Disclaimer: Saban owns Power Rangers and the characters within, not I.

The Song of Guitardo

Jason

"This is great!" Jason exclaimed as he stood before his leader and mentor. He looked to his left to see Tommy standing next to him with a smile as well.

"It's prelimary right now, and we want to run some tests before we are sure." Zordon informed the two smiling Rangers in front of him.

"Of course, but this is great news." Jason responded. "If you can somehow restore those powers..."

"It'd be amazing." Tommy finished his thought.

"If we can make it work, we will notify you Tommy as soon as we can." Zordon explained. "For now we just wanted to give you a status report on our efforts."

"I'm just glad for some good news." Tommy stated as he glanced over at Jason. "Hey.. I wanna get back and tell Kim."

"Of course." Jason responded as he watched Tommy teleport out in a streak of green. He reached for his communicator to follow suit but then stopped. He glanced up at Alpha before turning up to Zordon. "Zordon?"

"Yes Jason?" Zordon reacted.

"I've been thinking..." Jason began. "If you can restore Tommy's powers, will they be as strong as before?"

"Yes.. if this works, they will be even stronger." Zordon answered. Jason considered this response for a moment with a nod of his head. "What is on your mind Jason?"

"I was thinking... Zedd is so much stronger than Rita.." Jason began a response. "I could really use some help leading the team.."

"You are doing a fine job." Zordon stated with fondness.

"I appreciate that Zordon." Jason replied. "All of the guys are capable of leading, but Tommy's powers are stronger than ours, and when it comes to battle he has a very strategic mind."

"What are you saying Jason?" Alpha cut in.

"Just.. do you think.. if this all works, that maybe he could lead the team with me?" Jason inquired looking down at Alpha before back up to Zordon.

"You pose an interesting proposition Jason." Zordon responded. "I sense though, there is more to this than you are telling us."

"Well... you see... I signed up to possibly be going to Switzerland for a Peace Conference." Jason began to explain. "I was thinking, maybe it'd be a good idea for the guys to get used to having someone else lead them.. just in case."

"I see." Zordon stated as he began to contemplate his words. "Zachary is second in command to you, why do you not think he should be given this position?"

"Because Zack also signed up.. same with Trini." Jason answered. "Billy, Kimberly and Tommy did not."

"I understand." Zordon replied.

"I think there is a good chance all three of us will be chosen." Jason continued. He ran a hand through his hair before leaning his hands on the control panel in front of him. Alpha moved to stand next to him.

"You okay Jason?" Alpha asked.

"It's just... I think we can do a lot of good at this conference... we hated not to sign up for it..." Jason began to answer but paused. I don't wanna leave.

"But you do not want to give up being a Ranger." Zordon finished for him, prompting the Red Ranger to raise his head to his mentor.

"Right." Jason agreed.

"Your sacrifice of your Ranger powers is a noble one." Zordon told him. "Nobleness is one of the characteristics that have served you well as leader of the team."

"What happens if we are chosen?" Jason asked.

"We will have to choose replacement Rangers." Alpha answered. Jason turned to him and nodded. He had suspected this would be the case.

"If we can restore Tommy's powers, we will make him co-leader as you have requested." Zordon decided with a smile at Jason. Jason returned the smile and stood upright. He reached for his communicator and pressed the button to teleport out.

Kimberly

I don't know what to feel. Kimberly walked down the sidewalk with her mind filled with many thoughts and her heart with mixed feelings. Tommy had just left her house and informed her of the good news that he possibly could have his powers restored to him soon. This was amazing news and his happiness had overwhelmed any sadness she was feeling from earlier. Once he left though, it had returned.

He's gonna be leaving. The sadness in question stemmed from an event that happened earlier in the day. All six of the Rangers had decided to come together to decide what to do about the Peace Conference. Since all six wanted to take the opportunity to help out there, but also all held reservations about leaving the team, they had decided the only way to choose was simply to cast lots. The three shortest lots would go to the peace conference. She remembered distinctively the way her heart dropped when she saw Jason had the shortest lot of all.

