Hey Guys! Here's part 2 of 6 for this little series, it took way longer than I expected to get this done life's been hectic, it still is but I'm glad I managed to find time to finish this part. Hope you enjoy it I'd love to hear your thoughts so feel free to drop a comment! I'm actually really proud of this but if there's any mistakes or a way you think I could improve my writing feel free to let me know, it'll help me improve after all. XD

Night had finally fallen for the occupants of the Orion, many of the Kyurangers had let sleep claim their exhausted minds. However, the peaceful respite of sleep eluded Hammie as she tossed and turned restlessly in her bed not for the first time that night. Several thoughts kept swimming around in her head as she digested the events of the previous day. The fight against Jark Matter was becoming more and more intense and with each passing day the stakes grew larger. Losing was not an option. It worried Hammie, she wouldn't be able to live with the guilt of a planet's destruction because they, the universe's saviours weren't able to stop it.

So, with a disgruntled sigh and her still troubled thoughts Hammie threw her duvet off and sat up out of bed. It was clear that she wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon but she could at least make sure the others were getting the rest they deserved and perhaps a warm drink would aid in her own search for rest. Slipping on her green slippers Hammie shuffled towards her door and stepped out into the dimly lit hallway pausing briefly to listen to the soft hum as the door slid shut behind her before marching onward.

She peeked into Raptor's room first, relieved to find the pink android sound asleep mumbling about romance and was that Spada's name she'd just heard? Filing that particular information away to use as ammunition to tease the easily flustered yellow at a later date Hammie exited the Pink Kyurangers quarters smiling softly as she did so.

Champ was next and Hammie was delighted to see that he was at ease in his sleep as opposed to his normal fitful slumber. The bull-like android hardly ever got the shut down time he needed claiming his maker built him in such a way that if needed he could go on for weeks without needed to relax. Hammie was a strong disbeliever of this and knew he needed at least some period of rest. It comforted her that Champ seemed to be forced to rest more often now due to their more exhausting battles, it was a small mercy.

She stepped into Spada's room next laughing quietly to herself when she took notice of the sheets upon sheets of recipe ideas and meal plans that were strewn haphazardly around the room. Hammie edged closer to his bedside taking care to not tread on the pieces of paper and damage them. Upon closer inspection of Spada's prone form Hammie deduced that he too was sleeping harmoniously a dopey grin taking over his normally smooth expression. Satisfied Hammie moved onto the next room but not before she spotted a small doodle of her fellow female teammate on one of his pages, allowing a mischievous smirk to grace her features for a short moment. Oh, the fun she was going to have when the right moment presented itself, Hammie couldn't wait.

The next room contained Lucky and Garu who had insisted they share a room together and Hammie had to immediately cover her nose at the putrid smell the room held. Honestly the place was a state, she couldn't even see their floor for all the clothes and other items that had been left lying around. Hammie didn't want to even begin to acknowledge the questionable green thing that seemed to be growing amidst the mess. Although she was amused to find Lucky sprawled out in his bed with one his legs hanging off the side, even when sleeping his face still formed a stupidly happy smile. Meanwhile Garu was curled up in a tight ball upon his bed clutching his pillow tightly his muzzle snuggled into the soft material and it took all of Hammie's willpower to not coo at the sight of the normally abrasive warrior sleeping like a house pet.

She checked in on Naga and Balance next unsurprised to find that Naga slept so still he was like a rigid board stiff and unmoving with a blank expression, she watched him for a few moments searching for even a twitch that would signal a troubled sleep but thankfully found none and turned her attention to Balance. The gold android slept in the most peculiar position Hammie had ever seen opting to rest with his head and arms dangling over the bed. Thankfully he too seemed to be unburdened by nightmares and instead was happily muttering about treasure and Naga and more treasure, with a bemused smile Hammie moved on.

