Disclaimer: Goodness, not again!

Chapter 13 ~ Black and Blue

"You actually have the Red Ranger?" the Black Ranger asked in disbelief.

"Yes," Sphinxra said smugly, "and it was so easy. I want to thank you for wearing him out. He went out like a light."

He frowned, then turned and left. Sphinxra dismissed it as anger at her having succeeded where he failed.

*****

Bria lay on a table of some kind, wearily thinking how hopeless she was. Some Red Ranger she made. She snorted. Red Ranger indeed.

Looking around, Bria came to the conclusion that she was in Amenkotept's...lair? Hideout? Home?

One thing was for sure; it was definitely Amenkotept's. The room she was in was at least 6 stories high, with huge pillars reaching from ceiling to floor. Hieroglyphics covered the walls and pillars, both on which torches were mounted. She tried to call the flames to her, but quickly stopped when she felt her morph flicker. Amazingly, it still held, even after her being knocked out.

The room was very large, and at one end there was a small pool with water cascading straight down the wall. The firelight caught on the water, throwing shimmering flecks of light on the walls. At the other far end there was a large doorway, two stories high and about 20 feet wide.

As she tried to get up, Bria realized she was being held down by chains. When she lay back down, she caught sight of a sarcophagus leaning against a wall. The sight of it sent shivers down her back; the decorated person on the front held fire in its hands. The sarcophagus was hers.

She felt her morph flicker dangerously as she desperately tried to burn away the chains that held her. After a few minutes the chains still held, but her morph did not. It vanished, leaving her still chained to the table, dressed in street clothes; street clothes that obviously said she was female.

Suddenly footsteps approached. Bria gritted her teeth, waiting for their owner to enter. This could be trouble...and when they realized she was a girl...

The Black Ranger entered, his visor raised to show his eyes. Bria's eyes, a mellow gray, met his hazel ones. She was taken aback by what she saw. His eyes held so much expression, she didn't even need to see the rest of his face. They were a hazel-type color, a mixture of brilliant blue, chocolate brown, and shocking green. They told her he was confused, and buried underneath the confusion she saw a deep sadness, but ever deeper there was a playful and impish nature.  

He walked over to her, placing something on another table nearby. He raised his saber-staff, and Bria thought for a second that she had misread his emotions. He sliced downward, and Bria shut her eyes.

Nothing happened.

She opened her eyes to find him removing her chains. Still saying nothing, he helped her sit up.

"Thank you," she said softly.

He nodded, handing a bunch of grapes, a roll, and a goblet of water from the table next to them. "This will help."

His voice was different than before. It was no longer harsh and cruel, like when he was fighting, but deep, resonant, and pleasing to listen to.

As Bria ate, she felt her strength returning. "Why are you helping me...Aaron?"

He shrugged, not really knowing why he was helping her.

"Do you mind if I call you Aaron?"

He shook his head no. "I don't mind. Can you stand?"

"I think so."

Aaron helped her stand, then, seeing she could, walked off. "Come on."

Bria caught up to him. "Where are we going?"

He glanced at her. "I'm sending you home."

"But...Amenkotept...Sphinxra..."

"Who cares? They're all damned."

Bria looked at him steadily. "Come with me."

Aaron stared at her. "What? I can't."

"Why not? They don't care a whit about you, and you could seem to care less. Your father misses you, your mother probably too, your cousin..."

"Why? This is all I've ever known."

"Are you happy here? Do you really want to stay?"

He was silent.

"At least try. Please?"

Aaron was unable to answer, as he fell to the floor. Bria gasped, dropping to her knees beside him.

"Aaron?"

Then she heard a familiar, scorning laugh. "So...the Red Ranger is a girl. What valuable information. And he knew all along. Amenkotept will have his head. But until then..."

Sphinxra leveled the stunner at Bria. Bria glared, and Sphinxra's short skirt caught on fire. While Sphinxra was preoccupied with her skirt, Bria laid her head on Aaron's chest. He was still breathing. Good. Now how the hell were they going to get out?

In a moment of sheer desperation, Bria covered both herself and Aaron in flames. When Sphinxra looked up at last, ready to blast the brains out of Bria, she discovered they were gone.

