Can't Let Go
Disclaimer: I do not own the Power Rangers.
Pinkrangerfan: Lol! Thanks, I figured I should throw a little more humor in there to lighten some of the blows. You know they will do all of that, it's just a matter of time.
JasonLeeScottFan: Yeah Zhane is coming back. Carlos will be okay. I just have this about Carlos where I tend to make him get hurt a lot. I'm not sure why, but here's the next chapter.
M.C.V.C: Thanks! Here you go.
CJS: Lol! Yeah they did. Fun times huh?
Chapter 15: A Friend's Return
Bridge
He appeared in a flash of silver light. "So you guys missed me already?" Zhane smiled.
Ashley returned his smile and hugged him. "I wish you were here under better circumstances, but I am definitely glad to see you again."
He hugged her back. "I guess I missed you guys too." Ashley released him and Andros took her place.
"Good to have you back." He hugged his friend. "The ship is way too quiet without you."
"How did you guys survive without me?" Zhane said with mock arrogance.
"We managed." TJ answered. Andros moved aside and let TJ pull Zhane into a one armed hug. "But at least now we have someone to pick on again."
"Wow thanks." Zhane rolled his eyes but smiled despite himself. "So where are Cassie and Carlos?" They quickly filled him in on the situation. "You're right these are crappy circumstances."
"I don't think they'll attack anymore today, but tomorrow is very likely." Andros commented. "We should try to go through some simulations before then."
"Right." They all agreed.
"I'll go let Cassie know what's going on." Ashley volunteered.
"You mind if I go?" Zhane asked. "I'll get to say hi to Cassie and see how Carlos is doing."
"Okay." Ashley smiled.
Andros patted his shoulder. "We'll meet you and Cassie on the simudeck."
Zhane nodded and left the bridge.
Medical Bay
"Mind if I come in?"
Cassie turned at the familiar voice. "Zhane." She stood and embraced him when he walked over. "What are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you, but I thought you were with the rebels."
"The rebels are safe for now, and it looks like you guys need me here." He looked at Carlos's still form. "How is he?"
Cassie sighed. "DECA says that he'll be fine, but he hasn't regained consciousness."
"I'm sure DECA's right." He gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "Andros wants us on the simudeck for training."
"I know I should go, but I don't want to leave him."
"DECA will let us know if there's any change. You don't have to worry."
"Alright." She reluctantly moved away from her boyfriend. "Besides, I want those monsters destroyed for what they did to him."
"And they will be." Zhane agreed and lead the way to the simudeck.
Simudeck
Ashley easily blocked Andros's jab. Andros tried a sweeping kick, but Ashley jumped over his leg and flipped backwards, catching Andros in the chest as she flipped. He stumbled backward almost falling to his knees. He looked at Ashley with a mixture of shock and amusement. "Ow."
"I win." Ashley stated cheerfully.
He put a hand to his chest. "That's because I took it easy on you."
"Didn't look that way to me." TJ said between laughter.
"What happened?" Cassie asked as she and Zhane entered the simudeck.
"Andros just got owned by his girlfriend." TJ stated still laughing.
"And I missed it!" Zhane said in mock outrage. "I guess you two will have to act it out for me." He took a seat next to TJ.
Andros rolled his eyes. "Next time you spar against her and see how you come out." He said to Zhane.
"I'm up for it." Ashley said smirking at Zhane.
"Maybe next time." Zhane looked her over. "I don't like that gleam in your eyes."
"Guess I'm just ready for a fight." Ashley shrugged.
"Me too." Cassie added.
"We all need to be." Andros stated. "Let's get started."
Bridge
Andros sat at the console watching the images from their fight with the psychos. It was only frustrating him to see how badly he and the other rangers were beaten, but he couldn't stop himself from watching it over and over again. There was something he was missing. Their counter parts were so strong and they knew their every move, but maybe…
"What are you still doing awake?"
Ashley's voice interrupted his thoughts. "I was just studying the footage from earlier."
"You've studied it long enough, and part of preparing for the fight is making sure that you don't pass out from exhaustion." Ashley stood next to him in her spaghetti strapped shirt and grey pajama bottoms running her fingers through his hair.
He looked at her and couldn't help but smile. "Then what are you doing awake?" He pulled her into his lap.
"Because you are projecting some serious frustration and keeping me from my beauty sleep." She teased.
"You don't need beauty sleep. Not when there's nothing to improve on."
Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly. "Come to bed with me."
He smiled slyly. "I thought you said we needed to sleep."
Ashley couldn't help but laugh. "Andros you never cease to amaze me."
"I hope to keep it that way." He pressed his forehead against hers. "I love you Ash."
"I love you too." She stood and took his hand in hers. "Let's go to bed. I have a feeling tomorrow's gonna be a long day."
Dark Fortress
Astronema sat in the bridge watching the battle from earlier. She watched how the rangers fought and how easily the psychos defeated them. Her plan was working, the rangers were losing and Dark Specter was getting weaker every minute the psychos existed. Everything was going as planned and she was about to get everything she wanted.
Except something didn't feel right. There was a constant twinge in the back of her mind that she just couldn't reach, a tiny annoyance that wouldn't go away. She turned her attention back to the screen, specifically the red and yellow rangers. There was something about them that just seemed so…
She put a hand to the right side of her head and groaned as a sharp pain went through her skull. She stared at the screen again with renewed hatred. The twinge forgotten. She would defeat anyone who would stand in her way and become the queen of evil.
(A/N: Hope you liked it. Please read and review. Sorry for the delay, Fanfic wouldn't upload my stories for some reason.)