A/N: This story will be finished... eventually. Please stay tuned. =)
A/N: Remember, this is my interpretation of what happened during the female rangers' tenure as a ranger and what's happened before and after they become a ranger. I firmly believe everything wasn't roses and chocolates. There's going to be some angst, anger, hostility between the rangers without a spell; that's how I've seen it.
Chapter 20- Maya's Memoir
Xxxxx
KÀ Cirque Du Soleil Theater
MGM Grand
Las Vegas, NV
The female rangers were seated, and they waited patiently for the show to start. Once the lights dimmed, and the curtains began to open they watched in anticipation of what was to come. This was a masterpiece of storytelling, at least that's what the reviews had headlined. All knew they were in for a definite treat. Immediately, they began to 'ooh' and 'ahh' at the flawless acrobatic stunts that were performed.
KA was about 'the coming of age of a young man and young woman, twins, through their encounters with love, conflict, and the duality of KA, the fire that can unite or separate and destroy or illuminate'. Just in the opening scene, some of the women began to tear up at the powerful and moving dance. It was absolutely beautiful.
Maya intently watched, her eyes completely cloaked with silver water. She followed the hypnotizing movements with her head slightly swaying in the different directions of the athletic yet graceful flips. She imagined this to be similar to the tribal dances of Mirinoi, her home planet. She quietly watched the scenes unfold before her eyes, and an eerie sensation tickled her senses. It was like she could relate to what was occurring. Possibly because she had to leave her family and familiarity behind in an instant too.
Her life changed dramatically, after leaving.
Life on Terra Venture was surely an adventure. She passed as a human, living the normalcy of the 'American Dream'. Whatever that was, as she had no clue. She was alien though. Sure, she's established herself as one of them, canoodling, bonding, adapting. That was far from the truth. Earth was not her first home. Her family and closest friends knew that, but what about the people who didn't know her personally?
As the show's climatic opening came to an end and was changing for the next scene, Maya pondered about her life.
(Flashback)
Mirinoi, planet that appeared to be an expanse, indigenous rainforest, lied just outside the Lost Galaxy. For 18 years of my life, it was home. I planned to make that my only home, if I was honest with myself. My life went in a different direction.
My parents, Lucifer and Zia, along with my brother, Mercury, still resided there.
My dad was known throughout Mirnoi, as he was the prized mechanic that could fix anything that was ever brought to him. My mother was a dutiful wife. She didn't have to work, but when she did, she was a seamstress for those tiny, somewhat revealing, native garments. Her skills were impeccable nonetheless, and the tribal council's consorts often came to her for their clothing needs. Mercury hoped to become a Lost Galaxy ranger. When given the chance, at the tender age of 10, he attempted to pull the Red Quasar Saber. Unfortunately, he had no such luck and left the experience with tender burns and skin falling from his hands. My poor brother. He tried his hardest, but it just wasn't in the cards for him. He found his calling, way later in life, and took over for Jera. As for me, I, too, had the dream to become a Lost Galaxy ranger, Pink to be exact, but would have settled for working with the animals that freely roamed the land. Animals always made me happy.
From what I can remember about my younger years, my best friend's name was Shondra, I loved sitting by the pond, speaking to the amphibians that littered the water, actively running on foot or swinging from vine to vine, and adored listening to the wise man, Jera, speak of the many myths of Mirinoi. My life was quite quaint and worry free. Pollution, crime, accidents involving motor vehicles, natural disasters, and modern technology never crossed my mind, as they were nonexistent. Without any hindrances, I could easily explore the land.
That all changed when Furio and Stingwingers invaded my home.
On that day, the annual Quasar Saber Ceremony occurred. Even if no one was to be successful in their attempt, everyone gathered because it was tradition. While watching, I remembered thinking, 'this was the day'. The sabers were finally going to be pulled, and saviors were going to help protect my home. It wasn't like my home needed that much protection, but no one could ever be too safe.
Person after person tried to pull a saber, any saber, but no one achieved success. Then, out of nowhere, Furio appeared to take the Quasar Sabers, so he could bring them back to his lord. The terror filled screams that were heard was so hard to stomach. Men, women and children ran for their lives. They were determined to be safe, but how could they? Fire was discharged from his sword! Huts were engulfed with flames, burning down to the ground and only leaving ashes. Stingwingers threatened many villagers too. Their chirpy, menacing noises, the way they swayed to attack, all of it was unbearable to witness.
I immediately hoisted my body up and ran so fast. There was probably smoke trailing from my feet. Even with three Stingwingers following me, I had to get out of harm's way. My first thought landed on my family. I needed to find and alert them. We needed to flee, go somewhere, anywhere, so we could survive. My heart was beating so fast. I swore it was going to jump out of my chest and land on the branch filled ground, barely beating because even it was too scared to do so. I also wished to seek Shondra. As best friends, we needed to stick together. Before I could reach of my parents, brother, and Shondra, I was almost hit with their blasts. I tried to dodge them and continued getting away. I ran into that circular opening that miraculously appeared.
