Disclaimers: Still don't own them.
A/N: This isn't my favorite chapter, but I was really stuck between 2 and 4 (it's already mostly done) and I needed to bridge the gap. Let me know if it's horrible and how I can make it better. I just wanted to get on with the story since I really do like the idea. And it does get better, I promise! And trust me, Hunter has one hell of a secret!
Chapter 3: Crimson's Return
Blake woke early the next day. He sat up and looked around, and for a moment he wondered why he was in Hunter's bed. But then he remembered what happened the day before. He stayed home all day, just in case Hunter called or came back. But when night came, he was worried. It wasn't like Hunter to disappear and not say a word while he was gone. To distract himself, he got on the Internet and began checking out race sites and other motocross things. His heart jumped a bit when the 'You have a new Email message' signal popped up, saying that it was from Hunter. He immediately opened it, happy to see that it was at least long.
Hey Blake,
Just wanted to write and let you know that I'm still alive. Just wanted to make sure you knew that. And that I'll never try that again! Promise.
Still not exactly sure on my timetable. I'm thinking tomorrow, sometime toward late afternoon/evening. I don't want to be away for too long. I miss my baby brother. Anyway, I checked out a bike shop here and found some cool gear. I got you something. It's kinda cool. And it's navy blue, bonus, huh?
I'm really sorry I freaked on you yesterday. I know you'd never set me up like that. You'd at least warn me that they were up to something, if you'd known. I was just totally unprepared and caught off-guard. But that's no excuse for the way I treated you. For now, all I can say is that I'm really, really sorry. I'll try to make it up to you when I get back.
I've got the cell. And go to Cam if you need anything. Like a stable shoulder to lean on. I've recently become aware of just how unstable I've been. And how horrible a big brother I've been. I'll tell when I get back, I promise.
Dude, and the place better not be a mess when I get back.
Hunter
Blake had to smile at the end. The fact that it *wasn't* like Hunter to say that made him laugh. But it ended up being an anguished laugh as he realized all that Hunter had written. And his first thought after was to make sure Hunter knew that he was a great brother as far as Blake was concerned.
Blake curled up again in Hunter's bed, falling into an uneasy sleep. He went about getting himself cleaned up and then went to make sure the apartment was spotless. Then he planned on what he was going to make his big brother for dinner when he got home. He went about his business in peace until his morpher went off around 3.
"We got an alien at the beach that's kicking the Winds around," Cam said. "I'm trying to get Hunter on the alert, but I haven't been able to find him so far."
"I'll try the cell. Don't worry, I'll be all cryptic, just in case."
Blake dialed the cell phone, pacing while he counted the rings. Hunter picked up after three.
"Sorry to do this to you bro, but we got problems."
Hunter sighed. "Where?"
"The beach."
"On my way."
Blake really wanted to talk to his brother, but knew this wasn't the time. He morphed and joined the others. And the three Winds looked like they got their butts whooped big time. Cam arrived just after Blake and they attacked.
"Looks like I've got you right where I want you," the alien taunted, his gaze falling on the five prone Rangers.
"Did you forget about me?" someone quipped from behind the alien.
The alien turned, and everyone watched as Hunter strode out from behind a boulder. His blaster was aimed right at the alien and he fired, catching the alien in the middle.
"Where'd you come from?" the alien cried, going down.
Hunter ran to check on his brother, who was already to his feet.
"You ok, bro?" he asked, noting that Blake was still a bit wobbly.
"Much better now," Blake replied. "Uh-oh, ugly's on his feet again."
"Let's combine and get this over with," Hunter suggested.
They combined for the Thunder Blaster and destroyed the alien as the other four Rangers watched. When it was done, Cam put a hand on Hunter's shoulder.
"Welcome back," he said.
Hunter nodded but remained silent. His shoulders sagged a bit when he watched the alien grow. The Zords were called for and the fight resumed. It took the Hurricane Zord to defeat the alien. The three Winds and Cam went straight back to Ops while Blake and Hunter stayed at the beach. They powered down back into civilian clothes and Blake immediately embraced Hunter.
"Are you back?" Blake asked.
"Yeah, I'm back. You caught me just after I'd gotten on the bus. I had to wait for the next stop to morph and take "Ninja Express" back," Hunter explained.
"Where's your stuff?"
Hunter pointed to the boulder. Blake grabbed the crimson backpack while Hunter took the other plastic bag. On their way home, Blake kept the conversation light by asking about the motocross stuff that Hunter had looked at and what his brother had for him.
In the apartment, Hunter was impressed to see that it was spotless. And that included his own room. Blake explained what had happened after Hunter left Ops, and what he'd done in the time that he was alone.
"I really am sorry Blake," Hunter apologized for the zillionth time.
"Don't be. You had every right to freak. You were blindsided."
"It doesn't excuse…"
"Yeah, it does. Listen, Hunter, I don't blame you for your reaction. So stop blaming yourself."
"I just feel…" Hunter began but didn't finish on his own accord.
"Yeah, I know. You're gonna have to tell them sooner or later. And the sooner you do, the sooner we all deal and move on."
"You make it sound so easy."
"We both know it won't be. Just remember, you're never alone."
"I'll tell them soon, bro. Soon."