Ninja Storm: Rise of the Eclipse- Chapter 5: Thunder Strangers: Part III
Disclaimer: Saban owns all Power Ranger line. I only own Crystal and Lucy and anything else unrecognizable
After discovering the Thunders' secret, the Rangers and Cam scrambled around Ninja Ops to find a plan that would save Sensei and Crystal from the unknown fate. " See, I knew there was something about Blake and Hunter," Shane exclaimed, looking at the other.
" Well, man, you don't have to rub it in, okay?" Dustin sighed, looking over at his leader. " I mean, I feel bad already."
Tori sighed when a thought came across her. " What about Lucy?" She asked, making al the boys look at her. " Where is she if Crystal was taken?"
" We'll find her," Cam assured her. Tori nodded but it didn't ease her worry. The resident genius pointed to the two glowing circles on the screen, one white and the other gold. " That's them," Cam said. " My father encased himself in an energy sphere before he was captured. I managed to get the frequency of the Eclipse morphers. Turns out they have trackers in their morphers." He explained. " The sphere will protect him and allow us to track their location within a twenty-five-mile radius. Then her morpher might help the rest of the way."
" But Sensei can't transform or use his ninja powers?" Shane asked, looking at the screen. " Crystal's tied up, so she's out of the question."
" Yeah," Cam answered. " And they're about to go out of range."
Dustin leaned in close to the monitor. " Why are they taking them to the forest?" He asked, looking around Ops.
Tori looked up from the bookcase she placed herself after she paced. She figured that she would help in any way possible to save the oldest half of the Eclipse Rangers duo. " Found it!" She called. " The Mountain of Lost Ninjas."
" Of course." Cam realized, looking over at the Blue Ranger from his seat.
" Oh, that's where those freaky ninja ghosts are," Dustin said, glancing at the screen. " Right?" He asked, looking at Cam.
" So you do study your ninja history." Cam retorted, rolling his eyes. " Then you should know that the Mountain of Lost Ninjas is where the Cavern of Spirits is," He said.
" Which houses the Gem of Souls," Lucy's voice rang out. Everyone turned to find the brunette in silver standing at the base of the stairs. " The most powerful stone in the world," She shifted. " I can fill you guys in on everything, but right now, getting Crystal and your Sensei back is more important,"
" The stone is powerful enough on Earth to break the energy sphere surrounding Sensei," Tori added. She was still holding the book.
" It can also be used to bring people back." Lucy walked further into Ops. She pushed a chunk of brunette hair from her face. " It's not called the Gem of Souls for nothing. Put it anywhere near an Eclipse ninja and people start coming back from the dead,"
" Why do Hunter and Blake want to bring people back?" Dustin asked.
" I don't know about you, bro," Blake commented. He and Hunter walked through the forest. He was carrying Sensei while Hunter held onto Crystal. It looked like a very creepy forest. Both something the Thunder Brothers would never admit. " But I'm not really digging it."
" Don't be such a baby." Hunter snarked.
" You should be afraid, Thunder Rangers," Sensei warned. " There are spirits here of the darkest warriors the world had ever known." He informed the duo.
" Quiet." Hunter snapped, looking over at the rodent. " We know what we're doing."
" Have you not learned that taking revenge on one who has caused you no harm makes you as guilty as the one who hurt you, to begin with?" Sensei asked, looking up at the brothers.
" You destroyed our parents." Hunter snapped, replying to Sensei's early question. " Parents who adopted us and gave us a good life. You deserve everything that's coming to you," Blake looked over at Crystal, who was staring right at the brothers. The Gold Ranger was staring right at Hunter, shock in her eyes. She cast her gaze down, sighing quietly, walking again.
" How much longer till we get there?" Dustin asked, pacing behind Cam. Lucy stood next to him, watching the blimps closely. All the Rangers were in their suits. The Winds had their visors open while Lucy held her helmet in her hand.
" I told you to go before we left Ninja Ops." Cam groaned, turning to face the two Rangers.
" That's not why I'm asking. I'm freaking here, man." Dustin said, motioning to his head. Lucy rolled her eyes, walking over to Tori and Shane. The blonde was being extremely quiet after they found out about Blake and Hunter.
