A/N: I'll be updating more often, now that I'm out of school for a few weeks. So yay, you guys don't have to wait for so long, but I can't promise you that because I will also be busy with other stuff during the holidays. With that being said, enjoy the next chapter! I'm loving the reviews so keep that up if you want the next part.

"Paying The Price"

One week later...

Hunter woke up bright and early the following day to attend a meeting at the Thunder Ninja Academy. He has received an important notice from Sensei Omino and was scheduled to meet with him before noon. It was around 10 o' clock when Hunter jumps out from bed and hits the showers. Once he was all dressed up wearing comfortable black pants and a simple crimson dress shirt, Hunter realizes that he has 90 minutes before the meeting started. Without having any other plans for the time being, he thought about going to the beach to kill some time and reflect on the things that has happened over the past few months. As Hunter walks to the livingroom for his watch and a set of keys to the truck, he finds Blake hovered over the telephone talking to a friend about upcoming events Factor Blue has in store for the riders. He seemed pretty excited about it as Hunter turns away from his own personal business and headed out the door with everything he needed.

There were only a few more days left till Christmas and Hunter knew his plans for that day with Mr. Smith and Blake wasn't going to happen. He felt bummed about it and was left with no other option. It was going to be the worst Christmas ever. Dustin will be spending the holidays with his father while Shane and his brother spend some quality time at the slopes. Cam, Sensei, Marah, and Kapri will be having family bonding time--leaving him with nowhere else to go. Tori and Blake were no longer an option as the thought made him depressed. Things have been quite intense in Blue Bay Harbor, and Hunter was beginning to think everything was his fault.

While keeping that in mind, he made a sharp turn and found him a vacant parking spot. He noticed there weren't many people at the beach due to the cool weather the new season has brought. However, Hunter didn't seem to mind as he unbuckles his seatbelt and got out of the vehicle. It wasn't as cold as he expected to be, but quite windy out. Hunter wasn't sure why he picked the beach. He did have a legitimate reason, but all of a sudden forgot. He could have calledDustin upto go riding instead, however, it would be too awkward for the dirty blonde since he hasn't spoken to neither of the guys, except when he had to do some work over at Storm Chargers and that was it. He figured they were mad at him and the way things have turned out. Hunter was warned several times about being involved with Tori, but unfortunately didn't listen to a single word as he lets fate takes its course. Things have definitely changed, and the thought of losing his friends for good worried him the most.

Hunter has now drifted off to his own world, as he remains looking down on the sand and walking on the edge of the water. He was so busy with his own thoughts when suddenly he bumped into someone. Hunter quickly turns around and smiles. "Well, if it isn't the girl I have been looking for." She was wearing a pink, one-piece bathing suit and was holding a surfboard to her side. The little girl smiles at him in return.

"Hunter!" She drops the surfboard to give her big brother a hug. "You came!"

He returns the hug with a tight squeeze. "Of course I did, and great...you got my shirt all wet." He stated quite sarcastically.

Hazel giggles. "Opps. Sorry. Does that mean we get to hang out?!" Her voice was filled with happiness and mere excitement.

Hunter nodded his head. "You know it. So how's your aunt doing?"

She shrugged as they began walking along the edge of the water. "Alright I guess. She seems a bit scared though, but she won't admit it."

"Scared? Why?"

"She's worried that Dad will take you and me away from her."

Hunter pursed his lips. "You know, that's not gonna happen. I won't let it."

"Yeah. That's what she said too." Hazel sighs deeply. "I can't believe our Dad went to jail for hurting girls my age. It seems unreal."

He nods in agreement. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I was pretty excited about spending Christmas with him this year, but now he's the last person I would want to be near during the holidays."

"Hey! Why won't you spend Christmas with us?!"

Hunter stops and looks at her with interest. "Really? You mean that?"

"Yeah! Aunt Cruela has been talking about it for a week. It would be a fun-filled family reunion! Besides, It gets kind of boring spending time with old people."

He laughs at the comment. "You know, I would love to spend Christmas time with you."

"So is that a yes?"

Hunter smiles and nodded. Suddenly, his day wasn't so bad. "Yes." Elated, Hazel jumps on him excitedly with her arms around his neck. He chuckles as he stumbles on the ground, but managed to get right back up with her help. "Are you here by yourself?"

