AUTHOR'S NOTE: Keilah belongs to Aura MacKenzie. If you want to understand what happens with Kira in this chapter better, read Chapter Twenty-Five of Tales from the Rebellion, Heartsong. I hope you enjoy the chapter!
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
TIA
She sensed that something was terribly wrong. Cautiously, Tia headed up to the attic, where Taylor and Tye each had a room. She headed to Tye's and saw a form in the bed. Most people would have assumed Tye had snuck back home and gone to sleep, but Tia knew that wasn't the case. Tye was too motionless and Tia couldn't feel her energy.
She forced herself to walk over to her sister's bed. Tye was dead, and had been for a while. The horrific scar on her throat told Tia the First incubus had not killed her. The way Tye was covered and cared for made it obvious who'd brought her home.
"Taylor..." Tia mumbled. She shook her head, gently stroking Tye's head. "Rest easy, Little Sister. May your journey know no more pain." It was rare that Tia cried, but now, she felt tears in her eyes. "He shall pay for this." She left the room, carefully closing the door, grateful the younger kids weren't home to see what had happened.
This first thing Tia did was call Taylor's phone. Someone picked up, but it wasn't her brother. "Tia? It's Josh," he said.
"Josh, I'm looking for my brother. It is urgent," Tia replied.
"He's here with me. He's safe, but he was hysterical when he showed up. He burned himself out and passed out in my bed. What's going on, Tia?"
Tia took a deep breath. "It's Tye, Josh... She's dead, and I think Taylor found her."
"Dead?" Josh repeated. "Oh God, Taylor... No wonder... But... What happened? Was it Zell?"
"She was at the Reservation. Zell should not have been able to get to her... Perhaps she got scared and left the protected land..."
"Are you okay? Can I do anything to help?"
"Take care of Taylor. There are others I must call."
"I can tell Kira to pass it along to everyone who's not related to you."
"That would be helpful, yes... Give me an hour to inform my family first. Thank you, Josh."
"Of course... I'm so sorry, Tia."
"I appreciate that." Tia hung up, knowing Taylor was in safe hands. The next thing she did was head to the Command Center.
"Tia! Have you seen Taylor? We can't find him," Liza said.
"Taylor is with Josh. He is safe for now," Tia replied. "Liza... Gather the others."
Liza tensed. "What's wrong?" She asked.
"Just... Get the others. I prefer to get this out at once."
Liza hurried away and returned with Zedd, Maddie, Tessa, Imani, and Zordon. "Tia! You came!" Imani said cheerfully. She and Tessa wrapped her between them in a tight hug.
Zordon looked like he somehow knew the truth. Tia wondered if he could read people the way Zell could. His face turned very somber as he waited for her to speak.
Zedd looked nervous. "Tia... What's the matter?" He asked.
"Something has happened," Tia began. "I do not know all the details yet, but I found Tye back at the house, in her bed... Taylor brought her home."
"But it's not safe for her there," Imani said in confusion.
"Mani..." Tia sighed.
Zedd looked devastated and Tia knew he understood. Liza covered her mouth in horror before wrapping her arms around him.
Maddie shook her head. "No," she said stubbornly. "No, everyone, calm down. You're jumping to conclusions."
"She's gone, Maddie," Tia said, causing Tessa to cling to her tighter, trembling as she started to cry.
"Oh my God... Oh my God... Where's Taylor?" Maddie asked as the truth sank in and tears formed in her eyes.
"He's with Josh. He showed up at his house hysterical, and I told Josh what happened when he answered Taylor's phone."
"I don't understand," Imani said. "Did the incubus hurt Tye? Will she be okay?"
Tia took another deep breath. "Tye is gone, Mani," she explained again gently. "She's with Mama now."
Imani started sobbing then, and Tia held her and Tessa briefly before Liza and Maddie pulled the little ones into their arms.
"Thank you for telling us, Tia," Zedd said numbly. Tia knew he was keeping himself calm so he didn't frighten Tessa. He immediately excused himself.
Zordon looked at Tia. "Tia, if there is anything you need..." He began gently.
My mother, Tia thought. I need my mother, the one who wasn't evil and insane. Aloud, she simply said, "No... I must inform Tanya, Caius, and Angie."
"Leave that to me. You need time to process this, too. I can ask Rita to tell Angie while I contact Tanya and Caius."
"This is my responsibility as the eldest-"
"Tia..." Zordon looked sympathetic. "Take care of yourself. Worry about the others later. I shall inform those who need to know."
Tia nodded, too exhausted to argue. She left the Command Center and began to walk, not sure where she was going. On autopilot, she ended up in front of a house and rang the doorbell.
Brian opened the door. He greeted her with his usual warm smile, but quickly turned serious. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"He killed Tye," Tia whispered. Then, she felt her legs give out as her adrenaline wore off. Brian caught her and kept her steady.
She couldn't stop herself from sobbing as he held her. There, in Brian's arms, she did not have to be strong for once. He began stroking her hair soothingly and softly saying comforting phrases she barely heard as she leaned her head against his chest and focused on the sound of his heart beating.
"Tia... What can I do to help?" He finally asked softly.
"Just be here. Don't let me go," Tia was surprised to hear herself say.
"Never," Brian promised.
Neither of them spoke until Tia was calmer. Then, as she finally found the strength to stand on her own and release Brian, he said, "Come in. We're alone. You can just sit and do whatever you need to for now without worrying about anyone else needing you to be strong."
"How did you know?" She asked in surprise.
"Because I know you, Tia," he said with a sad smile.
Suddenly, Tia did something completely out of character and kissed his cheek lightly. "Thank you," she said softly.
He looked at her in surprise. Seeing the concern and unconditional love in his eyes, Tia did something even less in character and leaned in toward his lips. She was nervous, and she hesitated, but as Brian's breath caught in his mouth when she got close, she decided to stop overthinking things for once and kissed him.
Tia had never chosen to kiss a boy or touch one so intimately before. Brian reacted quickly, kissing her back and gently guiding her lips to a slightly more intense place. He took it slow, seeming to realize Tia was extremely new to this, and waited for subtle cues from her before deepening the kiss a little more.
When they broke the kiss, Tia looked into his eyes, feeling lost. What if he was using her and would leave now that she'd kissed him? What if he pushed things further than she was willing to go? What if he hurt her like Nick had? What if...?
Stop it, Tia, she scolded herself. It's Brian. He's incapable of hurting you. Trust him. For once, let someone in!
Brian smiled at her shyly. "Are you okay?" He asked a little awkwardly.
