"Oh, enchantment spell," Ethan chuckled, slapping down a playing card between him and Devin. "Now your trolls are under my command."
Devin offered a pleasant smile and slapped down his own card. "Counter spell, bro, sorry," he said.
Anabel rolled her eyes and looked back at her homework. The last week had blown by, and on top of her homework she had four unwritten entries for the school newspaper, a blog post that needed editing, and a prom agenda to look at before she presented it to the committee, not to mention the spasmodic attacks from Mesogog and Zeltrax.
"Magic arrow card," said Ethan, retaliating against Devin. "Now my archers can hit five of your warriors with one shot."
Devin sucked in a breath and considered his hand. "Aha!" he said, drawing a card and placing it on top of the pile. "Not if my warriors are wearing enchanted armour, thank you very much."
"This is so completely lame," said Cassidy, looking up from the bench opposite Anabel. She had been checking her make up in her mirror.
"I agree with her," said Anabel, looking up from her notebook again.
Ethan scoffed and shook his head. "You guys just don't understand cause you've never experienced Dragon Wars at its fullest potential," he defended.
"Yeah. The intelligence and concentration that it takes to play this game is more than what most people can comprehend," said Devin.
"Oh really?" Cassidy asked, faking excitement. "That must be why my six-year-old brother players it."
Anabel chuckled. "Besides, you know Randall is going to freak if she catches you," she added. "It's against school rules to play cards."
"Dude, can we get back to the game?" Devin asked Ethan. "I believe I was just about to charge your castle." He smacked his lips together, as he placed another card down onto of Ethan's last one.
Ethan sucked in a breath and looked down at his hand. His eyes widened and he gasped, "No way!" causing the trio around him to look up.
"What? What its it?" Devin asked, glancing around in fear that Randall was nearby.
"Ruby Dragon card," said Ethan, holding up the rectangular piece of cardboard.
Devin's jaw snapped open.
"Ooh. What's a Ruby Dragon Card?" Anabel asked, despite not caring in the slightest.
"The rarest and most powerful card of them all," said Ethan. "Nothing can beat it."
Devin shook his head, shuffled his cards, and slammed them down on the bench. "No way, man, I quit. Game over, you win," he said.
"See?" Ethan laughed.
"I see Hawkeye in a suit coming in fast," said Anabel, spotting Randall walking towards them from across the lot.
Randall straightened her jacket and cracked her neck as she slowed her pace beside the two boys. "Hmm," she cleared her throat, causing both Ethan and Devin to wince. "You know, sometimes my job is just too easy."
Devin closed his eyes with a groan.
"Principal Randall," said Ethan, grinning. "You are looking especially lovely today."
Anabel glanced across at Cassidy.
"Mr James, if your friend Mr McKnight can't pull that off then what makes you think you can?" Randall asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"All right, then perhaps I can appeal to your sense of compassion?" Ethan asked.
"If I had one, maybe," said Randall, pushing her glasses up her nose. "But I don't, so hand them over." She held her hand out for the cards.
"But he just got the Ruby Dragon Card," said Devin.
Ethan nodded, tapping the rare card.
Randall laughed. "Oh well, you keep them then," she said.
"Really?" Ethan asked, grinning. "Sweet."
"No," said Randall, her laugh stopping sharply. "Hand them over."
Ethan and Devin both groaned as they set their decks in her hand.
"Now get to class!" Randall ordered the four of them.
Closing her notebook, Anabel gathered her belongings and stood from the bench, she linked arms with both Circe and headed towards the main building.
"I can't believe it," Ethan whined, following behind with Devin. "I'll never find another one of those."
"I know, man," said Devin, patting his shoulder in comfort.
~X~
"Okay, we have Stegosaurus, Brachiosaurus, and Brontosaurus, what are some other herbivores from that era?" Doctor Oliver asked, looking out at his class. "Ethan, you should know this," he added, his gaze seeking the cluster of Rangers that sat together, save for Anabel.
His chin resting on the heel of his hand, Ethan gazed, lazily at the wall.
