Professor Stark is played by Robert Downey Jr.
Milo is played by Ryan Potter
Stephanie is played by Zendaya Coleman
Tanner is played by Ian Nelson
Slade sat in a meditative position, floating in midair. In front of him lay a broken sword. The sword was rusty brown and looked ancient. However, despite this, the mysterious man felt its potent power. He, Phoenix, and Medusa had gone through a lot of trouble to get it, having gone from planet to planet looking for it. Now, it was his, and his plan was able to move onto its next phase.
"Savage Sword, release your powers. Return to life... The five who fell." He infused the sword with Twilight energy, which caused it to burst into five separate entities colored red, blue, black, yellow, and pink.
Bayview was in ruin. Smoke floated into the sky, buildings were on fire and the streets were littered with debris and corpses.
The seven were fighting off armored foot soldiers who were very strong. They stood at six feet tall and wore metallic suits that were hard to penetrate.
Using every weapon they had, the Rangers destroyed numerous beings. However, every time one went down, three would replace it.
It eventually got to the point where they were surrounded and had nowhere to move. Before anything else could happen, everything disappeared.
Easing up, the Rangers de-morphed as they re-entered the cyber simulation room. The Seven Rangers were in a training simulation. This particular exercise was extremely difficult. With the artificial space simulating the whole world, it was the biggest training ground. The current scenario was an all out invasion of a very powerful alien race and the seven were the only survivors of all the Rangers.
"That was impossible." Liam stated.
Claire's voice came through the intercom. "That was the point, Liam. Don't beat yourself up about it."
Noah asked, "So is that all for training?"
As they entered the main room, Claire said, "Yep. You're all done for today. Good work, you guys."
Suddenly, on the wall opposite the Super Computer, in between two large screens, a black door appeared.
This alarmed the seven, who didn't expect this to happen.
"Why is there a door there?" Sonia asked nervously.
It opened, and revealed a lit hallway with brown stone walls and tan tile floors. A man who looked to be in his 40s stumbled into HQ.
"Oh, thank goodness you're here!" He was balding, and had dark hair forming a circle on his head. He had wire rimmed glasses and wore black robes over a red suit.
Before he could say anything else, a headless horseman emerged through the door after the man and swung his sword. The man ducked and screamed, "Help!" The swing was powerful, the ringing of the blade pierced everyone's ears.
Noah flicked his hands and used his improved powers. He expanded his molecular manipulation to the point where he could accelerate particles and make them combust with a bright blue light. However, the mini bursts of heat did not slow the horseman down. He flicked his wrists over and over, aiming. The Horseman barely flinched at the small bursts of blue light that came with each attack.
Letting out a high screech, the horse turned around and charged at the man. He ran back through the doorway and into the hall. He tripped and struggled to his feet. The horseman swung down and sliced his head clean off. The head came rolling through the doors and bumped Alicia's feet as she screamed. The black door closed as the Horseman disappeared.
"Did we..." Sonia trailed off.
The head then shifted on its own and looked at Claire.
"Hi, Claire. It's been a while hasn't it?" The head asked, much to the shock of the rangers.
"It has, Phineas. Hasn't it?" She answered in a calm tone.
"The head! Th-the head is talking!" Sonia freaked out.
Phineas pointed out, "Well, sweetie. It's the supernatural. You have to expect it!"
~ Cue Season 2 Theme ~
Claire set Phineas's head onto a counter. "You okay?" She asked as she adjusted his position.
"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you."
Jared sat down and asked, "So, what happened?"
"Actually, I don't know. That's why I came here."
"You see, the Magic School..."
Liam cut him off. "Magic School?"
"Oh yes, Magic School. It's a boarding school for Supernatural children." He held his head a little higher as he proudly explained. "With our advanced teachings we make sure that the next generation of witches use their powers for good, much like the seven on you."
Jules said, "So, back to the topic. This Horseman?"
"The Horseman... Being teenagers, the students often use their magic to um... prank. You know, tiles into toads in the girls dormitories, spraying sinks in the teacher's lounge, all good fun. However, this prank is different. This one is dangerous."
