Disclaimer: I don't own the power ranger as much as I want to they belong to someone else.
Note: Sorry it took so long.
We all have Shadows.
Endings.
"Look Hunter. I know you want to make sure I don't go anywhere. But is holding my hand really necessary?" Arc yanked at his hand and Hunter gripped it tighter. "You can be a real pain when you want to. Why did I even let you talk me into this?"
"Well it was either this or I tie you to me. It doesn't pay to be an escape artist that could rival Houdini." Hunter was enjoying watching the other man squirm. "The more you wriggle the tighter I squeeze." He sternly told Arc who was again trying to pry his hand free from the vice-like grip of Hunter.
"Well we're almost there aren't we. Besides why didn't you let me shadow walk?"
"What and have you ditch me."
"Would I even do a thing like that." Arc pulled off the most innocent look.
"You've tried twice." Hunter could see right through it though. "Once when you said that you needed to tie you laces and then again when you accidentally tripped over a log."
"What about the six other times?"
"You tried that many?" Hunter looked surprised. "That does it. There's only one thing left to do." He grabbed the other man and threw him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
"This is so old. Hunter put me down and I'll shadow walk us." Arc's tone changed and he seemed to mature almost instantly. "And I promise that I won't ditch you."
Hunter put Arc down confused by his sudden change in behavior. "What's going on? One minute you're all playful the next this."
"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."
"Just stop right there. How do you know what I'm feeling? This is the second time you've done it."
"Hunter..." Arc stopped lost for words. "It was something I've always been able to do. Most people have that ability at one level or another."
"So what about you? How good are you at it?" Hunter sat on the forest floor waiting for the reply.
"Not that good." Arc admitted joining him. "I only really pick up strong feelings. Part of my ninja training was to learn to tell truth from lies. So I find it easy to tell if I'm being lied to, but other than that I'm not very good."
"Arc... I don't want to pry but what was it like growing up." Hunter was now more curious about the other mans past than what had happened. "I was brought up at the thunder academy with Blake and aside from the usual lessons I always felt like I was being prepared for something more. Sensei Omino always made sure that we were well looked after and we always had time to pursue our own interests." He leaned back thinking about his childhood. "I guess I just wondered if it was the same for you."
"Did you have friends?"
"I had some but Blake was more popular than me. Why'd you ask?"
"When I was growing up my friends were picked for me. Most of them were older and they all were picked to help me become a better ninja. My hobbies and interests were all picked with a reason. Take surfing, I was allowed to do it because it helps improve balance. Then of course I would have a friend picked that would push me into doing it better." Arc sat crossed legged head lowered. "I had lesson after lesson without much time for myself and was never allowed off the academy grounds. I guess now I wonder what it was all for."
"I'm sorry." Hunter apologized not too sure why he did.
"What have you got to be sorry for? It wasn't your doing. Besides I was always well cared for." Arc stood up so quickly Hunter jumped. "So are we going or do I have to drag you." His persona changed again back to the playful behavior.
"Arc what's going on. One minuet your serious the next all playful." Hunter stood up but made no move beyond that.
"How would you like me to be?"
"Yourself. Why don't you just act normally?"
"Why don't you just get lost?" Arc countered. "You want me to be myself then leave me alone."
"I only wanted to try and understand you. Look whatever it is just tell me." Hunter tried his best to get Arc to open up. "I'm not going to hate you for it."
"You really want to know. I find it hard being around you... all people really."
"Okay, so shall we just get on with this? No funny stuff." Hunter gave Arc a look that said he meant business. "We'll talk about this later."
"Fine with me." Arc grabbed Hunter and dragged him into the shadow being cast on a tree.
-
"This is so frustrating." Cam banged his fist down next to the keyboard.
"What's the matter Cam? Did you lose something?" Blake said sarcastically suppressing a smile.
"Oh nothing major just your brother again." Cam spun around on the chair. "He was walking in the forest. Then he disappeared."
"Um Cam how do you lose a person." Dustin looked confused. "I mean it's not like you can misplace them. Besides I thought that the satellite surveillance system could find a needle in a haystack."
"Dustin the needle has to be in the haystack to be found." Cam replied to an even more confused Yellow Ranger.
