Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. They belong to Saban again.

AN: This story is for the To Protect and Serve Fic-a-thon. This story will focus on the MMPR/ZEO, NS, and DT teams. Part 1 takes place in fall 2004 and the rest will pick up one year later in 2005.

AN 2 Please read: Everything up through Dino Thunder is canon, with the exception that Kimberly never sent the letter to Tommy in this universe. The fiasco on Muranthias did happen. Jason and Kim were rescued and Kim returned to Florida shortly after that to compete in the Pan Globals. After winning gold, she moved back to California and went to college with Tommy. They married while Tommy was getting his PHD in Paleontology. She was present for the events of Dino Thunder but was not a ranger.

AN 3: This story is the first in this series and will likely be followed by at least two sequels. However, the first story is being submitted as my entry for the To Protect and Serve Fic-a-Thon.

Thanks for all the great reviews so far: Here's notes to those individuals:

WideOpenSpacesGirl045: Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it. As for Goldman and Sabrina, I'll let the story tell it, but I didn't intend for it not to be obvious really. Hang on for the ride. ;)

garnetred: Yeah, I didn't intend to really make their identities much of a mystery since it's more about their plans to torment the rangers. Glad you're enjoying the story. It will be an interesting fight for sure. :)

Harry2: Yeah, as stated above, I didn't intend to make their identities much of a mystery. It's about revenge for them. Glad you like the story.

blueninjettiranger: Glad I hooked you. ;) Yeah, a bit of background on Billy and Kat is in this chapter. :)

MMPRFansince93: Glad you enjoyed it. :)

TommyOliverMMPRFan: Yep, he is potentially more dangerous as a human than he was as an alien.

Pinkrangerfan: Thanks, glad you're enjoying the story. :)

Established Pairings: Tommy/Kim, Jason/Trini, Rocky/Aisha, Adam/Tanya, and Billy/Kat

Pairings in Progress: Conner/Kira, Hunter/Tori

Mentions: Dustin/Marah

Endangered Legacy

Part 2/?

"Ghost"

2005

One year later

Reefside

Kira sat on the bench, her guitar across her lap with a paper and pen beside her. She strummed and sang a few lyrics, before writing down a few things and continuing. Nearby, several children ran around on the soccer field at play, while a young man in red looked over his list on a clipboard. It had been a year since Mesagog's defeat and he had just completed his first year in college, becoming MVP for Reefside University's soccer team and winning the state championship. But his time as a ranger had both humbled him and made him more aware that there was much more to life than soccer. Today was the first day of his soccer camp for kids, age's eight to twelve, and he was excited to be doing something to help kids, especially since many that were signed up were under privileged.

A blue van pulled up and parked nearby. Kira smiled, as she set her guitar aside and went to greet the occupants.

"Hey guys," Kira said, as Hunter, Tori, and a boy she knew must be Charlie got out.

"Hey," Tori replied, as she hugged the other girl. Since they met a little over a year ago, the ninjas had kept in close contact with the Dino rangers, particularly Tori and Kira.

"You must be Charlie," Kira greeted. The boy nodded shyly and waved.

"I'm going to go get him checked in with Conner," Hunter said, as he and Charlie jogged onto the field.

"So, how are things at the Academy, Sensei Hanson?" Kira teased. Tori rolled her eyes.

"The same. Blue Bay's been pretty boring since Lothor, not that it's a bad thing," Tori replied.

"I know what you mean. Reefside's been the same," Kira replied.

"How's the album coming?" Tori asked.

"Slow, but now that classes are over, I plan to spend the whole summer working on it," Kira replied.

"It's really great of Hunter to use his free time to bring Charlie here," Kira mentioned.

"I know, he has such a big heart and Charlie's been through so much. First he lost his dad and then his mom got sick. Hunter knows what it's like to lose your parents and he's really great at keeping him positive. Charlie's mom is responding well to the chemo though," Tori mentioned. Kira smiled at the way her friend glowed when talking about the older Bradley brother.

During her days as a ranger, Tori and Blake seemed that they might have something between them, but Blake left to pursue his career in Motocross. With the distance between them, whatever might have once been there soon fizzled. They were still friends, but Blake had moved on with someone else he met on the tour, another rider, and Tori accepted that, wanting him to be happy.

