Hunter bounced all the way to where he had seen Summer's car from a
distance, near the cliff. He landed a few feet from the driver side door
and walked toward the car. Her keys were still in the ignition. Hunter
opened the door and started the car. He shifted gears and turned the car
around on the narrow dirt road, and sped off, back towards his house. He
soon arrived and parked it in the driveway. He got out and went to the
house. He placed her keys on the table by the door.
"Summer?" He called.
"In here." She replied. Hunter smiled and made his way to the bathroom, kicking off his shoes and pulling of his shirt.
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"So, I'm guessing Larissa's going to be there for a while." Joey said with a smirk.
"Eh, Sensei will thwack Cam with something if they start doing something other then 'tutoring'." Blake smirked.
"Oh, so good to know my best friend's chastity will remain." Joey said rolling her eyes. "Well, I'm going to go." She said. She went to leave. Shane followed.
"Need company?" He asked. Joey looked at him.
"Shane." She said. She took a deep breath and looked at Blake, Dustin, and Tori.
"Oh, guys, look at that...tree...over there." Tori said.
"Oh yeah.." Blake said.
"What's so great about a tree?" Dustin asked. Tori rolled her eyes and shoved Dustin as she and Blake walked away. Joey looked at Shane.
"Maybe it's best if we didn't spend so much time together." She said. Shane looked at her.
"Joey, this isn't some ploy to get you horizontal or something. Just a simple question. Do you need company?" He asked. Joey sighed and ran her hands over her face, and through her hair. She looked at Shane and sighed.
"I guess...... a little company would be nice...... but if you try anythin- "
"You can hurt me." He finished. Joey smiled.
"Well, if you insist." Joey grinned. They walked together.
"So, how was it, growing up in the academy?" He asked. Joey tucked her hair behind her ear.
"It was all right, I guess. Sometimes it got stupid, you know, other girls claiming Lar and I got special treatment because the Senseis were our moms." She said.
"Did you?" Shane asked.
"Are you kidding? I mean, my mom made me work harder because I was her daughter. She said I was an example for the other girls. Which I didn't mind. It just bugged me when Larissa got picked on."
"You've always protected Larissa?" Shane asked.
"She's like my little sister. I've known her since, well, since she was a baby and I was a toddler." Joey smiled.
"So, how did Summer break into your close knit twosome?" Shane asked.
"You ask a lot of questions, Mr. Clarke." Joey said, giving him a sideways smile.
"Just curious, Ms. Sanchez." Shane smiled. Joey smirked.
"Summer, as was said before, was basically the delinquent kicked out of her academy for being a girl... So I took a liking to her right away." Joey said. Shane smirked.
"She was obviously so like you." He commented. Joey looked at him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked
"Nothing really, just that you and Summer are the same. You both break the rules sometimes, can be a little hard to read, but when push comes to shove, you do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love." He said. Joey looked down.
"Don't know about that one. Lots of shoving when Lothor attacked, I didn't do anything." She said, kicking the dirt a bit. Shane took her hand and made her look at him.
"You knew there was more at stake." Shane said.
"No, I didn't. I wanted to help. I wanted to protect my mother." Joey said.
"Then, why didn't you?" Shane asked. Joey pursed her lips together.
"Because....I knew that if I did...I'd get taken too." She said softly. "Some superhero I am." She muttered. Shane smiled softly.
"Sometimes, even superheroes need to stand back and watch." He commented. Joey looked at him.
"It's still not fair." She whispered angrily. Shane nodded.
"You're right." He said. "It isn't fair. It isn't fair that Lothor took a bunch of innocent people. It's not fair that Blake, Hunter and Summer lost their parents at a young age. It's not fair that you're sick, or Summer keeps getting hurt, or Larissa's apparently getting some intense abilities, it's not fair that us, a bunch of normal teenagers have to lie to people about who we really are and that we're the world's only chance. It's not fair that your mother was ra-"
"I get it." Joey sighed. "Life's not fair, get used to it."
"You can look at it like that." Shane said.
"How else is there to look at it?" She asked.
"Well, just the fact that no matter how hard things might seem, we're still breathing, we're still able to live day by day, helping others, helping each other." He said.
"That's so Sensei-speak. And don't deny it, I've heard it for all my life. Mom could get uber-philosophical at times." Joey smiled.
"So, what was she like when she wasn't?" Shane asked. Joey smiled softly.
"She was amazing. Beautiful, funny, intelligent." Joey said.
"Just like you." Shane said. Joey bit her lip, and pretended to not comment on that.
"She would make me realize that just because I'm the daughter of a ninja master, and I live at a ninja academy, doesn't mean that was all there was to life. She's the one who got me into art, and just life outside of the academy." Joey said. She stopped walking and sat by a tree. Shane sat with her. "I remember when I was a little girl, she'd pull me out of studies, saying it was important for my ninja training, and she'd take me to museums, galleries, theatre shows, poetry cafes, concerts in the park, almost everywhere." She said.
"Sounds incredible." Shane said. Joey nodded.
"It was. I felt so great. I felt like a normal little girl and her mommy walking hand in hand in the park. Sometimes, I'd even get jealous of all the normal little girls walking hand in hand with their mommies and daddies." Joey said. She took a deep breath. "But then I remembered I was perfectly all right without him, whoever he was." Shane smiled.
"See, you don't need him... Your doing fine without him." Shane commented. Joey nodded.
"I know, but still...." She said. Shane nodded.
"I understand." He replied. Joey smiled softly.
"I guess it's not like I grew up without a 'male influence'. Summer's uncle David would come by sometimes. He was nice. He was like a father.I guess."
"So, there are males you've trusted." Shane said.
"He was the only one who slipped under the radar...Until now." She said. Shane looked at her. Joey smiled.
"He'd bring Summer, Larissa and I gifts on our birthdays and Christmas. I remember Mom didn't like it at first, said it was unnecessary, but I guess after a while, he slipped under her radar too. I know he slipped under Larissa's mom's radar." Joey smirked.
"What do you mean?" Shane asked.
"Well, I shouldn't gossip...But it was like Taheaira would look forward to his visits more then we did." She smirked. Shane looked at her with wide eyes.
"You... mean that....uh.... huh?" Came out the mumble jumble. Joey burst out laughing.
"No Shane, they weren't sleeping together... not even close... I think she liked him though.... and something tells me the feeling was mutual." She finished.
"So, Summer and Larissa might be like cousins someday?" Shane asked. Joey shrugged.
"That all depends on if we ever find her, my mom, and all the others." Joey said. Shane put a hand on her shoulder.
"We will find them." Shane said, looking in her eyes. Joey looked at him. She smiled.
"You know, I actually believe you." She said softly. Shane smiled.
"It's true." He said. "We will defeat Lothor, everyone will come back, and all will be perfect." He said. Joey smiled.
"Nothing's ever perfect." She said.
"It can always come pretty damn close." Shane said. Joey nodded.
"True." She said. She sighed. "Now, if only you could say that I'd find out who hurt my mother and make him pay for what he did to her.." She said. Shane squeezed her shoulder.
"I can't." He said.
"I know." Joey said. "I know that the chances of finding him are....nonexistent...Which only makes him more, if that's possible."
"You know that if he hadn't...You wouldn't be here." Shane said.
"Yeah, I know." Joey said. "But I wish that wasn't the case. I wish that I was the product of consensual sex. I wish that I wasn't my mother's painful reminder of that day."
"You don't know that. You don't know that your mother saw you like that. I'm sure she saw you as a blessing from an unfortunate event." He said.
"A blessing?" Joey asked.
"Yeah. You're a blessing. You're a blessing to everyone who's life you enter." He said softly. Joey looked at him. Shane slowly leaned into her. Their lips met in a slow kiss.
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After the long warm bath, Hunter carried Summer off back to the room. He helped her change into one of his old jerseys. He changed into boxers and a t-shirt and the two crawled into bed. Hunter held her to him gently.
"I love you." He whispered into her hair.
"I love you." She said. The front door opened and closed.
"I'm home." Came Blake's voice. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Oh wonderful." She joked sarcastically. Hunter smirked and removed himself from her embrace. He went to his door and opened it.
"Hey bro." Hunter said, his voice trailing down the stairs to his younger brother.
"Hey." Blake responded. Hunter bounced down the stairs and came face to face with Blake. Blake sniffed the air around Hunter.
"Dude... you smell like strawberries...." Blake commented. Hunter's face flushed a deep shade of red.
"It's my bubble-bath." Summer's voice came from the stairs. She padded down the rest of the stairs. She had put on a pair of black shorts and was wearing white socks. Compared to Hunter, she was so short.
"Hey." Blake said. Summer smiled.
"Hi." She responded.
"How you feeling?" Blake asked.
