Disclaimer: See chapter one. Here's the next chapter; I hope you enjoy it. All medical terminology inside is from watching too many episodes of ER and not a medical degree. So, if there are any glaring mistakes, just think of it as poetic licence by the author. Please read and review, I appreciate all I get. Once more, enjoy. Mouse, February 2004.


Beginnings: Rescue

By Angel Mouse

Andros traced his hands over the etching in the roof of his bunk. He remembered his surprise and then joy when he had gotten back to his bunk later that day and found this present from Zhane. His best friend certainly knew how to cheer him up. Sighing, Andros rolled over and closed his eyes, trying to get some sleep. After a few minutes he sighed and sat up.

"Can't you sleep Andros?" Andros looked up at DECA's camera.

"No, I can't for some reason, I'm thinking about to many things."

"Anything in particular Andros?" DECA had a suspicion she knew, but wanted him to verbalise it. One thing she had learnt over the last two years with just the two of them was that sometimes Andros needed a little push to get him to open up. Andros gave her a tiny, wry smile that he knew perfectly well she could see in the darkness of his room.

"Just remembering how things used to be. With Zhane." There was a small silence before DECA finally answered him.

"I thought as much. Are you going to tell the new Rangers about him?" Andros thought a moment and then shook his head.

"No, there's no need to. He may not even wake up while they are here. They don't need to know about him." Andros for some reason felt extremely protective of his best friend. He stood up and headed for the door. "Are they all asleep DECA?"

"Yes."

"Good." Andros left his room, padding softly on bare feet down to the engine room. He quickly entered the code to take him into the cyro chamber and walked over to the tube holding his best friend. He placed his hand on the tube, looking down at the morphed figure of his friend. Sighing, he glanced at the readings, pleased to see that everything was steady and working.

"He will wake up one day Andros, you have to believe that."

"I know. I should have more faith. Ironically, Zhane was always the one with more faith than I. Even after everything that happened to him, he still had faith."

"He always believed in you Andros. And that was all the faith he needed."

"I know. I just wish I could have been more worthy of it." Andros bowed his head, unpleasant memories suddenly making themselves known.


The news they had given the Eltaran rangers hadn't gone over to well. They wanted more information and Andros, feeling guilty because they hadn't given them much, volunteered them both to obtain it. Zhane hadn't been too happy about it, but was willing to go along with their request for more information, for the moment.

This is how they ended up in their current situation.

Andros had gone back to Onyx to check something out, leaving Zhane to defend KO35. Zhane hadn't wanted him to go, but Andros uncharacteristically put his foot down and Zhane had to back down. He was still feeling guilt over having let Andros down when they were there the first time.

So, Zhane waited for him to return on the Mega Ship. He had been pacing back and forth on the bridge for a while now, every few minutes asking DECA if there was any sign of Andros when the COM finally buzzed. Zhane practically leapt on it and opened a channel. His face fell when he saw it wasn't Andros.

"This is Zhane of KO35." The screen activated and a woman appeared. After a moment Zhane recognised that it was an Aquitian. She bowed her head and gave the traditional greeting.

"Delphine of Aquitar. Am I addressing the Silver Ranger?"

"Yes. Is something wrong?" Delphine shook her head.

"No, nothing is wrong. We received a message from the Phantom Ranger, saying he has obtained some top-secret information that needs to be passed on to the Eltaran Rangers and he wanted to meet with one of us. Unfortunately, the planet he has chosen for the meeting, Braner, is a desert planet." Zhane nodded in understanding.

"And not exactly a friendly place for yourselves. What can I help you with?"

"The Eltaran Rangers advised us that yourself and the Red Ranger were helping them with information gathering duties at the moment. We were wondering if you would mind going to Braner and meeting him for us. They are unable to send anyone at the moment." Zhane gave a wry smile.

"That doesn't surprise me. What are the co-ordinates?" Delphine gave him a grateful smile and nodded to someone off screen.

