A/N: Okay guys hope you enjoy this story, its a T.J centric fic. Here's the interesting thing I didn't write it, I found it on a very old website, the author gave me permission to post it here so please enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't known Saban. Enough said.


No Longer The Same Chapter 1
By Arigeitsu

Well, the war is finally over. Hard to believe it had to come down to the way it did. I never imagined that the person we were fighting to rescue would be ultimately destroyed to save us. I guess when you're as good as Zordon was, you would be willing to sacrifice yourself for the purposes of others. The galaxy has finally been cleansed of evil, but has it truly been? I'm not sure, but I guess we should enjoy the victory over evil for now.

I sat the huge crate back into the Megaship as Cassie followed up behind me.

"That should be the last of it."

Carlos came to join up with me and Cassie as Kinwan and Tykwa began to speak to us.

"Why don't you stay on KO-35 for a while? You've earned a vacation," Tykwa suggested with a smile.

"Why, thank you, but.. I think we're a little homesick," Carlos thanked, but declined with a bit of humor.

I gave Cassie a small smile after Carlos' comment, and she returned one as well.

Carlos, Tykwa, and Kinwan continued to talk and Cassie began to get involved as well. I slipped away unnoticed and walked along a sidewalk of the galactic urban city had and came upon a quiet, serene area. I stood and stared at the gorgeous view that was before me. Trees spanned the area, with lakes and streams embedded in the ground, and a beautiful mountain range streaming behind them as a border. This was indeed a beautiful view. However, a sudden dread consumed my heart and mind. Things would no longer be the same for me, as well as the other Rangers. The whole world knew of our identities as Power Rangers. Could it be possible to have a normal life again? No, of course not. Power Rangers were a big deal even before I became the Red Turbo Ranger. People always wondered who they were. And now that they knew who the Rangers were that saved the planet Earth, undoubtedly they would try to learn more about us. No, there is no way to obtain a normal life again.

"T.J.!" a voice called out to me from a far distance. It was Cassie, smiling and making her way towards me.

"Hey, I was wondering where you went. You okay?" Cassie questioned standing beside me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just thinking of some things at the moment," I responded.

Cassie... a true friend indeed. I cared deeply for her. Always there for her, no matter what. However, my feelings for her, ever since our Turbo days, a feeling in my heart desired to tell her I loved her. But no, that's not right. Her heart belongs to the Phantom, the man of mystery. I can't nor would I put her in a predicament to choose, but still, could I have the courage to tell her how I feel anyway?

"Wow, this is beautiful," Cassie uttered looking out with amazement.

"Yes, indeed it is," I stated.

I sighed a bit and shut my eyes for a moment. Things are no longer the same.

"We should probably get back. The others are probably ready to go," Cassie suggested.

I nodded and Cassie began making her way back to the Megaship. I stood for a moment, savoring the final moments of the view and followed Cassie.


'Alpha, let's go home' and with these final words, we were finally on our course home. Ashley's sadness turned into joy with Andros's decision to come with us, along with Karone and Zhane. It would be a while before we would reach Earth though. Everyone was talking on the Bridge, and once again, I slipped out unnoticed. I seem to be getting good at that. I walked down the long hallway. For the first time, I was actually walking down it not tending to an emergency on Earth, or checking out weird readings on the Megaship. For some strange reason, as I attempted enter my room, I checked to see if anyone was around. I have no idea why I'm acting so secretively. I have no reason to. I sighed in exasperation and entered normally. The room was pitch dark and I stumbled over a shoe. How embarrassing. In the midst of trying to find my way around the small room, I finally came upon the desk and turned the lamp on. No wonder I was tripping all over the place, I had stuff laying across the floor. Go figure.

