Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own Power Rangers Ninja Storm-because if I did, we'd all get what we want…and as we all know that Disney would probably never even think of pairing our favorite characters the way we do…well…then that makes writing fanfiction in this section even more sweeter…!
Author's Notes:
**Grins sheepishly** I couldn't help myself…I had to do this chapter first, I had to-it was begging to be written first…so for all you Shane/Dustin fans out there, I'm almost positive you'll enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it! (Major angst and drama ahead for those two…I'm not saying anything more here!) I actually ended up having to rewrite this chapter because I ended up having to switch over to a new computer module because my old one was to old, and the disk that I had saved the original chapter wouldn't work-it decided to be really picky and not even my dad (who works with computers all the time) couldn't figure out what was wrong with it-so I'm assuming it was probably a bad disk or something…so anyway, this is the other version, and personally…I like this one tons better then I liked my previous chapter III-so I suppose I'm glad that the computer disk didn't work out, because if it had, I wouldn't have come up with this…and I'm so excited that I'm updating this chapter, and I want to know what all you Dustin and Shane fans think of it…so…I think I'll let you guys go and read it.
Oh, and one more quick thing-I am so hoping that I didn't make either of them OOC at all…that's something I'm working really hard on not doing. But you've also got to think that I've thrown them in a completely different situation.
And for all you Tori and Blake fans, be patient…because trust me when I say they'll get their moments in the spotlight as well…I've got plenty of plans for those two. ^-~
Rating: PG13
Warning: This fic contains slash/yaoi…if you don't like the thought of two males being in love, then I suggest that you turn around now or forever hold your peace-you've been for warned as of now.
Pairings: Tori/Blake, Hunter/Cam, Dustin/Shane
Responses to reviewers:
*Angelic Agony*-
DOWN REVIEWER, DOWN! *hides behind Blake's Thunder shield* -_-;; I updated! But man oh man…if you hated me for leaving it off in the last chapter…*gulps*…please keep me living?!? (and I wanna keep my arm…if I loose an arm then I can't type out the next chapter, *can* I? **gulps again and decides to hide behind Hunter, Blake, and Dustin**)
*Blake-Tori88*=
This chapter explains a little bit of what happened. And as the story continues, more and more will unfold so not everything will come out into the open. (that's what makes writing fics so much fun sometimes-the suspense! ^-~)
*Weesta*=
'Don't know why I just love seeing that boy tortured!' (chuckles at this)…well put!!! I'm in the same boat as you are there! (NO pun intended, heh…sorry! -_-;;) As much as I *love* Blake and Hunter (which, seriously I'm *incredibly* excited because they're going to play Thunders Return later on this week…*squeals happily*)…I've also got a thing for Dustin (he's too cute!). And if you *liked* that…then I have the feeling you'll enjoy *this* chapter…I still can't believe I wrote this…-_-;; I know you probably won't kill me for it, but other's *glances nervously over at Angelic Agony* might...-_-;; I *know* that part did seem really rushed-I was wondering if anyone else would catch that. I had parts of the chapter written out already, and I was having problems connecting them together to make it an actual chapter. I'm eventually planning on maybe reworking that and see if I can't come up with anything else to make it sound more fitting-but for now, I'll leave it…if you've got any suggestions though, I'm always open for them! My email is on my author's bio…^-^
*CamFan4Ever*=
Ah, but no worries-everyone will get their chance in the spotlight…and as I told all the Tori and Blake fans earlier…patience is a virtue! I'm working my way toward having some fun with those two… As I've got plans for Tori and Blake, I've *also* got plans for Hunter and Cam…but I can't really tell all, for I'd give away the plot. (And you want to be left in suspense, right? ^-~) Let's just say when that chapter comes up, you'll know it!
*BJvision*-
'The whole Marah, Dustin & Shane encounter priceless.' Oh yes (and there *might* be some more of those along the way!-who knows what this authoress had up her sleeve…), but it so was (rubs hands with wicked smile on face). As I told CamFan…you'll all have to wait what's in store for Hunter and Cam…and Tori and Blake. I know, I know, I'm an evil author for making you guys wait…you won't have long though! And who knows, Hunter just *might* get what he wants…but I'm not saying one word. I'll leave it up to yours and CamFan's imaginations until I get that far…^-~ I don't know why I decided to choose Hunter to be the one to talk with Dustin-I think it's because Hunter's got that whole big brother persona going on because he is a big brother. And I agree with quite a few other people that Dustin just might be a little rich boy-I don't know, I liked how others were playing around with that idea, so I decided to grab it and go. And I've kind of been in that position myself sometimes (well, not the rich part anyway…wish I was! Then again, I'm sure we all do!)-it's always nice to have someone understanding like that to talk too.
