Dino Thunder: Return of the Eclipse- Chapter 32: Drawn Into Danger
Disclaimer: Saban owns all Power Ranger lines.
Copyright: All unrecognizable parts and characters are under December's Phoenix's copyright.
Summary: Comic Books and Superheroes? What a nerd world.
Conner laughed, chasing after the soccer ball currently in Ethan's possession. He slipped through Ethan's defense, getting the ball, until Trent slid, knocking Conner off center and scoring a goal. He stopped, throwing his arms out to the side in celebration.
"Goal! The young rookie takes down the Mighty McKnight in a stunning upset!" Ethan cheered, laughing as he clapped hands with Trent.
Conner stopped near the White and Blue Rangers. "Where'd you learn to do a slide tackle like that?"
Trent breathed out, beginning to walk over to where his bag sat. "I played in a league when I was little. I've still got some moves."
"Good, 'cause I need a practice partner." Conner nodded. "How about tomorrow at 10 am?"
"I can't. Carson Brady's going to the cybercafe to sign his latest novel." Trent smiled. "There's no way I'm missing that."
"Isn't he your comic book god?" Ethan asked.
Trent reached down to grab his bag. "He's the best. I'm so stoked I actually get to meet him."
"I still need a practice partner, so I guess you're the lucky one." Conner motioned to Ethan.
"Gentlemen," Principal Randall hollered, walking to the three. "I trust you have a permit to use the field after school hours."
"Of course," Conner smirked as he pulled the green slip from his sock, unfolding it and showcasing it to Randall.
Randall took the paper. "Yes, well, it does seem to be in order." She handed it back over but didn't let go. "May I suggest some anti-fungal spray?" She finally released it and turned around.
"Have a nice day, Miss Randall." Trent teased, causing the principal to whip around and nearly snarl at them before she walked off.
"This is going to be fabulous," Elsa stated, focused on the project before her.
"Whatever it is you're concocting, it smells putrid," Mesogog stated, walking closer to her.
"If you think it smells bad, wait until you see what it does."
Mesosgog rounded her. "And exactly how will this new plan of yours bring down the Rangers?"
Elsa lifted a dark purple pen. "Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'The pen is mightier than the sword'?"
At Hayley's cafe the following day, a swarm of people gathered around a table the Rangers helped set up the night before. In the center, surrounded by his newest comic, was Carson Brady. He handed a signed comic to a woman. "Hi, thanks for being here." He smiled.
On the other side of the crowd, Cassidy walked in, wearing a royal purple dress with pink tights and long-sleeve under and light purple gloves. Her hair was poofy and held a red crown while she wore a black eye mask over her face. A heart belt buckle held the black belt up while she wore black shoes and a sheer, white cape.
Devin walked in behind her, wearing blue shorts, grey tights and shoes, a green undershirt, a yellow vest, a black cape, and a black eye mask. "Oh, Cass, hey, would you tell me again why we're dressed like this?" He asked, earning a grunt from the girl.
"It's called an undercover assignment, Devin," Cassidy stated it like it was the easiest thing to understand. "If we're going to report on comic book fandom, we have to get inside the culture." She walked further into the crowd, Devin trailing her. "Look around. All these freaks and geeks are dressed this way."
"It's just my tights…they're a little tight," Devin announced lowly. "And I think they might cut off my circulation."
"Some superhero you are," Cassidy muttered.
Up at the front, Carson handed another comic to another fan. "Hi, thanks for being here." The fan made a hand gesture that Carson tried to copy but didn't quite fully understand.
Behind him, Trent stood with his comic ready. "Mr. Brady, this is such an honor." He smiled the moment he got up to the front of the line.
"Please, call me Carson." Carson returned.
Trent held his comic out. "Would you mind?"
Carson took it, smiling. "A first edition of Lexicon Extreme. I haven't seen one of these for a while."
"I've been collecting your stuff from the beginning," Trent admitted. "You were my inspiration to draw comics."
"I'm flattered. I'd love to see your work sometime."
