Fighting to Love (Power Rangers Samurai)

The Black Box

Antonio wasn't freaking out as much as I was. He was focused on the Black Box, but it definitely drained him a lot. I was in the infirmary, taking care of the rangers.

"Hey look, it's Nurse Ashlynn!" Mike tried to smile and lighten up the atmosphere a little, but the others were groaning and coughing, so the joke didn't do much.

"Just checking in... I know you'll be giving me the slip relatively soon." I smiled, but the atmosphere was clearly uneasy.

"You okay?" Emily asked. "I know with Jayden not being here-"

I cut her off. "Please just trust me when I say I'm fine. It's easier not to speak about it at the moment." I sighed and ran a hand through my hair while they exchanged worried looks. I pretended not to notice.

"Oh... Okay." Emily nodded.

"Why can't you fight with us?" Mike asked. "Jayden isn't here. Why can't you fight alongside us?"

"Mike, I'm not supposed to. A battle wears me down easily, especially the ones you fight. Using my powers requires less energy so I'm more likely to win a battle against another mutant than I am to win against a nighlock, even with you all by my side." I shook my head.

"Oh." Mike looked down and suddenly became interested at his hands.

"It's fine. Please don't worry, I'm okay." I smiled, but it was fake. Luckily none of them noticed.

"Hey Ash, how you doing, sis?" Antonio asked, dropping in to say hi.

I looked into Antonio's eyes and he knew exactly how I was feeling. It was one of those things I loved, about him being an older brother figure to me. He always knew. I pulled him outside to the hallway.

"I guess not so well." Antonio murmured, only loud enough for me to hear. "Any nightmares lately?"

"And then some." I whispered back.

"I'm sorry Ash."

"No big deal, Tony." I muttered. "Now go back to the Black Box."

"I know it's hard, not being able to help him and putting on that brave face. I'm always here to talk." He offered.

I smiled and pushed him lightly on the chest. "You're my pluto. Now go."

Pluto was our metaphor. It meant that no matter how far apart we were, we would always be there. Our little secret.

Antonio chuckled softly. "You've really grown up." He tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

"You really need to work on the black box." I pushed him again, and this time he left.

I walked back in. "I know that these beds can't restrict you. Now get up. Save the world. For Jayden."

The rangers took my advice and got out of bed (slowly with struggle) to get dressed. "We help each other." Kevin said. "You coming Ashlynn?"

"Go save the world." I repeated, my voice catching at the end of my throat.

"Okay. Your choice." Mia said, then they walked out.

They were going to be okay.

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Antonio had left to rescue Jayden, and the rangers were out there, fighting.

I was stuck with Ji.

"You okay?" Ji asked, and I had the urge to roll my eyes. Did everyone know about the fact that Jayden had asked me out, and there was a possibility that I fancied him?

"Fine." I replied, getting out some strawberries and washing them.

"Most common lie." Ji allowed a small smile to show.

"I had to put on a brave face." I shook my head.

"Insecurity?"

"A little bit." I made my answers more vague so he'd leave me alone, but it always works the opposite way.

"You and Antonio seem close."

"He's like a brother to me, I don't fancy him." I replied.

I heard the gates swing open.

"He's back?" I asked.

"No doubt. Go out there, Ashlynn." Ji confirmed, and I got my wings out and flew to where they were.

"You're back." I breathed out when I saw Jayden.

"Is that a bad thing?" He asked.

"No. The others went..." I trailed off.

"Somewhere, and Antonio went home."

"Might as well sit and talk while we're waiting."

"Good idea." We sat down at one of the benches in the training area.

"You okay?" I asked.

"Fine."

"Lie, tell me why you're not okay." I shook my head and waited.

"Deker wanted to duel me." I knew that wasn't the only thing that was bothering Jayden, but I didn't feel like pushing. It wasn't the right time.

"And Antonio jumped in." Jayden started again, his voice catching in his throat.

"You're tired of people saving you." I nodded. "You have something that is keeping you from being comfortable fighting with your fellow rangers."

"You can't tell anyone." He begged and turned to face me. "Please."

"I don't plan on it, unless I choose for blackmail, which I hardly ever do." I replied.

The rangers walked in with pizza.

"We wanted to make sure you're okay." Mia said.

"And we're going to chow down on some pizza while figuring out new nighlock strategies." Mike added.

"Would you like to join us?" Emily offered.

"I'd like to but Ranger Red isn't going to so I won't." I shrugged.

"Okay, your choice." Emily said.

"Nevermind, Jayden get your butt up, it's your choice and you are so taking this chance whether you like it or not." I ordered and pulled him up. Mike snickered. They obviously were eavesdropping.

"My choice... Hey wait, guys, I'll join you." Jayden said, and I rolled my eyes. "What?"

"I was just trying to get you to come. Don't go all Peter Pan on me." I giggled.

"What?" He asked, confused.

"You're lucky you're cute." I patted his shoulder. "Come on pretty boy; time for pizza."

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A/N URGENT

I will not be on wattpad through out the month of July, however I will still update. I have 5 extra chapters to write for July so if I don't update on one Saturday, the next will be a double whammy chapter! By the way, did anyone get the Peter Pan reference? Let me know in the comments, my loves!
-Sophie