The doctor had just finished checking over Camille to assess her alertness. She had been unconscious as a result of her injuries at Dai Shi's hands for almost a full day, so naturally brain injury was a major concern. After assessing her for a few minutes, he had satisfied himself that there was no permanent brain injury at least.
"Can I stay with her?" Casey asked him. The doctor looked at her for a while.
"You can only stay for a few minutes." He told the Red Ranger sternly. "She still had a severe concussion, so she'll be exhausted quickly. She'll need all the strength she can get for her recovery."
"You'll get all the strength she'll need and more from me." Casey said to her softly as he sat down by the side of her bed, taking her hand in his own. "I'm here for you."
Camille mumbled something beneath her oxygen mask. Casey looked to the doctor.
"She can breathe on her own." He told him. "You can take off the mask for a while; just put it back when you leave. Like I said, we don't want her straining herself more than she has to."
Casey carefully removed her mask, looking into her eyes with a deep affection which lifted her heart a little, however warm tears began running down her face.
"I can't feel my legs." She told him in a sob. "I can't move."
"You're strapped to a backboard." Casey informed her. "Your spinal cord is swollen, that's why you can't feel your legs."
"Will I be able to walk again?" She asked him hopefully. She could already tell by the expression on his face she wasn't going to get a positive answer, but she still hoped. He shook his head sadly.
"We don't know," he answered, "until the swelling goes down, they won't be able to check if there's any permanent damage or not."
Camille brought a hand to her face, covering her eyes as she wept loudly. Camille squeezed her other hand gently.
"Camille, I'm sorry I freaked out earlier." He sighed apologetically. "You needed me, and I let you down. Please know that I'm going to be here for you from now on."
"What about Dai Shi?" She asked him. "What about the..." Her voice trailed off as she remembered the day before and the pain rushed back to her heart. It had been a shock when she found out about the baby, but she was coming around to the idea of having a new life growing inside her. The circumstances weren't ideal, but she was growing to love her child, it was a part of her. The miscarriage had made her feel as though a piece of her heart died along with the baby. She still couldn't talk about it. She had been devastated by the loss of her child, but she hadn't yet had time to mourn. Dai Shi's brutal assault had made sure of that. Casey leaned over her, holding her hand. He knew she would need him now more than ever, and he was determined that this time he wasn't going to let her down. This time he'd give her the support she'd need.
"I promise I won't fail you again." He told her, kissing her forehead softly. "I should never have left your side. I love you Camille, I'll always be here for you."
The doctor returned to the room a short time later, finding him still comforting her. He found it amazing that one so young would show such devotion to his partner. He came over to Casey, placing a hand on his shoulder, attracting his attention.
"She should rest now." He told him. "You can come and see her again tomorrow."
Casey turned back to Camille, replacing her mask. He hated to leave her, but he knew the doctor was right. She needed time and rest to recover from her injuries. As much as he wanted to be there for her and help her, he couldn't stay.
"I'll be back tomorrow." He told her, before turning and leaving the room. His tears ran down his face, and his muscles tightened within him as he thought about everything that had happened to her. Tomorrow he would come and see her, to comfort her in her hour of need. After that, all bets were off. The hunt would begin, and he was looking to land himself a lion.
Lily returned to the back room, finding Kira and Tommy getting ready to head back to their hotel room. She made her way over to them as Kira hoisted a sleeping Emma up to her shoulder. She rubbed the little girl's head softly, looking at her fondly.
"They're so cute." She cooed, observing the twins as they slept.
"They have that effect on everyone." Kira told her. "Sometimes I think they have some kind of pheromone-based mind control powers or something." She looked over to where RJ was talking with Tommy. "So did you sort things out?"
"We did." She replied with a bright smile. "RJ's agreed to take things slowly. Thanks for talking me into going to see him."
"Trust me; our friends had to smash our skulls together for us to get the message." Kira recalled, thinking about her own experiences. "I wouldn't want you to go through what I did. We girls have got to stick together."
