(Hey everyone! Again apologizes for the late chapter, just a reminder that we are working on our own youtube series that is supposed to debut in 2023, which is a year away. This project is going to take more of our time this year around but we wanted to make sure we had this chapter out for you all before we go afk again.)
(This chapter NEVER aired on tv so it is all new. Once before we remember reading about Jake's character that had to deal with the contents of this chapter but Saban cut that out of the show so we put that idea into this episode. Hope you all enjoy it and we'll see you all when we have time! Please let us know what you think.)
THE WILL OF THE LAND 1/2
The psychotic insectoid danced around the battlefield with the Megaforce Rangers in hot pursuit.
"Hand over that gourd now!" Emma cried.
"And lose soldiers for my master's army? I don't think so!" With its feathered wings, the tengu scorpion hybrid sent coiling gusts that trapped the rangers in a cyclone.
"He's too fast, we can barely keep up with him!" Noah confessed.
"Keep fighting, we gotta hold out until help arrives," Gia said.
The monster placed the gourd on the ground in front of him as he taunted the rangers, "I'll give a five-second head start to get it!"
The rangers bolted forward sprinting with all their might.
"FIVE!" The monster bellowed whirling around and sending another powerful gust knocking the rangers back.
"Emma, my love, let's hit him together," Troy said pulling out his morpher.
"You got it my sweet dear," The pink ranger replied as they both loaded power cards into their morphers.
"Twist Tornado!" The two rangers chant calling a cyclone of their own.
"Your wind power doesn't scare me! Try this on for size," The monster took to the skies summoning an even larger twister which swallowed the rangers and slashed them with cuts of wind.
"Oh no! This monster is too powerful what do we do?" Emma cried.
"Hold your ground!" Troy said as the rangers rose to their feet with great difficulty. The last attack really took a toll on them.
"But Troy we aren't strong enough, we need more power!" Noah said.
"We have more than enough power, with friendship! Remember, earth's defenders never surrender!" Troy rallied the rangers.
"Blah Blah Blah, that battle cry is so lame!" The monster bellowed taking to the air once more calling the winds to him. The Warstar invader spun rapidly sending sickles and squalls of wind toward the rangers which erupted around them indiscriminately.
"UGH! Even with the power of friendship, we don't stand a chance." Fretted Gia.
"Gosei we need help!" Emma pleaded.
Gosei did not respond.
"Now it's time for my big finale! Prepare for my hypersonic mega rush great wind blast!" Soaring higher into the atmosphere the alien invader flapped his wing harder than before. Lighting flashed in the heavens as a great vortex started to gather around him. The rangers all look up hopeless and facing their impending doom when suddenly the hot sting of lasers puncture the villain's wings sending him crashing to the ground.
"Stand back guys, I'll take it from here," Jake had arrived, ready in his black Megaforce suit.
"What NO! The black ranger!" The Monster was petrified.
With the sudden arrival of the missing black ranger, the rest of the team felt a sudden surge of strength. They all gathered around their comrade, Troy especially looping an arm around Jake's shoulder. "You're in for a big surprise monster. The black ranger is here to take you down. Heh, he's even better than me."
"...Troy.." The black ranger stared at his ally, he was not pleased to be treated so casually by the red ranger.
"I'm so sorry Jake, there goes my big mouth again." Troy apologized.
"It's okay Troy, I'm a nice guy," Jake patted Troy on the head.
Jake stepped forward, the monster cowered in fear at the mere presence of the black ranger. Words could not seem to coagulate. "No, black ranger! Please don't hurt me!"
Jake clear his throat, "Noah, summon my ax."
"Yes, sensei Jake," At his command, Noah retrieved both Jakes's Morpher and power card, holding each item reverently. The weapon materialized in the air to which Troy quickly snatched up. He dropped to one knee offering the heavy ax with his head bowed.
The girls watched on fanning themselves admiring how handsome Jake looked as he stood there triumphantly.
"HA, Venom of the snake! Megaforce Black!" The Black ranger struck his signature pose.
"Wow, Jake! You are so amazing. I could just kiss you." Gia gushed.
"Don't worry babe, save it for later."
Jake ran forward with his ax ready to strike. From the cloudy sky above a clean split allowed a beam of sunlight to shine perfectly around Jake.
He jumped into the air, the ax fueling with power and with one mighty stroke.
Then suddenly a flash yanked Jake out of his story. The photographer appeared out of nowhere the brightness of the flash still blinking in Jake's eyes even behind his visor.
