The ambient sounds and activity slowly drowned out the earlier tension. Conversations resumed, the coffee machines hissed, and the occasional soft laugh echoed off the café walls. Still, Zayne didn't feel completely at ease. If he'd known his classmates were already here, he would've picked a rooftop or a secluded library. But what was done was done.
He leaned deeper into the corner booth, trying to lose himself in the schematics dancing across his digital pad. The projected model of the Omni-Nexus rotated slowly, displaying the potential structure for what could become his new Ranger base. It was beautiful, but unfinished.
Still, his gaze shifted. Toward the bar.
There she was.
Hayley. Same warm smile. Same calm presence. But younger. Maybe early 30s.
"That's her, huh? Same face, just younger," he muttered in his thoughts.
Not wanting to stick out too much, he ordered a smoothie from the console. Something chill. Something to help him blend in. Then, he resumed working, carefully ignoring the occasional glance from the nearby tables.
What he didn't know was that, not far off, the table of students who knew him all too little were already deep in conversation about him.
--- ✦ ---
(Group Table – Back of the Café)
"What's golden boy doing here? Doesn't he, like, never leave his apartment?" Ethan said, slouching further into the couch with a smirk.
Kira, sitting upright and wide-eyed, muttered back. "He's not the type to do something without reason. So maybe… It's something important."
She didn't mention she'd observed him on more than a few occasions. Purely coincidental. Probably. (A/N: Hmm....Stalker?!!!)
"Yeah," Gwen added, chuckling. "This dude's like a robot. Does everything with a planner, a watch, and probably moon phases. Who even does that?"
The others turned to her with half-lidded stares.
"Aren't you the same?" Peter asked flatly.
Gwen raised her hands with a grin. "Okay, okay! But mine isn't that bad. He's on another level."
Peter leaned back, thoughtful. "The guy's great though. Almost too great. Top of the class. Gym medals. Robotics club leader. Science fair champion. Honestly, when we graduate, I wouldn't be shocked if he's already building a company. He's like a custom game character with every stat maxed."
"Alright, enough glazing. We came here to talk about assignments, remember? I am not failing this project again," Connor cut in, hands folded.
But Gwen had other ideas. Her eyes glinted mischievously as she turned to Kira.
"Kira, isn't this your chance?"
Kira flinched. "W-What chance?"
Mary Jane leaned in, catching on instantly. "Yeah, he's alone. You always wanted to talk to him, right? Don't miss your shot."
Kira's face turned crimson. Her confident demeanor cracked like a windshield under a sledgehammer. She sank her head into her knees.
The boys exchanged confused glances. Kira's sudden change of behavior was almost surreal.
Ned, seizing the rare opportunity, pulled out his phone with a devilish grin, intending to snap a pic for future teasing.
Gwen, without even looking, turned her eyes toward him. A single warning glare.
He paled, laughed nervously, and slid the phone back into his pocket.
"So, Kira," Gwen prompted. "What do you think?"
After a painfully long pause, Kira stood up.
"Alright... I'm doing it."
--- ✦ ---
(Zayne's Booth)
Zayne was mid-scroll through an energy conversion schematic when he noticed a presence beside him. He turned slightly.
Kira.
"Hey... um... mind if I sit here?"
His face remained neutral. Straight. Calm. His expression unreadable.
"Sure," he replied after a second. A small nod.
He slid his datapad to the side and gestured slightly to the seat next to him.
The silence lingered as she sat, fidgeting with her smoothie.
Zayne coughed lightly.
"So... what brings you over?"
"Honestly? The others kinda dared me to talk to you," she said, trying to joke, though her voice still carried a hint of nerves.
He gave a tiny smile. Not quite a grin, but the corners of his mouth lifted.
"And you accepted?"
"Well, you are kind of a mystery, I'd like to solve."
"Is that a Pickup line?". Zayne chuckled softly. "Not sure there's much to learn."
Kira's eyes widened, seeing him laugh sincerely for the first time. She immediately composed herself and added.
"That's what all the mysterious ones say."
The tension slowly eased. They began to talk about school. About books. Hobbies. Nothing deep, but easy and light. Zayne, though naturally reserved, was polite and insightful. Kira, once over her initial awkwardness, smiled more with each passing sentence.
Back at the table, Gwen nudged MJ.
"Told you."
Connor blinked in surprise. "Huh. They're actually talking."
"Like a normal human being!" Ned added, almost rising to his feet.
Peter smirked. "Score one for Team Matchmaker."
--- ✦ ---
(Outer Space - Unknown Coordinates)
Above the void of Earth's orbit, a massive metallic cruiser floated ominously. Black, jagged, and layered with archaic alien markings, it resembled a drifting beast more than a spaceship.
Inside, seated on a throne of twisted bone and obsidian, was Lothor.
Arms folded. Eyes cold. Smile sinister.
"It's time," he said, his voice echoing with venom. "My plan to conquer Earth is near. Although there are few rangers on the planet, they should pose no threat. With that guy's help, it's a done deal."
He stood.
"I will claim this planet. And crush its pathetic Ninja schools before they even breed Rangers."
But he wouldn't do it alone.
He walked toward a tall communication shrine embedded in the wall, tapping runes on the console.
"Zurgane."
A tall armored warrior appeared on the screen. Cold eyes. Silent, but sharp.
"Contact Thanos. Tell him... an old friend wishes to talk."
Zurgane hesitated slightly. "Thanos may not be receptive. Not after... the Morvax incident."
Lothor waved his hand dismissively.
"That lovesick fool? Hah. He can be convinced. Tell him I know the location of an infinity stone, he would come running. That should be enough."
Zurgane bowed. "As you command."
But just as the quiet settled—
BAM!
The sliding doors to the command deck burst open.
"Uncle Looooothorrrr!"
Lothor cringed. He didn't even turn around.
"No."
"Guess what! I found this killer shade of cosmic pink that goes with my eye-shadow!" Marah squealed.
Kapri followed, twirling in a glittery alien shawl. "And I found boots that match your evil robes! Isn't that cute?!"
Lothor turned slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"They told me bringing family would be good for my soul," he muttered darkly.
Kapri held up a makeup palette. "Also, can we take the cruiser shopping on Nebula 9? I heard there's an intergalactic sale!"
Lothor growled under his breath.
"Someone remind me to vaporize whoever said this was a good idea."
To Be Continued...
--- ✦ ---
So, guys, I wasn't supposed to post today, but I felt like I should. After this chapter, we will pick up the pace. I might focus on more world-building, too.
Power Stones!!!!