonal badges. "I got these from the party store yesterday. The kids are gonna love em. I made 'em cassettes of the music we trained to also."

At that moment, Lilly pulled up a chair and sat in front of them. "So, it looks like your girl isn't showing up, so I'll be conducting the interview. I'll make it short and sweet." She took a recorder out of the pocket of her cardigan, and began to tape the q&a. "So, this is the obvious question: how do you feel about being selected?"

Jason leaned forward. "It's an honor. I mean, there are so many kids who do even more than we do to better the world, but we do our best. And now we'll get to – hopefully – solve the same issues that we confront here on a world-level." He shrugged.

"Yeah, Jase pretty much spoke for me on that," said Zack, chuckling.

"Me too. It's an amazing opportunity, and I'm eternally grateful for getting to take it," Trini added, nodding.

"What's going to be like being away from home for so long?"

Trini started this time. "It'll be a growing experience. We all will miss Angel Grove – our family and friends especially – but another part of the summit is, er, coming of age. Becoming adults so we can discuss and resolve topics maturely."

Lilly put her hand to her heart. "Mmm, like poetry. That'll move our readers for sure." She combed some a chunk of hair behind her ear. "Hrm...it's a well-known fact that you're a best-friend-sextet with Billy Cranston, Kimberly Hart, and Tommy Oliver. How are they taking your departure? Would you feel the same if they were going in your place?"

Zack chuckled. "They're really excited for us. They told us the news, actually. Kimberly almost knocked me over with her hug. I know they're gonna miss us, and we will too – more than they'll ever know – but we'll be in contact as much as we can. It's not like we'll be gone forever, and the reason we're leaving is for a good cause. It'd be the same if it were them." Zack was suddenly reminded of when Tommy lost his powers. Having them stripped for a second time...well, it wouldn't be the same, he guessed. He didn't even wanna think about how Tommy would take it.

Lilly coughing lightly brought him back to reality. "Just one more question. What do you each hope to achieve during the conference?"

"Personally, I'm most interested in environmental conservation," said Trini. "We've done a lot for the city in regards to that – tore down the waste dump, saved an important statue in the park from being torn down, and planted trees and gardens." She beamed. "The earth can really be helped by beautification. And it promotes peace and goodwill."

"I really wanna talk about poverty," said Zack, wringing his hands together. "It's probably the most glaring issue in the world today. I mean, here we are in swanked-out America, while Africa, Indonesia, South America, and others are still underdeveloped, their people hungry and uneducated...it's just something that really needs to be resolved." He nodded to Jason.

"To be honest, I don't really have a 'set' goal; I'm just gonna do my best to solve whatever issues that need to be solved," he said, offering a smile. Lilly nodded solemnly.

"Inspiring words from inspiring teens." She turned off the tape, and stood up. "Alright, you're free to go. Thank you again for waiting, and good luck. You guys are really gonna put Angel Grove on the map." She took a moment to consider something. "Hey, whenever you guys have the time, would you be open to phone interviews? They'll only be a couple minutes I know; I know our readers would really be interested to know what's going on with you."

"You betcha. We can do that, right guys?" said Jason, followed by an eager nod and smile from Zack and Trini. They got up and shook her hand one by one, then filed out. She stretched, and sauntered over to Tibby, who was fooling around with her camera.

"We're going to have to work on your photo-taking skills," she said, patting her shoulder. "It's a shame they have to go, though; those guys are hunks."

"You can always get a little action in at the party tonight, can't you?" Tibby rubbed her chin and gave her a suggestive look. Lilly grinned crookedly.

"I dunno, they don't seem like the type...but maybe, if they're up to it." She smoothed out the creases in her white halter top and huffed. "I'll come to the party later; I'm gonna see if I can at least type up the beginnings of this story."

The door to the classroom flew open, and a chubby girl with short brown hair sped in, her freckled face twisted in shock. "I'm here! It's okay! No one panic!" she declared, slamming the door closed. She leaned over and heaved, putting one hand on her knee and using the back of the other to wipe the sweat from her forehead. Lilly's nostrils flared as she marched over to her.

"Dammit Schuyler! You were supposed to be here an hour ago!" she barked, putting her hands on her hips.

