"Delta Patrol, take the lower tunnels! Sigma Squad, seal the main exit!"
The Cyberdrones were running left and right, abandoning their relocation duties as the alarm sounded all around them. From the center console, Ender was punching buttons all over the place, furiously coordinating the mass of Cyberdrones to comb the area as fast as they could.
He couldn't believe his luck, two little Power-Brats had walked right through the front door, and right into Hurley and Burley no less. It would have been a perfect story had the pair of numbskulls actually succeeded in capturing the little pests. Whoever it was that said that two heads were better than one was surely mistaken, as Ender was finding more and more that the only mind he could rely on was his own.
But it didn't matter. The two Rangers couldn't have got far, and any power fluctuations from reactivating their Morphers would light them up like Christmas trees. He'd get them, he just had to be patient, which was more than he could say for his company.
"What is the meaning of the alarm?" ArcKnight growled as he stomped to Ender's workstation.
"ArcKnight, what good timing!" Ender decided. "I've finally found a use for you; there's something I need you to hit."
"I will not have my abilities insulted by the likes of you," ArcKnight replied. "I asked the meaning of the alarm."
"Some of the Power Rangers decided to come sniffing around," Ender replied. "I've got Hurley and Burley chasing them around. Go help flush them out."
"I am not some bloodhound to be let off the leash."
"Sure, you are. Now go fetch."
With a disgruntled scowl, ArcKnight stormed off, summoning an emerald flash that transported him elsewhere in the base.
"Good boy," Ender chuckled before flicking open a communication line and summoning a feed of his red and blue creations. "Hurley, Burley! Put your heads together, stop messing around, and find those Rangers! I'm not going to be happy if ArcKnight finds them before you do!"
"Yes, boss!"
With a roll of his blood-red eyes, Ender cut the feed and returned to his search. The Rangers were there, which meant sooner or later, they'd show up on camera. And then Ender was going to have a very good night indeed.
Abbey let out a nervous breath as she stared at her reflection with uncertain disbelief. It was certainly more revealing than the number she'd picked for herself, although Abbey had to note Erika's balance of taste in how much it still covered. The fabric was a shimmery satin, a vibrant sky-blue with darts to contour her body. Stopping just above her knees, the sweet-heart neckline remained just modest enough to appease Abbey's personal tastes. One look was all Abbey needed to decide exactly what her hair should do, exactly which heels were needed, and how big a clutch she could get away with. Her heart flicked at the first look, the dead-set sign that this was the dress.
But it wasn't that Abbey couldn't believe what stared back at, she looked good and she knew it. No, the problem was that she wasn't certain that she wanted to. That the girl who looked this good in a dress like this was the girl she wanted to be. That she would let herself be.
"Abbey?" Erika called from the other side of the curtain, small trills of gleeful excitement flickering in her voice. "You all good in there?"
"Come on Abbey!" Valerie cheered. "Show us your stuff!
One look, and then she could take it off; out and back, no fuss. With a deep breath, Abbey pulled aside the curtain and stepped out into plain view, and all three girls immediately erupted into cheers and applause.
"Wow!" Erika whistled as her girlfriend eagerly nodded in agreement.
Even Lena was nodding and grinning. "Now that's more like it!"
Abbey's cheeks flushed at the sudden attention, taken aback by her friends' adoration as she averted their gazes and began nervously shuffling back. Lena was the first to notice, and faster than Abbey thought possible, was by her side with a comforting hand on her arm.
"Hey," she asked softly. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," said Abbey, although the volume of her reply did little to make it convincing.
"You don't like it?" Erika asked.
"No, it's not that, I…"
"Not your style?" Valerie suggested. "I get that, you don't have to get it, it's just for fun."
Slowly looking upward, Abbey met the eyes of her friends, feeling a hint of their disappointment mixed in with her shame and guilt. They were going all out for her, doing what they could to make the evening fun. She didn't have to like their choices, but she at least owed them an explanation.
And so, feeling herself shrinking further in admission, Abbey voiced the nagging feeling that had been churning ever trying to select something from the wrack. "I just… I feel like this is something that Gail would've worn."
A somber realization hit them both, shoulders gradually falling as Erika and Lena realized what was up. In the space of a single glance, they decided who was best to offer comfort. And as Abbey stood there, awaiting the assurance of her friends, Lena looked up at her and said flatly, "So?"
"So?" Abbey asked in shock. "You saw what she was, what she did! I don't want to be anything like her. And it's like you said, everything about her came from me. So, if good is a choice, of what I choose to be, then I also have to be on my guard. To choose to not become the monster that I created."
To become a woman so arrogant and self-absorbed that she had no care for who she hurt. Who saw everything that she possessed as a tool for getting what she wanted, and then some. Her friends, her good standing, her body. There was nothing that Abbey's evil clone wouldn't have utilized if it meant something gained.
She'd allied with Xaviax, she'd toyed with Zeke, she'd attacked Hilary's brother and Lena. And she'd made a pass at Miguel.
That moment was still burned into Abbey's memory, standing in the street as she'd pieced it all together. Gail, in a dress that held just enough back to invite imagination; Miguel uncomfortably close with her hands still on him. And the unrivaled fury burning as Gail dared to touch him.
But why had she been angry? Gail was evil, a twisted, mirror, and dangerous, sure. All true things that Abbey had taken solace in after as she tried to process the actions of her doppelganger. But it was a distraction, an excuse. A convenient veil that acted to disguise the true source of Abbey's anger that day. It wasn't that Gail had approached Miguel, it was that she hadn't.
Lena had told her that the traits of digital replicas were born, even imperfectly, from what was within those who created them. Gail was doing what Abbey so dearly longed to but hadn't. She was her dark reflection, revealing everything that Abbey could be doing if she only had the will. But Gail also showed her the cost, what the person who did those things could become.
As Abbey stood there, trembling at the memory of her darker self, Lena stepped to look her in the eyes. "Abbey, you're not Gail. And you never will be."
"You don't know that."
"As someone who has also had to literally battle the darker half within their psyche," Lena replied. "I think I'm qualified to comment. And in my case, I actually was once the person I was so afraid of becoming."
By now, Erika had approached as well, taking Abbey's hand while Lena took the other, standing in a supportive circle. "You're right, Gail's darkness came from you. But if you refuse to think of yourself as all good, then that also means that Gail can't have been all bad. That maybe there were parts of her that were good, parts that you have too without realizing it. And then your own innate goodness, which Gail wanted to cast aside, can be a guide for how to use it."
"Abbey," said Lena. "You're allowed to want things, you're allowed to do things, take things for yourself. It doesn't make you a bad person, it makes you human."
