Tori back-flipped over Cam and then blasted him with a light water
blast. "You see, by combining these two simple tactics, you can easily
subdue your opponent," she explained to her class. The students all nodded
their heads and Tori helped Cam up. A loud bell toll was heard coming from
the temple and Tori helped Cam up. "Alright everyone. Class dismissed." The
students rose and bowed before they left.
Cam dusted himself off and watched as Tori performed her daily routine of clearing up the grounds of her area. It had been ten months since Blake left them, and slowly, Cam, Dustin, and Shane began to notice her sluggishness.
"Tori? What's going on with you? You're not yourself," Cam said as they loaded the practice swords. Tori closed the closet door.
"I guess I'm just down lately because I got a letter from Blake and he's not coming home for another three months," she said. Cam put his arm around her shoulders and they walked to meet the others. Tori was enjoying her new life at the academy as a teacher and couldn't picture herself doing anything else. She missed Blake, but found that her students as well as her new line of work were helping her through it...slowly.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
"Way to go!" Charlie said as Blake parked his bike. Charlie was another rider that had moved from California as well. They roomed together in the boarding house Roger had set up for others who were away from home.
Blake removed his helmet and placed it on the handlebars. "Thanks, man. It feels really good out there," he said in a monotonous tone. Charlie furrowed his brow.
"Dude, what's eating you lately?"
"I got my new assignment last week. I'm here for another three months so I can get into the cup tournament."
"Yeah? What's wrong with that?"
"My birthday's in a few days...the day before the qualifying round, and I was kind of hoping to get some time off to spend at home."
"You're homesick?" Charlie asked as they walked their bikes into the rig.
"I guess...but this is like...I don't know. More than that." Charlie got a grin on his face as they shut the tailgate.
"You miss your girl, don't you?" he said. Blake smiled at the memory of Tori and he clutched the ring that hung around his neck. "I'd miss her too, man. She's hot." Blake smirked at him. "Hey, I've seen that picture in your room, and if she's anything-"
"Alright- stop right here or I'll have to kick your ass," Blake said laughing.
"Yeah, yeah. I know- she's claimed...hey, what about her coming here?"
Blake sighed and walked over to his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. "She's a teacher remember? She doesn't get much downtime...especially this time of year." Blake clasped his hand. "I'm gonna head to the beach. I'll catch ya later."
Blake walked until he came to the clearing he went to everyday after he rode. He tore off his street clothes and began this ninja workout. Even though he wasn't in classes anymore, he still kept up with his training.
As he went through the motions, Charlie's words kept ringing in his head. 'Why doesn't she come out here?' Why couldn't she? The others could pick up the slack for a few days. He grabbed his cell phone out of the bag and dialed Tori's number. Her voicemail kicked in-
"Hey there. I can't get my phone right now, so leave me a message!" Blake smiled at hearing her voice and waiting for the tone.
"Hey blondie, it's just me calling to say Hi. Give me a call when you get this if you have a chance. Love you," he said. Blake hung up and continued his workout until he couldn't take anymore.
He sluggishly changed back into his racing clothes and headed for home.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
Tori had just checked her messages and was about to call Blake back when a knock came on her office door. She got up and found Sensei. "I do believe you and I need to have a heart to heart," he said as he came in and sat in front of her.
She smiled as she remembered back to her first few days with him after her parents died. His little heart to hearts always knew some valuable life lesson was about to be taught. They always brought her great comfort.
"I, as well as the others, have noticed a certain...abnormality in your disposition as of late." Tori let out a small sigh and bit her lip. Sensei knew the reaction. "Tori, I sense something is greatly troubling you."
"I miss him Sensei," Tori said at last. Sensei sat back in his chair and let out a small chuckle.
"As you should." He rose and bade her to follow him. Tori walked behind him until they came to Ninja ops. He reached for a scroll and handed it to her. She opened it and her eyes grew wide.
On the scroll were her water insignia and Blake's thunder one. "What does this all mean?" she asked.
"It means that you both have always been close...in all forms of your past lives. I too was confused when I first looked upon this, but the moment I saw the thunder rangers,"
"You knew that they would eventually join with us because Blake and I..."
"Your souls recognized each other and I saw the bond you shared." He took her hand in his. "You have been like a daughter to me Victoria...and...I order you to take some time off to go seek him out."
