A/N: This chapter will serve to tie up some loose ends and end the Bounts arc. More information headed your way!
Erika: Portrayed by Levin Rambin
Natas/Nathaniel: Portrayed by James Franco
Isis/Isolde: Portrayed by Kirsten Dunst
Violet: Portrayed by Natalie Portman
Natalie is portrayed by Mila Kunis
Helena is portrayed by Chloe Grace Moretz
Bryce is portrayed by Dayo Okeniyi
Clark is portrayed by Jeremy Sumpter
Master Natas stood straight and tall in front of hundreds of Bounts. The meeting room they were in was large and covered in shadows. There was a giant window behind the Master Bount, which would light up with passing lightning from the storm outside.
"We will rise up!" Natas announced, his voice full of passion. "Bayview will be no more by this time tomorrow!" Numerous cheers erupted from the crowd. "And the first to fall to our strength? The Power Rangers!"
Isis watched on from the back of the room. Her conflict was over, and she made a decision.
"I'm out of here..." She whispered to herself, barely hearing the roars of enthusiasm. As she walked down the halls back to her room, she thought, "I've seen Humans live... They're so happy. Who are we to take that away? I wish I could remember what it was like... being alive..."
Opening her door, she walked over to her desk and opened a drawer. She pulled out a heart shaped locket and caressed it.
"Oh Nathaniel... Why has it come to this?"
Closing her eyes, she remembered... but then snapped back to the present.
"I can't gain the Slayer's trust easily, so I need to find a way..." She looked into her mirror and saw Bobby with a teenage girl. She had blonde hair and green eyes with light skin. She was a beautiful girl and looked very confident in herself, though not in an egotistical way. She carried a stake in her hand.
Isis's eyes widened in shock. "Of course!" She knew where to find the two.
Another Summer night in Bayview that was shrouded in shadowy mist. The moon was high in the sky and a symphony of bug sounds coarsed through the air. Waves of cool air swept over the landscape as a vampire sprinted through the cemetery trying to escape with her undead life, like those before her.
Seeing the rusted gates, she grinned and sprinted to it.
However, Jared's voice told her, "You always try to run, but you never get far." The Slayer landed in front of her and kicked her in the chest, sending her flying. She got up and sent a swipe at Jared with her powerful claws. However, Jared ducked. The Vamp didn't see Noah behind Jared. He jumped over his friend and kicked the fiend in the face.
Jared got up and punched her stomach while Noah rolled over Jared's back and kicked her in the chest. She jumped into the air and descended on the two, but a green barrier blocked her path. She then felt a telekinetic grip around her body. This invisible force flung her away. Alicia and Liam ran up to Jared and Noah's sides.
The Vamp hissed and jumped to her feet. However, a blast of sound knocked her off of them once more. Before she could hit the ground, Asher grabbed her legs and tossed her over his head and into the air while Jules waited on a tombstone. She concentrated her Power from Within into her feet and launched herself into the air. She quickly drew a stake and pierced the Vampire's heart, dusting her.
Jules landed like a graceful dancer and smiled.
"How many are left?" She asked.
Jared closed his eyes and let his Slayer senses take over. He felt a single impulse. "One. And he's pretty mad."
"Well let's take care of him!" Noah said with bright enthusiasm as he cracked his knuckles.
Off in the distance, Dr. Bly and Claire watched intently.
"They've really come a long way, huh?" Claire asked.
"Working as a team and becoming close friends. Couldn't be prouder." Dr. Bly answered.
~ Cue Season 2 Theme ~
School was one month away and the Rangers were preparing for Junior Year. Well, not at the moment. At the Fro-yo Shack, the seven hadn't had any action in quite a while.
"You think the Bounts ran away?" Noah asked as he dug through his cup of frozen yogurt.
"It's never that easy." Jared stated shaking his head.
Noah nodded. "I know, I know."
Jules said, "Despite the nightly Vampire attacks, we haven't seen any activity from the Bounts or any other Supernatural creature."
Sonia nodded. "That's a good thing... but it could also mean something."
Alicia sat down at the circular booth and sighed.
"What's got you so down?" Noah asked her.
"This whole zero activity with the Supernatural forces. Bobby's really stressing himself out trying to find leads. Ever since he got that power up from Asher's spirit, he's devoted to slaying."
Asher said, "Which, may I point out, is Jared's job."
Jared took in another spoonful of yogurt and said, "If he wants to slay, it's fine. I actually like having a little help. It's refreshing."
Before anything else could be said, everyone's wristbands went off.
Alarmed, the seven quickly disposed of their trash and ran out the front door. When out of earshot, Jared materialized his morpher.
"Go for Jared." He stated.
Claire informed, "We're picking up a massive amount of Bount activity in the quarry."
"The quarry?" Liam asked. "Why there?"
Claire replied, "Still trying to work that out myself. Rachel and the others are headed there now. Meet them."
"Right." The seven said as they lined up in an alley.
"Spirit Legend, Awaken!"
~Quarry~
When the seven had gotten there, Rachel and her team were being overwhelmed by hundreds of Bount creatures.
