Kali scanned her surroundings and smiled lightly. A waterfall descended over the rocks ahead of her, and a litter of fine leaves were scatted on the ground near the shoreline. It looked almost like the entrance they had just left in the future.
"Did it work?" Cam asked. "This all looks the same."
"It worked," said Kali, taking a deep breath.
"How can you tell?"
"I can sense it. Close your eyes, you can feel the difference in the air. The magic gives off a different aura than what I am used to feeling."
Cam glanced at her and smiled at the calmness on her face. He then froze at the sound of clicks approaching from behind. Turning on the spot, Cam took a hesitant step backwards causing Kali to turn around, too.
"Oh. Hello," Kali breathed, reaching out to touch the head of the magnificent black horse. The horse snorted and pressed his head against her palm.
"How did you do that?" the man on top of the horse asked. He was wearing a black ninja gi with red accents, identical to the one that Shane wore during training. "He's normally wary of people."
Kali glanced up and cocked her head to the side. "Believe me when I tell you that this horse and I are going to have a lot of run-ins one day," she said, scratching the horse behind the ears. "Isn't that right, Catastros?"
"Who are you?" the Ninja asked.
"First, answer my question," said Kali. "What year is it?"
The ninja cocked his head to the side. "1973."
Kali glanced back at Cam. "Thirty years," she murmured.
"Why is that an issue?" the Ninja inquired.
"Not an issue, exactly," said Kali, turning back to the Ninja. "More of a concern, at least on my part."
The Ninja shook his head and jumped down from Catastros back. "How did you get here?" he asked. "Not many people stumble across this place by accident."
"Unless they're meant to be here, right?" Kali asked.
The Ninja stared at her through his headgear. It was a little unnerving, but Kali was used to things that unnerved others. "Who are you?" he repeated.
"My name's Kali."
"And him?"
"Cam," Kali answered. "Who are you?"
"That doesn't matter," the Ninja said, shaking his head. "Regardless of whether you're meant to be here or not, no one gets into the academy without the password. Do you know it?"
Kali hesitated and turned to Cam.
"Air, Water, and Earth as one," Cam said, confidently.
"Sorry. Wrong answer," the Ninja said, lunging forward.
Kali turned and held out her hand. She hit the Ninja in the chest and blasted him backwards across the clearing, he remained standing but looked dazed and confused. Shaking his head, he narrowed his eyes at Kali and stepped forward,
"How did you do that?" the Ninja asked. "The only people who have that kind of magic are -"
"The Mystics," said Kali, nodding. "Yeah. I'm aware."
The ninja swept Kali over from head to toe and he folded his arms. "Who are you?" he asked again. But this time Kali knew he meant to know more than just her name.
Kali sighed. "Look, my name is Kali," she said. "But I do go by another. Problem is, she doesn't exist yet. We can't tell you everything, because, trust me, you a) won't believe us or b) we'll be in a lot of trouble. Just trust me when I tell you we wouldn't be here if we weren't in desperate need of help. It seems, we need your help, or you wouldn't have found us."
The Ninja stared hard at Kali, before relaxing and dropping his arms to his sides. "Fine," he said. "I'll grant you access. But, my sensei would like to see you first."
~X~
The Great Hall, according to Cam, hadn't changed in the slightest after thirty years. It was still expansive and housed several round tables, which were scatted all over the room and surrounded by red, yellow, and blue cushions for students to kneel or sit.
"Is there a certain seating plan or can you sit where you want?" Kali asked.
"New students sit together," said Cam. "The older students are allowed to mingle."
Kali nodded and followed the Ninja through a door to the left. He was taking them to his Sensei.
"Do you think it was wise to slip that you're not technically born yet?" Cam asked, lowering his voice.
"We needed him to trust us," said Kali. "He partly did because I recognised Catastros, I'm guessing that doesn't happen often around here. But he was still wary of us, understandably so, I'd imagine. Besides, something tells me my life won't be affected too badly with what I say here, he's not a mystic. You, on the other hand, need to be careful."
