Chapter 7: Blinded Fate



Sonomi looked at her evil lover Lothor. She actually liked that name better then his old earth one, but she preferred to use Kiya. He didn't seem to mind. She smirked knowing things were falling into place. Well at least they seemed to be falling in to place. She looked down on the blue jewel known as earth, a jewel that would soon be hers. She could not wait to see the look on her traitor daughters faces when each of them died.

She laughed darkly at the thought of their deaths. Smirking she could not believe her failure in locating Yuriko's twin all those years ago. She had killed the girls' Father. He died not giving Sonomi the answer she wanted about where Arashi was.

She cursed Kai Mihara her dead husband for hiding the girl child. She never did find the brat. Now after all those years Arashi turns up. The little wretch was bonded to one of the thunder ninja brothers. That angered Sonomi to no end. For the two were way too happy together.

And then there was the matter of her eldest daughter, Zakuro and Miko's only son, Cameron, who also happened to be Lothor's only nephew. Sonomi was furious with herself for not seeing the bond they shared earlier. And now, they'd made love, further strengthening their bond. It made Sonomi so mad that she wanted to scream.

She had tried to deny Zakuro happiness for a specific reason and now, Zakuro was happy… way too happy for Sonomi to be comfortable with it.

No one deserved that sort of happiness. No one on earth would ever feel that happiness once she and Lothor won. She smiled darkly at that. She then felt Lothor wrap her up in his embrace and she leaned on him letting her dark thoughts wander.





At the Trejo Condo, Blake looked around his and Hunter's condo. He checked his brother's room. Hunter's bed had not been slept in the night before. Blake shook his head. Worried yet he was not for he had a feeling he knew where his brother ended up at Arashi's beach house.

He sighed picking up the phone and calling Arashi's place and talked to Heather who seemed amused. She told him that his brother was indeed there. And that she would tell him that Blake called. Blake had a feeling there was more to it then Heather was letting on. He knew he have to pry the details out of Hunter later.

He sighed and got ready for his day. He was meeting Tori at the beach to watch her surf. She had promised not to surf without someone else to surf or be there on the beach with her. Blake had naturally volunteered his time to be with her.







Within the beach house in the kitchen, Heather smirked as Hunter and Shi both breezed in the kitchen. "Good morning. Did you two enjoy yourselves last night?" She smirked some more for her comment got both blushing. This was unusual for neither were prone to blushing. "Oh, Hunter. I told Blake you were here. He called earlier wanting to know if I seen you. Your bed was not slept in last night. I told him I pass on his message. You need to go spar with him about noon."

Hunter nodded knowing he was going to get razzed by his brother for spending the night with Arashi. He sighed and dug into the breakfast that Heather had made. He watched Shi out of the corner of his eye. He felt so right with her. Last night had been a wonder. On the plus side Shi looked tons better then she had the other day.

Hunter had enjoyed making love to his best friend more then he really wanted to admit. And he knew she enjoyed it very much. Enough that she demanded an early morning round two of the previous night's action.





At Storm Chargers, Dustin looked up at the bell. He sighed then blinked in surprise. There stood Blake and Tori, Hunter was nowhere to be seen. "Dudes, where's Hunter?" he asked.

"He is at Arashi's." Blake said smirking. "My Bro never made it home last night." He fingered one to the displays he was standing next to. He still could not really believe it himself.

That got a low whistle from Dustin. "Dude, isn't Arashi and Hunter best buds?"

"Yep." Blake said.

Tori shook her head. "Their bond is deeper then that you two. I swear you two are worse then a pair of girls…gossiping. If Hunter knew he'd kick both your butts."

The doorbell jingled again and the three turned and it was Ikkou coming though again. They all greeted him with a smile. He walked over to the trio and they all began talking and discussing the race they had the other day. Both Blake and Dustin had been surprised at how good Ikkou was. Tori smiled as they all talked about motocross and Japan.







In his mediation spot Sensei sat thinking about what was happening. He kept getting glimpses of things to come and he liked none of what he saw. "This is not good." He sighed and kept mediating. Unbeknownst to him he was being watched over by a pair of Shi's spirit guardians.







In the waterfall room on the soft lover's bed, Zakuro sighed as she awoke, her eyes fluttering open slowly. She felt a dull ache in the lower portion of her body. She let out a low groan and then, she looked around, trying to figure out where she was until she looked over and saw Cameron, sleeping soundly beside her. A soft smile spread over her face as she gazed at him with loving eyes, remembering what had happened the night before.

He moved all of a sudden, flinging an arm over her middle making it so Zakuro could not move. He then in his sleep pulled her toward him. He nuzzled her and asked in a sleepy voice. "Awake beloved?"

"Yes." She nuzzled him back, lacing her fingers with his, allowing him to lean in and give her a deep kiss. She knew that she had to have it bad when she didn't give a damn about the prospect of Cameron having morning breath. He ran his hand through her hair, cupping the side of her face, stroking her cheek.

"I love you." He murmured quietly.



She smiled the smile that Cameron had fallen in love with the first time he saw her picture over the 'Net. Her eyes sparkled in a way that only Cameron was privileged enough to see. "I love you, too."

He smiled. "You're glowing." Cameron remarked. "Did you know that? You're glowing."

Zakuro felt like an entirely different person. "I am?" she asked. "I didn't notice."

"Well, of course, not, but I noticed." Cameron smirked at her and she hit him with a pillow. Making them both laugh.







In Ninja Ops, Hunter met up with Tori, Blake and Dustin. They looked at the older of the thunder brothers. Who did not realize Zakuro and Cameron appeared behind him.

Blake could not resist the urge to tease as well as make a comment to his brother. "Slept over at Arashi's house. What could not call and tell me where you were going to be. I know you two went out and hung out and stuff. You did not tell me you were spending the night." He teased his older brother. Blake smiled softly his eyes dancing with mischief.

"Dude, are you two more then what you claim?" Dustin asked innocently. He scratched his head looking at Hunter.

Zakuro could not help but feel a small smile tug her lips. She shook her head and she knew Cameron would keep his own council over this development.

Tori came to the silent other half of the thunder brothers. "You guys stop it. What ever happened it's none of our business. Leave Hunter alone." She growled. Both young men backed off.

Cameron sniggered. "She told you two. What is it about playing with fire you two?" He eyed Blake and Dustin. "Don't burn yourselves."

Dustin and Blake sighed.

Zakuro and Tori both smiled and Hunter brooded over all their comments. For even he was not sure what was going on in his own spirit.







At the Tranquility Spa, Shi was having another session with Ikkou. He noted that she was definitely doing better. Something the young Japanese man was glad of. For he had not like the way she felt before when she been there without Hunter. She was deftly doing better when he saw them together.

"You're glowing." He remarked. "What happened to you?" He worked on her back. Getting each and every knot that he could find worked out and loose. He smiled as her muscles responded to his touch.

