More the Merrier

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"Tobias" is the another chapter in the life of Andros, Zane, and Carlos and the first chapter in the "Mirror, Mirror" series. This installment takes place sometime after "Never Know What Your Missing"and before "Not In Kansas..." .

Power Rangers, Power Rangers in Space, Power Rangers Turbo, AlienRangers, and all characters from the series are trademarks of and copyright by Saban Entertainment.

Thanks everybody who gave me feedback on the stories. Y'all are great.

Jim, hey buddy...this is for you sweetie.

I welcome comments and suggestions. Send to marik_jol@hotmail.com or marik_jol@hotmail.com .

If you want to be notified when new installments in the "More the Merrier" series are posted, visit the following url: http://zaneandros.listbot.com and subscribe to the list.

Thanks, Jolan Tru ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Chapter 1

I was walking in a dark void. I couldn't see anything, hear anything. I felt a presence. I turned quickly and there was a tall figure behind me. Immediately my body tensed and I was racked with fear. The figure stepped forward and got closer to me. As the figure got closer I was able to determine it was male. I was soon able to make out a few features. Tall, long hair perhaps dark, aristocratic bearing. Suddenly recognition hit me. I knew who he was and I immediately turned to run but was frozen in place. I tried to fight and move but to no avail. I tried screaming but no sound was coming out. The figure came closer and suddenly everything went dark.

Next thing I knew a pair of hands were trying to hold me down. I fought with all my might but did not have the energy to try harder. I heard a voice and opened my eyes. It wasn't the voice I was expecting but it was one that immediately comforted me.

"Whoa, not so fast. Carlos its Zane. Can you hear me?" He said.

Zane, I thought to myself. I tried to calm down. I finally got hold of myself. "Zane?"

"Yes, it's me." He said with relief.

"Where am I? What happened?" I asked as my voice cracked.

"You don't remember?" Zane said shaking his head. "You must have hit your head harder than I thought."

When he said that, I reached up and felt a make shift bandage on my head. I thought a second trying to drudge up any information. "Yeah hold on a sec. It's blurry." Suddenly something came to me. "Scouting mission, going well. We were heading back...then we..."

"Were ambushed." We said in unison.

"We ran and eventually crash landed on this planetoid. You crashed hard. I was really worried about you. The Galaxy Gliders are history. And the other rangers are too far away for the com link." He said trying to make me more comfortable. Propping my head up.

I coughed, thus making my side hurt. "Damn, that hurt." I said clutching my side. "How bad am I hurt?"

"It seems that you have a few broken ribs and possibly internal injuries. I am not sure. You know Andros is better at this." Zane said studying the scanner.

"Well he isn't here. I guess I have to settle for you then." I teased him.

"Well didn't hurt any of your wit either." He said chuckling slightly.

"What does the scanner say?" I asked.

"Well if I read it right there is some localized bruising and bleeding in the abdominal area. Around the spleen I think. It is minor for now. But who knows." He said. Something in his voice made me double take.

"Shit, my luck. No hanky panky for a while I guess." I said trying to liven the mood. Only succeeding in getting a stern look. "Have you tried to contact Andros?"

He closed his eyes. "He is there and I am trying to get his attention but for some reason I can't go further. I will try again later. We may have to wait for them to find us."

I was lying there pondering our dilemma. For a second I was fine, then I started to feel really strange. I got dizzy and felt myself kinda go numb. "Oh my I don't feel well. And I am having a hard time breathing."

Zane snapped his head around to face me. He grabbed the scanner. "Damn when you tried to sit up. The bleeding increased. You must not move. The bleeding has lessened. But any movement and you can... One of the ribs has started pressing against a lung. Any movement can collapse you lung."

"Understood." I said. "That really felt strange. Zane how are we gonna get out of this?"

He thought of saying something to the effect they were getting out of there just fine but I would have known right away. "I don't know."

I yawned.

"Try and get some rest. I'll see what we can do." He said.

I laid there letting my mind wander. I had closed my eyes. I don't think I fell asleep. I seemed lost in that netherworld that has become used to. I could see Zane and Andros as kids. I saw another person, he seemed a little older than them. He was helping them with their telekinesis practice. They had a ball floating between them. The ball would move to one of them then the other. Then the ball would move like lightening and come to a blazing halt right in front of the taller dark haired one. I felt the point of view change and focus on the stranger. I felt wistfulness, fear, hurt and pain. The swift change in the point of view confused me. Slowly as the scene played out I realized who it was. The scene changed again, a flash of Zane bruised and disheveled, tears streaming down his face, and Tobias lying in his lap motionless. Pain, fear flowed through me. I felt as if I was sitting there holding him. In my minds eye, I blinked and the figure on the ground morphed...it was me. I felt my self choke up.

I could not fathom the depth of their loss. I couldn't stand it. Zane never really got a chance to deal with it. When we first got together Zane was having nightmares and flashbacks. He was really lost in grief. Andros was not much better but he had the two years that Zane didn't. Zane spent those two years in a cryo sleep. Thus not getting to deal with the loss. Finally after a long time, he has come to grips with it or so I thought. Actually he has but I guess seeing me here like this frightens him. And I understood the feeling when I saw myself lying there.

"Zane." I said.

"Ah your awake." He said running a hand over his eyes. He had not moved since I went to sleep. He was watching me like a hawk.

He ran a hand up my cheek. He checked the dressings on my head. He mumbled and grumbled a bit. "Your head looks okay. How do you feel?"

"Besides a splitting headache." Which is an understatement. "Not too bad."

"That's good." He said, traces of tears were still evident.

"Zane, I will be okay. Don't worry. I am too stubborn. Something like this can't get me down." I said.

He gave me a strange look. "Zane, I could see what you were thinking while I was asleep."

He lost color. "Zane, talk to me. It may help."

He shook his head. "I know. I know. But at times like this..." His voice choked.

"From what I saw, it was happy time. You, Andros, and Tobias were in your teens and it looked like Tobias was tutoring you two on your telekinesis." I explained looking up at him.

He grinned slightly. That grin turned into an embarrassed smile. "Oh, yeah. We were little demons when we were younger. I'll tell you this and don't tell Andros I told you. But he was a little devil. Always in trouble for something. I tagged along with Andros thus getting in trouble too. Tobias..." He paused taking a breathe. "Was the cool head of the group?"

I could feel a happiness about him when he pictured that scene. "I didn't realize the three of you grew up together."

"Yeah we did, sort of. At the time of the scene you saw, we had known him only a few months. We were inseparable. Yes and you're right. It was only logical that we bonded?" Zane said getting up and grabbing something out of the mangled remains of his galaxy glider.

It was a bag. He opened it and pulled out what looked like sealed food items. "Carlos, I always come prepared."

He handed me some dried fruit and meat. "Ok, we have food. Now what about water?"

"We are lucky, you know. This planetoid has a little pool off in that direction." He pointed. "It is safe. A little high in some elements but not dangerously."

I tore into the food. I didn't realize I was this hungry. "Zane, tell me more about Tobias. How did you meet? How did you three get together?"

He sighed. "We were little trouble makers. I am a year younger than Andros. Karone is two years younger." He paused to get a bite. "We had lived in this area on KO-35 that was farther out from the city. So we never had very many neighbors. Then one season while Andros and I were gallivanting around, we noticed a house going up. We were very curious and that got us into trouble a lot. We were actually going to have neighbors."

===

Andros and I stopped by a lendril tree. I had never seen anybody move out here but us. I was excited at the prospect of new playmates. I could sense that Andros was hoping for someone to play with besides me. We watched the people move about. I could see someone that looked like the father and maybe the mother but I couldn't see any kids. My cheer fizzled.

"Andros, I don't think they have any children" I said.

"I think you are right, Zane. It would have been so much fun to have someone to hand around with." Andros said.

He was wearing a one piece jumper, it was bluish. Andros was always different. He had decided to let his hair grow out. It was now down to his earlobe. I liked mine short luckily. It was too thin for it to grow long. It also provided less of a hand hold for Andros to grab when we wrestled. Andros grabbed my arm and tugged.

"Come on Zane, I have an idea." Andros said.

"I hate it when you say that." I said in response.

I knew better than to follow when he had one of his ideas. We turned around and came face to face with a tall lean boy. He was maybe thirteen. He was fair skinned dark-headed and piercing eyes. He was beautiful. Had a kind mouth and a jolly smile. I looked over at Andros and he was struck speechless. I shook my head at Andros' expression. The stranger grinned at us.

"Hello. I am Tobias." He said.

"Uh..." Andros stuttered.

I tossed Andros a look. "This Andros and I am Zane, his brother." I have never seen Andros act this way. He was actually blushing. I was curious why he was reacting this way. And in a way I knew why, because I was thinking the same thing.

"You live over across the way." He said.

"Yes." I responded. Silence lingered.

"I am real bored. You want to go exploring. I am new to the area. I want to check it out." He asked.

"Yeah sounds like fun." Andros said.

We went into the woods that was maybe a half a kilometer away. We walked through the woods. We hid throughout the woods trying to find each other using our telepathic skills. As it turned out, Tobias was exceptionally talented. He did not have even think about it. I was awed by that. I had a rudimentary ability and Andros was extremely good at telekinesis. He had worked with me for a long time. What Tobias had in telepathic ability, he lacked in telekinesis.

I remembered back to one of Andros' tutoring sessions, when we decided to explore each others bodies. We were still to young to consider sex. But at the time we knew that in some way we would eventually be something to each other. We were resting sitting down by the creek that ran through the forest. There was a hollow tree stump on the other side. I challenged them to try pick up the rocks along the bank and deposit them in the stump.

"Come on. Let's try it." I said.

"Ok that sounds like and idea." Andros said. He always liked competition.

Tobias looked uneasy. Very uneasy.

"What's wrong Tobias?" I asked.

"Uh, I am not very good at that. Never had been. I just can't aim at and pick up an object." He said embarrassed.

"Hey, Andros can give you some pointers. He is good. He helped me a lot." I explained.

Andros threw me a dirty look. "I guess." He finally acceded.

"Ok see that rock by the root over there. Andros why don't you go first." I said.

"Ok." He responded.

He closed his eyes. Took a deep breathe. Slowly the rock hovered about three feet from the ground. He showed off by swinging it back and forth. He moved it over the creek. He opened his eyes so he could aim. Finally it was over the stump, he lowered then released it. It fell in with no problem. Now he looked at me. I nodded. I chose two rocks close to me. This time two rocks hovered in the air.

"Show off." Andros mumbled.

"Wow." I heard Tobias say.

I didn't let them distract me. I let them hover for a bit then start to move toward the stump. I had them follow each other in a line. I dumped one in then the other. They clapped and I bowed. I was ever bit the drama queen.

