Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. Saban and Nickelodeon own them. I also don't own

any song lyrics used.

AN: Here's chapter 53! Enjoy and let me know what you think! Thanks to all the great reviews from everyone.

Crimson Rising

Chapter 53: Arms

I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart
But you came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start
You put your arms around me
And I believe that it's easier for you to let me go
You put your arms around me and I'm home
How many times will you let me change my mind and turn around?
I can't decide if I'll let you save my life or if I'll drown
I hope that you see right through my walls
I hope that you catch me 'cause I'm already falling
I'll never let a love get so close
You put your arms around me and I'm home

Song: Arms

Artist: Christina Perri

One Week Later...

The past week since Earth's final liberation had been a literal blur. With human fear so tangilble toward aliens now, S.P.D. had made its presence known on Earth and was actively cooperating with the U.S. and allied goverments, unknown to most. S.P.D had secretly been operating on Earth since 2001, but had just gone public now to ease the people of Earth's fear concerning aliens. It would take a long time to convince them that not all alients meant to harm Earth. Many were receptive. Especially since it was confirmed that two members of the Space team and one of the Galaxy team had been born on other worlds, and Hunter himself also been born on another planet. Many who trusted the rangers were receptive, but angry factions against aliens, as well as the rangers and S.P.D in general, had formed and were very vocal. But it was to be expected. Many of the ranger teams had already departed from their secret base to begin picking up their lives. But the Ninja Storm team and allies had remained sequestered. Everyone had watched their defeat of Ivan Ooze and none of them were comfortable with their new celebrity status. They were also unsure of exactly what was next, but had agreed to attend a ceremony being held in their honor at City Hall later that day. Then that evening, in a private beach ceremony, surrounded by friends and family, Hunter and Tori were finally getting married. And the hustle and bustle of the day was already well on the way.


Hunter shot an annoyed look at his brother and Uncle, as they snickered in amusement at his expense. Trying on his tux had been easy. It wasn't his normal attire, but he had worn one before. It was jet black with a crimson bow tie and sash. But when his misty-eyed mother had asked him to simply try on the attire that he might have worn on a hypothetical Phaedos that no longer existed, he couldn't deny her. It was what she had said a royal would wear to the most formal of events. It was his father's and she had somehow used her magic to save it so the look on her face made him swallow his pride. He supposed it wasn't too bad. It consisted of a black tunic, trimmed in gold with a belt designed to holster a sword. On each shoulder was circular pins, one with his family crest emblazoned and the other with the Phoenix emblazoned on it, which pinned his crimson cape to the ensemble, completely by tall black boots. The cape was probably his biggest annoyance. He couldn't be seen wearing a cape. The guys would never shut up about it. It was bad enough that Blake was seeing it.

"Oh...you look so handsome," Dulcea gushed. He heard more snickering behind him.

"Thanks Mom," he humored her.

"You don't think this is something you might wear to get married in?" Dulcea asked. Zedd and Blake smothered more laughed, as a panicked look came over Hunter.

"Um...well it's nice. But I think my tux will be more comfortable on the beach," Hunter fibbed.

"Dude, tuxes aren't comfortable," Blake chimed in.

"Shut up," Hunter growled.

"You hate it...don't you?" Dulcea asked.

"Um...well no, I just..." Hunter stammered. Dulcea smiled.

"It's okay sweetie, I'm not mad. Your father hated it too," she revealed. Zedd chuckled.

"Wait till I tell the guys about this cape," Blake poked fun. Hunter glared at his little brother and then smirked smugly.

"Go ahead, cause you know what paybacks are, little bro," Hunter leered.

"Payback?" Blake asked. Hunter shrugged.

"Paybacks like digging out your baby pics, especially the ones of you in the bathtub. Or there's that video mom and dad recorded of you in your first Christmas pagent," Hunter said, enjoying the horrfied look on Blake's face.

"You wouldn't," Blake said.

"He played a lamb. He was so cute," Hunter said, as Zedd chuckled.

"All right, mum's the word on the stupid cape," Blake grumbled.

"We had better get to Blue Bay Harbor though. It's almost time for the ceremony," Zedd mentioned.

"Don't remind me. I still don't see why we have to go," Hunter grumbled.

"The people want to thank us. Stop being an anti-social brooder and bask in the glory of victory," Blake told him.