"Hunter." Shi said with a smile. "Hunter happened." She loved the way Ikkou's hands felt. He was truly a master at what he did. Plus there was something else in his touch that was only in Hunter's it puzzled the storm caller.

"Tell me about it." He asked her. "If it's not prying. For you know I will not tell a soul." He continued to work on her as she spoke of what happened between her and her best friend. She was quite frank and that made Ikkou happy. For he hoped she would share what had happened with him. He almost felt like he had been there with them.





In Ninja Ops, Hunter was working on his simulation. The others watched in awe as he worked out and took out the Kelzacks that Cameron was tossing at him.

"He seems more powerful then before." Cameron muttered. "He has never lasted this long in a simulation before nor has he taken down this many foes before either." Cameron frowned watching the young man in only his ninja uniform taking out Kelzacks like it was a breeze.

Dustin blinked. "Dude he is not even in his ranger form yet." His voice trailed off and Zakuro looked at Dustin realizing what the young man in yellow had not articulated.

Blake and Tori looked at each other. "Arashi?" they both murmured.





In Sakura's bedroom a battle was beginning to happen. "Yuriko Mihara, you have a lot of nerve showing up here." Sakura glared at her younger sister, not daring to move from the bed. "How dare you! You taint the family name and the name of the Amazon! You stupid little bitch! Do you have any idea of what you've done?"



"I don't care." Yuriko shrugged. "Setsuna promised me."



"What did she promise you?" Her eyes narrowed for she had a good idea what was promised. A bond that was already so strong that it would only cause madness in one and weakness in the other.

"She promised me that I get to have what I want if I help her out. And I want Hunter… all to myself." Yuriko smiled a devil of a smile.

Sakura frowned. "You are a fool to mess with fate. You have your bond." She narrowed her eyes. "Shane is your bond. Don't steal another's bond. It is wrong and the karma ramifications will be painful for you."

"I know that Shane's all mine." Yuriko said. "But, I want Hunter too. You see…." Her eyes twinkled darkly. "I'm a little bit greedy."

"You're a fool." Sakura sighed. "Your greed will only cause madness. Is that what you want? Hunter will know that it's you and not Arashi, you baka. You will plunge him into madness for he belongs to you not."





At Arashi's beach house, Heather watched as her best friend walked in. There was a bounce in her step that could not be denied. Heather could tell Shi was happy as anything. "Good to see you looking good."

"Want to race Heather along the beach?" Shi smiled. "I want to ride and I don't want to ride alone."

"Sounds good. Let us both change and we can ride. It's been a while since we both rode together." Heather smirked as the two walked thought the garden and went to their separate places for their motogear. Both came out in record time.

Heather could tell that Arashi was excited by the idea of riding together. They both walked thought he house to the garage. Sitting on Arashi's workbench was an envelope. The pair looked at each other.

Going over Shi picked it up and opened it. Frowning as she read it. The storm caller handed it to Heather who gasped. "Hunter is my brother." She said softly. "My best friend and my brother." She giggled. "Oh how ironic is that. He is older then me by a year." Heather smiled. "I've been looking for him for years and he was right here under my nose all this time."

"Nineteen, eighteen." Shi smirked. "I am almost eighteen. Will be in a few weeks." She sighed. "Let's ride."







In Ninja Ops, Hunter walked out of his simulation. He had never even used his ranger form. He found Sensei on the table looking at him. The others were also looking at him in awe.

"What?" Hunter frowned at them. "Why are you guys looking at me like that?"

"Do you know how many Kelzacks you took out in your simulation?" Cameron asked the blonde motocrosser. For he could tell that Hunter was sweating but he did not look at all tired.

"No." Hunter said. He looked at them. "Did I do a lot of them?"

"Understatement of the century." Zakuro said. "Hunter, you… you've gotten stronger. Your powers have definitely increased. What happened to you?"

Hunter smiled. "Shi." He said. "Shi happened." He winked at Zakuro. The grin on Hunter's face spoke volumes of what he meant. He felt so much better with her in his life. She completed him like he never knew he needed that completion.

Zakuro laughed softly. "Hunter." She smiled knowing what he meant. His bond with her unknown baby sister was amazingly stronger. She prayed to her forefathers that Setsuna would not be fool enough to try and break it. For Zakuro could only see them causing Hunter's mind to snap he would never accept any other then Shi. For they were two halves of a whole.

She watched as Hunter sundered off. "I have a spa appointment. Later."

They all watched him surprised.

"Spa?" Blake said confused.

Tori giggled. "Arashi."









On the beach a pair of motocrossers raced. One in gray, black and scarlet and one in gray, blood red and white. They raced each other neither giving the other any headway. They pulled up to their shared place taking their helmets off. They smirked.

"That was wonderful." Heather said smirking at her friend.

"Yep." Arashi smiled. "I hope Hunter is going to the spa…Ikkou made a few appointments for him as well."

Heather giggled. "Sounds like fun."







At the Tranquility spa, Ikkou was now working on Hunter. He could tell the other was relaxed but tense. He did not blame Hunter one bit. For Ikkou had an inkling of what was going to happen. He had a feeling it would take his intervention to save Hunter's and Arashi's souls from getting too badly hurt.

"What is on your mind Hunter?" Ikkou asked him as he worked a predictor bad spot on his back." "You seem extra tense yet not."

"I am still worried about Arashi and I am afraid that I am going to cause her pain though I don't want too." Hunter admitted as Ikkou worked on his body. "I can feel dark forces trying to tear us apart."

Ikkou sighed his hands felt like magic to Hunter. "That's not good Hunter. Not good at all for either of you."







Back in Sakura's bedroom the two were still facing off. "You're a bitch." Sakura's eyes narrowed. "How dare you try to take Hunter from Shi! How would you feel if someone tried to take Shane from you?"

"I'd get revenge," Yuriko seemed almost cool about it. "Now, I'm only going to say this once: Stay out of my way…. Or else. Got it?"

Sakura simply said, "What has Setsuna done to you?" She watched her sister who was now her foe. Sakura sighed inwardly knowing that Yuriko was going to end up hurt by Hunter in his madness because of what Yuriko was planning.

Yuriko smirked. "Given me everything I want and you know that I want the world. I'm very ambitious, remember?"

"There's a difference between ambition and greed, Yuriko. You of all people should know that. Hunter belongs to Shi, not you. They were made for each other. Don't you know that? Without Shi...Hunter will lose his mind..." Sakura said simply hoping her words would break though her spell-bond siblings mind. She knew they would not but she wanted to hope Yuriko was stronger then that. Sakura found she was wrong for her little sister was proving herself to be weak willed.

"And Arashi will lose her powers." Yuriko finished with a self-satisfied smile. "Why do you think she was getting weaker earlier? It was a special spell that Setsuna cooked up just for Shi. The longer Shi denies her bond with Hunter, the weaker she'll get... until her powers are completely gone and she will have lost the strength to get out of bed in the morning, much less get up and fight. Then, just for the heck of it, Setsuna will take her away."

