Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers.
Chapter 24 – Race to the Nexus
Casey, Theo and RJ returned to the loft after the battle to find Kira and Connor practically wrapped around each other as they lounged on the couch RJ had had brought in and placed alongside his chair when the others first started living with him. Jefferson was clearly watching over them, from RJ's chair no les, and one look told the other Rangers that the cat's obvious concern wasn't unfounded for the two looked like shit.
"What's wrong with you guys?" Casey asked.
"We don't know." Connor muttered.
"Something's wrong with our bond." Kira admitted. "Being apart for any length of time hurts, and makes us weak."
"You're mates, of course it will." Said Theo, knowing from Lily that prolonged absence of your mate brought on both those symptoms.
"Not like this." Said Connor. "We normally can go two or three weeks without seeing each other before we reach this point. It's only been three days."
"RJ do you know what's going on?" Asked Kira.
"Yeah, you're a Master aren't you?" Connor added rhetorically.
"Indeed I am. But I have no idea what's wrong with you." He admitted reluctantly. "As I myself do not have a mate I cannot speak from experience, nor, for that very same reason, have I been informed of anything to do with mates beyond what all Pai Zhuq are told."
"Could the Masters help us?"
"It is worth a shot." RJ called the other Masters who came at once, though they had no more insight to offer.
"I wish we could help." Master Phant said. "Out of the three of us only Master Finn had a mate."
"And I've never heard of anything like this happening." Finn added. Kira and Connor sighed but thanked them for coming.
"I guess we'll just have to wait and see." Said Connor.
"I hate waiting and seeing." Kira muttered.
"I know." Connor muttered back. "Well, whatever's going on I don't think being apart is the best idea right now. RJ, you think you have room here for me? I'll take the floor for all I care. And of course I'll help out downstairs."
"Just don't let him near the kitchen." Kira inputted.
"My cooking is not that bad." Connor defended.
"Maybe not for your family, or yourself, but this is a restaurant and it's held to higher standards." Connor couldn't fight that, but sent her a small glare none the less.
"Of course we have room." Said RJ. "But I warn you, if you stay I shall not allow you to be idle."
"I've already said I'll help out in the restaurant."
"You misunderstand me, my student. If you stay, you shall continue your training."
"As far as conditions go, I'm ok with that."
While that was the only condition RJ placed on Connor, it was not the only one he had to meet. Kira and Connor naturally had to inform her parents that something was up and that Connor was going to be living in Ocean Bluff for awhile. While Tommy and Kim had been ok, if not entirely thrilled, that their teenage daughter was going to both be living away from home but with three boys it was because none of those boys had been Connor and as such they knew nothing would happen. With Connor moving in, that assurance went out the window, and Tommy and Kim were very aware that Kira was the same age Kim had been when she'd gotten pregnant; something they were desperate to see did not happen to their daughter. The two parents were on the verge of bringing their daughter, and subsequently her mate, home, saying they could both live with them and at least that way Tommy and Kim would be able to keep an eye on things, when Master Phant came to visit them. As he teleported into their house, the two had no doubt that Kira had asked him to speak with them and listened calmly as he spoke, feeling reassured the more they listened. Master Phant assured them that he and the other Masters would be keeping an eye on things, him especially as Kira was his student, and they would do all they could to see that Connor never even set foot into Kira's room.
Tommy naturally informed Kira's uncles, though thankfully left it at Jason, Billy, Zack and David, though she knew it would reach the others soon enough, and with Masters Swoop and Finn on board, Casey and Theo were also brought in to it, as was RJ, and Kira and Connor could not have been more mortified that all these people were plotting ways to keep them from having sex, completely ignoring any protests that the two made about how sex was not even on their minds as Kira had not reached her physical maturity; another fact that the Masters knew but seemed to conveniently forget. The final straw for them, or rather for Kira, was when Jefferson got in on it, his attitude towards Connor changing overnight. Anytime Connor was near Kira, Jefferson was there watching, ready to swipe at Connor's ankles should he get too close or take too long while saying goodnight. The second time this happened, Kira blew up at her friends, Masters and family, both promising that nothing would happen, and also telling them very clearly to back off. As no one wanted to incur Kira's wrath, Kira's father and uncles having the added fear of her looking very much like Kim while angry, they did back off, though Kira and Connor would still feel eyes upon them anytime they were in the same room together.
