Heiress Apparent Part Two
(A/N: The Mystic Mother is not Rita Repulsa reformed in my story. Absolutely not.)
"Leanbow, can it really be you?"
Tears of joy pooled in Udonna's eyes as Leanbow nodded in answer to her question. There was no denying it. Leanbow was indeed alive and well and not lost as it had been so long believed.
Udonna then wasted no time in running into her husband's arms as she cried and laughed at the same time. After they shared a tight, tearful embrace, Leanbow cupped Udonna's face in his hands and kissed her with an intense passion.
While the King and Queen were reuniting, everyone gaped in stunned shock by what had just happened. Both Necrolai and Imperious was rendered speechless for the first time in living history. Vida and Chip's mouths were dangling open like goldfish, Natalia's face was unreadable and Mason looked overjoyed as well as puzzled at the sight of his godfather's unexpected return as well as the truth of Koragg's identity.
"This is unbelievable," said Mason. "Uncle Leanbow's alive!"
Xander stubbornly shook his head, refusing to believe that one of their biggest enemies was actually one of their greatest allies now.
"Now, this can't be true. It has to be one of Koragg's tricks," said the Green Ranger. They couldn't have been fighting Udonna's long-lost husband all this time, could they? If they had been, that meant they had unknowingly been working to destroy a good man and a great king for the past six months. It wasn't something Xander wished to believe was true.
Udonna and Leanbow then broke apart and looked at each other with immense love and joy.
"But how is this possible?" asked Udonna, as she tenderly caressed Leanbow's cheek. "How're you alive?"
"It's quite a story, one I'll tell you as soon as we're out of here," said Leanbow.
"And what makes you think you're going to leave here alive?" demanded Imperious, making them all turn to face the dark wizard. "Do you really believe I'm going to just let you waltz out of the Underworld in one piece? You may have survived the battle against the Master sixteen years ago, but mark my words, Leanbow, you will NOT survive me! After all, your precious Solaris Knight didn't!"
Leanbow looked furious but before he could speak or take any action, Mason stepped forward and glared hard at Imperious.
"You're lying! My father is alive and I swear on my mother's grave, he will return and make you pay for your treachery, Imperious!"
XXX
Unbeknownst to them all, Mason was right.
Back in the Dimension of Lost Souls, an all-too familiar white paw was digging its way out of the sand in which it'd been buried in. Eventually, after what seemed like an eternity but was actually only a few minutes, Jenji and his lamp popped out of the sand and then Jenji's head enlarged to a fantastic size before he spat Daggeron out of his mouth.
During the battle with Imperious, Jenji had done the only thing he could to save Daggeron's life. Jenji could not take anyone into the lamp, but he could take whatever was on his person or inside of him. So, he'd made his head and mouth just large enough for him to take Daggeron into his mouth and then he'd hidden them both in the lamp until the coast was clear and Daggeron was healed.
Jenji swiped at his tongue with his paws while Daggeron cleaned himself up.
"Oh, the things I do for this job! I mean, really!" said Jenji, half-joking.
"Thanks, Jenji. But trust me, it was worse for me in there than it was for you," said Daggeron. While the Solaris Knight was grateful for Jenji's quick thinking and the actions the white genie cat had taken to perverse Daggeron's life, Daggeron hadn't enjoyed being inside of Jenji's mouth one bit.
Jenji nodded. "Yeah, that's probably true. Now, what're we going to do?"
"We've got to find the Rangers as quickly as possible. If Imperious succeeds in his plan to revive the Master, there's no telling what danger we'll all be in," said Daggeron.
"I agree. But can we leave this place first? This dimension gives me the creeps," said Jenji, shuddering.
In spite of the mess they were in, Daggeron said teasingly, "I thought that cats liked sand."
Jenji made a sarcastic laugh as he scowled. "Don't be such a wise guy. Now, how're we going to find the Rangers, much less get to them? If they're in the Underworld…"
"Don't worry," interrupted Daggeron, as a plan formulated in his mind. "I think I know an old friend who'd be willing to help us out."
XXX
Back in the Underworld, Imperious had risen to his feet and was about to strike.
"Now, to finish what I started!"
Imperious then cast a powerful dark spell that should have finished his enemies off then and there but unfortunately for Imperious, Leanbow had not lost his touch when it came to magic. He deflected Imperious' spell like it was nothing before shouting out, "Uthue Zasoray!"
And with that, a light spell seal appeared beneath their feet and transported them out of the filthy Underworld and into the bottom of a sunny, rocky canyon in another dimension.
"Where are we?" demanded Natalia.
"This dimension has no name, but it will provide us with safety for a while," said Leanbow. "It'll take time before Imperious tracks us down. Enough time for us to regain our strengths and make our next plan of action."
When Udonna confirmed Leanbow's words, everyone sighed in relief and then sat down on the rocks to rest while they rummaged through their small bundles of emergency supplies. Ten minutes later, after everyone was fed, watered and treated medicinally, Vida spoke.
"Okay, is anyone else confused by what's going on here with him? Because I'm seriously mixed up," said Vida, as she gestured to Leanbow.
Vida wasn't the only one. Everyone except for Natalia looked puzzled by the strange turn of events. One minute, Koragg had been one of their greatest enemies and now Koragg was gone. Replaced by the famous King Leanbow. And it made no sense whatsoever.
"Let me get this straight. Leanbow was Koragg and Koragg was Leanbow. And now one or both of them has just saved our lives?" said Chip, confusedly.
"Wait a minute! This is the same guy who's been obsessed with Natalia and trying to kill us for the past six months!" protested Xander. "How can we be sure this is even really Leanbow and not one of Koragg's tricks?"
Much to everyone's surprise, Natalia stepped forward and spoke on Leanbow's defense before the Fire Wizard King could utter a single word.
"Because Koragg was many things, but a trickster and a liar wasn't one of them," said Natalia. She was just as shocked as anyone else that the words were emitting from her mouth, but nevertheless, she knew it was true. The only one Koragg had ever lied to was Morticon. And even when Koragg had said horrible things to persuade Natalia to join his cause, they hadn't been lies per say, just what Koragg believed to be truth, which was quite a different matter. "Thanks to that blasted telepathic link, I know Koragg better than anyone else here. So, trust me when I say that this isn't a trick or a lie. This is King Leanbow. He isn't our enemy, not anymore."
Leanbow blinked in surprise and then gave Natalia a grateful look. "Thank you, Red W—Miss Russell," he corrected himself. He looked both embarrassed and apologetic at having almost called Natalia by the name Koragg had been so fond of. "Forgive me, though, but I must admit that I'm surprised you're the first one to trust me so quickly. After everything I put you through, I would've thought you'd be the first to distrust and despise me. Not that I could ever blame you."
