A/N: Trini Kwan, first Yellow Power Ranger, what happened after she left for the Peace Conference. Her chapter is probably going to be a pretty lengthy one.
A/N: There are drug references in this chapter. I know Thuy Trang is deceased, but I believe Trini Kwan is still alive. Remember, this is my interpretation of what happened after she was a ranger.
Chapter 12- Trini's Trials
Xxxxx
Palm Hotel & Casino
It was fairly early in the morning. All of the women were sleeping, some were still intoxicated, so more than anything they were passed out. Clubbing at Voodoo Lounge was exciting. Especially for Mia and Emily, they were happy to be there with the other former rangers.
This reunion was about all of the female rangers spending time together. No interruptions, it was all about them. If there were any problems, together, they would work on them.
Some women heard the crying, and the door being slammed.
Trini, Maya, Dana, Kat, and Lily got up. They heard the sounds, and Dana felt the intense emotion coming from a certain someone. All five of them got up, and saw Vida had closed the door to the bathroom door.
"V?" Lily cautiously said. She lightly knocked on the door. "Are you alright?" Concern was evident in her voice. She began to play with her yellow pajama bottom.
Vida kept crying. "I'm" She sniffed. "I'm fine." She blatantly lied and buried her head deeper into her hands.
Dana sighed. "Sweetie, I'm pretty sure you are hurt, angry, and remorseful." She described. Did she forget that the former Pink Lightspeed Rescue ranger had the power of empathy? She mouthed 'Get Karone' to her friends.
Vida silently cursed. She did forget Dana's extra power. She only hoped they didn't call Karone.
It was too late, as Maya walked away to get Karone.
The former Pink Zeo and Turbo ranger quietly tried to turn the knob. It was obviously locked. "If she doesn't come out after Karone comes here, then I will go in there." She whispered to the other girls.
They all nodded.
Trini had a feeling what happened with Vida, but she kept it to herself. She fiddled with her red pajama shirt.
Karone stepped into the bathroom. She walked up to the door, and she closed her eyes.
"Damn it, why can't they leave me alone? Xander is going to hate me for what I did. I should've never had sex with that guy."
The former villainess looked at her friends. "She had sex with that guy from the club." She whispered to them.
"That's nothing to be mad about though." Maya noted. "She's single, and she's young. If she wanted to do that, then we wouldn't judge her." The former Yellow Galaxy ranger looked at the door. She wondered if Vida was ever going to get out.
"She's upset because of what Xander might think." Trini finally spoke up. The women turned their attention to her. "He must've gotten ahold of her, and now she regrets even doing it with another guy."
Kat walked through the bathroom door. "Come on, V, get out of here now." She ordered.
Without a heads up, Vida conjured some wind against Kat. The doors were opaque. The ladies noticed Kat's blonde hair going back. Toilet paper was being tossed around along with towels too.
"Get out!" V yelled at her.
"We already know what happened, and it's nothing to feel ashamed of. Let us help you." Kat managed to say as the toilet paper was being whipped around her face. "V, quit it!"
"Shouldn't we stop this?" Lily questioned as her boss was being attacked by wind.
Maya ran to get Maddie. She felt like a gopher. Go for this, go for that.
"Well, I'm going back to bed." Karone felt like she did her part. "Before I go, Trini, if you can?" She tipped her head at the 'Original Yellow'. Trini placed her hands on her head. Yellow energy swirled from her hands to Karone's head. After a few minutes, Karone stood upright. She shook her head a bit. "I never did get why Ashley feels like she gets injected with Red Bulls when you heal her." She walked off.
Trini smiled and went to stand on the side.
"What was Karone talking about?" Dana queried as she looked at the door. The occupants shrugged.
Maddie came into the room. She knocked on the door. "V, it's me."
Kat unlocked the door and walked out. Maddie made her way in. Kat's hair was all over the place and pieces of tissue stuck out her mouth and nose. "I love V, but that was ridiculous." She shook her head of the unwanted decorations. "I need a drink I'll bartend, Mimosas anyone?"
Lily, Dana, and Maya followed her with happy faces at the thought.
Trini stayed behind. She saw Vida's face. "Hey, are you okay?" She politely asked.
"Yes." V stated. "I'm sorry for Kat, but I just wanted to be left alone."
"I'm sure she understands." Trini answered for Kat.
"Thanks, Trini." Vida smiled at her. Maddie gave a nod of appreciation as well. The former Mystic Rangers closed the door. They talked amongst themselves.
The Original Yellow walked away. She felt anxious, so she grabbed the pack of cigarettes that she had in the drawer of her room. She wasn't a hardcore smoker, anymore. She smoked sparingly. She had picked up, what people deem a killer habit, back when she started college. The cigarette smoking got really bad in 2001, and it turned into something worse. Eventually, she's able to limit her smoking to one or two to none a day. Today, she wanted one, so she stepped out to the patio. She sat on one of the chairs, and lit one up. She inhaled. Trini looked up at the sky. She exhaled, and she watched as the smoke turned into a mini cloud and disappeared. "I miss you, Sylvia."
(Flashback)
I was born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to loving parents and an older brother. My parents, An Bao (Daddy) and Lien Thanh (Mommy) were happy that their family was finally complete. Tuan, my brother, eh, he didn't care for me. Just kidding, of course he cared for me.
At the age of 4, my parents moved all of us to the United States. We moved closer to Dad's sister and her husband, Dì (aunt) Yen and Bác (Uncle) Cam. At that time, my parents were already bilingual in both, English and Vietnamese. They made sure my brother and I were fluent in both languages too.