-C/K-
Weeks passed and turned into months, April arriving with little fanfare, and April Fools thankfully going uncelebrated, at least they assumed so for the only one who might have played a prank on them was RJ, but they'd never be able to tell if it was a prank, or him just being himself. A few days later a man with short blonde hair arrived at JKP claiming to be from the health department. It was only after he'd forced his way into the kitchen and made a mess that they discovered the truth.
"Dominick?" RJ asked upon laying eyes on the man after having been summoned downstairs. "Dom! I should have known!" The two embraced like old friends, which is exactly what they turned out to be. "This is my old buddy from Pai Zhuq. Dom this is Casey, Theo, Kira, Connor and Fran."
"Hey." He greeted. "Got'cha." None of them smiled at him, all of them quite unimpressed with the mess he'd made that they'd now have to clean up.
"Hey, man, come upstairs, where you been? Last I heard you were wandering the world like a nomad." RJ said as he led Dom upstairs.
"Well…"
"Oh, and you gotta hear about Dai Shi."
"Dai Shi?" Their conversation was cut off as the door closed behind them and those left behind began cleaning up. After the lunch rush, the Rangers left Fran in charge and headed upstairs, this having become a regular occurrence for usually this was around the time Dai Shi attacked. The four Rangers found RJ and Dom in the kitchen area talking, and quietly took seats to listen in.
"So how long can you stay?" RJ asked some time later.
"Only a day or two." Dom said, and the Rangers couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. "Too much time in one place and I get antsy."
"Well then, we can finish catching up later. Right now, we must prepare for the dinner rush."
"I could help out if you want. I'd love to make pizzas." Dom offered and Casey, RJ's unofficial sous-chef, smirked.
"Sure. I can find a job for you." Casey had him scraping gum off the underside of the tables, though that didn't last long for he quickly abandoned his task in favour of talking with Fran.
"So did you go to Pai Zhuq too?"
"Me?" She asked. "Oh, no. I've hardly even left Ocean Bluff. The only places I've been are in books."
"Books?"
"I know, weird right?" Fran was used to people thinking she was weird, and couldn't find a reason for this guy to be any different.
"No, in fact…" Dom reached in to his pocket and pulled out a very worn book. "I always have one with me. When I'm alone, they're kind of like my friends."
"Are they flirting?" Connor whispered to no one in particular from his place in the kitchen where everyone else was preparing ingredients and pizza dough, though also watching the newcomer.
"I have no idea." Kira murmured.
"You're still a kid, you'd wouldn't know flirting if it stared you in the face." Theo commented with a teasing smirk.
"I'm not a kid, I'm fourteen, and I've had plenty of guys flirt with me before!"
"What guys?!" Connor growled to his mate, knowing full well he'd never flirted with her and not liking the thought of anyone else doing so. Kira rolled her eyes but answered him.
"Guys who think going out with me will get them a better grade in my dad's class." She said reassuringly, letting him know that's really all it was and as such she quickly shot them down. This appeased Connor somewhat and Casey took the opportunity to redirect the topic.
"So RJ, what's the story with Dominick?"
"Dominick was one of the best." RJ said. "Master Mao was even thinking to choosing him to be a Guardian."
"Why didn't he?" Kira asked.
"Dom had a curious streak. He wanted to see everything, and do everything. So instead, Master Mao sent him out to find a focus, and years later he's still looking." RJ was then interrupted by the alarms blaring.
"What's that?" They heard Dom ask as they ran upstairs, saw a Rin Shi attacking, and then ran back out.
