Current Poll: What should TZTori aka Tobi's sister's nickname be? If you do not see a name you like, please add a comment in the review. I've tried to be... unique. You can pick up to three choices. Oh, and I've just added a new choice: Jen (sort for Jennifer as a middle name). It reminds me of Jen from Time Force and TZTori's character sort of reminds me of Jen too. Credit for coming up with this goes to Ruon jian!
The Legend of Link and Zeldin: Check out the brand new story I just started! Click on Rogue Ranger. My stories are at the bottom of the page. It might just be something you enjoy!
Author's Notes: This is a violence free chapter. In fact, it's an action free chapter. It deals mostly with emotions and relationship stuff. I'm sure you've come to expect this sort of thing after whenever I have a climactic battle. I guess I'll find out what you think of this…
~Winner for the reviewer who came up with this chapter's most creative inspiration goes to… megsjedi! Although, it's not because of a review, but because of her story "Kiss Me Deadly," which can be found under my Favorite Stories tab on my profile. After reading this chapter, read her story to see what I borrowed/stole!
Review Comments: I got two "Wow"s and a "Whoa." I'll take that as a good sign!
Thanks griffin blackwood for showing that a one word review can work! Of course, it depends all on the one word and it is always nice to hear more detail. Still, it shows that you read the chapter and… found it interesting.
Thanks Ghostwriter for not only a "Whoa" but an "Awesome" as well! Clearly I scored on the last chapter. I can't say this chapter lives up to it, but it was kind of fun to write. I'm still debating how close I am to the end of this story…
Thanks FinalJudgement for your neverending awesomefest of awesomeness that is your reviews! It's good that you didn't go back and read your review, because then you got the full "Oh my god!" effect. Now if only I could keep stealing your ideas and have you think I'm a brilliant thief…er, person. Let's see, I have only one psychic in my story and she's an alien. So, are descendants of Witches also Witches or are they something else? Since you say you draw, do you have a DeviantART account? If I were doing a new Power Rangers series, I would love to steal…er borrow your idea of finally having a female red Power Ranger. It's about time! For a short part in Power Rangers Time Force, it was like Jen was the lead ranger, but then it became like a co-lead with Wes. Oh! She could have red hair! Red ranger, red hair? Uh, stupid? Okay, moving right along… Thank you so much for calling me "a master at this." I don't always feel like it, but sometimes inspiration strikes. Now for my new review assignment to you: In this chapter, I go much more mellow and sort of dwell on relationship things in order to try to bring the story closer to its end. So, should I just have a sort of farewell to the rangers who go back to the other dimension and then end it, or should I have the story end after the defeat of Lothor and that whole epic battle thing? The second option would be closer to your last lines about it looking like hope is lost before the final victory. Hmm. Also, I've been pondering the idea of doing a sequel to this story that takes place after Lothor's defeat (and during the Dino Thunder time period). What do you think?
Thanks YellowPrincess for declaring that last chapter better than the episode! And thanks for approving of the Hunter/Waldo pairing because, yes, it looks like that's what won. I know you think that I don't need your opinion, but I appreciate it more than polls sometimes because you've been like my loyal reviewer who has supported me for such a long time in this story. Too bad I never got to have Tori and Hunter kiss though… About TZTori's name, when I came up with Tori and Tobi, I decided to have Tori's name not be short for Victoria in this story but instead be from the Japanese origin of Tori. Plus, Victoria sounds so formal. I need something a little more snappy and sassy (like Tobi's sister's personality). Though, she has mellowed some over time. Well, there's still time to come up with a name. I think I'll keep her hair short though. It'll not only distinguish her from Tori, but also serve as a reminder of what she did for her brother. I'm glad you loved the last chapter and I hope you like this one too! As for what will happen to Tobi/Dustin, you'll have to read to find out, but I don't think you're the only one who wants Dustin in his own body. Still, it's nice to share a mind with the one you love…
Previously in Parallel Realities Ninja Storm:
Vexacus uses Condortron to try to kill Tobi and steal the Sun Amulet, but Dustin/Waldo splits in two to help and Dustin ends up in one body and Waldo in the other. Together with the other rangers, they fight the combined forces of Vexacus, Condortron, Motodrone and a horde of kelzaks. This proves to be too much for them and Vexacus takes Tobi up to Lothor's ship, where hippy Marah and Kapri are trying to impersonate Lothor's nieces. They manage to convince Lothor not to kill Tobi, but instead Tobi is brainwashed to want to kill the Power Rangers. Marah and Kapri use the morpher Dustin gave Marah to warn Cam, but Motodrone grows suspicious of them. Meanwhile, Tobi attacks the rangers, nearly killing them all while Marah and Kapri disable the mind control beam and Vexacus kills Motodrone for wanting to turn him in. Skyla tells Tobi's sister to throw the Gem of Souls at Tobi and he's not only stopped but a wave of energy heals the others, who were all near death. Then, after Marah and Kapri return from Lothor's ship with his PAM, Tobi explains that Dustin's spirit is in him now...
