Disclaimer: I don't own anything...literally.
As usual, the shout outs to all you loyal reviews. Gotta love the imput I get!
CamFan4Ever: Glad you liked that line. It actually happened to a friend of mine...
Crimson-Ranger: Don't worry, Hunter's pain is for a reason, as you see in this chapter. Cool, I have the power to defeat depression. Sweet!
Titanium Gold: Thanks for the kind words. Hopefully my version of Conner and Kira actually confessing their feelings to each other isn't as overused...
And everyone else, don't think I've forgotten about you!
Chapter 7
Final Tests
Tommy looked downward at the address he grasped in his hands then back up at the colonial-style house before him. Yep, this was the place, 1993 Saban Way. Approaching the door, the black ranger rang the bell.
Almost immediately, Billy Cranston's familiar frame filled the doorway. His intellectual face registered no surprise at the sight of his former teammate and split into a small smile.
"Hey, Tommy."
"Billy..." Tommy stared at his teammate as the former blue ranger grabbed him in a strong hug. Drawing away, the black ranger looked at the changes in Billy's appearance. The sandy brown hair, kept short all those years, curled around the genius' ears, falling haphazardly onto his forehead. His crystal green eyes, hidden behind his trademark glasses for so long, winked merrily behind contact lenses. Tommy smiled as Billy raised an eyebrow, anticipating his former leader's question.
"You're probably wondering why I've been in Blue Bay Harbor for the past two years."
Tommy grinned as he shrugged, "To say 'the thought had crossed my mind' would be way too clichéd and overused." Billy shook his head cheerfully and ushered the black ranger into the house.
"This may take awhile...
Tommy stared at the man across from him, "So why are you here? I mean, Delphine said you've been on Earth for two years."
Billy nodded, pushing a strand of sandy hair out of his eyes, "Ever since the Ninja Storm rangers got their powers." The former ranger smiled at the confused expression adorning Tommy's face.
"During the Zeo era, while you guys were off saving the world, I spent my time reading over ancient writings Zordon kept in the lower level of the Power Chamber. One of the first things I stumbled on was this prophecy." Billy withdrew a scroll from his side desk and placed it before Tommy. As soon as the black ranger read the first words, he recognized the prophecy as the one depicting Conner's fate. Billy ruffled his wavy locks.
"I've been monitoring the ranger teams from Aquitar so when I heard about the Ninja Storm rangers, it was like the prophecy was playing before my eyes. I came down here to kind of keep an eye on everything, and I've been here ever since." Billy grinned.
"And when I heard about the Reefside Dino Rangers, it particularly sparked my interest, seeing their theme was similar to ours. Then, when I saw them fight, I recognized a very familiar style in the black ranger." Billy shook his head, "You do realize that's the fourth color and fifth power you've pulled off, don't you?"
The blue ranger grew somber very quickly, "Tommy, there's something you should know. It's about Hunter." Before the black ranger had a chance to respond, the gem on his wrist flashed, alerting the pair.
"Dr. O, get down here!" Ethan's voice crackled over the gem, "We need have a problem with Hunter!"
Tommy looked at his friend, "Something tells me you should come along."
xxx
The two elder rangers gazed down at Hunter's convulsing form while Hayley and Cam hovered at a computer module, studying the thunder ranger's functions.
"It's weird," the samurai ranger commented, "Hunter had a surge of power right at the end of your last battle, but now, everything's under control. The virus is still weakening him, and we need to get the orb as quickly as possible, but he's more or less normal. The thing is, I have no idea why he's getting these random surges."
Billy stepped forward, "I know why." Fishing into his pocket, the genius produced another ancient scroll.
"That virus that was injected into Hunter's system is very similar to a virus I have researched that originated from the ancient times. When the pinnacle of evil is reached, the virus is triggered. However, another effect is that a one-sided connection is formed, very similar to being possessed. Hunter is able to feel Khyuss' emotions, hear his thoughts, and essentially, be in his body. When Khyuss is angry, the power rages, the same effect the wind ranger's individual powers have on them."
"So that's why Hunter's powers are going haywire?" Blake questioned.
Billy nodded, "Affirmative. Hunter's powers and Khyuss' emotions have forged a connection. That's why he is experiencing random bouts of his power." The original blue ranger looked toward the group.
"I have a way we can observe Hunter's premonitions. We may be able to predict Khyuss' next move."
