It’s been a couple days since Dr. Oliver left. I had opened up more to my friends about the nightmares I’ve been having, and they were all supportive. However, I still kept some things to myself, like the mysterious Ranger I’d seen. He’s shown up in my dreams a total of four times now, and I’m no closer to understanding who he is. I also kept most of the torture Scrozzle put me through to myself, not yet ready to reveal that to anyone, either. Now, it was another day at Grid Battleforce, and I found myself watching as Nate and Zoey interviewed a potential candidate named Megan for the position of Nate's lab assistant. Nate had been looking for someone to help him with his research and experiments, and Megan was the latest applicant.
I observed from a distance as Nate explained the kind of work they did in the lab, mentioning that he was currently working on building new equipment, like the Cheetah Claws for the Red Ranger. Megan raised an eyebrow at the mention of the Cheetah Claws, her expression critical. "Well, it's all very impressive," Megan commented, her tone laced with skepticism. "But I hope you're not wasting too much time on these projects when there are more pressing matters at hand."
Nate exchanged a quick glance with Zoey before responding, "We prioritize our duties, of course. But innovation is a vital part of our work."
Megan's critical gaze shifted towards me, Ben, and Betty, who were currently testing the Cheetah Claws nearby. Her lips curled into a disapproving frown as she watched us.
"What are they doing over there?" she asked, her voice tinged with judgment.
"They're testing the Cheetah Claws," Zoey explained, her tone remaining diplomatic. "We're always looking for ways to enhance our Ranger gear."
Megan's disapproval seemed to intensify. She crossed her arms, casting another scrutinizing glance in our direction. "I see."
As the interview continued, it became apparent that Megan had reservations about the team and our work. Her criticism and skepticism were evident in her responses, and it was clear that she held a different perspective on what was important. Finally, Megan excused herself, leaving Nate and Zoey hesitant about hiring her for the lab assistant position. I watched her go, sensing the tension that lingered in the air. Megan had left with a vow to become Nate's new lab assistant, determined to prove herself after the less-than-enthusiastic impression she had left.
Later that evening, outside a movie theater, Zoey and I had just finished purchasing tickets to see "Revenge of the Hydra Worm," one of our favorite movie franchises. To our surprise, we spotted Nate in line, waiting to see the same film.
"Hey, Nate!" Zoey called out as we approached. He turned and smiled, greeting us with genuine enthusiasm.
"Hey, guys! You're here for the movie too?" Nate asked, his excitement matching ours.
"Absolutely," I replied, my own enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. "We love the Hydra Worm movies."
As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice the subtle signs of chemistry between Nate and Zoey. The way they laughed together, the shared excitement about the movie, the comfortable way they stood close to each other – it was all there, right in front of me. I had seen the sparks between them before, but now, it seemed like something more. Suddenly, I received a text message on my phone, and I quickly glanced at the screen. It was just a random message from a friend, but I seized the opportunity to excuse myself.
"Oh, sorry, guys," I said, feigning surprise as I read the message. "My mom needs my help with something at Tech-tonic International. I'll catch up with you later." Nate and Zoey exchanged a knowing look, and I could practically hear the unspoken conversation between them. It was a chance for them to have some time alone, and I was more than happy to give them that space.
"No problem, Kali," Nate said with a warm smile. "We'll fill you in on the movie later."
I waved them off, already mentally composing a congratulatory message for when they finally admitted their feelings for each other. As I walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. If anyone deserved a bit of happiness, it was Nate and Zoey.
The next day, a new Robotron attacked the city– Tubatron 2.0, a menacing robot identical to the previous Tubatron, now equipped with a glowing red gem. Blaze, donning his Ranger form, introduced us to the Fury Cells with a smug grin. Nate observed the Fury Cells closely, aware of their potential danger. He shared a look of concern with Steel, who stood by his side. We knew that they had to stop Tubatron 2.0 before he could cause any more chaos.
“It’s Morphin Time! Activate Beast Power!”
“Activate Wolf Power!”
In a synchronized movement, we morphed into our respective suits, ready to face the formidable threat. Devon, Ravi, Zoey and I Rangers faced off against Tubatron 2.0, while Nate and Steel prepared to take on Blaze.
