rivulet027 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
rivulet027) wrote2010-04-27 07:21 pm
rivulet027) wrote2010-04-27 07:21 pm
Fic: Learning to Be a Team (Power Rangers, Zhane and Andros centric)
Title: Learning to Be a Team
Pairings: Andros/OMC (Lori), Zhane/multiple
Rating: PG-13
Summery: Zhane and Andros weren’t always friends. When Andros first joined the Astro team he wasn’t sure he belonged. Zhane didn’t believe so either.
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Power Rangers.
A/N: The Turbo team wasn’t the first to have the blue, yellow, pink and black Astro morphers. Andros and Zhane had a team before them. Ashah is blue, Tye is black, Lori is yellow and Tem is pink. Lori and Zhane are cousins. Tye and Andros are cousins. Kehtal is a term referring to a person who has had more than 3 colors. Took Tangarians from SPD, Mercurians from OO and Xybrian from TF (though Xybrians aren't mentioned until later chapters)
AN2: Because apparently I need background before I start posting my sequel to Everyone Accounted For.
Warning: There is slash and het in this story. Don’t like either, don’t read it. Zhane has two dads. Lori has two moms. Mpreg because one of Zhane’s dads got pregnant to have him, though I’m calling it Parryth and will better explain it later. Um Zhane being rude, male pinks, Trip being from the past? Not sure what would make anyone uncomfortable.
Chapter 2:
Tye leaned in the doorway as he took in his cousin’s tense stance in front of the mirror. Tye frowned in worry, his cousin had yet to accept the morpher that had been granted to him. His cousin had yet to relax in their presence and Tye had to wonder if he would ever see the tension in those shoulders ease.
Andros glanced at him before he frowned at his image, “You can hide nothing in this uniform.”
“Is that why you seem to prefer those loose, overly baggy clothes?” Tye asked.
“Supplies that might be need should be kept on person,” Andros explained as he smoothed out his red shirt, “but should also be kept hidden to avoid them being stolen.”
What kind of life had his cousin been leading over the last four years?
“Mother sent me up to see if you’d like some Elicion pudding,” Tye told him.
Andros lips quirked into an almost smile as he complimented, “You mother is a good cook.”
Tye nodded.
Andros closed his eyes tightly as he corrected, “My Aunt. My Aunt is a good cook.”
“She is,” Tye agreed wanting to wrap his arms around his cousin and pull him close, but it seemed Andros’ personal boundaries had widened since he left K0-35 and while his cousin had become more comfortable with greeting Tye wasn’t so sure he’d accept a hug.
“Is it just me or is she trying to make sure foods I preferred in my youth are available?” Andros asked.
Tye paused. Andros’ tone was joking, light, even his face seemed to have a bit of mischief to it. Tye felt himself dare to hope that they would be able to pull Andros back into the family he’d run away from while looking for the one he’d lost. Tye smiled, “She is. What is th…?”
Tye paused. The bit of twine he’d seen hanging around Andros’ neck didn’t look right with the uniform and he could almost hear Zhane complaining in his head, but he knew exactly what Andros had around his neck. He brushed his fingers against the twine, “What happened to the chain?”
Andros’ parents had had those lockets and chains specially made for their twins. They were unique, the last bit of art one of the greatest jewelry makers of their time had made.
“It broke,” Andros explained, stilling at his touch, eye suddenly distant.
I didn’t mean to make you close off again, Tye wanted to scream. Why was this so difficult?
Tye glanced around the guest room, there was nothing here that could help him save letting Andros wear one of those loose cloaks he seemed to always want.
“My room,” Tye decided grabbing his cousin’s hand and tugging.
Andros allowed himself to be pulled forward a few steps before pulling his hand away and just following.
“I remember where your room is,” Andros said.
“It used to be our room,” Tye reminded quietly.
Andros nodded as they entered Tye’s room. Tye nearly frowned at the thought that maybe they should’ve kept the room exactly the same as when Andros left, but no that wouldn’t make his cousin more comfortable. It would’ve likely made his cousin more uncomfortable. Andros’ parents had never changed his sister’s room, even though she’d have been too old for the child's bed they’d kept there.
