Tloj: Hi everybody! Back in tech school, I got addicted to Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger. Ever since, I got HTKWolfe777 to watch it and he liked it, so we wrote a Sonic Rangers for it. This is the original version; I will make a K plus version for regular viewers, a Sonic Rangers: Dino Charge if you will. But anyways, here's a little bit of info to bring you to speed in this AU...
Shadow the Hedgehog is Tommy Oliver. The events of Mighty Morphin' to Samurai have happened, or are happening. This is an adaption of Kyoryugers, yes, but it's also a continuation of Power Rangers: Dinothunder. So, there will be references to Dinothunder. That being said, enjoy this fic and please review!
15 years ago...
Orion Waverider walks through the garden of his dojo with a soft smile. He stops by the Koy pond to observe his students. They are few in number, and he does his best not to favor them, yet among them two stand out.
One of which is his granddaughter Cinder, early in her teenage years, and beautiful enough to perhaps rival even Princess Tikal the Light. Yet her ferocity and determination are a sharp contrast. She makes a great example of this by breaking a cinderblock with her forehead as two of his male students toss it to her.
The other is her rival, Destro Magmastorm, the son of the ferocious Gigan Magmastorm. He was one to hold a firm exterior to those except his friends, such as his granddaughter. He was currently standing off to the side, watching Cinder destroy the bricks with a bright smile on his face, and a wooden sword clutched in his grip.
Orion sighs happily through his nose, and walks around the pond to join them, "Still hard at training?"
Cinder looks his way, and ends up taking a cinderblock to the side of the head. She growls in anger, holding her injured cranium as she hurls the block back at them.
Orion frowns, "Cinder, the martial arts are not for those with quick tempers. They are a means of defense, protecting ourselves, and those who cannot defend themselves."
Cinder grimaces with a tear in her eye as she puts one hand over her fist as she bows to him, "Yes Sifu."
Destro bows onto the field before bowing respectfully to Orion. He turns and gently supports Cinder's shoulder. "Come Cinder. Let's get that looked at, you may have a concussion."
"I am fine," she says a bit testily, shrugging off his hand not quite as hostile as she would someone else.
"Cinder, you're bleeding." Destro observes. "We need to treat it. You can come and let me fix it, or I can take you down and fix it while you're unconscious. Which will it be?"
She smiles at him, "Which would mean I couldn't hear your obnoxious mouth?"
"You'll hear it during or after, which would you prefer?" He counters with an easygoing smile.
She snickers as she braces herself on his shoulder. "Someday Destro, someday I may just tear that tongue from your head."
"And you'll hang it up like a stuffed head, and when you have grandkids you'll look at it and tell them that you got it from some crazy lunatic that you trained with." He smiles and leads her off the mat, taking his sword and sheathing it on his belt.
She shakes her head, "I won't ever have kids, no echidna wants a wife who is a better warrior than him."
"Oh, I doubt that." He smiles gently, sitting her down next to a tree under the shade and going to get some medical items. He comes back with some, and goes to work meticulously cleaning her wound.
She winces a bit, folding down her ears with a groan.
"You need to break other things instead of cinderblocks. I swear there's so much crud in here, it looks like a quarry." He smiles gently.
"I know... They're just so convenient... And cheap." She looks up at him with a smirk, "Once you wrap me up I could break YOU instead?"
He smirks back at her. "Cinder Waverider, are you challenging me to a match? How romantic of you!" He starts cleaning up the blood before applying medicine.
She elbows him in the gut, a slight blush in her cheeks, "I'm serious you nincompoop!"
He chuckles after he recovers from the elbow. "Even though you just lost to a brick?" He wraps up the wound before taking his trash and throwing it away.
"It was a cinderblock," she mutters. "There's a difference..."
"Yeah, you'd probably lose more to the brick." He smiles and pulls her to her feet. "Maybe you should change your uniform at least?"
She looks down at the blood on her Gi, "No, I'll be fine."
