QUEST FOR THE LUNATI TREASURE

Episode #10

"Queen of the Damned"

As Spencer Kingston's freshly-shined black leather shoes hit the hardwood floors of the Hartford mansion, he noticed that it was the only sound he could hear echoing through the entire house, despite all tenants being present and accounted for. He figured Chris was two floors up, no doubt enjoying himself or sulking. These days those seemed to be the young Hartford's only options.

Spencer knew Jessica was one floor below studying the latest satellite readings, hoping to find some trace of the remaining relics of the Lunati Treasure. That left Spencer and Dr. Ian Hartford. The estate's loyal butler was on a hunt to discover just what his employer was up to. He opened the door to Ian's office and saw the archaeologist sitting at his desk, feverishly typing on his desktop computer.

Spencer closed the door and walked calmly over to the desk, noticing that Ian made no acknowledgement of his presence. Spencer spotted the tiny paper cup on the edge of the desk and he picked it up. He gave a polite nod as he saw that Ian had taken his pills, even if he hadn't moved from the same spot where he had left him hours before.

Spencer sighed as he glanced at the flatscreen monitor on Ian's desk and looked over his shoulder to see what he was doing. When Spencer saw the news article that Ian was searching for, he grew worried.

"Sir, is it a good idea to be opening old wounds so early in the morning?" Spencer said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Ian took a deep breath as he lowered his head, taking his eyes away from the news clipping and the accompanying picture which showed the navy blue car belonging to Gordon Tracy, as it was lifted from a ravine.

"Spencer, I can't help it," Ian said, shaking his head. "There has to be some connection."

"Between Drakar and Mr. Tracy?" Spencer said, still confused by this mysterious connection that Ian seemed to sense.

"Yes," Ian said flatly. "Drakar knew what was in Gordon's safe. He had to have known there was something of value inside or he wouldn't have hired Dark Shadow to steal it."

"But if he hired them to steal the combination as well, then he failed," Spencer deduced.

"I don't think so," Ian said. "If my hunch is right, Dark Shadow got greedy and wanted the safe for themselves. That's why they went after Karen the second time. Jessica told me that Drakar let Karen go. Why would he do that if he didn't know the combination already?"

"That is a very good question," Spencer said. "But, I still don't understand why you think dredging up Gordon Tracy's accident will provide answers."

"Gordon had to have crossed paths with Drakar before," Ian said, with a sigh. "If I'm going to retrace his steps, I figured I'd start with his last known location."

Spencer could see the sadness on Ian's face as he looked back up at the monitor. Spencer sighed once again, his face showing his concern. As he looked at the text of the article one name stuck out amongst the text and that name got Spencer thinking.

"Perhaps if you knew what was inside the safe, it could bear more fruit for your search," Spencer thought aloud.

"But without the safe or the combination, I'll never know," Ian said.

"Have you thought to ask Mrs. Tracy?" Spencer said boldly.

Ian gave him a confused look. "Karen doesn't know the combination. She certainly doesn't know what's in the safe. If she did, she would have told Dark Shadow."

"Can you be so sure?" Spencer asked.

"Why would she risk her own life by lying?"

"Well, sir, it's been my experience that if a secret is important enough, one would be willing to take it to the grave," Spencer said, seriously.

"But if she knows, why wouldn't she tell me?" Ian said, still appearing confused.

"Perhaps because you never asked," Spencer said, with a raised eyebrow.

Ian's gaze returned to the flatscreen monitor on his desk, but for the first time on this day, his mind wasn't thinking of his fallen friend. Instead, his thoughts veered to the friend who was still alive, the friend who just might hold information he could use.

Inside of his fiery volcanic abode, Drakar sat quietly on his self-made stone throne, with his golden eyes focused on the ramblings of Gordon Tracy. The demon held tight to the leather-bound journal as he read the small print and scattered drawings that filled the book. Drakar grumbled as he thumbed through the pages with his large, clawed fingers.

"It must be here," Drakar mumbled.

The sound of his voice caused a few of his Draggs on the other side of the volcano to stir. As they began to come across the stone bridge that separated them, Drakar put up his hand, halting their movement.

"I was certain this text would hold the secrets I need to find the next piece of the Lunati treasure," Drakar said. "I must find a way to secure all of it. The Lunati's power will flow through me. I will see to that!"

It was then that Drakar rose from his throne and knelt by its side, where Gordon Tracy's open safe sat. As Drakar began to place the journal back inside, he noticed the other item inside the safe. He picked up the shiny silver box, which was no bigger than his palm. Drakar let out a low grumble as he stood back to his feet.

"Perhaps I don't have to look that far to find the next piece of the treasure after all," he said with a chuckle, as he began studying the box to find a way to open it.

Jessica Lorrie sat in the Tracking Lab beneath the Hartford mansion, sipping a cup of coffee and watching the computers doing their job diligently. The orbital satellites were scanning every inch of the planet, meticulously searching for signs of the Lunati relics. Jessica was seated at her usual place. Despite the fact that there were three terminals at the table, Jessica always gravitated towards the one in the middle. It had become her place. That spot was her throne inside her own personal sanctuary.

Without warning, she heard the swift patter of feet jogging down the staircase and tunnel behind her. She sighed. Jessica had spent so much time in the Tracking Lab that she could tell who was coming simply by hearing their feet. Spencer never moved that impatiently.

"Hello Chris," she announced, as he passed through the doorway entering the lab. "You're up early. It's not even noon yet."

Chris looked a bit confused as he walked closer to her.

"Did my cologne give me away?" he said, smelling himself. "Cuz I'm not wearing any."

"Actually, it was your feet," Jessica said, with a wink. "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing," Chris said, quickly as he sat down at the terminal to her right and turned on the system.

Jessica kept her eyes on her own screen, but couldn't hide her curiosity for very long. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Chris was logging onto a familiar social networking site. As she saw his profile page adorned with his school colors and more friends than she could count, she smirked.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Just checking messages," Chris said.

"Uh, these computers are for work only," Jessica pressed. "Why don't you use one of the several in your room?"

"Because I don't feel like walking all the way back upstairs," Chris said, annoyed. "Look, I'm feeling a little homesick. Gimme a break. It's not like anyone's using this stupid computer anyway."

"If the computer's so stupid, why are you using it?" Jessica shot back, her British accent more evident to him than ever before. "And how can you be homesick? This is your home."

"My last name may be on the mailbox but you and I both know that doesn't make it home," Chris said, unable to shake the memory of seeing his father showing affection for Karen Tracy.

"Well, whatever has you sulking now, get over it…somewhere else," Jessica said. "I'm trying to work."

"Work on what?" Chris said, with a sarcastic chuckle. "Look around, Jess. The computers are doing everything!"

Chris turned off the computer and stood up, cutting his eyes at Jessica in defiance. She turned in her chair, not taking her eyes off him.

"Is that really all you think I do around here?" she asked, angrily.

"You and I do things differently, that's all," Chris said, sarcastically. "I prefer to actually do things, rather than sitting back and letting machines do them for me. It's called being pro-active."

Jessica laughed, as if she had just been told the best joke in years.

"If I remember correctly, the last time you decided to be pro-active, you got trashed by the Ja'Vey!" Jessica said.

"Maybe I did, but you know what? It got us the tablet," Chris said, gesturing towards the exam table where the broken tablet's pieces were located.

"And look how that turned out," Jessica said, as she stood up and walked over to the table, showcasing the pieces of stone.

Chris could feel his anger boiling over.

"I never pretend to be perfect," he stated, "Good or bad, my way produces results. At least I'm not sitting down here at a desk acting like a glorified secretary!"

"You're out of line," Jessica said, seething. "I'm paid to be here. What's your excuse? If you're so homesick, why don't you go…now!"

Chris locked eyes with Jessica for only a moment before storming off back in the direction he had come from. After she heard his footsteps completely disappear, she let out an angry scream.

The Hotel Wyndham was one of the more extravagant havens located in Silver City, California. Known for its lavish exterior, the Hotel Wyndham was also one of the most private hotels in the state. Its guest list included well-known celebrities, politicians and athletes, all looking to escape the eyes of outsiders. Also among them was one woman also looking to escape into seclusion.