My parents enrolled me into an elementary school, Angel Grove Elementary.
There, I met Kim, Zack, and Jason. Billy came later. I was very nervous to attend a school with kids who didn't have broken English. My accent wasn't horrible, but at the same time, it was noticeable.
I was sitting in the classroom playing with the dolls.
"You look funny." A boy named Stan remarked.
I just looked at him. "No, I not." I replied, sullenly. I was minding my own business. He didn't have to come up to me, and run his mouth.
"You talk funny too." Stan added.
"Leave, now." I told him.
"Is that all you can say?" He bothered me some more.
"No."
"You did it again!" This time he pointed at me.
"Stop it!" I demanded angrily at him. He touched my hair. I backhanded his hand.
"Oh, you think you can fight." He signaled for me to come at him.
"No." I told him, even though I could kick his twerpy butt.
He pulled my hair, and I started to cry. I just wanted to be left alone.
"Stop picking on her, Stan!" A little boy called out. I looked to see three other kids standing there. A little girl with caramel colored hair, a boy with dark brown hair, and another boy with black hair.
"Jason, she's a dork." Stan commented snidely at me. "She talks funny, and she looks funny."
"No, she doesn't. She's very pretty." The boy with the dark brown hair named Jason said.
"She is not." Stan said.
I cried more. He really thought I was ugly, and he kept talking about me in a bad way.
"Should I tell Mrs. R, what you are saying?" The girl with the caramel colored hair asked. She came up to me and got onto her knees. She placed a hand on my back.
Stan just walked away.
"Are you okay?" The boy with the black hair asked. I meekly nodded. "Don't worry. I'm Zack."
"I Trini." I said.
"I'm Kimberly, but I like Kim most." The other girl said. She helped me to stand up.
"My name is Jason." He gave me a smile.
"Do you want to be our friend?" Kim asked.
"Are you sure?" I had to ask. After the encounter with Stan, how could they be so nice? They nodded. "Okay." I gave them a smile.
From that point on, we all became best friends. We had our own interests: Jason loved martial arts, Zack loved dancing, Kim was very much into gymnastics, and I was into sports and school. We still stuck by each other. Then, Billy came along. He was teased for being way too smart and being a geek. We accepted him into our group, and all five of us became the best of friends.
In 5th grade, Billy's mom passed away. He didn't come to school for a week, and we were really worried about him. We decided to cheer him up, so Kim and I, with the help of our moms, made him chocolate cupcakes with strawberry frosting. Jason and Zack asked all of our parents if we can all hang out at the park, with their supervision of course. We did.
Mr. Cranston didn't want to come, and we understood. He encouraged Billy to go though.
My parents, Kim's parents, Jason's parents, and Zack's parents were at the picnic tables talking about grown up things. Us, kids, minus Billy, were on the playground. We even started a game of tag. Jason, Zack, Kim and I were having so much fun. It hurt all of us to see Billy like that, and we hoped by us having fun, he would join us.
Billy didn't."In my mental state that's occurring, I fear it is imperative I go home." Billy stated to us.
A bird seemed to chirp at the faces Jason, Zack, and Kim made.
"He says because of how he's feeling, he needs to go home." I translated.
"Are you sure?" Kim was worried. It couldn't be good to be in a house where it's reminded of your Mom and all of the knick knacks of hers."
"Yes." Billy gruffly said.
Jason heard the anger in his voice. "Hey, Billy chill out." He ordered.
"Yeah, come on, you should have fun with us." Zack motioned for him to come on the playground set.
"Why?" He lashed out and shook his head.
"Because it's fun." Kim answered him, not knowing where this was going.
"Jogging around on metal equipment that weighs the equivalent to a car or something of that nature, with oblong shapes, and touching another person, how does that constitute as exuberance?" Billy not so clearly asked us.
Jason, Zack and Kim looked at me. "Running around the playground set and playing tag, he wants to know how it's fun." I told them. They were dumbfounded. I walked up to Billy. "Snap out of it!" I yelled and pushed him. Billy took a step back.
"Tri, stop." Zack pleaded.
I shook my head. "She's gone, and she's not coming back." I heard the other three gasp. "It doesn't mean she didn't love you when she passed away. It was her time to go." I comforted him as best as I could.
After he took in what I told him, Billy began to cry. "Why couldn't she have waited?" He looked at me earnestly. "I still need her." I hugged Billy. To the right, Zack hugged Billy. Jason hugged behind me, and Kim wrapped her arms around Zack and Billy. We all embraced, and our parents took a picture of the sight.
We didn't expect Billy to get over his Mom the next day, but I believe we continued to help him to cope over the passing of his mom.
There were questions of where my anger came from that day. I'm not exactly sure, I was usually the soft spoken one, but I believe I became more assertive over time. To other male rangers, I'm scary. Along with Aisha, Kim, Taylor, and Jen. I wonder why.
In middle school, the friendship between Kim and I became stronger. Best friends, who were bonded by sisterhood. Not to mention she loved to tease me about Jason.
We were in the locker rooms getting ready for PE with Ms. Lee. I opened up my locker, and Kim slammed it.
"You like Jason. You like Jason, and you want to be Mrs. Jason Lee Scott." She did a dance, twirl, and a cartwheel in the locker rooms.
I had to reopen my locker as I gave her a 'look'. It was one of those Valley Girl annoyed looks. "Kim, you need to stop eating 'Whatchamacallits' before class." I knew that always got her riled up.
She scoffed. "Tri, stop avoiding and denying it." She told me.