"You do better with media attention than me, little bro. My only promise is that I'll try not to break any cameras," Hunter replied.

"Charming, as usual," Zedd quipped.


City Hall in Blue Bay Harbor was crawling with eager spectators and a cluster of protesters as expected. They held picket signs displaying messages against aliens on Earth and anti-ranger sentiments, since the rangers were supporting S.P.D's efforts. On the other hand, many more cheered their hometown heroes. Similar displays in other ranger cities were also taking place, as most were eager to honor their own heroes. The crowd quieted, as Blue Bay Harbor's mayor stepped to the podium.

"Without the combined efforts of the Power Rangers, none of us would be standing here now. That is why we have come here today to honor Blue Bay Harbor's very own. Shane Clarke, Dustin Brooks, Tori Hanson, Cameron Watanabe, Blake Bradley, and Hunter Bradley," she called. There was applause, as the six of them, made their way onto the stage.

"We know that a simple thank you isn't sufficient, but we hope you accept our gratiude and these medals of honor," the mayor said, as her assitants each put a medal around their necks.

"No thanks necessary," Shane spoke for all of them. Tori smiled and squeezed Hunter's hand.

"See...that wasn't so bad," she told him.

"I guess not," he admitted, as he kissed her hair. This action attracted the cameras, which were soon blinding them with flashbulbs.

"I take it back. I hate cameras," Hunter grumbled, as they proceeded to gather with some of the city's officials, who wanted to personally thank them.

"Just think, in just a few hours, we'll be married and enjoying blissful seclusion for our wedding night," she reminded. He smirked.

"Now that...I can't wait for," he replied.


Tori looked at her reflection in the mirror, admiring the unique dress that had once been a simple casual baby blue sundress. But Dulcea had requested that she allowed her to use it to fashion a fancier dress for her. Tori had agreed. The dress didn't mean everything to her like she knew it did some brides, but she couldn't help but be amazed by her soon to be mother-in-law's work.

The dress was still knee length in front, but now white with an iridescent tint of baby blue. Woven among the now beaded and glittering design in the bodice that reminded her of waves, were shiny white seashells. The skirt in back was longer, brushing her calves and her veil glittered, as Dulcea finished pinning it in her hair, which was braided in a beautiful french twist Tori was a bit uncertain, as Dulcea placed a tiara on her head, but it was gorgeous, encrusted with sapphires and seashells.

"It's not the real thing, but Dolphia of Aquitar once wore a crown like this one. She would approve, I know," Dulcea told her.

"It's beautiful...thank you," Tori replied.

"Thank you sweetheart, for loving my son. If I couldn't be here, then I would not have to worry about him, for he has you. I am proud to call you my daughter," Dulcea said.

"You look so beautiful," Marah gushed.

"She's right. You have to be one of the prettiest brides there ever was," Aisha agreed.

"Hunter's gonna faint," Kim added.

"Yeah and Shan'e gonna cry. You're like his little sister," Kapri mentioned.

"Speaking of Shane and Dustin, we'd better give you a few minutes before they barge in here with their big brother's bit," Trini suggested. Tori smiled and nodded, as the girls filed out. A few moments later, Shane and Dustin peeked in.

"Whoa Tor...you look like a girl-girl," Dustin said. She could tell he was kidding and she playfully punched his arm

"Owe...yep, you still hit like our Tori," he said, as he hugged her. As they parted, she saw Shane looking at her with a mix of amaze and a little sadness. She smiled and hugged him tightly.

"You've been there for me most of my life and just because I'm getting married doesn't mean that I'm going to stop needing you," she whispered. He smiled.

"I hope not," Shane replied.

"Of course not. Besides, this little one will definitely need his or her Uncle Shane," Tori promised.

"And Uncle Dustin...I'm the fun one, after all," he added. She smiled.

"Of course. You two are more than my best friends. You're my brothers and that's why I need both of you to walk me down the aisle," she said.

"You know we'd never be anywhere else, but there's one more person here to see you," Dustin said, as he opened the door. Tori saw her mother come in, looking better and more sober than she had seen her look in a long time.

"Mom..." Tori uttered.

"Hi sweetheart, I hope you aren't angry that I'm here," Allison replied.

"No...just kind of surprised," she said.