"Better now." Summer said. "That bath was so refreshing." She said. Blake took note of Hunter's damp hair and scent and smirked.
"I'm sure." He joked. Summer glared at him playfully.
"You know, Blake, you do have a girlfriend. Instead of making comments about your brother and I, why don't you do something?" She asked with a playful smirk. Blake gave a dry laugh.
"For your information, I want to take things slow with Tori." He said. "I don't want to rush things.." He caught himself quickly. "..Not that you guys are.I mean.."
"I get it." Summer said. "Everyone moves at their own pace. Sometimes you just don't want to wait, you just know it's the right thing." Summer smiled, putting her arms around Hunter's waist. Hunter smiled and kissed the crown of her head.
"And it was the right thing...for you guys." Blake commented. Summer nodded.
"I can't help it if I'm so attractive." Summer joked. Hunter smirked.
"Why joke.... it's the truth." He replied. Blake rolled his eyes.
"Whatever." Blake said. "I'm going to bed." He said as he went to his room. Summer looked at Hunter.
"So, answer something for me." She said.
"What?" He asked.
"What is it with you Bradley brothers and blondes?" She joked. Hunter smiled.
"Wait a few days so you can recover, and we can venture that." He said seductively. Summer groaned.
"You are so cruel." She sighed, leaning against him, wishing she could take him up on that offer that very moment.
"eh, I try." He commented as he picked her up and swung her around gently.
"Comeon... you need rest..." He said. Summer rolled her eyes and padded up the stairs. Hunter grinned wickedly and smacked her ass hard. Summer screeched loudly and turned around glaring at him.
"you so didn't just slap my ass." She said. Hunter grinned innocently.
"And if I did?" He asked wickedly. Summer raised an eyebrow. She then grinned wickedly.
"Then I guess you'll have to wait more than a few days." She said. She kept walking. Hunter groaned.
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Joey and Shane were kissing passionately. She felt as if she was alive just then.
"Joey?" Came a voice, a distant voice.....
"Joey." Shane repeated. After he had said she was a blessing to everyone, Joey had kind of spaced out, looked off into the distance and got quiet. "Joey." He said. Joey blinked and shook her head. She turned to Shane. It had all been..a daydream..
"Yeah?" She asked.
"You OK? You got all spacey on me for a bit." He said. Joey nodded. Shane looked at her.
"Uh huh, I'm fine, just tired." She said. Shane looked at her.
"Are you sure your ok?" He asked gently. Joey gave him a fake smile.
"Positive." She responded. Shane decided to not push the issue.
"OK." He said.
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A few weeks passed by. Things were going by all right. Summer still was living with the guys, which Larissa and Joey seemed to be OK with, seeing as Hunter and Blake were rangers so it wasn't like some sort of break up of their team. Cam and Larissa had become as incredibly loving like Summer and Hunter, minus some aspects of course. They actually began to consider moving the girls' tech base into Ninja Opts, so everything was in one place. Shane and Joey were still friends. They would even do training sessions together. Although they tended to be more Joey knocking Shane on his ass.
Kelly stood behind the counter in Storm Chargers ringing in a few customers' purchases. She was short one staff member today. It was Wednesday today, and it was Summer's designated day off, so she hadn't come into work, and they were really busy for once. When the last customer had finished at the cash Kelly turned and looked at Hunter and Dustin who were stocking Motocross Magazines onto the racks.
"Guys?" She called. Dustin and Hunter looked at her.
"Yeah Kel?" Hunter asked. She waved the two boys over.
"Where's Blake?" She asked looking around. Blake exited the backroom and joined his brother, Dustin and Kelly. "There you are. Now I can ask you guys." She said. The guys looked at her puzzled. Kelly smiled.
"I'm thinking of holding a town Halloween party here at Storm Chargers, and I was hoping that you guys would be able to help me set the place up and get ready." She finished. The guys looked at each other, then back at Kelly.
"Sure! We'd be glad to help." Blake said happily. Kelly sighed happily and smiled.
"Thanks so much guys." She gushed.
"Yeah, a good ole party is just what we all need to kick back and relax, man." Hunter smiled, already planning his costume. "I better go tell Summer." He said.
"Aren't you guys meeting up later?" Dustin asked.
"Yeah." Hunter said.
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Shane and Joey were sparring in one of the training rooms in Ninja Opts.
"So, how long have you been training?" Joey asked as she went to kick him. Shane ducked.
"About a year, why?"
"Oh, it shows." Joey smiled. Shane looked at her.
"Oh, and what's that supposed to mean?" Shane asked. He went to punch her. Joey took his arm and stepped into him. She kicked his feet from under him, sending him falling back onto the matt.
"Oh nothing, just a little observation." She shrugged. Shane chuckled.
"Oh, really?" He asked. "Well, what about you? How long have you been training?" He asked. Joey offered her hand to him to help him up. He took it.
"You really need to ask?" She replied.
"Remember, my mom's a sensei, I grew up in the academy."
"Oh yeah, good point." Shane said. Joey laughed and went to the side of the room, grabbing her water bottle. She took a sip.
"Want some?" She asked.
"Sure." Shane said. Joey went over and gave him the water bottle. He squirted some water into his mouth. He looked at her. She was sitting by the wall, wiping some sweat off her brow. Shane went over and sat next to her, giving her back her water. Joey smiled and took another swig. Shane looked at her. He took a deep breath.
"Hey, I was wondering...Do you...Uh...Want to...do something...later?" He asked. Joey looked at him.
"Oh, sure." She said.
"Although, how many more sparring sessions with me knocking you on your ass can you endure?" She smirked. Shane blinked.
"Uh...No....Not a sparing session." He said. He sighed.
"Forget it." He said.
"What? Shane, what's bugging you?" She asked.
"Nothing, I just thought we could just hang out. Go see a movie or something." He replied. Joey looked at him.
"Well, why didn't you just say so?" She asked.
"Yeah, Lars been wanting to see that new movie...With...uh...crap.... that new vampire one...with the British chick, so, maybe all nine of us can go. Our first ranger outing off the battlefield." Joey said with a smile. Shane looked at her.
"What?
"No....Not..." Shane sighed and laid his head against the wall.
"I think living in a academy with just girls has left you somewhat clueless." Shane muttered. Joey looked at her.
"What? Shane, you're not making sense. Now, what is it, sparring session, or movie with the others?" She asked. Shane looked at her.
"Neither. I meant...Something.... just the two of us.... hanging out."
"Shane, you and I always hang out. At the skate park the-"
"Jo, I'm trying to ask you to go out with me on a date!" Shane finally blurted out in frustration. Joey's mouth instantly shut.
"You're...asking me out on a date?" Joey asked, surprised.
"Well, I'm trying to. I've been trying to since we all got back from that freaky island...Since we kissed...." His voice trailed off. He looked at Joey. Joey looked away.
"Shane, I told you, that kiss wasn't...I mean...We can't...I...I can't." Joey stammered nervously. She sighed, standing up. Shane looked at her.
"You said you couldn't do relationships...but you didn't give me a reason." He stood up and walked over to her.
"Josephine, I like you, a lot, and correct me if I'm wrong, but a person usually only kisses someone they like, so, I know you like me too."
"Who ever said I'm usual?" Joey replied. "Shane, I can't...I can't do relationships...I never have, and that's how I plan on keeping it. My mom did, and look where that got her."
"It got her with you." Shane said.
"It got her with the guy...whoever the hell he is.... violating her...and not having the decency to stick around for the outcome of his stupid action!" Joey screamed. Shane looked at her. He pulled her into a hug. Joey stepped back.
"Don't." She said. She took a deep breath and smoothed her hair back.
"I'm sorry, Shane. I'm sorry that I kissed you and."
"Joey." Shane said.
"You might be sorry you kissed me, but I'm not sorry I kissed you back. I had been wanting to kiss you for a while, so, there aren't any regrets on my part." He said. Joey tilted her head and looked at him.
"You have no regrets about that?" She asked. Shane nodded.
"I like you Joey.... And like I said I had no regrets kissing you." Joey backed away shaking her head.
"Shane...I can't. I mean, god, I don't even do that usually. I mean that was..." Her voice trailed off a bit, she looked away, a little embarrassed. Shane looked at her.
"Your first kiss?" He asked. Joey sighed.
"Yeah. I know.... I'm such a dork...Make fun of me." She said. Shane shook his head.
"Why would I?" He asked.
"I think it's kind of-"
"If you say sweet, I'll hurt you." Joey said.
"What is it with you and hurting males?" Shane asked. Joey looked at him.
"Do I need to explain in detail how I feel about men?" She retorted. Shane sighed. "I saw what he did to her. I saw the fear in her eyes. It felt so real...As if it was happening to me. I know that whoever this guy is, she did love him, and then he took that love and hurt her with it."
