Hi everyone! I have been sooooooooo bad and I'm so sorry so I'm giving you an extra large chapter!
Everyone enjoyed the sun and company at the carnival. After returning home everyone sat down to address the problem that had brought some unexpected visitors to their spring break.
"What happened before the last battle you were in Trey?" Andros asked.
"Nothing. I've been in more diplomatic meetings than fights as of late."
"You haven't been shot or slimed or anything else unusual during the last few days?" Billy asked.
"No."
"Guys what if it wasn't a monster or some spell or what ever?" Vanesse asked.
"Such as?" Tommy asked.
"Trey what have you been up to? I mean you have been going to meetings. What are they about?"
"My upcoming marriage and the benefits it will provide for our world."
"Do you love her?"
"Who?"
"You're future wife?"
"She seems alright."
"I think I found the problem guys. It's not biological, magical, or morphical. Trey you literally need to pull yourself together. When is the wedding?" Anne slouched into the chair behind her.
"Six days."
"Well that will give us some time to figure this out or you may have a very unique wedding." Billy replied.
"I don't know what to do. I'm not nervous about marrying her." Trey of Heart responded with a tone that almost sounded smitten in regards to his new bride to be. "She is smart, funny, beautiful, and the daughter of a prestigious senator."
"So what happens after you marry her?" Ashley asked.
"I will rule Triforia until the marriage of my heir." Trey of Wisdom answered.
"Does that make you a little nervous?"
"No it's what we were trained to do Anne." Trey of Courage replied.
"I think you may be more nervous than you think. An entire planet is a big responsibility. It's okay to be a bit nervous. You are also marrying someone you hardly know. That is a lot to ask in a short period of time."
"But she is kind, she is just very different. She doesn't live on Triforia, she is here on Earth."
"So that's why you came to Earth, to find her?" Tommy asked.
"I found her, or more she found me. It's you Vanesse." Trey of Heart responded.
Vanesse felt her stomach drop. She liked Trey, but she didn't love him. She was starting to fall in love with Zhane. She couldn't, no she wouldn't marry Trey, any of the Treys.
"I will never marry you." She ran out the back door.
"That went well." Billy replied.
"So Vanesse is Triforian?" Tommy asked.
"No she's Kerovian. Her parents were killed in the attack on KO-35, but it was already arranged that we should marry, before we were born."
After three hours of meditation Vanesse walked back into the room. "I guess I need a dress."
Trey came back together. "I guess I was more worried about telling her than I thought."
The day of the wedding everyone prepared for a very different wedding. Two of their friends were getting married, but they had only know each other for a little over a week.
The wedding was short but quite beautiful on Triforia and everyone had a great time. During the six days before the wedding, Anne had become more withdrawn from the group. Trey was desperate to make amends to his wife and Queen of Triforia, but she seemed inconsolable. She had been spending a lot of time with the Kerovian Astro Rangers when she was speaking to anyone and the others had to leave a few days later. Trey agreed to have their honeymoon on the Megaship Mark 2, but his wife seemed to pull even further away. Zhane had left a few days into the voyage and had been gone for three weeks. The voyage included a return to Earth for Vanesse's belongings.
Everyone was hanging out at what was once the Surf Spot, playing pool. It was Girls vs. Guys and it was T.J.'s turn. This shot would decide the winner of the game, but all of a sudden there was a familiar beep. They went to the AstroMega ship and found sirens going off everywhere. Vanesse had chosen to stay behind since she was not feeling well, so the others feared what they would find.
Vanesse looked at Trey with a blank stare then pulled herself into a fighting stance. She was sweating and pale. She charged the rangers with a practice bo. Carlos fired a stunner and she collapsed onto the deck. They moved her to the Medbay and restrained her to the table, so she wouldn't hurt anyone or herself. A few minutes later she awoke and looked around. She tried to free herself, but had little luck. She struggled more and then collapsed back onto the table out of pure exhaustion.
"Who are you and why have you done this to me?" she asked. There was a blank look in her eyes. She struggled against the ties and finally one gave and she freed herself and she grabbed one of the blasters that were on the counter. "Get back! I just want to get out of here in one piece and back to my dorm."
