Time Force Delta Squad: Trapped (S2 Game)

"You have to try to unwind. Life is full of moments. Good times and bad times. If you keep worrying, you will miss out the best parts of your life, Tanjiro." Alluka points out, giving her Red teammate an advice.

"I'll unwind when I get my team home safely and we're delivering another crminal to the Commander to be sent to prison," Tanjiro said, shaking his head. "I can't relax until we're where we're supposed to be."

"You're welcome Cody." The pink ranger said discarding the used equipment and smiling. "Remember, even the strong ones need to lean on others sometimes." She finished.

Alluka shakes her head, already drawing comparisons between Tanjiro and Commander Scotts in accordance to her friends. Perhaps she'll conduct a day off once a week, starting today. "We do not know when this is over. It may take months, or even a year. If you work yourself to the bone, Tanjiro, you will die early. So starting today, you will have a day to unwind." She answers, her hands on her hips. Then she glances at Soujiro. "Right Soujiro?"

Sojiro nodded, "She's right. That's exactly what I did and I was able to find information about my Argonite heritage. Tanjiro, you need to think about your health. If you keep pushing yourself, it won't end well for you. We're not telling you this because you're our leader, we're saying this because you're our friend," he said to the Red Ranger.

"You had something to look for. All I need to do is focus on getting everyone back home. Hopefully in one peice," Tanjiro said, shaking his head. "I need some air." He walked past Alluka and Sojiro, leaving hte room and walking out into the hall, making his way outside and sighing.

Alluka watches Tanjiro go, her frustration remains visible. Who would've thought Red Rangers can be so stubborn? Then again, this isn't the first time she deals with this. Then she looks at her Yellow friend. "What do we do, Soujiro? Tanjiro's stubborn nature will bite him in the ass if he continues like this."

"A Good ol' punch in the face would be good. Captain Walker did that to me when I'm in the dumps," Sojiro said with worry. "But I digress."

"A Good ol' punch in the face would be good. Captain Walker did that to me when I'm in the dumps," Sojiro said with worry. "But I digress."

"Perhaps when all else fails but I do not think he will like it." Alluka says with a small cringe. "Tanjiro wants to be stronger so we do not continue to save him and live up to K'hysh's legacy. The problem is he is harsh on himself, believing we hate him." She sighs. "There has to be someone who is once in Tanjiro's position. Perhaps they can help us."
_______

"I know, but I'm coming to you as your friend and your teammate." Kari said with a soft smile. "I just want what's best for you, I know we all do." She finished.

Cody nods his head a little, hearing Kari's honesty. "I know and I get it." He admits, rubbing his hands softly. "I'll do my best to be responsible with my body. I still have people to live for including myself. After this mission is complete, I plan on retiring."

Tanjiro sighed as he walked out of the apartments, heading down the street. He stuck his hands in his pockets, shaking his head. "None of you could understand," he muttered.

Tanjiro yelled as his father hit him across the back of the head for another problem solved wrong in his math homework. He tried to cover his head with his arms, but felt a blow to his side that sent him topppling out of his chair and to the floor. "Tou-san, I'm sorry! I'll figure it out! You just need--!"

His father lashed out and hit him again, grabbing him by the shirt and dragging him to his feet. "I should have given you away when I had the chance! You're a failure! Perfection is the only way to get through in life! I expect better, Tanjiro!"

Tanjiro hit the ground, getting to his feet and climbing back into his chair, picking his pencil up and erasing his problem, trying to start it again while his father continued to scream at him.

"Fuck," the Red Ranger sighed, shaking his head and rubbing his eyes. "Haven't thought about that in a while..."

"As I said, I don't know anything about his life. But putting himself in this position is the main reason why people end up facing their downfall," Sojiro said to Alluka.

"Which is why we have to look for someone who is once Tanjiro's position here. They will provide us the tools we need in order to approach Tanjiro again." Alluka mentions calmly, and then she motions her head so Soujiro will follow her as she leaves. "Starting now."
________

"Retirement?" Kari said with a smile leaning over on the bed. "What does a retired ranger life look for you?" She asked genuinely curious.

"No clue." Cody answers, internally relieved for another topic. He mentions this before with Alluka and Girth, so with Kari, it's a no-brainer as well. "Perhaps a quiet life in a cottage. Becoming a stay-at-home while Alluka works. We discuss about it every now and then. With Rolo now in the picture, it becomes more clear." He explains. "With everything I've gone through, I want to live my life peacefully."