Dino Thunder: Return of the Eclipse: Chapter 20: Triassic Triumph
Disclaimer: Saban owns all Power Ranger lines.
Copyright: All unrecognizable parts and characters are under December's Phoenix's copyright.
Summary: Conner gets a new power and two…White Rangers?
A few weeks followed Trent's switch to the Rangers' team, and none of them complained. The three primary Rangers received a reprieve from the Guardians' training since they momentarily focused on Trent until they were sure he wasn't lying. When the sisters weren't occupied with the academy they ran, they trained Trent, making sure he knew everything about his powers, no secrets hidden within.
Ethan led Conner and Kira into Hayley's cafe, all three spotting the redhead behind the bar, grinning like an idiot while she wiped down cups. The Blue Ranger leaned on the bar, smiling at the owner. "Someone looks pretty happy." He commented, sitting down with the Red and Yellow Rangers around him.
Hayley didn't look up from her cup, still smiling. "Oh, hey. It's just so good to have Trent back."
Conner leaned on the bar. "Yeah, and with a new attitude adjustment, he's almost likable." He joked, a smile on his lips.
Trent walked up behind him. "I heard that." He patted Conner on the side, then rounded the Rangers. "Two more cyberberry blasts."
"So how's it going?" The Red Ranger asked, leaning around the two Rangers in front of him to see the new addition to the team.
"Fantastic." Trent breathed. "I feel like a new man. But it helps that I'm not training with Crystal and Lucy. They are ruthless." He rolled his shoulder out, wincing as he did so. "They're good teachers, but man, is Crystal scary."
The Rangers laughed. "Welcome to the team," Ethan announced.
Kira nodded, still laughing. "They weren't so tough when we started, but now…I wouldn't even try to fight it. But they're cautious about it all. It took them a while to trust two former teammates last year."
"How did that turn out?"
"Crystal's dating one of them." Kira returned. "Look, we're just glad the old man is back. You're one of us now. No more secrets."
Trent nodded. "You're right." He turned away. Hayley added the drinks. "No more secrets."
Kira turned to the team. "Speaking of the Guardians, where are they?"
Ethan glanced at the two. "I think they're at the academy." He answered, accepting the drink Hayley put in front of him. The three moved to a nearby table. "Something about the students."
Kira snapped her fingers, nodding. "Right; Crystal mentioned they were doing student evaluations. Neither weren't siked for them."
An hour later, Trent collected the few glasses stacked on the table while the Rangers caught up on homework, books, and papers scattered around them. Ethan stopped the White Ranger, looking up from his laptop. "Let's go. That report isn't going to write itself," He mentioned.
"Catch up with you at the library." Trent fist-bumped Ethan before patting Kira's shoulder and walking off to clean the dishes.
Conner turned, glancing over his shoulder, silently hoping his girlfriend would walk through the door, allowing him to stop whatever science homework Dr. Mercer assigned to hang out with her. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. The brunette didn't swagger through the door, laughing with her sister about something random as they joined the Rangers.
Instead, Conner's dark brown eyes landed on the couches on the other side of the cafe. Sitting in the middle, a boy, no older than him, in a white tracksuit with green stripes down the sides, sat with a group of girls, all laughing, except for the boy. He rose, his back relaxing after an hour of hunching over the table. He jerked his chin to the group. "What's his deal?"
He, along with Kira and Ethan, having joined him in standing and staring, watched the scene unfold. The boy rose from the couch, quickly gathering his belongings as he slung a dark red duffle back, similar to one Conner stuffed in the back of his car, while he picked up a green and white soccer ball and some books off the table.
When the boy neared the halfway mark to the door, two blurs slid in front of him, startling him. Cassidy Cornell, in all her annoying preppy glory, stood on the other end of the microphone, Devin over her shoulder. "Alexi Poporoff. Exchange student. Soccer genius. So what do you think of the soccer scene here at Reefside, and do you think we have a shot at the Super Bowl?"
Alexi looked behind him as if he were trying to find another Alexi behind him. His shoulders sagged ever so slightly as he realized it was him she wanted to answer.
Devin scratched his head, uncertainty in his actions as he spoke. "Uh, Cass, they don't have Super Bowl. It's called a World Cup." He informed her with a soft smile.
"Cup. Bowl. Whatever." Cassidy rolled her eyes and then smiled. She turned back to Alexi. "So, what do you think of the team?" She turned the microphone to him.
Alexi, eyes flicking around, made up his mind. "No, I'm sorry. Unfortunately, I can't speak with you now." He walked away quickly, shoving the doors open before Cassidy could catch him.
The reporter turned to Devin, a look of annoyance and a faint hint of disgust in her features. "Okay, what's with that?"
Conner scoffed, folding his hands over his chest. "She's never cared about soccer before. At least she's never wanted to interview me." He missed the not-so-surprised looks from his teammates.