*Tsukino Akume*
Takes key to the Dustin/Shane gate, unlocks it, and walks right on in…dunno why, I like this territory…I think I'll hang out around here for awhile! ^-~ It's so much fun with those too-angsty I think sometimes as well, that's why I like those two together so much. Yes, it *does* seem turned around with Tori having stayed with Blake and Hunter…I was wondering if anyone would catch that one! Good eyes…(of course, we both know that Blake wouldn't have it any other way!!! Hehe…) I *really* liked your review…you brought up some *awesome* points! I can't give you *all* the questions to your answers…but……………………………………………….let's just say you *might* be stepping in the right direction on *some* of them. And as to who screamed out Blake's name…maybe it was Tori-but I'm not telling! :P And someone's going to be dreaming away of someone else real soon. But as I told BJvision…I'm not done with Marah or Dustin quite yet…
I like the way you're thinking on this! This chapter is all for you! Enjoy!! (And I'm sure you will, cause I had you in mind while I was writing it up! ^-~)
*Prinzessin*-
*Squeals happily and hugs author* YOU UPDATED YOUR FICS! As soon as I update this chapter I'm so going and doing some major catching up, so be expecting reviews from me! ^-~ *Hugs author again*. I've got lots of fics to keep me company tonight…I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!! And I know how it goes with the whole computer not cooperating deal-that's why I had to get a new module for upstairs in my room because mine was acting like a pain in the rear (it was also an ancient model too…:P) but I have my new one now and I'm so loving it! I've got more space (for more fics…^-^) and it runs like, ten times faster then my old one did! Not so much Blake and Hunter brotherly stuff in this chapter, as it's focused on Shane and Dustin…but I think it'll be right up your alley none the less…just don't want to shoot me for the ending, okay? I'm *so* off to read all your updates…*clicks away happily at the mouse until she finds Just A Day, and Searching and Finding…*
*HyDrOmAtIc*=
You know, you REALLY make people think while they're typing out your penname? :P Hehe, I like it though!
Gives off a little bow…thank you, thank you very much-I'm so glad you liked it! Dustin and Shane are just so cute together, it's hard *NOT* to have fun with their characters! If you like *this*, then you've *got* to go and check out Prinzessin's stuff as well…seriously, she's got some really awesome fics, and Tsukino Akume as well! Dustin/Shane, Cam/Hunter fest here I come! ^-~ I'll have you smiling soon with Tori and Blake-no worries there, I can't leave those two out, can I??? But as I've been saying, making people wait is half the fun! (Besides, then you'll get al excited when I finally get some Blake and Tori stuff up-I've been in your position before, waiting for things…and trust me it's always sweet whenever they finally *do* come!)
So that's it for the responses…I'm really off to go and read Prinzessin's updates now, and any other updates I'll find tonight…enjoy the read you guys!
^-~V
ShipwreckedChapter III: Stranded I: Dustin and Shane
Shane groaned as he slowly opened his eyes, bringing a hand up to shield them from the onslaught of rain. He couldn't believe that it was still raining.
It was all a nightmare…I'm lying on the ship's deck and Tori and Dustin are going to be bending over me laughing their heads off cause' I slipped and banged my head and fell unconscious and dreamed the whole going overboard thing.
But as Shane slowly managed to sit up so that his elbows were supporting him and he managed to look around, he realized real quick, that what had happened, was really real-and Dustin and Tori weren't there laughing at him for his clumsiness, as he had hoped that they would be.
Dustin…Again Shane closed his eyes as he felt a wave of sorrow and pain lace through his body as he remembered what he could of what happened…
The wave had come over, and Shane had known that it would overpower his ability to stay on the ship…he didn't see the Thunder brother's at all as the wave came over, thrashing down upon him and the still unconscious Dustin…who he had had a death grip on at the time, determined not to let go. If he let go of Dustin, he knew he'd never see the brunette again-Dustin was unconscious…there was no way that he'd know of what was happening and be able to save himself.
But as he was pulled overboard, and into the treacherous waters below, he found it hard to keep his grip on Dustin as he struggled to make it to the surface. He had actually prayed to the spirits to help them…and if he got separated from Dustin, to watch over him-to make sure that he made it…that maybe he'd surface and one of the people in the lifeboats would see him and rescue him and he'd be okay.