I had this sudden urge to just... do nothing. Sit and await my fate on Earth. I wonder how my mom would feel. She didn't have the slightest idea that I would become a Power Ranger that day I left Crescent City. I bet my Astro Morpher that our identities are being covered on every news station across the world. It would only be a matter of time before she finds out, or perhaps she already knows. The question in my mind though is how she would react to it. I mean, it's not everyday you realize your son was a super hero and contributed to the fight to save the galaxy.

My attention was suddenly attracted to the window seat. The stars... they were so beautiful from outer space. I decided to take a seat and see the millions of fiery gas balls pass by the millions. There was a small tap at my door.

"Come in," I shouted and then turned my attention to the unlimited space that was outside the Megaship.

"Hey," a female voice said. It was Cassie again.

"Oh hey, what's going on," I wondered.

"Nothing much, everyone wondered where you ran off to," Cassie noted with that gorgeous smile she always has.

I didn't say anything, but Cassie couldn't restrain herself from asking what was up with me. That's one thing special about Cassie, always caring about her friends and willing to take time to talk with them.

"Teej, something is on your mind. I can tell. I've known you for a long time, I know some of your idiosyncrasies. Come on, you can tell me what's on your mind," Cassie articulated putting her hand on my shoulder.

I directed my full attention and eye contact to her and then sort of gazed down at the floor.

"Well... as we were about to leave KO-35, it hit me that our lives are no longer the same. Now that the world knows who we are, there is no refuge for us to run to. I just know that everyone is going to be asking about this and that when we get back. I don't want to deal with it," I confessed.

Cassie stood still for a moment. I don't think she even had an easy answer for this problem. I know for sure I didn't. That's why it scared me. Was there anyway to go on with a normal life now?

"Yeah, that's gonna be a problem," Cassie admitted. "We're just going to have to figure out something."

In the middle of the conversation, I interjected with something I never thought I would say to Cassie in a long time.

"Cassie, can I be open with you for a minute," I asked firmly, but not to forward.

"Sure, go ahead, Teej. I'm here for you," Cassie said with a smile.

I wanted to make eye contact, but I was reluctant. However, I did find the inner spirit to hold her hand and caress it gently.

"Uh... Cass..., I just want to tell you my true feelings and all. I know your heart belongs to the Phantom Ranger, but this is something I can no longer keep within myself. Cassie, I love you," I proclaimed. A feeling of heaviness consumed my heart and a feeling of hot embarrassment swam through my entire body.

"T.J... I'm not sure what to say," Cassie said in a normal tone with no indications of being negative or positive with my confession.

"Look, you don't have to feel the same way. I just needed to get that out of my heart. It's been driving me nuts the past few months, so to get that out in the open has made me feel better," I declared with confidence getting to my feet.

Cassie had no response. Instead she slowly exited my room and the door fell shut and darkness once again filled the room except for the tiny bit of light emanating from the lamp on the desk. I knew she didn't feel the same way. Whether she did or didn't, it didn't matter to me. I just wanted to get that off my chest.

It must have been over an hour since we left KO-35. An hour didn't seem that long to me though. Felt like it had been over 3 hours at the time. As I sat in my cold dark room, I had this strange wild idea. Well, not really strange, but it might seem awkward to other people, but I decided to go ahead and go through it anyway. I went to the Simudeck and inspected it and thought it might be a good idea to ask DECA for help with this.

"DECA, do you have photography capabilities?"

"Yes, T.J, along with other functions and abilities, I can also shoot photos," the super computer responded.

I smiled a bit and nodded my head in happiness. "Great, this is going to work out then. Thanks DECA."

"My pleasure, T.J," she replied.

I exited the Simudeck and searched for the other Rangers and Karone. Fortunately, they were all together on the Bridge talking amongst themselves. Everyone quickly turned their attention to me when I entered and the doors opened. I felt like I was on stage or something.

"Hey, what's up," I greeted.

"Not much, just talking about some things. What about you? You all right, T.J. Haven't seen much of you since our ascent from KO-35," Andros asked with the others staring at me.

"Uh... nothing. Everything is all right, I just needed to do a few things. Speaking of which, can I ask you guys a favor," I asked.