Ethan snorted, leaning over to poke him in the cheek. "Someone's looking a little more green than red." He and Kira laughed, returning to their table to finish their work.
"I'm not jealous." Conner chuckled. "It's just—if he's that good, he should be on a club team. I'm gonna see if he's joined up with anyone." He jogged after Alexi, spotting him outside Hayley's, getting on a bike. "Hey, Alexi, right?" He asked, sticking his hands in his pockets. "I'm Conner McKnight. I heard you're a pretty good soccer player. I was just wondering if you're thinking about—"
"I'm sorry. I must go." Alexi cut him off, taking off without another word to the Ranger.
"Okay, whatever, dude." Conner snarked after him, watching him get swallowed up by the crowd who parted for him on his bike.
"Don't you think it was rude?" Conner asked. Thirty minutes after he met with Alexi, the three Rangers walked around Reefside to meet up with the sisters while they had a break from evaluating their students. It would primarily be Conner and Kira meeting Crystal and Lucy since Ethan's project with Trent had to get done. "He doesn't even think about it; he just walks away."
"I'm sure he's got a good reason." Kira reasoned. "Why don't you just ask him again?"
Ethan sighed. "Look, I'd love to stay and hash this out with you guys, but if I don't get to the library soon, I will fail this project." He patted Conner on the shoulder before moving away. But he didn't get far.
"Then prepare to fail, Blue Ranger," Zeltrax spoke, making all the Rangers turn to him.
Ethan ran back to the two. "I knew I should have gone straight there." He complained.
Zeltrax raised his hand into the air, snapping. Footsteps had the Rangers turning to see two white blobs racing to them. They struck the Rangers like Trent used to, hitting them everywhere to send them to the ground. The three glanced up to see a White Ranger and a White dragon-like monster laughing. They stopped behind the general. "Good work."
The two stepped before the general. The monster growled. The White Ranger flicked his fingers across his visor. "Didn't even break a sweat." A dark, vicious voice proclaimed.
Kira gasped, staring at the White Ranger. It was the dark voice Trent used before they knew it was him. "Trent?"
This can't be real." Ethan sighed.
"Oh, it's real," Zeltrax answered.
Conner climbed to his feet. "What are you doing, Trent?"
"I don't know at Trent." The dark voice of the White Ranger answered, sounding different from Trent's. "I just know that you will soon be destroyed."
"I'm so not in the mood for this." Conner lifted his arm, his morpher flashing. "Ready?"
"Ready."
Dino Thunder, Power Up!
Dino Power!
The three fell into usual fighting stances. Zeltrax stepped forward. "Allow me." He charged.
"Let's get a better view." The White Ranger suggested.
"Right." The two pushed off, speeding to the second level of the stairs just behind them, watching the general take on the Rangers.
Conner pulled his blaster from his belt. "Fire." He fired a round of lasers at Zeltrax. He blocked them with his shield, pressing his hand to his forehead, then thrusted it out, shooting lightning at the Red Ranger and striking him in the chest.
Kira and Ethan jumped in. "Lasers!" They called.
Zeltrax gained on them. The general blocked again, jumping up and brandishing his sword. He landed, sliding Kira in the chest, Ethan, and then Kira again. He slammed his shield into Ethan's torso before he spun-kicked at Conner. The Red Ranger went for a kick while Zeltrax blocked. The general sliced down his chest. He went for another swing, but Conner caught it, twisting his arm and pulling it down. Zeltrax pushed it up and hit Conner in the chest with his shield.
"Touchy," Conner commented, watching Zeltrax run at him. Conner pushed away a punch aimed at him. He missed Zeltrax's hand until it hit his shoulder, sending him across the plaza. He rolled and stood up, using Ethan's shoulder to stabilize himself.
"You okay?" Ethan asked.
Conner breathed, his shoulder beginning to throb dully from the hit. "Yeah."
Zeltrax touched his forehead again, throwing his arm out and casting blue lightning at the Rangers. The three hit the ground, grunting when they connected with the concrete. Conner landed, his blaster skidding away from him. Zeltrax approached slowly.
Thinking quickly, Kira and Ethan threw their blasters at him, yelling, "Catch!"
Conner caught them, pushing them off the ground and over his downed teammates. "Double trouble." He fired, sending Zeltrax groaning and to the ground.
The two Whites landed in front of the general. The Ranger turned to them. "So, you stopped Zeltrax. Try to stop my Terrorsaurus." The White Ranger motioned to the monster beside him.
The Terrorsaurus began to advance on the Rangers. "Let me show you the extent of my powers. You will be defeated."
"Not on my watch!" Trent yelled out, firing the lasers from his ATV at the three. They scrambled out of the way. He jumped off. "Hey guys, thought I'd joined the fun."
The Primary Rangers stood straighter. "Wait, who's who?" Ethan pointed to the Evil Ranger and Trent.
