So I almost made it to the end of Jungle Fury before remembering that RJ was in Once Upon A Time...as one of my most unliked characters. I was so close...

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think.

Chapter 20: Dash For The Dagger

"Morning," Lily greeted Dominic as he walked up to the breakfast bar, still looking sleepy. He took a glass of orange juice from Casey, who was helping Lily with breakfast as Theo glowered, trying to pretend he wasn't jealous of how much time they were spending together.

"Thanks," Dom smiled, taking a seat beside Xander and Ari. "Last night, I dreamt of Master Mao," he revealed, and the relaxed atmosphere disappeared instantly.

"Master Mao?" Theo's jealousy faded instantly.

"What did he say?" Lily asked.

"It was more of a memory, of the day I left Pai Zhuq," he explained. "He gave me a Control Dagger," Dom told them.

"A what?" Xander asked, confused.

"A Control Dagger. It's a blade about yay-big?" the new White Ranger gestured. "All he said, was someday it'll help guide you on your path," he explained.

"Maybe it's not just a legend," they all looked over to RJ, who had been meditating with Jenna on the training mat.

"What's not just a legend?" Dom asked as they all walked over to the railings.

"The Dagger. It controls the Rhino Nexus," RJ explained.

"I've heard of that! It's part of Ninja Lore as well," Ari remembered. "I always thought it weird, because we work with elements, not animals," she said as they all looked to her.

"You see, in the Jungle of Spirits, there's this massive tree, and at the top; the Powers of the Rhino!" RJ explained, getting to his feet. "But without the Dagger, no-one gets through. But if you have the Dagger, you're sweet, you go straight in. That's the legend anyway," RJ shrugged, walking up the stairs.

"And I possess the Spirit of the Rhino!" Dom grinned. "So unlocking the Powers of the Rhino is...my destiny!" he breathed, excited at the thought.

"So...where is the Dagger?" Theo asked him.

"Oh, don't worry. I keep it in a very very safe place," Dom grinned. "I'll be back!" he ran off, followed by Theo.

"And uh...where's the Jungle of Spirits?" Ari asked with a raised eyebrow. RJ grinned at her.

"You should know better than us," he chuckled. "It's part of the reason everyone believes it's a legend," he said. Jenna frowned in confusion as Ari groaned.

"Really? The Magical Dimension again?" she complained. "I swear, Dom better not lead us through the Cimmerian Forest," Ari grumbled.

"You almost get a girl killed once and she never lets you live it down," Xander rolled his eyes.

Keeping watch warily as Camille approached Dai Shi, Minos frowned. Since Grizzaka had been revived, he had completely taken over, and in an attempt to gain more power, Dai Shi had tracked down the Nexus, using information that Minos had given him. He had failed, however, because Dai Shi hadn't waited for Minos to give him the vital information; that he needed the Control Dagger to gain access. Now, Dai Shi had been locked away by the Overlords.

"Did you find the Nexus?" Camille whispered to Dai Shi.

"I did. But it's protected," Dai Shi whispered back to her. They heard footsteps, and looked around quickly. Minos flexed his hands, ready to use his new power if necessary.

"We need the Control Dagger," Minos whispered from his spot.

"Yes," Dai Shi nodded. "Which was last seen at Pai Zhuq," he growled.

"Hmm..." Camille suddenly smirked. "I might know just who to ask," she told them, making both men frown in confusion. Camille walked off, and Minos followed.

"Have you noticed that the Magical Dimension and Pai Zhuq seem to be connected a lot?" Xander asked as he and Ari walked through town.

"It's weird, isn't it?" Ari agreed. "I mean, Master Phant lives in the Cimmerian Forest-"

"Still maintaining that he's insane for that," Xander muttered.

"Dai Shi and the Overlords know about Mystics as well," Ari continued, ignoring him. "And now it turns out that the Rhino Nexus is there too? It's just weird," she grumbled. "I think I'm gonna need to talk to Udonna. See what the deal is, because it's just too much of a connection," Ari decided.

"Just don't overwork yourself," Xander told her. "I saw your fight with Minos the other day. You're being too reckless, even for you," he stopped her. "Don't get yourself killed trying to help me Ari, I mean it," Xander said as he put his hands on her shoulders.

