Disclaimers: I do not own Power Rangers. However the characters that exist as their children are my creation.

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Their Children

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Chapter Twenty Eight: Unforeseen Victory

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OOOOO

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"No Tommy, wait! It's-" However, before she could finish, the group was blasted several meters away from each other.

White landed with a thud. "Ooh… yep… definitely gonna be feeling that tomorrow." He grunted, rolling onto his back, trying to catch his breath. 'What the hell was that?' He wondered to himself. "Status report." He said over their com-link, climbing onto his feet. He surveyed the surrounding area while waiting to hear back from his team; but all he could see was floating dust. He frowned.

"Connor here." Spoke the blue ranger. "Bruised but no serious damage."

"Same here." Yellow said breathlessly. "What the hell was that?" She asked in irritation.

"Whatever it was, I don't see it anywhere." Informed Green. "But to be fair, I don't see any of you. Well, Phaedra and Reidyn are helping the injured troops, but you guys are in a huge dust cloud."

"Where are you Sami?" White asked.

"I took to the sky. Thought I could get a good vantage point, but no…" She clarified.

"Good try though." Came Red's deep voice.

"You okay Alex?" White asked his best friend.

"I'd probably have a broken leg if it wasn't for this suit, but other than that… I could go for round… what is it? 6… with the goons." Red answered. "But Marcus isn't looking so good."

"Speak for yourself man. I'm fine." Black sounded agitated.

"That looks sprained." Red told him matter-of-factly.

"You look sprained." Black retorted.

"Good one." Red responded in deadpan.

"Guys! Seriously? We don't have time for this." Yellow pointed out letting out a loud sigh. "Wait… T? You there?" She asked, realizing there was one member of the team who remained silent.

This garnered everyone's attention. "Tiffany? Come in." White ordered. When they still received no response, White was nearly panicked. "Okay everyone our first priority, find Tiffany." He ordered looking around the dust filled air. He couldn't see a thing. "SV3 Activate!" The thermography of his heat vision immediately allowed him to see the thermal images of his friends. However, before he could scan around for their missing friend, someone smashed into the ground beside him. "Sam!"

Green moved slowly as White helped her to her feet. "Ugh…"

"What was th-" White began but was cut off by a swift kick to the side of his face.

"Tommy!" Sami shouted after her brother. She turned and glared at the assailant. She could clearly see the grin on his face, having never changed her visor to heat vision. "You're going to pay for that." She growled as she mentally called on her Power Staff. She swung it in an upsweep, only to have it blocked.

Xian grabbed onto the staff and used it to pull her closer towards him and elbowed her in the face. Once the blow was dealt, he immediately let go as to avoid the axe slicing the air where he once stood. The villain merely grinned at the blue hero standing defensively before Green. In a matter of seconds, Red, Yellow, Black, and White joined the fray; weapons drawn. "So it's that kind of party?" He asked, drawing his own twin blades.

"We defeated your generals and your monster!" White shouted to him. "You lost Xian!"

"That's Lord Xian, you insolent little whelp." Xian snarled losing his cordial façade for but a moment before the smile was plastered once again onto his face. "I have to admit." He chuckled. "I truly did not expect you to have lasted this long. So many of you had easily perished against my forces, and yet here you all are… still standing." He then shrugged. "Well, most of you anyway. I only count six heads. Tell me, did something dreadful befall our precious pink ranger?" He smirked as they shifted uncomfortably.

"You're outnumbered Xian. Time to run on home with your tail tucked between your legs." Red told him heatedly.

Xian did not look amused. However, instead of giving such a statement an undeserved response, he looked off to the side. Though there was nothing to be seen due to the dust cloud. He chose to change the subject. "So much trouble you went through to spoil your people's attempt to eradicate me."

The rangers shifted. "How did you-" Yellow began to ask, but was cut off.

"Know about the large missile pinpointed on my base of operations?" Xian finished for her. "You'll find that there is very little that I do not know about in regards to this planet and its people." He returned his gaze to them. "Still, I must say, you've… surprised me; and that's saying a lot." He said looking straight at the White Ranger. "Though what you've done; well it was foolish."

