Mommy Dearest- JF/MMPR

[solarbaby]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii207/solarbaby614/Banners/red_0001.jpg

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Tara

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 1,309

Summary: Casey’s mother comes for a visit.

Spoilers: For A Taste of Poison.

Notes: The idea for this basically came from when Theo had said, ‘Casey already has one mommy. He doesn’t need two.’ That combined with the thought, ‘Boy, he really bounced back fast from that poison he was injected with. Hmm…’. Plus, I thought that Casey could fight extremely well for someone who had been at the Pai Zhuq Academy for only one week. After two tossed drafts and three different ideas, this is what appeared. I’m not sure about the characterization for Casey’s mother in this, I didn’t really remember that much about her.

This is dedicated to my co-workers, who didn’t call me an idiot (to my face) when I said that our manager was our Zordon and even kinda looked like him. Also to my manager (the theater’s large, bald, head in a tube) and my supervisor (who, though he denied it feverously, is our red ranger). This is the same group who didn’t laugh at me while I took several of my breaks (all 15 minutes of it) to work on this story.

Though I do think that they laugh about me watching power rangers behind my back. Oh well, ignorance is bliss.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Chapter 1

“A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”
-Agatha Christie

Casey knew something was wrong the moment he entered the loft. The air around him crackled with a dark power giving him pause. From behind him there came a rustling sound and recognized who it was immediately.

“Hello Mother.”

He turned and watched as she lifted herself off of RJ’s chair. His mentor would have thrown a fit he ever found out that someone had been in his chair, especially if he found out who it was. She was silent as she reached his side. It occurred to him then that his mother hadn’t even been trying to hide herself.

“You know I could have easily been one of the others.”

She smirked. “I guess they would have been in for quite a surprise, wouldn’t they?”

Casey sighed and then shook his head, chuckling. “Mom, what am I going to do with you?”

Scorpina placed her hands on her hips, the assassin giving her son a stern look. “You can start by explaining what exactly it is that you think you’re doing here.”

“I would think that it’s obvious.” He replied. Thank god he had declined that invitation to go out and eat with the others, something about team bonding Lily had said. Arriving back here to with the others to find his mother stretched out on RJ’s chair would have brought some questions that he wasn’t sure he would have been able to answer.

“Becoming a power ranger! Have you completely taken leave your senses?!” Scorpina looked furious. “When your sister told me, I couldn’t even believe it. To think that my only son was going against everything that I had ever taught him was inconceivable.”

Casey looked as though he wanted to say something, but the look on his mother’s face warned him that it would be for the best to wait her rant out.

“First Astronema became Karone, then your Empress Rita went off and became Mystic Mother, now you… Who else is going to go and become good?!” She spat out the word as if it was something vial. “And you not only became good, but a ranger as well!”

“I can’t believe that Sorani told you.”

“What?”

“Sorani?” Casey repeated. “That was who had told you, right? I knew I shouldn’t have said anything to her. She couldn’t keep a secret if her life depended on it”

Scorpina shook her head, shooting him an incredulous look. “No, it wasn’t your little sister. It was Dallina.” A dark look crossed her face as Casey schooled his face from shock to indifference. “Are you telling me that Sorani knew of this madness as well?”

“…no.” He was well aware of how insincere that sounded. But he was still trying to process what she had told him. Dallina told her? His big sister was usually the only person that he could trust to keep a secret. She must have been really worried if she had gone to his mother. To face Scorpina with this information was almost suicidal.

“I’ll have a talk with her when we return home.” Scorpina bit out through clinched teeth. “I blame it on your father! It was his human blood in you that put this concept into your head!” The air got heavier as her anger grew and her hands flew through the hair as she tried to make her point. “I didn’t say anything when you decided to go to that human training academy, did I? No. I was content with the fact that you were finally taking an interest in expanding your fighting abilities, even if it was from that Mao human.”

“Dad was human.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. Casey flinched as he realized just what he had said. His mother’s hate for humans, his father especially, was legendary.

“And you saw how well that worked out for him.” She sneered, hatred for her once mate staining her face. “Your father was human and it was the reason he fell was weakness. Because he was weak.” He barely stopped himself from flinching once again at the murderous look on her face. Luckily, Casey managed to keep his face schooled to indifference. If she even began to believe that he was becoming that… that… weak, things would become even worse. “You are not human. You are better.”

A hand with a set of very wicked looking fingernails waved too close to his face for comfort. He was very aware of just how much poison was hidden in those nails and, while it wouldn’t kill him, one accidental nick would hurt like hell. It was probably his immunity to the venom that killed off whatever amount Stingerella had injected him with fairly quickly, now that he thought about it.

When she saw Casey take a cautious step back, Scorpina realized that her normally unflappable self had been sent into a towering rage. Her children were the only things that could ever get under her skin like this. Erratic breathing slowed down and the air lightened considerable.

Moments passed as Casey let out a breath he didn’t realize that he was holding. He gave her time to calm down before he spoke again. “You don’t get it mom. I’m happy here.”

She stared, disbelieving.

“I am, really. I have friends and a life and, while you may not understand this, I do like being good.” He continued.

Scorpina looked at her son, really looked at him for the first time since she arrived. Despite the misgivings she had, he did seem content where he was. That was more than she could say about back home. There he had seemed restless, always getting into trouble. She gave a defeated sigh and reached up to brush a hand through his hair. “This is just a phase, Casey. You’ll grow out of it eventually.”

“Mom…” His words were stopped as she placed her hand over his mouth.

“I won’t force you home, though it was my original intention in coming here.” She said, surprising her son. “Just as long as you come back when you’ve worked…” Her words trailed off as she picked the next ones carefully, “whatever this is out of your system.” A small smile crossed her face, before it turned deadly serious. “Do you really think that they’ll accept you when they find out?”

“They’re not going to find out.” He snapped back.

Ah, young naivety. “You know they will. What will happen when your nature gets the best of you? Or maybe it’ll be something as simple as you finding yourself under ultraviolet light at some point in time? How will you explain away the fact that your skin glows to them?”

“This is new day, mom.” Casey’s voice was almost pleading. “We were in that stone for god knows how many thousands of years. This world is not like it used to be. The old ways are gone now.”

Her eyes were hard and cold as ice. Painful memories of the past washed over her. “Human’s don’t change, Casey. They never will.”

“My friends are different.”

“I thought your father was different as well. You were far too young to remember, but he was the one called Straga out on us. We became hunted and slaughtered. He, himself, killed my sister, your aunt.” Scorpina’s gaze softened when she looked at him. “You look like him, you know.”

“And Sorani and Dallina are your spitting image. But you can’t condemn all of human kind because of what our father did.”

She shook her head at him. “Watch me.” This was getting them nowhere. “You are young still, yet. I just pray you won’t find out that you were wrong the hard way.” Scorpina brushed his cheek one more time before backing away.

“Mom--.”

“I’ll be watching.”

Then, in a flash, she was gone.

[DarkStarShadow]

Hey you! I've seen you over at PRU, and I really haven't picked up on this fic yet. I'm gonna go read it over there and catch up, because I'm really enjoying it. ^__^.

[Anubis-Reborn]

a most interesting fic...i'll be keeping an eye on you

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Solarbaby

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 742

Summary: Scorpina schemes to get her son back.

Spoilers: None.

Notes: Sadly, you don’t actually see any Casey in this chapter. I wasn’t going to update until I had more to the chapter, but I wasn’t sure when that was going to be.

There’s also a little bonus fic at the end of the chapter. It’s a double drabble. You can think GinaStar at fanfiction.net for this one. She gave me the idea. But drabble fic is not part of Mommy Dearest. An AU of my AU? The only thing that might be considered spoileristic for future chapters is the characterization for Casey’s sisters.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Chapter 2

It was a shift in the air currents that alerted Camille to the presence in the room. Her head snapped up and she glared at the column. “I know you’re there.”

There was a sound of laughter before a figure stepped out from behind it. “It’s been a while.”

Camille froze as she recognized the female. “Scorpina.” The name sent a chill through her bones.

“Camille, what’s it been? Thirty-forty thousand years?”

She wasn’t fooled by the warmth she detected in Scorpina’s voice. It was fake. “I thought that you weren’t ever returning to earth? Especially after what happened to Rita. You two used to be friends as I recall.”

There was an icy silence between the two for a few moments where Scorpina just watched Camille. She held the woman’s gaze until Camille looked away, uncomfortably.

“I have some business here.” Scorpina glanced around the room. Gray and drab. This gave her a pause as she realized that it was bothering her. Spending so much time with her youngest daughter must have been affecting her more than she realized. Sorani was the most colorful, if somewhat obnoxious of the triplets. Shaking it off, she immediately zeroed in on the raised throne. “Interesting.” Her fingers traced over the intricately designed metal. “Is this yours?” Somehow she doubted it.

“No.” She eyed the hybrid, who seemed content in examining the chair for the moment. “It belongs to Dai Shi.”

“Ahh…” Scorpina smirked. “I should have known. Still following the man around like a baby Charna I see.” She watched for a reaction and slipped onto the throne.

Camille bristled. “I am Dai Shi’s most favored.”

“Of course. My apologies.” She mocked as she shifted around in the seat, frowning. “Not the most comfortable of chairs, is it?”

“May I enquire to your business here?” Camille asked her.

“I’m just visiting.”

“I was not aware Dai Shi was expecting anyone, much less you.”

“He’s not.” She waved off Camille’s curious look. “I didn’t originally come to earth to see him.”

“Then who--.”

Her question was cut off as the doors flew open and an angry man stomped into the room. “What is the meaning of this?” He growled out at Camille. “Who dares--.” Dai Shi turned to look at the woman who had dared to sit on his throne and stopped short. “Scorpina.”

“Dai Shi.” Scorpina greated the lion, taking in his new form. “What poor boy did you possess this time?”

“That is none of your business.”

Scorpina gave a disinterested look, leaning back. “You’re right.” A few more moments were taken as she tried to get comfortable. It was a foolhardy attempt, however. The chair didn’t seem to be cushioned at all. “How do you take this thing? It’s as hard as a rock?”

Dai Shi ignored her questions. “What is your business here?”

“Someone’s a little touchy. A little too long in that chest, maybe?” Scorpina smirked as he growled at her. Baiting him was far too easy.

Camille stepped up, trying to defuse the situation before it got too far. “My Lord, Scorpina came to Earth to visit.”

“Really?” That seemed to perk his interest. “Just who is it that you know on earth? Last I heard, your hate for humans killed any acquaintances you once had here.”

“Well, that and the fact that a few dozens of thousands of years tends to kill them off. Humans have such pathetically short life spans.” Scorpina just smirked and leaned forward. “Though they do have their uses, which brings me as to why I came here. I want to offer my assistance.”

This started them both. They had worked with Scorpina only once before and the result had been bloody and glorious. A true work of art. It was Dai Shi who was the first to recover. “And what is it that you’d want in return?” He knew for a fact that she’d never do anything for someone else, unless there was something in it for herself.

She merely shrugged and stood up, her metal armor glinting in the light. “I just want something that I lost returned to me.” Scorpina approached the two, becoming aware of just how tall Dai Shi’s current host was. It was bad enough that her son made her feel short; she didn’t need it from this…this… poltergeist, as well.

“And what’ve lost that is so important?”

Scorpina turned and glanced at Camille. “My son.”

oOoOoOoOo

I repeat this again: This double drabble is not a part of Mommy Dearest. Just an idea that was placed before me.

This is dedicated to GinaStar.


Mommy’s Dearest

Casey wasn’t sure what disturbed him more, the fact that his mother was dating or the fact that his mother, one of the most bloodthirsty and dangerous creatures in the universe, was dating RJ.

Though he wasn’t taking it as hard as some of them were.

Theo had been treating the whole episode like it was a joke or a bad dream he wasn’t waking up from. But when it came down to it that wasn’t all that surprising; Theo hadn’t made it any secret at all that he didn’t like Scorpina.