"I know...I know," Schuyler rasped, breathless. She started to straighten up. "That goddamn park, man, it's out to end me. I mean...last night, I took that bad tumble down the hill – you should see my bruises, they're just gruesome – and today...woo, I feel like I was flattened by an elephant's ass." She laughed pathetically. "So, I was riding my bike d-down another hill, because hills are the quickest way to get to school, right? Well that wasn't smart, 'cause you know how I didn't come to school today since I was all woozy and stuff? Yeah, biking was not good for my stuff. And then...okay, this is gonna sound stupid – stupider than Skullovitch – but I was going down this hill, and...I thought a tree was a person. Okay, not exactly, but it was very person-like, so I held out my arm to high-five it in an uncharacteristic show of being social. And then the branch caught me, so I fell off. I was rolling around and in pain and stuff, and then my bike rolled down, and then I had to go after it, and I was already out of it but I had to get here. So I went, and then these freaking demon children thought it would be funny if they tore up clumps of grass and threw them in my direction, so then I-"

"Schuyler! Jeez, do you breathe?" Lilly finally interrupted. She scoffed. "I really don't care about what you say you went through. It still made you late enough to miss the interview; I had to conduct it myself."

Schuyler deflated. "...I missed it? Really?"

Lilly gave her a deadpan glare. "No, April Fool's."

"...But it's February."

"God...I would not joke around about your job. Look, it's not your fault that you missed them on Saturday – that was just Melvin being an unfair douchebag – but you knew that you had to be here. Ten or twenty minutes late after what happened is acceptable; an hour is unbelievable."

Schuyler wiped some of the dirt off her nose, and sighed in defeat. "Well, if you'd have been there and saw my struggle, you'd understand." She glared and wiped her nose on the sleeve of her over-sized jean jacket. "Look, I'm sorry. I really wanted to do the interview – a cover story! It sucks being stuck as a junior writer, y'know. I'm not even a junior!"

"Melvin wants to kick you out for this." Lilly ran a hand through her hair and bit her lip. "Look...maybe you can get in a question or two at the party, and write a little exposition on it. Make it a compilation story." She expected Schuyler to fall on her knees in gratitude; all she got was a grimace.

"...A p-party? Um, what party?"

She rolled her eyes. "The big party at the Youth Center tonight, for Jason, Zack, and Trini. You should've found the invitation in your locker. Everyone got invitations."

"Oh...that one." Schuyler grew uncomfortable. "I threw it away. I'm not one for parties."

"Well, you're not gonna be one for writing for the paper if you don't go. I'm trying to help you, the least you can do is give an inch back."

She pursed her lips. "Fine, I'll go. Thank you for your generosity." She threw her arms up and scurried out the door before Lilly could say anything else. She smacked her lips together.

"She's going to mess this up; I can tell." With another eye roll, she sat down at the nearest computer and began to type.

The bash was in full swing well into the evening. Despite it being a Monday night, an estimated ninety-five percent of the student body was in attendance. It was astonishing that the building didn't burst from it being so packed; hardly anyone could maneuver from the make-shift buffet table to the dance floor, and those who had chosen their place by the bar were stuck there for what looked the duration of the party. However, it wasn't of any inconvenience to anyone; the music was great, the food was tasty, and the atmosphere was jovial and celebratory; everyone was having a great time.

"You guys..." Zack began, he and four of the the original Rangers seated at the table closest to the bar. "I know I must have said this a million times tonight, but...this is really great. Or in the words of my man Billy over there-" he pointed to the dance floor, where the boy in question was dancing awkwardly with a red-haired girl, "-prodigious!"

"Well, you guys deserved a good send off," said Tommy, grinning as he pounded his fist with Zack's.

"I'm sorry that I had to lie about changing the date of the award ceremonies to get you guys to come, but we wanted it to be a surprise!" said Kimberly, clasping her hands together.

"Oh Kim, you and surprise parties..." said Trini, shaking her head and smiling knowingly.

"At least it wasn't as bad as the time you 'forgot' Zack's birthday," said Jason, chuckling. Zack pinched the bridge of his nose and feigned a look of pain.

