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Dedication

How can I say this enough? Thank you to everyone that has kept up with all my books! You all are awesome! When I started adapting my fanfiction to these books, I was just doing it in order to introduce the Power Rangers to a new generation and to also help reluctant young readers to find a new love for reading. But I have found out that with each new book there is resounding success! Thank you all so much!

Author's Note

It's Brandy's song from her album "Never Say Never."

Carlos (the narrator in this fic)

, Ashley, and the gang belong to Saban Brands. I'll warn you now… this song isn't too happy. And so, neither is the fanfic. You have been warned.

Prologue

I'm sure I'm not the first to suffer from unrequited love. You know, when one person loves someone, but that someone doesn't love him back? Actually, this isn't even the first time it's happened to me. I mean, I've had crushes on plenty of girls in my time, and only rarely does it work out that she has some feelings for me in return. It's kinda amazing, when you think about it, how relationships play out. I mean, what are the chances that the one you love will love you back? That the one you choose has actually chosen you? That's what makes romance such a mystery to me. That's why I wasn't really too upset when the girls I had crushes on didn't feel the same.

But that was before I met Ashley Hammond.

Chapter One

Have you ever loved somebody so much
It makes you cry?
Have you ever needed something so hard
You can't sleep at night?
Have ever tried to find the words
But they don't come out right?
Have you ever?
Have you ever?

Now, the old rules don't make sense anymore. The former logic offers little comfort. The difference is simple: this isn't just some schoolboy crush. Believe me, I tried to pass it off as just that. I tried to tell myself that there are other fish in the sea, and that I'd get over her. What's one crush among a dozen?

Well, in this case, it's the only one that matters.

I can say, without the slightest hint of uncertainty, that I love Ashley. I mean, I really love her. It's more than a queasy feeling when I'm alone with her. It's… like I can't picture my life without her in it. I've only known her for a year or so, but that's all it takes. I can't imagine not seeing her sweet, slightly mischievous smile, huge, expressive brown eyes, or full, golden-brown hair. The ring of her laughter gives me a warm feeling, and it's enough to make a shy guy like me make a fool of himself trying to be a clown, just to hear it. Her love of life in infectious… I don't know how many times she's literally dragged me around Angel Grove to see a new movie, go to a carnival, or something like that. Her willpower is admirable too. She refuses to give up on anything. When she took shop in school, she was determined to master auto-mechanics, despite the fact that she was the only girl in the class. She wouldn't accept failure… and she never has failed yet. She always gets what she wants.

But I guess there's one thing she got that she didn't want. My heart.

Chapter Two

Have you ever been in love
Been in love so bad
You'd do anything to make them understand?
Have you ever had someone steal your heart away?
You'd give anything to make them feel the same,
Have you ever searched for words to get you in their heart
But you don't know what to say?
And you don't know where to start?

No, it's not speculation. It's the truth. I wouldn't be so crushed if I didn't know for sure that nothing will ever happen between us. She told me so. Well, not in so many words, but the point was made.

A few weeks ago, I felt brave enough to confront her about our relationship. It wasn't long after her grandmother came to town, and Ashley pretended that I was her boyfriend. To put it mildly, I was stunned and excited at the same time that she'd pick me to play the part. I couldn't get it off my mind in the days that followed. I kept wondering… was this some kind of hint she was trying to give me? Did she really love me like that? Why'd she pick me, instead of TJ or Andros? Why'd she pretend at all that she had a boyfriend? After all, if Ashley didn't already have someone in mind, what would be so wrong with having a blind date?

So, I built up the courage to ask her out. It was just her and me on the Megaship, while TJ and Cassie dragged Andros to a baseball game, to introduce him to America's favorite pastime. Ashley couldn't stand baseball, and politely refused to go. I saw my opportunity, and declined as well.

Finally, we were alone.

So, I knocked on her door.

"Come in, Carlos," she called. I realized I was the only other person on the ship, so I shouldn't have been surprised that she knew it was me. But for some reason, it still unsettled me a bit… like she could read my mind or something.

Anyway, I opened the door, and walked into her bedroom. She was lying on her bed on her stomach, reading some romance novel she picked up from the mall last time she went. She smiled up at me when I came in, and I could feel my knees buckle.