"Believe me, I never imagined this either," said Natalia. She was just as amazed as everyone else there that she was the first one of the Mystic Warriors to do this, but something inside of her, not just their shared mind link, was telling her that Leanbow could be trusted. "But while I was never fond of Koragg, we respected each other as honorable warriors. And when I look at you, I don't see my enemy. I see someone who's been through the wringer, just like the rest of us."
"Besides, Leanbow being Koragg makes perfect sense," added Mason, quickly. "Think about it. Why was Koragg so strict about honor when no one else who served the Master was? Why did Catastros serve Koragg with such when we know from Udonna that that steed's loyalty was to Leanbow first and foremost? And why did Koragg never destroy us when he's had the chance to do so time and time again? Because Koragg was never truly Koragg. He was Leanbow under the Master's dark control this entire time. Weren't you, Uncle?"
As the last question was directed at Leanbow, the Fire Wizard King nodded. "Yes, I was."
"Tell us what happened," said Udonna, gently. "What happened sixteen years ago? The last time I saw you...you closed the gates of the Underworld. And we all thought you were lost forever."
"Here's what I don't get. If the Mystic Crystal can only be used by your family, why was the Master so desperate to get his hands on it?" asked Chip, before Leanbow could speak.
Leanbow sighed and his eyes became clouded with terrible shame and grief. "Because the Master is my family," he confessed.
Needless to say, upon hearing this unexpected and shocking confession, Leanbow's audience was not only rendered speechless, but their jaws dropped and their eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets in stunned shock. Perhaps the greatest reaction came from Udonna, who turned white as the fallen snow and looked as if she might faint. Oddly enough, Mason was the first one to break the silence.
"The Master is WHAT?!" exclaimed Mason, shocked. "Your family? But how?"
"That's what you found out when you visited the Mystic Mother, isn't it?" asked Udonna, as her voice cracked with hurt. She took Leanbow's silence as confirmation. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Leanbow looked regretful. "I'm sorry, Udonna. I should've said something, but I was so ashamed…I didn't know how to tell you." The Mystic Mother had also been ashamed of the dark, tragic tale that Leanbow knew. Indeed, she had only given it up after Leanbow had greatly pressed her for the truth behind the Master's motives and history.
"Start at the beginning, then," suggested Vida, not unkindly. "What exactly is the Mystic Crystal and who is the Mystic Mother?" Though the Rangers had heard the Mystic Crystal and the Mystic Mother mentioned more than once, they knew very little about either one.
Leanbow sighed and looked down at his hands for a few moments before beginning his tale. "The Mystic Mother is my immortal ancestor. She is the mother, both literally and figuratively, of all good magic as well as its creator and ultimate sovereign. Though she acts as watchful guardian and an advisory role now while she resides in another dimension, there was a time when she ruled as queen. During that time, the Mystic Mother sought to create a way for those of her blood to have the ultimate protection against dark magic as well as beacon of hope so that her people might prosper. So, she took a tear of pure joy, the shine of the first evening star, a piece of the sun, a shard of the Mystic Mother's own soul containing her power and a drop of her own blood and combined them into one, forging the Mystic Crystal and ensuring that only those of her blood could wield its fantastic power.
"Time went on. The Mystic Mother went on to have two children. The eldest was a daughter by the name of Hope, the Mystic Mother's heiress. Hope was a paragon of goodness and light and was also exceedingly talented and much beloved by all who knew her. Except, however, by the Mystic Mother's younger child, her son, Maverick, who was Hope's equal and opposite. Like Hope, Maverick was quite skilled in the mystic arts, but his personality was far from charming and nor was he as well-liked as Hope. In his mind, he and he alone deserved to be the Mystic Mother's heir and for this, he despised them both. As the years passed, Maverick's festering jealousy of his sister grew into a bitter hatred and he sought to destroy her and take control of both the throne and the Mystic Crystal for himself.
"So, he used his magic to turn his darkest emotions into a forbidden power, which he used to transform himself into the vilest of beings. When the transformation was complete, Maverick was gone and Ocotomus the Master of all Evil was all that remained. His work achieved, a coup for the throne was soon underway. It took nearly all the combined power of his kinswomen and the Mystic Crystal to defeat the Master. And when they did, the Mystic Mother could not bring herself to destroy her son. For despite his actions, he was still her child. But he could not be allowed to roam free and nor could she bear to allow her family's name to be tainted by his actions. So, as punishment for the Master's treachery, he and his followers were trapped in the Underworld. And the Master himself was sentenced to damnatio memoriae, the condemnation of memory. All written records of him were destroyed and it was forbidden to ever speak of him. In time, the Master was forgotten entirely by the world, except for the Mystic Mother.
"That was supposed to be the end of it. But the Mystic Mother had underestimated her son's skill for patience and persistence. During the centuries he spent rotting in the Underworld, the Master plotted his revenge and slowly regained his strength until he was able to escape. The Great Battle followed next, as you well know."
Leanbow's audience looked deeply shaken and horrified by this revelation. All this time, they'd been fighting against Leanbow's own evil blood-kin. A monster who had a claim to the throne and the power to wield the most dangerous magical artifact in the known universe. Worse than that, they'd been fighting in a war that would never have happened had the Mystic Mother simply chosen to do what was necessary to begin with. And Leanbow had had to shoulder the knowledge of that burden alone for so very long.
"When I found out about all this, I wasn't just ashamed. I was terrified. If the Master got ahold of the Mystic Crystal and my daughter, the results would have been catastrophic. Out of cowardice, perhaps, I chose not to use the Mystic Crystal myself, fearing it would be too much of a risk. But I also knew that even if I didn't use it, I had to ensure the Crystal would be protected. So, when we sent Aurora away, I secretly entrusted Aurora with the Mystic Crystal by concealing it in a small parting gift. I told no one, not even Aurora. The smaller the circle, the easier it is to conceal the secret. And I thought that perhaps, I was protecting Aurora and the Mystic Crystal by doing so. Was…was I right?"
Leanbow looked hesitant and afraid. Although he had heard from the Oracle that the Mystic Crystal had ensured Aurora's protection sixteen years ago, part of him was afraid that perhaps the Oracle was wrong. After all, Leanbow had no way of knowing for certain what fate had befallen his beloved child. The choices he'd made sixteen years ago had been far from easy, but at the time, he'd believed them to be the right choices. Was he correct in that assumption?
Udonna, who seemed to have forgiven Leanbow's previous actions in keeping such a secret, nodded as she tenderly squeezed her husband's hand.
"We don't know exactly where she is," admitted Udonna, regretfully. "But we do know that she's safe in the human world. Protected by the Mystic Crystal."