The battle erupted into a flurry of action. Tubatron 2.0 unleashed devastating soundwaves that shook the area, sending shockwaves of energy through the ground. Despite our best efforts, we struggled to hold our ground. As Tubatron 2.0 continued his onslaught, the Robotron proved to be a formidable adversary.
It took a turn for the worse as Tubatron 2.0 released a powerful soundwave, shattering Ravi and Zoey’s weapons. They were forced to rely on hand-to-hand combat, their resourcefulness evident as they fended off the Tronics.
Amidst the chaos, Devon and I leaped into action, intercepting Tubatron 2.0's attack and pushing him back. With a swift and precise movement, Devon threw his Beast-X Saber at Tubatron 2.0. The weapon connected, striking the Robotron with a powerful blow. He was momentarily staggered.
“Wolf Saber!” I called as I summoned my weapons. “Moon Beam Strike!” With a final, powerful attack, Tubatron 2.0 was defeated, his form disintegrating into nothingness. Devon and I stood victorious, our chests heaving as we caught our breath. As the dust settled, we demorphed and regrouped, our expressions a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction.
Commander Shaw's voice crackled over our communicators. "Rangers, well done. But there's a Gigadrone sighting in the city. Deploy your Zords."
“You guys think you can handle the Gigadrone while we fix our weapons?” Zoey asked. Devon and I shared a nod, our resolve unwavering. I summoned my Wolf Zord, feeling the familiar rush of power as it transformed into its Battle Mode.
The battle continued, the Racer Zord and Wolf Zord fighting seamlessly against the formidable Gigadrone. Working in tandem, we managed to repel the Gigadrone's attacks and hold our ground.
“Devon, Kali, try combining your zords. I’ve been working on a new combination just for you two. I call it the Fangstorm Megazord,” Nate told us over the coms.
“Sweet! Thanks, Nate!” Devon replied. “You ready, Kali?” he then asked me.
“Let’s do it!” I said excitedly.
“Fangstorm Megazord, combine!” we then said together. Our zords combined and while I couldn’t see what it looked like yet, I knew it had to look awesome. With our combined efforts, we defeated the Gigadrone, sending it crashing to the ground in defeat.
After our victory, I decided to go check up on Nate and thank him again for the new Zord combo. I walked into the lab just as Megan made her exit, her steps hurried and her expression unrepentant. Nate looked frustrated and bewildered, his gaze trained on the damaged Cheetah Claws and the departing Megan.
I approached Nate, concern evident in my voice. "Nate, what happened?" I asked. He ran a hand through his hair, his frustration evident.
"Megan sabotaged the Cheetah Claws. She ignored my instructions and poured the entire bottle of Morph-X into them."
I shook my head in disbelief. "Why would she do that?"
His expression darkened as he contemplated the situation. "I think she wanted to create chaos and make me look bad," he said.
"I saw her leaving," I told him, my voice firm. "She's been trouble since the start."
"I know, but now I have to deal with the aftermath of her actions,” Nate sighed.
I placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You're not alone in this, Nate. You guys have become my closest friends. I’ll stand up for you and Zoey, no matter what,” I told him with a knowing smile.
Nate met my gaze, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks, Kali. That means a lot."
“Anytime, bro,” I replied with a small chuckle. Nate smiled back and seemed to relax a little. That’s when the Commander called Nate to come see her over the com. He looked at me nervously. “Hey, like I said, I’ve got your back. I’m coming with you. I’ll fight for you guys,” I told him. He then took a deep breath and nodded.
We went to see Commander Shaw together, and to our surprise found Megan there, showing a video of Nate and Zoey sharing popcorn after the movie. Zoey was there too, and she looked just as nervous as Nate. I stood by the two of them, glaring daggers at Megan. “Nate, Zoey. Is this true? Are you two dating?” the Commander asked sternly.
“No! Of course not! We were just hanging out!” Zoey defended, though I knew that was a lie.
“It’s true! I was there too. The three of us were just hanging out. I stayed behind after, as I was catching up with a childhood friend of mine. Megan probably left before I left the theater because she was so focused on blackmailing Zoey to get the lab assistant position just so she could sabotage the Cheetah Claws!” I explained, even though my story was partially a lie too.
