A/N: Okay. Before I start this off, there are very very important changes to the designs. I was discussing the designs with a friend of mine and making decisions on how the costumes could go together without looking too basic, especially the helmets. Rather than what you've read in Chapter 1 (which I revised), I was able to get some inspiration from Kyuranger where some of them has custom helmets and such. I will be posting links to the designs as soon as I can finalize drawings but my schedules are fluctuating due to school so it may take a while.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from Super Sentai. I only own my original characters and the plot.

So without further ado, here is Chapter 4!

Kiku nervously shook her leg as she sat on a bench in the train station. Her eyes shifted between the bullet trains going in and out of the station and the screen that displayed approaching trains. She felt something tap her shoulder and turned to find Akane holding out a bottle of milk tea. She took in a deep breath before accepting the drink. She popped off the cap before taking a swig.

"You shouldn't be that nervous," Akane said quietly," We just saw her three months ago."

The MoriYellow rolled her eyes and leaned back against the bench. "Well three months ago, we weren't fighting monsters and I wasn't just told the biggest secret that a family like ours has to shoulder. How can I approach our grandma after finding out about this... this thing you just told me last week? She knows everything, Nee-chan. What can I even say since she knows we're not human?"

Akane took hold of her sister's shoulders, making her stop her sudden jerks from the panic. "Hey. Listen to me. No one knows about this more than Obaa-chan. And this is something that can either save or kill us depending on what we do with this information. Our parents trusted me with this information and to tell you when the time is right. I didn't want to tell you until I have to tell Tomoko. I only told you because there are so many dangers and I would not live with myself if I find out my sisters died because of this thing they weren't allowed to know. I want you to look at Obaa-chan in the eye and listen to what she has to say. This isn't just for Tomoko's sake. This is for our entire family. Understand?"

Kiku took in a shaky breath before giving a nod, recalling everything her sister told her before they decided to go through with this visit. "O-okay..." She found herself pulled into a hug but quickly relaxed into her sister's hold, missing the comfort from when she was young.

"Sorry for the wait!" The two quickly pulled apart at the call and looked forward to find Tomoko running up with a plastic bag of snacks. She stopped in front of them, her breathing a little heavy from the short run. "They just stocked up on the different fillings so I had a hard time choosing."

Akane let out a short laugh. "It's okay. We still have another three minutes until the train gets here."

Tomoko gave a knowing nod before seeing her younger sister, only to find her eyes red. "Ah! Onee-chan, did you make Kiku-chan cry again?" She puffed up her cheeks for a pout, only for the two to laugh at the false accusation.

"She's just a little nervous, Tomoko. Our first time dropping by without a call in advance. Now what did you get us?"

The MoriBlue's eyes glistened as she opened up the bag, pulling out neatly wrapped rice balls with different stickers on them. She handed out the ones she started to list to her sisters. "Crab and mentaiko for Onee-chan. Kiku-chan gets karaage and chicken curry. I found a mild one. And for me..." She pulled out two of them. "Garlic chicken and ikura!" She put of a smug smile as she held onto her breakfast, making her sisters laugh more at her attempt to cheer them up.

"You really love ikura when you have the chance," Akane teased as she opened up one of the packages.

Tomoko pouted at the tease before pulling out a box of chocolate covered cookies in the shape of bamboo shoots. "I'm giving this to Kiku-chan since you've upset her, Onee-chan."

Akane feigned hurt as she fell to the side of the bench, her free hand on her chest. "I am so hurt by the betrayal~" This only prompted the three to laugh at the teasing between the two eldest before they heard a bell signaling an announcement.

Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Kyoto. Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Kyoto. Please approach Platform 4 for your train.

"Ah... That's ours." Akane quickly jumped up to her feet before digging the tickets out of her jacket pockets. The train sped through the platform before pulling to a stop, allowing them to find their car and seats. "Come on. We can eat in there."

The two quickly gathered their belongings from the bench before following their sister.

The sisters walked up to the large wooden gates that surrounded their grandmother's home, their family insignia burned into the wood. They jumped when they heard the wood creaking and the large gates opening. Two men clad completely in black with their faces obscured walked up to them before giving them a bow in greeting. The girls quickly returned the gesture before finding the men heading to the house in hopes the three would follow.

The three looked at each other before Akane shrugged. "Take-nii and Kaoru-nee are early, then." She started to follow the men, prompting her sisters to do the same as they approached the familiar mansion.

They were guided towards the living room where they found an elderly couple situated on a pair of cushions as across from them on the coffee table were two people who could be mistaken as siblings, both clad in red and black. Beside the young man was a woman not much younger than him dressed in yellow as she held a small toddler in her arms as she listened in on their conversation.