I began to take off my shirt, so I could put on my PE one. "I'm not avoiding it." That was a total copout. "Don't you think we should take pictures this weekend?" I changed the subject.
"Why, so you can give one to Jason?" She questioned me as she crossed her arms over her chest. She, then, began changing for class.
I practically screamed at her in anger. "I don't love him." And, I began to walk out.
"Hold on!" She shouted. I stopped walking. She finally put on her clothes. "You may not love him, but you like him." She slammed her locker.
"You aren't going to let this go?" I asked her as we walked in stride to the field.
"Of course not, he is my 'big brother', and I, as his 'sister', should know what's going on. Plus, I am your best friend, and we all know best friends know all." Kim eagerly explained. She gave me a smile. "Come on, tell me, tell me, please." She clasped her hands together in a pleading manner.
"When you get a guy that you like a lot, I will tease you mercilessly" I muttered in a threatening tone.
Kim did freak out a bit, but still held her smile. "You know my temper is just as bad as yours." She threatened back.
"Funny, I can't tell. I can barely see you." I told her.
"Hey! I'm not that small!" She stood up to me toe to toe. I saw over her.
"Calm down, shorty." I said.
"Stop being so tall then!" She snapped at me. Kim and I just laughed. That was the beauty our friendship. We always made fun of each other.
And then, high school came. The day my life changed was definitely when I became a Power Ranger. At the time, I was about 14, and I guess I was a 'teenager with attitude'. Several questions arose once I received my morpher. Could I really be a ranger? Can I handle saving the universe, going to school, taking care of my family, and destroying monsters? How could I keep this a secret? What if Jason or anyone else got hurt? Am I really cut out to be a ranger?
Even though Jason was the first one to eagerly agree to be a ranger, and it was appealing to me, but I still wasn't sure if I could do it. Then bam, our first fight with the putties happened. I obviously had some experience, I practiced katas all the time, and Jason and I would spar over the weekends. Plus, my Uncle Howard, martial artist/scientist extraordinaire, taught me some moves.
When I first morphed, okay let me tell you, the power that surged through my body was amazing. It took me from 1 to 100,000 miles per hour. I became stealthy, active, faster, graceful, and fierce. Putties were nothing after that battle.Commanding the Saber-Toothed Tiger Dinozord was a rush. I mean, that thing was four football fields long, and it had a gun on its tail. Pretty crafty if you ask me. I loved the Saber-Toothed Tiger, I called him Beast. I was the right leg of the Megazord, and I guess you can say, I literally kicked butt and balls.
The rush I got from fighting, and helping the world, I decided to accept the title. It was a rare opportunity to be a hero, and it was a privilege. I adapted. Plus, being a ranger helped me to get over my fear of heights. I became closer to Uncle Howard, my parents, and cousin Sylvia as they've been targeted by Rita Repulsa.
I know the question you are wondering is, 'how did you feel about not having a skirt?'. Katie, Taylor, Aisha, Kelsey, and I will tell you, the skirt is very optional. I didn't feel any less of a female without it. I felt the Beast was a manlier Zord than a Pterodactyl one, and I was blessed to be a ranger without a skirt. Kim was really the girly one of the group anyway.
Over the course of my time as a ranger, I grew up mentally and physically. I believe I handled things that girls my age couldn't even fathom, and on top of that, I became stronger. However, I was still clueless in the area of love. Jason and I went on one date. We were 15, and hbhe took me to Denny's.
He was eating the nachos, and I was eating pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, and toast.
"You sure can eat." He commented at my food.
I laughed. "Yeah, I can, huh?" I looked at him. "What made you ask me on a date?"
"I like you. You're a great girl, and I like that you can kick my ass at any given time." He flashed me his million dollar smile. "Plus, Tommy took Kim out the running a long time ago."
I kicked his leg hearing that comment. "Oh, so I would've never been considered huh?" I playfully teased him.
"Damn, I forgot how hard you can kick." He rubbed his leg. "Let's play 21 questions." I nodded. "What's your favorite subject in school?"
"History." Both of us said.
I looked at him. "How did you know?"
He smiled. "I know you, Tri." The Red ranger said. I grinned. "What's been your scariest moment as a…" He looked around. "ranger or not?" He whispered the last part.
"I guess not, it would be heights, but I quickly got over that." We talked about the time I quickly climbed the rope. "But, I think it was the time with the Praying Mantis." I informed. "I believe the Praying Mantis lacked honor and virtue, and that's what I was taught when learning the Shaolin Praying Mantis style."
"Is this your favorite food?" He pointed at my plate.
I giggled and shook my head. "I love vanilla ice cream and chili dogs." I watched as he signaled for the waiter.
The waiter walked over to our table.
"Yes, can I order her a vanilla ice cream, please." Jason requested.
"Anything else?" He kindly asked us. We shook our head. He left to get my dessert.
"Thanks." I told him. He grabbed for my hand, and I know the other female rangers talk about this spark that they feel. Unfortunately, at that time, I didn't feel it. My smile slightly faltered. He did continue asking the questions, but I couldn't get that feeling out of my head. We didn't go on a second date. Jason held no hard feelings, and we continued being best friends.
When Lord Zedd entered the picture, I kind of lost hope at defeating evil. Granted we got new zords, and I commanded the Saber-Toothed Tiger Griffin Thunderzord- Kirin (Hey, I liked naming my zords). I liked that it could shoot fireballs out of its mouth. Yes, those were new, but Lord Zedd was very powerful. The first three days we battled him, it was all a blur.