Unfortunately, neither Tori nor Hunter could see the chemistry and obvious attraction between them. Kira was hoping to give her friends the gentle push they needed, but Conner had refused to help her, stating that he wanted no part of what he called interfering or daresay, matchmaking.

"That's good, I'm glad she's getting better and you're right, he has that whole brooding bad boy with a heart of gold thing down to an art. I'm surprised some girl hasn't come along and snatched him up," Kira mentioned.

"Oh yeah, that was really subtle there, Kira," she thought sarcastically. Tori shrugged.

"Girls hit on him all the time, but he never seems interested. I guess I'm kind of glad for that, because the ones that do are always tramps," Tori said. Kira suppressed a knowing smile.

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Conner is usually up to his ears in annoying bimbos," Kira grumbled. Tori grinned.

"Jealous?" she teased.

"I would be if he reacted, but he seems really serious about pursuing me," Kira said uncertainly.

"I think it's sweet. He didn't give up until you agreed to go on a date with him," Tori giggled.

"Are you done teasing me?" Kira asked.

"You mean about the fact that you were caught completely off guard that you actually a great time on said date, even though you insisted that you could never date Conner McKnight, King of all Jocks," Tori mocked teasingly. Kira tossed a mock glare at her.

"Maybe I'm not the only one in denial…" she preempted. Tori gave her a confused look.

"What are you talking about?" the blonde asked.

"Uh…duh, how about tall, blonde, and broody over there," Kira replied, indicating the dirty blonde in crimson on the field.

"Me and Hunter? Whatever, we're just friends," Tori protested.

"So you don't think he's attractive?" Kira asked. Tori looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

"I didn't say that. I mean, he's…handsome, but…" Tori said, suddenly at a loss for words.

"But…" Kira prompted.

"But we're not going there," Tori stated. Kira recognized her tone and let it drop for now.

"Okay, I guess we should go help Conner out with the kids," Kira said, changing the subject.

"How are Dr. and Mrs. O, by the way?" Tori asked. Kira smiled.

"Good, we see them at Hayley's from time to time. Kim just found out she's pregnant," Kira announced.

"That's great! They must be so excited," Tori mentioned. Kira nodded.

"They are ecstatic," Kira replied, as they jogged onto the field.

Zedd's dark dimension

"So this is it?" Sabrina asked, looking around, unimpressed. He had been working on this place for a year and the island seemed to be more like a paradise then the supposed deathtrap he was promising.

"Don't be so quick to judge and don't let the scenery fool you," Goldman replied.

"This is Zedd's dark dimension that he was working on creating when Mondo took over?" Sabrina asked. Goldman nodded.

"He pulled out all the stops with this one. I've finished it for him and now our fun begins," Goldman said.

"If it's so horrific, then why does it look like a freaking tropical island?" Sabrina spat.

"Like I said, don't let the scenery fool you. Even if the male rangers do make it to the mansion, they'll never get out," Goldman stated.

"Over the years, I've learned not to underestimate these brats," Sabrina hissed.

"It seems that no matter what you throw at them, they never fail to escape and they never die. What makes you so sure that this is the end of them all?" she asked.

"I will make sure it is this time!" Goldman hissed, as he got a psychotic look in his eye.

"Even if I have to sink into the ocean with this island myself, I'll make sure I take them all with me," Victor snarled. Sabrina's eyes widened. Going down with the ship was not a part of her plan, but she remained calm. She had learned that he definitely wasn't the same warrior he had once been. His time as a human had driven him insane and she knew she would have to wait for the right time to either get rid of him or escape from the island herself.

"It's time now. Are you prepared for the next phase?" Goldman asked.

"I am assuming you mean capturing our bait," Sabrina replied. He nodded.

"The teleportation grid is online. Use it to capture Katherine and Trini first. They live in Virginia and this afternoon is the perfect time to snatch both. Jason and Billy are on a plane thirty-thousand feet in the air right now," Victor stated.

