Siblings Miniseries

Part Two: Voices Carry

"I can't believe we trusted that witch!" TJ yelled, directing it mostly to Kat. Kat cowered in Pride's arms, nearly in tears. "How was I supposed to know she'd turn on us? At least we know Zordon's alive." Andros glared at TJ. "Don't you dare blame my sister! This is no more her fault then anyone else's!" They were, of course, discussing Astronema's "betrayal" two weeks ago. Karone had gone back to the Dark Fortress to save the earth, and two days later, she'd attacked them. Hedia had followed, and had not been heard from since. TJ had been infuriated, and Kat scarcely came out of her room anymore, meaning that Pride was constantly in with her. Ashley had been becoming increasingly irritable, and Andros sensed a rift in the rangers. Two down and two angry(Yes, two, Pride had been made the official Green Ranger two days before Karone vanished again). TJ was on the brink of walking, and Ashley wasn't far behind. Andros was at the end of his rope, and Zhane didn't know how to handle the situation. Finally, after a long, awkward pause, Cassie cleared her throat. "May I make a suggestion? I say we all head to the Surf Shack and try to cool down our differences." Kat nodded. "Yeah. That sounds like a good idea." Andros smiled tentatively. "Okay. Sounds like a plan." He looked at TJ and Ashley. "What do you say?" They glanced at each other, then nodded. "Yeah. We could all use a break.

Once they were on Earth, everyone relaxed. Ashley even allowed herself to laugh again. They realized that they were all just extremely irritable due to spending too much time on the ship. The group looked up as Adella handed them a plate of fries. "We didn't order these," Carlos started, but Adella cut him off. "Honey, take them. Once you've tried my fries you'll wish you had ordered them." Kat grinned. "This place is pretty cool." Adella caught Andros' eye. "Oh. The smart-aleck came back." Andros turned bright red. Kat glanced at him. "Okay, what did I miss?" Ashley giggled. "Andros didn't know what a surfboard was." Andros sank down in his chair. "Well, we don't have them on KO-35. How was I supposed to know what it was?" Zhane laughed. "Come on Andros, even I know what a surfboard is!" Andros grinned sheepishly. "You know full well I never paid attention in our Earth Study class!" The table suddenly went quiet. "Earth Study?" Carlos said. "You mean the Kerovians were watching us?" "Well…I mean…"Andros stuttered. Zhane came to his rescue. "No. Our elders wanted us to know where we had come from. Sort of like a history class. I mean, yeah, there was the occasional Kerovian mission to Earth, but just to find out how technology had advanced itself. Heck, some of our people intermarried with yours. Or would take back someone who might be in danger if they stayed on Earth." Andros nodded. "Like my father. He was an Earthling. He'd betrayed someone of power. My mother took pity on him and saved him, taking him back to KO-35. They married, and then I and my sisters were born." Kat looked away, no longer smiling. "Oh. So, we're not really Kerovians?" Andros wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Yes, we are. All Kerovians have Earth blood in them. We were healthy humans brought to the planet during the Black Death. We're all human, regardless of which planet we came from." Ashley nodded. "Then why do your people have telekinesis?" Zhane smiled. "Because we learned to tune into the part of our brain that controls that kind of power. Earthlings have all the hustle and bustle of everyday life clouding their minds. Kerovians learn from an early age how to channel our energies. We-Andros and I-can help you learn to do the same, if you want." Pride nodded, speaking everyone's thoughts. "That would be…great." Kat smiled. "So, are we gonna let these fries go to waste?" Ashley laughed. "Of course not." They all jumped as a sudden beep caught their ears. "What the…those aren't the communicators." TJ frowned. Ashley glanced around and found a girl with a palm pilot. "Michelle, can I see that?" Michelle nodded. "Sure." She handed it over. Ashley played with it a bit, then handed it back. "Thanks." She turned back to the group, and they all laughed it off. "Weird. It sounds just like our communicators." Kat smiled. "We're all a little on edge. No big deal." She, Ashley and Cassie caught each others eyes. Cassie grinned. "I know what'll take our minds off things." TJ paled. "You're not thinking…?" Ashley grinned. "Yep. Mallathon!"

Astronema turned away from her veiwscreen. "So, the Power Rangers think they have nothing to fear from me? That they can just forget about me? I don't think so! Quantrons-actually, I have a better idea. Ecliptor! I want you to capture two of the Rangers. But not just any two. I want you to take the Silver and Combo Rangers. That way, both the Red and the Green Rangers will be so intent on finding them, they will be out of our way. With any luck, the Black Ranger will be distracted as well, and if that's the case, there won't be nearly enough Rangers left to stop us." "Yes, my princess," Ecliptor said. "But if our plan should…fail? The Rangers you wish captured are strong willed. They will not be easy prey. I won't be able to do it alone." Astronema sighed. "Then take one of the monsters with you, I don't care, just get it done!" "How about me?" Hedia stepped forward. "It will throw them off." Astronema laughed. "You're exactly right. Yes, go with him. You know what to do." Hedia nodded. "Of course, sis." She and Ecliptor disappeared, and Astronema placed a hand to the circuitry on her forehead. "Ow," she muttered.

