Amaris' POV
"That will conclude your checkup for today," I said gently as Trent stepped out of the Quantum Resonance Capsule. My attention was still on the computer beside the capsule, typing carefully to log every observation and detail from the examination. Every pulse, every resonance—it all needed to be recorded accurately.
"What does it say, Amaris?" Trent asked, confusion evident in the tremor of his voice.
I lifted my gaze from the screen to meet his eyes. "The Dino Gem's energy is steadily merging with your DNA," I replied, my tone calm yet serious. "This is a fortunate outcome, as it indicates that your bond with the Gem is progressing smoothly, without complication."
He hesitated before asking, his voice almost a whisper, "And… what about the evil encoding?"
I paused mid-motion, allowing a small, reassuring smile to form. "Regarding that matter," I began carefully, "the evil encoding has, regrettably, spread slightly." I noted the sharp intake of breath from Trent and hurried to continue, so he would not spiral into despair. "However, it presently poses minimal risk—to you and to anyone around you. I am still able to maintain control over it at this stage."
A relieved sigh escaped him, and I allowed myself a small nod as I resumed my work, fingers moving across the keyboard with precision.
"Say, Amaris…" Trent's voice drew my attention again.
"Hm?" I responded, stopping to look at him fully.
He regarded me with a thoughtful expression. "Since the influence of the evil encoding hasn't spread too far… how about we attempt to remove it now?"
I furrowed my brows slightly. "In theory, that could work…" I murmured, meeting his gaze steadily. "In principle, it may be possible. However, your bond with the Gem is still in a delicate stage. Any rash action could provoke unintended consequences."
He pursed his lips, and for a moment I thought he might relent. Instead, his voice softened with quiet determination. "I don't wish to be reckless, nor to rush things. But… I can't bear the thought of harming anyone, Amaris."
I exhaled slowly, my lips pressing together. This was not part of my plan, nor had I anticipated such urgency. Yet, seeing the sincerity and desperation in his eyes, I finally relented.
"Very well," I said, my voice steady, though I could not hide the tension in my shoulders. "You may step into the Quantum Resonance Capsule once more."
Trent's head snapped up, eyes lighting with relief and hope. "Thank you. Thank you so very much, Amaris."
"Please be aware," I cautioned, "I cannot predict the outcome entirely, and the process may prove uncomfortable."
He nodded earnestly, earning a resigned sigh from me.
As he carefully settled inside the capsule, I asked once more, ensuring he understood the gravity of the situation, "Are you entirely certain about this, Trent?"
"Absolutely. One hundred percent," he replied without hesitation.
I turned back to the monitor, adjusting the output to amplify the resonance readings. Pressing 'Enter,' the chamber glowed with a soft, pulsating purple light. I allowed myself a brief moment of fascination at the sight, before my eyes caught movement inside the capsule—Trent was trembling violently.
"No—" I whispered under my breath. My fingers flew across the controls, attempting to shut down the capsule immediately.
Before I could stabilize the situation fully, the door opened. A familiar white silhouette appeared.
"Well, looks like I have to thank you, technician," the White Ranger said casually.
"You must be joking," I murmured, stepping back instinctively. My fingers sought the familiar weight of my Morpher, and I willed the hexagonal fossil disc into my palm.
Sliding it into the slot and quickly turning the Temporal Core Dial, I muttered the words, precise and resolute:
"If you would, Ankylosaurus… lend me your strength."
Purple light swirled around me, the metallic feel of my uniform enveloping me as my transformation completed.
"Fancy," the alter ego remarked.
I leapt backward, not willing to give him an inch. The figure smirked, "I'm not using a weapon—why don't you refrain from using yours as well?"
"Only a fool would fall for that," I countered calmly, launching three arrows at him. He dodged effortlessly.
"You've got good aim, but it is still nothing," he said.
I remained composed, eyes trained on the top of his head. "Stasis Veil Barrage." The arrows formed a triangular pattern before releasing bursts of purple energy.
"What?! What did you—" he began, but abruptly froze in place, caught by the temporal restraints.
I exhaled quietly, tension leaving my shoulders slightly as I hurried to his side. "Now," I murmured to myself, "I must wait… for the process to stabilize, for Trent to regain control."
The hour passed slowly, every second weighed with anticipation. Then, a bright white light flashed across the chamber, and Trent's expression returned to his own.
I powered down, the arrows dissipating as he collapsed forward slightly. I caught him gently.
"Wh-what happened, Amaris?" he panted, breathing ragged.
"I do not yet know," I said carefully, guiding him to a nearby seat. I retrieved a bottle of water for him.
"Thank you, Amaris," he said quietly, taking a slow drink.
"It is no trouble," I replied, my attention snapping to the monitor again. The screen now displayed the post-procedure findings—and my heart sank.
The results indicated that while the process had amplified Trent's connection with the Dino Gem, it had also amplified the evil encoding alongside it.
"What does it say, Amaris?" Trent asked, concern tightening his features.
I looked at him, steadying my voice despite the creeping guilt. "The evil encoding has, regrettably, increased in potency as well. It remains under control, but is steadily rising."
Trent's eyes widened, fear and disbelief mingling there.
"How much has it corrupted?" he asked.
"Not substantially, but its presence is undeniable," I admitted, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on me. 'If only I had been more cautious… if only I had stopped him sooner…'
Before my thoughts could spiral further, I felt a gentle pat on my shoulder.
"It is not your fault, Amaris," Trent said, a resigned smile on his face.
"No… it is, certainly—" I began, but he cut me off softly.
"If anything, this is my responsibility," he said.
I pressed my lips together, knowing that any further debate would serve no purpose. I nodded decisively.
"I will remove it, Trent," I said with quiet certainty. "As soon as possible."
His smile was steady, encouraging rather than resigned. "Thank you, Amaris," he said simply.
I returned his gaze, silent, and made a promise to myself: I would find a way to correct this. No matter the difficulty.
The weight of the Gem—and the responsibility of its bond—was heavier than I had imagined. But I would not allow Trent—or anyone else—to bear its burden alone.