She didn't even need to stick her head into the commander's room, Hammie could hear his gentle snoring by the time she reached the threshold. The sound alone indicated that he was sleeping well enough so Hammie slipped on by to the first of the final two rooms.

Kotaro's room was in slight disarray, his clothes were strewn about clumsily but unlike Garu and Lucky's room it was not major health hazard. The young boy was tucked in his bed clutching tightly to a small plush of what appeared to be a worn white bear with a slightly torn left ear. Kotaro wore a peaceful expression on his face, with a small smile adorned on his face. The sight made Hammie's heart clench it served to remind her just how young Kotaro was. It made her almost wish he hadn't become a kyuranger, he was too young to endure the risk that accompanied standing up to Jark Matter. Hammie was grateful at least that so far, he hadn't been subjected to nightmares as often as the rest of them but she worried it wouldn't last the longer their rebellion dragged on. Kotaro would return to earth a different boy 'if he comes back at all' she thought darkly. Shaking her head lightly to dispel her more cynical thoughts Hammie shuffled quietly over and placed a tender kiss on Kotaro's forehead before ghosting out of the room.

Arriving at the final door filled Hammie with apprehension, Stinger was very particular about his privacy and she didn't want to violate it too much if at all. The orange kyuranger wouldn't take too kindly to an intrusion and it may destroy the trust he had been slowly building up in his teammates. Resolving to only check up on him briefly Hammie stepped forward just enough to trigger the door's opening mechanism and zeroed in on Stingers form. Her heart seized at the sight, Stinger was thrashing desperately in his sleep and even from a distance Hammie could see the sheen of sweat coating his face. Without a second thought Hammie raced into the room directly up to Stinger's bedside previous worries of angering him completely forgotten. As she neared him, Hammie heard Stinger's desperate soft cries between his shallow laboured breaths.

"Aniki why? Why! Don't do this. Aniki!"

"Stinger." She whispered harshly leaning down and shaking his shoulder lightly. "Stinger wake up." That turned out to be a mistake, before Hammie could blink she felt the sharp point of Stinger's tail pressed against her neck as his eyes shot open glazed slightly a panicked expression taking over his normally stoic features as his hand snatched her wrist squeezing painfully.

"Stinger, it's Hammie. You're hurting me." She gasped in a strangled tone. Instantly the pressure on her neck disappeared and the grip on her wrist loosened exponentially as coffee-coloured eyes snapped back into focus in surprise locking onto Hammie's own.

"What are you doing in here?" He asked roughly, his eyes narrowing and brow furrowing as he sat up in his bed scowling fiercely.

"You were having a nightmare and I-." Hammie began.

"That was none of your business." Stinger growled harshly cutting her off. Hammie dropped her gaze to the floor at her in an attempt to hide her hurt expression pulled her wrist out of Stinger's light grasp.

"I was only trying to help you; nightmares aren't something you should go through alone." She murmured dejectedly. Stinger still angry scoffed disbelievingly.

"And what would you know about nightmares." This caused Hammie to lift her head in frustration glaring at Stinger heatedly.

"You're not the only one on this ship who's suffered you know. We've all been through our own versions of hell and sure maybe you think you've been through worse but that doesn't take away from our pain and our trauma." She told him scathingly. Stinger's expression changed at her words morphing into one of regret hanging his head as he leant back as if burned by her words but remained silent. Hammie observed him for a few moments taking in his tense shoulders and slightly trembling hands before sighing softly and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"I know it seems hard but you should talk to us we're your teammates. We may not be able to prevent the nightmares happening but we can at least be there for you when they do happen. If you keep bottling up your feelings it will only make things worse." She admonished. Stinger looked up at her then, his eyes were apologetic and filled with shame.

"I'm sorry." He breathed his eyes flickering down to her purpling wrist remorsefully. Following his gaze Hammie flexed her hand trying her hardest not to flinch at the slight pain that shot up her wrist smiling widely to hide her grimace.

"All good see." She assured him. "Just take into account what I said." Stinger snorted in disbelief and took her wrist between his hands and massaged it gently.