"Ethan?" Doctor Oliver prompted, but still received no reaction. He sighed and folded his arms. "Does someone want to tell me what the problem is?"
Anabel raised her hand. "It's Principal Randall," she answered. "She took Devin and Ethan's dragon war cards."
"Dragon War?" Doctor Oliver repeated. "Isn't that a kids game?"
"According to two eighteen-year-olds in this class, no," said Anabel, sharing an amused smile with Circe and Cassidy.
"It's a strategy game for all ages," Ethan defended.
A ripple of laughter echoed through the classroom.
"Well, I hate to agree with Randall on this one, but you know you can't play cards at school," said Doctor Oliver.
"Doctor O, she took the Ruby Dragon card," said Ethan, desperately.
"Yeah, Doctor Oliver, it was brutal man," Devin agreed.
Doctor Oliver sighed. "Okay, look. I'll talk to her after school. Maybe I can get them back. But for now, do you think you guys can please pay attention?"
"Hey, anything for you Doctor O," Ethan grinned.
Doctor Oliver nodded and scanned the room. "So, who can answer my question?" he asked, pointing at the board. "What other herbivores lived during the late Jurassic?"
Anabel raised her hand.
"Anabel," said Doctor Oliver, calling on her.
"Iguanodon, Parasaurolophus, and my personal favourite, the Pachycephalosaurs," Anabel replied.
"Correct."
As Doctor Oliver went back to his teachings, Circe leaned forward and dropped her voice so only Anabel could hear. "Suck up," she teased.
Anabel stuck her tongue out with a grin.
~X~
At the end of the school day, Anabel separated from her friends and headed for the principal's office. She had to hand in the expense form for the newsroom to be reimbursed any money the team had used during the week, and the only way she could do that was with Randall's signature.
Reaching the office, Anabel knocked and entered, stopping short, her eyes wide, as she found Doctor Oliver on the floor, leaning up against Randall's desk, as the woman in question stood over him. Only, she didn't look like Randall, at all.
"Elsa," Anabel murmured, her eyes locking with Mesogog's right hand woman.
Elsa sneered. "You always have the worst timing," she said.
"Anabel, go!" Doctor Oliver coughed, rolling onto his side.
Not needing to be told twice, Anabel ducked out of the door and run down the hall. She screamed as an invisible cord wrapped around her waist and threw her sideways into the lockers. She groaned and slid to the ground, dropping her books and pens, as they skidded across the floor.
Randall's shoes clicked against the laminated flooring as she strode towards Anabel. "I should've got rid of you months ago," she said, standing over the teenager.
"Why didn't you?" Anabel asked, looking up. Despite the fear she felt, she shot a deep glare of hatred at the woman.
Randall smirked. "For reasons you'll know about soon," she said.
"Hey, leave her alone!"
Both Randall and Anabel looked around as Chris rounded the corner. He barrelled into Randall, sending her stumbling across the hall. As Edward knelt beside Anabel, Chris squared off against the Principal.
Randall sneered at them him and turned down a side hallway, disappearing out of the door at the end.
"Anabel, are you okay?" Edward asked.
"I-I think so," said Anabel, blinking. She stood, shakily, with the help of the two brothers and turned back to the Principal's office.
"Doctor Oliver?" Chris asked, confused, watching as his science teacher stumbled out of Randall's office. "What's going on?"
Doctor Oliver met Anabel's gaze. With the two brothers around they couldn't check on one another the way they would've liked, and resigned to the task at hand, instead.
"Where'd she go?" Doctor Oliver asked, looking around.
"Randall?" Chris asked. He nodded down the hallway their Principal had gone. "Through the door at the end.
Doctor Oliver nodded and turned back to the teenagers. "Look after her," he said.
"We will," said Edward, clinging to Anabel's arm. "You're still unsteady," he added, as Anabel tried to run after Tommy. "What happened? Why did Randall throw you into the lockers?"
Anabel shook her head, a feeling of sickness washing over her as she did. She rested back against the lockers.
"You know, for the Green Ranger, you weren't very graceful in your fall," said Chris.
"What?" Anabel asked, her eyes wide as she looked up.
