Zordon's Power Legacy #12: Samurai Forever
"Samurai...
What is the true meaning behind 'Samurai'? Is it about the warriors, who challenged and fight their opponents? Is it about the warriors, who embraced their courage and wisdom to overcome the odds? Is it about the warriors, who served their masters and nobles only? Is it about the warriors, who upheld their code of Bushido? Is it about the warriors, who fight till the end or death?
The true meaning behind 'Samurai' means to serve and protect faithfully. And yes, whether it's nobles or peasants, it is the samurais' duty to serve and protect them from harm and danger. And it was not just courage and wisdom that make them a samurai, but compassion and honor.
And sometimes, samurai can be known as heroes for doing the right deed. This same goes to the Power Rangers. They served and protect the world; with their courage, wisdom, compassion, honor and hope. They served the best example of being samurais. They are indeed heroes."
Zordon, the First Mentor and Founder of Power Rangers...
Shiba Manor, 2013,
Mentor Ji was at his dojo. He looked peaceful and calm. While listening to his traditional Japanese songs, he was patiently and calmly cutting bonsai tree's leaves and branches off. Spending for two hours of cutting it, he stopped at once. He looked carefully at his bonsai. It looked good and beautiful. He smiled happily.
"So, peaceful and quiet." Mentor Ji said in relief. He went to the living room. He touched the table in activating map screen. He hummed calmly as he found the area was secured, "No sign of Nighloks' attacks. The city is safe. Jayden gone out to see his friends now for their 'hangout'. There's nothing much to do now." He then gave some thoughts, "Maybe there is..."
Mentor Ji stood up. He headed and entered the library. He looked through some bookshelves as he was looking for something. After few minutes of searching, he came across to some scrolls. He brought them down. He looked at them carefully. He smiled.
"Ah yes..." Mentor Ji said happily and calmly, "These are the ones I was looking for. Recall the adventure the Rangers have been through especially the secrets Shiba Clan are forced to keep, in order to defeat and seal Master Xandred for good."
Mentor Ji began his reading...
"The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers are not the first Rangers were made. In fact, it was the Shiba Clan and their four loyal retainers became the first Power Rangers. They're known as the Samurai Rangers." Mentor Ji narrated calmly,
In 1800's during Tokugawa Shogunate, the Japan was under attacked by the group of demons from Netherworld called the Nighloks. They have terrified and scared the peasants and nobles, and even the warriors. None of their weapons have affected and destroyed them. The Nighloks have almost swarmed and conquered the Japan.
"It happened during the late Tokugawa Shogunate. The Nighloks, ancient and terrifying demons from the Netherworld, emerged and invaded our world for domination and enslaving us to be their slaves and feasts. And in order to do so, they required humans' tears of sadness and pain to raise their Sanzu River. Once it reached its peak, they will swarmed and attacked anyone that stands in their way and conquer it."
While Tokugawa Shogunate struggled to fight off the Nighloks, Zordon and his assistant Alpha 4 have arrived at the Land of East after receiving the struggles they were dealing with. They both eventually came across to Shiba Clan and their retainers. He then provided his 'magical' weapons and arsenals while teaching them about using the weapons.
And now the Shiba Clan and their retainers became the first Power Rangers Samurais. They fought and battled the large army of Nighloka and even their lord. Zordon and Alpha 4 also joined and assisted them to fight off their enemies. Tokugawa Shogunate also joined the battle. Almost 2-3 years, they have won, defeated and sealed the Nighloks back to Netherworld.
"Tokugawa Shogunate wasn't prepare for it. But Zordon is prepared for everything. An ancient wise sage from the West, has journeyed to the East for learning and understanding our culture, history and Bushido Code. After learning our troubles, he provided his 'magical' weapons and arsenals to Shiba Clan and the retainers. With them, our ancestors have defeated, drove and sealed the Nighloks back to Netherworld."
Zordon and Alpha 4 decided to return to America. Though the Nighloks have been defeated, Power Rangers Samurai remained vigilant and prepared for their enemies' return. The samurai warriors must fight and sealed them back to their Netherworld, or at least defeated and killed their Nighlock Lords.
After a century or two have passed, Nighloks decided to move to Panorama City, America due to Japan has become purified for them to handle. Unknown to those monsters, Power Rangers Samurai also moved to America and keeping them occupied.
"And with magical powers and weapons he has given to us, Zordon decided to return to West. And even though the Nighloks are sealed and imprisoned in Netherworld, Power Rangers Samurai remained firm and vigilant should they returned. And thus, the fight with Nighloks continued for over a century or two. We even moved to Panorama City, America as our new base due to Nighloks have moved there as well. And of course, the Samurais met and married local people, whom are considered to be part of samurais now."
