a_to_z_prompts fic: "Moving On", Sky-centric gen, PG
Title: Moving On
Author: Mary (shurimon & shurifanstuffs on Livejournal)
Fandom: Power Rangers SPD
Letter: A for Age
Rating: PG
Summary: After the events of the episode "Idol", Sky looks back and realizes that he still has some growing up to do.
Disclaimer/Author's Notes/Spoiler Warning: I don't own the characters and make no claim to. Spoilers up til and including the episode "Idol". Implied past Sky/Dru.
Sky sat alone on the edge of the fountain he'd finished scrubbing a short time ago, staring out into the gathering night, lost in contemplation. His arms were both smarting from cleaning with a toothbrush for hours on end, and the laser burn on his right wrist would serve as a reminder of the foolish mistake he'd made for quite a long time.
However, something else was hurting him, had burned even more than his laser wound- the emotional hurt inflicted by Dru's betrayal earlier that day.
Sky been elated when his best friend... sometimes more... had unexpectedly turned up. Sky had always held on to some tiny hope that Dru had survived when going MIA just about a year before that, even though his mind had told him to be realistic, and even though his status had been given as "Missing in Action" more as a courtesy to Dru's family than anything, since he'd disappeared while on an undercover mission, and the chances of returning after that had been slim.
His elation even outweighed the obvious suspicion in the air, both from the others and from himself. After all, what did Sky care if Jack thought Dru was sneaking around? What did Sky care that Bridge had withdrawn from the others in the way he usually did when he felt that something was wrong but didn't want to speak up about it? What did Sky care that he, himself, deep down inside didn't feel 100% right about Dru's sudden appearance?
He had him back, and that was all that mattered. There had to be an explanation for the holes in his story, too, he'd told himself. Maybe Dru really was on a secret mission. Or he really did have amnesia, and it was making him forgetful, or...
After the attempt on Commander Cruger's life, Sky still didn't want to believe that Dru had willingly betrayed him and S.P.D., even though he said he didn't need Sky any more, that Broodwing had "showed him the light". Not until Dru had shot at him, broken the tangible symbol of their friendship, did reality hit him like a ton of bricks. He had felt... still did feel... as though he'd been slapped in the face repeatedly by what had happened.
How could I have been so stupid? he wondered. He was a traitor, Jack knew something was up, and I didn't listen. Why did I believe Dru over the others?
Because he was your friend, he answered himself. The last person you would ever expect to turn against you, or betray S.P.D. He cared about you, and you cared about him. You were both young, pumped to be a part of S.P.D., believing that when you grew up, you'd make a difference. You felt a bigger connection to him than anyone else.
Sky slowly, heavily got up, reaching into his pants pocket, taking out and staring at the two Tangarian Coil bracelets- one broken in two, one whole.
Symbols of a broken friendship. A broken trust.
Sky put them both back in his pocket before pulling his jacket on, getting out his patrol bike's keys, and making his way to the parking garage, feeling as though his legs were made of lead. A few minutes later, he was driving out into the night, toward the shore, his mind going back to a happier time.
* * *
He was nervous.
Even though he was 16 years old, capable of taking care of himself, excited that he'd finally gotten his mother to relent and let him join S.P.D., even though he was taking a step toward his dream and was where he wanted to be more than anything, he was nervous.
What if I'm not good enough? What if I don't ever get to be a Power Ranger? What if I get kicked out? What if, what if, what if?
Those questions kept running through his mind nonstop even as he finished helping his mother get his possessions into his room, then kissed her goodbye and began to unpack, going as fast as he could so he could begin to read and digest the extensive handbook. Training wasn't to begin for another few days, giving the new cadets time to arrive and get settled in the environment of the Academy, but he still didn't want to wait to do anything that could possibly help him on his path. The other half of the room was empty for now; he had no idea whether or not he was going to get a roommate or even who it was. He only took a break when the call came for all of the new recruits to gather in the rec room to eat and mingle with their fellow cadets. Sky hardly paid attention to the officer instructing them on how to use the synthesizer, nor did he make any effort to find a companion to sit with, instead choosing a table near the window and seating himself, staring out of it. As much as he wished he wasn't, he was still doubtful.