"If you knew about the missile then I'm willing to bet that you knew what the result would've been had they detonated it." Black pointed out. "That's why you didn't try to stop it."

"Far be it for me to interfere in your species deliberate extinction." He said nonchalantly. "It'd be one less thing I'd have to worry about doing myself."

"You're disgusting." Yellow growled gripping her Power Whip tightly.

Xian glared at her; at all of them. How annoyed he was at having to get his own hands dirty in a fight with children. He looked over them, and then over the blades in his hands. "Six against one; hardly seems fair." He noted. "Perhaps if I only used one hand." He said smirking as he sheathed the blade in his left hand.

At that, the rangers went at him full force. Yet still, it was not enough. Xian dodged every blow that was sent his way. They came at him left and right. One arm or not, he deflected blow after blow; while delivering a few hits of his own.

"This isn't working!" Exclaimed Red as he watched Xian dodge another one of his arrows.

"Yeah," Black agreed, "got any ideas?" He asked, throwing his Power Mace directly at the back of Xian's head. Unfortunately, contact was not met.

"Ahh!" Blue screamed after their fierce enemy slashed him across his side. He was sent falling backwards. In an instant, Green was at his side. "Don't worry about me. Xian…"

"You okay Connor?" She asked anyway, not bothered by the fact he was trying to push her away.

"I'm fine." He grumbled. "We need to clear this dust."

"Easier said than done." Yellow pointed out. She then tried to send one of her blasts through the dust to clear it out, but no such luck. Instead, a blast was sent back to her, sending her flying.

Xian soon appeared in the place where Yellow had been standing. "Your struggle is futile." He told them, unimpressed by their efforts. "You may have been able to defeat my generals; but they are nothing in comparison to me." He could sense them all surrounding him, most likely in preparation for another attack. He scowled. "I WILL NOT BE BESTED!" He growled out before spinning in a circle and sending the rangers soaring backwards by another blast.

Certainly stunned, it took a moment for the rangers to compose themselves and recover. In the meantime, Xian continued to walk through the dust cloud; waiting for the next would be hero to attack. It wasn't that he could see through the cloud; no, but he could sense all who approached. And right now he was sensing an unstable source.

Xian narrowed his eyes in confusion. The energy signature was wavering; as though whoever it was was not all together there. But that was not possible. He halted in his steps and waited; this person was already headed towards him. He had a short wait as the wavering energy finally stopped moving and then disappeared altogether; but he knew it was already right before him. A grin found its way onto his face as he realized just who the unstable source belonged to.

The dark warrior moved closer to the being and began to notice the dust thinning; allowing him a more clear view of the girl before him. A gentle gasp escaped past her lips before she uttered. "Xian…"

"In the flesh." He greeted. "Glad you could join us Pink Ranger." He flexed the arm holding his sword. "It would have been a pity for you to miss the honor of dying with your comrades." He told her nastily.

Tiffany glared. "No one's dying today!" She screamed heatedly.

Xian just stared at her condescendingly. He liked her, though he didn't wish to admit it. There was just something about her. Oh well, likeable or not, he won't let her or anyone else interfere with his plans. "I am pleased, however, to find you unharmed." Stalking closer to her he almost laughed as she stepped back. "It'll make it that much sweeter… when I end you!" He shouted lunging forward, his arm raised, and sword slicing through the air.

It all happened so quickly. Tiffany watched Xian rush at her with his sword, intending to slam it down upon her. Her eyes lit pink as she whirled on instinct, feeling the power of the Pink Fox flow around her. She raised her hands just as the blade of his sword descended upon her. CLINK! A wave of energy dispersed away from the two as sword met power fans. Xian moved back to get a better look of the girl before him, now fully clad in her pink armor.