She calms down her excitement and flashes a smile. "No."

"Is your Aunt here?"

"She will be in half an hour to pick me up. I'm actually with her." She points out in midair as he turns around and stares at her direction. "You know her. It's the girl that's been giving me surf lessons." Hunter's gaze was suddenly fixated on Tori who was wearing blue board shorts and a tropical colored bikini top. She looked stunning as usual with her soaked hair and killer smile that made him feel weak in the knees all of a sudden. Hunter could sense his stomach yearning in jealousy as Tori continues to speak with two attractive male surfers who were obviously digging her company. He shook his head and turns his gaze over to Hazel who has been trying to get his attention, but failed to do so till now. "Hunter, are you even listening?"

"Hmm?"

She grunted while placing her hands on her hips. "Never mind."

Hunter scratches the back of his head as he takes another glimpse of them. "Um, Hazel. Who are the two guys she's talking to?"

His sister shrugged halfheartedly. "How should I know? They were the ones who approached her after riding this huge wave. It was so cool." Just then, Hazel arches her brow suspiciously. "Why you ask?"

"Nothing. I was just wondering."

"Uh huh." She had on a playful smirk. "You like her, don't you?"

Hunter shot her an evil glance. "No, I don't."

"Sure. All guys do, or at least the ones that hit on her. Pretty obvious." This made Hunter even angrier. "Anyway, I think she likes you too."

He bit his lip, now taking interest in the topic. "Why you say that?" Hunter asks casually.

"Just the way she talks about you. To be honest, at first I didn't like the fact that I had a brother, but Tori convinced me that you were a nice, fun loving person, and she's right. You are."

Hunter grins. "She really said that?"

"Uh huh. I think you two would make a nice couple." He looks over his shoulder and fined it disturbing that they were still talking. "Hey, Hunter." The dirty blonde turns back around to face her.

"Yeah?"

"Do you like having me as a sister?"

He smiles. "Of course, kiddo. We're family right?"

"Right!" They both turn their heads to the blonde.

"I'll catch you guys later." Hunter and Hazel have heard Tori said from afar as she waves off to the surfer guys. She turns around and stops dead in her tracks as soon as she spotted Hunter staring back at her. He then looks away with the sudden urge to get out of there. Looking at her was painful enough to last him a lifetime.

"I umm...have to get going."

Hazel pouts her lips as she took a hold of his hand. "What? Now? No, you can't go. I want you to come over."

"Maybe later. I just remembered that I need to be somewhere, and if I don't get there in time, I'm screwed."

She glares at him. "Uh huh. Sure. You're just trying to get away."

"Away from what?"

"Duh! Tori."

Hunter rolls his eyes. "Am not. She and I are just friends. There's nothing between us. Now can you let go of me? I could feel your finger nails digging through my skin." Hazel finally lets go. "Ahh, thank you."

"You better come back!" She yells out.

He turns around and winks at her.

"Hey, Hunter." The dirty blonde was greeted by a few of his students as soon as he entered the sacred grounds of the Thunder Ninja Academy. He stepped inside the main building of the school where he was greeted by Sensei Omino and his beautiful daughter, Leanne. The three bowed before resuming.

"Sensei. Leanne." He gives them a little nod and stood at attention.

"Hunter, glad you can make it." Leanne started off as she hands him a letter. "This just came in."

He takes the envelope from her. "What is it?"

"A list of new recruits."

He unfolds the paper and stares at the long list wide-eyed. "Oh wow. This should be interesting."

She smiles. "Yeah. Isn't it great?"

"Question is, how are we gonna fit all these people in here? As far as I know, only a few students will be graduating next year."

"Well, remember the new school father was talking about?"

Hunter wrinkles his forehead. "You mean the one all the way in Blue Point?"

Leanne nods. "Uh huh."

"What about it?"

"The school is finally completed."

Hunter's eyes grew larger in disbelief. "No way! I mean...already?!"

She nods excitedly. "Those students listed on the roster will be attending the new Thunder Ninja Academy."

"That's great, Leanne! So who will be running it?"

She bit her lip and grins. "You will."

Hunter drops a jaw. "What? Wait rewind that. You're kidding."

Sensei Omino smiles. "That's right, Hunter. You are chosen to become headmaster and lead Sensei of the Thunder Ninja Academy.

