Dynamic Power Rangers

Chapter 6: Strange Case

Sinclair Monning sat cross-legged on a cliff in the predawn light of the California Coast. Technically, the cliff was located within the Starkweather Game Preserve. That merely meant less people interrupting him. At the particular spot, the waves crashed rhythmically against the cliff, lulling him deeper into a calm state.

Something intruded. He wasn't completely sure how he knew that. He figured it all had to do with connecting to his ki. He considered this a good sign. He was giving it serious attention. Since molecularly bonding with the Blue Dynamic Morpher, his awareness of water had become pronounced. He was trying to connect with this awareness and his ki using the Ninja Techniques Taylor Hicks was trying to teach them. The more they connect with their elements, the better they could control the elemental powers associated with their Morphs.

Sin was a trained sniper. His eyes were sharp and his hands as steady as his nerves. A ways from where he sat, the cliff face sloped and led to a small secluded beach surrounded by forest. At the beach stood a woman with deep red hair.

A few weeks back, he'd spotted a group of people there. They were practicing martial arts while standing on top of the water. As he'd made his way down to them, he lost sight of them for a moment and in that moment; they disappeared as if they'd never been.

He'd had his suspicions of their origins, but he wasn't sure. He's informed Taylor about them.

"Sounds like it might have been Water Ninjas," Tay had said. "If I remember right, Sissy and her fiancé Kyousuke were looking for a place to establish a refuge for Water Ninjas who wanted to devote themselves to the art even after their training was finished. They may have settled in the area. I'm not sure. Water stuff," he shrugged vaguely. Taylor Hicks was a Wind Master and hadn't paid much attention to Water Ninja gossip. "I can find out I guess, but truth be told, they probably don't advertise the location. I've worked with Thunder and Fire Ninjas and I still have no idea where their schools are," he'd added.

Sin had absorbed that easily. From what he'd gleaned by observing Taylor, stealth and secrecy was part of the training. The dude was as vague and evasive and mercurial as the wind he'd mastered.

"You're best bet, after throwing my name at them, is to let them come to you," was Taylor's final piece of advice.

Sin had listened. He returned to this patch of coastline every day, twice a day. Not just for the elusive water-walkers, but for his training and meditation. He felt he was close to a breakthrough. The fact that he'd sensed he was no longer alone was a testament to his theory.

He got to his feet and began moving down to the beach. He moved slowly, cautiously. She was still there when he arrived.

"Not bad. You're getting a lot better at the quiet thing. You didn't sound like a mad mama bear tromping through the woods," remarked the girl, obviously waiting for him. "Just a lost cub this time," she grinned.

The first thing Sin noticed about her was that she was pretty. Really pretty. Seriously hot. Her eyes were almond shaped and hazel, neither green nor blue. Her skin was light but slightly olive. He was once again struck by the racial ambiguity of her features. The wavy red hair was wild and untamed in the ocean breeze; the humidity made it completely unruly.

It took him a moment to realize she'd insulted him. "There isn't a need for sneaking in a tree cancer. Just the ability to sit still without moving for several hours at a time," he declared.

"That you have down," she acknowledged. "I'm Nia," she introduced herself.

"I'm--"

"Sinclair Monning. Yes, I know. We were filled in even if you hadn't shouted it at us. Sorry it took so long. I mean, Taylor Hicks has a lot of sway. The Sensei's respect the hell out of him and all, but it's still up to us who we approach if anyone," she explained.