PRT 414- “Getting Together”

“You can’t do this!” Six cried.

“Ms. Sixma, please show some decorum.” I said.

“I’m sorry Sensei Cam, but suspending classes is a horrible idea.”

“I don’t have a choice. Until Kanaye is defeated the whole Samurai Sector is at risk. I can’t risk the lives of all my students like that.”

“If you really wanted to defeat Kanaye you would have made me Red Ranger instead of Seven.”

“You weren’t there, Seven was.” I said simply.

“I was there, I was fighting too. I just wasn’t near you.”

“Like I said, you weren’t there.”

“So because I picked the wrong area to fight in Seven became a Ranger? Would you have picked me over him if we were both there?”

“Yes.”

“Then give me the power now.”

“No. Seven is the Red Samurai Ranger and you have to accept that.”

“So what do I do now?”

“Go home until we handle Kanaye.”

“No way. I’ll study with the ninjas if I have to but I’m not going anywhere.” Six said.

I sighed, “You know what, do what you want. I have to meet somebody at the front gates.”

“Fine.” Six said as she stormed off.

I shook my head and continued on my way. I got to the front gates and saw the familiar purple jeep. Michelle was sitting on the hood.

“Hey.” She said.

“Thank you for coming.” I said.

“Yeah, you’re welcome. So when do I meet the newbies?”

“Right now. They’re all at Samurai Ops.”

Michelle laughed, “Samurai Ops?”

“It’s where Ninja Ops was but Samurai Ops seems more fitting all things considered.”

“Agreed. OK. Let’s go.”

Michelle and I went into Ops and found the team training. Morgan and Chance were sparring and Echo was trying to convince Seven to spar with her.

“Guys, come here. We have a visitor.” I said.

“Michelle? Hey!” Echo cried as she ran up and hugged Michelle.

“Hey kid…wow you’ve grown up. It’s been awhile.”

“It has. What are you doing here anyway?”

Michelle smiled, “I’m your Ranger Trainer. Purple Ranger at your service.”

“You’re a Ranger too?”

“Yes ma’am. Been one since I was 13.”

“Are you serious? I never knew!”

“That was the idea.”

“Did my sister know?”

Michelle laughed, “Echo, your sister was the first Pink Ranger ever.”

Echo’s jaw dropped, “Kim was the original Pink Ranger?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Oh my god…”

“Yeah, we were all Rangers. Jason, Rocky, Tommy, Aisha…all of us.”

“Wow…I never would have guessed.”

“As interesting as Ranger History 101 is, can we cut to the Chance? Why do we need a trainer? Cam is our sensei.” Seven said.

“Show some respect.” Echo said.

“It’s ok Echo, I’ve dealt with little punk Red Rangers before. Seems to be a requirement since 2004. To answer your question, Cam most certainly is your Sensei…your Samurai Sensei. I’m your Ranger Trainer. There isn’t a person alive that’s been an active Ranger longer than me. You’d do well to learn from my experience.” Michelle said.

“So you’re the sixth member of our team?” Morgan asked.

Michelle shook her head, “No. I’m actually in the middle of a tour. My time with you will be more limited than it’s been with any other team, but Cam will be here for you too so you’ll be in good hands. Um…aside from Echo I don’t know any of you.”

“I’m sorry. That’s Seven, Morgan and Chance.” I introduced.

“Nice to meet you guys.” Michelle said.

“Likewise.” Chance said.

“So, when do we start training?” Morgan asked.

“In an hour. Meet me outside in an hour.” Michelle said.

The Rangers nodded.

“Cam, I should probably let your father know I’m here.” Michelle said.

I nodded, “Of course. I’ll walk with you.”

Michelle and I left Ops and headed for my father’s office.

“Looks like a good group…even Seven will be ok I think.” She said as we walked.

“Yeah, he wasn’t my first choice, but he has potential.” I replied.

“Figures you wouldn’t give him enough credit.”

“I made him a Ranger didn’t I?”

“Probably because you had to.”

“Well, yeah. How long can you stay?”

“Just a couple of days then I need to get back to Jon. He’s already kind of upset at me for leaving for this long.”

“I really do believe you’re a masochist.”

“Nah, just in love.”

“With you it’s the same thing.” I said as I saw a figure walking towards us.

“Expecting company?” Michelle asked.

“Nope.” I said as the figured came closer. It was Hunter.

“Cam! Oh…Michelle?” Hunter asked.

“Oh just perfect.” Michelle sighed under her breath as Hunter reached us. I don’t think he heard her.

“What are you doing here?” Hunter asked.

“Training a new team of Rangers.”

