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.
~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~
"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."
Break the Chains That Divide
Power Rangers: Dino Charge REDO
Season 1, Episode 12: Sync or Swim
Old Deboth Castle, Amber Beach, California
June 17, 2017
Wrench had just put the finishing touches on his latest plan. Yesterday morning, Sledge had mentioned that he was still interesting in finding the Rangers' base. They had a feeling that museum had something to do with it, and Wrench had an idea.
What easier way to find the Rangers' base than to blow up the museum?
The Energems would survive, and the Rangers not so much. They take out the Rangers while also finding their base. It was perfect. And Sledge liked the idea, so he gave it the green light.
So twenty-four hours later, Wrench had just finished building his bomb. He had just placed in a glowing crystal (not unlike the one Keeper had used to blow them up) into it, when the doors to his room opened. In stepped Sledge, Poisandra, Curio, and an Inner Monster they had found sneaking around the castle yesterday at lunch.
His name was Smokescreen. He was the Inner Monster of a dojo owner who feared that his dojo would be shut down by his higher-ups if he didn't get more students to sign up, according to Sledge. So it was fitting that Smokescreen's abilities and strengths were exactly what his name suggested.
"How's it going in here, Wrench?" Sledge asked. "Is the explosive finished?"
"Yes, sir," Wrench answered, as Poisandra got closer to the bomb. He immediately rounded on her out of fear, "Don't touch that! One wrong move can blow a hole in the castle!"
"This tiny thing?" Poisandra asked, noting that the bomb was the size of a bouncy hand-sized ball.
"Currently, it's harmless," Wrench explained. "But the moment it's activated, thanks to a small dose of Curio's Liquid Luck, it will grow a centimeter with every second that counts down. By the time it reaches zero, it will large enough to destroy the entire city."
"Perfect," Sledge exclaimed. "That way it will destroy all of the Rangers no matter where in the city they are. However, I want you to place that bomb as closely to the Rangers as possible. Just in case."
"Yes, sir," Wrench agreed. He then turned to Curio, "And thank you, Curio, for lending some of your Liquid Luck."
"No problem," Curio said. "I just hope that bomb blows up in the right place."
"It will," Wrench vowed. "Now, Smokescreen, do you understand the plan?"
"Of course!" Smokescreen finally got to speak. "Putting me in charge is the right choice, Master Sledge!"
Wrench immediately argued back, "He did not put you in charge!"
"You overgrown wind-up toy, you think you can-" Smokescreen started.
Sledge broke up the argument, "Enough! Wrench is in charge. Smokescreen, bring me an Energem, and then we'll take about putting you in charge. But if you fail me..." He stalked towards Smokescreen, who immediately shrunk back in fear.
"Say no more," Smokescreen complied.
"Let's go, Smokescreen," Wrench said, before carefully picking up the bomb, however small it was. "But I will carry this."
~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
Yesterday was hectic, to say the least. The museum was preparing for it's annual Fossil Fun Day, a day where kids could experience what it meant to be an archeologist. Normally, it wouldn't be a big deal and Kendall would be calm, like always, because she'd start preparing for it a week in advance.
However, this year was different because Kendall had completely forgotten about it until yesterday.
Hence why she was frantically making sure everything was perfect before they left for the park, the site they had chosen for the event.
"Now remember, Callie, each kid gets a sifter, a safari hat, and a shovel," Kendall said, as she handed the Irishgirl the supplies. "And the food needs to be-"
"Hey, hey, deep breaths," Callie tried her best to calm her boss down. "It's all taken care of. Remember, ye have more helpin' hands this year."
Last year, it was only Kendall, Koda, and Chase. This year, Kendall had herself, Callie, and the six Rangers, all of whom had different skills to cover all bases.
"Ye can count on us ta make sure everythin' goes smoothly," Callie continued.
Kendall did as she said, taking a deep breath to ease her anxiety, "You're right. I'm sorry, I'm just stressed out. But kids look forward to the museum's Fossil Fun Day all year. Let's go over everything again, one more time."
Callie sighed, "Fine, but this is the last time."
~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~
Outside on the loading docks, the rest of the team was loading up the dig truck and Tyler's Jeep with all of the supplies needed for today.
"Koda, can you hand me that rope?" Chase asked, as the two tied down the back of the dig truck to ensure that nothing would fall out. Koda passed him the rope, and Chase said, "Thanks, mate."
"Almost ready to go," Koda said to Riley as the latter walked up to him and Chase from the museum's lobby.
"That's good," Riley said. "But we're not ready until Miss Morgan is."
"She still freaking out?" Chase asked, as he tightened the rope.
"Yep," Riley replied. "And Callie's trying her best to make sure she stays calm."
Chase chuckled in response.
Meanwhile, Tyler and Shelby loaded the last of the supplies into the back of his Jeep. Once they were done, Tyler said, "Shelby, wait! Look, I got that coat you saw in that store window." He reached into the backseat and pulled out a brown, fancy-looking longcoat. He put in on and spun around, modeling the coat, "What do you think?"
Shelby looked like she was at a loss for words. "It's...fine," she said, delicately. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt his feelings, but he definitely could not pull off that look.
"Fine? But you said it looked great," Tyler replied, a little hurt. He only bought the coat to impress her.
"It did," Shelby offered a fake smile before saying under her breath, "on the mannequin," before walking away to help the rest of the team.
"What?!" Tyler asked, before a young boy approached him.
"Your truck is really cool," the boy said.
"Thanks! At least someone around here has good taste," Tyler smiled, as he leaned against his truck.
Ever since Ivan had joined the team, he had been getting a lot of attention. Tyler understood. Ivan was not only the best fighter on the team, but he was also a temporal fish out of water, so Tyler did not mind. However, Shelby's jab just now stung, so Tyler planned to milk this compliment as much as he could.
"It has a 5-ton wench, a V-8 engine," Tyler was cut off by the sound of a neighing horse. "What the-?"
