A/N: Here is the next chapter of my Dino Charge rewrite. Again, don't be alarmed if some chapters are like the ones in canon (save for a few changes). They will be more and more different down the line. In fact, this is technically when they'll start to change drastically.
Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers Dino Charge or Zyuden Sentai Kyoryuger. I just own most of the plot and the characters and things you don't recognize from the original versions.
Trigger Warning: This chapter features descriptions of panic attacks. If you are sensitive to those, please think twice before reading this chapter.
~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~
"Shelby's friend Julian becomes the Host of an Inner Monster, and after the other Rangers' courage is stolen by said Monster, she realizes that she must recruit Ivan to the team for help."
Break the Chains That Divide
Power Rangers: Dino Charge REDO
Season 1, Episode 11: Knight After Knights
Old Deboth Castle, Amber Beach, California
June 13, 2017
Sledge was far from happy. Granted all of his Generals had failed, but it was mainly Fury he was mad at. The entire thing was his idea, after all.
As soon as Fury (reluctantly) stepped through the front doors, he was grabbed by Spikeballs, who forced him to come with them to the throne room, where Sledge was waiting.
"Wait! Master Sledge, I can explain!" Fury tried to use reason, but Sledge was having none of it. The Spikeballs shoving Fury down on his knees proved that.
"Not only did you lose the Ptera Zord, but now there are seven Rangers with seven Energems...seven out of eleven..." Sledge growled in frustration. "Bones!"
"Oh, this is going to be good," Poisandra muttered to Curio and Wrench, joy lacing her voice.
Curio and Wrench both nodded in agreement, as the doors opened to reveal a rather large Inner Monster made purely of bones with a jar strapped to his side. In this case, his name perfectly fit with his aesthetic: bones.
"I've been waiting for my chance to show off my skills," Bones said.
"W-Wait! When did he get here?!" Fury stuttered. He had never seen Bones before.
"Three hours ago," Sledge growled. "You shouldn't have failed me, Fury..."
"But Master-" Fury pleaded.
"Remove his courage," Sledge ordered.
"No, don't! I'm your bravest soldier, Sledge!" Fury continued to beg.
"Time to lose your backbone!" Bones exclaimed, as he reached inside Fury and took the soul of one of Fury's vertebrae, his backbone, the soul of which housed that person's courage. Once he got Fury's backbone, Bones placed it inside his jar. Only then did the Spiekballs let Fury go, who simply fell to the ground.
With his backbone gone, Fury looked around and immediately began to panic in fear. "Please don't hurt me!" He pleaded as Sledge stood over him, scared at the intimidation, which Fury would not normally have been.
"Wow, you made big, brave Fury into a little scaredy cat!" Poisandra taunted Fury with glee.
"Stop looking at me!" Fury cried out as he quickly ran out of the room, screaming in terror. Without his backbone, he was no more than a coward, merely a shell of the menacing warrior he was known to be.
Pleased with the results, Sledge turned to Poisandra, "Take Bones and do the same thing to the Rangers. Let's see them crawl away in fear too!"
"With pleasure!" Poisandra said, before tugging on the arms of Bones and Curio both.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Dino Base, Amber Beach Dinosaur Museum, Amber Beach, California
June 15, 2017
Ivan had returned to the Rangers, wishing to understand how his new powers worked. So they had taken him to the base and where currently giving him a crash course of how everything worked.
As Ivan started at the transmeter in awe, Kendall was explaining to him how said machine worked, "The transmeter will refine the power of your Energem, so that I can create Dino Chargers."
She gave the one she just made to Riley, who was also holding Ivan's Ptera Saber, and he placed the Charger inside the Saber, explaining, "Now, your Dino Chargers will power your Morpher and your Ptera Saber."
Ivan reached for it just as Riley closed it, and stopped when it heard the Saber announce, "Ptera Charger, Engage!"
"Truly magical..." Ivan muttered in awe, as he took his Saber from Riley. He had impressed with all the advantages technology had made while he was gone, even if he didn't understand what half of it was or what it was used for.
But for now, he was content with only understanding how his Ranger equipment worked, and the nice lady with glasses had explained that his Morpher was different than the other Rangers because Ivan himself was not used to a gun like they were.
"Now, over here are the crystal beds," Kendall told him, motioning to the entrance, where the other five Energems were resting. "Bring your Energem. Riley and Chase will show you how to refill your Chargers."
As Riley and Chase led Ivan over to the empty space next to Shelby's Energem, Tyler was writing his journal, the only way he could fill the void left by the disappointment of Ivan being the one trapped inside Fury rather than James Navarro..
"Dad, I wanted so much for that to be you escaping Fury...because it leaves the question of what Fury did to you if he didn't trap you inside him like he did with Ivan..."
Tyler's hand, the one holding the pen, paused. He wanted to say more, but he couldn't find the words.
"You must have felt surprised," Shelby surprised him.
Tyler jumped when he heard her voice, because he should've been alone. He quickly closed his journal and shoved it to the side, "Hey, that's not cool!" The last thing he wanted right now was his privacy being invaded. He was already hurting from his hope being broken, and his own teammates invading his privacy would only make things worse.
"Sorry, but you haven't said much since Ivan arrived," Shelby said, as Koda grabbed Tyler's journal, dangling it in the air. "I got worried. We all know you were hoping for your father..." Tyler snatched his journal back from Koda, letting Shelby continue, "But you've seen what Ivan can do. He's gonna make our team stronger."
"And find Energems faster," Koda added, with a smile.
"And then, we'll find out what happened to your dad," Shelby softly said.
Tyler finally found it in himself to smile, "You're right. Thanks. Losing hope isn't something that easy to get over."
"We understand that," Shelby replied. "Just remember that you're not alone."
Tyler smiled as he let them both wrap him in a quick group hug.
"This where your Energem will rest, so it can power your Dino Chargers," Chase explained, as Riley placed three Ptera Chargers inside the corresponding compartment.
"Fascinating..." Ivan said, taking his Energem from the crystal begs. As he held it in his hand, his Energem went straight back to the crystals, like a magnet. "Wizard's work!" He breathed in awe, as he took his Energem back. "Well, it was a thoroughly entertaining afternoon. Perhaps, we'll see each other again soon." Ivan bowed and turned to leave.
"Wait! Woah, whoa, whoa!" Riley quickly stopped him, as everyone else joined him. "Where are you going? You're part of our team now."
Callie had been silent until this point, just sitting on the couch, curled into a ball and drawing in her sketchbook. She wasn't really paying attention to the crash course the others were giving Ivan, but she was brought back to reality when Ivan started to say goodbye. She began to loosen up her body and sit up as she tuned in to what he had to say.