"You have gotten better." Andros said. "Your turn now Tobias."

He really looked uncomfortable. "Tobias, go ahead. Its just us here. We won't laugh."

"Ok." He said sitting down. He chose a rock closer to the bank. At first nothing happened. I looked at Andros and he was watching him intently.

"Ok, Tobias hold on. I know what the problem is. You are concentrating too much on where it is going. You need to concentrate on the rock it self and its movements." Andros explained moving closer to him.

I was getting a little jealous. Andros was acting a little too familiar with him. He and I were ... I thought as I shook my head. Andros had sat next to him and was explaining a few techniques. The same techniques that he showed me. I shouldn't feel jealous.

"Ok let's try again." Andros said. Tobias tried again. The rock hovered easier now. It swayed a bit.

"Now try to move it. Slowly at first. We are in no hurry. It's all in technique not speed." He said.

It started to move slowly and jerking some. He was doing better and I could see tension and concentration etched on his face. The rock stopped a second then all of a sudden made a sudden, fast jerk in my direction. I ducked quickly as it came directly at my head..

"Hey!" I said. Hugging the ground.

"Damn, I am sorry. I will never be able to do this." He said as he got up and stomped around.

"Calm down. It will take some time." Andros said. "Hey lets try this. Sit down right in front of me. I will try to mind-link with you and guide you so you know what I mean."

I could have sworn I saw a gleam in Tobias' eye. As soon as it appeared it was gone. Andros laid his hand on Tobias' shoulder. He closed his eyes. I moved closer to see what he was trying to do. Andros and I had a weak link. It would strengthen if we decide to bond. I opened my mind to sense what was going on.

"Tobias, for this to work you need to let me in. You are blocking me." Andros said opening his eyes.

"Sorry, it is habit. I am too sensitive and peoples thoughts just invade my mind." He said.

"Your right. You are transmitting strong." I said to the two of them. I watched for a second.

Suddenly a rock raised slowly and smoothly. It hovered for a while. Tobias flipped it back and forth. Spun it in a circle. Then it started to move for the trunk. I noticed Andros open his eyes. He was pulling back from the meld. Slowly and quietly to where he was completely out of it. He grinned at me. I know what he was doing. The rock made it to the trunk and fell in.

"I did it!" He squealed. Then his expression changed. "I wish I could do it by myself."

Andros grinned. "You know what. You did do it by yourself. I pulled out and let you take over. What you need to do is have confidence. "

"Nah, I did." He said turning around and trying again. Soon he just barely had to concentrate and he was making it.

"Congratulations, you are a quick learner." I said. I began to feel better about him. And realize what Andros saw in him. He was sweet and innocent in a way.

"Tobias, if you want to. Andros and I can give you some more pointers on telekinesis and you give us pointers on telepathy." I offered.

"Yeah that is a good idea." Andros said.

"Yeah, why not." Tobias agreed. "Let's start tomorrow."

"Hey I got an idea. Let's go for a swim. There is deeper area up a little bit." Andros suggested.

That sounded good I thought.

"I don't have my trunks." Tobias said.

"Silly, we don't need trunks." I said. "We'll just go skinny dipping."

"Naked?" He said.

"Come on we are guys her. We have nothing to hide." Andros said running in the direction of the pond.

I followed. I could hear Tobias yelling after us to wait up. I was huffing and puffing by the time I got there. Andros had already stripped down. I was yanking my shorts off quickly. I jumped in splashing water all over Andros. He splashed back. Tobias finally made it. He stopped at the bank. Andros had gotten out to jump back in. I watched Tobias. He was watching Andros intently. Hmm I thought to myself. I watched Andros myself. He was standing there. He was beautiful. Not sculpted but lean. He had a swimmers build. He had been working on shaping up. He had a dream of being a ranger. A dream he has a good chance of fulfilling. I thought about it, if I do, I do. But I am not worrying about it.

"Come on Tobias get in." I said. And to my surprise I actually wanted to see him naked. The only other person I felt that way about is Andros.

"Ok." He said still looking uneasy.

He started undressing. I could not take my eyes off of him. He turned from us to get dressed. As he pulled his pants off, I could see a white bubble butt. I was getting hard just watching him. I sank farther back in the water so neither saw. Andros turned to look at me. He grinned big and pointed to me. I gave him an evil look. While we were looking at each other, Tobias had jumped in.

"Oh, this is cold." He said shivering slightly.

"Oh not for long." Andros said diving for him, catching him and both of them going under.

Tobias came up sputtering. "Oh I see how you are? Hold still. My turn." He was laughing chasing after Andros.

I stepped in front of Andros as Tobias approached from the back. "Hey this is no fair. Double teaming."

I grabbed his hands, and Tobias grabbed his legs. "On the count of three, Tobias. Better hold your nose Andros."

"One..." I started.

"Two..." Tobias followed.

"Three!!!" I said as we swung him high and up. He came down and went under with a big splash.

His head popped up and he tossed his hair back. I was watching Andros, and not paying attention as Tobias grabbed me and chunked me in the water. Oh I didn't expect that. When I came up they were laughing. I just grinned and splashed at them.

"I am pooped. I am going up there and laying in the sun." I said as I walked up to the bank. I found a nice spot and laid down. I didn't worry about getting dressed.

"Me too." Andros said finally. "Tobias, what about you?"

"I am going to swim some more." He responded.

"Ok." Andros said.

He came to lay beside me. I closed my eyes and just enjoyed being by him. I could feel a hand lightly run up and down my side. I knew who it was without opening my eyes. Every time Andros touched me an electric shock ran through me. When we touched I could some times sense his thoughts. I knew what he wanted. I gave up trying to rest. But he stopped me and placed a finger to my lips. He replaced his finger with his lips. His tongue snaked in and out of my mouth. I could feel his hardness on my hip. I ran my hand down to grip it. He moaned. I hoped he didn't draw Tobias' attention. As I realized he was within ear shot.

I heard footsteps and then a gasp. "What in the..." He said . Andros rolled off of me and we turned to look at him.

===

Zane had stopped his story. He was a little red from it. I was as comfortable as I could be with internal bleeding and all. I was learning a lot about my lovers. They were very active as children. I reflected back on my childhood, it was calm but I had to deal with myself and my inner struggle. I envied them that they did not have that struggle. Their society did not worry about who was with who. If only America's society could get past it.

"What did he do?" I asked.

Zane grinned at me. "Wait and find out. One thing you need to understand about him. For a long time he was extremely shy and unsure of himself. At the time, Andros and I did not know that what we did was any more than playing around and having fun, or at least that is what we told ourselves."

"Well finish. How did he react? I know how I would have reacted years ago." I said.

"How would your react?" He asked curiously.

"Well, " I blushed. "Probably faint."

He chuckled and patted me on the cheek. He let his finger caress it a bit. He was just looking at me. I felt so safe when I was with him or Andros. I knew that when I returned from a mission or just to return to my quarters, there was somebody there. It felt as if they had been in my life since before I could remember.

"I'll finish later. I need to see what I could do to get us off this horrendous rock." He said. "Get some rest. I am going to see if I could get one of the gliders working or something."

"Ok." I said as a shiver went through me. "It is getting cold in here."

"No it isn't it's quite warm. I think we are right over a thermal pocket." He explained. His eyes widened.

"I am feeling sleepy all of a sudden." I said as my mind was getting fuzzy.

He grabbed the scanner quickly. He ran it over my body. I was watching him as my eyes closed. I was feeling so calm and content the pain was going away. I was awakened by a violent shaking. I felt a sting across my face. I immediately awoke angry and vicious. My hand went to the side of my face.

"Why in the hell did you do that? Have you taken leave of your senses?" I hissed.

"I am sorry, I had to do that. You were going into shock and I had to get you awake or I would have lost you." He was crying.

"Oh." Was all I said.

"I am going to start a fire. Keep talking. You can't go to sleep--" He paused. "Or you might never wake up again." I saw fear in his eyes.

I didn't realize how bad I was. "Well, Zane. Hmmm, you know something? I don't think I ever told you or Andros."

"What?" He was gathering things to make a fire.

"If I hadn't met you and Andros, I would never had realized who and what I am? I was so conditioned from childhood on up that this isn't natural. And ever since I have never been happier. I have changed. I am a little more confident and I know my place in this world." I said.

He looked at me with his heart. "And with you. I thought that I would never be able to care for anyone else after Tobias. I love Andros. But I never thought we would be able to handle the chance of losing somebody else. I can say this now. I blamed myself for Tobias' death. It was my idea for us to go away for the week. If we hadn't he would be here today."

I looked at him in sympathy. He must have misread my look. "I didn't mean--"

I chuckled. "I know what you mean. I only felt the fear when we ran into Nikkolo. You were alive but hurt. With Andros, I didn't know what was happening with him. And I can't believe that I was able to toss him that far."

"How did you do that? I don't remember much from the time you showed up until I woke up a day or two later." He asked having got the fire started. He sat down beside me.

"Well, I had had enough. I was considering my options. I knew hand to hand was not wise, if even possible. I got so angry, frustrated and panicked I just pictured him flying against the wall. And wham! He was plastered to the wall." I said proud of my feat. It saved the two most important people in my life.

"You may have developed rudimentary telekinesis. It doesn't take much to develop it. But you never even wanted to. But with the bond. You can pull on knowledge that each of us has learned." Zane sat there surprised. "Don't take this wrong but we did not know what would happen bonding with a human. I see it is even more intimate than three of my people."

"It is?" I said not realizing.

"Yeah, it is." He said. "Even Andros could not believe it. The only reason Tobias' and the two of us was so strong was the fact..."

"He was gifted in telepathy." I interrupted.

"Yes, exactly." Zane said.

"Zane you got the fire started. And it is getting dark. Tell me some more." I asked.

"Okay. With it getting dark I can't do anything else." He said.

He moved over to where my head rested. I lifted my head so it rested in his lap. He laid his arm across my chest. I reached up and laid a hand on his arm. It felt so warm, and I stroked it absently. When I would touch the underside of his arm he would jerk slightly. He was very ticklish there.

"Stop that." He said.

"What?" I responded innocently.

"Ok where was I? Oh yeah. Tobias' walked up on Andros and I messing with each other." He said starting the next part of the story.

Chapter 2

We looked at his face. He was shocked from the core out. We were a little embarrassed laying there. Nobody knew yet that he and I were lovers. Our parents would have said we were too young to even consider it. He lowered his eyes down to where I had a major erection. I sat up and place my hands in my lap trying to cover it. Andros was making no attempt to.

"Tobias we can explain." I started.

He just looked at us and sat down. He looked at the ground blushing. Finally he looked up just grinning. "No need. I had a feeling you were more than just brothers."