Tyler turned around to see a knight in shining riding on a white horse. Everyone looked on in awe as the horse stopped in front the museum.
"Ivan?" Koda asked.
The horse bucked up a few times as Shelby said, in awe, "It's like something out of a romance novel."
Ivan lifted the visor of his helmet as all the spectators took pictures on their phones.
"You've got to be kidding me," Tyler muttered, annoyed and unimpressed.
"Mate, he is literally a knight in shining armor," Chase chuckled. He kinda found this funny, and Tyler's annoyance was only adding to the humor here.
"I've come prepared for battle," Ivan drew his sword and smiled a bright, white smile.
Shelby was completely swooning, and it was making Tyler very uncomfortable. It was be a lie to say that he was only a tad bit jealous of all the attention Shelby was giving Ivan.
He was extremely jealous. He didn't like this at all.
"Digital portraits, eh? Alright," Ivan said before posing for the pictures people were taking.
While that was going on, off in the distance, Wrench and Smokescreen were hiding in the bushes. "There's the Red Ranger's car," Wrench noted. "Go plant the bomb."
"First, let me release some fog," Smokescreen said, mischievously.
But before the monster could do anything, Wrench hit him on the head, "No! They'll see us, you nitwit! I'll tell you when to fog everything up."
"Hey, I'm in charge! I'll release my fog when I want to," Smokescreen said, handing the bomb back to Wrench. "Now, go put this in the Red Ranger's car."
"Me? You go!"
"Come on! We don't have all day."
"Fine," Wrench complied, before sneaking over to Tyler's Jeep and placing the small bomb inside the trunk and covering it with a blanket. "Better I do it myself anyway," he muttered. "That idiot would only ruin this operation..."
"Look at that fool. He could never be in charge," Smokescreen said under his breath.
Meanwhile, Kendall and Callie walked out to find Ivan on a horse and a bunch of people taking pictures of him.
"Oh, good grief!" was Kendall's aggravated response. The last thing they needed was any unncessary attention. She turned to the onlookers, "Nothing to see here, folks. The museum entrance is right over there!" She was grateful when Riley led them over, "Thank you, thank you!"
"Good day, peasants," Ivan said, waving to them as they left. "Have fun!"
"Ivan, yer outfit is a little too flamboyant fer Fossil Fun Day, don't ye think?" Callie said, looking very confused. "I mean, we're just goin' ta the park."
Kendall turned to the Rangers, "Callie has a point. Ivan will need to get some clothes that are a tad less...medieval." Ivan walking around in a shiny suit of armor on a horse would definitely bring some unwanted attention his way.
"I can take you shopping!" Shelby immediately volunteered.
"T'would be a pleasure, m'lady," Ivan said, before offering her his hand. She squealed in excitement, taking his hand. After helping her up onto his horse, he said, "A brisk gallop through the woods is now in order."
"Dude, you're just going to the mall," Tyler growled in annoyance.
"Why don't you take the others in your motorized buggy, and we'll meet you at the park?" Ivan shot before, before he and Shelby took off, Shelby waving goodbye and Callie returning the wave.
"My 'buggy'?" Tyler repeated, feeling insulted, as he heard Chase and Callie manage to stiffle a laugh at his expense.
"You have to admit, Tyler, he is pretty smooth," Chase said, before walking over to the dig truck, the keys to it in his hand.
As the others hopped into the truck, Tyler whisked his coat before heading to his Jeep, Callie on his heels.
Wrench and Smokescreen were watching this happen. "He's getting in the car," Smokescreen whispered. "It's just a matter of time and then boom!"
"How long did you set the timer for?" Wrench asked.
There was a pause. The timer was not set.
"You were supposed to set the timer!" Smokescreen argued.
"Me?! You said you were in charge!" As they argued, the Rangers were already heading out. "There they go! C'mon, back to the castle. I can use our GPS system to track down the bomb. We have to set that timer or Sledge will destroy us! Come on!" Wrench said, before he and Smokescreen vanished in a cloud of mist.
~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~
Roadways, Amber Beach, California
It was funny at first, but now it wasn't. Callie had very quickly picked up on Tyler's anger, and she was beginning to become concerned that Ivan had upset him in some way, that it was more than jealousy.
"Tyler, are ye okay?"
"I'm fine," his voice was short and curt. "Why?"
"Because ye're clubfootin' the accelerator."
Tyler looked at his speedometer, and realized that Callie was right. He was currently going 75 mph in a 55 mph zone. He quickly tapped on the break, slowing his car down to the appropriate speed. "Sorry."
"It's okay," Callie replied. "What's up with ye today?"
Tyler was quiet, mentally debating on whether or not to tell her. Earlier, she was barely covering up her laughing at his expense, but now, she seemed genuinely concerned.
Apparently, he took too long, because Callie continued, "Could it be Shelby's fascination with Ivan that's botherin' ye?"
Tyler's silence spoke volumes.
Callie kept going, "Could it be that ye're scared that Ivan has a crush on Shelby too?"
Tyler's face immediately turned the same color as his spandex, "I do not have a crush on Shelby."
"Could've fooled me, Tyler," Callie gently shot back. "Honestly, I'd be surprised if ye didn't have a crush on Shelby. I mean, her smile is really pretty. But ye don't have anythin' ta be jealous of. Ivan is a fish out of temporal water, so ta speak, and it's very possible that Shelby's only helpin' him adjust. Remember, she was the one who convinced him ta join the team in the first place, so he obviously trusts her the most."
"Fair point," Tyler realized. "But that doesn't excuse the googly eyes she was giving him."
"Did ye even see all the people lookin' at him the same way?" Callie asked in response. "Y'know, the people takin' pictures of him?"
Callie had a point. Those people were looking at him the same way. He had only singled out Shelby due to his crush on her.
