The songs used in this chapter are 1. "Find Yourself In You" By Everlife. 2. "What I've Been Looking For" Reprise by Troy and Gabriella of HSM

Chapter 11: "Forbidden Love"

Not recognizing the voice, Tech's grip on Cassidy tightened. Cassidy could feel his chest vibrating as he gave a low growl. At first, Cassidy was terrified, until she realized whose voice it was. "Maria!"

Her older sister stood in the doorway. "I am so sorry! This place is so different from Sari."

"That's okay. Don't worry, Tech, she's on our side."

Tech sighed with relief and released Cassidy. "I'm glad to hear that. Did you need something, Maria?"

"Well... no, but you boss wants to speak to you. She has an important announcment."

.BLUE TRIANGLE.

Zadavia cleared her throat. "I am pleased to announce that, due to your valiant efforts and success in saving Acmetropolis once again, the government was decided to reinstate you all. Welcome back, Loonatics."

For three seconds, absolute silence filled the room as the news sunk in. Then, all that could be heard were the excited shouts from Ace, Lexi, Rev, Tech, Duck, Slam, and Cassidy. Zadavia smiled, enjoying seeing them happy as a team again.

She never thought that she would

King John smiled, too. "Congratulations." He offered. "Well, we must be going home now. Come girls."

Get her second chance

Cassidy blinked. "What? But, Father, didn't you hear? The team's back. I can't go. I'm needed here." Realizing she was fighting a losing battle, she glanced at the others, hoping for some support.

Running so far from all she has ever known

Ace nodded and stepped foward. "It's true, sir. Cassidy is a part of this team. And, well, a team doesn't work without every member."

Convinced she lost all meaning

Where did her dreams go?

Tech stepped up, as well. "I agree." He stood right beside Cassidy, discretly slipping his hand into hers and squeezing it encouragingly.

But still she knew that there was something more

"But, Aurora, you have a place, on Sari. Now, let's go."

Cassidy's gaze turned defiant and she bravely stood her ground. "No."

Don't be scared

There's someone there

King John blinked, shocked. "What?"

"I can't go. And I won't. I belong here. I'm not leaving."

To say these words

You need to hear

"But, why?"

Don't let anybody tell you who you are

Cassidy gave a small moan. "You're doing it again! You're ignoring me! I've been telling you many times why I want to stay here, but you haven't been listening. And being ignored is exactly the reason why Andrew turned evil... And the reason why I ran away.."

It's okay to let go

You're a shooting star

"You ran away? Whatever for?"

"Because I was sick of being ignored. I wanted to go home, to Acmetopolis. Like I said to Maria, Sari is a nice place and it's great to be with my real family, but it wasn't home to me."

Remember all you wished for

Believe it will be true

King John paused, then smiled a bit. "You are so much like your mother..."

Cassidy nodded. "I know. Maria told me about her. She said that mother never gave up, no matter what. That when she felt something wasn't right, she fought against it until it was. And you're right. I am like Mother. Being a princess doesn't feel right to me."

You will never find yourself anywhere else

"Why? Why doesn't it feel right to you?"

"You want me to be a princess. Which means changing who I am. And I can't do that. I just... can't."'Not again. Not after what I went through.' Feeling tears building in her eyes, she turned away and left the room.

You'll find yourself in you

Slam frowned. "Cassidy upset."

Cassidy's words rung in Tech's head. 'Which means changing who I am. I can't do that.' That's it! It all made sense to Tech. "Honestly, I don't blame her for being so upset." Tech said without thinking.

Everyone looked at Tech questioningly. "What do you mean, Tech?" Zadavia asked.

Realizing what he said, Tech replied flatly. "Nothing..."

"Last time you said something was 'nothing' it turned out to be something." Ace replied.
It sunk in that he was the only one who knew. "Well, I'd much rather have Cassidy tell you this, but I think she'll understand... You see, there's more behind Cassidy's unwillingness to change herself than you guys think. When the meteor hit Acmetropolis, a big change came over her. More than her gaining her powers. She was a lot closer to the meteor than any of us, and she was unconscious longer than us. And when she woke up.." Tech paused. "She had nothing"

"You mean, she lost her memory?" King John asked, worried to hear the answer.

"Yes, she spent months trying to rebuild her life. She was still trying when Zadavia had her join us. And, quite a while later, she told me about it. She said that she felt like she knew me, but couldn't remember. Honestly, I couldn't remember, either. Turns out that I had lost a bit of my memory, as well, but not as much as her. She told me what it was like, not knowing anything. She said she was scared, and I can tell that she's scared now. She doesn't want another change. She can't handle it."

Lexi was the first to speak up. "Wow. That's sad. Poor Cassidy, no wonder she's so upset"

King John was silent, not sure what to say.

Tech cut the silence. "I'm going to check on Cassidy." He left the room.