"Fine, you want me to bring them back here?" she asked. He nodded and pulled up a dingy looking cell on the basement level.

"Nice dungeon," she commented.

"After you have those two, grab the newest yellow ranger. I'll handle Kimberly, Aisha, Tanya, and Tori," Goldman stated.

"Fine, then what?" she asked.

"We wait. The others will come for them and even if they make it out of this fortress, the elements and creatures on the island will get them. And if not that, then the island itself will when it sinks into the ocean. They have no zords and there's no way off unless I get them off. End game and I win," Goldman stated.

"Okay, so you kill them all and then what? What happens after we eliminate all rangers that have ever held the power?" Sabrina questioned.

"Then there's no one to oppose us. With Zedd's magic, the sky is the limit," Goldman promised.

Reefside

Tommy pulled into his driveway and grabbed the grocery sacks in the passenger seat, before going inside. Kim greeted him with a kiss, as he came into the kitchen. They were both excited for tomorrow, because it was her first ultrasound appointment.
"Hey beautiful," he whispered in her ear.
"Hey yourself handsome," she replied, as their lips met tenderly.
"Oooh...is that my ice cream?" she asked, as she noticed the carton poking out of the sack. He chuckled.
"Yes and before you ask, I remembered you pickles, chocolate sauce, and peanut butter too," he replied. She let out her cute little cackle, as she opened the ice cream and took a big spoonful, before popping into her mouth. He chuckled at her antics and started putting away the rest of the groceries.
"Mmmm...I think the baby really likes ice cream," she mentioned.
"I think you like ice cream," he joked.
"Are you making fun of me?" she asked playfully. He shook his head.
"Nah, I've just never seen your eat so much. I think you could give Rocky a run for his money," Tommy joked. She gasped, her mouth dropping open in mock outrage.
"I'm kidding beautiful. No one eats as much as Rocky and Conner and you are eating for two, after all," he said lovingly, as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. She turned her head and their lips met again, telling him that his joke was forgiven.

Blue Bay Harbor

After soccer camp, Tori and Hunter made the thirty minute drive back to Blue Bay Harbor and dropped Charlie off after grabbing some pizza together. Since there was still a few hours of daylight left, Tori wanted to catch a swell or two and Hunter agreed to accompany her to the beach. She had promised all her friends after the incident where she wiped out and ended up in one of Lothor's wacky, twisted alternate dimensions that she wouldn't surf alone.

In the past year, Hunter had been her companion of choice to go with her to the beach and originally it had begun when she offered to teach him how to surf. She was floored when he actually took an interest in learning, as none of the guys, even Blake, had let her teach them how to surf, for more than an hour anyway. Truthfully, Hunter wasn't crazy about surfing, though he now had a much deeper understanding and respect for the risky, difficult sport. But the look on Tori's face when he asked her to teach him had done it for him. To him, seeing her face light up the way it had was worth a million wipeouts.

He was well aware of his growing feelings for her, but knew she would probably never look at him that way, not the way she had looked at his little brother. Blake and Tori's parting had been amicable, as nothing more than a chaste kiss and a good friendship had developed between them. Still, he doubted she saw him as anything other than "one of the guys".

"Hey…" Tori said, finally getting his attention, as she returned from changing into her bathing suit. He was already wearing his trunks with a crimson muscle shirt.

"You were like a million miles away," she mentioned. He gave her a lazy smile.

"Sorry, just thinking," he replied lamely.

"Charlie seemed to have a lot of fun today," she mentioned. He nodded.

"I think he did and I don't think Conner was just being nice when he said Charlie was a natural at soccer," Hunter responded.

"Most thunder Ninja's excel at sports though," she mentioned with a smile, referring to Charlie's recent status as new student at the Thunder academy. The boy's interest in marital arts and difficult personal life reminded Hunter greatly of himself and recognized his potential right away. Talking it over with Charlie's ill mother, she agreed that him attending what Hunter described as very disciplined martial arts classes was a good idea. Charlie, of course, loved learning martial arts even more than playing soccer.

"I'm just happy I can actually stay on my surfboard for more than sixty seconds now," Hunter replied. She smiled.

