SPD: In The Shadows

Chapter 8: The Song of Her Heart.

It was the next day. Morning shone through the tent and made closed eyes twitch from its rays. On her side with her face towards the material draping over her tent, she noticed how the phone was still in her hand and that a reply was given. It took her a moment to adjust to the brightness but when she saw that it was a thumbs-up GIF, she couldn't help but giggle.

Tiredly, her other hand reached over to send him a text and added a small kitten face. Good Morning! =3 It read, as she stayed on her side and kept her head on her sorry excuse for a pillow. Again her fingers typed and asked him a question. I hope you slept well! Are you in the middle of some business? At the end of her text, she scrolled through the emotes and selected an adorable kitty with curious eyes.

One minute, two minutes, three, it took a bit but the small dots at the bottom of their chat window told her that he was answering.

Yes. What does =3 mean? I am not familiar with it. His question made her smile. To her, it was cute how he didn't know much about texting and the many expressions people could make. The GIFs, the emotes, text emotes, and more.

Quickly her fingers raced across the touch-screen, eager to answer. It's just a face made with the equal sign and the number three. It's supposed to look like a smiling kitty face. In the end, a semicolon and a three were placed to show a more playful friendliness. Then she started spamming his message window with adorable text- emotes based on cute kitten smiles.

I see. A simple reply, a bit too simple, a frown curved her lips until a smirk replaced it.

You do know I'm not going to live that down, right? Your awesome laugh. This time, she sent a GIF based on Light Yagami from Death Note with his evil laugh and red eyes. It was enough to make her laugh and snort, so she buried her face into her sad pillow to muffle it. When she heard a ping from her phone, she peeked and saw a random emote with a fist in the air and an angry huff from their nose. "Hahahaha!" She loved it, his reactions, and how angry he got over the simplest things.

After her fit of giggles had calmed down her attention returned to the screen and texted him once more. Grimly! I'm going to go to Piggy's Cafe' soon. I need some money... Please- don't tell anyone, okay? I agreed to sing at his cafe' for some side cash on occasion. This will be our little secret. I won't expect you to come watch... But I wanted to tell you just in case you start to wonder where I went. Keep up your hard work, I'm sure it'll pay off! Again, at the end of her message, she sent an emote of a pudgy cat dancing with music notes above its head.

The only reply she received was an emote of a man giving a thumbs-up and a very serious face. "Hahaha. He's learning pretty fast. I have taught him well without even trying.~ He's so cool," With a click of a button the screen turned black and the phone was hugged to her chest. Onto her backside she rolled, her vision was obscured when her forearm was placed over her eyes. It was difficult not to smile, in fact, she hardly smiled before she met him. It felt so good too, for the first time in a long time she felt a bit more understood.

It was as if, the man was a completely different species altogether despite his human appearance. His glowing eyes were so interesting... They sort of- reminded me of my eyes when my anxiety kicks up at times. Is he similar to me? If he is... Maybe I could ask him about his abilities. I wonder what he can do besides cast electricity and do parkour stunts. She wasn't afraid to express her blushes, for her feet kicked up after another fit of giggles filled the air and rolled side to side in her bed. "Maybe... Just maybe, I found someone who's similar or just like me," To the opposite side of the tent she faced before, she rolled, and curled into herself with thoughts of the shady man.

"Well, there's no sense in staying in bed. I need to eat and go to Piggy's Cafe'," Excitedly she shoved the blanket that nearly covered her legs, no thanks to her thrashes, and began to dress herself for the day.

The Swimsuit top she wore beneath the heavy jacket before, smelled horribly, so she switched it out with a sports bra and rummaged through her box for a different pair of shorts. "I'll have to wash my clothes soon, they're starting to stink," Her nose crinkled up at the scent, nonetheless, she pulled out some jean shorts with pockets on the sides and nodded in approval.

About a minute later she sat in front of the piece of metal, the same sheet she used to see her reflection, and started to apply her black makeup. On her lips, she spread the lipstick and gave it a thick layer so it wouldn't show much of her original color. Next, it was her eyeliner, tracing along her lid and giving it a cute curl at the end of her eye. Out of the oversized jacket pocket, she inched out the blindfold Piggy gave her and smiled, thankful that the cloth helped her a lot.

It was quickly stuffed back in when she stood up and took a deep breath. "Alright, I can do this. Just like before, pick out a song and wear this blindfold to sing... But what kind of song should I sing? I used to sing along with a lot of them during my school years but it's been a long time since I listened to them. Wait- maybe..." For a moment she trailed off, pondered, and reached into her other pocket for her recharged phone. A contemplative stare reflected in the black screen back to her, until, a click of a button flared it to life again and her fingers tapped away.

