A/N -

song to three blind mice, no pun intended with the nature of the story.

I love reviews /

I love reviews/

see how they brighten/

my daily mood/

I love to check my email at night/

to see the reviews, oh what a great sight/

I love reviews/

i love reviews/

ALSO - there is some slight Dustin/Marah, and when I mean slight, I mean... its a subplot.

Still the wonderful cam/hunter and BOY do they have issues. enjoy!

"Come on, bro, you gotta come meet me." Hunter said, "I haven't see you in weeks and I miss you."

"I'm really tired, and in bed, and I can see you for breakfast." Cam said, "It's late."

"It is not late, Cam." Hunter said, "Do you not want to see me? Maybe leaving was a good idea!"

"I don't know, Hunter, stop asking me questions like that." Cam's voice was harsh.

Hunter rubbed the bridge of his nose, "Are you having doubts? Do you feel differently? We should be having this conversation in person."

Cam didn't respond immediately and Hunter near growled into the phone, "fine, Cam. Fine. We'll break up even before we were together. I really liked you though, ok? Remember that!"

"I like you too." Cam said, his voice small and timid.

"Then what are you afraid of?" Hunter said, the fire out of his voice.

"I don't know." Cam said.

Hunter laughed cynically, "This is a circular argument if i ever heard one."

"Where are you?"

"In a cab. Racking up miles trying to find a place to have coffee." Hunter was debating if he wanted a beer instead, forgetting temporarily that he wasn't of age.

"Tell me where to meet you." Cam said. His voice was monotone and upset.

Hunter turned to the cab driver, "Drop me off at the next place that has really good coffee."

The cab grinned, "We've got Roxy's. Its got a bit of privacy as well."

"Roxy's, Cam, Meet me there." Hunter said.

He shut the phone, not giving Cam a chance to protest. The cab driver looked in the rear view mirror, "Lover's spat?"

Hunter snorted, "Something like that."

"Well whats the problem? You seem like a nice enough guy. What girl wouldn't want you?" the cabbie lit a smoke and Hunter scrunched his nose.

"I don't know. Cameron... it's just... whatever I do, its not good enough. I've shown that I am in love. I've tried my hardest. I kinda left for a few weeks to get my head sorted out and Cam is just upset about it. I left abruptly."

"Well, you gotta understand, when you love someone and they just leave, it hurts. No matter what the reason." The cab driver smiled, confused at why Hunter wasn't responding nonverbally.

"The thing is, I was in an accident. I race, motocross, and lost my eyesight. I've been thrown for a loop and can't deal with this crap. If Cam loves me, then he should just love me."

The cab driver blinked again. He didn't know either thing about Hunter, gay and blind. "Well so what? You're blind. Big effin' deal."

Hunter snapped his head around to the front of the car. "Big deal? It's a huge deal! I can't race! I can't walk anywhere! I need help in things I've been able to do my whole life. I want to be a racer, and now I never will be."

The cabbie rolled his eyes, "Well, I wanted to be a doctor, but I messed up my hands in a war. You may think I'm just some lowly idiot cab driver, but I'm not. I teach classes now. I cab drive because it's a family business and I enjoy it. Listen, man, If you love moto so much, ain't nothing going to stop you. No one cares that you're blind, but you. Get over it. I can't practice medicine but i can teach others."

Hunter leaned back, digesting what the cabbie had to say. "I... I'm sorry about your hands."

"That's another thing, pity. You don't need it, trust me. If you want to get your head in order, start doing something instead of complaining about it. Blindness ain't death. Being a vet with shaky hands didn't mean my life was over." The cab driver turned back to the road, shocked that he was getting so involved in the conversation.

Hunter nodded. "I guess so..."

"Here's Roxy's, man. Stop being such a grump and go live your life. You're young for godsake!"

Hunter laughed, "Yeah, I am... thanks..."

He paid the man his fare and left for the coffee shop. Just before the cab drove away, Hunter turned and waved goodbye. Cabbies always had the best advice. Just like himself, the most unexpected people had a hidden side. Hunter made his way inside.