I looked at Andros. His eyebrows were above his hairline. "How?"

"I tried not to. But I picked up some stray thoughts you two had. I didn't intentionally but there is times that some just leak in." Tobias said timidly.

Andros knew what he was saying. "Man you are sensitive. Zane and I are very weak telepaths."

"Yeah, but not too weak. While I was still in the pond, I picked up a curious feeling and started back this way. And the two of you were ... you know." He blushed again.

"Well, I guess our secret is out." Andros said playing.

Tobias looked shocked. " I won't tell anybody. I would never."

"Don't worry Tobias. It's okay." Andros said.

"Yeah. Don't worry about it. Eventually we need to say something but we don't worry about it." Zane said.

Suddenly there was silence. It was a bit uncomfortable. Andros just stared at Tobias. Tobias would look up and then look away quickly. I would chuckle each time they did that. I just would look at Andros letting him know that I know what was going through his mind. But I also realized that Tobias had a look that said he had a few questions for us.

"Tobias, I know you have a few questions burning in that mind of yours." I said. "Go ahead ask them."

"Yes, ask them. You know I think we can become good friends. I want us to be comfortable with us." Andros said. He was being too obvious.

"Well, okay. How long have you two been ... doing ... you know?" He asked hesitantly.

"It will be a year and a half, what next week." Andros said giving me a look.

"No, week after next." I finished.

"How did it start? You know if it is too personal you don't have to say anything." Was his next question.

It was my turn to blush. "Well I walked in on him, jacking off one day." Andros was more than happy to tell him. "And I was curious and asked him if I could touch him. And we got into some heavy touching. We liked it so much that it became a daily thing."

"I began to notice that I began to feel a little different toward Andros. When we would have sex, it meant more. Albeit I love him as my brother, but the love became more." I said raising a hand to move some hair out of Andros' eyes. He tried to kiss my hand but I pulled away, playing with him.

"Oh! Oh my. I have never, you know, felt for somebody like that. Much less ever ... been intimate with anybody." He said looking back at the pond. His shoulders slumped.

I saw Andros move toward him. He laid his hand on his shoulder. Tobias responded by turning his head toward us. There was a look on his face. I saw a shiver run through him. I had a feeling that Andros may be getting ready to step over the bounds. He may not be receptive to what he was going to do. I looked at Tobias reaction. He was tense but I also noticed a lump in his pants. He is responding to Andros but that may just be a natural response. Next thing I knew, and before I could stop him, Andros was kissing him hard and deep.

"Andros!" I said in warning.

Finally Andros released him. Tobias was all eyes. He just sat there looking at Andros. Andros would have normally not done that. But there is something up with him.

"Andros what in the hell were you doing or thinking?" I said angry.

"Zane.." He said just looking at me.

Tobias finally got his voice. "Wow! I never felt anything like that." He was smiling. "You know how much I have wanted to do that all day. But I was too scared to say anything."

This time it was me that was all eyes. "It wasn't just you that picked up on a stray thought, Tobias."

"Huh." He said looking at me.

"You are okay with that. You didn't mind what Andros just did." I asked.

"No..." He said hesitantly. Now he seemed uncomfortable.

"What's wrong?" Andros asked.

"I never ever considered, you know doing that to a guy." He said.

"What?" Andros and I said in unison.

"Where I am from, it is not allowed." He said looking confused.

I could not fathom that. "We were raised that anybody could love somebody, any gender, and in any number. Though three is the normal max. And there is usually one female in the group."

"That is strange," Andros said. "I should not have done that."

"Oh, you should not worry about that. If I didn't want to. I could have stopped you." He said. "This is kind of silly but I would like to do that again."

I grinned. I had an interesting feeling that this is something that will be an ongoing thing. I leaned over and kissed him. Allowing for a softer kiss, I parted his lips with my tongue. He slowly let me in. His tongue played with mine. He is enjoying this I thought to myself. I felt a tinny laugh in my mind. It was Tobias. He said he liked it too.

"Hey, hey you two come up for air. Hey, do you hear me." Andros said trying to get our attention.

I broke away and as I did I made a show of licking his lips. Tobias laughed. I rolled over and laid my head in his lap. He laid his hands on my chest. I looked up at Andros. He just looked back at me with a weird look and an incredible erection. Speaking of erections I had one poking me in the back of my head. A fairly large if I do say so myself. A little larger for someone his age.

"What Andros jealous?" I said teasing him.

"I'll show you jealous." He said starting to tickle me.

He stopped. I rolled my head back so I could look at Tobias. He grinned at me. And leaned back. I rolled over on my stomach and engulfed his penis. He moaned real loud. I was thankful that we were in the middle of nowhere. I kept at it. It was real different doing this to someone besides Andros. I then felt a pair of hands caress and squeeze my ass. They were strong hands. I was still going down on Tobias when I felt something wet and warm at the entrance to my ass. I released his dick long enough to moan. Tobias was running his hands through my hair. I could feel him probing my mind. I could feel how gentle he was and how caring his heart was. It is not possible to develop feelings for someone this fast. But I was.

Andros stopped messing with my ass. I looked up as he kissed Tobias. I rolled out of the way. I noticed that Tobias was working on Andros' neck. His hands tangled through out Andros' hair. I moved behind him and lifted his ass so I could get to it. I worked a finger in him. He was tight. I had difficulty getting one finger in. I could feel him groan as I used one finger, then another. He was pushing back and grinding his hips into my fingers. He sat up. He was leaning into me. His back and my chest were touching. I ran my arms around him and ran my hands up and down his chest. Then I worked my way down to his ample member. I gripped it at the base.

Andros looked up at me. He had a gleam in his eye. He turned around and moved his ass right up to the tip of Tobias' dick. Andros worked his ass up so that he had engulfed his dick. I could feel Tobias shake. He was beginning to move in rhythm with Andros. I moved back and aimed my dick at his hole and waited. As he pulled out of Andros to ram him. He got my dick up his ass all in one motion. He screamed in pleasure. He would push into Andros and as he pulled back I would push into him. This was so wild. I could not believe what I was feeling, doing and wanting. I felt him tense. His ass muscles clamped down on my dick, sending me over the edge. I came in him. He threw his head back as he shot in Andros. Andros shot shortly afterward.

The three of us just collapsed right on the ground. I turned over on my back and laid my arm over my eyes to block out the sun. I was trying to get my breathe. Tobias was laying on his stomach and Andros was also on his back. We remained that way for a bit. I started feeling I was being watched. I lifted my arm up so I could peek up at who was watching me. Tobias had lifted himself up and was just watching me. He had turned over on his side with an arm propping his head up. And behind him Andros is in the same position. Except that his free arm was draped over Tobias' waist.

"Your right he is cute when he looks at you that way." Tobias' said. "He has such beautiful eyes. Such a clear purple."

"Yep. I don't know what I would do without him." Andros said.

"And Andros, you are so hot when you are glowing." I said. "And Tobias I could not believe how gentle you are. While I was holding you I could feel your mind. It was so gentle."

"Yeah. I had forgotten how it felt to be in other's minds. It is so erotic. Knowing each other inside and out. I don't know if you know this but each of you have the potential to be strong telepaths." Tobias said.

"Really?" I said not quite sure what he was saying.

"Well I did not initiate any bonding. You two did that. I was surprised and glad that we connected on that level." He said pausing. He blushed slightly. "I ... this was the first time I ever felt like this for anyone. And it was my first time to ... you know."

"Your first time?!" Andros said surprised.

"Really?" I asked.

He nodded. "You two were my first. And I can't believe I am asking this."

I wondered what he was going to ask. He got quiet and looked at the both of us. I felt a fuzzy feeling in my mind. And I heard a voice. The voice asked if we could do this again. I really wanted to. And to my surprise I felt Andros chuckle and say yes. We did this without saying one word. We began our relationship and each day we grew closer.

===

The many summers passed by quickly. The three of us spent every waking hour together. And we spent a many intimate hours together. Andros and I finally told our parents that he and I have chosen to be together. We knew that eventually Tobias would join us. But do to the way he was raised he was not yet comfortable with the idea.

True to his word Tobias worked with us. Honing our abilities and we helped him with his telekinesis. He got to be real good. And Andros and I could now sense others thoughts. Our own did not require any concentration. With each session we learned more and more about each other. Andros finally shared his desire to be a Space Ranger and strangely enough so did Tobias. I guess I was fated to follow them.

We were at an age that we worry ready to be on our own. It became more and more difficult to see each other when our families were around. Every time we visited Tobias' family, we had to keep a distance. But luckily we had each other and we knew that. Andros and I planned on getting a place of our own. When we posed the idea to Tobias he literally was packed the next day.

We had chosen a loft in the city. It was far enough away from our families so that we could be ourselves. We were packing and getting ready. My family knew that Tobias' family would be very upset with him for choosing to be with us. For all they knew we were getting a separate rooms and separate beds. Which in actuality there was two rooms and one huge bed. It didn't take us long to get moved in.

"Whew! We are finally done. I didn't believe we had that much stuff." Andros said.

"Andros, think about it. There were three people to move in not one." I said grinning.

"Well if it wasn't for Andros, who is literally a pack rat." Tobias said as he leaned against the couch.

Andros leaned down and mussed his hair. "You know if I didn't love you so much. I wouldn't let you get away with this."

He turned around and placed a hand on both his knees and looked him in the eyes. "Oh and what would you do? I dare say."

Oh. The one thing Andros was gullible for is a challenge. He grabbed Tobias and wrestled to the ground. They rolled and rolled back and forth. I moved things out of the way. I don't ever remember laughing as hard. I sat back and watched my lovers just play like children. Finally they came to a halt. Tobias was sitting astride Andros' hips. He also had his arms pinned. Tobias had a satisfied grin.

"Now what?" He said as he leaned down and sucked on Andros' lip.

Andros mumbled. I could sense what was going through his mind. I sat back on the couch waiting to see what would happen next. Tobias' rearranged his hands and moved one down to his belt. He wasn't. I thought as an incredibly erotic thought sprang forth. He is! He worked belt out and started wrapping Andros' hands and fastening it to the leg of the chair.

"Oh my!" I exclaimed. I was getting hot. "What are you doing?"

"I won. I am collecting my prize." He said in mock seriousness.

Andros played along. "Yes, master. I am yours, conquer me." He said in a funny voice.

I couldn't resist. "Yes conquer him and I will watch your triumph."

He slipped his hands under Andros' shirt. I noticed Andros tense and moan. Tobias continued to play with his neck. Biting and licking while pinching his nipples. Andros writhed in pleasure. I had already lost my clothing and was watching the show. I was yanking on my hardening meat. Tobias spread his legs as a hand moved between them. He reached Andros' crotch. His fingers opened and he grabbed Andros' balls through his pants. It wasn't rough just firm.