"Sure, what'cha need," Andros questioned with a smile.

"Well... I was wondering if you guys would take a photo with me at the Simudeck. DECA said she has the abilities to do that sort of thing, and I need to take a picture with you guys for a special purpose."

"Yeah, sure thing," Andros accepted and looked at the others. They nodded and smiled.

"Sounds cool," Carlos said.

"Thanks, I really appreciate it, guys. This is something really important to me."

"It's no prob, Teej," Zhane smiled hitting my shoulder as he walked past me.

I was rather surprised they didn't ask 'what' the special purpose was. They just happily agreed to do it. I guess that sort of made things simple for me.


It took a while with the joking and horsing around, but we finally managed to get a photo taken with DECA and the Simudeck's assistance. I set it to a moon like setting and we all lined up with our Astro Morphers and Zhane with his Digimorpher with a silly looking grin on his face. Karone stood next to Andros with his arm around her, a true sign of affection of brotherly love for her.

"Ready DECA," I shouted.

"Taking photo.. now," DECA informed and huge flash appeared in front of us nearly blinding us. As soon as the shooting was done we all laughed and carried on about how we couldn't see. Zhane stumbled forward and Andros fell over him. I sort of stumbled back while the others just continued to have a riot. It was rather amusing.

"Processing photo," DECA noted as the moon setting faded back into the normal room look. The photo appeared before me in my hands and I gazed at it in awe. It was such anbeautiful picture, it had the texture and look of a lithograph and it displayed all of us just as we stood as it was about to be made. The other Rangers all gathered up behind me looking over my shoulder and head to get a gander at the picture.

"Nice smile, Zhane," Ashley laughed and gave the Silver Ranger a playful shove.

"Hey, what was that for," he teased and gave Ashley an innocent look. I sort of chuckled as they goofed around. Andros pointed and said how pretty Karone looked. Cassie didn't say much. Just stared and smiled.

"Once again, guys, thanks. You don't know how much this means to me," I thanked again.

"Hey, it was no problem, Teej," Cassie said, finally saying something after a long period of silence between the both of us.

I smiled and sort of gave everyone a group hug. I didn't feel awkward about it, because now, they were more than just friends to me, they were like a family.

"Hey, let's get something to eat, I'm starved," Carlos declared and made his way to the exit.

"Mmm... sounds good," Karone proclaimed and everyone began to head out. I stood for a moment waiting for them to all leave. However, Cassie noticed I didn't follow.

"You coming, T.J," she inquired.

"Uh.. yeah, I'll be there in a while," I said.

"All right, then," Cassie uttered and left. I was alone in the Simudeck. I wanted to take one more picture, but this time, alone. If I was to give these pictures to my mom as a final remnant of her son, I wanted them to be perfect.

"DECA, can you initiate one more photo," I requested.

"Of course, T.J, just one moment while I prepare," she responded.

"All right, thanks," I said, gratified, and tinkered with the Simudeck settings. I was tempted to input the moon setting again, but I wanted something more exotic and different for this photo. I couldn't think of anything at all. Then, I sort of thought of something. I was rather strange to make myself look like I was standing on thin air, but I decided to go along with it anyway. With the push of a few buttons a space scene appeared with the planet Earth in the far distance. This was more of a background than an actual setting. I took my position in front and alerted DECA that I was ready.

"All right DECA...," I said positioning myself. ".. whenever you're ready."

Once again a huge flashed appeared before me and blinded me like crazy, but it was well worth it. As before, the picture appeared in my hand and it was rather nice picture. It was... me. Really no other way to describe it. I let out a joyful, yet a small sorrowful, sigh.

"Thanks DECA, appreciate it," I thanked for the millionth time that day.

"Glad to help, T.J," she responded. For the first time, I could actually feel her sincerity. I exited the room that had supplied much needed help.


