CHAPTER THIRTEEN
DARCY
She hadn't expected to be ambushed. The Stone Warriors were just relaxing at Chelsea's house when the attack came.

"What the fuck?" Chelsea demanded as an army of strange creatures came toward them.

They reminded Darcy of antelopes, except they had razor-sharp teeth and claws. Serafine's memories began rushing back to her. "Shit..." She whispered.

"Oh no..." Greg mumbled. "This is bad."

"Share faster, Greg," Pierce said.

"Those are zyzaries... One of the deadliest predators on Eltar," Greg explained.

"On a scale of one to we're fucked, how deadly are they?" Scott asked.

"Definitely the latter," Andie replied. "They can be controlled by a very small portion of Eltarians. It's a rare affinity... And since they're almost definitely here on someone's orders, we're in serious danger. We need backup."

"Alphas! Send word to the Mythical Guild that we're at Chelsea's and need immediate help," Greg said into his communicator.

"Ay-yi-yi! We're on it, Greg," Five replied.

"Get Dino Charge here, too... And Mystic Force," Darcy added.

"Yo, yo, yo, no problem!" Six promised.

"Do these fuckers have a weakness?" Chelsea asked.

"Fire-based attacks do the most damage," Darcy replied. "I guess I'm up."

"They also have a spot in the center of the back of their necks that's vulnerable. If we can hit it, we'll paralyze them," Greg added.

"Andie, you're up, too," Scott said.

Andie nodded. "As long as it doesn't kill them," she agreed, summoning her bow and quiver of arrows.

The man who walked toward them smiled sadistically. "Hello, Children," he greeted them.

"Who the fuck are you?" Chelsea demanded.

"There's no need to call for help," he replied, ignoring her question. "I sealed the property from all other Power Rangers, as well as the Chosen."

Darcy manifested fire in her hands. "Leave," she said firmly. "Or you'll regret it."

"Hello, Serafine. I suppose you've forgotten me."

She studied him, connecting to Serafine to try and identify him. It took her a few moments. "Olah..." She whispered.

"You remembered! Lovely. That will make this more fun for me."

"Guys... Get in the bomb shelter," Darcy said. "I've got this."

"Not a chance in hell, Darcy," Pierce said firmly. "Who is this fucker?"

"A very old Warlock... From B'Deston. He wreaked havoc on Eltar for a while, but they could never prove it, and Rinton always got him out of trouble."

As the zyzaries came closer, Darcy moved in front of her team protectively. She began blasting them with fire. Andie took that as her cue to start firing arrows at their necks. Somehow, she knew what spot to target.

"Is that little Daphne? How strange to see her in a battle!" Olah declared with an amused smile.

He tried to approach Andie. Darcy set his leg on fire. He put himself out with water magic before laughing.

"Is that the best you can do, Serafine? How disappointing," he taunted her.

She hit him with more fire. This time, she singed his crotch. He actually cried out in pain before managing to put that out, too. The zyzaries swarmed, surrounding them. One lunged at Scott. Chelsea struck it with lightning as she grabbed Scott and ran to a safer spot. Greg began opening holes in the ground, trapping the zyzaries, but they started jumping out no matter how deep the holes were. Scott tried to knock them back in using air. Pierce trapped a few in water funnels.

Suddenly, Olah clapped his hands and began sending energy into the zyzaries. They seemed to grow stronger. Darcy knew they couldn't stop them alone. Last time, it had taken Serafine and most of Zell's Elite Counsel to stop the bastard. He'd been arrested, but had escaped from prison and vanished soon after.

Scott screamed in alarm as a zyzary pinned him to the ground. Andie and Greg were surrounded by several of them. Pierce was bleeding severely and trying to get to Scott. Chelsea was running in circles trying to help, but the zyzaries were quick, too, and a few were chasing her.

"You won't survive this time, Serafine," Olah taunted her. "And neither will your friends."

"Fuck off," she replied. She wrapped a wall of fire around him. A zyzary pounced and knocked her down. She hit her head hard and knew immediately that she was concussed. Darcy sent fire toward the creature to try and keep it from biting or clawing her, but she was seeing stars and knew other zyzaries would attack now that she was vulnerable.

Suddenly, a dragon grabbed the zyzary by its throat and killed it. The dragon then hovered in the air over Darcy, setting any zyzary that dared to come close to her on fire.

He looks just like Talon... Darcy thought. It must be the concussion.

"Use vines, Greg!" A voice shouted. "That will hold them in the holes! I'll help."

Vagris? Darcy thought in confusion as she recognized his voice.

"Son of a bitch!" Pierce cursed. Darcy desperately wanted to help him, but she couldn't see straight.

"Plurri... Tend to Pierce. He's gravely injured," Vagris said.

"I'm on it," Plurri replied.

She could hear Vagris and Greg talking together and using Earth to try to stop the zyzaries. The dragon continued breathing fire at any that got too close to Darcy. Andie started shooting again. A few minutes later, she cried out in pain.

"Andie!" Greg screamed in horror.

"Daphne's down!" Vagris alerted the others. "She needs help immediately!"

Andie... My sister needs me... Darcy thought, but she still couldn't move.

"I'm still healing Pierce. Can anyone get to her to protect her until I can reach her?" Plurri asked.

The dragon suddenly breathed a circle of fire around Darcy, protecting her from the zyzaries. After rubbing his face against her cheek reassuringly, he flew off to Andie's side.

Talon used to do that, Darcy thought, but she knew it was impossible. Talon was dead. Maybe he'd sent the dragon to help, or maybe the concussion had her imagining things.

The dragon began torching everything that got near Andie, protecting her fiercely. The others were still battling the zyzaries. Olah tried to sneak away, but someone slipped behind him and snapped restraints on him.

Someone slipped in and out of time, Darcy realized. The blurry sight of red hair told her it was Grace.

"Okay, fuck this," Rhanna said firmly after several more minutes of battling zyzaries. A different plane suddenly wrapped around the remaining zyzaries and swallowed them.

"Rhanna, you can't just send them to another realm!" Stone scolded her.

"Do you not remember when these things destroyed three villages on Eltar before we finally stopped them? That was a lot of paperwork, Stone. I hate paperwork," Rhanna replied.

"That's why you didn't do it," Grace reminded her with a laugh. "Plurri and Zutan did."

"Whatever. The point is, this is a quick solution, and the realm was unoccupied anyway."

Stone knelt beside Pierce. "I can finish healing him, Plurri," he said. "Andie needs your help more."

Plurri headed toward Andie. The dragon moved aside slightly to allow this, but he did not leave her side. Instead, he transformed into a human form.