"What's going on?" Dom asked Connor who stayed behind.
"Dai Shi's attacking." He answered, getting back to chopping vegetables only to feel a pain shoot through him. This had been happening more and more over the months. Every time he and Kira were apart, didn't matter for how little a time, they felt it; and it just kept getting worse. "You want to see what's going on? Come on." He said abandoning any pretence of cutting vegetables and leading Dom towards the battle site, the pain easing the closer he got to his mate. This was something he did often in the last few weeks, going with them merely to watch the battles so the pain he and Kira felt was minimal. They arrived in time to see the Jungle Fury Rangers losing their fight. At one point when the monster, who had the Spirit of the Crocodile, was about to hit RJ from behind, Dom rushed forward, ignoring Connor's attempts to stop him, and grabbed the monster away from his friend. The Rangers were then treated to a sample of what RJ had been talking about as Dom took on the monster. He was by no means a match for it, but his fighting style allowed him to get one up on the monster and annoy it enough for him to get mad and run off, promising his revenge.
"Dom are you alright?" RJ asked as the Rangers, and Connor, crowded around him
"Yeah. You guys should have told me you were Power Rangers."
"It's not exactly something you lead with." Theo said. "Especially to strangers who don't exactly make the best first impression."
"Alright dudes, cool your jets. It's all water under the bridge, now lets concentrate on the real enemy." Said RJ.
"I want to join you," Dom spoke up suddenly, regaining everyone's attention. "And help you fight Dai Shi. Master Mao told me I'd find my path when I least expected it. And man…I didn't expect any of this. I feel like…like I wandered in the dark for six years and today the sunlight finally hit my face."
"I don't think that's such a good idea." Said Casey. "Everything's just a big game to you."
"And this isn't a game, someone will get hurt." Theo added.
"Please…give me a chance." He begged, the sincerity practically dripping from his tone. Theo and Casey shook their heads and turned to leave but Kira stopped them.
"You guys." She called. "Just because he didn't make the best first impression doesn't mean you should label him a chronic joker who's incapable of anything else." Theo and Casey turned back around, looking a little sheepish. "One prank doesn't mean you know what he's made of. Besides, have you learned nothing from Connor?" She added, a smirk forming on her face. "This dumb jock isn't a half bad Ranger."
"Hey!" Connor cried. "I resent that!"
"You mean you resemble that." Kira corrected him earning a playful shove.
"Alright fine." Said Casey, though he still didn't sound entirely convinced. "We'll give you a chance."
"Thank you." Dominick said.
"And now's the perfect time." Said Theo, pointing behind the others. "Look who's back." The Crocodile wasn't kidding when he said he'd be back and he certainly didn't return alone.
"Dom, this will Ranger up your Rhino Spirit." RJ stepped forward, holding out a bracelet with the Pai Zhuq symbol and some other markings on it. Dominick nodded and placed it around his wrist. His instincts led him to activate his Morpher, one of the weirdest, and largest, Kira had ever seen, as well as to morph.
"Jungle Beast, Spirit Unleashed!" Seconds later a White Ranger, with accents of orange and black appeared.
"With the Power of a Rhino! Jungle Fury Rhino Ranger!" Connor stepped back and allowed the Jungle team to take the Crocodile and Rin Shi on. Dom's Morpher acted as his weapon as well, and when infused with the Spirit of the Rhino, the Crocodile didn't stand a chance.
"Rhino Blade, Super Slash!" While the others took on the Rin Shi, Dom dealt with the monster all on his own, this new Ranger now being more then enough to handle this monster, whereas un-morphed he'd been unable to. Returning to JKP, the Rangers, plus their newest addition, were met by a relieved Fran, for they had returned just in time for the dinner rush. Dom helped out, saying that if he was going to stay, then he was going to work, and Fran was only too happy to teach him the ropes. That night a fourth hammock was added to the boys' alcove, making it quite a bit smaller as a room for four instead of the original two, and everyone sat around talking and filling Dom in on everything he needed to know, including those things, such as the Ninjetti, that just made him go into information overload.
