I must be addicted to hearing from my reviewers if I'm cheering their names when I find they've reviewed. And yes, I do cheer out loud. ^_^
For those who wanted to know, I'm sorry to say Fade to Darkness is currently on hiatus. I was re-reading to figure out things for part two and suddenly decided I wasn't happy with it. The Dark Rangers weren't evil enough, and the beginning's far too vague. So I'm in the process of fleshing it out a bit. Unfortunately, certain characters are protesting the change, and I'm having issues writing their new sections. If anyone's interested in helping it along, I need people to pick a Ranger and tell me what you think their greatest fear would be. Tommy's obviously a given, unless someone has a different idea than the whole 'turning evil again' thing. Other than that, let me know if you've got an idea. The more unusual for that particular Ranger the better, but ordinary ones are good, too.
cmar: Kelly deserves a closer look; she's too cool. ^_^ Victoria is the only thing I could think of Tori being short for, because otherwise I believe it's Japanese for bird. Good to know her parents sounded believable. I don't think I was hinting anything at Ras, but who knows? *Grins* I know a kid who sounded just like that when people don't pay enough attention to him. Kelly's got her own reasons for hiding the boys, which everyone will see soon enough. Is this soon enough for your answers? ^_~
Dagmar: Whoo! I have your approval! I'm special now. Yay! ^_^
CamFan4Ever: It's my philosophy that it you know one Ranger, you know them all soon enough. They're not exactly subtle. I firmly believe the Power is the only thing keeping their identities secret.
hartfelt: I'm glad you're honored; thanks for the inspiration. ^_^ *Ducks flying rocks* Uh, thanks? Shane and Dustin have been found! More or less... You'll just have to see for more on Dustin's mom, but good to know you liked things so far.
Prinzessin: Sleepy Dustin...just picture him. Isn't he so adorable?
Kryptonite: Welcome aboard! ^_^ I'm part of the Dustin-is-NOT-a-Moron Movement: Striving to Show Dustin with Intelligence. Secret Dustin-shipper? No need to be secret! Dustin is loud and funny, and so shall we be! (Wow, where'd *that* come from?)
Megazord Master: Yes, I hate math and accounting, too. And science. Ag science turned me vegetarian. *Makes a face* I hate so much as remembering to balance my checkbook.
SilverRider: *Laughs* Or else? Or else what? ^_~ If you feel sorry for the boys, then I'm doing my job. Go me! *Cheezy grin*
Dingo: *Grins* Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement. And one more image of sleepy Dustin... *Aws*
Weesta: Yeah, Kelly totally rocks. ^_^ I think she's too smart and independent to let a teenager with teamwork issues tell her what to do, and I can so see her looking out for everyone. Go back? Work out? *Snickers* I can never make things that simple.
Tori's a relaxed person in the first place; she needs a relaxed family. Evil Grandmother *does* work fast. I won't spoil what the family's up to. Safe with Shane and Kelly...we'll see. ^_~
No, they don't think of talking to Kelly. They never seem to think she knows more than she lets on. *Cheers* I hoped someone would comment on Blake's reaction to Ras being indifferent about Dustin. I had a feeling it would be you, too. ^_^ The way I see it, Hunter and Blake are the exception to the Rule of Brotherly Love (i.e. noogies and blackmail), and as such it's doubtful at least one of them would think of things any other way. *Bows* I'm glad I can be convincing on the voices; I try to imagine them saying what I write.
crazy4nc128: Tori's parents are vaguely based on mine, but more permanently laid back. *Grins* I'm a daddy's girl myself. There's a reason Ras isn't concerned, which will be explained later. He's not completely heartless, I promise.
People said they wanted to know Sensei's thoughts, so I tried to get into his head. That made me think of Miko. Miko lead to the sudden thought that if the Amulet gave Cam the power to turn into the Green Samurai Ranger, wouldn't that technically mean she would have, too? And that turned into A Smaller Perspective. My mind goes strange places when I let it out on its own. I'm almost positive there'll be another story dedicated to that chapter alone. The muses like that train of thought.
Enjoy! ^_^;;
And it All Falls Apart
Shane looked up at the house apprehensively. No one would be home right now; his father had left for work hours ago, his mother not long after. Normally he'd have hung out for a bit before heading to the skate park, but now...
At last he pulled out his key and headed for the front door. There was a flash of apprehension that locks might have been changed, but it still opened for him. He headed up towards his room silently. If he was going to be getting an apartment, he'd need to move his stuff to move in.