Tori stared down at her boyfriend and nodded, "Let's do it. He's only getting weaker, and Khyuss is getting stronger. The sooner we defeat him, the sooner we can get back to normal lives."
xxx
Hunter lay on the infirmary bed once more. Electrodes clung to his body, monitoring the functions, the crimson thunder radiating from his body slightly, and a stricken Tori stayed by his bedside. The thunder ranger's eyebrows drew tightly together and sweat broke out on his forehead, a symbol of the horrors behind Hunter's closed eyelids.
Ivanox writhed on the ground, whimpers of apologies spluttering from his mouth while Khyuss' purple energy crackled on his armor. From his eyes, Hunter saw the general throw his head back to unleash a howl of pure agony, and the thunder ranger spoke, but the voice was not his own.
"Let this be a reminder of what shall happen if you fail me again, Ivanox."
The general struggled to a kneeling position, "My apologies, Master. The red ranger will not get the better of me the next time."
Hunter emitted a low growl from his throat, "See to it that he doesn't. I will not accept your failure anymore."
Ivanox rose unsteadily to his feet and bowed low, "Yes, Khyuss. I promise you the Chosen Ranger will be destroyed."
As the cyborg beat a hasty exit, Hunter/Khyuss eased into his throne. Yes, the Chosen Ranger must be destroyed. But how to do it? The sorcerer rubbed a pale hand underneath the shrouded hood. It was not a problem to be worried about until he gained control of his powers. Even so, the journey to Phaedos was sure to kill him. Even if the Chosen Ranger did manage to come back alive, Khyuss had many ways to destroy the ranger. The easiest way to destroy a super hero was to destroy his heart. And for that to happen, Khyuss needed to destroy...Yes, it was perfect. Satisfied with the pure evil of it all, the sorcerer threw back his head and cackled.
Hunter jerked up right, his eyes wild with fear and his dirty blonde hair matted to his forehead. His head swiveled from side to side, taking in his surroundings. He was in the Ninja Ops infirmary not Khyuss' throne room. Tori scrambled from her position at his side to cradle his shaking body. The thunder ranger relaxed slightly, feeling Tori's familiar embrace. Slowly, the surfer drew away and looked anxiously into Hunter's eyes, haunted by what they had seen.
"Are you okay?"
Hunter averted his gaze and brushed away his sweat soaked hair, "Tori, I have to tell you something."
xxx
Blake stormed from the infirmary to the air dojo. Conner waited in anticipation for his lesson. The thunder ranger gave the jock a curt nod and settled into a fighting stance. Immediately, the navy ranger went on the attack. Conner sidestepped Blake's kick, retaliating with a right snap kick followed by a roundhouse. Blake dodged around the red ranger, countering with a left jab and a right cross. Conner ducked the first strike and blocked the second, answering with a left roundhouse punch. Blake parried the blow, and catching the red ranger's wrist, the thunder ninja hooked his left foot behind Conner's kneecap and swept the jock to the ground.
"You did it again, Conner!" Blake seethed, "You left your right side wide open for a sweep. Get that foot out of the way!" The motocross pro gave a condescending shake of his head.
"If that's the effort of the Chosen Ranger, the universe should start digging its own grave."
The hoards of pent-up frustration at the constant antagonism of the navy ranger exploded in a burst of emotion. Conner scrambled to his feet, staring amber fire at the Bradley brother.
"I didn't ask for this to be my destiny." Conner bit out, "But I'm working my ass off to succeed." His honey eyes radiated the fury held deep inside.
"Are you sure you're giving me your all to help me?" The jock whirled sharply, striding towards the exit, "I'm taking a break."
Blake stared after the red ranger, his own anger resonating through his body. Max vacated her spectator position from the side to stand by her boyfriend. The navy ranger wrapped his arms around the auburn-haired girl and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Max focused her brilliant green eyes on him.
"Blake, he does have a point. You've spent most of your time criticizing him and less time fixing those mistakes he's making."
Blake sighed, "Babe, I don't think teaching him will help. He doesn't get it. How can I trust him with Hunter's life?"
"Because I do." Blake reeled towards the entrance.
"Dude, Hunter, shouldn't you be resting?"
The older Bradley raised an eyebrow, "And how long have we been brothers? When do I ever stay in bed?"
Blake gave his brother a sidelong look, "You really believe in this kid?"
The crimson ranger walked slowly to his sibling, "Yeah, I do." Hunter looked into the navy ranger's eyes, "Look, bro, I know you feel you owe it to me to go after the Orb yourself, but sometimes destiny doesn't deal you those cards." Hunter grasped his brother's shoulders, glimpsing the pain and guilt in the younger man's eyes.
