Dr. Waters was aghast at hearing the details surrounding the situation that unfolded in the bathroom the previous night. The whole debacle could have went so wrong considering how vile and lacking in morals David was.

"I'm sure I don't need to go into all the ways this could have turned out," he scolded when he and Jamie were alone together.

He scribbled the man's vital signs on a piece of paper as he gave him a good head to toe assessment. There didn't seem to be any lasting negative effect of the medication, especially seeing as how Jamie didn't receive the full dose. Billy had provided him with the mangled syringe; the physician stared at it wide eyed at seeing the broken off needle.

"Alright, let's see your leg now. Did you manage to get the needle out?"

Jamie could only shrug. His thigh didn't hurt or appear amiss as far as he could tell. Unfastening his denim jeans, he timidly lowered the pants, exposing his left upper thigh. Flinching slightly as the doctor gently palpated the area, he wasn't surprised to see his appendage without any bruising or other wound.

The needle was nowhere to be found.

"I'm going to guess your Ranger healing played a part," the doctor sighed. "Perhaps it helped you metabolize the sedative faster as well. Something to consider when I refill David's medications. I take it you haven't found his Black Dragon coin?"

Jamie shook his head. Honestly, with the hound and the appearance of Jason's friends, he'd managed to completely forget about hunting for the tyrant's coin.

"No luck. And you're right about the Ranger healing. The sedative might have worked long enough to restrain him but with his coin being a two in one deal it might be even faster. I don't know."

Dr. Water's ran a hand through his hair as he stood back up.

"I'm hesitant to write for anything stronger. What if you end up on the receiving end again? Or one of your friends? You were lucky he decided not to do anything nefarious, Jamie," he sighed, jotting a few notes in the chart.

Pondering the tyrant's recent behavior, Jamie was confused.

"He hasn't flipped out like that here. I'm not sure why though. Besides the tussle with Red, he's been pretty well behaved considering who we're talking about."

At least that was one thing that could possibly be in their favor. And Jamie having friends here all the time to watch out for him was another.

"I notice you keep putting your hand to your forehead, Jamie. Another headache?" he observed. "I wouldn't think you'd still be suffering a migraine since last night unless Red was visiting again."

A flush spread over the man's cheeks.

"David was apparently so glad to see that I was alright after last night that he grabbed me and hugged me. I wasn't expecting that and I woke up again laying face up on the mattress with David looking down at me," he admitted.

Dr. Waters sucked in a nervous breath.

"While everyone was out there? As concerned as I am about David's antics, Red represents a danger too. Not you, Jamie. I want to be clear. But your friends are on pins and needles and don't want to hurt you if they need to defend themselves from Red."

Jamie lowered his head sadly; he felt ashamed even though he wasn't the one who had technically committed the atrocities that Red had done.

"You understand that, don't you?" the physician asked, placing a hand on his patient's shoulder. "I know you said Red is always listening. Would he be open to talking? Provided we took some precautions, of course."

Inside Jamie's mind, Red gave a bristly growl and curled himself up tightly in a defensive posture.

'Don't you dare start!' Jamie snapped at the larger alter. 'We need their help. They're friends. You have Jason's memories of Kimberly and so do I! Little sister, remember?'

Red lifted a lip.

'You weren't the one getting the gas!' he snottily answered.

'Because you were so open to sitting down and having a chat! You were out for blood! What was she supposed to do?'

"Jamie?" Dr. Waters voice cut in, silencing Red's diatribe.

Briskly returning to alertness, the man squeezed his eyes shut. He took a deep breath. Red had agreed, somewhat reluctantly, to a truce with David. Perhaps they could come to some sort of understanding with Jason's friends. There was too much at stake for them to be worried about getting torn apart by a crazed human-canine.

Jamie chewed his lip and met Dr. Water's gaze.

"He's not happy about it, of course. But I'm sure he can see that we need to get this over with. With our luck, its only a matter of time before they have a reunion at some point and I'd rather it be in a safe, unchaotic environment," he sighed. "What precautions do you have in mind?"

The physician gave a gentle smile, knowing Red was looking out at him as well as Jamie. For someone like the protective alter, being physically restrained was going to go over like a brick wall. But there had to be a way to ensure everyone's safety.

"I'm sure you both realize that there is concern for physical violence. We are probably doing to need utilize restraints," he carefully explained, nervous himself that Red was going to go into a panicked rage at the suggestion. "But you are among friends who only want to help. Surely Red realizes this too."