"I have not joined your team," Ivan explained, genuinely confused at the green one's words. The other Rangers simply looked at him with skepticism. "I am a Knight of Zandar. When I pledge my loyalty, it is for life. I am sorry, but I cannot make such a decision so hastily."
"So, you're just gonna fight Sledge's goons alone?" Chase asked, confused.
"Rest assured," Ivan replied, "I will fight alongside you all, but do not assume that we are a team." He bowed his head again and left the base and the others confused and slightly offended.
"What decision?" Shelby asked, aghast at Ivan's words. "He doesn't have a choice. He's the Gold Ranger."
There was a short pause, the others not knowing what to do, and Riley broke it by asking, "Are we really going to just let him leave?"
"He's not going anywhere," Callie finally spoke, and everybody else turned to look at her, because she was very quiet. "Just give him some space. He'll join the team when he's ready."
Before anybody could reply to that, Shelby checked the clock on her phone, "Oh! It's time to change shifts. C'mon, Cal, let's go."
Callie closed her sketchbook and got up from her spot on the sofa, following Shelby out of the base and to the kitchen.
As soon the two were gone, Tyler turned to Kendall, "How's she doing?"
He was referring to Callie. Ever since she escaped from Fury, she'd been quiet. She'd been blanking out a lot, most notally whenever someone brought up Fury, whether by name, or the noun, or even its synonyms. And whenever she did blank out, when she snapped back to reality, she would excuse herself and exit the room. She was clearly trying to hide it from the Rangers, but they had quickly caught on. Now they were worried about her, and they feared that it could lead to something tragic happening.
Tyler had asked Kendall, because they were the two who had stayed in the base together the most, and she was also rather observant.
"Due to her pale Irish skin," Kendall was quick to answer, "the discoloration of her bruises look worse than they actually are. She'll be fine. Physically anyway."
The most notable of said bruises was one on her cheek that was easily covered with a bandaid, mostly to hide it from Seán. The other two were around her wrists (where she was shackled), and those had to be bandaged up to prevent any infection, and while those were also easily covered with a long-sleeved sweater, it was summer now and the heat was beginning to rise day after day. So, it was either feeling hot or getting an infection, and Callie chose the heat.
"But how is she mentally?" Chase asked. "Has she told you anything?"
Kendall sadly shook her head, "Sorry. She may not be good at hiding her emotions, but she is good at keeping her mouth shut."
"She's being haunted by her capture," came Keeper's voice from behind them. The five all turned around to face him, having been jumpscared because he had not been there the last time they looked, "as well as her captor."
"We know," Tyler admitted. "That part is obvious. It's just-"
He cut off, but Koda picked it up, "We want to help her. We her friends."
"Before you help Callie," Keeper pointed out, "it is imperative that you know what she is suffering with first. The more you educate yourself, the better prepared you will be."
Riley remembered, in that moment, something Keeper had said once, about memories, "Hey, Keeper, you once said that you had the power to influence memories."
Everyone knew where he was going with it as soon as he said it. Hence why Keeper immediately replied, "I do. I cannot erase her memories because that ability is out of my reach. However, nor can I alter them, at least not this time. I'm afraid that her trauma will be too strong for the altering to stick."
Chase was quiet as he pondered, "Maybe that's for the best." The others, Riley especially, looked at him confused. "That would be the easy way out, and just because something is easy doesn't mean it's right."
The six were quiet, until Tyler softly said, "C'mon, guys. Let's get to work."
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Dino Bite Cafe, Amber Beach Dinosaur Museum, Amber Beach, California
Callie came back to reality when she heard Riley calling her name. She hadn't meant to get lost in thought again. It just happened, and now, it was starting to become uncontrollable, something she hoped would only be temporary.
"Callie, you okay?" Riley was asking, having joined Callie at the sink as she was washing the dishes (or supposed to be). "You blanked out again."
"Sorry, I'm fine," she shot him a smile, hoping that it seemed real enough. "I was just lost in thought."
She needed to get outside. Her head felt light, her mouth felt dry, her chest felt tight, and she had run out of breath despite the fact that she had not worked out once today. She knew what this meant, what was about to come, and she needed to make up some excuse to leave so these guys didn't see it.
But it quickly became clear that they weren't going to let her go so easily.
"You know, you don't have to hide your feelings from us, Cal," Tyler's voice was soft and soothing, something she greatly appreciated right now, as it made her less dizzy. "We'll try our best to understand."
But she had to lie to them, trying to swallow in an attempt to rid herself of the dryness in her mouth, to no avail, "I'm not hiding anythin'. My mind just gets away from me sometimes."
It was clear that they didn't believe her, but she couldn't let them now. She didn't want to burden them. They already had enough issues to worry about, Ivan for one.
"But if you were going through something," came Chase's calm voice, and hearing it eased up the tightness in her chest, "you would tell us, right?"
The smile she sent him was not so much fake as it was sad, "Of course I would, Chase. I promise."
Tyler, Riley, Chase, and Koda didn't reply to this, mainly because they didn't know what to say to make her feel better.
Meanwhile, Shelby was working the register as she talked to her friend, Julian, who was sitting at the counter.
Julian was a very close friend of hers, as well as a very talented artist. He lived and breathed art, and he was very good at it, excelling in various styles. People loved his art, but he had a difficult time getting a show because his family was the worst, wanting him to focus on business. In fact, he and Shelby had become friends because they could relate to each other in that aspect, and now, they were each other's biggest supporters.
"Have you talked to that art museum director yet?" Shelby asked, after bidding goodbye to a customer.
"Not yet," Julian admitted before taking a sip of his strawberry smoothie. "I'm not busy. I'm just...too scared of the rejection."
"Anyone who has the guts to reject you and your art is an idiot," Shelby told him. "You have talent, and anyone who can't see that is not worth the effort. Besides, Callie recommended that museum personally, so I trust that it'll be worth it."
"Okay," Julian managed a smile. "I'll try my best to muster up the courage. It's just really difficult. I got into a huge fight with my dad this morning."
"I understand that," Shelby admitted. "I'm sorry that your family is so mean."
"It's alright," Julian said, before suddenly hunching over, holding his chest in pain.
A worried Shelby immediately stepped away from the cash register, "You okay?"
He looked up to give her a pained smile, "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just a cold, and I had to sneeze." Shelby didn't buy that. "I've had it the past two days." She did believe that.
"Why don't you go home and rest?" Shelby suggested. She had an hunch, but she couldn't explain it to Julian just yet. "Maybe you're under too much stress."
"You're probably right," Julian replied. "Thanks, Shelby. You're a great friend."
