Disclaimer: My first venture into the Power Ranger Fandom. I do not own Power Rangers other than my OC's. There will be slash in here. You get to guess whom! There is also the element of time travel and there will be flashback chapters (just as a warning if things get confusing). Obviously I have no BETA so I apologize for any grammatical mistakes in advance. WARNING: SLASH (BOYXBOY) in this fic. Griffin will be traveling back in time to when the Thunder and Wind Rangers have already become a Team and Cam has already gained his Samurai Powers.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
QUICK RECAP
Griffin falls from the sky and meets Hunter
Dustin brings him to Ninja Ops
The duo meet up with Hunter there
Dustin leaves for work
Meets Sensei Watanabi and gives up the emerald scroll
Griffin goes to Storm Chargers with Hunter
Meets the other Rangers
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
"So the person I need to find…" Griffin began but decided to be cruel and draw out the suspense.
"His name is…."
"I can't really remember. All I know is that it started with a W."
Dustin grew nervous and tensed a bit. No one seemed to notice but Hunter who shot him a gentle smirk, which seemed to melt away some of the butterflies in the Yellow Ranger's stomach.
"Will… not that's not it."
"Walter?... no."
About twenty names later the group was beginning to get annoyed while Hunter already had an idea where this was going.
"I got it! I need to find someone named Waldo."
After what seemed like an eternity to wait everyone just stood there with their mouths open before they face faulted. And after they recovered Shane, Tori, and Blake began cracking up in hysterics, though Blake nowhere near matched the howls of laughter of the two Wind Rangers. Dustin looked very agitated and Hunter's face showed sympathy to the Yellow Ranger. Hunter felt a big headache coming up in the near future.
"What's so funny?" Griffin asked.
Hunter decided to let it play out and get a little bit of revenge on Griffin.
"Do any of you know someone named Waldo?" asked an irritated Griffin. This time Hunter joined in with the others in laughter at Dustin and Griffin's expense.
Dustin had enough and stormed out.
"Does anyone know where's Waldo?" Griffin naively asked before everyone began to cry so hard tears were coming out of their eyes. Or in Shane's case they began to pee in their pants.
Hunter decided to have mercy on the Yellow Ranger and his newest friend and answered, "He just left."
"That's Dustin. He told me himself. What are you guys taking me for? A fool?"
Tori and Blake began laughing so hard that in the process of falling over Tori fell onto Blake and the two shared their first kiss… awkward I know but that's another story for another time. The two quickly separated and instantly blushed, but everyone else was too busy to notice it.
"Griff, Dustin's real name is Waldo. He hates it so he has everyone call him Dustin" replied Blake in between fits of laughter.
"Oh… No wonder he seemed pissed. Some friends you are. He probably thinks I'm in on the joke now. I better go apologize and tell him why I needed to find him"
Griffin managed to cast a glare that ended the laughter and made them all feel guilty inside.
"We're sorry it's just that you set it up perfectly man. I take back everything I said before. You're too much of a riot to be one of Lothor's goons. No evil space villain would be able to make me laugh this hard!" Shane responded while trying to cover up the wet patch on his shorts.
"Come on Griff. I think we need to get what ever you need to do over with," said Hunter.
"Sure, but can I get a piggy back this time. I don't know how much longer I can walk with these things," Griffin said while pointing to his crutches.
The remaining Rangers face faulted again while Hunter did his best to suppress his laughter while taking the shorter blonde on his back once again in search of the Yellow Power Ranger before using his ninja abilities to transport them quickly. Hunter was resigned to the fact he would most likely have to piggyback the smaller blonde (but only by a few inches) for a while (or until they got him a super wheelchair created by Cam).
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Dustin was currently at his favorite thinking spot with a view of the harbor. He hated how everyone just assumed that he was stupid because he could be a bit of an airhead at times. Sure he like comics and was a bit immature, but that's how he was. He didn't care what other people thought about him because he was that laid back. He may not be the epitome of masculinity like the dark and brooding Hunter, but that didn't meant he should always be the butt of their jokes. But seeing all his friends laughing at his name was simply too much. He was beginning to wonder if it was all one big joke. He had always hated his name and today was a reminder once again why he did.
