Shane stood over Cam as the older man ran a scanner over Dustin. Normally Cam would have told him to back off, but the circumstances were very different. None of the rangers had been hurt this bad before. During the journey back to Ninja Ops Dustin had demorphed, but wasn't waking up. Cam wasn't sure there was much he could do for the yellow ranger. Dustin needed to go to a hospital and as the other rangers showed up he was pretty sure Hunter did too. The reaction he got when he voiced this idea was a negative one.
"Those Psychos scanned our minds. They probably know who we are." Shane said.
"So? Lothor knows who you are." Cam replied.
"These guys are different somehow Cam." Tori said. "I don't think it's safe for Dustin to be out there helpless."
Something in Tori's voice was enough to convince Cam. The Psycho Rangers seemed much different than anything the rangers had faced before. They seemed completely evil. Not under any spells or mind warps. They were doing everything of their own free will. Even Hunter and Blake hadn't done as much damage as the new arrivals had when they were under Lothor's influence. Cam knew somehow that Dustin wouldn't be safe in a hospital where the Psychos could get a hold of him.
"Alright, but-." Cam cut himself off as Dustin stirred.
"Man, did anyone catch the number of the bus that just hit me?" Dustin mumbled, bringing a smile of relief to several faces. If he could joke then he was probably okay. He sat up a little weakly and shook his head as if to clear it. "Dudes, that was brutal."
"No kidding. You guys weren't even that bad." Tori said, echoing Cam's thoughts about the Thunder Rangers. "We couldn't even touch them before they scanned our minds. How are we supposed to beat them now?"
Everyone's eyes flicked to Shane, who paled just a little bit. He was already starting to have doubts about his leadership. He had been pretty secure about it before the Psycho Rangers, but Psycho Red had proved a point. He hadn't been able to help his teammates when they needed it. Hunter probably had a concussion and they were all really lucky Dustin was still alive. Now they all wanted an idea from him on how they would beat what he was sure was going to be their greatest challenge? Shane didn't know what to tell them.
"Perhaps right now you should all just try and rest." Their Sensei suggested, saving Shane from having to say anything.
The ninjas all agreed silently. Hunter and Blake retreated to their room and Cam suggested Dustin use his own room to sleep in. Tori decided to work on some homework to take her mind off of things while Shane settled down to meditate.
ZzZzZ
"You're pathetic! Why didn't you even try to hurt the Red Ranger?" Crimson demanded.
Red glared though it was hidden by his helmet. "I'm using psychological warfare against him. I want him to doubt his abilities as a leader before I destroy him."
"Or you're too weak to fight him." Crimson taunted.
At the same time Yellow and Navy were paired off. Navy was angry about Yellow insulting him in front of their enemies. Yellow was nonchalant about it and didn't even flinch at Navy's threats. Navy quickly lost his temper and with a roar launched himself at his teammate. Yellow dodged his attack and growled at being attacked. The two began to trade blows so fast they became a blur. Navy managed to land a fierce kick to Yellow's chest sending his teammate tumbling across the cold floor to land at Psycho Blue's feet. Yellow scrambled up and charged Navy only to disappear into the ground as Navy kicked at thin air. Yellow came up right behind Navy and locked an arm around his teammate's neck.
"Attack me again and I'll kill you." Yellow whispered threateningly so that only Navy could hear him. "And I'll make sure it hurts."
Navy growled and started to reply before Red spoke first. "Zadan, let him go."
"He attacked me first." Psycho Yellow, otherwise known as Zadan, retorted.
"I don't care who started it I'm going to finish it." Psycho Red barked.
Psycho Blue rolled her eyes behind her helmet. "You sound like my dad."
"So?"
"I killed my dad." The other four psychos looked toward her in shock. "He lectured me too much. Tried to control me."
Psycho Red mentally took note of that. She wasn't going to openly oppose him for power like Crimson, but she was interested. She would be sneaky and underhanded about it. He would have to keep an eye on her or perhaps have Navy do so.
Navy was maybe the most sane and trustworthy of them all. Red knew he could count on Navy to have his back. During their training as a team Navy had been the only one to really make friends with everyone, except Red who stuck to himself. He wasn't interested in power or a high rank on the team. He wouldn't even go out of his way to start trouble, but if he felt insulted or wronged he would do what he had to in order to make it right. Hence attacking Psycho Yellow.
Crimson shook off his surprise at Psycho Blue's revelation and grabbed Red's arm. "We're not done yet."
