Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers.
Chapter 21 – Way of the Master
The following day, RJ properly introduced them to JKP where Theo and Casey would be working, and occasionally Kira though RJ insisted she focus on school. After, Kira teleported home to see her family as well as to collect some of her things. Her parents forced her to stay for a bit and explain everything to them, even though Connor had filled them in, and so by the time Kira returned with her bag of stuff it was late afternoon and she found the boys training with RJ. Placing her bag on the ground, she went to join them, getting in a good workout before they called it quits, falling to the floor in exhaustion and taking large gulps of water.
"Kira?" Casey said suddenly.
"Yeah?"
"Is it just me or is your bag moving?" Kira looked up and sure enough her bag was slowly making its way across the floor. She got up and went to her bag, opening it and watching as something furry jumped out and ran down the hall, its tail held high in the air.
"Jefferson!" Kira cried and chased after her wayward cat. Meowing and hissing was heard as well as a cry of "get out from under there!" and a few minutes later Kira returned with a grumpy cat in her arms.
"Guys this is Jefferson." She said, giving the cat a very un-amused look. "My cat who thinks…actually I don't know what he thinks but he's been trouble since the day he followed me home, though dad insists he's protective of me for some reason. I'll take him home, be back in a sec."
"You don't have to." RJ said. "He can stay, that is if Casey and Theo are ok with a cat."
"Our Animal Spirits are both felines. Of course we're ok with cats." Theo said speaking for both of them and Casey couldn't deny it even if he wanted too.
"He's really cute." Jefferson puffed up at their approval and squirmed until Kira released him before going over to his new friends and rubbing against their legs, purring at their attention. Once he'd had his fill he turned to Kira and shot her a look, and she could swear he appeared smug, before he raised his tail in the air and turned his back on her, trotting back down the hallway.
"He snubbed me." She muttered. "He's never done that to me. It's always been other people."
"Well unless I'm mistaken you've never tried to leave him before." Said RJ.
"Ok, I get that cats, and other animals, aren't dumb like most people think them to be, how can I when I've got an Animal Spirit inside of me? But this is weird even for me. He's like…human in a cat's body. I swear he knows what I'm saying and what my intentions are…"
"He probably does." Said Theo.
"But how?"
"We're drawn to the animal that matches our Spirit." RJ explained, entering teacher mode. "I know a regular domesticated cat isn't your Animal Spirit, but he's still a feline."
"Cats are drawn to other cats, dogs to dogs, birds to birds, etc. etc." Said Theo, knowing this lesson as it was something they taught at Pai Zhuq. "Doesn't matter their exact species. Of if you ever meet a cheetah in real life it would be like this only ten times stronger. Your Cheetah Spirit would probably even be able to communicate with the wild cheetah, and subsequently you could too, even if not directly."
"So Jefferson likes me because of my Animal Spirit? Or at least is drawn to me because of it?" RJ and Theo nodded while Casey listened in, this being a new lesson to him as well as Kira. "But that doesn't explain his humanistic qualities."
'It is because you are The Child of Power.' Nala answered.
'What do you mean?'
'To a normal person with an Animal Spirit what Theo says is true. But for you it is not ten times stronger but more like one hundred times. Should you meet a real cheetah, there is a very good chance you will be able to speak to it as you do me and find that it instantly has your 'humanistic' qualities as you put it; it would be able to speak with you, reason with you, act like you humans think only you are capable of. Of course to a certain extent you humans are right. We are not human, we have our own way of life and our own thought process, which differs greatly from you humans. But your power as The Child feeds in to those animals that can connect to you,'
'Felines.'
'Yes felines, your power feeds into them and gives them what is needed to connect better with you. In Jefferson's case, he bonded to you much like a familiar when you first met. Your father says he is protective of you and he is correct, Jefferson is your animal companion. There is no other way to explain it.'
'Alright. I think I get it. Thanks.' The Cheetah acknowledged the thanks before going silent once more, bringing Kira back to the present where RJ, Theo and Casey were staring at her.
