A/N: Thank you for the feedback. I was a little nervous about the last chapter due to my personal circumstances. I know I've taken a long time to update this story, but I'm going to finish it. Thank you for reading!
A/N #2: This chapter will be all about Cassandra 'Cassie' Chan, Pink Turbo and In Space Ranger.
Chapter 19- Cassie's Crushes
Xxxxx
8:43 PM
Random Slot Area
MGM Casino
Las Vegas, NV
Kira, Maddie, and Tanya were off speaking to the GM, general manager, of the MGM casino. These women had very high connections. Therefore, they were sure to could get the Cirque Du Soleil tickets for a reasonable prices by negotiating a deal. Either, Kira would come back to perform, Tanya would get one of the musicians she produced to come to this casino and do a concert, or possibly,'' Maddie would direct some grand production. What they could do for MGM, the possibilities were endless.
The other 25 women were off doing random things. Some were continuing in their drinking ventures, while others were grabbing a quick bite to eat like Syd, who insisted she was eating for 'two'. Then, there were some, who headed to the arcade, since they weren't of legal age. Trini, Karone, Cassie, Lily, and Katie were pressing their luck at the slots.
Either way, all were passing time until heading to the KA Theater.
Karone was playing a Roman themed slot machine. "Oh come on, all I want is the bonus or at least some free spins damn it," she kept talking to the machine, and she felt the machine was mocking her because it wasn't giving her what she wanted.
On the other side was Trini. She happily watched her Asian slot machine, which always gave her a decent payout. In addition to the 20 free spins she received, she had three more lotus flowers drop, which means she gets to open more doors for more free spins. "Come on, 100 free spins," she excitedly wished for. She kept picking and picking away. "Yay, I'll take it!" Though she may not have gotten the 100 spins, she did receive an extra 50, and at maximum bet, she knew she was about to hit it big, or at least walk away with a nice chunk of change.
Lily was having her fair share of luck too. "Sticking $20 in and walking away with $223.31, that's not too bad," she proudly patted herself on the back. She turned to her right. "How are you doing over there, Katie," she inquired about her fellow yellow.
"Eh," answered Katie, as she hit spin once more, which became her lucky spin. "Oh yeah, I got the bonus," she heavily concentrated on her screen. "I don't know which orb to pick," she appeared a little dumbfounded.
"Well pick something," the former Jungle Fury ranger urged her. She didn't think gambling was rocket science. "Pick yellow, after all it is our color."
"I guess," the teacher at Time Force HQ agreed.. She picked the yellow orb, and that would add an extra 40 'wilds'. "That's not too bad, right?" Her green eyes became entranced, as the wilds rapidly appeared on her screen. She grabbed her alcoholic ale and sipped, as she watched with anticipation.
"Um, I'm not too sure," Lily answered, since she's never played that game before. "Well, it could've been worse; you could've only gotten an extra 20," she observed, as that was the lowest.
"I wonder if anyone is having any luck," Cassie curiously wondered. She stopped at one, and it was named 'Hearts of Venice'. She smiled at the machine. Six hearts dropped, and to her, that symbolized the number of crushes she had before settling down for good.
(Flashback)
My parents separated two years after I was born. They cited 'irreconcilable differences', or in layman's terms, he ended up finding a woman far different than my mom—she was slightly younger, slim, a cosmetologist, hipper than the average teen and much more passive. When my parents divorced, my older brother went to live with my mom, and I stayed with my dad. Once I got older, and became fully aware of the sudden change, I accepted. There was no animosity towards my dad when he decided my mom wasn't the love of his life. And, my step-mom loved me like I came from her stomach.
Eventually, my parents each had two more kids from their new relationships.
My family was unique.
Faith was very important in both of my families. That's one out of two things my parents could agree on. So, every Sunday, all of the family would attend service at The Korean Sae Han Presbyterian Church. We often sat near each other. Usually, after morning service was done, every member of the congregation would head towards the back, main deck. That's where the weekly BBQ and meet and greet would happen. It was really fun. I enjoyed the yummy food, spending time with my siblings and friends, and winning prizes from the carnival like games.
Every fourth Sunday, instead of the assembly filing out to the back, we stayed in our seats. The pulpit was going to be the main setting for a kid's talent show. Exciting hip hop dance, exotic Tahitian dancing, athletic, exhibitions of various martial arts, my talent of choice, singing, and so on, were performed on that stage. Us, kids, battled for the bragging rights. We wanted to be the talent of the week, winning a chocolate medal and a gift certificate to the local Chuck 'e' Cheese.
However, for the parents, there was an underlying intention—to scope out a suitable mate for their child.
Regardless of our age, parents knew best. They believed kids were in their prime, and this was the place and time to negotiate an arranged marriage. Some worked; some didn't. Others rebelled in defiance because they wanted to be their own person, who listened to their heart. Not be with someone dictated by their parents because that was so old fashioned.