It hurt like, how do people say it... it hurt like a bitch when I tumbled down the rock hill and encountered even more rocks along the way. I could've sworn cuts and scrapes were forming. This was a surface I wasn't too used to. As soon as I stopped and rose my head, I had two men in black helmets and with odd looking accessories looking down at me!
'Oh great', I thought.
I curiously looked up at them, and they stoically looked down at me. I stood up shakily, and I took a deep breath. To the right of me, I saw two more uniformed people—one male and one female. So, I wasn't home encountering danger, but I was somewhere with people holding things!? What was worrisome to me though, I wasn't home, and it was imperative for me to get back.
STAT!
I jumped one way, but was stopped quickly. I went the other way, but was intercepted so rudely! Before anything was said, crackling noises were heard, and the two men brought me behind them and shielded me. Suddenly, three Stingwingers appeared. They were the primary reason for me being held behind two men in some bizarre rock place! These new acquaintances, who looked a lot like me, surprisingly, placed their, I found this out not too long later, guns up. From left to right, it probably looked like I was sizing up which guy was cuter, but I was more amazed by what they were carrying. I felt a sense of security with them. Not too long later, they began to defend themselves. At first, they were losing pretty badly, getting tossed around like rag dolls that I used play with when I was eight. Then, the favor was in their hands, and they were able to retain their weapons. It was quite a feat, but the Stingwingers quickly went back to where they came from.
All eyes went back to me, and I knew I had some explaining to do.
"Who are you," the older one of the four questioned, as he approached me.
"My name is Maya," I tentatively began, "my home is the planet, Mirinoi," I finished with some dread. By this time, the destruction to my home was most likely done. "Or, whatever is left of it."
The sole female in this quartet opened up and quite breathlessly too. She didn't seem like she's ever encountered anything like that before. "I've never heard of Mirinoi," she took a step forward.
I just had to walk away, since the thought of the people I knew and loved being controlled by Furio... I just couldn't let it happen. I had to return, even if I lost my life in the process.
"Wait... wait..." she followed me, and I turned back to her. She really seemed kind and inviting. "How do you know it's safe to return?"
"I have to go back. Scorpius will destroy my world, if he gets the Quasar Sabers," I divulged about the ruthless lord. Jera recounted the story many times. Scorpius really wanted the Quasar Sabers, so he could take control of the whole universe.
"Let's go," another guy volunteered a little too happily and readily.
"What, are you crazy," exclaimed the shortest guy. He didn't seem too ecstatic about helping others, but I believed it was because he was being logical. "You have no idea what's through there!"
"It doesn't matter... she needs our help."
"Yeah, I'm going too," the blonde woman with glasses, who I took a quick liking to, agreed to help me.
I was very thankful.
"You're," the first guy to speak to me said, "aren't going anywhere."
"Mike, none of us can go. You don't know what's exactly through that portal," again, the shortest guy piped up with some exasperation. "Besides, Terra Venture leaves in a few hours, and it won't wait for anyone."
"We'll be back soon," Mike, as I came to know him, finally stated with bravado. "Take my little brother with you." He walked to me, and he agreed to have the female by his side. His brother contested, but he wasn't going to allow him to go. "It's settled." Once he looked at the person next to him, he asked her a question. "Ready?"
I hung in the background like a picture. I watched them interact because they're way of speaking to another one was different to me. It was like their harmony was disrupted. I didn't ask why because I was determined to head back with or without them. Plus, fighting was a bit taboo; it was never done in front, near, or around me. I usually lived in peace.
I made it back to Mirinoi. The two people that came with me was Miguel 'Mike' Corbett and Kendrix Morgan. Mike was from a city called Angel Grove that was located in a state labeled California. He was one of two brothers. His little brother—the one that was so ready to help me, was named Leo. Mike was 20 years old, and he was second in command to Commander Staton. Whoever that was and whatever that meant. Kendrix was, as she pointedly called herself, a nerd. She was also from Angel grove. She babbled about the periodic table and spoke about the logistics of what transpiration was. Nice, but analytically thinking about science and every single aspect was not appealing. Well, at least not at that time. While speaking, she really didn't seem to notice the way that Mike protectively stood by her side. He looked to be enthralled with her, but she didn't care at all. She didn't reciprocate, plain and simple.
Up to this time, Leo, Mike's younger brother, had found himself in some deep trouble when he was attempting to fight off five Stingwingers. Mike came to his rescue, and his anger rose for the second time. Truthfully, he was kind of scary in my eyes. I never knew someone's emotions could be rattled to the point their voice climbed two octaves up. I would never behave like that towards Mercury and vice versa. Mike gave in and allowed his little brother to accompany us.
Once I arrived back, Furio was holding Jera hostage. I was, for the first time in my life, infuriated with someone—some wretched alien, if I was being more correct. I immediately stepped in and yelled for Furio to let him go. They were not going to lay a finger on him. I would not allow that to happen. However, it wasn't going to be simple. A gang of Stingwingers was holding him down, while another batch was waiting, creepy claws up and all. They were definitely ready for a fight. I realized, mayhem was loose and running a muck. Jera wasn't the only one in trouble. My people were in terrible danger too. All of them were panic stricken, and I could sense everyone was very much scared out of their mind. Furthermore, they unsure if they could defend themselves towards these new threats.