"Anyone getting serious Deja Vu?" Noah asked.
Alicia replied, "Oh, I feel it alright."
"Let's go!" Jared said as he ran forward with his Legend Staff.
The seven made their way to Rachel's team and helped them.
"Great timing!" Rachel called out.
"Earlier would've been nice..." Colton stated.
Iris said, "Doesn't matter. They're here now."
"Better late than never." Noah reasoned, sending a wave of ice at a Bount.
Suddenly, Master Natas's voice rang out. "Oh yes, Blue Ranger. You are ALL here."
He appeared in front of them with a deadly atmosphere about him.
"I am Natas. Master of all Bounts and the one who will bring your demise."
"You don't look so tough!" Noah threatened.
"Foolish human..." With a wave of his arm, Noah was hit by an invisible wave of energy, knocking him into a dump truck.
"Noah!" Sonia shouted. "You okay?" She asked as she ran to him.
Readying their weapons, the Rangers and Rachel's team prepared for a fight. Overall, it didn't last that long. The Bounts were too numerous and strong as a collective.
Within minutes, everyone was sprawled on the ground.
"Now... disappear!" Natas shouted, sending out waves of red light. The light engulfed Rachel and her group, causing them to disappear.
"No way..." Liam said.
"They... were vaporized..." Jules trailed off, trembling.
"Your turn!" Natas called out. He proceeded to vaporize Jules, Liam and Sonia.
"No!" Jared called out.
"This is too familiar..." Asher muttered, referring back to Decade and Troy's stunt in the Hero War.
"Dleihs won!" Alicia chanted, raising a triangular golden shield above herself, Jared and Asher.
However, the shield broke under Nata's power and vaporized her and Asher.
"Now... it's just the Slayer." Natas said. "But, not for long." He sent a wave of energy at Jared, but it was intercepted by Bobby. He raised a gleaming sword to block the attack.
"Erika! Isis! Now!"
Jared felt himself get picked up by the Bount who had been trying to kill him all Summer. She was accompanied by the blonde girl who had to be Erika.
Erika asked, "But what about you?"
"Just go! I'll be fine!"
Isis said, "We have no time!"
"I knew there was a traitor, but I had no idea it'd be you, Isis!" Natas shouted with rage.
In a flash, the three were gone. Bobby jumped into the air and focused. He slashed at Natas and grazed his chest. Natas slammed him into the ground and vaporized him.
~HQ~
Jared paced around HQ, his eyes darting while Tobias tried to calm him down, but to no avail.
"They're not gone." Claire stated walking to the computer where Lydia sat, analyzing the previous battle.
"What do you mean?" Jared asked, his heart beginning to race.
Lydia explained, "When everyone was hit by Natas's attack, I saved them with a special protocol Tobias helped me make. It was incomplete… It should've brought them here… but clearly…"
Jared nodded and made a mental note to thank Lydia and Tobias.
"So where is everyone?"
Tobias explained, "Their particles were scattered around the area and I ran Lydia's detection program to find them and reassemble them. The process should be quick."
Just as Tobias stated, colored bits of light started to swirl out of thin air.
Within minutes, the six missing Rangers, Bobby, as well as Rachel's team were back. However, they were all lying on the floor unconscious.
"What's wrong with them?" Jared asked as he prodded Noah. "They aren't responding."
"Their minds are stuck in a coma-like state. It's Natas's work. I'll move them to the infirmary."
Jared squeezed his hands into fists. "So I AM on my own..."
"Not completely." Erika said with a smirk.
"Who're you?" Jared asked. He stood up with a mix of anger, irritation and curiosity.
"You didn't realize?" Erika inquired. "I'm Erika Verbica: The Vampire Slayer."
"Vampire Slayer?" Jared asked. "I'm the Vampire Slayer. And why are you with a Bount?"
Isis said, "Please sit down. We'll talk this over."
Sighing, Jared tried to comprehend the new flush of information. He sat down on a black sofa.
Erika started, "I know you're confused. I never really believed it either."
"Believed what?"
"That you were still alive. You know how all Slayers are told how their predecessor died. Well, my Light-Watcher told me you gave up your heart to save your friends. And then you were brought back to life."
Jared shook his head. "I don't understand."
That was when Claire cut in. "Jared, when you gave up your heart to become a Phantom, you technically died. That made the Slayer power pass on to the next person. But, when you came back to life, you maintained your abilities."
Erika nodded. "This is the first time in history two Slayers have existed at one time."
"So how does Isis fit into this? We don't exactly share a cheerful history."
Isis said, "I want to stop Natas."
"From what?"
"From bringing the end of the world. I spent a great deal of time watching humans through my mirror. We Bounts were human once, and I know for a fact we've all forgotten what it's like to feel alive... We neglect our human memories and take in the sorrow of being cast between Twilight and being undead. I know it may sound hard to believe, but I want to keep that from happening to the humans. I want to help."
"I'll trust you if it means you'll tell me everything about Natas."
Isis agreed. "Natas, was the love of my life. When we were alive, we were star crossed. Our families were in a feud for generations and we were thrown in the middle of it. Fate brought us to love each other..."