'Fuck that', Red snarled and tensed angrily. 'No body better try to chain me up!'

Jamie nearly screamed at the menacing creature. He may have had a hand in his creation but if he didn't cooperate it was all going to be in vain. No one could trust him to come out and behave himself with his impulsive anger, especially with David present. And this was a much larger audience than Red was used to.

'You're doing this, goddammit! I'm tired of being pushed around! First by Drakkon-David and now you! Just jumping over me and taking control. Well, I'm going to be pushing you for a change. And if you try anything before we're secure, I don't know how, but I will knock you on your ass!"

Nodding at the doctor, Jamie swallowed.

"I understand that. Perhaps we should just do this and get it over with so we can move on."

"Alright then. Is there anything we can use to, uh, keep Red in place?" the physician stuttered.

A short time later, Tommy and Jason had returned from the barn with the thick, heavy ropes and carefully eased them around Jamie, who sat tensely in a kitchen chair, trying not to hyperventilate. And fighting to keep Red from resisting the two Rangers.

Kim sat beside him, her hand covering his and occasionally giving a reassuring squeeze.

"Remember, you're safe with me, ok?" she whispered sadly.

Quivering slightly, Jamie managed a weak smile, his brow sweat profusely.

"I know. I trust you. He's the one who doesn't trust anyone."

David sat in his wheelchair a safe distance away from his former pet was sitting. He knew Red was struggling to come unglued and Jamie was really giving him a fight right now despite outward appearance. This was really going to be difficult for his pooch.

Skull nonchalantly had assumed a protective stance in front of Billy and Dr. Waters near the kitchen door to the yard, just in case he needed to get them out in a hurry. Bear sadly scratched the door as he sat outside, sensing his human's distress.

Jason leaned over Jamie's shoulder to gently soothe his doppelganger.

"Remember, Red saved me. We only want to save you too," he added, tightening the ends of the rope until the man couldn't raise his wrists from the arm rests.

Both wrists, ankles, and waist snuggly restrained to the chair, it was time to call Red out into the open.

'Come on,' Jamie called softly, holding out a hand.

Red vigorously shook his head, creep grin still in place while his ember eyes were shiny with rage and fear.

'Get. Your. Ass. Out. NOW!" the smaller alter insisted with a giant 'shove'.

It was eerie how he had shifted so smoothly and easily, a mere fluttering of his eyes and his head lolling limply backwards. The way his head had then snapped back, his expression giving him the appearance of someone much different, had stunned them all into silence.

Noting the restraints locking him in place at the kitchen table, the man yanked vigorously, testing their strength. A low growl sounded as he found himself truly trapped and under the heavy weight of several pairs of eyes. His face slowly turned to Kimberly's and he chuckled, the sound rough and raspy.

"No gas this time, Slayer?" he teased. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

Carefully, the Ranger Slayer addressed him, memories flooding her mind of Red's time in the containment room where he'd screamed and cursed and viciously attacked her without hesitation.

"Yes, it has, Red," she answered softly. "You might not believe it, but I'm glad to see you."

The man's grin twisted into a dark scowl and he narrowed his eyes.

"Are you though? I highly doubt that, Kimberly," he snarled. "It's not me that you missed."

Kimberly looked wounded.

"Of course, I did. I cried every night until there was nothing left. Losing you broke my heart," she whispered, her eyes growing wet.

Red snorted rudely, turning his face away from hers.

"I tried so hard to help you even if you don't think so. All the different therapies, daily visits, anything that I thought could remotely work. I refused to give up and risked your wrath going into that room time and time again! Surely you haven't forgotten!" she cried, a tear rolling down her cheek now.

Swiftly, the man's face turned back, eye blazing in fury.

"You weren't trying to help ME!" Red bellowed, nearly frothing from his toothy snarl.

Kimberly gasped, stunned, at the outburst as the others jumped at the sudden rage. Even David seemed to shrink back slightly as he knew his pet was teetering on losing control.

"What are you talking about? I didn't try to help you? That's all I did! Every day!"

Watching Red's wild eyed and tense posture, his bristled demeanor brought a new realization to Skull, something he had never considered before. He doubted anyone else had either. But once he saw the image in his mind, he could not 'unsee' it.

A memory was triggered from decades ago, one long forgotten until now.

Skull had been the first of his friends to see the stray dog digging in the trash can, the rusted metal receptacle tipped on its side and contents strewn across the pavement. A ragged, crooked tail jutted from the opening as the creature investigated the potential meal inside.