"And make Hunter insane." Sakura said, flatly, anger seeping into her voice.

"Oh, he won't be... because I'm going to take her place." Yuriko was smiling again and her smile was freaking Sakura out. "You see... I discovered that Shi and I share the same kind of energy reading and that I can make myself look like her, act like her, talk like her.... the works.... with a little help from Setsuna, of course. Soon enough, I'll be Arashi Tomoe. I'll have my cake... and eat it, too. And you are NOT going to stop me." Then she held up a few ninja stars. "I'll make sure of that."

"You don't get it do you." Sakura growled at her. "Hunter in his madness will know you're a deceiver. He will know no matter how much you think you are Arashi. You will never be her. No matter what Setsuna promised you! It will never come to pass."

"In, all honesty, Sakura, I don't really care what you think. And what you say. I just want Hunter… all to myself." Her eyes flashed red and Sakura knew that she was in trouble. "And I always get what I want." Then, she dove on Sakura.





At the beach house Hunter walks though the garden and comes to Shi's door he opens it. "Shi?" He called out to her. He spotted her on her sofa curled up with a book reading.

"Hunter." She got up all smiles. "Can we talk?"

He sat down next to her. "Of course." He touched her face. He felt great sitting next to her that and they were alone so he was not afraid to show her tenderness. His heart decided to speak before his mind registered what he was saying. "I love you Arashi Tomoe. I think I always will forever and always my soul is bond to yours."

"I love you Hunter Trejo. Forever and always our souls are one. They have been one for a long time." Arashi sighed. "I just realized it."

"One soul, two bodies." Hunter drew her in his arms. Not realizing with their confessions that Setsuna's spell was broken. Though by breaking the spell they were going to change Setsuna's plans.





Up in Space on the Alien space ship, Arashi's dark older sister felt the spell break and cursed knowing she have to step things up more. She growled not able to spy on the two that had broken her spell for they were hidden inside the dwelling that Arashi owned.

Setsuna growled. "Damn them. I will have Hunter." She spoke into Yuriko's Mind. 'Finish up Sakura we have to break the bond between Hunter and Shi now.'

Kapri looked at Setsuna she smirked she might be ditzy but she could see all the stress that Setsuna put herself. All Kapri would have to do would be to add to it.









While Hunter and Arashi confirmed their life-soul bond truly becoming one soul in two bodies. Zakuro felt suddenly cold. Like something truly bad was going to happen. Then, she shook it off, determined not to let it affect her.

She went back to helping Cameron with the coding of the zords. For she was determined not to be a burden on her beloved. Plus much like Cameron she enjoyed working and writing code.







Back at the beach house Shi brought Hunter with her into the main house where Heather was sitting they handed him the envelope and he read the contents. He looked at Heather and smiled. "I knew you felt familiar. Well little sister. We'll have to tell Blake as well."

Arashi smiled. "Cool huh?"

"Yep." Hunter smiled. "I think Blake will love it too."

Heather smiled softly. "I hope so."





At the beach, Dustin was sitting with Blake they were watching Tori surf. Blake had been surprised when Dustin showed up to watch Tori too. Then again he should have known Dustin had truly come to keep him company.







Back in Sakura's bedroom the battle started. The two battled, Sakura was holding back a little for she honestly did not want to hurt her little sister. Yuriko on the other hand was going full force. Yuriko was surprised when Sakura tossed her back. She then tossed something at Sakura. It got in her sister's eyes.

Sakura gasped surprised for she could not see. Two sets of evil laughter she heard. She looked around blinded by what Yuriko had tossed in her eyes.

Yuriko glared at Sakura. "Like I said." She said, angrily. "I always get what I want." She laughed darkly. "Have fun trying to see sis. It's a present from Setsuna."

Sakura soon realized that Yuriko had left her alone. She stood shock still realizing that her sight was not returning.





Meanwhile, back at Ninja Ops, Zakuro was suddenly struck down by a blinding migraine headache, followed by flashes of Sakura and Yuriko battling. When she screamed, Cameron was right there by her side. Before Cameron could even ask her what was wrong, she'd dragged him out of Ninja Ops and back to her apartment.

"Sakura!" Zakuro cried. "Sakura, where are you?" She looked around frantically for her younger sibling. She was scared deeply in her bones.

Cameron looked around as well. He was picking up on the fear in her voice and her manner. "Zakuro, what's wrong with you? What happened to Sakura?"

Then, Sakura's voice came out of her room. "Zakuro? Cam? Is that you?"

"Yes, Sakura it's us! What's happened?" Zakuro called out relieved that her sister was alive. She was about to have that relief dashed to the four winds when Sakura suddenly came stumbling out of her bedroom, bumping into things right and left. Zakuro rushed to stop Sakura from falling into a chair. "Sakura? What happened?"

"Phoenix tried to warn me just before it happened." Sakura said. "She tried to tell me that this would happen. I didn't listen. And now look what happened." She did not want to look at her sister. There were tears in her voice and Zakuro could tell she been crying.

"Sakura, what happened?" Zakuro asked. "Look at me." She demanded she was not prepared for what she was going to see.

Cameron watched the sisters closely for he was gravely worried with everything. Events were spinning out of control too rapidly for his liking.

Sakura looked in the direction of her sister's voice and opened her eyes. "Zakuro… my sight… Setsuna stole my sight!"

Zakuro gasped. Sakura's eyes were a pure white color.

Cameron rubbed his forehead. "Old gods preserve us. This is not good what so ever."





Back at the beach house, Heather and Hunter were talking. Arashi was moving around in the kitchen making a snack for them and for the others when they arrived. Hunter had called his brother's cell phone and Blake was bringing Tori and Dustin with him.

When the trio walked in the house they could feel the happiness abounding within the walls. Arashi smiled and winked at them. She had made up pizza rolls and other goodies for them all to snack on. Shi then gave them the necklaces explain to them what they were. There were six left and one of them was puzzling Dustin for he did not understand it.

They all accepted the protections and smiled. Blake smirked for Hunter and Shi were sitting on the sofa very close to each other. There was no space between their bodies that Blake could see. He shook his head glad his brother and his best friend had figured things out.

Hunter looked at Arashi. "What's wrong?"

"I am not sure." Shi and Heather looked at each other. Then Tori caught their gaze. "But something feels off." The other two nodded. "Way off Hunter."

"You're not kidding." Zakuro's voice interrupted them. "We have another problem."

"Zakuro!" Heather cried. "There you are! Where have you…" She cut herself off when she saw Sakura with Cam and Zakuro and it appeared that they were helping her.

"What happened?" Shi asked. She and Hunter stood at the same time. Both of them looked ready to battle. Zakuro could not believe their instincts. Though she could. These two felt like old warriors.

"Yuriko's crazy!" Sakura declared. "She's mad!" As Cameron helped her into the sofa next to Dustin. It was then that they realized Sakura was wearing dark glasses that covered her eyes.