Lilly said that it didn’t bother her at all, but he was sure that it made her kind of uncomfortable.

Fran was completely clueless to tension in the group, but she didn’t really know his mother and had become surprisingly good friends with Sorani.

Dallina hadn’t taken it as hard as he would have first believed. She just seemed happy that mom was happy.

And Sorani had embraced the whole thing with a very Sorani-like attitude, merely smiling sadistically and muttering something about how scorpions tended to eat their mates to RJ.

In the end, though he only had one thing to say.

“Are you my new daddy?”

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Tara

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 687

Summary: What is the true nature of the beast?

Spoilers: None.


oOoOoOoOoOoOo

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii207/solarbaby614/Banners/47.jpg

Chapter 3

Hush now baby, baby, don’t you cry.
Mother’s gonna make all your nightmares come true.
Mother’s gonna put all her fears into you.”
-Pink Floyd


There was blood everywhere. It was on the walls, seats, and even the floor was soaked with it. A squishy sound was made as he padded barefoot across the floor, tracking it down the stairs. He was just as bloodied as his surroundings, having it caked in his hair, on his face, soaking into his clothes with every step he would take. Almost none of it was his own.

He looked down at the body lying in his path as he reached the bottom of the stair. The once blue shirt was now an obnoxious shade of purple in most places, stained by blood. He leaned down on his hunches and tisked at the once proud jaguar. Pulling himself to his feet, he unceremoniously kicked the body out of the way.

Continuing his decent into the room, a noise caught his attention.

His grip tightened on the curved set of blades in his hands. Smirking, he called out, “I know that you’re here. Why don’t you come out and play?” He closed his eyes and listened. Ah, there it was. The faint sound of breathing came from his left. His pray had been spotted.

Not even trying to be quiet, he approached the corner. Leaning against the wall, bloody and clearly warn out, the man had his eyes clinched tightly shut.

“Oh, how the mighty have fallen.” He was slightly disappointed that he wouldn’t get more of a fight from this prey.

The man gave a jerk and his eye’s snapped open, panicky. Gasping breaths, he seemed to push himself further against the wall. “Ca… Casey. Why?”

Casey laughed and sat down on his knees. “Come on, RJ, this has been a long time coming. Every clue I gave. Every time I tried to make you see. Didn’t any of this give you clue to the fact that something was clearly wrong?” He leaned forward till he was literally a breath away from him. His eyes were glinting gold and RJ flinched away. “I am what I was always meant to be. My mother’s son.”

“Casey…” RJ’s voice was quiet. “But why? Lily… Theo… god, even Fran…”

“Why not? They were in my way.” He gave a nonchalant shrug.

“They were your friends. I was your friend.”

“Friends are a waste. A weakness. And I refuse to ever be weak again.” He leaned in and licked away a fresh stray line of blood that was traveling down RJ’s cheek. Casey’s breath brushed against his ear as he whispered, “Goodbye, RJ.”

And he buried the blades into RJ’s gut.

oOoOoOoOo

“NO!” Casey jarred awake as he hit the floor gasping, his blankets still tangles around his legs. Above him, his hammock swung innocently. “Oh god!”

“Casey?”

He looked up to see Lily’s worried face hovering above him.

“Shhh…” Casey hugged the young woman closer as she continued to cry. “It’s going to be alright, Lil.”

“But Fran… Who could do such a thing?” She buried herself further into his embrace, taking the comfort he was so freely giving.

“Don’t worry, the pain’s going to stop soon.” Then with one quick slash, his blade crossed her throat. Casey stood up, dumping the body to the floor and giving a stretch. He leaned down, quickly wiping the blade off on her yellow shirt and moved to go wash his hands.

“Casey, what’s wrong?” Lily reached down to place a hand on his shoulder, only to have him flinch away. “Casey?”

He could barely breathe. The feeling was still there. The blood was all over him. On his hands, his face, he could even feel weighing down his clothes. He looked up to see her reaching toward him once again. Casey shot out of her reach and flew into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.

“Casey!” Her voice was muffled through the door. “RJ! Theo!”

“What?!”

There was a conversation of voices outside the door, but he didn’t care. Casey slid down to the floor and buried his face in his hands. His mother’s voice echoed inside of his head.

“What will happen when your nature gets the best of you?”

[DarkStarShadow]

I love this chapter. I could see everything through Casey's eyes, and it was pretty terrifying. I'm starting to think I've got blood all over me...@__@. I think I need a shower now.

[Ranger of Oz]

I'll admit i, i never considered it. But you're aguments do makes sense. Awesome work.

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Tara

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 1237

Summary: Scorpina thinks and Casey panics.

Spoilers: None.

Notes: The chapter’s longer, as promised.

There was some question regarding Casey’s age in this fic. He is 18. I kind of figured that stone must have been like some sort of stasis where they had slept for a couple thousand of years. Otherwise it must have been very boring.

Thanks to Lita for betaing this, cause’ my grammar sucks! You rule!

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii207/solarbaby614/Banners/58.jpg


Chapter 4


“So you don’t think that I’m crazy for wanting to go to a human academy.”

“Oh no, I think that you’re delusional. However, Mom did say that I could have your room after you leave.”

“Thanks. Your faith in me is priceless.”

“Hey, you’re not the one who has had to share a refresher with Dallina for the past eight years.”

-Casey and Sorani, three months before he started at the academy



Scorpina hated times like this, when everything was quiet, peaceful. She reached up and touched one of the delicate flowers that hung from the vine beside her. At her touch, the flower closed up and receded back toward the vine. It was obviously alien in origin and seemed familiar to her. If she thought on it harder, she might have been able to place where she had seen it before. But she didn’t particularly care.

There was nothing to do but wait. It was these times that there was nothing to do but think and she hated that. Thinking caused thoughts unwanted, unbidden to enter her mind. It gave her time to second guess herself.

That was why she preferred living a fast paced life. One where she barely had time to breathe much less anything else. Even when her children were small, they caused enough chaos and havoc for her to move at that speed.

But why was she second guessing herself now? Of all the times? She knew what she was doing, which was what she had always done. She was protecting her child. Still so young, there was no way he could know what he was getting himself into. Humans were nothing but a nuisance. Sometimes useful nuisances but nuisances none the less. All they caused were pain and degradation, and they were nothing but shallow and manipulative creatures. Their father was the best example.

Just thinking of the man sent the flames of rage coursing through her veins. Who knew that one who could look so innocent would be so full of treachery? And Casey seemed to be falling into the same trap that she did. But she would be damned is she would let that happen to him. Any and all thoughts of second guessing herself were gone.

Scorpina stood and headed back inside. It was time to see what was taking Camille so long.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“I’m worried about Casey.”

“I’m sure that he’s fine.”

“That’s not true and you know it, RJ. He’s barely eating, he’s not sleeping, he’s preoccupied and he’s been so jumpy.”

“Has he been that bad?”

“Yesterday, Fran touched his arm and he jerked away so hard that he fell to the floor, knocking over a table and two chairs.”

“I see. I’ll talk to him.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

The knife glared menacingly in the light. It seemed to almost shine with an inner light as it moved through the air, slicing through its prey with practiced eased. Casey felt a panicked shiver travel up his spine as he watched the juices drip off while the hold paused in her ministrations. “Casey,” she greeted pleasantly.

He looked up to see her smiling face and pushed the panic back down. “Hey, Fran.” Casey tried to give a smile but he wasn’t sure how well it came off. The look she sent him clued him into the fact it didn’t really work.

“You okay?” She sat the knife down beside the peppers and wiped her hands off.

“Yeah. Fine.”

She shot him a look that told him that she didn’t’ believe a word of that. He just shrugged it off and tried for another grin. This one must have worked better because she seemed to relax some. “Well, I’m glad you’re here. I need your help.”

“Sure.”

“I need you to finish chopping these while I get the last of the dishes.” She gestured toward the counter.

Casey glanced at the knife quickly. “Not a problem, Fran.”

“Thanks. We need them done before the next rush.” Fran picked up the knife from the counter and held it out for him.

He gripped the handle when an image flashed through his mind:

It sung through the air, stopping the terrified scream before it came out. Blood splattered on the floor and the counter, staining the uncovered food. There was a grim sense of satisfaction as the body hit the ground. He stuck the knife back in the block and headed for the door.

Casey ignored Fran’s lifeless open eyes as he pushed the body out of the way; there were still some customers left to serve.

“No!” Casey let go of the knife and snatched his hand back as if it had been burnt. It fell to the floor and slid off toward the refrigerator.

Fran had a startled look on her face. “Huh?”

“I can’t.” He was aware that at this point he was shaking; his eyes were still on the knife. Bile began to make its way up his throat. “I’m sorry, Fran. I just can’t.” Casey backed away, glancing up at her for the first time since the flash. She took a step for him and that was all it took.

He took off like a bat out of hell.

“Casey!”

The red ranger ignored Fran’s pleas and RJ’s startled face as he shot passed him up the stairs.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“I can’t do this.” Casey leaned against the wall, trying extremely hard not to hyperventilate. He thought it was over, but that nightmare was everywhere he turned. Maybe his mother was right, caring for humans caused you nothing but heartache. He wasn’t scared of a lot of things, being his mother’s son. But right now he was afraid of himself. Casey heard the balcony door open and someone step out.

“You alright?”

He looked up from where he had his head buried in his arms. “I’m fine,” Casey lied.

The jaguar shook his head, he wasn’t stupid. His friend was lying through his teeth. If the tiger wasn’t so completely obvious, his current state would have given away the fact that all was not well. “Casey, seriously what has gotten into you?” There was silence for a few moments and Theo had to wonder if he was even going to get an answer.

“Theo, I need you to promise me something,” Casey turned to his friend, deadly serious.

“Um, okay. What’s going on?” Theo sat down beside him; his worry was steadily getting worse.

“Have you ever wondered what would happen if you turned?”

The worry immediately transformed into full blown panic. “Casey, where is this coming from?”

“I want you to promise me that if something happens to me, that if I ever turn, you’ll stop me,” Casey asked of him. He could still feel the blood; it was as if he was drenched in it. There was no way he was ever going to let that happen.

Theo rolled his eyes, trying to wave away the worry. “You’re not going to turn. What’s been going on with you?”

“Just promise me.”

“Fine, I promise.”

“You are the only one I can trust to do this.”

A weird look crossed his face. “If something like that ever happens, which it won’t, we’ll all be there.”

Casey sighed and leaned back against the wall, shaking his head. “You don’t understand me Theo. If I ever turn, if I ever become like that, I don’t want you to try and save me.”

He sent the cub a confused look. “Then what do you want us to do? Just leave you?”

It was Casey’s turn to look confused. “No. Of course not.” It wasn’t like Theo to be this dense.

“Then what?” Theo asked, exasperated. The young tiger’s next words were curt and to the point, and the effect they had on the blue ranger was instantaneous.

“I’m asking you to kill me, Theo.”

[Anubis-Reborn]

oh i love it, see its sad that our fic writers here at RB are more creative than the people writing the show lol

[Kaheraji]

O_O!

I just came across this fic by chance, and I am just loving it!

Awesome job.

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Tara

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 1510

Summary: Enter the sisters.

Spoilers: None.

Notes: This was originally a lot longer. I was eight pages into it before I realized that I hadn’t even got into the major point of the chapter. So I decided to divide it into two different chapters. This isn’t as dark as the previous chapters, but you’ll be seeing evil!Casey again in a few chapters.

I made a new vid for Mommy Dearest! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S3en2Uz22U)

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Chapter 5

Our siblings push buttons that cast us in roles we felt sure we had let go of long ago - the baby, the peacekeeper, the caretaker, the avoider.... It doesn't seem to matter how much time has elapsed or how far we've traveled.