Pausing his ride through the alley, the skinny teen rested his bike between his legs as he watched the animal. Its fur was patchy with large areas of bald pink skin visible. Obviously ill, the dog's legs were spindly, overgrown claws scratching the ground.

His friends ceased peddling and coasted to a stop beside the skinny boy.

"Look at that nasty thing," one of the others sneered. "It's gross!"

A door was flung open and a large man appeared on the front step. His face was contorted in anger and he stomped down the steps towards the toppled can. Hearing approaching footsteps, the canine jerked its upper body out of the garbage, flinching back as the man bellowed and kicked out at the stray.

"Get outta here, you filthy mutt!"

Managing to dodge the blow, the dog growled in warning, backing away, muzzle showing sharp teeth. The man knelt and retrieved a loose brick; chucking it as hard as he could, it struck the animal, making it cry out in pain before it ran off.

"Disease ridden mongrel! Always getting in my trash!" he ranted, looking at Skull and his friends, lip curled in disgust. "Someone needs to euthanize that ratty thing. No one wants it around!"

Carefully, the former Sentry approached the restrained, grey-haired man, mindful of those wrathful eyes tracking him, glittering with mistrust. Red's lips were curved in his wide, toothy grin making him look every bit the canine he had been forced to become. Pulling out a chair of his own, Skull settled himself across from Red as close as he dared.

"Feeling braver, are we Sentry?" the growly voice rasped. "I thought you were frightened of me."

Skull gazed at Red, feeling a new sadness in addition to his fear. Keeping his voice low and calm, he addressed the nightmarish pet.

"Oh, I'm still afraid of you. But you know that."

This made the human-canine seem almost pleased as he appeared to settle down slightly.

"Then why do you risk coming closer? What if I managed to break loose?" he teased with a chuckle.

Skull gazed at Red, his expression soft and gentle.

"If you got out of that chair? Well, most likely I'd be toast. We both know that. But I just want to talk with you."

Red's brow furrowed despite his large grin. He despised everyone staring at him and questioning him ceaselessly.

"Whatever for, Sentry? Or Skull, I suppose," the pet responded. "I've told the doctor before I don't know anything else about Jason and Jamie."

The lanky man shook his head, resting his elbows on his knees, hands clasped.

"It's not about Jason or Jamie, Red."

The pet tilted his head in curiosity.

"Then what is it about? What else could I potentially hold the keys for?" he hissed.

Skull's grey eyes slowly and tenderly gazed into Red's dark one.

"I'm not interested in getting something out of you or using you for my own purposes. You and I both agree I'm still scared of you. But that's not the only thing I'm feeling. So much makes sense now even if it's all just theory. I don't know why I didn't see this before."

"Pray tell me this revelation," Red laughed, teeth flashing.

Skull pulled a deep breath, thinking how to begin explaining a deeper picture that gradually revealed itself like those books he'd enjoyed as kid, with images hidden inside of others. Mentally, he reached out to the confused pet, willing him to feel the wave of caring and tenderness he was determined to radiate.

"It must be exhausting. Being the protector, I mean. Always on guard, keeping everyone terrified, physically fighting when needed," he began. "I imagine it's pretty lonely too."

He looked into Red's face with compassion, something that the alter was not accustomed to.

"I did what was necessary," the man responded firmly.

Skull shook his head.

"You stepped in to protect Jason, to ensure his survival under ol' Fuckface over there," he acknowledged, enjoying David's huff of indignation. "Being treated like a beast, a dumb animal. Controlled to the point you were not able to make any decisions or even being asked what you wanted. Used to win him even more riches at the risk of your own life. Even your body was not your own."

Red's brow lifted in confusion.

"What's your point, Skull? I was serving the purpose I was designed for," he growled.

"My point is that underneath all your rage and venom, all your aggression and violent behavior is actually someone in a lot of pain. Someone who's lonely and afraid, who feels kicked to the side," Skull explained, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Tears gathered in his nickel-colored eyes, knowing the very feeling that Red must be experiencing. It was one that had enveloped him for many years as a child and young teen.

"Like I said, you took over for Jason, which was a very brave undertaking. You endured the humiliating and degrading things Drakkon did and carried out his awful orders. Being locked up with no one else except 'Stable Mable' to be your point of reference for sanity, it's not surprising you entered his psychotic universe. You were deceived, operating out of insanity and an intense trauma bond. I don't think at your core that you are this 'hell hound' you were fashioned into."