"Guys, it's me." Trent nodded.
"Enjoy your reunion while you can." The Evil White Ranger pointed at the Rangers. "Nothing you do can stop us now." They disappeared through a portal seconds later.
"Okay, power down." Trent let his morph shatter. He turned to see the three running to him. "You guys okay?"
"Great," Conner answered, his hand flying to his shoulder. "You got twin brother you never told us about?"
The Rangers turned at the sound of footsteps and arguing. "Why couldn't you tell her no?" Crystal's vastly exasperated voice grumbled; her boot-clad feet and ninja suit-covered legs appeared but didn't move further than the first few steps. "She asked if you had a second, and you said yes despite knowing we had to leave."
"What was I going to tell her?" Lucy's clearly frustrated voice returned, a low growl promptly following. "I'm too busy for anything other than being a Ranger and high school student?" She shot back, anger lacing her words. "Be realistic in what you and Mom want from me."
Crystal sighed, no doubt pinching the bridge of her nose while she breathed in and out to try to calm herself before saying anything rash against her sister. "All I am saying is that right now, our main priority is defeating Mesogog; if Manda wants to talk about…whatever you were talking about…"
"My powers," Lucy answered, cutting Crystal off. "She asked how I got my powers, so I told her I wasn't discussing it right then and there and left. She didn't seem happy I left."
"Why would she be interested in that?" Crystal asked, confusion gracing her words.
"I really don't ask why people have certain thoughts. It typically leads to conversations I end up regretting later on. It's mainly Conner and Ethan, sometimes…over the head." Lucy sighed. "Look, will you finish getting to the lab or stand here like morons, knowing full well that they are listening to this and will make me eat my words?"
Crystal bent down, her upside face appearing in the small section between the wall and the ceiling. "How much of that did you hear?" She asked, a golden pendant hitting her lip as her face began to turn a vibrant shade of red from the blood rushing.
Having diverted their attention from the arguing sisters, the Rangers turned back to the Golden Guardian. "Started with telling someone no and ending with Lucy insulting the boys." Kira summed up, a smile on her lips.
The Gold Ranger twisted around on the ball of her foot, plodding down the stairs like a child learning to descend for the first time with her sister trailing behind her, her cheeks tinged a light pink. Crystal wore her master's uniform, while Lucy's suit looked different from the original silver-lined suit she always wore.
The front of the jacket hung near her hips while the back of it cut off at her waist, revealing the high-waisted, loose black pants she wore tucked into her usual beaten-up black boots. Her suit, still lined with silver, had a shimmering moon under her right collarbone and a merging sun and moon on her shoulder and back, near her nape. She wore silver threaded gauntlets that stopped near the middle of her forearms, and a band of silver with a coyote head sat on top of her left one.
"Howdy." The Lunar Guardian stated, walking past the Yellow and White Rangers to sit on the floor before Dr. Oliver, Conner, and Ethan. "What's the word, bird?"
The Rangers filled the Guardians in, intermittently letting them ask questions as they went through the fight together. Kira began to pace. "Okay, so we barely get one White Ranger under control, then another one shows up," Kira stated, pacing in front of Trent, who was in a chair. She glanced at the Rangers around the lab. The Yellow Ranger turned to the White Ranger. "Any idea who it could be?"
Trent shook his head. "I have no clue."
"My sensor shows some kind of cloned energy force." Dr. Oliver announced, spinning around in his chair from the computer. "It's probably not even a living being at all."
Conner and Ethan sat on both sides of Dr. Oliver. "Yeah, he may not be alive, but his kick sure felt real." The Red Ranger snarked, earning a confused look from Lucy as she turned over her shoulder to see him.
Dr. Oliver twisted to him. "I never said he wasn't real. He's a threat, all right."
Lucy hummed, tilting her head as she leaned heavily on her knees, her arms supporting her head as her fists squished her cheeks momentarily. She stretched out, leaning back on her hands with her legs in front of her. "What if he's a clone?" She asked suddenly. "That pepper-copy machine monster made clones of your weapons. What if they used it on Trent's powers to produce that White Ranger and that…Terrorsaurus thing?" She turned her eyes up to see everyone staring at her. "What?"
Crystal snorted from where she stood, leaning against a pillar with one leg crossed over the other and her arms folded before her stomach. She chuckled, shaking her head with her eyes closed before opening her eyes and staring at her little sister. "Girl, I don't know whether to ask if you are okay or what you are on." She stated, earning laughs from the team.
"I was thinking!" Lucy defended, throwing her arms out to emphasize her point. She scratched her head. "But I am exhausted from this week, so I might not be okay."
"Doesn't matter." Crystal sighed, leaning her head against the pillar. "That Terrorsaurus is going to be a problem."
Ethan nodded. "He was raggedy."
