NEW POLL: Who should Tobi end up with? Please vote in this poll at the top of my profile page (click on Rogue Ranger to the top left of this). Remember, you can also make your opinion known by reviewing.


PREVIOUS POLL RESULTS: Who should go to and stay in the REGULAR dimension, aka the GOOD Power Rangers dimension? There was overwhelming support for Tobi to stay in the regular dimension (in fact, more people voted for him than anyone else, even though you could pick more than one). Close seconds are all the good Power Rangers plus evil Dustin, Destiny and Skyla. Coming in third are grumpy Sensei, Geo and good Marah and Kapri (funny how no one wanted the evil Marah and Kapri to stay, so I guess they get shipped over to the evil Power Rangers dimension). And, last but not least, one person voted for Goldwinger.


ATTENTION: New Parallel Realities Ninja Storm poster added to my DevianART account (see my profile for link).


Author's Note: Once again, I planned on putting this all in one chapter, but, once again, I realized it would be way too long, so I stopped at what felt like a good point. At least we get a chance to finally see what happens to Tobi and Skyla. I think the ending to this chapter came out fairly decent. And DON'T get used to a chapter coming out this fast. I had already started on this one before. Oh, and I added in Ryan from PRLR because he did receive a decent amount of votes in the earlier poll about what past gen characters should appear. I always keep these kinds of things in mind even long after a new poll is up. As for the other past gen characters in here, that's lead-up to the next chapter. Also, we get a little Cam and Blake time.


Review Comments:

Thanks Ghostwriter for returning to the Parallel Realities Ninja Storm review world! I completely understand you working on your own things. I do that all the time! ;)

Thanks YellowPrincess for the kind words! I'm glad that I could brighten up your day, but I'm sorry you had such an awful one. Hopefully the ones that followed it (such as today) are better. You've been so supportive of Tobi ended up with goofy and good Dustin, so I'd like to at least try that out (final results are dependent on the new poll). Also, I've included some little Tori/Hunter moments here and there for your enjoyment. And we'll find out if Cam's mom helps mostly in the chapter after this one, since this ended up mostly dealing with Tobi and Skyla. So, without spoiling anything, you won't have to miss Tobi much longer…

Thanks FinalJudgement for declaring my story better than Naruto! I happen to know of some people who would disagree, but they don't deserve mentioning. ;) And, yes, I like the name Tobi. I also wish my name were Tobi. And maybe I could even have Tori as my twin sister! And Dustin as my… Okay, so enough daydreaming. But here's the continuation…

Thanks Ruon jian for your insightful critique! I'm glad that I succeeded in telling the story from multiple perspectives and I appreciate your insight into TZD's and Dustin's potential mutual fear of commitment. It actually plays on something I've been thinking about, which is: Did the Power Rangers start out evil in the other dimension, or did something in their past change them? You say TZD and Dustin are one in the same in at least one respect, so were they the exact same people as the good Power Rangers at birth, but changed because the circumstances of their world are different? I plan to deal with this once the good and bad Power Rangers meet up again.

Thanks griffin blackwood for your pink praise! And, for your pinkification and pink preference, I originally had Alyssa and Dana because I needed medics and I was like, who has medical or healing knowledge in PR? But, you pointed out that they were both pink and so I have introduced a little something in this chapter to flow into the next. You'll see what it is. ;) And, yes, Alyssa and Dana have different personalities here since it's another dimension, but I have no idea if I'll manage to create any "spark" here or in the next chapter. As far as you not liking Tobi/Dustin right now, I am going to do something with them in this chapter. Will you like it? I have no idea. You might hate it… But, we'll see.

Thanks Magichalo for reviewing faster this time! It pays to not write super long chapters, I see! Also, I really appreciate your thoroughness! I will say that I had already started writing this chapter before I read your review, but it was just the beginning part. Typically, I like to have an idea fully formed in my head before I write it down. I'll also say that I really wanted to use all your ideas, especially since I thought the idea of Leanne summoning warriors while they were all in the Cavern of Spirits would be really awesome, but then I tried it out and it took away from the intensity of the drama and ended up loosing focus. I hope you like my compromise. As for Skyla's changing into energy, that comes straight from the episode Shane's Karma Part 2 where she became energy and gave Shane the Battlizer, so I decided to stick to that. Also, people voted for Skyla to come back with the others, so I had to work with that… And, as for which Dustin Tobi ends up with, I decided to take your idea to the people so to speak and make a new poll. As always, I appreciate your suggestions and feedback!


Previously in Parallel Realities Ninja Storm:

Dark Omega is attacking at the park, but Goldwinger helps to save the victims. Tori has an out of body experience where she sees Tobi and he tells her of the Bradley parents' plan to use the Gem of Souls to merge his spirit with his body. Meanwhile, Cam tries but fails to merge the Sun Amulet with a mock-up morpher. He suggests to Dustin that it's not too late to choose Tobi. Meanwhile, Tobi meets Leanne, who is also a spirit and she overhears his plan to go to the Mountain of Lost Ninjas for the Gem of Souls. Unfortunately, the only way the spirits of Tobi and the Bradleys can communicate with the rangers is through Skyla and she is nearing the end of her life cycle. So, as Cam, Blake and Sensei head off in search of Cam's mother so that, along with Kimberly, they might be able to separate or at least distract Dark Omega, the others head toward the Mountain of Lost Ninjas in hopes of bringing Tobi back to life...