Lothor was pacing and Marah bit her lip, knowing that it wasn't a good sign. She looked down at her feet, waiting for a punishment. Not that Marah knew exactly why she was being punished. Lothor finally stopped and said, "I'm growing tired of this gettng defeated each time thing. We've captured the rangers several times, but they always manage to get away. Do you know why, Marah?"

"Because they have determination?" Marah said, her voice high pitched and confused.

Lothor sighed, "No, you miserable excuse for a space ninja. It's because our schemes are complicated and dramatic. My idiot brother expects big bangs and theatrics. I think we should attack individually."

"What would that do, Uncle? I mean, you'd only be getting one at a time until they were all gone... oh, i get it." Marah said.

Lothor rolled his eyes, "Our Crimson ranger is currently meeting with my despisable nephew. Bring them to me, Marah, and don't mess up. Like you did with the yellow ranger!"

Marah blushed deeply, a pang of guilt hitting her. "Yes sir! On it! I'm the most evil that evil can be and I will prove it to you!"

"Trying to convince yourself of that, Marah? Now go!" Lothor said, "And take a scroll of enpowerment with you."

Marah nodded, taking a scroll. She ran to her room, piffling through her things. The Crimson ranger was blind... so maybe a creature he couldn't hear? That would make sense. The green samurai ranger would get in the way, so it had to be quite powerful and quick. Marah had no doubt that they would call for help if needed. Marah picked up a stuffed animal that Kapri had given her. It was ugly and had no mouth, it's threading coming undone. She knew that it wasn't a true gift, just a hand me down, but Marah loved it nonetheless. She rarely got gifts. "This will work. My doll makes no noises and if I give her powers, the rangers won't stand a chance. She'll surprise them... I love surprises!"

Lothor's voice came over the loud speaker, "NOW Marah! You moron!"

Marah squeaked in surprise and snapped her fingers, transporting to earth.

Hunter sighed. Cam probably wasn't coming. He was late. Just before giving up, Cam rushed in. "Sorry... I had this cab driver who talked my ear off about some nonsense."

Hunter smirked, "You know, you should listen to what they have to say. Wisdom comes in many forms."

"You've been listening too much to Dad." Cam said sarcastically, "I never pegged you for a zen master."

Hunter asked, all jest gone from his voice, "Do you have to be sarcastic all the time?"

"Why not? It's a perfect self defense mechanism."

"See what I mean?" Hunter said, exasperated.

"Not so sure if that last comment was a joke or not," Cam said, sadly.

Hunter started again, "Cam. I'm sorry for leaving as I did. I should have told you in person, instead of a note."

Cam nodded, waiting a bit before responding, "You should have. I raced to ninja ops as quickly as I could. I wanted to track your morpher, but sensei wouldn't let me. Blake and I became very close after that."

Hunter straightened up, not willing to believe what he had just heard, "Close? How close!"

Cam smiled, "Jealous? You got it wrong. I meant... He became the brother I never had."

Hunter smiled, blushing at how ridiculous he must have sounded. "Yeah... Blake is good that way."

"We miss you. Too much. It hurts every day. If there's something I did wrong, Hunter, tell me. I'll fix whatever it is."

"You didn't do anything."

"then what must I do now?"

"I don't know. I need my time." Hunter said.

"Well... you don't get more time. You've had long enough. I want to bring you home." Cam said, his voice with a hint of anger.

Hunter sipped his water. "I've become usefull out here."

"You were useful at Ninja Ops."

Hunter looked down, "I've a job. I've friends. I even have my own apartment. I have a martial arts class and everything."

"You made a new life. Without us." Cam said, defeated.

"It's not like that." Hunter said, "Cam, you're being difficult."

"So sorry." Cam said, annoyed. "I'm hurt, you're doing just fine without us. Yeah, everything is fair and right with the world."

Hunter was about to retort when he heard a few people scream. He then heard Marah say, her voice whining, "It was supposed to be a surprise attack! I hate people, they ruin everything! I can't wait till we take over this miserable planet."

"What are you doing here, Marah?" Cam said, all thoughts on his adversary instead of the conversation.

