Happy New Years Eve to everyone! This is the last post of the year and I hope everyone has fun tonight. If you are going to drink (assuming you are 21 years and older) be safe and don't do anything stupid like Drunk Driving. If you need to get home, call an Uber or Taxi.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this last chapter of the year, it's got a little bit of everything in it including some swearing. I also want everyone to know that I don't condone speeding and outrunning the police. This is special circumstances and will lead to something awesome.
Anyway, see me at the bottom!
Friday
Just after school
Kyle and Autumn walked hand in hand into the cafeteria. Kyle was very relieved that this meeting didn't take place in the gym. He felt love being pushed at him by his mate and he resisted the urge to kiss her. They were at school now and PDAs were frowned upon, so he squeezed her hand in return.
The cafeteria hadn't been changed around much; the folding tables were still in place and by the lunch line, a banquet table had been put out with it's decorative table cloth in place and it was laden with refreshments.
The Miscreants had just found an empty table near the exit when Katsume looked up and saw Elisa wheeling over towards them in her chair. It wasn't something she did often, but on her weaker days, it was a godsend. Katsume waved at her and then his smile fell at the older guy pushing her towards them…he was wearing camo pants and an a shirt with the logo for the United States Navy. Beside him, was a younger man with…oh shit. A t-shirt with the their football team logo on the front.
Katsume swallowed hard and stood as they approached.
Kyle grinned at what was about to happen, and Rook shifted in his seat. "I'm right here, Paladin." He said in support.
"Thanks, Rook." He murmured back.
Elisa looked mortified and she was giving him an apologetic look. He gave her an easy smile, but then stood up and looked both brothers in the eyes.
"Hey guys. I'm Katsume Fernandez. It's nice to meet you."
"So, you're the young man who thinks he's good enough to date our sister. "The guy in the football shirt said.
Katsume looked at them calmly. "Before you drag me over the coals and it's your right to, can I at least say that I haven't had the chance to ask her out. I was planning to find some way of contacting you to ask your permission."
The older brother looked at him in surprise.
"I'm not like the other guys that would go behind your back and take advantage of her. I've got more respect for her than that."
The younger brother gave him a dubious look.
"And how can we know that?"
Katsume frowned at him, not ready to divulge that part of him that. That pain was still a little too fresh.
"Gentleman, that's enough." Trent said as he approached them. "My son doesn't have to divulge that part of himself to you."
The older brother had caught on quickly and he backed down.
"I think you can both agree that this place isn't the best place to talk this out, if you'd like we can continue this at the restaurant of your choice; it'll be my treat."
The older brother nodded in agreement. "It'll have to be tomorrow, I have to be back on ship by Monday."
Trent nodded. "Done, now why don't we leave these guys to hang out and we can go exchange phone numbers and make plans."
Katsume sighed as the 'Trent led the brothers away.
"I'm so sorry Katsume." Elisa apologized to him. "I didn't expect them to do that so soon."
Paladin grinned at her. "Don't sweat it. I had a feeling it would happen sooner or later, when I finally get the chance to properly ask you to be my special lady."
Elisa broke out in a happy smile and was about to say something more when Principle Mathews started the meeting.
"I would like to thank all of you for showing up to this open forum. It means a lot that so many of you parents made the time to be here." He glanced at all of them and continued.
"As I hope you read the newsletter I sent out, I've thrown down a challenge for all of our highschool students. It's been rough this past year and I challenged each and everyone of the students to come up with ways to spread good vibes around this school and in turn this city around."
"So, what are you trying do with all this hippie shit." Said a butch looking man as he stood up. "Is that what you brought us here about? To hold hands and sing campfire songs?"
"No, that's not it." Said a new face. Everyone turned to see none other than the Red space ranger and the White ranger.
The butch guy whom had spoken looked shocked. "Are you guys really still here?"
Andros looked at the man and sighed. As he lifted his hands to remove his helmet, the White Ranger stopped him.
"No, I'm going to take the lead on this one. I think I've earned it."
Andros nodded and stepped back.
The White Ranger walked over to the principle who looked just as shocked. "May I, Mr. Matthews?"
The principle could only nod as the ranger picked up the mic and held it up in front of the mask.