"How does that feel?" He said in an authoritative voice.

Andros' answer is a moan. Tobias removed Andros' pants. No need to remove underwear since Andros wore none. He swallowed Andros to the hilt. His head was going up and down. Sometime during all this Tobias removed his own pants. He released Andros and moved back up to his neck. I was whacking away on my dick. I hadn't ever seen anything so hot in my life. Tobias brought a knew up spreading Andros' legs. I saw Tobias raise his ass in the air and sink all eight inches into Andros. For most people that would be considered too rough. But Andros enjoyed that sensation. Oh my that was enough for me. I shot all over the floor. I couldn't hold back any longer. Those two on the floor bucked against each other for another few minutes and then they both screamed and collapsed. I watched them for a second and didn't see either move. I got worried and went to check on them. I leaned down and was startled when I heard a snore coming from Andros.

I couldn't believe this. They passed out. I will not let them live this down. I untied Andros and tried to wake them to go to bed. They would just grumble. So I went and grabbed two blankets. While I was getting a blanket they had rearranged themselves so that Tobias had an arm across Andros' chest. They were going to be real sore. I covered them up. I thought to them through the bond telling them good night. I curled up on the couch and went to sleep.

I was awakened the next morning by a low groan. I opened one eye and saw Tobias sitting up rubbing the small of his back. I had to grin to myself. They want be doing anything like that again anytime soon. I turned over on my side so I could look at him. He had nice shoulders. I loved laying on them with his arms around me. He must have picked up on me being awake. He turned and looked at me. He had a sheepish grin. He was completely naked and standing there in front of me. I resisted my initial impulse. I patted the area beside me on the couch motioning for him to sit beside me. He came and sat down giving a slight groan as he did. I stifled a laugh.

"What are you laughing at?" He thought at me so as to not wake Andros.

"Oh, me nothing. Nothing at all." I grinned real big. "Turn around. I will try to work the kink out of your back."

He scooted closer and leaned over. I started to rub right where the knot was. It must have been working because he started to relax. I laid my hands on his hips and kissed the nape of his neck. I felt him grab my hands and wrap them around his chest. He kissed the inside of my elbow. I leaned back so that we were reclining.

"Thanks." He said.

"No problem. After the workout you had last night, I am surprised you can even move." I said.

He got real quiet. I felt him turn his head in Andros' direction. "I don't know what I would do without you two."

I kissed the top of his head. "Me neither." I looked at Andros. He was on his stomach and his white ass just shining brightly.

"He is cute when he is asleep isn't he." Tobias said.

"Oh yes. He is." I said.

I heard a buzz in the back of my mind and noticed the red flame grow brighter, then a hasty message appeared.

"What about my ass?"

"Tobias I think he is awake." I said allowed.

Tobias yelled over to him. "Don't get up to quickly. Trust me you don't want to."

"Why?" He said swinging around and standing up. The look on his face was priceless. "Ouch!!!!"

"He told you. Don't listen to us will you." I said as I got out from under Tobias. I stopped and looked at Tobias. "I told you he was hard headed."

"Which head are you talking about?" Tobias said pointing to Andros' massive morning erection.

Andros swatted at me as I passed by. I was close enough to swat him on the ass earning another groan. I went over to the food synthesizer and ordered a coffee and sat down. Andros didn't bother to put any clothes on. He dialed up some cocoa and sat down. And barely made it down before he shot right up. He had his hand on his ass.

"Damn!" He said. I fell out laughing.

"Just watch it. Its your turn tonight." He said.

"Today is the day they choose new rangers isn't it." Tobias said sitting down. He had threw some shorts on.

"What are our chances do you think?" I asked.

Suddenly it got quiet. We knew that all of us or some of us could be chosen. That was something that nagged at us. It especially worried me. I could not live without them. And the odds were good that we would be split up.

"I know what you are thinking, Zane." Andros said. He had a strange look.

"Zane..." Tobias said nearly in tears.

I walked up behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. I hugged him close. I could feel him breathing. Andros looked at us. He looked thoughtful. He walked up to Tobias and wrapped his arms around us. Now when we hugged our minds joined automatically. We would enter a netherworld where it was just the three of us. We did this often when we needed to talk.

"You have something on your mind Andros." Tobias said with a fatherly voice.

Tobias had taken it upon himself to be sure we took care of himself. He was like a doting father and at times a mother hen. We joked about that and his response was always the same: "If I don't who will". He was so lovable. I looked at him. Tobias had decided to let his hair grow out. It fell to his shoulder. He looked good with it laying loose along his neck. And that neck, it was so soft and smooth. I loved kissing it. I could imagine myself playing with it.

He turned to me. "None of that now. Later." He said to me as he grabbed hold of my mental hand.

"Now what have you been thinking." He asked again.

"Well over the past couple of days I was thinking. I was thinking of us and each of you and I found myself considering our future -- my future. I found every scenario ... I found out that I can not live without you or Zane. I would like to make this permanent. The three of us forever." He said walking over to us. He laid a hand on my cheek and Tobias' cheek.

I felt Tobias get quiet and close his eyes. I felt a fire burning in me. A green flame one that was growing. It was not hot but it engulfed Andros. I felt safe and warm. Slowly the fire went away. I noticed that we had moved out of the netherworld to stand looking at each other.

"I accept." Tobias said. Andros smiled real big and they looked at me.

"You didn't need to ask. I told you I would be with you forever, t'hy'la." I said using the formal phrase.

"What do we need to do? Tobias?" Andros asked.

"Well I don't have to do anything. I have bonded with the two of you." He said.

"You have?" I asked.

" Yes. Close your eyes and relax." He said.

I turned around in my mind and noticed a flame a burning ember that was green. I suddenly realized that flame, the fire that surrounded us. He bonded without us knowing.

"How did you know what I was going to ask? And that Zane will say yes?" Andros asked.

"I know you and Zane well now. I can sense your thoughts, feelings and desires. I wanted the both of you. And you returned that desire." He said.

"What do we have to do?" I said. I had read how it was done but did not know how.

"Close your eyes and think of each other. We want to open ourselves as freely as possibly. No secrets, none. Let your feelings free. The bonding is different for each." Tobias said.

We entered the nether world again. Tobias was standing there grinning at us. I could feel every part of him and every thought that went through his mind. I looked at him and just let all me feelings flow, everything I thought of him envelop him. I felt his fire burn in my mind. He closed his eyes, we were in the nether world still. A purple fire surrounded me and Tobias. I was awed by it.

"Its done." He said. I felt him walk over, or should I say float over. And hug me.

"Your turn." I said to Andros. Tobias wrapped his hands around me, laying his head on my shoulder and closed his eyes.

I could feel Andros open himself up. He was always hesitant to do that. But a red flame emanated around him. I thought to myself how appropriate a red flame was to him. The purple and green flames that surrounded me became mixed in the red to where they were indistinguishable. I could feel Andros, not just his mind but his body. I could do the same with Tobias. I began to get giddy. The flame grew stronger and stronger. And the next thing we knew we were in the real world laying on the floor.

"Oh my that was... I don't know how to describe it." I could still feels the flames in my mind. I could feel the red flame surge.

"What happened?" Andros said.

Tobias answered. "We are bonded, t'hyla. And guess what?"

"What?" I said.

"We will never be apart so long as the bond is there. It is always present. But one thing we need to remember that if the bond is severed unexpectedly it can be life threatening." Tobias explained.

"Oh" I said.

Tobias closed his eyes. When he opened them the were glowing green.

"Oh, my. Your eyes!" I exclaimed. "Yours too. Andros your eyes. You two have started rivon. The bond not only took but made you start rivon."

Andros looked at Tobias for confirmation. "I feel real strange. Its like I have three minds. I can feel the two of you. And Zane your eyes their glowing purple. You are in rivon."

It was all it took from us not to take each other right then and there. I can't believe that it took like that. Normally it was years into the rivon for the bond to cause it. But us it was right away.

"Your right. It is early. But I think we bonded already. Have you noticed that we don't even have to be touching to find each other or communicate telepathically. A bond increases sensitivity and well we are more than that." Andros said.

We were now bond mates together always now we had to face the possibility of us being separated. Even with the bond it will be extremely lonely. I know they realize this. But we could not bring ourselves to mention it again.

"Guys we need to get to the square." Andros said.

"I don't know. But we better hurry or we will be late." Tobias said standing and grimacing.

I chuckled. I was happy and sad at the same time.

===

It was getting time for the choosing of new rangers. We had trained hard and were ready. I figured that it would take a few tries to get in but who knew. What the rangers would do is choose some one out of the training squad. All the would be rangers had martial arts training and space training.

"I hope we get in. Think about it all of us on the same team. We will be unbeatable." Andros said.

"And I could watch over two of you to make sure you don't get yourself killed." Tobias said.

"Who us? Why would you think that?" I said with mock indignation.

He gave us a look. Every time he gave me that look it just melted me. He was just so easy to like. Every one in our training squad liked him. He had broke out of his shell. He was no longer shy and awkward. Andros had even calmed down. We had grown up, and I think our relationship had helped. We drew on each others strengths.

We waited and noticed a group of our training class look to a point over to our left. So far all of the space rangers were male. There had never been a female ranger. I saw three rangers walk up. We had grown up knowing the rangers were always there. Ready to help and keep the galaxy safe. But rumor had it the council had decided to choose a full team this time. The green ranger was the first to walk up and look over the group. Over time the rangers had shown up and chatted with us getting to know us. Watch us train. It seemed that we went throw our training fast. But we never knew who they were. And to my surprise he came our way. I was getting anxious and excited. It looks like one of us will get to be chosen. He stopped right in front of Tobias.

He turned and looked at Tobias. "I choose you."

The look on Tobias' face was one of pure shock. I looked at him and just grinned wide. He motioned for him to follow. For a second, I finally realized that if neither Andros or I get chosen then we will essentially lose Tobias and or the other. I knew it could happen and we had discussed it. But now it was reality. I got real worried and scared. The second ranger came up. It was the red ranger. He walked slowly and deliberately toward Andros. And came to a grinding halt.

"You." He said and that was it. He motioned for him to follow.

I was really frantic and I noticed that Andros and Tobias had realized what was happening. The fear in their face was so evident. I saw the other ranger just stand there. He looked over the group and didn't move. I was wondering what was going on. He looked and just stood. Okay I thought what in the hell is he doing. I just stared at him I did not like the suspense that I was going through. Finally he moved and came over to the group. He came over to us and stood between the last of the group. He started to turn to the other group and walk their way. I was ready to cry. I hadn't been chosen. I am losing them. Even though we were bonded. We would be away from each other. I started to turn and walk away. When I saw the silver ranger turn and look at Andros and Tobias. He then looked at me and cocked his head to the side. He turned on his heel and headed my way. I was frozen in place he stood in front of me and just pointed then just motioned for me to follow him. I was ecstatic. I was chosen and we would not be apart. Happiness and excitement waved over the bond.

