Legacy Rangers (Book Two of the Chosen Universe)

Chapter Fourteen

ANGELINE

She was practicing combat magic when Merkhet walked into the room. "I need you, my dear," she said.

That was never good. "What do you need?" Angie asked.

"Send a monster to attack the Pink and Blue Rangers."

Angie stiffened. "Why those two? They're defenseless. They're no threat."

"They are vulnerable. If we destroy them, it will destroy the others, who are threats."

Angie wasn't sure what to do. She knew the Power Rangers were her enemies, but Josh and Kenny were her friends, and they were the only Rangers with no powers. "It seems like a waste to me. It's hardly a fair fight."

"My dear, we come from darkness and shadows. We do not have to play 'fair.' We fight to win."

"Yes, but-"

"Do as I say, Child!" Merkhet snapped.

"I am not a child! I am a sorceress. I am also the Princess of the great empire of Empress Rita and Lord Zedd and I am to be respected. Isn't that what you're always telling everyone?"

Merkhet glared at her. "Of course, Princess. Please excuse my earlier tone. Come. It's time for you to see your parents again."

Angie hated that she was excited by those words. She couldn't reach out to her parents without Merkhet's help. She hardly ever allowed her to see them, but when she did, it gave Angie a piece of herself back. Good or evil, they were her family, and like a child, Angie desperately wanted to be close to them.

"Will I ever be able to meet them in person?" She asked.

"I cannot send you into their prison realm. You come purely from them. You would become trapped forever," Merkhet reminded her.

"My siblings can come and go."

"They are halflings, Angeline. They come from your father's darkness, yes, but they also have the light of the former Yellow Ranger inside of them. You, on the other hand, are pure darkness. That prison was created to specifically trap both of your parents. Don't fret, Child. They will soon be free. We are steadily weakening their prison. That is why your parents are growing so much stronger. You will be reunited with your family, but only if you continue to help me. Now..." She cast her spell and the mirror connected to Angie's parents.

"Angeline!" Her mother cried in delight. "How are you, my dear one?"

"Hi, Mom," Angie said, the sight of her pulling on her heart. "My Lord," she added with a bow. Her father demanded that level of respect at all times.

Her father nodded at her. "Angeline." His greeting was emotionless. "Tell me, have you destroyed the Power Rangers yet?"

"I have a plan, Lord Zedd," Merkhet said. "Unfortunately, your daughter disagrees with it."

Angie stared at her. Had she really just ratted her out to her parents? "Angeline, Merkhet is a trusted adviser to our empire! Do as she says," her father said.

"I... I do not agree that her plan is a strong one," Angie said nervously. Her father was trapped in another realm, but his power still radiated when he was angry. Angie had lived with enough angry foster parents to know she didn't want to be on the other end of his wrath.

"Ugh! Teenagers!" Her father said. He looked at Merkhet. "Go on. Get her in line."

"Zeddy, no!" Her mother protested. "She will see things our way if we just reason with her."