Hunter sighed and took another sip of his drink before standing. Cam and him would talk another time. "Yeah, Marah," Hunter said angrily, "You ruined our dinner together."

"Well, from what I overheard, it wasn't that pleasant of a dinner." Marah said, "Meet my newest creation, Miss. Fluffy."

"Miss.Fluffy?" Cam said, "You have got to be kidding me."

Marah stomped her foot, "She is like my favorite doll! Kapri gave her to me!"

Cam threw his hands up in the air and watched as Marah stepped aside, revealing the most hideous looking doll that Cam had ever seen. Hunter crossed his arms, "Cam... I think the place is cleared... double check and we'll ranger it up."

Cam quickly scanned the area, "Samurai Form..."

"Thunder storm... Ranger form... HA!" Hunter called after.

The crimsons ranger marvelled at the feel of being a ranger again. It had been so long. Cam turned to Hunter, "Power down and call the others, Hunter. You're in no condition to fight!"

Hunter clenched his fists, "I can fight. I will fight. Just because I'm blind..."

"And can't see any attacks! Power down. I need you safe." Cam said.

Hunter turned his head away, "You don't think I can do it, do you?"

Marah yawned, "You rangers are boring. Do you always fight like this?"

"No." The two said simultaneously.

Marah snapped her fingers and Miss.Fluffy raced forward, absolutely silently. She took out a magic wand and hit both rangers, sparks flying. Hunter flew back into a table, while Cam flew in the opposite direction, hitting a wall. Marah laughed, "Yeah! This might actually be fun!"

Cam stood up, shakily, "Hunter, are you alright?"

Hunter stood and glared, "I was about to ask you the same thing."

"How touching." Cam bit out.

Cam turned towards the doll. "You are one ugly doll."

"I'm thankful that I don't have to look at her." Hunter said.

Cam turned to Hunter, "Last chance, Hunter. Call the others."

"You call the others."

"I'm really getting annoyed by you." Cam said.

Hunter huffed, "The feeling is mutual."

Miss.Fluffy took this time to race towards them again, this time, Cam was paying attention. Hunter couldn't hear her attack, just the sound of Cam hitting something. Hunter took a deep breath and struck out, hoping he'd hit something other than Cam.

Cam dodged Hunter's punch, letting it land on Miss. Fluffy's face. She flew back and Cam smiled, "Good shot."

"I know." Hunter said, shaky from the action. This was entirely new territory for him.

Cam yelled out, "Behind you. She's tricky."

Hunter ducked and Miss. Fluffy's wand flew over him, Hunter feeling the breeze of it against his back. It was closer than he would have liked. Hunter turned, delivering a roundhouse kick. Miss. Fluffy dodged it. Marah laughed, "You're no match. You never will be. Miss. Fluffy, weaken them, then capture them."

Cam's eyes glared, "Never."

He rushed forward, attacking once again. Miss. Fluffy pointed her wand at Cam, sending out a pink lightning bolt. Cam froze as it hit him, and fell to his knees, clutching his chest. Hunter heard him cry out and he raced towards the noise, "Cam! Cam... are you alright! MARAH, you bastard!"

Marah laughed a bit and Miss. Fluffy flew over Cam. Cam quickly signalled the other rangers. Hunter stood down by Cam, not knowing where the silent doll was. Hunter touched Cam's shoulder, "Are you alright? Cam, answer me."

"I'm... fine..." Cam said, his voice tense and short.

Hunter glared, "Marah, you've gone too far. You should know better."

Marah paused, "Whatever do you mean, ranger?"

"How dare you interrupt two people who are in love." Hunter hissed out, "You know better than I do how much it hurts to be separated."

Marah was speechless. She had no idea the other rangers knew. She took a step back. "You know nothing. I'm evil and that's that."

"No, you're not. Stop this now!" Hunter yelled.

Marah shook her head, "Miss. Fluffy! Attack! Attack now!"

"Marah no!" Hunter said, "If you're evil, tell me you hate Dustin. You hate him and hope for him to die."

Marah looked down at her feet. "I... can't. Miss. Fluffy, what are you waiting for! Make him shut up!"