His thoughts were interrupted as Hunter and Griffin began to walk in his direction: (a) his power is earth so he can sense them, b) he is used to Hunter's Ranger signature, and c) he can hear them move on the grass
"What do you two want? Asked an irritable Dustin, almost growling at the two.
"How did you know we were here?" Hunter asked.
"Power of Earth ring a bell?"
"I'm sorry Dustin I really didn't know that was your name. I need to find someone named Waldo and since I was told the Crimson Ranger would help me, I didn't realize what kind of situation he had unknowiongly put me into."
'He's smooth' thought Hunter and Dustin at the same time.
"I need you to try to open this" Griffin said as he passed the gold scroll over.
"Dude you know I would never purposely insult you. Griffin is on a mission so if you could try to open the scroll I would appreciate it. Sensei has ordered me to help Griff in his quest to find someone named Waldo" Hunter said while trying to hold back his laughter.
"Just stop saying that name and I will open it! How do I know this isn't some elaborate hoax to make fun of me again?"
"Dustin would I do that?" asked Hunter with a slight puppy dog pout.
"Of course you would you jerk! But I doubt Griff knew anything about it. He seems like a chill dude. Toss over the scroll and lets get this over with," replied a slightly calmer Dustin.
Dustin placed his thumb on the wax seal and it came off as if it were never attached to the scroll.
"It was you after all!" Hunter began in an excited voice. "Dudes I am going to do some damage control. D-man can I leave Griff in your hands?"
"Sure dude. He doesn't seem like a problem unlike some other blondes that I know. It doesn't even look like he's even bright enough to cast some evil ninja technique set to my Ranger signature so he can infiltrate the team as me in disguise while leaving me to rot in some cell above this cliff or something" Dustin replied causing the other two to stare at him.
"Thanks for talking about me as if I wasn't here dudes" interjected a slightly annoyed Griffin.
"No problem" the two Ninja Rangers answered.
"Are we chill?" asked Hunter.
"Of course Hunter" answered Dustin with his normal goofy grin.
"Griff I will be back in a while. Bye" said Hunter.
"Bye Hunter" called Griffin while Dustin gave a slight wave. Well more like flicked him a birdie (i.e. gave him a middle finger).
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Hunter was gone before they knew it in a crimson streak.
"I really don't think I will ever get how all of you can travel like that. It's crazy," said Griffin.
"It's super convenient Griff, give me a second so I can read this. Just don't do anything stupid" replied Dustin.
"And this is coming from the dude who got lost in his own closet?" the blonde answered back.
"Touché dude. Where did you hear about that?" the confused brunette asked.
"Hunter. We were trading funny stories."
"He promised he would tell!" said a blushing and angered Yellow Ranger in a slight pout.
"If it makes you feel better, when we're done I can share some of his more embarrassing moments."
"Tall, blonde, and handsome can make a fool out of himself?" asked a bewildered Dustin.
"Of course he's only human Waldo. Anyways when he was trying to eavesdrop on me earlier today he got assaulted with the crutches I've been using. I didn't know they could be dangerous" Griffin joked with Dustin soon following in chuckles of his own.
Soon their conversation switched to other topics. And before they knew it they were chasing each other for what seemed like no time at all, which wasn't all that fun with Griffin's ankle but he knew it was worth the pain. It was the first time in a while he was able to just be himself and not have to worry about training. By the time they were too exhausted to go on and collapsed on the grass, Dustin looked at his watch and was surprised to see that two hours had past. Well Dustin had collapsed then as Griffin was tired out after the first twenty or so minutes.
"Dude you need to stop distracting me if you need my help."
"Fine you're no fun" Griffin replied with a slight pout.
Dustin paid no attention has he began to read the scroll. The contents did not seem to shock him according to the blonde's analysis of the brunette's facial expression.
"So let me get this straight. You're from the future?"
"Yes."
"You're Hunter's son?"
"Yes."
"And you're training to be a Ranger?"
"Yes."
"One more question."
"Sure."