Immediately, though, and thankfully, Mike took up leadership and began to fend off whatever came his way. Leo also amicably helped. Once Kendrix stepped in, I knew I couldn't let them do this on their own, so I joined in. When Kai, the short and pessimistic one from a couple of hours earlier arrived, with a man, who was dressed in a green outfit, they, too, put their lives on the line. That was greatly appreciated and much needed.
Though I was usually a lover and not a fighter, how cliché I know, I just had to do my best. The motivation that fueled me was my home, Mirinoi. This was where I grew up; I took my first steps, not too far from the ancient Quasar Saber rock, and I wanted to be able to take my future children there, so they could do the same too. I was not going to let my home burn down due to evil entities' evil antics neither. This was home to thousands of others too, and they had to realize that a big fight was coming their way.
Mike, then, pulled one of the Quasar Sabers successfully, and he began to fight Furio. When that happened, I found the strength to push the Stingwingers off of me, and I went to pull one. Maybe, these ancient sabers could sense if one was in trouble and would somehow allow itself to be released from its holder. Kendrix, Kai, and the newcomer, who I came to know as Damon, stood beside me. They, too, decided to give it a try. Once they pulled theirs, I could overhear Jera exclaim in shock that the Quasar Sabers had made their choices.
"We are the chosen ones," I told in complete and utter amazement. I didn't know why I was chosen, nor did I understand what was to come, but it happened. At first touch, I could feel this rush of energy run through my veins. It was like I had drank the illegal mirrin berries my mom warned me about and accompanied that with several ginga plants. Honest to goodness, it was so sinful yet powerful and, dare I admit it, much of a high. At that moment, I knew the fight was going to be much easier.
The high was short lived, since the unexpected happen. Furio's anger got the best of him, and he unleashed a menacing punishment. People, left and right, were being turned into stone. My heart broke into tiny pieces , as their fate was bestowed upon them. I overheard the yells that I needed to get out of there, but I wasn't ready. My parents, brother, friends, whomever didn't deserve to be turned to stone! I had the means, my Quasar Saber, to save them, and I was determined to do so. Mike, on the other hand, prevented me from doing so. He tightly gripped my arm and demanded that I leave with him and the others. He was right, so I decided to go with them.
By the time we ran to safety, I was already out of breath. There was so much going through my mind. Suddenly, Furio and the Stingwingers showed up once again. He ordered that we give up the Quasar Sabers. I snorted at that. We would never concede to what he said. Then, the unthinkable happened.
When Mike fell through the crack, my heart broke once more! Oh goodness! I couldn't believe how that could happen. Not even a minute ago, he was helping me run to safety, getting me out of harm's way so I wouldn't look like something mounted at a museum. It was just crazy to witness. What broke my heart even more was overhearing what Mike said to Leo. Though he put a wall around himself and acted like his brother could only do wrong, it was quite the opposite. He was actually proud of his little brother. Leo never knew that. I could tell by his facial expression.
There was no time to mourn the loss though because we had to morph.
My first morph into the Yellow Lost Galaxy ranger was exhilarating, exciting, full of life, but a bit scary. Could I actually fulfill the duties of what a Lost Galaxy ranger was? I surely hoped so. The first battle was quick, and I ran, with the others, into the confines of the Astro Megaship. As we left Mirinoi, I looked back at what I was leaving. It was all I knew. Now, I was on a ship with several strangers and a fully sentient, multi-functional automaton. Different composition, different way of living, different perspectives of life, mythology, whatever it may be. I was different from them.
Yet, I looked at the bigger picture, and I had to make the most of it. Not just for myself, but for who I left behind.
"I can't believe it," I began, as I rose my gloved hand, decorated with that fancy morpher, "do you know what this means?! Those swords, the Qusar Sabers, were put in that rock 3,000 years ago. Every warrior in the galaxy tried to pull them, but none could. Until now. We have been given an unbelievable opportunity and responsibility to defend all that is just and right in the universe. Don't you see," I turned to look at Damon, Kai, Kendrix, and Alpha. We've been chosen to be Power Rangers."
I was chosen to be Power Ranger.
Before arriving to Terra Venture, a space colony that I was going to call home for an undefined amount of time, I wanted to speak privately to Leo. I could sense how sad he was over losing Mike. We were all sad, but because of the bond he shared with his brother, he was obviously more devastated than the rest of us. I wanted him to clear his mind and help him through it.
"Hi," I sat next to him. He was looking out of the Megaship's window. He really hadn't spoken to any of us, since we left Mirinoi. I didn't expect him to look at me, but I kind of wished he did. "Do you want to be alone?" He ignored me once more. I placed my, what was meant to be comforting, hand on his shoulder, and he furiously shook it off. "Hey, I just wanted to see if you're alright."