"You're covered in blood, your uniform is the same color as the blocks! Plus..." he looks around before leaning in, whispering, "I don't know how you aren't noticing, but with your technique, a piece always lands in your cleavage." He was a close enough friend with her to actually bring up such an embarrassing thing with a straight face
Still doesn't save him from being pinched in the face though. "What the Hell are you doing watching my boobs for?!"
"Ow!" He yelps, stumbling with a blush. "I wasn't, I watch you break the blocks, and I started noticing patterns! You break them the exact same way every time, and one of them always goes there!"
"They do not," she protests while blushing madly, and runs inside. When she gets to the changing room she pauses, and opens her top curiously.
A pile pours out and onto the floor.
"That little bastard..." She grumbles as she changes into a spare Gi.
Destro walks back onto the mat, holding his sword as he bows onto it.
Cinder gives him a grumpy look as she looks at the wall of sparring weapons. She picks up a wooden scythe she made herself, and whirls it as she takes a stance.
"Sorry Cinder..." he apologizes, bowing to her before taking a stance.
She takes a deep breath to calm her nerves, and smiles as she forces away her anger. "No need to apologize my friend, you simply made an observation... I was being petulant."
"I know, but I had to tell you so I wouldn't accidentally cut you with those things. And... well there's the privateness of it." He twirls his sword, waiting for her to be ready.
A few students who were taking a break from training gathered, wanting to see the top two students fight.
Cinder makes the first move, spinning, and using the bottom of her banker to pole-vault at Destro.
He backflips out of the way and slashes at her.
She blocks with her shaft, and spins low, going for his feet.
He stabs his sword into the ground, deflecting the blow. The force spins his sword up, and he uses the momentum to slash at her.
Cinder drops her weapon as she flips out of the way, and then stomps the wood floor, making it crack, and collapse under his right foot.
He yelps and tries to tug it out, lowering his sword.
Cinder jumps forward, and slams a knee into his face.
The force knocks him back, yanking his foot out of the ground. He spits blood off the mat and smirks. "Well played." He charges forward, slashing quickly.
Cinder jumps forward, and slams a knee into his gut, dodges his slash Limbo Stick Style, and spins, twisting his sword arm behind his back.
He tosses his sword to his free hand and slashes at her, slicing off a piece of her gi top as he backs away to a safe distance.
She glares as she stomps, snatching her scythe from the air as it rises. "What is your fixation with my chest?!"
"I was aiming for your arm, I swear!" He gulps, blushing wildly as he eyes her exposed breasts.
She blinks, and looks down. "...BASTARD!" She ties what's left of her Gi around her chest, and tackles him, rapidly throttling him.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" He whimpers as he blushes, yanking off his top as she punches him and throwing it at her.
A single clap makes them both freeze on reflex as Orion steps to the side of the sparring grounds. The aged Echidna smiles softly, "Step, and Toe the both of you."
Cinder gets off him, her top tied snugly around her breasts so it still shows her belly as she bows, "Sifu Waverider."
"Sifu..." Destro picks himself off the ground and bows.
Orion chuckles, "You know Destro, if you wanted to court my granddaughter that is hardly the right approach. Perhaps I could offer advice-"
"Grandsire!" Cinder looks absolutely mortified as Orion laughs.
Destro blushes and looks at the ground. "I... yes, Grandsire..."
"I'm teasing," he assures them. "Wash, and set to repairing the floor. Supper will be ready shortly."
"Yes, Sifu..." Destro bows again before glancing at Cinder and bowing to her. "Sorry..." he walks and grabs her scythe, handing it to her before silently walking off the mat with a bow.
Cinder takes the weapon, and after putting it away she heads for the extra wood.
Destro watches her walk away from a far distance before turning and muttering, "Sorry that I think I love you..."
Cinder doesn't hear him, she just sets to fixing the floor as she has done numerous times.
Destro comes back with some nails and a hammer, moving to the far side and starting to work.
Before long they have finished, and moved to wash up after the long day of training.