"Dustin what Cam is saying is that Hunter's not on the planet." Tori told the man before he gave himself brain strain. "He's probably fine."
"How can you say that! People don't just fall of the face of the planet." Blake started to pace the floor. "Do you think Miasmus and Venator have him?"
"Hey where's Shane, isn't he back yet?" Tori looked around at the blank faces on the other rangers. "I thought he was going to look in the park. He should be back by now."
"Hi guys, did you miss me?" Shane burst into ninja ops. "You'll never guess what."
"Lothor decided to attack while we're having internal troubles." Cam suggested.
"Er no. I mean he has been quiet for a while but that's not it. Hunter went off with Arc."
"And how do you know that." Tori gave the Red Ranger a stern look.
"I saw it with my own eyes."
"Shane we really need to do something about your tendency to follow people." Cam gave the Red Ranger the same look as Tori.
"Yeah man you have to learn to trust other people." Dustin joined in trying to copy the other two and giving up when he couldn't get the look right.
"Well why don't we let him off this time. I mean he did find out where Hunter went." Blake looked at the others only to receive the same look.
"I don't actually no where he went. Arc did his disappearing thing and I lost them." Shane shrugged looking apologetically to Blake.
"I have an idea where they went." Tori said a smile gracing her face.
-
"So Hunter you going to tell me why you went off with Venator?" Arc was trying to delay getting his powers back.
"Nice try. I'll tell you if you tell me why you don't want your powers back." Hunter wasn't having any of it. "What do we have to do?"
"Look I really don't want to be a ranger."
"Well I can't force you. But I really would like to know why?" The blond man took the other in a hug. "Is it really that bad? You wanted that attack to kill you didn't you?"
"Don't be stupid." Arc broke free from Hunter. "What ever gave you that idea?"
"I'm right! You want to be dead. Well that won't solve anything just like you told me."
"Fine! So I want to be dead. It's not like anyone would miss me. Did you forget that I have nothing left." Arc turned his back and began walking away from Hunter. "It's not like I have a reason to live. You want to know something? I would be dead if I hadn't been a power ranger. That attack is supposed to take the users life to inflict fatal damage on the opponent."
"I... we would have missed you!" Hunter called out. "Do you really think you're that invisible. You have friends now. Friends that need your help." He clenched his fist in anger. "Are you so blind that you can't see what's right in front of you."
"If you really were my friend then you wouldn't have Shane follow us!" Arc spun round on his heals to face the Crimson Ranger.
"I didn't know Shane was following us. Why didn't you say something?"
"You really didn't know did you?"
"Of course I didn't. Besides do you really think that I'd have Shane follow us." Hunter couldn't help but grin. "You think I'd have Shane follow me. He hardly likes me let alone you. Hey I bet he thinks we're up to something."
"We are. That's why we came here remember?"
"So about that. What needs to be done?"
"Only this." Arc walked over to the pool of water and rested his hand on the surface. Hunter could visibly see energy flowing into the Shadow Rangers hand.
"So what was your dad talking about?"
"I don't really know. What does it matter though. Between the two of you, you managed to convince me to get my powers back."
"Speaking of powers. What about the power me and Dustin had?"
"I think that you still have it. It's just dormant I guess." Arc looked at Hunter shrugged, then stood up. His powers now fully restored. "Maybe it will just awaken when the times right?"
"Well maybe that's what your dad meant. You could have a power laying dormant in you." Hunter then gave the other man a puzzled look. "I don't get how you restored your powers. I mean didn't you tell me that the water doesn't give life?"
"Hunter from what I know you can't destroy ranger powers. Normally the power you use as a ranger regenerates its self when you're in human form. But if the power level gets too low then it can't regenerate. So it wouldn't matter how long you stayed human for."
"So what you're saying is that morphing and fighting as ranger uses up the power. Then when we demorph it recharges like a battery." Hunter was pleased with himself for understanding what he'd been told as it didn't happen often.
"Bingo." Arc patted him on the back. "So do you want to go back to the others now? We could even wind Shane up." The grin that Arc got spoke volumes to Hunter.
"What did you have in mind?"
-
"So Tori are you going to tell us where they went?" Blake was eager to know what had happened to his brother.
"Blake he's fine. They only went to the crystal of life."
"Um Tori I don't want to sound dumb, but why would they go there?" Dustin scratched his head.
