The morning sun crept through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on Farza's face as he winced in pain, carefully treating the injuries from his previous battle. Each movement was a reminder of the intense fight he had endured. As he made his way downstairs, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Juan.
"Hey, Farza!" Juan's cheerful voice echoed through the speaker. "I'm heading your way. Let's meet up!"
"Sure thing, man," Farza replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite the aches and pains.
As he ended the call, Farza's mother caught sight of him. Her eyes widened with concern as she took in his battered appearance. "Oh no, you're so hurt! What happened?"
Farza quickly scrambled for an excuse. "It's nothing, Mom. Just some work I was doing on a car at the garage."
His mother's brow furrowed, and she launched into a lecture. "Farza, you don't need to shoulder all of this on your own. We're here for you."
"I know, Mom. I know," Farza said, trying to reassure her.
Just then, his father called out, asking for Farza's help. Farza obliged, grateful for the opportunity to escape further questioning.
Later that day, as Farza headed home, Juan caught up with him. "Hey, man! What happened yesterday? Why'd you have to skip school?"
Farza fumbled for another excuse. "My mechanic job required me to put in some extra hours. You know how it is."
Juan's expression turned serious. "I can't keep 'hacking' the system to cover for you, Farza. It's getting harder to explain your absences."
Farza's shoulders sagged, and he offered an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, Juan. I really appreciate everything you've been doing for me. I promise I'll throw that party to make it up to you."
Juan's face instantly lit up. "Yes! I'm so excited! I've got all these ideas for the party - the music, the food, the decorations. It's going to be epic!"
Farza chuckled. "Man, you sure do love parties."
"Of course, bro! It's how we connect with each other in the most effective way," Juan explained, his enthusiasm infectious. But then his tone shifted, becoming more somber. "But seriously, Farza, I'm worried about you. I want you to be safe."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small device. "Here, take this vox. It'll help you if you're ever in danger."
Farza laughed, slightly confused. "Why would I need that?"
"Just in case," Juan insisted. "I don't want anything happening to my closest friend."
Farza accepted the device, touched by Juan's concern, and slipped it into his pocket as they made their way into the school.
Suddenly, the TV screens throughout the hallway flickered to life, showcasing a local news report by a student journalist. "Breaking news! The Red Ranger was spotted at the shopping center during the recent alien invasion. Who is this mysterious figure, and could he be responsible for these attacks?"
Farza felt his stomach twist as he watched the report, but he kept his composure. As the school day ended, his Z-Watch pinged, summoning him to the base.
Farza made his way to the familiar warehouse and entered the elevator, descending into the depths of the Z-Force Base. The Green Ranger greeted him with a nod. "Welcome back, Red."
"I almost got killed fighting those Xenoforms," Farza confessed, the weight of the battle still heavy on his mind.
"Xenoforms are tough," the Green Ranger acknowledged. "But you handled yourself well."
Farza's thoughts turned to the recent encounter. "What about the X-Force? And who is DySyrian? Why didn't you warn me that someone so powerful was after the Z-Force?"
The Green Ranger motioned for Farza to follow as they walked through the base. "DySyrian is wary of you, even though she is incredibly powerful. The Z-Watch is tied to you, Farza. It will bring out your true potential. She fears what you may become."
As they entered the training room, the Green Ranger continued. "It's crucial for you to become stronger. I will teach you advanced martial arts techniques so you can properly defend yourself."
Farza nodded, determination burning in his eyes. He stepped into the DangerSim, ready to face the virtual Xenoforms. With precision and skill, he executed a flurry of kicks and punches, defeating the simulated enemies with newfound confidence.
"That was incredible, Farza!" the Green Ranger praised. "Your fighting skills have improved remarkably."
But their moment of triumph was short-lived as an alert blared through the base, warning of another Xenoform invasion.
Farza gathered his gear, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. With a deep breath, he called out, "Z-Transformation!" In a flash of red light, he transformed into the Red Ranger, ready to face the challenges ahead.