Trent blinked his brain not entirely up to speed. "Seriously? That would be amazing."
"I always try to support new artists," Carson stated nonchalantly.
Trent snorted. "Can you talk to my dad for me?"
"Let me guess, He doesn't think being a comic book artist is the wisest career choice?"
"Yeah, I think it falls somewhere on his list between being a reality show host and a dog walker."
Carson chuckled. "My father felt the same way, but when he saw how happy it made me, he came around. I bet yours will."
"I doubt it, but thanks." Trent accepted the comic and moved off.
"Excuse me, excuse me, children." Randall shoved her way through the crowd of people, much to the displeasure of many. "This won't take a minute. Mr Brady, it's such a pleasure to meet you."
"Thanks. You can call me Carson."
"And you can call me Principal Randall." Randall pulled her glasses down to see over them. "You are such a wonderful artist. I love the way you draw those little pictures. Please accept this gift from one of your biggest fans." She held out her hand to showcase a green and white pen.
"Thanks. I can never have too many pens." Carson accepted.
Randall smirked. "Perhaps you could use it on your new project."
"Yeah. I guess. Why not?"
Randal leaned in close. "Promise?"
"Okay."
"Fabulous. I'll hold you to that." Randall walked off.
Cassidy watched Randall walk off. "Principal Randall? Since when is she a comic book fan?"
"Maybe she's undercover too," Devin suggested. "She could be, like, an evil she-villain in disguise." He flapped his cape.
Cassidy scoffed. "You watch far too much TV."
That night, Carson sat at his large desk, his pad in front of him and the new pen in his hand. His arm flashed purple before he had the overwhelming urge to draw. And so he did, all night, page after page. Some fell short of his dreams, while others made the story come true.
The following morning, Carson woke up, lifting his head to find a new story on his pages. As he flipped through it, the story became life to him.
The sun rose on another day. Ethan and Conner were out on the soccer field, playing 1-on-1 while the three girls and Dr. Oliver watched. "Let's go, Ethan! Good job." Kira cheered.
"Go, Ethan, come on, you can do it." Dr. Oliver added.
Crystal chuckled. "Ethan actually has some game."
Lucy stopped, glancing at the two. "He wasn't hit by some weird personality-altering meteor again, was he?"
"Nah." Dr. Oliver agreed.
Conner slipped around Ethan, scoring a goal, but the world turned black and white as the ball hit the net. The Red Ranger glanced around, confused. "What the…?" He mouthed, turning to Ethan as the Blue Ranger shrugged.
Kira turned to her mentor and friends. " Dr. O, Crystal, your thoughts on this?"
"No clue." Dr. Oliver breathed.
"This is crazy." Conner jogged over to the girls with Ethan in tow.
"What's happening?" Lucy asked.
"Hang on, guys." Dr. Oliver walked to a thick, black line. "Let's take a look." He walked through, turning into a cartoonish version of himself.
"Check that out!" Ethan geeked out.
Kira and Conner followed while the Guardians and Ethan remained themselves. "Okay, any guesses on where we are?" His voice echoed just slightly.
"I'm thinking alternate dimension," Kira suggested.
"I'm thinking comic-book dimension." Ethan reached over, poking Kira in the shoulder. "This is awesome!" He laughed.
"My experience with this kind of place is... not so awesome." Dr. Oliver sighed. "Let's just be careful. Keep our eyes open."
"I'm a little worried about how excited Ethan is," Crystal muttered to Kira, earning a nod.
"No problem there. I don't want to miss anything." Ethan trailed the Rangers, laughing when he became a comic version of himself.
Carson flipped through the pages, not recognizing the Rangers as they are in the real world. "Not bad." He muttered, flipping through the pages. "Cool characters."
"Okay, Ethan, you're the comic book expert. What do we do now?" Conner asked.
"Bro, I usually just read them. Going inside, this is a whole new thing." Ethan muttered.