As Karen Tracy gently brushed her long dark hair, she glanced at her image in the mirror of her suite's vanity table. She looked closer, almost not even recognizing herself. She appeared to be a shell, frail and weak. Perhaps it was just the stress, she had told herself many times over the past few days. She just needed to relax. It was reassurance that didn't seem to convince her eyes as she glanced at her own reflection.

She had tried to make herself look presentable after the call from the front desk alerted her to her visitor. Ian Hartford was coming up to see her and she didn't want to appear too fragile in front of him. She was stronger than this, she told herself repeatedly as she closed her eyes.

At that moment, she heard a knock at the door. Karen took a deep breath and placed her brush on the vanity and stood up, walking over to the locked door. The chain was merely a precaution, given the security of the hotel, but given her recent otherworldly encounters, she was taking no chances. She peered out the small peephole for only a second, before she remembered that her visitor wouldn't be visible on the other side.

Karen unlocked the door, opening it to see Dr. Ian Hartford seated in his wheelchair. She gave a polite smile and gestured for him to enter. As the wheelchair moved forward upon his control, Karen realized it was different than the one she had seen him in before. This one was automatic, requiring no outside force to push it forward. Ian brought the chair to a stop in the middle of the large suite and turned it back to Karen, as she closed the door.

"How are you doing?" he asked, sympathetically.

"Better," Karen said, taking another deep breath.

She walked over to the dining table near Ian and sat down in one of the chairs.

"Still having trouble sleeping, but I guess that's to be expected," she said, trying to smile. "I'm surprised to see you. I told you I'd be all right. You didn't have to check up on me."

Ian directed his chair forward, inching closer to hers.

"I was concerned," he said, looking into her eyes now that they were seated on the same level. "But, I have to confess I also had another motive for coming today."

"What is it?" Karen said, looking curious.

"I've been retracing Gordon's steps since he—since the accident," Ian said, his voice was low and compassionate. "I've been trying to figure out how Drakar might have learned about the safe and why he would want it."

"Why?" Karen said, confused. "What does it matter? Why would you want to get involved with that creature again?"

"There's more at stake here than just the safe, Karen," Ian explained. "I have to know what was inside and the only way to figure that out is to find out how Drakar knew the combination."

"What makes you think he knows the combination?" Karen asked, getting more nervous by the second.

"He didn't try to get it from you," Ian surmised. "That means either he knew the combination or he had some other way of opening the safe."

"I just think you should drop it," Karen said, as she stood up, turning away from him, rubbing her hands together.

Ian picked up on her uncomfortable body language and activated his chair, moving it around her to face her once again. Her head was lowered.

"Karen, what is it? There's something you're not telling me," Ian said, finally realizing that Spencer might have been right. "Talk to me."

"You should leave it alone," Karen said, as she averted her eyes, forcing herself not to look at him.

"I can't—"

"Why not?" Karen shouted, getting more rattled by Ian's questioning. "It's not important anymore. Gordon's dead. Whatever's in that safe should stay locked away, no matter what it is."

"Why do I get the feeling you know more about this than you're telling me?" Ian said, pressing her for more and raising his voice at the same time. "Do you know what's in the safe?"

"No!" Karen said, angrily.

Ian was caught off-guard by her anger. She turned away from him once again and this time he lowered his own head in defeat. He wanted to get answers but pressuring her…that was something he couldn't do anymore. He turned his chair towards the door and began rolling towards it.

As Karen raised her head from the floor, she once again found herself looking at her own reflection in the mirror. She could also see Ian's chair getting closer to the door. She closed her eyes tightly and said the only thing that she felt she could.

"17, 43, 29"

Ian's chair stopped instantly. He slowly turned around. He saw Karen looking at him through the mirror, although she never turned to face him.

"What is that?" he asked.

"The combination to the safe," she said, still looking at him through the mirror.

"I don't understand," Ian said. "I thought you didn't know. Karen, why would you keep this secret? Forget about me. Why wouldn't you tell Dark Shadow when they asked? Your life was on the line."

"I couldn't tell them," Karen said, as a tear fell from her eye.

"Why not?" Ian pressed.

Karen slowly turned to him, allowing him to see her weakness.

"Because whatever's in that safe could be used to hurt you," she revealed.

Ian was taken aback by her revelation. The shock on his face confirmed it.

"What are you talking about?" Ian said, wondering aloud. "I thought you didn't know what was in the safe."

"I don't—I don't know," Karen said. "All I know is what I heard Gordon say."

As Ian rolled closer to her, she sat back down at the dining table's chair. Their knees touched as Ian brought his chair to a stop right in front of her.

"Tell me," he said, quietly, as he held her hand.

Karen looked up into his eyes and began her story.

"Gordon and I hadn't been close for a while before his death," Karen explained. "You know that. He became more secluded. He spent hours, sometimes whole days inside his office, locked away from me, from the entire world. It was getting so hard. One day I could barely bring myself to get out of bed for fear of what might happen if we crossed paths. I was going to call you…for a friendly shoulder to lean on."

"Why didn't you call?" Ian asked.

"Because of what I heard when I picked up the receiver," Karen said. "Gordon was already on the line, talking to a locksmith, I guess. He was making an appointment. He wanted the keyhole removed from his safe so that it could only be accessed by combination. The locksmith advised against it, telling him that the master key might be the only way inside the safe if he lost the combination, or forgot it. Gordon told him he'd never forget it. It was too important."

Ian saw Karen close her eyes slightly. He held her hand a bit tighter, trying to transfer some of his strength to her so that she could have the courage to continue.

"Go on," he said.

"I heard the time of the appointment. I was there when the locksmith came. I showed him to Gordon's office. He was his usual cold self. They started talking and—and I listened in. That's how I heard the combination."

"I still don't understand why you think the contents have something to do with me," Ian said.

"I heard Gordon tell the locksmith that he wouldn't lose the combination because the items in the safe wouldn't be there long. The only thing that mattered to him was that Ian Hartford wasn't aware of what was inside until he was ready to use it against you," Karen stated.

Ian looked utterly confused. He never understood why his best friend's affection for him had turned to hate and he certainly didn't understand what Gordon could have in that safe to use against him.

"He left the next morning and I went inside the office," Karen revealed. "Gordon had become so dark by then that I was worried. I thought he might be planning something dangerous and I couldn't let you be caught in the crossfire of our problems. So, I opened the safe."

"And?"

"It was empty," Karen said. "Whatever Gordon had inside, he had taken with him on his business trip."

Ian took a deep breath as he processed the information. As he thought over Karen's words, the last thing she had said began to echo in his mind.

"Wait a minute," Ian said, looking confused. "Business trip?"

"Yeah, he left for Japan. He was gone a few days," Karen answered.

"I didn't know Gordon had business contacts outside of California. Heck, he never mentioned having business outside of Silver City, at least not to me," Ian said.

"He took a lot of strange trips those last few months," Karen explained. "When I asked, he always said it was business. He went to Japan, then the week after that it was New York and then Texas and Hawaii. By that point, I just assumed he was having an affair."

"Hawaii?" Ian said, his voice loud.

"Yes," Karen said, looking curious. "He was gone a day or so. As a matter of fact, that was the last trip he took before his accident. He got back from Hawaii three days before. What's wrong?"

Ian took a deep breath and once again turned his chair towards the door.

"Just…a connection," Ian admitted, as Karen walked over and opened the door for him. "Drakar will do anything to get at me or Chris for taking the Lunati crown away from him. If Gordon crossed paths with him in Hawaii and he discovered what's in that safe, then you just may be right. It could hurt us both."

"Ian, now you've got me scared again," Karen said, as she watched him enter the hallway.

"I'm sorry," Ian said, quickly. "I'll be in touch."

Back inside the Tracking Lab, Jessica paced. She couldn't seem to calm herself after her argument with Chris. It made no sense, she thought. Chris was always irked about something. She shouldn't have let his outburst get to her, but this time he had turned his anger on her.

"Glorified secretary," Jessica said with a groan, remembering Chris's insult.

She knew it was untrue. But part of her couldn't help but think of the possibility that Chris's tirade may have had some grain of truth in it. As she stared at the computer screen still showing the satellite readings, she grumbled. Jessica walked back over to her terminal and sat down in front of the screen. She minimized the satellite tracking program and pulled up the Lunati text which she had spent months translating with Dr. Hartford.

"I can be pro-active," she said, sarcastically, thinking back to Chris.