" Hey, Tori," Shane said. " You know it's not your fault." He said, trying to comfort his teammate.
Tori looked over her shoulder at him then at the Silver Ranger." Well then, who's was it?" She asked, making Shane look away and return to his bike.
Lucy walked up to Tori. " Nobody's perfect, not even Crystal and I." She said, making Tori look at her. " You were doing the right thing. Hunter and Blake are idiots for not see how generous you are." She placed a silver-clad hand on Tori's shoulder.
" But Crystal…" Tori argued.
" Can handle herself," Lucy countered, her helmet tucked under her arm. " My sister's been taking on bullies since the 9th grade. My opinion, those boys have no idea who they are messin' with,"
" This is as far as I go," Cam said, taking his glasses off. " The rest is up to you. Please find my father and Crystal." Everyone nodded. Tori, Dustin, and Shane revved their bikes. Lucy hopped on Tori's bike while they left the truck.
" How much further?" Blake asked. He held the sphere in his hands.
" Almost there," Hunter said, holding onto Crystal's bicep. The Gold Ranger was grumbling under her breath.
A strange noise rang through the forest. It was something that could rip the bravery right out of a Ranger. " Did you hear that?" Blake asked, not wanting to go crazy. Hunter nodded. They backed up, watching for anything unusual. The taller blonde tugged the smaller one behind him. A bright flash appeared in front of the three. Creatures stood in its spot. Immediately, Blake set the energy ball down.
" You have got to be kidding me?" Crystal asked, staring at the ghosts. She glanced between the brothers. " Untie me."
" So you can run?" Hunter asked, looking over his shoulder at her.
Crystal faced him, her eyes widening. " Where would I go?!" She yelled. " I'm in the middle of a forest with you two and dead people!" She struggled against her ties. " Untie so I can fight, you nimrod!" Blake untied her, ignoring his brother's protest.
Thunder Storm, Ranger Form!
Eclipse Storm, Ranger Form!
Power of Thunder
Guardian of the Sun
Crystal started to fight off the ghosts. She kicked one in the stomach and blocked another's punch. She ducked and rounded to sweep the ghost's feet from under him. She stood up and backflipped to avoid two punches. Bumping into something, Crystal turned to find Hunter there. She grumbled, roundhouse kicking a ghost in the chest. Catching a punch, Crystal lowered it then caught the other. She spun the ghost around and flipped him on his stomach.
" They keep coming," Blake said, fight another ghost.
" What now?" Hunter asked, trying to break free of the ghosts.
" Put me down!" Sensei said. Red, blue and yellow lasers passed by the Thunder Rangers while the ghosts fell to the floor. The Thunders watched the Wind Ninjas and Lucy ride up to the party.
" Whoa, who do we fight?" Dustin asked, looking around. Lucy narrowed her eyes at the Thunder Brothers.
" Anyone not wearing a primary color or gold and silver," Shane stated. Both sisters nodded.
" Good plan," Tori said. She yelled out when she got tackled off her bike.
Lucy put her feet on the seat and pushed off, flipping over the ghosts that tried to attack her. She landed in a crouch. Springing herself up, Lucy kicked a ghost in the face. She muttered something after a ghost grabbed her wrists and pulled them behind her back.
" Come on." Crystal challenged. The ghosts looked at her for a second. They returned to charging the ninja. She flipped backward. Landing, she changed, punching a ghost in the chest. Jumping out of the way of a sweep, Crystal landed near Hunter. " You know, I thought you were nice." Crystal said. " I was so off on that one,"
Hunter snorted at her comment. " Whatever." He retorted, blocking a punch that was going to hit her head. Crystal twisted a ghost's arm to block a swing at Hunter's chest.
Crystal was pushed back even farther. She bumped shoulders with Shane and Hunter. " These guys are fearless," Shane commented, making Crystal want to smack him right in the head.
" They're dead." Tori returned the comment. " It's not like they have a lot to lose." She said.
" So that would be the glass half empty, right?" Dustin asked, looking over at the Silver Ranger. Lucy shook her head, returning to the ghosts that surrounded her.