And we didn't live in Korea.
Apparently, at that time, each of my parents thought I didn't know what was best for me. Well, of course I didn't know what was best for me. I was five years old! Before I could contest, I was introduced to Kyun Sek. He was a child prodigy when it came to the piano. His fingers did a wonderful dance on the black and white keys, and he played with so much passion. With my singing ability, and his way with the grandeur instrument, everyone thought that was the best fit, the next Sonny and Cher.
However, I hated him, and he hated me.
At one meet and greet, Kyun and I were forced to take pictures by the vegetable garden. We were posed like how older couples were: his arms around my waist, us holding hands, facing each other with smiles, fake smiles to be honest, on our faces, and a silly, contorted pose just because. And our parents gushed over how cute we looked together.
I just wanted to take one of the cucumbers from the garden and stuff the thing down his puny throat.
After the mushy photographs were taken, our parents left to get a plate of food. Kyun turned to me, and he really let me know how he felt.
"You suck at singing, and you're ugly. Ewww," he taunted obnoxiously, and then he stuck out his tongue.
"And you can suck a big-" I was pulled away by my older brother, and he used his free hand to cover my mouth. He firmly shook his head at me. "A big, thumb," I mumbled.
"Na, na, na, na, you can't even make me cry," he childishly crooned, and then he finally left me alone.
From that day on, I promised myself I would not be set up like this. I would find someone to love, and that person will be my soul mate.
Crush number one: Dae-Hyun Kim
He transferred to Wishire Private School, my elementary school, and we were in the same class.
His family immigrated to the United States of America because of they wanted to be 'free'. On top of the scholastic opportunities that were in abundance, they wanted their taste of the American Dream. So, his parents opened up a little Asian market, two blocks away from school. The market had plenty of items like: nick knacks for home, traditional Korean clothing, groceries, and home cooked foods. Their business thrived, and everyone enjoyed going to their store because it was family operated, and they were friendly people.
I took a liking to Dae-Hyun. He had deep brown eyes, clear, light, banana colored skin, scant, yet full lips, a thin body, and his hair was my favorite asset on him. Charcoal in color, shaggy, bowl cut that would shine in the sun; I loved his hair a lot. He possessed a demure personality, kept to himself mostly, didn't yell or talk back when picked on, and he was top scholar in our class.
One day, at lunch, I decided to sit next to him. I was eating the standard cafeteria lunch: slice of microwave pizza, seasoned and buttered corn bits, sweet, canned pineapple tidbits, and strawberry milk. He placed his 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' lunch pail on the table. He looked over at my lunch, and he wasn't pleased at all. He smirked at me a bit, which made my knees buckle suddenly. He took his sectioned, Tupperware out. My eyes brightened at the Korean goodies: kimbap, mandu, rice, kimchi, hot and sweet BBQ ribs, and baby bok choy. He, then, took out another small container.
"Hwajeon," he questioned, as he held the pan fried glutinous rice that was shaped into a donut and had a lovely edible, pink, rose decorated on top. I asked with my eyes if it would be okay to take one. "I-I, insist," he replied with broken English.
"Thank you," I graciously smiled, and I took a whiff of the sweet dessert of my, our, country. The heavenly dessert didn't stand a chance. Within two seconds, the pastry was gone.
"Hungry," he laughed at the way I ravaged through the sweet bread.
I abashedly smiled, and we continued to eat together.
Over the course of two years, we became close, as did our families. Our relationship was reminiscent of a brother and sister, and that's as far as it was going to go. I was sure of it. As much as I loved him, it was going to be platonic.
Today, Dae-Hyun was married to a handsome man with two English Bulldogs.
Yup, platonic.
Crush number two: Baron Jaime 'BJ' Miller
In middle school, I was the transfer student. I began to attend public school. On my first day, I met Baron Jaime 'BJ' Miller.
Unlike Dae-Hyun, BJ was very popular and a bit air headed. All the girls in my grade, as well as the next grade, practically salivated over him. He played for the local football team. He was Caucasian, pretty built for his age, stood at 5'10", spiky, blonde hair, green eyes, and when he wasn't dressed in his football jersey, he was attired in skate apparel. He often wore Volcom brand shirts with Dickies and his shoes were either Vans or Etnies.
Even though we were friends, often talking in our classes, him walking me to the next period, and constantly being around one another since we took the same bus, my crush was unrequited.
One day, I was brave enough to admit to him I actually liked him as more than a friend. My friends and his friends made that bluntly clear by giving him hints too. I was comfortable with him, and I thought he felt the same way. I was sadly mistaken. As soon as I admitted the truth to him, he began to act different around me. In class, he ignored me. Walking me to my next period class was not an option any longer, and on the bus, he treated me like I was invisible. He flirted will every girl on the bus, literally flaunting that he was wanted.
Honestly, it hurt so much, and I was miserable.
