Virgil decided he liked MARINA and the Diamonds more than yelling. His large headphones covered his ears, noise-cancelling ones thankfully, and the soft low volume sound of Marina's singing filled his ear-drums. Virgil watched, as Patton wailed and screamed in front of him, Roman made big hand-gestures and movements, Remus opened and closed his mouth as if shouting, Logan sat on the ground speaking every now and then but mostly just trying to control his breathing, and Janus paced in and out of Virgil's view.

Virgil meanwhile was mouthing along to Primadonna, subtly bobbing his head up and down to the beat. Virgil felt somewhat disconnected from his body. Like he was no longer really existing, just sort of observing. He'd done this before, though not knowingly, but he remembered that it was a comforting state for a short amount of time. When Virgil looked over at Logan and saw tears streaking down his cheeks Virgil decided to look down at his lap instead. This wasn't the best decision however as the first thing Virgil saw was the purple band around his wrist. Virgil huffed and shut his eyes tight. Now deciding that reciting the script to IT:Chapter 1 was far more pleasant to do than think of the events that had just transpired.

'Sure I won't get in trouble Bill?'

'Don't be a wuss. I'd come with you if I wasn't *cough cough* dying.'

'I'm sad to the core core core.'

'Yeah!'

'Everyday is a chore chore chore.'

'You're not dying.'

'You didn't see the v-vomit coming out of my nose this morning?'

'That's disgusting.' agreed Georgie ew.

'Cause I'm a Primadonna girl, yeah.'

'Dooo do do do d-dododo do do do'

'All I ever wanted was the world.'

'I can't help that I need it all.'

'Pull it, Mike. Go on now, pull it. Here, reload it. You need to start taking more responsibility around here, Mike. Your dad was younger than you when he took-'

'I'm not my dad, okay?' I don't know who my dad is. Should I figure that out?

'You can count on me to misbehave.'

'Primadonna girl.'

Virgil felt a firm hand on his shoulder and screamed at the sudden contact. He looked up with eyes blown wide to see Remus had jumped away from him and was mouthing something insistently. Virgil reached up and pulled his headphones off to hear it.

"-I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Remus cried. "I shouldn't have done that I'm sorry!"

Virgil didn't say anything, just stared at Janus' mouth and hit his fist against his thigh subconsciously. Janus started berating Remus while he continued to cry then Janus broke down in tears as well and the two fell to their knees crying with each other. Virgil watched with an open mouth at the scene and saw that everything around him had only gotten worse. Sirens were going off and lights were flashing all around. Other than the Power Rangers that surrounded him other people's voices, though far off, were yelling and barking causing Virgil to wordlessly slipped his headphones back on. Going back to the garbled flow of thoughts that ran through his brain on a daily basis.

'They slice the tip of his dick off!'

'But then Stan'll have nothing left!'

'How to be a heartbreeaaaker!'

'Boys they like a little daaaanger!'

'Wait up guys!'

'Hey, Stan, what happens at a Bar Mitzvah anyways?'

'A plaaaayer, singin' I-I-I love you!'

'Do-do-do d-do duh-do-do dododo d-do duh-do-do.'

'Ed says they slice the tip of your d-dick off.'

Roman's face came into view and Virgil shook himself back into consciousness. Roman gave a strained smile at Virgil's focused gaze and made a pointed look at where Virgil was hitting his thigh with his fist. He clearly mouthed, 'are you okay?' to which Virgil nodded and sucked in a deep breath. Roman nodded as well and looked away before sitting down across from Virgil. He didn't give any indication that he wanted Virgil to talk or listen, instead just sat there processing in his own way. Virgil wished he had a second pair of headphones to give to Roman. The past few nights Roman could really only fall asleep when he had headphones in, listening to something Virgil didn't know, but Virgil figured if Roman were anything like him, he might want headphones right about now.

Virgil took one ear-cover off and looked around for someone who wasn't crying. Luckily Logan seemed to be doing better than the others.

"Logan?" Virgil asked. Logan looked up and gave Virgil a questioning look. "Do you have any headphones?"

"Uh, no Virgil. I-I don't. Virgil you're wearing your headphones." Logan told him.

"I know I'm wearing my headphones-"

"Oh my god!!!" Renette came running into Virgil's view, looking panicked.

"I wasn't asking for me." Virgil finished, significantly quieter.

Patton, Janus, Remus, and Logan gathered around her.

"We need to get you all out of here!" Renette said. "Now we need to get out of-now we need to-I need you all to follow me. Now!"

"Renette what are we going to do?" Patton asked.

"I-I'm not sure Patton but right now we need to get you all out of here. They've been taking pictures of all of you and-god fuck I can't take you back to the facility everyone's panicking!" Renette stamped her foot. "We need somewhere to go, I just-"

"I know where we can go!" Janus announced.

"We'll-we'll work out the details in the car okay!! Just follow me! Let's get to the car! Now!!" Renette motioned with her hands and as if on cue a large SUV came barrelling through the line of reporters that had surrounded the Power Rangers. It stopped before them and Renette ushered everyone in, not bothering to take a breath for herself.

"Virge," Roman said, his voice was scratchier than Virgil remembered. "We need to get in the car."

"Mhm." Virgil nodded, reaching a hand up for Roman to grab and help him up.

Roman seemed genuinely surprised by this, which confused Virgil, he'd seen Roman help people up like this before, how could Virgil be doing it wrong? Roman didn't answer Virgil's unasked question-which Virgil found a little rude-and softly grabbed Virgil's hand, helping him to his feet. Virgil was shocked by how cold Roman was to the touch but didn't mind it.

