Disclaimers: I do not own Power Rangers, especially Lost Galaxy, or anything affiliated with it though Johnny Marshak, the White Galaxy Ranger powers and Galactabeast/Galactazord, Alpha Squadron as it exists here (think I read a fanfic with a vaguely similar idea back in the day though I don't remember when, where it was, or even the name and it's probably long since lost to the ages anyway), and other new ideas are my own. Disney, Hasbro, Toei, and I'm not sure who all else does.
I also make reference to 2 songs, Wind beneath my wings by Bette Midler and Miracles happen by Myra. Not sure who has the the rights to those songs except the singers.
Wind beneath my wings
By Har-El
Johnny was meditating in his quarters when the chime went off. 'Ugh, of course I can't get a few minutes,' he mused with a groan as he got to his feet and headed for the door. He was a little surprised to find Rocky outside. "What's up, uncle Rocky?" he asked.
"Sorry to bother you, Johnny, but I've got a hot date tonight," Rocky said, "Any way I can borrow a little of your cologne? I'm out currently and I don't have time to go grab some more."
"Sure, come on in and I'll get it," Johnny answered. Rocky came forward a few steps as the White Galaxy Ranger headed for his bathroom, where he generally kept that kind of thing. "So, who's the lucky lady?"
"One of the ladies that works at the bookstore in the mall, Pam," Rocky said, "Adam and Tanya are going to make it a double date and you and Maya are welcome to join us if you want, my treat."
"Maybe but I'll have to check with Maya," Johnny said, "Where you going?"
"Pam loves karaoke so we were going to hit up a place downtown," Rocky said.
Johnny laughed. "You hate karaoke," he said.
"I know but I really want to impress Pam," Rocky said.
"Impress or get into her pants?" Johnny teased and they chuckled. He came back out with a bottle of cologne.
"Thanks, I'll get this back to you as soon as possible," Rocky said.
"No rush as I usually don't wear it anyway, same with Maya and perfume," Johnny said, "She has a sensitive nose and doesn't like it, though we did both like some she borrowed from Sis one time but it's pretty expensive stuff so she knows she can't borrow some from her too often."
"That one time wouldn't be the night I heard a racket in here a few months ago, would it?" Rocky teased with a grin that spread even wider when Johnny blushed, "I've been meaning to ask, just what was that squeaking sound? If I didn't know any better, I would've sworn your quarters had gotten infested with mice."
"All I'll say is that it wasn't mice," Johnny replied.
Rocky's eyebrow lifted big time at that. "All right, just what were you two up to that night or that night I heard it again a couple of weeks ago for that matter?" he asked, "Hey, I get it. You had your pretty little girlfriend over and you two started feeling a little frisky and maybe it got a little out of hand."
Johnny sighed. He hadn't been getting a lot of sleep lately, hence the meditation, so he really didn't have the patience for his uncle's usual antics. "Look, please go get ready for your date," he said a little too testily, "I'll drop you a line if we can join you though I'd say Maya will probably be up for it."
Rocky nodded. He could tell Johnny was stressed as well as not being the type to kiss and tell. "Hey, I'm sorry, buddy," he said, "I was just curious and didn't mean to push that hard. You want to talk about what's bothering you? You know I'm always up to listening."
"I know and I really appreciate you but I still haven't quite figured out what all's bothering me," Johnny admitted, "For starters, I haven't had a lot of sleep since before Furio captured me.
"It doesn't help we haven't found Tracy, the woman they kidnapped along with me, and apparently they've got a monster pretending to be me sleeping with her," Johnny added frustratedly, "Something's just not adding up and you know me, I can't rest until I figure it out."
"Put it out of your mind and it'll come to you in no time," Rocky said.
"Yeah, that's what everyone has been telling me but that's just not me," Johnny replied with a frustrated sigh, "Thanks though, Uncle Rocky. I'm sorry I kind of snapped at you."
"Hey, like you always say, no apologies among family," Rocky said, "I was pushing a little too hard and you pushed back. That's kind of our thing. I push you, you push back, we laugh, we learn. I'll go so you can try to get some sleep or meditate or whatever." Johnny nodded and he left.
