Ninja Storm: Rise of the Eclipse- Chapter 21: Tongue and Cheek
Disclaimer: Saban owns all Power Ranger lines. I only own Crystal, Lucy, and anything else unrecognizable.


"Excuse me," A man tapped Crystal on the shoulder. When the blonde didn't answer, the man tapped her shoulder again, harder. Crystal whipped around, yanking an earbud from her ear. She lifted an eyebrow at him while still holding her earbuds. He was in a clean looking suit, but no tie around his neck. He even wore a pair of shades. "Excuse me, can you tell me where the manager is of this establishment?" He asked, fixing the cufflinks on his sleeve.

Crystal pointed to Kelly, who was with Hunter. "The redhead over by the blond," She told him. He nodded to her and sauntered over to the redhead.

Hunter smiled, patting Kelly on the shoulder. He moved over to help his girlfriend. He pressed a kiss to her lips. "What do you think that's about?" He questioned, reaching into the box. He pulled out a shirt and grabbed one of the many hangers that accompanied the shirts.

Crystal shrugged, hanging another shirt on the rack. "Dunno. He looks professional though, means business,"

"You sure?" Hunter questioned back.

"Yeah, probably wants the store," Hunter stared at Crystal. "Hunter, you know Kelly will never sell, right?"

Hunter sheepishly nodded. "I knew that," Crystal chuckled, rolling her eyes at her boyfriend. The two continued to hang shirts.

"I've been to your stores," Kelly argued with the man. "Your staff doesn't know the difference between BMX and Motocross and your equipment is way overpriced. Storm Chargers may be little, but I'm proud of it,"

"I see," The man looked uncomfortable. "Well, thank you for your time,"

"And thank you for shopping at Storm Chargers," Kelly retorted, smiling at the man.

"I called it!" Crystal pointed at Hunter.

The taller blond shook his head, smiling at the shorter blonde across from him. "Yeah, lucky guess," A shirt hit him in the head.


"Wanna go get something to eat?" Hunter suggested.

The Gold Ranger pulled her bag from her locker. She dug through her bag, stepping back while Hunter closed her locker. She was about to pull her keys out when Hunter jingled his in his hand. Crystal dropped her bag, rolling her eyes at the blonde. She left the room, leading Hunter. She stopped by Kelly's office. "Hey, Hunter and I are heading out,"

The redhead nodded, gathering her things. "I'll come with you," She declared, walking around her desk. "Plans for tonight?"

"Dinner," Hunter answered, an arm around Crystal's waist.

"Are you sure you're able to close up?" Kelly switched topics as soon as she saw Dustin.

"No problem," Dustin answered. "I just got a few things I have to put away,"

Kelly grinned. "See you tomorrow," The three walked out of the shop, parting ways.


Back at the shop, Dustin walked around the counter, reaching for the backroom. He didn't lie to Kelly; he had bike parts to put away. He didn't hear the people walk right through the front door of the store. "Think she'll change her mind?" One guy asked.

The lead guy turned his head. "She won't have a choice," He answered. "After we trash the place, she'll have to sell,"

They pulled racks down and trashed the entire store. One guy went for one of the skateboard bodies on the wall, but a white and yellow gloved hand stopped him. He turned and gasped. Dustin stood in front of him, his Ranger suit on. The guys scrambled around the counter. One toppled over the counter, hitting the ground hard. They scrambled to the door, but Dustin was waiting for them.

"Guess you didn't see the closed sign?" Dustin asked, watching one guy hit the ground. "Now go back and tell your boss the shop's not for sale," Dustin instructed them. He stopped the guy with the surfboard. "After you put that back,"

"Dustin, I forgot my…" Kelly walked into the store. "Wow, a Power Ranger,"

"Yes ma'am," Dustin nodded. "And you won't be having any more problems with these guys. Move It!" He yelled. The guys filed out the door and scrambled for their car.

Kelly smiled. "Thanks,"

Dustin raised his hand to his helmet and saluted her. "No problem," He took off, streaking out of the building.

"Bye," Kelly uttered. Dustin walked out of the back, in his normal clothes. The redhead turned to him. "Did you see that?"

Dustin shook his head. "What?"


"Hey," Hunter spoke up, bring the attention of the Wind and Eclipse Rangers to him. "Check it out," He pointed to the newspaper in his and Blake's hands.