*****

Jess and the others were in the living room. Kyle was pacing back and forth, Matt doing the same on the other side of the room. Josh was bouncing a ball violently off one wall, and Kalli was just sitting looking worried. Jess herself was leaning against the doorway, biting her nails to the quick.

What had happened to Bria?

They all glanced up as flames sprang up in the middle of the room. When they cleared, Bria knelt on the floor next to the Black Ranger. Everyone sprang to their feet.

But Bria didn't seem worried about him being there. In fact, she seemed more worried about him being unconscious than the danger he presented to her.

"Please," she begged, "please, wake up, come on..."

The Black Ranger didn't respond. In a sudden flash of black, he demorphed. Bria gasped as she looked at him. She had never seen him without his morph, and she was almost sorry she couldn't have seen him sooner. He had jet black hair and a piercing in his left ear, which sported a small silver hoop. He bore a rather stunning resemblance to Ryan. Bria let her eyes wander down his well-muscled torso before she caught herself. Mentally chiding herself, she reached a hand up to the Black Ranger's cheek.

"Wake up," she urged him. "Please."

He stirred slightly, but remained unconscious. Jess put a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't we put him in the medical bay?"

"You mean the basement," Josh corrected.

Jess glared. "No, the medical bay."

*****

Aaron opened his eyes, blinking rapidly. The last thing he remembered...that little witch! Sphinxra would pay for this. Sitting up, he realized he had no idea where he was. Quickly rising, he silently made his way to a stairwell, immediately bumping into someone coming down.

"Oh! Oh, it's only you. You scared me!" a voice spoke.

Aaron realized it was the Red Ranger. He sighed, running a hand through his wavy dark hair. "Where am I, and what am I doing here?"

She stepped around him, continuing her walk downstairs with the tray she held. "You were knocked out by Sphinxra while helping me. I brought you here, to the Ranger's medical bay...though technically it's only the basement of the house we share. I also brought you food," she continued, placing the tray on a table. He followed her back into the basement, frowning.

"So you could have just left at any time, without my help?"

"No. For one thing, the chains were fireproof. For another, I didn't know I could do that."

"Oh." Aaron sat back down on the bed, again running a hand through his hair. Bria watched him out of the corner of her eye. She didn't want to seem rude by staring, but...

Aaron looked at her, eyebrow raised. "Hungry?" Bria asked him. He shrugged. Picking up a plate and glass, she handed them to Aaron. Nodding his thanks, he dug in.

Bria looked over as Alpha entered. "Hello, Ranger."

She smiled softly. "Hello, Alpha." Aaron paused in his eating to stare. Bria chuckled. "This is Alpha."

"Hello, Alpha," Aaron said, somewhat warily.

"Hello, Ranger! Welcome!"

Just then Kalli walked in. "Good morning," she said cheerfully.

"Um, Kalli, it's like, 6 o'clock at night," Bria grinned.

"Fine then, have it your way," the petite said carelessly. Turning to Aaron, she asked, "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine."

"Good. No pain or headache?" Aaron shook his head. "You'll be fine, then."

"That's what I said."

Sighing, Kalli went back upstairs, muttering something that suspiciously sounded like a scornful "men". Bria chuckled.

"You know," she said to Aaron, "she was only helping. She's studying to become a doctor."

Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Oh."

Bria turned back to the computer console she was fixing, blowing a strand of two-toned hair out of her eyes. Sighing as she realized she needed another tool, she absent mindedly flicked her fingers behind her, the tool floating over to her from a counter across the room. She went back to the console, humming under her breath. After a few moments she realized Aaron was staring at her.

"What?" she asked, looking up.

"You just...I mean, the tool..."

"Oh, that. No biggie." She smiled at the look on his face. "My cousin can do it as well. You could, too, if you trained your mind enough."

He shook his head. Shrugging, she went back to the console.

"You know, I never got your name, Red."

She smiled. "Ambrianna. But you can call me Bria." She frowned at the console. "Alpha!" she complained loudly.

"Ai yi yi, what is it?" he asked, rushing over.

"I still can't get this."

Alpha looked at the console. "Connect this wire to that wire."

"Oh yeah! I forgot about that one..." She laughed a little. "And with my parentage, you'd think I'd know about this stuff."