Dr. Oliver looked over his shoulder at the two Rangers. "He's giving off some of the same readings as the other White Ranger. It's almost like they were one and the same."
"I knew it." Conner pushed off the chair, marching to Trent, who rose from his chair to try and meet the taller, broader Red Ranger. "You should never have been here in the first place." He towered over Trent, both staring at each other, trying to figure the situation out.
"Not now, Conner," Dr. Oliver spoke. He, Ethan, and the Guardians moved after the Red Ranger. Lucy appeared on the left side of Conner, moving to stand between the two Rangers while Crystal stopped evenly between the two Rangers. "We're gonna need backup big time." Dr. Oliver glanced at the White Ranger. "Trent, come with me. Let's go."
"Why not me?" Conner asked, stepping up but avoiding both Guardians and his team. "Or one of the others?"
Dr. Oliver turned back to him. "You'll have your role to play in this, Conner." He nodded, placing a hand on his chest. "Trust me, I need Trent. keep an eye on the city and call us if that thing returns." They walked out of the lab.
The Rangers rounded each other. "So, what now?"
"Now?" Crystal placed her hands on her hips. "Now, you get back to your normal lives for a bit. Nothing more that can be done until something happens."
Conner marched out of the lab, ignoring the looks Kira and Ethan shot him before they turned to the Lunar Ranger across from them. She sighed, rubbing at her eyebrows before she ran a hand through her hair. "I'll go deal with him." She followed the Ranger from the lab, moving to the porch overlooking Dr. Oliver's large front yard. "You wanna tell me what's been climbing up your ass?" She requested, leaning on a post while looking out at Conner.
The Red Ranger stopped pacing in the field and turned to her, hands out to the side. "Does Dr. O not trust me?"
Lucy blinked. "The hell are you talking about?"
"Why pick Trent over any of us?"
"Is that what this is about?" She chuckled, folding her arms over her stomach. "You—the great Conner McKnight—are jealous."
He scoffed. "I'm not jealous."
An eyebrow shot up, and a snort of disbelief followed. "Really? So, this has nothing to do with Alexi Poporoff?"
"How do you know about that?"
"Who do you think?"
Conner rubbed the back of his head. "Kira."
Lucy nodded. "Texted me that you were jealous Cassidy interviewed him and not you." She sighed, scratching the side of her head, pulling strands of hair from her ponytail. "Dr. O trusts you, for your information. But Trent has a specific power that's needed at the moment. It doesn't mean you aren't an important piece of the team. It just means Trent is the right person for the job."
"How do you do it?"
"Do what?"
Conner walked to her, squinting up at her. "Know exactly what to say."
Lucy shrugged, laughing as she caught his hands before they could reach her, tangling their fingers together. She pushed against him, trying to stop him from standing so close, but he didn't budge, just stood, watching her. "I've learned a thing or two as a Ninja Ranger. Especially when it comes to telling Rangers that they are doing great. You have to put trust in your team and yourself."
"Lu?" Came Crystal's yell from inside the house, the dulled thud of footsteps announcing her ascent to the first floor.
"Yeah?"
Crystal exited the house, squinting at the sudden sunlight before she rolled her eyes at the couple. "We have to head back to the academy. We've got more evaluations."
Lucy nodded, not moving. "Yeah, I just need to—Ah!" She shrieked when Conner picked her up, hauling her over his shoulder. "Conner!"
The soccer star didn't say a thing; he just turned around and walked away from the porch, his girlfriend dangling over his shoulder. His shoulders shook with laughter as she tried to fight him but ultimately just flopped over.
Crystal chuckled, rolling her eyes again and pointing at the Red and Silver Rangers. "Hey! Don't break her. She's valuable to me."
"Yes, ma'am." Conner nodded.
"Don't make me feel old, dude." Crystal narrowed her eyes, walking back into the house.
"Put me down." She demanded, breathless and flushed from being upside down. She tried to curl under his arm but was having a harder time than she thought.
"No."
"I can't breathe."
"Too bad."
"Don't you have someone to go talk to?" Lucy questioned, poking Conner in the ribs. "Plus, all the blood is rushing to my head, and I can't hear anything."
Conner set her down on the ground, holding her steady as she stumbled. She shook her head. "You good?"
"I will be."
He pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Thank you."
"Always here."
Conner found himself at the soccer fields an hour later, his bag slung around his shoulders. He watched the club team play, Alexi dominating. Then, he caught the soccer ball that flew through the air. "Hey." He nodded to Alexi, who came for the ball. "Nice kick, can you—" He trailed off when Alexi took off.
"McKnight!" One of his teammates hollered, running to him. "Get in here."
"Maybe later," Conner told him, watching Alexi turn around to see him before turning back. "He's good."
"Better be careful. You might find yourself replaced."
Conner blinked. "We'll see about that." He placed his bag on the ground, zipping it open. His morpher beeped. He sighed, grabbing his bag and taking off.