~ Flashback ~
Iris, or when she was alive, Isolde, stood on a balcony to a luxurious marble house. She looked down at the rose garden below and sighed. The sun was setting and turned the sky a beautiful shade of orange and pink. She swept her brown hair behind her shoulder. Her green gown swayed in the wind. She spotted a young man scurry between the shrubs. She let out a small giggle. He was a handsome man with blue eyes and brown hair. He had fair skin and was strong. He wore a black tunic and grey trousers. Over it all, he wore a crimson hooded cloak.
"Isolde!" Natas, or Nathaniel whisper shouted from below.
"Yes, I see you." Isolde replied. "What are you doing here? If the family guards see you, you'll surely be punished!"
"It's worth the risk." He stated as he climbed the vines that led to her balcony. "Besides, I wanted to give you something. He dug through his pocket and pulled out a heart shaped locket.
"Keep this and think of me..." Sharing a kiss and departing, Isolde sighed with butterflies in her stomach.
"Isolde?" Came a female voice. "What are you doing, dear sister?"
"Oh nothing, Violet." Isolde lied to her older sister, who shared most of her features, except she had charcoal black hair that went down to her shoulders.
"We wanted to run away together, so we planned to fake our deaths... But, the plan took a turn for the worse."
"Leave me be!" Isolde shouted at a very pale figure. She ran away, looking down the dark path of the underground tomb. She tried to break for the exit at the end of the labyrinth.
She fell and hit her head on a rock. She looked over and saw that she tripped over Nathaniel, who's eyes were glazed over. She screamed as blood dripped down the side of her face and the figure advanced, hissing.
The torch lit its face and Isolde shrieked. The figure's face had shriveled creases and glowing yellow eyes. The most perilous feature was its notably sharp canine fangs.
It lunged for Isolde and sank its teeth into her neck. Fighting back, she picked up a rock and slammed its head. Its own black blood seeped from its face and into her mouth where she unintentionally swallowed it. (A/N: In case you don't know, when a vampire drinks someone's blood and that person in turn drinks the vampire's blood, then the victim will rise again. This is known as a siring.)
The change, for one reason or another, happened almost immediately. Isolde felt herself tense up. The warmth left her body as she started to shiver. The vampire wanted to finish her off, but a wooden staff struck its heart and turned it into dust.
Standing over Isolde was her sister, Violet. Violet was about to say something, when she was pulled away by another vampire.
"Fight me, Slayer!" The Vampire taunted. Violet obliged and charged forth.
Isolde took the chance to pick Nathaniel up with newfound strength and haul him away.
~End Flashback~
"Nathaniel turned too and we saw it as a blessing. We were able to be together forever. But the constant hatred pushed us from place to place. And eventually, we were attacked by a Twilight cloud and possessed. He protected me and absorbed most of it. When we regained self-control something changed in him. He became a powerful being bent on taking revenge on humanity. I've forgotten what it's like to be a human. But I haven't forgotten how it felt to be in love."
Isis finished staring longingly at the heart shaped locket in her hand.
Jared did want to believe her, but why was she bringing this up now? After all this time?
Turning to Erika, he asked, "So what's your story?"
"I was told to come here by my Light-Watcher. Something was going down and I had to help."
"So it's just us?"
Isis shook her head. "You two may be Slayers, but you don't have the power to defeat Natas."
Jared thought for a bit and remembered. He took the joker card out of his pocket.
"For my friends..." He whispered.
"Erika, I need you to find one last key player."
"And who would that be?"
Claire said, "I'll fill you in, Erika. Jared, are you sure about this?"
"More than anything."
"Be careful."
~ Hybrid HQ ~
"Welcome back, Jared." Clark greeted as Jared found himself standing in the grassy field training ground.
"How'd I get here?"
"The card. You wanted to be here so it took you here. Ready to train?"
"Yeah. I wanna save my friends."
"Alright. To fully control your Phantom, you'll take sessions with all four of us."
"Wouldn't that take a while?"
"Not at all. In this training ground, time moves a lot slower than the outside. Once you're done, six hours will have passed. You ready?"
"I guess I am."
"Awesome." Clark smiled. He snapped his fingers, and Jared found himself in a desert...
In a flash, Jared woke up to a tall woman staring at him. The surroundings were that of a mountain top. The sun was blocked by numerous clouds.
"You gonna lie there all day?" She asked with a tinge of irritation.
"No, sorry!" Jared apologized darting to his feet.
"I'm Natalie. I'm here to help you connect to your inner Phantom."
"And how're we going to do that?" Jared asked, crossing his arms.
"Like this. Phantom Cat: Hitabii!" Natalie called as her eyes glowed a bright blue. The pupils thinned into cat-like slits. Her brown hair started to stand as her canines started to sharpen. Blue flames started to erupt from her body and engulfed the girl. Jumping into the air, Natalie, covered in flames, shot down nine balls of fire around Jared. The blue balls grew and connected into a ring. Natalie, now a blue two tailed flaming cat the size of a van, landed on the outside of the ring. She made the flames dissipate around her body.
