One day after finishing trying to help another pony get their cutie marks, a train appears out of thin air and falls outside the Crusaders Treehouse. When they enter, they meet a mare with a story that sounds too fantastic to be true, talking about traveling between universes in pursuit of an evil known as the Shadow Line.
But when the Shadow Line's footsoldiers attack Ponyville, the Crusaders step up to try and take down the footsoldiers which draws the attention of the same mare from before. She offers them a chance to defend their home from this invader, one that may yet become something more.
All aboard, its morphing time!
This fic is based on and adapted from Ressha Sentai ToQger, but is more based on Power Rangers than anything else.
Cover image made by Phoenixstamatis
you don't see to many power rangers fics neat
9052246 Adapting ToQger is something I've played around with for awhile actually, I just finally got around to writing it.
9052254
good luck to you
9052263 Thanks.
Well, one thing to really say.
Nice job with the prologue, I'm getting old memories coming back.
9052246
You'd be surprised, there are quite a few if you look around. There's even groups dedicated to the stuff like Toku Ponies.
Im interesting in the Crusaders become Rangers
9052254
Is ToQger a real Super Sentai show?
9052532 Yes, yes it is.
9052557
Is it possible that Spike could be a Ranger? Hypothetically speaking.
9052622 Probably not in this fic, sorry, I have other plans for the team.
The scene where they leave the train the first time seems to be needlessly repeated? Like, word for word, ten paragraphs are repeated.
9052789 Holy crap you're right, wow that was a fail on my part, I must've copied and pasted it wrong, I'll fix it now.
Ui, Toku fanfic, always appreciated one of those rears its head around here. Granted I prefer EQG Toku fics, but I'm not picky. Let's hope this is good.
Titan... I'm mean the actual Shadow Line
Yes, everything is normal
Excuse me while I fangasem over best pony...
Maybe both?
The train has a gender? Well, it is Toku so that is certainly a possibility
Oh, she is snarky, I like it.
Better than having child-soldiers!
Ah, references
Well, that explains that.
That is a mouth full
And I'm interested how big this world really is
Well, I'm certainly keeping an eye on this story. The first chapter seems promising, characters seem in character and it was fun. Keep it up. Question is if this is a dimension travel story or not.
9052997
(In the order you said.)
Its actually gonna be a bit complicated but we'll get to that later.
Heh, yeah.
Yeah, totally normal.
Yep, Scootaloo is best pony, considered making her Ranger 1 (since the color change mechanic is in play), but decided against it... really would be kind of obvious for me.
Yeah, possibly both.
Its possible the train has a gender, or its referred to as she in the same way ships are.
Yeah, snark is good in your mentor character.
And yeah, Child Soldiers are bad, way to gloss that over several seasons of Power Rangers! Thankfully the Crusaders in this fic are fully grown.
Yes, I am such a nerd.
Well yeah I had to explain why they weren't the ones to fight the Crows.
You try and think of a train themed Power Rangers team name, its not easy!
Oh, its a very big world indeed, or worlds as the case actually is. But we'll get to that later, I'm glad you liked this so far.
9053631
Glad we can agree on that
Makes sense
Oh, I do so agree
Well, I don't see this as big of a problem in Power Rangers since most Rangers are given an out, excluding Samurai here for obvious reasons. Toqger on the other hand... granted have not seen it and only heard a story synopsis from a reviewer, but yeah the Rainbow Line is awful
Ah, references are such a wonderful thing. I especially love the ones that echo certain parts of other material as multiversal constants that manifest through small detail. For example when a donut turns into a reference. TL:DR references are awesome
And a good explanation
Well, you could always go with Rail Force, but that is not really original
Yes, multiverse indeed. All aboard the Decade-Liner
9053685 The only thing I'm really taking from ToQger is the suits, train theme, and the villains obviously. If you want a Power Rangers comparison its more like RPM or Lost Galaxy, taking the source material and going in a very different story direction. Thankfully, that means that I've avoided the issues ToQger had, and this isn't going into the problems with some of the characters, in particular the Red Ranger.
Fanfic gives a lot more creative freedom than a TV show does since I don't have to rely on Sentai footage. Which is a good thing because otherwise they'd be going to a bunch of universes that somehow look exactly the same, not really what I wanted to do.
