Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers, Saban does. I own all characters, places, and events not found in Ninja Storm.

Chapter 2: Arrival at Blue Bay Harbor

Kyle made good time as he pulled into Blue Bay Harbor. He was only on the road for a little under an hour. He found that he was hungry, so he pulled into a Mediterranean grill and got some salmon and a salad. After eating what he could and getting a doggie bag for the rest, he drove around the quaint city, in an effort to learn as much as he could before he found the sports shop Sensei mentioned, which was apparently called "Storm Chargers," according to the paper Sensei gave him with the phone number he was to call.

After driving around for half an hour, Kyle found the store and parked. Walking inside, he saw the place was quite large, and busy, as it was in its last hour of operation for the day. A young redhead saw him enter and walked up to him.

"Hi, welcome to Storm Chargers. I'm Kelly. Can I help you with anything?"

Kyle looked at the redhead, and remembered Sensei saying the owner's name was Kelly.

"Are you the owner of this place?"

"Yes I am. Why?"

"I was told to come here by a mutual acquaintance."

Kelly's smile grew. "Ah, so you're Kyle. This way, please!"

Kelly led Kyle upstairs to the apartment that was above the shop. It was fully furnished and stocked. "This is where you'll be living. Your Sensei said you exercise religiously, so make sure you clean up after you work out up here. Also, be sure to keep the place stocked with anything you use. Any questions so far?"

"Yes, is there a anywhere I could park my car other than outside by a meter?"

"Yes, there is an indoor garage beneath the store. I had it built incase I was going to live in the apartment, but found one close by that I liked. Your car will be safe in the garage. Here is your work schedule," Kelly handed Kyle a piece of paper that had his times for the next 2 weeks, "and here is everything else you'll need." She handed him some booklets about employee requirements, hazards on the job, and information about the products being sold, as well as the prices.

"The requirements are pretty much as they are anywhere else: No tolerance policy for drugs, sexual harassment, drinking, etc. Given your profession, though, there's no danger of you doing any of that, anyway. I'll have to require you pass a drug test before you start work, but that's the law."

"I can take it now, if you want. I have nothing to hide, and I'd like to start as soon as I can."

Kelly passed him a small plastic container and told him he knows what to do. Once he used the restroom and filled it with urine, she gave it to a friend who was waiting with a mobile lab. Once he told her the test was clean, Kelly said Kyle could start the day after tomorrow, as she was sure he wanted to get situated in his place.

"I almost forgot. Sensei said you know about," Kyle trailed off as he lifted his left wrist, which the morpher was strapped on.

"Ranger duties? Yes, I'm aware of them. It was hilarious watching the others trying to come up with lies every time those things beeped. One day, I finally confronted them and told them I knew the truth. I mean, if regular employees ran off at the drop of a hat all the time, even if I really liked them, I'd still have to fire them. They felt relieved that they no longer had to lie, though. So yes, I do know."

Kyle nodded; Sensei said she knew, but he wanted to leave nothing to chance.

"Anyway, I'll show you where the garage is. Once there, you can take the stairs to the apartment and not have to disturb any of the customers. You shouldn't have a lot to bring up, so one trip may be sufficient." A nod from Kyle confirmed Kelly's suspicions, and she showed him the garage, after letting one of her employees, Tori Hanson, know she'll be back. After showing Kyle the garage, she went back to the first floor and helped Shane Clark and Dustin Brooks ring up some transactions while Hunter Bradley was busy working on a bike and Tori was talking to a customer about surfboards. Hunter's brother Blake was off at the track practicing for a race. Kyle soon came downstairs just after the last customers had left and everyone was almost finished closing the store. Kelly just finished dropping the cash in a safe box and recorded the amount when Kyle came down to the first floor. The Rangers all looked up at him, and wondered where he came from and why they haven't seen him before. They also wondered why he was upstairs. Before Kelly could say anything, Tori's eyes became saucers as she saw the morpher strapped to Kyle's wrist. He had pulled out his cell and was about to call the number Sensei gave him when Tori walked up to him and got his attention.

