𝘼𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙝, daughter of Master Mao, lived and spent all of her life training Kung Fu in the Pai Zhuq Academy. Ultimately, in the wake of her father's death and the escape of the villainous Dai Shi, she reluctantly takes up the mantle of the Pink Ra...
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˚｡୨ ʚɞ ୧ ˚｡
𝙊𝙉𝙀 𝙌𝙐𝙄𝙀𝙏 𝙉𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏, the city was calm, and the Jungle Karma Pizza loft was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. Ariah found herself unable to sleep, her mind filled with the memories of her tough journey. She stepped out onto the balcony, seeking comfort in the night air.
Casey, also restless, went out of his bedroom and headed towards the balcony. He found Ariah standing alone, gazing at the stars. He hesitated for a moment, then joined her.
"Can't sleep?" he asked gently, leaning against the railing beside her.
Ariah shook her head, her eyes distant. "No, too many thoughts."
He studied her face, sensing her agitation. "Want to talk about it?"
The raven haired girl sighed, her breath visible in the cool night air. "It's hard, Casey. There's so much I haven't told you... any of you."
Casey nodded, his expression encouraging. "You don't have to tell me everything, but if it helps, I'm here to listen."
She glanced at him, his earnest eyes giving her the courage to begin. "When I left to find my master, I thought I was prepared for anything. But the journey... it broke me in ways I never expected."
The Red Ranger remained silent, allowing her to continue at her own pace.
"I found a master, or at least I thought I did," Ariah said, her voice trembling slightly. "He put me through horrible tests, made me feel weak and worthless. I was pushed to my limits and beyond. It was... it was torture, Casey. Physical and mental."
Casey clenched his fists, his heart aching for her. "I'm so sorry you went through that, Ariah."
Ariah's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "I thought I was strong, but he made me doubt everything. Even after I escaped, the damage was done. I couldn't face you all, not after what I'd become."
"You've always been strong, Ariah," The Red Ranger said softly. "Strength isn't just about physical power. It's about surviving, enduring, and finding your way back. You did that."
The raven haired girl bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't feel strong. Every time I look at you, I remember how I failed."
He reached out, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "I see the pain in your eyes, Ariah, and it breaks my heart. You didn't fail. You came back. You're here, and you're fighting. That's what matters."