I'm concussed, Darcy thought. I'm definitely severely concussed.

Slowly, Andie began to sit up. Her eyes widened in shock before she instantly turned into Daphne. She flung her arms around the dragon's human form and began sobbing into his shoulder.

"Talon!" She cried. She began rambling in Eltarian as she clung to him. Darcy understood her. "You're alive... How are you alive? This is a miracle..."

"Shhh, Daphne. All is well," Talon promised soothingly as he held her.

"Plurri..." Darcy called.

Plurri hurried toward her. "Yes, Ser... Darcy?" He replied with a cheerful smile.

"I need to be healed. I'm severely concussed and hallucinating."

Plurri continued to smile as he started healing her. "You are severely concussed, but you're not hallucinating," he replied. "Talon is alive, Darcy."

She shook her head, which hurt. "That's impossible," she insisted.

Talon stood, gently carrying Andie closer to Darcy. That alone was proof Daphne had taken over, as Andie would never have allowed it. He carefully placed her on her feet beside Darcy.

"Come on, Sera," he replied with a cocky grin. "You and I don't believe in that word."

Serafine overwhelmed her then. She threw herself into his arms, clinging to him as her last memory of him played in her mind... She saw the building collapsing and Stone telling her Talon was dead. She sobbed as he held her.

"I'm here, Sera... It's alright now," Talon insisted. He kissed the top of her head gently.

Darcy couldn't regain control as Serafine tried to process what was happening. In Eltarian, she said, "I'm so sorry... I love you. It was always you... He put a spell on me... The spell shattered when you died... Just like my heart did."

"I know, Sera... It's not your fault. I should have realized sooner why you left me." He held her even closer as he added, "I loved you until my last breath, and even after... I never stopped."

"Talon... My God, Talon..." She shook her head again. This time, it didn't hurt.

Pierce groaned as he sat up. Serafine suddenly seemed to remember that she wasn't alive anymore. She looked at Talon sadly. "I love you," she said again. Then, she allowed Darcy to regain control of her body.

Talon, to his credit, seemed to understand immediately. He released her. In English, he asked, "Are you alright?"

"You speak English?" Darcy asked in shock.

"It's a long story, Sera... I mean... Darcy, right? That's a beautiful name." He smiled at her.

"Talon... I need to-"

"Check on Pierce. It's alright. I understand."

"He's my boyfriend."

He laughed sadly. "I know, Darcy. You aren't Sera... You are Darcy, and Darcy has a boyfriend. Stone explained all of this to me. It's okay. All I have ever wanted was for you to be happy. At least I know Pierce won't hurt you. Go on... Make sure he's alright."

Darcy nodded. She looked at Andie, who was covered in blood but didn't appear to be injured. "Are you okay, Sis?" She asked.

Daphne had finally retreated. "Yeah," Andie replied. "One of them clawed my back open and nearly took my arm off, but Plurri's good at what he does. I'm fine. Let's check on Pierce." She smiled at Talon. Darcy had never seen Andie look quite so ecstatic.

As they walked toward Pierce, Darcy said, "You look awfully cheerful."

"It's Daphne... Talon and Stone were like big brothers to her. Talon's death really upset her... Seeing him alive is giving her a sense of peace she really needed. How are you holding up?"

"Sera's true love is back from the dead. All she wants is to kiss him and never let go of him... But my true love is over here, recovering from a nearly fatal injury. I'm... Confused."

They stopped discussing it as they reached Pierce. His shirt had been ripped to pieces. The marks told Darcy his chest had been torn open, and the amount of blood told her it had been a deep wound.

"Pierce..." She pulled him into her arms, needing to reassure herself he was okay.

"I'm fine, Darce," Pierce promised. She kissed his lips, grounding to her current incarnation as she did. She was finally able to think straight as she felt only Pierce.

"Plurri healed the potentially fatal damage," Stone explained. "I was able to heal the rest." He paused. "I'm sorry for the shock of this news, Darcy. I was planning to come tell you before you just saw my brother walking around, but as we made our way to Earth, we sensed the zyzaries. There wasn't time to prepare you."

"How did this happen?" Darcy asked.

"Scarlet resurrected him. I'm still not sure how she did it. Apparently, Amos was trying to find a way but realized it needed to be part of Serafine."

Pierce shook his head. "That crazy old bastard... He wouldn't tell me what he was up to, but this must have been what he was trying to get me and Elgan to help him with."

"Resurrecting Serafine's dead lover? He should have warned you, considering you're dating her current incarnation," Scott said.

"That's pretty fucked up," Chelsea agreed.

"Where's Greg?" Pierce asked, ignoring them.

"Filling in the holes with Vagris," Chelsea replied. "My parents pay a fortune for landscaping. If they actually notice the damage, they'll be pretty pissed. I could care less about that, but I'd rather not fall into a hole while on my way to rehearsal." Scott and Chelsea's band, Quake Escape, used the bomb shelter as a rehearsal space.

"We need to bring Olah back to Eltar," Grace pointed out as the warlock struggled against her. The restraints were doing a good job, but Darcy knew they wouldn't work for much longer.

"Give the asshole to me," Rhanna said.

"Make sure you bring him straight to Anise and Keilah, Rhanna," Stone said. "He's extremely dangerous and good at escaping."

"I remember. Don't worry. I've got this," Rhanna insisted.

"Take Vagris with you. Greg should be able to finish filling in the holes on his own."

"I can do this on my own, Stone. I don't need a babysitter."

"Rhanna... Stone's right," Grace said softly. She suddenly looked very nervous. Her eyes were full of worry and her skin had paled significantly.

"Grace... What's going on?" Plurri asked in concern.

"I just came back... And the future wasn't a good one..." She shook her head. "Please don't go alone, Rhan."

"Came back from where?" Scott asked in confusion. "You haven't moved."

Grace smiled at him sadly. "I walk the time line," she replied.

"I know, but... You've been standing here the entire time."

"Grace moves through time smoother than almost anyone," Vagris replied as he moved closer to them. "She's even more fluid than Zell at times."

"What's coming, Grace?" Talon asked.

She hesitated. "He fatally wounds Rhanna... And when he escapes, he abducts Chelsea."

"Me? Why the fuck would he abduct me?" Chelsea asked.

"I'm not sure... But he was determined to take you. That's why he came here today. He wasn't after the others."

"How would that fucker even catch her? She's faster than him," Scott argued.

"His weird-ass creatures nearly did it just now," Chelsea admitted. "They're really fast. I was able to outrun them, but if he figured out where I was heading, it wouldn't be impossible for him to send some in front of me and catch me that way."

"We'll protect you, Chels," Pierce promised.

