The Hellhound's Secret

The Storm Before the Calm, Part II

"I've set the self-destruct mechanism on the ship's bridge, sir," Choobo announced, waltzing into the main room. "Just like you ordered."

"Excellent," said Lothor, approvingly.

"Planning on blowing yourself up, Lothor?" Kali asked, appearing in the middle of the room. "Because, if you are, then you'll save a lot of trouble for the Rangers."

Lothor sneered and held out his hand. "Did you bring it?" he asked.

Kali reached into her pocket and pulled the Samurai Amulet out by its cord. She hesitated and then jostled it into her palm, causing it to expand and then handing it to Lothor.

"Perfect. Well done," said Lothor, beaming at the amulet. He led Kali over to the main console, hit a small button on the side and set the amulet on a podium that rose out of the middle.

Kali watched as a green glow surrounded the amulet.

"It's draining it off all the good energy it contains," Lothor explained, looking at Kali. She was watching the Amulet closely. "You will be able to use it more freely without any barriers preventing you. Tell me, what was my nephew's face like when he realised your deception?"

Kali gaze hardened as it met his. "What does it matter?" she asked.

"It doesn't," Lothor replied. "But humour me."

"I'd rather not."

Lothor smirked. "Those human attachments, Hellhound, will be your downfall," he said. "It would be better if you just released those, like I am doing to the amulet. Then, and only then, will you be able to fully embrace your dark side."

Folding her arms, Kali glared and then looked away. She had no intention of fully embracing her dark side. This was a one-time thing and only because she needed to do it in order to stop Lothor. Once she had, she would go back to being the neutral party that she was.

"Wait, Uncle, what about us?" Marah asked.

"What about you?" Lothor asked, his voice darker as he turned to his nieces.

"Well, now that we're really evil, don't we get to play a part in your ultimate victory?" Kapri asked.

"Now that you're really evil, I suppose I can't really trust you, can I?" Lothor sneered. "You were a little too enthusiastic when you were plotting with Shimazu against me!"

"But, Uncle, you told us to do that," Marah protested.

"Remember? We were all in it together to trick Vexacus into trying to get rid of your generals," said Kapri.

Lothor nodded. "Yes. We had to make sure the Abyss was at maximum capacity," he said. Before grinning. "But, you know, there's always room for two more. Choobo!"

Choobo ambled towards Marah and Kapri. "Kelzaks!" he ordered, as a swarm of them surrounded the two girls, hauling them to their feet. "Take them away."

Kali watched as Marah and Kapri were dragged from the room, amidst their cries and protests. She couldn't help but feel a little twinge of guilt for them.

~X~

Kali watched the Earth spin from the window on the bridge. She had left the main room for a second, simply to clear her thoughts and to rid herself of Lothor. While she had agreed to help him, she didn't think it would be this hard, and her mind kept jumping back to her friends on Earth.

Had they had found Cam yet? Had they found Sensei? Had the potion worked? Since the start of her time as a Ninja in training, she had got Claire to work on a reversal potion for Sensei. They had put it on hold when Cam had tried his Amulet, but the trials had restarted when he failed. In all honesty, Kali didn't think they were going to succeed anyway. But she had hope.