"What's up?" Conner asked, jogging into the lab. He moved to the computers to see Crystal and Lucy at the computers while Ethan and Kira were behind them.
"Our problem just got bigger." Kira gestured to the screen.
The Terrorsaurus stood over the city, snarling. Crystal typed on the keyboard. "He's in the woods outside of town."
"So, what are we waiting for?" Conner glanced at his team.
"Our orders, remember?" Kira returned. "Dr. O said to call him and Trent if that guy showed up again."
"Yeah, but why? I mean, it's obvious they've got something important to do." Conner mentioned. "We can handle this. Come on."
Kira pursed her lips, finally nodding. "Okay, but the minute things get ugly, we call for backup."
"Let's do it." Ethan agreed.
"We'll call the zords and stay here in case Dr. O calls," Crystal told them. "Be careful and call us if anything happens."
"You got it." Kira nodded.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
Dino Thunder, Power Up!
Dino Power!
The Megazord plodded through the forest after the Rangers met their zords. Lightning struck. They turned to look around. "Where is he?" Ethan demanded. Dark clouds gathered.
"Something wrong," Conner noted, looking up at the sky. Then, blue lightning struck, and out of the smoke walked the Cephalazord and the Dimetrozord. "Our zords!"
Bubbles appeared around the two. "A trap!" Kira called. The two floated before them and disappeared into the visible Terrorsaurus.
"And you fell for it." He charged the Rangers, striking the Megazord repeatedly until it sparked so much that they were forced out, and the zords hit the ground. "Now, you're mine." He threw his arms out, casting bubbles and making them disappear into the blue horn on his chest.
The Rangers climbed to their feet just in time to see the Terrorsaurus absorb them. "Our zords!" Ethan called.
"Unbelievable." Kira breathed.
"No!" Conner yelled.
"Thanks, Dr. O, for trusting me. It means a lot," Trent spoke. The two walked along a river and through it.
Dr. Oliver stopped, turning to him. "I do trust you, Trent, but I meant what I said in the lab; this mission had to be yours." He nodded.
"Why?"
"There's an ancient artifact hidden out here centuries ago. I've known its whereabouts for a while, but only one power can retrieve it."
Trent stopped. "Mine?"
Dr. Oliver nodded, turning to him. "Yes, using your chameleon power, you should be able to retrieve the artifact from its hiding place, but I'm warning you, it won't be easy."
Trent nodded. "I'm ready."
"Good, let's go."
They reached a secluded waterfall in the middle of the forest. "Is this the place?" Trent asked, looking around.
"Yep. It's there in the water," Dr. Oliver walked to the water's edge. "Okay, raise your arms like this." He lifted his arm so his forearm sat straight, his morphed facing the water above his helmet. Trent followed his motions. "Now concentrate. Use the Dino gem power." The two concentrated, letting the white and black magic loop around each other and pulling a six-pointed, pale white shield from the water. "There it is."
"It's working." Trent breathed.
"Don't break the concentration. Stay focused."
Conner grunted, his hand flying to his helmet. "I'm getting a weird feeling. something's calling me." He blinked, and suddenly, a dinosaur figure transformed into a Ranger facing him in a room of red smoke. "Whoa."
"Conner?" Kira called.
"Gnarly." Conner breathed.
"You okay?"
Conner nodded. "I think so." They turned their heads up to see the Terrorsaurus disappear.
Only to reappear in front of them. "You're head too big for your helmets?" The Terrorsaurus growled.
The Red Ranger stepped forward. "What have you done with our zords?"
"You should be more worried about what I will do to you." The Terrorsaurus spoke. "Your zords belong to me. Prepare for your demise." He spread his warms, two large white and black wings appearing. He pushed off the ground and flew to them.
"In your dreams!" Conner called. The three pulled their blasters out. "Fire!" He yelled, hitting the monster. The Terrorsaurus still flew at them. "Look out!" The three were stuck to the ground by the flying Terrorsaurus.
Ethan scrambled up to see the Terrorsaurus coming at them. "Heads up!" He yelled. The Terrorsaurus grabbed him by the shoulder, lifting him high above the ground. "Let me go!"
"As you wish." The Terrorsaurus dropped him, letting him lead in the middle of a mudded lake.
"Ethan!" Conner called, helping Kira haul him up. "What is up with this guy?"
The Terrorsaurus landed across from them. "You are powerless against me."
"Let's try our sabers," Conner suggested.
"Yeah." Ethan nodded, pulling his out. "Thundermax saber, power up!" He announced. Conner and Kira crossed each other.
"Fools." The Terrorsaurus thundered, turning to see the three charging him. "Show me what you got." He disappeared just as the Rangers were about to slice, making the three hit each other.
They scrambled up, only to get knocked around the quarry. "Maybe we should have waited for Dr. O." Conner breathed.