"I know it's hard for you to watch my life fall into someone else's hands, but, Blake, the best way to help me is by teaching Conner. There's no one I'd rather have teaching this kid to fight than you. I mean, I've kicked your ass so many times, you should know how to fight." Hunter quirked an affectionate grin.
"You'll get your chance to help me, Blake. But right now, you have to teach Conner."
The navy ranger nodded. He still didn't get the reasoning for his brother's faith, and his own faith was yet to come full circle, but Hunter's point was taken. This was his given mission, and his brother counted on him to succeed as the universe counted on Conner.
xxx
Blake ventured out onto the patio. Conner stood in the middle of a garden performing a kata, his hands moving in a blur of practiced motions. Blake approached the red ranger.
"You say I haven't been giving my all," the navy ranger called, "Well, let's see if you've been listening." He assumed a battle stance, motioning toward the jock, but Conner shook his head.
"Never attack first."
Blake smiled inwardly. Without warning, the navy ranger launched onto the attack.
Conner groaned as he saw the sensei charge, "What is it, Kick Conner's Ass Day?" The jock responded well, blocking each strike smoothly as if he knew where the blows were aiming. Turning the tide, the red ranger transitioned on to the offensive, attacking with a quickness and ferocity the motocross pro had never seen exhibited. A spinning tornado kick caught the navy ranger unawares and sent him sprawling. Rising quickly to his feet, Blake advanced on the red ranger, lashing out with a left cross. Catching the blow smoothly, Conner shifted his weight and tossed Blake over his shoulder. Striking down, the jock stopped his fist inches from Blake's nose.
"A ninja must always have control, discipline, and," Conner rose grudgingly to his feet and bowed reverently, "Respect." Blake struggled to his feet, his face impassive. Studying his student, the navy ranger spoke.
"Admitting when you're wrong is also another trait." Blake returned the gesture and quirked the smallest of smiles, "See you tomorrow, O Chosen One." Turning, the thunder ranger departed. Passing Hunter and Max, he shot them both glares.
"Don't say a word. I may have faith in him, but I still have pride."
xxx
A solitary flame burned against a shadowy background. Gradually the fame receded until finally spluttering into nonexistence, plunging the dimly lit dojo into darkness. Conner rose from his kneeling position, his face twisted in anger.
"Dammit!" The red ranger growled, kicking ferociously at the ground. Sensei stared at the Chosen Ranger pacing in frustration.
"Calm yourself, Conner."
The jock fisted his hands through his hair, aggravation roaring from his tall stature, "I can't help it, Sensei! Every other session, I've progressed but here, I haven't made one lick of improvement!" Conner whirled.
"What the hell is wrong with me?"
Sensei sighed, "Take a break, Conner. Clear your head and come back when you are ready."
"Yes, Sensei." The Chosen Ranger grudgingly exited the dojo. From across the training mat, Tori and Kira shared a knowing glance, and the yellow ranger followed Conner out the door.
Conner hauled himself up on the wooden rail of a bridge overlooking a serene pond in the gardens. Closing his eyes, the red ranger meditated, fighting to battle his frustrated emotions. Reaching out with his heightened senses, the jock felt someone tentatively approaching. Sensing Kira withdraw slightly, Conner spoke.
"Don't go."
The musician hesitated, halting in surprise, "I didn't want to bother you."
Conner smiled as his eyes fluttered open, "Nah, it feels good when you're near." Hopping down from the rail, he joined Kira and leaned against the wooden barrier. The singer glanced at him, her hazel eyes boring into his.
"How's it going?"
Conner snorted, "You were watching. You tell me." He locked eyes with the yellow ranger.
"I can't do it, Kira. I should just throw in the towel. The universe is doomed anyway with me as the Chosen Ranger."
"Bullshit."
Conner whirled towards his companion, "What?"
Kira glared at the red ranger, "You heard me, Conner. Bullshit." The musician tossed her head impatiently as she stared down the jock.
"You are perfectly capable of succeeding, but you're holding back. What the hell are you afraid of?"
Conner's eyes flashed as Kira's words pelted him with the horrid truth. Looking down, he refused to meet Kira's eyes, and, after a period of silence, the soccer star posed a question to the yellow ranger.
"You were in mysophomore English class, right?" Watching Kira's head bob in affirmation, Conner swallowed hard.
"Do you remember the paper we had to write on our greatest fear?" Again, Kira nodded, and Conner raised his honey eyes to hers, "Do you know what I got on the assignment?"
Curious of the direction the conversation was heading, the musician shrugged, "No. I don't think our relationship extended to actual spoken words at that point."
Conner let out an impatient sigh, "Funny." He averted his eyes once more, "I got an incomplete." The jock shook his head, "I never turned it in."
