AUTHOR'S NOTE: There are some big (actually kind of huge) revelations coming in this chapter regarding a certain crazy old Shaman. If you want the full backstory, read Chapter Twenty-Six of Tales from the Rebellion, entitled Haven. Also, the more I'm writing this fic, the more I realize it's getting bigger and bigger... It's already very long, and I don't think the story's ending any time soon. With Zell's new inner conflict and everything that's coming out, the story took on a whole new direction, and I think it's going to continue for a while. So, there may be a final sequel coming, after the major plot points of this fic and Zell's arc are resolved. It's that, or this fic is never going to end, LOL. We'll see, but I think that's the direction things are heading in. If that is the case, then this fic should be wrapping up sometime in the near future.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CALLIE
She had finally come up with an escape plan. The Rangers were distracted and grieving. It was the perfect opportunity.
"We're leaving," she said to Sharon in the dead of the night.
"Callie? What's wrong?" Sharon asked in confusion. She sat up in her bed and pulled on her glasses.
"It's time to blow this place, Sharon. I'm sick and tired of our prison guards."
"This isn'a prison, Callie. They're good people. They've taken care of us."
Callie packed a bag of essentials for her as Sharon protested. "We need to get back to Great Zell. That's where we belong, not playing house with these goody-two-shoes morons."
"But... I like them, Cal... They knew my ma."
"So did Maya and Damon. They were her best friends."
Sharon seemed to consider this. "I just hate ta run off on them when they've been so hospitable..."
"So send them a fruit basket or something... But we don't belong here, Sharon. I stuck around to keep you safe, but this is our chance. We need to go. Now."
Sharon sighed. "Okay," she agreed.
Callie was relieved. "Good. I packed enough clothes and supplies for a few days while we search for the new base."
They snuck out while everyone was fast asleep. It was easy... Too easy. Callie kept her guard up.
Sure enough, they ran into trouble moments later. "Going somewhere?" Astronema, or Karone, or whatever she wanted to call herself asked.
"Just felt like taking a stroll," Callie replied dryly.
"Stroll's over. Get your ass back to the house."
"Eat shit."
"Callie!" Sharon said in horror.
"Watch your mouth, Little Girl," Karone said sharply.
"Don't call me that," Callie said.
"Then quit acting like one. Knock off the temper tantrum and go back to the house."
"You kidnapped us. That doesn't mean we have to respect you."
"We took you in after our friends rescued you. A little gratitude might be in order."
"Miss Karone, o' course we're grateful," Sharon said nervously.
"You are. This brat's not, and frankly, I'm sick of her teen angst bullshit. You think you're a big badass, Callie? Guess what... I was the biggest evil in the galaxy for a while. Trust me, you don't even come close. You're just a scared little girl beneath all that rage. I know. I was the same way."
"Fuck off. You don't know me," Callie said angrily. In her rage, fire began to spring up from the ground.
"Cal, stop," Sharon said. "Please. That will only make this worse."
"You should listen to her, Kid," Karone said.
Suddenly, several others showed up. "Callie... Just come on home, honey, and this will all be over," Cassie said gently.
"That place is not our home!" Callie shouted.
"Sharon, you know we care about you," Cassie continued. "Help Callie see that, too."
"Don't try to confuse her!" Callie said, throwing fire at Cassie.
Lucas pulled Cassie out of harm's way with impressive reflexes. She smiled at him appreciatively. "Thanks," she said.
"No problem," Lucas replied. He pulled out a weapon and aimed it steadily at Callie. "I don't want to hurt you, Callie... But I will if you try anything like that again."
"Assuming he beats Karone to the punch," Zhane said with a laugh. Karone shoved his shoulder, which only made him laugh more.
"Callie, let's just go back," Sharon said nervously.
"No. They can't keep holding us hostage," Callie said firmly. "Stay behind me. I'll protect you."
"They don' wan' ta hurt us, Cal," Sharon insisted.
"You trust too easily. It's not your fault."
"And you don't trust at all... Which isn'a your fault, either." She offered Callie her hand. "Maybe it's time we both work on our trust issues."
Suddenly, an attack came from behind them. "Look out!" Zhane cried, but it was too late. Fire flew straight at Karone's head. Karone had no time to react, but Zhane managed to knock her to safety, absorbing the blow.
"Zhane!" Cassie cried in alarm. His shirt was on fire and he was screaming in pain. Lucas pulled off his jacket and covered Zhane, trying to put out the flames, but the damage had been done. Zhane wasn't moving, and the burns Callie could see on his neck and face were severe.
Karone's hair turned purple. She looked like a terrified little girl at the sight of Zhane so injured before her hair changed to short and red. Her rage was obvious as she glared at Callie.
"You!" She hissed.
"I didn't do that," Callie mumbled to Sharon. At least, she didn't think she had. Maybe she'd misfired, but it seemed unlikely. "Sharon, we need to run, now."
Sharon looked at Zhane in horror. "We have ta help him, Cal," she said.
"Help him?" Callie asked. "Astronema is about to destroy us. We need to run and pray we get away in time."
"Zhane... Zhane, hang on, okay? You'll be okay," Cassie insisted, her voice shaking. "Just stay with us... We'll fix you..."
Karone, now fully in Astronema Mode, flung a magical attack at Callie and Sharon. Callie jumped in front of Sharon, shielding her from harm and absorbing the attack. It hurt like hell, but she survived it, and she recovered quickly. She might not heal as fast as Denni, but she was still very hard to take down. She flung an attack at Astronema, knocking her backward and giving herself a chance to catch her breath.
"Come on. Run!" She told Sharon, not willing to stay and finish this fight. She knew she'd lose against a raging Astronema. She still had no idea who'd injured Zhane, but to anyone else, it looked like she'd done it. Astronema was out for blood.
They tried to run, but an attack came at them from behind. Sharon stumbled, falling so hard her glasses flew off her face. Callie was furious now. "You attacked us when we weren't even looking at you, you coward?" She demanded as she gave Sharon her glasses back. She flung a ball of fire at Astronema, who deflected the attack.
"It wasn't Karone," Lucas said urgently.
"No, it was Astronema," Callie said, rolling her eyes and flinging another ball of fire at Astronema's head. This one nearly hit her. Astronema flung an attack back that Callie barely dodged.
"No! You don't understand, Callie!"
"Shut up!" Callie shouted, aiming for his head with her next attack. He barely ducked out of the way in time.
"Lucas!" Cassie cried, finally looking up from Zhane, still with tears in her eyes. Her sorrow and fear mixed with anger now. "You did not just try to kill my boyfriend!"
"I'm okay," Lucas promised. "She missed me."
Callie aimed for him again. This time, she deliberately singed his shoes. "Talk shit like that again, Asshole," she said as he hopped away from the flames.
Cassie pulled out her morpher, ready to use it. "Cassie... Don't," Lucas said. He looked at Callie like he was approaching a wild animal who'd been cornered. "Callie, listen to me," he said cautiously. "Someone's messing around. Karone didn't attack you when you tried to run, just like I don't believe you flung the attack that hit Zhane. There are other forces at play, and they're trying to turn us against each other."
"I'm already against you," Callie said. "Let us leave. No more games, or I'll roast you all like pigs."
"Okay... You can go. Just stop attacking."
"Tell that to Astronema."
Astronema seemed to take offense to that. She raised an attack. "Karone! Calm down. You're not helping," Lucas said.
"You don't tell me what to do!" Astronema snapped at him.
"Don't take offense. He does it to everyone," Cassie said lightly.
"We're leaving," Callie said firmly. She began to lead Sharon away. Another attack was launched.
Furious, Callie retaliated with her strongest attack yet. She aimed for Cassie, because she was the closest.
"Cal, no!" Sharon cried.
Callie unleashed the attack. To her absolute horror, Sharon dove in front of Cassie, putting her hands out. She stood in the center of a ring of fire, somehow holding it back but clearly rapidly losing the fight to keep the spell at bay.
"You don' have ta do this..." Sharon said. "Be better, Callie... I know you can be. I love you, my sister." The magic suddenly overwhelmed her and she was soon engulfed in flames.