"What's up?" she asked, laying a glittery yellow bookmark on the page she ended on.

"I… uh… I was wondering…"

Great. I was stammering! It was Ashley, the person I know on this team better than anyone else, and I couldn't feel my arms, my knees were weak, and I couldn't utter a complete sentence! I prayed I didn't sound as pathetic as I felt.

Ashley watched me patiently, an amused grin on her face. She wasn't laughing at me, though. That was a good sign. "Try this," she recommended, sitting up on her bed, "take a deep breath, collect your thoughts, and then spit it out. It works for me when I can't find the right words."

I nodded, and took a deep breath. My God, I felt like the biggest idiot to ever breathe oxygen. But no matter what, I couldn't turn back. I just couldn't.

"I was wondering that since it's just you and me tonight if you'd like to go get something to eat on Earth," I spat out in one breath. That's when the tension set in. Typically, that would be a perfectly harmless question. Ashley and I go to the Surf Spot, or some place similar, all the time. She wouldn't have suspected a thing… if only I didn't show such nervousness. That made my true question as clear as crystal. She could tell what I really wanted to know, just by the flushed expression on my face.

I really didn't like the quiet that followed. Each passing second felt like an hour. I realized the longer it took for Ashley to answer me, the worse off it looked for the two of us as a couple. It felt like I could have destroyed an army of Quantrons single-handedly in half the time it took Ashley to open her mouth!

"Sit down, Carlos," she said quietly, patting her bed beside her. I felt stiff, but somehow I managed to get to the bed and sit down without stumbling.

I had to wait a bit more before she finally found the right words to say to me.

"Carlos," she started, trying her best not to make eye contact, "we're friends, right?"

Uh oh. That didn't sound promising.

"I'd like to think so," I answered.

"Well, we are. We're really close friends. You've been with me through some hard times, and I think that we're as close as friends can be. I… I love you--"

She took a deep breath, and locked her sympathetic eyes with my expectant ones. "--as a friend."

It felt like I had a wad of bubble gum stuck in my throat. No air came into my mouth, no words came out. I blinked a couple times, and I almost pinched myself. This had to be a dream. It couldn't have been real!

"A… Ashley," I managed, "you'll always be my close friend. And I love you too… but we could be more--"

Ashley shook her head solemnly, pursing her lips. "No, we can't. I'm really sorry, but I just don't love you like that."

I wanted to crawl into some dark hole and die. She wouldn't even give me a chance! She was so startled that I even asked her, I assumed she never thought about the two of us getting together. She never realized how much I loved her? I couldn't believe it.

"We… we're still friends, right?" she asked timidly. I did my best to smile at her.

"Of course," was all I could get out, before I felt my throat close up again. I stood up, waved at her lightly, and left. I couldn't even say goodbye. It took all the willpower I had not to cry in her presence. I managed to wait until I was in my room, where I could shed a tear without shame.

Chapter Three

I felt sick. I laid my heart on the line, and she stepped on it. She's probably pretty experienced in letting guys down easy, but it seemed kind of harsh to me. Maybe it's because I can't have an objective view about it.

I couldn't understand what went wrong. She shot me down before I even got the words out! It didn't make sense to me. Why wouldn't she give me a chance? How did she know so certainly that she didn't love me?

Those questions plagued me for quite a while. It just didn't make sense. Or at least, it didn't until I found out the reason why Ashley knew

she didn't want to be with me. She had someone else in mind.

Frankly, I don't know why I didn't see it. I guess twenty-twenty hindsight gives you special insight on earlier events. I mean, once I knew the truth, it was easy for me to see evidence to that fact dating back months. I just was too caught up in my own feelings to really notice.

The reason Ashley didn't give me a chance is because she was in love with Andros, native of KO-35 and leader of the Astro Rangers.

Chapter Four

Have you ever found the one
You've dreamed of all your life?
You'd do anything to look into their eyes;
Have you finally found the one you've given your heart
Only to find that one won't give their heart to you?
Have you ever closed your eyes and
Dreamed that they were there?
And all you can do is wait for that day when they will care?

