Hell yeah baby, on to chapter ten! I can't tell you guys how excited I am that I am onto chapter ten which puts me at two to three more chapters I have to rewrite before I can continue on with the story. I have to tell you, every time I go through a chapter to revise it, I am always taken for a ride and I 'm not quite sure how it will turn out until I am writing the A/N at the end of the chapter. I think that this is fun because of the fact that I don't know how it's going to go so that I have a bit of freedom with writing. However, I try to reign myself in and ask myself if it will make sense or if the characters will stay in character. So far I want to say in the revised story, that I have kept the characters in character or at least I hope so. Besides that, I don't have much to say here so I will get on with the quote and the story.
Edited: 4/15/21-4/20/21
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall as last unveil."
-James Allen
ooo0 Ninja of the Stars 0ooo
True to his word, Tommy ended up coming back to Ninja Ops over the next few days to get more information as well as get some footage of the rangers for the video. It was also during this time that Belle went back home so that she could work on the designs for the group Halloween costumes. Granted, she couldn't do any of the actual work due to not being able to use the more advanced magic yet. Instead, she sketched out the outlines of the costumes and gathered the needed magical fabric that was needed to make the costumes. The fabric that Belle and Mama Luna had gotten was the strongest yet soft material in existence to make them that was called Éthéré. This material, with the coaxing from magic, changed its appearance and outward texture to match what the wizard or sorceress wanted. Belle couldn't wait until she could use the more advanced magic so that she could start on the costumes.
The day that Belle was actually able to pick up her normal routine again as well as use advanced magic, she was in her pajamas in the command room to help Cam with some coding.
"You are getting better at this," Cam praised Belle while she typed away on her own personal laptop.
"Thanks Ron," Belle smiled just as the three wind rangers came in through the entryway.
"Oh man," Dustin sighed while he handed over Cam's camcorder. "I can't believe we got stalked by celery."
To clarify the situation, the Wind rangers were out late and managed to find some Kelzaks planting seeds in the ground. As they were attacking the foot soldiers, they had run into a plant monster who proceeded to kick their asses. Luckily the rangers had managed to snag a few seeds from where they were planted.
"Here's a thought," Cam sassed. "Maybe you're not getting enough sleep."
"I must see those seeds," Sensei Watanabe insisted.
Dustin did not hesitate to put them in front of the guinea pig master.
"We will discuss why you were out late on a school night another time."
"I'd hate to be in your skate shoes," Cam commented towards Shane.
"Dude, shouldn't you be cleaning some ancient scrolls," Shane shot back that made Belle frown.
"Don't get mad at him because you got in trouble," Belle pointed out.
"Since when had Lothor been into gardening?" Tori asked the group that had everyone's attention going back towards the seeds. Sensei Watanabe even went as far as to poke the seeds that released a highly unpleasant odor.
"Eww!" the ninja master exclaimed as he fanned his nose.
"Dude!" Dustin exclaimed.
"Aw, that is some serious stank, man!" Shane complained.
"Not as bad as Phineas can get," Belle commented that had everyone turning to face her.
"Who's Phineas?" Dustin questioned in confusion.
"He's a Troblin. Half troll, half goblin."
"Somehow I expected that kind of answer," Cam remarked.
"It smells like Dustin after ninja training," Tori teased with a smile.
"Hey, yeah, it does too," Dustin laughed.
The others couldn't help but smile at the way Dustin answered the statement.
"Hey Sensei, what are those?" Shane asked.
"I'm not certain," Sensei Watanabe mused.
"I have an acquaintance, Dr. Belrab. He's an expert on exotic plants. In the morning, you must visit him at his botanical laboratory."
"Why don't I go," Cam offered. "This may require someone who actually has a clue about botany."
"I can go with him," Belle added after. "I know a thing or two myself."
"Dude," Shane smirked while placing a hand on Cam's shoulder. "Just so you know, not a very good pickup line."
Belle wanted to snap at Shane so bad at his words, but held her tongue when she realized that it would do nothing.
"That's enough, all of you," Sensei Watanabe said that had everyone quieting.
"Return home you three. You must be alert for tomorrow."
Everyone dispersed from the half circle that had surrounded Sensei Watanabe's enclosure, but he called back for Cam.
"And, Cam, be careful how you choose to get involved."
"Dad, I can help," Cam insisted in exasperation.
"And you always do," Sensei Watanabe pointed out.
"No, I mean really help. I'm tired of sitting around doing nothing."
"I have my reasons," Sensei said without giving any more information. "I want you here."
Cam all but threw his hands in the air as he walked back towards the home part of Ninja Ops. Belle wasn't that far behind him.
"I know that face Ron," Belle said softly so that Sensei Watanabe wouldn't overhear.
"And I'm coming with you. I know you can watch your own back, but it can't hurt to have two people instead of one. Besides, I want to be able to stretch my legs now that I can actually do stuff again."
A gentle smile graced Cam's lips at Belle's words. Even though he would have preferred to go alone to go see the botany doctor, there wouldn't have been anyone else he would have wanted to go with him.
"Thanks Anna."
"Don't worry about it Ron," Belle grinned. "I'll have your back no matter what."
The two then bid each other a good night before heading off to their own rooms.
ooo0ooo
The next morning, Belle got up to do her normal morning routine then made a super quick breakfast for her and Cam that they could eat on the go.
"I have never been more thankful for you waking up so early," Cam sighed after swallowing a bite of the breakfast sandwiches that Belle made.
"It actually felt good to go out and work out instead of being cooped up inside," Belle confessed once she had finished her own sandwich.
The two then lapsed into silence while they trekked through the hills and countryside to get to Dr. Belrab's lab. Cam was the first to the door, so he held it open for Belle then followed her in.
"Hi Dr. Belrab," Cam greeted the man who was spritzing his plants with water.
"I'm Cameron Watanabe and this is Annabelle Deveroux. I'm sure my father told you that we would be coming?"
"Oh, yes, yes," Dr. Belrab agreed with a nod of his head when he remembered. "He said that you had something to show me."
Belle pulled one of the seeds out from her backpack only to hand it over to Cam who then gave it to the doctor.