"Sharon!" Callie cried in horror. She desperately tried to pull back the attack, but she could no longer control it. "No... No! It wasn't supposed to be you..." She felt tears in her eyes. She sank to her knees staring at the ashes that were all Sharon had left behind.
"Oh God..." Karone whispered, suddenly blonde and looking like she might cry.
"No... No, God... Not again..." Cassie sobbed. She became a hysterical mess, sobbing in her boyfriend's arms.
"What have I done?" Callie whispered. "She was my sister..."
"It's not your fault," a voice said. "They tricked you."
Callie looked up. "Katherine?" She asked.
"I'm here, honey." Katherine's voice took on the most maternal tone Callie had ever heard. It was strange, and although she hated to admit it, it was also reassuring. "It's going to be okay," Katherine promised soothingly.
"I... I didn't mean to..."
"I know. It's over now. Your family found you. Come with me, Callie. Let's go home."
Family, Callie thought. Sharon was my family, and I just killed her. She couldn't breathe. Fire started shooting up from the ground around her. The sounds she made as she sobbed were terrifying, but she couldn't calm herself down.
"Poor dear..." A new voice said with concern and sympathy.
"What should we do, Jezz?" Katherine asked.
"We need to get her out of here. She's misfiring because she's going into shock."
Don't go with them... Make better choices. This is wrong, all of it, Callie thought. Your vendetta against Mistress Cheetah just made you kill your sister. Walk away.
She felt something wash over her. Callie realized this Jezz person had poured a potion over her head. "It's just something to ease your nerves, Callie," he said soothingly.
She wanted to argue or curse him out for daring to use a potion on her, but suddenly, Callie couldn't think straight. "Come with us, Callie," Katherine said. "We're going to take you home."
Unable to remember why she shouldn't, Callie followed Katherine away.
LUCAS
Seeing Cassie sobbing and heartbroken, Lucas wasn't sure what to do. He continued holding her as she kept whispering, "Not again." Desperate to comfort her, Lucas finally sent a message to Lee. Cassie needs you guys. Also, bring a strong healer.
About two minutes later, the Wildcats teleported to them. Seconds after, Zordon himself appeared, which Lucas hadn't expected. He took one look at Zhane and knelt beside him as Karone held Zhane's hand.
"You brought Zordon?" Lucas asked.
"You said bring a healer. He's supposed to be a very powerful one, right?" Lee pointed out.
Cassie was still sobbing. "Cassie's crying... Who needs to meet my bat?" Kaylen demanded.
Hannah and Austin approached Cassie together. "Miss Cassie, what's wrong, Darlin'?" Austin asked.
"Are you crying about Zhane?" Hannah added. "He'll be okay. Zordon will fix him."
"It's not just Zhane..." Cassie said, crying harder. "Sharon's gone... I'm sick of everyone dying to save my life! It keeps happening... First Kendrix, then TJ... Now Sharon."
"How'd the kid die?" Kaylen asked.
"Callie tried to kill Cassie with a fire attack... Sharon jumped in front of her," Lucas explained.
"Oh, Miss Cassie... I'm sorry, Darlin'," Austin said sympathetically.
"That doesn't make any sense," Serena said with a frown.
"Sharon wasn't evil," Lucas explained.
"No, I mean... She shouldn't be dead. In fact, she can't be."
"Serena-" Lucas began, not wanting her to upset Cassie even more.
"Just shut up and listen to me," Serena insisted. "Callie's fire magic specifically comes from Zell's flames. Those flames gave both Callie and Sharon life. They're part of them... Which means that they couldn't possibly be killed by them. Sharon isn't dead."
Cassie motioned toward the pile of ashes. "I watched her burn, Serena," she said. "She's gone."
"No, she's not... Fire needs air to survive. Maybe the answer to helping Sharon's body reform is to use air..." She made the face she tended to make while deep in thought. "Give me ten minutes and I can bring her back."
Lucas paused. "Cassie... What do you think?"
"I think Serena's the smartest girl I've ever met, and if anyone can do the impossible, it's her... We owe it to Sharon to let her try," Cassie said. "She's Kendrix's daughter. I can't let her die for me like her mother did... Not if there's any hope."
Serena was already grabbing random things from the surrounding area. "What are you doing, Serena?" Lee asked.
"Creating a wind tunnel," Serena explained.
"Can we help, Darlin'?" Austin asked.
"Just hold these for a minute, at precisely forty-five degree angles..." She handed them each a makeshift panel she'd thrown together from a few pieces of wood.
Lee blinked at her instructions. Austin managed to try to guess what angle she was going for. "That's forty-nine degrees, Austin," Serena said. She adjusted it. "Lee, mirror this from the other side."
Lee followed her instructions. Soon, wind began to become trapped between the panels. It wrapped around the ashes, sweeping them up into a funnel toward the sky. About five feet off of the ground, the ashes started to reignite as sparks of fire.
"Ho-ly shit, y'all..." Austin mumbled as the glowing embers began to take on a human form. Soon, they turned solid, and from the ashes, Sharon reformed before their eyes.
She gasped as she took her first breath since burning and adjusted her glasses nervously. "It worked!" Hannah cried in delight.
"Of course it worked," Kaylen said. "Serena's a genius."
Cassie flung her arms around Sharon, sobbing in relief. "Oh my God," she whispered. "You're okay..."
"Excuse me, but... What just happened?" Sharon asked softly.
"Science," Serena said. "Magic is just another form. There are still laws at play... We just need to figure out what they are."
Lucas was stunned. "Good work, Serena," he said softly.
Zhane sat up with a groan. "Take it slow, Zhane," Zordon cautioned him. "You are still weak."
"Whoa, you healed me? Without a healing bed?" Zhane asked.
"Moving you would have only done more damage," Zordon replied.
"Yeah, but... You can do that?"
Zordon looked a bit embarrassed. "The healing beds are simply a way to channel my energy safely," he explained. "They can handle some medical emergencies on their own, but they are fueled by the energy that flows through me. When the power levels are too high, the beds can protect the person who is injured, as well as all of the nearby technology, from any power surges."
Lucas guessed why Zordon was uncomfortable. "You aren't your father, Zordon. Having some of the same powers doesn't make you like him."
"The healing does not only come from him," Zordon said softly. "Zhane, you need rest. Get some sleep and you should be back to yourself. Sharon, my dear, I am pleased to see you are alive and well. Please stay with the Space Rangers. You will be safe."
"But, what about Callie?" Sharon asked.
Zordon paused, like he was reaching for information in the universe. "Callie is with Katherine and Jezzeff. She is uninjured, but quite distraught. She went with them willingly, but I believe Jezzeff influenced her with a potion. The choice is ultimately Callie's, however, if a rescue is possible, I promise we will attempt it."
"You're Great Zell's son, right? You look like him," Sharon noticed.
"I am Zordon of Eltar," he replied. "I apologize for what my father has put you through."
"Honestly, he's loads better than my Da," Sharon admitted. "My Da blamed me for my Ma's death because my powers killed her when I was a wee thing... He said I was evil. He punished me, but one day, I just... I had an accident. I was only nine. I didn'a understand my powers, and I... He died, too. I was locked away after that, in a mental hospital, until Felina came and rescued me. Great Zell frightens me when he's angry, but for the most part, he treats us alright... He just gets frustrated. I made him angry-"
"Sharon." Zordon cut her off, saying her name firmly. "Anything my father did to you was not your fault. He likes to blame the people he hurts for his actions." He hesitated for a moment before pulling the girl into a hug.
Sharon tensed in surprise for a moment before relaxing into the hug and making a soft, content sound. Lucas realized just how starved for affection the girl actually was.
"I can tell from your actions today that you have a pure heart and a gentle spirit. You did not deserve any of the mistreatment you have received over the years," Zordon said softly. "You are safe now, Sharon. I promise we will protect you."
Sharon had tears in her eyes. "Thank you," she said softly. "I... I haven't really had a home since my Ma died. Your Da gave me one, even if it was kind of messed up."
Hannah gently took the girl from Zordon's arms. "It's okay, sweetheart," she said soothingly. "You have a family now."