Kimberly paused now just outside of his window. She took a deep breath as a tear threatened to cascade down her face. She hadn't spoken to him since the decision was made. Immediately after the decision was made Zordon had contacted him and he and Tommy had left to the Command Center.

Kimberly peaked inside the window but saw no sign of him. She then heard some sounds coming from behind the house and made her way around it. She saw him there with the hood up on his van and he was bent over doing something underneath it. She made her way over to him. He stopped his work as she got about halfway. He raised his head up and spoke without turning around.

"Hey Kim." He said softly.

"Hey." She responded as she closed the distance between them. He turned to face her. "Something wrong with the van?"

"I think the starter may be going out... but you didn't come here to talk about my van did you?" He responded as he noted the troubled look on her face.

"No.. no.." She began but when she couldn't find words she simply wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him with all her might. He reciprocated the hug and chuckled a little as he felt how much power there was in her small frame.

"Hey... we don't know for sure yet." Jason said soothingly as he could now feel a wet spot forming on the front of his t-shirt from her tears. "Maybe none of us will get chosen, maybe just one, we don't know."

"I know what you are trying to do.." She said as she sniffed before leaning her head back to look up at him with her arms still fully around him. "But.. I think we know that you are getting chosen."

"Maybe.." Jason said as he felt his heart breaking, looking at her now. "But let's not say goodbye yet... I'm.. not ready."

"Me either Jase.. I don't think I'll ever be." She answered as he moved to wipe a tear away.

"Even if I do go.. I won't be gone forever." Jason responded.

"It will be two years... it's gonna seem like forever." She countered. He nodded in response and she sunk back into his chest.

Jason

Jason looked over the expanse in front of him as he considered the day he had just had. He chose to come this particular spot, because he knew he could be completely alone in his thoughts. In the years since he had found this place up in the mountains near Angel Grove and had been retreating to it, he had never seen another soul. He had a beautiful view overlooking the whole city and right now he just needed the quiet serenity this place always offered him.

Jason sat down on the rocks and brought his knees up to rest his arms on. He took note of the sun setting in the distance and that some of the lights in the city were starting to illuminate. He saw many vehicles going to and fro. And he just found himself looking at the city now, without really seeing anything. All that he could envision now was what it would be like to leave the city, leave the Rangers, leave her.

"Soo.." a sinister voice from behind Jason disrupted the peace and made his blood run cold. Immediately Jason sprang up and turned to face the intruder. He found himself a few feet away from Lord Zedd. "Rumor has it, you may be leaving.."

"What do you want Zedd?" Jason replied cooly.

"Oh.. the world for one... but as far as you are concerned Jason, I only wanted to come and express my disappointment to you." Zedd responded. "I will hate to see you go, especially since I am so close to my moment of triumph over you and your team."

"You're delusional!" Jason stated more forcefully this time. He glanced around to see he was cornered between Zedd and a very large drop behind him. Suddenly he felt very vulnerable in his civilian form and found himself reaching behind his back and finding his morpher in his hand. "Tyrannosaurus!"

"Itching for a fight are you?" Zedd asked as he watched the transformation in front of him.

"Just being prepared." Jason responded in his now fully morphed form.

"Do you really think that suit can protect you from me?" Zedd questioned with a small chuckle.

"I hope we don't have to find out." Jason responded.

"Yes.. you better hope we don't." Zedd agreed.

"So what do you want?" Jason questioned as he took a good look around to make sure Zedd had not brought any backup.

"Well Red Ranger, as I said earlier.. I merely wanted to come and express to you that I will be disappointed to see you go." Zedd explained. "I may hate your guts, but you have been a worthy adversary in the short time we have been in conflict."

"I'm not gone yet." Jason stated.

"Oh.. I'm aware of this.." Zedd reacted. "My hope... my desire is that I get the chance to destroy you and your whole team before you leave."

"That's not gonna happen!" Jason stated with his anger building up inside of him at Zedd's threats.