"So you want us to help?" Asher asked, crossing his arms skeptically.
"That would be wonderful, yes."
"Oh, they'll help, all right." Claire said. Without any protest, the Rangers, with Phineas's head, walked through the door.
~ Magic School ~
Magic School is what it says, and says what it is. It's a place where humans with Supernatural powers go to learn and control. Though retaining a castle-like feel, the technology it uses is advanced.
The seven Rangers went through a door that appeared in the center of a room.
The room was lined with couches and bookshelves. There were windows on all the walls and a fireplace. No doubt, it was the library.
"You can just leave my body where it is." Phineas casually instructed as Jared reluctantly held him.
They walked down a new and long hallway. The walls were made of tan rock and the floors were maroon tiles.
The walls were also lined with posters and bulletin boards with notices on them. It was just like a boarding school with Supernatural elements to it.
"How many halls are in this school?" Noah asked.
Phineas answered, "Well, this school is rather old. So no one really knows."
As the group walked, a levitating girl passed by them and entered a classroom.
Phineas frowned. "11th Grade Charms Class... She's late."
Sonia asked, "So, if there's a headless horseman attacking people around here, why are classes in session?"
"Oh, our faculty is more than capable. Open this door here."
Asher opened a black door that led to one of the numerous classrooms like a normal college lecture room. The white board, teacher's desk and the teacher were at the bottom while the students sat in desks that were on different elevations.
The teacher was lecturing and his assistant stood next to the board.
"Wait..." Jared whispered. "Dr. Bly and Devon?"
Phineas said, "Yes. Dr. Bly, and the rest of his Ranger team for that matter, have been Teachers here for some time."
Dr. Bly noticed them and nodded, but continued his lecture.
"Now, it's important to note that traditional Witches use verbal and non-verbal incantations to cast spells. But as history has shown, the Supernatural have been hunted. So to that end, many other forms of spellcasting were invented. Can anyone name a few?"
A number of hands were raised.
Dr. Bly pointed to one of his students. "Yes, Amber?"
The student called Amber explained, "Mugic, which is spellcasting through musical notes. Mugicians can use their own voices or instruments to cast. Eventually, they can cast just by thinking the notes in their minds. There's also Alchemical Mages, who use energy flowing through the natural world as a medium to cast spells. Then there's symbology, the use of glyphs."
"Yes, very good, Amber."
A bell ringing sounded throughout the entire school signaling the end of the period. As the students filed out, Dr. Bly and Devon greeted the group.
"Alexander, can you take over with the tour?" Phineas asked.
"Sure, I can. Devon, can you take Phineas to the other heads?"
"Sure." Devon answered. He took the head into his hands and ported away.
"Welcome to Magic School." Dr. Bly said. "Let's move on with the tour."
After seeing dorms, the lunch room, recreational facilities, etc., Dr. Bly led the group into a different place.
The Rangers stepped into a giant round room. There was a walkway that stretched around, and there was a wide opening in the center. Stepping up to the railing, the rangers looked down into a well lit pit. It looked like a gladiator ring, and three students were fighting a banshee. On the other side of the circular walkway, Nick Russell and several other students looked on.
One of the students had short brown hair that was neatly gelled up at the very front of his head. He was asian, had tan skin and brown eyes. He looked to be as tall as Alicia, who was 5 feet 7 inches. He wore a blue t-shirt and black gym shorts. The Banshee swung its long claws at him, but the boy jumped away. He opened both of his palms and focused his energy. The air around his hands began to shimmer with heat. He pressed his hands into the ground, making a patch in front of him melt.
Another student, the only girl, had long dark hair that was wrapped into a ponytail. She had dark skin and green eyes. She was the shortest out of the three. She wore a pink and black tank top with black yoga pants. She front flipped over the Banshee and kicked it in the head, sending the beast flying toward her asian friend. The Banshee ended up on the melted patch and began to sink, the creature swinging her claws. One final student stepped up.
He was the same height as the asian boy. He had pale skin, but his green eyes flared with growing confidence. His brown hair fell over his forehead, soaked with sweat. He wore a red and green t-shirt and blue gym shorts. He raised his hands and stretched his palms wide. Vines wrapped around the Banshee, making her scream.