"Have you ever seen one of these before?"
"Oh, yes," Dr. Belrab confirmed, closely analyzing the seed. "It's called a sudima plant. It's very rare."
"Aren't they from the same family as the venus flytrap?" Belle ventured with furrowed brows.
Cam was a little taken aback at Belle's knowledge of the flowers, but he remembered that Belle had grown up with flora almost as long as she's been alive. It made sense that she would have a lot of knowledge.
"Why yes it is," the doctor beamed at Belle's words. "You know a few things about botany?"
"My family works with plants as a living," Belle said that was a part of the truth. "Aren't they more aggressive though?"
"How aggressive?" Cam asked.
"Fully grown, this plant will devour everything in its path," Dr. Belrab told the two that had both of their stomachs dropping.
"That is not good," Belle sucked in past her teeth.
Cam couldn't agree more.
"I think we may have a problem," Cam confessed to the doctor who shrugged off their concerns.
"Oh, don't worry. They're harmless," he assured them. "Unless they're fertilized with a special nutrient bath. Mineral water with a kick, so to speak."
"Where do you get this special water?" Cam questioned.
"Well, there's a volcanic spring to the north of here," Dr. Belrab recalled. "Which produces a similar combination of minerals and phosphates."
"You're talking about Turner Springs?" Cam ventured after taking off his glasses.
"Yes, I've been experimenting with the waters on some of my plants here. Of course, the trek is too dangerous for me to make often. I've got giant corns to worry about."
Cam made a worried and confused look at the doctor's words, but with a gesture from Belle, he saw that the doctor actually meant giant corn.
"Thank you so much Dr. Belrab," Belle told the doctor with a bright smile. "We have to get going, but we appreciate the help."
"I was happy to help," he called after the two teens who walked through the door.
"I think we're making a lot of progress," Belle smiled at Cam as they headed off for Turner Springs.
"Yeah," Cam agreed. "Was the botany knowledge from potion making?"
"Yeah. You'd be surprised what some potions call for."
"I am curious yet afraid to ask what some of the ingredients are."
Belle laughed at Cam's words and was happy to tell of some of the less wild potions that she has ever made. Before the two knew it, they reached the springs that bubbled pleasantly. Cam hopped up a tree that dangled over the springs while Belle stayed on the ground. Cam then pulled out the bottle that would be used to get the water while Belle scanned the area for any threats. If this water was needed for the plants to turn vicious, then there was no doubt in her mind that Lothor would send one of his goons to collect some.
"Here Anna, catch," Cam shouted down to Belle before tossing the water sample over to her. She caught it with ease and hastened to slip the bottle into her bag. Just as Cam stood up from his perch on the tree, Kelzacks came running onto the scene. Rather than stay and get pushed into the water, Cam jumped down to the opposite bank to watch the Kelzacks that had tried to go after him fall into the water.
"Score one for us," Belle smirked with a hand on her hip. Cam himself couldn't help the smile he had. Their moment of victory was short-lived when the Kelzacks regrouped to come after them. Cam and Belle both shared a nod before turning so that their backs were together. The two made quick work of the Kelzacks that were coming at them, but they just kept coming.
"You know, we make a pretty good team," Belle pointed out as she spin kicked a Kelzack that had been aiming for Cam.
"I couldn't agree more," Cam grinned only for Shane to come swooping in to join the fight.
"What are you doing here?" Cam grumbled when the three of them came back to back.
"Good question," Shane relented. "But you two first."
Cam gave another huff of irritation as he split from the group again to fight. At some point during the fight, one of the Kelzacks had managed to swipe the sample bottle from Belle's bag.
"Get your ugly ass back here!" Belle called after the red and black foot soldier.
Belle was the first to go chasing after them, but Cam was quick on her heels after telling Shane the importance of the water sample. Belle was laser focused on the Kelzack in front of her which led to her coming in with a kick that sent the Kelzack into the nearest tree with a loud thud. A sound that was close to groaning left the foot soldier's throat before Belle picked up the bottle that was stolen.
"Keep your hands offa other people's shit," Belle glared down at them.
By that time, Cam came up to her side to take the bottle back.
"You are really scary when you want to be Anna."
"Thank you."
"Hey, what was that all about?" Shane asked Belle and Cam when the Kelzacks started running away.
"Where did you learn how to fight like that?" Shane questioned, this time directing his question to Cam.
"He grew up in a ninja school," Belle deadpanned at Shane's thoughtless question.
"Do the math," Cam finished for her.
"Hey, I'm just surprised," Shane supplied towards him. "I didn't know you had it in you."
"There's a lot you don't know about me, Shane."
"Yeah, and whose fault is that?" Shane challenged the bespeckled man.
"Yours," Belle answered without a second thought.
"What do you mean it's my fault?" Shane demanded with an offended look.
"If you actually talked with Cam or paid attention to him, you would learn a lot about him."
"If you're so knowledgeable about him, what is his favorite color?"
"Green."
"Correct," Cam joined in.
"What's his favorite drink?"
"Coffee. Black with two sugars."
"Correct."
"What's his zodiac?"
"Sagittarius."
"Correct."
"That's not fair. You live with him."
"You can live with someone and not know them," Belle pointed out. "C'mon Ron, we should get this sample back."
"What are you going to tell Sensei when you get back?" Shane asked that made Cam stop in his tracks for a split second.
"Don't worry about my father. I'll handle him."
"Oh, nobody handles Sensei. You should know that better than anybody."
Cam shook his head as he continued walking.
"Hey, he just cares about you, man. He doesn't want you getting hurt."
"Well, as you can see, he's got nothing to worry about."
Instead of having Cam and herself walk back to Ninja Ops, Belle tree traveled them back. Belle had gone first which meant that Cam had almost plowed into her back when he came through. Cam had just managed to catch himself before he did.
"Thanks Anna."
"No problem Ron."
As soon as Cam made it back into Ninja Ops, he started setting up a station to experiment with the seeds and the water, with Belle helping him, when Sensei Watanabe showed up.
"You deliberately went against my wishes by going off on your own," he said to Cam.
