The alarms blared through the base, piercing the quiet moment I had just begun to savor. My heart immediately jumped into overdrive, adrenaline coursing through me. Jason, Billy, and I bolted toward the command room, urgency driving our every step. "What's going on, Billy?" Jason demanded as Billy slid into his chair at the console. His fingers flew across the keyboard, pulling up the perimeter breach on the large screen in front of us.

"Give me a second…" Billy muttered, his brow furrowed as he worked.

I held my breath, my mind already spinning with worst-case scenarios. Drakkon? Venjix? Another horrifying experiment like the last one? Finally, the screen flickered, and Billy froze.

"Uh… Kali, you might want to see this," he said, his voice filled with confusion but a tinge of curiosity.

I stepped closer, and my breath caught in my throat as I saw the familiar figure moving through the perimeter. My Beast Bot. "Howl!" I shouted, my voice cracking with joy. Without hesitation, I turned and sprinted out of the room, not even giving Jason or Billy time to stop me. My heart raced as I pushed through the base's main doors, the air hitting my face as I searched for her.

And there she was. Her sleek, wolf-like frame gleamed under the sunlight, her black and silver armor polished and bright. Her glowing green eyes turned toward me, and as soon as she saw me, her ears perked up, and her tail wagged. "Kali!" Howl's voice was a mixture of joy and relief as she bounded toward me.

I couldn't stop the tears that sprang to my eyes. "Howl!" I cried, running toward her. When I reached her, I threw my arms around her metallic neck, the cool touch grounding me in the moment. She nudged me gently, her tail wagging like crazy.

"You're okay!" I said, pulling back slightly to look at her. "I can't believe it… How did you even get here?"

"It's a long story," Howl said, her voice warm and familiar. "But first, I need to make sure you're okay. Are you hurt?"

I chuckled, wiping the tears from my eyes. "I'm fine now that you're here."

Jason and Billy finally caught up, standing at the entrance, watching us with bemused expressions. Trini and Ziggy weren't far behind, their curiosity piqued by the alarms. "Uh, Kali?" Jason called out, a grin tugging at his lips. "Are you going to introduce us?"

I turned, still holding onto Howl. "Everyone, this is Howl, my Beast Bot. Howl, these are some of the amazing Rangers I've been fighting alongside: Jason, Billy, Trini, and Ziggy."

Howl wagged her tail and dipped her head in a polite bow. "It's an honor to meet you all. Kali's Ranger family misses her back home, but it's good to see she's found a new one here."

"Whoa," Ziggy said, stepping forward with wide eyes. "She talks?"

"She does a lot more than that," I said proudly, patting Howl's side.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Howl," Billy said, his scientific curiosity already kicking in as he stepped closer, studying her. "Your design is incredible. Did Grid Battleforce build you?"

Howl nodded. "Yes, I was designed by Nate Silva. He's an extraordinary inventor. He even upgraded me before sending me here."

Jason folded his arms, a small smile playing on his lips. "She's impressive, Kali. I can see why you're so excited."

"Excited doesn't even cover it," I admitted, laughing a little. I turned back to Howl. "But seriously, Howl, how did you get here? How did you even know where to look for me?"

Howl's ears drooped slightly. "It wasn't easy. Your friends—Devon, Zoey, Nate, Steel, and Ravi—they've been working tirelessly to figure out how to find you. Nate eventually managed to upgrade me with interdimensional capabilities, allowing me to cross into this dimension. Unfortunately, they couldn't trace your exact location. I've been searching for over 13 hours to find you."

My heart swelled at the thought of my team back in Coral Harbor. "They sent you here to find me?"

"Yes," Howl replied. "Devon told everyone about the dream he had with you. They knew you'd need me, especially with what you're up against. Nate also added new weapons and fighting capabilities to ensure I could protect you better. They all miss you, Kali, and they want you to come home."

I blinked back tears, my chest tightening at the thought of my team back home. "I miss them too," I whispered.

Howl gently nuzzled me, her voice soft. "They're doing everything they can to help. And now that I've found you, I won't leave your side."

I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions—relief, joy, and a deep yearning to see my friends again. But I couldn't go home. Not yet. Not until we stopped Drakkon. Jason stepped forward, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Kali, this is good. Having Howl here gives us another edge. We'll make it through this. Together."

I glanced at him, grateful for his unwavering support. "Yeah," I said, my voice steadying. "Together."

Billy, ever the scientist, tilted his head at Howl. "I'd love to take a closer look at those upgrades Nate gave you. If that's okay with you, of course."

Howl wagged her tail. "I'd be happy to show you, Billy. Anything to help Kali and the team."

As we led Howl inside the base, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope rekindle within me. For the first time in weeks, I felt a connection to home—a reminder of what I was fighting for. And with Howl by my side, I knew we stood a better chance against Drakkon and the darkness threatening to consume us all.

The blaring sound of another alert filled the room just as Billy, Jason, and I were beginning to discuss Howl's upgrades. My stomach dropped at the sound, my mind immediately flashing to the countless attacks we'd faced already. Billy was the first to reach the console, his hands moving quickly across the controls. The screen lit up, and Zack's face appeared, drenched in sweat, his voice panicked but controlled. "Jason, Billy—we're pinned down! Drakkon's forces are everywhere. We can't hold them off much longer. We need backup, now!"