Tye opened a drawer and pulled out his most important pendant. He began to take the chain off when Andros’ hand closed over his.
“That’s the pendant they give you when you begin ranger training,” Andros said shaking his head.
“Then it’s the only chain good enough to offer you,” Tye explained, “and it’s the pendant that’s important, not the chain. And I haven’t worn it since I got my morpher.”
Andros accepted the chain, pulling his locket out and using it to replace the twine. He then frowned down at the twine before handing it to Tye.
“It’s from where I lived,” Andros tried to explain, “where I’ve spent the majority of my time.”
Tye nodded, closing his hands around the small gift. Andros frowned, closed his eyes.
“You don’t have to explain where you’ve been,” Tye offered.
“Thank you.”
Tye nodded, the offered, “Elicion pudding?”
“H-How many people are going to be there?” Andros asked.
Tye tilted his head then stated, “You’ve never been to a Kerovian Ranger funeral before, have you?”
“Only a Karian and an Aquitarian,” Andros said softly, “My grandfather died before I was born and I don’t know if they went over it in training.”
“Their traditions are different,” Tye acknowledged, “Today is for his family and his ranger team Besides a priest we will be the only ones there. While there are many rangers who will come to honor him and his deeds out of respect they will not begin to arrive until tomorrow. Here such a loss is considered to be a private matter.”
Andros crossed his arms over his chest almost hugging himself, “Will I be expected to say anything?”
“It’ll be understood that you may not be able to,” Tye reassured.
Andros nodded, “What do I actually have to do?”
Tye grabbed the chair from his desk and sat down, hoping that if he did so he’d actually lengthen the conversation, perhaps move past Andros’ discomfort, “We should’ve explained more. I’m sorry.”
Andros nodded, glancing around and eventually perched on the nearby bed, “I wasn’t ready to hear it.”
“You’ll be expected to present his remains to the priest,” Tye explained, “His teammates are each expected to commend his deeds, each will take a turn. Then his ashes will be placed in their rightful place in the Red Ranger Tomb and the funeral will be over.”
Andros’ head had snapped up at the mention of his father’s teammates, but Tye had continued because his cousin hadn’t said anything.
“A-All his teammates?” Andros asked.
Tye frowned, “I’m sorry I forgot. Kehtal. Four colors and…”
Tye frowned breaking off. How many teams had Uncle Myeth had?
“Three teams,” Andros finished, “Black for the Karian team, green and white for the Aberians and then red for KO-35.”
Tye nodded, “That changes the days somewhat. Today is for his last team and his family. Tomorrow all his teams will mourn, all his former teammates will come together to celebrate his life and then the following day rangers from other teams may show up to pay their respects.”
Andros nodded.
“Zhane’s parents are collecting a box of his things that they were going to take to Karia to be buried with your mother.”
Andros closed his eyes tightly then stared at the floor for a moment before he revealed, “She’s not there.”
“They have a grave for her,” Tye asked, “don’t they?”
“The Karian’s have an empty grave,” Andros revealed, “Her body was never recovered.”
Tye frowned, “Her morpher should’ve told them where her bod…she was purple.”
Tye suddenly wanted to hug his cousin, pull him close.
Andros nodded, hands gripping the frame of the bed tightly, “Their Alpha unit is able to detect their lifesigns even if they are on a distant mission. Hers became elevated and then disappeared. Then her morpher…her…”
Tye sat still, letting the silence stretch as Andros found his words.
“Purple is the only color that doesn’t return to the home base to be passed on, it dies with its user, but then you can’t always find that person to bury.”
“I hope someone gave her a funeral befitting her status,” Tye offered.
Andros nodded as he got up and walked from the room.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
Tye stood shoulder to shoulder with his cousin. They had only spoken once since that morning conversation, to confirm that Andros was wearing his Astro uniform properly, but that had been all.