PRLG
A little while later, Johnny was grabbing some supplies when he ran into Yoli, and her family. It'd been the first time he'd seen Esmeralda since the day at the hospital and she gave him a hug. "Oh, you wouldn't believe who I ran into the other day," his ex said, "Mark Cross of all people."
"How's Mark doing?" Johnny asked, "I haven't seen him in almost 2 years." The 3 had been inseparable once upon a time until Mark had joined the Navy after graduation though they kept in touch for a while.
"I'm surprised you haven't seen him because he mentioned he was in the mechanic crew for Alpha Squadron," Yoli said.
"Oh really?" Johnny asked, "Wow, talk about a small world. I haven't really needed to spend a lot of time in the hangar since helping them apply some changes I made to my fighter's AI to the rest of the Squadrons' so I never really hang out on the deck itself. I know Damon sometimes comes in as a freelancer and I catch up with him, but that's about it. I'll keep an eye out for him."
"So, this Maya seems to be good for you," Esmeralda mentioned.
"She is," Johnny said, "It's weird. I haven't really known her long but something about her just makes it easy to love her and makes me want to be a better man. I can't put my finger on it but as much as I loved you, Yoli, there's just something beyond that for me with Maya."
"I know, I can tell," Yoli said, "And you need to tell her that as soon as possible and as often as possible. She loves you but I think she's starting to wonder if you love her. I've tried reassuring her but hearing it from an outside source can only go so far. She needs to hear it from you directly."
Johnny frowned at that. He knew he hadn't actually said the words "I love you" to Maya yet and had no idea it could be affecting her. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she knows how I feel soon," he replied, "Thank you for telling me. I had no idea she felt that way."
"You still have a lot to learn about women," Esmeralda said.
"Don't I know it?" Johnny agreed with his usual grin and wink. He heard a chime from his phone and looked down to read a text. "Speaking of the women in my life, that's my Mom needing me to watch Aaron. I'm pretty much done here anyway, so I'll see you 3 around."
PRLG
Johnny was waiting with Rocky and Adam outside a nightclub called Chiron's Tale Lounge waiting for their dates. Instead of karaoke, Pam decided wanted them to come here and she knew the owner so all they didn't have to worry about anything but what they ordered.
Kendrix and Leo was going to join them but she was working with a planetary archival team that was probably going well into the night and he joined her as potential bodyguard if they needed it as well as spend time with her as she'd been working a lot recently and they hadn't had the chance to much.
"Looks like you're up," Rocky said, nodding to something behind Johnny, who turned and was transfixed when he saw Maya in an elegant yellow dress. Whereas the black and white one she wore before had been tight on her, this one was more loose and flowing.
"Oh wow, you look amazing as always, beautiful," Johnny said.
"Thanks," Maya replied, "I wanted to wear the dress from before but Kendrix said this dress would be better for this."
"Yeah, it should make dancing easier," Johnny agreed.
They headed inside and found a table near the back because Maya and Johnny never knew when they might get called away on Ranger business. "This place is pretty amazing," Maya said.
"Care to dance, beautiful?" Johnny asked, reaching out his hand. Maya nodded, took his hand, and he led her out to the dance floor. She was nervous and it showed. "Hey, I see you dancing all the time. You've got this."
"That's just me goofing off with Kendrix," Maya said.
"Well, most of this is just people goofing off, trying to get away from stress," Johnny reasoned, "Unless you go to a dance competition, you won't see a lot of seriousness. They came here to let the rhythm move them." Maya nodded and she began moving to the rhythm and really well at that.
Johnny was struggling a little to match but it didn't matter to him as long as Maya had fun. "There you go," he said, "Now kind of whip your hip out towards me." She did as he said and he lightly bopped it with his own. That got her giggling at his silliness, which helped her really relax and get into the rhythm.
Suddenly, Johnny grabbed Maya's hand and twirled her then dipped her, making her giggle even more. They moved together as one and were drawing envious looks which started making her nervous again.
"Hey, don't look at them, beautiful, look at me," Johnny said when he noticed Maya's nervousness, "Don't let anything else in the world matter when you're dancing. Don't dance for them, don't even dance for me… dance for yourself." She nodded and began tuning out the stares and lost herself in the song.