Aaron looked at her curiously. "Why is that?"

"My dad was always good with this stuff. My mom learned quickly, too. She was a whiz at cars. I guess I'm the odd one out," she laughed. "Nothing new there."

He raised an eyebrow, changing the subject. "Why'd you dye your hair that way?"

"Pardon?"

"Your hair. What made you chose that style?"

She laughed again. "My hair isn't dyed. It's natural." He stared a moment.

"Natural?"

"Yes. My dad has the same hair, blonde on brown. Or brown on blonde. We never really figured out which it was."

"How is that natural?"

She shrugged, toying with the console. "It might have something to do with begin Karovian."

"Kar-what?"

"Karovian. My dad's from the planet KO-35 in the Karova system, so that makes him and me Karovian."

"Wait, you mean...you're aliens?" Aaron asked in disbelief.

Bria laughed. "Technically, yes. But as you're referring to it, no. I'm human, and so is my father. Not all humans are from Earth. My cousin, Jess, the Yellow Ranger, is Karovian too. She's actually full Karovian, while I'm only half. She lives on KO-35. I just go to visit."

Aaron just looked at her, then shook his head. "OK, obviously I am not up to date on a lot of things."

Bria smiled, gesturing with the tool in her hand. "I wouldn't worry about it. You'll catch up fine. Speaking of which..." She paused for a moment. "Are you, um, going to go talk to your father?"

He shrugged. "Why? It's not like I've known him or anything. I can barely remember him."

Bria stared at him, putting down the tool she was holding. "Because he's your father and he misses you to death."

Aaron stared at his hands for a few moments before tiredly burying his face in them. "I just don't know," came the muffled response.

She shrugged. "Well, it's up to you, and you're always welcome to stay here...but if it's any consolation, he does miss you. Very much so." She took his plate and glass, placing them on the tray, and then took it upstairs.

As she walked into the kitchen, everyone turned to look at her. "What?" she asked. "Why are you all in here?" She walked over to the sink, rinsing out the glass, then putting the plate and glass in the dishwasher.

"Just talking and eating," Matt replied.

"Let me guess. You were chatting about our guest?" There were six identical nods. Bria rolled her eyes. "You guys..."

"Why is he here?" Josh asked straight out. Bria glared.

"Because he's welcome here. He's a Ranger, which means he's welcome. We all agreed on that when we moved in; any Ranger was welcome."

"This isn't a regular Ranger, Bria. He's evil," Kyle protested.

"And how would you know? I suppose you've talked with him about it?" Sighing, Bria put the tray away. "Look, guys, he is not evil. He's just...confused." She heard unbelieving snorts behind her. Turning, she leaned back against the counter. "I realize that you all don't exactly trust him. But I do. I know...I know he's not evil. He's just been misguided. Couldn't we at least give him a chance?"

The were reluctant mutters of agreement. Kyle looked steadily at Bria. "All right. We give him a chance. But one mess up, Bria, and I swear, I will--"

"Yes, Kyle. I get the picture, thanks. I'm not his keeper, you know. He'll be fine, though." She glanced at them all. "Happy now?" One by one they meandered out of the kitchen, leaving Bria to her thoughts. She had defended Aaron whole-heartedly, but secretly, she didn't know how wise she had been.

Sighing, she jumped up on the counter, swinging her legs inattentively. Kyle was worried, she could understand that, but she wasn't responsible for Aaron. Well, now she supposed she was. Absently playing with one dual-colored lock of hair, she realized they still didn't know who he was. Maybe after they did, they would trust him more...but it wasn't her information to tell.

"Having fun?" came a voice. Bria turned to see Aaron.

"Not really, no."

He walked over, leaning on the counter next to her. "You look worried."

She forced a laugh. "I'm always worried, Aaron."

"I assume you haven't told them yet?"

Bria shook her head. "No. It's not mine to tell. If you want to tell them, go right ahead. Otherwise they'll probably just refer to you as 'that guy'."

Chuckling slightly, he looked at her. "Introduce me?"

"Sure." Jumping down, she led him into the living room, where a very interesting game of pool was going on.

"You blocked my shot, you cheater," Jess protested violently.

"Did not," Josh shot back. "It's not my fault if you can't shoot."

