Alright, so... this is the first chapter of a pretty, in my opinion, story... This first part actually takes place during my favorite Merrick-centric episode, Power Play.

And, that's all I gotta say for now.

Here's the Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers Wild Force or any song in this chapter... all I own is my OCs, and this story.

Hope you enjoy!

Centaine

I sighed as I finally pulled the last duster out of one of the Roadhouse rooms.

"Okay… Uncle Willie… the rooms are all clean and I can say… without a single doubt in my mind…" I took in a deep breath as I plopped down onto the bar in front of him, "I am never doing that again."

My uncle, Willie Hill, chuckled lightly. "Now Tiane…"

I smiled lightly. He always called me that. "I know, I know… work, work, work, work… what else ya got me to do?"

"Dishes need washing. You wanna help. You wash 'em I dry 'em."

I smiled and nodded before I walked to the kitchen with him to start the job.

As we did, I heard the door open and I glanced through the door to see a boy walking in… full white robes, silver sash, golden belt…. Black gloves and boots.

And he was walking up to the pool table.

"Tiane."

"Huh?" I looked back at my Uncle.

"What's up?"

"There's a guy out front… looks like he's gonna play some pool." I shrugged.

"How old?"

"Probably my age." I shrugged.

He sighed before he nodded to the door, "Let's go watch then… see what he's got."

I nodded before I turned off the sink and he took the plate he was drying with him to the front.

We walked out as the guy… did he even put down any balls before he picked up a Cue?

Well… either way… whatever he put down, he got to one end of the table and shot them… all of them going into three separate holes with ease.

Uncle Willie scuffed softly, while I blinked.

No one, not even my uncle himself, has been able to do that before… not even me.

"Wow…" I smiled lightly.

And the guy looked even cuter up close… maybe I should go ask for his name… if I happen to get his number, that'd be a plus too…

Just as I was about to go around the bar, the door opened again and my heart dropped.

Great… it's the stupid Crumble Gang… god I hate those bikers!

The main ring-leaders walked up to the counter and I folded my arms as 'Blade' put his hands to the counter, smirking at the two of us.

"Hey!" 'Twitchy' called from the Jukebox, "This junk is broken! I can't hear any music!"

I bit my lip to keep from smirking myself.

For once, I'm so glad I put the job for cleaning the Jukebox for last.

"We told you before!" Uncle Willie spoke up as 'Blade' opened up a can of soda, "If you want something you have to pay for it!"

'Blade' took his drink before he put it down, after chugging the whole thing then giving a disgusting burp, and got in my uncle's face, "I'm too thirsty to pay."

He threw the can behind him and onto the Pool table… in front of that other guy's shot.

"Hey!" I shoved 'Blade' back, "Back off!"

They scuffed at me.

"Is wee little Willie and Nit gonna cry… ie, ie, ie…?" 'Brick' laughed at us and I growled softly.

"You guys aren't welcome here!" Willie snapped.

"We told you to stay away!" I bit.

"You talking to me old man and little girl?!" 'Blade' got in our faces.

Suddenly, the can he'd thrown hit his shoulder and landed behind us.

This, caused them to turn around to the other guy.

"What do you think you're doing?!" 'Blade' yelled at him.

"That's your trash… you pick it up." The other didn't seem fazed at all.

"You talking to me, pajama boy?!"

I tried not to roll my eyes. The bikers didn't really intimidate me as much as they annoyed me… especially with their stupid 'on the fly' nicknames.

The bikers all walked up to the other guy… not good…. That… usually spelled trouble…

'Blade' scuffed as they got up to him, "What's the matter? Your mommy forgot to dress you."

It was great shock that the guy wasn't fazed… at all by these guys…

I don't know whether that scared me… or amazed me.

"If I were you, I'd start running right now." 'Spike' informed him.

Willie and I winced, looking away a bit.

However… I saw the other guy… tilt his head to the side and was he….. Oh my god he has a death wish.

The other guy was smirking!

"Well… maybe I won't need that name and number… especially if he's dead…" I bit my lip.

2 minutes later…

Willie and I walked out to the front as the fight between the other guy and the guy bikers was happening.

As much as I wanted to get in there to help him, he seemed to be doing really well on his own.