But yeah, basically I wanted to go in a very different direction with this adaptation than the Source Material. I didn't change the names or appearances of the Shadow Line for example because of the direction I wanted to go with them, and we'll get more into that later.
9053739
I always prefer stories that do their own thing and are not just blatant recreations of the source material. While I can find entertainment in them through characters I find the most enjoyment in a story that just takes the core concept like suits or transformation trinkets or are solely original. And I really hope Applebloom doesn't turn into Wrong.
And oh hell yes, you can do so much awesome and impossible stuff that a TV show never could. Kicking someone upwards through 30 floors of a building? Sure, why not and so, so much more. That is one of the reasons it pains me to see when people don't take advantage of that.
And I'm very much looking forward to where this is going
9053761
Frankly, ToQger was a little too absurd at times with some of its concepts to really work for me, and don't worry Apple Bloom will not turn into Wrong. The big obvious change is of course Amethyst Shard and Archie, who are more or less supposed to be the stand ins for Conductor and Ticket. Ameythst is a lot more grounded a character and has a troubled past that we're starting to see parts of (and doesn't shout IMAGINATION a lot) and Archie is not a sentient monkey puppet... I seriously had no idea what to do with that puppet so I just cut it out entirely and went with a Time Force reference instead.
And yeah definitely, we'll get into what I'll be doing with the concept as the story progresses.
And I'll make sure I keep up the good work, glad to have you aboard.
9053774
Absurdity never really bothered me that much, if I can take a video game glitch that takes physical form and infects people like a disease seriously I think there is nothing absurd enough that could break me. What is however important is the execution. The premiss can be dumb, but if done well I don't care.
Funny thing is, I heard the puppet was the best character in the show... I don't if I should find this funny or sad, probably the later
All aboard the Ranger Train
9053783 Sorry... but it really just didn't fit for what I wanted to do, and plus its much harder to justify a hand puppet when your Conductor is a pony.
9053810
Oh that was not a complain, just a funny observation (to me at least)
9053818 Plus as I said, a robot owl serves as a call back to Time Force, which is probably my second favorite Power Rangers series behind RPM, with Archie's full name, Archimedes (meant to call him by that in the chapter but never got to), referencing Merlin's owl in Arthurian lore.
9053828
The nod is definitely appreciated
9053837 Like I said, it all ties into the themes and symbolism I'm going with in this story, but that's for later.
9053891
Ah, themes and symbolism are always fun to play around with
A crossover I didn't expect but welcome gladly
I'm so following this.
9054665 Yay, glad you like it so far.
I have seen you submitted this into the "(without cutie marks)" folders. Is this an alternate universe, where they help ponies to get their cutie marks without having their own or did you make a mistake?
9055522 Mistake
Not bad. Not bad at all.
Ahh, the memories... Getting flashbacks to the show now. The infighting amongst the Shadow Line's ranks, the monsters, and of course the mecha fight. Not sure Express Train Megazord is the best choice, but given it's a hard concept to name I'll let it slide. (And besides since when have Megazord names NOT been on the nose?)
The words "Oh shit" did not even begin to sum up my thoughts when I saw that. Ah well, joke's probably on them anyways given Drakkon's dusted.
One minor thing I should point out. Two actually. You're not allowed to post links to M-Rated stories via site rules unless the link is on a blog post relating to the story, and two:
Yeah, might want to fix that.
Nice, can't wait to basically inhale this
But not impossible.
Then maybe you shouldn't have stolen its cookies
A story so long you would have to tell it in 25 parts and then roughly split again into twenty minute chunks
And most importantly. Don't! Steal! The! Trains! From! Someone!
I always like it when someone shows something of the reformed Diamond Tiara. The show doesn't bother with it sadly.
As long as you can explain it to him, you should be fine. Filthy is a rational stalion.
"And I got this name that is dreaded in every universe for always stealing the last pudding from the freezer."
You know that is still enough to beat you
I always found this quite funny
Gona be honest, they are damn likable
God, I love this. Trains with wormholes are awsome.
She really dislikes giving answers
I think she understands bullying very well. Adding to that, sure you are not wrong but understatement much?