Parallel Realities Ninja Storm: Chapter 39 (An Unbreakable Bond)
Tobi's sister helped her brother up from the green field. For a moment, he wobbled with dizziness as he looked around at the others and at the abundance of newly grown plant life surrounding them. Then he paused, closing his eyes.
"Dizzy?" Waldo asked.
Tobi nodded before the grin returned to his face. "Yeah, but we figured out a way to keep our spirits in alignment, so we won't be dizzy anymore."
"And they say you're the smart one," Tobi's sister whispered to Waldo.
After a moment of leaning on his sister, Tobi pulled both Tori's into a hug. "We love you guys." Then, pulling away, he looked at Waldo. "I understand you now," he said, suddenly hugging the brunette.
Waldo looked surprised before returning the hug.
"I didn't realize how different I was treating you after I met this Dustin," he continued. "It was almost like you really became Cyber Dustin, like you were a substitute. I started to feel like all those years of obsessing over you and it going nowhere were wasted. I know you regret that." He pulled away, staring up at Waldo. "I also know how you felt, going from me practically throwing myself at you and you repressing your true feelings, to you finally admitting those feelings and me basically dismissing them. I'm so sorry."
Waldo offered him a weak smile. "Tobs... I... understand."
"You always figured things out," Tobi agreed. "I always liked that about you. As I said in the cave when I thought you were dead, I wish things had been different between us. I just... I want you to be happy like we are. You totally deserve that." He blinked up at Waldo, his blue eyes earnest. "And I do love you."
Waldo's brown eyes widened for a moment. "You do?" he whispered.
"Yeah, I do," Tobi replied. "I didn't want to believe it when you weren't returning my feelings and I didn't want to believe it when I met this Dustin, but loving Dustin doesn't mean I can't love you too." He glanced at Tori. "I guess you were right."
Tori glanced from Hunter to Blake and then back to Tobi.
Tobi looked back at Waldo, continuing. "I guess I was in denial about my feelings, just like you. We were both afraid of being hurt." He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It's sorta silly when you think about it, how we both wanted the same thing but couldn't agree until it was too late."
"So, it's too late?" Waldo asked.
Tobi frowned. "I love you," he assured him. "Dustin helped me see that, but..."
"But you love your Dustin more," Waldo replied.
Tobi nodded before leaning up and kissing Waldo on the lips. When he pulled away, he giggled. "That was a little weird for Dustin."
Waldo just nodded, blinking. "So, he's not jealous then?"
"He can't be," Tobi replied. "He knows how I feel."
"I—I'm glad you have... him," Waldo told him, blinking heavily.
"Thanks," Tobi replied, smiling. "You're a good friend, Waldo."
Waldo didn't reply, but instead tried to nod.
"And we're glad you two are okay," Tobi added, noticing Marah and Kapri. "We were really worried about you."
"Aw," Kapri said, hugging Tobi.
"We were worried about you two too," Marah added, joining the hug.
"Tutu," Tobi giggled.
The girls gave him a confused look.
"Inside joke," he said, pointing to his head. "Get it? Inside?"
"Ah," Marah realized, glancing at Hunter, who just shrugged.
"We're glad all of you are okay," Tobi announced, looking around. "Dustin's spirit was trying to stop me when I…" His voice trailed off and he looked down. "But we're all awesome now. Thanks for not giving up on us, Cam." He pulled Cam into a hug before giving him a quick kiss on the cheek.
Cam was bright red when Tobi pulled away and Tobi's sister was laughing.
"And Hunter," Tobi continued, turning to the taller blonde, "we hope this doesn't freak you out."
Hunter gave him a puzzled look, his eyes widening as Tobi held him by his broad shoulders and kissed him hard on the lips.
