Chapter 17: Return
The year is 2991. Most of the Chronic Storm Power Rangers had come back from the past months ago after having defeated the former monarch, Queen Diane. They also managed to resolve their disputes with General Axis, hopefully. What might well have been months of unrest, confusion, and fear was quelled before it ever began, thanks in large part to the behind the scenes work of Prime Minister Zahab.
The efficient transition process still brought with it it's fair share of local factions. But Time Force was able to more than deal with the outbreak, arresting those who took their steadfast support for the late monarchy beyond the bounds of law. A couple mutants were among those apprehended. All such cases went straight to Captain Logan, but each time one was presented to him, he sighed in disappointment and shook his head. The mutant he was after had yet to reveal himself.
During these transitional months, Prime Minister Zahab was elected as interim president until a formal election could be held later on. The remaining three Chronic Storm Rangers and Time Force were invited to assist Earth's new President in the development of a new government, alongside many of the universe's most powerful and influential leaders. After much deliberation, the leaders agreed to a system of self-governed planets and star systems that had the agency to develop their own unique relationships amongst its planetary peers. Earth and other universe leaders would work together to uphold this new peace through appointed Quadrant Representatives who would all meet up on behalf of the known universe. This new democratic union was to be called the United Universe Council; a mutual agreement similar to Earth's own United Nations of eons ago.
Democracy ruled the day as the people of Earth voted in droves to support the passing of a universal bill that would uphold the self-governed system. Those same people voted in droves to support President Zahab's move into full time President as well. No longer would Earth hold the position of micro-manager of the universe in a scramble for further levels of power.
Once all was settled, it was finally time for the remaining members of Chronic Storm to take their leave of this time and return to their own. Even Professor Knox had decided to take some time off from his work. All the while, Time Force was busy developing five Chrono Morphers to ensure that this new age of peace could be preserved domestically. Four were still in development, but the Red Chrono morpher was finally built, tested, and perfected. And soon after, to no one's great surprise, Alex was chosen to become Time Force's first ever Power Ranger.
To celebrate the honor, a ceremony was held. It was a cozy gathering, mostly Time Force officers and a handful of local civilians in attendance. Captain Logan took to a silver podium sporting a brand new, dark grey uniform. He cleared his throat as the audience settled down, "It brings me great honor and even greater pride to present one of the finest young men I've ever had the privilege to know."
Alex walked onto the stage to roaring applause.
Logan then opened a black box to reveal the Red Chrono morpher. He half smiled while carefully taking the device into his hand. "This morpher represents the next step in law enforcement. This morpher represents our success at tapping into the power of the Morphing Grid after so many failures."
Logan then looked to Alex and continued, "Do you swear to properly represent the strength and the leadership necessary to hold such power and use it in the service of justice?"
"I swear." stated Alex.
"Then, may the power protect you, always." Logan handed Alex the morpher.
Alex nodded and strapped in on his wrist. His confirmation of Ranger status was met with more applause and glee from the mass of onlookers. Alex almost let a smile sneak through that signature stoic demeanor.
After the ceremony ended, Alex met up with Carter, Ethan, and Taylor.
"Congratulations on officially becoming a Power Ranger." said Carter.
"Yeah, you really earned it." added Taylor.
Alex nodded. "All of you set an incredibly high bar. I will ensure that the Time Force Rangers give everything they have to matching Chronic Storm's example."
"Well, it's been one exciting ride," Ethan added. "But it'll be nice to see good ol' 2005 again."
"Unfortunately, time travel capabilities are currently limited," Alex stated. "Energy is scarce right now without the kingdom and we'll need to preserve what we can. Especially with Captain Logan's most recent report."
"Don't even mention it," replied Carter. "I've spent years here waiting for the day I could finally return. A few more can't kill me, right?"
Taylor wore a more concerned expression. "Hold on, what recent report?"
"A steady rise in mutant-related incidents. Captain Logan has been anticipating this trend for some time. It's nothing critical yet, but it might not stay that way. However, there is one destination I've gotten approved. Consider it a reprieve after months of monotonous meetings."