-C/K-
The next two days passed by in relative ease, Dai Shi not launching anymore attacks until he figured out this new Rhino Ranger and how best to defeat him. Dom settled in quite well, with lots of help from Fran, which scared him to no end. He'd felt instantly connected to Fran, and had only grown more attached as time wore on. Upon hearing Dominick was back, Master Finn paid a visit both to his son's best friend, and his former student before Dom had left and not continued his training. It was to him that Dom brought up the topic of Fran, seeking his Master's advice, and was told that she could very well be his mate, that the Rhino recognized her as such, but as she did not have an Animal Spirit of her own, nothing could be done about it, for the Rhino could not bond to her without an Animal Spirit. Unbeknownst to Dom and Master Finn, Fran had overheard their conversation and was truly thrilled by what she'd heard for she too had felt a pull towards Dom, though nothing like Dom had felt, and thought she was going crazy. With the knowledge that everyone had an Animal Spirit, and so hers was merely dormant, and that mates recognized each other upon sight, Fran came to the conclusion that they were indeed mates and her dormant Animal Spirit was strong enough to make her feel something. Even if it was relatively weak, she still felt something, though she kept this information, and her conclusions, to herself, not wanting to jinx anything and wanting to find out if anything would happen between her and Dom without the influence of Animal Spirits, but merely because they themselves liked each other.
Fran and Dom weren't the only ones having relationship problems, for Kira and Connor's bond had continued to get worse. And not only that, but it seemed that their Animal Spirits were taking over. On the third day after Dom's arrival, both woke up and promptly screamed upon looking in the mirror, for their eyes had changed colour, and the pupils had changed shape, to become like a cat's. The Masters did not have an explanation for this development either, though it was clear to them that the Cheetah and Lion were indeed taking over; they just had no idea why.
Dai Shi also chose this day to launch his next attack, releasing a monster with the Spirit of the Ostrich. The Rangers handled him pretty well, their new Ranger packing a mean punch, which saw to the end of the Ostrich, until it grew big. The Rangers formed the Jungle Master Megazord with RJ controlling the Wolf Pride Megazord, and Dom was all set to call on his Rhinozord for the first time, which was where the problem arose. While he had no trouble calling on his Animal Spirit and having it solidify into a Zord, controlling it was a whole other matter. In the end, the Rhinozord not only didn't help the others, it inadvertently helped the Ostrich and saw the Megazords fall apart and the Rangers' Animal Spirits re-join with them, allowing the Ostrich to get away to regroup.
"Dom what happened?" Theo asked when they'd all re-convened at the loft.
"I don't know. I couldn't control the Rhino." He said despondently. "I've never had that problem before."
"The Rhino is a powerful Spirit." Master Finn said, he and the others having been called in again at Connor and Kira's latest development. The two in question were currently curled up together on the couch, both purring at being together again; another feline trait that had them worried. "And it takes a lot of inner strength and control for your Spirit to have a physical form, let alone one big enough to fight those monsters and have the capabilities of a Zord."
"So what are you saying, Master?" Dom asked.
"He's saying that perhaps you need a little extra help to control the Rhino while in its Zord form." Said Master Swoop.
"But the others don't need help." Dom cried unhappily.
"No they don't, but they've also been training for awhile, and don't have the Spirit of the Rhino." Master Finn added. "The Rhino is powerful but unpredictable, you know this Dominick. And after six years of wandering the world instead of training, is it really any surprise that you are having some trouble with your Animal Spirit?"
"Master Mao sent me to find my path. I wasn't just wandering." Dom muttered.
"Perhaps, but the fact remains that you have not done any in-depth training for six years." Master Finn said soothingly, suddenly having a flashback to a very similar conversation when Dom was a young teenager and had just released his Spirit for the first time, only to find the Rhino didn't listen to him and rampaged around the Academy until he was finally able to recall it. "We've had this discussion before Dominick. You may need help now, but given time and getting back into your training, I have no doubt that you'll be able to control your Spirit."