She smiled at him as she watched him walk away. As soon as he was out of sight, she immediately headed for the kitchen. She had a hunch, and she needed to see if she was right.
Tyler saw her enter through the swinging doors, "Hey, Shelbs. Did Julian get a show?"
"Not yet," Shelby replied, still holding on to hope. "But I need to ask Callie something."
Callie, still at the sink, visibly jumped, and she did not turn out, obviously to hide the palpable fear in her eyes, "Y-Yes?"
"Callie, how did you know your teacher Mr. Campbell was the Host of Duplicon?" Shelby asked, and Callie noticeably started to calm down, evidenced by her finally turning around to face the one talking to her.
"Well, he was talkin' about somethin' he resented, before he then hunched over in pain, as if he was about ta throw up," Callie softly explained. "And when I asked him about it, he tried ta shrug it off as stress. Why? Is Julian okay?" She looked concerned, as did the others.
"I don't think so," Shelby's voice went soft. "We were talking about his fear of rejection, and then he hunched over, as if he had chest pains, and when I asked him about it, he tried to shrug it off as a cold and needing to sneeze."
"You think he's the Host of an Inner Monster?" Riley asked.
"It seems that way," Shelby replied.
Before any other words would be spoken, the five Rangers' Dino Comms went off. Shelby pulled hers out, and read the words on the screen, which read, 'Red Alert: Non-human Biosigns Detected', and then the coordinates.
Tyler and Shelby shared a concerned glance, knowing that this was their chance to find out whether or not Julian really did have an Inner Monster, and Tyler ordered, "Let's go."
Callie watched as the five ran out the back way. She understood why they had to leave, but that didn't mean she had to like being alone. Especially not now. She felt much better when they were there in the room with her.
Fortunately, she didn't stay alone for long, because Andrew walked in for his shift.
"Hey, Callie," he greeted as he immediately walked towards the grill. "How are you today?"
Not in a great place, she wanted to say. She was not okay. Far from it. Everywhere she turned, Fury was right there, his sword out, ready to attack her. Every time she closed a door to a room, she felt like she was about to suffocate. Every time she saw a shadow, she was afraid that Fury was going to jump out of it. And she hated it. She wanted it all to stop.
But she couldn't tell him that. So, she instead answered, "I'm fine. Can I ask ye somethin'?"
Maybe she'd feel better if someone had felt the same way once.
"Sure," he replied with a friendly smile.
She talked slowly, not sure how to word it, "Has an event ever sent ye inta shock?"
Fortunately for her, Andrew immediately picked up on what she was trying to ask, "You mean, have I ever been traumatized? Absolutely. When I was eight years old, my mom and I were in a car crash. According to the doctors, I almost died." He paused, obviously trying to power through the memory that just resurfaced. "That shook me up for the next few weeks, as I started to fear death and what exists beyond it. But I got better after learning that my mom almost died too."
"Because she validated yer feelin's," Callie realized, and Andrew nodded as the Irishgirl's mind wandered to Ivan.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Pier 6 Boat Docks, Amber Beach, California
The Rangers were already morphed by the time they arrived at the coordinates Kendall's alert had given them. Poisandra, Curio, and a monster made of bones were waiting for them, alongside an squad of Vivix.
"Right on cue," Poisandra said. "Time to take their bravery!"
"Don't get your hopes up!" Tyler exclaimed.
"Vivix, attack!" Poisandra commanded, prompting the five Rangers to charge into battle.
Chase quickly ducked under a Vivix's blow by performing a sweeping kick that knocked the said Vivix off its feet. He then shot at another's knees, before turning around and finishing off the rest of his group with a "Dino Morpher Blast!"
Koda flipped right into battle and tossed various Vivix around like nothing. He knocked a pair of Vivix down with a strong clothesline, before grabbing a third and tossing him aside, "Caveman Slam!" and right into the rest.
"Raptor Slash!" Riley exclaimed as he used his Dino Saber expertly, taking down all the Vivix before him without breaking a sweat.
Shelby quickly jumped off the railing before hitting the Vivix in front of her with an array of impressive kicks.
"Go prove yourself!" Poisandra ordered Bones.
"I'm on it!" Bones said, before quickly running into the fight.
As Tyler was holding his own against the Vivix, Bones came running in, ready to pick a fight.
"Try to keep up!" Tyler goaded as he ducked under Bones' fist.
Tyler managed to block all of Bones' hits before rolling on his back to evade him. "I've got a bone to pick with you!" Bones roared as he charged at Tyler.
"Up here!" Tyler joked as he did a front flip over Bones, dodging him, going back to face the rest of the Vivix.
"That's enough playing around!" Bones growled.
"Bones, get over here!" Poisandra ordered, as Tyler charged towards Poisandra and Curio, only to be cut off by Bones. "Say goodbye to your courage, Red Ranger~" Poisandra sang as Bones took the fight to Tyler.
After hitting Tyler with some strong kicks to the midsection, Bones set his opponent flying into some chairs behind him.
"I got you, Tyler!" Chase exclaimed as he came in, shooting at Bones, only for the monster to block every single shot. Chase shot some more, but Bones managed to block every single shot before sending the Black Ranger flying with a few shots of his own.
This wasn't good. They had to be careful. Bones was pretty tough.
"Power Slash!" Riley called as he rushed at Bones with his Dino Saber. While he managed to hold his own for a short time, Bones was still too strong.
"I barely need to lift a finger bone to defeat you!" Bones roared before sending Riley flying into some tables alongside Tyler.
"Flying Kick!" Shelby exclaimed, but her kick was caught by Bones, and he immediately sent her flying.
"The foot bones connected to the- now what?!" Bones roared as Koda came running in to help his friends. Bones managed to catch Koda's fist and as they locked hands, the monster managed to twist Koda's arms, cackling, "Give it a rest, Blue Ranger!" before sending him flying and landing next to the rest of the team.
"Koda! Are you alright?" Tyler asked, as he helped his friend stand up.
"Skeletons are so in right now," Poisandra gloated as the Rangers stood back up.
They needed Ivan. Where was he?
"Time to remove some backbones!" Bones cackled, but as he walked towards the Rangers, something came out of nowhere, stopping Bones in his tracks.
When the smoke cleared, it was the Gold Ptera Saber that came flying in.
"It's Ivan!" Tyler exclaimed as the team turned around to see the knight in (literally) shining armor already morphed and ready to fight.
Ivan did a swift flip before blasting Bones with his Ptera Morpher.
"Wow," Chase breathed. "He's a pretty good shot..."
Ivan hit Bones with a strong array of kicks, immobilizing the monster temporarily.