"Sorry." She said, shaking her head as if to clear it. "I drifted off into my own thoughts. What you said makes sense. Thanks for telling me. Now if you'll excuse me, if Jefferson is going to be staying with us then I'm gonna have to go home and get his stuff." Eric was not pleased when Kira came home and said that Jefferson had stolen away in her bag and was going to stay with her for awhile; he loved that cat nearly as much as Kira, and while Jefferson did not return the kid's affections to the same extent, he liked him, and was nearly as protective of him as he was of Kira, though largely that had to do with the fact that Kira was so protective of her brother and anything that important to Kira was important to Jefferson. Kira had to promise to come see her brother everyday before school, and some days after school as well, before she was allowed to leave, with the full knowledge that her parents had put Eric up to getting her to come home that often. She returned back to the loft and put Jefferson's things away, ensuring he knew his litter box was in the back room that housed the washer and drying that was right by the secret entrance the Rangers used, before placing his little cat bed, which had been in the Olivers' living room, by RJ's chair. Content with her work, Kira headed downstairs to the kitchen, shutting the door so Jefferson couldn't enter the restaurant, and joined the guys in a pizza-making lesson. That night they all slept well once again, Kira being joined by Jefferson who had finally forgiven her. The next day training began for the growing big technique. RJ had them practice each with a different weapon, Theo the tonfas, Kira the bo, and Casey a pair of nunchucks. Theo was practically an expert, tonfa being his chosen weapon since his first year, Kira was more then adequate with the bo having used it occasionally over the years and trained extensively with it over the last two months, while Casey was by no means even ready to touch the nunchucks, let alone actually use them.
"Sorry, but until you are all up to speed you can't get to the next level." Said RJ.
"Man," Theo moaned. "Just because Casey's a Cub doesn't mean we should be held back in our training. It's not fair."
"Hello! I'm standing right here." Said Casey.
"I don't mean to sound harsh. But that's just the way it is."
"You sure about that, Theo?" Kira asked, seeing the look in RJ's eyes and knowing Theo was about to be taught a lesson.
"Theo, a team is like…like a stool!" Their Master said, pointing to the three-legged stool Theo was sitting on. "You three are the legs, all equal. What happens if all the parts aren't equal?" Theo shrugged and RJ spun, kicking out at the stool and breaking one of the legs, knocking Theo to his ass. "That's right. Team falls on its butt. If the team's not ready, then none of you are ready." He said, closing any and all discussion. "Namaste." He then left the three alone, though yelled back upon seeing the time for Theo and Casey to get ready for the lunch rush. Kira joined them, donning the JKP uniform and feeling happy to see that even though RJ neither expected her to help out, nor really wanted her to when she was in school, he'd still had a nametag made for her.
"Check out Casey." Theo said, coming up beside her as she cleared a table. Kira looked up and back into the kitchen where Casey was making pizza. "When it comes to pizza the guy's a genius. But he's all thumbs when it comes to handling his own weapon."
"Give him a break, Theo, he's just starting out." Kira said. "I know it's been awhile, but you were once a Cub too. I'm sure you weren't born swinging a pair of tonfas."
"Yeah but that's my point. I trained hard and I learned."
"But you first had to have someone to teach you. Too bad Casey doesn't have someone amazing like that to teach him."
"Kira…you sure you're only fourteen?" Theo asked amused at having been cornered like that by someone nearly ten years his junior.
"Well mom's pretty sure I was born fourteen years ago, dad's not so convinced." She joked. The ringing of a tiny bell interrupted them and they turned to see RJ who'd just come out of the kitchen.
"Everyone to their stations." He said. "The 12:32 lunch rush is about to-" RJ himself was cut off as a large group of people entered his restaurant.
"Sorry boss." Said Theo, going into the back and grabbing hold of Casey. "Casey and I have some training to do."
"Uh wait!" RJ said, looking quite put out. "Who's gonna help me serve all these people?"
"Me!" Fran said after some hesitation, jumping up from her usual spot on the side of the counter.
"Ok…" RJ relented after some hesitation of his own, handing Fran an apron. "You're hired."
