Hey guys, sorry for the delay in updating. Got exams and stuff. Neways,
we have a question for you guys:
Several of you have asked if there are character deaths. So now we ask you, who would you rather NOT see die: Hunter/Rika; Blake/Clare; Rika/Clare; or Rika alone. We've got two ideas actually, but we'd like to see your feedback. Mind you, the deaths won't happen for a very long while. Please, we'd love to hear from you guys. Thanks!
Enjoy and as always, REVIEW!!!
~~~~~~~~
Arika was lying on the sick bed. Around her were instruments keeping track of her vital signs. Sensei, Clare, and Cam turned to watch Hunter as he limped across the room to Arika's bed, supported by Blake. His body was still smoking as small currents of white lightning skittered up and down his body. Blake, who was supporting Hunter, flinched from the occasional shock caused by the currents.
Hunter limped across the room, with one arm thrown across Blake's shoulder, "Sensei, I have it."
"Good, now come, she's running out of time." Sensei gestured to Cam and Clare to move aside for Hunter.
Hunter pulled his arm off Blake's shoulder and lifted his hands over Arika's chest as if he were holding a ball of air. Bit by bit a glow emanated from the insignia on his chest, flowed down his arms, and into his hands forming a ball of lightning, which gradually grew brighter and brighter. Slowly, Hunter pulled his hands away from the ball whose brightness was so intense, that the others were forced to shield their eyes, leaving the glowing ball suspended over Arika's chest. The ball of lightning descended into Arika's chest and the glow spread to the rest of her body. Once the glow had outlined every part of Arika's body, it faded.
Clare who did not know that she had been holding her breath, let out a sigh.
Sensei checked Arika's vital signs and looked at Hunter, nodding to him. Hunter's shoulders slumped and he whispered, "Power down" just before he collapsed toward the bed. Blake rushed forward and caught his brother, staggering under the weight. Shane stepped forward and took Hunter's free arm and pulled it across his shoulders. Together, with Hunter just barely being able to support himself, Shane and Blake staggered out of the room, with Tori and Dustin waiting outside. Cyber Cam spun in his chair to watch Dustin who was helping to support Hunter, while Tori hit a switch and the door slid shut.
Sensei turned to Cam and Clare, "Do not worry, she will be fine. She just needs to rest."
Turning to her uncle, Clare asked, "Uncle, will he be ok?"
Avoiding Clare and Cam's questioning eyes, Sensei answered, "Yes, he will be alright."
Picking up the tone of worry in Sensei's voice, Clare and Cam exchanged a glance, and turned to walk out of the room, leaving Sensei alone with the still form of Arika.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clare was dozing next to Arika's bed, when Arika awoke.
"You're awake, you had us all pretty worried," whispered Cam, his boots making a soft tap as he walked into the room. Arika forced herself to focus on the source of the voice, as her eyes were not yet obeying her, despite her effort to open her eyes. She could make out a dark blur of a figure walking across the room to her bed.
"What happened? I remember the fight with Voltra, but then I don't remember anymore after that. Have I been asleep long?" Rika asked, rubbing her eyes.
"You've been out for quite awhile." Cam informed Arika. "A few weeks."
"WEEKS?!?" Rika exclaimed, half rising. Clare jerked her head up from the bed.
"You're awake!!! Arei.don't EVER scare me like that again!"
Arika winced, "Ok Clare, I won't, but you're going to deafen me if you don't tone it down. Besides, I have a splitting headache."
Cam laughed, "No, she's right. You better not pull a stunt like that again. Or ."
"Or what?" Rika asked, cocking her eyebrow.
Shane, Tori, and Dustin walking into the room, finished the threat, "Or we'll make you eat Cam's cooking."
Rika fake blanched, holding up her hands in protest. "Eww, no way! I remember the last time you cooked-what was it you called it? It was something Delight - " Clare butted in, "Except it wasn't very delightful."
"Hey! Get back here young lady!" Clare bolted from the room, yelping for help, while the others watched laughing.
Not seeing Blake turning the corner, Clare ran full tilt into Blake, knocking him a few steps backward. Further down the hall, Blake could hear Cam yelling. Clare panicked and ran behind Blake and trying to hide herself from Cam as he turned down the hall, "Young Lady! Get back here! You can't hide behind Blake either! You're gonna eat and ENJOY my cooking, even if I have to shove it down your throat by the ladle!"
Clare popped her head over Blake's shoulder and yelled, "No Way! You won't catch me alive!!!" Blake wondering what was going on simply stared as Cam and Clare ran in circles around him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shane, Tori, and Dustin greeted Rika, "Hey, how's it going?"
Rika smiled, "Pretty good, except I feel like someone's playing heavy metal in my head."
"Which band?" Dustin asked, laughing.
Rika cocked her head, "Oh wait, that's just my sister, Cam, and Blake yelling."
*Now the others heard Blake adding his own yells to Clare and Cam's. "Yo, what's going on?!" *
Just then, Clare and Cam walked into the room, with sheepish looks on their faces. Blake followed with a scowl on his face, holding a hand to his head.