"So what do we do? How do I get help to control the Rhino?"
"Long ago, there was another Pai Zhuq with the Spirit of the Rhino." Master Phant spoke up. "He discovered exactly what you have, that the Rhino is unpredictable. It is said that he created a nexus, the Rhino Nexus, to help those who may possess the Rhino after him."
"So there might be something in the Nexus that can help me." Dom concluded.
"Yes. But no one has ever found the Nexus." Master Phant continued.
"No one found your place hidden in the Pai Zhuq Jungle." Said Kira. "Until someone did. Who's to say we can't find another unknown location?" Kira's words rang true and the Rangers geared up to go in search of the Nexus. They were joined by Connor, he and Kira having trouble being apart at all right now, and so the six Rangers set off into the woods, entering the Pai Zhuq Jungle and beginning the long trek to who knows where, for the only map they had to go on was a few vague bits of writing that Master Phant remembered reading. Unlike when trying to locate the old Pai Zhuq Master, they did not find the Nexus within a few hours, but it was nearly two full days before they came across an old stone tablet with the symbol of the Rhino. A few hours later, they arrived at the Nexus, or the ruins of it anyways; when Master Phant said 'long ago' he certainly meant it. Unfortunately, while the Rangers had reached the Nexus with relative ease, if not a short length of time, they were met with resistance upon their arrival in the form of Dai Shi.
"Fools!" He cried as the arch-enemy himself appeared. "You led me straight to the Nexus. The power of the Rhino will be mine!"
"Think again!" Dom cried, launching on the attack. This proved not to be a very good move and Dom was the first one of them to get a taste of the Zocato power Grizzaka had taught Dai Shi, this being the first time they'd seen the villain in person since before Christmas. Dom was thrown back and the next thing any of them knew they were surrounded by Rin Shi, who were led by the Ostrich. The Rangers, all six of them, separated and fought off the Rin Shi before turning their attention to the monster.
"I think we should morph." Kira said.
"You're gonna hear no complaints from me." Casey muttered. "Ready?"
"Ready!" They all cried, a fifth voice joining in.
"Jungle Beast, Spirit Unleashed!"
"Dino Thunder, Power Up!" Connor made an appearance as the Red Dino Ranger for the first time in months, wanting this over with a fast as possible so he could get back to the loft and hold his mate; a thought that only fuelled his anger for it had now gotten to the point where a few minutes had them feeling the pain of separation, even if that separation was only a few feet as they fought. Between the Jungle Rangers, who's powers were made to fight Dai Shi, and Connor's Dino Power, which gave them an element of surprise, they were able to once again defeat the Ostrich, only for him to once again grow big.
"Guys, if we're gonna have any chance of defeating him I need to get control of the Rhinozord." Said Dom. "Hold him off long enough for me to get into the Nexus!" The others nodded and called on their Animal Spirits, forming the Megazords, while Connor stood aside, remaining morphed in case he was needed. While the Rangers had been battling the Ostrich, Dai Shi had been attempting to enter the Nexus only to discover he couldn't for there was some kind of barrier blocking his path. Yet when Dom ran his way the barrier didn't pose a problem for the Rhino Ranger; it was as if there was no barrier.
"What?!" Dai Shi cried. "How?" Dom was wondering the same thing and could only come to one conclusion.
"This is the Rhino Nexus. Only one with the Spirit of the Rhino can enter here." He called back to Dai Shi before turning and running into the Nexus.
"Fine." Dai Shi snarled, turning away from the Nexus, unsure exactly what to do, for the barrier had stopped any attempt at him entering, no matter how much Zocato power he threw at it. "Fine." He said again having spotted Connor, his demeanour changed. "At least I get to destroy one Ranger." He threw a blast of Zocato at Connor who had not even been paying attention to his surroundings, too focused on Kira, and so had been hit dead on. "Or rather two Rangers." Dai Shi said to Connor as he approached the Red Dino Ranger. "Your mate won't last long once I destroy you."