"Ugh, don't remind me. That Nasty Knight still haunts me."

Trini pursed her lips, and put her her head in her hands. "This isn't the end, is it?" The mood of the table instantly fell.

Jason put his arm around her shoulders. "Of course not. End of our run as Rangers, sure, but not of us."

Kimberly took her hand. "Trini, all of us will always be best friends; the tightest group of best friends there ever was. You could never be replaced; not you, Zack, or Jason."

Trini forced a small smile. "I know that, but I didn't think not being a Ranger anymore could make me feel so...I don't know, unfulfilled."

Zack grimaced, looking down at his bare wrist. "...I kinda feel the same way."

"Guys, I know how you feel," said Tommy, looking at them sympathetically. "It's the worst having your powers stripped from you, but none of us are going to be Rangers forever. Think of it like this: you guys get more time to lead normal lives.

"I hate to break it to you, Tommy," said Jason, "but our lives will never be normal."

"I guess you're right." Tommy shrugged, and grinned. Kimberly latched onto his arm.

"There's a break in the crowd on the dance floor. Come ooon," she urged, getting up and pulling him.

"Well...looks like I'm out for the night." He said warily, letting himself be tugged away.

"Just us three already, huh?" Jason joked, exchanging knowing looks with the others.

"Hey guys!" Rocky called, pushing his way through the group, Aisha and Adam not far behind. "Awesome, a place to sit!"

"Looks like you spoke too soon, Jase," said Zack, snickering as the newcomers sat down. "What's up, guys?"

"It's packed in here! You guys sure have a lot of fans," Aisha exclaimed, her countenance brighter than a light bulb.

Trini considered what she said. "Um, I guess you could say that. Or maybe everyone just jumps at the chance to party."

"Things aren't nearly this exciting in Stone Canyon," said Adam, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's both cool and, uh, unfamiliar."

"Well, people there don't have their safety at risk all the time; anything fun is a good distraction," said Zack, wiggling his eyebrows. "So, how's being Rangers going?"

"Oh, you guys, it's awesome," Rocky gushed, his eyes glazing over. "We can jump so high now, and our weapons are just...damn. And my zord! God, my zord is the freaking best! You shoulda seen him yesterday against that bull...bug...thing. Man..."

Everyone gave him blank stares. "...What he's trying to say is that it's a great gig," said Aisha, patting Rocky's shoulder.

"At least I know you'll take good care of the Red Dragonzord," said Jason, greatly amused.

"You guys don't have to worry about a thing. We'll be doing our job if we're half as good as you guys were," said Adam, looking a little shy. Aisha gave him a little squeeze.

Zack beamed. "Hey, man, thanks; that means a lot." He clasped his hand and shook it. "I'm honored to pass on my powers to you." Adam grew even more bashful.

"We're all honored, really," said Trini. "You guys are such good people; Angel Grove couldn't be in better hands." Rocky turned up his chin slightly, Aisha just smiled, and Adam looked a little chagrined.

"So," said Aisha, her voice regaining that eager tone, "You guys finished packing yet?"

Zack scoffed. "I wish, but my mom is insisting that I put in all my-"

The sound of a loud BONK cut him off mid-sentence, and the six of them looked across the room in the direction of the noise. Schuyler hovered around the pole next to the stairs, rubbing her forehead and looking groggy.

"She must've...hit her head," Zack said disbelievingly, raising an eyebrow. "That's gotta hurt."

Trini rose from seat quickly. "I'll get her some ice."

That proved to be unnecessary. Not a moment later, Schuyler looked over to the table, and her expression went from strain to looking like a deer caught in headlights. She stood there for a minute, unnerving everyone, until she sped right past them and out the exit.

"What was...what even..." Rocky mumbled, putting the confusion everyone felt into words. It only heightened when the DJ began to spin a hip-hop beat, and Bulk and Skull charged onto the dance floor and tried to break-dance. They all found themselves speechless; not even a laugh.

"Well...stuff like this kinda happens everyday here," said Jason. He rose his glass of coke in a toast. "So, since I didn't tell you before, welcome to Angel Grove. And good luck."

Please R&R, folks!