Note:
Phases in "..." means English
Phases in -...- means Japanese
The rangers walked on the path that lead from the town that they stay at the night before and made their way to their next destination. They travelled the entire morning non-stop going through plains of fields and through a forest, eventually at noon they decided to stop and take a rest. They found an area next to the sandy road they were travelling where there were couple of large stones sticking out of the ground high enough for sitting. They were in a semi circle like pattern, situated under a small tree that its branches were sprawled out flat over the rocks creating a shaded area. There weren't enough rocks for everyone to sit so two of them had double up which happens to be Blake and Tori.
"I'm starved guys, so what's there to eat?" asked Dustin once everyone had sat down.
"Lets see, we got some apples, pears, plums for lunch. Some steamed vegetarian, chicken and pork buns for dinner and three bamboo canisters of water. That enough to last us until we get to the town we're heading to." Hunter opened his pack and sort through the things.
"What? Only fruit for lunch?" stated Shane.
"Well we are travelling for two days only so we thought we didn't need to carry that much." answered Kaze.
"Fine give me an apple." and the crimson ninja tossed one to Shane.
"Me too." added Dustin and Hunter tossed him one as well.
"Pears for us." Blake asked for him and Tori and his brother tossed two pears to Blake who caught both in each hand.
"Plum." Cam stated and his friend tosses him one.
"How about you?" Hunter turned to his boyfriend.
"A plum too." and the thunder ninja handed him one and Hunter took a pear for himself.
After eating and drinking some water the group packed up and continued on their way to the next town, which was almost another day's walk. They travelled on what seems to be six hours and it started to get dark, the sun was setting and the stars started to come out. The rangers decided to set up camp for the night and found a small clearing in the forest they had been walking through.
Hunter and Blake went to collect firewood while the others set up a place for the fire by placing large rocks in a circle. Not so soon after, the Bradley brothers came back with an armful of dry branches each and piled them in the stone circle. Then Kaze walked up to it and with the thunder brothers and used their power of thunder to start the fire. Once the fire was started the buns that Hunter mentioned earlier for their dinner were passed out as the group sat around the fire.
"So do you guys think that Lothor found out what we're trying to do?" Shane spoke out as he swallowed a bite from his bun.
"I hope not. If he did, I'm not sure what we're going to do without our ranger powers." Cam answered.
"If he did, at least we have my sister and Terry to hold down the fort for awhile." added Kaze and took another bite from his bun.
"We just need to hope for now is that we will be able to restore our ranger powers." stated Hunter.
"You know we should like go camping after we get back." Dustin spoke suddenly surprising everyone with the change of subject.
"You want to talk about going camping at this time?" Tori looked at the earth ninja amusingly.
"We shouldn't think of these negative thoughts about Lothor and everything or we will just put ourselves down."
"He kind of got a point there." Cam smirked a bit.
"Yeah why not, it sounds like fun all of us going." Blake agreeing to the idea.
They continued to talk through out the night until it was getting late a bit and everyone was started to get sleepy.
"Lets get to sleep guys." Tori yawned a bit.
"Yeah, lets." the air ninja agreed.
So Kaze grabbed his bundle pack and pulled out three large thin blankets from it and handed one to Blake and Tori and the other one to Shane.
"You guys would have to share, it big enough for all three of you." the storm ninja referred to Shane, Dustin and Cam.
Dustin just shrugged, Shane didn't say anything and Cam just said fine. The trio backed up to a pair of trees that were right next to each other, a large trunk one beside a smaller trunk one. Shane leaned back against the smaller tree and next to him was Dustin who leaned back against the larger one and beside him was Cam who did the same thing. So the three boys with Dustin sandwich in the middle shared one blanket that was big enough to cover all three of them started to get some shuteye.
The other four on the other hand had the Bradley brothers each leaning back against a tree near the others with their love settle against them, with their backs to their chest and arms wrapped around the waist and their blankets covering both of them giving each of the pairs body warmth. The entire group was soon asleep in a short while.
The next morning...
The team awoke a couple of hours after the sun was up well not everyone, all except Dustin who was still asleep. During sometime in the night, Dustin's head landed on Cam's shoulder and he turned his body towards the other curled up against the samurai a bit. Everyone thought it was cute and stood up and started to pack up their things except for Cam who just sat there not wanting to disturb the earth child. Eventually when everything was packed up, they decided to wake their friend up so they can get moving and let Cam stretch a bit.
"Dustin, Dustin, wake up! Its time to go."
"Huh? Wha?" the earth ninja started to wake up.
Slowly opening his eyes a bit then wider and rubbed to morning sleep from them, he sees Kaze crouch in front of him smiling a bit. He then felt something under his cheek and realized it was a shoulder and glanced up and sees Cam looking at him with a bit of a smile. Immediately he bolted straight up realizing what he did.