"Yes, we're still here, though we retired from the fight and let the next generation take over. Once our enemy was defeated, we all settled down, had families and assimilated. Up until we got wind of the parasite known as the TSA, we were happy to just put down roots and live our lives.
The moment we found out, we called whatever rangers were available and converged on this city to destroy the TSA and eradicate the problem. Even though the threat is gone, this city is wrecked. We got rid of the cancer, but Angel Grove needs to heal and get back on its feet."
As he said this, Andros walked up to him. "That is why I was so happy to hear about Principle Matthews' challenge and I want to encourage the students here to go all out, every ranger out there is watching what you'll do. I know you've all got it in you to make this city something to be proud of again."
"And what's so wrong with the way it is now?" The man challenged. "What's wrong with a little…natural selection?"
Autumn felt her mate's anger flare to life. She put both arms around him and held him close to her chest in an attempt to calm Kyle down. He was shaking with anger and even she couldn't help but feel her own anger surge.
"Corazon, let go of me." He demanded in a gritty voice. "I don't wanna hurt you."
"No, he's not worth it!" She replied tearesly. In the next moment she was flooding their bond with every bit of love and comfort she had, and Kyle all but collapsed against her. This was something they'd practiced in their quiet moments; it worked both ways and today, it was his safe haven.
While all this was going on, Rocky stood up from his seat and faced the idiot. "So tell me, my son was part of this 'natural selection' that you're talking about? If Mr. True-heart hadn't acted so quickly, my boy could have bled out on the floor of the boy's locker room. It took him months to recover from the trauma he suffered. Is that what natural selection is to you?"
"Careful how you answer that, sir." The white ranger said in a dark voice. "I may have retired, but I can still kick ass." Just in the distance, an ethereal screech of a falcon could be heard. Conner just knew that under the helmet, his uncle's eyes were glowing green.
The man just shook his head and grabbed his son's arm and dragged him out of the room. Elisa only shook her head, seeing her ex leaving with his father. She breathed a sigh of relief and a second later felt Katsume's arms wrap around her in comfort.
She loved it and rested her head on his shoulder.
When the man was gone, Principle Matthew took control of the situation. "Thank you, Rangers for being here." Turning to the parents, he added. "If any of you feel the same way, please feel free to leave. I won't think any less of you."
"He doesn't represent us." A dark skinned man with fancy dreads said said as he stood up. "The truth is that any of our boys could have been the victim, could have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. We need a fresh start and I for one am willing to listen to any ideas that you guys can come up with."
There were murmurs of agreement from many parents in the crowd.
Tommy fought to remain calm and Andros squeezed his arm in comfort. He leaned in close. "Deep breathes, buddy. You can do it."
Principle Matthews, to his credit, kept his calm the whole time.
"Ok then, let's get this meeting back on track."
20 minutes later
Principle Matthews looked frustrated as answered the very annoying parent at the meeting.
The teenager who presented the idea for the battle of the bands had done so in a very well mannered and informed way and everyone had liked the idea. However, it hadn't taken more than 5 minutes for a very irritating parent to nitpick and now the teenager looked like she was ready to cry.
Principle Matthews sighed and took the parent on.
"Yes, I'm aware that not everyone is on the same income level. The students will all operate on a level playing field. Every group will be given the same opportunities and resources and the rules of this challenge will be written in such a way that anyone can participate."
"Please guys, this challenge is supposed to be fun for the kids," Skull said as he stood up. "If we keep fighting like this, it will become about us parents and take away from the light-hearted fun that this is supposed to be about."
"I agree with Skull. This is supposed to be for the kids and not us. If we keep bickering like a couple of soccer moms, it'll ruin the fun for the students." Adam looked at principle. "I move to make it illegal for the parents to be directly involved in the creative process. Let the kids negotiate, barter, and work together. What better way for them to learn how the real-world works?"
"Aren't you cutting off your own foot by suggesting that? The first parent asked.
Adam shook his head. "Not at all. My daughter is very talented and I'm sure the other kids are just as gifted. Why not give them the chance to show them off?"
Skull nodded in agreement. "I second that. Let the kids work it out amongst themselves. This could be loads of fun for them."
Principle Matthew was smiling at them. "Alright then. All in favor say Aye."
A chorus of 'ayes' filled the lunch room.