"Vanesse, do you really want to do this?" asked Cassie.
Anne slowly put the blaster down. "No."
"D.E.C.A. try to locate Tommy." Andros commanded
"I'm heading to bed. It's been a long day and I'm worn out." sighed Vanesse, kissing Trey on the cheek as she headed to her quarters. The truth was, she still wasn't feeling all that well. All of a sudden she felt a stabbing pain in her right temple. She grasped onto the console hoping to keep her balance. She didn't have to worry long, she felt two arms wrap around her for support. She leaned against the new support heavily and found she was no longer standing , but being carried out of the room. She felt herself being placed on the table. Trey sent for the other Astro Rangers.
"Vanesse can you hear me?"
The voice floated into her consciousness, but had little effect. She was slipping into a strange dream world. She looked to see a blurred version of Trey, Andros, and Ashley leaning over her. The world seemed to swirl around her and she closed her eyes trying to make it stop. She felt something over come her and all the terrible pain she had been feeling stopped. There was just darkness. Then with a bright flash she found herself near a cavern and walked towards it.
"Vanesse can you hear me?" asked Trey. He looked over at Ashley hooking up the monitors to Vanesse arm. He watched as Vanesse's eyes slowly closed. "Well Ash?"
"She resting. She seems to be in a dream state. She may be out for a while."
"Vanesse?" She murmured something inaudible and jerked. "I'm right here. Just hold on."
"Hey there," whispered Trey after she had been laid back down on the table. He reached over and stroked the side of her cheek. "feeling better?"
"Define better." replied Vanesse. She slowly drifted off to sleep, under the watchful eye of her husband.
The next morning Vanesse awoke to an unaccustomed warmth. Trey was soundly sleeping on the edge of the table. She settled against the pillows propped against the medtable's back and watched him sleep. Finally, after about ten minutes he awoke to find her looking at him.
"Morning." he said sleepily. "How are you?"
"Better thanks." she nestled down under the blanket curling into the warm spot that her husband had just vacated and returned to dreamland again.
Vanesse slept through the day and night facing her inner demons.
She awoke to the hiss of the machines around her. 'Wow where am I?' she thought to herself. She pulled off the band around her arm and jumped off the table. She looked over and saw a boy sleeping on a small cot. All of a sudden the room exploded.....
Vanesse woke up screaming. Andros who was watching over her turned from his work. Vanesse was sitting up, panting in a cold sweat. "Andros?"
He put his hand on her shoulder, "Yeah, I'm right here."
"Where's Trey?"
A blur of gold announced his arrival. He ran to her side wrapping her in his arms. "I'm right here. What's got you so upset?"
"I dreamt there was an explosion onboard the Megaship. And I ........." the rest was mumbled into Trey's chest.
"Let's get her down to her own room. I think the surroundings are starting to get to her." He detached the arm band and helped Vanesse off the table. "I'll see you for dinner. We'll finish working on an alliance after Anne is settled."
"Hey, no problem. See ya at dinner." He called as Trey and Vanesse started down the hallway.
"Trey, I'm sorry, why don't you go ahead and go to dinner? I'll be fine."
"No way!"
"Trey! Go! You haven't eaten since breakfast, so GO!" she smiled. "I'm going to bed."
"You're sure?"
"I'm fine." she opened her door and the darkness of her room engulfed her. She paused waiting for the door to close. She changed into a white tank with a lace top over it, flared jeans, and chunk heeled boot. She grabbed her black leather jacket and ran to the transport room.
"Hi." There was a well-built boy standing in front of her as she turned around.
"Vanesse, meet Jason, he's been helping me with some of the repairs around this place and is also teaching some martial arts classes in the morning." interupted Adelle.
"Hi, we actually already know each other. Anne, care to dance?" Jason led her to the dance floor. They had been meeting once a week, so Vanesse could keep track of everyone on Earth.
"Love to."
Jason's attention was averted when he heard a beep come from her watch. 'A communicator? She's a ranger now or do all Queen's get communicators?'
"Um I have to go, but perhaps another time?"
"You can count on it. Tomorrow, lunch here, say around noon?"
"Yeah, I'd like that. I have to go."