She'd liked him pretty much since she met him. I guess the tragic hero, cut off from his own heart, appealed to her. He… he intrigued her. And as a consequence, I didn't.

It took months of Ashley's indomitable charm and honest interest to finally break down some of the barriers Andros constructed to protect himself from more emotional pain. But like I said, Ashley isn't one to give up. Despite Andros' apparent coldness and even his initial dislike of us, she was persistent. And eventually, the mighty Red Ranger became a victim to her natural allure. Can't blame him, really.

Well, Andros and Ashley finally got up the nerve to talk about their feelings, and now they're pretty much a couple. On the surface, it's nothing serious. I mean, they've only been on a couple dates, and they don't spend too much time together. But, that's just the surface. It's quite clear, just by their body language, that they really feel strongly for one another. Dare I say, it's real love there. Or at least the foundation of real love. That's something that was lacking between Ashley and me. They, at least, are on a two-way street. Ashley and I were on a dead-end path, right from the beginning.

It took me a while to accept this. Actually, I think I came around easier than most guys in my situation would have. I could have been angry at Andros, thinking along the lines of "I saw her first" or something. It hurts when the woman you love winds up with a close friend, but I'm not that surprised. When I take a step back, and try and view the situation from a more objective point of view, I see how good a couple they make. Andros is still pretty cold and stoic, but slowly Ashley's passion is warming him from the inside. He's becoming a more well-rounded person. And now Ashley, who has finally found someone to really love, has someone to balance her out. Now, her inner fire has something to melt.

They make a nice couple… really, they do. And I'm happy for them. Really. I'm glad Ashley found someone to make her happy. Well, maybe not happy

. Perhaps… satisfied?

No, I'm not sure what

I feel for them. But I do know one thing… this matter has kept me up more than a few nights.

Chapter Five

What do I gotta do to get you in my arms baby?
What do I gotta do to get your heart?
To make you understand how I need you next to me?
Gotta get you in my world,
'Cause baby I can't sleep,

I'll be honest, it really hurts when I see them together. Every time I see Ashley grasp his hand, or the Red Ranger dash to the aid of the Yellow Ranger, I can't help but wish it were me. I can't help but wonder… is Andros really giving her all his heart and soul? That's what she deserves, and that was what I was ready to give. Could he really love her like I would have? Like I still do? Is he even capable of that kind of love?

Sometimes, I reflect back on when I first met Ashley. It was ages ago… even before we became Turbo Rangers. I was the soccer star, she was the head cheerleader. I walked her home from a game. I was instantly interested then, but I didn't really act on it. When I think about our first encounter, I can't help but ask myself, could things have been different? After all, I knew Ashley waaay

before Andros even came to our solar system. If I had made my move earlier, would I have had a chance?

Sadly, the answer is probably no. If Ashley really loves Andros like I think she does, then it would have happened regardless. At least this way, she wasn't forced into the situation of deciding between the boyfriend she has lukewarm feelings for, and the mysterious warrior who has suddenly become the object of her passion. She would have to choose between being true to her heart, and trying not to hurt me. In the end, all of us would have suffered. She'd be guilty, Andros would be too, and I'd be the dumped boyfriend, wondering what on Earth happened.

It's better this way. Now the only one hurting… is me.

Epilogue

Have you ever loved somebody so much
It makes you cry?
Have you ever needed something so hard
You can't sleep at night?
Have ever tried to find the words
But they don't come out right?

I wonder how long this hurt will last. How many more nights will I say up, pondering about what could have been? Asking myself a hundred questions, like What if we never became Power Rangers? Or, What if Divatox never destroyed the Power Chamber? Would we even have met

Andros?

Wondering about what could have been certainly isn't the way to live one's life. It'll end eventually. It has to.

Like I said at the beginning, this isn't the first time I've experienced heartbreak. I'll get over it.

I hope…

Have you ever?
Have you ever?
Oooo… have you ever…

Character Thesaurus

Space Rangers

The four remaining powerless Turbo Rangers travelled to outer space to prevent Dark Specter from draining Zordon's powers. On their way to Eltare, they met Andros, a Red Ranger from a distant space colony, who took them in as his crew and gave them powers as Space Rangers.

