See chapter 1 for Story notes. Thanks for the reviews! Please consider leaving feedback. It really helps and is much appreciated. Here is individual responses to reviews:
Harry2: Yep, there's a whole ranger army headed their way. Glad you're enjoying!
MMPRFansince93: Yep, attack one and you're getting all. Yeah, you probably still can't trust Jared. He's certainly blurring the lines here, which is probably his intent. Glad you're enjoying!
TommyOliverMMPRFan: Glad you're enjoying it and glad to be back!
Ghostwriter: I know, Hunter and Tori are so happy and now this. Glad you're enjoying!
Thunderstruck
Chapter 28: Arrival on Drakon
The moment Hunter woke up, he knew he was in trouble, for there were several aliens looming over his prone form.
"Get up," Krell snapped, as he grabbed a fistful of Hunter's sandy blonde hair. His thunder morpher now rested on Krell's belt, but his prism still remained around his neck.
"Move," he ordered, as Krell and the others, all Drakonians, forced him down the ramp of the ship and then down a very long corridor. The doors opened at the end and they entered what was clearly a Throne room.
"Kneel before the King!" one of the Drakonians ordered.
"Not a chance," Hunter spat. The guard growled and hit him behind the knees, sending him spilling to the floor.
"Easy guards, we want our guest in full health for tomorrow's tournament," the King said. Hunter glared at him, as a visual appeared on the screen of the Throne.
"You have committed a serious grievance against our people and as punishment, you will be one of twenty-five tributes. Tomorrow, all twenty-five of you will be deposited into the Pandresia forest and become the prey of our Krato Agon contestants. You will die by whatever means that falls upon you in the arena as punishment for your crimes," the King stated.
"Seems a little cowardly to me. Your contestants have weapons, yet the tributes aren't allowed the same," Hunter spat.
"Silence!" one of the guards spat, as he saw Hunter's prism glow.
"We'll be taking this too," he said. But the moment the guard touched it, he was electrocuted violently.
"No one can touch it, but nice try," Hunter said smugly.
"You will remove it yourself then," the King ordered.
"Not a chance," Hunter hissed, as his prism glowed with angry crimson energy.
"Let him keep it. It should add even more challenge to the hunt," one of the contestants said.
"Very well. That little trinket will do you little good in the forest anyway," the King spat.
"Take him to his cell!" he ordered, as Hunter was dragged away…
"Krato Agon is quite possibly one of, if not the most barbaric practices in the known galaxy," Delphine said, with conviction in her voice that clearly demonstrated how offensive she found the savage event. Kat nodded with worry for Tori, as she possibly faced the real possibility of losing her husband.
"Is it true that no one has even gotten past their planetary defenses?" Rocky inquired.
"Yes…though not many have tried. It is shameful to say…but Krato Agon is very well known throughout the universe, but no one has ever been able to successfully stop it," Dephine said.
"There are a few examples of complete annihilation that caused most to stop trying and led to SPA declaring it hostile territory. Admiral Birdie won't even consider touching the subject," Cestro explained.
"This is absurd…SPA is supposed to be protecting the universe with rangers. How is something like this so glaringly ignored?" Aisha lamented.
"We feel the same way, but I would be derelict if I did not tell you what your friends and loved ones are walking into. I do not like the odds and that is if Hunter even survives long enough," Cestro said.
"We appreciate your candor, Cestro…but we're going to choose to have hope that he is and that our teams are able to breach the planet," Rocky replied.
"We will share in your hope. I have seen amazing things from the ranger teams of Earth. Perhaps a combination of such remarkable individuals will do what has never been done. May the Power protect you all," Delphine said, as the screen went dark.
"With Jason leading the way…they'll get there," Tommy said, trying to reassure everyone.
"I never bet against my husband…I just hope that Hunter is alive when they do," Trini replied, as they all shared a moment of silence.