"Calling won't be necessary. I'm one of the people you're looking for," the Blue Ranger said. Kyle looked down at her curiously until he saw the morpher strapped to her wrist, and nodded, putting away his phone. The other Rangers looked at the two with a curious look, especially Kyle. They had never seen him before, yet Tori said she was one of the people he was looking for. Why? It was then that Tori decided to show the others, and Shane and Hunter saw the morpher just as Tori was pointing it out.

"Guys, look," the Blue Ranger exclaimed as she pointed to Kyle's wrist. The other Rangers got really curious at that point.

"Who are you," Hunter asked and Shane nodded.

In response, Kyle looked around to make sure it was safe, and he was out of the way of any surveillance cameras. He then snapped his fingers, causing a flame to appear on his fingertips.

"Fire Ninja," Tori exclaimed. "We've heard of your kind before, but we've never actually seen one."

The phone rang and Kelly answered it. She said someone was at the bus stop and Tori asked if she could pick up the girl waiting there; Tori's van caught a flat while pulling into the parking lot at the store.

"Sorry Kel," Tori said sheepishly.

"No apologies necessary. It happens sometimes. You do have an extra tire, right?" Tori nodded. "Good. I have the tools you need in the back. I'll be right back with the girl," Kelly finished as she left to pick up Yuriko.

After Kelly left, the other Rangers turned back to Kyle, bombarding him with questions.

Greyhound station

Yuriko was waiting for one of the people to come pick her up when she saw a pretty redhead looking around. She didn't pay the sight much attention until the redhead walked up to Yuriko, having spotted her.

"Excuse me, are you Yuriko Oshiro?"

The soon-to-be Green Ranger looked at the redhead, and shyly nodded.

"I'm Kelly, a friend of the person who would've picked you up. Unfortunately her van got a flat, so she asked me to come in her stead. We're only five minutes from my store, and the others are still there. Please, follow me."

Yuriko nodded again and collected her items.

"You don't talk a lot, do you," Kelly asked hesitantly.

"I'm an introvert," Yuriko said softly.

Kelly smiled. "Don't worry. The others are good people, and they'll become good friends, I just know it."

Yuriko smiled at that. She sensed no hostility or judgment from Kelly, and she felt she could trust the redhead. By the time Kelly and Yuriko got back to Storm Chargers, the wheel on Tori's van had been changed, with Hunter having changed it for her while she and the others were asking about Kyle's abilities.

Kelly and Yuriko entered the store, and everyone's attention turned to the two. Yuriko's intelligent gaze swept the store, and quickly noticed the morphers on everyone's wrists. She silently brought her own morpher-strapped wrist up, showing the others she's kin. They nodded subtly, and the employees told Kelly they had finished closing the shop. The proprietor nodded and said her goodbyes to everyone, telling them she had an appointment to get to. Yuriko got her stuff from Kelly's car and entered the store again.

"We should get to Ops and inform Sensei. He'll want to speak with the two of you," Shane said to Kyle and Yuriko.

Tori turned to the two new Rangers. "Do either of you have a car?" Kyle brought his hand up. Tori nodded.

"OK, one of us will have to go with you to give you instructions. I've already contacted Blake, and he'll be at Ops by the time we get there."

"Uh Tor, could I take your van? I left something at my apartment that I need to get."

"If it was Dustin asking that, I'd say no. You can drive the van, though," she said as she gave Shane her keys. She pulled back just as he was about to take the keys.

"You scratch my van, you pay for the damages!" Shane nodded, and she gave him the keys.

"I'll show Kyle how to get to Ops. The rest can hop in the van," the Blue Ranger added. The others left and Tori locked all the doors in the shop, and turned to Kyle.

"Where's your car?"

