A/N: Thanks everyone for the reviews. I'm pumped to see where this new story goes as much as you guys are! For those faithful fans of my past stories, you will see some familiar elements from my past story, including the next few chapter titles! Although I'm reusing some materials, I'm exploring it a lot further and taking elements from my older stories that I never finished and implying them as well. Hope you like!

Chapter 3
Far Behind

The sound of laughing echoed through the alleyway of blue bay harbor, waking up Dustin from his deep slumber. The young brunette fluttered his eyes opened, sitting up and pushing himself against the brick wall. His hair was dirty and his clothes were soaked and tatty. He felt like a complete mess and wasn't sure how long he was out. Pushing himself off the ground and using the brick wall as support, he shook his head from all the dirt and focused on where all the laughing was coming from. Feeling a little better from last night, he pushed himself off the wall and started to walk farther down the hall.

"Hello?" The brunette called out. The laughing immediately stopped as Dustin walked around the corner and saw a bunch of teenagers hanging out by the dumpster. Each of them glanced at each other and then starred back at the brunette. "Um, sorry, did I interrupt something?"

One of the teenage stepped forward, he had dirty blonde hair and a leather jacket with a blue undershirt. He stood tall, taller then most of the other boys in the ground. He smirked, "I think you wondered in the wrong parts of the woods." He stated, circling around Dustin.

"Heh." Dustin cracked a smile, looking around, "Last time I checked we were in the city."

The dirty blonde stopped behind Dustin, flicking out a small knife, "Funny." The man smirked as he charged forward right into the brunette. The curly hair ninja ranger reacted swiftly, spinning around, grabbing the boy's wrist and disabling him of the knife and flipping him over. Although a bit more tired then ususal, that didn't mean Dustin's keen ninja sense had to be rusty. The mobile earth ranger threw the kid back at the group before crossing his arms. "You're good." The kid stood back up and fixed his jacket, "The name's Mark."

"Dustin."

"Well, Dustin." Mark looked at his friends, "My buddies and I just scored a nice bag and we were going to indulge in it. Thought maybe you would like to join us?" Dustin stepped forward and glanced down at the bag. It was a stash of heroine, something he knew never to get involved with. "Look, no pressure dude. Do whatever you want, I like you." Mark grinned, pulling the bag away, "Just keep in mind, life's pretty short, mind as well try everything you can. See you around, Dusty."

Dustin watched as he waved his friends away and left him standing in the alleyway alone. Mark made a very good point. Life was short for him and he shouldn't have to hesitate at every new opportunity. Not jumping to conclusion, he decided to see where it would take him. Sighing, Dustin proceeded after them, "Hey wait up!" He called out to them.

Mark stopped and turned to him, "You going to hit it?" Dustin shook his head, "Well come along anyway." He pulled one of his buddies close to him, "This is Ryan. My second in command when I'm not around. I have a feeling you'll fit right in with us."

Dustin just smiled as he followed the two. At least Mark wasn't giving him any pressure of using drugs but Mark seemed interesting to hang out with. The brunette figured that life was short and that maybe he could see what kind of people where out there to befriend aside from the one he has now. He didn't seem to have much to lose, or so he thought.

Tori and Hunter were hanging out at Storm Chargers. Kelly was busy moving shipment in as she placed a few boxes in the back where the two were hanging. She sighed standing up and facing Hunter, "I wish you would come back to work for me Hunter. I could really use your help."

Hunter glanced over at Tori and then back at her old boss, "Sorry Kelly. I would but I just don't have time for it."

The redhead crossed her hand and just nodded, "What are you so busy with these days? I don't see you ride anymore." Tori giggled as Hunter's jaw just dropped. He was a bit speechless as he tried to come up with an excuse. Kelly couldn't help but laugh as well, "You don't have to explain. I figure by now I stop asking questions."

Kelly smiled as she left. Tori pushed herself off the counter and made her way over to the bike that was stationed on the other side. "I'm still worried about Dustin. I thought he would show up by now."