Andros laughed nervously as his sister piled yet another bag in his arms. On his right, looking extremely uncomfortable, Pride held twice as many bags as Andros. On Andros' left, TJ and Carlos held, while not as many as Andros and Pride, a fair few themselves. Andros smiled at his sister. "Are you done yet? You've nearly bought the whole mall." "Almost," Kat replied. "I've just gotta pick up one more thing." She turned into the store behind her. Andros groaned. "They won't be done for hours." Pride glanced at him as best he could. "Hey, at least you can see which store they went into." Andros nodded sympathetically. "They're in Spencer's. They won't be out for…" "Done!" Kat announced. She took some of the bags from Pride's arms. "Shall we?" They teleported back to the Megaship, and the girls promptly disappeared with their purchases. Andros collapsed into a chair. "Next time," he told Zhane, "You go with them, and I'll stay her." The girls re-entered the bridge. Kat held a large shopping bag. "This is for Andros. From me and Zhane." She handed him the bag, and he withdrew a large Hershey's Kiss-shaped pillow. Zhane blushed. "For when we're apart. So you always have a big kiss from me." Andros turned bright crimson, and gave his sister a hug. "Thanks guys." Kat turned to Pride, handing him a Barnes and Noble gift card. "For you. So you can get some new books to read." Pride grinned. "Thanks." DECA beeped suddenly. "I hate to kill the moment, but Astronema is attacking Earth." Zhane glanced at the veiwscreen. "It's only her and Ecliptor. Kat and I can handle it." Andros frowned. "Are you sure? I mean…" Kat nodded. "We'll be fine. Zhane can protect me, and you'll be just a teleport away if we need you." Andros bit his lip, but nodded. They disappeared, and Pride looked at Andros. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"I told you it was a bad idea!" Pride was slightly angry. Andros nodded. "I know, but at least only one of them got captured." He looked at Kat. "She looks so helpless." Pride nodded, holding her hand. Kat and Zhane's battle had taken a turn for the worse, and Kat had come back in bad shape, just barely managing to tell them that Zhane had been captured before falling into a deep coma. Andros stood. "Come on, we need to find a way to rescue Zhane. DECA will tell us if Kat changes." Pride shook his head. "No. I'm staying with her." Andros nodded. "Of course." He left. Pride turned back to Kat's lifeless form. "Sweetie, please, come back to us. Come back to me. I need you here. I don't know what I'll do if I lose you." He hugged Kat. No response. "Please, we all need you." He began to hum softly, then to sing. He began to softly sing a verse from "their" song. "I am a tree/holding away the storm/here in my arms/I'll keep you safe and warm/even the gods/won't dare to cross this line/where my life is forever yours." Kat's breathing became regular, and her heartbeat steadied. Although Pride didn't know it yet, he was slowly leading her back to consciousness.

A girl of about 16 and a boy of about 17. They are arguing. The girl's silver eyes flash angrily. The boy's shine with tears. The girl-Kat-holds a virtual reality helmet in her hand and it is clear that this is the central point of the argument. The boy-Pride-does nothing to defend himself. Kat is screaming angrily at him. He turns away to compose himself, then turns back to her. She demands that he explain himself. He is caught off guard, and says nothing. She does not believe this is an adequate answer, and begins to scream at him again. Finally, there is a stunned silence, during which Pride turns and runs out of the room. Kat throws the helmet across the room, where it shatters against the wall. She throws herself onto her bed and begins to cry.

Andros looked into the medlab, watching the scene in front of him. Pride had switched to "I Cross My Heart," and Kat's eyes fluttered. Andros tried a mental plea. Kat, sweetie, please come back to us. Pride's a mess without you. We all need you here. Kat sighed, but did not wake. Andros ducked out. "Pride can handle it," he told himself.

Zhane opened his eyes and blinked through the blackness around him. As soon as his eyes adjusted, he saw Hedia sitting there, looking concerned. "I was afraid you were never going to wake up, Zhanie. How badly did Ecliptor beat you?" Zhane frowned. "You mean, you're not on Dark Spectre's side?" Hedia shook her head. "No. And Karry's not really either. She just…she has circuitry attached to her head. If she acts out against Dark Spectre, she gets zapped. I've been trying, but I can't get it off." Zhane nodded, registering a sharp pain in his head. "What about Kat? Where is she? How is she?" Hedia turned away. "She managed to teleport out. She's in a coma on the Megaship." "What?" Zhane's mouth fell open. "Damn! I was trying so hard to keep her safe!" Hedia nodded. "I know. She should be fine." Zhane nodded. "I hope."

"So, what's the plan?" Cassie asked, settling onto a chair. "I mean, how do we rescue Zhane?" "We don't," Andros responded. "Zhane will be fine. I just spoke to Hedia. She's not under Dark Spectre's thumb again, and she'll make sure Zhane can get away. We worry about Kat right now." Ashley nodded. "How is she?" Andros looked away. "It's not looking good. It's been three days. And what's worse is how Pride's reacting. He hasn't left her side. He won't eat, sleep….anything. I don't know what to do." TJ cleared his throat. "Maybe, if we can get Zhane back quickly, maybe he can bring her back. She knew he was captured, maybe hearing his voice will snap her out of it." Carlos nodded. "TJ's right. We need to negotiate with Hedia. Find some way for her to get Zhane back quickly." Andros nodded. "I've already done that. The soonest she can release him without drawing any suspicion on herself and Karone is a few days. By that point…I don't even want to think about what could happen." Ashley nodded, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. DECA will take good care of your sister. As for Pride, let me talk to him. I think I can get through to him." Andros nodded. "Please try. Kat will never forgive any of us if he…" Ashley smiled wryly. "I know." She left the room. Andros turned back to the group. "I'll contact Hedia again, see if we can get Zhane any sooner."

Ashley entered the medlab, placing a hand on Pride's shoulder. He jumped, but relaxed when he saw Ashley. She smiled. "Hi. Andros tells me you're not taking care of yourself." Pride frowned. "What do you…?" Ashley raised an eyebrow. "You're not eating? Or sleeping?" "Well, I… I just…" Pride trailed off. Ashley smiled. "Look, Kat's not going to go anywhere. DECA well tell you if any little thing changes. But she will never forgive you-or herself-if you don't take care of yourself. Look, we're all worried about you almost as much as we're worried about her. Please, come eat. Get some sleep. She'll be fine." Pride hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But I want to be the first to know if anything changes." DECA beeped. "I can do that." Ashley grinned. "Come on. We've got some real food. None of that Simutron crud. You can thank TJ for that!" Pride smiled in spite of himself. "Sounds good." Ashley nodded. "Let's go!"