"So, what, you think I'd do that to you?" Shane asked, feeling a little hurt. Joey looked at him.
"No....but I can't take that chance! I don't need, nor want to get hurt." She cried. Shane's face softened.
"Joey.... I'd never hurt you...I car-" Shane was cut off. Summer and Tori bounded down the stairs in Ninja Ops.
"Hey guys!" The pink ranger smiled, her smile faded as she saw Joey's face.
"Something wrong?" Summer asked. Joey shook her head.
"Nothing's wrong...." She said. Shane looked at Joey.
"Right." He muttered. Summer and Tori looked at Shane and Joey. Summer went up to Shane.
"What did you do?" She asked. Joey turned to Summer and grabbed her arm, pulling her back.
"He didn't do anything, just forget it, OK?" She asked. Summer looked at Joey.
"Ok ok...Geez...Let go of my arm Joey." Summer told her. Joey let go of her arm and Summer backed up.
"If your sure your fine.... I'm going to go.... I'll be out with Hunter if you guys need me." Summer said. The three nodded and the pink ranger exited Ninja Ops. Tori looked at them both.
"I'm going to pull a Summer... See ya soon!" The blond water ninja chorused before streaking out of Ninja Ops. Shane and Joey stared at each other.
"Joey, I-"
"Shane, just don't, please." She said softly. Shane sighed and went over to her. In one fluid movement, he pulled her closer. His mouth descended upon hers. Shane kissed her softly. A part of Joey wanted to fight it, a part of her wanted to pull away, but another part of her didn't. A part of her wanted to stay in his embrace forever. Joey moaned softly and put his arms around Shane's shoulders, kissing him back. 'Stop!' Her mind screamed. But she couldn't, it was like her feet were glued to the floor, not wanting her to move from that spot. Shane pulled away, but kept his hands where they were. Joey looked at him.
"Wow." He said. Joey nodded.
"I..." Joey said softly, tears filling her eyes. Her head kept ordering her to move push Shane away, run away, but she couldn't. A tear slid down her face. Shane reached up and wiped at her cheek with his thumb.
"Joey, don't cry." He said softly. Joey's chin quivered a bit.
"I'm so confused." She said softly.
"I.... I can't do this." She whispered. Shane pulled her into a hug.
"Why can't you do this Joey?" He asked quietly. Joey sighed.
"I don't want to be hurt..." She confessed. Shane lowered himself so he could look her directly in the eyes.
"What makes you think I'd ever hurt you?" He questioned.
"I don't." She said.
"I...I'm just so scared...." She whispered as more tears came to her eyes.
"I'm just scared and..." Shane pulled her closer into a tight, comforting hug.
"You don't have to be scared." He whispered softly into her ear.
"But I am." She whispered. Shane planted a kiss on the crown of her head.
"Joey.... I'd never hurt you.... I can't promise the world to you, but don't be scared of me...." He told her quietly. Joey slowly placed her arms around his body.
"Why are you trying so hard, anyway?" She asked. She pulled back a bit and looked at him.
"I mean, any sensible guy would've just given up by now."
"I guess I'm not very sensible." Shane smiled.
"Oh no, not if you have feelings for me." Joey replied. Shane looked into her eyes.
"Well, if that's being a non-sensible guy, I wish I was non-sensible a long time ago." He said softly. Joey looked at him.
"I don't know if I'm ready for a relationship.... I'm just so afraid." She confided. Shane looked at her.
"Afraid of what Jo?" He asked. Joey bit her lip and looked him straight in the eyes again.
"Afraid of ending up the same way my mother did." She replied tearfully. Shane rubbed her arms.
"I'd never do that Joey." he told her gently.
"How do I know that for sure?" She asked.
"What if someday you do...?" She said softly. Shane tightened his arms around her.
"I'd rather die then ever even think about hurting you." He said softly. Joey sighed.
"I just don't know Shane...." She trailed off, looking away from him.
Shane kissed her forehead gently.
"I'll make you a deal...You go out on a date with me, and if I royally mess it up, you can kick my ass and I'll leave you alone." He compromised. Joey looked at him.
"I think I can live with that." She said, smiling. Shane chuckled.
"So we have a deal then?" he asked hopefully. Joey nodded.
"I guess we do." She replied. Shane went to kiss her. Joey turned her head.
"Stop that." She said. She stepped back a bit.
"I think we should make some ground rules for this date though." She stated. Shane nodded.
"OK."
"Rule number 1, no kissing." She said.
"Huh?" Shane asked.
"What's a date without kissing?" He asked.
"I'll give you hand holding, but no kissing." Joey said.
"I..." She sighed.
"Whenever you kiss me, I loose myself for a while, and it wouldn't be fair if.." Shane understood.
"OK, no kissing." He said.
"Rule 2. No groping of any kind. If I even see you think to make an attempt to grope me, I'll get Summer to do the nut-grab again on you." Joey threatened. Shane gulped and nodded.
"And Rule 3. I get to pick the movie." She joked. Shane pouted.
"No fair!" He said. Joey laughed.
"Life my dear isn't fair, especially if you date me!" Shane smiled.
"Guess not. But I think I'll be up for that challenge." Shane said. Joey laughed softly.
"I'm going to make you wish you never met me." She said smugly. Shane shook his head.
"That, my dear, is not possible." He said. Joey bit her lip.
"All right...Uh...So, I guess tonight then.... right?" She said. Shane nodded.
"So, am I to assume this would be your first date?" He asked. Joey gave him a look.
"Yes..." She replied. Shane smiled.
"It'll be fun." he told her. Joey looked at him.
"Yeah...fun for me...pain for you." She joked.
"So, what movie do you want to see?" He asked. Joey grinned.
"Well, I'm supposed to make this evening the most unpleasant for you as possible, so, I'll think of something. Be at the house around 8, OK?" She said. Shane nodded.
"I wouldn't dream of being a minute late." He replied with a smile.
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Summer sat on a rock cross-legged, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her hoodie, looking at the ocean. The sun was setting and it looked so peaceful.
Sighing softly, Summer closed her eyes and continued to sit there.
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Summer stood on a dock overlooking a calm and peaceful lake. She was wearing a white and black lace dress it was blowing softly behind her. Her hair was pinned to the back of her hair, and looked so pretty. She walked to the edge of the dock and looked into the water, staring back into her reflection a single tear rolled down her cheek and dropped into the water. As it hit the water, it exploded around her and turned to ice. Summer shivered and an ice voice spoke from behind her.
"It's as cold here, as it is in your heart." The voice growled. Summer's eyes went wide, and she fell into the ice water.
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Summer tumbled off her rock and landed in the sand. She opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. She pushed herself into standing position and looked around.
"Ok hopefully nobody saw that." She said out loud. Summer dusted herself off and leaned against the rock. She looked at her watch. Hunter should be finished at the track by now, she was going to pick him up and they were going to do something tonight, they hadn't decided what yet. She turned around and began walking towards Storm Chargers. She didn't get very far, when she could hear something walking behind her. Summer picked up the pace, and so did whatever was walking behind her. Summer pulled a compact out of her pocket and flipped it upwards and looked behind her. Running after her was Vexacus. Summer silently cursed herself. She hated Vexacus more than any of the other Lothor lapdogs. Summer stopped and turned around, looking at Vexacus.
"What exactly are you doing?" She asked. Vexacus smirked.
"I'm going to destroy everyone's favorite Pink Ranger." He replied.
"Oh, you embarrass me." Summer said dryly.
"My ego is so huge now." She got into a fighting stance.
"Guess it'll get bigger when I kick your sorry butt." She said.
"Foolish girl." Vexacus laughed.
"You'll never beat me." He growled. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Trust me Vexie.... I'll whoop your ass so badly, you won't be able to sit down for a week!" She exclaimed. Vexacus laughed.
"I highly doubt that." He snarled. Rolling her eyes again Summer transformed.
"Thunder Storm, Ranger Form HA!" She cried, changing into the Pink Thunder Ranger.
"Bring it on ugly!" She called.
"With pleasure." Vexacus snarled. He ran at her, his sword drawn Summer pulled out her thunder staff and brought it up, fending off his sword. She kicked him in the gut, sending him sprawling back. He tried getting up but Summer slammed her foot against his chest, keeping him down.
"Now, is there any particular reason you decided to grace me with your presence, or did you just have the incredible urge to have your ass handed to you?" Vexacus looked at her.
"As I said before, I'm going to destroy everyone's favorite Pink Ranger." he said, venom filling his voice. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, and I'm the Queen of Englan-" She was cut off by Vexacus flipping her off him and onto her back. Summer grunted as her back slammed into the ground. She pushed herself up and began spinning her thunder staff.
"Oh what a pretty baton. Mind if I break it?" Vexacus growled, slamming his sword against her staff.