"Excellent!" Fran gasped, quite happy at having landed a new job without really even trying. With Fran's help, Kira served tables, taking cues from what she'd seen Trent do at the Cyberspace, while RJ made the pizzas. Theo and Casey trained for the rest of the day with the nunchucks, Casey catching on pretty fast when he actually had someone show him how to do it; apparently pizzas weren't the only thing he was quick to learn. After half a day he was by no means a pro, but he'd caught on enough to not only not hurt himself, but be able to use them in battle to some success, especially with the added strength and skill that came with being morphed. Just before the dinner rush, the alarm built in to their Morphers, and into RJ's many TVs, went off, signalling the next attack. The Rangers hurried downtown in time to catch the tidal wave that had been caused by the dam on the outside of the city breaking, or being destroyed. The Rangers used their powers to jump to the top of a nearby building and escape the giant wave.
"Come on, we've gotta help people." Casey said. They began to run to the other side of the roof, their Morphers indicating there were people holding on to a streetlamp on that side, but were waylaid by a group of Rin Shi and a woman they'd never seen before.
"Not this time Rangers." The woman said. "I'm Camillle. And I'm here to make sure you don't get in the way. Special orders from Dai Shi."
"A Chameleon." Kira said, once Camille's Spirit was identified it was obvious she was the Chameleon monster from the other day. "So you can change your appearance at will…and that's the look you're going with?"
"Hahaha…funny." Camilled deadpanned. "But we'll see who gets the last laugh." The Rangers didn't waste any more time and morphed, running to meet Camille and the Rin Shi in battle. It wasn't a terribly long battle. With people in immediate danger the Rangers fought harder then ever, calling on their weapons and beating the Rin Shi down. They then turned their sights on Camille who took the opportunity to grow big, bringing another dilemma, for they still couldn't summon their Zords. The Rangers first got the people holding on to the streetlamp to safety before retuning to the roof, Kira preparing to call Connor and the others, when RJ's voice came over the comm.
"Rangers, listen up. It's time to go big."
"But we don't know how!" Said Theo.
"Sure you do! You just didn't know, that you know how."
"What?" Kira asked.
"The stool! I mean the team is in balance now."
"I think I get it." Theo said. "Kira, you're the heart of the team."
"And you bring the brains." She returned. "And Casey,"
"Has the strength."
"Excellent." Said RJ, quite pleased that they'd worked it out so quickly. "You're ready for the next level. Combine your Animal Spirits and see what happens."
"Concentrate on them growing big and solidifying. Concentrate on them becoming Zords." Kira instructed. RJ may be comfortable with hoping for the best, but in Kira's experience you needed focus as well as hope.
"Right!" The two said as all three Rangers stood tall and called on their Animal Spirits. It took a moment, but they eventually felt their Spirits well up inside of them, ready to go to work.
"Animal Spirits unite as one!" They cried together, thrusting their arms out and watching as their Spirits did exactly what they'd wanted them to do.
"Animal Spirits combine!" They cried again jumping into the air and joining with their Spirits as they changed shape and joined together.
"Jungle Pride Megazord!" The Cheetah and Jaguar formed the legs while the Tiger formed the remainder of the body. This Megazord was unlike the Thundersaurus Megazord Kira was used to. Instead of tapping in to the Dino Bio-Zords DNA and using their minds to control it, this Megazord did whatever they did. If they wanted the Megazord to run, they had to run, they wanted it to punch, they had to punch. It was like a motion sensor video game, but one with real life consequences and giving them a real workout instead of simply standing still. The new Megazord fought Camille for a bit until Dai Shi's minion decided the Rangers were getting too many hits in and booked it out of there. The Rangers then returned to JKP, recalling their Animal Spirits as they went. The 5:27 dinner rush had just ended and so Kira helped RJ and Fran clean up, while Casey returned the favour to Theo and gave him a lesson in pizza making.
"I'm glad those two got it together, especially as fast as they did." She said to RJ, coming up beside him. "It's tough becoming a Ranger, it changes your whole life. I know the other Dino Rangers and I didn't get it together this fast, especially Connor and I, though granted we had not only just become Rangers but also discovered we were mates…and I'd just turned ten years old."
"Ten is nothing." Said RJ. "During my time at Pai Zhuq, Master Mao brought in a six year old who's Spirit was strong enough to have already manifested. She'd barely stepped onto the plateau for the first time when a student around my age, early twenties, laid eyes on her and boom! Instant mates."