The rangers just raised their hand and yelled. "Galaxy gliders, hang ten."

Three vehicles appeared and they hopped on. They helped us on. And wham we were off. I could hear that the other rangers were being told how to fly the gliders. But the ranger that was behind me said nothing. I wondered what was up. I later found out that he was unable to speak. We were off to become rangers. Our dream came true and we did not have to be apart. But we found out why we were only half a team, why weren't three others chosen. I had had a bad feeling that something is up. There was a force coming one that needed to be dealt with now. The council had no time to find other rangers.

===

I was listening to Zane intently. I was thinking no female rangers. Earth rangers always had at least two female rangers. Now he understood when Zane saw Ash why he was so shocked. My lovers were really different when they were younger. Andros at times seems much older than he is and much wiser. Zane more childish and playful at times. But it seems the roles were reversed when they were younger. It was funny in a way. Tobias seemed so different from the two.

"Zane, Tobias' was the green ranger?" I asked.

"Yes. And I guess you wonder why there is no green ranger now. It seems that was Andros' doing. When he handed out the morphers to you. He didn't bother grabbing the green one. I don't think he could have handled seeing a green ranger again. And in all honesty I do not think I can either." Zane explained. He got up to stretch.

"You know at one time I was the green ranger on earth." I said.

"You were. How ironic." He said grinning. "You know black is really your color though."

"Yeah. It goes better with my skin tone. And highlights my best assets." I said.

"Oh, your horrible. Worse than Andros at times." He teased.

"I'll tell Andros you said that." I said as he stuck his tongue out at me.

"I am going to try and contact Andros again." Zane sat down and closed his eyes.

He finally shook his head. He was wondering why he couldn't . Under normal circumstances he could by why can't he now. He smacked the ground. He was extremely upset. This was really getting to him.

"Zane calm down. It will be fine." I said.

"No it won't." He growled.

"Yes it will. And don't take that tone with me. Andros tried that once and I won't stand for it." I said angrily and causing myself to cough.

"I'm sorry. Calm down. I just feel so helpless. Your lying here and I have no idea what to do." Zane said near tears.

"Zane, think what our other options are and think of anything we have to use. Sit down and think." I said. "Think about it we have been in worse predicaments."

I reached over and grabbed his hand letting our bond take over. I could feel him racking his brain for ideas he hadn't tried. I felt myself think back to everything that had happened over the year. What could we do I thought? The comms were out. Vehicles mangled. What do we have? Last time I was in a hopeless situation was Nikkolo. Suddenly something came to me. Sheesh I thought. Why didn't I think of this?

"Zane!" I yelled breaking the bond. "I know something that we haven't tried. I should have thought of it but in some way my mind tried to block it."

"What?" Zane asked.

"You wouldn't remember. But when we came to get you, trying to break you out of..." I couldn't bring my self to say it.

Zane got a look on his face. I decided to move on. "You were unresponsive to us. Even though we were kneeling beside you. We could not feel you. So we went into the link and combined our attempts in one attempt. It broke through. It was a strong attempt and it worked. We are not trying to force our way in. Just find somebody who is far away."

"Hmm, that might work." He said. "Tobias had showed me a few tricks. To increase sensitivity."

It was a long shot but we need to try it and soon. I knew something was wrong with me. I was feeling real strange. But there is nothing Zane could do and I do not want to worry him now. The pain had started going away and I knew what that meant. I wasn't worried about dying. I was worried about what it would do to Zane and Andros.

"Zane come over here and sit down. Relax." I ordered.

He did. He sat where he was before. My head was in his lap and I grabbed his hands and held them to my chest. I tried my hardest to not show my worry. Zane didn't need the distraction. Shortly we were standing in the netherworld looking at each other. I grinned at him.

"Now just yell for him. Try everything you can and between the two of us we should cause enough racket he should pick us up." I said.

We yelled and yelled. If we were not linked our voices would have given out a long time ago. I kept trying but my energy was waning. Everything was taking its toll on me. I could feel my time waning. I kept up the yelling. I looked over at Zane and felt so happy he was here. I could not love anybody more. For Andros I felt the same way. I couldn't have asked for a better life than I have. I began to feel dizzy and I was struggling to keep myself in the link but I was failing miserably. I stood there trying to regain control but it was beyond my reach.

"Zane..." I said managing a whisper as things started to go blank.

The last thing I heard was Zane. "No!!!!!" And everything was black.

Chapter 3

Andros had not slept since Zane and Carlos disappeared. He had a bad feeling about them going on this mission anyway. The rangers had found the remains of a battle but no Zane or Carlos. Andros was worried as to why they had not tried to contact him telepathically. He wondered if something happened to them. As far as he knew if anything had happened, he would have known, felt something. But absolutely nothing. He was prowling the bridge. Making the others nervous.

"Andros, quit pacing. Your making me crazy." Ash said from here station.

TJ turned around to look at Andros. "You will do the them no good if you work yourself to death. Go get something to eat and rest. We will let you know if we find anything."

"I'll stop pacing. I can't go. I have to find them. And anyway I'm not hungry." He said sitting at his station.

"Come on. You have been at it for the last thirty-six hours. You need to rest before you fall on you face." TJ reasoned.

"I am fine." Andros growled.

TJ looked at Ashley, she just shrugged. When Andros gets like that no one can reason with him. TJ was worried about Zane and Carlos, especially Carlos. Andros hasn't been this bad before. He seemed frantic. TJ didn't doubt they would find them but Andros already seemed to expect something drastic. He was frightened like something like this happened before. TJ turned back to his station and monitored radio frequencies trying to pick up any communication. He turned his attention on one energy spike when he heard a sound of a body tipping over to the floor. He swung around and Andros had collapsed to the floor. The rangers ran to his side. He looked at them crazily.

"Uh, TJ?" He said weakly. "I think you're right. I need to eat and rest." He looked chagrined.

"Now, you should have listen to me, huh." TJ said kneeling beside him.

"TJ take him and get him something to eat. And make sure he gets to his quarters." Ashley said.

"And while you're at it. You eat and rest." Cassie said.

"But--" TJ started to argue.

Cassie picked up something heavy and raised in front of him. "Are you gonna argue with me and have to be dragged to bed? Hmmm?"

He laughed. "Okay, Okay. I will rest. But wake us should anything change."

He grabbed Andros' arm and they headed into the lift. "Andros you okay."

"Yeah I need to eat and rest. But I really need those two knuckle heads back. They are going nowhere from now on. They seem to get in trouble all the time." He said trying to lighten the mood.

TJ laughed lightly. "Your right they seem to wind up in trouble frequently. Trouble seems to find Zane."

"You know when we were little I was the one getting in trouble and Zane tried to talk sense into me." Andros said.

"That doesn't surprise me. When Zane isn't playing around he seems to have a level head." TJ said.

"Yeah, somewhat. But what really kept us level was Tobias." Andros said absently.

"Tobias? Who was that?" TJ asked. The look on Andros' face said enough. "Sorry, if I touched on a bad subject."

"No, just a sad one. Tobias was with Zane and I many years ago." Andros said as they got out of the lift and headed to the mess hall.

Andros punched up a sandwich and tea. TJ took some soup and crackers. They sat at a table opposite each other. They dug into the food. They were really hungry. A few minutes passed. TJ looked at Andros and started to think. Tobias was with Andros. TJ was curious as to what happened.

"Andros, what happened to Tobias?" TJ said.

He was silent for a second. "Remember when Zane disappeared and we had to travel through dimensions."

"Yes, you ran into that despicable character Nikkolo." He said.

"Yeah. Well that was not the first time I ran into him nor was it Zane's or Tobias..." Andros said taking a bite of his sandwich.

"So that is why Alpha said you would know where you were." TJ said connecting some of the pieces.

"And only two of us returned." Andros said solemnly.

===

That morning we actually had a day off from tracking Dark Spectre's movements. We were resting in our quarters. Zane was reading and Tobias was playing with a holo-camera he found. I knew what he had in mind. I shook my head. While we were traveling I had went to a metallurgist on Primat Seven. I wanted something special for us to symbolize our marriage. It had been at least three months since we bonded but I wanted to give the a present. On KO-35, it is traditional to wear marriage cuffs and usually they were handed down generation to generation. But I decided to have out on designed. I wanted it to symbolize us. I had him make a cuff that was made of three metal strands that were braided together intricately with a circle of sigils. Purple inlaid stone, with an outer ice-blue crest on a deep, deep green background. Purple was for Zane, green for Tobias and the blue for me. I went to the dresser and opened a drawer. I had placed them in an small old chest with a purple velvet pillow inside where the cuffs rest. I turned around to the guys.

"Hey guys come here a second." I said.

"Ok." Zane said putting the book down.

"Just a sec, let me start the camera." Tobias said.

"Do you really have to?" I said. I didn't like cameras all that much.

"Yes." He said simply. I just sighed.

"What do you have there?" Zane asked. I opened the box as an answer. Zane immediately knew what they were and so did Tobias.

"Where did you get these?" Tobias said.

"On Primat, while we were there." I said proudly.

"They're beautiful. So intricate." Zane said.

"Your right. They are. These are our wedding cuffs." Tobias said.

"Yes. Take one." I said.

Zane took his and attached it to his ear. Tobias did too. One thing these have different from other cuffs. They attach permanently until the bond is severed or broken. As soon as it touched a small drop of blood appears where it attaches.

"Ouch!!! That hurt." Zane said.

"Baby." Tobias said.

I put mine on. We were one now. And in a way it was good that Tobias filmed this so we could look back on it. Zane grabbed me in a hug and Tobias just laughed at us. We mugged for the camera. Life was so wonderful. I thought nothing could affect us.

Tobias was looking at me then Zane. He had a feral look in his eye. I had to chuckle. It's Zane's turn I thought. Tobias walked up to Zane standing face to face with him. Zane had a silly grin on his face. Tobias wrapped his hand around the base of Zane's neck and yanked him into a hard, full kiss. I could see Zane go limp slightly. Zane wrapped his arms around Tobias' waist. I moved in behind Zane and ran my hands up his shirt. I ran my nails down his back. He shivered and moaned. I lifted his shirt and he lifted his arms to remove the shirt. Tobias started sucking on one of his nipples. The muscles in Zane's back tensed. I bit into his neck while unbuttoning his pants. They fell to the floor. He was fully erect. I sank to my knees and spread his cheeks. I could see his entrance. I ran my tongue over the entrance, and at times entering him with it. He was really moaning now. I could feel him bend over so he could work on Tobias' ample member. I continued my ass play. He liked that a lot. I greased up a finger and slowly inserted it. I moved it in and out. I added a second and then a third finger. He was really going at it, Tobias' head was thrown back and he was making loud guttural sounds.