“New team?”

“Yeah, your boyfriend here unleashed an evil undead samurai and now I’m taking time out of Jonny’s tour to train the newbies.”

“I’m not his boyfriend.” I mumbled.

“What? Cam? You unleashed an evil undead samurai?” Hunter asked.

I sighed, “Not knowingly! But, yes, I did.”

“Explains why you haven’t been returning my calls.”

“That has nothing to do with Kanaye. That is because we have nothing to talk about.”

“Sure we do. Us.”

“Hunter, there is no us!” I cried.

“Why not?”

I looked at Michelle, “The reason is standing right here!”

Michelle looked confused, “Me? What do I have to do with this? I’m not with Hunter anymore, nor do I want to be. I have Jon and Rock. I’m good.”

“That’s the problem. You may not want him but he wants you. He only wants me because you rejected him and I’m not going to be second string with my boyfriend.” I said.

Michelle nodded, “Makes sense.”

“Thanks Mich.” Hunter said.

“Well it’s true. If I were Cam I wouldn’t return your calls either.”

“The first time you two agree on anything and it has to be this? In any case, Cam, I told you, I care about you and my wanting you back has nothing to do with Michelle.”

“That’s bull and you know it. If I would have taken you back you wouldn’t give Cam a second look.” Michelle said.

“You can stop helping now.” Hunter snapped.

“She’s right. That is exactly why we have nothing to talk about. You never gave me a second thought until you realize that you weren’t going to get her back.” I said.

“What do I have to do to prove to you that we belong together?”

“Familiar line.” Michelle mumbled.

“Exactly. It’s just a line.” I said.

“No, it’s not. Cam, I want you back.” Hunter said.

“Sorry Hunter, not happening. Now if you’ll excuse us, my father is waiting to see Michelle and she’s on a tight schedule.”

“Right, of course, because she has to get back to Jon. Can’t keep the rock star waiting.”

Michelle rolled her eyes, “Go home Hunter. No one wants you here.”

“Fine, but this isn’t over Cam.” Hunter said as he walked away.

“Wow, that was really pathetic.” Michelle said as we continued our walk.

I sighed, “Yeah, it was.”

“You want him back don’t you?”

I sighed again, “Yeah, I do, but I don’t want to be second best.”

“I know…but don’t let your pride keep you from being happy.”

“Michelle, if your ghost is always with him I never could be.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, and for once this isn’t your fault. I get that.”

“Thanks. I think.” Michelle replied as we got to my father’s office.

We went inside. Dad was in there with Tori.

“Oh, I’m sorry, we didn’t mean to interrupt.” I said.

“It’s ok Cameron. Please, come in. Michelle, it is a pleasure to see you again.” Dad said.

Michelle smiled, “Thank you. It’s great to be here again. Hey Tori.”

“Mich, hey! I’m glad you’re here.” She said as she hugged Michelle.

“I’m glad. I was worried it would be awkward…you know, with you being Hunter’s sister-in-law and all.”

“That’s between you guys. We’re still friends.”

“Thanks.”

“Michelle, I know I speak for the whole Samurai Sector when I express my gratitude for your assistance in this matter.” Dad said.

“I do apologize that I can’t devote the time I previous have, but I will be glad to do what I can.” Michelle replied.

“It’s understandable. You’ve devoted much time to protecting the Earth. You’re entitled to a life of your own.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

“Why you’re here you’re welcomed to stay in the dorms.”

“Or you can stay at my place. Blake is on the road so much it’s like I live alone most of the time.”

“I’m not sure if that’s a good idea Tor. We’ll discuss it later though.” Michelle replied.

“Whatever you decide, know this is your home and you are always welcome here.” Dad said.

“Thank you so much Sensei. That means a lot to me. I’ve always considered the Wind Academy a second home.”

“The others will be so excited to see you. Do you want to come to the rec room and say hello?” Tori asked.

Michelle laughed, “Sure.”

I sighed. Everyone would certainly be happy to see Michelle…she was saving the day…of course this wouldn’t be needed if I hadn’t released an undead samurai on the Earth.

I joined Michelle and Tori in the rec room. Dustin, Shane, and Kyle ran right up to her.

“It’s so good to see you guys. Um…where are Eric and Tally?” Michelle asked.

“Oh, you haven’t heard?” Dustin asked.

“Heard what?”

“Eric and Tally recently had twins. Tally is still on maternity leave and Eric is working extra hours at Storm Chargers to support them.” Kyle explained.

“What? They had twins? Oh wow! That’s amazing.” Michelle said.

“Yeah, twin boys…Noah and DJ McKnight.”

