'TIL I COLLAPSE - PART TWENTY- THREE: A DARK FINISH
SEQUEL TO: ORDINARY WORLD
SUMMARY: With hopes to spend some time together as a family, Tommy is called into action. And he reveals what he does to his daughter. But when the team goes into battle, it ends with a new surprise.
DISCLAIMER: Power Rangers is not mine. Just the adventures they are now going through in this AU universe from Dino Thunder. And for all who don't seem to know what AU is, it is Alternate Universe, meaning I have control over what happens and how it happens. I have that power. So, beat that.
A/N: Just read it. I know how you guys just want to get straight to the action. So, let's get back into battle. But first off, I must apologize for the long wait. Senioritis with everything I do, including this. So, I'm sorry. And also to clear things up, I am Filipino, just can't speak the language. I only understand it, just can't talk it. Don't ask. I know so little, just the simple things. Either way, let's get back to the action. There is a lot of things that happen in this chapter.
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"I am tired of coming out of these battles losing. Will we ever make it a victory we can be proud of? And now that we have discovered so many new things, how will it effect us in our future? And could there ever be a future for the Power Rangers if we fail?" -Eclyptyk Neo
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After Tommy had his fill of something to eat that night, he had went up to his daughter's room and watched her sleep. It wasn't to freak her out, but more so keep an eyes on her. To keep her company. He knew there was still fear in her eyes, and he knew that Kim was aching, even if she wasn't really showing it.
And that's what scared him. He knew the moment he had heard that news about having a daughter, it had jeopardize his marriage with Kim. And as much as Kim was for it, had agreed in help raise her, he knew she was aching. Crying inside. But she just never wanted to show it when he was around. But he knew, sensed it in her body movements, that she was angry. That she felt betrayed. He couldn't blame her.
There were a few details he had left out of his relationship with Serena's mother. A lot, if one could say. It wasn't just one night that they had slept together. It was any night they could make time to do it. She had originally been one of those prostitutes on the street trying to find her way in the city. But that was the thing. She was only beginning when he had ran into her. It was her first night doing it, and she ran into him. They had slept together, but when she found his dog tags she ran. She was scared of authority. The following day, he had found her again, in his uniform, and she ran. But he had stopped her, tried to convince her that there was a better life from selling her body to strange men. He joked he wasn't like most guys. That he would rather pay her for finding a better way of life rather than through cash. And she gave him a chance to change her life. That's when she had joined up with the Army. He looked into it, found out she was an American citizen, which gave her the added boost to make it in there. And the life of prostitution had left her. He didn't have to lie saying that he thought there was something there. He wasn't sure who loved who more, but it just didn't last. And he did call, but she never called back. So, that was it. That was the last he had heard from her. Until now. Until the tragic news of death and now asking him to take care of their kid.
And here he was, almost seven years later from a love that ended before it could really begin. And had come with an aching consequence.
Tommy sat in one corner of the room watching Serena sleep soundly in her new bed. In her new home. On American soil. He walked over to her, sitting on the side of the bed as he pushed a line of hair away from her face. He laid a gentle kiss on her head.
He wasn't sure how he should be feeling now. He was happy. Yet, he was sad. Guilty. And angry for not knowing for so long. He felt betrayed and lied to. Yet, when he had looked down at her, things went away. Time almost stood still and it was that feeling of caring and loving someone more than himself. No. He couldn't judge and say that Serena was more important than Kim. They both meant a lot to him. And the child both he and Kim were waiting for. But right now, he knew that Serena had needed him more.
And he also knew he couldn't jeopardize any pain or huge stress on Kim. There was still a chance of losing that baby, even in the process of the six or so months she had left to carry their own child. Tommy never felt so lost and confused within himself. He didn't know where to turn to. Or if anyone could give him the advice he was looking for.
He heard footsteps echo through the hall and he knew it was Kim. Her shadow cast a silhouette into the room as she stood there at the threshold. But Tommy couldn't move. He didn't know what to do at that point. He felt like he needed to be in two places at once. He knew that Serena would have to get used to calling Kim 'mom' and he knew that Kim had to get over the fact of looking at the young girl and call her 'daughter'.
For awhile, it fell silent. Kim had stopped at the threshold, noticing her husband looming at his daughter's bedside. And at that point, it crushed her. Her heart was aching and she was feeling lost in a barren land. She wanted to say something. Hoping that one day Serena could accept her as being her mother, but somehow, she felt it would take some time. A long time. She turned away and headed back into her own bedroom, knowing she would have no luck in bringing her husband to accompany her. He had to be at his daughter's side, and she knew that. It just hurt. He had a kid, a kid that wasn't her own. And that's what was crushing her.
She had tucked herself in bed and slowly closed her eyes, but not without a stream of tears falling down her face as she fell into a deep slumber.
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The days had passed slow. It was hard for Serena to leave her father's side. As ambitious and as eager to learn, she was still scared about getting used to her new lifestyle. She didn't trust just anyone. And she was still not looking at Kim as a mother. Tommy had tried so hard to make the transition easy, but it was clear she had missed the Philippines and her mother. He had to call in two 'sick' days just to show and teach her a few things around town. Let alone, his birthday was this past Monday, February 1st, making him now 27 years old. He didn't want to celebrate it, but Kim had insisted on throwing him one, even if it was a surprise over the weekend. He wasn't much for birthday parties, but he dealt with them, knowing his friends would plot one for him, whether he wanted one or not.
Kim had gotten used to the lack of attention from her husband, and still tried to act like a friend to Serena. She was beginning to accept her help in making the transition better, but it was still putting an aching pain on the two of them.