His room was empty.
He stood in the doorway, staring in disbelief. The room was absolutely bare. Posters had been ripped from the walls, leaving the shredded corners behind. His scattered clothes had disappeared, as well as the random items on his dresser. Only the dresser and bed remained behind, stripped free of any fabric.
A raspy noise reached his ears, and he found himself falling to his knees. His hand grasped the doorframe as the realization that the noise was the sound of him hyperventilating dawned. He couldn't breathe; it was too much. In a single night, in a single, stupid conversation, he'd lost everything.
Was his chest supposed to hurt like this?
Arms wrapped around him from behind, then moved to rub soothing circles on his back. "Deep breaths, Shane." his mother commanded. "Calm down, baby. In and out."
He responded instinctively, even as his mind whirled. Dimly he wondered what she was doing home. Didn't she have to work today? She shouldn't be here.
He managed to turn to face her as his breathing began to slow at last. "What...what are you...doing home?" he wheezed.
"I took the day off so I could talk to you." she answered, still rubbing his back. Her eyes were sympathetic.
"Mom...why?" he asked weakly, gesturing to the empty room behind them. "Why did he..."
"He lost his temper when you left." she told him softly. "He said if you left, you weren't coming back."
Chills shot down his spine. "He...he disowned me?" he whispered.
She hesitated. "Where did you go last night?" she asked after a moment.
"I...went to find Dustin. We went to Kelly's." he mumbled. His head was still spinning. "She says she wants me to be her bookkeeper. And she found an apartment for us."
"That's good."
His head snapped up, sending a wave of dizziness that he ignored. "Good?" he repeated blankly.
She paused again. "Shane...I think that you should take Kelly up on her offer."
He stared at her. "W-what?"
She winced, biting her lip. "Baby, I love you. I just want you to be happy. But your father... I think maybe it's best if you get out of the house for awhile."
He just stared, barely hearing as she went on to tell him that his things were boxed up in the garage. She was siding with *him*? After she said she loved him, and it didn't matter? "I don't believe this!" he blurted out.
She blinked, then looked pained. "Shane...."
He jerked back as she tried to touch his shoulder, stumbling to his feet. "You...how could you?!" he shouted at her. "I thought you said you didn't care, that you understood!"
"I do! I just-"
"Liar! You...you...." He bolted, unable to bear another moment with her.
"Shane! Shane, wait!"
He ran faster, barely noticing that his cheeks were beginning to feel wet. By the time he made it to the front door, he'd become no more than a red blur, bounding off into the distance.
****
He swore as his morpher went off. "Go for Shane." he snarled at it.
"Whoa, chill out dude. There's a monster like, totally wreaking havoc on the business district."
"This is *so* not a good time!" he shouted in frustration. He cut off before CyberCam could respond, shifting into his stance. "Ninja Storm, Ranger Form, ha! Power of Air!"
The world went red once again as he streaked toward the battle. Lothor just couldn't give him a break! All he wanted was some time to think! Angry thoughts swirled in his mind, building until he was practically seething with rage.
He ended his streak in a flying tackle at the alien. Flipping to his feet, he summoned his Ninja Sword before it barely managed to get up. He slashed, driving it farther and farther backward. All of his frustration and pain went into the attack. There was no finesse or grace at all; just mindless, brutal strikes.
"Ninja Sword, Gold Mode!" he shouted, powering up for a massive strike.
Just as his sword came down, he was knocked flying. "What's the heck?!" he yelled.
Blue and Yellow Wind kept him pinned. "What's gotten into you?" Blue Wind demanded.
"I was *trying* to defeat the monster." he snarled. "I don't see what's so wrong about that!"
"Dude, defeating the monster is one thing. Mindless slaughter is *totally* different." Yellow Wind retorted, but there was a tinge of worry to his voice.
His morpher beeped loudly. "Wind Rangers, please report back to Ninja Ops." Sensei announced calmly.
"We're not finished here!" he snapped back. He struggled to get up. "Let me go!"
The world abruptly dissolved in red. When his vision cleared, he was back in Ninja Ops, clutching his stomach. "Who's big idea was that?" he muttered darkly, wincing beneath his helmet. He didn't care what Cam said; Ninja Streaking was *way* better than teleport. Teleportation was nauseating.
"A little warning next time?" Blue Wind groaned to his right.
Yellow Wind's response was far less articulate. "Ugh."
He keyed his morpher at last when his stomach began to settle. His Ranger suit disappeared instantly, leaving him glaring at Sensei and CyberCam. "What's going on?" he demanded. "We were in the middle of a battle! We should be out there, protecting the city!"