"Alright," he coldly stated with an aggravated eye roll. He finally faced me. "Alright?! You are joking, right?!"
The others were off doing technical things, so I couldn't ask any of them what 'joking' meant. I cocked my head to the side in confusion. "What," I asked. I knew he was mad, but he didn't have to take his anger out on me. I wasn't the one that caused Mike to fall between a crack.
His blue eyes became as hard as rocks, and he stood up. His face was merely inches from mine. "I am not alright, Maya," he enunciated my name acrimoniously. "My brother, the only sibling I have, is now gone! He came to your planet, to try and help you, pulled this thing right here," he held up the Red Quasar saber. "And for what?! He pulled that, so he could, so he could fucking die!" He huffed and puffed. "Do you get that?! He is dead! You are here. You got saved!"
"You wanted to help too," I softly reminded him. His hostility was quite frightening, worse than Mike's. It was like Furio had taken over his body. I wanted to cry because I had never been spoken to like that before.
"I didn't think anyone was going to be lost in the process!"
Before I could speak, the others promptly arrived back. They could see Leo was very upset, and he looked like he was taking it out on me. They marched up to us.
"Leo, dude, chill out," Damon ordered, and he looked at me in a comforting way.
I simply nodded that I was fine.
"What happened," Kendrix questioned with concern.
Kai stood between Leo and I. He wanted to make sure nothing irrational happened. "Is everything okay," he asked, a bit confused as to why Leo was hovering over me like a maniac.
Alpha remained in the back. He was probably used to human emotions, but that didn't mean he had to be involved in all the matters.
Leo shook his head. "You guys just wouldn't understand," he simply answered and sat back in his chair.
"I do understand," I stated with truth, as I stood on my feet and confronted him personally. "I know what it's like to lose someone. Not just someone, but thousands of people." He looked up at me. "My brother is somewhere, back there, on Mirinoi, either he's stone, or he got in the crossfire of Furio's attack. I don't know! My parents are there. They aren't as stealth as us. What if they didn't make it to a safe place?! My best friend, Shondra, she was supposed to meet me at the Quasar Saber ceremony that was interrupted by Furio and the Stingwingers. Jera, the others, they're stone, right now! You cannot tell me I don't understand what you're going through because I do." I sat back in my chair, hurt by his accusation. We were supposed to help each other, but, to be honest, I didn't want his help. Not if he was going to act like that.
Kai, Damon and Kendrix could feel the animosity. They, too, had to take a seat.
After a few moments of silence, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up, and I saw it was Leo.
"I'm sorry," he sincerely apologized. "I should have been more considerate. You have lost a lot."
"I'm sorry too, Leo. Mike was a great guy. Everything's going to be okay though." I optimistically relayed, since I wasn't sure what else could go wrong.
From that point, we all got along for the most part.
Everything on Terra Venture was very new to me. Thankfully, my new friends helped me to understand everything. Cars, buildings, living quarters with motorized doors, it was a little overwhelming. I wasn't sure how the kitchen worked. The stove, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, I didn't understand why anyone couldn't make a fire or go to the nearest water source to clean a dish. Damon took it upon himself and taught me a thing or two. After all, it was his expertise. He knew how everything worked.. He could easily repair anything on Terra Venture or on the Megaship. Then, there were the computers and just about anything that had to do with electronics. Kai helped me to understand the minimum. After all, he was working at the GSA. As far as Leo was concerned, he was the more carefree one of the group. We often worked together on various projects, which made Kendrix a little green with envy.
Speaking of Kendrix, she quickly became my new best friend. I was the jungle girl trying to live up to the expectations of a city girl. She never judged me for not knowing as much as her, or any other person for that matter. For that, I was extremely thankful. She's beautiful, inside and out, and we often binged on ice cream, cookies, and cakes and stayed up late getting to know one another. She might have been labeled a geek when she was younger, but I never saw that. Plus, I was glad to not be the only girl. She reminded me of Shondra, which was comforting. But, Kendrix and I became closer actually. It was like she was the sister I never had. Obviously, we butted heads once in awhile. Like that time I ate a birthday cake meant for Damon, or the time when 'Shondra' arrived. We always made up afterwards, and that's how I knew we were going to be lifelong friends.
For as long as I could remember, I possessed the emphatic ability. That trait was definitely harnessed on Mirinoi. Unlike my new friends, who had toys, items they could fix, sports teams that they played on, or periodic tables that they memorized, I actively explored the area around me and became in tune with my surroundings. My senses were heightened too. The first time I heard the Galactabeasts calling; their cries were very alarming. They really needed to be saved. Yes, they have the same emotions as a human does. I educated Damon, Kendrix, Kai, and, especially, Leo on how to communicate with their respective animal. It's about respect, patience and, most of all, having a pure heart. Animals can easily sense that. As far as the clairvoyant dreams were concerned, those were new to me. Never had I experienced anything like that before, so I supposed that my ranger powers somehow had amplified that.