"You're doing really great. You've picked it up really fast for someone who has only been learning for about a year now. Just think of the looks on the guys faces when you finally show them up. None of them will even touch a surfboard," she complimented.

"It will be kind of fun to rub it in their faces," he agreed, as he pulled off his crimson shirt and picked up his board. And not for the first time in the last year, Tori found herself staring at her friend's toned physique, his years of hard Ninja training obvious, as powerful muscle ripped through his arms, chest, and abs.

"Ready?" he asked, snapping her back to reality. She smiled and grabbed her board, as they headed out into the waves.

Virginia

Katherine Cranston parked her car at the grocery store and prepared to head inside. She had about an hour before she needed to pick up the twins from the babysitter and she since trying to take them shopping with her was usually a nightmare, she opted to get it done now. Billy would be home tonight and she planned to make him all his favorites. Kat had her teaching degree and enjoyed the flexibility of substituting while the twins were little and had decided that she wouldn't look for a permanent position until they were in school full time since Billy's salary supported them comfortably.

In high school, she and Billy wouldn't have been two people most would have put together. Most were convinced that Katherine had eyes for Tommy and while she admitted she had a crush back then, she wasn't the type of person to steal someone else's man, least of all Kimberly's.

After passing on the powers and rescuing Kim and Jason from Muranthias, they had parted ways, except Tommy and Kim. She had gone off to a prestigious dance school in New York and dated a few guys in college, but never anything serious became of those relationships. It was by pure chance or fate some may say that she ran into Billy in a huge place like New York City in 1999. He was the last person she expected, especially since he was supposed to be on Aquitar.

Catching up over coffee, she found out that he decided to come home after Astronema's attempted conquest, citing that he and Cestria had broken up and he was severally homesick. Upon returning, he went to school, receiving numerous degrees in record time and instead of using his vast knowledge to make millions, he opted instead to choose a career where he could really help people. Jason had recruited him to the FBI and the bureau was highly impressed by his unprecedented hacking and computer skills. Thanks to his ranger days, he passed the physical training and weapons handling with flying colors and within a year, he was an agent, fast tracked thanks to his skills. His first and long term mission, embedded in a corporation suspected of criminal dealings, lasted two years and by the time the case broke, which resulted in the FBI taking down several of the executives and key proponents, he and Katherine had fallen in love. She was finished with school by that time and in 2001, Billy proposed. They moved to Virginia where the FBI headquarters was located and married in 2002. Their twin girls were born in late 2003 and they named them Carly and Michaela.

Dropping her keys in her purse, Kat started toward the building, her flaxen blonde hair blowing in the breeze. She noticed an elderly woman that was struggling to lift bags out of her cart and into her car. She slowed in concern and was about to continue on when it seemed the woman could handle it when she saw her lose her balance and fall. Katherine jogged over and crouched down.

"Are you okay?" she asked, as she helped the woman up.

"Oh…I'm so clumsy, thank you so much dear," the woman replied. Kat smiled.

"It's no problem. Are you hurt?" Kat asked.

"No…but you're about to be," the woman snarled. Kat's eyes widened, but it was too late, as the woman jabbed a taser into her side. Kat screamed, but she and the woman disappeared in a flash, before anyone could be alerted to her plight.

"Paging Dr. Kwan-Scott," the nurse said over the intercom. Trini made her way there, trying to finish her rounds. She was excited since she and Jason had planned to go out for a romantic dinner. He'd been gone for four days on a case in Dallas, along with Billy and his team, but they were due to land at the airport very soon. Their careers, his as an FBI agent and hers as a doctor were very busy, but they found time to be together and she never imagined being so happy, especially with a man that had once been her childhood friend.

"What's going on Stella, you know I'm trying to get out of here," Trini said pleasantly, as she approached the nurse's station.

"I know, but there's a young woman in room 236. She thinks she is pregnant and she's really scared. I think she might be uncomfortable with one of the male doctors, at least that's the vibe I'm getting. I know you're trying to get out of here, but you have such a way with people…" Stella pleaded. Trini rolled her eyes.

"Okay, this shouldn't take too long, but that's it," Trini said, pointing her finer in a teasing manner. Stella chuckled.