Tyler was quiet, as was Callie when she continued, "Ye're allowed ta be jealous, Tyler. It is a natural reaction, because it means ye have somethin' that ye don't want ta lose. Just don't let it cloud yer judgement, okay?"
Tyler smiled, "Thanks, Cal. But I'm afraid I can't forgive Ivan for his 'motorized buggy' line."
She raised an eyebrow in confusion, "Why not?"
"Because this car used to be my dad's."
~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
Two hours and fourty-five minutes later, Fossil Fun Day was in full swing. Everything was set up and everyone was where Kendall told them to be yesterday.
Tyler and Callie were the greeters, standing by the front 'gate' (a banner, with a table next to it). Tyler handed out the hat, shovel, and bucket to the kids as they came in with their parents, while Callie handed a leaflet to the parents, detailing the schedule for the events, and where to find which item (like food and the restrooms).
Chase and Riley were at another table, grilling and handing out food, such as hotdogs, lemonade, water, and ice cream.
Kendall was monitoring the children in one of the sandboxes. "Hey, hey, hey, that is a hat, not a bucket," Kendall told a little girl, who was scooping sand into her safari hat. The girl crossed her arms and stuck out her tongue at Kendall, mocking her by blowing a raspberry.
Koda, meanwhile, was monitoring another sandbox. He was currently helping a couple of kids carry some fake bones. "You two okay?" he asked, and when the two nodded, he continued to lead them to the sandbox.
So far, everything was going well.
"Here you are," Tyler greeted another family, before giving the child a hat and shovel. "Here's a shovel and a hat. Good luck."
As she handed the leaflet to the parents, she warned, "Watch out, it's a bit muddy right here. Leaky sprinklers." By the banner, there was a patch of wet grass and mud, caused by the morning sprinklers.
Tyler jump into action, "Let's go around the left. I'll help."
While he was helping the family around the mud, Callie saw Ivan and Shelby arrive, having returned from their shopping trip. Now, Ivan was in clothes that more definitely more appropriate for the current time period.
Callie smiled when she saw them, "Much better, Ivan." Ivan nodded.
She didn't know the others had joined her until Koda said with a smile, "Ivan look fancy."
"I know," Ivan said, admiring his new wardrobe.
"Yeah, looking suave, my man," Chase added.
"T'was the lady who chose my new wardrobe," Ivan said, giving Shelby the credit she deserved.
"Ye have very good taste, Shelbs," Callie told her. "But, um...isn't that-?"
Tyler cut her off, both having the same thought, but different expressions accompanying it, "Hey, isn't that my jacket?" Tyler had returned, and the first thing he noticed was that Ivan was wearing the same exact coat that Tyler had bought to impress Shelby.
"Yeah, doesn't he look great?" Shelby asked, unaware of how unhappy Tyler was getting.
"I humbly admit, I do wear it well," Ivan said, sneaking a knowing look at Tyler, who made a sour face that openly expressed what he thought about all of this.
Callie quickly (and nervously) cut in, "Ye do, Ivan, but ye have ta admit that it looks great on Tyler too." She sent a smile at Tyler that she was hoping was real enough. She meant this compliment, but she was afraid that her nervousness would betray her.
"Aw, thanks, Cal," Tyler returned her smile with one of his own.
Chase had noticed this, and he immediately understood what Callie was trying to do. She was trying to prevent Tyler and Ivan from competing, and she only did this if she felt that there was a strong chance of a fight breaking out.
Tyler then noticed someone walking towards them, "Oh, hello, Miss." It was an elderly lady. "Ivan, could you please help this kind lady?"
"Ah, t'would be my honor," Ivan said, offering the old lady his arm, which she gratefully took. But Ivan paused when he noticed the mud patch by the entrance.
"Careful, she could slip in the mud," Tyler added.
"Not while a Knight of Zandar stands at her side," Ivan proclaimed as he took of his coat and placed it over the mud pile.
"Such a gentleman," the elderly lady said.
"Chivalry is not dead, m'lady," Ivan said, helping her over the mud.
Just as Callie suspected, before Ivan had a chance to pick up his coat, Tyler then spoke up to the people behind the elderly lady, "Hurry on in, folks! Step right up! Keep moving! Courtesy of the Knight of Zandar! This way!"
The line of people Tyler was ushering in all stepped on Ivan's coat, effectively ruining it.
Shelby and Callie were both speechless, but for different reasons.
When the crowd was completely inside the event, Tyler was sending Ivan a knowing, prideful smile, and Ivan's smile was more a grimace.
"Well played, Sir Tyler," Ivan sneered through his teeth. "Well played, indeed."
Tyler mockingly bowed before whisking his coat and walking away.
Chase, Koda, and Riley were looking on, confused, while Callie couldn't take her eyes off of Tyler in the distance.
"Sorry, Ivan," Shelby finally spoke. "Don't worry. We get buy a new one." It was clear that she was a little upset at Tyler ruining Ivan's coat.
Chase was a little surprised that he was the only one who noticed the clear concern on Callie's face, "What's up, Callie?"
Callie turned to Shelby and Ivan, gently asking, "Did the two of ye buy that coat specifically ta get a reaction out of Tyler?"
Shelby's answer was immediate, "Of course not! I bought it for Ivan because it reminded him of the past."
"Indeed," Ivan agreed. "Is it really our fault that Tyler is jealous that I wear it better than he does?"
"Tyler is upset," Callie swiftly corrected, now sounding stern, "not jealous. And it's definitely because of both of ye. I apologize, Ivan, for Tyler's behavior just now, but I need to talk to him. Could ye and Shelby take over as the greeters until we get back?"
Callie didn't really wait for an answer, as she was already walking away, in the same direction that Tyler went in.
Ivan watched her go and Shelby went over to the table and picked up the leaflets, as Riley softly commented, "She's right. Tyler does seem a little tense today."
"Maybe he need hug," Koda suggested.
"Maybe," Chase said, before advising, "but for now, let Callie handle it. If she needs our help, she'll tell us."
