Weeks had passed, and as expected, the news was soon flooded with reports about the new Brazilian Rangers. Their epic battles were broadcast non-stop, drawing the nation's attention. Salinas was quickly overrun by tourists eager to catch even the faintest glimpse of the glowing uniforms. The city, unprepared for the sudden invasion, descended into total chaos.
And, as expected, I didn't receive a single message from them. Not that I didn't try — during the first week, I sent a message every day. Silence was inevitable. Ignored, I eventually gave up. No point insisting.
So I focused on moving forward. I studied harder than ever, aiming to get into the S.P.D. initiative (Super Patrol Delta), a project designed to train and support future Rangers. If I couldn't be one, I'd help in my own way.
That night, while preparing coffee to keep studying, I heard frantic knocking on the door. I let out a tired sigh.
— Coming! — I shouted, pouring a generous amount of coffee into my mug.
I walked to the door without rushing, taking a hot sip of caffeine. But when I opened it, I froze for a second.
There, standing in front of me, was the nation's favorite quintet. Brazil's heroes.
Before they could say a word, I slammed the door in their faces.
Weeks of radio silence and now they showed up out of nowhere?
I turned around, ready to head back to my room, when I heard a familiar voice.
— Dude, we need your help — Neto said through the crack in the door.
I hesitated. A simple "Why?" echoed in my head.
I sighed and yanked the door open harder than necessary. I looked at each of them, trying to sound as cold as I could:
— Ten minutes. Then you're gone.
But honestly? I just wanted to hug them and ask about every single one of their fights.
They came in and settled on the couch. I stayed leaning against the bedroom doorway, watching them exchange uncertain glances. Neto was the first to speak:
— At first, we were handling everything fine… but now we're facing real problems. Communication is a mess. We're late, we miss directions... And the most obvious thing: we don't know anything about Power Rangers.
The silence that followed was nearly unbearable.
I took one last sip of my coffee, sighed, and walked into my room. I grabbed the first backpack I saw and shoved in the essentials.
When I came back to the living room, I put on a cap with the ironic words: Power Rangers' #1 Fan.
I looked at them, letting a slight smile slip.
— Shall we? The world's not gonna save itself.
The mood shifted instantly. They jumped up from the couch and pulled me into a tight hug. They were so hyped up that, unable to fully control their powers, I actually got a little hurt. But it was fine. What hurts the body, heals the soul.
When we got into the car, it felt like we had gone back in time. Like we were teenagers again. The conversation was a mess — everyone talking over each other, interrupting, laughing, not making any real sense.
The trip was light. That feeling was still there, that uncomfortable knot in the back of the mind. But for now, it was better to ignore it. The world couldn't be in danger because of something so childish.
We arrived at the same beach where that fateful day had happened. The sound of the waves crashing against the sand mixed with the slow, salty wind. We walked for hours, letting our footprints be erased by time, until we reached a deserted stretch.
From afar, I spotted an old lighthouse, solitary and imposing against the cloudy sky. Something about it drew me in — maybe the mysterious air, maybe its worn-down architecture. Without thinking much, I walked toward it.
Before I could get closer, I heard wet footsteps behind me. I turned and saw my friends… heading toward the sea?
They looked at me, exchanging knowing smiles. Victor stepped forward and, with a playfully smug tone, said:
— You didn't think it'd be that obvious, did you?
I crossed my arms, raising an eyebrow.
— Clever. But… how exactly are we getting in?
Before anyone could answer, Aila raised her arm, and the morpher on her wrist lit up. A jellyfish-shaped hologram projected from the device and dove straight into the ocean.
Seconds later, the water receded, revealing a staircase made of compacted sand stretching down into the depths.
I had to blink a few times to make sure I was really seeing it.
— Okay… that was unexpected.
— It's weird, I know — said Victor, already descending the steps. — But what part of explosions coming out of our backs when we morph ever made sense?
I nodded subtly and followed the group.
As we went down, hidden lights flicked on around us, gradually revealing the space. It was larger than I expected — like a more vibrant, colorful version of the Batcave.
When we finally reached what looked like the main room, I was greeted with a flying kick to the chest.