Andros stepped forward and handed his father’s ashes to the priest. He stepped back into the line of his new teammates and bowed his head. Tye glanced over, wanting to offer comfort, but not sure what he could even say. He glanced at Zhane to his left, who was too busy offering his fathers a faint smile to notice.
As Myeth’s teams stepped forward to pay their last respects Tye glanced towards Ashah. He wanted them to stick close to Andros after the funeral, to offer his cousin any support they could give. Maybe they could distract his cousin, show him the Megaship or introduce him to their new operating system.
As Ashah’s eyes met his Tye felt a bit of the tension in his cousin’s shoulder ease. He glanced over startled to see that Lori had taken Andros’ hand and was pressed to his side whispering in his ear. Tye couldn’t hear what Lori was saying, but Andros had his eyes closed and a faint smile on his face as tears made their way down his face.
Tye closed his own eyes tightly wishing for a moment that he could feel this loss. That he had a desire to mourn the fun loving uncle he had distant memories of, that he could mourn his father’s teammate. It would be a welcome relief to this numbness. Slightly stunned numbness at the announcement that Myeth’s morpher had returned and that the Karian rangers were being dispatched to find his body and worry for his cousin had been all Tye had seemed to feel in days.
It should’ve been us sent to find him, Tye thought, but then Fren had to challenge Andros’ claim to the morpher. Andros had to be found. How had Andros been found? A decision had to be made and why The Counsel had chosen Zordon to make that final decision was still a mystery.
Tye’s eyes snapped open as he felt Zhane tense beside him. He glanced over at his friend, then followed Zhane’s gaze to where Lori was still pressed to Andros’ side, holding his hand and soothing him with words. Tye didn’t know whether he wanted to hit Zhane or tell him to grow up. Andros was their red. Zhane was going to have to realize that sooner than later. Everyone else had and it seemed that Lori…Lori had had that ‘I have a new crush’ look on his face several times. Tye frowned, not sure how he felt about that. He glanced over at his cousin, noticed how Andros was just slightly more relaxed and decided that if Lori could do that than Zhane was going to have to get over this overprotective streak.
Tye tried to pay attention to the words being spoken, tried not to think of the small fractures already appearing in this new team as the former team said goodbye to their red, but it was difficult. All too soon Leyth and Arian, Zhane parents, stepped forward and offered Andros their condolences. Lori had pulled back, stepped to the side, even though his hand still held Andros’ hand.
Tye watched as Kor, Tem’s uncle, stepped up next, giving Andros a brief pat on the shoulder before walking away. Tye stood still, grabbed Zhane when he took a step back. Zhane glared, but then stood with them as part of a team. Zanlen, Ashah’s father, came forward next, “You’re father was a good man.”
“Thank you,” Andros acknowledged.
Zanlen nodded and stepped back to allow Tyean to come forward. Tye watched as his father embraced Andros and noticed that though Andros wrapped one arm around the former black ranger he didn’t let go of Lori’s hand.
The funeral broke slowly. Tye took hold of Andros’ elbow and told him, “I thought we’d show you the Megaship, there will be food later at my parents.”
Andros nodded and as Tye stepped back he noticed Tem had snagged Zhane, “You can see your parents later.”
Zhane glared at Tem.
Tem ignore it and asked, “So the plan, what is it?”
“I thought we’d show Andros the Megaship,” Tye said.
Ashah nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”
“That’s the plan?” Zhane complained.
“Zhane,” Lori reprimanded.
Zhane tilted his head, giving his cousin a brief smile.
“How are you two related?” Andros asked.
“My mother is his father’s sister,” Lori explained.
“Which father?” Andros asked.
“Leyth,” Lori said.
“The former yellow ranger,” Zhane elaborated, “which is why Lori inherited the yellow morpher as my parents only had me.”
“And the Parryth Mark when you were born said you’d inherit silver,” Tem reminded.
Lori laughed, “I still think it’s odd that when you’re a Parryth baby you have the mark of the morpher you’re going to wear on your inner wrist.”