Red swung around like a flash and hit Crimson hard enough to send the other psycho flying. The other Psychos watched with varying degrees of interest. Crimson hit a wall and crumpled to the ground in surprise and pain. Red glared at him even though it was still hidden behind his helmet.
"We are done Terik." Red snarled, using Crimson's real name for effect. "I'm leader and it's staying that way."
"I dunno Dariv. Terik has a point." Psycho Blue spoke up. "You didn't do much to Red Ranger. He barely limped at all."
Red turned on her, furious at her sudden involvement. "I won't be questioned by you too."
"Then prove you're a worthy leader." Crimson said as he stood up. He brushed himself off, not that there was anything to brush off. "Let's go down there. We'll do our part and you make sure Red Ranger doesn't just walk away from this fight."
"That's an excellent idea." A new voice joined in. The Psychos immediately showed team unity and faced the speaker ready to fight if needed. Instead they found Master Kalix watching them from the doorway into their "conference" room. "Lothor was impressed by your power, but upset you didn't destroy them."
"You told us-."
Kalix cut Psycho Red off. "I know what I told you and it's still what I want. Have your fun until I tell you otherwise. We'll destroy them when we're ready."
"Is Lothor falling for it?" Psycho Red questioned.
"Hook, line, and sinker." Kalix said with a grin. "If he talks to you be respectful and follow his orders unless I say otherwise. The more he trusts you the more beneficial it will be in the long run."
"He has no clue what he's in for." Red laughed. The rest of the team echoed him.
"And neither do the rangers."
ZzZzZ
What happened?
That was the first thought that crossed his mind. His body was wracked with mind numbing pain and it took him several long minutes to figure he was on the ground. He couldn't remember why though. It hurt too much to think.
Then as if a light switch had been flipped he remembered. The reptile thing. The reptile thing came to the temple. He had beaten the reptile around for several minutes before...
He shot to his feet and turned toward the pedestal. His heart stopped beating and he almost couldn't breathe.
"No, it can't be."
The Gems of Power were gone. He had worked for a long time to protect the Gems of Power. He had fought off hordes of putties, tengas, cogs, quantrons, and many other foot soldiers that had been sent to retrieve the Gems. He had taken on monsters of considerable power all by himself and stomped them into the ground. Henchmen and generals had come in search of something to impress those they served. He had fought against overwhelming odds and always won.
And one reptile things waltzed in and took the Gems. Not only took the Gems but insulted him and his deceased teammates before zapping him with some very powerful device. His back was still burning from where the device had touched.
It's not your fault Kale. It is destiny.
"I failed again."
No, it was never you destiny to keep them safe forever. Your destiny awaits you on Earth.
"Earth?" Kale questioned. "What is it with Earth? Lord Zedd wanted the Gems to use against the power rangers there. Then King Mondo wants them for the same reason. What is it with this Earth?"
Go Kale. You are needed there. You must right the wrongs that have been done.
ZzZzZ
Dustin was just starting to get his bearing back when Cam announced the Psycho Rangers were back. The Yellow Ranger groaned, but stood with the team as they morphed and went to fight their newest foes. The Psycho Rangers were standing calmly waiting for the rangers to appear when the five ninjas streaked in. The rangers stood so that they were faced off against their corresponding colors and if not for the helmets both sides would have been glaring hatefully at each other.
"Back up so soon Yellow Ranger? I'll make sure you stay down this time." Psycho Yellow taunted.
For once Dustin didn't have a sarcastic or snide comeback. He wouldn't have admitted it to anyone else, but after his first encounter with his new nemesis Dustin was afraid of the Psycho Ranger. Psycho Yellow had thrown him around, followed him into the ground, and held him in a very helpless position while literally shocking him nearly to death. Normally he would have tried to be optimistic about beating the Psycho Rangers, but he was starting to have his doubts. He wasn't in a hurry to experience that again, but he knew as a ranger he would have to face his worst enemy and win or be destroyed. And defeat was not an option because his life was hardly the most important thing at stake.
"Alright, leader we'll hold the others off. You do what you came to do." Crimson said.
Red turned with a growl and grabbed Crimson's neck. "Don't tell me what to do! I'm the leader here!"
"Then prove it." Crimson growled, knocking Red's hand away.
"Fine." Red snarled. He was done with being questioned. He would prove his right to be a Psycho Ranger. "Psychos Rangers attack!"