"I can't help it," Ari looked away as tears pooled in her eyes. "He's stolen your Animal Spirit, Xander, that's a part of you. You'd do the same if it was me," Xander frowned, knowing that she was right. It was their biggest problem. They were always risking themselves to help each other.

"Hey..." Xander cupped her face, making her look at him. "I'm not telling you to not do it. I'm asking you not to get yourself killed," he pleaded with her. Ari nodded, not trusting herself to speak. He leaned it and kissed her, and Ari reached up, grabbing his hands.

"Xander...I know you're not going to be crazy about the idea..." she started as they pulled apart.

"I'm already not crazy about it if you're starting it with that," Xander frowned at her. Ari rolled her eyes.

"I...I don't think Minos is entirely evil," she admitted quickly. Xander immediately groaned.

"Please don't do this again Ari," he pleaded, closing his eyes. "I know you were right with Matoombo and Tyzonn, but-"

"He reminds me of Koragg," Ari argued. "What he said before, about me not being strong enough anymore, he could have destroyed me, or at least done a lot more damage, but he didn't. He just said he was wasting his time, and left," she said softly. "Just like Koragg used to do. Because of Léanbow's honour," Ari reminded him. Xander sighed heavily. He couldn't help but agree with her.

"Just...don't try to adopt him if he's going to refuse it," he grumbled.

"I won't," Ari smiled. "I promise," her grip on his hands tightened.

"Ari? Xander?" they looked around in surprise to see Adam approaching. "I thought it was you two," he smiled.

"Adam!" Ari released Xander to hug the older Ranger, who gave a small laugh as he hugged her back. "What are you doing back in town?" she asked with a smile.

"Rocky asked me to tag along while he finished the last of the paperwork for the Dojo he bought across town," Adam explained. "I was going to give you a call, see if you were still about," he said as he shook Xander's hand.

"Oh, he bought it then?" Ari smiled, remembering earlier in the year when she had last bumped into Adam, when he had given her advice on her Animal Spirit.

"Yeah, he'll be looking a teacher or two, if you know anyone who'd be interested?" Adam asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do know someone who could benefit from teaching a class," Ari smiled. "I'll give him your number and get him to give you a call," she told Adam, who grinned.

"Sounds good to me," he said.

"Oh," Ari's eyes lit up. "I have a favour to ask," she looked excited all of a sudden.

"Sure, how can I help?" Adam asked, wondering just what idea had come to Ari's mind.

Grizzaka's latest monster shrieked with laughter as he flew through the air, destroying everything in sight. Everyone ran off screaming in alarm as he flew around.

"Stop!" Casey yelled as he, Lily, RJ and Ari caught up to him. The monster landed, cracking the ground as he skidded along.

"Huh? One, two, three, four?!" he demanded angrily. "Where are the other Rangers?!" he yelled.

"Four's enough against you!" Lily yelled at him.

"Hah!" the monster scoffed. "I'll destroy you first, then I'll find your friends!" he declared. With a laugh, he ran at them, and when they reached him, he punched Lily and RJ, throwing them to the ground. He then knocked Ari and Casey down, and the four got back up, continuing to fight.

"Better call the others!" Ari called, leaping over the monster.

"On it!" Casey yelled, putting a hand to his helmet. As he contacted Theo and Dom, Camille and Minos suddenly joined the battle. Camille grabbed Lily, and Minos slammed his hammer to the ground as Ari went to help her.

"Don't bother trying to fight me, little bird," Minos warned as they stood facing each other. Behind Minos, Camille spoke with Lily. "You're just a waste of my time now," he told Ari.

"Then why don't you just destroy me and get it over with?" Ari challenged. Under his helmet, Minos' blue eyes narrowed. "Deny it all you want Minos, but I know the truth. You've got honour. That's why you helped us escape Jellica's trap before. That's why you won't destroy me now," she told him.

"Shut up!" Minos slammed his hammer down again, causing another tremor. This one was more powerful, causing everyone around him to stumble. Using it to her advantage, Camille spun Lily away and slashed her across the chest with her Sai after getting the information she wanted. "You don't know the first thing about me, Mystic, so don't start pretending to!" he yelled angrily.

"Minos, let's go!" Camille yelled to her brother. Without another word, Minos turned and followed her. Ari watched him go with narrowed eyes, before getting back to her feet. She and Lily rejoined Casey and RJ, only for all four to be floored again.