He kicked 'Spike' into a set of trashcans… threw 'Brick' to the ground in actual pain.

And he easily fended off the others with just the cue stick he'd been using!

We got to a better viewing point and my mouth dropped in amazement.

"He took out all of them!" I gaped, "In… what? Two? 2 and a half minutes?"

"Yeah… just about." My uncle nodded.

The bikers all, slowly, walked around him in fright before they got to their bikes, crying out 'No more.' and 'Let's go.' before they drove off.

I have never been happier to see some guy take on a biker before… live alone a guy that takes on a whole gang of 'em.

I clapped with my uncle as we walked up to the guy.

He turned around and Uncle Willie put his hands on his hips while I folded my arms… but we all smiled proudly.

"Pretty impressive." Willie.

"Uh… Uncle Willie? That was epic!" I corrected.

The other guy nodded and started to walk away, and I frowned.

"Uh… hey… wait." I stepped closer.

He stopped and I nearly rolled my eyes as his stomach growled… we weren't too far away not to hear it either.

He put his hand to his stomach and turned to us.

"You must be hungry." Willie figured.

The guy rubbed his stomach and smiled lightly, nodding a little.

"One of Uncle Willie's Roadhouse Special coming up!" I grinned and ran back inside.

5 minutes later…

Uncle Willie and I walked out with a plate and a glass of soda for the guy, who was sitting at the bar.

"Here it is. Willie's Roadhouse Special." Uncle Willie noted simply.

I also walked out with a plate for myself and walked around the bar, sitting the cup down for him while I put the plate for me down and sat beside him as Willie put his plate down.

"Now this'll take care of those hunger pains." My uncle noted simply.

The guy leaned forward… like he'd never saw or smelled Sunny side-up eggs, a hash-brown, and two slices of a tomato before.

"You don't look like you're from around here." I let that slip out before I could stop myself.

He looked up and looked between me and my uncle, "I'm not."

"Well if you need a place to stay I got a spare room in the back."

"Uh, Uncle Willie, I'm using that spare room… remember?" I hissed softly as the guy was looking at the room's sign.

"There's two beds." He reasoned quietly.

Dang it, he had me there.

"I could use a guy like you to help us out." Uncle Willie added so the guy'd hear.

The guy looked back at us and nodded, "Yeah sure… sounds good."

I resisted the urge to bang my head into the bar. "That's… great… thank you, Uncle Willie…"

"Good." He nodded, then looked at the other guy's clothes… which… suddenly also peaked my interest.

"But uh… first we need to get you some new clothes." I decided… right before he was about to take a bite of the hash-brown and glanced at his clothes in… was that confusion?

30 minutes later…

"Alright… all of the thrift shops clothes that could possible fit you… Uncle Willie owes me big…" I took in deep breath as I sat down a large pile of clothes beside the guy, and looked over at him, "Enjoy."

"Uncle?" He questioned the term, "You don't…?"

"Yeah… uh… my grandma and grandpa were white and black and had three kids… one was my mom, Uncle Willie… and my Uncle…" My throat clinched and I shook my head a bit. "Uh… anyway… my mom married my dad, who was white… and… I got this skin… so… yeah, he's my uncle…"

"Why aren't you?"

"My parents are in the middle of a nasty divorce…" I bit my lip and absentmindedly rubbed my hip, "So… until it's settled… I'm staying here… helping out… like you, but it's more outta the fact that he's family. And I'd do anything for family."

The guy nodded, "Good."

"By the way… uh… I'm Centaine… Centaine Vea Nagat." I introduced myself.

He blinked, "Centaine Vea Nagat?"

"Yeah… I've been trying to get my uncle to change it for weeks now." I sighed.

"No… it's…. it's an amazing name….."

"Ah… you just don't think it's good with me…." I nodded, "While we're on the subject of names… what the heck is yours?"

He smiled lightly, "You like a good mystery, Centaine?"

"Only when it means I win in the end." I relented.

"I'll give you till the end of the day to guess it. If not… I chose which bed I sleep in."

"And if I do?" I raised a brow.

"Well… you get to chose what job I get tomorrow." He shrugged simply.

I blinked and nodded, "I like that… deal."