"I will." He promised continuing his ministrations on Hammie's wrist as she stared owlishly at his actions. A few moments later Stinger spoke up once more.

"It was about my brother." He admitted softly and continued speaking. "I know I should hate him for what he did, what he's done. To my planet, to champ, you and the others but-." Stinger faltered choking slightly.

"But he was your brother and you loved him like any brother would." Hammie finished for him gently. "In the end he saved you, he saved all of us and while I can't say that makes up for what he did at least you know he still loved you and wanted to protect you."

"I got him back only to lose him again." Stinger whispered voice laced with pain. Hammie found herself at a loss for words, she hadn't expected him to open up to her. She was touched and a warm feeling pooled in her stomach that Stinger had spoken to her but the raw pain he revealed to her in his last statement left Hammie unsure of how to comfort him. Without thinking she knelt to the ground and wrapped her arms around his waist burying her face in his chest hugging him tightly.

Stinger sat frozen in shock overcome by a sense of comfort he had not felt in years. His gaze flitted down to Hammie staring at her in wonder and slowly, hesitantly wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Neither spoke a word as they stayed there holding each other, Stinger drawing some much-needed support from Hammie's embrace. Eventually he pulled away after feeling Hammie yawn.

"You should go get some sleep." He told her. Hammie blinked at him blearily.

"You'll be okay if I leave." She asked voice tinged with worry. Stinger nodded.

"I'll be just fine." Sensing her reluctance, he added. "I know where to find you if I'm not." Satisfied with his answer Hammie stood up and made her way to the door.

"Goodnight Stinger, sleep well." She called.

"You too Hammie."

For the rest of the night Stinger slept soundly, untroubled by nightmares for the first time in what felt like an age. Similarly, upon returning to her room sleep claimed Hammie quickly and she fell asleep with a serene smile gracing her features, contented by the fact she'd been able to ease Stinger's burden if only a little bit.

The following morning when Champ commented on how glad he was that Stinger looked more well rested than he'd ever seen, the orange kyuranger stole a brief glance at Hammie and replied.

"I'm glad too partner."

None of the Kyurangers were prepared for the Magistrate they were currently facing. She called herself Akumu and she had the ability to trap people in their most painful memories if hit by the devastating swing of her scythe. The worst part was the fact that her victims were not afforded the mercy of being somewhat unconscious. Instead they were all very much awake clutching their heads in agony screaming desperately, begging and pleading to be set free. Not even the Aries kyutama could ease their pain and put them to sleep. It was sickening and horrifying to watch. Lucky, Naga, Balance, Hammie and Champ were desperately trying to defeat Akumu but to no avail. They were hard pressed as it was trying to avoid the relentless onslaught of her scythe to even think about getting close enough to land a hit. This allowed for Akumu to assault them with a barrage of dark energy blasts mercilessly weakening them considerably.

"Foolish Kyurangers!" Akumu cackled cruelly. "You can't do a thing to save them." Spreading her arms out wide in glee.

"That's what you think! We will save them!" Lucky declared hotly rushing forward enraged only to be beaten back by a blast of energy Akumu fired at him.

"Lucky!" The others cried, rushing over to him and standing in front of him protectively weapons raised defensively.

"I'm alright." He coughed slowly getting to his feet. "We need to stop her before she can hurt anyone else." The others nodded determinedly.

"We need to find a way to get close to her, she's untouchable" Hammie muttered angrily clenching her fists.

"I think I have a plan for that." Balance exclaimed after a short moment of silence. "Lucky, Naga, Champ and I will keep trying to attack Akumu. While she's preoccupied Hammie can sneak up on her while camouflaged and grab her scythe." He continued excitedly. "She'll never see you coming!"

"Talk about lucky, that's a brilliant plan Balance!" Lucky cheered pumping his fist in the air. Champ bellowed in agreement and turned to Hammie.

