Author's Note: I DO NOT own Power Rangers that credit goes to the Gods of Saban but this story is mine, I just borrowed their characters (and the main story line) and added some of my own thoughts to it.

-The Pink Gem

Chapter Ten

Erica unlocked and opened the door and saw Trent. "Rough day at the ranch?" asked Erica, "'Cause you look horrible." Trent was pale and was sweating profoundly. "Get out of my way," Trent said as he pushed Erica aside. Erica left the room, closed the door behind her, and put her ear against the door. "How 'bout that, they let you early it seems. I thought the minimum time was three hours," said Anton. Trent sat down on the couch facing Anton. "Why didn't you get me out?" "Because I told you I had no control over that situation….." "That's a lie! You could've easily have gotten me out and you didn't! You were going to let me spend the entire three hour session weren't you!" "Trent…." Anton leaned forward, "I told you to stay away from Mesogog, second I thought your uniform would put up with the electroshocks because chances are that you got hit with half the power that's normally given, and since you were only put in there about an hour or so…you got off pretty easy for a first failure." "You call that easy?" Anton shrugged, "Elsa and Zeltrax don't have the same protection as you do, and they're normally put in longer because they're repeat failures. Besides since you so badly wanted to join Mesogog team, you need to accept the consequences of the job, which includes the punishment chamber. You can easily change you mind if you're not able for it." "I think I'll stay seeing as how you approve," said Trent as he got up to leave the room. Erica back away from the door and quickly went upstairs. "One more thing…" said Anton, "Why didn't you come in through this rooms' Invisi-Portal?" Trent looked back at Anton, "I needed a walk." Trent walked out of the room. Anton sighed, "And here I thought I'd lost you for a second there." As soon as Trent closed the study door behind him he leaned back against the door, "Why didn't I go through it? What if she saw me? Humph…I guess we both want to keep her safe." As Trent was leaning against the door Erica looked down at him from the stairwell, "What the hell is going on with those two? What the hell are they involved in?"

The next day…..

Okay Erica, where did we finish off the conversation yesterday?" Anton asked as he was getting in the car. "Umm… you said something about this rock have some kind of power that I haven't seen yet," replied Erica as she was getting on her seatbelt, "By the way what do you know about this rock? No…um…how did you find out that this rock has "powers"?" "It's a long story….." "No offense Anton, but your acting like you know the entire history of this rock and I've had this rock for a couple of years." "Right…okay, Ummmm, I've been working with this scientist and… we've been looking into these types of rocks for a few years and…" "Wait…there are more of these rocks?" Erica pulled out her Dino Gem out of her pocket and stared at it. "Yeah, this scientist and I, we have been looking for these rocks, for some time." "How many rocks are there that you two were able to find?" "Including yours…. Six." "Cool. So why don't we meet your partner after school?" "No…it's out of the question." "Huh? Why? You're the one telling me that this rock has some kind of power and for whatever reasons it's not working for me maybe you two…" "NO!" Anton stopped the car. "First off, all this info I got on the Dino Gem, I learned a few years back when these Gems were discovered, okay? Second, it was interesting then, but I haven't worked with my partner in a long time. He's kinda crazy and I want nothing to do with his fascination with the Dino Gems. Also, I had other obligations I needed to take care of at the time. I'm trying to stay away from that project, alright? The only reason I'm telling you any of this is because-you were right-you had no reason to trust what I had to say to you about your Dino Gem. You know my history now, this guy, my ex-partner; he's not a good guy. Hypothetically, he could help you, but working for him….your selling your soul to the devil." "Why would I be…?" "Everything comes with a cost, Erica. There is no way he would help, you even if it were to save your life, unless you do something for him in return," Anton started moving the car again, "You told me this rock doesn't give you any power and it makes you feel sick, right?" "Yeah…" "All those water bottles you've been chugging down, is that helping?" "Yeah…" "Keep with that treatment until it stops working, and then we'll figure the next step okay?" "Alright, but do I at least get a name besides ex-partner for this psychotic expert on Dino Gems." Anton pulled up to the school, "His name is…Mesogog…." "Okay…" as Erica got out of the car she turned to Anton and said, "Thanks dad," she turned around and walked to school." Anton gave a sigh of relief, "At least she's starting to trust me," said Anton to himself. "Too bad you didn't tell her the whole truth," said Mesogog inside of Anton's head. "Not yet," said Anton, "One step at a time…"

During Lunch…..