Hunter felt like he was falling and suddenly jerked awake. Though his cell was dark and small, he could tell it was morning already. There was faint noise, as a servant delivered breakfast trays to the prisoners. Hunter ate, only because he knew what was ahead. He could tell that part of his meal consisted of some form of egg protein, from what kind of animal, he had no clue, but they didn't taste all that dissimilar from chicken eggs. There were also meats and fruits that he wasn't familiar with either, but it was clear they wanted their prey to put up a fight for a good show or they wouldn't have been so well fed. And Hunter planned to not only give them one hell of a fight and take down as many as he could, he also planned to look for a way to escape. He pulled a picture from his pocket and gazed at the family photo of the three of them.
"No way Tor...this isn't how it ends for us," he said with determination. Tears came to his eyes, as he looked at his tiny daughter, wondering if he would ever see her again. He heard someone coming and he quickly sobered, putting the picture back in his pocket. His prism glowed and he gripped it to put it underneath his shirt, but found that it was extremely and unusually warm and the tributes, including him, were filed into the Throne Room. The other tributes were various aliens, all of which had supposedly wronged the Drakonians.
"Welcome tributes...as you know, you've each been found guilty of a serious crime against the Drakonian crown or the Drakonian people. You have each been sentenced to die and your means of execution will commence in the annual Krato Agon tournament. To the arena!" the King called, as all prisoners were chained and led onto a transport.
After what felt like an hour, they reached the destination and were an immediate spectacle, as the people of the planet gathered in the stadium like they were watching a sporting event. They cheered and shouted at him and the other tributes. He managed to tune them out, as he took in his surroundings. His ninja skills would be vital to his survival. His first move would be to ninja streak into the forest and find water. Once he had done that, he could scale the trees and bushes to look for food and a suitable campsite. His plan was to outlast the other tributes and then pick off the players one by one. He knew his chances were slim at best, but he wasn't going down without a fight.
"It is time. At the sound of the drum, let the tournament begin," the King announced. The thunder of a very deep drum sounded and Hunter disappeared into his ninja streak. Meanwhile, six tributes were slaughtered upon the start. The game had begun…
"Tori?" Shane called into the darkened cabin. Most were getting some sleep, but he was restless and worried. Ranger or not, Hunter was probably being hunted like an animal right now and he hated that it was still hours before he could do anything.
It was funny how his relationship with Hunter had evolved over the years. He had started out with serious mistrust toward the crimson ranger. That had turned to actual hate for a very short amount of time, an emotion he wasn't comfortable with at all. Then came jealousy. Hunter was a red too and he had lamented why his team had two reds when most others only had one. No one had ever challenged the other reds for the most part. But Hunter came along and he was not only older and a natural leader, he had trained all his life in the ninja arts. He was the better fighter when he first joined the team and they butted heads in a big way.
But somewhere along the way, they had become co-leaders. Hunter made Shane work harder and train harder. Shane had taught Hunter that a team meant working together and that it was always a democracy. Then somehow, they went from co-leaders to friends as well.
After Lothor was defeated the first time, Blake left and it hit Hunter harder than he would ever admit. Their tight knit trio had become a tight knit quad. Obviously, Hunter's relationship with Tori had evolved the most from barely friends to best friends, to lovers and finally, to husband and wife. But he and Hunter had for all intents and purposes become brothers.
Both Porter and Blake rarely visited little Blue Bay Harbor. Porter was a highly sought after corporate attorney, traveling frequently to the likes of New York City, London, Tokyo, Dubai, and Sydney to name a few. Blake was the same, race after race, events, and endorsements from week to week, city to city. Such was the life of a celebrity athlete. He loved them all, but would always be too restless to settle down in Blue Bay Harbor. And now his brother was facing mortal danger. Dustin had begged to come, but they needed at least three rangers on standby in Blue Bay. Since Blake was with them, Leann had given him the navy prism, so they needed Cam and Dustin to stay behind in case Lothor decided to pop back to Earth.
Tori?" he called again. He then spotted her sitting in a chair outside the kitchenette with a cup of tea in her hand. As he got closer, he saw the tear tracks on her face and she looked up at him with a lost expression.
"Tor…" he said, as he sat down next to her.
"I think something is wrong with my powers," she stated.
"What makes you say that?" he asked. She handed him the cup and he noticed the contents were frozen solid.
"You...did this?" he asked. She nodded and produced a sphere of water. He watched in sheer amazement, as the water froze and the now ball of ice fell to the floor.