“Wow. I’ll have to stop by and see them. Well, it’s been great seeing you guys again, but I have to get to training. I’ll see you guys soon. Tor, I’ll catch up with you later and we’ll talk.”

“OK, great.” Tor said.

We went to the training area and found the four students waiting for us.

“OK, we ready to begin?” Michelle asked.

“Sure.” Echo said.

“Ok, good. Remember, the most important thing about being a Ranger is always being alert. The enemy will always try to find a new way to outsmart you so you have to be ready. Take nothing for granted and always be ready to fight.” Michelle explained as she suddenly went at Morgan. Morgan fought back and actually got Michelle to the ground. Something was off. My samurai students were good but none of them had the skill to win against Michelle…at least they shouldn’t.

“Ok, good job Morgan. Next time I won’t hold back.” Michelle said to save face, but I had a sneaking suspicion that she hadn’t held back at all.

After training Michelle dismissed the students and she headed to go find Tori.

“Hey, Michelle, wait up.” I said as I stopped her.

“What is it?” she asked.

“What happened back there? I’ve never seen you lose to a student before.”

“I was going easy on them.”

“You never go easy on trainees.”

“I did this time.”

“I know you better than that. Don’t lie to me of all people. Michelle, what’s going on?”

“Nothing! I’m fine! Now if you’ll excuse me I need to find Tori.”

“I’ll accompany you.”

“Whatever.”

We walked in silence. I was unconvinced that everything was ok but I had no proof to the contrary…unless you counted her globetrotting with Jon something to be concerned with…which I suppose it was. For now I just had to make sure she was training the team the best she could when she was here…or at least good enough that they didn’t notice something was wrong.

We met up with Tori outside the main hall of the Academy.

“So, you need a place to stay?” Tori asked Michelle.

“I don’t know. I mean, I do…but Hunter is in town…I saw him earlier…isn’t he staying with you?” Michelle asked.

“No. He was here earlier but he’s gone now. He and Blake went back to LA. They have training for the next couple of weeks. I’m alone in the apartment. It’s a three bedroom apartment Mich, you’re welcomed to set up one of the rooms and stay with me as long as you’re needing to train the Samurai Storm team.” Tori said.

Michelle seemed to think about this for a second, “OK, sure. It would be nice to stay with someone. Thanks.”

“No problem. I need to finish up here then we’ll head over and…” Tori was talking when my Morpher beeped. I looked at it. Ops was alerting me of an attack.

“Mich will have to meet you later. We have a problem.” I said.

“Ok, let’s get the others and do this.” Michelle said.

I called the others and we rushed to the quarry, Morphing on our way. We got there and there was an army of zombie samurai along with an undead general.

“Oh great, just what we needed.” Seven said.

“Who are you?” Morgan asked.

“They call me Junichi.” The general said.

“Well Junichi, prepare to go back to wherever it is you came from.” Seven said.

“Very intimidating.” Echo mocked.

“Can we focus please?” I asked.

“Seriously, this isn’t a game.” Michelle said.

“Then let’s show this guy what we can do.” Seven said.

We all pulled out our weapons and started to fight. I noticed Michelle was stumbling with her staff. It actually got knocked from her hands by one of the mindless zombie warriors. Something was not right.

“Kyonshi, finish them!” Junichi commanded. Evidently that is what the zombie warriors were called.

“Not in this lifetime.” Echo said as she and Morgan double teamed them.

“As for you Junichi, you’re finished.” Seven said as he and Chance cornered the general.

“I underestimated your abilities today, I will not make that mistake tomorrow.” Junichi said as he retreated.

“We did it!” Echo cheered.

“You did. Good work Rangers.” Michelle said.

We got back to the Academy and Michelle headed to find Tori.

“Wait, Mich, please…I know we’re not exactly friends, but what’s going on?” I asked.

“Nothing!” she snapped.

“Bullshit. You lost your staff to a henchman. You’re hands down the best staff handler I know. Something is wrong and it’s clearly affecting you on the battlefield so I need to know.”

“Do you want my help training this team or not?”

“Of course I do, but only if you’re capable.”

“You’re just looking for reasons to get rid of me. You didn’t want to call me in the first place and so you’re trying to justify getting rid of me. If you don’t want my help then tell me now and I will happily go meet up with Jonny.”

I sighed, “I do want your help. I’m just worried about you.”

“Oh bull. You don’t give a shit about me so don’t pretend you do. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go find Tor.” She said as she stormed off.

I sighed as I watched her walk away. Something really wasn’t right and I had a feeling that whatever it was would blow up in everyone’s face sooner rather than later.