Disclaimer: Check part one. . .
First Step
Part eight: Night Ride
By: stargazer_1017
"Home?" Cassie echoed. "But we're still in Earth's orbit. . .and. . .we just passed the Glider Bay," she said in confusion as they passed the room.
Andros turned back for a moment to look at her, his and Cassie's hand still entwined together. "Well, I had to settle for another version of home, since I didn't want to leave Earth's orbit." Cassie looked forward and realized what he was talking about.
They entered the Simudeck room and Andros let go of Cassie's hand. "Andros, I still don't really--" She was cut off when Andros put his fingers to his lips.
"D.E.C.A., begin simulation," Andros ordered.
"Simulation program, beginning now." Right after D.E.C.A. responded, the room changed appearance--and size.
"Whoa. . ." Cassie whispered as she walked forward. The room suddenly became dark. High above her was the night sky, with stars twinkling in the distance. Cassie looked forward and saw an-- "Amusement Park?" She recognized a huge ferris wheel and some other things. She turned around to look at Andros.
Andros nodded as he walked forward. "Every year on KO-35, we'd have huge fairs at the large cities on the planet. It was something for everyone to relax and have fun at."
"What happened to it? Why's it so dark?" Cassie whispered.
"When the attacks began almost a decade ago, a curfew was ordered." Andros looked at Cassie. "The parks haven't been activated since then."
Cassie stared at him as he spoke.
How awful. . . "Did you. . .did you like going to the fair?"
Andros nodded again, smiling slightly. "I used to love going when I was younger. . .my mother and father used to bring Karone and I to the fairs." He laughed. "My father used to try and go through all the games to win my mom all of the toys and awards. Then, he'd go and try and win some for Karone and I."
"You must think about it a lot. . ." Cassie observed. When Andros looked at her in surprise, Cassie added, "I mean, you said they haven't been activated since you were young, and you still remember a lot of the details."
"KO-35 isn't like this anymore. . .know what's weird?" When Cassie shook her head, Andros went on, "I don't really remember what KO-35 was like before the attacks, aside from this. The only thing about KO-35 I know about is what happened after. I. . .worked hard at being chosen to carry the morpher. . and I--"
"Grew up too fast. . .got out of childhood before you ever really had the chance to enjoying being one," Cassie finished. She nodded knowingly. "I know what you mean."
Andros stared at Cassie for several moments. Just when Cassie was about say something, Andros spoke up first. "Did you want to take a ride?"
Cassie looked at him in surprise. "You mean we can actually
ride something?"
"Any ride you want, actually. I asked T.J. to watch over your mom, to make she's all right." Andros shrugged. "So one of those wishes he owes you will probably come from me."
"Really?" Cassie replied, raising her eyebrow.
Hmm. . . Cassie shook her head. "I'd love to ride the ferris wheel."
"The what?"
"That!" Cassie replied, pointing.
"Oh," Andros said, smiling, "you mean the Kurosah Circle."
Cassie shook her head, but she smiled. "Okay, now
you lost me." She shrugged slightly. "And how are we going to have a ride? I know you've got some awesome telekentic abilities, Andros, but I don't know if you're going to push all of these rides the whole time."
Andros shook his head and snapped his fingers. Suddenly, the park's lights turned on. Cassie watched as the park lit up from her right to left. "Now this looks better," Cassie remarked.
"So, the Kurosah Circle?" Andros asked, offering his hand to Cassie.
Cassie smiled as she put her hand in his. "Sounds great."
***
Several Hours Later
"I don't know how to thank you for all of this, Andros, really," Cassie said, as she leaned back on the seat. Both she and Andros were on something similar to Earth's Merry-Go-Round, except there were seats instead of horses. "You really didn't have to do anything for me."
Andros took a deep breath and then looked at Cassie. "Did you have fun?" he asked.
Cassie grinned as she looked back at him. "I think this is one of the best birthday gifts I've ever had," she replied softly.
Andros smiled back at her. "You know. . .Cassie, I've got to tell you something." Cassie nodded. "I know you think that I want to get to know you because I maybe liked the Cassie from the other dimension."
Cassie shook her head. "Andros--" she stopped when Andros put his hand on hers.
"Just let me finish, okay?" When Cassie nodded again, Andros went on, "I
did want to get to know you because of the other Cassie, but not because I was in love with her--I wanted to get to know you because of
you. Like you said, ever since the beginning, you've opened up to me and try to get me to do the same, and I've never really tried to give you the chance." He squeezed her hand. "I have seen you, Cassie--just you. Not the Pink Ranger, not the other girl. . but Cassie."
Cassie felt her heart melt at his words. "Really?" she asked quietly. When Andros nodded, Cassie smiled. "So are you. . .ready? To open up?"
Andros nodded. "I trust you."
Cassie's smile faded slowly. "What about Ashley?" Cassie sighed. "She's my best friend, and as much as I want to. . .be with you, I would never do anything to hurt Ashley."
Andros sighed. "We. . .had a talk about that."
And? "We both decided that we were just going to be friends." Andros looked down at his lap. "I never meant to hurt her either. . .but I guess things have changed. Those times we were doing things, it was all as friends. I don't see Ashley as a girlfriend--I see her as a friend."
So that's why she was practically pushing Andros and I together. Cassie sighed and said nothing. Instead, she yawned and leaned her head on Andros' shoulder. "Come on, don't fall asleep on me now," Andros joked lightly. "Besides, I wanted to know what you wanted for your birthday."
"Huh?" Cassie asked, looking at Andros. "You mean from you? But I thought--I thought
this," she said, gesturing around, "is your present to me."
Andros smiled and shrugged. "No, it isn't. So. . .what is it you would love for a present."
Cassie thought for a moment. "Well, I've always wanted to know how to move things with my mind, like how you do with yours."
"If that's what you want, you got it," Andros replied. He stretched and got up from his seat, much to Cassie's dismay. "Come on, you look kinda sleepy. Wanna head back to the ship?" he asked, stretching his hand to her.
"You mean it has to end?" Cassie asked playfully.
"Not if you don't want it to."
Cassie sighed. The words were so tempting, but real life was waiting for them both. She took his hand. "I would love to stay, but I guess we can't right now, huh?"
"It'll always be here if you want to come back," Andros replied quietly.
"Then promise me we'll come back," Cassie said.
Andros squeezed her hand. "It's a deal," he replied. Hand in hand, they walked out of the Simudeck.
***
"That was perfect, Andros, I--" Cassie trailed off as she and Andros walked into the Bridge and noticed a familiar figure standing at one of the control panels. "Oh my gosh. . ." Cassie gasped.
Ashley approached the two at the doorway. "Cassie, he said that he was looking for you," she said softly, turning around to face the visitor. "He said you sent out a distress signal."
Cassie shook her head, releasing her hand from Andros'. "I never said anything like that." She approached the visitor. "Phantom Ranger, what is going on here?"
The Phantom Ranger looked from Cassie to Andros and to Cassie again. "I received a distress signal saying that you were in trouble, and I came to your aid. But if you didn't send it, who did?"
Cassie stared at the Phantom Ranger for a moment, and then turned to face Andros.
He's right. If I didn't send it, who did?
To be continued. . .