"I'm sending the co-ordinates now. Phantom Ranger will appear once you have arrived. This information needs to be brought to us then in person. Phantom says it's too sensitive to trust to transmissions that may be intercepted." Zhane glanced down at the co-ordinates and nodded, looking back up.

"I can agree with that. It'll take me at least three or four hours to get there. I'll grab the information and then come to yourselves. So, expect me in about ten or twelve hours. It'll be a little out of the way to get to you guys."

"I understand. Thank you Zhane, we appreciate this." Zhane gave her a friendly smile.

"Its no problems. I'm just going crazy here anyways waiting for Andros to return from Onyx. I'll see you in about twelve hours Delphine."

"Until we meet then Zhane. Aquitar out." Zhane closed the channel and began to quickly plot a flight plan, downloading it to his glider.

"DECA. I want you to stay in orbit. When Andros returns replay that call and let him know where I am. Once I've given the information to the Aquitians, I'll stop there for a bit of a break, and head back home tomorrow. So tell him to expect me in probably a day."

"Understood Zhane. Did you want to try and contact Andros to let him know you will be gone?"

"No, it's okay DECA. I can sense that he's really busy anyway; I don't want to disturb him. Take care of him until I get back DECA."

"Understood Zhane. Please be careful and I'll see you when you return." Zhane smiled at her camera as he headed towards the jump tubes.

"Hey, don't worry DECA, I'll be fine." With a wave, Zhane jumped down the tube and was gone in a flash of silver.

Three days later

Frustration was running through Andros at an all time high. He'd wasted his time on Onyx, and was extremely annoyed at the Eltaran Rangers. So he had decided on the trip back that next time, they could do their own dirty work. Sighing, he landed his glider on the Mega Ship and made his way to the bridge. Absently he glanced around, normally; Zhane would have crash tackled him by now. He reached the bridge and flopped down into his chair.

"DECA, systems report?"

"Everything is nominal Andros."

"Good. Where's Zhane?"

"Zhane is overdue from returning from Aquitar. He received a request from the Aquitian Rangers three days ago. Showing playback of message now." Andros swivelled around on his chair, his eyes fixing on the view screen. He watched the play back of the call between his friend and the Aquitian Ranger. Then he watched with growing apprehension Zhane's words to DECA.

"DECA, get me the Aquitian Rangers. And set course for Braner."

"Establishing com link and leaving orbit." The view screen changed and suddenly Delphine was staring back out at him.

"Delphine of Aquitar at your service."

"Andros, Red Ranger from KO35. Is Zhane there with you?" Delphine shook her head.

"No, he never arrived at the pre-arranged time. We have been trying to contact him but to no luck. We have no contact either with the Phantom Ranger as well. We are becoming most concerned."

"As am I. I'm on my way to Braner, to see if I can find them both. I'll call you as soon as I have something."

"Thank you Andros. We would appreciate that. Good luck with your search. Aquitar out." Andros's hands flew across the controls.

"DECA, is the course set?"

"Yes."

"Good. Hyper rush nine. Whatever's happened to Zhane, it must be bad."

"He will be fine. He's an excellent fighter and a very powerful ranger. What makes you think something's wrong?"

"I can sense his presence, but only just. Its like he's being taken away from me."

Two and a half days earlier

Zhane brought his glider in low through the atmosphere, avoiding the settlements that were in the upper hemisphere of the planet. Braner was another planet like Onyx. Villainy and scum liked to make it their home. Shaking his head at the devastation that was left over from an eons ago war, Zhane gently headed his glider towards the co-ordinates given to him by the Aquarian rangers.

Pulling up slowly, he jumped lightly down off the glider, sending his helmeted gaze across the rocky area. The place where he was to meet the Phantom Ranger was on the edge of a rocky mountain range and in a secluded gully.

He walked over to a nearby rock and sighing softly, he leaned against it. He was on his guard, as he didn't like being this close to that many villains without backup. He looked around again, his silver armour reflecting the late afternoon sun. Already he was beginning to get hot and he would hate to live here.

"Man, what a place. Next time I'll pick the meeting place with Phantom. Somewhere that's nice and cool, and green." Zhane muttered softly.