"True," Riley said.
Before any of them could walk away, Ivan pondered aloud, "What role does the Lady Callie serve on our team?"
It was clear that he didn't mean any harm. He was just curious. Despite this, Chase still felt the need to defend Callie when Ivan asked this.
The knight continued, "I understand Lady Morgan's. She is the one who repairs our tools and invents new ones." Riley and Shelby both nodded. "But why is Lady Callie here when she cannot fight or repair anything?"
Chase quickly jumped in, but he did not yell, "Hey, that's not fair, mate. Callie may not be a Ranger, but she's far from useless."
As the others walked away, back to their stations, Shelby calmly added, "He's right. Callie's a lot more important to the team that most people think. Don't judge a book by its cover."
~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~
Tyler was in the restrooms (owned by the park itself), and he was not really surprised to see Callie waiting for him when he got out. He knew he let his jealousy cloud his mind back there, when she had warned him against it about three hours earlier.
"Sorry, Cal," Tyler apologized as he sat down on a nearby bench. "I just got so angry."
Callie sat down next to him, "I told ye earlier, Tyler, that ye have every right ta be jealous, because it means ye don't want ta lose something important ta ye, but...that something is not just Shelby, is it?"
Tyler kept his gaze locked onto the grass below their feet. He felt unshed tears sting his eyes, but he blinked them back. After taking a deep breath to steady himself, he finally replied, "When Dad disappeared, the following school year was rough. A few of my classmates didn't believe me when I told them Dad had gone missing on an expedition. They kept telling me that he had just used the expedition as an excuse to leave us, that we were holding him back somehow. Needless to say, that year, I found out who my real friends were real quick. You guys are the first people who actually believe me about my dad, and understand why I need to find him."
He didn't need to finish. Callie quickly understood, "It's us. That's what ye're afraid of losin'."
Tyler didn't say anything, but he nodded.
Memories began flooding into her mind, memories of wishing that her was perfect most kids her age, wishing that she had parents instead of just a brother, wishing she was taller and less pale. Just wishing she was someone else...
"Ye're afraid of losing all of us, yer friends, ta someone ye believe is better than ye," Callie quietly continued. "Of being left behind with no way ta catch up."
Her heart hurt. She knew how he felt.
"No one is better than someone else," she said with finality. "Ye and Ivan are both irreplacable ta the team. Ye all bring something different and unique." She paused, taking a deep breath. "Both of ye need ta sort this out."
Tyler finally spoke, "How?"
"Just talk ta him," she replied. "Tell him how ye feel."
"I don't know, Cal..." he trailed off. Was Ivan the type of person who would listen to him and respect his feelings?
"Trust me, Ty," the nickname made him look at her. "If ye don't, ye will regret it." She then stood up, and he soon followed after a beat of silence. As they walked back to the entrance, their station, she added, "But if it makes ye feel better, Tyler, I think ye're the best Red Ranger this team could have."
Tyler finally slipped a real smile, "Thanks, Cal."
~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~
It was about thirty minutes later, and Tyler and Callie were back at the entrance, greeting the newcomers and saying goodbye to the families that had to leave.
Shelby had joined Chase and Riley at the food table, taking over the ice cream. She mainly focused on the task at hand, but every so often, she'd look over at Tyler with a guilty look on her face.
"You okay?" Riley asked her, noting that this was the latest instance of her sneaking a glance at Tyler.
Shelby turned back to Riley, softly admitting, "I didn't mean to make him so upset. I was just trying to help Ivan adjust."
"Don't worry," Riley calmed her down. "When this event is over, you can apologize. I'm sure he'll forgive you."
Shelby softly smiled, as Ivan and Koda came towards the group. The two had gone around the event, talking to people to help Ivan get an idea on the vernacular of the modern age.
"Hey, Ivan, how'd it go?" Chase asked.
"I am...still unsure of the language of this era," Ivan hesitantly admitted. "As well as the small boxes they talk into."
"Phones?" Riley asked.
"Yes," Ivan replied. "I highly doubt I will be able to fit in completely."
"Don't worry," Shelby told him with a smile. "We understand, and that's all that matters."
Ivan returned her smile with one of his own, before his attention was captured by a couple near the entrance being greeted by Tyler and Callie.
"Hello, welcome to Fossil Fun Day," Tyler greeted.
The mother's, "We apologize beforehand, but our daughter is mute. Sign language is the only way she can communicate," is what caught Ivan's attention.
Callie's following, "Don't worry. I know sign language too," is what caught the attention of the other Rangers.
They five watched Callie kneel in front of the girl and begin signing to the girl, whose shy frown immediately broke out into a genuine smile.
Chase translated for them, "Callie's greeting the girl the same way she and Tyler did with everyone else before them. The girl's thanking her for her kindness, as are the parents."
The family then walked into the event, and Callie got to her feet. The five heard Tyler softly say, "The girl was mute, y'know. Not deaf."
"I know," Callie's voice was just as soft, "but I know what it feels like ta have a third party needin' ta translate a two-way conversation. Those moments...the feeling of never actually being addressed directly...it starts ta hurt real quick. I just wanted ta spare her of that feeling, even if only once."
Tyler warmly smiled before wrapping her in a one-arm hug, "You're amazing, Cal. The best of us."
Ivan turned to the other four and bowed, "I deeply apologize for my comment about Lady Callie earlier. It was prejudiced. I have just noticed that she has the ability to give a voice to those who have none."
The other four were smiling at him.
Shelby added, "She also gives voice to the emotions we bury deep down. She's the one who makes us face them and become better people. Tyler's right. She's the best of us."
Of course, Ivan realized. Callie McLoughlin was the team's heart, the moral compass. Whether she knew how to fight or not didn't matter as long as she never lost the ability to give a voice to those who and that which had none.
