Jason resettled himself after watching Kim steer Kira out of the room. A quick glance around the room established that everyone had gone back to what they were doing – Carter was standing sentry with Conner; Billy, Haley and Ethan were all engrossed in their respective computers. Jason toyed briefly with the idea of suggesting to Carter that he take a break, but Jason wasn't ready to leave Tommy's side, and without either Rocky or Hunter to stay with Conner…it just didn't seem like a good idea. Jason figured Carter would speak up if he wanted to be relieved, and until then he'd just stay where he was.

It wasn't like Jason would be going far from Tommy if he took up the vigil with Conner; he'd just be across the room. But Jason could feel how much better Tommy was doing since Haley had brought his Dino gem, and he didn't want to mess up whatever equilibrium Tommy had gained by moving away from him and messing up the equation. Jason's gaze returned again to his sleeping friend. He appeared to be sleeping peacefully, but Jason knew better. The drugs that Dana had administered had sent him deep enough down to avoid dreams, but Jason could still feel the cycles of guilt and anguish haunting the Black Ranger.

Jason leaned his head back against the wall and pondered the events that had drawn him to Reefside. It certainly wasn't the first time Jason had come at Tommy's call; his stint as the Gold Ranger and the Red Ranger moon mission were proof of that. What made this different was that this time Tommy hadn't called, but Jason had felt compelled to come anyway.

There was a kind of brotherhood among Rangers; Jason didn't know if the other colors had similar circumstances, but he knew that the Red Rangers in particular had a connection with one another. He and Tommy used to joke about it – the feelings they'd get about what was happening with the other, particularly if one of them was in danger, or premonitions of things to come. At first, they thought it was just the two of them; the situations they'd faced together gave them a greater ability to anticipate each other's needs. But then they found themselves getting those feelings about their successors. It was those feelings and hunches that served to bring different teams together on more than one occasion. It was a nebulous thing – no one really talked about it, they just sort of took it for granted that they'd know when they were needed and acted on the feelings when they happened.

It wasn't until the mission to the moon that all of it came out into the open. All of the Rangers wanted to take advantage of the gathering, so Andros set his ship on autopilot and they took the long way home. Once they sat down for a meal and started talking, the subject of those weird hunches came up. Everyone from TJ to Leo had a story about getting and acting on one of those feelings; only Andros and Cole accepted them as a matter of course. Andros was the one who explained how the power connected them all, particularly those of them in leadership positions. It didn't make sense that each time a new team was assembled that all of the experience of those who'd served before would be ignored or left behind. Once a Ranger, always a Ranger.

Who knew that would apply to Tommy more than any of the rest of us? It was ironic considering his unusual origin, but Jason knew that Tommy had always been driven, not by a desire to be the best Ranger, but by the need to make up for what he'd done when he'd fought against them. No one had embraced the ideals of being a Ranger more than Tommy had; just look at where he was now.

A slight smile quirked Jason's face. He knew about Tommy's research with the dino gems. He built at least half of the command center in Tommy's basement (to him it would always be a command center, none of this "lab" business) – Haley set up all the computers and gadgets; Jason did the heavy lifting. So when Jason got the call from Tommy announcing his return to Rangering what surprised him was not that Tommy was "back in black", but that Tommy was surprised by it. How he didn't see it coming was beyond Jason, and he never let his friend hear the end of it.

It wasn't hard to tease Tommy about being a Ranger, because he and Tommy had always stayed in touch – it was a long habit dating back to Jason's stint at the Peace Conference. But now instead of talking about jobs and women, Jason got regular phone calls from Tommy updating him on the team and their technology. But this weekend had been different. Tommy had been on his mind so strongly, that Jason called him Saturday night. Tommy had rolled in late but called him back to fill him in on meeting the Ninja Storm Rangers. Jason had agreed with Tommy that it was nice to have the teams meet without anyone in mortal peril… but that situation had lasted less than a day.