Trent had come over to the Oliver homestead in the past few nights to help Kim with the native language of the Philippines. He also needed help on some biology homework Dr. Oliver had issued out to him regarding different protists.
Trent and Kim had been sitting in the living room. He knew that Dr. Oliver hadn't been in school due to his daughter, but he hoped he could get some answers regarding the legal issues around adoptions and kids. Yet, he knew that Kim needed some company just for the sake of trying to get used to the changes in the household. So did he.
"So, how are you holding out, Coach?" Trent asked as he put his biology homework into his backpack. "According to the others, you've been a little under the weather, as they put it."
Kim sighed quietly. "It's been really hard, Trent. Serena hasn't actually called me mom, or looked at me as anywhere near it. She's been really attached to Tommy lately. That's why he hasn't been in school for these past few days."
"Yeah, I guess I don't blame her for being scared. I've seen her over at Oceanside. Is that where she is enrolled?" Trent asked.
Kim nodded as she took a sip of her tea. "Yeah. But remember, it's only been her second day. She said for a majority of the time, she will be going through ESL, not a whole lot in the classroom until her English gets better."
Trent sighed, shaking his head. "I know that feeling. Besides, I'm still trying to get used to the other set of news. Ya know, about Dr. O being my second legal guardian."
"Have you told Kira about that, or anyone else?" Kim asked, not trying to sound all rude.
"Actually, I did tell Kira. And she didn't believe it until I showed her the documents. But I don't know. I don't think I could really call him 'dad' or even Tommy. You get used to one thing, it's hard to go to something else."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. But, either way, I think it's kinda nice to know you do have someone else to go to for help or advice. But we're all here for each other."
Trent managed a smile. He knew that she had been aching over the news of all that's happened in the past week, but she still managed to make the most out of a situation. He didn't believe he ever saw Kim in a negative mode unless it was an argument with her husband. Yet, they had gotten passed them. Now, he wasn't quite sure about this one. He hoped that nothing would go wrong now, but it was too hard to tell.
Then they heard the front door open, and a small little voice speak, footsteps echoing through the hall. It was Tommy and Serena. They had gone out since Serena had wanted some ice cream before Trent had a chance to ask his science teacher for some help.
Then the small little girl had raced into the living room, but stopped short when she had saw the new occupant in the house. She looked over at Kim with some confusion then back at the teen in white who could only smiled at her. Serena turned and raced out of the room, but not before her father could stop her and pulled her into his arms.
He began to talk to her quietly as Kim looked over at Trent for some assistance in what he was telling her.
"Uh...he's just telling her about me. That I am sorta like her big brother and how I help out at the same school she goes to," Trent said slowly as he heard the words escape his science teacher's mouth.
Tommy had set Serena back on the floor as she slowly walked over to the couch and sat down, looking at Trent. She licked her ice cream cone but said nothing as Trent looked back at his science teacher for some assistance.
"She doesn't trust just anyone. If you haven't figured that out, Trent," Tommy said slowly with a shrug. He walked over to his wife and laid a kiss on her lips. "Sorry, Beautiful, she was really craving some ice cream. But I got you some of those buffalo wings you've been craving."
"Well, it's good to know you haven't completely forget about me," Kim smiled lightly as she took the bag from her husband and headed into the kitchen. She had offered some to Trent, but he refused, not feeling too hungry.
Tommy collapsed on the chair located on the other side of the room, looking across the coffee table at the young girl enjoying her ice cream. He let out a breath, shaking his head.
"But I'm not like most strangers, Dr. O. Did you tell her that I can talk to her in Tagalog?" Trent asked looking over at the young girl with some anxiety.
Tommy shrugged. "I did, but she's going through a phase. Some sorta psychological barrier as Adam had told me. We went to go see him earlier today and he said it was a phase. She's still coping with the loss of her mother."
Trent sighed and looked over at Serena. He spoke to her quietly, introducing himself. He had mentioned how he knew about losing a parent -- or two -- and how he was willing to help her out. He told her some of the things he liked to do, which was draw, write poems, hang out with friends, and train in the martial arts.
Kim found her place back on the couch beside Trent, a buffalo wing in mouth and a plate full set for her. She looked over at Tommy, who was clearly exhausted about the run around. "You're gonna spoil her, Tommy. That's bad, ya know. She's gonna be one of those kids who always gets what they wanted."
"Actually, no. Earlier today she wanted to get a puppy, but I told her it wasn't nice to have one in such as a place as out in the middle of nowhere. And she even asked for a few toys that I had also said 'no' to," he replied as he looked over at Kim under the visor he had made with his hand.
"But you go and get her some ice cream?" Kim raised an eyebrow with confusion.
"That was sorta my bad. I actually wanted to get some, and she did to. But that didn't mean I forgot to get you something either. I got you the buffalo wings, and I also got your cheesecake mix from Ben & Jerry's."
"You're gonna spoil me now, aren't you?" Kim asked as she finished off another wing and grabbed another.
"Only 'cuz I know I've been neglecting you for the past few days. Besides, I knew Trent wanted to come by and meet his little sister, and give you some lessons on Tagalog since I haven't been able to. Have you learned much?"
"A little. You weren't kidding when you said it was a hard language to learn. But is she willing to give me a chance?"
"She likes to be complicating, even when she talks to me. It's kinda surprising they put her in 2nd grade. She's well into 6th grade and 7th grade knowledge on science, if not better."
"Well, we know where she got that from, Mr. PhD," Kim smiled.