"Where's Emile?" Logan asked. "And Remy, are they safe?"

Renette didn't say anything.

"Oh my god Emile." Patton said just loud enough for Virgil in front of him to hear. "What am I going to tell Emile. Oh my god what am I going to tell Emile!"

"Hey Patton?" Virgil turned around, not able to look Patton in the eye but he knew Patton was listening.

"Yeah Virgey?"

"Do you have a pair of headphones with you?" Virgil asked.

"Do I-no I don't. I don't have any headphones I-Virge you have your headphones." Patton said softly. "Are you alright?"

Virgil sighed. Why did no one get what he was asking? Why would no one give him headphones?

"Renette where are we going?" Logan asked.

"Where is Emile?" Patton cried.

"What are we gonna do?" Remus breathed.

"I need to call my moms." Janus mumbled.

"I need to call my sisters!" Logan stated.

"Is Thomas okay?" Patton sobbed.

"They know who we are." Remus realized.

"Renette what are we going to do?!" Janus panicked.

"Shut up!!!" Renette shouted.

Virgil let out a little sound and looked down, rocking back and forth in his seat now. He just needed all of them to stop. Just for a little bit. So he could process. So he could try to understand.

"Virgil are you alright?" Logan asked him.

"Virge what's wrong?" Patton stammered out.

"Virge are you okay?" Wait who's voice was that one?

"Virge what's going on?" They're all talking so fast.

"Virgil look at me, what's happening?"

"Don't do that."

"Stop it!"

"Remus no don't touch them!" Why are you yelling?

"Guys shut up Virgil needs it to be quiet."

"Virgil please talk to us."

"Virgil please don't hit yourself like that."

"Virge calm down it's gonna be okay."

"Seriously stop I don't want you to hurt yourself." Please stop.

Roman was in front of him again. Virgil heard some voices behind him telling Roman to put his seat belt back on but Roman didn't budge. He lifted his hands, clearly showing them to Virgil and moving them forward, giving Virgil plenty of time to stop his movement or pull away. He didn't though, letting Roman grab the headphones that laid around Virgil's neck and lift them up to cover their ears. He was careful not to come in contact with Virgil, and not make any sudden moves. Everything was precise. Roman stumbled back over to his seat by Virgil and strapped himself in. Virgil let the music wash over him, it was faint but still better than everyone talking. Virgil watched Roman as he settled himself back in, his hands were fidgeting around and he couldn't keep his leg still. Virgil really wished he had another set of headphones.

Virgil was sure there were conversations going on around him but he couldn't hear more than the occasional muffled word. Renette was turning around and saying something every now and then, and the lights of the city had slowly been coming on, lighting up the night bit by bit.

When the car stalled Virgil looked out the front window to see a lineup of cars and vans, some news, some relief, but mostly just civilians trying to figure out whether they should be fleeing or going home.

Finally the van stopped and the doors unlocked. Virgil felt an involuntary shiver go through his body and when it was over he opened the door and followed Renette's hair inside the familiar building. When Virgil was given the option of going into the elevator or up some stairs, he resigned himself to having to stand in an elevator for a while. Renette got in first moving aside for Virgil to have plenty of space. Virgil didn't see her press the 'close door' button but when the elevator doors shut and the two were the only ones going up, he just assumed.

Renette looked over at Virgil, she had always given Virgil a smile, no matter what. When she was seeing him for the first time, when he was rambling on about something new he learned about Earth, when he was being an annoying little shit, it didn't matter. Renette always gave him a smile in one form or another. Except for now. Renette was looking at Virgil with an expression Virgil didn't recognize in the slightest.

The closest expression that Virgil could compare it to was Patton's face when he had first come back from the round of torture that the Dragon Witch had put him through. Virgil had snuck into Patton's room and was hiding there when the doors opened and two guards shoved Patton in. Patton had dropped to the ground shaking and shivering and when the doors shut Virgil had raced over. Dropping blankets and pillows by Patton's side, telling him he needed to get himself warm, get his body moving. Patton needed to stand and walk, and Virgil helped him, wrapping Patton in the blankets and holding him by the waist, helping him walk around the room. Patton had looked at Virgil with such sadness and pain that Virgil didn't know what to do about it. So he ignored it.

Now here was Renette a similar look in her eyes, yet there was something more, something about the way her lips twitched and her eyebrows curled that told Virgil it was different. She moved her hand up by her ear and tapped, silently asking Virgil to take his headphones off. Virgil knew that he didn't have to, and she'd respect that, but he did anyway. He wanted to know why she was making that face, or rather even what that face was.

"Virgil I-" She choked on her words. "I'm so sorry."

Virgil nodded, not quite knowing what to say.

"I'm sorry, but I need to ask you something right now and-and I didn't want to ask in front of the others because I don't think they'd quite noticed." Renette sighed.

Oh, Virgil squinted at her, so you cornered me in an elevator. Rude but I get it.

"Virgil what's around your wrist right now?" She asked, her voice was shaking almost as badly as she was.

Virgil shut his eyes harshly. This was the absolute last thing he wanted to acknowledge right now, but better in front of Renette now then, well, anyone else. Virgil gave Renette a look that he hoped showed how sorry he was, and rolled up his sleeves. Renette made a pained noise but gathered herself quickly and gave Virgil a fake smile.