Psycho Red didn't waste any time playing around. He knew he had to prove his supremacy as a leader. Psycho Blue and Psycho Crimson might conspire against him if they suspected him to be weak. He wouldn't let that happen. He was destined to be their leader and destined to lead them in defeating the rangers. He knew it in his heart and he was going to make sure they knew it too.
Shane reeled as he was hit three times before he could even blink. Even as he stumbled back he was met with a fierce kick to his back that he knew would have broken some bones if not for the suit. He used the momentum to tuck himself into a ball and roll to his feet. He spun just in time to see a fist flying at his face and the impact sent him flying backward. He collided with Psycho Blue, who had been taunting Tori. Shane tried to get up and away from Blue, but he wasn't fast enough. Enraged at being attacked from behind Psycho Blue snatched Shane up by his neck and then slashed him several times with her cutlass. She then kicked the fairly beaten Red Range back at Psycho Red.
"Hey, don't touch my ranger!" Red yelled furiously.
"Then keep a better eye on him!" Blue retorted.
Meanwhile Dustin was avoiding Psycho Yellow at all cost. Psycho Yellow loved every moment of it. He could tell he had put fear into the little ranger and it made him feel powerful. He pulled his Psycho Scythe and charged the ranger, slow enough for Dustin to see it coming. Dustin pulled out his Lion Hammer and knocked the Psycho's scythe to the side, but Yellow used the momentum to swing around, wrap the blade around Dustin's neck and spin around. The swung Dustin into the air and then hard into the ground. Dustin's already abused body screamed in protest and he couldn't find the strength to get up.
Not far away Psycho Navy and Psycho Crimson were working together against their counterpart, though they hardly needed to do so. They found that the more they tried to separate the two rangers the more they stuck together. So the Psychos, though solitary fighters by nature, worked together to try and separate the brothers. It was harder work than they wanted to admit, because sometimes the brothers would switch opponents before the Psychos could stop them. Crimson was quickly getting tired of Blake's interference and tired of Navy not being able to handle his own ranger.
"Keep your ranger away from mine." Crimson snarled at his teammate.
"I don't see you doing any better." Navy retorted.
The two Psychos were distracted with each other just long enough to give Hunter and Blake time enough to regroup. Hunter pulled his Crimson Blaster while Blake pulled his Navy Antler and seized their advantage by attacking while the Psychos were distracted. Hunter blasted Navy while Blake grabbed Crimson and sent energy crackling through the evil Psycho's suit. As Navy went down Hunter pressed his advantage only to have Navy pull his Psycho Quarterstaff. Crimson bashed Blake hard with his Psycho Shield and turned his attention to Hunter fighting Navy. With a growl Psycho Crimson charged Hunter from behind and bashed the ranger right in the middle of the back. Navy disengaged from Hunter and turned his attention to Blake, finally getting back to his real target.
At the same time Psycho Blue was viscously slashing Tori with her Psycho Cutlass while the Blue Ranger tried to use her Ninja Sword in defense. The two parried and slashed, ducked and dodged, but it was clear Psycho Blue had the advantage. Her cutlass may have been shorter, but she could move about twice as fast as Tori and seemed ready for everything Tori tried. For every attack there was a brutal counterattack and vice versa. Tori couldn't seem to gain any ground and pretty soon she was laid out of the ground, her suit sparking like a Fourth of July firework.
And it was then that all the Psychos restrained their rangers, except for Psycho Red. He could feel his teammates' eyes on him. He knew it was time to show them how powerful he was and send a clear message that he was their leader. With a growl he doubled his attack against Shane, deftly dodging any attacks the red ranger tried and landing brutal jabs and slashes that had Shane's suit sparking. Pretty soon Shane was barely standing on his own and Psycho Red was ready to finish it.
"One incapacitated ranger, coming right up." Red announced, more to Crimson and Blue than to anyone else. "Psycho Slash Attack!"
Dustin was the closest to Shane and though he was in a lot of pain he moved without thinking. He sunk into the ground and jumped up right in front of Shane. Shane froze as Dustin appeared out of the ground and stood in front of him. He knew he should have moved, but he couldn't. Red energy slashed through the air and struck Dustin with frightening power. His suit sparked as he screamed in agony as his already abused body was attacked once more. Mini explosions tore through his suit as he fell to his knees. The world dimmed and slowed down as he stared with unfocused eyes at the leader of the Psycho Rangers. And then everything darkened to a peaceful black and he felt no more pain.
"You got the wrong ranger you fool!" Psycho Yellow shrieked. "That's my ranger!"