As the vast amount of Lunati text scrolled across her screen, she knew she would have to narrow things, if she hoped to make any headway. She thought of the pieces of the Lunati treasure that were still unaccounted for.

"Let's see," she said, aloud, talking to herself. "There's the sword, the shield, and the pendant."

As Jessica started looking for mentions of the relics in the text, she thought about the small pendant. It would probably be the hardest piece to find with the satellite tracking system, given its size. It would be no larger than a medallion, she thought. She smirked, as she thought of what Chris would say if she found that piece herself.

Jessica read through text after text, focusing her search on references to the Lunati pendant. Most references to the piece of jewelry were in relation to the Lunati queen. The pendant had been the only piece of the treasure that was not kept by the king. The Lunati pendant was passed down by the generations of royalty, but always bestowed upon the queen after her marriage.

Jessica continued searching until she discovered a sketch amongst the text. It was a primitive drawing, almost a precursor to a royal portrait. She smiled as she saw the last Lunati queen, from the waist up. The pendant hung elegantly around her neck. Jessica adjusted her glasses as she looked closer, trying to get a better look at the piece of jewelry.

"Queen Seviny," Jessica said her name aloud. "Where did you leave the pendant, my lady?"

Jessica continued sifting through the text related to the queen. She found nothing on the last whereabouts of the pendant, which seemed logical, given that none of the Lunati were left alive after the Ja'Vey's attack on their kingdom. She chuckled a bit as she came across what appeared to be lyrics also referencing the queen.

"The Song of Seviny," Jessica read the title. "She must have been pretty popular if they wrote songs about her."

As Jessica read the lyrics, she was fascinated and curious when she noticed how serious the song sounded in parts. She looked around, making sure no one would hear her and she grinned mischievously.

"Why not," she said, as she began to read the lyrics aloud.

To the matriarch, always full of grace

To the queen whom all Lunati embrace

To recite is to honor the one who towers

To help her reign with all her powers

We sing this song as the ultimate call

To reach towards what soon may fall

Our call received shall be heavenly

Forth may come the beloved Seviny

As Jessica spoke the last word of the lyrics aloud, the computer screen began to shake a bit, as if it was experiencing a power surge. Jessica quickly checked all of the connections. As she glanced back at the screen, it turned to static in front of her. Surges of white and green energy began to engulf the computer monitor, surprising Jessica, as she slid her chair back a bit. At that moment, the surges of energy sparked out of the machine and began swirling around Jessica's head. She let out a scream, as she pressed her hands up against the sides of her head, trying to fight the forceful energy that seemed to invade her brain, until she could hold on no longer.

Jessica collapsed and her head fell forward, hitting the desk where the computer was set. Jessica's glasses fell onto the desk as well, as the surges of energy retreated back into the computer terminal. The static on the computer screen was soon replaced by the image from the drawing of Queen Seviny. This time, however, it was the queen's living image stored inside of the terminal. Her skin was grayed. Her hair was jet-black to match her eyebrows. Her emerald colored eyes moved quickly around her, as she attempted to figure out exactly where she had awakened.

"What is this place?" she said aloud, stunned to even hear her own voice. "What has happened to me? Why am I trapped in this box?"

Seviny pounded on the computer screen, but was unable to escape. Her eyes fell on the blond girl who appeared asleep on the desk in front of her.

"You!" Seviny yelled. "Free me! Now!"

Her calls for help, however, went unanswered. The Lunati queen summoned all of her energy, causing a surge of green bolts to swarm around her. She sent the energy outwards towards the screen, hoping that her ancient power would carry her out of the futuristic prison that held her.

As she screamed louder, her energy seemed to increase exponentially. With a large surge, her being was carried out of the computer screen. It floated in the air for only a few seconds before it retreated once again into the closest reflective surface. Seviny now found herself trapped inside of Jessica's glasses. As she peered around and saw the black frames, she knew exactly where she was. She looked back at the computer terminal, more furious than ever.

"What sorcery is this?!" Seviny yelled in frustration. "I must know more."

Seviny summoned her power once again and sent her essence flying back into the computer terminal. While inside, she began to study the data she found in the system's memory banks. When she saw the name of her fallen people, she began to absorb the details on the final days of the Lunati. She remembered.

Seviny next found files written by Ian Hartford and Jessica Lorrie detailing those that were attempting to find the Lunati treasure, besides themselves. Seviny's eyes grew wide when she saw Tarok's name. She quickly scanned through all of the data, inputting it all into her memory. The next name she saw was that of Drakar. She curiously accessed it and soon found a personality she liked. She turned back to the computer screen, knowing that if she had a way out of this place she might be able to contact Tarok…or find someone who could do the job for her.

It was then that she saw another reflective surface in the distance. Beneath the exam table that held the stone tablet pieces, she saw a small, pen-sized camera attached to the table's bottom. Seviny wasn't very sure what it was, but she knew it would take her farther away from her computer prison. She called upon all of her energy to break free of the computer terminal. She quickly bounced into Jessica's glasses and then out of them and into the mini-camera beneath the table.

Seviny could feel her essence inside of the device. It appeared to be the only way she could travel. She propelled herself through the device, looking for the other end. It would no doubt lead to another reflection, possibly one that could allow her even more freedom now that she was awake.

On the other side of that camera's connection was the volcano belonging to Drakar. The Ferum leader was busy, still trying to open the shiny silver box that he had taken from Gordon Tracy's journal. He hoped that it might be housing the smallest piece of the Lunati treasure. He had no luck in opening the box and he was beginning to lose hope that it would be possible. Not even his fire powers were working. As his concentration began to waiver, he heard a female voice, low and dark as it began to echo throughout the cave.

"Fierce warrior, I call upon you," Seviny's voice rang out, it was sly and devious, yet refined and pitch perfect as one might expect of a queen.

"Who are you?" Drakar shouted quickly, startling his Draggs who all scurried around, looking for the intruder. "Where are you?"

"I am here," Seviny's voice called out again. "Inside of your surveillance equipment. What is it called…a camera?"

Drakar looked down at the monitor he used to spy on the Hartford mansion. There he saw the graying woman's image. Her green eyes were staring at him intently, as her black hair appeared to be floating behind her. As he moved closer, he grew suspicious that it could be a Dark Shadow trick. After all, they were the ones who had installed the cameras in the Hartford mansion for him. But as he saw the floating figure inside the reflection, he realized she possessed great energy.

"This is a strange way to make an entrance," Drakar spoke to the image.

"You are Drakar," Seviny spoke, remembering the image files that were stored in the Hartford computers along with his data. She had quickly processed everything on Drakar that she could.

"And you are?"

"I'm Queen Seviny," she said, with an air of superiority, as if she expected him to know the answer already. "Of the Lunati Empire!"

Drakar laughed.

"I'm afraid your empire no longer exists, Queen!"

"But my love does!" Seviny said, quickly. "I seek assistance in contacting Tarok."

Drakar turned his back on the monitor and the queen inside of it.

"I do not see why you've come to me," Drakar said, defiantly. "In fact, if you knew me, you'd know that the only business I have with Tarok is my plan to get back the crown which rightfully belongs to me!"

Seviny kept her cool, as she wondered how this creature could claim ownership of her kingdom's crown. She, however, needed him now and there was no way she would alienate him.

"You are powerful and strong. I'm certain you know how to find him," Seviny pressed.

"Again I ask, why would I help you reunite with your king?" Drakar spoke.

Seviny smiled, as her green eyes began to glow.

"I do not seek reunion, as much as I seek…revenge!" Seviny said, devilishly.

This caught Drakar's attention and he turned back to face the reflection of the queen.

"I must find Tarok. He left me behind to perish at the jaws of the Ja'Vey and I will have his head…once I've convinced him to free me. Of course, I don't expect your cooperation without compensation," Seviny reasoned. "I have learned much about you. You seek revenge as well. I would like to offer you the subject of your blood thirst."

"Unless you are offering the crown, I'm not interested," Drakar said, looking away from her again.

"I can only reach so far beyond my glass prisons," Seviny said. "However, if you agree to help me, I can guarantee the delivery of the Red Ranger!"

Drakar's head snapped back towards her. He looked her in the eyes and knew instantly that she was playing no game.

"If you deliver me the Hartford boy without a fight, I will get a message to your husband," Drakar said.