~Jane Mersky Leder

“One step, two step, three step, four. Five step, six step, boom, no more.” A giggling voice traveled down the hall, startling the squad of Rinshis making their way to the throne room. They turned to see what was making the ruckus.

Down the hall a girl, no more than 18, was literally skipping, bouncing to the tune that seemed to be playing in her head. Her black hair caught in the light and they were able to see a mixture of silver and gold beads trace a path it. She caught sight of them and slowed down to a stop, blinking. There was a pregnant pause as they stared at each other.

“What is going on out here?!”

Both the Rinshis and the female turned to see Camille standing the doorway to the throne room. The chameleon looked at the woman. “Who are you?”

The woman just shrugged and turned to head back down the hall. However, she only got about four steps before she felt someone grab her shoulder and jerk her around. As she spun, the woman’s leg shot out and caught her attacker in the stomach.

Camille rolled back to her feet and morphed without a second thought. Still, she barely dodged away in time to avoid having her head sliced off with a fairly deadly looking sword. Sliding back on the defense, the sword came at her again. Slice, attack, block. The moves went on for what seemed like hours. By that time, Camille had the feeling that the woman was just playing with her.

Time seemed to slow down for a moment, and Camille felt her feet fly out from under her. As she hit the floor, the tip of the sword was placed at her throat. It moved away from her for a moment and Camille looked up to see it rise up, ready to lop off her head. Her throat caught as the woman smiled.

“Okay, that is enough!”

The sword stopped mid-swing. Both the woman and Camille glanced up to see an angry Dai Shi and an amused Scorpina watching them.

Scorpina smiled at the woman. “Sorani, let her up.”

Much to both Camille and Dai Shi’s surprise, the woman stepped back, pouting. Camille scrambled to her feet.

“Is there one particular reason why you nearly killed her?” Scorpina asked.

Sorani merely looked thoughtful.

Dai Shi, however, wasn’t nearly as silent with his thoughts. “You know her?!”

Scorpina’s expression was that of false surprise. “Of course. I don’t think that you’ve been properly introduced, though.” She walked to Sorani’s side and pulled her forward. A smirk crossed both of their faces as Camille flinched back. “Dai Shi, Camille, meet Sorani. My daughter.”

“Your daughter! I thought you had a son!” Camille exclaimed, wiping some of the blood from her face.

“I do, as well as two daughters.” She glanced back at Sorani, who had been watching this exchange with a look of vague amusement. “I do believe, however, that you were about to explain your actions.”

Sorani glared at her mother.

“Well…”

Seemingly in a huff, Sorani threw a hand to her hip and gestured to the chameleon with the other. “She invaded my personal bubble!”

The hall was silent for a moment before Dai Shi let out a booming laugh. The two turned to see Dai Shi laughing his ass off with Camille shooting him glares from the one eye that wasn’t twitching.

Scorpina merely rolled her eyes and turned back to her daughter. “So where is your sister?”

oOoOoOoOoOo

“Lily, I need that Cub Special, like, yesterday.” Casey poked his head back into the kitchen to see the yellow ranger running around, trying to make three pizzas at once.

Lily frowned at him. “I’m going as fast as I can.” She was happy to see her friend in better spirits then he had been in the past few weeks. He still seemed a little jumpy, but he seemed to be getting back to normal. She didn’t know what Theo had said to him, both had been mysteriously silent about it, but it apparently worked.

“Thanks!” He slid back into the parlor, just avoiding crashing into Theo. “Sorry.”

Theo sent him a weird look, the same one he had been giving him for the past week, but nodded all the same.

Casey shook his head as Theo headed into the kitchen. He grabbed one of the pizzas off the counter and headed toward its table.

“You’re an idiot.”

He froze at the voice from behind him. It was one he hadn’t heard in months. “Oh god.” Casey tossed the pizza onto a table and spun around, only to find the voices owner right in his face. Even though he towered over her by about four inches, he still stumbled back a step. “Dallina?!”

Her glare intensified. “I mean really, Casey. Of all the dumbass stunts I have ever seen you pull before this one has to take the cake.”

The two were starting to attract attention now. Casey grabbed her arm as Theo came back out of the kitchen carrying a pizza. “I’ll be right back,” he called to the jaguar.

Theo looked startled as Casey didn’t even wait for an answer before dragging the woman out the door. “Wha…”

Casey pulled her to the side of the building.

“Let go of me!” Dallina yanked her arm from his grasp.

“What are you doing here?”

Dallina humped and righted her shirt, indignantly. “Can’t I check up on my little brother?”

He scoffed and sent her a look that conveyed his thoughts.

She rolled her eyes. “Okay, so maybe I normally wouldn’t…”

“Normally wouldn’t?! Lina, the last time you came to Earth was a disaster,” Casey hissed.

“It wasn’t a disaster, merely a little bloodier than I had originally planned,” she smirked. “My mark just wasn’t exactly as easy a kill as I’d hoped.” Dallina shrugged. “It’s no big deal.”

Casey shook his head. Leave it to his big sister to wave off such a bloody assassination.

“But that wasn’t what I came here about.”

“Then why are you here?”

“You.”

“Me?!”

“Yes, you,” she let out a sigh of exasperation. “I swear, Case, I thought you insane for training here on earth in the first place, but now I know it.” Casey looked as though he wanted to say something but Dallina’s hand cut him off. “And before you say anything, becoming a power ranger isn’t what bugs me, unlike mom; it’s you working with the humans!” Her last word came out as a shout.

“Shh!” Casey pulled her deeper into the alley, his anger flaring. “Are you trying to attract attention?!”

His sister didn’t even blink. “Why? I thought you told mom that your friends would accept you?”

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and tried to calm himself down. The last thing he wanted was for Dallina to know she was getting to him. “They would- they will,” Casey opened his eyes and looked at her, “if and when I decide to tell them.”

She searched his face for a moment before she came to a realization. “You’re scared to tell them.”

“What?” Casey head snapped back. “No, I’m not.” He vehemently denied.

A giggle escaped her lips. “You are!” She covered her mouth as she began to cackle. “You really, really are!”

“I am not.”

“Are too. You’re scared of the humans!”

“Am not!”

“Are too.” The words came out in a sing song voice that grated even worse of Casey’s nerves.

“Am--.” He paused, realizing the argument with Dallina had somehow evolved into that of five year olds. “I’m not having this conversation with you.”

She smiled for a moment before that faded and she sighed. “You’re right.”

“I am?” Confusion laced his voice.

Dallina sent him an amused look.

“Right, yeah. I am.” Casey eyed her as she rolled her eyes at him. She had the same look on her face that he could remember from their childhood. It was the one that said she thought her baby brother (younger by only four minutes) was the biggest idiot in the ‘verse.

“Whatever.”

The tiger frowned. “So what, did you just come here to argue with me?”

“No. I came here to try to talk some sense into that thick skull of yours.” She poked him in the forehead. “But that’s obvious not going to happen.”

“Okay, now you sound like mom.”

“Mom was right.”

“Mom lets her hate of humans cloud her judgment.” Casey crossed his arms and glared at her. “You do too.” He sighed. “At least Sorani doesn’t.”

Dallina snorted. “Sorani can’t hate humans. She likes to screw with them too much.”

“Point,” he conceded.

“And I don’t know where this sudden love of humans is coming from anyways. You used to have the same distaste for them as me.”

“Things change.”

“Yeah. I realize.” Dallina shook her head. “Look, I’ve got to go.”

“Lina…”

“Just don’t do anything stupid, okay?” She spun around and headed off, ignoring his stunned look.

[Kaheraji]

Awesome chapter.

At first I thought "Casey" was an alias, due to the fact his sisters have... well, less common sounding names, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I can't wait until there's a family reunion on the battlefield.

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Solarbaby

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 1023

Summary: Casey’s hit bad during an attack and fades between reality and memories of his past.

Spoilers: None.

Notes: So, just a heads up for ya’ll out there. There will be some obvious Rasey (RJ/Casey) in the next chapter (Chapter 7). I wasn’t planning to on adding any just yet, however I got hit by a single moment that I had to add.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii207/solarbaby614/Banners/78.jpg

Chapter 6

What we remember from childhood we remember forever - permanent ghosts, stamped, inked, imprinted, eternally seen.
-Cynthia Ozick


The first thing Casey became aware of as he drifted back to consciousness was that he was in pain. It radiated from his side and he gave a groan. Blinking against the harsh light, there was a moment of motion sickness where he realized that he was moving.

“You’ll be alright, Casey.”

The voice was female and not at all convincing. There was a sound of panic to the tone. He glanced over and saw he was being drug up the steps to the loft by both Lily and Theo.

“RJ!”

Their master appeared at the top of the stairs and paled. “What happened?” He was by their side in an instant.

“Casey was hit.” Theo replied, as RJ pulled Casey from Lily’s side and slid one of Casey’s arms around his neck. The arrow that had pierced his friend was clutched tightly in his free hand.

The jarring motion from the move caused Casey’s legs to give out from under him and he almost took all three of them down the stairs.

“Let’s get him inside.”

The voices were starting to sound muffled and far away.

He caught a glimpse of purple hair right before his vision went black.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“Boy!”

Casey rolled his eyes and backed away from the scope. He glanced over his shoulder to see the tall mass of red and silver lounging at his chair. “What?”Annoyance laced his voice.

“Shouldn’t you off with your sisters… training?”He said his last word with distaste, as if training the three was a huge waste of time.

“Nope.” He went back to watching the earth. “No training today. Mom went with Dallina, Sorani, and Rita on some sort of girl’s day out... or something like that.”

“Hmm…”

He couldn’t figure out what exactly it was that attracted Rita to him. Oh, well. It looked like it was going to be a long boring day. Maybe he should have gone with the females.

That though gave him pause and Casey shook his head. There a brief flash of him following around his family, going from store to store, watching as his sisters begged mom to buy them frilly little female outfits, having to help haul them around.

Or maybe not.

oOoOoOoOo

“There’s so much blood!”

“Calm down, Lily! Panicking isn’t going to help!”

“We have to stop the bleeding.”

“Here.”

“Theo, I need you to press this against the wound as hard as you can. Lily, go into the bathroom and get the first aid kit. “

“Right.”

“Got it, RJ.”

oOoOoOoOo

“Left. Right. Right. Left. Right. Block.”

Casey wiped the sweat from his eyes quickly, not wanting to take the chance of giving a moment of weakness. They had been at this for close to four hours now and he felt as though he was going to collapse at any moment.

“No. You keep dropping you left shoulder. Do it again and fix it this time.”

He repeated his movement, trying to perfect his movements.

“Better, but it still needs work. Block my attack.”

There was barely enough time to bring his staff up, before he was forced to his knees by the attack. He pushed up and shoved her back, scrambling to his feet.

“Very good.” She stood back and gave a satisfied nod. “That’s all for today.”

Casey gave a sigh of relief and dropped the staff to the floor, following it moments later himself as he collapsed to the floor.

She merely sent him an amused look. “Tired?”

He grinned at her. “Exhausted. You’re a much harder teacher than my mother, Astronema.”

“I promised her, and Dark Specter, that I would train you to your full potential.” Astronema offered the preteen her hand, hauling him to his feet. “Whether you like it or not.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

“How’s he doing, RJ?”

“He’ll be fine, young cheetah. What did you do with the arrow?”

“I have it right here.”

“Thank you, Theo.”

“Did you hear that Casey? You’re going to be just fine.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

“You idiot!”

Camille found herself being flung across the room by a very angry Scorpina, flanked by her equally pissed daughters. She bounced off the wall and crashing to the floor only to be yanked up to her feet. A hand wrapped itself around her throat as she came face to face with the oldest of the triplets, Dallina.

“I should destroy you.” Dallina’s eyes had turned a menacing golden color. “You were only supposed to graze him with the arrow, not shot him in the side.” Her hand tightened around the neck, stopping any protests dead. “There is no way to figure out what that amount of poison will do it him!”