I shook his hand before Willie walked out and I quickly pulled away.

"Uh… clothes are right here… I will… be anywhere else, Uncle Willie, yes I know." I sighed and walked away, "No need to remind me!"

I walked behind the Room hall and quickly ducked and looked around it to look at the new guy… who I'm starting to think was named 'Kurt' or something… cause nothing is that strange.

I saw him take off his shirt and I mentally moaned when I realized all I could see was his back! Darn it!

He pulled on a gray shirt and I quickly turned my back when I noticed him pulling off his boots.

Alright… so… I've got Kurt as a possible name… but maybe Brad too?

No… those seem too simple for this kinda guy.

Noah? Heck no… the guy's way to tough for that kinda name… maybe Cedric?

I whacked the back of my head. No way.

I heard a something being pulled on and I glanced around the corner to see the guy throwing on a jacket.

I slowly got up and walked out to the front again.

The jacket was a little long… but it still looked good…

It went well with the shirt, leather jeans… and violet sneakers.

"Nah… nah… nah…" Uncle Willie denied, "You know, clothes say a lot about a man… and that looks a little bit too slick… but you know what I've got the right one…." He bent low into the pile. "Right here…"

I heard a low wolf howl as one of the Window open and I frowned and looked over at it.

"I thought I locked this?" I whispered and closed it again, locking it for sure this time.

"You see how I dress don't you? It's gotta be conserved, but not over the top." Willie was saying.

We turned back to face the guy and…

He wasn't there.

I frowned, "Guess that one must've fit just fine…" I then blinked at the shirt he was holding. "And that's mine!"

I tugged it out of his grip and walked back in the direction of my… the spare… room.

1 hour later…

"Log duty?" I groaned as Willie asked me to help.

"Don't worry… you're not alone this time." He assured.

"What exactly do you need my help with?" The new guy walked out to the back, pulling off the jacket.

"Ah… good… you're here… I need you to help Tiane with log cutting."

I blinked, then moaned, "Oh… great."

"Good luck." He patted the new guys shoulder, "And watch out for her swing!"

I sighed and grabbed a log, "Alright… might as well get started… if Uncle Willie's wanting logs… that means barbecue… and that means he needs to get it done before sunset…"

He nodded softly and grabbed the ax, swinging it a bit.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." I grabbed his hand, "You know… you act like you've never worked a day in your life."

"But I have." He assured.

"Or heard sarcasm before." I blinked, "Alright… let help you out…"

I out the log on the stump and held up my ax.

I lifted it up and let the weapon fall through the piece of word, cutting it in half.

"Now you try." I waved for him to do it.

I put down another log and gave him the ax.

He lifted it up, but I quickly grabbed it.

"Okay… let's… not play 'Ax murderer'… you need to feel the ax." I got behind him and lifted the cutter up, "Guide the weight of the blade down onto the log."

He pulled the weapon down, and it easily cut the log.

"There… see… now try again." I put another log down.

He cut it again, then another… and…

Well… then I saw this chick in a white dress and flower crown.

And… when I did… Merrick froze.

"I… I'll just… go… inside… and get a glass of water…" I decided quickly before I rushed back inside.

I looked out the window right by the doorway silently, and saw him turn to her.

The girl walked closer, but I couldn't hear much of what she said…

But I did hear her call him Merrick!

Ha! Might've been a cheating way… but it was still a way to win a bet!

To my honest confusion… Merrick instantly fell to the ground in a bow… before he said. "Princess… I'm so happy to see that you're safe."

I hit my forehead.

First of all, who calls a girl in a dress and a flower crown…

Okay, that does sound like something a Princess would wear…

But… happy to see that she was safe?

Safe from what?

He got up and turned away…. in my direction!

This causing me to duck my head a little closer in so he wouldn't see me.

I couldn't see or hear much after that… but it got me a little curious.

Who the hell was this Princess… and how did she know this… Merrick guy?

Later that day…

I had my arms folded, leaning my back against the wall to the rooms as the Roadhouse door opened.

"Willie closed up shop." I got 'Merrick's attention, "He does that at 9 every night… except on Saturdays… then it's at Midnight… he's got a place down the street… couple a minutes walking distance."

He nodded, "Why are you…?"