Astronema's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Ecliptor, what did I ask you to do? I asked for two measly little Power Rangers. And did you deliver? No! You bring me one! You let the Combo Ranger get away!" "My princess, the Combo Ranger is in bad shape!" Ecliptor protested. "She has lain in a coma on her ship for nearly four days. My princess, she is no threat to us right now." Astronema whirled around. "Yes, but what happens when she awakes? Then she will be furious! Not to mention, the Green Ranger will seek revenge…" "He is not the revenge seeking type!" Ecliptor snapped, fed up. "He has done nothing but sit at her side for three days. If I've been told correctly, he won't even eat. He is no danger to us!" Astronema glared at him. "You had better be right. If my latest plan fails, it will be on your head!" She stalked off. Ecliptor waited a few moments, then followed her. "That was very good, Hedia. Exactly like your sister would have done it." Hedia nodded. "Yes, I know. Now, let's hope Dark Spectre bought it, or you and I will both be re-circuited. And Karone will be in danger." Ecliptor nodded. "Do not worry, Hedia. Dark Spectre will be fooled. And your plan to drain his energy will be a success. I guarantee it. As long as the Rangers do not destroy the Psychos too soon." Hedia nodded. "Yes. Five Psycho Rangers should be more than enough of a match. Red on Red; Blue on Blue; Black on Black; Yellow on Yellow; and Pink on Pink. Black Psycho will also take on the Green Ranger, and Red Psycho can deal with the Combo Ranger." Ecliptor nodded. "Yes. Now, your brother called. He needs Zhane released sooner than intended." Hedia nodded. "Very well. Set him free, and program the Holo-Zhane. That way, Karone will not be suspicious."

Zhane rushed to the medlab where Kat lay comatose. Behind him were Andros and Pride. He shooed them. "Give me some privacy." He added in an undertone to Pride, "You'll be the first to know if she wakes. After me, of course, since I'll be here." Pride nodded and rushed out. Zhane turned to Kat. "Rubye, sweetie, it's your Zhanie. Wake up and I'll let you set as many angry cats on me as you want. I'll…please wake up, sweetie. Pride's a wreck without you." Kat's eyes fluttered, and Zhane called Pride. "I think she's waking." Kat moved her fingers, closing them around Zhane's hand. He waited.

Kat's eyes snapped open as Pride ran into the medlab. He rushed over and gave her a huge hug. "Thank God!" Kat grinned slightly. "I don't have much use for God. How about thanking Kyprioth instead?" Pride laughed. "Good. You're you." Zhane smiled. "Hi sweetie. I'm gonna give you two some privacy, and go let Andros know you're awake." He stepped out. Kat glanced at Pride. "How long was I out?" Pride smiled. "Four days. But DECA was healing you. You're actually in pretty good shape right now. But you need to take it easy for a few days." Kat nodded. "Okay." Andros rushed in and embraced her. "Thank goodness." Kat shrugged. "I don't have any use for goodness either." Andros laughed. "Yeah, but who does?" Pride gave him a look. "Can I have a moment, please?" Andros nodded. "Yeah." He stepped off to the side. Pride withdrew a small box from his pocket. "This isn't how I imagined doing this," he said to Kat. She smiled and sat up more. "I think I know where this is going…" Pride opened the box to reveal a beautiful ring, a heart-shaped ruby on a gold band set with a diamond on either side. "Katarina Warwick, you are the most perfect woman for me. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Kat smiled, tears gathering in her eyes. "Oh, Pride, it's beautiful! Yes!" She threw her arms around him and kissed him. Andros and Zhane respectfully turned away. Finally, Kat and Pride broke apart, and Kat smiled as she put the ring on. "Pride, how long did it take you to write the eloquent speech?" Pride grinned sheepishly. "Only about three weeks. And don't worry about your father. He knows." Pride took Kat's hand. "I wanted to do this properly, so I've already asked your father. He couldn't be happier for you." Kat smiled, laying her head on Pride's shoulder. "You sneaky little bird! How did you manage to convince him to say yes?" Pride smiled. "I'll tell you later." Andros rushed over to his sister and gave her a huge hug. "Congratulations, Kat!" Kat smiled. "Thanks. Um…any chance we can leave the medical unit? I'd rather tell the other Rangers on the bridge on something."

Kat smiled nervously as Ashley gave her yet another hug. "How many times are you going to hug me, Ash?" Ashley grinned. "I'm just so happy for you. At least one of us finally got what we wanted." Kat smiled. "Ash, you are a great person, and you will find someone who loves you someday." She caught Ashley's look. "And I'm so not the person you need to hear this from. Look, I know you're still disappointed because of Andros and Zhane being together, but don't be. You will find someone. I promise you that much." Ashley nodded. "You're right, of course. And I hope you and Pride are always happy." Pride smiled, walking over. "Thank you." Kat smiled, leaning back into Pride's embrace. "Nothing could possibly spoil this moment." At that exact moment, DECA's high-alert system activated. "Rangers, Astronema is attacking Earth. A full-scale retaliation is recommended." Andros nodded. "Rangers, lets go!"

Andros fought relentlessly, but his foe kept coming at him. "What…the hell…are…these…things?" Kat panted, fighting alongside Andros. He didn't answer, but Kat didn't push it. Suddenly, she heard a cry of pain from Pride and Carlos' direction, and she spun, watching in sheer horror as Pride took a blow to the side. She rushed over to him. "Pride!" She caught him as he stumbled backwards. He steadied himself, and started to get back into the fight. Kat pulled him out. "Go back to the ship," she said quietly. He shook his head. "No. I'm needed here." He started to run back in, but Kat stopped him. "No! I said get back on the ship!" She turned, going back to her own battle. Pride ignored Kat's order and re-entered his battle. Finally, the monsters retreated. Kat spun around as she demorphed, looking pissed. Pride started to speak, but Kat just shook her head, turning away and teleporting back to the ship. Everyone followed her lead, Pride bringing up the rear nervously. When he appeared on the bridge, Kat stalked over to him, furious. "I told you to go back to the ship! And you didn't listen! What the hell were you thinking?" Pride looked away. 'I couldn't just abandon the others." Kat glared at him. "So you try to get yourself killed? I don't think so! Don't you ever pull something like that again, do you hear me? Never again!" She turned away; content to end the argument there. Pride, however, was not. He grabbed her shoulder. "That's it! I am so sick of you always treating me like dirt! You've always done this! Every time I do something you don't like, you order me not to do it ever again! You know what; I'm done taking your orders! What the hell gives you the right to order me around anyways?" Kat looked at him, stunned. "I just…" She was speechless. Pride continued. "You never let me do anything I enjoy, because you are afraid of it! Well, no more! I mean it! If you don't stop treating me as an inferior, we're through!" Kat just stared at him, her eyes shining with tears. "I…but…" She trailed off and just stared for a minute. There was long, stunned silence on the bridge. Finally, Kat turned and darted out. Pride stood, shocked at his outburst. Andros shot him a scathing look before rushing out after his sister. Zhane looked at him. "Why have you been holding all that in?" Pride looked down, ashamed. "I…I don't want to talk about it." He took off, not sure where he was going, but aware that he was getting off of the Megaship.