Chris chuckled. "Don't try and deny it," he said. "We figured it out weeks ago."
"I figured it out weeks ago," said Edward.
"But, how?" Anabel asked.
"There's this one move you use in your cheer practices," said Edward. "I noticed the Green Ranger used it, too. It wasn't hard to put two and two together, after that."
Anabel blushed. "Here was me thinking I was being subtle," she muttered.
"Yeah, you're as subtle as Conner is," said Chris. "He doesn't know it yet, but I know he is the Red Ranger, too. Red leather suits him."
"It's not leather, it's spandex," said Anabel. "Why you checking Conner out in spandex any - oh my god!"
Chris blushed. "Shut up, before I regret helping you," he muttered.
Edward chuckled. "We also know that the rest of your friends are the other Rangers," said Edward. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with us."
Chris nodded. "Come on," he said, looping Anabel's arm over his shoulder and winding his own around her waist. "Let's get you outside. Maybe some fresh air will help."
As Edward scrambled to pick up Anabel's fallen items, the trio made their way towards the main doors.
~X~
Once she had reassured both Chris and Edward she would be fine with her friends, Anabel rested her head against Circe's shoulder as they walked through the lot towards their cars.
"That is the last time I let you go anywhere without me," said Circe. "Are you sure you're okay? Should you be driving?"
"I'll be fine," said Anabel.
Despite feeling uncertain, Circe let it go.
"I can't believe we never figured it out," said Conner. "They look exactly the same, only one has glasses."
"Clark Kent and Superman look the same, but no one puts that together," said Ethan.
"Good point," Conner agreed.
"It explains why Randall seemed to have an intense hatred for you, Anabel," said Kira. "She was trying to get close to Doctor Oliver, and by extension, us, and you were getting in the way."
"Yeah, don't remind me," said Anabel. "She did say there was a reason that she didn't get rid of me months ago."
"Did she say what that reason was?" Circe asked.
Anabel shook her head. "She merely said that I would find out soon, whatever that means," she said.
"Could be an empty threat," said Circe. "Don't worry about it too much, okay?"
Anabel nodded.
"I can't believe she got the Ruby Dragon card," Ethan groaned. "I have been looking for that card since I was a kid."
"Maybe there is something I can do about it," said Trent, stopping and backing away from the group.
Ethan frowned and turned to him. "Like what?" he asked.
"I don't know," said Trent. "Maybe I can think of something." He waved and took off, disappearing.
Ethan, Conner, Circe, and Anabel turned to Kira.
"What was that about?" Ethan asked.
Kira shrugged. "Don't ask me. I can't figure him out any more than you guys can," she said.
"Hey guys."
The group turned to find Doctor Oliver approaching them. He took one look at Anabel and looped his arm over her shoulder and down her back, hugging her to his side as she pressed her head against him. "You okay?" he asked.
"I've been better," Anabel answered.
"I don't think she should be driving," said Circe. "But she won't let anyone else drive her car."
"Because the only other two that can drive have their own cars," said Anabel. "Besides, I'm not trusting Conner with my car again."
"One time!" Conner defended.
Anabel smiled and closed her eyes, her head resting against Doctor Oliver chest.
"You going to be okay for training later?" Doctor Oliver asked Anabel.
Anabel nodded. "I'll be there," she said, tilting her head back to look at him.
"Good. After today's events, we're going to need to be more on guard," said Doctor Oliver.
"Speaking of today's events, who's the new Principal going to be?" Kira asked.
"That's a good question," said Doctor Oliver. "I'm going over to the school board right now to let them know what happened."
Anabel sighed. "That means Mom will be there, too," she said. "Randall turning out to be Elsa could become a city-wide emergency, especially since she's been around kids for almost a year."
"She's also going to want to know what happened to you," said Circe.
"Don't remind me," Anabel groaned.
"Will they appoint a new Principal today?" Kira asked.
Anabel shrugged. "Depends on if they can find someone given the circumstances," she said.
"Here's hoping they screen the new one a little better," said Conner.
