"Casey is really taking this master's thing hard," Theo said through a mouthful of chips. He was using his Swoop-technique in the loft, while Lily paced around beneath him.

"Wouldn't you?" Lily asked. "He's been working his tail off, just like us."

"Yeah. I'm sure he will figure out something to do," said Theo. He offered a chip to Lily as she passed beneath him again.

Lily smiled and took it, popping it into her mouth.

"Hey, what are you two doing here?" Kali asked, entering the loft with Nick and Aiden. "It's the second Tuesday of the month. Don't you usually have a date planned?"

Theo scowled. "It's not a date!" he protested, missing the hurt look on Lily's face.

"Riiight," said Nick. "Well, it doesn't have to be an official date, you know. I mean, your master's now right? Why don't you use that as an excuse to go celebrate?"

Lily's face brightened. "He's right, T, we should go," she said, trying not to sound eager. "Just because Casey failed, doesn't mean we have to sit around and not celebrate. He already told us that we should be proud of our accomplishment. I don't think he would mind."

"Where is Casey, anyway?" Kali asked.

"You're right," said Theo, sighed heavily, as he floated down to the ground. "Nick is right. We are master's now. We should probably stay focused and on task."

Again, Lily's face dropped. "Oh… Okay. In the case, I guess, I'll open the pizza parlour," she said, stuffing her hands into her jeans and walking away.

"Lil," Kali sighed. She took a deep breath and turned to Theo. "I don't get you! One minute your jealous that Lily is spending time with Casey, and afraid that she isn't going to feel the same way about you, and then when she actually asks you out, you turn her down."

Theo rolled his eyes. "A celebration for our master stripes?" he asked. "That's not the kind of date I want with her, and you know it. Besides, she's made it painfully obvious that we're just friends, why chase something that is never going to happen."

Kali released an aggravated sigh and turned to Nick. "Can I hit him?" she asked. "Please."

"No," said Nick, shaking his head. "We made it painfully obvious that we were just friends, too," he added to Theo, "and look at us now." He squeezed both Kali and Aiden to him. "Are you really going to the let the one you want, and the one that clearly wants you, get away?"

Theo turned towards the kitchen. "I'm not good at this like you two," he said. "Despite what you know about me, I'm not always so confident in situations, especially when it comes to asking out the girl I love."

"Obviously," said Kali, "but then, no one really is. I settled on being Nick's best friend because I was afraid to admit my real feelings in fear of losing him."

"And I did the same," said Nick. "It took Xander to make me realise that if I didn't say or do something, I would lose the chance forever."

Kali smiled and kissed Nick's cheek. "Look, Theo, being in love with your best friend is hard and scary, we get it, but trust me when I say, seeing the one you love be in love with someone else, hurts way worse," she said.

Nick nodded his agreement.

Theo lowered his gaze and sighed. They had a point, he knew they did, but what could he do about it now?

~X~

Casey hurtled through the forest. After his talk with Dominic that morning, he was more than determined to prove himself to his friends by rescuing Jarrod from Dai Shi's clutches. He leapt over fallen logs, dodged around uprooted trees, and ducked under low hanging branches on his way to the temple.

At least an hour into his journey, he stopped as a mass of orange light appeared in his path, and Master Mao appeared before him. He breathed out his name, surprised at the sudden appearance of the old man.

"Casey," Mao echoed, his spirit hovering inches above the ground. Casey was thankful Kali wasn't present to see this, as every other time she'd made a whine about how Mao was constantly escaping the gate.

"What -? Why are you here?" Casey asked.

"You have the strength and passion of the Tiger," said Mao. "But your heart is leading you astray. Jarrod cannot be saved."

"I don't believe that, Master," Casey argued. "I have seen the human in him when he defended Camille. He hasn't always been bad."

"Yes, that is true. But even I couldn't get through to him. He has gone too far down the dark path," said Mao, shaking his head. "Jarrod has given himself over to Dai Shi"

"No!" Casey shouted. "You're wrong. Jarrod is fighting to get out, I can feel it."

"What you're feeling is guilt!" Mao snapped.

"Guilt?" Casey echoed.

"You feel responsible for Jarrod's fall," said Mao, stepping closer. His light fading, slightly. "If you hadn't have come to Academy…"

"Then none of this would've happened!" Casey exclaimed. "Jarrod and I wouldn't have fought, you wouldn't have kicked him out, and he wouldn't have released Dai Shi."