In 1991, Power Rangers Samurais fought the most dangerous and powerful Nighlok Lord - Master Xandred. The heroes have fought bravely and determinedly against him, but most of them were injured and killed during the fight. Red Samurai Ranger managed to defeat and seal Master Xandred and his minions back to Netherworld, however, it was temporary. And only Blue Samurai Ranger survived the war.
"In Autumn 1991, We faced the most powerful and dangerous Lord of all Nighloks - Master Xandred the latest Nighlok Lord. And he was indeed powerful and strong. But thanks to Jayden's father and his team, they have barely defeated and banished him to Netherworld. But it's not permanent. However, most of them except Kevin's father have died during that battle."
20 years later, Master Xandred has awakened from his slumber and ordered the army of Nighlok Soldiers and Generals to fight and attack the Panorama City, America. And luckily, the new Power Rangers Samurai are born to fight them back.
"20 years later, Nighlok have returned and now they're scaring and making people to shed tears of pain and depression, in order to make Sanzu River rise and for them to invade and conquer our world. But the new generation of Power Rangers Samurai have returned to stop them. Of course, we also have a new addition member to the team. And hopefully, we can win and sealed Nighloks permanent for good!"
Mentor Ji went and checked on his students. From inside the living room, he saw all six of them were training and working very hard on perfecting both their swordsmanship, and also perfecting and unleashing the symbol powers against the enemies. While the Rangers were performing and training very hard, Jayden came and talked with his friends about improving their skills. He even showed them of how he can do. They all nodded and agreed to follow his example.
"Red Samurai Ranger - Jayden Shiba. Like his father, he is the leader of the team. I've known Jayden since childhood. And of course, his father entrusted me to train and prepare him to face and battle the Nighlok Army, should they ever return. A dedicated and firm leader, who didn't want to involve his team to fight because of two reasons - he's very concern of their safety and keeping the secrets that only me and Shiba Clan knew. Nevertheless, like his father and ancestors before him, he's indeed a courageous and compassion noble samurai."
Following his disciplined daily schedule and instruction of food, exercise, training and studies; Kevin followed them thoroughly and firmly. Jayden and Kevin were talking and discussing about how they can handle and defeat the Nighloks. They also discussed about improving their skills, upgrading their weapons and combinations of their Zords, and also encrypting and unlocking their ancestors' secrets. It could help them turn the tide against Nighloks.
"Blue Samurai Ranger - Kevin. An honest and dedicated swordsman, who was previously a swimmer. Like Jayden, he's discipline with his training and daily time. In fact, his swordsmanship skills is quite match and equal to Jayden. But like his ancestors before him, he must respond to the call and fight the enemies. This means he has to drop his career until Nighloks are dealt with."
Whenever the team is down, Mia came and talked with her team about the problems and even encouraged them to not give up and overcome the problems. She often talked with either Jayden and Kevin since they're not only close together but the boys were having concerns and doubts about the problems to deal with, and she's there to help them out. And whenever she tried to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner; most of Power Rangers and even Mentor Ji panicked and quickly made some excuses to escape her dinner.
"Pink Samurai Ranger - Mia Watanabe. Quite an optimistic, compassion and sensitive Pink Ranger among her team, she acted as a mature and big sister to them for giving advice and comforting them when they're in doubts and concerns about the situation they're facing. Interesting facts, she has interest in either Jayden or Kevin since she's close to them. And between you and me, don't involve her to cook! They're terrible for us to eat! But surprisingly, only one liked hers. Great Kami!"
Mike and Emily were training and sparring together happily and proudly. Whenever they're both down because of their weaknesses and problems they're trying to overcome; they often talked with each other to solve it or even calmed themselves down. However, they became very close together to each other. And surprisingly, they even falling in love with each other, despite their different personalities they have.
"Green Samurai Ranger - Mike. Compare to Jayden and Kevin, he was quite a slacker and joker to the team. And trust me, his pranks and slacking attitude often annoyed me to lose my patient. He often gave some excuses from training for eating food or having fun. But nevertheless, he did his best to help the team and work very hard as the samurai. You might find something interesting about him. He got interest in Emily...
Yellow Samurai Ranger - Emily. Originally, her older sister was supposed to be the Yellow Ranger, but because of serious illness condition, she was forced to pass down the touch to Emily. Though she is not fierce fighters as any Samurai, she's strong and brave when the team is down. Emily is timid and young but also innocent and sweet country girl. Like Mike, she's in love with him."