A zapping noise had the Rangers on edge. "I am Fridgia; who are you?" A pointy-looking snow monster snapped. "How dare you invade my kingdom? Intruders must be destroyed!" She clenched her fists.
"Please tell me someone brought a really big eraser," Kira muttered.
"I wish," Lucy muttered.
"Leave this place!" Fridgia threw her hand out, sending a blast of power at the Rangers, causing them to hit the ground. She laughed.
The Rangers climbed up to their feet. "I hope we can get our morph on in this place," Ethan muttered.
"Ready?"
"Ready!"
Dino Thunder, power up!
Dino Power!
Eclipse Ranger, Dino Power!
Nothing happened when the Guardians pressed their morphers. The Rangers stared at their powerful allies in shock. "What's happening?" Kira asked.
Crystal pressed the button on her morpher again. Her suit didn't materialize. "We are going to have a problem." She pressed her lips together. She glanced at her sister. "Looks like we're doing this the old-fashioned way."
Lucy twitched, her lips pressed in a thin line. "I hate the old-fashioned way." She grumbled, her hand reaching behind her, but her rapier didn't appear. "The really old-fashioned way."
The Golden Guardian grunted. "Fantastic."
"You dare to challenge me with your colorful costumes?" Fridgia snarked, then charged.
"Come on!" Dr. Oliver rallied.
Conner kicked first. Kira rolled to avoid a kick. Ethan went for a kick and was hit in the chest, sending him spiraling to the ground. Kira high-kicked, then kicked before blocking a kick. She went for a punch but was blocked. Fridgia sent her spinning back. Dr. Oliver kicked up, blocked a punch, and pushed the other arm away, but Fridgia sent him flying. Conner spun-kicked, then punched. Fridgia caught it and kicked Conner in the stomach.
Crystal swung over her, then kicked up, hitting Fridgia in the stomach. She went for another punch but was thrown by the Rangers. Lucy kicked her in the back, sending her forward. Fridgia turned around, swinging, but the Silver Ranger ducked, using her shoulder to ram her. She went for a punch but was also tossed by the Ranger.
The Rangers gathered around the downed ninjas. "Here's what real power feels like," Fridgia yelled. She blasted the Rangers.
The Rangers rolled. "Lasers!" Conner called, the team firing shots. "Again!" They tried again, but nothing happened.
"Great," Crystal muttered.
"You can't destroy me!" Fridgia yelled.
"Tricera Shield!" Ethan called, jumping up and thrusting his shield forward. Fridgia caught it and threw him back. "Whoa!" He crashed to the ground.
"Tyranno Staff!" Conner pushed up, shoving it forward. Fridgia put her fist in the mouth, stopping his swing and sending him crashing.
"Ptera Grips!" Kira charged, swinging with both, but Fridgia caught her arms, sending her flying.
The Rangers regrouped. "Brachio staff. Energy Orb!" Dr. Oliver called, but Fridgia only laughed, reflecting it to the Ranger. The Guardians groaned when they hit the ground.
"Is that snow?" Conner looked up, watching the flakes fall on his helmet before he turned to Lucy, the snow in her hair.
"How can it be?" Kira asked, catching the groans of the Guardians and seeing Crystal holding her side.
"It's her world; she makes the rules," Ethan explained.
"Time to break a few." Dr. Oliver announced, but another blast from Fridgia had the Rangers on the ground.
Dr. Mercer sat in his office, filling out paperwork. He slid the top paper away, finding a page with a cartoon on it. Somehow, Trent's art slipped into his pages. He chuckled, grabbing another one. He reached over, holding his phone while he glanced at the art again.
Hayley smiled as she caught Carson Brady walking into the cafe. "Looks like you could use a pick-me-up." She stated.
Carson placed his bag on the counter. I've been up all night drawing. Guess it shows." He accepted the blue mug from Hayley.
Trent walked up to him. "Hey, Carson. What's up?" He leaned on the counter.
"Just who I stopped by to see." Carson turned, grabbing a stack of papers from his bag. "My new comic. Thought you might like to see it before it hits the stands." He handed the documents to Trent.
