Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. Saban and Nickelodeon own them. I also don't own any song lyrics used.
AN: Here's chapter 45! Enjoy and let me know what you think! Thanks for all the great reviews and here's notes to those individuals:
RHatch89: Glad you like it. We'll see more Zeo action in coming chapters too.
Harry2: Glad you're enjoying the Zeos too, though Dark Spector is gone. He's not a threat in this story. Ivan and his lackeys are, however. And Vile is still lurking so lots of loose ends out there stirring up trouble.
Pinkrangerfan: Glad you're enjoying it. :)
TommyOliverMMPRFan: Yep, Dulcea is finally free, but you're right, there is still a lot of danger coming. It will all soon come to a head. Glad you're enjoying the story.
Lmv16: Glad you got caught up and that you're enjoying it. :)
Alex B. Goode: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it.
MMPRFansince93: Yep, there is a ton going on and it will all soon be coming to a head. And I loved bringing back the Dragonzord, so glad you enjoyed that too.
fallingstar22: Oh yeah, so many threats and you're right about the Vice President. He's not safe. That becomes more apparent in this chapter. It has a surprise that I hope no one will see coming. ;)
MF 22: You're right, the Vice President probably does realize that there is few he can trust. He is inheriting all his staff and probably doesn't even know if he can trust his own Secret Service. That will become even more apparent in this chapter. As for the monolith, yes it's gone, but they have the morphers which connect them to the grid. Technically, I've melded the series cannon and the movie cannon in this story, which should have remained separate. But since in this universe, we have Ninjor's reinforcement of the powers too. And yes, the Duronian monarchy angle of the story will be interesting. :)
Crimson Rising
Chapter 45: Resistance
Is our secret safe tonight
And are we out of sight
Or will our world come tumbling down?
Will they find our hiding place
Is this our last embrace
Or will the walls start caving in?
Love is our resistance
They'll keep us apart and they won't stop breaking us down
Hold me
Our lips must always be sealed
Song: Resistance
Artist: Muse
The Beach, just outside the Legacy Compound
Dulcea observed and nodded to Udonna and the Mystics. Xander cast his spell first and his vines started to wrap around Shane. Tori concentrated and pushed her barrier towards Shane. The vines quickly receded and Vida was next, launching a tornado that whipped the sand around on the beach where they trained outside the compound. Tori stared at the swirling pink energy as it came mere inches from her face, but could not penetrate her barrier. Chip's lightning surged toward Dustin, but the water bearer reacted with her own lightning speed and shielded the earth ninja as well. It was getting easier for her, but the strain on her face was evident, as she tried to protect herself and her team. Shane launched his own air attack to counter Vida's. The red cyclone swallowed her pink one and Shane diverted the attack harmlessly into the sky to dissipate. Meanwhile, Blake countered the yellow Mystic's lightning with his own navy thunder, canceling it. Madison unleashed her tidal wave and Tori released her barrier to divert her energy into her own water attack. Her wall of water met Madison's and two blue rangers warred for control. Dustin evaded Xander's vines and disappeared beneath the sand, before shooting up and blasting the greenery with an earth beam, obliterating his attack. Tori's attack won out and she diverted it toward the ocean so as not to hit Madison. Dulcea raised her hand to halt their training.
"That was intense," Chip mentioned.
"No doubt...I couldn't get my attack through," Vida mentioned in amazement, as all eyes were suddenly on Tori. She looked down shyly.
"I almost lost it there though," she replied.
"You did wonderfully, sweetheart. Your barrier will soon become like second nature. It has already become easier, has it not?" Dulcea asked. Tori nodded.
"I think we can call it a day," Udonna suggested. Dulcea nodded.
"You all did very well. Your powers are getting stronger. I believe the final battle with Ooze will come soon and each of you will be as important as Hunter will in that battle," she told the five ninjas. They nodded seriously.
"Where is Hunter anyway?" Dustin asked.
"Sparring with the reds," she replied.
"How come he gets light sparring when we're working our butts off?" Shane grumbled. Dulcea smirked.
"He's sparring all the reds at once, in addition to Tommy and Jason. They're all morphed, he's not, and is not allowed to use his Phoenix saber," Dulcea corrected. Blake whistled.
"Uncle Z really knows how to be a bad ass when it comes to training," Blake mused.
"Let's go watch him get his butt kicked!" Dustin called. Blake and Shane agreed. Tori groaned at their usual childishness and rolled her eyes, before reluctantly following with Dulcea.
"They're so immature," she complained. Dulcea smiled.