Zhane smirked, “I’m just special like that.”
“Didn’t Uncle Leyth say you were overactive and hardly let him sleep when he was pregnant with you?” Lori teased.
“It was an honor to have me,” Zhane teased back, “Parryth is a rare honor among rangers.”
“Having you for a son?” Leyth asked as he threw an arm around Zhane, “that was the honor, being pregnant was not a process I’d want to repeat. Where are you boys headed?”
“We were thinking we’d show Andros the megaship,” Ashah said.
Leyth smiled, “Nice, that’s something he needs to see, just make sure you’re back in time for dinner.”
“We will be,” Zhane promised.
Leyth smiled, gave Zhane a pat on the back and went back to where the former Kerovian team was talking.
Andros watched silently before he said, “Zanlen is Ashah’s father and was blue. Leyth was yellow, while Arian was silver. Uncle Tyean was black and now Tye has his morpher. How are you related to Kor?”
“He’s my uncle,” Tem explained, “he only had daughters.”
Andros nodded, “I remember playing with his eldest when I was younger.”
Tem nodded, “She teaches now, at The Science Academy. His youngest has just traveled to Sirius to join SPD.”
“I thought about that, before my older brother decided to go into politics and refused the yellow morpher,” Lori said.
“You’re brother’s also not very yellow,” Ashah teased.
Lori laughed, “Right, he’s way too serious.”
“Well I for one am very glad you decided to not join SPD,” Zhane said, throwing an arm around Lori and trying to pull him away from Andros.
Lori pushed Zhane away laughing, “Yeah, cause then who would get yellow?”
Lori and Andros were still holding hands Tye realized as Ashah gave him a nudge and tilted his chin to indicate the two. Tye shrugged at Ashah. Tem looked over them all and decided, “Megaship.”
They made their way out of the cemetery with Zhane teasing Lori, trying to steal his attention while Andros asked more questions. He and Ashah tried to answer them, while Tem brought up the rear.
Andros paused suddenly. Tye followed his gaze, then leaned into Tem, “Isn’t that Zolle, the Pink Karian Ranger?”
Tem nodded, “He’s not in uniform, so he’s not here as a ranger.”
“Then why is he here?” Ashah asked.
Andros had broken away from them, jogged up to Zolle. The two embraced, Zolle lifting Andros off his feet. Andros laughed, “Put me down!”
Tye stared silently. Andros had laughed, he’d actually laughed. He glanced away as Lori leaned into him, “Wasn’t he missing for three years and just returned a year and a half ago?”
“Some of the news reels wouldn’t shut up about it,” Zhane said quietly, “then they went nuts when he got a pink morpher.”
Lori nodded.
“Well obviously he and Andros know one another,” Tem said as he and Ashah approached the two.
“Just because your all healed and that much bigger than me doesn’t mean you have to show off,” Andros scolded lightly.
Zolle grinned, “How else am I suppose to remind you?”
“How long are you here?” Andros asked.
Zolle shrugged, “Few days, when do you leave for training?”
“Tomorrow,” Andros said.
“Then I’ll be here through tomorrow,” Zolle smiled.
Andros reached up and hugged the taller man, “Thank you for finding my father.”
Zolle nodded gravely, “It was the least we could do.”
“I still appreciate it.”
“I know.”
Andros tilted his head, “Have you seen…”
“He sends his regards,” Zolle interrupted, “though he believes were both crazy for becoming rangers.”
Andros smiled, “Sound like him.”
“Sounds like who?” Zhane asked, “How do you two know each other?”
“He kept me company while I was healing,” Zolle explained vaguely, “until I could return home. I consider him my brother.”
Andros nodded his agreement, “They were going to show me the megaship. May Zolle come?”
Tye took in Ashah’s questioning look and realized the decision was up to him. He took in Zhane’s exasperated look, probably because all his questions hadn’t been answered. He took in his cousin, looking more relaxed than he’d seen him the whole week that he’d been home. Anyone who made his cousin that relaxed was practically family.
