Thanks for the kind reviews, everyone. Well, I found some time so here's an update! The next one might take a while though, since my new semester is starting next week.
At Lothor's new secret lair…
"Interesting, very interesting indeed…" Lothor said, observing the viewing globe he conjured up.
"What? What's so interesting?" Dogidor asked, returning from his search for the fragments of the Gem of Souls.
"It seems I've found someone who might fill my evil ninja general vacancy. But never mind, have you found any more of the gem fragments?" Lothor demanded.
"Yeah. I sniffed out one quite far out on Blue Bay. But it's stuck between some really deep corals I can't hold my breath long enough to get it out."
"What?! Don't you monster types have some destructive beam powers of some sort?" Lothor retorted, glaring at Dogidor.
"Err… What if I blast the gems to even smaller pieces, or it just floats away some where else. I thought since you're a ninja master, don't you have some water manipulation power?"
"Bah! I'm an EVIL ninja master. Dark ninja powers are good for blasting stuff, not manipulating the elements. Hmmph, where is a powerful water ninja when you need one?" Lothor stood still, stroking his chin.
"How bout that pretty blond Wind Ranger?"
"Hmm, you're not really as dumb as you look. But how can I get her to help me?" A nasty grin formed across Lothor's face as an idea struck him. "Maybe there is a way for me to kill two ninjas with one stone…"
---
"It's just not fair! They always get the breaks!" Lex grumbled as he kicked a stone angrily. It was just too much to bear, when Sensei announced that he would not get to keep the morpher, and then he was to be temporarily relieved of his teaching duties. He then slipped away to take a walk along a ridge.
"It's not fair! I got the morpher and came back first! They didn't!"
"I know. It really sucks, doesn't it?" A voice suddenly came from behind the trees.
Instantly, he got into a fighting stance. "Who's there?" he demanded.
Lothor stepped out of the shadows. He only smiled when he saw the young thunder ninja tightened his knuckles as recognition flashed across his face.
"Relax. I'm here to offer you a deal. You want power, no?" Lothor said in a easy tone, his hands up in mock sign of reconciliatory.
"I don't want any deals with you. You're evil and can't be trusted," Lex replied steadily.
"Oh please. Good or evil – they're just labels for technicalities. You and I know that what really matters at the end is power. And I can give YOU power. More than you can ever imagine."
"Yeah, dark ninja powers I'm sure. No thanks."
"I'd have thought you'd be different from the rest of those small-minded folks. You have much potential in you, potential being left untapped. Power is power, not to be limited by some ancient laws or traditions. Tell me, don't you feel stifled by this place? All the rules and limitations," Lothor said with a smile, noting the rising doubt in the thunder ninja's eyes.
"Even if you play by the rules, sometimes you still don't get what you deserve," Lothor added. Lex stiffened a little, stung by underlying meaning of Lothor's words.
"What dark ninja powers can you give me anyway? You got your butt kicked by the Rangers." Lex retorted, his arrogance coming back to him.
"A minor setback. One that could be easily overcome this time, with some proper equipment." Lothor answered, biting back his anger at this insolent fool. Patience Lothor, he reminded himself. He could see the young thunder ninja actually considering his proposal.
"And what do you want me to do in exchange for this power? Betray the whole academy?" Lex spoke several moments later.
"Nothing so drastic. Just a simple favour. One that would even let you get back at the Thunder Rangers." Lex was silent for a few minutes, seemingly thinking it over. Finally he looked up and spoke, "Very well, what do you me to do?"
Lothor tried to hide his nasty grin as much as he could. "Just a simple thing, actually …"
---
"Well, looks like Blake and Hunter managed to silence their critics once and for all. They truly are outstanding ninjas." Leanne said, glancing at her father. Both of them were walking back to the academy after the trial.
"That, and much more. From the very first moment I brought them into the academy, I knew they were special. And they have done so much, beyond anything I've ever hope for them." Sensei Omino agreed, his tone revealing the immense proud he had in both of them. Suddenly he stopped though, his brows furrowed.
"What's wrong, father?"
"I sense a dark presence in our academy, along the eastern area."
"Lothor?"
"Perhaps. I cannot be sure."
"I'll take some of the senior ninjas and check out the area immediately. Goodbye father," Leanne said, bowing slightly. Sensei Omino nodded, and Leanne quickly went about her task.
---
Later, at the Thunder Academy…
"It's just so great to have everyone together again," Tori said, leaning back on her chair. The gang were sitting together just finishing their lunch at the Thunder Academy.
"Yeah, it's really nice." Blake agreed, eyeing Tori slightly. Hunter caught it though, and rolled his eyes slightly. He decided not to let it devolve into another of their infamous obvious-to-everyone-else-but-themselves flirting session, so he decided to change to the topic.
"So, what's the word up with Lothor?"
"Well, he sent a group of Kelzaks to terrorize the beach yesterday. And likely as a distraction for the monster there too," Cam started explaining.
"A distraction?'