"Most men are. You should have seen Zander and Zedd before the days where they were at odds. It was like keeping track of two naughty little boys all the time," she recalled fondly.
"Oh my gosh...that's my life," she joked, as they shared a laugh.
Hunter groaned, as he fell on his back for what seemed like the hundredth time.
"Come on fire boy, you can do better than that. I've seen it," Wes goaded, though he felt kind of a bad using a time strike against him. But Zedd made them promise to not hold back with attacks of any kind and there amazingly wasn't a scratch on the crimson ranger, for any he had inflicted had already healed in seconds.
"Maybe thunder boy has had enough," Eric teased, quantum defender in hand. Hunter rolled and jumped back to his feet, just in time to bat away a barrage of Tommy's spirit orbs. Carter, in civilian form, fired his blaster, but Hunter's fire hardened skin allowed him to simply let them hit the palm of his extended arm and deflect them harmlessly. He fazed into his ninja streak and knocked Carter, Eric and Wes out of the ring they had drawn in the sand. He turned in time to see Jason release an energy orb from the Brachio staff and a ball of fire appeared in his palm, meeting the attack. Fire won out and Hunter diverted his attack harmlessly to the sky. Leo attacked with his quasar saber and was astonished when Hunter blocked the blade with his forearm, flicking it into the sand nearby and knocking Leo out of the ring. Conner darted around him with his super speed, but the crimson ranger matched and exceeded with his own speed, soon sending Conner spiraling out of the ring. Nick launched his own fire blast, but Hunter's fire swallowed his and he kicked Nick out of the ring as well. Tommy and Jason double teamed him last and got in several good hits. But soon, their punches were hitting his thunder shield and he flipped away. His shield disappeared and he charged them, splitting their defenses. He and Tommy dueled and while Tommy clearly had an edge with experience, Hunter's raw power won out and the white ranger was knocked from the ring. He and Jason circled next and the others watched, as they sparred, trading blows and kicks with fury.
"Come on, I know you have more in you," Jason goaded, as Hunter dodged the slashes he made with his Brachio staff. Jason did a drop spin and knocked the ninja on his back. He brought his staff down and Hunter crossed his arms, blocking it, as crimson thunder sizzled and crackled at the contact. His super strength won out, as he disarmed the gold ranger and kicked him out of the ring. Panting air into his lungs, Hunter slowly stood up and glared at his Uncle, who wore a cocky smirk.
"You suck, you know that, right?" Hunter growled.
"You're fine. Don't be a baby," Zedd retorted. Hunter rolled his eyes and caught the bottle of water tossed his way.
"That will do for training today," Zedd announced, as the others arrived from their training session. Tori smirked at her fiance and kissed his cheek.
"You look tired, babe," she said in a teasing tone.
"Yeah, well my Uncle still has an evil streak," Hunter grumbled.
"So you're too tired to go on a walk?" she asked sweetly. He smirked.
"I'm never too tired for being alone with you," he replied, as they started off hand in hand.
"Hey fire boy, I thought you were going to drink with us?" Eric called.
"Sorry boys, but he's mine tonight," Tori called back.
Washington D.C.
"Is everything in place?" Gorbin questioned his second in command. The tall, well built man with brown hair nodded curtly.
"Yes Sir, the preparations have been made. And it will in no way trace back to you," he replied.
"Excellent, let's proceed," Gorbin responded. The man nodded and left the office, as Gorbin poured himself a glass of scotch.
The Beach, just outside the Legacy Compound
Tori and Hunter walked along the beach hand in hand, as the gentle breeze ruffled their hair. As usual, he was having trouble taking his eyes off her. He had heard about her amazing display of power during training. Not that he was surprised. She never ceased to amaze him. He may have been born with amazing powers, but it was her barrier powers that would probably save them all from fatal harm.
"You're staring again, thunder boy," she teased.
"What can I say? I like looking at you," he teased back.
"Just looking?" she asked coyly. He smirked and pulled her close.
"Oh, I think you know I like to do a lot more than look at you," he replied, as he drew her lips in for a kiss.
"Tori!" a little voice called, as Zoe ran toward them.
"Hey munchkin, what are you doing out here?" Tori asked. Hunter smiled.
"I asked Blake and Carly to bring her out here with that," Hunter said, as he pointed at a crimson bike. To Tori it seemed like it was the rebuilt crimson glider bike, only with a longer seat.
"Is that what I think it is?" she asked. He nodded.
"Cam and Blake helped me rebuild it," Hunter said.
"Are we going for a ride?" Zoe asked. Hunter nodded.