"Our boy here is a celebrity," Blake pointed out, smiling.

"What?" Dustin got closer to Tori, who was holding the newspaper.

"Kelly must've told a reporter about what you did," Hunter went on. "It's all over the newspapers,"

"'Blue Bay seeing Yellow'," Tori nudged Dustin.

"How cool is this?" The brunet smiled.

Shane spoke up. "While the city has grown used to the heroics of the Power Rangers, this is the first time one had stepped forward on his own," He read.

"Could this be a sign of things to come?" Tori read on. "Is Yellow going solo?" Everyone turned to Dustin.

Crystal plucked the newspaper from Hunter. "While the arrival of the crimson, navy, green, gold, and silver Rangers outshine the first three, there is a lot to speculate. With monsters growing more powerful, is it time one Ranger returns to his duties of protecting the innocent?" She quirked an eyebrow. "The people of Blue Bay Harbor are growing increasingly concerned over the numerous monster attacks, worried that the Rangers aren't focused on the protection of those who cannot fight the battles,"

"Gee, that's a little harsh," Lucy commented.

"Hey, that's stupid," Dustin protested. "Why would I ever go—"

A monotone beeping noise sounded. "What's up with the computer?" Blake asked, walking to Cam, who was sitting in his chair.

Cam turned and typed on the keyboard. "I've been keeping tabs on some fan sites," He explained. "Yellow Ranger just got 15,000 letters and counting,"

Shane chuckled. "They're all for him?"

"Don't sound so shocked," Dustin snarked back.

"Hey, it's jamming the system," Cam sounded panicked. "It will crash," Sparks caused the six Rangers to back away. Cam turned to Dustin. "Do me a favor. Next time you become famous, tell your fans to send letters the old-fashioned way," The computer sparked more. "With stamps,"


"This place is packed," Hunter commented, walking into Storm Chargers with Shane and Blake. He glanced above the heads in the store, finding Crystal and Kelly behind the counter. The blonde was standing behind the register, checking a customer out. "Over there," He directed the group over to the counter.

"Hey guys," Kelly smiled at the three male Rangers. She moved to the back of the store.

Shane leaned on the counter. "What's the deal, Kel?"

"Ever since the Yellow Ranger made his big appearance," Kelly explained. "I can't keep people away, it's kinda crazy, but it's great for business,"

"Yeah, fun," Crystal sarcastically commented, ringing up another customer. She shared a look with Hunter, who was standing across from her. "Lucy's even helping and she doesn't work here,"

"What?" Shane didn't believe her. "Just cause the Yellow Ranger was here?" He questioned. "He not even like the… the red one," Shane stood straighter. Hunter and Blake both popped him in the shoulder.

Kelly shrugged. "There's just something about a man in yellow," She took off to the back again. Lucy turned, from behind Kelly, to Crystal and gagged. Crystal nodded in agreement. The brothers smiled at the motion from the Silver Ranger.

Dustin walked out and glanced at the three males and Crystal. "Oh, man… uh. I lost track of time. Let me wash up," He clapped hands with Shane then headed to the back.

Shane shifted to the Thunder brothers. "So what are you two going to do while Dustin and I are at the skatepark?" He asked.

Hunter pulled something out of his pocket. It was an envelope with Hunter and Blake's names on the front. "This is from our adoptive grandmother," Shane took the envelope from the Crimson Ranger.

"Yeah, we've never met her before. We hear she's sick," Blake spoke up.

"You going to go visit her?" Shane handed the envelope back to Hunter. He stuck his hands in his pockets.

Blake folded his arms across his chest. "Well, that's the problem," He told the Red, Silver, and Gold Rangers. "She lives, like far away,"

"Do you guys think Sensei will let us use the Ninja Redeye if you know what I mean?" Hunter asked, getting quiet at the end for just the ninjas to hear.

Shane crossed his arms and glanced at Crystal and Lucy. "Only one way to find out," Crystal spoke up, glancing at the two brothers. "Good luck," She pressed a kiss to Hunter's cheek. He pressed one to her cheek in response.


