Cars, Planes, and Changelings

Training, First Fire, and Certified

Chrys woke up as the sun rose and stretched before trotting over to the cliff where the runway was. She sat next to the pavement as she ate some dried meat and drank some coffee. 

She wasn't a morning person, but it was nice to see the forest come alive in the day. 

"You're up, good." Chrys turned to see Blade behind her. "After you're done, we start your training." He then left, probably to get ready for the day, and also to get everyone else up. 

When Chrys was done eating, she got up and walked her way to where she was supposed to start her training. Maru was there too to help with teaching Chrys about how to fight fires and what she was going to be doing. 

"You're gonna be part of our ground support. With your exoskeleton you'll be leading the wildlife out of the fire and to safety, then you'll help the jumpers when you're done." 

Job sounded simple, but also dangerous since she was going into the fire. So Chrys knew she had to be quick but careful, and make sure everyone was safe. "Understood, Blade." 

They got to work timing Chrys as she ran through obstacles with her equipment on her back. They even had her climb some of the cliffs and trees as fast as she could. Chrys slipped a few times, but after doing the exercise a few more times she got faster, stronger, more prepared. 

A few weeks in and she was tested over and over again, getting back up when she fell and shaking it off before doing it again until she was successful. 

She also practiced running through the forest, getting a feel for the new environment and mapping out everything like shortcuts and the easiest way to get to a location. She also worked on jumping to better get around things like fallen logs and bushes. 

Right now, Chrys was on a patrol with Windlifter. She was running on the ground and following the helicopter's shadow, she even used her new climbing skills to her advantage. Jumping from tree to tree and then back to the ground to run. 

"Nothing down here. What about you, Windlifter? See anything up there?" Chrys spoke with him over her radio.

Windlifter answered as he continued to fly. "Nothing yet, Scorpion." 

Ah, Chrys' new call sigh. After seeing Chrys split a log in two with her stinger, Maru had the idea to start calling her that as a nickname which became her call sign after everyone caught on. She didn't mind though, she thought it fit. 

She nearly skidded when she smelled something. Smoke. "Windlifter, I smell smoke. Do you see any?" 

"Right ahead, I'll radio it in." Chrys wasted no time and rushed towards the fire. She made it and jumped over a burning log, putting on a mask that filtered out the smoke and ash so she could see and breath. 

She spotted some trapped deer tractors and helped them by herding them through a path that wasn't burning. The changeling soon heard a voice over her radio, it was Blade. 

"Scorpion, come in!" 

"Scorpion here!" She rammed a falling log away from the herd. "I'm getting some strays out of the fire as we speak, Blade!" 

Blade sounded serious as he answered back. "Alright, let's see if your training paid off, Scorpion!" 

Chrys lead all of the herd out and went around listening over the flames, but good news was that herd was the only one in the area. "Wildlife's clear! I'm going to help the jumpers!" 

The rogue rushed to the jumpers' location and helped them with clearing brush and building a fire break with the surrounding dirt. They soon made it back to base after the fire was taken care of. 

Maru hosed Chrys down after she took off her equipment. The cool water was refreshing on her exoskeleton. "Sorry if the water's cold, Scorpion." 

Chrys shook off the water and got to work cleaning her equipment. "It's fine, Maru. It's actually refreshing, especially after being in what felt like a literal oven." 

The others came over with happy faces and it made Chrys somewhat confused. "What? What's wrong, do I still have ashes on me?" 

Dipper answered first. "No, you look great." 

"You did great out there too. I'd say you're ready to be certified." This made Chrys puff up her chest and sit straighter in pride. 

"I'm honored to hear that." Chrys was so happy to hear that she was gonna be certified. 

Two days went by, and Chrys' family came to watch her certification ceremony. It wasn't fancy, but it was nice as Chrys had a badge sown onto two of her larger pouches. 

After the ceremony Chrys went to speak with her parents and friends from Radiator Springs. 

"Well done, Soldier." 

"We're so proud of you." 

"Doc would be so proud." 

"Welcome to the protection force, kiddo." 

"Dat'gum! Chrys, ya did great!"

Lightning and Sally seemed incredibly proud of their daughter. The two smiling as she came over to them, she looked different. But it was a good different. 

Chrys' exoskeleton was less dull, and her cores shined in the light as she approached, she looked less tired and depressed. She looked like herself again, she even felt like herself again. All be it; she was more mature and less childish. 

"Chrys, we're so proud of you. If only Doc was here to see this." Lightning smiled softly at his daughter as he spoke. 

"Thanks, Dad. I wish he was here too." 

Sally smiled as some coolant leaked from her eyes. "I'm so glad you found something to do. And have a good team." 

Chrys looked over to her new teammates and smiled as she watched them interact with one another. "Yeah, I guess so. I'm gonna miss you guys though." 

"Same here, Chrys. Sorry, Scorpion." McQueen chuckled at the nickname, but Chrys only shook her head. 

"Love you both." 

"Love you too."