"I can't believe my eyes!" the monster laughed. "I'm about to beat the Rangers!" he declared.

"Theo!" Casey tried contacting Theo again. "We need you!" he pleaded. With a powerful blast, the monster threw the Rangers into the air, and they crashed down hard. As soon as they were back on their feet, the monster flew past them, striking them with his claws.

"Come on!" he goaded. "Is that all you got? My feathers aren't even ruffled!" he taunted.

"We aren't getting anywhere with this dude," Casey groaned.

"I've been thinking about how this guy fights, and I have an idea!" Lily told them quickly.

"Do tell," RJ invited.

"We can't keep attacking one at a time!" Lily told them.

"Yeah," RJ nodded, liking the idea. "We've got to join our power," he realised.

"Great idea. He won't be able to handle the combined power," Ari nodded as they got back to their feet.

"They get up, and I knock them back down!" the monster laughed. Casey, Lily and Ari grabbed their Masters claws.

"JUNGLE MASTER MODE!" the three called on their enhanced powers.

"Wolf Beam!" RJ fired multiple blasts at the monster, before Casey, Lily and Ari leapt in and struck him.

"Powers Unite!" the four threw themselves at the monster, and blasted him with a powerful move that floored him.

"And now it's goodbye," RJ grinned as the four landed nearby. The monster got back to his feet, only to explode. They cheered, but moments later, he returned, growing much bigger. They leapt out of the way to avoid his foot as it stomped the ground.

"We need the Megazord!" Casey groaned.

"Without Theo?" Lily gulped.

"Let's see what I can whip up," RJ grinned. "Calling on the Animal Spirits! Wolf, Tiger, Jaguar, Sparrow!" he called on multiple spirits, combining to make his own Megazord. "Wolf Pride Megazord!"

"Hey, he stole our Spirits!" Ari yelled, but was grinning regardless. The Megazord fought off the monster, but he was too powerful, flooring the Megazord.

"You're not so tough without all your friends!" the monster mocked as he stood over RJ. However, before he could attack again, the Antelope Zord suddenly rammed him.

"Yeah! Theo!" Casey grinned as the monster was thrown aside.

"I'm on it guys!" Theo called, and the three Rangers on the ground called on their own Zords, forming the Jungle Master Megazord. The two Megazords worked together, knocking the monster backwards. He then leapt into the air, and landed on them with powerful kicks.

"Spin Fury, launch!" RJ then threw his powerful blade, which struck the monster.

"I'm outta here!" he cried, losing his nerve.

"Spirit of the Bat!" the Rangers called on the Bat Zord. "Jungle Master Megazord!" they flew into the air, and used their Spin Attack, striking the monster and throwing him to the ground. He began to glow purple, before exploding.

Dom was walked back to the loft with the Control Dagger that he and Theo had found, lost, and found again, when he heard loud screams.

"Help me!" a woman screamed, and Dom looked around in time to see a hooded figure hauling her down an alleyway.

"Hey! Hold it!" Dom chased after them, but when he turned the corner, he found the two walking away together. The hooded figure turned, pulling down the hood that concealed his face, and smirked.

"Trust a Ranger to always play hero," Minos smirked, and a large group of Rinshi appeared behind Dom.

"Oh, great," Dom groaned as Camille and Minos returned to their usual appearances.

"Give me the Control Dagger!" Camille demanded. Dom fell into a fighting stance, glaring at them as he activated his Morpher.

"JUNGLE BEAST, SPIRIT UNLEASHED!" he Morphed, and easily took out the Rinshi, but when he turned around, both Camille and Minos attacked him. Within minutes, they had him on the ground, with the Control Dagger skittering away.

"No! The Dagger!" Dominic cried out in horror.

"It's mine!" Camille ran to grab it.

"Spin Fury! Attack!" RJ's powerful kick threw Camille across the battlefield, and Dom scrambled to his feet, running to his team-mates as he grabbed the Dagger.

"Don't worry guys, I still have it safe and sound. I'll let you know if I need help," Dom teased his friends as all but Ari stood with him, Morphed as well.

"Oh yeah? You would have lost it if we hadn't shown up!" Casey pointed out.