Mike's return was well received. The look on Leo's face was one of disbelief yet relief that his brother was home. Kai and Kendrix, they had known him for quite awhile, almost broke down in tears. They, too, were so happy to be reunited with him. Damon, who only knew Mike for about half an hour—the human's way of telling time, finally introduced himself. The two became very good friends. Then, Mike and I finally got to have a talk. I alleged the reason I needed to speak to him was because of what Leo said out of anger all those months ago. I wanted to make sure we were friends.
It was on a day that I was teaching Mike to speak to his Torozord.
He angrily kicked the ground because he wasn't getting it.
"This shit is way too hard," he confessed irately. "You make it so easy, but that's because it's your thing. You know this. I will never get this."
I sighed, as I faced him. "You're being way too hard on yourself. Toro will not speak to you because you're always angry. He thinks you're mad at him. Just take a deep breath, look inside yourself, and then talk." I looked up at Toro, and he nodded his strong head. I simply smiled. Then, I could see the unrelenting look he was giving me, and I surrendered. "Mike..."
"What is it Maya," he asked, stress invading his voice.
"Are you upset with me?"
Surprised, he made eye contact with me. I saw that he wasn't sure where my question was coming from, but he would answer anyways."No, why would you think that?"
I sat on the ground, my legs tucked securely beneath me, and I looked at the glorious scene around us. There was grass, flower beds, trees as tall as the sky. It reminded me a lot like home. Yet, I wasn't, and this was simulated. Not only that, but I was dealing with a person that has been through quite a bit, and the last thing he needed was me teaching him how to speak to a zord. With his mind clouded though, I thought it was best for him to open up. Again, I was going to help him. "I could just sense there's something bothering you. You know, you and your brother are a lot alike." His facial expression made me giggle because he begged to differ. I clarified. "You two may put on a tough guy persona, but I can see that you guys where your emotions on your sleeve."
"You mean, my heart on my sleeve?"
I shook my head. He finally sat with me. "No, I mean your emotions—anger, happiness, sorrow... jealousy when it comes to a couple of things." He instantly glared at me, since he knew what I was alluding to. "Do you believe if you hadn't helped, then you wouldn't be following your little brother, who has gotten the attention of your crush, and you wouldn't have 'passed'?"
"Look, I don't exactly like it, since the older was always bosses the younger sibling around. Yeah, it's a little annoying that I have to follow him, but he's done a great job. Dont you agree?" I nodded. "About Kendrix, I can see that likes Leo. Why? I couldn't even tell you. I have tried to get her attention, you know showered her with compliments gotten her really nice birthday gifts, given her roses just because, but she's never saw me in that light. Leo does like her. I can see it in his eyes. I'm not going to cock block... you know, get in there way."
"Oh, okay..." Earth's lingo was still quite confusing, especially at that moment.
"About me 'dying," he used air, quotation marks for that, since he came back, "I don't think I did. I just went somewhere for a few weeks. I will tell you this, I took an oath and, as Commander Staton stated, 'Never, ever leave a man behind'. You and the people of Mirinoi needed help. I had the means to do so. Yeah, it might've been weak considering the 'big guns' they came with. For what's happened, there's no bitterness. Everything happens for a reason. I'm sorry if you think I was mad at you."
A loud crooning sound came down. The Torozord happily galloped at Mike for actually admitting feelings that have been pent up.
"That's all I had to do," Mike sarcastically muttered, to which the Torozord heavily breathed an answer for yes. He began to laugh, which was his first laugh since returning to Earth.
I smiled. Humans were so complicated.
What was not too complicated were the Pyscho Rangers. They obviously had one task on their mind, and that was to destroy the Power Rangers. By that time, I was captured once before. Being kidnapped is such a bitch! I didn't get to eat when I wanted to, nor did I get to use the bathroom when I had the urge to pee. Like seriously, to the people that get kidnapped often, ahem, Crane, ahem, Falcon, how did they deal with not being able to tinkle when they wanted to!? I was just minding my own business, this time around, bossing Damon around, since we were coming back from the market and the kitchen was dangerously low on food. By the way, hungry rangers were no 'joke', and Psycho whatever sucked me through concrete! If that wasn't bad enough, Kai and Kendrix were already down there too.
Then, by divine intervention, Leo and another ranger showed up!
The Space rangers were very kind. I related to Andros for obvious reasons. He spoke about their missing teammate, Zhane, and his sister, Karone. Zhane and Karone were on a secret mission that they couldn't even disclose. Ashley and Cassie were ogling Kendrix because they thought she was the famous Carolyn Picketts, TJ struck up a friendship with Leo and Mike very quickly, while Carlos spoke to Damon and Kai about the Astro Megaship Mark II that was being built. All in all, we got along very well.
Then, my world was tossed upside down.
Kendrix's passing made me very emotional. She left me so abruptly. It really, really hurt a lot when she died. I was somber because I really didn't get to tell her everything that she's done for me. I felt anger because Cassie didn't fight hard enough. I was blaming her, just being honest. There was minute happiness because Kendrix's last act was due to her selflessness. If she was going to be remembered, and I was positive she was going to be, it was because of her heroism. I was truly a wreck though. I didn't handle her passing well. I demanded Leo, Mike and the others speak about how they felt when a person closest to them died. I often said speaking was important, and it would help heal. Yet, I couldn't take my own advice.