The elderly woman dressed in a traditional kimono took notice of the three girls and smiled before getting to her feet. "Akane. Tomoko. Kiku. It has been a while," she greeted before holding out her arms.

The girls took in the gesture and hugged their grandmother. "Happy Birthday, Obaa-chan," Akane said as she held onto her grandmother. She pulled away. "We figured it wouldn't hurt to drop by since we're on spring break."

"I'm glad. Come. Sit, sit. Takeru and his family have been keeping us company until you three arrive." She sat back down next to her husband as the trio claimed the empty side of the coffee table. The black-clad men who escorted them inside the house rested some tea in front of them.

The young woman in a red kimono softly smiled as Tomoko sat next to her, only for the MoriBlue to hesitate at her gaze. "I'm glad you're doing well, Tomoko. It has been a while."

"I-it's nice to see you again... K-Kaoru-neechan..." Tomoko nervously scratched her cheek, unsure how to approach the 18th Shiba Head in conversation.

The young Lady of the Shiba Clan could only find herself nodding in understanding, seeing how uncomfortable the girl is. She carefully snaked her hand under the table to gently rest it on Tomoko's in comfort, making her jump a little at the contact. "Tanba is absent today so you shouldn't worry about him," she said quietly. "I'm sure a harmless visit to your grandmother wouldn't be too much of an issue, anyway."

"Kaoru," the 19th Head chided from beside her. Kaoru shrugged before directing her attention back to the elderly couple. Takeru gave a bow to the three. "Please forgive my... mother for her behavior. She got a little too excited when she saw you three after so long."

Akane quickly shook her head. "It's fine. Really, Take-nii. It's actually nice to be able to properly talk to you again. Koto-nee and Kaoru-nee, too. We're really sorry for not calling or writing as often as we should have since you were all generous enough to teach Tomoko."

"We all have our reasons."

The group couldn't help but to feel the tension growing heavy over them, seeing how it may be a bit awkward between the young team and their family acquaintances. Hitomi looked at her granddaughters and took note of the hearing aids Tomoko wore and the yellow device around Kiku's wrist when she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. She let out a sigh before resting her hands on the table and faced the girls. "How long?" she asked, breaking the silence.

The three looked at her, making her a bit cautious when their eyes changed into their respective colors from the confusion and possible worry about their guests sitting right in front of them. The Tanaka Head simply ignored their worry before asking a more specific question. "How long ago did Nightshift attack you girls?"

Akane's eyes started to dart between her grandmother, her sisters and then to the Shiba Family, unsure how to answer. She looked back at her sisters before taking in a deep breath. "About four weeks ago... I guess one of their servants was able to break through that seal and attacked us after school. Hiro saved us and explained everything." She nervously twiddled her thumbs before looking at her grandmother, unsure what she would say.

The elder simply sat back before wrapping her hands around her cup of tea. She took in a shaky breath which prompted her husband to take her hand to soothe her. She gave a nod to him in thanks before looking at the girls. "Are you all safe?" she asked, receiving nods. They noticed it wasn't enough when her voice became firm. "Are you all safe?"

Akane's eyes darted over to Tomoko for a second before back at her grandmother who noticed Kiku did the same. She gave a nod. "We're all safe, Obaa-chan. I can assure you that we are."

"Alright..." She shakily put her hands on the table before standing up. "I suppose I should take a walk. Akane. Kiku. Why don't the two of you walk with me? I am sure there are a lot of things we need to discuss."

Takeru quickly got to his feet. "I will come as well." He looked at his wife who had a worried look in her eyes. He rested a hand on her head in comfort before guiding the elderly woman out by the arm.

"Come on now," Hitomi said, making the two girls scramble to their feet and follow her. Tomoko was about to follow but Kaoru held her back, giving her a shake of the head to tell her that the four need to be alone. Tomoko reluctantly sat back down, smoothing out the skirt of her dress.

Once they heard the back door sliding close, Koujiro stood up with a deep breath. "I suppose it is time to prepare lunch. Now. I just had a fresh harvest this morning and I am willing to try out some old recipes. Who would like to help?"

Hitomi carefully trekked through the thicket of trees behind her home, Takeru's hand close to her back in case she was to fall. Akane and Kiku trailed behind, unsure what to say to the elderly woman after she asked that question.

"So when did you tell her, Akane? I'm curious," Hitomi said as they continued to walk.

Akane looked at her grandmother before letting out a sigh, seeing how they can't avoid the conversation. "Last week. Something got through to her and made me give in to her wanting to know. But I figured since we've been fighting some tough enemies, it's probably best to let her know."