"Destination?" asked Ethan. "Where to?"
Alex motioned the others to follow him. They arrived inside Time Force HQ's central command where Alex uploaded what looked to be a white colored letter with a rather fancy font. Upon reading the full letter, the other's all collectively widened their eyes.
"This is for real?" asked Carter with a wide smile.
Alex nodded. "It is."
"Can we leave right away?" asked Ethan.
Just as soon, Professor Knox was jogging into the room. "That's the plan!"
"Heh," Taylor shook her head with a smile. "They didn't waste much time, did they?"
"Hard to say," replied Ethan. "Time seems more and more relative these days."
"We have a time ship waiting for us just outside." stated Alex.
The five took their leave and entered the yellow time ship. After a quick hit to the back of the ship cirtusy of the Transwarp Megazord, they were all launched into the brightly colored time vortex in front of them and transported back to the past.
Meanwhile, down in Time Force's research lab, Doctor Madman was busy working on the other four morphers, with an odd looking sixth in development as well. Rather, t had more in common with an open metallic box than the more traditional wrist-based morphers. Captain Logan went in to check on progress and noticed this oddly shaped box.
"Doctor, what exactly is this?" Logan picked up the odd metal box and took a peek inside the dark, seemingly hollow insides. "Some kind of… Quantum Morpher?"
Madman cackled while not turning away from his work station. "Haha! If you think that's impressive, just wait until you see the big guy!"
"The big guy?" asked Logan concernedly.
"Just a pet project, hehe. Don't you worry, those Time Flyers are developing on schedule. Of the two, their construction is much more straightforward than that of the more fine tuned morphers. For whatever reason, Morphing Grid integration is slightly different depending on color. Ha, who knew that of all things made a difference?"
"That's excellent news, Doctor. But try and keep these… 'pets', to a minimum. Things are quiet now, but we all know that it'll never last."
"Of course, of course! Captain, you worry too much. Have you ever considered a vacation?"
Logan expression was unchanged. "Didn't take time off when my first son was born, don't plan on doing it now. Back to work, Doctor."
Logan left the lab while Madman snickered a bit before returning to his work. Even for as brilliant as the mad doctor was, he found himself mostly on his own in his pursuit of Time Force's goals. As it were, his off kilter nature had driven most other Time Force researchers far away from him.
On the Mirinoi of the distant past, the year was 2001. About a year had gone by in this time since the temporal events that lead to the defeat of Queen Diane. And when it was all said and done, Jason decided to stay in the past, choosing Kendrix over his previous home. Ever since that major decision, much has happened on Mirinoi. Leo's brother Mike, the former Magna Defender, was officially appointed as Commander Stanton's successor when he eventually retires from his post. Kai had taken full notice of Jason's hard choice and managed to clear things up with Maya. They've been taking things steady ever since. And all the while, there were only a handful of minor disturbances on Mirinoi that required Ranger-level attention. All such situations were quickly sorted out by Jason and the Galaxy Rangers.
A year into his new life, Jason fought more battles internally than anything else, as he slowly tried to cope with how quickly his world had shifted. The dread would sneak up on him, during the day, during the night, during a casual conversation or during his work with the GSA. But with Kendrix as an ever present source of comfort, Jason fought through his demons.
But in truth, he longed for an external battle, a real fight. Kendrix was no longer joining the other Galaxy Rangers on their minor missions. A few months after Jason had decided to stay, she decided to officially retire from her Ranger life, leaving Karone as Galaxy Pink for any future threats. The two were happy together, secure together, content with their life, but as the months waned, giving way to long stretches void of Ranger activity, Kendrix could tell that Jason wasn't fully present. She could sense the part of him that didn't just want his life in danger, but in a way, needed it. Jason had been surrounded by safety for all of his formative years. He was sick of it.
Recently, Jason was overcoming a slight fever and couldn't join the Galaxy Rangers on their most recent mission that took them west of Terra Venture. He was disappointed, but mostly shocked by his incurring of an illness rendered foreign by the modern medicine he was used to. His body was speaking to him again, just as it did the first time he traveled to Mirinoi.
