Dino Thunder: Return of the Eclipse- Chapter 28: Strange Relations
Disclaimer: Saban owns all Power Ranger lines.
Copyright: All unrecognizable parts and characters are under December's Phoenix's copyright.
Summary: Who will be victorious?
"Working on a way to make Brussels sprouts edible?" Trent smiled as he walked into his father's greenhouse.
"Trent!" Dr. Mercer smiled, returning to his book. "Hey, what are you doing here?"
"I heard you won the Greenleaf Award for your new research. I wanted to congratulate you." Trent smiled again, reaching over and hugging his father once he closed the notebook in his hands.
"Well... thanks. I appreciate that." Mercer walked to another plant, picking it up. "If...if only I were as successful in all my research."
"Still no luck in controlling Mesogog?" Trent asked lowly, following him through the greenhouse. Mercer hummed sadly. "Dad, let me tell the other Rangers…or at least the Guardians. They may find a way to help you."
Mercer placed his plant on the table. "No, I can do this, I swear, Trent. I just…need a little more time, Okay?"
"Hello?" Trent and Mercer turned around to find Cassidy walking into the greenhouse with Devin behind his camera. "Oh, Dr Mercer, Cassidy Cornell, Reefside Three. Can I have a moment of your time?" She stopped on the other side of the table.
"I know who you are, Cassidy. You were in my class." Mercer told her.
"Oh, yeah." Cassidy smiled, laughing. "Anyway, I'm here to do a report on your Greenleaf Award for breakthroughs in botanical research." She turned the microphone to him.
"Well, it'll be reward enough if I can perfect these plants. If it works, they'll be able to adapt and thrive in any climate on Earth." Dr. Mercer announced.
"Cool. That'll mean people all over the world can grow their own crops." Devin marveled.
Mercer nodded, walking to another part of the greenhouse. "That's what I'm hoping for."
"Interesting. Are we seeing a kinder, gentler Anton Mercer?"
"My father has always dedicated his research to helping mankind." Trent jumped up, eyes on Devin as he filmed the greenhouse.
"And have you always succeeded?" Cassidy asked.
"Look, every scientist has had his share of failures." Mer's mind went back to his last experiment. "I'm no exception." His hands flew to his temple, turning away from Cassidy and Devin.
"Hey, you don't look so good, man. Did you have that mystery meat at the cafeteria?" Devin asked, moving to him.
Trent caught onto what was happening with his father. "He's got a lot of work to do. We better let him get to it."
"Well, I haven't finished my interview." Cassidy fought, not liking being pushed by Trent.
"Maybe another time." Trent all but snapped, then turned to his father. "I'll catch up with you later, Dad."
"We have to do something!" Elsa barked, replacing a container on the shelf instead of another one. "I know Mesogog, and he won't put up with our defeats much longer." She handed the container to the White Ranger.
"I will show him that I am a worthy soldier." He yelled in pain, dropping the container and letting it spill all over the floor. "Something is wrong. I feel so weak." He fell to one knee. "What's happening to me?"
Elsa hauled him up. "You're losing your power. I'm not surprised, really. It was only a matter of time." She patted his arm, leading him away from the lab.
"I don't understand."
"When Zeltrax created you, it caused a glitch in the morphing grid," Elsa explained. "Two White Rangers can't exist simultaneously. Eventually, one has to go."
The White Ranger shoved away from her. "Then Trent Mercer must be eliminated. And the other Rangers along with him." He stumbled out of the lab.
Mesogog climbed to his feet, right where Mercer disappeared. "Mercer's pathetic little experiments." He picked up a plant, shattering the pot. He rounded the table. "His feeble attempts at helping people make me sick." He slid his arm across the table, knocking the plants to the ground until his eyes landed on a particularly prickly plant. "My generals have shown me nothing but failure. Maybe it's time to grow a winner." He laughed, taking the plant with him.
Ethan sat at Hayley's, playing one of his video games. Kira sat on one side of him, strumming her guitar and writing songs. Lucy read opposite him, her legs on Conner's lap, while the Red Ranger tossed his soccer ball around in his hands.
Ethan cheered himself on as he played the newest space game he found himself addicted to. "Come on."
Only, something interrupted him. "Yo, Blue Ranger." The White Ranger appeared on the screen.