“Dallina, let her go.”

She shot her mother a questioning look but obeyed her command.

Scorpina had her arm wrapped around Sorani, holding back from going after Camille herself. “Come. We have plans to make.”

Both daughters sent her a disgusted look.

“Then you can destroy the chameleon.” She placated them as she turned to leave.

Sorani stopped struggling and shot Camille a promising smile. Dallina just gave her a grudging nod, before trudging away.

Long after they had gone, Camille dragged herself to her feet with the feeling that she may have just signed her own death warrant.

She needed to speak with Dai Shi.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Casey came back to consciousness with a whimper of pain. He brought his arm down to his waist, gently brushing the area where he had been struck earlier that day, flinch at the memory. Even that movement sent a sharp pain up his side. Tears filled his eyes and he shut them tightly, willing the pain away.

“Shhh… You’re going to be okay.”

The familiar female voice made his eyes shoot open and he jerked himself up, biting back a yell as the pain in his side intensified threefold.

“Not a very smart move. I thought I taught you better.”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There was no way. It just wasn’t possible. Casey opened his eyes and glanced up, taking in the silver armor and shockingly purple hair.

“Astronema?” His voice cracked.

“Surprise.”

[Bionic Red]

“Shhh… You’re going to be okay.”

The familiar female voice made his eyes shoot open and he jerked himself up, biting back a yell as the pain in his side intensified threefold.

“Not a very smart move. I thought I taught you better.”

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. There was no way. It just wasn’t possible. Casey opened his eyes and glanced up, taking in the silver armor and shockingly purple hair.

“Astronema?” His voice cracked.

“Surprise.”

Isn't Karone cured since the last decade?

[lunarweather]

:confused: ........


..........
Oh! Oh! I know! The poison was a hallucinogen, right!?






Really great story ideas. Just found it and am now upset that there is not more yet. Keep it up!

[Anubis-Reborn]

i honestly think the best part of this fic besides the gact its well written is its believability

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Solarbaby

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 1162

Summary: Want. Take. Have.

Spoilers: None.

Notes: Okay, this chapter is almost pure Rasey. Nothing romantic or anything but it is slash so be warned. But this does answer almost every review I’ve gotten that said, ‘But Astronema’s Karone now’.

And I have been playing around with the idea of bring Casey's dad back into the picture but I'm not sure yet.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii207/solarbaby614/Banners/103.jpg

Chapter 7

“A tiger never returns to his pray he did not finish off.”
-Chinese Proverb

Casey clinched his eyes tight, turning from the woman beside him. “No. You’re not real. Not anymore.”

There was a huff from beside him. “I gave your mother my word that I would keep an eye out for you. That’s merely what I’m doing.”

He glared up at her. “It’s not possible. Astronema doesn’t exist anymore.”

“Maybe.” She shrugged. “But I’m real enough.”

“Real enough for what?” Casey pulled himself off the bed, wincing as it pulled at stitches on his side.

“To show you the truth.” She reached out as if to brush his hair, only to pout when he flinched away. “Just look in the mirror.”

He eyed her and shifted his position to try and catch a glimpse without doing any more damage than he had done already. When he saw made him freeze and his blood turn cold. “No. There is no way.”

“Yes.”

“No!” Denial laced his voice. “It’s not possible.”

“Your instincts are coming to surface. You are becoming what you were always meant to be. Your mother’s son.”

“What are you?”

“Casey, you shouldn’t be up.”

He turned to the voice and realized that it was RJ standing in the doorway. His master started to head over to him only to stop when Casey flinched back. “No. Don’t come closer.”

“What?” RJ sent red ranger a confused look. He took a hesitant step forward when Casey jerked back again. “What are you talking about?”

“No! Stay back!”

“Casey?”

Casey shot past RJ, through the open door into the main area of the loft. He only made it half way across the mat before the pain in his side became too much and he collapsed to his knees. From the side of his vision, he caught sight of someone kneeling beside him. A hand reached out and Casey scrambled away.

“What is the matter with you?” RJ paled when his student’s head jerked up and he felt a chill down to his bones.

Casey’s eyes were gold.

“Casey?”

The red ranger scrambled to his feet, grasping his side.

Astronema approached him. “Come on Casey, let’s play.” She seemed to almost pout when he shook his head.

“Just go away.” He shivered as he felt a whisper in his back of his mind. It forced images of pain and death to the front and Casey gave a whimper.

“I’m your true teacher, Casey.” Astronema whispered to him. “It’s my lessons that you still remember. I trained you to be my right hand one day, yet you turned your back on it all. On me.” She shifted out of his view. “Now’s your time to make amends. Take him. Break him.”

“She wants you gone.” His head fell forward and he pressed both hands to either temple. “You challenge her claim. You’re a pawn. Nothing more. Nothing less.”

RJ’s other arm snaked out and he gripped both of the cub’s shoulders while meeting his gaze unflinching. “You’re sick, Casey. That arrow did something to you.”

Casey blinked and Astronema whispered along his throat. No breath teased his senses and he knew that was wrong. Astronema would draw air into her lungs if it was real. She would pull the cool winds cross his skin and down his spin but at the moment she was curiously still.

“Free yourself.”

The tiger lowered his head and he resisted the thought. He pressed the image of RJ broken and bent to his will from his mind. It left a stain in its wake causing him to shudder and reach out to grasp the shoulders that rose slightly above his own. He pulled the other man forward and viciously slammed his forehead into his master’s chin.

RJ’s grip loosened, in the surprise attack and Casey shoved him away. “You reek of humanity and morals.”

Astronema stepped up to RJ and seemed to give him a once over, before smiling with approval. RJ continued to watch Casey wearily as she returned to the tiger’s side. “Yet you still want him.” She seemed amused by the blush that crossed his face. “He’s only human, Casey. You’re not.” She leaned forward and whispered. “Just take him. There’s nothing stopping you.”

Casey glanced at her, before taking a step toward the wolf. He paused for a moment, shaking his head. This was wrong. He didn’t want to do this. Hurting RJ was the last thing that he wanted.

But there it was. Something down inside fought against him. It kept trying to push him forward. A dark voice that whispered in the back of his mind that kept getting louder and more prominent with every breath he took.

“Listen to it. Take what you want.”

“No, I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. Do it.”

Both Astronema and the voice were starting to make sense. Fighting against it was just too hard. He did want RJ. Why shouldn’t he have what he wanted? He smirked and started his approach again. His eyes seemed to almost glow.

RJ shifted back, falling into a defensive position. “I don’t want to hurt you, Casey.”

He paused. “You won’t.”

RJ barely had time to relax before Casey leapt at him. There was a brief struggle before the tiger had his mentor on his stomach, his arms pinned behind his back. He leaned forward and whispered. “I won’t give you the chance.”

There was a low groan in his ear as RJ felt Casey rubbed his body up against him.

“Casey…” He hissed.

Casey chuckled. “What’s wrong, RJ? Don’t you like this?” He pressed down and leaned his head against the side of RJ’s, sniffing. “You do. I can smell. The panic,” He nuzzled the wolf’s head, “the fear, the humiliation. It sours your scent. But underneath it all I can smell lust.” His teeth brush the master’s neck, just begging for the chance to make its mark.

RJ tried to buck his captor off, only achieving some unneeded friction. He was ashamed to find his body was responding to Casey’s actions. “What are you doing?”

“Taking what I want.” He laughed darkly. “Want. Take. Have.” One of his hands slid down RJ’s side, eliciting a shiver in response.

Any thoughts of taking this any farther was cut short as he heard echoing laughter come from down stairs.

“It looks as though we’ll have company soon.”

Casey growled and glanced up to see Astronema watching the two of them. Damn, he’d forgotten she was there. With one quick move he leaned down and nipped at RJ’s ear. “We’ll finish this later.”

Then the weight was gone. RJ flipped over onto his back and looked around, but Casey has seemingly disappeared.

“RJ?”

He looked up to see Lily and Theo coming down the stairs. They shot him a worried look as they took in his disheveled appearance.

RJ merely shut his eyes and ran a shaky hand through his hair, only to realize both it and his arms were soaked with blood.

Casey’s blood.

[dragomuseveni]

interesting last chapter lol i like what i have read so far...very creative keep up the good work

[Kaheraji]

Awesome chapter!

Your little banner/clipart thing really set the tone. Casey looks so much like Azazel from the first two seasons of Supernatural in it. It's awesome.

[RangerSeth]

Hey, I remember you and this story from FF.Net, and it's still an awesome story!

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Tara

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything but the plot.

Words: 1516

Summary: Casey remembers when the Change began and he gets worried about

Spoilers: Countdown to Destruction, maybe?

Notes: This attempts to explain how Casey went from hating humans to how he is now.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii207/solarbaby614/Banners/140.jpg

Chapter 8

The only time Casey could ever remember his mother failing at anything was for Lord Zedd and Aunt Rita. His mother, who he had seen take down creatures of unspeakable power, was thwarted by six teenagers in multi-colored spandex. He could remember sitting in the throne room of the moon palace with his sisters, talking turning watching a battle unfold through the Ritascope.

The only time she had ever failed at anything and it was to humans.


It was instinctual. He had no idea how far or long he had run. All he knew he had to do was keep moving. So by the time he collapsed against a tree, Casey was hopelessly lost. It was the way he wanted it. One hand was clutched to his stomach and he could feel the blood seep through his fingers from the broken stitches.

Wheezing, his body began to shake as cold began to set in. That didn’t make since to the tiger, either. It was midday and that usually meant it was scorching outside. But the icy feeling was beginning to ooze into his bones, his teeth were chattering and he didn’t think he could move if he wanted too.

Realization struck him as he began to fade in and out from consciousness.

He was dying.

Casey struggled to keep his eyes open, but spots were starting to dance in his vision.

“Casey!”

The hallucinations were setting in. That had to be it, because that voice sounded awfully familiar. It almost seemed like… A warm hand touched his forehead and the voice let out a curse.

“Come on, Casey.”

The voice was pleading but it seemed to be coming from far away. He forced his mouth open and tried to form a word.

“You’re going to be okay.” An arm made its way around his waist and lifted him off the ground, only to nearly drop him the next second. “Geez, what have you been eating?”

Casey struggled to keep conscious. He mustered up all the energy he could and forced in into one single action. “Da…Dallina…”

“Shh… You’re going to be just fine, little brother.”

He managed coughing scoff before he fell back into unconsciousness.

oOoOoOoOoOo

An explosion rocketed Casey from his normally dead sleep. Letting out a muffled yell, he went crashing from the bed and barely managed to keep his head from hitting the floor. So much for getting some of that much needed sleep that he had managed to avoid for the past three days. Going on that trip with his mother a month ago as a sort of vacation had seemed like a fun idea at the time, but he had forgotten that he and his mother had a different view of fun.

Dragging himself up, he dressed quickly exited his room. The thought of food entered his mind and he turned to the mess hall.

But when he realized just how quiet the Dark Fortress was, Casey got worried. Usually this place was bustling with activity. He heard the sound of fighting from one of the spare chambers of the ship. Whatever had been kept in there was obvious of some importance since it had round the clock guards since he had arrived.

The door was suspiciously bare at the moment.

He had peaked in, curiosity and concern getting the better of him. The scene that lay out before him sent chills down his spine. Ecliptor was currently fighting with the red ranger and Astronema… Her limp body lay on the floor.

“No!” Casey rushed to her side. His voice had startled the two fighting, but Ecliptor seemed to get over his sudden appearance quickly and ran at the ranger again. The red ranger was more disoriented by him.

Gone were Astronema’s outrageous hairstyles and in its place was a simple red bob cut. There was some sort of mechanical wiring connected to her head. He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead and bit his lip. She couldn’t be dead.

She just couldn’t.