What if I don't make any friends here? What if my superiors don't like me? What if they treat me differently because of what happened to Dad?
"Anybody sitting here?" Sky jumped as he was addressed, looking around to see a brown-haired young man smiling rather nervously at him. He, too, wore the uniform that all the new and thus lowest-ranked members of S.P.D. did. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. You just looked kind of lonely, sitting here by yourself, and it looks like all the other newbies have found someone to eat with."
"Oh, it's alright," said Sky, returning the smile slightly. "I was just thinking... oh, er, you can go ahead and sit if you want."
"Thanks," the other young man replied, sliding into the seat opposite him. Sky noticed with interest that his companion couldn't have been entirely human, as he had four round bumps on his skin above each eyebrow. "First day, too, huh?"
"Yeah," said Sky, picking at his meal. "I've been looking forward to being able to join S.P.D. for a while... ever since I was a little kid."
"Really?" he companion asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking. "How come, if I may ask?"
"My dad was the Red Ranger," said Sky proudly. "And I want nothing more than to be just like he was."
"That's as good a reason as any," said the brown-haired young man. "What's your name? I'm Dru Harrington." He held out a hand, which Sky shook.
"I'm Schuyler Tate, but everyone calls me Sky," he told Dru. "...It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise. Are you from Earth?" Sky nodded. "I'm from the planet Tangar, so I'm even further away from home than you are."
"Wow," said Sky. "So why did you come to S.P.D. Earth?"
"I wanted a change of scenery," said Dru with a little shrug. "Also, the fact that this was the closest base to me helps." Sky had to smile at that, and Dru chuckled. "So, I have to confess I'm about scared out of my skin to be here. How about you?"
"Yeah," said Sky before he can stop himself. "...I'm scared that nobody's going to like me here, or that I'm not going to be good enough..."
"You're not the only one," Dru assured him. "Believe me, I feel the exact same way. I think it would be stupid to NOT be scared. Tell you what- you don't know anybody here, and neither do I, so... how about you and I stick together? At least we'll have each other."
"Sure," said Sky, feeling a rush of gratitude. "And I hope both of us do well."
* * *
Sky braked his bike to a stop, got off and stretched. He was in a rather secluded cove, a place he'd found during a training exercise years ago... or more accurately, a place he and Dru had found together. He couldn't explain why he'd been drawn to it- thinking about Dru still hurt, and they'd spent a lot of off time together here.
We were best friends. Closer than friends- he was the first person I... Sky shook his head. He'd loved Dru as a friend and brother, but anything more... they'd fooled around a few times, but he'd thought it was nothing. Now he was having second thoughts, but he chastened himself. Whether or not he felt more than friendship was irrelevant; the betrayal was the worst thing. No matter what we were, I trusted him. And he told me he trusted me, more than anybody else in the galaxy. Even right before he went on the mission where he went "missing", he made sure to take the time to call me and tell me he'd be alright. Where did that go wrong?
He suddenly remembered another day, and another memory, taking place in this precise spot, was replayed vividly in his mind.
* * *
"But WHY do you have to be sent away?" Sky asked, frantic.
"Would you calm down?" Dru demanded. "Look, I don't like it any more than you do..."
"Just tell Officer Flendon that you'll go back to being on the Ranger squad or something. Dru, I don't want to lose you..."
"But this is what I want out of life," said Dru, gripping his shoulders. "Your destiny in life is to be a Power Ranger. Not everyone can be one. S.P.D. needs more than just Rangers, and all of our superiors agree I'm more suited to this line of work."
"...I don't want you to leave," Sky said quietly, even as guilt began to consume him for feeling like this. He shouldn't be so affected by the idea of Dru leaving. After all, even as Rangers they could have gotten separated some day...
"I don't want to leave, either," said Dru. "But I might never get another chance like this. I have to go."