"Okay...let's go get Billy. We need to get Sensei on the comm system. This is heavy," Shane said, as they noticed RJ approaching.
"I don't mean to intrude, but I may have some insight. Can I join you in your conversation with Sensei Watanabe?" RJ asked. Tori nodded, as did Shane, as they headed for the ship's control room.
High in a tree top, Hunter dozed, as evening dawned. Since escaping into the forest, there had been announcements that seven more tributes were dead. That left only eleven left, including him. He noticed a glow in the near distance below and shook his head. It was like a beacon for the hunters. Sure it was freezing, but he didn't dare build a fire. Sure enough, about an hour later, he heard screams of terror that quickly died. Two more signals chimed. They were down to nine. His breath caught in his throat, as two hunters came his way, laughing about their latest kills.
"Man...that was too easy. I was hoping this year there would be a challenge," one grunted.
"There is that ranger to deal with. Anyone that took on Heliya won't be a pushover," the other reminded.
"Great...so much for flying under the radar," Hunter mumbled to himself, knowing he was likely the prize target. His prism suddenly glowed, as they got closer. He clutched it and bit his bottom lip in pain. It was scorching hot. But the glow was too much and they noticed the crimson light, as they were now right below him.
"Well...speak of the devil…" one chuckled.
"Dammit…" Hunter swore, as one pointed a blaster at him. But he ninja streaked to the ground, evading the blast. He conjured thunder in his palms and they watched in amazement, as the thunder morphed into twin fireballs.
"What kind of freak is he?" one of them uttered. The other growled and fired his crossbow. Hunter sidestepped it, but not quickly enough, as it struck his shoulder. He cried out in pain and the fire spheres exploded into a beam that engulfed his adversaries. When the flames died, nothing but ashes remained. Hunter looked at his hands in shock. He hadn't meant to kill them. He didn't even know how he was suddenly conjuring fire. He knew everyone in the stadium and probably on the planet was watching, for this was like the pinnacle of entertainment to the Drakonians.
Despite his wound, he ninja streaked away. He found a body of fresh water, about five miles away, and hid there in the brush nearby. He slept and woke at dawn. His shoulder felt like it was on fire and now that he could see, it was time to treat it.
Gingerly, he removed his leather tunic and tore his shirt underneath into strips. Gritting his teeth, he removed the arrow and swallowed the cry of pain that tried to escape his throat. He cleaned the wound, but the bleeding was not stopping. He knew he had to cauterize it. He found a stick lying nearby and bit it between his teeth. Taking a deep breath, he summoned the mysterious fire power he could suddenly conjure and clenched his eyes shut tightly, as he put it to the wound. His scream was muffled by the stick between his teeth and the bleeding stopped. He spit the stick out and wrapped cloth around it, using his teeth to help tie it, before he put his tunic back on. He didn't stick around much longer and after drinking a lot of fresh water, he started moving again.
Cam's bleary eyed face appeared on the screen, as they made contact.
"Sorry to wake you, Cam," Shane apologized.
"S'okay...I figured it must be important. I got Dad," Cam said, as Kanoi sat down next to him.
"Is something wrong?" Sensei asked.
"Maybe," Shane said, nodding to Tori. She produced a sphere of water and they watched in amazement, as it turned to a ball of ice before their eyes.
"That's definitely not normal," Cam commented.
"Sensei Watanabe...if I may, I might have some insight," RJ interjected. Kanoi smiled.
"Hello RJ, it is very nice to see you again. I hope your father is well," Kanoi greeted. RJ smiled.
"He is, thank you," RJ replied.
"You know why this is happening to me?" Tori asked.
"More like a hunch. From what I've heard, your powers work in conjunction with Hunter's to create the amethyst fire, am I right?" the violet ranger asked. She nodded.
"Pai Zhua masters don't draw their power from the elements, but rather our animal spirits, as you know. But the concepts are similar. My father is a shark Master so he knows a lot about water," R.J. stated. He paused for a moment.
"When my mother died, for a brief time, I saw his powers of water act very strangely. His shark spirit was very angry and he was depressed. It wasn't to the extent that yours is, but there was a brief time that he would leave frost in his wake when using his shark powers," RJ explained.