Tia nodded. "Brian..." She sighed. "I am confused... I have never..."
"Tia, it's okay," Brian reassured her. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to do. You don't even have to kiss me again. That could be the one time we kiss and I'll be able to die happy. I love you, as a girlfriend or a friend. I'll be whatever you need me to be."
His eyes were genuine and Tia knew he meant it. "I have issues trusting others," she said.
"I know. And that's okay. You're entitled to those issues. But I'm here for you, Tia... Always, in whatever way you need. I promise I'll stand by your side no matter what. In fact, you'll get sick of m-"
She cut him off with another kiss. Brian let out a soft moan of surprise before immediately relaxing into the kiss. Tia didn't know much of anything, but she did know that in her grief, the one she'd gone to for comfort was Brian. His arms were like a sanctuary, and kissing him was more comforting than she'd thought possible.
I like this feeling, she thought. I like not doing the responsible thing for once. I like feeling Brian beside me like this.
She settled into his arms then. Brian didn't try to kiss her or demand to know if they were a couple now. He seemed perfectly content to just hold her. Tia knew that, as long as she was in his arms, she was safe.
TRERRY
He'd been alerted to the fact that Stone's darkness seemed to be a bit too dominant by Aphell's great-granddaughter, Keilah. Despite her connections to the very corrupt Elder, Keilah was trustworthy, a quality she had no doubt inherited from the grandfather she'd only recently been allowed to meet, Hanry. Considering Aphell despised all members of the Yizak line, he'd hidden her existence from Hanry's son, Ryce, and everyone else. Keilah had asked Trerry to look into Stone's mind and ensure no one was interfering with him.
When he approached Stone, Trerry could sense how dark his thoughts had turned. "Stone... Something's wrong with you," he said cautiously.
"I'm perfectly fine, Trerry," Stone insisted.
"No... Someone's pushing you toward the dark. Let me help you." He pulled Stone's consciousness into his own mind before Stone could object. At first, everything seemed to be alright. However, Trerry soon realized Stone had debated attacking Zell while Zell had his back turned to him.
"There's no honor in that... You've always been honorable," Trerry said. "Stone, I think the Witch is messing around in your head."
He tried to grab onto Stone's thoughts so he could clear the Witch out, but Stone stunned him by attacking, sending lightning through Trerry's mind.
The pain was unbearable. No one had ever been able to attack while Trerry had them trapped in his mind. He couldn't think straight as more lightning struck him. Suddenly, it was silent. Never in Trerry's existence had it been quiet inside of his head. He always heard the thoughts of everyone around him. Before he could think about what that meant, Stone attacked again, knocking Trerry into a seizure and causing him to lose all awareness.
TRINITY
She knew something was seriously wrong with her father. They were deeply connected. Trinity rushed to Earth, not caring about her orders to stay on Eltar, and found her father seizing on the ground.
Enraged, Trinity sent a powerful telepathic attack straight at Stone, knocking him unconscious immediately. She knew it had probably hurt like hell, but she didn't care at that moment. "Father... Dad... Stay with me," Trinity begged. Her father's eyes were bleeding. He was still seizing. She was terrified. Trinity had never seen him like that before.
Some time passed before help arrived. "Holy fuck, what happened?" Hezzo demanded.
"Trinity... Allow me to assist," Amello said softly. He knelt beside her father, trying to heal the damage Stone had done.
"Stone went off the deep end," Trinity said.
"Keilah sensed trouble and sent us to help," Hezzo said. Although Keilah was reluctant to trust most Rebels, she trusted the Circle because Hill and Amello had saved her life when she was a newborn. "She's sending Talon to help get Stone in check."
"That's where I come in," Laby added as he joined them. "Serves the jerk right anyway... I'm still mad at him about Lex." He created a labyrinth before pushing Stone's unconscious form into it unceremoniously like a sack of potatoes. "Only Talon and Avona's spirits can get through. I'll let him out once I'm sure he's thinking straight again."
"Amello... Is it as bad as it looks?" Trinity asked softly.
"Yes, Trinity, I'm afraid it is... However, Trerry is healing, and the seizure finally seems to have passed," Amello replied.
Her father opened his eyes then. "Dad!" Trinity cried in relief, hugging him. He didn't speak, but he managed to return the hug. "Why isn't he speaking?"
"Give him time, Trinity. He'll recover eventually," Amello promised. "His mind is a bit fried, but I think I reversed the bulk of the damage."
Trinity couldn't hear her father's thoughts for the first time in her life. She wanted to cry, but she forced herself to remain calm instead. "You'll be okay, Dad," she said softly. "And we'll either fix Stone or beat some sense into him."
"Someone needs to tell the Sisterhood and the rest of Stone's Chapter what happened," Laby said.
"Bartello's taking charge of Las Vegas for a bit. His Chapter is safely on Eltar, so he agreed to help when Keilah sensed trouble," Hezzo replied. "It keeps him safer from the First, too. Stone's base used to be Garron's. It is locked down impressively well."
"Good. Come on, Trinity," Laby said. "Let's get your dad somewhere safe." He helped support her father as they walked away. Trinity prayed her father would be back to his old self soon. She'd never been so worried in her life.
HANRY
Although he was technically taking time off from actively participating on the Counsel of Elders to grieve his cousin, Hanry was still doing paperwork. He sat staring at a cluster of files now, frowning. His mind refused to focus. He was still confused about Zell, who had shown up on Eltar purely to comfort him. It had been hard for Hanry to accept that his younger cousin was evil, but he'd had no choice. Now, he was acting like the boy he'd once been... A boy Hanry still loved dearly.
On top of this, his previously unknown granddaughter had recently introduced herself, defying Aphell's orders, and poor Joree was dead, and everything seemed to be turning on its side. It was a lot to process.
"Prime Minister... I move for an immediate warrant to be issued for Aphell's arrest," a voice said firmly. This got Hanry's attention, so he stepped out of the office to investigate.
"I thought the Counsel was taking time off because of Joree," Anise said in confusion.
"Given all of the charges coming to light against Aphell, I believe it to be a risk to public safety to leave him walking free," Karlton said.
This surprised Hanry. Of all of the Elders, Karlton seemed to have the most tolerance for Aphell, and he rarely got overly involved in these matters directly.
"What else came up?" Anise asked.