"Thank you." She mumbled. "I-I-"

"Nettie I'm scared." Virgil told her quickly. "Nettie I'm so scared. Thomas he-fuck is he-oh gods. Nettie I don't know what to do I can't be-I can't-I can't do this. And I'm so confused! Where-where did this come from? Why am I-fuck Nettie you can't let me do-be-be the Bla-I'm not! Thomas is the Blac-fuck!"

"Virgil we'll figure it out." Renette tried to tell him. "We'll talk about this, we'll get this sorted out I promise I just-right now I'm going to need you to not think about it I guess. We'll figure it out later, but right now, we just need to get you all somewhere safe."

"Okay." Virgil nodded his head. "Okay, okay."

"We'll get you somewhere safe. I promise." Renette told him firmly.

It was quiet. Finally the elevator stalled and the doors opened, Virgil got out, Renette walking by his side now.

"Nettie do you have any headphones?" Virgil asked.

"Uh, not on me no." She responded. "Why? Is your pair not working well?"

"No mine are perfectly fine. The headphones aren't for me." Virgil tries to explain.

"Uh, alright well," Renette handed Virgil a room key. "I'll see if I can find a pair of headphones. Go in your room and pack up your things. We'll be leaving as soon as possible."

"Wait Nettie," Virgil stopped her from going to her own room. "Where's Emile?! Oh gods Emile has Eddie and Remy and Latte and-"

"They're safe." Renette assured him. "Emile, Remy, and the dogs, they're all okay."

Virgil sighed, relieved, and nodded before heading to his room. He opened the door and walked in, turning on the lights and looking around at all he needed to pack up. There were some clothes scattered around the room, though they were mostly Roman's, and Virgil had to grab his stuff from the bathroom. First heading over to the bed, Virgil scooped up his clothes that he'd laid out for bed, and threw them in his suitcase, haste being the driving force behind Virgil's actions. He threw in clothes and his blankets and his bathroom supplies, dashing from one corner of the room to another, trying to find his things.

Virgil was somewhat startled out of his daze when heavy footsteps tromped by his room. Patton and Logan walked by, not bothering to look into Virgil's room, just heading straight to theirs and closing the door behind him. Janus and Remus did the same. Virgil figured that was fine, not really wanting to talk to anyone either.

"Virge?" Roman asked, his voice was quiet, and small.

Virgil focused on him, not really sure what to say.

"Uhm, I don't know, if Renette told you but, we're gonna get packed and then Janus is gonna drive us back to his house." Roman said.

"Oh." Virgil nodded. Turned around again to continue packing.

"Virge are you okay?" Roman asked. "It's okay to talk about it."

"I don't want to." Virgil told him firmly.

"Alright." Roman sighed, Virgil could hear Roman's smile and it made him angry. How could he be trying to reassure Virgil at a time like this?!

"I don't know where it came from." Virgil started. Roman looked at him confused but when Virgil pulled back his sleeve to expose the purple wristband he nodded. "I don't know where it was before it was on me. I have no idea what's going on and I'm very angry. Hypatia said she was taking the morphers. The Rose and Violet ones. But here it is. The Violet morpher. Why is it here, and why did it choose me? And why did-"

Virgil choked on their words. A bubble of sadness and anger and tears was welling inside of him and he didn't know how to let it out.

"Roman," Virgil's voice was barely above a whisper, pulling Roman in. "Why do I have the Black Morpher? What does that mean for Thomas? What does it mean for me?"

Roman didn't provide an answer. He cycled through a few expressions before landing on down-trodden, almost pitiful. Virgil wrapped his arms around Roman's waist. His cool skin felt refreshing and his cinnamon and cologne smell was overwhelming. Virgil liked it. He buried his face in Roman's chest. Behind Roman's back Virgil could lace his fingers together if he wanted. How was someone so tall still so skinny? When Roman's heavy arms made their way around Virgil's shoulders the shorter closed his eyes.

"Virge, I'm so sorry." Was all Roman could say.

Virgil couldn't dignify that with a response. It wasn't Roman's fault, why was he apologizing? Virgil was the first to pull away from the hug, though he didn't want to, the two still had packing to do, and Virgil needed to grab those headphones.

Once packed and ready to go, the two made their way to the hallway again. No one else was finished yet it seemed and Virgil didn't know what to do but wait.

"Don't tell Patton." Virgil begged Roman. "He can't know yet."

"I won't." Roman assured him.

They were quiet after that. Remus was the next to make an appearance. He regarded the two with a nod and turned on his headphones, the music was so loud Virgil could hear it but he didn't mind. Then Logan and Patton joined the three in the hall. No one spoke. Janus finally emerged carrying his bags and the group waited. Virgil couldn't stand the tension in the hall so he started off again, headphones on though no music was playing, and arrived at Renette's room, waiting outside her door. The others walked behind him, their steps were all so sluggish, it made Virgil sad. He was about to knock when the door was flung open by Renette on the other side. She was startled by his presence but relaxed when she realized it was Virgil and the others.

"Uhm, Janus?" She turned to Janus who nodded at her. "We'll just follow behind you alright? Get to the car now, and-and make sure you call your moms."

Janus gave her a curt nod and weak smile before starting off, assuming the rest would follow. Virgil moved to do just that, but not before peering just passed Renette and spotting Remy, Emile, and the dogs in Renette's room. Neither of the two seemed to notice him, or if they did they were trying to make Virgil think otherwise.