" Back off!" Hunter yelled at them.
" Yes, Hunter, yelling will certainly do the trick." Crystal sarcastically remarked. Hunter rolled his eyes. " How about a truce?" The blonde shrugged her shoulders. " Fight together instead of against each other." She suggested.
" Fine by me." Shane agreed.
" Only for now." Hunter broodingly answered.
Everyone took a few ghosts. Crystal and Lucy took on more ghosts than the rest of the group. Crystal pushed down a ghost's kick, punching him in the face. She grunted, kicking one in the chest. She tapped gauntlets with her sister. Both cartwheeled by each other, taking out the last few ghosts. Lucy dropped her hand and punched one in the stomach. She grabbed his leg and sent him flying into his other friends, who dissipate as well.
" That was good teamwork," Sensei commented. Crystal raised an eyebrow, shaking her head. Everyone started to celebrate but Blake and Hunter had different ideas. They started to beat the crap out of the Wind Rangers. Lucy grabbed onto Crystal before she could be ripped out of her hands.
" Let's go." Hunter looked down at the sphere. Blake yanked Crystal from Lucy. They disappeared in a flash. " We're out of here."
" They're getting away." Tori tired out.
" No, they're not," Shane announced. Lucy streaked away. She looked back and saw the three Rangers behind her.
All the Rangers landed in a quarry like area. Blake still holding onto Crystal and Hunter still holding onto the sphere with Sensei in it. " Back off." She snapped and kicked Blake in the side. He released her wrist.
Once they landed, the four ninjas took on the brothers. Dustin and Shane took on Hunter, who whooped their butts faster than they thought. Dustin was down after the first strike and Shane was kicked in the chest.
Tori and Lucy weren't much better. Tori was pushed to the ground first. Lucy put up a fight. She blocked and caught all the kicks and punches. Blake landed a good one in her stomach. She was sent flying into the ground, coughing and softly swearing.
" Why are you doing this?" Dustin asked, pointing to the Thunder Brothers.
" Simple; Revenge," Hunter answered, still holding Sensei. " Huh?" Hunter questioned. He and the rest of the ninjas looked around at the ground shaking.
" What's that?" Dustin asked, looking at his fellow team members.
" Huh?" Shane asked, stepping forward. " Revenge for what?" He asked.
" Whoa," Tori exclaimed. A large robot-like creature grew in the sky. Once it grew to full height, it spouted red steam from four parts of the suit. A voice inside laughed evilly.
" Hey, is that…?" Shane asked, his voice trailing off. He looked at the giant beast.
" Zurgane!" Tori finished for him.
" He has a zord now?!" Lucy exclaimed. She looked up at her sister, who was staring at Zurgane. " I thought we were gonna get them before him!" She yelled. Crystal nodded, thinking the exact same thing.
" That'll keep 'em busy." Hunter turned to his brother.
" Yeah." Blake agreed and was handed the sphere. Hunter streaked up, catching Crystal by the bicep. She groaned audibly. They took off, heading to the Mountain of the Lost Ninjas. Everyone protested.
Tori had a plan. " You guys go after them. I'll keep Zurgane busy." She proposed. Lucy nodded, taking off after the brothers. The boy ran off after Lucy.
" Give me that ball." Dustin leaped for Sensei. He ended up getting kicked in the stomach by Blake.
" Don't even try," Blake muttered, ending up on the ground. Crystal backed away from the fight, her hands tied behind her back. She watched Lucy take on Blake by herself.
The younger Brewer swung her fist over his head. She kicked his legs out from under him. He stood back up. Lucy was ready with a kick to the chest and a punch to the helmet. Blake shoved her away, running to his brother.
Hunter leaped with the ball but was met with Dustin's foot to his stomach. Hunter flipped and toss the sphere back to Blake, who used it to block Shane's kick. " Sorry Sensei." He apologized.
" I am fine," Sensei assured. Blake tossed it to Hunter but Dustin intercepted. Lucy flipped over the yellow boy and kicked Hunter in the chest.