"Did we get the paper?" Crystal asked, a yawn ripping from her body. She sat down across from Lucy. Her body protested against the movements. Both sisters ended up passing out after the long shifts at Storm Chargers. "Everything hurts and I can't figure what hurts the most,"

"Yeah, I don't think I've ever heard my back pop so much as it did yesterday." Lucy agreed. She lifted the paper up for Crystal to see. "Check out who's on the front," Kicking a Kelzak in the face, Dustin sat on the front page.

Crystal sighed. "This feels like a horrible reality show." She reached for the paper.


Later that day, the sisters and Tori were sitting at Ops, talking. All three were sitting on the table. "So, have you heard from Hunter or Blake?" Tori questioned.

Crystal shook her head. "Not since yesterday," Tori nodded. "They're just visiting their sick grandmother,"

Just then Shane walked in. "I'm worried about Dustin. I think all this fame is going to his head and I'm worried…"

"What, that there won't be enough room in here for the rest of you," Dustin interjected.

Shane crossed his arms over his chest. "Something like that,"

"I think you're just jealous," Dustin turned to the four. "And, dude, green is not your color,"

"Well, it is my color, dude, and I think Shane has a point, for what it's worth," Cam replied.

"Typical," Dustin breathed out. "Everyone thinks Dustin can't be right,"

Tori stood from the table. "This isn't about who's right, Dustin. It's about doing what's right."

"We are all pleased you have gained the world's attention, Dustin," Sensei spoke up. "But how you use that attention is what's important,"

Dustin pressed his finger to his chin. "Thanks for your concern, but I think I'm doing just fine," He brushed Sensei off. "I got to go. I have to take a call from my agent,"

"Agent?" Lucy inquired.

Shane looked at the three girls. "We may have a problem."

"May?" Crystal quirked an eyebrow. "More like we do. A Ranger team can't be split. That causes way more problems for us."

Cam cleared his throat. "Not the only problem," He told the five. "I just lost all trace of Blake and Hunter." The Rangers gathered around him, watching the screen change. I've traced the Thunders' DNA. They disappeared off the map here," He pointed to a location, somewhere in the forest. "And reappeared… there!" He pointed to the monster that was terrorizing workers.

"Lothor's postmaster general," Shane pointed out.

Tori looked at the standing Rangers. "He must've gone postal on Hunter and Blake," She concluded. "Let's go." The sisters nodded.

"Someone beat you to it," Cam called. That made all the Rangers turn. Dustin was walking toward the monster.

"How'd he get there already?" Tori questioned.

"He's the great Yellow Ranger, remember?" Shane snorted. "No shock he's there first."

Sensei walked over to the five. "Shane, I seem to remember that before you and Dustin were Rangers, you were best friends," The Red Ranger nodded. "It would be a shame to lose that," Tori and Shane nodded, taking off. Lucy patted Cam on the shoulder, following Crystal out of Ops.


"Hold it," Shane yelled, stopping in front of Dustin.

Tori glanced at him. "Mind if we crash your party?" She asked, falling into her stance. Crystal and Lucy followed, stopping in front of everyone.

Shane turned to Dustin. "Don't answer that, because we already did,"

Ninja Storm, Ranger Form!

Eclipse Storm, Ranger Form!

"Hiya!" Shane yelled, his arm sticking out. Crystal and Lucy tilted their heads to each other, sharing an annoyed look behind the Wind Rangers backs.

"Hiya," Dustin yelled even louder. They struggled for a second, then morphed.

Power of Air… Earth… Water!

Guardian of the Sun

Guardian of the Moon

Tori stood from her stance. "Hey, what have you done with our friends?" She demanded, her hands finding her hips.

"I've stamped them out," The monster responded, "And you're about to be next," He made a noise, shooting something at the Rangers. Tori rolled in one direction while Shane tackled Dustin in another. Crystal and Lucy backflipped.

"Stay here," Shane patted Dustin's shoulder. "I'll handle it," He got up and ran at the monster.

"Hey!" Dustin shouted after his leader.

Shane jumped off a ledge, sword drawn. The monster caught the blade and threw Shane towards the power plant. Shane landed on his feet and spun his blade. "You're through," He snarked.

"Don't make me laugh," The monster laughed.

"Ninja Air attack," Shane called out, pushing off the ground. He avoided some lasers and sliced the monster. The hit sent him back.

Dustin came sliding in on his stomach. "Back off, he's mine," He punched Shane in the shoulder.