During that time my parents were beginning to wonder why I was all of a sudden disappearing. This wasn't the first time they had brought it up either. They sat me down for a talk.
It was one of the few times we had a break. I came from Billy's house, and I wanted to sleep.
"Trini." My Dad called from the living room.
"Yes." I cautiously walked into the living room. I sat on the counch. My parents were on either side of me in a recliner. They were in the upright position though.
"Bạn đã ở đâu? (Where have you been?)" Dad questioned me.
I stared at them. "Tôi đã giúp đỡ với buổi quyên góp bệnh viện của trẻ em. (I've been helping with the Children's Hospital Fundraiser.)" I replied. He didn't believe me. "Kim, Tommy, Jason, Billy và Zack là có là tốt. (Kim, Tommy, Jason, Billy, and Zack are there as well.)"
My mom studied me. "Bạn biết có một cuộc tấn công quái vật xảy ra. Một số loài cá tìm quái vật tấn công thành phố, tại sao bạn sẽ ra khỏi đó? (You know there is a monster attack going on. Some fish looking monster is attacking the city, why would you be out there?)"
I couldn't answer because my Dad interrupted me.
"Nơi bạn đã nhận được những vết bầm tím? (Where did you get those bruises?)" He took my arm. "Mà cậu bé Jason là quá thô với bạn? (Is that Jason boy being too rough with you?)" He placed my arm back down. "Ông là một bitch nếu ông số truy cập một cô gái (He's a bitch if he hits a girl.)" He murmured angrily.
"Dad không có, nó là không có gì như thế. (No, Dad it's nothing like that.)" I began getting hot. I was definitely in the hot seat.
"Nó không làm cho bất kỳ ý nghĩa tại sao bạn sẽ ra khỏi đó. Đây không phải là lần đầu tiên một trong hai. Bạn đến nhà trễ, bạn nhìn mệt mỏi, bạn có vết bầm tím và bạn đã nằm với chúng tôi. (It doesn't make any sense why you would be out there. This isn't the first time either. You come home late, you look tired, you have bruises, and you've been lying to us.)" Each accusation, his voice got louder.
"Bình tĩnh xuống, An. (Calm down, An.)" My Mom cautioned my Dad.
This was one of the times, I had regretted I became a ranger. I hated lying to my parents about where I was going, or what I was doing. I didn't want to break any of Zordon's rules; I just didn't want to go against my mentor. It wasn't in me to do so.
"Mẹ, cha, xin vui lòng, tôi đang sử dụng tốt và bạn không phải lo lắng về tôi. (Mom, Dad, please, I am fine, and you don't have to worry about me.)" After I said that, I quietly retreated to my room. I hoped my parents didn't ask me any more questions like that. It hurt too much to keep being deceitful to them.
Pretty soon, we got used to Lord Zedd being the enemy. Yeah, the battles were tough, but he wasn't as intimidating as the first time we had encountered him. However, he did use some dirty tactics on us. The time when he turned Kim against me, I couldn't believe it. We had a talk that night about it.
We were at the Youth Center helping Ernie clean up the mess from the club rush. Jason and Tommy were getting the mats from the back. Zack and Billy had a school project to do, so they couldn't help.
"How was your Garden Club?" I asked her as I kept sweeping the floor.
She smiled. "It was so good. Can you believe Mr. Kaplan put the wrong place on the flyer?" She got the dustpan, and held it in place for me. Kim looked up at me. "Listen, Tri, I am so sorry for the way I acted towards you." She threw away what I had just swept.
"Kim, it's okay. I knew something was up." She smiled at me. "Lord Zedd seems to have worst spells than Rita." We giggled at that. We hugged each other. "Besides, you're my sister, and sisters sometimes fight."
"Like brothers?" She pointed at Jason and Tommy.
We saw as the two boys were 'discussing' who was the hottest Street Fighter character, mind you at this time there were only two females, Chun-Li and Cammy.
"Bro, I'm telling you it's Cammy that's the hottest!" Tommy commented. He had one side of the mat and Jason had the other side.
The Red ranger shook his head. "Na, Bro, it's Chun Li. Have you seen her legs?" Jason maneuvered the large mat over the tables, and down the stairs.
"What about Cammy's legs? Hers are decorated with camo." Tommy informed. Both helped to place it down. They began to warm up. "Besides, the camo gives her legs more definition."
Jason placed a hand on his right cheek. "Congratulations, you know definition has more than one meaning." He started to stretch.
Tommy glared. "Whatever!"
Kim and I were watching them. We were giggling at the exchange.
"The only reason why you like Cammy is because she reminds you of Kim!" Jason pointed out. He threw a punch, but Tommy blocked it.
Tommy gave Jason the 'stink face', and did a series of spin kicks. "Bro, those two don't even look alike. Cammy is blonde and Kim has brown hair. If you want to go that route, then I'd say the only reason you like Chun-Li is because of Trini." He hissed out. He got struck in the stomach.
"Uh, guys?" Kim asked them. Jason and Tommy looked at us. They got really red, and they ran out. She looked at me. "Okay, what was that about?"
I laughed. "Knowing those two, who knows?" We continued cleaning up.
The other thing Lord Zedd seemed to have a knack for was reminding Tommy of his failing Green powers. Being as I acted like the mother to the team, it was hard seeing Tommy's depressed state all the time. The power is great, and you get satisfaction from helping to save the world. Once Tommy knew the inevitable was coming, he helped us as much as he could in battle. I think part of him felt disposable.
Kim and Tommy spent a lot of time together during that time. Jason, Billy, Zack, and I could see the pain this was causing her. But it still couldn't compare to Tommy, I mean, this was the second time he had to go through a power withdrawal.
