Status: Complete
Pairings: Tommy Oliver/Kimberly Hart, Billy Cranston/Original Female Character
Category: Alternate Universe
Genre: Action, Adventure
Rating: Teen
Summary: The Zeo Crystal has been destroyed. Now, former Rangers have been called to retake up the mantel to protect Earth.
Notes: Set in Zeo Season
Series/Sequels: Immortal Evanescence

Chapter Fourteen: Melting of the Gold

Jason appeared in the Power Chamber, looking for any of the Sentinels or Billy. He saw Alpha next to a console and a figure in the shadows. "Zordon?"

"I am here, Jason." Zordon's tube came to life, the old mage looking down at him. "I am afraid that what we are about to discuss at this moment, Jason will not bode well for you."

"Okay." Jason was confused. What was going on?

"Ever since you've taken the Gold Powers from Lord Trey, we have been monitoring you for any signs of unforeseen consequences of a human taking on Powers of an alien source. Recently, we have seen such symptoms where your body has been slowly deteriorating both in life force and physical equilibrium. It has been decided that you will need to pass on the Powers back."

Jason saw the figure step forward, revealing himself to be Lord Trey. "Hello, Jason."

A heavy weight settled in his stomach. "So what are we going to do?"

"I have been successful in reuniting myself back into a single entity." Lord Trey walked forward, placing a hand on Jason's shoulder. "I know this will be difficult for you, but it is for the best."

Jason gave a small smile. "All of us knew it was going to be temporary." Jason summoned the Gold Staff. He handed it to Lord Trey. The instant the alien prince's hand came into contact, Jason felt the Gold Powers leaving him. He slumped, Trey catching him.

"Trey, take him to the infirmary. I wish to see if there isn't any permanent damage done to him." Zordon sounded worried for one of his first Chosen.

"Ai yi yi yi yi yi! Should I contact Billy?" Alpha asked.

"No. He deserves some rest." Zordon watched as Jason was taken to the table for examination.

He slowly returned to consciousness, the light hurting his eyes. Jason blinked a couple of times. He heard paper rustling nearby. "Hello?"

"Jason?" It was Billy. A dark figure loomed over him, features blurred. "How are you doing?"

"Uh, very tired." Jason let out a yawn. He tried to get up but Billy pushed him back down. He fell with a hard thump.

"Don't try to get up; you're very weak from the Power transfer. The Gold Powers took a good toll on you. You've been out for most the day." Billy sounded worried.

"I'm alright."

"Yeah, right." Billy grabbed the water pitcher sitting next to Jason's bed and poured a cup. "Here, this might help."

Jason took the offered cup and began to drink. "Does everybody know?"

"Yeah. They're really worried about you. Once the tests come back negative." Billy looked at him. "Are you really okay?"

"I'm fine, Billy. I'm just a little tired."

The smaller teen gave a slight nod. "Okay." He went quiet, looking at the bed sheet that covered Jason.

Slowly, a thought came to him. "So, Billy. How was your time with Rebekkah?" He was rewarded with a blush that covered Billy's face. "You two didn't do anything bad, did you?"

"Of course not!" Billy sputtered, looking uncomfortable. "We just talked about things."

"Pray tell, what things?"

"Um, about what the parents will think, you know." Billy ducked his head. "I have never done this before."

"What about Laura and those others girls?"

"Something inside of me felt like those relationships wouldn't have lasted even if I tried. But it's now telling me this one could actually be permanent." Billy gestured with his hands. "I have never had any experience in a long term relationship. What if I mess up?"

"Nobody's perfect, Billy." Jason smiled slightly. "You guys are good together. That little glimpse we all had when she came over yesterday told us everything. There are guaranteed times where everything seemed a mistake or something like that but the rewards of being with her will outweigh those times. If she is the one for you, Billy, you need to fight for her and don't let the little things get in the way."

Billy looked at the door. "Adam said about the same thing."

"So believe in it." Jason let out another yawn. "I must be tired."

"I should let you get some rest. As I said before, the Gold Powers took a lot out of you." Billy watched as Jason fell asleep. Quietly, he walked out to where Zordon and Lord Trey were talking.

"So, you plan on reconstructing the Zeo Crystal after the Borrach Crystal?" The alien prince turned to Billy.

"Yes. I believe that the Zeo Crystal is now stable." Billy stated, thinking back to his vision.

"But after being destroyed, the Power within the Crystal should have dispersed, no longer being able to be contained within the confines of the Crystal itself."

"I have talked with Dulcea. The re-forged Shards will be used to channel the Great Power like we used to do with the Morphin Coins."

"But that will mean they will have to go on the Quest for their spirits."

"That is correct, Lord Trey. The Rangers will be sent to Phaedos once the recalibration is complete. Billy and Dayleen will journey with them in secret so the tests will be able to take place after the Rangers reach the Monolith."

"The Earth will be left defense less." Trey thought for a moment. "My kingdom does not need me at present so I will stay and guard Earth while the Rangers do their Quest."

"Thank you."

"Do not worry after all you kept the Gold Staff under guard while I could not hold them. I will return back to Pyramidas and prepare her for battle." Lord Trey bowed to Zordon before teleporting out.

"When do you want us to leave for Phaedos, Zordon?"

"Tomorrow night at the earliest as I will have to talk to Dulcea and begin preparations. The sooner we have the Rangers Quest for the Great Power, the better. Inform the Sentinels."

"Of course, Zordon." Billy disappeared, a dark blue streak rushing out.

Jason woke up just Alpha waddled in.

"Where's Billy?"

"He's currently involved in an assignment for Zordon." Alpha said. "He has been trying to cover all the bases for the Sentinels. It has hard on him as they are twice as big as any other Ranger team we've had before. I hope he does not push himself too far."

"Why don't you ask Zordon to ask him to slow down?" Alpha didn't reply. "Alpha?"

"Times are changing, Jason. And from what we have heard, they are not for the better." Alpha laid a hand on the big teen's shoulder. "The Sentinels need to deal with the Machine Empire before heading off to another war. I am afraid that Zordon is planning on sending Billy with them."

"What? But Billy doesn't have a Power Coin or Zeonizer? What is he going to do to protect himself?"

"Don't underestimate Billy, Jason. He has changed since he has become a Ranger." Alpha looked at the data on the screen he was holding. "I believe there weren't any permanent effects from you holding the Gold Power, Jason. Already, the temporary feeling of weakness is fading is it not?"

"Yeah, Alpha." Jason got up from the table.

"You should head home, Jason and for the remainder of the day, rest, just to make sure."

"Okay."

"Jason?"

"Yes, Alpha?"

"Don't worry about Billy."

"Okay." Jason touched his hand to the communicator and teleported out, this time in a streak of white.