Lucas knew Hannah was remembering her own childhood. Sharon didn't seem to want to let Hannah go, and she clung to her, trembling. "Zordon... The Alliance will look for Sharon with Cassie's team," Hannah said after a moment. "Roxy, Ronnie, and the kids were moved off of the Reservation because they're having safety concerns. They're in a big safe house right now, and Lee and I just moved in, too. Will you let Sharon stay with us for a while? Roxy and I can keep her safe, and we know how to help kids like her."
"Kids like me?" Sharon repeated.
"I spent a long time trying to find my family after I lost my mom, too," Hannah explained. "And ever since I've been an adult, I've helped other kids like me who deserve to be safe and loved."
"Loved..." Sharon repeated, like that was a foreign concept to her.
"I promise you'll be taken care of and no one will hurt you."
"Hannah... I think that is an excellent idea," Zordon said with approval.
"Yeah, and the house is huge. There's plenty of room," Lee said.
"Are you sure ya don' mind?" Sharon asked softly.
"Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, Sharon. We're happy to help," Hannah insisted.
"Shouldn't you ask the wife first?" Kaylen teased her.
"Roxy likes it when I'm impulsive," Hannah replied with a smile.
"Come on, Little Phoenix," Lee said to Sharon charmingly. Lucas had to admit that was an appropriate nickname since she'd literally reformed from her own ashes. "Let's go home."
AMOS
He had taken time he didn't really have to spare to sit in the woods in the most secluded spot he could find. He had to. He'd promised, long ago.
He stared into the flame of the white candle, watching it dance in a very gentle breeze. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the incense he'd lit, and began to sing a song softly as he remembered why that day would always be so important.
It wasn't in English, but Amos translated it mentally as he sang in his original native tongue. "Sing of the light in darkness and woe... Sing of the light despite all the cold... Never forget on your darkest day, the light burns bright even when unseen..." He sighed.
"Meza naita, Dovizan... Caray b'sha," he added. Happy birthday, he mentally translated. I remember, always. He had tears in his eyes. Even after all these millennia, it still hurt.
"Amos..." Pierce said cautiously from behind him.
Amos wasn't entirely surprised he'd found him. The Universe liked to do things like that sometimes. He was used to its antics. Amos took a deep breath before looking up at him.
"I'm sorry..." Pierce said awkwardly. "I'm obviously interrupting something, but... I mean... Are you okay, Amos?" He looked freaked out, probably because Amos had never cried in front of him before.
"It's alright, Little Fish," Amos said softly. "Come. Sit with me."
Pierce sat beside him. "Why are you crying?" He asked.
"Today is both a very sad day for me and a very joyous one," Amos replied. He didn't elaborate.
"What language were you speaking when I got here? It didn't sound like the Tribe's... It kind of reminded me of Eltarian, actually."
"Very good, Little Fish. You're learning to pick up on important details," Amos said.
"What do you mean? Do you speak Eltarian somehow?"
"A very ancient version of it, yes."
"But... How? Did you just pick it up over time?"
"Pierce... It's time for me to tell you something no one else knows. The few who did are all dead and reincarnated and dead again at this point."
Pierce tensed, most likely knowing from the use of his actual name that this was serious. "What is it?" He asked.
"I speak ancient Eltarian fluently, Pierce... Because that's the first language I remember learning."
"Wait... What are you saying?"
"I think you know, but here's a straight answer for once... I am half Eltarian, Pierce."
Pierce stared at him. "And you're only mentioning this now?" He demanded.
"You never asked," Amos pointed out, earning him an amusingly exasperated look from Pierce.
"Amos... What the hell?" Pierce finally managed to ask.
Amos sighed. "Amoz," he said softly.
"What?"
"Amoz," he repeated, emphasizing the pronunciation of Ah-moz. "That's the name I used for the first eighteen years of my life, until I came to Earth. No one must know, Pierce."
"Then why did you tell me?" He asked in confusion.
"Because, Little Fish... You are the closest thing I have to a son, and you deserve to know the truth."
The look on Pierce's face was one of surprise. Amos saw the lost, frightened, broken ten-year-old boy he'd once been peaking out from behind Pierce's tough shell. "Thank you... For trusting me." He paused. "And for saying that. Because I'd take you over him any day, no matter how much you frustrate me."
"You know, I'm quite glad I decided not to follow the rules with you."
"Rules?"
"Oh, yes... About that... Millennia before you were born, when I was not much older than you are now, they told me I would have to kill you to save the universe from your brother. I decided to go fishing instead and saved your life."
"The Tribe wanted me dead?" Pierce asked in disbelief.
"Yes. They believed Logan would kill you, as is the curse of the corrupted power, and he would become unstoppable. They feared what eventually happened between Zell and Elgan would happen to you and Logan. And this was long before the powers became tainted."
"I don't understand..."
"A very, very, very long time ago, Eltar's first Prime Minister used the powers you and Logan possess to save Eltar from a horrible catastrophe. His intentions were pure, but he was never meant to use those powers. They were meant for his grandsons."
"Grandsons?"
"Zell and Elgan. His name was Windzor Yizak, and he was a truly wonderful man. At barely twenty, he led the search for a sanctuary for the survivors of two planets which were destroying each other in an endless war. The Yizaks, the Farmells, the Treygans, and the Vretiz family each sent their eldest surviving member to search for this safe haven, and they discovered Eltar. The new planet was meant to be peaceful, and for the most part, it was... However, a very vocal minority opposed the fact that the Founding Families had more power than other people. They called themselves the Coalition."
Amos paused, trying not to flash back on events he'd never fully heal from. "The Coalition..." Pierce repeated, noticing Amos wasn't elaborating. "Who were they?"
"They were sort of the Rebellion of Eltar before the Rebellion existed... However, unlike the Rebels, the members of the Coalition were truly anarchists and terrorists. They killed anyone they could to try and punish those in power. They went after the innocent to make the powerful feel powerless. And one day, they targeted Windzor's younger brother... Dovizan." Amos took a deep breath. "It was his twenty-second birthday, and he was so gentle the unicorns would keep him company... Only the purest of heart are beloved by the unicorns... People like Daphne."
"So he wouldn't hurt anyone." Pierce said.
"Never. Dovi believed there was a peaceful solution to all problems. And the Coalition murdered him... They decapitated him and put his head on a pike and left him for Levi and Windzor to find. He didn't do anything to deserve that. The entire planet adored Dovi." He had tears in his eyes again. "Windzor had to hold himself together because Levi broke down. He was the next eldest brother after Windzor. Dovi was born two years after him."
"So they killed Windzor's youngest brother?"
"Dovi was the fourth of six Yizak brothers, actually. Jotez came after him... And then, there was their half-brother, although no one ever said that aloud. Only Windzor and Levi knew the truth. Their father raised the youngest boy as though he was not the son of the monster who'd violated his wife. But both of the parents and the eldest Yizak brother died in one day when the youngest was three. Their father and Camdell were soldiers killed in battle, minutes apart. Their mother was a Military nurse who got caught in the crossfire and met her end. Levi witnessed it all. That's why he formed the Peacekeepers on Eltar. He didn't want any more soldiers fighting wars. The Peacekeepers were trained to try to resolve things without violence as often as possible. The Guard came later, after Levi was gone."
"Zell's got a big family tree," Pierce mumbled.
"Big enough, I suppose, but only Windzor has descendants. Dovi was murdered before he could have children... And today is his birthday, and also the day he died. That's why I'm here... Because I couldn't remember Camdell or our parents, but I vowed to never forget Dovizan. I swore to honor him every year on his birthday, and I've kept that promise."
"Wait... Did you just say...?"
"Yes, Pierce. I'm the youngest Yizak brother."
"You're Zell's uncle?"
"Grand-uncle, if we're being technical. Or is it great-uncle? Either way... Yes."
"How could you not tell us that? He's after Andie, Greg, and Darcy, for fuck's sake!"
"I wish I could have, Pierce. Truly. But it wasn't time... And I shouldn't even be telling you now, but I decided to say to hell with the rules... I did that a couple of days ago, too... Let's just say there are a few formerly dead Eltarians running around because I got fed-up with following the rules."
"Wait... You resurrected Eltarians?"