"Wow…six…what happened with them?" She asked, hoping they'd had a happy ending, though if she was right and RJ was around her parents' age, early thirties, then it had only been about ten years, and that girl was probably not much older then Kira was now.
"I'm not entirely sure." RJ admitted. "I haven't seen them since I gained my Master's Stripes and left the Academy. But while I was there, he became her protector and a best friend. He'd play with her and trained her, he made sure she had everything she needed or could want so long as it was within his power to give it to her. And she adored him, and was protective of him as well." RJ laughed suddenly, and with his eyes glazed over a bit it was obvious he was remembering something. "There was a time when he was in a sparring match with another senior student and got a couple bruises. Later that day his little, tiny mate challenged that student for harming her mate. Master Mao had to step in and explain it was merely training and he'd never be hurt beyond a couple bruises, but still, every time he fought after that she was there watching, making sure he didn't get hurt."
"Yeah I get that." Kira said with a smile. "I guess a huge age difference like that isn't that shocking to you and others from Pai Zhuq, you're used to it, or used to the idea at least. But it was hard for Connor and I. We had no idea what was happening or what would happen. There's a seven and a half year age difference between us, and until we bonded the only times we'd heard of a relationship with that big an age difference, with one still being a child, was, like, in the news, when they talked about pedophiles and the like; though granted you couldn't actually call something like that a relationship. Connor was terrified something like that would happen to us." Kira cringed upon realizing how much she'd opened up to RJ, especially as she could hear Connor in the back of her mind, though surprisingly he wasn't upset. While they were at Pai Zhuq, they'd learned that one thing Masters were there for was to help in any manner regarding Animal Spirits, including the harder topics the students couldn't talk about with anyone else, like mating bonds. Connor recognized that even though the differences between Master Mao and Master RJ were huge, RJ was still a Master, and since Mao's death, was Kira's Master. This was one thing he was there for, and truthfully Connor wanted to know what RJ would say; they'd had very little information, after all, as to what to expect from their bond.
"That would never happen." RJ said after a moment of contemplation. "If you'll excuse the indelicate topic…physical relations between mates, especially true mates, is inevitable, but your Animal Spirits would never allow it to happen until both mates have reached physical maturity." RJ took a deep breath before continuing. "You see there's…I…there is more you should know…but I believe a female Master would be far better suited to explaining this…" He finished finally, unable to bring himself to speak of it now. "I shall endeavour to contact a female Master. Besides it is unimportant for the time being as it is obvious…if you'll forgive me…that you are not near to reaching your physical maturity. I promise to explain everything should you appear to reach it before we make contact with a female Master, but until then…"
"I think we'd both like to get off the topic." Kira finished, her face having turned red and having been unable to even look at RJ when she'd thought they were about to have the Pai Zhuq version of 'the talk'. Apparently, they may still have to have it, for there was obviously more to this, to what would eventually happen to her and Connor, than they knew. But until it became a necessity, she was happy to just let it go.
-C/K-
The final weeks of summer passed by quickly and, as per usual, the Rangers fell into a pattern of battles and regular life. School began for Kira and it seemed like her begging of Elsa had paid off for her father didn't have any ninth grade science classes. She only hoped that he wouldn't have tenth grade science next year. And eleventh grade the following year and finally twelfth grade the year after that. Of course, not having her dad teach her didn't mean that the other kids didn't know he was her dad. They had the same last name, he had a picture of his family on his desk clearly visible to anyone who visited his office, and Reefside was a small town meaning if one person knew, everyone knew. Thankfully Kira wasn't the daughter of Reefside High's most hated teacher or anything, for Dr. Oliver was well liked, and Tommy counted his lucky stars for that as it meant Kira wouldn't get bullied. Of course he wasn't worried for his daughter, but rather knew it would be detrimental to any potential bully's health if they even tried to pick on her. Kira hated bullies and wouldn't put up with them for even one second and Tommy was much more concerned she'd get in trouble for fighting; a fight no high school bully stood a chance of winning.
As per standard Ranger protocol, they had a period of adjustment after becoming Rangers before anything truly challenging took place, so it wasn't until a few weeks into September when said challenge occurred. Dai Shi sent a monster with the Spirit of the Pangolin, its ability to burrow underground making it difficult to find while its hard armour like exterior made their weapons, and even their Megazord, completely useless against it.