The Banshee howled and crumpled to the ground defeated. Nick waved his hands and sent the creature into a hole in the wall.
"Ok, that's the last group to take on a Banshee. Good work on your first combat lesson, everyone! Today's assignment is a one page analysis on the Banshee. Turn it in on my desk tomorrow. Class dismissed!"
Mystic Force Red greeted the Legend Rangers.
"So what do you think? Not bad for 10th graders, huh?"
"We just finished 10th grade." Liam informed Nick.
"Oh, High Schoolers again, huh? Well I guess a common trend is forming."
Clearly feeling the tension in the air, Nick cut to the chase. "The Horsemen? I have no idea where it came from. You should take it up with the Headmaster."
"I'll take them." Dr. Bly said.
But a voice told him differently. "That will not be necessary, Alexander."
A middle-aged man appeared from under an invisibility cloak. He had light skin and brown eyes. His short brown hair was graying, and his mustache and goatee were graying as well.
"My name is Hale Stark, Headmaster of Xenophilius Caroban Academy, or just Magic School."
Dr. Bly informed them, "Professor Stark trained with my Mentor Udonna."
Jared began, "We're-"
Hale finished, "The Power Rangers: Jared Gordon, Alicia Morgan, Noah Ryder, William Gregory, Sophia Ford, Julianna Sanchez and Asher Go... Griffin."
Sonia suggested, "Please, call me Sonia." While Asher stared at Hale with bewilderment.
Alicia asked, "Professor, do you know anything about the Horsemen?"
"I'm afraid I don't... I have reason to believe that evil is trying to penetrate the school."
"Evil?" Noah asked.
"Oh yes. This school is raising the next generation of good magic. Children as young as four and as old as eighteen are taught everything they need to know. If this school were to shut down, evil would gain the upper hand. And furthermore, I do not believe that a student has enough power to conjure something like this."
"We want to help." Jules stated.
"That would be appreciated. However, not all of you can."
"How do you mean?" Liam asked.
As if on cue, Lydia''s voice came through the Ranger's bracelets.
"Guys, I'm picking up five high energy signatures coming from the Bayview shopping center."
"Thanks, Lyd." Jared answered. "Oayk, here's the plan. Since they're five threats, we'll split off. Asher and Jules, you stay here. We're counting on you to solve this mystery."
"Leave it to us." Jules nodded.
"Right." Asher stated.
Tobias's voice came through, "I'll teleport you to the coordinates."
In a swirl of their respective colors, the core Rangers were gone.
"So what would you like us to do?" Jules asked.
Hale answered, "Magic School is always there to help you. If you want to solve this mystery, you must let it guide you. Jules, I sense that your intentions are just. But a slight misdirection can toss you off the path you want to follow. Phineas was supposed to teach 11th grade Advanced Magic. Unfortunately, he's a bit occupied. Would you be so kind to fill in?"
Believing in his words, Jules nodded. "I'll go, I guess... Where to?"
"Alexander, Devon, can you show her?"
"Of course." Devon answered.
When the three left, it was just Asher and Hale.
"Asher..."
"You know don't you?"
A silence broke for a few moments before Hale said, "Yes, I know all about you. I know why you're here. I know what you've come back to save. And I know of your relations."
"Please, you can't tell them!"
"I will not. But they will find out in the future."
"What should I do?"
"What you've always been doing, except, be a little friendlier. And for now, go to the primary school wing. I feel that you need… a bit more perspective."
"Okay..." Asher trailed off.
"Milo, Tanner, Stephanie? I know you three are listening." Hale informed. Asher gave Hale a confused look.
Giving a light laugh, Hale said, "They still have a ways to go." He waved his hand and a patch of air rippled. The three students who Asher witnessed take on the Banshee fell to the ground in front of him. They had changed from their athletic clothes to civilian clothes.
"Nice spell, Tanner..." Milo, the asian student, said.
"I thought it'd work!" Tanner defended.
"Guys, shut up. We got caught!" Stephanie informed as she motioned her hand to their Headmaster.