"I see." She climbed over a large root.

Kiku nervously bit her lower lip as she looked between her sister and grandmother. "O-Obaa-chan. Does Take-nii know about this? All of this?"

"Of course. After they defeated the Gedoushu, Kaoru sat him down and explained it all to him since all Shiba Heads are supposed to know."

"Any reason why?"

"That is a story for another time. But just know that the two families have been close for generations."

"I... I see..."

The four reached a large clearing. The two noticed there was a large sakura tree in the center, the buds yet to bloom for another few days or so. At the base rested a small shrine surrounded by stone statues of seven animals: an owl and swan in the center, a wolf, mouse and rabbit on the right, and a bear and its cub on the left. A wooden plaque rested in the center of the shrine with the word "Kiseki" inscribed at the center. On the left and right were blurbs the girls couldn't make out unless they were to pick it up.

Hitomi gently clapped her hands together before closing her eyes for prayer. She reached into the left sleeve of her kimono before fetching out a small pouch. She reached inside to take out seven pieces of sugar candy and placed them in the small dish in front of the plaque. She prayed again before facing her granddaughters. "Inuko. Usagi. You don't have to hide yourselves," she said.

Akane and Kiku felt something move in their jackets before their MoriRobos jumped out and flew to the elderly woman, landing on her shoulders with happy chirps. The Tanaka Head simply smiled at their behavior. "It is nice seeing you, too." She looked back at her granddaughters before leading them to the other side of the tree, revealing a large stone bench. She took a seat, prompting the two to sit on either side of her. She looked over at Takeru who gave a small nod before moving to the side to keep watch.

"Obaa-chan. What is this place?" Kiku asked, only to have her grandmother rest a hand on her head. Usually she would whine and protest but given it's her grandmother, she shouldn't complain.

"It is a special shrine to the Tanaka Family. It is what links us to the Spirits that helps us awaken our innate powers. Like your mother, I was partnered with Haku; one of the wind spirits. Your grandfather and father were partners to the other spirit, Fuku. At the moment, no one has been located for their new partners for when you girls are in need of assistance."

"What about the two bears we saw with them?"

"They are the earth spirits. Kuu controls the earth while his little brother, Jou, controls the plants. Those two will be joining the battle once they find suitable partners."

"I-I see... I guess that means it will take more than the three of us to defeat this enemy..."

"There is power in numbers. You girls are still in need of training so your skills have yet to be perfected for such a battle. Nightshift is not an enemy to look over if they have been attacking for centuries. Kiku. What I am about to explain is something you must keep to yourself. Do not tell your sister until it is time for her to know."

Kiku nervously swallowed, knowing she has never seen her grandmother so serious before today. She was able to give a firm nod before Hitomi took her hand.

Tomoko carefully cut the carrots into thick slices, nervously glancing over towards Kaoru who was working on the onions. She pursed her lips, unsure what to say.

"It's already been a year since you three lived alone, right?" the ShinkenRed asked as she peeled her second onion. Tomoko jumped a little at the sudden question but quickly relaxed, knowing how the young samurai will tease her for the scare.

"Y-yes... We've been living in the city for almost a year... O-Ojii-chan and Obaa-chan had us stay here before the new school year started..."

Kaoru softly hummed in response, sensing the tension between the two of them. "Is it hard? Living with all three of you in school?"

Tomoko quickly shook her head. "W-we're doing okay. O-Onee-chan is working part-time to pay for necessities a-a-and I-I applied for a part-time job to help."

"That's good." She held up her knife before looking at Koujiro. "I thought you told me that you would send crops from your farm from time to time, Koujiro-dono," she said, humor and menace in her voice.

The elder didn't seem to be phased by her false threat, his eyes only concentrating on the large cut of meat he's slicing. "Every two months, Kaoru-chan. It's just a small garden so harvests can barely feed them. They're still growing. Look at Kiku. She's so tall like her father. I take it that even boys are intimidated of her. She has so much spunk in her."

"She seems to be terrified when she came in. Unless Tomoko scared her."

The MoriBlue's face turned red at the tease. "K-Kaoru-neechan! It wasn't like that!"

The Shiba Head giggled at her reaction. "I'm just teasing. But I'm glad you're all doing okay. Takeru has been fidgeting and has been contemplating on sending some of our kurokos over to lend a hand. But seeing all three of you managing well can put him at ease."

