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The White Rose Matures

Dexter underestimated the impact that Power Rangers had in Miles' life. It must've been the toy he got him when he was an infant. No, it definitely was the Power Ranger toy, the action figure.

The black wolf went about his normal weekend morning. Relaxing as he was off-duty, reading a book on being a better parent. Last Halloween his young white-furred cub finally howled a proper howl. While it was cute during Miles' younger years when he mimicked with a frail and almost-whimperlike tone, he had finally done a majestic ode to the moon. It meant one thing: puberty.

God knows how Miles would grow up in this phase of his life. Dexter tried to use himself as an example; deepening voice, becoming taller, and having an obsession that he took for the rest of his life. He chuckled to himself, reflecting on his latest big purchase, sitting in the garage still draped in cloth. It arrived yesterday, and his tail wagged at the thought of driving it later.

Going back to the book, he was in the section of wolves, where it contrasted his own experience growing up. It said here that wolves at his age should howl only once a year, specifically on their birthdays for sentimentality's sake. And some bs explanation that he never followed on, moving towards their biology instead. He reflected on all the times he howled when he was his son's age. Howled along his parents during their birthdays too, and even his distant cousins. That last part was literal and metaphorical, having gone to their place to howl alongside, or that he could hear them from miles away under a full moon.

Dexter thought about it and the only opportunities his son could do so would be during his, his own birthday, maybe even Chase's, and definitely when he would visit his mother's grave. And thinking about it still tugged on his heart, but it became less so as his son grew older. At first it bothered him that he could see his wife's complexion on him; the white fur, the fun-loving personality, and feisty determination but that was from both of them rather. One of the more prominent physical aspects he got from him were the red eyes, and maybe his wits too. His son was becoming more capable, and showed signs of discipline and early stages of camaraderie too. Growing in a military household could do that to a child. Maybe he had the makings of a soldier after all.

"Pew! Pew! Pew!" Miles ran down the stairs. Dexter looked over his shoulder to see him enter the foyer in his Power Ranger costume. He smiled, watching him enjoy his outfit. That one he wore was for home, and he bought two more for him after Halloween; one for outside, and another as a spare for either. He raised him diligently enough to understand that he should always wear clean clothing, with no exceptions to it. That part he got right in the behavior aspect of the book when he glossed through it last week.

"Hi dad!" Miles dashed right into the living room and used the sofa as cover. He amateurishly peeked out, toy alien gun aimed at the tv screen.

Dexter noted his son's grip was not as tight on the gun, and that even his shoulders were exposed, as well as the tip of his muzzle. If he were his drill sergeant, he would be extremely disappointed. Thankfully that wouldn't ever be the case.

"Pew pew pew!" Miles notched his gun upward three times to emulate recoil, which Dexter shook his head and chuckled.

"Hi son," The older wolf smiled and reached out and scratched the top of his head. "Where are you right now?"

"I'm in Iraq, playing as the Silver Flash!" he whooshed to the other side and peeked out, pewing and notching his gun simultaneously.

Dexter found it sweet that his son admired him as the 'New Moon Sniper'. One of the better moments of his career, but hoped his son never got into the details. Nor should Chase or any of his other squadmates tell him. Forcing that thought out, returning to the present, he chuckled. "What does the Silver Flash do?"

Miles proceeded to roll on his side, not gracefully, and stood in front of his father pointing the gun around and away from him. Something that he himself taught him. "The Silver Flash strikes fast like lightning, and protects the innocent from the bad guys!" He struck a pose mimicking that of the Silver Ranger from his shows; the pose was stretching his right leg outward while lowering his left knee to a crouch, followed by crossing his arms with tense muscles and clawed gloves, and his war face of a ferocious wolf.

Dexter chuckled and applauded, but little did his son know that real soldiers wouldn't do that. Looking back to those classified photo ops taken, men standing with arms over each other's shoulders. He would show his son when he had understood what the real world's like. But for now, having him enjoy the innocence of his youth was paramount. Plus it was something he couldn't enjoy for long, realizing once more that Miles was growing up; moments such as these aren't something you could get back anymore.

That said, he glanced at the clock. Miles looked too with his tail wagging side to side as it neared six in the evening, about half an hour left. There was that toothy smile on his son's face because they were going to a screening of a Power Rangers movie that focused around the Silver Wolf. Maybe that was where his son got the nickname. "Son, what's the name of that movie again?"

Miles vibrated and joined beside his father's side on the sofa, being caught as he landed against the cushions. With a quick turn around he said, "It's called Power Rangers Wild Force: the Silver's Flash!" His hands swiped the space over them in dramatic effect. And he would continue on, stuttering now and then, as he told the gist of the movie, the background, the lore, and the actors and their correlation to the franchise too.

A lot of jargon that Dexter chuckled and nodded out of respect, but could never really take into heart. Nonetheless, it was nice to see Miles this engaging and passionate about something he clearly enjoyed. Better this than those kids that smoke and drink. And he was certain that his authority and the ability to find out a lot of things wouldn't let Miles end up like them, or hanging out with the wrong crowd. That's parenting he supposed.