"I'm terribly disappointed in you, Cam."
"How did you know?" Cam sighed, turning around to face his father.
"I'm a ninja master and your father. Not a good combination if you're trying to pull a fast one."
Sensei Watanabe gave a sigh before continuing on.
"Son, I always knew this day would come. It's in your blood."
"I have nothing against Shane or Tori or Dustin or Anna. They've come a long way, but I know I can help."
Belle couldn't help but feel bad for Cam. He was helping the team in her mind, but she also wanted to help him feel like he was. However, while Cam was talking with his father, Belle watched the plant vines grow from the seeds and reach out towards the water sample that Cam had retrieved. Her eyes widened at the action yet she didn't feel like she should interrupt the family discussion going on in front of her. The plant doesn't seem to be attacking quite yet, Belle thought to herself. The discussion must have ended because Belle saw Cam walk off while Sensei Watanabe was looking sort of glum. Based on Cam's posture, Belle could see that Cam didn't want her following him and she respected that. There were times when everyone needed some time to themselves.
"Are you okay Sensei?" Belle ventured hesitantly.
"I am fine Anna," he sighed.
"I just wish that Cam would understand that I want what is best for him. Being a power ranger is just going to lead to him getting hurt."
While Belle couldn't fault Sensei Watanabe being so protective over his son since he lost his wife, but at the same time she knew that it was only adding stress to the relationship between father and son.
"That may be true for ninja training," Belle mused when she remembered the design of Cam's room.
"What do you mean?" Sensei Watanabe questioned regarding the tone of Belle's voice.
"Ninjas aren't the only warrior in Japanese culture," Belle pointed out. "There are also samurai."
"Yes, I suppose there is," Sensei Watanabe agreed with a thoughtful look.
"Thank you Anna for giving me something to think about."
Belle gave a nod of her head to her adoptive sensei before she retreated back to her room. She had to make up some more potions and poultices, so she took the free time to whip some up. The final potion was just made when her communicator went off. Belle hurried out from her room to the supercomputer when a large plant broke through Dr. Belrab's lab through surveillance feed.
"What in the world is going on?" Belle asked when she saw Cam typing away at the computer.
"Quickly Cam," Sensei Watanabe urged Cam.
There was some arguing between father and son before Shane was sent to go help the others.
"Should I go help too?" Belle offered. Before Sensei Watanabe could answer, the vines from earlier snatched him up while even more vines lashed out at Cam and Belle.
"Are you kidding me!" Belle shouted in irritation, rolling to the side to avoid a hit. Cam meanwhile was trying to hit the vines to get his father back.
"Ron, you focus on the computer. I'll take care of the vines."
With that said, Belle pulled out her wand.
"Marabitr!"
In a flash of silver and gold sparkles, the vines gave a cry and withered back towards their seeds.
"Thank you Anna," Sensei Watanabe sighed in relief when he landed on the table in the middle of the room.
"You're welcome Sensei. We should be good until the main plant is stopped, but I'll keep watch on the offspring here just in case it decides to attack again."
While Belle watched the vines, Cam sent an upgrade to the team's ninja blades so that they would be able to cut through the leaves and vines of the mother plant. With a few swipes of his blade, the mother plant was destored that had Belle giving a huge sigh of relief.
"Everyone ok there?" Cam asked through the comms that was met with confirmation from the three rangers in the field.
"They should have it from here, right?" Belle questioned towards Cam and Sensei Watanabe.
"It appears so," Sensei Watanabe agreed. "But it would be wise to stay in case the need does arise."
"Yes, Sensei."
Belle then pulled up a chair beside Cam so that she could watch the fight with him. She pulled up her legs so that she could sit tailor style with her arms resting on the computer stand. The rangers, on the other hand, were doing beautifully in defeating the enemy.
"Cam, we need the zords."
"You got it."
"They are doing so well," Belle smiled as she watched how easily the rangers took down the enemy with their zords.
"I couldn't agree more Anna," Sensei Watanabe agreed.
Not long after the three Wind Rangers had defeated the plant monster, they returned to Ninja Ops to receive their punishment.
"C'mon Sensei," Tori pleaded with their guinea pig master. "We never would have found those seeds if we hadn't been out late."
"I have taken that into consideration," Sensei Watanabe mused.
"Nonetheless, breaking rules cannot go unnoticed. Everyone, ten mile jog."
A chorus of "what" echoed around the group while Anna grinned.
"It's cold outside," Tori complained.
"That's what is going to make it feel good," Belle pointed out happily.
All of the rangers plus Cam gave her a look like she had just grown three heads. The Wind rangers groaned but followed after Belle out of Ninja Ops in her training uniform.
"Ten miles in the freezing cold," Tori grumbled.
"I said everyone," Sensei Watanabe repeated when Cam didn't join the group.
"Me?" Cam questioned when he realized that his father was talking to him.
"What did I do?"
"Besides sneaking out, fighting Kelzaks, and disobeying my direct orders?"
"How old does someone have to be to do whatever they want?"
"One hundred and fifty," Belle called back that had both Cam and Sensei Watanabe turning to her with confused stares.
"At least in the magical realm. In the human realm, no one has ever lived that long."
They both shook their heads at her words before Sensei Watanabe gestured for Cam to go.
"When you return, we will discuss your future training."
"Training?" Cam echoed in excited confusion. "But what about your promise?"
"There are other ways besides that of the ninja, as Anna was so kind to remind me," Sensei Watanabe told his son who was looking so happy at the news.
Cam gave his father a smile before he too joined the rangers on their run. I'll have to thank Anna later, Cam grinned to himself as he caught up with the others. The Wind Rangers were at the front of the group while Belle hung back a little so that she could jog next to Cam.
"I take it your dad gave you the good news," Belle smiled when she saw the large one on Cam's face.
"Yeah, thanks for that by the way."
"I'm happy to help. It would be a shame for your talent to be wasted because of ninja training."
The two then ran to catch up with the others, Belle being the only one who wasn't winded because of the run.
"Maybe for you," Tori huffed.