Leanbow sighed in relief and looked as though he might cry. "Thank the gods. Anyway, without the Mystic Crystal, I was forced to resort to drastic action to stop the Master. Measures that I thought would result with fewer casualties and spare lives. Measures that which, as you may recall, resulted in sacrificing myself to seal the Underworld's gates. My plan worked and I sealed the Master in the depths. But like the Mystic Mother, I underestimate him. He used the last of his dark magic to take me with him and turn me into Koragg the Knight Wolf, his most loyal and obedient servant. As his mother's direct descendant, I was the perfect choice for a backup plan if he couldn't find Aurora. And what's more, I had no memory of my previous life."
"But you remember now," said Chip, sounding a little skeptical. "How?"
Leanbow's brow furrowed as he thought back to when he'd first started regaining his memory. "It must've been the virus spell at the masquerade ball. When I took it away, I took it upon myself and by doing so, the Master's dark magic weakened the memory spell until today when it broke completely."
While this explanation made perfect sense to everyone else, Xander was still being stubborn and narrow-minded, as was evident by the glare he was giving Leanbow.
"Well, then you must remember how many times you've nearly destroyed us. How you stalked Natalia like a madman. How you kidnapped and nearly killed Clare just to open the Underworld's gates!" Xander's voice cracked at the mention of Clare. For him, the pain of almost losing his girlfriend forever was still somewhat raw and he had never forgiven Koragg for the Gatekeeper incident. Now that he could finally vent his anger and frustration on Leanbow, he was doing it. "Oh, let's not forget Udonna, your own wife! You stole her Snow Staff and almost killed her! Does this ring any bells?"
Natalia smacked the backside of Xander's head and glared at him. "Xander! Shut it!" She understood the Green Ranger's pain and anger all too well. Koragg had made Natalia's life a misery and had been a thorn in her side for six straight months. Part of her would always feel that pain. But now wasn't the time to dwell on it or make things worse. Like it or not, Koragg was gone. Now they had Leanbow and it was high time they stopped fighting against one another. Besides, Leanbow had clearly been through enough without Xander making it worse. "Besides, no one could resist the full strength of the Master's dark magic on their own without the Mystic Crystal."
But though Natalia had defended him, Leanbow did not protest against Xander's harsh words. He didn't even flinch as though he'd been punched in the stomach. Instead, Leanbow's dark brown eyes that were so much like Natalia's just dulled with terrible shame and guilt, as though he'd expected it and deserved it.
"It's all right," said Leanbow, softly. Though his tone was calm and soft, his eyes gave away how much he was hurting. "It's nothing I don't deserve."
"Leanbow—" began Udonna, but she fell silent when Leanbow gave her a look.
Leanbow rose up and turned to the Rangers. "I remember everything that happened, Mr. Blythe. I wish I could undo what I did. And I also wish to heaven that I hadn't been a coward. If I'd done what was necessary sixteen years ago, I could've spared all of you so much pain. Especially you, Miss Russell," he added, as he glanced in Natalia's direction. It was clear that Leanbow felt particularly guilty and upset over how he'd treated Natalia while he was Koragg. "I know it probably doesn't mean anything, but I am so, so sorry for what I've done. If there's any way you could ever forgive me, all of you…"
Leanbow looked pleadingly at the Rangers' faces, searching for any sign that he might redeem himself to them. Miraculously, the Rangers' faces softened, even Xander's, as one-by-one they slowly nodded. It would take time before they could ever forget Leanbow's actions as Koragg, but perhaps for now, they could start to forgive the Fire Wizard King.
Udonna rose up to take her husband's hand. "Of course, I for—"
But that was as far as Udonna got before her face turned chalky white and she collapsed into Leanbow's outstretched arms.
"Udonna!"
Immediately, the Rangers stood up and were at their mentor's side to examine her.
"My love, you're injured. The Master's attack's drained your power," said Leanbow, worriedly.
"It's worse than that. She's worse off than before. Without her Snow Staff, she has next to no magic and she's as vulnerable as any human," said Mason, gravely.
Before Udonna could reply in response to this, there was a sudden explosion of dark magic from above and the valley quickly filled with fog, signaling the arrival of the dark forces.
"Imperious has found us," said Leanbow. "Udonna, I'm sending you back to Rootcore."
"No! No, I don't want to lose you again!" said Udonna, her voice choked with emotion. She'd only just regained her husband after sixteen long years. How could she bear to part with him again, especially like this?
"You're in no condition to fight," said Leanbow, both gently and firmly.
"But—!"
"Udonna, hush. Leanbow, send her back now," urged Natalia. "Let's Ranger up!"
Leanbow nodded and then as the Rangers morphed, Leanbow summoned forth a mystic spell seal that transported Udonna back to the safety of Rootcore before the White Sorceress Queen could protest further.
Right after this occurred, Imperious, Necrolai and Chimera made themselves known to their enemies via a bolt of lightning followed by a rather annoying evil cackle.
"There you are!" said Imperious. "Why'd you leave in such a hurry? The party's just getting started!"
Suddenly, a gut-wrenching cry emitted from Leanbow's throat as he clutched his head in agony while sparks of dark magic shot through his head. The Master was clearly displeased with the return of Leanbow's memory and was trying to get his faithful servant, Koragg back.
"Guys, get Chimera! I'll help Leanbow!" ordered Natalia.
"Right!"
While the others fought against Chimera, Natalia ran to Leanbow and placed her hands on his temples as she entered Leanbow's mind, trying to prevent the Master's intrusion into Leanbow's mind. Moments later, Natalia was shot across the valley from a powerful blast of the Master's dark magic. As Natalia staggered to her feet, she watched in horror as Leanbow fell to the ground, weakened from the Master's unwanted presence in his mind.
Necrolai cackled in sheer delight as she brushed her scaly hand across Leanbow's face. "I always knew you couldn't be trusted! Come, you have an appointment with the Master!"
Before anyone could react, Necrolai vanished with Leanbow to the Underworld, leaving the Rangers to face Chimera alone while Imperious watched. And the dark wizard watched in immense pleasure as despite the Rangers' best efforts, Chimera proved to be the stronger warrior among them, for it kept blasting them sky high and beating them within an inch of their lives. Without their Legend Warrior powers, the Rangers were at a severe disadvantage.
Just when it looked as though Chimera was about to be victorious and destroy them, a portal suddenly appeared out of nowhere and from it emerged Daggeron astride a beautiful white unicorn. From the unicorn's horn shot powerful light magic that sent Chimera flying and severely injured the wretched abomination. What's more, the unicorn directed its magic at the Rangers and within moments, they were healed of their injuries and restored to their full strength.
"Dad!" cried Mason, in relief.