Human. The highest compliment her friend could give her; the very thing that Lena wished, more than anything, to be. It wasn't accusatory, it wasn't envious, it was a reminder of everything she was. The good, the bad, and the ugly. And for better or worse, they made her. And she needed to stop running from it.
"Take it from someone who's learned the hard way," Erika advised with a smile. "You can't lock up your darkness. It'll always be there, and it'll find a way to come out. But do you want to know what you can do?"
With her eyes beginning to shimmer, a quivering look that matched the sincerity of her company, Abbey nodded.
"You shine a light on it," Erika explained. "Stare right at it and shrink it down. It'll never go away completely, there'll always be some shadows that remain. But when you burn away the darkness, you also get to see what it's hiding from you. Parts that you never knew were there. And I'm willing to bet that those parts are pretty great."
"There are traits that Gail had that you wished you did," Lena affirmed. "Good things that were hidden in the darkness. And I'm willing to be that they're a part of you too if you're willing to take a look. To take a chance."
Now barely able to hold back the joyful tears, Abbey reached forward and embraced her two friends in a hug. Take a chance. She could do that. If Erika and Lena could stare face-first into their darkness, then Abbey could at least take a look at hers. Even if the first step she took was buying the dress she liked, casting aside her unease because it reminded her of when her evil half took a pass at…
Slowly, Abbey peeled away, eyeing the two suspiciously.
"This isn't just about the dress, is it?" she realized.
"What else could it be?" Erika asked mischievously with an all-knowing smirk.
"Hmm," said Lena, "I wonder what else Abbey could have possibly been avoiding, recently…?"
"You guys are the worst!" Valerie giggled, and the other two parted enough to allow her into the circle.
They needn't say no more, Abbey knew what they were getting at, and she knew they were right. Ever since she'd first created Gail, she'd been holding Miguel at arm's length, worried about what taking the step would mean. What it would mean to tell Miguel that she wanted them to be more. To assert what she wanted, instead of casting it aside in favor of everyone's comfort. Abbey had to say her piece and take her shot. It was the only way that either of them was ever stepping out of the limbo they'd landed in.
"You know," Abbey said gratefully to Erika. "That, 'shine a light on your darkness' speech was pretty good. I think Ray'd be pretty proud."
Erika went bright red, equally unprepared for the sudden positive affirmation, and suddenly all four girls were laughing at the sheer ridiculousness of their conversation. And yet, monsters, clones, and superpowers aside, there was a truth they touched upon that transcended all else that they'd experienced. About made them human; all of them.
And then, mere moments after Abbey had uttered Ray's name, their communicators beeped. All of them shared a nervous look, Valerie gulping down as the three Rangers dived for their bags and scrambled for their buried communicators.
"We're all here, Ray," Erika answered.
But whatever nerves Abbey was feeling about a monster attack were swallowed by unadulterated terror as the reply buzzed through the tiny speaker.
"We've got a situation," Ray told them. "Miguel and Zeke snuck into Xaviax's base, and I now can't get a signal from either of them."
Miguel! Abbey's heart stopped; like a jolting live wire had shocked her dead and sent her world spinning. Barely anything could cause a disconnection like what Ray had described, but there was one answer that she feared more than anything else.
It wasn't true. It couldn't be.
Abbey's eyes shot to Erika and Lena, both in complete agreement as they darted to the changing rooms to remove their sampled dresses. There was only one way to be certain, to make sure that both boys made it out alive. Abbey couldn't lose him, not Miguel or Zeke. Not after she'd finally figured things out with one, or before she'd even had a chance to tell the other what he truly meant to her.
She needed to get down there, now!
Zeke's back slammed into a metal gantry, the reactive rattling clanging in tune with the crack of Miguel's Wisp. Breathing a sigh of relief, both boys slumped onto their backs, staring at the shadows of the ceiling as they reveled in their survival.
But they were far from out of the woods. Wherever Miguel had taken them, it wasn't an exit, just another indistinguishable tunnel within the maze. They were no closer to getting out than they were before, maybe even further. All because Miguel had to get curious.
"Way to cut it fine," Zeke grumbled as he slowly sat upright, Miguel scowling as he did the same.
"Wisping is a lot harder than it looks," he retorted. "I usually know where I'm going, I've got no idea where any of these tunnels lead to, or even how far underground we are. I've got to aim for where I'm going, and that's not easy when there are layers of rock and cement between each landing site. And that's before lugging around an unwanted passenger."
Zeke held back a snide remark, knowing that in truth he had no leg to stand on. As bad an idea as it was for Miguel to go poking around on his own, Zeke had to admit that his following had made everything worse. Were it not for him, Miguel could have Wisped out at the first sign of danger and teleported around until he was back on safe ground. Instead of helping, Zeke had been the spanner to jam up the works.
But for all the mistakes that Zeke had to own, none of it would have started without Miguel's lone wolf act.
"What are you even doing here, anyway?" Zeke asked.
But Miguel just dismissed him, "It doesn't matter."
"Uh, pretty sure it does," Zeke replied. "In case you haven't noticed, we're on a team. And that means relying on each other instead of running off on our own, especially if it's dangerous."
"Team?' Miguel scoffed. "You and Erika are with Abbey, maybe. I just get to wait around until you need something to hit."
"Come on, that's ridiculous. You've got your whole tag team thing with Lena going now. And then there's the cannon upgrade and the new Megazord. You're a part of this team, and you've proved that, plenty of times."
"No, I haven't," Miguel denied. "Not enough."
There was something in the shadow of Miguel's eye, a quiver behind the fury that made Zeke pause. Something in his words that betrayed what was really going on.
A team with Abbey. Hadn't proved it. Not enough.
"Abbey," Zeke said as it slowly dawned on him. "That's what this is about, isn't it? This is about you and Abbey."
Who it had always been about. Who it had been about when Lena had whispered into his ear. Who it had been about when he first put on the Dark Morpher. Who had been hurt most but his fearful, life-changing, split-second decision.
Miguel's shoulders slumped, surrendering to let loose a deep exhale as he leaned against the railing. "I screwed up, and I hurt her. Badly."
"You didn't know what putting on that Morpher would do, or what it would lead to," Zeke reasoned. "Hell, you didn't even know to not trust Lena back then, either."
Even if everyone had done one-eighty on that since; Lena included.
But Miguel just shook his head. "It was before all that. Before I knew about the Dark Morpher, I said some things. Hurtful things that I wish I could take back, but I still hurt her. And then I put on the Dark Morpher and just made everything worse."
"But so much has happened since then," said Zeke. "It's not like you haven't done your part to kick Xaviax's butt."