"Wow, black ranger you are so cool!" An eager fan blurted out.
"I knew you and yellow were an item, I shipped you guys so hard!" Another said.
"Yellow is a tough cookie to crack, but when she met me she couldn't get enough," Jake fibbed.
"What about red and pink, they're a couple too?"
"Not officially, but boy do they love to stare at one another," Jake noted. "I keep trying to get red to make a move but he's too scared."
"He does seem boring so I don't see them together." Said another fan.
"What about blue? Doesn't he have someone to partner with?"
Jake stifled a laugh at the comment, "Hey uh no comment. he's very sensitive about that."
"So you really do everything on your own huh?" An older man spoke up drawing the focus of the crowd. He looked to be in his mid-30s, with short black hair freshly groomed and a crisp black collared shirt and jeans. When he spoke Jake could hear a strong Latin accent.
"Uh, well you gotta do what you gotta do. I know we're a team but sometimes, blue's not always smart, pink isn't always a cheerleader, yellow...yeah she's always fine but red is just forced into a leadership role because of his color. That's where I come in." Jake effused to the other man.
"You sure have a lot of pride for someone who's supposed to be one with their team." The Latin man spoke again, causing a murmuring in the crowd.
Jake's head swiveled, he could sense the attention of his audience shifting away from him. This mysterious stranger was stealing his thunder and Jake didn't like it. "I'm sorry, who are you again?"
"..Word of advice? Don't try to do this on your own man, you gotta remember that your friends are your power. Don't start losing your true virtues as a ranger."
Everyone watched in silence as the stranger disappeared. The focus eventually resettled on Jake. "So uh, yeah, a-any more thoughts on my story? Not saying that it was a one-man show but—,"
"Well I still think that the red ranger is the best, he saved my grandma when that virus thing was going around," This one appeared closer to Jake's age and wore a tight-fitting gray polo shirt.
"This is a black ranger fan group man, butt out." A fan said.
"Hey hey, everybody and anybody are welcome." The black ranger tried to calm everyone down.
"It's okay I was leaving anyway," The fan in the polo said disheartened, leaving the group.
Jake glanced at his wrist and feigned surprise. "Well guys I wish I could stay and chat some more but I uh, I gotta kick alien butt."
The crowds all groaned their disappointment and steadily dissipated.
Jake gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath. "Man if I don't get to soccer practice-"
With most of the crowds gone, a news van was parked further away with cameras trained on the area where Jake told his fantasized story. Racing toward him with her heels clicking rhythmically on the pavement was a reporter.
"Black ranger please one more quick moment of your time." The woman asked.
"I don't have time to answer any more questions," Jake complained.
"My network and I completely understand, and so we would like to offer you a chance for an exclusive interview in our studio. You seem willing to explain the inner working of your little group, and I'm sure our viewers would love to hear all the juicy behind-the-scenes bits."
"A studio interview?" Jake gasped.
Crimson energy sparked around Troy as he continued to press his hands on the sphere of energy before him. Sweat trickled down his face as he concentrated on every single negative experience in his life. The images flashed through his mind like an old-school slide projector. The way the kid at his old school clutched their fist in pain, the way his father left him at the entrance to Harwood High before returning to active duty, even the disappointment of the principal moments after Troy arrived.
The sphere was alive with power as Troy poured in as much as he could muster and then everything went dark. He awoke to Tensou leaning close to him, the lenses that granted his vision dilated.
"I'm okay," Troy said picking himself off the floor. The shield Gosei had put around Troy was now down, the plasmasphere which collected his energy sank into the floor.
Rubbing his stiff shoulders, the red ranger stood before his mentor.
"Test one complete," Tensou said.
"Is this all really necessary?" Troy rotated his head side to side popping the joints in his neck.
"It is crucial we understand the vast range of your abilities, Troy. As you grow the abilities you may exhibit will grow with you, it's best we are prepared." Gosei said.
"What is there to know? I'm an alien called the Equalizer..." Troy twisted his trunk and rolled his shoulders. With each flex more joints popped with loud noises. "Sounds like a name Jake made up."
"Actually, Troy, the name Equalizer just represents your role in the cosmos. I don't think jake thought of that one." Tensou clarified.
"...Nevermind.." Troy shook his head.
"I know these tests may seem extreme but your cooperation has been most helpful. It appears that your powers respond highly to your emotions. Positive feelings tend to cause positive outcomes. You've mentioned experiencing something like this when you cured those people of the loogie virus." Gosei said.