"Yes. Four of them. And I promise, once I can ensure their safety won't be compromised, I'll tell you who they are. For now... Just listen to the rest of the history lesson. It's time you know..." He took another deep breath. "Jotez was exceptionally close to Dovi. He had survivor's guilt from being tortured in the war, and watching our neighbors die one by one until he was left for dead. Dovi helped Jotez cope. He brought him peace when nothing else did. He stopped speaking after Dovi died. Then, about three weeks later, he started talking one day... Saying he loved us, and trying to encourage me... He brought me to school and I knew something was wrong. I faked sick and ran home, but I was too late... I set off the security alarm and went to him. He'd slit his wrists. I was nine years old, and I was the only one in the house."
"Amos... Holy shit. I'm sorry."
It was painful, but Amos forced himself to keep talking. "I begged him not to leave me... I tried to heal him, something I'd only recently learned to do. I kept trying, sobbing, begging him to come back... Begging him to breathe, willing his chest to rise and fall... I wouldn't leave him. Until Levi, the Peacekeepers, and Rinton Treygan arrived. Rinton was, to put it mildly, an ass... But he insisted on going into the room so Levi didn't see another potentially traumatic sight so soon after losing Dovi. Rinton found me still trying to save my brother. He sent me out to Levi, and I remember apologizing for not being able to save Jotez... But, apparently, I was wrong."
"What do you mean?"
"An Eltarian I recently had the pleasure of meeting, Keilah, told me the truth. After I left, Rinton noticed Jotez started breathing again."
"You resurrected him... With no training... At nine years old?"
"Apparently. And Rinton, the sadistic son of a bitch, hid him somewhere, leaving a tulpa covered in his blood for us to bury. He was jealous of Windzor and wanted him to suffer. I have no idea where Jo's been all this time... But I must find him. I have to free him. That's where I was when the Dino Charge Rangers were attacked, Little Fish... Looking for Jotez, on Eltar, where I hadn't set foot in millennia."
"Okay... You're forgiven... Tell me more?"
Amos smiled, realizing Pierce was hooked on the history lesson. "Two years later, when I was eleven, I was ambushed by the Coalition. I had been growing stronger magically, but I was still just a boy. I was pretty defenseless against an army of a dozen men. They'd been hired to kill me. I held my own for a short time with a few tricks they hadn't expected, but they overpowered me... They beat me severely. They used fists, sticks, pipes... It was certainly overkill for a child. And then, Rinton came, and I thought I was saved... Until I realized he had hired them. He brought his foot down against my head, and that's all I remember."
"That bastard... You were just a kid!" Pierce cried in horror.
"I was... And I appreciate your outrage, but this was a long time ago. Rinton's been dead for a while now. His son Aphell's about to be executed for some pretty awful crimes, though... Anyway, back to the story! Two days later, Moriazan Martenz Vretiz, grandfather of the Prime Minister before Rey, Moriazan Moriarty, fished me out of the water Rinton must have thrown my body into. I was still alive. I was also on my Mystic's Journey, which was pretty confusing for me since I had no idea I was one. That journey lasted for seven years."
"Seven years? I barely survived a couple of days in the Underworld! How did you make it back?"
"My body was in a coma. I was stubbornly clinging to life, refusing to leave my brothers... My mother had come to me and told me Windzor would corrupt a power and set off the series of events that ultimately led to everything Zell has done. I wanted to save him. But I learned much in my time there... I helped others and got stronger... I just couldn't wake up. An intangible was keeping me trapped."
"What's an intangible?"
"An entity without a physical being... One that doesn't fully exist yet. This one was evil in its purest form."
"Why did it want to keep you in the Underworld?"
"Because it claimed I might ruin its fun before it could start... This intangible wanted my brother to corrupt the great power. It was determined to see that happen. Mind you, most intangibles don't have thoughts we can actually understand... They have desires, but most people can't grasp what they are. I understood what this one wanted... And one day, it would take the form of an Eltarian."
"Which Eltarian?"
"The one who calls herself the Witch. I didn't realized that then, but I know what she truly is now. That's why she's so dangerous, Little Fish. She's something most people have never dealt with before. She is much more powerful and clever than anyone gives her credit for, and she's not insane... She just finds joy in wreaking havoc. This is all great fun to her... A game. We all exist purely for her amusement. She's been manipulating my grand-nephew since he was about ten years old, when she began to target the girl he was so attached to... By the time he was thirteen, she actively went to him and started using him like a puppet. Zell has done many evil things, Little Fish... Most of which are unforgivable... But almost none of his decisions were his own. I believe the Witch has used powerful magic on him to push the worst of his actions, and I know for a fact that the great power he and Elgan were born with is tainted... Cursed. Because my brother, in his desperation to save his people, used what was never meant for one person to wield and was driven mad."
"What happened?"
"He killed Levi... Because Levi desperately tried to get through to him and make him realize the power was influencing him and driving him into darkness. It was an accident... He didn't mean to do it, and as soon as Levi died, the power lost its hold on Windzor and he was devastated. He was horrified by what he'd done. Rinton found him like that, emotionally broken and full of anguish."
"That guy again?"
"Indeed. According to what Keilah has discovered, Rinton pretended to comfort Windzor before casting a spell to make him forget the true events. Rinton was good at things like that. He made Windzor believe he'd discovered Levi dead, the result of a tragic accident."
"He sounds like Zell."
"There are definitely similarities. Anyway, Windzor was heartbroken, and that only drove him deeper into the madness. What no one knew was that after the funeral, Rinton went to Warlocks and had Levi resurrected."
"Seriously? What the hell is with this guy?"
"He intended to make Levi into a weapon against our brother. Levi had no memories, but Rinton showed him how he died... Made it look like Windzor had intentionally killed him in cold blood. He told Levi he was a soldier called Azzian. Levi had romanticized war as a child and wanted to be a soldier like our father and Camdell. It was why he followed them onto the battlefield and fought at their sides... But after everything he saw, he realized the horrors of war and vowed never to let them happen on Eltar. He was an advocate for peace. The fact that Rinton turned him into what was basically a personal assassin for him and Aphell sickens me. Levi has no idea who he truly is... I only hope help finds him soon. Keilah is working on it. The truth is, Levi is in the same situation Logan was, only he's been going through it for millennia."
"You mean the whole getting turned into a killing machine thing?"
"Yes... And just like with Logan, when Levi fights or starts to remember, they electrocute him. At this point, his mind doesn't remember anymore. I am hoping that, with help, he can be saved from this nightmare. He never would have wanted to become this."
Pierce looked haunted. "Poor guy... We need to help him... Just like Logan."
"I want to, believe me. I'm just trying to find Jotez first. I resurrected him, even if I didn't know it. He's my responsibility."
Pierce nodded. "So, let me see if I've got all of this... You're related to Zell... The history of Eltar is a lot more complicated than I knew... And the powers are cursed because Windzor used them alone and ended up going crazy and killing his brother... And Zell killed Elgan... And..." He hesitated.
"Stone never had to worry about hurting Talon because Zell killed him, but it's possible he might have gone mad eventually and tried. I like to think he wouldn't, but the curse is powerful. And you, my Little Fish, wield that same cursed power."
"Logan would never hurt me."
"I know that... Even if the Tribe believed it was inevitable and you had to die to prevent Logan from killing you for power, I couldn't accept that as the right path. You were a child... An innocent boy. Killing you couldn't possibly be the right choice, no matter what they said. So I rebelled against my so-called destiny, just as I did when I quit being the Chief."
"You were the Chief?"
"My father was the Chief. He was a sadistic monster who I thankfully never had to meet. He died at some point while I was in the coma. They expected me to take up the role once I was fully trained, and I did for a while... Reluctantly, because it was my destiny... But after I fixed some of the corruption within the Tribe, I retired and named myself an Elder, and that was that. I put an eighteen-year-old in charge. He was the best Chief we ever had!" He chuckled at the memory of how outraged his former mentor had been when he announced that.
"Nice. But, Amos... Why would you save me? I mean, if they said Logan would kill me anyway and end the world or whatever..."
"Because, Little Fish... I was once a beaten, frightened boy who was thrown into the sea to die. I could never sentence you to die for something your older brother might do one day. I vowed to protect you instead, and I have tried to do that ever since. I wish with all my heart that I could have spared you the next six years of abuse you endured, but-"
"You saved my life... The day of the accident, and again when I tried to kill myself."
"You figured that out, did you?"