I returned to my room to prepare these photos to give to my mom. I sat at the desk trying to come up with some final words to write on it. It took a while, but I finally came up with something:

Mom,
I'm sorry to have to leave like this although I don't want to.
This is just the way it has to be. I hate to leave you like this,
especially after dad's death and no one to be with you anymore,
but a destiny and fate has been sealed for me and I must follow it.
I leave you this final remnant. I will always love you and will miss
you deeply. Please, take care of yourself, and I will try to make attempts
to visit if I can ever find a way to escape my past as a Power Ranger.
Your son, T.J.

As I wrote this final form of communication I would have with my mom after I left these with her, a tear rolled down my cheek. I knew for sure now that life is not going to be the same anymore. I could only hope that God steers me in the right path from this point on.

"Lord, please help me," I yelled in my mind as I looked up at the ceiling. A small knock came on my door once again.

"Who is it," I asked.

"Carlos."

"Come in," I said and the door slid upward and revealed my closest friend.

"Hey," he greeted walking into the room.

"Hey," I responded back wiping that tear away without facing him.

"What's going on," he questioned.

"Oh, nothing, just writing something," I answered not making eye contact trying not to draw attention to what I was writing. I know that they graciously accepted to help me with this, but I still didn't want Carlos to see what I was writing.

"Well, Teej, we're kind of worried about you. You haven't said much or done much with us ever since we left KO-35," Carlos said taking a seat on my bed.

"Sorry about that, I've just been really preoccupied," I uttered with a sigh. "Seriously though, as soon as I finish up here, I'll be there to join you guys, promise."

"All right, T.J. We just wanted to make sure things are cool with you," Carlos beamed making his way towards the door. "Catch you later then."

"Yeah, thanks," I replied and he exited. The door fell shut again and I stared at the message I wrote on the back of my individual picture. I shook my head to get back on track again. Fortunately, I had one of those big orange envelopes inside my desk, so I lucked out with something to put them in. Steadily and slowly, I slid the photos in and folded the aluminum envelope fastener. Now that that was taken care, I figured I should go join the others. Being secluded is not a good thing.

I quickly got up from the chair and exited my room, scanning both directions as I exited to see if any of the others were around. Apparently not or I would have greeted them. I could hear Ashley and the others laughing all the way from the Bridge. There was one thing that I pondered as the laughing echoed down the hall. How come I was the only concerned one on this ship? Am I perhaps making too much of a big deal of the future? These questions continued to float in my mind and I figured I would never find the answer to them. I headed towards the Bridge as the doors slid halfway in a circle and then the other half opened up revealing the Bridge. Strangely, I found them playing an unfamiliar video game on the main viewing screen. It was like some intergalactic fighting game. Zhane was going up against Karone, and she seemed to have the upper hand.

"Hey guys," I greeted with a small salute I have a habit of doing for some reason. "What's up?"

Andros turned his head laughing.

"Oh, hey T.J, come on, you're just in time to see my sister whoop Zhane," he humored. Karone laughed at his comment while Zhane continued to hit the controller like crazy since it seemed not to be executing his tactics against Karone.

"What is this," I asked curiously watching the action on the viewing screen.

"It was a very popular game on KO-35 a few years back. I was surprised I still had it in my room under all this other stuff I brought after the battle against Dark Specter. DECA programmed it to work in the ship's computers and designed some controllers with it," he informed me.

"Hmm... looks sort of fun," I smiled wryly.

Cassie and Carlos continued to watch Karone and Zhane go at it at the game acting like ring announcers and such. I took a seat behind one of the consoles and stared at my fellow Rangers for a moment. They were all just... so happy. Why couldn't I enjoy myself as well? No matter though, this fear of things no longer the same has caused me to worry now, and it's going to take a lot for it to go away.


Soon, after Carlos, Cassie, and Andros got their fair chance against Karone who seemed to be kicking everyone's butt at the game, they asked me to play as well.

"Come on, T.J, give it a shot. It's cool," Carlos offered.