"I wouldn't say I was particularly chipper, I just wanted to help," Troy said.
"That must have been the trigger. You wanted to do something and your abilities manifested in a way where you could. " Tensou said.
"In the wrong hands, Troy, your abilities can greatly benefit our enemies. You may come to find that your status as the Equalizer can alter the very fabrics of reality. Spells of misfortune suddenly turned to blessings and vise versa. As it currently stands you haven't yet reached the maximum capabilities. If it were found out you were here many other dark forces may arrive just for the opportunity to train you on how to use your powers. As other rangers have experienced. Be wary as their intentions will not be for the good of all." Gosei explained.
Though unknowingly to Gosei, Troy, and Tensou, the exterior doorway to the base slid open as Noah walked through. In his hand was a thick packet of papers he thumbed through. Every page was laden with notes and diagrams. Reaching the interior door just outside the main command center the voices of Gosei and Troy echoed into the hall.
Troy shook his head once more without notice of Noah listening in, "It's too late for that, Creepox already knows and to make matters worst I'm having other visions. Of some guy in a red cloak. Then just the other night I dreamt I was talking to a sword with a dragon hilt."
"Visions?" Noah said to himself.
"Hmmm, do you remember any other details? Any symbols?" Gosei asked.
As Noah inched closer to the interior door one of his pages ruffled slightly. Tensou's head perked at the new sound and he wheeled himself toward the entrance
"That's all I saw, the rest I'm unsure," Troy responded to Gosei.
"I will keep these details in mind Troy, there's something foretelling about your visions that we just aren't seeing yet. Though this is hard to say, but if I were to guess, without you the other rangers may find battles much tougher as your mere presence grants them strength. Eventually, they may reach a point where the odds are completely against them and their powers will start to fade."
"Oh hello, Noah?" The sudden appearance of the helpful robot caught Noah off guard, he dropped his packet which alerted both Troy and Gosei to his presence. Troy's head snapped at the sound of the falling pages and watched as Noah entered sheepishly along with Tensou.
"Hi..." Noah bashfully greeted everyone.
"Noah?" Troy was shocked.
"Um, uh Gosei I have the practice samples you had me complete. I think I sequenced everything correctly but I'll need you to check my work. " Noah spoke to Gosei acting as if he didn't see Troy.
"Excellent Noah, load your work into the console and I'll evaluate your results," Gosei said.
Noah approached the blue console and began loading the pages of his packet one at a time, being sure to keep his face down. Troy approached with a straightforward grin his lips puckering slightly. "So how much did you hear?"
"...I didn't hear much, I just barely got here like 5 minutes ago."
"For what?" Troy demanded. "It's not like we're training or anything."
Noah's mind was abuzz with activity. Noah had noticed since the day at the dojo Troy has been considerably more trust toward him. Noah feared that he was now in danger of losing trust unless he did something drastic. "...Gosei is helping me on a ranger project, believe it or not. I'm actually trying to build my own ranger. Jake already knows but the girls don't. I would like it to be a surprise."
Troy didn't say anything.
"I swear I didn't hear much other than visions. The reason I'm telling you this is because you were the first person I told about Michelle and you didn't judge me about it."
Troy remained speechless.
"Uh, Gosei we may have a slight problem. According to the notes left by your mentor, he made his white ranger using the white light of good. Where are to get something that powerful to use as a base?" Tensou said backing away from Noah's research.
"You're right Tensou, my mentor managed to extract the light by converting it into Morphin grid energy. The method by which he did so was lost to the ages we may never know how he accomplished such a task. However, we may be able to substitute that power with a cosmic source of our own." Gosei said.
Noah's mind began to work when he heard the mention of energy. He recollected on the words he overheard. Gosei mentioned something about Troy and his energy. "I may be overstepping but didn't you say something about Troy being the lynchpin to our powers? I figure it's cause he's red right? Maybe Troy can let us use some of his power."
Troy's mouth became agape. It was obvious to him that Noah may have heard more than he led on. He shook his head defeated having been stabbed in the back by the one person he thought he could trust.
"Wait, Troy!" Noah called out, regretting his words but Troy was already out the door.
"Just let him be, Noah," Gosei said.
"But, but is there something wrong with him?" Noah said.
"Troy is fine, Noah," Gosei said.
"But Noah that is actually a great idea," Tensou agreed.
"Using Troy as an energy source?" Noah asked.
"No, no, no, no...Ummm I'll stay quiet now," Tensou said as he rolled away.