"Blonde awesomeness," Tobi muttered, his face still tilted up to meet Hunter's. "Blosomeness."
Hunter and Waldo exchanged surprised glances as Tobi pulled away.
"You seem like your personalities aren't clashing as much as when Dustin was in my head," Waldo commented.
Tobi nodded. "Yeah, we sorta think on the same wavelength. Everything makes sense. Everything we've ever felt mixes perfectly. There aren't any doubts or uncertainties left."
"Oh, that's… good," Waldo replied, still blinking.
"We're happy for you," Hunter assured Tobi, patting Waldo's back. "Really happy."
Waldo nodded. "Yeah, we are."
"Thanks, guys," Tobi replied, pulling the two into a hug. He then stepped away, his cheeks flushed. "We… uh… have something we're gonna do. We'll meet you guys down in Ops in like a few minutes." He then giggled, skipping away.
"What was that all about?' Shane asked.
"I have no idea," Tori replied.
"I'll check on him," Tobi's sister offered.
"I think they want a moment alone," Skyla suggested.
"I'll just make sure he's okay," Tobi's sister replied with a shrug before following the path her brother had taken into the woods.
"Cam," Waldo said, turning around, "why don't I help with the Zord Bay?"
"I'd appreciate that," Cam replied.
"That means, 'yes, thank you,'" Hunter translated.
Cam couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"It's too bad Lothor didn't have something to make new clothes appear instead of aliens," Marah commented as the group returned to the hatch that led to Ninja Ops.
"Oh, that would be like so groovy!" Kapri agreed.
Tori noticed Cam grimace. "Remember, we're glad they're back safely," she whispered to him.
Cam nodded. "I know," he groaned. "Your double keeps reminding me how much I care about others. I need that kind of a reminder right about now."
"Cam, do you… like her?" she asked as they walked down the cavernous path that led to their underground headquarters.
He thought for a moment. "Yes, I do," he finally said. "In a way, she reminds me of her brother sometimes. They have some of the same quarks."
"Do you think you could… like her more than as a friend?" she asked.
He gave her a surprised look before admitting, "I don't know. Why?"
"I just…" She sighed. "I still feel bad about… well, that I don't feel the same way about you as you do about me."
He gave her a small smile. "As I said, I'm fine and I understand. Neither of us can change how we feel."
Behind them, Geo and Destiny greeted Marah and Kapri.
Tori patted Cam's arm. "You're a good guy, Cam."
"Thanks," he mumbled, blinking.
Tobi was sitting in the woods, leaning against a tree as he smiled and sighed. He didn't need to say anything outloud. It was all understood. Dustin and Tobi knew they loved each other and their thoughts and emotions merged until it was hard to tell where one ended and the other began.
He reached up, running a hand through his hair before trailing a finger over his lips. He moaned and his eyes fluttered as his hands traced over his chest. Eventually, his hands massaged his upper thighs before one crept into his pants. He gasped, tilting his head back.
Every touch was like Tobi was touching Dustin while Dustin was touching Tobi. Their emotions and desires merged with the ultimate intimacy of their bond. Pleasure overwhelmed the two as they simultaneously reached a euphoric peak, the intensity doubled from the connection. "DustZT!" he cried.
He just stayed there for a moment, panting, until he reached down and ran a finger through his released juices. He then brought the finger to his lips and licked it. He giggled, sucking his finger.
Just then, his sister cleared her throat. He hastily pulled up his pants. "It's nothing I haven't seen before, little brother," she told him as she approached. "Though, it's different than your usual jack off sessions because you're with someone else… sort of."
Tobi stood, nodding. "It was awesome, like having sex with each other," he explained. "No, like making love."
"I'm glad your first time could be with someone you actually love," she said, frowning.
Tobi threw an arm over her shoulder. "The other Tori says sex shouldn't be rushed into until you're certain you love the person," he told her.
"A little late, Tobi," she replied.
"No, it's not too late," he reassured her. "You weren't really sure sex was what you wanted the first time you did it. And, then, when he dumped you, it stopped meaning anything. It became easier, or so you said, but you were looking for something… something that I guess I couldn't give you. Maybe you were looking for love and not just from your brother."
She shook her head and sighed. "What guy would love me with all my baggage?"
"This dimension's Blake had sex with you and I think it meant something to him," he suggested.
"Only because he thought I was the Tori he loves," she countered.