"Well it's a quiet place to talk." She gave Shane a stern look. "Besides it's a really nice place."
"Hey what did I do?" Shane protested.
"Aside from following them." Cam stated. "You never gave the poor man a chance." He pushed his glasses up his nose. "Sometimes I don't know what you're thinking."
"Well he's up to something I just know it."
"Who's up to what?" Arc asked walking into the room followed by Hunter. "You don't think I'm planning something?"
"I wouldn't put it past you." Shane blurted out without thinking.
"Well maybe I am up to something." Arc replied with a grin.
"And it's going to be big." Hunter added giving his usual half smirk.
"What..." Shane's jaw dropped. "You really are up to something?"
"Of course." The blond man couldn't resist. "You might want to watch your back. You never know when I'll strike, could be ten minutes or ten days, it will happen when you least expect."
"I'm outta here." The Red Ranger had a worried look. "I just remembered I've got homework to do." He rushed out of ninja ops faster than a speeding bullet.
"You guys aren't really up to something are you?" Tori looked at the two blondes stood there with Cheshire cat grins.
"No, Arc decided that it would be a laugh to tease Shane a bit." Hunter went and perched on the table. "Besides I think he kind of deserves it."
Blake looked at Hunter with amazement. "But nobody deserves to be wound up like that. I thought you would know better that that."
"I agree with Hunter, he has been asking for it." The Green Ranger replied getting shocked glances from both Tori and Blake. "He's the one following them around."
"Well as nice as this is I am sure you all have homes to go to. It is getting late and I suggest that you all think about what you're going to do." The ninja master cut in looking sternly at both blondes.
"Sensei with all due respect." Arc protested.
"This discussion is over. Now go home all of you." The guinea pig dismissed them but Arc hung back.
"You don't like or trust me."
"You are correct. Since you have shown up there has been nothing but contention between the rangers. And as a shadow ninja you are not to be trusted. Especially since deception is in your nature." Cam could only look at his father stunned at his words.
"That's where you're wrong. Deception isn't part of our nature it's in our training. Then the only people we are taught to deceive are our enemy. You aren't my enemy so why should I deceive you. Besides this has nothing to do with being a shadow ninja does it? It's me you have the problem with isn't it?" The Shadow Ranger jogged out of ninja ops to catch up with the others.
"What was that about dad?" Cam managed to find his voice. "I've never seen you act that way towards another ninja."
"It doesn't concern you Cameron. Now if you don't mind I wish to be alone." His farther replied sternly.
-
"Hey Dustin do you think we should invite Arc to the U.S. action games?" Hunter was leaning on the counter in Storm Chargers.
"I don't know man? You and he still have Shane pretty riled up." Dustin fiddled with a spanner looking at the door to the shop. "Just think. This time tomorrow I'll be competing in the games."
"Well wouldn't you want Arc to see you? I'm mean it is kind of his doing that you can compete."
"You've got a point. It guess it couldn't hurt to ask."
"Ask who what?" Tori jumped up onto the counter. "You know you want to tell me." She started acting all girly and began walking her fingers up Hunter's chest.
"Wrong brother." Hunter joked. "Although... it does explain how you get Blake to tell you everything."
"Fine." She pretended to act all hurt. "You know I'll find out sooner or later anyway."
"Maybe we should tell her?" Dustin whispered into Hunter's ear. "She could beat it out of us anyway."
"Okay Tori, we just thought that..." Hunter started before Dustin stood on his foot. "I just thought that we could invite Arc along with us to the action games." He glared at Dustin pulling his foot free.
"That would be a great idea!" Her face lit up and then sunk. "But what about Shane? I don't want the two of them fighting."
"He'll be too busy with Cam to notice." Dustin pulled a disgusted face.
"Well he almost didn't ask Cam. But you're right... I think it only fair to invite him along."
"Invite who where?" Arc startled the other three.
"We were just talking about inviting you to the U.S. action games. So do you want to come?" Hunter replied regaining his composure.
"The what?" Arc stood and looked puzzled.
"It's only like the biggest event of the year." Dustin couldn't contain his excitement. "You know, I'm competing. Free style motocross."
"Now that I understand. Dustin that's great, so when is it?"