They all rested for a minute or two before they took off running again so that they could get their punishment over with.
ooo0ooo
The next day, after Belle's daily run and breakfast, found Belle plus the other rangers lined up in the command center.
"Remember," Sensei Watanabe began with the lesson. "A ninja's greatest enemy is himself."
In a flash of holographic technology, exact replicas of all the rangers appeared across from the original.
"Whoa," Dustin let out in awe of the copy.
"You may begin."
"Oh, okay. Okay," Dustin said. "No, I get this. Ninja stare contest, right?"
"Maybe we're supposed to fight," Shane offered.
Tori and Belle couldn't help but give Shane a look at his words. Belle, because she knew that this wasn't the moral behind today's lesson, and Tori because that didn't sound right to her.
"Okay dude," Dustin said to his clone. "No matter how good looking you are, you're still going down."
Belle rolled her eyes at Dustin's words as she turned to her double.
"Wanna dance a little?" she offered with a shrug.
Instead of answering, the Belle clone gave a smile and a nod to show that she agreed. The boys squared up with their doubles to fight while Tori just stared at her clone and Belle was dancing with her double mirroring her moves. While Cam watched the rangers face their doubles, he couldn't help the smile that grew on his face as he watched Belle dance with her double. Only her, he thought to himself.
"This can't be what Sensei meant," Tori commented when she saw the boys fighting.
When she turned to look at Belle, she couldn't help the smile that broke out on her lips at seeing the two Belle's having fun.
"You guys, I really don't think we're supposed to be fighting ourselves," Tori tried to tell the male rangers.
It seemed that right after she said that, she had an epiphany.
"That's it, isn't it?"
Tori's clone gave her a wink just as Belle and her double ended their dance with a pose. The girls' clones were the first to disappear followed by the boys' clones after the boys got their beatdown.
"Why is it so hard for guys to follow directions?" Tori sighed in exasperation.
"I'm tougher than I thought I was," Shane groaned, getting to his feet.
"I can't believe I kicked my own butt," Dustin added.
"Sensei did say that our greatest enemy is ourselves," Belle pointed out.
"Congratulations Tori, Anna," Sensei Watanabe praised the two kunoichi.
"Tori and Anna?" Dustin echoed in protest. "They didn't even do anything."
"Precisely," Sensei said. "He who battles himself can never emerge victorious."
"Ninja basics 101," Cam chimed in.
"Oh. Yeah right," Dustin answered. "I must've been sick that day."
"Sometimes, caution is what wins the day," Sensei told the group. "This is why it will be Tori and Anna who seeks the Jade Turtle."
"So, why do we need this turtle thing anyway?" Dustin questioned with his hands on his hips.
"Well, when we revived the zords," Cam replied. "Several key power spheres were kept hidden."
"Only to be retrieved when you mastered the skills necessary to do so," Sensei Watanabe finished for his son.
"I hope I don't let you down Sensei," Tori said.
"You can count on me Sensei," Belle bowed with respect.
"Trust in yourselves," Sensei Watanabe told the girls. "Your inner ninja will show you the way."
"And this is in case your inner ninja gets lost," Cam added that earned a chuckle from Belle.
"Thanks Ron," Belle smiled as she took the offered map.
"Hey Tori," Shane called to the blonde who stopped to face him. "You'll be great."
"I know that you'll get it Shorty," Dustin grinned to the galaxy haired girl while ruffling her hair.
"So, um, what do we do while the girls are turtle hunting?" Dustin asked Sensei.
"I'm glad you brought that up Dustin. I have a special ninja project for the two of you."
While the boys were sent on a recon mission, Tori and Anna were racing through a forest at ninja speed. A few laughs left the two until they slowed to a stop so that Tori could pull out the map.
"Okay, we're not lost," Tori said while looking at the map. "We're just slightly off course."
"Let me see," Anna said as she moved to look.
After a few moments of looking, the two agreed on a direction then took off running again. They stopped a few times to double check the map again then would go back to running. The next time they stopped, Tori's frustration was more obvious.
"Great," she groaned while trying to read the map.
"You'll get it Tori," Belle assured her. "You're a water ninja, right? What would a water ninja do?"
"Use the water," Tori grinned when she saw the stream that they stopped by.
She eagerly stepped forward to the riverside so that she could scoop some water up in her hands. With some urging, the water reshaped into a little shrine.
"Way to go Tori," Belle congratulated her with a pat on the back. "Why don't I go next?"
After getting a good look of the shrine, she urged her own star energy shoot out in a burst of white gold magic.
"Find the shrine," Belle urged her energy.
After circling the image of water in Tori's hands, the energy shot off like a rocket.
"Race ya," Belle challenged Tori before taking off at a run.
"Anna!"
A laugh left Belle's lips as the wind blew past her face that made any flyaways around her face dance.
"There it is!" Belle announced when they came upon the shrine.
The two kunoichi came to a stop in front of the shrine to bow in respect before Tori reached forward to take the turtle from the inside. Belle scanned the area around them while Tori secured the turtle in the bag she had around her torso.
"You got it Tori?" Belle questioned the blonde.
"Yeah. Let's get back-,"
"Hold it, sister!" came a familiar voice that had both kunoichi stopping to see Kapri and Marah stride towards them.
"Why should we?" Belle challenged with a raised eyebrow.
"Because we want what is in that bag," Marah told the galaxy haired ranger.
"I'd like to see you try."
"That can be arranged," Kapri smirked, stepping forward with Marah to take a fighting stance.
Belle stood her ground while Tori looked worriedly for an exit.
"You go Tori," Belle told her. "I'll hold them off."
Tori gave a nod and ran from the clearing only for Kapri to pull a sword from her back.
"Oh no you don't!"
Belle ran in front of Tori's retreating form to send her own white gold energy at the purple blasts.
Kapri gave a growl of annoyance as Marah sent her own attacks past Belle to try to hit Tori. Tori in turn jumped into the air to dodge some attacks only to send the rest hurtling back at the evil sisters. Kapri tried shooting at Belle again, but this time Belle sent out a burst of energy that threw the sisters back.
"Wait, I remember you now," Kapri said with wide eyes while looking Belle over.
"You're the witch that Uncle wants."