"I don't need protecting. I can handle myself."

"You're as stubborn as Rhanna," Talon said with a laugh. "And I bet it's true. After all, you clearly share Avona's bloodline, and she was fierce."

Stone looked sad at his words, but not as broken as usual. Darcy realized having Talon back had already begun healing something that had shattered in him long ago. "We will ensure you remain safe, Chelsea," Stone vowed stoically.

She looked like she still wanted to protest, but Darcy stopped her. "One thing we've learned is to listen to time travelers," she pointed out. "Let's not take any chances. Vagris, Rhanna, please handle Olah. Chelsea... I want you somewhere safe until we know he's been executed."

"Excuse me? That could take a while, Darcy," Chelsea protested.

"Hanry and Jinnifer will expedite the execution," Stone said. "They know how dangerous Olah is and won't take the chance of trying to lock him up again." He paused. "Talon... The two of us should accompany Rhanna and Vagris as well. Olah is most vulnerable to fire attacks."

"So that means they need me, but-" Talon began.

"I'm going with you."

"Stone... Eventually, you're going to have to let me out of your sight."

"Not this time. Stop arguing. There is precious little time to waste."

Talon shrugged. "Fine... We'll come back afterward to let you all know it's safe," he said. "Come on, Rhan. Let's bring this bastard to the Elders."

"Wait..." Darcy said. She touched his cheek gently before adding, "Be safe, Talon."

He softened as he looked at her. "You, too," he replied. "Don't do anything I would do," he added with a mischievous smirk. With that, he and the others quickly opened a portal and vanished.

Darcy had to fight not to run after them. She didn't want to let Talon out of her sight any more than Stone did. Somehow, she found the strength to remain behind.

Greg finally joined them. "Are you guys okay?" He asked.

"We're fine," Andie replied since Darcy couldn't focus enough to speak.

"Am I delusional, or... Was that...?"

"Talon," Darcy confirmed, finding her voice.

"I don't understand... Did Andie manifest him again?"

"No," Andie replied. "He's alive. Scarlet somehow resurrected him."

Greg's eyes widened in surprise. Darcy could see Ash peaking through from behind Greg's eyes, but Greg remained in control. He gently took Darcy's arm and led her aside. "Are you handling this alright, Darcy?" He asked softly.

"I don't know," Darcy admitted. "I mean, Talon's an amazing ally, and this is exactly what Stone needed, but..." She hesitated.

"You're having trouble keeping Sera from taking over?" Greg guessed.

"She's still in love with him, Greg... And I can't blame her. Their bond was intense. I love Pierce with everything I have, but Sera's grief over Talon never healed... She died so soon after she lost him, she never had the chance to fully process that he was dead. Having him back is confusing me."

"Just ground to me... Earth magic is very good for that," he reminded her with an awkward smile.

Darcy hugged him. "Thanks," she replied. "I think that's exactly what I need right now." As she and Greg walked back toward the others, she hoped it would be enough.

COOPER

The funeral had been tough. People from the entire community came out to say goodbye to Mr. Davison. Cooper stood beside Jo and Randi, stoic and strong, not allowing his emotions to overwhelm him because they needed him to remain strong. Afterward, he'd gone to the Dojo, because that was where he always went when he needed comfort.

The last thing he wanted was to deal with a crisis, but he couldn't ignore it when he heard the girl whimpering outside on the street. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I'm sorry, please don't hurt me..."

With a sigh, he opened the door and stepped outside. What he saw was a terrified girl cowering on the ground. Blood dripped down her cheeks from a head injury. A man stood over her with rage in his eyes.

"You've disappointed me for the last time, Samanzah," he said harshly.

"Mezdan, please..." She sobbed.

He moved closer to her with a knife raised. Cooper got between them quickly and slammed Mezdan against the wall of a building. "It's not polite to pick on girls, asshole," he said sharply.

"Stay out of this, Power Ranger," Mezdan snapped. "This is Coalition business."

Cooper realized he'd just interfered in a fight he shouldn't have, but he didn't care. Samanzah was clearly terrified, and she looked a lot younger than Mezdan. He applied pressure to his collar bone. "Not a chance," he replied.

"I thought Power Rangers weren't supposed to escalate fights," Mezdan taunted him.

"Yeah, well, I started off as Dark Specter's Black Ranger, and that crew did things a little bit differently. Go ahead. Test me." Cooper increased the pressure until he felt something snap.

Mezdan's eyes widened in surprise. "This is not over," he promised. Then, he cast a spell and vanished from Cooper's grasp.

"I thought so... Coward," Cooper mumbled. He looked at Samanzah, trembling on the sidewalk, and knelt beside her. "Are you alright?" He asked, offering his hand and helping her to her feet.

"Why did you help me?" She asked in confusion.

"I don't like seeing men pick on women. I won't stand for it."

"But we're Coalition members."

"It's not black and white, Samanzah. Coalition member or not, you were in trouble."

"You're a very unusual Power Ranger, Cooper Cates."

"You know who I am?"

"Yes. The Elites know the identities of all of the Power Rangers. That's part of our job."

"Elites, huh? So you're the best the Coalition has to offer?"

"Something like that..." She sighed. "They're going to kill me."

"Why? What did you do to piss them off?"

She hesitated. "I couldn't do it," she finally admitted.

"Couldn't do what?"

"I couldn't abduct her... She's just a little girl... She trusted me so easily, and I just... I couldn't let them hurt her."

Cooper tensed. "Who did they send you after?"

"Lilly DeSantos."

"Lilly? Why the hell would they send you after Rocky's kid?"

"Because she's part of a prophecy... And she's not Rocky's kid."

"What do you mean?"

"Through a monster and her offspring, the power returns... A gift bestowed only upon the worthy... A flower which blooms in darkness yet thrives in the sun... She is the key."

Cooper frowned. "You're saying Lilly is Zeke's kid?"

"Yes... And she possesses a rare gift... One previously only seen on Eltar."

"Lilly's just a kid... A severely traumatized kid who somehow still trusts that people are good... And she's not Eltarian."

"No, she's not, but she came into contact with someone who was. Her mother was horrible, Cooper... That little girl was abused by a great many people... And one of them was a very powerful Eltarian. He became infatuated with Lilly. He kept coming back to try to convince her mother to sell her to him. If Zeke hadn't rescued her when he did, he probably would have killed her mother and abducted her."

He had a horrible feeling he knew where this was going. "Who was it?"

"Aphell Treygan."

"Shit."