Cam nodded, understanding her concern. Thirty years into the past meant that his parents were around here somewhere. His mother and father had met at this academy when they were students, but where and how was the issue that stood before them. If he were to come in contact with them, he could change his whole future.
The Ninja stopped outside of a door and knocked three times.
"Enter," a voice called.
The door opened, and the Ninja ushered them inside. "Sensei, I caught these intruders," he said, bowing upon entry. "She has magic, powerful magic, I might add, and she knows about the Mystics."
"And him?" Sensei asked, nodding at Cam.
"He led me here," said Kali. "If he didn't know the way, then we wouldn't have found your secret entrance. That should count for something."
Sensei stared at her and then nodded. "Okay. In that case. Kanoi," he turned to his student.
Cam gasped silently, causing Kali to turn to him, her brows furrowed.
"Yes, Sensei?" Kanoi asked, stepping forward.
"Give this young man a test uniform and have him join the new students," Sensei instructed. "We'll soon know if he's meant to be here."
"Test uniforms?" Cam interrupted. "You still have -"
Kali nudged him.
"Until we can decide whether you belong to Air, Earth, or Water, you'll wear no colour," Sensei informed them.
Cam nodded.
"As for you, young lady, a Mystic hasn't graced our halls in centuries," Sensei continued. "You'll stay with me, as a guest of honour. Which Mystic are you, may I ask?"
Kali half-glanced at Cam. "I'm a student mystic, actually," she said. "I study under the Black Mystic - Merlock."
"Ah. Darkness," Sensei nodded. "Powerful, yet fickle, magic."
"Tell me about it," Kali muttered.
With one final sweep, Sensei nodded at Kanoi, ending the meeting. "Oh, one more thing. Kanoi, don't be late for class again," said Sensei. "I'm beginning to question your commitment to your ninja training."
"Yes, Sensei," Kanoi said. He bowed and turned to Cam. "Follow me."
"Good luck," Kali muttered as Cam followed Kanoi from the room.
~X~
An hour later, dressed in his new test uniform, Cam stood amongst other new ninja recruits in front of a large state in the academy grounds. The new group stood the Wind Ninja students, all dressed in their traditional uniforms. He glanced around, and finally found the person he was looking for - Kali stood off to the left-hand side of the stage, her gaze roaming the grounds before locking with his own.
Kali smiled, lightly and reassuringly at him.
"Students, stand at ease," Sensei said, gathering everyone's attention. He stood in the centre of the large stage. "Please join me in welcoming our esteemed guest, all the way from the Mystic Realm of Briarwood." He turned to Kali, as did every eye on the grounds.
Kali felt a rush of warmth spread up her neck and forced an awkward smile as the students, old and new, greeted her in unison.
"Now, in the tradition of the Wind Ninja Academy, we must welcome our new students with a demonstration," Sensei continued. "Our best fighter, Kanoi, will demonstrate the sword techniques of the Wind Ninja."
As Kanoi Watanabe started his routine, Kali glanced at Cam and smiled at the proud look on his face. She paused, and furrowed her brow, however, as she noticed a student in an Earth uniform lean towards her friend. He was identical to Kanoi, and she could guess that he was a twin.
"Something more interesting to you?" Sensei asked.
Kali gave a startled gasp and looked up. "Sorry," she apologised. "I just couldn't help but notice..." she nodded at the student beside Cam.
"Ah. Yes. That would be Kanoi's brother, Kyia," said Sensei. "A bit of a wild card, if I am honest but skilled in his element."
"I bet," Kali muttered.
Sensei considered her and then turned his attention back to his students. "For the next part of our demonstration," he said, walking amongst the recruits. "We shall need a volunteer." He stopped in front of Cam, before moving on to a petite recruit in a headwrap beside him.
Kali cocked her head to the side as she watched the new student take the stage, a wooden sword already in hand.
"But, Sensei, this is a new student," Kanoi said. "The fight is unfair."
"We shall see," Sensei said. "You may begin."
Kanoi gripped the hilt of his sword and turned to the new student. They both bowed in respect of one another, and then Kanoi drew his weapon.