The Rangers travelled in the Astro Megaship, which had living quarters, a training area, jump tubes, a synthetron, and was armed with megalasers. The Megaship was destroyed in battle against Trakeena in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy

Andros - Red Space Ranger

Full Name:

Unrevealed
Ranger Designation:

Red Space Ranger
Weapons:

Spiral Saber, Astro Blaster
Gear:

Astro Morpher, Red Battlizer Armor, Red Galaxy Glider
Zords:

Astro Megazord, Delta Megazord, Mega V1

Andros is the stubborn, brooding leader of the Rangers. Upon meeting them, he was unwilling to accept their help, but after a little convincing he let them join him on the Megaship as Power Rangers. Andros is from the planet KO-35, a human colonization which was evacuated. He is serious and decisive, and did not rest until he found his long lost sister Karone, who was revealed to be Astronema. He appealed to the good in her, and successfully brought her over to the side of good. His weapon is the Spiral Sabre, and he piloted Mega V1, the robot. Using the Battlizer, he could control the Delta Megazord, and summon armor and a wings.

After years of inactivity, Andros returned as the Red Space Ranger to help the Galaxy Rangers fight the Psycho Rangers.

Andros was once again called into action to help the legendary Ranger Tommy gather intelligence on the Machine Empire's plans to unearth Serpentera and destroy Earth. Using his new space ship, the Astro Megaship mark 2, he teamed up with 9 other Red Rangers and traveled to the moon to stop the Machine Empire.

TJ - Blue Space Ranger

Full Name:

Theodore J. Jarvis Johnson
Ranger Designation:

Blue Space Ranger
Weapons:

Astro Axe, Astro Blaster
Gear:

Astro Morpher, Blue Galaxy Glider
Zords:

Mega V3

T.J. is the courageous and fearless second in command. After the Turbo Rangers lost their powers, he successfully led the team into space, where they found Andros and the Megaship. While fighting Darkonda, TJ took a serious blow to head, and lost his memory. By remembering his friends and what they meant to him, he was able to regain his memory just in time to help Andros and save his captive friends. His weapon is the Astro Axe, and he pilots Mega V3, the missile.

After years of inactivity, TJ returned as the Blue Space Ranger to help the Galaxy Rangers fight the Psycho Rangers.

When Machine Empire forces unearthed Serpentera to destroy Earth, TJ regained his Turbo powers to team up with 9 other Red Rangers and travel to the moon to stop them.

Carlos - Black Space Ranger

Full Name:

Carlos Vallerte
Ranger Designation:

Black Space Ranger
Weapons:

Lunar Lance, Astro Blaster
Gear:

Astro Morpher, Blue Galaxy Glider
Zords:

Mega V2

Carlos is a good natured and friendly person, and has a strong sense of loyalty and compassion. He has taken a shine to fiddling with the technology on the Megaship, and takes full advantage of his resources. During a battle with a monster who could instantaneously switch places with anyone in contact, Carlos accidentally attacked and injured Cassie, which led to him resigning as a Ranger. With Adam's help, he regained his confidence and overcame his fears, returning to the team. His weapon was the Lunar Lance, and he piloted Mega V2, the shuttle. After years of inactivity, Carlos returned as the Black Space Ranger to help the Galaxy Rangers fight the Psycho Rangers.

Ashley - Yellow Space Ranger

Full Name:

Ashley Hammond
Ranger Designation:

Yellow Space Ranger
Weapons:

Star Slinger, Astro Blaster
Gear:

Astro Morpher, Yellow Galaxy Glider
Zords:

Mega V4

Ashley provides the team with a shoulder to lean on. She is very sweet and caring, and comforts those who need it. Her bright and cheery personality, coupled with her slightly ditzy nature bring a smile to anyone's face. When her grandmother came by for a visit, she was so eager to see Ashley with a nice boy, that Ashley made Carlos pretend to be her boyfriend. Her weapon was the Star Slinger, and she piloted Mega V4, the flying saucer. After years of inactivity, Ashley returned as the Yellow Space Ranger to help the Galaxy Rangers fight the Psycho Rangers.

