Amaris' POV
My boots landed soundlessly against the rooftop tiles, the cool air brushing past me as I followed the White Ranger's erratic flight. His Dino Gem's energy was unstable—wild, like a candle flame flickering in a storm. I remained a shadow in motion, leaping silently from roof to roof. He didn't seem to notice I was tailing him.
The path ended at the city square, and I halted on the last rooftop, lowering my stance behind a raised concrete barrier. Below, the White Ranger stumbled into view, visibly weakened.
"Power down," I whispered softly, feeling the familiar tug of energy withdraw as the violet shimmer of my suit faded away.
Keeping to the shadows, I quietly rounded the corner and scanned the square. There he was—Trent. He moved like someone sleepwalking through a nightmare, every step unsteady. He descended a short flight of stairs, one trembling hand bracing against the wall. Then he turned the corner.
I followed quickly.
His legs buckled mid-stride. "Trent!" I called, just as he collapsed forward, hitting the pavement with a dull thud.
His body demorphed on contact. I rushed to his side, heart clenched with guilt. "Trent," I repeated, kneeling beside him. He groaned faintly, pushing himself up on shaking arms. Confusion danced in his eyes as they met mine.
He sat up slowly, brushing away dust and dirt from his clothes. I took a breath, offering my hand. "Please, come with me for a moment," I said, voice low, gentle.
I reached for his wrist—only to freeze as Devin and Cassidy rounded the corner.
"Did you guys see him? The White Ranger?" Cassidy asked breathlessly, eyes scanning the square.
'You're talking to him right now,' I thought wryly.
"Who?" Trent asked aloud, glancing back at them.
"I apologize," I said quickly, polite yet firm. "But we must go."
Cassidy huffed. "Ugh, whatever." She stormed off in her usual hurry.
"Sorry, guys. See you at school," Devin added, offering a sheepish smile before chasing after her.
Once they were gone, Trent turned to me, still disoriented. "Amaris… what's going on?"
I exhaled softly, my gaze slipping to the pavement. "I'll explain. Let's find a quieter place first," I said gently.
A few steps away, I spotted a secluded bench nestled near some low trees. Few pedestrians passed by, and the ambient noise of the square softened in that spot. I led him over, careful not to rush. He looked exhausted.
We sat. His chest heaved with every breath, and I noticed how his hands kept touching his sides, his chest, as if trying to make sense of the pain.
'I'm sorry, Trent,' I thought bitterly. 'If only I'd explained more. If I had warned you, even a little... you wouldn't be in this mess.'
He slumped forward slightly, face drawn with confusion and frustration. His breathing finally began to steady.
"Can you tell me what's going on, Amaris?" he asked, voice rough.
I turned to him, keeping my voice calm. "What do you remember?"
His brows furrowed as he tried to concentrate. "I remember following your advice earlier… then I saw Dad touching this swirling green… thing. He was just—gone."
He paused, frowning.
"I touched it too. I think I ended up in this… weird lab? It was like an alien science center or something. I saw this bracelet… with a white gem. Then the next thing I knew, I was here. Face-first on the ground."
'So just like in the show,' I thought, my heart sinking. I nodded slowly.
"What happened after that?" I asked gently.
"After… that?" he repeated faintly.
He struggled. His hands gripped the bench. Then—suddenly—he cried out, clutching his head in agony.
"Trent!" I dropped to one knee in front of him. "Please, stay with me!"
His eyes were clenched shut. I grasped his shoulder to steady him. The seconds felt like hours. His body tensed violently, then began to relax, slowly, trembling.
"I—I remember," he panted. "The bracelet latched onto me… Then I transformed into a Power Ranger…"
He winced, and I saw the shame fill his eyes.
"And I fought the Power Rangers…"
His head bowed in anguish. The silence that followed was heavy, oppressive.
"It's not your fault, Trent," I said gently. "The gem is encoded with something… malevolent. It manipulates its wielder."
'And I was the one who encouraged you to explore that lab…'
He looked up, eyes locked with mine. "But what I did… it was still wrong, Amaris. I need to stop these… urges. I need to control it."
"Let me help you," I offered quietly.
Trent shook his head firmly. "I appreciate that, but… I can't drag you into this."
"No," I interrupted gently. "I'm the one who dragged you into this."
His eyes widened in confusion. I raised my right wrist, revealing the violet Morpher nestled against my skin. It shimmered faintly under the city light.
"You're a Ranger too?" he whispered.
I nodded once. "The Violet Ranger, to be precise."
He looked stunned. "I'm sorry… for what I did earlier," he murmured. "I didn't mean to—"
"It's quite all right," I said softly, offering a faint smile. "I understand, and I too… apologize."
I sat back on the bench beside him. The quiet between us lingered, filled only by the hum of distant traffic and the faint rustle of leaves.
After a while, Trent broke the silence. "But… why did you say you were the one who dragged me into this?"
I had prepared for this question. I spoke calmly.
"I've seen those swirling green portals before," I began. "They lead to a base—one that belongs to those who oppose the Power Rangers. I suspected that, but I didn't stop you. I didn't explain enough, and for that… I am sorry."
His eyes widened slightly. "Wait… those people in the lab—are they evil?"
I nodded. "They are," I answered. "They're the ones who created the Tyrannodrones."
"Tyranno… what?"
"They're Mesogog's minions," I explained. "Bipedal dinosaur-like soldiers. He created them to wage war against humanity."
Trent blinked, absorbing the words. "Mesogog… Who is that?"
"A very dangerous being," I said cautiously. "He wants to revert the world to the age of dinosaurs."
His face twisted in alarm. "But… what does he have to do with my dad? Is my dad… one of his minions?"
I looked down, my lips pressed in a thin line. I couldn't answer. Not truthfully. Not yet.
'That's something you need to discover on your own,' I thought. 'If I tell you now… you won't believe me. You'll shut down. And I… I can't risk losing your trust.'
Trent seemed to sense my silence meant something more. But instead of pressing, he sighed and gave a small smile.
"You don't have to feel guilty, Amaris," he said gently. "I chose to go in there. If I hadn't… I'd still be blind to this side of my father."
His words were meant to comfort. But instead, they pierced deeper.
'No. That only makes it worse. You trusted me.'
Still, I nodded slowly, hiding the tremble in my breath. "Do you accept my help, Trent?" I asked, voice quiet but firm.
He looked at me, the last of his hesitation melting away. "I'm sorry if I'm going to bother you, but… yes. I accept your offer."
I exhaled slowly, nodding once.
Good. We'll fix this together.
Even if the path ahead was twisted in shadows and guilt… I'd be there to light it.