"I'll keep that in mind." Suddenly, a figure shimmered into existence before him. Zhane jumped slightly and quickly held up his hands to defend himself and then lowered them.

"Sorry, you startled me. Phantom Ranger I assume?" The strange Ranger nodded.

"Yes. You would be the Silver Ranger I've heard about. The Aquitians send you did they?"

"Yes. This place is hot to me; can you imagine what it'd do to an Aquitian Ranger?" Zhane's tone was light and had a touch of wry humour in it.

"Yes, but I was limited in my choices." Zhane shrugged mentally, thinking that the Phantom must just like to get straight to business. Fine by him, sooner he was off this planet the better.

"What's the information that you have for them?" Phantom began to reach into his pocket when suddenly he stiffened and disappeared before Zhane could blink.

"We're not alone." Zhane's head swivelled around and he began to scan the overhead rocks and began to move over to his glider slowly.

"You're right. I don't think we are. Have you got transport off the planet?" Zhane kept his voice low and controlled. He couldn't see them, but he knew they were there.

"Yes." Phantom's voice was soft and Zhane could barely hear it.

"Good. Make your way to it, they can't see you. I'll divert their attention. You get that information to Andros. He'll make sure the Aquitians get it. Why didn't you take it to them in the first place?" Zhane tone was soft and controlled, and slightly curious as he carefully walked to his glider, easily leaping up onto it. But his eyes never left scanning the surrounding rocks. In hindsight, this was the perfect spot for an ambush.

"Because I don't like water it's bad for the suit. And besides, at the time I called for them to come and get the information, I wasn't sure my ship would make it that far. It had been damaged too badly."

"Fair enough, main thing is that she's fixed now." The glider bobbed a moment, like someone else was standing on it.

"Yes, she is so she'll make the trip. There, that'll make them think we're together."

"Good idea. Make yourself scare behind those rocks. And no matter what, get that information out, okay?" There was a pause and then the Phantom answered softly.

"I understand. I have gravely under estimated the strength and character of the Kerovan Rangers." Zhane gave a tiny laugh, getting ready for what he knew would be a tough time ahead for him.

"Don't worry, everyone does. Later." With that, Zhane took off. Cries of despair echoed through the canyon and Zhane grinned under his helmet. Quite a few monsters and what looked like various types of foot soldiers suddenly appeared from behind rocks and set off after him.

Shaking his head at their predictability Zhane glanced back to see how many were following him and was surprised at how many were there. Unfortunately, he didn't see the nearly invisible wire that had been strung across the gully's entrance after he had entered it. It was strung high enough that it hit him in the chest. He flew backwards, his glider flying off and crashing into the canyon wall.

He landed badly on the ground, rolling to s stop after a few moments. Various monsters and foot soldiers immediately set him upon. Zhane put up a tremendous fight, managing to destroy quite a few monsters and soldiers before they over whelmed him.

Finally, he morph gave out and one too many blows knocked him unconscious. He was picked up and dragged forward to a figure that finally emerged from the shadows. Darkonda grinned slightly and then nodded. Zhane was dragged away and the monsters followed.

"Dark Spectre will pay handsomely for this Ranger."

Present

Andros knelt down, examining the scuffle marks on the ground. A glint of metal caught his eyes and he stood, walking around the corner and stopping in his tracks. His heart almost stopped and his stomach froze. There was Zhane's galaxy glider crashed on the ground. He ran over to it, crouching down and examining it.

After a few moments he stood, looking around and a scrap of material caught his eye. Andros bent down and picked it up. It was a piece of black cloth, and it could have only come from Zhane's uniform. Andros closed his eyes, trying not to imagine the worse. His morpher beeped and absently raised his arm and answered it.

"Yes DECA?"

"I'm showing increased activity around the nearby town Andros. Quite a few ships have arrived in the last day or so."

"I figured as much. Something's happened to Zhane. I've found his glider, it's damaged badly, teleport it up to the Mega Ship please."