Parallel Realities Ninja Storm: Chapter 29 (Changing Hearts and Changing Destinies)


"I need to rest of a moment," Skyla told Shane as she panted.

"Everyone, hold up!" Shane called, helping her to the roots of a nearby tree for support. They were in the forest sloping up to the Mountain of Lost Ninjas, moonlight glowing down through the trees.

"We're almost there!" Dustin protested, pausing with Tobi's body.

"Dustin's right," Hunter agreed, shifting his support of his half of Tobi's body.

"We're stopping, okay?" Shane replied.

"Sure," Tori agreed, giving Hunter and Dustin a look that said, "Don't argue."

Dustin pouted while Hunter frowned. They both carefully lowered Tobi's body and exchanged concerned looks.

The spirit form of Tobi watched this and turned to Skyla. "Are you going to be able to make it?" he asked her.

"I think so," she replied. Shane looked at her with a confused expression. "I'm just talking to Tobi," she told him, offering him a warm smile.

"Oh," he replied, blushing at the look on her face.

"You love him, don't you?" Tobi asked her.

She gave him a quick, embarrassed look.

"Don't worry," he said. "They can't hear me, remember?"

She still looked nervous. "Yes, but he…" Her eyes darted to Shane.

"If you're trying to say you don't think he shares your feelings, I think it's pretty obvious he does," Tobi said, gesturing toward Shane, who would look at her before quickly looking away.

She sighed. "It's not me," she explained, "just a memory and who I try to be."

Tobi looked down, shaking his head. "You underestimate yourself. And I'm not just saying that because I would be a spirit forever without your help."

She smiled toward him. "Thank you," she replied, glancing away. "Maybe it's like how Dustin feels about you."

He followed her gaze to Dustin, who was brushing the hair on Tobi's body. He noticed that Tori had pulled Hunter aside. "Dustin chose Hunter," he told her as he noticed Tori and Hunter constantly glance toward Skyla as they spoke quietly. "Hey, can you pretend to keep talking to me?"

"I guess so," she agreed, confused, "but why?"

"I'll be right back," he said, walking over to Tori and Hunter. "Just keep talking like I'm still over there."

"Uh huh," she said to thin air. "Oh, really?"

"That's great!" he called over his shoulder.

"Yeah, she's talking to Tobi, not Shane, so you can go ahead," Hunter told Tori as Tobi approached and listened.

"Hunter, I…" She bit her bottom lip nervously.

"What's wrong, Tor?" Hunter asked her. "Look, if it's about you crying on me, I get it. I'm here for you in any way you need me to be. If you want to—"

"It's not that," she interrupted, a little flustered. "I was just… upset."

"Of course," he agreed, nodding.

She took a breath. "It's about Dustin and… him choosing you."

"Oh," Hunter replied quietly. "Uh, what about it?"

"Dustin told me he doesn't love anyone," she explained, "but I think it's not that at all. He loves you both, and even Marah."

Hunter nodded, gulping.

"So, him choosing you really didn't mean anything," she continued, "except to Tobi."

"Tor, what are you asking me?" Hunter asked.

"When Tobi wakes up, I want Dustin to tell Tobi he's chosen him," she finished.

"You want me to tell Dustin we're not meant to be together?" Hunter asked.

She nodded.

"What are you doing!" Tobi yelled at his sister. "What happened to making sure Hunter doesn't hurt Dustin! Now you want him to break Dustin's heart?"

Hunter had a pained look in his eyes. "I'll do it," he finally said. "I owe him my life."

"Thank you," Tori replied, hugging him.

"You're supposed to be my sister!" Tobi continued to yell. "What about Dustin!"

"Tobi, please try to calm down," Mrs. Bradley told him as she approached.

He spun around, pouting and staring over at Dustin as he ran a finger over Tobi's blue lips. "I just…"

"We understand," Mr. Bradley assured him.

"Right," he agreed.

"Guys," Skyla suddenly called out, "we're not alone."

Suddenly a horde of grey undead ghouls appeared around them.

"Not these guys again!" Shane complained, standing protectively in front of Skyla.

"Didn't we beat them last time?" Dustin pointed out as Hunter rushed over to Tobi's body.

"Well, they're already dead, so you can't kill them again," Tori suggested.

The group took up a fighting stance around Skyla and the lifeless Tobi.

"Stay close together," Skyla instructed.

No sooner had a ghoul lunged toward them then they all vanished.

The ghouls them turned their attention toward Tobi and the Bradleys. "Wait, they can see us?" Tobi asked.

"I'm afraid they can do more than that," Mr. Bradley said, taking his wife's hand and backing away.

"Just think about the others and you will appear there," Mrs. Bradley told Tobi.

He nodded, closing his eyes. He felt something collide with his spirit form and he suddenly flew backward, passing right through a tree before he managed to hover to a stop. He looked up, watching as the ghouls ran toward him.

"Concentrate!" Mr. Bradley commanded.

As the ghouls dove for him, Tobi focused again and, this time, he found himself near the others.

"Now they're here," Skyla told them.

"Then let's go," Shane said, motioning forward.

