The Snow Prince

It had been a month since Serpentina's defeat and Sculpin's discovery of the Master's imprisonment by Leanbow. And during those four long weeks, Sculpin had spent nearly every waking hour trying to learn of Leanbow's true location so that they could retrieve the Master's life energy and revive him. His efforts had been fruitless and now he was forced to tell all to the other Terrors and enlist their help. Needless to say, none of them were pleased with Sculpin's report in the slightest.

"So, Leanbow is keeping the Master from rising? This angers me but I'm not at all surprised," said Black Lance.

Itassis nodded in agreement. "It would explain why we never found their bodies and why their energies have been so hard to detect."

"Why didn't you tell us this sooner, Sculpin?" demanded Megahorn, furiously. "You shouldn't have kept this from us! You should have trusted us!"

Sculpin's eyes flared and his weapon lit up with tendrils of black magic. "Trust you, Megahorn? After your hotheadedness nearly cost us all our lives? I think not! I stand by my actions, for I did what I thought best to protect us all and abide by the Rules of Darkness. Can you say the same?"

Megahorn could not, but that didn't mean he wouldn't keep arguing about it. Before he could, Itassis came in between them.

"Enough of this arguing. We have bigger issues at hand. The time for the Selection Ceremony is almost upon us and we must find where Leanbow is hiding while we still can," she said, firmly.

Wisely, both Megahorn and Sculpin backed away from one another upon hearing this and their tempers began to cool.

"Itassis is right. We must aid the Master and find Leanbow," said Sculpin. "But how?"

After a few moments' consideration, Black Lance's eyes lit up. "I think I know."

XXX

Meanwhile, back on the surface world, Daggeron and Natalia were training one-on-one in hand-to-hand combat. Natalia smiled in satisfaction when she mixed up Daggeron's technique with a move she learned from one of her previous self-defense teachers and won the duel. But her smile faded when Daggeron gave her a look of disapproval.

"Aurora, that's not how I taught you. You'd do best to follow the standard technique."

Natalia rolled her eyes, something she didn't normally do, but at that moment, she was on the verge of ripping out her hair in frustration.

"Uncle Daggeron, I mean no disrespect when I say this, but you have got to lighten up. You're driving me crazy," said Natalia, in exasperation. "You're driving us all crazy."

Lately, Daggeron seemed obsessed with "following the standard technique" in both magic and self-defense, criticizing everyone who didn't, even Mason. In his efforts to train and teach, Daggeron was actually driving everyone way, even his own son. And that had to change before it was too late.

Daggeron's eyes narrowed. "With the Terrors attacking, this is no time for playful antics!"

"Playful antics?! Do you even hear yourself? Uncle, listen, I have learned so much from you and I will always be grateful. But do you have any idea how many self-defense teachers I've had in my life? Each one taught me a different fighting technique. So, sometimes I don't follow just one technique, I mix them up. Not out of disrespect but to honor them and also because I have my own way of doing things. Sometimes, I have to follow my gut," said Natalia. "Now, will you please stop it and let me fight how I choose? And the same goes for the others, too!"

Natalia had the greatest respect and admiration for her godfather, and she was immensely grateful that he took the time to teach and train her and the team, but he had to understand that there was more than one way of fighting and following one's instinct was sometimes just as good if not better than just strictly following one technique.

Before Daggeron could reply, an ice-blue spell seal in the form of a snowflake appeared and transported the pair to another dimension that was truly a winter wonderland. Frost and ice sparkled and glittered on the trees, icicles of all sizes glistened from where they hung, freshly fallen snow blanketed the area and more gently fell from the heavens which were lit up with the full moon and ever-changing aurora borealis, majestic snow-capped mountains stood protectively in the distance along with a city made of snow and ice, and if that wasn't enough, the finest castle made of ice stood before them.

"Where are we? Did you do this?" asked Natalia.

Daggeron shook his head as he gazed at their surroundings in awe. "No. But I know who did. This is the realm of the Snow Prince, Nix."

Natalia's eyes widened in surprise. "The Snow Prince? My dad's mentor?"

Having known him in the early years of her childhood and read his stories, Natalia knew all about the legendary Snow Prince or Nix, as he was known by those he was closest to. He was an immortal from another dimension, who was not only the wisest of all but also one of the most knowledgeable in the mystic arts as well as self-defense. For centuries, he'd served as advisor to the Mystic Mother and her bloodline as well as a trainer of each generation of Mystic Warriors. He'd been particularly close to Leanbow and his generation to the point where he'd been cherished as a family member, but all that ended when the Great Battle occurred and claimed their lives. Legend had it that after such a painful loss, the Snow Prince's grief had been so great that he'd retired and chose to shut himself away in his home dimension and he hadn't been seen since.

Daggeron nodded.

"I don't get it. He's been retired and hidden away for sixteen years. What reason would he have for bringing us here now of all times?" wondered Natalia. And why didn't he contact us before now?

Daggeron grimaced. "I fear he's been watching you train."

Natalia looked outraged and opened her mouth to argue, but instead she closed it again and stayed silent when the Snow Prince materialized before them. He was just as Natalia remembered: tall with a snowflake-shaped head, blue-green eyes, blue-green skin and matching armor.

"Welcome to my realm, dear friends," said Nix, smiling. "It's been a long time."

"Great teacher, it is an honor," said Daggeron, as he bowed in respect.

The Snow Prince waved his hand dismissively, stopping Daggeron's bow.