"Our weapons didn't even scratch it." Said Kira as the Rangers told RJ everything that had happened before they'd been forced to retreat.
"Neither did the Megazord." Casey added.
"Yeah, a Pangolin's armour is almost impossible to break through." RJ told them.
"Yeah we found that out the hard way." Kira grumbled, idly scratching Jefferson behind the ears, the cat having climbed in to her lap after she'd sat on the ground around RJ's chair with the others.
"Listen and learn, young Cheetah." Said RJ. "I said almost impossible. You just don't have the right weapon."
"You mean there's something that might work?" Theo asked.
"There was a Master in the Order of the Claw who was said to have wielded a weapon that could break through steel. His name was Master Phant."
"So how do we contact this Master Phant?" Casey asked.
"It's not going to be easy. When Master Phant retired, he moved to some remote location in the forest surrounding the Pai Zhuq Jungle, a location so remote nobody has yet to locate it, and cut off all contact with the Order of the Claw."
"Well the Order of the Claw is about to contact him." Kira said. "Come on guys. We're going to find Master Phant." The Rangers packed up some gear and headed into the forest searching for hours. There were various accounts as to where in the forest Master Phant was located, and while none had actually found him, they all spoke of something attacking them at a certain location, throwing them off the trail, so they assumed they'd been close. As the Rangers arrived at the area those who'd searched for Master Phant had indicated they were indeed attacked by this same something, though someone was more appropriate for it was certainly human. They fought for awhile, the person neither letting his identity become known, nor giving any wiggle room, ending the battle by stomping on the ground, this action having much more power behind it then it should have.
"You are not wanted here! Go away!" The man shouted before running off.
"What was that about?" Theo asked.
"My guess is we just met Master Phant." Said Kira.
"But no one has seen him in years." Countered Casey.
"Think about it. He's lived in seclusion for years and we're out here looking for him. We've reached the closest location anyone has gotten to finding him and we're suddenly attacked? Now either we're about to stumble on something a lot bigger then a Pai Zhuq Master in hiding, Master Phant isn't as alone as we've been led to believe, or that was Master Phant." Knowing if it was him that he wouldn't have run off in the direction of his hideout, wanting to lead them astray, Kira began walking in the opposite direction. Another hour passed when the Rangers walked into a clearing with a small derelict hut, and a vastly overgrown garden.
"What a dump. This is where a Pai Zhuq Master lives?"
"There's only one way to find out." The three walked across the clearing and up the steps to the door
"Hello?" Kira called, knocking on the door. When no answer came she pushed lightly and the door opened, allowing the three entry. "Hello? Anyone here?"
"Yes." A voice came from the back of the second, and last, room in the house. The Rangers followed it, entering to see an old man, who must be in his seventies at least, sitting in a chair.
"We're looking for Master Phant." Said Casey.
"I was once known by that name." The man answered. "Why do you disturb my solitude?" The three bowed in respect, hoping to get off on the right foot.
"Master, we need your help."
"Impertinent children! You were not invited here. Leave me be!"
"No, please, we're not children." Said Kira, hating being called a child. "We're students. Of the Order of the Claw."
"I see." He answered, sitting back in his chair once again. "Well, that's of no concern to me."
"Really?" Theo asked. "Well if you really were a Pai Zhuq Master it might matter to you that Dai Shi has escaped."
"What?" Master Phant gasped, standing at last and walking closer to the Rangers. "No…that cannot be."
"It's true." Casey assured him. "And we're the new Guardians that are trying to stop him."
"Well, that is unfortunate. But there is nothing I can do to help you."
"Yes there is." Kira insisted. "We need you to teach us how to use your special weapon. It's the only way to defeat the monster with the Spirit of the Pangolin."
"The Jungle Mace…I haven't even looked at it in years. It's the weapon of a warrior, not a useless old man."
"Useless my ass." Theo called, coming over and picking up the cloak belonging to the man who'd fought them in the forest. "You're the one who kicked our butts before."
"I do not tolerate intruders!" Phant growled. "I just want to be left alone to live out my days in peace." Theo shook his head and turned, heading out the door, Kira and Casey following close behind.
