Icy Vengeance

Disclaimer: I don't own the Power Rangers or the Strigoi, but I do own Vanessa, Castalia and any OCs to come. This chapter's probably like a T+ instead of an M for violence...lol.

Chapter 2: How It All Began

I walked down the sidewalk heading for home; the rain pouring steadily on me. I never mind the rain of course. Some girls at school whom are the vain fashionista types always either cringe or shriek when the rain falls onto their stylized hair. However the rain is always refreshing and wonderful to me. It feels like a purifying agent, one that rids me of dark emotions and tainted thoughts.

Although I'm merely steps away from my front door, I can already hear the heated voices of my father and sister. I know what the argument is about. It's time for my father to call in a refill for his prescription of heart medication. Shortly after our mother had been captured by Vanessa, our father was diagnosed with blood pressure so high, it was out of control. Vida and I always believed it was due to heartache; Dad missing Mom.

Having now reached our house, I glanced briefly into the window to see Vida gesturing wildly and stamping her foot for emphasis on whatever point she's trying to make. I chuckled quietly. Vida can argue all she wants with Dad, but she and I both know her efforts are going to be useless. Dad is one stubborn man. Not wanting to be dragged into the argument, I found myself drifting toward the backyard. I wind up at the tree house Chip, Vida, Xander and I all used to spend endless hours in. Deciding that the tree house would be a perfect place to get out of the rain and immerse myself into a few memories, I began to climb.

Up in the tree house, I crawled over to a corner where a large treasure chest sat. Lifting the brass clasp, I peered inside and smiled at what I saw. There, amongst a myriad of dresses, hats, plastic jewelry and capes lay two wooden staffs. The wooden rods were carved by Vida and my grandfather, we did the decorating. I picked my staff up; it had light blue ribbon winding around its length, pearls twining their way around that. Several shells dotted the staff, on the top my staff adorned a large circular bauble with a deep blue wave painted on it. Too bad that wave isn't a mermaid's tail, I mused silently while chuckling to myself. I remember before decorating my staff I had taken it with me to the beach and soaked it for hours in water hoping to capture the salty scent and have it with me forever. The power of curiosity overwhelming me, I take a quick whiff, inhaling the tang of the sea. I grinned. Apparently I truly did manage to forever have a part of the sea. I gently twirled the staff in my hands, beginning to lose myself in the memories of when Vida and I would spend hours pretending that we were sorceresses and that our tree house was our cottage. I remember we started that game after our tree house was built, after Mom was taken away by the sorceress Vanessa. Vida and I would imagine we were training to go rescue the beautiful queen, the damsel in distress. I gripped my staff tighter. As soon as Udonna, Leanbow and Nick get back, that pretend training is going to become reality.

I smiled as I remembered the red mystic ranger. When Nick first came to Briarwood, he was so reluctant about believing in magic that the magic rejected him. But when he came back to 

rescue us from Koragg, he did believe in the magic; and in return the magic embraced him, granting him the gift of the phoenix. The power of fire. Along with the power of fire, Nick became the leader of the Power Rangers. I have to admit, there times when Nick was still doubtful and hesitant in his decisions; but perhaps it had to do with his lack of strong friendships and us not knowing what his childhood had been like and what values were instilled in him. However just because Nick was hesitant in magical situations didn't mean he lacked confidence. He had a boundless amount of confidence.

Before I could dwell on more memories of Nick, the sound of the rope ladder knocking against the tree brought me out of my reverie. Thinking it was my sister after losing the argument, a mischievous grin came across my face. In a sly voice I asked, "Did you lose the battle so quickly V?"

Surprisingly, my sister's voice didn't answer me. "Actually, I still think they're still arguing."

Recognizing the familiar male voice, I peered out the window. "Chip?"

My redheaded friend poked his cheery face into the tree house. "Plus one more," He replied with a grin.

"That would be me," Xander announced in his thick Australian accent as he clambered in after Chip. His brown eyes fell on my staff. "Aren't we a little too young to be playing dress up Madison?" He teased.

"Not according to my inner child," I cheekily replied. I nodded to the other staff that lay in the chest. "Vida has one too."

Chip leaned across me and picked up Vida's staff. Vida's staff had light purple ribbon winding around its base. There were several black roses adorning it with a fairy doll clad in black, purple and silver on top. I smiled at it. "Vida used to call it her punk magi staff."

"There's no trace of pink on it," Xander observed.