Pink was surprised to find herself fully morphed. 'Couldn't have come at a better time.' She noted, realizing just how close she was to being sliced and diced. Gripping her weapons, she crouched into a defensive stance. 'Where is everyone?' She wondered, before her mind was pulled back into the fight as she was forced to dodge another swift blow by Xian. They went blow for blow, dodging and blocking whenever necessity called for it. It was like a dance; a dangerous lethal dance. Pink blocked another swing of his sword, but left herself wide open to a fierce kick to her ribcage. She was knocked back, gasping for air, and stunned for the moment.

Xian just stood there, watching her struggle to recover. A handsome grin found its way onto the dark lord's face. "As much as I enjoy playing with you, I really should end this." He sheathed his sword and walked calmly to her. "This isn't personal." Pink jumped up throwing a fan at him, he dodged it just as she swung her second fan at him; but he blocked. She punched, kicked, and tried to slash at him, but he dodged and blocked every attempt with ease. "Come on now, you're not even trying." He told her as he not only blocked her fan wielding hand, but he grabbed onto the wrist, twisting it immediately.

"Ahh!" Pink cried out in pain, as she was forced to drop her power fan. She tried to elbow him with her other arm, but he twisted her clutched wrist behind her back, forcing her to her knees. He had her in a pretty tight hold; there would be no escape.

"It would seem that you will be the first to fall." Xian informed her. "Such a waste." He said, before preparing to deliver a fatal and final blow. Only, within mere seconds he was forced to jump back as an axe slammed into the ground where he was formerly standing.

Blue appeared suddenly, grabbing his Power Axe; and turning immediately to Pink. "Are you alright Tiffany?" He asked concerned. The other rangers were either at their side, or attacking Xian.

"He's toying with us." She told him; fearful that they couldn't win this.

White and Black took turns attacking Xian, while Green tried attacks from above. Nothing seemed to work as Xian easily overcame them. Yellow used her Power Whip, causing a distraction as Blue jumped back into the fray.

Red was helping Pink up. He noticed her sluggish moves. "You should sit this out." He told her, before advancing towards the others. Only a hand on his arm stopped him.

"No Alex. We can't stop him." She told him, voice alarmed.

Red grabbed her by the shoulders, comfortingly. "It's okay Tiff, I know your afra-"

She pushed him away, shaking her head. "No you don't understand! He's holding back." She explained. "I can sense-" However, before she could clarify, she interrupted by Xian's manic laughter.

"Enough of this." Xian said, before sending a blast strong enough to clear the dust once and for all. The rangers struggled to keep in place, but they succeeded; however, at a cost.

They fell back a ways, crumpled to the ground. "Ugh!" Tommy groaned rising to his feet. All at once, he, as well as his teammates, realized that they were demorphed. "Wha-" Though he did not get to finish that frame of thought as he was kicked right in the face.

"Tommy!" Sami shouted in alarm, rushing her brother's side. She never made it. Instead, she received a swift kick to her side, possibly fracturing a rib. Connor went after Xian, but in his demorphed state, he was hardly a match. He too soon found his face in the dirt. At that Alex, Marcus, and Livvy tried to attack; all falling one by one.

Xian was unmoved by their attempts. "You rangers are all alike, mere fools." He told them, watching their pathetic attempts to rise again. All of them, on the ground, save for one. His eyes turned immediately to the last one standing, Tiffany. He quickly sped to her before she could react. His hand was dug deep into her hair. "I believe I made you a promise of being the first to die." He grasped tighter, as he pulled her face closer to his. "I'm nothing if not a man of my word." He told her.

"Leave her alone!" Tommy shouted, crawling towards them at an embarrassing pace.

Xian ignored him as he peered deep into her eyes. He felt a connection with this one. "I do like you." He admitted. "But I can overlook that. Considering what you did to my Generals… well, you can see you've put me in a rather tight spot." He told her, using his free hand to caress her cheek. "None of you may be spared."

Alex clenched his fist, making it to his knee. "Don't touch her!" He cried in outrage.

Only, the dark lord paid him no mind, as he pulled a small dagger from within the folds of his armor. "And I cannot show favoritism." He told Tiffany apologetically, raising the blade; watching as her eyes widened in fear.