The fight went back and forth for a few seconds, each time with the new student returning their sword to its cover before their next blow. Gasps and whispers swept through the other students and recruits, and Kali couldn't help the grin on her face as she watched the demonstration unfold.
"They don't know, do they?" Kali asked, turning to Sensei.
"Know what?" Sensei asked.
Kali smirked at the all-knowing look on his face. "I'm not the only female present today," she said.
"You catch on quick," said Sensei, turning back to the demonstration.
"Not really," said Kali, shaking her head. "I'm just more observant."
Soon the fight ended with Kanoi on his back and his opponent standing over him, sword back in its sheath and their boot on his arm, pinning him down.
"Excellent, Miko," Sensei congratulated, stepping up onto the stage again.
The new student stepped and Kanoi scuttled backwards and staggered to his feet. "Miko?" he echoed. "That's the name of a girl."
Miko removed her headgear and shook out her hair. Kali drew in a breath, her eyes widening as she recognised the woman on the stage, she quickly turned to find Cam and saw her surprise reflected on his face.
"He's a she. I mean, she's a girl," Kanoi stuttered.
"That seems fairly obvious," Kali said.
"Kanoi, meet your victor - Miko," said Sensei.
Miko bowed.
"But her swordwork - it's not the Wind Ninja way," said Kanoi, shaking his head.
"Very observant. I was trained as a Samurai by my father," Miko explained.
Kanoi turned quickly to his teacher. "Sensei, this school's bound by tradition. There are no women allowed here," he said.
"Why, are you afraid of a girl?" Kiya asked. "Maybe our traditions need to be changed."
"Oh, you like breaking the rules, don't you, brother?" Kanoi asked. "I know what you get up to in your free time."
Kiya took an agitated step forward and pointed at Kanoi. "Watch what you say, brother. One shouldn't make accusations with proof to back them up," he said.
"Enough. This student has displayed impressive skills and will be allowed to enrol here as the first female in the school's history," Sensei said, breaking up the argument.
Kali watched as Kanoi huffed and stormed off the stage, shoulder-checking Kiya as he passed. Meanwhile, Miko beamed and bowed at her new Sensei. As she straightened up, Kali noticed a small green amulet around her neck and watched as Miko tucked it beneath her uniform as she realised others had noticed it, too.
~X~
Cam walked alongside Kali through the academy grounds. The demonstrations had long since ended, and the students had gone back to their usual classes, while recruits wandered around watching and trying to get their bearings.
As she walked, Kali noticed a small camp of grey tents in a nearby clearing. She watched as two recruits ducked inside one tent, and from another came a third recruit. She guessed that this was where the new students stayed before they were assigned an element.
"How are the elements assigned?" Kali asked. "I mean, do you participate in a demonstration like what we just saw, or do you just ... know?"
"Colours aren't assigned until the second month of learning," said Cam. "Recruits take part in each class, and later, during a sort of examination, your element is displayed."
"As there ever been a student that has displayed all three elements?" Kali asked.
"Students take classes for all elements," said Cam. "But one is usually more dominant than the others, and that's typically your chosen element."
"So no one has ever had three dominants?"
"Not that I'm aware," said Cam, shaking his head. "I've always assumed it's the same in the Mystic Realm."
Kali shrugged. "I guess," she agreed. "I mean, my mum, for example, was assigned the element of Earth because she came from the Woodland elves, but she found Darkness easier to master."
"Hey, why do you think dad never told me about Kiya?" Cam asked, suddenly.
"Why didn't he choose you to be a Power Ranger?"
Cam sighed. "But, it can't be just because he wanted to protect me," he said. "He never spoke about his family growing up, and there was never any pictures of him, it's like, he doesn't exist in the future."
"Maybe he doesn't," said Kali. "Maybe something happened and it's hard for your dad to come to grips with. I mean, everyone deals with grief differently, right? Maybe it was just easier to forget that Kiya existed than acknowledge what happened to him?"
"Yeah, maybe," said Cam.
Kali placed her hand on Cam's shoulder. "I am sure he has his reasons for not saying anything," she said. "But, if it means that much to you, we can ask when we get back."