"I promise. As far as I'm concerned, you're gone already," Stella replied, as Trini walked into the room, after snatching the chart from the holder outside.

"All right…Ms. Stephens is it?" she asked, noticing the meek looking woman on the exam table. The Asian woman nodded.

"Did you take an at home pregnancy test?" Trini asked.

"Three and they were all positive," she replied, as tears welled in her eyes. Trini put a hand on her arm.

"It's okay, I'm going to do a routine exam, take some blood, and once we find out for sure, we can discuss your options from there," Trini promised, as she averted her eyes to the chart.

"You're very kind," the woman mentioned, making Trini smile.

"It's really too bad," the woman added, making Trini frown slightly in confusion.

"What do you mean?" she asked, as she felt searing pain in her abdomen, before losing consciousness. The nurses had heard her cry out, but by the time they burst into the room, it was empty.

Angel Grove

Aisha Desantos closed the door to her vet clinic that she proudly owned and locked up, before walking to her car. It had been a long, yet another rewarding day for her. After helping the situation return to normal in Africa, Aisha returned to Angel Grove shortly after the Muranthias incident to attend the vet program at Angel Grove University. She immediately reconnected with her best friends, Adam and Rocky. She often saw Adam at the University, but she and Rocky grew close while he was attending the police academy. They married after graduation and now had a three-year-old son they named Jacob.

She was on her way now to pick him up from daycare and hoped that Rocky wouldn't be too late that night. His career demanded long hours, especially with the growth Angel Grove had experienced in recent years. With that growth in size and people naturally came with increased crime. A year ago, his time had been absorbed by the serial killer that made his way to Angel Grove, murdering four women, previously hitting Mariner Bay and a slew of other towns. But despite his long hours, they still managed to make it work and eke out time for each other and with their son. She just prayed there were no more cases like that one.

She unlocked her car and suddenly felt the eerie feeling that she was being watched. She turned and was ready to sink into a defensive stance, as she called out to her surroundings.

"All right, you can come out and show yourself. I know you're there," Aisha called. But nothing prepared her for the man she was now facing.

"You're…dead," she stammered, as she fell into fighting stance. Victor Goldman chuckled.

"A clone is so easily created when you have the right tool…magical tool that is," Goldman said mysteriously.

"So that whole standoff with Jason was a set up then? Mind telling me what exactly you expect to accomplish?" she spat. He chuckled again.

"You'll learn that in due time, little bear, but right now it's time to go," Victor said.

"I'm not going anywhere with you, freak," she spat and he rolled his eyes.

"Why must you all insist in doing this the hard way?" he asked, as she launched at him. He blocked her punches and kicks, before knocking her onto the ground. Her eyes widened, as she saw Zedd's Z staff appear in his hand. She cried out in pain, as he used the sizzling energy to knock her unconscious. He scooped up the petite woman and waved to the security camera, though he kept his back to it the whole time. He knew it would be the first thing Rocky looked at, Once he had her, he disappeared.

Reefside

"Freak you out…freak you out…" Kira sang idly, as she strummed her guitar. She was waiting on Conner to finish with his older student's game and then they were going to grab dinner together.

"You're very good," a woman said, as she passed by. Kira smiled.

"Thank you, I'm hoping it will be a career someday," the former yellow Dino ranger mentioned.

"If you don't become famous, then it will be a huge injustice. I'm surprised someone with your talent doesn't have a gig somewhere," the woman mentioned.

"Oh, well I know the owner of Hayley's Cyberspace so I actually have a regular spot there a few times a week. I'm just waiting for my boyfriend right now," Kira explained. The woman gazed out onto the field.

"The one in red?" she asked. Kira nodded.

"Handsome, I bet he'll miss you," the woman sneered. Kira looked at her in confusion, as the woman yanked her to her feet by her arm.

"Let me go!" Kira cried.

"Sorry little songbird, time to sleep," Sabrina hissed, as she used the taser on her neck, dropping her instantly.

"KIRA!" Conner screamed, as he used his super speed to run to her. But Sabrina was ready and launched a blast of red energy. Her magic had been returned to her, thanks to Goldar and the former red Dino ranger went flying back. He landed hard on his side, but that didn't stop him from climbing to his feet.