"Formalities are not necessary. I must apologize for not making contact sooner and also for my negligence in my duties, both as a warrior and trainer as well as a friend," said the Snow Prince, regretfully as he began to pace. "I will not make that same mistake again and I hope I can earn your forgiveness. Especially yours, Princess."

Natalia shook her head. How could she possibly find fault with the Snow Prince? His actions had not been that of a bad man's, but one of that suffering from immense guilt and grief. More importantly, he was here now, which was all that mattered.

"There's nothing forgive, Nix. You behaved as anyone would, given the circumstances. And you're here now," said Natalia, gently. "But if I may ask, what have you brought us here?"

"Ah, yes. It has come to my attention that one of you has strayed off the path of knowledge. This must be rectified as soon as possible," said the Snow Prince.

Daggeron winced. "Don't be too hard on her, teacher. Aurora's very bright, but sometimes a little headstrong. I'll see to it that she learns to do better."

Natalia's eyes narrowed in fury and fire appeared in her clenched fist but before she could speak, the Snow Prince intervened.

"No, Daggeron. It is you who has strayed," said the Snow Prince, sharply. "While I have no doubt that you mean well, your behavior of recent days has become quite unacceptable. You have even started to push away your own son, which I cannot allow. So, it is my bidding that henceforth, until you have learned what you have forgotten, you will be the student again and Aurora will be your teacher."

Daggeron gaped in shock while Natalia looked surprised. This was quite unexpected. Daggeron was to be a student and Natalia his mentor? Surely not! This had to be some kind of mistake! Natalia may be powerful and skilled, but Daggeron was far more experienced and possibly more knowledgeable as well. What could she possibly teach Daggeron that he didn't already know or couldn't surpass her in? What was the point in this madness?

"Princess, do you understand what it is I'm asking you teach him?" asked the Snow Prince. "It is that which you clearly know so well, as evident by this morning."

Natalia was quiet for a moment as she contemplated the Snow Prince's words and then she nodded. "Yes, Nix. I understand. And I promise I'll do my best." It would be quite the challenge, but fortunately, Natalia enjoyed a challenge and she could undoubtedly tackle this one.

The Snow Prince nodded, clearly pleased. "Excellent. The best of luck to you and remember, I will be there should you need me either in battle or any other way. Just call for me. Good day to you both."

Natalia and Daggeron made their good-byes and then they departed from the Snow Prince's realm and returned to the Mystic Woods. After a few moments, Natalia could no longer contain herself and was doubled over laughing.

"This isn't funny! Stop laughing!" demanded Daggeron. This was beyond embarrassing for the Solaris Knight and was far from amusing.

After what seemed like an eternity, Natalia did cease laughing as she wiped her eye of the tear that escaped it, but she was smirking as she faced Daggeron.

"Now, now, don't talk back to your teacher," she said, teasingly.

Daggeron scowled. "You're loving this, aren't you?"

"Perhaps," she said. The chance for a little payback and to be the teacher and put Daggeron through some rigorous training was too good an opportunity to pass up. She clapped her hands together. "Well, school's in session, so let's get started."

Daggeron groaned and sighed. Nobody could disobey the Snow Prince without a good justification that even the Snow Prince could not oppose. And although Daggeron didn't see the point in the Snow Prince's ruling, Daggeron had no good reasons that the Snow Prince would accept. So, with that in mind, Daggeron had no choice but to reluctantly go along with the lesson.

"Fine. Where do we begin?" asked Daggeron.

Natalia grinned as she whipped out her morpher and summoned her pet project: the second of the motorcycles that she'd been restoring. It was now restored to glory and what's more, it was painted black with blazing suns and there was a match helmet.

Daggeron's heart sank and he looked horrified at the sight of the motorcycle. "Oh, no, no, no, no. No! You are not getting me on that deathtrap! I use flying carpets, portals, spell seals or I walk. I do not use that!" Daggeron had seen for himself just how dangerous motorcycles could be and he failed to see the appeal in using those 'unholy monstrosities' as he often called them.

"Well, today you are," said Natalia, firmly. "Given what the Snow Prince expects me to teach you, it's clearly the best option for the moment."

"And why can't you just tell me what it is I have to learn?" demanded Daggeron. Why were they both being so cryptic? Why couldn't they just explain whatever it was that Daggeron had done wrong so that he could fix it and be done with this insanity? What was the point of this all? "Just tell me and I'll do it. Please."

Natalia gave him a look. "Right, because just telling you has been working so well," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Natalia then sighed as she rubbed the space between her eyes. How did Daggeron still not see what it was he needed to learn? How could a man normally so wise and clever be so foolish and blind? "Look, Uncle Daggeron, we all love you and I wish this didn't have to happen, but the fact of the matter is, we've all told you a million times what the problem is, but you haven't listened and nor have you learned. And the fact that you still don't realize it means that clearly you have to learn by example. So, if you want to stop being the student, do as you're told, listen and learn and try to understand. Okay? Please, cooperate for both our sakes. Besides, if you can ride a magic carpet, you can handle this beauty."

Daggeron still didn't understand any of it but he had no choice in the matter. He sighed in reluctance yet again. "All right. Where do we start?"

Pleased that she was finally getting somewhere, Natalia held out the helmet for Daggeron to take and once he did, she led him to the motorcycle and then they began their lesson.

XXX

Back in the Terrors' sacred chamber, all were gathered around the Stone, for it was time for the Selection Ceremony. The six remaining Terrors watched in anticipation as the light encircled them until it finally landed on Megahorn's blade.

