Chapter 37: Follow the Leader
(The Boarding House)
"As long as a doppelganger is in existence...then her life will be in great peril. I'm afraid that as long as she lives, the fate of this planet and the balance of the universe remains in peril.. It happened once, it can't happen again and I must correct the errors of the past." Namine warned as Tommy and Kimberly got whim of the original Spirit Denizen's true intentions and left them boiling with anger over her deception.
"Cassius initiated a fail safe plan into the curse to ensure he maybe be able to break it. Since we bounded and bind him and imprisoned him deep in the depths of the Twilight Realm, he swore that if a doppelganger came into existence baring physicality to the original line of the Denizens of Twilight, they can undo the curse. The blood of the doppelganger brings life to all magic and spells cast. He became something we didn't anticipate, practiced a form of dark magic that caused a metamorphic change in him. What him and the Acadians practiced was not a form of magic that wasn't seen and condoned by the spirits."
"The three trials does it have to do something with them? What does Satsu need to do in order for her to break the curse?" Kat asked.
"It's already too late because as of this moment, the Progeny of the Source is on the verge of completing the first trial. What she'll be rewarded for is summoning a form of magic the spirits do not condone of. My main priority is procuring the doppelganger and ensuring that the Progeny cannot obtain her for the ritual. Long ago in Cassius' quest to ascend himself to becoming the second coming of the Source of Evil, that man underwent three very dark trials that literally riddled him with complete essences of dark power and evil inside of him."
"There is no way you're taking our daughter from us!" Tommy snapped. "We had a deal."
"I understand and this isn't an option I wish I didn't have to make. However, as a consolation, I will leave you with the last piece of information you need to better counteract the Progeny's attempts to break the curse. The first trial is called the Unholy Contribution of the Three in Dozens. In order for the Progeny to pass this trial she requires to commit 3 massacres and needs twelve sacrifices in the process. For each massacre she commits, she gains access to a magic the likes o the supernatural world hasn't seen. It is fueled by channeling what lies within, at the cost of driving someone on the edge of insanity. She already has committed 2 massacres, she needs a third to pass the trial. There have been futile attempts and no Progeny that came before her have survived these trials, yet alone decided to take the short route and skip right to the ritual."
"So there is a magic that exist that is cut off from restraints from the spirits?" Billy asked.
"Yes and it will be rewarded to the Progeny upon completion of the first trial. The second trial if she shall survive will be sought out in the realm of Twilight: the empowerment of the predecessor. The obvious assumption made here Power Rangers is that she needs to seek out the imprisonment of the Original Progeny, Cassius to retrieve something of high value that belonged to him. In turn, she'll be infused with the essences of Cassius if she succeeds. The last trial will take her to the lair of Maligore, the Flame of Destruction. Since the powers of Twilight were infused with the Great Flames of Power, the Progeny must be cleansed and fused with the power from the Flames of Destruction. You may have destroyed the creature long ago, but the flames never extinguish. If this girl who is new Progeny succeeds she'll be indestructible and a force to be reckoned with."
"But occupying Rosaline's body isn't the solution!" Virgil snapped. "You can't take her away from this team! She may look like you but she isn't you! She has ties to this world, to people that she loves and they are the reason she fights for them! What good will it do if she can't help defend this planet?"
"Cassius' line of Progeny are unholy beings that have defiled this planet for many years. What he has done ignited a blood feud that will not stop until one side is defeated. Casualties will accumulate and we have consented to actions and requests that are considered unimaginable with collateral damage collected along the way. I assure you that the doppelganger will be protected and safeguarded in a place evil will not harm her."
Kat tried using a spell to exorcise Namine's spirit out of Rosaline's body, but for some strange reason she started feeling light headed. Jason noticed this and went to his wife's aid. Namine, using Rosaline's body went to seize the ocarina as she started playing on it. The melody that was heard subdued the veterans and the other Power Rangers as she used the magic and power of the ocarina to disappear from the boarding house. The spell worn off once Namine vanished.
"Damnit that thing is still roaming around in our daughter's body!" Tommy yelled. "She gave us what we needed to know and yet she still double crossed us!"