"I keep an eye on the place… I'm like it's watch dog you could say." I shrugged, "Also… Merrick… sick new jacket… where's the one my Uncle gave you."

He tossed that one over to me, but then he blinked, "Wait… how'd you find out?"

I shrugged, "Lucky guess… now… I'll have a list of jobs for you to do tomorrow… and there's some cold sandwiches in the fridge… help yourself."

He blinked, then nodded, "You're very kind."

I sighed and shook my head, walking away as quickly as I could, "If only you knew the truth Merrick… if only you knew the truth…"

Merrick

The next day…

"Done!"

I groaned and turned over in my new bed to see… what was her name? Centaine?

Well… she was walking out of a shower next to the room we slept in.

I quickly turned my head when I noticed she was walking over to the beds.

I closed my eyes and heard her sigh.

"You know… you ain't the first guy that's seen me come out of a shower… well… actually… you're the first guy not by blood who's seen me come out of a shower." She noted simply, "And relax, it's not much to see."

I opened an eye and saw that she was already pulling on clothes.

Her hair was still wet… but I could see her dark gray natural curls coming back she put it in a tight holder.

"How is your hair…?"

"Dark gray? Family gene that got lost in translation." She smiled lightly, "Same with the eyes…"

I didn't notice before… but… her eyes were an unnatural shade of turquoise… but it almost looked like sea-foam a weird shade in between the two.

She sighed as she tugged on some overalls and clasped them down at her waist.

I bit my lip so I wouldn't groan as I turned onto the bed so I was sitting on it instead.

"Shoes are in the closet." She informed me, "It's Sunday, so Willie's giving us the day off, but wants us to help him make dinner in his place by 9:30."

"Wow… can I ask how you remember all this?"

She bit her lip and I was afraid I overstepped my bounds a bit.

But, she sighed, "Uh… it's… I…." She looked down at the floor. "Never mind."

"But….." I wanted to press… I really did… but… if she didn't want to tell me… I wasn't going to, "Okay."

"I'm sorry." She apologized, "It's just… my past isn't… something I like talking about."

"I… know the feeling." I assured.

"Yeah… I've known you for less than 24 hours… and all know is what Willie knows… minus your name…. Which, by the way, you gotta tell him."

I blinked, "Why?"

"Because I ain't… and… it's your name." She informed me simply, "So…"

I nodded, "Okay… I'll tell him."

She nodded back, "Great… uh… say… where'd you get the jacket anyway?"

I shrugged softly, "A friend gave it to me."

She blinked, "Alrighty then… Uncle Willie's at his house, so…" She patted my shoulder. "Get to walking."

"Wait… you mean right now?" I asked.

"No time like the present." She replied.

"But… uh… I haven't even had breakfast yet." I reasoned quickly.

I wanted to tell Willie one of many things I should… but at the same time… I wanted to know a little more about Centaine Vea Nagat.

"Right…" She blinked, "Alright… I usually just go to a Food Truck… but, if you're wanting something I can make my Breakfast Special… it's the only thing I can make on my own…"

I nodded, "Sounds good."

"Good…" She nodded and we walked out to the front, "5 minutes, at least, and your breakfast should be ready by then."

"Thanks." I nodded again as I sat at the bar.

"No problem… if you want, you can shoot some pool… I've been meaning to restock the chalk though… so we're a little low…" She commented.

"For once, I think I'm good." I assured.

"Alrighty then…" She walked into the kitchen and I heard something being grabbed… followed by a whole bunch of other things falling, "Sorry…"

"You okay?" I got up quickly, a little worried.

"Yeah… yeah…" Her voice was a little cracked though, "Uh… Yeah. I'm fine."

"You don't sound fine…" I started walking for the kitchen as I spoke.

"It's nothing." She insisted, "Please… just… make it 10 minutes…"

I frowned, then nodded, "Okay."

I sat back down, but kept myself ready in case she needed help with anything.

"Uncle Willie's gonna kill me…" I heard her grumble before I heard her get to work.

10 minutes later…

She had her overalls all the way up as she walked out with a plate of food that I could name none of.

"What happened?" I asked as she leaned against the other side of the counter.

"Merrick… really… don't worry." She sighed.