The water had been too powerful. Shane had known that if Tori had been in his position, she probably wouldn't have been so weak. She would've been able to make it to the surface, to hang onto Dustin for dear life instead of just trying, as Shane had been. But eventually Shane's lungs started to burn and a strong current was bringing him and Dustin down deeper into the water…
And Shane couldn't remember what happened after that. From there on, his mind was a blur…and he realized then that he didn't want to know what happened after that last memory.
He let out a choked sob as he ran a hand through his soaking wet hair and gave a wild glance around him-seeing no one.
"Dustin…" Shane murmured aloud, feeling quite miserable as he managed to stand and drag himself away from the shore. It wouldn't do him any good to stay in this weather much longer-he was already wet, and the rain wasn't helping him dry off much either…if he stayed out here, he'd get the pneumonia for sure. But then again, that might not be a bad idea-if he got the pneumonia, then he'd probably die from it as there wouldn't be a cure where he was now-and then he could join Dustin on the 'other side'.
But he shook his head.
"No…I can't do that. As much as I want to give up, I know I can't." He whispered, knowing deep inside he couldn't. Dustin would want him to keep on going-to survive. Tears welled up in his eyes at the thought of the dark haired brunette, who he'd never get to see again-who's smile he'd never get to smile back at, who's dark brown eyes he'd never get to look lovingly into again.
He held back another sob that threatened to escape as he started to walk to where the jungle-like area was behind him.
But before he could put a foot into the new terrain which looked very different from the beach he was leaving behind, the soft whisper of voices seemed to call to him through the wind.
'Go back.' They said, and he immediately stopped and turned around, looking confused-there was no one else on this…this island but him, right?
'Go back…you have to go back…'The voices called out to him, and for a few minutes, Shane just stood there, listening the soft spoken voices in the wind tell him to go back. He thought it was all his imagination…until…
'You're missing something…someone…go back…go back…child of earth…go back…'The voices were getting fainter as Shane finally decided to turn around and go back, his mind feeling numb-as though he were in a state of just on the verge of falling asleep.
That, and the fact that the voices in the wind had mentioned the child of earth…Dustin. The wind blew fierce around him…but he was following a different wind-a gentler wind that seemed to want him to follow it-that was leading him somewhere. He felt like he was in some kind of trance as he stumbled across the sandy beach.
When he got to what he felt like he was supposed to be looking for, the gentle wind that he had been following, stopped-and instantly he felt the snapping cold wind that was a part of the storm that he had been in all along. No longer protected by the soft wind, he immediately snapped out of the trance-like state he had been in to look down away…and saw a figure lying still in the sand…a very familiar looking figure.
His heart speeding up ten times faster then what it already was beating, Shane dashed down the short distance where the other wind had left him, as he fell to his knees next to the still figure. Light brownish blond hair-normally curly and in a awry state, now plastered down from the sea and the rain…eyes closed hiding the warm, gentle orbs behind them…
"DUSTIN!" He was sure his voice probably howled with the wind as he panicked at seeing just how still Dustin was…and pale. Incredibly pale-white as a ghost-whiter then he had been when he had gotten both seasick and a touch of the flu when this whole cruise had started…but at least then Shane had known that his boyfriend was alive. Now though…now the panic he started to feel heightened and he was breathing hard and shallow as he placed two fingers against the cold skin of Dustin's neck, feeling for a pulse. When he didn't find one, he tried again on Dustin's wrist-and again got no pulse, only the feeling of icy cold skin once more.
His body shaking, Shane let out a strangled cry as he gently rolled Dustin over so that he was on his back now…earlier he had been lying on his right side, facing away from him. And as Shane got a really good look at Dustin, he realized just then how dead Dustin looked.
God no…please NO! He thought, panicking even more, wondering just how long Dustin had been lying here…and what would've happened if the wind hadn't called out to him, telling him to go back.
Wind Rangers…
The thought occurred from him from out of nowhere, as he realized that the voices in the wind that he had heard from before, the voices that had led him to Dustin, had to be the Wind Spirits. They had wanted him to find Dustin…they had led him to Dustin, which meant that he still had to have a chance!
Remembering all he had learned from his CPR and first aid courses that Kelly had required of him and Dustin to take when they had first started working at Storm Chargers for her, Shane only prayed as he leaned over and pinched Dustin's nose, placing his mouth over Dustin's cold and unresponsive one…he wanted to cry as he thought of all the previous times when he'd took all of Dustin's kisses for granted…
Come on Dustin…I can't loose you! PLEASE! He thought, as he frantically began to perform CPR on his boyfriend, praying and hoping as the rain continued to pour down on the both of them.