A few hours passed which saw the return of the Galaxy Rangers from their most recent expedition. The team was laughing and smiling and exchanging jokes. Suffice to say, it must have been a job well done. Kendrix and Jason were there to greet them while Jason wore a wide-eyed expression on his face, an expression that was dying to know the details.
"You see? We were only gone for an hour or two," Leo said. "Trust me Jason, you didn't miss anything."
"Good to know." replied Kendrix.
Jason nodded, but wasn't entirely sure how to feel about Leo's report. "I figured you guys could handle it, but… I guess I just miss being out there, in the field. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer Mirinoi stay safe. But after the time I spent being a Ranger, it's been hard this past year to transition into a different role."
"I know what you mean," Leo replied as he looked at the others. "Unlike these responsible adults over here, being a Ranger was my only real job on Terra Venture."
"How about your time in command?" asked Kai with a smirk.
"Haha, oh yeah. Had to give it up though. My supervisor was no fun at all."
The others shared a light laugh at the expense of Kai, Leo's short lived supervisor.
Kai put Leo's comment behind him and walked up to Jason. "Speaking of, you've been doing a great job at command. If Mike doesn't watch out, Stanton could change his mind about his successor."
The others nodded in support of Kai's statement.
"Heh, thanks everyone." replied Jason.
Karone then gave Jason a sly look. "Besides, you've already got a much more important job lined up."
"Yeah, and what would that be?" asked Jason sarcastically.
"Keeping this one happy." Maya turned her gaze to Kendrix and the others followed suit.
"Still two more weeks, guys. You can all calm down now."
Jason held her hand. "Longest two weeks of my life."
Kendrix leaned her head on Jason's shoulder. "Mine too. We still have a few things to organize, so we'll catch up with you guys later."
Jason and Kendrix took their leave and headed towards their room. In truth, most of the details for their big day were already planned out. But Kendrix wanted them to double check the details, just in case. While they were walking, Jason expected Kendrix to run through her mental list inside of things to do outloud. She often did that in the mornings, even if she was just talking to herself, in order to orient herself for the day. But that pensive look was nowhere to be found. Sitting in its place was a more tired, uncertain expression.
"I know there's something troubling you," Jason said concernedly. "What's on your mind?"
"It's just that… when I was a little girl, I used to daydream about what this day would look like. The reality is even better than I could have ever thought up because I have you now, but… in all of my fantasies, my parents were always there… I just really wish they could have been here for this."
Jason nodded. "I understand how you feel."
"But I also feel selfish for even being sad about that because of everything that you've gone through and… I'm so sorry."
Jason quickly embraced her. "Please, don't be. Parents or not, I'm going to be spending the rest of my life with the woman of my dreams. But…"
Kendrix looked up at Jason who was now wearing a sly grin across his face. "But, what?"
"What if, hypothetically speaking, your parents did find a way to make it here from Earth?" Jason pointed towards two approaching people in the background.
Kendrix turned around and immediately felt a rush of emotion as the parents walked towards her, both with large smiles on their faces. It had been months since she was able to see them in person, but neither were too keen on spaceships, so it was always Kendrix visiting Earth.
Kendrix smiled back at Jason while tears were caught inside her eyelids. "How did you get them here?"
Jason let off a confident smirk. "Let's just say I took the Astro Megaship for a little joyride that few know about. After a few stressful hours of convincing and a little bit of begging, they were more than willing to face their fears and fly in a spaceship for the first time."
Kendrix kissed him before running over to greet her parents. Jason decided to hang back for a little to give the trio time to just be the Morgan's again. Kendrix was their only child, so they were always fairly protective of her. It always took a bit of fighting to get them to budge on anything they considered too dangerous, as with Kendrix' short lived camping trip. Before Jason made the trip to Earth to acquire them, he had only ever talked to them through a computer screen. It was a laggy connection as well, one of the many things Jason needed to adjust to after settling down in the past. Food not being able to cook itself was an even bigger hurdle to clear, but thankfully, Kendrix was an excellent cook.