"What happened to you?" Tori asked, gesturing to Blake holding his head.
Blake threw a glare in Cam and Clare's direction, "Well, let's see. First Clare nearly mows me down, and then Cam, runs up and the two of them plays ring-around-the-rosy, except it wasn't "rosy". It was ME."
The three laughed, as did Rika before she cut it short, with a wince. "Ouch, bad move." Holding her head.
Blake rubbing his own head, "Tell me bout it."
"Thanks guys, for coming to see me." Looking around Arika noticed Hunter was missing. "Hey Blake, where's Hunter?"
Blake looked down at the floor, while the others exchanged uneasy glances. Rika noticing the sudden change in the atmosphere, looked questioningly at her sister, who shifted uncomfortably on her feet.
"He's drilling on the beach."
"Oh, I see." Rika studied the faces of her friends and sister, who were avoiding her eyes. Cyber Cam broke the tension in the room as he burst into the room, "Guys, KelzaKs are at the park."
Shane jerking his head at the others said, "Let's go."
Rika started to rise but was immediately pushed back down by Cam and Clare, "Sis, Cuz, you are SO not going."
Rika protested, "I'm fine. Really I am."
Cam and Clare cocked their eyebrows at Rika, "Don't be stubborn" "You can barely stand, let alone fight." "Besides, I'm older than you."
Snorting Rika retorted, "Yeah, and did that ever mean anything?"
Cam rolled his eyes, "Rika, I understand your compulsive lack of respect for your elders or your obsessive sense of duty, but this time, I'm putting my foot down. You're sitting this one out!"
Rika shrugged in resignation, "Ok, but you do realize that you two are IN for it, when I get up?"
Cam and Clare laughed, "Yeah ok sis, you can do whatever, if you can catch me." "I'll tell dad."
Rika pouted and crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine. But be careful."
Cam ran out the door, but Clare turned back at the entrance and with a coy smile, shot back, "Of course, aren't I always?"
Rika snorted and shot a spark at the receding figure of Clare who yelped, "No fair!" Sighing she fell back against the bed and thought to herself. /Why did nobody answer when I mentioned Hunter?/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hunter was training on the beach. He was focusing so hard on his training as to forget the ordeal he barely survived. /And for what? She's still not talking to me - hey buddy, she's still out cold- she hasn't had time to/
Hunter shadowboxed, punching and kicking alternately. He spun his leg for a low sweep and rose into a back hook kick. He ran hard at the rock face, ran up the side and flipped off. He miscalculated his twist and the momentum made him flip an extra 180 degrees, making him land hard on his back. He lay panting in the sand, closing his eyes against the glare of the sun.
He felt someone standing over him and squinted his eyes to see Rika peering down at him. "You ok? You kinda missed that last one."
Hunter shielded his eyes and sat up quickly, almost bumping his head into Rika.
"Yeah, I overcompensated on the twist. Uh, is there something you want?"
"Uhhmm, nothing really, just taking a stretch. I've been cooped up for so long because Clare and Cam watch me like hawks."
Hunter giving a half smile, "I know what you mean."
There was an awkward silence as both Rika and Hunter searched for something to say. Hunter standing up, wiped the sand off himself, and crossed his arms.
Rika crossed her arms as well, both teens looking down. Looking up, both started to talk.
"Err yeah, so . . . you go first," Rika said, gesturing to Hunter.
"Well, uhm, remember when I met you at the beach?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"I, uhm, I'm sorry for flipping out at you. I was having a bad day."
"Eh, its ok. I guess I overreacted a bit too."
Rika and Hunter just smiled halfheartedly at one another and then there was another silence.
"Awkward moment number 32."
"Yeah . . . well, you did try to decapitate me."
"Whaddyamean try? I can't help the direction the ball goes once it leaves my hands. And speaking of that, you didn't have to snap at me-a stranger above all!"
"I wouldn't have snapped at you if you hadn't tried to brain me with the ball!" retorted Hunter.
Rika took a step back and narrowed her eyes. "Its not my fault that you were too slow to move out of the way!"
Hunter glared at Rika, "How was I supposed to see it? I don't have eyes in the back of my head!!"
Rika shot daggers at Hunter and he just glared back. The two tried to stare each other down. Finding that neither was going to back down, both threw their hands up.
"Forget it, I'll go." Hunter turned to leave, but was interrupted by Rika, "Don't bother, I'll go.
Because she was still recovering, her uncle had forbid her to use her powers until she was fully rested. So she turned and stalked back down the beach in a huff with a slight limp. /Arrogant jerk!/
Hunter watched as Rika stormed off. /Argh! I can't win with her!/ He returned to his training, focusing even harder. ~~~~~~~~~~`
Cam walked in the kitchen and saw Blake eating as usual. "Isn't there anything you like better than food?"
Blake with his mouth full of something muffled, "Yeah, I like Clare."