~***~
He was cold…so cold…he didn't think it was possible to breathe…was he dead? He didn't feel dead. Not yet anyway…he kind of felt…buoyed-just…floating really.
Surrounded by a warm, comfortable darkness that he really didn't want to leave. Warm as dirt and soil would be on a hot day when the sun would be beating down upon it…the warmth was wrapping it around him like a cocoon of sorts, and he felt safe-like nothing and no one could hurt him here.
"DUSTIN!"
The cry came from nowhere. He thought he had heard it…but…had he really? His eyes were closed…he heard the voice real faint, as though it didn't really exist.
No He thought, as he drew the warm darkness around him once more. It didn't exist…only this darkness exists. But then the voices started whispering to him, and wouldn't leave him alone.
'Don't…you can't leave him. Not yet.'
Him…? Who's him? He felt like he wanted to swat the voices away with his hand, but as he tried to move his arm to do so, he realized that he couldn't. He could feel his body, but he couldn't move it. And he began to panic. He wanted to be able to thrash around and try to get out of the darkness then-but he couldn't.
And suddenly, images started to come through to him-fast and quick, so quickly that he almost didn't catch some of the ones that flew through his mind, making him more and more aware of what was really going on…that he wasn't safe, that this warm darkness was really holding him captive. That he wasn't supposed to be here…and again, he heard the voices, and kept on hearing them as the images flashed through his mind, making it hurt…hurt bad. He wanted to scream, to cry out-and felt like he couldn't.
Images of a dark haired, dark skinned young man…
When they'd first kissed…his startled expression after he had toppled off his bike during a race when another motorcross racer had rammed into him, determined to take him out of the race-well, he had. But he had been there-watching it all, and he had been the first one to get to him. He'd been on the verge of unconsciousness when he had placed his lips upon his own.
Later when he had asked him about it, asked him if he had been dreaming the whole thing, he had said yes-but a few days later, he had come to work, wanting to talk to him. They'd gone out back, and he'd told him that when he had said yes-he had really meant to say no. It had started to rain suddenly, drenching them both-and as he had been looking up at the dark rain clouds, he had pulled him forward and kissed him again. Telling him just how worried he had been when he had to be taken to the hospital, when the doctor's had said that he'd had a bad concussion and a sprained wrist that would heal with some time. He hadn't been able to Ranger for awhile…and he'd had to stay in bed for a few days after that…he had always thought it weird that the other had always stopped in to check and see how he was doing-had even spent the first night when he'd come home from the hospital, saying that he didn't want him to be alone.
Another flash image of when they'd been at a picnic with everyone, celebrating Blake's and Hunter's return…he'd been happy to see that Tori was happy once more-and wished that he could have her happiness-wished that they had the courage to tell everyone about them. He'd taken him away from them…given the two of them some space from the others…kissing once, then again, and again…eventually the other Ranger's had to go looking for them, they'd been gone for so long.
He remembered bringing him roses-dark red ones-for his birthday, when he himself had completely forgotten about it…and then later that night, treating him to dinner…and a cuddle session on the couch at Ninja Ops, as that night he had made sure that Blake and Hunter were both out, and Cam had minded his business as he usually did…he couldn't have had it at his place-his parents would've flipped for sure-and they weren't really sure on how Shane's parents would react to them being together either. But they had watched the movies that he'd rented the night before-all his favorites-and eventually falling asleep. Cam hadn't woken them, and they'd stayed the night at Ops…of course his parents hadn't been too happy because he hadn't called them (they were so overprotective half the time it drove him crazy) but they'd gotten over it…eventually.
All he cared about was making him happy.
'Remember what you're fighting for.' Again, those damned voices-and more images flashing through his mind…couldn't they just leave him the hell alone?!?
And suddenly he felt like he really couldn't breathe, he tried to, but he couldn't. A light started to swarm around him, taking him away from the darkness…pulling him away from it, as he felt himself start to grow cold and the images started to fade away again. And he remembered what it was he was fighting for…
Shane.
~***~
"Come on Dustin…come on, please!" He felt like it had been an eternity-when in all reality, it had really only been a few minutes, if that.
When Dustin started to cough up water, Shane let out a strangled cry of relief.
"Thank god." Shane murmured, as he turned Dustin over on his side so that he could dispel the water and wouldn't choke on it.
