Disclaimer: My first venture into the Power Ranger Fandom. I do not own Power Rangers other than my OC's. There will be slash in here. You get to guess whom! There is also the element of time travel and there will be flashback chapters (just as a warning if things get confusing). Obviously I have no BETA so I apologize for any grammatical mistakes in advance. WARNING: SLASH (BOYXBOY) in this fic. Griffin will be traveling back in time to when the Thunder and Wind Rangers have already become a Team and Cam has already gained his Samurai Powers.
This is the first of three chapters looking into the Rangers feelings concerning the disappearance of Griffin. This one focuses on Hunter and Dustin. Each version will start out the same for the most part. The flashback will vary and be tailored to the character(s) it focuses on.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
QUICK RECAP
Griffin reveals a few secrets to Hunter
A cloaked figure takes Griffin away
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
After his first few of months of instruction under Dustin had past Griffin, he was supposed to have begun his instruction under the other Rangers. Cam was supposed to be the one who taught him the way of the Samurai (well at least the Ranger Samurai); Tori would teach him control and several other tricks. And Hunter would have begun to teach him how to harness Lightning. The Rangers were confused by his abilities. Shane and Blake were occupied most of their time so they were unable to teach him much. Shane would teach leader ship abilities and Blake would impart his knowledge of battle strategy.
Unfortunately none of this could have occurred as Griffin has vanished. While Shane would have been the first one to jump and say he was only there to steal secrets, the last few weeks had made him change his mind slightly concerning the short blonde. One night he was there and the following day he was gone. Hunter was a complete mess; he blamed himself for the entire thing, as did Dustin. The pair just weren't the same without the shorter blonde, which is understandable considering who he was. His disappearance shook the entire team, even his least favorite people. Shane and Cam to some extent each realized his absence was not worth it.
Hunter pushed himself into his training, as did Dustin. When they were together they forgone the childish flirting that Griffin (and Tori) had come to love and instead attempted to replicate Griffin's control of metal. They knew it would take perfect synchronization and trust but they had to do something.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Flashback
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
"I have gathered you three here for a reason."
"Did we do something wrong?" asked Tori.
"Obviously not if Cam is here" Blake replied.
"You are correct Blake. I have summoned you here for a reason."
"Father what was so urgent that you called us all from our duties."
"You three must assume control of Griffin's lessons."
"What about Dustin?" the three asked at the same time as one.
"Dustin's time with Griffin is coming to an end. His skills in Earth are sufficient for his cause and it is time he begins to train with the rest of you. Dustin has his own tasks to fulfill for the upcoming months. As you know Griffin was directed to search for Dustin's aid in his mission."
The group nods.
"Part of this aid must be in the form of Dustin furthering his own training. I cannot say for the powers of the Thunder Academy, but of the Wind Academy's powers, the Power of Earth is the most difficult to control."
"Why is that Sensei? Water covers most of the Earth's surface." Tori began.
"See that is where your logic fails you/ IT ONLY COVERS THE SURFACE. Your element comes in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Shane's is almost always found as gas. Dustin's however as Earth comes in multiple forms and holds the most abundant element for the entire planet. It is also why his Zord is the biggest. We teach about the Power of Three here. Have you not wondered why each Zord varies in size with the Lion the biggest and the Hawk the smallest?
Sensei Watanabe was met with silence.
"Part of it is because Cameron designed them to fit that way. But in fact it is another metaphor. Air is what guides our actions. If one is clouded by jealousy or rage we are unable to control our actions. Earth is our heart and the strength it provides. It can be gentle or devastating. The sheer might of its power is frightening. And Water is our emotions. Water is the force behind our might."
The three Ninja Rangers sat in silence once more absorbing the knowledge.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Flashback within Flashback… sorry guys
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
"Hunter you, shall become his primary Sensei. Your brother will be in charge of Griffin's non-elemental training. Griffin needs to be well versed in the various ways of both Ninja and Samurai. Blake's skills in Thunder may aid him to some extent, but your brother's abilities in Lightning will more likely be more compatible. While you will lead only elemental training you will still remain his primary Sensei, as Dustin cannot aid Griffin any further at this point. Your skills as well as those of your brother with wielding Weapons in Tandem with Your Inner Ninja Powers will be necessary for his tenure here in particular."
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
End of Flashback within Flashback… really sorry guys
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
"Griffin will study under Hunter next. Hunter will continue elemental training while Blake and the rest of you will teach him the other Ninja Arts."
"How is that even possible? I thought Griffin had the Power of Earth like Dustin? Isn't that why he trained with him?" Tori asked.
