Chapter two; Blissful ignorance.

Blake had noticed Tori leaving the rest of the team as they were talking and joking around, but had given her some time, thinking she might want some time to herself. But after quarter of an hour, he also left, following his feet to the place he knew she would be. By the lake.

Tori sat on the shore of the lake, watching the ripples. With a smile she beckoned at the water, and a small wave formed, breaking by her feet. It was hard to believe that it really was all over. That they had beaten Lothor. That they were no longer Power Rangers.

The last one was hardest to bear, she thought, rubbing the wrist where her morpher had rested, but at least she still had her control over water. That would never be taken away from her, even when all the ex-Rangers had placed their now powerless morphers in the cedar box Sensei had held out to them before they had graduated from the Wind Ninja Academy.

She wasn't sure where the others were, but she had wanted a moment to herself, just to deal with everything. She had shrugged off her Sensei robe, and left it on the sand beside her, it still felt weird wearing that.

With a sigh Tori pushed herself to her feet and, after a moment to compose herself, simply walked out onto the surface of the lake. She felt a surge of pride, before she had been the Blue Ranger, it would have taken her far deeper concentration to even walk on the water. Now, she could manipulate it to her every whim. She grinned mischievously and began to shape the water, creating waves and water spouts all around her. So many things had changed over the last year, but she was very grateful for some of those changes…

Blake walked down the gentle hill towards the shore of the lake, hearing the sound of water splashing. When the lake came into view he paused for a long moment, taking in the sight of Tori standing on the water, arches of water following her arms as they swooped gracefully around her body. Her obvious delight in her control over the element was infectious, and Blake felt a smile creep across his mouth as he reached the lake's edge. He stood there quietly, watching her, until she realised he was there. A faint blush spread over her cheeks and at a leisurely run she moved towards him, allowing her water constructs to subside.

"Blake!" She greeted him when she reached the shore. "How long have you been here?"

"Not too long." He said, noncommittally.

"Hmmm." She arched a sceptical eyebrow

"A couple of minutes maybe." He elaborated. "I was wondering where you had got to."

"I just wanted some time to think."

"About…" He gently prodded.

"Everything really. How we've all changed. And what's going to happen next, what with both you and Hunter leaving."

"Hunter's not going too far." He reasoned. "And I promise you that I will come back whenever I can. And get you tickets to come and see me whenever you can."

"You'd better." She said, mock threateningly, trying to alleviate some of the nervous tension. Bending down, she picked up her robe, draping it over her arm. "Come on, we should find the others. Let's have a celebration." She stopped at the sight of his sombre face. "Come on Blake. I know you're leaving, but let's make the most of it while we can."

He nodded and reached out to take her hand, as he began to lead her up the slope, back to their friends.

A small interlude there, the developing of Blake and Tori's romance, before the real story begins.

Thanks so much to my first four reviewers – this chapter's for you!

Please let me know what you thought of it!

Jade.