"Um, s-s-sor-ry a-bout th-at." Dustin stuttered embarrassed and his cheeks started to glow a bit red.
"Its okay." and Cam just stood up and stretched and Dustin just looked up at him for a while before getting up and get ready as well.
After stretching the group continue on through the forest and walked about an hour or so before they reached the end of it. Walking out they came right next to a stream and they decided to wash up a bit before they went on. Once they finishing washing themselves, they travelled to the direction they were going to arrive at the next town.
Eventually late in the afternoon the rangers finally spotted the outskirts of a large town in the distance and head towards it. Once they arrived they were totally exhausted from not having lunch yet and they been travelling over half the day non-stop. They headed into town and into one of the streets. The streets themselves were quite busy, on both sides all shops were opened and rows of booths were set up and people were walking around doing different things. Above the streets on both sides there were paper lanterns hanging in rows in all sorts of colours.
They decided to look for an inn to stay for the night and get some food as well and head down the street hoping to find one. As they head up to a street intersection an elderly woman in a light purple kimono walked through. Suddenly the woman somehow tripped and fell to the ground dropping all her things. Immediately Kaze and Cam sprinted over and helped the old woman to her feet and picked up her things and handed them back to her.
Here you go.- Cam offered the things back.
Why thank you, you two for your kindness, may good fortune be with you.-
No need.- Kaze answered and the old woman went on her way.
The other ninjas joined up with their two friends as they keep going and eventually they come pass a large structure, which happens to be an inn.
Kouun Inn- the sign read.
Once they head into the front doors, the restaurant area of the inn was full of people talking and eating. Wanting to know what's going on and see if there were any rooms left the group went up to the front desk to see the manager.
Excuse me but I was wondering, what's with the festivities?- Cam asked.
Welcome, if you want to know it is the Autumn Festival.-
It's the Autumn Festival, really?- the white ninja was excited.
Yes, that's why there are many people staying for the celebrations.-
Then are there any more rooms left?- asked Hunter.
At this time, I'm not very sure if we have any rooms left but I will check.- the manager answered.
We appreciate it.- Blake thanked.
The keeper flipped through the giant thick book he had in front of him and scanned through the pages. After a few minutes of flipping and scanning pages, the innkeeper finally put the book down to an open page.
You're in luck but we only have two rooms left and both happens to be our largest rooms and they cost quite a bit.-
We'll take them.- the storm ninja shrugged.
All right if you insist. Hano, take our guest to the two remaining rooms.- the manager called a waiter from the tables.
A young man walked over to the front desk and nodded in response.
Yes sir! Please follow me.-
The group started to follow the guy but Kaze grabbed hold of Cam's shoulder and stopped him who in turn, turned around and wonder what's up.
"Why don't you guys go ahead to our rooms." the white ninja stated.
"Why? Where are you going?" Hunter turned to his boyfriend.
"Cam and I need to see if we can buy a map, the sooner the better. Right Cam?"
"Right." Cam agreed.
"Do you want us to come along?" Shane asked.
"No that's alright, you guys can get settled in and start ordering food first. We won't take that long."
"Are you sure."
"Yes now go." and the group started to head upstairs after the waiter while Kaze and Cam head out into town to buy a map.
Later on...
It wasn't that late about an hour later, the sun was setting and more people were coming out into the lantern lit streets to set up more booths. At that time the rangers were sitting at a table waiting for the food that they had ordered. Also at that time Cam and Kaze had returned and headed towards the others and sat down in their open seats.
"So how did it go?" Blake asked.
"It wasn't easy but we manage to find a shop that sells the map we needed." the samurai took a small cup and filled it with some tea and drank it.
Cam then set the cup down and pulled out a folded up piece of white fabric and opened it up on the table to show everyone. On the white fabric was a map printed on it.
"Here you go."
"So where are we and where are we going?" Tori who was curious.
"We're here right now," Kaze pointed on the map " and we need to here."
After looking at the map for a bit, Cam put it away and then Kaze pulled out a bunch of some things. It was seven pouches that were filled with something heavy.
"Here you guys, I took the money that my dad gave us and divided it among us." and the storm ninja handed out a pouch of money to everyone.
"Why?" questioned Dustin.
"Well I think it would be better if each of us have some money with us just in case if something happens. Besides, since tonight happens to be the Autumn Festival and we are going to have some fun tonight aren't we? We are staying here for the night so why not relax a bit? If you guys see something you want to buy, you won't need to wonder around the town looking for me." Kaze explained.
Everyone thanked him and understood and each took a pouch and put it away in their ninja uniform, somewhere. Soon after the food arrived at their table and everyone started to eat. After eating their dinner, the friends started to head out onto the streets since it was dark already.
As the rangers headed down one of the streets it was totally busy with all sorts of people in kimonos busying themselves about the place. People were chatting and bargaining with the merchants at the booths and eating all different assorted foods at stands. Dustin who spotted something and started to head over to a booth and the others were about to follow him when a voice stopped them.