“The more people we can show DECA off to the better,” Tye said, “She’ll love the attention.”
Pairings: Andros/OMC (Lori), Zhane/multiple
Rating: PG-13
Summery: Zhane and Andros weren’t always friends. When Andros first joined the Astro team he wasn’t sure he belonged. Zhane didn’t believe so either.
Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Power Rangers.
A/N: The Turbo team wasn’t the first to have the blue, yellow, pink and black Astro morphers. Andros and Zhane had a team before them. Ashah is blue, Tye is black, Lori is yellow and Tem is pink. Lori and Zhane are cousins. Tye and Andros are cousins. Kehtal is a term referring to a person who has had more than 3 colors. Took Tangarians from SPD, Mercurians from OO and Xybrian from TF (though Xybrians aren't mentioned until later chapters)
AN2: Because apparently I need background before I start posting my sequel to Everyone Accounted For.
Warning: There is slash and het in this story. Don’t like either, don’t read it. Zhane has two dads. Lori has two moms. Mpreg because one of Zhane’s dads got pregnant to have him, though I’m calling it Parryth and will better explain it later. Um Zhane being rude, male pinks, Trip being from the past? Not sure what would make anyone uncomfortable.
Chapter 2:
Tye leaned in the doorway as he took in his cousin’s tense stance in front of the mirror. Tye frowned in worry, his cousin had yet to accept the morpher that had been granted to him. His cousin had yet to relax in their presence and Tye had to wonder if he would ever see the tension in those shoulders ease.
Andros glanced at him before he frowned at his image, “You can hide nothing in this uniform.”
“Is that why you seem to prefer those loose, overly baggy clothes?” Tye asked.
“Supplies that might be need should be kept on person,” Andros explained as he smoothed out his red shirt, “but should also be kept hidden to avoid them being stolen.”
What kind of life had his cousin been leading over the last four years?
“Mother sent me up to see if you’d like some Elicion pudding,” Tye told him.
Andros lips quirked into an almost smile as he complimented, “You mother is a good cook.”
Tye nodded.
Andros closed his eyes tightly as he corrected, “My Aunt. My Aunt is a good cook.”
“She is,” Tye agreed wanting to wrap his arms around his cousin and pull him close, but it seemed Andros’ personal boundaries had widened since he left K0-35 and while his cousin had become more comfortable with greeting Tye wasn’t so sure he’d accept a hug.
“Is it just me or is she trying to make sure foods I preferred in my youth are available?” Andros asked.
Tye paused. Andros’ tone was joking, light, even his face seemed to have a bit of mischief to it. Tye felt himself dare to hope that they would be able to pull Andros back into the family he’d run away from while looking for the one he’d lost. Tye smiled, “She is. What is th…?”
Tye paused. The bit of twine he’d seen hanging around Andros’ neck didn’t look right with the uniform and he could almost hear Zhane complaining in his head, but he knew exactly what Andros had around his neck. He brushed his fingers against the twine, “What happened to the chain?”
Andros’ parents had had those lockets and chains specially made for their twins. They were unique, the last bit of art one of the greatest jewelry makers of their time had made.
“It broke,” Andros explained, stilling at his touch, eye suddenly distant.
I didn’t mean to make you close off again, Tye wanted to scream. Why was this so difficult?
Tye glanced around the guest room, there was nothing here that could help him save letting Andros wear one of those loose cloaks he seemed to always want.
“My room,” Tye decided grabbing his cousin’s hand and tugging.
Andros allowed himself to be pulled forward a few steps before pulling his hand away and just following.
“I remember where your room is,” Andros said.
“It used to be our room,” Tye reminded quietly.
Andros nodded as they entered Tye’s room. Tye nearly frowned at the thought that maybe they should’ve kept the room exactly the same as when Andros left, but no that wouldn’t make his cousin more comfortable. It would’ve likely made his cousin more uncomfortable. Andros’ parents had never changed his sister’s room, even though she’d have been too old for the child's bed they’d kept there.