"It's not enough," Miguel replied. "Keeping up with the team is just filling a spot, it doesn't mean I deserve to be there; to be on the team. To be with…"
He trailed off, a sentence he didn't need to finish. So it was about Abbey, but maybe not in the way that Zeke had thought. No, instead it was about his pride. And about how all the gratitude and support the team had already offered him meant nothing.
What was he even thinking? Was Miguel even living on the same planet as everyone else? Abbey didn't need to be impressed. She was practically fawning over him already, looking at Miguel with pleading eyes for so long Zeke had longed to be turned to him. And this guy thought he needed to win her with some grand gesture?
"You're an idiot," Zeke said coldly.
"Excuse me?" Miguel leaned, forward eyes narrowing in both confusion and prideful anger as Zeke turned to look him dead on and stand his ground.
"I said you're an idiot," he repeated. "I mean, is that all this really was? Some brave play to make an impact on the team? Did you really think you could just sneak into Xaviax's base, figure everything out, and then come back with all the answers? That you needed to do that to impress the others? To impress Abbey? You really think she'd fall for that?"
"It wasn't to impress Abbey," Miguel growled, rising to his feet to look down upon his teammate as a warning shadow fell upon his brow.
But Zeke was having none of it, rising just as quickly to meet him. "Really? You're telling me that this has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you've been ducking out on her. Nothing to do with the fact that she'd been sending you every signal in the book, and you just pull away every time."
"Back off, Zeke," Miguel warned him. "Why do you even care?"
"I care because Abbey's my friend! I care because every time she shoots her shot, she gets knocked back, and every time it hurts her. Because apparently, you haven't played hero enough to feel worthy of her!"
"I already told you. I'm not trying to impress Abbey!"
"Then who? Who are you trying to impress, Miguel?"
"YOU!"
The answer echoed out through the tunnel, resonating in all directions as Zeke stared back at his team. That… that was the last thing he expected to hear. Miguel sighed sadly, shuddering with his motives exposed for Zeke to see, and likely the last person who was ever meant to see it. He slumped against the railing, staring into the distance as he repeated softly, "I'm trying to impress you."
"Me?" Zeke asked. "Why?"
Miguel at first said nothing, simply staring despondently into the distance.
"So your plan was, what?" Zeke scoffed. "Decide you're worthy of Abbey with the approval of her closest male friend? You know she'd kick your butt if she ever found that out, right?"
"It's because you're her best friend," Miguel said quietly, taking the bait but remaining still and somber. "And because you never wanted me on the team in the first place. Because you wanted me as far away from Abbey as possible. And you were right, I should have run as far as I could. Abbey forgave me, we both know that, but we both know that's because of who she is, not because I deserve it. Erika's always happy to have more in the fight and Lena, well… that's its own kind of complicated."
But Zeke was different. Zeke had disliked Miguel from the moment they'd met, for no other reason than petty jealousy. Jealousy that gave way to real caution once the opportunity arose. Because Zeke had never given Miguel a chance, never wanted to, it was easy to accept him as an enemy when he'd picked up the Dark Morphers.
And now, with their time as enemies long past, despite all else that had happened, Zeke still hadn't made the conscious leap. At first, he'd held onto his resentment, held out on feelings unrequited feelings for Abbey. But even as those too began to change, as he accepted reality and began to let her go, his relationship with Miguel had stayed the same.
Because Zeke hadn't let it change.
"You don't have anything to prove," said Zeke. "Not to me. You've bailed out us more times than I can count, and if screwing up badly disqualifies you from being a Ranger, I don't think any of us should be there either."
Miguel slowly looked up, amazed at what he'd been hearing, clearly expecting a rebuke or more angry scolding. And as he did, Zeke stepped toward him and extended his hand.
"You are worthy," Zeke insisted. "And you always have been. Now stop giving yourself excuses and take your shot with Abbey. Make her happy, like I know you will."
Nodding in understanding, Miguel took Zeke's hand and heaved himself up, and moments later the boys were softly chuckling, doing all they could to muffle it from any wondering ears.
"Of course," Miguel admitted. "We've got to get out of here first. Don't suppose had a chance to figure anything out?"
Zeke's brow narrowed, slowly recollecting what he knew. And then it clicked, and slowly a plan began to form. They were already on a gantry, and that more than likely led back to the central chamber. Where there was an elevator to bring them closer to the entrance. Maybe even close enough for Miguel to wisp them out of there.
"Yeah," Zeke decided. "I think I've got an idea…"
There was tense air around the central chamber as the Cyberdrones frantically ran in all directions, torn between relocating the facility and rooting out the intruding Rangers. While Ender had returned to the main control room in Scolex Tower, Hurley and Burley had remained, and now loomed over the minions with menacing frustration.
From his hiding place, Zeke watched as the red and blue ogres barked orders at every opportunity, only growing angrier as every second passed without discovery. Good, he thought, it would make them easier to mess with.
All of a sudden, a deafening crack echoed through the chamber, like a whip snapped against the stone as all heads whipped up to the source. Miguel had wisped to an upper gantry, looking down at his enemies below. He'd grabbed their curiosity, what he needed was their attention.
"Hey!" he yelled. "Looking for me?"
"There's one!" Burley roared at the Cyberdrones. "Get 'im!"
Like a surging sea of chrome, the henchman rushed to the machine, the ones already on the gantry racing to nab the teen as he braced into a stance and readied. As the Cyberdrones closed in, Miguel smiled, cracking into smoke as the Cyberdrones collided. Then appeared again, this time at the entrance of a different tunnel.
"Too slow!" Spinning on his heels, he took off again, Hurley and Burley howling with rage as the Cyberdrones scrambled to change direction.
"You stay here!" Hurley growled at his partner. "I'll squish this one."
"You tried to squish 'im last time!" Burley insisted. "I'll go get 'I'm you stay here!"
Crack!
Miguel appeared again, in front of yet another tunnel as he looked at the two ogres and grinned. "Man, if the two of you are this slow, I don't know why I'm bothering to run. My grandma could outrun you with her walker!"
"We'll make you need a walker!"
Snarling as each tried pushing the other back, Hurley and Burley thundered off after Miguel. Perhaps having pushed it too far, the boy's eyes widened, spinning on his heel and taking off as the two ogres and the Cyberdrones gave chase. Leaving barely anyone to occupy the central chamber.
Zeke gave it a minute, just long enough for a good enough head start, and then he leaped from hiding. As fast as his legs would allow him, he bolted from the circular platform, hoping speed would be his ally and get him close enough before being noticed. He was halfway there when a laser bolt bounced by his feet.