Entertained, Hale stated, "I will give you three a choice. One: Detention for a week. Two: Show our guest to the Primary School building."
"We choose two!" The three students said at once.
"Excellent."
~Bayview~
The Rangers found themselves in a multi-level parking garage. To the left of them was the mall. There were a few parked cars here and there.
Shiners appeared from the ground and attacked. Morphing, the Rangers intercepted them.
~ Magic School ~
Jules opened the classroom door, excited but scared. When it opened wide, she saw something unexpected.
A student with olive skin and dark hair was being suspended in mid-air.
"Put me down!" He shouted.
His classmates laughed, there were about eight others, as one held his hands up no doubt doing the levitating.
A black student in a red sweater sat to the side. "Telepathy isn't so cool, now is it, Erik?" He taunted. "Say it!"
"No!" Erik answered.
"Put him down!" Jules ordered.
At once, the boy fell five feet to the stone floor.
"Are you ok?" Jules asked, trying to help him up.
"I'm fine." He answered coldly, not accepting her help. His blue eyes looked at her in pain. He wore a blue sweater, black shorts and sandals.
The sweater boy was smirking.
"And what's so funny?" Jules asked. She scanned the classroom. Due to the number of students, it was a smaller room. It had the same castle/technology feel to it. Bookshelves, cauldrons, spell books, texts and computer monitors lined the walls in a neat and organized way.
"Nothing." He answered, still smirking as if he was up to something. His classmates were laughing in silence.
That was when the door opened and the same black student with a red sweater stepped in. Jules was confused at the sight. The newcomer looked at Jules with equal confusion. Then he looked at his lookalike. "Are you serious, Kris?" The student asked.
The lookalike grinned and his skin started to change. His body smoothly transformed into someone else, or rather, his true form, which was that of a white teenager wearing a black t shirt, shorts and sandals. Kris was a shapeshifter.
He didn't lose his overconfident glare. "What's wrong, teach? Are you savvy?"
Jules shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I am absolutely all right." She informed holding her hand out to her side. Suddenly, a mini white flash came from her hand and became an apple.
Surprised, she looked around and found a student wearing glasses beaming at her.
"So you're a conjurer." She stated. The conjurer had light skin and his eyes were blue. His hair was a deep shade of chestnut brown. He wore a green sweater, brown cargoes and black sneakers. His fingers absently tapped on a Magical History textbook.
"Teacher's pet." Came a mutter.
"Thank you for the apple." Jules said. "Now onto the lesson, I guess." She looked down at the teacher's desk to see a piece of paper with instructions specifically for her.
~ Bayview ~
The core Rangers finished off the Shiners.
"This couldn't be the signature." Liam informed them as they met up with each other.
Sonia nodded in agreement. "Something's up."
That was when the ground exploded around them, sending them flying.
As they got up, five hooded figures approached them.
"So these are the current Rangers?" Asked one.
"They look weak." Said another.
A vicious female voice said, "I can't wait to tear them down."
Alicia asked, "Who are you?"
"Your worst nightmare."
"Your superiors."
"Your doom."
They threw off their hoods and revealed. What looked like the Psycho Rangers skulked toward the Rangers. Though their helmets were unchanged, their bodies were more armored and sleek, similar to the superhero Ironman.
"You're the Psycho Rangers, aren't you?" Jared asked, squeezing his hands into fists.
"You can say that," Black replied. "But right now, I guess you can call us the Twilight Rangers instead."
"Twilight Red!"
"Twilight Blue!"
"Twilight Pink!"
"Twilight Black!"
"Twilight Yellow!"
"Attack!"
~ Magic School ~
"Wanna tell us your name?" Stephanie asked Asher as she and her friends led him down a hallway.
"Asher."
"I like it."
"Uh, thanks?"
"You're welcome!" Stephanie answered with a beaming smile.
Asher looked around campus. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue. The campus was covered in green, except for the cemented walkways. There were plenty of buildings around. Some were dorms, others were teaching buildings. Asher observed a few students on broomsticks flying to a grey stone building that was probably for sports. Looking up, he saw a high tower overlooking the campus.