"Nice kick!" Shelby complimented.
"Ptera Saber!" Ivan exclaimed as he hit Bones with some strong strikes from his sword. Ivan was definitely an ace on his sword as well.
"Wow!" Riley added. Ivan had so much to give to the team.
"You better watch your backs!" Poisandra cried out as she, Curio, and Bones retreated back to the castle in a cloud of hearts. They needed to talk about how this new Ranger, who had the ability to single-handedly take them all down.
"Good riddance," Ivan said, before leaving the area.
Tyler and Shelby shared a look, before Shelby muttered, "Not enough evidence."
"But we still need to defeat him," Tyler pointed. "Someone's life is in danger, whether it's Julian or someone else."
Shelby nodded in agreement, before saying, "We need to recruit Ivan. I have to go talk to him."
Tyler wanted to stop her, but his better judgement prevented him from doing so.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
City Plaza, Amber Beach, California
Ivan had already de-morphed, and he had continued his exploring of Amber Beach. Unaware that he was out of his time, he walked around with his head held high and in his ancient Zandarian armor. This definitely caused him to become the center of attention. As he walked by, people would simply glance at him confused or just chuckle at his interesting style.
It's also what made Shelby easily find him, and she managed to stop him by calling out his name, "Wait! Ivan!" The knight turned around to see Shelby run up and stop when she caught up to him. "What's with you? You're a Power Ranger now. There are responsibilities that come with that." She was trying to reason with him.
"Indeed," Ivan replied, understanding what she was trying to say, and agreeing. "I am a Ranger, but I am also a knight. I cannot join your band until you have proven your worth."
"Proven our worth?" Shelby shot back, confused. "It it wasn't for us, you would still be stuck inside of Fury. If that doesn't prove that we're worthy of fighting beside you, then what is?"
Ivan paused, and Shelby recognized the look on his face as one that appeared when deep in thought. After a few seconds of silence, he finally replied, "You make a valid point, My Lady. As my saviors, I am indebted to you. Please, lead me to the others."
Shelby smiled, before she took his hand and dragged him back to the battlefield.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Freeway 35 Underpass, Amber Beach, California
Meanwhile, the guys were heading back to the base.
"Sir Ivan's a little too big for his boots," Tyler was saying, referring to Ivan's ego.
"Then we just get him new boots. Yes?" Koda suggested, not getting the point.
Chase smiled at Koda, as Riley explained to the caveman, "Not exactly. I think Tyler is just a little jealous that Ivan has the skills and the girl."
Tyler's face immediately turned, knowing Riley was referring to Shelby and her fixation on getting Ivan to join the team, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Just then, Chase cried out, "Watch out!"
But his warning was for not, as the four were suddenly tied up with bones, unable to move. As they tried to get out of their bonds, a menacing cackle was heard. The four looked up to see Bones headed their way.
"You think some bones can hold us?!" Chase yelled.
"I admire your bravery in trying to protect the others, Black Ranger," Bones admitted as he walked towards Chase. "We'll see how tough you are after I take your courage!"
Bones reached inside of Chase, who started laughing. "Oh, wrong one! That's your funny bone! I'm looking for your backbone!" Bones exclaimed, taking Chase's courage right out of his body.
The moment Chase's backbone was removed, the expression on the Kiwi's face quickly changed to fear.
"Leave him alone!" Tyler yelled at Bones to get away from his friend.
"Won't need those anymore!" Bones cackled as he removed the bones restraining Chase.
The second Chase got a glimpse of Bones, he started backing away in fear, pleading, "Get back! Stay away from me!" Chase had his back against the wall in fear as Bones walked towards him.
"Come on, Ranger! Show a little backbone! Oh wait, you can't, cause I have it!" Bones cackled. "And now for the three of you..." Bones cackled as he stalked towards Riley, Koda, and Tyler.
It was here that Shelby finally arrived with Ivan, and she was telling him, "You won't be disappointed. They're as brave as any knight of Zandar."
That's when they noticed Riley, Chase, and Koda cowering with their backs against the wall, just as Bones took Tyler's courage out of his body as well.
"You Rangers are fearless no more!" Bones cackled as Tyler turned to Bones, before running away in fear.
"Get 'em, Curio!" Poisandra giggled as Curio stood over the guys, while they were hunched over in fear.
All Curio was saying was "Boo!" and they were shrieking in fear.
"Don't come near us!" Tyler screeched, as Shelby looked on confused and Ivan looked on unimpressed.
"What a pack of lily-livered fools..." Ivan said, unconvinced of the rangers's bravery.
"What have you done to them!" Shelby glared at Curio, who quickly retreated back to Poisandra. "This isn't normal! I-uhhh..." Shelby tried to explain to Ivan.
"It's the Gold Ranger! We can't risk losing again!" Poisandra said to Bones.
"You're right!" Bones said. "We already have four Rangers! Let's go tell Sledge how well we did!"
The trio of monsters disappeared in a cloud of hearts.
"Brave as a knight of Zandar? Mm-hmm..." Ivan said mocking the rangers, unconvinced that the Rangers were worthy of fighting alongside with him.
"Wait! Ivan, don't go! This isn't them!" Shelby yelled out, hoping he would listen, to no avail.
Ivan was no longer here.
Shelby glanced at the fearful guys, before pulling out her Dino Comm and pressing on Callie's profile.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Amber Beach Dinosaur Museum, Amber Beach, California
Shelby was trying her best to get the guys to go down the slide leading to their secret base, but they weren't cooperating. Since the guys were essentially afraid of everything, they were too scared to even do simple things without being scared of them.
She was using all her strength to push Koda down the slide, who was holding onto the entrance so he wouldn't budge, when Callie walked onto the scene.
"Everythin' okay?" Callie asked, unaware of what was going on. "What happened?"
"I no wanna go!" Koda cried out, before managing to overpower Shelby and scramble away from the slide and behind a crate with Riley.
Shelby sighed in frustation, before explaining, "That monster took their courage. Now they're scared of everything. Including going down the slide!"
"Don't worry, Shelbs," Callie offered a smile, as Chase ran into Tyler's arms in fear. "I've got this." She walked over to the scared guys, but instead of pushing them towards the t-rex mouth, she sat down on a nearby crate, and gently asked, "I'm sorry ye lads got attacked by a monster. They are scary, aren't they?"
Koda vehemently nodded, as Riley said, "And they could come back at any time."
"Yes," Callie was honest, but her soft smiled never faded, "but the base is a safe place. Monsters can't attack ye there, because they don't know where the entrance is."
"That's true," Tyler realized, "but what if they see us enter it?"
"They won't," Callie cut in.
"You can't promise that," Chase told her.