So much for that!
Barely breaking his stride, Zeke dropped into a roll, diving beneath another shot as the remnant guards all spun to see him. This was his only window, the safest run he had for the elevator before the others returned. He had as long as Miguel could buy him, and he needed to make every second count.
Launching back to his feet, Zeke took off again, eyes narrowing at his target as he bounded at top speed. Another blaster hounded, shrieking shot echoing off the walls as the round seared right for him. This time Zeke didn't move, barely breaking his stride as he threw up his hand and threw out a golden forcefield. The shot bounced off, ricocheting into the wall and booming into a dazzling spray of sparks as the Cyberdrones began converging.
But by then, Zeke had already reached the platform, vaulting over the railing to kick the guarding Cyberdrone in the face. As the first guard staggered back, two more descended on him, each taking a flank to split his focus. Seeing them coming, Zeke did what he did best: he ran. Ducking beneath the blow, his arm snapped up to the railing to pull him under. The faster of the two bots tried to catch him, its weapon clattering into the platform as Zeke shot away. The second was more cautious, but it also wasn't fast enough.
Maintaining momentum, Zeke heaved himself upward, levering on the railing to smash his feet into the pair of bots. They clattered to the floor, rolling as they tried to regain footing as Zeke made a run for the controls.
Best case scenario, he'd have had time to study them, ideally learning not just how they worked but maybe how high it went. But that was not the situation he had. Time to hope for the best.
"This looks right," he decided, slamming his hand on the top buttons before swerving to avoid a coming blow. With a loud whirring and the hiss of steam, the entire platform shuddered and began to ascend. Barely balanced after his sudden dodge, Zeke's arms flailed as the ground quaked beneath him, slamming into the railing before he toppled over the edge.
Okay, they were moving. That was the first problem solved. Now for the rest of them.
"Well guys, it's been great," Zeke said to the trio of Cyberdrones. "How about we do this again… never?"
Footing restored, the three of them descended at once, and Zeke planted his feet firmly. He just had one job now, keep the Cyberdrones from the controls. That, he could do. Zeke held firm and waited, luring the Cyberdrones in as they closed in at once. As their weapons plunged in together, Zeke struck, throwing out a shining shield that smashed the trio back. With his enemies on the back foot, Zeke pressed on the offensive, leaping into a twisting kick that crashed his heel into an off-balance drone. The kick sent it reeling, spinning in the air before casting off the edge of the platform.
"See you next fall!"
Zeke's hand snapped up, bracing against a blow as he leaned against his enemy to kick the other. But this one was ready, metal hands slapping to his ankle and clamping tight. His eyes bulged, realizing that he'd over-extended. And now his fall quip was starting to feel like a dreaded case of irony. Holding him tight, the two Cyberdrones began shuffling to the side of the platform, eager to cast him off it.
Crack!
Black smoke puffed through the air as Miguel Wisped beside them. The teen's sudden appearance caught the Cyberdrones off-guard, heads tilting to see the unamused teen standing with his eyebrow raised. It was the only opening that Zeke needed. With the grip slackening, he snapped in his foot, reefing it free of the henchman's hands as Miguel struck the one holding Zeke's arms. The Cyberdrones staggered back, stumbling back-to-back on the platform's edge as two boys stood side-by-side.
Sharing a look, but not a word, Zeke and Miguel then stepped in synch. Each kicked out, perfectly mirrored motions that smashed into the helpless Cyberdrones and sent them soaring off the platform. With the elevator clear, both boys buckled over, panting to recover their breath as the platform continued its ascent.
"What took you so long?" Zeke asked. "I was worried I'd get to the top without you."
"Sorry," Miguel apologized. "Had to send Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dumb in a few circles. Did you figure out how high this goes?"
Nodding slowly, Zeke moved back to the controls to begin examining the screen. They were crude, but it gave him enough of what he needed. Enough for the rest of their escape plan.
But before he could convey any of it to Miguel, the elevator reached its peak, and both their hearts sank as they saw what awaited them. The platform had arrived inside another tunnel, one side a dead-end while the other stretched out into the darkness. Standing between them and the open passage was ArcKnight, a fresh horde of Cyberdrones standing at his back.
"I assumed that you would make it here, sooner or later," he chuckled. "But it is here that your journey meets its end."
Grimacing, both boys snapped together with guards raised. Zeke could tell what Miguel was thinking, deciding whether it was worth Morphing or attempting another Wisp to safety. Half an hour ago, he would have just chosen, an instinctive gut reaction that would work for the moment but possibly hampered them further. But that was then.
"Zeke?" Miguel asked, not taking his eyes off ArcKnight and keeping his guard steady. "Did you get a chance to see how far we've got to go?"
"We're about twenty feet beneath the surface," Zeke replied. "Think you can manage that?"
Miguel's face slipped into a smirk. "I can give it a shot." Smile only growing wider, he shot a final look at their enemy. "ArcKnight, always a pleasure."
And then his hand slapped to the shoulder and the two boys Wisped out of the hideout. With harsh crack beat the evening air as the boys stumbled into the cold, fresh dark of the night a welcome change from the shadows of the tunnels. Staring up the overcast sky, Zeke hooted a cheer of celebration as he spun around and offered a high-five. Miguel gladly accepted.
"Nice moves!" Zeke congratulated.
"I could say the same to you."
"GUYS?" Ray's voice suddenly sounded from their communicated, desperate hope pleading as he confirmed what he was seeing. "Please, please tell me that's you!"
Looked like coms were back online. "Hey, Ray," Zeke smiled in reply. "We're here, we made it out."
"When you two get back, I'm going to kill you!" Ray cursed before steadying back into his more trademark calm. "But let's get across the finish line first. The others are already on their way."
Zeke was about to tell Ray not to worry, but an emerald flash in front of them said otherwise. Hurley and Burley suddenly appeared in front of them, clearly unwilling to give up the chase.
"Tell them we can't wait to see them," Miguel said. "We've got some old friends to say goodbye to."
With a nod, both boys turned, staring down the hulking pair with renewed resolve.
"You think you can get away that easy!" Hurley shouted at them. "That's where you're wrong!"
"Yeah!" Burley agreed. "We 'aint done with you yet!"
"What do you say?" Zeke suggested to Miguel. "Want to show them a real double feature?"
"Great idea," Miguel grinned back.
Their Morphers flashed to their wrists, Zeke whipping out his keycard as Miguel held his high in waiting.
"Ready?" Zeke checked.
"Ready!"
"Server Force!" the boys called together. "Login Access!