"She stole Sakura's sight." Zakuro said. She sat next to her sister squeezing Sakura's hand for she could still not believe it.

"How?" Tori asked. Blake hugged her both felt cold. They did not like this one bit. They did not like the fact that both Arashi and Hunter looked ready to sound an old fashioned wild hunt.

"Sit down and I'll explain it all." Zakuro said to them. She looked at Hunter and Arashi. "Sit both of you."

They sat, as did the others who had gotten up. Heather looked at Sakura. Then back at Zakuro she felt very cold. "Yuriko has gone mad?"

Sakura sighed. "We need to tell Arashi about." Sakura sighed. "You know what I mean Zakuro."

"It's a lot more complicated than that." Zakuro said. "Yuriko isn't in her right mind… she's not even acting on her own. She's been brainwashed."

"By who?" Shi asked. "Who could be doing this?" Hunter squeezed her hand he watched Zakuro and Sakura. He was not getting a good feeling from all this.

Heather looked thoughtful. "Setsuna Mihara would… if she was still alive." She frowned not liking this. Not liking the feeling she was getting at all. 'Dammit that bitch needs to die. All she does is cause others pain and more pain she will cause before this all ends. But she is supposed to be dead. She could not truly be alive. That would suck if she was.'

"That's just it, Heather." Sakura said. "Setsuna's still alive… and still angry about what I did to her face." She felt Dustin hug her she did not know why but she felt better knowing he was there.

"WHAT?!" Heather cried. "Sakura, Zakuro; are you mad? You were supposed to kill her! She was supposed to die! At your hand!"

Zakuro looked at Heather knowing what she would ask rattle the young woman in blood red in front of her. "If someone asked you to kill Hunter… to spill the blood of the only family you've ever known, would you do it, Heather? Could you do it?"

Heather didn't answer. She looked at Arashi instead. Knowing why she could never take her own brothers lives. She looked at Tori then Arashi.

"I didn't think so." Zakuro looked rather uncomfortable. "I couldn't do it, anyway… no matter how evil she is, no matter how many rules she breaks; no matter how many people she hurts…it doesn't change the fact that she is my own flesh and blood, my sister, my family. No matter what she does wrong, I may never be able to bring myself to kill her. Because despite all her flaws…"

"…You still love her." Sakura finished. "I can't love her…not after this."

"Sakura…" Zakuro spoke softly looking at her blinded sister. Cameron squeezed Zakuro's hand. He had a feeling he knew what Sakura was going to say next.

"Zakuro, do you have any ideas how many times she's tried to kill me?" Sakura was angry. "How can you possibly care about someone who tries to take your life away? HOW?"

"Because I just cannot." Zakuro sighed. "I guess I am too soft hearted."

"I am not." Sakura sighed. "Well not anymore. This is beyond family now. We are not family to her. We are expendable pawns on her way to get what she wants."

"What was the other thing you all wanted to tell me?" Arashi looked at the two before her. Drawing them to the other question they had not answered.

Zakuro sighed not sure what to say.

Cameron looked around him and wondered how badly the group was going to get hurt. His eyes rested on Hunter and Arashi. Hunter had casually placed an arm around his beloved's younger sibling. He seemed almost protective of her. Like he sensed she was going to end up hurt. That bothered Cameron.

Dustin held on to Sakura. He could not think of anything to say but he wondered if they would answer Arashi's question.

"Setsuna's after you, Arashi." Zakuro sighed. She was going to hear it at some point anyway. "She wants your power."

"It's one of her flaws." Sakura said, flatly. "Setsuna's very power hungry and she'll do whatever it takes to get what she wants."

"My power would never be hers." Arashi pointed out to her very surprised siblings. "My power would go to my bond. Only Hunter would end up with my power, my strength." She felt Hunter hug her tightly. "There is something else. What else are you hiding?"

Zakuro mulled over what Arashi just stated and felt suddenly cold for she knew her little sister was correct. Setsuna would never see that. She only think she was claiming something as it slipped out from her grip and became one with Hunter.

Sakura gasped squeezing Dustin she was seeing a vision. She saw what would happen when Setsuna came after Arashi. She saw the damage that Hunter in his madness would do. Sakura saw Blake's chest and arm bandaged. Tori was also bandaged. So were Shane and Yuriko. Though the latter two sported broken bones. She saw Arashi struggling in a wheelchair and proving that there was more to her then just the strength of the storms. She saw a young Japanese man helping her to her feet. With him Arashi walked and ran and fought. But when he was not there she could not get out of the wheelchair.

"Oh my sweet forefathers. Now this cannot happen." Tears fell down Sakura's face. "All that pain." She paused. "Zakuro tell her the other thing she needs to know. Tell her."

Zakuro sighed. "Setsuna wants revenge on Sakura… but she's also after Sakura's power. Sakura is a very different kind of ninja."

"Meaning what?" Shi asked. "I can't see how she's any different from me." Hunter sighed and held on to Shi for he was not sure how much longer their happiness would last. She leaned on him both taking confront in the other's nearness.

"Sakura is a fire ninja, for one thing." Zakuro replied. "But she possesses a very unique power in addition to her power over fire: future sight, or as you may call it, the power of premonition."

"She can see the future?" Tori asked. "That is so cool!"

"Not all the time." Sakura said. "Occasionally, it hurts. But yeah… it's kind of cool. I receive visions from a fire deity known as Phoenix. She's the source of power for all fire ninjas."

"But once, every century or so, she chooses one fire ninja as the channel for her power…" Heather added. She'd heard the story before. "And in this century, that ninja is Sakura."

"That's why Setsuna's after Sakura. She wants her power. Setsuna wants the power of future sight." Zakuro said. "And there is no telling what she might do if she gets a hold of both Sakura and Shi's power… and no telling what she might do to get her hands on Shi's power. If she's desperate enough, which she often is, she will do anything, and I mean anything to get what she wants… including recruiting pawns to do her dirty work for her."

"Setsuna is already a user of dark ninja magic…why the hell do you think she was expelled from the Amazon Ninja Academy in the first place?" Heather asked. "And as stated in Amazon law, Setsuna was supposed to die at the hands of one who shared her blood… a sister, let's say. And guess who got chosen? Zakuro… who apparently couldn't force herself to slaughter her sister, no matter HOW evil they are…" She glared at Zakuro, who glared right back.

"So I showed her mercy!" Zakuro shouted.

"And because you did that, you may have gotten us ALL KILLED!" Heather yelled. "You know probably better than anyone else in this room what Setsuna is willing to do to get whatever it is that she wants. She is willing to kill, lie, cheat, steal, whatever! In her little world, the rest of us are allies, foes, or expendable pawns at her disposal."

"Heather, what are you getting at?" Zakuro asked.

"You know damn well what I'm getting at, Zakuro!" Heather cried. "Either you kill Setsuna now or I'll do it for you! Or I'll find someone who will!"