"I'm still sorry, Cinder... is there anything I can do for you?" He asks softly as they head to their respective washrooms.
"Just be more careful in the future," she says coldly.
"Okay..." he gulps, turning and walking into the male washroom.
In the washroom a blue echidna smiles by the name of Eli, "Destro! How fares your face? Seems it has vexed the same woman twice in one day!"
"Hey, the second time was an accident." Destro states defensively. "And... the first one was not entirely thought-out..."
Eli laughs, "Still, such spirit in her! You must admire that from the submissive females one usually meets among our kind."
Destro pulls off his gi and steps into the hotspring with a sigh. "Not just admire, dude. Try harder."
"Ah, you desire her as well? I know Sifu Orion jests at your mating, but since he is the closest thing to a father she has I doubt he will allow none but the finest to woo her."
Destro quickly clamps a hand over his friend's mouth with a blush. "Shush! She's right next door!" He hisses. He listens, and once he's sure she didn't hear, he removes his hand. "And let's not forget... I am one of the finest here."
"HA! You? Need I remind you that seven out of ten matches she beats you? Face it Destro, you haven't a chance!" Eli laughs as he leans against the wall separating the washrooms. "Pathetic really..."
"Maybe I let her win." Destro scowls at Eli.
Eli raises an eyebrow, "Oh is that so?"
"Yeah... yeah!" He smirks confidently. "Sometimes she gets me, yes. Like today. But she's the grandsire's granddaughter! No one can be better than her!"
Eli laughs, "Charmed by that face like angels Sifu boasts are under her spell eh?"
"Who isn't? Her face... I get lost staring into her face sometimes..." He sighs happily.
Suddenly a hand bursts through the wall, grabbing Destro by the throat, and hauling him right through the wall. He sees those familiar ice-blue eyes glaring hellfire into him as Cinder snarls, knocking the wind out of him with a fist to the gut.
"Charmed were you?!" She throws him across the room, and rips a brick from the wall, "You think me weak like a common harlot?!"
"That's not what I meant!" He yelps, dodging the brick as he covers himself, too afraid right now to care that Cinder was completely naked and dripping water.
She is too given to rage to care either, and grabs him. She starts punching him across the face repeatedly, "You two faced! Lying! Dishonorable! ASS!"
Then with a growl through her teeth she lifts him from the ground, and drops him with his spine across her kneeling knee.
He cries out, and hits the ground limply.
She breathes hard, and glares down at him as she storms off. Eli waits until she is gone, and then runs to Destro, "Destro! Are you okay?!"
"My... legs... I can't feel my legs!" He cries out, tears rolling down his face. "Why Cinder... I loved you…"
One month ago...
Shadow skates through a jungle at a slow pace with a tracker, looking around every so often. His ears are perked up, listening for the slightest noise.
"Shadow," a female voice says over his communicator. "How is it out there?"
"Way too quiet." Shadow growls, glad to hear his wife's voice. "Are you sure there's one in this jungle?"
"Energy readings put it a few kilometers northeast of you, but I still need you to confirm it," Mina Mongoose replies.
"My Dino Gem tracker isn't picking up anything. Where are you?" He stops and grabs a banana off a tree, eating it.
"At home fixing dinner. I hope you're not spoiling your appetite... Again."
"It's a fucking banana." He deadpans. "What do you think I'm gonna eat out here, a tiger?" He tosses the peel into a bush before shooting off again.
"Some wouldn't put it past you," she jokes.
"Only if I'm desperate." Shadow smirks. He pauses when his tracker starts beeping. "Hang on, I think I found it."
"Oh good! Hang on, let me set up a recording... Okay, describe what you find when you get there."
"Hmph." He skates farther until he skates to a stop, looking at the tracker. "Here..." he looks around, his eyes landing on a purple glow. "Found it. It's purple, and it's embedded in a tree. Must have fallen into the sapling, and the plant grew around it."
"Excellent, use the scanner I gave for estimated time of incident."
He walks up to the gem, activating the scanner.