"Daggeron?!" exclaimed Imperious, sounding both shocked and horrified. "Alive?! But HOW? I thought I destroyed you!"
"I'm not an easy enemy to defeat, Imperious!" spat Daggeron. He then turned to the Rangers as he got off the unicorn's back. "Rangers, the unicorn's name is Brightstar. She can travel forth between dimension and even combine with your megazord. Now, hurry!"
Furious, Imperious blasted at Daggeron with dark magic, but this time the Solaris Knight was ready and he quickly formed a force-field that protected him. While this was happening, Brightstar's horn glowed as the unicorn transported them away from the battlefield.
"You won't get away so easily!" spat Imperious. "Chimera, go after them!"
Chimera nodded and then quickly disappeared after the Rangers.
Alone now, Imperious and Daggeron then began to encircle one another like ravenous wolves.
"What a pest you are!" said Imperious.
Daggeron glared at the treacherous dark wizard. "And you're a disgrace to Leanbow's memory and his teachings!"
"Bah! What do I care for that fool or his useless teachings?" scoffed Imperious. "But if you're truly still Leanbow's precious student, then let's finish things his way. I challenge you to a bound battle, but this time it won't be training, it'll be the real thing! What say you?"
Daggeron didn't even hesitate. "I accept!"
Foolish, perhaps, it might've been, but the time had come for it to end once and for all, one way or another, forever.
Imperious snapped his fingers and within moments, they were transported into another dimension used primarily for training. The sky above them was pitch black yet the area was well-lit, Daggeron and and Imperious stood across from one another on a giant chessboard. Jenji, whose lamp had been placed in the middle on the sidelines, emerged from his home to act as a sort of referee for the bound battle combat.
"Now before we begin, remember the rules: no magic or any weapons other than swords," said Jenji. "Are we all agreed?"
Both Daggeron and Imperious nodded in agreement before changing into their Ancient Mystic armor and then they were chained together as swords appeared in their hands.
"In this corner," said Jenji, gesturing to his left, "the noble Daggeron, the Solaris Knight. And in this corner—" Jenji gestured to his right, "—the treacherous Imperious, a.k.a. Calindor. Let the bound battle…BEGIN!"
There was a great flash of light and then the two wizards began to battle one another. Imperious leapt into the air, intending to strike at Daggeron from above but the Solaris Knight anticipated this move and countered it before Imperious could strike. When Imperious landed on the floor, he grabbed the chain and gave it a hard yank, sending Daggeron tumbling across the room. Imperious then swung his sword at Daggeron multiple times, but by a sheer stroke of luck, Daggeron was able to dodge the sword before leaping into the air to perform an impressive summersault before bringing his sword down across Imperious' chest.
Sparks emitted from Imperious' chest wound as the dark wizard stumbled backwards. But still, Imperious refused to admit defeat. He growled in anger before lunging at Daggeron head-on with his sword. Before the blade could pierce his armor, Daggeron thrust up his own weapon and for a few moments, the two swords were locked together before the dueling ones wrenched themselves free of one another. Daggeron then pulled hard on the chain, dragging Imperious in close enough for a hard kick to his face. Undeterred, Imperious then performed an impressive yet tricky move that resulted in the chain being wrapped around Daggeron's sword, which he then yanked hard on, disarming Daggeron and sending him straight down onto the floor.
Imperious cackled in delight and prepared to end the battle, but then he found himself knocked onto the floor when Daggeron performed a sweeping kick with his leg. Daggeron then grabbed his sword and the two resumed their combat. The sound of metal crashing against metal echoed throughout the room as their blades met one another's. Finally, Daggeron managed to repeat Imperious' tricky move and disarmed Imperious. Then, just as Daggeron was about to end it once and for all, Imperious thrust out his hand and powerful surges of dark magical energy shot out, sending Daggeron flying and severely injuring the Solaris Knight in the process.
Daggeron grunted as he landed painfully on the floor, powered down. "You cheating—!"
Imperious just laughed and scoffed. "You really are a total idiot, aren't you, Daggeron? Of course I cheated! As I've said before, I don't care for honor! That's for buffoons like you and Leanbow!"
Daggeron glared darkly at Imperious as he forced himself to rise to his feet. "No, Imperious, you are the fool. You've learned nothing from Leanbow or his teachings. And I'd rather die with honor than live without it like you!"
"So be it!" said Imperious.
And with that, Imperious resumed attacking Daggeron with dark magic. Just when it looked as though Imperious was about to win once and for all, Daggeron miraculously managed to raise his sword and struck at the dark magic energy, causing the attack on Daggeron to cease and the spell to rebound onto its caster.
Imperious screeched in terrible pain as the chain between them shattered into dust and then the spell began destroying Imperious from the inside. Imperious fell to his knees, unable to fight back or even heal himself, but still, he had one last card to play.
"Do not be so quick to celebrate, old friend. For do you think I came to this battle unprepared, Daggeron? Fool! I consulted the Book of Prophecy and I learned what fate awaits you! If I had won, the Master's forces would be one step closer to victory. But instead, with my destruction, mankind will pay the price in suffering for the Ten Terrors that will be unleashed! Either way, I win!" hissed Imperious.
Before Daggeron could question Imperious' words, the dark wizard crumbled into dust and was lost on the winds forever.
XXX
Down in the Underworld, Necrolai dragged Leanbow down to the Master in chains.
"I have brought him as requested, Master, the one who dared betray you!" said Necrolai, as she glared at Leanbow.
"I have betrayed no one! I am no longer your puppet!" spat Leanbow, furiously.
The Master clearly disagreed. Moments later, powerful bolts of dark magic shot out and struck Leanbow, transforming him back to Koragg.
"Master," said Koragg, as he knelt down and bowed his head in respect. "How may I serve you?"
XXX
Back on the surface world, the Rangers had their hands full battling Chimera.
Without their Legend Warrior powers, they were at a severe disadvantage. Still, the Rangers refused to give up. Though the fight could've been easily won had Natalia used the power of her necklace, she chose not to as she could not yet shake the feeling that now was neither the time nor the place to use it. So, instead Natalia had bonded with Brightstar to form the Phoenix Unizord and the others had joined together to form their dragon zord.
The others blew white-hot fire at Chimera, which the beast harmlessly deflected. When they attempted to grab Chimera and throw it into the sun while Natalia attempted to strike head-on, the abomination grabbed the others and threw them around like a club, hitting Natalia and severely injuring her teammates in the process. Chimera then blasted them all with intense shots of dark magic, which forcibly powered down the other four Rangers.
Miraculously or by the power of Natalia's necklace, the Red Ranger was still in her megazord form and still standing.
"This one's a worse fighter than Leanbow!" said Chimera. "Let's take our revenge on her!"