Meanwhile, Wrench and Smokescreen had returned. It had taken a while (stupid satellites in orbit), but they had finally tracked down the bomb to this park. Now, they were hiding in the bushes and trees surrounding the parking lot.
"I can't believe we didn't set the timer," Wrench grumbled, before spotting their target. "There's the Red Ranger's car. Here's where we need your fog." It would provide them enough cover to set the timer and leave before the Rangers would become aware of their prescence.
"And you thought you could do this alone," Smokescreen shot back, before emitting a crimson-colored fog all over the park.
Callie immediately grabbed onto Tyler's sleeve.
"You okay, Cal?" he asked.
No, she was not. Her most powerful sense (out of the five), her sight, was becoming compromised real quick.
"I can't see," she muttered, as the Kendall and other Rangers quickly came over, sensing trouble.
"Fog isn't usually red," Shelby pointed out.
"You know where it's coming from?" Tyler asked Callie.
"From the parking lot, I believe. I just saw something move the bushes over there," the Irishgirl replied. The six Rangers looked over in that direction, and saw that the fog was pooling up around there, right next to Tyler's Jeep.
"Check it out," Kendall told the six, and Callie released Tyler's sleeve, letting him join the others.
Inside the fog, Wrench and Smokescreen were carefully sneaking over to Tyler's Jeep, where they left the inactive bomb.
But just as Wrench was about to punch in the time code, Smokescreen stopped him, "Hey, don't touch that! I'm in charge, remember!"
"Be my guest. But if you mess it up, it's kablooy!" Wrench warned him, exhausted at Smokescreen's lack of respect for authority.
"Like I said, hurry up and set the timer!" Smokescreen ordered, not wanting to risk what Wrench just warned him about.
Wrench groaned and finally set the timer to detonate in ten minutes, before covering it with the blanket again. Once the timer was set, it started counting down immediately. "It's ready. Let's go!" Wrench said.
To their luck, just as they were about to leave, Shelby called out, "Look, monsters!" Wrench and Smokescreen turned around, only to see the Rangers right there, staring right at them.
"Halt, scoundrels!" Ivan exclaimed.
"See you later, losers!" Smokescreen cackled as he emitted more fog, making it nearly impossible for the rangers to see.
Ivan and Tyler ran right into the dog to try and find Wrench and Smokescreen.
"I've lost them," Ivan said as he and Tyler circled around, trying to find their enemies. But as they did, they bumped into each other.
"I'll take care of it!" Tyler exclaimed.
"No need!" Ivan argued back as they begin kicking and punching wildly.
"I've got them I say! Surrender, you menace!" Ivan exclaimed as he began fighting something.
But as the smoke began to clear up, Ivan did not have Wrench or Smokescreen in his grasp, but Tyler.
"It's me. Get off," Tyler said, unamused.
Ivan complied, revealing that, in the scuffle, he had managed to rip off one of the sleeves of Tyler's coat.
"Great, you ruined my jacket," Tyler grumbled as the team approached them.
"Well actually, it suits you rather well now" Ivan joked.
Tyler took off his jacket and as Ivan returned the sleeve, Shelby asked them, "While you two were messing around, you didn't happen to see where the monsters went, did you?"
Tyler and Ivan exchanged embarrassed looks, and as they talked over each other, Riley noticed something two figures in the distance. It was Wrench and Smokescreen. "There they are! Come on, let's go!" Riley said as they followed his lead.
"Congratulations, this," Chase motioned to the ripped jacket, referring to the scuffle just now, "is exactly what Callie was trying to avoid." He frustratingly went to follow the others, because it was true.
Ivan and Tyler exchanged a glance at each other before, racing off to join the team. "I got this!" Tyler exclaimed.
"No, I do!" Ivan argued back.
"I'll beat you there!" Tyler stacked on as they raced against each other.
Unknown to them, the bomb the enemy had planted continued counting down.
~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~
Brownstone Quarry, Amber Beach, California
"We need to get back to the castle, before that bomb blows up half the city!" Wrench reminded Smokescreen, as they ran into the nearby quarry.
"We need to lose them first," Smokescreen replied, before suggesting, "Perhaps one of us could stay behind and keep them occupied."
"Good idea!" Wrench exclaimed, before pushing Smokescreen away from him. "Thanks for the save. You are in charge, after all!"
"Wait, Wrench!" Smokescreen cried out, but Wrench had already teleported away in his cloud of mist. He grumbled, "Being a leader is so lonely..."
"Halt, beastly toad-wart!" came a voice, and Smokescreen turned around to see the six Rangers standing there. Ivan continued, "Running from us will not be your salvation!"
"Whatever that means..." Tyler muttered dryly before walking forward. "It's Morphin' Ti-!"
Ivan cut him off, to the others' annoyance, "Put a little pizzazz into it, Sir Tyler. Let me show you how it's done."
As Tyler and Ivan glared holes into each other's heads, Shelby's Dino Comm went off. It was Kendall, wanting to hear updates, "Did you find anything?"
"Everything's under control, Miss Morgan," Shelby reassured their boss, obviously lying, Riley beside her faking a smile to sell said lie. But the last thing they needed right now was Kendall losing faith in them and Callie worrying unnecessarily.
They had an event to run after all.
Shelby hung up, and Smokescreen finally growled, "Just morph already!"
"Dino Charger!" Ivan and Tyler called in unison.
"Ready!" the rest of the team responded.
"Energize, ha! Unleash the Power!"
Once morphed, Tyler asked their opponent, "This what you wanted?!"
"Wait! One against six?!" Smokescreen exclaimed in disbelief, counting to make sure he wasn't mistaken.
"Power Rangers, Charged!" Tyler exclaimed. "Tyrannosaurus Rex, Power Ranger Red!"
"Parasaur, Power Ranger Black!"
"Stegosaurus, Power Ranger Blue!"
"Velociraptor, Power Ranger Green!"
"Triceratops, Power Ranger Pink!"
"Pterodactyl, Power Ranger Gold!"