After Tommy left the team… again, Jason came to my house. He knocked on my window. I opened it, and I could tell there was something eating him up inside.
"Jason, what the hell are you doing here?" I hissed quietly at him. I let him in though. He just looked miserable.
He got in my room. He made sure to lightly pace around. "I failed." He confessed. "Tri, I failed." He went to sit on my bed.
I sat with him. "Jase, you didn't fail." I told him. I knew Tommy losing his power again would bring back memories of the 'Candle' incident. "All of this wasn't your fault." I placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
He looked at me. "What if I hadn't gotten to your guys' candles in time? What if you guys lost your powers on my account?" He shook his head at the thought. I knew it was tearing him up inside, and I swore the job of leader was weighing down on him.
"Don't dwell on it." I advised. I took his hand into mine. "We knew the Green powers weren't going to last forever, and look, all of us still have our powers. When you became leader, there wasn't a handbook. You were, and are, still learning as you go along." There were bags under his eyes, and I could see that he was losing sleep over the matter too.
"Trini, thank you." He hugged me, and I hugged him back. Like magic, Jason fell asleep in my arms. I got into a comfortable position, and I began to hold him. I played with his hair, and I gently kissed his forehead. Maybe I shouldn't have judged our relationship over a damn 'jolt' or 'spark'.
Richie… I know you are probably wondering about that guy. The first time I met Richie was at the Youth Center. Obviously, we've had more encounters, and we've even studied together. I remember when he asked me the day after Tommy gained the White ranger powers. We had a nice time studying, but I believe his looks were more appealing than anything else. Jason, Tommy, Billy, and Zack didn't care for the guy anyway. Kim, well, she would always stick up for her big brother.
Speaking of Tommy gaining the White Ranger powers, I'm not questioning the judgement of Zordon. I'm merely questioning why wasn't there a warning? I never understood that, and I know Jason didn't want to ask Zordon why. Jason got demoted, and he was upset, but he kept that between us. I saw the jealously, and I know Jason felt inadequate. At the same time, I think Zordon knew there was more ahead for us, us being Jason, Zack, and I.
Rocky, Aisha, and Adam, those three were really similar to Jason, Zack, and I. I liked Rocky's leader quality like Jason. Aisha's strong yet calm demeanor like me. I like Adam's passiveness and charming personality like Zack. Those three were some of the select few to know who we were as Power Rangers, and it was fitting since they became our replacements.
After we left for the Peace Conference, I have to admit, it was hard to leave my family, friends, and Zordon and Alpha. Most of all, it was hard going from a teenage student who got up, went to school, fought foot soldiers, monsters, and commanded zords, and then just stop. I became a 'regular' teenager who just went to school. Yes, I applied for the Peace Conference because I thought it would look great on a college application, but it could never amount to what I did while in Angel Grove.
Jason, Zack, and I were okay when it came to the withdrawals because we still had our power coins. Then, things got really bad, we had to be teleported back to the Command Center. Because there were two sets of power coins for the Tyrannosaurus, Mastodon, and Saber-Toothed Tiger power sourse, it was taking a toll on Zack, Jason and I. We weren't using the power like Aisha, Adam, and Rocky were. Alpha and Zordon helped us. Both were able to cut us from the morphing grid. That's when the power withdrawals started.
All I wanted to do was stay in my bed, and I didn't want to talk to anyone. In Switzerland, I felt alone. I didn't like being there, and I became very depressed. I don't know if it was because of the withdrawals or the fact of being in a strange place without the comfort of my friends and family. To be honest, there were plenty of times that I just wanted to give up, but I stuck it out. Even if I felt miserable all the time.
Once I realized, I had the power of healing; that helped a bit. I would use it on myself, so I could feel better.
I shut out Jason and Zack because I became so withdrawn. I wasn't the same Trini. I didn't want to talk to them because it wasn't the same. I know we've been friends for over a decade, but I just wanted to be left alone. The power withdrawals affect people differently. The only person who understood what I was going through was Kim.
After a year, Jason, Zack, and I became close all over again. They accepted me back with open arms.I still maintained a friendship with Kim too. She had her own personal demons to deal with. Cough cough the letter cough cough.
And then, Jason went back to take up the power once more. "Guys." Jason called out. We were in the main hangout spot at the school. Zack and I came to the table Jason was at. "I'm leaving." No warning. Just like that. 'I'm leaving'. I couldn't believe the words that came out of his mouth.
There was silence. You could hear a pin drop.
"What do you mean you're leaving?" I was the first to speak up. After I finally got over my depression and became friends with them again, I couldn't handle us being separated. "Jase, I just became friends with you two again, don't leave. I don't know if I could handle it." There was a pleading look in my eyes.
"Bro, Tri is right." Zack said. He shook his head. "When we came out to the Peace Conference, we said we would stick together. We hit a rough spot with Trini and her power withdrawal. Now, we are all together, don't do this."
"It's because Tommy wants me to take up the powers again." He whispered. He thought that would change our minds, or at least make us more lenient of him.
That was a fat chance. "Just you?" I asked. He nodded. "Why not any of us? Why does it have to be you!" I practically screamed in anger.
"Shh." Jason tried to calm me down. "Listen, we've completed a year, and I'm done. I want to be back home, you guys can come to, but I've put in my paperwork, and it's been signed. I'm leaving tomorrow night."
"How long have you known about this?" I questioned him again. Venom was laced in my voice. I couldn't eye contact with him I was so angry.
