disclaimer: I don't own the power rangers. Also I don't own Zeri, Saryn, Aura and Cetaci and any other ranger from Aquintar, I read their names on Starhawk's website and thought they were kool.
timeline: Nine years after 'Better Late Than Never'.
summary: Something has it's eyes set on ranger children. Every ranger is scared of losing his or her family, especially Andros.
Jeanka; I'm glad you liked it and the explanation filled another chapter, so I should be thanking you for asking for it.
the-power-of-love; I never said they would be back home soon. I don't even know if they'll be home soon, for that would mean the story will come to an end not long after it.
TF princess; Glad you're not mad it was a bit short. Sometimes you just have to end a chapter or you'll ruin it. Hope you enjoy this one too.
gobball; I'll try not to. Enjoy.
Protecting The Next Generation
Chapter 16
"And you're sure it's Armin's transmitter?" Jason asked.
"Deca double checked it about a hundred times, so I'm pretty sure it's safe to say it's Armin's transmitter." Andros replied.
"That leaves the question, how did Armin's transmitter end up in the Taton system? The kids never have those things with them." Zhane commented.
"Armin said something about keeping it with him, just in case." Wyatt answered.
"Smart kid." Zack observed.
"So Donnchadh keeps them in the Taton system." Cole guessed.
"Not necessarily, it could be a trap." Andros sighed.
"Should we check it out?" Ethan asked.
"I say we do, but not all of us." Tommy put in.
Jason quickly glanced around the group.
"You want to go, right Andros?"
Andros shot a quick look at Ashley and nodded.
"Well, you can count on the rangers from the Serpenterra mission to go with you."
"I'm coming too." Rocky said.
"You can count on me, Andros." Carlos smiled.
"I'm willing to help too." Saryn said.
"I want to come along too, but I know you would rather have me here." Zhane sighed.
"You know me too well, my friend." Andros replied.
It didn't take long to get the Megaship ready to go and all too soon Andros found himself saying goodbye to his wife and son.
"Keep safe." Ashley whispered as she hugged Andros.
"I will, don't worry." Andros whispered in return and pulled back a little.
Sighing he place his hand under the side of Ashley's chin and rubbed his thumb across her cheek.
"I promise to come back in one piece, Ash, but if somehow I can't make it back..."
"Shhh." Ashley said as she placed a finger on his lips to silence him. "You will come back."
Andros smiled weakly and leaned in. Their lips barely touched, but it said more than words ever could. Normally Wyatt would complain loudly about his parents being intimate, but right now he kept quiet. When Andros pulled away from Ashley he turned to his son. He spread his arms and Wyatt threw his arms around his father's neck.
"Keep an eye on your mother for me, will you?"
"Of course. Please bring them back, dad."
"I'll do whatever I can, Wyatt."
"Coming, Andros?" Rocky yelled.
Andros let go of Wyatt and looked at what was left of his family.
"Go, we'll be fine." Ashley urged.
Andros sighed and turned away, before he walked onto the ramp of Megaship he turned to look back one more time. Then he walked stepped onto the ramp and entered the ship. He closed the hatch without looking back, for he knew if he took one more look he wouldn't be able to do this. He wouldn't be able to leave. It was just like the countdown. When Ashley had caught him trying to sneak away and let him go anyway he had felt a strong urge to kiss her goodbye, but he had suppressed it, for if he hadn't, he wouldn't have left and the war would surely had ended differently.
Ashley and Wyatt watched the hatch slight shut. When it was closed they turned around and walked back to Jeff's house. They too didn't look back when the Megaship's engines started roaring, indication Deca had started pre-flight sequences. They didn't need to see the ship leave, taking away someone very dear to them, both hoping that when it returned it would reunite them with their family.
Hours later
Wyatt and Nathan sat on Wyatt's bed.
"Want to play a game?" Nathan asked.
Wyatt shook his head.
"Shall we watch TV?"
Again Wyatt shook his head.
"Then what do you want to do?"
"Nothing." Wyatt replied.
"But I'm bored." Nathan complained.
"Then go see if Ty'lee want to entertain you." Wyatt snapped.
Nathan jumped up and walked away, clearly mad at his cousin. Wyatt sighed. He knew he should apologize for snapping at Nathan, but he really couldn't find the energy to care at the moment. A few minutes passed in silence, but then the door opened and Zeri entered.
"I ran into Nathan and you seemed to have pissed him off."
Wyatt surged and Zeri let herself fall onto the bed next to him.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Yes, there is. Come on, bro, tell me. I can keep secrets too you know."
Wyatt smiled weakly at the girl.
"I miss Paige." He confessed. "And Armin."
Zeri raised an eyebrow.
"I know, I know. He was always teasing me, picking on me and annoying me, but he's still my big brother. When I'm in trouble or something he's always there to help me out..."
"And now you have to do everything yourself without Armin or Paige there to help you, without Brian to watch over and keep out of trouble." Zeri concluded.
"Yeah." Wyatt sighed.
Zeri put her arms around the boy and hugged him tightly.
"I'm here if you need anyone, Wyatt. I know it's not the same, but I think people will like being on my bad side as much as they like being on the bad side of Armin and Paige."
Wyatt smiled at her.
"Thanks sis." He teased.
"It was nothing. Now get out of here and apologize to Nat or see if you can find Sheena, she's been looking for you."
"Where did you see her last?" Wyatt inquired.
"Kitchen, stealing cookies."
Wyatt let out a chuckle.
"Well, I'm going to see if I can safe the cookie-jar from being emptied. Thanks again, Zeri. That was just what I needed."
"Any time, Wyatt, any time."
A/N: I know it's been about one and a half week since I updated, but school's been keeping me busy and I visited some family yesterday, so I didn't have much time to write. On a brighter note, I have a whole week to write, for I have a week vacation. Anyway, I hope you liked it and if you have any suggestions or question, their welcome, for I know where I want the story to go, I just need to find a way to get there. Please review.