Cam stopped and stared hard at Blake. Blake realizing what had just come out of his mouth, besides the food, threw his hands up and started to protest, "I, uh.I mean." He trailed off.
Cam breathed a sigh and just rolled his eyes, "I know you do. She likes you too."
Blake looked dumbfounded. "I didn't know that. I mean, she's cool and we hang out, but she's never said so."
Cam smiled at Blake, "Yeah, she could never hide things like that from me or Rika. In fact, Rika's probably fuming that she likes you."
"Why?" Relaxing a bit, now that he knew that Cam wasn't going to use his head for a punching bag.
Cam rolled his eyes, "You honestly don't know? It's because of your brother."
Blake shook his head, "What do you mean? What's this got to do with Hunter?"
An exasperated Cam shook his head, "Its obvious that Rika and Hunter have feelings for each other, but both are two damn stubborn and proud to admit it!"
Blake stopped, "Hunter and Rika - I guess I could say that I saw something about Hunter but I wasn't so sure about Rika. . ."
"Yeah, Rika can hide things from everyone, but I've been like her brother. Growing up, she would confide in me. I can read her like a book."
A light bulb went off in Blake's head. He thought back to his brother's unexplained behavior and Sensei's passing comment. Now it made sense.
Cam shrugged, "I just hope those two aren't dense enough to miss each other. At least I know one of you guys has a little more commonsense."
Blake, still mulling over his revelation, just muttered, "Yeah."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rika fumed as she walked. /Why can't he let down his guard? What did I do to offend him so much?/
That small, nagging voice of her conscience poked her, /you know why he won't let his guard down. It's because you won't either. Both of you are scared at the consequences and the possibilities./
Sighing, Rika walked through the secret entrance to Ninja Ops and heard her communicator beep, "Guys, Lothor's at it again." /Just my luck, a fight with Thunder head and then another with the Brady Bunch./
Walking into the debriefing room, Rika saw that the others were already there. Hunter looked up as she walked in and she glared at him.
Hunter ignored the look and said, "Shoot Cam."
"Looks like Lothor got a discount deal on aliens. We've got two of them, and a bunch of KelzaKs. We'll have to split up."
"Rangers, split up. Cam and Wind Rangers, handle the monsters. Blake and Clare, Hunter and Rika, can you handle the KelzaKs? Rika, don't overexert yourself."
Rika snorted, "Of course, Uncle. I'll be fine."
"Right, we're outta here!" Shane commanded, moving his hands in a whirling pattern.
Clare and Blake grinned at each other thinking, "This oughta be fun."
Rika and Hunter said nothing.
The teenagers reached for their morphers, "Ninja Storm! Thunder Storm! Samurai Storm! Lightning Storm! Ranger Form! Haah!"
Rika and Clare blazed away, just followed by Blake and Hunter who flashed in hazes of crimson and navy. The Ninja Storm Rangers and Cam flashed away in a likewise manner.
Shane and the others arrived in a flurry of color. Upon landing, Dustin remarked, "Ha, I know these two. Its Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber."
The monsters looked at the Rangers, taunting them. "Ha ha. Prepare to meet your doom Rangers."
Shane looked at his teammates and nodded. With that, he leaped into the air and called upon Ninja Air Attack. "Kiyaah!"
Tori and Dustin dealt with the first one as Cam and Shane took on the second monster. Cam lashed out sideways, catching the first monster in the chest, which flew back. Jerking upright, the monster threw sparks of electricity at the Rangers who flew back some 10 feet. Groggily coming to their feet, Dustin remarked, "I don't think this is going to be as easy as we thought."
Cam nodded in agreement, "Right, its time to get serious. Super Samurai Form! Cyclone Morpher Full Power!"
Springing into action, Cam leaped and planted a spinning kick to the monster's head. He rammed his knee into its gut and smashed it down with his fists.
The monster obviously out of the fight, staggered to its feet just in time to see Cam's Samurai Saber glow green. "Samurai Saber, Power Up!" Spinning it around and around, green tinged lightning gathered around the saber's blade. With a cry, Cam sliced the saber down, cutting the monster in half, which exploded in a giant fireball.
At the same time, the Wind Rangers were planting hits on the first monster in rapid succession. Tori cut in low and sliced the monster across the midriff and then spun to make way for Dustin's ground attack.
He sprung up from the ground, slicing the monster from navel to nose as he emerged from the ground.
Shane finished it off with a flying kick maneuver to the monster's chest, sending it sprawling back.
Shane called for the Storm Striker. Combining their weapons together, the Wind Rangers blasted the alien, who promptly exploded.
Meanwhile, Rika and Hunter had their hands full with the KelzaKs, which were swarming everywhere. However, that didn't seem to bother them much. What really bothered them were each other.
"You are such a cocky, chauvinistic prick!" Rika said, while flipping a KelzaK off its feet.
Hunter, hurled another KelzaK through the air. "And you are an ice queen!"
Rika enraged, stomped over to Hunter, barely noticing the KelzaK she had treaded into the ground.
