Broken Spell Part Two

Despite having his enemies at his mercy, Koragg did not attempt to destroy them. For where was the honor in beating a weaker or a fallen opponent?

"On your feet," commanded Koragg. "Darkness has come and I will have victory over you!"

Shakily, everyone rose to their feet whilst keeping their eyes upon Koragg.

Udonna's eyes narrowed as she stood protectively in front of the Rangers. "Stay behind me. You are not yet ready to take on a creature this strong," she warned. No one dared to disobey as Udonna stepped forward. "I am Udonna. Queen of the Mystic Woods and White Sorceress. But I am at a disadvantage for I do not know you, warrior. However, if it's a fight you desire, then you'll find that I'm more than ready to meet you in battle."

Koragg sheathed his sword. "I am Koragg the Knight Wolf. Remember my face, for it shall be the last you ever see. Unday Vegor Catastros! Ride up from your depth!" He thrust out his hand and from a dark seal, came a mighty black steed clad in silver armor. "Centaur Runiforce Cecrestras!" Koragg leapt into the air and went through another dark seal, causing both him and his steed to grow in size before they joined as one. "Power of the Centaur!"

"Centaur!" exclaimed Chip, longingly. He pouted. "I want one!"

"Chip!" hissed Vida, in exasperation.

"Sorry."

The earth shook as Koragg landed on the forest floor. He cackled smugly. "You are now just pebbles beneath my hooves!"

Udonna immediately took action. "Magical Source, Mystic Force!" When the transformation was complete, Udonna thrust out her wand. "Gobin Mysto Triviearl!" Suddenly, Udonna grew to Koragg's exact size.

Within moments, the two were doing battle. Udonna made the first move. "Energy of light, fire!" A steady beam of icy magic shot straight out of her Snow Staff, but just bounced harmlessly off Koragg's shield.

"Darkness defeats light," he said, smugly. When Udonna charged at him, Koragg rose up and kicked her hard, injuring her.

"Have I seen you before, Wizard?" demanded Udonna, as their weapons struck each other. "You seem too familiar." Udonna couldn't place it but she just knew that somehow, she and Koragg had met once before. But how that was possible, she had no idea.

"As are you, Witch!" snarled Koragg. "But that will not stop me from destroying you! Behold! The Eye of the Master!"

Koragg's shield opened, revealing a bright red gemstone that resembled an eye. Before Udonna could react, dark magic burst out of the eye and sent her flying. Horribly weakened, Udonna leaned on her Snow Staff for support as she tried to catch her breath and was left vulnerable as Koragg charged her and struck her so hard with his sword that Udonna's Snow Staff went flying and she crumbled to the ground, injured, demorphed and unarmed.

"Udonna!"

Quickly, Mason and the others ran to Udonna's side and helped her to stand.

Koragg grabbed the Snow Staff from the forest floor. "I should end you where you stand but for now, your lives will be spared so that you may witness firsthand the destruction and terror that unfolds upon your land. Remember this day for it will be your last." He waved his hand. "Unday Assasstos!" A dark rune appeared and Koragg vanished.

XXX

Meanwhile, Natalia and Clare were making their way through the wood.

Despite the walls Natalia normally kept up, she found herself at ease with Clare and as the two of them conversed, they became fast friends. Though Clare's skills in magic were lacking, she more than made up for it with her friendliness and innocent nature. It tugged at Natalia's heartstrings and privately, in her deepest of hearts she wished she were as lucky as Clare seemed to be. Clare, on the other hand, thought Natalia was beautiful and envied how Natalia was one of the prophesied five, despite how much Natalia protested that it wasn't the truth.

Their walk ceased when an unexpected chill settled in the air and snow began falling all around them, despite the skies being clear.

"What the—snow? But there's not a cloud in sight," murmured Natalia, puzzled.

Clare paled. "Oh, no. Udonna! She's in trouble and so are the others!"

Mason. Natalia's heart clenched with fear. I hope he's okay. She barely knew the young man but for some reason, Natalia felt a connection to Mason and she didn't want him to get hurt. She took a step forward but then stopped. I can't go back. I can't help them or be the leader Udonna's deluded herself into thinking I am. I'd just get them all hurt or worse. Magic's never believed in me, so why should I believe in it?

"Go after them. Make sure they're safe. Tell them to let me know afterwards," murmured Natalia. Just because she wasn't sticking around in Briarwood didn't mean she couldn't be concerned. "I can see myself the rest of the way."

Clare looked relieved but then concerned. "Are you sure? You can come with me. I'm sure they'd like it if you stayed. I know I would."

Natalia was touched by Clare's sentiment but the sorceress-in-training was sorely mistaken. "I'm sure. Trust me, I don't belong there. Go."

Seeing that Natalia couldn't be dissuaded, Clare reluctantly left Natalia.

XXX

Down in the Underworld, Koragg's victory was being celebrated.

The Hidiacs and Styxoids were cheering in awe of their master's success. Having defeated the legendary White Sorceress was a feat unto itself, but to have succeeded in stealing the greatest source of her power, the Snow Staff, was an even greater accomplishment. The power of Udonna's Snow Staff meant untold, limitless possibilities for the Master and his forces, more riches and more victories easily won once the Snow Staff's power was properly harnessed. It was truly a momentous day for the darkness and a poor one for the light.

"Our first victory!" cried Koragg, as he swung around Udonna's Snow Staff like the trophy it'd become. "Hail to the Master! Hail!"

The cheering quieted down when Morticon arose from his throne. He was pleased with their victory but he did not trust Koragg and had his own plans. And those plans started with the undermining and discrediting of the Knight Wolf.

"Koragg, you are a great warrior, I will grant you that, but you have much to learn as a sorcerer," said Morticon, patronizingly. Tendrils of black magic began snaking out of his hand. "You will give me the Snow Staff so that I may learn to control its power!"