"I hope things are going easier for Blake and Cam," Tori suggested as they continued their trek up the mountain.


Cam with Sensei on his shoulder and Blake by his side arrived at the park to see a large commotion. There were jets, Humvees, bright lights and what looked like alien medics running around. The three managed to spot Mayor Lothor in the chaos and approached him.

"Where's the other Sensei?" Cam asked.

"My brother?" Lothor replied, looking around. "We were separated when Dark Omega put us all under some form of mind control. We're just lucky PULSE and the Pink Protectors showed up when they did."

"PULSE and the Pink Protectors?" Cam repeated.

"Paramedics United for Longevity and Survival in Emergencies," a female voice explained as the others turned to see a woman with dark hair and skin approach. "And the Pink Protects is our answer to Frax's Golden Guardians. As you probably noticed, they're all guys."

Cam and Blake just nodded, confused.

"Sorry guys and you're pet," she apologized. "I'm Alyssa Enrile and a member of both organizations."

"Actually, this is my father," Cam corrected.

She cringed. "Uh, to each their own," she shrugged, hitting him on the shoulder. "Ah, sorry," she apologized when he winced. "I used to be pretty violent before I joined the Pink Protectors and became a medic."

Cam exchanged a look at Blake before asking, "So, I'm taking it that you haven't seen another guinea pig dressed like this one, except with a hat?"

"Well if that was a different one, then yes," she agreed. "He was helping out Goldwinger, a big colorful moth with a tendency of calling hot guys 'babe.'"

"We're aware of who Goldwinger is," Cam assured her.

"Yeah, can't say you'd forget him," she chucked, hitting him hard enough to knock him back a step. "Ah, sorry again. Anyway, if you need anything else, I'd ask Doctor Mitchell. She's in charge of this operation and she's also a Pink Protector, so she's trustworthy."

"We'll keep that in mind," Cam told her.

"Uh, yeah, thanks," Blake chimed in, motioning to Cam that it was time to go.

"Anyway, got to go," she told them. "People to save and all." She started to hit him before stopping herself, smiling and walking off.

Blake grinned as she left and Cam looked at him suspiciously. "What?" Blake asked defensively. "It was the first time a girl didn't spend the whole conversation hitting me."

Cam nodded. "Well, it's a first time for me," he admitted, "and I know Tori."

"Right," Blake agreed, "but she saves her hardest hits for me."

"She would," Cam mumbled to himself.

"Get out of bed in the middle of the f#&%! Night," a voice complained. "Fix the f^*&^$# robot. Bend over and take it up the ass."

"Perry?" Cam asked, approaching Perry, who was repairing Frax.

"Yeah, what the f$%# do you want?" Perry snapped.

Blake gave Cam a confused look.

"I'll explain later," Cam told Blake before addressing Perry. "Have you seen a guinea pig wearing a robe?" Perry looked at the Sensei on his shoulder.

"Besides me," Sensei pointed out.

"We hear he's with Goldwinger," Cam added.

"The slave driver's over there," Perry said, motioning vaguely over his shoulder as he continued his work.

"Over…" Cam prompted.

"There," Perry replied.

"Uh, right," Cam agreed. "Thanks," he offered, looking around.

"Yeah, what the f#$ ever," Perry mumbled.

Fortunately, Goldwinger was fairly easy to spot, as he was still tending to injuries when Cam and Blake approached. "Ah, my friends!" he happily greeted them.

"Goldwinger, have you seen the other Sensei?" Cam asked.

"I'm right here," grumpy Sensei announced, hopping over. "And, Goldwinger, you have a visitor."

"Hey, Goldie," a voice called as Goldwinger spun around.

"Ry!" Goldwinger shouted, running over to a man with short, spiky hair and a glowing smile. The two embraced before Goldwinger pulled him over. "I want you guys to meet Ryan Mitchell," Goldwinger introduced.

"So, you're Doctor Mitchell?" Cam asked, confused. "You're with the Pink Protectors?"

Ryan blinked at them for a moment. "No, that would be my sister," he corrected. "I don't wear pink."

"You have before," Goldwinger reminded him.

"Everyone dresses in pink on Plubberberry Day," he defended.

Goldwinger turned back to the others. "Ryan and I used to be lovers," Goldwinger commented before turning back to Ryan. "I should have known you were behind breaking the mind control."

"There's a lot of evidence to support my original theory that many of the Power Rangers were under one form of mental influence or another," Ryan explained. "I owe that belief that Power Rangers can turn good to you, Goldie. Speaking of which, am I going to have to start calling you Doctor Goldie?"

"No, silly boy," Goldwinger disagreed. "But I hear I'll have to start calling you Professor Ry. You always were such a nerd!"

"Yep, about one more year to go," Ryan agreed. "You know, I'm kind of surprised you're out here in the middle of the action."

"Some things change," Goldwinger told him. "And, speaking of change, I suppose you're seeing someone now…"

Ryan grinned. "No, actually, I'm not…"

"I hope I'm not interrupting you two love birds," a voice announced. The others turned to see a blonde woman in a medical suit with a pink cross approached.

"This is Doctor Mitchell, or, as I call her, little sis," Ryan explained.

Dr. Mitchell roller her eyes. "Some of us are more focused on our work than others, but thank you nonetheless."