Andros knocked tentatively on Kat's door. He heard sobbing coming from inside her room. "Kat?" No answer. Okay, that's it. No more Katarina, no more Kat. From now on, she's Rubye again. He knocked again. "Rubye, sweetie? It's Andros. Can I come in?" He heard sniffling, and a thoroughly miserable-sounding "Yeah." He overrode the locking mechanism, opening the door. Kat lay facedown on her bed. Her whole body was shaking as she sobbed. He sat down next to her and placed a hand on her back. "Sweetie…" Kat rolled over to face him. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her face was streaked with tears. Andros' heart lurched, and his fraternal instincts flared up. All his brotherly nerves screamed for him to protect his sister in any way possible. Basically, his instincts told him to hunt Pride down and make him pay for doing this to Kat, but he had a feeling that would just destroy Kat even more. He gathered her into his arms. "Sweetie, it's alright. Ssh. It's alright. Everything's going to be alright." Kat gazed into his eyes. "Andy, did…did he mean it? Did Pride really mean we were through?" Andros looked down. "I don't know. I can have him sent in so you two can talk." Kat nodded. Andros called Zhane on the communicator. "Zhane, could you send Pride in here?" There was silence. Then Zhane's voice came back nervously. "Well, I would, but…there's a slight issue with that." Andros frowned. "What?" Again, there was hesitation. "He's gone. He took off. DECA can't locate him. We tried tracing his morpher and communicator, but he apparently removed them. We found the morpher. He just left it with Adella. Told her we would come looking for it, apparently, because when we walked in, she handed it to me, no questions asked. We can't trace him at all. It's like he disappeared off the face off the planet." Andros was silent. Kat gave a small cry and reburied her face in the pillow. Andros finally reacted. "What do you mean, he's gone? There has to be some way to locate him. This ship is equipped with the latest Kerovian technology available. There is no possible way he could have just vanished." Zhane sounded annoyed when he responded. "Well, he did. Does Kat know anyone who can help us find him?" Andros glanced at Kat. "She nodded. "My…my father. And Mina. They should be able…" she broke off. Andros nodded. "Zhane, contact Mina and Dracula." He sighed. "Have Drac look for Pride. I want Mina up here. She can help comfort Rubye." Silence. Then, Zhane sighed. "Right. I'm on it."

Zhane waited for someone to pick up the call to Drac's castle. Come on, Come on, pick up! Finally, a slender brunette picked up the line. "Hello?" Zhane smiled. "You must be Mina. I'm Zhane." Mina smiled. "Ah, yes. Kat's told us about you. You're Andros' lover." Zhane nodded. "Yes. And we have a situation up here. Kat needs you." Mina looked concerned. "What's wrong?" Zhane quickly explained the situation. "So you're need up here, and Dracula can help search for Pride." Mina nodded. "We're on our way."

Cassie glanced up as the two vampires rushed onto the bridge. She smiled. "You must be Drac and Mina." She motioned to Carlos, who stood. He smiled at Mina. "Come on, I'll show you where Kat's room is." He led Mina out. Ashley smiled nervously at Dracula. "So…um…any idea where he could be?" Drac shook his head. "No. But luckily, I do know someone who might." Andros nodded. "Okay. You go talk to them, and the rest of us will split into teams of..." He did a quick head count. "Three teams of two," he concluded. "Ashley and Cassie; Carlos and TJ; and myself and Zhane." Everyone nodded. Carlos re-entered the bridge. Andros smiled nervously. "We'll find him, guys. Everyone meet back here in…two hours. DECA will give you your recon positions." Everyone nodded again, teleporting out.

Astronema chuckled evilly. "So, the green ranger is missing? We can use that to our advantage." Ecliptor nodded. "But how, my princess? The other rangers will surely find him. There are six of them, plus a vampire. How do you expect to compete with that?" Astronema glared at him. "Do not question me! Never question me again!" Ecliptor bowed his head. "Yes, my princess. My apologies. I was merely wondering if you planned to attack the Green Ranger single-handedly, or if you meant to send a monster after him." Astronema smiled. "He's one man. And he's got no morpher. How can he possible fight me? Or you, for that matter? I'm sending you, of course." Ecliptor turned away. "No, my princess, I will not. I will not help you destroy your sister. Because that is what you will be doing if you destroy the Green Ranger. You'll destroy your own sister as well." "Ecliptor!" Astronema wheeled around to face him. "You will do as I say!" "No!" Ecliptor glared at Astronema. "I will not do this!" "You will do as I say, Cliptor. Or else!" Astronema stormed off, and Ecliptor turned to face Hedia, who had been watching in the shadows. "What do you suggest?" Hedia smiled nervously. "That we do as she says. We can make sure no harm comes to him. Besides, if he's outside the scope of the ranger's protection, he'll be safer in here with us than out there on his own." Ecliptor nodded. "Very well. I'll go find him." Hedia nodded. "And I'll go hose my sister down."