"I'll let them know that," said Doctor Oliver. He leaned down and kissed Anabel. "I'll see you later," he said.
"Be safe," Anabel replied. She released him and returned to Circe's protective embrace.
Doctor Oliver waved to the others and headed for his car. The teens watched him leave, before dispersing to their own rides, promising to meet up later at the edge of the woods for training.
~X~
Later that afternoon, Anabel arrived at the edge of the woods with Kira and Circe, just as Conner, Ethan, and Doctor Oliver turned up.
"Unless that was planned," said Circe, getting out of the car. "That was some weird synchronization."
"We couldn't have planned that timing if we tried," said Anabel, locking her car. She handed the keys to Circe and followed the others into the training clearing.
Doctor Oliver hammered a nail through a wooden plank wrapped in rope, into the trunk of a tree.
"You hit that any harder and the tree's going to file for domestic abuse," said Circe.
"Has she had sugar?" Ethan asked Anabel.
Anabel nodded. "Apparently elves can't manage sugar like we can," she said. "Plus, they're metabolism is super-fast, and I was curious."
Ethan shook his head. "Just fill her with pizza next time," he said. "It may put her in a food coma."
Anabel sniggered as Circe narrowed her eyes at Ethan.
"Where's Trent?" Doctor Oliver asked, noticing they were a ranger down.
Instinctively, everyone turned to Kira.
"What you looking at me for?" Kira asked. "I haven't seen him he left us at the school."
"Have you tried calling him?" Circe asked.
"Have you?" Kira countered.
"He's not my boyfriend."
Anabel bit back her grin.
Kira turned to Anabel while pointing at Circe. "This is your fault," she said. "You fed her sugar."
"In my defence," said Anabel, holding up her hands. "She is speaking the truth."
"I hate you," Kira muttered, blushing furiously.
"Course you do," said Anabel, laughing. "But, to answer your question, Circe, I did try ringing him. It's going to straight to voice mail."
Circe huffed and folded her arms.
"Am I the only one that finds that concerning?" Conner asked. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I like Trent, but he's been acting pretty weird lately, like there's something he's not telling us."
"Well, dude, you have to admit that Trent's not exactly open about what's going on with him," said Ethan.
"What's with him going after the Ruby Dragon card?" Kira asked.
"Can he do that?" Circe asked, perking up. "I mean, if Elsa went back to Mesogog's fortress how is he going to get there?"
Doctor Oliver turned away from the tree, dropping his tools onto the ground. "He'll be here," he said, reassuringly. "He probably just got caught up at the Cybercafe, or something."
"What if he didn't?" Circe asked. "What if he really did go to Mesogog's fortress? He could be in trouble. We should -" she broke off as Anabel cupped a hand over her mouth.
"I definitely regret giving you sugar," said Anabel. "Please tell me there is a spell that will wear this off?"
Circe nodded. "There is, but I can't do it on myself and none of you have magic," she said.
"Perfect," Anabel sighed. "Just… go wait in the car."
"But, what about -?"
"Go!"
Circe jumped and walked away.
The rustling of branches and a deep growl caused the team to turn towards the woods. Circe, halfway to the car, also paused and turned back. Something big was coming through the trees.
"Speaking of the Ruby Dragon card," said Ethan, his eyes widening at the sight before him.
"Elsa didn't waste any time," said Conner, clenching his hand into a fist.
"And if Trent went after the card?" Kira asked.
Ethan shook his head. "Not good," he said, his eyes still glued to the dragon.
"We'll find Trent later," said Doctor Oliver. "Right now, we have more pressing things to deal with."
The others nodded.
"Ready?" Conner asked.
"Ready!"
"Dino Thunder, Power Up! Super Dino Mode!"
Darting forward, Anabel and Doctor Oliver jumped up and flipped over, slashing downward with the spikes, and knocking the Dragon back. Spinning back to one another, their grasped hands as Ethan and Kira pushed off from their shoulders and struck the Dragon in quick concession.
The Dragon growled at the group of four, before turning to Conner as he charged forward, took hold of the Dragon's shoulder and tore across the clearing with him. Slamming him into a tree.