They moved in perfect synch, consumed with light as Zeke's swipe card engaged and Miguel hit the activator. Shining yellow mixed with engulfing black, the power of the grid surging from the devices and into their awaiting bodies. As suited enraptured them, the helms materialized around them, and with the visors whipping across their vision, the boys emerged from the curtain of energy ready to take on their foes.
"Alright," Zeke chuckled as the two ogres looked at them eagerly. "As Ray likes to say…"
"How about that Round Two?" Miguel finished excitedly.
"You two 'aint got nothing on us!" Hurley declared.
"Yeah!" said Burley. "Let's get 'em!"
The two ogres lunged, enormous clubs raised high as they surged for mighty swings. Both boys lay in wait, neither moving as their enemies thunder in closer. And then, just as the two mountains of meat were fully committed to their charge, the Rangers split. Each dived to a side, ripping their Security Pistols from their bolts and opening fire. The lasers seared in a devastating volley, bursting into balls of fire that scorched their chest. The ogres howled, stumbling forward as their clubs crashed into the asphalt. But by the time they'd turned to try again, the boys were already moving.
Zeke took point, his shield flashing to his hand as he braced for impact. As hard as he could, he rammed into Hurley, shoving him back as Miguel leaped up and bounced off the Yellow Ranger's shoulders. Somersaulting over their red opponent, the Dark Saber sliced across his back, Hurley howling in pain as Miguel landed behind him. But while one was recovering from the hit, Burley was still ready to go.
"No more running, little man!" he snarled. Miguel was too exposed, no time to leap way so close to his landing. But Zeke was free to move. With Hurley staggering from the blow, Zeke swerved around him, swinging up the shield to smash it into Burley's blow. And with the blue ogre now off-balance, Miguel got the opening he needed. The Dark Saber began to glow, flashing in a searing strike as he carved against the monster's cerulean flesh. As the two ogres stumbled around, Miguel and Zeke took their chance to reposition, ready to take them down for good.
"Would you like the honors?" Zeke offered.
"Don't mind if I do!"
The shadows curled around the Dark Ranger, his saber resuming his glow as Miguel surged forward. Like a flash of black lightning, Miguel blitzed into his foes, searing across their bodies. Then he spun around and hit them again, rebounding into a second Shadow Strike before skidding to a stop beside his teammate.
"What do you say, guys?" Zeke suggested. "Had enough yet?"
The two ogres staggered back, beaten and bruised while looking at the pair of Rangers in horror. Flustered, they looked to each other, desperate for some kind of reprieve or plan.
"What do we do?" Hurley panicked. "They're better than we were before!"
"What was that thing that Ender told us to do?" Burley realized. "Put our heads together?"
And then the two ogres smiled an evil grin that chilled Zeke to his core. Whatever that meant, it wasn't good.
"Yeah," Hurley agreed. "That was it!"
Both monsters turned to each other, screaming a mighty roar as their foreheads suddenly clashed. A blazing flash of light unleashed from the impact, waring flickers of red and blue strobing together before vanishing into a blazing white. As the light faded, only one ogre remained, and both Rangers gasped at the horror that stood before them.
It had two heads, one half of the body retaining the crimson skin while the other remained blue. Combined into one form, they were no longer Hurley and Burley, they were both.
"Looks like two heads is better than one!" Hurley-Burley laughed, his voice an unnerving overlapping of both beings as the twin-headed creature turned to the boys with renewed, sinister glee.
"Well," Miguel gulped down. "That's going to live rent-free in my nightmares."
"Let's give you something to join it!"
Before either Zeke or Miguel could move, Hurley-Burley unleashed a torrent of energy from their mouths, hitting Zeke and Miguel dead on. The beams exploded on impact, hurling the boys back as the flames surged around. They kept on tumbling as they hit the ground, smoke rising from their suits as at last they crashed to a painful stop. Zeke could only groan, overwhelmed by the daze of disorientation as he and Miguel struggled to stand.
"Okay," Zeke wheezed. "So, they can combine. That's definitely new."
"Neat trick," Miguel agreed. "Wonder where they learned it?"
But as the boys staggered to their feet, they knew they were cornered. The combined might of Hurley-Burley had flattened them in a single hit, the two-headed giant already lumbering forward to finish them off. They couldn't beat him, not even together. Not on their own.
"I just realized! We can bonk you on the heads, and do the squishin'!" Hurley-Burley chuckled gleefully. "And you two 'aint got no chance of beating us."
"Then how about with us?"
Her voice cut through the air, furious and defiant as both of Hurley-Burley's heads whipped up in surprise. Just as a pair of red lasers flashed from nowhere and blasted into him. They seared against his skin, puffing into small explosions as Erika's red Sever Cycle launched into view. And she didn't stop firing, unleashing a fresh volley as the monster howled and Erika's barrage was joined by two more. Beams of blue and white light up the night, adding to the weight of fire as Abbey and Lena hit on cycles of their own. As the combined monster staggered back, the three motorcycles hit the ground, swerving to place themselves between Zeke, Miguel, and Hurley-Burley.
Abbey was already leaping from her saddle as they stopped, rushing to Miguel's side and throwing her arms around him. "You're okay! I was so worried!"
All Zeke could do was watch and smile, happy to see that, at last, they were taking active steps toward each other.
"Don't take it personally," Lena suggested as she saw him notice. "She was worried about you too."
"I know," Zeke replied warmly. Then his gaze narrowed, looking back to where Hurley-Burley was beginning to recover from their assault. "Now let's finish off this tag team."
"Best idea you've had all night!" Erika agreed. "Let's put it together!"
The power weapons flashed to their hands, all five converging to lock them in place. By the time Hurley-Burley had recovered, they were staring down the barrel of the Rangers' combined might.
"Defrag Blaster!" they called together. "Hardwired!"
"They got more friends!" Hurley-Burley realized. "That's not fair!"
"FIRE!"
The searing energy burst from the cannon, rocketing toward the two-headed giant and detonating on impact. The shot unleashed a devasting boom, rocking in all directions as the monster was wreathed in flame. Then, rocked back by the primary blast, Hurley-Burley fell, their body exploding from within as at last their form gave out.
The Rangers cheered, pulling apart their weapons and grinning from a job well done. And then, just as expected, the green light pierced through the evening sky and illuminated the ogres' remains. In a flash, Hurley-Burley was back, towering above the city and ready for a fresh rampage.
"We'll never say no to second helpings!" they roared with glee.
"Could they just not?" Erika grumbled. "Just once?"
"Guys, it's okay," Miguel insisted. "I've got an idea. They're strong, but there's still two heads in there. And they can't work as a team when things go wrong."