"Yes, you should." Sensei answered smoothly. "However, protecting the innocent is far different from using one's enemy as a target for anger, Shane."
He glowered. "I was doing my *job*."
"Didn't look like it to me." Tori retorted. "You were getting *way* to into it."
He shot her a harsh glare. "Who asked you?!"
"Calm down, man." Dustin put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing slightly. "Tori's just worried about you. We all are. I mean, you never fight like that. Like, ever."
He closed his eyes, forcing himself to take a deep breath. Snapping at Dustin would only make things worse. "It's just been a really rough day, okay?" he said at last.
He barely caught Sensei leaving out of the corner of his eye. CyberCam had apparently gotten the hint and disappeared. At least this left him with fewer witnesses.
"Speaking of which, where were you two?" Tori asked, frowning. "I've been trying to catch you all day."
"Out." he answered shortly. This was not something he wanted to discuss right now.
"I uh, had stuff to do for Kelly." Dustin mumbled, looking at his feet.
Tori sighed, moving to wrap her arms around each of their shoulders. "Your grandmother called last night, Dustin." she told them both softly.
Shane stiffened, while Dustin paled.
"Oh, man. She didn't get you in trouble too, did she?" Dustin asked anxiously. "I am *so* sorry, Tor. I'll-I'll think of something to get you off the hook, okay?"
She squeezed him gently. "It's okay." she soothed. "My parents are cool with it. Mom said to tell you you're always welcome at our place. Dad's just happy he doesn't have to worry about me being alone with you."
Dustin smiled at her, but it was definitely forced. "Thanks, Tor."
Shane shrugged off her arm. "That's great." He couldn't keep the bitterness from his voice.
"Shane?"
He faced the wall, closing his eyes. "Dad threw all my stuff out. Mom said she was cool at first, but now she thinks I should get lost."
"What?" Tori sounded alarmed.
He snorted abruptly. "I've been disowned, Tor."
"I'm sorry."
There was a whisper of fabric, and he came as close to swearing as the Power would let him. Just as he'd expected, Dustin was nowhere to be seen when he turned around. He grit his teeth. "I'll catch up with you later, Tori."
He streaked up the stairs, barely hearing her startled "Bye."
For those who wanted to know, I'm sorry to say Fade to Darkness is currently on hiatus. I was re-reading to figure out things for part two and suddenly decided I wasn't happy with it. The Dark Rangers weren't evil enough, and the beginning's far too vague. So I'm in the process of fleshing it out a bit. Unfortunately, certain characters are protesting the change, and I'm having issues writing their new sections. If anyone's interested in helping it along, I need people to pick a Ranger and tell me what you think their greatest fear would be. Tommy's obviously a given, unless someone has a different idea than the whole 'turning evil again' thing. Other than that, let me know if you've got an idea. The more unusual for that particular Ranger the better, but ordinary ones are good, too.
cmar: Kelly deserves a closer look; she's too cool. ^_^ Victoria is the only thing I could think of Tori being short for, because otherwise I believe it's Japanese for bird. Good to know her parents sounded believable. I don't think I was hinting anything at Ras, but who knows? *Grins* I know a kid who sounded just like that when people don't pay enough attention to him. Kelly's got her own reasons for hiding the boys, which everyone will see soon enough. Is this soon enough for your answers? ^_~
Dagmar: Whoo! I have your approval! I'm special now. Yay! ^_^
CamFan4Ever: It's my philosophy that it you know one Ranger, you know them all soon enough. They're not exactly subtle. I firmly believe the Power is the only thing keeping their identities secret.
hartfelt: I'm glad you're honored; thanks for the inspiration. ^_^ *Ducks flying rocks* Uh, thanks? Shane and Dustin have been found! More or less... You'll just have to see for more on Dustin's mom, but good to know you liked things so far.
Prinzessin: Sleepy Dustin...just picture him. Isn't he so adorable?
Kryptonite: Welcome aboard! ^_^ I'm part of the Dustin-is-NOT-a-Moron Movement: Striving to Show Dustin with Intelligence. Secret Dustin-shipper? No need to be secret! Dustin is loud and funny, and so shall we be! (Wow, where'd *that* come from?)
Megazord Master: Yes, I hate math and accounting, too. And science. Ag science turned me vegetarian. *Makes a face* I hate so much as remembering to balance my checkbook.