More annoyed than hurt, the Dragon dislodged himself and struck Conner's chest with his claws. He then turned and blasted the other Rangers, knocking them to the floor.
"Darkness Flare!" Circe called, running around Anabel's car, and unleashing a wall of dark flames onto the Dragon.
Ruby chuckled, and caught the blast, rolled it into a ball and sent it hurtling back at Circe. Her eyes widened and she groaned as the sphere collided with her, rendering her to her knees.
"Circe!" Anabel yelled, scrambling to her feet. She dashed across the clearing and helped her friend into a sitting position, holding her firmly against her chest as she knelt behind the defender.
"The Ruby Dragon always wins," the Dragon growled, stroking the wings under his chin.
"I don't think so!" Trent called, arriving on his ATV. He screeched to a halt and swung his leg over his seat, dismounting and reaching for his Drago Sword on his belt. "I'll handle this freak myself, if he's up for the challenge."
"Trent, that's crazy," said Conner, struggling to his feet.
"Conner's right," Doctor Oliver called. "He's too strong to take on by yourself."
"I know how to play his game," said Trent.
"Speaking of games, why don't you tell your friends the truth?" the Dragon growled.
Anabel frowned. What did that mean?
"I don't know what you're talking about," said Trent. "Now, let's do this!" He rushed forward, swinging his sword around wildly and striking the Dragon several times. At the same time, the pair kicked off into the air, colliding with one another, before the Dragon swatted Trent out of the skies.
Trent groaned as his friends crowded around him.
"We got it!" said Conner and Anabel, each one drawing their Thundermax and locking onto the Dragon.
"No, wait!" Trent called, stopping them. "Let me take him."
"What's your problem?" Conner asked, turning while Anabel kept her blaster trained on the Dragon. "And what is he talking about?"
Trent hesitated. What could he say that would diffuse the tension?
"Uh, this going to hurt," said Anabel, looking up.
"What are you -?" Kira started. She broke off as a beam of light descended from the skies, hit the ground between the Rangers causing it to explode.
Circe groaned and pushed herself weakly to her knees. "I have got to learn the shield spell," she grumbled.
Anabel touched her head and raised her gaze to where see where the blast had come from, she felt a familiar prickle at the base of her neck and an invisiportal opened, depositing Elsa and a handful of Tyrannodrones onto the playing field.
"Oh great," Anabel grumbled. "As if today wasn't already bad."
"Attack!" Elsa ordered, swinging her sword around.
Grabbing at one another, Circe and Anabel stumbled away. Given she was morphed, Anabel found she wasn't as hurt like Circe was, and therefore instructed her to go back to the car.
"I'm supposed to protect you, remember?" Circe argued.
"You can't protect me if you're dead!" Anabel argued.
Circe looked like she wanted to argue, but instead relented and glanced around. While the coast was clear she sprinted towards the parked cars on the other side of the clearing, while Anabel darted back into the fray.
"Compy Claws!" Anabel called, summoning her weapons from her belt. She crossed Trent and Elsa, raised her claws, and blocked Elsa's blade as it descended towards the White Ranger.
Elsa sneered. "Again, with the unwanted welcome," she said.
Shoving her weight into the claws, Anabel knocked Elsa back. "Why can't you just read the room and realise that you're not wanted, huh?" she snapped.
"If I leave now then I won't be able to see him," Elsa nodded at Trent, "reveal his big secret to you. Remember when I said I didn't destroy you for a reason? Ask him for the answer."
Anabel paused and turned to Trent. "What's she talking about?" she asked.
"I don't know," said Trent, shaking his head. "She's just trying to mess with us."
"Then why don't you tell her?" Elsa laughed.
"Anabel, can you take it from here?" Trent asked, hopefully.
"But -" Anabel started.
"Please?" Trent pleaded.
Anabel sighed and nodded. "Alright. Conner, how about a power boost?" she called.
"Reading my mind," Conner replied. He summoned his Triassic Shield and looked around. "Kira, Ethan, you with us?"
"All over it!" the pair replied, running over.
