Disclaimer: As much as I would like for it to be, Power Rangers is not my creation.

Slytherin-Angel44: Glad you like it.

DizneeDol: Is this soon enough?

Star Fata: I hate him more now too.

Ch. 15 The Blame Game

When they returned to the Megaship, Andros wasted no time making his way to the Med Bay with T.J. hot on his heels. Andros came to a dead stop when he saw his children lying on cots throughout the room, his eyes looking them over. Everyone seemed to be fine with the exceptions on minor bruises besides for Aidan. Ashley was at his side, grasping his hand, willing him to wake up. He made his way slowly to her side knowing that it was his fault. He should have made them leave as soon as he started feeling as if something was going to happen. Ashley turned when he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. When she looked into his eyes she could tell what he was thinking but until Aidan woke up there was no way to convince him other wise.

"This isn't your fault," Ashley whispered, careful not to wake the other children in the room. They had all fallen asleep not long after arriving in the Med Bay and T.J. had taken the twins to their room.

"I should have known," Andros replied. "I should have gotten there faster. Just like with Karone, I should have been faster."

"You did your best," she stated, forcing him to look at her. "DECA says he'll be fine but he's in a coma. He'll wake up when he's ready." It broke her heart to see her son like this and it hurt her even more that Andros was blaming himself. As he stood she asked, "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to find him," he vowed quietly. "I won't go after him alone, I promise, but I am going to find him." Ashley only nodded knowing it would do her no good to argue with him. Besides her son needed her now and while he also needed his father this was the only way Andros knew to help and she wasn't going to take it away from him. "DECA, scan the area for any abnormal energy readings," he ordered as soon as he stepped outside the Med Bay doors.

"Scanning," the AI acknowledged. "There's a high energy reading right outside the remains of the Power Chamber."

"On screen," he commanded. He watched as the viewing screen came to life and he immediately spotted what appeared to be a cave in the middle of the desert. "Zoom in on that cave." DECA did as she was told and saw what Andros was looking for. The entrance to the cave appeared to be unguarded and pretty straight forward. "Can you tell if there's any security?"

"I don't detect any but I wouldn't expect Darkonda to make it this easy," DECA warned.

"I don't either," Andros agreed, leaving the Bridge. He headed for the Work Bay, not to break his promise to Ashley but to see if he could get some back up. "Zhane, I need to talk to you. Alone." His best friend nodded and followed him worriedly to the Observatory. Zhane watched in silence as Andros dropped to the ground sobbing. He made his way to his friend's side, knowing better than to reach for him first. Andros surprised him when he reached out to him. Zhane wrapped his arms tightly around his friend and let him cry, knowing that he needed to.

"It's going to be alright," he promised. "We'll get Darkonda for this."

"That's what I needed to talk to you about," Andros whispered, pulling away slightly. "DECA was able to locate his hideout but I promised Ashley I wouldn't go alone and I wanted to know if you'd go." After a moment he added, "I'd ask the others but Ashley will need their help when the other seven wake up." Zhane nodded.

"Of course I'll go," Zhane answered. "And I bet we can beat him by ourselves." Andros couldn't help but smile as they headed to the Med Bay to tell the others their plan. When they entered the Med Bay Andros couldn't help the small smile that formed on his face. Ashley had fallen asleep beside their injured son but she still had her hand wrapped around his.

"Hey," he whispered in her ear causing her to jump slightly, "it's okay, it's just me." He gave her a minute to wake up, knowing that Darkonda wouldn't be going anywhere, he didn't have anywhere to go.

"Why's Zhane here?" Ashley asked when she noticed the Silver Ranger's presence.

"DECA found Darkonda's hideout," Andros began, looking down at his feet. "I didn't want to break my promise and I know you'll need the others when the other kids wake up so…"

"Be careful," she responded. "I'm not raising these kids alone and they might like some little brothers or sisters when their older."

"I'm always careful," Andros replied. He kissed her before going around the room and kissing his other children and he went to the twins' room to give them a kiss. It wasn't that he wasn't planning on coming back, but you never knew. "Are you ready?"

"I'm always ready," Zhane answered. "Let's go make him pay for messing with my nieces and nephews."

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