Kira's brow furrowed, and she frowned, "Why? That paper was fifteen percent of our final grade."
Conner huffed out a harsh laugh and he shook his head again, "I was so arrogant then. I didn't think I had a fear. I mean, I was Conner McKnight, star of Reefside's soccer team, the Golden Boy. Guys like me shouldn't have fear." Conner tried to rid the lump in his throat.
"But after all we've been through together as Rangers, what we're going through now, I think I know." The red ranger shifted to face Kira.
"My greatest fear is failure." The jock ran a hand through his hair, "I'm afraid of letting down everyone who's worked so hard to get me this far. I don't think I'm scared of dying, Kira. I'm scared of coming back empty-handed. I don't know if I can live with myself I failed."
"So much is riding on my return. If I don't come back, the universe is helpless, Hunter dies, and so many people are affected. Dustin, Shane, Sensei, Cam. Blake, his brother. I mean, the guy's not so friendly towards me to begin with, what would happen if I were responsible for his brother's death. Tori, the one who loves him the most. With Hunter's death, her heart is torn to pieces..."
"Me."
Conner spun towards Kira, his honey eyes expressing his confusion, "What?"
"Conner, you not coming back affects us too." Kira stated.
The red ranger stared at his counterpart, "You said 'me'."
Kira remained silent, aware of her slipup. Shaking her head in exasperation, the singer decided to lay her heart out on the line.
"Conner, you know you mean a lot to me. You're such a vital part of my life, and I don't want to imagine it without you, infuriating as you may be. If you don't come back, I wouldn't have anyone to argue with."
Conner's attractive face contorted in confusion at the yellow ranger's words as he cocked his head to the side, "Wait, what?"
Kira buried her face in her hands before grabbing the back of the red ranger's neck, and the musician vented her feelings in a way that would surely penetrate the jock's thick skull. Pulling him down to her, she crushed her lips to his, pouring her fervor into a ferocious kiss. Breaking away, the yellow ranger stared at a dazed Conner.
"Uh, is that your way of telling me you like me or something?" The jock questioned.
"No."
Feeling more that slightly stupid, Conner averted his gaze, blushing a deep crimson, "Oh."
Kira rolled her eyes in exasperation, "I'm trying to tell you I love you, lunkhead. Honestly, are you really that dense?"
The red ranger shook his head, "Of all the girls to fall in love with, I get the sarcastic one." The jock quirked his trademark McKnight grin, "I love you too, Kira. I always have." Swooping down, Conner grabbed Kira in his arms and bent down to engulf her lips in as ardent kiss burning with fiery passion. As soon as their lips met, Conner's body grew warm as elemental powers connecting his emotions finally broke through the barrier restraining them, allowing his life force to flow freely. Kira snaked her arms around the jock's neck to entangle her fingers in his hair and leaned into the fervent lip lock that was so Conner: hot and demanding, yet tender and engaging. Conner smirked as they separated, setting the petite musician down.
"So you love me, huh?" The soccer star shrugged, "Can't say I'm surprised. I have that effect on a lot of women." Kira's nose scrunched in playful irritation as she lashed out to cuff the jock on the arm. Conner easily caught her hand, pulling her to him and snaking an arm around her waist. Kissing her hard, the Chosen Ranger's body was void of all tensions. He was finally at peace.
"I should get back." Pulling away from the yellow-clad girl, Conner's grin grew even wider as he fought to contain his exhuberation, and together, they walked towards the dojo.
xxx
As Conner entered, Kanoi sensed the immediate change in the Chosen Ranger. He was totally at peace with his life force surging without restraint.
Conner kneeled in front of the candle before him. As his eyelids drifted shut, the red ranger took a deep breath as Sensei's gentle voice permeated through his mind.
"Focus, Conner, and light the candle." Alone in his thoughts, the jock could only see Kira's radiant face smiling at him, willing him to succeed. Concentrating on the protruding wick, Conner willed the candle to light. Immediately, a merry flame burst forth, crackling strongly in its dim surroundings.
"Excellent, Conner. Now make it grow bigger." In his conscious mind, Conner watched the flame swell and dance, glowing a warm yellow and deep orange. The fire obeyed his mental commands, filling the dojo with its light. Conner willed the flame to contract until the smallest glow was emitted from the charcoaled wick. Sensei extinguished the flame with a wave of his hand.
"Well done."
Despite his triumph, the jock remained ominous, "But how, Sensei?"
The aged mentor turned his wise gaze to his young student, "You know, Conner. Look deep inside." Conner's stare rose and locked with Kira's hazel spheres. His confession had let go of the multitude of emotions wracking his conscious. Now, he was free.