When it was five minutes from six, Miles was still halfway through talking about the twentieth episode of the show. Dexter tapped the nonexistent watch on his wrist while eyeing the clock. "Y'know what to do son," he said.

"Sir yes sir!" Miles looked at his outfit before shooting him with an informal salute. "This is Silver Flash heading back to base." And the youngster was off, dashing with his gun close to his body.

"Don't run up the stairs now, son," Dexter got up and returned the book to its shelf before going up the stairs himself.

Miles had slammed the door shut on the first lower step, excited for their excursion. Dexter heard him humming the Power Rangers theme the closer he was upstairs, and went to his room after.

There were a few things he was to give his son this afternoon as a sign of appreciation for how good-willed and well-performing he was during his studies. Not necessarily straight-A's, Dexter never asked for that, rather to see him want to improve more and asking for help that got him a lot of A-minuses and B-pluses. And, most of all, was being respectful and well-mannered throughout, especially during the last few times they visited their mother.

It irked him at the start when Miles' first proper howl was during Halloween. He hoped it would've been by the river alongside him but an epiphany came a month later. Because his own first major howl was during his birthday- something pleasant. And Miles was when he wore the Silver Ranger outfit during a time of merriment and candy. Especially with participants across the distant forests and other wolf households.

Plus, his son already mimicked a howl when they visited her during his younger years, pleasant memories either way. Only wished he realized it sooner.

The first gift was joining his son in solidarity by wearing the Silver Ranger's uniform while watching the movie. It was comfy surprisingly, almost like a wetsuit without the need to wear diving gear. However he won't bring the toy sword that it normally came with because he broke the fake blade off its hilt. Instead, he compensated for something much better, and there's two of them of differing sizes wrapped in paper mache- both spherical shapes.

After putting on the costume, he heard Miles slam the door open and rush across the floor but slowed down upon descending those steps. He pocketed his cellphone, wallet, and keys to the veiled surprise in his garage.

Dexter stepped out of the room, holding one of these special gifts on each arm, and he noticed Miles back at the foyer in full Wolf Ranger uniform, including the wolf-shaped helmet and visor. When he got it back on Halloween, he lamented how well made it was. And he descended those steps, chuckling at the fond memory but got his son's attention. Behind those dark-tinted visors, he knew his son was looking at what he held in both arms.

"What're those, dad?" Miles lifted the visor, his dark red eyes reflected said gifts before meeting his father's own.

"Your helmet's not regulated for motorcycles, y'know." Dexter offered the smaller one to him. "This on the other hand."

That left Miles with an open mouth, stopped in his tracks. Even his tail didn't wag in surprise. Took him a moment to process all this before taking off his toy helmet and placing it down on the floor, and grabbed the gift all robotic like. He unwrapped the paper mache delicately, not wanting to damage it despite already knowing what it was and how happy it made him feel. And when he saw those silver tipped ears with the dark blue forehead, revealing further the red eyes just above the visor, Miles couldn't stop hopping and wagging his tail like a street sweeper.

Dexter unwrapped his and put it on himself; a perfect fit and he was certain of his son's too who spent more time appreciating it first. It was a reflective silver spray paint on a silver matte material of a motorcycle helmet that resembled the Wolf Ranger's fighting helmet too. Came with red-eye lamps for emergency night-time navigation, as well as eye blinks that could sync-up with the motorcycle's turns. Its insides were padded, insulated, and shock absorbent. Visor was a reflective black tint but an all-color view from the inside, privileged craftsmanship at its finest.

After Miles had put on his helmet, and left the toy one on the staircase landing pole, Dexter opened the door for his son to run out of and play a bit on the lawn before following close as he locked the door behind him.

The setting sun was on the horizon blocked by tall trees, with cool early evening winds blowing through the street. A full moon was in view of the darkening blue sky, with only the brightest stars accompanying it at this hour. The main family car was park next to the curb just outside their home. Their neighbors were simply hanging out of their homes, playing an assortment of games involving toy swords, and dodgeball.

Miles only said hi to them, pulling up his visor as he told the other children of their evening plans. Two of their neighbors, both pandas, came closer to inspect the new helmet his dad got for him.

Dexter watched for a moment, "Son, it's okay for them to look but not touch, okay?"

"Yes dad!" Miles answered back, and his friends circled around him in amazement.

The older wolf unlocked his garage where his third prized possession awaited him. Before his son and his career of course. He removed the cover and unveiled a David Harleyson silver bike; chrome fuselage and frame with matte black seatings, two silvery exhausts on one side, black firm handlebars, and a bluetooth link for the passengers' helmets.

Dexter taxi'd it out into the driveway and let it stand there as he closed the garage door. Miles and his friends all ran to him and admired the new motorbike smell, and how it reflected all their faces as they inspected the chrome. And one of the children pointed out how it matched both their outfits. And wanting to show off a bit more, he urged the children to stay on the side away from the exhaust, and pressed the back of his own, and Miles' helmet so their eyes lit up.

The pandas were amazed, but their parents who had been watching them from afar were impressed. Dexter turned on his motorbike and heard the engine purr from their lawns. He had to dial it down because they were in the suburbs, but there was a long road between it and the mall that he could let that engine roar. However, that was not what he intended to show- he signaled it to turn left, and the eyes on their helmet blinked in its corresponding direction.