"Teleporting Zhane's glider now Andros." The glider disappeared and Andros began looking for tracks, his own glider following along quietly behind him. Suddenly, a couple of rocks were dislodged and he whirled, his astro blaster practically flying into his hand. A figure shimmered into existence and climbed down a few rocks to stare at the Red Ranger.

"You must be Andros." Andros thought a moment, slowly holstering his blaster.

"Yes, you must be Phantom. What happened here? Where's Zhane?" Phantom bowed his head a moment and then looked up, from his stance; Andros knew it wasn't good news.

"We meet here almost three days ago. I was about to give him the information I had obtained when we were ambushed. He distracted them so I could get away, but they caught him. He fought long and hard but his morph finally failed and a being I haven't seen before in all my wanderings captured him. I took a holo image of him, in case he was someone you recognised." Phantom held out his hand and an image of Darkonda appeared. Andros hissed in recognition and growing horror.

"Darkonda!"

"Ah, that's him. I've heard of him. None of it good I'm afraid. I tracked them to the nearby town and got close enough to find out what's going on." Andros steeled himself for the news.

"How bad is it?"

"Bad enough I'm afraid. They have kept him barely conscious and have continually beaten him. Not letting him heal enough so he can morph and get out of there. Tomorrow morning, they are going to auction him off to the highest bidder. Capturing a Power Ranger like this, then keeping him like they have, is a rarity and therefore has attracted a lot of attention." Disgust at what had happened was in his voice. Andros took a deep breath and looked at him.

"If I know Zhane at all, he told you to get that information out of here, didn't he?"

"Yes. And I did. I took it to the Gold Ranger who has promised to get it to the Aquitians and returned just under two days ago. I located him in the nearby town and I've been trying to free him but he is very well guarded. All I've been able to do is provide him with moral support. I'm sorry; I haven't been able to do more than that." Andros nodded.

"Thank you for what you've done. I'd expected that he'd be well guarded. Can you take me to him? I have to get him out of there." Andros glanced at his glider and then up at the sky. Night was falling and he knew that Zhane's time would be running out. He reached out with his mind to try and find his friend only to find that Zhane's presence was barely there. He winced to think what his friend had been through in the last few days.

Two days earlier

Zhane was dragged forward and thrown into a darkened iron cell. It had been specially prepared to hold a Power Ranger. The doors shut with a clang and he began to stir slightly. Buckets of cold water were then thrown over him to wake him up, and he came to with a start, dripping wet. Groggily he managed to sit up and focus on the dark figure standing outside the cell. After a few moments recognition finally kicked in of who was standing before him.

"Darkonda! Let me out of here!" Darkonda just cackled and stared at the figure of the dishevelled Ranger struggling to his feet. And he was a sight. Bruises and cuts on his face, his uniform torn and now dripping wet. It was a sight to warm the most evil of hearts. A Power Ranger totally at his mercy.

"I don't think so. We have quite a few people interested in knowing what makes a Ranger tick. So, instead of selling you to the Dark Spectre like I had intended, I'm going to auction you off and see how much I can get for you." Zhane paled but kept the fear from his face.

"I hate to say this, but somehow I don't think I'll stick around to participate in it." Darkonda just cackled and shook his ugly head.

"You won't be going anywhere. This cage is specially designed to hold Power Rangers. You can't morph and you can't escape." Darkonda looked at the surrounding monsters and stroked his chin thoughtfully and opened the door, gesturing for half a dozen monsters to walk in. "There you go, have some fun with him."

Zhane stood up, backing up against the bars, his hands in front of him. His vision was still slightly blurry and he ached all over, and when he tried to call forth his morpher moments ago he found he couldn't. Pushing back the fear that was rising, he knew that he only had to hold on for a little while and Andros would be there for him, but in the mean time, he wasn't going to go down without a fight. Soon, all he could see was monsters closing in on him and then things got bad.

Present

The two Rangers had snuck into town under the cover of dusk, heading for the area where Zhane was being held. Andros tried desperately not to remember the conversation he and Phantom had just had. Phantom had stated he could do nothing but watch as Zhane was repeatedly beaten yesterday and again this morning.

