A/N: This takes place during the second and third parts of 'Thunder Strangers'. Since I didn't feel like recounting whole scenes, I alluded to them. Second note at the end (don't wanna give something away...)

Warnings: Bad language.

Disclaimer: Ain't Mine!


The destruction of Amphibidor had gone perfectly, now they needed to get into Ninja Ops while the Rangers were doing their number on the large version. Neither demorphed, knowing that they would stand a better chance in their Ranger forms. Hunter led the way, knowing that he had to do this right, or Blake would try something stupid. On light feet they crept down the stairs in the rubble of the academy. The door was open and Hunter could barely suppress a snort, seriously, they'd become far too trusting. "Try the Ram Hammer." Cameron said, telling them that they probably didn't have as much time as they wanted.

Hunter signaled Blake, they would have to take Cameron down fast, and silently. Blake nodded and pointed at Hunter. Hunter nodded; he'd take the first try, while Blake stood by to fry the comm. system if he had to. They stepped into the room, and Hunter noticed a small rock garden with a guinea pig standing within, that would be Watanabe. He ignored him, but Watanabe had seen him. "Cam, look out!"

Cameron spun, starting out of his chair, but Hunter moved, a quick kick had the geek back in his chair. "Stay down," he growled as he drew his blaster.

"You won't get away with this," Cameron said, "they're coming back now."

Hunter smiled, "Whatever," he looked at Blake, "Grab the gerbil and let's go."

"He's not a gerbil," Cameron muttered.

Hunter looked back at him as the man moved. "Grab the small, rodent-like creature that's wearing clothes. Satisfied?" He challenged Cameron.

"Not by you," Cameron replied, "Spandex isn't my favorite gear."

"Why," Hunter taunted, "make my ass look good?"

"Will you stop flirting?" Blake hissed, "They're coming."

Hunter smirked, grabbed Cameron's arm and shoved him out of sight, Blake beside him. "We weren't flirting," he muttered to Blake.

"Please, the hormones were so thick I thought I'd be sick," Blake muttered back. Hunter looked at him, and then at the arm Blake was strategically hiding behind Cam. A white, cloudy orb rested there, it cleared for a moment to reveal the gerbil.

Then he looked up, and pushed Cameron out, to show the posers just how helpless they were. He wanted to laugh when they assumed defense positions, but he banished his Ranger form with a mere thought, Blake a breath behind him. With the gerbil in his grasp, Hunter felt bolder than usual, which is why he taunted Tori, even if Blake's not so sincere apology tickled his insides. Then they left, leaving the posers to their misery.

The pair streaked to the forests of the Mountain of Lost Ninjas, but walked from there, sensing that they wouldn't be able to go further in Ninja Streak. Hunter thought about his adoptive parents, the parents he called mom and dad for Blake's sake. He'd just begun to trust and love them when they'd died, and he'd retreated from any of those feelings, except with Blake. He remembered when Sensei had told them about their parents' death. Sensei had spoken to Hunter first, and then Blake and his calm, gentle words had ripped their world to shreds. Hunter had only seen it as the shreds of his life falling down again, the super glue revealed as only a little water. Blake hadn't understood, but had become frightened by Hunter's anger and had cried. Hunter had first prepared himself to leave behind the baby they said would be his brother, but when Sensei explained to him that he'd take care of them, he'd sworn that he'd look after the brat, but he wouldn't love him.

It had taken a month before Blake had cracked his armor, the boy didn't know it, but when he wanted to, he could pull of the worlds' greatest puppy eyes. Hunter was not immune to them either. The gerbil spoke, and Hunter snapped, "You destroyed our parents!" However, he wasn't really paying attention to his words, something was coming.

Ghost ninjas had appeared and Hunter knew that they weren't going to get out of this easily. "Bro," he said, and Blake nodded. "Thunder Storm, Ranger Form," they called, returning to their strongest form. When the Wind Rangers arrived, Hunter couldn't deny that their help, when offered, was needed. Still, that didn't give Shane the right to be friendly. They were enemies. They wanted to prevent justice. Justice or Vengeance, Hunter Bradley?

Hunter shook his head and focused on the fight. Have you kept all your promises, Hunter Bradley?

Hunter clenched his fist and summoned his weapon, Blake a step behind. They fired on the two Wind Rangers and ran for the Cave. Although Hunter wanted to kill Watanabe, those strange voices continued to speak. He wasn't truly focused on his deed, not until his parents arrived. He heard them speaking, and himself answering, but it was the silent conversation that really struck him. My Hunter, his mom whispered, you have done well in protecting Blake. Were it not for Lothor's work, you would both be people to be proud of.

I'm sorry mom, Hunter replied, I tried; I only wanted to protect him.

And you have, son, his dad replied, Lothor is know for twisting the bonds between people. Now, you know the truth, will you continue your quest for vengeance?

Lothor wants Earth, Hunter said, admitting to a truth he'd ignored in his quest to protect Blake. I can't let him have it. These Wind Ninjas, they're good, but not as experienced as Blake and I. We'll learn to fight with them.

Good Hunter. First, make sure that Lothor knows you know the truth. His mom smiled and they vanished, leaving Hunter to face Lothor.


For Blake, seeing his parents were soul shaking, Oh, Blake, his mom said, you have been so hurt.

He lied, Blake whispered, he said he was our ally, and he lied. What have I done?

What Vengeance pushed you to, Blake. You need not feel shame. Lothor blinded you to everything but vengeance and you were trapped. His father replied, Hunter forgives you, and the others, they will as well. As Sensei Watanabe said, Wind and Thunder are meant to work together. Now, look sharp. It's Lothor.


Battle over, the brothers left the Wind Rangers silently. They had much to talk about, and Blake needed to learn to deal with his deep seated guilt.


A/N2: The conversations between the Bradley Bros and their parents is totally made up, it's 'Ninja Magic', and is very important to later things. Time lapse there is non existant, they talk to their parents aloud as well as silently. Creative License available upon request.