I continued to finger him while my other hand proceeded to jack him off. I loved to play with his foreskin. He looked back at me and he motioned that he was ready. He stood up and I lead him to the couch. I sat facing him. He straddled me. He aimed my dick at his waiting hole. Once it was positioned he sat down hard and fast. The sensation nearly knocked me senseless. He was completely enraptured. I was grinding my his into him. I felt a fire run through my veins. I had Zane pressed tight to me. I looked over his shoulder, watching Tobias press closer to Zane. I felt something brush my dick that was still in Zane. Tobias was planning to enter Zane at the same time. Zane's face contorted as Tobias entered him slowly. Zane slowly got used to the extra dick in him. Tobias moved in and out slowly. Zane was completely wrapped up in the sensation. So was I. Having something rub up and down on the bottom of your dick, can make anyone lose them self. I felt myself get ready to blow. I reached up and grabbed Zane by the hair and force him in to a rough kiss. I felt something warm and slick between our bodies. Tobias slumped on Zane kissing his back and neck.

I was panting. "Are you alright Zane?"

He took a second to answer. "Yeahhhhhh..." He said lowly.

We broke apart and held each other. We looked around the room where our clothes are strewn. It was a mess. And so were we. We were sweaty and sticky. I needed a shower.

"Hey let's see how many people we can fit in the shower." I suggested.

"Yeah." Zane said popping up, showing the first bit of life since we laid down. "How about you?" He said to Tobias.

He yawned. "You two go ahead. I will get one later."

"If you say so." I said.

Zane and I raced to the bathroom. Luckily we had a pretty good size shower. I turned the water on and got in. Zane followed me. I leaned into the spray feeling its warmth cover me. I felt a pair of arms go around me. Zane hugged me close. I leaned back into him. I turned around in his arms and looked him in the eye. I laid my head on his shoulder.

I whispered. "I love you."

He squeezed me slightly. "I love you to."

Then we heard another voice and we swiveled our heads to see Tobias enter the shower. "I love you to. I s there room for me?"

"Always." I said.

Andros took a sip of his tea. "And little did I know it would be the last time the three of us would hold each other. Our communicators were going off and DECA was telling us of a disturbance a few sectors over." He paused to look at the table. "We never made it to the disturbance."

TJ looked like he was going cry. He could tell how hurt and sad Andros is. "Andros you don't have to continue."

"We found ourselves in a prison of sorts. It was made of dark black stone with manacles on the wall. I was completely naked, huddled in a corner. Our captor had presented himself and told us what will be happening. Soon Zane and Tobias disappeared. I beat my fists on the wall with futility." Andros said.

===

I woke up my head was hurting and all I could see was blackness. The was a sharp and putrid smell of human and non-human excrement everywhere. I sat a second getting my bearings. Last thing I remember was sitting behind the weapons console then I was here. And the best question is where is here? I heard a panicked voice.

"Tobias ... Andros." Zane yelled.

"Here." I yelled back.

"Where is Tobias?" He asked. He was likewise naked.

"I don't know. We need to find him." I got up to browse our prison there was no doors, windows or any openings for that matter.

"Looks like there is no way out." Zane said beating his fist on the wall.

"We will need to find a way." I said.

We were in there for what seemed like days. We had no way to know day from night. We were fed meals by seemingly androgynous creatures that did not speak. No clothes, no shower ... and only enough water to survive. And as for Tobias we could sense him in our mind but could not contact him or anything. We could tell by his flame that he was troubled and not well. Zane and I had been trying to chisel out an area in a wall. Yet without tools it was futile effort. One seemingly endless day we felt the ground shake. Then is shook harder. Loose dirt from the ceiling above us began to fall. We could hear explosions. And one such explosion caused the wall on the other side of the room to collapse. We huddled away trying to keep from being crushed. It did not take us even a half a second to run out the gaping hole.

We rounded corners and cross ways searching for Tobias. We could tell we were getting close. But still could not contact him. As we came on the next corner we could hear fighting. We slowed down so as to not get caught in it.

"Shh..." Zane said. "It sounds familiar somehow."

We crept up to where we could see. And shock hit us. Dark Spectre's forces were attacking our captor. Robots that were protecting the prison were firing at cantons and outside it must have been veloci-fighters doing the bombing. We must have been noticeable because a horde of the robots turned to us. Three from the group headed our way.

"Run!" I said. Noticing our pursuers.

Zane and I ran and ran. They were firing at us and once I got hit in the shoulder. The shock brought me to the ground. Zane looked at me and there was purple fire in his eyes. He was enraged. He had had enough. He turned to the sentinels. His fists clenched. He looked at the first one and it stopped. And it was then thrown against the wall. The second was even less fortunate. It fired a laser at Zane and was going to hit him square in the chest. It fired and then ricocheted off Zane and blew the sentinel into pieces. Zane collapsed to the ground completely drained. There was still one more sentinel. It was my turn. I visualized it flying through the wall. When I opened my eyes I saw a nice ragged hole in the wall. I was pleased with myself. Tobias' training has paid off. Suddenly there was a presence in my mind. It was Tobias or at least barely him.

I grabbed Zane and we pushed through the wall. We were shaken to the core. There was a body, beaten, bruised and bloody. Lying over one of the androgynous slaves. My mind screamed. It was Tobias. He looked as if he was dead. No movement none what so ever. Zane was breathing hard and fast. Fear ran to us. I tried to feel him in my mind. His flame was there but it was weakening.

"He's alive at least for now." I said breaking out of my funk.

We ran to him. Zane reached a shaking hand down to him. Tobias was warm, too warm. I kneeled beside him. I shook him to get his attention. He still laid there barely breathing. Zane turned him over and laid Tobias' head in his lap. Zane was crying and rubbing his fingers through Tobias' long matted hair. He looked up at me with such a look of utter helplessness.

"Zane..." We heard a soft voice.

"Tobias ... Tobias." Zane said grabbing my shoulder.

"Tobias, I'm here. It's Andros and Zane is holding you." I said.

We heard a sigh. "I love you. I hoped I would get to say that before..."

The voice trailed out. "You will be fine..." Zane said strongly.

"Liar.." Tobias sighed. "I have very little time."

He reached up and grabbed my hand and he grabbed Zane's. He smiled at us. He was trying to pull us into a link. He was to weak to initiate it himself, so I did. As we entered we got glimpses of what had happened to him. They were to horrible to describe. We stood looking at each other. His green flame was nearly gone. He hugged each of us and then was gone, flame and all.

I screamed and screamed. Zane wailed. He sat there rocking Tobias back and forth.

===

"No, no. It's okay. I need to. It happened so long ago and this is the first time I ever recounted what happened." Andros said.

"You mean Carlos does not know." TJ said.

"No. He knows about Tobias and that he died because of Nikkolo." Andros explained. "And to be totally honest it wasn't until here recently that I could remember exactly what happened."

"You were blocking it out." TJ offered.

"Yes and so was Zane. For a long time we could not even think about it or say anything about it. We even stopped wearing our cuffs."

"I have never been through that at all. And hope I never will be." TJ said.

"There is one thing I learned. Every little thing, memory, smell and thought is important. Never take anything for granted." Andros said.

"I understand. I am so sorry you and Zane had to go through that. And you do not know how much I wanted to be locked in a padded room, alone with that bastard and no witnesses." TJ said pounding his fist on the table.

"No, I don't want to even deal with it anymore. He can stay as far away from me as possible." Andros said. He yawned.

"Andros, you are tired. Go to bed. I will walk with you." TJ said as they got up.

"Okay, let's go." They left heading for Andros' quarters.

Andros was quiet as they walked. His mind was just a jumble. Tobias was fresh on his mind and he missed him so. But Andros wondered what things would be like if that didn't happen. He would not have met the earth rangers and Zane may not have needed to be put in cryo-stasis. He would not have met Carlos. That tore at his heart. He could not think of not living without him. They approached his quarters and entered. Andros immediately went to his dresser and pulled out a holo-chip and placed it in the player.

"What are you doin'?" TJ asked.

Andros was silent. He hit a button. And moved back so TJ could see. It was a hologram of three people. He knew two of the individuals, Zane and Andros. But the third must be Tobias. He was handsome and dignified. He obviously cared for his friends. In a strange way he reminded TJ of Carlos and even looks like him.

"Andros, that's Tobias isn't it." TJ asked and Andros nodded. He had tears in his eyes. "I wish I had met him."

"You would have liked him." Andros said turning the holo off.

"You know something. He reminded me of Carlos." TJ said sound a bit hurt.

"TJ, your right. And I know of how you feel for him. You will find somebody. We are grateful to have a friend that cares so much for Carlos." Andros said.

"Let's get some sleep. Do you mind if I just crash here?" TJ asked. "Go ahead. It would be nice not to be alone now." Andros said lying down. TJ took the top bunk.

They were soon fast asleep.

===

Andros was resting uneasily. He had fell asleep but was plagued with nightmares. Zane and Carlos were gone in his dreams. He was alone in his dreams, the flames were gone. He felt hollow. Memories came and went. The scene of his first time with Zane, so many years ago, his first time with Carlos, Tommy and his first time with Tobias. Tobias! He thought. The scene moved to the nether world that they would occupy in the link. It was empty save for a purple and a weakening amber flame. He called out.

"Zane ... Carlos." His voice echoed.

The purple flame answered. "Why aren't you listening for me?"

His hear gripped. "I have been." He heard a moan from the amber flame.

"I've tried. I can't feel you. I can't stand this loneliness. I feel so lost and helpless." Andros cried, sinking to his knees. He laid his head in his hands and wept.

A familiar voice rang out. "Shhh. Don't cry. I hate it when you cry. You have it in you to find them."

Chapter 4

Andros looked up in shock as a green flame coalesced, forming a human. Andros was completely shocked and wondered if he finally went over the edge. It wasn't possible for him to be here. He died so many years ago. He tried to reason it out. It is my sense of despair that called up this apparition. It's just not possible.

"Tobias?" Andros asked meekly. "It can't be you." He lost his voice.

"I am but in a way I am not. I live in you and Zane. The bond we shared went deeper, is still there but buried. You just have to look for it." He paused to help Andros up. "That is why I am here."

Andros looked at him. "You don't know how much I wanted to see you again."

"I know. I know of the guilt and pain you and Zane share." He said. "I have wanted to hold you in my arms for years." A look came over his face.

"How are you here?" Andros asked moving closer to him.