"Griffin has the unique ability over Metal. The closest element in likeness is Earth, which is why Dustin was his initial Sensei. His ability to also use Lightning to some extent I assume is due to the magnetic properties of Metal. And thus he is unable to use Air, which is why Shane is not here. As Earth is stronger than Lightning, which is strong than Air, which is stronger than Earth. Metal is considering in some cultures as the amalgam of the other elements."
"But where are Dustin and Hunter?"
"They will be here momentarily. Hunter told me ahead of time he would be later. The few Metal warriors that have existed have always controlled Lightning but never Thunder thus explaining why Hunter shall replace Dustin as well as them already containing a bond together. That is not to say you will not be needed for his training Blake. There is the small possibility he we wield Thunder as well if he's quirky lucky is any indication. I am unsure of whether he will be capable of using Water, but there will be other reasons if that is the case for you Tori to instruct him."
The assembled students and Sensei were thrown out of their thoughts when the door comes crashing down with a distraught and gaunt looking Hunter coming in.
"He's gone. He never came back last night!"
"Are you sure he's just not sleeping at the apartment bro?"
"Dude if you haven't recalled he sleeps on the couch in OUR LIVING ROOM!"
"What's going on?" Tori asked.
"It's Griff."
His comment was met with stares and awkward silence from the remaining parties.
"He said he was going out for a quick run before he went to bed and not to wait up. It was a little out of character for him but I figured he wanted to let off some steam. We had a very heavy conversation for a few hours last night."
"And you let him out?" asked Tori confused at the normally sane Hunter.
"He told me a few things I cant disclose at the moment, but he needed to blow off some steam. And its not like I let him out in the middle of the night. It wasn't even midnight! He told me to not bother waiting up and he never came back last night. Dustin is going to be so mad. I can't believe I did this."
'Oh Shit' was the collective thought through out the group including Sensei.
"I hope Dustin doesn't find out," Tori said before seeing the shifting eyes of her colleagues.
"What should I not find out about Tor?" Dustin asked.
"What the hell? Might as well get this over with. Griff's gone" Hunter replied smoothly hoping the brunette would let him off lightly.
"You're joking?"
"No Dusty he's gone."
"You, me, my room now!" he hollered leaving the others shocked as he stormed back out with Hunter following.
'Hunter made everyone aware before Dustin dragged him out to lecture him as planned. Dustin and Hunter I believe by now should be informing each other of what they know up to this point. I am just glad you two found each other in time. Your new relationship shall make everything easier.
I am surprised it has taken so long. And if I am correct they will be making it official by the time one of these two faints from their reaction. From past experience I would say it would be Tori due to her obsession, but Blake could freak out too. It won't be too long until those two announce their status either.
I just hope the lead I found works. We do not have much time if Siren has already made her move. It is only time before one of the others if not the other four begin to attack the city with the possibility of them teaming up with my wayward brother' he thought as Blake attempted to restrain Tori. 'Her not so secret obsession with Yaoi could be our downfall.'
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Knock Knock
"If you're lying to me Hunter there is no chance in hell I will ever go out with you!"
Hunter took that as his cue to enter the room.
"So YOU do like me?"
Hunter stared as he entered. Dustin was turning several shades of crimson.
"Hunter you would have to be an idiot to miss our sexual tension. It's so thick you could cut it with a knife."
"So Dusty does that mean we can… you know?" Hunter asked getting closer to the brunette.
"Maybe…" blush "We have more important things to do first" he replied licking his lips.
"Are you going to drop the dumb act?" Hunter asked closing in on the distance between the two with a predatory look in his eyes.
"Will you stop brooding?"
"If I said I was madly in love with you and that I am sorry for every mean thing I have ever said to you and that…"
Hunter's little rant was interrupted by Dustin pouncing onto him and them entering an oral battle of epic proportion with neither of the two ready to submit their will to the other. Luckily for the two they fell onto a futon, which they were grateful for as falling onto the ground would have been loud and caused Tori's Yaoi fan girl sense to be kicked in overdrive. Each of the two Rangers was fighting for dominance with Hunter's tongue being ever so slightly a little more aggressive. However Dustin wasn't going to be giving up anytime soon… he just let his hands explore a bit… Soon Hunter pulled away, still flush from the brief making out, and started the conversation again.
"Now that he's gone I think its time we start telling the truth."
"What are you talking about?" Dustin asked in his normal naïve tone.
"I like you. And you like me."
Dustin remained silent though with an "I already know that, get on with it" look.
"So?" Dustin asked trying to eliminate the awkward pause after he gave Hunter the glare.