Arashi stood. "I'll do it." She looked at both Zakuro and Sakura and her elder sister suddenly realized that Arashi meant it. She never saw such a mask as Arashi wore save on one other face and he sat next to his bond. Hunter stood and gathered her in his arms.

Everyone looked at the storm caller with astonishment. Mouths dropped open at her volunteering to do such a thing. They all stared at her in shock.

"It's not like another life on the blade of my sword will matter." Arashi continued. She sighed not looking at any of them. She had to quell her temper from boiling over she watched as the sky darkened over head and thunder rolled announcing the thin hold the storm caller had on her Gifts.

Hunter hugged her helping her with his strength to keep the storm just to the dark clouds that now hid them all from being spied on. For the electric currents racing though the atmosphere scrambled any surveillance equipment… and that made Setsuna one very unhappy ninja.

"You can't." Zakuro said, flatly.

Before Shi could open her mouth to ask why, a ninja star came through an open window and slashed Shi's cheek.

Hunter caught the ninja star. He looked though and he knew by the sudden down pour that Arashi had lost the battle with her temper. Outside who ever were unlucky enough to get caught out in the suddenly raging storm. Was getting treated to lighting and the worst form of weather that could be. For Shi was whipping up a tsunami in her fury.

Hunter dropped the star on the table.

The storm stopped suddenly for Arashi fell suddenly and Hunter felt a pain in his soul like he never felt before. He let out a howl that chilled all the people in the room as he fell next to Arashi. He gathered the very still storm caller in his arms. Tears running naked down his face.

Sakura took off her glasses and somehow, somehow, she made her way over to Arashi. Then, she reached out and touched, Shi's face, murmuring something in a very old form of Japanese: "Phoenix, my mother, my creator, the source of all my strength, hear my call and answer my plea. Give life to my lifeblood, so that she may live again." Her eyes flashed orange and red for a moment and then, Shi's eyes opened and she found herself staring into Sakura's pure white eyes. "Are you all right now, Shi?" Sakura asked. "I can't see for myself, so would you mind telling me?"

It wasn't until Shi saw for herself what Setsuna had done to Sakura that she finally got the full extent of what Zakuro was trying to do. She was shocked when she saw Sakura's pure white eyeballs, but she kept it in and said, "I'm fine, Sakura. Nothing to worry about." She gripped her sister's shoulder. "I will be your blade your tool of vengeance upon the one who has so dishonored you."

Everyone thought they heard a gong vibrate though the house. They all looked about themselves then back at each other.

Zakuro who regained her mental balance faster then anyone except for Cameron. Looked at her younger sibling. "What do you mean your blade is stained in enough blood?"

Arashi returned Zakuro's question with another one. "What is it that you need to tell me? Sakura seems to think it's important."

Cameron smirked knowing that Zakuro was not going to get out of that question easily. He shook his head for Arashi in her own way pointed out that there was something they were supposed to tell her.

Sakura smiled even in her blindness for she knew this sibling would be a fun addition to the family mix. For Arashi kept her own council and that would drive Zakuro and Yuriko crazy once everyone was back together. That and the storm child was definitely the quiet member of this loud clan of ninjas.

Tori watched all this in awe. She still could not believe that Arashi was saying she kill Setsuna. It astounded her that one could say they do such a thing. She felt Blake hug her and lean on her.

Dustin was also a bit shocked at Shi's delectation. For he had a feeling the taller girl could do it. She seemed the sort that could do the dirty work and then go on with her life.

Hunter held his beloved feeling the sting that he knew would not be the last time he felt this pain. He did not like the feeling he was getting from deep within.

Heather sighed. "Well Arashi is willing to defend those she barely knows. Though my friend is definitely different from the norm." She smiled. "Well Zakuro what is it that you need to tell Arashi? You know she will not give you any information until you tell her the other thing she needs to know."

Zakuro sighed. "There is no easy way to tell you this, Shi… but, well…you're…you're…you are our sister."

Shi's eyes grew wide. "What?" she asked in a very small voice. She was shocked for she went from no family to suddenly having four sisters she knew nothing about.

"You're Yuriko's twin sister." Zakuro said. "And my little sister."

"And mine." Sakura said, after making her way back to the couch. "And that also makes you Setsuna's sister… a fact that she won't like once she finds out."

"Don't you mean if she finds out?" Zakuro asked. "Of course she won't find out if we all keep our mouths shut."

"Twin?" Shi sighed rubbing her forehead. "No wonder I felt bond to protect you guys." She looked at the two. "For my heart and soul knew what my mind did not know." Eyes narrowed. "Still does not change the fact that I will kill Setsuna for you both."

Zakuro looked at her little sister she was beginning to realize that Arashi was even more pig headed then Yuriko, Setsuna and Sakura combined. She rubbed her forehead laughing slightly for the normal migraine did not come roaring into force.

"This place does not allow migraines." Heather said softly. "There are enchantments here that keep them away. They make most mind magic hard to do. Very hard to do."

Cameron smirked a little. "Seems you two have an ace that you never knew."

Zakuro looked at Arashi. "Well Little sister."

She watched as Shi got up and looked out the balcony. Arashi sighed. "You have been being stalked by ninjas." That got gasps from the entire group save Hunter. He blinked and frowned he looked at his beloved. "They all bore the mark of the Amazon school. I have lost count of how many I have culled. They always come in groups of fours. There have been four groups so far. Nothing I cannot handle. They will not stalk you again. I make sure of that."

Sakura smiled realizing why Arashi claimed she could kill Setsuna. She definitely had the practice. She could also tell that her sister had made peace with her own soul over the deaths. This in of itself was amazing.

Heather shook her head. "Arashi so that's what you been up to, hunting people."

"Yeah." Arashi admitted. Hunter came up and gathered her in his arms to give her a quick hug. He then let go and they stood very close to each other.

Tori sat there shocked. So was Dustin. Only Blake and Cameron appeared to be unfazed by the revelations. Cameron regarded the newest addition to his beloved's family with a soft wry smile. He knew she make waves in a way that Yuriko was not going to like and would amuse her older sisters to no end.

Sakura said nothing, but she noticed that Zakuro wasn't saying anything. "Zakuro?" she asked, looking around, hating her blindness more by the minute. Then, she heard a door close.

"Cam, could you please go and check on Zakuro?" Sakura asked, trying to figure out where her sister's fiancé was. "I don't want her going out alone…primarily because I know that I'm currently of no help to her and if she goes out all by herself, it makes her a prime target for Setsuna and Yuriko and God knows who else…."

"Say no more, Sakura." Cameron got up from the couch. "I'll go and talk to her. The shocks were most likely too much." He eyed Arashi and Hunter knowing the pair would provide for a few more.

A moment later, Cameron left the house and the door closed behind him. He found Zakuro was standing on the porch, staring out onto the open ocean. She was hugging herself and her face was a mask that few save himself could read.

"Koi, are you all right?" he asked.