"Listen pal, I'm only an ice queen to you, but whaddah you care? You've got no heart!"
Hunter, stung, shot back, "How would you know? You have no feelings. You never let anything or anyone in!"
During their heated argument, KelzaKs were confused. /What are these Rangers doing?/
The KelzaKs tapped the Lightning and Thunder Ranger. Oblivious to their enemies, both brushed off the taps.
Again the KelzaKs tapped, with more force; both Rangers already annoyed, simply pushed the nuisance away and resumed their heated argument. By now, the KelzaKs themselves were irritated. Finally the KelzaKs grabbed the Rangers' shoulder whipping them away from one another, "WHAT!?" Both teens yelled.
Taking advantage of the temporary distraction, Hunter and Rika felt fists slam into their guts, and both flipped to the ground with a painful grunt.
Kipping simultaneously to their feet they stood back to back in their fighting stances, Hunter sighed, "Look, let's curb this discussion until afterwards. I can't think with these idiots swarming around me."
Reluctantly Rika agreed, "Fine by me." Under her breath, "smartest thing you've said all day."
Having finally agreed on something, the Lightning and Thunder Ranger made short work of the KelzaKs. Rika pulled out her Lightning Tsais and whirled in a furious pace, slashing at anything that was red. Hunter twirled his Thunder Staff and tossed three KelzaKs into another wave.
Pausing for breath, Rika and Hunter glanced at each other and each powered up their respective weapons.
"Lightning Tsai - Full Power!" Combining her tsai, she set it before her, and ran two fingers down the length of the blade. The Crimson Lightning Ranger sliced in an upward direction towards the KelzaKs. A rift of light parted the KelzaKs throwing them into the air like confetti.
"Thunder Staff - Full Power!" Whirling his staff, the Crimson Thunder Ranger slashed repeatedly in a crosshatch pattern across the throng of KelzaKs. The KelzaKs flew backwards and upon hitting the ground, vanished.
Rika sheathed her tsais and glaring at Hunter, flashed away, who promptly followed in a blur of crimson.
Blake and Clare however, were enjoying their fight. They worked well as a team. Blake ducked under a KelzaK's blow and swiped the KelzaK neatly off its feet.
Clare spun and kicked two KelzaKs, which went flying into the masses. "This is pretty easy. Maybe Lothor is losing his touch. What do you think my sis and Hunter are doing?"
Grabbing another KelzaK and tossing him easily away, Blake laughed, "Probably killing each other if the KelzaKs haven't already."
Clare laughed, "Yeah, seriously those two need to lighten up. They should just get on with it."
Blake questioned, "Get on with it? What yah mean?"
Clare struck another KelzaK with her tsai. "Its obvious. They like each other."
Blake stared at Clare, "Ha. Anyways, lets finish these goons. I'm starving."
Blake and Clare powered up their weapons. "Thunder Staff - Full Power! Lightning Tsai- Power Up!"
Slashing alternately across the horde of KelzaKs, the stupid KelzaKs were thrown to the ground as if a giant hand had just split them. They vanished.
Flipping up their visors, Blake and Clare looked at each other and Clare challenged, "Race ya back to Ninja Ops." Blake started, "No fair! I can't move as fast as you."
Laughing, "You better hurry." With that she jumped into the air and flashed away. Blake stood there a moment and then shook himself, "Hey! Wait up!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Rangers regrouped at Ninja Ops and were exulting over their easy victory.
Dustin was complimenting Cam, "Dude, that was awesome. You gotta show me some of that saber action sometime."
Cam smiled, "Sure."
Shane and Tori walked in, and asked, "Where's the others?"
Just then, the Wind Rangers, Blake, and Clare heard a commotion. Rika and Hunter were still arguing, picking up where they had left off.
"You are ungrateful! If I hadn't pushed you out of the way, you wouldn't have a head!" Hunter replied angrily.
"I never asked you to play hero! I'm not a damsel in distress!" Rika shot back, seething.
"You're no damsel, that's for sure." Hunter snapped.
Entering Ninja Ops, Hunter and Rika saw 6 blank yet surprised faces looking back at them. Glowering, both stalked out in opposite directions.
Having heard their last exchange, the other Rangers looked at each other. Dustin whistled, "Whoa, this is getting serious.
Tori raised her eyebrows, "That last comment was a bit harsh, even for Hunter."
Blake agreed, "Yeah, he must've really been mad. He doesn't usually let his temper slip like that."
Clare added, "Rika can be hotheaded, but I've never seen her this irritated."
Shane and Tori exchanged a glance. They knew what was going on. They all did. Unfortunately, both Hunter and Rika were very stubborn. If they meddled, it would just make things worse.
Sighing Sensei said, "Rangers, Hunter and Rika will work things out on their own. Now, lets eat."
~~~~~~~~~~
Jade and Senga: MUAHAHAHA. uh oh..
Senga: And the sparks fly.
Jade: Hmph, more like firecrackers.
