Can't Let Go

Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers.

Pinkrangerfan: Thanks! Zhane is a smart guy, and he's really upset about Karone so his brain is working overtime.

JasonLeeScottFan: You'll see what he's after in this chapter. It's pretty much the same as in the show. Of course they'll get Karone back, it's just a matter of time. In 'Out of This World' Andros was kidnapped instead of Karone, but that doesn't stop Ashley for falling for him anyway.

CJS: Thanks! I'm happy you like reading this story. I need a laugh every now and then. Lol!

CraneAndFalconForeven: Here you go!

Chapter 18: Beginning of the End

Megaship

It took some convincing, but Cassie finally agreed to let Carlos go down to Earth once she was assured that he wouldn't actually be fighting. Carlos was just happy to be a part of the plan.

There had been no sigh on the psychos for a week, which had given Carlos more time to heal. He was doing a lot better, but no one was ready to let him really fight again.

"How should we split up?" Zhane asked as they practiced in the simudeck.

"I think I can handle psycho red alone." Ashley grinned at Andros.

"Ha ha." Andros rolled his eyes, but smiled despite himself. Besides, she was right. "Cassie and I can take Psycho blue. Zhane and TJ can take Psycho yellow."

Ashley couldn't hold back her laughter. "Thanks babe." She wrapped her arms around Andros's neck.

"Why do I get the feeling that you get some kind of sick pleasure out of beating me?"

She quickly kissed his cheek. "Because I do."

Laughter filled the simudeck, but it didn't last long. DECA's alarms sounded letting the rangers know that the psychos were on Earth.

The rangers rushed into the bridge as an image of Angel Grove Park appeared on the viewing screen.

"Carlos." Andros started. "Stay here and wait for us to call you. This ends today."

"Right." Carlos nodded.

Andros stood in front of his team. "Let's rocket!"

Angel Grove Park

The three remaining psychos were waiting when the rangers teleported before them. The rangers wasted no time taking on the psychos.

As planned, Ashley went for Psycho red; Cassie and Andros went for psycho blue; and TJ and Zhane attacked Psycho yellow.

We need to get them grouped together so we can call Carlos. Andros thought to Ashley and Zhane.

Ashley kicked Psycho red in the stomach sending the monster flying into a tree. How about we group them there? Ashley thought.

Are you mad at me or something? Andros thought frowning at his counterpart under the tree.

Ashley and Cassie blocked Psycho blue from hitting Andros. "Andros focus babe." She and Cassie shoved Psycho blue to where Psycho red lay.

"Sorry." He went to help Zhane and TJ throw Psycho yellow with the other two.

"Carlos now!" Cassie called.

The morphed black ranger appeared before them. "You guys ready?" They knew he was smiling behind his helmet.

"Let's do it!" Zhane called. "Super Silverizer blaster mode!"

"Spiral Saber blaster mode!"

The four remaining rangers took their places as Carlos spoke. "Quardorblaster!"

"Fire!" The rangers stood as the last of the psychos were destroyed.

Dark Fortress

"The psychos have been destroyed princess." Ecliptor said humbly.

"It's no matter." Astronema grinned. "Dark Specter has been weakened and will pose no real threat to us." She turned to Ecliptor. "Is The Destroyer equipped and ready?"

"Yes princess. It is capable of destroying and entire planet and is ready at your disposal."

"Good." She turned towards the being in the tube. "Prepare the velocifighters. (A/N: I think that's what they're called. Lol!) We attack Earth within the hour."

"You don't have to do this Karone. You're good." Zordon pleaded with her, but she only smiled.

"I am Astronema. And nothing will stop me from destroying Earth and the power rangers." Ecliptor followed Astronema out of the room after he covered Zordon's tube.

Darkonda stepped out of the shadows. "The Destroyer is capable of destroying an entire planet… or a planet sized evil overlord." He thought aloud, a slow grin creeping across his face.

Earth – The Surf Spot

The rangers sat at their regular table celebrating their recent victory.

"They're finally gone." Ashley smiled and leaned her head on Andros's shoulder.

"Yeah." Carlos started. "Thanks for letting me be a part of it."

"You have Zhane to thank for that." Andros said, wrapping his arm around Ashley. "It was his idea."

"And a brilliant one I might add." Zhane stated causing the others to laugh.

Cassie rolled her eyes, still laughing. "I'd almost forgotten how humble you are."

As the laughter died down TJ spoke. "We should probably get back to the ship and run some scans on Zordon and prepare for whatever Dark Specter decides to send after us." Cassie and Carlos nodded.

"It's okay guys, we need the break. You guys deserve it." Andros countered.

"Yeah." Ashley added. "Evil will be waiting tomorrow."

"We know." Cassie added. "But the sooner we get started, the sooner we can find Zordon and get Karone back."

"And that's what we all want." Carlos added.

Andros could help but smile. "Thanks guys."

"It means a lot." Zhane added.

"So let's get back to the ship." TJ stood from the table followed by his teammates. They left money on the table and went to find a safe place to teleport.

Megaship

The rangers were headed towards the bridge when the alarms sounded.

"What now?" Andros groaned as he and the other rangers ran for the bridge.

"The Dark Fortress is approaching Earth's atmosphere." DECA's voice filled the air as the rangers entered the bridge.

The rangers all went to their stations and got to work. It was Ashley who noticed first. "Andros." Her voice was barely a whisper, but he heard her.

"What is it?" He looked at Ashley and followed her gaze. "This cannot be happening."

The other rangers turned their attention to the viewing screen. Velocifighters, thousands of them were headed for Earth.

"My sensors are saying that planets in every galaxy are being attacked by Dark Specter's armies." The AI voice said.

"This is it you guys." Andros stood and braced his hands on the console in front of him. "It's all or nothing. We either win this battle… or lose the war."

(A/N: So this story will soon be coming to an end. I'm hoping no more than three more chapters. Hope you enjoyed it! Please read and review.)