"As a matter of fact, this was a gift... Get you own!" She snarled, pushing back against his blade.
"I'd rather take yours, along with your life." Vexacus growled as he backhanded her across the face sending her sprawling onto her side with a grunt.
"Dream on, ugly." Summer spat back.
"Oh I have dreamt Pink Ranger... Of you and defeating you!" He snarled loudly bringing his sword down. Summer ducked out of the way before he could hit her.
"What is it with you?! Geez!" Summer growled as she took a swipe at him with her staff. Vexacus grabbed it and began pulling on it. Summer pulled back and so began the tug-of-war.
"Back off, fish face!" Snarled a voice as a blast came hitting Vexacous, sending him falling back. Summer looked up to see 8-beam of light streaking towards her. Crimson, Navy, Green, Blue, Red, Yellow, Black and Orange. They appeared before her, guarding her against Vexacus. Hunter turned to Summer and helped her up.
"Cyber Cam and his computer stuff sensed Vexacus. Are you all right?" He asked. Summer nodded.
"Pissed as hell, but good." She replied. Hunter nodded.
"At least your safe now." He told her. Vexacus looked at the 9 rangers.
"None of you will be safe! Prepare to face your doom!" He snarled again. He
blasted the ground near them and everyone dove to the left or right of Vexacus. Five on his left and four on his right. Blake, Tori, Dustin, Shane and Joey fell to the left. Larissa, Cam, Hunter and Summer to the right. Shane looked at
Dustin.
"Dude, now would be a good time for your girlfriend to show up and do something." He said lowly. Joey jabbed her elbow in his gut a bit.
"Remember, to them, she's still a baddie." She whispered.
"Great." Tori said. Suddenly a blast rang out. Everyone looked up.
"Someone ask for me?" Came a voice. "Marah?" Dustin said softly. Vexacus looked up.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Vexacus asked. "I'm destroying these children, I don't need your bumbling in my way." Marah stepped up to Vexacus.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that." She said.
"What? I am doing this for your uncle, he despises these things."
"Well, I don't, so back off!" Marah yelled as she shot her hands out, blasting
Vexacus. Vexacus fell back, landing on his side. He glared at Marah.
"You disgusting, traitorous bi-" Dustin jumped up to his feet and went to Marah's side.
"I suggest you stop right there." He snarled. Vexacus looked up.
"Why? You going to try and destroy me boy?" The monster spat. Dustin nodded.
"Actually. I Am." he said. "Ninja Sword! Gold Mode!" Dustin called out. He
brought the sword down, into the sand. Vexacus had disappeared.
"Where'd he go?!" Dustin yelled. The Rangers looked at each other and shrugged. Suddendly the ground began to rumble, then it exploded, sending the rangers, and Marah upwards and outwards.
"What the hell just happened?" Joey hissed in pain.
"Dustin, I think you over did it with the sword." Tori said.
"Guys, that wasn't me." Dustin replied.
"No, it was I." Came a voice. Everyone looked up to see Lothor.
"Oh wonderful." Summer groaned.
"What not happy to see me Pink Ranger?" Lothor asked turning around.
'Shit. Double shit. Triple shit.' Summer though. She pushed herself into sitting position and pushed herself through the sand towards the rock wall. She didn't get very far, before she crashed into Vexacus' legs.
"Shit." She muttered. The rangers stood behind Lothor, fighting off the newly arrived Kelzacks. Lothor smirked.
"So I guess this is the end of the pink ranger." He snarled happily. Summer glared at him. He grabbed her thunder staff.
"Beautiful staff young one. Too bad it'll be the end of you." He smirked. He raised it over his head and brought it crashing down. He expected it to hit flesh, but he wasn't expecting something or someone to be pushing the staff backup. Summer reached up and grabbed her staff.
"No, more like yours." She grunted. She jumped up, kicking Vexacus in the face.
Joey was fighting off the Kelzacks when she saw Summer and Vexacus going at it. She went to help her when someone stepped in her way.
"Going to save your friend, I see." Lothor sneered. Joey glared at him.
"No," Joey said.
"Looking for you, so I can kick your ass!" She yelled. She went to punch him. Lothor grabbed her fist in his hand.
"I don't think so." He replied. He squeezed her hand. Joey screamed. She heard her bones cracking. Lothor threw her away. Shane heard her scream and looked over.
"Joey!" He cried out. Joey looked at Shane.
"Stay out of this!" She ordered.
"He's mine." She got up. Lothor chuckled.
"Oh, how brave." Lothor replied. Joey glared at him, standing up.
"You took my mother from me, you are going to pay." She snarled. Lothor looked at her.
"Oh? Well, I've taken so many people, you must try to narrow it down a bit." He said. Joey glared at him. She punched him in the face.
"Her name is Carmen Sanchez, you bastard." She growled. Lothor stopped. He looked at her.
"What?" He said.
"Oh, so you know her?" Joey snarled.
"Yes I know her." He growled. Joey glared at him.
"Where is she?!" She snarled. Lothor smirked.
"If I told you that, I'd have to kill you, and what a shame that'd be, you are
so pretty." He remarked stroking her face. Joey slapped his hand away.
"Hands off the merchandise pal!" She snarled. Lothor grinned.
------
Summer and Vexacus circled each other.
"Just give up pink ranger, your not even morphed. I can beat you either way." He gloated. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Yeah... And pigs fly." She grunted dodging his sword. He swung sideways and just nicked Summer shirt and stomach, ripping the shirt and cutting her stomach open. She winced in pain but dodged more attacked. 'I won't give up, I can't give up.' Summer muttered silently while she continued to dodge more shots. 'I need to morph, or I'm going to get my ass kicked.' She though. Hunter saw Summer get cut. He growled, his anger boiling. He ran over, jumping up and kicking Vexacus in the chest.
"Leave her alone, buddy." Hunter snarled.
"Oh, how sweet, the boy saving his love."
"Come near her again, and those will be your last words." Hunter said.
----
"You do remind me much of her." Lothor said, circling Joey.
"You look so much like her, fight like her, I'm surprised I didn't notice this earlier." He said. Joey smirked.
"So, my mom kicked your ass a few times, yay mom." Joey said. Lothor laughed.
"We did fight a few times, but your mother didn't have intentions of hurting me, it was simple sparring." He said.
"And why would my mother ever spar with you, without the intention to kill?" She asked.
"Simple." Lothor said. He leaned into Joey.
"Because she and I loved one another." He whispered in her ear. Joey gasped and stumbled back. "No.........." She said. Lothor looked at her.
"What's your problem?" he asked Joey who was backing away from him. She ran at him and tackled him around the waist, causing them both to tumble to the ground. Joey began furiously punching Lothor in the face.
"Die asshole die!" She screamed. Everyone that had been fighting the Kelzacks turned and faced Joey who was literally beating the snot out of Lothor.
---
Hunter stood morphed in front of Summer, trying to protect her. When they heard Joey scream they turned their heads to look to see if she was all right. Vexacus grinned and lifted his sword over his head. Summer turned her head before Vexacus swung in downwards. She screamed loudly and Hunter shoved her out of the way, taking the full blow of the sword across his back. He cried out in pain and dropped to his knees. Summer caught him as he slumped forward.
"Oh god...Hunter!" She cried softly as he de-morphed. His face was screwed up in pain. Summer's head snapped up and glared at the approaching Vexacus. She gently placed Hunter down and stood up.
"Nobody gets away with hurting my boyfriend." She snarled. Vexacus smirked and swung his sword at her again. Summer dodged it and kicked him hard in the stomach with newfound strength. Stumbling Vexacus looked at her. 'Where did she get this strength from?' he wondered.
"Thunder Storm! Ranger Form! HA!" Summer yelled.
"Oh, now I'm scared." Vexacus sneered.
"You should be." Summer replied.
"HYAH!" She yelled as she went at him, punching and kicking. Vexacus tried to defend himself, but she was too fast. Summer kicked his hand, sending his sword out of his grasp. It fell by her feet. She picked it up and held it, aiming at his chest.
"How ironic would it be if I killed you, with your own weapon?" She asked, innocently.
"How about we see?" She asked.
"Perhaps some other time." Vexacus said as he left. Summer tossed the sword down. She went to Hunter.
"Baby, are you all right?" She asked. Hunter nodded.
"The suit took the most of it." He grunted.
"Stuff's stronger then Kevlar." He smiled.
---
Lothor grabbed Joey and tossed her aside. Lothor stood up.
"You have a lot of nerve attacking me." He replied. He went over and gripped her face in his palm.
"Your mother knew not to displease me, I suggest you do the same." He sneered.
"What, going to rape me like you did her?" Joey snarled lowly. She shook out of his grasp.
"I wouldn't recommend it, unless you're a fan of incest, dad." She said, her eyes narrowed to angry slits.