"It's in the underground garage. Kelly showed it to me, and since I don't have to go through the store to get to the apartment or the garage, shouldn't we arm the security system?" Tori nodded and followed Kyle. Before reaching the garage, she armed the security system. Since she and the others found out that Kyle had been hired by Kelly and also knew of his Ranger duties, Tori figured there was no harm in doing it in front of Kyle. He'd have to do it soon, anyway. She then followed Kyle to the garage and she stopped in front of his car.

"This is yours? This 'Vet?!"

Kyle nodded proudly. "Yes, it is. My Uncle back home got it for me. It's now my pride and joy."

Tori could only numbly nod as she got into the passenger side, and the two Rangers pulled off. After directing Kyle, they reached the forest where the Wind Academy was located.

"There's a hidden area where we park our vehicles. Drive south for 5 minutes, then wait for me to let down the shield." Kyle did so, and stopped at the spot Tori directed him to. She produced a small control and pressed the button. The area shimmered, and she told Kyle to continue. He continued driving until they reached a garage, which opened automatically, Tori having given the word to Cam she was on her way with one of the newest Rangers.

Ninja Ops

Tori showed Kyle the way into Ops through the underground passage connecting the garage to Ops, and the two showed up. Tori was not surprised to find everyone else already there. She also wasn't surprised to find Yuriko and Kyle already in their uniforms, with the former near the back. Tori frowned, sensing someone really shy. She'll help break Yuriko out of her shell.

"Rangers, I must speak with the two newest members of the team," Sensei Watanabe said as he rolled in on his mobile habitat, his guinea pig nose twitching. Kyle and Yuriko stepped forward and bowed to the head teacher of the Wind Academy, showing no sign of surprise or shock when seeing Sensei Watanabe's predicament. Sensei's son Cam was sitting at the computer, clad in his usual Black T-shirt and jeans.

"Please introduce yourselves," Sensei said.

"I am Kyle Satoshi, the Scarlet Fire Ranger. I am the head of the Satoshi clan."

"And I am Yuriko Oshiro, the Green Forest Ranger."

When Blake saw Yuriko, his eyes widened. She was beautiful-her raven hair fell to her shoulders, her almond eyes were alluring and intelligent, she had the perfect balance of muscle and feminine physique, and her voice was soft, but not too soft. In short, Blake thought she was perfect. He then frowned as those thoughts pierced his mind.

"I haven't even spoken to her yet. Why am I acting like this?"

He also felt slightly guilty as he once thought the same of the blonde haired beauty, aka Tori. Although he got the suspicion Hunter felt something strong for the gorgeous Water wielder, even if he never said anything to Blake.

"He's probably feeling guilty himself," Blake chided himself. It wouldn't surprise him at all, as that would be in Hunter's character. He may come across as dark and brooding at times, but he was still a good person who would try to not hurt another person's feelings if he could help it. Especially if the person in question was Blake himself.

"Satoshi, huh? I've heard that name before. Are you by chance a part of the same Satoshi clan that is the strongest of the Fire Ninja clans," Cam asked, shocked for once. Kyle nodded.

"The same," he affirmed.

"But aren't you young to be the head of the clan," Cam asked frowning.

"Normally, that would be the case. But both my parents are dead, and my Uncle and Aunt are both running the clan's holdings back home. Also, I was next in line anyway," Kyle explained, and Cam nodded.

"I'm wondering something," Dustin said, not thinking about what he says, as usual, "Why is your hair blonde and your eyes blue? Unless…" he trailed off as Kyle whipped his head to Dustin, his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Blake and Hunter looked considerably uncomfortable, Shane looked to be getting ready to stop a fight, and Cam and Yuriko looked disgusted at Dustin's unstated comment. Tori didn't hold back as she smacked Dustin in the back of his head. Dustin winced and rubbed the back of his head, as Kyle had to take a deep breath before he responded.

"Choose your next words very carefully! I will not have you dishonor my parents with your insinuations!" Shane came close, ready to leap in and stop the melee that was sure to break out now.

"Enough," Sensei Watanabe bellowed. Kyle turned back to Sensei.