Miss. Fluffy grabbed Hunter at his neck, lifting him up. Hunter struggled, but the sudden movement had made him lose his breath. He gasped, but no air reached his lungs. MIss. Fluffy began to shake him like a ragdoll. Marah looked miserable, the crimson ranger's predictament not improving her mood. "How dare you, Ranger! To presume what went on between Dustin and I! It doesn't matter now, I made my choice, and there's no room for love there."

"There's always time and room for love." Cam said, standing up, knowing that he was talking about Hunter and himself instead of Dustin and Marah.

Cam let out a kick to the doll and she fell to one knee, her grip still strong. Her arm wrapped around Hunter's waist. His face was turning purple, his eyes beginning to roll back into his head. Cam went for the other leg when Miss. Fluffy disappeared. Cam looked around, shocked. "What? Where did they go! Hunter!" screamed Cam.

Marah turned, holding her Miss. Fluffy doll in her original form. Marah smirked. Within the clutches of the doll, lay a small, non moving miniature Crimson Ranger. Marah teetered, "See you later, Green ranger. I got what I came for."

"Better think again, Marah." Came Shane's voice from behind them.

Cam looked up, his face shield open displaying his shocked and panicked face. "She's got Hunter... and he's little... really little..."

Blake stepped past all the rangers, "Marah, you've gone to far. Give him back!"

Marah shook her head. "No!"

Dustin held to the back of the group, avoiding eye contact. Marah stomped her foot, shaking her doll, which caused Hunter to slip and fall. Cam leapt in the air, swiftly catching the miniature Hunter in his hands. Marah pouted some more. "NO! You can't have him! This was like my last chance to prove myself!"

"Marah, you never had to prove yourself to me. Why do it for Lothor, who hates you?" Dustin said, stepping from the back.

Marah's eyes filled with tears and she took a few steps back. "You stupid rangers!

You ruin everything! Now I know why Uncle hates you!"

Dustin took off his helmet looking at Marah's face. She avoided his eyes as best as she could. Cam looked up, "Convince her to return him to his form... he needs medical attention and I can't do it when he's three inches tall!"

Dustin powered down. "Marah, please... please help my friend."

Marah dropped her head and looked down, nodding. She snapped her fingers and the doll disappeared and Hunter returned to his normal size. He was completely unresponsive. Cam leaned his head to Hunter's mouth. "He's not breathing. Someone help me do CPR."

Dustin gasped at Cam's announcement. Blake raced to Hunter's side, starting compressions. Dustin turned to Marah, grabbing her by her collar. "Marah... if he dies, I will hunt you down, understand?"

Marah, eyes wide, nodded. She snapped her fingers again and Hunter took a deep breath, his chest filling with much needed oxygen. "I'm sorry... I just have to do what Lothor says or else..."

Dustin loosened his grip a bit, "Come back with us. Don't return."

Marah spun quickly, taking out Dustin's legs. "I can't go with you... nor can I go back. I'm out of here... I promise to never bother you nor Lothor again."

Dustin looked up as he saw Marah run away. Shane walked to Dustin, helping him up. "Let her go, dude, she isn't worth it."

"She is, Shane." Dustin said, "I mean... why do the people closest to me have bad things done to them? Hunter loses his eyesight, Cam loses whatever good nature he had to begin with... Marah runs away because she's confused and homeless now... what next? You going to break your leg? Blake's going to get a terminal illness?"

Tori, Dustin's best friend, embraced Dustin. "Hey... it'll be alright. Don't worry. Hunter is fine... Marah kinda fixed him. He's breathing, he's alive, he's coherent and those are the important things."

Dustin nodded and walked to Hunter and Cam. Everyone was powered down. Hunter looked at the group, "I... feel weird."

"You should. You were really little." Dustin said. "I mean, really little... like a hobbit."

"Actually, Dustin," Cam said, "That is an incorrect analogy. Hobbits are a few feet tall. He was more like a Little, or a Tom Thumb."

Dustin smiled, "Sure thing, Cam. You always know what I mean. You're right, as usual."

Cam looked at Hunter and took his hand, "Not always, Dustin."

tbc...