Virgil was now in the back of the group as they made their way to the elevators. Virgil took this moment to observe the others. Remus and Janus seemed to have put themselves in their own worlds. Remus was nodding along to his angriest of music and Janus was mouthing something Virgil didn't know, but guessed were song lyrics. Patton and Logan had yet to let go of each other since the battle it seemed. Though now it seemed Patton was clinging to Logan's frame while the shorter boy acted as a sturdy board, keeping Patton afloat in whatever terrifying sea his mind could become. Roman on the other hand couldn't stay still. His hands fidgeting, his eyes darting from place to place, he was tripping over his own feet constantly, even his hair was wild and constantly swishing. He didn't look as graceful as he always had. He had always seemed so poised and prim, it had annoyed Virgil to no end before, but now he missed it. Proper, prissy Roman was far more easy to make fun of than this, terrified and anxious Roman.

Virgil didn't quite know Roman well enough to know how to comfort him. So Virgil figured he'd try to comfort Roman the way Virgil likes to be comforted. Seeing as how his headphones were currently being occupied on his head, the next best thing was to hold Roman's hand. Offer him something to ground himself. Tell him he was safe now, though Virgil didn't really know if Roman-or any of them-were safe, it was what came to Virgil's mind. He sped up his pace until Virgil could grasp Roman's hand. First he would offer Roman the option. Nudge your hand against his and make it clear what you're asking him. Then when Roman looked down at Virgil surprised he offered a look that Virgil hoped resembled a smile. Roman looked forward then back to Virgil again and relaxed his fist. Virgil took that as a 'yes'. Lace your fingers in his. Virgil did so, squeezing Roman's palm gently and running his thumb up and down. Roman seemed fine with this and Virgil didn't stop.

"We're safe now Red." Virgil whispered, just loud enough for Roman to hear. The words echoed in his head, though the voices and words were different. Astro was telling him he could stop hiding now, Thomas telling him it was just a nightmare, Emile telling him it was going to be alright.

"We're safe." Roman repeated.

Virgil didn't want to get in the elevator again, for fear of being asked uncomfortable questions. Instead he took the stairs, and was surprised to find that the others had actually gotten out of the elevator and followed him. Janus walked ahead once they reached the lobby and led everyone to the car. They all loaded their things silently and got in. Janus started the car, and began calling his mom, the audio filtering in through the car's speakers. Virgil got in the back yet again, Roman next to him. Logan and Patton in front of them, and the final two up front. Janus' mother picked up instantly.

"Janus?!" She asked.

"Hey mom." Janus' voice got caught in his throat.

"Oh my god." She sighed. "Oh my god you're okay. The-the news cut out, what-what happened Janus?! Are you all okay?!"

"S-sort of mom." Janus said. "We're coming back now mom. But uh-we-we lost Thom-"

Janus broke, his hand up to his mouth now. Logan buckled himself in and closed the door. Patton was staring forward.

"You-you can explain when you get back." She said. "Janus should you be driving?"

"We-we have to drive we can't-"

"Okay. That's okay." His mother tried to sooth. "Were any of you badly hurt?"

"N-no." Janus answered. "I mean, there's some cuts and sprained ankles but nothing we can't handle at home."

"Alright. Well get home soon okay? Please."

"We will."

"Janus-" She stopped. "Janus the news knows who you are."

It was quiet.

"They have photos of you all. And that woman too. Renette? And-and Virgil. They're sharing pictures and-and they're going to figure out who you-" Janus' mother coughed. "Get home. Please baby. Your mom needs to see you."

"I'm on my way." Janus told her. "I love you. I'll see you soon."

"I love you too." She hung up after that.

Janus didn't put the car in drive like Virgil thought he would. Janus just sat there, staring out the wind-sheild. The white noise that Virgil hadn't paid attention to before was gone, and now he could hear every little thing. Like Janus' sharp inhale, shaky exhale, and sniffles. Finally he pulled out of the parking spot and started off down the road. Another car, Virgil assumed, was being driven by Renette, not too far behind them.

This drive was nothing like the one before. The drive from Florida to New York City was lively, joyful even. Everyone was excited and that energy never died. Music was playing through the speakers and conversations were hopping from one topic to another. Virgil asking Patton and Remus questions, eating wonderfully terrible food, listening to podcasts, just in general being happy and excited. Virgil missed that drive. Virgil missed a lot of things now.

. . .

Virgil didn't realize he'd fallen asleep until the car stalled and he was woken up by something shifting beneath his head. Virgil opened his eyes slowly and sat up, he'd fallen into Roman's side and slept like that for a few hours. Virgil gave Roman a sleepy closed eyes smile and looked out the window. There was nothing really going on, they seemed to be in a parking lot, Virigl just didn't know why. When Virgil looked over at Roman again he noticed the tired, annoyed expression on his face and wondered what had caused that. Virgil slipped his headphones off to ask Roman what was up, and immediately knew.

"This is pointless Logan!!" Patton shouted.

"What is?! Huh?! What's pointless exactly!? You're not making sense!!" Logan retorted.

"God can't you just give it a rest!?!" Patton stomped angrily.

Virgil looked between them, both seemed on the verge of tears, but were both so angry neither noticed.

"Because!! This isn't something you can just 'give a rest'!!! This is something that has to be dealt with!! Now!!!" Logan yelled.

"Ugh!!!" Patton threw his hands up, frustrated and red-faced.