"Now, sit down and focus your Mana. Find the channel to connect to the Phantom."
"How?"
"Those flames around you will guide you. Just relax."
Jared focused and entered a trance. He found himself inside a dark space.
"Hello?" He asked. His voice bounced off of invisible walls. Suddenly, small spheres of blue fire appeared in the air around him, illuminating a small area around him. As he walked, the fire followed him...
*Time Skip*
Natalie channeled herself through the mental flames and asked Jared, "Are you close?"
Jared replied, "I think so. This channel... it's supposed to be a door right?"
"You found it! Finally!" Natalie cheered. Regaining composure, she said, "Now touch the door, but don't open it."
Jared did just that and the darkness around him disappeared. The space was instead a pure white space, much like when he met his spirits. He looked at the arch door and it was very large standing at about twenty feet in the air and ten feet wide. It had steel doors with markings all over them. Jared noticed two strange symbols, one on each door. One was the Triquetra and the other was completely different. (The symbol is on the Wiki). Around the two symbols were intricate markings.
Through the doors, he felt a foreboding presence. And from out of the darkness, he could see a pair of Lion eyes staring back at him.
"What is this?" Jared asked.
Natalie's voice echoed, "This is the purest piece of your mind. This is deeper than the space that is shaped by your personality, memories, secrets and fears. Now that you've found the door to your Phantom, it's time to wake up."
Jared's eyes snapped open and the blue ring around him fell away.
"You're making good time, Jared." Natalie complimented. "Now onto the fun stuff."
Introductions were established and Jared found himself face to face with Bryce. Bryce was clearly the biggest of the bunch. His dark face was hardened and serious.
Behind him was one other. She was much shorter than Jared with dirty blonde hair and dark eyes. She grinned with a pure form of innocence that hid something much bigger than her small frame portrayed. She introduced herself as 'Helena.'
"So, what now?" Jared asked.
In a deep and strong voice, Bryce answered, "The next step.
Helena walked forward and stated, "With us, you'll undergo the 2nd to last test. It has to do with your Supernatural Power."
Jared looked down at his right hand and sighed.
Helena continued, "Tell us everything about it."
Jared began, "I really have no idea what it's called or where it comes from. I can reach into someone's soul and pull it out as an object that varies depending on the person."
"Interesting..." Helena commented. "Go on..."
"When I look into someone's soul, I can see their memories, thoughts, fears, dreams... It's like I'm forcing my way into their hearts and I don't like it, to be honest. So, why am I telling you this?"
Helena swept her hair out of her face. "So we can help you with balancing your power. Sure your Phantom will give you lots of power, but if you don't know how to balance it out, you'll go bye-bye."
Jared noticed that Helena was also a bit younger than himself. She was probably Evan and Arum's age.
"Well, we've seen your power in action. Have you noticed the symbols that appear when you use it?"
"Yeah. Under my feet and I can create them for stepping stones or shields."
"Not just those. The one on the back of your right hand."
Jared studied the back of his hand and focused. His eyes turned red and sure enough, the strange pointed mark appeared. "I don't understand... It looks familiar..."
Bryce said, "I encourage you to look into it. Understand its meaning. But that can be for another day. For now…" The massive guy raised his right fist. Purple currents of electricity flowed around his knuckles. The crackling and popping sound of the current was loud and clear.
Letting out a huge roar, Bryce punched the ground, sending a circle of purple electricity around Jared. In seconds, the ground collapsed under him and the Slayer fell thirty feet to the bottom of a ditch.
Helena continued, "This is where you survive and control your Phantom, or you die! Good luck!"
"Wait, what?" Jared asked, overtaken by panic and outrage.
Helena called down, "In this pit, your Phantom will try to possess you! You need to get a grip on it then use your active power!"
"But there's no one to use it on!" Suddenly, he felt his heart skip a beat. A rush of power surged through him and with it, pain. Screaming at the top of his lungs, Jared felt as if his body was going to explode. Roaring flames burst from his pores. Bits and pieces of Lion body parts emerged on his body, but evaporated instantly.
Helena observed him. "You think he'll make it?"
Bryce shrugged. "It all depends on him."
~ Somewhere on the Outskirts of Bayview ~
Bobby had taken Erika to a cave. It was cold and damp, the sound of dripping water echoed for what seemed like forever.
"You've got to be kidding me." Erika commented. "Him?"
Bobby nodded. "Hey, trust me. He's helped out on numerous occasions."
"But, a vampire?"
"Better believe it." Percy said walking forward. "Wow, another Slayer."
"Another?" Erika questioned gripping the stake in her pocket.
"Yeah. Third, to be honest. But Jared is definitely alive? He didn't die?"
"Well, he's not dead." Bobby confirmed.
"Okay. The sun will set soon. Let's get moving. After all this time investigating the Bounts with no action, I'm itching for a fight."
~ Training ~
Jared gripped the soil under him, his nails digging into his palms. The smell of damp dirt and the hollow cold was being overrun by the intense fire caused by his Phantom.
