A/N: Okay, so this theme was fun to do, as I had the perfect scene in mind for it. On that account, it's very short but I think that, like the theme "Youth" its brevity makes this one work. Enjoy!

"…": characters talking to each other

'…': characters talking to themselves

(…): extra facts about something in the story

(Takes place during "Inner Strength")

Theme 23: Spellbound

Ground Floor, Forest of the Giants Dimension, December 20, 2006, 2:00 pm – Mystical Realm

Xander couldn't help it; really, he couldn't. The clothes she was wearing... bloody hell, she looked like something out of a Wonder Woman comic! Well, more specifically, that one comic that talked about her origins and which featured pictures of her fellow warriors and mother...

'Stop it. You're sounding like Chip!' Xander silently commanded himself, forcing his eyes to move from their target to a nearby oak tree. Vida, having not noticed her friend's roving eyes was exclaiming over Maddie's new look, which Nick was looking at rather appreciatively, if the intensity of his stare was anything to measure.

"You look great, Maddie!"

"You think?"

"Definitely!" Vida leaned close and whispered something into her twin's ear, causing the Blue Mermaid to giggle and shoot a shy glance at the Red Phoenix, who cocked an eyebrow in response, a smirk crossing his face.

"I agree with V, Maddie!" Chip chimed in, digging in some nearby bushes for something important, if his serious expression was any indication. Yet, what he pulled out was... sticks? Maracas? How in the seven hells...

"Excellent! Music!" Vida practically pounced on the maracas, shaking them and grinning. She then began to shake the makeshift instruments while dancing, the air seemingly bending to her will, lightening her form and allowing her to perform stunts that she was not normally capable of performing... such as dancing a few inches off the ground.

"Join us, Xander!" Vida chirped stopped in front of the Green Ranger, who hadn't yet moved. Of course, Vida was oblivious to the fact that said Green Ranger was doing anything possible not to meet her eyes. Well, actually, Xander was desperately trying to stop himself from blatantly staring at his teammate's new attire, which seemed to show off her assets quite well...

"Uh, no thanks," Xander all but whispered voice hoarse. Vida cocked her head in confusion before shrugging and turning around to dance with Chip, who was seemingly banging sticks together in a makeshift drum. Hell, even Nick was doing something, hitting two stones together to create a deeper beat. Madison had grabbed a pair of maracas as well and was dancing with her twin, an unusual manic grin lightening her features.

Xander watched his team for a moment before shaking his head, attention swiftly focusing back on Vida. 'Damn woman, teasing me like that... wait. Where the hell did that thought come from?' Xander was too busy trying to mentally psychoanalyze himself that he failed to ponder just why he had been spellbound upon seeing Vida in a form-fitting leather outfit...