Flipping the sign to 'open,' Casey turned to the rest of team as they finished setting up for the day ahead. "Okay, crew, ready for business?" he asked.

Lily nodded and Theo held up his note pad, indicating that he was ready to take orders.

"Uh, not quite," said RJ, walking in from the kitchen with Kali in tow. "Casey, Theo, and Lily, you're coming with me today. We're going on a little trip."

"Is this one of your 'it isn't about the destination it's about the journey' kind of trips?" Theo asked.

Casey and Lily smiled in amusement.

RJ shook his head. "Actually, no, this trip is all about the destination," he said, cheerfully.

"Oh, where are we going?" Lily asked.

"Well, you'll find out when we get there," said RJ. "Kali oversees the restaurant for today. Rylie is upstairs, should anyone need her. That okay with you Fran?"

Fran cradled her tray and nodded.

"Got it covered, boss," said Dom, saluting from the front counter.

"Great," said RJ, smiling. He turned back to the three cubs. "Then let's go." He moved past them toward the door,

Casey, Theo, and Lily shared ominous looks and then turned to Kali.

"Good luck," Kali said, smiling. She waved them through the door, and turned to Dom and Fran, both of whom were staring at her with one raised eyebrow. "Two words - Master Stripes."

Dom sucked in a breath. "Oh, so soon?" he asked. "This is major!"

Kali nodded and headed into the kitchen. "I'll get started on the pizza, dough. Fran, can you manage meeting and greeting, while Dom takes orders?"

"You got it, boss!" Fran called.

~X~

"Jarrod!"

Jarrod gasped and whipped around, facing the mirror. His reflection stared back at him, but instead of the stone room that he stood in, he was surrounded by flickering flames of orange and yellow. And, even though he wasn't speaking, the lips of the reflection were moving but the voice wasn't his own.

"You are only my human vessel! You have no will of your own. Do you understand?"

"No!" he argued. This time the words were his own. "You can't use me like this anymore! I want my life back."

"Your life is mine now."

"But I never wanted to hurt anyone." He took a deep breath, his heart hammering in his chest as his mind set on a defiance that he knew Dai Shi would not like. "And I won't hurt anyone else!"

Dai Shi roared. He had worked far too hard and waited to long for this moment, he wasn't about to let some insignificant human get in his way. "You will do as I say!" he hissed. "Now that I have lived as a human, I know all I need to know. Destroying them is going to be easy, and all of that is thanks to you."

Jarrod stared, fearfully at the mirror. How could his past have given Dai Shi enough information to destroy the whole Human Race? He had been a bully, more times than he had been a good person.

"Now, when the final beast war is over, all humans, including you, will be erased."

"I won't let that happen," argued Jarrod. "I have the spirit of the Lion."

"You have the strength of the lion," said Dai Shi. "But not the heart. There is not a shred of goodness or nobility inside of you. That is why I chose you in the first place. We are so alike."

The reflection disappeared, leaving behind his own face, but the sinister smirk on it was enough to tell Jarrod that Dai Shi had, once again, taken control.

~X~

Several hours later, Kali wandered down into the kitchen to find Lily, Casey, and Theo back at their workstations. "Hey," she said, smiling. "How did it go?"

"It went," said Theo.

Kali furrowed her brow. "That's it?" she asked. "I thought you'd be jumping for joy. I mean, weren't you guys ready to sit your master's exams almost four months ago?"

"Yeah, well, you know," said Lily, shrugging.

Glancing between the two, Kali set her sights on Casey. He looked generally happy, but she could sense something deeper inside, something that didn't match his exterior. "What about you, Case, how did it go for you?"

"Fine. I guess," said Casey.

"Okay. What happened?" Kali asked, stepping off the stairs completely and approaching the table. Her back was to the hot oven, where she could smell pizza cooking. "You're all being evasive."

"Nothing happened," said Theo.

Kali raised an eyebrow at him.

Casey sighed. "They passed their test," he said.

"That's great!"

"But I failed," Casey added.

Kali faltered. "Oh. How come?" she asked.

Casey shrugged. "If I knew that then I wouldn't have failed," he said.

"Sorry," said Kali, offering him a sympathetic smile. "There's always next time."

"Yeah," Casey sighed. "That's what RJ said." He looked around at Lily and Theo. "But, that doesn't mean you two can't be proud of your accomplishments. Being masters of your respective spirits is a big deal, show off your stripes, you earned them."

"I'm guessing that is why you're wearing long sleeves in the kitchen," said Kali, looking between Theo and Lily.

Lily nodded sheepishly.

The door opened and Dominic walked in, he was carrying several orders and set them all down on the table, ready to be processed. "Oh, I'm interrupting," he said, noticing their glances. "Is this about Casey failing the master's test?"