"Listen to me," Shane tried.

The Yellow Ranger punched him again. "No, I'm tired of listening to you,"

"You guys are being ridiculous," Tori told them.

The monster stepped up. "Time to get in a few good licks," He threw his tongue out, letting it wrap around Tori. He pulled it back, bring the Blue Ranger with him.

"Tori!" Dustin yelled.

"Thanks to you, I've got a new blue stamp," The monster told the four remaining Rangers. Tori struggled against him. His eyes glowed, sending Shane and Dustin back.

Lucy yelled out, running past the two downed Rangers. The monster moved Tori in front of him, avoiding Lucy. What he didn't plan on was Crystal coming behind him. The older Brewer brought her rapier down, slashing at the monster. He dropped Tori for a second, reeling in pain. The sisters didn't give up. Lucy went for his knees while Crystal took the head. They got him on the ground.

Something whizzed past the sisters. It was Shane standing on Dustin's back, both having their swords out. Shane pushed off Dustin, both flying into the monster. They stopped. The monster sparked with lightning. He fell and exploded in a fit of sparks.

Crystal smirked under her helmet. "Something tells me that Yellow won't be going solo soon," They ran to meet up with the others.

"Thanks, guys," Tori smiled at the four.

Shane turned to Dustin. "We cool?"

"Yeah, we're cool," Dustin smiled. They clapped hand.

The monster sparked, growing ten times his size. "Special delivery," He sang.

"Ready guys?" Shane questioned.

"Ready," Dustin answered. All their visors closed.

Shane held his morpher up. "Zord time, Cam,"


In a matter of seconds, the Wind and Eclipse Megazords stood against the monster. "How do you lick this, Rangers?" The monster asked, throwing two tongues out. They wrapped around the Megazords. "A little tongue-tied?" His eye flashed blue. The tongues sparked with lightning, staking the Rangers by surprise. "Huh?" He asked, turning to the distant whirling. The Star Zord flew in, distracting the monster.

"Hold on guys," Cam called out. He fired green lasers at the monsters, knocking him to the ground. The tongues disappeared.

"Thanks, Cam," Dustin nodded. "That was grossing me out!"

"I hear that," Shane agreed.

Crystal cracked her neck. "I think he needs a major lesson in where not to stick his tongue,"

"My mother always said," Tori spoke up. "Brush after every meal, floss and never use your tongue on robots,"

"Does he know where our robots have been?" Lucy questioned.

"That tongue needs a lashing," Shane remarked. "Power disk… locked and dropped."

The monster stood up. "Is my breath really that bad?"

"Yes!" Crystal and Lucy claimed at the same time.

"Super Stamp," Shane announced. "Hyah!" They threw the stamp at the monster. It rolled down his body, then returned to the Megazord. The monster grumbled. Letters flew out of his body. They scattered all over the city, releasing the caught people.

"How about a combo?" Cam asked. "Samurai Storm Megazord," The Star zord rotor and the lion head spun, collecting energy. The Megazord lifted the Star zord arm up, ready to fire.

"I'm licked," The monster pointed out. He screamed in pain. He fell back and exploded once more.


"How was seeing your grandma?" Dustin asked, walking into Ops with Hunter and Blake.

"She's so cool and she's feeling a lot better now," Hunter answered. He stopped next to the blonde sitting on the table. The sisters were playing a round of cards, but a more intense version that none of the boys recognized.

Blake smiled. "She wasn't even fazed by the monster attack," The three stopped. "Man, that is one tough lady,"

Tori and Shane walked up. "Check it out," Shane held up a paper. It had the three primary Rangers standing behind Dustin and his hammer.

Dustin laughed. "That's us,"

"Front cover, bro," Shane grinned.

Dustin took the paper. "The press showed,"

"Fortunately, they seemed to have missed the part where you opened your visors," Sensei spoke up. Tori chuckled.

"I'm through being a celebrity," Dustin huffed out, dropping the newspaper from his face. "From now on, it's all for one and one for all,"

"Seems like not everyone is sharing the team spirit," Cam told the Rangers, pointing to the monitor. The Rangers laughed.

Choobo stood in the lot, stumbling around. "Hello? I'm not a stamp anymore! I wanna go home,"


Next Episode: Brother In Arms