"Be careful Hammie, the others will be here soon to help and then we can finish this wench once and for all." He implored. Hammie nodded.

"I will be Champ, she won't even feel me coming." She reassured him confidently disappearing as the others prepared to charge. Akumu who appeared none the wiser to their scheme laughed manically readying her scythe and energy blasts.

"This again you Kyurangers never learn do you. You haven't a chance at beating me."

"That's what you think." Naga intoned as he gracefully dodged Akumu's blasts and fired one of his own only to jump back suddenly in order to avoid her scythe's jagged edge, doing so by mere inches. The battle raged on like this for some time with any of the Kyurangers attacks missing due to their need to dodge Akumu's attacks and as a result failing to create an opening for Hammie. Over time the four Kyurangers grew weary giving Akumu a chance bombard them all with a devasting blast of energy that sent Lucky, Balance, Naga and Champ crashing to the ground leaving them groaning in pain.

"Now the four of you will suffer endlessly in your own worst nightmares." Akumu shouted gleefully while brandishing her scythe for the next attack and walked threateningly towards them.

"Not today Jark Matter!" Shouted Spada jumping deftly in front of the fallen Kyurangers alongside Stinger, Raptor, Garu and Kotaro all of which fired they're weapons at Akumu managing to force her back a few paces.

"Are you guys alright?" Raptor asked anxiously as she helped Naga to his feet.

"We're all fine." Lucky bit out as he too rose to his feet once more. Stinger surveyed the four of them.

"Where's Hammie?" He inquired an underlying tone of apprehension in his voice.

Meanwhile, Hammie who had been crouched nearby saw this as her opening and lunged toward Akumu silently and made a grab for Magistrate's scythe. Akumu who was still recovering from the hits she'd taken was powerless to stop her as Hammie appeared before her and wrenched the scythe from her hands.

"Balance I've got it!" She declared triumphantly as she ran towards them. Her cry brought the others to attention and they began preparing All Star Crash when Akumu once again began to cackle hysterically and glared at Hammie effectively causing the Kyurangers to freeze.

"Foolish girl did you really think it'd be that easy." She taunted. "My scythe can still bring forth your deepest darkest nightmare." It was Stinger caught on the quickest.

"Hammie drop the scythe!" He shouted in warning but it was too late. A wave of black energy coursed from the scythe and into Hammie making her drop it and clutch her head in anguish while screaming in pain.

"Hammie!" They all cried out desperately sprinting towards her. Garu reached her first and grabbed her prone form and shook it as the others surrounded them.

"Hammie can you hear me! Hammie!" She gave no response. Champ snarled in outrage.

"Partner let's go!" Not needing further prompting Stinger charged forward angrily spear poised with Champ alongside him both aiming for Akumu. Akumu herself just let loose another wicked laugh raising her hand call her scythe towards her.

"As entertaining as this has become, I'll take my leave now." She said smirking deviously and catching the scythe deftly in her outstretched hand "Until next time Kyurangers. Enjoy watching your teammate suffer." Disappearing just as Stinger and Champ reached her. Stinger swung his spear down in fury allowing for the metal blade to crack the earth beneath him.

Demorphing Stinger whirled around and strode back to others who were still crowded around Hammie. The green kyuranger had sank to her knees still clutching her head and was calling out in fear with tears streaming down her face from wide unfocused eyes.

"No, no, no. Please no."

"Lucky, what are we going to do?" Kotaro asked worriedly looking up at his leader mournfully.

"We'll save her that's what we'll do." He stated confidently his mouth set in a determined line placing a hand on Kotaro's shoulder in comfort.

"In order to do that we need to find Akumu." Spada reminded him not unkindly.

"We will." Lucky affirmed. "Raptor, Balance, Stinger, take Hammie back to the Orion see if any of the kyutama's can wake her up. The rest of us are going to find Akumu." He commanded briskly. Stinger bristled in outrage tail lashing dangerously.