"You're welcome, little sis," Ryan replied.

"That's Doctor… Oh, nevermind," she sighed. "Jinxter says that all the residents are back to normal and I'm having Loki help with overseeing injuries sustained by some residents."

"Thanks, Dana," Ryan told her. "I'll catch you guys later. I need to make sure Frax is alright."

"Before you go," Cam interrupted, "we're going to need Kimberly Hart's help with a plan we have to distract or maybe even defeat Dark Omega."

Dr. Mitchell cringed.

"I think I saw her with Eric and Wes," Ryan replied, noticing his sister's expression. "And, you'll have to forgive my little sis. Kim tried to kill her."

Cam and Blake grew wide-eyed.

"She was trying to kill off all the pink Power Rangers," Dr. Mitchell explained. "I would recommend against using her."

"It's something we have to try," Cam defended.

"So, what is it you wanted with me?" grumpy Sensei asked Cam.

Cam took a breath. "We need you to convince my mother to help distract Dark Omega. In theory, having Kimberly draw Doctor Oliver's attention and…. someone Sensei Omino cares about pulling his attention, the two may separate long enough to seize the Shade Amulet."

Grumpy Sensei groaned. "You want me to talk to that stuck-up b—"

"Please," Cam pleaded.

"Fine," he grumbled, hopping up to Cam's opposite shoulder. "But I am no miracle worker!"

Cam just sighed, looking over at Blake, who just shrugged.

"I have to get back to work," Dr. Mitchell told Ryan. "If you see dad, tell him he's welcome to stop by the hospital for a visit any time…"

"I will," Ryan agreed, consoling her. "You know the demands of being a governor."

"I know," she replied coldly. "It's a fact of life. I'll see you later, Ryan."

"Bye," he called as she left.

"She still feels like your father loves you more than her, doesn't she?" Goldwinger asked.

"Yeah, she does," Ryan agreed.

"Do you think you'll be able to convince the Golden Guardians to let us use Kimberly?" Cam asked him.

"Frax owes me a favor," Ryan explained, grinning. "I'll make sure she's there when you need her."

"Thanks," Cam replied. "Hopefully we'll be back shortly." His eyes darted between the two Senseis on his shoulders.

"Yeah, later," Blake agreed as Ryan and Goldwinger began talking intensely. "I guess I didn't need to come," he added to Cam.

"I'm actually… glad you came," Cam admitted, "but I'd understand if you'd rather join the others."

"No, it's okay Cam," Blake assured him.

Cam offered him a smile before they streaked to Cam's mom's house.

The moment they stopped, grumpy Sensei hopped off Cam's shoulder and toward the door. "I'll do this on my own," he told the others.

"I will come along," the other Sensei added, joining him.

"And how do I explain two guinea pig versions of me?" grumpy Sensei pointed out.

"I will just observe," the other Sensei replied. "I am… curious what she looks like now. That is all."

"Yeah, right," grumpy Sensei said sarcastically. "You're so full of it!"

"Full of what?" the other Sensei asked, confused.

Grumpy Sensei just groaned, hopping up to the doorbell.

"You think this'll work?" Blake asked Cam.

"I don't know," Cam admitted. "Sometimes people can be stubborn, especially when strong emotions are involved."

"Like with Tori," Blake agreed.

"Tori has every reason to be hesitant when it comes to you," Cam justified, "especially after you had sex with someone else."

"Not you too!" Blake complained. "It was Tori! She looked like her, she sounded like her, she felt like her…"

"And Tori suddenly being sexually aggressive didn't tip you off that something was wrong?" Cam asked skeptically.

"Come on!" Blake protested. "Cam, you're a guy, right?"

"Yes, Blake, I am a guy," Cam replied with a raised eyebrow.

"You know what it's like to want to bone a chick, right?" Blake asked.

"I do know what it is like to want to have sex with a woman," he admitted.

"So why are you bagging on me like I did something totally out there?" Blake continued. "Even Hunter acts like he's more worried about protecting Tori than me."

"Well, Tori is our friend and we naturally worry about her," Cam explained.

"You know Tori can defend herself," Blake insisted.

"True," Cam conceded.

"Besides," Blake added, "I won't hurt her because… I love her."

Cam looked at him, something flickering in his eyes.

"What?" Blake asked.

"Nothing," Cam said quickly.

Blake glared at him. "What?"

Cam sighed before replying. "I think she loves you too."

"Oh," was all Blake said as the front door of the house finally opened and a woman in a robe peaked out.

"Kanoi?" she snapped, looking down at the guinea pig. "What the hell are you doing here in the middle of the night?"

"I wanted to talk to you," grumpy Sensei insisted.

"I told you I have nothing to say to you," she replied hastily as she closed the door.

Grumpy Sensei backflipped into the door, causing it to swing open.

She immediately took up a fighting stance. "Have you forgotten we trained together?" she asked him.

"I'm not here to fight you," he replied, "even though we both know I'd win. I'm here for your help and to say… I'm sorry."

She gave him a surprised look before changing her stance and crossing her arms. "Alright," she said, "I'm listening."

"Can I at least come in?" he suggested.

She paused before relenting. "Fine," she agreed, glancing over at Cam. "And, Cam… I guess you might as well come in too." There was an edge in her voice, but her eyes seemed to soften a bit.