Crystal twisted her wrists. She was sure that she would have raw wrists but it would be better than getting killed." Don't fight him." She yelled at Lucy. The brunette rolled her eyes while backflipping to avoid the kick. Lucy flicked her foot up in mid-air, hitting Hunter straight in the jaw. He pushed her out of the way, only for him to kick Dustin in the stomach and for Blake to roll over him and nabbing the sphere.
" You okay?" Shane asked. He hauled his friend up from the ground.
" Yeah," Dustin answered. Lucy kept guard. " I just wish I knew what they meant by revenge." He rubbed his helmet.
" Come on." Shane patted his arm. " Let's go find out." He and Dustin ran after the three ninjas with Lucy trailing behind them.
All four boys got back into fighting with the sphere. Lucy snuck around to grab Crystal. The two turned when Shane and Dustin hit the ground. " Guys," Crystal called out. She rushed over to them. The two sisters stood against the brothers. Lucy broke her stance to help the two Winds up.
" Your Sensei destroyed our parents," Blake admitted. Hunter agreed with him.
Crystal narrowed her eyes. " What proof do you have that that man in the sphere did anything to your parents?" Crystal asked, rolling her shoulders back.
" Shut up," Hunter growled. He marched over, grabbing Crystal. They walked back over, snagging Sensei off the ground. " And now it's payback time,"
" That can't be right," Lucy muttered.
Dustin grabbed Shane's left wrist and belt. The Yellow Ranger threw his leader at the brothers. " Ninja Air Assault." He called out, pushing Hunter back with his feet. He kept swiping back and forth, creating sparks from his uniform. Shane flipped backward with Sensei's ball between his feet while Hunter hit the ground.
" You okay, bro?" Blake inquired. He helped his brother up.
" Awesome," Dustin commented. The Yellow Ranger caught the ball. Lucy was running with Crystal at her side. They were finally able to foil the Thunder Rangers' plan.
After a little while of running, all the ninjas stopped to take a breather. " I think we lost them." Shane breathed. He lifted the sphere.
" Thank goodness," Sensei commented.
Tori ran over. " Hey, you guys got him." She smiled. Crystal smiled from her spot next to her sister.
" Mind if I cut in?" Suddenly Blake cut into the gathering, slicing everyone. He pushed Crystal to Hunter, who appeared out of nowhere.
" Come on." Crystal groaned while she stood behind him. Hunter called on his and his brother's weapons. He pointed the blaster at the group of five. " You're really going to shoot your own brother?" The Gold Ranger asked, astounded that he would ever want to hurt his little brother. She was silently hoping that her sister would get out of the fight.
" Whatever it takes to destroy the Wind Rangers." Hunter turned his helmeted head. He quietly bit his lip. He watched his brother attack and beat the Wind Rangers. He breathed, taking the shot.
The shot scattered everyone, including Blake; who was rattled from the blast. The smoke from the blast caused the sphere to bounce back to Hunter. " Hello again," Sensei muttered something. Hunter looked over at his brother. " Blake."
Blake stumbled over to the older blonde. " I'm okay." He got up then hunched over in pain.
" We got what we came for." Hunter looked at him. " Let's bail." Both laughed. The three ninjas and the master were gone in a flash of Crimson and Navy lighting.
" I'm gonna kill them," Lucy muttered. All the Wind Rangers turned to her. " I'm gonna kill them for everything,"
Crystal looked out into the sea. She stumbled along between Hunter and Blake. It's waves, usually calm and peaceful, were powerful waves that crashed and broke the sand on the ground. Looking down, Crystal sighed. " What were your parents like?" The brother said nothing. " Great, now two brooding pain in the asses." She rolled her eyes. She saw a hint of annoyance in Hunter's eyes.
" Would you shut up?" Hunter turned to her.
Crystal rolled her eyes. She leaned upwards. " No," She answered. " Besides, you can't both of them back with just me," She kept walking. She stopped when she didn't hear the two brothers. " Let me guess, neither of you figured that out," She turned to face the two.
" What?" Blake questioned her.
" I can't bring both backs by myself." Crystal stated. " Neither can Lucy. One ninja, one parent."