"There are accusations that he may be responsible for the unsolved murder of Jinnifer's son millennia ago, in addition to the abuse allegations, and I took the liberty of examining the journal of Zutan of Eltar more closely, and in it, Aphell is implicated in several crimes which were previously blamed on the Great Wizard... It seems Zutan learned a lot while working at the Counsel Building and overheard multiple conversations between Mayor Freyst and Aphell in which he bragged about several horrific acts. We'll need to investigate those claims, of course... However, killing Jinnifer's son alone would be enough to warrant his execution," Karlton explained. "And the witness to that crime who has come forward is Keilah, his great-granddaughter."
"And my granddaughter," Hanry said, revealing his presence.
"Hanry." Karlton acknowledged him with a nod.
"Karlton," Hanry replied politely. "Anise."
Anise took a deep breath. "Alright. I'm positive Aphell should face charges, so I'll happily issue the warrant. If he's found guilty, execution is definitely on the table," she said. She pulled out a device and quickly typed in a code.
They talked politely as they waited for news. Twenty minutes later, Hanry was quite surprised as Keilah walked in with Aphell, who was unconscious yet walking. "He tried to flee when he heard about the warrant," she explained. "He can't hide from me." She looked at Anise and cheerfully said, "I volunteer to be the executioner."
"Keilah..." Hanry said softly.
"He's a monster, Grandfather... And I want to put him down," Keilah explained.
"Let's convict him first before we select an executioner," Anise said. "Even scumbags like Aphell are allowed a trial. Thanks for bringing him in."
"No problem... I need to go to Earth for a quick trip. Stone fried Trerry, but I think I can help him."
"Stone did what?" Hanry asked.
"Trerry was trying to help... It seems like Stone's being influenced. Amello healed Trerry, but he's still not okay. He just started speaking again, but his powers are down. He can't hear anything telepathically. Needless to say, he's a little freaked out, so I offered to help."
"It sounds like we need to proceed without Stone for now," Karlton said. "Will we be investigating him as well?"
"Not yet. He's locked in a labyrinth right now," Keilah explained. "I'm hoping his brother can get through to him and knock the Witch out of his head."
"Stone's gone rogue. This is just what we needed," Anise said, shaking her head. "Whatever. He's contained. The Elders can function as a unit of five for now... If you're ready to return, Hanry?"
"I shall do my duty to Eltar," Hanry promised solemnly.
"Then it's settled. Excuse me." Anise guided Aphell's unconscious body away.
Hanry sighed before giving Keilah a hug. "Be careful," he said.
"I will. See you soon, Grandfather... Karlton." With that, Keilah left to head to Earth.
"Well... Seeing as how Aphell has been captured... Would you like to have some tea?" Hanry asked Karlton politely.
"Next time," Karlton replied. "I need to tend to family business."
"Of course." Hanry knew that meant Karlton was going to visit his dying older brother. He would not try to stand in the way of that. "Send my regards to Moriarty."
"I will," Karlton replied. As he walked away, Hanry could feel the weight of his friend's grief. He wished he could ease his pain, but there was nothing anyone could do for his brother. It was an awful situation. Honestly, no one was sure how Moriazan Moriarty was still alive with how ill he had become, but he seemed to stubbornly be holding on for the time being, giving Karlton just a little bit longer with his beloved older brother.
THE NEXT DAY.
IVAN
He was standing with Andie when he sensed trouble. "Stay behind me, M'Lady," he said, automatically drawing his sword.
He searched for the threat and tensed when he realized the Rangers of the Flame were approaching them. Andie also tensed, and Ivan knew her hands were wrapped around the stone that strengthened her powers and enabled her to morph.
The rest of Ivan's team came running. Even the normally reluctant Zenowing was present. "We got your message," Tyler said. "What's going on?" Then, he noticed the Rangers of the Flame.
"I sent no message," Ivan said.
"They set a trap," Kendall realized aloud.
"How screwed are we?" Chase asked.
"Quite, I fear," Prince Phillip said.
"He's right. There's no telling who else is lurking. They never travel alone," Andie said.
"Then we shall fight with honor, my friends," Ivan declared.
"But we won't," Hunter said sadistically as he grabbed AJ, their newest and youngest team member. Damon restrained her as Hunter pulled out a sword.
"Unhand her, you fiend!" Ivan shouted.
AJ surprised him as she stomped on Damon's foot and forced him to release her. She ducked out of the way as Hunter swung the sword at her. She proceeded to take a running jump and swing herself from a light post, kicking Hunter in the head.
"Yes! That's my girl!" Chase proclaimed with pride. His young ward had come a long way since joining the team.
AJ released the light post, landing perfectly on both feet. "And she sticks the landing!" Tyler said with a laugh. It had taken Tyler a bit longer than the others to accept that there was a new Pink Ranger on their team so soon after Shelby's death, but now he looked as proud of the girl as Chase.
Koda's face was full of rage. "AJ okay?" He asked.
"I'm fine, Koda," she promised.
Koda nodded before running straight at Damon and tackling him to the ground. "No pick on girl," he scolded him before they began to struggle.
"Hey, Miss Morgan," Maya said as she snuck up behind her. "Long time no see! Traitor!" She attacked swiftly, but Kendall was ready for that. She dodged the blow before kicking Maya hard in the stomach, forcing her away.
"I don't want to hurt you, Maya. I know there's still good in you. It isn't your fault you're under his control, but I won't let you harm my team either," Kendall said in warning.
Maya let out a scream of rage before attacking again. Kendall sighed and said to her team, "I think it may be best if we morph."
"It Morphin' Time!" Koda agreed as he got to his feet. Quickly, the team morphed. Andie followed their lead.
"Hi guys," Riley said cheerfully. "Miss me?" He quickly set off an explosive that knocked everyone back. An army of monsters appeared and began to attack them.
Suddenly, a storm rolled in. There was no way it could have been natural as the previously cloudless sky opened up and rain poured down hard. "What the hell?" Tyler asked.
"It must be Zell," Chase reasoned.
Lightning began striking all around them. As some areas began to flood, Andie lost her footing and slipped. Ivan steadied her. "Stay close to me, M'Lady," he said.
Koda jumped in front of AJ, wrapping her in his arms and pulling her to safety as lightning struck a tree behind her and knocked a heavy branch down right where she had been standing.
Chase cried out in alarm as a sword hit him hard. His morph failed, and he cried out in pain as Hunter shoved a sword through him. "Chase!" AJ screamed as his morph failed and blood began coming out of his chest.
Tyler tried to get to him, but Andie stopped him. "Keep fighting," she said. "I'll heal him."
"I shall cover you," Ivan said to Andie. "Cover the others, Sir Tyler."