"Sorry pretty boy, but little miss rock star here is coming with me," Sabrina hissed, as she disappeared with Kira in tow.

"NO!" Conner cried, as he took out his cell phone and dialed Tommy's number.

Angel Grove

Tanya Park arrived home and dropped her purse and keys on the table. She sifted through the mail and then headed to the bedroom to change. She and Adam were having Rocky and Aisha over for dinner, along with little Jacob, their Godson, which they often did. She returned to the kitchen later in jeans and a yellow t-shirt and took the meat that was thawing out of the fridge. She started taking things out to make a salad when she heard a noise in the living room.

"Adam…is that you?" she called. When she received no answer, she ventured into the living room and gasped, wondering if she was seeing a ghost. Being a reporter, she had seen this man's face splashed all over the news days after he was supposedly shot by Jason.

"Hello Tanya…you look like you've seen a ghost," Victor hissed, as the former yellow zeo and turbo ranger slowly backed away.

"You're dead…" she whispered in disbelief.

"Magic makes things very easy, like creating a quick clone to take your place when necessary. I'm afraid that I need you to come with me now," Goldman said. Tanya slowly backed away and toppled over a plant to try and obstruct his path, as she ran for the back door. Running out into the backyard, she grabbed a baseball bat near the shed and held it defensively, as Goldman approached calmly.

"Aisha tried to fight me too and things didn't go well for her either. Put down the bat and come quietly. I won't have to hurt you that way," Victor stated.

"Yeah right," Tanya hissed, as she took a swing, but a zap of red energy left his fingers, immobilizing her. She tried to move, but found it impossible. With another zap, Tanya lost consciousness, as Goldman tossed the former yellow ranger over his shoulder, before disappearing.

Reefside

Kimberly Oliver clapped, as one of her small students successfully dismounted the balance beam.

"That was great Kristin," she complimented, as another of her students came up to her.

"Ms. Hart, Valerie says there's a concerned parent that wants to speak with you. He's in the reception area," the girl informed. Kimberly nodded.

"Okay girls…take a ten minute break," Kimberly called, as she grabbed her clipboard and headed out into the reception area of her small studio that she owned in Reefside.

"Can I help you Sir?" Kimberly asked, as she saw the man turn. She immediately gasped in horror and then noticed her receptionist Valerie, who was lying behind her desk in a pool of her own blood, throat slashed. Kimberly was about to scream, but the man raised a very familiar looking sword.

"Scream and all your little girls are dead," he warned. Kimberly stifled her scream, as she clasped her hand over her mouth and tears welled in her eyes.

"You're coming with me, pink ranger," Goldman said, as he grabbed her arm and pulled her close.

"You recognize my sword…don't you Kimmie?" he hissed, as tears slid down her cheeks.

"You know, I always did have a thing for you and I always wondered what you saw in a fool like Tommy. Maybe we can get…reacquainted later…" he hissed, as he disappeared with her.

Blue Bay Harbor

"You were awesome out there!" Tori cheered, as she and Hunter trudged onto the beach from the water.

"It's all your teaching," he complimented.

"Say what you want, but I think that was all you out there, thunder boy," she said, as they plopped down in the sand beside their gear.

"You killed it out there too, like usual," he replied. She shrugged and dried off with her towel.

"Yeah, she wasn't bad…for a chick," one of the surfer guys that frequented the beach commented, intruding on their conversation. Hunter glared at the pair of guys, Jeremy and Lance. They were always harassing her and she could easily handle herself, but that didn't make him want to pound them for disrespecting her any less.

"Walk away dude," Hunter warned. The two chuckled, seemingly not threatened by Hunter.

"What's it to you dirt boy?" Lance goaded, knowing of Hunter's reputation on the motocross track

"Excuse me, I missed the part where we invited you idiots into our conversation," Tori spat. Unfortunately, this only egged them on.

"Sorry babe, but we were just watching your moves out there. You're good, but you'll never be as good as us," Jeremy goaded. The last time he had said something like this to her, she had tromped back into the ocean, leaving him and his buddies behind to laugh at her. But Tori wasn't taking the bait this time.