Encircling the symbol on their chests, Anabel, Kira, and Ethan fed a sample of their energy into the shield, and powered Conner up to his third Dino Mode.
"Battelizer engage!" Conner called, powering up further. "Cannon's, power up! Battle blast!"
Kicking off into the air, Conner hovered above the battlefield and opened fire on the group of adversaries. The Tyrannodrones exploded, while Elsa and the Ruby Dragon regrouped at the end of the explosion.
With one final sneer, Elsa threw her hand into the air and triggered an Invisiportal, which transported her and the Dragon away.
"Nice one," said Trent.
Conner powered down as the others joined him, each one staring at Trent, waiting for an explanation.
"Trent, what was she talking about?" Conner asked.
"We're your friends, Trent," said Kira, softly. "Whatever it is you're hiding from us, it can't be that bad."
Trent sighed and cast his gaze away.
~X~
"Trent, we're a team. We're doing something that takes the ultimate trust in each other," said Doctor Oliver.
He was back at the base with the others, their training session cut short due to the attack of the Ruby Dragon and Elsa. Now, however, was the time for answers, and only Trent could give them.
"If you're holding back on us, how can we trust you out there in battle?" Conner asked.
Trent sighed and nodded. "You're right," he agreed. "Okay, look, it's like this. I went to Mesogog's lab to get the card back."
"Called it," said Circe, earning herself a thump from Anabel.
"By yourself?" Kira asked.
"I found an invisiportal and it took me right there," said Trent. "I was just trying to help you out, Ethan, so I took a shot."
"That wasn't a real smart thing to do," said Doctor Oliver.
"Yeah, I know, it was stupid," Trent agreed. "I got knocked out by that thing and barely made it to help when I did."
Anabel frowned, noticing how Trent seemed to avoid mainly hers and Kira's gazes. Was there something more to his secret? There had to be, right? Why would Elsa be so hell bent on her knowing this secret?
"Doctor O, he was just being a good friend," said Ethan. "Any of us would've done the same thing."
"Well, none of you better in the future, that's all I can say," said Doctor Oliver.
"It won't happen again," said Trent. "I promise."
"That's it?" Anabel asked, unconvinced that Trent was being completely honest. "That's the big secret that Elsa wanted to be around to hear?"
Trent hesitated and then met her gaze. There was something simmering deep within, something that was bursting to make its way out. But instead, he nodded and glanced away. "Yeah," he confirmed, quietly. "Look, I got to go. My head's still feeling foggy."
"Okay, get some rest," said Doctor Oliver.
"I'll see you guys later," said Trent, leaving the base.
Anabel furrowed her brow as she watched him.
"Something on your mind?" Doctor Oliver asked her.
"I don't know. There's something just not…" Anabel trailed off, shaking her head. She sighed and turned to her friends. "You guys remember when I said Elsa told me there was a reason she didn't destroy me months ago?"
Conner, Ethan, Kira, and Circe nodded.
"Well, earlier, when I intercepted her attack on Trent, she said that he knew the reason why," said Anabel. "I don't think it had anything to do with getting the card back."
"Especially since you didn't care about the card in the first place," said Ethan, realising she had a point. "So, what, you think he's keeping something else from us?"
Anabel shrugged and glanced at the entrance to the tunnel. "Maybe," she said. "I just know that there is something not quite right here; I believe him when he said he went to get the card back, but I don't believe that's all there is."
"He's had a good knock to the head," said Conner. "I'd be feeling kind of spacey too."
Circe snorted. "I know that was supposed to sound reassuring," she said. "But, trust me, it wasn't."
Conner rolled his eyes. "I meant more than usual," he defended.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Swinging around to face the computer, Doctor Oliver pushed back on his chair and stood as the Ruby Dragon reappeared in the quarry just outside of town.
"Let's go!" said Doctor Oliver.
"What about Trent?" Conner asked.
"Let him get his head back together," said Doctor Oliver. "We'll call him if it gets ugly."
"Which it will," said Circe. "Do you want me to -?"
"No," said Anabel. "Stay here."