Jason was a nervous wreck the first time he talked to Kendrix' father. Her mother seemed quicker to impress, despite her series of daunting, and in many cases very personal, questions. But Jason could sense a strange mixture of pride and sadness mixed in to Mr. Morgan's initial expressions, as if unsure how to handle how much of a grown up his little girl really was. He didn't take much, and he didn't talk loudly either, so it was hard for Jason to figure out if he was making progress. In time however, Jason managed to win him over as well. He even forced a smile out of him using a corny joke. Jason was left wishing he would have brought out the jokes much earlier.
While beginning to walk over to them, Jason wondered what it would be like, what it would feel like, to cherish someone as deeply as Mr. Morgan cherished his daughter.
Two weeks came and went quickly. Soon, it was the morning of. Jason found himself unable to fall asleep most of the night while Kendrix rested peacefully beside him. As he rose from their bed early in the morning, he looked back at the sleeping face of his bride to be. It brought him joy, it brought him worry.
Jason carefully left his room and took a walk around the nearly empty Terra Venture streets. The sunlight was just barely sneaking over the skyline while a chilly, brick breeze swept across. Jason eventually entered the large performance hall that was all set to be their wedding location. He stared at every inch of the room, illuminated only by the weak beams of rising sunlight peering through the windows. He took in the fitting green and pink color scheme decorating the chairs, the aisle, and the walls. Not exactly a traditional color arrangement by any means, but then again, this wasn't a traditional couple.
Jason reached for his wrist, but there was nothing there. Almost a year gone by since he decided to stay, and yet, not having his morpher strapped on still made his arm feel light, uncomfortably light.
Jason heard footsteps from just outside the empty performance hall. He turned around with a smirk, almost certain of who it would be.
Kai was up early too, as per usual, and found Jason sitting on his own. Kai sat next to him while taking in all the arrangements. "So, this is where your life ends, huh?"
"Hehe." Jason pointed to the altar gracing the center of the room. "We'll see who's laughing when you're the one up there."
"Haha, we'll see."
The pair stood in silence for a few moments while Jason continued to feel around his wrist.
"...Hey, Kai?"
"Yeah?"
"You still love being a Ranger, right?"
"I do…" Kai took another look at the altar. "But, if I ever end up being the one up there, I'd have no problem giving it up."
Jason turned to him, caught off guard by his straight forward answer. "No problem at all?"
"None. But I also don't like getting shot at."
Jason giggle at the comment while Kai looked back at him confused, as if to question where the humor was.
"Maybe I do… kind of twisted, huh?" asked Jason.
Kai nodded understandingly. "Well, better than enjoying getting shot. We'd have to have a serious talk about that one."
"Haha, when did you get so funny?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about…"
Suddenly an alert rang out. It was divergent from the normal brand of Terra Ventures city-wide alert. This alert in particular was added specifically for temporal disturbances. After their battle a year ago, the city's brightest constructed specialized sensors using the data collected from Axis' jump through time.
Kai immediately stood up and contacted the others, fearing the worst.
"No need to get jumpy for this one," said Jason as he stood up himself. "They were invited."
"Invited?"
"I wasn't about to get married without my Ranger family fully present."
Kai breathed a sigh of relief as the pair ran outside at the break of dawn to witness a yellow Time Ship landing on the Mirinoian surface just outside Terra Venture. Tree and leaves were forced to shake and sway as the ship descended. Kai and Jason were soon joined by the other Galaxy Rangers as Carter, Taylor, Ethan, Alex, and Professor Knox disembarked from the ship.
"We heard there was a wedding happening today," Carter said with a grin. "Were you guys invited too?"
Jason chuckled a little while he approached Carter. "Nah, I figured I'd just crash instead. More exciting that way, ya know?"
"That's too bad," Taylor added. "I heard Carter's got an amazing present for the groom to be."
"Hmm, now that changes things." Jason looked back to Kendrix. "Hey Kendrix, wanna get married?"
Kendrix laughed while hugging Carter. "Sure, why not?"
The day time was filled with laughter and smiles as friends from throughout time gathered to celebrate Jason and Kendrix' union. The planning was done. The preparation was done. Only one thing remained.