"He's right," Zeke agreed. "All we have to do is pit them against each other. They might have two heads, but we have more Zords."
Their leader nodded, looking up at the towering monster as her hand slapped to the com. "Ray, you get all that?"
"Sounds like a plan!" their mentor agreed. "And I know where the button is this time. Deploying Zords!"
All five Rangers whipped around as the roaring sound of engines echoed through the evening air. The Rangers wasted no time as the vehicles ripped around the corner, leaping into the cockpits to assume direct control and take off toward the rampaging monster.
"Alright everyone," Erika instructed through the coms. "Let's see how good their teamwork really is!"
"Let's do it!"
The vehicles surged forward, their bodies taking up most of the streets while still dwarfed by Hurley-Burley's massive size. Aware of his Zord's slower speed, Zeke hung back as he scanned their foe for an opening. On the other hand, Miguel was the fastest, and the ShadowCycle Zord rocketed down the street on a direct path for the two-headed giant.
"Back so soon, fellas?" Miguel taunted them. "You miss me that much?"
"We never miss!"
Lumbering around, the monster's enormous club belted down, sundering the entire road as Miguel swerved to avoid it. Smaller and more nimble, it roared beneath the blow before dropping into a skid and sliding between Hurley-Burley's legs.
"Seems like that's all you do, Hurley!" Miguel chucked. "Oh, sorry, I meant Burley!"
Stumbling from their vain attempt to follow Miguel, both heads scowling, they turned to each other for the briefest of moments. "He's talking to you!"
"Now boys," Abbey giggled as her jet-place soared in from above. "Weren't you ever told that it's bad to fight?"
She dropped into a swooping dive, buzzing past their head as the red arm of the giant swipe right for her. But Abbey was too fast, her blue Zord spinning in avoidance as the monster spun in growing dizziness.
"Hold still!"
Taking the corner, Zeke pulled up on the stretch, seeing the perfect run he needed. But it was out in the open, and that meant he'd need assistance.
"I'm in position," he confirmed. "Anyone want to join?'
"Well," Erika snicked in reply. "Since you asked so nicely."
"I'll take that invite," Lena agreed.
Zeke put the pedal to the metal, flooring to top speed as the Red Streetcar and Lightspeed Racer shot in from the flanks.
"I've got this one!" Burley's head insisted as it spied Erika's Zord.
"No!" Hurley snapped back as he stared at Lena's. "This one's mine!"
Both tried to move at once, reaching for their preferred targets and stumbling back into their tether. But the girls didn't stop there, picking up speed before skidding into a jack-knife turn. Their tires screeched, both Zords drawing semi-circles around the two-headed giant as both heads scrambled for their target.
"This one!"
"No, this one!"
With both halves battling for control, their balance was impossible, its feet stamping in a desperate bid to stay upright as Erika and Lena crossed paths. As the two Zords switched places, Hurley and Burley made one last bid to keep track. Their heads collided, smashing with titanic force and making them stumble further. Right as Zeke closed the distance.
"Special Delivery!"
The yellow Truck rammed into them, a front-end collision with all the Zord's might that crashed into the two-headed monster. Now trapped in a daze of dizziness and concussion Hurley-Burley howled as they tumbled, hitting the ground with an earth-quaking tremor. With their enemy down, the Zords reconverged, driving in tight formation as Erika made the call.
"Time to show these guys the real meaning of combined arms," she decided.
"Right!" the team agreed. "Let's bring them together!"
They drove into position with perfect precision, taking their places as the machines began to unfold. Lena and Erika were first, the two cars locking into place as Miguel's ShadowCycle split and connected. With the top half complete, Zeke parked the truck, clamps engaging as the brakes slammed and the combined machines reefed into the vertical position. Zeke's chair pulled back into the body, surging up as the fresh cockpit assembled in the unfolding head. As Abbey's jet plane docked to create the final pieces of armor, the five of them sat united, ready to deliver the final blow.
"Cyber Crash Megazord!" they called together. "Online!"
The mighty machine took a step forward, earth tremor beneath as the weakened and disoriented Hurley-Burley staggered before them.
"That's a lot of heads together!" they gasped.
The jets on the Megazord's back flared to life, burning at peak performance as the Megazord rocketed into the air. The twin cannons were already emerging, resting on the mecha's shoulders as the team took aim. Two heads, one target.
"CryptoShred HyperCannon!" they called together. "FIRE!"
A pair of thunderous booms erupted from the cannons, searing columns of light roaring down and consuming the colossal monster completely. Within the blazing curtain, flames surged from the monster, white-hot intensity burning Hurley-Burley to a crisp as the two heads screamed. As the onslaught subsided and the Cyber Crash landed with a heavy tremor, Hurley-Burley was finished, toppling back as their body gave.
"Guess two really can play at that game!"
The explosion of their demise was dazzling, with blue and red flames spiraling into the air before being engulfed by the greater orange blaze. As their body vanished into the smoke, crumbling to ash as they disintegrated, the wails of both heads could be heard as they drifted into the night. Turning around, the Cyber Crash Megazord looked on, surveying the city it protected. The city that they had kept safe once more.
So, this was his big proposal.
Davian Scolex stood there, shining a winning smile as the rest of the city council sat in ponderous contemplation. Hilary couldn't believe it; the scale, the audacity. Scolex had proposed the sub-contracting of his own security company, and no one in the room had batted an eye. Some of them even seemed to like the idea.
Trying to hold her poker face, Hilary shared a nervous look with Jess, who was equally letting the ramifications play out in the depths of her mind. A reality too horrifying to contemplate.
"I know it seems extreme," Scolex assured the council, "but I want to assure people that if this is accepted, the forces brought to Lakeview would only be in place for its defense. To keep its citizens safe from the robots and monsters that plague the sanctity of our fair city. Just last year, the Earth had another alien invasion, the third one in just over twenty years. But we need not be defenseless. In fact, Lakeview can lead the world in a new era of civilian safety."
"Excuse me?" Hilary's hand was high before her mind caught up, body already rising to take a stand as suddenly she realized all eyes were on her. She had no idea if it would make a difference, not a clue on whether voice would any sway. But what Hilary did know was that if she said nothing, then all she'd ever fought for, all her team was fighting for, would all be for nothing.
"Dr Hawkins?" Mayor Fielding asked her. "Is there something you want to say?"
"Yes, Dr Hawkins," Scolex agreed smugly. "Please tell us what objections you have to keeping the citizens of Lakeview safe."
"None," she said flatly, refusing to bite into Scolex's bait. Instead, she looked to the mayor, attempting an angle of approach that perhaps Scolex had never considered. "But I think it's important to consider the optics of something like this before we make an announcement."