"For the last time," Belle ground out. "I am not a witch."
"Why don't we grab the bag and the girl as presents for Uncle," Marah suggested to her sister that had both smirking.
"That's not a bad idea Marah. I'm surprised that I didn't think of it."
"Ready to give them a run for their money?" Belle asked Tori as she held up her wrist that held her morpher.
"Totally ready."
"Cosmic Storm!"
"Ninja Storm!"
"Ranger Form!"
In a flash, two were clad in their ninja uniforms as they faced down their opponents. Belle raced forward to take on Kapri while Tori kept her eyes on Marah in case she tried something. The two ran forward only to clash with their blades. They each traded blow for blow until they both sprang apart.
"Try this!" Kapri shouted, shooting her sword towards Belle's feet.
Marah on the other hand shot forward to attack Tori with her daggers. Belle dodged Kapri's attack at the last second that blocked her vision while Tori was blasted away by Marah's attack.
"Why don't you try this on for size," Kapri smirked, growing in size.
She tried in vain to catch the blue and white gold rangers, but they nimbly rolled out of the way.
"Let's give them a taste of our steel," Belle suggested to Tori.
"On second thought," Tori trailed off, rising from her fighting stance.
"You know, this is getting us nowhere," Tori then directed to the evil kunoichis.
"Is that your way of giving up?" Kapri questioned.
"There is no way in hell we're giving up," Belle protested at once.
"But hey," Tori was quick to interject. "This could go on for hours. Unless…,"
"Unless we punish you with a humiliating defeat," Kapri finished.
"Yeah, that'll happen," Tori remarked while Belle gave a sharp laugh.
"No, I thought maybe we could work something out."
"Huh?" Marah uttered in confusion.
ooo0ooo
Not that long after, Belle and Tori met up with Shane and Dustin in the quarry.
"How did the mission go?" Shane asked.
"It went well," Belle answered.
"Yeah, no problems," Tori agreed while holding up the jade turtle.
"Everything is all taken care of."
"Hey, you got the turtle," Dustin grinned. "Right on."
"Yeah. We worked out a little deal with Marah and Kapri."
"Worked out a deal?" Shane echoed.
"They would let us have the turtle if we gave them fashion advice," Belle supplied with a shake of her head.
"I was content to just keep fighting them until we had the chance to escape."
Their reunion was short lived when the monster that Shane and Dustin had fought earlier was brought back bigger and stronger.
"Now, for the final cut!" he exclaimed.
"Man, this guy's shear torture!" Shane commented that had Belle groaning under her breath.
"Bushi, we're gonna need the zords," Belle said into her comms.
"First Tori has to break the turtle," Cam told the group.
"I wouldn't argue," Belle pointed out when Tori began to speak.
Tori gave a nod before breaking the turtle statuette against a large rock. From the statuette sprang a neatly wrapped scroll.
"What's this?" Tori asked when she bent down to scoop it up.
She was quick to scan the scroll before she spoke to Cam.
"Cam, are you reading this?"
"Got it!" Cam confirmed. "I'm sending the zords. I'll let you know when I have the new codes on-line."
It didn't take long for the zords to arrive and Belle was the first to launch forward to fight the monster. Belle made sure to keep light on her zord's feet to give the rangers time to get the new codes.
"I'm uploading the codes to you by power disk," Cam spoke over the comms.
"Thanks Cam," Tori smiled when the new power disk showed up in her cockpit.
"You always come through."
"No problem. The new weapon's called the turtle mace and it's amazing."
"Sounds great!"
When the Wind rangers had their mace at the ready, Belle maneuvered her zord out of the way. It didn't take but a few hits for the monster to go down, leaving the rangers victorious.
"You weren't kidding about the mace," Belle remarked to Cam as she watched the monster implode.
When they were sure that the monster was taken down for good, it didn't take long for the rangers to ninja streak back to Ninja Ops where Cam and Sensei Watanabe were waiting for them.
"So the statue was actually the hiding place for the turtle mace technology," Cam told the group.
"How did the conference turn out?" Tori asked the group.
"Though the city leaders settled many issues," Sensei Watanabe began. "Lothor still remains a threat to Blue Bay Harbor."
"Yeah, it's a good thing we got their backs," Shane commented.
"Yes, it is," Sensei Watanabe agreed.
When the rangers were dismissed, Belle was going back to her room but Shane pulled her to the side before she could leave the room.
"Hey Anna, I wanted to talk to you," Shane told her.
"What is it Shane?"
Shane gave a deep sigh to center himself then turned his dark eyes on the younger ranger.
"I shouldn't have confiscated your morpher. I thought I was protecting you by taking you out of the fight, but I was wrong."
"Thank you for apologizing," Belle said with a smile.
"I understood your reasoning, even if I didn't agree with it."
"This time, don't keep stuff from us. We're a team."
"I won't. I promise."
"Good."
Satisfied that he had said his piece, Shane made to walk away but stopped after a few steps.
"Just know that when we see Hunter again, he's long overdue for an ass kicking."
Rather than say anything, Belle kept quiet and watched Shane's back as he left Ninja Ops. Belle's mind wanted to drift towards Hunter and how he was doing now, but she pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind. I don't need to worry about that right now, she told herself.
For the next couple weeks, Belle was working hard with her mother to make the Halloween costumes for her friends back home and for herself. While she was away back to Briarwood, the rangers and Cam were trying to come up with something to do for Anna on her birthday. Before everyone knew it, Halloween morning. Instead of waking at her normal time for her early morning run, Belle was still in bed in her dream from last night. In this dream, Blake and Hunter were back in Blue Bay Harbor fighting alongside her and the Wind Rangers. The whole dream made Belle feel conflicted. While she was happy that the Thunder brothers were fighting by the rangers' side, Belle was a little wary of how they had parted earlier. Wherever they are, I hope that they're okay, Belle thought to herself. When Belle turned to look at her clock on her bedside table, she saw that she had slept in an extra hour and a half. Huh, she thought to herself in surprise. It was then that she noticed a note that was left by her clock. Upon closer inspection, she saw that Cam had left her a note saying for her to sleep in that morning. I guess I did that, Belle laughed to herself. She got up from her bed to stretch and get out all of the knots she had in her back and shoulders before heading off to her bathroom to take a warm shower. I wonder what he had planned, Belle thought as she gathered an outfit to wear. Her outfit of the day consisted of a pair of black leggings with a pair of tan shorts over that, a white sweater, and a pair of brown ankle boots. Her last touch was to plait her hair into a loose braid before she headed out to the kitchen. It turned out that Cam was making breakfast when she came to sit at the kitchen island.