A young men, it good to see you again.-
The guys turned their heads towards the voice and see the old woman that Cam and Kaze helped before sitting at a small booth.
I want to thank you for helping me today.-
You're welcome.- Kaze answered.
And for helping me how about I read you your fortune for free?-
Kaze who was wondering if she was really a fortune teller or fake, decided to give a test and got an idea and turned to Hunter and whispered something into his ear. Hunter then looked back at him curiously and then grinned in a nod.
Thank you for your offer but I don't believe in that stuff.- Cam declined her politely.
But before Cam could walk away, two sets of hands grabbed him at each arm and started to drag him to the fortuneteller. It was Kaze and Hunter who in turn, sat the samurai down on the stool.
Sure why not?- Kaze grinned.
What would you like to know?- the woman asked in a bit of surprise as the two sat their friend at her booth.
Our friend's love life.- Hunter smiled.
What?- the green ninja shouted.
All right then lets see your palm.- and the old woman looked at the palm that was held out by Hunter.
After looking at Cam's palm and touching and drawing with her fingers for a couple of minutes, she looked up at them.
Lets see the person who is destined to be with you in this life, is a person you least expected. You have already met this person and also it seems that you are good friends with them already. Even though you two have opposite personalities and both of you are compatible with each other's elements. And you two will start an relationship, sooner than you think.-
After saying all that the guys just stared at her for a minute and Kaze and Hunter let go of Cam who didn't move.
Um wow, thanks. Here you go.- the white ninja pulled out some money and handed to the woman.
No need.-
I insist.-
Then thank you.- and the woman took the money as the guys continued to explore the festival.
"See I told you it was nonsense. I'm going to look for Dustin." who had disappeared in the crowd of people and Cam headed off to look for him.
Of course the others didn't think the fortune that the old woman gave was nonsense at all and they slowly walked and started to talk.
"Who do you think she was talking about? Do you think it could be Dustin?" Tori stated.
"Well I think it could be, I mean Cam and Dustin are already friends." the older thunder brother answered.
"And their personalities are totally different and they do say opposites do attract one another." Shane put in.
"One thing for sure is that their elements do go together Metal is found in Earth." added Blake.
"Well we don't know for sure, so we will just have to let destiny plan it out." finished Kaze.
After the conversion the group headed off into the crowd of people and explore. The group stayed together for a while before Kaze wondered off from his friends to look at another booth. Hunter of course noticed that his boyfriend was gone from his side. Looking around to see where he has gone to, he spotted his love a couple of booths down from where he was and walked over to him. Once Hunter was next to him, he sees Kaze looking at the stuff that the merchant had set out at the booth.
"What are you look at?" the crimson ninja startled his boyfriend a bit.
"Hey Hunter. I'm just checking out these fans." the storm ninja held out a beautiful decorated sensu fan.
The merchant had all sorted colour fans on the table with different designs on them and Kaze picked two up. Both of them were white with writing on one side and a painting of a crane on the other.
"So why are looking at fans for?"
"Well who knows, they could come in handy. You know on hot days where we could fan ourselves with." the younger of the two grinned and paid for two fans he picked out.
Kaze then took the fans and closed them up and then insert them and slipped each one into each of the undersides of his sleeves of his ninja uniform. Then looking up and around Kaze spotted another booth that he wanted to go look at and headed towards it while Hunter just followed. It was booth that the merchant was selling bamboo oiled-paper umbrellas.
"What now?"
"Hey just in case it rains, we need something over our heads right?" and the storm ninja picked one and paid the merchant.
Taking the umbrella Kaze strapped it to his sword with strips of cloth and placed it back on his back. Taking a look around once more, Kaze sees another booth and this time he grabbed hold of Hunter's hand and dragged him towards it and Hunter just sighed. They arrived at the booth and Kaze just look at the items. While his boyfriend was browsing, the thunder ninja looked at the booth next to the one they were at and saw it was selling musical instruments.
Looking making sure that his koi wasn't looking, Hunter headed over to the booth and looked at the different instruments. Spotting on the table was a flute made of jade and Hunter instantly knew his boyfriend would love it and decided to buy it. After asking for how much and bargained for the price a bit, the thunder ninja manages to purchase it. Then turning around and still sees his boyfriend at the next booth, he hid the flute behind his back and walked back over. Standing next to him, Kaze looked up at the other and sees Hunter smiling at.
"Is something wrong?" the white ninja smiled a small smile at him.
"Well nothing is wrong but I have something for you." the crimson ninja grinned.
"What is it?"
"You have to close your eyes first."
"Fine." and Kaze closed his eyes and Hunter brought the flute around to his front.
"Okay you can open them now."