"Gosei, what's wrong with Troy?" Noah was worried.
"I can assure you that there is no cause of alarm for him. I must ask Noah that you keep all that you've heard to yourself. Troy is gradually growing in trust of each of you, it would be a shame for him to then suddenly lose it. What is vital is that we focus our efforts on obtaining the right components and materials for our ranger assembly." Gosei suggested.
"...Alright um, well what are we going do then? We need an energy source."
"There may be a way to gain access to the white light of good. But you all aren't ready for that degree of power. In the meantime, I have something vital to discuss with you, it's about Jake."
Noah knew where this was going, "I know I know, whatever he did I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize, Noah, I'm a little concerned about his actions as of late. I understand that you both have a deep friendship and that you would want to spare his feelings, but I must be the one to confront Jake on these issues. I must take responsibility for entrusting him with the gifts he has been granted. "
"I understand Gosei, just give me time, please. I should be seeing him today, I'll let him know for sure."
"Very well."
Meanwhile on the Warstar ship.
"Vrak I'm tired of the failures of the last few clones, now it's my turn to dispatch one." The admiral argued.
"Forgive me sir, but the rangers have proven to be more vicious than we thought. If only I had a baseline for their powers I could do something to neutralize them." Vrak replied.
"Funny you should say that. I've selected Celebralpede to discover the weaknesses of the humans." The admiral added.
"That subject is not fit for battle. I almost didn't want to include him in my experiments back when we had the original."
"You greatly underestimated Cerebalpede's capabilities."
"Very well Admiral, if you insist that this warrior is capable of destroying the humans then so be it. I wouldn't be surprised if the Rangers overcame him as well."
"Watch yourself Vrak before you find yourself adrift in space!"
Troy heard Noah calling after him but he didn't break his stride. He continued to walk briskly and with purpose away from the base.
"Troy!" Noah yelled to him when Troy finally turned to him. Noah was wheezing, "Man you walk really fast. I had to sprint to catch up to you."
"What do you want, Noah?" Troy said firmly.
"I don't want to hold you up, I just-I just have a few questions."
"If it's about what you heard that's a solid, No." Troy trudges forward, pushing past Noah. The blue ranger sighs as he musters his strength and jogs in front of Troy again.
"I'm not trying to get into your business-"
"Then stay out of it..."
"Troy, listen. I'm just curious you know, you're the red ranger and I get that. You got all these powers. Well more than any other ranger color in history. So I get why Gosei was so intrigued with you. Is he going to give you a battlizer?"
"Battlizer?" Troy stopped.
"You're right it's too early for that," Noah said.
Troy's eyes shifted from side to side as he pretended to understand what Noah was talking about. "Sure..."
Troy then continued to walk away with Noah right on his tail.
"Listen, man, this ranger project is so near and dear to me. I just want to be like everyone else. You share your power with Emma, Jake shares his with Gia, who do I have?"
"I would consider you lucky," Troy stated.
"Yeah I guess but you're missing the point. If your rangers powers are like the nexus to all of ours then that must mean you have more than enough to spare. I don't think we need much, just the excess. You would still have enough to morph I'm sure of it and I doubt the rest of us would feel anything-"
"He wasn't talking about my ranger powers, Noah." Troy snapped ending his travel.
"...Oh...then uh what was he talking about?"
Troy's glance shifted away as he inhaled sharply. He exhaled through his nose recomposing himself. "Look, it's not a big deal. So please just don't ask me any more questions."
"...Okay fine, it's just-" Noah raised his hands in mock surrender walking back towards the base. Suddenly his phone began to buzz wildly in his pocket, it was Jake calling. "Hello?"
"Noah, Hey! Glad I caught you. Listen, I'm super hungry and I don't get my allowance until next week. Mind lending me a few bucks and bringing me something to eat?"
"What? Jake, why can't you just get something quick from the mall? You know the food court always gives free samples." Noah suggested.
"I mean I would if I were at the mall, but I'm not. So please I'm starving here."
"Where are you anyway?" Noah was curious.
"Hold on bro, let me show you. You're gonna love this, they're treating me like a king." Noah's phone buzzed anew this time a message scrolled across the screen.
"No Jake I'm not going to do a video call, Jake, Jake!" Noah was left on death ears as the phone call switched to a video call.
"Welp here it is."
"Is that, is that a studio?" Through the 6 inch window, Noah's jaw dropped. He could see bright lights hanging from a dark ceiling, their beams illuminating a stage set with comfy furniture. Several cameras with operators got into position as they completed their final production checks. Lastly, there were rows upon rows of cushioned seating, set for a live audience which was empty.