Tyler nodded and set to work. The lightning continued to strike. Suddenly, it struck all of the Dino Charge Rangers at once, sparing only Chase. They were unharmed, but their morphs failed in unison. Only Andie remained morphed.
"The energems were shorted out," Kendall realized aloud. "We have to get out of here. They need to be recharged, and Keeper may need to reactivate them. Chase's is the only one that might still work currently."
"So we can't morph?" AJ asked.
"No. Right now, we're disconnected from the Morphing Grid."
"Guys, go," Andie said. "You're in danger. I'll get Chase out of here." She was already healing him, but Chase had obviously been severely injured. It would take a little while longer.
"M'Lady, I shall not leave you," Ivan said firmly. "Morphed or not, I am prepared to fight."
"The energems keep you from dying. Chase is the only one who's still protected. Go, Ivan."
"You have no such protection."
"Zell won't let them kill me. He wants Daphne back, which means he needs me alive. I'll be fine."
"What if they capture you?"
In a way that reminded him deeply of Isobel's stubborn nature, Andie said, "I'm a Power Ranger, too, Ivan. I can defend myself." She continued healing Chase. That was when Ivan heard a scream of pain.
He looked up to realize Tyler had been impaled. Unlike Chase, he'd had nothing to protect him from any part of Damon's attack.
Andie looked at Tyler in horror. "Chase..." She said softly.
"Go. I'm protected," Chase said weakly. "Tyler's not."
Andie nodded before heading straight for Tyler. Clearly realizing the others couldn't leave now because someone had to protect Chase, Andie stopped trying to push the issue. She knelt beside Tyler and began healing him. She worked quicker than she had with Chase because Tyler was bleeding out much faster. She looked a bit pale.
"She can't do this alone... It's going to drain her, especially if anyone else gets hurt," Kendall said.
Ivan immediately pulled out his phone and was relieved to see it still worked despite the lightning strikes. He dialed a number.
"What's up?" Vida answered.
"Lady Vida, my team is under attack. Our energems are powerless at the moment, and Chase and Tyler are gravely injured. Andie is healing them, but I think we require assistance," Ivan explained.
"We're on it. Hang tight," Vida said.
About a minute later, Vida, Chip, Darcy, Greg, Pierce, Scott, and Chelsea appeared. "Reinforcements, as requested!" Vida said cheerfully.
Chelsea immediately began absorbing the lightning to keep it from harming the others. Chip joined her in this before it could overwhelm her. Pierce raced to Chase and started healing the rest of his injuries as Andie continued to work on Tyler. The others set to work on battling the army of monsters.
Hunter grabbed Prince Phillip and held a sword to his throat as he restrained him. "One false move and Zandar loses its heir," he said harshly.
Ivan sprang into motion. "You shall not harm the Prince!" He declared. "Release him at once!"
"Sure... If you hand over your energem."
Ivan hesitated. He hadn't expected that. He knew he had no choice, as a Knight of Zandar, but to protect the Prince at any cost. With the position Hunter had Prince Phillip in, there was no way to save him except to cooperate with his demands. Ivan started to reach for his currently powerless energem.
Suddenly, someone jumped between Ivan and Hunter. "Take mine," Zenowing said.
"Zenowing, no!" Kendall protested.
Hunter laughed. "Well, an energem is an energem, right?" He shrugged. "Hand it over."
"Release the Prince first," Zenowing said firmly.
"Why would I do that? Then you'll be free to try something dumb like going back on our deal."
"I cannot allow you to do this, my Good Sir," Ivan said.
"Sir Ivan... This is my part to play." Zenowing said. "The universe still needs you. Forgive me." He knocked Ivan back, catching him by surprise as he hit him. Ivan stumbled and fell beside Andie.
Zenowing handed his energem to Hunter. "Now, release the Prince," he said.
"Very well. A deal's a deal," Hunter said. He tossed Prince Phillip down a steep hill before taking his sword and decapitating Zenowing in one swift motion.
AJ let out a scream of horror. Koda wrapped his arms tighter around her, shielding her eyes from the sight as he pressed her face to his chest protectively. Prince Phillip had managed to climb back up the hill and looked on in absolutely shock.
"No!" Kendall shouted. She tried to move toward Zenowing, but Darcy stopped her, gently touching her arm.
"It's a trap," she reminded her gently.
"Right..." Kendall composed herself, ready to resume the fight.
Ivan was still staring at Zenowing in shock. He couldn't seem to snap out of it. His teammate was dead, and he'd sacrificed himself for Ivan. That much, he was certain of. Zenowing had known they were going to kill whichever Ranger gave up their energem, but he'd done it anyway, to save the Prince and keep Ivan alive.
"Ivan..." Andie said gently. "I'm so sorry... But this isn't over."
He nodded, forcing himself to take a deep breath. "Right you are, M'Lady," he said.
Tyler sat up. "Thanks, Andie," he said gratefully. Then, he saw Zenowing. Grief flashed in his eyes for a moment before leadership took over. He stood. "Guys! Watch each other's backs. Prince Phillip, stay with Ivan. Koda, keep AJ with you. Miss Morgan, you're with me. Chase, how are you holding up?"
"I'm good to go," Chase promised.
"Don't morph... The last thing we need is for your energem to get fried, too, just because we reminded them it still works. Keep it safe."
"With everything I've got."
"Good. Work with Koda and AJ."
Chelsea and Chip had redirected the lightning toward the army of monsters who now frantically tried to dodge their attacks. Vida and Scott had taken to the air, and both were launching attacks from above. Pierce raced to Darcy, prepared to fight at her side now that Chase had recovered. They began using their Martial Arts expertise to battle the few monsters who'd escaped from the lightning.
Greg created a hole in the ground at Hunter's feet. This effectively took the leader of the Rangers of the Flame down as he struggled to claw his way out of the hole.
"He's strong, athletic, and resourceful. He'll get out pretty quickly," Kendall warned him.
"Then I'll just keep making more holes," Greg said with a slight grin.
Riley headed straight for Ivan, Prince Phillip, and Andie. He looked ready to kill them. "Sir Riley... I do not wish to fight you," Ivan said desperately.
"You have no choice!" Riley said. "No one has a choice! This is just how things are now!"
"He's fighting," Andie said softly. "He's trying to break free..." She moved in front of Ivan.
"M'Lady, be careful!" Ivan cried in alarm.
Andie seemed to be acting on instinct. She reached toward Riley gently, looking deep into his eyes. "This isn't you, Riley. This isn't what you want... Let me help you."
"You can't! He made me into this!" Riley cried.
"I can heal... And I have a Spirit affinity... Maybe I can reverse it."