"Do you know what your affinity is?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm guessing it would be Earth. I know I definitely don't have the Bradley Blood enough in me to have that control over Thunder and Lightning. Don't get me wrong. I may have the looks, but you don't see me acting like how did you put it? Oh wait now I remember. You don't see me acting like 'Mr. Tall, Blonde, and Handsome" Wind is stupid and Water is for girls. And since those are the elements traditionally taught by Ninja Academies I think it is safe to assume I am Earth."
"Don't let the others hear you say that."
"Why not?" asked Griffin.
"Tori can be a bit of a feminist at times. And Shane is defensive of his status as a ranger and leader" replied the brunette in a wise and sage-like tone.
"Thanks for the heads up!"
"Why do you think you're Earth?"
"Some one once told me all of the brave and thoughtful people tend to be Earth, the power hungry and reserved are Thunder or Lightning, the arrogant and insecure tend to be Air, and Water are usually very stubborn and concerned about their looks instead of their training. And the Yellow Rangers are often the heart of the team too. Am I right?"
Dustin didn't respond right away. At first he felt everything was odd, but Griffin was already turning out to be a better friend than some of the other Rangers. The two connected in a way that could only begin to compare with Hunter. While he knew Tori and Shane forever, both dismissed him as being an airhead and a stupid goof. Blake saw him as competition somewhat for motocross (and Tori) though he also always gave him the impression that he assumed Dustin was beneath him. Hunter on the other hand confused him. While he always seemed to be cold and on a power trip, he was always considerate toward our brunette friend. Hunter was older and could be a jerk, but he was also there to listen and give pointers to improve his performance on the track and in his spars.
"Earth to Dustin, are you okay?"
"Sorry man that was first" Dustin paused. A slight sniffle could be heard. "That was the first time I heard a compliment in a long time. It's just weird now how I can see you for being you and not just being whatever the scroll told me you were like. It really said a lot about you and your character."
"I guess we're both underappreciated and underestimated dudes then" stated Griffin who received a nod from Dustin afterwards in agreement.
"Aren't you afraid I will tell the others?" asked Dustin.
"No because you would never try to spite a person. That's why your animal is the Lion. You are noble and brave but you also have a lazy and shy side to you. You protect your pride (i.e. pack) and know when to pick your battles. I believe there was a reason my father chose you to be my confidant and sensei. You are a genuine person with a big heart! And as a Sensei and friend I know you will never fail me!"
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Next thing they knew another hour had passed with their deep conversation though by the time they realized that they were interrupted by the return of the Crimson Ranger who became as crimson as his Ranger uniform upon seeing the two together. After Griffin's latest comment Dustin turned incredibly red, as he was still embarrassed about receiving any kind of compliment besides involving his prowess at motocross. Added to the fact they were still exhausted, well Griffin was, and that Dustin was extremely red, and they were sitting close to each other, there intruder would get the wrong impression of what had transpired.
"Well what do we have here? I believe I have found two love birds in training!" Hunter joked which caused the pair in question to turn slightly pink. Their reaction in turn caused Hunter to respond as well.
"NOTHING!" the pair chimed in at the same time, which received them a glare and chuckle from Hunter.
"We've been just talking about was in the scroll Hunter. Why are you here again?" Dustin replied switching between the smarter side only Griffin and Hunter had witnessed and his normal goofball self.
"Griff, Dust, I'm sorry it took so long. Sensei wanted to discuss a few things with the rest us, but me in particular. Whatever was in the scroll spooked the hell out of the little gerbil. Dust are you ok with what was in yours?"
"No sweat dude. It was basically instructions in how I should train Griff and why I was chosen. Not much really man."
"Dude Dust you don't have to be all brave and all. If you need someone to talk to, you know I'm here for you right, man?" replied the taller blonde.
"Stop worrying dude. It was no big deal. Thanks anything, but you have nothing to worry about!" Dustin stated before flashing his infamous (and infectious) grin.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry Dust."
"It's fine Hunter, just chill." Hunter just got even redder at the brunette's frustration in the matter.
"Hunter did you need to tell us something? You seem a little tense" the shorter blonde asked the taller one.
"Now that I think of it Sensei did bring up something when he took me aside. Have you thought about where you are going to stay? I am sure you never planned on staying in Blue Bay Harbor," asked the taller blonde.