The forest was silent as the pair considered one another.

"Look into your soul, Casey," said Mao, his gaze fixed on his student. "You knew that Jarrod's heart wasn't pure."

"Or… maybe he was so alone," said Casey, unable to accept that Jarrod was entirely gone. "That there was nothing pure to fill his heart?"

Mao set his jaw. "If you go to Dai Shi's domain then you are likely to be destroyed," he said. "Is that what you want?"

Taking a deep breath, Casey drew himself up to his full height and fixed his gaze on Mao. "Thank you, Master," he said, defiantly. "For all that you have done. But this is something I have to do." He strode forward, passing through Mao's body.

"Casey!" Mao ordered. "Are you trying to save Jarrod or redeem yourself?"

"Don't dignify that with an answer."

Casey gasped and looked sideways. "Kali?" he asked, as his teammate stepped out of the tree beside him. "What are you doing here?"

"I couldn't find you at the loft," said Kali, "and then Dom said you disappeared early this morning. Given our conversation yesterday, I figured I'd find you here." She glanced at Mao, her eyes narrowing. "Go," she looked back at Casey. "Mao and I have things to discuss."

Casey hesitated, but then nodded and took off, leaving the pair behind.

Once Casey was out of earshot, Kali turned her attention back to Mao. "This right here - this personality change. That is what happens when a Spirit refuses to rest after passing on," she said.

"How can I rest when my cubs are making rookie mistakes?" Mao asked. "You were supposed to prevent them from destroying themselves."

"No, I was asked here to help stop Dai Shi," said Kali, shaking her head. "Separating him from Jarrod is actually giving me an advantage over stopping him. I can't do that alone, and you know well enough that I can't. Stopping evil has always been, and will always remain, a team effort."

Mao indicated to the path Casey had taken. "He is not thinking straight," he argued. "Casey only cares about redeeming himself. He blames himself for getting Jarrod kicked out when Jarrod was never meant to -"

"To what?" Kali interrupted. "Succeed? Of course not! How could he ever succeed when he had a teacher that was willing to give up on him? A teacher who didn't see the point in trying to understand him, and forced him to be like everyone else?"

"I only tried to make him see."

"See what?" Kali asked. "That he was failure from start to finish? You were his teacher, his mentor. He was supposed to be able to look up to you and count on you to be there for him. His family life was a mess, and he had no parental figures, much less adult supervision in his life. He came to you broken, and you refused to even try and fix him."

Mao opened his mouth to argue, but Kali held up a hand.

"I don't care what you have to say," Kali said, shaking her head. "Just go. Next time you pass through the gate, you do it because I ask you to."

Mao sighed and disappeared.

~X~

"Casey has been gone a long time," said Lily, pulling a fresh pizza out of the oven and cutting it into slices.

Theo nodded. He was throwing dough into the air, loosening it to make the pizza base. "Yeah, I'm starting to worry a little," he agreed.

The kitchen door burst open, and Fran tumbled out. "Guys, you need a break," she said, nervously.

"Fran, we're working," said Dom, resuming shredding cheese.

"It's Casey," said Fran, lowering her voice.

The trio stopped and turned to her. The worried look on her face was enough for them to abandon their stations and follow her upstairs.

"You guys are not going to believe this," said Fran, frantically grabbing the remote from the monitors. "It's… well… unbelievable."

"Fran, slow down," said Dom, holding up his hands to calm her. "Take a deep breath and start from the beginning. Where is Casey?"

"He is at Dai Shi's temple."

"What?" Lily exclaimed.

Fran turned on the monitors. "Look, this was recorded just a few minutes ago from the Geo-Centric Satellites," she said, switching them on. It showed a blurry image of Casey passing through the gates of Dai Shi's temple.

"What does he think he is doing?" Dom asked.

"Whatever it is, we have to help him," said Theo. "Come on."

"No," said Nick, appearing behind the trio.

Theo narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean no?" he asked. "He can't be there alone. Dai Shi will destroy him."

"Casey has to do this," said Nick. "It's his destiny. Besides, he's not there alone."

"What do you -?"

"Kali," said Lily.

Nick nodded. "She left after talking with you Dom," he said, looking over at the Rhino Ranger. "She knew that Casey was having a hard time coming to terms with what he saw in the forest yesterday between Jarrod and Camille, and, trust me when I say we're speaking from experience when it comes to not trying to help people who want to be good."