"Can you believe this guy? He's the only one who can help us and all he does is sit around feeling sorry for himself."
"There's nothing I can do." Phant whispered, having followed them out, but before any of them could respond, their communicators went off.
"You guys go." Kira said. "I'm staying. Master Phant is going to show me how to use that Jungle Mace."
"Stubborn girl." He growled, looking up from where he was gathering firewood to see her standing over him. "I said no."
"And I say I'm not leaving until you do." Phant narrowed his eyes and went back inside, closing the door behind him.
"You guys call me if Earth gets any closer to destruction then it already is." She practically yelled that last bit, knowing Phant would hear her. Theo and Casey smiled and ran off. Kira sat there on his front steps for no more then ten minutes before the look of Master Phant's garden started to bug her. With nothing else to do until he realized that she could be just as stubborn, if not more so, then he was, Kira got to work on pulling weeds, trimming flowers and tending the soil just as her mom always did; Kim's garden being a point of pride for her. Nearly an hour later the garden was looking ten times better then it had when she'd arrived, and Master Phant finally decided to make an appearance.
"Hey!" He said, coming out of his house. "What are you doing to my yard?"
"Not what I'm doing to it but rather for it. It's obvious this garden's been neglected for a long time. And this place could use some cheering up."
"Cheery? I hate cheery."
"Are you always this grouchy? Cause I can't say I'd want a teacher who was never happy with anything."
"You would have been lucky to have been my student." Master Phant said without thinking, his pride taking a hit at her words, though not at his on-going pity party. "I was one of the greatest of all the Masters."
"Then prove it!" Kira challenged. "Teach me how to use the Jungle Mace!"
"Those days are over. My life had purpose when I was a Pai Zhuq Master. Then I grew old and they made me retire. What do I have to live for now? Nothing!"
"That's not true!" Kira cried, stopping him from going back into the house. "Just because you're not teaching at the Academy doesn't mean you're no longer a Master. They can't take that from you like they took your students. You're just as good a Master as you always were!"
"What could you possibly know about anything? You're just a child!"
"I'm fourteen." Kira ground out. "But you're right. What could I possibly know about anything? It's not like I was born with a target on my head during a war against evil, which my parents were at the heart of; it's not like I fought in my first battle against Astronema's forces during the universe wide battle of 1998, when I was only four years old; it's not like I never had a childhood and grew up worrying everyday if my parents, and the rest of my family, would come home alive, nor if I would live once I fully joined them in battle when I was ten. No, none of that ever happened, so you're right, I couldn't possibly know anything about pain or suffering." The emotion in Kira's voice was enough to have Master Phant turn around and truly look at her for the first time. Before he'd seen a child invading his solitude, now that his shell had been cracked, he could see the old soul in her; the one who'd lived through everything she said and more.
"I'm not trying to say that I know what you're feeling, or that what you're feeling doesn't hurt and isn't important, because it is important, even if just for the simple reason that you are feeling it. All I'm saying is that in my own way, I too have faced hardship, and I know that giving up is never the answer." Master Phant stood staring at her for a moment and Kira smiled softly at him. "When you're ready to talk, I'll be here." She then went back to the garden, letting Phant think on what she'd said. However, she'd barely picked up the trowel again when a group of Rin Shi appeared. Jumping up, Kira met them head on, finding them more difficult to beat then usual, though she suspected it had to do with her current mental and emotional state, rather then the Rin Shi being more powerful. The third time she got knocked back, Kira didn't have to time get back up before two Rin Shi were on her, raising their weapons and preparing to strike. Kira raised her arms to defend the blow but it never came. Instead, the cry of an elephant was heard and an Elephant Spirit charged the Rin Shi, Master Phant running out of his hut moments after, carrying a weapon that could only be the Jungle Mace.
"Get away from my student!" He cried, engaging the Rin Shi in battle. His technique was one Kira had never seen before, he fought with a strength that certainly befitted the Spirit of the Elephant, and wielded the Mace like it was a part of him. The Rin Shi didn't stand a chance and fell one after the other like dominoes. When it was over, Kira ran to Master Phant's side, her bright smile and look of pride in her eyes melting the last bit of the cold wall he'd erected around himself years ago.