Morticon expected his compulsion spell to work and for Koragg to hand over the Snow Staff but a surprise came Morticon's way when Koragg did not succumb to the spell and instead angrily pulled away from Morticon's vile touch.

"Never!" yelled Koragg. Dark magic swirled around his clenched fist, warning Morticon to back off. "We may share the same goal of conquering the surface world, Morticon, but that is where our alliance ends! My allegiance is to the Master and him alone! Do you I think I'm such a fool that I don't see through your lies? You are a fool and that will be your undoing!"

Steam blew out of Morticon's ears, quite literally at Koragg's bluntness. Regardless of it being truth or fiction, Morticon did not take kindly to being insulted or it being said that Morticon's true loyalties were to himself and not the Master.

"YOU DARE—!" roared Moticon, as the throne room shook.

Instead of being intimidated, Koragg stood his ground. "I dare because I speak the truth and I am the Master's faithful servant!" growled Koragg. "If you are such a great warrior, Morticon, then why can you not leave this pit?"

At the insinuation that Morticon was weak, he finally lost his temper and drew his sword as Koragg did the same.

"HOW DARE YOU!" yelled Morticon. "You know as well as I do that I am so powerful that you cannot conjure a spell strong enough to release me!" The crack in gate had allowed Koragg and the other dark minions to escape, but it was too weak for Morticon to gain entrance to the surface world. But Morticon had no intention of keeping it that way. "But when you do find a way and I get out, no one will be safe from my wrath! NO ONE!"

No matter how long it took, no matter what the cost, Morticon would escape and when he did, the realms would taste his revenge.

XXX

After regrouping at Rootcore, it was discovered with great relief that Udonna's injuries were not great and she still had her wand. It was a relief that Udonna could still use her magic and no one had been seriously hurt or worse in the recent battle but there was still a price to be paid.

"Without my Snow Staff, my powers are of no use on the battlefield," explained Udonna. "But fortunately, I can still train you. I can teach you all the ways of magic, just as I once was. You will learn how to use your powers and how to better control them."

Mason and the others exchanged thrilled looks. "Great. So, where do we begin?"

Udonna smiled. "We will begin with your wands." Once again, she passed them out to their owners. "Now that you know what it's like on the battlefield without them, I trust you will not make the same mistake twice?"

"Absolutely not. We've learned our lesson," promised Xander. "But with all due respect, it would be better if our wands didn't look like wands. I mean, it's all well and good for Chip—" Xander beckoned to the Yellow Ranger, who was play fighting with his wand. "—but if we're seen walking around with these, it's going to raise questions we can't afford to ask. So, can you—?"

Udonna nodded understandingly. "I can indeed." She raised her hand. "Utum Zoray." There was a flash of light and the wands changed into identical black and gold morphers in the form of flip cell phones with the Mystic Warrior symbol. When the cell phones were flipped open, each morpher bore the Ranger's individual symbol. "Clare and I have been studying Briarwood for some time. I hope that these will better blend in whilst you're in the city. Are they to your liking?"

Vida eagerly nodded. "They're perfect. Thanks. I never thought I'd be this excited about having a wand."

"They're more than just your wands, Vida. They are your Mystic Morphers," explained Udonna. "They're activated by spell codes, which you will learn throughout this journey. Now, I know you must all be very excited to learn, but for now, I think it is best that you return to your normal lives." Her smile faded and was replaced with a stern, serious look and her voice was full of foreboding. "For now, go back to the city and wait until you're summoned. But I would warn you to be on your guard and be careful whom you trust, for there is evil everywhere and those who oppose us will not hesitate to deceive and use you and your powers to achieve their own ends and nor will they care for any innocents who stand in their way. So, you must speak of this to no one. Is that understood, Rangers?"

Everyone quickly murmured in agreement. They would be on their guard and exercise the utmost caution when not on duty. Their lives and the lives of countless innocents as well as that of their loved ones depended on it. The survival of the realms lay in their hands now and they could not let anyone down. But to be fair, even the Rangers were to tell anyone of what they'd experienced, who would believe them? No one. They couldn't tell anyone of their new lives as Mystic Rangers, not unless they wanted to get thrown into the nut house.

"When you go back, would you give this to Natalia?" asked Clare, as she held out Natalia's morpher. "If she decides to come back, she'll need this."

Udonna sighed as Mason took Natalia's morpher. "Clare, your heart is in the right place, but I fear it's for naught. Natalia has made it clear that she wants no part of this and nor does she believe in magic. We cannot force her to change if she does not wish it."

"We can't just give up on her either!" protested Clare. "You didn't give up on me when anyone else would've, especially after all the mistakes I've made. Like when I broke the crystal ball, or when I dried up the lake or when I turned myself into a sheep or when I—"

"That was different," interrupted Udonna. In spite of the stern expression she wore, Udonna's tone was gentle and compassionate. "You're my niece, my kin. I could never give up on you. And even if that were not so, you were unwilling to give up despite your mistakes. Natalia has not done that."

Mason, who'd been quietly reflecting on Natalia's actions, spoke up. The way Natalia had talked when she'd emerged from the fire, the way she'd taken charge and her body language all spoke a different story than the one Udonna was painting. There had to be more to Natalia than what was first seen. He could feel it.

"Then why were five warriors prophesied when there's only four of us now? Besides, it's probably not that simple as a matter of disbelief in magic. You saw what we all did: Natalia came out of the fire without a scratch on her, she led the charge to fight, and you said that she was our leader. Maybe there's more to this than we think we can see," said Mason. When Udonna hesitated, Mason quickly added, "Udonna, please. Maybe we can talk to Natalia again, get her to see the truth."