"That is something that you will learn later in life. For now let's get to the problem at hand. You need to find Zane and Carlos. I can help you." Tobias explained staring deep into Andros' eyes. He reached out for Andros' hand.

Andros hesitated, but grasped his hand. Immediately, he was relieved, content and not worried anymore. Andros would look back. He had his hair pulled back and he was wearing his uniform. He even had his earcuff. The presence of the earcuff showed Andros this is just not real. Because Carlos is wearing Tobias' cuff.

"Andros you and Zane must move on. You lived in the past too long." He grinned at Andros. "You have Carlos now. What happened was long ago. You need to get on with your life."

"I know. Just the run in with Nikkolo brought it all back and ripped open whatever healing we had done. And if I lose -- I can't lose him." Andros said.

They walked a bit farther. "What is Carlos like? He seems very familiar to me." Tobias asked with a silly grin.

"Well." Andros chuckled. "He is caring, has a good heart, he has a little bit of a temper. Good with other people. Comes from a good family and a constant source of pleasure for Zane and I. When I first met him he was shy, uneasy, didn't have much confidence in himself. He felt like the odd man out." Andros said suddenly it hit him. "Not much unlike you when we first met."

Tobias gave him a knowing smile. Tobias knew that Carlos is the one to bring them around. He would keep them safe. Tobias missed them so. He was fortunate to get to look out for them. Now they had Carlos. He need not watch over them anymore.

Andros stopped and looked at Tobias. "He is also a mother-hen." He laughed a bit.

"You need one." Tobias said.

"Your wit is still there." Andros said.

A voice cut through the air. It was Zane. They were calling for him or anybody for that matter. Andros picked up speed. Then all of a sudden a horrid scream rang through him.

===

Zane was calling our over and over. He could hear Carlos trying his hardest but he kept getting weaker and weaker. One thing about Carlos, is over the last year he has changed. He has grown up a bit and seemed to come out of his youthful shyness. Zane always wondered what put Carlos in such a shy, low self-esteemed funk when they first met. He looked back at Carlos and grinned. Zane took a breath and he was about ready to give up when he heard Carlos call his name. He screamed and shutdown the link.

"No, no this can not happen not again." Zane called out.

He reached down to check for pulse. There was one, faint but one never the less. His breathing was shallow. He had a slipped into shock. Zane knew that that was not a good sign. That was the first sign that he did not have long. He may have hours at most, if that. Zane just stared at him flashes of Tobias ran through him. Zane held him as he died. He could feel all the pain and torture that Tobias went through. Zane just slumped and cried, yelling for Andros. He was emotionally shutting down. He perked up and looked around. He thought he heard something. He felt as if somebody had walked over his grave or something. Suddenly and without warning he was snapped into the netherworld of their link.

"What in the hell?" Zane screamed.

He heard a voice far off. "Is that you Zane?"

"Andros, Andros, it's you. I am over here." Zane called out not believing his ears.

Zane waited as patiently as possible. A figure appeared in the horizon. As the figure came closer, the flame in the back of his mind grew stronger. Zane ran to him and grabbed him. He nearly crushed Andros. He finally broke down and cried. He was mumbling and making no sense.

"Zane calm down. Where are you and Carlos? Is Carlos alright?" Andros asked quickly, looking directly into Zane's eyes.

Zane was completely lost. He shook his head. "Primat system, planetoid A-137 ... Carlos ... ribs ... shock ... not long..." Zane mumbled fast. Then stopped and lost all color.

He saw a green flame and a figure behind Andros. Zane thought for sure he was dead or going completely insane. He let Andros go and took a couple of steps back. He could not believe his eyes. The green flame fit so comfortably in the link. Like an old friend. But it was not possible. He was dead. He held him as he died.

"Tobias?" He asked meekly.

"Yes, Zane it's me or at least a form of me." He said walking over to Zane.

Zane grabbed him in a bear hug, tears rolling now. Tobias held him and ran his fingers through Zane's hair. He was trying to soothe him. Tobias could feel the pain and guilt in Zane wane away. Zane looked up at Tobias. The look was one of gratitude.

"I am so sorry we did not get there fast enough. We tried and tried but we were just too late." Zane said.

"I know, I know. You two need to remember that everything happens for a purpose. It was not your fault or mine. Things just happen. Like I told Andros you need to move on and leave the past in the past." Tobias said.

Zane understood but it is not that easy. Andros was looking at Tobias and Zane. Emotions were warring inside him. He did not know what to do or say. Who could even fathom this? He realized Tobias is gone. They had Carlos now and right now he is not doing well. The amber flame wavered even more.

Tobias' head jerked up. And so did Zane's. "Andros, you need to go. Tell the rangers where they are. Carlos does not have much time."

Andros walked up to Tobias and hugged him. "Will we see you again?"

"No, someday. But this will be my only visit. Don't forget that I loved you and Zane more than anything in the world." This time Tobias let a tear run down his cheek.

Andros turned and blanked out of the link. Zane stood there watching after Andros as he left. He turned to Tobias. He felt complete now. He got to see Tobias one last time as he remembered him. Andros knew where they were and he will be coming with the Calvary.

"Zane, it is time for me to go." He said holding Zane. "Take care of Andros. Tell him to lighten up and have fun like he did when we were younger. You take less risks. You used to be the level headed one." He said wagging a finger at Zane. "Carlos, tell him he wears the cuff well."

"I will miss you." Zane said.

Tobias responded. "And I you. Remember I am always in your heart and soul. I love you."

The green flame flashed away and it was just Zane standing there completely alone.

===

Andros awoke with a start smacking his head on the upper bunk. He screamed. "Tobias, Carlos! Primat planetoid A-137..."

TJ jumped off the bunk. "What what's that? You alright."

"Yes." Andros said hastily throwing on his boots. "I know where Zane and Carlos are."

"Where?" TJ asked fully dressed.

"No time, I will tell you on the way." Andros stopping a second.

He hit his communicator. "Ashley..."

"Yes, Andros." She said over the comm.

"What is our position?" He asked.

"Sector 56 by 77." She said.

"Alter course, head to the Primat system to planetoid A-137. Maximum velocity." Andros ordered walking out of his quarters.

"Ok." Ashley said punching in the change of course. "Maximum hyper rush. ETA ten minutes. What's up?"

"That is where Zane and Carlos are." He entered the lift.

"You sure." She asked.

"Ash..." He said walking out on the bridge. "I am very sure and Carlos doesn't have much time."

TJ came panting in behind Andros. He was out of breath. He looked at the tension in Andros' back. He hadn't bothered to put his half coat on. TJ put his hands on Andros' shoulders. Andros did not try to pull away. Andros was grateful for TJ's understanding and for him not questioning his orders.

"Andros, sit down. We will be there shortly. Were you in contact with them?" TJ asked as Andros sat in a chair close to the back of the bridge.

"Yes. It was surprising. It was so very strange." He said actually smiling thinking about Tobias.

"Andros you are scaring me. You are acting strange." TJ said.

"For once everything is clear. I am free." Andros paused. "I know that I would not have ever been able to reach them."

"Then how?" TJ said.

"I had help." Andros said simply.

"Help?" TJ asked giving Andros a strange look. "Who? What?"

"You won't believe me if I told you." Andros said. "I barely believe it myself."

"Try me." TJ challenged. He must have hit his head hard on the bed.

"Tobias...he helped us. I saw him and he helped me bridge the gap. It was strange. There seemed to be a hidden part of the bond we had remaining. I know it wasn't him but his essence." Andros stopped. "I had a chance to see him one last time."

"Andros..." TJ said.

"I know you think I am crazy but without him guiding me I would never have found him. Carlos is dying. He will die if we don't get there soon enough. And I will be damned if I will let that happen again." Andros said with renewed vigor.

"Coming up on planetoid. Assuming orbit." Cassie said.

"Ok, lets find them. TJ you are with me. Ash get the sickbay ready and get Alpha down there. Cassie be ready to transport us up when I call." Andros said.

He was half way in the lift as he gave the last command. TJ was standing with him. TJ looked at him. He was worried about Carlos and Zane but something had changed he couldn't describe it. He was certain everything would be okay. TJ hoped so. They morphed and jumped in to the jump chutes. They blasted out quickly. Andros was quiet.

"Can you sense them?" TJ said.

"Yes, we are near their location." Andros concentrated harder. "I am picking up Zane but Carlos is very quiet. There!" He said swinging his glider around.

He came to a screeching halt. Jumped off and ran like mad. Constantly calling out mentally. He was receiving no response. He began to get worried that Zane was injured and beginning to succumb. He reached the entrance of a cave. He could see wreckage of one of the gliders spread all over the place. It was the black glider. It was a miracle that Carlos survived at all. Suddenly there was an answer. In Andros mind he heard one word. "Hurry!"

===

Zane was dozing off. He held Carlos close. With each passing moment he grew weaker. He was struggling to breath and when he did you could tell fluid was building up. It wasn't long now. He felt himself falling asleep. He had been thinking of Tobias. Zane could finally put to rest any lingering guilt. The pain will still be there but the guilt is gone. But he wondered why he could not reach Andros to begin with. He had developed the skill and ability. Tobias worked with him and Andros. Inspiration hit him all at once. Tobias was the key. When all three of us were together, we supported each other. Even when Zane and Andros were left alone after Tobias died, there ability weakened till they met Carlos. Tobias played a bridge and so did Carlos. As Carlos weakened so did the power that we could broadcast. He finally understood. He had nearly fell completely asleep, when the red flame in his mind grew hot. Very hot. Andros! Zane thought our with all his power "hurry!" It wasn't seconds till he felt Andros outside the cave. Zane would have ran to meet him but just did not have the energy. And he did not want to leave Carlos' side.

"Andros!" He yelled out. "In here."

Zane saw Andros fully morphed. Come running in.

"Power down." Andros said. "Zane, oh Zane. Carlos. Is he?" He looked pained.

"Yes, barely. Oh, you don't know how good it is to see you here. It has been so hard. Carlos tried to keep me going but when he..." Zane broke down. "You're here." Was the last thing he said as he passed out.

Andros was close enough to catch him. "Zane!!" He eased him to the ground. He felt for a pulse. He had one and he was breathing. He was exhausted.

"TJ stay with Zane." Andros said as he went to Carlos.

He ran a hand over Carlos' cheek. It was pale save for some dust that had settled. "My love. You will be okay."

He flicked his wrist opening a channel to the ship. "Cassie transport Carlos directly to sickbay. Tell Ash he is in real bad shape."

"Got'cha." She responded.

Carlos vanished in a twinkle of lights. Andros headed back to Zane. He replaced TJ. He held Zane and just rocked him. He knew he needed to get back to the ship. But he needed to be with Zane for a short time.

"Let's go." He told TJ. The three rangers disappeared in a shower of sparkles.