Into a music folder she once listened to in the past, the sight of all the songs she used to sing brought a large smile to her face. "This is great. Now I don't have to go by memory of the songs I used to sing. They're all right here," As she scrolled through, one particular song stood out to her and it was the best song she found that related to how she felt. "I'll sing this one," As fast as she could she stuffed the phone back into her pocket and flipped the huge hood over her head, for she wasted no time when she left her little area.

Her feet inched through the rotted boards and was careful to make sure no one saw before she trudged past many citizens. It took her some time to get through the crowd of people, several minutes to ten, thanks to shortcuts, she found his Cafe' again and tried to calm herself down. Okay, Feige, you can do this. It's for money, so I won't have to steal anymore or be hungry all the time... Maybe, just maybe, I could make it a little more frequent and I could save up to get myself a tiny home. Hahaha! Yeah right... The thought was too silly to be considered an option, it was enough to make her quietly chuckle to herself and roll her eyes.

Into the Cafe' she walked and ignored the curious stares that lit up with interest. With her head down she hugged the wall with her backside and just an inch, she lifted her gaze to see if she could spot the smelly alien.

Nervous and eager at the same time, it gave her small shakes to her hands that she tried to hide inside her pockets. Small, subtle breaths, were meant to try and calm herself just as she had before she entered the Cafe' and watched as hasty feet made themselves past some customers.

"Well, well! Welcome again! Are you here to dine or to perform for us tonight?" Her violet eyes could see him lean sideways to peek under her hood, to which her head lowered and nodded. "To perform then?" It was hard to tell but she saw a glimpse of his hands clasped together, from that she knew he was just as eager as her.

"Y- Yeah... Please?" Answering a stranger was already hard enough but she managed and pulled out the blindfold he gave her before.

"Of course! As I said, you're always welcome! You brought in a horde of customers to my Cafe' the last time you were here! Allow me to put together a spot for you. Do you want the same setup as before? I did order some better stereos and music equipment. You won't need a microphone anymore- you can use a headset!" He didn't give her enough time to respond, since he was quick to run back to his little area and take down a small box from one of his shelves.

It was so fast, that she could've sworn he took Trek n' field at one point in his life. "Here you are! All you have to do is put this on and click the button to the side to sync it to the stereos. I read the manual just in case. I'll prepare the stereos!" Without further ado, he sprinted away again, much to her shock.

Wow... I can't even get a word in, he's all over the place. Astounded she was, as she watched the stinky alien wander about and put them all together. The table from before was moved out, the stereos were hooked up to sockets, and the device he used last time for her to sing along with was purposefully hidden behind the table.

"Alright! Take the stage, everyone's waiting! It looks like you already have your little fans!" Delighted, his large smile could be seen when she looked up at him from beneath her hood.

She dared not ponder the size of the crowd that might show up this time. As she wandered to the small step next to the table, her hands tied the blindfold over her eyes and placed one foot on the table. Breathe, breaaathe, just like last time- I can do this. Steady exhales left her lips the more she tried to ignore the fact that all eyes were on her. "P- Piggy... Play: Stay close by Fireflight," Quietly she spoke to the alien behind her and heard his feet shuffle to do as she asked.

All lights dimmed not long after she stood atop the table. The glass from before, she knew he hadn't disposed of, because she used it last time to make a light show and express herself. Everything went quiet and unbeknownst to her a pair of Rangers in their uniforms, seeking out Piggy, came strolling in and saw her.

"Hey- it's her! Shouldn't we get her attention?" Bridge lifted a brow to Z and Jack after he whispered.

"No. If we say anything, a lot of the customers here will point us out, flee and she'll probably run for it. I suggest we wait and see what happens," Sky quietly answered behind the green bean with a stern fold of his arms.

"I'm surprised they didn't notice us... And why is she wearing a blindfold?" Z's question was left unanswered. With a hand on her hip and a curious tilt of her head, she looked closely at the hooded woman.

"I don't know, maybe it's a disguise? At any rate. We were going to ask Piggy if he knew of this woman's location, but it looks like we got our answer," Jack, with a smirk on his lips, waited for whatever was bound to happen and shifted his feet.

