Bucky Buckeye's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Bucky Buckeye adjusted his red horned mask and stared at the training grounds ahead. His armor felt heavy on his small frame. The other Rangers made fighting Evil Spirits look easy, but he still struggled with basic moves. He wanted to prove himself worthy to lead the team one day. His dream burned inside him like a fire that wouldn't go out. He turned away from the empty field and walked toward the team's base. The building rose before him, covered in red and gold decorations that shimmered in the afternoon sun. Paper lanterns hung from the roof. Golden dragons twisted around the pillars. This was where real leaders made decisions and planned missions. Bucky stopped at the entrance and looked up at the bright colors. Someday he would stand inside and command his team from here. Someday he would be ready. But first, he had to get stronger. He pushed through the doors and spotted a wooden training dummy near the far wall. His hands curled into fists. This was where he could practice without anyone watching him fail. Bucky threw a punch at the dummy's chest. His fist bounced off the hard wood. He tried a kick. His foot connected with a dull thud. Again and again he struck the dummy. Sweat dripped down his face under the mask. Each hit felt better than the last. A strange glow caught his eye from the corner of the room. A beacon stood on a table, covered in traditional symbols and bright red lanterns. The light pulsed like a heartbeat. Bucky walked closer and reached out to touch it. The beacon was meant to detect Evil Spirits in the area. Leaders needed to understand how to use tools like this. He studied the symbols carved into its surface. This headquarters held everything a team leader needed. Training equipment. Detection devices. A place to plan and prepare. Bucky stepped back and looked around the room one more time. He had taken his first real step inside. Tomorrow he would come back and train harder.