"What about this dimension's Cam?" he suggested. "We know he cares about people a lot easier than he wants people to think and, second only to Dustin, he's my favorite."
"I can see that," she agreed, nodding. "The favorite part, that is. I don't know about love."
"Well, sometimes love just hits you when you're totally not expecting it or looking for it," he explained.
"I'm surprised you didn't suggest our dimension's Blake," she commented.
"I know Blake never really felt anything for you and seeing you watch him obsess over Leanne reminds me of seeing Cam watch the other Tori obsess over this dimension's Blake," he explained. "It's kinda heartbreaking, but I don't think you two are meant to be together."
"What changed your mind about me and him?" she asked.
"Our dimension's Blake is a cocky airhead," he replied. "That's not who you need."
"And you do?" she accused.
"Dustin's more than some cocky airhead," he defended. "A whole lot more. We're actually really similar and our similarities bond us like we're brothers or something, but you always had a twin brother and I wasn't enough. Maybe you need something different, like someone who has something you don't have, maybe someone who doesn't have something you have. And, since this dimension's Blake is taken…"
"When did you get to be so wise?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Experience," he said simply. "Lots and lots of experience."
"Um, okay," she mumbled, walking with her brother back to Ninja Ops.
"And then invert the parallel field," Waldo directed, leaning over Cam as he typed on his computer.
"The field needs a broader projection baseline threshold," Cam replied, adjusing his calculations.
"Dude, right," Waldo realized. "You're definitely the smarter of us."
"I don't know if that's true," Cam disagreed as Tobi and his sister entered Ninja Ops.
"So, guys, how goes it?" Tobi asked, throwing arms over Cam's and Waldo's shoulders.
"We figured out a way to use Lothor's PAM to prevent him from using a new PAM," Waldo explained.
"If he ever happens to find one," Cam added, "which his nieces suggest is unlikely, he would still not be able to summon or enlarge monsters or transport kelzaks remotely."
"Dudes, that's awesome!" Tobi declared. "So, we've like finally beat Lothor?"
"Not quite," Cam replied.
"A victory is still a victory, regardless of its magnitude, son," Sensei spoke up.
"Sensei's right, Cam," Tobi continued. "We should celebrate. Oh! We know! Party time! We could have it…" He glanced at Cam. "Okay, Ops is out." He looked over at Blake and Hunter, his mouth forming a wide, toothy grin. "Hey, guys, you know you totally loved the last party we had at your…" Suddenly his face fell.
"Tobi?" Hunter asked.
"Just remembering that morning from… both our points of view," he replied, forcing a smile, "but we're okay now. We can't feel bad for long about anything, not when we're together."
Hunter nodded, glancing at his brother.
"Am I the only one who remembers what happened last time we had everybody over at our place?" Blake asked.
"It'll be different this time," Hunter assured him. "What could possible go—"
"Don't say it," Blake warned.
"Oh, hey, Cam," Tobi remembered. "Did Waldo help you clean out the Zord Bay yet?"
"Actually, no," Cam replied. "We were a little… focused on the PAM first."
Tobi nodded. "That's cool. We figured out a way to move dirt while in my body. Here, check this out," he said, leading Cam out of the room.
Waldo followed and he exchanged a confused look with Cam.
Once in the Zord Bay, Tobi held his hand over the mountain of dirt and a small mound of dirt flew up, instantly growing grass on it.
"How'd you do that, Tobs?" Waldo asked.
"We can sense not only the life in things through me but also the elements," Tobi explained. "You know, because dirt is basically elements. And each grain of dirt is like…" He paused, his face faltering as the grass-covered dirt fell back to where it had risen from.
"Tobi?" Cam asked.
Tobi continued to stare blankly ahead.
"Tobs?" Waldo asked, concerned.
Tobi shook his head before saying, "We think we know how to bring back Dustin's body."
The two looked at him with wide eyes.
"We'd have to… separate," Tobi added, "but we think… everyone else would like it better. If we can do it."
"It's your choice," Cam said. "We'll be okay with whatever you two choose."
"Tobs, how do you plan to do it?" Waldo asked.
"We're glad you asked," Tobi said, wiping a stray tear from his eye. "We need you to help us with this. Can you still split in two like you did when Dustin was in you?"
"I remember what he did," Waldo offered.
"Good," Tobi replied, swallowing. "We should… go. We'll need to gather every last particle of… ash."