"We leave tomorrow. So are you going to come with us?" Dustin was bouncing on the spot with excitement. He looked like a little kid in a candy store. "You've really got to come. It'll be great and I really want you to come. You can watch me ride. It'll be so brilliant." The dark haired man began babbling.
"Okay, Okay I surrender." Arc waved his arms. "If you really want me to come I will. But have you spoken to Shane about it?"
"Oh he'll be fine with it." Tori reassured. "I'll have words with him about it."
"Well I'd love to stay and chat but, I only came in here to tell you I was going to meet my biological parents." Arc looked at Hunter who's face dropped at this news. "Well wish me luck."
"You can tell us about it tomorrow." Tori said patting him on the back.
-
"Cam I am really sorry about not asking you sooner." Shane was still apologizing for forgetting to ask the Green Ranger if he wanted to join them.
"Shane I said I was fine. I can see how you forgot." Cam replied hugging the other man.
"Does that mean you're not mad at me?"
"Would I be doing this if I was still mad." He tightened his hold on the taller man.
"Hope I'm not interrupting anything." Tori bounded down the steps into ninja ops. "I wanted to talk to Shane."
Cam released his hold on the Red Ranger. "What about?"
"Arc." She replied simply.
"Oh." Cam nodded and understood what she meant.
"Must we talk about him? It's not like I have to spend time with the guy." Shane protested not wanting to recap the previous encounters between them.
"That's just it. Hunter and Dustin invited him to the games tomorrow."
"What!" Shane burst out.
"Calm down. Is it really such a big deal." Cam tried to remain impartial.
"You just don't get it. I feel he's taking my friends from me."
"Shane..." Cam sighed
"Oh Shane, way didn't you say. Besides I think you've been doing that on your own." Tori went over and hugged the colored man. "You were the one who cut Dustin out in the first place. Then you stopped hanging out with the rest of us."
"I didn't know if you'd like me when you found out about my preferences."
"Shane I've known you for years. Besides I wasn't surprised when I found out." Tori tried hard not to giggle. "I've always thought that you might be at least be bi."
"So what about Dustin? Did you think he was too." Shane was curious to see if she had thought the same about his friend.
"No, that did surprise me when he told me. I mean I'd seen him flirt with so many girls. As for Cam well lets just say I asked when I saw the looks he was giving Hunter."
"You looked at Hunter." Shane hit Cam in the chest. "You've so got some explaining to do."
"Look I liked you but we were friends and I didn't want to spoil that. So when Hunter came along it was just easy to distract myself with him." Cam rolled off as if he'd prepared it.
"Well anyway the reason I came here was to get you to give Arc a chance." Tori butted in. "So will you do it. If you make him your friend then he can't take the others away."
"I never thought of it like that. Okay I'll give the guy a go but... only because you asked so nicely." Shane admitted defeat and gave in to Tori. "And only if you get him to promise not to do anything."
"Good. Now that just leaves my dad." The Green Ranger stated to the bewildered faces of the other two. "After you left last night he and Arc had a disagreement." He explained quickly before they could ask.
"About what? I didn't think sensei was like that." Tori looked concerned. "Does he think we're making a mistake?"
"No, it wasn't like that at all. And when I asked about it he closed up."
-
"Right, you guys had better go and register and I'll check your equipment." Kelly instructed climbing out the van. "Oh and Dustin don't get lost."
"While you guy's are doing that I'm going to check the place out." Hunter stood on the step of the van and watched the crowds of people walk past.
"Don't you mean check out the talent." Tori gave the blond man a dangerous glance as a group if girls walked past.
"I'll keep an eye on him." Arc's gaze followed the girl's, as did Hunter's.
"Not exactly filling me with confidence."
"Tori you and Blake go spend some time together. I'll make sure these two behave." Cam gave the girl a reassuring look. "I think you deserve some time to yourself."
The group began walking though the entrance. "Hey Hunter." Arc whispered into the other man's ear. "Want to play a little game?"
"What did you have in mind?" Hunter's face lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Okay lets see who can get the most girls phone number first. So you in?" A grin appeared on both men's faces.
"You bet." Hunter nodded
"Right. Are you feeling hungry?" Arc grinned.
"Why?" Hunter nodded again.
"Cos your going to eat my dirt" Both men ran off into the crowd of people.