Tye opened a drawer and pulled out his most important pendant. He began to take the chain off when Andros’ hand closed over his.
“That’s the pendant they give you when you begin ranger training,” Andros said shaking his head.
“Then it’s the only chain good enough to offer you,” Tye explained, “and it’s the pendant that’s important, not the chain. And I haven’t worn it since I got my morpher.”
Andros accepted the chain, pulling his locket out and using it to replace the twine. He then frowned down at the twine before handing it to Tye.
“It’s from where I lived,” Andros tried to explain, “where I’ve spent the majority of my time.”
Tye nodded, closing his hands around the small gift. Andros frowned, closed his eyes.
“You don’t have to explain where you’ve been,” Tye offered.
“Thank you.”
Tye nodded, the offered, “Elicion pudding?”
“H-How many people are going to be there?” Andros asked.
Tye tilted his head then stated, “You’ve never been to a Kerovian Ranger funeral before, have you?”
“Only a Karian and an Aquitarian,” Andros said softly, “My grandfather died before I was born and I don’t know if they went over it in training.”
“Their traditions are different,” Tye acknowledged, “Today is for his family and his ranger team Besides a priest we will be the only ones there. While there are many rangers who will come to honor him and his deeds out of respect they will not begin to arrive until tomorrow. Here such a loss is considered to be a private matter.”
Andros crossed his arms over his chest almost hugging himself, “Will I be expected to say anything?”
“It’ll be understood that you may not be able to,” Tye reassured.
Andros nodded, “What do I actually have to do?”
Tye grabbed the chair from his desk and sat down, hoping that if he did so he’d actually lengthen the conversation, perhaps move past Andros’ discomfort, “We should’ve explained more. I’m sorry.”
Andros nodded, glancing around and eventually perched on the nearby bed, “I wasn’t ready to hear it.”
“You’ll be expected to present his remains to the priest,” Tye explained, “His teammates are each expected to commend his deeds, each will take a turn. Then his ashes will be placed in their rightful place in the Red Ranger Tomb and the funeral will be over.”
Andros’ head had snapped up at the mention of his father’s teammates, but Tye had continued because his cousin hadn’t said anything.
“A-All his teammates?” Andros asked.
Tye frowned, “I’m sorry I forgot. Kehtal. Four colors and…”
Tye frowned breaking off. How many teams had Uncle Myeth had?
“Three teams,” Andros finished, “Black for the Karian team, green and white for the Aberians and then red for KO-35.”
Tye nodded, “That changes the days somewhat. Today is for his last team and his family. Tomorrow all his teams will mourn, all his former teammates will come together to celebrate his life and then the following day rangers from other teams may show up to pay their respects.”
Andros nodded.
“Zhane’s parents are collecting a box of his things that they were going to take to Karia to be buried with your mother.”
Andros closed his eyes tightly then stared at the floor for a moment before he revealed, “She’s not there.”
“They have a grave for her,” Tye asked, “don’t they?”
“The Karian’s have an empty grave,” Andros revealed, “Her body was never recovered.”
Tye frowned, “Her morpher should’ve told them where her bod…she was purple.”
Tye suddenly wanted to hug his cousin, pull him close.
Andros nodded, hands gripping the frame of the bed tightly, “Their Alpha unit is able to detect their lifesigns even if they are on a distant mission. Hers became elevated and then disappeared. Then her morpher…her…”
Tye sat still, letting the silence stretch as Andros found his words.
“Purple is the only color that doesn’t return to the home base to be passed on, it dies with its user, but then you can’t always find that person to bury.”
“I hope someone gave her a funeral befitting her status,” Tye offered.
Andros nodded as he got up and walked from the room.
~~~~~*****~~~~~
Tye stood shoulder to shoulder with his cousin. They had only spoken once since that morning conversation, to confirm that Andros was wearing his Astro uniform properly, but that had been all.