"You were the only girl on your team too, weren't you?" Lily replied, once again finding herself comforted by how much she had in common with Kira. It was good to know that she wasn't the only one to have gone through this whole bizarre lifestyle. They'd only known each other a couple of days, but there was kind of a kinship between them.
"Kira, we better be going." Tommy reminded her. He turned back to RJ, shaking his hand. "We're here for another couple of days. We can help out until we head back to Vegas if you like."
"Yeah, Casey's probably going to need some time." Kira chipped in. "He's really taken everything hard."
"That would be appreciated." RJ responded cheerfully. "We could do with the help. Fran and I can take care of the kids if you're needed in the field."
"Well that'll be a big help." Tommy stated. "It's been a while since I last suited up."
"Oh don't try and pretend you don't love it!" Kira chuckled. "He makes out he feels put out every time he's called to duty, but he keeps coming back. I keep trying to get him to retire gracefully and leave it to the new guys, but he keeps coming up with an excuse."
"I don't exactly see you turning down the chance to get back to action." Tommy grumbled as he realised she was once again making fun of his apparent inability to just sit on the sidelines.
"Well it'll be great to have another girl on the team." Lily quipped cheerfully. "It's a pain being around all this testosterone."
"Tell me about it." Kira commented. "That's why I loved the times I got to team up with Tori. It was great to have someone know what it's like to be pushed around by the guys."
"When did they ever push you around?" Tommy laughed. "They wouldn't have dared."
"You had your team whipped too?" Lily asked her. Kira laughed and nodded.
"All guys are intimidated by strong women." She told her. "You have to be a bit firm with them at times." Lily smiled and nodded back in understanding. She still kept that leather jacket from the time she'd been affected by Dai Shi's porcupine monster just in case she or Fran needed to whip the guys into shape.
"Anyway, we really ought to get back." Tommy reminded her. "We'll be over tomorrow. Let Casey know we're thinking about him."
"We will." RJ responded as they left. Watching them go, the team gathered around, contemplating their new allies. Tommy was an adult, and Kira was a good couple of years older than them, though their shared experience of having to risk their own lives on behalf of the planet, a populace that could never show gratitude, never know who had saved them. It was nice to know that there were others that had not only gone through it, but were still going through it. They knew there had been other Ranger teams, but now they had direct knowledge of other Rangers. It felt good not to be alone.
"It's kind of comforting to know there are others out there, isn't it?" Fran asked them. Theo placed an arm around her waist, pulling her in close to him.
"It really is." He replied. "I can't believe we met them. I remember reading about the Dino Thunder team a few years ago."
"Tommy's a Ranger Legend." RJ informed them. "He's been a part of this legacy since the original team back in Angel Grove, and he told me he's really impressed with all of you." He looked around the team, the feeling of pride building in him. He couldn't be prouder of any of them. "You've just gotten the endorsement of the greatest Ranger on earth. You should be proud."
"We are." Lily told him, kissing the man she loved. "Now all we have to do is figure out what we do next."
"We'll discuss that when Casey gets back." RJ told them, checking his watch.
"I'm already here." Casey announced as he arrived.
"Is there any news on Camille?" Theo asked him.
"She's regained consciousness." He told them. "She's still pretty cut up though."
"I can't say I'm surprised." RJ sighed, approaching his cub. "She still has to come to terms with the loss of the baby."
Casey threw himself onto the couch, turning into the cushions. "Her spine's still injured." He breathed, choking back some more tears. "She might never walk again."
RJ came over to his side, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We'll deal with that if and when the time comes." He stated as he tried to comfort his student. This whole business had hurt Casey more than any of them had ever seen. He pulled his shoulder away.
"RJ, can you just leave me for a little while?" He asked, pulling further into the couch. RJ just got up without another word, gesturing to the others that now was the time to leave him to his own devices. He wasn't ready to talk yet, and trying to make him wasn't likely to be productive. Casey was by far the most stubborn person he knew, and he'd become even more isolated and stand-offish in recent weeks. RJ had guessed that he felt like it was his duty and his alone to look after Camille, and that he wasn't willing to let anyone else help him. He was confident he'd realise he needed his friends eventually, but right now he wasn't ready to accept that he couldn't take sole responsibility for Camille's recovery. RJ and the others left him on the couch to rest. He'd had a long day; surely he'd have to get some rest to sort out his thoughts.