Ethan blinked. "Okay, maybe I have been sitting too close to the screen." He muttered. He glanced around. "Trent, is that you?"
"Don't insult me. I am the one and only true White Ranger." The White Ranger snarled.
"Guys, you gotta see this," Ethan called, earning attention as the Rangers gathered around him.
"I have a challenge for you and your Ranger friends. Meet me at the seaside for our final battle."
"And what if we have something to do?" Conner returned.
"Then, the consequences will be on your head." The White Ranger disappeared.
Ethan rolled his eyes. "The dude's never heard of e-mail?"
"Come on, guys, let's go." Conner began.
"What about Trent?" Kira asked, glancing at the Rangers. "He went to see his dad."
"We can take this guy ourselves." Conner fought.
"Well, I vote for bringing in Dr. O for a little backup," Ethan stated.
"Wouldn't mind calling Crystal while we're at it," Lucy muttered.
"What's that?" Elsa asked, staring at the bright green, prickly plant.
"Since I'm surrounded by such incompetence, I'm forced to take matters into my own hands." Mesogog turned around, walking further into the lab. "When I'm done, this plant will be able to produce fearsome creatures… even a new Tree of Life."
"But the creatures that I make for you…" Elsa tried, stepping in front of Mesogog.
"Are a joke! Now, get out of my way." Mesogog barked, walking away with the plant in hand.
The six Rangers landed on the beach an hour later. Lucy clambered off Conner's bike with his help while Crystal swung her leg off Kira's bike. The rest joined the two in front of the bikes. "Come out, come out, wherever you are." Ethan sang, walking forward.
Dr. Oliver turned to the Rangers. "Are you sure this is where we're supposed to meet him?"
A streak of white slammed into all the Rangers, sending them to the ground. He landed opposite them. "Miss me?"
"Do you really have to ask?" Crystal snarked, pushing to her feet.
"Where is the White Ranger?" The clone asked.
"Four against one. I don't see why you'd want to make it five." Conner stated.
The White Ranger shot lightning at the six, watching them hit the ground painfully. "I'm glad you could make it. Are you ready for the next phase?"
The Rangers rose again. "Name your game!" Conner challenged.
"My challenge, my rules." The White Ranger announced. "Let's take it to the Zords." He disappeared into the zord. "Dino Stegozord online."
"This guy doesn't waste any time." Conner hoisted his shield up.
Kira and Ethan nodded. "Right! Triassic power."
Conner transformed instantly. "Mezodon Rover!" He called, letting the three disappear into the zord. "Shield of Triumph, full power!" He laid it down in front of him. "Mezodon Megazord!" The cart formed the legs while the Mezodon formed the torso, the two attaching together with bits of the cart, creating the shoulders and arms of the Megazord. The head opened up to reveal a face.
"Auxiliary Zords, activate!" The three grounded Rangers called, calling forth four of the zords. The legs of the Mezodon opened up, allowing the Dimetrozord and the Parasaurzord to lock into place before it closed. The body of the Mezodon clicked into place while the Ankylozord and Cephalazord formed the arms. The wheels became the hands while a helmet locked into place, spinning around and shining.
"Who's tough now?" Conner provoked.
The White Ranger ran forward, but one block from the Triceramax Megazord had him flying through the air. He stumbled in his cockpit. "What's happening? I'm losing energy."
—
"He doesn't even have the power to control his Zords any more." Elsa announced, standing beside Mesogog's throne. "This is sad to watch." Mesogog only hissed at her.
"Lasers at full power!" The White Ranger announced. He sent lasers that barely touched the Rangers.
"Tricera weapon, counter-strike!" The staff hand and the blaster's hand fired immense energy that rammed into him.
"Now I'm mad." Using the Stego tail, he pushed up, spinning around rapidly and knocking the Ranger back.
"Tricera Lance!" The full power of the Rangers hit the Megazord, sending him to the ground.
"Systems are overloading!" He ejected before the Megazord blew up.
"Dad?" Trent asked, walking into the greenhouse to see it was a mess. Glass shattered everywhere, plants knocked over, dirt spilling everywhere. "Dad?" He asked again, then grunted in pain when blue electricity ran over his body. He curled in pain for a moment.
The White Ranger stumbled, the same blue lightning covering his body as he fell to one knee. The Rangers ran up behind him, watching. "What's wrong with him?" Kira asked.