"Why, you little..." She zapped him with a mini lightning bolt.

"Ouch! Hey, watch it!" Josh dove across the pool table at Jess, who dodged out of the way.

Matt laughed. "Here," he said, grinning. With a quick gesture, the plant on the table nearby wrapped its vines around Jess.

Bria laughed. "Two against one? Not fair!" She lit up a ball of fire, burning away the vines.

"Bria," Matt shouted, "that hurts!"

"What?"

"You burned me!"

"No I didn't, I burned the plant. It was strangling Jess."

"And I felt the burn! Look at my hand," Matt complained. His hand had red burn marks.

"Sorry Matt...it's your own fault though."

Kalli, sighing, walked over to Matt. "Give me your hands." She took them, closing her eyes. A pink haze glittered around her hands, and when she moved away from Matt his hands were healed.

Josh whistled innocently as everyone turned to glare at him. "What? I didn't do anything. It was all Jess."

"Oh no," said Kalli, "we are not starting that again."

Bria grinned. "Yes, Mom." Turning to Aaron, she apologized. "Life is always a little crazy around here."

He smiled. "I'm used to that."

Bria turned to everyone. "Time for introductions. This is Kalli, as you know, Pink Ranger, soon-to-be-doctor, and mother of the team. She's always watching over us. This is Jess, my cousin, Yellow Ranger, and best friend."

Turning, Bria introduced the guys. "This is Matt, Green Ranger, soon-to-be-teacher, and Josh's accomplice in crime. This is Josh, Blue Ranger, surfer galore, and mischief maker."

"Dude, I resent that," Josh protested.

"Whatever Josh. And this is Kyle, Silver Ranger and long-time friend."

Aaron's eyes bore a hole through Kyle. Kyle glared back without hesitation. It was obvious the two hated each other, and Bria sighed. Aaron's eyes finally flicked away from Kyle carelessly, falling on Josh.

"So you're Josh...Josh Grayson?"

Josh nodded. "Yeah."

Aaron studied him for a few moments, until Jess spoke up. "Do we get an introduction?"

Bria glanced at Aaron. "Fair question."

He nodded. "Nice to meet you all," he said smoothly, his glance flicking to Kyle for a second before looking back at the others. "The name's Aaron."

Josh raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

Aaron gave a small grin. "Yes. My name's Aaron Mitchell."

At this Josh almost fell over. "Aaron?" he asked incredulously. Aaron nodded. Grinning, Josh grabbed his cousin in a rough hug. "I can't believe it!" After a moment, Aaron hugged Josh back. "Is it really you?" Josh asked, looking Aaron over.

"It's me."

"We all thought you were dead, bro! We had no idea...wait 'til everyone finds out about this...they'll be so thrilled!" Josh grinned again.

Aaron looked at him. "They will?"

Josh nodded. "Of course, dude. We looked all over for you. I was really young, I'll grant you that, but I know how hard we searched, and nothing. Absolutely nothing. Uncle Ryan is going to be so thrilled."

"My father?"

"Yeah. He's been...different since you went missing. What happened to you? How did you end up with Sphinxra and Amenkotept?"

Aaron sighed, shrugging. "I don't really remember anything before I was seven. It's all sort of a blur. All I can remember is being raised by Amenkotept."

"Man, it is so good to see you."

Aaron smiled. "Thanks. It's not so bad seeing you, either."

Everyone watched this exchange happily. Bria suspected Kalli of wiping away a tear. Grinning, she walked up to the two cousins. "Not to interrupt the family reunions or anything, but...Aaron, might you want to call your father?"

Aaron sighed deeply. "Now or never, I guess."

Bria led him to the phone, dialing Ryan's phone number. She handed the phone to Aaron as it began to ring. "Good luck," she smiled. As she walked out, she heard Aaron hesitantly ask for his father.

She collapsed on the couch in the living room, smiling contentedly. It wasn't until a few moments later that she realized everyone was staring at her. "What now?"

Josh mock glared at her. "You knew about my cousin the whole time. You're going to have to pay."

Bria eyes widened. "No, Josh, seriously, don't, I mean--" She cut herself off with a yelp as she jumped up, racing from the room as Josh came after her.