Disclaimer: I don't own any of the power rangers. If only things were different.

Tommy sat in the chair next to Jason, watching his friend closely. He didn't know what he was going to say to Jason when he woke up. Kim had disappeared. Although Zordon did not say what he and Kim had been discussing, Tommy had a feeling it had something to do with her disappearance. Tommy heard Jason moan and sat forward, putting his hand on his arm.

Jason slowly opened his eyes. He felt Tommy's hand and turned his head to face him. "Tommy," he said. "Where are we?"

"In a back room of the command center," Tommy said. "Ninjor brought you back here after you collapsed." He looked like he was about to say something else, but didn't, not knowing how to word it.

Jason frowned at him. "What is it," he asked. "There's something you're not telling me."

Tommy shook his head. "Kim's gone," he said. "No one knows where or when."

Jason frowned. "She just left," he asked. He sat up slowly. "That doesn't sound like her." He studied Tommy's face. "Do you have any ideas at all?"

Tommy looked down before answering. "I'm not sure, Jase," he said. "But I think she and Zordon had an argument. When we got back here a few hours ago, they both looked extremely angry.'

Jason moved to get off the table, but Tommy put a hand on his shoulder. "Are you sure you should get up," he asked.

Jason shrugged Tommy's hand off his shoulder and stood up. "I'm fine," he said. "I have my strength back. I need to talk to my father, find out what happened and see if Alpha can track Kim down." He headed for the door, Tommy right behind him.

Zordon looked over to the back room as the door opened and Jason came out, followed by Tommy. Zordon frowned. "Jason," he said. "You should not be up."

Jason walked up to Zordon. "I'm fine," he said. He looked at Tommy. "I need to talk to Zordon alone," he said. "Could you guys give us some time?"

Tommy nodded. "We'll see if we can find Kim," he said. "We'll let you know if we have any luck."

Tommy and the others teleported out, leaving Jason with Zordon.

Jason looked up at his father. "What's going on, father," he asked. "What happened between you and Kim?"

Zordon sighed. "I told Kim to leave you alone," he said. "I don't want you to have any distractions right now. You don't…"

Jason held up his hand, cutting Zordon off. "Kim wouldn't be a distraction," he said. "She would be another supporter for me."

Zordon frowned. "What happens if Vile's associates find out who you really are," he asked. "I'll tell you what would happen, they'd come after Kim to get to you. Are you both willing to have that happen?"

Jason shook his head. "Vile and Ooze were the only ones who knew that I'm your son," he said. "Do you really think I'd be stupid enough to let others know?" Jason took a step back, trying to calm the anger he felt beginning to build. "I know that you're just trying to protect me and Kim," he said softly. "But we've got to live our own lives. I love her. I've loved her for a long time. I respect your opinion, but you had no right to try and decide our future. That is for Kim and I to decide."

Zordon looked at Jason, sorrow on his face. "I don't want you to go through what Dulcea and I went through," he said softly.

Jason sighed and looked at his father, his anger fading. "Just because it happened to you," he said. "Does not mean it will happen to us. I'm going to find Kim. I'll let you know what happens."

Jason teleported out without another word. Zordon hung his head in shame. Jason was right. He shouldn't have interfered. He was determined to make things right with Jason and Kim as soon as he could.

Tommy found Kim on a bench by the lake. He stood back in the trees, watching her, but not moving towards her. "Jason," he said softly into his communicator. "I found her. Teleport to my location."

Jason appeared at his side in a matter of seconds. He looked in the direction of Tommy's point and saw Kim.

Tommy grabbed Jason's arm before he could walk over. "Let me talk to her first," he said. "She might try to get away when she sees you. I'll swipe her communicator so she can't go anywhere."

Jason looked at Tommy in puzzlement. "You're trying to help me," he asked. "I thought that you'd be angry at me for taking her away from you."

Tommy smiled at Jason. "I've seen the way you two look at each other," he said. "I know that Kim cares for me, but she's in love with you, Jase. I don't want to come between that. If I've ever seen two people who belong together, it's you and Kim."

Jason watched Tommy walk away, in shock over his words. He waited in the trees for Tommy to signal him forward.

Kim looked up as she heard Tommy approach. She looked back to the lake as Tommy sat down beside her.

"You know," he began, "running away isn't the answer. Jason will just come looking for you."

Kim looked at Tommy. "I can't be with him," she said. "I'd only cause problems for him. Be a distraction."

Tommy shook his head, frowning. "No," he said. "You'd be a source of strength for him. Someone who would stand by his side through anything, helping him get through the tough times. That's what you'd be, that and more."

Kim looked at him in surprise. "And you're okay with this," she asked.

Tommy smiled at her and nodded. "I was upset at first," he said. "But, watching the two of you, I know that you two are soul mates. You belong together. I could never stand in the way of two of my best friends getting together, especially when it feels so right." He took her left hand in his and took her communicator off her wrist.

Kim looked at him, but before she could say anything, Tommy stood up.

"All I ask is that you listen to Jason," he said, as he waved Jason over. "Give yourselves a chance, Kim."

Tommy walked away as Jason slowly approached.

Kim turned to face Jason as he walked up to her.

Jason walked up to Kim, stopping a short distance from her. He met her gaze. "I talked to Zordon," he said. "I know what happened."

Kim met his gaze. "Then you know why we can't be together," she said. "I don't want to cause trouble for you."

Jason shook his head and stepped closer, taking her arm in his hand. "Is that you're thinking," he asked. "Or is it my father's thinking?"