"No!" Jared shouted. He felt claws emerging on his hands, his canines grow, his hair spike up and get longer.
Helena shook her head. "He's losing."
Bryce disagreed. "Actually, he's putting up a great fight. Look. Usually, the face would emerge first. But, the transformation is happening out of order."
Jared gripped his head in pain and screamed even louder. The blazing fire was intense on his skin and he could feel the lion emerging.
"Let me go..." Growled a voice inside his head.
"Are you?"
"Yes, I am your Phantom. Let me take your body and I will fulfill your wish... I know you want to save your friends. Give me your soul and I will save them all."
Jared screamed and raised his right hand in the air. He could see the sun, or what looked to be the sun, glaring at him from the top of the pit.
"No!" Jared shouted.
"Yes, come to me. Release me." The Phantom beckoned.
Trails of dark red fire rose from Jared as he resisted. Suddenly, they turned black and purple.
"What's going on?!" Helena asked in shock.
Bryce cracked his knuckles and channeled more electricity into his fists while Helena raised her hands and made steam emerge from her palms.
"Stop." Came Clark's voice. "We wait and see." He appeared from thin air and calmly stood next to his friends. Natalie was with him.
Bryce protested, "But Clark, he could..."
"I know. But have a little faith. He's the one. Can you feel it? Jared is a bundle of Mana. He has his own, the Slayer's, Two Ancient Spirits and his Phantom. Feel the atmosphere. Look up at the sky!"
The three others did so and saw that the sky was getting dark and purple clouds filled it. The sun had begun to eclipse.
Jared's right hand was still raised toward the sun as if he wanted to grab it.
"I... I..."
His Phantom screamed, "Release me!"
"I... I'm not going to fall here!" He closed his hand over the vision of the sun and screamed. A golden light emerged from his body and extinguished all the flames.
He saw the mark appear on his right hand and he found himself in front of his Phantom Gate. He opened it all the way and saw a giant Lion standing behind it in a cage. The Lion had armor the top of his face, his legs, his upper body and claws. His mane was orange and red fire.
"My name is Leander."
Jared looked up at his Phantom and crossed his arms.
"So?"
He let out a light laugh. "Stubborn... But, you have shown me your mettle."
"Then you'll help me?"
"I'll give you a piece of my power. I will remain inside this cage and observe. When the time is right, all my power will be yours. For now, go on and grow stronger, Jared Gordon."
The empty space around him started to glow a myriad of mixing colors. Swirling around him, Jared could hear voices rebounding off of each other. After about a minute, they faded and the white space around him became a complex space. The giant pair of doors that held Leander's cage was rectangular. Around it were columns of beautiful vines and etchings. The doors still held the Triquetra and the other symbol: The symbol that glowed on his right hand.
"What is this?" Jared asked. Looking around, he saw that the space was calm. A slow moving whirl of light smoothly slid along the horizon. Observing deeply, within the lights were still frames and short moving sequences. They were his memories.
Eyes widened, Jared saw the memory of when he first met Alicia. The emotions he felt, the happiness, the confusion and curiosity.
"I don't understand."
"Your mind is beginning to take form." Leander said. "You'll understand soon enough."
And just like that, Jared awoke to nine faces staring down at him.
"Welcome back." Clark smiled, raising his hands.
"Thanks, I guess." Jared said.
"Well, tell us." Helena beckoned like a child. "Tell us everything!"
"Do I have time?" Jared asked.
Bryce reminded, "Time moves differently here."
~ Jared Conveys Everything ~
"Well, that was an interesting experience." Natalie commented.
Helena nodded. "Looks like Leander doesn't want to possess you. That's a good thing!"
Clark said, "You'll notice your powers begin to grow with time. We generally like to stay neutral in the battle of Good vs Evil, but if you need our help, we can train with you."
Jared nodded with gratitude. "I think I'll definitely need the help."
"Until then," Clark smiled, handing Jared his Morpher, "You have a job to do."
~Bayview~
When Jared entered the battle scene, he found Percy, Erika, Isis and Bobby slicing down Bounts.
"I'm here to help!" Jared called pulling out his morpher and strapping it to his wrist.
"Spirit Legend, Awaken!"
"Legend Sword!"
Jared rushed forward and slashed down a few Bounts.
"Where's Natas?" Jared asked.
Isis pointed up. "There."
Natas stood on the highest tower in Bayview, his silhouette being illuminated by the waning moon. The tower was a gleaming white and looked rather futuristic. The top of it was shaped like an expanded disc and a large needle antennae sprouted from the top. Summoning the Legend Glider, Jared rode up the Tower, blasting Bounts away with blasts from his Legend Staff
"It's over, Natas!" Jared called as he approached with dual swords.
"Dear, Slayer. Do you really think that this battle will end so soon? That's not how it works."
"Wanna bet?" He threatened. Jared jumped forward and threw a kick, but missed. He then sliced down with his Legend Sword and sliced up with his Legend Staff. Natas laughed in amusement as he easily dodged Jared's attacks.
"I can taste how unnerved you are. This is the first time you've fought all alone in quite some time now. You're so used to having your little team around. You're alone, Jared."