As Seviny heard the word husband, she almost wanted to laugh. Tarok was so close that she could almost feel his throat within her grasp.

"Tell my lover that I have been resurrected and you will have your prey," Seviny said, as her image disappeared inside of the reflective surface, traveling back on the course that had brought it to the volcano.

Drakar stood and let out a triumphant laugh, as he thought of how much his day was beginning to turn around.

"By the time this day is done, I may have the treasure within this box, plus my revenge on Hartford…and the Lunati crown as well!" Drakar proclaimed with a hearty, villainous laugh.

Spencer tried to keep up with Ian Hartford's high-powered wheelchair, as it sped through the mansion upon their arrival.

"Sir, you've been quiet since we left the hotel," Spencer called out. "What is going on?"

"Sorry, Spencer," Ian said, as he headed for his office, thankful that the door was wide open, which meant he didn't have to slow down or stop. "My mind's been in overdrive. You were right. Karen did know the combination, but she doesn't know what's in the safe."

"All right," Spencer said, "But that doesn't explain your attempts at reaching warp speed in your wheelchair."

Ian propelled his wheelchair up the ramp and slid behind his desk, quickly running his fingers along the keyboard and pulling up more files on Gordon Tracy.

"Karen also mentioned Gordon took a lot of trips just before his suicide," Ian revealed to Spencer. "Including a trip to Hawaii!"

"Well, that is quite a coincidence," Spencer said, knowing that was where Drakar called home.

"That's just it," Ian said. "I don't think it is one."

He quickly hacked into the airline records and searched until he found an itinerary for Gordon's Hawaiian trip.

"He was only there for two days," Ian read.

"That's not even enough time for a good tan, if you ask me," Spencer chimed in.

"I don't know what business Gordon had in Hawaii, but from the looks of things he traveled to the same island where Drakar's volcano is located," Ian discovered. "Then, there's his whole trip to Japan, where I know for a fact he doesn't have business contacts."

Ian pulled up everything he could on Tokyo around the time that Gordon was there.

"When I first contacted Search Guard Successor about renting their technology, I asked him about what he knew of the company. He told me he didn't deal with Japan and I was on my own," Ian explained.

"Perhaps your dealings with S.G.S. convinced him to learn more," Spencer surmised.

"Maybe," Ian said, as he looked very concerned by what he saw on his screen.

"What is it sir?" Spencer asked, noticing his change in demeanor.

"This is strange," Ian said. "I've been searching the online Tokyo news archives for the dates when Gordon was there."

Spencer tried to read some of the articles, but found himself at a loss, since he didn't know Japanese the way his employer did.

"Several artifacts were reported stolen around that time," Ian said, as he tried to find pictures of the missing artifacts.

"Can you tell what they are?" Spencer asked.

"No," Ian said. "There are no pictures and the article is rather cryptic. They describe some odd markings on one of the artifacts. They didn't find any suspects, not even with S.G.S. assistance."

"Just because Mr. Tracy was in Tokyo at the time, doesn't mean there's a connection," Spencer said.

"Still, I can't shake the feeling that there's more here that I'm missing," Ian said, as he looked up at Spencer. "If I take all of these odd things separately, they don't make sense. But if there's a connection between Gordon and Drakar, I have to find it. It's like I'm on the edge of a huge discovery but I still need that final piece to bring it all together."

Spencer took a deep breath, as he saw Ian lean further over the desk, immersing himself in the information scrolling in front of him. Spencer admired his dedication, but worried that his quest would not present him with answers that would make him feel any better.

Two floors above them, Chris Hartford emerged from the gym, wiping his sweaty brow with his white towel, as he strolled into his bedroom. After he closed the door behind him, the first thing he saw was the laptop computer on his desk at the far end of the room. Chris groaned, as he thought back to his encounter with Jessica. He threw his towel onto his bed and walked into his adjoining bathroom.

Chris started the shower, turning the heat up on the water before returning to his bed where he dropped his tracker, which he had in the back pocket of his red shorts, in case there was an emergency. He peeled off the red t-shirt depicting his college mascot, which was soaking wet, much like the white wifebeater he wore underneath. He tossed the shirt on the floor and headed back into the bathroom. The steam from the shower had fogged up the mirror above his sink. He sbegan to wipe the mirror clean with his hand.

Chris jumped back as he saw the image of Queen Seviny staring at him in the mirror.

"What the hell?" Chris yelled out, completely startled by the green eyes staring at him.

His breathing was once again heavy, much like his workout. He slowly walked closer to the mirror, as the image in the mirror was unmoving. It appeared to just be floating there inside the mirror.

Chris reached out a hand to touch the glass when Seviny's glowing eyes opened wider, as she sent a burst of energy out of the mirror, grabbing hold of Chris's hand. The green energy surge traveled up his arm until it reached his head. Chris moaned in pain, as Seviny's energy blast enveloped him, surging at his brain until he passed out from the pain. Seviny watched Chris collapse on the bathroom floor and she smiled.

"Perfect," Seviny called out. "Now, all I need is for Drakar to hold up his end of the bargain and get me Tarok. My great love will soon fall to my vengeance. I can feel it!"

Seviny let out a wild laugh, unbefitting of a royal woman. It was clear that her royal history was no longer a part of her sinister plan.

On the outskirts of Silver City, Bishop & Addie Malcolm made their way through the wooded area that served as prefect camouflage for their large cavernous home. Addie pushed away bushes and tree limbs as she made her way through the brush. Right behind her, Bishop dodged a large branch that almost smacked him in the head, thanks to her swift push of the limb.

"Watch it," Bishop called out to his younger sister. "If I drop this food, I'm sending you back for more."

Addie looked back at her brother, giving him an unbelieving grimace.

"I'm not even that hungry," she said, as she continued on her way.

"Well, I'm starving," Bishop said, as he opened the large white paper bag and took a long sniff of the contents. "Really starving."

"We should have just eaten there," Addie said, as her boot sunk into a mud puddle, annoying her even more. "I hate the woods."

"Yeah, yeah," Bishop said. "I know. You'd much rather be sipping tea in the Hartford mansion with the boy wonder."

Addie stopped in her tracks and turned to face her brother, stopping their homeward trek.

"You know, you're starting to sound jealous," Addie said, with a smirk.

"No way," Bishop said, as he walked past his sister, continuing on their path. "You're the one with a thing for the guy, not me."

Fuming, Addie turned quickly to see her brother walking with his back to her.

"I do not!" Addie screamed, as she stomped her foot on the ground, causing mud to splatter up on her.

Addie screamed even louder, as she stomped off after Bishop. As the two reached the clearing, Bishop was visibly chuckling at his sister's misfortune.

"Stop laughing," Addie said, as she popped Bishop in the back of the head. "It's not funny."

"Yet, I laugh," Bishop said, as he smiled.

Distracted by their own banter, the two never noticed the pair of Draggs walk up in front of them. The two creatures blocked the duo's path with their fire blades. The Malcolms both stopped instantly upon seeing the creatures.

"I so don't need this right now," Bishop said, rolling his eyes. "What do you cretins want?"

"Maybe they're hungry too," Addie said, smirking at her brother, as she walked up to the two Draggs. "You boys are pretty far from home for food."

The two Draggs grabbed Addie with their free hands, slamming her to the ground, causing her to fall onto the muddy ground. She screamed in anger as she turned onto her back.

"You're really gonna pay for that!" she yelled, as she got to her feet.

The two Draggs attacked her again, but she ducked their weapons, kicking the first one to the ground. The second Dragg grabbed her from behind. Bishop groaned.

"I hate fighting on an empty stomach," he said, as he rushed over, kicking his foot up, breaking the Dragg's hold on his sister.

With the white bag of Chinese food still in hand, Bishop ducked around the creature's swipe. He stepped behind the Dragg and formed a fist with his free hand. He used his strength to jam his forearm into the creature's back, sending it crashing into the mud.

Before the two hunters could regain their bearings, several more Draggs emerged from the surrounding woods.

"Looks like dinner will have to wait," Addie shouted to her brother, as she rushed off to the side, drawing several of the creatures away from him.