"But Jarrod -"

"Is lost," said Nick, "He was the perfect vessel for Dai Shi because he had no one else. He was alone, scared, angry, humiliated, and Dai Shi gave him the power and ability to get back at the people he perceived had done him dirty. He didn't know the extent of Dai Shi's vengeance and has realised that he didn't want vengeance or revenge."

"How can you know all this?" Lily asked. "You didn't even know Jarrod."

Nick nodded. "No, but I know people like him," he said. "And yes, before you say 'but they're not all the same' - no, they aren't. But, the intentions are. Camille has family in the form of a sister and niece, both who were evil, and tried to destroy me, Kali and the Mystics, but they were able to change sides, and now live a happy and normal life in Briarwood."

"Kali told me about two sisters called Marah and Kapri," said Lily. "She met them on the evil side when she was a Ninja Ranger."

Nick nodded again. "Yes, they switched sides, too," he said. "It is possible for those on the dark side to know when they have made mistakes. It's never too late for them to repent. Jarrod deserves a second chance, and so does Camille. If Casey can get through to Jarrod, and get him to cast out Dai Shi's spirit, then Camille will follow him. We'll have two more power players in the fight against the Dragon Spirit."

"You really think all that can happen?" Theo asked. He sounded sceptical.

"Yes, I do," said Nick. "I have felt the power that darkness gives you, so I can understand why Jarrod would be lured to it. But, I also understand the power of love and humanity. After all this time, he should have enough to cast out the Oblivion."

Lily, Theo, and Dom shared a look.

"So, we do nothing?" Dom asked.

"Not yet," said Nick. "Kali will let us know when we are needed."

Theo sighed and glanced back at the monitors. "I hope you're right," he said.

~X~

Breathing heavily, Jarrod looked up at the morphed red ranger standing over him. He couldn't believe he had just been beaten by this cub, especially after everything he knew about him. Casey Rhodes, tiger spirit, new to Pai Zhuq, cub. He shouldn't have been this powerful enough to bring down him, not a great Dragon of 10,000 years.

Yet, here they were.

Seething, Dai Shi narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth. "Finish it!" he goaded. "Do it!"

Casey took a deep, calming breath, and tapped the side of his helmet. He demorphed and removed his glasses. "No," he said. "I won't destroy you, Jarrod. You're a human, and Pai Zhuq student… and I care."

"No!" Jarrod growled. "No! I am Dai Shi!"

"Okay then," said Casey, turning his back. "If you are Dai Shi," he dropped his morpher with a clatter, and closed his eyes. "Then destroy me."

Dai Shi growled as he stood. This foolish cub was about to learn his lesson. Who was he to believe that Jarrod, the human vessel he occupied, was worth saving? After everything he had done. Ha! He'd prove the tiger cub wrong.

Raising his claw, Dai Shi stepped forward and swung at Casey's head. But, before he could rip through him, a golden glow wrapped itself around his arm and moved steadily upwards, over his shoulders and down his chest and legs. Once it reached the tips of his toes and his head, it engulfed him, burning hotter than anything he had ever felt before.

Then… Jarrod burst out, stumbling into Casey's arm as the great Dragon Spirit hovered in the sky above them.

"You dare defy me, Jarrod!" Dai Shi bellowed. He blasted Casey backward, knocking him into the double doors, as he forced Jarrod to his feet, pulling from him the Rinzin power the Phantom Beasts had bestowed upon him.

Jarrod screamed in agonising pain.

"Humans cannot be trusted! They must be destroyed," said Dai Shi.

Gritting her teeth, Camille lunged forward, crashing into Jarrod, and knocking him free from Dai Shi's grasp. Her own body started to glow, as her power was absorbed into her masters.

"Now you stand with the humans?" Dai Shi roared. "Then, you will also fall!"

"Camille!" Jarrod called, his voice echoing around the room.

Dai Shi expanded as he drew increased energy from Camille. He had already absorbed her Rinzin power and was now slowly making his way through her chameleon spirit.

"Let her go!" a female voice yelled. A leather-clad body landed between Camille and Dai Shi, a sword glinting in the dim light of the room, as it was slashed downwards, cutting through the energy transfer.

Dai Shi roared, blasting the two backward into the walls, and sending them sprawling onto the floor, the sword clattering against the stone. "Who dares interrupt me?!" he growled; his gaze fixed on the newcomer.