"No! Tiffany!" Livvy cried.

Tiffany didn't know what to think. 'So, this is it.' She thought, watching as the gleam of his blade caught the light of the sun. Then suddenly, everything went dark.

Xian watched as Tiffany's eyes widened in fear, before they began glowing pink. His eyes narrowed. "What's this?" He asked, amused. Thinking she was going to try one more attack. Instead, he was surprised at what happened next.

With eyes aglow, Tiffany raised her hand and rested upon Xian's cheek. "Vuin…" She uttered softly. The smile dropped from his face as he pushed her away, as though he were burned. Tiffany crumpled immediately to the ground. Though her eyes were still upon him; still aglow. "Guren *níniatha n'i lû n'i a-govenitham… Vuin." He looked as though he saw a ghost as he backed away. Still, she continued to call out. "Guren *níniatha… Vuin!"

All color gone from his face, Xian said nothing. The others rushed to Tiffany just as he disappeared.

"Tiffany… Tiffany!" Tommy shouted, trying to wake her.

"Let's get her to the C-Deck. She needs medical attention right away." Said the authoritative voice of Phaedra now demorphed as well.

The teenagers also noticed Reidyn at her side. "Where were you guys?" Livvy asked accusingly.

"Not here." Phaedra said, squatting beside Tiffany. "Omega, we're ready for teleportation." She said into her communicator.

"Aye, yi Phaedra." Came the voice over the connection. And with that, the rangers were all transported away in a rainbow of colors, before the government had a chance to get a picture of their demorphed state.

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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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Once the light dissipated, the teens found themselves in the C-Deck as expected. However, what they did not expect was the mass of parents waiting for them. "Dad?" Tommy Jr. questioned, before his eyes also fell on his mother.

"We can explain." Alex immediately said when he too met eyes with his father.

Before anyone else could say anything, there was a rush of red and yellow as Rocky and Aisha ran to Phaedra's side. "Tiffany!" Aisha cried out, reaching for her daughter.

"We need to get her to the medical bay." Phaedra informed them.

Rocky pulled his baby girl into his arms. "I'll carry her. Let's go." He said, face hard, eyes full of worry. He, Phaedra, and Aisha immediately left the C-Deck.

Once the doors were closed behind the four, the room instantly erupted into chatter. There was shouting, crying, and laughter all in one; as the rangers were pulled into hugs by their parents.

Marcus was looking around, before turning back to Zack. "Where's mom?" He asked and instantly regretted it as he noticed Zack's face fall. "What is it?"

Beside them, Livvy too was looking for her mother as she waited for Adam to reveal what had happened. "Is mom okay?" She asked her dad. "What about the baby?" She was now alarmed.

Adam placed a hand on her shoulder. "A lot has happened. Your mother is fine, just resting." He said, and then glanced at Marcus and Zack. "Cassie on the other hand…" He trailed off, before proceeding in telling exactly what had occurred.

Livvy looked to Marcus in horror, feeling for her friend. Marcus did not notice, he only listened as his father explained the injuries his mother suffered from a fight with the Goons. "And where were you?" He cut Zack off in anger. "You should've been there!" He growled.

Zack's face fell at that. He already blamed himself, but to hear his son. "Son… I-" He started, but was cut off.

"Save it!" Marcus growled, rushing out of the C-Deck.

"I'll…" Livvy started, giving Zack an apologetic look. "I'll check on him." She said, and followed after the current black ranger.

Adam came up to Zack and gave him a pat on the back. "He'll come around."

oOo

"So, did you see the fight?" Alex asked his mom, pulling out of her hug.

Kat had not removed her hand from his arm yet. It was as though she were afraid that if she had let go, he'd disappear again. "Yes." She said almost quietly. Mere minutes ago, they thought their children were about to be murdered right before their eyes. Zordon would not allow them to be teleported down; there was nothing they could do. They felt so useless. But now, here they were; safe and sound. But for how long? "Yes, I'm so proud of you sweetie." She told him.

