Chapter 9: Coming Home

Ashley said goodbye to her friends and was heading back to KO-35. All she wanted now was to be in the arms of her husband again. She sat in her seat and she looked at the ring she had placed back on her finger. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back.

(Flashback)

Adora and Andros were lying in their bed. Their first night as husband and wife, the most awkward moment for them. Adora bit her lip and was lying on her side with her back facing him. "You okay?" He asked. Adora sat up and leaned against the headboard.

"I know we said that we could make this work, but we're best friends. How could they make us marry each other?" She asked.

Andros sat up and shrugged his shoulders. "I have no idea," he replied. Adora bit her tongue and tried to push back her tears. Andros reached over and held her hand. "But the thing is…we're married now and we can't change it," he told her. Adora pulled her knees up to her chest and placed her chin on her knees staring at the far wall.

"Just promise me something," she murmured.

"What's that?" He asked.

She looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "When we have kids, promise me that when you become Emperor of KO-35 that you'd change the customs, so they don't have to go through what we are?" She asked. Andros nodded his head slowly.

"I promise," he replied.

They laid back down and fell into a deep sleep.

(End Flashback)

Ashley opened her eyes when the computer beeped. "We are arriving at KO-35," the computer informed.

"Thank you," Ashley answered.

Ashley looked at the screen to see Andros there near the landing platform waiting for her. "Andros…" she whispered. The ship landed and Ashley walked towards the ramp.

She walked down the ramp and walked towards him. "Um…hi," She greeted nervously. Andros stood there with the serious look on his face like he had when she became the Yellow Ranger again. Ashley bit her lip and stood in front of him.

"You're late," he commented.

Ashley looked at him confused and then a smile came across his face. "Welcome home," he greeted. Ashley smiled and hugged him tight. Andros hugged her back and kissed her neck. Ashley felt tears falling down her face and buried her head in his shoulder.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered.

Andros hugged her tight and spun her around once. Ashley laughed slightly and pulled back. He pressed his forehead against hers. "Forgiven," he answered.


"Let's go home," she commented.

"Gladly."

When they got home, Alisa came down the stairs with Alastair in her arms. "Welcome home, milady," she greeted. Ashley smiled and walked over to Alisa.

"Thank you so much for taking care of him," Ashley answered.

"Actually, it was Emperor Andros that took care of him."

Ashley looked at Alisa in disbelief and looked over at Andros. "You took care of him?" She asked. Andros shrugged his shoulders slightly.

"Wasn't that hard once you get used to it," he answered.

Ashley took Alastair into her arms and she kissed Andros's cheek. She looked at Alastair and a smile came across her face. "He's grown," she murmured. Andros nodded his head slowly. Ashley walked over to her bag and sat down. "Here, munchkin, mommy got something for you," she murmured. She pulled out a bear. Alastair let out a gurgle and grabbed it.

"He's been teething," he commented.

Ashley was amazed and smiled when Alastair started chewing on the toy. Ashley laughed slightly and she kissed Alastair's forehead. Andros smiled and just watched her.

Later that night, Ashley was watching Alastair sleep. Andros walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist, kissing the back of her neck. Ashley tilted her head back and let out a sigh. "Come on, I think it's time for some "us" time," he commented.

"You've said it," she agreed.

Andros took Ashley by the hand and led her to their room.