"Namine may have control and possession of Rosaline's body, but my only logical reason is you have to find a way to reach Rosaline from within," Kat added. "She has to try to find a way of driving Namine out. I'm sorry about earlier, but something is amiss and being connected to anything supernatural or magical, there's a dark energy growing and it's not a magic I've come across. It's something more darker and tainted that it marks the Earth."
"That's why you couldn't perform any spells. Is there a possibility you might be linked?" Jason replied, "To the Westbury coven?"
"We'll figure that out later, what matters is getting Rosaline back," Kimberly interjected.
"We know where Namine is heading," Virgil answered. "We're interlopers so we can cross into different realms and dimensions. But knowing that the Gatekeepers are on high alert, we'll take our chances. She's going to try to seal Rosaline away in the Twilight Realm but that's not going to happen. We're following our leader and getting her back. However, if we somehow find ourselves locked up..."
"Don't worry you can count on us to bust you guys out," Tommy slightly smiled, "Please, do what you can to get Rosaline back."
"We will Tommy because she's one of us," Bianca said suddenly coming upstairs with the others. "That original Denizen of Twilight needs to be persuaded on releasing Rosaline. On a side note, I talk to Ash, you guys may want to see this. It's that whole information about a bunch of strange occurrences that has happened in the last few weeks."
Once the Twilight Rangers left to pursue Namine, Tommy, Kimberly and the other original Rangers went hard to work to figure out Satsu's plan. However, as time went on the others noticed that Kat wasn't feeling well and felt an eerie and ill feeling inside. For Kat, it felt like there was something in the atmosphere and became overwhelm with a sense of toxicity in the air. It was then when Billy pulled out Bianca's notes about the massacre at the Rio Ranger Compound they made the connection.
"Based on my calculations, there was something about the massacre at the Ranger Compound in Rio that was significant," Billy reviewed the report, "Everyone who resided there was killed and there was no witnesses who survived the attack. It was relatively a small squad with only 2 squad leaders and 10 Rangers in training residing in that compound..."
"It's significant because there were twelve people that resided in that compound," Tommy answered. "The massacre at the Rio Ranger Compound...it was the first massacre and she got 12 human sacrifices out of it for this greater power."
"Okay so the massacre at Rio Compound was the first sacrifice of twelve," Adam said. "Where was the second one committed?"
"Bianca received this from Ash Bailiton. This happened a few days before they recaptured Merrick," Kimberly explained. "It was a newspaper article about the murder of a group of campers out on a wilderness retreat. The funny thing is according to the coroner's report the victims' hearts were yanked out of their chests. It sounds like how you murder a werewolf. The body count was twelve dead victims."
"You mean 12 werewolves? The second sacrifice of twelve must have been those werewolves in Romania," Rocky said. "So cutthroat bitch committed 2 massacres she needs a third and one that has a body count totaling twelve."
"So she killed twelve Rangers in training and 12 werewolves what happens if she completes this third massacre?" Aisha asked. "What magic is she trying to obtain?"
"A dark magic that can grant a witch or warlock godlike powers but it requires three sets of sacrifices that uses a special triangular conjuring," Kat said looking a bit worried. "It was an old tale that the coven used to tell about a form of very dark magic and sorcery that channeling the power of human sacrifices calls upon a darkness that can't exist on this plane without swallowing it whole! It explains the expulsion of the Acadians and why they were branded the defilers of balance. The magic this girl is going to summon is worse than black magic."
"You're saying that if she completes this trial she's going to release a magic more powerful than black magic?" Trini asked.
"According to legend, if twelve humans are killed, the earth is marked with power and the witch can tap into the magical energy left behind. There is this lore about a geographical triangle formed with an addition of twelve human sacrifices, 2 supernatural sacrifices can compound the mythical energy and power. This form of magic some say isn't even considered magic. It's known as Expression. For someone dark and tainted to practice this type of magic is channeling forces beyond comprehension. By using Expression...it can weaken the veil to the other side collapsing it."
"That must be the magic the first Progeny, Cassius practiced." Tommy said. "So they need a third sacrifice with 12 lives..."
"The coven in Westbury," Kat suddenly answered. "Celeste, I have to warn them. There are twelve founding members of that coven. If Satsu kills them all then she'll bring upon the likes of Expression and complete the first trial. We need to protect them at all cost!"