Cam chuckled and nodded. "Deal. What are you doing now?" he asked.
"I'll tell you what I am not doing," said Kali, stopping short and turning to face him. "I am not going to follow you to find your mother."
"I'm not -"
"Please," Kali scoffed. "You lose your mother when you're a small child, and now get the chance to meet her in person, granted you can't tell her who you are, but you still get to talk to her and just be near her in general."
Despite rolling his eyes, Cam couldn't help but smile. "Am I that transparent?" he asked.
"Nope. But, I knew from the minute I recognised her on that stage, I wouldn't be able to keep you away," said Kali. "Come find me when you're done."
"Don't get into trouble," Cam warned.
"Who, me?" Kali teased. She grinned at the look Cam shot her.
The two parted ways.
~X~
Catastros whinnied as Kali approached him. His dark eyes followed her every move and he snorted as she brushed the pads of her fingers against his snout.
"You never explained how you know him," said Kanoi, appearing from the stables.
"I did, actually," said Kali.
Kanoi cocked his head to the side. "I remember you saying 'one day you'll have run-ins," he answered. "I also remember you saying that you go by another name, although she doesn't exist. What did you mean?"
"What do you think I meant?"
"I think you meant that you aren't from this time," said Kanoi. "You sounded pretty surprised when I told you the year. What do thirty years mean? Are you from thirty years into the future, or the past, even?"
Kali turned her attention back to Catastros. "I can't tell you everything," she said. "Or even which end of the time spectrum we are from. But, trust me when I do say that we wouldn't be here if it wasn't necessary. There is evil in our time, an evil that has run us into the ground, and there is something in this time that can help us win."
"Do you have any idea the consequences of your actions could cause?" Kanoi asked. "If you're from the future, confronting your past could alter things. Are you willing to risk that?"
"We're here, aren't we?" Kali asked. "That, alone, should tell you how far we're willing to go."
"So you are from the future?"
Kali stared at Catastros, brushing his mane with her hands.
"Are you even a real mystic?"
"Yes. But I'm not taught under Merlock," Kali explained.
Kanoi stared at her. "Who are you?" he insisted.
Kali dropped her hand for a second time and turned to face him. "As you said, my actions in this time have consequences," she said, folding her arms. "I can't tell you who I am, or what I am here for, mainly because I don't know myself. But I do know that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."
"Kanoi!"
Kali and Kanoi looked up as another student hurried towards them. He stopped beside Kanoi, whispered quickly into his ear and then stepped back, staring at Kali with an expressionless face. Kanoi, however, looked concerned as he met Kali's gaze. "Your friend has been caught stealing from another student," he said.
"Cam?" Kali asked. "Are you sure you've got the right person?"
"He was identified by the victim," said Kanoi.
"What are you going to do to him?"
"He'll be placed under arrest by academy guards," Kanoi explained. "And face a trial in front of the whole school. If found guilty, he will be banished."
Kali's eyes widened. "But, you can't -" she protested.
"I'm sorry," Kanoi said. "But it's out of my hands. I just thought you ought to know." He turned and left her alone with Catastros.
~X~
Has Cam was led away by Academy guards, Kali felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle and a tug around her navel pulled her further into the trees. She followed the feeling deep into the undergrowth, before coming out onto a small clearing near a stream. There, she found Kia, Earth Ninja and Kanoi's twin brother, hunched over and muttering to himself. She crept closer, trying to see what he was doing, only to pause as a twig snapped beneath her boots and Kia flew to his feet.
"You!" Kia snarled, glaring at her. "What are you doing sneaking around here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," said Kali. "You stole the amulet and framed Cam, didn't you?"
"Your friend incriminated himself," said Kia. "I'm not the only one with my eyes on a prize, it would seem."
Kali clenched her hands into fists. "There's a difference between your desires for the amulet and Cam's," she said. "He can use it for good. I doubt your intentions will be anything but."
Kia laughed. "This amulet holds great power, which is neither good nor evil, and once it is unleashed, nothing will stop it. Nothing will stop me from harnassing it and becoming more powerful than possibly imagined."