"Aphell's abuse drew the spirit of one of his other victims to her. That spirit was the girl who originally held the power. She lived millennia ago, and Aphell murdered her after he attacked her. No one knew Aphell killed her, of course, but we figured that out along the way. Anyway, she seemed to be attached to Aphell, watching his other victims and waiting for someone to pass her power to."

"What's the power, Samanzah?"

"She can command the army of the ophiotaurus."

Cooper blinked in surprise. "Sweet, adorable little Lilly commands an army of serpent-bull hybrid monsters?" He asked, recalling the myth from his studies of Ancient Greece. "Seriously?" It was hard to imagine.

"Yes, and she probably has no idea yet. They aren't native to Earth... But we found one. That's how we knew the prophecy was coming to life."

"These things kill deities, right?"

"Not exactly. It was believed that burning their entrails would give someone the power to overthrow the Gods."

"So why is this prophecy on your radar? Eltarians don't worship the Greek Gods... From what I gather, most believe in some vague concept of a higher power, or the power of the Universe as an entity."

"The creatures are powerful. If burning its entrails enables one to defeat Gods, that means it basically makes them unstoppable... And that kind of power is a threat to everyone who doesn't have it. Percival and Mezdan want the power for themselves. I imagine Jezzeff does as well, which is why no one's told him the key to that power lies in a little girl."

"You don't seem like a homicidal Coalition member. Why are you mixed up with them?"

Samanzah sighed. "When the Huntress found me, she made me feel like I was worth something... She noticed me."

"So you agreed to join her club?"

"I didn't know anything about the Coalition when I agreed to join. She promised me I'd finally belong somewhere."

"There are better ways to make friends."

"So I've heard... Are you going to turn me in to Keilah and Grayzee?"

"That depends. Are you still a member of the evil Micky Mouse Club?"

"I can't leave. There's no way out."

"There's always a choice, Samanzah. I can tell you don't want any part of the Coalition. Maybe I can get you some help."

She seemed to consider his words for a moment. "Who would help me? Keilah and Grayzee execute Coalition members on sight."

"You're young and clearly want out. Maybe they'd be willing to give you a chance."

"Okay," she agreed. "I'll give it a try."

Cooper was relieved. "Come on, let's get you off the street." He motioned for her to follow him. They nearly made it into the Dojo when Cooper sensed trouble. He moved in front of her, taking a bullet to his shoulder. Three more shots were fired. Two hit him. One didn't.

"Anzella..." Samanzah mumbled as the woman holding the gun came toward them.

"Traitors will not be tolerated," Anzella said firmly. She raised her gun again.

Cooper stubbornly moved in front of Samanzah, holding his kendo stick with his uninjured arm.

"Cooper, go... It's okay," Samanzah said. "Thank you for trying."

"I'm not leaving you," Cooper insisted.

That was when the dragon came. Before Cooper could react, Samanzah was on fire. She screamed in pain. Cooper took off his leather jacket and wrapped it around her as quickly as he could. The flames went out, but he knew the damage was done.

"Well played, Trixie," Anzella said. "Now, for the Power Ranger..."

Cooper braced himself for an attack, but none came. Confused, he looked up and realized a shield of light had wrapped around him, blocking the fire from reaching him.

Patti... Cooper registered. Patti's here. Why is Patti here?

"Is that a dragon?" Stephanie asked.

"I believe so," Lachlan replied. "And a woman with a rather large gun."

Percival Treygan began walking toward them looking as overconfident and arrogant as ever. He was heading straight for Anzella.

"Cooper's really hurt," Patti said nervously.

"Everyone stay together," Charleigh said. "Where's Lex?"

Percival hit Anzella over the head. She fell to the ground unconscious. Cooper watched in confusion as Percival picked up her gun and replied, "Right here." He proceeded to shoot at Trixie the dragon. She flew off in a panic and vanished.

Percival's form vanished as he turned back into Lex. He shuddered. "That made me feel dirty," he said with disgust.

"It was clever," Charleigh replied. "They never saw you coming." She knelt beside Cooper and immediately began tending to his wounds.

"No... The girl... Help Samanzah," Cooper said, motioning toward her and groaning slightly because the movement hurt.

"Cooper..." Charleigh sighed. Dutifully, she checked Samanzah's pulse. She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I can't do anything for her, Cooper. Let me help you."

He didn't fight her. Charleigh had received a decent amount of medical training growing up on Air Force bases. She was perfectly capable of tending to his injuries. Stephanie helped her pull out one of the bullets while Patti clung to his hand. He ignored the pain and focused on breathing through it.

"Most of the bullets went straight through. I don't think there's any permanent damage, but you should still see a healer," Charleigh told him after stitching his wounds closed. "Why the hell didn't you call us in? We're supposed to be a team, Cooper. You can't go taking on the Coalition alone."

"I wasn't planning on it," Cooper replied. "I heard a scared girl on the street and got between her and the guy who made her bleed. It didn't really get out of hand until the shooter and the dragon showed up."

"Are you okay?" Patti asked.

"I'm fine," he replied automatically.

"Who was the girl?" Lachlan asked.

"Samanzah... She told me they're after Lilly DeSantos... You guys need to warn Rocky and Zeke..."

"Why would they target Lilly? She's just a baby," Patti said in horror.

"She's got an affinity they want... Just warn them, okay? They need to protect her." He shook his head. "I convinced Samanzah to let me help her leave the Coalition... The next thing I knew, Anzella was shooting at us."

"They must have known somehow. Either she was followed or they have a Seer," Stephanie said.

"She wasn't evil... She was scared." He shook his head. "I told her I'd help her."

"And you took several bullets for her. I'd say you did more than enough," Lex pointed out.

"I need to go. I have work to do," Cooper said numbly. He started to walk toward the door of the Dojo.

"Cooper, you need a healer," Charleigh said firmly.

"I'm fine. I heal fast. You stitched me up. The rest will happen on its own."

"I can try to help," Lachlan offered. His healing skills were strong.

"I'm fine!" Cooper shouted.

"Listen to your team leader, you stubborn boy!" Tazzan said as he joined them. He had a potion in his hands. He shoved it toward him. "Drink this. It will heal the damage."

Cooper rolled his eyes but took the potion. He downed it in one shot. It burned his throat and tasted worse than anything he'd ever consumed before. Considering the food on Onyx, that was saying something.

"Shit, Tazzan, are you trying to poison me?" Cooper demanded as he struggled not to vomit.

"If only I could get rid of you so easily," Tazzan replied dryly. "I never said it would be pleasant. If you'd listened to Charlotte Leigh and seen a healer or even just let Lachlan assist you, this would not have been necessary."

"Are we done? I've got paperwork."