Red's grin faltered briefly; his expression now tinged with something like grief. It was fleeting but not lost to Skull's keen observation. The former Sentry continued while the others remained in captivated silence at what was unfolding before them.

"You were created for a good purpose and it wasn't to please Drakkon. I imagine people don't consider you were your own person, just as Jamie is now. Like Jason was. You were just as vulnerable, and your mind became sick. But there's more to you than just being a pet or being a protector."

Gently, Skull risked moving a little closer; Red continued his creepy smile, but it was no longer as broad as it had been.

"So, you're saying I'm not a 'bad dog,' is that it?" he asked through his clenched teeth.

"I'm saying you are more than what you feel you are," Skull soothed. "I would imagine it's painful to always hear about Jason this and Jamie that, everyone asking you questions about them that you can't answer like you're some gatekeeper or expert. It probably feels like they don't see you at all. Just an intermediary."

The grin was beginning to crumble, little by little as Skull continued reaching out to Red.

"You feel alone, don't you? And unwanted, maybe? Stuck in the shadows of Jason and Jamie? You've been treated like a stray dog that's lived a difficult abusive life, angry and scarred. They don't see the lovely, magnificent creature you once were."

Unshed tears made the pet's eyes glossy as he fought to keep them back.

"I'm uncertain what you want from me," Red managed thickly.

Skull smiled and pushing his nerves aside, reached out a hand to caress the man's thick, shaggy mane. Red tensed but made no move to resist or become aggressive.

"I just want you to listen and consider what I'm saying. That's all. You don't give yourself any credit for the beautiful things you've created," the man murmured, continuing to run his fingers through the grey hair.

Red's lower lip quivered almost imperceptibly.

"What are you referring to? What beautiful things? The trophies, treasures, and titles I won fighting?" he mumbled.

"No, nothing like that. I'm talking about you being the architect of Jamie's creation. You said you stitched him together from Jason's memories and the things that you knew, right? You had to fashion him in a hurry, under pressure, and with no instruction manual. There's nothing ordinary about what you did."

Nodding at the Red Omega, Skull laughed gently.

"And I'm sure that our Jason will tell you that Jamie did not get his talents with gardening and animals or his artistic abilities from him. That had to come from somewhere," he pointed out.

Pulling his hand from Red's unruly hair, Skull lowered his voice, keeping it calm but reverent.

"It came from you, didn't it?"

That dark, glossy, eye bored into the Sentry's, a traitorous tear sliding slowly down the alter's cheek to dampen his dark grey beard.

"Maybe," Red quietly conceded.

David spoke up, confused.

"You painted and gardened? I never found any artwork or flowers?" he questioned, looking at Red with new regard.

The glittery eye slid over towards where his former master sat in his wheelchair.

"Yes, you did," Red replied. "You just didn't realize it was me. Most of my early work, I burned in the fireplace used to light your bedchambers. Some were framed by Finster and displayed, but you thought those were hers."

He nodded toward Kimberly slightly.

"When did you do all that? Or learn how to?" the tyrant whispered, his voice growing almost tender.

The pet rolled his eyes and huffed.

"Remember, I stayed behind when you went to deal with Coinless cells. You were afraid I'd be recognized. Or perhaps I'd 'snap out of it.' I didn't just sit and stare at the wall, asshole," he growled. "I had to do something besides train and pine for you to return."

Skull was nodding like it made perfect sense.

"How did you get interested in those subjects?" he asked with curiosity.

Red looked confused. No one ever really asked him questions about himself. Typically, it was because he was attacking and killing them. Or as of late, it was to ask questions he had no answers for regarding Jason and Jamie. His eyes scanned the assembled faces, looking for a clue to whatever 'end game' they had in mind.

He blinked rapidly, thinking back to his days in the palace. Shoulders lifting in a quick shrug, the alter tried to respond, still mistrustful of the group. How much should he share? What possible use could they glean from this information?

"I always used to watch Drakkon sketching. There were plenty of art supplies laying around and one day, when he was out and I was bored, I picked up a sheet of paper and pencil. It was just random objects to begin with as over time I learned how to shade and make them appear real. Things like vases, boots, candles, whatever caught my eye," he explained, seeing that time period vividly.

"Before I completely lost my marbles and began Sentry hunting, I was permitted to go wherever I wanted inside the palace. I wandered the halls with my paper and pencil searching for other things to draw. Finster found me walking around and brought me to the library. He said he was afraid of what I might get up to if I wasn't kept occupied, much like Drakkon," Red continued, managing a small chuckle.