His head shot up as he heard Ecliptor’s scream. The ranger had turned his weapon on the tube that had standing behind them. For one startling moment, Casey realized that there was a face looking back at him. But it was gone a not a moment later as the ranger slammed his weapon into the tube, effectively shattering it.

What happened next was something Casey would never forget.

A wave shot from the tube and he felt it wash through him. He was overcome by the feeling of warmth and happiness. He brought forth memories of times spent with his sisters and his mother. The love that he felt for them warmed his blood. It even brought memories from before they woke up. Memories of happy times spent with his father before the betrayal. The memories and feelings faded into obscurity but there was still an echo of it vibrating through him.

A shift in the air currents before him caused him to snap back to reality and he pulled his eyes from the woman beside him. The power ranger was kneeling before the two of them.

“Who are you?” The ranger asked him, his voice soft.

He didn’t say anything, thoughts of what his mother had taught him lingering in the front of his mind.

The red ranger shifted and sighed. “I’m Andros.”

Casey froze at the familiar name. Astronema had mentioned him many times before he had left with his mother. He saw the man reach for a machine on his wrist and push a button. The red suit was gone and in its place was a man with long hair. Any doubt he may have had was gone when he noticed the strips in his hair. They matched the ones on the picture in that locket Astronema had worn around her neck. He chewed on his lip for a moment before answering. “You’re Astronema’s brother.”

Andros nodded. “Her name is Karone.”

“I’m Casey.” His voice came out as a whisper, unsure if the decision to give his name was a wise one. Astronema’s brother didn’t seem to recognize it and he relaxed a fraction. “Can you help her?”

His memories got vague from there, but he did remembering following the red ranger from the ship when they had landed on earth. He couldn’t do anything more than stand there with his eyes closed and shake as Andros held his sister’s still form, crying over her. So it came as a shock when a familiar voice called his name, incredulously.

“Casey?”

Casey’s eyes shot open. There was a woman standing before him and he realized, with a jolt, that it was Astronema… Karone. A moment later, she had wrapped her arms around him, pulling him in for a tight hug. He froze, realizing that he wasn’t as uncomfortable as he would have normally had been.

She pulled back and pushed his scraggily hair from his face. He realized she was checking him over for injuries. Casey pulled back from her grip. “Are you okay?” He asked her.

Karone smiled at him. “I’m fine.”

“Good.”

He turned and bolted, ignoring her as she called his name.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“What is that?” Sorani reached down and lifted up her unconscious brother’s wrist, examining it closely.

Dallina shot her an annoyed look as the newly fixed stitches where pulled at. “What, Sor?”

“On his wrist. It’s so pretty. It sparkles with power.” She pushed back the gray sleeve and held it up for the others to see.

“You mean the bracelet?” The oldest sister rolled her eyes. Expect her sister to get all crazy about some piece of jewelry. Then again, Casey was never one to wear any. She took a closer look at the seemingly innocent red band and let out a curse. “Damn. Is that what I think it is?”

Sorani nodded. “Casey’s insane.”

“Sorani…” Dallina’s voice was curt. She shook her head as realization struck her. “Well, now we know why Casey was barely able to hold his own in a fight with that parasit-- Dai Shi.”

“Hmm…” The youngest gently placed the arm back on the bed and traced a finger over the bracelet. “His fighting was taught using instincts. Bind the instincts, losing the fighting ability. Had to start from the beginning.”

“We have to get that damn bracelet off him for the antidote to do any good.” A stern voice announced and the two looked at the woman who was standing on the other side of the bed.

Dallina shook her head. “Mom, that’s a binding bracelet. I wouldn’t even know how to begin to get it off.”

Scorpina sent her a dark look. “It’s fabric, Dallina. I’ll just cut it off.”

“A fabric that’s lined with who know how many spells and chemicals. Removing it could very well kill him.” Dallina replied.

“I’ll find away.” With that Scorpina sent her son one last concerned look and strolled out of the room. Her two daughters watched her leave before Dallina turned to her baby sister.

“Casey, what the hell have you done?”

[Kaheraji]

Awesome chapter. I like how you worked the Zordon Wave into the story, and I'm interested in that binding bracelet.

[jsena5678]

more story please...was reading this on fanfiction.net(also a great source of Ranger fiction) + i just need more

keep it coming

[solarbaby]

Chapter 9


“When your children are your world, you would do anything to protect them.”

-Unknown


“What’s that?”

Scorpina looked up from the ring she was contemplating. It was a simple band, silver laced with some sort of green stone. The stone seemed to glow with some sort of internal light for a moment before it faded back. She held it up for her youngest to see. “It’s a… present for Casey.”

“A present? Pretty ring.” Blink. “Casey doesn’t wear jewelry.” Sorani tilted her head, curiously. “What are you planning?”

The innocent look on the assassin’s face didn’t look right. “It’s just something to replace the bracelet.” The scorched remains of the binding bracelet sat on the desk in front of her.

Sorani frowned and shrugged, turning to leave. She paused in the doorway and glanced back at her mother. Scorpina was holding the ring up to the light again, an indecisive look on her face. Opening her mouth to say something, the ring gave off another faint glow.

Mom was such a liar.

oOoOoOoOoOo

RJ sat in his chair, freshly showered. The shirt he was wearing previously was in his lap, stained dark with blood. He stared at it, shivering, as the image of Casey’s gold eyes flashing through his 

mind. It was almost as if he could still feel the tiger’s blood on him. No matter how long he had showered, long after the water had gone cold, he just couldn’t seem get rid of it.

“Casey attacked you?” Theo’s voice was incredulous as he looked up from his position on the floor. “Casey?”

“That arrow must have done something.” Lily replied as she stood next to the recliner.

The wolf master nodded and picked the arrow up from the table beside him, careful to avoid the tip. “It was poisoned. That’s for sure. I haven ‘t been able to identify the kind, though.”

Theo got up from the floor. “Then who can?”

“There’s only one person I can think of who might be able to.” RJ held it up thoughtfully. The tip of the arrow was faintly blue, a tell-tale sign that there was still poison on it.

“Who?”

RJ looked up to see the two rangers watching him expectantly. “Master Swoop.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

There was this strange sense of panic as Casey came back around. He blinked wearily, pulling himself into a sitting position. This was immediately concluded to be a bad idea as nausea rolled over him and he clinched his eyes shut.

“Careful now.”

A hand came to rest on his shoulder and gently forced him back against the pillows. His eyes shot back open as he came to the realization that he wasn’t in his hammock. He was in the middle of a large bed in a stone room. The black comforter was twisted around his waist and a hand that wasn’t his was currently trying to untangle it. He looked to see who the owner of it was and froze in shock. “Lina?”

“Welcome back to the land of the living.” She perched at the edge of the bed and pressed a hand to his forehead. A frown crossed her face as Dallina realized her brother was still too warm. “Let me see your wrist.” She grabbed his arm

Casey jerked back from the touch. He glanced down and froze. There was a dark red mark around his wrist where his binding bracelet used to be. “Where is it?” Panic laced his voice. He tore at his covers, hoping to find it buried there.

“It’s gone, Case.” Her brow furrowed as her little brother shook his head and redoubled his efforts. “Casey? Casey!” She grabbed his arms and pinned them to his side. “It is gone.”

He looked at her, incredulously. “Why?”

Dallina was taken aback for a moment. He sounded so much like he used to when they were little. She could remember him finding something puzzling and he’d coming running to her, demanding answers. He seemed to think that she would have all the answers, even if she was only older by a few minutes.

“’Lina, what is this?”

“Why do I have to wear shoes?”

“’Lina, why is that planet purple?”

“Dallina, why’s that ship so big? What’s the point?”

“What ever happened to our father, ‘Lina?”

“Casey, that bracelet… You were poisoned. We couldn’t stop the poison with the binding still in place.” Dallina shook her head and stood up. “I should go tell mom and Sorani that you’re away?”

“Mom? Sorani?” Casey looked completely befuddled. “Dallina? What happened?”

She frowned. “What do you mean? You were poisoned.”

“Yeah, and I assume it was from that arrow I was hit with. But how did I get here?”

Dallina sat back down on the bed. “What’s the last thing you remember?”

Casey shook his head, straining his mind to bring back some sort of memory. “Umm… I was hit. Then Lily and Theo were yelling. I remember being dragged and… that’s when it gets kinda foggy.”

“You don’t remember anything else?”

He shook his head.

“I found you bleeding in the middle of the forest. I don’t know how you got there or what happened.” Dallina turned away from him, taking a deep breath. “You nearly died. All because of that stupid bracelet.” She whirled around to face him, angry. “What’s the matter with you, anyways? Binding your instincts like that? Are you trying to kill yourself? Do you have this sudden need to be suicidal?”

“What? No, of course not!”

“Then what were you trying to prove?”

“Do I have to separate the two of you?”

Dallina and Casey looked to find Scorpina watching the two with something akin to amusement. She approached the bed. “How are you feeling?” She asked her son.

“I’m fine. Good as new.” He caught a glimpse of his reddened wrist. “More or less.” Casey shifted, attempting to get off the bed. “I should be going.” He was stopped by his mother’s hand on his shoulder.

“As soon as you are well.” Scorpina fingered the ring in her hand, second guessing herself once again. She took a deep breath before placing the ring in Casey’s palm. He sending her a questioning look that his sister echoed. “It’s no binding bracelet, but it’ll help.”

“Uh…”

“We should let you sleep.” The assassin grabbed her daughter by the shoulder and pulled her towards the door.

“Night.” Dallina called over her shoulder, flinching when her mother tightened her grip. “Hey!”

The door closed with a soft click.

Casey sighed and leaned back against the pillows, looking at the ring. It looked harmless enough, but knowing his mother. She wouldn’t do anything to hurt him. He closed his eyes, before sliding the ring on quickly. When nothing happened he opened his eyes and gazed down at his hand. “Hmm…” He settled back in the bed, attempting to get some sleep.

He never noticed the ring glow a bright green color that faded into his skin.

[Shycode]

This story is great. You put a lot into it, and that shows not only from the storytelling but also the graphics that you make for it. And I really like that somebody finally wrote a story that linked Jungle Fury's villains with the Scorpina arc in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Thanks for the entertainment!

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Solarbaby

Disclaimer: All I own is the plot.

Words: 545

Summary: A history in six hundred words or less.

Spoilers: Very minor for Countdown to Destruction and Protect the Quasar Saber.

Notes: Set directly after Chapter 3. Some of dates of episodes and seasons may have been changed for my use.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Interlude: A History

Casey’s first memory was more a vague semblance of sounds and smells and blurry images than anything else. He could remember happy laughter and the comforting smell of chrysaliheiums, a flower grown specifically on Bospher 3, which he attributed to his mother. There was a vague picture of the man he once referred to as ‘Daddy’ and the manipulative smell of something warm and musky somewhere buried in the deep recesses of his mind.

His first clear memory, however, wasn’t as warm or fuzzy. It was of fear and pain. There was a man he trusted, his uncle, who betrayed him in a horrible way. There was blood everywhere as the man called them abominations and tried to make their blood join that of his aunts and uncles on the floor. The last words his uncle said as he died was that his brother, their father, was the one who sent him. This man was their mother’s first kill since they were born.

When Casey was five when his mother decided it would be better if they hid away in stasis for a new day. He was still five when his Aunt Rita woke them up, needing his mother’s help. Casey had been five years old for several thousand years.

Casey turned eight a few days before he was introduced to Astronema. His first thought when meeting her was how pretty she looked; the second was how dangerous she was. Still, he was overjoyed when his mother informed him that she would take over his training. Hanging out with his mother and sisters had gotten to be so boring.

He was ten when he was informed that he was going to be Astronema’s heir. She and his mother had seemed so pleased by it so he deemed it to be a good thing. It was not long after this announcement that he lost Astronema to Karone. Maybe it was a good thing ‘cause he decided he really didn’t want to be Prince of Darkness one day after all.