Cam and Waldo exchanged looks before Waldo nodded. "Okay."
"Oh, and Cam, here," Tobi said, turning around and facing the dirt filled bay. Concentrating, the dirt and rocks began to lift and rise all around, forming back into the walls and ceiling around the bay. When the process was complete, the Zord Bay was clear and the walls and ceiling were covered in a light layer of moss and ivy.
"Now we're ready," Tobi said, turning to leave the bay.
"Tobi?" Cam interrupted. "Should I tell the others?"
Tobi looked back at him. "We don't know if it'll work. Let's not get their… hopes up."
Cam nodded. "And, Tobi and Dustin," he addressed. "I may not be able to relate to the mind sharing." He glanced at Waldo. "But I do understand why it would be hard to separate after being so close."
"Yeah," Tobi said with a gulp.
"You don't have to do this just because we want Dustin with us," Cam added.
"No, Cam," Tobi disagreed. "We're okay with this. We just… We'll miss sharing our thoughts."
"Right," Cam replied.
"Oh, and, Cam, we'll need the Gem of Souls," Tobi added.
"Alright," Cam agreed, handing him the sack. "Good luck."
"Thanks," Tobi replied as he left with Waldo.
Tobi stood over the remains of the cave that he had collapsed on himself in his suicide attempt. "We were right," he breathed. "It's here."
"What is?" Waldo asked, standing beside him and looking around.
"Dustin did split in two," Tobi explained, "but, because he wasn't morphed, his spirit stayed in one half and, when Zurgane killed that half, it forever separated the other. I can see it though. It's invisible and dephased through the rock, kinda like a spirit, but it has no life of its own. We got the idea because, when Dustin opened his visor when you two split, I could see through him and couldn't touch him. The other half is never solid."
"What can I do?" Waldo asked.
"I need you to help me separate the dirt from Dustin's ash," Tobi explained.
"But you said you couldn't find any life in the ash," Waldo pointed out.
"I couldn't," Tobi agreed, "but, with Dustin's power of earth, I think I can at least form the other half. I'll need you to split in two so I can combine your dephased half with Dustin's dephased half to help me form a solid body with the ash."
"And you came up with this on your own?" Waldo asked, surprised.
Tobi shrugged. "We had some help with thoughts you left behind."
"Oh," Waldo mumbled.
"There's not many hours of sunlight left," Tobi said. "Let's get to work."
Waldo nodded and the two then used their combined powers to ever so carefully extract each and every tiny fragment of ash from beneath the rubble until, finally, every last black flake was lying in a pile in front of them.
Tobi then knelt down, placing the fragments of the Gem of Souls in a circle around the ash. "Okay, now we need you to split in two without morphing," he instructed. "Just do what Dustin did in the cave. You still remember?"
"I remember it from both our perspectives," he agreed, blinking.
Tobi hugged him. "You can do this," he assured him.
"Tobs, I just want you to know, after him being in my head too, I know he's the Dustin you're meant to be with," Waldo told him.
"We know," Tobi whispered. "You'll always be special to us."
"Thanks, Tobs," Waldo replied.
"No problem," Tobi said, gesturing to the ash. "Shall we?"
"I'm ready," Waldo agreed, concentrating. After a moment, his body blurred and he opened his eyes, looking around. "I thought it was working."
"It did work," Tobi corrected.
Waldo looked at his hands. "Then why am I still only one?"
"You're not," Tobi said, gesturing toward a mostly transparent version of Waldo. It was hard to make out with all the light passing through it. "I should warn you, though, You probably won't ever be able to split in two ever again."
"I can live with that, Tobs," Waldo replied with a smile.
"Good," Tobi said, focusing.
As the ash began to rise up from the ground, it flickered and glowed. As it did so, a faint glow formed around the transparent image of Waldo. Then, rising out of the remains of the cave floated a glowing transparent half of Dustin's body.
"I can see it now," Waldo commented, seeing Dustin's other half merge with his own transparent half.
The ash spun and sparkled as it began to take on the shape of the two Dustins. The fragments of the Gem of Souls rose up from the ground, flying in an orbit around the forming body.
By this point, Waldo could see sweat pouring down Tobi's forehead as he breathed heavily.
"It's not enough," Tobi chocked out, gasping. "It's taking all our energy to hold it all together."
"Can I help?" Waldo offered.