"That's the astronomy tower." Stephanie informed, "Don't be fooled. It's not as fun as you'd think.
"It's right here." Milo informed as he and Tanner opened the doors to the big stone building in front of them.
As he stepped inside, Asher's nostrils were filled with a new scent. It was off pastries mixed with finger paint. It actually made him think back to his days as a kid. But before any memories surfaced, he willed them away.
"This is the 5th grade wing." Tanner informed as Madison Rocca, surrounded by her class, walked into a small lecture hall for class.
"That's Mrs. Russell." Tanner said. "She teaches introductory magic to students in first grade to fifth grade.
"I never really had any of this when I was growing up," Asher told them.
Milo asked, "How'd you learn magic?"
"My Mom taught me before she…"
Tanner gently placed his hand on Asher's shoulder. "You don't have to finish. We understand. A lot of students here can relate to you. I know it."
This actually provided Asher with some comfort.
"Here we are." Stephanie pointed to a wooden door. "This leads to the daycare. Come on, now!"
The four walked through the hallway, in which the nice smell originated. To Asher, it smelt like paint, and apple cinnamon.
An older woman, who still looked young, stood watching small children interact. She wore a deep orange robe. Her blonde hair fell down to her shoulders and her olive skin gleamed in the bright light.
"You must be Asher." She said, noticing the three thenth graders. "Oh dear..." She commented as she approached the trio. "You've all grown." She took them into a hug.
"Hey, Ms. Allie." They said.
"How've you been?"
"We're doing fine. We're just showing Asher to the daycare." Tanner informed.
~ Bayview ~
The Rangers took on their counterparts.
Sonia front flipped onto a car and turned around with her X-Defender. She fired a few rounds, but Twilight Yellow rolled behind a column. She then summoned her Twilight Slinger and fired, knocking Sonia off the car and into a wall.
Liam low swept at Twilight Black, but he jumped into the air and kicked Liam back. The Green Ranger propelled himself to his feet with his hands. "Leaf Cyclone!" Energy leaves swirled around Liam as he spun. Like a spinning top, he charged at Twilight Black with great force and velocity. However, the Twilight summoned his Lance and jabbed forward. He used enough force to cancel Liam's attack and send him flying back into a car.
Alicia and Twilight Pink entered an archery battle as the two sent projectiles back and forth, each taking cover behind cars and columns. Alicia jumped over a car and into the air. "Hurricane Wave!" The spinning wind made another car sail at Twilight Pink, but she jumped over it and fired a glowing arrow at Alicia, knocking her out of the air.
Noah slashed away at Twilight Blue with his X-Sword. He landed very sturdy hits, but his counterpart laughed. "Is that all?" He asked, raising his Twilight Axe. He swung across, but Noah ducked and rolled to the left. He aimed a low kick, but Twilight Blue jumped into the air and brought his weapon down on Noah, sending him farther into the ground forming a mini crater.
Jared and Twilight Red were locked in a fast paced close encounter. They moved so fast with their swords, they looked like blurs. Evenly matched, they fought all over the battlefield, not letting the other attack fully.
Off in the shadows, a teenager watched intently.
Jared back flipped into the air.
"Blazing Assault!" He sent fiery projectiles from his left palm and showered Twilight Red. However, the Twilight Leader let loose a wave of wild red energy and knocked Jared down.
At the same time, the five Twilights stuck their hands onto their counterparts heads and scanned their brain waves.
Thrown together in a group, the five Core Rangers were forced to de-morph.
"Now, we know you inside and out." Yellow said.
"What makes you strong..." Pink said.
Black continued. "And what makes you weak."
"What you fear." Blue said.
"And what you cherish." Red finished. "We're not going to finish you yet. We want you to suffer."
Laughing, they disappeared.
The five Rangers fainted and the hidden teenager took Jared away. Claire, seeing this, teleported the Rangers to the Magic School infirmary. She, however, could not get Jared back...
~ Magic School ~
"Are you sure, they're safe here?" Asher asked, referring to the kids.
"Oh yes, very safe. I actually had a run in with the Horsemen."
"You did? How'd you escape?"
"I Astral Projected. Confused him then made my escape."