Neways, reeeeview!!!
Thanks!
Several of you have asked if there are character deaths. So now we ask you, who would you rather NOT see die: Hunter/Rika; Blake/Clare; Rika/Clare; or Rika alone. We've got two ideas actually, but we'd like to see your feedback. Mind you, the deaths won't happen for a very long while. Please, we'd love to hear from you guys. Thanks!
Enjoy and as always, REVIEW!!!
~~~~~~~~
Arika was lying on the sick bed. Around her were instruments keeping track of her vital signs. Sensei, Clare, and Cam turned to watch Hunter as he limped across the room to Arika's bed, supported by Blake. His body was still smoking as small currents of white lightning skittered up and down his body. Blake, who was supporting Hunter, flinched from the occasional shock caused by the currents.
Hunter limped across the room, with one arm thrown across Blake's shoulder, "Sensei, I have it."
"Good, now come, she's running out of time." Sensei gestured to Cam and Clare to move aside for Hunter.
Hunter pulled his arm off Blake's shoulder and lifted his hands over Arika's chest as if he were holding a ball of air. Bit by bit a glow emanated from the insignia on his chest, flowed down his arms, and into his hands forming a ball of lightning, which gradually grew brighter and brighter. Slowly, Hunter pulled his hands away from the ball whose brightness was so intense, that the others were forced to shield their eyes, leaving the glowing ball suspended over Arika's chest. The ball of lightning descended into Arika's chest and the glow spread to the rest of her body. Once the glow had outlined every part of Arika's body, it faded.
Clare who did not know that she had been holding her breath, let out a sigh.
Sensei checked Arika's vital signs and looked at Hunter, nodding to him. Hunter's shoulders slumped and he whispered, "Power down" just before he collapsed toward the bed. Blake rushed forward and caught his brother, staggering under the weight. Shane stepped forward and took Hunter's free arm and pulled it across his shoulders. Together, with Hunter just barely being able to support himself, Shane and Blake staggered out of the room, with Tori and Dustin waiting outside. Cyber Cam spun in his chair to watch Dustin who was helping to support Hunter, while Tori hit a switch and the door slid shut.
Sensei turned to Cam and Clare, "Do not worry, she will be fine. She just needs to rest."
Turning to her uncle, Clare asked, "Uncle, will he be ok?"
Avoiding Clare and Cam's questioning eyes, Sensei answered, "Yes, he will be alright."
Picking up the tone of worry in Sensei's voice, Clare and Cam exchanged a glance, and turned to walk out of the room, leaving Sensei alone with the still form of Arika.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Clare was dozing next to Arika's bed, when Arika awoke.
"You're awake, you had us all pretty worried," whispered Cam, his boots making a soft tap as he walked into the room. Arika forced herself to focus on the source of the voice, as her eyes were not yet obeying her, despite her effort to open her eyes. She could make out a dark blur of a figure walking across the room to her bed.
"What happened? I remember the fight with Voltra, but then I don't remember anymore after that. Have I been asleep long?" Rika asked, rubbing her eyes.
"You've been out for quite awhile." Cam informed Arika. "A few weeks."
"WEEKS?!?" Rika exclaimed, half rising. Clare jerked her head up from the bed.
"You're awake!!! Arei.don't EVER scare me like that again!"
Arika winced, "Ok Clare, I won't, but you're going to deafen me if you don't tone it down. Besides, I have a splitting headache."
Cam laughed, "No, she's right. You better not pull a stunt like that again. Or ."
"Or what?" Rika asked, cocking her eyebrow.
Shane, Tori, and Dustin walking into the room, finished the threat, "Or we'll make you eat Cam's cooking."
Rika fake blanched, holding up her hands in protest. "Eww, no way! I remember the last time you cooked-what was it you called it? It was something Delight - " Clare butted in, "Except it wasn't very delightful."
"Hey! Get back here young lady!" Clare bolted from the room, yelping for help, while the others watched laughing.
Not seeing Blake turning the corner, Clare ran full tilt into Blake, knocking him a few steps backward. Further down the hall, Blake could hear Cam yelling. Clare panicked and ran behind Blake and trying to hide herself from Cam as he turned down the hall, "Young Lady! Get back here! You can't hide behind Blake either! You're gonna eat and ENJOY my cooking, even if I have to shove it down your throat by the ladle!"
Clare popped her head over Blake's shoulder and yelled, "No Way! You won't catch me alive!!!" Blake wondering what was going on simply stared as Cam and Clare ran in circles around him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shane, Tori, and Dustin greeted Rika, "Hey, how's it going?"
Rika smiled, "Pretty good, except I feel like someone's playing heavy metal in my head."
"Which band?" Dustin asked, laughing.
Rika cocked her head, "Oh wait, that's just my sister, Cam, and Blake yelling."
*Now the others heard Blake adding his own yells to Clare and Cam's. "Yo, what's going on?!" *
Just then, Clare and Cam walked into the room, with sheepish looks on their faces. Blake followed with a scowl on his face, holding a hand to his head.