"And thank you very much, but I have everything-" before Dom could finish what he was saying, the ground shook violently as Minos' hammer slammed it. They all stumbled, and Minos' hammer slammed into Dom, sending him flying and forcing him to release the Dagger in the process.

"Thank you, White Ranger," Minos laughed. "For your cooperation," as the others made to attack, Minos's brown and green aura surrounded him. "Spirit of the Bull!" his animal spirit formed and leapt over his head with a bellow, charging into the Rangers. When they looked up, the two were gone.

"That looked like a tough battle," Adam commented as he, Ari and Xander stood together in the park, training together.

"It was, until we remembered to work together and not just attack individually," Ari nodded, following Adam's movements as he kicked up, holding his leg in the air. He then pushed into the air, spinning and kicking out with the other leg before landing, moving as he continued to spin a little.

"Nice work," Adam nodded in approval as Ari and Xander mimicked it. "You'll make good Frog Masters yet," he grinned.

"It's pretty similar to my own style, so that helps," Ari smiled. "Thanks for all of this Adam, I know it'll be helpful," she told him.

"I'm always happy to help," Adam smiled back at her, but it faded quickly as he saw Xander wince. "Hey man, don't push yourself," he told the Green Ranger, who sighed and stood normally again.

"It's not this. It's..." he trailed off, putting a hand to his chest.

"Minos stole his Animal Spirit," Ari explained sadly.

"Oh, man, I didn't know that was possible," Adam breathed in shock. The two nodded.

"I found out the hard way," Xander sighed. "I haven't been feeling right since. It doesn't normally hurt, but occasionally-" before he could finish, the ground began to shake violently. "Whoa, what the heck was that?" he asked as he managed to remain standing.

"Nothing good," Ari muttered, before her Morpher went off. She grabbed it from her discarded hoody, and slipped them on. "What's going on?" she answered.

"The bird from before laid an egg before he was destroyed!" Casey told her. "And it hatched!" he warned.

"I'm on my way," Ari told him quickly.

"You've pretty much mastered what I've taught you. You should be able to use it to help," Adam told her. Ari smiled at him.

"Thanks Adam!" she took off to join the fight.

By the time Ari arrived at the fight, Morphed, the others were on the ground.

"Oh man, you guys okay?" Ari called to her friends, who nodded.

"Yeah, but we could use some help," Lily admitted.

"That's what I'm here for," Ari grinned. "Oh, and I have a little surprise for you as well," she giggled, confusing them all. "Jungle Axe!" she held up her hand, and a black, orange and white axe appeared in her hand.

"What!" the others gasped.

"But how? There's no other Masters left!" Theo stared at her as Ari twirled the axe. "Who taught you that?" she asked.

"There's no other Masters, but there's others who have been training with their animal spirits for a long time," Ari grinned. "Now, are you ready, bird-brain?" she called to the monster, who shrieked in anger. He leapt at her, but Ari moved out of his way and slashed down with the monster's back. He cried out, and spun to face her with a growl. Ari jumped back to dodge his attack, and as she came back down, she slashed down with the axe. As soon as she landed, she was back in the air, jumping around him and spinning, kicking him back. "Try this!" with a powerful slash, Ari knocked the bird flying.

"Heads up!" the monster looked up quickly, and found the Rangers standing about, with Casey, Ari, Lily and Theo in their Master Modes. "With the Strength of a Tiger!"

"With the Speed of a Cheetah!"

"With the Stealth of a Jaguar!"

"With the Agility of a Sparrow!"

"With the Courage of a Wolf!"

"With the Power of a Rhino!"

"Six Animal Spirits Unite as One! Power Rangers Jungle Fury!" the six leapt down and hit the monster, and as they landed, ran at him. He tried blasting them, but they dodged his moves, and with powerful strikes, threw the monster to the ground again.

"Firing Jets!"

"Rhino Morpher! Super Blade Attack!" Dom leapt over their heads, and with multiple strikes, destroyed the monster. "That feather is dusted," he smirked. However, once again, the monster returned.

"We'll take it from here!" Casey told them.

"Okay," Dom nodded, and he stepped back.

"Animal Spirits Unite!" the four students called on the Jungle Master Megazord, and began to fight. They threw hard punches, throwing the bird back, but he just got back up.