"You do know... Tommy's powers are at a critical state do you not?" Zedd asked coldly.

"That will not be the case much longer." Jason replied.

"Oh.. let me guess.. Zordon has told you he is on the verge of restoring them?" Zedd questioned. "He is a lying fool."

"You are the fool." Jason retorted.

"You know.. you should learn some respect." Zedd stated menacingly as his body began to emit a red glow.

"I give respect where it is deserved." Jason countered.

"Maybe.. Jason.. I should show you why I deserve it." Zedd said as he brought his staff from his side to in front of him. Jason watched as the Z on the end began to crackle and instinctively he jumped to the side as a beam shot out from the staff and went whizzing by him over the edge of the bluff. He heard an explosion below and turned to see Zedd preparing for another attempt.

"My turn!" Jason exclaimed as he lept over Zedd and his sword materialized in his gloved hand. He landed behind Zedd and swung the blade. Zedd turned with surprisingly quick reflexes to block the shot. They locked in a momentary test of strength with their respective weapons before Zedd's staff began to glow and Jason felt a surge of power come through it and into him. The force of it knocked him back and through a tree, sending splinters of wood everywhere as he connected with the ground with a resounding thud.

"Oh.. Jason.. so bold.. so brave... so foolish." Zedd said with a shake of his head as he eyed the fallen Ranger before him. He cocked his head as he watched Jason reach over and retrieve his sword before using it to help him return to his feet. "Impressive."

Jason didn't respond to Zedd's words but charged at him instead. He pushed the pain he was still feeling into the back of his mind as he closed the distance between them. He swung his sword, and like expected Zedd blocked it with his staff. Jason threw a kick that Zedd was not expecting as it landed directly into his side. Zedd buckled only slightly but it was enough for Jason to get a clear shot with a punch to the gold plated chin of his challenger. The shot staggered Zedd backwards.

Zedd recovered his footing and made a wild swing with his staff that Jason easily ducked. On the way back up Jason landed another shot on Zedd's chin, this time it was an uppercut that found it's mark. Once again, Zedd staggered but did not leave his feet. Jason wasted no time in swinging his sword and connecting against Zedd's chest. The blow sent a shockwave between the two of them, knocking Jason to the ground and Zedd back to the edge of the cliff.

"You will need to do better than that." Zedd taunted as he stole a glance to the drop behind him before collecting himself. Jason took this opportunity to energize his sword, it was now glowing as red as his costume as he threw it at Zedd. It landed dead center of the alien's chest and the force of the blow sent him flying over the cliff behind him.

Jason felt a wave of lightheadedness come over him that he quickly shook off. He slowly made his way over to the cliff's edge. He retrieved his sword from the ground, before inching closer to edge. Before he could advance fully suddenly Zedd came into view rising from the vastness below and surrounded by a crackling red energy encased around him. He was now floating above the precipice and laughing maniacally. Jason had no time to react as he descended upon him and seized him by the throat.

"Like I said.. I respect you Ranger.. but you should learn to respect me too." Zedd snarled as he began to squeeze the life out of Jason. "Beg me for your life."

"No.." Jason barely managed to respond as he could no longer get air.

"Then you will die alone up here." Zedd replied. Jason felt himself blacking out as the oxygen was being deprived from his brain. He had almost faded out when he heard a voice coming from his right.

"Put him down.. now!" Tommy exclaimed as he stood in the middle of the other four Rangers. Zedd turned to see the rest of the team standing very near him. Kimberly started to approach but Zedd held his staff up at her.

"Make one more step Pink Ranger and I'll end him right now in front of you." Zedd warned as he felt Jason weakly attempt to break his grip. He let out a little laugh not even bothering to turn his attention back to his victim.

"Let him go..." Kim echoed Tommy's earlier demand.

"What's the magic word?" Zedd teasingly asked her.

"You are sick!" Zack exclaimed as he started to tack a step forward but Tommy put his arm up to prevent him.

"Come on Kimberly... what's the word?" Zedd continued, never removing his gaze from her.