"Dinosaur Might, Ready to Fight!" The rangers exclaimed in unison.
"Power Rangers," Tyler started.
"Dino Charge!" the entire team finished in unison.
"Vivix, attack!" Smokescreen ordered as he drew his sword. On command, an army of Vivix appeared and charged at the Rangers.
"You're about to encounter the fury of the Gold Ranger!" Ivan said.
"Yeah, but only after things get wild with the Red Ranger!" Tyler shot back, as the Rangers drew their weapons and ran into battle.
"Destroy them all!" Smokescreen told the Vivix, but the Rangers were not fazed.
Unknown to them, the bomb in the back of Tyler's car continued counting down.
"I shall destroy thee, Smokescreen!" Ivan said.
Tyler countered, "Not if I destroy him first!" He then loaded up his morpher as he rushed into the fight.
"T-Rex Charger, Engage!"
"Dino Steel-" Tyler started.
"Armor On!" the other four Rangers finished. In a mildly bright flash, the five were now equipped with their individual weapons.
Chase jumped off of a nearby steel mill, managing to evade all blasts the Vivix were firing at him. "Para Chopper: Blast!" he called, blasting the Vivix in front of him.
"Stego Shield: Block!" Koda exclaimed as he used his Stego Shield to block all of the Vivix's blasts. He then jumped high into the air, before calling "Stego Shield: Punch!" This delivered a powerful blow to the Vivix around him.
Riley came in with an array of flips before attacking the Vivix, "Time for Raptor Claw!" He ran around the Vivix surrounding him, delivering a wide array of sword work.
"Tricera Drill!" Shelby exclaimed as she came in and took down all the Vivix in front of her with a combination of kicks and her Tricera drill. After evading a Vivix's blow, Shelby did a windmill spin, taking down all the Vivix around her, "Now, that's hot!"
Meanwhile, Tyler and Smokescreen were fighting toe-to-toe with each other, with the monster having the upper hand. "I'm more than just fog, see," Smokescreen cackled as he jumped over Tyler's low sweep kick and as he was about to strike him, Tyler blocked the blow with his T-Rex Smasher.
"A little help here!" Tyler called to his teammates.
Ivan had just taken down a few Vivix with his Ptera Saber when Tyler called out his S.O.S. He then flew in to give Tyler a hand, exclaiming, "Don't fret! A true warrior has arrived!"
Ivan struck at Smokescreen with some powerful strikes with his Ptera Saber before Tyler did an aerial cartwheel, "I'll show you a true warrior!"
"Let's see what you got, Rangers!" Smokescreen sneered as he tried to strike at Tyler, who did a side flip to evade him.
Ivan did a front flip in as the two of them went toe-to-toe with Smokescreen, but it was more like they were competing with each other than working together.
As Tyler struck at Smokescreen with his T-Rex smasher, Ivan hit Smokescreen with his Ptera Saber, saying, "Careful Tyler, you might get hurt!"
Tyler struck at Smokescreen in his gut as Ivan rolled off of Tyler's back. "Get off my back!"
Both Tyler and Ivan kicked Smokescreen in the gut, sending him flying.
Unfortunately, the fight just now took a lot of energy out of Tyler, causing him to fall to his knees.
"Sir Tyler!" Ivan called out, genuinely concerned for the Red Ranger's health.
"I'm okay," Tyler muttered, too tired to be annoyed. Remembering Callie's advice earlier, he finally decided to take it seriously, "Ivan, listen...I'm glad you're on the team, I really am, but...the shining armor, the horse, the charisma...I can't complete with you. You're better than me in so many ways, and it's obvious that the others like you better than me. That's what I can't stand about you. But competing like this is getting us nowhere. We have to work together."
Ivan was quiet as he digested this, and for a moment, Tyler feared that spilling his feelings to the knight was a mistake.
But it wasn't, as evidenced by what Ivan told him in response, "I see, and I do agree that I am the whole package, but truthfully, I cannot compete with you either."
This caught Tyler's attention. He turned his gaze from the ground to the Gold Ranger standing beside him, "What?"
"I cannot compete with how you treat the best of us," Ivan continued, and it took Tyler two split seconds to realize he was talking about Callie. "I cannot compete with your desire to locate your missing father. I cannot compete with your ability to stay positive in dark situations." Ivan paused, letting that sink in. "I only bought the coat because it reminded me of my old life, and Shelby had volunteered to help me adjust to modern times so you did not have to constantly being reminded that it was I who was freed from Fury instead of your father. I may be the most charismatic, Sir Tyler, but you are the leader of this team for a reason."
Tyler smiled underneath his helmet, a real smile, "Thanks, Ivan."
"You are welcome," Ivan offered Tyler his hand. "Now, let us dispose of this stinking scalawag together."
"Yeah, let's go it!" Tyler exclaimed, as he took Ivan's hand, letting the Gold Ranger help him to his feet.
"You've had smoke. Now here's fire!" Smokescreen cackled as he blasted at the two.
"Let's take him, Ivan!" Tyler said, before he and Ivan struck at the monster with their weapons, sending him flying into a hill of sand.
As Smokescreen was sent tumbling to the ground, the other four Rangers joined Tyler and Ivan.
"Hey, guys," Tyler greeted them. "We're sorry we let our rivalry get in the way of our mission. It won't happen again."
"We promise," Ivan added.
"Good," Shelby smiled at both of them. "Now, let's finish him together."
All six charged, and one by one, they all struck at the monster with their weapons, first Shelby with her Tricera Drill, then Riley with his Raptor Claw, then Koda with his Stego Shield, then Chase with Para Chopper Blast, then Tyler with his T-Rex Smasher, and finally Ivan with a Ptera Saber Strike.
"I gotta get them back to that bomb in the car," Smokescreen muttered to himself. "Then they'll blow up with everyone else in that park."
"A bomb?!" Tyler gasped, he and the other five beginning to panic.