The woman raised her head, removing the mask that hid her face. She reached up and pulled it off, revealing a head of short brown hair, dark eyes, and pale skin.

"Nikki?" Camille breathed.

"Necrolai!" Dai Shi boomed. "How dare you!"

"How dare I?" Nikki asked, pushing herself up and picking up her sword. "How dare you?! Did you really think you'd get away with destroying my sister?"

Dai Shi growled. "Scorch! Snapper!" he yelled.

The two remaining Phantom Beast Generals appeared from behind the Throne Room, their sights set on the intruders.

"Get them!" Dai Shi ordered.

"Yes, Dai Shi!" they echoed, lunging forward.

The ground shook, displacing the two Phantom Beasts and knocking them away from the others. They stumbled away, as a crevice split down the room, dividing it and shattering Dai Shi's throne and the wall behind him.

"What's happening?" Jarrod asked.

"That's our que to get out of here," said Nikki. "Casey, take him," she nodded at Jarrod and stood down, looping Camille's arm over her shoulder, and winding her own around her sister's waist. She then half carried; half walked the Chameleon from the room.

~X~

Kali stood outside the gate to Dai Shi's temple. She stood with her hands elevated either side of her, her eyes focused on the Temple ahead, and she was chanting in a language that no one, other than the other Mystics would be able to understand, much less replicate. The spell, which she had received from Root core, was supposed to project her Hell's Gate Inferno attack without her being within the vicinity.

When she had called Nikki, asking for her help to get Camille away from Dai Shi, the former Vampire Queen was more than happy to help. While she and her sister may have had a falling out many years ago, they were still family, and if Nikki could repent and change her ways, then why couldn't her little sister?

As Casey, Jarrod, Nikki, and Camille appeared on the path leading away from the crumbling temple, Kali dropped her arms and fell silent. Instantly the shaking stopped, and Casey stared, wide-eyed at his teammate.

"How did you do that?" Casey asked, breathlessly.

"With a lot of power," said Kali, equally as breathless. She looked around at the four present. "Did you get everything and everyone one you intended?"

Casey nodded and turned to Jarrod. "I knew you were in there somewhere," he said.

"Thank you, Casey, I owe you one," said Jarrod.

Nikki turned to Camille. "Are you okay?" she asked, cupping her sister's face.

"You just risked your life for me," said Camille, stunned unbelievable. "Why? After everything that happened between us."

"Because you're my family," said Nikki.

Tears crested Camille's eyes and she threw her arms around Nikki.

Kali tensed and, stepping in front of the others, threw up her hand. A shield materialized before her, causing the bolt of energy to bounce off and collide with the mountainside, blowing a large chunk out of the top.

"Whoa," said Camille, her eyes wide. She had, of course, seen Kali's shield before, but she had never seen her ability to detect and attack this close.

Kali grit her teeth, biting back a growl as Scorch and Snapper stalked towards them from the cloud of smoke left over from the explosion. "And here was I hoping my projection spell would've wiped you two out!" she said.

"Nice try, Hellhound," said Scorch. "But I've told you before, your powers are no match for our Rinzin."

"My Zokado fared well enough yesterday."

Scorch hissed. "Your end is upon you, Hellhound," he said. "You, and your friends."

"Don't count on it!"

Scorch and Snapper looked up and gasped as the Red Mystic Defender jumped over Kali, followed closely by the others and the Jungle Fury team.

"You guys okay?" Lily asked, turning to her friends.

"Never better," said Casey.

Kali turned to the Mystics. "What are you all doing here?" she asked.

"You're facing the last of the Oblivions," said Xander. "Did you really think we'd let you do that alone?"

Kali turned to Casey and raised an eyebrow.

"You up for this?" Casey asked Jarrod.

"Absolutely," Jarrod replied, glancing at Camille.

Nikki raised an eyebrow at her sister. "You sure you're strong enough to fight?" she asked.

"I have enough strength for one last battle," said Camille, nodding. She stepped away from Nikki.

"Alright then," said Kali, turning back to Scorch and Snapper. "You say our end is near? I highly doubt that. Ready?"

"Ready!"

"Jungle Beast, Spirit Unleashed!"

Nikki smiled as she watched Camille and Jarrod transform into the Chameleon and Lion armour.

"We're going to settle this once and for all, Snapper!" Camille hissed.

"Now witness the full Lion spirit, Scorch!" Jarrod called.