"Are...are you saying my powers are acting this way, because Hunter is dead?" Tori squeaked. RJ's eyes widened, as he realized his mistake.
"Oh no, not at all. I think just the contrary actually," RJ replied.
"Maybe you should explain what you mean," Cam suggested.
"I'm sorry, what I'm trying to say is that because of the powerful connection you share, I think your powers are evolving into a stronger version. The power is reacting to your separation and the evil force at work," RJ explained.
"RJ is right. Ice is a much more powerful version of water. Do not fear it. Wield it just as you would water and you will be an unstoppable force," Kanoi advised her.
"No one has ever gotten onto the planet. This might be our edge," Jason agreed.
"If Tori's prism is reacting like this, does that mean that Hunter's is as well?" Billy asked.
"There is no way to be certain, but it is a good assumption that he is experiencing a version of this," Kanoi replied.
"A version?" Shane asked.
"Hunter's powers are closer to another element, the polar opposite of Tori's," RJ replied.
"You mean fire," Billy replied. The wolf ranger nodded.
"That's the theory," RJ replied.
"Once Hunter and I are reunited, will our powers go back to normal?" Tori asked.
"It's difficult to say. Most likely, but there is a chance you could retain them, especially yours since ice is directly related to water. Fire is much more spontaneous and difficult to conjure, much less control," Kanoi replied.
"Thank you Sensei," Shane said. Kanoi nodded.
"Please be careful and may the power protect you all," Kanoi said, as the transmission ended. There was silence in the chamber for a moment, before Adam broke the silence.
"So do we call you ice queen now?" he joked, getting a smile out of her.
"I hope they like winter on Drakon," Tori quipped.
The King watched the recording of the Earth ranger torch two of the players and threw his goblet of wine, shattering it against the wall.
"I want him dead!" the King ordered.
"Even if he manages to make it past the other players, our guards will never let him escape," the Royal Vizier tried to soothe him.
"It doesn't matter! If word gets out that a tribute has slain players, the galaxy will fear us less and outsiders could penetrate our planet!" the King ranted.
"We will not let them disgrace the crown, Sire" the Royal Vizier promised.
Hunter sat behind a large tree surrounded by brush ensconced from the view of anyone passing by. In the last few hours, he had heard several signals indicating that more tributes were dead. If he had counted correctly, only five remained, including him. Fortunately, he had managed to conceal his survival knife from them in his boot. It was something all ninjas carried and he had never been more glad. He was now using it to carve a makeshift thunderstaff. He had already shaved off the ends of four sturdy branches into points, creating spears. He now shaved an even larger one until he had the desired balance. Once he finished, he dipped the homemade weapon in water, so it would better conduct his thunder powers when the time came.
Just as he was arming his belt with his knife and new spears, he heard a frightening yell. He peered around the tree and saw what was clearly a young woman wearing a cloak, attempting to fight them off. He knew he should take care of himself, but these other tributes were in the same situation he was. None of them had asked for this and it wasn't in his nature to turn a blind eye, not to mention it was against the ranger code.
The woman gasped, as the blaster was aimed at her head now. She was very petite and beautiful, with long chocolate colored hair, streaked with blue highlights and eyes to match. She looked to be no match for these two men, but they were not underestimating her, for she had evaded and fought them thus far.
She was sure they had her this time, out of nowhere, a man stepped in and easily disarmed one of the men with a swift aerial kick.
"It's him...he killed two players. The King wants him dead!" the other shouted, as he raised his blaster. A basketball sized orb of energy appeared between Hunter's palms and he struck the man with the crimson thunder energy, sending him flying into a tree and he did not get back up.
"You little bastard!" the other shouted, as he wound up his fist and came at Hunter. The seasoned ranger blocked his punch and followed up with a sweep to his legs. As he landed on the ground, Hunter helped the young woman up.
"Are you hurt?" he asked.
"No," she replied. He nodded and employed the mysterious fire power he had been gifted with to put a blaze between them and their would be assailants, before ninja streaking away with the woman he had saved. He knew his team and friends were coming; he was certain of it. He just had to stay alive long enough for them to arrive…