This was all a ploy to waste the Rangers' time, so that when this bomb went off, it would be too late.
Smokescreen finally realized his mistake. "Oops. Who said 'bomb'? I didn't say 'bomb'." He covered his mouth.
The Rangers exchanged worried looks, realizing that it this were true, then they might not have much time life.
"That's what they were doing to Tyler's car," Riley deduced. The fog did emit from around Tyler's car, after all.
Shelby immediately spoke up, reminding the others of what Smokescreen had let slip, "We have to stop that bomb now!" She then pulled out her Dino Comm, "Mis Morgan! Miss Morgan, are you there? Hello?!" Shelby was frantic, and the fact that Kendall was not picking up was making the anxiety worse.
Fortunately, Callie (surprisingly) picked up, "Sorry, Miss Morgan's busy with the kids. I'll have ta do. What's up?"
"Hey! You get one bone, not a whole dinosaur!" came Kendall's frustrated yell on the other end, proving Callie's point.
Shelby shrugged that off, and chose to get right to the point, "Callie, listen. Everyone in the park is in danger. There is a bomb that's about to go off at any minute now."
Callie was understandably startled, "What?!"
Riley cut in, standing next to Shelby, "Search Tyler's car first. That's where Wrench and the monster were when that fog first appeared."
"Alright," Callie was obviously trying to swallow a panic attack, despite looking calm. "I'll take care of it. Ye lads focus on the monster."
"Thanks, Cal," Shelby said, before hanging.
Tyler turned to Smokescreen, "Thanks for your slip-up. While she deals with that bomb, we can get rid of you, Smokescreen."
"I'm with you, Red Ranger," Ivan agreed. Smokescreen was most likely an Inner Monster, after all.
As Ivan loaded up his Ptera Saber, Tyler pulled out the Dino Spike Charger, "Dino Charger, Ready! Weapons Combine!"
The five weapons lined up, from smallest to largest, and combined together thanks to the Dino Spike Charger.
Chase, Shelby, Riley, and Koda created a launch pad with their arms, and launched Tyler, "Red Ranger: Launch!"
Now in the air, Tyler grabbed the Dino Spike and threw it at Smokescreen. "Dino Spike: Final Strike!"
Ivan flew through the air and landed on top of the Dino Spike. The same moment it struck Smokescreen, Ivan sliced Smokescreen with his Ptera Saber.
"Lightning Final Strike!"
Ivan landed next to Tyler as the latter caught the Dino Spike once it flew back to him.
The Rangers stood with the resulting explosion at their backs.
Immediately, a cloud of stars appeared and disappated to reveal Curio holding her Liquid Luck canister. They watched her sprinkle some Luck on Smokescreen's lifeless body.
Just like before, it revived him and increased him in size.
"Let's finish this as quickly as possibly," Tyler said, pulling out a T-Rex Charger. Koda and Shelby followed suit.
"Summon Zords!" the three called out. "Activate Dino Charge Megazord!" Once the Megazord was formed, they plus Chase and Riley called, "Dino Drive: Activate!" The five then summoned the Stego Saber by bringing out their Dino Sabers.
"Let's be quick!" Tyler said, and the other four immediately agreed.
On the ground, Ivan debated on whether to join Callie in her search, or help the other Rangers against this enemy. But he got an idea, and immediately decided to put his plan into action.
Smokescreen and the Megazord were ready to face off.
"Nice try, Rangers," Smokescreen said, as he sprayed the area with his fog. "I'm not going to make it that easy."
The fog made it nearly impossible for the Rangers to see around them. The monster could come out of nowhere and they wouldn't be able to see it coming.
"Let's see how tough you guys are when smoke gets in your eyes!" Smokescreen taunted. "Serpent Transformation!" He then transformed his lower half into a serpent's tail.
He then delivered some powerful blows to the Megazord.
"You're lost in the fog, Rangers!" Smokescreen exclaimed, sending the Megazord flying. "Now to destroy you!"
But before Smokescreen could attack them, Riley noticed something flying in from the distance. "Is that the Ptera Zord?"
It was Ivan and the Ptera Zord flying in to help them.
"My fellow knights, just as we must work together, so must our megazords!" Ivan suggested.
"Sounds like a plan!" Tyler agreed.
"Activate: TriStegoPtera Formation!" They all called out in unison.
The Ptera Zord latched onto the back the Megazord, giving it wings, while Ptera's head became the Megazord's new helmet.
"Dino Charge Megazord: TriStegoPtera Formation, Ready!"
Once the Zords were combined, Ivan was transported into the cockpit next to Tyler.
"Nice to have you riding at our side, Ivan!" Tyler greeted.
"I believe it is time to slay this dragon!" Ivan exclaimed as they all drew their sabers, all six ready to finish Smokescreen once and for all.
~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
"What do you mean 'bomb'?" Kendall whispered to Callie, as the latter led the former to Tyler's Jeep. "This better not be a false alarm. I'm busy."
"Actually, I hope it's a false alarm," Callie whispered back. "They sounded rather panicked over the Comm."
Kendall search the front and back seats, while Callie searched the trunk. The Irishgirl knew she found it the moment she pulled back a planet and found a black medium-sized ball.
"I found it," Callie said, and Kendall immediately joined her. "We have only four minutes ta diffuse it or we're all done fer."
"Is it just me...or is it getting bigger?" Kendall asked, hesitantly.
It was getting bigger, Callie noticed. When she first found it, it was still small enough to be easily hidden with the blanket, but now, it had increased in size significantly.
"This is bad," Callie muttered.
"Let's move it away from park," Kendall suggested, gently picking it up. She was having trouble, as it was rather heavy, and Callie was quick to help her move it to a safer place.
There was also the fact that it seemed that with every second that counted down, the more centimeters the thing gained in size.
Pretty soon, the thing got too heavy for both of them, and they were forced to drop it. Now, they could only watch as its size increased to the point where it was bigger than Tyler's car.
