Andros and Zhane looked around them, confusion on their faces. The other rangers had dragged them down to the city on the pretext of shopping for something called Christmas present. So, the two Kerovan's had given in with good grace and followed their fellow rangers down. To be honest, they could both use a break from the constant battles and strain their mission had been lately. So, confused but willing to learn what they could about their friends, they had tagged along. The other two male rangers had groaned and acted like the world was coming to an end with the shopping trip but they had quickly gotten into the spirit of the day and soon all four rangers from Earth were laden down with bags and packages of all types. So, at the moment, they were seated at one of the numerous outdoor eateries in the shopping district, surrounded by heaps of people, garlands of bright coloured decorations hanging from everywhere, trees hanging with decorations lining pathways and smiling, happy people everywhere. It was no wonder that the two Kerovan's were confused.

They were sitting off to one side, listening as the four Earth rangers discussed their plans for the upcoming holiday with glee. Cassie and Ashley were spending it with her family, from the sounds of it a day of feasting and lots of presents was the plan. TJ was going to his older brother's house to spend it with his numerous nieces, nephews and large family. Carlos' extended family were going to his grandparents house in Stone Canyon, from the sounds of it there was going to be a small army there. Zhane looked over at Andros, his expression wry and his tone dry in Andros's mind.

So, which one of us is going to bite the bullet so to speak to ask these guys what all the fuss is about? Andros gave him a tiny grin, his eyes sparkling with very rarely seen mirth.

I think you should, it won't sound so bad then. They'll expect you to ask that type of question. Zhane's blue eyes widened and sparkled with mischief.

Nice to know you think so highly of me. Andros put an image of himself poking his tongue out at Zhane in Zhane's mind and Zhane retaliated with an image of him smacking Andros upside the head. The two friends exchanged warm grins at their moment of childish behaviour and then Zhane shook his head.

The things I do for you. Andros just grinned and then schooled his expression as Ashley came and sat next to them.

Showtime.

"Hey Ashley." The yellow ranger beamed at the two friends. They had been quiet and followed along behind the others as they went on their shopping spree this morning. Ashley felt suddenly a little guilty but pushed it aside, at least they had succeeded in getting them off the ship. The two of them were being really good sports about the whole shopping trip and she smiled warmly at them both.

"Hey guys. So, having fun?" The two of them exchanged glances and then both smiled at her.

"Yeah, but neither Andros nor I understand what this whole thing is about." Zhane gestured to the surrounding decorations, trees and the carols wafting softly across the open cafe. They both looked at her expectantly and she grinned at them both.

"Okay, um, this is going to be difficult."

"What is Ash?" Carlos sat down next to Zhane and grinned at them all. Ashley gestured to the red and silver rangers.

"Explaining Christmas to these two." Carlos grinned.

"Oh yeah, that is going to be difficult." Ashley stuck her tongue at him and they all laughed.

"Oh you. Christmas is a celebration held every year on December 25th to celebrate the birth of Christ, a religious figure. But you don't have to be religious to celebrate it. Basically it's a time to be with your family and friends, and be thankful for what you have. You give each other gifts to show how much you care and love each other. Usually only something small in my family, we prefer to give something that means something to the person receiving the gift." Carlos smiled and leaned on the table.

"With my family, we have a huge party, almost like a fiesta. Each person gets a small gift but throughout the day we have piñatas and games and all sorts of things, so everyone goes home with a few presents, stuffed with food and having a great time." Ashley smiled at them both.

"Each family and each culture is different. But the main thing is that you spend the day with your family and the ones you love. The gift giving is a part of the tradition, but not necessary." The two rangers looked at each other and then Andros spoke softly.

"We don't have anything like that on KO35." Zhane nodded.

"We do have one day though where we celebrate the founding of the colony. Everyone gets together and we have this huge feast and games and laser shows. But nothing as," Zhane hunted for the right word and finally found it. "Elaborate as this." Ashley smiled and put her hand on Andros' arms.

"We don't expect either of you to try and adjust to our customs. I just hope that neither of you feel left out by all this." They both gave her a warm smile and shook their heads.

"No we don't. Thank you for explaining it to us." Ashley smiled brightly at Andros's words and gave him a quick hug. Letting him go she smiled and bounced to her feet.

"Great. Come on then! There's more to do." With that, she dragged them all to their feet and off they went again. Zhane fell into step next to Andros as the two of them brought up the rear.

So, what are you going to get her? It'll have to be good to beat that necklace you gave her for her birthday.