"Let me find her!" He demanded but Lucky shook his head.

"I want you to go back to the Orion, you'll be the one to try whatever solution Raptor and Balance come up with." Lucky told him his tone leaving no room for argument. Nodding in assent Stinger sighed and crouched down besides Hammie hooked an arm behind her knees and the other around her torso and picked her up gently. Nodding to Raptor and Balance the three of them called for their Voyagers and made their return to the Orion.

Upon their arrival Raptor and Balance made a beeline for the bridge already discussing possible solutions amongst themselves. Stinger trudged towards Hammie's room doing his best to quell the rage that was bubbling in the pit of his stomach which spiked with every whimper and plea that passed from Hammie's lips. They were going to save her. They had too. Reaching her room Stinger stepped inside and strode towards Hammie's bed placing her gently on top of her jade green duvet. He then sat down beside her prone form, using his thumb he gently stroked away the tears on her face and began to hum soothingly. Stinger wasn't sure if the humming was a feeble attempt to comfort Hammie or himself but he was going to keep doing it until she was freed.

For now, Stinger would remain by her bedside waiting for Raptor and Balance to call on him, powerless to do anything but watch her suffer and wait. What unsettled him the most were Hammie's eyes. Eye's that were usually swimming in laughter or glinting mischievously were now glazed over in terror and anguish. Stinger felt a surge of protectiveness passed through him at the sight of her pained expression and made a silent to resolve that he would do his utmost to prevent such a look from ever appearing on her face again. Stinger wasn't sure what it was about Hammie that invoked such fierce reactions from him, she was just different. She wasn't his partner like Champ or a younger sibling to him like Kotaro, he didn't know what she was to him, only that when Hammie was around his heart felt lighter and that whenever she was in danger his heart seemed to stop beating momentarily in fear.

"Stinger we've got a solution." Raptor's voice rang out from his Seiza Blaster startling Stinger out of his reverie.

"I'll be there soon." He replied shortly standing and gently picking Hammie up once more.

When he arrived at the bridge the first thing Stinger noticed was Balance fiddling with a kyutama. Setting Hammie carefully down in a chair, Stinger strode towards Balance.

"What's the plan?" He asked gruffly. Balance turned to him waving the kyutama around.

"Well I've modified the Karasu kyutama so that-." He began to explain gleefully but was cut off by a terror filled scream coming from Hammie. This caused Balance to sag slightly. "so that instead of trapping someone into a dimension we can send you into her nightmare and wake her up." He trailed off his tone lacking any of his previous joy.

"You'll have to be quick Stinger she's getting worse and the others still haven't found Akumu." Raptor added fretfully. "When you find Hammie, you have to convince that what she's seeing isn't real." Stinger nodded purposefully readying his Seiza Blaster and took the Karasu kyutama from Balance's outstretched hand equipping it.

Karasu kyutama, say the attack!

"Karasu kyutama!"

Stinger appeared moments later in a burning forest crawling with invaders as all around him people ran shrieking in terror.

"Yes! Yes! Burn it all!" A deep voice commanded. Stinger whirled around looking for the source, his eyes resting upon a large Magistrate that appeared to have crimson flames coursing through his rocky exterior. "Know that it was Hakaimono who conquered you wretched creatures and fear me!"

Stinger ignored the raging Magistrate and raced forward eyes darting around looking for any sign of Hammie knocking down invaders as he went.

"Hammie! Hammie where are you!" He called out, no response. However, a few moments later an anguish shout reached him in a voice that was unmistakably Hammie's.

"Master no! No, no, no!" Not wasting a moment Stinger sprinted in the direction of the cry and arrived at a horrific scene. Hakaimono was looming over a crumpled bloody figure cheering triumphantly with Hammie off to the side laying on the ground seemingly injured reaching out desperately tears cascading down her face.