(Unknown Location)
"Your request although it is coming at an unusual time, I will grant it," Satsu replied talking to one of the members of the Acadian Fraternity. "Just out of curiosity, what business do you have in Boston?"
"I just have an old score to settle with a former comrade of mine," the Acadian said. "I owe this as a favor to an old associate of mine. But first, I need to follow up on a lead of mine of someone whose been flying under the radar. I will return once my affairs are settled milady."
She walked back in the dungeon area and stopped in front of Merrick's cell. He just glared at her with anger and hatred as Thrax approached her. Suddenly without saying a word, Satsu stared cold heartedly at Merrick as he clutched his head in agonizing pain seeing the anguish on his face. She let out a wicked smirk continuing to inflict the non-physical contact torture on Merrick until Thrax stopped her.
"You need to know your limitations on that magic you're practice dear Progeny," Thrax said pulling her away from Merrick's cell. "The more you use that magic, the more it takes control of you. There...is a reason why they call it Expression. The original Progeny, Cassius it took him years to perfect and gain control of the magic he possessed in him."
"I just wanted him to see the extent of my power," Satsu sneered. "This isn't even considered magic, it's called expression. How did Cassius do it? It baffles me that he was so powerful that the original Denizens of Twilight had the means of subduing him and imprisoning him in the Twilight Realm. Well not to bother, the sooner I complete this first trial, I will be infused with Cassius' specialty of magic inside me."
"Are you ready then?" Thrax asked.
"I know where I'm going. All I can say is...this is will leave everyone bewitched and bewildered," she smirked wickedly. "Did you find where they are located?"
"It's not hard to sniff out the servants of magic when they're trying to exorcise the expression out of a fellow witch," Thrax said, "They know of the potential danger Expression will inflict upon them. However, do you know when a coven is powerful? When they all link together as one and channel both the powers of the coven bounded and the spirits they call upon. It's only then you know what to do."
"Consecrate the Earth with their power and use it to channel and harness the full power of Expression. It's like leading the lambs to the slaughterhouse. They will be sacrificed for a greater cause, The Source's cause."
(Meanwhile with the Rangers)
It wasn't before long that the Rangers found themselves departing from the Ancient Harbor in pursuit of Namine. It was when they revealed to Atticus of Namine's true intentions he had the Tide Gale ready to follow the young woman who has taken possession of Rosaline. They sailed to the entrance of the Twilight Realm knowing that Namine fled there after vanishing from the boarding house. It felt like retaking the first trial all over again, only this time Atticus provided them a tool that will make it easier for them to navigate their way through the Twilight Realm.
"You remember what happened when you all first endured the first trial by navigating through the Denizen's Labyrinth?" Atticus asked as they all nodded. "I'm sensing that the veil to the other side and worlds beyond are slowly collapsing. These charms, they'll enable you to walk into the Twilight Realm in your physical form. Your Ranger powers won't work, but your weapons will. Rosaline's spirit will most likely be there since Namine has the ability to separate one's physical body and spirit. Since she has taken possession of Rosaline's body, you must convince her to relinquish her hold."
"Something tells us if we're walking in there in full physical form, we're more vulnerable aren't we?" Aidan asked.
"The Twilight Realm is equivalent to that of a mythological representation of Purgatory. Whatever you encounter in there will only be destroyed but then reborn and the Gatekeepers are on constant guard. The Scouters will alert the inhabitants of the Twilight Realm for any interlopers. One strike from them can cause dire consequences upon you, so be warned."
"You mean to tell us that by walking in there in full physical form, if they strike us, they can severely damage or maybe kill us?" Virgil asked as Atticus sighed and nodded. "Well that's what we get for following our leader and retrieving her."
"I will work on getting a temporal rift open for you to escape," Atticus explained. "Keep watch Power Rangers and good luck."
Once the Rangers stepped off the ship, they made their way through the mainland as the Twilight Realm started to take a nighttime resemblance or parallel version of a small ocean side town. Virgil started to realize that the realm was reciprocating a version of Rosaline's childhood hometown of Beaufort, North Carolina. What also donned upon them was that the charms that Atticus gave them repelled the pyreflies as more of them swirled around the area.
