Awareness came slowly to Dustin. He knew he wasn't dreaming – that involved more linear thought, and what he was experiencing didn't have much to do with thinking - it was all about feeling. Whatever had happened or was going to happen had no impact on the moment. All awareness, all knowledge, all experience was present in what he was feeling right now. And what he was feeling was ::safe::.
Dustin luxuriated in the feeling for – a moment? – an eternity? – before a new awareness caught his attention. He became conscious of himself, and at the same time aware of others. The feeling of safety was great, but Dustin knew he'd feel even better once he could join with those others. He pondered and let his attentiveness radiate outward. There seemed to be a great distance between where he was and where the others were. They were stronger now, but incredibly distant.
In this place of safety, all was still and black; void, but not threatening. It would be simple to stay here. He could let his awareness recede, back into himself, and ignore the others. It would be easiest to do that. And Dustin knew, if that was the path he chose, he would be forever safe – no pain, fear or darkness could threaten him ever again.
The presence of the others called to him, though. As if they wanted to assure him of their presence. They made it clear they didn't believe receding was an option. They were right, of course. Dustin struggled to move toward the others, but how does a person move in a void? He had no body, no momentum, and no gravity to propel him forward. A brief flare of panic coursed through him – what if the others left him here? Now that he had chosen to join them he didn't think he could stay here alone.
He looked toward the pulsing light of the others that seemed to beckon him and he could feel their resolve – they would never abandon him. ::Relief:: coursed through his awareness, and it seemed that somehow the others were closer. ::Surprise:: and ::happiness:: propelled him a little more.
So that's the trick.
Dustin focused his awareness and aimed his emotions at the others.
::relief::
::need::
::determination::
It wasn't his imagination or wishful thinking. The others were closer now.
::affection::
::fondness::
::Love::
Whoa! That was a big jump! Love had given him the strongest push so far. Dustin could feel his momentum and as he drew closer he continued to pick up speed. The presence of the others was much clearer now. He could make out individual light surrounding each one. The red light gave him feelings of ::friend:: ::strength:: and ::Love:: The blue light called to him with ::intelligence:: ::calm:: and ::Love::
They both called him ::Brother::
Now that he was close, their feelings joined with his and gave his soul wings. Dustin was overwhelmed with all that these two offered to him, and what he could offer them in return. All that mattered was reaching them, returning to them. He never noticed when his own light returned and steadied in the glow of the others.
His speed was so fast that the impact was going to be tremendous. There was no way to stop it, and no reason to want to. He reached out with his spirit to embrace the other two and overwhelmed them with his feeling of ::JOY:: when he finally made contact.
Dustin's eyes flew open. His hands seized what was in his grasp and pulled it reflexively closer. Solid. They were solid. Dustin took in a gasping breath and stared to laugh as he pulled Shane and Tori even closer. Shane had fallen across his chest, and Tori lay on top of him. Dustin had his arms around both, and all three were laughing in unrestrained joy.
The moment was pure ecstasy. There was no way to differentiate the feeling of one from another. The trio was once again in harmony – balanced. There was no feeling like it, and all three savored it in perfect accord.
That is until Shane's need for air overpowered his desire to maintain the moment. Still laughing, Shane tried to lever himself up off of Dustin and out from under Tori. "Dude...air..."
Do I even need air? This place isn't even real.
It is as real as we make it, Shane. Kanoi instructed. You think you need to breathe, therefore you do.
Shane shook his head and squirmed around until he was seated with his back against the rock with Dustin's arm slung around his shoulders. Tori had chosen to remain pretty much where she was, curled up slightly against Dustin with his left arm around her.
Dustin's face remained lit with the light of joy he felt rejoining Shane and Tori. When he spoke, he seemed aware only of their presence. "I could feel you guys. You wouldn't give up...wouldn't let me give up. I was safe...but that wasn't as important to me as being back with the two of you." He tightened his grip on them again, and his voice dropped to a poignant whisper. "I love you guys."
Neither Tori nor Shane could respond verbally – they just let their emotions speak for themselves, knowing that especially in this place, Dustin would understand that better than anything. Again, a wave of ::joy:: was the response from Dustin.
Slowly the intensity of the moment receded, but Dustin felt deeply that he would always be able to recall it and draw upon the strength the reunion had given him.