Virgil really didn't like this. Fighting he could deal with, he'd dealt with it his whole life, but this? This just seemed like pointless, tactless yelling that could very easily be avoided. It wasn't however, and Patton and Logan continued their shouting match. The car moved up a little and Virgil looked forward, both Janus and Remus were watching the two with worried and confused looks. Roman however seemed utterly done with their attitudes and Virgil could not say he felt any different..

"How long has this-"

"Forty-five minutes." Roman grumbled.

"What happened?" Virgil asked.

"No idea. I was asleep and woke up to Patton shouting." Roman rubbed at his face. "Sorry about them. I don't know what's going on but you shouldn't have to listen to this."

"Neither should you." Virgil mumbled.

"Fine then!!!" Patton screamed.

"Fine!!!" Logan crossed his arms and turned away.

Virgil looked between them, their conflict very clearly not resolved. Virgil saw Janus shift in his seat and turn to the window.

"Yeah so uh, anyway, I'll have two number nines, a happy meal with chicken nuggets, a number six, and just make all those drinks sprite." Janus told the box that took their fast-food orders.

"Y-you got it sir. Pull up to the next window." The worker said hesitantly.

. . .

"Hey Roman," Janus called to the back of the car.

"-And then Bev, Beverly, leans over the sink and looks down the drain pipe." Virgil continues. Roman paying very close attention to their words.

"Roman?"

"And she hears the voices call her name and she doesn't know why." Virgil tells Roman. "So she gets the idea to use one of those tape-measures and stick it down the drain to figure out what's going on."

"Uh-huh." Roman nodded.

"Roman?" Janus asked insistently.

"And she feels the tape measure catch on something after it just kept going down and down, so she pulls it back up right?" Virgil says, making hand-motions that mimic what he's describing. "And out the pipe, attached to the tape-measure is this gross, slimy, bloody mass of hair and Bev is like super grossed out by this, but the hair just keeps coming-"

"Roman!"

"So she looks down the pipe again and suddenly the hair burst out of the pipe and wrap around her head and neck and arms and she drops the tape-measure and the hair like holds her there above the sink-"

"Oh my god." Roman bites his hand nervously.

"And blood starts coming out of the sink and-"

"Roman!!!" Janus yelled.

The two stopped their gripping conversation to look at Janus.

"I need you to drive for a few hours." Janus said, much softer now. "I have to get some sleep so-"

"No problem Jan." Roman assures him. "Just pull over next chance you get and I'll drive until you're ready."

"Thanks." Janus breathed.

"So what happens next?"

"Well the blood is like coming out of the sink like good right?" Virgil turns to Roman excitedly. "But then it stops, and Bev is probably thinking 'this is all a dream, everything's fine', until the blood comes shooting out of the sink and completely covers Bev and the whole bathroom!!"

"Oh my god."

. . .

Once Virgil had assured he and Roman were the only two awake in the car he took out the paradot from his bag and turned it on.

"You want me to turn the music down so you can watch?" Roman asked sweetly.

"No, I'm gonna read the letter." Virgil said offhandedly. "Besides, I like this song."

Virgil didn't actually know the song, but Roman seemed to know all the words, and Virgil had to admit he wasn't a half-bad singer.

"Oh." Roman eyed Virgil but didn't say anything more.

"I'm hoping it'll tell me why I have this," Virgil gestured to the violet morpher. "And why Hypatia doesn't."

Roman nodded and went back quietly singing along. Virgil started up the paradot and pulled up the files. There the letter was. ☆♡.note. He selected it. Instead of a typed document, it was just a scanned picture of an actual letter. The handwriting was neat, familiar even. That's it, Virgil remembered, that was she liked me to write. Small, simple, yet still elegant. Gross.

My dear Star,

Before I can really begin I must apologize, I got a little carried away in looking into your future. I do not know which path you've chosen, but I know I have something to say to you, whatever situation you're currently finding yourself in. So, with that in mind, scroll to the letter that corresponds with whatever condition caused you to open this letter.

Virgil scanned the listed options until finding the one that applied to him, making a note to read the other ones some other time.

Virgil, I know you're confused, if I'm being honest I am too. I took the violet morpher with the express intention that you would never have to wield it. And yet here you are, not only holding the violet morpher, but the black one as well. I'm afraid I do not know the fate of the previous Black Ranger, and fear telling you what possibilities for him there are. However, I can tell you that along the way that something went horribly wrong. I believe if you're reading this, this means that we were found, Pallas and I. We were found by Jemina of all people. Not just her but Mallina as well. I don't know for sure if we will make it out of that fight, you know how fickle the future can be, but I do know that because you are reading this, they got the violet morpher back. I have no doubt about that. I believe that was how it was even close enough to you to form that bond. Though remember this is all speculation, I cannot know for sure. I can only hope that I did not suffer a terrible fate in the fight. That I can meet you one day. Promise to find me when this is all said and done? Or perhaps you'll have to find my bones. If that's the case you don't have to look. (Pallas thinks that was a bit dark of me to write, she may be right. She usually is.)

In any case, I'm sure you're also wondering why you have both morphers. And what that means. No doubt it's crossed your mind the parallels between you having two morphers and the Dragon Witch having two morphers. Make no mistake, these are not the same. She is a powerful creature, an ancient being, but she cannot live forever, and her power has limits. As you know she's growing weaker by the day. You on the other hand will only grow stronger. This I am sure of. Do not doubt yourself, you can handle this. The Dragon Witch possesses two morphers that are stuck together till the end of time. Constantly dancing to a song only those two know. The Dragon Witch however, she is using their harmony to create a catastrophe. She is spending power and energy that she does not have within herself and it's killing her. She is old, and weak, and must be destroyed.