Casey was twelve when he met Karone once again on the planet called Onyx. He took comfort in the fact that she didn’t seem to have lost her affinity for leather. She had seemed genuinely happy to see him and he had told her that he wasn’t stupid. He had seen the shiny sword she seemed so intent on hiding. Karone asked him not to say anything and he didn’t. Who was he to talk after all? He was the one hiding a binding bracelet in his pocket.

It was before his eighteenth birthday that he put the binding bracelet to use. He left home and went to earth, intent on training but even more intent on getting out from his mother’s watchful eyes. His mother seemed vaguely pleased that he wanted to expand his training; even it was at the Pai Zhuq academy. He was beginning to think that she was getting soft on him.

He became a power ranger after his eighteenth birthday and got a visit from his mother a few months before his nineteenth.

And now as sat in the bathroom, the images of blood playing out in his head, he thought that maybe, just maybe, he was no better than his father.

[DarkStarShadow]

I really wanna know who the baby daddy is now. Damn you. But I absolutely appreciate all the effort you're putting into the backstory. ^___^.

[solarbaby]

I really wanna know who the baby daddy is now. Damn you. But I absolutely appreciate all the effort you're putting into the backstory. ^___^.

Oh, yeah. Introducing Casey's Daddy (or reintroducing as the case my be) is going to be extremely fun! It's coming up in the next chapter!

[Kaheraji]

Oh, yeah. Introducing Casey's Daddy (or reintroducing as the case my be) is going to be extremely fun! It's coming up in the next chapter!

That is awesome to hear.

[Dairanger]

im hooked...
more more more
lol
great job

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Solarbaby

Disclaimer: All I own is the plot.

Words: 1712

Summary: The ring begins to take effect and we bring in Daddy.

Spoilers: Some for Blind Leading the Blind.

Notes: This chapter is set after Pushed Towards the Edge. Here is the answer to a question I’m sure many of you have been wondering, who’s the daddy? I hope you like the answer!

oOoOoOoOoOoOo


Chapter 11

“It is not flesh and blood but the heart that makes us fathers and sons.”
-Johnann Schiller




It was dark by the time RJ, Lily and Theo arrived at Master Swoop’s home. The dark house loomed creepily in front of them and Lily couldn’t help but shudder. “Are you sure this is the right place?” She whispered to RJ.

He sent her a nod and tightened his grip on the arrow. RJ stepped ahead of the two and raised a hand to knock, only to have it swing open. He blinked through the dark as Master Swoop sent him an amused look.

“RJ, Lily, Theo.” Master Swoop said in way of greeting and paused, waiting.

RJ held up the arrow. “We need your help.”

Master Swoop nodded and stepped back, allowing them to enter. The inside of the house was just as dark as the out and he led them into what might have been the living room. Taking a seat, Swoop held out his hand. The arrow was placed in his hand as RJ and the others took a seat. Swoop frowned as his fingers danced over intricate carvings, tugging at his memory. An image flashed through his mind’s eye.

He could see the arrow as clear as day as he tried to tug it from where it was imbedded in the tree. Shaking his head, Swoop gave it one final tug and went stumbling back slightly. He held up the light arrow for him to see better and smiled as he recognized the unique signature.

Swoop’s hand tightened around the arrow as he felt his heart clinch. “Where did you get this?”

oOoOoOoOoOo

Sorani opened the door to the darkened room and grinned. Quiet snoring caused her to let out a giggle that she covered up. Slipping inside, she left the door open so could make out the sleeping figure.

“Casey!”

She took a flying onto the bed and landed on her brother’s stomach. His eyes snapped open as he tossed the woman off. “Hey!” Sorani bounced down beside him.

“Sorani?” His voice was rough with sleep as he blinked at her. Casey watched her grin before groaning. He grabbed the comforter and pulled it up over his head. “Go away.”

“No way.” She yanked on the covers, something catching her eyes. “Ooh… pretty.” Grabbing his hand, Sorani pulled his hand up to the light to examine the ring. She frowned as she reached up to touch it, only to get the hand yanked back. “So, you ready to go?”

Casey frowned at her. “Go where?”

She laughed at him. “Back to where ever it is that you’ve been for the past few months. Mom told me to come wake you up and tell you to get ready.” Sorani sighed and pouted. “You just got here.”

“What are you talking about?” He rolled his eyes. “I’m not going anywhere.” Casey paused and thought about JKP and his friends, momentarily stumped as to why he wasn’t going back. Then he shrugged and turned back to his sister.

Sorani squealed. “Really?!” At his nod, she launched herself at him and latched her arms around his neck. ”Yeah!”

“Good. You’re happy. Can I go back to sleep now?”

She nodded and bounced out the room, giggling.

Casey just groaned and buried himself back under the covers.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“Scorpina!”

Dai Shi stomped toward the hybrid, who was in deep conversation with one of her daughters, and was startled as he realized that she was genuinely smiling. He blinked before shaking it off.

“Yes.” Scorpina kept her voice pleasant and became amused as Sorani sent the human a disturbing look.

“You’ve brought someone into my temple.” His voice was flat, unamused. Camille stood at his side, smirking.

Sorani giggled and clapped her hands. “Big brother’s come home!”

That gained startled looks from both Dai Shi and Camille. “You’ve found him?” The two looked intrigued.

“Of course.” Scorpina replied.

Camille stepped forward, only to flinch when Sorani turned to watch her. “You’ll be leaving then.”

The assassin raised an eyebrow to observe the two. “Don’t sound so upset.” Sorani took a step towards the chameleon, who scrambled back a few steps. Scorpina turned back to Dai Shi. “We’ll be out of your hair soon.” She laid a hand on her daughter, who’d been slowly advancing on Camille. “Come on, Sorani. Let’s go.”

As Scorpina and Camille headed away, Sorani turned to look back at Camille. ‘Later.’ She mouthed.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“Daddy! Daddy!”

He looked up to see his son shoot across the grass, his youngest daughter hot on her brother’s tail. A laugh escaped him as she tackled the boy and they ended up wrestling on the ground. “Alright, that’s enough.” The two continued to struggle. He gave a sigh and plucked Casey off of Sorani. Both of the two were giggling and he shook his head. “You both are far too much like your mother.”

“Put me down!” Casey squeaked as he tossed his son over his shoulder. Sorani laughed even harder.

“Okay.” He loosened his grip slightly and the boy began to slide down his back.

Casey let out a shrieking laugh, half-heartedly protesting as he felt himself fall, the decent stopping as felt hands tightened on his calves.

He chuckled. “I thought you wanted me to let you down?”

“I don’t want you to drop me!”Casey could help but laugh as he felt himself start to swing back and forth.

“And what, may I ask, are you three up to now?”

He turned around and grinned as he saw his wife approaching. She held their oldest, Dallina, in her arms. “Nothing.” He replied as innocently as he could.

Scorpina sent him an exasperated look and Dallina giggled and twisted in her grip, wanting to be put down. She sat her daughter down, who immediately bounced over to join her sister on the grass. “I’m sure.”All she got in response was a peak on the cheek from her husband.

Casey poked his head around his father’s waist. “Hi, Mommy.”

“Casey, why are you hanging on your father’s back?” She asked, looking down at him.

Her son answered with an innocent look, eerily reminiscent of his father’s. “Daddy says it’ll give me a new pars- pres- parpt--.”

“Perspective.” He finished for his son.

“Per-spect-ive on life.” Casey sounded out the word, trying it out on his tongue. He frowned and repeated the word again.

Scorpina shook her head. “Put him down, Marcus.”

“Yes, madam.” A sheepish look crossed his face as lifted his son back over his shoulder and placed him on the ground. Casey replied by swaying uneasily before launching himself at his sisters.

He shook his head and look at his wife. “They get this from you.”

“Of--.”

“Master? Master?”

Master Marcus Swoop was startled out of his trance by the sound on the feminine voice. He turned toward the sound and caught a whiff of Lilacs and Cheetah. Lily. His grip tightened on the arrow, bending it slightly.

“Are you alright?”

He recognized the sound of his newest student’s voice as it joined Lily’s. Theo. Swoop could tell by change in temperature that one of them lightened some on his unused lamps while he was lost in his past. “I’m fine.”

“Well, anyways, that’s what happened. And we’re hoping you can help us find out what happened to Casey.” Lily’s voice was soft, as if she was afraid of startling him again.

Casey. Swoop sat down on one of the chairs. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t recognized him. That they’d been around each other and neither of them knew. A small part of his brain commented that Casey might have recognized him and decided to ignore him. He hadn’t really thought of how his son-- his son-- had avoided him the few times he had visited RJ and the rangers. Before it had never really registered, this Casey hadn’t been cold but he hadn’t been warm either, treating him with indifference. It didn’t bother RJ or Theo, so he’d figured it was just how the cub was.

But the boy wasn’t just an aloof cub anymore. He wasn’t just one of RJ’s students. This was his son. His son. He realized with a start that he knew almost nothing about the boy, only what RJ and Theo had said to him in passing. Swoop didn’t even know what he looked like, whether he grew up to look more like his mother or… him.

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

He heard the concern in Theo’s voice. “Yes, of course.” Swoop took a deep breath and began. “I do recognize the poison and I recognize the arrow as well.”

“Really? Then where did it come from?”

Swoop gave a small smile at the sound of her voice. “The poison was a powerful hallucinogen created from a plant grown on a planet called Darcon. It’s powerful and if too much is used it’s fatal.”

A pregnant silence fell over the room. Swoop didn’t need to see to tell that that they had gone pale. If what they had said were correct, they had a reason to be worried.

“Fatal?” RJ’s voice shook.

He nodded. Swoop felt alarm rise in his chest at the thought of losing his son again.

Theo broke the silence that had once again befallen the room. “What about the arrow?”

Swoop let his fingers trace the familiar pattern on the arrow. “I recognized the signature on the arrow immediately.” He swallowed hard. “Have you ever heard the name Scorpina?”

“She was a friend of Rita Repulsa’s who tried to destroy the original power rangers.” That was RJ.

“The arrow on the signature is hers.” Swoop let out a breath and continued. “She was my wife.”

Tension filled the room as there was the rustling sound of people shifting uncomfortably.

“You were married?” Lily was the one to speak. Her voice cut some of the tension but it was still there, humming in the air. “But why would she go after Casey?”

Master Marcus Swoop let his hand trail up to the chain hanging from his neck. As he tugged at it, he knew that the gold and silver twined band hanging from became obvious. The band was warm and its familiarity comforted some of the panic that had been rising in his chest.

“Because he’s our son.”

[DarkStarShadow]

...you've killed my brains. Like, I saw this coming, but it doesn't change the impact of it actually happening.

@__@ Oh god. I gotta...I gotta go get my brain glue...

[Dairanger]

holy crap
Swoop and Scorpina?
That's a visual for ya, ;)
lol
Great job!!

[Kaheraji]

Master Swoop?!?

Holy crap! Love it!

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Solarbaby

Disclaimer: All I own is the plot.

Words: 1522

Summary: Dai Shi gets beat up and Scorpina and her daughters realized there’s something wrong with Casey.

Spoilers: Nope.

Notes: Dedicated to Kiki, who kicked me repeatedly until I finished this chapter. If not for her, this wouldn’t be out for weeks. (It’s also unbetaed ‘cause she fell asleep on me)

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Chapter 12


http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii207/solarbaby614/Banners/297.jpg



“The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.”
-Oprah Winfrey




“I think it’s time you’ve met my son.”

Dai Shi watched as the assassin entered his throne room, intrigued. She moved with fluid grace, seeming less agitated than she had been the day before. He wondered, quietly, what exactly her son would be like. Hopefully he wouldn’t end up being as insane as her youngest child.

“We’ve met.”

He froze at the familiar voice. Leaning against the door frame was a figure dressed in black pants and a blood red shirt, black wrist guards taking up most of his lower arm. “Red ranger.” He growled.