Kali rolled her eyes at his blunt tone of voice.

"You know, not everyone is cut out to be a master," said Dom. "Look at me. I'm fine, just the way I am."

"Because that is reassuring," Kali muttered. She turned back to Casey. His happy exterior had cracked, and his inner most feelings were starting to show on his face.

Casey sighed, silently. "Uh, could you guys cover for me?" he asked. "I think I'm going to take my break early and go for a run."

Theo nodded.

With a small smile, Casey removed his hat and apron and fled the kitchen.

Lily and Theo turned to Kali.

"What do we do?" Lily asked.

Kali shook her head. "There is nothing you can do," she said. "It's something he has got to come to terms with on his own."

Theo sighed and turned back to his station.

"I just… feel so bad," said Lily. "He did everything we did, but he still failed."

"And that's where he went wrong," said Rylie, hurrying down from upstairs.

"How do you mean?" Theo asked.

Rylie sighed and donned her own apron and hat. She picked up the cheese grater and a slab of Mature Cheddar. "Look, Casey is a great fighter and a great leader, but a Pai Zhuq master doesn't ask. He knows."

"Well, that's a stupid rule," as Kali. "Asking for help doesn't hurt anyone."

"No, but -"

"We've been teaching them all year how to work as a team, and to ask for help when needed," Kali added, cutting Rylie off, "and now we want them to take the initiative and know when to do it themselves?"

"Taking the initiative to take on a task by yourself and not waiting for someone to tell you to do it is exactly what everyone should be able to do," said Rylie. "Even in a job interview, or on your resume, you say that you're good at working as a team, but also being initiative and doing it yourself. Why should being a Ranger be any different?"

Kali pinched the bridge of her nose. She understood where Rylie was coming from but was failing to grasp why it was such a big deal. In the mystic realm, they didn't fail students when they asked for help, and usually praised them when asking for assistance when taking on a more than they knew they could get done alone.

"Casey's in trouble!" Aiden called from upstairs.

Rylie looked around at the trio. "Go, I got this covered!" she said.

Taking the stairs two at a time, Kali entered the loft ahead of the others and rounded the monitors. Aiden was sitting in RJ's chair, practicing his guitar skills, and watching Casey fight three monsters on the screen.

"I'll get Dom and RJ," said Theo.

Kali turned to Lily. "Let's get out there!" she said.

Lily nodded and the pair took off.

~X~

Casey groaned as Scorch caught his wrist, twisted it, and then flipped him over. He landed with a thud on the gravel floor of the quarry.

"You and the others failed!" Scorch hissed at the Phantom Beast.

"You lied to us about Dai Shi!" the Beast retorted, angrily.

Scorch growled and turned to Snapper.

"We will all face his wrath when this is over," Snapper said.

"Not if we destroy this Ranger first," said Scorch. "Taking out the Rangers leader may grant us a reprieve with the King."

Rolling onto his hands and knees, Casey pushed himself up and faced the trio. "Aw man, this day just keeps getting worse," he grumbled.

"I'll tell you what I told Whiger, and every other beast that came before you," said Kali, jumping over Casey, her jungle swords above her head. "You want one Ranger; you get us all! Darkness Wave!" she slashed down, unleashing a wall of darkness on the Phantoms.

Casey sighed in relief as he saw Kali wasn't alone. "Perfect timing," he said, holding his chest.

"What were you thinking fighting them alone?!" RJ asked.

"I didn't plan on it," said Casey, shaking his head. "These guys are brutal, in more ways than one."

As her swords disappeared, Kali returned to the others. "Then let's show them what happens when they mess with us," she said. "If they want power. Give it to them."

"Let's do it!" Casey, Lily, and Theo echoed. They stepped forward, punching their right fists into the palms of their left hands.

"Spirit Ranger, Shark!" Casey called.

"Spirit Ranger, Bat!" Theo summoned.

"Spirit Ranger, Elephant!" Lily commanded.

As the three Spirit Rangers materialised, Kali stepped up beside Lily. "Ready?" she asked the others, holding up her claw booster.

"Ready!"

"Jungle Master Mode!"

With a laugh, General Scorch stepped forward. "Is that supposed to be intimidating?" he asked. "Please! You're no match for us and our Rinzin!"

"We'll see about that," said Kali.

"Bring it on!"

"Gladly."

With a yell, the team rushed forward. Kali jumped over Scorch and spun around, raising her foot, and swinging it into his side. He wrapped his around her thigh and tugged, pulling her forward and causing her to hit the ground on her back.

As she was dragged across the ground, Kali swung her free leg around and collided it with Scorch's head. His helmet shook, a light ringing sound echoing around the area. He released her and grabbed his head, giving her enough time to scramble back and jump to her feet.