"Earlier in the week, I asked the officials of the program to speed my paperwork up." Jason informed calmly.
"Bro, if it's for the sake of the world, I support you." Zack confided. He looked between us. "I gotta go." He walked away.
Jason looked at me. I was still looking down. The tears were welling in my eyes. "Tri?"
I looked up. "Jason, you know what I've been going through lately. You know I need you here. I'm sorry for abandoning you and Zack after I was going through the withdrawal. Please don't go." I begged. I looked down again, it was hurting so much to know he was leaving soon. "Please, don't go." I shook my head.
Jason moved to the chair closest to me. He picked me up, and I kept crying on his shoulder. He kept rubbing the back of my hair. He was smoothing it out. "It's like not like I'm going to forget everything... especially you. Tommy asked me to do this, and I accepted. Please understand."
He was right. I nodded, and I fell asleep in his arms.
With Jason back in Angel Grove, I slowly got back to being my old self- the Trini that was cool and collected, but could easily make you crumble with one look. I decided when I graduated, I would move back to Angel Grove, and I would attend college out there. And that's what happened, I moved back to Angel Grove in 1997.
So, I heard about the shit that happened with Kim and Jason being sacrificed for Maligore. At that point, Jason and Emily had separated. Tommy thought Jason and Kim were boyfriend and girlfriend. I didn't believe it. That's like committing incest. Jason and Kim never looked at each other in that way. Now, Kim will let you know what happened after the tournament.
In college, I began my cigarette habit. The heavy course load I had, plus the stress, plus the fact cigarettes were available, I began smoking. It was a fairly mild habit- about three to five a day. I would always cover up the smoking with body spray and chewing gum. All of my friends never understood why I was smoking. I ignored what they thought.
When Andros crushed Zordon's tube, I was hurt. I felt a little piece of me died. When we all went to the remains of the Command Center, it was nice to meet Tanya, Justin, and Kat. Even though, I wish it was under better circumstances. The Space rangers, I had mixed feelings. I respected them for carrying on Zordon's legacy, but what Andros had done it was too much. I remember watching the outburst from Jason, Kim, and Tommy. I remember Andros defending himself. I remember Karone taking the blame.
"This is not the time or place." I informed them. They nodded. "We should mourn quietly." All of Zordon's rangers nodded.
After the vigil, Jason walked up to me. "Trini." I looked at him. "Is it okay if I spend the night with you?" I nodded. I knew Jason just needed comfort, and that's what I brought to him. He did the same for me. We held each other that night.
For the most part, everything felt normal. I was on my way to becoming a district attorney. My confidence was back, and I was the old Trini. Yes, I was like the Trini when I was a ranger. Then, September 03rd, 2001 struck. It changed my life.
On that day, Sylvia and I went clubbing. A week earlier she had just turned 18. We met up with family and friends. Later that night Sylvia and her ex-boyfriend had gotten into an argument. It was similar to V's situation, that's why I had a feeling of what V went through. See, Sylvia had been sexually active for a while. Her and her ex-boyfriend had broken up, and he found out she had sex with another guy. Sylvia stormed out of the club, afraid to deal with the consequences. Sylvia was driving.
"Sylvia, I think you should talk to him." I told her as I stared out the passenger window. I knew she was shaking her head. I looked at her and the tears were coming down her eyes faster. "Why not?"
"It's no use, and he will hate me." She had a lead foot, I felt the car jerk faster.
"Sylvia, slow down." I cautioned, she was driving like a maniac, and it was a Saturday night. There might be drunk drivers out there. Her cell phone rang. "Do you want me to answer it?"
"No."
"Are you sure?" I asked her. She nodded. The voicemail icon had shown up. "I can play the message for you." I told her.
She nodded. In the message, her ex professed his love to her, and it didn't matter what she did. They were broken up. anyway. Basically, he forgave her.
Tears fell faster. "What have I done?" She tried to fumble through her purse for a cigarette. "Tri help me!"
I helped her, and she swerved the car to go back to the club. After that, I don't remember what happened.
From what I was told, when Sylvia made the illegal U-turn, a drunk driver collided with her car.
I woke up, and I I was in the hospital. "Sylvia!" I cried. "Sylvia!"
"Shh. Shh…" I heard a familiar voice say. I looked, and it was Jason. "Hey, how are you feeling?"
"Where's Sylvia?" I asked. He looked down. "WHERE THE FUCK IS SYLVIA, JASON!" He didn't look at me. "JASON, LOOK ME RIGHT IN THE EYE, WHERE THE FUCK IS SHE?"
He shook his head. "I don't think I should be the one to tell you. Tri, I'm going to get your parents." He walked out the room, and my parents came in.
"Trini, cảm ơn lòng tốt bạn okay! (Trini, thank goodness you're okay!)" My mom had tears in her eyes.
Dad looked at me with a remorseful expression on his face.
"Đâu là Sylvia? (Where is Sylvia?)" I asked serenely. I figure, I'd get a better answer out of them than Jason. I still needed to ask why Jason was in the room with me.
The doctor came in. "Excuse me, I just needed to check her vitals." He examined me. I felt the coldness of the stethoscope, and the warmth of the light hitting my eyes. I saw the IV in my arm, and the bandages around my ribs. "Everything looks good. You heal pretty fast." He commented. I attributed it to my healing powers. "Everyone has been worried about you. We thought you weren't going to wake up."
"How long have I been out?" I had to question.
"A week." He informed. I gasped."Mr. and Mrs. Kwan, I believe your daughter is going to make a fast recovery." He gave a nod in acknowledgement. He knew what I was going to hear, wasn't exactly the best news. He walked out.