Casey smirked and stepped forward into the room. His mother grinned his way, faltering momentarily as she noticed the ice in his stare. “Camille, Jarro—Oh, wait. It’s Dai Shi now. I forgot.” He gave a shrug, waving off his miss as unimportant.

“What is the meaning of this?” Dai Shi swept off of his chair and stomped toward them, stopping only when Scorpina sent a look his way. Casey frowned at her. Stopping Dai Shi was clearly not what he wanted his mother to do.

“I thought you wanted to meet my son.”

“Impossible!”

A figure came up on Casey’s right. “I think we’d know.” Dallina stepped slightly in front of her brother, not liking the looks Dai Shi was sending their way.

“Big brother.” Sorani, coming up on Casey’s left, leaned up and planted a kiss on his left cheek before cuddling up against his side. An arm was thrown over her shoulder and she grinned. Green glinted from the corner of her eye. Frowning, she realized that the ring was, in fact, glowing.

Casey shot his baby sister a look annoyance as she grabbed his hand and brought it closer to her face.

A thoughtful look crossed her face as she realized that there were in fact symbols inscribed under the green stone.

“He’s a power ranger!” Dai Shi growled at them, sending the question towards their mother.

Scorpina shrugged. “And you’re a parasite.”

Sorani glanced up from the ring at her mother’s words. She let out a giggle as Dai Shi’s face turned a deep shade of red that faded to an even darker purple. “Kill the body, kill the mind. Eat the soul that’s left behind. Because he has none of his own and his heart is made of stone.” She recited in a sing-song voice. Her attention returned back to the ring.

“You gotta problem, Jarrod. Take it up with me.” Casey smirked at him, tingling with the thought of a fight.

“I am not Jarrod!” He made a move toward the red ranger, stopping only went Sorani made a strangled noise and jerked away from her brother.

She backed away from him with wide eyes. It had taken her a while, but she did recognize the symbols imbedded in the ring.

“Sorani?”

Her mother’s voice caught her attention and before anyone said anything further, she turned and bolted out the door.

“What’s her problem?”

“Casey!”

“What?!”

Dai Shi made a move to go past, but was stopped as a hand wrapped around his throat and tossed him back. He didn’t even have a chance to look up before he found himself pinned to the wall with the hand back around his throat. The hand tightened and Dai Shi had to struggle to breath. He attempted to pry the hand loose, but the grip was iron tight. Nailed began to dig into his throat and he could feel blood begin to trickle down his neck.

“Casey. Casey!”

Casey released Dai Shi, who immediately collapsed to the floor, gasping. Glinting gold eyes glared down at him. Dai Shi groaned in pain as a foot came into contact with his ribcage. “Yes?” He looked over at his big sister, who was watching him with something akin to disbelief.

“What is the matter with you?”

“Whatever.” He rolled his eyes and headed to the door, waving over his shoulder at the man who was struggling to get up. “Later, Jarrod.”

Casey practically bounced out of the room, licking Dai Shi’s smeared blood from his fingers.

oOoOoOoOo

“Mother.”

Scorpina ignored her eldest’s call, wanting to avoid the questions.

“Mother!”

The voice was getting closer so she hurried her steps.

“Mom!”

A hand was placed on her shoulder and spun her around. Scorpina immediately came face to face with Dallina. The look on her daughter’s face was bafflement, almost panic.

“Mom, what is going on? What was Sorani going on about? What’s wrong with Casey?” Dallina’s voice rose at the end.

Scorpina knew her daughter had to be worried. Judging from Sorani’s reaction, she was beginning to feel twinges of it herself. “Your sister worries. Nothing’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong.” Lina repeated. “Nothing’s wrong! Mom, nothing is right. I may not know what exactly is going on, but I know Casey and Sorani. Sorani was completely and totally freaked. Sorani doesn’t get freaked, she does the freaking. And Casey? Don’t tell me that you haven’t noticed that there was something wrong with Casey. He’s been on edge since he woke up, erratic. Until just then with Dai Shi, then he was downright scary.” She groaned, let out a harsh breath and ran a hand through her hair. Nothing pissed her off more than being kept in the dark. “What’s going on?”

Her mother gave Dallina a calculating look before nodding. “I didn’t know it would affect him this way. It wasn’t supposed to.”

“What wasn’t supposed to?”

“I gave your brother a brizza ring.”

oOoOoOoOo

Dai Shi lost his balance, even with Camille’s help, and fell to the floor with a crash as a loud voice echoed throughout the temple.

“YOU DID WHAT?!”

oOoOoOoOo

Casey knew someone was in his room before he’d even reached the door. The presence felt only vaguely familiar and he felt a faint stirring under his skin, the feel of a tiger wishing to be released. He pushed the feeling aside as he pushed open the door.

A tall figure jumped away from what he assumed was supposed to be a crude attempt at a desk. He didn’t know who exactly had furnished this place but they had about as much taste as a broke college student.

The figure turned to face him. It was a male, Casey guessed (he’d been wrong before), taller than him by at least a foot and his skin was tinted a silver-ish blue. Casey took another guess and figured he wasn’t human. His skin matched well with the dark blue body suit that he was wearing. There was a familiar silver insignia on the right arm.

“One of Dark Specter’s old goons, I assume.”

This comment only seemed to amuse the man. “You would assume correctly.”

Casey approached him, cautiously, eyeing the long wooden box that he knew hadn’t been sitting on the desk when he’d left the room. He proceeded to circle the man, who seemed to preen under the scrutiny.

“I am called Tyrlin.”

“Yeah, you were one of Dark Specter’s generals.” He nodded, hazy memories working their way to the surface as he stopped in front of him.

Tyrlin echoed his nod with one of his own. “And, like your mother, one of the last dark survivors of Zordon’s energy wave. I was in the Farnon region when it struck. The energy had dissipated before it could reach us.”

“Us?” He asked, curiously.

“Yes, a few dozen of us were setting up a new outpost. We were lucky.”

“Fascinating.” Casey commented, dryly. “But why are you here?”

“I’m here to see that you take your rightful place. And I’ve brought something to return to you.” Tyrlin pushed the box towards him, frowning when he didn’t immediately take it. “Aren’t you going to open it?”

“Haven’t you ever heard of the saying, ‘Beware of Greeks baring gifts’?” Casey eyed the box once again.

“Beware of who?”

The blue skinned creatures seemed so genuinely clueless that Casey couldn’t help but give a snort. “Never mind.” He lifted the lid and froze. Almost reverently, he picked the sword up from its silk cushioning. It was similar in design to his mothers, laced with protection spells that had probably faded. Red stone was inlaid in the hilt and Casey watched with glee as they darkened when his hand touched them. It had been a gift from Astronema. “I thought this was destroyed when the Dark Fortress was captured.”

“We scavenge some of the stuff from the wreckage.” Pride filled Trylin as he watched the assassin’s son play with his returned toy. “We wish to return the empire to its former glory.”

Casey glanced back up at him. “What are you talking about? Dark Specter’s empire is gone.”

“Many are, yes. But there are those of us who would willingly follow you if you decide to take you’re rightful place.”

“That’s the second time you’ve said ‘rightful place’.” Irritation laced his voice. “What rightful place?”

Tyrlin blinked, seeming truly startled by the question. “Your rightful place.” When Casey didn’t seem to understand anymore than he did before, Tyrlin frowned and continued. “As Prince of Darkness, of course.”

“Huh?”

[lunarweather]

ooooooooooooooooooo


That is freaking awsome!!

I am loving this story line sooo much!

Going the way it is now, I wonder whan Karone is going to be called in to stop him.;)

[Dairanger]

bravo!

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest

Author: Solarbaby

Disclaimer: All I own is the plot.

Words: 1773

Summary: The search for Casey begins and Casey makes his decision known.

Spoilers: Nope.

Notes: Okay, I’m slowly making progress with this fic. I am determined to finished it before Christmas and the Raseyness will come into play again in the next few chapters.

oOoOoOoOoOoOo

Chapter 13

“Take away the light and all you have left is darkness.”

-Anonymous


“You think I’m supposed to be Prince of Darkness.” The idea was such the Casey couldn’t keep himself from laughing. Tyrlin looked affronted by this.

“You were Astronema’s heir.” The blue-skinned creature frowned at the man. “It is your rightful place.”

Tyrlin seemed obsessed with that phrase. “I agreed to be Astronema’s heir a long time ago, back when there was actually an empire, because my mother wanted it.” He shrugged and went back to playing with his sword. “I am over trying to please her.”

“Just think about it.” He eyed the sword wielder warily, approaching him. “The power. The prestige. The control.”

Control. That word perked Casey’s interest. It seemed that the creature had managed to hit the one thing that he wanted. That was something that had been missing in his life. Being forced off on Astronema when he was a kid then being for to protect humans? “I’m listening.”

A smile played on Tyrlin’s face. “You’ll have complete control over your life and the life of others. Never have to listen to what others say.”

Interest flickered over the tiger’s face. He looked at the sword, thoughtfully, genially brushing the red hit. The hilt flickered dark then bright in response, almost as if it was happy to be back with its master. “Okay,” He lifted the sword back up, watching the light glance off it with a grin, “I’m in.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

Silence echoed throughout the loft as they trudged in during the early morning. Lily, Theo, and RJ were followed by Master Swoop, sweeping into the loft. The silence had become a normal thing since he’d let them know that that Casey was his son.

A pale skinned RJ grabbed an apple and took a bite out of it. He paled slightly more, looking like he might get sick. It was immediately tossed aside, as he collapsed onto the couch. There was movement beside him and he turned to find Lily taking a seat beside him. “How?” His voice startled them as they turned to look at RJ.

Swoop sighed, gingerly taking a seat on one of the stools. “This story began a long time ago. Before I joined the Pai Zhuq, before the Pai Zhaq even existed. I lived during the time of the Ninjetti. Scorpina wasn’t always as she is now, from what I’ve been told. She had a temper and she could defend herself if need be, but she wasn’t a violent person. But one day, she attacked me. I don’t know why. She blinded me, almost killed me, but I barely survived. I was put in cryo-stasis to stop the bleeding, but no one woke me up til thousands of years later.” He picked at one of the table mats sitting there. “I don’t know how they could have survived. It’s been so long.”

Silence descended over them once again, each person lost in their own thoughts.

“We shouldn’t be here.”

“Theo?” Lily questioned.

Theo rubbed his face with his hands. “We should be here do nothing. We should be out there, trying to find him. Casey’s out there somewhere, hurt, and we’re not doing anything.”

“Theo is right.” Master Swoop stood up, watching the others. “There will be time to talk about this later.”

“You can fix him, right?” Lily got up, the man beside barely glancing up from his own hands. “That poison. You can stop it?”

Swoop nodded. “The antidote is exceedingly simple; it’s usually determining the poison that is the problem.”

“Good.” Lily’s voice was stronger, more sure. “We just need to find him, then.”

Swoop headed for the exit, followed by Lily and Theo. RJ continued to sit in his seat, his eyes blank.

“RJ?”

He looked up at Theo, who was standing at the edge of the stairs. Inside him, the wolf howled, missing the lost piece of his pack.

“Are you coming?”

He blinked, before slowly nodding and getting up.

With that, they once again left the loft, intent of finding their lost tiger.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Dai Shi growled as another newcomer entered his throne room. He leaned back against his throne, eying the silver-blue skinned man before him. Camille made a noise of curiosity from his left. He saw Scorpina and her youngest daughter look up from where they had been in deep conversation. Scorpina frowned before a look of recognition crossed her face, while Sorani merely dismissed the creature in favor of smirking at his neck. He bare stopped himself from rubbing the circle of bruises that he knew lined there.

The man seemed to take inventory of the room before his glance landed on the assassin. “Scorpina.” He nodded her way in respect.

Scorpina nodded back. “General Tyrlin. Far from your usual space, isn’t it?” Her voice was tightly controlled, almost as if she was stopping herself from going after him.