Tori hugged him and kissed his cheek. "But what about-"
"Cam and the others will take care of things here." Tori was beaming.
"Thank you!"
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
"So it's all set then? You go on Friday and we'll be there Saturday for the race," Hunter said back to Tori.
"Yeah. We'll all come back on Sunday night in time for classes on Monday," she said. "He's going to freak!" Hunter laughed.
"Yeah he is. So what do you have planned for my little bro's birthday?"
"Not sure yet, but I'm sure I can think of something before I get there," she said. Hunter decided to leave that subject alone and they said goodbye.
Tori smiled and lay back in her bed. Friday seemed like it was a million miles away and she couldn't wait to feel his arms around her again...
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
Blake woke up and looked at his alarm clock. 'Happy Birthday to me,' he thought as he sluggishly made his way down to the kitchen.
"So what are your plans for today?" Charlie asked as he entered. "I mean, you must have something planned besides moping in your room on your birthday." Blake chewed on a PopTart and sat down next to him.
"I'm going to do the same thing I do everyday- ride, workout, sleep...I got a call from Hunter and the rest of them this morning."
"And Tori?"
Blake's face fell. "She was out, but Hunter said she was going to call me around noon."
"That's harsh dude. Especially since tomorrow is like THE race. You know how many corporate sponsors are going to be there? FOXY, NO FEAR, MAZDA, YAMAHA..."
"I know man. I just can't seem to focus. I mean it would be sweet to get a huge sponsorship and travel with the Supercross tour, but we'll just have to wait and see." He glanced at the clock and saw that it was 12:15. "Damn...I guess she's not going to call."
Blake went back to his room and sank onto his bed. Charlie wished he could get Blake to lighten up, but he knew his chances of that today were slim. A soft knocking was heard at the front door and he went to get it.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
Tori's flight touched down a little after 11, and she immediately hailed a cab and headed over to Blake's house. Her hands were sweating and she was extremely nervous. What would he do? They talked on the phone as often as they could, but they hadn't seen each other, and the yerning was unbareable.
The cab stopped and she checked her watch. 12:15... 'Shit, I was supposed to call him...' she thought as she paid the drover and headed to the front door. She knocked softly and was greeted by a tall, brunette who just stared at her wide eyed.
"Hi," Charlie said a little unsteadily. He recognized her immediately.
"Hi...I'm looking for Blake Bradley," she said. She gave him a quick once over. "Are you Charlie?"
"Yeah, you Tori?" Tori nodded. "Blake's upstairs in his room," he said shaking her hand. "He doesn't know you're coming does he?"
"No- I was hoping to surprise him," she said. Charlie led her up the stairs and peered in the room.
"Oh, he'll be surprised all right...Hey Blake," he said opening the door. "Something just landed on our doorstep for your birthday."
Blake was lying on his bed and didn't look when Charlie opened the door. "Just put it on the floor," he said as he closed his eyes.
"I don't think I should," Charlie said grinning.
"Why not?" Blake replied, still not moving from his spot. Charlie decided that now was his time to exit and left Tori to finish her little surprise. She dropped her bags with a loud thud. "Thanks Charlie."
"Your welcome Thunderboy." Blake's eyes flew open and he sat up quickly.
"Tori," he breathed.
"Happy Birthday," she said smiling. In a flash Blake went over to her and took her in his arms, inhaling her intoxicating scent. Tori wrapped her arms around his neck and couldn't control her smile.
Blake pulled away a bit and captured her lips in a searing kiss that made her go weak at the knees. He wove his hands through her hair and savored the moment. They pulled away, but held onto each other in a lengthy hug. "How are you here?" he asked as he ran a hand over her face, still in shock.
"I needed to see you," she said as she laid her head on his shoulder. "So I got time off and here I am."
"This is the best birthday gift I could ask for."
"Well, it gets better...Shane, Dustin, Cam, and Hunter will be here tomorrow for your race, and we're all staying for the weekend...plus I got a hotel room..." That was it for Blake. He picked her up in his arms and spun her.
"I've missed you so much," he said. His lips found their way to her neck and she grinned. She had waiting for what seemed and eternity to feel him kissing her like this again.
"I've missed you too..." she trailed off as she felt his hands reaching behind her to caress her back. He found her lips and they felt the fire inside of them ignite. Tori pushed herself slightly off him. "We can't...not yet."