Nice one
Be careful, too much pink energy is dangerous
Oh, this is going to be fun
Huh, so this will turn into a cat and mouse game with the villains always one step ahead? I like it.
Oh, now that is interesting
Huh, a mentor that gives the team an out is always appreciated
Yes, that was what I was hoping for with this, Crossovers galore. Hope I will find something I actually like through this. Can't wait for the next one to roll around.
And we have an all-female Ranger team, that is always interesting.
Ok and now a bit of theorycrafting: I think Amethyst is going to be the sixth Ranger, would make a lot of sense, especially with certain dialogue in the chapter.
Definitely looking forward to the next chapter.
... That turned out longer then I expected
Inhale it? Muwhahahahahahahahaha, you have no idea what you're getting into.
Yes of course not, its fun to do the impossible though.
The Shadow Line, evil nobility, destroyer of worlds, and apparently thieves of cookies.
Nah, would be a lot longer.
Of course not, that would be Wrong.
I know right? They could do a lot with her.
Right, because that wouldn't sound crazy at all. "Daddy, we had to mess up your store because it was being invaded by creatures from another universe."
Heh, I like you.
Well, they are about 18 (or maybe 15, but basically whatever age mature adults are in Equestria), so they are of course, teenagers with attitude!
Yeah, I couldn't resist keeping that part of the sequence.
Well, I try at least.
Yes, yes they are.
It makes her more mysterious... plus I don't know how to explain it either, it was more a joke about how Rangers can use their weapons and stuff right away.
Oh most definitely, that's why it was included.
Yeah, it was the closest thing I could do to this:
Heh, yes, yes it is, but its still not Scootaloo's color.
Oh definitely... unfortunately I'm only passable at fight scenes. Darn it there's only so many times you can say someone punches someone else or something!
Oh most definitely, that's the basic idea here.
Oh yes, the Lord Drakkon thing, that was mostly to be a reference to the Bricklayer's fic because that's what universe the Shadow Line goes to next like I said.
Well of course, she's not Mentor Ji or whatever, she's not going to force them to come with her, its entirely up to our heroes.
Oh most definitely, there will be quite a few crossovers with other fics. This is just the beginning, may even see a crossover with a fic set in another Tokusatsu based universe.
Yep, I basically went with what 5 characters I felt could go well together, and they happened to all be female. Plus I've always found the lack of non-evil or well executed female Red Rangers annoying.
Its possible yes, but you'll see what I have planned for the extra Rangers.
Heh, yeah, well I'll try and get it done faster this time.
9107976
The last one is the worst part, definitely!
I see what you did there
This is Ponyville, this excuse would totally work
Let's see if I can make you regret that
Actually was referring to the original where they were actually beaten by kids... Should have made this more clear probably.
And it appears you succeeded.
True, true. I'm generally a fan of the trope of: "If it doesn't make sense, just roll with it. You can question it later."
True
Oh, I know your pain.
Yeah, I'm currently reading through the thirst Wild Acces, definitely, an entertaining read, even if not always for the intended reasons
Fuck this guy
*rubs hands together in anticipation*
Agreed
That was actually a jab at my entire colossus of a comment here.
Oh most definitely!
I couldn't resist.
Heh, good point, it wouldn't be the first time.
Oh dear, what have I gotten myself into.
Yeah, good point sorry... ugh, I'm glad I cut that plot point out.
Nothing wrong with that, I just like poking fun at some things.
At least I handled the color change mechanic without resorting to the chargers being stolen.
I'm trying to do better, kind of ironic really I write a lot of stuff that requires fight scenes.
Ah, well it'll make sense when you get to the later stuff.
Preach it brother, one of the worst mentors ever if not the worst.
I am working on a Kamen Rider based fic, so odds are that's going to appear. Also some other stuff I have thought up ideas for, but we'll get to those later.
To be fair, the Alex reveal was great and Lauren wasn't really the actress' fault because of the bad writing and stuff.
Yeah, I figured, I was just letting you know that I will try not to take as long to update this.
