Can't Let Go

Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers.

Pinkrangerfan: Yeah it was kinda cute and it shows how strong their bond is.

CraneAndFalconForeven: I don't want it to end either, but I do want to start working on the sequel so here's the end. :(

JasonLeeScottFan: Thanks! I like to think that Karone and Zhane got together in the end too. Well here is is, the next and last chapter of 'Can't Let Go.' :(

Chapter 22: Something Worth Leaving Behind

KO-35

It had been a week since the rangers arrived on KO-35, and after days of thinking and frustration, Andros had finally come to a decision and was heading to Ashley's room to tell her.

He had cut her, Zhane, and Karone off from his thoughts, while he deliberated and they were a little annoyed by it, to say the least. But he had made his decision and he knew it was the right thing to do.

He knocked on Ashley's door and entered when he heard her call through the door. "Hey."

"Hey." Ashley honestly didn't know what to expect. She knew Andros loved her, but she also knew he felt obligated to the people of KO-35. "What's up?"

"I made a decision." He stated softly as he sat beside her on her bed.

"I figured." She took a deep breath and prepared herself for whatever he might say. "So what did you decide?"

He took her hand in his. "I decided that as long as I'm with you it doesn't matter where we live."

"I feel a 'but' coming on." She whispered lowering her head.

"It's not what you think." He assured her. "But my people do need me here. So I decided to stay here, just until they can get started rebuilding their lives. Once everything is settled here, I'm going to tell President Riley that I accept his job offer with the IGC."

Ashley slowly raised her head to meet his gaze. "Really? That's what you want?"

"Yes, Ashley." He cradled her face in his hand. "It shouldn't take more than a month to get things established here…as long as Zhane doesn't get in the way." She laughed, as he meant her to. Andros reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring. "And maybe you could start planning the wedding while I'm gone." He held out the ring to her.

It had to be the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The stone was similar to the one in her necklace, except the coloring went from a brilliant red to a golden yellow, beautifully placed in a gold setting. Ashley knew it represented them and couldn't fight back the tears. "It's beautiful." She whispered as Andros slid the ring onto her left ring finger. "I guess this means it's official." She smiled.

He flashed a mischievous grin. "Not quite." He pressed his lips to hers and lowered her to the bed.

The next day

"I'm gonna miss you guys." Cassie said as she hugged the three Karovans.

"Don't worry, we'll be on Earth with you guys in not time." Karone assured. She and Zhane decided to stay with Andros and help with the rebuilding process. "Then you'll be trying to send Zhane back." She gestured towards her boyfriend.

"You're probably right." Cassie and the others laughed.

"Hey!" Zhane said in mock outrage. "You all would go crazy without me."

"You're probably right." TJ commented. "We wouldn't know what to do with all the quiet."

"Ha ha." But Zhane laughed despite himself.

"Be safe." Carlos said his goodbye. He looked at Andros and Karone. "Please keep Zhane out of trouble. The last thing we need is for Tykwa to have him locked up."

"It was one prank." Zhane protested causing the others to laugh.

"You guys go ahead to the megaship." Ashley started. "I'll be there in a minute."

Cassie, Carlos, and TJ knew this would be harder for the other four, so they nodded and left them to their personal goodbyes.

"I didn't think it would be this hard." Ashley stated, and leaned closer to Andros.

"We're gonna miss you, Ash." Karone moved forward and hugged her best friend.

"I'll miss you guys too." She hugged Zhane when Karone stepped aside. Karone put her hand in the middle of them after Zhane and Ashley separated, followed by Zhane, Ashley, and then Andros. "Nothing can keep us apart for long."

Zhane and Karone left Andros and Ashley to themselves one last time. "I love you, Andros."

"I love you too, Ash." He embraced her and kissed her forehead. "We'll be starting our lives together before you know it."

"I can't wait to be your wife."

He took her left hand and kissed where his ring rested on her finger. "I can't wait to be your husband." He pulled her closer and kissed her lips. Andros frowned when she pulled away and unclasped the necklace he had given her two times already. "What's wrong?"

"Absolutely nothing." She smiled and took his hand, giving him her necklace and closing his hand around it. "I want this back, Andros. Consider it a reminder of who's waiting on you."

"I don't need anything to remind me of you." But he took the necklace and wrapped it around his hand, clutching the gem in his palm. "I'll always come back to you, Ashley."

They walked hand in hand to the Megaship where they separated. Andros watched the woman he loved board the ship. She turned to look at him as the door closed.

I love you, Andros.

He smiled to himself. I love you too.

Megaship

Ashley took her place at the console and closed her eyes. She concentrated on Andros's presence in her mind because it would be four long weeks before she felt him like this again.

"Are you okay?" Cassie gently touched Ashley's shoulder.

Ashley looked up and smiled. "I'm okay. Let's go home." She rubbed the gem on her engagement ring when she heard Andros's voice in her mind again.

Remember, I'll always come back to you.

Ashley closed her eyes again. She knew he would.

(A/N: So this is the last chapter. I finished my first story! Hope you enjoyed this ride. Be on the look out for the sequel "Never Let Go" in the next couple of weeks.)