"That's what you think." Jared growled. He thought to himself, "Leander, now would be the best time!"
Natas laughed. "And what're you going to do? Your close combat skills can't even touch me!" The Master levitated high in the air and let out an onslaught of long range blasts from his hands.
Jared rolled to his left and jumped backwards.
"Triangulum Scuto!" Jared raised a triangular red barrier to protect himself but he knew it wouldn't last long. The shield eventually broke and the Slayer was knocked down.
"It's over, Slayer!" Natas roared.
"Far from it!" Jared countered, feeling the familiar Phantom power rush through his body. A thin orange aura with red highlights surrounded him.
"Blazing..." A small flame appeared on his right hand pointer and middle fingers. He moved his arm in a large circular motion in front of him.
"... Mandala!"
A new symbol burned into the air where he traced the circle. It started to glow and a huge blast of fire roared at Natas. As it sailed through the air, the front of the flames molded into a lion head then collapsed just before incinerating the Master Bount. Screaming, the Master fell to the ground and got up with burns all over his body.
"I'm not done..." Natas growled. His eyes glowed a bright red and he transformed into a grotesque bat-humanoid with large claws and black wings.
Natas zipped forward and knocked Jared off the Tower and back to the Earth, causing him to demorph.
Howling like a monster, the Master Bount descended on Jared, but was stopped by a green barrier, and blasted away by telekinetic force, accelerated particles, and millions of glowing lights. Each attack was accompanied by purple wisps of magic, Jules' augmentation making her friends' powers stronger.
Five figures stood behind Jared.
"Glad you made it." Jared commented with a smile.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Sonia answered.
"This bozo needs to go down." Alicia said.
"We have a score to settle." Noah added cracking his knuckles.
Liam let out a light laugh. "Well, what're we waiting for?"
Jules nodded with a smile. "It's Morphin' Time, isn't it?"
Asher glared at Natas and said, "Let's get to it."
"Ready?!" Jared asked.
"Ready!"
"Spirit Legend, Awaken!"
~ New Morphing Sequence ~
Jared presses down on his morpher and millions of red lights swirl in the background. A ghostly incarnation of Hadan appears over his body as a red intricately detailed circle appears under his feet and moves up. As the symbol goes up his body, Hadan's apparition fuses with the corresponding body part and the ranger suit forms. As the helmet materializes, Jared strikes a pose as an armored Lion roars behind him. Behind the Lion is a partially eclipsed sun.
Noah presses down on his morpher and millions of blue lights swirl in the background. A ghostly incarnation of Arlyn appears over his body as a blue intricately detailed circle appears under his feet and moves up. As the symbol goes up his body, Arlyn's apparition fuses with the corresponding body part and the ranger suit forms. As the helmet materializes, Noah strikes a pose as an armored Wolf howls behind him. Behind the Wolf is a glacier over raging waves.
Sonia presses down on her morpher and millions of yellow lights swirl in the background. A ghostly incarnation of Haokah appears over her body as a yellow intricately detailed circle appears under her feet and moves up. As the symbol goes up her body, Haokah's apparition fuses with the corresponding body part and the ranger suit forms. As the helmet materializes, Sonia strikes a pose as a giant, armored Rabbit rises behind her. Behind the Rabbit is a raging Supercell Storm.
Liam presses down on his morpher and millions of green lights swirl in the background. A ghostly incarnation of Gaius appears over his body as a green intricately detailed circle appears under his feet and moves up. As the symbol goes up his body, Gaius's apparition fuses with the corresponding body part and the ranger suit forms. As the helmet materializes, Liam strikes a pose as a giant armored Gorilla roars behind him. Behind the Gorilla is a rising mountain behind a jungle.
Alicia presses down on his morpher and millions of pink lights swirl in the background. A ghostly incarnation of Skyla appears over her body as a red intricately detailed circle appears under her feet and moves up. As the symbol goes up her body, Skyla's apparition fuses with the corresponding body part and the ranger suit forms. As the helmet materializes, Alicia strikes a pose as a giant armored Phoenix screeches behind him. Behind the Phoenix is a tornado blowing pink sparkles around.
Asher presses down on his morpher and millions of silver lights swirl in the background. A ghostly incarnation of Celina appears over his body as a red intricately detailed circle appears under his feet and moves up. As the symbol goes up his body, Celina's apparition fuses with the corresponding body part and the ranger suit forms. As the helmet materializes, Asher strikes a pose as a giant armored Flying Leo (silver lion with phoenix wings) roars behind him. Behind the Leo is a full moon in a starry night sky.
Jules hovers her hand in front of her morpher and millions of violet lights swirl in the background. A ghostly incarnation of Riku appears over her body as a purple intricately detailed circle appears under her feet and moves up. As the symbol goes up his body, Riku's apparition fuses with the corresponding body part and the ranger suit forms. As the helmet materializes, Jules strikes a pose as a giant armored Paradise Bird screeches behind her. Behind the Bird is an aurora in a night sky.
~ END ~
"Spirit of Fire: Legend Red!"