Andros stepped forward and handed his father’s ashes to the priest. He stepped back into the line of his new teammates and bowed his head. Tye glanced over, wanting to offer comfort, but not sure what he could even say. He glanced at Zhane to his left, who was too busy offering his fathers a faint smile to notice.
As Myeth’s teams stepped forward to pay their last respects Tye glanced towards Ashah. He wanted them to stick close to Andros after the funeral, to offer his cousin any support they could give. Maybe they could distract his cousin, show him the Megaship or introduce him to their new operating system.
As Ashah’s eyes met his Tye felt a bit of the tension in his cousin’s shoulder ease. He glanced over startled to see that Lori had taken Andros’ hand and was pressed to his side whispering in his ear. Tye couldn’t hear what Lori was saying, but Andros had his eyes closed and a faint smile on his face as tears made their way down his face.
Tye closed his own eyes tightly wishing for a moment that he could feel this loss. That he had a desire to mourn the fun loving uncle he had distant memories of, that he could mourn his father’s teammate. It would be a welcome relief to this numbness. Slightly stunned numbness at the announcement that Myeth’s morpher had returned and that the Karian rangers were being dispatched to find his body and worry for his cousin had been all Tye had seemed to feel in days.
It should’ve been us sent to find him, Tye thought, but then Fren had to challenge Andros’ claim to the morpher. Andros had to be found. How had Andros been found? A decision had to be made and why The Counsel had chosen Zordon to make that final decision was still a mystery.
Tye’s eyes snapped open as he felt Zhane tense beside him. He glanced over at his friend, then followed Zhane’s gaze to where Lori was still pressed to Andros’ side, holding his hand and soothing him with words. Tye didn’t know whether he wanted to hit Zhane or tell him to grow up. Andros was their red. Zhane was going to have to realize that sooner than later. Everyone else had and it seemed that Lori…Lori had had that ‘I have a new crush’ look on his face several times. Tye frowned, not sure how he felt about that. He glanced over at his cousin, noticed how Andros was just slightly more relaxed and decided that if Lori could do that than Zhane was going to have to get over this overprotective streak.
Tye tried to pay attention to the words being spoken, tried not to think of the small fractures already appearing in this new team as the former team said goodbye to their red, but it was difficult. All too soon Leyth and Arian, Zhane parents, stepped forward and offered Andros their condolences. Lori had pulled back, stepped to the side, even though his hand still held Andros’ hand.
Tye watched as Kor, Tem’s uncle, stepped up next, giving Andros a brief pat on the shoulder before walking away. Tye stood still, grabbed Zhane when he took a step back. Zhane glared, but then stood with them as part of a team. Zanlen, Ashah’s father, came forward next, “You’re father was a good man.”
“Thank you,” Andros acknowledged.
Zanlen nodded and stepped back to allow Tyean to come forward. Tye watched as his father embraced Andros and noticed that though Andros wrapped one arm around the former black ranger he didn’t let go of Lori’s hand.
The funeral broke slowly. Tye took hold of Andros’ elbow and told him, “I thought we’d show you the Megaship, there will be food later at my parents.”
Andros nodded and as Tye stepped back he noticed Tem had snagged Zhane, “You can see your parents later.”
Zhane glared at Tem.
Tem ignore it and asked, “So the plan, what is it?”
“I thought we’d show Andros the Megaship,” Tye said.
Ashah nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”
“That’s the plan?” Zhane complained.
“Zhane,” Lori reprimanded.
Zhane tilted his head, giving his cousin a brief smile.
“How are you two related?” Andros asked.
“My mother is his father’s sister,” Lori explained.
“Which father?” Andros asked.
“Leyth,” Lori said.
“The former yellow ranger,” Zhane elaborated, “which is why Lori inherited the yellow morpher as my parents only had me.”
“And the Parryth Mark when you were born said you’d inherit silver,” Tem reminded.
Lori laughed, “I still think it’s odd that when you’re a Parryth baby you have the mark of the morpher you’re going to wear on your inner wrist.”
Zhane smirked, “I’m just special like that.”