"Stop playing the idiot card. You're cuter when you use your brain."
Dustin blushes.
"I'm willing to give this a chance if you are."
"Sure man, but we're going to take this slow right? I don't want everyone to start asking questions when you walk funny"
"Yeah. We don't want Tori on our tails right?" Hunter joked. "Wait what was that about me walking funny?"
"Nothing… She's obsessed with Yaoi. I feel bad for Blake and even worse for us. I just never hope she asks us for a threesome with him for her birthday!
"I doubt she ever would." (Oh how those words could possibly come back and haunt her!)
"So dude we an item now?"
"Anything you want Dusty."
"Anything?" he asked with an evil sparkle in his eye.
"I'll hold you to those words Hunter Bradley when you are screaming out my name in pleasure as I am ravishing you" he said with one of his trademark grins.
The two snuggle on the futon with Hunter running his fingers through Dustin's hair. Though less than 2 inches shorter than Hunter, Dustin's head currently lay on Hunter chest.
"Is that enough my cute little Lion?"
"So what should we do about Griffin?"
"I don't know. I figure he left to finish his morpher. Sensei wasn't really helping him with that matter and it's been a few months."
"You're a genius! Dustin, I can't believe I completely forgot about that. If what you are saying is true, which I assume it is, he must be heading for another team of Rangers."
"I have my moments. Did he mention anything to you?"
"He did, but told me to keep them quiet."
"Don't worry he told me and Sensei a good bit. Or well he told Sensei a lot and gave each us a Scroll from the future. His father left one for each of us."
"Well there is one thing I think I could tell you know that you mentioned the scrolls are from his father…"
"Griffin told me I was his father…"
"Been there, known that. I mean have you looked in a mirror?" Dustin scoffed. "And they call me the airhead. I've known that since day one."
"That hurt WALDO!"
"Alls fair in love an war!" 'And it helps that I had the scroll' he thought as he said the other comment aloud.
"SO I guess we're an item."
"Took you long enough to decide on that."
"I think I liked it better when you were an airhead. You're such an ass when you use your brain."
"Coming from the man who's always glancing at said ass?"
The pair hear a thump outside.
"I take it that was most likely Tori?"
"Yep!"
"Should we help?" Hunter whispered into his lover's ear.
"Nope" Dustin whispered back while turning off the cool new microphones they had swiped earlier from Cam.
Said microphones projected in a way that it sounded like a normal conversation, despite being amplified. Normally their conversation wouldn't be overheard, but they knew they were going to be followed so Dustin swiped the microphones on his way downstairs.
"I think our work is done here Lion."
"I'm glad. She should be gone now dude. Being loud on purpose is heard. You have me so horny that it was heard not to crack my voice was speaking."
"Wanna go out for coffee or something while we wait for Griffin to come back?"
"Sure. There better be something in this for me or this will be first and only appearance as an official couple."
"Isn't me treating you out for coffee and pastry and spending quality time with you enough for a FIRST DATE?"
"I was only kidding, but dude I am worried about HIM."
"Dusty don't worry he'll come back safe. He told me not to worry if he disappears. I'm sure there's a logical explanation. We both know he had to complete his Morpher. Maybe he had to meet up with someone under the cover of night?"
"And prey tell oh great hunky Motogod how that makes sense."
"You should know Mr. Power Ranger Fan. Each team maintains secrecy from the outside world, yet there tends to be a team up each year between the current and previous teams. I believe that Griffin may have come in contact with one of them. After all he is from the future. It's likely he has extensive knowledge of the different teams and who he should turn to for help."
"It turns me on when you're so determined and right about something. The passion in your words has got me all hot and bothered."
"I'm glad one of us is turned on," mumbled Hunter.
"Will you shut up? We don't need Tori stalking us."
Hunter couldn't stop cracking up. He was so into his fit of laughter he didn't even respond right away.
"Didn't you hear her faint? Blake should have dragged her off by now. What's with the bummed face? I thought we already discussed how Griffin should be fine."
"I still don't forgive you for that 'Where's Waldo?' stint."
"I thought you would have forgiven us by now. It was an accident!"
"I forgive them, but not you. Do you know how embarrassed you made Griffin and MORE IMPORTANTLY ME?? With all of OUR SEXUAL TENSION you should have known better to tread lightly!"
"I guess I should make it up to you like I would to an angry girlfriend?"
"That sounds nice."
"We shouldn't get too ahead of ourselves though."
"Yep. You're so much cuter when you're not brooding." He pauses as Hunter blushes. "You get worry lines on your forehead!" He finished up causing Hunter to face fault.