Scorch and Snapper growled, stepping back in alarm. When they had been sent to take out the fleeing intruders, they hadn't been expecting them to have backup on the outside.

"Rangers, let's give them a hand!" Casey commanded. "With the Strength of a Tiger, Jungle Fury Red Ranger!"

"With the Stealth of a Jaguar, Jungle Fury Blue Ranger!"

"With the Speed of a Cheetah, Jungle Fury Yellow Ranger!"

"With the Fury of a Hellhound, Jungle Fury Black Ranger!"

"With the Courage of a Wolf, Jungle Fury Wolf Ranger!"

"With the Power of a Rhino, Jungle Fury Rhino Ranger!"

"With the Spirit of the Mighty Lion!"

"With the Cunning of a Chameleon!"

"With the Spirit of the Vampire Bat!"

"Element of Earth, Green Legend Warrior!"

"Element of Wind, Pink Legend Warrior!"

"Element of Water, Blue Legend Warrior!"

"Element of Lightning, Yellow Legend Warrior!"

"Element of Fire, Red Legend Warrior!"

Scorch and Snapper roared as they surged forward, but were met with the defiance of the Rangers, and their allies. Pulling ahead of the others, Jarrod and Casey met Scorch, knocking him backward as Snapper was swallowed up by the others.

Unlike Snapper, Scorch was a lot more formidable. He was powerful, and his spirit was immense. He brushed aside each of Casey and Jarrod's attacks as if they were nothing, and finally managed to hit both in the chest, sending them flying.

"Yo, Dragon boy!"

Scorch hissed and looked up as Kali and Nick dropped out of the sky above him. They each wielded swords, which they struck down on his armour, causing two dents in his shoulders. He growled, his eyes narrowing as they landed, rolling across one another's paths, and jumping back to their feet.

He watched them closely. Watched as they whipped into a spin, the Red Mystic curling his hand into a fist and punching out, while the Hellhound stooped down low, bracing her hand against the gravel floor, and swinging her leg out at his.

Jumping up, Scorch avoided the sweep kick, and then raised his arm to block the punch. He laughed as he caught the Red Mystic's wrist and twisted it, watching as he followed through and flipped over. But, with his hand still stuck in Scorch's grasp, he groaned as he was pulled forward, lifted off his feet, and swung into Kali.

Running back into battle, Casey and Jarrod double-teamed Scorch as Nick and Kali recovered quickly. Jumping to her feet, Kali raced forward as Casey and Jarrod combined their powers and held Scorch back. She leapt over them, fired her jets so that she hovered above their energy sphere, and raised her hands above her head.

"ZOKADO!" Kali yelled, the great ball of dark magic growing steadily stronger above them all. She dropped, dragging the ball of darkness down with her and sending it soaring at the Phantom Beast.

Scorch roared as he was blasted backwards into the side of the mountain. He stumbled out and met Kali's gaze as he reached for her. "Hellhound…" he seethed, before exploding.

"Good job!" the others congratulated as they raced over.

Jarrod sighed and looked down at his hands.

"Are you alright?" Camille asked, grasping his arm lightly.

"Jarrod, what's wrong?" Casey asked.

"I…" Jarrod hesitated.

Feeling Kali stiffen, Nick placed his hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. "What is it?" he asked.

"This isn't over," said Kali.

"What do you mean?" Theo asked. "We destroyed Snapper and Scorch."

Kali shook her head and looked up. A dark cloud had amassed in the sky, blocking out the sun and causing a sudden sharp drop in the temperature as darkness rolled in.

"Are you doing this?" Lily asked Kali.

"No. I only ever drew on the shadows once in all my years as the Hellhound," said Kali, "and it knocked me for six. This is something else."

A blinding golden light cut through the black night, and Scorch dropped out of the cloud. He towered over the whole area, his body glimmering in the darkness. "You thought destroying me would be that easy? Think again!" he boomed.

"Let's do it!" said Casey.

The others nodded.

"Lion Spirit!"

"Chameleon Spirit!"

"Vampire Bat Spirit!"

"Animal Spirits Unite!" the Jungle rangers called, summoning their spirits from within and projecting them into the skies.

Kali turned to the Mystic Force. "You want in on this?" she asked.

"Oh yeah!" they echoed.

"Spirit of the Minotaur!"

"Spirit of the Sprite!"

"Spirit of the Garuda!"

"Spirit of the Mermaid!"

"Spirit of the Phoenix!"

