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.
Contains mentioning of suicide (not explicit)
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
QUICK RECAP
G (if you haven't figured it out yet is Griffin) and R converse
Some insight on R
Group dynamic is shattered, Dustin resigned
Cam is told off by his father
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Waldo "Dustin" Brooks was always an average child. Neither short nor exceptionally tall, and never fat or scrawny. The comic book geek became a motocross racer over time. Yet the same façade never disappeared. A broken marriage brought about shattered confidence and lofty dreams. Comic books were his original escape, and when they made him stick out like a sore thumb he transitioned into motocross.
His best friends were always there for him, but never in the ways that counted. Victoria "Tori" Hanson could cheer him up with a movie or his favorite sugary meal, but she never saw the distant look in his eyes. While Shane would go to her for advice, her other best friend never did for he never wanted to be seen as bother to his friends. Sure Dustin would ask for simple pieces of advice, but kept most things close to his chest.
Shane Clarke was a chill dude most of the time that always tried to keep his friends out and about, never idle enough to wallow in pity. While Shane may not have been the best person, but he knew when to shut up and listen most of the time to his friends problems. His friends never realized how much he cared because neither of his best friends ever asked.
Cam Watanabe never took the brunette seriously despite sometimes seeing him as a little brother. While he wanted to take the Yellow Ranger seriously he never could. A simple crush was justified with a complete 180 in behavior. While the Samurai Ranger tried his best, he too failed to see the true Dustin Brooks.
Blake Bradley never got to know Dustin. They were motocross rivals first, Rangers second, and friends third. The two got along well enough but were always too involved with their respective crushes to get to know the other. While Blake was social with Dustin, the two rarely spent time together actually attempting to get to know the other.
And finally we have Hunter Bradley the love interest of Dustin. Said Crimson Ranger who was oblivious to the Yellow Ranger's feelings, oddly enough did the most for his friend, partner/ teammate, and lover. While Hunter was not the best with feelings, the brooding and dark Ranger was the only one that made any efforts with the brunette, the reason why Dustin fell for him. While Dustin would never admit to falling for him due to looks alone, the concept of love at first sight could not be farther form the truth. Hunter being a few years older and wiser brought about a plethora of answers to the younger Dustin's questions, whether it be for motocross or Ranger related activities. What Hunter initially dismissed as a platonic-brotherly love soon turned to a full-blown love affair.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Flashback- Before the Bradley's "become good"
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Dustin was having a bad day… well in his mind that was an understatement. Said brunette was currently debating how much worse it could get. He had lost his race, fucked up his bike, and was currently debating if everyone else was right. His self-doubt was beginning to get to his confidence. So in a moment of sheer idiocy he decided on what he was going to do.
Today was not a complete loss though. His new friend Hunter had helped him off the track and wheel his bike off of it also. The racer ahead of him had turned too late and caused Dustin and several others to swerve off the track and into the air, resulting in numerous nasty falls. Hunter was a good racer, Dustin would admit that much. They were in different classes and had different amounts of experience, but the stoic and wise Hunter would always talk to him as an equal. There was never pity in his words, only life experience.
Hunter was supposed to meet Dustin at Storm Chargers at 4:00 pm after both got cleaned up. And in Dustin's case it also included bringing it in to get fixed at Storm Chargers and talking briefly with Kelly. Hunter said he was willing to give the brunette some pointers and that he could borrow his old 125 cc for the time being to practice. When Dustin never showed up Hunter got worried (yes even despite being under Lothor's powers).
Hunter walked in and was greeted by the owner Kelly in what appeared to be an extremely empty store.
"Welcome to Storm Chargers. I'm the owner Kelly. Can I help you?"
"I was supposed to meet my friend Dustin here, but he hasn't showed up. He told me he works here so I was wondering if you know where he lives."
His comments were met with a pensive look on her face.
"While normally I wouldn't do this, but he is usually a good judge of character unlike some of my other employees."
"Oh right thanks" he said while receive a slip of paper. "Sorry I never properly introduced myself, I'm Hunter."
And then the gears started turning in her head.
"You wouldn't happen to be Hunter Bradley would you?"
"I am. Any particular reason?"
"When Dustin was here earlier he mentioned something about a nice blonde racer help him off the track. I have to thank you. I was supposed to be there but was waiting on a delivery of new equipment."
"It was no problem."