"I don't know." She said. "I woke up this morning and I was glowing because I had so much love for you in my heart and you were there, right by my side… and you and I had made love. I was glowing because I felt loved and safe. And now…I'm not even happy anymore."

"That is understandable." He drew her in his arms. "Your newest sibling is a spitfire and that's not even her element."

That got a ghost of a smile from Zakuro. "You're right she is something." Then, the ghost of a smile faded away from her face and she looked sad. "Leave it to my mother to somehow manage to ruin everything."

"She will not ruin this." Cameron smirked lightly much to the amusement of Zakuro. "I think your newest sister would take her out as well." He sighed. "For she definitely does not wish harm upon you or Sakura. Even Yuriko, but that remains to be seen."

"It does." Zakuro sighed. "We should go back inside. The others."

Cameron nodded and they pair went back inside.

Back inside, Heather looked at the others. "So what do we do know." She sighed "I know this is moving too fast. But we need to try and stop this before more madness happens."

"You cannot stop what is already rolling." Arashi looked back at her friend. She looked back at Cameron and Zakuro who had returned. "We are stuck dancing a reel that Setsuna has called up for she will not stop." She sighed. "She cannot even realize that my power would never be hers. It would go to Hunter and make him more powerful then he currently is."

Zakuro shivered for she knew her newest sister was correct. "Why do you think you can take her out and not care?"

"To me she is not a sister. She is a foe. A rabid animal that must be taken out for the heath and safety of the pack." Arashi looked at them all. Letting her words sink in to their thoughts she then went on. "I gave my word of honor to keep all of you safe." That startled them. "I will even find a way to keep the ones gone mad safe if I can. But I doubt that will happen."

"Yuriko is completely gone." Sakura said. "And since no one's seen Shane, we have no idea how far he's gone, but Yuriko…. well, whatever kind of brainwashing Setsuna's done to her, it must be some heavy duty stuff, because she doesn't seem to be listening to reason anymore."

"Why am I not surprised?" Zakuro muttered. "Setsuna's only bringing Yuriko's secret desires to light… playing on her jealousy. She's exploiting Yuriko's weaknesses and using them to her advantage."

"Sounds just like Setsuna." Sakura said. "But, why steal my eyesight?" Dustin held her reassuring her that he was still there. That he still cared for her even with her sight gone.

"So she can use it to restore the sight in the eye you slashed," Zakuro said. "And in a way, restore her beauty."

Arashi and Heather snorted at that comment. That earned the pair a look from Zakuro and an amused smile from both Cameron and Sakura.

Tori blinked and looked at the two thunder brothers they seemed to be silently speaking with each other. She sighed wondering what in the world was going to happen to all of them. She also wondered who was going to get hurt from all this.



Ikkou stood in his hotel room. Knowing he was protected from the evil storm that was brewing. For the evil ninjas had no clue the Amazon-Ninja Storm team had such an ace up their sleeve. Then again they had no clue Ikkou's true reasoning for being there.

Ikkou knew he needed to be there for something was going to happen that he needed to be there to help stomp some madness before it hurt people. Though he knew that the madness would hurt quite a few people.

He sighed. "I hate waiting. The storm gathers and I have to wait. Damn this whole game."





Back at their apartment within her bedroom, the fire ninja, Sakura had a difficult time falling asleep. For one think, she wasn't sure half the time if she even WAS asleep. For her world was darkness now. She sighed then laughed darkly. For she knew Setsuna was even more pissed off now then she had been. For she might have her sight and beauty back. But she had no power. She knew her former sister, for she could not think of Setsuna as her sister, would react even worse when she took out Arashi. For Arashi was correct about her power becoming Hunter's and no one else's.

She sighed composing herself for sleep. She breathed in the soft scent of lavender and cherry blossoms that Arashi had pressed into her hands. Told her that it would help her sleep. Soon enough Sakura found herself dreaming. She knew she was dreaming. For in her dreams, she could see once more… and she could see Dustin…his beautiful smile, those wonderful eyes, that cute face, that curly _mocha colored hair that felt like silk…the whole package. She could see him and actually hold him close…and she could see him as he kissed her… She drifted off to sleep, a smile on her face. She could almost feel his arms around her…almost feel his skin against hers; almost smell his earthy scent….



In Zakuro's bedroom, she got ready for bed. She looked over at Cameron who insisted in staying till this battle was over. He did not want to leave her and Sakura alone. It made Zakuro happy for she knew how deeply he cared. It just took moments like this for her to really realize it.

"You don't mind staying?" Zakuro asked Cameron for what it seemed a thousand times.

"Koi." Cameron looked at her amused. "A thousand times I have told you. I don't mind. Now stop ok."

"I'm just worried." She said. "I really don't want to leave Sakura alone in her bedroom. I'm afraid that something might happen to her. She could get hurt trying to leave her room for the bathroom, stuff like that. But I can't sleep with her or she'll think that I'm weird or something." She groaned. "I officially despise my mother… if she disowns me, I don't give a damn. In fact, I hope that I never see her again. My life is much happier without her." She paused. "I know it's horrible to want your own mother dead, but my mother…she's…"

He pressed his finger to her lips. "Hush. Don't think about her right now." He kissed her lips deeply. "It's time for just the two of us." He trailed kisses down the side of her face and her neck. "Ok, koi?"

She sighed. "Hai…"

They repeated what they had done the night before. Though they did try a few different things. Zakuro found that Cameron loved her flexibility as much as she did.





Back at the beach house Arashi sighed knowing that now everyone that was not infected by the madness that Setsuna had plagued them with bore their protective necklaces. She sighed feeling Hunter hug her. He elected to stay with Arashi for he wanted to talk to her.

Heather, Blake and Tori all knew better as they watched the others take off for the night. They watched as Cameron took Sakura and Zakuro home. They also watched as Dustin went home himself driving his yellow jeep.

Heather saw the last two off. She heard the storm rolling in. much like it had the night before twice in fact so she shook her head. "Those two if they keep going at it like that they are so going to flood the world." She smirked for she knew her brother and her best friend could not help it. Together they would create storms every time they made love to each other.

Heather went to bed. Where she once again dreamed of the same man and woman. They all once again made love to each other making Heather feel boneless and happy.

Back at Dustin's apartment, the young man in question had stripped down to his boxers and crawled into bed. Where he fell asleep and began to dream of Sakura. A small smile appeared on his lips as his dream of her continued. What surprised the dreaming earth ninja is that Marah had joined them. First in teasing Sakura and making him groan in watching the two make out then in the fact they both took him on making him groan in delight.





Next morning, Shane looked at Yuriko. "Well love? What is on the plan today?" He looked at her knowing she knew what they were supposed to do. "They know we are not on their side. So what do we do now?" He waited on her answer.

Smiling wickedly, Yuriko ran her fingernail along the edge of one of the sai she had stolen from Sakura. "Right now, Sakura is weak and vulnerable… the easiest kind of prey. Because her eyesight is gone, her ninja senses have been severely dulled… making it impossible for her to sense anything. So that means that we can kill her… and she'll never know that we were there."