"I never understood why I failed... I mean, it was more than once, and the most bizarre things prevented me from succeeding... So yeah, a couple of months ago, I figured out it had to have been you. You were always there, looking out for me, trying to protect me. I know you did everything you could do without risking interfering in ways you weren't meant to. And I'm grateful... And now, knowing what your brother did... I'm sorry, Amos. Really. I must have brought all of that back for you."
"The difference is, I was able to save you, Little Fish. And you have no idea how much peace that actually gave me. I couldn't do anything for Jotez, but you, I saved."
Pierce hugged him. Amos took comfort in that as he held the boy he'd fished out of the sea when he was supposed to kill him. "I've never regretted my choice, Pierce. I'm quite proud of the man you're becoming. I'm positive you weren't meant to die that day," he said. He paused. "I need your help, Little Fish."
"Of course. With what?"
"I want you to help me find my brother... Jotez. Because you and I are connected, I think if we combine our efforts, his location will be revealed. I can't seem to do this on my own."
"Sure. Just tell me what you need."
"Right now? Just to stay here until the candle burns out... Tomorrow, when it is not Dovi's day, I will resume the search for Jotez."
"Okay," Pierce agreed.
They sat together in silence after that. Amos was deeply comforted to not be alone on Dovi's day for the first time since he'd come to Earth.
MERRICK
He'd known something was very wrong with Kira. He could hear her scream on the wind, and he felt in his very core that she was in grave peril. Unfortunately, he couldn't seem to find her. Fearing the worst, Merrick finally went to see her at home hours after he sensed trouble.
Much to his relief, Kira opened the door. She looked tired, but uninjured, and he almost dismissed what he'd felt. Then, he saw the look in her eyes. "Something happened to you," he said. "You were hurt."
"You might say that," Kira said lightly. "Come on in, Merrick." She led him inside and motioned for him to sit on the couch. Then, rather suddenly, she said, "Oh crap... I'm an idiot!"
"Excuse me?" Merrick asked in confusion.
"The Wolf Prince... Wolves are your thing... And we have a connection I've never understood... I knew you weren't dead at the end of the last big battle... I knew how to save you... But I'm not supposed to have magic, except I'm apparently a reincarnated Eltarian so-"
"Kira... Breathe, and start at the beginning. What are you talking about?"
She took a deep breath. "The Siren... Anya," she said softly. "I was her. Jezzeff called me on it before he slashed my throat. I couldn't scream. He basically took away one of my strongest defenses, and I never saw it coming. I was positive I was going to die... But then, someone saved me."
"Jezzeff did what? I'll destroy him-"
"Just... Listen for a minute, okay, Merrick? He tried to kill Dustin, I interfered, and he realized I have the same power Anya did. I know, because I'm starting to remember her... It's crazy. If this is what the kids from Stone Hollow deal with all the time, I feel awful for them. But I know it's true. And I'm really lucky I'm alive."
"Who saved you?"
"Zell."
Merrick blinked at her in confusion. "I'm sorry... Did you say...?"
"Zell. Yes. He's not what we think, Merrick... I mean, he is, but not by his own choice. It's the Witch. She's controlling him. She manipulates nearly every choice he makes. But he saved my life, because he recognized me as Anya. He was my friend... Literally, I called him 'my friend Zell,' the way I call my boy Phil what I do because I hate pretentious titles. Apparently, so did Anya, and she thought calling him 'Great Zell' or 'the Great Wizard' was stupid. She started that as a little kid, when her and her brother, Marzos, were found in the woods. The funny thing is, Zell was amused by her calling him that. He allowed it, even when she was an adult. We were... We were friends, Merrick. Anya and Marzos cared about Zell and wanted to help him."
Merrick felt something odd, like a chill moving up and down his spine, at the name Marzos. "Kira... Did Zell tell you all of this?"
"He mentioned very little, but I'm remembering... And, looking at you, it's all coming back harder. Merrick... You were Marzos. I'm positive of it."
"I can't be a reincarnated Eltarian, Kira."
"That's what I thought just yesterday, yet here we are."
He could tell she was certain it was true, and he had to admit, he felt the truth in her words... But was it possible? Had he lived before?
Kira gently touched his arm. "We have to save him, Merrick," she said.
"What?" He asked in disbelief.
"Zell. We tried before... We saw the truth, that the Witch was the real threat and that Jezzeff was a much bigger evil than Zell. The day Elgan died, we ran into Zell in the woods... He had this cut on his hand... He still has the scar, even after all this time. Anyway, Zell was in a trance of sorts. You and I helped him, but he insisted he was fine afterward even though he clearly wasn't, and we had to leave him... And then, he killed Elgan. But I don't think he wanted to. I think the Witch used that cut to force it. It was covered in dark magic. She was controlling him."
He wanted to argue. Everything he knew told him Zell couldn't be trusted... Yet a small voice in his head was insisting he was wrong. But he tortured Denni, and Marco, and countless others, he thought. I cannot forgive him for what he put them through, or for the death of my team.
It was true that Zell had not directly killed anyone from Wild Force. Cole had died saving Andros from one of Divatox's explosives. Another of those explosives had killed Alyssa and Max. Taylor had saved Maddie from Divatox. And Danny had apparently been killed by the Alchemist and the Warlock, who none of the Rangers knew existed yet and who had not been part of the bigger battle but had used it as a means to an end after Danny discovered flowers growing in their garden that weren't native to Earth. Still, that entire battle had been set in motion by Zell, so Merrick considered him to be at fault.
Listen to the wind... Hear the wolves. What are they telling you? His mind asked.
Merrick focused. He could hear the wolves then, and he knew only one thing for certain... Jezzeff and the Witch were what the wolves currently viewed as the biggest threat.
"Alright... For the moment, I will consider Zell is not the main threat, seeing as how he saved your life," Merrick said. "I must admit I am reluctant to trust him, however."
"Same... But I do trust him, Merrick. Anya trusts him. I gotta tell you, I have no idea how the kids from Stone Hollow deal with this past life stuff. It's confusing for me, and they're only sixteen," Kira replied.
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"Physically, I'm fine. Zell's a hell of a healer when he wants to help someone... Emotionally, I'm a little shaky, but I'll be alright." She paused. "You and I need to work on this together, Merrick. We're stronger united."
"I'm with you, Kira. Whatever comes, we will face it together."
She smiled at him. "Thanks," she said.
He nodded. "Of course." He wasn't sure what was going to happen next, but he knew he needed to stay as close to Kira as possible.
CALLIE
She had passed out as soon as Katherine showed her to her new room, but now, Callie was awake. Her chest ached as she realized she hadn't just had a nightmare... She'd killed Sharon, and now she was back with Katherine.
Why did I come here? I want out. I'm done. Revenge isn't worth what I just did to my sister, she thought. Realizing the potion must be affecting her, Callie began burning it out of her system. Her body temperature continued to rise until most people would have died, but it didn't bother her. More than any of her siblings, Callie was the Flames.
And that's why Sharon was never safe with me. I am destruction incarnate, she thought. She was a Child of the Flames, but she was also a child of Onyx. She'd never known any other way of life. Gwodizan had been good to her, but no one else was. She'd always had to attack first or risk being killed. But she'd never felt the need to protect anyone except Gwod until she'd met Sharon. The guilt of what she'd done was unlike anything else she'd ever experienced. She'd decided to protect that girl, yet she'd destroyed her instead.
"I'm sorry..." She whispered. "I'm so sorry."
Suddenly, Katherine appeared. "How are you feeling, sweetheart?" She asked.
"Don't call me sweetheart," Callie said sharply. "Where's Great Zell?"
"Not here... This isn't the Alliance, Callie. It's the Guild."
"The Guild?"
"Jezzeff is our leader. You'll love Jezz, Callie. He's great. And he's doing a lot better than my father was."
"What the hell is going on, Katherine? Did you betray your father?"
"My father betrayed me. He has no respect for me! He treats me like a child!"
"Well, you act like a brat, so..."
"Jezz sees value in me. He appreciates my skill set. He's good to me." She smiled as she talked about him. "He's charming, and handsome even with the scar... It almost adds to his appeal, actually... It makes him look mysterious."