"Spirit of Water: Legend Blue!"
"Spirit of Wind: Legend Pink!"
"Spirit of Earth: Legend Green!"
"Spirit of Lightning: Legend Pink!"
"Spirit of Light: Legend Silver!"
"Spirit of Shadow: Legend Violet!"
"Ancient Spirits Unite! Power Rangers: Next Legend, Start Up!"
"Let's take this guy down!" Jared called to the others. If we're gonna beat him, I need a clear shot to use my new power!"
"New Power?" Noah asked.
"Fill us in later." Alicia said as she ran forward with her Legend Staff. As she dashed, she fired multiple shots at Natas, but he used his wings to protect himself.
Howling, he called for numerous Bounts to assist him. However, Rachel's group blocked them all. Liam summoned his axe and nailed a solid hit on the Master's stomach, sending him flying. Natas glided through the air and knocked Liam down. Sonia and Noah tried to get close, but the two were hit away.
Jules pole vaulted into the air and stuck her pike into Natas's back.
Noah got up and raised his hands. "Arctic Freeze!"
Liam and Alicia added onto the attack.
"Leaf Cyclone!"
"Spiral Stream!"
The spinning leaves and whirling wind wrapped together with the blast of ice and nailed Natas in the chest.
"Sonic Boom!" Sonia shouted. A thunderclap wave hit Natas in the back just as Jules jumped off. The Master was sent spiraling into the ground.
Jared kept focusing his Mana.
Natas saw this and howled, "Your plan won't work!" He opened his mouth and shot a pitch black beam at Jared. The beam hardened into a coal like pole. Jared realized what was coming but couldn't move. The pole did hit someone, but it wasn't Jared...
Looking up, Jared saw Percy in front of him, the Pole lodged under his heart.
"Percy!" Jared called as the Vampire fell back into his arms. Jared dematerialized his helmet.
"No..." Noah whispered. He shook his head and said, "Guys, keep fighting!"
Jared shook Percy. "Percy, you have to hang on."
"My time is almost up... But Natas has to die... Because... Katie..."
"Katie?" Jared asked.
"Open my Soul Gate." Percy asked.
Nodding Jared looked into Percy's undead but beautifully human eyes and focused.
Due to his growing power, Jared perceived hearts in a new way. He found himself gliding through Percy's mind quickly. He looked around and saw different colors and heard different symphonic sounds. To anyone else, they would mean nothing. But to Jared, those patterns told him so many things about Percy. He felt Percy's inner demons that were full of regret. Then he passed through Percy's knowledge, morals and conscience. Next, he found himself in his memories.
Jared saw Percy's origins. He was sired in England in the 1800's. He was a notoriously evil man for many years. Until one day, he came upon a witch. Jared saw him attack her, but she raised a wand with a pink crystal on it and cast a spell. Percy was cursed with his human soul so that he'd bear the guilt of all the pain he had caused over the years. So, he sought redemption...
Jared was a bystander, seeing Percy kiss Katie, the Slayer before him.
"My Light-Watcher wouldn't let me see you if she knew." Katie said.
"I know." Percy nodded.
From then on, Jared saw more and more of Percy's memories until he saw Katie's death. Percy stood in the shadows as Katie's body was being taken away. The former Slayer's Weapon, the Crossbow, lay off to the side of a boathouse...
Looking around, Jared felt a bloodthirsty chill. Natas was hidden behind one of the trees... Percy noticed him.
The scene froze and broke up around him.
A bright sphere levitated in front of Jared. The Space around him reminded him of the space around Leander's door, but somehow different. The background was a pale blue instead of a myriad of moving colors. When Jared placed his right hand on the sphere, he saw the pointed symbol on the back of his hand glow. Percy's True Soul appeared to him as a Silver Crossbow.
Back in Reality, the whole experience was instantaneous. Jared's eyes were still locked onto Percy as the Red Symbol appeared under the two. The Slayer stuck his hand into Percy. Silver ribbon like lights moved freely out of the soul gate and the circumference of the circle. Jared pulled back and threw his purple crystal covered arm into the air. The crystals broke into lights and revealed a Silver Crossbow in Jared's hand.
"Guys! Now!" Jared called out pouring his focused Mana, from himself, Percy and Leander, into the Crossbow Bolt.
Noah froze Natas's legs while Liam trapped the Master in a body lock of Earth and branches.
Jared began to feel woozy. "No... not here..." Jared struggled. However, he felt two pairs of hands support him. Noah and Alicia were behind him, pouring their Mana into him. Sonia grabbed Alicia's back and Liam grabbed Noah. Jules used her Shadow Tendrils to grip Natas while Asher enchanted spells of paralysis.
The bolt started to glow all the Ranger colors.
"Fire!" The Core Five shouted. The bolt went flying and caught fire with Leander's influence. The bolt struck through Natas in a clean shot through his heart.
He caught fire and howled. The fire alternated between red, orange, black and gold, which resulted in an explosion.
However, it was far from over.
Natas grew into skyscraper size.
Noah laughed. "It's been a while hasn't it?"