Vida, Xander and Chip all murmured in agreement. They didn't know Natalia well but they'd seen what she was like, what she was capable of. They couldn't explain it but they felt a connection to the strange girl who'd wandered in their lives and they wanted to keep her there, if not as their leader then as their friend if nothing else.

"Before Natalia sent me back, she seemed like she wanted to help but didn't think she could," added Clare. "I know what that's like. Please, Aunt Udonna? If we give up on one of our own now, then what's to stop us from giving up on everything else?"

Udonna was quiet as she contemplated this. "Very well," she said, finally. She went to the crystal ball. "Show us the whereabouts of whom we seek." The crystal glowed and then showed Natalia sitting outside a restaurant two blocks away from the Rock Porium, eating a lunch consisting of a spicy chicken sandwich and raspberry milkshake. Her bike was nowhere in sight, showing that Natalia still had no means of transporting herself outside the city just yet, which gave them time to convince her to stay. "She's still in town. Mason, wait for Natalia at your place of employment. I will join you in speaking with Natalia. Understood?"

Mason sighed in relief as he nodded. "Yes, Udonna."

Clare looked thrilled. "Can I come too? I'll show you the way out of the woods."

Udonna shook her head. "No, I need you to stay put for now. You still have work to be done." A small smile tugged at Udonna's lips as Clare pouted. "And you four must find your own way back. To this, you need only remember that trees are your way back."

Mason and the others exchanged confused looks but no one questioned Udonna's words. They didn't think she'd fully explain it anyway even if they did ask.

XXX

Back in the Underworld, Koragg was pacing, muttering over and over to himself about the time approaching, which did not sit well with Morticon and Necrolai. Koragg's decision to keep the Snow Staff for his own infuriated them both and they were beginning to wonder if Koragg's devout loyalty to the Master wasn't what Koragg said it was.

"He's not to be trusted!" hissed Necrolai, as she and Morticon watched Koragg's behavior.

Morticon snorted. "And you are?" Despite being allies against the surface world, there was no trust to be held in the darkness, only evil and self-interest. Without waiting for a reply, Morticon stormed over to Koragg. "Koragg! I want you and your Hidiacs to do something for me!"

XXX

Though they were sure they wouldn't get lost in the woods this time, Mason and the others still walked through the woods feeling confused and disoriented. Udonna's cryptic instructions about the trees didn't make much sense to any of them, not even to Chip, who prided himself on being a riddle master and expert on fantasy lore.

"I don't get it," said Chip, after they'd walked a good distance. "How can a tree be our passage back home? It doesn't make any sense." As if for proof, Chip touched a thick birch tree in front of him but nothing happened. "I mean, are we supposed to see a tree in our heads and just—whoa!" A gap in the tree appeared and there was bright flash of light before Chip was sucked in through the tree. After a moment, Chip returned looking excited. "Hey, guys, look! This is so cool! Just imagine the tree outside of the Rock Porium, touch the tree and bam! You're flying through roots, branches, stems and bark and you're outside the store!"

Mason and Vida looked excited but Xander remained skeptical, which was foolish on his part considering what they'd all been through that day.

"No, no, no, no! There is no way that this can—whoa!" One touch and suddenly, Xander fell through the portal in the tree and landed outside the Rock Porium, narrowly avoided Natalia's bike the process. After taking a minute to pick himself up, Xander realized he'd been sorely mistaken. "Okay, so it can work. My bad. Oof!"

Xander face-planted with the road as Mason, Vida and Chip all came through at one and fell on top of Xander, creating a mess of a human pyramid in the process.

"Sorry, Xander," grunted Mason, as he helped his friends stand up.

"Uh…" Suddenly, everyone's attention was diverted at the sound of Toby's voice. Their employer was standing right outside his store, looking very confused as to how his employees had just appeared via a tree. "Did you guys just…? From the tree?"

Quickly, Xander feigned ignorance and the others followed suit, leaving Toby at a loss to explain what he thought he'd just seen.

Deciding to test it for himself, Toby walked over to the tree and rammed his head against the sturdy trunk, which quickly proved to be a mistake, as it only gave him a throbbing lump the size of an egg and a dark bruise.

"Ow," moaned Toby, as he nursed his aching head. He didn't know what he'd seen or how, but he wasn't going to dwell on it. It wasn't worth the pain. "That's it! No more mushroom pizza after midnight for me."

XXX

After finishing her lunch, Natalia wasted no time in returning to her bike repairs and she did so with some speed as she was anxious to get what she'd come for and then leave Briarwood altogether. The sooner she was out of the city, the better. She felt a pang of guilt knowing that she was leaving Mason and the others to fend for themselves in Udonna's war, but Natalia knew it was for the best. She wasn't a leader or a Mystic Warrior. And Natalia knew that while Udonna and the Rangers were friendly and caring now, once they knew the truth about Natalia, they'd see Natalia as she saw herself: a monster, and she'd be cast out. Rejected. She couldn't endure that.

Natalia was almost finished with the repairs on her bike when she heard a familiar voice.

"Hey."

Natalia looked up and couldn't help but smile at the sight of Mason as he approached her. "Hey. What brings you here?"

"I was hoping to catch you before you left," said Mason, smiling. "So, uh…what're you going to do once you're done fixing your bike?"

Without looking up as she twisted her bike's mirror back on, Natalia replied, "Well, after I'm done with this, I'm going to City Hall to check some records. And then after that, I guess I'll go to the next town and check into a motel for the night. After that…" Natalia shrugged. "I don't know where I'll go. Wherever the road takes me, I guess."