So, I tried my best to not let it bother me, and I even attempted to make him jealous.
During lunch time we all hung out around the basketball courts. One of our mutual friends, Ivan, and I were talking. I made sure to make eye contact with Baron because I wanted him to see I was girlfriend material.
"Ivan, come on now," I flirtatiously giggled, as I felt his arms wrap around my waist. I lightly shoved him off and blushed in the process.
"Come on, Cass," he tugged on my waist, and he began to whisper in my ear. "This Friday, everyone is heading to the movies. We should go together."
I listened, smiling brightly at the thought. I glanced over at Baron, and he appeared upset, which was my goal. I kept nodding and grinning over the things Ivan solely said to me and accepted his offer for a date.
As fate would have it, there were about ten of us at the movies that Friday night. We were broken off into couples. Baron was with the most popular girl at school, Crystal Littlejohn. That night, we watched a romantic comedy. Ivan pushed for us to go a step farther by making out, however, I wasn't for it. I let his arm slide around my shoulder, since that was the norm, but I wasn't going to go any farther—much to Ivan's dismay. Baron and Crystal, on the other hand, were attacking each other's lips with much ferocity.
I just didn't get it. What exactly did Baron see in her, and why was I blacklisted from him?! It made no sense. I was green with jealously, and my plan to use Ivan backfired in my face.
Later on, I found out a shocking secret from Baron's best friend, Larry.
We were in the movie theater's arcade, and Larry pulled me to the side by the air hockey tables.
"What's up," I curiously asked him since this was a little out the blue.
He looked like he had plenty on his mind, and he took some time before speaking. "Look, Baron just told me he thinks you're pretty," he revealed.
My mouth gaped wide open in shock. I continued to stare at him, wondering if he was telling me the truth. "Okay..." I began in disbelief, and then I gazed around the arcade. I saw Baron with Crystal on that motorcycle game. They looked pretty cozy to me. Was this a sick joke?! If it was, I was about to smack Larry across the face.
He irritably rolled his eyes. "Cassie, you may not believe me, but I am his best friend. He does tell me everything."
"So, he finds me pretty, but he doesn't want to be my boyfriend," I had to get this straight.
He nodded. "When you told him your feelings, he got scared and reacted like a jerk. He was going to talk to you about it, but when he saw how you and Ivan were, he got turned off," he explained. "He even went as far as to call you a slut."
Ugh, guys, or maybe it was just Baron, were so fucking confusing. Just because I couldn't hold back and told him the truth, I got treated like shit?! That didn't make any sense. If Baron did like me, then he should have had the guts to say how he felt instead of ruining our friendship. I mean, I knew that was a possibility, but I didn't think he was like that. He even called me a slut! Who does that?!
"I'm a slut," I echoed in disbelief.
"I think he said it in anger because if you really liked him then you wouldn't be here with Ivan."
"What else was I supposed to do?! Just sit back and remain heartbroken? Of course, I was going to go out with another guy," I angrily countered.
"Yeah, I know. I think he's stupid for taking this long to be honest, but at least you know." Larry walked away, thinking that was some sort of consolation.
I stood, perplexed. This was my first taste of heartbreak. At the tender age of 12, I thought my life was over, and I didn't know how I was going to bounce back. It was crazy. Just pure crazy. What was I thinking to fall for such an asshole!? Despair filled in, and I thought my parents were going to find my husband for me. I shuddered at the thought.
Just for the record, Baron has been married to Crystal for the past decade. They have five kids together.
Crush number three: Theodore Jay Jarvis 'TJ' Johnson
Obviously, my life wasn't over. I moved on and transitioned into high school without falling for someone new.
There was a slight detour in my educational plan, which meant there was still a possibility for love.
As I've stated before, I loved singing. For me, it was therapeutic, and I often sang in the shower, in the privacy of my bedroom, at family gatherings and church, and of course in anyone's car. I knew I wasn't the best singer in the world, but with the right help, I could foster my talent into the likes of Joan Jett, Christina Agueilera, or Tina Turner. I did have a band, one that dyed their hair green just for fun, but I didn't think we were going anywhere, so we disbanded. Though, I could potentially never break into the music business as a solo act, I still had to try. Therefore, I made a choice to take a break from school. My birth parents hated the idea, since they were traditional Asian parents.
I was a dreamer, and I wanted to make my dreams come true.
So cheesy, I know.
My extended family, who lived in Stone Canyon, informed me that they had some connections to the 'music scene'. They coaxed my parents into letting me live with them, and that they would pay for my bus ticket, made sure I had a roof over my head, and food to eat. My relatives assured and constantly reassured I'd be looked after and taken care of. Reluctantly, my parents caved, and I packed my bags and was on my way.
On the bus ride to Stone Canyon, I was in my bubble, singing pretty loudly, and I grabbed the attention of the passenger seated to the left of me—Theodore Jay Jarvis 'TJ' Johnson.