===

Andros followed TJ to the sickbay. As he entered he noticed two beds set up. Zane in one and the other Carlos occupied. Zane was breathing easy, and snoring slightly. Andros chuckled at that. Carlos on the other hand was a different matter. He was still pale and unresponsive. Andros can still feel his presence but there was no feedback.

"How is he?" Andros asked Cassie.

"He is stable. Alpha was able to fix the internal damage. Zane did a good job of taking care of his head wound. We have did all we can. The rest is up to him." She said moving stray lock of hair from his face.

Andros looked at Carlos. He covered him with a blanket, pulled up a seat. He grabbed Carlos' hand and there he stayed. The other rangers had left to get some rest. Zane was still asleep. Andros leaned back in his seat and looked at the chronometer. It had been fourteen hours since they got back. The day was wearing on him and his body protested. He found himself nodding off. Soon he just let sleep take him over.

As Andros fell off to sleep, on the bed behind him Zane stirred. He opened his eyes and groaned slightly. He recognized his surroundings. He was in the sickbay on the megaship. He closed his eyes again to let relief flow over him till he remembered Carlos. He sat bold upright and looked around the room. His eyes came to rest on the other bed. He looked at the readings on the monitors over the bed. They didn't mean anything to him except that Carlos is alive. Then he looked at the figure sitting in the chair between the beds. Andros was curled up in the chair fast asleep. He must have been worried sick. He thought of waking him but vetoed that idea. He laid down and fell back to sleep.

Morning came quickly, Zane could hear somebody moving around in the room. He opened one eye. It was TJ. He was standing next to Carlos. He hand Carlos' limp hand in his. You could tell by the look on his face how much he cared for him. Andros was still asleep in the chair. TJ noticed that Zane was awake and quickly moved his hand. Zane motioned for him to be quiet and then pointing at Andros. TJ nodded his understanding. He then waved TJ over to the bed.

"How is he?" Zane asked whispering.

"Stable but still out of it." TJ said equally as quiet.

"How's Andros? Is he alright?" Zane asked.

"He has been worried sick. I finally was able to get him to rest for a bit. I think he was on the verge of losing his mind. When he was able to contact you, he was mumbling that Tobias helped him contact you ." TJ said looking back at Andros.

"He did." Zane said.

There was a startled look on TJ face. "How?"

"Don't ask me--" Zane started till he was interrupted.

"You know it is rude to whisper about somebody when they are in the same room." Andros said from behind TJ.

"Oh we were trying to be quiet, so you can rest." TJ said.

"No need. I felt Zane wake up." Andros said. Leaning over to kiss Zane.

"Awwww." TJ teased.

"TJ" Andros said wagging a finger at him. They giggled till they heard a cough from behind them. There heads snapped around.

"Zane..." They heard to figure whisper. "T..."

===

After I faded out of the link with Zane, I fell into darkness. When the darkness lifted was in another netherworld one that was of my own making. I was alone sitting on a stump in the middle of a forest. It was quiet and the birds were chirping. I stood and tried to call for Zane and Andros. There was no answer. I go up and walked around. For half a second I thought that I am dead. But for some reason I could feel I wasn't. I wonder though if I would ever see Zane and Andros ever again.

"Oh you will..." A voice appeared out of nowhere.

I turned around and asked. "Who is there? Who are you?"

"We have not formally met but you know of me." The voice said.

I didn't recognize the voice. I could see a green flame forming. One similar to the ones that represent Zane and Andros. I wondered what was going on. The flame changed, growing legs, arms and a head. Carlos was awed by the individual. He was handsome pure and simple, and he was wearing a uniform similar to Carlos' except where the black sigil was there was a green one. He looked at the strangers face. It was familiar for some strange reason.

"You are familiar." I said. I noticed that he was wearing a cuff similar to mine except where mine is amber, his is green. I can't be.

The look of recognition and surprise must have registered on my face. "Bingo. I see you figured it out."

"Tobias? Aw, hell I must be dead." I said.

"No, no. You are stuck here in your mind. I am here to help you." He said laying a hand on my shoulder.

"But how? Your... I never knew you. How are you in my mind Zane and Carlos have been the only?" I said totally confused.

"Well one thing you should realize and I don't think the others know, that through a link you become one like one individual. So any bonds one makes filter to the others. So in essence, you and I are bonded in absentia." He said.

"Oh." Was all I could say.

"You are in your ship. Zane and Andros are worried sick. But you are okay. They just need you to wake up." He said. "You are important to them. More so than you know."

The world changed and a view of the sickbay formed. I could see TJ standing beside the bed that Zane was sitting in. They were talking quietly. Andros was asleep in a chair. And I was still on the bed. It was strange looking at myself. I turned and kneeled beside Andros. I tried to move a lock of hair but my hand went through him. I looked up at Zane and smiled. I thought how wonderful they were. How handsome and kind.

"They are, aren't they. You know they were really different people back then. But people change and that is the way of things." He said. "I am happy that they met you."

"Thanks. I know from what Zane told me of your relationship, they loved you too. I have never felt the attachment and love and the pain. I now understand what t'hyla means. I wished I had met you back then. We would have gotten along well." I said.

"I know we would. But I must go and so do you. Take care of them." He said seemingly sad.

"I will always." I said simply.

"And that I love them. T'hyla an'ra Rife an'ran Nir." He said fizzling out.

I could not understand what he said. But I knew one word, t'hyla. I noticed the façade of my surroundings warp and melt away. Lights shown over head and sounds of low voices filtered in. The cool air flowed over my naked arm. The voices got louder and the lights brighter. I was once again in my body.

===

Oh did my body hurt. I blinked my eyes to clear them and I saw three faces. Zane and Andros were smiling broadly. TJ there was a smile on his face but a strange look in his eye. I could not believe I was finally home. I figured the last thing I would see was the rock walls of the caves. But I am home with the loves of my life. Tobias was right. I know this is where I belong.

"Hey, Los. Finally your awake. How do you feel?" Andros said leaning down to kiss me on the cheek.

"You had us worried. You really gave me a scare back in the cave." Zane said with an uncomfortable twitch in his eye.

"I feel okay -- not a hundred percent yet but better." I said turning my head to look at Zane. "I told you everything would be okay. But no you don't listen to me." I said with a big grin.

"Yep, he's fine. Back to his ever lovable self." Zane said patting me on the cheek.

Andros had hold of my hand. "So what have I missed? Is everybody okay?"

"Yes everybody is fine. Finally Andros can settle down. You know he is a taskmaster when he is upset." TJ said playfully slapping at Andros.

"From what I have learned he wasn't always a giving the orders. And had a thing for belts." I mentioned unable to resist the temptation to tease him.

TJ looked at me funny. Andros looked at Zane and Zane shrugged in mock innocence. Andros was blushing a bright red. He glared at Zane and at me. I grinned back and laughed slightly. That hurt a bit. I coughed and the mood changed slightly.

"Guys I am fine." I said.

Andros seemingly satisfied with that turned to look a Zane. "You told him about our first apartment -- the floor and the belt."

This time Zane blushed. "Oh don't leave out the conquering." I said laying it on thick.

Finally Andros just slapped Zane on the shoulder. "What else did you tell him?"

Zane shrugged. "He asked about how we met and about ... Tobias."

I was expecting Andros to get that ghostly look but he didn't. He had a serenity about him. In fact he smiled. The darkness, the cloud that hung over him had dissipated. I wondered how that happened. Even Zane looked less troubled. He looked at Andros and cocked his head. And Zane just broke into a smile and they began to laugh. I was wondering if I have really woke up or was still dreaming.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Oh nothing. It's a long story. But everything is okay now." Zane said.

A flash went through my mind. A scene where Zane, Andros and Tobias stood around each other and just grinned at each other. And it wasn't anywhere in particular. They were in the netherworld. It seemed that he visited them too. Why not? I thought. He visited me.

"Tobias visited you two. Didn't he?" I asked raising up a bit. TJ helped me sit up.

TJ looked at me then everybody else. "What is up? Have y'all lost your minds?"

"No we haven't. Carlos if it wasn't for Tobias. I would never have found you and Zane." Andros said.

"Yes, and he helped realize how he was able to be here and why the three of us have a stronger bond than we had with Tobias. In a way your are a bridge an amplifier. You readily accepted us. Tobias was raised differently." Zane stopped a second to look at Andros' confused face. "When we lost Tobias, we were lost. Our bond did not have an anchor. Well when we met and bonded with Carlos we not only had an anchor but we were able to appreciate his presence and love more. We don't take it for granted. He healed us and made us whole. Made us essentially one person so to speak."

"Ah, I see what you mean." Andros said. "When Tobias showed up. It allowed me to rid myself of the guilt. I was able to tell him everything I had wanted to before he died."

"The same here." Zane said.

"Well would it surprised you to find out he visited me to." I said watching their expressions.

Surprise registered and confusion played with TJ's. "Yeah he showed up right before I woke up. Saying he was here to help me. That I was the best thing to happen to your and that he would had like to get to know me"

"I find that strange." Zane said.

"Yeah you never bonded with him so how." Andros said.

"Au contraire, I did in a way." I said.

"What, how?" They both asked

"When I bonded with you and Zane." I said looking at Andros. "There was still portion of your bond with him left. So when I bonded I sort got linked with him, sort of. He tried to explain it." I explained.

"Wow! It seems today is a day for the strange." Zane said.

"Well we need to let him rest so he can get well." Andros said.

"Yeah right." TJ said. "I will tell the girls that you are awake. They are already going to have my hide for not telling them as soon as you woke." He caressed my cheek before he left.

"I am going to take Zane and put him to bed. I will be back later. Lay down and do not let me see you up okay." Andros commanded.

"Yes, Daddy." I said lying down again.

They started to leave when I turned over to them. "Hey one more thing. Tobias said for me to tell you he will always love you and ..." I paused trying to remember what he said. "I don't understand so here it goes. T'hyla an'ra Rife an'ran Nir."

Their faces went ashen. I thought they were going to faint. "What?" I asked.

"You--you sounded just like him -- it was eerie. Right Andros." Zane stated. He waited for Andros to speak and when he didn't. "Andros."

"Uh... yeah right. Sounded just like him." Andros stuttered.

"What did it mean?" I asked.

"Well, it does not translate easily." Zane said.

"It's nearest equivalent is the human saying. `It is better to have loved and lost than not loved at all.'" Andros explained.

I got out of sickbay a couple of days later and a week later went back on duty. Zane and Andros were forever changed by the experiences of the last few days. Andros was not as moody or aloof. He even started to joke around and have fun. Zane was still Zane, but he was not as risky anymore. I made sure they were okay. And nothing happened to them. Our relationship grew by leaps and bounds. We would be together always.