"M'Lady... Is it possible?" Ivan asked in surprise.
"There's only one way to find out. Riley... Will you let me try to free you from the flames?"
Riley hesitated. "Do you really believe you can?" He asked.
"I do... I feel it in my core. I've never felt this before, but as I connect more to Daphne, and Isobel, and... Someone else, my Spirit affinity is getting a lot stronger."
Ivan realized she was referring to Oralee, but she obviously didn't want the still-evil Riley to know about that. Ivan suddenly felt hope that she might actually be able to do it as he felt her power flowing.
"Do it..." Riley whispered. "Please, Andie, fix me... I don't want to be stuck like this anymore."
Andie took his hands in her own. She closed her eyes. Suddenly, the sun seemed to shine down upon them more than ever. Ivan realized the sunlight was radiating from within Andie. She moved her hands over Riley's heart and Ivan could see the light touching him. At first, Riley screamed in protest, but suddenly, Ivan's teammate began to cry.
"You did it..." Riley whispered. He flung his arms around her. Then, his energem appeared a few feet away from him. "I'm back!" He cried in delight. Riley moved toward the energem, but before he could reach it, Damon shoved a sword through his chest and kicked the energem down the hill.
"Riley!" Andie cried. She looked incredibly weak, but she still headed toward him. Ivan followed her. They each knelt on one of Riley's sides. "I... I'll heal you," Andie said with stubborn determination.
"M'Lady... You have expended too much energy already," Ivan said sadly as he realized Andie would kill herself if she tried to heal anyone else.
"I have to try," Andie insisted with tears in her eyes.
"You... already... saved me," Riley said weakly, offering her a sad smile. "My light is back... I'm not evil... I'm me... That's all... I could ask... Thank you, Andie."
"Pierce!" Andie cried in desperation. "Pierce, we need your help!"
Pierce was struggling against an especially fierce monster. He tried to get away, but the monster increased its efforts. "I'll be there as soon as I can!" Pierce promised as the monster nearly decapitated him. Darcy knocked him to safety, kicking the monster in the chest just in time. As Hunter got back to his feet, he delivered a kick straight to Pierce's head. Pierce went down hard as Darcy tried to hold off the monster and Hunter at once. Pierce stood back up, but it was clear he'd been seriously injured as he clutched his head in pain.
Ivan knew Pierce wasn't going to be able to help anyone for a while.
Riley's eyes were beginning to cloud over. "Sir Riley... My brave friend..." Ivan said sadly, his grief unbearable. "It has been an honor to know you and to fight at your side."
"I'm glad... we're... friends," Riley said softly. "Keep... Fighting..."
Andie tried in vain to heal him, but nothing happened. She began looking even weaker. She was trembling severely as tears streamed down her cheeks and she continued to try to save Riley's life. Ivan wrapped his arms around her. "M'Lady... You'll only harm yourself, and I cannot lose you, too," he said gently.
Riley closed his eyes, and Ivan knew it was over. He'd lost two teammates within minutes of each other, but at least Andie had saved Riley from the flames before he'd died. Ivan felt tears falling down his own cheeks as he held Andie.
As Ivan took a moment to grieve, Hunter suddenly teleported in front of him. He raised his sword and tried to bring it down on Ivan's shoulders, but Ivan moved out of the way. He used his own sword to meet Hunter's next attack.
"Guys!" Greg shouted as he was knocked through the air by an invisible force. He flew over the steep hill's edge.
Scott reacted quickly, throwing air beneath Greg to catch him before he could fall and break his neck. "You good, Dude?" Scott asked.
"I believe so, thanks," Greg replied as he gently landed back where he'd been before the attack.
Ivan heard the faintest cackle. Suddenly, that same invisible force sent him flying several feet backward into a tree. He heard something snap as he hit it and realized it was his spine. He couldn't move as the battle continued around him.
To Ivan's horror, Hunter turned his attention toward Andie. She was trying to reach Ivan when he saw Hunter kick her in her back, knocking her to the ground.
"M'Lady!" He cried in alarm. He wanted desperately to reach her, but he was still unable to move.
Hunter continued his assault, but Andie wasn't going to sit back and take it even if she was weak. She summoned her bow and quiver, firing an arrow straight into Hunter's right shoulder, which made him drop his sword. Ivan knew Andie wouldn't shoot to kill, especially not when the target was a Power Ranger who'd been turned evil by Zell, but she could at least injure Hunter to buy herself some time to escape.
"Bitch!" Hunter shouted.
"Kill her, Hunter. Kill that meddling little brat for me!" A disembodied voice said. The cackling gave away the identity of the one pushing this new agenda.
"The Witch..." Ivan said, operating on knowledge he didn't know he possessed. The Witch tormented the children of Eltar as we slept. That's why you know her voice, someone said to him. She was in our nightmares.
Our nightmares? Ivan thought. Then, he understood. Lygus... You're Lygus.
Reach out for Trerry, Ivan. He can hear you, I promise, Lygus instructed. We must save Daphne.
Desperate and lacking a better plan, Ivan closed his eyes and thought, Trerry... I require your immediate assistance... And bring warriors and a healer.
Hunter was furious and taking his rage out on Andie. She'd fired two more arrows into him, but when Damon joined Hunter's efforts, she had to shift her focus onto him. Damon howled in pain as an arrow pierced his left leg, taking him down.
Hunter used the distraction to slam Andie's head against the ground. He was already healing from her attacks and he wasn't holding back on her. He picked his sword back up.
"Hunter! You can't kill her!" Maya shouted just before he brought the sword down. She grabbed it in midair and tore it away from him.
"What the hell, Maya?" Hunter demanded.
"Great Zell will slaughter us if you hurt her. He wants her alive. What's come over you?"
"She weakens him, Maya! Felina was right about that. I'm doing this for his own good."
Trerry appeared with three others. "Oh, shit..." Trerry mumbled. "Calix, get to Ivan. Trinity, help me get the Witch out of their heads. And Lia... Have at it."
Lia grinned wickedly. "With pleasure," she said. To Ivan's great confusion, she sliced her palm open. As her blood hit the ground, a deep hole opened up around the Rangers of the Flame. Damon fell in immediately. Maya jumped away with a squeak. Hunter ran to escape from the abyss.
Calix knelt beside Ivan. "Hello, Sir Ivan," he said pleasantly. "You probably don't remember me, but I was the son of one of your best friends when you were Sir Lygus. Now... This is pretty bad. Your spine is snapped in half, but don't worry. I'll have you running around saving the day again in no time!" The boy was insanely cheerful given the circumstances, but his energy was soothing, and Ivan simply nodded as Calix healed him.