The impact knocked me back, pain shooting through my body like an electric shock. I blinked, disoriented, trying to figure out what the hell had just hit me.
Looking up, I saw a holographic projection floating above a small metallic UFO. It had four limb-like extensions and a softly glowing green core at its center.
While I tried to collect myself, Victor and Aila scrambled to hold the thing back.
— Chill, Z! He's the backup! — Aila said, tugging the small UFO backward.
— He came down with us, you didn't have to do that! — Victor yelled, coming over to me. — You okay? Here's your hat.
— I'm alive... and thanks… To be fair, Z's not wrong. She didn't know me. Precaution makes sense.
The hologram flickered for a moment, like it was processing my answer.
— See? Even he agrees with me. Thanks, backup — Z said, her metallic voice dripping with sarcasm.
Now that I had a better look, I noticed her hologram was more detailed than I thought. She was tall, with purple skin, sharp black eyes, and short antennae sticking out of her platinum hair. She wore something like a monk's robe — loose and flowing, giving her a solemn and slightly intimidating air.
— She's your assistant, right? — I asked, still analyzing her.
— Yep — Aila confirmed. — And she's got a short fuse.
— Aila's right. We need someone calmer, who understands human rules and— — Neto began, but was cut off by a shrill alarm.
Everyone instantly turned toward the teleporter.
— Another attack — Victor muttered, already gearing up.
— We're not late… I think. Z, show him around! — Ph shouted, tripping on the teleporter platform before vanishing in a flash of light.
In the blink of an eye, they were all gone.
Silence settled over the base.
Z turned to me, crossed her holographic arms, and without an ounce of tact, asked:
— So, idiot, what's your name?
I let out a tired sigh and offered a standard handshake.
— You can call me Xavier. And yours is Z, right? Nice to meet you.
She looked at my hand, then at me, scoffed, and turned away.
— I'm still calling you idiot.
I closed my eyes, frustrated.
THEN WHY DID YOU ASK MY NAME?!
Taking a better look around their operations base, I noticed several doors lining the corridor. Were some of them bedrooms? Or maybe storage rooms?
Come to think of it, showing up here with only the essentials might've been a bit impulsive. Maybe I could bring my stuff little by little and—
— ARE YOU COMING OR JUST GONNA ADMIRE THE DOORS?!
Z's metallic shout yanked me out of my thoughts.
— I'm coming, I'm coming! — I rushed to catch up with her.
Except I got a bit too eager and ended up passing her, only for my backpack to pop open mid-jog. Books, notebooks, and a few clothes scattered across the floor.
— What is all this, idiot? — Z asked, grabbing my notebook with her floating "hands."
I turned quickly to see her flipping through the pages. I don't know if it was the lighting or just my imagination, but her eyes seemed to glint as she read.
She went quiet.
Z. Quiet.
She just stood there, flipping page after page, completely absorbed in what I had written.
I didn't say anything. Didn't want to interrupt.
After a few long minutes, she floated over with unexpected gentleness and handed the notebook back.
— You're more dedicated than I expected, idiot... The "S.P.D." would be lucky to have you on their team.
I smiled a little.
— Thank y—
— MOVING ON WITH THE TOUR! — Z shouted, cutting off my thanks and making me sigh in defeat.
I picked up my stuff and followed her to the first door, which led to the medbay.
The place was… weird.
At the center of the room were six large capsules, connected to floor-mounted tubes pulsing with a soft blue glow. Beside each capsule, monitors displayed stats — presumably tracking the vitals of whoever was inside.
I kept walking around, absorbing the layout, until I reached the last capsule.
And then I saw it.
Half a body was slowly being reconstructed inside the tube, cells knitting together piece by piece like they were being sculpted from scratch.
It took me a few seconds to process what I was seeing.
The body...
Was Z's.
— Yes, it's exactly what you're thinking — she said, her voice quieter than usual.
I swallowed and looked at her.
— I… thought you were some kind of AI.
Z scoffed, crossing her holographic arms.
— Humans... — she muttered. — My body was destroyed during the war with Mortuus. But I managed to transfer my consciousness into this "UFO" before it was too late.
She looked back at the capsule.
— Now, all I can do is wait for this one to be ready… so I can go back to being me.