Antonio whistled happily and energetically as he enjoyed cooking fishes and sushi for his friends toe enjoy and avoiding to let Mia to cook them. And when it comes to training and encrypting their ancestors' secrets, he worked and focused very hard on encrypting and unlocking the secrets behind their ancient symbol powers and Zords'. He also is very quick and fast when it comes to fighting
"Gold Samurai Ranger - Antonio Gracia. Jayden's childhood friend and also newest member to the team. I actually dismissed him to be part of it because of strict tradition. But after he has proven himself to have the spirit of samurai, I welcomed him as the warrior and technician due to him created the Samurai Morpher to become Gold Ranger. Almost like Mike but very enthusiasm and energetic, he can be quite hyperactive and expressive character. But nevertheless, his courage and technical skills have proven assets to the team and even me when it comes to encrypting the codes for using weapons and Zords. And also, I'd prefer his Sushi over Mia's cook."
When Lauren came to the scene while Jayden decided to leave because of his family's tradition when he was being replaced and finding his new path, Power Rangers Samurais became uncertain and concern of following the new leader. She has been working very hard on perfecting the 'Seal Symbol' for 20 years. Despite joining the team recently, Lauren became friendly and kind to her new team and even wanted Jayden to come back to join the team to fight Nighloks together as a team.
"Lauren Shiba - Jayden's older sister and 'true' leader of the team. During 1991, she was moved and hidden to safe house as she was trained and focused on perfecting the permanent 'seal symbol'. And hopefully, it helped us to defeat and seal him for good. Lauren is indeed compassion and kind as Jayden, as well as brave, determined and disciplined like him. But to my surprise, she liked Mia's food. Seriously, what the heck bodyguards have been feeding her?!"
Master Xandred roared in anger and fierce as he gave the orders to all Nighloks to enter the Human Realm and attack the Humans especially forcing the Humans to cry in tears of pain and despair. This allowed them to raise the Sanzu River. And once it reached its peak to the Human Realm, Master Xandred can lead his Nighloks to charge and attack the Humans especially conquering it.
Power Rangers Samurai were summoned to fight and pushed the monsters back to the Netherworld until the 'Seal Symbol Power' is ready to use and sealed Master Xandred and his Nighloks for good.
"Nighloks are conquering and terrifying Japanese Demons or Onis from Japan. They have lost interest of conquering the Japan because of Samurai Rangers and purified. They have moved to Panorama City, America, hoping to conquer and enslaved the west before the world. But we followed them. We have defeated and sealed them in Netherworld. After 20 years have passed, the Nighloks have awakened and returned for one purpose - raising Sanzu River by using humans' tears of despair and pain. Once it reached its peak, there will be no stopping them from conquering the world.
The foot soldiers were Moogers, who have various forms to fight us. Giant Moogers are giant-sized foot soldiers, used to fight Megazords while assisting their officers. Flying Moogers specialized in flying and used to fight Megazords. Master Blaster Moogers specialized in using rifles to snipe. Mooger Cannon Company are in-charge of handling the cannons to deal with Megazords. Spitfangs, crocodile-like foot soldiers, are heavy elite guards were used to fire at their targets especially when they're in gigantic size."
In Netherworld, Master Xandred grew impatient and angry especially throwing his tantrum and screamed in anger due to Power Rangers Samurai kept interfering his plans and defeating his Nighloks, his minions failing him or even tricking him due to them having ulterior motives to accomplish. Nevertheless, he remained calm and patient that he believed that one day Sanzu River will rise and he will escape the Netherworld to conquer the world.
"Master Xandred - the most terrifying, dangerous and powerful Lord of all Nighloks. This Nighlok is very hot-tempered especially he's quite arrogant and looked down on humans for being weakest links. Whenever his Nighloks failed their mission, being tricked and deceived or even his plans being interfered; he will throw his tantrum. He rarely shown his patient and respect to his minions if they do their jobs well."
Dayu was gently and dark harmonically playing her harmonium for either to calm her master's anger or even played her own songs for fun and soaking her anger and sadness. While she looked calm and ruthless as her kind, deep inside her mind, she was still guilty and upset over her tragedy and lost her beloved husband during the late Tokugawa Shogunate.
"Dayu, once a tragic female human has turned into a Nighlok because she has lost her husband after the wedding during Tokugawa Shogunate. Dayu is a self-confident and arrogant bitter Nighlok, and also antagonistic towards any of them except her allies. Despite her Nighlok Appearance, she was a sad and tormented woman, who wants to be freed and become human especially reunited with her loved one. She's quite attached to her harmonium as her memoir of loved one and kept her happy."
Octoroo was communicating and chatting with some of Nighloks and Moogers of getting information from the Human Realm, and at least spying and checking on power Rangers Samurai for whether or not they have accomplished in perfecting the 'Seal Symbol'. He even sent them to fight and frightened the Humans to cry, making Sanzu River to rise. And at the same time, he was making medicine for Master Xandred to get rid of his headache or doing some researches to escape the Netherworld.