Kim felt tears spring into her eyes, but she fought them back. "What difference does it make," she asked. "It's the right thing to do."

Jason gently cupped her face with his other hand. "That didn't answer my question," he said softly. "If that is how you feel, I'll walk away. But if you're only doing this because of Zordon, then it's wrong. I've all ready told him he can't decide our lives for us. This is something we need to decide together."

Kim felt a tear roll down her cheek. She met Jason's eyes. The love she saw there took her breath away. "What do you want, Jason," she whispered. "I know what I want, but I need to hear what you want."

Jason lowered his head until his face was inches from hers. "I love you, Kim," he whispered. "I want you with me for the rest of my life. I want us to be there for each other, through good and bad. I want to be the one you lean on when you need strength to just get through another day. I want to know that no matter what I face, I'll have you by my side." His eyes locked on hers. "Does that answer your question?"

Kim felt the tears coming freely now. "I love you, too, Jason," she whispered. She didn't get the chance to say more.

Jason lowered his head and kissed her, tenderly and gently. His arms moved around her waist, pulling her to him as he deepened the kiss.

Kim felt her arms go around Jason's neck as he pulled her closer. She returned his kiss as her arms tightened around his neck. She had wanted this for a long time.

Jason felt her arms around his neck and he deepened the kiss a little more, pouring his feelings into it. He felt his heart swelling with love for her and he knew that this was right. This was where he belonged.

Kim rested her head on Jason's chest as they pulled apart, both trying to catch their breath. This felt so right. She never wanted to be any other place than right here, with Jason. They would make this work.

Jason kissed the top of her head as he held her to him. "So," he said softly. "Does this mean you want the same thing?"

Kim pulled back and looked at him, love for him shining in her eyes. "I do," she said. "I never want you out of my life again. I want to be the one to give you strength when you need it. I'll always be by your side. For the rest of our lives, Jason. I love you."

Jason smiled at her. "I love you, too, Kim," he said softly. He pulled her into another kiss.

In the command center, Zordon watched as Jason and Kim worked things out. He had been wrong. Kim would never be a distraction for his son. She would be his source of strength through anything and he would be the same for her. He looked at Alpha. "Turn off the viewing globe, Alpha," he said. "I've seen enough. Leave them alone."

The next day, the rangers were all in the command center, saying goodbye to Jason. He was headed back to Phaedos. He needed to learn how to control his new powers.

Rocky held out his hand to Jason. "I'm going to miss you, Jason," he said. "I'm glad I got to know you better."

Jason shook Rocky's hand. "Same here," he said. "I'll see you soon. Stay out of trouble."

Adam shook Jason's hand as he turned to him. "Don't stay away too long," he said. "I need help keeping Rocky in line."

Jason grinned at him. "I'll do all I can," he said. "But that seems like a full time job."

Adam grinned at him and stepped away as Aisha walked up. She drew Jason into a hug. "Good luck, Jason," she said. "Thank you for everything."

Jason hugged her then pulled back. "Good luck to you," he said. He glanced at Rocky and Adam. "You're going to need it."

Aisha grinned and moved out of the way so Billy could say goodbye.

Billy pulled Jason into a hug, then stepped back. "I'm going to miss you," he said. "Get back here as soon as you can."

Jason smiled at Billy. "Take care of yourself, little brother," he said. "Keep on eye on the rest of the team."

Tommy stepped up to Jason as the others moved back. Without a word, he pulled Jason into a hug. "Don't do anything stupid," he said. "And don't worry about Kim. We'll look after her."

Jason looked at Tommy as they pulled back. "I won't do anything you wouldn't do," he said. "If you need me, have Zordon contact me. I'll be here right away."

Tommy nodded and looked at Kim. "We'll be in the youth center," he said. "Join us when you can."

Kim nodded at him and turned to Jason as Tommy and the others teleported out.

Zordon spoke up before Kim could say anything. "I'm sorry, Kim, Jason," he said. "I was wrong. I hope that you can forgive me."

Kim smiled up at Zordon as Jason put his arm around her shoulders. "I've all ready forgiven you, Zordon," she said. She looked up at Jason. "And everything worked out fine."

Jason smiled at her and looked to Zordon. "I understand, father," he said. "I forgive you. I did before I left here yesterday."

Zordon smiled at the two of them. "Alpha and I have some things to do in the lower chambers," he said. "Come back soon, Jason. We will miss you."

Alpha left the command center as Zordon disappeared.

Jason looked Kim. He smiled at her and drew her into a hug. "I'm going to miss you," he whispered.

Kim held him tight. "You'd better," she whispered back. "I'm going to miss you too."

Jason pulled her into a kiss. They parted after a few minutes. "Don't accept another date for the prom," he said. "I'll be here for that."

Kim smiled. "I look forward to seeing you in a tux," she said. "And I plan on getting a dress that will knock your socks off."

Jason chuckled, gave her another quick kiss and stepped back. "I'll see you soon," he said. He teleported out, heading for Phaedos.

Tommy looked up as Kim walked into the youth center. He stood up as she walked over to their table. "He's gone," he asked.

Kim nodded and sat down. "He's gone," she said. She smiled at the others. "But he'll be back."

The rangers sat around silently, content in the knowledge that this was not the last time they would see Jason. He would be back. And they all looked forward to seeing him again.

A/N: That's all there is. I all ready have an idea for a follow up story. Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed. Your comments and advice helped me more than you will ever know. This story continued because of all of you. LOL.