"HA! Finally, it's my turn!" cheered Megahorn, smugly. Finally, he would wreak horrible destruction upon the surface world and prove himself worthy of being the Master's second-in-command. "How do you like that, Gekkor?"

Gekkor scoffed and shook his head. "Whatever!" While Gekkor was annoyed at being passed over yet again, he was nothing if not patient. In his mind, it wouldn't be long before he was chosen and when he did, Gekkor would claim victory and success for the Master. Megahorn was just going to get himself killed and Gekkor wouldn't shed a single tear when it happened.

"Now, I'll show you all how it's done! I'm going to tear the surface world to pieces and claim vengeance for the destruction of my beloved Serpentina!" Since the serpent-like Terror's demise, Megahorn had been itching for battle so that he could take his revenge. "And when I do, no Mystic Ranger or even that stupid Princess and her crystal will stop me!" roared Megahorn.

XXX

Back on the surface world, Daggeron was drenched and covered in leaves and he also looked quite agitated as he walked the motorcycle over to Natalia. Thankfully, she was not laughing as she helped clean Daggeron off.

"What happened?"

Daggeron scowled. "What happened?! I hit the throttle instead of the break, so I met the wrong end of a stickleberry bush and a pond, that's what happened!"

Natalia gave Daggeron a sympathetic look. "Well, it's only your first time. You'll get better at it. The trick is to trust your instincts."

In spite of this, Daggeron's face retained its scowl. "I don't see the point in this lesson!"

Natalia looked amused. "And how many times did Xander say that to you when you first started teaching us?" When Daggeron looked away, unable to respond to that, Natalia gently squeezed her godfather's shoulder. "Look, I am sorry for laughing earlier. It was uncalled for. I can only imagine how you're feeling right now, but it won't last. And I promise, there is a reason for all of this. It's just going to take a little time to see it and until you do, trust in me and the Snow Prince. Okay?"

Daggeron didn't realize that their switched positions was new to Natalia too. She had never been anyone's mentor before and part of her felt unequal to the task, but deep down, she had every hope that her teaching methods would work.

Daggeron sighed and opened his mouth to speak, but was cut off when their morphers went off with a dark magic alarm.

Natalia cursed under her breath when she saw what the cause was. "It's Megahorn." This was not good. The Terror's armor was almost impenetrable and although legend said there was an Achilles's heel to it, nobody had ever actually found it. And considering the fact that Megahorn had nearly killed Daggeron in the Opaque Dimension, the odds were not entirely in their favor. "Let's Ranger up and call the others."

Glad for the excuse to end such a dismal and rather pointless lesson, Daggeron eagerly nodded and did as he was told.

Soon after, everyone was morphed and downtown, where Megahorn was announcing his arrival and revealing his true dragon form.

"The world has never seen the likes of me, before! When I'm done, the surface world will be nothing but a wasteland!" roared Megahorn.

"Don't count on it!" yelled Daggeron, from his Solar Streak Megazord. He turned to the others, who were in the Titan forms. "Listen, I barely put a dent in that armor of his last time. We need a plan of attack before we take him on."

"I have one," said Natalia, after a moment's quick thinking. Though their Manticore Megazord was quite powerful, joining to form it would probably not be the best course of action as it wasn't as swift as their dragon form and not to mention, Megahorn's dragon form more than likely made him immune to the fiery attack. But even though they didn't know its precise location, there was a weakness in the Terror's armor, which meant they had some hope. "Let's fight him dragon-to-dragon and find that chink in his armor! Daggeron, try and distract him! Ready, guys?"

"Ready!" said the team, in unison.

Alarm shot though Daggeron's body. What was Natalia thinking? This was no time to go off like a loose cannon! "No, we need a plan of attack!"

But Daggeron's pleas fell onto deaf ears as the other four Rangers combined to form their dragon formation and Natalia ignited her sword before getting onto their back just as Megahorn took flight. Once in the skies, both parties blew out intensely hot fire, which did nothing as Megahorn was completely unaffected and Natalia soaked up Megahorn's own fire like a sponge. But once the Rangers were behind Megahorn, Natalia called forth a powerful spell blast and then sent it straight at Megahorn's shoulder blade. The result was instantaneous—dangerous sparks emitted from Megahorn's body and the Terror groaned in pain before hitting Natalia with a burst of dark magical energy that caused her to power down.

"Aurora!"

While other Rangers continued to do battle against Megahorn, Daggeron powered down and raced to his goddaughter's side. Thankfully, she was only a little banged up and not seriously injured.

"You can't just rush in like that," scolded Daggeron, gently. "You need to listen to me. I'm your mentor or have you forgotten that?"

Natalia's eyes narrowed. "First of all, I was trying to find Megahorn's weak spot. Second, have you forgotten that while you're our mentor in training, I am your princess as well as your leader on the battlefield?" When Natalia asked Daggeron to train the team, they'd both agreed that it was Natalia's command that would be followed on the battlefield so as not to create a power struggle. "And have you also forgotten that the Snow Prince wants you to learn from me?"

Daggeron's brow wrinkled in disapproval. "I don't know what the Snow Prince was thinking. You may be the Red Mystic Warrior but there's nothing I can learn from you."

Oh, really, Daggeron? I beg to differ. If the hard way was how he wanted to do things, then Natalia would just have to do things the hard way.