"...It says... a week ago? That's not right..." He frowns.
"A week? Can you do another scan to be sure?"
"Doing it now... definitely a week." Shadow frowns, his brain churning.
"Torinity Strazor!"
Shadow warps, and a second later, a triangle-shaped laser strikes where he's standing.
Shadow lands and flicks his wrists, Zeonizers appearing on his wrists. "Bad move!" He growls.
"Do not touch that. It is not yours." A giant blue bird monster with a red bill and crest, and a white robe, holds a green sword.
"Sweetheart talk to me, just what the hell is going on over there?!"
"There's a monster here. He wants the Dino Gem!" Shadow growls.
"Do you think you're worthy of this? Prove it to me." The bird monster states.
"I intend to. It's Morphin' Time!" He brings his hands up and connects the Zeonizers. "Zeo Ranger Five, Red!" He shouts, the red energy flying onto him and changing him into the Red Zeo Ranger.
"You? You're a Power Ranger?" The monster tilts its head and ruffles its wings a little.
"One of the best!" Shadow smirks. He unsheathes his sword and charges the monster with a yell.
"Let's see then." The monster deflects the blade and slashes, and Shadow deflects, kicking the monster in the chest.
The monster stumbles back and rubs his chest. "Not bad."
"Describe him to me, I'll see if there's anything like him in the Ranger Database."
"He's a giant blue bird in a robe, has wings on his back, and hands. He also has a weird white mustache thing." Shadow states.
"Hmph." The bird states. "Torinity Strazor!" His sword glows, and he makes a triangle before slashing at Shadow.
Shadow yelps as this one manages to hit him, and he hits a tree, demorphing.
"Shadow?!"
"I'm fine... he caught me off guard." Shadow grunts, getting to his feet and taking a stance.
"You stand and fight, even though if you lose your loved one? You're really stupid... or really brave." The monster lowers his sword.
"...What?" Shadow blinks.
"I am Wise God Torin. I am the guardian of the powers of the Zyudenchi." The bird bows.
"Zyudenchi... Beast Batteries?" Shadow blinks again, debating if this monster was properly using Japanese.
"Indeed." Torin grabs the glowing purple object from the tree, holding a weird battery for Shadow to see.
"Shadow, the database verifies what he's saying. I'm sending the file to your wrist comm..."
Shadow gives Torin one last look before looking at the file. "Torin... hm..."
"Tell me, what would you say if I told you that an army that wiped out the dinosaurs is coming back very soon?" Torin asks.
Shadow glances back at Torin. "I'd tell you I'm getting too old for this shit."
Torin chuckles. "You're a brave one. Perhaps I can trust you. And your wife."
"That's nice of him. Shadow, put me on speaker mode please."
Shadow turns on the holo-speaker. "You have our attention."
"Hello, wife of this strange hedgehog." Torin bows respectfully.
Mina bows back as she slips off her apron, "Torin, if the world is in danger you have our word that we will defend it."
"Is that so? Perhaps you can show me why I can believe that?" Torin asks.
"Show? Dude, I fought off Lord Zedd and Rita, Ivan Ooze, the Machine Empire, kept Divatox at bay, destroyed Mesagog, and helped fight Orgs." Shadow states. "With a resume like that, I'm pretty sure the only thing wrong here is you. So then, why should we trust you?"
Mina smiles, "Sorry, my husband is a naturally distrusting person."
"It's alright." Torin chuckles. "My foes, the Deboss army, is the one that killed the dinosaurs. Before they were all wiped out, a few rose up and joined my quest to protect this beautiful planet. They showed me a way to change them, to make them more powerful. They used the planet's melody to harness Bravery."
"Bravery. Bravery made dinosaurs turn into Zords." Shadow deadpans.
"How poetic."
"Their powers were great, but could be worn away quickly. So, they came up with a way to replenish their powers of Bravery. That is what the Zyudenchi is used for." Torin explains.
"Yeah. Sure. We'll go with that." Shadow rolls his eyes.
