What's that noise?

Whatever it was it had to be something out of the ordinary or it wouldn't have caught Adam's attention. It wasn't loud and startling; just a low, consistent something he couldn't quite put his finger on. The identity of the mysterious sound eluded Adam as sleep claimed him once again.

There it is again. I wonder what it is.

Adam had no idea how much time had elapsed between now and the first time he'd heard the sound. To him, time seemed elastic and fragmented; wholly disconnected from his experience. All that mattered at the moment was figuring out what that sound was. It wasn't a scary sound; it was almost soothing. So comforting in fact that as he listened to it, it soothed him back to sleep.

I want to know what it is…

The third time Adam rose to consciousness he was thinking even before he reconnected with his body. Somewhere in his unconscious state he'd been pondering the elusive noise and as he came out of sleep he was ready to determine what the noise was. More wakeful than he'd been the first two times he'd roused Adam paid particular attention to the environment around him.

He was pretty sure he was in a room and the room was in a hospital. Adam could recall some of the fight in Mesogog's lab. He could recall what he was feeling right before the explosion, but not the explosion itself. He knew that somehow the others had gotten him out and brought him here. It was a reassuring thought.

There was no movement in the room; no hint of the people he knew must be close by. He could hear the buzzing hum of the lights and the sharp tones of the equipment measuring his heart rate. And there – there it was again, that sound. Adam held his breath as he tried to listen and realized he couldn't. The sound that had drawn his attention coincided with his breathing – he couldn't hold his breath because the machine was breathing for him. Forcing his lungs to expand and contract with or without his help.

Adam was struck with a stab of blind panic. Instinctively he tried to breathe against the machine and found he could not. Forcing himself to remain calm, Adam analyzed his situation. He knew he'd been hurt badly so he shouldn't be surprised that it had taken some extreme measures to keep him alive. But knowing he'd been injured badly and actually experiencing it were two different things. He had to remind himself that all of the machines he was hooked up to indicated that he was getting help; no one had given up on him. But for some reason, he was alone. That frightened Adam even more than having a respirator breathe for him.

A sound, a movement caught his attention. There's someone here! Adam tried desperately to move. He wanted to open his eyes to alert the person that he was awake. But his body wouldn't respond. He was so tired, and in spite of his urgent need to communicate he couldn't fight against the fatigue that overwhelmed him. Even as he tumbled back toward unconsciousness Adam was determined that the next time he woke he would make his presence known.

The sounds he had identified earlier indicated to Adam his return to awareness. There was a sameness to the sounds that was reassuring to Adam, in spite of his resistance to the respirator. All of the sounds of the hospital room indicated that he had a fighting chance. And Adam wasn't eager to leave this life now that he'd returned to it. As he had done earlier, Adam extended his senses to the room around him. He was surprised at how limited his range was. All he could tell for sure was that there were no people in the room with him, but it was hard for him to sense anything beyond.

Rocky wouldn't leave me alone.

Adam knew without a doubt that Rocky had to be close by. Ever since they were kids, Rocky always managed to be there when Adam was feeling sick or down. No matter how hard Adam's mother tried to convince Rocky that the best thing for Adam was getting sleep not having company, she never succeeded in deterring him. Adam could remember a time right after high school, after they'd passed on their powers to the new Turbo Rangers, when he had come down with pneumonia; with the loss of his Ranger healing powers the illness had really thrown him for a loop. It wasn't bad enough for him to be hospitalized, but it was bad enough for him to be in bed for over a week. Rocky had managed to convince Mrs. Park to let him see Adam.

He could recall the conversation he'd had with his mother about that episode years later; she retold the tale with exasperated fondness. No matter what I did or said, that boy just wouldn't stay away. That first day he stood there at the door asking to come in and I tried to explain that you were too sick for company. He nodded his head as if he understood me, and when I tried to close the door he asked again if he could come in. "I just want to pop in, Mrs. Park. I won't wake him up or anything." He wasn't rude just persistent. He just wanted to badly to see you.