Of course Casey wasn't sorting out any thoughts, he only had one. He was going to ensure that Camille would never be touched by Dai Shi again in the surest way possible. He needed to find a way to bring Dai Shi into the open, and he had it in his possession. The doctors had turned over Camille's personal effects. She wasn't carrying much, but she was carrying the only thing he needed to bring Dai Shi into the open. Pulling her engagement ring out of the pocket of his jeans, he observed it thoughtfully as his rage burned in his chest. She had already told him about the ring, that it had some form of mystical connection to him. He had known the second she'd placed the ring on her finger that she had done so. That was why he had transported her back to him. Despite her escape, she still had the ring. Now Casey knew he could use that very same connection to bring Dai Shi to face him. He would never let him touch her again.
The following day, Casey got up early to head back to the hospital. He needed to see her before his battle. He arrived, finding her waiting for his arrival. She smiled a little as she saw him coming in the room.
"How are you feeling?" He asked her. She didn't answer; instead she reached out to him with her hand. He took her hand and sat down beside her. "I'm here for you, I told you that."
She turned her face away from him as she continued to feel the painful emptiness inside her. Casey knew there wasn't anything he could do about the miscarriage. This was one hurt that Camille would have to learn to accept. "There's not a great time to talk about this." He began awkwardly, stroking her hair. "Camille, you need to face this. You have to say goodbye to the baby."
A few more tears ran down her face as she continued to sink deeper into her depression.
"We don't have to talk about this now, but it's the only way you can move on." He cupped her cheek and turned her face towards him, before kissing her gently. "Take as long as you need. I'll be waiting."
Camille still couldn't speak of her torment, but she found herself feeling a certain comfort in his words. She knew he was right, sooner or later she'd have to face up to the experience of saying goodbye. She needed to mourn the passing of her child before she could get on with her life. Casey was happier now at having seen her. She now seemed to be more hopeful. She now actually seemed to believe that life could carry on. He got up, stroking her leg. Camille's gaze snapped to him. She was stunned by the sensation, her heart pounded as she realised that she'd felt his fingertips graze her flesh.
"Casey." She gasped as he turned to leave. He turned around, coming back to her side as he realised she had spoken for the first time since she'd remembered the miscarriage.
"Camille, you spoke to me!" He rushed out in excitement, taking her hand again. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Touch my leg again." She implored him. Casey laid a hand on her leg, and her eyes shot open wide as it confirmed what she'd found the first time. "Casey, I felt that. I felt you touch me!"
"Are you serious?" He asked her. "I'll call a doctor."
She felt her heart racing as he charged from the room in search of a doctor to tell him the news. He arrived back a short time later with a doctor. The doctor began checking over her, preparing her for more tests and machines. Casey knew that he would not be allowed to stay for the examinations, so now was as good a time as any to settle his score with Dai Shi. While she was in the hospital, Camille would be safe.
"Camille, they want to run some tests. I'll be back later, I promise." He stated as he watched the doctors take her from the ward. He couldn't help smiling as he saw her go. She was getting feeling back in her legs. It strengthened him to know that she was at least taking the first steps on her way to recovery. He just hoped that knowledge would give him the strength to do what needed to be done. With the determination of the tiger spirit he possessed, he made his way from the hospital in the direction of the old quarry. This was where Dai Shi had faced him the first time, and if Casey had his way, it would be the place they'd have their last meeting.
Lily and Theo prepared to make their way to the hospital to check on Camille and lend moral support to Casey. He had left long before any of the others had seen him leave, but they had guessed where he would have gone. They knew how deeply he'd grown to care for their former enemy. They found their respective partners preparing for the afternoon service.
"We're heading to the hospital now." Lily informed them. "Is there anything else you guys would like us to do to help?"