"Hush," Mina gives him a stern look. "You're the one always saying no threat to the world, no matter how small, can afford to be ignored."
"I know... but seriously, the Faker's stories are more thought out than this!" Shadow complains. "I'll bet this guy doesn't even have any proof!"
Torin simply smiles and holds up the battery. "Brave In!" He calls, pressing the crest on the head of the battery, a glowing picture appearing on it that looked like a plesiosaur. He throws it into the air, and a nearby lake froths before a giant purple and white plesiosaur Zord raises from it.
Shadow opens his mouth before closing it again. "...You have more of my attention."
"Oh Chaos... It's so pretty!" Mina clasps her hands as she practical swoons over the new Zord.
"Its name is Plezuon. It is attracted to your bond to this planet. And though you are clearly not born on it, you defend it like it is. You contain so much power, and barely tap into it. If you will allow Plezuon to be your partner, then you will do this planet, and me, a big favor."
Shadow thinks about it for a second before smirking. "Sweet. So how does it help me morph?"
Mina starts playing with holographic screens in front of her, "It looks to me like the Beast Batteries are comparable with a specific link to the Morphing Grid, aka Morpher... Oh Shadow I think you'll like this." She enlarges a schematic of a morpher resembling a gun, and shows it to him.
He blinks before slowly smiling. "Well well... this is the perfect design to harness the energy required to morph?"
"Indeed. It has not been created, however." Torin nods when Shadow shows it to him.
"Oh, I can make it. I'm thinking of the arsenal I can give to Rangers now."
"Kyoryugers."
"Pardon?" Shadow blinks.
"Kyoryugers. That is what the 'Zords' call those that harness their power." Torin explains.
"Dinosaur warriors... I like that." Shadow smirks.
Mina smiles, "Power Rangers is a general label for us, makes it a little easier for those of us with a hard time speaking Japanese, or other languages."
"Ah. Then Power Rangers it is." Torin smiles.
"I'm still gonna code these things in Japanese, just to screw with the other Rangers." Shadow smirks evilly. "Damn kids need to learn more than one language anyways." He raises his hand up. "Plezuon, I accept the burden of wielding your Beast Battery!"
Plezuon roars and opens its mouth, and the battery comes out and shrinks, landing in Shadow's hand.
Shadow offers Torin a communicator. "Keep in touch. We'll let you know when we have completed the Morphers."
"Thank you." Torin bows.
"No, thank YOU Torin. Don't be a stranger though, we may need insight on our new enemies. Shadow I'm making a list of materials we might need, try to get in touch with the Dino Thunder rangers."
"We'll keep them out of this for now. It's almost graduation time, we'll let them worry about their grades before we bring them back." Shadow says.
"Other warriors?" Torin blinks.
"Yes. I'll bring them next time. Do you have a base of operations?" Shadow asks.
"Indeed. It is where I charge the Zyudenchi. " Torin nods.
"Then until next time." Shadow shakes his hand before warping away.
Present...
Trent the hawk sits in a tree, one foot hanging off the branch as he draws in his sketch pad.
Kira and Conner play volleyball nearby, and Ethan shoots asteroids on his computer.
Trent smiles at them, and goes back to drawing.
A little purple hedgehog of about six years trips nearby, "Owowowow..."
Kira frowns and catches the ball. "Time out!" The female hawk drops the ball and runs over to the girl. "Hey, you alright?"
Conner is right next to her, helping the hedgehog up. "Does anything feel broken?" The red rabbit asks concernedly.
"No... Thank you," she says while looking up with Bambi eyes. She adjusts the red head and on her forehead, and dusts off her hoodie. "I'm Lucy!"
Conner smiles and straightens. "I'm Conner. This is Kira."
Kira smiles and nods as she adjusts her bikini. "Hi."
"The blue armadillo over there is Ethan..."
Ethan nods to them absently.
"...And the white hawk up in that tree over there that is obviously drawing Kira in her bikini is Trent." Conner smiles.