Scolex didn't react, but Mayor Fielding's face scrunched. "The optics?"
"It's no secret that Mr. Scolex is being very generous with his support for local businesses," said Hilary. "But if we're not careful, people could begin looking at this cynically. We live in a time where trust in corporations is already at an all-time low, where people fear that the government listens to companies more than they do people. And while I'm sure there is nothing untoward about Mr. Scolex's offer, it's not a good look to have Lakeview functionally turn into a company town."
Already, Hilary could see a discomfort rippling through the council members, Mayor Feilding going white as he began to realize the implications. Scolex, however, remained unchanged. If anything, his eyes were fixed upon her, staring at her with a daring curiosity.
"It's true that more boots on the ground could keep people safe during times of crisis," Hilary continued. "But we lose nothing from diversifying its source. Grid Battleforce, the Silver Guardians, Lightspeed Rescue, and even the SPD are all organizations that we can call upon if the city needs reinforcements to protect against these monster attacks. To just take Mr. Scolex's option when it's offered raises questions about why now and not before. Are we accepting it just because it's cheap and convenient? Is the city's safety only worth it when it's also cheap and convenient? And if I'm asking these questions, you can bet the voting public will be too."
At the mention of voters, a wide-eyed panic flashed across half the faces in the room, the sudden reminder of accountability yanking them back to reality. All of them were sharing nervous looks, Mayor Feilding nodding in consideration as Jessica continued to watch her in glowing awe. And yet, despite all evidence indicating that his proposal was a dud, Scolex was smiling. But Hilary couldn't think about it now, she had to remain focused. She needed to not just make sure it failed, but that the council would never consider it again.
On the table in front of her, her phone screen lit up, and it brought a fresh smile to Hilary's lips.
"Besides," she told the room. "This city already has protection. They're called the Power Rangers."
It was from Ray:
Crisis averted.
All accounted for.
Power protected.
"From the very moment that monsters first appeared in Lakeview, the Power Rangers have been on the front lines. They've thrown themselves into danger, standing in harm's way to keep the people of this city safe. And they've not failed, not once. There's not a single monster that's threatened this town that the Rangers haven't managed to take down. So we already have protection that works, and options that don't require us to buy into a monopoly. And when considering all of that, there's only one question left. Are you agreeing with this proposal for people's safety or the photo op?"
Jess jerked in her seat, restraining the urge to burst into applause as her smile grew a mile wide. But Hilary stood firm, refusing to show a hint of smugness or satisfaction until she was certain her case was made. Until she was certain that no one could deny it. But the breaking of the dam came from the last person she ever expected.
"Well, I'm convinced," Scolex declared, chuckling as he folded the file in front of him. "Dr Hawkins makes some excellent points. I really should have run it past her before wasting everyone's time. I agree, as much as I want more protection for Lakeview, utilizing my company is not in everyone's best interests. Consider the proposal withdrawn."
A nervous tension released across the room, and Hilary suddenly realized the council members were likely grateful that they didn't need a recorded vote on the issue. But Hilary couldn't savor her victory, not now. Not when Scolex had bowed to defeat so suspiciously.
With the item struck from the agenda, Mayor Fielding looked at his watch and suddenly realized the time.
"Looks like we tried to cram a little too much in," he admitted, turning toward Hilary and looking sheepish. "Apologies, Dr. Hawkins, I don't think we'll get to the museum's outreach plan tonight."
"Put it in an email," Hilary replied dryly, already gathering her things and rising. "I take it then that the meeting is adjourned?"
Fielding nodded, Hilary already halfway out the door as the rest of the chamber began to rise.
"That was awesome!" Jess squealed as they stepped into the hall. "You're like, my personal hero right now! Not that you weren't already."
Hilary smiled modestly as she took a moment to appreciate what she'd achieved. It wasn't exactly an inspirational speech to the crowd of veteran Power Rangers, but she put in the effort where it counted. She just wished that she could be happier about it. Instead, she was dreading the idea that she'd just somehow played even deeper into Scolex's hands. And then, just to add to the twisting nausea in her stomach, a voice called out from behind her.
"Dr. Hawkins?"
Gritting her teeth, Hilary turned around, making no effort to hide her disdain as Davian Scolex approached the two women.
"I just wanted to tell you," he said, photo-perfect smile refusing to budge from his jaw. "That was a killer speech. Really, it should go in the history books."
"Thank you," Hilary replied flatly. "Apologies about your proposal."
"Well, you win some and you lose some," Scolex shrugged. "You made the better case. No hard feelings."
It was at that point that Hilary realized that she and Scolex were alone, with only Jessica to witness their confrontation and no danger of eavesdroppers. And that was either very good or very bad. At last, Hilary hissed in deep and bit the potential bait.
"You know, you might have everyone else in there fooled," she warned. "But not me. I know who you really are, and I know that helping the people of this city is the last thing you care about. You might talk a big game, and say all the right things. But deep down, beneath the surface, the only person you ever do anything for is yourself."
Scolex's brow darkened, but his smile didn't disappear. His eyes flicked toward Jess, watching her flinch while Hilary's gaze refused to budge. And then turned back, finally dropping any pretense.
"See, that's where you're wrong, Silver Ranger," he said coldly. "I care very much about the people of this city. And while you might think you know something about what I'm doing, I know that you don't have enough to tell anyone important. Not without exposing the little science fair project you've secretly got going beneath the public museum. Or the little after-school club that your husband is running. No, Dr Hawkins, you don't really know anything at all."
"I might not know what you're up to," said Hilary. "But I'm going to find out. And when I do, my team going to stop you."
"You can try," Scolex replied casually. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I've got a very important meeting in the morning."
Then he turned and began to walk away, Hilary refusing to give him the satisfaction of another biting remark as Jess stepped closer, trembling. As Hilary watched him leave, Scolex stopped, head turning back with another glint in his eye.
"We don't have to be enemies, you know," he said. "When it all comes down to it, we both want the same thing."
"Oh yeah?" Hilary scoffed. "And what's that?"
"We both want to make the world a better place."
And then strode away, vanishing around the corner and leaving Hilary and Jess standing in the corridor, alone.
They'd been ready for it, the lecture that was coming. At first, they'd thought it was a mercy that it was Ray instead of Hilary, but they'd been dead wrong as they felt shame crash down on them with the weight of a whelming wave.
Ray still read them the Riot Act, noting their intentions while expressing his extreme disapproval. He told them that it was irresponsible, that going it alone was not the Ranger way, and certainly not what he'd tried to impart to them. That putting themselves in that kind of danger wasn't considering the impact that could have on the rest of the team, and that ultimately, he wasn't mad, just extremely disappointed.