Sunday had been a strange day for Jason. He was struck by moments of strong feelings that Tommy was in danger, and then he'd feel totally centered and calm, and he knew Tommy was okay. The bizarre roller coaster of emotions continued through Monday. Jason became increasingly concerned as he was unable to reach Tommy at home or on his cell phone. It became clearer to Jason as the day went on that something was seriously amiss – he was unable to reach Rocky, Adam, Aisha or Billy. As a last ditch effort, Jason even reached out to Kim – Kim was probably the last person Tommy would have contacted if he was in trouble, but Jason felt strongly she was involved, so he called. Unable to reach any of his former teammates set Jason in motion.

Setting out close to midnight, Jason made his way down the coast of California, stopping only for gas. He felt increasingly concerned for and connected to Tommy. When he was about an hour outside of Reefside he'd had to pull over because he couldn't simultaneously deal with the agony Tommy was in and drive. The abrupt end of contact with Tommy was almost more disturbing than the violent onslaught had been. Spurred on, Jason returned to the road. It was one of those feelings that guided him not to Tommy's house, but to the center of town where the municipal building stood. The connection with Tommy was back, and Jason knew that while Tommy was out of his reach, the team was not; and they needed his help just as much as Tommy did.

That led them here, hours later. It pained Jason to see the state the kids were in; though Ethan seemed stable enough, Kira was a mess, and Conner... it was what he didn't feel from Conner that bothered Jason. From Rocky and Carter, to Hunter who Jason didn't even know - Jason could pick up something from all of them. Even Tommy in his deeply unconscious state gave off vibes that Jason could read. Conner was a blank slate…but no, that wasn't an apt description either because nothing that was passed to him from Jason, Rocky or Carter stuck. He was more like a black hole. Everything the others had poured into him was simply absorbed. It disturbed Jason in a way he couldn't explain. He had a feeling that Dana wouldn't be able to help Conner, but he averted that line of thinking quickly just in case Tommy could pick up those feelings from him.

Jason knew that thinking in his mind I can't dwell on Conner would only cause his thoughts to become more and more focused on that very thing. So he turned his thoughts instead to an old kata he'd taught Tommy right after Tommy had joined their team. Jason didn't know why that kata seemed so appropriate, but as he practiced the motions in his mind he could feel his thoughts become settled. Quickly Jason achieved a meditative state; somewhere along the line he realized as he pictured the kata in his head, he was no longer practicing alone. Tommy had joined him.

Blake dozed for a while, reassured by Hunter's presence. He listened to the sound of the rain falling outside; it was steady and comforting. Not quite asleep, not quite awake, Blake's thoughts drifted. He tried to make himself remember the fight in the courtyard, but could only remember events up to a certain point – mercifully, he remembered nothing of the assault against him. He could recall feeling Hunter's anguish; the pain from his brother had eclipsed his own. Blake thought he could remember a moment of being utterly at peace and surrounded by a feeling of welcome, but couldn't pinpoint when exactly that had happened; it made him wonder if he had actually died before Cam and Hunter returned to him. It wasn't an avenue of conversation he was going to pursue with Hunter…but maybe Cam would have some insight.

Winding through all of his memories of the morning were his own feelings and imprints of feelings from the others. Hunter's feelings were etched in sharp relief against the memories Blake couldn't quite pin down. Kira and Conner left imprints of pain as well, though Kira's pain seemed to be more reflective of the Bradley's than her own. Blake was surprised as he sorted through the memories and feelings from the fight and the storm, that Shane was intimately wound through the storm as well, though not of his own volition.

Underneath all of the memories, real or borrowed, Blake felt a growing concern for Hunter. If his brother hadn't been lying next to him in the bed they shared, Blake would have sent Cam to go get him, to reassure himself that Hunter was fine. He knew Hunter was okay; he was sleeping right next to him. But, Blake couldn't shake the feeling that something was off…and he couldn't pinpoint the source of his nebulous anxiety.