Natalia's eyes blazed with intense anger. How dare they insult Leanbow like that? Who were they to talk when their very existence was an abomination? "You want to fight with me, you disgusting piece of crap? Then, let's fight!"
And with that, Natalia summoned forth nearly all of her strength as she ignited her sword with phoenix fire and created a pentagram in the air before she swung it at Chimera. Miraculously, Chimera was not only injured but also went flying across the battlefield. However, it quickly recovered from Natalia's blow before grabbing her and sending her flying.
Just as Natalia was about to rise to her feet, a dark spell seal appeared and from it emerged Koragg, bonded with Catastros in their combined megazord form.
"Get up and fight!"
"Koragg!" Natalia wasn't surprised by this turn of events, having felt Leanbow's mind shift back to Koragg's through their link. But nevertheless, this wasn't good in the least. If Natalia couldn't save Leanbow, then she would have no choice but to destroy him, something she prayed wouldn't have to happen. "If it's a fight you want, you'll get one. But after we destroy this freak! It's a threat to both of our sides and you know it!"
Much to Natalia's relief, Koragg agreed. "Very well. Let's destroy this abomination once and for all! And then we shall have our last fight!"
"TRAITOR!" screeched Chimera.
And with that, Chimera sent forth one of its most powerful blast of dark magical energy, it should have destroyed them both, but a surprise came Chimera's way when Natalia and Koragg joined their swords and combined their power, creating a powerful force-field. They then pushed hard against Chimera's dark magic until the powers collided and there was a great burst of intense, white light. When the light faded, Chimera, Koragg and Natalia were back to normal size and Brightstar had gone, forcefully transported back to her dimension.
Chimera was weakened, but not yet destroyed. One battle had been won, in a way, but the war was very far from over.
XXX
Meanwhile, back at Rootcore, Udonna lay on the couch, crying her eyes out.
She had seen everything in the crystal ball and her heart was broken. The situation could not possibly be worse. The Master was going to be revived soon thanks to the stolen Legend Warrior powers, Leanbow was Koragg again and before long either her husband or the Rangers would be destroyed forever. All would be truly lost and this time, there would be no hope of rebirth or recovery.
"My husband is gone. When Chimera's destroyed, either he will destroy the Rangers or the Rangers will be forced to destroy him," moaned Udonna, as tears slid down her cheeks. "All is truly lost."
Clare's heart sank at the depressed state of her aunt and mentor. Udonna had every right to grieve, but the White Sorceress Queen couldn't give up hope. If Udonna gave up, then the world would follow suit and that couldn't be allowed to happen.
"Udonna, you mustn't talk like that. You're the one who's always said that if you believe in magic, then anything is possible," said Clare, gently.
Udonna sniffled. "But my magic is all but gone. I can't fight like this. Without my Snow Staff, I'm useless." Udonna had never felt so helpless in all her life. Bad enough she hadn't been able to participate much on the battlefield when she'd been needed, but this was worse.
"Oh, Udonna, stop. You're not useless. Udonna…" Clare sighed and was quiet for a moment until an idea came to her. "I've got an idea. Let's listen to some music. That'll cheer you up a little."
Udonna did not reply. She just closed her eyes and tried to slow down her panicked breathing while Clare went into another room. After a moment, she heard the sound of a key being wound up and then beautiful music began to play. After another moment or two of listening to the music, Udonna's eyes shot open as she realized that she recognized the tune.
Could it truly be…?
Udonna slowly sat up and she felt her heart skip a beat as she gazed at the music box playing on the table. Her hands shook as she slowly reached for the music box and then tears pooled in her eyes as she examined it just to be sure she wasn't wrong. After a moment, it was clear that there was no mistake. This was the music box that Udonna had given Aurora the day they'd parted. It had been their secret, her Aurora's and hers. But how had Clare gotten ahold of it?
"Clare, this music box…where did you get it?" asked Udonna.
"From Natalia's room. It's hers," said Clare, hesitantly. "I'm sure she won't mind if we borrow it as long as we're careful and put it back before she returns."
Natalia? Udonna couldn't believe what she was hearing. Natalia had had Aurora's music box? How? Then an idea struck Udonna's mind and her heart leapt. From the moment they'd met, Udonna had sensed there was something familiar about Natalia and had felt a connection with her. But she'd never known what to make of those feelings. Was it possible that Natalia was the one that Udonna had been missing for the last sixteen years or was it all one big coincidence? There was but one way to find out.
"Where did Natalia get this music box? How long's it been in her possession?" asked Udonna. Her tone was urgent mixed in with sharpness.
Baffled and a little bit frightened, Clare stammered, "S-sh-she's had since she was a little girl. She said she was found with it and her necklace by the Russells."
Udonna's brow wrinkled in puzzlement. "Found by the Russells? Are you saying that Natalia was adopted?" When Clare nodded, Udonna's heart leapt. "When? Does she know anything about her birth parents?"
"In that order? Sixteen years ago and no," replied Clare, still confused by Udonna's questioning. "She said she woke up on her adopted parents' doorstep with it and her necklace when she was five. It's all she has of her birth parents. She doesn't remember anything before that."
After allowing a moment for the information to sink in, fresh tears, happy ones, pooled in Udonna's eyes and her heart swelled with great joy as she rose up. All that time, that which Udonna had been missing most had been right in front of her eyes and Udonna had never known. Now that she knew, she would ensure that she would never lose it again.
"Where are you going?" called Clare.
Udonna looked as though she was going to burst with unbridled joy as she cried, "I do believe! I believe in magic!"
Clare didn't understand what was happening or why Natalia's music box brought such joy to Udonna, but nevertheless, Clare was thrilled. Udonna had hope and faith in magic again, which meant that just maybe, things were going to turn out okay after all.
XXX
Badly injured and weakened, the other four Rangers could do nothing but watch as Natalia and Koragg battled together against Chimera. Just when it appeared that the combined powers of the Knight Wolf and the Red Ranger were enough to take down Chimera, the abomination surprised them both by sending Koragg flying with a gigantic gust of wind and then shooting Natalia with black lightning. The blow to Natalia was so great that not only was she forcibly powered down, but clasp of her necklace broke before the necklace went flying off of her neck and landing at Koragg's feet.
Despite the threat that Chimera posed, Koragg did not continue battling the abomination. Oddly enough, he called forth a powerful dark spell seal that trapped Chimera and then sheathed his sword before he bent down to pick up Natalia's necklace while the Red Ranger rose to her feet. After a moment or two of examining it, Koragg's hand clenched around the necklace.
"Give me back my necklace, Koragg!" growled Natalia. That necklace was one of the few ties she had to her past. She wasn't about to lose it now. "Now!"