"It is, isn't it so amazing. That girl over, she asked for my number. But between you and me, we know she's not my type."
Noah's face became shriveled at the odd request. Seeing that the conversation with Noah was at an end, Troy trudged on leaving the two friends to chat.
"Are you morphed?" Jake's hand passed briefly over the camera. Noah was quick to notice the pure white glove indicative of the Megaforce suits.
"Morphed?" Troy was drawn back to the conversation by the words of Noah. He glanced over with a suspicious look on his face.
"Who's with you, buddy?" Jake asked.
Noah flipped his phone toward Troy who's eyes grew wide at the location the black ranger was in. Jake choked back a smile when he saw the face of his leader.
"Oh Troy, Hey! Www-w-what's happening?"
Noah then put the phone back on himself. "Dude stop saying our names while you're morphed. What is wrong with you, what are you doing? You shouldn't be having your phone out either."
"Dude relax, it's on airplane phone, I'm just using the wifi. And my location is off for the record." Jake said.
"Jake, I really need to talk to you about your latest actions. Gosei is really—"
"Five minutes to show call!" A voice announced in the background.
"Five minutes to show call?" Troy repeated to himself.
Jake's devilish smile returned as he waved Troy off. "Oh Nothing, just hurry with that food. I'm in the mood for tacos. You know the place right? Thanks!"
"Jake!" The call ended before Noah could interject. The blue ranger exhaled angrily as his face became a shade darker. He now understood why Troy was so guarded. Knowing a blabbermouth like Jake makes establishing trust difficult.
"...You got better things to worry about other than me," Troy spoke up. Noah couldn't bring himself to look at Troy. He knew for sure whatever friendship or bond they had just gone up in smoke. The next time Noah saw Jake he was almost certain he'd strangle him. Troy on the other hand did not seem so bothered, anger and rage for sure burned behind his eyes but none of it was toward Noah.
Noah opened his mouth to begin what he thought to be a lengthy apology when in the nick of time their pins alerted the rangers to danger.
"Okay cameras rolling in 5,4,3,2–"
"Wait!" Jake called rising from one of the chairs on stage. "Hey I'm sorry but I need to go. Duty calls."
"That's not an issue go right ahead," the producer said excusing Jake. As soon as he was gone they pulled out a phone.
"Hey Stanley, start up the van, we're going to get some live footage."
The people of Harwood county fled at the sight of the ghastly invaders. A man in a business suit stumbles with the loss of his balance. The monster grips the man by his neck, his six eyes blinking in analysis.
"Ah yes, so you are a human. Average life expectancy 78.84 years. Energy is obtained through the consumption of Carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Your body is comprised of 60% water."
The man was tossed back to the ground his face scuffed the earth.
"Clothing provides no exterior protection." The monster towers over the man ready to conduct more tests when a laser strikes his back. He turns to see the Megaforce red ranger with his blaster in hand, the others at his side.
"Hold it right there, you're about to get mega stomped!" Jake barked arrogantly.
The monster's eyes lit up in excitement as he scanned the rangers, all of them morphed.
"Interesting, four humans and one other? Further study is required." Celebralpede spoke.
"What did he say?" Gia asked.
"Doesn't matter, let's take him down!" Troy commanded.
"I got this!" Jake said wickedly as he summoned his ax.
The black ranger charged with the others behind him each summoning their personal weapon.
Cerebalpede stood enamored by the rangers.
"Take this, Shark Bowgun!" Noah shouted firing two blasts both inflicting heavy damage.
"My turn!" Emma stated as she took to the air.
"Phoenix shot!" She called also delivering blasts. Troy glided using the powers of the sky.
"Dragon Break!" He exclaimed slashing furiously with his sword. Gia and Jake both ran at the foe from opposite sides.
"Snakebite!" Jake called swinging his ax.
"Tiger rush!" Gia announced after.
"One more hit for good measure!" Jake said delivering another crucial blow with his ax. Cerebalpede was sent spiraling on the ground barely able to stand.
"Let's put 'em all together and blast this freak to kingdom come." Jake bellowed.
The monster rose to stumble. "Battle analysis complete. Developing countermeasures." The monster vanished without a word to the rangers. The Rangers regrouped their weapons disappearing. Noah was very perplexed at the lack of difficulty this Warstar presented.
"Why was he just standing there?" Noah wondered.
