A Shattered Destiny

Family Reunion

Once Commander Cruegar, Merrick and Ninjor were stable, I went to my room. I started pacing back and forth. The sight of seeing the Rangers hadn't left my mind. At least with the nightmares I could easily dismiss them because they weren't real, but it was hard when I was actually living in them. I grabbed a sticky note and a pen. I wrote down the names of the Rangers who didn't make it. I stuck it on the wall then started pacing back and forth again, getting lost in my thoughts.

"Why me? There are so many others who could help. I can't do this. I can't watch anymore Rangers be..." I muttered. My mind was a whirlwind of memories and fears, my fists clenching involuntarily. "I can't," I repeated, the words becoming a mantra of despair. Suddenly I felt gentle hands on my arms, stopping my frantic pacing. I was startled for a moment, not realizing someone came in, until I saw that it was Jason. His touch was firm but kind, grounding me in the moment.

"Kali, I know you're scared, and that's okay," he began, his voice steady and soothing. "I was and still am. I wish I could say it'll get easier, but that would be a lie. I wish you weren't put into this war and that you were still back in Coral Harbor, living life with Devon and your friends."

His words struck a chord deep within me. The thought of home, of Devon, brought a fresh wave of tears to my eyes. "But the Morphin Masters chose you for a reason," Jason continued, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that demanded attention. "And the good news is you're not alone. We've got your back, and I promise I'll do whatever I need to protect you so that you'll be able to go home. But you've gotta promise me that you won't give up the fight, no matter what."

He paused, giving me a moment to absorb his words. "I'm old, and I've come to terms with the fact that I could die, and that's okay because I've lived my life. But you're still young. You have your whole life ahead of you, and you've got your friends, especially Devon, waiting for you back in Coral Harbor. You can do this."

I took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. He was right. I couldn't let my fear paralyze me. The legacy of the fallen Rangers deserved to be honored. Gathering my courage, I wrapped Jason in a hug, tears streaming down my face. He hugged me back, his embrace warm and reassuring. "Thank you, Jason. I promise I'll keep fighting, no matter what. I'll make sure to keep the fallen Rangers' legacies alive. But you're not allowed to die, either. You may be old, but you and your team are my and every other Ranger's heroes," I said, my voice shaky but determined as I pulled back and wiped my eyes.

Jason smiled, a chuckle escaping his lips. "I was hoping you'd say I wasn't that old. Thanks," he joked lightly. "But seriously, knowing that you think that, even though we're not heroes, means a lot."

"Are you kidding? Without the Mighty Morphin Rangers, there'd be no Power Rangers and no role models for us to look up to," I replied with a small smile as we walked out of my room. As we made our way down the corridor, the gravity of the situation still weighed heavily on my shoulders, but Jason's words had ignited a spark of hope within me. I wasn't alone in this fight, and I couldn't let my fear overshadow my duty.

As Jason and I walked into the command room, I caught the tail end of Billy's worried voice. "Drakkon's forces are everywhere. That would be impossible."

I couldn't help but smile a little as I replied, "We're Rangers. Nothing's impossible."

Billy turned to me, concern etched on his face. "Kali! How are you holding up?"

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the past few hours. "As good as I can be. Jason gave me a little pep talk, and it helped me get refocused."

Jason and I joined the others, who were deep in discussion. Ziggy was the first to speak up. "I think it's time we take the fight straight to Drakkon."