'I can see why he couldn't stop talking about you' she mumbled to herself as she eyed Hunter from head to toe.
"Dustin seemed bummed about his race so do your best. I know you have what it takes" she grinned.
"I will, thanks again Kelly."
'You definitely have what it takes to keep Dustin happy. I just hope you are aware of it," she thought before returning to doing inventory.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Hunter pulled up in his truck to Dustin's house. There was no car outside, but to his knowledge Dustin didn't have one so it seemed normal. The house was simple and what he expected the brunette to live in. The house it self was a simple craftsman style house. It had sage green shingles, copper gutters, and flagstone steps leading up to a decent sized front porch. It was very relaxed and could use some polishing around the edges, but overall it fit the profile of Dustin well.
Hunter rang the doorbell (which sounded like wind chimes by the way) several times with no response. He then proceeded to knock on the door before he turned the knob and let himself in.
"Dustin?" he called out.
He walked straight through the house toward the kitchen, half expecting the Yellow glutton to be there. He saw a note on the table telling Dustin that his mother would be out of town for the next week. It was not until he was finished reading the note that he noticed that he could hear the shower running upstairs.
When he got to the top of the stairs he followed the sound of running water to the end of the hall where he was met with a half open door.
"Dustin?" he called out again.
He knew he would regret what he was about to do next, but he proceeded with his decisions anyways.
He was shocked at the sight before his eyes as he pulled back the shower curtain…
Dustin lay sprawled in the tub with blood running down his wrists as what was once scalding hot water cascaded down on his now pale body. Fortunately he was still breathing, though in very shallow breaths that he assumed were painful.
After carrying Dustin off into what he assumed was his rooms, the blonde dried off the still nude Yellow Ranger before he tended to the blonde's wounds. A simple jolt of Lightning from one of his fingers and a few techniques from the Thunder Academy and Dustin's breathing seemed to be returning to normal and blood began to clot on his wrists. When he done he pulled the covers back over the scantily clad Dustin and prepared himself for a long night.
He knew that Dustin felt that calling 911 would not be wise (as did he), so he did his best to keep an eye on his new friend. He sat there faithfully by Dustin's side for three hours before he drifted off to sleep. He underestimated how much energy he used to heal the goofball.
He was snapped out of sleep by a whisper of
"Are you an angel? How am I in heaven if I killed myself?"
Hunter knew he was in for a long night with the younger racer, but he didn't mind. He saw a lot of himself in Dustin and didn't want him to make the same mistakes. Dustin was too talented to throw his life away. His fears were about to be realized after he answered.
"No Dustin. It's just me Hunter."
"WHY COULDN'T YOU LET ME DIE?"
"Dude you need to chill. You're not in the right mind."
"Who the hell are you to dictate what I do?"
"You never showed up today and Kelly told me where you lived."
Dustin broke down into a series of tears and sobs.
"I just… I can't… Hunter I can't do it anymore."
"What can't you do Dusty?"
"I can't live with myself anymore. My family is never around and my friends don't know me. I suck at the one thing I live for. What's the point of prolonging my suffering?"
"Me."
"Excuse me."
"Continue living for me Dustin. I would hate to see talent such as yours to be wasted by you killing yourself. I patched you up and you should be fine in a few hours, but to be on the safe side I would say to not over exert yourself for the next few days. If you work hard enough I think you could go Pro in a year or two."
"Thanks Hunter that mean's a lot. I guess I wasn't thinking. I've been under so much pressure lately and with today's race…"
"Didn't I tell you I would help you?"
Dustin looked down.
"What's wrong Dustin?"
"I'm naked."
"Well I did wrap you in a towel if that is any consolation."
Dustin just shot him an evil glare.
"It's not my fault that I found you in the shower!"
"Good point."
"Dude it was awkward enough picking up your naked scrawny ass out of the shower. Do you think I wanted to dress you too?"
"I guess not. I wouldn't want you groping me when I'm knocked out."
"Like there is anything I could grope."
"Now that I think of it, I thought you were only going to use me for my body. It's not the first time someone's been nice to me just to try to have sex with me. After all I am still naked at this point in my bed and you are conveniently laying on it too!"
"I'm not like that. And besides you're under the covers. I'm ON TOP OF THEM!"
"How would I know?"
"Is your penis or ass sore?"
"No."
"Then I didn't have sex with you, as I like mine rough."