Hunter nodded, pulling out a folder and laying it out on the island counter of the back room, "I'm sure he's fine, Tor." He looked over at her. She seemed unconvinced, "Look if he doesn't show up here in another hour then we can go out there and look for him but don't forget he's a big boy so I know he can handle it himself."

Tori pouted, knowing that a part of what Hunter said was right, "Alright." She moved and looked down at the paper that Hunter had spread out, "What are you doing here?"

"I got some information on my dad." Hunter explained, handing her a piece of paper, "He use to work for this big business company."

"That's great." She smiled at him, "You're getting somewhere."

He nodded, "Yeah, it's strange though. His boss use to be this guy name Victor Swan. The thing is though, the name sounds really familiar. I just can't put my finger on it."

"Have you met him?"

Hunter shrugged, "That's the thing. I have no idea if I met him or read about it or whatever." He signed, shuffling through some papers, "I need to find more about this guy but he's impossible to find any information on. The only idea I have is just go and try to meet him."

Tori made her way to the door and looked out at the lobby. She sighed watching Kelly talking to a few customers. She then glanced at the clock on the wall and noticed that it was almost 1 in the afternoon. She turned back to Hunter, "Did you call Blake about it?"

"Yeah. He didn't think it rang a bell but he said that I should go check it out." He responded and looked up at her, "He also asked about you. Can you tell me why you broke up with him?"

"I told you before." Tori stated, "I just can't handle long distant relationships right now." She fiddled with her finger as she leaned against the wall, "Besides. My feelings for him aren't as strong as they use to be. I may like some else."

"Who?" Hunter looked away from his paper and focused more on her, "Anyone I know?"

Tori shrugged, blushing a bit, "Maybe." She turned when she heard Shane's voice and the young wind ranger walking into the building. Dashing towards him, she smiled brightly, "Shane! Did you hear from Dustin?"

Shane shook his head, putting the skateboard he was holding his hand on the ground, "No luck. I looked everywhere. I think maybe he's with his mom."

The door opened and Marah came in along with Kapri and Cam. The three of them waved over to Shane and Tori. "Actually." Cam couldn't help but hear Shane's last comment, "I got a call from Ms. Brooks. She stated that Dustin missed his first appointment."

"I'm worried." Marah pushed her brunette bangs out of the way, "Kapri and I looked everywhere. We have no idea where he is."

Kapri nodded in agreement, "The moto tracks, the beach and even the comic book store." She stated, "Do you think he may be in trouble?"

"I'm going to talk to Kelly. See when he is scheduled to work. Hopefully fill her in on the details." Shane patted Cam on his back and left.

Cam nodded and looked to see Hunter still in the back. Letting the three ladies engage in a conversation, he moved to the back of the store where Hunter was focused on the papers in front of him. "Need a hand?" He interrupted Hunter's train of thought.

Hunter shook his head, "Unless your computer has a civilian database then not really." He sighed, "I'm just reading through some information to see if I missed anything."

Cam glanced down and noticed Victor Swans name. He pulled the piece of paper from Hunter and looked closer at it, "Hey, why do you have Swans name here?"

Hunter raised a brow and turned his head at him, "Wait. You know who he is?"

Cam nodded a bit, grunting at the thought, "Come on." He stated simply, "How do you not know who Victor Swan is?" He paused to see Hunter's clueless look on his face, "Victor Swan is Sensei Omino's best friend and top student of the Thunder Academy. He graduated two classes before Leanne's." He explained.

"That's why the name was familiar. Omino mentioned him once before to me."

"Victor Swan use to negotiate deals and trade training methods with our wind academy but our indifference in methods caused us to stop." The samurai warrior further explained, "Something happened at the academy between Victor and Omino that caused the two to part but is something you have to ask your sensei."

Hunter nodded, "Alright. Well you gave me more then enough information. Now I have to locate Omino and see if he will talk to me."