Maybe we can do this, Cam thought as he remembered her slamming the door in his face the first time he saw her. "I bet the others think they have it tough," he mumbled to himself.


The rangers, spirits and Skyla finally arrived at the Cavern of Spirits within the Mountain of Lost Ninjas. It was a dimly lit cave that opened up into a carved out area with a set of stone steps rising up to a small alter.

"There it is," Hunter noticed first. "The Gem of Souls, just like in our dimension."

But, as the others approached the glowing green gem that was casting an eerie glow around the cavern, Tobi noticed Leanne standing over it. "Stay back!" she warned. "The Gem of Souls is mine. I heard what you said and I intend to get my life back."

"But you don't have a body to be put back into," Tobi reminded her as Hunter and Dustin spread his body out on the ground below the pedestal that held the Gem of Souls.

She looked around. "I don't need my body," she replied, staring at Tori. "I found a new one."

"You are not taking over my sister's body!" Tobi yelled just as Hunter picked up the Gem of Souls.

She flew toward Tobi and slammed into him, which caused him to bounce backward as if he were made out of rubber.

Skyla gasped, falling to the ground as Tobi flew back toward Leanne.

"What's wrong?" Shane asked, rushing down to her.

"It's time," she whispered. "I'm sorry."

"No!" Shane protested. "Like, right now?"

"Yes," she nodded, adding, "You can't change your destiny and this is mine."

Hearing this, Tobi paused and hovered over to her. "Skyla, can we use the Gem of Souls to keep you in your body?" he asked.

She nodded weakly. "But I won't let you."

"Won't let me what?" Shane asked.

She shook her head. "I want you to know," she began, gasping, "that I… love you."

"I love you too," Shane insisted without hesitation. "I'll never forget you."

"Remember her," she told him, "the strong one you loved."

"No," he protested. "I'll remember you, just the way you are."

"Skyla," Tori called, keeling quickly next to her. "We need to know what to do next."

Skyla paused, listening. "Place the gem on Tobi's body," she explained. "His spirit needs to be over his… body…" Her breathing became extremely forced and Shane held her tigher.

"Skyla, you have to tell them that they can save you!" Tobi insisted. "Skyla!" he yelled as she seemed to ignore him.

"Tobi, lie over your body," Mr. Bradley insisted.

"What about Skyla?" Tobi asked. "She deserves to be saved. Me… If I come back, Hunter's going to break Dustin's heart to try to make me happy."

"Tobi, just trust us," Mrs. Bradley told him.

"Listen to her," Skyla whispered. "It's my destiny and this is yours. You can't change your destiny."

Before Tobi could protest, he heard Leanne say, "It's not my first choice, but I guess it will have to do." He looked over to see her hovering over his body as Dustin clutched his hand and Hunter lowered the Gem of Souls.

"No!" Tobi yelled, but of course they couldn't hear him.

Skyla coughed, mumbling, "Stop."

"Stop what?" Shane asked before realizing. "Wait, hold up," he told Hunter as Tobi dove toward Leanne and the two bounced apart.

"Here," she mumbled, raising her hand weakly. "I'll do it."

"You don't have the strength," Shane argued.

"Please," she whispered and he nodded before helping her over to Tobi's body. Hunter handed the Gem of Souls to her and she waited. "Hold her back," she told the Bradleys, "and hold him down."

"Dude, what's she mean?" Dustin asked, still holding Tobi's cold, pale hand in his.

"I don't know," Hunter replied while making sure the Sun Amulet was placed securely in Tobi's opposite palm.

Mr. Bradley flew over to Leanne, covering her in a white cloak as she fought against him. Meanwhile, Mrs. Bradley tried to move Tobi's spirit over his body.

"But what about Skyla?" he asked again.

"The others can only hear us through her," she explained. "There's nothing we can do to change her mind, but we can save you."

"Right," Tobi reluctantly agreed, hovering over his body. "But I'm not going to let Hunter break Dustin's heart."

"I know," she said softly as he got into position. "Tell our sons how much we love them."

"And how proud we are of the men they've become," Mr. Bradley added, still holding Leanne back.

"I will," Tobi promised, "and thank you both… for everything."

"Thank you," Mrs. Bradley whispered as everything seemed to flicker around him.

The others gasped as Skyla lowered the Gem of Souls and the spirits became visible.

"Dude, it's working!" Dustin declared as he saw Tobi's spirit sink into his body.

"Mom?" Hunter asked, instinctively reaching out to the spirit that was so close but yet unreachable.

"Yes, Hunter, we're here," she assured him. "We're always here."

"We had to leave you for a brief time while we helped Tobi," his father chimed in. "I hope you understand."

"Dad? …Leanne?" Hunter noticed as he turned. "Yeah… I… I understand. Thank you for helping to save Tobi. I owe him my life and…" He looked down as Tobi's spirit vanished into his body.

His father turned to Leanne. "Do you have anything to say?"

Leanne frowned. "I guess," she reluctantly agreed. "Hunter, tell your brother… he was more than just a boy toy to me."

Hunter gave her a confused look. "Okay…" he replied.

"And…" She grimaced. "Tell my father… I forgive him." She sighed. "Yeah, that's big of me, I know, but… I… I still love him," she added just as the spirits began fading.