"Go." Jason smiled as she ducked into the alley that every generation of rangers had used to teleport. 'I may be joining you some day.' He pulled out the Turbo Key that Justin had given him, before he moved, then placed it back into his pocket. 'Some day soon.'
Vanesse teleported into her room and changed into a pair of shorts and kept her tank top, but removed the lace. Pulling her hair into a ponytail she ran out to the transport room. "Hey, what's the emergency?"
"Ecliptor and some Quantrons are invading the negotiations." explained Carlos.
"I'll take the bridge, you guys go." called Vanesse as she ran towards the bridge and Andros headed for the jump bay. The rest followed suit.
The rangers cleared out the dining room and found that Ecliptor and his cronies had already disappeared, but left most of the booths in shambles. "Well, looks like we have clean up duty." commented Cassie as she and T.J. put up one of the booths. "Let's head back to the Megaship. It may be safer there."
Trey searched for his wife everywhere on the ship. D.E.C.A. refused to tell him where she was. She had received a message from Zhane a week ago and afterwards she had been distant and had stopped eating with them. No one was sure if she was even eating at all. No one was able to open the message, but Vanesse, so no one knew what had been said. Trey walked back to the launch bay. Her glider was still in the bay, so that meant she was still on the ship. He tapped his medallion. "Pyramidus, find Vanesse."
"Scanners blocked."
"Andros."
"What is it Trey?"
"Can you override D.E.C.A. and find Vanesse?"
"D.E.C.A. where is Vanesse?"
"Vanesse has left the ship."
"To where?"
"Location unknown."
"D.E.C.A. !"
"Angel Grove park."
"Thank you." Andros replied.
"I'm going after her." With a flash of gold Trey disappeared.
The park was unusually quiet for a sunny afternoon, but with the recent attacks he was not surprised. He flipped open the communication scanner on his watch and followed her communicator signal. He was brought to an opening in the forest. She was sleeping in a patch of sun. He felt someone tap him on the shoulder. Turning around he was face to face with Adam. He put a finger to his lips and motioned Trey to follow.
"Trey, I'm so happy to see you." Adam said shaking hands with his friend.
"What's going on?" Trey asked.
"Have you noticed any changes in Vanesse?"
"Too numerous to count since the marriage, why?"
"She stumbled into the clearing earlier and she wouldn't talk to me. I gave her a hug and she didn't let go until she was crying and she finally fell asleep on my shoulder."
"She's been really distant since Zhane sent her a message. None of us have been able to access it."
"What could Zhane have said to her?"
"I'm not sure, but she's been distant ever since. She was doing so well. We were getting to know each other and spend time together. I'm in love with her and I thought she was starting to feel the same."
"Trey, has she talked to Tommy?"
"No I didn't even think of calling him. He's been so busy helping Rocky with his school and his doctorate, I didn't want to interrupt."
"I think you should. She would probably open up to him."
"I'll send word to him tonight."
"I wouldn't wait very long. She looks like she's been through a war."
"I know. Thank you for looking after her. How did you know about this place?"
"This is my meditation spot. I have no idea how Vanesse got here."
"I'll take her back with me. Thank you again."
"Trey."
"Yeah?"
"Keep me posted."
"Sure." Trey cradled his wife in his arms like an infant. She still stunned him with her beauty even now with trails of tears and dirt from the woods. She was truly a vision of everything he could ever want.
Trey had Vanesse admitted to the Medbay for observation and testing, while waiting for the results he called Tommy. Tommy teleported up immediately. "Tommy!" Trey said walking up and shaking his former team member's hand.
"Trey what's going on? Adam called me and told me you would want me to come up here."
"Vanesse's not doing so well."
"Are you guys fighting?"
"No. She received a message from Zhane and she just hasn't been the same ever since then."
"Have you had Billy try and hack in?"
"No. I hate to breach her privacy."
"Trey is she in danger?"
"I don't know. Alpha is running some tests on her now."
"Let's find out what Alpha has to say and we'll work from there."
"I guess. There is not much else we can do."
"Come on bro, let's go check on her." They walked down to Medbay. Alpha and Andros were deep in conversation and didn't hear the two enter.
"What's wrong?" Trey asked.
"She's sick Trey."
"What's wrong with her?"