Phantom had told Andros that he had managed to get near to Zhane's cage last night and slip him some water without being noticed, but was unsuccessful with opening the cage that held the Silver Ranger. He had made a little bit of noise and had been disturbed by some nearby monsters. Seeing that Silver Ranger was awake, they had indulged in a little late night bashing, which Phantom was helpless to stop as that wouldn't have helped Zhane one little bit.

Andros winced again; his friend wasn't having the best of times. Once more, he tried reaching out with his mind and this time he was finally rewarded with making contact.

Zhane? Come on, wake up. The silence was agonising but Andros could feel his presence more now than he had before. He was closer to Zhane and that made contact easier.

Andros? Where are you? Andros could have literally leapt in the air, he was that happy that he could talk to his friend again. He was worried though; Zhane's voice was weak.

Coming to get you out of there. Phantom is here with me. How are you? Through his link with Zhane, Andros could sense the pain that was filling Zhane right now. And fear. And now there was also relief but the overall emotion coming from Zhane was fear. And that's what frightened Andros the most. Not what his friend would look like when they got him free, but that Zhane was letting him see the pain and fear he was in. Contrary to what he showed the world, Zhane was a very private person. He rarely showed anyone his emotions.

I feel like I've gone through one of Feron's training sessions with my hands tied behind my back. Andros smiled gently at Zhane's words. They were weak but even injured as he was; Zhane's slightly warped sense of humour came through.

Well, from what Phantom's told me, I'm not surprised. Look, we're outside. We're going to have to get the keys and get you out that way. How many guards do you have right now? Zhane's reply took an agonising length of time, which Andros and Phantom used to climb up onto the roof of the building holding Zhane.

About half a dozen I thin. Phantom led him over to a skylight and pointed down inside the room. Andros looked down and for the rest of his life he wished he hadn't.

An iron cage was situated in the middle of the floor. Around it paced half a dozen, maybe more monsters. The light was dim and Zhane lay curled up in a little ball in the middle of the floor of the cage. Even from this high up Andros could see that Zhane was injured.

Blood had dried on the floor and even now Andros could see fresh blood had pooled under Zhane's body. Andros was suddenly glad he was morphed; as somehow he doesn't think he would have been able to keep his stomach contents under control. He clenched his fist and tried to stop himself from swearing.

Zhane, I'm at the sky light above you. I swear I'll make them pay for what they have done to you. All of them. The figure on the floor below him didn't even move but the voice in his head was strong and Zhane to the tee.

No, you won't. You'll get me the hell out of here and then we'll run for our lives. I don't know about you Andros, but I would like to go home now. Andros had to smile and moved back away from the skylight when Phantom gently touched his arm.

Zhane, hold on. I won't be gone long. I just have to figure out to get you out of there. Andros took one last look at Zhane's unmoving body on the floor and snuck away carefully.

I know you will Andros. I trust you. I know you won't leave me behind. The simple faith and belief in that statement touched Andros's heart. Taking a deep breath Andros turned to Phantom and looked at him. They kept their voices soft.

"How is he doing?"

"Not good. I saw an awful lot of blood down there, and when I spoke to him, he sounds weak. We don't have a lot of time. He won't last much longer." Phantom nodded.

"I can create a diversion to allow you to get in there and free him. But that cage holding him is strong. I'm not sure if you'll be able to break it open." Andros clenched his fist, his voice soft and hard.

"I won't leave him their any longer. That cage will open if it's the last thing I do."

"All right. Give me five minutes to get into position and plant some explosives. When you see them start running then that's your window. I'll meet you on your ship?"

"Yes, I've told DECA to allow you to teleport in."

"Thank you." Andros nodded and nodded at him.

"Any time Phantom. Once we've got Zhane back home, we'll have to sit down and talk."

"Yes, I would like that." Phantom nodded and disappeared. Andros moved back to the skylight and looked down at Zhane.

Hang on Zhane, not much longer.