Scorch laughed as he looked at the mismatched spirits, standing before him. Even though they severely outnumbered him, and their power was astronomical compared to him, he was determined to not go down without a fight.

"You think you can defeat me?!" Scorch yelled. "A Phantom Beast General?"

"We don't think it," said Kali. "We know we can. Come on, guys!"

"Tiger Power!"

"Lion Power!"

"Chameleon Power!"

The three attacks collided with Scorch, knocking him back a few steps. He seethed and squared off against the others. "That's nothing!" he said.

"Oh, we're not done yet," said Kali.

"Jaguar Power!"

"Cheetah Power!"

"Wolf Power!"

"Rhino Power!"

Whipped into a frenzy, the four zords cut through Scorch, forcing him to his knees.

"Had enough?" Kali asked.

"Never!"

Kali shrugged. "Have it your way," she said.

"Minotaur Power!"

"Sprite Power!"

"Garauda Power!"

"Mermaid Power!"

"Phoenix Power!"

"Vampire Bat Power!"

Scorch howled as the Mystics hit him at once, their power ripping through his body and causing him to spark. His breathing heavy, he looked up as the Hellhound towered over him.

This was it.

This was his end.

"Last chance," said Kali.

"Go… to… Hell…" Scorch said between breaths.

Kali took a deep breath. "You first," she replied. "Hellhound Fury!" she reared back on her hind legs, her jaws opening as a flash of orange and black flickered to life at the back of her throat. She fell forward, her paws landing with a thunderous crash, and a beam of black and orange flames soared through the air towards Scorch.

It hit him dead in the chest, causing him to rear back and scream before exploding. His body shattering into little micro-orbs of dust which sprinkled down onto the quarry floor.

~X~

Theo beamed as Lily threw herself into his arms.

The battle was over, Scorch and Snapper had been destroyed, and the Rangers could now rejoice and celebrate with those they cared about most. Sure, they knew that Dai Shi remained, but the last of the Phantom Beasts had been erased, they had rescued Jarrod and Camille, and were one step closer to ending Dai Shi's reign for good.

"What?" Lily asked, pulling out the hug with Theo. The expression on his face was enough to make her heart swell.

Trying his hardest to keep the smile from his lips (and failing), Theo shook his head. "Nothing," he said. "I'll tell you later."

Lily cocked her head, smiled, and then nodded. "Okay. Later," she said, turning away and racing across the quarry to congratulate Casey.

Kali smirked as she met Theo's gaze, offering him a thumbs up and then laughing as he blushed and turned away.

"Hey, guys, check it out!" Casey exclaimed, holding his arm up. His sleeve was pulled back, showing three black claws on his forearm. "I got my Master Stripes!"

Theo and Lily burst forward, throwing their arms around Casey, and hugging him, almost dragging him down onto the floor in their excitement.

"How did that happen?" said Dom.

"A Master cannot be a follower," said Kali. "When Casey defied Master Mao and believed in his own convictions, his path to Masterhood became his destiny. He completed that Destiny by freeing Jarrod from Dai Shi."

Dom looked at Nick. "Did you know?" he asked. "Is that why you stopped us from leaving the loft?"

Nick wrapped his arms around Kali, pulling her against him. "I had an inkling," he said. "I wasn't 100% sure. But…" he shrugged.

Kali smiled and rested her head against his.

"Tiger Master," said Jarrod, suddenly. He dropped to his knees before Casey, his head bowed. "I am prepared for whatever punishment you deem appropriate."

Casey glanced at Kali; his eyes wide. What was happening? Why was Jarrod doing this?

Kali shrugged, an indication that she had no idea what was going on.

"There is no punishment necessary," said Casey, grasping Jarrod's hand and pulling him back to his feet. He looked from him and to Camille, then back again. "We're going to need both of you to help us save humanity."

A fearful look crept onto Jarrod's face, and he cast his gaze away, acutely aware that everyone's attention was on him. "No," he said, shaking his head. "I think I've done enough damage." He turned to Camille and offered her his hand.

Camille took it, and the pair walked away.

"Cami," Nikki called, starting after them. She stopped as Kali touched her arm. "But…"

"Let them go," said Kali, shaking her head. "We can't force them to help. They have to decide what is right by them."

"And if that means not helping us?" Casey asked.

Kali shrugged. "Then we'll find another way," she said. "There's always another way."

Nikki sighed and turned back to watch her sister walk away for a third time.