Cassie - Pink Space Ranger

Full Name:

Cassie Chan
Ranger Designation:

Pink Space Ranger
Weapons:

Satellite Stunner, Astro Blaster
Gear:

Astro Morpher, Pink Galaxy Glider
Zords:

Mega V5

Beneath Cassie's sarcastic and gutsy exterior lies a caring and compassionate soul who finds it difficult at times to show her true feelings. She gives everyone a chance to prove themselves to her, and puts a lot of faith into people. Cassie discovered a wasp with a heart, one of Astronema's monsters who did not want to be evil. She stuck by him, and defended him against both the Rangers and Astronema's forces. Her weapon was the Satellite Stunner, and she piloted Mega V5, the tank. After years of inactivity, Cassie returned as the Pink Space Ranger to help the Galaxy Rangers fight the Psycho Rangers, and almost lost her powers to Psycho Pink.

Zhane - Silver Space Ranger

Full Name:

Unrevealed
Ranger Designation:

Silver Space Ranger
Weapons:

Super Silverizer
Gear:

Digimorpher, Galactic Rover, Silver Cycle
Zords:

Mega Winger

The Silver Ranger is said to be the most powerful Ranger in the universe. Zhane is an old friend of Andros' who was injured in a battle on KO-35 a few years before he was released from a cryogenic chamber which kept him alive on the Megaship. His powers were weakened upon release from his cryo-sleep, and he was recharged by being struck by lightning. Zhane is smooth and charming, and lives life to its fullest, at times being a bit of a hotshot. When Astronema was attacked by her own monster, Zhane rescued her, and the encounter led to a romance between the two. His weapon is the Super Silverizer, and he pilots the Mega Winger, as well as the Galactic Rover. His whereabouts after heading to Earth with the Space Rangers in unknown.

Mentors and Allies to the Space Rangers

Alpha 6

Alpha 6 continues to assist the Rangers, travelling to outer space with them, and finding a new home in the Astro Megaship. He remained on the Megaship to assist its new crew - the Galaxy Rangers. He currently resides on Mirinoi, the "new world" found by Terra Venture.

Zordon

The original mentor of the Rangers became a captive of the evil Dark Specter. Before his powers were completely drained, Dark Specter was destroyed. Zordon was reluctantly destroyed by Andros so that his energy could destroy the combined evil forces that had been attacking the universe.

D.E.C.A.

D.E.C.A. is the Astro Megaship's computerized operating system, and controls the ship's functions, manages security, and responds to verbal commands. She went offline when the Megaship was destroyed in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy

Bulk and Skull

Bulk and Skull are now assistants to Professor Phenomenus, reluctantly following his foolish plans to find aliens on Earth. When the Prof. went off in space on Terra Venture, only Bulk followed, with Skull remaining on Earth.

Professor Phenomenus

This nutty professor has undertaken the mission of finding alien life on Earth. His attempts are often misguided, and end up in catastrophic and embarrassing failures. He took his research to space on board Terra Venture in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy

, where he took a job at the Comet Cafe.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

The Turtles were turned evil and teleported from New York by Astronema to infiltrate the Astro Megaship and take control of it to destroy the Power Rangers. They were broken free of the spell, and helped the Rangers take on the Quantrons.

Phantom Ranger

The Phantom Ranger has once again reappeared into the adventures of the Power Rangers, this time revealing himself to be searching for Zordon on his own throughout the galaxy. In his first encounter with the new team, he gave Andros the Delta Megaship.

Justin - Blue Turbo Ranger

When the Rangers were captured, Storm Blaster left and came back with Justin, reuniting him with his Turbo Morpher. Justin freed the others as the Blue Turbo Ranger, and later returned to his normal life with his dad.

Adam - Black Power Ranger

The former Black Ranger reappeared to help Carlos through a rough time. When a monster attacked a powerless Carlos, Adam risked his life by morphing without a Power Coin and holding off the monster until the rest of the team arrived.

Adele

Adele runs the Surf Spot, an Angel Grove eating establishment where the Rangers hang out when they aren't on duty. Her tough love teaches customers valuable lessons in life.

Karone

Karone is Andros' sister, formerly known as Astronema. She was kidnapped by Darkonda years ago on KO-35, and raised by Ecliptor to be evil. When she discovered her true heritage, she joined Andros' side. Karone later joined the Galaxy Rangers as the Pink Ranger.