"Actually… I will." I noted, "And where's your breakfast?"

"Light snack while you were sleeping." She shrugged, "Like I said… I'm like a watch dog… so that means, I'm a light sleeper… I like eating earlier in the morning so I don't bother anyone when they're just waking up."

"Breakfast-"

"Is the most important meal of the day… I know." She sighed, "But… believe me… it's the best I can do."

I nodded softly before I actually dug in and moaned in pleasure before I could stop myself.

"Thanks." Centaine smiled lightly.

"I didn't-"

"You don't have to." She assured, "I've only ever served that to my Uncle Willie… so… it's good to hear another's opinion."

I smiled lightly before I continued to eat, "Thank you."

"Pleasure." She assured, "Really… you don't need to thank me… just… do me a favor and don't ask so many questions about me… okay? Please?"

I frowned, "Why not?"

She sighed, "Not everyone likes to talk about their past… so… please?"

I nodded softly, "Okay…"

"Thank you." She let out.

2 hours later…

I shot some pool as Centaine worked on the 'Jukebox'.

"I thought it was broken?"

"Nah… I just forgot to clean it… I'd already had it set up so the plug wouldn't get soaked… but I forgot to actually do any cleaning yesterday….. and I'm actually glad I didn't. Most of these records are way too loud for my taste." She let out before she stood up, "There… alright… now to test it…"

She put in a coin and the music turned on… Music I didn't understand.

Some nights I stay up cashing in my bad luck!

Some nights I call it a draw.

Some nights I wish that my lips could build a castle!

Some nights I wish they'd just fall off.

But I still wake up, I still see your ghost.

Oh, Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for oh!

Whoa oh, oh. What do I stand for?

Whoa oh, oh. What do I stand for?

Most nights I don't know anymore…!

Oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, oh!

Oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, oh!

Centaine smiled lightly, nodding to the song, "Perfect."

"What's this song?" I questioned.

She rolled her eyes, probably thinking I was joking, "Some Nights. By fun. This is my favorite song since it… it helped me through a lot."

I frowned, then nodded, "Okay…"

The song continued, and I closed my eyes, letting the lyrics play in my head.

Flashback…

This is it, boys, this is war, what are we waiting for?

I remember fighting Orgs with the Ancient Warriors all too well… striking any of the Putrids that came within striking distance of my weapon.

Why don't we break the rules already?

Second Flashback…

I held the Princess after I kissed her lips softly.

I was never one to believe the hype.

Third Flashback…

I held two of the Ancient Warriors, who were getting into an argument, apart as quickly as I could.

Save that for the black and white!

I try twice as hard and I'm half as liked!

They shoved me away.

Fourth Flashback…

I groaned as my father shoved me to the ground once I told him about the Princess and I.

But here they come again to jack my style.

That's alright.

Flashback end…

"That's alright…" I heard Centaine hum along, "I found a martyr in my bed tonight. Stops my bones from wondering just who I… who I… who I am! Oh, who am I? Mmm… Mmm…"

I blinked as she started wiping a table, moving around effortlessly.

Well, some nights I wish that this all would end.

Cause I could use some friends for a change.

Flashback…

The Ancient Warriors shoved me into a well and I groaned softly as I had to climb out alone… seeing no one up there when I did.

And some nights I'm scared you'll forget me again.

Second Flashback…

Some nights I always win, I always win…!

I grinned a little as the Princess held my hands lightly, smiling at me before she kissed my cheek.

Third Flashback…

I pulled the Princess through the battlefield and into the temple, where we'd lift her and the WildZords up.

But I still wake up, I still see your ghost.

Oh, Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh!

Flashback end…

"Whoa oh, oh, What do I stand for?" Centaine hummed more, "Whoa oh, oh. What do I stand for?… Most nights, I don't know…. oh, come on…!"

So this is it.

Flashback…

I put on the Mask of Zen-Aku as I reached the battlefield after Animus was defeated, calling the three WildZords I needed to stop Master Org.

I sold my soul for this?

Second Flashback…

I woke up as the New Moon was meant to rise and walked up to a lake to bath in for the first time in what felt like a long while.

Washed my hands of that, for this?