How long she had been holding Kat, Mina didn't know. All she knew was that she'd been sitting in Kat's room, trying to comfort her. Kat had ended up crying herself to sleep in Mina's arms. There had been no word from the rangers. Finally, Andros rushed in. He looked exhausted, and he did not seem happy. "Well, I have news. But it's not good." Mina nodded. "Well? Do you at least know where he is?" Andros nodded. "Yeah. But we can't find it. It's like he's in some alternate dimension. Drac's source told us where Pride might be, but DECA can't find the place on any world map." Mina frowned "Who was the source?" Andros thought a moment. "Um…Drac said it was Pride's friend." Mina nodded. "Where exactly did she say to look?" "Eagle Mountain." Mina smiled. "Then I know exactly where he is." Andros nodded. "Good. But there's more bad news. Astronema is after him as well. We have to get there first." Mina nodded. "If someone could sit with her…" She pursed her lips. "She's in no condition to be left alone. The last time they had a fight like this…" "The last time?" Andros was incredulous. "They've fought before?" Mina nodded. "Yes. And the last time, they were apart for about three weeks. Kat got seriously depressed. She tried to kill herself. I don't want that happening again." Andros nodded. "I'll have Zhane sit with her. We need to get to Pride before something bad happens to him."

"Damn it!" TJ looked around at the mountain. "How the hell are we supposed to find him here?" Mina smiled. "Simple. We split up. Get back into our previous teams and I'll take Zhane's place. The mountain is not that big." Andros nodded. "It's a good plan. Meet here in two hours, with or without Pride." Everyone nodded. Andros smiled nervously. "And while we're looking, everyone think of what we're gonna tell Kat if we don't find him." Carlos frowned. "We don't have to. We will find him." TJ gasped suddenly as Ecliptor materialized behind him. He held up his hand in a peaceful greeting. "I'm not here to hurt any of you. Karone does not realize what she will be doing to Kat if I let her go through with her plans for the green ranger. Hedia wants me to find him and keep him safe. You want to find him and return him to Kat. I can help you. Hedia would, but she's got to keep Karone distracted so she doesn't realize what we're doing. Therefore, I call for a truce." Andros nodded. "Once again, it seems we're thrown onto the same side to protect Rubye. My rules still stand. One wrong move, and I destroy you." Ecliptor nodded. "Fair enough. Now, do you have any idea where he could be?" Andros shrugged. "Nope." Mina cleared her throat. "Um…we don't, but she might." She motioned to a tall, blonde girl holding a baby boy. The girl smiled. "I'm Amber. I'm Pride and Kat's friend." Andros smiled. "Nice to meet you. Mina says you know where Pride is." Amber bit her let. "No. I know where he might be. And if he is where I think he is, I'll have to go in alone. They won't let you in." Carlos frowned. "Who?" Amber smiled broadly, revealing a dimple. "The Ecos. They're Pride's tribe. Most likely, he'd go back to them." Andros nodded. "Can you take us to them?" Amber nodded. "Of course. I can get Hawk to talk to you. He's Pride's brother. He'll know what's going on." Ecliptor smiled (sort of). "If it'll help us find him, I'm all for it." The rest of the group nodded, and Amber hoisted her baby higher up on her shoulder. "Than let's go!"

Zhane was half-asleep in Kat's room. He'd been sitting there for about an hour, and Kat had not moved. But he'd promised Andros he wouldn't leave Kat alone. He was extremely bored, but he wasn't going to complain. He had just about drifted off when a sound jerked him back to consciousness. He turned to make sure Kat was alright, but she had vanished! "Crap," he muttered. "DECA, where is she?" DECA hesitated. "The Simudeck. She's perfectly fine. All safety settings are on." Zhane nodded, then frowned. "No, they're not on. Andros and I were the last people in there. We never use safeties. And the only way to turn them back on is a manual override or vocal command. DECA, what is going on?" DECA was hesitant. "Okay, safeties are off, but she's not in any danger. She's not doing anything in there that could harm her." Zhane sighed. "Why don't I believe you?" He hurried towards the Simudeck. DECA tried to stop him. "No, Zhane, don't interrupt her! She needs privacy!" Zhane pushed on the door, but it was locked. He entered the manual override code, and the door slid open. He rushed in, prepared to rescue Kat from the non-safety Quantrons. What he didn't expect was to enter a tranquil forest, complete with animal sounds. Kat knelt in the middle of the floor, surrounded by a partial grove of trees and a pack of wolves and hawks. Her eyes were closed. Zhane was silent, watching as the wolves turned towards him, growling. He gulped. "Nice doggies. Zhane's your friend." Zhane is officially terrified of dogs now! He thought. The largest wolf advanced, yellow eyes focused on Zhane. He smiled, moving backwards. Kat! He cried mentally. Help me out here! Kat's eyes flew open suddenly. They were the same color as the wolves, and they were strangely out of focus. Her voice had a deep, commanding tone to it. Zhane imagined it to sound like a talking wolf. "Stop," she commanded. The wolf turned to her, stopping, but not retreating. Kat spoke again. "I said stop. Stand down. He is not a threat. He is a friend." The wolf lay down, watching Zhane warily. The other wolves backed off. Zhane began to move forward, but Kat turned away from him. She spoke, but it was a screeching tone, like a hawk. The largest hawk cocked its head as if listening. Kat continued to screech. The hawk flew out the open Simudeck door. Zhane winced. Kat faced him, but her eyes were still focused strangely, and bright yellow. Zhane cringed slightly, and Kat smiled, laughing slightly. "Relax. I will not hurt you. Neither will the animals. They only wish to help me." Zhane nodded. "Right. I'm not scared." He smiled nervously. "Could you possibly stop doing that…freaky thing with your voice and eyes? It's weirding me out." Kat chuckled slightly. "There is nothing wrong. I am simply trying to locate Pride in the best way I know how. I'm using the very creatures he will have run to." Zhane nodded, a strange look on his face. "Right…Where did you learn to talk to animals? Dr. Doolittle?" He laughed at his own joke. Kat's eyes flashed. "Do not mock my abilities by comparing them to that quack! My abilities are far better than his. I have learned from none other than the best. Doolittle is an overdone, wretched man. He can no more talk to the animals than you can fly without a ship. I learned from a true animal speaker." Zhane nodded. "Okay…so…um…I just thought you were in danger, but I can see I was wrong. So, I'll just be going now." He turned and left, but Kat followed him. He watched her as she stumbled suddenly. Her eyes returned to normal, and she collapsed. Zhane caught her. "Kat, what the hell did you do to yourself?"