"What happened to you?" Tori asked, gesturing to Blake holding his head.
Blake threw a glare in Cam and Clare's direction, "Well, let's see. First Clare nearly mows me down, and then Cam, runs up and the two of them plays ring-around-the-rosy, except it wasn't "rosy". It was ME."
The three laughed, as did Rika before she cut it short, with a wince. "Ouch, bad move." Holding her head.
Blake rubbing his own head, "Tell me bout it."
"Thanks guys, for coming to see me." Looking around Arika noticed Hunter was missing. "Hey Blake, where's Hunter?"
Blake looked down at the floor, while the others exchanged uneasy glances. Rika noticing the sudden change in the atmosphere, looked questioningly at her sister, who shifted uncomfortably on her feet.
"He's drilling on the beach."
"Oh, I see." Rika studied the faces of her friends and sister, who were avoiding her eyes. Cyber Cam broke the tension in the room as he burst into the room, "Guys, KelzaKs are at the park."
Shane jerking his head at the others said, "Let's go."
Rika started to rise but was immediately pushed back down by Cam and Clare, "Sis, Cuz, you are SO not going."
Rika protested, "I'm fine. Really I am."
Cam and Clare cocked their eyebrows at Rika, "Don't be stubborn" "You can barely stand, let alone fight." "Besides, I'm older than you."
Snorting Rika retorted, "Yeah, and did that ever mean anything?"
Cam rolled his eyes, "Rika, I understand your compulsive lack of respect for your elders or your obsessive sense of duty, but this time, I'm putting my foot down. You're sitting this one out!"
Rika shrugged in resignation, "Ok, but you do realize that you two are IN for it, when I get up?"
Cam and Clare laughed, "Yeah ok sis, you can do whatever, if you can catch me." "I'll tell dad."
Rika pouted and crossed her arms over her chest. "Fine. But be careful."
Cam ran out the door, but Clare turned back at the entrance and with a coy smile, shot back, "Of course, aren't I always?"
Rika snorted and shot a spark at the receding figure of Clare who yelped, "No fair!" Sighing she fell back against the bed and thought to herself. /Why did nobody answer when I mentioned Hunter?/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hunter was training on the beach. He was focusing so hard on his training as to forget the ordeal he barely survived. /And for what? She's still not talking to me - hey buddy, she's still out cold- she hasn't had time to/
Hunter shadowboxed, punching and kicking alternately. He spun his leg for a low sweep and rose into a back hook kick. He ran hard at the rock face, ran up the side and flipped off. He miscalculated his twist and the momentum made him flip an extra 180 degrees, making him land hard on his back. He lay panting in the sand, closing his eyes against the glare of the sun.
He felt someone standing over him and squinted his eyes to see Rika peering down at him. "You ok? You kinda missed that last one."
Hunter shielded his eyes and sat up quickly, almost bumping his head into Rika.
"Yeah, I overcompensated on the twist. Uh, is there something you want?"
"Uhhmm, nothing really, just taking a stretch. I've been cooped up for so long because Clare and Cam watch me like hawks."
Hunter giving a half smile, "I know what you mean."
There was an awkward silence as both Rika and Hunter searched for something to say. Hunter standing up, wiped the sand off himself, and crossed his arms.
Rika crossed her arms as well, both teens looking down. Looking up, both started to talk.
"Err yeah, so . . . you go first," Rika said, gesturing to Hunter.
"Well, uhm, remember when I met you at the beach?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"I, uhm, I'm sorry for flipping out at you. I was having a bad day."
"Eh, its ok. I guess I overreacted a bit too."
Rika and Hunter just smiled halfheartedly at one another and then there was another silence.
"Awkward moment number 32."
"Yeah . . . well, you did try to decapitate me."
"Whaddyamean try? I can't help the direction the ball goes once it leaves my hands. And speaking of that, you didn't have to snap at me-a stranger above all!"
"I wouldn't have snapped at you if you hadn't tried to brain me with the ball!" retorted Hunter.
Rika took a step back and narrowed her eyes. "Its not my fault that you were too slow to move out of the way!"
Hunter glared at Rika, "How was I supposed to see it? I don't have eyes in the back of my head!!"
Rika shot daggers at Hunter and he just glared back. The two tried to stare each other down. Finding that neither was going to back down, both threw their hands up.
"Forget it, I'll go." Hunter turned to leave, but was interrupted by Rika, "Don't bother, I'll go.
Because she was still recovering, her uncle had forbid her to use her powers until she was fully rested. So she turned and stalked back down the beach in a huff with a slight limp. /Arrogant jerk!/
Hunter watched as Rika stormed off. /Argh! I can't win with her!/ He returned to his training, focusing even harder. ~~~~~~~~~~`
Cam walked in the kitchen and saw Blake eating as usual. "Isn't there anything you like better than food?"
Blake with his mouth full of something muffled, "Yeah, I like Clare."