"No. Not until you answer me. Where did you get this, Red Witch?" demanded Koragg.
"Is this really the time to be asking that? We're in the middle of a battle!" said Natalia, exasperatedly. Granted, Chimera was trapped, but the situation was still bad. Natalia's didn't understand Koragg's sudden interest in her necklace. Its power aside, what on earth did it matter where her necklace had come from? And more importantly, why did Koragg suddenly care? "Besides, you've been in my head. Don't you already know this?" Or was that tidbit of information one of the things she'd managed to block from Koragg's invasion into her mind?
"ANSWER ME!" roared Koragg, as tendrils of black magic shot emerged from his free hand.
Natalia held up her hands in defeat. "Okay, okay, fine. I don't know, all right? It was found on my person sixteen years ago. I've had it for as long as I can remember. Satisfied?"
Koragg's hand clenched around the pendant for a moment and then suddenly, Koragg was engulfed in a bright, warm glow that emitted from the pendant and when the light faded, Koragg was gone and Leanbow was back.
Strangely enough, Leanbow looked at Natalia were pure love in his eyes as he fixed the clasp of her necklace before placing it back onto her neck.
"Leanbow, what…?"
"You truly don't remember you past, do you?" murmured Leanbow, gently. Although he'd known that as Koragg and tormented Natalia with it, part of him hadn't truly believed it. But now Leanbow knew for certain. "Who you were before your adopted parents found you?"
"You know I don't," said Natalia, trying hard to keep the exasperation out of her voice. She didn't remember anything prior to being found by her adopted parents. She didn't even have her bad dreams about her past anymore and nor could she even recall them. "I never have and I likely never will."
Leanbow's eyes briefly dulled with pain. "Perhaps I can change that if you'll let me."
A twinge of nervousness entered Natalia's heart as she hesitantly took a few steps back away from Leanbow. She could feel the depth of Leanbow's caring emotions through their link and though she could have looked inside his mind for more definitive answers, Natalia chose not to as she was feeling a little freaked out and confused. What was happening here? Leanbow was a good and honorable man and a great king who sought redemption for his actions as Koragg, but what he was doing was beyond that. Why did he care so much about someone who used to be his enemy?
"I've already forgiven you. You don't need to do anything for me, Leanbow," said Natalia, softly. Although Natalia wanted the answers to her past, if Leanbow was doing this out of guilt or something of the like, she would refuse.
Leanbow shook his head. "It's not that."
"Then what is it? Tell me," said Natalia. She wanted to be friends with the Fire Wizard King and oddly enough, a part of her already cared greatly for him, but there was something more to Leanbow's motives. She could feel it yet she couldn't place it.
Leanbow opened his mouth to speak but then his eyes widened in horror. "LOOK OUT!" Suddenly, before Natalia could react, Leanbow grabbed Natalia and protectively shielded her with his body as Chimera broke free of its prison and tossed a poisoned dagger into Leanbow's back.
"Leanbow!" cried Natalia, horrified as he slumped in her arms.
Rage such as Natalia had never known surged through Natalia's body. After lowering Daggeron to the ground, Natalia finally called forth the power within her necklace, which she then directed at Chimera, finally destroying the filthy abomination forever.
With Chimera destroyed, Natalia turned her attention to Leanbow, who lay on the ground, gasping for breath, his face twisted in pain from his injury. Without thinking twice, Natalia cradled Leanbow her arms with great tenderness as she applied pressure to his wound just as Udonna arrived via a mystic spell seal.
"Leanbow, hang on. You're going to be okay," said Natalia. But even as she said it, she knew it was hopeless. She didn't need Mason's expertise to know the poison was fatal and without antidote or that the dagger had hit Leanbow's heart. Clearly the others knew this as well, for they were respectfully keeping their distance. "Just hang on."
Oh, gods, this is all my fault. Why didn't I use the necklace sooner? If I had, none of this would've happened. Now, Udonna's going to lose her husband all over again because of me! thought Natalia, despairingly. But then an idea came to her. If her necklace's power was great enough to destroy even a monster like Chimera, surely it had the power to heal as well. I destroyed Chimera with this. Maybe I can heal Leanbow with it as well.
Natalia removed her hand from Leanbow's chest and reached out to touch her necklace and invoke its power, but she was stopped when Leanbow suddenly grabbed at her hand.
"No, don't," murmured Leanbow. "You've used enough of its power for now. It's all right."
Natalia stared at Leanbow as though he'd lost his mind. He'd just sacrificed himself for a foe turned friend that he barely knew right after regaining his old life and his family back. It made no sense whatsoever. "All right?! How is this all right? I don't even understand why you did this for me!"
Oddly enough, Leanbow smiled through his pain as he gently caressed Natalia's cheek. "Because that's what fathers do for their children, just as I did once sixteen years ago."
Sixteen years ago? Fathers?! What…? "What're you talking about?" demanded Natalia. Though even as she spoke, she had the feeling that she knew exactly what Leanbow was talking about. "Are…are you saying that you're my—? No, that's impossible. You—"
"It's true, Natalia," interrupted Udonna. Despite the sorrow of the situation, Udonna was also smiling through her tears. "Leanbow is your father and I am your mother. You are Aurora, Princess of the Mystic Realm and heiress to the Mystic Crystal.
Natalia shook her head as her heart skipped a beat and her breathing became shallow. Udonna and Leanbow were her birth parents? That couldn't be possible! But deep down, part of her knew it to be true. It would explain so much: how Natalia ended up on the Russells' doorstep sixteen years ago, how she'd come into her powers so young, how she'd recognized Imperious when he was imprisoned in the cave, why Catastros had trusted and liked her, how Natalia had known the language of the Ancients, why Udonna's eyes had seemed familiar all those months ago and why Mason thought she was familiar when they first met and so much more.
It was a moment that should've brought such joy into Natalia's life, yet in that moment, it was only bringing her immense pain as it meant that not only had she finally found her birth father at long last but she was also about to lose him. She'd buried and mourned her family once before, she could not endure such pain yet again.
"No, it isn't true. I-I-I'm not a princess," stammered Natalia. "I can't be…"
"I can prove it." Udonna reached into her pocket and pulled out Natalia's treasured music box. "Do you remember this? I gave to you before we sent you into hiding as a gift of my love for you, so that you'd have a piece of me with you wherever you went. I told you to play it at night so you would imagine it was me singing our lullaby to you. Can you remember our melody, Aurora?"
Without waiting for a reply, Udonna turned the key and began singing along to the music playing from the beautiful little box.
"Sweet little phoenix-star
Sleep now for it's time to dream
Of sunshine days and shining moonbeams
Never shall we part…" began Udonna.