"Uh..., I'm not sure, I'm not really good at video games," I replied wanting to decline.

"Come on, Teej," Cassie said standing up to her feet and grabbing my hand while dragging me to her spot. "Give it one shot, it won't hurt."

"All right," I sighed and caved into their demands of playing the game. Carlos handed me the controller. It looked weird, and just holding it was even more weirder. It had a strange shape. I've always seen those normal oval ones, but this one had the look of a strange... I don't know. Hard to describe.

"You understand I'm not going to make it easy for you," Karone threatened humorously. I gave her a grin and pressed the start button and the game simulation began. Strangely, the fighters in this game were like a mixture of animal species. The game wasn't crude like most fighting games with blood and gore all over the place. Karone advanced on me with a swift kick, and since I had no idea what I was doing, I was pressing all the buttons at the same time. She still continued to kick my butt across the screen until she eventually won.

"Good game, Karone," I said with a smile.

"Thanks. You did pretty good, unlike some people," Karone joked giving Zhane a funny look.

"Hey, I could have beat you, except the controller wouldn't do what I wanted to," he retaliated.

"Sure, uh-huh, right," Karone teased again laughing. In the midst of all the laughter, DECA alerted us about finally reaching the Earth.

"Rangers, we are about to reach Earth. Should we land?" DECA asked.

"Uh.. no, just orbit the planet for now, DECA," Andros ordered, but not in a real commanding way. More in a suggestive tone.

"As you command, Andros," she responded.

Since we had finally arrived to Earth, I thought it was good time to take care of business.

"Guys, since we have finally reached Earth, I'm going to head down to take care of a few things," I said.

"T.J, are you sure that's a good idea," Ashley questioned hesitantly.

"Yeah, I really need to go down. It's important," I said clearly and firmly.

"But... people know about us now. If they were to see you..," Carlos voiced, but I cut him off.

"Look, I'll be okay. I'll try not get caught, but I really need to go down there," I stressed to all of them.

The others just sort of glanced at each other with now worried looks on their faces just as I have been having since our ascent from KO-35.

"Just be careful," Cassie said with concern.

"I will, I should be back in a few hours," I said and exited the Bridge.


After I got dressed in pressed black jeans, with a blue long sleeve dress shirt, black leather jacket, brown shoes, and I was ready to head down to Earth. I wished I could have concealed the orange envelope, but it didn't fit in my jacket. I bid a temporary farewell to the other Rangers on the Bridge. They all waved and wished me luck, and once again, warned me to be careful. Of course, they were right to warn me. Finding our identities, I bet, is a big deal everywhere on Earth

I stood in the work bay getting ready to teleport to Earth, but Cassie called out to me to wait a second.

"Teej..," she yelled out running down the hall and entering.

My finger barely tapped the button on my Astro Morpher, but didn't initiate the teleporting sequence, so I lucked out on that.

"What is it, Cassie," I asked.

"Listen...," she trailed off a bit. "I just want to apologize for, well, you know walking out without any response to your feelings for me. I was quite surprised by it."

"No, really, it's okay. Like I said, I just needed to get that off my chest, so don't worry about it. I completely understand if you don't feel the same way," I explained while taking a step back. I have no idea why I did that. I didn't want to make it seem like I was being nervous around her, because I wasn't.

"Actually..." she trailed off again.

"Yes..." I inquired waiting for her to finish her sentence.

"I don't know... I kind of have feelings for you as well, but... for the Phantom too. I just can't seem to choose between the two of you," Cassie said with an unsure tone. I sat the envelope on the work bay table.

"Cassie...," I said slowly walking up to her and held her soft slender hands within mine. "It's all right, honestly. Whoever you choose, whether it be me, or Phantom, I'm totally okay with. It's just that I found something about you that made you extra special in my eyes. I just wanted to let you know, that's all."

Cassie smiled a bit and gave me a hug. "You're sweet, you know that?"