"If that's really how you feel, then tell him that," said Natalia. She thrust out her hand as the Mystic Crystal glowed. "O Snow Prince, Guardian of the Winter Realm and Trainer of Mystic Warriors, I summon thee to lend us your strength and power!"

Right on cue, an ice-blue snowflake-shaped spell seal appeared and from it emerged the Snow Prince, ready for battle and just in time, too. For no sooner had he arrived, the other Rangers were hit so hard that they, too, were forcibly powered down and then Megahorn shrank down to their size so that he could finish the battle.

"You are no match for me! Time to perish, because I'm going squash you all like bugs you are!" said Megahorn, smugly.

"Oh, you won't, you vile abomination!" Quickly, the Snow Prince called forth a powerful flurry of ice and snow that temporarily froze Megahorn before he then called forth a spell that healed everyone there of their injuries sustained in the battle. "You must all morph. Quickly! That ice will not hold that wretched beast for long!"

No one needed to be told twice as the Rangers morphed into their Legend Warrior forms and Daggeron into his Ancient Mystic armor.

"Thank you for coming," said Natalia, gratefully. The Snow Prince's arrival and aid was quite fortuitous for them and any future help he could give them would be wonderful.

The Snow Prince nodded. "It is my honor. And with your permission, Princess, I would like to take matters into my own hands." When Natalia nodded, the Snow Prince turned to Daggeron. "Though I am glad to be of aid once again, I cannot rid myself of the disappointment you've caused me, Daggeron. You've failed and have learned nothing."

Daggeron was aghast to hear this and couldn't form a response. How could he have failed and learned nothing, much less have disappointed the Snow Prince when he'd nothing? And how could he learn from whatever alleged errors he'd made when he didn't even know what he'd done wrong?

"I'm sorry, Nix, I did what I could. Forgive me," said Natalia, regretfully. In her eyes, the failure was on her. She was Daggeron's mentor and clearly she'd failed in her mission to teach him what he had forgotten.

The Snow Prince shook his head. "Do not apologize, Princess. I saw everything and I know that you did what you could. But a teacher cannot teach a student who will not learn." The Snow Prince's attention was then diverted when the ice holding Megahorn prisoner shattered like glass.

"I HATE THE COLD!" roared Megahorn. "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!"

The Snow Prince seemed to smirk. "Who am I? I am the Ancient Mystic from the Icy North. I am the royal Snow Prince! Hiyah!"

Before Megahorn could react, the Snow Prince shot Megahorn with a powerful burst of white mystical energy that sent the Terror flying. When Megahorn angrily charged at the Snow Prince in retaliation, the Terror found himself being kicked painfully in the head. Megahorn then shot out blasts of dark magical energy through his weapon, which the Snow Prince gracefully dodged before calling forth a shower of icicles which knocked Megahorn down—one even hit Megahorn's shoulder blade, causing the Terror immense pain as sparks shot out threateningly through his body.

"Had enough?" asked the Snow Prince, as the Terror shakily rose to his feet.

Megahorn's eyes seemed to glow bright red with anger before immensely hot balls of fire shot out of them, hitting the Snow Prince directly in the chest, injuring him.

"Nix!" cried Natalia. She moved as if to help him but the Snow Prince held up a hand, warning Natalia to stand back, which she reluctantly did.

The Snow Prince's blue eyes glowed with power and then his wounds were covered in ice and snow, which healed the Ancient Mystic of his wounds in the blink of an eye. The Snow Prince then leapt up into the air and dodged Megahorn's next blast of dark magical energy before calling forth a powerful spell seal. From said spell seal came an icy wind that wrapped itself around Megahorn like a rope and dragged him away.

"What're you doing? Stop it!" yelled Megahorn.

"You fight well in this dimension, Megahorn. But let's see how well you do on the outskirts of my dimension!" said the Snow Prince. Megahorn's powers were great, but the Snow Prince was willing to bet that the Terror would be less of a challenge in the Snow Prince's home dimension where Nix himself would be considerably stronger.

Megahorn roared in fury as he was dragged through the spell seal.

The Snow Prince turned the others. "Rangers, I may need your help. Will you fight alongside me?" Though the Snow Prince's powers would be considerably stronger whilst in his home dimension, he was not foolish enough to think that he could handle the vile Terror alone. He needed help and he knew that the Mystic Rangers were just the people to help him.

Everyone quickly agreed and then began to leave through the spell seal until only Natalia, the Snow Prince and Daggeron were left. Much to Daggeron's surprise and confusion, when he attempted to join them, he was forced back.

"No, Daggeron! You will not be joining us!" said the Snow Prince, sternly.

Daggeron's jaw dropped. "What? But—!"

"As I said, you have learned nothing. Therefore, you have no place fighting alongside us," said the Snow Prince. "Only the Princess may overrule my decision if she so desires."

Daggeron glanced at Natalia, silently hoping she would do this. Surely, she could see that Daggeron was needed on the battlefield? But his heart sank when she shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Uncle, but I agree with Nix. You haven't learned your lesson. Return to the Mystic Woods at once," she said. She sounded regretful but no less firm.

Before Daggeron could make even the slightest protest, Natalia and the Snow Prince entered the spell seal and disappeared, leaving Daggeron alone with his misery.

XXX

Back in the Terrors' sacred chambers, the remaining five Terrors were alarmed by the current turn of events. Even without the Mystic Crystal, the Rangers were forced to be reckoned with and could destroy Megahorn, but now that one of the Ancient Mystic was helping them, the balance had been tipped and not in the Terrors' favor.