"Bạn sẽ nhận được một số còn lại thêm. Chúng tôi sẽ ở đây cả ngày với bạn. Bạn là bạn bè đã gửi Hoa đến nhà. (You should get some more rest. We will be here all day with you. You're friends have sent flowers to the house.)" Dad updated me, but I shook my head.
"Là Sylvia okay? (Is Sylvia okay?)" They shook their head. "Điều gì đã xảy ra? Là cô ấy trong một bệnh viện khác nhau, cô trong chăm sóc chuyên sâu? Cho mẹ, cha tôi biết. (What happened? Is she in a different hospital, is she in intensive care? Mom, Dad tell me.)" I demanded.
"Cô... Cô đã không làm cho nó. (She… she didn't make it.)" Dad confessed.
I didn't believe it. I was shocked. I started to cry, and I was angry. It made no sense as to why this happened. She was only 18, and she had her life ahead of her. It wasn't fair, all because someone wanted to drink and drive. Did they not think about other people on the road? They are selfish sons of bitches for pulling shit like that. I kept crying, and I knew it was putting pressure on my ribs. It hurt, oh my gosh, the pain pierced me. It was intensem but I needed to let it out. I didn't even know that happened. I was there when Sylvia was born. She was like a surrogate daughter to me. I needed a cigarette, maybe something stronger.
"Có được Jason! (Get Jason!)" I ordered through my crying spell.
My parents did what I wanted. Jason hurried in. He climbed into bed with me, and he held me. He was careful not to hurt me.
"Why? Why did it have to be her?" I cried against his chest.
He smoothed out my hair for me. "I don't know." He admitted. "I'll be here for you though." He kissed my forehead, and he held my hand in his. There was the jolt.
I demanded I be released from the hospital the next day, Sylvia's funeral was coming up. Reluctantly, the doctors agreed. With my ribs still bandaged, I attended Sylvia's funeral. Jason, Zack, Kim, Aisha, Rocky, Adam, Kat, Tommy, and Tanya supported me. Billy was still in Aquitar, but Andros helped me to manage a transmission to Billy. The Space rangers paid tribute to Sylvia. They rode on their galaxy gliders and drew in the sky, 'RIP Sylvia Vu'. They did it in their respective colors.
My friends were there for the funeral, and all the days to come. They didn't leave my side until they knew I was okay.
However, I wasn't okay. I began drinking and snorting cocaine to get over Sylvia's death. I may not have been at fault, but I believed I was. Smoking cigarettes increased to a pack a day, and the cocaine habit was $400 a week. All of my friends wanted me to stop, but I didn't. I didn't want to because I wanted to be selfish.
After that, my appearance changed. I became stick skinny, I dropped to below a hundred pounds. My ravishing, long hair was now brittle. My skin had a grayish tint, and I had horrible bags under my eyes. My teammates wanted me to snap me out of it.
I had been in my apartment for a week straight. Just drinking and smoking crack. I decided it was time for a change, so I started to smoke it. I heard the knocking on my door. Thump-thump-thump I ignored it. "Trini, come on." Zack pleaded. I kept smoking. Bang-bang-bang It was the fists being pounded against my door. "Trini, it's Billy. Come on." Billy moved back from Aquitar. I still ignored it. Boom! The door kicked was kicked in by Tommy.
Jason and Kim ran in first. Tommy, Zack, and Billy were there as reinforcements.
"Trini!" Kim looked at me. She gasped at the sight of me, and she began to cry.
"What?" I slurred with an evil smile. "I feel great!" I stood up, I was kind of wobbly. I turned my attention to them, and my eyelids were heavy.
Jason shook his head. "You need help." I looked at him, specifically, and scoffed. I did a little twirl. "Trini, we are worried about you." I knew he felt helpless.
"I'm fine guys." I kept smiling, even though inside I was dying.
"Trini, please, let us help you." Kim begged through her tears.
"No." I grabbed for my piece, and I took another hit. I blew it out towards my friends. "I love this stuff."
"Trini, stop it!" Tommy demanded. He went to grab for my drugs, and I yelled at him to back away. Tommy stopped.
"Tommy, you aren't a ranger anymore, you aren't a leader, and I don't want to fucking it hear it from you!" I waved my finger at him. "You never deserved to be leader anyways." I coldly stated.
Billy, Kim, Zack, and Jason looked between Tommy and I. They wanted to know what was going to happen next.
He wasn't dissuaded. "We are your friends, and we love you. We don't want to see you hurt, or worse." Tommy said. "You are hurting all of us, not to mention Kim, Jason, and your family."
Billy went up to me. He grabbed me by the shoulders. "She's gone and she's not coming back!" He tried to pull a 'me' from all those years ago. I pushed him back, and it was so hard he fell on his ass. He looked up from his position. "It was the guy's fault for driving drunk, not yours." He began to stand.
"Please… Tri… we don't want to lose you." Zack pleaded. The begging look was in his eyes, but I didn't want to.
I looked at them. "I don't want help. I want Sylvia back!" I said to them. "Why couldn't you-" I pointed to Tommy, Kim, and Billy. "-gather the rest of the Ninjetti and brought her back!" I was so angry my eyes turned red. I began to trash my apartment. Books were thrown, tables were knocked down, glass broke everywhere."The only reason I survived is because of my time as a ranger." I bitterly laughed. "I have the fucking power of healing" I kept shaking my head. "I hate it. It wasn't fair." I yelled at them. Jason tried to approach me. "Get away, get away!" I kept repeating. He hugged me. I fought him off. "Stop it, stop it." I kept thrashing around.