Maya was a little disappointed when the current song ended and blushed when the people around them started clapping. "Now's when you should acknowledge them," Johnny said, grinning. He loved seeing her having fun like this.
The next song was Wind beneath my wings. Johnny gently tugged Maya close and they began slow dancing to it. She had to admit that while she was having fun with the faster tempo dancing, this was what she'd been craving, him holding her close. "I love this song," she said.
"I do too," Johnny said, "It reminds me a lot of you in so many ways, especially how you make me a better man."
Maya was shocked when Johnny began softly singing along. 'Yoli's right, he is an amazing singer,' she realized then blushed when she realized Yoli had also been right about how him singing for her would affect her.
They swayed for a few minutes as Johnny sang along with Bette Midler and they shared a kiss as the last bars faded away. "That was amazing," Maya murmured once it was over.
Johnny dipped his head embarrassedly. "Thanks," he said, "Are you all right? You look a little flush."
"Yeah, I think I just need to sit down," Maya said.
"Of course, of course," Johnny said, "Why don't I go grab some drinks and you head back to the table?" Maya nodded as he headed in the direction of the bar while she made her way back to Tanya and Pam were.
"Hey, are you okay?" Tanya inquired when Maya sat down.
"Yeah, I just needed a little break was all," Maya explained. Though she got along really well with Tanya and Pam, she wasn't up for going into detail about something like this. "Where's Rocky and Adam?"
"Rocky needed to hit the bathroom and Adam had to find a quiet spot to take a call," Pam answered, "You were amazing out there, by the way. You two really meshed well together."
"Thanks," Maya said.
Rocky came back a few minutes later and him and Pam headed out onto the dance floor. Adam wasn't too long in rejoining them after that. "Sorry about that," he said.
"Is there a problem?" Maya asked.
"Not at all," Adam said, "Mom just needed my help with something is all." He held his hand out to Tanya, who took it with a little wave to Maya as he led her out to the dance floor.
"Here you go, beautiful," Johnny said as he walked up, handing Maya a glass. She nodded and took it. "Feeling better?"
"Yeah, I think I just got a bit too hot out there," Maya answered.
"I'll say though you're hot anywhere," Johnny said then winked, "You're also an amazing dancer."
Maya blushed. "Thank you," she said, "You too."
"I'm all right but nothing compared to you," Johnny said.
"I loved the song, by the way," Maya said, "You have an amazing singing voice."
"Oh I'm not anything special," Johnny said, "Most of the time, I'd say I'm average but when a song comes up that clicks with me like that I can't help but put emotion into it and what can I say? You really do tend to bring out the best in me."
"Same with my dancing," Maya said, "If the rhythm hits me right, I can dance all night." She saw Tanya and Pam gesturing her to join them on the dance floor with the next song. "Be right back." Johnny nodded and she headed towards the dance floor. The 3 quickly became the hit of the dance floor.
"Man oh man, how did we get so lucky, being here with 3 of the prettiest ladies on Terra Venture?" Rocky said as him and Adam joined Johnny.
"Destiny I guess," Johnny said.
"You hung around Trini too much," Rocky jokingly grouched though him and Adam chuckled.
After letting the ladies have their fun for a couple of songs, the guys went back out to join them. Johnny noticed that Maya was much more relaxed as they began dancing to Miracles happen. Like earlier, it struck a chord and he was surprised when she beat him to the punch singing it and he quickly joined in a duet as he spun her around the dance floor.
Maya couldn't take her eyes off Johnny's as they danced and sang together. She never considered herself a singer or at least not like her dancing but something about this song called to her and him joining in made it perfect and it helped her come to a decision. "Johnny, I-I think I'm ready now," she said hesitantly once the song was over.
"All right, we can take off whenever you want," Johnny said, misunderstanding.
"No, I mean I'm ready for the next step," Maya replied just loud enough for Johnny to hear her.
Johnny's eyes went wide and his jaw dropped at that but before he could reply, their Transmorphers went off and he couldn't he couldn't help but groan. "We'll talk about that later, beautiful," he promised, "I'm going to find Rocky or Adam and Tanya and give them a heads up on us leaving. You head out and find us a good spot."