You on the other hand, you are new. You are young and talented and you're healing. You're growing. These morphers around your wrists are part of a new era that you will be helping to usher in. Your morphers are not dancing with each other, and only each other, they are conducting a symphony, one that will change the universe as we know. You are creating an orchestral, powerful piece that I cannot wait to hear. Do not think you can't handle it. Do not think you're unworthy, or unable. You are more than she will ever be, more than I can imagine, and more than you can dream to be.

I love you Virgil. Do not hesitate to create your music. I know your Pallas would love to hear it.

Virgil looked up. He had felt the tears forming in his eyes but he couldn't bring himself to care. Frankly he was too tired to care much about anything at this point. Her letter was confusing, and rushed, but oh so elegant. And unbelievably heartwarming. Virgil put the paradot away.

"What did she say?" Roman asked softly.

Virgil waited a beat, trying to think of how to summarize what he'd read.

"She said that it's possible Jemina stole the violet morpher back." Virgil began. "That she got it away from Hypatia. But she wasn't certain."

"Why not?"

"The future is a fickle thing." Virgil responded.

"Ah." Roman looked a little confused but pushed on. "Anything else?"

"She told me that I'm beginning a new era. And she told me that I would write a symphony, and that she wanted to listen to it." Virgil said, feeling the emotions tease at his voice. "And that I should look for her when I get the chance, unless she's bones, then I don't have to. And that I can do this. And she also called the Dragon Witch old and weak. And that my Pallas will-" He stopped. Not wanting to go on. Even Virgil knew he wasn't making sense.

Roman didn't say anything in response. He just reached his hand over, and nudged Virgil's fingers with his knuckles. Virgil took Roman's hand without hesitating. Roman was always cool to the touch.

"She was so beautiful Roman." Virgil said. "And she seems so kind."

"She's just like you." Roman sighed.

"I want to meet her one day." Virgil told the taller boy.

"Then," Roman sucked in a breath. "I'll do everything I can to make sure that happens."

. . .

Virgil was walking up and down the isles of the gas station, searching for anything that looked appealing. When he did find a bag of popcorn and a Monster Energy Virgil made his way over to Roman.

"I found what I want." Virgil informed him.

"Great, here uh," Roman grabbed one of the bags of sour candies in front of him and smiled. "We'll get these and when those two stop fighting I'll ask what they want."

Virgil looked outside to where Patton and Logan were currently engaged in another screaming match. Thankfully Virgil couldn't really hear it.

"I wish they would stop." Virgil sighed.

"Same." Roman nodded. "Well anyway we-AH!!"

"What?" Virgil raised an eyebrow, Roman was looking at him all panicked.

"You're bleeding!!"

"I am?" Virgil started inspecting himself.

"Well unless you usually have purple liquid come out of your head, I'm pretty sure you're bleeding!" Roman said. Dropping his things and pulling Virgil to the bathroom.

"I guess bleeding would explain why I've felt weird." Virgil posited.

"You think?!"

"Well a lot of bad stuff has been happening I kind of just assumed I felt woozy because of that." Virgil shrugged.

"Jeez how long have you been bleeding for?!" Roman almost cried. "Here, sit on the counter."

Virgil did as instructed, though he didn't quite want to, the counter didn't seem all that clean. Roman grabbed some paper towels and started running them under water. Once he'd deemed them good enough Roman started gently wiping off the blood from the side of Virgil's face.

"I don't think I'm ever going to get used to your purple blood." Roman said, trying to bring some humor to his clearly worried state.

"It didn't used to be purple." Virgil said. "It used to be clear. As clear as water. But uh, since she started using those chemical things on me my blood has been purple."

Roman stalled. Scanning Virgil's face for something. Whatever it was he must have found it because he huffed and continued on.

"I'm sorry." Roman said.

"Please stop apologizing for things that aren't your fault." Virgil ordered more than requested. "It makes me want to punch your stupid face."

Roman laughed a little. "Let me finish. I'm sorry I didn't get a good hit on her for you. I should have just run my sword right through her."

"Defending my honor by killing my pseudo mother." Virgil pondered. "Well done. Your face is officially no longer stupid."

"Really?!" Roman hopped a little, like an excited kid.

"I take it back." Virgil crossed his arms.

"You're so mean to me." Roman mock-pouted. The two shared another laugh and Roman through the paper towels away. Purple blood going with them. "You've got a deep cut by your temple. I'll text Remus to buy some band-aids and bring them here. He's better at this than me anyway. Hold this here for me please."

"Okay." Virgil nodded taking the new stack of damp paper towels and holding them over his cut.

"Is my face really stupid?" Roman asked.

"No your face is wonderful. You just get this look when I call your face stupid so I keep doing it." Virgil admitted.

"Oh." Roman pulled his lips into that thin smile he did.

Remus appeared not long after that and inspected Virgil's temple. It was decided that a little more than a band-aid would be needed to take care of that. Virgil sat there for the next half-hour or so, scrolling through his phone while Janus cut the hair on the side of his head, then shaved it down, then Remus went in to give Virgil some stitches, and a band-aid for good measure. It was crude but it worked on short-notice and Virgil didn't mind his friends running their hands through his hair and telling him sweet things.