The children and their parents were applauding, and the other neighbors who were attracted by the noise were impressed by it too, enough that Dexter avoided another noise complaint.

He got on first and balanced the motorcycle enough for Miles to get on with ease and let his tail in between them. The old wolf turned to see if he was good to go. "Alright son, this thing's going to be loud on the main road so if at any point something feels wrong, just tap my right side only, okay?"

"Yes sir," Miles nodded with a muffled response, clutching onto his father.

Dexter nodded back and turned to the neighbors, waving a goodbye to them as they left. Their pace was slow for its kind, with a very loud engine that could intensify further. But the feeling of the wind blowing against him was pleasant and he wanted more of it. To relive those younger years of his.

Miles clutched onto him tight at first, easing up enough to appreciate their fast moving surroundings. He seemed to be enjoying it, which was nice at least because there was no way he'd make this the first and last time to ride a quality motorbike.

And when he was on a major road, before making the turn, Dexter turned to his son and said loudly, "Hold on tight, this is where it gets fun!"

Miles nodded and held him firm, almost hugging.

The old wolf revved up the engine, a motorized bark to assert his dominance on the road. Even though there were no other cars or homes nearby, which was good. The vehicle beneath him vibrated, springing to life far more than when he unveiled it earlier. He had that urge to release that beast, and so he did with the press of a pedal.

They went off onto the main road with a loud roar of the engine, reverberating through the exhausts, matched only by its speed that left a skidmark. It spiked a special form of adrenaline that Dexter wanted, the best one and how he could only get it from here on the highway. If it weren't a safety hazard, and setting a good example, he'd take off his helmet and let his tongue hang out like all the bad-boy canines would.

Miles got a hang of it real quick, and he ought to ask him if he enjoyed it too. At least there was the gorgeous scenery of the plains washed in gold by what remained of the setting sun. A neighborhood, not theirs, much further, and with a forest beyond it too.

There were two lanes on each side of the road, and he stuck to the left the entire time. Speed limit here was a generous sixty kilometers per hour, and he played dirty and went at around fifty nine, teetering closer to an infraction.

Trucks went the opposite direction, and the few cars that were in his lane couldn't keep up and left in his metaphorical dust. Poor 'ol station wagons and underpowered sedans- this was what a real alpha would drive.

Dexter resisted the urge to wag his tail so as to not inconvenience his son, but he hadn't been tapped on his side even if they closed in on the small city. It had a mall, a few tall structures for corporations, and the rest were commercial spots and apartments. This was Abbortsford; not as impressive as Langley but still a pleasant visit nonetheless. He wouldn't have gone here other than the only mall in this part of Canada that premiered the movie his son wanted to see. That notion had been reconsidered on the account of driving around in his new motorbike.

He slowed it down as the highway ended, the wind dying as he did. The engines' roars returned to purrs, and the vibrations relaxed. Once they were at a red traffic light, he checked on his son who had been shivering the whole time. Their visors met, Miles nodding a lot in what seemed to be an enjoyment of the experience.

They made a turn northward, and another to the east as they approached this tall rectangular and modern-esque structure. Dexter knew this would be Kingsbridge mall, but it changed a lot compared to the last time he visited. That exaggerated aesthetic of a castle had been stripped apart of its fake watchtowers, and its then-broken yellow neon sign. As a teenager he thought it was made of stone, impressed by the dedication. Only when in his cadet years, visiting on a break, when he saw the torn paper mache. Truly shattered his childlike innocence then.

Kingsbridge had ample parking space. It was smaller than the one in Langley, but almost the same size, and given it was a weekend there were a lot of people coming over. Their get-up got a few in the parking lot, and even the street goers from earlier, staring at them with some of the children and teens pointing about and taking photos. He could hear the youngsters ask their parents for one, one of them saying that they would when they're older.

Others were motorcycle enthusiasts who were impressed by the make of his David Harleyson's bike, and how it not only fits the aesthetic of his helmet but adds a visible function to it too. Though Dexter hoped it wouldn't be anyone from his old gang or he won't ever hear the end of it. Especially if it were Chase.

Their parking space was down in the basement with a dedicated spot for motorcycles. It was very easy to say that this was the most expensive of the bunch. And based on the other nearby cars, this cost much more than them combined.

After turning the bike off, Dexter still felt Miles' vibrating embrace, making him laugh as he turned and hugged his son in one arm while taking off the helmet with the other. "Did you enjoy it?"

Miles nodded, a muffled giggling from his helmet.

Dexter got off and let the bike stand on its own, while helping Miles out of his helmet, unveiling a very wide smile and a sweeping tail once he was off the seat.

"That was cool!" His son's voice echoed in the garage.

"I'm glad. Don't worry, we'll visit your mom's before going home." Dexter wrung both helmets in one arm as he pocketed his key. He and Miles went for the basement entrance.