I stayed silent, watching her closely.
She was trying to seem indifferent, but it was obvious she'd been waiting for that day a long time.
Without thinking much, I stepped closer and tried to place my hand on her holographic shoulder.
I had no clue how to comfort an alien.
But I could try.
— Don't worry — I said, aiming for confident. — With the Rangers around, you'll be back to normal in no time.
She rolled her eyes.
— I know, idiot. You don't have to keep reminding me.
Okay. Never trying to comfort her again.
But then, almost like a whisper, she added:
— ...But thanks.
I looked at her, surprised.
— With you around, I think time will go by faster. Even if you are an idiot.
I smiled.
Maybe — just maybe — I'd try to comfort her again someday.
Z watched me closely, like she had suddenly remembered the kick she landed on me earlier.
— Come here — she said, crossing her arms. — I want to assess your physical condition.
She walked over to a panel embedded in the wall opposite the capsules and began typing a sequence of commands that looked to me like nothing more than a mess of alien symbols.
In the center of the room, the floor opened, and a metallic platform rose smoothly, glowing faintly green.
— Please step on.
I didn't question it. Just did as she said.
As soon as I stood on the platform, a beam of green light scanned me from head to toe, passing over my body a few times. The sensation was odd...
Almost like being tickled.
— Huh, that's strange... — Z murmured, analyzing the data on the screen. — That kick should've done more damage. But according to this, you've only got a light contusion in your chest...
She frowned, tilting her head.
— Wait. Is this thing broken?
Before I could say anything, Z smacked the control panel with a loud thud.
— NO! — I shouted, stepping back. — That's not necessary!
She paused, giving me that sharp, analytical look of hers.
— I just heal fast — I said, scratching my neck. — Always have. Don't ask me why.
Z blinked, seemingly processing the info. Then she raised a holographic eyebrow — which appeared just for the sake of her expression, apparently.
— Strange... — she murmured. — You humans are... interesting.
We left the first room and moved on to the next.
Unlike the one before, this space was a massive metallic rectangle — empty, sterile, bathed in a cold, artificial light. I looked around, amazed at how vast it was.
— What is this? — I asked, curiosity sparking.
Z gave a mischievous grin.
— Want to find out?
Before I could answer, she tapped another control panel. Immediately, the entire room shook as if being reconfigured. The metallic walls vanished, replaced by a realistic clearing, complete with tall trees and a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.
And then...
He appeared.
The same alien I tried to fight that day.
My body froze for a moment, a chill running up my spine. Instinctively, I stepped back. At the same time, a large, vibrant sword — red and silver — materialized in my hand.
— Hey, I was kidding, you don't have to—
I ignored Z's voice completely and charged at the creature, my cap flying off as I dodged the first strike.
This time, something felt different.
My strength and speed were the same, but now my blows actually dealt damage — even if just a little. And then, in one clean move, my blade sliced through the air and severed the alien's forearm.
The impact was visceral.
The sword felt perfect in my hands — balanced, just the right weight. It gave me reach and control over the fight. But to be honest... I wasn't just fighting.
I was letting it all out.
I don't know how much time passed. I don't know how many strikes I landed. I just kept going, lost in a state of fury. That creature — even if just a simulation — symbolized everything that had flipped my life upside down. Everything that had put my friends in danger.
So I kept going.
I kept going until there was nothing left but pieces scattered across the floor.
Panting, I felt the world around me flicker. The clearing disappeared, replaced once again by the metallic structure of the training room.
And then, I heard clapping behind me.
— Wow, wow, wow! — Z cheered, clapping with a nearly childlike excitement. — I've never seen anyone fight with so much rage and skill!
I dropped to the floor, too winded to respond. She came closer and patted my back — hard.
— Congrats, idiot! Not even the Power Rangers have tested this room yet. That record's all yours... for now.
— They've never used this room? — I asked, still catching my breath. — But it's perfect for learning combat fundamentals. I mean, you can simulate a win.
For some reason, Z's expression changed the moment I finished that sentence. Her excitement vanished, replaced by sudden confusion.
— What do you mean, "simulate a win"?
The tone in her voice made my stomach drop.
— The simulation was programmed to kill you.
…
What?