"I don't know that was weird. The fight was just way too easy." Emma said.
"WOOOOOOO!" Suddenly, appearing from every possible nook and cranny, the resident of the city emerged with their camera phones trained on their heroes.
"Where did they come from?" Emma inquired.
"Take a wild guess.." Troy said as the crowd came close but instead they all rushed to the black ranger.
"That's right, who's your hero! You know everyone believes Red to be the leader but between you and me I'm the real brains of the operation." Jake flexed.
"What's going on?" Gia wondered.
Eager fans swarmed the four rangers, many beelined right for black. One, in particular, circled back to the yellow ranger with stars in their eyes. "Oh yellow ranger! when I get a picture with the black ranger can I get a picture with you and pink?"
"Wait what?" Emma was puzzled.
"Thanks! You're the best and smartest ranger out there!" The fan ran off.
"..Ohhh so he decided not to listen to me.." Gia said to herself.
Jake waved emphatically at the excited masses. Noah snapped fed up with Jake's desire for attention. He pushed through the crowd all of them snapping photos and pushing scraps of paper in front of him to be signed. At long last Noah reached Jake and pulled him away by his arm. "Uhhh Dude, stop it let's go."
"What? I'm just giving the people what they want." Jake chortled.
"No dude you're getting out of hand. If you keep stoking the fire soon it's gonna burn everything down." Noah attested.
"Stroking the fire? What C'mon bro, no one has started any fires, and if they did we got you to put them out. Come on man, isn't this what we always wanted? To feel appreciated to feel like we mean something?" Jake said waving to the crowd.
Noah buried his face in the palm of his hand. Taking a moment to pause he looked back on all the years he and Jake were mocked and ridiculed. The two of them often spoke about how in high school they would finally be at the top of the food chain. Noah had long since given up that dream, having become comfortable living life on the outside. Jake on the other hand still desired to be recognized and looked up to. His status as a ranger finally gave him the thing he's wanted since middle school.
Noah understood it all now that he finally saw things from Jake's perspective. The thing is however he also knew that the means by which they were obtaining this popularity was far from fair. They were basically using their powers for personal gain which was not fitting for a ranger.
"...T-That's not the point, you're letting this fame go to your head and if you don't stop now everything will be ruined. Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?" Noah Implored.
"Yeah man, I hear you. I'll disperse the crowds." Jake raised his hands calling for attention. The conversations dropped to a murmur.
None were moved by Jake's words. They were hesitant to remove themselves. Troy watched on far away from the others practically out of sight. To his surprise, a teenage fan in a tight-fitting gray polo shirt approached him trembling. In his hands was a notepad with cutouts and printed images of Troy from some of his recent battles.
"Um excuse me, Mister red ranger? Mind if I get your autograph? I'm a huge fan."
Troy's muscles tensed, the guy was no older than he was and Troy could tell it took him a great deal of courage to approach. Troy also began to see the level of impact his actions had on everyday citizens.
Troy desperately wanted to fulfill this simple request but he also understood that this could put the young man in danger. With a firm resolve, Troy answered him. "...Um...I can't."
Glancing to see the efforts of his teammates, Troy became infuriated by the fact that Jake again to heed simple instructions. Troy now needed to get involved and it wasn't going to be pretty.
Jake approaches the hungry and waiting audience. "Okay everyone listen up. After talking to my colleagues we decided that it would be best that you all head home at least for now. We don't want you all to get hurt while we track down that nasty alien. Don't worry the next time it shows its face we'll stop it for sure! Earth's Defenders Never Surrender!"
Jake raised his fist with the exclamation of the battle cry.
"No," Troy appeared at his side and grabbed Jake's wrist forcing it back to his side, "the next time you see us you don't come towards us you run away from us. We aren't here for your enjoyment."
"Wow, red ranger you're mean." A fan said.
"No, he makes a point." On the spur of the moment, Emma interfered. "It's hard for us to do our job and keep the city safe if you guys are continually trying to snap a photo or conduct an interview."
Again Emma surprised Troy.
"Then forget it. were gone." Another fan said as they walked off. Jake reached for the retreating people but they all pulled away fearing the intimidating glance of the red ranger.
"What? Guys, umf, ugggghh what are you guys doing? You wanna make the people hate us?" Jake told the rangers as the yellow ranger came up to him, with her arms crossed.
"What are you doing? Are you trying to be the fixer of everyone's problems? Give an inch take a mile?" Gia asked.