Dexter looked around and found that even the underground parking got a glow up. Particularly for the cars where underneath each spot is a sensor that turns red when it's occupied, otherwise it's green. Last time he was here, it stank of spilled oil, and was littered with trash in the curbs. And the floor before was made of concrete, now it was asphalt with bright paint that indicated lanes and proper turns. Plus the cars here had a reflective shine to the low light shining that even their suits sheened too.

The entrance was a glass door with tall windows it connected to. Dexter was more amazed by it than Miles was because it was night and day with how brighter and sleeker it was. There were more stores than before, but he could say their area shrank considerably. One of the glasses stores, which was a massive room with hundreds of samples, had been condensed by that same amount except it was the size of a truck, but they were on shelves instead. And the next stores were for beauty products, and instruments. Much more variety with less space, and at least people don't crowd it enough that made it too cramped to shop. But that would be another story if there was a sale. Hopefully he wouldn't have to go through it again.

The cinema was on the third floor of the mall, and people kept glancing at them from restaurants they passed by. There was a toy store where a lot of children saw and begged their parents to buy them that costume and his helmet, but little did they know that the latter would cost as much as their tuition in a private school. Apart from that, Dexter noticed Miles' resisting the urge to tug on his tail and go check the action figure or toys.

It would be a stroke of luck that no one here knew that he was a soldier, but he was setting a great example of being there for his son. Accompanying him through his interests and hobbies, something that the book from earlier had given him insight on. His son appreciated his biking hobby, he appreciated his obsession with Power Rangers, and frankly enjoyed the attention and impression outside of his career. That made his tail wag, hugging his son with one arm as they went on upstairs.

Dexter was surprised by the long line that greeted him once they reached the top of the escalator. It was for the movie that they were supposed to watch, and composed of parents and kids, some of them even as dedicated as they were. But they had to get their tickets from the booth first. Two lynx ladies who already printed out the tickets, knowing what two dashing wolves in Power Ranger costumes would go to.

After their barrage of compliments, especially with how cute Miles was in his costume, he tugged on his father's tail. "Can we have some popcorn, please?"

"Just butter for now, alright? Don't want flavor powder getting all over your costume now." Dexter eyed the concessionaire who did their best to keep up with the demand for popcorn and snacks. Particularly from children who were less disciplined than Miles.

"That's alright," Miles nodded with a wagging tail.

The Fennixes lined up, enough time to get popcorn and water before the movie would start. Dexter saw from afar that the waist-height gates haven't been opened yet. And their line here moved at a relatively quick pace. There were a lot of choices on the menu for a small retailer. They had burgers, hot dogs, tacos, burritos, pizzas, popcorn, corn dogs, and each of them came in an assortment of flavors. Never heard of a turkey burger, or wasabi flavored popcorn. Some of them were appetizing though, like the bacon wrapped corn dog but he didn't want to make a mess.

When it was their turn, the concession was manned by three guys who seemed to be in their college years. A black wolf, a brown-furred tiger, and an albino mouse or rat. The black wolf didn't seem to care but the tiger found their outfits to be quite cute, both were distracted while the mouse, evidenced by his pink nose, asked for their orders.

While their popcorn was being prepped, Miles gawked at some of the chocolate bars, and Dexter had to remind him that now wouldn't be the good time for them. And he would, instead, buy them for him tomorrow, which the young wolf hugged his father tightly for.

After the tiger handed them their regular-sized bags of popcorn and water bottles, Dexter exchanged it for cash. The next line they went to was for the theater itself. There was a lot of talk regarding the movie and how it correlated to the series. Miles started talking to himself to hype up the experience. From what he gathered, it was a prequel to the Silver Wolf's first appearance in the show. A backstory of how he became a special ranger. The only detail he liked from it was how the Silver Wolf received his call to action by a howl. Besides that, he heard the family behind him murmur about their outfit. Even mentioned their motorcycle and how they were the ones riding it.

A lot of it was compliments of their dedication, and how fun-loving the father was, even though the last remark was that of an overkill on the props. But they had a saying like that from their allies down south: 'There is no kill like overkill'.

The ushers stopped him when it was his turn, asking for the helmets as they were not allowed inside the cinema. And behind them were several umbrellas, a few motorcycle helmets that weren't as impressive as his, and confiscated outdoor foodstuffs in tupperwares and ziplock bags. Dexter handed his helmet over, giving the usher taking it a stern eye that these should not be damaged or stolen after the movie. The intimidated usher nodded and motioned him inside.

Dexter was impressed by the new modern aesthetic and conveniences this movie theater had. Back in his teen years there would be about four ushers helping guests go through the dark room, flashlights in hand to light their path. Today it had light blue LED strips on the staircases and light green for its handles. There was still a single usher who went around and made sure people found their seats. And there was a lot more then; about two hundred, twice than what it had two decades ago.

Both he and Miles found themselves in the upper back row. The seats were made out of comfy foam cushions with cup-holders on the end of the arm rests. After setting themselves down, a few more families trickled in from the entrance to take up what few seats there were. And for a cinema full of kids, it was quite calm save for the few asking for food, or still talking about the upcoming movie.

Dexter felt Miles hugging his arm tightly, he turned to him. "Yes son?"

Miles smiled, resting his head on his shoulder. "I love you dad, thanks for seeing the movie with me."