Tazzan frowned. "Go," he said to the rest of the team. "Cooper, I do believe it's time you show me this Dojo you spend so much time at."

Cooper shrugged, too exhausted to argue. Tazzan followed him into the Dojo. Cooper headed straight to the office and started tackling the paperwork. He said nothing as he made perfect piles on the desk, sorting them carefully, separating them by category and what he'd need to do to complete them. He counted to thirteen, breathing in and out slowly until he reached the magic number and began filling out the first form. The ink in his pen didn't flow right, so he started drawing spirals until it appeared on the page. He kept going until the spiral reached thirteen layers. He took a deep breath and repeated the process, unable to focus on the paperwork. He knew he couldn't stop until he reached thirteen perfect spirals made of thirteen layers each.

"Cooper... I know I am not the most approachable, however..." Tazzan hesitated. "It is clear you are having a harder time than usual. Can I be of assistance?"

Cooper was stunned enough by his words that he stopped. He looked at him in confusion, uncertain what to say in response to the unexpectedly kind words.

"What happened with the Coalition girl was unfortunate," Tazzan said to break the awkward silence. "I understand she was young."

"Samanzah," Cooper replied softly. "Her name was Samanzah."

"Samanzah," Tazzan repeated. "Leopold tells me she was trying to leave the Coalition thanks to your unexpected intervention."

"And it got her killed."

"She was having second thoughts anyway. They would have killed her regardless. At least she made a conscious choice to try to do the right thing before her demise."

"You don't understand, Tazzan. I'm toxic. Everything I touch gets destroyed."

"You're a dramatic one, aren't you? Cooper, listen to me carefully. You cannot control the actions of others, only your own. You are not the cause of every bad thing that happens."

"Why are you trying to convince me it's not my fault? You don't even like me."

"I don't like anyone. That said, I happen to know you have a good heart beneath all of the black you cloak yourself in. Your past is difficult and more complex than many of your teammates. I admit I have been hard on you, but that is because I know what you are capable of. I am trying to get you to the level you need to reach. I do not coddle. That's why Anise asked me to mentor your team."

"Then why are you attempting to be nice to me now?"

"Kindness and coddling are not the same thing. I'm not very good at being kind, Cooper Cates, however today, you are not merely a warrior. You are a boy who is grieving deeply and feels alone in the world... And that, I understand."

"You do?"

"The cousin who tried very hard to take care of me... The boy who read to me and tended to me when I was too sick to get out of bed... The boy I looked up to very much when I was very young became the boy who murdered my older brother in cold blood. It was not an easy thing to wrap my head around. On the one hand, as much as I was reluctant to admit it, I loved Zell. I will deny that if you repeat it, by the way. On the other hand, I knew he was a monster. I wondered if I missed the signs. I blamed myself for trusting him... For not seeing what he was and warning Lee..." He paused as he said his brother's name, and Cooper realized how deep his pain actually ran. Tazzan hid it remarkably well. "My point is, I tried to carry that burden alone. My father and sister knew the truth, but they wouldn't really discuss it. We decided to wait until the time was right to seek justice for Lee... That time never came. I know what it is to grieve so deeply it leaves a hole inside of you, Cooper."

"I didn't expect this from you."

"Of course you didn't. I don't typically express emotions other than rage. That's also something you and I share in common."

"I usually hide my issues better than this... The compulsions are getting worse because of the stress. I'm sorry, Tazzan. I know I should be focusing on finding Dora and Elliot, but... Mr. Davison died, and now this girl was killed in front of me, and... I just..."

"Stop. You do not need to apologize, Cooper. I didn't really understand what your boss meant to you, but you have a right to grieve him. Also, you don't need to worry about Dora and Elliot. Maegus and the Chosen boy, Caleb, have gone after them. Leopold seems quite confident they will return to us soon."

"Finally, some news that doesn't suck," Cooper mumbled. "It's probably better I stayed out of the rescue..."

Tazzan sighed. "Cooper, this has to stop. I'm not going to tell you to speak to Necrolai, or whatever she calls herself now, because I know you won't. I won't even ask you to talk to me, because neither of us is very good at that sort of thing... Just listen. None of this... Not a single bit... Is your fault. You were dealt an incredibly bad hand and did the best you could with the circumstances you found yourself in. The fact that you're not an evil homicidal maniac is a minor miracle given all Dark Specter put you through. I don't say things unless I mean them, so my words are not meaningless reassurances meant to placate you. I haven't told you this before, but I'm quite proud of you."

Cooper was certain he was dreaming. "You are?" He asked skeptically.

"You were molded into a monster's weapon yet maintained your morals. You protect women fiercely, often at the cost of your safety. You have also been an excellent mentor to the rest of your team. As the only experienced Power Ranger, you pick things up quickly and help the others reach the correct level of understanding. You've also done a great deal to help especially Patti and Elliot reach the level of aptitude in physical combat they need to be at. I don't have the patience or the physical endurance for that and Deker seems to intimidate them too much. Without you, I'm certain Patti would still be able to do little more than create a shield to protect the others in a fight."

"Why are you telling me all of this now?"

"You died today, Cooper. Leopold came back in time a few hours to warn me. You stubbornly ignored the signs of your extensive internal injuries and collapsed here, alone in this Dojo. Your coworker Joanna came to check on you when you didn't answer any of her many phone calls and found your corpse."

"Jo... Oh God... I'm an idiot."

"I thought so, too, until I saw the shape you were in when we entered the Dojo. You're hurting, Cooper... More than I realized. I suppose I'm not a very good mentor. I tried to tell Anise that a year ago, but the girl is stubborn and insisted I was the best man for the job."

"You are actually a good mentor, Tazzan," Cooper admitted. "You get us where we need to be... You're just not good at the personal side of things, but Anise was right. We didn't need that last year. We needed someone focused who wouldn't baby us or most of us would have gotten ourselves killed by now."

Tazzan actually smiled briefly. Until that moment, Cooper hadn't been sure he knew how to do that. "I suppose you and I are both a bit too hard on ourselves. Now... What do you need from me in this moment?"

"I think you just gave it to me," Cooper replied. "I needed to hear all of that from someone who wouldn't just say it to make me feel better."

"Did it help?"

"A little."

"That's a start." Tazzan touched Cooper and seemed to read his energy. "You are physically healed, which was my only intention when I came here. That, and I planned to scold you for your blatant stupidity, however I see now that was the wrong reaction. If you don't require anything further..."

"I'm okay," Cooper promised. "Not great, but not nearly as bad as I was. I promise not to go getting myself killed tonight."