Dodging several blades, Addie was backed into a large tree. She ducked as two of the Draggs sliced through the trunk with their fiery swords. She ran into another tree and ducked, as a Dragg dived towards her. The creature's chest collided with the unmoving tree trunk. Addie grabbed the Dragg's arm which held its sword. With the creature still practically glued to the tree, she kicked the weapon out of its grip and pulled out her tracker. Addie slid the device open as another Dragg came at her. She ducked its punch and kicked it to the ground. She held her tracker tight and activated it, sliding it down the back of the Dragg against the tree.

"Start up!" she shouted, morphing instantly.

The Yellow hunter planted her foot on the Dragg's back, causing it to finally fall backwards to the ground. She sprinted off after the other creatures.

Several yards away from her, Bishop ducked two Draggs attacks. He kicked one of them away and punched the other across the face, wincing at the pain in his fist. His other hand was still holding tightly to his dinner and he wasn't planning on losing it. Two more Draggs were heading his way, as one of his fallen foes was staggering to its feet. He locked eyes with the woozy Dragg.

"Hold this!"

Bishop pushed the food bag into the hands of the Dragg and turned his attention to the other two. As they approached, he went on the offensive. Bishop clotheslined both of them, using their momentum against them. Both creatures flipped completely over, crashing to the ground. Bishop pulled his tracker, as another Dragg came at him. He ducked the creature's punch and fell to one knee. He hit the activation button on his tracker and used it to punch the Dragg in the face, causing himself to simultaneously morph as the creature fell backwards several feet.

The Black hunter got to his feet and grabbed the white bag, still being held by the Dragg.

"Thanks!" he said, before spinning around and kicking the creature to the ground.

The Yellow Hunter found herself once again under attack by Draggs, as she used her hand blaster in sword mode to fend off their blades. She used the small sword and her own enhanced strength to push two of the closest Draggs away, sending them flying backwards into a third. All three hit the ground, but two more were right behind them. They looked at each other, then back at the Yellow hunter.

"Uh oh," she mumbled, sensing trouble.

The two Draggs opened their mouths, sending streams of fire towards the Yellow hunter. She dropped to the ground, causing the flames to burn the thin tree standing behind her, turning it black instantly.

"Whoa," Addie said, as she got back to her feet.

Seeing the two Draggs coming towards her, she spun herself behind the burnt tree and extended her arms outwards.

"Thunder Claws!" she yelled, commanding her weapons.

The two yellow bucket-scoop weapons materialized around her hands. She spun herself around, slamming the weapons into the crispy trunk, causing the tree to fall, crushing the Draggs and turning the tree to ash in the process. She slammed the two weapons together and laughed in triumph, as she ran off, spying more prey.

Bishop kept making his way closer towards the cavern, although he didn't want to knowingly lead the Draggs there. In fact, he was mainly looking for a safe place to let go of his food. As he turned and saw six Draggs swarming around him in a circle, he groaned, knowing he'd need both hands.

The Black hunter grabbed the white bag of food by its bottom and tossed it high up into the air with all of his might. Then, he focused completely on the half-dozen foot soldiers surrounding him.

"Turbine Crusher!" Bishop yelled, causing his weapon to appear right in front of his helmet.

He grabbed it out of the air and swung around, nailing two of the Draggs, slamming the weapon into their heads. Three more of the Draggs stepped forward, with their swords drawn. They all brought them down at the same time, but Bishop brought his weapon up, in both hands, blocking the attacks. He kicked one of the creatures in the chest, as he knocked the other two away with the staff of his weapon. They quickly got to their feet. Bishop gripped the turbine crusher like a baseball bat, swinging it at the first Dragg, hitting it squarely in the chest. He moved his body swiftly around, causing the momentum to send the Dragg flying in a circular motion, taking out all of the remaining Draggs that surrounded the Black hunter.

Beneath his helmet, Bishop smiled, as he held the turbine crusher out in front of him, catching the white bag of food on the wheel-shaped tip of the weapon.

"I'm good," he said aloud, as he saw his opponents all still down.

"I'm better!" a dark voice called out.

Bishop turned quickly to see the voice belonged to Drakar. The creature shot a burst of red lightning energy from his helmet. Bishop's suit lit up in a barrage of sparks, as he crashed to the ground, with his weapon and destroyed dinner. Drakar chuckled, as he walked up closer to the fallen man.

Seeing the smoke, Addie came running. Still holding her thunder claws, she flipped over Drakar, to stand between him and her fallen brother. She brought the weapons up, slamming them around his head, but the dragon lord's helmet held strong and his powerful lightning energy emanated from the helmet and traveled through the thunder claws directly into the body of their owner.

The Yellow hunter collapsed to the ground next to her brother in the wake of the powerful attack. Drakar looked down on the duo and shook his head. He extended his palm, causing a white envelope to appear. He dropped the envelope onto the Black hunter's smoking chest.

"Deliver this to Tarok," Drakar ordered. "I hope you realize how important it is that you do not disobey."

Drakar disappeared instantly in a swirling beam of fire, along with his fallen Draggs. Bishop Malcolm rolled onto his side, seeing his crushed and smoking bag of food. He groaned once again as he lay back on the ground, grabbing hold of the envelope.

In the basement of the Hartford estate, Spencer made his way down the steps leading from the first floor study's secret entrance. Before he even entered the Tracking Lab, he was already talking to Jessica, since he knew she was still down there.

"Miss Lorrie, I need your help…"

Spencer's voice trailed off, as he walked into the lab and saw Jessica sprawled over her desk.

"…and you need mine!"

Spencer rushed over to her, checking her pulse, finding it was strong. He shook her gently.

"Miss Lorrie!" Spencer called out. "Miss Lorrie, wake up."

Jessica began to move, as she grabbed her head.

"What happened?" she wondered aloud.

"That was going to be my question," Spencer said, looking confused.

"I don't know," Jessica said, as she looked around, trying to remember. "I was sitting here, looking over some Lunati history and—"

Her eyes fell on her computer terminal which was showing the sketch of Seviny once again.

"Oh no!" Jessica exclaimed, as she grabbed her glasses and put them back on and began typing.

"What is it?" Spencer asked.

"I think I might have done something terrible," Jessica said. "I was reading up on the Lunati queen and there was a song or poem. I read it and then things went crazy."

"Doesn't sound like my kind of music," Spencer said, looking concerned.

"Actually, I'm starting to think it wasn't really a song," Jessica said, as she pulled up the lyrics and looked over the words. "Maybe it's a spell."

She looked up at Spencer, as if she had reached an epiphany.

"I think I may have resurrected Tarok's wife," Jessica revealed.

Spencer appeared stunned.

"Oh dear. And here I was thinking my biggest problem was Dr. Hartford's lack of appetite. That's why I came looking for you," Spencer explained. "I can't seem to pry him away from that computer."

As Spencer noticed Jessica's intense typing, he sighed.

"…much like you. I was hoping that you could help him with his research so that he could take time to eat," Spencer said, hoping she was really listening.

"Spencer, I can't," Jessica said. "I have to figure out what happened to Seviny's spirit and what she did to our computer systems. Why don't you go ask Chris for help? There's nothing he loves more than annoying his father to the point where he leaves a room!"

Spencer thought of the possibility and appeared hopeful.

"I never thought of that," Spencer said, as he headed back towards the exit. "Keep me posted on the risen queen. I'm sure Dr. Hartford will want to be informed of that development."

Jessica simply nodded, as she continued to track Seviny's access to the Hartford computer systems.

Spencer made his way all the way up to the third floor of the Hartford mansion, heading straight for Chris Hartford's bedroom. Spencer knocked several times but received no answer.

"I hope you're decent," he said, as he opened the door, surprised to see Chris wasn't present.

It was at that moment that Spencer heard the shower running in Chris's bathroom.

"Master Chris!" Spencer called out, as he walked further into the room.

When he spotted Chris's shirt on the floor, he picked it up out of habit and prepared to toss it on his bed when he saw Chris's tracker lying on the bed already. He looked back at the bathroom and noticed the door was open. He got a strange feeling in his gut and approached the doorway.

"Master Chris, are you in there?" Spencer said. "If you aren't, your father's going to have a coronary when he sees the water bill."

Feeling his humor wasn't helping him feel any less uneasy, Spencer stepped up to the doorway and heard a crunching sound under his feet. He lifted his shoes to see broken glass.

"Master Chris!" Spencer cried out in fear as he ran into the bathroom to find it completely empty except for the running water.