"V hated pink before she became a Power Ranger, remember?" Chip reminded him. He then frowned thoughtfully before sniffing Vida's staff. "Is that…cherry blossom?"

"Yep," I replied with a grin. "There really isn't such a thing as a punkish scent, but Vida liked it."

The boys chuckled. "Punkish scent?" Xander asked. I merely shrugged.

"Well you know Vida."

As I retrieved my sister's staff from Chip and was about to place it, along with my own staff, a flash of brilliant red caught my eye and a lump rose in my throat. I knew what that patch of red was. It was Nick's baby blanket. He'd entrusted it to my care weeks ago. Wordlessly I grasped the soft material and held it close. Just merely holding Nick's blanket brought me a sense of comfort, hope and heartache all at the same time. I held it tighter like a beloved teddy bear.

You miss him don't you?" Chip asked; his voice full of sympathy. I jumped when he spoke. I had completely forgotten that he and Xander were still in the tree house with me. I quickly shut my eyes to prevent any tears from spilling. I nodded for response.

"We all miss him," Xander said as he gave me a one-armed hug. I smiled tightly, eyes remaining shut. Who knew these two plus a piece of material could make me so emotional?

"Hello, what's this?" Xander asked. "Madison, since when do you leave your beloved books lying around abandoned?"

I opened my eyes and quirked an eyebrow at him, "I beg your pardon?"

He lifted a large white book from the wooden chest. He smirked, "I highly doubt that this is V's."

"True," I muttered as I took the book from him. Laying it on my lap, I flipped through the first few pages, comprehension dawning. "Oh I know what this is."

"What is it?" Chip asked eagerly.

I laughed lightly. "I guess you could call it a biography throughout the generations. There are stories and legends; which I know are stories, but the stories are fact and the legends are merely tales that we wish were true." I glanced at the boys seated on either side of me. "If that makes any sense."

Xander looked me in the eye and grinned, "That's all right Maddie; this is how you usually explain things."

"It is?" Both boys nodded. I fought down a blush and merely grinned as I scanned the worn and crinkly pages. Wait a minute, I recognize that language…

Apparently Chip read my mind for he asked in a stunned voice, "Is that the language of the ancients?"

"It is," Xander answered in an equally awed voice.

I voiced the question that was on all our minds. "How does my family know of this text? We're not magical." Rolling my eyes at my own naivety I continued, "But if that were the case then my mom would never have been kidnapped." I tried to dredge up a memory. "I can remember Vanessa teasing my mom about demorphing." I gasped as another memory came back to me. "The epic battle of the Mystic Sprite and the Mystic Mermaid! My family is magic! At least Mom is."

"What battle?" Xander asked, frowning. "I know that you and Vida have powers, but your mom?"

"It makes sense," Chip put in. "We'd have to get our powers from somewhere. It's not like Nick is the only one who has magic in his blood and we have our elemental powers on loan."

I glanced down at the book and began to read the ancient language. "It says over five hundred years ago nature flourished and thrived from the magic fed on it by the Mystics. There were five guardians of magic; Phoenix Astraios commanded the fierce power of fire, Sprite Vienta controlled all winds, Garuda Lustros held the brilliant power of lightning, Mermaid Mariana possessed the serene yet deadly power of the waters and Minotaur Aarde, sorcerer of the strong and powerful magic of the earth. For three centuries, life under their reign was peaceful. It seemed to be impossible for Dark magic to exist. However the Mystics were quite aware that Dark magic existed and that the breakout of war was on the horizon."

"When war did indeed erupt; the Dark magic spread its wickedness and misery over the world slowly seeping into and affecting the good magic. Fires blazed, destroying many homes. Lightning struck down people. Plants withered away, crops crumbling. Seas ravaged and winds howled. The suffering mortals blamed the Mystics for their sorrows who in turn began to accuse each other for the destruction and for not doing anything to stop it. They battled each other for months. The Mystics nearly became the cause of one another's destruction. It wasn't until the wise and harmonious Mystic Mermaid, Mariana, stepped in and appealed to her friends and comrades; and persuaded them to open their eyes to the truth and to the real Evil magic that was causing so much pain and strife."

"The Mystics banded together to fight off the Darkness and re-establish light, peace and harmony to the world. This battle lasted for several decades; each side seemingly victorious for a moment before their adversary would rise again. It looked as if the war of Dark versus Light had come to a stalemate. One night when the Mystics were battling; Vienta looked up to see Lustros come crashing to the ground. Distraught to see her beloved injured, she ran to his side.