Going by instinct, Virgil tried to remember the stories of Rosaline's life in Beaufort before she went to Angel Grove. They figured that Namine was hiding somewhere in the shift landscape of the Twilight Realm when they heard the sounds of the ocarina. It felt like walking into a ghost town and they were the only residence that resided in there. They wandered to what looked like Downtown Beaufort and noticed that there was activity going on as people wandered the town carrying on with their daily business. On the other hand, the Rangers noticed the pyreflies surrounding the locals signifying they were of the Twilight Realm.
"Alright pop quiz," Shi-Ann replied, "Do you think it will be highly suspicious that the locals of this complex realm will notice that they got interlopers walking around and not surrounded by pyreflies?" They cautiously made their way through the town hoping to not attract any attention until suddenly a cop noticed the Rangers walking the streets. It shined a flashlight on them as it changed into a Scouter as the locals soon vanished and they heard the sounds of the Gatekeepers approaching.
"High statistics show that Scouters are always on high alert for intruding Interlopers, being in their case us," Quincy replied using his Dominion Lance to freeze the Gatekeepers for a thirty seconds while they made a retreat. "It only immobilizes them for thirty seconds. Gosh not a good day for us huh?"
The Rangers ran through the streets of the deserted town until they came upon an abandon house and struggled to open the door. To the surprise of the Rangers, the door was opened by none other than the real Rosaline Oliver. "Get in right now and keep the drapes closed!" Rosaline ordered her friends as they barricaded the door and closed all the blinds and windows.
"Is it really you?" Virgil said looking shock and bewildered. "Just for the sake of knowing if you're really Rosaline and not Namine possessing your body, tell us something that proves you're really Rosaline."
"My adopted parents referred to me as their "little Mozart" because I was a musical prodigy growing up and my birth parents refer to me as their "songbird." Rosaline answered. "The necklace I usually wear contains a Claddagh Ring that once belonged to my adopted mother." She then approached Virgil and grabbed a hold of his hand and to his surprise can feel her squeeze it. "Whatever charms you guys or the original Spirit Denizen are wearing is somehow enabling me to walk around the Twilight Realm in full physical bodily form."
"Well it's glad having our little Mozart back," Virgil smiled giving his girlfriend a hug. "Where exactly are we? It looks like Beaufort hence that is why the realm took a representation of your childhood home."
"We're hiding...in what used to be the home of my Aunt Marigold and Uncle Colbert," Rosaline sternly said. "Somehow, I managed to overwhelm Namine with memories of my life and all the events that occurred. Somehow, both our spirits got ejected out of my body but the extent Namine used to travel from Angel Grove to here worn her out a bit. I took the opportunity to jump back and reunite with my body and escape. As I ran through the realm, it started resembling Beaufort and that's when the Gatekeepers and Scouters started patrolling the area."
"Are you alright after experiencing...well you know..." Penny tried asking.
"Oh you mean having the spirit of my predecessor inside of me, attempting to kidnap me and imprison me in the realm her and the original Denizens of Twilight created to conceal the supernatural species?" Rosaline asked. "I feel peachy, and a bit violated having that thing control me and lock me up for the sake of humanity. However, the only person who can unlock the keys to kingdom come is her. The Gatekeepers are guarding the borders between the realm of light and shadow and the Scouters patrol the areas for interlopers."
"So the question is how do we get out of here without setting off the wards?" Chan asked.
"There's only one place we might find Namine to grant us access out of here," Rosaline said deep in thought. "We...I...we...have to head to my childhood home. I pretty much know the way home. Something tells me she'll be there."
The walk in the neighborhood that represented the place Rosaline spent her childhood seemed surreal. However, they had to keep in mind they were inside another realm where anything could happen and being able to physically walk around the Twilight Realm was a mystery. From their understanding both the body and spirit are separated and the realm was home to the entities and souls of the abnormal creatures that existed. They wanted out and it wasn't pleasant being chased by the Gatekeepers who tried to attack the Rangers. Just when they were about to be struck by the Gatekeepers in front of Rosaline's old house, something stopped them.