"All three of us," Hunter replied, as he picked her up and straddled the bike, putting her in front of him so he could hang onto her.
"I'm so jealous of this bike, bro. You gotta let me take it for a spin," Blake pleaded.
"Maybe...but not now," Hunter replied, as Tori climbed on back and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"So sneaky. When did you plan this?" she inquired. He smirked.
"A while ago," he replied.
"Okay, you can open the invisi-portal," Hunter told Cam.
"I still think this is a bad idea," Cam replied.
"Duly noted, but we'll be fine," Hunter waved him off. Cam rolled his eyes.
"Fine. I'll open the portal in one hour. Don't be late," Cam warned. Hunter revved the engine and they disappeared through the portal.
Sometime later
Ranger Ops
"What's going on?" Zedd asked. Rita had summoned from their relaxing evening and the others followed him in. Hunter and Tori arrived last with Zoe sound asleep in Hunter's arms. Dulcea happily took the sleeping little girl from him and upstairs to her bed.
"Our informant has some really juicy information for us. I think it's time to pull him out and make our move," Rita said cryptically.
"What are you talking about?" Hunter asked.
"Informant?" Tori questioned. Questions began firing a mile a minute and Zedd held up his hand. They all quieted.
"You have a man on the inside with Ooze?" Jason asked in disbelief. Rita shook her head.
"Not with Ooze, but with Gorbin, one you will remember quite well, though he looks very different now," Rita replied.
"I know I say this a lot...but I'm lost again," Dustin said.
"Me too," Conner seconded.
"Is there something you haven't told us?" Tommy asked.
"Yes...but it wasn't meant to deceive you. In fact, we didn't have high hopes of learning anything at all, but it seems we were wrong. He has information for us," Zedd replied.
"Are you bringing him here?" Shane asked wearily.
"He can be trusted implicitly, I assure you, but perhaps a more neutral location is necessary," Rita replied.
"Ernie...he'll let us use the Juice Bar after hours. I can go set it up myself," Adam said.
"Okay, wear sunglasses and a hat," Tommy suggested.
"And use your camouflage as much as possible," Jason reminded.
"I'll contact you once I get everything arranged with Ernie," Adam said, as he teleported out.
"Okay, later tonight Rita and I'll take a small group to Ernie's. I'm assuming you two will want to be there," Zedd replied, looking to Tommy and Jason. They nodded.
"Tori and I are going too," Hunter added.
"Since Adam is there, I'll go too," Tanya decided.
"Trini and I would love to see Ernie, so we're coming too," Kim decided. Zedd nodded in agreement.
The Youth Center
Angel Grove, California
"Look officer, no disrespect but I'm not harboring any rangers here. You search every night, but there aren't any. I'd like to close up," Ernie said in exasperation as the two GAMA guardians searched the Juice Bar.
"Sorry, but we have our orders, sir. The general says you are a known sympathetic party to the rangers," one replied. Ernie shrugged.
"Yeah we'll you would be too if you watched several of the them grow up right before your eyes," he replied, as he returned to his task of wiping down the counters and tables. They finally left after finding nothing as usual and Adam appeared having used the wall to camouflage himself. He shook hands with Ernie.
"Thanks again for letting us meet here," Adam said. Ernie smiled.
"Are you kidding? You know I love you guys and they can threaten me all they want, but I'll never turn my back on the rangers," Ernie replied. Adam smiled and brought his phone to his ear
"Cam, we're clear," Adam stated. A few seconds later, a group of them appeared in the room. Trini and Kim smiled and ran into Ernie's open arms, hugging him.
"It's so good to see you," Trini said fondly.
"Good to have my kids back," Ernie replied just as fondly. Tommy and Jason joined them in greeting their old friend as did Adam and Tanya.
"Ernie, this is Hunter and Tori. And believe it or not, Zedd and Rita," Tommy introduced.
"Any rangers or allies are welcome here," Ernie greeted.
"Thank you," Tori replied graciously.
"So, is your guy here?" Hunter asked his uncle. Zedd looked at his wife.
"Well, where is he?" he asked.
"Be nice Zeddy, he's really come through this time," she scolded. The others exchanged glances. Clearly, they had all missed something.
"Well, if he did, it will be a first," Zedd grumbled.
"All right, what haven't you told us?" Tori asked.
"Yeah, I hate to pull a Dustin, but I'm lost," Hunter joked. They were startled though when an officer walked into the juice bar and they were instantly on guard. The man looked confused.
"Whoa...I come in peace," he insisted.
"Guess you told them and they didn't take it well then?" he asked, directing his question at Zedd.