"No," Tobi disagreed, eyes still closed, his arms and legs shaking and threatening to give out. "Our powers have to be used in perfect harmony with each other. Even the slightest deviation would mean this won't… Wait, that's it."
"What is?" Waldo asked, just as Tobi's body glowed, blurring. Then, Tobi split in two, a transparent half of him merging into the combined halves of Dustin and Waldo.
"Goodbye, TZT," the transparent version of Tobi whispered as it merged into the forming body.
The forming body began to glow brighter and brighter until—flash—a wave of energy sent the other half of Waldo snapping back into his body and the other half of Tobi snapping back into his body. The two then fell backward as the ground rumbled and every grain of sand shimmered for a moment before a variety of plant life, including seaweed, sprouted across the beach.
Waldo was the first to recover and he scrambled over to Tobi, who was lying unconscious on the green sand. "Tobs, we can try again if… Tobs? Are you okay?" When he didn't respond, Waldo shook him.
"TZT?" a voice asked from behind Waldo. He slowly turned around to see…
"Dustin?" Waldo gasped.
"Yeah, bro, it's me," Dustin replied. He was standing and was no longer transparent or half a person or just a spirit. He had a flesh and blood body. He touched his hands together as he felt his heart beating and the fresh ocean air fill his lungs.
"Dustin?" Tobi whispered weakly.
Dustin bent over, picking Tobi up in his arms. "Yeah, dude, I'm here," he said, kissing Tobi on the forehead. Tobi nuzzled his body into Dustin's arms, his body feeling so solid, so real and so warm.
"Welcome back," Waldo told Dustin. "Bro?"
"Yep, we're like brothers," Dustin replied. "Now, let's go home, bro."
Waldo nodded and the two left, Dustin still carrying Tobi.
"So, where did Tobi and Waldo run off to?" Tobi's sister asked Cam.
"Tobi wanted to wait to tell everyone," Cam replied, studying his computer screen.
"Everyone, huh?" she repeated. "Sounds big."
"Perhaps," Cam agreed. "Perhaps not."
"Ever the mysterious one," she chuckled.
"What happened to you being able to see right through me?" he asked.
"Maybe I don't know as much as I thought I did," she suggested.
"I know the feeling," Cam murmured.
"We all do, Cam," she said, patting his shoulders. "We all do."
Suddenly something popped up on Cam's screen before he quickly closed it.
"What was that?" she asked.
"Nothing," Cam replied defensively. "I was just trying to locate the Cyber Cam backup files and…"
"What does that have to do with you having a naked picture of me—or probably the other Tori?" she asked.
"It's not a picture," he defended.
"Then what is…" She paused, realizing, "It's a Cyber Tori."
Cam reluctantly nodded.
"And she's naked because you—" she began.
"Yes, now can we forget it?" Cam snapped.
She chuckled softly. "Don't worry, Cam. I won't tell her. I'm sure she wouldn't be as… understanding as me."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Guys have… needs," she explained.
A thump drew their attention to Blake, who had been leaning over eavesdropping when he fell over.
"Were you listening to us?" Tobi's sister accused.
"Uh, no?" he replied.
She rolled her eyes. "Just practicing your ninja stealth?"
"So, Cam, you understand about man needs too?" Blake asked.
Cam buried his face in his hands.
"He understands sometimes you just need to get off," she said, running a finger seductively over Blake's chest.
Blake's breathing quickened and became erratic.
Tori, who had been casually flirting with Hunter, noticed this and walked over to Blake, grabbing him by the arm. "Blake, your brother and I need you over here," she said, glaring at Tobi's sister as she dragged him away.
Tobi's sister just offered her an apologetic grin.
"You really shouldn't do that to her," Cam warned.
"It's just so much fun," Tobi's sister defended, turning back to Cam. She noticed the serious look in his eyes. "Right, because you still love her," she realized. "I'm sorry."
He just sighed.
"Cam, do you think love makes sex… different?" she suddenly asked.
He studied her face before answering. "I honestly don't know," he admitted. "I've only ever had sex with a Cyber being and love was not really a component."
"Yeah, me too," she agreed.
He stared at her.
"I mean, the whole not making love thing, not the Cyber part." She paused, thinking. "Cam, besides sex with Cyber people, what do you do for fun?"
He blinked at her for a moment. "I do have fun," he defended. "I'm not a complete bore."
"So you rewire a circuitboard for fun?" she joked.