Okay, I'm hanging in there. There was an agonisingly long pause but Andros could sense that there was something else Zhane wanted to say. Andros, if you can't get me out of here, don't let them take me. I can't survive much more of this. Andros was shocked to his very core as he carefully moved back over to the window and looked down at his friend. Night had fallen now, providing perfect cover for his and Phantom's rescue attempt.

Zhane, what are you asking me? Andros had a terrible feeling he knew what was coming next.

If you can't get me out of here, take my morpher some how and go. Leave me something to destroy a couple of those monsters but just go. I'll take as many out as I can when I go. Andros swallowed hard against the lump in his throat, praying that Phantom would hurry up with his diversion.

Zhane, your asking me to let you commit suicide, I won't do that, you know that. I'm going to get you out of there in the next few minutes. I promise you that I will. The figure on the floor finally stirred slightly as Zhane's head moved slowly. Andros watched as Zhane's head turned until his face was staring up at Andros.

Andros almost had to look away at the bruises and cuts covering Zhane's face, but he didn't. Zhane's blue eyes were glazed over in pain, but behind the pain was the strength that Andros knew so well, and he knew that it was fading.

Andros, you and I both know that you might not be able to do that. We can't let them take me to where ever they are going to. We both know that as well. If they get their hands on a Power Ranger, they will try to break me. And we both know we can't take that risk. Andros clenched his hands against bars of the window.

Zhane, you won't break.

I know. But I can't take that risk. Just then there was a huge explosion nearby. The blast wave hit the building and blew out the windows. Andros ducked down into the shadows so he wouldn't be spotted. He glanced down into the room below and Zhane had managed to sit himself up.

Andros, only two monsters left, including the one with the keys to my cell.

Great. Hold on, I'm on my way. Andros positioned himself on the edge of the skylight and timing his leap through the light with the next explosion, he was on the ground between the two monsters. With a lightening move he had out his sword and quickly dispatched the first monster and turned to the second. Parrying a blow from it, Andros dropped, his sword flying through the air and knocking the feet from under him and running his spiral sabre through the monster.

He scrambled to his feet and leaning over, picked up the keys to the cell. He approached it and began to feel queasy, weak. What ever the cell was made off, it affected the Power. Andros unlocked the doors and by that time Zhane had managed to stagger to his feet and over to the door. The doors opened and Zhane practically fell out and into Andros's arms.

Andros gently led him over to the back of the room, away from the cage. They both suddenly began to feel slightly better. Andros felt one hundred percent again and Zhane got a little bit of colour back in his cheeks. Andros looked his friend over and then gently hugged him.

"I thought I'd lost you." Zhane managed to smile around the cuts and bruises on his face.

"Hey, you'll never get rid of me that easy. Now, can we get out of here?" Andros nodded, not releasing his hold on Zhane in the slightest. He raised his wrist.

"Phantom, I've got him, get out of there."

"Understood."

"DECA, can you teleport us from here?"

"Yes. Locking on and teleporting now." Moments later they disappeared and reappeared in the medical bay of the Mega Ship, Phantom arriving at the same time. They didn't land very gently and Zhane collapsed against Andros.

"Phantom, help me get him on the table." Phantom helped Andros lift Zhane onto the bed and Zhane managed a tiny smile.

"Sorry to be a bother Phantom."

"It's okay." Andros demorphed and reaching over, began to gently take off Zhane's uniform.

"DECA, begin scanning for his injuries." Zhane winced slightly as Andros jarred his arm and his breathing was shallow. He skin was pale; the parts that weren't covered in cuts and bruises were covered in blood. Andros had to swallow hard when he got Zhane's top off; his chest was just a mass of purple and yellow bruises.

"Zhane's injuries are as follows. Four broken ribs on right side, three on the left. His left wrist is broken in two places, and his right wrist is sprained badly. His left shoulder is also dislocated and muscles are torn in the cuff. His right knee is also dislocated and his right ankle is broken in four places. He has lost a large amount of blood and has various muscles that are strained and bruised." Andros blanched as he heard the list of Zhane's injuries.