I can't help thinking
about why life has in store
Will I have the chance to see
What's out past my front door
So many things
I want...
I stopped belting out tunes, after he tapped my shoulder. I quizzically looked and saw his mouth moving, but my music was drowning him out.
"What, I can't hear you," I informed. He motioned for my earbuds. "Sorry," I softly mumbled and took them off.
"I think you're singing a little too loud," he notified as kindly as possible."The other passengers are getting kind of antsy."
Not again, I mentally berated, and I slid deeper in my seat. "Oops, I do that all the time."
"So do I. You get carried away sometimes," he cheerfully comforted.
"Tell me about it," I muttered knowingly.
There was a second before any of us said another word.
"I'm TJ," he held out his hand in an introductory manner.
"Cassie," I smiled and shook on it.
There was something inviting about TJ's smile. His handshake was firm, yet gentle, and he was really friendly. I mean, he could've just let me make a fool out of myself, but he politely stopped me. His skin was smooth, almost like Godiva, dark chocolate, with strong, chocolate eyes, pearly, white teeth, definite muscle definition, and a fondness for the color red.
"So, where you headed," he asked.
"Stone Canyon, I got some really great relatives out there. They're going to help my crash the music scene," I rhythmically swayed my body with excitement. He softly laughed, which caused me to blush. "I want to be a singer. What about you? Where you headed?"
"Angel Grove," he answered.
"Angel Grove," I repeated. "That's cool.''
Unsuspectingly, that was the end of my music career and the beginning of my life as a Power Ranger. As fate would have it, I wasn't going to be alone in this adventure. My new friend, TJ, ended up becoming one with me.
When we arrived at the little truck stop, all I wanted to do was try on sunglasses, browse around, and just pass some time before we had to get back on the bus. I came out of the shop, and he took off like the speed of light, insisting that someone in the far distance needed help. I watched in surprise, worried that he wasn't going to get back in time. Then, our bus showed up and everyone boarded quickly, while I'm standing around like a dummy, anxiously waiting for him to return. The driver and I exchange some words, but my charm wasn't enough, so I made a choice. I grabbed my suitcase and waited for the bus to leave before heading to where TJ ran to. I struggled, lugging the heavy luggage over, and I heard the same screams that TJ heard. I instantly flung my suitcase in a bush to conceal the item and swiftly jogged to the sounds of a female in danger.
I found TJ. By the way, he really does have a great ass. I had to assume it was due to the stance of baseball players before batting up. Anyways, that's not the point. I caught up to TJ, clearly out of breath, the smog in southern California tainted even more with a truck ravaged in burning flames. As my chest heaved up and down rapidly, my eyes grew to a monstrous size. What the hell were those things?! They were piranhas, but disgustingly and mechanically mutated. I groaned. Really, I left the safety of heading to my family and stopped to help a guy with a lush ass—for this!? I believed I made the wrong choice, but there was no time to dwell. TJ eagerly rushed to help, and I tried to make him come back, but the attempt was futile.
I trailed after him, blocking my body from the smoke that was about 60 feet high. Out of nowhere, more creepy, fish face things appeared. I stopped, almost afraid to take another step. "Okay, we really need to get out of here," I yelled. He, on the other hand, rushed right in and found some way to fend off these creatures. I couldn't just run. I agilely moved around, grabbing, kicking, and punching. The monsters tried to attack me, but I easily defended myself with the moves my dad, step-dad, and brothers taught me. I whirled around, only to duck from that was about to fiercely punch me, then scissor kicked another that was barging my way. As I kept fighting, I gazed around to see TJ in heated battle, and a hot, blonde number still running for her life.
As we all came together, I asked her plenty of questions, but she didn't seem to be paying attention. All she kept rambling about was a guy named, Tommy. It was Tommy this or Tommy that, and where's Tommy. What was so important about Tommy?! Damn it, save yourself! Okay, so that was a little selfish of me, but I just wanted to help her get out there. These creatures weren't exactly looking at us to have a tea party. Before we could talk some more, an army of them came at us once again.
The sun was beating down, the smoke inhalation, and this vigorous workout was making me lethargic. My muscles were emblazoned with fatigue, but I still had to power through. Another ten more minutes of fighting for my life, we finally came to a stop. I had to grab the blonde woman, in hopes of making her calm down, but she met me with resistance.
"I don't know who you are, or why those things are after you, but we really need to get you to safety," I strongly proclaimed.
"I need to find Tommy," she stressed for the tenth time. "You don't understand!"
My eyebrow rose at her. I didn't understand?. This was an emergency and a dangerous situation. We needed to get out of here and stat! She eventually agreed, walked off, and mysteriously disappeared. Though my curiosity was piqued, I wanted to leave. I was tired, dirty, and I needed a gallon of water to drink. As TJ and I walked back to the bus stop, we encountered some strange, icky, green ooze on the ground. He knelt down, intently examined, and had that glint in his eye.