Maya nodded and headed towards the entrance while Johnny looked around for a few minutes before he spotted Rocky dancing with Pam and headed over to them. "Sorry to bail on you guys, but something came up," he said, tapping his wrist. He started to fumble for his wallet but his uncle stopped him.
"I told you, it's my treat and don't worry, I know how that is," Rocky said.
"Thanks, Uncle Rocky," Johnny said then headed out of the nightclub and to a nearby empty alley where Maya waved him over to and teleported to the Megaship, where everyone but Kendrix and Leo were waiting with Alpha. "So what's up?"
"We just got word Kendrix and the archival team are being attacked down on the planet they were surveying," Kai answered, "Leo morphed before heading down with them but she can't because of the archivists, so he needs backup."
Johnny nodded. He'd been wanting to go another round with Furio since his time on the Scorpion Stinger so this was perfect timing though he doubt the monster would be agreeing when all was said and done. "Go Galactic!" him and the others called, causing them to morph and Alpha teleported them down.
Planet-side, they found Leo getting overwhelmed while Kendrix was trying to keep the archival team from panicking and keeping some Sting Wingers away. "Blue, Green, you help the archivists and Ms. Morgan," Johnny said as he combined his weapons, "Yellow, you're with me." The others nodded as they entered the melee.
Combining his weapons, Maya helped Johnny supercharge the scythe's blade and he used to send a wave at the ones attacking Leo, knocking Furio back a few steps, allowing them to get to him. "You guys help the others," he said, "I think it's time I went another round with Furio." His teammates nodded.
Without hesitation, Johnny rushed Furio and tackled him with a mean spear, sending both their weapons flying. 'I've been watching too much wrestling with Leo,' he mused as he quickly clambered on top of his larger foe, raining down punch after punch. "How does it feel to be on the other end of a beating, huh, asshole?!" he shouted.
Suddenly Johnny felt Furio grab the scruff of his neck. "Get off me!" he shouted, wrenching the White Galaxy Ranger off and sending him skidding several feet away. However, it only fueled the fire burning in the young man.
Johnny quietly called his Omega Scythe back to his hand and rushed Furio as they both got up, ducking under a wild swing and hitting him with several strikes of his own, ending with one that nearly gutted him with the scythe and sending him flying.
"See this?!" Johnny demanded, holding up the Omega Scythe. "Among the Earth-born, this is the symbol for the reaper of souls and you'll be lucky if it doesn't reap yours today if you even have one, you dishonorable son of a bitch!" Maya couldn't help but be chilled to the bone at overhearing this and started hurrying towards him.
The anger Johnny was showing as well as the fact he was glowing fiercely had Furio honestly scared for his life. "Please, you don't have to do this!" he pleaded, backing away from his opponent slowly as he stalked towards him. "Show me mercy, I beg of you!"
"You don't deserve mercy," Johnny said coldly as he stalked towards Furio, "The first time we met, you not only murdered a good man but committed genocide. All you deserve is death." His whole suit was glowing as was the Omega Scythe. He brought it up, ready to finish the battle and his rival.
Suddenly, Johnny felt someone grab his shoulder and thinking it was another enemy, he spun around… and if she hadn't brought her Quasar Saber up instinctively he would have struck down Maya.
Furio used the opportunity to quickly find his sword and ordered his troops to leave, swearing revenge on Johnny, who ignored him as the realization of just what he had almost done to his beloved girlfriend hit him like a punch, leaving him reeling.
"Oh God, what am I doing?" Johnny realized. His hands began shaking so badly, he dropped the Omega Scythe and he fell to his knees, powering down. Maya was very worried to see tears running down his face. "I'm so sorry, Maya. I can't believe I almost…"
Maya dropped to the ground as well, also powering down as she hugged Johnny tight. "It's all right, Johnny," she reassured her boyfriend, "You didn't hit me and I'm guessing you didn't know it was me. You have nothing to apologize for. No apologies among family, remember?"
The others also gathered around. Alpha had teleported the archivists as well as their transport back to the Megaship so at least their identities were safe though that meant Kendrix wasn't back yet. "We should get back to the Megaship," Leo said.