"So flowers and a fancy dinner?"
"Dinner sounds good… but nothing cheap."
"Only the best for my little Lion."
"HEY IM NOT LITTLE!"
"You are to me," he said trying to placate the brunette.
"It's weird seeing you be all romantic and emotional."
"You made me change some how. You're like a beacon of light in the darkness that is my life."
"Aww your so sweet Crim."
"Crim?"
"Well I figured you would rather be that than bug boy."
"Point taken. So how about those flowers?" Hunter asked with a blush that made even his nickname proud.
"I will leave that up to you" Dustin replied before running out of the room ninja streaking away from his new boyfriend.
'What did I get myself into?' Hunter asked himself before chasing after his boyfriend. 'I have a feeling yellow roses are not going to do though it is his favorite color and they are his favorite type of flowers. This will be a lot of work but worth it in the long run! '
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
End of Flashback
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Despite their growing relationship, the two were becoming quite distant. Hunter still subconsciously believes that Dustin blamed him for Griffin's disappearance. Dustin was beating him up on the inside because he couldn't disclose what he knew to his boyfriend. Both knew that Griffin was not taken fully against his will and was probably rendezvousing with someone else for his mission, but would have appreciated a quick note or voicemail or something.
It were times like these they wished they had got him a cell phone. They doubted the likelihood of already having one, but wished if he did that he had given one of them his number.
The pair spent their time together working toward becoming better Rangers. Hunter could not bear being in the same room as Cam (which broke the Samurai's heart). Dustin would soon do something to break it even more.
But for now Hunter and Dustin were working at Storm Chargers when possible to get their mind off of their missing friend. It had really shaken up the blonde. While working Dustin had to keep the humor level up as Hunter had returned to his stoic shell and barely even let Dustin in.
Blake and Dustin had a difficult time with Hunter, as they were afraid he was sinking into depression. It was quite the opposite. He understood very well that Griffin was in charge of his own life. Hunter only wanted to prepare himself further in case of there being a second disappearance down the road.
So today the two were working at Storm Chargers without the shorter blonde much to the displeasure of Kelly. While they were more productive than ever there was an air of sadness she was unable to lift. While the two were about to head out Dustin's phone began vibrating. Dustin had received a text from "Unknown."
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Sensei and Dad,
Sorry I haven't been in contact. This is a secure line, but you won't be able to trace it back. I am fine and well. Mission going well. Congrats you too! I hear Crim and Lion have been very busy in the time since I left. Ask Sensei if you should spread the good news to the others or not.
Griffin
Tall, blonde, and handsome also says 'hi.'
Don't worry I'm not a man-whore like the two of you ; )
I don't sleep with co-workers you old men.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
The two had great smiles on their faces. This was good news to say the very least. On the down side they were dreading showing said message to Tori. Her fan girl-ism may have tapered off in the wake of Griffin's disappearance, but this would ignite it once more. They were fearing Blake's wrath too as he hated how he had no control of that particular part of Tori's life.
And right now they had a hamster to see. Well after some 'quality time' together in Hunter's YELLOW truck.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Author's Note
Don't you love how all of my Dustin-Hunter scenes have soooooo much innuendo or like never appearing what to be what they seem to be at first glance? Quick shout out to Whispering Ranger. Did something seem familiar? They finally got together over the grief of losing Griffin!
Does any one love how they finally got together? I think it was cute. The person who fell outside can be Tori or Blake. I don't care and you can believe it is whoever you want it to be. Griffin's captor should be obvious if you've read through the lines carefully in the last few chapters.
Pay attention to what sensei Watanabe mentioned too!
Blake and Tori's version is up next!
Chapters will start to slow down to two a week, as I am going back to work. One will be a shorter one about 3000 words in length and the other will hopefully be closer to 5000. Release dates will most likely be Wednesday Afternoons and Saturday Afternoons give or take. If any has a better idea speak now or forever hold your peace!
Mini Poll
Morphing Sequence
Anyone with better ideas because I'm at the point where I'm ready to go back to the basics such as:
"IT'S MORPHIN' TIME: SIREN!"
"IT'S MORPHIN' TIME: PINK RANGER POWER!"
Siren only said Pink Ranger power before as to acknowledge she had a Morpher. Siren and the others can easily shift into their powers like the SPD A-Squad, but they only do it for dramatics so the Rangers realize they aren't ordinary villains.
I came up with a new one I'm slightly more happy with:
"Execute: Elemental Beast Revolution"
-Griffin
UPDATED JULY 15, 2008