"Pervert," she giggles as Trent bounces an acorn off Conner's head.
Conner snickers. "So where's your family at, Lucy? It's not safe to be out here alone."
"I'm okay," she says. "I'm here with my Sifu!"
"Sifu?" Kira blinks. "You're a martial arts student?"
She nods, "Yup! Imma be a Ninja!" She holds up Conner's wallet while cheekily stinking out her tongue.
He quickly checks his surf trunks. "Hey!" He smirks, grabbing the wallet.
She giggles, and a sharp whistle catches her attention.
An Echidna about Conner's age walks over in leather pants with flame designs up to the knees. Her top covers just her breasts, and she wears a mask that covers the lower half of her face. She adjusts her hat as she appraises the group with ice-blue eyes.
Lucy waves, "Sifu Cinder!"
Conner blinks, looking her up and down. "You're Lucy's teacher?"
Cinder nods, and puts her hands on Lucy's shoulder. Then she bows respectfully to the group, "Thank you for watching her."
They quickly bow back.
"Cinder? The owner of the all female dojo?" Kira smiles. "It's an honor to meet you!"
Cinder blinks, "You know of the Crimson Lotus Dojo?"
"Of course! Girls ask me if I train there all the time." She giggles. "But, I don't. I can never find the place."
"Of that I am glad to hear," she says as she studies her with her eyes. "You have the obvious build of a fighter, I would be glad to teach one such as you. However if my dojo were so easily found then the wrong sort would come as well. I am honored that my reputation has spread among the civilized folk though."
Trent chuckles, "Hey Ethan, check out the new lady."
"Dude, I'm on the fifty-ninth round! No girl is that important!" Ethan says, focused on his game.
"Excuse Ethan. He's been trying to beat that game for weeks now." Conner apologizes, rubbing his neck.
Cinder looks curious, "I never learned much of electronics... Would you care to play with Lucy for five more minutes perhaps?"
"Absolutely!" Kira smiles. "Wanna play some volleyball, Lucy?"
The hoglet nods, and smiles up at them for a full minute before tilting her head sideways, "What's that?"
Kira giggles. "It's a game where we try to get the ball to hit the ground of the opposing team, while trying to make sure to keep the ball from touching the ground on your side."
Lucy listens carefully to the rules of the game, and Trent hops down from the tree to join them. Cinder leans over in interest to eye the screen Ethan practically worships.
Ethan doesn't pay her any attention, focused on his game. He was blasting a bigger asteroid that flashed red every time he shot at it. "C'mon, blow up!" He growls, hitting the space bar furiously.
"An admirable challenge to take," Cinder notes.
"Yeah... but if it won't go down, I'm gonna have to blow it up by hand!" Ethan growls, thinking her a random spectator. He didn't mind spectators, as long as they didn't mess with his game. He quickly types a command seconds before the asteroid touches his ship, and he is saved by docking onto the giant rock. The flight view is changed to a third person shooter, and the player unsheathes a laser sword and laser pistol.
Cinder frowns behind her mask, "Firearms used to be such an honorable weapon, but now they're commonplace for cowards too weak to face a foe face-to-face."
"I agree." Ethan nods. "But you need to remember, if push comes to shove, it's either you with that blaster or your opponent. And if that choice was mine, I'd prefer it to be me. Because you know what you'll do with that blaster. You don't know what your opponent will do with that blaster. In a way, it is not the honor of the weapon, but the user."
Cinder narrows her eyes, "To a real warrior honor is more important than life. The use of a firearm makes one arrogant, and that is always an exploitable weakness."
"Arrogance doesn't come from wielding a gun. A gun can run out of bullets. Arrogance is wasting those bullets in a petty argument." He pauses his game, finally in an area he can rest. He looks up at her, and blinks. "Uh..."
She nods, "To which I agree, however one rarely finds a person who uses a firearm as efficiently as you say. Which is why I prefer to fight within personal space. It makes the field of battle closer to equal terms, and keeps me strong."