Blake had never been a heavy sleeper like Hunter, so the sound of soft footsteps entering the room got his attention. At first he thought it was a nurse; whoever had come in had been carrying something and took a few moments to settle things on the tray near the bed. But then the person stopped moving, and Blake found that odd.

Opening his eyes slightly, Blake was surprised to see Cam standing near the foot of his bed. What surprised him more was the expression on Cam's face; it was etched with longing and sadness that went straight to Blake's heart. He must have made a sound or moved or something because Cam immediately notice he was no longer asleep and busied himself with gathering a blanket from the other bed. By the time he met Blake's gaze again a neutral mask had dropped over his features. But the neutral mask couldn't hide the tenderness with which he draped the blanket over Hunter's slumbering form.

Now that's interesting. Blake thought to himself, but he schooled his expression to neutrality as well. No need to tip his hand and derail Cam from the very fine line he was walking. So he pointed at the tray Cam had deposited on the bed-side table. "You brought me a snack?"

"Actually, that's for Hunter. You know how these body types get when they haven't eaten in a while." Blake nodded, grinning.

"Don't be surprised if a whole gang of nurses and doctors arrive soon." Cam continued. "I ran into Dana and let her know you were awake."

Cam walked back around the bed and sat in the chair Hunter had occupied earlier. "How are you feeling?" Cam asked.

Blake tried to shrug, but it was difficult with Hunter as a dead weight on his shoulder. "Not as bad as I should be, I think. I'm tired mostly…I feel weak."

Cam nodded as though this was the answer he was expecting. "That makes sense. Even though I used the power from the storm to heal you, your body's own energy had been seriously depleted. And, you lost a lot of blood." Cam dropped his gaze and Blake picked up a vibe from him that confirmed his drifting thoughts from earlier. He hesitated, not sure if he wanted Cam to verbalize what he was thinking, but he figured he'd never have a better opportunity to ask, and he might not have the courage if he waited any longer.

"Cam?" Blake asked quietly, drawing the Samurai's gaze back to him. "I died, didn't I?"

Cam was stunned by the frankness of the question. This time when Cam looked away, it was not to avoid Blake's intense gaze, but to reassure himself that Hunter would hear no part of this conversation. The Crimson Ranger was soundly and peacefully asleep. Cam looked back at Blake and softly responded. "I think you did."

Blake let out a whoof of air; he hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath. He looked over to make sure that his movements hadn't disturbed Hunter. "What happened?"

"It's hard to explain. It happened so fast…" Cam held out his hands in an I don't know gesture. "We got there just a little too late. Once I dragged Hunter back to the kiosk and got the three of us settled…the power that had been sustaining you just couldn't keep you grounded anymore. I was having trouble harnessing the Thunder power and I felt you slipping away."

Blake watched as distress flashed across Cam's face; it was instantly replaced by wry self-mockery. "I deal with facts, data, machinery. But there was none of that out there this morning. So I thought of Father and did the only thing I could; I prayed for help – anyone, any ancestor, any power to please, please help me heal you…let you live. I could feel you slipping. And then…I'm not even sure this really happened…it was just a moment or two, but just the push we needed…"

If Blake had been sitting up he would've leaned in closer to Cam to hear what he was going to say next.

"I think it was your parents."

Blake's jaw dropped. He took a deep, shuddering breath in. "Cam…seriously?"

"Always seriously." Cam nodded gravely. "Your mom came and knelt with her hand over ours on your chest. I think your dad had his arm around Hunter…it was hard to see, I couldn't really turn around…" Cam shook his head as if trying to clear his vision. "I think they just held us together long enough…helped Hunter connect to you through me. Once the power started to flow correctly, then I was really able to get to work, and they were gone."

Blake lay back on his pillow, stunned. His right hand drifted again to lie on his chest. Mom and Dad? Was that the feeling of welcome I had? Then why didn't they let me stay?