After awhile, Dustin managed to roll over on his own, and Shane sighed happily when he was able to look into Dustin's dark brown, tired looking eyes.
"Dustin?" He whispered, not believing that Dustin was actually alive. His hand brushed across the brunette's forehead, brushing away some of the fallen bangs that had been plastered to his forehead from the rain.
Dustin looked at him for a few seconds, before taking a small breath-and coughing afterwards, before responding.
"Yeah…?"
Shane leaned over and pulled his boyfriend up in a hug, careful not to hug him too tightly in case he was hurt, but close enough so that he could actually feel Dustin's heart beating, and his chest rising up and down with each shallow breath that he took.
"What…happened…?" Dustin asked quietly as he shivered suddenly and Shane shook his head, pulling away from their embrace long enough to place a gentle finger over his lips.
"I'll explain as much as I can later. Right now, we need to get out of this rain…we're both soaked to the bone, and I need to look you over and see if you're hurt anywhere…can you walk?" Nodding at him, as Shane moved up and offered him a hand, Dustin rose unsteadily to his feet. But the moment he seemed to gain any sense of balance, he slumped over into Shane's outstretched arms.
"You know…why don't I just carry you? You really don't look so good." He murmured softly as he swept the brunette off his feet, who struggled for a few minutes, saying that he could walk on his own-and then suddenly gave up. While cold, Shane's body still radiated heat…and it was better then nothing.
"You really don't have to carry me." Dustin whispered, as Shane only smiled softly at him.
"I know I don't have to carry you…I want to carry you." The dark haired teen said, as Dustin unconsciously buried his head into his boyfriend's chest, and felt himself falling asleep-he suddenly felt very tired…
~***~
By the time Shane had found the cave, Dustin had been asleep for too long. Shane knew he shouldn't have let him sleep, but with all that was going on at the moment, and the fact that he had been trying to find shelter for a better portion of the night, hadn't helped them all that much.
He wasn't even sure if the cave he found at the moment, was safe or not. He was still carrying Dustin, and his arms were now numb…from the cold, and from having carried Dustin for so long-even though the light brunette wasn't to heavy. So now he sat Dustin down against the rock wall next to the cave, trying to get him to wake…Dustin had stopped shivering after awhile, and Shane was hoping that his boyfriend hadn't gone into shock.
"Dustin…Dustin, dude, come on wake up." After gently shaking him for a few minutes, Dustin finally came to, looking at Shane groggily as he raised a hand and tried to rub some of the sleep from his eyes.
"Man…I've got the biggest headache." He said with a groan, and Shane sighed, remembering when they had been on the cruise ship, that Blake had said something about Dustin smacking his head against the rail.
"You might've had a concussion Dustin. Probably comes with the territory…are you still cold?" Dustin shook his head and Shane threw him a worried look.
"I went numb a long time ago-your body heat helped some, but you really didn't have that much to begin with." The brunette said, in a feeble attempt to make a joke and try to lighten their horrible situation, but earned a light cuff alongside the head from Shane.
"Brat…" He muttered, taking Dustin's playful stride. "Be glad that you're probably injured or I would've smacked you harder-I'm going into check this cave out…stay awake, okay?" All Dustin did was nod as he watched Shane disappear into the incredibly dark cave. He didn't see why Shane felt as though he had to check the cave…Dustin was, after all, the Child of Earth. He could've just asked him to feel inside the cave. He smirked to himself and shook his head lightly, then groaned as he brought up a hand to rub his temples. That hadn't been such a good idea. He was really wishing for some Advil, or Tylenol even-something to help the intense, throbbing pain in his head.
A few seconds later, Shane came back looking quite sheepish.
"You know, I just realized something…" And Dustin grinned as he made a motion toward the cave.
"Yeah, I know, you should've asked me-the cave's fine…nothing's lived in it for a very long time now. It's safe." Shane grumbled something underneath his breath, and all Dustin did was give him a wry grin as Shane reached down and helped him stand up…suddenly he felt nauseated and woozy as the world tilted around him and he groaned.
"Shane…" He whispered, and his boyfriend immediately tightened his grip a little big more securely around him, allowing him to lean more into him to keep his balance, and help him keep from falling down completely.
"Tell me exactly how you feel." Shane whispered back as he half carried, half dragged Dustin into the cave and away from the rain.
"I feel…I feel…like I'm about to throw up." Dustin murmured weakly and honestly, as Shane managed to get him down to his knees just in time as he started to heave up anything he had to eat the other day. When he was finished, he moaned lightly as Shane pulled him away, and leaned up against the smooth surface of the cave, letting Dustin lean against him.