"She's starving to death." Andros replied softly as if a whisper would make it go away.
"Then I'll get something and bring it up."
"Trey, she won't eat. She's depressed. Whatever was in that letter is destroying her."
"Do you have any idea what Zhane said to her?"
"No, I haven't heard from him in weeks." Andros sighed.
"There must be a way to get into that message."
"I'll have Billy look into it."
"Thank you Tommy." Trey said and pulled up a chair to watch over his Queen.
Tommy stopped by later in the evening and found Trey snoozing in his chair next to Vanesse. Vanesse on the other hand was awake. "Hey Gorgeous."
"Tommy, what are you doing here?"
"I came to check on you."
"Why?"
"You have everyone really worried. What happened?"
"Nothing."
"Vanesse you're not eating."
"What are you talking about?" She asked with a light laugh.
"Alpha ran a few tests on you. We know."
"Look it's no big deal."
"What did Zhane say to you?"
"Nothing."
"Vanesse talk to me. I wouldn't be here if I didn't care."
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why do you care? I'm not a ranger like you are. I could be replaced with anyone."
"This coming from the girl that took this ship into battle and held off dozens of fighters single-handedly. You are truly great. You are a great pilot." He had heard about the battle to get away from Triforia after the raid at the conference between Kerovia and Triforia. "You survived the attack on Earth and you are one of my closest friends. I love you and I want to help you."
"Then how could he replace me with some girl on some planet somewhere? I know I'm married, but still it hurt."
"What?"
"He's getting married."
"Van, I'm so sorry."
"I thought that he loved me."
"I'm sure that he still does. I know you guys got a really sucky break, but that doesn't mean he doesn't still care for you."
"I wish I could be that sure."
"It's going to be alright Van. When Kim left me for someone else it almost destroyed me, but I got over it and I had Kat. She was truly a wonderful person for sticking by me. Remember you have a husband and I have it on good authority that he thinks the world of you."
"Tommy it isn't just once. This is the second time. Next thing I know someone will turn Trey's head and it's all over for me. I don't think I have anything left to give."
"Trey does love you. Give him a chance."
"I'm not sure I can."
"Yes, you can. You have so much to give, but slowly killing yourself isn't going to help."
"I have to get away I need some time."
"I know a place and a person that could help you."
"Where?"
"Just trust me."
A few hours later Tommy and Vanesse pulled in a parking lot at a new spa that had just opened in Stone Canyon. He escorted her to a dojo that had just opened. "We're here."
"Where is here?"
"My new dojo, spa, and meditation complex." Rocky answered as he entered the room. "Welcome."
"I'm not so sure about this."
"Vanesse." Tommy replied with an underlining warning in his tone.
"What is the purpose of this?"
"For you to relax. No one knows you are here and I had everyone promise not to look for you unless it was an extreme emergency."
"So what do I do here?"
"Whatever you want." Rocky answered. "As long as you eat. I'm going to keep a close eye on you young lady."
"I'm going home." She reached for her communicator.
Tommy grabbed her hand. "Try it and if you really are unhappy you can go. Agreed?"
Vanesse sat on the bench as she laced up her tennis shoes. She had been at the dojo for over a week and things were finally starting to come together. She hadn't had any calls to come back and she was enjoying her time off. She had been thrown into being a ranger and had lost herself in the process. She and Adam had been hanging out and she had been helping him out with some stunts, but he was away on location. Vanesse was about to start her run when her cell rang.
"This is Vanesse."
"Vanesse, it's Adam."
"Hey, how's it going?"
"Good, what are you doing?"
"I was about to go for a run."
"So you're still on vacation?"
"Yeah."
"Then I need you to come to L.A."
"Why?"
"Pl-ea-se!"
"Alright fine, I'll be there in two hours."
"Great. Plan to stay a few days and we'll go to a nice restaurant when you get here."
"You owe me."
"Sure, whatever. See you in a couple hours."
Adam hung up the phone with a smile. He missed having friends and work wasn't going so well. Having Anne with him would be a lot of fun.
Vanesse had a great dinner and really enjoyed his company. During dessert a six tone beep went off. Both Adam and Vanesse looked down at their communicators and found them glowing. "Damn duty calls."