Andros paused, catching his breath. "How high up are you taking us?" Amber smiled. "It's not much farther now. We'll be there in about five minutes. Is everyone alright?" Andros nodded. "Yeah, we're fine. Let's just keep going. We need to find Pride." TJ glared at him. "Speak for yourself. I need a break." Amber smiled wryly, as though she had expected this. "Tell you what. Mina, Andros and I will go on, and the rest of you can wait here." Mina nodded. "Sounds good to me." The rest of the rangers nodded. "Alright." Ashley caught Andros' arm. "Good luck," she whispered. Andros nodded and gave Ashley a small smile. "Thank you." He lowered his voice. "Can you go back to the ship and check on my sister? Not that I don't trust Zhane, but he's bound to leave her alone if she asks." Ashley nodded. "I'll go. Find Pride." Andros smiled softly. "I'll try."

They continued to walk, Amber humming softly to her baby. Suddenly, she stopped. "We're here," she announced. Andros looked around. He frowned. "Where? There's nothing here." Amber smiled brightly, laughing. "That's because you don't see anything the Ecos don't want you to see. You're strangers; you won't see their camp. I'll be right back." She turned to Mina. "Would you keep an eye on Bray?" Mina nodded. "I'd be delighted to." Amber handed her son to Mina and disappeared into the trees. Andros sighed. "Do you really think she can help us?" Mina nodded. "She can get the Ecos to talk to us. Luckily, the Eco leader also happens to be Pride's brother, so…he'll help us. I've met him. He likes Kat." Andros smiled. "Well, that's good." He spun around as Amber tapped his shoulder. "Hawk will speak to you. Follow me."

Andros was awed as Amber led them through the Eco camp. These people have managed to live in perfect harmony with Nature, he thought. No wonder Pride and Kat would have come here to live. A noise at his side brought him from his thoughts. Amber smiled brightly at him, nodding her head towards a tall, dark-haired man, who was also smiling. Andros looked him in the eyes. "You must be Hawk." Hawk nodded. "That I am. Amber tells me you are looking for my brother." Andros nodded. "I am. Do you know where he is?" Hawk's eyes sparkled, and Andros noticed how much like Pride he looked. Hawk looked Andros up on down, noticing in his turn how much like Kat he looked. Finally, Hawk slowly nodded. "I may be able to find him. But I don't know exactly where he is." Andros' face fell. "Has he been here at all?" At that, Hawk nodded again. "Yes. He was here. But he will not listen to me even if we do find him. He will only listen to one of two people right now." Andros looked up. 'Who?" Hawk smiled. "Either Kat herself, but I doubt she'll come, seeing as how she hasn't yet; or Mouse." Andros frowned. "Mouse? Who's Mouse?" At that, Amber, Hawk, and Mina laughed. Amber smiled. "I'll go get her." Andros looked at Mina. "I don't see what's so funny," he growled. Mina nodded. "I'm sorry. I'm just surprised Kat never told you about Mouse." Amber returned, leading a girl of no more than nine behind her. The girl smiled. "Hi! I'm Mouse!" Andros smiled in spite of himself. "I'm Andros. I'm Kat's big brother." Mouse's smile widened. "Kat never said she had a big brother!" Hawk grinned. "Mouse, Andros is looking for Pride. Pride is very upset right now. Can you talk to him? He'll listen to you." Mouse nodded. "Okay." Hawk smiled. "Good! Now, let's go find my brother."

Ashley teleported onto the bridge. It was empty. "DECA?" she called. "Where are Zhane and Kat?" There was a silence before DECA answered. "They are in Kat's room." Ashley did not like the tone in DECA's voice. She rushed to Kat's room. Someone was there, all right, but the sight that greeted Ashley's eyes was not a pretty one. Kat was not there, and Zhane lay sprawled across the bed, unconscious and bleeding. Ashley cursed under her breath. "DECA, what happened?" DECA didn't answer. Ashley sighed and went to work on bandaging Zhane's wounds. It was not as bad as it seemed. His arm was broken, and his chest had a shallow cut across it, but nothing serious. He'd also have a concussion when he woke. Ashley left him sleeping. He would be fine. She went back to the bridge. "DECA, where is Kat?" DECA did not answer. "DECA?" Ashley sighed. "DECA, please." There was a moment of silence. "I don't know. She disappeared." Ashley frowned. "Who attacked Zhane?" "I don't know," DECA replied. "I didn't see." Ashley nodded. "Okay, well, run a search on Earth for Kat, and I'll search the ship." DECA beeped in response, which meant she was running a search. Ashley left the bridge, starting with the Simudeck. The tranquil forest was still there, but it was no longer tranquil. The body of a wolf lay by Ashley's feet, still bleeding. A hawk soared above her head. Ashley searched for clues, and found one. A piece of red hair, lighter in color than Kat's, some wires and a note written in what looked like blood told her everything. Kat had been kidnapped-again-either by Astronema or by someone who was trying to frame Astronema. Either way, Ashley decided, I've got to tell Andros.