Cam shook Blake's leg a little, trying to get his attention. As if Cam had read his thoughts, he said softly, "It wasn't your time, Blake. That's what she said." He looked slightly off to the side, "I think that's what she said." Cam looked back at Blake, "She definitely said 'Take care of your brother.'"

"Take care of your brother?" Blake repeated using the heel of his hand to grind the tears out of his eyes.

"Yes, well…she was looking at me when she said that, but being that I don't have a brother - I think I was supposed to pass that message on to you."

"Cam…?" Whatever it was that Blake had intended to say was interrupted by a violent twitch from Hunter. His whole body jerked and rolled; Cam leaped up, knocking over his chair, to prevent Hunter from falling on Blake. Cam's sudden movement and Blake's cry of surprise woke Hunter. He was disoriented, but quickly realized that he needed to roll in the opposite direction or risk hurting Blake.

Swinging his legs off the left side of the bed, Hunter sat hunched over trying to get his bearings. Waking so abruptly from such a hard nap and in strange surroundings was unsettling. Steadying hands from Blake and Cam swiftly reoriented him to his surroundings. Hunter mumbled something incoherent to Cam, but Blake, more used to Hunter's morning temperament, translated. "He's just looking for something to eat."

Cam snorted and walked around to Hunter's side of the bed. He pulled the table-tray closer to the former Crimson Ranger and removed the lid from the tray he had placed their earlier. Hunter's smile was warm and filled with gratitude. "Thanks Cam!"

"What do I get to eat?" Blake mockingly whined from the bed.

"Water and soft foods." said a new voice from the doorway. Dana led a phalanx of doctors and nurses into the room. "At least until we're assured that there is no lingering stomach or intestinal damage." Blake made a face at her. Hunter with his hands full of the sandwich Cam had brought up for him, allowed Cam to guide him over to the other bed. He peacefully munched as Dana and her team assessed Blake. By the time Dana was finished, Hunter's sandwich, bag of chips, cupcake and soda were gone.

Satisfied that Blake was in far better shape than he had any right to be, Dana allowed him to move from the fully reclined to seated position on the bed. Blake was thrilled with this new perspective. Once the extraneous nurses and personnel had left the room, Hunter returned to his spot on the left side of Blake's bed. The brother's teasingly jostled for space, though Hunter was careful not to let his roughhousing go too far.

An orderly arrived with a tray of food for Blake – soup and crackers, pudding, Jell-o. Hunter immediately claimed the Jell-o and started eating. Cam gave him a look of pure disbelief, but Hunter breezily explained, "Blake doesn't like Jell-o, never has. It'd be a shame to let it go to waste." Blake simply nodded in agreement too wrapped up in the most delicious chicken soup he'd ever eaten to bother with a complaint.

Dana turned to leave, but Cam stopped her before she took a step toward the door. "What's happening with the others?" he asked.

Dana turned back so she could address all of the young men in the room. "Adam is upstairs being treated in the burn unit. His condition has stabilized, but he is still critical. Tommy is doing much better since Haley returned his Dino gem to him. He's still sleeping off the effects of the battle with Mesogog. And Conner…there's been no change." Both Bradleys had stopped eating. It was the first Blake had heard about the other Ranger's injuries – he was stunned by the gravity of the situation.

Blake looked from Cam to Dana to Hunter. It was clear no one was going to fill him in unless he asked. He directed his question to Dana. "What's wrong with Conner?"

"We're not exactly sure, Blake. He seems to be suffering the aftereffects of a mental attack, similar to Tommy, but he's been unresponsive since Carter and Jason brought him in. He's not responding to any treatment."

Blake turned slightly so he could get a good look at Hunter. His brother had lost all the color in his face and seemed determined not to meet Blake's eye. Suddenly it clicked – he understood why Hunter felt off to him. "You should be down there with him." The statement was nearly an order.

Hunter's response was a disbelieving, "What?"

Blake knew he couldn't give Hunter a chance to argue. "You should be down there helping Conner. He needs you." With his left hand Blake tried to shove Hunter off the bed, but it was like trying to move a rock.