I let him go upstairs, and he was true to his word. You were sleeping and he didn't wake you up. He just walked over to the bed and held your hand for a minute. He didn't even say anything. I thought that seeing you might put his mind at ease and he would leave you to rest. But he was back the next day, and the day after that. I even called his mother – I was worried he might get sick too. But she brushed it off saying that the DeSantos boys are stronger than any germ and she was convinced Rocky wouldn't pick up anything from you. It turned out she was right.

Those first few days he sat by your bed while you slept. Just sat there. It wasn't even like he was trying to keep you company, you were too out of it to even know he was there. It seemed more important for him to be there than for you to know it. Then Mrs. Park gave her son a sharp and knowing look. You did know he was there, though, didn't you? Adam only smiled in response.

Of course he knew. He always knew when Rocky or Aisha was nearby. It was stronger with Rocky though – it always had been. That was why Adam was so disturbed now. If he really was awake enough to sense what was in his nearby environment, then Rocky should be there, and he wasn't. An icy tendril of dread began to wrap itself around Adam's heart. He desperately tried to recall the sequence of events in Mesogog's lab. He knew Rocky had freed Dustin from the energy chamber – he had a clear visual image of Dustin draped across Rocky's shoulders and Aisha standing defensively before them. That was the last thing he saw before slipping into the hidden lab.

But that was where things got a little hazy. He could recall some of the fight in the smaller lab – Mesogog, the crystals, trying to morph. Rocky's presence was strong with him there too. Then…what happened? Had Rocky managed to teleport in? He didn't think that was right; he had the distinct impression that he had been teleported out. And Rocky was strong in the impression of that event too. So what had happened next? Could the energy from the explosion have affected Rocky though he hadn't been physically present? Is that why Adam couldn't sense him now?

The tendril of dread bloomed into full-blown despair. Adam called out with his mind as far as his exhausted and damaged body would let him – ROCKY!

Kanoi stood quietly next to the grieving Red Ninjetti Ranger. If Rocky had been one of his students he would have had a better idea how to reach him. But, with no other information to go on, Kanoi had to rely on intuition and instinct. All of the Rangers he'd met this weekend were strong and unique individuals, but they did share some defining traits. Rocky certainly fit the red ranger/body type – he was a strong fighter and leader, and sought out physical connections with others in times of great stress. Kanoi believed that the lack of connection to Adam was one of the things that disturbed Rocky the most.

Without speaking, Kanoi reached out to lay his hand on Rocky's shoulder. Rocky wasn't rude enough to physically draw away, but Kanoi could sense him pulling back mentally. That surprised him – having a physical connection with Rocky should allow him to have a stronger mental connection as well, but Rocky seemed to be deliberately drawing himself inward. Kanoi pursued. Rocky needed a release – he would not allow himself to unload on Aisha, not fully, but maybe he could be persuaded to share with Kanoi; sometimes it was easier to really let go with a stranger than with someone you love

But as Kanoi followed deeper into Rocky's psyche he came to understand something; Rocky was holding himself apart from everyone not because he was embarrassed or ashamed to be weak, but because his intense emotional response to the situation was bound to hurt the ones he loved the most if he truly let himself go. That was why he had been isolating himself from Aisha. That was why he'd drawn his thoughts away from Adam. He was deathly afraid of overwhelming his already unstable partners. He didn't want to add his own pain to the loads they were already carrying.

What was ironic was that Rocky wasn't the Ranger best known for having knowledge of a situation. He wasn't a stupid person, but people like Billy, Trini and Adam far outstripped him when it came to global knowledge. Rocky's knowledge was different – he didn't learn so much from books as he did from experience. And he was the only one who had a real idea of what Adam was facing. Even Dana and Carter didn't really know; they had book knowledge of burns and how they healed, not actual experience. Earlier in the ER, Dana knew she didn't have enough training to deal with Adam's injuries, so she immediately contacted someone who did.

So Rocky was left with the burden of his knowledge, and he didn't want to impose his fears or concerns on Adam. But the harder he tried not to think about what lay ahead for his best friend the stronger the thoughts drew him in. So he did the only thing he thought he could do, he pulled away. If he kept his thoughts as tightly to himself as he could, then Adam couldn't pick up on and feed on his fears.