“Didn’t Uncle Leyth say you were overactive and hardly let him sleep when he was pregnant with you?” Lori teased.
“It was an honor to have me,” Zhane teased back, “Parryth is a rare honor among rangers.”
“Having you for a son?” Leyth asked as he threw an arm around Zhane, “that was the honor, being pregnant was not a process I’d want to repeat. Where are you boys headed?”
“We were thinking we’d show Andros the megaship,” Ashah said.
Leyth smiled, “Nice, that’s something he needs to see, just make sure you’re back in time for dinner.”
“We will be,” Zhane promised.
Leyth smiled, gave Zhane a pat on the back and went back to where the former Kerovian team was talking.
Andros watched silently before he said, “Zanlen is Ashah’s father and was blue. Leyth was yellow, while Arian was silver. Uncle Tyean was black and now Tye has his morpher. How are you related to Kor?”
“He’s my uncle,” Tem explained, “he only had daughters.”
Andros nodded, “I remember playing with his eldest when I was younger.”
Tem nodded, “She teaches now, at The Science Academy. His youngest has just traveled to Sirius to join SPD.”
“I thought about that, before my older brother decided to go into politics and refused the yellow morpher,” Lori said.
“You’re brother’s also not very yellow,” Ashah teased.
Lori laughed, “Right, he’s way too serious.”
“Well I for one am very glad you decided to not join SPD,” Zhane said, throwing an arm around Lori and trying to pull him away from Andros.
Lori pushed Zhane away laughing, “Yeah, cause then who would get yellow?”
Lori and Andros were still holding hands Tye realized as Ashah gave him a nudge and tilted his chin to indicate the two. Tye shrugged at Ashah. Tem looked over them all and decided, “Megaship.”
They made their way out of the cemetery with Zhane teasing Lori, trying to steal his attention while Andros asked more questions. He and Ashah tried to answer them, while Tem brought up the rear.
Andros paused suddenly. Tye followed his gaze, then leaned into Tem, “Isn’t that Zolle, the Pink Karian Ranger?”
Tem nodded, “He’s not in uniform, so he’s not here as a ranger.”
“Then why is he here?” Ashah asked.
Andros had broken away from them, jogged up to Zolle. The two embraced, Zolle lifting Andros off his feet. Andros laughed, “Put me down!”
Tye stared silently. Andros had laughed, he’d actually laughed. He glanced away as Lori leaned into him, “Wasn’t he missing for three years and just returned a year and a half ago?”
“Some of the news reels wouldn’t shut up about it,” Zhane said quietly, “then they went nuts when he got a pink morpher.”
Lori nodded.
“Well obviously he and Andros know one another,” Tem said as he and Ashah approached the two.
“Just because your all healed and that much bigger than me doesn’t mean you have to show off,” Andros scolded lightly.
Zolle grinned, “How else am I suppose to remind you?”
“How long are you here?” Andros asked.
Zolle shrugged, “Few days, when do you leave for training?”
“Tomorrow,” Andros said.
“Then I’ll be here through tomorrow,” Zolle smiled.
Andros reached up and hugged the taller man, “Thank you for finding my father.”
Zolle nodded gravely, “It was the least we could do.”
“I still appreciate it.”
“I know.”
Andros tilted his head, “Have you seen…”
“He sends his regards,” Zolle interrupted, “though he believes were both crazy for becoming rangers.”
Andros smiled, “Sound like him.”
“Sounds like who?” Zhane asked, “How do you two know each other?”
“He kept me company while I was healing,” Zolle explained vaguely, “until I could return home. I consider him my brother.”
Andros nodded his agreement, “They were going to show me the megaship. May Zolle come?”
Tye took in Ashah’s questioning look and realized the decision was up to him. He took in Zhane’s exasperated look, probably because all his questions hadn’t been answered. He took in his cousin, looking more relaxed than he’d seen him the whole week that he’d been home. Anyone who made his cousin that relaxed was practically family.
“The more people we can show DECA off to the better,” Tye said, “She’ll love the attention.”