"Megahorn's in trouble! What can we do?" fretted Hekatoid.

Sculpin growled in agitation before an idea came to him, a risky dangerous idea but one that would greatly benefit them all if it succeeded. "Black Lance! Prepare to go to the surface world! Together, you will secure a victory for the Master!"

Black Lance's eyes gleamed. "Excellent. My stallions could use the exercise."

Needless to say, the other Terrors were shocked and didn't share in Black Lance and Sculpin's almost arrogant confidence.

"Sculpin, are you sure about this?" asked Matoombo, concerned. "Is this truly wise? You know as well as we all of the Rules of Darkness!"

"Sculpin, he's right. We cannot be reckless about this! The Rules of Darkness are strict and quite specific and there will be a heavy price to pay," warned Itassis. Though "We must tread carefully. Are you certain that this will be allowed?"

Sculpin nodded. "The Rules of Darkness will allow it." As if for proof, the Stone lit up in confirmation of Sculpin's words. But despite this, Sculpin was not willing to take such a risk without a guarantee. "But we must ensure victory. Necrolai, come here! I have a job for you!"

At once, Necrolai flew up into Sculpin's face. "Yes, my lord?"

Sculpin held up a red scale, which he then shrank and placed in the Vampire Queen's hands. "When that fool, Leanbow comes, place this on him so that we can track down the Master!"

Necrolai quickly. "Yes, Lord Sculpin. But how are you going to get Leanbow to come, if I may be so bold as to ask?" In Necrolai's mind, it was a fool's errand to try and draw Leanbow out. The man was stubborn and set in his ways. He would not abandon his mission for anything. But Necrolai did not say so aloud.

Sculpin's eyes gleamed. "I have a plan to flush him out."

XXX

Meanwhile, Daggeron lay slumped on a large rock near the river, sulking like a little child as he tossed one stone after another in the water. He couldn't believe what had happened. The Snow Prince had actually forbidden Daggeron from joining in the battle against Megahorn and worse, Natalia had agreed with his ruling, which made no sense whatsoever.

"Why would the Snow Prince exclude me?" whined Daggeron, for the fifth time that hour. "And how could Aurora just accept it without question?"

He knew he was being childish, but Daggeron felt considerably hurt by the Snow Prince's ruling and even more so by Natalia abiding by it. After all Daggeron had learned, all those years of experience, all the time he'd spent training Natalia and her team, and all he'd done to protect the worlds from the Master, he was just dismissed and sent away like a child. And for the life of him, Daggeron couldn't figure out why. He was the Solaris Knight, for heaven's sake! Didn't that count for anything?

Daggeron was snapped out his thoughts when a certain troblin burst out of the water, carrying a rather large catfish with even bigger whiskers in his teeth.

"Oh, hello, Phineas," said Daggeron. Normally, he would've smiled or something of the like, but in that moment, Daggeron was too miserable to even consider faking a smile. "Nice, uh…catfish."

Phineas grinned as he spat the struggling catfish out and held it tightly in his hands. "I know, right? This is Big Whiskers, the biggest and most notorious catfish in the whole river! After all these years, I've finally caught and he's going to be my dinner! Yes, sir, he's going to—ack!"

Phineas was cut off when Big Whiskers suddenly started flapping like crazy and hit Phineas square in the nose before slipping out of the troblin's grasp and diving into the river.

"Darn it, Big Whiskers! You always get away! But we will meet again, mark my words! No matter what it takes, I will find y-o-o-o-u-u-u!" said Phineas, dramatically. Phineas and Big Whiskers had a history. Big Whiskers always taunted Phineas and the troblin always tried to catch the catfish, but it never ended well for Phineas. Not that the troblin truly cared all that much, it was just a game for them both, one that Phineas rather enjoyed and Phineas had hoped that it might lighten the mood. But when it didn't happen, Phineas changed tactics. "Okay, what's wrong? Natalia asked me to check on you and have a little talk but she didn't say it was this bad. Talk to old Phineas, Daggeron."

It was true. But what Phineas wasn't saying was that while Daggeron was diving his motorcycle into the pond, Natalia had sent a message to Phineas, asking the troblin to be her backup plan for her lesson. If there was anything Phineas was good at, it was reverse psychology and getting people to do what they needed to.

Realizing that it couldn't hurt to talk to someone about his problems, Daggeron sighed. "Natalia's supposed to be my mentor until I've learned something I've forgotten. But I don't understand what it is she's meant to teach me. I don't see the point of it at all. She doesn't always do as she's told, she's stubborn, impulsive, takes ridiculous risks…"

Phineas nodded understandingly. "Sounds just like her dear old dad. They're both so incredibly selfless and protective, even when it means they might get killed. And speaking of her old man, did you know that the woods are full of stories about Leanbow and how he'd do crazy things to help people? And I mean crazy. I mean, really, taking on the Master by himself? Some people, not me, think he might have been a little 'ding-dong! Nobody's home.' Know what I'm saying?"

Phineas didn't enjoy speaking in such a way about Leanbow and Natalia as he had nothing but respect and admiration for the entire royal family but the situation demanded it.