Hunter felt a little more satisfied. At least he was getting answers. It was strange though. His biological parents were linked to the Thunder Academy and they didn't even know it. He had wondered if that was why his adopted parents came forth and requested Hunter to be their son. So many questions crossed his mind but his thoughts were interrupted when Shane tapped on the side of the door. "Hey, Kelly said he is supposed to be coming into work in a few hours. She will watch here while we go out and search the city." Cam nodded as Hunter grabbed hold of the papers and they dashed out together to meet up with the others.

Dustin found himself wondering the park with Mark and his little gang. Stopping at the picnic table, Mark launched himself onto it and sat down with his buddies. "Hey Ryan, got the needles." He waved his buddy, "Come on let's get started."

Ryan dashed over and tossed him a bag, laughing as he sat down next to him, "This is going to be fun." The dark hair boy exclaimed, looking over at Dustin, "You sure you don't want to join us?"

Mark waved his hand, "Don't bother, Ryan." He smirked, "You don't want to pressure the kid." Dustin felt a little relieved as he saw Mark grinning at him, "But you do realize Dustin, that they aren't going to stop asking. It's just how they are."

Dustin nodded. Sighing a bit as he watched them inject themselves with the drug. Feeling a bit weak, he sat himself down on the picnic table and held his chest. Ryan looked down at him, "You alright, man?" He looked concerned, slowly letting a smile creep on his face. The drug was taking effect and he couldn't help but slightly laugh at the situation, "You know this stop is a great energy booster. If you are ever feeling weak, it will push your body to do things unimaginable. Trust me."

Dustin extended his hand and reached for a needle, "Alright. I'll try it." He stated, figuring he didn't have much to lose. He sighed as he watched Mark and Ryan prepare the drug, heating up the powder into liquid and extracting it into the needle. Ryan handed the needle right over to Dustin and he paused looking down at himself.

"Quick and easy." Mark egged him on, "You'll love it."

Dustin found a nice vein on his right arm and placed the needle right where he wanted to press the most on. Hunter was wondering the park, he had agree to explore this section of the city while everyone else looked in different areas. The crimson blonde sighed walking down the path and glancing around. He spotted the yellow brunette out in the distant with a group of kids. Pausing, he could see Dustin injecting the drug into his veins. "Dustin!" Hunter screamed out. The brunette looked up, still pushing the drug all the way into his veins and removing the needle. Pulling it out, he tossed it aside and stood up quickly. "What do you think your doing?

"Hunter." Dustin exhaled deeply. He could feel the drug rushing to his head. His temperature rising and the unfamiliar clouded feeling crept over him. He couldn't think as clear and everything seemed a bit fuzzy. He tried to remain calm, "Wh-what are you doing here?"

"Come on, man." Hunter grabbed him, "Let's go. Everyone is worried about you."

"Where do you think you are taking him!?" Mark shot up from the table. Hunter gave him an evil glare and Mark sat right down, "Okay, dude. Sorry."

Hunter exhaled and carried his friend down the trail. Dustin pushed Hunter off and tried to remain on his own two feet. He laughed a bit, watching as Hunter stumbled back, "Dude!" He exclaimed, "Lay off man. You hav-have no idea-"

Dustin collapsed onto his knees. Hunter moved and tried to help him up. His friend was in trouble and he knew he needed to contact the others. Dustin grabbed hold of Hunter's shirt, using it as support. The boy in yellow just couldn't help but laugh. "Dustin. I got to call Tori and the others. They will know what to do."

The brunette rolled his eyes and pulled himself back up onto his feet. He started to walk away, "No." He stated. His emotions rose with the temperature of his body. Sweat was dripping from his forehead, he wasn't having a good time. His high was no longer fun, his emotional turmoil inside himself overcame everything, which discontinue Dustin from no longer feeling good but feeling even worst. Although Ryan was right with one thing, it did allow him to feel more energetic. "I-I don't want the others to know." He turned to them, "I don-"

Hunter bit his tongue and decided to wait on calling the others. He grabbed Dustin again and forced him to walk down the path and towards an empty picnic table. No civilians were in sight and it allowed the two to catch their breaths. "Talk to me, man." Hunter patted his brother on his back, "I know my brooding self may seem not to care but I do."