The intensity of Rocky's dilemma made Kanoi want to weep and rail on his behalf. Somehow he had to make Rocky understand that while sharing his knowledge might initially be overwhelming, it was nothing the three of them couldn't carry together. And failing that, nothing the six or nine or twelve of them couldn't carry. There was a much bigger support structure here that Rocky hadn't allowed himself to see, and if he didn't let himself vent soon, he was liable to crush those he was intending to protect.

Rocky was so caught up with corralling and squashing his own emotions and negative thoughts that he barely responded to Kanoi's gentle mind-touch. But once he realized what Kanoi was trying to do, he began to actively push the Master Ninja out. He didn't want help. He didn't want to allow himself to let go; at the moment, it was all he had to keep him going. Kanoi was surprised at the strength Rocky exhibited because he had not been formally trained with ninja mind techniques; but his desperation gave him power and he was able to keep Kanoi at bay.

Kanoi pulled his mind back. There was no reason to push Rocky into a fight that neither one of them wanted to have. But he kept his hand on Rocky's shoulder and a mental hand on him as well. He left his mind open to the Ninjetti and tried to exude support and understanding. That was why, when Adam called for Rocky, Kanoi was the one who heard him. Kanoi gasped and instinctively gripped Rocky's shoulder tighter. When Rocky turned to look at him, annoyed, he didn't see the sensei looking at him; instead he was looking intently into the room where Adam lay.

Rocky's heart leaped in his chest. His pulse pounded in his throat as he turned to look into the room as well. Everything looked the same; nothing had changed in all the hours he'd been standing there. Rocky looked more closely – he was wrong, something had changed. While Adam had been unconscious the unbandaged side of his face had a slack and relaxed look; now he looked like he was in pain.

Rocky couldn't stand it anymore. He started to move and his limbs jerked in response. He'd been standing so long his muscles were tight with fatigue. He stumbled forward like the Tin Man before Dorothy applied oil to his rusted joints. Up to this point, Rocky had been very mindful of the orders to stay away from Adam; he knew too well the risks of infection and did not want to take the chance that Adam might pick up an illness on top of his grievous injuries. But everything he knew just didn't match what he was feeling – he had to get to Adam; Adam needed him and if he could just make contact the way he'd been dying to all day, then he could reassure both of them that everything was going to be fine.

Rocky lurched toward the door. Kanoi had come to support him on the other side. Rocky waved him off, now that he was moving the circulation was coming back to his legs and he was gaining momentum. A nurse called out from the station located about halfway down the hall, but Rocky didn't hear what she was saying. He knew she was trying to prevent him from going in the room, but now that the goal was so close there was no stopping him. Somewhere between the hallway and the door he lost Kanoi, who had moved to intercept the nurse. It didn't matter – all that mattered was getting to Adam.

Rocky could see the strain on Adam's face. His right hand twitched and he looked like he was trying to open his eyes. Rocky's legs failed him as he stumbled and crashed to the floor; he didn't bother trying to get back on his feet, he simply crawled forward on his knees. When he got to the bed he hauled himself up using the bedrail for leverage. With his left hand in a death grip on the rail to keep him upright, Rocky reached out with his right hand to take Adam's hand in his own.

All of the defenses he'd worked so hard to build during the day were blown apart by that first moment of contact. Trying to keep his mind apart from Adam's would be like trying to hide from himself. What horrified Rocky was that Adam had been calling out for him, but he had drawn himself in so tightly that he hadn't heard him. He tried to speak, but his voice failed him.

Adam, I'm right here!

Rocky? Rocky! The Red Ninjetti Ranger was already unsteady, and Adam's despair drove him again to his knees. The Black Ranger couldn't quite believe that Rocky was there with him – he had convinced himself that since he couldn't sense Rocky's presence that he was dead.

No Adam! I'm right here. Rocky squeezed Adam's hand fiercely and placed his left hand on Adam's shoulder. Struggling to his feet again Rocky leaned in over the bed so he could rest his head against Adam's, reassuring him over and over that he was there, that he wasn't hurt, and that he was so sorry he had kept himself away. Rocky's continued and steady presence finally got through to Adam's frantic mind. Slowly he calmed down.