"Any internal bleeding present DECA?" Andros just smiled at his friend as he gently stroked Zhane's hair.

"No internal bleeding is present. His major organs are intact although they have suffered some minor bruising." Andros gave a sigh of relief. That was one thing on their side. His eyes found Zhane's looking up at him and a tiny smile at the edges of Zhane's mouth.

"I knew you'd come for me." Andros smiled.

"I'll always come for you Zhane, you know that." Andros clasped his hand gently and Zhane just blinked.

"I know. Now, how about some pain relief, I'm not feeling exactly crash hot right now." Andros gave a tiny laugh and moved over to the medicine cabinet and got out an injector. He came over and injected it into Zhane's arm and moments later Zhane was asleep and pain free. Andros put down the injector and moved over to the various cupboards.

"Phantom, I hope you don't mind playing nurse? He'll be a lot easier to treat unconscious." Phantom nodded, moving over to Andros's side.

"Of course I don't. I have some small knowledge of nursing. What can I do?"

The next three hours were harrowing for Andros, and not one of his fondest memories. They treated all of Zhane's wounds and cleaned him up so that he was finally clean. Plastic braces now encased his wrists and ankle. The dislocated shoulder and knee were back in place and strapped up carefully. Bandages also encircled his bare chest, supporting his injured ribs while they healed.

Two drips were in the back of his hand, one for fluids including a painkiller and the other a blood transfusion. DECA luckily had plenty of stock of their blood types. As soon as they had arrived back on board, DECA had teleported Phantom's ship to the hold and left the system, heading for home. Phantom had retired to his ship to recharge his suit while Andros just sat next to Zhane, watching him.

After Zhane had been treated and cleaned up he looked at lot better. Colour had returned to his face and his breathing was a lot easier. DECA had said he would sleep for at least twelve to fifteen hours. Now he could connect easier with the power once more his healing would be sped up. Andros leaned back in his chair, watching Zhane's chest rise and fall. He had never been so frightened in his life.

He had almost lost Zhane. And he didn't know what he would do without his best friend by his side. Sighing, he rubbed at his tired and leaned back in his chair, his hand clasping Zhane's.

Soft laughter woke Andros some long hours later and as he opened his eyes he was aware of the fact that his back was slightly sore and his hand was warm. His brown eyes found two blue ones staring back at him. The blue eyes were still slightly glazed and pain filled, but a lot clearer than they were when he had rescued Zhane.

"Zhane! You're awake! How are you feeling?" A tiny grin appeared on Zhane's face.

"Well, not so beat up, a little better. But still not in the greatest of conditions. How long have I been asleep?" Andros frowned slightly as he stood up and stretching slightly, his back was really sore.

"I'm not sure. DECA?"

"You have both been asleep ten hours and seven minutes. Phantom has departed the ship, leaving a message that he would come and visit you on KO35 within the next few weeks. He has something to discuss with the Eltaran Rangers."

"Thank you DECA. Are you hungry Zhane?"

"Yes, but nothing too heavy though. My jaw aches." Andros looked him over and gave him a wry smile, a flash of his really seen humour coming though.

"I wonder why. Have you taken a look in a mirror lately?" Zhane reached his hand out and a mirror began to float over in a wobbly path and land gently in his bandaged palm.

"Oh hell. I look like something's been doing me over." Andros raised an eyebrow at him.

"Zhane, you were." Zhane grinned at him slightly.

"I know. Now, about some food, maybe some soup." Andros ginned at him.

"On it's way." Andros moved over to the door and suddenly was stopped by Zhane's soft voice.

"Andros, thank you." Andros looked at him.

"What for?"

"For coming back for me. I knew you would." Zhane's eyes were serious behind the pain. Andros smiled and nodded.

"I always will Zhane."

"I know." Smiling, Andros walked back over and a clasped Zhane's hand gently.

"We'll vow to fight as a team, forever." Andros's eyes were warm, as were Zhane's blue ones.

"Forever."

Tbc….In our next chapter our two friends find themselves fighting along side some old friends in a battle that they aren't sure they can win.