"Yeah, the monster just fired a couple of shots at us before bailing. That's the weird part, 'cos I think it could have taken us out if it wanted. Well, at least it could have tried. But it just said something about finding something and it just bailed," added Shane.
"Any idea what it was looking for?" Blake asked.
"Nah, dude. It was like, it came, it saw us, and it just poofed…! Just like that man."
"I've already set the sensors at Ninja Ops at full alert scanning for anything out of the ordinary. We're thinking of leaving soon; not sure when Lothor will make his next move. You guys coming with us?" Cam's asked, his eyebrows raised.
Hunter exchanged looks with his brother. Well, he actually had to stare a few seconds at Blake first before Blake looked back at him (being distracted by Tori and all). A few seconds later, Hunter spoke, "I think you guys head back first. We'll just settle a couple of things here before joining you guys."
"As soon as we can, I…we promise."
"Sure thing bro. We'll catch you later then." Shane stood up, and the rest made to leave. They waved and said goodbye, and Tori gave a small smile at Blake as she turned. Blake smiled a little in return and waved.
"Aw, bro. Don't tell me guys are back at that stage again," Hunter started as soon as the gang disappeared.
"What?"
"It's like what, been almost 2 years already. It's obvious she's still got feelings for you. And let's not start with you, I practically have to kick you in the foot to get you stop drooling at her for a sec. Would you just tell her already?" Hunter continued, his hands up in exasperation.
"Nah… it's just… well…. I mean…." Blake started, but was stopped by Hunter's glare.
"Alright. After we stop Lothor.." Blake ended looking down, suddenly finding his shoes particularly interesting. Maybe, Blake added to himself.
"Fine. I won't bug you about it. For now. But you better get your ass on it after that."
"Hehe. Right, sure thing bro." Blake replied, giving a little mock salute. He was caught off-guard thought, when he saw the changed expression on Hunter's face.
"What's wrong bro?"
"I was just thinking…"
"Never a good sign. No offence bro, but thinking isn't really your strong point," Blake joked as he ducked a swatting hand by Hunter. "But seriously bro, what's bugging you?"
"Back in the woods, when I asked you to go ahead for the morpher. You just…refused."
"Well, yeah. There was no way I'm gonna leave you behind bro. You would've done the same thing if it was you."
"Yeah, I guess." Hunter shrugged his shoulders. "It's just… no offence Blake. I mean, you're a good ninja. And you know I don't really mean it when I make fun of you; I consider you just like an equal…" Hunter spoke slowly, and stopped when he saw the wide grin on Blake's face.
"Yeah, go on bro. Don't stop on my account," Blake grinned cheekily, and dodged another swipe by Hunter.
"Aw bro. It's just, you've always followed what I said before. You've never go against me before… except that time on Vertigo Island." Hunter ended in a subdued tone, before continuing. "It's just I'm surprised to see you take charge. I mean, with me. Not that I'm saying you're bad at it. I guess I'm just surprised, that's all – how my lil' bro is no longer little anymore. That you know…" Hunter shrugged his shoulders, unable to find the words to continue.
Blake was silent for a few minutes before he replied, "I guess going out on my own on Factory Blue made me realise how much I need to stand my ground. You know the riders, they always just play around, getting drunk and scoring with the girls. And well, lucky me I guess to be the responsible one, helping Roger getting the riders in line for the races, meets and all."
"Yeah, guess you're right." Hunter shifted uneasily and averted his eyes. "You know what, it's no big deal. I don't even know why I brought this up."
"There's gotta be a reason if it's bugging you. Look, Hunter. Look at me." And Hunter looked up into Blake's eyes.
"You've been taking care of me since young. And even more after our parents died. You've always been there for me. You're my big bro, and you'll always be my bro. No matter how much I change, I'll still need you bro. Maybe from now on I'll disagree more with you. But you know that when it counts, I'm with you all the way bro. No matter what." Blake said, looking straight at his brother. Hunter felt his insides swelled a little, the sincerity evident in Blake's eyes.
"Thanks bro. I guess… I just thought, you know... It just made me feel…" Again Hunter shrugged his shoulders.
"No way bro. You'll always be my big bro, and I'll always need you. Maybe in a slightly different way from now, but I'll always still depend on you." Blake replied, putting a hand on Hunter's shoulder. Hunter nodded but averted his gaze, he was a bit unsure whether he could hold up his emotions inside.
"I mean, who else is gonna make me look good in front of the chicks?" Blake broke into a grin a few moments later, breaking the emotional tension in the air.
"Hey, I'd let you know that lots of chicks dig me alright!" Hunter snorted in reply.
"Yeah right bro. That's for those who know they don't stand a chance with me." Blake retorted, trying to dodge Hunter's hand again. Third time's the charm though, and Blake tried to squirm away as Hunter ruffled his hair.
"Hey, stop it bro! It's not easy getting my hair perfect like this you know!"
"Well yeah, too bad for you! Scared you're gonna look bad in front of Tori?" Both of them laughed, and finally Blake managed to twist away, smoothing out his hair.
