This story takes the place of the Dino Thunder Episode "Fighting Spirit." It's just another way I thought the story could have gone. I don't own Power Rangers or anything associated with it.
"Hayley, can I see you for a moment?"
"Sure," Hayley said tiredly, "Hang tight guys."
Hayley moved to follow Dr. Walsh out of the hospital room. His expression was grim. "I want the truth Doctor," she said softly, "Those kids in there need to know."
"The truth is, I think you'd better start finding friends and relatives," the doctor said gently.
There was a catch in Hayley's breath but her expression didn't change. "How long?"
"I couldn't say. A week, maybe two. He's not coming out of this coma Hayley. You're going to need to prepare those kids for that."
Hayley nodded. Dr. Walsh squeezed her shoulder compassionately and walked off.
Hayley took a deep breath and forced herself to open the door to Tommy's hospital room. She stopped when she heard voices.
"Dr. O, we know we're not always everything we should be. And we're really sorry," Kira said.
"Yeah," now Ethan, "we'll try harder Dr. O, we promise. There's no excuse for us not to be the best."
"You just get better Dr. O. The world needs you, and the truth is, we can't do it alone," Conner finished.
Hayley fought back tears. She couldn't do it. Couldn't break their hearts. Not yet, later, another time. "Guys?" she finally opened the door fully. "We gotta go. There's something we have to do."
"The guys leaves dino gems and a diary of the entire history of every power ranger in the universe in plain sight, but his emergency kit is hidden," Conner grumbled.
"Stop it Conner. This is important," Kira admonished, straightening up from where she had been searching under the waste basket. " Did he give you anymore to go on Hayley?"
"No," Hayley sighed. "All he said was 'if something happens to me, there's a box in the cave, for emergencies only.'"
"Oh I give up!" Conner groaned.
"You can't give up Conner, this is really important!" Kira said angrily.
"I got it!" Ethan yelled.
"Ethan! Where'd you find it?" Hayley asked excitedly.
"There's a removable panel under the computer desk. It was in the floor." He held up a dusty metal box.
"Oh, Ethan, thank you so much," Hayley sighed, taking it from him. "I have to go make some phone calls guys. I'll be back later."
Hayley made her way to Tommy's kitchen before opening the box. Inside she found letter addressed to her and each of the kids. Believing hers to be instructions she opened it.
Dear Hayley,
If you're reading this it's because I'm dead or in deep trouble. Thank you for taking care of things. In this box you will find my will as well as people to contac and letters for the kids. Everything is in order. The house and "basement" are yours. If you want to sell them feel free but make sure you take care of the stuff first.
I know this is hard for you to read Hayley. I could go on for pages about you. You've been a great friend. It's been a really long time since I've had someone to confide in. Take care of the kids for me. Don't let them give up because I'm gone. They have to keep fighting, for everyone. Goodbye Hayley."
Tommy
Hayley wiped away her tears and forced herself to set the letter aside to continue going through the box. No use being morbid before she needed to be. At last she found Tommy's emergency contacts. There were only two numbers on it, along with two names Hayley knew all too well. She picked up the phone and wished for the billionth time that this wasn't her responsibility.