"What? No, "Jake sighed," I'm just trying to give the people hope. I think they're tired of mystery rangers. We've seen what good can come from rangers who've stepped out of the shadows. Everybody loves and trusts them. Lightspeed, operation overdrive, in space, those two rangers from time force."
The Megaforce team listened as Jake rattled off the names of the historic teams of old. He did make a point, but that was beside the fact.
"Look guys I probably did go a little too far but trust me on this," Jake said.
Yet the rangers did not respond.
"Alright since we got that out of the way, I'll see you guys later. Let me know if you find anything about that monster." Jake said as he left.
At Ernie's brain freeze Emma distracted herself with her school work. Near her was two empty smoothie cups. Gia was seated next to her unable to even focus on her own work, an unfinished drink is set before her. Confounded Gia whips out her phone and begins to scour the internet. The exploits from the day's battle was already trending. There were many short videos taken from behind cars and from on top of buildings relaying the battle to depraved viewers. Gia read over the comments people left, many praised Jake for his forward actions and brave behavior.
"You say brave, I say showboat," Gia said, scrolling through her phone.
"What are you looking at?" Emma asked.
"Oh just the news, and all the pictures they have of us," Gia said, showing Emma her phone. Emma scrolled through each photo.
"Sheez, we're all over the place. There's not a single mention about the effects of global warming, or the housing crisis. How could they leave out reports on the treatment of captive animals." Emma said.
"Because the media cares about what's popular," Gia added.
"Well, those are cool and popular...okay maybe not popular," Emma said softly.
"As Troy said, we aren't here for their entertainment, they should focus on more important things," Gia said.
"I'm actually surprised Troy said that," Emma said going back to her studies.
"I'm more surprised you stuck up for him. Though don't be too surprised, he was probably lying right?" Gia smiled at Emma.
"You and I know for a fact that you're lying. Jake, on the other hand, he doesn't have an off button does he?"
"Right?! Finally, you agree with me. Like why is he talking to them? He's going to get us in trouble." Gia refreshed the page on her phone and a series of new images flooded her screen. "Oh, and he just got us in trouble."
Then Noah arrived.
"Hey, guys!" Noah called out, walking into Ernie's with his laptop, causing Emma to look away from the phone but Gia kept her eyes glued to the device.
"Hey, Noah!" Emma greeted.
"Yo Emma, I got some exciting news. Your website is finally finished. What do you think?" Noah then showed Emma the website from his laptop.
"I uploaded some of the latest pictures you sent me, and the site viewership jumped through the roof. I'm getting a lot of comments on the admin message board of people saying how much they love the pictures." Noah opened an email tab and scrolled through what appeared to be almost a million new messages. Emma gasped as she read through some. She couldn't help but smile joyfully at the words people were saying.
"Thank you so much, Noah, I owe you greatly. Gia, look the website is up...Gia?"
"Huh?" Gia looked up.
"Noah finished the website," Emma said.
"Oh, I'm sorry let me see?" Gia leaned close to the open laptop but her phone alerted her to a new notification. She reeled back to see what other annoyances awaited her.
"What's so important?" Emma said.
"Everything alright?" Noah asked.
"No, everything's not alright. Look at your friend?" The image she showed was of Jake posing with a family. A little boy had his hands fitted around the handle of Jake's ax. Another image was that of a Jake with his arms around two college-aged girls, both were smiling.
"What he is doing? Looks like he's making promises he can't keep. Who is trying to impress?" Gia said.
Noah couldn't bring himself to meet Gia's eyes. He kept stealing glances while focusing back to her phone. "Well um, he's just excited you know. I'll talk to him to see if he can calm down."
"Excited about what?"
"Well you uh, Jake and I weren't really all that popular. This is something new for him, for all of us."
"I probably won't be the first to tell but popularity isn't what it's all cracked to be." Gia declared.
"I know it's just, it feels nice to be wanted. To be honest, when those fans came to us it felt good. Jake and I were always the losers in school." He raised his hand to cut off a retort from Gia.
"However in reality all they want to do is make a story, whether it's good or bad. And we both know that bad sells." Noah said.
"And I was starting to think they were right about the yellow ranger being the smartest," Gia mocked.
"...No one is really conscious much in the morning, so we can't really be too sure," Noah reprised, a hint o bite in his words
"...whatever Noah, your friend may have put all of us at risk," Gia retaliated.
"My friend, is not trying to hurt anyone. You just don't understand." Noah then handed the yellow ranger's phone back.