Tommy couldn't help but smile back. At least, she was still willing to crack a joke time and time again. And he would be back in school by tomorrow, even if it was an early release to finish off midterms. He had wanted so badly to have things go back to normal just a little bit, but it hadn't in the past few days.
Serena called out to her dad. She had briefly asked him if what Trent was saying was true. That Trent would look after Serena every now and then, while he and Kim would attend to some 'teacher conferences' throughout the year.
Tommy looked over at Trent slightly shocked at his choice of words, knowing what he meant by 'teacher conferences'. It was times when Tommy and Kim would be requesting some time alone to do other things. "Trent, you said that!"
Trent shrugged. "Just trying to keep it real, Dr. O. Besides, I think I finally got her to start trusting a few more people." He looked over at Serena speaking quietly only for her to hear.
"Dad, can we have lunch tomorrow? As a family?" Serena asked with a little puppy eyed look.
Tommy looked over at Trent, then over at Kim slightly confused by the question, but happy. Yet, Trent shook his head saying he had to work immediately after school and could not join them. Yet, upon the early release for the district, it would give the trio time to talk and hang out like a real family.
Tommy nodded a yes, figuring it could be worth a try to help bring them closer. "Okay, Serena. We could do that."
It was getting rather late, and Trent had to be getting home to finish the rest of his homework before the night was done. It was clear that once he had left, he and Serena were on good grounds. And Tommy could only question what Trent had told her since it was clear the two of them wouldn't tell him what they were plotting or doing. But it was good, since Serena had begun to talk to Kim a little more.
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Next day.
Serena had been enrolled at the local elementary school, Oceanside, in the 2nd grade. And like many foreign students, she had also been placed in ESL. But lucky for her, Trent was a student assistant at the school. And he would make sure to keep her in check, for the sake of her education and her father. Yet, she wasn't like most kids her age. She had an interest toward technology that could blow the minds off of people at the high school level even. But due to credits and what she knew about the English language, she was stuck in 2nd grade.
Time had gone rather slow, even for a day that had no real point at the high school level. Classes were a little over thirty minutes long and there just wasn't enough time to do a whole lot of things. And it was growing more evident in the seniors that they just didn't care much for school. Many of them just wanted their diploma and get the hell outta the school, if not the area.
The teens had been staggering around in the parking lot trying to find something to do to preoccupy their time for the rest of the day.
"How about a movie?" Kira asked as she leaned against Trent's car beside him. They had stod closer to each other in the last few weeks, but it still appeared in the slow stages of a relationship, in the experimenting stages. But they were well beyond it, they just never showed it publicly.
"I can't. I don't have a whole lotta money," Ethan said slightly discouraged.
"Still haven't found a job?" Trent asked.
"Hey, don't get me wrong. I got a great resume. They just don't wanna hire a guy who's lacking on job experience," Ethan sighed sadly. He had been eagerly trying to find a job, but got nowhere. Even with his impressive computer skills, many companies wouldn't be hiring under 18 or without a high school diploma.
"Yeah, well. We could always just hang out at the cyber cafÉ," Conner had suggested. Not that it was the first time one had seen Conner without his girlfriend, but she would be out for the week visiting a few colleges on the east coast. "Hey, Trent. Have you met Dr. O's kid, yet?"
"She's an interesting character," Trent nodded slowly. "She seems to have a lot on her mind, I would assume from the loss of her mother, but there is lot she can say for a six year old. She is pretty smart."
"But she doesn't talk in English, does she? I mean, she did come from the Philippines," Ethan asked.
"Only a little bit. That's why she's taking ESL classes."
"But you know what she's saying," Kira said.
"Yeah, I do. I mean, she just prefers to talk in Tagalog, since that's what she's used to hearing. And plus, she doesn't want people to make fun of her accent. It's really thick," Trent stated as he shrugged. "Actually, I was the same way. But after a few years, it slowly goes away."
"So, is she anything like Dr. O?" Conner asked.
"She has that same fiery spirit like Dr. O. She looks like a person who could be a leader, and I can see him in her eyes," Trent answered. "I have to go pick her up, since Coach and Dr. O got a few meetings before they can hit up lunch together."
The trio had asked their friend in white a little more about Serena, but he couldn't give much information on it. He was still getting used to the concept of having a 'little sister'. Not that it didn't bother him, it was just a little weird to think along those lines now. He had told Conner and Ethan about the recent discovery of Dr. Oliver being his second legal guardian, and they could not believe it at all. He said he could probably bring her by for them to meet, but wasn't quite sure how she would react to the sudden attention. Yet, he hoped that wouldn't be a problem. He had ways to bribe a kid without making it seem like he was spoiling them. It was more so a reward for being nice.
Ethan had stated that the number of cars was decreasing in the parking lot, and it was their cue to leave. The administrators would get on anyone who decided to hang out at the school on an early release. It was their time to go do things off school grounds. And the teachers had their own work to do at the school.
The others agreed, saying they will all meet at the cyber cafÉ to hang out. Each of them had gotten into their cars and set off to do some quick errands before hitting their usual hang-out spot.
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As much as it was nice being a teacher, it was not fun to do. They had to stay at school for at least another hour or two to finish off grades and go through one of those long boring lectures regarding new techniques to teach. It was a snore fest for many of them, even if people from the school board were there. They had to look like they were paying attention, but really the weren't. They just didn't care.