9108021
I don't even know myself
Dito
I'm sure of that. I'm currently following his To the Stars story and I'm loving it. The original Wild Access is just a bit ruth around the edges and has some, let's call them questionable parts. Still, I have read far worse. When the story just delves into the backstory of a Megazord midbattle out of nowhere it is at least still funny.
Uiii, more Kamen Rider is always good
True
Take your time, not everyone can shove out thousands of words every week. I rather wait a bit longer than to have half-baked chapters.
9108049 If you want I can link you to the Gdoc or fanfic page for the Kamen Rider fic so far.
9108062
Sure, sounds interesting
Hmm, not sure where they've winded up. The title and some of the things said in the chapter make me think Star Trek, but honestly not sure. And you really couldn't resist the Sweetie/Scoots shipping, could you?
9171196 No, no I could not.
And I'll explain in Discord.
Well that was nice to be found by a somewhat friendly face.
Uhm, I'm getting the feeling that Rarity wants this to happen... Oh and SweetyxScootalo sounds oddly familiar
"Ah, no. Not normal Ponyville weird, but save the world weird."
"Oh, that kind of weird."
All in only twenty bags.
Like I said, Ponyville is strange
Then you have your work cut out for you
And don't sell yourself short Scoots
Well, let's hope that worked out without any spooky dreams
The shipping is strong with this one!
Oh now that is cute
Ok, seriously starting to wonder where Ponyvilles fillies come from when everyone in town is homosexual
You burned orange juice. How does one even do that?
... Well, you could burn a Genesis Driver with an Energy Orange Lookseed... Wait, wait, already going off track again.
OMG, hit the deck, it's shipping fuel!
...I'm not saying anything on that. ...Hey, wait a minute!
never heard of that planet.
Okay, we are operating under Mirror rules here. Fine with me.
Says the pony that mostly runs around naked.
Huh, interesting.
9172549
I have no idea what you're talking about
Yes, that's a very special kind of weird.
Only 20? That's packing light for Rarity.
Yeah, they'll be fine, it just takes some getting used to.
We'll see won't we?
Use the shipping, Scoots!
Yeah, I thought this would be a nice touch and very cute.
They're all conceived with the magical lesbian spawn spell.
Its better off not questioning it, its better for your sanity, kinda like questioning Pinkie.
Yessss, the shipping fuel shall never end until the ships sail! POUR MORE FUEL INTO THE SHIPS!
Yeah, I couldn't resist making a Sweetie Bot joke is all.
You wouldn't have, I made it up for a Roleplay on Star Trek Online. They're an off-shoot of Vulcans, you'll learn everything else as it goes.
Well yeah, most universes don't have magical talking ponies. It just makes things simpler this way.
True but they're covered with fur unlike the locals, and this would also be anatomically correct nakedness. Its a really warm planet anyway, the animal furs keep covered what's needed to keep their modesty intact and that's about it.
Yes, very, we'll get into that next chapter.
9172795
True, but Diamond is rich enough to buy everything as she travels. Or something like that
"I'm your marefriend Scootaloo!"
"No! No, that is not true! That's impossible!"
"Search your feelings, you know it to be true!"
"Nooooooooo!"
I'm inclined to believe that
Seriously, what is it with Toku Fanfics of MLP and having an abundance of lesbians. It's kinda funny. And cute.
Huh, interesting. That means I'm out of my water here. That is not one of my fields as a "Professor of Nerdiness"
9172823
*just whistles innocently*
Right, because her money will work everywhere... actually that raises questions really, I don't know if the money is changed when they move into a new universe too.
She'll come around eventually, she always does.
Really its because almost all my ships are lesbian ships and I thought I'd throw them in in the background.
Don't worry, this is set before they make first contact with the Federation so it requires absolutely no knowledge of Star Trek.
9172833
You know what, that is an interesting question.
I at least know what that is. Thank you, Linkara!
9172838
Yes, yes it is, I mean they get local clothes obviously so, hmm...
And yes, there's actually a very specific reason I picked Athena to be a stop on their journey instead of some place canon in Star Trek, but we'll get to that next chapter.
9172841
come to think of it, if it did, she would turn into the Tsukasa of the group, just with everchanging money instead of skills
9172846 Heh, well, we'll see how that goes, there's also the chance that they turn up on worlds that don't have a monetary system.