Callie simply asked, "Do ye lads trust me?" with a warm smile.
Shelby watched in surprise as the four guys go down the slide one at a time of their free will.
When it was just her and Callie left, Shelby turned to the Irishgirl, "How did you did that?"
"When someone is afraid, of anythin', it's important ta gain their trust first, before ye ask them ta face that fear, and ta do that, ye need ta validate their feelin's," Callie explained, before lowering her voice. "Place yerself in their shoes, Shelbs. How would ye feel if someone was pressurin' ye inta doin' somethin' ye didn't feel comfortable doin'?"
Shelby stayed quiet, unable to deny that Callie at a point.
"Exactly. Ye'd hate it," Callie continued, seeing Shelby's shift in understanding. "Just go easy on them, okay?"
Shelby nodded before following Callie down the slide.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
City Plaza, Amber Beach, California
In the meantime, Ivan was on a mission. He was disappointed that Shelby had hyped up the other Rangers, only to be disappointed when finding out that she was lying. If he couldn't rely on the Ranger team, then he'd create his own.
He was walking around the city when his gaze fell on a crossing guard.
The guard counted the number of people ready to cross the intersection before holding his stop sign high in the air, signaling the cars to stop so that everyone waiting could cross.
Ivan gasped in awe at what he was seeing, astounded by the level of courage this guard was displaying and his desire to help others.
So he approached the noble man, "Sir, these massive metal beasts could crush you! And yet you rule over them with a mere wave of your hand."
"Well, I-" the crossing guard chuckled out. He was definitely confused as to what Ivan was saying.
"I would like you to join with me on my quest," Ivan said.
"I've always dreamed of going on a quest!" the guard exclaimed.
"Sir, your dream is about to come true," Ivan said, getting on one knee and offering the crossing guard his hand.
While this was going on, the cars were honking their horns, waiting to go. The crossing guard tried to calm the agitated drivers before gladly accepting Ivan's hand to join him on his journey.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Old Deboth Castle, Amber Beach, California
Bones was with Poisandra and Curio, debriefing Sledge on his progress with the Rangers in the throne, as Poisandra exclaiming, "You should've seen them! Huddle together like scared kittens!"
"Good job. Finally all seven of them are mine!" Sledge said.
"Ummm...Well actually, I only took the courage from four of them..." Bones reluctantly admitted.
"What?!" Sledge growled. Agitated, Sledge kicked Bones back towards the doors and ordered, "Don't you dare come back until you have all seven of their Energems..." before closing the doors on him.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Crystal Kay Park, Amber Beach, California
Ivan continued his search for brave warriors to join his team. He and the crossing guard found themselves in the park, where a modest street street magician was performing tricks for some people. He held up a flaming torch and was able to blow the flame out with harming anyone.
Ivan and the crossing guard stared in awe at the magician's immense talent. The magician was able to magically swallow his sword as the people screeched in horror.
"That man is swallowing his sword!" Ivan said, surprised.
The magician pulled his sword out of his mouth, without harming himself, as everyone applauded him. "Thank you, thank you so much! Thank you so much everybody! You've been a wonderful audience, thank you," the magician said as he bowed for the crowd.
Ivan and the crossing guard were just in awe at his talent as a magician. As he packed up his equipment, Ivan approached the young magician, "Fine sir, your dragon's breath and throat of steel are truly admirable."
"My mom told me I should get a real job," the magician said, cynically.
"And a real job you shall have..." Ivan responded, inviting the young magician to join him.
As soon as the magician joined his team, and three were cut off by a teenager attempting to rob an eldery woman on a motorized scooter.
"Hand it over!" the teen exclaimed, as the two were going a tug-of-war with the poor purse.
"Hey, give me that!" the old woman exclaimed. Ivan noticed this and quickly moved to aid her, but stop when he saw the woman fight back. "Hands off my purse!" as she hit the young man with her purse. "Bad boy!" she exclaimed as the teenager ran away.
Ivan exchanged looks with the rest of his band, as the other two nodded their heads in approval, impressed with the elderly woman's bravery.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Dino Base, Amber Beach Dinosaur Museum, Amber Beach, California
Shelby and Callie both approached Kendall as soon as their afternoon shifts were over.
"Any sign of Ivan yet?" Shelby asked their boss.
"No," Kendall replied, before broadening her search to a few feet outside of the city. "Sorry, Shelby, but if that Inner Monster attacks now, you're gonna have to fight with the boys whether they're ready or not."
"I doubt they're gonna be much help," Shelby grumbled. "I mean, have you seen them? They're a mess. They're too scared to do anything, let alone fight Sledge's goons."
"Then how are they here?" Kendall asked. "If they're scared of everything?"
Callie cut in, "Because they believe that they are safe here. Let's keep it that way, please."
The girls' conversation was cut short by the guys' shrieks of terror. Koda came running out of his cave, waving a large stick in the air, crying out, "Mouse!"
"Where?!" Riley shrieked, as he, Tyler, and Chase immediately got up from their seats at the picnic table.
"Right there!" Tyler screamed, pointing at the mouse as the boys scrambled to get on top of the picnic table, as far away from the mouse as humanly possible.
"Get it away!" Chase added, the guys' screams filling the base.
Callie made no sound as she walked over to the mouse and gently picked it up, out of the sight of the guys, immediately easing their fear. She then turned to Kendall and Shelby, anger suddenly bursting out, "See?! How can they fight monsters when they're afraid of a fricken' mouse?! It's better fer them ta just stay here!"
The base was silent following her outburst, all six of her audience members in shock. Callie immediately began to feel her chest tighten, her head get light, her breathing become short, and her mouth get dry again. She needed to leave, but she didn't want to.
She needed help, and she had just finally asked for it.
She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing, during which the other six let her words and the emotions while she said them sink in.
Five Things You Can See: the empty sofa, the picnic table with the guys still standing on it, Kendall and Shelby standing next to Kendall's computer, the map display behind them, the crystal beds with five Energems connected to it.
Four Things You Can Feel: the mouse's fur against her fingers, her sweater on her skin, the bandaid on her cheek, the end strands of her hair on the base of her.
Three Things You Can Hear: the sounds of the map trying to find Ivan, the mouse in her hands squeaking, the breathing of the guys on her right.
Two Things You Can Smell: Kendall's lavender perfume, the unique combined smell of metal and rock.
One Thing You Can Taste: nothing at the moment, but her favorite taste would always be chocolate.
Once she felt like her breathing was under control, she lowered the volume of her voice.