"You think?" Ethan snarked.
"Slightly," Kira added.
The Terrorsaurus advanced on them. "Prepare to be destroyed." He announced to them. "Fire." He fired another round of lasers at the Rangers, sending them tumbling over the cliff and into the lake below. "You're all washed up. Time to destroy your city."
The three Rangers struggled to escape the water on the other side of the lake. "Guys!" Crystal yelled when the two Guardians stopped at the edge of the lake. "We got worried when you didn't call."
"We were in the middle of fighting that thing." Kira breathed, accepting the help to be heaved out of the water by the Silver Ranger, who carefully dropped her on solid ground. Kira turned to the Red Ranger. "That was a great idea, Conner."
"Yeah, got anymore brilliant—," Ethan began.
Conner stopped him, throwing a hand out, barely avoiding hitting Lucy in the helmet. "Wait, it's happening again." His hand flew to his helmet. "Something—something isn't right."
"What do you mean?" Kira asked.
"I can't explain it. I know Trent and Dr. O need me." Conner told them.
"Then, why are you standing here?" Crystal questioned him. "Go!" Conner nodded, taking off.
"I can't…hold it…much longer." Trent heaved, nearly falling to the ground.
"Hold on." Dr. Oliver grunted. "If we lose it now, it's gone forever. Gotta stay focused." Trent stumbled from the corner of his eye. "Trent!"
"It's slipping." Trent groaned. "I can't…."
Conner jumped across the lake, snatching the shield and landing before the two. "How's that for timing?" He asked, holding the shield for the two to see.
Trent almost collapsed, falling to his knees. Dr. Oliver grabbed his arm, stabilizing him before he hit the ground. "Never better. Thanks."
"You got the shield's telepathic message." The Black Ranger turned to Conner. "It proves we were right. It proves you're ready."
"Ready for what?" Conner asked.
"The Shield of Triumph. Only a Ranger in complete sync with the universal dino energy can handle it's power."
"But when you took Trent, I thought…."
"For the shield to assume full power, all Rangers must contribute a part of themselves." Dr. Oliver explained, patting the White Ranger's shoulder. "Trent has completed his part. Now, it's up to the rest of us."
"Tell me what I have to do," Conner said. "Because the Terrorsaurus is back, and we can use all the help we can get." Trent finally collapsed to the ground, making both Rangers move to him. "Trent," Conner stated, helping him up.
"I have to get Trent back to the lab." Dr. Oliver said. "I'll contribute to the shield and get it to you as soon as possible. You think you could hold off the monster a little longer?"
"I won't let you down." Conner nodded.
The Terrorsaurus stood on the roof of one of the warehouses, overlooking the floating zords just before him. "The plan is working perfectly." He rumbled.
"Hey!' Conner called, making the Terrorsaurus turn to the five Rangers across from him. The three primary Rangers pulled their sabers out. But before they could attack, the Terrorsaurus appeared, slicing them around the body and shoving them away from the Guardians. Conner and Kira stumbled to where Ethan landed. "Come on, guys, pull it together."
"Terrorsaurus laser." The Terrorsaurus thrusted his hands out, sending red lightning at the rangers. It sent them over the side, forcing them to land and whip around. The Terrorsaurus followed. "Here I come."
"Tyranno staff," Conner called, racing at the monster. He slashed up and down and around, but nothing happened. Finally, when he went for a jab, the Terrorsaurus caught it and slashed its chest multiple times, sending him flying back into pillars.
Ethan jumped up to attack. "Trierca-ah!"
The Terrorsaurus dodged his attempt to strike and sent him to hit a tree. "Finished?" He turned to see Kira rolling.
"Not even close." The Yellow Ranger announced, firing lasers that merely bounced off him.
"That tickles." The Terrorsaurus kicked up, then shoved Kira forward enough to send her across the way.
The boys stumbled in front of her. "You okay?" Ethan asked.
"Yeah."
"How about an encore?" The Terrorsaurus threw his arms out again, intending on striking the Rangers with his red lighting, but a silver blur slammed down in front of the Rangers, her blade taking the hit and sending Lucy sliding back until she stood before the Rangers. "What?" He demanded, turning around to yell.
Crystal jumped up, slamming the butt of her staff into his chest and shoving him to the ground. She landed, sliding until she stopped in front of her sister in a crouch. "How about an intermission?" She smirked under her helmet.
The two pushed off simultaneously, charging the monster with their weapons drawn. Crystal attacked first, slicing down. The Terrorsaurus dodged but missed the side swipe Lucy administered. He snarled, throwing his hand out, but Lucy stopped the swing with her hands, giving enough room for Crystal to send him rolling with a kick to the chest.
Terrorsaurus stood up, snarling like a beast, when he threw his hands out again, sending lightning to the Guardians. They yelled out in pain, crashing to the ground at the sudden surprise of how quickly the lightning hit them. Crystal grumbled. "I am getting too slow for this crap."