Spencer shut off the shower and his eyes fell on the broken mirror above the sink. He stormed out of the bathroom and grabbed Chris's tracker and slid it open, activating its communications channel.

In the basement, Jessica grabbed her tracker with one hand, as she appeared to be studying the readouts on her screen at the same time.

"Yeah?" Jessica said, thinking it was Chris.

"Miss Lorrie, we've got more trouble," Spencer said.

"Spencer?" Jessica said, surprised.

"Master Chris is missing," Spencer said. "I found his shower running and broken glass all over the floor of his bathroom—"

"Broken glass?" Jessica said, realizing something. "Spencer, I've just been checking Seviny's trail in my computer. She accessed all our information on Tarok…and then Drakar. Her spirit seems to be traveling through reflective surfaces like screens…"

"And mirrors," Spencer added, nervously.

"If she accessed our information on Drakar, she knows he isn't the Hartfords' biggest fan," Jessica said, trying to put the pieces together. "If Seviny's spirit wants to truly live again, she's going to want to be free of her predicament. I'm starting to think she may want Chris as a pawn…especially if she's interested in Drakar."

"I don't like the sound of that," Spencer added.

"The good news is, if Seviny offered Chris to Drakar…I know where he is," Jessica said.

"We'd better tell Dr. Hartford," Spencer said, as he rushed out of the bedroom, still holding Chris's tracker.

Tarok quietly meditated inside his large stone chamber, completely unaware of the activity that had occurred less than a mile outside of his cavern. With his hands raised and his body levitating several feet off the ground, he had remained focused on clearing his mind. It was a ritual that he indulged in often, in his efforts to sense his royal treasure. It was rarely successful, but still he continued the ritual.

This time, his meditation was cut short. As he heard the labored footsteps of Bishop & Addie Malcolm approaching his cavern, Tarok lowered himself to the ground and opened his eyes. Bishop stumbled in, holding his ribs, as Addie held onto his arm, using it like a crutch.

"What happened?" Tarok asked, calmly, as he sauntered over to his hunters.

"We just got jacked by Drakar," Bishop revealed. "He had a message for you and figured beating us to a pulp was the only way to get it across."

Bishop handed Tarok the note that Drakar had left with them. The Lunati man turned his back on the siblings and opened it suspiciously. As Tarok read the details of the note, his eyes grew wide, showing his shock. Before turning back to face the Malcolms, he made sure to calm his demeanor so they would not see the shock and even the slight fear in his eyes.

"So…" Addie said, hoping Tarok would elaborate on what he had read.

"The Lunati queen lives," Tarok said simply.

"What?" Bishop said, completely thrown.

"It appears that somehow she has been resurrected," Tarok said, his mind still racing. "I must go to her. If she is really alive, her sins have come back with her."

"Her sins?" Addie wondered.

"Seviny was responsible for the destruction of the Lunati Empire!" Tarok spoke, stunning both of his listeners.

Bishop & Addie exchanged confused glances.

"Wait a minute," Bishop said, holding up a hand. "You told us the Ja'Vey destroyed the Lunati."

"The Ja'Vey decimated my people," Tarok explained, "We were unprepared thanks to Seviny's…distraction. She betrayed the crown by professing love to another."

"Scandalous," Addie said.

"Her infidelity led to a sentence of death," Tarok said, remembering the day vividly. "But before her beheading could take place, the Ja'Vey attacked. My forces were not ready for the onslaught. I was separated from my treasure when my guards shuffled me off to the mystic tomb. The last thing I heard was her screams as they sealed me in."

"That's some story," Bishop said, annoyed that Tarok hadn't told them the whole truth about the Lunati's downfall. "Sounds like Queen Seviny wouldn't be very happy with you."

"She wants to see me for some reason. I must find out what that is," Tarok said, as he began walking towards his chamber entrance. "We must get to Hawaii quickly."

"I don't think so," Bishop said, quickly.

Tarok stopped in his track, stunned by Bishop's words. He turned back to him.

"You would dare disobey me?" Tarok said, staring a hole through the Black hunter.

"Chasing after your supposedly dead wife wasn't part of our agreement," Bishop said. "We're here to search and secure the Lunati treasure. Now your wife may qualify as a relic, but she's not our concern."

Tarok was almost angered by Bishop's insults about Seviny, but strangely enough they made him want to smile. His facial expression, however, remained blank.

"Bishop's right," Addie agreed. "Besides, it could still be a trap. We should stay and guard the crown, since I'm guessing you'll be taking the Karths."

Tarok shifted his gaze to Addie briefly.

"Very well," he spoke, as he turned and walked out of the cavern without another word.

Tarok exited his makeshift home, hoping to make this trip to Hawaii a short one. He simply needed to confirm Seviny's existence in the present. Tarok was also curious if she still wore the Lunati pendant. He purposely didn't reveal that fact to Bishop or Addie. Only Tarok knew that if Seviny didn't have the pendant, he would destroy her.

The heat seemed to rise from the constantly boiling pool of lava below Drakar's platform inside of the secluded volcano. The high temperature, however, was nothing compared to the flames of anticipation that boiled inside of the demonic lord. Drakar paced in front of his throne of stone, where Gordon Tracy's journal still sat. Not even the lure of the Lunati treasure could calm him. Then, his wait was over.

He heard the rumbling of feet approaching. He looked across the stone bridge to the other side of the volcano, where the opening to the outside was located. He watched as several Draggs came rushing in. Two of them were dragging the body of Chris Hartford. They continued to the center of the stone bridge above the boiling lava pit, where a stone pillar had been constructed. Drakar chuckled, as he watched the Draggs tie Chris to the pillar. Several feet behind them at the entrance, two more Draggs brought in a large antique mirror. Drakar watched them set the mirror near the entranceway. Soon they were joined by their two comrades on the bridge.

"Finally, revenge will be mine," Drakar said, as he walked out onto the bridge.

He stepped up to the bound Red Ranger whose head was hanging to the side, as he appeared to still be knocked out. Drakar laughed as he lifted Chris's head by his chin and smacked him across the face, waking him instantly.

"What the—" Chris said, panicked instantly as he took in his surroundings. "How did I get here?"

He struggled against his restraints but was unable to free himself from the strong, thick rope used to tie him.

"I believe I am to blame for your predicament," Seviny's voice traveled through the volcano.

Drakar looked past his prey and saw Seviny's image appear in the large mirror near the Draggs. He chuckled, as he looked back at Chris and saw a look of confusion on his face. He tried to turn to see who was speaking behind him, but he could not see the mirror.

"What? Did you get yourself a girlfriend?" Chris said, sarcastically to Drakar. "She sounds crazy. I'm sure that's just your type!"

"Her identity is not important!" Drakar said, as he grabbed a hold of Chris by the chin once again. "The important thing is that you're here and that means I will finally get what I deserve."

Drakar's grip intensified.

"I don't have the crown!" Chris yelled, through his mouth which was being twisted in Drakar's grip. "You know that."

"This is no longer about the crown. This is about vengeance!" Drakar said. "And, I believe it's time I had mine!"

"Wait!" Seviny shouted. "Remember our bargain. We must wait for Tarok."

"I'm certain your message has been delivered," Drakar said. "However, we will wait. It will give me more time to enjoy watching the Red Ranger squirm."

Drakar freed Chris's chin from his grip and returned to his throne where he picked up Gordon Tracy's journal and sat down. He locked eyes with Chris for only a moment before he went back to his reading.

"You're not gonna get away with this," Chris called out.

"I already have," Drakar shot back.

Before he could get very far, however, his concentration was broken by a new sound invading the area. The garbled animalistic sounds appeared to be getting louder. It wasn't long before he recognized them. Drakar stood up from his throne, still holding the journal. Chris appeared to hear them as well. Drakar looked past him and it was then that he heard grinding footsteps as well.

Tarok appeared in the entranceway, followed by a handful of his white Karths. He locked eyes with Drakar on the other side of the volcano, as his Karths came face-to-face with the matching number of Draggs at the entrance. Tarok was curious, yet cautious. When he saw the Red Ranger tied to the pillar on the stone bridge that separated him from Drakar, he was more confused than ever. As he looked to Drakar, he wondered what the leather bound book in his hand contained. After all, they were both searching for the same things.

"I was summoned and I have responded," Tarok said. "However, I do not see my queen."