"Don't hurt the interlopers! Gatekeepers, hold your post!" they heard Namine order them. It seemed weird to Rosaline staring at what looked like a reflection of herself but instead she saw the pyreflies surrounding Namine. She stood on the porch staring at the Rangers. "Let them through guards! I know why you're here."
"You can't keep us locked here forever! The world needs us!" Christian argued.
"What makes you think I'm a threat? If you intend on keeping me locked up forever, then answer me this question," Rosaline added. "You said it happened once, it happened before. Why is it so important to do whatever it takes for the greater good at the price of serious consequences? You intend to lock me and my friends up just so the Progeny won't complete the ritual, but you're willing to let that psycho bitch go off killing innocent people for more power. I know what will become of me if she gets her hands on me I get it and you're doing what you feel is the best way to safeguard me, but this isn't the solution."
"And it wasn't like when the last known doppelganger existed over 600 years ago. However, by sheer luck the line of the doppelganger continued on long after the unity of the Wings of Fate. It is through them, you Rosaline Diana Oliver have become the doppelganger that is needed to undo the curse. It is no surprise when Cassius prophesied that by blood fated and reincarnated shall the Progeny bring forth the second coming of the Source of Evil. There is a reason why we are connected...it because we are of the same bloodline, descendants. Somehow it wasn't by coincidence or chance that the Great Power chose the original Rangers chosen by Zordon in this era to take up the mantle of power."
"Okay...back up a minute, if what you're saying is true...then..." Rosaline replied now understanding it. "When you cast the curse on Cassius many years ago, it was your blood that...You're the original doppelganger? Then you tried exterminating the line with the last doppelganger in 1492?"
"Unfortunately that is true, but the young doppelganger back then had other alternatives in order to render themselves useless to the Acadians cause. And yes, it was my blood that cursed Cassius, it was by my hand and that of the Denizens of Twilight we created the Twilight Realm to safeguard the supernaturals from the Acadians and created the veil that separates every plain of existence whether they're the living, dead or in between. There has been a notion that once existed among us...the debate between free will and determinism. Cassius exercised his practice of free will long ago in his observation of the supernaturals, thus leading to his corruption and pursuit for power. Our reasons to prevent the continuation of the doppelganger line in 1492 was based on where they fate laid."
"You may have perished long ago but you've seen on this side of the veil that times have changed and people change. It is only when you intervene on behalf of the Order of the Meridian or if you feel fate may play itself out, you intervene to ensure it doesn't happen." Rosaline explained staring at Namine. "I understand what became of you and the cost and sacrifice you paid to protect everything you hold dear. It was duty above everything else when you and your comrades took up the mantle. It was a huge responsibility and a burden you carried as a group, but you Namine, there must have been more to it. I don't know what it is but living in this purgatorial like state where time, space and everything else is limitless and non-existent doesn't seem like a sanctuary or haven, it is true purgatory. You can't live or die, you're bound to do the same thing over and over again as fate intended...for history to repeat itself."
"It can stop you know," Virgil added. "We're prepared and you and our predecessors chose us for a reason to take the mantle and reestablish the legacy of Denizens of Twilight to the Morphing Grid and that of the Great Power. Our mentors, the ones chosen by Zordon saw something in us to task us to prove our worth and valor in your honor. When we learned of Rosaline's true destiny, it made us even united and stronger as a whole. We're more than a team and she's more than just our leader, she's family and we always fight and stick together. We have free will and we chose to exercise that in the name of all that is good."
"Long ago I questioned if we had free will or are we predetermined to our fate. I spent years, decades, centuries, era pondering over and over if the line and legacy of Power was fated to correct and atone for the mistakes of the past left by their predecessors. It seems like being here time stops and it's non-existent. You don't know how many years have pass but it seems like an eternity. However, we got word of a pair of fated soulmates, the most powerful union that the line and legacy of Power has seen. They defied the laws of fate and destiny by restoring the faith and belief we all lost many years...if we know our fate, we can still change it."