"We know you've wondered how we feel about your feelings toward Dustin," his mother told him.

"We just want you to be happy," his father continued. "We love you no matter what." They then vanished along with Leanne.

"Wait!" Hunter called, but they were gone.

Tori placed a hand on his and, when he finally looked her way, she offered him a reassuring smile. "They really do love you," she reminded him.

Hunter just nodded.

"Guys!" Dustin called their attention back to Tobi. "It's working!"

They watched as the Sun Amulet began to glow in Tobi's palm and his pale body slowly changed color.

"Thank you," Tori told Skyla sincerely.

She just nodded weakly.

"You are even stronger than the other Skyla," Shane whispered to her. "And braver. And…" At that moment, her body began to glow. "And…" he choked out, trying to hold back the tears.

"TZT," Dustin whispered, lowering his face closer as Tobi began to breathe again. After a moment, Tobi's breathing steadies and his eyes fluttered open. Dustin immediately grabbed him in a tight hug.

"Dus—Dustin," Tobi choked out.

"TZT, I missed you so much!" Dustin told him as he looked over and noticed Skyla's body converting into energy.

Tobi immediately used what little strength he had to push Dustin off of him and feel around for the Gem of Souls. He noticed it had a crack down its center, but hoped it would work. He shoved it toward Skyla just as her body dissolved into glowing light.

He concentrated hard on holding her body together, but she had already broken down into energy.

The others could do little more than watch as Tobi tried focusing harder. He could sense her life force but it was so different from anything he had ever felt before that igniting it seemed to actually make her convert into energy faster. It seemed like the only thing holding her there was the Gem of Souls. That was when he noticed the gem itself had a strand of life in it. As he focused on that, the gem began to glow brighter.

The others gasped as strands of gold light circled out from the Gem of Souls and wrapped around the sparkling light that was Skyla. As the strands pulled at the light, Skyla's body began to reform.

"Awesome," Dustin muttered.

Then there was a blinding flash of light and everything became dark.

As their eyes readjusted to the dark, they saw Skyla fully reformed and Tobi lying motionless next to Dustin.

"No, no, no!" Dustin screamed, grabbing Tobi. "Not again! No way! You can't!" He shook Tobi's body with one arm while holding the Sun Amulet in Tobi's palm with the other. All the while, tears were running down Dustin's face.

"Dustin, set him down," Tori told him.

"Skyla," Shane whispered as she opened her eyes and glanced around. She looked at him, surprised, but then smiled.

"Will he be okay?" Hunter asked, kneeling.

"Dustin, move your hand," Tori insisted. He reluctantly obeyed and she could see that the Sun Amulet wasn't glowing. She shot Hunter a worried look.

"Here," Skyla said, gesturing for Shane to release his tight hold on her.

The others stood back as she reached out her hand and it began to glow. She touched Tobi's chest and a flash shot between them. Then both their bodies began to glow. After a moment, Skyla fell back into Shane's arms. Looking down, the others could see the Sun Amulet begin to glow.

"Are you okay?" Shane asked Skyla nervously.

"Yes," she told him, blinking.

Tobi's breathing returned and he slowly opened his eyes. Once again, Dustin grabbed him in a tight embrace, but this time Hunter and Tori joined in.

"I'm glad to be back too," Tobi told them, "but I do need to breathe."

They released him, big smiles on their faces, except for Dustin's. "TZT," she said slowly. "I've got something to tell you."

Tobi looked at him quizzically.

Dustin fidgeted nervously, running a hand through his wavy dark brown hair and licking his bottom lip. His chocolate eyes stared intensely at Tobi as he reached out and ran a single finger along Tobi's now pink lips. Leaning down, he placed his lips against Tobi's, kissing him. Their lips met softly at first but then Dustin kissed him with more passion.

Tori and Hunter both exchanged surprised looks.

When Dustin pulled away, both their faces were flushed and they were breathing heavily. "I wanted to tell you…" Dustin continued, "I was stupid and selfish. And… I thought I like needed something else, but I need…" A pained look crossed his face as he glanced at Hunter. "I'm sorry," he told Hunter slowly, but when he looked back at Tobi, his expression had already transformed into one of fierce determination. "…you," he finished. "I was wrong about choosing Hunter," he added, pausing. "I choose you. I choose… only you."

Tobi looked up at the emotions sparkling in Dustin's eyes as he looked from him to Hunter and then down to the ground. The truth was, he loved Dustin and would do just about anything to be with him, but he knew what he was doing. "Dustin," he whispered. "I know what Hunter told you, that you weren't meant to be together after all, but he just said that because he felt like he owed me after saving his life. But, Dustin, you don't owe me anything. You don't even have to choose. I was wrong for saying you had to choose in the first place. You have enough for all of us and we're just… happy with whatever you give us."

Hunter looked at Tori, eyes wide with surprise. She just shrugged, equally surprised.

Dustin frowned at Tobi. "But Hunter didn't tell me anything," he protested. "I want to choose you." He began to pout. "But if you like don't like like me anymore I get it…"

Tobi reached up and pulled Dustin into a hug. "No, Dustin," he told him. "I love you and I just want you to be happy."

Dustin pulled him back so he could stare intensely into his eyes. "TZT, I am happy," he assured him with a wide grin. "I'm like Super Awesome Happy Dude!" he declared.