"What's stopping me from taking it from you now?" Kali asked.
"I'd like to see you try."
Kali flexed her hands and then took a running leap into the air. "Hellhound fury!" she yelled, punching the ground as she landed and sending a shockwave across the clearing. Kia stumbled into a tree, and his eyes widened as he stared at Kali.
"You're more than just a Mystic," Kia murmured. "You're the legendary Hellhound of the Mystic Realm."
"And I have more than enough power to take you down," said Kali. "So, how about you make it easier on yourself? Hand over the amulet and turn yourself in."
Kia smirked and shook his head. "I have a better idea, Hellhound," he said, casting aside the amulet. "I'll leave the little trinket and take you instead." He raised his hands and curled his fingers inwards, towards his palms. The ground started to shake and vines exploded from the soil, surging through the air towards Kali.
Kali snapped open her mystic Morpher, and swiped it through the air, hovering it over her left shoulder. "Shield!" she yelled, as a transparent barrier appeared between her and the vines. The barrier rippled with black energy as the vines tried to get through. Finally, they relented and disappeared, but Kia was running full sprint at Kali and tackled her as she relinquished her shield in preparation to fight.
Kali grunted as she and Kia rolled across the ground. Each one fighting for the upper hand. When they stopped, Kali was on her back and Kia had her pinned, a smug smirk on his face. "Got you!" he said.
"Don't bet on it," said Kali, glaring up at him. She felt a warmth pool in her stomach and then surge up towards her chest. She closed her eyes and opened them when Kia screamed out in surprise. He hovered above her, surrounded by a black cloud of energy.
"Put me down!" Kia snarled.
"Sure," said Kali. "But first, you're going to have to do something for me."
~X~
"My judgement is -"
"Not guilty!" Kali called, pushing through the crowd and shoving Kia onto his knees at the foot of the stage. She looked from Cam to Kanoi, to Miko, and then finally to Sensei. "Cam didn't steal the amulet, Kia did. I found him in the woods trying to use dark ninja magic to open it."
Kia scoffed. "And, here I thought the Hellhound would know how to have a good time," he said, glancing up at her.
Kali sneered at him as whispers flickered through the crowd at the mention of the Hellhound.
"Any use of the dark powers will bring immediate expulsion," Sensei said, looking down upon Kia. "This is the first rule of the Wind Ninja Academy. Have you anything to say, Kia?"
"Not really," said Kia, slowly getting back to his feet. "I'm more a man of action." He looked down at his hands and then swiftly turned and blasted Sensei, Kanoi, and Miko aside. Kali felt the other Ninjas pushing at her from all sides, some were trying to get at Kia, to stop him while others, mainly new students, were trying to get out of his way.
Turning on the spot, Kia met Kali's eye and lunged at her through the crowd. Kali side-stepped and blasted Kia back with an energy ball.
"I will get what I want," Kia swore.
"Not from me," said Kali. "You are correct in assuming that I am the Hellhound, which means that I can sense any oncoming dark attack. You can't pull the wool over my eyes and take me by surprise!"
"Maybe not," said Kia. "But you, just like all humans, have a weakness."
Before Kali had a chance to respond, Kia blasted past her and towards Cam. The boy raised his still shackled hands, in an attempt to protect himself, but it was no use. The attack sent him staggering across the stage.
"Cam!" Kali called, rushing over to her friend.
"Everything was going great until you pair turned up," Kia hissed, storming the stage and rushing at the pair.
"Stop!" Kanoi shouted.
Kia turned to his brother. "This is between me and the new kids!" he said. He turned back to Cam and Kali and raised his hands into the air. A domed forcefield surrounded the trio, blocking out all other parties.
Taking the amulet from Kali, Cam slipped it around his neck and faced off against Kia. "Sorry to spoil your fun," he said.
"You want to make it up to me, hand over the Amulet!" said Kia, picking up a wooden training sword.
Kali rolled her eyes.
"I can't do that," said Cam, picking up the second amulet.
"Well, then..." said Kia, his grip tightening on his sword. "I'll have to take it from you."
