Chapter 16: Surprise

After awhile, Hunter and Blake got their strength back and were back into action. However, now Hunter volunteered to take hang out with a young boy all day who lost a dad. Speaking that Hunter was thirteen when his father died. He knew what it was like to lose a father. Even though at the same time, he was worried about his mother. It had been a couple of days and she wasn't responding yet. They contacted Carter and told him that as soon as Kimberly woke up they would come and get Hannah and Kylie.

Hunter was walking along the street with the boy beside him. The boy wasn't agreeing with anything that Hunter had asked him. The boy, Charlie, stopped and looked Hunter. "Look, I know what you're trying to do and you don't have to. I've gone this long without a dad and I really don't need one now," Charlie informed before running off. Hunter sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as he walked off.

While Hunter was walking back to Storm Chargers, his mind drifted back to his dad, the day he lost him.

(Flashback)

Hunter came home and threw his glove on the table. His dad didn't show up at his game like he promised. He was crushed, this was the biggest game in the season and his dad didn't show up. However, when Hunter came into the living room, he saw his mother sitting there in tears. "Mom?" He asked. Caroline Leonardo looked up at her son. "Mom…what's going on?" He asked.

"Come over here, sweetie, I have something to tell you," she told him sadly.

Hunter walked over and sat next to his mom. "What's going on? Why didn't dad show up at my game like he promised?" He asked. Caroline took a deep breath and she looked at Hunter.

"Honey, your dad was trying to get to your game. While he was stopping at a stop light, a car drove through and he hit your father. Hunter, your father didn't make it," she explained and broke into tears again.

Hunter felt numb. He stood up and he went up into his room.

That night, it was storming and Hunter was lying awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling. "Hunter?" Hannah called quietly. Hunter looked over his shoulder at his sister. "I'm scared, can I stay with you?" She asked. Hunter sat up slightly.

"Yeah, sure," he replied.

He lifted his blankets and let his sister climb into the bed. Hannah cuddled up next to him and buried her head into his chest. "I miss daddy," she whimpered. Hunter hugged his sister tight with a sigh.

"I miss him too," he answered.

They both lied there throughout the night, crying.

(End Flashback)

Hunter shook his head. He still missed his dad, but he loved where his life was heading now. He had a mother who loved him dearly. He loved having his sister with him, another sister who he loved dearly, and a brother who was the greatest. He got up and walked back to Storm Chargers.

Blake looked up when Hunter came out. "Hey, how are you and Charlie doing?" He asked.

"Not so good, bro. I can't get him to talk to me. I think I'm just gonna bag it," Hunter replied.

"Look he lost his dad. Just give him some room, he'll come around," Blake answered.

"Dude, I'm trying."

"He'll let you know when he's ready. Just kick it with him until then."

"I thought I was supposed to be the older, wiser one?"

"You're still older. Way older."

Hunter playfully punched his brother with a laugh. Then they got serious again. "Any news from Cam about mom?" He asked.

"Nothing. I still think he's recording the other guys' moves for that contest," Blake replied.

Hunter let out a sigh. "This is freaky, bro. I mean, after we finally get settled down with a mom who loves us more than anything in this world and we might end up losing her," Hunter stated.

"Hey, mom's strong. She's escaped death before," Blake pointed out.

Hunter nodded. "Yeah…" he agreed silently. Blake then came out from behind the counter.

"I was going to head down to check on her anyways, wanna come?" Blake asked.

"Nah, I have to get back to Charlie," Hunter replied.

Blake nodded, but then their morphers went off. "What's up, Cam?" Hunter asked.

"Guys, there's a monster attacking downtown," Cam informed.

"On it," Blake answered.

Hunter and Blake then ran out of the store.

When they arrived, Hunter and Blake were the first ones there. They started attacking the monster, but then the monster shot electricity at them, making them fall back and hit the ground hard. When the Wind Rangers arrived, the monster disappeared. "Where did he…" Dustin trailed off.

"He just, vanished," Tori commented.

"What's up with that?" Dustin asked.

"So weird," Tori agreed.

"Let me know when you figure it out. I…uh…gotta be somewhere," Hunter informed.

"Okay, later," Dustin answered.

Hunter then ran towards Charlie's house.

Hunter saw Charlie's mom when he arrived. "Hey, is Charlie around?" He asked.

"He's inside. One of those new games, can't tear himself away from it," his mom replied.

"Yeah," Hunter laughed.

"HUNTER!" Charlie shouted.

"Excuse me," Hunter told her.

Charlie's mom nodded and Hunter ran inside.

Hunter ran into Charlie's room and got into a guarding stance when he saw kelzaks holding onto Charlie's arms. "The game seemed so real," Charlie commented.

"Maybe you need some help getting to the next level," Hunter answered.

After fighting the kelzaks, they disappeared and Charlie stood up. "That was awesome. You didn't tell me you did martial arts," Charlie commented.

"You never asked. Don't tell me there's something we both actually like," Hunter commented.

Charlie nodded his head with a grin.

Later on that day after defeating the monster that Charlie accidentally sent to the city. Hunter and Charlie were at Storm Chargers. "Hey, Hunter," Charlie called.

"Yeah, buddy," Hunter answered.

"Do you ever miss your dad?" He asked.

Hunter stopped working on the bike he was working on for a second. "Everyday," he replied.

"Me too. Will ever go away…missing him?" Charlie asked.

Hunter slowly shook his head. "No…but it will get easier," Hunter replied. Hunter then stopped working on the bike again. "Tell you what. I know I can't replace your dad, but if you ever feel bummed out about things. If you just wanna talk, I'm here," Hunter answered.

"Thanks," Charlie answered.

Hunter smiled. "What about your mom? Do you still have her?" He asked. Hunter nodded his head.

"Yeah, I do. It's been a little difficult to see her during the past few days," Hunter replied.

Hunter patted Charlie's shoulder. "DUDE IT'S ON!" Blake shouted. Hunter grinned.

"Come on," Hunter told Charlie.

Charlie nodded and followed Hunter. They watched the tape that Cam had created with all the footage he shot of all them. They heard the door open, but just thought it was another customer. "We're closed," Dustin called out. The person stepped into view with a smile.

"Even for me?" Kimberly asked.

Hunter and Blake stood up. "Mom!" They gasped. Charlie watched with a smile as Hunter and Blake embraced Kimberly.

"We're so glad you're okay," Blake told her.

Kimberly smiled and pulled back. "I want to thank you two for getting me out of there," she told them. Hunter smiled and looked over at Charlie.

"Hey, Charlie, come here," Hunter called.

Charlie got up and walked over to them. "Hey, mom. This is my friend, Charlie. Charlie, this is my mom, Kimberly," Hunter informed. Kimberly smiled at Charlie.

"Nice to meet you, Charlie," Kimberly greeted.

"Nice to meet you, Kimberly," Charlie answered.

"Is Hunter treating you nice?"

Charlie grinned at Hunter. "You bet," he replied. Hunter smiled back.

"Good to have you back, mom," Blake stated.

Kimberly wrapped her arm around Blake's shoulders. "Good to be back," she answered. The Rangers nodded.