"No, no, no," I adamantly stated. He wanted to follow the trail of that shit. I just knew it.
"Come on," he urged. "This probably leads to her friend that's missing."
I shook my head. "I've had enough adventure for the day. I think it's time I go, find my bag and leave," I informed.
He nodded, and we went our separate ways. As I was walking back, I felt this supernatural force wash over me. That's when I realized, I couldn't leave him. I headed back and caught up to where he was. I stood tall on a rock, and he jumped back, as if he seen a ghost.
"You came back," he excitedly said.
"My parents taught me never leave a friend in need, and I guess we're friends," I warmly smiled at him. When he smiled back at me, I could feel my heart burst with joy. Was this a little too quick to fall for someone? Maybe, but he seemed worth it.
"Good. Because I think I'm gonna need your help."
"I think you're right!" I bent down and held out my arm for him, which he happily took, and I pulled him up.
As he looked around, I stared at him with admiration. He had this natural leader-like quality, and I was intrigued. I definitely wanted to know more about this man. He pointed to the left, and I followed him. We found ourselves at the entrance of a cave, and we eavesdropped to hear eerie, howling sounds. We firmly nodded and rushed inside. There, we saw a gorgeous man with curly hair, tied back in a ponytail, also in a red shirt, dangling over a pit of cloudy blackness. More mutated, fish creatures came at us, and we battled again. Eventually, we were able to rescue the guy, whose name was Tommy. He thanked us, and we went our separate ways. Like the blonde female, he went away quickly too.
TJ and I shrugged our shoulders and headed back to the little shop and rested.
.As we waited for the next bus, which was going to take a whopping three hours to arrive due to the recent, monster attack, we were approached by two, cloaked figures. I grabbed TJ's hand for support and for a little taste of reality. My eyes could've been deceiving me thanks to the strenuous day, and I was hoping we weren't going to be taken and placed over a barrel of doom. They held out their hands for us to take, but we stared in disbelief. They nodded it was going to be okay. I hesitated, but the thrill-seeking adventurer, who happened to be my new friend and possible crush, readily agreed.
I ultimately went too.
We were teleported into the Power Chamber, and a beautiful, ethereal woman veiled in white materialized in her tube. She peered down and looked to the side. Two other people joined us—a female with ash blonde hair and a male with Latino features. I curiously stared at the place that was filled with technology. This was the meeting base to the Power Rangers, I concluded.
"Theodore Jay Jarvis Johnson, Cassandra Seoyoon Chan, Ashley Miranda Hammond, and Carlos Alberto Chavez-Vallerte, welcome to the Power Chamber. I am Dimitria of Inquiris, and this is my companion, Alpha 6."
"Yo-yo-yo-yo-yo," Alpha 6 rapped.
I somewhat gasped and was amazed by the things in front of me. However, what did they want with me!?
"Are you unsure of why you are here," she inquired. We nodded as a matter of a fact. Smiling with her eyes, she informed. "You have been personally chosen as replacements to the most current team of Power Rangers."
Our jaws dropped to the floor.
The Turbo rangers walked in and were revealed to be Tommy, Kat, Tanya, Adam and Justin. Ashley and Carlos were familiar with them, as TJ and I weren't. Kat directly walked up to me, and she handed over her Turbo Morpher. I gazed at her questioningly, and she tearfully relinquished her powers to me. I gladly accepted.
The rangers showed us how to 'Shift into Turbo', and it was my turn to transform.
"Shift into Turbo," I shouted, and my body became surrounded by pink bolts of electricity. I felt this unnatural surge of power shoot through my body, as I if I had taken a shot of steroids. It was a rush, and once I was done, I looked down to see that I had become the Pink Turbo ranger.
At the 'Passing of the Torch' ceremony, that was the first time I met Zordon and Alpha 5. The men behind the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I was honored and hoped to carry their legacy well.
"Cassie, you came to my defense. I know you to be loyal and trustworthy. You will bring honor as the new Pink ranger," Kat departed with some tender words.
I hoped to make her proud.
After the ceremony was completed, I should've been happy, but there was something on my mind.
"What's wrong," Ashley asked, concerned about how I looked.
I played with my helmet a bit before I revealed what was bugging me. "I'm supposed to live in Stone Canyon with my relatives. How can I fight evil in Angel Grove," I earnestly asked.
They formed a circle and formulated ideas.
Crush number four: Phantom Ranger
So, my life became slightly complicated after becoming a ranger. During the day I would attend school at Angel Grove High, so I would be with TJ, Justin, Carlos and Ashley. Dimitria and Alpha 6 enrolled me there, causing me to put my music career on hold. At night, I would teleport to Stone Canyon, where my family stayed. The commute was much quicker that way. I obviously had to dodge the questions of why I was putting my music career on hold, and what was I really doing during the day and afternoon.