"I know what may be my fate, but it doesn't have to be it," Rosaline replied. "I can change it. I can stop Satsu, the Acadians and everything comes full circle. I don't know how or when but I can do it. I maybe this generation's doppelganger and the key to undoing the Progeny's curse, but it will not be my fate. I will not die and by all means I will not lose anyone I love in this world. I will lay down my life for them if I have to because I fight for them, I fight for good. My parents, the Wings of Fate proved that we can make our own fate and destiny. They redefined what it means to be a Power Ranger and fighting for a greater good and cause. It's about power and how you use it. We've been given the power and we chose to fight the forces of evil who threaten everything we love and protect. It is what made humanity strong, what makes us human and ties us to the world. We fight for a future and survival of the next legacy who will succeed us. They changed our fates by giving us a choice to make a decision that will change our lives and futures for the greater good. We chose this life because we understand what it takes. The future isn't set in stone yet, they're living proof...and so am I."
In a surprising move, Namine stepped down from the porch and stared down at Rosaline and the Rangers. She looked at them and gave a sudden smile of approval after hearing Rosaline's speech it persuaded her to release Rosaline and the other Rangers. She took them to back to the entrance of the Twilight Realm where she activated a temporal rift for them to escape. "Your testimony has changed my perception where things stand, Rosaline Oliver. The road and battle ahead is treacherous but you and your friends have proven your worth and valor as to why you're all truly the successors to the legacy of the Denizens of Twilight. This temporal rift will take you back to where you're needed right now. The power within you...trust it and deep within you, remember that you make your own fate."
(Wiltshire, England)
After jumping through the portal, the Twilight Rangers found themselves back on Earth. However, they landed in a field in the middle of nowhere and it was already nighttime. They all checked to make sure no one was injured and Rosaline reassured her friends it was truly her and that she was back to herself. Suddenly, Bianca began clutching her head and covering her ears as she complained that she can hear the voices of many spirits in the air. Something was amiss as the young Romanian girl declared it and then realized where they are.
"Namine's temporal rift brought us to Wiltshire, England," Bianca explained. "It's the sight where ancient magics was cast, notably at Stonehedge. The Westbury coven...Katherine mentioned they'll only be out here to practice during a new moon. It's ultra exclusive, only the most powerful witches and warlocks of the coven gather at Stonehedge unless something big is happening."
Moments later, they heard in the distance familiar voices calling out to them and found Tommy, Kimberly, Kat, Jason and Celeste, one of the witches of the Westbury Coven. They reunited with their old mentors who filled them in about the possible lead for the third sacrifice Satsu needed to complete the first trial while the Rangers filled the veterans in about their trip into the Twilight Realm. Tommy and Kimberly was thrilled to hear that Rosaline was back to herself and free from Namine's control.
"So mom, dad is it true that the last sacrifice Satsu needs...involves witches?" Rosaline asked.
"That's why we followed the lead and based on Kat's testimony we have to do something to stop it," they replied to her.
"There have been rumors about magics that are consider even powerful and dark as black magic," Celeste explained. "There have been tales of those who practice something that many don't really consider magic, it's called Expression. This is extremely dark and tainted arts that is channel through the energy of human sacrifices that mark the earth. For one to conjure up the energy left from these sacrifices, they need to use a geographical tool known as an expression triangle to complete the ritual. Expression can only be channel through three mass massacres: 12 humans, 12 supernatural creatures and 12 witches."
"But the spirits don't condone of this magic, it's unholy and that of a mythological and metaphoric," Kat answered. "I thought Expression was just a mythological form of magic that couldn't be practiced."
"Try telling that to my son Declan," Celeste replied. "He's the reason Agatha summoned the council to Stonehedge. They're going to try to exorcise the magic out of Declan, hopefully to free him and cleanse him. I was permitted from linking with them as it was a conflict of interest. My son has been wandering around for the last two years doing god knows what, and now has been practicing magic that is unholy, unnatural and extremely dark. I fear for his safety and cannot explain how it began him practicing Expression."
"Agatha can't do the ritual...you have to stop her," Bianca explained as they located Stonehedge and noticed torches in the distance near the site.
They could hear chanting in the distance as a pentagram was drawn in the middle of the site as the elder witches of the Westbury Coven continued to chant. They could hear a young boy screaming in pain and agony in the center as the witches continued to summon the power of the spirits. The group figured that the young man be Declan, Celeste's son. The group heard the lead witch Agatha inciting for Declan to let the spirits in as Expression has consumed him and saw that the young man's eyes turn milky-white and his nose bleeding. They tried to convince the witches to stop the ritual but none of them wouldn't listen until the Rangers let it slip that he's been influenced by the Acadians and to their horror witness Agatha pull out a dagger.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Celeste looked in horror.