Maya clutched her head in pain as Trerry and the girl Ivan knew from their previous conversation was his daughter, Trinity, worked their telepathic magic on her. She threw her hands up in surrender. "I'm not going to do anything else. Please stop!" She begged. They exchanged a glance before seeming to mutually agree to release her.
Lia opened a new abyss beneath Hunter's feet. He couldn't escape from this one, and Ivan knew there'd be no climbing back out. She's just like her father, he thought fondly, not really understanding the information but knowing Lygus was impressed. Ivan felt a bit panicked at how deep the abyss appeared to be. We may have died in an abyss, but Alaurys never would have harmed us. That was all Zell. His daughter won't harm us either. Relax, Ivan. Let Calix heal you.
After a few more moments, Ivan felt better. Calix helped him to his feet. "Thank you, Good Sir," he said.
"Of course... Now, for the others." Calix headed for Andie. Ivan followed him.
Andie automatically recoiled from Calix and clutched her bow, ready to attack. "M'Lady, he's here to help," Ivan said gently.
Andie's head was badly injured, and she didn't seem to understand his words. Trinity hurried over to them. "You're safe now... Be calm. Put down your weapon. Let Calix heal you. Everything is fine," she said calmly. Andie visibly relaxed, setting her bow gently aside, and when Calix touched her again, she allowed it.
"Thanks, Trin," Calix said with a grin. "I think getting shot with an arrow would have hurt."
A new abyss opened up, and all of the monsters fell into it. Chelsea ran full speed away from it to escape, taking Chase with her, but Chip and Tyler fell in. Scott quickly sent Air to the rescue, levitating them out of the increasingly deep hole.
"Thanks, Scotty-Boy," Vida said, the relief clear on her face as Chip emerged safely.
"Appreciate the save!" Tyler said as he seemed to realize he was no longer falling.
Andie began to heal, much to Ivan's relief. He knew she'd be okay physically. Emotionally was another story.
Suddenly, the energy changed. Andie tensed in Ivan's arms. "Zell..." She whispered.
Zell appeared, and he looked angrier than Ivan had ever seen him before. "How dare you act without orders?" He demanded, grabbing Maya's arm because she was the only one of his minions not trapped in an abyss.
"I told Hunter not to go after her!" Maya said frantically.
Hearing this, Zell glanced at Andie. Ivan wanted to attack him on sight but thought better of it, holding Andie protectively instead. As Zell approached, Ivan tried to prepare for a fight.
"Are you alright, my dear one?" Zell asked Andie gently as though no one else was there.
Andie was trembling, but she looked him in the eye as she nodded. "I'm healed now," she replied.
He nodded, seemingly satisfied. Then, he looked at Ivan's fallen friends. "You killed one of your own?" He demanded of Maya.
"It was Damon, Great Zell... Riley betrayed us," Maya explained.
"I see. Go back to the base, Maya. I shall return shortly with Hunter and Damon and we will discuss punishment."
Maya fled. Zell looked into the first hole, turned to Lia, and said, "You have your father's skill, my dear."
"Don't you dare mention my father to me, you murderous motherfucker!" Lia shouted. She cut her hand again, clearly ready to try to trap Zell in an abyss, too. Ivan was impressed by the girl's ambition.
"Lia, no!" Trinity said firmly.
"He killed my parents, Trinity!" Lia replied.
"Lia..." Trerry said gently.
Lia glared at him, but she didn't create a new abyss. With Lia no longer threatening him, Zell somehow levitated Damon out of the hole. He followed this up by getting Hunter out of the other abyss before he vanished with them both.
"So... That just happened," Calix said.
"Is everyone okay?" Trerry asked.
Ivan took a head count. Kendall was uninjured but visibly upset. Chase and Tyler had not taken anymore serious blows. AJ was shaking but safe. Koda had a minor cut on his arm that he didn't even seem to notice. Chelsea, Scott, Greg, Vida, and Chip had walked away with a few minor injuries. Darcy had a gash on her arm that probably needed attention and Pierce still had a head injury.
Calix healed Darcy easily, smiling at her reassuringly. He turned to Pierce, but a new voice said, "You have done enough. Let me tend to my Little Fish."
"About time you showed up, Old Man..." Pierce mumbled to Amos.
"Sorry, Little Fish. I was working on something and it took me a bit to get here from where I was," Amos replied.
"And where were you?"
"Not here, of course!"
Pierce rolled his eyes. "I give up. Just fix my head before it explodes please."
Amos began healing him. Darcy looked at Andie and asked, "Are you okay, Sis?"
"No," Andie replied softly. "I brought him back, Darce... I reversed the effect of the flames on Riley... He was okay. His energem even reappeared... But..." She shook her head, then looked at Ivan. "I'm sorry, Ivan. I tried."
"Do not apologize, M'Lady," Ivan said sadly. "Sir Riley was right. You brought him back. You gave him that peace before he was taken from us."
"But-" Andie protested.
"Andie... He's right," Kendall said firmly. "As someone who was part of that group... Death is nothing compared to the empty state being forced to turn evil leaves one in. Your actions helped Riley touch the light again. That's more of a gift than you can ever understand. Thank you for helping him, and for healing those you could."
Andie had tears in her eyes, but she nodded, not arguing. Ivan knew her heart was breaking. "I love you, M'Lady," he told her softly.
"I love you, too," she whispered back.
"Let's get everyone out of here now," Amos said gently.
"Amos... Is there any hope of...?" Darcy began to ask, looking at Riley and Zenowing.
"I fear not, Lady of Fire... But I promise, their remains will be protected and treated with dignity." He cast a quick spell and they vanished. "They are safe now... When a plan is made, I will release them to their loved ones."
Ivan knew it was truly over then. Devastated but determined to be strong, he took Andie's hand and led the way to safety.
TAYLOR
He'd woken up thinking it had all been a horrible nightmare. Then he realized he was in Josh's arms, and he knew it was real. Tye was dead. He'd failed her. He had stubbornly gone back to sleep. He was exhausted and weak, but he wouldn't feed, so he had slept through the previous day entirely. Now, he was awake again.
"Taylor... I know what happened. Tia called," Josh said soothingly. "What can I do?"
Taylor didn't answer him. Instead, he left the room and locked himself in the bathroom. He threw water on his face. It did nothing to calm him down. He stared at his reflection, only seeing the person who'd let his sister down. He grabbed one of the razors from the cabinet, freeing the blade and holding it in his hand like it was his salvation.
