Summary: The return of Andros's parents changes all future plans of Andros and Ashley. It's doubtful they'll ever see each other again. But there's a secret Ashley's carrying around just dying to come out.
Arwennicole: Yeah, Ash is having another baby. Just wait and see what will happen.
Mz. Daydream: Yeah, hope you survived that long without me.
Phantom Rogue: I'm evil to them… aren't I? I must start looking out or the Megaship will be knocking on my door.
Lavonne Adams: Or just really, really… lucky. You'll have to be patient and your questions will be answered.
Lady Kimiko: You so are! Yeah, she's pregnant again, I couldn't help myself.
Zeopurple: I can't tell you about the amount of time it will take Andros to find out and do something about it.
Slytherin-Angel44: They really should know better, Ash is a doctor for heavens sake! So she kinda deserves to be pregnant. Go Voldie! Let's party…
Johnny: Hehe, and I'm going to make you wait even longer before you find out everything you want to, because that's a few chapters away.
SweetSas: Oh no, they know dear Dros is their father, they've always known.
Megarider: Yeah, she's having yet another baby.
Juzblue: Yeah, it was kinda obvious when she told him to sleep with her. I couldn't help myself.
Star Fata: That's really, really, really okay, you updated now didn't you? ;)
Jessica01: Yeah.
Mita427: Well, you better believe it, because that baby is growing in her stomach.
C.C.C.: Thanks, I love this story too. Hope you had fun on your holiday.
PhoenixGuardianEmaku: Ten days gone and I still know it. Yeah, things are now definitely more complicated.
DizneeDol: Nice place to visit? The best in the world! Glad you liked the chapter.
Blue-ranger-sky: Sorry you had to wait, here's more.
Dragoneyes5000: Glad you like the situation I put her in… again.
JDPhoenix: I'm going back to school this Monday… You'll just have to wait and see how long Andros takes.
Piper xox Leo: You'll just have to wait and see.
Darklover: Well, with Maura they were just very lucky shots, with Ashley… it's more like it just happens.
The-power-of-love: Glad you liked it. Here's the update.
Psycho Tangerine: Lynette is made to think the powers come from Ashley and Chyler. Yes they children are all different ages, but on KO-35 they take the name 'school assignment' literally, so the whole school was doing the project. Ashley knew about Chris having the red ranger powers, because he is heir to them and yes, she told him. Glad you like the story.
BlackHalliwell: Glad you like my story. Enjoy this chapter.
Secrets Untold
Chapter 35: Second Chance
"Is something wrong, dad?" Andros asked as he entered his parents' house.
A purple blur darted his way and he staggered back a little as he caught Elia in his arms. One look at the girl told him something was very off. Her eyes were puffy and she had obviously been crying.
"We're returning to Earth in two days to finish that ambassadorial visit." His father replied, the older man's eyes sad as he watched his granddaughter wrapped up in his son's arms.
"And Elia?" Andros pressed on, knowing that was the less important side of whatever his dad needed to tell him.
Avidan sighed and looked away.
"Your mother has decided that… since your sister and Zhane don't seem to be looking for a husband for Elia here… she'll take it upon herself to do so."
"No." Andros flat out said, his blood boiling with anger. "She can't."
Avidan sighed and shook his head.
"Unfortunately, she can. I know and I hate it too. Truly Andros, I do, you have to believe me. You're miserable and have been so ever since you married Maura. You hide it well, but I can see it in your eyes." He paused, before adding, "There are those moments when… you're happy, but they are never true to the core of your being and I'm sorry for that. I don't want that for anyone else."
"Where's mom?" Andros demanded softly.
"Over at your sister's, arguing. They aren't too happy with her. Elia fled here. She wanted to see you, but didn't dare to come to your house. That's why I called you here instead of telling you over the comm. that we're returning to Earth."
Andros nodded and held Elia tightly, gently placing a kiss on her head.
"If only I could prove that Maura is cheating on me." Andros sighed. "Then mom's bubble of an always happy betrothing could be popped."
"Maura is cheating on you?" Avidan asked surprised.