I lashed out.
I dabbled on the side of promiscuity, though I didn't go as far as to lost my virginity, I was close. It was me going to the local tavern, insisting that I drink everything in sight and partying with the men on the security personnel team. I wanted comfort from them, even if it was wrong. The first time I kissed one of them, it was icky, kind of gross, but it was also gratifying. I wanted to do it again but with someone else. Then, I took things farther with another man, actually letting him please me in the form of cunnilingus. That was wonderful and made me feel things that I didn't know were possible. I did actually do the act of fellatio on another man. The position '69' had been performed with a few other men. Not at the same time, but different days.
One night, things got completely out of hand.
Karone, by that time, had been the Pink Lost Galaxy ranger for about two weeks. At first, I didn't like her because her blonde hair reminded me too much of Kendrix. Also, I thought she had a crush on Leo. I knew the Red Lost Galaxy ranger's heart belonged to Kendrix, yet he was openly flirting with her! That got me angry. Anyways, she really got the hang of things quickly, taking over Kendrix's spot with ease. Though she was dealing with her own personal demons, she could see the torment I was under. She often saw the bags under my eyes due to lack of sleep, the times I spoke incoherently because I drank myself stupid, and thanks to her own clairvoyant like abilities, she could sense when another person was in deep trouble
Like on that one night.
I willingly went back to a man's quarters. His name was Matt. Brown hair, gorgeous green eyes, tall, athletic build, some stubble around his hair. He was very good looking. While on his bed, we were making out heavily. He was on top of me. At first, the kisses were soft, really sweet. Then, he shoved his tongue down my throat, and he roughly pinned me down. I was shocked by the abrupt change.
When I began to feel comfortable, which wasn't too long after, I kicked and screamed to get him to stop. I had to even bite down on his tongue. He jumped up. "Stop it," I begged.
"Ow," he was still straddling and spit out blood. "You stupid bitch," he sneered, but he looked like it was turning him on. That look on his eyes foretold he liked a little bit of roughness.
"Why are you doing this?!"
He evilly smirked. "Like you don't want this," he slithered. He bent down, his hot breath tickled my ears, and I gagged in my mouth. He began to smooth my hair. It was like he was petting me, setting me up for something else. "You know what you're doing when you wear that outfit."
"W-what?!" I was astonished my clothes were a factor to cause him to go from Prince Charming to a human form of Furio.
"I've seen you. You parade around, your skirt rides up each time you walk. You know that gets attention; it surely got mine. Your ass is so scrumptious. You really don't leave much to the imagination, and I'm just getting a piece of you." He fondled my ass, his erection pressed against me. "You like when a man touches you here." He placed his hand on my breasts and squeezed hard. He was violating me, and I started to cry. "You also like when a man touches you here." His fingers found a spot on the nape of my neck, so he could undo my top. His eyes dazzled lustfully when he saw my breasts. That was so humiliating. "And you also love it when a man touches you here." With his other hand, he shoved a few of his fingers inside of me.
He coercively moved my body up and down, so I could feel the digital penetration.
It hurt so bad; this wasn't like the other times. I wanted him to be leave me alone. He didn't. He kept treating me like a piece of meat, feeling around, thinking I was enjoying this. That was far from the truth. Tears were crashing down! They were not tears of joy but tears of sadness, fear, and immense disgust. "No, no, please, not that. I'm not really like that."
"You are going to learn today you can't just do that." He snickered incredulously. "Besides,, that's not what I heard. I heard you definitely know what to do with a piece of sausage, if you know what I mean." He started to unbuckle his pants. The dinging resounded, and I needed to get out of there. "This sausage is going to go in that bun, hun."
I tried my best to fight back, but he was too strong. Each time I fought he put more pressure on me.
Suddenly, the doors to his place flew off their hinges. Standing right there was Karone, and she had that pissed off look on her face. She pounced on the bed, spearing him off of me and secured him to the floor. Damon, Mike, Kai and Leo quickly rushed in, and they grabbed the blanket I was laying on top of and securely wrapped me in it. Commander Staton and three security guards came in, and they took Matt away.
As I was escorted back to my quarters, I couldn't believe how stupid I was. I was almost raped because I lost inhibitions due to drinking. I was drinking because I didn't know how else to cope. It wasn't only because of Kendrix being gone, I realized it was also because I hadn't dealt with leaving Mirinoi. The one who helped me to understand that was Karone.