"Good." Tazzan nodded and walked toward the door. He paused as he reached it and turned back toward Cooper. "If you do need me, you may call me. I'll even try not to snap at you for it." He offered a slight smirk and Cooper realized Tazzan did actually have a sense of humor beneath all of that rage.

The world may end tonight, he thought.

"Thanks, Tazzan," he said.

Tazzan left without another word. Cooper went back to his paperwork. This time, he was able to focus on it without his OCD going into overdrive.

RYGANO
He was holding Levi in his arms as they lay in bed when he sensed something unexpected. Although Levi had begun to remember who he truly was, being Azzian still haunted him, and he refused to see anyone other than Rygano and Keilah. Most people still had no idea he was alive. Amoz knew, but he was giving his older brother the space he desperately needed to cope with everything Rinton and Aphell had put him through. Rygano wasn't sure if Amoz had told their brother Jotez yet, considering he was still emotionally fragile.

The presence he sensed did not vanish. Rygano slipped out of bed after gently kissing his sleeping lover's forehead. He stepped out of the safe house where he and Levi lived in secret and looked toward the edge of the property. He could hardly believe his eyes as he spotted someone standing there.

"Grandmother..." He whispered in surprise.

T'Dania's eyes widened as she saw him. She smiled, and the joy on her face was enough to make Rygano approach her.

"You're alive," they said in unison.

She laughed. "Oh, my precious grandson!" She cried in joy. She wrapped her arms around him, and for a moment, Rygano felt like a child again. Those arms were safe. His father never harmed him or his siblings in front of their grandmother. She wouldn't have stood for it.

"I had hoped I was right... I figured as long as Rinton survived you did as well, but when your brother perished, I worried what became of you," she said as she released him.

"Grandmother, I am pleased to see you survived," Rygano began. "Where have you been for all this time?"

"I have been many places, ultimately including here on Eltar. I never sensed you here before, however."

"I returned last year..." He didn't elaborate. Rygano and Levi had gone through the files of every single Peacekeeper and member of the Guard and evaluated who was corrupt and who was trustworthy. They'd remained hidden while helping Keilah restructure both groups. T'Dania would probably not approve, but might forgive him working with Keilah because she was half-Treygan... His love of Levi, however, would enrage her. She despised the Yizaks more than anyone else.

My own twin already took everything from Levi... I cannot allow my grandmother to find out about him, Rygano thought. He loved his grandmother, but he'd failed Levi once. He'd never do it again.

"What troubles you, my darling?" T'Dania asked warmly.

"Life has been a bit difficult, Grandmother," he admitted. "It warms my heart to see you here, however."

She nodded. "I know what became of the family... Your parents, sweet little Malavez, poor Blissandra who I never got to meet... I know Renessa perished, but she has no grave marker..."

"She has one on Nozann," Rygano admitted. "Captain Farmell buried her."

"Why would the Nozann men bury your sister?"

"I did not know it then, but I have it on good authority that..." He paused. He couldn't say it.

"Tell me, Rygano. It's alright."

"They found her, beaten and brutalized... Father left a note saying a Nozann man had been with her and she was nothing but a..." He shook his head. Millennia later, it still hurt. Rinton had gone along with their father's lie that Nozann soldiers had killed their older sister, but when Rygano confronted him and asked if it had been their father, he'd admitted the truth to him. They never told Malavez and Blissandra the truth. They were too young. That horror was a secret burden the twins carried on their own. Levi had finally told him what became of Renessa's body years later on Eltar.

"Your father killed my sweet granddaughter?" T'Dania asked in disgust. She shook her head. Rygano could sense her grief, but she remained externally strong. "His father ruined him... I was gone for a year and when I returned, so much had changed... He was just a boy. He needed his mother..."

"Father never spoke of his father," Rygano admitted. He had to admit he wondered what sort of man had raised the monster he'd called a father.

"That's because I killed him, my darling," T'Dania said as casually if she were discussing the weather.

Rygano's eyes widened in surprise. "Why?" He asked softly.

"Nozann soldiers abducted my sister and I when your father was fourteen," she explained tonelessly. Her eyes were haunted as she continued. "They did unspeakable things to us. I shall spare you the details, my darling. You are too pure of heart to carry them in your mind. Nearly a year later, my sister was killed, and I escaped. When I returned, your grandfather labeled me a whore. He hit me. I reacted, and I put an end to that vile man once and for all. Your father told the B'Deston Military he was killed by Nozann soldiers who followed me when I escaped. I chose not to contradict him."

"I had no idea... I am terribly sorry for what they did to you, Grandmother."

"It's alright, my darling. It made me stronger. I shall never be powerless again." She took a deep breath, which seemed to center her.

Rygano put a gentle hand on her shoulder. She gripped it with her own hand, smiling at him reassuringly. "You are in hiding," she observed. "This property is powerfully warded."

"Yes," he admitted.

"I will not reveal your location, Rygano. I simply ask that you allow me to visit with you occasionally."

"I can't let you onto the property because of the wards."

"That's alright. Just standing here beside you, on the property's edge, is more than enough. I just need to remember there is some good left in the family line." She sighed. "I know what a horrific, vile creature Aphell was, and I suspect Rinton became rather evil himself. I tolerate Percival because he does not target children and he is not a rapist. He is by no means good, however he is a better man than his older brother was. I'm not especially attached to him, but he has not given me a reason to eliminate him yet... I fear we have far too many monsters in our line, my darling Rygano. I am going to snuff them out."

He was surprised. "You intend to kill off the Treygan line?" He asked.

"Not all of the line. I know your heart is pure, and I'm told your children and their descendants are forces of Good as well. I will not harm them. I met Keilah recently... She is a delight! She reminds me a bit of myself. I was surprised she came from Rinton's line, especially through Aphell's offspring. I know she is tainted by Yizak blood, but she's really rather wonderful, don't you agree?"

"I do."

"Keilah is a blessing upon our blemished family line. I believe she is our future."

"So you won't harm her?"

"Of course not. If she chooses to stand in my way, I shall simply work around her."

"Grandmother... Aside from wiping out our less trustworthy relatives, what else do you intend to do?"

"Eliminate the rest of the Farmells and Yizaks, aside from Keilah."

His chest ached. He couldn't let her discover Levi now. She would never understand...

"Hanry Yizak and Jinnifer Farmell are good people, Grandmother," he said softly.

"I have heard that... And I do admire Jinnifer's refusal to sit on the sidelines simply because she is a woman... However, much of the Farmell line is tainted, and it is a risk to allow any of them to continue to draw breath. I shall spare the children... I do not kill little ones, especially girls. Perhaps if they are raised by better people, there will be hope for them. Of course, I made that mistake before... And that is why I must destroy the Rebellion of Eltar."