"Firing Jets!" Kali called, activating the jets on her hips. She kicked off the ground, pushing herself into the air as she summoned one of her Jungle Swords to hand, and powered up her Claw Booster. "Release the Hellhound!"

A black mass of energy seeped out of her chest, forming a massive snarling down that blocked out the sun. He swooped its head forward, jaws snapping around Scorch and causing him to spark. He yelled and drew his swords, swinging them through the Hellhound Spirit, causing it to disappear.

"Is that all you've got?" Scorch asked.

"Hardly!" Kali called. She hovered over Scorch, cancelled her jets, and fell, landing before him. She raised her claw booster and slashed downward, dragging it over his armour with a screech.

Scorch growled and stepped back. "Rinzin Power!" he called, raising his arms above his head. A glowing golden ball of energy accumulated into a ball, and he tossed it at Kali, hitting her square in the chest and knocking her back across the quarry.

Breathing heavy, Kali fell to one knee, her other bent and resting against her chest as her hand braced against the ground, keeping her balanced.

"Not even the great Hellhound can beat Rinzin," said Scorch.

"Maybe not," said Kali. "But, I'm stupid enough to try." She pushed herself up, raised her hands above her head and yelled, "ZOKADO!"

Scorch scoffed. "That won't -" he broke off as the ball of dark magic collided with him, sending him stumbling across the quarry. While he knew that Zokado magic wasn't enough to destroy him, he did know that from the right wielder, it could phase him and hold him back if they wanted. The Hellhound was a formidable opponent, he had learned that a long time ago, but this incarnation was more powerful than the one he had faced 10,000 years ago.

"You were saying?" Kali asked.

"This isn't over," Scorch warned.

"When is it ever?" Kali scoffed. "Go. Run along back to your precious King. But be warned, Scorch, the clock is ticking."

With one last glare, Scorch disappeared.

Kali took a deep breath, her body relaxing somewhat. She then wheeled around at the sound of her name being called and found the rest of her team facing down the Phantom Beast that had originally attacked Casey. Disappearing in a flicker of magic, she reappeared beside them.

"I'm here! Let's finish this fool."

"Claw Cannon!" Casey called, holding out his arms.

"Wolf Beam!"

"Rhino Blade!"

Resting the Cannon on Lily and Theo's shoulders, Casey set his hand on the plunger as Kali reached over his shoulder, channelling her Hellhound spirit into the top.

"Powered by Animal Spirits! Fire!"

A ball of bright energy spiralled towards the Phantom beasts, encircled by two smaller ones. The three orbs collided with the beast, knocking her back and rendering her to her knees.

"I won't be destroyed that easily!" Leapus declared, struggling back to her feet. She set her sights on the team, a cruel smile on her face. "Bow to me humans!" she ordered, spreading her arms.

The Rinzin power inside her swarmed up her arms from her hands, over her shoulders and then down her body, ending at her toes. It pulsated, and she started to grow.

"I don't bow to anyone," said Kali.

"Let's do it!" said Casey.

"Animal Spirits, Unite!"

Leapus laughed as she faced the three Megazords.

"Let's end this!" said Casey.

"STAMPEDE!"

Leapus gasped and stepped back as several animal spirits charged her. She howled as they collided with her body, knocking her back several steps.

"Final Strike!" the Rangers echoed.

"NO!" Leapus yelled, as each of the Animal Spirits hit her simultaneously. She pivoted backwards, exploding before she hit the ground.

~X~

Later that evening, Kali found Aiden sitting in the courtyard eating pizza. She slipped into the seat opposite him and smiled. "You okay?" she asked.

"Yeah."

"You sure?"

Aiden sighed and swallowed. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about Brody or my dad," he said. "Today would've been Brody's birthday. Normally he, my dad, and I would do someone special."

"Special, like what?" Kali asked.

Aiden shrugged. "Last year, Dad took us to the waterpark," he said. "The year before, we went to the circus. Usually, because it's his birthday, Brody would choose our activity. Dad used to do the same for me, too."

"Aiden, you've been with me and Nick for almost a year now," said Kali. "How come you haven't mentioned this before?"

"I didn't say anything because I didn't want to upset you or Nick."

Kali furrowed her brow. "Upset us? Upset us how?" she asked.

"You've both been so good to me," said Aiden. "I didn't want to bring up traditions that me, my dad, and brother did because I didn't want you to feel like you weren't doing enough for me."

Kali reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "Hey, Nick and I want you to be as happy with us as you would be with them, and when they come back you can tell them all about what you did and learned. They're going to be so proud of you!"

Aiden sniffled.

