A/N: After a giant writer's block, I've finally written a chapter! I seem to have gone back to square one as in good writing, but please read all the same. I'm sorry this is so short, but this was just an idea that came to me the other night. Note that this is Astronema/Zhane, not Karone/Zhane, who will have their own chapter later. Enjoy!

She's his yellow brick road
Leading him on
And letting him go as far
as she lets him go
Going down to nowhere

She puts on her make-up
The same way she did yesterday
Hoping everything's the same
But everything has changed

Carelessly sitting at her vanity, Astronema brushed purple blush against her high cheekbones. She was bored, listless with the prized life she led, discarding everything that was considered "beautiful" to humans with a sweep of powder. But why did she care for human beauty? They were not a part of her life, nor were Kerovans anymore. No, she was the daughter of Dark Specter, the most powerful being in the universe. She herself would one day rule the greatest part of the galaxy in his stead. And yet... visions of a handsome Silver Ranger began to flash in her mind, a reminder of the secret tryst they attempted to carry for one day. It had failed miserably after he stood her up. Kind of. After that, she had sworn him off for good, but the emotions still lingered. Was this what being human was like? If it was, she wanted nothing of it. Only the strongest survive in this world, and feelings were the worst weakness... Right?

"My Princess, Dark Specter wishes to see you now," Ecliptor announced as he spoke from behind her metal door. She raised a darkened eyebrow.

"Oh does he? Well tell him I don't want to see him."

"Princess-"

"Go!" She heard him step away, leaving her all alone again in the silent room.

'And how perfect it is to be me.' She though scornfully. Laying her head in her hands, Astronema tried to drift off, but sleep was impossible. Dreams only haunted her constantly, repeating over and over about her locket, and KO-35, and a connection of some sort... if only she could understand!

"And there's Zhane. I wonder what he's doing right now." Astronema asked wistfully to the ceiling. "Probably off on some gallant adventure, rescuing lovely damsels and bringing peace to planets." Floating off, she thought of him dressed in armor like the old human fairytales, coming to set her free from her hopeless prison.

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"Zhane? Please take the auto-lock off your door! You haven't been out of your room since Horror Bull attacked!"

"Go away Ashley..." Zhane muttered into his pillow, not wanting to get into another debate with the Yellow Ranger about his sorrows.

'I am well aware that depression is bad for you; look at Andros! But still, after all these years, I deserve a little self-pity."

"Look, at least get up before Astronema attacks again. She's been quiet for a while and I think she planning a big battle." Astronema... her name still made his heart skip a beat. How could a woman be so terrible and emotionless, yet still be so wonderful and full of life? None of the others knew it, but he had heard her laugh- that sweet little laugh- and suddenly everything changed.

With a grunt, Zhane grabbed his pillow and chucked it against the grey wall.

"Will we ever be together or am I just wasting my time for nothing?" No reply from the higher heavens. He sighed wearily and stuck his head in his hands. What was it his mother used to say to him?

Love means no regrets.

"Well, I sure do have plenty of those, but none of them have to do with Astronema. So does that mean I love her?" It was all too confusing! How could he have fallen in love with someone who was ruining his world? What he needed was sleep. As an afterthought, Zhane went over to his pants to get her photo. Her picture wasn't there... nor was it in his breast pocket.

"This is not my week!" That picture had been hard to come by.

"I guess memories will have to do for now until I can get another one." And of those he had plenty of. Lying down on his worn sheets, Zhane attempted to doze off while thinking of Astronema, the Princess of Darkness who had stolen his heart.

His mother never said love was easy.

In my mind
Everything we did was right
Open your eyes, I'll still be by your side
How could I ever have been so blind?
You give me something to sleep to
At night

rain: I'm glad you liked it. There are going to be chapters for both Lucas/Nadira and Dustin/Tori, but not for a while. First I want to put out a Billy/Kat, Blake/Tori, and Chad/Kelsey, which are all being written right now.

Psychotic chaos: Thank you, and yes, I know that it was pretty angsty. I haven't really decided yet. If you wouldn't mind, could you email me with the OCs that you are thinking of? First I want to do the series couples, but I will definitely consider any ideas! As for Mike/Maya... well, I don't really do LG, but I'll think about it. The other two are in the planning stage.

Redwolf: Thanks. I didn't really think about characterization, to tell you the truth. I just wrote what I thought they'd say. Gracias for the review on my other story! Which title? Chanson D'Amour roughly means 'Songs of Love' in French, while Carpe Diem means 'Seize the Day' in Latin.

Debbie and Sierra: Your kind words are much appreciated!

Power Princess: Mahalo... I may just take you up on that Cole/Alyssa thing, but I have seen almost every ep. of Wild Force, so I think I'm doing okay.

Revised July 17, 2006