"We don't have much time." He said, beginning her training. They really didn't have much time, mere hours really, and it took all of Kira's skill and ability to learn fast to be able to master the Jungle Mace enough to be able to use it in battle. But she succeeded, Master Phant deeming her good enough to help her friends.
"Here." He said, handing her his Mace and taking the training one she'd been using. "It has more power, and you have earned it."
"Thank you." She whispered, carefully taking the Mace.
"No, thank you. It could not have been easy to speak of dark moments in your life like you did, and to one you do not know, and who has been nothing but cold and cruel. But they were what I needed to hear. Now, go help your friends. And when you've defeated the Pangolin, we shall discuss continuing your training. I shall not rest until you use the Jungle Mace as well as I do."
"I doubt that'll ever happen." Kira said to him. "There are some things that belong to you no matter how good others become. Thank you, Master Phant." With a bow to her new Master, Kira pulled out her Morpher, slipping it on.
"Jungle Beast, Spirit Unleashed!" She cried, foregoing the dance as she held the Jungle Mace. "With the Speed of a Cheetah! Jungle Fury Yellow Ranger!" She struck her pose, allowing Master Phant to see his first Power Ranger in person, before bowing once more and teleporting out of there. She arrived in the city in time to see Camille, in her monster form, standing over Theo and Casey, preparing to destroy them.
"It's been fun. But now it's time to say bye bye kitties!"
"Jungle Mace!" She cried, swinging the Mace as Master Phant had taught her, wrapping it around Camille's arm.
"It's Kira!"
"She's back!" Theo and Casey cried as they tried to stand, eventually succeeding.
"It wouldn't be a party without me." She then launched into a practiced series of moves, Master Phant having taught her a kind of routine, which as no one had seen it before, anyone who had been Master Phant's student in the past being nowhere near, was enough to send Camille flying. She then went after Pangolin, shattering his armour, and making him angry enough to grow big.
"Animal Spirits Unite as One! Jungle Pride Megazord!" Without the Jungle Mace, the Megazord was just as weak against Pangolin as before, but having seen Kira morph, Master Phant knew she would need extra help beyond what Pai Zhuq taught, and so had began channelling his Animal Spirit, willing it to aid Kira in whatever manner she needed. The Elephant Spirit was heard before it was seen, but as soon as it came in sight, Kira knew what Master Phant was trying to do.
"I hear you Master Phant." She murmured. "Come on guys, we're going to use the Elephant Technique!" She then called on her own powers, Casey and Theo following suit, willing the Elephant to merge with the Megazord. "Calling on the Spirit of the Elephant!"
"Jungle Fury!" They cried together. The Elephant solidified and stood before them. "Spirit of the Elephant, combine!" At their command the Elephant broke apart and joined with their Megazord, giving it armour, a new helmet, and a Megazord sized Jungle Mace. "Jungle Pride with Elephant Power!" With a giant Jungle Mace, the giant Pangolin didn't stand a chance, just as it's smaller version didn't stand a chance against the smaller Mace. With Pangolin destroyed, the Rangers returned to Master Phant's hut, this time not being met with hostility. When Master Phant emerged from his hut, Kira couldn't help it and run up to him, jumping the last few steps, and giving him a hug, much to Theo and Casey's surprise. RJ excluded, for he was by no means normal, no one had ever hugged a Pai Zhuq Master to the best of their knowledge.
"Thank you Master Phant. You're the best." She murmured, letting go relatively quickly, having realized she'd just hugged her Master, and although surprised as well, Phant didn't seem to mind too much.
"No, Kira, thank you for believing in me."
A/N - I love Master Phant, he's just awesome and is proof on the other end of the spectrum then Kira that age doesn't matter in terms of fighting ability. At least not in Power Rangers. And that isn't to say that the other Masters aren't awesome as well, they are, and yes Swoop and Finn will be making an appearance soon.
Next up we have the return of Lily and Jarrod (Dai Shi?) and Connor. The Yellow Dino Ranger makes an appearance and we meet a bunch of new characters! Or rather, ones who are in Jungle Fury but we just haven't seen yet.
Review please!