"So… you're not mad?" He asked a little surprised at his usually overprotective mother's behavior.

"And why would we be?" Jason asked, patting his son on his shoulder. "We were in your shoes once. If there was anyone who'd understand, it'd be us." He smiled. "You did great out there son."

Alex grinned until he heard Marcus shouting. "What's going on over there?" He asked.

Kat and Jason glanced at each other before letting out a sigh. "A lot has happened, while you were gone." Kat began.

Alex turned to her to hear what she had to say. It would seem that their victory was not met without casualty.

oOo

"How is it that we have two children and they both get your colors?" Kim asked, trying to lighten the situation with a joke; since Rocky wasn't around to do so.

Tommy Sr. raised his hands up. "Hey, take it up with Zordon." He told her, and then laughed as she jabbed him in the side.

"How is it that you two were on the original ranger team and didn't tell us?" Sami asked, arms crossed, clearly upset with her parents.

Kim grabbed Sami's hands. "Sorry honey, but we swore an oath. One of which, I'm certain you can identify with now." Sami just shrugged her shoulders, but nodded just the same. Kim smiled at that, before turning her gaze to her son. He kept glancing towards the closed doors, eyes filled with worry. "Tommy honey, are you okay?" She asked.

That pulled his attention as he noticed; both of his parents as well as his sister were staring at him. "Sorry, I guess I…" Then he trailed off.

Sami filled in for him. "It's Tiffany. We're all worried for her, but she and Tommy are kind of… well…" She trailed off as her twin's face reddened.

Tommy Sr. gave a wry grin. "I guess it stands to reason that the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree." He whispered into Kim's ear.

She nodded, while still looking over her son. She then thought of her best friend Aisha. "You should go see how she's doing." Kim told him. She then thought of the times that either she or Tommy Sr. was hurt after a fierce battle. They never would leave the other's side. "She'd want you there." Tommy Jr. looked at his mom in gratitude. He nodded his head and took off.

oOo

"Are you okay?" Trini asked, looking her boy over from head to toe.

"Yes, I'm fine mother." Connor said. He, like the other rangers, was a bit scuffed up. That last round with Xian demorphed was no picnic in the park.

Billy looked over his son as well. He nodded his head once he was sure that he saw no immediate injuries. "Very well, however, I will insist that you as well as the others submit to a post battle physical."

"That won't be necessary father." Connor told Billy, and then he frowned in confusion. "How did you guys find this place? Did Zordon bring you here?" He asked, because he was certain that Zordon hadn't wanted them to tell even their parents. So why would he bring them here.

Billy shook his head. "Not exactly. It's… a long story."

Connor shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we've got the time now." He pointed out.

oOo

"Marcus… Hey Marcus! Slow down!" The newest yellow ranger called out to her teammate.

The boy in question did not adhere to her words and kept marching down the hall. At first he was headed to the medical bay, but thought better of it. He'd probably be in the way, what with everything that was going on with Tiffany. Also, if he were honest with himself, he just couldn't face his mother. Not yet. He made a sharp right, and walked straight into their common room. He knew Livvy was following him and hoped to hell that he could make it to his room before she caught up. No such luck as his right arm was grabbed and he was pulled back; causing him to halt his steps. "Not now Livvy." He grounded out, wanting very much to be alone right now.

Livvy was surprised at his tone, but she shrugged it off. "You shouldn't be alone right now." She told him as he once again tried to escape to his room.

At that his shoulders dropped, before tensing right back up. He turned on her, eyes in a heated glare. "What do you want from me?!" He shouted at her.

"Marcus, I-" She began but was quickly cut off.

"Honestly, I don't want to hear whatever you have to say. Just… go Livvy… this has nothing to do with you." He said, "My mom-" He punched the wall.