SilverRider: *Laughs* Or else? Or else what? ^_~ If you feel sorry for the boys, then I'm doing my job. Go me! *Cheezy grin*
Dingo: *Grins* Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement. And one more image of sleepy Dustin... *Aws*
Weesta: Yeah, Kelly totally rocks. ^_^ I think she's too smart and independent to let a teenager with teamwork issues tell her what to do, and I can so see her looking out for everyone. Go back? Work out? *Snickers* I can never make things that simple.
Tori's a relaxed person in the first place; she needs a relaxed family. Evil Grandmother *does* work fast. I won't spoil what the family's up to. Safe with Shane and Kelly...we'll see. ^_~
No, they don't think of talking to Kelly. They never seem to think she knows more than she lets on. *Cheers* I hoped someone would comment on Blake's reaction to Ras being indifferent about Dustin. I had a feeling it would be you, too. ^_^ The way I see it, Hunter and Blake are the exception to the Rule of Brotherly Love (i.e. noogies and blackmail), and as such it's doubtful at least one of them would think of things any other way. *Bows* I'm glad I can be convincing on the voices; I try to imagine them saying what I write.
crazy4nc128: Tori's parents are vaguely based on mine, but more permanently laid back. *Grins* I'm a daddy's girl myself. There's a reason Ras isn't concerned, which will be explained later. He's not completely heartless, I promise.
People said they wanted to know Sensei's thoughts, so I tried to get into his head. That made me think of Miko. Miko lead to the sudden thought that if the Amulet gave Cam the power to turn into the Green Samurai Ranger, wouldn't that technically mean she would have, too? And that turned into A Smaller Perspective. My mind goes strange places when I let it out on its own. I'm almost positive there'll be another story dedicated to that chapter alone. The muses like that train of thought.
Enjoy! ^_^;;
And it All Falls Apart
Shane looked up at the house apprehensively. No one would be home right now; his father had left for work hours ago, his mother not long after. Normally he'd have hung out for a bit before heading to the skate park, but now...
At last he pulled out his key and headed for the front door. There was a flash of apprehension that locks might have been changed, but it still opened for him. He headed up towards his room silently. If he was going to be getting an apartment, he'd need to move his stuff to move in.
His room was empty.
He stood in the doorway, staring in disbelief. The room was absolutely bare. Posters had been ripped from the walls, leaving the shredded corners behind. His scattered clothes had disappeared, as well as the random items on his dresser. Only the dresser and bed remained behind, stripped free of any fabric.
A raspy noise reached his ears, and he found himself falling to his knees. His hand grasped the doorframe as the realization that the noise was the sound of him hyperventilating dawned. He couldn't breathe; it was too much. In a single night, in a single, stupid conversation, he'd lost everything.
Was his chest supposed to hurt like this?
Arms wrapped around him from behind, then moved to rub soothing circles on his back. "Deep breaths, Shane." his mother commanded. "Calm down, baby. In and out."
He responded instinctively, even as his mind whirled. Dimly he wondered what she was doing home. Didn't she have to work today? She shouldn't be here.
He managed to turn to face her as his breathing began to slow at last. "What...what are you...doing home?" he wheezed.
"I took the day off so I could talk to you." she answered, still rubbing his back. Her eyes were sympathetic.
"Mom...why?" he asked weakly, gesturing to the empty room behind them. "Why did he..."
"He lost his temper when you left." she told him softly. "He said if you left, you weren't coming back."
Chills shot down his spine. "He...he disowned me?" he whispered.
She hesitated. "Where did you go last night?" she asked after a moment.
"I...went to find Dustin. We went to Kelly's." he mumbled. His head was still spinning. "She says she wants me to be her bookkeeper. And she found an apartment for us."
"That's good."
His head snapped up, sending a wave of dizziness that he ignored. "Good?" he repeated blankly.
She paused again. "Shane...I think that you should take Kelly up on her offer."
He stared at her. "W-what?"
She winced, biting her lip. "Baby, I love you. I just want you to be happy. But your father... I think maybe it's best if you get out of the house for awhile."
He just stared, barely hearing as she went on to tell him that his things were boxed up in the garage. She was siding with *him*? After she said she loved him, and it didn't matter? "I don't believe this!" he blurted out.
She blinked, then looked pained. "Shane...."
He jerked back as she tried to touch his shoulder, stumbling to his feet. "You...how could you?!" he shouted at her. "I thought you said you didn't care, that you understood!"
"I do! I just-"
"Liar! You...you...." He bolted, unable to bear another moment with her.