That last one had hit like a gut punch, and suddenly Zeke was very much wishing he'd been facing Hilary's cold wrath instead. Beside him, Miguel equally stood with slumping shoulders, sheepishly accepting the lecture from their mentor and waiting for it to finish. Then they presented their peace offering; the little they gleamed from their time in the tunnels.
"So, they were just packing up?" Abbey asked them. The three girls had been sitting off to the side, out of the way but still within earshot. It was entirely possible that one or all of them had their own scolding planned, but had decided better once Ray had wrung them dry so thoroughly.
"Maybe not," Lena considered. "Xaviax chose that spot for a reason, he might still have use for it. It sounds like he might be expanding his operation."
"That's what we thought," Zeke agreed. "And the tunnels would certainly make it easy for him to do it."
"Maybe Hilary learned something at the council meeting," Ray suggested, before finally slumping into the chair and releasing a heavy sigh. "But it's late, and this night has been far longer than it's any right to be. Go home and get some sleep. We can talk about it more in the morning."
Conceding the point, all five teens bid Ray goodnight and turned toward the elevator. As they did, Zeke noticed Abbey shoot Miguel another look, a confused glance that was both hopeful and frightened. Seeing Miguel return it, Zeke stepped closer to the Dark Ranger and gave the boy a nudge.
"Hey, a piece of advice," Zeke said sincerely. "You want to be worthy? The only way it's going to happen is if you take your shot. Because it means you've got to be brave and stare at the unknown without blinking. Because if you never give it a chance, then you're never going to know."
Miguel could only stare at him in shocked confusion like he was unsure why Zeke was even giving advice. And then, as Zeke nodded toward where Abbey standing, locked in a hushed and nervous conversation with Erika and Lena, Miguel understood. He understood what meant to get that advice from Zeke, of all people. How if one could push aside their pride, the other could too.
"Go get her, man," Zeke encouraged. "Make her happy."
And then, in perfect understanding with his friend, Miguel breathed in deeply before taking the step toward Abbey. As if they'd also been watching, the girls concluded their hushed whispers, Erika being the first to notice Miguel's approach and alert Abbey's attention. Then they too parted, Erika grinning widely, while Lena squeezed Abbey's arms, and Zeke was pretty sure he watched her mouth the words "good luck."
Both girls joined Zeke at the end of the room as all three pretended to make their way toward the elevator, sauntering slowly to keep keen ears on the conversation. And all three held their breaths as at last Abbey turned and smiled at Miguel.
"So," Abbey said nervously. "Crazy night, huh?"
"Yeah," Miguel agreed. "Wild."
The tense and nervous silence returned. But now, the three had reached the elevators and were pretending to wait for it, and Zeke noticed Ray was very, very interested in whatever was on his computer screen. Someone else who was definitely not listening.
"This is penance," Lena groaned in a whisper of realization. "I'm going to have to watch them be like this forever like some sort of Greek tragic."
"Just give them a minute," Erika hushed.
"Yeah," Zeke agreed, smiling. "They've got this."
"So, uh, anyway," Miguel began, "I saw there's this new movie coming out, some time-travel action flick. I don't know, I know that action is quite your thing but…"
"Forever is Never Enough? No, it looks good!" Abbey inquired as her face lit up, before shrinking back with scarlet cheeks as if catching what she was about to say. And then she said it anyway. "It's also a romance. And I like romance."
Miguel smiled, an implicit agreement between them to go as neither moved from where they were standing. Like they knew there was more to say.
The elevator doors dinged open, frightening the three at the threshold while Miguel and Abbey appeared not to notice.
"Well, that was a night I'm never getting back," Hilary bemoaned as entered the lab, oblivious to all else. "Now, fill me in. What did I… miss…"
Her eyes fell on Abbey and Miguel, putting two and two together and the other three shushed her. Reading between the lines and receiving some eager nodding from the trio in confirmation, Hilary held her tongue and then her breath along with the others. But to Miguel and Abbey, there may as well have been no one else in the room, each entranced by the other as they summoned the courage to finally take the step.
"So, I've been thinking," Miguel said with a shuddering breath. "I was wondering if you'd like to go with me?"
Smiling sweetly, Abbey took a step toward him. "Go with you? Like, to the movie?"
"Yeah," Miguel agreed, as he too stepped closer. "I'd love to see it with you."
"Really?" Abbey blushed, "You mean, like on a date?"
And then she took another step.
"Y…yeah," Miguel replied. It was as if his breath was stealing every syllable as he fought to get them out. And then he found his wind, along with his courage. "Because, I really like you, Abbey. A lot. And I know that we've been through a lot, and maybe we both haven't processed it all. But I know that, if it's what you want, then I want to give things a shot. Because I think you're amazing, and I think I can make you happy. So yes, I want it to be a date, so long as that's also what you-."
And that's when Abbey kissed him. Her hand shot out, gripping his shirt before yanking back to guide him to her lips and seal them tight together. Miguel replied in kind, his arm wrapping tight around as he returned the affection, holding her in a tight embrace to take the weight off her toes. The two of them stood there, holding each other in blissful surrender, neither able to contain their smiles as they kissed.
Their friends could only grin as they looked on, beaming with pride as their two friends finally took the step together in worth their feelings. Erika gave Zeke a soft nudge, a silent, subtle acknowledgment of his hand the journey, and how far he'd come to get there. Over at the terminal, Ray had stopped feigning interest, beaming with shimmering eyes as he began to look across the room to his wife.
"So, seriously," Hilary asked the others quietly as they finally turned away to give Miguel and Abbey some actual privacy. "What the hell did I miss?"
"Just a night out with friends," Zeke replied. "Nothing big."
NEXT TIME:
It's Erika's birthday, and the gang all gather at her apartment to make sure their Red Ranger enjoys her special day. But Xaviax has a gift in mind as well, a digital simulation that presents her greatest desire: a world where her mom never left.
What plans does Xaviax have for Erika inside this mental prison?
Can the Rangers find a way to free her from this false reality?
And can they even bring themselves to tear Erika away from what she longs for the most?
Find out Next Time on
POWER RANGERS
SERVER FORCE
For the Girl Who Has Everything.
Power Rangers: Server Force is a fan-made team of Rangers, and not explicitly based on any other existing Rangers or Sentai property, with artwork character models created through Hero Forge.
Power Rangers- Sever Force updates on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you like what you read, you can always drop a comment to let me know, and don't forget to subscribe/ follow to find out the second I update.