Dustin smirked, sitting there trying to calm his heartbeat, "You should talk. You don't like talking about how you feel. Why should I?"

Hunter smiled. He was rolling his eyes inside at the comment Dustin had made but figured to let it slide, "You want to know what's up?" He stated, "I been trying to find out who were my real parents are. It turns out they may be connected to the Thunder Academy and everything else. It's strange and scary to admit the truth." Dustin exhaled, looking down at himself. The last few words really hit him. It was hard to really admit the truth no matter what that truth was, "Now do you mind telling me what's wrong with you, buddy?" He asked sincerely.

Dustin paused before finally speaking, "I feel that I'm losing time." He began to speak, "This whole thing hasn't really hit me."

"Cancer?" Hunter dared to say the word. Dustin looked at him before turning away, "Tori kind of filled us in. She was only looking out for you though." Hunter leaned forward placing a hand on Dustin's shoulder, "Look everyone is here for you. I can tell you that a billion times but it's up to you to accept that. Those guys you were hanging out with aren't the answer."

Dustin shook his head, "You don't know Mark. He's a real cool guy." He scoffed, glaring at Hunter, "It's just-All I can- You don't understand."

"Help us understand, bro."

Dustin launched himself from his seat and just started to walk. Hunter groaned and followed right behind him. Dustin stopped and turned around, "Whatever. Um, let's go to storm chargers." Hunter nodded and the two ninja streaked off quickly.

Tori was laying around storm chargers. She had given up driving around and finding Dustin and was waiting patiently and hoping that he would show up here. Smiling at Kelly who was talking to a customer, she made her way over to the small room with the tv and sat on the comfortable couches. Hunter and Dustin landed in front of the store. The yellow brunette stumbled at his landing and crashed into the bikes. Hunter grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him up, smiling at a few customers who were giving a crazed look at the two. Hunter's smile faded away as he looked at Dustin who beamed at him. "You still feeling that crap?" He grunted.

Dustin nodded, trying to remain focus, "Please don't tell anyone." He looked at Hunter. The crimson blonde grew frustrated but finally nodded as the two walked in.

Tori looked at the entrance and noticed them right away. She smiled happily when she recognized instantly one of them being Dustin. Rushing up she dived right into him and gave him a huge hug. "Oh my god, I been so worried about you." Dustin stood there frozen, feeling Tori's warmth wrap around his body. He finally reacted and began to hug her back. She pulled away and looked at him, "Look at you. You're all dirty. Have you gone home yet?" Tori raised her brows.

Hunter injected with a smile, "Enough with the 20 questions, Tor." He gave a hesitant laugh, "Let's just be thankful he showed up."

Dustin glanced to see Kelly on the other side of the story, "Hey, I got to talk to Kelly about the motocross tournament. I'll join you in a minute."

Hunter and Tori both nodded in agreement and watched as Dustin parted from them. Her smile faded as she grabbed hold of Hunter and the two walked farther away from Kelly and Dustin, "So, what happened? Where did you find him?"

Hunter bit his lips, figuring out what he wanted to say or at least what he could say without breaking his promise to Dustin, "I found him in the park. He was hanging out with these kids."

"What kids?"

"Just kids." Hunter shrugged, "Nothing serious. He'll open up when he is ready." She rolled her eyes, knowing that he was holding back on something. "Tori. Look, take it from the brooding man himself. When he is ready he will talk."

Tori just nodded, "If you say so. How about you, any luck figuring out your parents?"

"Nothing more then what Cam had informed me." He responded, "Been a little busy helping you guys, not that I have a problem with it or anything." Hunter raised his hands in defense, "I care about Dustin too."

"Ar-ar-are you kidding me!?" Dustin's voice boomed from the corner. Hunter and Tori both turned to see Dustin starring wide-eye at Kelly. He flailed his hands and stormed out. The sun was already setting and night was soon falling.

Tori and Hunter brushed by a few customers and made their way to Kelly who felt guilty. She sighed and looked at the two of them. "What happened!?" Tori exclaimed in concern.