"For years." Andros replied, adding at the darkening of Avidan's face. "Dad… just leave it okay? My marriage has been screwed up from the moment it started. There's no need in pretending it's wasn't."
"It's your choice." Avidan sighed. "Oh, I've asked your grandfather to join us to Earth this time. He was delighted to join."
Andros smiled and looked down at his crying niece.
"We won't let this happen, Elia. If necessary, I'll arrange for you to hide out on Earth." Andros promised.
Elia pulled back and stared at him with big eyes, as trusting and loving as though she was that toddler that held onto him for support instead of the young woman she was becoming.
"Really?"
"Really." Andros smiled and nodded.
"Thank you." Elia whispered, smiling as she hugged him tightly. "You're the best."
Andros smiled and held Elia close. He once promised no one would hurt his niece and he very much intended to keep that promise.
That night
"Andros? What are you doing here?" Karone asked.
It was already dark outside and she and Zhane were just about to go to bed when the doorbell had sounded.
"Can I come in for just a moment? It's about Elia."
Karone immediately stepped aside and Zhane had popped up at the sound of his daughter's name. Andros didn't even wait to be in seated in the living room, but softly whispered what he wanted to say.
"Look, dad told me what's going on. He's not happy with it, you're not happy with it, I'm not happy with it and Elia is definitely not happy with it, but there's nothing we can do to stop it." Andros explained and both Zhane and Karone looked outraged. "I'm not finished yet. Maybe we can't stop it, but if Elia isn't around, it's hard to betroth her, don't you think?"
"What are you suggesting?" Karone asked, her voice no louder then his, though there was a suspicious and confused edge to her voice.
"For Elia to go away, just for a little while, so we can talk mom out of this. We're going to Earth again, and that would be a great opportunity for Elia to run." Andros explained.
"And where would she stay!" Zhane demanded, hissing softly. "Josh's? That's the first place your mom would look!"
"I know a place she can stay without mom finding out… just trust me okay?" He pleaded. "I just can't tell you where, for the less people know, the better."
"It's worth a shot, Zhane." Karone murmured with tears in her eyes. "If it helps my little girl, I'm willing to try it."
"Fine." Zhane huffed. "But you are taking all responsibility for it."
Andros nodded and opened the door.
"Just make sure she's ready to leave at any moment when we're on Earth. I'll take care of the rest."
And with those words he disappeared back into the night. Karone shut and locked the door behind him and Zhane looked at her sceptically.
"I hope that brother of yours didn't just lose his mind."
"Have a little faith in him, Zhane." Karone sighed. "He knows what he's doing… I hope."
"I hope you're right, Karone. For Elia's sake, I'm willing to try anything." Zhane muttered.
"Me too." She hesitated.
"Somehow though, I think we shouldn't tell the others."
"Yeah, let them at least be genuinely surprise Elia has done a runner. I just wish we would know where she'll end up."
"Knowing Andros, she'll probably be hidden right under people's noses."
Karone giggled and gave him a shove before starting up the stairs. Zhane quickly followed her and caught her in his arms. With ease he slung her over his shoulder and continued up walking. Karone was wildly giggling, trying to keep the noise down so their children wouldn't wake up.
"Caveman." She accused laughingly when he threw her on their bed.
"But you love me." Zhane grinned, falling down next to her and kissing her lips.
Karone gave in to his kisses and smiled against his lips.
"Just know that Aila is the last baby you got out of me. If you get me pregnant again, it will cost you your life." She warned him.
"Yes, oh Queen of all Evil." Zhane replied and Karone melted into him, giving herself up to his touch.
Just for a moment, both of them forgot about everything that was going on and concentrating just on each other. Tomorrow they would return to their problems, but tomorrow was far away right now.
A/N: Hope you liked it. Review. This chapter is dedicated to Psycho Tangerine for posting review 700. If you want to know, I had a great holiday in Ireland… except for the fact my gran died while I was away. We're burying her today… so bare with me if the sequel to this story is going to be slow.
On brighter note: this is the first of many chapters updated in the morning from my bed. I GOT WIRELESS!