End
"Bless me father, for I have sinned...
"It has been three weeks since my last confession. Since that time I have lied repeatedly to my parents, to my friends, to my teachers, and even to you, Father. But, I had to do it. I have to keep my identity as a Power Ranger a secret, so I have to lie all the time. Mostly, though, it's just little things. Saying I'm going to the library when I'm really going to fight a monster... that sort of thing.
"But I don't lie about anything else, Father.
"I haven't been coming to Mass as much as I should, Father. I'm truly sorry about that. But our enemies won't keep to a schedule. They don't care when they attack; I don't think they've even heard of holy days.
"I have also committed the sin of anger. I try to stay focused on the good, protecting the innocent, but it's hard sometimes. I find that I'm fighting with anger in my heart. I wish I could get my hands on Astronema myself.
"I know it's wrong to hate, Father, but she hurts anyone who gets into her way without sorrow, without remorse. And Ecliptor is even worse. I don't know what he has against my friend, but I can tell he truly hates Andros. I know it is wrong, but I find that I hate him back.
"I have felt pride, Father. I am proud when we defeat these monsters. It makes me proud to be human and very proud to be a Ranger. I try not to let it make me cocky.
"I have felt envy, Father. I am envious of Andros, my friend, because there is a beautiful young woman who loves him. It's not so much that it's her particularly, and of course, I'm having sex with her too, but I envy him that there is someone who wants him as much as Ashley does.
"That brings up the longest part of the list, Father. I've had sex with all of my teammates in the last three weeks. I know I usually try to be precise, but it's happened so much since last time that I've lost track.
"I know that Ashley and I have only done it once in the engine room when we were both swept up suddenly in the heat of the moment. It was an incredible. One moment we were calibrating the power flow and the next, she had thrown me against the bulkhead. Her kisses are like fire; her skin is so smooth. She always makes me feel special, even though I know she only has eyes for Andros.
"And Andros... I think it's three times that we have had sex... maybe four. I think, sometimes, that I'm the closest to him. As close as he lets anyone get. And I'm not sure if this is a separate sin, Father, but I really enjoy having sex with him.
"He never makes me feel like I'm less of a man when I let him fuck me. Not that TJ does, but sometimes I feel like when I'm having sex with him -- that would be twice since last confession -- he worries what I think when he wants me to be 'the man'. I've talked to my predecessor about it, but it's still hard to adjust. I don't think either of us was ready to really enjoy having sex with another man.
"Oh, and there was one time that all three of us, the guys I mean, were going at it at the same time. Everyone got a turn in the middle, so that was quite a bit of sex outside marriage, and I didn't count it with the individual encounters.
"Then, there was one evening when I had a romantic night with Cassie. I wonder, Father, was that the most sinful of all? Usually, when anybody on the team has sex with someone else it's because we really need to. And I don't say that as a horny teenager. Back in the beginning, before I knew what the power hormones could do to me, I was so distracted by these incredible urges I couldn't stay focused. I nearly cost the team a fight that way. Fortunately, my predecessor explained everything to me; my life hasn't been the same since.
"Where was I? Yes --Cassie. I kind of like her, Father. I mean, she's special to me. Even though I know she only has eyes for the Phantom Ranger, I still arranged a romantic evening for the two of us. It seemed like the right thing to do, but now I'm not so sure.
"Having sex because of an urgent need is one thing, but I don't want to betray her feelings. It was a wonderful night, and we had the wildest, most passionate sex I think I've ever had.
"Cassie never ceases to amaze me, Father. You look at her and she seems so sweet, but when the mood takes her she turns into the most sexy, sultry woman you've ever met. I don't mean to imply that the evening was her idea; it was mine. She seemed so lonely and frustrated.
"When the hormones start perking, you sort of lose track of romance. I wanted to give her a wonderful, romantic night and we capped it off with some really great outdoor fooling around. We joked about it afterwards, that it was a practice date for when we finally met the partner of our dreams.
"Is it a separate sin that we did it under the bleachers at the soccer field in the park? It was very late though, so no one was around to see.
"I think that's everything, Father."
No sound came from the other side of the confessional.
"Oh, yes, I forgot. I took the Lord's name in vain... twice. I was working on the space gliders and jabbed my hand against the edge of the access panel."
A soft snore echoed through the small booth. With great effort, Carlos suppressed a smile and rapped lightly on the wooden wall separating him from Father Heery. "Father. Did you hear me?"
"Hummpph. Yes, yes. Sorry, my son, what was that last bit again?"
"I took the Lord's name in vain, Father."
"Very well. Say three Our Father's and three Hail Mary's and make a Good Act of Contrition. Now go and sin no more."
Crossing himself, Carlos rose and answered, "Thank you, Father." And, thank you, Rocky, he added silently. I think I would have gone nuts by now if you hadn't told me about dear old Father Heery.