Disclaimer: Power Rangers In Space belongs to Saban. The song “Don’t Move” is by Victoria Shaw and is from her self-titled album.

Author’s Note: This short, little fic is set during “Countdown To Destruction Part II”. This is just a little look into Ashley’s head. A ‘deeper version’ of what Saban gave us, you could say. :) Thank you to Starhawk for proofing this fic, for the *late* night chats, for being a bud, and for daring to befriend the insane. :)

“Going somewhere?”

“Oh! Hey, I was just, umm...”

“Andros, you can’t leave.”

“I have to try.”

“Look... if I don’t see you--,” Andros began, the pain written all over his face.

“Shh. I will see you again,” Ashley said, stopping Andros mid-sentence. He had been about to give her the ‘in case I don’t come back’ speech, and she just couldn’t bear to hear it.

“Right,” he answered. But his doubt was evident in his voice. He turned from her slowly, not wanting to leave, but knowing he had to.

She watched him walk away, determined to keep on a brave face for him. She had faith he would return to her. Whether Karone would ever come back to them, whether they would win the war or not, she didn’t know. But she believed he would return; he had to. With the universe crumbling around them, it was the one thing she was still clinging to, believing in: their love. Not that either of them had admitted to it yet. They had not had a chance. And now, as he morphed and donned his Red Battlelizer Armor, she wondered if they ever would have that chance.

He disappeared into the night sky, heading toward the Dark Fortress, toward a final confrontation with his sister. She felt the tears filling her eyes, but Cassie was calling her name. The others were looking for them. She sniffed and wiped back the tears. No time to cry now, she thought. She had to be strong and buy Andros the time he needed. She looked up once again, at the spot where he had disappeared. She had to break the news to the Rangers about where Andros had gone and what he was planning. She silently wished him luck, then made her way back to the others.

“I never thought I would have to say good-bye.”

“I know.”

“Are sure you don’t want to come with us?”

“KO-35 is my home.”

Why? Why is this happening? Ashley questioned silently, but no one could have given her a suitable answer anyway. For the second time in less than a day, she was about to lose the man she loved. Everyone was saying their good-byes and fond farewells, but Ashley couldn’t share in the joy.

Everything was finally over. The dust had settled and she wasn’t sure she liked the direction things were taking. On the surface, everything looked great. Evil had been destroyed, the war had been won, and the universe was safe. The one thing marring the joyous occasion was the death of Zordon. The Eltarian’s sacrifice had saved them all; but the price had been too high.

And while the other Rangers were saying good-bye and boarding the MegaShip, Ashley felt her heart breaking. Andros was staying on KO-35 with Zhane and Karone; which meant not on Earth and not with her. They had all just barely survived the battle of their lives. It was understandable to want to be with someone you loved. But for Ashley that meant Andros and she didn’t seem to have that option. She couldn’t stay on KO-35. She had already been away from Earth for far too long. And when she returned to Earth this time, she would have a lot of explaining to do, considering the world now knew their ‘secret identities’.

She had asked him to join them on Earth. She knew it wasn’t fair, but she couldn’t help it; she had to ask. Why did she even think he would leave KO-35 now? He finally had it all, everything he had been fighting his entire life for! His people had reclaimed their planet, his best friend was healed and at his side, and Karone was there, his sister who had been missing for so many years. Andros had sworn to his now-dead parents long ago that he would not rest until he had found her. And he had. The three of them were all home and safe; Andros finally had all he ever wanted. It wasn’t fair to ask him to give it all up for her. He was right, KO-35 was his home. He had been traveling, searching, and fighting for far too long. She could not begrudge him his chance at peace, even if the very thought of leaving him behind tore at her heart.

It was time to go. She couldn’t avoid it any longer. The other Rangers gave everyone a last round of hugs and headed for the MegaShip. Ashley stared at the ground and started to walk away. It was too painful to see him, but she had to, she wanted to. She reached the ramp of the MegaShip, turned, and raised her eyes, searching for him once again. She knew in all probability she would never see him again. She wanted to remember everything about this moment. She wanted to memorize all of it and keep it in her heart as a comfort on those lonely nights, staring at the stars, wondering around which one of them KO-35 was revolving.

She found him standing beside Karone. He too was having trouble making eye contact. Karone saw his averted eyes and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. The others had boarded the MegaShip and were headed toward the bridge. Ashley walked to the far wall, reached out, and slowly pushed the button to close and seal the door. She gazed out one last time and this time he met her searching eyes. Karone’s hand was still on his shoulder. Ashley took comfort in the fact that Karone was there for him. She would look out for him. After all Andros had done to find her and help her, Karone felt it was her turn to help her brother. Ashley could see her own pain mirrored in Andros’ eyes, but it was too late; choices had been made, the words spoken, there was no turning back. The doors sealed with a hiss, cutting off her view. She turned and walked away.

She slowly made her way to the bridge, but didn’t go to her station. She stopped instead at Andros’. She sank into his chair, staring down at the console. She felt the tears coming again. The others would understand, but she still didn’t want to break down in front of everyone.

She felt Cassie’s hand on her arm. “Are you gonna be okay?” Ashley heard her ask.

“I miss him so much,” was all she could manage to get out. It was all she could do to sit there, instead of running to her room crying.

“DECA, set a course for Earth,” the familiar voice ordered. Ashley couldn’t believe her ears. She almost didn’t want to turn around for fear that her ears were playing tricks on her. But she did turn, and she saw Andros standing there smiling at her, a beautiful smile.

“Andros!!” She screamed and ran into his waiting arms.

He grabbed her up, pulled her close, and hugged her tightly. He whispered in her ear, “My home is with you guys.”

Ashley smiled and again tears threatened to fall. But this time, they were tears of joy.

“Hey, the MegaZord’s in the shop. How about a ride to Earth?” Zhane asked, appearing on the bridge with Karone. They too had chosen to follow Andros’ lead; a new start on a new planet.

Andros and Ashley turned and smiled at them. Maybe they would all find the chance not afforded to them before: a chance to grow up in peace. The Rangers had a small reunion of hellos and hugs as Zhane settled into a command chair, propping his feet up. They couldn’t help but laugh.

“Alpha, let’s go home,” TJ said, smiling.

Ashley stood with Andros’ arm around her shoulders. As the MegaShip lifted off and left the atmosphere of KO-35, Ashley thought, I don’t ever want to let him go again. And if I have any say in it, I won’t.

Andros smiled down at her and she knew he felt the same. The viewscreen was soon filled with an inviting field of stars. The war was over. Time to go home.

THE END

Back