"You're kidding?" Trent couldn't believe it.
"No, I finished it last night," Carson admitted. "I can't believe how fast I wrote it. I was drawing like I was possessed or something."
"This is great. Thanks." Trent smiled.
"I hope you like it. I gotta get it to my publisher. Bye." Carson walked out of the cafe.
"See ya." Trent began to flip through the comic, his brows starting to scrunch. He recognized the Rangers, the unmorphed Brewers. "That's weird."
Hayley stopped near him. "What is it?"
"Look."
Fridgia blasted the Rangers. "You'll regret entering my frozen kingdom." She snarled.
"Like we had a choice." Dr. Oliver snarked. "This is getting old." He climbed to his feet, turning his helmet to the sky. "Trent, we need your help!"
"'Trent, we need your help'?" Trent repeated. "How…? You don't think they're really in here?"
Hayley motioned to the pages. "Keep looking."
Trent flipped to the beginning, seeing the rest of the team. "Look at this, it's got Crystal, Lucy, Conner, Kira, Ethan. It's too real." He shook his head.
"Tommy's in there, too." Hayley pointed out. "You didn't say anything to Carson, did you?"
"No."
Hayley's face fell. "See how it ends."
"I'm not sure I want to." Trent flipped through the pages. He shut it, shock in his head.
"Trent, what happens?" Hayley asked.
"The Power Rangers don't survive...Crystal and Lucy barely do, thanks to their powers." Trent opened the book again. "There's got to be an explanation for this. How come I'm not in here?"
Hayley scoffed. "Maybe it's a warped plan to have you see the others destroyed first." She watched Trent walk off. "Where are you going?"
"I've got to find Carson."
Dr. Oliver charged. Fridgia snarled. "Fool." Dr. Oliver slashed her.
"Dr. O!" Conner called.
"I think it's a good time to whip out Triassic." Crystal groaned out.
"Oh, yeah!" Conner pulled his shield out. Fridgia turned around and blasted the five remaining Rangers.
"Carson! Wait up!" Trent jogged after her.
Carson turned around. "Hey, Trent. What's going on?"
Trent slowed. "You tell me." He pressed the comic to Carson's chest. "What's the deal with this comic?"
Carson took it. "What do you mean? I told you, I finished last night."
"Why do the Rangers lose at the end?" Trent asked.
"To tell you the truth, I don't remember drawing half of it. It's just a blur." Carson chuckled.
"You said you felt like you were possessed or something."
"Well, yeah." Carson pulled the new pen out of his pocket. "I got this new pen, and the ideas just started flowing out of me."
Trent shook his head. "You can't get that comic published."
"Are you crazy? This is the best work I've done in years. Nobody's going to stop me from publishing it." Carson vehemently returned.
Trent glanced around, ensuring no one else was with them. "Mind stepping back a minute?"
Carson glanced around and stepped back. "Okay."
Trent called his morpher. "White Ranger, Dino Power!" He morphed in seconds.
Carson blinked. "Is this some sort of trick?"
"No, I thought this was the only way you'd listen to me."
"Wow, and you were jealous of my job," Carson stated in disbelief.
Trent stepped to him. "Listen, we don't have much time. Somehow, the other Rangers got trapped inside your comic book. I've got to get them out."
"Whatever I can do to help. What do you need?"
"Give me the pen. I think I know how to change the ending of your story." Trent took the pen from Carson, moved to the stone bend near him, and began drawing. "There." He drew himself, letting himself disappear into the comic.
Conner got a punch to the chest that sent him flying back. "Conner!" Lucy called, running to the downed Red Ranger. "You okay?"
"Stay back," Conner warned her carefully.
"Now to banish you forever." Fridgia walked forward.
"Hang tough, guys," Crystal stated.
"Goodbye, Rangers. This is your final chapter. Wha…?"
Fridgia turned to see the White Ranger charging her. He slashed her. "This story's not over yet."
"Trent!" The team yelled, running to them, leaving Crystal and Lucy on the outskirts of the fight.