Do it. Bleed out. No one will care. You're a worthless failure! He told himself.
He didn't hear Josh knocking on the door or pleading with him to let him in. He wasn't sure how long he stood there debating doing something extreme, but he had a feeling a lot of time passed.
Suddenly, the door was kicked in. Kenny stood on the other side with Josh and Doctor K. "I would have just picked the lock, personally," Doctor K said to Kenny with a shrug.
"Taylor..." Josh said nervously as he noticed the razor blade. "Put down the blade... Please."
"I failed her..." Taylor whispered. "I'm useless... Worthless... Just like my mom said... And now, Tye's dead..."
"Taylor, this isn't your fault," Kenny said.
"Leave me alone. Just let me go."
"I can't do that, Taylor," Josh said firmly. "I love you."
"You shouldn't. Everyone I love ends up dead." He was shaking as he lowered the blade toward his wrist.
Suddenly, Taylor felt something prick his neck. Everything started to turn fuzzy as his legs gave out beneath him. "K!" Josh said in horror as he steadied Taylor.
"Oh, relax, Josh. It's just a mild sedative... Barely enough to help him sleep," Doctor K replied. "Call Nikki and his father. He needs some adults to support him right now, not just you, Josh. He'll be fine with some help, but this is a lot for him."
"Remind me not to get on your bad side, K," Kenny said with a slight laugh.
"Josh..." Taylor whimpered.
"I'm here, Taylor. I'm not going anywhere," Josh promised. That was the last thing Taylor heard before he blacked out.
KIRA
The news of two more dead Power Rangers in addition to the loss of poor Tye was a bit much for her. Kira informed everyone who needed to know before leaving Andros and Jayden in charge of handling things for a bit.
"I need air," she explained. "I'll be back in a couple of hours." She proceeded to go for a walk in the woods.
Dustin hurried after her. "I thought you might like some company," he said. "Are you okay?"
"This sucks, Dus... And I feel like things are more complicated than we realize... Like everything we think we know is wrong somehow," she explained.
"Just tell me how I can help."
"Honestly, I'm not sure if you can... I think I just need to be alone to clear my head."
Dustin didn't look hurt, to her relief. "Okay, but if you need me, call. I'll be there."
"I know. I love you." She kissed him.
"I love you, too," he said with a goofy smile before he left her alone.
After several minutes, Kira began to feel uneasy. "Dustin..." She mumbled, certain he was in danger for reasons she couldn't explain. She turned around and started running in the direction he'd walked in.
"How fortunate I am to find you alone," a voice said in the distance. "The beloved mentor of the the young Rangers."
Jezzeff, she thought as a chill ran through her. She didn't know how she was so sure it was his voice, but her blood seemed to turn cold as she heard him speak.
"Um... Do we know each other, Man?" Dustin asked.
"Not yet... I suspect you have heard of me, however. I am Jezzeff, of Eltar," he replied, confirming Kira's worst fears.
"Look, Man, I'm not looking for trouble-" Dustin began. Then, he let out a cry that was followed by a thud.
Kira finally spotted them. Dustin lay unconscious, his head beside a rock and bleeding. Jezzeff pulled out his sword and raised it. Kira was too far away to reach them in time, so she did the only thing she could and unleashed a powerful Ptera scream.
Jezzeff was knocked away from Dustin. He dropped his sword and covered his ears before getting his bearings and looking up at her. "The Siren!" He said.
"Siren?" Kira repeated. Before she could say anything else, Jezzeff grabbed his sword and slashed her throat. She'd barely even realized he was moving before the blade sliced her flesh.
Kira's eyes went wide. She sank to her knees, clutching her throat and desperately trying to stop her blood from rushing out of her wound. She knew she was about to die, and Jezzeff seemed to be casting magic.
"We can't have the Wolf Prince ruining this," he said.
Wolf Prince? Siren? What the fuck is going on? Kira thought. She was in pain and shock, but she refused to stop fighting. She wouldn't give Jezzeff the satisfaction of seeing her cry. Besides, Dustin was still in danger, and he was defenseless in his unconscious state. She had to stay strong for him.
Jezzeff sent a new magical attack at her, then stabbed her side with his sword. Suddenly, just as Kira was certain she was completely and totally screwed, the energy of the woods changed. As Jezzeff raised his sword again, presumably to finish her off, someone jumped in front of her.
"Not her!" He said firmly. "I won't allow this to happen again." He sent a blast of energy at Jezzeff, knocking him back hard.
Jezzeff stumbled, but managed not to fall. He bowed in apparent acceptance of his defeat before vanishing.
Kira's savior knelt beside her. "Oh, my dear girl..." He mumbled.
Kira stared in shock at the very last person she'd expected. Zell.
Oh, great, Kira thought. Zell stopped Jezzeff so he can slaughter me himself. This is turning out to be a super day...
"Do not be frightened, my dear," Zell said gently. "I shall not harm you." He stroked her hair twice soothingly before he put his hands over her throat. To Kira's great shock, she began to rapidly heal.
She stared at Zell, blinking, unsure of what to say. Finally, she settled on, "Zell... Nice weather we're having, right?" Her voice was slightly hoarse, but she felt significantly better.
He offered her an unexpectedly charming smile before he said, "Indeed... Allow me to assist your companion." He quickly waved his hand over Dustin's head. It healed, and he began to stir. "Return to your home and rest. You shall make the journey safely," Zell said.
Dustin stood and began walking away in a trance. "Did you just Jedi Mind Trick my boyfriend?" Kira demanded.
"He will be fine, I promise. He shall remain cloaked by my magic until he is safe. You require more healing, and he would not have given me the chance to do it."
Oddly, for reasons she could not explain, Kira believed him. "Can you blame him?" She asked. Then, she sighed. "Okay... I'll bite. Why are you helping me?"
"That's complicated," Zell replied. "Just know that I mean you no harm, dear girl."
"Says the guy who keeps killing people."
"I am a murderer, yes. I am everything they say I am, my dear... But I am not a threat to you, and I never will be." He looked at her fondly.
"I'm confused," Kira admitted.
"I know. My apologies... Now, let me finish healing your injuries." He set to work, and soon, Kira's side was fully healed.
"Thanks..." She finally said. It felt odd to thank Zell for something, but he had just saved her life. She paused, deciding to ask one of the millions of questions racing through her mind. "Zell... Why did you kill Tye? She was just a traumatized kid. She wasn't part of this."
He looked at her in confusion. "Zedd's daughter? I didn't," he replied. "I wasn't even aware she had perished."