Kali studied him closely. "You know what I think?" she asked.

"What?"

"I think you're feeling a little guilty that you somehow survived when your brother and father didn't," said Kali. "That, maybe you feel like you don't deserve to be happy, or to do anything happy until they come home, because then that means you were enjoying your life when they're unhappy?"

Tears crested crested Aiden's eyes.

Sliding from her seat, Kali rounded the table and squatted down before Aiden. "Hey, look at me," she said gently. "Survivors guilt is normal, and it can hit you at any time. But, you don't stop living your life because you're afraid that it might offend those who didn't make it. Your brother and father would want you to live your life to the fullest, and, by extension, live their lives, too."

"But how?" Aiden asked, wiping his eyes.

Kali shrugged. "Brody would be nine today, right?" she asked.

Aiden nodded.

"Well, what do you think nine-year-old Brody would want to do?" Kali asked. "Pick anything you want."

"Anything?"

"Within reason, of course," said Kali.

Aiden laughed. "Um, Brody always wanted to try Go-Karting, but he was always too young. You have to be eight, and he was taken just before his eighth birthday," he answered.

"Okay then," said Kali, smiling. "Go get dressed. I'll call the others."

"Really?" Aiden asked.

"Yes, really," said Kali. "If you want to go Go-Karting in honour of your brother, then let's do it!"

Aiden beamed and threw his arms around Kali. "You're the best, Mom!" he said, before pulling away quickly and darting back inside JKP.

Kali stared after him, replaying his words repeatedly in his head. When he had first come to stay with her, he had been worried that she and Nick would try and replacing his father, and she had always reassured him that they weren't trying to do that. She had always told him that he didn't have to call her 'mom' or Nick 'dad' if he didn't feel like it, as they weren't his parents, and he had never had.

At least not until now. Even if he hadn't realised he said it, he had still said it, and the feeling of it was enough to make her smile.

"Someone's happy," said Lily, walking into the courtyard with Theo and Casey. "You okay?"

Kali nodded. "Yeah. Hey, we're going Go-Karting later, you want to come?" she asked.

"Yeah. Sounds fun!" said Lily.

"Great! It's for Aiden's brother's birthday," said Kali. "He's not here right now to celebrate, so we're going to do it for him."

Lily smiled.

"Hey, now I have you all, I have to tell you something," said Casey. He sounded urgent.

Kali folded her arms as she studied him. "What's up?" she asked.

"It's about Jarrod and Dai Shi."

Lily, Theo, and Kali shared a look. Out of everything they expected Casey to say, they hadn't been expecting that.

"What about them?" Theo asked.

"I saw him. Jarrod," said Casey. "When I was out running. I saw him protect Camille against Leapus and two other Phantom Beasts."

Lily cocked her head to the side. "Of course, he would," she said, "Camille is Dai Shi's number one general. Why wouldn't he protect her?"

"No, I don't mean I saw Dai Shi in Jarrod's body," said Casey, shaking his head. "I mean, I saw Jarrod. The Jarrod we used to know."

"Well, if memory serves me, Jarrod wasn't that great of a person even before he was possessed by an evil dragon spirit," said Lily.

"Believe me, I know," said Casey, stressfully. "But this time it was different. Almost kind."

Theo furrowed his brow and glanced at the others. Was he hearing this correctly? Had Casey seriously just referred to Jarrod as kind?

"What if there is still some humanity left inside Jarrod?" Casey asked. "Some part of him that is still resisting inside Dai Shi?"

Lily shook her head.

"Look, our job is to protect people," said Theo. "Dai Shi, Jarrod, or whatever you want to call him tries to hurt people. That's all I need to know."

Lily nodded her agreement.

Casey sighed. "Look, just because I don't have my masters stripes -" he broke off as Kali set her hand on his shoulder.

"Case, this isn't about that," said Kali, softly. She took a deep breath and turned to Lily and Theo. "Look, maybe Casey has a point."

"What?" the two exclaimed.

"After everything he has done. Everything you stand again; you're agreeing with Casey?" Theo asked. "Why? How?"

Kali swallowed. "Because, I know what it's like to only see the bad in people," she said. "And not give them the chance to change."

"But, Jarrod -" Lily started.

"Is a person who doesn't deserve our scrutiny," interrupted Kali. "Yes, he may have been a bully before he became Dai Shi, but do either of you know what drove him to become that bully? Look, I'm not trying to justify what he did in the past, but he deserves a chance at redemption if there is one there."

Casey smiled at her. "Thank you," he said.

"What makes you think he wants a chance at redemption?" Lily asked.

"He wouldn't have saved Camille if he didn't think he could be redeemed," said Kali. "Bad people don't do good things without a reason behind it."