Flashback end…

"I miss my mom and dad for this?" I heard Centaine whisper and I looked up to see her shaking a little, "No. When I see stars….. when I see stars that's all they are. When I hear songs…. They sound like a swan, so come on…! Oh, come on…! Oh, come on…! Oh, come on!"

I walked closer to her as she had her back turned to me… and she looked like she was crying.

"Ten years of this, I'm not sure if anybody understands." She let out softly, "This one is not for the folks at home! Sorry to leave, mom, I had to go… Who the hell wants to die alone all dried up in the desert sun?"

I put my hand on her back and she instantly turned, grabbing my wrist before she blinked and let me go, wiping her eyes.

My heart is breaking for my sister and the con that she called 'love'.

When I look into my nephew's eyes…

Man, you wouldn't believe the most amazing things that can come from…

Some terrible nights… ah…

"Are you okay?" I let out gently.

She bit her lip, then nodded, "Yeah… it's… the song… it… it kinda hits a little too close to home for me…"

Oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, oh.

Oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, whoa, oh, oh.

"Do you…. Would it be too much to ask if you want a hug?" I questioned gently.

The other night you wouldn't believe the dream I just had about you and me.

She shook her head before she stepped into my hold and I wrapped my arms around her.

I called you up but we'd both agree.

It's for the best you didn't listen.

I swear I heard her crying softly before she pulled away, wiping her eyes.

It's for the best we get our distance… Oh…

It's for the best you didn't listen.

It's for the best we get our distance… Oh…

She quickly turned the Jukebox off, and looked at me lightly before looking at the floor.

"My… dad… uh… he and my mom… argued…. A lot…" She let out slowly, "More… often they should… and… that song… it… it reminds me that they're divorcing… I'm never gonna see one of them again… even though… it's… it's hard. That's why I'm staying here… away from all of that…"

"That's a good thing." I noted gently, "Did… your dad… did he ever…?"

She cut me off quickly, "Merrick I asked you not-"

"I know… I just… just this once." I looked at her.

She sighed, looking away, then up at me, "Only once. And he was drunk past…. Recognition… but I'm okay… now at least."

"It still haunts-"

"Merrick!"

"Just…" I sighed, "It was the same with my dad… in a weird way…"

"Oh my god…" She surded then looked away again, "Okay… yes, it still haunts me… but I don't let it get to me…. can't let it get to me… it'd be to much for me to handle… besides…" She looked up. "It's the past. That's where it should stay."

I frowned, then nodded before I could let another question slip, "Alright…"

"Sorry for… ranting like that." She relented, "I doubt it's something you wanna be hearing this early in the morning on a day off…"

"No… don't be." I shook my head, "You're a mystery to me, Centaine… and I like that… don't be sorry for ranting… it's nice."

She blinked, "No one has ever said that to me."

"Well… let me be the first." I decided, "Is there anything else we need to do?"

"Uh… not can think of." She frowned, then shook her head, "Nope. Not that I know of. Either way… they're just odd jobs I do around here out of boredom… you don't have to do anything today."

"Really?" I blinked as she nodded, "Well… what about tonight then?"

"9:30… we gotta be at Uncle Willie's, remember?" She reminded me simply.

I blinked, then nodded, "Oh… right…"

She smiled softly, "Good."

Later that night… at 9:30…

We walked into an old looking cabin and Centaine gave piercing whistle that I had to cover my ear for.

"Ow!" I hissed in pain.

"Sorry." She apologized softly.

"Ah… Tiane…. And….. Merrick." Willie nodded to us, "I take it, you're ready for dinner?"

"Yep." We nodded.

"Well, come on… it won't make itself." He smiled lightly.

2 hours later…

Centaine and I laid in our beds and I instantly heard her snoring before I looked over at her.

She was something else…. I'll give her that.

But what was she hiding?

More importantly… why do I feel like I know her?

"She really is a mystery." I smiled lightly before I turned on my side, away from her and closed my eyes.

"Night Newcomer." I heard her whisper.

I smiled a little more, "Night Centaine."

Alright, Chapter one is done, and this story is just getting started!

Don't worry, the truth's gonna be revealed for Centaine soon enough.

But, in the Meantime, please review, and tell me what you think... just... please no hate.

Catch ya when I can!