He chuckled and moved his arm around to embrace his son with it, kissing his forehead. "Love you too, kiddo." And that left him with a question. One that he would ask after the film as its pre-screening previews started. These too were not a thing before.

The first preview was this action flick of a die-hard US marine. A lot of explosions, loud rock music, and cheesy one-liners, all of it taking place in Baghdad it seemed. It was called 'Difficult Demise'. Miles tugged on his arm, asking if he wanted to see it. The film was said to be PG-13, which Dexter nodded at, but he had to teach him how actual combat worked because the film exaggerated it to absurdity. He did not want his son growing up on extremely false impressions of his job. Made him growl soft enough for Miles to not hear it.

Next was a 3D-animated film where the premise was this young inventor who lived in a futuristic society with flying cars. One of his inventions sent him back to a medieval past where he taught them modern technology. It had a lot of slapstick comedy, and cheesy one-liners as well that got some of the children laughing. And it ended in a fart joke that made both Fennixes groan, and Dexter was glad his son had outgrown it. This PG-rated movie was called 'Introducing the Jacksons'.

And the last one was a 2D animation that interested Dexter. Because it was the story of a boy whose father fought and died in a war against sentient gigantic machines. Only for him to encounter one of them who had outgrown the war and sought for peace instead. It followed their adventure that had semblances of betrayal, childhood innocence, and art directions that served as an anti-war commentary. This film was called 'Metal Colossus'.

Finally, there was a pause. Everyone had gone quiet as the room went dark. The room felt cool, and the relative silence was broken by Miles chewing on his popcorn. And the logo of the Power Rangers came into screen in a flash of white, and all the children erupted in cheer. Even Miles raised his hand in joy, only to intensify when the brand switched over to the title of the movie.

It all went to black again, with some of them going 'aw'. But it was followed by a monologue and everyone behaved themselves.

"Wolves are led by an Alpha." The actor said. Who revealed himself to be the titular Silver Wolf. He was voiced by an actor that Dexter had never heard of. This movie could be that guy's debut.

And the Silver Wolf continued, "I, the Omega, lead myself."

The movie started off with a gray wolf about to cross a river at the bottom of a mountain. It was in the middle of the night, and all he had with him was a flashlight and a backpack. He ventured under the trees, following a path lit by the full moon.

Miles held onto Dexter's arm as the sequence fell silent except for the footsteps and rustling bushes. Seemed like someone had been following this character, Dexter presumed.

He would be right when there was a well-made alien costume who snuck up from behind. Even one of the children tried to warn the character on the screen. And they would be vindicated when the character turned around and hit the rock-like creature with his flashlight but that broke it. The character panicked quite convincingly as he ran up the mountain path. Though it was quite obvious to Dexter that it was an artificial incline, carved out instead of a natural formation.

When he reached a dead end, there were two of these creatures right behind. Nothing in his backpack would've saved him as it was full of camping supplies.

'Not even a knife?' Dexter thought. It would be a mistake to not bring one in camping. Even if it was just a pocket knife. His mind mulled over which would be the best kind to bring as the rest of the scenes played out. The spirit of a space wolf saved the character who heeded the howl for help. A lot of exposition, a fancy base inside the mountain, and that was when he started training. That was when he became titled 'Silver Wolf: Power Ranger'. The children cheered for it.

The visuals and props looked very convincing, especially the costumes. His helmet, especially when he posed on a glass stage in his HQ, was far inferior compared to his. It didn't even have any glowing lights on it. Speaking of the pose, the same one he saw from Miles earlier, it made Dexter wonder if there was a reason as to why they do it in the first place. More so when something was exploding behind them.

Halfway through the movie was when it started to pick up. Abductions were happening across town, and it was up to this lone wolf to put a stop to it. There was this sequence with guitar riffs in the background as the Silver Wolf went through a mining facility that was making these rock-men, or Putty Men as the spirit wolf called it.

However, the music stopped as he found the ultimate base of operations of his enemy. It was underneath the town hall. People were being abducted so that they could be replaced by these rock people. Politics, society, and the economy will change to fit their bidding, and there would be a lot of sequel baiting like prop sketches of big creatures, and references to the show of a group of five colorful rangers in America undoing progress there.

The great big bad of all this was the mayor of the town, and he didn't pay enough attention to how it came to be but it shocked a lot of the children, even Miles beside him. He was your average wolf in a tuxedo suit with a top hat. The Silver Wolf decided to wait for the next full moon so that he could strike him with his full power.

In between all that, he planned out the layout of the town hall, started to feel uneasy of the people around him unsure who and who weren't Putty soldiers in disguise. And the peak of that worry happened when he received a letter in his home, which read that they knew who he was.

To add to the suspense, there were no leads or marks on the mail. Miles gripped his father's arm in worry, but it was obvious to Dexter that it was the mayor who did it. And that night of full moon comes, with the Silver Wolf infiltrating the town hall, and immediately going for the basement. He had to stop the mayor at all costs, which in adult terms would mean he had to kill him.

Dexter would admit that this sequence was captivating as violin screeches played as the two characters played hide and seek. Especially that the Silver Wolf could not focus on the sound as it was loud with mineralization processes, and producing Putty that resembled people.