Rocky? Where've you been?

Right outside…I've been here the whole time. I wouldn't leave you.

I know…I know you wouldn't, but I couldn't feel you there.

Rocky spiked an intense feeling of guilt and remorse. I didn't want to make you worse by drowning you with my emotions. Rocky heaved a mental sigh; Looks like that plan didn't work out.

Adam chuckled at Rocky's consternation. His mental tone was just what Adam needed to reconnect himself with reality, and he could already feel a boost of vitality through their connected hands. Rocky, tell me what happened.

Adam finally forced his eyes to open, and was disturbed when he realized that he could only see out of one. His hand twitched in Rocky's and Rocky could feel Adam's desire to reach over and touch the bandage covering the left side of his face. Rocky did not release his grip. He took a step back so he could look at Adam's face and he finally found his voice. "Don't touch the bandages, Adam. Just leave them alone."

He countered the wave of fear from Adam with a rush of reassurance. Now that Adam had awakened, Rocky was filled with a renewed sense of optimism. Now that he'd felt Adam's voice in his mind and it wasn't weak or broken, Rocky's confidence was recharged. He passed his growing belief back to Adam. For his part, Adam soaked in Rocky's confidence like a balm, and he let himself be carried along in his beliefs. He closed his eyes for a minute, just letting himself be soothed.

When he was ready he opened his eyes again and fixed his good eye on Rocky's face. Not that Rocky could hide anything from him; their thoughts were too intimately connected, but he still wanted to see Rocky's face. Tell me.

"Do you remember the fight in the lab?" Adam tried to nod, but couldn't quite make his body respond. Instead he squeezed Rocky's hand. "You snuck in to that smaller lab to try to…I don't know, grab the crystals or something." Rocky's mental tone clearly indicated what he thought of that plan.

I don't know either; I was hoping to make a better plan as I went along. Rocky made a face. Adam gave a mental shrug.

Before they could continue there was a commotion in the doorway. Aisha had returned to the burn ward, drawn by the intense emotions from her teammates. Ignoring the nurse who tried to bar her way, Aisha shoved a plate full of food at Kanoi and pushed her way between the two of them. Her face was radiant with joy as she barreled toward the bed. Crashing into Rocky she stopped herself before her forward momentum could jostle the bed. "Adam!" she cried as tears of joy streamed down her face and she leaned over the bed to hug his good side. Rocky and Adam responded to and resonated with her joy, and for a moment that was all there was. They were back in balance. It was all they needed.

But the intensity of the emotions, positive and negative, had taken its toll on Adam. As much as he wanted to know about his injuries and the fate of the others, he couldn't hold onto consciousness much longer. Rocky and Aisha could feel him drifting away as well. Rocky felt a moment of fear as Adam started to drift, but Adam himself reassured him. Just sleeping, Rock. I'll be back soon.

"I'll be right here." Rocky whispered. Aisha didn't respond in words at all; she just poured forth her love and reassurance that she'd be waiting for him as well. The tiny smile on Adam's face indicated that he heard them both.

Love you guys.

Love you too, they responded in unison.

Kanoi watched from the doorway caught up in the emotional reunion. Even the nurse who could only see and hear the physical connections that had been made was silenced by the power in the room. Kanoi smiled as he handed the nurse the plate of food; there was nothing else for him to do here. It was time to see if he could help Conner.

TBC
Thanks as always to everyone who left a review – they are really appreciated! I'm glad the kata with Jason and Tommy resonated with you – that was a great scene to write. I love their relationship.

P-W-G-4Ever – Wow, you start school late! Do you run into July at the end of the year?

I like the little bits of building the relationship back up between Tommy and Kim. It's not like their going to just fall into each other's arms – too much water under the bridge. But at least they'll be able to see the possibility of reconciliation.

Dany – I always loved watching Jason and Tommy spar too. Gotta love Jason in a tank top!

crazed – The Winds will be back soon – hang in there!