There was more grumbling. " The Ninja spirits sense out presences," Sensei mentioned.
Both boys stopped walking after spotting something. " The cavern." Blake admired.
" Consider what you are about to do carefully." Sensei continued. " There are powerful forces here."
" Quiet." Hunter snapped. " The Gem of Souls will take care of you two both." Crystal gulped when Hunter towered over her.
This was going to be bad.
" Hunter and Blake think Sensei destroyed their parents," Shane told Cam. " There's no way he could do something like that," Shane said.
Cam turned around. " Of course he couldn't." He stated. " My father's only ever fought in self-defense. He teaches his students respect, decency, virtue." Cam listed off.
" We know that." Tori back him up. " We don't believe those lies as much as you do." She nodded at him.
Lucy placed her hand on her chin. " But they can't bring both back," Everyone turned to her. " Only one ninja, only one parent," She told them.
Cam looked down at his computer keyboard then back up to the Rangers. " I don't know what to do." Cam sighed.
Shane clasped one of his shoulders and leaned over the other. The other three moved near him. " I do," Shane answered.
Once Crystal entered the cavern, she started to feel weak. She felt her power start to drain from her. But once she got close to the gem, she crumpled to the ground. She felt someone pick her up and place her on the rock formation in front of the gem. " I…" Crystal slumped, her head falling to hang off of the formation.
Blake sighed, looking at his brother. " We're going to kill her in here." He told his brother, who had the gem in his hand. " Hunter."
" Quiet," Hunter ordered. Blake walked back over to Crystal. In the pale light of the stone, Blake could see that Crystal was getting paler by the moment.
" No." Shane's voice called out. He saw Hunter holding the gem above the sphere. " Put it down." Shane tried. " Sensei didn't do anything."
" Lothor told us everything." Hunter looked over at them.
" Your Sensei destroyed our parents." Blake backed up, standing front his spot near Crystal.
" Lothor saw the whole thing." Hunter continued.
Lucy released a strangled cry. She fell to the ground, grunting when she hit the ground. " First…mistake." Lucy got out.
Crystal groaned. She lifted her head little. " Why trust…?" Her head fell back.
" Why shouldn't we?" Hunter shot back, staring at the downed Gold Ranger.
" Well, dude, he's not exactly known for being one of the good guys," Dustin remarked.
" We're done talking." Hunter snapped. He raised the stone once more.
" No." Tori cried out.
" Put it down Hunter." A male voice ordered. Two white ghosts appeared. Crystal and Lucy let out strangled gasps. The ghosts pulled off their veils to expose the parents of the brothers.
" Who are you?" Shane asked, completely confused.
" Mom? Dad?" Hunter asked. " How did you-?" He trailed off, not knowing what to say.
" This is the Mountain of Lost Ninjas." Mr. Bradley answered. " We'll be here for all eternity."
" Because of him, right?" Blake asked, motioning to the guinea pig that sat in the sphere.
" No, Blake." Mrs. Bradley responded. " He's not responsible for what happened to us."
" Then who is?" Hunter asked, wanting the answer.
" The one they call Lothor." Mr. Bradley replied. Hunter looked at his brother then at the sisters. Her head was leaning against the rock formation. Lucy was sprawled out on the ground.
" Now, there's a shock," Shane muttered. His gaze kept switch from Crystal to Lucy. Both weren't moving.
" They're fading." Blake noticed.
" It wouldn't be fair to use all the sisters' life force and take them from each other like we were taken from you, is it?" Mr. Bradley asked, looking down at the two sisters.
" Come back." The Navy Ranger wished.
" We'll always be looking after you." Mrs. Bradley smiled.
" Make us proud." Mr. Bradley told the boys. They disappeared for good.
" What a sight…" A voice joined in. " The Thunder Rangers crying for their mommy." Lothor appeared. " My ears are burning. You've been talking about me, haven't you?" He asked.
Hunter and Blake stepped forward, covering the Eclipse Rangers from Lothor's sight. " It was you all along." Hunter walked closer to him with Blake trailing behind him. " You lied to us." He growled.