Villains of the Space Rangers

Astronema and her forces operated from the Dark Fortress, which was armed with satellasers to make monsters grow. The Dark Fortress was last seen on Earth, after being commandeered by Red Space Ranger Andros.

Astronema

Among the new faces at the summit is Astronema, a stylish vixen who commands an army of robots called Quantrons, and pilots the Dark Fortress. Astronema was revealed to be Andros' long lost sister Karone. When she discovered this, she joined her brother on the side of good.

Dark Specter

The mastermind behind it all- Dark Specter has managed to attack Eltare and successfully abduct the wizard Zordon, who's powers he plans to drain and use for his own evil agenda. Before completing his agenda, he was destroyed by the treacherous Darkonda, who used a missile meant for Earth.

Ecliptor

Ecliptor is Astronema's ruthless and powerful warrior. His expert swordfighting skill and tremendous firepower make him one of the Rangers most dangerous villains. He helped the Rangers when Astronema joined their side, but was turned evil again by Dark Specter, only to be destroyed by Zordon's energy.

Darkonda

This treacherous bounty hunter assisted Astronema in battling the Rangers, but only to serve his own agenda. Andros discovered that it was Darkonda who kidnapped his sister from KO-35 years ago. Darkonda died after attacking Dark Specter, who killed him just before going down himself.

Elgar

This obnoxious and dim witted goon was transferred by Dark Specter from Divatox's command to work with Astronema, much to her chagrin. He was destroyed by Zordon's wave.

Psycho Rangers

Astronema created the Psycho Rangers, insane machines with insatiable lusts to destroy their heroic counterparts. The Psycho Rangers each read their respective Ranger's mind to be able to read their moves, making them nearly impossible to defeat. Using a special machine, the Psychos were digitzed and stored on data cards, which would later be recovered in Power Rangers Lost Galaxy

Quantrons

The Quantrons are Astronema's robotic soldiers who attack with enormous bladed weapons.

Velocifighters

The Quantrons pilot Velocifighters, which can fly through space and shoot energy blasts.

About the Author

Heather Ray lives in Logansport, Indiana where she enjoys spending time with family and friends. In her spare time when she isn't reading, writing, going to school at the local college of Ivy Tech Community College or working on various art projects, she enjoys swimming and playing basketball with the Special Olympics, watching movies with her god daughter, Lucy, (who happens to be the reason why Heather decided to transfer the fanfiction that she originally wrote this and other book series' into books!)

, acting with the local theater troupe in her hometown, singing, and working on her voice over work.

Her favorite book series includes The House of Night, Peter and the Starcatchers, Daughters of the Moon, The Nick Chronicles

(among other Dark Hunters books!)

, the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings Book Series, the Harry Potter series, the Sookie Stackhouse series

, and she is also a bit of a comics 'nerd'

with her love for X-Men, Batman, Avengers,

just to name a few of her favorite comics. She also enjoys reading several mangas which include Chobits, Ceres Celestial Legend, Vampire Knight,

and Sailor Moon

!

Not only does she enjoy reading, as is stated above, she also loves watching movies and various TV Shows. Her favorite TV Shows include True Blood, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel

, all the seasons of Power Rangers, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Doctor Who

and Once Upon a Time

. Her favorite movies include all the Star Wars

movies, all the Star Trek

movies, the Lord of the Rings

trilogy (she is really looking forward to see The Hobbit

soon!)

, all the Marvel Comics

movies, the Chronicles of Narnia

movies and all the Harry Potter

movies! She also enjoys several animes including Chobits, Ceres Celestial Legend, Rosario Vampire, Vampire Knight,

and her favorite: Sailor Moon

(she is a bit obsessed with Sailor Moon what with not only enjoying the anime but also the live action series from Japan, and the musical series: Sera Myu

! She also cannot wait for the new anime series of Sailor Moon that is due out in a year!)

When she isn't at home writing or spending time with her friends and family, Heather can be found going around her home town (where she picked up a lot of her ideas for these books)

or at her local library, picking up new ideas for her next book!

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 21.09.2012

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