"No, they're reacting to your uniform," Zedd replied. The man looked down and made a goofy face.
"Oh right," he replied, as he scratched his head. Slowly, the rangers let their guard down, each confused by the exchange between Zedd and this man.
"So...what do you have for us?" Rita prompted.
"You and Ed were right. He had me set up an assassination on our newly minted President. And then after the hired hand does the deed, I'm supposed to kill the assassin so it can't be traced back to Gorbin," the man said.
"Wait...did you just call him Ed?" Adam asked in disbelief. Zedd sighed in exasperation.
"Yes, even though my name is Zedd," he snapped, glaring at the oaf.
"I don't believe it," Kim uttered.
"It can't be," Tommy said, shaking his head.
"Rito?" Jason asked. The man grinned widely.
"In the flesh," he said, as he looked at his arm.
"Literally this time," he joked.
"But Zordon's wave..." Tanya uttered.
"Restored Rito just as it did Zedd and I. Goldar may have been in his natural state, but remember, Rito was Eltarian like me. He only mutated after father himself decided he would never be evil enough, so he made him terrifying to look at," Rita explained.
"Yeah, Father of the year, he ain't," Rito added.
"Okay...so back to the assassination on the President?" Hunter asked, redirecting the conversation.
"That's what we hoped Rito would learn. We thought if we could have the rangers stop the plan, it would not only sway the people that are still against you back to our side, but we could expose Gorbin and whoever he is in league with," Rita stated.
"Yes and amazingly he didn't screw it up," Zedd quipped, as Rita smacked him on the arm.
"Well, do you know who Gorbin is working with?" Tommy asked.
"The House speaker," Rito replied.
"Of course...if the new President and new Vice President are assassinated, then that leaves the House speaker to take over," Adam replied.
"Yep, the bitch has been behind everything," Rito said.
"You still haven't told us where this supposed to happen or when," Zedd pointed out.
"Oh yeah, tomorrow night at the inauguration of the new President. The assassin is being paid to claim he's sympathetic to the ranger's cause too," Rito warned.
"We have to stop them," Tori said. Jason nodded.
"Rainbow ranger and I can get several of us in with our invisibility powers easy enough," Jason assured.
"Ha, rainbow ranger. That's good," Rito joked. Tommy glared at them both.
"Trent and I can hide in key places too and since it's civilians mostly, we can refrain from morphing unless absolutely necessary," Adam agreed.
"Good idea. Then fire boy can rescue the President," Jason decided.
"Why me?" Hunter asked.
"Because you're the one that had to kill the President that Vile infected," Kim reasoned.
"Yeah and even though everyone has seen the true footage of that night, this will convince even the skeptics that you're not the real threat," Trini added.
"Then everyone will see Gorbin's true colors. I like it," Tori said.
"See Zeddy, I told you Rito would come through," Rita said.
"For now it seems," Zedd responded.
"Aw come on Ed, admit it, I did good this time," Rito insisted.
"Like I said, for now because you're the only being I know who can snatch defeat right out of the mouth of victory," Zedd quipped. Rita smacked him again.
"It's okay sis, I've heard my new nephew is nicer," Rito said as he clapped Hunter on the shoulder.
"Nice to meet you finally, kid. I tried to be an Uncle to your cousin, but Thrax is a prick," Rito mentioned. Hunter smirked.
"Thrax is no cousin of his and no son of ours," Zedd argued. Rito chuckled.
"Yeah I guess that's a face that not even a mother could love," he joked.
"I still can't believe Madam Speaker Bradwick is in league with Gorbin," Trini mentioned.
"Yeah, what reason would she have for hating rangers?" Kim wondered.
"Don't know, but she's a cold bitch for sure. Seems to hate ninjas in particular though," Rito mentioned.
"We should get Hayley and Cam to hack into her background. There might be a connection or a reason why," Jason said. They nodded.
"I better get back too, before Gorbin suspects anything," Rito agreed.
"Thanks for everything you're doing," Hunter said. Rito patted him on the shoulder.
"I have quite a bit to atone for too. I was never very good at being evil, but I had my moments," Rito replied.
"You've done great, baby brother," Rita said, as she kissed his cheek. She looked at her husband, who still had his arms crossed over his chest. She elbowed him and gave him a pointed look. Zedd rolled his eyes.
"Yes, you did good this time," Zedd replied reluctantly.
"Aww, thanks Ed. I like you a lot better as a human," Rito said, as he left to return to his post.
"We should go too. Thanks again Ernie," Adam said. The portly man smiled.