She brushed her hair back and responded, "I told Dustin he couldn't compete in the free styling tournament due to his medical condition." Kelly stated, "It's a serious matter. I'm worried about his health. If anything happens on my time then I could be in a lot of trouble. I can't deal with that kind of legal trouble right now."

Hunter nodded, "Perfectly understandable."

"I should go talk to him." Tori was about to move when Hunter grabbed her wrist.

"Let me." Tori complied and let Hunter move to make his way outside. It got dark fast, but it was easy to spot the brunette in yellow standing out in the distant. He made his way over and placed his hand on Dustin's shoulder. The yellow ranger spun around, bitting his lower lips and holding back his anger. The drug was still fueling through his blood but he was able to keep focus on the matters at hand. "Dustin, everything alright?"

Dustin ignored him and walked towards Tori's van. He turned back to Hunter and gazed at him. "I can't motocross anymore?" He stated, "What else am I supposed to do? I've lost everything."

"Not everything." Hunter trailed off.

Dustin punched the side of Tori's baby blue van. Hunter flinched at the sound as he continued to wail on it. The brunette gave all his might, kicking and punching the damn thing before Hunter lunged forward and pulled him back. Holding him tightly, Dustin couldn't help but let the tears run down his cheek. "God I hate everything!" He screamed, "Let me go!"

"Not until you calm down, dammit!" Hunter held his grip tighter. The anger caught Tori and Kelly's attention. The two of them stepped outside to watch as Dustin backed him and Hunter into Tori's van, slamming the crimson blonde into it. The force caused him to let go and Dustin spun around.

"I'm sorry!" Dustin held his chest. The pain caused him to fall to his knee. Punching the ground, he stood back up, starring at Hunter who remained silent. "I-I have to go." He quickly ran off.

Tori ran forward, leaving Kelly to stand at the front entrance. She watched idly as Tori stopped and starred at the dirty blonde, "Are you alright?" She asked.

Hunter smiled, "He just needs time. I'm alright." He retorted, grabbing his right shoulder, "Man can he be a powerhouse. I'm going to look after him."

"Why do you care so much?" Tori starred at him, crossing her arms, "I mean besides that he's your friend, I've never seen you this persistent, Hunter."

"I see a lot of what he goes through in me." Hunter stopped to respond, "I mean I will never understand the cancer part but the feeling of losing everything is kind of the same. Besides, I can't focus on my issues knowing that he is going through his."

Tori watched as he raced off and sighed. She turned and made her way over to Kelly who glanced at her in concern. "I will never understand brooding men." She stated simply, "One point they won't want anything to do with anyone and the next they can't seem to not want to do anything but help people."

Kelly shrugged, "Maybe it's a brooding thing." She starred at Tori's van, "I just hope Dustin lose his care free spirit. It's the best quality he has about himself."

Blake was sitting at the Baltimore Café. He was bored. Factory Blue was getting ready to drive to the next city but he had a few hours to kill. Sipping at his coffee, he watched as Kayleen made her way over. She smiled, flipping her hair to the side and fluttering her eyes at him, "I had a great time yesterday."

Blake wrinkled his forehead, "We bowling yesterday. I didn't know you would get all excited over it."

Kayleen used one of those annoying fake laughs. "Oh Blake, you're so silly."

"If I had known any better, they would sound no different then Marah and Kapri."

Blake's face lite up in excitement as he looked to the left to see Cam standing there. He launched himself from the chair and into Cam's arms. "What the hell are you doing here!?"

Cam pulled Blake away from Kayleen and the two walked down the streets, "I tracked you down with Ninja Ops and decided to take the Ninja Red Eye over here."

"That thing still working?" Blake laughed, stopping and looking at his old comrade, "I'm glad you are here though. I missed you man, you have no idea."

Cam nodded, fixing his glasses. He cracked a smile but he let it fade in the end, "We defiantly missed you as well but I'm not really here for fun. More for business." Blake beamed a look of confusing his way as the two stood on the sidewalk. He cocked his head to the side and listened closely, "Hunter has been looking for information on his real parents, and it came across the name Victor Swan."