Erica and Steven were walking towards the back of the cafeteria where the kids playing "Dragon Wars" hung out. "So let me understand the situation, your rock is one out of six and your rock is the only one without power." "Something like that, I didn't want to press Anton for too much info, it seemed like a touchy subject. My problem is…the guy that doing this research…Mesogog…something's wrong." "Like, what?" "Anton and Trent were talking about Mesogog last night, from what I overheard, Trent works for this guy, and apparently Trent almost got killed for not doing something." "Trent almost got killed….." Steven was looking towards the other side of the cafeteria where Trent was sulking. "I don't know…the pale skin, the pissed off look….he looks normal," said Steven. "My thing is…why Anton would tell me he hasn't worked for Mesogog for some time and yet Trent works for him now." "You said it was a touchy subject, maybe Anton just doesn't want you to go to this guy. If Trent was almost killed do you want to be put in that same situation? If I was Anton, I wouldn't want you working for such a dangerous guy." "I guess…." "Hey Erica, you got a minute?" Erica and Steven turned around to see Ethan getting up from a "Dragon Wars" game. "Hey Ethan, what up?" said Erica. "Can we talk in private?" "Alright, fine, see you later Steven."

As Erica was walking away, Ethan started the conversation: "So Erica, have you noticed anything strange about Trent?" "No, Trent's been acting like that since I've been here. Why?" "It's nothing but…Kira worried about him. It's just, Trents' mood swings, it's recent. I thought you would know what caused it." "What was Trent like before the mood swings?" "He was just different, that's all. I guess the complete opposite of how he's acting now." "Hmmm….Ethan….I have absolutely no idea on what to do with Trent. Why are you so concerned about him anyway?" "It's Kira…I think she still likes him." "So?" "C'mon Kira is one of my best friends." "So what do you want me to say to Trent? Tell him, that his girlfriend wants him back, but he has to change who he is?" "No…." "Look Ethan this is what normally happens to people who get their hearts broken, it's going to hurt for some time, but then…they will get over it…." Erica started feeling dizzy. "Erica, are you alright?" "Yeah, umm, Ethan, I'm sorry for Kira but she'll get over it, I've got nothing more to say." "Fine, but don't you want Trent to feel better also?" "Ethan, it has only been a few days, and I'm done talking about it. When you're willing to tell me the real reason why you want Trent and Kira back together, you let me know." As Erica walked away from Ethan she pulled out a water bottle from her bag and started drinking it. "If Ethan won't tell me, then I'll just ask someone else." Erica started walking over to Trent's table, "What do you want?" Tent asked. "I'll make this fast. Ethan wants to know when you and Kira are planning on getting back together." "Are you kidding? Why would I….Ohhh I see. He wants me on his team, huh?" "Team? Ethan doesn't play sports." "Different thing, don't worry about it. You can tell Ethan to forget it. Kira hasn't spoken to me since that day I went off on her." "Are you really going to act all childish about this?" "Erica, before you start getting involved in other people problems, why don't you worry about yourself first. 'Cause you look horrible. Your face…really pale" "That's why… I wanted to make this conversation….fast…." finished Erica before she fainted on the floor. "Erica? C'mon stop playing! This…isn't funny…" Trent went over to her as Steven ran over, "What happened?" said Steven. "I don't know…" said Trent lifting Erica's head on his lap, "she just collapsed!"

About an hour later…..

Anton walks into the nurses' office. "Dr. Mercer, I presume," said the nurse. "Yes, how's Erica doing?" "She has fever and she keeps slipping in and out. I want to call an ambulance but she keeps refusing, she keeps telling me that she just wants to sleep." Anton walked over to the cot Ercia was lying down in, Steven was seating right to her. "Don't you have class to go to?" "We were just talking….and then she went to talk to Ethan." "Ethan?" "Some kids in our Paleontology class, he's a computer genius or something…." "Likes wearing blue?" "Yeah….and then she went over to Trents' table and started talking to him and then she collapsed." "So, is that what she's reacting to…." thought Anton. "Alright Steven, I'm going to take Erica home. I promise as soon as she wakes up, I promise you'll be the first one she calls, okay?" Steven got up and went sulking back to class. "Erica…are you alright?" Anton asked as he was trying to wake her up. "Nurse, did you give her any water yet?" "No, she kept falling asleep…" "Well, I'll try giving it to her now…" Anton struggled but finally got Erica to drink the water. As soon as the cup was empty, Erica woke up. She sat up on the bed and stretched. "All this time, she was just dehydrated," murmured the nurse. "Erica, are you alright?" asked Anton. "Yeah, just have a headache." "Do you remember anything that happened?" Erica shook her head. "Alright I'm going to take you home, okay?" "Alright."