Andros stood back while Mouse talked to Pride. It didn't seem to be working. He turned to Amber. "Why does Hawk think Pride'll listen to a nine year old girl?" Amber smiled. "Because he will. Mouse is practically a daughter to Pride. He took her under his wing when she came to the mall. She took to him immediately. If he'll listen to anyone right now, it's her." Andros smiled. "Oh. Okay. Well…" he broke off as his communicator beeped. Hawk swiveled around slowly to look at him. Andros gave him a sheepish look. "Sorry, I'll just…" He went around behind a tree. "Ash, now's not the best time. We've found Pride, but he won't listen to anyone. I think we need Kat right now." There was silence. "Well, that may not be possible." Andros frowned. "Ashley, what are you talking about?" Ashley's voice trembled slightly. "Because Kat is gone. She's been kidnapped." Andros was speechless. "Wh-what?" Ashley sounded sympathetic. "I don't know by whom. There was a note…Andros, it was written in blood." Andros fought an urge to scream. "Okay. Just, stay calm. We'll be back shortly." He returned to where the rest of the group was. Mouse seemed to be making some progress. Pride was smiling. Mina looked at him. "Andros, what's wrong?" Andros shook his head, moving closer to Hawk. "You have to let me talk to Pride." Hawk frowned. "Why? What's wrong?" Andros explained the situation to him, omitting the part about the note in blood. Hawk nodded. "I'll get him. Wait here." He went to his brother and spoke to him, after sending Mouse back to Amber's side. Pride nodded and went to Andros. Andros bit his lip. "There's no easy way to tell you this," he began. Pride just nodded. "Hawk told me." Andros nodded. "Yes, but he left something out." Andros explained about the bloody note. Pride looked horrified, but he nodded grimly. "We'll need to get the other rangers then," Andros nodded. He turned back to Mina and the others. "I can't thank you enough, but we have to leave." Amber smiled. "Alright." Pride stooped down so he was eye to eye with Mouse. He smiled. "I promise, I'll take you to the Megaship someday soon. Now's just not a good time, okay?" Mouse smiled, giving him a hug. "Okay. Tell Kitty-Kat I said hi." Pride laughed. "I will. And as soon as I can, I'll take you up there to see her." He stood up. Andros nodded. "The other rangers are waiting for us on the ship. I sent them ahead." Pride nodded. "Then we should go."

Kat opened her eyes suddenly. Everything around her was dark. She started to stand up, but found that her hands were bound behind her. She struggled, but found that it only tightened the bindings around her wrists more. She sighed. Why did the ropes have to be around my wrists? I HATE things touching my wrists. She started to call for Andros, but it was muffled by a gag around her mouth. She turned her head as a light suddenly filled the room. The figure of a man was silhouetted in the door frame. Kat stared at him as he entered the room, and then gasped as recognition filled her mind. The man smiled. "So you're not as stupid as I thought. You recognize me, that's good. I hate dealing with people if they don't recognize me." He laughed cruelly. "Of course, why wouldn't you recognize me? You killed me, after all. And now, it's my turn. For payback. First, I'm going to frame your sisters for your kidnap and murder. Then, I'm going to kill your family and friends. Next, you are going to watch, as I kill the love of your life." Kat gasped, struggling to hide her fear. The man smiled cruelly. "That's right. I'm going to kill Pride, right under your nose. Finally, just when you think things can't get worse, I'm going to kill…" He laughed mirthlessly. "…you." Kat lowered her head, the tears streaming down her face. The man snapped his fingers. "Remove the gag." Kat was hauled to her knees, and the duct tape was ripped roughly from her mouth. She glared at the man. "You…heartless bastard!" He laughed. "Why thank you. But I'd prefer it if you referred to me by name. Or have you forgotten it? Here, let me remind you." He grabbed her chin and forced her to look into his cold eyes. "From the day I kill you, no one will forget the name of Zoot. Power and Chaos will rule the world!" He left the room, still laughing cruelly. She heard the door lock behind him. She lowered her head and began to cry.

Andros slammed his hands down on the console. "It's useless! We'll never find her!" Zhane placed his good hand on Andros' shoulder. "Andy, calm down. We will find her. To find the right answers, we have to ask the right question…" he trailed off. "We aren't asking the right questions…" he frowned. "Pride!" Pride turned to him. "Yes?" Zhane looked at a screen while speaking. "Does Kat have any enemies?" Pride nodded, thoughtfully. "There's Mega…Ebony…" Zhane shook his head. "No good. Anyone hate her enough to want her dead? Anyone with an old grievance, perhaps? Seeking retribution for old injury, maybe?" Pride frowned. "There's one…but it's not possible. For two reasons. One: He's dead and two: Lex killed him. Not Kat. Kat just…"he trailed off. Zhane faced him. "Who?" Pride shook his head. "I thought it was just rumor, that it wasn't true." He sighed. "Kat used to serve as general to Zoot. He was killed, and she got out of the tribe." Zhane turned to DECA. "DECA, run a search on this "Zoot" person." He turned back to Pride. "Can you give me any more info?" Pride shook his head. "Only that he's supposed to be dead. And that Kat was indirectly responsible for it." He looked up, suddenly horrified. "If it is Zoot, she's as good as dead! He'll kill her!" Carlos placed on hand on Pride's shoulder. "Relax. Hedia and Ecliptor are looking for her as well. It'll help if you can tell us where he might have taken her." Pride nodded. "The old school. I'll take Andros and Cassie. He'll be expecting a full scale attack. If we can surprise him, we can rescue her." Andros and Cassie both nodded. "Right." Zhane frowned. "Alright. The others will be ready to defend you if necessary. Good luck."

