Inspiration: Somewhere Only We Know performed by Lily Allen
Epilogue
The bright sun sparkled down through the trees, warming his back and shoulders. Rough hands worked the fresh, dark soil. The velvety feel on his skin brought a smile to his lips.
He inhaled the earthy scent, filling his lungs. It smelled like possibility, new life. The small, delicate green plants rustled in a soft breeze. Carefully, he ran a fingertip over an intricate leaf, bobbing in the warm air.
New life, he mused. How fitting.
He lifted his head to look up at the sky, closing his eyes to enjoy the sun on his face. Dark grey hair tumbled back from his forehead as he mused over his new identity.
How many did that make now? Number 3 officially.
Jason, the Red Tyranno Ranger to Red, feral pet to Lord Drakkon, to now. His final shift. Working the earth, living off the land; a simple, quiet existence. His new name, Jamie.
He pulled himself to his feet, loving the feel of the grass and soil on his bare feet. Sweat beaded slightly on his bare skin; skin that had been marked permanently by a monster's jaws. The scars had already begun to fade, the vicious slice to his cheek no longer stood out as visibly.
The former Ranger had already come to terms with his new appearance and the loss of vision in his eye. The limp was less noticeable with his walking stick. His mind was still in the process of healing.
Sometimes, he wondered what it would be like to have someone to talk to; to counsel him through his cruel memories and nightmares. Hearing the truth from Tommy about how Drakkon had drugged him helped free a large chunk of guilt and pain. However, he hadn't been lying when he told Drakkon they were both forever fucked up.
Out here, on his own, he never felt lonely. The chickens, cows, ducks, and other wildlife kept him quiet company. Being around others was too much for him. Too much stimuli, too much to try to keep track of around him. He would never have forgiven himself if he had hurt someone during a rage attack.
Of course, after all the isolation and alienation, thanks to that murderous asshole, he was no longer sure how to interact socially. He was keenly aware how stunted his interpersonal skills were due to his imprisonment. He had missed so much and was used to not verbalizing as a human pet. Conversation was not his strong suit.
He walked towards the tree line, the sunlight twinkling through the branches. Birds chirped sweetly and he could make out the twitter of squirrels. Placing a hand against the rough trunk of a tall tree, he closed his eyes and focused on every minute detail of the bark under his palm.
Freedom.
The destruction of the Spectrum, the debris field vast and impossible to fully investigate, made a perfect cover for his disappearance. Jason/Red was presumed dead along with that psychopath Drakkon. No one, not even his former friends, knew he was still alive.
For a long time, he felt shame over that. He slowly opened his eyes and looked up through the branches, spotting a few prickly birds' nests nestled high above. Sometimes he wished he could share this wonder with Kimberly, Zack, and Trini; especially after how they had all tried to reach him. Kim most of all.
She never stopped no matter how violent and vicious he had behaved as Red. Knowing what he had suffered at Drakkon's hands for so long, he wished they could know how at peace he was now. And getting better every day.
His life was very different than what he had ever imagined as Jason. He always assumed he would graduate high school, maybe go to college, open his own dojo. Of course, get married and have children.
How different this life was, but how perfect at the same time.
Patting his thigh and whistling, he heard the excited bark and yip of his close companion. The large brown and black dog bounded up to his human, licking his hand and darting around his legs. He knelt and ran his hands through the sun warmed fur.
It was best for his friends to presume he perished in the explosion. If that demented asshole managed to survive having his guts unzipped and splattered all over the floor of the Spectrum, he would never be able to find him. It was safer for them to believe him dead.
He inclined his forehead to his canine's and could vividly hear Drakkon's threat again.
"Look at me, Red, and understand this. You belong to me and will always belong to me. There's nowhere you could ever run to escape me, no where you could ever hide from me, no one could prevent me from taking you."
Drakkon had stroked his cheek with his disgusting finger.
"Me and you, Red. We're bound together. It's kismet. You play a large role in my life across all timelines. But this time, you can never leave me.
From time to time, he still tensed at unexpected noises, especially at night. The crack of branches, the wind whipping through the eaves; he was sure that somehow Drakkon had survived and had come back for him.
He pulled his dog closer to his chest, heart starting to pound. The dog whined almost sadly and licked his cheek.
"Sorry, boy," he whispered, smiling reassuringly. "I got lost in my head again. I do that sometimes, don't I?"
He stood and moved back towards his home. It was a simple structure, not very big. Very simple. It was perfect. A few errant chickens fluttered and fled as he moved up the path.
One day, maybe, he could believe he was safe. That Drakkon was in hell where he belonged. If ever that would happen, it would be here. In nature, working the earth, living simply, appreciating the small things.
"Come on, boy," he whispered. "Let's go inside and rest awhile. We've earned it."