"We'll be fine here." RJ replied thoughtfully. "Just make sure Casey's OK. He's taking on a lot recently; I'm worried about him."
They both nodded and left the restaurant, heading for the hospital. It wasn't long afterwards that Tommy and Kira arrived with the twins.
"I take it everyone's at the hospital." Tommy mused, observing the noticeable absence of the Rangers.
"It's a bit early for pizza isn't it?" RJ asked. "What can I help you with?"
"We just thought you could do with a hand in the restaurant." Kira commented. "Trust me; the less said about my early career the better. I know my way around bussing tables."
"Well I wouldn't say no to more help." RJ commented, kneeling down beside the kids. "I really appreciate everything you've done so far. I can look after the kids if you like."
"Well..." Tommy was cut off by a gentle nudge from Kira.
"We'll both help out down here that would be great." Kira interjected, hauling her husband into the kitchen. "Are there spare uniforms upstairs?"
"Just look out one that fits you." RJ told them as he followed them up to the back room. Finding himself alone with his wife, Tommy decided to ask the question nagging at him.
"It's not that I mind RJ looking after the kids, I trust him." Tommy began, looking at his wife. "But I could have done it. Why am I going to be working in the restaurant?"
"RJ's looking after them because Lily's finding it hard moving along with her relationship." Kira told him sagely, nodding in his direction. "Trust me, there's no better aphrodisiac for a woman than seeing her man looking after kids."
"You really are a matchmaking mastermind aren't you?" Tommy asked. "She didn't have a chance, did she?"
"Not if I can help it." Kira chuckled, finding a JKP T-shirt. "Anyway, find a uniform and join me downstairs. Let's leave RJ and the twins to get to know each other better."
Lily and Theo arrived, finding Camille's room empty, though thankfully their panic was short-lived. The doctors had just finished an MRI on her spine, and were bringing her back into the room. They could see that she was no longer strapped down, though she was by now completely drained and had drifted off to sleep again.
"How is she?" Theo asked.
"She's regained feeling in her legs." The doctor informed them. "The MRI confirmed that there's no permanent damage, she should make a full recovery in time."
"That's great news!" Lily chipped in cheerfully. "Casey must be thrilled!"
"He was." The doctor replied with a bright smile. "He left here happier than I've seen him since his fiancée arrived. I wouldn't be surprised if he's off to get her some flowers right now."
"He left?" Theo asked, looking confused.
"He did." The doctor replied. "I'm just going to sort out the young lady's medication. I'll be back in a while." With that, he left them alone.
"I can't believe he left her." Theo stated as they were at last given privacy to speak openly. "If something had happened to Fran you'd need a crowbar to get me to leave."
"I wouldn't leave RJ either, unless..." Lily's voice trailed off as she hit the realisation what was happening. "Theo, there's only one reason he'd leave."
"You don't think...?" It was a rhetorical question, he already knew the answer. They rummaged through the side board for the box of Camille's personal effects.
"Her ring's missing." Lily announced in horror. "Theo, we've got to find him!"
Meanwhile, at the old quarry, Casey strode purposefully into the centre of the largest pit. He took the engagement ring from his pocket, throwing it into the air.
"I call to the beast inside. Unleash the tiger!" He called out, releasing his tiger spirit. It launched itself after the airborne ring, destroying it in a single attack before returning to it's master.
"It took me a long time to make that Red Ranger!" Dai Shi's deep, rasping voice announced from behind him, heralding his arrival. Casey's theory had paid off; the mystical connection HAD alerted him to the ring's destruction. Balling his fists, Casey turned to face him.
"I'm amazed you showed up." Casey taunted him. "I thought you only hit women who refused to fight back."
"You'll wish that was the case when I'm finished with you!" He snarled, casting aside his cloak. He powered up to his armoured mode. "One last time Red Ranger."
Casey pulled out his solar morpher, placing it on his face. He activated the switch before roaring out his call. "Jungle Beast, Spirit UNLEASHED!"