"You failed." Crimson sneered. He streaked over to Red, grabbed his fellow Psycho and then teleported away.
The rest of the Psychos looked at each other. Psycho Yellow gave Dustin a disappointed look, having wanted to torture the ranger more himself, before streaking away. Psycho Blue followed quickly, but Navy hesitated. He stared at Dustin then at the other rangers and then at Dustin again. Something about Dustin's actions struck something deep within him that brought up a bolt of pain and a memory he didn't know he had.
"Look out!"
He spun, but never would have moved fast enough. He saw the energy blast coming at him and knew it was over. Then there was a body blocking the path. He saw a black suit and cried out in despair just before the energy struck his teammate, propelling the older boy into his arms. He caught his teammate but was bowled over by the weight.
"Jakol, no!"
Psycho Navy snapped out of the trance and realized that the Thunder Rangers were converging on him. He quickly streaked away before they could attack him.
Shane finally unfroze and rushed to Dustin's side. He gathered his friend in his arms and sat down with Dustin laying across his lap. No, oh god no. It was all he could do or say. No. Over and over again he repeated it like a broke record.
Tori got to her feet and stumbled over to Shane and Dustin, dropping to her knees heavily. She reached out a hand to her yellow clad friend and jerked back in surprise as Dustin demorphed to his ninja form. She was surprised at how peaceful he looked despite the pain he had to have been in before passing out. She couldn't tell if he was breathing or not. Panic struck her and her heart pounded wildly as she felt Blake and Hunter join them.
"Is he...?"
"Nonononono." Shane kept mumbling, not even fully aware of the others.
Tori reached out and felt Dustin's neck with trembling fingers. For a moment her heart stopped beating as she couldn't find a pulse. Tears welled in her eyes and breath caught in her throat. It couldn't be. Dustin couldn't be dead. Then she felt it, faint, but still there. He had a pulse.
"No he's alive." Tori finally announced.
"Let's get back to Ops." Hunter growled.
ZzZzZ
Shane sat in the waiting room of the hospital with a million thoughts whirling in his mind. He had been silent ever since Cam insisted they take Dustin to the hospital. He hadn't said a word when they were checking him in or when the nurses told them to wait. He had been silently brooding in a way that put Hunter to shame.
And he had one major question running through his mind, repeating over and over. Why? Why had Dustin jumped in front of him? Not that he wouldn't have done the same thing for any of his teammates, but Dustin had already been hurt to begin with. Psycho Yellow had done some real damage and Dustin didn't even really get a chance to recover before the Psychos attacked again. Then Dustin had to go and jump in front of that attack. It was a brave and noble thing to do, Shane was grateful, but at the same time he couldn't help but think he could have withstood the attack while Dustin...he wasn't so sure Dustin was going to live.
And possibly the worst thing was that he knew it was his fault. Shane knew that Dustin had taken the hit for him without even thinking. It was instinct. Nothing could have stopped Dustin from getting in front of him. But Shane froze. He could have shoved Dustin out of the way. He could have tackled him so that both of them missed being hit. He could have done anything other than stand there and watch it happen. The image repeated over and over again. Dustin's body rocking with the force of the attack, the energy crackling over his suit causing explosions around his whole body, and worst of all his collapse. Shane couldn't get it out of his head. How it went down and how it should have went down...it was haunting him. The fact that he had locked up, frozen when he should have acted and let his best friend pull a suicidal move.
"Are you here for Dustin Brooks?"
The group, sat in various positions around the waiting room, looked up at the voice. A middle aged lady stood before them with a clipboard in hand. Her green eyes flicked from the paperwork before her to the group gathering together. At their affirmative nods she decided to go on.
"I'm Doctor Gray. I have good news and I have bad news." The doctor said. "Whatever that monster hit him with didn't physically hurt him other than some bruising. His condition has stabilized."
"What's the bad news?"
"He's in a coma and I'm not sure when or if he's going to wake up."
ZzZzZ
Kalix couldn't have been happier. Things were progressing nicely. The Psycho Rangers were putting fear into the rangers' hearts. They were breaking down the team and putting doubt in their minds. He suspected the Red Ranger would be questioning his abilities as a leader after the last fight. The Yellow Ranger was out of the fight, possibly for good. It would only be a matter of time before the other rangers began to fall.
Then he could turn the Psychos loose on Lothor and any that stood with him. He could take over the empire and conquer Earth using the Psychos. He would accomplish what no evil forces before him ever had. He would make Earth his.