"I'm sorry my dear sister, but if the Acadians have your son then he is lost. We can't save him," Agatha noted as she and the witches invoked the spirits to exorcise Declan's spirit and literally kill the young man. "They plagued this Earth many years ago when they brought Expression to this world. We're here to protect the sanctity of nature and the balance."
"Isn't there a way to stop this?" Tommy asked.
"They're linked. Declan has the power to kill them, unless they kill him first," Kimberly sighed.
"Katherine, you have to promise me that if anything happens to me...you and Jason look after my son." Celeste pleaded. "I spent years trying to shield him from this life and never realize until now the extent and the mess he's gotten himself into. The Acadians, of all people he's with them. My son is only fifteen years old and he's lost his father to magic, I'd be damned if this life consumes my only son. He should be in Wales where I sent him and the rest of my children to my in-law's for their safety. Swear to me on your lives, on my husband's grave you'll free him from their influence? Let him know that his mother loves him will you?"
"We promise...we'll look out for Declan and your children," Jason and Kat replied. What everyone saw next was Celeste running into the circle as Celeste struggled with the elder wicca for the dagger. Moments later, Celeste plunged the dagger into Agatha's chest killing the elder wicca.
"No, not that way!" everyone yelled in horror as the flame torches burned out. The veterans, the Rangers and Celeste look on as the witches forming the circle begin to drop dead one by one as Celeste steps away from Agatha's body and drops the dagger. Kat races to her friend's side watching her run to Declan's side still shocked by what she did. "Declan? Delcan, son are you alright?" Celeste said approaching her son.
"The triangle is complete," Declan said in an errie smile as if he was calling to someone. "The Progeny has succeeded in completing her first trial. I told you...they'll help you achieve your goal."
"Just like I showed you a power that doesn't restrain you in the name of the spirits," they turned in anger and shock as Satsu emerged from the shadows. "Well what can you say people, all magic comes with its price. Thanks to young Declan here, he has helped me achieve my goal...completing the first trial which means magic's coming, but not any any ordinary magic. It's one that is limitless with no boundaries and something my predecessor brought to liven with world..."
In a swift motion Satsu stared at Kat and Celeste and then Satsu uses her expression magic to weaken Kat as she makes a move towards Celeste. In one instant, Satsu reaches into Celeste's chest and pulls out something that looks like an enchanted heart. "You see, young Declan here wanted to explore a magic that didn't bind him to the spirits and what better place he could utilize his talents than by joining our ranks. You see Celeste, your boy here has a natural born talent. Too bad, he didn't have the outlet he needed to express himself after you confined his powers. But not to worry...I assure you he's been kept and look after."
"They'll kill you in a heartbeat where you're standing," Celeste said looking at Kat and the other Rangers. "You're a disgrace to humanity and I hope you rot in hell! I won't let you corrupt my son's soul with your defiling Acadian influence. The spirits will judge you and they'll come for you...I guarantee that."
"Really? You think they'll kill me in heartbeat? I like to see anyone try to do what I can do...it's such a heartbreaker they won't be able to see it," Satsu sneered holding the enchanted heart that represented Celeste's life as Kat watched in horror Satsu squeeze it. She noticed Celeste screaming in pain as Satsu crushed the heart into pieces instantly killing her longtime wicca sister and friend. Kat was released from the spell as she ran to Celeste's limp and lifeless body as she cried.
"Oh my God, Celeste please...don't you die on me..." she sobbed holding her friend's body. "Oh God please Celeste. You'll pay for this Satsu, I swear to you on Celeste's soul you'll get yours."
"Such a tragedy useless talent goes to waste like that wouldn't you say Declan? Come on buddy, time's a wasting we got some more world domination to plan and no time to spare," Satsu smirked as she disappeared alongside Celeste's son. The Rangers and the veterans stood quietly in a moment of silence at Stonehedge to mourn the loss of a close friend and survey the damage and chaos that was committed after they didn't stop Satsu from completing the first trial.