He ended up in a lower basement that was the big base. Dialogue was exchanged, cheesy one liners and all, and both the Silver Wolf and the Putty Mayor had at it with each other. The former was quick and precise, the latter swung heavily but packed quite the punch.

It was going bad for the Silver Wolf, and that was before the mayor called in his soldiers to further harass him. The Power Ranger retreated upstairs, pursued by all of these rock people, and cornered him at the reception area, underneath a glass rooftop.

Conveniently for the Silver Wolf, the full moon shone bright enough for its light to coat his uniform, and his skin turned to silver, and became a wolf of pure strength. The next minute was a carnage for the Putty Men who crumble under its powerful bites, claws, and rams. And the mayor was forced back into his office, watching as the feral silvery creature turned back to his Power Ranger form.

The Silver Wolf let out a howl that tore open the windows, and left the mayor alone as the town hall was approached by wailing cop cars and a police helicopter, ending his schemes of small-town domination.

Another cut to black, with the children preemptively cheering. Miles applauding loudly alongside.

"Maybe I want to become an Alpha Wolf instead." The Silver Wolf quieted the whole theater, with the scene showcasing the team of the colorful Wild Force Power Ranger fighting the Putty Men in the U.S.. Miles beside him shaking his dad's arm, "That's the scene from the episode." He whispered, eyes glued to the big screen.

And it was jumping from cut to cut of what normally went in a Power Rangers episode, and it all faded to black. Then the cinema lights turned on as the credits started rolling to a rock band's song. The conversation and merriment of children and parent were much louder than it, and they all headed for the exits.

One thing that didn't change was the habit of strangers still leaving trash behind. Miles didn't, and in fact had emptied his entire bag of popcorn, as did Dexter throughout the movie. They threw said paper bags, and almost-emptied water bottles into the large disposal bin near the exit.

A quick trip to the adjacent bathroom and back out, Miles started talking more about how the scene played differently than the show did. Higher budgets, fan service, and awesome video effects. For his teen self, he'd easily rate it a twelve out of ten.

While Dexter half-listened to his explanation, amazed by his son's capacity to memorize a lot of lore and information about this series. He fetched their helmets from the same usher, which he tipped and gave an appreciative nod. That would serve as an apology for scaring him earlier.

As they walked away and down the escalators, Dexter turned to his son and asked, "Why do you love the Power Rangers so much?"

Miles didn't skip a beat, saying, "It's because they protect innocent people, for a bunch of regular civilians. Except the Red Ranger, he's like this immortal guy who gets revived whenever the world is threatened once more. Or a time traveler as some would put it."

"So these Power Rangers are just regular civilians, except for one of them. Their duty is to protect and serve the innocent?"

"Yep," Miles nudged his father's arm.

That was an inspiring notion from his son. At that point he only thought they were these fantastic acrobatic warriors from another world or dimension. But that made him wonder, do their physical feats carry over to their daily work or the other way around, or is it their suit that lets them have such abilities? Such questions should be saved for another day because he ought to eat in a restaurant before they close down for the night.

They were mostly on the second and first floors, following a similar principle to the shops earlier that a lot of them were smaller but more compact. Not as small as stores because they wouldn't profit that way. But it felt like they only served half of what they used to, but a lot of things nowadays were more expensive now. Sure he got paid more, but so did the spending.

With a grumbling stomach that the popcorn did not satiate, hopefully food wouldn't be too much. There were more choices; the typical stuff he grew up with like 'Hotdog Queen', 'SirReginald' who were famous for their Max Reggie burgers, and 'Louisiana Fried Catfish'. That last one had catfish that were always tender and sweet but too much oil. A guilty pleasure.

Miles suggested, "How about steak?" He pointed at a restaurant with a barbecue gimmick called 'InFront'. It was a steakhouse with a wooden sign to resemble a ranch entrance, with a very cowboy aesthetic on the inside.

"Y'know what," Dexter's tail wagged and he could've sworn he smelled the grill from there, though it was a walk away. "That sounds good, let's go son." He went ahead and gestured his son behind to follow with the flick of a wrist.

The closer they got, the more pronounced the scent of seared steak and baked vegetables became. Added to it were seasonings like thyme and rosemary, and served with mint jelly as a sauce. Both Fennix's stomachs grumble as they let themselves in.

A cow cowgirl waitress, which was a very off putting way of introducing the restaurant, found their seats by the wall with the cushioned benches. She passed them their menus and Dexter was quick to order steak, medium rare with a side of greens, carrots, and baked potatoes. Miles had a similar order, except no greens. And two regular glasses of soda. The cowgirl wrote it all up and remarked on their costumes before she passed her orders at the kitchen's counter window.

Dexter set aside their helmets and asked Miles that question regarding the abilities of a Power Ranger. Miles gave him a multi-layered answer incorporating the history of these defenders. How random people are chosen and the suits would assist them in their initial exercises. As the Power Ranger progressed, the prowess earned by the individual would further be enhanced by the suit that allowed them to push their limits. Plus the benefit of keeping their experience after it, which proved to be handy in your everyday life. The call of the Wild Force came first however, Miles finished.