"Shane! Shane, wait!"
He ran faster, barely noticing that his cheeks were beginning to feel wet. By the time he made it to the front door, he'd become no more than a red blur, bounding off into the distance.
****
He swore as his morpher went off. "Go for Shane." he snarled at it.
"Whoa, chill out dude. There's a monster like, totally wreaking havoc on the business district."
"This is *so* not a good time!" he shouted in frustration. He cut off before CyberCam could respond, shifting into his stance. "Ninja Storm, Ranger Form, ha! Power of Air!"
The world went red once again as he streaked toward the battle. Lothor just couldn't give him a break! All he wanted was some time to think! Angry thoughts swirled in his mind, building until he was practically seething with rage.
He ended his streak in a flying tackle at the alien. Flipping to his feet, he summoned his Ninja Sword before it barely managed to get up. He slashed, driving it farther and farther backward. All of his frustration and pain went into the attack. There was no finesse or grace at all; just mindless, brutal strikes.
"Ninja Sword, Gold Mode!" he shouted, powering up for a massive strike.
Just as his sword came down, he was knocked flying. "What's the heck?!" he yelled.
Blue and Yellow Wind kept him pinned. "What's gotten into you?" Blue Wind demanded.
"I was *trying* to defeat the monster." he snarled. "I don't see what's so wrong about that!"
"Dude, defeating the monster is one thing. Mindless slaughter is *totally* different." Yellow Wind retorted, but there was a tinge of worry to his voice.
His morpher beeped loudly. "Wind Rangers, please report back to Ninja Ops." Sensei announced calmly.
"We're not finished here!" he snapped back. He struggled to get up. "Let me go!"
The world abruptly dissolved in red. When his vision cleared, he was back in Ninja Ops, clutching his stomach. "Who's big idea was that?" he muttered darkly, wincing beneath his helmet. He didn't care what Cam said; Ninja Streaking was *way* better than teleport. Teleportation was nauseating.
"A little warning next time?" Blue Wind groaned to his right.
Yellow Wind's response was far less articulate. "Ugh."
He keyed his morpher at last when his stomach began to settle. His Ranger suit disappeared instantly, leaving him glaring at Sensei and CyberCam. "What's going on?" he demanded. "We were in the middle of a battle! We should be out there, protecting the city!"
"Yes, you should." Sensei answered smoothly. "However, protecting the innocent is far different from using one's enemy as a target for anger, Shane."
He glowered. "I was doing my *job*."
"Didn't look like it to me." Tori retorted. "You were getting *way* to into it."
He shot her a harsh glare. "Who asked you?!"
"Calm down, man." Dustin put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing slightly. "Tori's just worried about you. We all are. I mean, you never fight like that. Like, ever."
He closed his eyes, forcing himself to take a deep breath. Snapping at Dustin would only make things worse. "It's just been a really rough day, okay?" he said at last.
He barely caught Sensei leaving out of the corner of his eye. CyberCam had apparently gotten the hint and disappeared. At least this left him with fewer witnesses.
"Speaking of which, where were you two?" Tori asked, frowning. "I've been trying to catch you all day."
"Out." he answered shortly. This was not something he wanted to discuss right now.
"I uh, had stuff to do for Kelly." Dustin mumbled, looking at his feet.
Tori sighed, moving to wrap her arms around each of their shoulders. "Your grandmother called last night, Dustin." she told them both softly.
Shane stiffened, while Dustin paled.
"Oh, man. She didn't get you in trouble too, did she?" Dustin asked anxiously. "I am *so* sorry, Tor. I'll-I'll think of something to get you off the hook, okay?"
She squeezed him gently. "It's okay." she soothed. "My parents are cool with it. Mom said to tell you you're always welcome at our place. Dad's just happy he doesn't have to worry about me being alone with you."
Dustin smiled at her, but it was definitely forced. "Thanks, Tor."
Shane shrugged off her arm. "That's great." He couldn't keep the bitterness from his voice.
"Shane?"
He faced the wall, closing his eyes. "Dad threw all my stuff out. Mom said she was cool at first, but now she thinks I should get lost."
"What?" Tori sounded alarmed.
He snorted abruptly. "I've been disowned, Tor."
"I'm sorry."
There was a whisper of fabric, and he came as close to swearing as the Power would let him. Just as he'd expected, Dustin was nowhere to be seen when he turned around. He grit his teeth. "I'll catch up with you later, Tori."
He streaked up the stairs, barely hearing her startled "Bye."