"What is there is to understand, Noah? He's taking pictures with everyone like if he came from a convention."
"Not like he's charging anyone," Noah said in a sassy tone.
Gia was getting frustrated. "ALSO, he has a tendency to speak what's on his mind without the use of a filter."
"That's because he's never had friends like us," Noah defended.
"Troy never had friends and he doesn't seem to be clamoring for attention. He may be blunt with his responses but he speaks the truth, while Jake puts on a show." Gia argued.
"Troy's not even here and we know why Troy isn't clamoring for attention, he doesn't like talking to anyone remember? It's not fair of you to excuse Troy when you can't do the same for your partner." Noah grit his teeth, Gia had no right to mention Troy at all. It did not make sense, how could Jake have a crush on such a vile, insensitive, selfish, Gorgan.
"Guys stop, stop." Emma tried to end the argument, observant of Jake's arrival she whispered, "Jake's coming."
Noah stared daggers at Gia while he packed his computer into his bag. Gia rolled her eyes annoyed and took a hearty sip of her smoothie. Emma watched in silence as the two rangers continued their silent argument.
"Hey, Guy!" Jake entered the juice bar high on life. In his eyes, the sun couldn't shine any brighter. He was especially thrilled to see that 3 of his four friends were already waiting for him. Noah pushed in his seat loudly as he rose from the table, his standoff with Gia still sitting like a boulder.
"Where are you going?" Jake wondered.
"I just have homework I have to finish," Noah said.
Jake knew that was all a lie, "No you don't, you're going on a date with Michelle?"
"Shut up dude. I'm not going to see her today."
"Oh then sit down, the computer lab could you see tomorrow and anyways they closed early," Jake said.
Noah sat back down but was annoyed that he had to look at Gia.
"So what's up? Crazy weather, nothing the black ranger can't handle." Jake said.
"Oh yeah, you need to cool it with the whole press conference stuff," Gia said.
"Can't you just leave him alone?" Noah snapped.
"Wait what? What happened?" Jake was confused.
Gia revealed to Jake the photos of himself on her phone. "Look it's you! You're taking pictures with all these people huh?"
"Oh, you saw those? Man if only they caught my good side." Jake said.
"That-that's an awesome picture man," Noah said.
Jake agreed, "Thanks, buddy if only you guys were there. Land with land, wind with fire or wind I meant, and water with water."
"Water with water?" Emma responded.
"We'll not yet," Jake said.
"Land with land, water with water?" The phrasing threw Gia for a loop. Was there a 6th ranger she wasn't aware of? "Are you going to have a partner?"
"Oh, Noah you didn't tell them?" Jake said.
Noah struck the table softly yet frustrated. He exhaled a big puff. "No, because I told you not to tell anyone."
"Oh sorry Noah, I just thought because you told Gosei they knew,"
"Is Gosei creating another ranger?" Gia questioned.
It was time for Noah to confess, "...I'm helping Gosei but before that, I did it behind his back because I wanted a partner of my own." You could see the frustration racing from Noah's face.
"Oh cool! So you'll be like us?" Emma tried to lighten the mood.
"Yeah..." Noah nodded his head with a crooked smile.
"I can't wait to see him or her, Noah. It's going to be amazing."
That made Noah smile a bit more.
"I'm sorry man, I didn't think it was a big deal. Would you forgive me?" Jake tried to apologize.
"...yeah man," Noah nodded.
"Though I wish I could stick around, but I can't," Jake said.
"Where are you going?" Emma asked.
"Well I don't wanna say just yet, but in 5 minutes you guys would know."
"Didn't you listen to anything I said?" Gia asked.
"What? I heard everything...Are you mad at me?" Jake's ignorance was the straw that broke the camel's back. Gia rose from her seat, her tiger fury being put on full display. She was going to let Jake have it, and she didn't care what anyone else said. She was cut off however when Jake pointed to the TV Ernie had mounted to the wall.
"Hello Harwood County, I'm Patricia Andrews and I'm here with a very special guest. You may have seen him fighting crime along with his teammates but now he's here with us. Please give a warm welcome to the Black Megaforce Power Ranger."
Jake looked back to his friends once the program cut to commercial. Emma dipped her head in shame while Noah had managed to sneak out undetected.
Gia gripped the table firmly, her knuckles have gone completely white. The smile just started to fade from Jake's face as he looked into the visage of the lioness ready to kill him.
(If this chapter annoyed you as much as it annoyed us to write it then we did our job well lol jk. What do you think would happen next?)