"A horrible disguise if you ask me... Couldn't she have picked something prettier? Maybe pink or something? I prefer brighter colors," Syd complained with a small pout and shook her head, all of that black on her looked rather sad to her.

~~~~

In Gruumm's ship, he stood before his holographic screen and kept Feige's whereabouts in mind. "It would be best... To watch from here. If she is to perform as she said, she is bound to draw attention to herself," His fingers sped across buttons to navigate his screen, he recalled her last performance and how it drew him in. He could still hear the lyrics in his head, her voice, how strong and expressive she was as she danced about with countless fragments of glass.

"What will she sing this time?" Genuinely curious, he pressed another button, for his computer had saved her identity into its system and found her location a lot faster than before. Zooming in, he could already hear the music playing in the back and was watching her begin to sway to the rhythm. He had no idea that a particular visitor behind him stood to observe, curious as to why he was watching a human rather than pondering his plans as he usually does.

There, she began to sing, and the moment lyrics came from his screen, he leaned in with interest.

(Play: Stay Close by Fireflight! :D)

"I want to know you, there's so much at stake. Can't face the memories, they bend me till I break!" To her heart, he saw Feige press her hand and lean over as if pain riddled her chest. "Hiding from the past, but it's eating me alive. Can't block it out when it's coming from inside!" With both hands, he saw her hug her biceps and lean over more as if she were to cry.

"Every turn leads me to a dead end-" His ruby eyes saw her turn around in place with her finger in the air, wiggling. "Lost again... I'm screaming your name!" Aloud he heard her cry out, with her hands in the air and her head leaned back. "Come close, come close-" Out one of her hands reached, then pulled them back to her chest. "And call my name! How can you turn your back on me- when you know my pain?!" Gruum watched her whirl around with an arm against her back and lean to the side with the back of her hand to her forehead.

"Stay close, stay close- Light up the night!" Above her, he saw shards of glass from before float high above her head and twinkle like stars under the Cafe's lights. "Save me from the part of me, that's begging to die!" Out she screamed, which resonated throughout his small room. Her hands wrapped around her neck when he saw her lean her head back and cry to the ceiling.

The short rhythm that gave her a pause, allowed her a moment to compose herself and sway her head to the instruments. Not only was it his visitor, but now Morgana sneaked into the room, curious to see where all of the music came from. "Precious denial.~ A stone to break my back," Feige's hand pressed against her lower back when she leaned over. "The chains I carry won't cut me any slack!" Around her wrists, they all watched the glass shards make a formation of chains and then fall when she jerked her arms away.

"Imprisoned by fear, with no room for my heart..." To her chest, they saw her hand touch, before she continued. "My only hope. Only you can heal the scars!" Her hands raked across her skin like claws that left old wounds, which caught the Emperor's attention and made him lean in closer. "Every turn leads me to a new dead end-" Feige repeated her short spin from before and wiggled her finger, then held herself. Lost again. I'm screaming your name!" To the ceiling, Feige cried, not once did her arms unwrap.

"Come close! Come close! And call my name!" Like before, she reached out and pulled her tight fist toward her chest. "How can you turn your back on me- when you know my pain!?" Once more they watched her repeat her short turn and the pretend faint with the back of her hand to her forehead.

"Stay close! Stay close- Light up the night!" Just as before her hands reached up and made the glass shards fly and sparkle. "Save me from the part of me- that's begging to die!" Much louder, more expressive, even tears stray from beneath her blindfold when she leaned over and held herself. Her prolonged word at the end made Gruumm's head tilt, completely entranced by her voice.

Another short pause when the instruments played, he saw how out of breath she was when she stumbled a little and leaned her head backward. "Stay by my side. If you leave me, I will die..." Much lower, as if it were a threat, her head cocked to one side and kept the tears that stained her face. "Stay by my side. If you leave me, I will die!" To her chest, with both hands, he saw her clench and shook upon the strong emotion that writhed her body. "Stay by my side! If you hold me I will fly, if you hold me will fly- WILL YOU HOLD ME?!" High, close to the ceiling, she whirled until almost touched it and caused the glass shards to sprawl out behind her like glittered wings. As tight to herself as she could, she held herself and raised her head. Off came the large hood and flailed about her earthy hair.

Down back to the table, with a heavy thud, she landed and ignored the shards that came with her. "Come close! Come close and call my name!" She repeated the first few lines as before and performed the same actions.

After another minute or so passed, she was finished with the song and his ruby eyes watched her click off the mic to the headset to remove the synchronization. "My Emperor... What might you be watching?" Behind Gruumm came Broodwing's overlapped voice, to which he turned swiftly sideways.

"That is none of your business! Why are you here, anyway? I have not asked for your service yet!" Funnily enough, his voice cracked from being caught red-handed, unbeknownst to them it was from his embarrassment. "Morgana, leave!" Furious he was when he jerked a finger to the side and faced the overgrown child. The red glinted and scared her, much to his delight, she scurried off somewhere into the shadows to leave the room.

"I thought you would like to know a bit of information. Useful information regarding a very rare species found on planet Earth... With a price of course," The bat brought out his hand and rubbed his fingers together, a gesture toward cash he demanded.

"How will this information about a rare species, help me at all in my plans?!" Once more he roared with anger, stepped closer, and cocked his head to the side in an attempt to intimidate.

"My Emperor... This creature could be the bane to all planets if it were in your hands. A small price, if you will, and I'll tell you," Back inside the concealment that sat around his shoulders, he expected a positive reaction.

"Fine! Expect the money in your account... Now, what is it?!" Tight fists expressed how far his anger had grown, anymore push and shove and he'd clip the bat's wings for the rude interruption.

"One of the Gazins arrived on earth and overheard that a Cerebral was found. He spoke to himself and later found out I eavesdropped. He paid me very little to keep the information to myself, so I thought you would pay me better for it," Eager, Broodwing was when he stepped closer.

"A Cerebral... Truly? Where exactly? How can you tell what they look like? I know for a fact that they are humanoid because of old stories I've heard on my planet," With a finger to his chin, Gruumm curiously hummed in thought until he saw the bat-man's finger silently point to the screen. His ruby eyes followed and stood speechless when he gestured toward Feige.

"And by the looks of it... The Power Rangers are searching for it too. I can see them at the Cafe', staring at her," Explained the bat, for he found amusement in the Emperor's reaction and continued to observe.

"What?! I will not let those Rangers take away what's mine!" There, he caught himself and froze. "I mean- my weapon! She is my weapon, my trump card, and no one else's!" His rubies were glowing crimson upon his roar, the mere thought of those Rangers taking away his golden opportunity was riddling his body with rage.