Maya tried pulling away but Johnny clung to her tightly. "Head on back and we'll be there shortly," she replied, having a feeling he wasn't going anywhere until he got this out of his system and not wanting to leave him alone in such an emotional state. The others nodded and teleported away. "Do you want to talk about it?"
"On the Scorpion Stinger, Furio reminded me of Mark Cross back when he broke my wrist so much that I couldn't help but relive the pain he caused me," Johnny revealed, "I might've come to terms with Mark himself but the lasting damage never went away mentally even now that my wrist is healed."
"Did you ever mention it to that therapist Kendrix suggested?" Maya asked.
Johnny shook his head. "I thought I'd gotten over it at the time," he said, "The beating Furio gave me on the Scorpion Stinger just brought back the helplessness I felt all those times Mark beat me and especially the day he broke my wrist. And seeing Furio here for the first time since then just brought out my anger.
"Even that stupid fight with Leo brought it back," Johnny said, "Mark knew how to hit me emotionally as much as physically and Leo reminded me of that by almost calling Mom what he did.
"I made a vow to myself that day, that I would never again feel so helpless," Johnny said, "My foster brother at the time, Bruce, got my obsession with self-defense started and I've been learning ever since.
"I've found a way to mesh what learned from him, from Tommy, and from all my aunts and uncles into my own style that as Leo and tonight Furio found out is nearly unstoppable," Johnny continued, "But Furio beating me during my imprisonment taught me it's not flawless and that scared the shit out of me."
"But even though I know how to defend myself, there's always been a nagging voice in the back of my mind," Johnny said, "I can't help but wonder it hadn't been for Bruce helping me turn my life around and learning to defend myself and getting adopted by the Olivers, how would my life have turned out?
"I might be taking part in this amazing journey across the stars," Johnny continued, "I might not have have become a Ranger… and what scares the shit out of me more than anything is that might not have met you."
"You can't keep the what ifs in your mind or it'll drive you crazy," Maya said, "Look at Leo's first week on Terra Venture. From what him and Kendrix told me, he was well on his way to drinking himself into a stupor if she hadn't found him that day and if it hadn't been for her love, he could've drank himself to death. I can only hope to be that for you."
"You are and so much more, beautiful," Johnny said. He gave Maya a long kiss before they got back to their feet. "I know we still have to talk about what you said at the nightclub, but I'm too emotionally exhausted for something that heavy tonight, so raincheck?"
"Of course," Maya said, "Promise me you'll contact that therapist again. You said he really helped before. We can only hope he can help you finally fully put this behind you."
"I will," Johnny said, "Thanks for hearing me out. That helped a lot."
"That's part of what being a good friend and girlfriend is about, being here for you," Maya said, "Today was the least I could do after you've been here for me so many times."
Johnny caressed Maya's face. "I know I've been acting really weird since the Scorpion Stinger but please know you are my world," he said, "I honestly don't know if I would've made it this far without you. You truly are the wind beneath my wings." It wasn't exactly saying I love you but he hoped it was good enough.
Maya could only nod, at a complete loss for words as Johnny sang that last part. With one one more lingering kiss, they morphed in case the archivists were still onboard and she grabbed his hand as they teleported back to the Megaship.
As he was nearing his quarters a little later on, Johnny saw Pam and Rocky making out pretty hot and heavy as they backed up through the door. He shook his head.
Johnny could only hope it turned out well for the two as he loved his uncle and he liked Pam well enough but he knew Rocky had never really been one to be in a relationship for too long. At the very least, he just hoped she wasn't as loud as the last one.
PRLG
The next day, Johnny headed to the Alpha Squadron hangar deck and it didn't take him long to spot his onetime bully and long time close friend. "I was wondering how long it'd take you to realize I kind of work for you," Mark teased when he spotted him, "How are you doing, buddy?"
"I'm doing good and sorry I didn't notice you sooner, but I just don't really spend that much time here unless we're prepping for an archive mission or helping the Rangers," Johnny said as they hugged real quick, "I can't believe it's been almost 2 years since I last saw you. How've you been?"
"Generally good," Mark replied, "The Navy has helped me and when I was approached to come here on Terra Venture, I jumped at the chance. You know I've always wanted to go to the stars." Johnny nodded. It had been that common interest that had kickstarted their friendship. "I'm guessing Yoli told you she ran into me."