"You screwed your father over for some guy you're crushing on like a school girl? Damn, Katherine. That's a new level of low. The man resurrected you. He's literally the only reason you're alive, but you claim he doesn't value you? If there's one thing I realized about Zell quickly it's that he doesn't like to waste his precious energy. I think he's earned your gratitude."
"It's complicated. You don't understand. You never had a family."
"I had Gwod. That was all I needed. And the one thing I know is that he loved me in a place where no one loves anyone. I'd have done anything for that man."
"And my father's mistake created the monster that killed him. It's his fault Gwodizan is dead. But Jezz is powerful, Callie. He'll help you get revenge on Mistress Cheetah."
"I don't want it anymore!" Callie shouted.
"What? Of course you do!"
"No! I never wanted any of this! I was just a kid who lost the only parental figure she ever had and needed to lash out. I was raised on Onyx, and on Onyx, when someone hurts you, you hurt them worse... But that need for revenge made me murder my sister, and I'm turning into a psychopath because I'm giving in to my rage... I'm sick of it!" Callie raised her hands in frustration. Lava burst from the ground.
Katherine jumped back in surprise, shrieking as a drop of lava touched her arm. She managed to shake it off.
"Huh..." Callie mumbled. "That's new."
"Your powers are growing," Jezzeff said softly as he appeared. "You have an extraordinary gift, Callie. I can help you learn to control it."
His tone was soothing and she almost believed him. Then she remembered that he had used a potion on her and was clearly not trustworthy. "No thanks. I'm good at figuring things out on my own," she said, focusing on what she'd felt right before the lava had appeared. More shot up from the ground, and she moved her hand toward Jezzeff, directing it at him. The eruption quickly began to burn him, and she figured he'd be dead pretty quickly.
Katherine attacked her from behind, trying to impale her with a sword. Callie managed to dodge the attack before someone began to cackle. Suddenly, a part of the ceiling came down, pinning her beneath it.
Callie cursed as she struggled to free herself. "Silly girl," the woman said. Half of her face was hidden by her hair, but the eye looking at Callie was full of hatred and pure evil unlike anything Callie had ever seen before.
"Who the hell are you?" Callie demanded.
"I'm the Witch! The Witch, the Witch, the Witch!" She cackled manically.
"Okay, Bitch, I think you missed your psych meds today," Callie replied.
"Silly girl... Silly, silly little girl... You're not going anywhere. You should not exist."
"Neither should you, but I'm guessing the condom broke."
The Witch slapped Callie across the face before she started cackling again. "You're feisty! I sort of like you, but sadly, you have to die. See, you're a problem for me, Callie. You and your siblings. It seems like he keeps making you, but I'll keep killing you. Your generation's different... The others were crafted in the flames but born of two parents... All of you were born of one parent and the flames themselves. It's creative. I'll give him that. I didn't think it could be done, but his power is that great. Still... I'll destroy you. I made him destroy the earlier generations... The ones born of Eltarian parents. This is just the latest generation of the army he's trying to build as a foolish act of rebellion."
"What the hell are you rambling about?"
"Every move Zell makes is one I set in motion or manipulate... Except creating all of you. Subconsciously, a small part of Zell is trying to fight me... And that part knows he needs to be protected if he stands the slightest chance of stopping me. The thing is, last time, I was able to make him hunt down the children and kill them... But your generation is different. He hurts you, tortures you even in a couple of cases, but he resists the command to kill you. I think it's because you come partially from him. It's his magic that gives you life, more than the others. With two parents, they were easy to bring to life, but you all required a great deal of his magic. The flames are actually your parent, too, and those flames come from him. You are practically his children." She shrugged. "So I'll kill you myself. By the way, thanks for taking care of Sharon for me! I appreciate it!" She cackled.
"Fuck you, Bitch!" Callie shouted. She called forth more lava. It flowed toward the Witch, but parted around her, blocked by an invisible circle of power.
"Nice try, Silly Girl," the Witch said. She came closer, the lava moving away as she walked. "I never leave home without a shield. Your magic is strong, Callie. But Zell has that party trick, too. I know how to protect myself. Good effort, though! Bravo!" She applauded sarcastically.
"You have so got to die," Callie mumbled.
"You first, Princess." She pulled out the sharpest blade Callie had ever seen.
"Look out!" Katherine shouted. She jumped between Callie and the Witch just as something unexpected happened. A giant beast with claws the size of Katherine's head appeared and knocked her to the ground. It began to maul her.
"Zolo!" Callie cried in relief. The hell cat had gone missing the night Zell's base had been brought down by dragons, but being immortal and a creature of fire, Callie had been sure she'd survived the attack. "Good girl!"
The hezkan was doing a number on Katherine, who screamed out, "I hate cats!" Then, her screams became incoherent cries of pain.
"Katherine!" Jezzeff cried out. He looked perfectly healthy, like he hadn't just been boiled alive by lava.
"What the actual fuck?" Callie demanded.
"Oh, our Jezzy-Wezzy is immortal, Silly Girl," the Witch said with a cackle. "As in seriously immortal. He cannot be killed and he heals instantly."
"Like Denni..." Callie realized aloud.
"Why do you think Zell gave her those powers? On some level, he knew one of you would need to have them. And she shadow travels, meaning she can never be confined while conscious. That family trait is probably why she got to have the instant healing and immortality... She's basically unstoppable. I'll find a way to neutralize her eventually, though. Until then, she can play with us. It'll be fun!"
Jezzeff got in the hezkan's way, taking quite an assault from her as he tried to rescue Katherine. "Jezz... Go... It'll kill you..." Katherine said weakly as he tried to heal her.
"It can't kill me, dearest Katherine... It can harm me, but I heal as quickly as it does. I can endure the pain for you." He stroked her cheek tenderly as Katherine watched him in adoration.
She's completely fooled by his bullshit, Callie realized. To her, it seemed obvious that Jezzeff was using Katherine, probably to stick it to Zell by turning his own daughter against him. She's really sort of pathetic. She needs help to get away from that sociopath.
"Zolo... Come here, Girl..." Callie called, deciding to try and spare Katherine's pitiful existence because it was probably what Sharon would have done.
To her surprise, Zolo listened to her. She proceeded to use her enormous paws to move the rubble off of Callie. She then picked the fairly injured Callie up by her shirt and flung her onto her back.
They almost escaped before meeting an unexpected obstacle at the exit. Zolo hesitated. The man radiated power. He was clearly Eltarian. He felt oddly familiar, almost like...
"Zell... You're related to him," Callie said.
"He is my nephew," the man confirmed with a sadistic grin. "I am Treygott, of Eltar."
"Treygott... Gwod mentioned you... You're a good man. Why would you work with these assholes?" She paused, realizing the other reason he seemed familiar. "The flames..."
"Yes, Callie. Treygott has been touched by the flames," Jezzeff said, his voice eerily calm and soothing. "He belongs to me now."
An insane idea occurred to Callie. She got off of Zolo's back, jumping down to touch Treygott's face. She could feel the flames stronger now, but they felt wrong somehow.
"You are not this man, Treygott. You aren't some puppet for them to manipulate," she said firmly. "Fight this."
Treygott seemed to hesitate. Callie could feel the flames fighting themselves, torn between obeying orders and responding to her.
"You can't control these flames, Silly Girl," the Witch said with a cackle. "They're not the ones that created you. These are Jezzeff's flames. We tweaked the spell a bit."
"You can fight it, Treygott. Your mind is incredibly strong. Gwodizan told me you even saw through Zell before most people did," Callie said.
"My nephew murdered my father, my sister and brother, and my son," Treygott said harshly. "And now, my daughter has perished as well. I will have my revenge for all he has done!"
It made sense. The Witch and Jezzeff had obviously made his pain the only thing he could focus on. "I get it. Mistress Cheetah killed my guardian, and all I wanted was to slaughter her... But it's not the right path, Treygott. You're better than this."
Suddenly, a long spear was flung through the air. Zolo let out a cry of pain as it pierced her underbelly.
"Zolo!" Callie cried in alarm. The underbelly was the only part of a hezkan that was vulnerable. Most weapons could still barely penetrate their flesh, but this one had clearly been designed to do major damage. There was a lot of blood.
A man stood in the distance. He radiated death in a way Callie had never felt before. "What are you?" She demanded. She pulled the spear out of Zolo gently as she waited for an answer.