I sort of laughed a bit embarrassed and flattered.

"Well, I'll let you go do what you need to do. Good luck, T.J," she said softly.

"Thanks, I'll be back soon. Until then," I responded grabbing the envelope again and sticking it under my left arm. She smiled as I pressed the teleporter on my Astro Morpher and I was on my way to my home town, Crescent City.

It was pretty dark already, so that helped keep my face well hidden from people who happen to be around at night. I landed in a secluded area of the city park and examined the area around me. Not much changed within the last year and half. Everything was very recognizable and I walked down the trail to find my way to the small neighborhood streets. Fortunately, my house wasn't too far away, just a few blocks away. As I walked, a nostalgic childhood feeling ran throughout my body. I began to remember what I was like growing up here. Memories of riding my bike, playing basketball, hitting baseballs, and just being me. Somehow, things changed after my father's death, and I no longer had a passion to show true happiness as a child anymore. After becoming a Ranger, things changed though. I felt important.

I finally reached my house. A two story house with a nice crisp green lawn. The house was made of red bricks with white paint bordering certain areas of the house. My room was on the upper level left hand corner of the house. Of course, now it was deserted since I no longer lived there. I sighed to think about how alone Mom felt. She has nobody to live with or take care of her. I guess it was sort of selfish of me to go to Angel Grove to improve my baseball, but it was a final request of my father for me to go and train with Jake Rosetti. He wanted me to become a great baseball player, but I don't think either of us took into consideration the idea of something happening to either of us, whether it be death or some other situation.

The light in the living room shined through a window. It wasn't very clear to see inside since my mom had the curtains covering it. I decided to go through the back way of the house. I hoped that the back garage door was unlocked. I didn't want to just go up and ring the doorbell and take the risk of somebody being with her and then my cover would be blown. I walked to the side of the house and opened the gate as it squeaked. I could hear a subtle crackling of grass, as if somebody was approaching me. A little jingle could also be heard as it got closer.

"Spotty? Is that you," I asked trying to see through the utter darkness. He came up to me panting and whimpering happily.

"Hey, boy, how you doing," I asked petting him. I hadn't seen him for a while. He had gotten a bit bigger since I last saw him. I got him back about five years ago. My mom brought home this Dalmation from the humane society while I was at school. I was so shocked to see him when I got home. I had always wanted a pet of my own. I named him 'Spotty' since the name fit so well with his physical appearance.

"Yeah, it's nice to see you too, boy," I said giving him a final playful pet on his back. I scanned to the back side of the house to find the door that lead into the garage. I tried turning the cool, slightly drenched door knob, but with no avail. It was locked.

"Dang, it's locked...", I sighed. I rubbed my forehead trying to relax. I removed the envelope from under my arm and held it in my left hand so I wouldn't lose it or drop it. I had almost forgot I even had it with me. Probably would have been a good idea for me to bring a backpack or something.

"I suppose I should just go ring the door bell," I thought to myself. "I shouldn't get all dramatic with this. I need to see and talk to her anyway."

I went back to the front of the house and slowly walked up to the front door. I sighed and prepared myself mentally. I pushed the little orange button on the side of the door and a little ring could be heard from the inside. I breathed out ready to face my mom. The door opened and there she stood behind the glass door.

"Hello," she greeted. "Can I help you with something?"

I assumed she didn't recognize me. Either that... or somehow miraculously forgot she had a son.

"Uh... Mom, it's me," I said softly and a bit fretful.

"T.J...," she questioned slowly opening the glass door to see if it was really me. "Is that you?"

I nodded and responded softly once again, "Yeah.. it's me."

She came fully from behind the door and looked over me and lifted my face up with her hand. Tears formed in her eyes and she gave me a big hug. I hugged her as well, but was too... I don't know, I couldn't describe it. I just didn't get too emotional with it.

"Come on, let's go inside," she suggested.

"Sure thing," I responded and we both went in.