Dustin looked around to see where they were, and he recognized it. "We're home?" He craned his neck to look beyond the rock he was leaning against to see the waterfall crashing into the lake behind them. "You brought me home?" Shane and Tori could feel his question reinforced with all of the emotions associated with ::home::
"Not exactly, Dustin." Kanoi explained as he moved forward to join the three Wind Rangers.
"Sensei!" Dustin's ::relief:: and ::happiness:: at seeing Sensei was a little overwhelming to Tori and Shane. Kanoi knelt near Dustin's feet and placed a hand on his leg.
"Dustin, can you feel Shane and Tori's discomfort?" Kanoi asked.
Dustin's brows creased as he processed what Kanoi had asked, then he immediately dialed down his emotional output. The other Wind Rangers let out involuntary sighs as Dustin's volume decreased. "Sorry guys, I didn't realize..." Dustin looked distressed, but Kanoi calmed him.
"It is a new gift you are learning to control, Dustin. Adjustments have to be made."
Adjustments went out the window when Dustin looked up and realized they were not alone. In this place it was easy to tell that though they were strangers to him, every new person was an old Ranger. ::AWE:: at the realization that he was surrounded by Rangers was quickly channeled into ::Concern:: when he spotted Tommy.
"Dr. O!" Dustin called, and struggled to get to his feet. Shane and Tori kept him seated, but Tommy quickly came over alleviate the need for Dustin to move. He hunkered down in front of where the Wind Rangers were seated.
"It's okay, Dustin. I'm fine. We both are, for now." Tommy turned to look at Kanoi. "So what do we do now?" "I believe the key to defeating Mesogog is the Ninjetti Rangers." Kanoi began.
"Mesa – who?" asked Rocky. Aisha shushed him.
"There is much to explain, and very little time. I do not believe Conner can hold this construct together much longer. The additional minds and energy are becoming too much for him to handle."
Kira gasped and rushed to Conner's side. Ethan looked concerned, but didn't seem to be able to figure out how he could help. So he hovered near Conner though Conner looked just as calm and relaxed as when they'd first arrived.
"Now that Shane and Tori have called Dustin back, they are reconnected and will be able to help sustain him if Dustin is attacked again. But we must seek to free you before that happens."
"Guys, "Tommy stood and turned to address the Ninjetti Rangers who had gathered silently in a group between the Wind and Dino Rangers. "I know this is strange...but we've been through weird stuff before." Rocky snorted but said nothing aloud. "I need your help again. I know if we work together...if we all work together we can get through this and defeat Mesogog."
Billy shook his head and clasped Tommy's shoulder. "Tommy, you don't even have to ask." Kim moved to stand on Tommy's other side and took his hand. Instinctively, the Ninjetti Rangers drew themselves into a circle, clasping hands. As they stood together they could feel the long-slumbering Power well up within them. Kimberly whispered, "May the Power protect us."
Without warning the landscape lurched beneath their feet. Rocky kept Aisha and Adam from falling, as Tommy stabilized Billy and Kim. "What was that?" Tommy demanded.
Kanoi rushed to Conner's side. "We must leave this place, before Conner loses the ability to sustain it." He turned to address the Ninjetti. "If you are able to help us, make whatever arrangements you need to and call Dr. Oliver's house. Once you are ready we can transport you to Reefside."
Aisha, Rocky and Adam nodded in understanding. Simultaneously they vanished. Billy touched Tommy again on his shoulder and raised an eyebrow at him, "What was it you guys used to say... back to action?" With a wink he was gone as well.
Tommy was left standing with Kim, and he realized he was still holding her hand. "Kim..."
The ground shifted beneath their feet again, this time more violently. Kim released Tommy's hand and took a step away. "See you soon..." She vanished as well.
Shane and Tori had gotten Dustin to his feet. They steadied him as they walked over to Tommy. Tori let Tommy slide in where she was standing so he could hold him up with Shane. "Wind Rangers" Kanoi called. "We must leave."
Shane and Tori both looked pained, but Dustin reassured them. "It's not leave, guys. You're still here with me." He placed a hand over his heart. "Go, make sure Conner is safe." They nodded their assent and turned to walk away. "And hey, "Dustin called after them, "I want to you tell me everything about those new Rangers..." They laughed, but by the time they turned back, Tommy and Dustin were gone.