Tobi couldn't help but laugh at that. "Well, good," he replied. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Dustin paused, thinking. "Or Super Happy Awesome Dude," he amended.

"I guess either way works," Tobi commented as he looked over to Hunter. "Glad to see you're okay after… what happened," he told him.

"Thanks to you," Hunter replied, his eyes glancing at Dustin's smiling face. "I owe you my life."

"Listen, Hunter," Tobi said, a serious expression forming on his face. "I didn't necessarily do it for you. I did it for—"

"I know why you did it," Hunter interrupted. "Now's not the time to assign blame." He motioned with his eyes toward Dustin.

Tobi immediately caught on to what Hunter was saying, that Dustin didn't need to know he was responsible for Tobi sacrificing himself for Hunter. He nodded. "I probably would have done it anyway," he told Hunter.

Hunter just nodded while Dustin declared, "TZT, hero of the Twilight Zone!"

Tobi rolled his eyes and, as he did so, he saw the Gem of Souls on the ground and it was in pieces. "I guess it won't work anymore," he commented to himself before feeling the torn cape attached to the back of Dustin's outfit. "I'll have to have this fixed," he said. "We can't have Super Awesome Happy Dude with a torn cape."

"I thought it was Super Happy Awesome Dude," Dustin pondered.

"Aren't those the same things?" Tori asked, glancing at Hunter, who just shrugged.

"Right," Tobi agreed, turning to Skyla, who was wrapped tightly in Shane's arms.

"Welcome back, man," Shane told Tobi. "I owe you big time. Thanks."

"No problem," Tobi replied. "So, Skyla, how do you feel?"

She paused, thinking. "I feel strange, but otherwise fine." She looked around. "The others are gone."

Tobi followed her gaze around the cavern. "The spirits?" he asked.

"I can't see them anymore," she explained before realizing something. She closed her eyes, concentrating. A moment later, she opened her eyes and they were wide with surprise.

Shane noticed this and turned her head to face him. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"I can't teleport either," she said, thinking. "I feel…" She looked at him with wonder in her dark eyes. "I'm… human."

"Are you sure?" Shane asked.

She smiled. "I don't know how, but it's true."

"Maybe when you did the glowing thing to save TZT," Dustin suggested.

"Maybe," she agreed, suddenly smirking to herself. "I'll have to tell Sensei… destinies can change." She glanced at Tobi and Dustin.

Shane smiled down at her, a deep sense of relief in his eyes.

"I understand your disgust with the idea of being human," a voice spoke from behind them.

The others turned to see Dark Omega standing in the cavern.

"How'd he get here?" Shane asked, pulling Skyla behind him.

"You are now weak and powerless just like them," Dark Omega continued. "I will relieve you of your suffering."

"No you won't!" Shane yelled, immediately standing and nodding to the others. "Ninja Storm, Ranger Form! Power of Air!"

"You're about to find out who's weak and powerless," Tobi said, standing in front of Dustin as the others morphed.

"Agreed," Dark Omega replied with a laugh.

Suddenly black tentacles shot out from his body. Tobi raised his arms, deflecting them into the cavern walls. Smash! Instantly, the cavern began to collapse.

"I needn't waste my time," Dark Omega told them, spinning until he became a cyclone of black smoke. The others were blown against the collapsing cave walls as the smoke vanished.

"He took the Gem of Souls," Hunter noticed.

"Why, if it broke?" Tori asked.

"Never mind that," Shane yelled. "We've got to get out of here."

They ran toward the exit only to find their path blocked by a wall of rocks.

"I wish I could teleport us," Skyla noted.

"It's not your fault," Shane consoled while removing his Hawk Blaster. But, as he fired, the cave began collapsing faster.

Tobi pushed out a field of energy around them as the cavern ceiling tumbled down around them.

"Any ideas, guys?" Shane asked.

"I can try like phasing us through the rock one at a time," Dustin offered. "Or, TZT can…" He stopped himself. "If it won't hurt him… If it will, then… you shouldn't," he told Tobi.

Tobi looked at him, thinking. "I've been dead once already, and I don't feel like doing it again," he commented, winking at Dustin before telling the others, "Everyone, stay close!" He closed his eyes, focusing on forcing all the rock away from around them by pushing a wave of energy out just like he had done when he rescued Dustin downtown. He recalled how he had ended up destroying nearby buildings without even putting all his effort into it. So, this time, he used it all.

Boom! Suddenly the entire cave around them exploded. But, more than that, the entire mountain exploded. Massive chunks of rock were hurled in every direction as trees flew end over end until a cloud of debris filled the air.

The Mountain of Lost Ninjas was no more. All that was left was a several mile wide pile of strewn rock.

The others opened their visors and turned to stare at Tobi.

"Uh, sorry about that," he apologized.

"No, dude!" Dustin disagreed, grabbing him and jumping up and down. "That was… awesome!"

Tobi chuckled lightly. "You're right," he agreed. "That was awesome! …Almost as awesome as you."

"Aw!" Dustin replied, rolling his eyes and hitting him. "Now let's go kick some Dark Omega butt!"

"I'm with Dustin on this one," Tori agreed, a grin on her otherwise surprised face.