Lucy wheezed. "Tell me about it. I barely sensed that."
Terrorsaurus laughed. "First, I took your zords. Now, I will destroy you."
"Come on, Conner," Lucy grunted, rolling on her back, trying to relieve the pain dancing around her back. She figured the lightning managed to do more damage than she thought initially. "Pull it together."
"I'm not gonna take it," Conner spoke through his gritted teeth. He charged the monster, kicking his foot up. Terrorsaurus dodged, slicing him in the chest. He whipped around, hitting Ethan, then Kira. Conner came back, landing his hands on Terrorsaurus's shoulders. The Terrorsaurus threw them up, striking him across the chest and returning him to his downed team. "All right, it's time for Super Dino Mode." The three called on their secondary powers. A yellow light surrounded them.
"It won't matter."
"Don't bet on it." Conner snarled. The three charged again, and just as they were in the air, the Terrorsaurus fired his eye lasers. "What's his deal?"
"Power Rangers, let me be the first to tell you you're doomed." The Terrorsaurus snarled.
"We're not done yet." Conner rose to his feet.
The Terrorsaurus threw his arm out, wrapping Conner in a blue lightning bolt, and yanked the Ranger to him. "I have you now, Red Ranger." He threw Conner into a building. "You will learn respect, my little pets." He advanced on the gathered five Rangers. Lucy and Crystal stood before the three, chests heaving as they held their swords before them, ready to attack.
A blast of wind stopped him mid-way through his walk. Dr. Oliver appeared with the white shield. "Not so fast, vile reptile."
"Lasers." The Terrorsaurus threw his hands out.
"Not this time." Dr. Oliver deflected the blast, sending it right back to the monster. But in the process, it sent him to the ground with the bit of power he had left. He turned to the two Guardians. "You know what to do."
"Give us a second." Lucy cracked her neck, fist-bumping her sister.
"Let's light it up," Crystal smirked.
The two turned to the shield on the ground, focusing on it. Both produced balls of light in their respective colors between their hands and sent them straight at the shield. The shield glowed pale bronze—power wrapping around it, an explosion of gold and silver scattering. The tips of the shield began to transform, changing colors from pale white to silver and gold. The two Guardians fell to their knees, morphs shattering immediately.
The three Rangers ran to them, Ethan and Kira helping Crystal stay upright before she fell to her butt, leaning heavily on the Yellow Ranger. "You two okay?" Kira asked, glancing at her best friend.
Lucy glanced up, her eyes glazed over. She sleepily smiled at her best friend from where she leaned against Conner. "Peachy keen." She turned up to look at Conner. "It's your turn, bud."
Conner set her gently on the ground, moving to pick up the shield. "Okay, Kira, Ethan, I need your total trust. I need your Dino powers. Do you trust me?" He turned to look at Kira and Ethan.
"I do." Kira turned back to him and nodded.
"I always did. You won't be sorry." Ethan nodded.
The two Rangers gathered their powers between their hands and aimed them at the shield Conner held. "Triassic powers, engaged." The white shield transformed into a red shield with black, gold, and silver details.
His suit changed. Two golden wings appeared around his visor. Golden shoulder pads and the white triangles flashed to become blue with yellow and an outline of gold and silver. The dino logo on his chest added two more talons on the edges.
"Wow." Kira breathed.
"He did it." Dr. Oliver nodded.
The two Rangers fell to the ground, their morphs shattering in seconds. Conner advanced on the Terrorsaurus. "You're in deep trouble now."
"Bring it."
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Conner warned. "Shield of triumph, activate." He thrusted it forward, creating red lightning that wrapped around the two and made them disappear.
Dr. Oliver turned to see the two Guardians on the ground. "You guys okay?" He asked. Kira and Ethan slowly moved to him.
"You know what?" Crystal lifted her head for a second. "No. I want a nap."
Kira laughed. "Lucy might have the same idea."
Crystal turned to see her sister asleep on the ground next to her. "She needs to get up in a second." She reached over, smacking Lucy in the face with her hand.
The Silver Guardian blinked awake. "What?"
"Get up; your boyfriend is about to be here."
Seconds later, Conner appeared, holding the shield and a sword in one. The Terrorsaurus landed across from him. "Game over," Conner announced. The Terrorsaurus began to spark. He moaned, falling to the ground and exploding violently.
"That shield rocks." Conner smiled, walking into the lab with Kira and Ethan following the fight. The sisters quickly bit the three farewell before they streaked away, having more at the academy to finish up.
"No doubt," Kira added.
"Thanks for trusting me with your powers, guys," The Red Ranger told the team.
"It's only a loan, don't forget that." Ethan joked. "And anything to help get our zords back."
"I just wish you could have felt what it was like. The power is amazing."