A violent tremor shook the landscape once more. "Hurry Rangers!" Kanoi called. "We must leave!" Shane and Tori ran to where the others had already situated themselves in their circle. As soon as they were settled, awareness shifted. They were back in Dr. O's lab, and they were not alone.
TBC
Dustin luxuriated in the feeling for – a moment? – an eternity? – before a new awareness caught his attention. He became conscious of himself, and at the same time aware of others. The feeling of safety was great, but Dustin knew he'd feel even better once he could join with those others. He pondered and let his attentiveness radiate outward. There seemed to be a great distance between where he was and where the others were. They were stronger now, but incredibly distant.
In this place of safety, all was still and black; void, but not threatening. It would be simple to stay here. He could let his awareness recede, back into himself, and ignore the others. It would be easiest to do that. And Dustin knew, if that was the path he chose, he would be forever safe – no pain, fear or darkness could threaten him ever again.
The presence of the others called to him, though. As if they wanted to assure him of their presence. They made it clear they didn't believe receding was an option. They were right, of course. Dustin struggled to move toward the others, but how does a person move in a void? He had no body, no momentum, and no gravity to propel him forward. A brief flare of panic coursed through him – what if the others left him here? Now that he had chosen to join them he didn't think he could stay here alone.
He looked toward the pulsing light of the others that seemed to beckon him and he could feel their resolve – they would never abandon him. ::Relief:: coursed through his awareness, and it seemed that somehow the others were closer. ::Surprise:: and ::happiness:: propelled him a little more.
So that's the trick.
Dustin focused his awareness and aimed his emotions at the others.
::relief::
::need::
::determination::
It wasn't his imagination or wishful thinking. The others were closer now.
::affection::
::fondness::
::Love::
Whoa! That was a big jump! Love had given him the strongest push so far. Dustin could feel his momentum and as he drew closer he continued to pick up speed. The presence of the others was much clearer now. He could make out individual light surrounding each one. The red light gave him feelings of ::friend:: ::strength:: and ::Love:: The blue light called to him with ::intelligence:: ::calm:: and ::Love::
They both called him ::Brother::
Now that he was close, their feelings joined with his and gave his soul wings. Dustin was overwhelmed with all that these two offered to him, and what he could offer them in return. All that mattered was reaching them, returning to them. He never noticed when his own light returned and steadied in the glow of the others.
His speed was so fast that the impact was going to be tremendous. There was no way to stop it, and no reason to want to. He reached out with his spirit to embrace the other two and overwhelmed them with his feeling of ::JOY:: when he finally made contact.
Dustin's eyes flew open. His hands seized what was in his grasp and pulled it reflexively closer. Solid. They were solid. Dustin took in a gasping breath and stared to laugh as he pulled Shane and Tori even closer. Shane had fallen across his chest, and Tori lay on top of him. Dustin had his arms around both, and all three were laughing in unrestrained joy.
The moment was pure ecstasy. There was no way to differentiate the feeling of one from another. The trio was once again in harmony – balanced. There was no feeling like it, and all three savored it in perfect accord.
That is until Shane's need for air overpowered his desire to maintain the moment. Still laughing, Shane tried to lever himself up off of Dustin and out from under Tori. "Dude...air..."
Do I even need air? This place isn't even real.
It is as real as we make it, Shane. Kanoi instructed. You think you need to breathe, therefore you do.
Shane shook his head and squirmed around until he was seated with his back against the rock with Dustin's arm slung around his shoulders. Tori had chosen to remain pretty much where she was, curled up slightly against Dustin with his left arm around her.
Dustin's face remained lit with the light of joy he felt rejoining Shane and Tori. When he spoke, he seemed aware only of their presence. "I could feel you guys. You wouldn't give up...wouldn't let me give up. I was safe...but that wasn't as important to me as being back with the two of you." He tightened his grip on them again, and his voice dropped to a poignant whisper. "I love you guys."
Neither Tori nor Shane could respond verbally – they just let their emotions speak for themselves, knowing that especially in this place, Dustin would understand that better than anything. Again, a wave of ::joy:: was the response from Dustin.
Slowly the intensity of the moment receded, but Dustin felt deeply that he would always be able to recall it and draw upon the strength the reunion had given him.
Dustin looked around to see where they were, and he recognized it. "We're home?" He craned his neck to look beyond the rock he was leaning against to see the waterfall crashing into the lake behind them. "You brought me home?" Shane and Tori could feel his question reinforced with all of the emotions associated with ::home::
"Not exactly, Dustin." Kanoi explained as he moved forward to join the three Wind Rangers.