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Say what?"

Leanne groans. "You're not thrilled are you?"

"Are you kidding me?!" Hunter was taken by surprise with news that has left him speechless. "This is an opportunity of a lifetime. It's just..."

She frowns with his lack of excitement. "What?"

Hunter looks at her and sighs deeply. "Blue Point is three hours away from here. Making that transition won't be easy. I mean this is my home. Besides, you actually think I can manage a school on my own with over a hundred kids."

"But you won't. I'll be right there with you." Leanne reassures him.

"Yeah, but are you sure that I am the right guy for the job?"

"Hunter, we wouldn't have chosen you if we didn't think you were capable being part of something so significant." Sensei Omino tells him. "You have been a tremendous, and gifted student of the Thunder Ninja Academy. I would love to see you pass on that talent to your future students and teach them what I have taught you."

Leanne turns to him and smiles. "So what do you say, huh? We start early next year."

He rubs the back of his neck, unsure of the idea as his thoughts lingered on Tori. "I don't even get time to think about this?"

Sensei Omino faces his daughter. "Give him some time."

She nods. "Okay. I'll give you a week, but that's it."

"Thanks. That's all I need." He bows before heading out the door.

In the meantime, Tori and Hazel sat down on one of the picnic benches after a day's worth of surfing. Tori, in her street attire, waited until Hazel got picked up. They were silent for a moment until she looked at the little one from the corner of her eye and smirk. "So...what did you and Hunter talk about?"

She turns to the blonde. "He's spending Christmas with us. I'm so excited."

Tori smiles as she plays with her dirty blonde hair. "That should be fun."

"Yeah. So what were you doing with those guys?" Hazel asks all of a sudden.

"You mean the surfer guys?" She nods. "We were just talking."

"Talking about what?"

"Well you know...surfing."

"Neither of them asked for your number did they?"

Tori shot her a curious stare. "No...why you ask?"

"Hunter did look a bit jealous. I think he likes you, but don't tell him I told you!" She turns away without saying a word. "So do you like him?"

"That's a personal question, Hazel."

"Oh come on. We're girls. Don't girls tell each other secrets?"

Tori smirks. "Yeah...but I am much older than you and it's different."

"Are you in love?"

"Hazel!"

The little girl stopped as soon as she realized Tori was being serious. She looks away shamefully and sighs. "I'm sorry. This year hasn't been my year that's all."

Hazel shrugged. "It's almost over anyway. You can always start over."

"Yeah, you're right." She said as a black car pulled over in front of them. It was Hazel's aunt.

"Thanks for the lesson, Tori. I'll see you tomorrow."

She opens the passenger door for Hazel. "Take care and be good!" Tori shuts it and waves to them as they drove off. The blonde was now alone with no one else around as she begins packing up her stuff to leave. Tori headed towards her blue van when suddenly she heard footsteps following her nearby. She dropped her bag and surfboard and quickly turned around in a fighting stance. "Who's there?!" The eerie silence was certainly getting to her as she took a deep breath and laughed at herself. She figured that it was only the wind and the rustling of leaves. "Tori, it's nothing." Once she was convinced that no one else was around, she picked up the surfboard and stuffed it in the back of her van. While picking up the last bit of her stuff, she gasps once a strong hand was placed aggressively over her mouth. Tori looks closely from the corner of her eye and find that it was Hunter's father putting all the weight behind her.

"Hey, pretty lady. Remember me?" He grins evilly.

Tori glares at him as she twisted his arm and kicked him right on the stomach. She then took him by the head and smashed his face against the doors. "Hiya!" Mr. Smith hunched over in pain while she climbs up to the back of the van and shuts the door on his face. She hustled her way to the driver's seat and struggles to insert the key into the ignition. "Come on! Come on!" Tori begins to panic when she spotted Mr. Smith rising from the rear mirror. "Shit." She turns around. "Hurry up, Tor! Start it! Start it!" The engine suddenly came on as a relieving smile spread across her face. She pressed on the gas and safely retreated. Mr. Smith looks on with a bloody and bruised up lip as he smirks her way.

"I've warned you about shutting your mouth off, and now you'll pay."

A/N: Final Chapter coming soon...(and I mean it this time, lolz)