In hindsight, it probably would've been better to plan beyond that of traveling to Briarwood and checking the city's records for the answers to her questions, but a nomadic lifestyle was all Natalia had ever known as a military brat. She'd never really settled anywhere, never stayed in one place for very long. Wherever the wind blew, wherever the road took her, that's where she went. And while Natalia knew that one day, she'd have to stop and settle down, she didn't plan on that day being today.

Mason's brow wrinkled in concern. "On your own? Isn't there anyone you could stay with?" He winced upon realizing how incredibly rude and nosy that sounded. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have—"

"It's fine," interrupted Natalia, quickly. If anyone else had asked, she wouldn't have reacted so calmly but Mason was different. She sighed as she realized she wasn't going to get out of this without giving Mason some answers. "But if you must know, there isn't anyone. My parents died six months ago and I don't have any extended family. That's why I've been traveling on my own."

Mason gave Natalia a sympathetic look. "I'm so sorry."

Natalia waved it off. "Don't stress yourself. I'm past it. Besides, being a military brat, I'm used to traveling. I've never stuck around anywhere more than a couple years, so this isn't new to me."

"Doesn't it get hard leaving friends all the time?" asked Mason, curiously.

Natalia shook her head and tried to ignore the ache in her heart. "Believe it or not, you're the first friend I've ever really had. I don't usually stick around long enough to have them."

Mason winced and then looked nervous. "Well, maybe you could change that. I mean, I know it must be great to see the world all the time but maybe you could stick around for a while. Like here, maybe. I know my sister and the guys would love having you in town."

Natalia smiled. She appreciated what Mason was trying to do but it wasn't going to work. Believe me, Mason, I'd stay if I could. But I can't. I'm better off alone and you're all better off without me. Aloud, she said, "No offense, but I think it's better if I just leave Briarwood as soon as possible. I don't belong here."

"Well, I disagree but…" Mason fell quiet as he nervously scuffed at the ground with the toe of his sneakers and then his gaze fell away from Natalia's.

Natalia's brow wrinkled in concern at Mason's nervousness. What's got him so scared? He hadn't seemed this nervous talking to her when they'd first met and he'd fought the Hidiacs with great courage. What could've changed that so quickly?

"What is it? You can tell me. I'm not going to bite," said Natalia, half-teasing, half-serious.

Mason took a deep breath to steady himself. "I know you don't think so, but you were amazing back there. I wish you'd stayed. We could've really used your help back there. We were attacked again and Udonna lost her Snow Staff to some monster who calls himself Koragg."

Natalia's heart sank and she looked away as she resumed fixing her bike. Touched as she was by Mason's faith in her abilities, Natalia couldn't risk giving in. Relinquishing control was not an option, not for her, not ever.

"Thanks, but you're wrong. I'm sorry to hear about Udonna, but there wasn't anything I could've done to change what happened. Is she okay?"

"I'm perfectly all right."

Natalia and Mason nearly jumped out of their skins as Udonna appeared out of thin air, wearing a more modern white dress complete with a lace-patterned coat and white scarf. But no one was looking at Udonna as everyone's gaze was Natalia. She'd taken a defensive position, expecting an attack, but instead of clenched fists, balls of fire were in Natalia's hands and the flames shot up to her shoulders. Both Mason and Udonna looked amazed to see Natalia's power but much to their confusion, Natalia looked horrified at the sight of the flames.

"No, no, no! This isn't happening! Not again!" hissed Natalia, panicked. What if someone besides Mason or Udonna saw her do this? She'd be cast out or worse, locked up. Quickly, Natalia took a deep breath and closed her eyes, willing the flames to go out. A few moments later, the flames receded, leaving no trace that they'd ever been. Natalia quickly looked around and though she saw no one besides that of Mason and Udonna react to the pyrotechnic display, she couldn't keep the fear out of her voice as she asked, "Did anyone see?"

Udonna's eyes glistened with worry as she shook her head. "No one can see anything other than you fixing your bike, I promise, child." Her voice was gentle and compassionate like that of Natalia's late mother, which eased away Natalia's fear. "There is no need to be scared."

Natalia sighed in relief. No one saw. No one knows. Her secret was safe. At least for now. But who could say how long it would remain so if she stayed in Briarwood? It was for the best that Natalia went elsewhere and the sooner the better, for everyone else's sake.

"Natalia," began Udonna, gently, "you said 'not again.' I take it this has happened before? Long before you met me?"

Natalia's throat tightened as she nodded. As much as Natalia wanted to deny it, she knew there was no point in doing so. They'd seen what she could do. She was caught. It was time for Natalia to come clean at long last.

"Fire's never been a problem for me," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Ever since before I can remember, I've been able to sense fire in all its forms. I feel its heat but it doesn't bother me, doesn't hurt me and sometimes, I can control it. But not always. Sometimes, the fire does what it wants, especially if I'm particularly angry or scared. I can't explain it. I don't know what on earth it is, but it isn't magic."

"But I'm the same!" blurted out Mason. He focused his gaze on the water in Natalia's flask and made it move throughout the air, taking multiple different shapes before returning it. "I've never told anyone besides Vida, but what I can do with water, I've always been able to do that. You're just like me."

Natalia couldn't believe what she was hearing and felt a pang of hope but she pushed it back. Mason may have been gifted like Natalia long before meeting Udonna but they weren't the same. Mason had control over water, which was a lifesaver. Fire was different. And Natalia was willing to bet that Mason hadn't had the same troubles with his powers that Natalia herself had had.

"I'm nothing like you," said Natalia, sadly. "I know you guys think you need me but you're wrong. You can save lives. I can't. I never could."

Mason opened his mouth to protest but Udonna beat him to it. "If you're so convinced that you cannot do any good, then why were you the first one to offer aid to the old man who'd lost his brother in the woods?"