Inside the groom's room, Jason was inspecting his tight black suit in the mirror. His life was about to change forever, or so he assumed. Oddly enough, Jason realized that he would be the first of his close friends to get married. Kai was suiting up right next to him, making sure to check his pocket every 5 seconds exactly to ensure that the ring was still there. Ironically enough, the man who once questioned the idea of Jason and Kendrix being together ended up being the best man at their wedding.
"Alright, good, still there." Kai carefully inspected the diamond covered ring before carefully placing it back in his suit pocket.
"Just don't drop it when you pull it out for real."
Kai's eyes widened. "I knew there was something I forgot to prepare for." He then started to practice the form he would use to remove the ring from his pocket.
"I was kidding, Kai. It'll be fine. Why does it feel like you're the one getting cold feet?"
Kai took a deep breath and nodded. "You sure do know how to wear a suit, Jason."
"Really? I don't know." Jason buttoned the highest suit button and observed himself again. "I feel like my shoulders are kind of wide for suits."
"Don't be ridiculous, you look great." Kai lightly adjusted Jason's tie. "Besides, everyone is just going to be looking at the bride to be."
"As they should… Thanks Kai, for everything."
Kai smiled. "Everything hasn't happened yet. One step at a time."
Kai left the room to take his place in the ceremony as Jason looked at himself in the mirror one last time. He could feel his heart rate begin to pick up, as if his body had finally realized just how significant the moment was. Jason looked down at his hands, noticing that they had naturally turned themselves into fists upon sensing the quickened heart.
Before Jason could think upon this, there was a knock on the door and Carter entered. He looked at Jason and up down, impressed with his suit. "Would you look at you. You've come a long way since I first met you."
"Carter, thanks… I was thinking, just this morning, about… well, everything. I randomly picked up a device no bigger than my palm and before I know it, all of this."
"There was nothing random about it. Despite the circumstances, you created your own destiny, your own future… heh, or past."
Jason chuckled. But his laughter was cut off but a troubling thought. "I'm guessing everyone will go back home for real once the reception ends… Is this is really the end of Chronic Storm?"
"Yes, but also, no." replied Carter.
Jason turned to him with a raised eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"There will always be threats to our universe, regardless of time period or dimension. Some we can predict and plan for, some we can't. But the Power Rangers will always be there to defend the people put in harm's way."
Carter then unveiled a metal case from behind him and handed it to Jason. Jason took it from him, but was caught off guard by how heavy it felt.
"Wedding present?" asked Jason.
"Something like that."
Jason opened the case. His eyes glistened as he witnessed the five Chronic Storm morphers lined up neatly in a row. He looked back up at Carter with mouth firmly agape. "Carter… I don't understand."
"I loved being a part of Chronic Storm, even when I couldn't defend everyone who proudly wore those morphers before you. That part of my life is over now, but that doesn't mean Chronic Storm should have to end with me."
Jason stood stunned, his lips quivering as his mind raced to process Carter's words. He could barely utter a coherent word, let alone a complete sentence. "Y-You… want m-me… to lead Chronic Storm!?"
Carter nodded. "In a way, Chronic Storm was as much your creation as anyone's. I believe it's your destiny to carry the torch forward. If that means enjoying the married life and never having to fight again, that would be great. But, if it means needing to step up and defeat the next great foe, I'm trusting you to be able to handle it."
Jason's gaze was fixed upon the Red morpher, the shiny shimmering symbol of Ranger leadership. He faintly recalled Carter joking about this exact possibility. Maybe it was never a joke at all. Jason re-focused himself and cleared his throat, "Carter… you can count on me!"
"I knew I could." Carter patted Jason on the shoulder before heading out the door. "See you out there."
After Carter left the room, Jason carefully placed the case down on the ground. He continued to observe the Red morpher before slowly reaching it and picking it up. It looked the same in nearly every respect as all the others, including his old green morpher tucked away on the far right side of the case. And yet, this morpher seemed a great deal heavier. Jason took a deep breath before he carefully slipped the Red morpher back into its center spot and locked up the case.