Cam stopped and stared hard at Blake. Blake realizing what had just come out of his mouth, besides the food, threw his hands up and started to protest, "I, uh.I mean." He trailed off.
Cam breathed a sigh and just rolled his eyes, "I know you do. She likes you too."
Blake looked dumbfounded. "I didn't know that. I mean, she's cool and we hang out, but she's never said so."
Cam smiled at Blake, "Yeah, she could never hide things like that from me or Rika. In fact, Rika's probably fuming that she likes you."
"Why?" Relaxing a bit, now that he knew that Cam wasn't going to use his head for a punching bag.
Cam rolled his eyes, "You honestly don't know? It's because of your brother."
Blake shook his head, "What do you mean? What's this got to do with Hunter?"
An exasperated Cam shook his head, "Its obvious that Rika and Hunter have feelings for each other, but both are two damn stubborn and proud to admit it!"
Blake stopped, "Hunter and Rika - I guess I could say that I saw something about Hunter but I wasn't so sure about Rika. . ."
"Yeah, Rika can hide things from everyone, but I've been like her brother. Growing up, she would confide in me. I can read her like a book."
A light bulb went off in Blake's head. He thought back to his brother's unexplained behavior and Sensei's passing comment. Now it made sense.
Cam shrugged, "I just hope those two aren't dense enough to miss each other. At least I know one of you guys has a little more commonsense."
Blake, still mulling over his revelation, just muttered, "Yeah."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rika fumed as she walked. /Why can't he let down his guard? What did I do to offend him so much?/
That small, nagging voice of her conscience poked her, /you know why he won't let his guard down. It's because you won't either. Both of you are scared at the consequences and the possibilities./
Sighing, Rika walked through the secret entrance to Ninja Ops and heard her communicator beep, "Guys, Lothor's at it again." /Just my luck, a fight with Thunder head and then another with the Brady Bunch./
Walking into the debriefing room, Rika saw that the others were already there. Hunter looked up as she walked in and she glared at him.
Hunter ignored the look and said, "Shoot Cam."
"Looks like Lothor got a discount deal on aliens. We've got two of them, and a bunch of KelzaKs. We'll have to split up."
"Rangers, split up. Cam and Wind Rangers, handle the monsters. Blake and Clare, Hunter and Rika, can you handle the KelzaKs? Rika, don't overexert yourself."
Rika snorted, "Of course, Uncle. I'll be fine."
"Right, we're outta here!" Shane commanded, moving his hands in a whirling pattern.
Clare and Blake grinned at each other thinking, "This oughta be fun."
Rika and Hunter said nothing.
The teenagers reached for their morphers, "Ninja Storm! Thunder Storm! Samurai Storm! Lightning Storm! Ranger Form! Haah!"
Rika and Clare blazed away, just followed by Blake and Hunter who flashed in hazes of crimson and navy. The Ninja Storm Rangers and Cam flashed away in a likewise manner.
Shane and the others arrived in a flurry of color. Upon landing, Dustin remarked, "Ha, I know these two. Its Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber."
The monsters looked at the Rangers, taunting them. "Ha ha. Prepare to meet your doom Rangers."
Shane looked at his teammates and nodded. With that, he leaped into the air and called upon Ninja Air Attack. "Kiyaah!"
Tori and Dustin dealt with the first one as Cam and Shane took on the second monster. Cam lashed out sideways, catching the first monster in the chest, which flew back. Jerking upright, the monster threw sparks of electricity at the Rangers who flew back some 10 feet. Groggily coming to their feet, Dustin remarked, "I don't think this is going to be as easy as we thought."
Cam nodded in agreement, "Right, its time to get serious. Super Samurai Form! Cyclone Morpher Full Power!"
Springing into action, Cam leaped and planted a spinning kick to the monster's head. He rammed his knee into its gut and smashed it down with his fists.
The monster obviously out of the fight, staggered to its feet just in time to see Cam's Samurai Saber glow green. "Samurai Saber, Power Up!" Spinning it around and around, green tinged lightning gathered around the saber's blade. With a cry, Cam sliced the saber down, cutting the monster in half, which exploded in a giant fireball.
At the same time, the Wind Rangers were planting hits on the first monster in rapid succession. Tori cut in low and sliced the monster across the midriff and then spun to make way for Dustin's ground attack.
He sprung up from the ground, slicing the monster from navel to nose as he emerged from the ground.
Shane finished it off with a flying kick maneuver to the monster's chest, sending it sprawling back.
Shane called for the Storm Striker. Combining their weapons together, the Wind Rangers blasted the alien, who promptly exploded.
Meanwhile, Rika and Hunter had their hands full with the KelzaKs, which were swarming everywhere. However, that didn't seem to bother them much. What really bothered them were each other.
"You are such a cocky, chauvinistic prick!" Rika said, while flipping a KelzaK off its feet.
Hunter, hurled another KelzaK through the air. "And you are an ice queen!"
Rika enraged, stomped over to Hunter, barely noticing the KelzaK she had treaded into the ground.