Even at times when there were meetings like that, Kim and Tommy were never really seen around each other. Everyone thought something was wrong, but it was merely the concept of where they stood on the staff. And how it would be wrong to show any such signs of affection in the work place. They didn't need anyone on their business outside of school. And they took their teaching jobs seriously. Plus, teachers were in designated areas, the science teachers in one area, the English in another, and so on. It didn't have to do with segregation or anything, they were just used to it. And it was easy to distinguish who was who for the school board. And if they needed to address one particular group.
And as soon as the meeting was over, many of the teachers who had completed their grades early had a chance to leave early. And that was exactly what Tommy and Kim did.
Meanwhile, at the cyber cafe, the teens had met to hang out for the rest of the day. It wasn't like they had much homework to do. They just weren't feeling these long days. As far as any of them could tell, they just wanted the year to end. They simply wanted to get their diplomas and call it over for high school. And they were hoping to end this war with Mindshatter before their final year at Reefside would end, but they highly doubt it.
"How are we supposed to be excited about this year ending when we've nearly failed our job every time there is an attack?" Ethan sighed as he took a sip of his shake.
"At least we're not dead," Kira had to admit solemnly.
"Could you imagine if we failed?" Conner sighed sadly.
"But we can't. I mean, think about it. Remember, there was a ranger team of the future. If we fail, they won't exist," Kira countered his thoughts.
"Yeah, well, there is also the concept of saying that the future is always moving and anything could happen," Ethan said.
"Exactly. We still got a chance," Kira nodded. "We always have a chance."
Then the main doors to the cyber cafe opened to welcome in a new set of customers or those just wanting to hang out. Among those in the crowd of a few was Trent and a little girl holding his hand. And as the trio looked over to see the new visitors, they knew that the young girl was their science teacher's daughter, Serena.
Trent held up a hand in greeting as he walked over to his friends. He greeted them quickly as they greeted him back with a smile or nod. He looked down at the girl by his side as she looked up at him. He spoke to her in Tagalog. "Serena, I want you to meet some friends of mine. This is Ethan, Kira and Conner. They all take martial arts with me from your dad. He's also our science teacher at Reefside High."
Serena looked at each of them and smiled lightly. "Hi."
Trent smiled lightly as he turned to his friends. "Guys, this is Serena, Dr. O's daughter."
Each of them greeted the young girl with a kind gesture as she climbed into the open seat. Trent had offered her something to drink before her father would come by to get her as he trailed off slowly into his working shift for the day.
The other teens were slightly hesitate to start a conversation with the young girl, not sure of what to say or ask her. They knew she wasn't fluent in English, but she still could understand what they were saying. That was not a problem.
Kira was the first to ask the young girl where she lived in the Philippines and Serena had replied in Manila or on the military base depending on when her mother was needed.
Ethan asked about what she liked to do. And Serena simply answered by playing sports, writing and wanting to learn more about those color-coordinated warriors, the Power Rangers.
It sparked up some interest in the three, but as Trent had passed them by, kicking each of their chairs inconspiciously, they knew they couldn't say anymore than agree with her. It was clear that Tommy had not told her the truth, and none of them couldn't hint at it even a little.
Conner decided to change subject, asking the little girl how she was liking the city. She said it was something new, but said she could adjust easily. She was beginning to now, and liked some of the people she's already met.
But soon the topic had gone back to the Power Rangers, which had each of them twist and turn uncomfortably in their chairs. It was clear that Serena had dreams of meeting one -- or a few -- and wanting to become one. And with the look dancing in each of their eyes, it was clear that being the heir of such an honor couldn't get passed up by the young girl. She said she knew so little about the first few generations, but knew quite a lot about the past four teams since Time Force. They didn't know how she obtained that kind of information, but it was more than they could handle from one not fully associated with the rangers.
The trio was getting quite fidgetty, and like many times Hayley had come to see how she could help out. Briefly introducing herself to the young girl, who she learned was Tommy's kid, soon realized what was coming out of her mouth and why it made the teens uncomfortable.
Time passed slow as the doors swung open and the familiar face of Tommy Oliver came in. The group breathed a sigh of relief as they quickly got to their feet, Ethan and Kira racing outside to catch some air. Conner and Hayley stopped the man before he could go any farther.
"I see you guys have met my daughter, Serena," Tommy said slowly looking at the uneasiness in his friends.
Conner let out a breath. "You gotta tell her. This obsession is crazy. And trust me, we didn't say anything, but she is all over the Ranger thing like a kid over candy."
Tommy sighed quietly. He nodded slowly realizing that the teen in red wasn't lying. In the nights he would tuck her away, she would ask stories about the Rangers, and it, too, had made him uncomfortable. She knew more than anyone could ever know about a team of rangers who was seeking out the truth on them. He didn't know how she could have obtained this information, but most of it was pretty accurate. "You're right, Conner. I need to tell her, and I will. I just need some time to think through how I should tell her..."
"Tell me what?" a small voice asked as Serena walked over to the trio by the door.
It fell silent as the trio turned to look at the young girl who had melted into her father's side, grabbing his hand. Hayley had excused herself to take her place behind the counter to set up more orders for paying customers. Conner took a step back as Ethan and Kira entered the room again.
Tommy let out a breath smiling. He spoke to her quietly in Tagalog. "I got a surprise for you, Serena. But if you're not good today, you may not get it, okay?"
"What kinda surprise?" she asked eagerly.
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."
"Trent told me you would have a surprise for me if I was good," she had replied. Tommy had looked across the room as Trent had set down some new drinks for his friends. Trent winked at him as he turned away. Serena tugged on her father's hand, desperate to hear the news. "C'mon, daddy. You can tell me. I've been good."