" Not the brightest bulbs on the tree, are you?" Lothor sarcastically asked. " Now, give me the Eclipse Rangers and the gerbil. We got business to attend to."
" They're not going anywhere with you." Shane snarled, helping the Thunders protect the sisters.
" Then I'll take them." Lothor simply stated.
" Uh, hello?" Tori spoke up. " Lot's of us and one of you." She pointed out.
Lothor shook his head. " Oh, please." He breathed, flicking his wrist and sending a burst of power at the Rangers. Hunter flipped in front of everyone and stuck his hand out. The gem reflected the blast and sent it back at Lothor, who disappeared to his ship.
" What happened?" Tori asked, glancing around.
Hunter opened his hand. The gem was cracked into pieces. There were low groans from the Rangers behind the team." Dude, you nailed Lothor." Dustin smiled, clapping him on the shoulder.
Hunter looked down at his hand. " The gem of souls…It's broken." He looked confused. " I used it to protect us but it shattered."
" That's bad, right?" Dustin questioned.
" For better or worse," Sensei announced. " The power of the gem cannot be destroyed, Dustin."
" Only the housing unit." Crystal got out. She was weakly pushing herself upon the altar. Her hair was all in front of her face. She was panting and coughing. Lucy wasn't any better. She had fallen back, laying on the ground. She wasn't even moving.
" Speaking of power, what happened to Lothor?" Tori asked. The five ninjas surrounded Sensei.
" I suspect that he is very much alive and, I fear, more desperate than ever," Sensei explained.
The Ranger turned to the weakened sisters, finding them both lying down. Suddenly, Lucy coughed. " Please get that thing out of here," She muttered.
Cam had met up with the Rangers, taking the shards and his father out of the cavern.
The Rangers had moved out of the cavern, not ever wanting to go back in. Hunter and Blake were helping Crystal, supporting her while she walked. Lucy was being supported by Shane and Dustin. The four males helped the two downed Rangers into the back of the Semi. As soon as Dustin and Tori helped Lucy to the ground, she promptly fell asleep against the wall.
Hunter and Blake carefully lowered Crystal on the ground, her head finding Lucy's shoulder. They were about to leave when Crystal spoke up. " Thanks," She smiled, slowly pushing herself up. The two turned to face her. " Sorry that we couldn't hold on long enough for you guys to talk to them," She stated
" It's not your fault." Hunter smiled at her. " Sorry that Blake and I kidnapped you," His blue eyes matched Crystal's green ones.
" Please just don't do it again," Crystal laughed.
It was a couple of days after the whole cavern experience. The sisters were back to their better selves, meaning that they were able to formally meet Cam and Sensei. Since then, Lucy and Crystal stood on opposite sides of Shane at Storm Chargers. He danced for a second, earning a laugh from the Eclipse ninjas.
" So glad to have the secret out. Sorry for keeping it front you guys." Crystal apologized.
Shane shrugged and leaned on the counter. " I can understand where your coming from." He agreed. " We didn't mind." Crystal nodded. " Hey, how was the race?" Shane asked, looking at Kelly and Dustin, who was walking it.
" Could've been better." Kelly breathed.
" Blake and Hunter didn't show," Dustin admitted.
" But I thought they were all set." Shane looked confused. Crystal raised an eyebrow.
" So did I." Kelly sighed. She walked away.
Tori walked in at that moment. " What's up with her?" She asked.
" Aw, Blake and Hunter blew their race," Crystal told the other blonde. She sat on the counter. Lucy popped up beside her and took the empty counter space left.
" Yeah, I know." Tori shoved her hands in her pocket.
" What happened?" Dustin asked.
" Are they coming back?" Shane inquired.
Tori looked down before looking back up at her teammates. " They're gone." She reported. " They said to say goodbye," The Thunder Brothers couldn't pack up and leave.
" So, how long do you think we'll be gone?" Blake asked.
" Why?" Hunter looked over at him. " You got a reason to come back?" He requested.
" We both do."
Hi yall. Thank you to everyone who has liked, followed, favorited or commented on this story. It means a lot to me.
Next Episode: Nowhere to Grow