"Not really. I haven't thought that far. I got my mission today and departed from home a few hours ago. I didn't realize I was going to receive training here or at all for that matter" Griffin responded with a tinge of regret due to a slight lack of foresight on his part.
"Dude you can stay with me" said Dustin in a genuine show of hospitality. "Now what kind of Sensei would I be if I left my student on the streets?"
"I wouldn't want to intrude you already have to help me enough as it is. The scroll did mention something about training didn't it? I doubt it mentioned housing me too."
"It did mention something about me becoming your sensei. But as your sensei you are my responsibility. I cannot allow you to not have a roof over your head and a place to eat after I kick your ass in our daily spars!" replied Dustin. Hunter laughed at the response before apologizing to the two. The two were both stubborn and neither was about to back down. Little did he know, but his stubbornness would become entangled next.
"D, Griff's right. You are his Sensei, but it wouldn't be right for him to impose on you. I suggest that you stay at Ninja Ops or even better you can stay with Blake and me as we live on our own. D it was thoughtful of you but how would you explain it to your parents? We don't know how long he will be here. It could be a while and do you really want your parents think you have a BOYFRIEND? And for that matter would they appreciate him sharing your ROOM for an undisclosed amount of time every night?" asked a slightly cocky Hunter. His tone has shifted from serious to an almost mocking one.
"Whatever man, I just need to keep Griff safe. I'll do what I have to protect and train him. I am now Sensei Brooks to him after all!" Dustin said before the three broke out in laughter together.
Hunter noticed how Dustin managed to dodge around the question. He only hoped Dustin had not picked up when he had dodge the ones directed at him. He knew Dustin was smarter than he let on, but right now he wasn't sure which personality was more dominant. He felt bad for Griffin at this moment too. One wants to remain independent with their ego intact. Hunter knew he wouldn't want to be in Griffin's shoes with really having no say in the matter.
"Now who's up for some Frisbee?" asked Hunter pulling a football out of seemingly nowhere.
"Dude that's so not cool. You know I suck at throwing a Frisbee!" Dustin pouted.
"Griff do you mind waiting while I give Dusty here a bit of a refresher?" Hunter asked the shorter blonde.
"Go ahead. I think I could use a bit of a nap. Take your time you two. Just wake me when you're ready or I'll kick both of your asses" Griffin joked before stretching and passing out on the grass. It did not take long for him to fall blissfully asleep…
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Meanwhile in an undisclosed location (a cavernous chamber to be exact) a shadow was currently lay seated before a projection of the two rangers with Griffin on the cliff overlooking the harbor. The moment made the figure sick to their stomach. It was disgustingly full of family goodness—one of the purest forms of good known to exist.
'I must separate those three. Young Bradley will become a threat if he remains under the watch of the Yellow and Crimson Rangers' the figure thought to himself.
In the view of the cliff the figure saw the two Rangers throwing a Frisbee together (well trying to in Dustin's case) while their companion lay blissfully unaware asleep on the grass. The salty air and cool breeze had done a number on our blonde friend. It had only been one day but it had felt as if were several to Griffin. The two Ninja Rangers were truly unaware of the danger that lurked around the corner.
"YOUNG BRADLEY I WILL GET YOU! AND YOUR FATHER TOO! NO ONE WILL STOP MY REVENGE!" shouted the cloaked figure to his view while cackling.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Author's Note
The older Hunter chose Dustin since he knew that Dustin is a good judge of character. He would a) believe Griffin's story and b) knew he had good intentions and had no ill will for the other Rangers. The next chapter will focus on the lurking force of evil that has force Griffin to travel back in time. It will also feature some more fun moments between our Yellow Crew (the blondes, Griffin and Hunter, and the Yellow Ranger, Dustin).
Thanks for the responses everyone. I had five reviews in less than 18 hours I first put up the story. Be forewarned the SLASH may take a while. Anyone have battle scene advice? Any one have a preference for episodes they want included? And now here is the mini poll:
Mini Poll
Who should Dustin stay with?
Ninja Ops- Sensei and Cam
Dustin
Hunter and Blake?
-Griffin
UPDATED August 3, 2008