Kira studied him for a moment before deciding she believed him. "Then who killed her?" She asked.
"It must have been Jezzeff or the Witch. They are no longer part of my Alliance... I cannot imagine what they hoped to accomplish from the murder of a girl who posed no serious threat to any of us... Unless they intended to frame me."
"That's exactly what they're trying to do," Kira realized. "Clever bastards... Well, I won't let that happen. I'll clear your name on this one before the Chosen go getting reckless and attack you without a plan."
"I appreciate that, my dear. Now... Are you feeling better?"
"I am."
"Return home. You are cloaked. No one will be able to detect you until you are safe." He paused. "Find your brother."
"Brother? I don't have a brother," Kira said in confusion.
"No... But Anya did. The Wolf Prince needs you, my dear. You are strongest together." He paused. "I did not recognize you before, but it seems quite obvious... You have returned, dear Anya... And your brother must have as well." With that, Zell left. Kira started walking home, not sure what else to do.
"Fuck my life..." Kira mumbled. "Let's see if I'm following... Zell, and apparently Jezzeff, seem to think I'm a reincarnated Eltarian who people called the Siren... Her brother is the Wolf Prince and is probably here, too... And Zell's not the big threat after all... Also, he just saved my life..." She shook her head. "I'll take Mind Fucks for five hundred, Alex..."
"Jeopardy references? Uh-oh," Ethan said as he heard her approaching and talking to herself. "What's wrong?"
"Everything we think we know," Kira replied casually. "How was your day?"
"I don't suppose you're going to explain?"
"When it finally makes sense to me, I'll make it make sense to the rest of you. For now... Just know that Jezzeff tried to kill me today and nearly succeeded. Everyone needs to be on their highest alert. If Jezzeff or the Witch approach, don't engage them... Just run. Teleport. Escape however you can until we have more information. Tell everyone. I need a nap." She walked away, too exhausted to keep talking when she was still trying to process things.
THE ALCHEMIST
She hadn't been to her childhood home in millennia. It felt strange to look at the building now. The Alchemist took a deep breath and walked to the front door. She immediately put the housekeeper to sleep with a spell before entering.
Her father lay in bed looking far older and more fragile than when she'd seen him last. It hurt in ways she couldn't quite identify. The Alchemist was not capable of love or grief anymore, but rage was what both usually translated to now.
"Father..." She said softly. She touched his hair lightly.
His eyes fluttered open. She was certain he would recoil, not recognizing her. Her appearance had changed drastically when she became evil, her soft features turning hard and her blonde hair turning black. Instead, he asked weakly, "Eva? My Eva... Is it... Is it you? Have you finally returned to me?"
"Yes, Father," she said soothingly. "I apologize for staying away for so long."
"You're home now. I knew you would find your way back..." He had tears in his eyes. He started coughing. Blood came up.
The Alchemist pulled out a golden handkerchief and cleaned up the blood that had escaped from his mouth. "Shhh, Father," she said softly.
"My Eva... I... never... gave up... on you..." He began coughing again.
"I love you, Father," she said. She couldn't feel love anymore, but she knew it was still true on some level, and he needed to know. "I left because I had to... Not because of anything you did. I'm going to stop him, Father. I'm going to stop Zell. And then, this will all have been worth it... However, I never meant to cause you such pain." She paused. "I met Ember Jada Leigh... She was a wonderful girl. You raised her well, and you should be proud."
"My Ember..."
"She didn't perish when you thought she did, Father... She survived the Guard's assassination attempt. I helped train her for a time... She fell in love, and she was happy, Father... And when she truly perished, she left behind a daughter... Charlotte Leigh is strong and clever, and she possesses alchemy, just as I do."
"Charlotte Leigh..." He repeated. "I have a granddaughter?"
"You do. And I promise she will be safe. I will protect that girl with my life. I couldn't save Jada... I will not fail her daughter."
"Eva..." He touched his trembling, too-thin hand to her cheek. "Thank you... For returning. I love you, my sweet girl... I always will." He began coughing again.
"I love you, Father," she told him, finally understanding. The only reason her father had survived for so long was because he'd been waiting for her to return. "Rest, Father... All is well." She kissed his forehead, like he'd done to her when she was a little girl. "It's alright. You can rest now."
He closed his eyes. Moments later, his chest stopped rising and falling. Knowing he was gone, the Alchemist stood up. She wiped away the single tear that had somehow formed in her right eye. She hadn't cried in millennia, so that confused her. Carefully, she covered her father properly before leaving the house, knowing she would never return again.
As soon as she made it outside, the Alchemist let out a shriek of rage fueled by grief. She sank to her knees, unable to breathe. The ground beneath her began to turn to gold. That was when she felt a hand touch her shoulder. "Eva..." The Warlock said gently.
She looked at him with pain in her eyes. "He has perished..." She said softly, almost sounding like the little girl she'd once been.
"I am so sorry, Eva. He was a good man." He offered her his hand, helping her to her feet. "Eva... There is something I must tell you... But not here."
She nodded, following him into a pocket realm. "What is it, Maizon?" She asked before sensing they were not alone.
"Hello, Eva," a voice she never thought she'd hear again said.
The Alchemist stared at the man in front of her in complete and utter disbelief. She did not dare to speak. Finally, the Warlock said, "It's truly him, Eva. Elgan has returned to us."
Completely overwhelmed, the Alchemist broke down. Finally, the tears that had wanted to fall escaped, and she couldn't seem to stop crying. Elgan pulled her into his arms, and they felt exactly as they had before everything had changed. For the first time in millennia, the Alchemist felt more like Eva Leigh than the monster she'd become. She wept openly in the arms of the man she'd loved so deeply, not understanding how any of this was possible.
"I'm here, Eva," Elgan said soothingly. "Let me comfort you as you comforted me when my parents perished..." He continued to hold her, stroking her hair and back soothingly.
"Elgan..." She said softly, her voice cracking.
"I'm here for you, my beautiful Eva."
"You still think I am beautiful?" She asked in surprise.
"You shall always be beautiful to me, Eva."
"How can you stand to look at me after all I have done?"
"I understand why you chose this path... And I love you, Eva. I always will."
She spoke no more as she buried her face in his chest. She'd lost her father, the last piece of Eva Leigh that still survived, but minutes later, she'd gotten Elgan back. The Alchemist didn't know which way was up anymore, but she knew one thing for certain. Elgan was alive, and he and Maizon had come to her in her hour of deepest need. Whatever happened next, she would not have to face it alone. That was a comfort she had not known she needed.