Cam wanted to nervously fidget but if there was something you did not do in front of a bunch of nobles and ninjas, and that was to fidget. "Who are you?" Hunter finally asked and Cam's eyes were drawn back to the absolute godly image Hunter made in crimson silk.

"I am the Green Samurai Ranger and I have come to offer my services to protect the Duchess and Prince's wedding." Now whispers were flying through the crowd. They knew that it would be foolish to claim to be a ranger without proof, it was a lie that would have you ending up dead.

"My sister-in-law was the last Samurai Ranger and the amulet disappeared with her, what proof do you have?" Lothor demanded, quite visibly steamed. While many believed it was because this man was taking away the lovely Miko's rightful title, it was actually because Lothor had always wanted the power of the samurai amulet for himself.

"This." And Cam pulled the amulet out of his shirt, allowing the nobles to get a look at it and then sending it a message to send up a brief flare of his power to show up on the rangers' morphers as recognition of it's power. "There are at least three other rangers guarding over the Prince's marriage, and they just received a notice proving who I was." Dustin, Tori and Shane all glanced surreptitiously at their morphers, as did Blake and Hunter, all of them spotting the pulse that identified another Ranger.

"The Rangers are hidden, there is no way to confirm that!" Another noble complained and several agreeing murmurs were heard.

"Then why don't we have this new... samurai prove his skills by contending with one of a samurai general?" Lothor said calmly, leaning back in his chair and steepling his fingers, a sly smirk sitting on his lips. Agreement was uttered by the supporters Lothor had in court and eagerly General Madtropolis stood from where he was seated.

"If it pleases your Highnesses I would like to challenge him to prove his skills." Blake and Tori shared a speaking glance before nodding slightly at Hunter. The blond saw them pass the decision to him before he considered the pros and cons. It would certainly prove whether this guy was the Samurai Ranger to the eyes of the court, and the others would get to see how he was in action just in case Mr. Mystery went rogue on them. Of course even as a Ranger he might not be up to General Madtropolis' skill with the sword. The army general had even beaten Hunter once or twice. Still... if nothing else they could hide the guy in the shadows and pump him for information while he healed.

"Alright, if the Samurai Ranger will accept your challenge then we can proceed. Tomorrow. Tonight is my brother and sister-in-law's celebration night. I will not allow it to be ruined. Servants, set the Ranger a place at the table and let us continue."

---

Cam knew that the only reason he had not been ordered to remove his mask had been his public announcement that he was a Ranger and the fact that many more ninjas wearing masks had showed up after the public dinner ended. The public dinner was for open friends and allies the ball that followed would be the proof of the Prince's power. It was highly unusual for a ninja not to have hidden allies and so the numerous masked ninja who had appeared for the ball would be the true show of strength and the masked ninja's came in droves.

"We have a lot of connections." Prince Hunter murmured from where he had appeared behind the silent samurai.

"Aa, I had guessed that, Your Highness." Cam executed a small bow and hoped his face did not reveal his emotions, though he was sure that Hunter would hear the rapid pace of his heart. Of all the people at the ball only three might actually recognize him. His Uncle was one, Dustin another and Hunter a third. Lothor figuring him out just meant he had to avoid the man if at all possible and prevent any obvious occurrences of his absences coinciding with the Samurai's appearances, Dustin was smart but a little too spacey to guess who he was correctly though he would undoubtedly get an inkling of it at least, Hunter however was probably the most dangerous. He seemed to have figured out Cam's familial history after two meetings and was sharp, sly, and had designs on him.

"Have we met before? Your voice sounds familiar." Hunter stated, looking sideways at the dark haired man.

"No, your Highness, I am sure I would remember meeting one such as you." Hunter chuckled.

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Cam snorted.

"Trust me your highness, it was a compliment of the highest esteem."

---

Sorry for shortness!