He shook his head, and told her she would have to wait until the end of the day. He looked back at the trio in front of him, nodding solemnly. And they knew he would pretty likely tell her by nightfall. They could only hope he was telling the truth as they said goodbye to the two and went back to their table.
Tommy had escorted his daughter out of the cafe and onto the small lunch outing they would have as a family. Kim was already at the park setting it up.
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Island fortress.
In the last few weeks, Mindshatter had been working vigorously to find a way around keeping Mesogog in a more permanent state.
He had managed to pull off no more than two days, and it was frustrating him. Even with his new space-age technology, he could find no way to keep the dino menace from transforming back into his alter ego.
He had only one last choice. Mind control. The easiest and most simple way to bend anyone lower than him to his will. He had used it several times on Dinoshade and cybots for failing to do permanent damage to his enemies.
Anton laid in the chair, moaning quietly as the last of the tests and experiments had stopped for the day. He had taken more punishment than he could have imagined for a guy of his status. But he could only conclude that what dino DNA he had in him was acting as a shield to keep him alive. His head moved about dazily, but it hurt to even open his eyes. He could hardly speak from the pain.
Mindshatter loomed over him using his mind to connect with the one below him. And that's when he felt he had made some connection to the beast within the scientist. He could hear Mesogog, felt him wanting to claw his way to the surface and remain. He began to chat quietly in his alien language as a green-yellow light covered Anton. And when the chatting had stopped, Mesogog now laid in the chair.
Moments had passed as the dino menace finally stirred, ripping the straps away and getting to his feet. He growled at Mindshatter as he pushed him aside.
"Out of my way you big pile of nuts and bolts!" Mesogog hissed.
Mindshatter pushed the dino menace back into the chair. "I do not tolerate such disrespect from anyone, Mesogog."
"The only thing I would ever agree to help you with is to destroy the rangers, Mindshatter. And after that, we will see who is more worthy to take the planet for themselves," Mesogog announced.
"You have no idea what you're up against, Mesogog. You will continue to grow weaker if you don't let me help you."
Mesogog shoved Mindshatter's hand away and glared at the elite cyborg in front of him. Out of all the times he had felt the drill of experiments on him and his alter ego, Anton, he had grow weak. He wasn't sure how much more he could take, or if he could even make it to see another day. The experiments had left him that weak. And after Mindshatter's last idea, he was almost certain that this was as close as he could get to staying like this. Anton had been fighting, but he wouldn't last. And even as his alter ego, he felt he would have to fight too if they were both to survive. His main objective was still to get rid of Mindshatter, but he still had the feeling of ruling the world under his arm. But he couldn't do it with a robotic- porcupine in his way. "No evil being has ever won against the Rangers, Mindshatter. What makes you think you're any different?"
"Because I have you," Mindshatter countered. He barked out a call in his alien dialect as the shadows in the corner of the room took shape as his henchman, Dinoshade appeared. Mindshatter turned to him. "I have an idea for our little color-suited friends, Dinoshade."
"I have made a discovery about one of our favorite rangers, my lord," Dinoshade announced. "It seems the Black Ranger has a child who could serve as a great asset against them."
Mindshatter thought for a moment as he looked over at Mesogog.
"Creating an evil curse or encoding a gem with evil could divide the team," Mesogog announced. "And taking out their leader will render them weak and useless against us."
Mindshatter nodded. "I like it." Mindshatter moved toward one of the computers located in the room. He pulled out a device for Dinoshade. "Take this, Dinoshade. Go reek havoc on the town and call forth the rangers. Mesogog has given me an idea."
Dinoshade nodded as he left the room. Mindshatter had looked over at Mesogog commenting on he could be of more help to him than he could have realized.
But as Mindshatter approached the dino meance, he had forced Mesogog to the ground with his mind control. And Mesogog had no time to react since he was already weaken from the experiments for the day. Mindshatter began to start a chant as Mesogog tried to fight it. But he couldn't. And time had passed slow, Mesogog laid on the ground motionless.
"Rise, my new warrior," Mindshatter announced.
Mesogog did as he was told and when his eyes opened, there was a hint of red in them. There was a more darken look to his face and it was clear in how he stood, almost like a robot, that he was now under Mindshatter's command and control.
"Who do you serve?" Mindshatter asked.
"Dark Mindshatter," Mesogog said darkly.
"And who is your enemy?" Mindshatter asked.
"The Power Rangers," Mesogog announced. "Shall I destroy them now, or later, master?"
"Patience, Mesogog. I need Dinoshade to weaken them first."
The dino menace nodded and left the room to attend to other matters around the island fortress.
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Dinoshade had landed in downtown Reefside with a swarm of cybots. They made no hesitation to destroy the city block. Innocent civilians raced for cover and out of the plaza to safety.
Moments later, four figures emerged upon the smoke from a line of laser blasts. It was the four teens of the DT team.
"Hey, didn't anyone tell you it's not nice to open fire out of boredom?" Conner called out.
"Just who I wanted to see," Dinoshade announced as he bowed toward the teens. "But where is the black one?"
"He'll have to take a rain check. You're dealing with us," Ethan said.
"And this time, we don't plan on walking away the losers," Kira announced with some confidence.
Though it had been nearly two weeks since their last battle, they felt they were ready to take on their enemy with whatever they could. They were tired of losing, and they knew they had some added boost knowing there were a few rangers lined up to help when need be.
Dinoshade laughed. "We will see. You have no idea what you're up against."