"Yeah, Hunter mentioned him. I'm not so sure who he is. What can I do to help?"

"Well I talk to my father and he seemed touchy about the subject." Cam explained, "I asked if he and my mother knew about him, maybe to help Hunter and ignore my question. I think they have something to do with him a lot more then he is actually wanting to admit."

"That's interesting man." Blake retorted, "But what reason is that for you to come all the way to see me out of the blue?"

"I noticed that one of your crew members is related to him." Cam smirked, "I was looking at your portfolio for the hell of it and stumbled onto it."

Devin came walking out of the café and started talking to Kayleen. Blake looked at him and then back at Cam. "Are you talking about Devin? How do you know he's related? His last name is Lancing."

"Ah." The samurai gleamed, patting his buddy on his shoulder, "The largest real estate business company in California is Lancing Tec run by a man name Van Lancing. If my information is correct, I remember Victor Swan being in that kind business but after he was banished from the Thunder Academy, he changed his last name."

"Are you sure." Blake rubbed his forehead.

Cam shrugged in response, "I really don't know man. All this information is based off the Wind Academy database but the entire thing is outdated. I'm just going with what Hunter has and cross referencing what we have. The only thing we can do is talk to Devin."

Dustin found himself storming down the streets of Blue Bay. It had began to rain again, soaking his clothes once more. He was dirty, tired, still high from the drug, and down right angry at the world. He wanted to be his carefree self but it was hard. He had no reason too anymore. Turning the corner, a huge light shined upon him and a giant suv came flying towards him.

Dustin went wide-eye, ready to embrace himself with the hit only to be thrown to the side of the street with Hunter laying right next to him. "Jesus, bro." Hunter sighed, hitting his head against the wall, "I get you're mad but be more careful." Dustin got back onto his feet. His button shirt was torn from the thrashing but he brushed what dirt he could find off of him. The rain fell down his skin as he breathed heavily starring at Hunter. The two locked eyes at each other, Dustin more furious then before. "Come on man, you don't have to talk but don't run off. You missed an appointment, haven't taken any medication and your pushing yourself."

"Does it matter!?" Dustin retorted, "I can't do motocross. There's no point in continuing my education if I'm not going to have a future. I'm tired of you guys feeling sorry for me and you're just a pain in my ass, man."

"Dustin.." The crimson trailed off. He watched Dustin turned around and start to walk away. "You leave, I will tell everyone what you have been doing and make sure you are strapped down and taken care of. The last thing I need is a guilty conscious if anything happens to you."

Dustin bit his lips and paused. He turned, the rain running down his face. "Butt out of this, Hunter. Go back to the Academy. I liked it when you ignored us all."

Hunter grunted, "Stop asking everyone to feel sorry for you, Dustin. That's what your doing." He snapped, "You can fight this. You're stronger then this. Snap out of it!!" Dustin lunged forward through the rain. He threw a fist, but Hunter knocked it to the side and Dustin hit the wall. Turning, the brunette spun a kick into Hunter, but the crimson caught it and shoved him back into the wall. Sliding down the wall, Dustin lost it. Hunter sat down next to him and listened to the young kid cry some more. The brunette was tired. Tired of struggling through the long day. Tired of feeling high. Tired of crying, it seemed to be all he was doing all day. Growing frustrated and angrier more and more as the hours passed. Hunter wrapped his arm around Dustin, pulling him in as the kid cried into his soaked shirt. "It's okay to be angry but take it from me it's not a good idea to run away from your problems." He waited for Dustin to respond, but the brunette had passed out on his shoulder. Pushing him off, Hunter stood back on his feet and lifted Dustin up in his arms. He had to get him to the Hospital quickly. "Somebody help me!" He screamed, "Anybody!!!"

The familiar faint smell of the Hospital singed Hunter's noise as he sat down in the hospital chair. His leather jacket was soaked, along with his crimson undershirt. The elevator opened and Shane, Tori and Marah came walking in. Hunter stood up and greeted the two, "How is he?" Marah exclaimed in fright, "Is he alright? Is he hurt!?