"I am a soldier," he replied almost robotically.
"Azzian... Assassinate the beast," Jezzeff said.
"No!" Callie screamed. It should have been impossible, but she had a feeling that Azzian knew how to do it. Even immortals could die. The only exceptions Callie knew of were the infamous Laby and vizu. "Zolo, run! Go on, Girl!"
Zolo refused to leave her. Callie felt tears in her eyes as Azzian got ready to attack again. "Go. Please. I can't lose you, too," she begged.
Zolo shrank down to her dormant form. She let out a soft mew of protest. Then, as Callie covered her with a circle of flames, she fled to safety. Callie knew she'd recover now that the spear had been removed.
"That was noble of you, Callie," Jezzeff said. "Remaining behind so the creature could escape. Treygott, return to Eltar. Continue to behave as you normally would so no one suspects you. Azzian... Take Callie to her room."
Azzian grabbed Callie's arm firmly, but not in a way that hurt her. He dragged her away from the others, not leaving any room for her to escape. Somehow, Callie knew she couldn't get away from him. He might be being gentle now, but she had no doubt he could and would kill her if given the order.
Azzian looked at her, shaking his head. "If you don't defy them, they may spare you. Show them you have worth," he advised. Then, he locked her in her room.
Callie was trembling as everything began to sink in. "I'm screwed," she mumbled. With a sigh, she stretched out on the bed and tried to give her body a chance to recover from her injuries while she came up with a new plan.
DENNI
She sensed that Callie was in trouble. That wasn't exactly surprising. The girl seemed to be Trouble Incarnate. Still, Denni knew something wasn't right.
She found Merrick and said, "I think Callie's in danger. I'm going after the bitch."
"Denni, every time you see Callie, she tries to kill you," Merrick objected.
"Yeah, I know, and I hate her, but she's still my sister, Merrick. I have to help her."
"Kira received a report from Lucas. Callie and Sharon tried to run. Callie ended up attacking Sharon. They thought she was dead, but Serena found a way to reverse it."
"That bitch! Is Sharon okay?"
"She's safe. Two of Cassie's Rangers, Hannah and Lee, brought her home with them. Hannah works with traumatized kids, so Lucas is certain she can help Sharon. It seems that Callie was aiming for Cassie, but Sharon jumped between them to save Cassie's life. Callie left with Jezzeff and Katherine. Zordon thinks she's under their control."
"Shit. She really is in over her head. I'm going after her."
"Denni... Be careful." He pulled her closer to him. "You promised you wouldn't die."
"I can't die, remember?"
"You can get hurt."
"Yeah, but I heal as soon as it happens."
"That's not the point. I don't want you in pain."
Denni looked into his eyes and touched his cheek. "I'll be okay, Merrick. I promise."
Merrick nodded, seemingly satisfied. Denni slipped into the shadows to search for her sister. She found her easily enough, alone in a bedroom.
Callie jumped as Denni appeared. She automatically tried to manifest fire, but surprised Denni by hesitating as it appeared in her hands. "No," Callie said softly. "I won't do that again." She sent the fire away. "Why are you here, Denni?" She asked sharply.
"Because your dumbass got kidnapped and needs to be rescued," Denni replied. She offered Callie her hand.
Callie hesitated. "This is a trap. You're bringing me to be executed because of what I did to Sharon."
"Stop being paranoid. Do you want out of here or not?"
"Of course I do." She took her hand and stood up.
"Good." Denni hit a pressure point, knocking Callie unconscious. "This way, the journey is a smooth one." She smiled to herself before scooping Callie up and stepping into the shadows. Moments later, they arrived at the Oliver house.
"Whoa... What happened to her?" Kira asked as Denni appeared with the unconscious Callie in her arms.
"Pressure point," Denni said with a smirk. "I figured being stuck with Doc O was a good punishment for her. I'm gonna make sure the house is guarded."
"I'll set the bed in the attic up for her," Tommy said as he saw what was going on.
"Don't worry," Kira said. "Even if she gets by Doc O, she won't get by Jayden. She's not going anywhere."
"Good. I'm gonna head out," Denni replied. She left to go back home. She made a call as she walked. "B'Danna, I need a favor," she said.
"Of course," B'Danna replied.
"Watch Tommy Oliver's place."
"Was there a kidnapping attempt again?"
"No. I left Callie there. Katherine and Jezzeff had her."
"Katherine's working with the Guild? Do you think her father knows?"
"I have no idea, but it's definitely a big development. Anyway, I got Callie out, but I don't want her trying to escape again. Just watch the house and make sure nothing happens?"
"No problem. Permission to kick her ass if she tries to run?"
Denni laughed. "Granted and encouraged."
"Great. I'll check in with a report tomorrow."
"Thanks, B'Danna. I appreciate it." Confident that Callie would no longer be a problem, Denni headed home.
B'DANNA
She headed into town, ready to spend the night guarding Tommy and the others from an angsty, bratty teenager. About a mile into the drive, she spotted Laby walking through the night.
"Hey... You okay?" She asked as she rolled down her car window.
"Oh, hey, Bee Dee,"'Laby said casually. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just have a lot on my mind."
"What's wrong?"
"Besides the usual? Lex is still on Eltar. The Counsel of Elders paused their investigation, first because of Joree, and now because of Moriazan Moriarty's passing. Damn tragedy, really. He was a great man."
B'Danna nodded. "All of Eltar is in mourning. They won't proceed for at least a couple of days. I'm not sure Karlton will go back at all."
"I'm just worried about my kid... And everyone else. Things are getting intense... And people are dying..."
"Laby..." B'Danna sighed, pulling over and opening the passenger door. "I'm heading to Tommy's place on protection detail. Take the ride with me."
He shrugged, getting in. "Okay," he said softly.
"Wear your seatbelt."
"What for? It's not like I can die." He smirked.
"I'm not getting a ticket because you're stubborn and have thrill issues." She reached over and clicked his seatbelt into place.
He laughed softly. "Sorry, Bee Dee... I'm just having a bad night," he said.
"I get it... But we're in this together, okay? We'll watch each other's backs."
"Jezz is back, Bee Dee. He... He betrayed Sera and Ash, and now he's back, but so are they, and I... I can't watch them die again! I literally can't. Why do you think I avoid Sera and Daphne when they reincarnate? It's too painful to know I'll lose them again."
"Laby, I know how hard this is for you, but obsessing about possible bad endings won't help. We can protect them, and we will. It's different this time. We know who the enemies are."
Suddenly, a man in a long black overcoat appeared in front of the car. His back was to them. B'Danna slammed on her brakes. Laby flew forward toward the dashboard, but the seatbelt stopped him from flying into the windshield.
"Whoa... Good call about the seatbelt, Bee Dee," he mumbled with a nervous laugh.
B'Danna was on high alert and didn't reply. Instead, she looked at the man she'd nearly hit. The car died for no apparent reason and she knew they were in serious trouble. Slowly, the man turned around to face them.
"Jay..." Laby said, barely choking out the word in his shock.
"You son of a-" B'Danna began, unbuckling her seatbelt and grabbing her sword.
"Bee Dee, get out of here," Laby said. "It's a trap."
"No way," B'Danna said firmly.
"B'Danna of Eltar, that is a direct order from a superior officer-"
"Don't you dare pull rank on me right now, Labyrinth! This is my fight, too!"
He looked stunned at her insubordination, but then he nodded. "You're right. Just stay behind me."
"Laby-"
"I mean it, Bee Dee. I can't die. You can."
"Okay," she agreed, caving because she couldn't really dispute his point. They got out of the car together.
"Labyrinth. B'Danna. How good to see you again!" Jaybert said. "I'm so sorry to hear Draze is dead. I wanted to do it myself."
B'Danna raised her sword, ready to attack. "B'Danna, stand down!" Laby said firmly.
She stared at him, pain and anger in her eyes. He looked sympathetic. "Don't take the bait. You're smarter than that," Laby added gently.
Jaybert laughed. "Oh, come on... We're old friends here... Family," he said.
"You were never our family," B'Danna said harshly. "You don't know what that word even means."
"You mean because I killed my ditzy little brat of a daughter? She got in my way. She dared to defy me! She was worthless... Weak and powerless."