"Takeru-san has always been worried about you three whenever you visit," Kotoha said as she cut up some tomatoes. She couldn't help but to laugh as she continued," But he's always trying to keep that strong Lord behavior since Hitomi-san is always with us. He clings onto me whenever we get home since he couldn't hug you girls in front of her."

Tomoko couldn't help but to feel surprised at the information. "Is he really like that?" This earned a laugh from Kaoru who had to put her knife down before she could hurt herself.

"He's a giant cuddle monster when he's not acting like a Lord," the 18th Head laughed," He grew so soft after he started dating Kotoha that even Hikoma-san didn't even recognize him when he was playing with his son!"

"Don't tell him we told you this, Tomoko-chan," Kotoha grinned," He'll deny it and he doesn't want to do that in front of Takao-kun."

"I-I see..."

Koujiro softly smiled at the exchange, seeing how lively the room became when it came to talking about the 19th Head.

Dorgon looked up from the flames when a Teshita walked up to him, handing the elite a large book. The black leather and brown paper were tattered but in a good enough shape to use. He took hold of it before dismissing the servant, walking over to his large stone chair and taking a seat. He opened up the book and summoned a quill, gently tracing his free hand over the paper.

On the left page were photos of two people, a mysterious script next to them along with what could be descriptions of them. On the right were photos of the Morirangers in their civilian forms and their names. Dorgon readied his quill, jotting down what he knows about the three.

"The eldest has always been a fiery one when provoked. It's no surprise for her to be the partner of the fire spirit. I suppose the humans would call her the alpha of her pack. She should be the biggest obstacle between us and what we seek now that those two are gone." He started to scribble wolf ears onto the photo before looking at Tomoko's.

"A rather quiet type, but still as experienced as her sisters in terms of combat." He thought back to when Moakumu was sent to cause havoc. He let out a soft hum in thought, curious about the dark pulse the girl released when she was under the Ningengata's influence. "There is a lot of potential in that one. Perhaps we can use that negative energy to our advantage one day. Surely she is young enough to train into our ranks."

He then looked at Kiku before letting out a sigh. "A reckless child, this one. I'm surprised they would let someone that young to fight in life-or-death situations. But she is rather strong for someone her age. I don't suppose anyone that young would be able to take down one of our best shooters single-handedly."

He turned the page to find a new one that was mostly blank. The photos were missing but there were four sets of labels. "To have these appear in the book means we will be facing more obstacles for our goal. But-" He flipped back towards the sisters and looked at what seems to be a sentence that was scratched out under Tomoko's name. "Perhaps we may be nearing those memories we've lost during that battle. We just need to keep an eye on this little one." He traced his finger over Tomoko's photo, sensing some kind of familiarity with it.

"So we're really not human...?" Kiku asked as she gently petted Usagi with her thumb. "We're just...?" She trailed off, unsure if she could call herself by such a name.

"It's quite hard to believe, myself, Kiku-chan," Hitomi said," It makes sense since our family has always displayed great power for generations. It took quite some time for your parents to understand and accept it."

"When did you tell them that?"

"Sakura has always known that she was different from her siblings and that our family isn't like others. No family would risk their own lives fighting a force as evil as Nightshift without something special about them." Hitomi gently took hold of Kiku's hand, gently holding onto her Cuff. "Your father fought long and hard to find ways to lessen the risk to make it safer for future generations. He developed all of the technology before and after you were all born to keep you safe. He knew relying on our fast healing abilities would have their limits so he made sure that what you wear to fight would decrease the amount of damage you take in.

"Everyone knows we're different. But they choose not to say anything, especially those who have an idea of what we do. Your parents did not accept the idea until they had the three of you. Three beautiful little girls. That was when they swore to fight to protect you and make sure you can all fight. I'm sure the same will apply to the two of you once you have your own families."

The elderly woman slowly stood up. "I will give you some time to think about it. You do not have to give me an answer right away. I can wait weeks and months for it. But just know that if you ever have more questions or concerns about what our family does, I will be right here." She gave her granddaughter a gently kiss atop her head. "You have grown very well, Kiku-chan. I do hope that after you seal the enemy, you will make good use of your future." She made her way back to the mansion, Takeru holding onto her.

"Are you sure it's okay to let her know everything, Hitomi-san?" the ShinkenRed asked as he held the woman by her arm. He looked back to make sure the girls didn't hear them even if they were meters away.

"They have a rough battle ahead of them, Takeru. It's best if they know the truth in order to understand the weight of this never-ending war." She sighed. "Not really how I want to spend my birthday with them, but perhaps I'm much too old to celebrate. The more I count birthdays, the closer I feel to leaving them. They still need someone to guide them."

"I assume you still trust them in a way?"

