It seemed like the rangers slept in Koda's cave more often than not. Sure, they all had they're own places but they all loved the company and the feeling of belonging. One night in particular, they were all cuddled together in what Shelby called a snuggle huddle. Koda laid in the middle, Riley's head resting on his stomach. Shelby laid on Koda's right side, her head resting on his shoulder while her arms were wrapped around his right arm. Tyler laid right next to her, spooning her, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist and his face nuzzling her hair. Chase was usually right next to Koda, on his left side, but that night, he had strayed away from the rest of them
His back was turned to them as he tossed and turned. He dreamed that he was back in the cave, still strapped in the cage. He felt so cold and alone. Koda had promised that he would come back for him, but he never did. He had left him; abandoned him. They had all abandoned him. He sat in the cage, his knees pulled up to his chest as he rocked back and forth. He could hear them all around him. They were mocking him.
"Look at him." Tyler's voice taunted.
"He's pathetic." Shelby cackled.
"All alone." Koda spat.
"Freak." Riley mocked.
"Nobody wants you."
"Nobody cares about you."
"Abandoned."
"We're never coming back for you."
"Alone." Chase covered his ears as it continued. He looked up to see them standing outside his cage. Their hands gripped the bars as they glared at him.
"Stop. Please, just stop. Don't leave me. I don't want to be alone." he begged, tears starting to stream down his face. They shook at his cage, yelling insults at him. He closed his eyes and shook his head. "Stop. Please stop. Please."
"Chase!"
"Please. Please don't leave me here."
"Chase wake up!" Chase's eyes opened as he jolted awake. He could hear someone screaming and he quickly realized that it was him. Tears ran down his face as he sobbed, still feeling cold. He was aware of strong arms wrapped around him, giving him comfort. He didn't have to open his eyes to know that it was Koda. Shelby was right beside him, holding his hand as she said, "Its okay. It was just a dream."
"No." he sobbed, his fingers twisting into the fabric of Koda's shirt. He pushed himself away from the caveman, pulling his knees up to his chest. He covered his face with his hands, ashamed that he had let his friends see him so weak. He tried to wipe away the tears but more just took their place. His voice cracked as he tried to say, "I'm fine."
"Dude, you're obviously not." Riley argued, putting a hand on his shoulder. Chase shook him off, feeling bad about it as son as he did it. Tyler sat in front of his friend, his voice soft.
"It was a nightmare?" he asked. Chase nodded, looking everywhere but at his friends. He knew if he looked them in the eyes, he would completely loose it. "What happened in it?"
Chase's lip trembled as he looked up. "You guys never came back for me. You just left me alone in that cave. You guys just abandoned me."
Shelby looked like she wanted to cry. She hated seeing her friend, who was always so carefree, hurt so much. His hazel eyes and cheeks were red from tears and he was trembling. She scooted closer to the distraught boy, wrapping her arms around him. "We will never abandon you, Chase."
Koda nodded in agreement, pulling them both into his arms. Tyler and Riley both joined in and soon, Chase was enveloped in love and comfort. His sobs soon subsided and he fell back to sleep. The other rangers cuddled around him, sharing a glance that said it all. They would never abandon each other. No matter what happened, they would always be there for each other.
A more angsty oneshot. Hope you like it!