"So, do you really think that evil is trying to get into the school?"
"Yes, I do. This room... is where good magic begins to grow." She said pointing her arms to the numerous children who were freely using an array of powers together, and to the three tenth graders who were playing with a few kids.
"They are the future..."
Asher looked on at the children and smiled. The little ray of hope those children gave him reminded the boy of everything he was fighting to save.
"And you know, this horseman is only targeting teachers..."
Suddenly, a horse scream echoed through the hall.
"He's here." Ms. Allie informed Tanner, Milo, and Stephanie emerged from the room. Children started to cry as they ran in groups.
"I need to care for the little ones!" She told Asher.
"I'll take care of him." Asher said, "Go do your thing."
As Ms. Allie locked the door behind her she cast a spell on it to make it impenetrable.
The Horseman rode through the hall and at he and the three Sophomores.
"Duck!" Asher ordered.
The four hit the ground and avoided the attack. "Follow me!"
He led the three students through the numerous halls and out the front doors. Students quickly cleared from the campus and into different buildings.
"Okay..." Asher breathed materializing his morpher.
"Asher!" Jules yelled as she, with her class in tow, approached.
"He's here!" Asher informed.
"I know, there was an alarm."
"Let's take care of him."
"Spirit Legend, Awaken!"
~ Asher and Jules Morphing Sequence ~
"Legend Staff!"
"Legend Pike!"
The two clashed with the Horseman who was fighting them off with skill. Asher jumped high into the air and came down with an axel kick. He was blocked and knocked to the ground, but before he made contact, held his arms out to right himself. He charged forward and sent rapid punches.
Jules kicked the rider, but was blocked and back flipped through the air and landed in front of the class.
"Stay back!" She told them.
However, the three didn't listen. Milo, Tanner and Stephanie ran forward.
Tanner raised his hands and ensnared the Horseman with vines and tree branches. Milo looked around and saw a group of boulders piled up. He raised his left hand at them and focused, muttering a spell. The boulders shimmered away, and appeared in front of Milo, hovering. The boy then used his powers to superheat the object, making it glow red. The boulder was then sent sailing at the Horseman and knocked him over.
Stephanie stepped in and clapped her hands together, gathering Mana. She then punched forward, a concentrated beam of purple energy racing out of her fists collided with the attacker.
"Lunar Beam!" Asher shouted, sending a blast at the Horseman. However, he and his horse disappeared.
The three Sophomores ran to each other and exchanged high fives.
"That was risky." Asher told them as he de-morphed.
"It's alright now!" Milo said with a triumphant smile.
"We totally kicked his butt!" Stephanie cheered.
The 11th graders, even Kris, were impressed. However, Erik looked irritated with all the disturbance.
~ Somewhere ~
Jared woke up and found himself in a dark room. He was in a bed, bandaged up.
"So, you awake?" Came a voice. The teenager from earlier approached him. He had long blonde hair and tan skin. His eyes were emerald green. He wore a black leather vest and black pants with boots. His arms were muscular and covered in intricate tattoos.
"I brought you here."
"Who are you?" Jared asked.
"My name is Clark, and I'm like you. Well, we're like you."
"Like me? How?"
"You see, Jared. I, and three others... We were Phantoms at one point too. Just like you."
~ Magic School Infirmary ~
"The Twilight Rangers?!" Asher asked in shock.
"Yeah... They completely wiped the floors with us." Noah answered.
Claire stated, "There's also that person who took Jared. I haven't been able to get a reading on him. Bobby and Percy are out looking now."
"What about Rachel and the others?" Alicia asked.
"They're on a mission." Devon informed her.
"I can't believe they're here..." Asher said.
"What do you know?" Sonia asked.
"The Twilight Rangers... those five... they help destroy the future. They're not the same as the Psycho Rangers who were defeated years ago. They're like… echoes of that evil energy. Like, perverse offspring. I just didn't think they would be created this early."
~ Wiseman and Slade ~
Wiseman stood in an unknown area. He recharged the Twilights with energy.
"I am glad we kept that Bount around."
Slade nodded. "And these Twilight Rangers. They will ensure our victory."