As the days proceeded, Conner's improvement was evident. Fire was completely under his control, and the red ranger could call up fire shields, balls of flame, and streams of inferno with ease. The Ninja Storm rangers gathered around their sensei as Conner exited the dojo following another successful session.
"Is he ready, Sensei?" Shane inquired. The wind master shook his head.
"Not yet, rangers. We still have one final test."
xxx
Conner entered the main dojo the next day to find it completely empty. Feelings of suspicion snuck up on the jock as he ventured around the dojo mat. Spotting a short not in the center of the training area, Conner bent down and read the writing.
Conner,
Meet us in the clearing in the center of the forest.
Your training will be held there today.
The Senseis
Standing in the center of the forest clearing, Conner surveyed his surroundings apprehensively. The unnatural silence and tranquility unnerved the jock.
"Shane? Dustin? Tori? Blake? Anyone that dresses unnaturally in one color?" Conner's reply was only the gently rustling of the trees. Reaching out with his senses, the soccer player felt something was amiss. Instinctively, he sprung into a back flip, just in time to avoid the projectile slicing into his midsection. Conner glanced at the throwing star embedded deeply into the trunk of a tree before returning his attention to the source.
"Aw hell no." A ninja rushed at the red ranger, bamboo sword thrust out. Conner grasped the advancing weapon and wrenched downward, flinging the attached ninja thorough the air. Whipping around, the jock set his feet, turning away the slashes raining down repeatedly from another attacker. Sidestepping and parrying upward, Conner forced his opponent's blade skyward. The soccer player whirled and knocked the ninja's feet from under him. The bamboo sword splintered, leaving the jock unarmed.
Conner rolled away from a sword crashing down and set another attacker down with a spinning mule kick. Ducking under a violent slash, Conner kicked a sword from a ninja's hand. The Chosen Ranger backed away, parrying the constant thrusts and slashes as his attacker forced him to a trunk lying across a stream. Back flipping to avoid a vicious cut, Conner set his balance. Dropping to one knee, the jock blocked a downward slash, severing the sword in two. Throwing away the pieces, Conner evaded a wild blow. Jumping off the trunk, the red ranger swung underneath to the other side of the trunk and swiped a leg under his opponent. Straddling the trunk, Conner watched with amusement as the ninja teetered and wobbled unsteadily before plunging into the waters below.
Swinging high above the clearing, hopping from branch to branch, Conner flipped to the middle. Avoiding the swarming opponents, Conner fought off each challenge. The group of ninjas circled around him, anticipating the next move. Conner cracked a grin. Making a throwing motion towards the ground, the surface around the red ranger burst into flame, engulfing the forest air with thick smoke. As the air cleared, the cluster of ninjas were greeted by a burnt portion of the ground, devoid of Conner. Four ninjas stepped into the middle and removed their masks. Shane darted a glance to Dustin, Tori, and Blake. The assembled ninja students of the different elements shifted uneasily behind them.
Shane turned towards his fellow rangers, "Okay, where did he go?"
The sound of slight applause knifed through the air. The crowd glanced upward at the source to find Conner sitting contentedly on an elevated branch of a nearby tree, grinning beatifically.
"Nice training session." The jock remarked. Leaning back, he swung himself down, flipping off to land in the center of the group.
"But was it really necessary to recruit all these people to try and kick my ass?" Conner motioned to the group.
"How'd you get up there?" Dustin asked.
Conner grinned, "Came up with that on my own, actually." He stretched out a palm and conjured a miniscule ball of flame, "Throw this down and instant smoke screen." The jock gazed questioningly at his instructors.
"Is part of my training having twenty or so people gang up on me in various ways?"
"That wasn't a training session, Conner." Sensei stepped to the middle of the group. Immediately, the ninja students snapped to attention and bowed in unison to the mentor. Bemused, Conner stared at Kanoi.
"What do you mean by that, Sensei?"
Kanoi's kind eyes shone as the academy's sensei smiled, "That was your final test." He motioned to the water ranger.
"You and Tori begin your quest tomorrow." Rotating to the ninja students, Sensei bowed, "Dismissed."
Conner stood alone as the group dispersed. The thoughts banged solidly against his head. This was it, and there was no turning back now.
Coming up:
Khyuss' plan
Conner and Tori's first day in Phaedos
The return of another familiar face
Whew, finally we're getting to the actual mission! There's a lot in store for Conner and Tori as they try to complete their quest. So stay tuned for their trials in Phaedos. As always, drop a line.
Roxie