"Your mom's a hero." It was her turn to interrupt him. She took a couple steps forward, before stopping right in his face; she grabbed his injured fist, inspecting it. "And you're wrong about this having nothing to do with me, because…" Here she needed to collect her emotions. "Because of your mom, my mom and the baby are okay. The kids were not hurt." Her eyes filled with tears as she watched the painful emotions swarming in his eyes. She placed her hands on his shoulders. "Your mom is strong, Marcus." He slumped forward, and she pulled him in her arms. "She's going to be okay; but she needs us to believe in her. She needs you to believe in her."

Marcus allowed himself to be pulled into Livvy's arms. He knew she was right, but it just hurt so much. "I should've been there." He admitted in a harsh whisper. He wasn't mad at Zack; he was angry with himself. "I should've been there…" He repeated; as if saying it enough times would make it true. "I should have been there…"

oOo

Tommy Jr. walked into the medical area. He kept his distance as he watched Phaedra administering some sort of treatment on Tiffany. Her mom, Aisha, was sitting in the chair beside the bed; her dad, Rocky, was standing right behind her. He did not wish to intrude. He could the other beds were filled as well. He frowned, seeing two of his friends' moms and the kids all lying prone. It was clear that they had missed a lot. However, his attention was pulled back to the one he had come to see.

Phaedra completed the treatment with placing Tiffany's head device back onto her head. "Her physical ailments are minor; which is positive considering how many times she was forced to de-morph. Like the others, she will make a full recovery." She told Aisha and Rocky. "Though, I am concerned with her mental ailments."

"Mental?" Rocky frowned. He did not like the sound of that.

"Yes. Tiffany has a unique ability; the gift of foresight. Her psychic awareness is quite strong. Stronger than many of the universe's known telepaths." She informed them.

Aisha frowned. "And why exactly are you so concerned?"

"She had forgotten her head gear when she went off to fight. I believe this is what has caused her power to fluctuate." Phaedra explained. "Simply put, her gift is a drain to her physical body."

Rocky nodded his head. "Okay, so just make sure she's wearing her head gear from now on."

"I'm afraid it isn't that simple. Yes, the head gear will assist her in control; however…" She trailed off, unsure as to how to continue.

"What is it?" Aisha asked alarmed.

Phaedra looked at them with a stern expression. "Her gift of foresight is unheard of for humans. Do not mistake me, there have been and will continue to be human telepaths; but Tiffany's level of telepathy is remarkable." She explained.

"And that's a bad thing?" Rocky asked.

"Depends on how you look at it. There are very few in the universe that could harness such a level. Tiffany could be considered a prodigy, but at the same time, this power was never meant for a human host." The daughter of Dulcea informed. "Even given the fact that she is a ranger, this is still unheard of."

Aisha gripped Tiffany's hand with a frown. "This gift… what should we do?" She asked worriedly.

"I would like to run more tests. I also recommend cerebral exercises to strengthen her mind." She insisted. "My sister is an accomplished telepath; Tiffany will be in good hands." Phaedra told them as she watched their forlorn expressions. As much as she tried to distance herself from humans, she often felt compassion towards them. "She will be fine after some much needed rest. I will go tend to the other rangers." She stated, feeling it necessary to give them some time alone.

Phaedra walked out passing Tommy Jr. along the way. With one look to him, she continued on her way.

Tommy just continued to lean against the doorsill. He wanted so badly to be in there, holding Tiffany's hand. It hurt so much to see her lying there. She was so very still. It was his entire fault. He should have protected her better. Lost in thought, it took him a moment to notice his name being called. Tommy…

… Tommy…

"Hey Tommy!" Rocky shouted.

Tommy shook his head as he was pulled out of his reverie. "Um… yes sir?" He asked.

Aisha just smiled softly at the boy who looked so much like her former leader. She noticed the look on his face. It was the same one that Tommy Sr. directed at Kim whenever she was injured after a fight. And now Tommy Jr. was directing it at her daughter. "Why don't you come in and sit down?" She suggested.

"Oh, I don't want to intrude, I-" the teenage boy stutter.