There was some basis to the soldier's life, Dexter thought. He asked Miles who made the franchise but his son shrugged it off, only interested in the contents of it. And then he shared his thoughts on how it was similar to being a soldier, and how touched he was about his sentiments earlier. Unrelated to the movie as it was more so on its first preview, he started lambasting the concept of the 'Difficult Demise' film, and his son agreed with it too.

They had a good laugh by the end of it, rather paused when their meals arrived. Very large portions for a fair price. Steaks were cooked to perfection, its seasoning just as exquisite. The vegetables were soft but Miles liked it; Dexter preferred them firm as it's how he grew up on. No complaints though.

Both wolves were full of good food, and were satisfied with their mall trip thus far. Dexter signaled the waitress after she started closing up shop. There were only three families left in the restaurant who were billing out too. Their bill was about 50 CAD, gave them seventy and its change as the tip.

Dexter wrung both helmets, and he and Miles were on their way back to the basement. They still had one more thing to do as well, and they had two hours left to get to his wife and he'd rather have an hour to be with her. Thinking about it then made him realize how different their malling was should she have been here. Maybe she would've let her son have that chocolate bar which she would've cleaned after. Or maybe they'd eat at a place that had more salad for dinner. Maybe they would've taken a car, or his motorbike had a sidecar to it.

He didn't want to undermine the fact that today was great, almost perfect too. It was a struggle to keep having these double thoughts. Worse during the first five years when the depression hits after having it, but a quick look at his smiling son made him forget about it, and that she would've been happy either way. He gave his son a tight hug on that escalator and mouthed a thank you to him, and to her.

When they reached the bottom of the escalator on the first floor, Dexter noticed a glowing white light from a flower shop of all places. It was by the mall's front door where a lot of the guests were leaving. He paced towards it, Miles trying to keep up with a full belly.

A hawk lady who wore a bandana and apron as part of her uniform, was stowing the shelves of potted flowers into the shop, and sprayed their petals and stems with a squeezer. The name of the store was 'Flowers and That's It'.

Dexter sighed a great relief to find that the shop had white roses. Sure he had grown a great deal of them in her spot by the river, but he would give her these nonetheless.

"Good evening sir, we're closing up shop in five minutes. If you want I could let you check out our store real quick if you have something to buy." She leaned by the door with a peppy smile on her face.

Dexter pointed at the white roses resting in the vase. "I would like two of these, please." Miles caught up and stood behind his father, noticing the flowers and smiled as he looked at his old man.

"Awe, you guys are wearing matching outfits. That is so cute!" She shook her tail feathers. "That'll be 3 CAD per flower."

Dexter pulled out his wallet and gave her six 1 CAD coins.

The hawk lady took the flowers, wrapped their stems in two layers of paper and gave it to him. "Here you go sir, have a good evening!"

Dexter and Miles thanked her and went back to the escalators.

Back in the basement garage, there were only three cars left, and a lesser amount of motorcycles. They got back to Dexter's David Harleyson, with Miles already sitting on the back.

"Someone's eager."

"Yeah!" Miles received his helmet, but there was confusion on his face when his father told him to step off first. He put on the helmet and looked up to his father, head tilting.

Dexter put on his own helmet and turned on both eyes with a tap on the back of his head. "Y'know son, one thing the movie doesn't tell you is that the inner power is not just from the moon alone." He continued as he rolled his shoulders. "It's also an inner feeling. And since you and I are wolves, together, it's called the Inner Alpha."

Taking a step back and presenting himself before Miles, he stretched out his right leg, bending his left, and crossing both his arms with hands in a clawed position. A growl escaped between the fangs of his mouth, hidden within the visor. But because of how loud he did it, it wasn't muffled.

Miles was intimidated at first, followed by being impressed, and then his tail started wagging. He hastily put his helmet on then posed right in front of his father, trying to mimic the stone-formed stance he had. Dexter walked around, nudging his arms and made sure his limbs were immovable.

His son was surprised with it at first, arm reacting to the nudge, and the next taps elicited no more reactions other than his younger body being swayed by the powerhouse of his father's military physique. Dexter commented, "Try growling. Not from your teeth, but from your chest."

"Grrrrrr," Miles growled under those instructions. And truly, to him, it felt more powerful than trying to fake it. He felt that anyone who would dare go against him would be crushed under his own might.

"Good job," Dexter hugged him.

And Miles' pose melted into a tight embrace. "You'd be great as a Power Ranger, dad!" He exclaimed, his voice echoed in the nearly empty garage.

"I'm a Power Sniper, is that a thing?" Dexter remarked and passed him the flowers.

"Nope, but it should be." Miles held both of them in one paw and close to his chest.

He liked the sound of that. Dexter got on the bike and instructed Miles, "Interlock your hands while holding it as you hug me, okay son?"

Miles got on and did just that, "Yes sir."

With a quick turn on the ignition and his foot retracting its stand, Dexter let the bike's engine roar that bounced off the garage walls. They were out within the minute, and on to vacant roads. Some of the moviegoers in the parking lot saw their get-up and cheered them on as they left the mall premises.