"Connor!" Kira cried from the Megazord, not hesitating for a moment in jumping out and coming to her mate's aid.
"Leave him alone Dai Shi!" She snarled, her voice changing as the Cheetah took more control with her mate in danger.
"Make me."
"Gladly. Jungle Mace!" She attacked the villain with a vengeance, her anger lending her extra power, but even so he was a strong opponent, made only that much stronger with the power of Zocato. Kira fell to one such blast, causing Connor to jump up and reverse their positions.
"Kira!" His cry brought out the Lion in full force, a blast of energy escaping him much like it had the last time Dai Shi had faced him, and sending the evil villain flying backwards. That release of power saw the final cord snap between Connor and Kira's control versus their Animal Spirits, and the Cheetah and Lion took over completely, but not in a way that could help them. Instead of a release of power, which is what they truthfully expected, the two Rangers disappeared in a shimmer of power to be replaced with the animal of their Spirits. Whereas before they had been humans with Animals Spirits inside them, they were now essentially the opposite, a lion and cheetah with the spirits of Kira and Connor inside them. None of them had expected this outcome, though Dai Shi was quite pleased with it once he righted himself for it would make it easier to destroy them. Thankfully, Dom chose that moment to return, releasing the Rhino at Dai Shi before using a dagger none of them had seen before to send the villain packing. With barely a glance at the two animals that were his friends, Dom summoned his Spirit once more and used the dagger to control it as it formed the Rhinozord.
"Rhinozord, Warrior Mode!" He called, having his Zord form it's own Megazord. Between the three Megazords, the Ostrich was quickly defeated, and the Rangers dismantled the Megazords and jumped back down to the ground, joining their friends.
"What the…?" Theo asked.
"I didn't know we could turn into our animals." Said Casey.
"As far as I know we can't." Dom said. "Have you ever heard of this RJ?"
"No." The Pai Zhuq Master said, looking quite disturbed at this latest turn of events. "We better get them back to the loft." The others quickly agreed and with the help of their Zords, the trip home was much faster then the one to get here. The Masters awaited their return, having seen the entire battle on the TVs, and also having seen Connor and Kira's transformation.
"These two certainly don't do anything by half, do they?" Master Swoop asked, unable to see the lion and cheetah that stood before them, but having heard all about it from Masters Finn and Phant's running commentary, which they were well accustomed to doing, having been friends with Master Swoop for many years.
"Apparently not." Said RJ. "Can you guys change back?" The two shook their heads. "Why don't you close your eyes and concentrate?" He suggested, earning narrowed eyes and growls for they were unable to make sarcastic replies.
"I think they've tried that." Said Theo, earning a tender head-butt from Kira, her way of showing he was right.
"So what do we do now?" Dom asked, looking to the Masters in the room.
"I don't know." Master Finn said, running a hand through his hair and dropping any pretence of control he usually exerted as a Pai Zhuq Master. "I don't think any of us have any idea what's going on with these two."
"Maybe that's just it." Master Phant spoke, not yet ready to give up his aura of control. "Maybe it is because it is these two specifically that this is happening."
"You speak of the prophecy." Concluded Master Swoop. "You think this has something to do with it? With the Ninjetti?"
"What else could it be? If you have another idea I'm all for hearing it, but all we know is that this certainly has to do with their Animal Spirits, and this is nothing Pai Zhuq has ever heard of. So what else could it be besides the Ninjetti?"
"Master Phant has a point." RJ agreed.
"So what do we do then?" Dom asked again.
"We should contact Kira's parents." Casey suggested. "Remember that they're Ninjetti too. Maybe they'll know what's going on. Or know someone who will."