"...What am I going to do without you?" Sky asked. "We haven't been apart since the day we both came to S.P.D., remember?"
"Do I ever," Dru laughed. "It was only about a year ago, but it seems so long. Worrying about acceptance and being good enough... and now look at us. You're in C-Squad, and I'm going to go into advanced spy and undercover training. We're both going to be great. You're already great."
"Not as great as you," Sky said with a barely-hidden twinge of jealousy. "You're even better than I am."
"Does that matter?" Dru asked, rolling his eyes. "So what if you're not the best or fastest shot? You're still very, very good." Sky took a deep breath, managing a little smile, knowing he was right, even if his pride didn't want to listen. "Listen, Sky... there's something I wanted to give you, and now seems to be as good a time as any." Sky stared as Dru reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out... "I know these look like bracelets, and I guess they are, but..." Sky noticed that Dru was going red, and shot him a puzzled look. "OK. This might sound really stupid to you, but it's not to me. This is very important to me."
"Dru, what is it?" Sky asked.
"Alright. We call these Tangarian Coils," said Dru. "And on my home planet, well... it's a big tradition to give one to your best friend- the person you're closest to and trust most. It's a physical symbol of the bond between two people, and if you wear it, you'll feel connected no matter where you are." Going redder still, Dru glanced apprehensively at Sky, as though expecting him to laugh.
"Wow, that's... I'm honored," said Sky, and his friend gave a big sigh of relief.
"Here..." Dru held one of them out. "We're supposed to put them on each other." Sky obediently took the silver Coil from Dru, slowly sliding it onto his wrist, holding out his right arm and allowing Dru to do the same. "...Thank you, Sky." Dru held his arm up, and Sky did the same, the two gently clinking the bracelets together. "I'm glad you accepted my gift. I thought you were going to refuse."
"Why would I?" Sky wanted to know.
"Because you've gotten so darn serious ever since I met you," Dru smirked, patting him on the shoulder as the two began to make their way back to the S.P.D. truck they'd taken on their drive to the beach.
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with being serious," said Sky defensively. "If I don't focus on my goal, how else am I going to get there?"
"You can be focused and still have fun," said Dru. "I know that you're going to be a great Red Ranger some day."
"...Thanks," Sky mumbled. "I still wish you weren't going."
"I wish I wasn't, either. But we're going in different directions as we get older. You have your goal, and I have mine- we'll still be best friends no matter where we are, though."
"Of course," said Sky, looking down at his Tangarian Coil. "Always."
* * *
Always... yeah, right. Sky closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his nostrils filling with the smell of the ocean. I thought I've grown up since then, but I still have a lot to learn. He took the silver bracelets out of his pocket again, staring at them. Like who my true friends are. And how something physical can't keep what's inside from changing. He knew now why he'd come to that spot, however- the place he'd received his coil seemed to be the appropriate place to dispose of it, too.
Sky walked right up to the edge of the lapping waves, took one last look at the Tangarian coils, then drew his arm back and chucked them into the ocean. He didn't bother to hide the few tears sliding down his cheeks as he went back to his bike, however- because throwing away the physical evidence of his shattered friendship still didn't make it stop hurting mentally. He then jumped when his phone rang, so he took it out, glanced at the number, and reluctantly answered.
"...Hey."
"Where are you?" came Bridge's concerned voice. "Are you alright? Commander Cruger sent me outside to tell you he decided you'd done enough punishment chores and you weren't there and I know you probably weren't done because I've done the fountain before and it takes forever and even you couldn't-"
"I'm fine, buddy," Sky interrupted. "I just... had to get away for a while."
"Understandable. ...Come home, won't you?"
"I'm on my way," said Sky. "I'll be there in about 10 minutes."
"Okay. Hurry back," said Bridge.
"Sure." Sky hung up, then stuck his phone back in his pocket, mounted his bike and drove off, not looking back. He didn't have time to... his friends were waiting for him.
...Goodbye, Dru. You made your choice and now you're going to sit in jail the rest of your life. And I... I'm going to move on.