"Sensei!" Dustin's ::relief:: and ::happiness:: at seeing Sensei was a little overwhelming to Tori and Shane. Kanoi knelt near Dustin's feet and placed a hand on his leg.
"Dustin, can you feel Shane and Tori's discomfort?" Kanoi asked.
Dustin's brows creased as he processed what Kanoi had asked, then he immediately dialed down his emotional output. The other Wind Rangers let out involuntary sighs as Dustin's volume decreased. "Sorry guys, I didn't realize..." Dustin looked distressed, but Kanoi calmed him.
"It is a new gift you are learning to control, Dustin. Adjustments have to be made."
Adjustments went out the window when Dustin looked up and realized they were not alone. In this place it was easy to tell that though they were strangers to him, every new person was an old Ranger. ::AWE:: at the realization that he was surrounded by Rangers was quickly channeled into ::Concern:: when he spotted Tommy.
"Dr. O!" Dustin called, and struggled to get to his feet. Shane and Tori kept him seated, but Tommy quickly came over alleviate the need for Dustin to move. He hunkered down in front of where the Wind Rangers were seated.
"It's okay, Dustin. I'm fine. We both are, for now." Tommy turned to look at Kanoi. "So what do we do now?" "I believe the key to defeating Mesogog is the Ninjetti Rangers." Kanoi began.
"Mesa – who?" asked Rocky. Aisha shushed him.
"There is much to explain, and very little time. I do not believe Conner can hold this construct together much longer. The additional minds and energy are becoming too much for him to handle."
Kira gasped and rushed to Conner's side. Ethan looked concerned, but didn't seem to be able to figure out how he could help. So he hovered near Conner though Conner looked just as calm and relaxed as when they'd first arrived.
"Now that Shane and Tori have called Dustin back, they are reconnected and will be able to help sustain him if Dustin is attacked again. But we must seek to free you before that happens."
"Guys, "Tommy stood and turned to address the Ninjetti Rangers who had gathered silently in a group between the Wind and Dino Rangers. "I know this is strange...but we've been through weird stuff before." Rocky snorted but said nothing aloud. "I need your help again. I know if we work together...if we all work together we can get through this and defeat Mesogog."
Billy shook his head and clasped Tommy's shoulder. "Tommy, you don't even have to ask." Kim moved to stand on Tommy's other side and took his hand. Instinctively, the Ninjetti Rangers drew themselves into a circle, clasping hands. As they stood together they could feel the long-slumbering Power well up within them. Kimberly whispered, "May the Power protect us."
Without warning the landscape lurched beneath their feet. Rocky kept Aisha and Adam from falling, as Tommy stabilized Billy and Kim. "What was that?" Tommy demanded.
Kanoi rushed to Conner's side. "We must leave this place, before Conner loses the ability to sustain it." He turned to address the Ninjetti. "If you are able to help us, make whatever arrangements you need to and call Dr. Oliver's house. Once you are ready we can transport you to Reefside."
Aisha, Rocky and Adam nodded in understanding. Simultaneously they vanished. Billy touched Tommy again on his shoulder and raised an eyebrow at him, "What was it you guys used to say... back to action?" With a wink he was gone as well.
Tommy was left standing with Kim, and he realized he was still holding her hand. "Kim..."
The ground shifted beneath their feet again, this time more violently. Kim released Tommy's hand and took a step away. "See you soon..." She vanished as well.
Shane and Tori had gotten Dustin to his feet. They steadied him as they walked over to Tommy. Tori let Tommy slide in where she was standing so he could hold him up with Shane. "Wind Rangers" Kanoi called. "We must leave."
Shane and Tori both looked pained, but Dustin reassured them. "It's not leave, guys. You're still here with me." He placed a hand over his heart. "Go, make sure Conner is safe." They nodded their assent and turned to walk away. "And hey, "Dustin called after them, "I want to you tell me everything about those new Rangers..." They laughed, but by the time they turned back, Tommy and Dustin were gone.
A violent tremor shook the landscape once more. "Hurry Rangers!" Kanoi called. "We must leave!" Shane and Tori ran to where the others had already situated themselves in their circle. As soon as they were settled, awareness shifted. They were back in Dr. O's lab, and they were not alone.
TBC