Daggeron's head shot up and his narrowed at this. "Don't say that! Anyone who talks that way about our king should be ashamed of themselves!" True, Daggeron didn't always agree with Leanbow's methods, but Daggeron always respected them and he trusted in Leanbow to do the right thing. "Leanbow's the bravest man I've ever known and his daughter's just as brave and strong. Sure, she has her own way of doing things but—oh." Daggeron clutched his forehead as the words struck him and his mind raced back to what everyone, especially Natalia, had been telling him lately. "Oh, I am such a pigheaded idiot! How did I not see it?"

Follow your instincts. Trust your guts. Do things your own way. That was what everyone had been trying to tell him. Heck, Natalia had even tried to teach Daggeron this to the best of her abilities and like a stubborn fool, Daggeron hadn't listened. Yes, usually it was best to follow standard techniques and plans, but more often than not, sometimes one had to do what they thought was right and trust in their instincts no matter the consequences. It was the first lesson that Leanbow had taught Daggeron when the Solaris Knight had been a student. How could Daggeron have forgotten it?

Daggeron smiled as he stood up. "Phineas, you wise old soul. Thank you. Here…" As a token of his gratitude, Daggeron conjured the finest catfish dinner (not Big Whiskers) in all the land. "Enjoy."

Phineas' eyes gleamed and he licked in lips in anticipation. "My pleasure, Daggeron. Now, go them!"

Daggeron nodded and then morphed before calling forth a mystic spell seal to the Snow Prince's location.

He didn't arrive a moment too soon, for although the Snow Prince's powers were stronger in Nix's home dimension and they had discovered Megahorn's weak spot, the battle was not going at all well. Megahorn had not only managed to keep them from attacking his weak spot and destroying him, but he'd also severely injured everyone—including the Snow Prince and managed to send everyone to the Opaque Dimension. Everyone was on the ground, hurt and struggling to even attempt to stand while Megahorn still stood tall and undefeated.

"Face it, Rangers! The reign of the Terrors is at hand!" said Megahorn, smugly. "The era of the Mystic Warriors is over and you shall die! Surrender while you still have a chance!"

"NEVER!"

Before Megahorn could react, he was struck from behind by Daggeron's Laser Lamp Attack as the Solaris Knight flew in on a magic carpet. He then stood protectively in front of the others.

"We will never give up and your reign will never happen, not as long as we still draw breath!" spat Daggeron. He shot a brief, concerned glance at the Snow Prince and the Mystic Rangers. "Guys, are you all okay?"

"We'll be fine," assured Natalia. As she shakily rose up, she invoked her healing fire spell and then used a small fraction of the Mystic Crystal's power to heal her injured comrades. "But we're better now that you're here, Daggeron."

"And why are you here, Daggeron?" demanded the Snow Prince. "I distinctly remember forbidding you to join us! You dare disobey a direct order from me, an Ancient Mystic?"

Daggeron nodded. "Yes, I do. For I have learned my lesson, and that is to trust my guts and follow my instincts as my friends would say." He smiled fondly at Natalia. "I learned that from you, Aurora. You did your job well."

Natalia smiled beneath her helmet and sighed in relief, pleased by this turn of events. "I'm glad I was able to teach you, Daggeron. You didn't make it easy."

Daggeron chuckled. "Yes, I know." He looked apologetically at the Snow Prince and bowed his head in respect. "Great teacher, I now see the wisdom in both your methods and Aurora's. Please, forgive my pigheadedness."

The Snow Prince smiled as he squeezed Daggeron's hand. "You are forgiven, for you have learned well, Daggeron. But at the same time, you remind me of another reason why I retired. Some students are slower to learn than others," he said, teasingly.

Everyone laughed at this before returning their attention to Megahorn, who was rising up again, angry and ready to end the battle.

"Nix, you've done so much to help us and I'm grateful, but I must ask you to return to your people. After what Megahorn's done, they need you now and we'll need you as backup if we fail," urged Natalia. "Respectfully, I must ask you to go."

She didn't need the Mystic Crystal's infinite knowledge to know that things were about to get much, much harder. She also had a fair point. Though they had initially fought on the outskirts in the Snow Prince's home dimension and no casualties had been suffered, Megahorn had caused considerable damage in that realm. What's more, if Natalia's team failed, there had to be someone to pick up the fight where they left off and the Snow Prince was one of the few who could do so.

Respectfully, the Snow Prince nodded in agreement. "Agreed, Princess. I wish you luck but do not hesitate to call me again should you need me for anything."

Natalia agreed and with that, the Snow Prince returned to his home dimension just as Megahorn's eyes glowed bright red.

"THAT'S IT! YOU ASKED FOR IT!" roared Megahorn.

And with that, Megahorn called forth a dark spell seal that caused him to grow gigantic in height. In response, Daggeron called forth his Solar Streak Megazord and the Mystic Rangers combined to form their Manticore Megazord. But much to their shock, before any battle could take place, thunder rumbled and storm clouds darkened the skies as the ground shook and split like an egg. From the cracks emerged Black Lance and his black and silver spiked chariot, which was drawn by two magnificent black, red-eyed stallions donned in black and silver armor.

"What're you doing here, Black Lance?!" demanded Megahorn, furiously. "This is MY battle! I've almost got them!"

"I beg to differ, Megahorn," sneered Black Lance. In the eyes of the war god-like Terror, Megahorn was nowhere near claiming a victory and would soon perish. But perhaps that would change now that Black Lance was there to level the playing field. "Besides, two Terrors are better than one!"

Even Megahorn couldn't fault that piece of logic, so the dragon-like Terror ceased arguing and allowed Black Lance to join him on the battlefield.