I felt my chest tighten at Zack's words. He looked exhausted, and behind him, I could see flashes of battle—foot soldiers, sentries, and Putties swarming like locusts. "Hang tight, Zack," Jason said firmly. "We're on our way."

I grabbed my Morpher and turned to Howl. "You're coming with me, right?"

"Of course," Howl replied, her tail wagging once before her tone became serious. "I'll always have your back."

Jason, Billy, and I shared a brief look before we morphed. "It's Morphin' Time! Activate Wolf Power!" I shouted, feeling the familiar surge of power as my Black Wolf Ranger suit materialized around me. Howl's eyes glowed as her body began to shift, her weapons and systems activating. She stood ready, an imposing presence at my side.

"Let's go," Jason ordered, his Red Ranger suit glowing faintly in the dim light. We teleported directly into the battlefield, and chaos met us immediately. The clash of weapons, the roar of sentries, and the cries of Rangers fighting for their lives filled the air. Zack and his team were holding their ground, but barely.

"Jase!" Zack called out as soon as he spotted us. Relief was evident in his voice, but it was short-lived as a group of Putties swarmed him.

"Go! I've got your back!" I shouted, rushing into the fray with Howl at my side.

Howl growled, leaping at a group of sentries, her claws slashing through them effortlessly. "Kali, to your right!" she warned, and I spun, using my Wolf Saber to block an incoming attack.

"Thanks, Howl!" I called out, driving the saber into the nearest Putty and watching as it disintegrated into dust. Jason and Billy were holding their own nearby, their weapons cutting through the enemy lines as they pushed forward. But the enemy kept coming, seemingly endless in number.

"We need to thin them out!" Jason shouted, slashing through another sentry.

"Working on it!" I replied, taking down two more Putties.

That's when I saw them. Drakkon and Venjix. They stood at the edge of the battlefield, their presence commanding as they observed the chaos. Drakkon's cold gaze locked onto me, and my blood boiled. Howl stepped closer, her voice low. "We'll take them together, Kali. You're not alone."

I nodded, determination coursing through me. "Activate Beast-X Mode!"

Howl's body shimmered and shifted as she transformed into armor, but this time it was different. The energy around us intensified, and I felt a surge of power unlike anything I'd ever experienced. My armor glowed brighter, stronger, and I could feel Howl's presence resonating with me on a deeper level. "What… what is this?" I muttered, glancing down at my armor.

"I don't know!" Howl's voice echoed in my mind, just as confused as I was. The surge of power was overwhelming, but I didn't have time to figure it out. Drakkon and Venjix were moving toward us, their weapons drawn.

"Focus, Kali!" Jason shouted from nearby, his voice snapping me out of my daze.

I gritted my teeth, shaking off the confusion. "Right. Let's do this."

With newfound confidence, I charged straight at Drakkon and Venjix, my Wolf Saber and Lunar Cue in hand. They met me head-on, their attacks swift and brutal, but I held my ground. Drakkon swung his blade at me, and I blocked it with the Lunar Cue, sparks flying as our weapons clashed. "Still so defiant, aren't you?" he sneered.

"I'll never stop fighting you!" I shouted, pushing him back and following up with a strike from my saber. Venjix joined the fight, his sleek, menacing body moving with mechanical precision. He fired a blast of energy at me, but I managed to dodge, landing a hit on his armored chest.

Jason and Billy fought their way toward me, their weapons cutting through the enemy as they tried to reach us. "Kali, hang on!" Billy called out.

The energy around me continued to grow, a glowing mix of black, pink, green, purple, and silver radiating from my armor. I could feel it building, a pressure that threatened to burst.

"Kali, what's happening?!" Jason shouted, noticing the glow.

"I don't know!" I admitted, gritting my teeth as I parried another attack from Drakkon. After another minute of fighting, the energy became too much. I felt it surge through me, and before I could stop it, it exploded outward in a burst of light and power.

"Take this!" I screamed, releasing the energy in every direction. The battlefield froze as the burst of energy knocked Drakkon and Venjix back several feet. Putties, sentries, and Venjix's foot soldiers were thrown to the ground, disintegrating under the sheer force of the blast.

Drakkon staggered to his feet, clutching his side. His eyes burned with fury as he glared at me. "This isn't over," he growled. "Retreat!"

Venjix stood beside him, his gaze cold and calculating. Without another word, they disappeared into the chaos, leaving the battlefield eerily quiet. The energy left me as quickly as it came, and I dropped to my hands and knees, demorphing as exhaustion overtook me. Howl reappeared at my side, her voice filled with worry. "Kali! Are you okay?"

Jason and Billy ran up to me, their faces etched with concern. "Kali!" Jason knelt beside me, his hands on my shoulders.

"I'm… I'm okay," I said weakly, though every part of me ached.

"You're not okay," Billy said, his tone firm. "You're completely drained. We need to get you back to base."