"Like I'd want to be anything like you or near you for that matter," Tori said shortly.

"Yeah, be our guest and please go catch a wave, preferably one that's far away," Hunter added, making Tori smile. Jeremy scoffed and eased back under Hunter's intimidating stare.

"Forget it Lance, let's get out of here," Jeremy said.

"Yeah, let us know if you get tired of playing with dirt boy. You'd look great on my arm…and in my bed," Lance sneered, as his friend laughed. Faster than they could blink, Hunter was suddenly in front of them, much to theirs and Tori's surprise.

"Listen, unless you want me to crack your heads open and spill out what little brains you have, you'll leave her alone. Don't go near her, don't talk to her, and don't even look at her. If you mess with her, then you'll deal with me," Hunter warned dangerously. Still baffled at how he had moved so fast, the two idiots held up their hands in surrender.

"Fine…freak," Lance spat, as they trekked off. Hunter sighed and turned back to Tori, who was watching him in surprise.

"Sorry…I probably shouldn't have done that," he said, though truthfully, he wasn't sorry for telling them to step off Tori.

"No…they definitely deserved it," she replied, as he sat back down.

"I know, but you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself. I know how you hate when we go all "caveman" on you," Hunter said, giving her a half smile, which she returned.

"Usually I do…but sometimes it's kind of nice when someone wants to take care of you. Thanks," she said. He smiled.

"Anytime," Hunter replied. He understood what she meant by that, given her history with her parents. The Hanson's loved their daughter dearly, but they were busy with their careers and traveled a lot. They had left their daughter on her own much of the time during her teen years, always well provided for with plenty of money, but Tori would have been happier living in a cardboard box if it meant being with her parents more. Her independent streak had developed from being left on her own most of the time and it was one of the many things he loved about her.

"It's getting dark…we should probably go," Tori mentioned, breaking the awkward silence between them. He nodded and stood up, extending his hand to help her up. She accepted and he pulled her, their eyes meeting as he did. Time seemed to stop for a moment, as they stared into each other's eyes, before it grew awkward again.

"Um…I'll drive you home," she mentioned, as they packed up their stuff and tossed it in her van.

"Thanks," he replied, as he got into the passenger side. Tori drove the few miles to his apartment complex, which was only a few miles from her parent's beach house.

"See you tomorrow," Hunter called. She smiled and waved, sighing as she watched him go inside, before driving off.

"Get a grip Tori…this is Hunter we're talking about," she mumbled to herself, aware of the stirring feelings inside her.

As she parked her van, she dragged her stuff into the darkened beach house. Her parents were on a trip to Paris this time. Last month it had been business in Seattle and the month before was New York City. Tori dumped her things by the door and padded into the kitchen, turning on the light.

"Hello Ms. Hanson," a deep voice said. Tori screamed, as she saw a man standing there. Falling into a defensive stance, she launched herself at the intruder and found all her kicks and punches being blocked with ease.

"Impressive blue ranger," he chuckled and her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Who are you?" she asked, as she started backing away.

"You'll find out soon enough, but for now, I'll ask you to kindly come with me," Goldman stated calmly. Tori ran and grabbed her cell phone, speed dialing Hunter. Goldman rolled his eyes at her antics and grabbed her around the waist. She screamed and fought, before biting his arm. He growled and threw her into the kitchen table. She crashed painfully and cried out, as she heard Hunter's voice on the other end of her phone.

"Hello…"

"HUNTER HELP ME!" Tori screamed, before the man hit her in the head, knocking her out cold.

"Tori…TORI!" Hunter cried through the phone.

"Tori is unavailable, crimson ranger," Goldman spoke into the phone.

"Who are you? What did you do to her?!" Hunter screamed. Goldman chuckled.

"Red rangers are always so hot headed, especially when it comes to their women. She's mine now and I suspect Dr. Oliver is about as angry as you right now. You might want to call him," Goldman replied, as he dropped the phone and then stepped on it, smashing it to pieces. He slung the unconscious blonde over his shoulder and teleported out…