Conner took the lead in front of his team as he pulled his morpher into place. The trio followed and they gave out their morphing call. Their significant light covered their body, and as a line of lasers rained down on them, they emerged from it suited up ready for battle. All were in Super Dino Mode, weapons drawn and ready for action.
Conner and Trent made no hesitation as they raced straight for Dinoshade. Kira and Ethan made sure to clear a path for them as they went up against the cybots.
Conner would kick high but Dinoshade pushed it away. Trent went low, and managed to make their enemy falter. But even for a robotic dinosaur, he was quick to react. He made no hesitation to lay out a few laser blasts their way, sending them to the ground.
Kira and Ethan had their hands full with the cybots, who seemed more fired up than they had been in their last few set of battles. And as they tried to find a way to keep them at bay, they met pavement like they had in their past battles.
"Man, what's up with these guys!" Ethan growled as he slowly peeled himself off the ground. "They're burning up."
"I think we could use some help here," Trent groaned as he just got sent to the ground again.
"But we can't call Dr. O out. He's spending some quality time with Serena and Coach," Kira stated.
Conner fell back as he helped Trent to his feet, looking over at his team. He shook his head, remembering that sacrifices had to be made. They needed him. "But he's a Ranger, too, Kira. He's the only one we could call right now." He triggered his morpher just before another line of lasers fell over them.
And the teens forced themselves back into the battle, hoping to find a way to some sort of victory.
-XXXXXXXXXX-
At one of the parks not too far from the sight of the ocean under a tree sat the Oliver family. Tommy sat with his back against the tree, Serena against the sight of the park looking at the ocean, and Kim on the other in front of Serena.
In the time span they had already been there, they had enjoyed their lunch, a small cuisine of Filipino food, making small talk. Serena had told her story about what she had learned in school, becoming a little more comfortable about the English language. And she had continuous pleaded her father to teach her some martial arts.
Tommy exchanged a look with his wife as he snagged a bite of his food and sat up on his knees beside his daughter. He held up his hands, palms raised. "All right. All right. We'll start slow. Basic punching. I want you to hit..."
Serena made no hesitation as she had struck her father's palms, alternating between left and right. It was quick and carried some power that surprised Tommy, not just because she was young or a girl, but since she claimed she couldn't take martial arts lessons because of her mother. Those punches seemed to prove wrong.
Tommy had caught one of her punches, stopping her. "I thought you didn't know martial arts," he spoke in Tagalog. "You said your mother wouldn't let you take lessons for safety reasons."
Serena shrugged with a light smile. "I watched movies, dad. And many of the things I did know about it, she said came from you. I've always wanted to learn how to walk on a balance beam and perform on those uneven bars. I saw the Olympics, and I remember seeing mommy on them. It looked like fun to be there."
Tommy looked over at Kim with a smile. "Yeah, I'm sure it was."
Kim could only smile back, though she was still lost about what the young girl had said. "Okay, I didn't catch all of that. But I do know she mentioned something about the Olympics in there and seeing me there..."
"I learn gymnastics, mommy?" Serena asked quietly, hoping and eager to possibly one day learn it.
And at that point, Kim had caught her breath. She could feel her eyes welt with the formation of tears. It was the first time she had heard 'mommy' slip out of Serena's lips, directed toward her. And she had requested to learn gymnastics, from her. And she wasn't sure if it was to just make her father happy, but when she looked over at Tommy, he had looked at her intently and solemnly, telling her that Serena had spoke wholeheartedly about it.
Kim closed her eyes for a moment as the tears fell. She was finally feeling the acceptance by her step-daughter, and now most of the burden of pain was lifted. "Of course, Serena. I would love to teach you."
Serena smiled as she crawled over to her and hugged the woman in pink. "No cry, mommy."
"I'm just so happy," Kim said as she cleared her tears away.
Tommy couldn't help but smile to himself as he moved to encase the two people that meant the world to him. He laid a kiss on both of their heads as they locked Serena into a tight hug. "I love you, Serena. And I love you too, Beautiful."
The two had exchanged their own affections toward the man in the family. Serena gagging slightly as she watched her parents exchanged a kiss on the lips. Tommy could only chuckle saying she will learn to understand love as they did.
But for even a happy ending to this, came the disturbing call from another set of people that meant a lot to Tommy. His dino morpher chimed with the call he could only conclude was for help.
Tommy cursed internally, as the happy moment ended. He broke the embrace with his wife and daughter and looked over at Kim. He didn't want to go. He didn't want to leave them, but the look in his wife's eyes was telling him he had to go and help his team. And as painful as she didn't want him to leave, he had his duties.
"Daddy, what was that?" Serena asked, noticing the chime came from him.
Tommy caught his breath. He looked around the park. And strangely enough, there was no one in sight. He could tell her now, but he wasn't ready. And he knew though, he couldn't keep it from her any longer. She had to know, but he couldn't do it.
Kim laid a hand on his arm as Serena did the same. Each of them wondering what he would say. Kim called out to him, as he looked at her. And as it danced in her eyes, he knew she was urging him to tell their daughter the truth.
The dino morpher chimed again, and Tommy knew the team was in desperate need for some assistance. He forced air back into his lungs as he looked over at his daughter. "Serena, I have to go take care of something really important."
"You leaving?" Serena seemed saddened.
"I have to. Duty calls..." Tommy hesitated as he looked over at his wife. She nodded solemnly, ready to take responsibility of what news was about to be said. "...when you're a Power Ranger."
It fell silent as Serena took in the news like a sponge. For awhile she didn't say anything, as if she didn't hear what he had said. She shook her head and laughed, not believing it.