"My apologies, Sensei Watanabe. May I please be excused? I'd like to get some fresh air and work this off," Kyle said. Sensei nodded and Kyle bowed and left without looking back. As soon as he left, everyone's attention turned to Dustin.

"Dustin, you were out of line with your comment. It was hurtful, and uncalled for. Ten mile jog, please."

Dustin's eyes widened, but he sighed and left Ops to go on his ascribed punishment before he dug himself into a deeper hole. After a short walk to work off his ire, which he was certain his Fire played a not so minor role in it, Kyle walked back into Ops, and spoke with Yuriko after greeting Sensei again.

"You said you're a part of the Oshiro clan. Isn't your clan the most powerful of the Forest Ninja" Kyle asked. The Green Ranger nodded.

"So many say. I also heard of your clan," Yuriko said.

"You should've. Your Aunt served alongside both my parents on the Mystic Force team in Panorama during the Great War."

"Yeah, that's right. My Aunt told me a lot of stories about your parents. I'm sorry they're not here," she finished quietly.

Kyle sighed. "It still hurts, but I know the team did all they could to try to help. I have to remember that. But I did make a promise to avenge my parents' deaths and kill the Master when he rises once again."

Sensei Watanabe heard that and shook his head. That was no way to live, and he knew Kyle wouldn't be able to attain true mastery of his elements with that mindset. Sensei was so far the only one who knew for certain of Kyle's additional elements, having sensed them immediately. He suspected Hunter and Blake knew of Kyle's Thunder powers, as he saw them watching Kyle closely, as if gauging him. He also knew Kyle had a reason for not mentioning his Thunder and Lightning powers, and he would respect his wishes. But he would speak with Kyle about trusting the team with this information. When he broke free of those thoughts he saw the other Rangers speaking with each other. Kyle appeared to be more serious than even Hunter and Shane, but he appeared to at least be willing to speak with everyone.

Tori saw the soft-spoken Yuriko speaking with Blake, and smiled.

"He would be the one to get her to open up," she thought to herself. She felt somewhat hurt, as she thought she and Blake had something. But she knew she couldn't hold it against Blake, as they hadn't even gone out after that failed date that was the General Traith debacle. She never looked at pork the same way again after that fight.

Tori also felt a bit conflicted as she started to feel something for Hunter, and sensed that maybe he felt the same. But neither blond said anything, not wanting to rock the boat and ruin their friendship.

After a while longer, Dustin came back in panting. He apologized to Kyle for his comment and asked Sensei if he could take a shower and change, to which Sensei agreed, a little too quickly for Dustin's comfort.

"Cam, could you show Yuriko to one of the dorms," his father asked, and Cam nodded.

Yuriko grabbed her stuff and followed Cam to the dorms, which was a bit larger than what she was used to. Cam explained that it's because some students choose to work out in the rooms, and Sensei wanted the students to have the space to do so. Yuriko saw the wisdom in that and set her suitcase down. As she left the room, Yuriko noticed the symbol of her Academy appeared on the door, making her cock an eyebrow. Cam said it's that way for all the other Rangers' rooms, and Yuriko nodded. She followed Cam back into Ops, and noticed Dustin had returned and was speaking with Shane, while Hunter was talking to Tori, Cam returned to the computer, Blake was practicing some punches, and Kyle was meditating in a corner so as to avoid getting in anyone's way. Yuriko went over to Blake and started speaking with the Navy Thunder Ranger, who immediately stopped his practice to speak with her. It would be a long journey for the team, especially with new members, but Sensei Watanabe was certain they could prevail. He was also sure young Kyle would be watching Shane closely, as he would become a Red Ranger himself very soon. It would only be a matter of time before the future Pink, Yellow, and Blue Mystic Force Power Rangers would be sent to the Wind Academy to further their training, and get them ready for their own Ranger duties. Sensei Watanabe made a note to make sure Kyle learns to open up, and let people in. He's already off to a good start, but he still has a ways to go. It would be crucial for when he becomes the leader of his own team.