Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers they belong to Saban entertainment. In this story Andros is the king of KO-35. Ashley lives at the castle with Andros as his companion. Some of the older rangers are living in Andros kingdom.

The Rose

By ButterflyAngel2

The garden showed promise, she thought. Even as the hard frost lay on the February ground, Ashley thought she saw the slightest hint of the ancient roses blooming. There was green there, she knew it. There was life still left in these neglected flowers, and she planned on finding it. Her eyes glittered with a thought; she would do it, if only for the fact Andros told her she couldn't.

Ashley looked up at the sound of approaching footsteps. Wiping her hands off on her apron she stood, greeting the newcomer with a smile.

"Zhane! I never thought to see you again!"

The blond haired man walked towards her with outstretched arms. "Come here you minx, and give me a hug."

Like a child she ran into his arms, hugging him before she remembered the dirt all over her. "Oh no, Zhane, your coat."

His silver eyes flashed with amusement as he looked down at his now dirt streaked coat. "Yes, it is a bit gauche. I'm sorry you don't like my taste in clothing my dear."

"But I didn't mean" she looked up to see him smiling widely, and then laughed. "Must you always take such pleasure at making fun of me?"

Zhane just smiled. "Perhaps. But enough of that. What is it you're doing out in this frigid weather digging around in weeds?"

"They are not weeds Zhane, but roses. Or at least they used to be." She frowned slightly and touched a bush. "I fear that they've been neglected for too long to bloom anymore."

Zhane looked at the bushes and shrugged. "They look fairly dead to me. But if anyone can bring them to life it's you. What is it that they say about roses? They only grow with love."

Ashley smirked. "Then no wonder they were dying."

Zhane raised an eyebrow at her enigmatic statement. "I trust you and my loner friend are getting along amicably?"

A rather unladylike snort issued from the redhead beside him. "When have we ever?"

"True, but one must always hope." He studied her for a moment, as if contemplating something. Ashley wondered what he was thinking, but before she could ask him, he seemed to reach his own conclusion and held out his arm. "My lady?"

They walked out of the crisp winter air into the castle, talking about nothing and everything at the same time.

Andros watched the couple laugh and make their way into the castle. He turned away from the window and sighed. Perhaps he was wrong. Perhaps Ashley and Zhane would make a good match. No doubt she was growing bored with life as the king of KO-35's companion. Perhaps it was just the thing for the two of them to marry.

Shaking his head he glanced over at a crystal. He would miss her. As angry as she made him, she was still beautiful. And as often as she challenged him, he admired her bravery.

Yes, he would miss her sorely.