(Crossposted to a_to_z_prompts)
Author: Mary (shurimon & shurifanstuffs on Livejournal)
Fandom: Power Rangers SPD
Letter: A for Age
Rating: PG
Summary: After the events of the episode "Idol", Sky looks back and realizes that he still has some growing up to do.
Disclaimer/Author's Notes/Spoiler Warning: I don't own the characters and make no claim to. Spoilers up til and including the episode "Idol". Implied past Sky/Dru.
Sky sat alone on the edge of the fountain he'd finished scrubbing a short time ago, staring out into the gathering night, lost in contemplation. His arms were both smarting from cleaning with a toothbrush for hours on end, and the laser burn on his right wrist would serve as a reminder of the foolish mistake he'd made for quite a long time.
However, something else was hurting him, had burned even more than his laser wound- the emotional hurt inflicted by Dru's betrayal earlier that day.
Sky been elated when his best friend... sometimes more... had unexpectedly turned up. Sky had always held on to some tiny hope that Dru had survived when going MIA just about a year before that, even though his mind had told him to be realistic, and even though his status had been given as "Missing in Action" more as a courtesy to Dru's family than anything, since he'd disappeared while on an undercover mission, and the chances of returning after that had been slim.
His elation even outweighed the obvious suspicion in the air, both from the others and from himself. After all, what did Sky care if Jack thought Dru was sneaking around? What did Sky care that Bridge had withdrawn from the others in the way he usually did when he felt that something was wrong but didn't want to speak up about it? What did Sky care that he, himself, deep down inside didn't feel 100% right about Dru's sudden appearance?
He had him back, and that was all that mattered. There had to be an explanation for the holes in his story, too, he'd told himself. Maybe Dru really was on a secret mission. Or he really did have amnesia, and it was making him forgetful, or...
After the attempt on Commander Cruger's life, Sky still didn't want to believe that Dru had willingly betrayed him and S.P.D., even though he said he didn't need Sky any more, that Broodwing had "showed him the light". Not until Dru had shot at him, broken the tangible symbol of their friendship, did reality hit him like a ton of bricks. He had felt... still did feel... as though he'd been slapped in the face repeatedly by what had happened.
How could I have been so stupid? he wondered. He was a traitor, Jack knew something was up, and I didn't listen. Why did I believe Dru over the others?
Because he was your friend, he answered himself. The last person you would ever expect to turn against you, or betray S.P.D. He cared about you, and you cared about him. You were both young, pumped to be a part of S.P.D., believing that when you grew up, you'd make a difference. You felt a bigger connection to him than anyone else.
Sky slowly, heavily got up, reaching into his pants pocket, taking out and staring at the two Tangarian Coil bracelets- one broken in two, one whole.
Symbols of a broken friendship. A broken trust.
Sky put them both back in his pocket before pulling his jacket on, getting out his patrol bike's keys, and making his way to the parking garage, feeling as though his legs were made of lead. A few minutes later, he was driving out into the night, toward the shore, his mind going back to a happier time.
* * *
He was nervous.
Even though he was 16 years old, capable of taking care of himself, excited that he'd finally gotten his mother to relent and let him join S.P.D., even though he was taking a step toward his dream and was where he wanted to be more than anything, he was nervous.
What if I'm not good enough? What if I don't ever get to be a Power Ranger? What if I get kicked out? What if, what if, what if?
Those questions kept running through his mind nonstop even as he finished helping his mother get his possessions into his room, then kissed her goodbye and began to unpack, going as fast as he could so he could begin to read and digest the extensive handbook. Training wasn't to begin for another few days, giving the new cadets time to arrive and get settled in the environment of the Academy, but he still didn't want to wait to do anything that could possibly help him on his path. The other half of the room was empty for now; he had no idea whether or not he was going to get a roommate or even who it was. He only took a break when the call came for all of the new recruits to gather in the rec room to eat and mingle with their fellow cadets. Sky hardly paid attention to the officer instructing them on how to use the synthesizer, nor did he make any effort to find a companion to sit with, instead choosing a table near the window and seating himself, staring out of it. As much as he wished he wasn't, he was still doubtful.