~~~~

Cheers sounded throughout Piggy's Cafe', the customers weren't aware of the Rangers far behind them and even made their version of a whistle.

Eyes as big as large stones, the rangers stood astonished at her performance and the power she wielded so effortlessly. "I thought you said she couldn't control her power. Her emotions... It was full of... Pain," Bridge, slack-jawed, never even glanced at Z when he made his statement. The green bean had used his power to examine her aura colors and was taken aback by how sad they looked.

"She... Doesn't," Delgado was too surprised to answer properly. The power behind Feige's voice was practically professional and expressive, the amount of emotion she gave off almost put her into a small state of tears.

"She's good, though. What do you think? I think she'd make an amazing singer one day," Syd's grin broadened before she gave Jack a peek.

"Yeah... But didn't you listen to the lyrics? She was singing about fear and pain. I can only guess that she suffered a lot, why else would she sing this song?" Landers who stood with a contemplative stare at the brunette far in front of the customers, unfolded his arms and strode further in.

"Wait- Jack!" Z tried to stop him, but it was too late. The moment he stepped into the crowd, the citizens screamed in fear and ran out of the Cafe'.

The moment Feige pulled off her blindfold and stuffed it into her pocket, her hands readjusted her hood so it'd cover up most of her face. She hardly paid attention to the few people who walked towards Piggy and chose to ignore them since she figured they were visitors.

"Must you come every time! My customers! She brought in another horde and you ruined it!" Piggy's complaint fell on deaf ears, for Jack had approached the hooded woman and pulled out his morpher to show his badge.

"Miss- we're SPD and we'd like you to join us at our Base. Commander Cruger wants to see you," Determined, his stance was firm when both of his hands clasped in front and his head tilted to the side. Close to his shoulder stood Z and behind them, more cautious, remained the other three.

Feige was stunned as she stared at the man's stance from beneath the edge of her hood and knew from there that there was no way out of this. Behind him, she saw Bridge wave his arm and create a swift wall of green then place his fingers to his temple.

No... No! Not again! Not them! In her mind she cried out, it was instinctive for her to sprint away and try to leave them in the dust. However, the exit she went for was soon blocked by one of Delgado's clones so she quickly ran for the other one. This time, the Pink Ranger stood in her way with a sympathetic expression and tilted her head.

Thrice, she tried for another just for it to get blocked off by Sky with a fold of his arms and a stern gaze. Whimpering fearfully, she ran as fast as her legs could carry to the fourth exit around the Cafe'. Why can't they just leave me alone?! Devastation filled her violet eyes when she nearly reached for the last and saw Bridge side-step in front of her. Into his arms, he caught her, held her close, and did his best to keep her from thrashing.

"Any day- Jack!" Sky shouted with his gun facing her, as did Syd and Z. "Now! While he has a hold on her!" Serious, he wanted to zap her with a stun but he knew it wasn't his place.

"Why can't you guys just leave me alone?!" Kicking, pounding her fist on Bridge's shoulder, crying tears of fear, she heard a swift shot from one of the Rangers behind her and felt her body go limp. The feel of numbness, the lack of mobility, didn't stop her anxiety from spiking and causing the glass shards nearby to whirl around them like a tornado.

The stereos flew across the room as she lay there on her side, eyes filled with devastation, and heard the urgency in the Ranger's voices. "Take cover!" One ranger screamed.

"One of us needs to put her to sleep, quick! She'll tear this place down!" To her it sounded like it was Jack's voice, she couldn't see nor lift her head to tell. Sharp, agile fragments continued to whirl around the entire center of the Cafe' and the only thing she could see from her position was a pair of shoes and a table that she assumed was used as a shield.

"I'm sorry," It was Bridge's voice, which sounded sympathetic before she felt a pressure somewhere on her neck and blacked-out.