Damon gave me one of his undershirts to wear, and he also found a pair of sweatpants for me to put on. Though I had a blanket wrapped around me, I was still shivering. Maybe, it was because I was still scared out of my mind. I looked at my friends. Mike banged his fists on a table, screaming expletives that Matt needed his balls chopped off, Leo paced the floor, shouting Matt needed to be taught a lesson, Kai thought about running back, so he could get a piece of Matt, and there was Damon. He tightly gripped his favorite wrench, imagining that was Matt's throat. What had I done?! My actions created four monsters. Karone, the most logical one at that moment, came and gave me a cup of green tea with a wedge of lemon on a side and a tablespoon of fresh rosemary. She paid attention and knew that was my favorite. She sat across from me and gave me the sweetest smile I had ever seen. It was so comforting.
"I'm going to kill him," Damon, all of a sudden, confessed.
"I'll help you," Mike quickly agreed, while clenching his fists.
"Me too," Leo readily volunteered.
"You aren't doing this without me," Kai added, which caused my jaw to drop.
Karone shook her head. "No. None of you are going back at there," she reprimanded softly and quite calmly. "I think all of you should head to bed."
"How can we," Mike rebutted with anger. "He can't just get away with this!"
"Who is saying he's getting away with anything?! Commander Staton has him sequestered, doesn't he," Karone shot back. "I know you are all angry, but think about Maya. Look at her." They all did, and they could see the remorseful look on my face. They believed I had already been traumatized enough. They gave up on their attempt to commit murder. "I need to talk to Maya alone."
They nodded. One by one, they gave me a hug goodbye and told me something sweet. That helped a lot. Karone and I spoke until the birds chirped. We really opened up to one another, and I had a new found respect for her. From that point, I gained another sister.
When the time came, I did have to testify against Matt in Terra Venture Court. He was found guilty. He was kicked of the security personnel team, and he would never be allowed back. He had to serve some time in jail too. We never saw each other again, and I was glad.
I quickly received help. This bump in the road didn't deter me from continuing my duty as a Power Ranger. After all, I did swear to protect people, even if they weren't the same race as me. The final fight put an end to Trakeena, Villamax and the Stingwingers, and we arrived back home. My home. The rangers and I put the Quasar Sabers back in their respective holders, and everything was returned to normal on Mirinoi. Not only that, but Kendrix came back!
After relinquishing my power, I helped to rebuild Mirinoi. I also helped the others, albeit Karone, who went back to KO-35, adjust to their new home. Everything was back to normal. My family was safe, the real Shondra was back, and I was helping the scientists of GSA study the plants that laid throughout Mirinoi. We had to make sure the sustenance on my planet was safe enough for humans to consume. They very much were.
Although I was glad to have my planet back, it still didn't beat suiting up and fighting. I truly missed it. I didn't know that was possible. Then, I got the chance to suit up once more.
When Leo left for Earth, which pissed off Kendrix by the way, Kai and I were the ones that monitored him. We ended leaving because he needed our help. We left without telling Kendrix for a specific reason. If anyone knew a Pink and Yellow—besides Dustin and Ronny, really, really well, then they would know how pissed off they could get over their spouse going on a secret mission without them! Anyways, I arrived in Mariner Bay with good intentions. From what I could see, the Lightspeed Rescue rangers were continuing Zordon's legacy very well. Might I add, Kelsey was a fine Yellow. The fight against Trakeena and the ghouls went from zero to 100 really quick. Thankfully, Damon and Kendrix arrived in the nick of time, since Trakeena transformed into a way uglier version of herself. The cocoon fiasco was bad enough, but when the vial of poison, or something, was injected into her, it just made her uglier than her dad.
No, Scorpius was uglier. Damn it, that whole family had messed up genes.
Regardless of who was uglier, she was successfully defeated and never heard from again.
Before leaving back to Mirinoi, I said my goodbyes to the newest rangers. The power was definitely going to protect them, and they were already doing a great job. Joel, Green Lightspeed Rescue ranger, tried to hit on Kendrix and I though. He tried, but it wasn't in the cards for him. Leo's face was priceless, and he was determined to let everything one that Kendrix was his girlfriend. As for me, my knight in shining armor, or shall I be more specific and say Green jumpsuit, rescued me.
Joel was arrogantly signing on one of his sky cowboy pictures. "You probably want one of these," he held up the autographed picture.
Kendrix and I laughed playfully.
"Hmm, I don't think so," Kendrix politely turned him down.
"You sure," Joel walked up to us. He quickly pulled Kendrix to the side, thinking he could convince her. Possibly, if she wasn't going to display his picture to admire him, then another woman on Mirinoi would appreciate his picture.
Before Leo could say anything to Joel, Dana, Chad and Kelsey started talking to us.
"Boy, you had to deal with Trakeena all the way to Mirinoi," Dana curiously asked in surprise.
"I thought we had it bad," Chad added.
"Olympius, Vypra, you guys do have it bad," I quickly pointed out.
Leo's mind seemed to be elsewhere. He stepped in between Kendrix and Joel. He 'kindly' denied the picture on her behalf. Once Joel saw that I was fair game, he approached me. Carter also joined us; he stood right behind Dana. It was like he was shielding her. He found Joel's antics quite amusing too.
"So, huh, Maya," Joel slickly began.
"Not so fast," Damon approached us, and he placed his arms around my waist. My heart soared happily. "This cowgirl, right here, is proudly taken." He flashed his million dollar smile, and I nodded that it was true.