"You are worthy opponents, Rangers." The White Ranger announced.
"Maybe we can help you." Conner extended his arm.
The White Ranger shook his helmet. "No, the battle must go on until the question is answered." He rose to kneeling.
"What question?" Crystal asked.
The White Ranger rose to his feet. "Who will survive as the White Ranger?" He stumbled away.
Ethan glanced down at his morpher. "Whoa, I've got control of the Stegozord!"
The White Ranger watched the Stegozord. "No! I've lost control of them." The stegozord toddled away while the dragozord flapped into the sky. "Must... keep... fighting…" He disappeared in a sparkle of yellow.
"The White Ranger continues to fail. He might not be around much longer." Elsa noted.
"No matter." Mesogog rose from his throne, walking down the steps to the plant while Elsa took his spot. "My plant is ready to take form and grow a whole new breed of warrior." He powered up the plant. It transformed from a potted plant to a monster.
"Master?" The plant monster asked.
"Welcome…" He waved a hand over it, watching the lights turn red. "...my soldier."
"I was afraid this would happen," Hayley stated when the Rangers filled her back at the lab. "The White Dino Gem can't sustain being cloned. The energies have to be contained by one White Ranger."
"If anyone's taking votes, mine's on Trent," Kira added.
"I think everyone's is." Lucy retorted.
"We need to contact him." Dr. Oliver said. The computer beeped. "Like that wasn't going to happen. Hayley, call Trent. Come on, guys." He walked to the center of the lab. "Ready?"
"Ready!"
Dino Thunder, Power Up!
Eclipse Ranger, Dino Power!
Dino Power!
Guardian of the Moon!
Guardian of the Sun!
Trent walked out of the greenhouse as his morpher sang to him. "Trent, are you okay?" Hayley asked.
"Yeah, I think so," Trent answered. "Something weird's going on. My Dino Gem, it's freaking out."
"You should come back right away," Hayley told him.
"Yeah, maybe that's a good idea." Trent turned around.
The White Ranger stood in his path. "Not so fast." He folded his arms over his chest. "I'm tired of living in your shadow. After this, there will be only one White Ranger."
Trent threw his arms out to his sides. "I've got no problem with that."
White Ranger, Dino power!
Drago Dino power!
"Super Dino mode!' The clone announced, his suit appearing dark purple and orange as the power enveloped him. The two charged each other. They swung, kicked, and attacked each other, dodging swings and punches as they battled it.
Elsa hummed. "I don't know which one to root for." She stated, watching the fight happen, still on Mesogog's throne.
"I have lost all interest." Mesogog rounded his chair. "But my Jade Gladiator will finally bring me victory."
"There he is!" Conner announced, racing with the rest of the Rangers through the city to the towering green monster lumbering through the town. "This way, guys." He led them further to the edge of the river.
The monster turned to them. "Are you looking for me?"
"A giant green guy. Hard to miss." Dr. Oliver shot back.
Conner nodded. "No doubt. Call it."
"Brachiozord!" Dr. Oliver called.
The Rangers formed their Thundersaurus Megazord, while the Eclipse Rangers called on their zords and formed their own, smaller Megazord. Ethan lifted his arm. "Stegozord, we need you!" The zord joined with the Thundersaurus.
On the ground, Dr. Oliver pulled his staff out. "Brachio Staff. Wave Strike!" He slammed it on the ground, forming a massive tidal wave identical to the one the Rangers rode a few weeks ago.
"What is this?" The monster turned around, watching the Thundersaurus Megazord ride the wave, only he used his powers to knock them back to the ground, sending them sprawling. The Eclipse Megazord stopped in front of them.
"Victory is mine."
Trent ducked under an overhead swing, kicking up to block a swing. He spun around, avoiding another swipe before blocking an incoming blade, pushing it away to stop the other. He stopped another swing but missed a hit to his stomach, causing him to hit the ground and roll. Trent rose enough to hold his blade before him.
The White Ranger eased out of his stance. "You can feel it, too, can't you? Only one of us will survive." He approached.
"I guess it's gonna come down to… who wants it more." Trent rose to his feet, watching the clone be enveloped with orange energy. "Now, who's feeling it?"
"You wish!" The clone took off.