"Summer?" He called.
"In here." She replied. Hunter smiled and made his way to the bathroom, kicking off his shoes and pulling of his shirt.
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"So, I'm guessing Larissa's going to be there for a while." Joey said with a smirk.
"Eh, Sensei will thwack Cam with something if they start doing something other then 'tutoring'." Blake smirked.
"Oh, so good to know my best friend's chastity will remain." Joey said rolling her eyes. "Well, I'm going to go." She said. She went to leave. Shane followed.
"Need company?" He asked. Joey looked at him.
"Shane." She said. She took a deep breath and looked at Blake, Dustin, and Tori.
"Oh, guys, look at that...tree...over there." Tori said.
"Oh yeah.." Blake said.
"What's so great about a tree?" Dustin asked. Tori rolled her eyes and shoved Dustin as she and Blake walked away. Joey looked at Shane.
"Maybe it's best if we didn't spend so much time together." She said. Shane looked at her.
"Joey, this isn't some ploy to get you horizontal or something. Just a simple question. Do you need company?" He asked. Joey sighed and ran her hands over her face, and through her hair. She looked at Shane and sighed.
"I guess...... a little company would be nice...... but if you try anythin- "
"You can hurt me." He finished. Joey smiled.
"Well, if you insist." Joey grinned. They walked together.
"So, how was it, growing up in the academy?" He asked. Joey tucked her hair behind her ear.
"It was all right, I guess. Sometimes it got stupid, you know, other girls claiming Lar and I got special treatment because the Senseis were our moms." She said.
"Did you?" Shane asked.
"Are you kidding? I mean, my mom made me work harder because I was her daughter. She said I was an example for the other girls. Which I didn't mind. It just bugged me when Larissa got picked on."
"You've always protected Larissa?" Shane asked.
"She's like my little sister. I've known her since, well, since she was a baby and I was a toddler." Joey smiled.
"So, how did Summer break into your close knit twosome?" Shane asked.
"You ask a lot of questions, Mr. Clarke." Joey said, giving him a sideways smile.
"Just curious, Ms. Sanchez." Shane smiled. Joey smirked.
"Summer, as was said before, was basically the delinquent kicked out of her academy for being a girl... So I took a liking to her right away." Joey said. Shane smirked.
"She was obviously so like you." He commented. Joey looked at him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked
"Nothing really, just that you and Summer are the same. You both break the rules sometimes, can be a little hard to read, but when push comes to shove, you do whatever it takes to protect the ones you love." He said. Joey looked down.
"Don't know about that one. Lots of shoving when Lothor attacked, I didn't do anything." She said, kicking the dirt a bit. Shane took her hand and made her look at him.
"You knew there was more at stake." Shane said.
"No, I didn't. I wanted to help. I wanted to protect my mother." Joey said.
"Then, why didn't you?" Shane asked. Joey pursed her lips together.
"Because....I knew that if I did...I'd get taken too." She said softly. "Some superhero I am." She muttered. Shane smiled softly.
"Sometimes, even superheroes need to stand back and watch." He commented. Joey looked at him.
"It's still not fair." She whispered angrily. Shane nodded.
"You're right." He said. "It isn't fair. It isn't fair that Lothor took a bunch of innocent people. It's not fair that Blake, Hunter and Summer lost their parents at a young age. It's not fair that you're sick, or Summer keeps getting hurt, or Larissa's apparently getting some intense abilities, it's not fair that us, a bunch of normal teenagers have to lie to people about who we really are and that we're the world's only chance. It's not fair that your mother was ra-"
"I get it." Joey sighed. "Life's not fair, get used to it."
"You can look at it like that." Shane said.
"How else is there to look at it?" She asked.
"Well, just the fact that no matter how hard things might seem, we're still breathing, we're still able to live day by day, helping others, helping each other." He said.
"That's so Sensei-speak. And don't deny it, I've heard it for all my life. Mom could get uber-philosophical at times." Joey smiled.
"So, what was she like when she wasn't?" Shane asked. Joey smiled softly.
"She was amazing. Beautiful, funny, intelligent." Joey said.
"Just like you." Shane said. Joey bit her lip, and pretended to not comment on that.
"She would make me realize that just because I'm the daughter of a ninja master, and I live at a ninja academy, doesn't mean that was all there was to life. She's the one who got me into art, and just life outside of the academy." Joey said. She stopped walking and sat by a tree. Shane sat with her. "I remember when I was a little girl, she'd pull me out of studies, saying it was important for my ninja training, and she'd take me to museums, galleries, theatre shows, poetry cafes, concerts in the park, almost everywhere." She said.
"Sounds incredible." Shane said. Joey nodded.
"It was. I felt so great. I felt like a normal little girl and her mommy walking hand in hand in the park. Sometimes, I'd even get jealous of all the normal little girls walking hand in hand with their mommies and daddies." Joey said. She took a deep breath. "But then I remembered I was perfectly all right without him, whoever he was." Shane smiled.
"See, you don't need him... Your doing fine without him." Shane commented. Joey nodded.
"I know, but still...." She said. Shane nodded.
"I understand." He replied. Joey smiled softly.
"I guess it's not like I grew up without a 'male influence'. Summer's uncle David would come by sometimes. He was nice. He was like a father.I guess."
"So, there are males you've trusted." Shane said.
"He was the only one who slipped under the radar...Until now." She said. Shane looked at her. Joey smiled.
"He'd bring Summer, Larissa and I gifts on our birthdays and Christmas. I remember Mom didn't like it at first, said it was unnecessary, but I guess after a while, he slipped under her radar too. I know he slipped under Larissa's mom's radar." Joey smirked.
"What do you mean?" Shane asked.
"Well, I shouldn't gossip...But it was like Taheaira would look forward to his visits more then we did." She smirked. Shane looked at her with wide eyes.
"You... mean that....uh.... huh?" Came out the mumble jumble. Joey burst out laughing.
"No Shane, they weren't sleeping together... not even close... I think she liked him though.... and something tells me the feeling was mutual." She finished.
"So, Summer and Larissa might be like cousins someday?" Shane asked. Joey shrugged.
"That all depends on if we ever find her, my mom, and all the others." Joey said. Shane put a hand on her shoulder.
"We will find them." Shane said, looking in her eyes. Joey looked at him. She smiled.
"You know, I actually believe you." She said softly. Shane smiled.
"It's true." He said. "We will defeat Lothor, everyone will come back, and all will be perfect." He said. Joey smiled.
"Nothing's ever perfect." She said.
"It can always come pretty damn close." Shane said. Joey nodded.
"True." She said. She sighed. "Now, if only you could say that I'd find out who hurt my mother and make him pay for what he did to her.." She said. Shane squeezed her shoulder.
"I can't." He said.
"I know." Joey said. "I know that the chances of finding him are....nonexistent...Which only makes him more, if that's possible."
"You know that if he hadn't...You wouldn't be here." Shane said.
"Yeah, I know." Joey said. "But I wish that wasn't the case. I wish that I was the product of consensual sex. I wish that I wasn't my mother's painful reminder of that day."
"You don't know that. You don't know that your mother saw you like that. I'm sure she saw you as a blessing from an unfortunate event." He said.
"A blessing?" Joey asked.
"Yeah. You're a blessing. You're a blessing to everyone who's life you enter." He said softly. Joey looked at him. Shane slowly leaned into her. Their lips met in a slow kiss.
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After the long warm bath, Hunter carried Summer off back to the room. He helped her change into one of his old jerseys. He changed into boxers and a t-shirt and the two crawled into bed. Hunter held her to him gently.
"I love you." He whispered into her hair.
"I love you." She said. The front door opened and closed.
"I'm home." Came Blake's voice. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Oh wonderful." She joked sarcastically. Hunter smirked and removed himself from her embrace. He went to his door and opened it.
"Hey bro." Hunter said, his voice trailing down the stairs to his younger brother.
"Hey." Blake responded. Hunter bounced down the stairs and came face to face with Blake. Blake sniffed the air around Hunter.
"Dude... you smell like strawberries...." Blake commented. Hunter's face flushed a deep shade of red.
"It's my bubble-bath." Summer's voice came from the stairs. She padded down the rest of the stairs. She had put on a pair of black shorts and was wearing white socks. Compared to Hunter, she was so short.
"Hey." Blake said. Summer smiled.
"Hi." She responded.
"How you feeling?" Blake asked.
"Better now." Summer said. "That bath was so refreshing." She said. Blake took note of Hunter's damp hair and scent and smirked.
"I'm sure." He joked. Summer glared at him playfully.
"You know, Blake, you do have a girlfriend. Instead of making comments about your brother and I, why don't you do something?" She asked with a playful smirk. Blake gave a dry laugh.