They helped me to my feet, but my legs felt like jelly, and I struggled to stay conscious. Jason and Billy supported me on either side as we made our way back, Howl following closely. The moment we were safely inside the base, the last of my strength gave out, and I passed out in their arms, the battle replaying in my mind even as darkness claimed me.

I slowly opened my eyes, the bright fluorescent lights of the med bay piercing through my haze. My body felt heavy, my limbs weighed down as if I had just run a marathon and then some. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nose, and the faint hum of machinery buzzed in the background. I blinked a few times, my vision gradually sharpening.

The first thing I noticed was Jason sitting in a chair beside me, his head tilted slightly forward as if he had dozed off. At his feet, Howl was curled up, her metal body somehow managing to look peaceful despite its mechanical edges. As I stirred, Howl's sensors picked up my movement, and her head shot up. "Kali!" she said, her voice filled with relief. Jason's head snapped up as well, and his face broke into a wide, relieved smile when he saw me awake.

"You're awake," Jason said, his voice carrying a mix of relief and exhaustion. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I got hit by a train," I muttered, my voice hoarse and dry. "What happened?"

Before Jason could answer, I heard the sound of a chair scraping across the floor. I turned my head to see Billy standing at the med bay table, his face lighting up when he saw me. He quickly crossed the room, a small device in his hands. "Kali, thank goodness," Billy said, his tone calm but warm. "How are you holding up?"

"I'm alive," I replied weakly, trying to push myself up on the bed. Jason immediately moved to help me, his hand steady on my back as I propped myself up against the pillows. "What happened out there?"

"We were hoping you could tell us," Billy said, his brow furrowed slightly as he set the device down on the counter.

I frowned, trying to piece together what had happened. The memory was hazy, but I could still feel it—the build-up of energy, the overwhelming pressure, and then the explosion of light and power. I shook my head slowly. "I don't know exactly," I admitted. "I just… I felt it building inside me, like a pressure I couldn't contain. And then it just… exploded. I didn't plan it. It just happened."

Jason and Billy exchanged a look, and I could see the worry etched on both their faces. Howl stood up and rested her head gently on the edge of the bed. "Do you feel okay now?" Howl asked, her voice filled with concern. "That surge of energy—it was unlike anything I've seen before, even with your Beast-X Mode."

I hesitated, taking a moment to assess myself. My body still ached, and I felt utterly drained, but there didn't seem to be any lingering effects from the energy burst itself. "I feel… tired," I admitted. "Like I used up everything I had and then some. But other than that, I think I'm okay."

Billy nodded thoughtfully, his fingers tapping against the edge of the bed in a familiar rhythm as he processed the information. "The energy burst was unlike anything we've seen before. One minute, you're fighting Drakkon and Venjix, and the next, there's this massive energy burst. It knocked them back, threw their forces into chaos, and gave all of us—me, Jason, Zack, and the others—a surge of power for a few moments before it faded."

"That's weird," I murmured, furrowing my brow. "Why would you feel it too? And what even caused it in the first place?"

"That's what we need to figure out," Billy said, his voice calm but focused. "The energy you released wasn't just limited to the battlefield—it had a ripple effect that affected all of us. It's connected to you somehow, but we don't know why or how."

I let out a slow breath, trying to wrap my head around everything. My mind was racing with questions, but no answers came. I glanced at Jason, who was still sitting beside me, his expression steady and reassuring. "We'll figure it out, Kali," Jason said, his voice firm but kind. "Whatever's happening, you're not dealing with it alone. We're in this together."

I nodded, grateful for his words but still feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing down on me. "Thanks, Jase," I said quietly, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Howl," Billy said, turning to my Beast Bot. "Do you remember anything unusual happening to Kali during the battle? Anything that might have triggered the energy burst?"

Howl tilted her head slightly, her sensors glowing faintly as she processed the question. "Not that I can recall," she said after a moment. "Kali activated Beast-X Mode as usual, and I transformed into her armor. The surge of power happened after that, but I didn't detect anything out of the ordinary leading up to it."

Billy nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We'll need to run some scans later, just to be sure. But for now, Kali, you need to rest and recover."

I sighed, leaning back against the pillows. "Resting feels like the last thing I should be doing," I muttered. "Drakkon and Venjix aren't going to stop, and we don't have the luxury of waiting around."

Jason crossed his arms, giving me a pointed look. "You nearly passed out on the battlefield, Kali. You're not doing anyone any favors by pushing yourself too hard. Take the time to recover. We'll handle things in the meantime."

I opened my mouth to argue, but the stern look in Jason's eyes stopped me. I knew he was right, even if I didn't want to admit it. "Fine," I grumbled, sinking further into the bed. "But only for a little while."

Jason chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You're as stubborn as ever."

"Stubbornness is a survival skill," I shot back, managing a faint smile despite my exhaustion. Billy picked up his device again, his focus already shifting to the next problem to solve. Howl remained at my side, her presence steady and comforting. And Jason stayed where he was, his unwavering support grounding me in a way I desperately needed. As I closed my eyes, the questions still swirled in my mind, but for the first time since the battle, I felt a glimmer of hope.