The traffic lights were empty enough that it blinked a hazard yellow, and he went as fast as the city streets allowed him too. But the fun he awaited was toward its borders where the Canadian highway did not hold him back. Where the city asphalt ends, melding itself into the national roadway, Dexter unleashed his steel beast in a loud roar that accelerated them along the road. The cold wind blew against them, and Miles could be heard shouting in joy as they went back towards Langley.

A full moon watched over them as their headlight streaked through the dotted lights of highway lamps. Fireflies flickered far off the road, on the open plains that they passed. And the vibrations of Dexter's bike vanished as he felt himself fly against the wind at the speed they went. Miles must've felt the same way because he did not tap at all.

Moments after, when he was nearing the outskirts of Langley, he had to slow down as they went through the city whose shops were closing up, and people were heading home. There were a few delivery trucks moving about, but none of them impeded the Fennixes. And they went out westward, along a mountainous path and towards Alexa's resting place.

Dexter took it slow and cautious in these parts, not even letting the engine bark because of the hazards its noise could pose. But it also reflected how he and Miles felt. It was always a feeling, as if you were about to interrupt someone's sleep even though they constantly watched and loved you.

His special turn was near the base of the mountain, where its peak and the running river were present. There was a dirt path, with car skid marks dirtying up the road beside it from last week's trip. This time he Christened his motorcycle as its black rubber was muddied, splattering on the chrome engine. As were their silvery outfits. They could always clean these.

Memories flashed of him and Chase bringing her here, visiting her, and Miles too when he was finally ready at a far younger age. And under the full moonlight, she could finally hear his howl up close.

The front wheel ended where the car's mark stopped. And they got off, shoes dug into the mud. Miles passed his father a flower, and he pocketed the paper wrap as they went onward to her grave.

This part of the forest was surrounded with bushes of white roses, whose petals glew under nature's gleam. The river sparkled with the stars, underneath the mostly clear skies. Distant owls hooted, and feral wolves further beyond howled a song.

Dexter would've thought it was the renewal of their vows. He chuckled, and Miles too in solidarity.

Her grave did not have any more green stalks, having cleaned it last week. Dexter placed it just before her tombstone, kneeling as he silently contemplated. Memories of their first encounter, the first kiss, the first date, and their wedding circulated in his mind. He took off his helmet and rested it on his knees so she could see him crying tears of joy, of all the great times they shared.

And it continued to Miles' first steps, first words, first day at school, his first meeting with her, and eventually his first true howl during Halloween. He whispered to her, "I'm so proud of our son Lex. He's growing up to be a fine man." He let those words sink in first, crying and whining into his arm.

Only Miles and Chase had ever seen Dexter in such a state.

When Dexter composed himself, he started talking about their week. Telling her about his excitement when the new bike came in, so did the fancy helmets. He hailed at Miles to come over, and both wolves showed her the helmet. Even putting them on and posing in front of her too, with their red eyes glowing. After both wolves took it off, he started talking about the movie they just watched. Miles even talking about the lore of the series to her, and he could see his tears flowing down when he did.

Dexter said, once his son concluded his explanation, "Lexy, I love you so much. And I miss you much more." He aired out the fluster, "I sometimes wonder how life would be different if you were still around. Yet it would never ever be different. You're always happy with us, one way or another. Thank you for being an open ear all this time. Even before we got married, how you were always there for me. And how I was there for you too." He hugged Miles with one arm, who hugged him with both. "I see you in our beautiful son, and I am so happy to have you both in my life always, and together in person even if it was just for a moment." He cried into his son's shoulders. "I love you Alexa, I love you Miles."

And a gentle wind blew over them. It howled the only response to such sentiments. Miles replied, "I love you too dad, I love you too mom." As Dexter wailed, Miles started talking about his week too. The new things he had learned like how a Power Rangers episode was made, how subtitles and vocal dubs in a show worked. How to operate a gas stove, and almost cooking a proper egg.

Miles continued, placing his flower on top of his father's, "I love you very much, mom. Dad always talks about you, and how you were a lovely person to him and his friends. To everyone in general. You and dad were perfect together," the sentiment that made Dexter whimper, clutching to his son. "And it must have taken a lot of strength just for the three of us to be together. I will be the son you always wanted to be, okay mom? Thank you, and thanks dad." He kissed his father's forehead and hugged him tightly.

The young wolf's instincts kicked in as he saw the moon align directly on top of them. He nuzzled his chin on top of his father's forehead for a moment, raising his head and faced the light that empowered his kind. Its radiance and its beauty, the moonlight bathed him in its glow that brightened his fur, shimmered his suit to its true silvery hues. And as the wind caressed the top of his head and chin, and the pleasant scent of both flower and dew invigorated him, the call arrived. That of which he answered.

"Awooooooo!" Miles let out his second howl. His chest vibrated as he sang the instinctive melody. Alone at first, and upon his second draw of a breath to sing it once more, Dexter followed in his tune letting out a louder and bassier howl. And on the third recourse, other wolves followed, with their chorals going through the valley and the next. The wind had sung a tune, one that was gentle, light, and feminine. And both Fennixes- no. All three Fennixes serenaded a beautiful midnight song.

****