Trent stabbed, swinging over the clone's helmet but not hitting anything. He stopped a punch, then the other, and shoved them back. He caught the clone's arm again, spinning them around before ducking. He flipped over a low swing. Trent blocked a kick, pushing up to kick the clone back.
The clone held his hand. "I feel your weakness. It won't be long now."
The monster lifted the double-ended magenta blade, groaning. "Now it gets interesting." He swiped across, sending a bright green blast at the Rangers. The Rangers stumbled back with the force. "Time to grow the rest of my army." He yelled out, transforming into a large…
"A plant?" Crystal tilted her head, scratching it.
"What the…?" Lucys stared at the thing.
On the ground, Dr. Oliver stumbled into a tree, holding it to regain balance. "I don't know what just happened, but I bet it wasn't good."
Orange balls shot from the plant, flying to stop to sandwich the Rangers. The balls transformed into monsters, except they were monsters the Rangers defeated before. Deadwood and a new one. "Take root, my army of evil. Plant your seeds of destruction."
The ground shook, cracking the world around them.
Trent struggled against the clone for a minute, then threw his hands in the air and kicked him in the chest. The clone smashed through a bench. "Get up," Trent demanded.
The clone grunted, climbing to his feet. "You fight with honor, Trent Mercer."
"How can you talk about honor when you don't even have a soul?" Trent returned.
"I don't need a soul." The clone snarled. "Thanks for reminding me." He yelled and charged again, flying at Trent. He was about to attack, but Trent shoved him off, blocking the rapid succession of kicks the clone performed. Trent managed to get the upper hand, slicing the clone across the stomach, and he rolled.
"Can't take much more?" Trent challenged.
The Rangers yelled when lightning hit their Megazords, sending them sprawling on the ground. "Gods, what the hell is in that plant?" Lucy pushed herself up, using her orb as support.
"Hang on, guys!" Dr. Oliver tried, but there wasn't much he could do. Crowing caught his attention. Flying faster than the wind, the Dragozord came to the rescue. "The Dragozord!"
The new monster turned just in time for the Dragozord to speed past him, turning around. He fired lasers and allowed the Eclipse Megazord time to slice up, pushing him back, but it wasn't enough. The Eclipse Megazord was slammed to the ground, sending the Guardians crashing to the forest floor.
Deadwood had better luck, being able to push the Thundersaurus off and smash him to the ground, knocking the Rangers out.
Dr. Oliver ran in front of them. "Guess it's up to me. Stegozord!" He looked down, calling on the Stegozord as his morpher changed. He looked up at the call of the Stegozord. "All right! Let's go!" He disappeared into the Stegozord, forming the DinoStegozord. Immediately, he was hit with lightning from the two. "I think I need some help." He called on the Ankylozord and the Parasaurzord, letting them form arms on the Megazord. "It's go time!"
The Megazord charged, slashing one, then turning around and slashing another. He slashed down twice on Deadwood. "Double strike!" Dr. Oliver called, powering up the auxiliary zords. She sliced and cut at Deadwood, sending him exploding to the ground.
The other monster screamed.
The two White Rangers breathed, standing opposite each other, trying to catch their breaths. "Does it have to be this way?" Trent asked, chest heaving.
"My rules, remember?" The clone snarled.
"If that's the way you want it."
The two yelled as they charged again. They each powered up their blades, slicing each other across the chest as they passed. The clone turned around. "I guess you wanted it more." He placed this hand on his chest. "Goodbye, White Ranger." He fell to the ground in an explosion.
The monster slammed into Dr. Oliver, shoving him back. "Dimetrozord. Cephalazord." He called the auxiliary zords forth. "Time for a new mega-combo!" The two replaced the Ankylozord and the Parasaurzord as arms, but it wasn't enough. The monster sent a powerful blast that shook the Megazord and scattered the Dinozords.
Dr. Oliver landed on the ground and demorphed in seconds. "Dr. O!" Conner called, earning his attention as the five un-morphed Rangers ran to him. "How are we going to defeat this thing?"
Crystal heard leaves crunching; her shoulders squared as she turned to the newcomer—the White Ranger. Lucy turned in nearly the same fashion. "Guys." The Lunar Ranger called. Everyone fell in line.
"But which one is it?" Kira asked. She squinted at the sight of the Ranger. "Trent?"
