The Hellhound's Return

Stranger Within, Part II

"Guys, I know you think you need to do this, but I'm alright. Please, let me out," Vida pleaded.

"We're going to help you, V," Chip assured her. "I promise."

Vida heaved a heavy sigh and looked around at the others. She was confined within a circle of vampire chalk at Root core, as the others looked on concerned and confused.

"Maybe... you should let her out," said Claire.

Vida snarled and lunged for the Claire.

"And maybe you shouldn't," Claire trembled.

"I don't get it," said Maddie, walking a few feet away. "If Flytrap was destroyed, Vida should be fine. She must be under the spell of another vampire."

"The only other vampire we know of is Necrolai," said Kali. "And, to be honest, I didn't think her venom would've been potent enough to change someone. She's been trapped underground for almost nineteen years."

"Koragg would know if it's her," said Xander.

Chip turned quickly to Nick. "Koragg seems to be able to contact you whenever he likes," he said. "Have you ever tried to contact him?"

"No," Nick said, shaking his head.

"Could you try?" Maddie asked.

Nick glanced at Kali as he hesitated. She looked like she wanted to tell him not to do it, but he knew she wouldn't as it meant helping Vida. "I can try," he said. He turned away and pressed his fingers to his temple while closing his eyes.

There was a split-second pause before Nick sighed and shook his head. "I guess it doesn't -" he broke off as he grabbed his head, cringing in pain.

"Nick!" Kali said, grabbing his arm.

Nick panted hard as the pain in his head subsided "Next time, Chip, you can call him yourself," he said. "He's in the Glen."

"While you go after Koragg, there is something I need to do," said Udonna.

As Udonna left Maddie turned to Vida. "Who's going to stay with V?" she asked.

"I think you should," said Kali. "She may be your sister, but you're also less likely to fall for any tricks she may pull."

"But I want to help save her."

Kali shrugged. "It was only a suggestion, you don't have to do it," she said. "Like I said last time; no one would hold it against you if you wanted to sit this one out."

"I'm okay," said Maddie, although Kali could hear the unsure hesitation in her tone.

"Someone still needs to stay with her," said Xander.

"I'll do it," Claire offered.

The rangers hesitated.

"Claire, she'll try everything and anything to get you to release her," said Xander. "You sure you're up for it?"

"Don't worry. I'm a lot smarter than I look," said Claire.

Kali awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck.

"Or - never mind," said Claire, realising what she had said. "I'll be fine. I promise."

"If something doesn't feel right, or you're unsure about something, you call us, alright?" Kali said. "One of us will come back."

Claire nodded.

"Wait," said Nick, glancing around Root core. "Where's Chip?"

~X~