"Your Master lies dead girl; he was a fool to stand up to me. A weak fool." He taunted. "You have the potential to be strong, I think I'll let you live so that I can defeat once you've reached that potential. Your face may be just as disbelieving as your precious Master's was then. It'll be a moment for me to look forward too" He crowed sickeningly kicking the limp figure at his feet one last time and walking away.

"Hammie!" Stinger called once more rushing towards her dropping to his knees once he reached her. Hammie looked at him with clouded eyes.

"Stinger! Stinger you have to leave before he-." She pleaded. Stinger seized her by the shoulders shaking her

"Hammie this isn't real, this isn't happening anymore! Akumu did this to you, you need to snap out of it."

"Stinger leave before he kills you too! I can't lose any more people I care about!" She sobbed appearing not to have heard a word Stinger had uttered. Stinger refused to give up and attempted to reason with her once more.

"Hammie this is in the past, you're aboard the Orion, everyone is fighting to save you. You are Chameleon Green, a kyuranger our teammate and our friend. You're not alone in this, talk to us talk to me." Seeing her eyes slowly begin to focus Stinger continued. "We are here for you. Weren't you the one to tell me that even though you couldn't prevent the nightmare you could at least be there when they do happen. Then let us be here for you but in order for to be able do that you need to realise that this is not real!" Hammie's eyes finally snapped fully back into focus her hazel eyes locking with Stinger's as a blinding flash consumed them.

When it faded Stinger and Hammie were back on the bridge of the Orion with Raptor leaning over them cautiously. Stinger sat up slowly as Hammie blinked blearily groaning slightly and wincing at Raptor's happy exclamation.

"Hammie, you're okay!" The pink android hugged Hammie tightly in relief startling the her slightly.

"I am too Raptor." She replied returning the embrace.

"Hammie it's so great to see you back." Balance chimed. Hammie smiled appreciatively before her eyes widened in panic.

"What about Akumu? Did the other's defeat her? How did Stinger show up?" She asked rapidly. It was Balance who answered her calmly.

"Lucky and other's almost have, they're fighting in Kyuren-Oh as we speak. As to how Stinger appeared, we modified the Karasu kyutama so that he could enter your dream."

"Guys, thank you." Hammie whispered softly although to Stinger she seemed rather subdued and not quite her usual self just yet.

"Go get some rest Hammie you need it." Raptor urged her. Hammie nodded and left the bridge to get some rest. Stinger waited only until Akumu had been defeated before excusing himself leaving the others to celebrate their victory and plan a surprise meal for Hammie. He strode down the hall stopping once he arrived outside of Hammie's door.

"Hammie?" He inquired voice uncharacteristically soft.

"Come in." She answered slightly muffled by the door. Stepping inside her room Stinger made his way towards her and crouched beside her bed.

"I meant what I said earlier talk to me who was that Magistrate." He asked. After a few beats of silence Hammie spoke up in a shaky voice.

"Hakaimono is the one who conquered my planet and killed my master. He could have- should have killed me too but he decided he wanted to do it at a later date. I think he just wanted to make me suffer. My Master would have lived if I hadn't tried to stop him after all. He died protecting me."

Stinger remained quiet digesting Hammie's words, once again feeling the need to protect her surging through him. Her words also made Stinger become acutely aware to the possibility that this Hakaimono was most likely still out there waiting to hurt her more.

"He won't come near you Hammie, I won't let him." He told her resolutely. "And if we ever do come across him, we'll deal with him together." Leaning over Stinger grabbed her hand and squeezed reassuringly in an attempt to comfort her. Hammie nodded a small smile gracing her lips.

"Together." She repeated. The two settled into a comfortable silence hands still clasped together an unexplainable warmth blooming in both their hearts. While Stinger didn't quite know what Hammie meant to him, he knew she had become irrevocably important to him, someone Stinger would do anything to keep safe.

Well thats that! Hope you all liked it, once again feel free to drop a comment I'd love to know your opinions and what I can do to make them better!

~Darkblaze15