"Looks like I've got my work cut out." Cam sighed before running after the other men.
-
"So I race motocross. You could come down to the track and watch me sometime." Hunter attempted to chat up the two girls sat at the desk.
"Hunter." Cam interrupted.
"Not now Cam." he replied not looking away.
"Yes now." Cam tugged on Hunter's arm.
"Cam I'm busy. Can't this wait?"
"Come on." Arc grabbed Hunter's collar and dragged him away. "You know. Your chat up line really sucks. Besides we have more important things to do. And anyway I already have a load of phone numbers." He spun Hunter around so he could see what they were looking at.
"So what are they doing here?" he muttered under his breath.
"Lets ask them shall we." Cam suggested walking down to the skate ramps.
"Well if it isn't our favorite nephew." Marah glared at the Green Ranger. "And two of his goody-goody friends come to spoil our fun."
"Well we'll soon see about that." Kapri pulled out her p.a.m. And pressed a few buttons on it. "Kelzak furies attack." Red clothed Kelzaks appeared on both sides of the ramp.
"I love a fight!" Marah exclaimed excitedly clapping her hands together.
Kapri rolled her eyes and pulled Marah away. "C'mon we need to get on with our mission."
The three rangers made to follow the two space ninja's but were cut off by the Kelzaks. Hunter was the first to spring into action. He launched a punch at one of the monsters only to have it grabbed. A second one took hold of his other arm and he found himself being thrown into the air.
Cam wasn't doing that much better. He had managed to knock down the first few, but now found himself surrounded and pinned to the floor. He tried to roll away but was kicked viciously back into the center again. He saw a Kelzak raise a blade above his head and shut his eyes waiting for a blow the never came. Cautiously he opened one eye to see what had happened and the fiend lying on its back.
Arc was managing to hold his own against the creatures but only just. He ducked as one of the furies swung at him only to be kicked in the chest by another. As he glanced up he saw three strangers fighting the other Kelzaks. Roundhouse kicking one out of his way, he saw Hunter writhing on the floor clutching at his stomach. The blond fought his way to his friend's side holding back the horde as Hunter struggled to get to his feet.
Just as suddenly as the Kelzaks has appeared the disappeared again. The three rangers picked themselves up and turned to the strangers. "What do you think you were doing?" Hunter called out.
"We were only trying to help." A blonde haired girl called back.
"Well next time if you want to help stay out of our way." Hunter snapped.
"Do you even know what you were fighting?" Cam added. "You were lucky that they dematerialized when they did."
"Forget it. I'm outta here." The shorter of the two boys replied as he turned to leave.
"Yeah me too." The other said following his friend.
"Later." The girl said joining the other two.
"What is your problem?" Arc rounded on Hunter and Cam. "They didn't do anything wrong. Why'd you act like a pair of jerk's."
"We don't need any help. Besides we're trying to protect people. It's our job." Hunter hissed dangerously.
"I'll remember that next time you're getting your butt kicked. Sometimes the best way to protect a person is to let them fight." Arc turned his gaze from Hunter.
"That's not what I meant." Hunter protested indignantly. He moved closer to the other ranger reaching for him. "They weren't ninjas so them could have been hurt."
"What did you mean? Does it matter who helps you? There's always strength in numbers even if the weren't skilled." Arc caught Hunter's wrist and pushed his arm away. "You just don't get it do you. Just because someone doesn't have any ninja training, it doesn't make them weak or any less helpful." He turned and walked away into the shadows before Hunter or Cam could respond.
"Well what do you think got his goat?" Cam shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes.
"Who cares. Shall we go tell the others about what happened?" Hunter started to walk back towards the main area.
"Why bother we came here to have fun." Cam followed the other man.
-
"Do you really think it was a good idea to storm off like that."
"What does it matter? I know where the abyss of evil is now." Arc replied to the disembodied voice.
"You left your friends under its effects... So what are you going to do?"
"They'll be fine. It's not like they can't take care of themselves." The shadow ranger sat himself down on the lush green grass. "Ithamar, you know that I can't do any more until Venator and Miasmus make their move."
"Well you could help your friends? Lothor is making his move." A second voice joined the conversation.
"Arias, nowhere in the scroll of prophecy does it mention Lothor's plans. Besides how do you know what Lothor is doing, I don't remember telling you to spy on him."