"Good morning Ron," Belle greeted the dark haired man.
"Morning Anna. Happy Birthday," Cam returned with a smile, his usual glasses missing from his face.
"I've already made you a plate."
Belle couldn't help but smile down at the plate of pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs.
"How many cups of coffee did you need?" Belle teased him as she picked up her fork.
"A couple," Cam answered quickly.
Belle gave a laugh at his reaction that Cam joined shortly after. They both knew that Cam was downplaying how much coffee he needed to be able to function in the morning, but Belle was not going to point that out.
"Thank you Ron," Belle said sincerely after a minute of the sound of Cam cooking filled the kitchen.
"It's the least I can do for you on your birthday," Cam insisted.
Comfortable silence settled between the two as Belle debated telling Cam about the dream she had last night. In the end, she threw all of the arguments to the side and decided to tell him.
"Hey Ron, I had the strangest dream last night," Belle began.
"What was it about?" he prompted.
"Blake and Hunter were back in Blue Bay Harbor," Belle said. "And they fought alongside us."
Cam stopped eating for a moment as he let the words sink in. Why would Anna have a dream like that, he asked himself. Is she missing the maroon ranger? But why would she be missing him when he beat her so badly, Cam mused to himself.
"Do you...want them to be back?" Cam ventured, uncertain of how the conversation was going to go.
"I...I don't know," Belle admitted as she stared down at her plate of breakfast.
"It would help the team to have two more rangers, but I don't know how having Hunter on the team would go."
"How do you feel about Hunter?"
"It's complicated. I know that I should want to stay away from him because of how he hurt me, but I also can't bring myself to hate him."
While Cam couldn't see why Belle couldn't hate him, he reminded himself to try to see things from her perspective.
"Gods, how messed up is that," Belle scoffed to herself.
"He beat me black and blue and I can't bring myself to hate him."
"Well," Cam began so that his mouth could catch up with his thoughts.
"You may not like it, but you might have to see Hunter again to work through your thoughts and emotions."
Belle wanted to argue against his advice right away, but she realized that Cam had a point. The only way she could work past this was to confront Hunter.
"Thanks for the advice Ron," Belle smiled. "I feel much better."
"I'm glad. Are you done eating?"
When Belle said she was, Cam took her dishes and insisted on doing the dishes. Rather than argue with him, since he was as stubborn as she was, Belle let it go and placed a kiss on his cheek.
"Thanks again Ron."
"No problem," he assured her. "But you might want to get a move on to Storm Chargers. The others are waiting for you."
Belle made sure to give Ron a squeeze around his waist before she teleported to an alleyway by Storm Chargers in a burst of silver and gold sparkles. She made sure to check to see if there were any witnesses before she walked the rest of the way. Almost as soon as she walked in the door, she was spotted by the Wind rangers.
"There's the birthday girl!" Dustin exclaimed when he saw Belle come through the door.
Belle hardly had time to register that Dustin was rushing to her before she was lifted and spun around in the air.
"Put me down Géant!" Belle laughed down at the goofy teen.
He made sure to spin her one more time before he finally set her back on her feet so that the other rangers could come forward.
"Happy Birthday Sabrina," Shane told her with a small smile.
"Thanks Shane."
"Happy Birthday Anna," Tori added. "We have a surprise for you."
"Am I going to like the surprise?" Belle questioned with a smile.
"Maybe," was all Tori said.
Belle rolled her eyes at Tori's words. Even though Belle liked surprises, she sometimes just wanted to know what the surprise was without the wait.
"I take it that you planned a whole day planned?"
"Up until four thirty," Shane amended.
"Perfect," Belle grinned.
Thanks to their schedule, she would be able to celebrate her birthday with them with enough time left to get back to Briarwood and go trick-or-treating with her childhood friends.
"Close your eyes and we'll take you to your surprise," Dustin told the young teen as he placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Alright," Belle relented only to jump a little when a cloth was placed around her head.
"Hey," she protested.
"No peeking," Shane reminded her.
Belle gave a huff, but let the three older rangers wrap the cloth around her eyes and trusted them to lead her to the surprise.
ooo0ooo
After about a fifteen minute drive, the rangers stopped in front of a large building with a race track to the side. As soon as Belle heard the unmistakable sound of the engines and the go karts themselves, she perked up at once.
"Are we at a race track?" she asked in excitement.
"We might be," Dustin grinned widely.
"We either are or aren't at a race track," Belle retorted with an eyebrow raise.
"How did you guys find out I like go kart racing?"
"We called your friends from back home to see what you like so we could give you a good birthday," Shane explained.
"You guys are so sweet," Belle commented to her fellow rangers with a slight lump in her throat.
"Well come on Sabrina," Shane urged the galaxy haired girl after removing the blindfold.
"Wait till it's lunch time," Tori grinned.
"You guys ordered food, didn't you?"
"Stop guessing our surprises!" Dustin exclaimed in faux horror.
"We'll have nothing left at this rate!"
This got Belle to laugh as the group were led to a reserved booth in the arcade part of the entertainment complex.
"Where do you want to go first?" Tori asked Belle.
"Just Dance," Belle answered without hesitation.
The rangers didn't look at all surprised at Belle's answer and followed after her when she took off to find the mentioned game.
"Who wants to play?" Belle asked.
"I'll play," Tori offered.
"Me too," Dustin joined in.
Belle looked absolutely ecstatic that Dustin was joining but didn't look to Shane. If he wanted to join, it would be of his own choice.
"Great," Belle said while she took the spot all the way to the right then put on the wrist and ankle cuffs.