"The Rebellion is disbanded."

"That does not erase their past crimes or resurrect their innocent victims. They must perish, Rygano... Especially Garron."

"Garron is dead, from what I understand."

"Yes, however, he walks the Earth in a physical form. He must be destroyed once and for all. Then perhaps I can rest..."

"What did Garron do, Grandmother?"

"He took something irreplaceable from me... And I shall take everything from him to make him pay for that."

He felt a chill at her words. "I love you, Grandmother, and I am grateful you live, however, I cannot support murder."

"I know, my darling. You are so like my sister was... I understand you do not approve of what I must do, and I accept that. I love you very much, Rygano. I'm incredibly proud of you for keeping your heart in a heartless universe. When I can finally rest, I hope you will allow me to remain in your life."

"If you give up this crusade, you would be welcome here now."

"I wish I could, my darling grandson... However, I made a promise long ago, and I must keep it." She kissed his forehead. With that, she vanished into thin air. Were it not for the sensation of her kiss lingering on his skin, Rygano would wonder if she'd really been there at all.

He took a moment to compose himself before walking into the house. Levi met him at the door.

"What troubles you, Rygano?" He asked softly.

"Don't worry," Rygano replied. "All is well."

"I thought we agreed not to lie to one another, Ry."

"My apologies... You're right. It seems..." Rygano sighed. Levi's mental state was still fragile and he was afraid of pushing him over the edge. "My Grandmother lives."

"How unexpected... Are you pleased or upset?"

"A bit of both. As a boy, I adored my grandmother. She doted on us, and Father never dared harm us in her presence... However, it seems she is on a mission to destroy the Farmells and the Yizaks, and she is also looking to wipe out the former Rebellion members." He shook his head. "She especially hates your family, Levi. I'm terrified of what she'll do if she learns of your existence, or of our love."

"So the rivalry between our families goes back that far..." Levi shook his head. "Is she strong?"

"Incredibly... Probably more than I realize."

"She could turn me back into your family's assassin... I could be forced to... To be him again."

"My love..." Rygano took Levi's hands and looked into his eyes. "Azzian is dead. You are Levi Yizak, the founder of the Peacekeepers, and you are safe."

"Rygano..." Levi whimpered. He had tears in his eyes.

Rygano wrapped his arms around him, holding him close and kissing him intensely. "Shhhh, my love..." He said softly against Levi's lips after a few moments before pulling his face away slightly. "I am here with you, and no one will ever make you do those things again... That nightmare is over, Levi. I promise you." He kissed away the tears on Levi's cheeks.

Levi pulled him closer again, pressing his lips against Rygano's and refusing to break for air. His desperation was clear and Rygano knew he was clinging to him to try and forget the horrors of his life as Azzian. Levi deepened the kiss, his fingers digging into Rygano's shoulders as he squeezed them. Rygano allowed him to take the lead, knowing this was sometimes the only thing that kept Levi from losing his mind.

As Levi moved on to far more intimate acts, Rygano focused only on the joy it brought his heart every time he felt his beloved like that. After believing Levi was dead for so many millennia, Rygano sometimes needed the reminder that he was alive and they were reunited with no one to tear them apart.

As Levi finally collapsed beside him afterward, Rygano couldn't help but think, Rinton is gone and cannot take him away from me this time... But Grandmother can. I must protect him... At any cost.

ELLIOT
Relief filled his heart as Tommi began to stir. Her eyes landed on Trini first. "Trin..." She mumbled.

"I'm here, Tommi. It's okay," Trini reassured her as she helped her sit up.

"Look who's awake!" Zack said cheerfully. He gave Tommi a tight hug.

"Alpha, check her vital signs," Zordon said.

Alpha checked her quickly. "Tommi's vitals are strong. I expect her to make a full recovery," he reported.

"How are you feeling?" Kimberly asked.

"I'm really confused..." Tommi admitted.

"Do you remember anything?" Jason asked.

"Bits and pieces. It was like this thing took over and was draining me... I didn't know what to do, and I could barely see what was happening around me... It was like watching a movie, but with really bad reception. Everything was choppy and blurry, and I kept hearing this cackling... I just kept trying to fight it... I realized it was trying to hurt my friends, and Trini, and I couldn't let that happen..." She shook her head.

"You were possessed by the Witch," Billy explained. "Like a parasite, she fed on you and was going to take over your life once she consumed you, but then Dora died and knocked her out of you, and then she un-died... Like me, not like a zombie. She was resurrected. Anyway, the point is, you're okay now, right?"

"Was I dreaming, or did I use a bunch of donuts as projectiles in the middle of Krispy Kreme?" Tommi asked.

"Oh my. The Witch does get creative at times," Maegus said with a chuckle.

"Elliot called her Evianna, and I joined in," Dora explained.

"Good thinking, Lad!" Maegus said.

"Thanks," Elliot replied awkwardly.

"Oh man... I'm going to be banned from Krispy Kreme for life!" Tommi said in horror.

"No worries, Lass. A basic memory modification spell should make it right," Maegus promised.

"Thanks, um... Have we met? My memory's awful without anyone modifying it."

"That's something you share in common with our Tommy Oliver," Caleb said with a laugh. "I'm Caleb, and that's Maegus. Dora's my cousin. We came to help."

"It's nice to meet you," Tommi replied cheerfully.

"Tommi... I'm so sorry about what happened," Elliot said.

She shrugged and smiled at him. "It's not your fault, Elliot," she replied. "She was a stowaway, not a hitchhiker you willingly brought here."

"But she could have killed you, and she made you attack Trini and-"

"And wasted a bunch of perfectly good donuts, which is truly a crime," Tommi joked. She kissed Trini before adding, "I tried to stop her from hurting you. She wanted to cut you a lot deeper... But I'm so sorry I hurt you, Trin..." She traced the cut on Trini's throat with her trembling index finger.

"You didn't. That psycho did. I'm okay, Tommi," Trini insisted. "Zack stitched me up pretty well. Replace my shirt and we'll call it even."

"I love you..."

"I know, and I love you, too. I'm not mad, okay? But if you keep kicking yourself for this, I will be."

"Understood."

"Good."

"I should be able to heal that for you, Lass," Maegus said.

"Cool. Scars don't bother me, but the millions of questions my mom will ask and the inevitable demand that I pee in a cup will," Trini replied.

"Pee in a cup?" Caleb repeated in confusion.

"Her mom swears she's on drugs," Tommi explained.

As Maegus healed Trini, Elliot saw how relieved Tommi looked. Without the scar constantly reminding them of what had happened, he knew they'd be okay.

