Part Five

Chapter Five

Touching down in the Command Centre, Zac quickly filled in Alpha and Zordon about everything that had happened on Horath, before teleporting back to Caloundra. Heading into the Youth Centre, he saw Kimberly and Billy up by the Juice Bar, and jogged over to greet them.

"So what happened on Horath?" Kim asked.

"And how is the crown prince?" Billy added.

"I'll tell you later," Zac replied quickly. "Do you know where…?"

Kim smiled. "She's at her place, and she's waiting for you," she said.

"Thanks," Zac said, and stepped away.

"Zachary?" Billy called.

"Yeah?" Zac asked over his shoulder.

"Go talk to your girlfriend."

Already halfway out of the building, Zac grinned. "On my way!" he shouted, and left the Youth Centre. It was only a short drive to Angela's place. The sun was setting, and the streets were draped in evening shadows. He parked by the curb and stepped into the front garden. He soon spotted her sitting on a garden bench on the front patio, reading a textbook in the fading light. She looked up as he crossed the yard towards her.

"Hey," Zac began. "I'm glad I found you. I was looking for you."

"So you can explain to me why you've been so weird lately?" Angela replied. Zac's face fell, and Angela smiled. "Don't give me the surprised face, Zachary Taylor. You've been avoiding me all week. Don't even think I haven't noticed. What's going on?"

"Here's the thing," Zac began. "The last couple of months, the Rangers and I have been dealing with something that we've all been calling the broken chains case. Mostly because that is the only clue we have. These badguys keep trying to make us afraid of things, right?" He paused to take a breath before continuing. "I know the break-up is in front of us and there's nothing I can do about it. On Monday, I realised that the more time we spend together, the more it's gonna hurt when you leave. And today, I finally figured out that my future, without you in it? It kinda scares me."

"Oh honey," Angela said, and shuffled closer along the bench. "Why didn't you just say so?"

"I get it, I really do," Zac said. "You have this amazing opportunity in front of you and I'm so happy for you to go after that with both hands. But I can't stop thinking, what if you only get one chance? You know, we were meant to go the distance, but this stupid thing," and he held up his Mastodon power coin, "this got in the way and messed everything up?"

Angela met Zac's gaze. "Zac, we're on different paths, you and I," she said softly. "I've seen how you jump at the call whenever someone needs your help. I'm so proud of you for that. And that is not a mistake of destiny. You're meant to be here, Zac. I know it. Imagine all the stuff in front of you! Like, what's the craziest thing you've done in the last few months?"

"That's easy," Zac replied. "Back in August, we had to unite these two star-crossed lovers, a farm boy and a Chinese goddess. To fulfil the legend properly, we had to use birds to make a bridge between the two, but we didn't have any handy, so we used the Phoenix zord." Angela laughed, and he continued. "I'm sure it still counted. The zords are kind of alive, even if they're gigantic and metal and armed. But Trini said the gods appreciate occasion as much as the rest of us do, and it all turned out okay in the end."

Angela shook her head in disbelief. "But that's exactly what I mean!" she replied. "When we're old and grey, and we're catching up one day, just think of all the stories we'll be able to tell each other. That is a good thing, Zac. The future is a good place. There's so much to look forward to."

"But what if I have to do it alone?" Zac asked. "Not even Zordon knows what's gonna happen tomorrow, and he knows everything."

"I know it seems scary," Angela replied. "But I promise you Zac. She's out there. And when she walks into your life, you're gonna forget all about me."

"Don't say that," Zac said, and put his arm around Angela's shoulder. "You don't forget your first love."

"You are so smooth," she said, and Zac laughed. "I know the future's scary Zac. But there's good things there too. And for now?" and she rested her head on Zac's chest. "Let's just enjoy every moment while we can. The dance ends soon enough."

"I can do that," Zac said softly, and pressed a kiss to Angela's head. And there they stayed, and enjoyed the night together.

To be continued.

Author's notes – the adventure that Zac mentions to Angela, there, is based on an actual Chinese legend, the Qi Xi Festival. I loved the idea, and it's just another story I never got around to actually writing. Maybe one of these days.