"For your information, I want to take things slow with Tori." He said. "I don't want to rush things.." He caught himself quickly. "..Not that you guys are.I mean.."
"I get it." Summer said. "Everyone moves at their own pace. Sometimes you just don't want to wait, you just know it's the right thing." Summer smiled, putting her arms around Hunter's waist. Hunter smiled and kissed the crown of her head.
"And it was the right thing...for you guys." Blake commented. Summer nodded.
"I can't help it if I'm so attractive." Summer joked. Hunter smirked.
"Why joke.... it's the truth." He replied. Blake rolled his eyes.
"Whatever." Blake said. "I'm going to bed." He said as he went to his room. Summer looked at Hunter.
"So, answer something for me." She said.
"What?" He asked.
"What is it with you Bradley brothers and blondes?" She joked. Hunter smiled.
"Wait a few days so you can recover, and we can venture that." He said seductively. Summer groaned.
"You are so cruel." She sighed, leaning against him, wishing she could take him up on that offer that very moment.
"eh, I try." He commented as he picked her up and swung her around gently.
"Comeon... you need rest..." He said. Summer rolled her eyes and padded up the stairs. Hunter grinned wickedly and smacked her ass hard. Summer screeched loudly and turned around glaring at him.
"you so didn't just slap my ass." She said. Hunter grinned innocently.
"And if I did?" He asked wickedly. Summer raised an eyebrow. She then grinned wickedly.
"Then I guess you'll have to wait more than a few days." She said. She kept walking. Hunter groaned.
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Joey and Shane were kissing passionately. She felt as if she was alive just then.
"Joey?" Came a voice, a distant voice.....
"Joey." Shane repeated. After he had said she was a blessing to everyone, Joey had kind of spaced out, looked off into the distance and got quiet. "Joey." He said. Joey blinked and shook her head. She turned to Shane. It had all been..a daydream..
"Yeah?" She asked.
"You OK? You got all spacey on me for a bit." He said. Joey nodded. Shane looked at her.
"Uh huh, I'm fine, just tired." She said. Shane looked at her.
"Are you sure your ok?" He asked gently. Joey gave him a fake smile.
"Positive." She responded. Shane decided to not push the issue.
"OK." He said.
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A few weeks passed by. Things were going by all right. Summer still was living with the guys, which Larissa and Joey seemed to be OK with, seeing as Hunter and Blake were rangers so it wasn't like some sort of break up of their team. Cam and Larissa had become as incredibly loving like Summer and Hunter, minus some aspects of course. They actually began to consider moving the girls' tech base into Ninja Opts, so everything was in one place. Shane and Joey were still friends. They would even do training sessions together. Although they tended to be more Joey knocking Shane on his ass.
Kelly stood behind the counter in Storm Chargers ringing in a few customers' purchases. She was short one staff member today. It was Wednesday today, and it was Summer's designated day off, so she hadn't come into work, and they were really busy for once. When the last customer had finished at the cash Kelly turned and looked at Hunter and Dustin who were stocking Motocross Magazines onto the racks.
"Guys?" She called. Dustin and Hunter looked at her.
"Yeah Kel?" Hunter asked. She waved the two boys over.
"Where's Blake?" She asked looking around. Blake exited the backroom and joined his brother, Dustin and Kelly. "There you are. Now I can ask you guys." She said. The guys looked at her puzzled. Kelly smiled.
"I'm thinking of holding a town Halloween party here at Storm Chargers, and I was hoping that you guys would be able to help me set the place up and get ready." She finished. The guys looked at each other, then back at Kelly.
"Sure! We'd be glad to help." Blake said happily. Kelly sighed happily and smiled.
"Thanks so much guys." She gushed.
"Yeah, a good ole party is just what we all need to kick back and relax, man." Hunter smiled, already planning his costume. "I better go tell Summer." He said.
"Aren't you guys meeting up later?" Dustin asked.
"Yeah." Hunter said.
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Shane and Joey were sparring in one of the training rooms in Ninja Opts.
"So, how long have you been training?" Joey asked as she went to kick him. Shane ducked.
"About a year, why?"
"Oh, it shows." Joey smiled. Shane looked at her.
"Oh, and what's that supposed to mean?" Shane asked. He went to punch her. Joey took his arm and stepped into him. She kicked his feet from under him, sending him falling back onto the matt.
"Oh nothing, just a little observation." She shrugged. Shane chuckled.
"Oh, really?" He asked. "Well, what about you? How long have you been training?" He asked. Joey offered her hand to him to help him up. He took it.
"You really need to ask?" She replied.
"Remember, my mom's a sensei, I grew up in the academy."
"Oh yeah, good point." Shane said. Joey laughed and went to the side of the room, grabbing her water bottle. She took a sip.
"Want some?" She asked.
"Sure." Shane said. Joey went over and gave him the water bottle. He squirted some water into his mouth. He looked at her. She was sitting by the wall, wiping some sweat off her brow. Shane went over and sat next to her, giving her back her water. Joey smiled and took another swig. Shane looked at her. He took a deep breath.
"Hey, I was wondering...Do you...Uh...Want to...do something...later?" He asked. Joey looked at him.
"Oh, sure." She said.
"Although, how many more sparring sessions with me knocking you on your ass can you endure?" She smirked. Shane blinked.
"Uh...No....Not a sparing session." He said. He sighed.
"Forget it." He said.
"What? Shane, what's bugging you?" She asked.
"Nothing, I just thought we could just hang out. Go see a movie or something." He replied. Joey looked at him.
"Well, why didn't you just say so?" She asked.
"Yeah, Lars been wanting to see that new movie...With...uh...crap.... that new vampire one...with the British chick, so, maybe all nine of us can go. Our first ranger outing off the battlefield." Joey said with a smile. Shane looked at her.
"What?
"No....Not..." Shane sighed and laid his head against the wall.
"I think living in a academy with just girls has left you somewhat clueless." Shane muttered. Joey looked at her.
"What? Shane, you're not making sense. Now, what is it, sparring session, or movie with the others?" She asked. Shane looked at her.
"Neither. I meant...Something.... just the two of us.... hanging out."
"Shane, you and I always hang out. At the skate park the-"
"Jo, I'm trying to ask you to go out with me on a date!" Shane finally blurted out in frustration. Joey's mouth instantly shut.
"You're...asking me out on a date?" Joey asked, surprised.
"Well, I'm trying to. I've been trying to since we all got back from that freaky island...Since we kissed...." His voice trailed off. He looked at Joey. Joey looked away.
"Shane, I told you, that kiss wasn't...I mean...We can't...I...I can't." Joey stammered nervously. She sighed, standing up. Shane looked at her.
"You said you couldn't do relationships...but you didn't give me a reason." He stood up and walked over to her.
"Josephine, I like you, a lot, and correct me if I'm wrong, but a person usually only kisses someone they like, so, I know you like me too."
"Who ever said I'm usual?" Joey replied. "Shane, I can't...I can't do relationships...I never have, and that's how I plan on keeping it. My mom did, and look where that got her."
"It got her with you." Shane said.
"It got her with the guy...whoever the hell he is.... violating her...and not having the decency to stick around for the outcome of his stupid action!" Joey screamed. Shane looked at her. He pulled her into a hug. Joey stepped back.
"Don't." She said. She took a deep breath and smoothed her hair back.
"I'm sorry, Shane. I'm sorry that I kissed you and."
"Joey." Shane said.
"You might be sorry you kissed me, but I'm not sorry I kissed you back. I had been wanting to kiss you for a while, so, there aren't any regrets on my part." He said. Joey tilted her head and looked at him.
"You have no regrets about that?" She asked. Shane nodded.
"I like you Joey.... And like I said I had no regrets kissing you." Joey backed away shaking her head.
"Shane...I can't. I mean, god, I don't even do that usually. I mean that was..." Her voice trailed off a bit, she looked away, a little embarrassed. Shane looked at her.
"Your first kiss?" He asked. Joey sighed.
"Yeah. I know.... I'm such a dork...Make fun of me." She said. Shane shook his head.
"Why would I?" He asked.
"I think it's kind of-"
"If you say sweet, I'll hurt you." Joey said.
"What is it with you and hurting males?" Shane asked. Joey looked at him.
"Do I need to explain in detail how I feel about men?" She retorted. Shane sighed. "I saw what he did to her. I saw the fear in her eyes. It felt so real...As if it was happening to me. I know that whoever this guy is, she did love him, and then he took that love and hurt her with it."
"So, what, you think I'd do that to you?" Shane asked, feeling a little hurt. Joey looked at him.
"No....but I can't take that chance! I don't need, nor want to get hurt." She cried. Shane's face softened.
"Joey.... I'd never hurt you...I car-" Shane was cut off. Summer and Tori bounded down the stairs in Ninja Ops.