Natalia frowned. How had Udonna known about that? She hadn't been there. "How did—oh." Natalia couldn't help but scowl as Udonna briefly changed her appearance from herself to that of the old man that Natalia had tried to help. "Oh, that figures." Natalia knew that Udonna had not meant to be cruel or deceiving but Natalia couldn't help feeling somewhat angry that she'd been tricked.

"It let me know that you are the one to lead the Rangers. Why do you believe otherwise?"

"Well?" pressed Mason, when Natalia didn't speak.

Natalia sighed yet again and bit back her anger. Fear of her powers had nothing to do with why she'd done what she had. Why couldn't they get that? "I did it because it was the right thing to do. Nothing more. Not because I have some insane desire to be a leader or save the world. I'm not a Mystic Warrior or the Red Ranger. I can't be. Not now. Not ever."

Natalia hoped that would finally put an end to it but to her dismay and annoyance, neither Udonna nor Mason were convinced by Natalia's vague explanation.

"You keep saying that but you still haven't explained why you believe it," said Mason.

Thoroughly fed up, Natalia's hair lit on fire. "Because I got my parents killed, that's why!" Natalia's hand flew to her mouth and she looked horrified at her confession. She'd just admitted to being the reason her parents were gone. Gads, what would Udonna and Mason think of her now that she'd said that? But instead of the angry or even disgusted reaction Natalia was expecting, Mason and Udonna stared in sympathy and confusion.

"Natalia, what're you talking about?" asked Udonna, quietly.

Natalia forced back angry tears and took a deep shuddering breath. "Six months ago, my parents and I were on our way to my dad's latest assignment and we stopped at a hotel for the night. We were on the top floor. I was spent and crashed as soon as we checked in. But I didn't sleep well because of a nightmare and the next thing I knew, I woke up to the sound of my parents screaming from their room down the hall. The whole building was on fire. Anyway, the fire didn't hurt me so even though I was scared out of my mind, I decided that even though I'd never tried it on that scale before, I would control the fire at least long enough for my folks to get to safety. But instead, I…"

Natalia's throat tightened and this time she couldn't stop the hot tears that made their way down her cheeks.

"…I failed. I couldn't fully extinguish the fire but I manage to keep it at bay so we could get out or so I thought. We'd just gotten to the final stairwell when it collapsed beneath our feet. When I was knocked unconscious, the fire resumed its path. I woke up in the hospital a few days later with some bumps and bruises but my parents didn't make it. No one could explain how I'd survived when my parents didn't. The authorities said the fire was due to some wiring issue but deep down, I knew the truth. I started that fire when my nightmare scared me. It'd happened before."

Natalia braced herself for Mason and Udonna's reactions. She'd spilled her guts and confessed to being the unwitting reason for her parents' death. The truth was out. Surely, now they would see that Natalia couldn't possibly be a Mystic Warrior, let alone the Red Ranger. If she couldn't save her parents, how could she possibly lead the charge to save the realms?

But once again, Natalia was caught off-guard when Udonna pulled Natalia into a tight embrace. Natalia was shocked but the motherly warmth and compassion from Udonna's touch melted Natalia's heart and before she knew what was happening, Natalia was returning the embrace and crying into Udonna's shoulder. It felt relieving and when it was over, Natalia's heart still ached with grief but it didn't feel as heavy now.

Mason handed Natalia her water bottle and gently rubbed soothing circles on Natalia's back. He didn't say anything, he just gave her a sympathetic smile and his actions spoke in greater volumes than any comforting speech.

"I am so sorry for your losses, Natalia," said Udonna, gently. "No one should have to know such pain so young."

Natalia sniffled after sipping her water. "Thanks."

"I know it's small comfort but I do understand more than you know how it feels to lose those you love, to feel helpless in preventing their fates and to feel responsible for it," continued Udonna. "Which is why I must tell you that you are not to blame for your parents' fate. What happened was not your fault and I hope that in time you will come to see that."

Natalia didn't speak. She didn't know what to say. She wanted to believe it was the truth and she wasn't responsible for her parents' deaths, but did she dare? What if Udonna was wrong? What would that make Natalia?

"Natalia, maybe there's a reason why you came to Briarwood right when all of this happened. Please, don't run away from it," begged Mason.

"Mason is right. You were chosen for a reason, Natalia. Whether or not you believe it, you are so much more than what you perceive yourself to be," said Udonna. "We won't force you, but will you not reconsider your decision?"

Natalia made a long exhale. "I don't know, guys. I need to think." After checking the records at City Hall, Natalia would be at a crossroads. Would she stay or would she leave Briarwood as intended? Her instincts were telling her to leave before it was too late but her conscious was telling her otherwise. Which was Natalia supposed to listen to? How can I ask them to place their lives in my hands when I couldn't save my parents? But if I leave, am I abandoning them to a worse fate when I could prevent it? She wished she knew.

Mason nodded understandingly and then pulled out Natalia's morpher from his pocket. "Take all the time you need and if you decide to stay…" he placed the morpher into Natalia's hand. "…you know where to find me. Us."

Natalia accepted the morpher without protest but gave no inclination of changing her mind.

Her attention was diverted when both hers and Mason's morphers went off and then Vida, Chip and Xander ran out of the Rock Porium with some urgency.

"What's going on?" asked Natalia.

Udonna looked grave. "There's trouble in the woods. They're going to help. Natalia, they need you. Both of you. Isn't time you owned up to who you really are?"

Mason prepared to follow Vida and the guys but then stopped when Natalia didn't follow. "Are you coming?"

Natalia's heart clenched as she shook her head. "No. I'm sorry, Mason, but I'm not a leader." She put the keys into the ignition and put on her helmet as the bike roared to life. "But thanks for the encouragement and good luck to you." Without waiting for a reply, Natalia zoomed off on her bike, forcing herself not to look back.