XXX

Meanwhile, Sculpin had returned to the Lake of Lament.

"I call upon the Lake of Lament. Show me the one who guards the Master!"

Moments later, the water exploded just as before and then Leanbow's astral form appeared and he didn't seem happy at being called.

"Why have you summoned me?" demanded Leanbow.

"I thought you might like to know, not only is the surface world about to be destroyed at the hands of both Black Lance and Megahorn!" said Sculpin.

In spite of this information, Leanbow did not waver. "I will not abandon my mission!" Two Terrors at once was a great deal for Daggeron and the Mystic Rangers to handle, he had no doubt in their abilities to destroy the Terrors and come out victorious.

Sculpin laughed before a smug, sickening grin crossed his face. "Oh, really, Leanbow? Even if I were to show you this?" Sculpin spun his weapon around and a window to the surface world appeared in the water, revealing the truth of the devastating battle that was taking place. "Megahorn may be a brainless fool, but Black Lance is not and combined, their powers are devastating. There is every chance that they will not only destroy the surface world, but they will also kill your precious daughter and claim the Mystic Crystal for the Master! What kind of a good father can bear to watch his only child suffer such a fate?"

Leanbow's hand clenched tightly around his sword as he watched Natalia receive a terrible blow and fall to the ground. "My daughter…" Please, Aurora, don't let him take you from me. Stand and fight! Every fiber in Leanbow's being called out to him to join his daughter on the surface world and protect her. But if he did, there was every chance that the Master might be freed and if that happened, Leanbow ran the risk of losing his child anyway.

"My daughter fights with honor and courage. And with the aid of her teammates and the Mystic Crystal, there is no doubt that she will be victorious!" said Leanbow, firmly. He had to believe in this, he had to trust in his daughter's abilities and hope that his faith was not misplaced.

"Oh, yes, the Mystic Crystal. Its powers are devastating and could easily destroy both Black Lance and Megahorn, but to do so might invoke the Mystic Crystal's one weakness. Are you truly prepared for that, Leanbow?" challenged Sculpin.

Leanbow's breath caught in his throat and his heart skipped a beat. "How do you know of that?" That tidbit of information had been a closely guarded secret in Leanbow's family for generations. How could Sculpin, a Terror, possibly know such sensitive information when not even Daggeron or Udonna were privy to it? "Only those of my blood are entrusted with such knowledge!"

Sculpin grinned. "You forget, the Master is also of your blood and he is quite generous with his information. Did you truly believe he wouldn't?"

Now, Leanbow was truly frightened for his daughter and the others. The cost of the Mystic Crystal's one weakness was price he never wanted Natalia to pay. He had to go and help her. But did he truly dare? Especially knowing that if he failed in his mission to keep the Master imprisoned, all might be lost regardless? What was the right choice to make?

Sculpin laughed cruelly at Leanbow's obvious devastation. "I'm in a generous mood today, so I'll allow you to retain this window so that you will see what your so-called honor and courage has gotten you!" he said, as he then departed.

When Sculpin left, Leanbow knelt down and prayed for the first time in years for the knowledge on what was the right thing to do and to have the strength and courage to do it.

XXX

Natalia could not bite back the groan of pain that emitted from her throat as Black Lance struck them yet again. Between Megahorn's brute force and immense power and Black Lance's own dark magic combined with the swiftness of his chariot, the battle had grown steadily worse and it was beginning to look like Natalia would have to resort to drastic measure to stop the Terrors. She couldn't let her loved ones and so many innocent lives perish, not while she had the chance to prevent it.

I must do what's necessary to stop them, no matter what the cost. It's up to me and me alone, she thought, as she prepared to invoke the Mystic Crystal's power. Before she could, however, she saw a sword force back Black Lance by sending the war god-like terror across the dimension and then she felt a presence painlessly touch her mind.

But you're not alone, said Leanbow, as he made appeared on the battlefield through a mystic spell seal. He wore Koragg's armor but inside, he was truly Leanbow. You never have been and you never will be, my little phoenix-star.

Everyone gasped in stunned shock at the sight of their unexpected visitor.

"What? Is that—?" gasped Mason.

"Holy…" murmured Vida and Chip, in unison.

"You've got to be kidding me!" said Xander.

"It's Leanbow in Koragg's armor! He's alive!" exclaimed Daggeron. "Udonna and Aurora were right all along!"

By the gods…Papa? Natalia was both shocked and relieved to hear her father's voice and to see him again. Though she'd always firmly believed Leanbow was alive, there had been a tiny doubt in the back of her mind and she was not prepared for the onslaught of emotions that followed this confirmation of her belief. Is that really you? Where have you been? Where are you and why have you shut me out all this time?

Despite her joy at her father's return, Natalia felt a twinge of hurt and anger. How could Leanbow shut her out for so long? Why didn't he contact her sooner or allow her to help? And why was he still being so incredibly stubborn?

Yes, it's me. I'm afraid I cannot answer all questions, Aurora, for there is no time. But know that I have been in hiding, trying to keep the Master rising up to protect you and the others, said Leanbow, regretfully. I wish I could've found another way, but there was none. I have done what I thought best out of love. Please, try to understand.

I do, said Natalia. Her mind understood even if her heart didn't. There was so much she wanted to say and do, but there was no time for such things. Right now, they had two Terrors to deal with. What do you need us to do, Papa?

I will deal with Black Lance myself but you must help your godfather destroy Megahorn while there's still time. Do so now, Aurora. Quickly! urged Leanbow.