He was severely wounded; blood gushing, it appeared as if claws had raked through him from the neck to his wrist. His breathing became ragged as his sapphire eyes began to dim and lose focus. Delicately laying a slim hand on his chest, Vienta tried to bring him back to consciousness. 'Lustros, my love you must wake up.' Moving her hand to the side of his face she implored, 'Darling you must come back to me. Please. Tell me who attacked you so brutally.'

"At the sound of his beloved's voice, Lustros opened his eyes to see the Mystic Sprite kneeling over him. He managed a ghost of a smile as he whispered, 'My love…Vienta…my time is running out…however you must know…' He was cut off by Vienta's choked sobs and thick tears that fell onto his face.

'Lustros no!' Vienta had cried. 'Don't leave me please! I cannot bear a life without you! Think of Castalia! She will be devastated! Please Lustros! No, no…'

'Vienta,' The Mystic Garuda said sternly. 'This is no time for you to be acting like a child my dear. Now you must listen to what I have to say or else our daughter will lose both of us.'

Vienta forced her tears to subside. 'I'm listening.' 

'The Strigoi are formidable creatures…they will stop at nothing to destroy us…their claws…they are poisonous and are either meant to …turn you into one of them…or kill you…' Lustros laughed weakly and slightly bitterly. 'Apparently…I was the latter purpose…'

'Lustros stop speaking like this!' Vienta cried. 'You are going to live!'

'Vienta…' Lustros began; a trace of a growl in his voice.

Vienta interrupted him. 'Mariana!' She screamed. The Mystic Mermaid blasted a demon with a jet of arctic cold water before swiftly running to her sister's side.

'Vienta, what's wrong?' Mariana demanded of her sister. She looked down and saw Lustros's devastating wound. Mariana let out a horrified gasp. 'Strigoi!'

'You have to heal him!' Vienta commanded.

"'I shall try,' Mariana replied as she knelt beside her comrade and friend. She placed her hands above his wounds; a bright turquoise light pulsating from them. 'You should get back to the battle,' Mariana advised her sister, never taking her silver eyes off of Lustros.

'Don't let him die,' Vienta pleaded before taking to the skies.

Mariana bit her lip, never answering her sister. Lustros's life force was fading rapidly. His very magical being deteriorating. Nevertheless she was determined to help her friend in any way possible, for his sake, her sister's sake and to help bring back light into the world. Calling on all the healing magic within the seas and her own being, Mariana focused the magic on closing the wound."

"Lustros, whom had been resting his eyes, opened them to see the Mystic Mermaid hovering over him; concentrating on healing him. He knew that she was pushing herself beyond her limits because she had never dealt with such Dark magic like that of the Strigoi. He also knew that she was treading dangerously close to Death's realm and he would not let her fall. 'Mariana,' he began. 'You must cease your efforts. I will not let you sacrifice yourself for my sake.'

'I can save you!' Mariana insisted. 'I know I can!'

'Mariana, I have accepted the fact that I am going to die,' Lustros stated calmly. Briefly her silver eyes met his golden ones. 'Let me go in peace and concentrate on helping Vienta and Castalia heal.'

Ever stubborn as her sister, Mariana called out, 'Astraios! Please, lend me your assistance!'

The Mystic Phoenix landed beside Mariana. 'What can I do to help?' He asked.

'My strength is leaving,' Mariana stated in a strained voice. 'Help me heal Lustros.'

Although his healing skills weren't as adept as his closest friend's, Astraios nodded once before placing his hands over Mariana's; warm red light emanating from them. Together, the fused elemental magic began to heal Lustros. Mariana's magic extracting the venom from the Garuda's body; Astraios's magic closing the gaping wound.

Mariana narrowed her eyes as she focused on releasing more of her magic into the process of purifying the venom. An arm looped itself around her waist, gently pulling her away. Irritated at this lack of concentration, Mariana looked up and into the blue eyes of Astraios. 'What do you think you're doing? Lustros needs our help!'"

"'I'm well aware of that Mariana,' Astraios replied. 'But I'm not about to let you over exert yourself especially when you asked for my help and know I can give it. Your energy is running low. Let me help you both.'

The Mystic Mermaid relented. 'All right, I do appreci—'

'Vienta!' Aarde shouted. Looking up, Astraios and Mariana saw the Mystic Sprite get knocked to the ground by one of the Strigoi who proceeded to continue its attack.

'No!' Lustros yelled as he shot up from his spot on the ground; knocking his healers over in the process.

'Lustros, no!' Mariana and Astraios cried. 'Come back!'