"I dunno, Conner's pretty good with a pistol... he's been teaching himself how to be the perfect shot." Ethan says absently, his mind starting to wander as well as his eyes to certain... locations.
"Well then I hope he keeps his wits about him, much like I would prefer you do," she says coldly. "When holding a conversation it's polite to maintain eye-contact."
"S-sorry..." he looks back up. "I'm Ethan. Are you the dojo master lady?"
"Cinder Waverider," she nods as she straightens up. "It is nice to meet you Ethan."
He stands. "You too. No offense... but shouldn't a teacher wear more... wholesome clothing?"
"And just... what... are you implying?" She crosses her arms.
"...That you look very beautiful?" He gulps, taking a step back.
It's obvious she's not buying it, but turns away from him. "Lucy, we need to return home before sundown."
"Yes Sifu," Lucy says as she catches the ball. Then she hands it to Kira, "See you later Big Sister!"
"Bye!" Kara smiles. "I wouldn't mind coming over to see how things, work, Cinder."
Cinder picks up Lucy, "Very well then, should fate bring us together again I would be glad to show you my home... You alone." She looks at the men distrustingly as she turns, and walks away.
Trent blinks, "O...kay."
"...You looked at her breasts, didn't you Ethan?" Conner states.
"They were right in my face! What was I supposed to do?" Ethan complains.
Kira rolls her eyes with a sigh.
Trent shrugs, "Can't blame him, that's the general male weakness."
"It's probably also why she doesn't seem to like them." Kira observes.
"She hates guns more than men." Ethan says.
"Really? Huh." Conner tilts his head.
"Probably wouldn't like Shadow much then," Trent laughs.
"Doesn't matter, he's past the point of showing off anymore." Conner chuckles.
"Speaking of, we haven't heard from the doc in a while." Ethan tilts his head. "I wonder if he found any more Dino Gems."
"Wonder if he'd be mad if we dropped in." Trent smirks, "C'mon guys, let's go say we're paying Mina a visit!"
Cinder carries Lucy to the crumbling hotel in downtown Station Square, the secret location of the Crimson Lotus Dojo.
Lucy yawns widely so Cinder lays her on a couch nearby, draping a blanket over her.
"Welcome back, Sifu." A red wolf and her snow-furred twin bow to Cinder.
"Thank you Kala. Did you and Grace have any trouble in my absence?"
"Not at all, Sifu. How was your outing?" Kala asks.
"Pleasant," Cinder replies. "I met a possible new student who took a quick liking to our youngest here."
"Another sister? Oh boy!" Kala's twin cheers.
"I don't think it that way," Cinder says as she heads for the kitchen. "Apparently word of our dojo is a popular rumor among the civilized populace. I offered to allow her to come study with us should we meet again."
"Why is that a bad thing?" Kala asks, tilting her head.
"She is not the same as the rest of you," Cinder replies as she starts to cook. "She does not need my teaching, she wants it. You, your sister, Lucy, Lilith, Diana, and all the others... Your lives were sweeping out down the drain until you came here. Now you're strong... She doesn't need to be stronger. She has a good life around halfway decent men."
"Maybe she has her own reasons for wanting to be stronger?" Grace, Kala's sister, suggests.
"Perhaps," Cinder admits. "But that will not make her our sister."
"I guess so..." Grace nods slowly.
Cinder faces them as she lets noodles boil, "Please do not misunderstand, I harbor no ill will towards her. But our sisters are always at each others' sides. We live together, eat together, fight together, and die together if that time ever comes. We are warriors... She would be merely a student."
"Yes Sifu." Grace bows slightly. "I will resume training now."
Cinder bows to them as well, "Very good. Tonight is a seafood Alfredo with shrimp, and scallops. I'd appreciate a little help with dishes afterwards, I feel a weight on my mind I would like to relieve myself of in meditation."
"Yes Sifu." They both bow and go back to training.