Friends, family, and allies alike gathered into the large hall where the ceremony was about to commence. The organs began playing and everyone in attendance rose to their feet and turned their gaze to the back of the room. Kendrix entered the scene holding onto her father's arm and looking as radiant as ever.
A white dress designed with laces up and down the arms. Everyone looked on with wide smiles. But not a single soul was filled with greater awe than the man the stood at the aisle's end, patiently waiting for his wife to be to join him. Kendrix gently kissed her father's cheek before he sat back down next to Mrs. Morgan. And then, Jason took her hands into his as he basked in the purest smile he's ever known. Every morning the sun would rise, but the woman before him would always be the brightest thing in the room.
As they stared into each other's eyes for the last time as just individuals. They were both ready to become something more. They kept their vows short, knowing even a novel could never encapsulate everything the other meant to them. Then, the "I dos" were exchanged without event a moments hesitation. Kai was already fully prepared with ring in hand the second the words left Jason's mouth. Jason carefully slipped the ring on Kendrix' finger before bringing her close to him and solidifying their marriage with a kiss.
With the ceremony complete, along came the outdoor reception held near Maya's home village. The locals around said village usually weren't supportive of organized, large scale events. An exception was made given Kendrix' former status as a chosen wielder of the Quasar Saber.
The event proved to be a festive one with dancing, conversing, and eating all around. Jason was enjoying a nice sit down after being on his feet all day. He wondered if he could get away with ditching his fancy clothes at this point. The thought washed away as he observed Kendrix sharing a dance with her father. The pair even sung along to the song that was playing. Jason only faintly recognized the song as something Kendrix had hummed once while cooking.
Then Leo walked over to him and sat down. "Hey, congrats man!"
"Thanks, Leo. Now, when will it be your turn?"
"Haha, good one. Not really thinking about all that yet."
"Maybe so…" Jason looked over to where Karone was talking with Maya. "But how do you know she's not?"
Leo's smile was replaced by a more pensive, concerned look. "Huh… I guess you have a point."
"Hope you learned how to dance."
They shared a laugh before Leo went over to ask Karone for that dance, of which she graciously accepted. Neither of them were well-versed on the matter, but they had fun with it anyways, moving about at their own face while laughing at each other's decided lack of rhythm.
Just as soon, Jason heard a peculiar pattering sound near the tree just behind him. He immediately picked himself up and carefully approached the trees with shifting, vigilant eyes, praying for just one night where trouble didn't have to muck up a perfect day. He walked through the trees and found himself staring at the closer of Mirinoi's two moons draped against the backdrop of the night. Staring upon the sight wasn't trouble per say, but fairly close: an unexpected visit from General Axis.
Jason lightly giggled to himself and stood next to Axis, both taking in the sight of the large, luminous moon. "Didn't know we were hosting rulers. How nice of you to at least crash the reception."
"Hmph, all of this holy matrimony is making me ill. But still, good for you, now that you have everything you've ever wanted."
"That's… nice of you… But I'm guessing you didn't travel all this way through time just to wish me well?"
Axis then turned to face Jason. "You do recall my last words, do you not?"
Jason scratched his chin while he thought back to a year ago. "Uhh… something about being tied…?"
Axis smirked while he clenched his fists. "One final match. No politics, no royalty, no secret plans, just pride. But, seeing as how this is your wedding day, I'll be waiting here, in this time, until you are ready."
"That's sporting of you. I'd rather not keep such a busy man waiting though, so we'll do it tomorrow. How about sunrise?" Jason smiled smugly at Axis. "Is that dramatic enough for you?"
"Your casual attitude is ill suited for combat." Axis turned around and started walking through the forest. "Sunrise it is, but you'd better bring everything you've got."
Jason could feel his heart kick up a few paces while his grin stretched ear to ear. Not exactly what he was hoping for, but at last, a real fight. A chance to test out the mysterious aura power he had been training to master, despite still being unaware of its true nature or origins. He could strap on that Red morpher and become a Power Ranger once more, if only for one more fight; one more wedding gift before he would force himself to put it all behind him for her.