The White Ranger lifted his arm, pressing his morpher. "Power down." His morph shattered in seconds. Trent smiled. "Who were you guys expecting?"
The Rangers laughed, running to him. "Good timing, Trent." Dr. Oliver nodded. He glanced at the team. "You guys ready to do this?"
The Rangers fell into formation with the Guardians behind Conner and the rest of the team behind them. "Ready!" They announced.
Dino Thunder, Power Up!
Eclipse Ranger, Dino Power!
White Ranger, Dino Power!
Dino Power!
Guardian of the Moon!
Guardian of the Sun!
"All right. Game on!" Conner challenged. The primary Rangers called on their zords. They stood in their Megazord seconds later. "You didn't think it was over?"
The monster charged. "Dino drill attack!" The three hollered, using their powers to defeat the monster.
The plant turned green, withering away until he returned to the gladiator form he was initially in. He turned to see the Dragozord flying in. He lifted his staff, forming a bow and firing arrows at the Zord. "I'll take you down!" He yelled. Trent avoided all the blasts while Lucy's zords rammed into the monster, and Crystal pushed him back further.
The Megazord grabbed him by the shoulders, throwing him across the field. "Guys, listen. The only way we're going to be able to defeat this guy is if we use all the Dinozords, including the Dragozord and the Guardians." Conner announced.
"Sounds like a plan." Trent agreed.
"The Mezodon's online; think you control the DinoStegazord?"
"All over it."
"All right!" Conner smiled under his head. "Dr O? Crystal? Lucy?"
"I'm on my way." Dr. Oliver called.
"Right behind ya!" The Guardians chimed in.
Conner nodded. "Combining now!"
The Dragozord attached the lower back of the Megazord, flying it up until it landed on the Stegozord. The Mezodon provided the weapons, while the Guardians provided the armor. In the cockpit, the primary Rangers stood in front, with Trent and Dr. Oliver behind them and the Guardians in the back. "Thundersaurus, full power!"
Kira turned around. "Hey, I didn't think we could fit so many people in here."
"Yeah, pretty cozy." Dr. Oliver nodded.
"Now, let's give him everything we've got," Trent stated.
"Right!" Conner turned back.
The Gladiator walked forward. "Prepare to be destroyed."
"Hold on to your helmets, folks. We're going in!" Conner announced. The Megazord appeared at the tip of the Brachiozord's tail, his head moving down like a ramp from the Rangers.
The Gladiator stopped, falling into a stance. "Give it your best shot."
"You got it," Crystal smirked under her helmet. "Take it away, might Red."
The Megazord rode the Brachiozord like a ramp while the head rose up, letting the Megazord get serious air. Grabbing the axes, the Megazord sliced multiple times, then flung them, hitting him even more. Then, it held a crest from the top of its helmet, throwing it down. The Gladiator fell in seconds, exploding instantly.
"That was intense," Trent stated.
"Understatement of the year, bud," Lucy muttered, laughing with the White Ranger.
"Glad it worked." Conner breathed out.
Ethan lightly punched his shoulder. "Good call, Conner."
Mesogog sat up in his chair. "Another defeat." He snarled.
"Mesogog is getting desperate." Elsa paced the lab, snarling to herself. "It's only a matter of time before he turns on me. I don't stand a chance against him. Unless... I strike where he is most… vulnerable." Her eyes went to the video of Mercer.
Trent rose from the gaggle of Rangers sitting on the couch, relaxing after the battle, spotting his father. "Dad, you're here." He walked over to him, confused.
"Hey, Trent." Mercer walked to the bar, his award in hand. "Hey, look, I just wanted to stop by and see how you're doing. And I wanted to give you this." He placed the award on the bar.
"Your Greenleaf Award? But you earned this." Trey couldn't believe what was happening.
"I know." Mercer smiled. "I know. It would mean a lot to me if you took it. Heaven knows you do much more to help people than I do."
"Dad, I know you'll find a way to beat this. Just hang in there." Trent assured him. Mercer nodded, walking out.
Kira walked up to Trent. "Hey, your dad looked kinda stressed. Is everything Okay with him?"
Trent nodded. "Yeah, he's just working on this special project."
"He's a smart guy. He'll work it out."
"Yeah. I hope so." Trent turned to lean on the bar, his thoughts running.
Next Episode: Thunder Storm: Part I