What if I don't make any friends here? What if my superiors don't like me? What if they treat me differently because of what happened to Dad?
"Anybody sitting here?" Sky jumped as he was addressed, looking around to see a brown-haired young man smiling rather nervously at him. He, too, wore the uniform that all the new and thus lowest-ranked members of S.P.D. did. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. You just looked kind of lonely, sitting here by yourself, and it looks like all the other newbies have found someone to eat with."
"Oh, it's alright," said Sky, returning the smile slightly. "I was just thinking... oh, er, you can go ahead and sit if you want."
"Thanks," the other young man replied, sliding into the seat opposite him. Sky noticed with interest that his companion couldn't have been entirely human, as he had four round bumps on his skin above each eyebrow. "First day, too, huh?"
"Yeah," said Sky, picking at his meal. "I've been looking forward to being able to join S.P.D. for a while... ever since I was a little kid."
"Really?" he companion asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking. "How come, if I may ask?"
"My dad was the Red Ranger," said Sky proudly. "And I want nothing more than to be just like he was."
"That's as good a reason as any," said the brown-haired young man. "What's your name? I'm Dru Harrington." He held out a hand, which Sky shook.
"I'm Schuyler Tate, but everyone calls me Sky," he told Dru. "...It's nice to meet you."
"Likewise. Are you from Earth?" Sky nodded. "I'm from the planet Tangar, so I'm even further away from home than you are."
"Wow," said Sky. "So why did you come to S.P.D. Earth?"
"I wanted a change of scenery," said Dru with a little shrug. "Also, the fact that this was the closest base to me helps." Sky had to smile at that, and Dru chuckled. "So, I have to confess I'm about scared out of my skin to be here. How about you?"
"Yeah," said Sky before he can stop himself. "...I'm scared that nobody's going to like me here, or that I'm not going to be good enough..."
"You're not the only one," Dru assured him. "Believe me, I feel the exact same way. I think it would be stupid to NOT be scared. Tell you what- you don't know anybody here, and neither do I, so... how about you and I stick together? At least we'll have each other."
"Sure," said Sky, feeling a rush of gratitude. "And I hope both of us do well."
* * *
Sky braked his bike to a stop, got off and stretched. He was in a rather secluded cove, a place he'd found during a training exercise years ago... or more accurately, a place he and Dru had found together. He couldn't explain why he'd been drawn to it- thinking about Dru still hurt, and they'd spent a lot of off time together here.
We were best friends. Closer than friends- he was the first person I... Sky shook his head. He'd loved Dru as a friend and brother, but anything more... they'd fooled around a few times, but he'd thought it was nothing. Now he was having second thoughts, but he chastened himself. Whether or not he felt more than friendship was irrelevant; the betrayal was the worst thing. No matter what we were, I trusted him. And he told me he trusted me, more than anybody else in the galaxy. Even right before he went on the mission where he went "missing", he made sure to take the time to call me and tell me he'd be alright. Where did that go wrong?
He suddenly remembered another day, and another memory, taking place in this precise spot, was replayed vividly in his mind.
* * *
"But WHY do you have to be sent away?" Sky asked, frantic.
"Would you calm down?" Dru demanded. "Look, I don't like it any more than you do..."
"Just tell Officer Flendon that you'll go back to being on the Ranger squad or something. Dru, I don't want to lose you..."
"But this is what I want out of life," said Dru, gripping his shoulders. "Your destiny in life is to be a Power Ranger. Not everyone can be one. S.P.D. needs more than just Rangers, and all of our superiors agree I'm more suited to this line of work."
"...I don't want you to leave," Sky said quietly, even as guilt began to consume him for feeling like this. He shouldn't be so affected by the idea of Dru leaving. After all, even as Rangers they could have gotten separated some day...
"I don't want to leave, either," said Dru. "But I might never get another chance like this. I have to go."
"...What am I going to do without you?" Sky asked. "We haven't been apart since the day we both came to S.P.D., remember?"