"I love the way you think, raikou." He purred at her, kissing her deeply. She responded by deepening their kiss. For she honestly loved the way Shane tasted.

She placed the sai down on the table beside her and wrapped both arms around him, shivering slightly as he ran his hands along the curves of her body, trying to figure out how to get her pink accented ninja suit off. She smiled as she felt him caress her.

"What are you up to, kamikaze?" she asked him softly.

He nuzzled her. "I'm about to make you one very happy dark ninja."



Back at the beach house in the early morning, Arashi looked at Hunter. They were both glowing from what had transpired earlier. "Storm creator." She poked his chest.

Hunter laughed at her. "I think the storm is your doing Stormy." He smiled lightly at the beautiful storm caller in his arms. Her hazel eyes were always changing their look. He loved her eyes. He could tell she was worried. "What is it?"

"We need to guard Sakura." Arashi sighed. "At least till I can get her training. She can fight blind its just getting her to realize this."

Hunter nodded. "Let's get dressed. For I think you may be right Stormy."

The pair quickly got dressed and went to where Arashi's sister's apartment was. They ghosted into Sakura's room. Both becoming one with the shadows. They stood in guardian ship over Arashi's blinded sibling with out even Zakuro and Cameron releasing that they were there.

Sakura wakes up feeling thirsty. She does not realize she is being watched by Hunter and Arashi. They both observe her getting out of bed and moving toward the door. The pair ghost after her ready to come to the aid of the newly blinded young woman.

Sakura not remembering the set-up of the front room tripped over the ottoman on her way to the kitchen. Landing with a thud. "Goddess blast it." Sakura raged. "All's I want is some water."

She felt hands help her. She wondered who was silently helping her up. She then heard Zakuro's voice and got her answer to who was helping her.

"Arashi, Hunter what are you two doing here!" Zakuro said with surprise.

"A robe Zakuro." Arashi said softly. "You're nude."

Sakura heard Hunter mutter and she knew he was looking at Sakura.

"I know you don't want help. But the kitchen is this way." Hunter said softly leading the blinded Sakura to the kitchen. She listened as he rummaged for a glass and filled it with water. He then made sure her hands curled around it. "There."

"Thank you Hunter." Sakura said. "I take it Zakuro came running out without clothing?"

"She did." Hunter said softly. "Zakuro is an attractive woman. But she is not my life mate." He laughed with his own words. "I have to admit… I'm a little jealous of Cam. He gets to have all that beauty all to himself. I can easily see where Shi gets her beauty from."

Sakura said nothing; she just sighed and drank the water.

Zakuro went back into her bedroom and closed and locked the door. She couldn't shut the door fast enough. "Hunter just saw me… butt naked." She told Cameron, who was in her bed, wrapped up in the white and green silk sheets and lying against her green and white pillows. "He and Shi were hiding out here, watching out for Sakura, making sure that she doesn't break her neck trying to do something very basic." She sighed. "That's what I should be doing. I should be looking out for her. As a sis, I stink." She crawled back into bed with Cameron and let him put his arms around her, pulling her closer to him. "I can't understand it. I can't keep them safe…I'm the oldest of the Mihara sisters. It's my duty to keep the others safe and I can't do that! I can't do it all...."

"No one expects you to." Cameron said. "You are only one person and you have a life of your own. There is no way that you can do it all. It's not possible." He hugged her. "Sakura knows that you care. She doesn't want to be a burden to you. Why else would she try to do things on her own event though she can't see?"

Zakuro sighed and said nothing.

Later that day, Sakura was trying to console herself by sitting on the beach and listening to the ocean. It wasn't working. She kept feeling more depressed and Shi and Hunter refused to leave her alone. She wanted to see Dustin more than anything else, but she knew that the only places where she could see him were in her dreams and in her memories.

Where are you when I need you, Dustin? She thought to herself, unable to keep her tears from falling down her cheeks for one moment longer and she let herself cry.

Hunter who was watching the blinded sister waited for his beloved to return with their friend. Dustin found himself being bodily carried by Sakura's youngest sibling. He could not believe how strong Arashi was. She stopped next to her tall brooding life mate and set the smaller earth ninja on the sand.

"Go, she pines for you." Shi said softly. "You take care of her for now." Arashi smiled looking at him. "She needs you."

Dustin nodded and watched as Shi and Hunter took off leaving him with Sakura. He made his way over to her. He plopped down next to her. His head full of the things Shi had told him.

"Hey beautiful." Dustin said softly making Sakura jump. "Arashi said it was my turn to keep you company. Something about talking to her teachers about you."

"Why would Arashi want to talk to her teachers about me?" Sakura looked at him. He knew she had zeroed in on his voice and looked toward the sound.

"To help you gain your confidence back." Dustin sighed touching her face. "I don't like seeing strong fiery Sakura so broken."

There was something in his voice. She felt his fingers tracing her face. His touch was sending thrills though her. For he was so gentle. She was taken by surprise when she felt his lips touch hers.







In Arashi's garden, Shi stood talking to one of her teachers. Hunter brought the others that were still good to see Arashi's spirit teachers.

Zakuro blinked for there were ten of them. She knew there were more. These ones were just the main ten. She was surprised at the fact that one of the female teachers was dressed in the robes of a samurai.

Cameron was even more surprised. "Mother." He said softly his words made Zakuro look at him, then back at the woman. She definitely saw traces of her lover in the woman, especially in his eyes. Cameron had inherited his mother's eyes.

Tori and Blake blinked they were in shock. None of them had ever seen ghosts like these. You could fairly feel the power coming off them. Their power was amazing. It made you wonder how powerful they were in life to have such power in death.

Up in Lothor's spaceship, Setsuna went to find her Mother to find out what she should do next. Or what her Mother wanted to happen next. For her sisters were stronger then she realized. She was not counting on the strength of her unknown sister. She growled in frustration. She had been told by her mother to just come in at any time.

When she opened the door Setsuna was not prepared to see her Mother and Lothor having sex. She fainted dead away. The pair seemed not to notice as they kept on going showing great stamina for their age.

Kapri meanwhile had decided to look for her counter part. Not finding her at any of her usual haunts she went to go ask her Uncle if he seen her. Opening the door Kapri winced for her Uncle was still making love to Setsuna's mother. She noted her counter part had fainted and dragged her out of the room before the mating pair noticed either of them.

Or so Kapri thought.

Unfortunately for her, Sonomi looked up and spotted her. "Kapri!" she shrieked, covering herself up. "What the hell are you doing in here?"

Kapri turned a violent shade of red. "Uh…. leaving." And she dragged Setsuna out, thinking, I didn't see that. I didn't see that. I didn't see that, The whole time.

Sakura, although she was elated at the fact that Dustin was finally kissing her, couldn't help but begin to cry softly, allowing a few tears to make their way down her cheeks. Dustin gently pulled away and saw that she was crying again, tears falling from under her dark glasses.