Kaze opened his eyes and gasped in surprise of what Hunter have in his hands and gaze at the flute then back at his boyfriend.
"Is that for me?" Kaze looking up at the other.
"Yeah, you like it?" Hunter nodded and asked.
"I love it!" the storm ninja grinned, grabbing the flute and threw his arms around Hunter's neck hugging him and kissed him.
Hunter who was surprise a bit but got over it and grinned against the other's lips and kissed Kaze back.
Back over with the others...
Some how Blake got separated with Tori who had gone off with Shane while they were looking at some items. Wondering where his girlfriend went, Blake walked around the place looking but couldn't find her yet. As he was looking he spotted a whole crowd of people around a booth and wondered what was going on and headed over. Pairs of people who seem to be couples walked away from the booth holding something. Once there he saw what was the commotion was about.
Excuse me but what are you selling?- Blake asked.
Well sir, what I'm selling here are Lover's Knots.-
The merchant gestured at the items on the table. They were colourful thick cords woven in a beautiful design with a pair of figurines attached to the bottom ends on each part.
Lover's Knots?-
Yes Lover's Knots. It is said that if a couple is carrying a pair of Lover's Knots, it is meant they are to be together for the rest of their life.-
Really?-
Yes. So how about it young man? Would you like to buy one pair for you and your love?-
After thinking for a bit, the navy ninja decide to buy a set for him and Tori and hopes that she would accept and like them.
Sure.- and he started to pick through the pairs.
Eventually he found one with a pair of butterflies attached to them and smiled and paid for the item.
Thank you.-
Lifting them up to his face and admiring them, Blake looked around and he manage to spot Tori since she was the only blond among the crowd. She was by herself looking at things and Blake grinned and heads over to her.
"Hey." the navy ninja stepped up next to her.
"Blake! Where did you go? I've been looking for you everywhere!" the water ninja turned to her boyfriend in surprise.
"I was around, where's Shane?"
"I lost him somewhere."
"Well anyways I have something for you."
"Really what?"
"Alright close you eyes." and Tori did.
Bring up one of the knots up to her face, Blake smiled.
"You can opened them now."
Tori opened her eyes and smiled when she saw what was in her boyfriend's hand.
"What is that?"
"Just something I thought that you might like. Do you like it?" Blake handing it over.
"Yeah, its beautiful." the water ninja taking it in her hands
"See I have one too, they come in a pair." the younger thunder brother held out his own.
"Thank you." and Tori leaned up and kissed Blake who kissed back.
At that moment Hunter, Kaze and Shane came up to them who manage to found their friends again.
"Yeah, guys found anything interesting?" Shane asked the two couples.
"Lots." the water ninja stated.
"Hey are those Lover's Knots?" Kaze asked in surprise seeing the items that Blake and Tori was holding while Tori looked confused and Blake started to sweat a bit.
Over to Dustin...
We see the earth child wondering around the festival since he lost his friend, so early back and was wondering where they were. As he walked he spotted what seems to be the center town garden where one section of the town was built to be a giant Japanese garden. There was a booth set up next to the entrance of the garden with people standing around. There were all sorts of paper lanterns that were hung in identical pairs of all sorts of colours and designs next to the booth. As he walked by one of the booth owners stopped him.
Hey there! Do you want to try and find your perfect match.- the middle aged woman asked.
Perfect match? What do you mean?- Dustin asked curiously.
We are matchmakers and we try our best to make couples to be and already, happy. So how about giving it a try a see if you can find your other half.-
Um I'm not really...-
Look, its very easy. We give you a lantern and you head into the garden here and walk around and try to find the other person who has the same lantern as you do. If you do find them, it is meant that you two are two halves of a whole. So why don't you give it a try?- the woman guided Dustin over and taking one of the lanterns and handed over him.
The lantern was round and light green with yellow flowers on it. Looking a the lantern, the yellow ninja hesitated a bit but finally decide to take a chance and took the lantern into his hand and headed into the garden. After entering the garden, a few minutes later Cam started to walk by looking for Dustin. At that time a middle-aged man walked up to Cam with the same lantern that Dustin had with him that moment in the garden.
Excuse me young man. How about trying our matchmaker game?-
Sorry but I'm looking for someone.-
Well maybe the person you are looking for is in there.- the man pointed at the garden.
I doubt it.-
Well you never know. So how about it?- the guy handed over the lantern, accidentally the same one that Dustin was given.
How does it work?-
Easy, you walk in there with this and if you find the other person who has the exactly the same lantern as yours, that means you two are meant to be together.-
Cam looked at the lantern then at the man and not wanting to be rude, he took the lantern and let the man guide him towards the garden. Of course unknown to him, he didn't know what cupid has in store for him.
Well now, it has been over a year since I last updated and finally I was inspired to continue this story and for those who have waited, I thank you. Anyways I hope you guys still reading this so read and review please.