"I will not stop it." Jason informed. "Trini, I love you, and it hurts me to see you like this." He held me closer. Kim was bawling her eyes out. Tommy held her, Billy and Zack were crying as well. They were lost, and they knew I was lost.
I didn't stop trying to push him away. "It's not fair. It's not fair." I screamed, I shouted, I berated, I lashed out. "I hate that I was a fucking Power Ranger."
They gasped at my comment.
"Tri, you can't mean that." Billy looked at me in disbelief.
"I do." I quietly said. "It's not fair I had the advantage of being healed, and Sylvia died." I croaked through my tears. I pushed Jason off of me. I grabbed my piece one more time, and I smoked the last of what I had. I fell asleep.
Then I woke up in a hospital. Jason, Kim, Tommy, Zack, and Billy were in my room. They tried to find comfortable positions to sleep in. I looked around, my arm had an IV in it, and it was the same hospital room I stayed in after the car accident.
Jase was the first to wake up. "Hey." He whispered. He tiptoed and sat on my bed. "How are you feeling?" He smoothed out my hair.
"W-w-what happened?" I took a look, and I realized they were in different outfits.
"You had a drug overdose." Jason told me.
I was in shock. How could I have let myself get that far? I was a Goddamn power ranger for goodness sake. I let myself get that far deep. I had to understand Sylvia is gone, and I should be thankful I lived. "Jason, I need help." I confessed softly.
He held me. "Don't worry, we will get it for you." He kissed my forehead. "I love you."
"I love you too." I admitted.
It took us awhile, but we finally told each other the truth about our feelings. I asked Jason about the time of Sylvia's accident, why was he in my room. He told me my Dad called him, and wanted me to stay with me. I guess it was because they were helping to plan Sylvia's funeral.
"Even after everything, you look pretty like the first day I met you." He reminisced of that time in kindergarten.
"Really?" I asked, stunned. I probably looked like shit. He nodded. "Hold me?"
"Until the day I die." He prolaimed. I fell asleep in his arms.
Kim took a picture of the sight. I keep it with me in my wallet.
After I was released from the hospital, I went straight to drug and alcohol counseling. I haven't touched hardcore drugs since my overdose. While I was getting help, all of the former rangers supported me. Kim, Aisha, Kat, and Tanya stayed by my side. Ashley, Cassie, and Karone were there as well. That's when we decided to start having Female Ranger Reunions. As you can tell, the legacy has continued.
When I was 6 months sober, Jason proposed to me. I accepted his proposal. I stayed in treatment, and I was released. As fate would have it, I was released the day of the 'Forever Red' mission. Jason was late because he had to pick me up, and he dropped me off at my parents' house. I was curious as to why he was in such a rush.
I was informed of what was going on, and Kim picked me up. She kept rambling 'death to Reds' and so on. I had to laugh. Once we saw the men coming, I had to could have sworn Jason pissed in his pants. He didn't participate in the handicap match. I don't think any guy wanted to. It felt great kicking ass after being cooped up in a treatment center.
In 2003, Jason and I married. Shortly after that, I became pregnant with Brennan Sean Scott. I still worked on my school stuff, and I was very resilient. I didn't want to give up, or fail, and I wanted to provide for Brennan. I passed my bar exam with flying colors.
When Brennan was born in 2004, I saw there was more to live for. He weighed in at 9 pounds 12 oz. and was 22" long. He was a fairly chunky baby, but I believe it was because there was more to love.
A year later, I got pregnant again. By that time, I finished my schooling in record time. I was on my way to working. I was very upfront with my past when I applied for jobs, and they understood why I would push for drug diversion programs more, or why I wanted to prosecute the cases where a drunk driver is involved.
Joanna Theresa Scott was born in 2006, and we call her JT for short. She weighed in at 9 pounds 10 oz. and was 22". I know, I can't believe I gave birth to two, almost 10 pound babies. Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough who holds the record for the biggest baby among the female rangers. I still smile at that one. After JT's birth, I began working.
I have a 92% successful conviction rate at my job. I am very happy with the life I have. Jason is a firefighter, and of course we live in Angel Grove. Brennan is in martial arts while JT is in cheerleading. My life as a DA, wife, and mother gets hectic, but I handle it. I've been 9 years sober. I have to pat myself on the back. I do drink once in a while, and it's because I know my limit.
I have come to terms with Sylvia's death, and my life after the power. I do regret saying that I hate I was a power ranger. I think at that time, I was just trying to make sense of everything. Being a ranger has helped me to be who I am today. All the trials I went through, it had to have happened for a reason.
"Sylvia, tôi yêu bạn, và bạn sẽ luôn luôn trong trái tim tôi. (To Sylvia, I love you, and you will always be in my heart.)"
(End Flashback)
Trini wiped the tears from her eyes, and she placed her yellow lighter in the cigarette box. She looked at the ashtray, and she realized she had smoked two cigarettes
Kat, Kim, Tanya, and Aisha walked out to the patio. They knew she had been thinking about Sylvia. Karone, Ashley, and Cassie came out too. They all hugged Trini. "I love you guys." She giggled through her remaining tears. "Thank you." She had to admit, all of these women were her best friends and support system.
Ronny looked outside. "Now, that's a picture if you ask me." She grabbed her camera and took it. The women inside the suite smiled at the sight. They began to make breakfast for everyone.
A/N: Next chapter, Kira Ford, Yellow Dino Thunder ranger.