"A wonderful idea, Casey!" said RJ. "But how do we contact them? Do any of you have their phone number?" Everyone shook their head no. "Their address?" Again no. "Kira always used that communicator she wears, but as she's a cheetah right now-" RJ was cut off as Jefferson ran into the room, something clutched in his mouth, which he dropped at RJ's feet. "Or she could have a spare." He said, bending down to pick up the device, but not without petting the cat. "Thank you Jefferson. Now how does this thing work…?" A low roar was heard from beside them and they turned to face Kira who was standing at the centre circle on the loft's gym floor, using her paws to point to opposite sides of the circle. "We have to press the buttons on opposite sides of the communicator at the same time?" RJ asked catching on quick. Kira nodded. "Side to side?" Kira shook her head. "Top and bottom it is then." RJ pressed both buttons, hearing a single beep, and began talking. "Tommy, Kimberly, com in." He said, hoping the beep had meant he could talk.
"Who is this?" Came Tommy's voice not five seconds later.
"It's RJ." He replied, glad at least to have gotten the communicator to work properly. "There's a bit of a problem here with Kira and Connor and we-"
"Is she alright?!" Tommy demanded. "Are they alright?!"
"Yes, yes, they're both safe and unharmed. We're just hoping you could help us with something."
"Alright…what is it?"
"I think you'd be better seeing it then hearing about it." RJ replied. Tommy was silent for a moment but eventually his reply came through.
"Alright, Kim and I will be there in a minute." He was a bit off with the time, for they had been quicker then a minute, but no one was going to complain.
"Jeffy!" Cried Eric from his mother's arms as he wiggled out of them and ran to the cat just as he had the last time.
"Sorry, no babysitter on such short notice." Said Kim. "Where's Kira and Connor? What's wrong with them?"
"Big kitty!" Her son's voice interrupted her and the entire group turned towards him, seeing a cheetah perched next to the toddler, an arm wrapped around him in what the Jungle Fury team recognized as a kind of hug, though that was certainly not what Kim and Tommy saw.
"Eric!" Kim practically screeched, wanting to rush forward and grab her baby away from the wild animal, but with the cheetah's arm wrapped around him she was afraid any sudden movements would put her son in more danger.
"What the hell is a cheetah…and a lion doing here?!" Tommy demanded, having seen the other animal as it approached the cheetah and Eric. "If either of them hurt my son-" Tommy's threat was cut off as a growl sounded throughout the room. He turned back towards the cheetah to see its teeth bared and eyes narrowed, though not in any way directed towards Eric as if to strike, but rather directed towards Tommy, as if in anger.
"Yeah…there's no chance of either of them hurting Eric." RJ assured them.
"What?" Kim asked. "What do you mean 'no chance?' They're wild animals!"
"Not exactly." Theo said, stepping forward. "Think for a moment. What are Kira and Connor's Animal Spirits?"
"The Cheetah and Lion. But what does that-" Kim cut off as realization dawned on her and she and Tommy both slowly turned their heads towards the two felines.
"Got there have you?" Casey commented.
"Are…are you trying to tell us that that's…that that cheetah is our daughter?" Tommy asked, his voice a mere whisper.
"Yeah they got there." Dom added.
"Kira?" Kim asked approaching the cheetah and lion. "Connor?" The two felines sat up straight, both giving a distinctive nod. Kim grabbed on to Tommy for support, unable to believe her daughter was an animal.
"Well," Muttered Tommy. "We've had some weird things happen to us over the years. But this definitely makes the top of the list."
A/N - Not sure I agree that turning into animals is the weirdest thing that's happened to them, but we'll forgive Tommy for not being able to think of anything weirder when staring at a cheetah who's actually his daughter.
Next chapter you get some explanations for all this! And yay, Dom's here! And yes he and Fran are mates but its different because she doesn't have an Animal Spirit, at least not one that's released. She is right that everyone has an Animal Spirit, but you'll have to wait and see if anything comes of those musings...
Review please!