Evil or not, I still consider Dr. Thomas Oliver, Kimberly Ann Hart, and the Dino Thunder Rangers my best friends. It is amazing how quickly they forgave me, especially after what I did to one of their best friends – a friend they had come to, in an odd sort of way, a second mother or, for some, a second sister. But I suppose Loyalty, Honesty and Compassion can overrule hate, anger and spite. At least, for the Power Rangers it could, anyway. I suppose…It worked for me as well. After all, I, too, was a Power Ranger.

Emphasis on the keyword was.

In a spectacular display of courage I willing gave up my powers to live a normal life – and to show the Power Rangers that I was willing to repent for my past sins with my life; though mine was spared, oddly. During the exchange, some how the Gems power saved me, some how encompassed me in a shield of energy. The force of the explosion, strong enough to kill anyone within several blocks with the shockwave alone, merely sent me flying rather then to my death. Of course, the impact was nothing special. I thought every bone in my body broke…but again, the Gems power saved me.

When I lost consciousness, the gem left me like I had commanded it; to seek out a new master until either I was needed once again, or I made an inevitable return for it. I promised him that I would return…and perhaps one day I will. But then again…imagining the wraths of Kira Ford and Kimberly Hart would be most unbearable; considering everyone thinks me dead. I can assume Dr. O would welcome me back after the initial shock has passed, though Trent and Conner would prove most difficult. I won't even bother with Kim and Kira – I'm already a dead man walking – and who ever my successor chose. I can also safely assume that my successor will be none to happy to have me back.

So you can imagine the surprise I got when I walked into my mansion and found a tiger sized golden dragon sitting in my foyer, staring at me glow eyes. It gave me one blink, a second and then promptly snorted. If I'd known better the damn thing was laughing at me…

"Hello, Hayden." Dragon said, bowing his head respectfully. "So my assumptions were right; you are alive."

Hayden nodded, arched a brow, and tossed his gold handbag to the floor. "So…what pleasure do I own to the reunion of an old friend?" Hayden asked and reached out to pet the dragon. It almost seemed to melt under the touch.

"Nothing, though I can't stay long. If I am out in my physical form for too long the Gems energy will start to dissipate." Dragon said and nuzzled Hayden's stroking hand. "I mere came to see if you were alive and if my energy orb saved you."

"Apparently." Hayden said and frowned, seeing the glow slowly begin to die in Dragon's eyes. "So, how is my predecessor?"

"Marietta Moore; a very troubled young woman but she bonded with the power flawlessly. Though…she doesn't talk to me as much like you did." Dragon said and then swatted Hayden's hand away. Their eyes met for a moment and he let out a breath. "You should let the other Rangers know that you're alive. It's the least you can do, considering you had the at tears for weeks after your death."

Hayden chuckled softly and shook his head. "Perhaps I will. I heard that Hayley's Cyberspace was destroyed?"

"Thoroughly. A new evil has threatened Earth and I'm afraid even my powers will not be enough to defeat them." Dragon answered, bowing his head again. "Marietta is still to green to ascertain, much less handle, the full extent of my power. The rangers, albeit experienced with their own, can't match the power of this new evil. A single General, as they call themselves, managed to completely and utterly decimate Trent and Kira."

"And you're missing me because I can handle and keep you company, is that it?" Hayden asked, grinning.

"Well, you don't have to taunt me about it, but in a manner of speaking, yes that is correct." Dragon said, rather defiantly, licking his paw a moment. Their eyes met and Dragon's tongue stopped mid-stroke and Hayden continued to grin.

"No." He said finally, with a bit of emphasis behind it. "I'll come back when I'm ready or if I'm needed. Now go, before the Dino Gem loses its powers."

Dragon gave him a glare, frowned and then faded into nothingness. Hayden let out a single breath and shook his head. Maybe it was time to return after all…

XXXXXX

A/N:D So he still lives, eh? Will he come back or will he stick to his word and stay gone? Will he return to the rangers and at least let them know he is alive or will he let them think him dead? - This was a spur of the moment inspiration and I'm still not read to return to full time writing again. Just thought I'd throw this little teaser at you because there's some BIG, BIG stuff coming up.

And when I mean big, I mean colossal. World…changing colossal…

Audience pause

Okay, maybe not that big, but it's BIG