Your Turn 7
"You just don't give up, do you?" Decker said and he and Jayden fought.
"You little...nobody, and I mean NOBODY hurts my friends," he growled, slashing at Decker.
With his rage and determination, Jayden kept fighting. Just as Decker was about to unleash his full power, a vine wrapped around him from nowhere, making him unable to move.
A very beat up Emily struck him from behind, sending him sprawling across the ground.
"Yellow Ranger," he said, facing her, "I see now my destiny is tied to you both. I will duel you soon. Beware, rangers. Beware."
On that happy note, he vanished. The others, now recovered, rushed to their two friends.
"Jayden, are you alright, buddy?" Mike and Kevin asked as one, steading their exhausted friend.
"Yeah," Jayden said, "I need some serious rest, but I can make home alright."
"You were amazing," Wesley said as he helped him stay on his feet, "now, slowly. You've had enough excitement for one..."
"Emily!" Jayden said suddenly, going toward the two girls.
"You were amazing," Mia said to her friend, "just...whoa!"
"Yeah," Emily panted, collapsing in her arms.
Jayden took her, stumbled backwards once, and set her on her feet. She was unconscience, so her head hung down as her arms dangled. The only thing keeping her on her feet was Jayden.
He turned around and shifted her on his back.
"Jay," Wesley said, "I know you enjoy doing that, but you're not much better off than she is. One of us will carry..."
"I've got this," he cut in, starting to walk.
Well, he was almost there when he stumbled for the billionth time and fell forward, nearly falling completely on his feet. He dropped to his knees and fell face down on the gravel about three seconds later.
Mike decided to carry Emily as Wesley and Kevin hauled Jayden along. Back at their home, Jayden and Emily both slept in their beds as the other told Mentor J what happened.
"This will be dangerous for both of them," he said, stroking his chin, "but I've got a feeling both are strong enough to handle it."
"Ditto," Mike agreed, "but why just them?"
"Well," Mentor said, "I'd better tell you when all of you are here."
Meanwhile, Jayden was stirring. He opened his eyes just as Mike and Wesley came in.
"Glad you're awake," Wesley said.
"You did well," Mike added.
"Well, I couldn't protect her from all the danger Decker put upon her," Jayden said, "but she handled it very well. She's stronger than I thought before, smarter, and faster. I have a feeling she'll be alright."
"Yeah, and now you have a friend to battle Mr. Happy-Happy," Mike said, "I'm nearly jealous."
Rolling his eyes, Jayden sat up as Wesley said, "You're my old friend, and I know you can handle it. Emily will be able to do so as well. But you really should work on protecting her as well as yourself. You must learn to work as a duo."
"Yeah, that'll take a little work," Jayden said, "a six team is easier because your trust is not all on one."
"I'm pretty sure I know where you're coming from," Mike said, "but you need to take it easy for a few days. You just battled Decker, for cryin' out loud. You deserve it."
"You know you guys are awesome, right?" Jayden grinned.
As the trio discussed multiple topics, Kevin and Mia entered Emily's room together as she opened her eyes.
"How are you doing, Emily?" Mia asked her friend as she sat up.
"Better," she said, "how about you?"
"We're fine," Kevin said, "and Jayden's talking."
"That's good," Emily nodded her head.
"You know you were rockin' out there," Kevin said as the two sat on the edge of her bed.
"Well," Emily blushed.
"You sure have been taking a lot of heat recently," Mia said, "I don't think I could withstand all of that."
"I'm not sure how I am," Emily admitted, "I mean, the whole you-turning-evil thing was a dream, but with all this evil suddenly on me, it makes no sense."
"Maybe you have a special power," a voice said.
Wesley, Mike, and Jayden came in, Jayden with an arm around Wesley for support.
"Me? No," Emily said, her cheeks roses.
"Oh, but maybe," Mike said.
"You're full of surprises," Wesley grinned.
"Emily, I'm not really sure why you're so strong lately," Jayden said, "but I knew you had a bit of it in you. Our team's secrets we may not even know we have are really complected."
"I guess we'll find out someday," Kevin shrugged.
"For now, let's just recover," Mia said.
"Yeah. I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready for a little fun as we recover," Mike said.
"Well, let's do it tomorrow," Wesley said, "tonight, all I want is to shower and get a good night's sleep."
Everybody, even Mike, agreed on that. Once they'd all gotten cleaned up, they settled down in their beds. All of them were asleep pretty much as soon as their heads met the pillows. All but Jayden.
He thought about how he was going to mostly be working with Emily. She was a fierce kid, and, even though she was younger, she was the sparkle in his eyes.
Jayden rose silently and crept into the girls' room. Mia was asleep, in a deep dream, and so was Emily. She could now sleep in peace now that Decker was gone. He leaned down beside her and smiled at her. So cute. So innocent.
"You and I are going to be an amazing team," he muttered in her ear, "and we're going to win it."
He quickly kissed her cheek before exiting. But, just before he left, he heard Emily mutter, "We sure will, Jay."