"I feel so lost…" Kyle murmured as his focus returned to the meeting.
"That's okay." Katsume answered. "Pretty much, that girl we spoke to at the mall suggested an epic battle of the bands, lip sync edition; with the works and the proceeds go to various charities like Toys for Tots, the food pantry, the children's hospital and even the Paws and Claws pet rescue. The details need to be hammered out but by next week, an official rule book will be posted online. And a few will be printed out for those who don't have access to the internet."
"Huh, this should be interesting." Kyle said.
That's an understatement. Katsume replied. When the meeting let out, the parents found their kids and spent a few moments chatting.
"So, what are you kids going to do after this?"
We're headed to the Animal Shelter to meet with Bonnie and discuss the fashion show they're putting on. It's to give the adoptable pets more exposure in hopes of completely emptying out the shelter.
Rocky gave his son a long look. "That's something I didn't expect…you're really going to dress up for this?"
Kyle gave him a small smile. "Yeah, Halloween costumes and it's for a good cause; I don't mind showing off my handsome features to help empty out the shelters."
Aisha grinned at him. "Yep, you're definitely my son."
Rocky smiled at him. "Alright then, be safe and get home at a decent hour. If you need anything, call us."
"We will, Dad. See you guys at home."
Angel Grove parking lot
The teens stood in a small circle in front of their vehicles. "Dude, you at 100 percent?" Rook asked as he programmed the address for the Shelter into his GPS.
"Yeah, I'm good."
"Anyone else have any questions?"
When everyone had shaken their heads, he nodded. "Alright then. Miscreants, roll out!"
"Is that our new catchphrase?" Asked Paladin.
"Yep, now let's go be heroes!"
Cold-Stone shook his head in amusement but then held open the door for his girlfriend and then climbed in to the driver seat. Since he and Nocturne knew the way, he was the one to lead them out of the parking lot.
Rook's Jeep
They were about halfway to the shelter when it happened.
They were passing through the middle-class side of town when they caught sight of something that made Paladin swear loudly. A beat up truck with no visible license plate was parked next to an old foreclosed home. A couple of people wearing bandanas over their faces were hauling a bleeding dog out of the bed. "Sonofabitch." Rook added as they tossed the bulky dog to the ground. They didn't dare make themselves known, but could only watched in horror as the bigger dude, pulled out a gun and shot the dog when it tried to get up. The dog fell to the ground and didn't move anymore. The only way they could see that it was alive was that it tail thumped heavily on the ground.
The moment the truck screeched away, Rook and Katsume hit the ground running.
They rushed up to the dog and quickly began to assess him.
"Hey, dude, are you alive?" Rook asked as Katsume checked the dog over.
"Rook, it's a female, looks like she's recently had a littler."
"I found the wound, it doesn't look like those thugs hit any major arteries."
Without even thinking, Paladin pulled his shirt over his head and used it to staunch the flow of blood.
"It's all right girl," Rook soothed as he took his own shirt off to use as a wrap. "We're going to help you." As if she understood that he was there to help her, she licked his face in a sloppy kiss. "That's right girl, just hang in there and we'll get you out of here."
"Here, I've got a blanket." Wyvern said as she walked up with Nocturne, they laid it on the ground and working with Cold-Stone and Pyre they put the dog on blanket. Working as a team, lifted it into the backseat of the jeep.
Paladin jumped into the backseat and strapped the dog in. A second later, Pyre climbed into the backseat on the other side and Wyvern strapped herself in to the passenger seat. Immediately she pulled out her cell and typed in a search for the nearest Vet office.
"I found one" she said as Rook peeled out of the complex and headed for the main road.
"How far?" he asked tersely.
"About 5 miles. Thank the spirits that it's an animal ER. Just go left and I'll tell you where to turn. Rook gunned it as he obeyed, and went as fast as he dared, keeping it as close to the speed limit as he could.
As one would expect, it didn't take long for a cop to see them speeding. When he just made it through a yellow light, the sirens and the flashing lights turned on.
Rook saw the lights in his rearview mirror. "Shit." He looked at Wyvern. "How far to the clinic?"
"About another mile and a half."
"Fuck it." He muttered and kept going. He was going to pay for this, he was sure of it, but this was an emergency situation. They didn't have time to deal with the cops.