"Yeah, I ran into her, Esmeralda, and Michelle earlier getting supplies and she mentioned it," Johnny said.
"Michelle?" Mark asked, "I didn't have much time to get that caught up with her. That y'all's daughter or something? She was pregnant the last I knew so I figured you 2 had gotten married by now." He noticed the look that flittered across Johnny's face. "What's wrong?"
"I forgot you probably wouldn't know about that," Johnny answered and gave Mark a quick overview of what had happened with Yoli the day Michelle was born.
"Shit, sorry to hear that," Mark replied.
"You didn't know, so it's cool," Johnny said, "Yoli and I talked about it recently and we've put it behind us. It was awful when it happened but it was a good thing as it gave me the kick I needed for a fresh start. I've been seeing someone, Maya, and she makes me at least as happy as I was with Yoli."
"Good to hear," Mark said, "Wish I could say the same but I guess I just haven't met the right woman. Hope you'll introduce me to Maya soon. I always did get a kick out of meeting all of your past now ex-girlfriends."
"You've got it, buddy," Johnny replied, "Look, part of the reason I came is I had something of a breakdown yesterday partly related to what happened all those years ago." He subconsciously rubbed his wrist.
"Hey, look, man," Mark said, "You know I could never apologize to you enough…"
"It's all right, that much I'm good with," Johnny said, "We were kids and I eventually had to apologize for what I did once I could defend myself. You are my brother now and there are no apologies among family.
"My wrist is fine now and we've been good for over a decade," Johnny said, "Besides, it wasn't so much about what happened as my emotions over the pain, especially my anger. I just needed to talk to you is all."
"Anytime," Mark said. They quickly exchanged numbers.
"Hey, Mark, I need you to look at… oh, hey, Johnny," Damon said as he came over.
"Sorry I'm kind of tying up Mark if you guys are working on anything important, Damon," Johnny said, "He's an old buddy… a brother, really… and I needed to get something off my chest over what happened yesterday as well as get caught up as I haven't seen him in a couple of years."
"Oh no no, it's nothing too important, just need him to look over and sign off on my work today is all," Damon said.
"I'll go then and thanks for listening, Mark," Johnny said.
"No problem, bro, and don't forget to bring to bring Maya around," Mark replied.
"Absolutely," Johnny said and couldn't help but chuckle at the curious look on Damon's face at the mention of Maya as he made an about face and walked out of the hangar deck. He knew he still needed to see the therapist, but this had gone a long way to healing the scars on his heart.
PRLG
"I just wish I could've been there with you guys instead of being part of what pulled you away," Kendrix said, "Leo may not be much of a dancer but it still would've been a blast. So, you're really ready for you and Johnny to go further? You've got to know it's a big step."
"I know and I am," Maya confirmed, "I've been thinking about it a lot since we almost did it after we rescued him and last night helped me make up my mind. Yoli was right, his singing can make you feel special and the weird thing is, I don't think he even knows. I want this… I want Johnny… but…"
Kendrix noticed Maya's thumb and hand twitching and knew something was up. "What's wrong?" she asked.
"I've been keeping a secret from you and Johnny that I don't know how you'll take finding it out," Maya said, keeping her eyes downcast.
"Hey, you know can talk to either of us about anything," Kendrix reassured Maya, "You're worrying me here."
"Normally I know I can talk to either of you about anything and no, it's not exactly anything you need to worry about," Maya said and sighed before turning a piercing gaze at Kendrix, "I don't know how else to put this except… Kendrix, how old do you think I am?"
To be continued…
Footnotes: I know it seems weird for me leave it there as it might not seem like my usual little twist or even a teaser of what's coming (in this case, not quite yet) but believe me, once you find out this secret, I think you'll see how perfect it is and this was the best place to put the scene.
I'm also guessing you're wondering about the Lights of Orion. Well, my plans for this series divided into major story arcs encompassing multiple stories. So far it's been all about Johnny finding his place and in this case, starting to put a traumatic past behind him. I think I'm not far from finishing that and Lights of Orion saga starts after that. Anyway, until next time, catch ya on the flipside.