"Hey, what's the matter?" he asked, reaching for her glasses. She could sense that he was reaching for her glasses and she pulled away.

"Please don't." she said, softly. "I don't want you to see what she did to me."

"Sakura…" he said, softly, reaching for her. She kept backing away.

"Don't." she pleaded. "Dustin, I don't want you to see."

"Sakura, please." Dustin said.

She sighed and took off the glasses, then turned back in the direction of his voice, opening her eyes. He gasped when he saw that her eyeballs were a pure white color. "Oh, Sakura." He murmured, touching her face. "I'm sorry."

She reached out and touched his face. "Don't worry." She said. "I'll get my sight back." She felt his face, trying to get a visual of it. She wanted to see him so badly that it hurt. It really truly hurt.

"I know you will." He kissed her again and Sakura felt his love surround her.



Up in another part of the alien spaceship, "Poor, poor, Sakura." Yuriko said from her spot on the bed she shared with Shane. They were watching her on a viewing screen set up in their room and as she spoke, she twirled a lock of her hair around her finger. "She's so sad… so weak… so vulnerable. Dustin can't protect her… she's the perfect victim…and murdering her will be the perfect crime." She turned to her lover, who was planting kisses along her bare shoulder. "If we do our jobs right."

"Whatever you say, love." He murmured, kissing her lips. "You know we shall." They both grinned wolfishly.



Back on the beach, Dustin pulled Sakura to her feet. "Come on. I want to see how Arashi is going to help you."

Sakura smiled. "I want to know how she plans on helping me too." She sighed as Dustin led her back to the gardens.

Sakura gasped for she could fairly feel the powerful auras of Shi's spirit teachers. She looked over at them unable to grasp that her little sister could need such powerful teachers. Then again considering her bond with Hunter Sakura was not too surprised.

A female voice spoke. The voice reminded her of Cameron only female. "So this is the one who you wish us to help Little Storm."

"Hai Sensei Miko, my newly found elder sister, Sakura." She heard Arashi speak. "She needs to realize that she can defend herself even better then we can."

"How is that possible?" Sakura asked. "I don't see how being without my sight makes me nothing more then a burden."

"Dude." Dustin said blinking. "I don't get it."

Sakura could feel her beloved's confusion. She understood why he was confused for once she was confused along with him.

"For her other senses should make up for her lack of sight." Cameron spoke up. "Hearing, touch, taste. All of them should become stronger."

"You're beginning your training today." Hunter spoke up gaining Sakura's attention. "Dustin will be your partner." Sakura could fairly feel Hunter's smirk.







In her hidden cabin, Marah looked over the forest she felt nothing but regret for what had transpired between her and Dustin. Her heart broke when she remembered what she done to him. Silent tears ran down her face.

She sighed wishing she could prove to him and his beautiful new girl that she was worthy of their trust. Though she knew that she was not. She longed to be near them both. Longed to keep them safe. She did not know why she felt thus but she knew it was right.

"I want to help them." She said to herself. "But how can I? I betrayed his trust once. I'll never be allowed to try again. What can I do to make him trust me again… and prove to him that I can be trusted and this time it's for real?"







Back at Ninja Ops, Cyber Cam was making sure Sensei was well taken care of. He was surprised that Haruka was helping him in his task. Then again the girl had been following him around a lot lately. He did not understand but she made him nervous.

After they took care of Sensei's tiny cart domain. Cyber Cam went to work on the bike's Cameron had created new ones for his beloved and her sisters. There were three and Cyber Cam suspected there would be two more soon enough.

Haruka stood very close to him. He turned suddenly not really realizing she was behind him and their lips touched in a surprising and awkward first kiss between them.









Meanwhile, Sakura had begun her training and she was slowly beginning to see how much stronger she could become with a little help…and the guidance of Phoenix, as well as Dustin's love. She could feel it surround her, strengthen her…aid her. She knew that she was slowly becoming stronger. She could sense it. She could feel it.

She also realized how much her newly found little sister was right. She could not shake the feeling that Hunter and Arashi were still in danger. As she moved against Dustin. Blocking him she thought on her feeling. She knew her gut was right Hunter and Arashi were the ones other then herself that were in true danger. The others were just pieces in this game that Setsuna was playing.

She sighed going though her dance with Dustin. Smiling slightly her confidence returning. It returned with each movement competed. Each step taken she felt her heart grow lighter.

Back on the ship, Kapri and Setsuna were spending quality "girl time" together… doing each other's fingernails. They were both trying to forget the whole Lothor-Sonomi sex seeing that they both witnessed.

"So now what do we do?" Kapri asked she examined her nails with a critical eye. "Do we just sit and wait for something to happen?"

"No. We make something happen." Setsuna replied. "It just so happens that I have the perfect plan for taking out Arashi… we take out Hunter. Apparently, Shi can't survive in this world without her life bond." She paused, smiling wickedly. "We take out Hunter; Shi dies… or goes mad without him."

Kapri smiled. "I'm beginning to like you." She said. "I'm beginning to like you a lot." She frowned, "I thought you wanted Hunter."

"Their bond is too strong to break with out causing madness." Setsuna sighed. "I have never seen a bond that strong. It must be destroyed." She smirked. "Plus if I cannot have Hunter Arashi cannot have him. I cannot allow it."

Both young women smirked evilly. They both knew that Yuriko would not like this change of plans but that did not matter. For Setsuna turning Yuriko's thoughts to hating Hunter would be cake.







On the beach, Ikkou was walking down a private stretch of beach when he spotted Arashi and Hunter walking toward him. He grinned as they grinned.

"Good you found your way here." Arashi smiled brightly her spirit feeling even happier with him. She felt amazingly even more complete with Ikkou and Hunter standing with her.

Ikkou's presence seemed to hide the pair from Setsuna's surveillance scanners. It was almost magical the block he unintentionally created around himself and the other two.

"It's good to see you Ikkou." Hunter smiled as well. He felt oddness in his chest when he looked at the young Japanese man. 'I cannot be attracted to him too. I have Arashi but there is something about Ikkou.' He sighed not giving away his thoughts to the other two.

"It is good to see you as well." Ikkou smiled and looked over at the beach house. "Is that your place Arashi-chan?"

"Yep. Let's go up." Arashi smiled. She led the way the two young men trailing behind. Hunter and Ikkou brush arms and they both get an electric tingle between the two of them. They were eyeing each other. When they thought the other was not looking. For they felt a little confused.


At Storm Chargers, Blake looked over at Heather. His new sister was looking at the clothing on the racks and trying to find some blood red tops. The young man smiled for Tori was helping her. They were both shopping in Storm Chargers much to Kelly's amusement.

Meanwhile, Yuriko was spying on Hunter, Shi and Ikkou and playing with a flower, saying in a sing-song, voice, "He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me…" She pulled out one of Sakura's sai. "He loves me not. Bye, Hunter." An evil smile crossed her face. "If I can't have you… no one can."