"I'm sorry," she said, as she placed the mouse inside an empty cardboard box nearby. "I didn't mean ta yell like that. It's just...I know how they feel. Why don't ye two," referring to Kendall and Shelby, "just focus on Ivan and that monster fer now? Let me take care of the guys."
Shelby was quiet, "We're sorry too, Cal. We didn't know that this situation was hitting a nail on the head. And you're right. I know for sure now that Julian is indeed Bones' Host. I need to save him. I just don't think I can take Bones on by myself."
"Ye won't be alone," Callie told her. "Ivan will definitely be there. The question ye should be askin' yerself is whether or not Ivan knows what Inner Monsters are."
Kendall and Shelby both stopped and looked at each other in panic. Ivan did not know that.
Callie continued after seeing this, "That's how ye can convince Ivan. Tell him the truth about Inner Monsters, because he deserves ta know what he's really fightin' against. When ye do, he'll know that ye're all fightin' fer the same thing, ta save people, and that's all that matters."
Shelby finally cracked a smile, "Thanks, Cal. You're a miracle worker."
Callie returned the Pink Ranger's smile with a real one of her own, before letting Shelby give her a much-needed hug.
The bonding session was interrupted by the alarm going off. Kendall turned back to her laptop as Shelby and Callie broke their hug.
"Bones is back," Kendall conveyed. "Cobalt Quarry." She pressed some more buttons, and finally managed to pinpoint Ivan's location. "And Ivan's heading straight for him."
"I have to help him," Shelby said, as she headed towards the exit, grabbing her Energem on the way.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Cobalt Quarry, Amber Beach, California
"Well, what do we have here?" Poisandra taunted, Curio and Bones on either sides of her.
Approaching her was none other than Ivan and his makeshift band of warriors. It consisted of the crossing guard, the street magician, the elderly lady on her electric scooter, and now a tuba player as well as a referee.
This was a perfect team. They had courage, unlike the Rangers.
The six walked towards Sledge's minions with their heads held high.
"You got to be kidding!" Poisandra exclaimed, as Curio giggled in amusement.
"Prepare to incur the wrath of the Knights of Amber Beach!" Ivan exclaimed, as he drew his sword and held it high in the air. Ivan's band prepared themselves for battle by preparing their makeshift weapons. The young magician pulled out his endless handkerchief, the crossing guard got held his stop sign high in the air, the elderly woman whipped her purse around, the musician player drew his tuba back, and the referee blew his whistle.
"Vivix, rise!" Bones exclaimed as an army of Vivx appeared around them.
However, one sight of the Vivix and Ivan's makeshift band of warriors ran away in fear.
"Attack!" Bones commanded as the Vivix charged at Ivan.
Ivan raced forward and managed to knock one of the Vivix down with a strong blow before going to fight alone. As Ivan blocked another blow, he yelled at his band, "Where is your loyalty?!" He knocked the Vivix back, before saying to himself, "A worthy band is indeed hard to find!" Ivan held his sword high in the air as he charged back into the fight.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Dino Base, Amber Beach Dinosaur Museum, Amber Beach, California
"You've...got to...go help," Kendall grumbled as she tried to push the guys out of the base but they were resisting.
"I don't wanna fight that meanie!" Chase screeched, as the guys overpowered Kendall and ran back into the lab and took shelter behind some crates.
"Seriously?! Come on, please!" Kendall pleaded.
"There are monsters out there..." Riley quivered in fear.
"Miss Morgan," Callie quietly called out, stopping Kendall from giving a lecture. "I told ye before. I've got this." Kendall nodded and stepped back. She then turned to the hiding male Rangers. "I never got ta thank ye guys fer savin' me from Fury."
"Did you ever think that we wouldn't?" Tyler asked, raising his head into from behind the crate he was hiding behind. "You're our friend."
"Ye also could've told Seán the truth," she continued. "Ye didn't have ta lie ta him."
"Because we didn't want him to worry," Chase, the one who had answered Callie's phone when it rang, told her.
She added, "And ye got inta trouble with the Zandarian Royal Family fer my sake."
"Because you're our friend," Riley repeated. "We'd do the same for each other, no matter the situation."
She smiled, "Good. Because Shelby needs yer help right now."
"B-But we too scared..." Koda said, fear filling his voice.
"Listen, guys," she told them. "Everybody has their own fears. It's possible that Ivan's greatest fear is committing himself ta the wrong type o' people."
"She is right," Keeper cut in, standing at Callie's side. "Bones only took a symbol of your bravery, but not your bravery itself. Is there any battle you would not fight to save your friends?"
"Of course not," Tyler said, as he and the other three began to come out of hiding.
"Everyone has fears, but true courage is finding the strength to fight even when you are afraid," Keeper said, offering his wisdom to help them.
Callie and Keeper were both right. Everyone had their own fears, but being able to conquer them took true strength. Living in fear was no way to live.
Chase was wondering just how scared Callie was in that cave, how scared she was when she was freeing Riley, Shelby, and herself. Was she now scared that Fury was going to kidnap her again?
"Shelby and Ivan, against that monster..." Riley said.
"They counting on us..." Koda added.
"We won't let them down," Chase said.
"Then, let's go," Tyler said, before the four left the base, their courage outmatching their bravery.
They were still scared, but they were determined.
Callie watched them leave with a proud smile.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Cobalt Quarry, Amber Beach, California
Ivan was trying to hold his own but the numbers were catching up to him. He hit the Vivix around him with a strong array of kicks, only for Bones to catch his foot mid-kick and send him flying.
As Ivan struggled to get up, the Vivix still around him forcefully picked him and held him on his knees.
Bones approached him, boasting, "Your knights have abandoned you, Gold Ranger, and not even the bravest of Rangers can defeat me alone. Time for you to lose your backbone!"
"Think again!" A voice called out.
Ivan looked to see who said that as Bones exclaimed, startled "What?! Hey!"
It was Shelby riding in on a Dino Cycle. One of the Vivix tried to jump her, but Shelby kicked them away, sending them flying.
"That pesky girl is next!" Bones ordered, annoyed. "Get them!"
"Energize! Dino Morpher Blast!" Shelby called, as she blasted the Vivix. She then yelled, "Dino Cycle: Split!" as she jumped off the bike. It split into two pieces and blasted the rest of the Vivix.
"Back off, Bonehead!" Shelby exclaimed as she jumped over Bones and tossed him over before kicking him in the gut, knocking him back.
Ivan looked on in awe as Shelby ran back into the fight, "My lady, alone, such courage..."