"Blake…" Hunter's expression was torn somewhere between outrage and dismay. He could not believe he was being dismissed so abruptly. But Blake understood what Hunter was feeling, and he knew what Hunter needed to hear.

"Hunter, I understand." Now instead of trying to push Hunter away, Blake laid his hand on Hunter's arm to emphasize his feelings. "I know you never in a million years would leave me if I needed you. I know that. Without your help I wouldn't even be here right now." Hunter's eyes filled with unshed tears. Blake spoke to him softly and intimately, as if they were the only two in the room.

"You've done everything you can do for me. I'm fine. I'm really okay. But Conner's not. He needs you now…I'd never try to keep you away from him." And Blake was relieved to know he sincerely meant every word he was saying – he no longer harbored any jealousy against Conner. "If your feelings of guilt kept you here, or I kept you here just because you make me feel safe…and something happened…" Blake swallowed hard around the lump that had formed in his throat. "You would never be able to live with yourself if you hadn't tried to help him…and neither could I."

Blake's dark brown eyes looked searchingly into Hunter's blue eyes; he desperately wanted Hunter to understand. He wasn't sending Hunter away because he didn't need him – he was sending him because Conner needed him more.

"You sure?" Hunter whispered. "I'll stay if you need me here, Blake."

"I'm sure, Hunter. Go help Conner." This time when Blake gave him a little push, Hunter shifted a little. Then Hunter reached over to grab Blake in a swift hug. "Okay." In a fluid motion Hunter swiveled and swung his legs off the side of the bed. "Is he still down in the ER?" he asked Dana.

"Yes. I'm going back down there myself. Come with me." Dana smiled at Blake reassuringly. "Finish that soup. I'll be back to check on you later."

As Hunter got to the doorway he turned back, but he didn't address Blake; instead he spoke to Cam. "You'll stay?"

"Sure." Cam nodded. "I'll stay with Blake. Go ahead Hunter, he's fine."

Hunter looked at Blake again. "Okay." he said again. Then like a looming shadow he followed Dana out of the room. Silence descended after their exit. But Cam heard the echo of Blake's mother's words in Hunter's unspoken plea – Take care of my brother.

TBC

These "Interlude" chapters were supposed to be a little bit of filler with snippets of everyone before getting back to the main action. It really didn't turn out that way. But I think I'm almost done with them, and just to be evil, I'll tease you with the following chapter title : "Meet the Parents".

Thank you so much for your continued support. This story has become a real labor of love for me, and it's so encouraging to have so much positive feedback! Thanks for taking the time to let me know what you think: boredlikecrazysinatrafan, Tygerwind, sparxxa and LJstagflower4e.

Jenna Summers – I know I've not clarified the Hunter/Conner/Blake relationship yet…and this chapter didn't really help. The resolution in coming, I promise!

P-W-G-4ever – I love the idea of a "body" talk with Hunter and Rocky. That may crop up some time later, and if it does, I'll credit it to you!

Dany – Thank you so much! (:hugs:)

HybyrdO – I just loved the hand-squeezing tradition too. It seemed to fit them so well! Blake and Hunter have really grown on me, and they're so much fun to write. More on the Winds will be coming soon.

Akume – Kim and Tommy will both be catching it from Jason – he's had enough. Don't worry, Dustin will be back soon.

Leosgurl – You ask how many chapters are left? HA! The sad thing is I can't tell you that – this story had absolutely run away with me and though the end is in sight, I can't tell you how long it will take to get there. I'm thinking the total number of chapters will be less than 100. It's insane!

CMR – Thanks for your support of Blake and Hunter. I hope you liked this section on them as well.

Funky in Fishnet – I love the visual of Blake and Hunter sleeping beside one another. They're like puppies! I like that their relationship is circular – though Hunter is most often the one giving support, Blake always knows when Hunter needs him too.

The real vampire – Welcome back! Yep there will be some Conner/Kira. More on them to come.