Ashley became my best friend that was a girl, TJ became my best friend that was a guy. Justin was like a surrogate, little brother, and Carlos was my life coach, as he gave me advice all the time. The five of us were extremely close, like a family, and I enjoyed their company to no end.
My feelings for TJ did grow, but what happened with Baron scarred me. I didn't want to take the chance and mess up the close relationship we had. Instead of trying to pursue something romantic, we got to know each other inside and out. That meant a lot more to me, at that time, anyway.
Ashley and I became close like sisters, and what else do we talk about besides clothes, shopping, and cramps?! Guys, we talk about guys. She asked me what I looked for in a guy.
Tall, dark, and mysterious...
Those words definitely described the Phantom Ranger—the enigmatic, Eltatrian warrior. There was plenty to say about him, since he helped us in the most dire of situations, but there was hardly anything to say about him personally. He appeared at the Angel Grove Bank, knocking Elgar, Rygog and the fishy foot soldiers to the ground, when everything around us was tossed to an alternate dimension, when the time seemed to stop, and one of our darkest days. He even led us to the Rescuezords. We needed those thanks to Dimitria and her dumbass of a brother, General Havoc, successfully capturing our Turbozord. He was Prince Charming but dressed in Gothic black and with no true name.
His selflessness got to me, and it felt like we were in a classic, Disney fairy tale. The one where the characters only took a minute to fall in love.
My feelings for him were consequently used against me. I was taken hostage, General Havoc assumed my body and turned to stone, and when the Phantom Ranger came to revive me, Dimitria's parents revealed his true self and stole the Power Ruby, As I was held captive, and he was brought to me. I felt like this was all my fault, and I helplessly watched, as his life force was draining away. My heart broke to see him in such a fragile state. I found the strength and boxed the enemies off, and I teleported the fuck out of there with the promise I would come back for him. When I got back to Angel Grove, the rest of my team met up with me. As much I was glad to see them, my thoughts were on the Phantom Ranger. Successfully, we rescued him.
I used my Power Blaster to break the lock, and I promised him for the second time I'd be back. And I did come back, but he left without a word.
His Power Ruby was still in the hands of Dimitria, and she used it to power the Turbozord, so she could use it get us. It was a race against the clock, as we needed to get his life source back before he met his demise and bring our first Megazord back to the side of the good. We fought as hard as we could, and TJ even did a kamikaze like mission. At that moment, I saw why Tommy chose him as the replacement leader. His words about the Phantom Ranger made me think they were directed towards me.
"The Phantom Ranger means a lot to me just like the rest of you guys," he truthfully declared.
He infiltrated the other zord and was able to retrieve the red jewel. He handed it off to me, and when we arrived back to the Power Chamber, I ran to the fallen Eltarian. I placed the ruby inside of its holder, and I waited for him to come back to life. After seconds, which really seemed like hours, he rose. I let out a breath of relief, and he was ready to depart.
"Where will you go," I asked him longingly.
"I go where I am needed. As long as Earth has the Power Rangers, I'm not needed here," he answered honestly, while staring back at me like he was going to miss me. At least, I believed he was going to.
"Be safe," I wished, and just like that he disappeared.
TJ walked up to me, and he caressed my shoulder. "Hey, you going to be okay," he queried with that smile he had from the first day we met.
I nodded. "Yeah, I will be..."
Years later, Kendrix informed me of what happened to the Phantom Ranger. At least, he died with purpose. He'll always have a special place in my heart.
Crush number five: Zhane
So, yeah, this was something not even Ashley or Karone, better known as Astronema during that time period, knew.
With the news of Zordon's capture and the destruction of the Power Chamber, we made a choice. There was nothing else we could do on Earth, and Divatox seemingly left the planet, thinking she won. Therefore, on a whim, and through the pain of the losing the Turbo powers, we left to Space in hopes of saving the person who started this legacy. We also wanted to show her we weren't so easily defeated. As much as us crushed us to leave our 'little brother' behind, we upheld our duty.
We were launched into Space by Justin, unsure of what was to come.
We somehow found the Astro Megaship, and the place was pretty bitchin'. My favorite contraption on there? It obviously had to be the microwave that popped out food in like a second. It definitely satisfied my sweet tooth often. Anyways, with our bodies beaten, our clothes tattered, and our spirits pretty low, we roamed through the place. Finally, we ended up encountering an alien... human... Andros. He thought we were the enemies and began to fight to fight with us. We convinced him we were good the guys, and all we were trying to do was save Zordon. He did need the help, as a lonely Red Space ranger, there was only so much he could. Thankfully, he found us worthy enough and trustworthy to utilize the Astro Morphers.
"Let's Rocket," I strongly cried, letting the powers of Space cause a tingling sensation throughout my veins! I thought the Turbo powers were a a rush, but the Space powers were extremely different and filled with even more energy. I just couldn't believe it. As the morphing died down, I scanned body, and once more, I was the Pink ranger.
