Ok here is the next chapter! One thing before we start... I wasn't sure what reaction Hunter would have after what had happened so please bear with me over the next couple of chapters. The reason for his behaviour will be explained!

Ok, shoutouts -Crimson-Ranger: Blake cheer Hunter up? Ew! They're brothers! I was right...you are impossible! Jnr Cpl Scarlett: Hah hah! Lol! Don't worry, you're ignored on that last comment... although that gives me an idea... Only joking! garnetred: Thanks as always! Here's your update! CamFan4Ever: LOL! You're just as evil as I am... you just hide it better! MzDany: Hunter may not realise that now, but I'm sure he will! Thanks. EliseRedding: No worries, I've heard worse lol! Thanks! Ukume: Well that's glad to know... I think! Hope you get to read this!

Well I have to go now - History exam tomorrow and have spent most of today standing on my head revising. Well... it works for Bridge! Oh 'smirks' and I've managed to aquire a boyfriend! Hee hee! Here's chapter 13, only three more chapters left! Eeek! Read, review and enjoy!

the real vampire

Funny About Food

Shane, after making sure Blake was going to be ok with Hunter on his own, left to tell the others about what had happened. There was a stunned silence for a few minutes as the enormity of what had happened sunk in.

Finally Dustin spoke, "Well, that's a surprise."

"Is Hunter alright?' Tori asked.

Shane shrugged, "I'm not sure, Blake's taking care of him. He's in shock I think."

"Should we go and see him…"

"No," Shane cut in. "Blake say's he's fine and Hunter probably won't want to see anyone just yet."

"Oh," Tori said softly. There was another silence.

"Rangers, you should go home and rest. I will see you all for training tomorrow," Sensei said, dismissing them, an unreadable expression on his face.

xxx

Once the three of them had gone Cam turned to his father, "So the cub finally grew claws then." He smiled.

His father didn't answer for a while and then said, "So you are happy that Hunter used his Ninja powers in that way?"

Cam shrugged, "From what Shane said he didn't really have a choice."

"There is always a choice, Cam." Not wanting to start an argument with his son he added, "I will talk to Hunter tomorrow. Phil's death is not exactly a bad thing, but Hunter must realise the consequences of his actions."

Cam shook his head, "Trust me father, if I know Hunter, he already knows the consequences of his actions. It's how he's going to react that worries me."

Both of them fell silent as they remembered how Hunter had responded to the events of last year. Hopefully there would not be a repeat.

xxx

The next morning Blake and Hunter arrived at Ninja Ops to be met by Cam. "Sensei wants to speak to Hunter," was all he said, but he couldn't help looking at Hunter with a worried expression. The older thunder brother looked very pale and tired, but apart from that surprisingly well. Perhaps things were going to be alright after all…

The other three Wind Ninja's were already there, but fell quiet when Hunter and Blake appeared.

"How are you bro?" Shane asked.

"Ok," Hunter replied, then turned to the guinea pig. "Cam said you wanted to see me Sensei?"

"Yes I do."

"Whoa, Sensei looks serious," Tori whispered to Dustin.

"Dude, Sensei's a guinea pig, how can you tell if he looks serious or not?" Dustin whispered back, but was shushed by Shane.

"What about Sensei?" Hunter said it lightly but there was apprehension on his face.

"The events of yesterday. Improper use of ninja powers…"

Blake cut in, "Sensei, Hunter was trying to protect us all. I mean, Phil knew who, what, we all are. He was going to reveal us to the world and it wasn't exactly intentional. It was an accident; Hunter just lost control…"

This time it was Hunter that cut in, "That's not strictly true. I knew what I was doing." He looked ill even as he said it.

"That makes this all the more serious Hunter. I thought you were responsible, but this seems to have proved me wrong. Ninja's must never use their powers for personal gain, or to hurt another human being."

"Sensei I had no choice…"

"You did have a choice Hunter. And you chose to abuse the powers you have been given. I know there were unforeseen circumstances but even so, I am disappointed in you Hunter.

Hunter bit his lip and stared at the floor. Tears welled up in his eyes but he blinked them back. He would not let the others see him cry. Sensei continued talking, but Hunter blanked him out. Sensei, who had always been so supportive of him and who he respected more than anyone else, was angry and, worse, disappointed in him. And for something that Hunter already hated himself for. "I'm sorry," he whispered, trying to keep the break from his voice. Sensei picked up on his feelings immediately, but the others hadn't noticed.

He sighed, "It's done now I suppose. And there is no going back." He looked at Hunter for a moment, then said in a low undertone so only he would hear it, "I'm not really angry at you Hunter, but you must understand the seriousness of your actions."

Hunter nodded, "Believe me Sensei, I know."

Sensei smiled and decided to leave it there. It was apparent that Hunter was already beating himself up about what had happened and did not need a lecture to make him feel any worse. "If you want to talk at any time Hunter, you know I am always here."

Hunter looked up, "Thanks but no thanks Sensei. I'm fine, honestly." But even as he said it he wouldn't meet Sensei's eyes.

Sensei chose not to argue and instead turned to everyone saying, "Ok then. Let's get started."

xxx

After training the group, bar Cam, decided to go and get pizza. Hunter tagged along, but he didn't look happy for some reason. As they neared the restaurant, Hunter got slower and slower and then stopped.

"Aren't you coming Hunter?" Shane called back when he noticed he wasn't with them.

"You know guys I'm not really hungry right now. You go ahead, I'll see you later."

"How can you not be hungry bro? Sensei just put us through one of the most exhausting training sessions in like the history of exhausting training sessions. I'm starving," Dustin said.

"Hunter you didn't have breakfast either," Blake said, looking hard at his brother.

He shrugged, "I said I'm not hungry."

"Come on Hunter. Doesn't the thought of that yummy cheesy pizza just make your mouth water?" Dustin said, his stomach growling.

"No, actually it makes me feel sick," Hunter suddenly snapped.

"Hey bro, we're just trying to help," Shane said.

"Well I don't need your help, thank you but I'm fine."

"What is your problem? We're just going for pizza." Tori said.

"My problem? What's you obsession with trying to get me to eat. I said I'm not hungry and I meant it. Now will you get off my case?" Hunter yelled. Before anyone could think of something to say, he turned and walked off without another word.

The four of them stood stunned. "Is Hunter ok?" Tori asked Blake in a small voice.

"Yeah, I mean, he looked a bit peaky if you asked me. And Sensei was kinda harsh on him earlier." Dustin chipped in.

"You said he missed breakfast, and now he's missing lunch…" Shane trailed off.

Blake tried to shrug off the others' concerns; "Hunter is funny about his food, that's all. I guess it's a knock-back from his childhood or something. If he's not hungry then no force in the world can make him eat." Catching Dustin about to say something he quickly added, "And no force out of this world either." Dustin shut his mouth. "He'll eat if and when he feels like it. This is just one of his moods. It'll pass. He's probably still in a bit of shock after yesterday, he'll be fine."

The others nodded. They accepted Blake's explanation; it was just Hunter. He'll get over it. Blake only wished he felt as confident as he sounded.