The Mystic Garuda refused to listen; he had to get to Vienta, injured or otherwise. He gritted his teeth as pain pulsed from the wound on his arm. Carelessly he draped a talon-covered hand over it as he increased his speed.

Vienta lay sprawled on the ground gasping for fresh air. Weakly she lifted her head as she assessed her body for and physical damage. All she knew of was that she definitely had a torn wing. 'I hope Mariana finishes healing Lustros soon,' she thought wearily. As she tried to sit up, Vienta noticed a large shadow looming over her. Tilting her head back, she noticed it was the same Strigoi who had sent her hurtling back to the earth. Her eyes barely had time to fill with fear for she saw just beyond her attacker, Lustros was flying toward them. Vienta's thoughts turned desperate. 'Oh Lustros my stubborn fool! Why couldn't you have waited for my sister to finish healing you?!'

"Lustros's golden eyes widened as the Strigoi reared back to strike his beloved. 'Get away from her!' He roared. Lightning crackled from his claws as he flew in and ripped across the Strigoi's side. Its shriek was a deafening scream that caused both Mystics to cringe. Hissing with rage, the Strigoi turned from Vienta and pounced on Lustros.

Lustros and the Strigoi tumbled through the sky, Lustros barely being able to manage an escape by using a blast of lightning. He fumbled for the crossbow at his hip. Grasping the weapon, he placed an arrow in its stock and took aim. His finger barely brushed the trigger when the Strigoi came toward him with incredible speed. Lustros had no time to blink let alone gasp before the Strigoi wrapped its hand around his throat, its poisoned claws sinking into his delicate flesh.

"Immediately, Lustros's eyes faded from a brilliant gold to a lackluster yellow as his body fell slack in his killer's grip. The Strigoi let out a satisfied shriek; its blood red eyes glimmering with incessant malice. Carelessly, it released its hold on Lustros letting him slam into the earth.

'Lustros! NO!!' Vienta screamed. Her voice was wracked with sobs as she ran over to him. She knelt beside his still form and gently placed a hand on his cheek. She shivered; his skin was ice cold. His chest was not moving and his eyes were devoid of any and all light. Refusing to believe that her soul mate was gone Vienta called in a sharp voice, 'Mariana!'

The Mystic Mermaid was at her sister's side in a heartbeat. 'Oh…' Was all she could manage.

'Heal him,' Vienta said curtly.

Mariana looked at her sideways, her silver eyes filled with doubt. 'Vienta, I-I don't th—'

'Didn't you hear me?!' Vienta demanded incredulously. 'Heal him!'

Biting her lip, Mariana fell to her knees and summoned her healing powers forth. Instantly, Astraios was with her trying to heal Lustros. 'I know it's useless, but we've got to do everything we can to make her feel better,' he whispered. His silver-eyed companion nodded. 'Very well.'

Meanwhile Aarde was trying to assuage Vienta's fears and prevent her from doing anything rash. 'Lustros will be fine,' he said soothingly. 'Have faith in your sister and our friend.'

This did little to settle her fears and cease her pacing. 'He's gone, he's gone, I know he's gone,' The Mystic Sprite chanted despairingly. 'What was I thinking, asking Mariana to use her powers?' She placed a hand at her brow. 'To just have a shred of hope!'

"Mariana turned toward her sister, her eyes shining with unshed tears. 'Vienta, I-I'm so sorry my sister,' Her voice cracked. 'The Strigoi's poison…it was much too quick.'

Vienta looked beyond her sister toward the motionless body of the fallen Mystic Garuda. His eyes were empty, his tan skin fading to a chilling grey. Blood seeped out of his wounds. No longer was it the usual garnet but was tainted to black. Streams of silver and spilled out of him; his magic was flying back to its home within the elements until it found a new host. Lustros, her life-long companion, lover and father of their daughter Castalia was dead. Vienta knew he was gone the moment he had flown in to save her. She accepted the absolute finality that came with his death; but that did not mean that his murder was okay. Her acceptance of his death did not mean that Lustros would go unavenged.

As if reading her sister's mind; Mariana stood up and said warningly, 'Vienta don't do anything hasty. If we're going to strike back we need to think things through and approach this rationally.'

'Oh, I've already done some thinking,' Vienta replied darkly. 'And believe me when I say this; rationality disappeared from existence the moment Lustros was killed.'

Astraios stepped in. 'Vienta maybe you should—'

'Maybe you should either help me, or back off and get out of my way,' The Mystic Sprite spat as she stalked past the Phoenix and took to the skies.