When all was said and done Virgil inspected his new hair cut, decided he'd ask Janus about touching it up later, and left to meet the others outside the bathroom. Roman complimented his hair cut, handed Virgil his treats, and the four got back to the car. Patton and Logan had gone back to ignoring each other, and Virgil honestly at this point could not care less. Janus was back in the driver's seat, Remus by his side, and the two were singing along, rather somberly, to some of Janus' songs. Virgil didn't mind it much, he thought their singing was nice, frankly he was too busy trying to figure out why Roman had yet to take out some headphones and block out the noises around them.

. . .

Patton and Logan had to be separated. Now it was Patton's turn to drive and he'd asked Virgil to sit by him up front. Janus immediately went back to sleeping and Logan sat all the way in the back with Roman. Remus seemed to be the only one awake other than Virgil and Patton.

"Hey." Patton started.

"Hey." Virgil said back. God what was he supposed to say? Both of theirs' father figure was just sucked into space by Virgil's psychotic fake mom, how exactly do you have a conversation?

"I have something I want to give you." Patton said quietly. "In my bag, over there, just reach in and grab the notebook."

Virgil did as told. "The one I gave you?"

"Mhm." Patton nodded. "You gave that to me the second time we saw each other, on that ship. You had asked me what I wanted from Earth and I said I would really appreciate a notebook. Then you showed up and handed me that."

"I remember." Virgil nodded. "Why did you bring it to New York?"

"I've been bringing it everywhere." Patton admitted. "I don't write in it anymore, but just the presence of that book has kept me calm."

"Oh."

"But now I think you should have it."

"What?" Virgil was more than shocked by this. "Why?"

"Because." Patton let out a breath. "I can't rely on that. I have to move forward. I have to just keep moving forward. And that, while it worked for a time, won't work for me now."

Virgil wasn't exactly following but he examined the notebook. Something about Virgil having it didn't make him feel right. He didn't feel like it was really something he should have.

"And I know you said you'd wanted to try and write something." Patton shrugged. "Maybe you can keep going where I left off. I don't know. Do whatever you want with it. I just can't keep it any longer."

Virgil nodded. He set the book in his lap and watched Patton as he drove. Traffic was light so he had an easy time going, Virgil didn't really know where they were, but the town they were driving through was rather charming. Patton hesitantly reached his arm across to Virgil, he didn't know what Patton was really doing, but Patton's hand sweetly combing through his hair felt nice. Virgil smiled at the action.

After a while Patton pulled his hand away and his face hardened to a more serious expression. He turned down the volume of the radio and sighed.

"I know you have the Black Morpher Virge." Patton stated.

Virgil felt his stomach drop, hard. Behind them Remus choked and leaned forward, looking between the two. Apparently Remus hadn't known. Virgil cursed under his breath. He'd seriously been hoping he wouldn't have to talk to Patton about this.

"And I know there's something else going on." Patton continued. "You don't have to talk about it right now. When we get to Janus' though, you've gotta talk to us. No secrets okay? If we're gonna be a team we need to trust each other. I know your intentions are good, you just don't want to hurt me or Emile or any of us, and that's fine, but for the greater good, you can't be worried to tell us things. We can handle it. We're Power Rangers afterall."

"Okay Pat." Virgil replied. "I'll tell you guys everything when we get there. Just, not-not now. I'm still sort of-"

"Processing." Patton agreed. "I get that. Did I ever tell you what happened when I became a Ranger?"

"No, I-I don't think so." Virgil said.

"Settle in then, bedtime story." Patton grinned. "My science teacher had assigned Roman and I to be partners for a project. And she'd assigned Logan and Remus together. So after school, the four of us went to the twins' place to get started. Then, I started feeling weird. I just got this strange, pull in my chest and found myself going into Roman's room, I wasn't sure what was going on but then, I felt the morpher wrap itself around my wrist. When I saw what it was I screamed. I was terrified. I didn't want to be a Ranger, not at all. I already told you about my promise to Talyn, but it was more than that, I felt like I wasn't good enough, like I was too weak. I'd never be a hero like Talyn or Joan or Thomas, or any of the Power Rangers that I'd known. And I was absolutely heartbroken to now be a part of the thing that had torn my family apart.

"Then, I talked to Emile. And Thomas. And they told me everything I needed to hear. Honestly to this day I still don't know why I was chosen the way I was. Roman and Remus were given their morphers when they willingly jumped to Thomas' side in battle, against, well uh, you." Patton laughed nervously. "And Logan ran to Roman's protection to prove he was worthy of his morpher. And Janus, he-he tried to talk to you, to get you to trust us, completely disregarding his safety because he hoped you would join us. All of them, all of them had done such dangerous, brave, courageous things and they all earned their morphers. They proved their worth and they've only been proving every day since that they are so worthy of their titles. I mean Roman and Remus are both so strong, not just physically, but emotionally, they're anchors for the team, keeping us happy and hopeful. And Janus keeps us grounded, makes sure we always know our place and keep ourselves together. And Lo-Logan keeps us smart. He's pushed us to do more than we think we can and keeps us on our toes. We need him, and the others.

"But to this day, I still don't know why we need me. I mean, I just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time and now, I'm the Pink Ranger. I'm emotional, and ridiculous, and a little broken, but for some reason, I'm still the one in the suit. Compared to them I-I don't know why or how I could have been the choice." Patton sucked in a shaky breath. Virgil hoped he would keep his eyes trained on the road. That he wouldn't notice that the others had woken up. "And yet, I am. So there must be a reason. I believe there's a reason for everything, and even though I can't find the reason for-for this, that doesn't mean there isn't one. Whether it's something I'll do in the future or have already done, there must be something that puts me on the same level as the others. Something that makes me just as valuable to this team as Roman and his passion, or Remus and his strength, or Janus and his integrity, or Logan and his intellect. Or you, and your bravery Virgil."

