Location: On the Way to School – Morning
The sun was rising over Orion City, painting the skyline in golden hues as Zayn, Kael, Rayna, Lyra, and Jett walked together toward school.
Kael (stretching): "Finally, a normal day. No surprise monsters, no collapsing buildings…"
Jett (grinning): "Give it an hour."
Just as they reached the school gate, a soft voice called out from behind them.
???: "Zayn! Wait up!"
The team turned as a girl with short hair, bright eyes, and a nervous smile jogged toward them, holding a carefully wrapped bento lunch box.
Girl: "I... I made this for you. I remembered you didn't eat during lunch last Thursday."
Zayn blinked awkwardly.
Zayn (quietly): "…Thanks, Lira."
She handed the box to him, bowed slightly, and quickly disappeared down the hallway before anyone could say anything else.
A long silence followed.
Then—
Kael (teasing): "Soooo… girlfriend?"
Jett (grinning): "Zayn, is this what secret admirer levels up to? Handmade meals and heartfelt gazes?"
Zayn sighed, rubbing his temples.
Zayn: "Not exactly. She's been... following me around for the past week. Leaves notes. Finds me at random places. Knows my schedule."
Rayna raised an eyebrow.
Rayna: "That's... intense."
Zayn lowered his voice.
Zayn: "She knows I'm the Blue Ranger. Somehow."
The group went silent.
Lyra (worried): "Wait—she knows?"
Zayn (serious): "Not just that. She said she wants to date me because we're 'destined to save the galaxy together.' And if I refuse... she might 'accidentally' tell someone."
Jett winced.
Jett: "Okay, creepy just leveled up."
Kael (firm): "We'll handle this carefully. If she knows the truth, we need to find out how—and if anyone else does."
Rayna: "She could be a threat. Or a warning."
Zayn: "Either way… I can't ignore her now."
Location: Nova Base – After School
After classes ended, Zayn walked briskly toward the hidden entrance behind the science building, tapping the usual keypad that led to the concealed stairwell beneath the school.
To his surprise, footsteps echoed behind him.
Lira (cheerfully): "Wait up! You forgot your lunch box."
Zayn turned to see Lira, carrying the now-empty lunch container from earlier.
Zayn (awkwardly): "Uh… thanks. But you really didn't have to follow me down here—"
Lira (smiling): "I just wanted to see where you go after school! You're always vanishing somewhere."
Before Zayn could stop her, she stepped through the door as it slid open—and descended with him into the Nova Base.
Inside the Nova Base – Main Training Chamber
The rest of the team was already mid-training session: Kael sparring with Rayna, Jett running combat simulations, and Lyra practicing balance and timing drills.
Kael (noticing): "Zayn? Why is she—"
Zayn (sighing): "Long story. She followed me."
Lira (waving): "Hi, everyone!"
Rayna gave a sharp glance, and Lyra blinked in confusion. Jett smirked.
Jett: "Well, now it's a party."
Zayn set down his bag and motioned for Lira to stay near the back wall while they finished training. But while they were mid-drill, Lira curiously approached one of the console panels glowing faintly with blue light.
Lira: "Ooh… what does this button do?"
Zayn (panicking): "Wait—don't touch that—!"
Click.
Suddenly, red lights flashed across the walls. Sirens blared. Metallic doors slammed shut. The words "NOVA BASE LOCKDOWN ENGAGED" flashed across every screen.
Kael: "You've gotta be kidding me!"
Rayna (groaning): "This is not part of the training program…"
Lyra (softly): "I think the base thinks we're under attack."
Zayn ran to the console and began typing furiously to override the emergency protocol.
Lira (nervously): "I—I didn't mean to! I just thought it looked like a snack dispenser…"
Jett (laughing): "Well, if snacks start falling from the ceiling, I'll take chocolate."
After a tense minute, Zayn managed to disable the lockdown.
Zayn (exhausted): "Okay. It's off. No more buttons. Please."
Lira nodded quickly, embarrassed.
Lira: "Sorry! I'll just… sit right here."
Kael crossed his arms but gave Zayn a smirk.
Kael: "You sure know how to keep things interesting."
To Be Continued…