Cinder sighs to herself as she finishes making the dinner, and then punches a gong nearby to signal it's ready. No surprise Lucy is the first at the line of tables set up.
The sisters come in and sit down after the young hedgehog.
The rest of Cinder's students sit around the table as she sets out a few large bowls of dinner. They wait until she takes her place at the head of the table, and then they start serving themselves.
Cinder lowers her make so she can eat, and as she does she reflects on something that has been nagging her for a while now. In the world of martial arts she is without rival, and her purpose for several years has been teaching her skills to homeless girls... But why does she feel her skills are wasted, like there is more she could be doing with her skills.
"Sifu, is something bothering you? Your chi is not calm." Kala asks concernedly, pausing from her meal.
"I am not of sound mind," Cinder admits. "But this is a problem only I can find a solution to. Thank you for your concern, and I compliment our continuous practice of Chi usage."
She bows with a nod. "I will make sure everything is taken care of if you wish to turn in."
Cinder finishes her meal, "Thank you. I am retiring to the Meditation hall until I have solved this dilemma of mine." She carries her plate to the sink, and rinses it off before putting it in a tub of soapy water.
"I must remember to thank Smoke for the utilities," she mutters to herself, and walks away. She heads to a room lined with large pillows against the walls, and we elects her place on the far into the room. She lights some incense, then sits on the pillow with her knees drawn under her, her back facing the wall. She rests her hands on her thighs as she closes her eyes with a deep sigh.
Almost immediately, a male voice speaks to her. "Are you not satisfied in helping others the way you were taught?"
She opens her eyes in shock, looking around for the speaker.
There is a red glow in front of her. "Answer me truthfully. Cinder Waverider, are you not satisfied with your lot in life?"
She narrows her eyes, but cannot sense ill will from this strange sight before her.
"...I feel as though skills like mine could be used for a greater purpose," she admits. "I take girls the world considers garbage, and make them into warriors all monsters should fear... And yet I confess, I feel as though I am missing something important in my life."
"What if I could grant you a chance that you claim to seek? It is a long road, filled with power, commitment, and perhaps loss."
Cinder closes her eyes, "I have walked such a road before, and it has left my soul dripping with the blood of others. If that is truly the sort of person you wish to lead down this path of which you speak, then I will walk it. What is your name, Specter?"
"It sounds silly in your language. But in another, my name is Gabutyra." The light glows, turning into an actual T-Rex spirit, just a few feet taller than her.
She looks up at it, "Gabutyra... And what is your purpose for aiding me?"
"It is a story too long for me to share at this time. But I have chosen you for your strength and bravery." Gabutyra turns his head, looking her in the eye. "This road I wish to lead you down, it is not one to be taken alone. You will have teammates to fight alongside. Does this bother you?"
"Yes," she says. "I fought once with a team, and they suffered for it. These girls I train to stand on their own." She stands, "I will not endanger others by association ever again."
"These members understand that, they have gone through that themselves. But they worked through it, and came out on top. They will be willing to work with you too, as long as you're willing to work with them." Gabutyra says.
She looks down, "...Should need require I will work with them."
"Very well. Now, your ferocity when you fight is admirable. But it requires more if you wish to walk the path of the Kyoryuger." Gabutyra says.
Cinder blinks, "A Great Lizard Warrior?"
"Indeed. Do you believe you can take me down?" Gabutyra gives her a toothy grin.
Cinder narrows her eyes, "If I can touch you, then I can make you eat the dirt under my heel."
"Tough words. I want to see you prove that." Gabutyra smirks. "Pack some essentials and follow me, when you wish to follow. Let your students know you're going to be gone for a bit."
Cinder nods, and steps out of the Meditation hall. She packs some essential provisions, and informs Kala that she will be away for an unknown amount of time before she dashes from the Dojo.
Gabutyra runs next to her. "I can't wait to smoke you." He smirks.
"You have my permission to fail," she smirks, and leaps high to run across rooftops until they are out of the city.
Kind of a boring prologue... next time will be better. I think...