"So. Is the reason we're still hanging here is to have a chat with Lex?" Blake asked a short while later, satisfied with his patchwork effort on his hair.
"Yeah. I mean, I guess we should. It must be kinda hard on him. Everyone could see he wanted the morpher so badly, and now being put on the benches for a while."
"Yeah, not that I'm saying Sensei is wrong, but it was kinda harsh." Both of them got up and made their way out of the dining hall.
---
As Blake and Hunter exited the academy building, they saw Leanne returning with a couple of senior ninja students.
"Hey Leanne, what's up?" Blake called out.
"Hey Blake. Oh yeah, congratz on the trial guys. I knew you'd both get your morphers back. Ah, I just took some ninjas to check out the eastern parameters."
"How come?" Hunter asked, his hands crossed. There were the usual patrols, but why the sudden scout party?
"Sensei sensed a dark presence around there. We didn't found anything there though. Might be nothing much guess. I mean, everyone's pretty twitchy these days with news of Lothor's returns."
"Yeah, well I guess I should go over academy securities with you later. I was thinking of increasing more station guards, patrol frequency etc."
"Don't worry bout it Hunter. I've got it covered with Sensei. I mean, you guys just focus on kicking Lothor's butt with the Winds. We'll handle things here in the academy." Leanne replied with a warm smile.
"Thanks Leanne, I owe you one. Say, have you seen Lex around?"
"Hmm, I think I saw him earlier when we were heading out. He was walking towards the academy. If I'm not mistaken he was walking towards the meditation pool behind the academy. I tried to give him a smile, but he just walked right past me."
Blake and Hunter exchanged glances. No surprise there, Lex was in a foul mood.
"Thanks. We'll catch you around alright. See ya." Leanned nodded and both of them turned around towards the meditation pool, hoping Lexton was still there. They found Lex there, though he wasn't exactly meditating. He was lying lazily against a tree, staring nonchalantly at the pond. Both of them looked at each other again and nodded before approaching him.
"Hey Lex." Hunter greeted softly.
"Mind if we join you?" Blake asked gently. Lex didn't turn around, but merely offered a small shrug. Both of them took a seat around him. They stared a little hesitantly at each other before Blake cleared his voice and began.
"Look Lex, we know you're a bit upset right now. But try not to take it too personally ok. You're a good ninja. With morpher or not, all of us have a role to play, especially now with Lothor back." Lex was still staring ahead without giving the slightest attention to them.
"Yeah Lex, it's not like you're getting kicked out of the academy. Think of it as a break to clear your head a bit." Hunter chipped in. Lex finally turned around, looking at both of them for the first time.
"Look guys, I know you're trying to cheer me up. It's ok, I'm fine. I get it, you guys are the real rangers." Lex spoke for the first time, but it was not in a hostile tone.
"Hey, we're not just saying stuff just to make you feel better alright. You're a good ninja, you know it. I mean, Sensei wouldn't have asked you to be a teacher here in the first place if he didn't think you were good enough. What I'm saying is, you don't need a morpher to be a good ninja." Blake replied.
"Yeah, I mean look at Leanne. She's not even a teacher, but everyone respects her just the same and she does so many things around the academy without even being a ranger." Hunter added.
Lex was silent for a few moments. Then he looked at both of them before speaking. "Yeah, I guess both of you are right. The trial really showed that both of you really deserves the morphers in the first place." He looked down for a few seconds before continuing, "Sorry I was such a jerk to you guys before this. No hard feelings?" Lex stood up and offered his hand.
Hunter and Blake smiled without hesitation.
"No hard feelings man," Blake said, shaking his hand.
"It's cool. Hope we'll work well together after this whole Lothor thing," Hunter said, taking Lex's hand. Lex smiled in return. Was it just his imagination, or was there a hint of nastiness in that smile, Hunter wondered.
"Yeah well, we'll see bout that." Lex replied, still holding Hunter's hand. Hunter stood puzzled for a moment by Lex's response, before he suddenly felt all energy being exhausted from his legs. His head begin spinning, and his knees buckled into the ground. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Blake was suffering the same effects – he had already dropped unconscious to the ground.
"Blake…" Hunter felt extremely weak, everything spinning around him and all he could manage was a coarse whisper. He tried to reach his brother, but it was as if his entire body was ethereal; he couldn't feel his limbs at all. Lex ginned slyly as he held up his right palm - there was tattoo of a serpent on it, its eyes glowing a wicked red before it disappeared.
"Don't worry, I'll take good care of your brother here. Goodbye, 'Head Teacher;." Lex answered, giving a mock bow while grinning nastily. Hunter was struggling hard to fight the wave of confusion and weakness but it was overwhelming. His vision blurry, he could barely make out Lexton scooping up an unconscious Blake with one arm and pressing a few button on a device with the other.
The last thing Hunter remembered before blacking out was Lexton disappearing in a flash of red, with his brother in tow…
Author's note: Sorry if you think the Hunter-Blake banter was a bit off, I think so too. I'm really not that good in getting into people's head like some other fic writers who writes excellent Hunter-Blake dialogues.