"I'll pick the first song."
The other two couldn't find fault with that so they said nothing as Belle selected "Circus" by Britney Spears. Tori ended up to the left of Belle and Dustin to Tori's right. Once everyone was all set, Belle selected the start button and the music started immediately. As the three went about dancing along with the dance moves, Belle's happiness and passion for dance came through brightly. Tori was just having fun going through the dance moves and Dustin was trying his hardest to be goofy as he danced. Belle tried hard not to look at Dustin so that she didn't burst out laughing at the faces he was making. Shane on the other hand could look nowhere else so he was able to see the whole group dance while he took pictures. The next song was "Blame it on the Boogie" by Micheal Jackson that was Dustin's pick. This time the three couldn't contain the laughter that overflowed during the dance moves and Dustin's facial expressions. The final song was "September" by Earth, Wind, and Fire, which was Tori's choice, and ended the session on a good and happy note.
"What next?" Belle asked with a bright smile.
"Why don't we try Mario Kart?" Shane suggested.
"Hell yeah," Belle cheered. "I'll beat all of your asses."
"You wish Shorty."
Belle couldn't contain the happiness she felt at her fellow rangers going out of their way to celebrate her birthday as she all but skipped over towards the Mario Kart station. Then a sudden feeling, something that Belle would liken to a spidey sense, came over Belle and she threw her arm out to stop the other rangers from advancing forward. The rangers were confused as to what Belle was doing, but they got their answer in the form of a large group of people running past them to the nearest reload station for the token cards. Is this what Mom and Aunt Udonna were talking about when they said I would have prophetic dreams and visions, Belle asked herself only to be brought back to reality when Shane spoke.
"Uh, thanks," Shane said hesitantly after what had happened finally sank in.
"No problem," Belle shrugged off even though she was almost as confused as the others.
"Mario Kart?"
"Mario Kart."
ooo0ooo
It turns out that Belle did beat Shane and Tori, but she was no match for Dustin. Several more matches led into lunch, all but one Dustin won with the other victory going to Belle. After lunch the group raced with go karts that Belle was a lot better at and managed to beat them all at. The go kart racing ended up taking all of their time so Belle was getting ready to teleport herself to Ninja Ops to shave off some travel time.
"Thank you guys so much," Belle made sure to tell her fellow rangers along with a hug to each of them.
"We were happy to do it," Tori told her.
"Glad you had fun Sabrina."
"Anytime Shorty."
With one final goodbye, Belle walked over to a more secluded spot to teleport back to the living room. She wanted to catch Cam before she left. Luckily, Cam was just heading out to the computer room.
"Hey Ron, I wanted to catch you before I left," she told him.
"What did you need Birthday Girl?"
At the sight of Belle's unamused face, Cam couldn't help but give a small chuckle.
"I wanted to give a heads up that I probably won't be back until around eleven or midnight."
"Okay. Be safe and have fun."
"Oh, there will be much fun tonight," Belle grinned. "There will be no house that I will not hit by the end of the night."
Cam chuckled at Belle's determined face and shook his head. He hadn't expected any less. Belle gave him a cheeky smile and sped to her room and through her closet portal to her room back in Briarwood. She still had a few minutes before the others got there, so she was debating keeping her hair the way it was or to glamor her hair into the short, wavy bob hairstyle that Black Widow had. Might as well, she shrugged. With her hands glowing with her white gold magic, Belle ran her hands from her hairline back that transformed her hair easily. She looked at her hair in the mirror to gauge if she liked the look only to decide that that shade of red was definitely not her color. Hmm, maybe I'll just modify the shade a bit. A more fiery red would be better...After changing the shade, Belle was satisfied. Alright, now onto the costume, Belle thought to herself. Since her door was shut, she quickly shed her clothes so that she was left in her underwear. It's a good thing I decided to wear a thong today, Belle thought to herself. She had just slipped her legs into the pants of the catsuit when the door to her room was thrown open.
"Belle, Mama Luna told us-," was all Xander managed to say before his breath left him at the sight of Belle in a thong bent over to put on the catsuit.
"Xander, why did you stop?" Vida questioned the taller male only to stop beside him.
When she saw Belle, her lips turned up into a smirk.
"Damn girl, you rock a thong."
"Thanks V," Belle said uncomfortably. "Do you think you can get the boys out so I can get dressed?"
"On it," Maddie assured her, grabbing the back of the boys' shirts to pull them away from the door. With the boys out of the doorway, Belle continued pulling on the catsuit then zipped it up.
"Okay, where are our costumes?" Vida asked as she came to stand beside Belle.
"They're right here," Belle said, pulling the other four costumes from her closet whose portal was closed for the time being.
"Here's yours. I'll go give the others theirs."
After placing the metal and cloth pieces of Vida's Iron Man costume on her bed, Belle left her room to find the others. Her first stop was the rooms that her friends would use when they would stay the night. Vida and Maddie would share one of the rooms that had two queen size beds while Chip and Xander would take the other room with two of the same sized beds. When Belle entered the girls' room, she found Maddie so she handed over the Captain America costume along with the shield. In the boys' room, Belle found Chip and Xander so she handed over the rest of the costumes.
"When you have the basics of your costume on, come find me if you need help," she told the boys before she ventured back to her room where Vida was struggling to put on her costume.
"Here, let me help," Belle insisted, coming to stand beside her and fit the metal plates together over the under armor like bodysuit that would keep her warm.
"How long did it take you to make this?" Vida asked.
"It took a few weeks," was all Belle said. "Mom and Cam helped too."
"Thank you for the costume, by the way. I doubt that we could have done anything like this even if we had the whole month to do it."
"I wouldn't say that."
After Belle was finished with helping Vida with her costume, she pulled on her own boots, strapped gun holsters to her thighs, and fitted Widow Bite stingers on her wrists that she had enchanted with actual electric runes. When Vida wasn't looking, Belle slipped her wand into the gun holster on her right thigh.
"We should go help the others," Belle suggested once both of their costumes were in order.
"Then we'll go over our plan of attack then head out."
It turned out that Chip was the only one who needed some help with his costume because of the intricate layers needed.