"I'm not done!" he laughed, and leapt at them, striking them as he bounced around. "You Rangers get slower when you get bigger!" the monster taunted. "But I get faster! And smarter!" he leapt at them again.

"How about we try something new then?" Ari smirked. "Follow my lead guys!" she shouted, and they nodded.

"Spirit of the Frog!" they summoned a new Zord, which hopped towards the battle with a loud croak. Cloaked in a green and black aura, the Frog slammed into the monster and knocked him away.

"A Frog?!" Theo gaped.

"Oh yeah!" Ari laughed. "Spirit of the Frog, Combine!" the Frog Zord combined with their Megazord. As the monster leapt at them again, they jumped out of the way easily, using a powerful kick to throw him aside.

"Whoa, this power!" Casey grinned. "Come on guys, let's take this guy out!" he called to his team.

"You bet!" they cheered. The Megazord leapt through the air, kicking the monster backwards, and he crashed to the ground again.

"Jungle Master Fury Fist!" with powerful strikes, the Rangers destroyed the monster.

"Guys, I have someone you have to meet," Ari called as the Rangers returned to base. "This is Adam, he's the one who taught me the Frog technique," she introduced the man, who raised a hand in greeting. "That's Casey, Theo, Lily, Dom, Jenna, and RJ," Ari introduced them all.

"Hey," RJ smiled, walking over. "I don't remember ever meeting you before. You're not Pai Zhuq, are you?" he asked curiously. Adam shook his head.

"No," he grinned. "My friends and I were trained to harness our Animal Spirits by Ninjor," he explained, and RJ's eyes widened in shock.

"Ninjor?" he, Jenna and Dom echoed. "But he's a legend!" Jenna stared at him. Adam gave a small chuckle.

"I should introduce myself properly. I'm Adam, the Black Mighty Morphin Power Ranger," he introduced himself, and everyone stared at him.

"Ari, do you know anyone who hasn't been a Ranger before?" Casey asked the girl, who smiled.

"One or two," she laughed. "So, where's the Control Dagger?" she asked, and their smiles fell.

"I lost it. Minos and Camille ambushed me," Dominic admitted. "I got cocky and lost it," he told her.

"Hey, I'm sorry Dom," Casey walked over to the White Ranger. "I shouldn't have come down on you so hard. If Theo can lose a Dagger, I guess anyone can," he gave a small smile.

"There's only one reason to have the Control Dagger..." RJ sighed as he took a seat.

"To gain access to the Nexus and get the Rhino Power. Dai Shi must be after it," Jenna spoke softly as she stood beside him. Since he had become a Ranger, they had become almost inseparable.

"Don't get too comfortable," RJ sighed, getting to his feet. "Looks like we're going on a field trip," he stood back up.

"Huh. You guys wanna come with?" Ari asked Adam and Xander.

"Sure," Adam nodded.

"Someone has to make sure you're careful," Xander messed up Ari's hair, making her giggle.

"RJ," Dom caught the Violet Ranger when the others hurried off to get ready. "Master Mao said the Dagger was to help me find my destiny. Not Dai Shi's," he frowned.

"They may be intertwined," RJ shrugged apologetically.

"Don't worry Dom, we'll stop him from getting it," Jenna promised, touching his arm in reassurance.

"Uh, we?" RJ frowned at her.

"Yes, we," Jenna turned and put her hands on her hips. "You think I'm going to pass up an opportunity to go to the Nexus? Think again," she told him firmly.

"No point arguing with Jenna," Dom chuckled, clapping RJ on the back before walking off.

"I learned that long ago," RJ grumbled. Jenna grinned and kissed his cheek before heading off to get ready herself.

Dai Shi sat cross-legged in his cell, waiting for Camille and Minos to return. Hearing footsteps, he looked up to see Camille approaching. As he stared at her, she handed over the Dagger.

"For you, Dai Shi," she whispered as he took it. She stepped away as he smirked, and cut open his cell door easily.

"The Winds of Fate are about to change," Dai Shi declared with a smirk. Minos frowned, watching silently and wondering just would happen.

So I finished writing this story earlier today...I always have a sort of sadness when I do, I was enjoying it a lot. It definitely hasn't gone how I originally planned, and I think in a good way.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it! I'll update by the end of the week, when I get a little more of the next story written.

Please review!