Blake knew she was right and pulled away. "As long as I'm with you, I don't care what we do." Tori kissed his cheek.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
They spent the first part of the morning getting reacquainted- talking about the academies and racing. It was late afternoon, and Blake needed to get some practice laps in before the race tomorrow.
Tori couldn't get over how fast Blake was flying around the track. She had never seen anything like it. He had started the race in the middle of the pack, but turned on the speed towards the end and finished first. He pulled his bike up to his pit area where Tori was waiting for him.
"I'm impressed," she said as she kissed his cheek. "Hunter's going to go nuts when he sees you out there!" Blake laughed and hopped off his bike.
"I still can't believe they're all coming...I can't believe you're here." He hugged her again and kissed her cheek.
"So, what do you do after you race everyday?" Tori asked ash she lounged in his arms.
"I go train at the beach, but you do that everyday...but I think I'll
forego it today...What do you say we get out of here?" Tori grinned and they packed his gear into the trailer. "So what exactly are we doing for my birthday?" he pried.
Tori just grinned. "Well, first we need to go back to your place, get our stuff, and then I was thinking of heading over to the hotel..." she said with a devilish smile. Blake didn't need to hear anymore, and they headed for his place.
They walked into the house and were met by five other riders sitting in the living room shouting loudly. "Hey Bradley! Get your ass in here!" one of the guys called. Blake, holding Tori's hand, entered the room. "Happy Birthday!" they all shouted as they blasted him with silly string, covering Tori in the process.
Shrieks of laughter erupted until they all saw the blonde that was next to him. Blake and Tori were both laughing and peeled the gooey material off of them. "Oh man! We're sorry!" Charlie said to Tori. "Didn't see you there!"
Tori laughed it off and saw the looks some of the guys were giving her. "Guys- this is Tori," Blake said. One of the guys looked at her and then at Blake.
"Well done my friend, well done," he said. Charlie threw a pillow at him.
"Ignore him- we just wanted to say happy birthday man." Blake shook his hand and thanked his teammates.
They left them and headed up to Blake's room to get some things for him for the night. "Your friends are nice," Tori said as she sat on his bed.
"Yeah, they're great." He finished packing and offered her his hand. Tori took it and gathered her bags.
"So Mr. Bradley, are you ready?" she asked sweetly. Blake kissed her fully on the mouth and opened the door.
"Lead the way."
Cam dusted himself off and watched as Tori performed her daily routine of clearing up the grounds of her area. It had been ten months since Blake left them, and slowly, Cam, Dustin, and Shane began to notice her sluggishness.
"Tori? What's going on with you? You're not yourself," Cam said as they loaded the practice swords. Tori closed the closet door.
"I guess I'm just down lately because I got a letter from Blake and he's not coming home for another three months," she said. Cam put his arm around her shoulders and they walked to meet the others. Tori was enjoying her new life at the academy as a teacher and couldn't picture herself doing anything else. She missed Blake, but found that her students as well as her new line of work were helping her through it...slowly.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
"Way to go!" Charlie said as Blake parked his bike. Charlie was another rider that had moved from California as well. They roomed together in the boarding house Roger had set up for others who were away from home.
Blake removed his helmet and placed it on the handlebars. "Thanks, man. It feels really good out there," he said in a monotonous tone. Charlie furrowed his brow.
"Dude, what's eating you lately?"
"I got my new assignment last week. I'm here for another three months so I can get into the cup tournament."
"Yeah? What's wrong with that?"
"My birthday's in a few days...the day before the qualifying round, and I was kind of hoping to get some time off to spend at home."
"You're homesick?" Charlie asked as they walked their bikes into the rig.
"I guess...but this is like...I don't know. More than that." Charlie got a grin on his face as they shut the tailgate.
"You miss your girl, don't you?" he said. Blake smiled at the memory of Tori and he clutched the ring that hung around his neck. "I'd miss her too, man. She's hot." Blake smirked at him. "Hey, I've seen that picture in your room, and if she's anything-"
"Alright- stop right here or I'll have to kick your ass," Blake said laughing.
"Yeah, yeah. I know- she's claimed...hey, what about her coming here?"
Blake sighed and walked over to his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. "She's a teacher remember? She doesn't get much downtime...especially this time of year." Blake clasped his hand. "I'm gonna head to the beach. I'll catch ya later."