Without thinking twice, Natalia began to sing along as well. The lyrics rolled off her tongue easily as though she'd written them herself.
"For you are here in my heart
Forever and a day
You are loved, come what may
Sweet little phoenix-star…"
Tears pooled in Natalia's chocolate brown eyes and she was almost overwhelmed by a sea of emotions. All her life, Natalia had wondered about the lyrics of her music box's song and now, like magic, she knew. More than that, she remembered. Already, Natalia was beginning to see it in her min—Udonna singing that melody to her as she was tucked into bed at night as a little girl.
Both Leanbow and Udonna's smiles widened at this.
"I found you…my daughter, my Aurora…I'm so proud of you," said Leanbow, faintly. "So proud."
"As am I," said Udonna.
Natalia was rendered speechless for a moment.
"Oh, gods," said Natalia, breathlessly. It's true. I can't believe it, it's true. But wait, that means…"Leanbow?" Natalia's voice became alarmed as she realized that Leanbow had just breathed his last and had gone still. Frantically, Natalia shook him. "Leanbow? Papa! Papa, no! Please, wake up!"
But Leanbow did not stir in the slightest. What's more, Natalia could no longer feel him through their telepathic link. He was truly gone and this time, he would not return.
"Leanbow," wept Udonna, as tears of sorrow slid down her pale cheeks.
Natalia couldn't believe this was happening. Sixteen years of longing, wondering, and searching for the truth of her biological parents and her past and this was all it had accumulated to: loss and grief after learning that she hadn't been abandoned, that her parents had only ever tried to protect her out of love. She'd found her father only to lose him yet again.
"NO!"
As she cried out in terrible grief, a tear slid down Natalia's cheek and when it touched her necklace, there was a great flash of warm, bright light, which triggered a transformation.
Natalia's hair came out of its ponytail and grew in length in loose curls until it reached her waist and a shining gold crown adorned with the finest rubies rested on her head. Her Mystic Warrior uniform changed into a very stunningly beautiful, ankle-length, off-the-shoulder gown of the finest ruby red silk embroidered with golden and sparkling red gemstones. The skirt of the gown was light red with a darker red layer of silk surrounding it. Dangling gold and ruby earrings hung from Natalia's ears and gold bracelets shined on her wrists.
Natalia then gracefully extended her arms and held out her hands as her necklace came off her neck. The ruby-eyed dragon encircling the snowflake with amethysts and diamonds then it glowed brightly before transforming into a shimmering crystal phoenix, revealing its true form as the Mystic Crystal. As it returned to her place on her neck, warm light emitted from Natalia's hands which she placed on Leanbow's chest and then his wound was completely healed and his very life was restored to him. He then accepted Natalia and Udonna's hands as they helped him to stand and the King and Queen gazed at Natalia.
"Aurora?" asked Leanbow, hesitantly. "Is it truly you?"
"Do you remember?" asked Udonna.
Tears of joy pooled in Natalia's eyes as she nodded. "It is me and I remember. I remember everything!" The first five years of her life were no longer shrouded in mystery or bad dreams. Natalia remembered growing up in the Mystic Woods as its princess, how she'd fallen in love with Mason—Nehir, her secret friendship with Lee-Lee and so much more. After sixteen years, Natalia finally knew the truth and she'd found her family. She'd finally found her home. "Mama, Papa…"
Not another word needed to be spoken as Natalia and her parents shared a tight, tearful embrace for the first time in over sixteen years. After so long, their family was reunited with one another at long last. Finally, they were together and they were home.
Behind them, the other Rangers watched in happy amazement. Out of all the outcomes of the day they had expected, this certainly hadn't been one of them. Nevertheless, it was certainly a happy, if not wonderful surprise.
"So, all this time, the princess we were looking for was Natalia," said Chip, amazed. "And the Mystic Crystal was with her all along."
"I can't believe it," said Xander, shocked. All that time, they were in the presence of a powerful royal and hadn't known it. Looking back, it all made perfect sense. Why hadn't they connected the dots sooner?
"Did you know?" asked Vida, as she faced her brother. Out of all them, Mason seemed the least bit surprised by the revelation of Natalia's identity.
"I suspected, but I didn't know for sure," admitted Mason.
While it made no difference in his affections, after he'd regained his memories, Mason had wondered if perhaps that Natalia was Aurora and while his suspicions were furthered strengthened after Natalia had told the story of her past and the power he'd seen her wield at the masquerade ball, but Mason had had no proof and no way of investigating without risking breaking Natalia's heart if he was mistaken. So, he'd kept silent.
Eventually, Natalia and her parents broke apart and walked over to their audience.
"I can't believe all this time you were with me and I never knew," said Udonna, smiling through her happy tears as she gently stroked back a lock of Natalia's dark red, almost black hair. "It's truly magical. You came home, not only to fulfill your destiny as the greatest witch of them all, but to return to your father and I."
"And I'm never leaving again," promised Natalia.
A reclusive nomad's life was once appealing to Natalia but no more, not now that she'd found the place where she truly belonged and the family she'd been looking for.
Leanbow tenderly kissed Natalia's head. "I'm thankful and more proud than I can ever begin to describe, but nevertheless, I would like an explanation as to what happened that night sixteen years ago, Aurora. Please."
Natalia nodded and her fingers absently brushed against the Mystic Crystal on her neck as she thought back to that dreadful night sixteen years ago.
"The night Calindor betrayed us, Nehir and I were running for the safe house, when we were hit in the back with a dark spell. It should've killed us both, but it didn't, because I unintentionally invoked the Mystic Crystal's power. I remember I wanted us both to be safe and protected from the Master's forces. A simple wish easily granted but not in the way I intended, primarily because I'd never used the Crystal before. When Phineas took us away, Nehir and I kept our powers but not our memories. We could protect ourselves and because we didn't remember our past lives, we were hidden in plain sight," explained Natalia. While it hadn't been easy growing as an amnesic with fire magic, Natalia had no regrets and wouldn't change a single day of her life. It had shaped her into who she became and kept her safe. "To regain our memories, we had to display genuine love to those from our past lives. For Nehir, it was True Love's Kiss but for me, it was a tear of loving when I thought I lost you, Papa."
Leanbow nodded in agreement and looked relieved. "While I wish that things were different, I am thankful we're together now, safe and sound."
"Me too." Natalia turned to Mason, looking regretful. "Nehir, I'm so sorry. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have lost your memories. If I—"
"If it weren't for you and Leanbow, we'd be dead," interrupted Mason. There was nothing but pure love in his sea-blue eyes as he took Natalia's hand. "I had a good life with Vida and my adopted parents. Now, I have two amazing families and I have you. What more could I ask for?"
Natalia smiled as she then tenderly kissed Mason.