Dr. Oliver joined the three. "The Triassic power always meant for you, Conner. All you had to do was trust in yourself; then, it was easy for others to trust you, too."
"See?" Ethan lifted an eyebrow. "All that jealousy, and look how great everything worked out."
Conner folded his arms over his chest. "Almost everything."
An hour later, Conner stood on the sideline of the local soccer field, dressed and ready for the game. He watched the black and grey ball from earlier roll his way. He dug his foot in, kicking it and tossing it back to Alexi. "Here." He nodded to it.
"Thank you," Alexi smiled.
"So, how are ya?" Conner asked, folding his arms over his chest.
"It's, uh, good," Alexi answered. "You're Conner, right?"
"Yeah," Conner nodded. Then, the two spoke at the same time. Conner laughed. "You first."
"No, you," Alexi prompted.
"Look, I just want to say I'm sorry. About getting all up in your face back with cyber cafe when my friends and girlfriend are always telling me to shut up—"
"Please, stop."
"Yeah, just like that." Conner nodded.
"No, no, it's me. my English… it's not very good. I don't think that you will understand me."
"That's why you didn't want to talk before." The soccer star spoke, realization slowly starting to hit him.
"I am—how you say—nervous about my English." Alexi supplied.
Conner laughed. "Dude, your English is great. But, look, let's forget the whole thing and start again, deal?"
Alexi smiled, nodding. "Deal." The two took off, chasing each other. They began to kick the ball around the other players, laughing as they did so.
That night, Lucy stood in her dinky little bathroom, leaning heavily on one leg while she brushed her teeth, staring back at her semi-wet complexion after the cold shower she forced herself to take.
Her phone sounded from her nightstand, prompting the young ninja to leave the contemplating thoughts in her bathroom and swiftly march to her cell phone, toothbrush still in her mouth. She squinted at the screen, seeing Conner's contact card appear. She answered, pressing the speakerphone button while she did. "Hello?" She asked, speaking around her toothbrush, but it came out garbled.
"You good?" Conner asked, sounding like he was laughing.
Lucy returned to her bathroom, spitting out her toothpaste and wiping her mouth. "Yeah, what's up?"
"Thanks for the advice. I still don't know how you do it, though."
"I guess I'm good at what I do." Lucy supplied, laughing while she picked up the brush on her counter. She ran it through her hair gently, careful of the knots, before she threw it all over her shoulder and returned to her bedroom. "I'm always here when you need a little reminder."
"How did I get so lucky to have you?"
"Still a mystery to me."
"Haha." Conner sarcastically bit. "I was being serious."
"I know." Lucy rolled her eyes, flicking her bedside light on. "How'd it go with Alexi?"
Conner sighed. "Good. Better than that. Turns out, he was just nervous about his English."
"And you got jealous for nothing."
"All right, yeah, I did. You happy I admitted it?"
"Happy that it all worked out." Lucy yawned, glancing at the clock on her nightstand. "Conner, I love you, but I need to go to bed."
The line fell silent for a second. Then, "Lucy, what did you just say?"
Realization hit her like a train. Her brain froze momentarily; her thoughts turned to trying to get out of the conversation at hand. "Nothing." She quickly stated and hung up faster than she imagined, wincing.
Then, flopping back on her pillows, she rolled over and screamed into the half-flat pillow for a second. She couldn't believe she said that. So casually, too, like it was something she had spoken to him since the day they met and admitted everything to each other. Her heart flipped in her chest, and her cheeks grew hotter with a blush she couldn't control.
Crystal came bursting into her room seconds later, a purple toothbrush in hand and her blonde hair a tiny rat's nest atop her head. "Something on fire?" She glanced around quickly, her emerald eyes scanning the cool grey room and the defeated look her sister shot her when she busted in.
"No, but I might be in a second," Lucy muttered once she pulled herself from her pillow. "I accidentally told Conner I love him."
Crystal squealed, moving to her little sister's bed. "And?"
"And I hung up on him when he brought it up." The Silver Ranger fell back, sprawling across her bed. "I can't face him now."
"You can and will because you like him, right? I mean, if he didn't like you, then why is he calling you back?"
"…what?"
The Golden Guardian lifted her phone, displaying the screen for her. Conner's contact photo—one that Kira took on her phone when she caught the two being cute at Hayley's, her legs thrown over his while they chatted—filled the entire screen. Lucy ripped the phone from her sister's hands, chucking it off her bed, scooting further from it, her back pressing against the wall. She brought her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around her calves, resting her forehead on her knees. "I'm going to cry. So, please leave me to die."
Crystal reached and patted her arm. "Don't do that. Relax. The world isn't ending. Just get some sleep and have a good think about it in the morning."
"Maybe."
"Goodnight."
"Night."
Ah! A confession. Hope you all enjoyed it, and keep following along to see what happens next!
Next Episode: A Star is Torn