"One of them will be the next Head of our Family in a matter of years and took the mantle of fighting this war."

"Shall I provide assistance?"

"You shall do it when the three of them request it. That's an order."

Takeru took in a deep breath before giving a reluctant nod. "Yes, ma'am."

Tomoko was about to finish setting up the table when she heard the back door open. She rushed over to greet them. "Welcome back." She soon noticed it was just her grandmother and Takeru. "O-Obaa-chan..."

Hitomi took notice of the girl's surprise and gave her an apologetic smile. "I was a little rough on them, Tomoko. They still need some time to think."

"I-I see..." Tomoko looked down as she twiddled her thumbs, seeing how it's quite serious for her sisters to be late. She soon gently smacked herself before looking at her grandmother. "L-lunch is ready if you're hungry. We made your favorite beef stew."

Hitomi softly smiled at the offer. "Thank you. We can save some for your sisters when they come back. Come on. Let's eat before it all gets cold."

Gentle clacking rang through the bullet train as Akane typed on her laptop, responding to emails and checking news blogs. She closed it before letting out a sigh. She carefully shifted in her seat to get into a more comfortable position, making sure she doesn't wake Tomoko who fell asleep with her head on the MoriRed's shoulder. Her gaze shifted towards Kiku who was leaning back in her seat, playing an RPG on her Switch. The young girl has been awfully quiet the rest of the day, mostly just putting on a false smile to not worry anyone.

She sighed, knowing it was mostly her fault. She was the one who told her everything and brought her to their grandmother who knew even more. The young girl always tries her best to be strong and independent so no one would worry about her, but Akane knew that there was still a child in her. Once she faces something unknown to her, she would just panic but not say anything.

"Did you accept it...?"

Akane looked at the younger girl who didn't take her eyes off her game. Unsure if she heard correctly, she let out a confused hum. "Hm?"

Kiku paused her game and rested it on her lap, slouching into her seat. "Did you accept it...? All of it...?"

Akane pursed her lips before leaning back in her seat, her gaze towards the top of luggage rack. "Not really... I've only accepted some of it because of what happened. Knowing it all after facing the harsh side of it made me realize how different we are. Why?"

The MoriYellow shook her head before picking up her game again. "Nothing... Just wondering..."

"Do you think you'll ever accept it?"

"No... Do you think Ji-nee will?"

Akane looked at their small sister who peacefully slept, now hugging the MoriRed's arm for security. "I'm not sure. She won't be ready to know by the time we tell her." She felt a hand taking hers and looked to find Kiku holding it, her Switch now turned off. She felt a tight squeeze but chose to not say anything, seeing the tears pooling in her sister's eyes. She softly smiled before rubbing her thumb over the top of her sister's hand. "Take your time. There's no limit on when you can accept it."

The bullet train continued to speed through the tracks as the three made their journey home. Soft breathing was heard as the three were fast asleep in their seats, taking in what may be their few peaceful moments in the next year or so.

A/N: So that was Chapter 4. I know it's really short compared to the previous chapters, but it's all in good reason. Chapter 5 is about the same length and I guess can be considered a Part 2 of this chapter given how Kiku's feelings about the topic is still open-ended. On another note, I did take the advice about the Monsters of the Week and a few chapters will be solely drama and interactions between the girls and surrounding chapters. From the way I've been writing it out, I might not even have a fight until about Chapter 6. There will be some action but it's more of sudden bursts rather than an actual fight in Chapter 5.

A reply to GaoGod: I do agree about the mental-based monsters. I do have quite a few future chapters that deal with psychological and emotional pain similar to Chapter 2. And I am definitely taking your advice about not needing a monster every chapter. My brain actually cannot develop so many monster designs compared to the creators over at Toei. I have no idea how they do it.

And the translations!

Ojii-chan and Obaa-chan refer to grandfather and grandmother. I will be mentioning the two senior characters a few times throughout the series due to their role. They're the knowledgeable elders who guide them from a distance in a sense.
"-dono" is an honorific that is often used for lords, but does not equate high authority. I was going to use "-sama" at first but I think it would be too formal when it's between Princess ShinkenRed and Koujiro and she was mostly just fooling around when she was using it. The reason why I would place them on equal footing would be described much later in the story.

So what did you think of the fourth chapter? I know it's a lot of word vomit... and next chapter might also have a lot of word vomit... But it's all in good reason because it builds up this whole family secret thing and how they're going to handle everything and deal with balancing their lives with fighting. Remember. They're between 13 and 19 years old. There's a lot of crazy stuff happening. But I'd really like to know what you guys think and how to improve more with the story.