"Let's go!" Jared called out as he returned Percy's True Soul. "Hang in there, Percy."
"Legend King Megazord, Rise Up!"
"Paradise Knight Megazord, Descend!"
LK sliced down with its sword, but Natas swatted it away. PK flew into the air and fired off numerous beams of energy from his arm blasters.
The two Zords swarmed around the Bount and slashed him repeatedly. However, they had no effect.
"We have to finish him." Asher said.
"Final Legend Slash!"
"Paradise Crash!"
The two sword attacks sailed at Natas, but he blew them away with his own blast. He opened his mouth and fired off more black beams and knocked the zords over.
"We can't beat'em like this!" Liam said.
Noah then thought of something new. "Then let's bring them together!"
"You crazy?" Sonia asked.
"It has to work! Think about it."
Claire's voice came through the com. "It will work."
"Come again?" Jules asked.
"Ever since the Paradise Bird was activated, Tobias, Lydia and Dr. Bly have been working non-stop to create the fusion program. And Tobias finished it this morning. We were going to test it, but the Bounts decided to put you guys to sleep."
Liam laughed. "Well that's convenient!"
"Alright." Jared said. "Ultra Legend Megazord, activate!"
~ Sequence ~
Phoenix and Paradise Zords connect into one body to form a four winged back attachment. The two bird's tails detach. The Lunar Knight folds up into armor and attaches to the shoulders, chest and legs. The four winged attachment connects to the back of the zord. The two bird tails combine to form a crown that attaches to the head.
~ End Sequence ~
"Ultra Legend Megazord, Rise Up!"
"Ultra Staff!" The two individual swords combined to form a bladed staff. "Rapid Tempo Assault!"
The Zord thrust the staff a blinding pace, jabbing Natas over and over again.
Howling, Natas charged forward.
"Ultra Cavalry Charge!" The entire zord lit up in a brilliant blue light and charged forward running right through Natas.
He exploded and the Rangers cheered in victory.
"He's gone!" Sonia cheered.
"It's over!" Liam said.
As the seven approached Percy.
"He's gone?" Percy asked weakly.
"Yeah." Jared answered. Rachel's group and Bobby approached as well.
"Percy... in your memory... I saw Natas."
"Yeah... he wanted to test Katie so he told her about the Water Demon. She had no idea what his intentions were but she knew that if she left the demon alone, her family would die. So she fought it... I swore revenge on Natas... and you... you seven helped me avenge her."
Suddenly, a monstrous but shaky voice howled, "I'm... not... done..." Natas crawled out of a huge crater and made his way to them.
"No..." Alicia whispered as Bobby took her into his arms.
"That's enough." Isis said as she jumped down from a building. "Nathaniel, it's done."
"You... called me..."
"It's done... Your time in this world has long since expired. I love you, Nathaniel." Isis made her claws glow red and she stabbed her lover through his chest as she held him in a deep hug.
"I love you..." She whispered with tears streaming down her face. "Just go to sleep and I'll join you when I'm ready."
For a brief moment, Natas's eyes became human once more. Before fading into dust, he whispered, "Isolde..."
Percy winced in pain.
Jared asked, "You can hold on right? Devon can heal you!"
"I'm passed healing." Percy said. "And besides... look in the horizon." The morning sun peeked over the ocean as the sky turned a bright yellow.
"It's time..." Percy whispered, closing his eyes. "I'll be there soon... Katie." Percy started to fade but instead of turning into dust like all the other Vampires, he turned into millions of pale blue lights, all the size of fireflies, and flew toward the sun fading away...
~ Later On ~
"So what'll you do now?" Jared asked Isis as she and about six Bounts were leaving Bayview.
Isis said, "We survivors are going to start over. We'll do whatever we can to help Earth. If you ever need anything, we'll be around."
With that, the last of the Bounts walked away from the city.
As the Seven, with Bobby, walked back to Bayview, Alicia and Noah linked their arms around Jared's waist and neck respectively.
"You sir, have explaining to do." Noah said.
"And we have a lot of time." Alicia added.
"Well, then. Ok!" Jared answered, "Where do I begin?"
~ That Night ~
Jules entered her room. She turned on her lights to reveal her purple shaded walls. Her white desk was filled with notes about her Prophecy from the Wizard in White. And so far, he hasn't been wrong. She opened her white dresser and changed into her violet pajamas and tossed herself on her dark bed. Grunting in irritation, she got up to turn off the light. However, she stared into the mirror on her bedroom door and coughed once more. She found more black fluid in her palm. Trembling, she violently shook her head, turned off the light and threw herself under the covers...
"It'll happen... It'll happen..." She repeated...
A/N: Annnnd that's a wrap!
The different symbols are up on the Wiki, labeled "Symbols"
Now for Jared:
Jared's power has grown to the point where he just needs to be close enough for close eye contact to look inside them.
Now, he can see almost everything about the person. Who they are, what they fear, their insecurities as well as their memories, adding on to his guilt of having his power in the first place!
Well that's it. Any other questions? Shoot me a PM. Review and keep on the look out for Jules's Story Arc!