I don't know what to get her. But you're right, it'll have to be something special. Do you think perhaps a crystal from the Frozen Mountains back home? Zhane nodded and clapped Andros on the back.

Sounds perfect, she'll love it. Want me to come with you?

Yeah. It'd be nice to go home for a quick trip and have you with me. Think we could sneak away now? Zhane laughed softly.

I reckon we could. Want me to tell them? Andros nodded and Zhane grinned.

"Hey guys, Andros and I have some things to do. We'll catch you back on the ship tonight."

"Not more work I hope." Cassie turned and frowned at them, but her eyes were warm.

"No. Just some stuff we have to do. We'll be back later okay?"

"Okay. Be careful." Zhane grinned at Ashley.

"Hey, it's us."

"Exactly." They all laughed as Andros and Zhane gave them a wave and walked away, heading for a secluded spot so they could teleport back to the ship.

Three hours later found them going down into the atmosphere of KO35 on their gliders, entering it with practiced ease.

It's been a long time between visits for you hasn't it Zhane?

Last time I saw home was that last battle we were in. It hasn't changed much. They went down towards the capital city, flying over the buildings and parks, heading towards the mountains in the distance. Zhane's silver clad figure looked down and around. It's so quiet, so empty.

Why do you think I don't come back here often. I've only been back here twice since we left. Zhane nodded and fell silent, but Andros could feel his churning emotions through their link.

Are you okay? It was a long time before Zhane replied.

I will be Andros. It's just.. the memories are kind of strong, seeing the place again. Of that day I mean.

I'm sorry Zhane; I didn't mean to bring up bad memories. Andros looked over at his friend and found that Zhane was looking at him.

It's okay Andros. I had to deal with this sometime. Andros nodded and they made their way deep into the mountains. The area they were after was deep in the mountains. There was a cave, discovered back when they first colonised KO35 a few hundred years ago, that housed a unique form of crystal. The crystal gave off a soft glow and was warm to the touch. They had found that when held against the skin it produced a soft hum that was soothing to the soul. They jumped off their gliders at the entrance to the cave and walked in, shining a torch along their path.

"I'm glad that this is all intact. I'd hate to think of those monsters and things in such a beautiful place." Zhane nodded.

"I know. It is always peaceful when we come here."

"Yes I know. Here it is. I think this would be perfect for Ashley, don't you?" They had reached some out cropping of crystal that were glowing a soft golden yellow. Zhane grinned beneath his helmet.

"I think it would be perfect." Andros nodded and knelt down to gather some crystal up.

The next day found Zhane wandering around the shops, absently looking around for something, but he couldn't put his finger on what. Suddenly he was tapped on the shoulder and he ducked down, spinning around, fist raised before his brain caught up and realised it was Carlos standing behind him. Carlos had taken a step back and gave him a rueful smile.

"Guess that teaches me to sneak up on you. Sorry about that." Zhane dropped his fist and gave Carlos a sheepish smile.

"Sorry about that Carlos, force of habit." Carlos smiled and shrugged, falling into step beside him.

"Not a problem. So, doing some shopping?" Zhane shrugged as they walked past various shops.

"No, not really. I was thinking about this whole Christmas thing, about how you and Ashley said it was for spending it with family. Well, Andros is the only family I have ever had, so I want to get him something. But there's nothing here that really says him. Or that says that it's from me. And it has to be something special." Carlos looked at Zhane a moment, stunned by the serious sounding words from the not so serious ranger. Zhane noticed the look and a tiny smile appeared on his face.

"What? I do have a serious side Carlos. It does come out occasionally." Carlos laughed and shook his head.

"Sorry, it's just that you took me by surprise. So, something for Andros that's from you and is him, and you. Tall order my friend." Carlos tilted his head to one side a moment, studying Zhane and then smiled.

"Have you thought about getting something made? Or making something yourself?" Carlos shrugged. "You know Andros better than anyone; you know what he likes and what he doesn't, so make him something." Zhane thought a few moments, mulling over Carlos' words and then suddenly smiled the more familiar cheeky grin they were used to seeing on Zhane's face.

"And I know just the thing to make. Thank you Carlos. If anyone asks, I'll be around if I'm needed. Thanks!" And with that, Zhane took off at a run, leaving a bemused black ranger behind him. Shaking his head, Carlos headed towards the shop he had come down to visit.

"I'm never going to understand him." Laughing softly, he put the encounter with Zhane out of his mind for the moment.