"I hate to interrupt this precious moment, but guys, we still have a problem on our hands," said Chip, worriedly. "The Master still has our Legend Warrior powers. What're we going to do? Are you going to use the Mystic Crystal against him now?"
Before Natalia could answer, the ground shook as if from an earthquake and then multiple red tentacles shot up from out of the ground. The Master had been revived and he was attempting to break through to the surface to launch his assault on the surface world.
"I've got this," said Natalia. "Everyone stand back!"
But just as Natalia was about to wield the Mystic Crystal's power, Leanbow got there first.
"No!" cried Leanbow, as he thrust out his hand.
Suddenly, the Mystic Crystal glowed and then Udonna and the Rangers discovered that they couldn't move.
"Papa, what're you doing?" yelled Natalia, scared. She tried to make the Mystic Crystal release them but the gemstone wasn't responding to her commands.
There was no regret in Leanbow's eyes as he looked at his daughter. "I am of your blood, therefore I can also use the Mystic Crystal, and I'm using it to keep you safe. This is my battle, one I should've finished a long time ago.
"Don't do this! I can stop him!" pleaded Natalia. No, please, no! Don't make me endure this again!
Leanbow shook his head. "We both know the price you would have to pay, Aurora. And I refuse to let you pay it." Tears pooled in Leanbow's eyes but there was no hesitation. "I wish we could have had more time. Udonna, Aurora, I love you both more than you will ever know. Stay strong and stay together."
Without another word, Leanbow transformed into his Ancient Mystic armor and then he ignited his sword with his strongest magic before thrusting it at the Master. Leanbow then disappeared into the depths of the hole and shouted out, "Mystic Rangers! Carry on my legacy and protect my daughter!"
And those were the last words, they heard Leanbow speak before there was a surge of powerful magic and the ground shook again. After what seemed like an eternity but was only a few moments, the Master's tentacles retreated back from whence they came. Soon afterwards, all was silent and then the stolen Legend Warrior powers in the form of five different colored mystic symbols emerged from the ground and returned to the five Mystic Rangers. What's more, everyone could move again and Natalia knew in her heart that the Mystic Crystal would now only do what she wished.
"Our Legend Warrior powers are back," said Mason.
Under any other circumstances, this would be good news. But not today and not like this.
"But Leanbow's gone," said Udonna, sadly. She looked grief-stricken but then her pain seemed to ease a little as Natalia reached for her. "But at least, I still have you."
"And you always will," said Natalia.
Without another word, Natalia took Udonna into her arms and then the two women wept as they held each other close.
XXX
The next day, at Rootcore, Daggeron's brow was wrinkled with worry as he watched his goddaughter almost obsessively clean every last nook and cranny of Rootcore. Ever since they'd returned, Natalia had barely said a word, preferring instead to work without magic. She'd trained almost nonstop for several hours and now their base of operations was so clean that one could eat off of the floor.
"She needs to rest. Perhaps I should talk to her," said Daggeron.
Mason, who'd been reading a book, suddenly looked up in alarm. He quickly shut his book and pulled Daggeron back before the Solaris Knight could act.
"Dad, no. Leave her alone," said Mason, firmly. "Look, I'm concerned for her too, but I know Natalia better than you. So, trust me, when I say that when she's upset, she needs to work it out. She'll talk when she's ready. But until then, give her some space, all right?"
The Solaris Knight's intentions were good, but unless he wanted to be flambéed, now wasn't the time to approach Natalia.
Daggeron looked as though he wanted to protest but then he thought better of it and nodded.
Mason sighed in relief, glad that he'd gotten through to his father.
Thankfully, Natalia ceased working a few minutes later. After putting away the cleaning supplies, she leaned against the counter, looking incredibly worn out both physically and emotionally. When her stomach rumbled, Daggeron decided now was a good time to break the ice.
"Would you like something to eat? I ordered some take-out from Olive Garden," said Daggeron.
Natalia nodded and then wordlessly took her place at the table. She murmured a thank-you when Daggeron placed a hot plate of four cheese ravioli in front of her.
"Hey, can we talk for a moment, if you're up to it?"
Natalia nodded as she took a bite of her food.
Daggeron took a deep breath before taking the plunge. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"
Natalia shook her head. "No, not really," she admitted. "But I will be, eventually. It's been one heck of a day. Everything's changed and it's only going to keep changing."
That was understating it. It had been one of the longest days of Natalia's life. In less than twenty-four hours, Natalia had regained her lost memories and had regained her parents, only to lose one of them again. If that wasn't enough, part of her was inwardly struggling with her identity. Yes, she was Princess Aurora, but that had only been her life for five years and she'd been Natalia Russell for the last sixteen. It was one giant emotional mess, one that Natalia needed time to figure out. And on top of it all, a new life of incredible responsibility and leadership in a role far greater than that of her position as the Red Mystic Ranger, lay ahead of her and it was overwhelming, to say the least.
Daggeron gently squeezed his goddaughter's hand. "I know. But you won't have to face it alone. We're all here for you and Leanbow's memory—"
"Memory?" interrupted Natalia, sounding surprised. She frowned at her godfather. "Papa isn't dead, Uncle Daggeron. He may not be here or even on this plane, but trust me, he's still alive."
Daggeron frowned and opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by Udonna as the White Sorceress Queen entered the room.
"Aurora, this place is spotless! I know I asked you to clean, but you didn't need to work this hard," said Udonna. "You must've exhausted yourself."
For the first time since Leanbow's sacrifice, Natalia smiled. "I didn't mind. Besides, I want the place to be clean before Papa comes home."
Udonna nodded in agreement, causing Mason and Daggeron to look at each other with worried confusion. Had these two lost it? Leanbow was gone and this time, he wasn't coming back.
Mason hesitantly cleared his throat. "Uh…Aunt Snow, about Leanbow—"
"I know what you're going to say, Nehir, and you're wrong," interrupted Udonna. "Aurora and I haven't lost our wits. Leanbow is alive and he will return. If you'd asked me the other day, I would have said otherwise. But I'd forgotten that magic works in mysterious ways, not just by waving a wand or casting a spell but also by the heart."
"But how can you be so sure?" asked Daggeron.
Natalia pointed to her temple. "The link. Even when it's not in use, I still feel it in the back of my mind, like a thought I can't get rid of. When Papa died in my arms, I felt it die with him. It was restored when I brought him back and it's still there. If he was truly gone, I wouldn't still feel it. So, believe me when I say that Leanbow is alive and he will return."
Nothing more needed to be said. The link was proof beyond a doubt that they were right. And besides, magic did work in mysterious ways. Perhaps Leanbow would indeed return just as Natalia and Mason had. Time alone would tell.