"It's fine. I'm sure Tiffany would be happy to know you're here." She smiled at him, with Rocky behind looking confused. It wasn't until Tommy sat down on the other side of the cot and grabbed onto Tiffany's hand that he realized what was going on. Rocky tensed a bit at the familiarity that his best friend's son showed his daughter. He was about to say something when Aisha stood up, grabbing his hand. "Come on Rocky, let's give these two a moment." Before he could protest she continued. "I could use some air."

Rocky glanced at the hormonal teenager sitting beside his baby girl, before turning to his wife and caving in to her maternal glare. He nodded his head. "Yeah, sure thing."

oOo

The rangers were called into their common area so that Phaedra could treat their injuries. As she was looking over Marcus and Connor, Livvy and Sami were assisting her in patching them up. Alex on the other hand was content to wait his turn from the across the room. His mind was replaying the battle over and over again. Particularly parts involving their pink ranger. There were times he noticed her stumble, the sound of her out of breath, and the hesitancy in her voice when he asked her about her head gear… he should have known something was off. If anything happened to Tiffany, it would be on his head.

Upon their arrival to the common room, Alex immediately took notice of Tommy's absence. He had an inkling of where his best friend took off to, and with Phaedra's lack of interest to the white ranger's whereabouts; he was sure his suspicions were confirmed. It gave him a little comfort knowing that Tommy was watching over Tiffany. Still, he'd only be satisfied at seeing her safe and sound with his own eyes. With that in mind, he surreptitiously made his way out of the common room and to the sick bay.

oOo

The first thing she noticed was the darkness surrounding her. 'Wait, that's not right.' She thought as she realized her eyes were just closed. She struggled to lift her eyelids, but they felt so very heavy. The next thing she noticed was the warmth surrounding her right hand. 'What is that?' She wondered, trying to flex her fingers. At her movement, the warmth surrounding her hand gave a gentle squeeze. This further confused her. With as much strength as she could muster, she forced her eyes open. The third thing she noticed was the bright light meeting the sensitivity of her cornea. She closed her eyes back almost immediately as a groan escaped her lips.

"Tiffany?" Called out the masculine voice to her right. The warmth left her hand and found its way onto her shoulder. "Hey… it's okay." He told her.

Tiffany hadn't realized she'd been groaning until his assurance brought her attention to it. 'Where was she?' She tried opening her eyes again. This time, the light was not so blinding; her eyes having already begun to adjust. Her vision was slightly blurry; but she could make out that there was a person sitting beside her. She tried to speak, but her voice was far too dry.

"Here, let me get you some water." He said, and immediately his warmth was gone. But only for a little while.

She felt a tube being placed into her mouth. She closed her lips down and sipped; almost on reflex. Immediately, a rush of liquid found its way into her mouth causing her to cough and spit up a little.

"Hey there, slow down okay. It's not going anywhere." He told her.

After she was done, the tube was pulled away from her. Taking a deep breath and blinking the fog from her eyes, she waited for her vision to clear. She turned to face the person assisting her. He leaned over her with a smile, and as her vision cleared, he became more recognizable. A soft smile found its way onto her face, "Tommy." She breathed.

"I'm here Tiffany." Tommy told her, kissing her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere."

The two continued to gaze into each other's eyes, pleased to see that the other is alright. Neither noticed the lone figure standing near the entrance, with a fallen look on his face.

Pleased to see that Tiffany was doing alright, Alex turned and left the medical bay.

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OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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AN: Yay chapter 28 is up. We've got one chapter left and an epilogue. Can you believe we're finally reaching the end? At least of this installment. If you guys want me to continue afterward, just let me know; otherwise, just enjoy the last two updates when they come.

I want to give a SPECIAL THANK YOU to those who reviewed last chapter:

BRANKEL1: Thank you. And sorry for the long wait, next chapter up soon though.

MEFAN87: Thanks for reviewing. Yeah, I like to throw in classic lines from time to time to help with the nostalgic feel. And don't worry, still got plans for your quote.

ANDYG2525: I had plans for the parents to actually have their own little adventure. It would coincide with the next installment, if this gets continued. Thank you for reviewing, glad you enjoyed it.

Once again, thank you all. And as ALWAYS… … … …

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