"Please!" Kim exclaimed in frustration and anger.

"That's better.." Zedd said as he loosened his grip on Jason's throat and began to lower him back to the ground. He heard Kim let out a sigh of relief at the act and chuckled quietly. He looked up and down the team. "You know... all of you Rangers are really gullible."

"Zedd... let him go." Tommy told him as he fought the urge to rush. He had a bad feeling this was not going to end well.

"Sure... I mean.. since you asked so nicely." Zedd responded. He turned to face Jason. Suddenly he tightened his grip once more, but this time instead of lifting the Ranger vertically, he flung him over the nearby cliff.

"Nooooo!" All the Rangers found themselves screaming in unison as they watched their leader's lifeless body disappear over the edge. Zedd disappeared too in a crackle of energy as Kimberly raced past him and without a thought lept off the cliff.

"Kimberly!" Tommy called out behind her as he ran with the rest of the team and stopped at the edge. Tommy began to leap but Zack stopped him.

"I need.. Pterodactyl Dinozord Power!" Kimberly called out as she made her free fall. She could see Jason below a few feet below her and fast approaching the ground. She silently prayed as she glanced out of the corner of her eye to see her Zord fast approaching. She watched as it got within range. With a nod she directed it to fly below Jason and rise up to retrieve him as gently as it could. Kimberly watched as the Zord ascended up farther to meet her as well and she landed on it's wing next to him. "Jason!"

Kimberly frantically crawled over to him and put her hand over his chest to feel for signs of life. She felt her heart sink as his own heart was not beating beneath her hands. Suddenly it was like everything was moving in slow motion for her. She glanced past the wing to see they had now risen to be above the cliff and she could see the other Rangers standing there. Her Zord made it's way over to land behind the group as she felt frantically felt for a pulse on their leader.

"Kimberly.. how is he?" Billy called out as all of the Rangers began to climb up on the wing of her Zord. They raced over to see her starting to remove his helmet. Tommy sunk down next to her. Before Kim's hands could reach the clasps on Jason's helmet, suddenly his armor disappeared before them.

"No.." Kim exclaimed softly. She turned to Tommy with panic in her eyes and in her voice. "He doesn't have a pulse!"

"Watch out.." Billy said as he knelt down between them. He felt for Jason's pulse and after a few seconds finally found a very faint one. "He's alive... barely."

"Thank God." Trini exclaimed from behind the group as Zack wrapped her in a hug.

"Let's get him to Zordon." Tommy said as he put his arms beneath Jason and lifted him off the ground. Kim took Jason's hand in hers as they all teleported out together.

Kimberly

Please come back. Kimberly watched the chest of the fallen Ranger before her. Her only comfort right now was each time it rose as his lungs filled with air. She reached over to gently stroke Jason's cheek as he lie unconscious beneath her. She eyed the many different electrodes and devices Alpha and Billy had hooked up to his body in their attempt to stabilize and return life back to him.

"Any change?" Trini's voice slightly startled Kim from behind her as she made her way to stand next to Kim.

"He's still breathing.." Kim responded as her eyes never left his chest.

"He's gonna be okay." Trini responded her voice full of hope and assurance.

"He has to be..." Kim stated. "Why didn't he contact us?"

"He probably didn't have time." Zack stated as he made his way over to stand on the other side of the bed from the girls. Trini looked up at him but Kimberly still did not remove her gaze. "Zedd probably ambushed him."

"Most likely." Billy chimed in as he made his way over to one of the machines Jason was hooked to, to examine it's findings. "He is stable now... his body is just resting.. but he should come around soon."

"Are you sure?" Kim asked finally sneaking a glance in Billy's direction.

"Affirmative." Billy answered. "His body was put through a great deal of stress, but the Morphin Grid is healing him."

"That's good to hear." Zack stated. Kimberly noticed that Tommy was the only one not gathered around their fallen teammate and she turned to see him sitting on the ground leaning up against one of the control panels nearby. She saw a blank expression on his face and then turned her attention back to Jason for a moment. She took Jason's hand and gave it a small squeeze before turning to make her way over to Tommy.