"Two minutes," Callie finally spoke, after a long silence.
"We need to evacuate," was Kendall's response.
Both ladies raced towards the event and began ushering everyone away from the park, back to their homes.
~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~
Brownstone Quarry, Amber Beach, California
Meanwhile, the Rangers still had their hands full with Smokescreen.
The monster blasted at them, but they managed to evade all attacks with help from the wings of the Ptera Zord.
"Stego Slash!" the six called in unison, making a downwards slash with the Stego Saber.
Together, the six struck at Smokescreen a few more times, before the Megazord flew high up into the sky and stomped on the monster with a powerful kick, sending him crashing into the mountain.
"Get off me!" Smokescreen groaned in pain.
"As you wish," Ivan said, as the Megazord jumped high in the air and began to harness lighting in the Stego saber.
"Stego Saber: Final Strike!" the six called in unison, as they delivered one last powerful blow to Smokescreen, destroying him permanently.
"But Wrench was in charge!" Smokescreen cried out before finally falling at the hands of the Rangers.
"Monster Extinct!" Tyler exclaimed victoriously.
Before they could celebrate, the Comm system went off, and Callie's face appeared on the screen.
"What's up, Cal?" Tyler asked.
In the background, Kendall was hurriedly escorting the patrons of the event out of the park. That and the worried look on Callie's face told them a lot.
"We have less than a minute on the clock, and a bomb that's way too big ta move," was all she said.
"I have an idea!" Ivan suggested.
"Me too! I bet it's the same one!" Tyler added.
As the six motioned the Megazord to fly over to the park, Chase reassured, "Don't worry, Callie. We're on our 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~
Crystal Kay Park, Amber Beach, California
"What could they be planning?" Kendall asked. The park was completely empty now, save for them, Tyler's car, and the dig truck.
Callie shrugged, "I don't know. They just said they had an idea."
Just then, the Megazord flew in, picked up the bomb, and flew away as quickly as it came.
"Where are they going?" Kendall asked.
Callie smiled in relief, "To blow it up in a safe place."
Thirty seconds later, there was a large explosion in the sky. And there was a moment of doubt that Kendall and Callie both shared.
Did the Rangers survive that explosion?
Ten seconds later, however, the Megazord re-entered the atmosphere and stopped right before it landed on the ground in front of the park, proving to the two below that yes, the Rangers did survive.
Inside the cockpit, Tyler said, "It's a shame we couldn't give it back to Sledge."
"Yeah," Shelby added. "Now that would've been poetic justice."
"It's alright," Chase calmly said. "What matters is that we saved the city from destruction."
"Indeed," Ivan agreed. "We are all more successful together."
~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
Due to being forced to end Fossil Fun Day early, they had to clean up and go back to the museum early.
Fortunately, Kendall had given them the rest of the day off, mostly to recover from the anxiety this day's events had caused.
It was around the dinner rush at the cafe, and the Rangers were resting in the base.
Tyler came back from taking a quick trip to the mall, a bag in his hand, and a box clearly inside it.
"What you buy, Tyler?" Koda asked.
"Something for Ivan," Tyler smiled, holding the bag out to the mentioned recipient.
"For me?" Ivan asked, as he took the bag. He took the box out of the bag, and opened it. Once he saw what was inside, his face broke out into a smile. "My cup runeth over!"
It was a new coat, an exact replica of the one the two were fighting over.
"You bought that for Ivan?" Shelby asked Tyler, half-disbeleiving this. Judging by today's events, this would be the last thing she expected to happen.
"I did," Tyler replied as Ivan slipped the coat on. "When Ivan told me that it reminded him of his old life, I felt guilty about destroying it. So I had to replace it. Besides, you really did look the best in it, Ivan."
"Thank you, my friend," was Ivan's response.
Shelby smiled for a brief moment, before it faded, remembering Callie's words earlier. She stood up, "Tyler, I want to apologize for upsetting you. I didn't mean to."
To her pleasant surprise, Tyler was not frowning, but gently smiling, "It's okay. I was mainly upset at myself and my old insecurities that I thought I managed to overcome. I'm just glad we're all friends now."
"So am I," Callie finally spoke, sitting next to Chase on the couch. "And to celebrate, let's all go out for pizza. Seán's friends, Robert and Amanda, own a pizzeria. My treat."
"Sounds good. But it's a group celebration, Cal," Riley said. "We'll all pitch in." No one argued against either notion, only standing up and moving towards the entrance of the base.
"Join us, Kendall?" Koda asked the scientist.
Kendall paused for a moment, thinking, before smiling, "Sure. I could use a break. Those kids were ruthless."
As the group exited the base, Ivan said to Tyler, "Shall we see who can eat the most pizza, Sir Tyler?"
"Oh, you're on, Sir Ivan," Tyler teased back. "I bet I can eat more slices than you!"
Shelby shared a dry look with Callie, "You spoke too soon."
It seemed like Tyler and Ivan's rivalry was still in full swing.
Callie just giggled as she led the group out of the base.
~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~PRDC~REDO~
Original Kyoryuger Episode: Brave 12, Brave 14
Original PRDC Episode: Sync or Swim
Note: Inner Monster Irony in this Chapter: The dojo owner wants to make his dojo known so more students will sign up, while Smokescreen's abilities are all stealth-based. Also, the dojo owner recognizes authority (hence his fear in the first place), while Smokescreen constantly wants to be in charge.
The original canon episode kinda set up the start of a Tyler/Shelby/Ivan love triangle (which never went anywhere), but I try to avoid love triangles in my writing. So I hope ya'll don't mind the small changes that erase that setup, as well as those that give Tyler a little more depth here.
And yes, Callie finding Shelby's smile pretty is indeed a hint that she's bi.
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: "True Black"
"Chase faces an emotional hurdle when three Rangers become trapped in an underground tomb, and it's up to him to rescue them before they suffocate."