"Listen pal, I'm only an ice queen to you, but whaddah you care? You've got no heart!"
Hunter, stung, shot back, "How would you know? You have no feelings. You never let anything or anyone in!"
During their heated argument, KelzaKs were confused. /What are these Rangers doing?/
The KelzaKs tapped the Lightning and Thunder Ranger. Oblivious to their enemies, both brushed off the taps.
Again the KelzaKs tapped, with more force; both Rangers already annoyed, simply pushed the nuisance away and resumed their heated argument. By now, the KelzaKs themselves were irritated. Finally the KelzaKs grabbed the Rangers' shoulder whipping them away from one another, "WHAT!?" Both teens yelled.
Taking advantage of the temporary distraction, Hunter and Rika felt fists slam into their guts, and both flipped to the ground with a painful grunt.
Kipping simultaneously to their feet they stood back to back in their fighting stances, Hunter sighed, "Look, let's curb this discussion until afterwards. I can't think with these idiots swarming around me."
Reluctantly Rika agreed, "Fine by me." Under her breath, "smartest thing you've said all day."
Having finally agreed on something, the Lightning and Thunder Ranger made short work of the KelzaKs. Rika pulled out her Lightning Tsais and whirled in a furious pace, slashing at anything that was red. Hunter twirled his Thunder Staff and tossed three KelzaKs into another wave.
Pausing for breath, Rika and Hunter glanced at each other and each powered up their respective weapons.
"Lightning Tsai - Full Power!" Combining her tsai, she set it before her, and ran two fingers down the length of the blade. The Crimson Lightning Ranger sliced in an upward direction towards the KelzaKs. A rift of light parted the KelzaKs throwing them into the air like confetti.
"Thunder Staff - Full Power!" Whirling his staff, the Crimson Thunder Ranger slashed repeatedly in a crosshatch pattern across the throng of KelzaKs. The KelzaKs flew backwards and upon hitting the ground, vanished.
Rika sheathed her tsais and glaring at Hunter, flashed away, who promptly followed in a blur of crimson.
Blake and Clare however, were enjoying their fight. They worked well as a team. Blake ducked under a KelzaK's blow and swiped the KelzaK neatly off its feet.
Clare spun and kicked two KelzaKs, which went flying into the masses. "This is pretty easy. Maybe Lothor is losing his touch. What do you think my sis and Hunter are doing?"
Grabbing another KelzaK and tossing him easily away, Blake laughed, "Probably killing each other if the KelzaKs haven't already."
Clare laughed, "Yeah, seriously those two need to lighten up. They should just get on with it."
Blake questioned, "Get on with it? What yah mean?"
Clare struck another KelzaK with her tsai. "Its obvious. They like each other."
Blake stared at Clare, "Ha. Anyways, lets finish these goons. I'm starving."
Blake and Clare powered up their weapons. "Thunder Staff - Full Power! Lightning Tsai- Power Up!"
Slashing alternately across the horde of KelzaKs, the stupid KelzaKs were thrown to the ground as if a giant hand had just split them. They vanished.
Flipping up their visors, Blake and Clare looked at each other and Clare challenged, "Race ya back to Ninja Ops." Blake started, "No fair! I can't move as fast as you."
Laughing, "You better hurry." With that she jumped into the air and flashed away. Blake stood there a moment and then shook himself, "Hey! Wait up!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Rangers regrouped at Ninja Ops and were exulting over their easy victory.
Dustin was complimenting Cam, "Dude, that was awesome. You gotta show me some of that saber action sometime."
Cam smiled, "Sure."
Shane and Tori walked in, and asked, "Where's the others?"
Just then, the Wind Rangers, Blake, and Clare heard a commotion. Rika and Hunter were still arguing, picking up where they had left off.
"You are ungrateful! If I hadn't pushed you out of the way, you wouldn't have a head!" Hunter replied angrily.
"I never asked you to play hero! I'm not a damsel in distress!" Rika shot back, seething.
"You're no damsel, that's for sure." Hunter snapped.
Entering Ninja Ops, Hunter and Rika saw 6 blank yet surprised faces looking back at them. Glowering, both stalked out in opposite directions.
Having heard their last exchange, the other Rangers looked at each other. Dustin whistled, "Whoa, this is getting serious.
Tori raised her eyebrows, "That last comment was a bit harsh, even for Hunter."
Blake agreed, "Yeah, he must've really been mad. He doesn't usually let his temper slip like that."
Clare added, "Rika can be hotheaded, but I've never seen her this irritated."
Shane and Tori exchanged a glance. They knew what was going on. They all did. Unfortunately, both Hunter and Rika were very stubborn. If they meddled, it would just make things worse.
Sighing Sensei said, "Rangers, Hunter and Rika will work things out on their own. Now, lets eat."
~~~~~~~~~~
Jade and Senga: MUAHAHAHA. uh oh..
Senga: And the sparks fly.
Jade: Hmph, more like firecrackers.
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