Blake walked until he came to the clearing he went to everyday after he rode. He tore off his street clothes and began this ninja workout. Even though he wasn't in classes anymore, he still kept up with his training.
As he went through the motions, Charlie's words kept ringing in his head. 'Why doesn't she come out here?' Why couldn't she? The others could pick up the slack for a few days. He grabbed his cell phone out of the bag and dialed Tori's number. Her voicemail kicked in-
"Hey there. I can't get my phone right now, so leave me a message!" Blake smiled at hearing her voice and waiting for the tone.
"Hey blondie, it's just me calling to say Hi. Give me a call when you get this if you have a chance. Love you," he said. Blake hung up and continued his workout until he couldn't take anymore.
He sluggishly changed back into his racing clothes and headed for home.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
Tori had just checked her messages and was about to call Blake back when a knock came on her office door. She got up and found Sensei. "I do believe you and I need to have a heart to heart," he said as he came in and sat in front of her.
She smiled as she remembered back to her first few days with him after her parents died. His little heart to hearts always knew some valuable life lesson was about to be taught. They always brought her great comfort.
"I, as well as the others, have noticed a certain...abnormality in your disposition as of late." Tori let out a small sigh and bit her lip. Sensei knew the reaction. "Tori, I sense something is greatly troubling you."
"I miss him Sensei," Tori said at last. Sensei sat back in his chair and let out a small chuckle.
"As you should." He rose and bade her to follow him. Tori walked behind him until they came to Ninja ops. He reached for a scroll and handed it to her. She opened it and her eyes grew wide.
On the scroll were her water insignia and Blake's thunder one. "What does this all mean?" she asked.
"It means that you both have always been close...in all forms of your past lives. I too was confused when I first looked upon this, but the moment I saw the thunder rangers,"
"You knew that they would eventually join with us because Blake and I..."
"Your souls recognized each other and I saw the bond you shared." He took her hand in his. "You have been like a daughter to me Victoria...and...I order you to take some time off to go seek him out."
Tori hugged him and kissed his cheek. "But what about-"
"Cam and the others will take care of things here." Tori was beaming.
"Thank you!"
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
"So it's all set then? You go on Friday and we'll be there Saturday for the race," Hunter said back to Tori.
"Yeah. We'll all come back on Sunday night in time for classes on Monday," she said. "He's going to freak!" Hunter laughed.
"Yeah he is. So what do you have planned for my little bro's birthday?"
"Not sure yet, but I'm sure I can think of something before I get there," she said. Hunter decided to leave that subject alone and they said goodbye.
Tori smiled and lay back in her bed. Friday seemed like it was a million miles away and she couldn't wait to feel his arms around her again...
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
Blake woke up and looked at his alarm clock. 'Happy Birthday to me,' he thought as he sluggishly made his way down to the kitchen.
"So what are your plans for today?" Charlie asked as he entered. "I mean, you must have something planned besides moping in your room on your birthday." Blake chewed on a PopTart and sat down next to him.
"I'm going to do the same thing I do everyday- ride, workout, sleep...I got a call from Hunter and the rest of them this morning."
"And Tori?"
Blake's face fell. "She was out, but Hunter said she was going to call me around noon."
"That's harsh dude. Especially since tomorrow is like THE race. You know how many corporate sponsors are going to be there? FOXY, NO FEAR, MAZDA, YAMAHA..."
"I know man. I just can't seem to focus. I mean it would be sweet to get a huge sponsorship and travel with the Supercross tour, but we'll just have to wait and see." He glanced at the clock and saw that it was 12:15. "Damn...I guess she's not going to call."
Blake went back to his room and sank onto his bed. Charlie wished he could get Blake to lighten up, but he knew his chances of that today were slim. A soft knocking was heard at the front door and he went to get it.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
Tori's flight touched down a little after 11, and she immediately hailed a cab and headed over to Blake's house. Her hands were sweating and she was extremely nervous. What would he do? They talked on the phone as often as they could, but they hadn't seen each other, and the yerning was unbareable.
The cab stopped and she checked her watch. 12:15... 'Shit, I was supposed to call him...' she thought as she paid the drover and headed to the front door. She knocked softly and was greeted by a tall, brunette who just stared at her wide eyed.
"Hi," Charlie said a little unsteadily. He recognized her immediately.
"Hi...I'm looking for Blake Bradley," she said. She gave him a quick once over. "Are you Charlie?"