"I'm right here…darling," Seviny spoke out, catching Tarok off-guard.

The Lunati villain stumbled backwards, almost falling into the lava pit below, but he was braced by his Karths and regained his footing quickly. Tarok walked slowly closer to the mirror and saw the decayed image of Queen Seviny staring back at him with her emerald eyes.

"Seviny," Tarok said, practically whispering.

His eyes betrayed him, as they grew wider than they ever had before. He was shocked.

As the Silverhawk sped towards Hawaii, Jessica couldn't help tapping her foot. Nerves had overtaken her more than ever before. She knew the situation that she was heading into. She had been there before, but Drakar was powerful. She had been up against him before as well. She couldn't shake the memories of her time in the Amazon. Jessica glanced down at the coordinates of the volcano. It wasn't far.

"I have a bad feeling about this," she mumbled.

Part of her apprehension was coming from the fact that she wasn't sure Chris was even being held by Drakar. The other reason for her nerves was seated next to her in the co-pilot's seat.

"So do I," Ian Hartford spoke from his seat, as he glanced at the controls in front of them. "That's why I came along. You need backup."

"I thought that's why I came along," Spencer said, as he poked his head up from his seat behind Jessica, who shrugged.

"Neither of you should have come," Jessica said, sternly. "This is dangerous."

"All the more reason for you to not go alone," Spencer said.

"Agreed," Ian said. "Besides being closer to Drakar's lair may help me figure out the connection between him and Gordon."

"No!" Jessica said, as she looked over at Ian. "This isn't about the safe. This isn't about Drakar or Gordon Tracy! This is about Chris and getting him back, if he's there. Frankly, Dr. Hartford, I don't have time to get the safe back or baby-sit you. You are going to stay inside the Silverhawk and if you don't hear from me in twenty minutes, you're going to fly out of here. Understood?"

Ian was visibly stunned by her forceful order.

"Yes, ma'am," he said, before checking his instruments again. "We're getting close."

Jessica unstrapped her harness and headed to the rear of the Silverhawk. She paused when she heard Spencer doing the same thing. She turned back to him, appearing distressed once again.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm going with you," Spencer replied.

"No. I thought you came to watch out for Dr. Hartford," Jessica said.

"I did, but now it appears that he isn't the one who needs looking after," Spencer said. "I know you're blaming yourself for releasing the Lunati queen but you have to eliminate that from your mind now."

"I know that. It's still dangerous, Spencer. Chris could be in real danger," Jessica said.

"All the more reason for me to come along," he said, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out Chris's tracker. "Without this, Master Chris is virtually useless to you. You're going to have your hands full with Drakar and his demon dogs. But while you're busy with them, I can help Master Chris, cutting the amount of time you have to be in there fighting alone. Let me do this, Miss Lorrie, please."

Jessica took a deep breath.

"Okay, but you have to stay close to me. I can't risk anything happening to you."

"I will follow your lead gallantly," Spencer nodded.

Jessica reached into her pocket and pulled out her scope shot, giving it to Spencer for protection.

"Let's go," Jessica said, as she tilted her head to glance at Dr. Hartford in his seat. "Remember, don't land under any circumstances."

"Good luck," Ian responded, with a nod.

"How? How is this possible?" Tarok spoke to Seviny, still locked inside the mirror.

"Let's just say one of my incantations fell into the right hands," Seviny said, as she looked around. "However, with some drawbacks. I'm unable to survive outside of a reflection."

Tarok pondered what she said and then chuckled.

"That is why you've called out to me?" Tarok said.

"You seem to be doing well for someone who is over 500 years old!" Seviny said, her voice defiant and unwavering. "Tarok, you must free me with your power. We can be together once again and finally rule the way we were meant to, my love!"

Tarok began to pace slowly on the small platform, avoiding the Karths and Draggs standing nearby.

"I do not see how that would benefit me!" Tarok said, as he snapped his head back to his fallen lady. "You do not even possess the pendant anymore!"

"That's because those Ja'Vey beasts ripped it from my body before they mutilated me!" Seviny shouted. "A fate you left me to, if you remember."

"I believe this conversation is over," Tarok said, catching Seviny and Drakar off-guard. "If you cannot help me secure the treasure, I see no reason to free you from your imprisonment! In fact, your elimination, as it was originally intended, may be the best course of action!"

As Tarok smiled widely, his four Karths began making their way towards the mirror deviously.

"No!" Seviny shouted.

Drakar put up a hand, signaling his foot soldiers. Before the white creatures could advance too far, they were attacked by the Draggs. Tarok was knocked against the wall of the volcano, as the creatures fought. One of the Karths and a Dragg fought too close to the edge of the lava pit and fell over into the lava below. Chris squirmed, as he tried to avoid the bubbles of lava popping up from their fall.

"Tarok, you have to free me!" Chris yelled.

"Sorry!" Tarok called out. "I think it's time for my departure."

He looked back at his wife's half-dead reflection.

"It was lovely seeing you again, my dear."

"Don't leave so quickly!" Seviny shouted, as her eyes began to glow.

The lightning energy from her eyes shout out of the mirror and grabbed at Tarok from behind, causing him to fall to his knees in pain. A look of shock once again fell on his face, as he turned to see Seviny's power as still intact. He fought against it and raised his own palm, sending a stream of white lightning energy towards her. Their energy streams crossed, as they jockeyed for control.

Standing in front of his throne, Drakar laughed at the scene playing out before him. His eyes veered to Chris, who was still trying to escape.

"Do not worry, Hartford," Drakar spoke. "Your fate will soon be sealed as well."

Then, Drakar saw something at the volcano entranceway that surprised him. The Pink Ranger stormed in, with her hand blaster drawn. She fired on a Karth and a Dragg, sending both of them flying directly into the lava pit.

"Chris!" Jessica shouted.

"I'm here," Chris called out.

"I'm coming," Jessica said, as another Dragg and Karth turned their attentions to her and went on the assault.

She ducked both of the creatures' attacks, causing them to hit one another.

"Oh no, you don't!" Drakar yelled angrily, as he tossed Gordon's journal into the safe and locked it.

Drakar pulled one of the silver swords from behind his back and took off running towards Chris.

"Jessica!" Chris screamed.

Drakar, however, wasn't focused on Chris. After gaining enough speed, the demon lord flipped over the stone pillar on the bridge and landed on the other side. Drakar pushed a Karth out of the way and brought his sword down on the Pink Ranger, who quickly transformed her blaster into sword mode, using it to block his attack, only barely. She fell to the ground near the edge of the platform.

The Karth that had been knocked over by Drakar went flying right into the wall of the volcano near the entrance and shattered into several stone pieces. Spencer peeked his head in at that moment and saw Jessica was at the mercy of Drakar. He glanced over and saw the energy battle surging between Tarok and Seviny at the same time. Two Draggs and a Karth were also fighting in the area, leaving no room on the platform for him to get past and untie Chris.

Spencer was forced to watch it all play out. Jessica struggled to her feet, using her strength to push back the force of Drakar. She knocked him backwards a bit and slashed at him with her blade, but it did little damage to his exterior. He swiped his sword at her, but she blocked it with her weapon. Drakar laughed, as he sent a surge of red energy from his helmet, hitting her squarely in the chest and sending her stumbling backwards. Jessica tried to keep her balance on the edge of the platform, but could not.

The Pink Ranger fell over, as Drakar laughed. He quickly stormed back over to the other side of the bridge to face Chris. Spencer dove to the ground, with the scope shot in hand. He launched the tiny grappler, grappling it around the Pink Ranger's arm just before she hit the lava pit below. Jessica looked up, proud to see Spencer there. But, the Hartford butler had more on his mind. Drakar was right in front of Chris and he still had his sword drawn.

"Oh no," Spencer mumbled, before looking back down at Jessica. "Hold on Miss Lorrie."

"Spencer, is that you?" Chris called out.

"Yes," Spencer yelled.

He saw Chris's hands bound around the pillar on Spencer's side. He took a deep breath and pulled out the tracker with his free hand and slid it open, hitting the activation button.

"Master Chris, catch!" Spencer yelled, as he threw the device, aiming for Chris's hands.