"Patton-" Virgil tried.

"I love you all so much. And I'm going to do everything I can to prove that I'm a valuable member of this team." He was starting to cry now. "Not just because I should, or because I have some obligation to, but because you, and the others, and Emile are all that I have. And you all deserve so much more than I can ever give."

"Patton you-"

"But I'll be damned if I don't try my hardest to be the best I can." Patton insisted. He was crying a lot.

Virgil didn't know how to respond. He knew what he wanted to say, what he wanted to tell Patton to assure the boy that he was more than deserving of the Pink Morpher, but Virgil's words were caught. He couldn't form the feelings he had into the coherent message that Patton needed. It made Virgil feel almost useless, why couldn't he do this one thing? Why couldn't he comfort Patton right now? Why wasn't he working properly?! Then Virgil stopped himself. If Patton heard you thinking those things he'd tell you that there's nothing wrong with you. That you're not useless, he told himself. And there was the irony. The fact that Patton could convince everyone but himself that they were perfect just the way they were.

Patton pulled the car over to the side of the road, he still hadn't noticed the others were watching him. He started wiping at his tears but they were only replaced with more.

"I love you Virgil." Patton sobbed.

Virgil unbuckled himself and leaned over, pulling Patton toward himself and wiping at Patton's tears with his soft sleeve. jgjdfkljef

"I love you too Pat." Virgil said. "I love you so much."

Patton sniffled and coughed and leaned into Virgil's touch. When it seemed like his tears had stopped falling, Virgil moved Patton's hair aside and kissed his forehead. Something Patton had done for Virgil before, when he'd needed comfort.

"It's okay Pat." Virgil whispered. "You're okay. You're safe."

"I know." Patton sighed shakily. "I know."

The two pulled back. Patton wiped at his face again and told Virgil to buckle in. He merged back into traffic and kept driving.

"Get some more sleep okay? I have a feeling we'll get right down to business once we're at Janus'." Patton ruffled Virgil's hair and smiled weakly.

"Alright." Virgil nodded, putting his headphones on and slumping down in the seat.

. . .

Virgil's first impression of Janus' house was, frankly, that it was underwhelming. The house was small, pretty isolated, there was a snow-dusted garden and a shack off to the side. Behind the quaint white home was another building that Virgil didn't get a good look at. From the front door two women ran out into the cold. Janus hopped out of the car, not bothering to properly turn it off, and was practically tackled by his mothers.

"Darling!" One of the women cried.

"Mom!" Janus sighed in relief. "God mom."

The three pulled back, both women examining their son thoroughly before turning to the others.

"C'mon, bring your stuff inside, let's get all of you settled and taken care of." The taller one called. "There's soup and bread inside for when you're all ready to eat."

Virgil grabbed his bag from the trunk and started following Remus up the driveway to Janus' front door. Remus however, dropped his things before the Jareaus and received a hug from the two women.

"It's good to see you again dear." Janus' mother told him. "You taking good care of yourself?"

"I am Kennedy." Remus assured her. Janus' other mom made some motions with her hands that Virgil didn't understand. Remus must have however because he started moving his hands in response. "And Janus too. Though he takes more care of me than I do of him."

"Oh I don't believe that for a second." Kennedy it seemed, replied.

Remus and the two women laughed.

"Here, it seems your other car pulled up, we'll go help them unload. Get your stuff inside now okay?" Kennedy ushered them forward. "We can talk more later alright."

Janus' other mother made more movement with her hands and Remus laughed before signing his response. "I can't wait, Eloise."

The two women walked off and Remus and Janus started toward the house again.

"You didn't tell me you were learning ASL." Janus said to Remus.

"It was kind of going to be a surprise." Remus shrugged.

"ASL?" Virgil asked once he'd caught up to the two.

"My mom is deaf." Janus explained. "She communicates with us through American Sign Language. And apparently Remus has been learning how to sign behind my back. When did you even start?"

"Halloween, when we came back here." Remus shrugged.

"That long?" Janus looked at his boyfriend bewildered.

"I'm not very good." Remus tried.

"You seemed pretty good to me." Virgil told him.

Inside the home smelled amazing, It wasn't a very large home, just a kitchen and dining room, as well as two bedrooms, a bathroom, and an office in the back. Janus led them to his room and told Virgil to put his things down. Everyone was easily settled and gathered in the dining room, some around the table and some standing. No one had spoken yet. Emile and Remy were so withdrawn, only really reacting with each other. Virgil was one of the people sitting, Eddie by his side, his tail wagging and head in Virgil's lap while the alien-boy ate his soup. It wasn't exactly tense in the room, just crowded, and somber.

Virgil looked over at Roman next to him. He hadn't touched his soup or bread, and he was back to fidgeting with his hands. Virgil paused the podcast he'd been listening to and Eddie moved her head away so Virgil could get on his knees on the chair. He took his headphones off and leaned over and placed them on Roman's head, adjusting the band so they fit over Roman's ears. Then he grabbed his phone and started playing the playlist Roman had made for him, hopefully familiar songs would help calm Roman's nerves. Virgil rested his phone on the table and went back to his soup.