Perseverance
Danny was just getting off work when his growl phone went off. “Hello?” He said, still not fully used to actually using the phone as a phone. Taylor rarely remembered she had a phone, and Princess Shayla only used it when there was an emergency. Alyssa used hers regularly to keep in touch, and Danny sometimes wondered if she’d had a phone before she became a Ranger.
“Hi Danny,” Alyssa said cheerfully, “are you off work yet?”
“Yes,” Danny said, “what’s wrong?”
“Well, I wouldn’t say wrong exactly,” Alyssa said, “I just need a favor.”
“How can I help?” Danny asked.
“Taylor and I found a new Ranger,” Alyssa said. “His name is Max, and he’s the Blue Ranger. Max had to go get some clothes so he could move up to the Animarium with us, and he can’t rigger the transport. Do you mind meeting up with him in Turtle Park and helping him out? I’d do it, but I have a test in five minutes, and Taylor has that appointment of hers.”
Danny nodded slightly, “I’ll find him. Who am I looking for?”
“He’s about my height, and young, he’s seventeen, and he already has his jacket, so you’ll recognize that. I told him to look out for you too.” Alyssa said, “Thank you Danny, I appreciate this.”
“It’s not a problem,” Danny said, “I’ll see you after class. Good luck on your test.”
“Thanks again,” Alyssa said, “I’ll see you after class.”
Danny glanced over his shoulder, then headed down the road to Turtle Park. The park was located around the ‘head’ of Turtle Lake, and hadn’t been built so much as designated and indifferently maintained by the city council. It was easily the site of the most trees inside the city, as well as being home to a number of old Redwoods, making it the perfect place for a transition from Turtle Cove to the Animarium.
Danny liked the park, it was fun to wander through even when he wasn’t looking to go up, and he’d grown up on the far side, and the kid’s playground over there had been a refugee for years, long past the age when he’d played on the equipment.
Danny shook himself out of his memories and looked around for the young man in the blue Wild Force jacket. It was easier than Danny had expected to find the kid in question. He wore not only the blue jacket, but a bright orange shirt underneath and had an equally bright blue and orange backpack.
Max was sitting on a picnic table, idly tossing a baseball from hand to hand as he scanned the park. Danny could tell when he’d spotted Danny, because Max straightened up and tucked the ball into his backpack. When Danny got closer, Max gave him a brittle smile, “I feel like the lamest Power Ranger in existence.”
Danny smiled, back, unable to hold back the words that had his grandfather had whispered to him before he’d passed away, words which had kept him moving no matter what. “Never give up. You’re not as bad as you think you are.”
Max went very still, watching him with wide eyes, hands inching towards his sleeve. Danny thought over what they’d said and swallowed. He’d always wondered what his words meant. He’d definitely never thought that the cursive words written on his arm, I feel like the lamest Power Ranger in existence, would mean something like this.
“You’re Danny, right?” Max asked as he pulled his sleeve up. There, in a strong, bold hand was his own words, Never give up. You’re not as bad as you think you are.
“I am,” Danny said. He offered his hand, wrist turned up to show Max the words, “I’m glad to finally meet you.”