“She’s lying! Are you really gonna trust someone who was evil and worked for Evox? For all we know she could still be working for him!” Megan accused, glaring back at me. I tensed up, seconds away from fighting her when I felt a gentle hand grab my arm. I glanced over, and noticed it was Zoey. I took a deep breath and Commander Shaw turned her attention to Megan.
“I trust them more than I trust you. You’re fired, Megan. Security, escort her out,” she said and some security guards came and walked her out. The Commander then turned her attention back to us. “Thank you for clearing that up. Next time, just be more mindful,” she said.
“Understood,” Zoey replied and Nate nodded. The Commander nodded once in acknowledgment then dismissed us. The three of us walked out together.
“You okay, Kali? You still seem a little tense,” Zoey commented after a moment.
“Huh? Oh, yeah. I’m fine. Thanks for stopping me back there. I was getting really ticked off with her,” I smiled a little.
I’m not gonna burden Zoey and Nate with how Megan’s words actually affected me. What if she’s right, and this is just temporary? What if Evox is just giving me false security that I’m back in control, only to rip it away from me at the worst possible moment?
Nate and Zoey chuckled. “Yeah I think she was getting on all our nerves, including the Commander’s,” Nate said.
“Speaking of which…I’m really sorry, Nate. She blackmailed me into hiring her. I should’ve just come straight to you,” Zoey stopped and apologized. Nate stopped too and looked at her.
“Hey, it’s okay. I understand, but from now on, let’s not keep secrets like that from each other okay?” Nate said with a warm smile. She nodded and then turned to me.
“And thank you Kali for helping us. You could’ve easily stayed silent, but you didn’t and that means a lot,” she said and I smiled. I wrapped my arms around both their shoulders as we started walking again.
“Like I told Nate, you guys have become my closest friends. I’d support you no matter what. You helped save me from Evox, and I’m gonna do all I can to help you. The whole ‘Rangers can’t date Rangers’ rule is absolute nonsense. Never in Ranger history has there ever been a rule like that, in fact there've been quite a few amazing Ranger couples, and I will fight it with every fiber of my being,” I explained to them. Before they could respond to that, I added, “Anyway, let’s head to the gym. I’m dying for a smoothie.”
At Riptide Gym, Zoey and Nate sat together, sipping on smoothies. Their conversation was hushed, their expressions serious as they discussed the recent events. It was clear that they were working through their feelings, and as I observed them from a distance, I couldn't help but smile.
The connection between Nate and Zoey was undeniable, and I was hopeful that they would find a way to navigate the challenges that lay ahead. They deserved happiness, and I had a feeling that they were on the path to discovering something beautiful.
Nate’s POV:
I watched as Zoey took a deep breath, her gaze meeting mine with a mix of vulnerability and determination. "Nate, there's something I need to say."
I set down my smoothie, my curiosity piqued. "What is it, Zoey?"
She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice steady. "Nate, I've been trying to avoid admitting this, but I can't anymore. I care about you, a lot. And I know it's not the best timing, but I need you to know that."
Her words hung in the air, and my heart raced with a mixture of surprise and joy. This was a moment I had been waiting for, a moment that held the potential to change everything between us.
I reached out and took her hand, my gaze locking onto hers. "Zoey, I care about you too. More than I can put into words."
A smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her eyes sparkled with emotion. "So, what do we do now?" she asked.
I leaned in, our faces mere inches apart. "I think we take things one step at a time, and see where this journey leads us." As our lips met in a gentle kiss, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us. In that moment, I realized that sometimes, the best things in life were worth the risks and uncertainties that came with them.
Kali’s POV:
Meanwhile, Steel, Devon, Ravi, and I gathered nearby, watching as Zoey and Nate shared a meaningful moment. Ravi raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing as he turned to me. "Looks like we've got a love story unfolding."
I chuckled, my eyes still on the couple. "Yeah, and it's about time. Their feelings for each other have been so obvious it was driving me crazy,” I chuckled.
I’m just glad it’s not obvious enough that the Commander can’t see it.
Devon grinned, his voice light. "You know, Kali, I think you've got a point about the whole 'Rangers can't date Rangers' rule."
I nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. I don’t know why that’s a rule, but I strongly believe it makes us as a team stronger," I said. I noticed Devon looked away from me awkwardly.
Huh…wonder what that’s about.
I mentally shrugged and we all enjoyed the rest of the day together.
ns 15.158.61.48da2