Laby tensed and moved to attack. B'Danna grabbed his arm. "Laby!" She said firmly. "Don't fall for his mind games."
"She wasn't weak!" Laby shouted. "Tiff was the best of us! She had a pure heart! She... S-she..." He was shaking.
B'Danna gently stroked his back. "Breathe, Laby, and don't lose your focus," she said soothingly.
A squeak alerted B'Danna to a different threat. "You brought one with you?" She demanded. Without looking, she pulled out her gun and fired a shot in the direction of the sound, knowing she'd hit the vizu in the face as it squeaked angrily in pain.
"Vazzlan!" Jaybert cried. "You monster!" He shouted at B'Danna. He lunged forward with impossible speed.
Laby jumped between them, getting impaled by the sword straight in his heart. "Laby!" B'Danna cried in horror.
He was coughing up blood, but she knew he couldn't die. She forced herself to focus on that and not the flashes of Draze taking a bullet that had been meant for her. "Laby, hold on, okay? You're going to be fine," she said.
Jaybert pulled his sword out of Laby. He headed straight for B'Danna. She barely had time to try and defend herself before someone shouted, "No! I shall not allow you to harm the children."
For a moment, B'Danna was certain she was hallucinating and had been gravely injured. Then, Laby stared at the person in shock and asked, "A... A... Ama?" He fainted, possibly from blood loss but most likely from shock.
Amareese stood in all her glory, radiating power and glaring at Jaybert. "Amareese? What an unwelcome surprise," Jaybert said.
"Amareese... How?" B'Danna managed to ask as she knelt beside Laby, applying pressure to his wound. The bleeding had already begun to slow, but he'd take a while to fully recover without a healer.
"Sage decided if that monster could bring back so many evil Eltarians who were dead, she could bring back one good one for balance reasons," Amareese explained. "I had to remain hidden until the time was right. I'm sorry I couldn't reveal myself sooner, my dearest B'Danna."
"You're here now," B'Danna said softly. "How can I help?"
"Tend to Laby. I'll handle Jaybert."
The magical battle which followed was an intense one. Jaybert had incredible power thanks to his first vizu as well as Zell, but Amareese was one of the strongest Sorceresses Eltar had ever seen and she had far more experience than Jaybert when it came to magic. The amount of power they were tossing around would be deadly for anyone who got caught in the crossfire.
"You can't stop me, Amareese!" Jaybert declared. "I killed Flekt, I killed Tiffani, and I killed you! I'll do it again!"
"Not this time," Amareese replied. She sent an especially strong attack at him. Jaybert screamed in pain as he flew into a seizure. "That was for my sweet little Tiffani, you monster."
Amareese knelt beside Laby and B'Danna. "How is he?" She asked.
"I stopped the rest of the bleeding, but he's in pretty bad shape," B'Danna replied.
"Oh, my poor boy..." Amareese said, shaking her head. She began to heal him. Slowly, Laby began to come around.
"Ama... H-how are y-you h-h-here?" Laby finally whispered with tears in his eyes.
"Sage. She's quite impressive," Amareese replied. "It's alright, Laby. I'm here now. I'm not leaving you."
"Mama Ama..." He mumbled. He promptly started sobbing in her arms, clinging to her. "I'm s-sorry..."
"Shhh... None of that, sweet boy," Amareese said soothingly. She held him close to her.
"Your heartbeat..." He whispered.
"It's strong and steady," she said with her infamously patient smile.
It sank in then that Amareese was really back. B'Danna wrapped her arms around her from behind, allowing herself a rare moment of being comforted.
"It's alright, Children... You're safe now," Amareese said soothingly.
That was when Jaybert stood back up. The vizu was beside him, almost fully healed, but its eyes were still not fully back. He'd be a threat soon enough.
"Laby!" Darcy shouted as she came running toward them. "I felt you panicking. What happened?" She noticed Jaybert then.
"Darcy, r-run!" Laby shouted. "That's J-Jay... Get out of h-h-here."
Darcy turned to face Jaybert. "You... You're the asshole who broke my best friend," she said. "You're not hurting anyone ever again."
"You can't kill me, Child," Jaybert said. "I am immortal!"
"Even immortals can die."
"Not me. Great Zell gifted me true immortality by tying my life to my vizu. It's brilliant, for a vizu can never die. As long as he lives, so do I! My heart will never stop beating, no matter what!"
B'Danna felt sick. If that was true, they would never be rid of Jaybert. Laby looked horrified. Amareese stood over them protectively. Darcy, however, suddenly smiled.
"Is that so?" She asked. She turned toward the vizu. "Here, Binky... Come here, Binky," she said sweetly.
It had gotten back to them thanks to Trerry that Zell had referred to the vizu as Jaybert's "pacifier," keeping him calm and docile. Trerry had dubbed the vizu "Binky" because of this. Once Zeke had gotten ahold of it, the nickname had sort of stuck.
"His name is Vazzlan!" Jaybert protested in outrage and indignation.
"No, it's Binky now. Isn't it, Binky?" Darcy asked.
Binky the vizu approached Darcy eagerly. It sniffed at her hand before she began to pet it. "Good Binky," Darcy said soothingly. Its eyes fully healed as she did, much to B'Danna's horror. She was about to shout a warning when Darcy looked at the vizu and very calmly said, "Now... Attack."
In an instant, Binky the vizu ran toward Jaybert. It knocked him to the ground and growled threateningly before clawing his chest and slashing it open.
"Keep going, Binky," Darcy said.
Jaybert screamed in agony. "Vazzlan, how could you?" He demanded. He looked genuinely hurt and betrayed. It was pretty comical to B'Danna despite the gruesomeness of the attack.
In response to the question, Binky the vizu ripped Jaybert's still-beating heart out of his chest. It continued to beat as all signs of life left Jaybert's eyes. Darcy manifested fire and set Jaybert's body ablaze. It quickly burned to nothing but ash.
His heart was still beating steadily in Binky's paws. "He wasn't kidding," Darcy said. "Go on, Binky. You know what to do."
Binky proceeded to swallow Jaybert's heart with a delighted squeak.
"I think I'm gonna be sick..." Laby mumbled.
"Puke later. Labyrinth now," Darcy said. "Trap it like you trapped his last one, in a tiny labyrinth of mirrors. Binky will be stuck for eternity and Jaybert's body won't be able to be resurrected because he's not actually dead. His heart is still beating and trapped inside of Binky."
"Darcy... You're brilliant," Laby said in awe. "It'll work, right, Ama?"
"Ama? As in Amareese?" Darcy asked in surprise.
"Indeed," Amareese confirmed. "And yes, Laby. I think this is the only way to stop Jaybert for good."
Laby set to work on creating a tiny labyrinth that B'Danna assumed was identical to the one he'd trapped Jaybert's original vizu in.
"Thanks for taking such good care of him, Amareese," Darcy said. "He doesn't talk about anyone from your Chapter much because of the trauma of what happened, but he's mentioned you were basically his surrogate mother."
"Laby is a wonderful boy. Being able to guide him and nurture him was a gift," Amareese replied.
"Got it!" Laby declared as Binky the vizu vanished. B'Danna knew that was the last they'd see of Jaybert.
"Well... That was eventful," B'Danna said. "Now... I need to head to Tommy Oliver's place, but my car's dead."
Amareese snapped her fingers and the engine roared to life. "It was simply Jaybert's spell," she said.
"You're the best, Ama," B'Danna said. She hugged Amareese again, taking comfort in her embrace.
"I love you, B'Danna. I've missed you."
"I... love you, too," B'Danna admitted softly. She'd never told her that before, but she should have. Amareese had been the first truly maternal figure in B'Danna's life. Sure, she'd had Lady Eleanor, but she wasn't exactly the most nurturing. She'd helped B'Danna become strong, and she'd clearly cared for her, but she lacked Amareese's gentle nature.
"Go on. I'll ensure Laby and Darcy remain safe." She released B'Danna, sending her on her way to complete her mission.
"He's gone, Draze," she said softly as she drove. "He won't be back this time." She knew he heard her somehow as a butterfly flew into the path of her headlights. With that, B'Danna was able to put the night's events in the back of her mind and focus on the task Denni had assigned to her.