Natalia did not need to be told twice. She quickly urged the team to do as Leanbow commanded and then the battle resumed. In the fight that followed, Daggeron miraculously managed to bind Megahorn's wings and feet long enough for the Rangers to plunge their blade into Megahorn's weak spot, causing the Terror to explode in a shower of dangerous sparks. While this was happening, Leanbow dueled Black Lance one-on-one and in the ensuing duel, Black Lance's chariot was destroyed and his stallions scattered, leaving Black Lance open for Leanbow's next attack, which was that of a powerful Wolf Attack that sent Black Lance to his knees. Unbeknownst to them all, Necrolai took advantage of the confusion to slip the scale into a small crack on Leanbow's armor, fulfilling's Sculpin's wishes.

Leanbow grabbed Black Lance by the back of the Terror's neck. "Rangers, I must leave you now but know that I am proud of you all."

Before anyone could act, Leanbow and Black Lance disappeared through a spell seal and Natalia felt the mind link become closed again.

XXX

Back in the Terrors' sacred chambers, most of the remaining Terrors were now frightened and concerned by the turn of events. Though they were always prepared to give their lives in service of the Master, they were not quite prepared for the reality of it. Now, they were so few in number and none of them knew what had happened to Black Lance, for he had not returned to their sacred chamber. And what was worse, there was still no victory for the Master and if they didn't rectify that before he arose, the consequences would be devastating.

When Sculpin began to laugh, everyone stared at him as if he'd lost his mind.

"Sculpin, why are you laughing? Black Lance is missing and Megahorn's been destroyed!" said Hekatoid. "This isn't funny!"

"I must agree with Hekatoid. The situation has grown dire for all of us," said Gekkor.

Sculpin just scoffed. "Oh, please. Black Lance can take care of himself. And Megahorn was a hotheaded fool who deserved to lose and was a disgrace to our name as Terrors! I have something more important to deal with now."

"And what might that be?" asked Itassis, warily.

Sculpin grinned. "That scale I gave to Necrolai will act as beacon, which will lead us to Leanbow's hiding place and the Master. Soon, that fool will be in our grasp and the Master will be restored!"

How did that saying go? All good things to those who wait. Well, Sculpin had waited and soon his patience would rewarded beyond measure, of that he was completely sure.

XXX

The next day found Daggeron taking a pleasant ride on his motorcycle. It'd taken a little time, but Daggeron had gotten the hang of it and what's more, he was actually enjoying it and had even researched ways to take care of his bike. He'd just taken off his helmet when Natalia zipped by on a magic carpet and toppled over onto a dirt pile.

"Ow," muttered Natalia.

Daggeron could not stop the surprise that flickered across his face as he parked his bike and then helped Natalia to stand.

"Are you all right? Quite a fall you took there," said Daggeron, concerned. He couldn't believe that Natalia had taken up her magic carpet riding lessons again after all these years, especially considering that she'd never been very fond of them as she'd always struggled to maintain her balance. When Natalia nodded in response to his question, Daggeron then asked, "what you're doing on that old thing?"

"Well, I thought since you had such a hard time with the bike, I should get back to my magic carpet riding lessons as payback," said Natalia, as she dusted herself off. "I'm sorry I gave you so much grief during our lessons, Uncle."

Daggeron shook his head. "No, don't be. You were right. You told me more than once to lighten up and I refused to listen. Your methods may have been a little unorthodox, but they worked. So, thank you, Aurora, for all of it."

Natalia smiled. "You're welcome. So, uh, I was thinking…could we skip training and maybe spend some godparent-godchild time together and maybe help me with this? I feel like we haven't really had the chance with all that's been happening." As much as she enjoyed her training sessions with Daggeron, Natalia sorely missed the outings they used to take together when she was a kid.

Daggeron looked visibly touched as he nodded. "I would love to."

Natalia just hugged him in response.

XXX

Meanwhile, Udonna and Clare were having an adventure themselves. After months of traveling on foot, they'd finally reached the Lake of Lament and it was quite a dreary place to see—cold, dark, damp and full of dark magical energy—not at all their idea of a vacation spot. The two women were also exhausted both physically and mentally as their journey had been quite the hardship, and it showed in more ways than one. But despite all this, they were both smiling a little.

"We made it. We've arrived at the Lake of Lament," said Udonna. "Leanbow's been here recently. I can feel it." They were one step closer to bringing the Fire Wizard King home at long last.

Clare smiled as well but then her smile faded just as quickly. "I can feel something too, not just Uncle Leanbow. Something…something dark and—AAHH!"

Suddenly, both women were startled when Hekatoid appeared out of nowhere. "Hello, ladies!" Quickly, Hekatoid spewed out dark magic, which sent Clare flying and caused her to land painfully on the ground, knocking her out.

Udonna was also sent flying across the area, but she was not blessed to be knocked out before Hekatoid snatched the White Sorceress Queen up with his incredibly long and disgusting tongue.

"You're coming with me!" A fool Hekatoid might have been, but he was not so foolish as to pass up the chance to snatch up Udonna and gain some leverage on the Rangers.

And with that, Hekatoid sealed Udonna away into a small prison that sent her into a deep sleep, imprisoning her.

Thrilled with his prize, Hekatoid then returned to the Terrors' sacred chambers. Megahorn may have been destroyed and Black Lance missing, but Hekatoid now had a guaranteed victory against the Rangers, one he intended to exploit to its fullest.