Mason will be fine. They'll be just fine without me, she tried to assured herself. But even as she thought it, she didn't believe it. But there was no turning back now.

XXX

When Mason and the others emerged through the tree portal, they were all delighted to find that their civilian clothes had changed to identical uniforms of crisp white shirts, dark grey pants, black floor-length capes and shoes, black vests and wrist bands adorned with each Ranger individual color and mystical symbol as well as different patterns.

Xander's vest was closed up to the collar and patterned with green earth symbols and a centaur on the right side, his shirt came with a hood and the sleeves reached his elbows. Chip's shirt sleeves reached his gauntlets, his vest was opened down to his sternum with the garuda on the left side and lightning symbols on the other. Mason's shirt sleeves were shoulder-length, his vest was partly opened and colored with a blue merman's tail. Vida's vest was in a corset-like pattern in the shape of a butterfly with wind symbols on either side and was complete with long sleeves that brushed an inch past her gauntlets.

Vida scowled at her uniform. "I hate pink!" Of all the colors Vida had to be saddled with as a Ranger, why did it have to be the one color Vida hated?

Vida's complaint was cut off when the sky darkened and thunder rumbled as a dark seal appeared.

"You can go to the complaints department later, Vee," said Xander. "We've got company."

Xander was right as another army of Hidiacs emerged from the seal, just like before they were armed and ready for battle.

"Let's Ranger up, guys!" said Mason, as they took defensive position. "Ready?"

"Ready!"

Everyone whipped out their morphers and mimicked Udonna's earlier movements. "Magical Source, Mystic Force!"

Four different mystical seals appeared and the Rangers jumped into them, causing the magic to transform them into the Mystic Rangers.

Xander's Ranger uniform was emerald green with a matching cape, black and gold stripes from head to toe, a gold belt with the Mystic Warrior symbol and the head of a centaur on his helmet. A battle axe with an emerald hung at his side. "Strong as a tree, Green Mystic Ranger!"

Vida's Ranger uniform was pink with a matching cape, black and gold stripes, a miniskirt and white leggings, a gold belt with the Mystic Warrior symbol and the body of a butterfly on her helmet. A similar weapon hung at her side except the jewel was a pink sapphire. "Ever changing as the wind, Pink Mystic Ranger!"

Mason's Ranger uniform was sky blue with a matching cape, black and gold stripes from head to toe, a gold belt with the Mystic Warrior symbol, and a merman's tail on his helmet. His weapon was adorned with a dark blue sapphire. "Fluid as the sea, Blue Mystic Ranger!"

Finally, Chip's Ranger uniform was bright yellow with a matching cape, black and gold stripes from head to toe, a gold belt with the Mystic Warrior symbol, and garuda on his helmet. His weapon was adorned with a yellow topaz. "Fast as lightning, Yellow Mystic Ranger!"

The transformations complete, the Rangers felt stronger and more powerful than ever and leapt into battle with a newfound confidence and skill such as none of them had ever felt before. After taking down many Hidiacs like a child knocks over a stack of dominoes, the Rangers decided to test their magic and weapons properly.

Xander cast a spell that caused vines to emerge and tie up a bunch of the Hidiacs before pulling out his weapon. "Magi Staff Ax Mode!" Xander's weapon enlarged itself and then he plunged it into the ground, setting off a concentrated earthquake that destroyed the Hidiacs.

"Bad boys, you forgot your water wings!" taunted Mason. He'd lured some of the Hidiacs into a nearby lake and as soon as they were in his trap, Mason thrust out his weapon. "Operiat Eos!" A powerful whirpool appeared, sucking the Hidiacs down the drain, almost literally.

"Pink's not my favorite color and now it won't be yours either! Ventus Potentia!" Vida's weapon gleamed and then a giant set of pink butterfly wings appeared on her back. When they flapped, they created a gust of wind so powerful that it obliterated her opponents.

Not one to be left out of the fun, Chip drew his weapon. "Let's give them a Magi Staff jolt and enlighten them! Hiyah!" His weapon turned into a crossbow and then it drew lightning down from the heavens which Chip redirected onto the attacking Hidiacs, destroying them.

The Hidiacs gone, everyone regrouped for high-fives and celebratory pats on the back.

"Good job, guys! We did it!" said Mason.

"Yeah, we rule!" said Vida.

"Agreed!" said Chip.

"Yeah!" gushed Xander.

But the celebrations came to an abrupt end when the skies darkened again with thunder clouds rumbled and darkened the sky again as lightning crackled. Suddenly, Koragg's dark and menacing laugh was heard as he emerged from another dark seal.

"I'm back," he said, tauntingly.

"It's Koragg!" exclaimed Xander, stating the obvious.

"Yeah, we noticed, doofus!" snapped Vida, as she took a defensive stance. "Stand your ground guys! We can take him!"

Koragg laughed again as he approached them. "You think just because you've morphed, you can defeat me? Wrong, Rangers. You are no match for me. In your foolishness, you have exhausted your powers and you are but stage magicians in comparison to my magic. And without the fifth Mystic Rangers, your defeat will be swift." Koragg thrust out his hand. "I call upon my sword for the darkness!" Dark magic sparked lightning and Koragg's shield and sword appeared. "This will be your end!"

Mason and the others tensed. Much as they didn't want to admit it, Koragg was correct on all accounts. They had seen firsthand what Koragg was capable of. Even in their morphed forms, they were still inexperienced in the ways of magic and the Knight Wolf had taken down Udonna, a legendary and powerful sorceress like she was nothing. And without the fifth Mystic Ranger, did they really stand a chance at surviving him now?

"Okay, now what?" asked Chip, nervously.

"Now, you will know the true power of dark magic!" growled Koragg.