"Yeah, you Tori?" Tori nodded. "Blake's upstairs in his room," he said shaking her hand. "He doesn't know you're coming does he?"
"No- I was hoping to surprise him," she said. Charlie led her up the stairs and peered in the room.
"Oh, he'll be surprised all right...Hey Blake," he said opening the door. "Something just landed on our doorstep for your birthday."
Blake was lying on his bed and didn't look when Charlie opened the door. "Just put it on the floor," he said as he closed his eyes.
"I don't think I should," Charlie said grinning.
"Why not?" Blake replied, still not moving from his spot. Charlie decided that now was his time to exit and left Tori to finish her little surprise. She dropped her bags with a loud thud. "Thanks Charlie."
"Your welcome Thunderboy." Blake's eyes flew open and he sat up quickly.
"Tori," he breathed.
"Happy Birthday," she said smiling. In a flash Blake went over to her and took her in his arms, inhaling her intoxicating scent. Tori wrapped her arms around his neck and couldn't control her smile.
Blake pulled away a bit and captured her lips in a searing kiss that made her go weak at the knees. He wove his hands through her hair and savored the moment. They pulled away, but held onto each other in a lengthy hug. "How are you here?" he asked as he ran a hand over her face, still in shock.
"I needed to see you," she said as she laid her head on his shoulder. "So I got time off and here I am."
"This is the best birthday gift I could ask for."
"Well, it gets better...Shane, Dustin, Cam, and Hunter will be here tomorrow for your race, and we're all staying for the weekend...plus I got a hotel room..." That was it for Blake. He picked her up in his arms and spun her.
"I've missed you so much," he said. His lips found their way to her neck and she grinned. She had waiting for what seemed and eternity to feel him kissing her like this again.
"I've missed you too..." she trailed off as she felt his hands reaching behind her to caress her back. He found her lips and they felt the fire inside of them ignite. Tori pushed herself slightly off him. "We can't...not yet."
Blake knew she was right and pulled away. "As long as I'm with you, I don't care what we do." Tori kissed his cheek.
(((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))
They spent the first part of the morning getting reacquainted- talking about the academies and racing. It was late afternoon, and Blake needed to get some practice laps in before the race tomorrow.
Tori couldn't get over how fast Blake was flying around the track. She had never seen anything like it. He had started the race in the middle of the pack, but turned on the speed towards the end and finished first. He pulled his bike up to his pit area where Tori was waiting for him.
"I'm impressed," she said as she kissed his cheek. "Hunter's going to go nuts when he sees you out there!" Blake laughed and hopped off his bike.
"I still can't believe they're all coming...I can't believe you're here." He hugged her again and kissed her cheek.
"So, what do you do after you race everyday?" Tori asked ash she lounged in his arms.
"I go train at the beach, but you do that everyday...but I think I'll
forego it today...What do you say we get out of here?" Tori grinned and they packed his gear into the trailer. "So what exactly are we doing for my birthday?" he pried.
Tori just grinned. "Well, first we need to go back to your place, get our stuff, and then I was thinking of heading over to the hotel..." she said with a devilish smile. Blake didn't need to hear anymore, and they headed for his place.
They walked into the house and were met by five other riders sitting in the living room shouting loudly. "Hey Bradley! Get your ass in here!" one of the guys called. Blake, holding Tori's hand, entered the room. "Happy Birthday!" they all shouted as they blasted him with silly string, covering Tori in the process.
Shrieks of laughter erupted until they all saw the blonde that was next to him. Blake and Tori were both laughing and peeled the gooey material off of them. "Oh man! We're sorry!" Charlie said to Tori. "Didn't see you there!"
Tori laughed it off and saw the looks some of the guys were giving her. "Guys- this is Tori," Blake said. One of the guys looked at her and then at Blake.
"Well done my friend, well done," he said. Charlie threw a pillow at him.
"Ignore him- we just wanted to say happy birthday man." Blake shook his hand and thanked his teammates.
They left them and headed up to Blake's room to get some things for him for the night. "Your friends are nice," Tori said as she sat on his bed.
"Yeah, they're great." He finished packing and offered her his hand. Tori took it and gathered her bags.
"So Mr. Bradley, are you ready?" she asked sweetly. Blake kissed her fully on the mouth and opened the door.
"Lead the way."