"Try it," said Kali, creating an energy ball in her hands.
With a yell, both Cam and Kia surged toward one another. Their blades met with a crack.
"You're a stubborn one," said Kia.
"Runs in the family," Cam replied.
"Just give me the amulet. Or you'll regret ever crossing my path."
"Like I already don't!"
Kali rolled her eyes. "We don't have time for chit chat, Cam," she called. "Finish him already!"
With a laugh, Kia pushed Cam aside and turned his sword onto Kali. "You want another piece of me, Hellhound?" he asked. "Let's see how you fare in a fight without your powers."
"No!" said Cam, cutting across Kia's path. "Your fight is with me, not her."
"Fine. I'll deal with you first," said Kia, raising his sword above his head. He brought the sword down, crashing it against Cam's before sweeping his feet out from beneath him.
Kali held her breath as Cam hit the stage on his back, and Kia bearing down on him, forcing his sword against Cam's and pressing it into his chest.
"You put up quite a fight," Kia said. "But prepare to meet your end."
"No!" Kali yelled. She had barely taken a step forward when a bright light exploded from the amulet around Cam's neck. The light cleared and two gleaming tendrils of green energy had wrapped themselves around Kia's wrists, hoisted him into the air, and pressed him against the forcefield. There was a spark, and then Kia landed with a thump on the stage as the forcefield disappeared.
The rest of the academy guard surged forward, seizing Kia and forcing him to his feet.
"What the hell was that?" Kali asked, looking between Cam and the amulet.
"It looks like the Samurai amulet has found its rightful owner," said Miko, smiling at Cam.
"What? But this is yours, I can't take it," Cam protested.
"You must," Miko insisted. "That's why you came here, isn't it?"
Kali bit the inside of her cheek and shrugged as Cam looked her way. They had come searching for a weapon that they could use against Madtropolis, but they had no idea it would be something that already belonged to someone else.
"You think you can stop me from harnessing the darkest power in the universe?" Kia growled as he struggled against his restraints. "I will rule this world and all others within my reach."
"You've brought this fate upon yourself," said Sensei, striding forward. "You will be cast adrift in the universe where your dark ninja powers may cause no harm! You are hereby stripped of your ninja rank, and the man known as Kia will no longer exist."
"I have no use for your archaic way or worthless name," Kia sneered. "From now on, I will take the name of the ancient warrior of evil!"
Kali squeezed Cam's arm as he bristled beside her.
"From this point forth, I will be known as... Lothor!" Kia announced.
"No!" Cam yelled, starting forward. Kali's grip on his arm tightened and she hauled him back, shaking her head as he met her gaze.
Sensei extended his hand and a familiar clear ball encased Lothor.
"I will not forget the part you played in this, brother!" Lothor snarled, pointing at Kanoi. "Or you, Hellhound," he turned to Kia. "This will not be the last time you see me! I will have my revenge!"
"I'm counting on that," Kali muttered.
"Begone, Lothor!" Sensei said, throwing Lothor into space.
"No!" Cam called. "He has to be destroyed! What if he comes back?"
"We can only judge someone by their actions in the present," said Sensei. "Not by a future we cannot see."
From the corner of her eye, Kali saw Kanoi glance in her direction.
"Please, trust me on this. We have to destroy him now," said Cam.
Kali cocked her head to the side as a light glowed from inside Cam's pocket. She nudged him and nodded at it, realising all too quickly that it was the Scroll of Time as Cam took it out and unrolled it.
"We're out of time!" Cam cried, glancing at Kali.
"We finished what we set out to do," said Kali, shaking her head. "It's time to go home."
Cam hesitated and glanced at Miko.
"I know what you're thinking, genius," said Kali, reading his face. "But you can't. I'm sorry."
Cam sighed and nodded. "Thank you," he said to Miko. "You have no idea how much these last few hours have meant to me."
Miko smiled, and the look on her face told Kali that she did know what Cam meant. "Goodbye, Cam," she said, squeezing his hand. "Good luck."
As the Scroll of Time expanded, Kali turned to Kanoi and nodded. "Thank you," she said, following Cam through the portal.