The Hellhound's Secret

Return of Thunder, IV

Kali shed her jacket as she returned to Ninja Ops with Dustin in tow. "Crisis averted, kinda," she said, looking around at Tori, Shane, Cam and Sensei.

"What happened?" Shane asked.

Kali shrugged. "Dustin was pretty vague on the details," she explained. "But, it looks like our dear old Thunder buddies decided to go for a ride after work and then abandon their bikes at the beach."

"That doesn't sound right," said Tori, frowning.

"Yeah, Blake and Hunter aren't the most reliable guys, but leaving their bikes? No way," said Shane, shaking his head.

"Well, their bikes are now safe at Storm Charges, thanks to yours truly," said Kali, turning to Dustin. "Next time, just call Kelly. If people see me using my Mystic Powers here then it's not going to take them long to make the jump to Black Ninja Ranger."

Dustin nodded.

"So where did Hunter and Blake go?" Tori asked.

"We don't know," said Kali. "We checked the whole area, but there's no sign of them leaving. The tide hasn't come in yet to wipe away any footprints, and there was no residual energy of a Ninja streak or magic being used."

Tori nodded in understanding. "Well, I don't know about you, but I smell a rodent," she said, her eyes widening as she turned quickly to her teacher. "No offence, Sensei," she added.

"None taken, Tori. I, too, suspect foul play," Sensei agreed.

"And it probably has something to do with this," said Cam, drawing everyone over to the computer. On the screen was Choobo, and he seemed to be meditating. "I'm assuming he's not there for the scenery."

"I don't know, dude, that place is kinda cool," said Dustin, absentmindedly. "Especially this time of year."

Kali raised her brow at him, as the others turned to stare.

"Oh, right," Dustin said, realising their point.

"Ready?" Shane asked.

"Ready!"

"Ninja Storm, Ranger Form! Power of Earth, Air, and Water!"

"Magical Storm, Ranger Form! Power of Darkness!"

~X~

Kali planted both feet onto the ground as she jumped from her bike and faced Choobo. "That's strange," she said, cocking her head to the side. "I can't sense anything from him - no evil, no alliance, no nothing. It's like, he's not really here."

Choobo chuckled. "I'm here, Black Ranger," he said. "I'm just not here under Lothor's orders. I work alone now,"

"Woah," Kali murmured. Who knew that Choobo had it in him to walk out on Lothor?

"It doesn't matter!" said Shane. "Where are our friends?"

"Why don't you join them?" Choobo asked, patting his backpack. "I have room for four more inside?"

"Pass, but thanks," said Shane, dismissively.

"Oh, boohoo!" Choobo pouted. "I'm hurt, but not surprised. How about some new playmates instead? Kelzacks!"

A small army of black and red foot soldiers appeared between Choobo and the rangers, separating them from attacking him.

Kali rolled her eyes and pulled her NInja Sword over her shoulder. "These guys never learn," she said, hitting the middle button and a kanji symbol for darkness appeared. "I got this, guys!" she added to her friends, taking a running leap at the kelacks. "Darkness Wave!"