Shrugging again, he grinned.

"He also helped me find books on art and I discovered I much preferred to paint. Watercolors, acrylics, oil. Ink. My favorite subjects became the beautiful plants and animals I managed to see when I was taken off-world to fight. I may have bullied Finster into procuring photographs of things that stood out to me and he brought them home in his satchel."

Hearing all this information for the first time, David's eyes widened. So much he had obviously been unaware of.

"Finster never reported any of this to me," he exclaimed, not sure if he should be angry or not.

Red rolled his eyes.

"Why should he have? I wasn't asking for help to escape or access to poison or anything to use against you," he growled. "Anyways, it made me curious about the wildlife that used to inhabit our world. A few things remained, and I could see a lot of them from the palace windows. There were some flower gardens that grew, and I enjoyed watching the townspeople and Sentries working with the animals that often turned up on our table. Ducks, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys occasionally, goats. I became curious about those creatures as well. So I read more books."

Red licked his lips, nervous at the amount of information he was providing. He was not used to talking to any one person this much besides Drakkon in the privacy of his chambers.

"I watched the meats being brought into the kitchen, all the bright colors of the vegetables and fruits. They were also great painting subjects. Finster was helpful in finding books about whatever topic I discovered. With Drakkon gone and with my 'chores' done, I had nothing but time," he went on.

David's mouth hung open.

"No one ever told me you went into the kitchens either. What the hell was everyone thinking?"

Red stared daggers at the wheelchair-bound man.

"They assumed I was supervising in your stead, asshole. Why report what they thought was an order for me to watch them while you were out?" he snapped. "I even watched how they prepared different dishes and the various methods of cooking. Besides books, I learned a lot by just watching. As I told you when I was able to put the navigation into the Spectrum."

Skull's expression was one of amazement and wonder as Red's good eye returned to the man's face.

"You really don't see how incredible all that is, Red?" he whispered. "I thought it was odd Jamie was this far into his farm in such a short period of time. You supplied a treasure trove of information and ideas."

He paused as he considered his next observation. Red's tensed posture had relaxed but it was apparent he was uncomfortable with the excess attention.

"Was there a part of you that studied some of that because you hoped one day, you'd be free? That something would change? I mean, even though, you planned to die on the Spectrum with Drakkon, something made you accept the Celestial Fox's offer. You didn't really WANT to die, did you?"

Skull carefully stroked Red's forearm resting on the armrest of the chair.

"You wanted to live, to have a happy ending. Even if you didn't want to admit it to yourself. It may have seemed like too much to hope for. But that offer sparked something in you," he stated gently.

"I don't think you wanted to do a lot of what you did but you did so because, as you said, it was necessary. Like chasing people away," Skull continued. "As a protector, it was your job, but that doesn't mean you didn't get lonely. It doesn't mean you liked it."

Now, he looked over at the others, giving them a comforting smile.

"We were all so busy running from you like Alice fleeing from the Jabberwocky that no one looked back to see you."

He addressed the group now, specifically Kimberly who had been stung deeply by Red's vicious refuting of her efforts to help.

"Remember how Jamie was trying to find a way to politely tell us that he wasn't comfortable being called Jason? Because he was his own entity? Red is his own identity," he explained. "Is that what you meant when you said that Kim wasn't trying to help you?"

Red sagged in the chair now, feeling mentally drained and exhausted by the swirl of emotions he had kept bottled up for so long. He was able to nod slowly.

"You weren't really talking to ME. You were talking to JASON, wanting to help JASON. Even when you resorted to calling me 'Red', you were trying to deal with him. Not me. Part of me understands you wanted Jason back, but it stung. And my mind was sick, I know that now," he murmured.

Jason stepped forward now, coming to stand beside Skull's chair. The former Sentry looked up at the Omega and gestured at the older man.

"Perhaps, you're the best person to take over from here," he advised, raising from the hard surface.

Skull resumed his place with the others, putting a comforting arm around the Ranger Slayer, who still had tears tracking down her cheeks. Billy linked his arm through his crush's other one, proud of how astutely he had been able to detect Red's delicate emotional weaving under all his blood soaked rage.

Jason lowered himself now before Red, remembering their brief encounter on the Spectrum before he had lost consciousness.

"There's so much that I need to say to you," he began, full of awe and wonderment at this alter and his abilities that had been hidden under the mantle of protection and necessity.

Red was silent for a moment as he stared back at the little Omega.