"How is he?" Tommy asked, his gaze not moving to meet Kim as she sank down next to him.

"Billy says he is going to be okay.. his powers are healing him.." Kim responded as she too stared directly in front of her.

"I wish I could get my hands on Zedd." Tommy stated with a quiet anger that prompted Kim to turn to him.

"We all do.. but we can't face him alone.. look what happened to Jase." Kim reasoned.

"I know... but one day he will pay for that." Tommy stated as he turned his attention to Kim. He saw the redness around her eyes were she had been crying and his expression softened along with his voice. "Hey... he's gonna be okay."

"I know.. but I thought I was not going to be able to save him." Kim reacted her eyes meeting Tommy's.

"But you did... he's alive thanks to you." Tommy said offering her a smile. She nodded in return but found she could not smile yet. Not until he's awake. He put his arm around her and pulled her close to him. "Jase is strong, he'll be back to his old self in no time."

"Kim.. Tommy.. come here!" Zack called from his place next to Jason. Kimberly nearly tripped over herself as she she sprung to her feet so quickly she raced over with Tommy close behind. She started to fear the worst but found her heart leap when she saw Jason's eyes open and looking around.

"Jason.." She could barely find her voice as she got as close as possible to his side and grabbed his hand.

"Hey.." Jason responded with a decidedly hoarse voice. He grimaced as he felt pain coarsing through his neck.

"It's good to see you awake." Tommy said as he moved around to stand next to Zack. Jason turned to him.

"Guess I kind of screwed up." Jason stated.

"Don't do that.." Trini told him as she watched him turn to her.

"I shouldn't have faced him alone..." Jason explained.

"Hey... he ambushed you didn't he?" Zack asked.

"Yeah... but I could have teleported out or contacted you guys.. I think I had time." Jason answered closing his eyes for a moment before readjusting them to the lights above him. "I'm sorry guys."

"Don't be sorry.. we are just happy to have you back." Billy exclaimed as he appeared next to Tommy.

"I'm sure I have you and Alpha to thank for that." Jason said offering him a smile of gratitude. He glanced at his feet to see Alpha Five standing there quietly. He smiled at the robot too, he was sure the robot would smile back if he was capable.

"It was your powers too.. they healed you." Billy informed him.

"Well.. I'm glad I had them." Jason said as he started to sit up. A small wave of lightheadedness came over him and he sunk back down.

"You okay?" Kim asked tightening her grip on his hand.

"I'm okay.. just a little lightheaded." Jason replied, offering her a smile to assure her. They locked eyes. He broke it and looked to each team member. "Could I talk to Kim for a moment?"

"Sure.." Tommy answered for the group as they collectively began to make their way out of earshot to other places in the Command Center. Jason watched as they all walked away. He then turned back to Kim.

"Kim... the last thing I saw before I blacked out was you... leaping over the cliff after me.." Jason began. "Please tell me I dreamed that."

"Um... I had to." She answered her eyes breaking their gaze momentarily.

"Kim... what if.." He began but stopped himself as he couldn't bare to finish the thought.

"I didn't think Jason.. I just jumped." Kim responded. I'd do it again.

"Oh Kim..." He said giving her hand a squeeze. "Thank you."

"Of course." She answered feeling a surge of electricity as he ran his thumb along the top of her hand.

"I love you." He said softly.

"I love you too." She responded eagerly.

"But please... in the future..." He began.

"I'd do it again." She quickly cut him off. He considered her for a moment before letting out a chuckle. "What?"

"You are too stubborn for your own good." He said fondly.

"When it comes to people I care about.. yes I am." She responded. He sat up in the bed and swung his feet over the sides. "Hey.."

"Kim.. I'm okay." He responded to her protest. He began to disconnect himself from all the various machines he was hooked up to. He hopped off the bed and saw all of the rest of the Rangers turn to him. He smiled at them all and then turned back to Kim. "Let's go home."