Tommy looked around again to make sure no one was around and got to his feet. "Maybe this will convince you." He pulled his dino morpher into place as it transformed and he pulled out his key for it. "Dino Thunder! Power up!"
And then a black-gold light covered him and when it cleared, the Black DT Ranger stood where he once was.
And again there was a silence. Serena slowly got to her feet and looked over the suit, touching it and feeling the texture of the spandex as it hugged against the occupant. "Daddy?"
"It's me, baby," the man in the black suit nodded. He bent down to meet her at eye level, grasping her arms. "I can't stay. I need to go, okay? I have a duty to protect this city. But I want you to also know one other thing, your mother here also served with me years ago as a Ranger."
Serena's eyes brightened as she looked over at her mother. "Mommy, too?"
"Yes, Serena. I was one of the originals," Kim nodded solemnly.
"There is so much we need to tell you, but not now. But, can you promise me one thing?" Tommy asked as she nodded. "Promise us you won't tell anyone what you know about the Power Rangers."
Serena nodded as she hugged her father. He locked his arms around her and got to his feet. He exchanged a hug with his wife. And like always she had told him to be careful. He took a step back to look at his family and then turned and raced out of there to help his team.
-XXXXXXXXXX-
Trent went flying into the air as he hit the pavement, his powers were down-sized to his normal mode. He groaned in frustration as he got to his feet and used his dash attack to send Dinoshade to the ground.
Ethan had used his tricera shield to block some attacks from the weaken Kira. But they had taken some capital punishment from the cybots. Many times, their aim wasn't quite on target, but today it had hit them nearly every time. They barely had time to clear the laser before being elbowed by one of the spikes.
Conner was showing some signs of fatigue as he tried to rip the device out of Dinoshade's hand. But he couldn't get to it even under his super speed. It was like the robotic dinosaur knew where he would plant all of his moves. He sent out a few punches and kicks, but Dinoshade managed to counter most of them. He pushed his weight against the exhausted teen as he fell to the ground.
They didn't know how much more they could take before collapsing completely. The cybots were slowly getting agitated by the fact the rangers would fall, but come right back at them, using what they could to drive them back.
And when the familiar call of the wind strike attack hit the cybots, the team knew their finally teamate had arrived. The cybots all went flying through the plaza. Once they hit the ground, an invisi-portal had opened up and picked them up. And Dinoshade was left to clean up the mess, not that he didn't mind. He knew more about the rangers than they could imagine, and he was at an added advantage because of it.
"Perfect. All here," Dinoshade hissed as he picked up the red DT ranger and shoved him into the assembling rangers.
"Whoa!" Conner cried out as he landed on top of the other teens.
The Black DT Ranger raced into the area as he took his place in front of the exhausted teens. "Sorry I'm late, guys."
"Better late than never," Ethan groaned as he slowly got to his feet.
"You guys okay?" Tommy asked as he helped Conner to his feet, never taking his eyes off of Dinoshade.
"Never felt better," Kira said sarcastically.
"All five of you here. Just what was I hoping for," Dinoshade proclaimed as he fired up the device.
A black sorta translucent light escaped from the device and formed a dome around the rangers and Dinoshade. The team looked around slightly confused unsure what to make of it.
"What is it, Dr. O?" Conner asked looking at the dome now encasing them.
Tommy looked around the dome shaking his head. "It looks like we're stuck in some sorta dome."
Ethan had walked up to the edge of it, and held his hand out to it to see if it could do any damage to him. For a moment, Tommy had watched the sparks jump around and ricochet around the dome and could only conclude one thing. He called out to the teen in blue, pushing him to the ground before he could touch the end of the dome. But Tommy couldn't catch himself as he hit the side of the dome and a spark of lightning erupted on him. He hit the ground groaning in pain as the power drain forced him to demorph.
Kira and Ethan raced over to pull the dazed science teacher to his feet. But as they did, they noticed something was wrong. The protection of their suits was deminishing and they soon stood there in their civilian forms.
"What's going on?" Trent looked over at his other teammates.
"Fools! You're shiny suits won't do you any good in this dome," Dinoshade announced. "Now, it will be so much easier to destroy you."
"Uh...Dr. Oliver, any thoughts?" Ethan asked as he patted his teacher on the chest.
Tommy groaned as he slowly raised his head, eyes fixed on Dinoshade. "If we can get that device we can destroy this dome and safely morph."
"And if we don't?" Conner asked.
"Let's try not to think of that. C'mon, guys. We gotta take him on with all we got," the man in black announced as he slowly forced air back into his lungs. He fell into a fighter stance.
The teens assembled themselves beside him and fell into a defensive stance. Dinoshade was the first to make an attack as he fired a line of lasers toward them, but they all moved away. Each taking their place around the lone robotic dinosaur.
But they weren't sure what they could do without the ability to morph. They had gone through several battles without their powers, but it wasn't the best feeling in the world, even if they managed to come out the victor. But this was one battle that could end far more worse than good.
Tommy was the first to launch himself at their aggressor as he lined up for a crescent kick. Dinoshade moved away, ducking the blow and forcing the skilled ranger to the ground by a punch, palm facing outward.
Conner and Kira decided to double team him by the sides, but ended up on the ground beside their fallen mentor. One by one Ethan and Trent had alternated attacks between Dinoshade. Each of them managed to make a blow that sent him back long enough for the science teacher to launch his own attacks toward him. Though, they were without their uniforms, they fell back when they could and attacked at any given opportunity. But it was hard. Exhausting. And the team was showing signs of fatigue beyond words.