Circe saluted and slid down in her seat, spinning away from the Rangers and facing the computers. She had watched Hayley and Doctor Oliver enough to know what to do if she needed too.
"Ready?" Doctor Oliver asked.
"Ready!"
"Dino Thunder, Power Up!"
~X~
"Back for more?!" the Ruby dragon growled as the rangers rushed at him. He blocked an attack from Conner, flipping the Red Ranger over, and turning to do the same to the Black.
Ethan and Kira rushed in next, neither one landing an attack before the Ruby Dragon hit Kira across the chest, and flipped Ethan, dragging his talons down his chest.
Tightening the grip on her Thundermax sabre, Anabel jumped over Ethan as he rolled aside, and winced as the Dragon grabbed the blade of her sword, twisting it around and forcing it toward the floor.
With a hiss, the Dragon sunk his claws into Anabel's suit and hauled her over his head. She ducked her head as she rolled forward and jumped back to her feet, spinning around to face the Dragon as the others regrouped around her.
Laughing, the Dragon reared back its head and blasted the team, knocking them off their feet.
"That was harsh," Conner whined, clutching his chest.
"This guy's needs some hover love," said Ethan, regaining his footing. "Hovercraft Cycle!" He leapt forward, landing on the bike as it sped into view, and circle around the dragon. Initiating the sequence, Ethan soared into the air, gaining the Dragon's attention as he looked up.
The Ruby Dragon hissed as he was lifted off the ground by Ethan's attack. He managed to get back to his feet, his gaze searching for the Blue Ranger when he was attacked from behind by the white. He turned swiftly and grabbed the White Ranger by the shoulders.
"Trent, watch out!" Anabel called.
Freeing his hand, Trent pressed his fingertips to the Dragon's chest, and channelled the energy from his Dino Gem. The energy beam wrapped itself around the dragon, forcing him backwards.
"Let's bust out the Z-Rex on this trading card phony," said Conner.
The others nodded and called on their weapons.
"Z-Rex Blaster!"
"Nothing beats the Ruby Dragon," the dragon roared.
"You may want to rethink that," said Anabel.
"Locked on target!" the others echoed.
"FIRE!"
The energy ball soared through the air, encased the dragon, and caused him to explode.
~X~
The next morning, Anabel slid from the bonnet of her car as Doctor Oliver parked beside her. Conner, Ethan, Kira, and Circe were already waiting for them beside the main building leading into the school.
"Good morning," said Doctor Oliver, greeting her with a kiss as he joined her.
Anabel smiled as she kissed him back, taking his hand and tangling their fingers together. The school day hadn't begun yet, meaning the parking lot was pretty much void of any students other than their group.
"Hey guys," said Doctor Oliver, as he and Anabel passed the others, leading the way into the school. "Did you get enough rest after yesterday?"
"Slept like a baby," said Conner.
Kira, Ethan, and Circe nodded in agreement.
"Good. But, did you learn anything from this, Ethan?" Doctor Oliver asked.
"Yeah, leave the card games at home from now one," said Ethan.
Anabel rolled her eyes. "I don't think that's what he meant," she said.
"Yeah, how about leaving them to the kids from now on?" Conner asked.
"Seriously," said Kira, nodding. "You're much too smart for that."
Ethan chuckled and shook his head. "You guys still don't get it," he said. He then sighed and shrugged. "You know, never mind, I don't expect you to understand."
Feeling Anabel slide her hand out of his, Doctor Oliver glanced at her and noticed she was staring at something on the adjoining corridor to them. He looked around, spotting Trent and his father approaching.
"Hey, Anton," Doctor Oliver grinned, stopping the pair. "How are you?"
The pair shook hands.
"Tommy, I'm fine," Anton said. "If I understand correctly, I hear you're looking for a new principal?"
"Why, you interested?" Doctor Oliver asked.
Anabel nudged him while the others jumped to shoot down the proposal.
"I'm sure Doctor Mercer's far too busy to run a school," said Kira, awkwardly.
"Yeah, far too busy," said Ethan, nodding.