"Vienta growled as she came across a group of Strigoi. With a wave of her hands she sent a blast of wind their way causing them to barrel into a mountain created by Aarde; shattering a good portion of it. 'That was for me,' she spat. 'And this is for Lustros!' Vienta called forth two cyclones that engulfed the demons. Flicking her wrist, the wind became so strong and powerful that it ripped through the Strigoi's armor as if the element had transformed into blades.

A dark smirk worked its way onto Vienta's face as she listened to the screams of agonizing pain coming from Lustros's murderers. She was about to increase the power of the tornado when a battle cry roared from behind her.

"'Who has been tormenting my children?' A decidedly male voice growled. Vienta whirled around to face a much larger Strigoi whose decorated armor indicated that he was the leader of the monsters.

Vienta raised her chin defiantly, 'I did.'

The Strigoi cocked his head, an interested and bloodthirsty gleam coming into his eyes. 'Oh really?' He asked. 'And why pray tell would you do such a thing?'

'Because your beasts killed Lustros!' The Mystic Sprite spat.

The alpha Strigoi's garnet eyes flickered down briefly to gaze upon the lifeless body of the Mystic Garuda before meeting Vienta's seething gaze. 'My children were bored,' He replied carelessly in his silky voice. 'They merely wanted to play.'

"'Play?!' Vienta growled. Her eyes narrowed to slits. 'I'll show you playtime!' Concentrating, Vienta called forth the winds of the North, South, East and West. Through her fingers the air twisted and turned; caressed by her magic it bent and melded until it looked like a swarm of blades. With a toss of her head the blades sped through the sky diving toward the alpha Strigoi.

She smirked at the hisses and roars of pain. 'And that's only the beginning,' she thought bitterly. Vienta readied herself to attack once more when she noticed as the wind blades faded the alpha Strigoi was nowhere in sight. In his place were two Strigoi doubled over in agony. 'He summoned two lackeys to protect his own hide. Typical.'

"Vienta spun around, he was nowhere in plain sight. Closing her eyes to hone in on her adversary's aura; Vienta didn't realize that she had left herself as a vulnerable target. With double the speed of the Strigoi who attacked Lustros; the alpha Strigoi charged toward Vienta and was on her in a matter of seconds. He threw her into the mountain then flew after her. He closed his clawed hands around her throat. 'Stupid little pixie,' he snarled. 'Did you honestly think you'd be able to strike me?' He let out a bark of laughter before raking his claws through her.

'Vienta, no!' Mariana screamed from below. Before she knew it, Astraios had wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her into the air.

'Vienta, you've gotta fight this!' He shouted.

'Sister! You must not let the Dark magic touch you!' Mariana cried. The two flew closer toward the shaking Mystic Sprite only to be repelled by a shield of crackling Dark energy that sent the two crashing back toward the ground.

"Vienta's amber went wide with horror and pain as she clutched her abdomen, doubling over. Silver and pink magic were spewing from her wound while back magic seeped into her body. Her whole being trembled as the evil corrupted her, causing her body to contort with each pulsing spasm that tainted her heart and soul. Not only did this transformation affect her magic, it affected Vienta's appearance as well. Her skin went from being sun-kissed to alabaster. Her clothing became black leather. Claws grew from the ends of her fingertips while her wings turned from beautiful, delicate wings to hard and slightly scaly black wings. But the most shocking transformation Vienta underwent were the color of her eyes. They went from soft amber to cold and steely blood red.

When the transformation was complete, Vienta straightened, looking deep into the alpha Strigoi's eyes. He grinned; his smile dripping with malice. 'I think I prefer you much better this way my dear,' he said as he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. 'You must be ravished though,' he went on. His twisted smirk growing as he eyed the panicked Mystics from below. He beckoned Vienta forward. 'Come, Sweetheart, let us feed.'

'Yes my master,' Vienta replied, her once sweet soprano voice tinted with darkness. She eyed her former comrades with a hungry gleam in her soulless eyes. 'Let's feast.'

'No Vienta!' Mariana cried as she noticed her sister's stare.

'The side of good and Light lose two warriors…' Aarde began pensively.

'While the side of Darkness just got a whole lot stronger,' Astraios finished."

To be continued…………………

Whoo!! After two weeks this chapter is done! And of course our story of the ancient Mystics isn't quite done, so you're just gonna have to sit back and relax while I work on the next chapter. Until then, read and review please!

Starry