Drakar's was caught off-guard seeing the tracker. He raised his sword to strike down at the Red Ranger, just as the tracker landed right in his hand. Chris slid the tracker along the stone pillar, morphing instantly. Drakar's sword came down, slicing straight through the stone, which shattered. Chris fell to his knees, avoiding the attack, as he pulled his hand blaster from its holster, firing straight into Drakar's stomach, sending the Ferum leader flying backwards several feet, landing directly on his throne.

The Pink Ranger made her way back up to the platform, pulling Spencer out of the way, as a Dragg was about to attack him from behind. She fired on the creature with her hand blaster.

"You okay?" she asked Spencer.

"I was just going to ask you that," he said.

"Stay back," she said, pushing him towards the entranceway, as the final Dragg and Karth came at her, putting her right back in the fight.

Only a few feet away on the same platform, Tarok began to overtake his wife in terms of power. Seviny's screams grew louder as she tried to emit more energy, feeling herself growing weaker. Tarok's energy, however, was getting closer and closer to the glass of the mirror.

"Tarok!" she squealed. "You can't do this to me!"

Tarok's intensity grew, as his power increased. His eyes grew wider, as he called forth all of the power he could until all of the lightning energy struck the mirror, cracking it and Seviny's power as well. Tarok got to his feet and picked up the frame. Although the glass had been broken, all of the pieces were still attached to the frame. Now, he saw several images of Seviny in the glass pieces.

"Tarok, please!" Seviny called out, desperately.

"I'm sorry, my love, but it is time to say goodbye," Tarok spoke quietly, as he stepped up to the edge of the lava pit.

"Tarok! No!" Seviny shouted angrily. "You'll never rule! Your thirst for power will not fool them forever! You'll never have it all because you're not—"

Before Seviny could continue her sentence, Tarok tossed the entire mirror into the lava pit, where it melted instantly, dissolving Seviny's spirit along with it. Her piercing scream faded quickly. Tarok watched deviously, as his fallen love was once again no more. He turned to see Jessica fighting off the Karth and Dragg in front of her. He snuck past them and exited the volcano, passing by Spencer who was hidden in the shadows.

Across the bridge, Drakar had gotten back to his feet.

"You're going to pay for that, Red Ranger!" Drakar let out a fierce battle cry and called forth both of his swords, using them to go after Chris, who called upon his Power Staff, which he used to block the weapons.

As the fight moved further out onto the stone bridge, a tow cable descended into the volcano from the open top. Strapped to a harness, Ian Hartford dropped into the volcano near Drakar's throne. His body hit the platform like a stone and he disconnected himself from the cord and crawled closer to Drakar's throne, spotting Gordon Tracy's safe. On the other side of the volcano, Spencer peeked his head in again and saw his employer crawling towards the safe.

"Oh dear," Spencer said, quietly, as he glanced back at Jessica, who was dispensing with the last of the foot soldiers.

The Pink Ranger kicked the Dragg in the chest, sending it flying into the lava pit below. She saw Dr. Hartford's landing and headed in that direction, but the path was blocked by the fight between Drakar and Chris on the bridge.

The Red Ranger knocked Drakar away and spun around, swiping at his midsection with the power staff, causing Drakar's body to spark, which only angered him even more. He brought one sword down on Chris, who blocked it, but he used the other to swipe at the Red Ranger's chest, causing him to stagger backwards. Drakar summoned the energy from his helmet to tip the Red Ranger over the side of the bridge.

"Chris!" Jessica yelled, as she reached out a hand, grabbing a hold of the Red Ranger's.

Drakar chuckled, as he raised his weapons, focusing on Jessica.

"It appears that it's time for both of you to finally die!" Drakar called out.

But as he raised his weapons, he heard the distinct sound of the metal safe opening.

"What!" Drakar mumbled, as he turned and saw Ian Hartford opening the door to the safe. "No!"

Drakar rushed over, grabbing Ian by the throat. He picked Ian's body up in his heavy grasp to look him in the eye.

"You've already taken too much from me!" Drakar yelled. "I will allow you to take no more!"

As he pulled Ian closer to his golden eyes, Ian couldn't help but look at the powerful red helmet that Drakar wore on his head. As Ian saw the golden plate of Japanese symbols at the front of the helmet, his eyes grew wide.

"Oh my god," Ian mumbled.

Drakar laughed.

"You have reached your end!"

Several feet behind them, Spencer quickly helped Jessica pull Chris up and the Red Ranger saw Drakar holding his father. He gripped his power staff and struck Drakar from behind, sending the demon lord crashing to the side. Ian's body fell hard on the platform, as Spencer and Jessica knelt at his side.

"Are you okay, Dr. Hartford?" Jessica asked.

"The…safe," Ian muttered, still hurting.

"We have to get him out of here," Spencer said, as he grabbed the tow cable, trying to reattach Ian's harness.

"Go!" Chris yelled to them, as Drakar was getting to his feet.

The Red Ranger attempted to lure Drakar away from the throne area, but he was fighting fiercely against him. He swiped at the Red Ranger's chest, causing him to light up with damage. The Pink Ranger returned to her feet to help Chris. She drew her hand blaster in sword mode, but Drakar dodged her attacks and punched her helmet, sending her to her knees, where Chris tried to help her up. Drakar extended his palms towards the lava pit, causing several large bubbles to rise. Within seconds, they had landed on the platform behind him, producing a dozen more Draggs.

"I think it's time we all exited!" Spencer yelled to the two.

They backed up towards him and all grabbed hold of the tow cable.

"I got this!" Jessica shouted to Chris, who helped Spencer get set on the tow cable. "Hydro Cannon!"

The Pink Ranger's weapon appeared in her hands and she turned it up to its highest setting. Jessica fired on Drakar and his Draggs, freezing all of them for only a second, thanks to the heat of the volcano. It was all the time they needed. The Red Ranger grabbed hold of his comrade, as they all ascended out of the volcano, returning to the Silverhawk.

Drakar watched their ascension and grumbled fiercely, upset that his prey had escaped.

In the basement of the Hartford estate, Chris Hartford found Jessica Lorrie once again at her computer terminal. This time, however, the system wasn't on. She appeared to be repairing the monitor. Chris looked curious.

"You look like you know what you're doing," Chris said, getting her attention.

He still didn't realize that she could sense his arrival by the sound of his footsteps.

"I do," Jessica said, seriously.

"Look, I came down here to apologize," Chris said. "I was wrong earlier. I shouldn't have insulted you or your job. I'm sorry."

"It's okay," Jessica said, flatly, as she finished her work on the monitor and reconnected it to the harddrive.

"If you hadn't come to rescue me…"

"Chris, I said it's okay," Jessica said, as she walked over to him and smiled. "I accept your apology. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have called you a spoiled womanizing brat."

Chris looked confused. "You didn't call me that."

"I was thinking it," Jessica said, with a smirk.

The two shared a smile.

"You know, while you're down here, you might want to check your messages," Jessica said, slyly. "I think you've got a new friend invite."

"You're not on Facebook," Chris said, with a grin. "After we met, I checked."

"Well, now I am," Jessica said. "I figure the next time you're feeling homesick, no matter where you are, you'll always see a friend there…hopefully, somewhere near the top."

"Number one, for sure," Chris said, as Jessica gave him a hug.

Several hours later, Karen Tracy was once again at the door of her hotel room. This time, however, she had been expecting a visitor. Ian had called her shortly before to tell her that he was coming. When she heard the knock at the door, she opened it to see Ian Hartford. He used his wheelchair's automatic controls to travel inside.

Karen noticed instantly that he appeared to be in pain. She closed the door.

"Are you all right?" she said, concerned for her friend.

"No," Ian said, as he clutched his stomach a bit, still tender from Drakar's latest assault. "But, I'll be fine."

"You sounded urgent on the phone," Karen said. "Did you find something? Did you find the safe?"

Ian took a deep breath, as he looked up into her eyes. His look of seriousness was all Karen needed to feel a wave of fear come over her.

"It's worse than that, Karen."

Karen stood with baited breath, wondering what Ian had to tell her.

"I think I may have found Gordon," Ian revealed, shocking the woman to her core.

THE END

Next time on

Quest for the Lunati Treasure

Tarok returns to his cavern to find things gravely
different. Garza is still haunted by the memory of his
sister's death. Another cruel act sends him over the
edge. Ian reveals intentions to reach out to Drakar, which
leads Chris & Jessica into another deadly confrontation.