Besides the Lightspeed Rescue rangers being surprised by our relationship, our friends had no clue either. It wasn't that we were ashamed of each other, but we liked our privacy. We thought they would understand. Plus, I knew my parents wouldn't approve because they wanted me to be with my own kind. I was my own person, and Joel and I may be different, racially, socially, preferentially, but we took a liking to one another. To be honest, he was my first relationship. I might have hooked up with men on Terra Venture, but Joel was the first person I really dated. I knew I liked him after that horrific incident with Matt. His kind eyes, the way he shielded and got me out of there, and how he constantly checked up on me after the fact, he was just too kind for words. He finally asked me out for a date, once we arrived on Mirinoi. All we did was have a picnic by the Maroon River, and that was when he began to open up to me. He told me things that he admitted he had never told anyone else; he was so vulnerable and open. Not to mention, he's so handsome!
Then, I was caught in between a rock and a hard place. Damon had the opportunity to go back to Earth. Captain Mitchell needed help in rebuilding the Aquabase, and he recruited Damon. Capt. Mitchell was fascinated by Damon's knowledge of all things mechanical. When he told me he thought about actually heading back, my heart sank. I didn't think we were going to make things work. I pretty much invested a lot in this relationship. I fought hard, and now, he was going to leave me!?
"What about me," I asked him earnestly.
"You can come with me. I can come back," he sincerely answered, knowing that I was sad and upset, but he wanted to make things right.
"That's not the point. The fact that you are going to leave, knowing I can't just leave now, is what's bothering me."
"Maya," he softly began, as he walked up to me. It wasn't that much of a distance to be honest. We were in the privacy of our hut, which was much smaller than the living quarters on Terra Venture. He grabbed my hand, softly touched it, and he embraced me. "I love you. It's not that I'm leaving because I can't stand the way you've lived all your life, I just miss being on Earth. It sounds selfish, I know, but I want you to come with me, so we can still be together. I want you to actually experience what Earth is like, not the simulated one you lived on."
"I don't know, Damon."
I thought back to what Ashley Hammond, Yellow Turbo and Space ranger, said about her relationship with Andros. The distance between the two did harbor their relationship, but she ultimately made the decision to be with him regardless. After some time thinking, I decided to follow him. Again cliche, but he was the one for me. I wasn't going to give up that easily. I didn't leave right away, since I wanted to spend more time with my family and friends. While packing, I thought back to the time I spent on Mirinoi. I was never going to forget the memories I built there, nor was I going to forget the teachings of my parents and Jera. Yes, I planned on living my life on Earth and assimilating to their culture. There was some comfort because Leo, Kendrix, Mike and Kai were also living back on Earth. I tearfully said my goodbye to everyone on Mirinoi, even spending some quality time with the Galactabeasts, who were promising to be the protectors of the planet. It may have been silly to leave for love, but I left for way more than that.
The first few months on Earth were tough. The pollution always caused my sinuses to flare. I had never had sinuses before! Trash on the side of the road broke my heart. I also came to realize there were some cruel humans in the world. Robberies, kidnappings, rapes, murders, it was so heartbreaking to read about. I was so sensitive about them too. Often, Damon would return back to our home to see me crying, and all he could do was hold me. He held me so tight, and he whispered that there were better people on this Earth than those scum. I nodded that was true. However, the thought about moving back to Mirinoi crossed my mind. I thought living on Earth was too hard for a Minorian girl like myself. After speaking to Damon and Kendrix, then forming friendships with past rangers, so I didn't. My home is here now, and I have no regrets.
Damon and I married a decade ago; I took his surname and became Maya Henderson. It took awhile for us to become pregnant, and I believed the reasoning was due to our different molecular structures. We suffered through three different miscarriages. I thought it was going to be impossible for us to have children. Mrs. Rawlings, Dr. Grayson, Alpha 7, and Hayley along with Billy administered several tests between Damon and I. They didn't see why our 'DNA' couldn't mix. Surprisingly, last reunion, when I began to have crave chocolate, it was no joke, I really had to have chocolate with everything, and mood swings, I thought it was because I was going to start my menstrual cycle. Nope, Dr. Grayson and nurse Johnson confirmed I was pregnant with my first child. Damon Lucifer Henderson Jr. entered my life, and I never knew I could love someone as much as I love him. His curly hair, loving eyes and how his mouth curls into a warm smile, he's absolutely perfect. Damon and I were so happy.
From swinging on jungle vines to driving cars, from being one with nature to studying nature, from having to catch dinner to ordering dinner via the internet, from wearing monochromatic attire to dressing in Chanel and BEBE, from living a carefree life to living a life of chaos due to a sometimes colicky baby, this was how it was going to be. I may not have been born on Earth, but Earth was my home. I've fought for it, adapted to it, and that was all she wrote.
(End Flashback)
Maya happily smiled and continued watching the show.
Next Chapter: Jennifer 'Jen' Scotts, Pink Timeforce ranger