"He's stabled." Hunter responded, "You can visit him if you'd like." He sat back in the chair as Shane and Marah both turned to go talk to one of the nurses. Tori sat down next to Hunter.

"How you feeling?" She crossed her legs and looked at the dirty blonde, "You must be cold, why don't you go home? Change."

"Not until Dustin wakes up."

She smiled. Slowly reaching her hand down to meet his, she could feel the cold skin surge through hers, "I love the new Hunter you have become." She stated.

Hunter arched his brows and looked at her, "What do you mean?"

"Well, I remember you going back to your brooding ways and how much it took you to come hang out with us again." She explained, "And now you seem to involve yourself more then you had anticipated." She grabbed his hand and stood up, "Come on. Let's go for a walk. You and I. I been dying for one for awhile anyway."

Marah and Shane walked into Dustin's room. They looked around and saw him laying in his bed, strapped to tubes and machines. Making their way over, they noticed the brunette's eyes flutter open. He glanced over at the two. "You had me scared, bro. How you feeling?" Shane asked.

"I'm alright." Dustin starred up at the ceiling.

Marah smiled, reaching her hands to grab his. Holding it tightly, "Why didn't you come to me." She asked, "Dustin, I want to help you but I don't know what's going on in your head."

He turned his head away from her. Marah held back the tears and the confusion as he pulled his hand away, "I can't do a relationship right now, Marah." She just slowly nodded her head looking away from him. Taking a step back she turned and left without saying another word.

"Dude." Shane stepped forward, "Are you nuts!? Marah is really into you. How can you push her away like that!?" He waited for a response but there was only silence. "I'm your best friend man. We've known each other since forever. Let me hel-"

"I swear if one more person says they want to help me, I am going to rip my hair out." Dustin's head turned to face Shane, "I get it but I'm not looking for help. Not yet."

The doctor interrupted their conversation. He came in with his clipboard and stopped at the foot of the bed. Shane remained silent as the doctor began to speak, "Alright Mr. Brooks. I noticed you missed your appointment earlier today so I thought to arrange for you to have it now but from the traces of Heroine in your body we can't do that." He stated looking at him. Shane bit his tongue, surprised of the news, "Im going to prescribe you to some medication that will slow down the cancer cells but I can't guarantee that it will put it into intermission." Pausing to flip a piece of paper he continued to speak, "Are you a heavy user of Heroine?"

"No." Dustin meekly responded.

"Well we have to wait until your body clears the substance out all together then we can make an appointment. Get some rest." He turned and left.

Shane stepped forward and place his hands on the rail of the bed, "Heroine, Dust?" He arched his brows, "You're smarter then that.."

Dustin looked away as Shane took a few steps back and made his way to the door. Mark appeared around the corner and the two locked eyes as they passed each other. Mark grinned, winking at Shane before proceeding towards Dustin. The red ranger stopped at the door and starred at the two before turning and leaving with haste. Dustin glanced back to see Mark standing there, "Do I have some news for you, buddy." He smiled.

Shane proceeded down the hall where he ran into Ms Brooks. She was a bit wet from the rainstorm outside as she forced a smile at Shane, "How is my son doing?" She asked.

He shrugged, "I don't know, Ms Brooks. He won't talk to me." Shane looked at her. Her eyes were puffy. She had seemed to be crying. "Everything will be alright." He reassured her, "I promise."

She shook her head, "I know. It's not that."

"What is it?"

"It's his father." She paused for a second, "I just got word that he was in an accident. He didn't make it."

Shane's eyes just gazed ahead. He didn't know what to say. "Oh.." Was all he could mustered.

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To be continued.. R&R!!! Thank you!!

To answer Thaila-Sandy's question, the choice of specifying characters at the above page does not reveal that this is a Tori/Dustin focus. I noticed a lot of NS stories have faded away, so I figure I randomly select some characters so when readers search for NS stories based on characters, I would show up in searches. There will be a lot of mixed shippers. Don't be surprise if one doesn't last forever.