"Ready, guys?" Trent asked, holding his fist up.
"Yeah! Super Dino Mode!" The Rangers called.
Tyranno Power, Red Ranger!
Tricera Power, Blue Ranger!
Ptera Power, Yellow Ranger!
Brachio Power, Black Ranger!
Drago Power, White Ranger!
The Rangers charged, all slashing at the monster. Conner kicked. Kira slashed. Ethan roundhouse. Dr. Oliver punched. Trent stabbed. "Full power!" His blades glowed as she slashed her. He threw her against a tree.
"Use your Dino gems," Conner announced.
The Rangers began to glow. "It's working; my energy's growing."
Fridgia pushed from the tree. "What is this?" She demanded. The blast hit her full-on. "I'm melting!' She cried out, hitting the ground.
"We did it!" Trent smiled.
Carson smiled. "A much better ending." The pages glowed yellow as blurs of the Rangers landed before him. "Excuse me while I geek out. This is too much!"
Lucy and Crystal glanced at each other, then at him. "Thank you." Crystal nodded.
"No problem." Carson nodded.
"You can't escape me that easily!" Fridgia cried out, smoking. She stumbled to the Rangers.
The sisters stepped in front of everyone. Lucy turned over her shoulder. "The next time you write a comic, make sure to include our powers." She cracked her knuckles. "You ready?"
Her sister grinned. "Ready for Frosty to…you know, kick the bucket."
Eclipse Ranger, Power Up!
Guardian of the Moon, Silver Ranger!
Guardian of the Sun, Gold Ranger!
Crystal struck first, disappearing in a blur. Her gilded shadow slammed into Fridgia, forcing her to stumble before the Ranger sliced up. She whipped around, striking the monster in the face. She slashed again, then jabbed, striking in the stomach. She flipped back, landing before the Rangers in a crouch.
Before Fridgia could attack again, Lucy slammed into her side, shoving her off-balance and into the grass beside them. "You're in my kingdom now, queenie." She yelled out, charging with her blade at her side. She flipped over a kick, landing and catching a punch. She whipped around, sticking in the stomach. She slashed twice, pushing her back until she stumbled to land in front of the Rangers.
Trent turned to Carson. "Looks like we got another chapter."
Carson looked a little panicked. "Yeah, I'll just let you guys handle this." He took off running to hide behind a phone booth.
The Rangers and Fridgia rounded each other. "Nobody invited you." Kira snarked.
"No matter. I will rule this land as my new kingdom." Fridgia snarled.
"Are you through? 'Cause I am. Shield of Triumph!" Conner pulled his shield out.
"Triassic Power!" Kira and Ethan called.
Conner morphed. "Battlizer! Engage!" In a fiery flash, he stood in his battlizer. The two charged each other. Conner ducked under a swing. He blocked a punch. He stopped a kick. He slammed his fist into her stomach. He caught her punch, using the force of his own to push her away.
Fridgia rolled, firing a blast that Conner dodged. "Super armor stretch." His hand reached out, grabbing her ankle and pulling her to him. "Hello!" He hoisted her up, lifting her above his head by one leg and arm.
"Let me go!" Fridgia cried out.
"If you say so." Conner threw her. "Dragon's yo-yo!" Conner called, his gauntlets forming a yo-yo shake. "Fire!" He threw it at Fridgia, hitting her multiple times. "Cannons!" Two cannons developed for his back. "Battle blast! fire!" He called, pushing up and firing blasts at Fridgia and sending her sparking and crackling to the ground.
The Rangers regrouped. "Nice work!" Ethan nodded.
"That did it." Dr. Oliver stated.
The Guardians clasped Conner on the shoulders. "Congratulations, young Power Ranger, you have finally reached your final stage." Crystal laughed.
"You can't make this stuff up." Carson breathed, running to the Rangers. "That was amazing."
"The pen." Trent took the pen from Carson. "Do you mind?"
"I insist."