A blond haired man appeared next to Arc. "It's a thing called freedom. I'm not one of your shadow clones. Besides I'm dead so technically you're like my reincarnation."
"Hey blond hair is the only thing we have in common. So why were you spying on Lothor?"
"I would have thought that was obvious." A second man appeared. "He's after the samurai amulet." Arc looked at the black haired man blankly. "So he can use the abyss of evil." Arc continued to stare blankly. "Venator and Miasmus want to use that to free Loki."
"Sucker." Arias sniggered.
"Ithamar you did it again. I look at you blankly and you go and explain everything to me." Arc cracked a grin. "I may be blond but I'm not dumb."
"I wouldn't worry, he used to do it all the time with me."
"You taught him that didn't you. I should have guessed that he was up to something." Ithamar looked at Arias sternly.
"Well I figure I might as well teach him what I know." Arias stuck his tongue out in response to the evil gaze he was getting.
"Well I should have known you'd be talking to the dead." Sensei Watanabe said stepping out from behind the trees. "Have you got any more secrets you want to tell me about?"
"They're called secrets for a reason. Besides you never asked."
-
"Shane it's no use. Lothor is just to strong." Tori cried as she got back up to her feet.
"Tori, we don't have a choice. We can't just let him win." The Red Ranger called back before being thrown relentlessly twenty feet into a wall.
"Why not surrender? Your pathetic powers are no match for that of the samurai amulet." Lothor continued to torment crushing Dustin's head into the ground.
"I hope the other's are doing better." Shane muttered under his breath. "We could really do with some help."
"This isn't fair!" Tori burst out. "Things can't end like this."
"But they can little girl." Lothor mocked as he watched the abyss of evil spew for it's evil army. "Soon I shall rule the world and none shall oppose me!"
"What about a whole army of ninja's?"
"Blake! I knew you'd make it." Tori exclaimed excitedly as the blue thunder ninja appeared.
"And we brought some help." Hunter piped in as a large army of ninja's was released from their prisons.
The battle turned into a war as ninja fought monster to protect the planet. Lothor's army was rapidly decreasing as the combined might of the academies pushed back the horde of evil to the abyss.
"I think you have something that belongs to me uncle." Cam spat. He rushed forward trying to reclaim his lost morpher.
"Now, now nephew didn't your mother ever teach you to share." Lothor grabbed the man by the collar and lifted him clean off the ground.
"Don't you ever talk about my mother." The Green Ranger hissed menacingly.
"Fine!" bellowed the evil ninja master hurling the powerless ranger into a wall. "Have it your way."
Cam fell to the ground unconscious his body limp. "Cam!" Came Shane's agonizing cry as he ran to where his friend lay. "You'll pay Lothor." He muttered as the anger built up inside him.
"I will?" Lothor smirked. "But first I need to claim my prize." He held the amulet out towards the Red Ranger. "And I think I'll take your power first." The center began to spin in an anti-clockwise direction. Shane could feel the power being taken from him, but all of a sudden the drain stopped. "What the?" the evil genius' gloating was cut short when the amulet was snatched from his grip.
"Lothor, don't you know it's rude to use other people's stuff without asking." The Shadow Ranger stood throwing and catching the device in one hand. "So are you going to leave peacefully of do I need to force you?" he snatched the amulet from the air as Lothor made for it. "I guess that's a big fat no then." Arc summarized stepping back away from the evil ninja.
By now the rest of the monsters had been pushed back into the abyss. Lothor stood his ground against the rangers. "You can't defeat me." The man protested indignantly.
"You my be right there." Venator quipped appearing behind Lothor. "But I can." He said picking him up and throwing him into the abyss. "With your power added it should be enough to free my master."
"Noooooo." Came the anguished cries of the defeated evil ninja as he fell into the abyss. No sooner then he reached the core than it erupted in a burst of energy before growing silent again. Venator left without a fight and Lothor was finally gone.
The battle was over the day had been saved and the world was safe. For now at least.
-
To be continued...
Note: Yeah I finally managed to finish this part and over come some major writer's block. Oh and if you think this is the end then guess again. Read, review and if you have any idea's o things you'd like to see happen then please let me know you never know it may get included.