Third Person POV
A week had passed since the last big incident, and Hayley's Cyberspace was bustling like never before. The Cyberspace buzzed with conversation, laughter, and the clatter of plates as a seemingly endless stream of customers filled every corner of the vibrant place.
Trent was holding a tray as he weaved through the tables with practiced ease. "Here's your order," he said, placing a plate in front of a customer.
"Thanks!" the customer replied cheerfully.
Trent smiled and gave a polite nod before swiftly turning to grab another order. The flow of customers was relentless, but he moved with a focused rhythm.
Behind the counter, Amaris worked just as efficiently. Her hands moved gracefully as she opened two chilled bottles of orange juice, the soft hiss of carbonation escaping into the air. She placed them on a tray and then carefully picked up two strawberry donuts, nestling them beside the drinks with precision.
Without needing to speak, she passed the tray to Trent as he approached. He accepted it smoothly, and the two parted again to continue their respective tasks—coordinated like clockwork.
"Look at them go," Ethan remarked in awe, watching from a booth.
"Yeah," Conner muttered, equally impressed.
Kira, leaning forward with her chin in her hand, watched them with a thoughtful expression. "They've been moving like that for two hours straight," she said softly.
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An hour later, the surge finally slowed. Trent exhaled deeply and leaned against the counter for a brief moment of reprieve. His mind, however, was far from calm.
'What was that swirling green thing I saw in Dad's office?' he wondered. 'And why was he so evasive about it? "When you're ready," he said. What does that even mean?'
His thoughts swirled until a cold bottle of apple juice appeared in front of him.
"Here, Trent. All of that running around must have been rather taxing," said Amaris as she gently placed the bottle on the counter with a polite smile.
Trent blinked and straightened. "Oh—yeah. Thanks for this, Amaris."
He took the juice and drank, the cool liquid helping ground him. Amaris sat beside him, both of them keeping an eye on the crowd in case another wave of customers surged in.
She glanced at Trent's furrowed brow and offered a gentle prompt. "Is something troubling you, Trent?"
He looked at her, hesitating. His mouth opened, then closed again. Could he tell her? Would she think he was crazy?
But Amaris had always been kind. Steady. Trustworthy.
They had grown close in the past few weeks, and as far as Trent was concerned, she was his closest friend now. He suspected the feeling might be mutual—he was the only one who she calls by the first name, after all.
Trent sighed, made up his mind, and finally spoke. "I know this might sound crazy… but I saw this swirling green… thing in my dad's office. When I touched it, I got teleported. I ended up right outside the Cyberspace."
He paused, watching her expression carefully. No ridicule, no panic. Just calm, patient understanding.
So he continued. "I know my dad knows something about it, but he's being so secretive. He wouldn't explain what it was. He just said, "When you're ready,"."
Amaris nodded slowly, her face unreadable except for the faintest knowing smile.
"Thank you for trusting me with that information, Trent," she said gently. "If I may offer a thought… it could be that your father is concealing something quite significant. Perhaps even a secret identity."
Trent's eyes widened. "Yeah… maybe that's it. But why would he hide it from me?"
Amaris folded her hands neatly in her lap, her voice composed. "This is merely a suggestion, and I understand it is not the most ethical approach… but perhaps you could consider observing him more closely. You may uncover a clue that way."
She didn't say it outright, but in her mind, the path was clear. If Trent followed that strange signal, if he unearthed the truth, it would set in motion the moment his destiny as the White Ranger began. She needed the White Dino Gem purified—and Trent was the only one worthy of wielding it.
Trent nodded firmly. "Yeah. I'm gonna do that. I'll let you know what I find. Maybe we can figure this out together."
"I shall await your news with interest," Amaris replied with a soft smile.
Before they could say more, another crowd of customers streamed in through the front doors. Trent and Amaris exchanged a look—and a tired but amused smile.
"Another wave," Trent muttered.
"Indeed," Amaris said politely. "Shall we, then?"
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Forty minutes later, Trent finally placed a tray into the kitchen's wash area and returned to the front. He spotted Amaris standing with the others near one of the booths, laughing softly as Ethan launched into a story.
"Conner looked like an idiot fighting zombies with a wooden hoe!" Ethan laughed loudly.
Kira giggled, hiding her smile behind her hand. Amaris, serene as ever, smiled politely.
Trent chuckled as he imagined it. "I can totally picture that—Conner getting swarmed."
"Hey!" Conner objected, flushing. "I was peacefully planting wheat when they came, alright?!"
Ethan rolled his eyes and laughed harder.
"Heading out, Trent?" Ethan asked.
Trent nodded. "Yeah. I've got some private stuff I need to check on."
"Take care, dude," Conner said, giving him a fist bump.
"See ya," Kira added with a small wave.
Once Trent was gone, Amaris turned back to the group. She checked her phone—her ride would be arriving soon.
"I shall be leaving shortly as well. I am merely awaiting my driver," she said with a bow of her head. "Ah, that reminds me. My family's company will be releasing three new games soon. You may wish to take a look."
"Sweet!" Ethan said, eyes lighting up.
"What're they about?" Conner asked with curiosity.
Amaris replied, "The first game follows a protagonist searching for their long-lost twin, battling through monsters to uncover clues."
Ethan's eyes sparkled. "I'm so playing that!"
"The second game," Amaris continued, "is a digital take on soccer, with some rather innovative mechanics."
Conner grinned. "Something I can get behind."
Amaris turned her gaze to Kira and offered a softer smile. "And the third game is centered on nurturing a musical group—bringing out each member's full artistic potential."
Kira's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Amaris. That sounds amazing."
"It is no trouble at all," Amaris replied with a graceful nod.
Just then, her phone buzzed. She glanced down. "Ah, my driver has arrived."
She stood and gave a small bow. "I bid you all farewell. Please take care."
"Bye, Amaris!" Ethan and Conner said in unison.
"Oh, right!" Kira added quickly. "Amaris, we've got a shortage of iron."
Amaris paused at the door and chuckled softly. "Understood. I shall head to the mines later this evening."
Kira grinned and waved again. Amaris returned it with a graceful nod before exiting the Cyberspace.
In the car, Amaris leaned back and closed her eyes. The day's work had been fulfilling, and yet her thoughts stirred with anticipation.
So… the White Ranger will soon debut.
She opened her eyes slowly, watching the city pass by.
It seems the Violet and White Rangers shall make their proper entrance together.
And for the first time in a while, a knowing smile curled at her lips.