It's hard to believe

Tech slowly opened the door. Cassidy was leaning against her desk, her whole body shaking as she attempted to conform herself. Tech walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her. "My poor Cassidy." He whispered to her, rubbing her back. Cassidy hugged him back tightly. "I don't understand him. I don't know why he can't see that I don't belong on Sari"

That I couldn't see

"I know. Don't worry, everything will work out." Tech said reassuringly, rocking her back and forth.

Cassidy looked up at him. "Thanks, Tech. You know you didn't have to come after me, right"

"It doesn't matter. I wanted to." Tech stroked her forehead. "You look tired. You should get some sleep."

You were always there beside me

"Honestly, Tech, I'm a litle bit... scared to be by myself. I know this sounds wrong, but, could you, maybe, stay with me tonight?"

"I understand. And, yes, I will. I promise. I'm just going to tell the others that you're okay. All right?"

As Tech exited Cassidy's room, he ran into Ace. "How is she?" Ace asked.

"She's fine, just a little tired." Tech faked a yawn. "And so am I. I think I'll get some sleep, too."

Ace glanced at him suspiciously for a moment, but then relaxed. "Okay, goodnight, Tech." Ace walked away

"Goodnight, Chief." To throw any suspicion off him, Tech went to his room first. He waited a few minutes before sneaking into Cassidy's room. It was dark and silent. He found Cassidy already in bed, asleep. 'She must have been really tired to be out that fast.' Tech sat down beside her and gently played with her hair, which felt soft and silky between his fingers.

Thought I was alone

Feeling his soft touch, Cassidy woke up. She smiled at him, and felt a comforting warmth growing inside her. Tech smiled back, feeling that same warmth inside.

Cassidy noticed that Tech was wearing his pjs. "Are you planning on staying here all night?"

With no one to hold

"I promised you that I would stay with you tonight. And I will. I want to be there for you."

Cassidy smiled again. "You always were." She sat up. "Tech? I have something to tell you."

You were always right beside me Tech sat beside her. "Okay, I'm listening." "You know how I said that I ran away because I was sick of my father not listening to me?" Tech nodded. "Well, that wasn't the whole truth... I was sick of it, but the real reason I ran away was... I.. I couldn't stand being away from you!" She blurted. "I just wanted to be with you again. I love you, Tech."

This feeling's like no other

I want you to know

Tech held her close and said in firm, but soft words. "I love you, too, Cassidy."

I've never had someone

They closed their eyes and kissed. Tech's hands remained at Cassidy's waist, while her arms were around his neck. In their minds, memories flew past them. The day they first met, running into each other a couple of times at Acme Tech, the day Zadavia made her a Loonatic, the day they both realized their past together, and the events of the past few weeks. But, none of it mattered to them, anyways. All that mattered was that they were together, right now.

They pulled away from each other. Tech's hand touched Cassidy's cheek. They hugged each other tightly. "I'm not leaving, Tech. No matter what my father says. I'm going to stand up for myself." Cassidy said determindly.

Who knows me like you do

The way you do

"And I'll be there, cheering you on." Tech replied.

And I've never found someone

Cassidy smiled. "Just like that day..." She laid down again. A huge yawn escaped from Tech. "You look as tired as I feel. You should rest, too." Cassidy moved over to make room for him.

As good for me as you

No one like you

Tech blinked. "Are you sure?"

So lonely before

"If I wasn't, then I wouldn't be offering."

Tech smiled and slid under the blankets with her. He put his arm around her and she snuggled up to him. "Goodnight, Cass."

I finally found

"Goodnight, Tech."

What I've been looking for

.GREEN TRIANGLE.

"You wanted to see me, Father?" Maria questioned before entering his room.

"Yes, honey. Please come in." King John pulled his oldest daughter into a small hug. "I just have a question to ask you."

"Okay." Maria replied hesitantly.

"When you and Aurora were talking, did she say any one specific reason why she wanted to stay in Acmetropolis so badly?"

"Well, she did say a few. She really missed her freinds... and..."

King John looked her straight in the eye. "Are you trying to hide something?"

Maria began to crack under her father's stern gaze. "Well... she... she said that she was... in love with somebody..."

"Who?" He demanded.

Maria gulped. "Tech."

"WHAT!? This is an OUTRAGE! A Sarian cannot fall in love with an Earthling! It is unheard of!"

"But, father, she's not like us, she grew up on Earth. She has a free spirit, she shouldn't be forced into our rules. It's unfair to her!"

But King John seemed not to hear her. "She has a place here, and she still has to learn it."

"No, father, please! You mustn't do this to her!"

"Now, Maria, I just don't want her to be hurt..."

"I know, I don't, either. And neither does Tech. In fact, if it weren't for him, Cassidy would've been killed! Tech has regeneration powers, Cassidy doesn't. Tech loves Cassidy, you heard him tell her so yourself!" Maria left the room.

'It doesn't matter, because I just don't trust the boy...'

(END CHAPTER)