"Okay, here's the plan," Pride was saying. "You guys distract Zoot. I'll sneak in and find Kat. He won't hurt her-yet. He'll want to cause her as much emotional pain as possible before killing her." Andros nodded. "If it's not him that took her…?" Pride nodded. "Then we continue to search. But I'm sure it was Zoot." Cassie nodded. "We're behind you 100. We'll do anything it takes." Andros nodded. "Right." Pride smiled wryly. "Good. Because there's Zoot." He pointed to a blond man wearing goggles. Andros nodded. "Got it. Let's go, Cass." They hurried off. Pride waited, then slipped through the unguarded door. He managed to make it through a few hallways before someone grabbed his arm. He spun, looking into the face of the real Zoot. He didn't flinch. "If you're Zoot, then who is that outside?" Zoot laughed. "You don't think I didn't anticipate this, do you? I'm not stupid. Besides, all you've done is sealed your own fate. You've bought yourself a few last moments with your precious Kat before I kill you." He snapped his fingers, and a masked servant appeared at his side. "Take him to the cell with his girlfriend." The servant-whom Pride could have sworn he'd seen before-grabbed his arm. "Right away, my lord," the servant said. He led Pride down the hallway, pausing in front of a room. He then yanked his mask off. Pride was stunned. "Bray?" "Ssh!" Bray hushed him. "Keep your voice down. Yes, it's me." Pride stared at him in shock. "But…we thought you were dead." Bray shook his head. "No, just hiding. When I heard my brother was back, I infiltrated his ranks. I've been passing information to the mall through Trudy." Pride nodded. "And Kat?" Bray nodded. "She's alive. But she's in bad shape. I don't know what Zoot said-or did-to her, but she won't eat, she won't drink, nothing. I've been trying to take care of her without Zoot knowing. It hasn't been easy. Maybe seeing you will help." Pride nodded. "Let me see her." Bray nodded, opening the door. "She's in here. I'll be back in a while to help you two escape." He turned, leaving Pride alone by the door. Pride entered. Kat lay facedown on a bed, not moving. Her wrists were chafed from the ropes that had bound them. She was crying softly. Pride went to her silently, placing a hand on her back. She rolled over, swinging her fist at him. He caught it. She stared up at him. Her face was bruised, one eye swollen shut. Her hair was disheveled, and a still-bleeding cut that looked like it was from a knife ran down her shoulder. Pride gathered her into his arms, and she threw her arms around him. "Don't let him hurt me anymore," she whimpered. Pride stroked her hair. "I won't, I promise." Bray knocked on the open door. "Now's our chance. Zoot's distracted. You can thank Andros for that, by the way." Pride nodded, starting to stand. He helped Kat to her feet, but as soon as he released her arm, she fell to the floor. Bray frowned, inspecting her ankles. "Jesus, what did he do to her?" he muttered. He looked at Pride. "She has a sprained ankle. It might even be fractured. You'll have to carry her." Pride nodded. "Alright." He lifted her easily into his arms. Bray led them through a side door, where Cassie and Andros waited. Bray nodded as Pride slipped through. "Take care of her." Pride nodded. "I will. Thank you, Bray." Bray nodded. "Don't mention it."

As soon as they reached the Megaship, Pride took Kat back to her room, where he could properly figure what all was wrong with her. The first thing he did was brush her hair and tie it back out of her eyes. Her right eye was swollen shut, her lower lip was split, and a bruise scarred her normally ivory cheek. The cut on her left shoulder, upon closer inspection, proved to be from a dagger. Pride shuddered. "Poor baby," he crooned to her, to keep her calm. He looked at her ankle. "DECA, can you check out her ankle?" DECA beeped. "It's just sprained. She'll survive." Pride nodded, pulling her into his arms. "Ssh, it's alright." He held her, cried with her. Outside the room, Andros waited, anxiously, ready to hear the worst-or best-news possible. Finally, Pride came out. Andros looked at him. "Well?" Pride nodded. "She's asleep right now. But it's not pretty. She's been badly beaten. She has a sprained ankle, and someone-and I think I know who-attacked her with a dagger. She'll always have a scar on her left shoulder from it. But she'll recover. Physically. It'll take a lot longer for the emotional scars to heal." Andros nodded. "Right. Ashley told me to remind you to check if she's been…" he trailed off. Pride nodded, understanding. "I'm not a doctor. I can't tell. But I imagine she'd tell me in time if she had been." Andros nodded. 'Alright." He looked away. "Let her sleep for now. There's something I need to show to you." He took Pride's arm. "Follow me." He led Pride onto the Simudeck, where the body of the wolf still lay. Pride's eyes grew wide. "He killed it. An innocent animal." Andros nodded. "Yes, but the wolf put up a fight. And he died trying to protect Kat. Think of that. He did not die in vain." Pride looked at him. "This wolf…he was one of Kat's favorites. How am I going to tell her?" Andros shrugged. "I have a feeling she already knows."

Kat slept for three days. When she awoke, her eye had healed. That was the only wound that had. She was still bruised, and she found she couldn't walk. However, she was not doomed to lie in bed until it healed. Someone had been kind enough to bring her crutches. She practiced with them a bit, then hobbled out to the bridge. The rest of the rangers looked up, smiling. Andros embraced her. "We thought you were never going to wake up." Kat smiled softly. "I didn't mean to worry you." Pride smiled. "You didn't. Are you alright?" Kat nodded. "Yeah, I think so. I mean, as fine as I can be…" she trailed off. Pride placed his arms around her. "It's okay. I'll protect you. You'll heal." Kat nodded. "Physically, maybe." She looked into Pride's eyes, and her expression said it all. Pride drew her closer to him. "You poor thing," he murmured. "We'll make sure he doesn't hurt you again." Kat nodded, her face buried in Pride's chest. Andros gave Pride a look. "Did he…" he trailed off. Pride simply nodded. Andros' face grew tight. "I don't believe it!" he growled. Zhane placed his non-broken arm around Andros' shoulders. "Relax. Kat's still very upset right now. You don't need to make it worse by reminding her of her ordeal." Andros nodded. "I swear, one day I will make him pay," he muttered. Zhane looked at him. "Andros…we have more important things. Like the fact that you're done three rangers." Andros frowned. "Three?" Zhane nodded. "Kat, because, well…me, because of my arm, and Pride, because he won't leave Kat and you know it. So yes, three." Andros nodded. "We still have five of us. We should be alright." Zhane nodded. "Now's you're chance to prove it. Astronema is attacking."

(author's note: Due to the fact that there were six Psycho Ranger episodes, I'm not going into detail. The Rangers destroy them in the end, with Kat and Pride's help. We have a few more details to cover in this installment.)

Kat had healed fully, but she still had nightmares. She hated to admit it to Andros, but she was terrified. Pride understood, and was constantly at her side. TJ had begun to coach her through different therapeutic techniques, trying to help her heal the emotional wounds. It helped, a bit. Ashley, however, had been fighting with everyone more and more, and with the date of Kat's wedding to Pride starting to loom closer, Ashley was becoming more and more unlike herself. Finally, one day, she was gone. Her morpher was in her room, no note, nothing. No one could find her. They looked everywhere they could think of, but nothing. Finally, they accepted the fact that Ashley, the yellow Space Ranger, had simply…resigned.