He smiled dreamily. "Well, yes, that can be… entertaining."
She rolled her eyes. "What about an activity that involves other people?" she suggested.
"Dustin was teaching me about motocross before…" His voice trailed off.
"Yeah, before," she agreed. "I wish the others could care about me the way they do Dustin. Sometimes I just want to be…"
"Loved?" he suggested.
"I was going to say appreciated, but I guess you're right," she agreed.
He studied her for a moment. "I think we could learn to love you," he finally admitted.
"We?" she asked.
"Uh, all of us, more or less," he explained.
"Yeah, well one'll do," she replied.
Cam just nodded. "I know."
At that moment, three figures descended down into Ninja Ops and their entry was immediately followed by a series of gasps all around.
"Dustin?" Hunter breathed as Waldo stepped aside to let Dustin set Tobi down beside him.
"Yep, dude, I'm back," Dustin replied, a wide smile on his face as he nuzzled Tobi's cheek and Tobi giggled. "And I got my own body this time, all flesh and blood awesomeness."
"Oh, Dustin," Tori cried, promptly hugging him.
"Welcome back, bro," Shane said.
"We're all glad you're back," Cam said, approaching. He looked at Tobi. "Thank you."
"We might not be sharing a body anymore," Tobi told him as he ran a hand over Dustin's chest, "but this way has…"
"Advantages," Dustin finished, pulling Tobi into a kiss.
"If I wasn't so glad to see Dustin again, I'd be grossed out by this," Blake commented.
"You know you like it," Hunter whispered to him. "Guys can have soft lips, remember?"
"It is pretty hot, isn't it Crim?" the other dimension's Cam asked his dimension's Hunter.
The other dimension's Hunter just nodded.
"So, dudes, major party at Hunter and Blake's!" Dustin announced.
"Be there or be square," Tobi agreed. "if it's okay with you guys."
"Uh," Blake mumbled.
"Sure," Hunter agreed. "A celebration. We took Lothor down a peg and you're back with us." He stared at Dustin, blinking.
"Thanks, dude," Dustin whispered, hugging Hunter.
"I do not wish to disrupt your recreational activities," Sensei stated, "but now may be the time to begin considering returning to your dimension."
The others looked at each other, uneasy expressions on their faces.
Sensei looked at each of them and then at Skyla before continuing. "Skyla and I have come to an agreement," he continued. "We have decided that your fates are in your own hands."
The others looked at him, confused.
"He means we can each choose to go or to stay," Skyla finished.
"Skyla is correct," Sensei agreed. "Now, I understand that some of you have developed… attachments to each other and so perhaps it would be best to wait to make a decision until after tonight's… celebration."
"Thanks, Sensei," Tobi's sister was the first to say.
"Awesome," Dustin and Tobi said at the same time.
"Whether we stay or go, we'll be together as a family," Cam's mom said, patting her son's back.
"Don't go getting all sentimental on me now, Miko," Grumpy Sensei warned.
"Would you prefer if I pull on your whiskers, Kanoi?" she asked.
He paused, thinking. "Maybe."
"We'll meet you guys over there," Dustin told the others.
"We need to shower and change first," Tobi added. "And Dustin'll bring Mario Kart."
Dustin looked at him, surprised. "Dude, how'd you know that?"
Tobi blinked at him for a moment. "I just thought you…" His eyes widened.
"Yeah, dude, I feel it too," Dustin said.
"Tobi?" his sister asked, confused.
Tobi and Dustin both looked at her at the same time. "We still have a connection," Tobi told her. "It must have stayed because of how we made Dustin's body."
The other's exchanged surprised looks.
"Come on, shower time!" Dustin said, grabbing Tobi by the hand and leading him away, the two of them laughing the whole time.
"You don't suppose they're planning to take a shower together, do you?" Hunter asked.
"Yes, I do," Tobi's sister told him with a pat on his arm.
"We should do something special for Dustin," hippy Marah spoke up.
"Maybe we could like try making pizza ice cream," Kapri suggested.
"Perfect!" Marah agreed. "I'll get started on the milk."
"I'll help!" Kapri chimed in.
"Cam, are you up to giving baking another try?" Tori asked, turning to Cam.
"Uh, I suppose," he replied uneasily.
"I'm sure what happened last time won't happen this time," she said.
He nodded. "Definitely."
"If I can make a suggestion," Tobi's sister added.
"What's that?" Cam asked.