“I came to pay my respect to your son.” He smirked. “I was pleased to note how willing he was to returned to his rightful place.”

This had triggered Sorani’s interest and she finally focused on the man. “Rightful place?”

“What are you going on about now?” The distaste was obvious in Scorpina’s voice now.

“You should know.” Tyrlin said. “If I remember correctly, you were completely behind your son taking Astronema’s place one day.” He shrugged. “Well, that day has arrived.”

“You’re lying.” Scorpina denied, stepping forward. “Casey never liked the idea. I know he wouldn’t have chosen to step in her place.”

“I guess that proves just how much you don’t know about me.” A voice from the doorway called.

They all turned to find Casey lounging against an open door. In his left hand was a deadly looking sword that he was swinging back and forth, as if a toy. He stepped into the room, pointing the sword at Dai Shi as he did. A smirk crossed his face. “What I don’t get,” He turned to look at his mother, “is the fact that you knew I never wanted this yet you still signed me up. I agreed because you wanted to and now that I’ve stepped up to the plate you seem upset. Why is that?”

“What is going on?!” Dai Shi shot up off of his throne and stomped toward them. He had been left out of the loop for too long. Well no longer. This was his temple.

“Ah,” Tyrlin made a great sweeping gesture with mocking respect. “You must be the great Dai Shi I have heard so much about.” He sent Camille a predatory grin that had her shivering. “I’m am called General Tyrlin. I was a General of Dark Spector’s army.”

Camille looked startled. “Dark Spector?” She whispered. “What do we owe this honor?” Stepping up beside Dai Shi, her voice barely shook.

“As I’ve said before, I’ve come to pay my respects to my lord.” Tyrlin glanced at Dai Shi’s neck and gestured to Casey. “I see you’ve already had a run in with our new Prince of Darkness.”

“WHAT?” Dai Shi paled dramatically and Camille looked faint.

“Casey?”

He turned to look at his mother.

“Tell me that it’s not true.” She approached him, placing a hand on his arm. “Tell me you didn’t do this.”

“Why? Isn’t this what you wanted?” Casey mocked back at her.

“No.” Anger filled her face as she turned from him. “This isn’t what I wanted at all.” She turned and headed for the door. “Sorani!” Scorpina snapped.

Sorani looked between the two of them, wide-eyed, before scurrying off after her mother.

Something twinged inside of Casey as he watched the two leave. It took him a moment to figure out that it was sorrow he felt. That was a feeling he didn’t like and he pushed it aside as he twisted the ring on his finger.

He never noticed the look of superior triumph that graced Tyrlin’s face.

oOoOoOoOoOo

“What do we do? What do we do? What do we do?” Sorani muttered as she paced in her mother’s room. “Have to do something. Not Casey. Never Casey. Have to help him.” She look up at her older sister who was sitting on the bed, pale at what she had been told occurred. “Fix this.” She implored her older sister, desperately. “We can’t lose him.”

“We’re not going to lose him.” Scorpina tried to console her, only to have her youngest turn an furious look on her.

“You did this.” Sorani hissed at her. “You broke, Casey.”

Dallina shook her head. She never could have believed that her mother would have done something like this. Scorpina had always been the one to tell her to take care of her siblings. That she was the oldest and had to protect them. A job she couldn’t do if her mother pulled a stunt like this. “That brazza ring. What was it created to do exactly?”

“It was one of Rita’s creations. She created them to suppress the goodness of someone. It was supposed to give her control of her minions but they didn’t work and had to be scrapped. But this one wasn’t supposed to be that powerful. There were supposed to be restrictions.” Scorpina sighed as she sat down beside Dallina, who sent her a glare. “It’s all that damn general’s fault! He did this!”

“General Tyrlin?” Dallina asked. “What does he have to do with this?”

“He was the one who got it for me.” She replied, a dark look crossing her face. Hatred filled her as she thought about him. “I approached about it while I was on a job. He must have done something on it. Even after I had spells placed on it to weaken its effects.”

“So how do we get rid of it?” Sorani demanded of her mother.

“The only way that to stops its effects is to remove that ring.”

Sorani gave a snort. “That’s not going to happen. We need help.”

Dallina nodded. “But who? Aunt Rita?”

“When it Kalderon freezes over.” Scorpina snapped. There was no way she was going to ask that her for anything.

“She might be able to help. She was our godmother.”

“She’s a traitor.”

“Mom,” Dallina bite out, trying to hold in her temper. She didn’t want to go Rita either, but she would if it meant helping Casey. “There is no one else.”

“Not true.” They turned their attention to Sorani, who was tapping her bottom lips thoughtfully. “There is another.” She paused, frowning. “Well, other’s anyways.”

Confused looks settled on the two’s faces before realization struck it.

“No. Absolutely not.”

“Oh, hell no. You want to ask the power rangers for help?”

[solarbaby]

Title: Mommy Dearest
Author: Solarbaby
Disclaimer: All I own is the plot.
Words: 1488
Summary: They lost Casey but gained his mother.
Spoilers: Nope.
Notes: We finally get some more Raseyness here. Finally!
Chapter 14


oOoOoOoOoOoOo

“If you can’t sleep, then get up and do something instead of lying there worrying. It’s the worry that gets you, not the lack of sleep.”
-Dale Carnegie

Instinct raged when RJ set the wolf free. He was over run with scent and noise. The sudden desire to run and howl hit him, to chase the freedom he always wished he had.

But he couldn’t.

The wolf wanted to find the missing portion of his pack. He stood as leader (mostly), protector, and Alpha of the group. A loss of any kind, especially his tiger, was unacceptable.

The human portion of his mind told him that it wasn’t his tiger. But it was. He knew that more than anything. The tiger was his, just as much as the cheetah and the jaguar, but more so. The wolf raised this cub up to be strong and capable, an Alpha in his own right. It didn’t matter who sired him, be Bat or Scorpion, the tiger was his.

What happened before didn’t change that.

Air whisked past him as he blurred through the trees. Here he was in his element. The hunt came naturally to him, as natural as breathing and eating. All he had to do was catch the tiger’s scent.

He would not fail.

He would bring his tiger home.

oOoOoOoOoOo

The woods seemed to blend together after a while. Lily was forced to rely on her instincts to keep her from getting to terribly lost. This heightened her senses, letting her pick up on noises, sights, and smells that she would have normally been obvious to.

It was this that let Lily catch a faint coppery smell in the air.

A frown crossed her face as she tried to place where it was coming from. This brought her to a tree that she normally wouldn’t have given a second look at. On closer inspection she saw a dark spot near its base. She reached down and touched the spot seeing a dark spot on her fingers.

Blood.

It wasn’t animal, she knew that for sure. Her cheetah enhanced sense of smell made sure of that. But it wasn’t human either.

But Casey wasn’t human, was he?

She flicked her glasses open and placed them on her face. “Guys, you might want to see this.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

“That’s a lot of blood.” Theo looked as though he was going to be sick. He swayed slightly, Lily stopping him from crashing for the ground.

RJ was leaning down by the… puddle, might have been an appropriate word for the thick liquid on the ground. A hand reached out, almost as if to touch it, see if it was real, but stopped. He looked up at the two standing, his eyes still holding a yellowish tint that made Lily flinch. “We don’t know that it is Casey’s.” He pointed out before glancing over at Master Swoop, who was beside him with blood on his fingers.

Swoop brought the fingers to his nose, taking a smell. It certainly wasn’t human, but he couldn’t tell what it was. The smell was kind of familiar, under the scent of blood.

“Oh, god. He’s dead, isn’t he?”

“Theo!” Lily’s voice was short, snappy. “Casey is not dead. We just have to keep looking.”

“It’s definitely not human.” Swoop declared.

“See!” Lily gained an expression that looked a cross between relief and panic.

The bat master shook his head, not wanting to crush what hope the young cheetah may hold. It was Theo who spoke up, looking up into the canopy. “But Casey isn’t human, is he?”

“Theo!” She snapped his name once again, sending a nasty look his way. “This is Casey. He’s--.”

“Theo is right.”

The three turned to look at one who had spoken. Master Swoop had returned to his feet, pale. His normal calm demeanor was shaken. Clotted blood was blotched on his sleeve and edge of his black coat where he had gotten them caught trying to get up.

“Casey is not human. Not fully, anyways. I am human, but his mother was-- is a hybrid.” He brushed his hand off on a leg, trying to regain composure. “This is his.”

No one saw RJ’s eyes flash yellow again as he buried his face in his hands, suppressing a growl.

oOoOoOoOoOo

It was dark as they returned to the loft with low spirits. Other than that spot Lily had found there was no trace of their wayward tiger. A deathly silence descended over them as they came up the staircase. It was almost to the point where they missed the newcomers to the loft.

Three women were perched in the kitchen, one of which was humming and chewing on a half-eaten apple. The oldest sent a sneer their way as they were caught sight of.

Neither RJ nor Theo was in any mood to be polite by now. “Who the hell are you?!” This earned Theo a slap in the arm from Lily. RJ let out a low snarl, making a move towards them only to have an arm stop him. Taking a deep breath, he looked to see it was the bat master who had stopped him.

The oldest woman returned the glower that RJ just sent their way. Temperature in the loft seemed to drop several degrees as she caught sight of Swoop. She recognized him instantly. “I’m Casey’s mother.”

It seemed like time froze in the loft for a moment.

Then all hell broke loose.

RJ broke Swoop’s hold on him and launched himself at the woman, the threat to his pack. She had been the one who poisoned Casey, the reason he was lost to them. The two went crashing to the ground before he found himself flung back. He found himself pinned to a support beam mere seconds later.

Both Lily and Theo immediately jumped to their master’s defense.

Lily moved toward Scorpina only to find herself face to face with one of the other women, the tallest. “Do not touch my mother.” She was shoved backwards and bounced against the counter. As the woman came after her, she lashed out, catching Casey’s sister with her feet and sending her sprawling into her mother.

The two went stumbling back, Scorpina losing her grip on the wolf.

And Theo, embarrassingly, wasn’t able to take more than four steps before he found himself pinned to the floor on his stomach with a short dark-haired woman perched on his back, giggling. He felt a hand start to stroke his hair and he flushed, struggling harder now.

“Scorpina?”

That quiet whisper was enough to stop everyone mid-move. They turned to look at the man who had said it.

“Hello, Marcus.” Scorpina said, pleasantly.

Theo suddenly felt the weight be lifted off of his back. Shooting to his feet, he looked up in time to see the woman being snatched by the waist by the other two, preventing the woman from getting Swoop by mere inches.

“That is enough, Sorani.”

The woman, Sorani, still thrashed in their grasp with a murderous look on her face. “Hello, Daddy.” She hissed at him.

“Sorani?” He made a step to come forward, only to feel the blade of a knife move millimeters from his cheek.

Scorpina yanked the butcher’s knife from her youngest’s grasp, slamming it back down on the counter.

Theo and Lily scrambled past the trio, coming to stand beside RJ and Swoop, protectively.

“Look,--.”

“Dallina.”

“No, mother.” Dallina sent her mother a grim look. “Look, we didn’t come here to fight.” She took a deep breath, pushing aside second thoughts and other unfriendly ideas. “We,” She turned a glare her mother’s way, show just who this ‘we’ was, “made a mistake. And we need your help to fix it.”

“Like poisoning your son?” RJ replied, ruthlessly.

“I don’t have to explain myself to you, human.” Scorpina shot back. “My decisions are my own.”

“What have you done, Scorpina?”

Scorpina turned the man she once loved. The one who tried to kill her children. For a moment, only long enough to make the other’s wonder if they imagined it, her façade failed. Pain and regret showed in her eyes along with worry and something unrecognizable. But it was gone faster than it appeared.

“I just wanted my son back.”

oOoOoOoOoOo

The baby shower was in full swing by the time he arrived. He almost didn’t want to enter the room when he heard the group of female laug