Then both Rangers blushed and broke out in a fit of laughter.
"Thanks again Hunter."
"Just don't do this again Dustin. You have a lot of promise. Why did you really do it?"
"I can't take it any more. Everyone lectures me as if I am completely useless. I'm not as stupid as I look."
"I know you're not."
"Thanks again" he yawned.
"Why don't you get some sleep while I whip you up something."
"Sugar and lots of it."
"Waffles I take it?"
"And bacon and eggs and strawberries and melted chocolate."
"This is a recovery meal, not a way to clog your arteries."
"But Hunter" he puppy dog pouted.
"Fine, but stop making it sound like it's a date."
"I'll wake you when it's done."
Hunter was already down the stairs when Dustin whispered "Thank you Crim." Said brunette blushed with a crimson fury and fell asleep with a large smile on his pale face. If Hunter was aware of his subconscious attraction to Dustin he would have taken the Yellow Ranger then and there, but unfortunately for you readers he was too oblivious to notice anything.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Weeks had past and when the time came for Hunter and Blake to make amends and join the Wind Academy Rangers, Dustin was all for it. Not just because he knew they were good people deep down, but also because Hunter had saved his life. He had been scooped up in his moment of weakness and taken off a dark path by someone who was "under the influence" of an Evil Space Villain. He knew that Hunter was a good person deep down if he saved his life when under influence of Dark Ninja Powers.
Dustin would never admit that his attraction played a hand in the matter (and neither would Tori for that matter). Both knew that they were good people who deserved a chance. Dustin is an excellent judge of character, but a ninja must always look underneath the underneath. And unlike many other Rangers who had transitioned from the side of Evil to the side of Good, a "possessed" (or manipulated) Ranger had saved the life of another, unseen since Katherine Hillard, the second Mighty Morphin' Pink Crane, Zeo Ranger I, and first Pink Turbo Ranger. Both Hillard and (H) Bradley did so while manipulated, deceived, and/ or possessed and without the use of their Ranger Powers (Hunter used his Inner Ninja Powers, not abilities granted by his Morpher). It would be a turn of events not seen for a while.
So when it came down to it, Dustin knew deep down Hunter was a good person. End of story. He wouldn't let Shane or Cam talk him out of it. He was determined to repay his debt to the Crimson Ranger, even if he did kick his ass on and off the battlefield.
Power Rangers Ninja Storm: Hurricane Chronicles
Author's Note
I know it was a little dark, but I wanted to give a reason for Dustin to blindly trust Blake and Hunter despite his normally good judgment of character. I will let you decide whether he knew Hunter was the Crimson Ranger or he is using it as a pet name due to Hunter's choice of attire.
This may look familiar to some people as parts of it are lifted from my two-shot "Keeper." I liked how it came out so much that I decided to revise parts and use it here.
"Keeper" has darker details concerning Dustin's motivation for his attempted suicide, while Chapter 14 is left more to the reader's digression.
This redo is chapter 14 because the next chapter wasn't ready initially when I was writing them. Ch 13 was the last one my unofficial beta helped with so I am using this as a filler until she returns.
Sorry to do this to y'all again, but chapters will start to slow down even more than I originally anticipated as I am working a lot more hours than I originally anticipated. I think I will be pushing out three every two weeks more or less. More than likely it will be once a week for a couple of weeks at the very least.
I am having to deal with family issues at the moment and my unofficial beta is off on vacation so any meaningful chapters will take a while to come out. I am hitting roadblocks with chapters 18 and 19 at the moment so be patient; better chapters will show up eventually.
My only consolation at the moment are the new Relient K and The Afters cds. They are keeping me mellow enough to write. That and my new cell phone. So be patient and awesome chapters will be out… If anyone be mad at Whispering Ranger for abandoning me lol!
-Griffin
SNEAK PEAKS: Upcoming Ideas (not necessarily in this order) to expect in future chapters
Either/Or—Possibly Both
-Once A Ranger: MMPR to Ninja Storm (Possible 'Future Rangers' used)
-Forever (NOT RED)
-Someone from the future comes back to visit Griffin
-Time Force hilarity
-Ryan-Griffin moments
-Encountering the Evil Mythic Rangers
-Learning their identities
-Major plot twists and hilarity
ONCE AGAIN I AM SOOOOOOOOOOO SORRY