The Hellhound's Return

Heir Apparent, Part II

"You shouldn't have done that," said Leanbow, shaking his head.

Kali tensed. "They've found us," she said, looking up as an explosion obliterated a nearby mountain top.

~X~

"I'm sending you back to Root core," said Leanbow, looking down at his wife.

"Oh, no. No, I don't want to lose you again," said Udonna, shaking her head.

Leanbow pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You're in no condition to fight," he said.

"For once, we agree," said Nick. "Send her." He turned back to Kali and held out his hand, pulling her from the rock and under his arm again. "Stay close," he whispered.

"Like I have a choice," Kali replied.

As Udonna disappeared the skies above turned black and storm clouds rolled in from every direction. Kali sucked in a breath as she felt the air in her body turned to ice, and she bit back a groan, burying her head into Nick's shoulder.

"There you are," Imperious laughed as he arrived, accompanied by Necrolai and Chimera.

Leanbow growled and turned to face the trio.

"Get them, Chimera!" Imperious ordered.

"My pleasure!" Chimaera roared.

"Prepare yourselves!" Leanbow warned. He clenched his fists and then reeled back, clutching his head and screaming in pain. He stumbled away from the team and his ancient mystic armour returned.

Nick pushed Kali behind him and reached for his Morpher. "Kali, stay back!" he warned her. "The rest of you are with me. Let's do it!"

"Magical Source, Mystic Force!"

Kali watched as her friends morphed and raced off to face the Chimera. She watched as they were each thrown around like rag dolls, and hated herself more and more for not being able to help. She had never felt like a burden, but right now she was the biggest burden in History.

As her friends dealt with Chimera, Necrolai wandered over to where Leanbow lay panting. "I always knew you couldn't be trusted," she said, gripping his face and forcing him to look at her.

Imperious laughed.

"Come! You have an appointment with the Master!"

Necrolai swept her cloak around herself and prepared to return to the Underworld, only to stop as a black ball of energy collided with her wing. She snarled and turned to see Kali standing nearby.

"Ha! Look at you," said Necrolai, mockingly. "I could swat you like a bug. Why don't you just be a good little ranger and sit this one out?"

Kali shook her head and tried to focus on getting her bearings. "I may not be able to fight Chimera," she said. "But I should have enough energy to fight you. You let him go! I'm more valuable."

Necrolai hesitated and glanced at Imperious. Kali had a point. Delivering the Hellhound to the Master was surely better than Leanbow; but then, maybe she could deliver both?

"Necrolai, stop wasting time," said Imperious. "I'll deal with the Hellhound."

Kali stared at Necrolai. "Best run along, little vampire," she mocked. "Wouldn't want to upset the hand that feeds you."

The Queen bared her fangs and hissed. She then re-tightened her hold on Leanbow and disappeared with him.

"We don't need him anyway!" said Nick, reaching for his magi staff and launching himself at the Chimera. The creature deflected and blasted Nick through the air.