~ M. School Infirmary ~
Asher explained, "I had a run-in with them. They're the supreme ruler's personal bodyguards in the Future."
"Supreme Ruler?" Liam asked.
Asher ignored the inquiry. "Since they're here this early... I don't know if the future's changed much for the better."
Jules put her hand on his shoulder. "Then we keep fighting. We'll change the future."
Claire nodded. "In the meantime, you should solve this horsemen mystery. I have to go."
Dr. Bly and Professor Stark entered the room.
"Is everyone alright?"
"More or less." Asher said.
"Good to see the six of you are okay. But, what of the students? The Horsemen attacked."
"Yeah, but your three troublemakers fought him off." Asher informed.
"Did they?" Stark asked with an impressed tone. "Regardless, there's no time to lose. More and more faculty members are dropping and we cannot sense any evil. Unless it somehow..."
"Somehow what?" Jules asked.
"Somehow manipulated one of the students. Maybe something is using their emotions..."
Jules thought back. "No, Professor. I don't think so."
"How do you mean?"
"I have an idea... Devon, Liam, and Sonia? Can you meet up with Bobby and Percy to search for Jared?"
"Uh, yeah sure." Devon said.
"Thanks. Dr. Bly, can you make sure the primary school is safe?"
"Of course."
"Professor Stark. Can you gather Phineas's 11th Grade Advanced Magic Class?"
"Yes, I can. But if it's one of them, how would you know?"
"I'm not certain, but it's a gut feeling. And my mother always told me to trust myself..."
~ Unknown Location ~
Jared limped through the halls with Clark's help. The halls were completely made of stone and lit by torches. Clark opened a door and revealed a room that wasn't a room at all. It was an open space filled with nature. Nine other figures stood spread out.
"These are the other Twilight Human Hybrids." Clark informed. "Each one of us suppressed our Phantoms and can use its power. That's why you're here Jared. You have no connection to your Lion Phantom. If you can use his powers, you'll be able to defeat the Bounts."
~ HQ ~
The remaining Rangers and Stark led Jules's class into the Command Center.
"Why're we here?" A girl asked.
"You'll see soon enough." Jules answered. She thought to herself, "Okay. We're not in school and the Headmaster's here... so..."
As planned, the Headless Horseman soared from nothing and went for Stark.
"It IS one of the students!" Stark stated.
"Noah, freeze them!" Asher called out.
Noah flicked his hands forward and stopped the molecules of all the students. The horseman disappeared.
"I can't believe it." Stark stated in regret. "But who could it be? If the culprit is that powerful, then he or she is faking being frozen..."
Alicia stepped forward. "I think I can do it. I've been developing a new part of my powers. I'll be able to detect anything out of the ordinary. So, who should I search?"
Jules scanned the students. "Try Kirk. He's a conjurer."
Alicia walked up to the deemed "Teacher's Pet," and looked into his eyes. She didn't find anything.
Jules then said, "Try Kristian. The boy in the center. He's a bully." Alicia didn't find anything either... but next to him... the person next to him gave off a ton of anger and grief.
"This one... this boy isn't evil. He's sad."
Erik the Telepath unfroze.
"Well, look who solved the mystery." He said sarcastically.
"Erik, why?" Stark asked.
"Oh, Headmaster. You'll see." Erik then fizzled away in an amber light.
"How'd he do that?" Noah asked.
"He astral projected." Asher said. "One of the teacher's can do that..."
Jules nodded. "He must've used his telepathy to channel other powers. He's definitely at Magic School."
~ Hybrid Layer ~
"We're not holding you prisoner." Clark stated. "We're just informing you. But you'll need to use your Phantom's power. We'll let you go, but if you ever want to come back, just use this." Clark handed Jared a red joker card.
"It's the key to this place." Clark waved his hand and Jared fell away. Next thing the Slayer knew, he was in his house...
~ Magic School ~
The Rangers tried to pursue Erik, but were being held up by the Horsemen. Nick joined the conflict and raised his Mystic Morpher. He made books fly around the Horsemen to confuse him. The Horsemen swung his sword down at Nick, but from out of nowhere, Milo shimmered in front of him and took the sword to the back. With a loud scream, he crumpled into Nick's arms.