With the cruisers on his tail, he kept going. A second later, he hit the button for his hazard lights. "Please, don't try those strips on me. I just got these tires!" he begged as he kept driving. Up ahead was the clinic and the teens in the back unbuckled themselves.
The moment they arrived at the clinic, Pyre and Paladin jumped out of the backseat and carried the bleeding dog in the door.
A young girl cried out as she saw them. The woman at the front desk who looked old enough to be a parent herself immediately walked up to them.
"What happened?" She asked worriedly.
"We witnessed some thugs dumping her." Paladin answered. "She's also been shot. We've tried to stop the bleeding, we don't know how bad off she is."
"Ok, come right in. You're extremely lucky that we're not that busy."
Meanwhile, the rest of the Miscreants, mainly Rook were going up against the angry cop.
"So, what's the emergency? I'm assuming you had a reason going so fast?"
Rook nodded. "Yeah, I wouldn't risk my license for just anything. We saw that dog being dumped and then shot. I just had to try and save her life. Before you cuff and stuff me, can I at least offer my proof?"
"Cut him loose." Officer Tesla said as he arrived. "I know this teen, he's not going to be any trouble for us." He pulled out his notebook and pulled out a pin. "So, tell me everything. I'm also assuming that you've got more video surveillance?"
"Yeah, I got it all on tape."
"She's going to live." The veterinarian said in a sure voice. "No nicked arteries and the bullet will be easy to remove once we get some good pain meds on board."
Paladin looked relieved as he kept petting the dog's head. "Good, I'm glad to hear that. When we saw her lying on the ground, we thought the worst."
"So, you're just good Samaritans?" the vet asked as she cleaned the last wound. Dr. Imogen Reid was the last person anyone would expect to be an animal doctor. She was very nearly 6 feet tall and intimating; at first, Pyre was scared of her, but when he saw how gently she handled the dog's care, he quickly changed his opinion of her. Paladin on the other hand seemed completely at ease around the doctor. She had curly auburn hair that was put up in a bun and her piercing green eyes were solely focused on the dog as she put down the clamp that had been using to hold the sterilized sponge as she cleaned the last of the blood out.
"No, we're just a couple of Miscreants who have a soft spot for animals."
"Miscreants, is that some kind of gang name that rescues furry creatures?"
Nah, we're just a group of friends that want to help out." Paladin said with a smile. I'm not a stranger to any of this, back in LA I worked for a rescue, this isn't the first wounded dog I've helped.
"Well, you saved this girl's life." Imogen said as she began to wrap up the wound. "It'll take some time for her to recover, but she'll be fine. And don't worry about paying, we have a donation fund set up for cases like this."
They helped her wrap up the dog and as they were putting her into the larger cage with a thick blanket, officer Tesla walked in.
"When you guys get done here, I'll need to take some statements from all of you."
It didn't take that long to get all their statements. The officer gave the teenagers a calculating look but said nothing as he handed the vet his business card.
"When he was gone, the vet handed them a clipboard and a magic marker. "You guys saved her life, so you get to name her.
"Well, it should be a tough name," Pyre said. "She survived an attempt on her life."
"Buttercup?" Paladin suggested with a grin.
Pyre grinned at him. "Princess Buttercup!"
Dr. Imogen grinned at them. "Is that what you're going with?"
Pyre nodded. "Yeah, just keep those R.O.U.S's away from her. With a name like that, who wouldn't want to adopt her?"
Paladin looked down at Buttercup again. "Can you keep us in the loop about her?"
Dr. Imogen nodded. "Yeah, here's my card."
With business cards in hand, they walked out, only realizing at the last moment that they were both shirtless.
"Well, we can always get new shirts at Walmart, or we can just keep a duffle bag under the seat with plain t-shirts on them.
"Or you can just take these." Trent said as he leaned against the jeep with two plain white tees in his hands. "You guys got off with a warning, but I wouldn't press your luck again."
As the teens put the shirts on, he continued. "How's the dog?"
"We named her Princess Buttercup. She'll be fine now that Dr. Imogen is taking care of her."
Trent nodded. Ok, now that this minor incident is handled, you should get going to the Shelter and this time, let's keep to the speed limit."
So, what did everyone think? Leave me a review and I'll see you all next year!