"You look so beautiful," Allison told her. Tori looked down shyly.

"Thanks...you look good too," she mentioned.

"I've been sober almost a month. I heard that...you're pregnant," she said. Tori cocked her head to the side. Allison smiled.

"Don't be mad at your friends. They care a great deal about you," she said. Tori nodded.

"I know and Dustin has a really big mouth," she mentioned fondly.

"I met Zoe too...she's beautiful. Raising your little sister is admirable," Allison said.

"Hunter helps me. He's great with her," Tori replied. There was an awkward pause between them.

"I should probably go get my seat," Allison said.

"Mom..." Tori called, as Allison turned back around.

"I'm glad you're here," Tori said. Allison smiled gratefully and quietly left. Tori sighed and didn't realize a few minutes had passed until she heard another knock.

"Come in!" she called.

"We're back," Dustin said, as he and Shane came in.

"You ready?" Shane asked. She nodded.

"Thanks for getting my Mom here," she said.

"That was Dustin," Shane admitted. Tori smiled and kissed the yellow ranger on the cheek. She took each each of their arms, as they escorted her out of the compound and onto the beach, which was beautifully decorted with flowers and a white altar. At the altar, Sensei waited to perform the ceremony. Hunter stood with Blake next to him as the best man and Cam next to him. On Tori's side, Kira stood as her maid of honor, with Marah and Kapri next to her. Currently Zoe was dropping flower petals along their path, while Aiden carried the rings. All rangers and allies were present and smiled at her, as Shane and Dustin slowly escorted her to the altar.

Everything else around Hunter seemed to melt away, as he stared at her in awe. As they finally reached the altar, Tori hugged them both, as they took their places next to Cam and she joined hands with Hunter.

"You look so beautiful," he told her. She smiled.

"You're looking pretty handsome yourself, thunder boy," she replied, as they turned to Sensei.

"It is with great honor that I stand here today to join these two extraordinary people in the bonds of matrimony," Kanoi began.

"I believe you have both written your own vows?" he prompted. They nodded and Tori began.

"It's hard sometimes to put the way you make me feel into words. You've always loved me for exactly who I am. In fact, you were never threatened by my strength or independence. You relished it. I remember the little things between us, before we admitted our love. The first time you put your arm around me without realizing it. We were by the water and I put my head on your shoulder. I felt the tingles when you touched me and my heart skipped a beat. I realized I was in love. You never tried to fight my battles for me, because you knew I was capable of that on my own and you respected me for it. But you were there in an instant when I did need you and you have been since. Our baby will be blessed to have you for a father and I will be blessed to have you as my husband," Tori said.

"Wow...remind me to go first when you speak, cause that's going to be hard to follow," Hunter joked, making them all chuckle.

"I'm not very good with words sometimes. I'm usually more of a man of action so I always try to make sure my actions show you how much I love you. It's no secret to me or probably anyone else here that I'm the luckiest guy in the Universe to be with you. You're beautiful, smart, kind, and so strong. You know me and accept me for who and what I am too. And even more amazingly, you believe in me and I am the man I am because of you. Our baby is going to be blessed to have you for a mother and I'll be the one that's blessed to have you as my wife," Hunter finished, as he gently brushed a tear away on her cheek with his thumb.

"It is without a doubt that we are in the presence of true love and devotion. The ring is a symbol of love and matrimonal tradition that dates back centuries on Earth. It completes the union and represents neverending love," Sensei said, as Hunter took the first ring that rested on the pillow held by little Aiden.

"Hunter, place the ring on Tori's finger," Sensei instructed. Hunter slid the beautiful trinket on her slender finger.

"You have taken this woman as your wife with the promise to love and honor her, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live," Sensei said. Hunter nodded.

"I do," he stated.

"Tori, place the ring on Hunter's finger," Sensei instructed. Aiden held the pillow up to her and she took the small trinket, before sliding it onto Hunter's ring finger.

"You have taken this man as your husband with the promise to love and honor him, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live," Sensei recited. Tori nodded.

"I do," she stated. He smiled warmly at the young couple.

"What we have joined together today, let no one tear asunder. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," Kanoi said with joy. Hunter lifted her veil and eagerly pressed his lips to hers in a passionate kiss, as the applause from their family and friends sounded around them...