XXX

Meanwhile, Natalia was zooming on her bike and was almost outside the city limits.

Though the employees there had been quite helpful and rapid in their work, Natalia's efforts at the City Hall had been fruitless. There city had no records on file whatsoever of the people that Natalia was looking for and nor was there anyone who could answer the questions Natalia wanted answered. After politely thanking the city workers for their assistance, Natalia had forced back her disappointment and left the city without thinking twice or looking back.

I came here looking for answers but found nothing but more questions. Was it just one big mistake in thinking I had a reason for being here? Why did I feel like I was being called to Briarwood only to have nothing here? Natalia wished she knew.

As if someone was answering her silent call, a vision of Koragg attacking Mason and the other Rangers came into view.

Startled, Natalia hit the brakes on her bike and pulled off her helmet. Unable to stop it, she could only watch in horror as she saw Koragg attack the Rangers with such force that they were all on the ground, injured, demorphed and at Koragg's mercy. Then, just as Koragg raised his blade to deliver the final blow, the vision ended.

"Mason," whispered Natalia. "No. Please no. Not again."

Udonna's words echoed in Natalia's mind. "You are the one to lead the Rangers, Natalia."

Was Udonna right? Was this why Natalia had felt needed in Briarwood? Natalia didn't know. For a moment, Natalia hesitated at the idea of what might happen but then her late father's words about what occurred when good people did nothing to stop the actions of those who were not, echoed in Natalia's mind and then she knew she had but one decision to make. Natalia didn't know what was going to happen next, but what she did know was that she would not let history repeat itself. She would not let those she cared for fall for a second time, not when Natalia had the power within her to stop it and save them.

Not caring that she was breaking countless speeding laws, Natalia hit the throttle on her bike and raced to the battlefield where Mason and the others were. She arrived just as Koragg was raising his dark sword to strike.

"I will not be merciful, not this time! You are doomed! Any final words?" asked Koragg.

"Just this!" yelled Natalia, as she caught their attention. "Drop dead!"

Natalia's motorcycle roared with power as it became alight with blazing fire. She plowed down Koragg with such force that he went flying across the battlefield and was weakened.

"Natalia, you came back," said Mason, sounding both relieved and amazed, as the others cheered.

Natalia took off her helmet and smiled. "What're friends for?"

Despite his injuries, Koragg stood up. "So, now there are five."

Natalia's eyes narrowed. "And you're going to wish there weren't! I believe in magic and it believes in me!" She thrust out her hands to shield herself just as Koragg struck at her with his blade, but instead of being hurt, there was a great burst of light magic that sent Koragg back and when it disappeared, Natalia's clothes had changed to a uniform similar to that of her friends.

Natalia's clothes had changed to a crisp white shirt with flowing sleeves, an opened black vest with blazing red fire and a fiery phoenix in the center of her chest. A blazing phoenix symbol adorned her dark grey pants and a floor-length black cloak hung from her back. Better still, Natalia's change was more than physical, she felt a new sense of control over of her powers and she felt stronger than ever before.

"Magical Source, Mystic Force!" yelled Natalia. A mystic seal appeared, transforming Natalia once more, this time into the Red Mystic Ranger. Natalia's uniform was similar to Vida's with a miniskirt and white leggings, except hers was red instead of pink and was complete with a fiery phoenix and a bright ruby in the hilt of her weapon. "Fearsome as fire, Red Mystic Ranger!"

"You are powerful, Red Witch," said Koragg, sounding impressed. "But you will prove to me your worthiness! Battle my Hidiacs!"

Another dark seal appeared and another swarm of Hidiacs came with it, but Natalia was not the least bit afraid.

"You want a fight? You've got it! Magi Staff, Sword Mode! Flamma Aeterna!" she yelled. Natalia's weapon transformed into a powerful sword and as she swung around the blade, there was a steady stream of blazing fire which reduced the Hidiacs into ash. Turning her attention to Koragg, Natalia released her inhibitions. "I summon the power of the phoenix! Ignis Phoenix Surgere!"

There was a great burst of light and Natalia's body was engulfed in great fire that took the form of a phoenix and then she blasted Koraag with all her might.

When the fires receded, Koraag was kneeling on the ground, clutching his sword for support. He was in bad shape. His armor cracked and burnt from the fire damage and he was breathing hard.

"You have won this day, Red Witch, and have proven your worthiness as my enemy, but do not celebrate for this was but one battle. I will return and next time I will be victorious!" hissed Koraag. Before anyone could stop him, Koraag summoned a dark seal and then vanished to the Underworld to nurse his wounds.

With the battle won, Natalia demorphed and was swarmed upon by her fellow Rangers, who cheered her on and praised her victory.

"All right, Natalia! Way to go!" said Chip. "You kicked some serious butt back there."

"That was awesome," gushed Vida. "I'm really glad you came back."

"Yeah, you're really cool, girl," said Xander. "Thanks for saving us."

Natalia smiled. For the first time in a long time, she felt proud of herself. "My pleasure, guys."

Mason placed his hand on Natalia's shoulder. "So, I guess this means you're staying in Briarwood?" he asked, unable to keep the hope out of his voice.

Natalia nodded. "Yeah, I'm staying." Upon saying this, Natalia was swept into a group hug and for the first time since her parents died, Natalia felt a sense of belonging. She didn't know why she'd been chosen as the Red Mystic Ranger, but one thing she did know, she was home.

XXX

As it often does with a double-life, once the secret part of it was over, normality had resume its course. And for the Rangers, this meant returning to the Rock Porium to clean up the rest of the mess from the earthquake following a celebratory lunch at their new lives as Power Rangers and at having gained a new friend in the form of Natalia.

"So, Natalia, now that we're a team, do you feel like helping out?" asked Xander, hopefully as he held out a box of CDs.