Trent held it up. "It's gotta go." He threw it in the air, pulling his blade out and blasting it.
"The pen is mightier than the sword, eh?" Mesogog hissed. "My patience with you is running low, Elsa."
"So is your power over Anton Mercer." Elsa returned without hesitation.
"Silence!" Mesogog snarled. "I told you never to use that fool's name in my presence!"
"I'm only saying, my lord, that Merc…I mean, that fool threatens to ruin our plans."
Mesogog got in her face. "No one will ruin my plans. You should only worry about if you will be around to see them come to pass."
Weeks later, Trent sat with Carson at a table, signing comics. "I can't believe you wanted to collaborate on a comic book with me. This has been so incredible." He signed another one, smiling as he handed it back.
"I figured, who knows superheroes better than you?" Carons caught Trent's look. "I mean… because you draw them so well."
"Thanks." Trent smiled again.
"Seriously, Trent, I think you have real talent."
"And your publisher was cool with you writing with an unknown artist."
Carson shrugged. "Not exactly. We had to find someone else to fund it." He answered. "Some big corporate guy… Anton Mercer, I think was his name, bankrolled the whole thing. Seems like a good guy."
Trent grinned at the mention of his name. He turned when a comic book landed in front of him. He glanced up to see Lucy and Crystal standing before him. "You two read comic books?" He asked, signing one copy, then the other.
Crystal shook her head. "I just want to rub it in people's faces when you become famous." She grinned, winking. "Thanks, spiky." She walked off with the first copy.
Lucy laughed after her, turning to Trent. "I don't understand any of this, but we support our teammates."
"Thanks, that means a lot, Lucy." Trent paused. "Did she really call me spiky?"
The Lunar Guardian huffed a breath. "Yeah…she's into some weird nicknames sometimes." She nodded. "Thanks. And Congrats."
"Oh, hey, I've some artwork for you and Crystal," Trent called after her. He laughed when she turned around. "Kira asked that I do it, and I haven't found time to give it to you guys."
Lucy nodded. "Okay, then. I'll come pick it up sometime. Thank you, that's so nice." She walked off, finding the rest of the Rangers sitting together. Conner pulled her to sit between him and Kira while Crystal plopped beside Ethan and Hunter beside her.
Cassidy walked in, causing Lucy to nudge nearly everyone as they turned to watch. Devin followed her, both still in their superhero outfits. "Hey, Cassidy, do you mind if we wrap up this assignment? I think I might be getting a rash." He whispered loudly.
"I, unlike you, am suited to the life of a superhero. Fighting evil at every turn, laughing in the face of danger." Cassidy laughed, then paused. "Oh, wait a minute, I need a catchy name."
"How about Super Snob?" Kira supplied.
"Mega Ego?" Conner added.
"No!" Cassidy snapped. "Something more like… Fantasta Girl!"
Lucy scrunched her nose and hummed. "I don't like that." She stated, her eyebrows knitted together as she leaned on Conner's shoulder. "It's not very…superhero. Besides, there might be a superhero already named that." She caught the looks from Hunter, Crystal, and Conner. She jerked her chin to Ethan. "He let me borrow a comic book. I didn't understand what was happening, but thought it was fun. I think I read it wrong, but whatever."
Crystal snapped, laughing. "I read that one." She nodded when everyone turned her in disbelief. "Left at my office. I got bored and didn't want to do paperwork, so I read a comic book, and then Hunter got excited that I was reading a comic book, and then he started geeking out like the boy he is."
"I was not." Hunter fought. "You're delusional, sunshine."
"Whatever helps you sleep at night, bugboy."
The doors burst open. "Help! Somebody just stole my bike!"
The Rangers clamored to their feet to help. But Devin stopped them. "Wait!" He called. "That sounds like a job for Fantasta Girl…" he glanced at his uniform. "And Devin!"
"How gross! I am not a superhero; I'm a television personality." Cassidy complained as Devin dragged her out. The Rangers exchanged glances, laughing as they returned to their spots.
Next Episode: House of Cards