When Anton and Erica were in the car, Erica started the conversation, "I drank some water but my body wanted more….and I told myself no. I'm such an idiot." "Erica, when you feel sick, is it at school or what?" "Ummmm…Paleontology, Advanced Art, and sometimes Lunch….and after school." "Okay that makes sense…." said Anton. "What?" "Your Dino Gem is having a "connection" with the rocks, that's why it has been releasing the energy…like two magnets attracting." "So my rock is attracted to another rock, that's why it's going off?" "Yeah…." "So what happened today?" "Right now is as good a time as any…." thought Anton. "You got too close to someone who had a Dino Gem…." "Ethan?" "That's my guess…." "He has a rock?" "I guess….I'm only speculating, it's a possibility." "That doesn't make sense….I only had one class with him. Okay, so I'm looking for someone who might have a rock that's been everywhere I have…..Steven….." Erica leaned her head against the headrest. "Okay, she had it, but in her case, Steven does make the perfect candidate." "Can we talk to your friend now?" Erica asked. "No." "So how sick do you want me to get before we do go." "I'm sorry, but it's not worth it. Look, just stay away from the people that are making you sick and you should be fine. No more monster hunting after school, just come home and do your school work and you should be fine." "Then tell me how to survive the school day? What do you want me to do, isolate myself?" "To a certain extent, yes. Do what you normally do from now on. You shouldn't have too much of an issue then." "I guess…" "I'm sorry Erica…but you shouldn't be involved in this mess, I don't even want either of you involved in my mess but my hands are tied on that issue."

Back at school Steven arrived in Art Class…

"Steven….." said the Art teacher, "how's Erica doing? The class is having a debate on whether Trent poisoned his sister or not. You were there, whose side are you on?" "Ummm Trent didn't poison his sister?" "Okay then…" the Art teacher wrote something on the board, "'Kay now the score is 30 for Trent did poison his sister and 2 for Trent didn't poison his sister. Thank you for your vote. You can have a seat now." Steven sat down next to Trent. "How is she?" Trent asked. "Fine, Anton taking her home." "Hmph, I wonder if she's really safe with him." "Why would you say that? Isn't he your dad?" "It's a long story. Anyway, why did you vote for my side?" "Because, I have never seen you show any emotion whatsoever this week, until that moment, when Erica fainted."

A few hours later…

"Hi, mom, I'm home." said Steven as he walked into the door. "Mooom?" "I'm in the study; I got another assignment this morning so I'll be in here for the next few days. You know where the frozen pizzas are." "Thanks, mom…" said Steven. "Stupid Pentagon making her design another virus to attack the enemy with…." He whispered to himself. "It's called Biological Warfare, sweetie," said his mother, "the Chinese used the Avon Bird Flu to try to get us, but we'll beat them back with something even stronger!" "Okay, mom…" Steven phone started ringing. Steven saw it was Erica and he answered it, "Hey Erica, how are you feeling?" "I'm okay, thanks." "Good, I was worried, Trent was worried, and the whole school thinks Trent poisoned you, but I'm glad you're alright." "Ummm Steven, I want to tell you something." "Yeah, you wanna know the homework right?" "No, umm, can you take a seat?" "Fine, whatever," Steven sat down on his couch, "happy? I'm on my comfy couch. What do you want to tell me?" "I think we need a break," said Erica, "from this relationship." "Are you kidding? Why?" "Because…I haven't been myself since I've been here. I've been trying to figure what been causing it and…" "You think it's me..." "I'm getting rid of anything that could make me sick and…" "What if the pain your feeling is in the rock?" "It's not the rock. I had been feeling this pain since I got to Reefside." "Then…what if it's something else?" "Like what?" "Like love?" "Steven…..I need real confirmation, it's only going to be for a little while. I'm scared of not knowing what is going on with me, and, I don't want to keep living on water bottles." "How long is this going to take?" "I don't know..." "Well keep this in mind….I won't be waiting forever." Steven hung up the phone. Steven sat on the couch, motionless. "Steven, were you able to find the frozen pizzas? Stevie…..You're gonna make me come out of this study to see you, right?" Stevens' mother walked into the living room, Steven had a grim look on his face and was gripping his phone, tightly. "Steven, what happened?" Steven screamed as he tossed his phone against the wall. Steven brushed past his mother and went into his room slamming the door behind him. "What gotten into him?" she asked herself. She walked over to his cellphone. The screen was cracked but she could see the Caller I.D. "Oh, no...He's received a "Dear John" on the phone. Poor baby….."

At Anton House…..

Anton was outside of Erica room, overhearing the conversation Erica was having with Steven. Trent walked up the stairs and saw Anton outside of Erica's room. "I don't want to talk about today so just let me…." Trent saw Anton; he was more focused on something else. Trent walked right next to Anton and heard Erica talking to something: "I had been feeling this pain since I got to Reefside…." "What is she doing?" whispered Trent. "She's giving a "Dear John" over the phone." "And you're not going to stop her." "No,' said Anton. Trent started walking away from Anton, "Well I hope your happy, Dad, 'cause your about to make her just as miserable as I was before I found the Dino Gem." After Trent went into his room Anton started going down stairs, "This plan has to work…" said Anton, "I just hope it doesn't backfire on me…."

End of Chapter Ten

Note: Story's just getting started. I know this chapter might be boring without any action scenes but I'll try to fix that for the next chapter. I'm trying to figure out how Erica will meet Mesogog but it's a working progress. I apologies ahead of time to the people who were insult over the Bird Flu explanation, I just need an example to explain "Biological Warfare." I'm sure the Chinese gov't had nothing to do with the virus. See everyone next week.