"Hey guys!" The pink ranger smiled, her smile faded as she saw Joey's face.
"Something wrong?" Summer asked. Joey shook her head.
"Nothing's wrong...." She said. Shane looked at Joey.
"Right." He muttered. Summer and Tori looked at Shane and Joey. Summer went up to Shane.
"What did you do?" She asked. Joey turned to Summer and grabbed her arm, pulling her back.
"He didn't do anything, just forget it, OK?" She asked. Summer looked at Joey.
"Ok ok...Geez...Let go of my arm Joey." Summer told her. Joey let go of her arm and Summer backed up.
"If your sure your fine.... I'm going to go.... I'll be out with Hunter if you guys need me." Summer said. The three nodded and the pink ranger exited Ninja Ops. Tori looked at them both.
"I'm going to pull a Summer... See ya soon!" The blond water ninja chorused before streaking out of Ninja Ops. Shane and Joey stared at each other.
"Joey, I-"
"Shane, just don't, please." She said softly. Shane sighed and went over to her. In one fluid movement, he pulled her closer. His mouth descended upon hers. Shane kissed her softly. A part of Joey wanted to fight it, a part of her wanted to pull away, but another part of her didn't. A part of her wanted to stay in his embrace forever. Joey moaned softly and put his arms around Shane's shoulders, kissing him back. 'Stop!' Her mind screamed. But she couldn't, it was like her feet were glued to the floor, not wanting her to move from that spot. Shane pulled away, but kept his hands where they were. Joey looked at him.
"Wow." He said. Joey nodded.
"I..." Joey said softly, tears filling her eyes. Her head kept ordering her to move push Shane away, run away, but she couldn't. A tear slid down her face. Shane reached up and wiped at her cheek with his thumb.
"Joey, don't cry." He said softly. Joey's chin quivered a bit.
"I'm so confused." She said softly.
"I.... I can't do this." She whispered. Shane pulled her into a hug.
"Why can't you do this Joey?" He asked quietly. Joey sighed.
"I don't want to be hurt..." She confessed. Shane lowered himself so he could look her directly in the eyes.
"What makes you think I'd ever hurt you?" He questioned.
"I don't." She said.
"I...I'm just so scared...." She whispered as more tears came to her eyes.
"I'm just scared and..." Shane pulled her closer into a tight, comforting hug.
"You don't have to be scared." He whispered softly into her ear.
"But I am." She whispered. Shane planted a kiss on the crown of her head.
"Joey.... I'd never hurt you.... I can't promise the world to you, but don't be scared of me...." He told her quietly. Joey slowly placed her arms around his body.
"Why are you trying so hard, anyway?" She asked. She pulled back a bit and looked at him.
"I mean, any sensible guy would've just given up by now."
"I guess I'm not very sensible." Shane smiled.
"Oh no, not if you have feelings for me." Joey replied. Shane looked into her eyes.
"Well, if that's being a non-sensible guy, I wish I was non-sensible a long time ago." He said softly. Joey looked at him.
"I don't know if I'm ready for a relationship.... I'm just so afraid." She confided. Shane looked at her.
"Afraid of what Jo?" He asked. Joey bit her lip and looked him straight in the eyes again.
"Afraid of ending up the same way my mother did." She replied tearfully. Shane rubbed her arms.
"I'd never do that Joey." he told her gently.
"How do I know that for sure?" She asked.
"What if someday you do...?" She said softly. Shane tightened his arms around her.
"I'd rather die then ever even think about hurting you." He said softly. Joey sighed.
"I just don't know Shane...." She trailed off, looking away from him.
Shane kissed her forehead gently.
"I'll make you a deal...You go out on a date with me, and if I royally mess it up, you can kick my ass and I'll leave you alone." He compromised. Joey looked at him.
"I think I can live with that." She said, smiling. Shane chuckled.
"So we have a deal then?" he asked hopefully. Joey nodded.
"I guess we do." She replied. Shane went to kiss her. Joey turned her head.
"Stop that." She said. She stepped back a bit.
"I think we should make some ground rules for this date though." She stated. Shane nodded.
"OK."
"Rule number 1, no kissing." She said.
"Huh?" Shane asked.
"What's a date without kissing?" He asked.
"I'll give you hand holding, but no kissing." Joey said.
"I..." She sighed.
"Whenever you kiss me, I loose myself for a while, and it wouldn't be fair if.." Shane understood.
"OK, no kissing." He said.
"Rule 2. No groping of any kind. If I even see you think to make an attempt to grope me, I'll get Summer to do the nut-grab again on you." Joey threatened. Shane gulped and nodded.
"And Rule 3. I get to pick the movie." She joked. Shane pouted.
"No fair!" He said. Joey laughed.
"Life my dear isn't fair, especially if you date me!" Shane smiled.
"Guess not. But I think I'll be up for that challenge." Shane said. Joey laughed softly.
"I'm going to make you wish you never met me." She said smugly. Shane shook his head.
"That, my dear, is not possible." He said. Joey bit her lip.
"All right...Uh...So, I guess tonight then.... right?" She said. Shane nodded.
"So, am I to assume this would be your first date?" He asked. Joey gave him a look.
"Yes..." She replied. Shane smiled.
"It'll be fun." he told her. Joey looked at him.
"Yeah...fun for me...pain for you." She joked.
"So, what movie do you want to see?" He asked. Joey grinned.
"Well, I'm supposed to make this evening the most unpleasant for you as possible, so, I'll think of something. Be at the house around 8, OK?" She said. Shane nodded.
"I wouldn't dream of being a minute late." He replied with a smile.
))))))))))))))))))))))))))))(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
Summer sat on a rock cross-legged, her hands stuffed into the pockets of her hoodie, looking at the ocean. The sun was setting and it looked so peaceful.
Sighing softly, Summer closed her eyes and continued to sit there.
((((((((((((((((((((Summer's Daydream World))))))))))))))))))
Summer stood on a dock overlooking a calm and peaceful lake. She was wearing a white and black lace dress it was blowing softly behind her. Her hair was pinned to the back of her hair, and looked so pretty. She walked to the edge of the dock and looked into the water, staring back into her reflection a single tear rolled down her cheek and dropped into the water. As it hit the water, it exploded around her and turned to ice. Summer shivered and an ice voice spoke from behind her.
"It's as cold here, as it is in your heart." The voice growled. Summer's eyes went wide, and she fell into the ice water.
)))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((Real World)))))))))))))))))))))((((((((((((((((((
Summer tumbled off her rock and landed in the sand. She opened her eyes and took in her surroundings. She pushed herself into standing position and looked around.
"Ok hopefully nobody saw that." She said out loud. Summer dusted herself off and leaned against the rock. She looked at her watch. Hunter should be finished at the track by now, she was going to pick him up and they were going to do something tonight, they hadn't decided what yet. She turned around and began walking towards Storm Chargers. She didn't get very far, when she could hear something walking behind her. Summer picked up the pace, and so did whatever was walking behind her. Summer pulled a compact out of her pocket and flipped it upwards and looked behind her. Running after her was Vexacus. Summer silently cursed herself. She hated Vexacus more than any of the other Lothor lapdogs. Summer stopped and turned around, looking at Vexacus.
"What exactly are you doing?" She asked. Vexacus smirked.
"I'm going to destroy everyone's favorite Pink Ranger." He replied.
"Oh, you embarrass me." Summer said dryly.
"My ego is so huge now." She got into a fighting stance.
"Guess it'll get bigger when I kick your sorry butt." She said.
"Foolish girl." Vexacus laughed.
"You'll never beat me." He growled. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Trust me Vexie.... I'll whoop your ass so badly, you won't be able to sit down for a week!" She exclaimed. Vexacus laughed.
"I highly doubt that." He snarled. Rolling her eyes again Summer transformed.
"Thunder Storm, Ranger Form HA!" She cried, changing into the Pink Thunder Ranger.
"Bring it on ugly!" She called.
"With pleasure." Vexacus snarled. He ran at her, his sword drawn Summer pulled out her thunder staff and brought it up, fending off his sword. She kicked him in the gut, sending him sprawling back. He tried getting up but Summer slammed her foot against his chest, keeping him down.
"Now, is there any particular reason you decided to grace me with your presence, or did you just have the incredible urge to have your ass handed to you?" Vexacus looked at her.
"As I said before, I'm going to destroy everyone's favorite Pink Ranger." he said, venom filling his voice. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, and I'm the Queen of Englan-" She was cut off by Vexacus flipping her off him and onto her back. Summer grunted as her back slammed into the ground. She pushed herself up and began spinning her thunder staff.
"Oh what a pretty baton. Mind if I break it?" Vexacus growled, slamming his sword against her staff.
"As a matter of fact, this was a gift... Get you own!" She snarled, pushing back against his blade.