"What could you have to say to me? Just because I saved you doesn't mean I didn't do heinous things to others in your guise," he responded, almost timidly.

Jason felt a swell of love and compassion tighten his chest as he considered this poor man and the enormity of what he'd done. Only to be kicked at like a stray dog.

"I know you did what you had to do, Red. And I don't blame you at all. I owe you my life because I would have ended up experiencing what happened to you. I was able to read Drakkon's journals afterwards and see how truly disgusting he was," he soothed the man, brown eyes darting over David's way at the mention of his horrific actions.

David crossed his arms and scowled but said nothing.

"You saved me and you protected that Jason, too," he explained pointing at Red. "I may not be exactly the same but I can probably tell you what he would say if he could. It's something you need to hear."

Jason took a deep breath, trying to place himself in the mindset of a terrified Coinless Jason so he could speak truthfully and from his heart. Red stared at the Omega, his heart starting to race for reasons he couldn't identify.

Lifting his dark head, the Red Omega gazed tenderly into Red's dark eye and gave him a small smile.

"Thank you, Red, for everything you've done for me. Especially for putting yourself between me and Drakkon, taking on the violence and degradation in my place. You are strong and brave, a hero. I know you're going to deny it, but its true. Just because Drakkon made you sick, doesn't make you a villain."

Red felt his chest begin to ache, his breathing coming faster as his eyes burned, losing the battle with the tears now.

Jason gently wiped the rolling drops from the older man's cheek.

"Skull is right. No one thought to ask you how you are feeling. Everyone was so focused on Jason and then Jamie. I remember he said that he feared if we knew about him, we'd all be disappointed because he wasn't Jason. Like he wasn't worthy of being liked or having friends; like he wasn't good enough," he whispered.

"You probably feel much worse than that, don't you? I know you've been turned into a monster, a bloodthirsty, rabid animal running everyone off. You weren't only made to feel like you weren't good enough, but I'm guessing you feel like you're 'less than' as well," he asked, raising a brow.

Sadly, Red's head lowered, hating appearing so vulnerable and weak in front of those he'd terrorized and haunted for decades. Having the fearsome reputation helped keep people away without much fanfare on his part.

"Perhaps I do. Sometimes," he admitted in a shaky voice. "It's useless to feel jealous of Jason and Jamie. None of this is Jason's fault and I made Jamie real. They've done nothing wrong and I'm here to keep them safe. It's my job."

The Red Omega shook his head, placing his hand over his alter's trembling one.

"Like Skull said, that's not all of who you are. You are a whole individual with more dimensions than just as a dog or a fighter or a protector. You have hopes and dreams and desires beyond those two and that doesn't take away from that at all," he whispered firmly.

Kimberly removed herself from Skull's comforting embrace to approach Red. Her face was soft, the tears drying as she learned what Red really meant during his rebuttal.

"I'm so sorry, Red," she soothed, her eyes looking into his. "I didn't understand and I hurt you in my ignorance. It wasn't my intention but I made you feel 'less than', both before and after Drakkon. I treated you like an animal."

The human-canine gazed back at her, feeling a small warmth spark from an apology he hadn't realized would mean so much.

"I know you weren't always in control of yourself either, Kimberly," he responded. "And I wasn't easy to handle safely. You never could have known I wasn't Jason and I was too messed up to explain. I probably would have hurt you and the others if you hadn't locked me up. I left you no choice but to resort to the gas. I can see that now."

He swallowed painfully.

"You were there every day and you did try everything you possibly could. I'm sorry I snapped on you before because I was jealous and insecure," he added.

"I DO want to help you too, Red," the Slayer emphasized, wanting to ensure that this alter no longer felt left out in the cold. "Will you let us help? I don't expect you to trust us right away. You've been deceived horribly."

Sighing, Red looked over at the others who hadn't yet approached. He recognized Billy now from Jason's memories; the genius might be able to figure out a way to patch his shattered psyche. For better or worse, it was probably best to sort this out. Much like Jamie, Red didn't like to admit that he, too, was fearful about what might become of him when Jason awoke.

Tommy stood apart and farther away, his eyes downcast. The White Ranger was the one who had broken the collar and started him down a new path, back towards reality. He seemed hesitant to address Red, guiltily avoiding his eyes. It had to have been heard to listen to everything and knowing Drakkon was a version of himself. Nibbling his lower lip, he looked so forlorn that Red tilted his head in curiosity; it was odd seeing this younger Drakkon with that expression.

Speaking of Drakkon, Red now turned his head slightly to stare at the man in question.