We met a pretty tough, demented, bitch by the name of Astronema. She clearly had a vendetta against the Power Rangers, and as time went on, it began to make sense. She used underhanded tactics all the time. My mind would encounter nightmares due to the Psycho rangers, and for a little, I wasn't positive of how much more we could take from her. I kind of thought she was going to be victorious.
Before we found out she was Andros', long, lost, twin sister, Zhane, Andros' best friend, was discovered to in a block of ice. Andros revealed that his best friend took a hit meant for him, and he placed him in a cryogenic tube to prevent his death from happening. I was shocked by this, and I placed my hands against the frigid ice, feeling bad for that to happen. Luckily, Zhane awakened, and as the Silver Space ranger, he helped us fight. When he finally powered down, I remembered discreetly twirling my hair, releasing my inner fangirl because he totally resembled Brad Pitt. From that day on, I girlishly giggled at everything and anything he had to say, and I flirted to the best of my ability. Ashley had her alien boy, so I wanted mine.
Carlos was the one that snapped me out my crush because he cared.
We were sitting at the recreational area, and I watched Zhane use his telekinesis. I felt someone gently tap my shoulder, and I looked to see Carlos. I smiled because he truly got over his self doubt when he accidentally hurt me.
"Hey, Carlos," I cheerfully greeted.
Carlos followed my eyes and saw who I was looking at. "This might not be my place, but I hate to see my best friend hurt," he confessed, which caused me to look at him weirdly. "You can fool Ashley. She's too busy, in love with Andros, to see who's the object of your heart now."
"What are you talking about," I concealed my astonishment. Carlos was pretty perceptive. I should've known.
"Cass, you can hide it, but it's more obvious than you think. You like Zhane as more than a friend, yet, the person I can see you with is clearly hurting because of that."
"You're not saying what I think you're saying," I motioned between me and him.
He shook his head. "Does the word incest mean anything to you," he questioned seriously, and then chuckled. I was happy to know he didn't see me what way. "You should know who I'm talking about. He's remained mum on it, since last year because he knew how you felt about a certain someone. I don't much how longer he can take, seeing you like someone else." He left after that.
Up to this time, I was still trying to find the person meant for me. My parents were still trying to set me up with someone, but I kept insisting to them I could find someone. I thought my love life was in my hands, but I was beginning to think I was wrong, very wrong.
Besides ,we all know who Zhane ended up with anyways.
Crush number six: Julian Lee
This was short lived.
After admitting I was a Power Ranger and reeling from Zordon's death, I tried to live normally. That was pretty hard because there were frequent inquiries about my tenure as a ranger. For a year, it was hard to even go out in the public before cameras flashed in my face. I was contacted for interviews and studies, as they wanted to see if my molecular structure had changed.. The attention was overwhelming, and for me, I had to escape.
I submerged myself in music once more, and I met an indie rock singer by the name of Julian Lee. We hit it off, and we began to date. It was fun and nice, but that was it. I missed adventure, and I found we weren't compatible as I thought. Dating a civilian was bland. I kind of wished he was Crash in disguise, and he would break into the 'Song of Confusion' because that would make our relationship not so boring.
It was freaking boring.
Sadly, a year after our breakup, I found out Julian committed suicide because he didn't make it big. I attended his funeral to pay my respects. He was a talented guy, and I wished he didn't take his own life.
My Love, My Husband, The Father to my children: Theodore Jay Jarvis 'TJ' Johnson
Who else would it be?!
He's seen my at my best and my worst.
TJ showed up to one of my concerts, and he met me backstage. At that time, he knew about my relationship with Julian, and he kept his distance out of respect. He informed me that he was going to become a pro racer, and he was going to be on the road often. He came to see. I was the last person he was going to say bye to before heading out. When he told me, I was obviously worried because our Turbo cars did most of our driving. Him, risking his life by operating a two ton car at high speeds, made my stomach turn in fear.
"So, you didn't think about going pro for baseball," I honestly asked, thinking he still had the chance. I'd rush him to a practice. It's safer!
"Nah, I miss the adrenaline rush. I believe that's as close as I'm going to get," he answered, and I knew what he was referring to. He still had that damn smile that always made me melt. He stared into my eyes, and the way he looked at me was so warm, it gave me goosebumps. "That's not the only thing I miss." He peered over his shoulder at Julian, who was talking to one of my drummers. "Does he make you happy?"
"Yeah, he does," I trailed his eyes. When he faced me again, I thought back to Carlos' words, and I wished to smack TJ into telling me how he felt. All he had to do was tell me he loved me, and I would run off to be with him. There was no doubt in my mind, he was the one for me.
TJ smiled in defeat. "I'm happy for you, Cass. You deserve it," he gave me a chaste kiss on the cheek.