She grinned. "Chocolate covered Dustins."
Cam gave her a confused look. "What are—"
"No, Cam, it sounds perfect," Hunter told him. "Tobi was always talking about Dustin being made of chocolate." He noticed Waldo standing away from the others. "Cam, I'll be right back." He then walked over to Waldo and smiled.
"I bet you're glad Dustin's back in his own body," Waldo told him.
Hunter nodded. "Yeah, I am," he agreed.
Waldo frowned.
Hunter reached out, touching Waldo's arm. "But I'm glad you're still around too. I've kinda… gotten used to you."
"Thanks, dude," Waldo replied, staring at him. "I'm glad I'm around too. And I'm glad you still like having me around after everything."
"We've all made mistakes," Hunter assured him. "Trust me, I've definitely had my share of regrets. But, as Tobi would say…"
"We can't change the past, but we can make a better future?" Waldo suggested.
"I think that was a fortune cookie you're thinking of," Hunter replied, chuckling. "I'm glad things are… as they should be."
Waldo studied him for a while before admitting, "Surprisingly, me too."
"And, hey, Tobi loves you after all," Hunter added.
"Yeah," Waldo mumbled. "He does."
"It doesn't make you feel any better, does it?" Hunter asked.
Waldo shrugged. "Sometimes it does, but sometimes it just makes it hurt more."
"I know what you mean," Hunter replied. "When Tori said she loved both me and my brother, I thought... this is pretty awesome, but... she still loves Blake more. And she doesn't want to share." He made a small grin.
Waldo shook his head, also grinning.
"It's not as crazy as it sounds," Hunter defended. "Blake and I get along pretty well and Tori—"
"It's not that," Waldo explained. "See, ever since I had Dustin in my head, I've been wanting to hit the track. It always helped clear Dustin's head."
"I always found riding got me more worked up than relaxed, but I can see that about Dustin," Hunter replied. "So, that means you can ride?"
"I think I can now," Waldo suggested. "Well, at least I think I know the fundamentals."
"I can teach you whatever you're missing," Hunter offered. "How about tomorrow?"
"Sure," Waldo agreed. "It's a date." He immediately covered his mouth. "Dude, I mean…"
Hunter just smirked.
Tobi and Dustin stood facing each other in Ninja Ops' shower. They were both naked, wet and looking each other up and down.
"Better than Cyber me?" Dustin asked.
"Totally," Tobi agreed.
"And your body looks better from this perspective too," Dustin replied. "But then you always looked good."
"I remember," Tobi said, "but I liked you being in me," he added, holding Dustin's naked body to his own. "We may still have a connection, but it was so close."
"I know," Dustin agreed. "But I like this a lot too." He traced his hands over Tobi's bare body, making each of them shiver with connected pleasure. "And I like being the tall one again too."
Tobi smiled. "So, should we clean each other?" he asked, staring up at Dustin.
"Maybe later," Dustin replied. "I think we should…"
"Get messier first," Tobi finished. "I was thinking the same thing."
"I know," Dustin told him, gently trailing his lips over the contours of Tobi's face. He grinned. "And, dude, power of sunlight and power of earth means…"
"We can use healing to have faster recovery times to…" Tobi continued for Dustin.
"Totally," Dustin finished.
Tobi laughed. "Dustin, I love you."
"I know, TZT," Dustin replied softly. "I love you too."
"I know," Tobi reminded him.
"And, dude, you know when we were in the woods when I was in you?" Dustin asked.
"Of course," Tobi agreed.
"What we called out sounded like…" Dustin continued.
"Like Dusty," Tobi realized. "Sure, Dusty."
Dustin giggled. "My TZT."
"My Dusty," Tobi agreed as the two kissed and became slightly more messy before finally cleaning each others bodies.
To be continued...
Author's Note: Aw, I couldn't resist that last scene! So, what did you think? A sort of mellow chapter with not a whole lot of tension or anything like that. Relationships are coming together as the poll results dictated. Remember to vote in the new poll that asks what Tobi's sister's nickname should be to distinguish her from Tori. Oh, and, in case you missed it earlier, I want to give a big shoutout to megsjedi and her story Kiss Me Deadly for giving me some inspiration for this chapter. You can find her story under my favorite stories tab and let's see if you can spot exactly what part of her story I used. So, until next time, please review with all the things you want to see next! I have some ideas floating around, but I'm always open to new ones!