"Don't mention it. Just come back and visit soon. I'll be getting a little watch party together for the inauguration. It will be quite the event," Ernie said. They bid him goodbye and teleported away. Ernie picked up the phone and dialed a number. He waited until the person on the other line picked up.
"Raymond, it's Ernie. You're not going to believe this," Ernie said excitedly.
"Believe what?" Raymond asked.
"It's so good I can't even tell you over the phone. Just call everyone and tell them to meet here tomorrow night for a little inauguration watch party," Ernie replied.
"The Inauguration? What's so great about that?" Raymond asked.
"Trust me, this will one no one will ever forget," Ernie replied, as he hung up and went back to closing up.
The Legacy Compound
Upon returning to the base, those that had visited Ernie decided to get a drink together. Bulk was only too happy to mix cocktails and listen to what they had learned.
"Setting up the assassination of the new President? That General is really pulling out all the stops," Bulk mentioned.
"Yeah, Elaine Bradwick must be promising him quite the payday and some kind of ridiculously high seated job if he's willing to commit treason for her," Jason stated.
"He's already acting like he's General of the world. What more can he get?" Rocky wondered.
"Right now, he still has some rules keeping him in check and us. If Bradwick gets the control she wants, those rules go out the window," Adam suggested.
"And if she can somehow spin that it was our influence that lead to the assassination, we're discredited even further. It won't take much to slowly spin it to make it seem like we cause more harm than good," Tanya mentioned.
"She's right. No matter how many we save, we all know there are those that still die during our battles," Tommy lamented.
"We can't save everyone...no one can. It's an impossible situation," Kimberly reminded.
"It's always something we've struggled with. All teams have faced losing innocent lives. Those buildings aren't always empty," Trini stated.
"And they keep coming in droves because of me," Hunter mentioned.
"It's not your fault," Tori insisted.
"Tori's right. For fifteen years, there has been some evil trying to take over this planet," Tommy reminded him.
"Maybe, but I'm not making things better. The whole Duronian army is on its way here," Hunter lamented.
"And we're going to send them right back where they came from," Tori told him in a tone that he knew not to argue with. Jason smirked.
"Take it from me. Don't argue with your future wife," he advised, earning chuckles around the table.
"Good advice. I think we should all get some rest though. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be another one of those days," Trini said. They agreed and slowly trudged upstairs.
After checking on Zoe briefly, Tori joined Hunter in their bedroom, just as he was pulling off his shirt. She put her arms around him and rested her head against his back. He smiled and turned, taking her in his arms. He kissed her hair and she raised her head from his chest to press a kiss to his lips. As their lips moved passionately over each other's, she gently traced her fingers along his chest and torso. Intense passion swelled between them and their lips parted only briefly so she could raise her arms. Hunter pulled her shirt over her head and discarded it to the floor, before he captured her lips again. With one arm, he lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, as he climbed onto the bed, without parting his lips from hers. Tori combed her fingers through his shaggy hair and mewled softly, as he trailed hungry kisses down her slender neck. Ecstasy became etched on her face, as he continued his way down, kissing all over. They panted air into their lungs and their eyes locked. She smiled at him and gently caressed his cheek.
"You forgot to turn off the lights, thunder boy," she said. He smirked and she watched him shoot a crimson thunderbolt at the lamp, killing the light and plunging them into darkness.
Their lips met anew with passionate fury and his hands roamed her body, causing moans of pleasure from her. He managed to rid of her of her jeans, but she decided to take control next. With a show of strength she didn't look like she was capable of, she flipped him onto his back and straddled his waist. Arms cuffed on his biceps, she effectively pinned him down and engaged in her quest to claim him. She was more than aware of the attention he received from both females and even some males. He was now a constant subject of interest in the media given his now known otherworldly status so it was no surprise to her when he soon became one of the favorite topics of various gossip shows. Actually they both had, considering that it was known that they were together. Neither of them was crazy about the attention since neither had really vied to be famous. Before this had all started, they had been happily secluded in their lives as sensei's of their respective elements and content with their quiet normal life in Blue Bay Harbor. It seemed though that the fates had other plans for them. Still, she wouldn't lie that it didn't bother her when a bunch of cackling hens, Hunter's words, not hers, talked about him like he was their own personal piece of meat. It bothered her more when the critics dragged his name through the mud and demanded he leave the planet simply because he wasn't born here and they thought he was dangerous. None of them knew him or treated him like he was an actual person with feelings.
"I love you..." she whispered breathlessly, as she kissed him again.
"I love you too..." he rasped, as she slowly undid his belt. Passion consumed them whole and they became lost in one another...