"Milo!" Came Stephanie and Tanner's voices.
Noah molecule burst the Horsemen, forcing him back. He pulled out two pieces of paper and cast a spell that bound his target in chains.
In the middle of the scuffle, Erik took Stark from behind and held a dagger to his throat.
Seeing this, Asher and Jules tried to approach. "Don't come any closer!" Erik threatened. "Now for a grand audience."
Using his Telepathy he ported away Light Watcher style.
Alicia sent magical fire from her hands and seared the Horsemen.
Noah shouted, "Jules! Asher! We'll handle him! Go after Erik!"
"Ok!" Jules called back. "Asher, where could he have gone?"
Thinking it over for a bit, Asher got an idea. "The Astronomy Tower!"
~ Astronomy Tower ~
"Why would you do this, Erik?" Stark asked as Jules and Asher quickly approached from up the stairs. Erik tapped into his classmate's telekinesis and levitated the dagger to Stark's neck.
"Because I'm sick of being here! Sweeping me away from my friends and family? And putting me here?"
"Then why is the Horseman attacking?!" Jules demanded.
"I only summoned it to attack evil."
Asher was dumbfounded. "And the teachers are evil?"
"Only when they never listen!"
Stark asked, "Then why didn't you come talk to me?"
"I did! So many times! All those instances I got in trouble? I've been trying to leave since I got here!"
At the base of the Tower, the students, including Erik's classmates listened.
"Erik..." Jules said. "Put the dagger down. Think, Erik. You kill Stark and this is all over. This school, the lives of countless others, and yours. And for what? Because you're homesick?"
Asher nodded and added, "She's right. Without this school, the scales will tip to evil's favor. Believe me, times are tough where I'm from. Every single student here is a light of hope for the dark future."
Crying and conflicted, Erik lowered his hands and let the dagger fall to the floor...
~Later On~
Stark stood in the library with Asher and Jules.
"Thank you both so much for what you've done today. I hope that you've found what you were looking for."
"Yes, I have." Jules smiled while Asher nodded.
"Come back whenever you'd like." Stark said.
Asher asked, "Oh, how's Milo?"
"He's in the infirmary. He'll be alright."
Jules added, "And Erik?"
"Arrangements have been made for him to visit his family. He decided to stay enrolled, but promised to visit home frequently."
"Well that's good. I realized that these kids... these kids are the safety net in case something happens to the seven of us." Jules stated.
"A safety net I hope we won't have to use." Stark answered, patting the two rangers's shoulders.
"Now go on. I suspect Jared has been found under mysterious circumstances."
~Jared's House~
The Core Rangers, Bobby, Percy and Devon sat in Jared's living room. Jared was telling the others of his encounter.
"And that's the story." Jared finished.
"Use your Phantom's power?" Liam repeated. "Sounds dangerous."
"I know." Jared answered. "Which is why I won't go back."
"But, to defeat the Bounts..." Percy trailed off. "It certainly sounds tempting..."
Noah said, "There has to be a catch."
Alicia shook her head. "I don't know about this."
Bobby agreed. "Yeah, dude. If you somehow lose yourself, it may be all over."
"I know... I know..." Jared answered staring absentmindedly at the card in his hand...
~Bount Layer~
Master Natas was aggravated.
"Not only have the Twilight stolen one of ours, they have used his ability with no benefit to us."
Isis asked, "So what should we do sir?"
"We launch an all out attack."
"Really, sir?" Isis asked in hesitation.
"Did I stutter? We will wipe out everyone and our goals will be complete."
Isis left the room that was filled with cheers and howls from the other Bounts.
Being in her room for all that time gave her time to think. She opened her door and stared into her mirror. She had seen all the battles the Rangers had gone through, including the happenings at Magic School. Also, she used her mirror to study human life. These observations made her curious about the Earth. And although she was a Bount, she no longer wanted any part in Natas's schemes... In fact, she wanted to rebel... But what will she decide?
If you have a hard time picturing the school, just mix together "Tower Prep" and "Hogwarts"
Later Days!