He stole a glance at Dora to reassure himself she was safe and alive again.

Zack took Elliot's hand subtly and led him away from the others. "Dude... You need to tell Dora," he said.

"How did you figure it out?" Elliot asked.

"Your reaction when she died," Zack explained. "I know what it's like to be terrified of losing the person you love the most. My mom's really sick. She's dying, and any day could be her last... And the idea of living in a world without her makes me react exactly the way you did when Dora died. Mom's come close a few times. I hit the point you did."

"I'm sorry about your mom."

"Thanks, but this isn't about me. If Dora means that much to you, you've gotta tell her, Bro."

"I can't... It's-"

"Complicated. You said that. So un-complicate it, Dude."

"I traveled to another future, we fell in love, and she died... For real. I lost her. And she didn't experience any of that. She never lived in that reality, but it's incredibly real to me. How am I supposed to tell her I fell in love with her in a future that never happened and never will?"

Zack's eyes widened. He whistled. "You're right... That is complicated," he admitted. "Still, Bro... If you love her as much as you clearly do, you should make a move. She loved you in that future... It stands to reason she'll love you in this reality, too."

Elliot sighed. "I'm scared."

"Of rejection? Or of losing her again?"

"Both."

"When my mom got sick, I tried to avoid seeing her like that. I'd hide in the mountains, just refusing to go home... But that was a waste of the time we have left. Now, I don't do that anymore. I just treasure any time we have together and do my best to take care of her. Tomorrow isn't promised. You obviously know that... So make sure you don't waste whatever time you've got."

Elliot nodded, impressed by Zack's wise words. Scared or not, he shouldn't waste this second chance. Most people never got that. The girl he loved was alive. He could get it right this time. "I'll try," he said.

"Good. You've got this, Bro! I'm sure you guys will make a really cute couple."

Elliot smiled at him. "Thanks, Zack. I appreciate it."

As they walked back to the others, Maegus said, "It's nearly time for us to head home."

"What about modifying everyone's memories of what happened at Krispy Kreme?" Dora asked.

Maegus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He snapped his fingers before opening his eyes and smiling.

"Done," he replied.

"Done?" Jason repeated.

"But all you did was snap your fingers," Billy protested.

"Maegus is a very powerful Wizard," Caleb explained.

"I once snapped a man out of existence briefly because he was causing unnecessary trouble among Zell's minions," Maegus added cheerfully. "Briefly," he repeated innocently when the others stared at him.

"Remind me not to get on your bad side," Kimberly joked.

"Impossible, Lass," Maegus replied. "You're far too lovely a girl to end up there."

"How do we ensure there's no further trouble from your world?" Zordon asked in an annoyed tone.

"Ah, yes," Maegus replied. "Elliot, I require a drop of your blood."

"Of course," Elliot replied.

Maegus pricked his finger and performed a quick spell. "Once Elliot leaves, he will be sealed out of this realm for good," Maegus explained.

"So we won't see you guys again?" Billy asked sadly.

"Not in this realm," Maegus replied. "Perhaps one day, the Morphin' Grid will reunite you."

"I'm not a hugger. I don't hug... But I'm going to miss you guys."

"We'll miss you, too," Elliot replied.

"Yeah, this place is a trip," Dora added.

"Well, I am a hugger," Kimberly said. She hugged them both tightly. "Good luck!"

Jason hugged them, too. "We won't forget you," he promised.

"Thanks for saving my girlfriend," Trini said as she gave Elliot and Dora quick hugs.

"I owe you guys," Tommi added. She hugged them both at once and refused to let go for a minute. When she released Elliot, she hugged Dora alone. "I don't know how to thank you," she said.

"We caused the issue to begin with," Dora pointed out.

"Without you, I'd have been consumed by that evil, dark Witch and there would have been no saving me. If I can ever help you, just reach out and tell me how."

"Deal," Dora agreed. She patted Alpha on the back. "Stay cool, Alpha."

"I'll do my best," Alpha replied.

"Thanks for your help, Alpha," Elliot said. "And thank you for trying to work with us, Zordon," he added respectfully.

"Get some anger management, Zordon," Dora said with a laugh. "But we appreciate that you let your Rangers help us."

"Of course. Now go back where you belong," Zordon replied.

"Stay crazy, Dora," Zack said as he hugged her. "You're awesome! Don't ever change."

"You're pretty cool yourself, Zack," Dora replied.

"Remember what I said, Elliot." Zack hugged him. Very softly, he added, "Now, go home, kiss that girl, and be happy. Good luck!"

"Take care of your mom," Elliot replied. "And take care of yourself. You're a good guy, Zack. I'm really glad I got to meet you."

"Same." Zack gave him a fist bump as Maegus opened up the portal.

"This spell will move us through time, and from there, we should be able to reach our realm," Maegus explained.

As the Power Rangers of the strange realm from 2017 waved goodbye to them, Maegus, Caleb, Dora, and Elliot entered the portal. They stayed close together as they moved forward in time.

When they stopped, Maegus tapped the ground three times with his staff. This sent the portal up into the air. "Hold on to something," Maegus advised.

They moved very high before the portal rapidly began falling toward the ground. Maegus held onto Caleb to keep him steady. Dora let out a shriek of surprise and practically jumped into Elliot's arms. He held her close, keeping her safe as the portal opened and spit them out on the ground. Elliot broke Dora's fall.

"Is everyone okay?" Maegus asked.

"I'm fine," Caleb replied.

Dora was still in Elliot's arms as he lay on his back, holding her on top of him. She smiled at him. "Thanks," she said as she moved off of him and helped him to his feet. "We're good," she announced.

"Excellent! I suspect Caius is anxiously awaiting your return," Maegus said. "Let's get you three home."

Home, Elliot thought. As they arrived at the Grant house, he realized their latest strange journey was finally over.

"Thank goodness you've returned safely," Caius greeted them. He hugged Dora and Caleb, but allowed Elliot the space he probably knew he needed. "I was expecting your arrival and ordered takeout for dinner. Maegus, please join us. I'll put on some tea."

"That sounds lovely, Caius," Maegus replied.

Dora immediately went to her cats, who surrounded her eagerly and demanded her attention. As Elliot watched her, he made a silent decision.

I'll keep my word to Zack and tell her I have feelings for her, he vowed. Somehow, I'll find the strength. Zack's right. Our time together is precious, and I'm done wasting it.

They were home, in the right time. The Witch was out of the realm she'd had no business being in to begin with. Tommi was safe. Everything was back on track. He had to stop grieving Dora and everyone else he'd lost in the future when they were all alive and right in front of him. Elliot knew it was time to move forward and live in the moment.