Legacy Rangers (Book Two of the Chosen Universe)

Chapter Five

THORN

It was hard to focus sometimes. Thorn was grateful for the one thing he had that was truly his. "What's got you so down?" Caleb asked with concern.

"I miss Sage," Thorn replied quickly. That was the easiest response. He hadn't told Caleb everything, of course, but he had explained his sister was on a vision quest and might not be back for a long time.

"She'll be okay, Thorn," Caleb said. He pulled him closer and held him. Thorn lost himself in his boyfriend's embrace for a few blessed moments.

"I love you," Thorn whispered.

"I love you, too," Caleb replied.

Thorn wished he could stay there forever. Caleb made him happy, and right now, the only time Thorn could relax was when they were together. They'd been together for almost a year. At first, Thorn had been too afraid to tell anyone except for Sage, but he'd quickly realized his parents were fine with it. They just wanted him to be happy. Other than them, Thorn had only told Katie and Kenny. He was nervous that anyone else would judge him. Besides, it was nice having something that was just his. No one else needed to know unless he and Caleb wanted to tell them.

He kissed Caleb before letting out a sigh. "I have to get home. I'm supposed to make dinner tonight," he said. He paused before adding, "Do you want to come over?"

"I'd love to," Caleb said. "And I'll help you cook."

"You really are perfect," Thorn said with a laugh.

They headed toward his house together and Thorn was relieved they didn't have to split up yet. With all of the stress he was under, he needed this time with Caleb to keep him sane.

RITA

She was sick of watching everything from the sidelines. "How sweet," she said bitterly. In all honesty, she was jealous of the pure love she'd just caught a glimpse of. She would never have that. It served her right for falling for a monster.

"Zeddy... Were we ever that sickeningly cute?" She asked.

"I certainly hope not," Zedd replied.

She watched as the Black Ranger subtly brushed his hand against the other boy's. The boy smiled in response. "I'll see them destroyed," Rita vowed. Why should they get to be so happy when she was so miserable?

"Our daughter could do it."

"No... This job is for someone special... Angeline has bigger things to worry about. "

"Who are you thinking of?"

"My secret weapon, Zeddy. She'll be mine again soon."

"Unlikely. She's one of them."

"You don't see what I see... Things are falling apart for her. She'll come to us soon, Zeddy. I know it!"

"I hope you're right. We could certainly use the help."

She touched her mirror. "Show me Angeline!" She commanded.

Her daughter appeared. She sat in her secret room practicing magic. Rita beamed with pride. Angeline might be the one truly wonderful thing that had come out of her marriage. Sure, they had other children, but none made her proud like their gifted daughter. She was their last hope. Everything was riding on her ability to save them from this hellish existence.

KATIE

Finding the Turbo Falconzord had been easy. Taming it was more difficult. The Zord was incredibly quick and did not want to be bothered.