Welcome to Reefside (editing in progress)

Super Dino Day

Tracy's POV

My old karate teacher called yesterday. He's flying in next Friday to test me for my black belt. I should be excited, but honestly, I'm nervous. I haven't practiced as much since becoming a Ranger.

Kira texted me earlier saying the team was meeting for training in the woods, so I put my phone in my pocket and headed out.

Dr. Oliver's POV

The Rangers gather in the clearing. While Conner and Ethan spar, I notice Tracy pacing back and forth like she's waiting for a meteor to fall.

Tracy, are you going to join us? I ask.

She jumps. Oh, yeah. I was thinking about something.

When she finally joins Trent to spar, something immediately stands out. The stances. The footwork. The strikes.

She's not guessing. She knows what she's doing.

After a smooth takedown, Trent is suddenly on the ground staring up at her.

Did you know she could fight like that? Conner whispers.

Nope, Ethan replies. Did not see that coming.

Tracy, you can let him up now, I tell her.

She helps Trent to his feet.

Tracy, do you have a black belt in karate? Conner asks.

Sorry to disappoint you, I'm just a first-degree brown belt, she says.

Conner blinks. Wait, brown belt as in... advanced brown belt?

She shrugs. I've been taking classes since middle school. My mom thought it would help me build confidence.

That explains everything. I smile. And you should be proud of how far you've come.

Thanks, Dr. O. I'm just nervous about next Friday. My old teacher is testing me for my black belt.

Isn't that a good thing? Conner asks.

Yeah, but I'm not ready, she groans.

You will be, I tell her.

How?

Because I'll help train you. I'm a fifth-degree black belt.

Her eyes widen. Seriously?

I nod.

Conner crosses his arms. Do we get to watch you break boards and stuff?

I can't even break a board anymore, Tracy mutters.

Only one way to find out, I say.

I walk to my jeep, grab a practice board, and return.

Ready?

As ready as I'm going to be.

She strikes with a sharp kiai. The board snaps cleanly in two.

She stares at it in shock. Well. At least I still got it.

Conner grins. So, hey. Totally unrelated. Softball tryouts are coming up next week. You interested?

Tracy laughs. I mean, I'd love to try, but my old school turned me down three years straight.

Seriously? Why? Conner asks.

She sighs. My coaches always told me I wasn't at a high enough skill level, which is code for you're too small and we don't want you to get hurt. I practiced a ton every year. The only thing I never figured out was sliding into bases.

Conner perks up. A slide tackle is basically the same form. I could teach you.

She smiles a little. Maybe... That would actually help.

Before they can say anything else, Elsa appears with a squad of t-drones.

Hello Rangers. I hope I'm not interrupting anything, she taunts.

Elsa, please give it up. You'll never get the gems back, Tracy says confidently.

The fight starts. Tracy moves with controlled precision, delivering a perfect tornado kick that takes down three droids at once.

Still got it, she pants.

After a long battle, she suddenly glows. Spikes form across her suit.

Whoa, Tracy just got her super dino mode, Ethan shouts.

With the new power boost, they push the monster back until Elsa retreats through an Invisi-Portal.

Back at the lab, everyone catches their breath.

Dr. Oliver, what was that burst of power? Tracy asks.

Your super dino mode, I explain.

Cool. Also, not to sound rude or anything, but when do I get a bike? Riding double on Trent's ATV is getting old.

None taken, Trent says.

Hayley's working on yours now, I tell her.

Sweet.

Conner shifts awkwardly. So... Tracy? Homecoming dance is Saturday.

Thanks for adding more stress to my schedule, she snaps.

She looks down, suddenly quiet. I already miss my old school. The pep rallies, spirit week, senior stuff... even the stupid food fights.

The computer beeps. Incoming video message appears.

Sarah's face pops up.

Hey T-dawg.

Hey Sarah. How's JHS holding up without me? Tracy asks.

It's fine, but the hallways are too quiet without you.

Sarah fills her in on everything she missed. Tracy laughs, and for the first time today, she looks genuinely happy.

After the call ends, she turns to the others.

You guys planned this, didn't you?

Hayley smiles. Guilty. But you needed it.

Thank you, Tracy says softly. Really.

Tracy, I'm glad to see that smile again, I tell her.

She nods. I should probably hit the mall.

Why? Conner asks.

So I can buy a dress for homecoming, obviously.

Hayley steps up. Want help?

Tracy looks relieved. Yes. Please.

Hayley's POV

Tracy tries on a few dresses, but nothing feels right—until she steps out in a soft periwinkle gown.

Hayley... she whispers. I love this one.

It suits you perfectly, I tell her. That color brings out your eyes.

She smiles, a real smile this time.

She buys the dress, thanks me, and we head out of the mall together.

Tracy's POV

Later that night, I gently set the dress on my bed, letting my fingers glide over the soft, periwinkle fabric. It looks even prettier here than it did under the dressing-room lights. For a long moment, I stand there, staring at it, feeling something I haven't felt since leaving Michigan.

Excited.

Nervous, sure.
Overwhelmed, obviously.
But... excited.

For the first time since moving to Reefside, something feels good. Something feels like mine.

I sit on the edge of my bed and smile to myself.

Maybe—just maybe—homecoming won't be so scary after all.