As she fought off Bones single-handedly, Shelby addressed the knight by frantically yelling out, "Ivan! There's something about that Bones monster that you need to know! He's an Inner Monster! That means that he was born from a human's deepest fear, and now he's using that human as a battery until one of them dies!" Ivan was shocked at this revelation. "Whenever an Inner Monster appears, it means that someone's life is in danger. Defeating Bones will save that human's life, and to do that, we need your help, Ivan! If that's not reason enough to join us, I don't know what is!"
Just then, Bones landed a hit on Shelby that caused her to de-morph and collapse on the ground.
"My Lady!" Ivan called out to her in worry.
"I'll deal with her later," Bones said, before turning back to Ivan. "For now, your spine is mine!"
Ivan struggled against the grips of the Vivix that were holding him down, when someone yelled out of nowhere, "Not so fast!" Tyler came running in, giving Bones a solid kick in the chest that sent him flying. "You forgot about us, you bag of bones!"
"That was your last mistake!" Chase added, as he and Koda both took out the Vivix holding onto Ivan.
As Riley helped her stand, Shelby exclaimed with joy, "I'm glad you guys got your courage back! That was quite a save!"
"Who says we did?" Riley countered, surprising Shelby and Ivan both.
"What?" Shelby asked.
"We're still scared," Tyler explained, and Ivan let this sink in. "But you two need our help, so here we are."
She smiled warmly at Tyler, despite his back facing her, "Thanks."
"Perhaps breaking his jar will return your backbones," Ivan offered.
Perhaps the Rangers were the perfect team for him to join after all. Even when clearly scared, they still showed up to help him fight.
Bones immediately clutched his jar close to his chest, just as Chase pulled out his Morpher and landed a solid shot on Bones' knees. The monster fell to the ground, accidentally letting his jar go. It rolled onto the ground, until Koda picked it up. Bones cried out a clear "Noooo!" as Koda threw the jar onto the ground.
The jar shattered on impact, and small bones immediately flew away. Four of them remained and returned to Tyler, Chase, Koda, and Riley, successfully restoring their courage, and Poisandra and Curio immediately ran for the sidelines. Bones was done for now.
"Impossible!" Bones yelled in frustration. "You've regained your bravery!"
"That feels good," Riley smiled, as he felt all his fears suddenly wash away. "Thanks for the idea, Ivan."
"You guys okay?" Tyler asked Shelby and Ivan.
Shelby was still smiling at Tyler. She nodded, "We're fine, thanks to you guys. Scared or not, I'm just glad you showed up."
"I concur," Ivan confessed, before bowing. "Thank you, all of you, for your assistance. And I apologize for doubting your courage."
"No worries, mate," Chase shot him a gentle smile.
"And now," Ivan stepped forward, "'tis Morphing Time! Dino Charger!"
"Ready!" The entire team announced in unison. "Energize, ha! Unleash the Power!"
Once they morphed in a flash of multi-colored light, Ivan continued to lead, "Dinosaur Might, Ready to Fight! Power Rangers-"
"Dino Charge!"
The six then charged into battle.
Chase did a swift back flip to evade an attack before hitting a Vivix with a strong front kick.
"Vivix like eggs, easy to smash!" Koda exclaimed as he hit a Vivix with a back-and-front kick combination. Koda followed it up by picking up the Vivix in front of him and simply tossed him to the ground.
"And even easier to slash!" Riley added, as he took down the Vivix in front of him with an array of sword slashes.
"You'll never catch me!" Tyler ran around as the Vivix attempted to shoot him, but he evaded every single shot. "But you will catch my foot!" Tyler exclaimed as he kicked one of the Vivix down.
"Ptera Bolt!" Ivan called as he shot at Bones with his Ptera Morpher.
He then charged at Bones before taking flight with his wings. Bones tried to shoot Ivan down, but he managed to evade every shot.
"Ptera Strike!" Ivan called as he charged at Bones, hitting him with a strong blow. "Summon Ptera Saber!" Ivan held his hand high into the air and a bolt of lighting brought his Ptera Saber in his hand. Ivan loaded his Ptera Saber up with one of his Ptera Chargers.
"Ptera Charger, Engage!"
"Lightning Strike!" Ivan exclaimed, hitting Bones with a strong array of lightning strikes with his blade. "Time to double the power!" He said as he loaded up his blade with another Ptera Charger, to add even more power. Ivan swung his blade around as he gathered lightning around to power up his saber. "Lightning Bolt!" Ivan exclaimed as he stuck his saber in the ground as a lightning bolt surged through the ground, shocking his opponent.
Shelby regrouped with Ivan, and she quipped, "It looks like you found your knights." It was a joke, but it was true.
"Indeed, My Lady," Ivan smiled, before handing her one of his Ptera Chargers. "Now, it is time to save your friend."
"But I never said he was-"
"You didn't have to," Ivan explained.
Shelby smiled underneath her helmet before taking the Charger and loading into into her Morpher, as Ivan loaded a third Ptera Charger into his Saber.
"Ptera Charger, Engage!"
"Energize!" They announced in unison as they got ready to finish off Bones, once and for all.
"Dino Morpher Blast-"
"Lightning-"
"Final Strike!" They said in unison, as the dual attacks hit Bones, causing him to explode, signaling the end of his first life.
"Now that's knight worthy!" Shelby quipped.
"Indeed!" Ivan agreed.
While their backs were turned, Curio quickly rushed in and sprayed Bones with some of her Liquid Luck, reviving him and increasing him in power and size. The Rangers immediately noticed.
"Dino Charger, Ready! Summon Ptera Zord!" Ivan summoned his zord for battle. "Activate Ptera Charge Megazord!" Once his Megazord was formed, he called out, "Dino Drive: Activate!" He then placed his Ptera Saber within the podium, ready to fight. "Battle Mode: Engage!"
Meanwhile, Koda, Tyler, and Shelby also summoned their Zords, "Summon Zords! Activate Dino Charge Megazord!" They also activated Dino Drive, as well as the Stego Saber by bringing out their Dino Sabers.
The Stego Zord activated its Saber Mode as the two Megazords stood side by side, ready to fight together.
"I'll break you!" Bones exclaimed as he charged at the Rangers, but they were ready.
"Like this?" Ivan remarked as he struck at Bones, inflicting some damage.
"Stego Slash!" Shelby exclaimed as she and the others struck at Bones as well. The Dino Charge megazord got a hold of Bones, but he managed to fight back, causing them to stumble.
Fortunately, Ivan came in just in time. "Follow my lead, rangers!" He said, as he flew in and charged at Bones. "Ptera Lightning Slash!" He struck the monster before transforming back to the actual Ptera Zord, blasting Bones with some powerful lightning bolts.
"Combine-" Ivan began.
Shelby finished, "-forces!"
The Dino Charge Megazord charged forward, ready to deliver the final blow. The five called, "Stego Saber: Final Strike!" as they struck at the monster with a powerful strike.