"Dude, you're shivering again." He said, pointing out something Dustin already knew as he weakly nodded his head.
"I know-I suddenly feel really cold and not so good…not so good at all." Shane frowned…Dustin wasn't getting sick on him again, was he? And if he got sick here…but Shane had to put those thoughts aside. If he panicked on Dustin, who already wasn't looking too good, then Dustin would definitely panic and freak out as well. And that was something that he didn't think Dustin wanted-because he didn't want it to happen either.
"You might've swallowed too much sea water-you know how Tori is after a very long day at the beach, if she wipes out at the end of it? Remember the time that we caught her retching after a really big wipe out, because she had also gotten water up her nose?" Dustin laughed, and it was a laugh that Shane realized sounded much like a giggle. He grinned, knowing that he didn't mind Dustin's giggling laugh-he always had thought it was cute. Again, he felt Dustin shiver as his boyfriend huddled into him a little more, trying to get as close as he could get.
"You know, I think we need to at least get out of our wet shirts? I wish we had blankets or something, but at the moment-"
"We don't." Dustin said, cutting him off through chattering teeth.
"Shane…I think I'm going to throw up again." And Shane allowed Dustin to maneuver enough away from him so that Shane could still hold onto him as he threw up once more on the sandy ground beneath them. He continued to dry heave until minutes later, and when he was done, he was gasping for breath. As he was being sick, Shane had managed to peel off his wet T-shirt, glad to get rid of it as it really was starting to become a nuisance, and turned to see Dustin weakly collapse against the wall.
"Remind me…next time…that Tori invites us on a trip…to not agree to go." He mumbled, wiping his pale face with a trembling hand as Shane moved in and wrapped his arms around his trembling figure.
"I'm going to get your shirt off of you-trust me, you'll feel a little better without it on." Shane whispered into his ear, as Dustin nodded and tried to help Shane peel off his own shirt as much as he could.
But as his hands brushed across Dustin's bare skin, he frowned at the heat that radiated off of Dustin's body-and yet, Dustin was shaking as though he was freezing. Shane inwardly groaned…was Dustin sick again? But this time Dustin had a reason…he felt so bad for his boyfriend. They were stranded in the middle of nowhere, and Dustin was feeling miserable once more.
"I can see why you don't want to take anymore trips with Tori…Dustin, you're burning up again." Dustin only weakly nodded his head, looking like he was ready to cry any minute.
"I know…I'm sorry…I'm sorry…" He kept on apologizing over and over again, until Shane gently shushed him, bringing him close enough so that once again he was leaning up against his chest, his head resting against his bare shoulder.
"Dustin, you've got nothing to be sorry about, trust me…just…try to calm down and relax, okay?" Dustin nodded, feeling his eyes start to droop as sleep beckoned him-well, more like the thought of passing out on Shane beckoned him.
"Dustin dude, you've got to stay with me, you've got to stay awake." He heard Shane plead, and Dustin only coughed in response.
"I'm sorry Shane…" He apologized once again before he felt his eyes slowly close and he fell limp against Shane's body.
TBC
Quick AN: Hides and shields herself away from audience's evil glares…I know…I know, I'm so evil for leaving it there…don't kill me…please? (Besides, if you kill me then you can't get the next chapter, so :P! You have no choice but to keep me alive to find out what happens next! Evil maniacal laughter from authoress inserted here)
Ah, but this chapter was so much fun for me to write! Major Dustin and Shane angst…wheeeeeeeee! What fun! (I know, I know, I'm a horrible awful person for doing such things to Dustin…*hides away again*…but I can't help it! It's too much fun to torture your favorite character…*whimpers*) Hmmmm…what to do with the next chapter…hehe…I so want to give you guys a hint of what's going to happen in the next chapter…and I'm wondering if I should do that or if I should torture you guys even more and make you wait…*evil smile*…ah…but I'm in a generous mood…sooooooooooooo….
Next Chapter hints:
Kelly finds out about the storm, and is frantically worried about Dustin, Shane, Blake, Hunter, Tori, and Cam and hopes they're okay.
Ah, and what the heck-we get started on yet another couple of Ranger's…but who are they? Now that's what I'm not telling!!! ^-~ But I'll be nice and give you a hint on one of the characters: this person was on the team that showed up evil and working on Lothor's side, then disappeared and came back to help the Wind Ranger's fight Lothor and his evil goons. (So now you've got a couple of possibilities here…but which one do you think I'll go with…? ^-~)