and you are afraid I’ll be harmed. What if those Invaders attack? Will I be safe here? Or would I be safer on the most powerful ship ever created? If you could help in the fight against that invasion, would you not go because you’re afraid of being harmed? Look at what Aunt June did to save us. Do you think I’m not just as brave? You’re being selfish and putting your emotions ahead of what’s best for our subjects. Why don’t you admit the truth?”
Ashley sat down on her throne.
“Once this conflict is over, do you think I won’t be a stronger and wiser person for having taken part. Even if I die, I would rather be fighting than wasting my time being bored here. Just think about all I can learn from this experience.”
Ashley looked at Glen. He said, “She’s not growing, Ashley. She has nothing to wake up for and I can see her spirit that I love so much is slowly dying. She’s so much more than what we see. We could all die in the coming invasion and she’s right. She can make a difference. Just think about what she’ll become from being involved in the Empire’s fight. Millions of people would give up their life for the opportunity to partner with a Searcher. When it’s time for her to take your place, what do you think the experience would do for her development?”
“But she’s so young.”
“Ashley, she’s already more mature than all of your advisors. How many times have you taken her advice over theirs? You’re just keeping her at that level with no chance to grow. I don’t want to put her in harm’s way but where in this universe is there no risk. We are all in danger wherever we are.” Glen looked at Jenna and said, “Look at your daughter, Ashley. Her face is alive with excitement I haven’t seen for so long.”
Ashley looked at Jenna and saw her almost glowing with anticipation. She also saw her stubbornness in the firm set of her mouth. “June, why did you come here?”
“Because Jenna needs saving just as you did twelve years ago. I don’t want to see the light go out in her eyes.”
Grang said, “Running from the future is worse than waiting on it.”
June looked at Grang and smiled, “You really are more than I ever thought. I am so glad you were saved.”
“Not near as happy as the Zord at saving you, June. You have become the communities’ heart.”
Ashley saw June’s tears and knew. She stood and ran to Jenna and hugged her tightly, “I think just being around those that saved Maranda is worth any danger you may face. I’m so frightened by what could happen but I will consent.”
Ashley saw Jenna’s smile split her face. “Mom, I love you so much.”
Glen walked forward and put his arms around them.
Grang said, “Gilene, are you satisfied with this selection?”
The Talbens looked up as they heard over Grang’s communicator, “More than you can possibly know. The heart of this young woman amazes me. We will learn much from each other.”
Jenna smiled and said, “I’ll be ready in an hour, Gilene. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making my world exciting again.”
Ashley squeezed Jenna and released her to run full speed from the throne room yelling at the top of her voice, “Look out universe, here I come.”
Ashley looked at Glen and June, “It’s been so long since I’ve seen Jenna this happy.”
Glen looked at June, “You are so much more than I remember. Thank you again for saving my daughter.”
June walked forward and kissed Glen on the cheek. You’ve been a good father and husband; it is I that owe you.”
Ashley hugged June and cried.
On the next full moons on Bristone June knelt before the Zord. Bleath said, “We are still unable to gather the ten necessary for your sentence.”
June said, “You will never have the ten here, will you?”
Bleath looked at Vring and said, “We would never hurt our communities by allowing that to happen.”
June looked up with tears falling, “But I deserve my sentence.”
“June, what would happen to all the children you have helped grow up into wonderful adults if we took you from them? How many of them come to see you every day and visit with you in the forest? You are paying your sentence with your loving heart. We forgave you years ago. Now it’s time you forgave yourself and allowed your heart to be free.”
“Just like Grang.”
“You are our Grang. Should he be allowed to die?”
June was startled by the question, “No! He’s too important.”
“Just as you are, little one.”
June nodded.
“You no longer need to come on the full moons.”
“You made that requirement up didn’t you?”
“Of course and having ten Elders present was also a farce.”
June laughed. “I should have known.”
“You could only see it when your heart was ready to forgive yourself.”
June felt as alive as Jenna. “Please take me home to Samuel.”
June rushed through the door, jumped at Samuel, and grabbed Samuel around the neck, “I love you, Sam.”
Samuel felt the difference in her and hugged her, “Welcome home to my heart, June. I’ll love you forever.”
June put her head on his chest and sighed, “That’s not long enough, Sam.”
“I know, but that’s all I have to work with.”
June laughed out loud and kissed her husband.
“Grang, we have someone who wants to see you.”
“Who, Your Majesty?”
“Are you at home?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sending them there.”
Grang grunted. He went back to sharpening his swords and heard a knock. He got up and opened the door. His eyes grew wide and he stumbled back into the house.
“So you’re the big, bad, Magrum everyone is afraid of?”
Grang couldn’t speak. The six foot nine inch tall Magrum female stood in the doorway staring at him. “I’ve also heard you don’t ever have much to say; at least that appears to be true. You can close your mouth now.”
Grang’s mouth was open and he was amazed at how beautiful she was. He couldn’t move or speak.
“Are you going to invite me in?”
Grang rushed over and brought a chair for her. She walked in and sat down. He continued to stare at her.
“You’re wondering where they found me?”
Grang nodded.
“I live on one of Jilico’s former conquests. We have a small community on Burke and since Rehoben has freed us, all I’ve been hearing about is the huge Magrum Warrior that is always with the Emperor. They tell me you’re tough enough to handle me, and though I doubt it, I’ve decided to see for myself. I’ve heard about all you’ve done and a Zord showed me your history on El Prado.”
Grang slowly sat down and she saw his immediate sadness.
“You killed the Emperor’s Mother.”
Grang nodded. “She was such a beautiful person and I ended her life. I’ve done so many evil things.”
“It appears to me you’ve also ended your life as well.”
Grang looked up sharply.
“Grang, are you the same person you were when all that happened?”
Grang shook his head.
“Then you did end that old life. That Grang died years ago but you don’t know it yet. Now it’s time for you to