The Ptera Zord transformed back into its battle mode, as Ivan called, "Ptera Lightning Blitz!"
"I'm being fossilized!" Bones cried out as he fell at the hands of the six Rangers.
"Monster vanquished!" Ivan said as he and his team stood tall.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Dino Bite Cafe, Amber Beach Dinosaur Museum, Amber Beach, California
The cafe had just closed for the day, letting the team, along with Kendall and Callie, have their first dinner with Ivan.
"So how did you bond to your Energem?" Riley asked Ivan, as Shelby left the table to take a phone call.
The knight began his side of the legendary tale, "I was riding with the young prince Colin, and it was a day like so many before, but also a day like none that would follow. When the prince became thirsty, we stopped beside the creek and there it was, glistening the water: the Gold Energem. In that moment, we were attacked by a cloaked figure. I was able to keep the monster from harming the young prince, but when he blasted us, the Energem was knocked free, and the powerful beast revealed himself to be Fury. I was certain he would destroy me, but instead the energem sent up a bolt of power up Fury's sword and across mine, bonding me with the spirit of the Pterodactyl. Angered by this turn of events, Fury began to suck me into the void within his body. I struggled mightily, but Fury was too strong, and he dragged me into his dark and evil body. The Energem fell into the creek, where I thought it was lost forever. But, luckily, it was found by the young Prince."
"We're sorry you were alone in there for so long," Tyler said.
"It's quite alright," Ivan replied. "I was asleep for most of the time, but I woke up when you, Sir Tyler, were fighting Fury in a rage. You were about to lose, and I somehow got the feeling that you were like. The bond with my Energem told me so."
This surprised the others. Tyler asked, "You knew I was in trouble?"
"I did-" Ivan was cut off from whatever he was about to say next by Koda setting a plate down in front of him.
"One Bronto Burger!"
"Ohhh, what is this?" Ivan asked, as he curiously examined the strange looking food.
"Bronto Burger," Koda explained. He showed the knight how to hold and eat it.
Once Ivan took a large bite, he moaned in satisfaction.
Shelby returned in this moment, a huge smile on her face, "Julian's fine now. He finally gathered the courage, so he now has a show at that museum. He also just got a show in France!"
"Good fer him," Callie replied, as the others smiled at Julian's success. "Gettin' a show in France is a big deal fer artists."
"See?" Tyler said. "Good things happen when you're courageous enough to make them happen."
"Indeed," Ivan agree, his mouth full of burger. "And this is quite delicious!"
"You want get fries?" Koda asked him.
Ivan vigorously nodded his head in approval. He stood up, but he addressed the others once more, "As I said before, a knight's loyalty is forever. I am honored to be apart of your team."
The others smiled as Ivan and Koda ran to the kitchen to get more food.
Chase's smile faded when Callie got up from her seat, excusing herself. He wouldn't have thought anything of it, because she couldn't just been going to the restroom, but the way she tightly squeezed Chase's shoulder as she walked past him made him think differently.
He knew Callie well enough to know when she needed his help. She didn't like to ask for it, because it made her feel helpless and useless, and to be honest, he was the exact same way. So the two had their own system, completely nonverbal, to use in times like this.
Tightly squeezing the other's shoulder meant 'I'm in a bad place; please help me'.
So Chase got up, reassuring the others that everything was fine and not to worry, before heading for the kitchen to get a cup of ice cubes.
~B~R~E~A~K~~T~H~E~~C~H~A~I~N~S~~T~H~A~T~~D~I~V~I~D~E~~D~I~N~O~~C~H~A~R~G~E~~R~E~D~O~
Amber Beach Dinosaur Museum, Amber Beach, California
Chase found Callie on the loading docks, sitting on a crate, and her breathing was quick and panicked. Instead of calling out to her, as he understood what was happening, he took an ice cube from the cup he was holding and shoved it into her mouth.
Just like he knew it would, the cold shocked her system and brought her back to reality.
She glanced at him, bewildered, and he only said, "Chew," as he handed her the cup of ice cubes. "Trust me, they help."
Callie bit down on the one already in her mouth as she took the cup from him, finally managing to speak, "Thanks." She paused, continuing to chew, before asking, "How do ye know that this works?"
"I had some panic attacks in the past," Chase softly explained. "Mum once told me to put an ice cube in my mouth, because the sudden change in textures would distract me from my anxiety. The cold of the ice would shock my system and bring me back into the physical world. She also assumed that I hadn't drank much water that day and wanted to keep me hydrated. She was correct on all three accounts."
"I'm sorry ye had ta go through them," Callie replied, just as softly, as she bit into a second ice cube. "I hate it whenever one hits. I can't control when they come, and it takes a while fer them ta pass."
Chase was quiet as the two stared at the setting sun, before he told her, "Fury can't hurt you anymore. You know that, right?"
"I know," Callie said, "but that doesn't make it any less traumatizin'." She paused, "Thank ye fer covering me with my brother. I love him ta pieces, but sometimes, his overprotectiveness can be a little irritatin'."
"You're welcome."
"And I'm sorry fer not doin' anythin' during that fight against Fury," Callie continued. "There's only so much I can do."
Knowing that she basically called herself 'useless', Chase quickly cut in, "If you haven't noticed, Callie, you're the one who freed Riley and Shelby, not the other way around, and your impaired hearing allowed you to do so." Callie was quiet as she listened to him. "Don't sell yourself short, Callie. You're a lot stronger than you realize."
Callie softly smiled before wrapping her arms around him. He was quick to return her hug.
She may have not escaped from Fury unscathed, but she would be fine. As long as Chase remained at her side, she knew everything would be okay.
~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~
Original Kyoryuger Episode: Brave 11
Original PRDC Episode: Knight After Knights
Note: Inner Monster Irony in this Chapter: Julian tries to gather up the courage to put his work out in public because he's afraid that people won't like it, while Bones takes courage away from others.
I fixed the most glaring issue from the canon episode: the ignored aesop. Instead of their courage immediately returning after Keeper's speech, this time the courage-less guys actually put the said message into practice by nervously approaching the battlefield for Shelby's sake first, and work together to break Bones' jar and get their courage back themselves.
Also, if I got anything wrong about panic attacks, please PM me so I can fix it.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review and tell me what you think!
A/N: Do review, please. If you guys have any ideas you want me to consider adding, please PM me. A preview for the next chapter:
Season 1, Episode 12: "Sync or Swim"
"A fun rivalry between Tyler and Ivan quickly becomes a problem when it interferes with, not only a monster that plants a bomb, but also with the team dynamic."