Zhane was hunched over the workbench later that night; dim lighting throwing his face into shadows and bouncing off his almost white hair. His hands were steady as they worked, not a tremble to be seen as he worked. A small smile was on his face and his blue eyes sparkled with joy as he worked. He had come up with the perfect gift for Andros. He had been working for a few hours, ever since he had returned from another visit to KO35 that he had taken in secret. His jacket was thrown over the back of the chair, his sleeves were pushed up and an empty plate sat over by one side.

"Zhane, you have been at this for hours, what are you working on?" Zhane grinned but kept working.

"It's a Christmas present for Andros." DECA stayed silent a moment and then her camera swivelled to watch him work.

"Ah, I have heard the other rangers talk about this holiday. I have done some research on this holiday. It is a time for spending with one's family." Zhane nodded.

"Exactly. That's why we're going to be spending it with you here, but I wanted to give Andros something special. I've been away from him for such a long time DECA." Zhane's tone turned soft. "Even though it was as if no time had passed for me, it was over two years for him. And just in case..." Zhane didn't finish his sentence and after a moment DECA finished it for him.

"Just in case something happens to you again, is that what you mean Zhane?"

"Yes. But I don't plan on anything happening." Zhane could have sworn he heard a laugh in DECA's voice.

"But this is you we are talking about Zhane, anything can happen. And usually does." Zhane just chuckled and fell silent, concentrating on his work.

Andros woke slowly, the insistent knocking on his door waking him eventually. Groggily he opened his eyes and pushed himself up slowly. He could feel Zhane in his mind, gently pushing him to wake up.

"Lights, gently please. And open the door DECA, before he pounds it down." The lights came up slowly and the door opened. Zhane came walking in, a tray in his hands and a smile on his face. Andros looked at his friend and an inadvertent smile appeared on his face. Zhane was up to something, he could tell straight away, but today he didn't mind. The other rangers were all leaving this morning to spend Christmas with their families, leaving the two of them alone. All four of the other rangers had asked the two of them to come with them, but they both had separately and together declined, deciding that they would rather spend the time together in the spirit of the holiday. Andros blinked a few times and then smiled at his friend.

"Zhane, dare I ask what you are up to?" Zhane grinned at his friend as he brought the tray over to Andros's bed and sat down, sitting the tray between them.

"I thought since we've been working so hard lately we deserved a little bit of a break. So, I thought a quiet breakfast and then after the guys have gone, we'll go and have a bit of a break ourselves." Andros gave a short laugh and scooted over on the bed, giving Zhane more room. They had often did this, back before Zhane's accident, and Andros suddenly found he had missed it. The food smelt lovely and Andros found his mouth watering. He looked up from the tray to find Zhane watching him a moment.

"What?" Zhane looked at him and then smiled gently, reaching into his pocket.

"Um, well, I was thinking about what Ashley and Carlos said."

"About what?"

"About this whole Christmas thing they celebrate with their family and friends." Andros titled his head to one side, wondering where Zhane was going with this.

"Yes. And so?" Zhane swallowed and gave Andros a warm smile as he took a small box out of his pocket and held it out to Andros.

"Well, they said that you spend it with your family and exchange gifts to show how much you care. Well, you're the only family I've ever had or ever needed. And I wanted to give you something, just to say how much that I care about you. You're my best friend and we'll fight as a team forever. I just wanted to give you something." Andros was stunned into silence. He stared into Zhane's eyes and saw friendship and love in them. Andros was reminded once again how lucky he was to have Zhane as his best friend. Swallowing hard he took the box and gently opened it.

Inside was a plain silver bracelet linked by a thick silver chain. With gentle reverence he picked it up, looking at it with awe. He studied it closely and then smiled as he saw what was on it. Engraved on the front of it in ancient Kerovan were the words Friends Forever. He looked up and smiled at Zhane.

"Turn it over." Andros did so and on the back of the bracelet there were more words inscribed. He softly spoke them allowed.

"A & Z. We'll fight as a team, Forever." Andros felt a lump in his throat and he looked up at Zhane. Zhane swallowed and gave Andros a small smile.

"I made one for myself as well. That way, no matter where we are, no matter what happens, we'll have something to remind each of us of the other." Andros stood up, pulling Zhane to his feet and embracing him fiercely.

"As if I would ever forget you Zhane. You're my best friend and we'll always fight together. Always." Zhane hugged Andros just as hard and smiled warmly.

"And you're mine Andros. Nothing will ever change that." The two friends stood there, embracing each other, reaffirming their strong friendship with a new tradition that they embraced with glee. They let each other go and with almost identical grins, placed the bracelets around their wrists and then suddenly burst out laughing, with the sheer joy of being alive.