"Alright guys," Belle began once everyone had their candy bags.
"We know that Preston, Bankside, and Central all give out the good candy so we should hit them first. From there we'll make our way closer into the city until we end on the main street. Sound like a plan?"
"Sounds good to me," Vida agreed after looking at the map that Belle had drawn up.
"It amazes me sometimes that you're a Hufflepuff and not a Ravenclaw," Xander commented when he saw all of Belle's work.
"Why thank you Xan. Now, let's go raid some houses."
ooo0ooo
When the group was finished with trick or treating, it was eleven at night and most of the houses were closing up for the night.
"I can't believe we got so much candy," Chip grinned while he opened his candy bag to look at his haul.
"Well, the last few houses were giving out huge handfuls of candy just to get rid of it," Maddie pointed out.
"I'm sure that you guys can stay the night at my house tonight," Belle said.
"But I need to go back to Blue Bay for training tomorrow."
Vida, Chip, and Xander gave a groan at her words while Maddie looked sympathetic.
"At least you were able to spend a good chunk of the day with us," she offered.
"That means we're gonna miss you opening your presents," Xander sighed.
"Not if I open them before I leave," Belle pointed out. "I don't have to leave right away."
It didn't take long for the group to make it back to Belle's home where Mama Luna was waiting with a birthday cake that was decorated to look like the night sky and the galaxies above with candles with the numbers one and six put together on the top.
"Happy Birthday to you," Mama Luna began to sing, carrying the cake with lighted candles over to her daughter.
"Happy Birthday to you," the others joined in with gusto.
"Happy Birthday dear Anna/Belle. Happy Birthday to you."
Belle closed her eyes and wished that she would be able to keep the new friends she made along with her oldest friends for the next year. After making her wish, Belle blew out her candles with a big puff of air that everyone cheered at.
"Present time!" Chip cheered, running up the stairs only to come back with a rectangular wrapped gift.
"Here's my present."
Belle gave him a smile as she tore into the golden paper to find a silver frame with a group picture of her plus Chip, Vida, Maddie, and Xander. It was when they had their last movie party and Chip had taken a picture to mark the occasion. Under the picture read, "Friends are like stars. You don't always see them, but you know they're always there."
"Thank you so much Chip," Belle said softly as she threw her arms around his shoulders.
"It's beautiful."
"Mine next," Vida said while handing over a box.
Belle carefully took the box and opened it to see a black halter neck leotard that left the upper back free and had a sheer skirt around the hips plus a pair of nude tights.
"Thank you V. I appreciate that you remembered that I was looking for ballet clothes."
"My present goes with it," Maddie pointed out.
Belle opened up the next, smaller box to see that a pair of pointe shoes in a cappuccino shade that closely matched her skin tone sat in tissue paper.
"You guys are the best," Belle told the two siblings as she wrapped her arms around the both of them.
"My present last," Xander said while handing over a small box.
Confused, Belle took the box and opened it to reveal a golden locket with the crest for Hufflepuff house decorating the cover.
"Xander…," Belle trailed off, not exactly sure what to say.
"Open it. There's more inside."
Belle followed his advice and saw that there was writing on both sides. On the right, was the sorting hat's riddle for Hufflepuff while on the left was a personal message. To my lovely Hufflepuff, from your charming Slytherin. Tears pricked the corners of Belle's eyes at the thoughtfulness of the gift while she removed it from the box.
"Will you put it on for me?"
"Sure."
Belle moved her temporary short hair out of the way so that Xander could secure the clasp around her neck.
"I love it Xan. Thank you."
"I'm glad you like it."
"Alright you five," Mama Luna spoke up. "You'll have time for one slice of cake, but after that, all of you are going to bed."
"Yes Mom/Mama Luna," the group relented with a nod of their heads.
They tried to stretch out eating their cake as long as they could, but eventually they had to leave for their rooms.
"Mom, there was something I wanted to talk to you about," Belle said once the others were gone.
"What is it Anna?"
"Ever since I woke up this morning, I think my prophetic intuition has changed to actual prophetic flashes and dreams."
"Then you'll have to meditate and decide how you are going to handle them," Mama Luna told her.
"This power is going to be all your own so you're going to be the only one who can decipher it."
"You mean that there has never been a different sorceress of the stars before me?" Belle questioned in surprise.
"I thought wizards and sorceresses could inherit magic from parents or relatives."
"In most cases, it does happen like that," Mama Luna confirmed.
"But you are a special case."
Belle couldn't suppress the groan that escaped her.
"Great. I get to figure this out blindly and hope that I'm right about it."
"It might seem intimidating now, but in time you will master it."
While Belle knew her mother was right, she still couldn't help the frustration she felt at not having a reference to go off of with her powers. But let's forget about that, Belle thought to herself. Right now, I just want to share some cake with Ron.
"Could you pack up some cake for Ron and I?"
"Of course."
Once Belle had the packaged pieces, she portaled back to Ninja Ops to share her cake with Cam.
ooo0 Ninja of the Stars 0ooo
And done. I know that it has taken me a few days to get this chapter done, but I have been a little swapped over the weekend and yesterday with preparing for some presentations for my classes. However, now I have a bit a free time both in the morning before I go to work and when I am at home after work and/or class to get on with the other chapters. I have to admit though, there wasn't a lot I could see or think to change as I went through this chapter. I think a possible reason is that this is one of the newer chapters and I can't quite find things to change as it would be like the older chapters. However, I did end up tweaking a few things that I hope made the chapter a bit better. I'm not going to lie, I knew that this chapter was about Belle's birthday because of the title, but I honestly forgot about the other stuff until I started rewriting it. As for Belle's feelings towards Hunter, I am trying my best to make them feel a little bit more realistic and I hope I achieved that here. I have never had the experience that she had, so I can't quite write it based on personal experience and I can't quite find another instance like this to base the fractions off of. Even so, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I really want to read your guys' reactions or thoughts to the new chapters when I upload them, so I will eagerly wait for your pms or reviews. If you have any questions or comments feel free to shoot me a pm or to leave a review. Remember, reviews ar emagic!
-White Wolf