Natalia, who was learning against the wall and reading the latest Rock and Roll magazine, had been warned about Xander's lazy tendencies and raised an eyebrow while shaking her head. "Uh…no." She smirked at the crestfallen look on Xander's face. "I fight evil, I don't clean where I'm not employed. Besides, seeing as I paid for lunch, I think I'm off the hook."

Vida laughed as Xander walked away pouting. "Lia, I think and I are going to get along just fine."

Natalia smiled. "I hope so."

She was hopeful but time alone would tell.

"So, Natalia, did you find what you were looking for?" asked Mason, referring to her earlier mention of checking records at City Hall.

Natalia paused for a moment in consideration. "Yes and no." She hadn't found what she'd set out to find but instead, she'd found something she hadn't realized she'd been looking for. So, while one job was unfinished, another was complete and for the moment, Natalia was content with that.

Mason nodded understandingly and shared a smile with her.

"Where're you living now? We should have a house warming party!" said Chip, enthusiastically. "It could be a costume party!"

Natalia chuckled. Chip was too adorable in a puppy or a little brother kind of a way. "I'll have to discuss it with my landlord. I'm living at Rootcore now. Udonna was nice enough to give me a room." After collecting the receipt for lunch, Natalia had found a key in the check presenter and a note from Udonna, offering Natalia a room at Rootcore for as long as she needed it, rent-free. Needless to say, Natalia had accepted and was already moved in. "So, as soon as I find a job, I'm all set." It felt a little strange to be settling down and not picking the next destination to hit before nightfall, but oddly fulfilling too. "And speaking of jobs…" An idea sprang into Natalia mind as she took out her morpher. "…maybe we could make all this go a little faster. For a wise old woman once asked, 'do you believe in magic?'"

Mason and the others exchanged excited, questioning looks. They had earned themselves a break, what with all the work they'd been putting in. And no one was around, so what better way to practice their spell work than with a little housework?

"Well, I believe," said Mason, as he took out his morpher. The merman's tail on the end sparkled as the spell caused the fallen music magazines to return to their place on the shelves. "Guys, it works!"

Chip laughed as he aimed his morpher at the broom. "Sweep like lightning!" Quick as lightning, the broom swept the floor by itself and before long, the floor was sparkling clean.

Xander's morpher sparkled as all the trash bags took themselves out. "Easy does it."

Vida was practically bursting with excitement as her spell made all the CDs and records return to their shelves in a nice display.

And so it went on. The walls and floors were cleaned until they shined, the trash and recyclables were removed, the displays were returned to their former glory, all the stock was unloaded, and before anyone knew it, the store looked like brand-new, like the earthquake had never happened. And just in time too, for as soon as the work was done, Toby entered the store.

"Okay! I knew you wouldn't—uh, oh." Toby's chew-out fell flat as he saw that the record store was in perfect condition. "It's clean. It's very clean. It's the cleanest it's ever been. Maybe it's lost its edge. Have I become a megashop?" Then Toby noticed Natalia. "Oh, hello. Welcome to the Rock Porium. I'm Toby. How can I help you?"

"Natalia Russell," she said, as they shook hands. "And I'd like to buy this magazine. How much?"

"Actually, Toby," said Mason, before Natalia could speak. "Natalia's new in town and she's looking for a job. You should really hire her. She was instrumental in cleaning the store."

Toby looked surprised while Natalia looked taken aback. When she'd said she was looking for a job, she hadn't planned on applying to work at the Rock Porium.

"Oh, that's not necessary, really," said Natalia, quickly. Ridiculous as it might've seemed to pass up a potential job, especially one where her teammates worked, Natalia didn't know if she was qualified to work in any retail, much less a music store and nor did she want a handout. Plus, she wasn't dressed right or properly prepared for a job interview. "Besides, I'm not—"

"Who's the greatest guitarist ever?" interrupted Toby. Judging from the look on his face, he seemed quite taken with the suggestion of hiring Natalia.

Natalia didn't even have to think about that. "Jimi, obviously." She'd heard a lot of great music in her time but she'd been a fan of Jimi Hendrix most of all since she was a kid. "But I—"

"You're hired!" said Toby, firmly as he shook her hand again. "Welcome to the crew. And as an added bonus, you can have that magazine and your pick of any Jimi CD for free. Vida, get this girl a uniform. Now, if you'll excuse me."

And with that, Toby went into his office and closed the door, leaving behind one baffled and four excited employees in his wake.

"Okay, that was the weirdest job interview I've ever had," said Natalia, when Toby was out of earshot. She slipped on the offered Rock Porium vest that Vida offered. But as strange as it was, Natalia was ready to go with the flow. "So, guess I'm on the clock now. Where do I start?"

Right on cue, a blond girl in a denim jacket and a green skirt came into the shop. "Excuse me! I'm new here. Can anyone help me?"

Immediately, Xander and Chip volunteered and the girl looked between them. "I want…" Before the girl made up her mind, she spotted Natalia and her eyes widened in surprise. "Aurora? Holy cow, is that you?"

Natalia's brow wrinkled in confusion. Aurora? Why does that name ring a bell? It felt familiar, like something she should've known but she couldn't quite place it. "Sorry, you must have me mistaken with someone else. My name's Natalia."

The girl looked disappointed but it quickly vanished. "Oh. My mistake." Then she spotted Mason and at once, her eyes gleamed. "Ooh." She sauntered over to Mason. "My name's Lee-Lee Pimvare. And you are?"

"I'm in trouble," said Mason, wincing.

Everyone except Natalia, whose eyes began to darken, laughed as Natalia quickly got in between Lee-Lee and Mason and redirected Lee-Lee's attention.

Life in Briarwood just got a whole lot more interesting.