Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers Dino Thunder, Anton Mercer, or Trent.

Summary: This takes place somewhere between Copy That and House of Cards. Anton Mercer believes he has found a way to get rid of Mesogog. The only problem is that there's a good chance his cure will kill him too.

Sacrifice

"You can't do this, Dad."

"Don't worry, Trent," his father told him. "I've thought of everything. It will all be taken care of if this doesn't work. Your college fund is set. You'll be able to go anywhere you want. I have someone in mind to take over the company until or if you're ever ready to."

"No! You haven't thought of everything!" his son practically yelled at him. He could not believe his father was acting so calmly about this. It was as if he had given up on finding another solution.

Anton Mercer put a hand on Trent's shoulder. "Son," he began.

"What am I supposed to do without you?" Trent asked him.

Anton flinched. His resolve weakened, and he closed his eyes and sighed. After a moment, however, his face reverted to its former composure and held no trace of his prior uncertainty. He cleared his throat. "You'll be fine. I know I haven't said this enough lately, but I am proud of you. Of everything you've accomplished." It was true. Anton looked at his adopted son and saw a goodness, a selflessness, he did not believe came from himself.

"I don't want you to die." Trent's eyes pleaded with him. "There's no guarantee this 'cure' will even work. I mean, you said the best-case scenario would be if it destroyed Mesogog and left you unharmed. But what if it works in reverse? What if it kills you and leaves him free to try and take over the world at anytime?"

"There's very little chance of that. The worst that is likely to happen is that we both die. I don't want to do this, Trent, but it is for the good of the world. I'm making up for the mistakes I've made."

Trent shook his head not wanting to hear anymore. "Let me tell the others. They can come up with something else."

"No. Mesogog was created from my research. I'm the only one who can destroy him."

"This isn't the way to do it. It isn't worth the risk." Trent stared at the floor. He was not ready to give up like this. Anton Mercer was his father in every way except blood. He did not want to lose him, and this supposed cure had a high chance of killing him. Trent looked into his father's piercing eyes. "Please, just wait a little longer. Wait until you're sure. When you find something that can get rid of Mesogog without hurting you."

Anton sighed and looked away from his son. The guilt of everything his alter ego had done weighed on his conscience. Mesogog was capable of hurting so many innocent people, of destroying so many lives. He had nearly killed Trent. And it was all the result of his own experiments. His son never blamed him though. He was loyal to his father even after everything that had happened. Anton often wondered how Trent figured he deserved such loyalty. He sighed again and looked back at his son who still seemed determined to talk him out of risking his life. The last of his resolve faded even as he questioned whether or not he was doing the right thing or just being a coward. "Alright. I won't take it now. I'll keep it locked up. But the time may come when there's no other choice."

Trent looked relieved. "I know you can do this, Dad. You'll find something safer, something that will only destroy Mesogog."

Anton locked his experiment in a safe before walking outside with his son. He hoped Trent was right, but he had a nagging feeling that time was running out. Mesogog had to be defeated soon, and he might have to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his family.

The End