He walked off, but I couldn't do normal, and I couldn't live with knowing he was about to be gone and have his life in danger. I ran after him, grabbed his arm, twisted him around, and I gave him a fiery kiss on the lips. The underlying passion between us had been suppressed for so long, and I needed for it to come out. I didn't want to be without TJ anymore. I loved him, and all of my crushes could never amount to what me and him blatantly have. I caught hell from Julian, but that day, I won. I walked away from music and jumped into the arms of my Prince Charming.
I knew made the right choice too.
When we the team-up with Lost Galaxy happened, the lovely reunion of Andros and Ashley occurred, much to everyone's excitement. However, we lost a person. Kendrix and I battled against Psycho Pink, and Kendrix sacrificed her life to save the universe. I was completely broken afterwards. No one was there to see what I saw. Each blow her body took, I swore I felt the stinging pain. She must've been hit ten times by burning thunder before actually succumbing to her injuries.
She hauntingly floated, after everyone arrived to see if we were okay. She tenderly smiled at me, and she seemed to be in relief that she was no longer being beaten to her death. She was going to be fine, and she knew why she did this. She held her Galaxy Saber with pride and perished after that.
"Kendrix," I cried, as she left.
I blamed myself, and I even thought about staying to become the Pink Lost Galaxy ranger. However, we were needed on Earth. The Lightspeed Rescue powers were being developed on Mariner Bay, and Andros volunteered us to we were busy, I still thought about the Lost Galaxy rangers, wondering how they were going to survive without a Pink. Andros updated that his sister took over Kendrix's power.
After seeing Kendrix die like that, I seriously thought about taking my own life. It could've been because of the power withdrawals, or I was wishing to give my life for hers, but I felt guilty. My boyfriend knew how depressed I was, and he tried to help. However, I ended our relationship. I couldn't concentrate on getting better and being with him at the same time. It took all those years for us to admit how we felt, but I ran.
I guess it was because I was scared.
Our break up didn't last long though. Andros did inform me that TJ was still worried, and he missed me. So, that night, after having a cup of water, I showed up at TJ's door and rekindled our romance—sexually. I lost my virginity to TJ that night, and a pregnancy resulted.
We did encounter a roadblock because my family didn't accept our interracial relationship.
I think, I was three months pregnant. I explained to my dad first. I informed that the person I was meant to be with found me. He didn't need to worry about me anymore. I was in good hands and would continue to be in good hands. I was with backlash though.
"I don't want that piece of shit here," my dad irately muttered.
"What, but dad," I was appalled over his disgraceful words. "I love him, and he loves me. I am carrying his child."
"Abort the child then," my dad spat venomously.
I was about to cry. "I shoudn't have to do that. I shouldn't have to kill my child over the prejudices you have," I barked. "TJ is a good man. For Christ's sake..."
"DO NOT USE GOD'S NAME IN VAIN!"
"He was a Power Ranger. He doesn't have a harmful bone in his body. If you can't see that, then open your damn eyes!"
"Cassandra Seeyeon Chan, you will not talk to me in such a disrespectful way," he lividly admonished with cruel eyes. "You either get rid of your boyfriend, raise your child on your own, and pray that another man, a Korean man at that, will accept you, or the family you know will be gone." He wasn't budging. As a traditional, Korean, father, he was one that laid the law down. He was adamant I was committing a sin. Korean and African American didn't mix, in his opinion. Honestly, I believed he was frustrated he couldn't control my life the way he wanted to.
Tears crashed down, and I immediately left his house, knowing I wasn't welcomed anymore. My step-mom ,brothers and sister watched me leave without saying a word in defiance to my dad or to me. I wondered about my mom, and how my other family would take the news. I just didn't bother them and became estranged from my entire family.
TJ's family adored me, and they always accepted me with open arms. They were sick and tired of being judged, and they believed my family would eventually come around.
It took years before I was able to rebuild the relationship with my father, mom, and the rest of my family. By that time, TJ and I had been married for four years, and we had two children- Sean Min-Jun and Chloe Soobin Johnson. They eventually accepted us, and we're generally one, big happy family.
Since then, TJ and I had two more children, Theodore Jay Jarvis 'Teddy' Johnson Jr and Michelle Jiwoo Johnson. I decided to become a registered nurse because I wasn't going to let another woman touch my man medically, in case he got injuries while race car driving. That was my job to touch my husband, and make sure he was fine.
I enjoy every bit of it.
Out of all my crushes, TJ was definitely my favorite.
(End Flashback)
Cassie was brought out her trance by the loud whirring sounds of her winning. She gasped, getting the highest payout possible for her bet. She was ecstatic and had the definite need to go shopping the next day. She cashed out, and she received the text message it was time to head to the theater. She left her seat and met up with everyone else. She also made sure to call the love of her life later.
He would answer the phone no matter what time it was.
Next Chapter: Maya, Yellow Lost Galaxy ranger