They weren't gonna make it. Even if they were slowly weakening Dinoshade, it wouldn't be good in the long run. They may not make it that much farther even if they tried.
The team assembled on one side of the dome. And when they had managed to send Dinoshade into the wall of the dome, it had weakened him more. But it still wasn't enough, and they were running out of ideas.
"So, now what? We've tried everything we could think of," Conner breathed catching his breath from the battle.
"It's not over until it is over, guys. This is far from it," Tommy said.
Ethan shook his head. "No offense, Dr. O, we get it. But what do we got against him without our powers?"
"Power isn't everything. It may give you strength, but your spirit is one of the strongest things you got against anything, no matter how big or small. Be strong," Tommy directed his words of wisdom to the team.
"Are you done planning over there?" Dinoshade growled as he took a step forward, holding out the device. He watched as the skilled black ranger took his place in front of his team. "You want this, don't you?"
"And like always, you never freely give it up. Typical among you pathetic excuses for a henchmen to your master," Tommy shot back as he forced air into his lungs. He lowered his body slightly, looking like he was going to sprint for the device.
"You can't win, Rangers. Why don't you just give up the war? This world is ours for the taking and none of you will stop us from ruling it..." he announced.
"But in the end, no one is gonna care about you because once you destroy us, you're gonna be destroyed so Mindshatter will rule the world on his own," Ethan shot back. "Have you seen those sci-fi movies?"
Dinoshade took a step forward, making the team take a small step back. He sneered with a smile and took several steps forward. The team inched closer and closer to the wall of the dome, nearly inches from the electrical surprise. They knew if any of them hit it, it would do more damage to them then they wanted from it, especially without their suits.
But then Tommy had moved forward, using what strength he had left, fused with his ninja powers to take down the robotic dinosaur. Dinoshade roared as he felt the pavement hit his back. He quickly got to his feet, and swung hard striking the black ranger before he had time to react.
Tommy felt his world slow around him as his knees locked and they slammed against the ground. Then his face had hit the cement, and before his eyes had fell shut, they fell on the team on the other side of the dome. Then the eyes grew heavy and shut.
"Noooo!" the teens called out.
For awhile, none of them could move. They weren't sure if their teacher had just fell unconscious or if he really was dead.
Kira saw the device skid across the ground as Dinoshade slowly got back on his feet. She caught her breath and raced for it, knowing that would be their key out of the dome.
The others saw what she was doing as Ethan raced to their fallen mentor. Dinoshade was now back on his feet, heading straight for Kira.
Trent felt some strength return to his legs as he sprinted toward the robotic dinosaur. "Kira! Look out!"
Conner saw the danger to and used what energy he had left to follow the white ranger into battle with Dinoshade. Kira quickly grabbed the device, just as Dinoshade set up a pounce to take her down. But Trent and Conner had tackled the robotic dinosaur in mid-air sending him to the ground. But, Dinoshade had managed to get an outstretch hand, swiping at Kira's feet as she hit the ground. The device skidded across the dome, closer to Dinoshade. He tried to reach for it as Trent and Conner tried to hold him back.
But due to the impact of Dinoshade's arm, Kira had hit the ground hard. And she wasn't getting up. Her eyes had fell shut, too.
Meanwhile, Ethan breathed a sigh of relief when he felt the faint pulse of their mentor's heartbeat against his hand.
"Ethan! The device!" Conner called out to the teen in blue. He and Trent were having a harder time keeping Dinoshade back as he inched closer to the device.
Ethan quickly got to his feet, racing over. Dinoshade didn't hesitate to launch a series of his lasers toward the teen in blue. He had dodged them all, many too close as he rolled for the device. But one final shot had its target as it hit a spot a few feet from Ethan that sent him into the air and down on the ground, hard. He winced in pain as he felt his eyes grow heavy.
The device rolled over to Dinoshade as he grabbed it. Trent and Conner tried even harder to strip it away and keep the dino-robot on the ground. But it could not be done. Dinoshade jumped to his feet and used his powerful tail to whip both the red and white rangers across the dome. They hit the wall of electricity, and came crashing down beside the fallen white ranger. He groaned in pain as he called out weakly to his friend in white.
Trent looked over at him, but he, too, had felt some of the electrical surge as his eyes grew heavy. He watched as Conner's eyes fell shut and he slowly turned his painful head over to the robotic dinosaur. But before he could say or do anything his world had turned black. And he, too, fell victim to an unconscious state.
And it fell silent as Dinoshade roared with some satisfaction. He pushed a few buttons on the device. And when the dome had demolished, none of the rangers were in sight. And Dinoshade had disappeared through an invisi-portal.
to be continued...
A/N: Huh! Hold up! Where did the rangers go? And were they all seriously dead? Doubt it! C'mon, I'm not gonna be hitting the bad news just yet. Yet, I will hint that some of these people are gonna die. It could be a ranger, or it could be a close friend. You're just gonna have to see in the future chapters. I hope I've established some more suspense. And just to let you know, there is just something about Filipino kids that makes them so irresistible. They don't get bratty until they hit about the age of 10 or 11. So, now that has been established, Serena has accepted Kim as her mother. Kinda fast, but that is how Filipinos can be. And she also found out her father and mother are Power Rangers? A lot to take in for a little girl. But what about the DT team? And where was the help when they needed it? I know, that's a lot of questioning and pondering. There's a lot that's happened in this chapter. You gotta see what happens next chapter. It's only beginning. And it's only getting better. Or possibly worse. Isang diwa, isang mahal. Catch you guys on the flip side. See you when I do and may the power always protect you.