Jason returned to the reception in a brighter mood. Kendrix finally found him and pulled him by the arm over to the dance floor. Once there, they wrapped their hands around each other while the wedding band proceeded to play one of Kendrix' favorite songs; "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles, a classic even by the standards of 2001. Over the course of Jason's integration into this time, Kendrix taught him all about her musical interests. Jason eventually caught on that The Beatles were probably her favorite band. He then kept digging into the musical group and discovered the very song playing in the background now. It had an odd, soothing, almost healing property about it. Thinking through the lyrics while the gentle guitar riffs washed over him, it was just the song he needed during those early Terra Venture days. On the evening Jason proposed, he got a band to play this very Beatles song before he bent the knee. As he flashed the bright, shimmering diamond ring, it felt as if a long, cold, lonely winter had passed by; the ice slowly melting. Everything was alright now.
More pairs of dancers eventually joined the couple on the dance floor as the song faded out, giving way to another that Jason was less familiar with. During the transition, Jason noticed Kendrix' sly smile. He could already tell what it meant.
"That was nice of Axis," she said, "coming to our reception and not trying to destroy anything."
Jason could only smirk at Kendrix' exectadly quick read of the situation.
"You don't seem worried, so I won't try to stop you or get in the way. I'm thinking that it's just something you have two have to do. Just promise that you'll beat him good."
Jason smiled and nodded. "That's a promise."
"I'm serious. Don't lose, or I'll leave you." replied Kendrix with a smile.
"Great, more pressure…"
The night came and went. Once the festivities were over, the Rangers and friends out of time said their goodbyes. But none present felt distraught. Ethan pointed out that with time travel in their pockets, meeting up again would be no different than hopping on a plane to anywhere else. All felt assured that they would meet again, perhaps whenever another Ranger decides to tie the knot. But for now, Carter, Ethan, and Taylor could all finally return to their true homes.
The late night gave way to the early morning sunrise. Jason opened his eyes and rose from his bed. He walked over to the closet and found the Green and Pink Chronic Storm uniforms tucked neatly away inside. He put his uniform on before kneeling down and uncovering the morpher case. He opened up the case and stared inside, gazing upon the Red morpher, thinking about the pride with which Carter handed him this responsibility. He began to lift the up the Red morpher from its cushiony placeholder, but then his eyes darted back towards his old Green morpher at the far right. He looked back and forth between both while his arm was frozen in place, unable to will himself to pick up the Red.
Kendrix was starting to wake up as well.
Jason was startled a bit by her sudden rustling about their bed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."
Kendrix pulled Jason in close and kissed him on the cheek before plopping back onto the bed. "Just keep the lights off when you come back."
Jason smiled and looked back at the case. His fingers were still gently pressed against the Red morpher. A few silent moments of contemplation. Jason pushed the Red morpher back into the case, acquired his Green morpher, and latched it back on his wrist. He shook his arm around with a gentle smile. It hadn't felt this balanced in a long while.
Then, he approached the south side of Terra Venture where Axis was standing, waiting, impatiently tapping his foot, but ceasing the second Jason was visible.
"So, the time has finally arrived." Axis' electricity already began to spark and crackle from his hand. His stare was one of focus.
"That's right. It's time to put this rivalry to bed."
"It's been a good ride," Axis started walking towards Jason. "But this is where you fall, Green Ranger."
Jason kept walking towards him. "Just so we're clear, you don't mean fall for good, right?"
"Heh, I suppose we'll find out."
"Heh, fair enough. Chronic Storm, Ranger form!" Jason morphed into the Green Chronic Storm Ranger and charged up his aura. He looked all around and basked in the sight of his green and black suit. "Ah, it's good to be Green."
The two went from walking to charging straight at each other. Both cocked back their fists and launched powerful punches to open up their fight. Their fists collided, creating a brilliant display of white and green light that pulsated through the air. Jason could see the difference instantly. Axis' trademark smirk was no smirk at all. As they both reeled back from the force of their punches, Jason began to laugh heartily with Axis soon following.