"I'd rather take yours, along with your life." Vexacus growled as he backhanded her across the face sending her sprawling onto her side with a grunt.
"Dream on, ugly." Summer spat back.
"Oh I have dreamt Pink Ranger... Of you and defeating you!" He snarled loudly bringing his sword down. Summer ducked out of the way before he could hit her.
"What is it with you?! Geez!" Summer growled as she took a swipe at him with her staff. Vexacus grabbed it and began pulling on it. Summer pulled back and so began the tug-of-war.
"Back off, fish face!" Snarled a voice as a blast came hitting Vexacous, sending him falling back. Summer looked up to see 8-beam of light streaking towards her. Crimson, Navy, Green, Blue, Red, Yellow, Black and Orange. They appeared before her, guarding her against Vexacus. Hunter turned to Summer and helped her up.
"Cyber Cam and his computer stuff sensed Vexacus. Are you all right?" He asked. Summer nodded.
"Pissed as hell, but good." She replied. Hunter nodded.
"At least your safe now." He told her. Vexacus looked at the 9 rangers.
"None of you will be safe! Prepare to face your doom!" He snarled again. He
blasted the ground near them and everyone dove to the left or right of Vexacus. Five on his left and four on his right. Blake, Tori, Dustin, Shane and Joey fell to the left. Larissa, Cam, Hunter and Summer to the right. Shane looked at
Dustin.
"Dude, now would be a good time for your girlfriend to show up and do something." He said lowly. Joey jabbed her elbow in his gut a bit.
"Remember, to them, she's still a baddie." She whispered.
"Great." Tori said. Suddenly a blast rang out. Everyone looked up.
"Someone ask for me?" Came a voice. "Marah?" Dustin said softly. Vexacus looked up.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Vexacus asked. "I'm destroying these children, I don't need your bumbling in my way." Marah stepped up to Vexacus.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that." She said.
"What? I am doing this for your uncle, he despises these things."
"Well, I don't, so back off!" Marah yelled as she shot her hands out, blasting
Vexacus. Vexacus fell back, landing on his side. He glared at Marah.
"You disgusting, traitorous bi-" Dustin jumped up to his feet and went to Marah's side.
"I suggest you stop right there." He snarled. Vexacus looked up.
"Why? You going to try and destroy me boy?" The monster spat. Dustin nodded.
"Actually. I Am." he said. "Ninja Sword! Gold Mode!" Dustin called out. He
brought the sword down, into the sand. Vexacus had disappeared.
"Where'd he go?!" Dustin yelled. The Rangers looked at each other and shrugged. Suddendly the ground began to rumble, then it exploded, sending the rangers, and Marah upwards and outwards.
"What the hell just happened?" Joey hissed in pain.
"Dustin, I think you over did it with the sword." Tori said.
"Guys, that wasn't me." Dustin replied.
"No, it was I." Came a voice. Everyone looked up to see Lothor.
"Oh wonderful." Summer groaned.
"What not happy to see me Pink Ranger?" Lothor asked turning around.
'Shit. Double shit. Triple shit.' Summer though. She pushed herself into sitting position and pushed herself through the sand towards the rock wall. She didn't get very far, before she crashed into Vexacus' legs.
"Shit." She muttered. The rangers stood behind Lothor, fighting off the newly arrived Kelzacks. Lothor smirked.
"So I guess this is the end of the pink ranger." He snarled happily. Summer glared at him. He grabbed her thunder staff.
"Beautiful staff young one. Too bad it'll be the end of you." He smirked. He raised it over his head and brought it crashing down. He expected it to hit flesh, but he wasn't expecting something or someone to be pushing the staff backup. Summer reached up and grabbed her staff.
"No, more like yours." She grunted. She jumped up, kicking Vexacus in the face.
Joey was fighting off the Kelzacks when she saw Summer and Vexacus going at it. She went to help her when someone stepped in her way.
"Going to save your friend, I see." Lothor sneered. Joey glared at him.
"No," Joey said.
"Looking for you, so I can kick your ass!" She yelled. She went to punch him. Lothor grabbed her fist in his hand.
"I don't think so." He replied. He squeezed her hand. Joey screamed. She heard her bones cracking. Lothor threw her away. Shane heard her scream and looked over.
"Joey!" He cried out. Joey looked at Shane.
"Stay out of this!" She ordered.
"He's mine." She got up. Lothor chuckled.
"Oh, how brave." Lothor replied. Joey glared at him, standing up.
"You took my mother from me, you are going to pay." She snarled. Lothor looked at her.
"Oh? Well, I've taken so many people, you must try to narrow it down a bit." He said. Joey glared at him. She punched him in the face.
"Her name is Carmen Sanchez, you bastard." She growled. Lothor stopped. He looked at her.
"What?" He said.
"Oh, so you know her?" Joey snarled.
"Yes I know her." He growled. Joey glared at him.
"Where is she?!" She snarled. Lothor smirked.
"If I told you that, I'd have to kill you, and what a shame that'd be, you are
so pretty." He remarked stroking her face. Joey slapped his hand away.
"Hands off the merchandise pal!" She snarled. Lothor grinned.
------
Summer and Vexacus circled each other.
"Just give up pink ranger, your not even morphed. I can beat you either way." He gloated. Summer rolled her eyes.
"Yeah... And pigs fly." She grunted dodging his sword. He swung sideways and just nicked Summer shirt and stomach, ripping the shirt and cutting her stomach open. She winced in pain but dodged more attacked. 'I won't give up, I can't give up.' Summer muttered silently while she continued to dodge more shots. 'I need to morph, or I'm going to get my ass kicked.' She though. Hunter saw Summer get cut. He growled, his anger boiling. He ran over, jumping up and kicking Vexacus in the chest.
"Leave her alone, buddy." Hunter snarled.
"Oh, how sweet, the boy saving his love."
"Come near her again, and those will be your last words." Hunter said.
----
"You do remind me much of her." Lothor said, circling Joey.
"You look so much like her, fight like her, I'm surprised I didn't notice this earlier." He said. Joey smirked.
"So, my mom kicked your ass a few times, yay mom." Joey said. Lothor laughed.
"We did fight a few times, but your mother didn't have intentions of hurting me, it was simple sparring." He said.
"And why would my mother ever spar with you, without the intention to kill?" She asked.
"Simple." Lothor said. He leaned into Joey.
"Because she and I loved one another." He whispered in her ear. Joey gasped and stumbled back. "No.........." She said. Lothor looked at her.
"What's your problem?" he asked Joey who was backing away from him. She ran at him and tackled him around the waist, causing them both to tumble to the ground. Joey began furiously punching Lothor in the face.
"Die asshole die!" She screamed. Everyone that had been fighting the Kelzacks turned and faced Joey who was literally beating the snot out of Lothor.
---
Hunter stood morphed in front of Summer, trying to protect her. When they heard Joey scream they turned their heads to look to see if she was all right. Vexacus grinned and lifted his sword over his head. Summer turned her head before Vexacus swung in downwards. She screamed loudly and Hunter shoved her out of the way, taking the full blow of the sword across his back. He cried out in pain and dropped to his knees. Summer caught him as he slumped forward.
"Oh god...Hunter!" She cried softly as he de-morphed. His face was screwed up in pain. Summer's head snapped up and glared at the approaching Vexacus. She gently placed Hunter down and stood up.
"Nobody gets away with hurting my boyfriend." She snarled. Vexacus smirked and swung his sword at her again. Summer dodged it and kicked him hard in the stomach with newfound strength. Stumbling Vexacus looked at her. 'Where did she get this strength from?' he wondered.
"Thunder Storm! Ranger Form! HA!" Summer yelled.
"Oh, now I'm scared." Vexacus sneered.
"You should be." Summer replied.
"HYAH!" She yelled as she went at him, punching and kicking. Vexacus tried to defend himself, but she was too fast. Summer kicked his hand, sending his sword out of his grasp. It fell by her feet. She picked it up and held it, aiming at his chest.
"How ironic would it be if I killed you, with your own weapon?" She asked, innocently.
"How about we see?" She asked.
"Perhaps some other time." Vexacus said as he left. Summer tossed the sword down. She went to Hunter.
"Baby, are you all right?" She asked. Hunter nodded.
"The suit took the most of it." He grunted.
"Stuff's stronger then Kevlar." He smiled.
---
Lothor grabbed Joey and tossed her aside. Lothor stood up.
"You have a lot of nerve attacking me." He replied. He went over and gripped her face in his palm.
"Your mother knew not to displease me, I suggest you do the same." He sneered.
"What, going to rape me like you did her?" Joey snarled lowly. She shook out of his grasp.
"I wouldn't recommend it, unless you're a fan of incest, dad." She said, her eyes narrowed to angry slits.