"Besides, Mom told me this morning that they had already found a replacement," said Anabel. She smiled lightly as her father glanced her way.
Anton chuckled and nodded. "Hey, relax, everybody, she's right," he said, nodding at Kira. His pager bleeped from his pocket. "See, even as we speak." He tucked his hand into the rectangular opening on his jacket and withdrew it, pulling out his pager as well as the Ruby Dragon trading card.
It fluttered to the floor where Ethan stooped to pick it up.
"How did you get this?" Ethan asked.
"I honestly have no clue," said Anton, taking the card and offering it to his son. "Trent, is this yours?"
Trent chuckled nervously, shaking his head. "No. I don't know how it got there," he said, looking at his friends.
"Ethan, that's yours," said Anabel, reaching over and taking the card from her father. "I recognise it from - Daddy!" she gasped and caught Anton as he stumbled sideways, leaning against the corner of two adjoining hallways.
Anton clutched his head, gasping for breath. "I'm fine," he gasped, breathlessly. "Just leave me alone."
"You are anything but fine," said Anabel, noticing how his face had started to pale. She looked around at Trent. "What's wrong with him?"
Trent shook his head.
"We should get you some help," said Doctor Oliver.
"No!" said Anton, pushing off from the wall. He stumbled into Trent, bracing himself against his son's shoulders, and then took off down the hall.
Doctor Oliver glanced at the others and followed him, Kira, Ethan, and Conner hot on his tail.
"What the hell is going on with him?!" Anabel snapped at Trent.
"I - I -" Trent hesitated.
Circe shook her head, grabbed Anabel's arm, and pulled her after the others. They had already disappeared through two sets of doors and were turning the corner onto the science corridor. "Come on, here's your chance to get answers!" she said.
"Leave him alone!" Trent called, coming to his senses, and following the two girls.' "He'll be fine. He's a doctor."
"He has a PhD not a MD!" Anabel yelled back. She and Circe sped through the doors, turned the corner at the end of the corridor, and slid into the science classroom after the others.
Dragging Anabel to the front of the others, Circe turned as Trent finally caught up, shoving his way through so that he stood alongside Anabel. The pair of them facing Anton as he convulsed near the back of the room.
"Dad -?" Anabel said, her voice shaking as she stepped forward. Her eyes widened her father's body shimmered, and when he whirled around to face them, she felt Circe grab her arm and pull her back, positioning her body between Anabel's and the newly constructed demon that had taken Anton's place.
Conner gasped. "No way! Mercer is -" he broke off.
"Mesogog," Doctor Oliver whispered. He knew for certain if he wasn't seeing it with his own eyes, he wouldn't have believed it.
"Oh, this is one crazy week," said Ethan, shaking his head.
Anabel trembled, tears blurring her vision as she looked up at the man - no, monster, her father had become. Had this been why he had left her all those years ago? It had to be, right?
"This is your big secret?" Kira asked Trent. "You knew this all along?"
"He's my father," said Trent, desperately. "How could I tell you?"
Mesogog growled. "You will pay for betraying me, Trent," he said. "You will pay, dearly."
"I never betrayed you!" Trent protested.
"Betrayed us, if anything," said Conner, angrily.
"SILENCE!" Mesogog roared. His body shimmered again, and Mercer collapsed to the ground.
Leaning heavily on the table for support, Mercer raised his head and met his children's gazes. Trent was staring, desperately at him, hoping beyond hope that this was a bad dream, while Anabel was trembling, her eyes clouded with tears.
"Trent, Anabel," Mercer whispered. He noted how the Mystic Defender, Circe, he remembered, moved over, blocking his view of Anabel slightly more. "I'm sorry."
Anabel gasped as the familiar prickle in her skull made her lurch forward, "Dad!" she cried, stopping as Circe caught her around the middle.
With a crash, Mercer disappeared through an Invisiportal, leaving the Rangers alone in an empty classroom.
—
Well, the cat's out of the bag now.
How do you think this news will affect the team, more specifically, how will Anabel take it? Find out soon.
Let me know your thoughts.
Please review!
Stay Safe!
Twix