"Do I ever," Dru laughed. "It was only about a year ago, but it seems so long. Worrying about acceptance and being good enough... and now look at us. You're in C-Squad, and I'm going to go into advanced spy and undercover training. We're both going to be great. You're already great."
"Not as great as you," Sky said with a barely-hidden twinge of jealousy. "You're even better than I am."
"Does that matter?" Dru asked, rolling his eyes. "So what if you're not the best or fastest shot? You're still very, very good." Sky took a deep breath, managing a little smile, knowing he was right, even if his pride didn't want to listen. "Listen, Sky... there's something I wanted to give you, and now seems to be as good a time as any." Sky stared as Dru reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out... "I know these look like bracelets, and I guess they are, but..." Sky noticed that Dru was going red, and shot him a puzzled look. "OK. This might sound really stupid to you, but it's not to me. This is very important to me."
"Dru, what is it?" Sky asked.
"Alright. We call these Tangarian Coils," said Dru. "And on my home planet, well... it's a big tradition to give one to your best friend- the person you're closest to and trust most. It's a physical symbol of the bond between two people, and if you wear it, you'll feel connected no matter where you are." Going redder still, Dru glanced apprehensively at Sky, as though expecting him to laugh.
"Wow, that's... I'm honored," said Sky, and his friend gave a big sigh of relief.
"Here..." Dru held one of them out. "We're supposed to put them on each other." Sky obediently took the silver Coil from Dru, slowly sliding it onto his wrist, holding out his right arm and allowing Dru to do the same. "...Thank you, Sky." Dru held his arm up, and Sky did the same, the two gently clinking the bracelets together. "I'm glad you accepted my gift. I thought you were going to refuse."
"Why would I?" Sky wanted to know.
"Because you've gotten so darn serious ever since I met you," Dru smirked, patting him on the shoulder as the two began to make their way back to the S.P.D. truck they'd taken on their drive to the beach.
"Hey, there's nothing wrong with being serious," said Sky defensively. "If I don't focus on my goal, how else am I going to get there?"
"You can be focused and still have fun," said Dru. "I know that you're going to be a great Red Ranger some day."
"...Thanks," Sky mumbled. "I still wish you weren't going."
"I wish I wasn't, either. But we're going in different directions as we get older. You have your goal, and I have mine- we'll still be best friends no matter where we are, though."
"Of course," said Sky, looking down at his Tangarian Coil. "Always."
* * *
Always... yeah, right. Sky closed his eyes and took a deep breath, his nostrils filling with the smell of the ocean. I thought I've grown up since then, but I still have a lot to learn. He took the silver bracelets out of his pocket again, staring at them. Like who my true friends are. And how something physical can't keep what's inside from changing. He knew now why he'd come to that spot, however- the place he'd received his coil seemed to be the appropriate place to dispose of it, too.
Sky walked right up to the edge of the lapping waves, took one last look at the Tangarian coils, then drew his arm back and chucked them into the ocean. He didn't bother to hide the few tears sliding down his cheeks as he went back to his bike, however- because throwing away the physical evidence of his shattered friendship still didn't make it stop hurting mentally. He then jumped when his phone rang, so he took it out, glanced at the number, and reluctantly answered.
"...Hey."
"Where are you?" came Bridge's concerned voice. "Are you alright? Commander Cruger sent me outside to tell you he decided you'd done enough punishment chores and you weren't there and I know you probably weren't done because I've done the fountain before and it takes forever and even you couldn't-"
"I'm fine, buddy," Sky interrupted. "I just... had to get away for a while."
"Understandable. ...Come home, won't you?"
"I'm on my way," said Sky. "I'll be there in about 10 minutes."
"Okay. Hurry back," said Bridge.
"Sure." Sky hung up, then stuck his phone back in his pocket, mounted his bike and drove off, not looking back. He didn't have time to... his friends were waiting for him.
...Goodbye, Dru. You made your choice and now you're going to sit in jail the rest of your life. And I... I'm going to move on.
(Crossposted to a_to_z_prompts)