"Yeah," Shane mumbled, still surprised.

"You ended up with a little dirt here," Tobi told Dustin' licking his finger and preparing to wipe some of the dirt off Dustin's face, but Dustin swatted his hand away, grinning. "Fine," Tobi declared, reaching down and running his still moist finger through the dirt. He then reached up and ran the dirty finger across his face.

Dustin began giggling uncontrollably.

Tori could sense a dirt fight coming, so she immediately interrupted them. "Let's stop this before it gets out of hand, okay?"

They nodded toward her in agreement.

Skyla smiled toward Tobi and Dustin as Hunter sighed, looking around at the destroyed mountain. Tori noticed the tension and pain in Hunter's eyes and reached out, taking his gloved hand in hers. Without him looking at her, she felt him grip her hand tightly.

Oblivious to the expression on Hunter's face, Dustin threw some dirt all over the front of his crimson suit. He looked down slowly, blinking before looking back at Dustin with a raised eyebrow.

"Uh oh," Dustin mumbled, running behind Tobi. "You wouldn't hurt TZT when he saved your life."

Hunter grinned. "A little dirt never hurt anyone," Hunter commented, picking up a handful of dirt and debris.

Tobi whispered something into Dustin's ear and he nodded. Suddenly Hunter was swallowed by the ground until he was waist deep in dirt. But, as Dustin laughed, Hunter grabbed him by the legs, sending him tumbling over.

"I don't think so!" Tobi yelled, throwing dirt Hunter's way as the crimson ranger climbed out of the ground.

"Boys," Tori began to scold just as a dirt clod hit her, sending dirt into her open helmet. Hunter blinked for a moment, lowering his hand guiltily. "Oh, you are so going to regret that," she declared.

Shane shook his head while raising his wrist. "Shane to Cam," he called into his morpher.

"Tell him mission accomplished," Tobi told Shane while trying to get the dirt that Dustin had just dumped on him out of his hair.

"I heard that," Cam's voice replied. "Welcome back, Tobi. I wish we had time for a teary reunion, but our Dragon Zord friend has somehow managed to find an independent power source and is once again headed for the Abyss of Evil."

"The Gem of Souls," Shane realized. "It's a power source. That's why Dark Omega wanted it."

"I see," Cam replied. "We'll meet you guys at that carnival you were at earlier." He paused before asking, "And, how is Skyla? Is she…?"

"I'm fine, Cam," Skyla assured him. "I'm human now."

There was a moment of silence. "That's… interesting."

"We'll be right there," Shane told Cam, giving the others a look that said, "Playtime's over."

"Alright," Cam agreed as Shane lowered his wrist.

Dustin was about to throw a pile of dirt directly at Shane, but he paused when he noticed the stern expression in his eyes. Then, before he could react, Skyla covered him in dirt. He stared at her wide-eyed as Dustin declared, "Score one for the human!"

"Dustin, we're all..." Tori began before shrugging. "Nevermind."

"Sorry," Skyla said quickly. "I thought it looked fun and, now that I'm human… Here, I'll clean you up." She started brushing the dirt off his outfit.

Shane couldn't help but blush as her hands ran over his body. So, to avoid a wardrobe malfunction, he decided to throw dirt at her. Of course, it was only a small handful, but she still giggled, which encouraged him.

"Didn't we have something we were supposed to do?" Tobi suggested, throwing a handful of dirt at his sister.

"Right!" Dustin agreed, now thoroughly covered in dirt. "Save the Twilight Zone!"

"Dustin's the one focused?" Hunter commented. "This is the Twilight Zone."

Naturally, this earned him a fresh pile of dirt from Dustin. But, the point had been made and Shane signaled that it was time to go. The others nodded before streaking off toward the field that currently held a circus but permanently held… the Abyss of Evil.


To be continued...


Author's Note: I couldn't resist a dirt fight! Things have been a bit serious and I wanted to follow up Tobi and Skyla's survival with something happy. As you can see, because of the poll saying everyone wanted to keep Skyla, she miraculously lives and, by becoming human, won't just turn into energy at some point in the future. The next chapter will finally be the resolution of the Sun Amulet/Shade Amulet story arc through a huge epic battle (or at least that's the route I think I'm going to go). What did you think of Dustin choosing Tobi? We'll have to see how things work out between them after people start voting in the new poll though… Plus, when they get back to the regular dimension to take on the evil Power Rangers, that will obviously put more of a perspective on things. I'm still keeping in mind that people did vote two to one for Dustin to choose Hunter, but, after Cam's talk with Dustin in the previous chapter, it just made sense that Dustin would choose Tobi. And, who knows, maybe this new poll will show something different. I kind of suspected that people would choose evil Dustin (aka TZD) for a long time, so I've kept that possibility open. But he and Hunter could always hook up and share their "I was once evil" stories… Or not. We'll see.

SHOUT OUT: Now that you are finished reading (and hopefully reviewing) this chapter, I would like to draw your attention to my favorite PRNS story on this site. It's called Any Moment and it's written by Rebel Paisley. You can find it at the top of my favorite stories or just run a search with the key words any moment dustin. She really gets into the characters' heads, so if you love PRNS like me, you'll really appreciate her work. And please review it, since her story has too few reviews for its quality in my opinion.


Until next time…