"Octoroo, an octopus-like advisor and medic to Master Xandred. H's rarely seen to be a threat for us to deal since he doesn't fight but spying and gathering information especially making medicine to help his master with his headache. Other than just making medicine to cure his master's headache, he's in-charge of gathering valuable information to assist his master, and even selected the Nighloks to fight and engage us."
In the dark forest, Deker was in his Human Form as he was looking at the stars. He sometimes meditating to think and calm himself down. In his Nighlok Form, he trained and challenged himself, keeping him in shape and ready to fight his enemies off. He sometimes sharpening the Uramasa Blade, making sure it sharped and strong blade to fight his enemies. He wondered if he ever be freed from his imprisonment.
"Deker, half-human and half Nighlok, who was once Dayu's former love-interest and husband. He lost his memories and forgotten about her because he was near to his death. To save him, Dayu make the sacrifice to become a Nighlock and even has his memories erased to be saved. Deker desired one thing - find a worthy challenger to fight and defeating him and his samurai blade called Uramasa, to free him from his curse. He has no interest of conquest or even helping and saving the world. One thing he hated the most is that his duel being interrupted."
Serrator chuckled evilly and proudly as he was watching the event and battles between Power Rangers Samurai and his own kind. He also cooping up his plans that involving merging both Human and Netherworld into one for him to rule it as newly leader. And at the same time, he avoided any Nighloks from getting suspicious on him and his ambition. He has hoped that he can achieve it before Master Xandred find out about it.
"Serrator - originally called Nighlok King for ruling his kind during Tokugawa Shogunate, and he is the one, who is responsible to turn Dayu and Deker into monsters. Unlike Master Xandred, Serrator desired to combined both Earth and Netherworld into one for him to become its supreme ruler. He is quite intelligent, manipulative and deceptive Nighlok we ever faced especially he has no allegiance to anyone but himself. He used 'formal', 'loyal' and 'chivalrous' act to earn and use Nighloks and us like pawns for him to achieve his goals. This demon is indeed dangerous and ruthless..."
Throughout many years since Tokugawa Shogunate, Power Rangers Samurai have fought and defeated Nighloks from Japan to Panorama City, and even today. As the Nighloks have proven themselves strong and powerful, Power Rangers Samurai improved themselves by gaining weapons and arsenals, and even gaining their new forms and new combination of Zords.
"Like our ancestors before us, we have fought and battled against the Nighloks. We have to push them back to Netherworld, and defeating them as well. And it wasn't easy either because each day, the Nighloks and even Master Xandred grew more powerful and dangerous than before. But so are we because we have gained Super Modes, Shogun Mode and various Zords, performing new tricks, and even making various combination to form a powerful Megazords. We fought and defeated them for good."
Power Rangers Samurai have discovered Serrator's true plans and even his allegiance to himself. They fought and battled him before he could achieve his ambition. With the help of Deker, they all managed to defeat and kill Serrator for good.
"After learning true colors and plans behind Serrator, we fought and defeated him, with the help of Deker."
After few days, Lauren has return to become the leader as she's prepared for the 'Seal Symbol' power. However, this caused Jayden to leave the team since he has fulfilled his purpose to distract the Nighloks attacking him and his team only. He now journeyed to find his new purpose, as a Ronin.
"And after days and days of fighting the Nighloks, Lauren has return to become the Red Ranger because she is ready with her 'Seal Symbol' powers. But this also caused Jayden to leave. In ancient tradition, once the samurai has either accomplish his task or awaiting their leader return, he must go on the journey to find a new path as Ronin."
During his journey, he encountered Deker again. Both of them fought and dueled until the end. And just before he almost got killed by Deker, Mentor Ji and Kevin came and killed him from the back. Not only they have killed him, but also freed him from his curse.
"While we were preparing to face and seal Master Xandred, Jayden struggled of finding his path and also deal with Deker. Thanks to me and Kevin, we helped and saved him in time. But not only that, we also freed Deker from his curse and gone to peace."
During the fierce battle against Master Xandred and his loyalists, Power Rangers Samurai managed to distract him long enough for Lauren to prepare and fired the 'Sealing Symbol' power to seal him. And however, the seal failed due to Master Xandred killed and sacrificed Dayu to use her half-human's shell to prevent himself being sealed. He easily has defeated and injured them. And thus, he raise the Sanzu River reached its peak, thus allowing his army to charge and invade the world.
"But things didn't go as we planned. Dayu was weakened during the fight with other Rangers, she was being sacrificed by Master Xandred, having her human's shell to be part of him. Thus, Lauren's 'Sealing Symbol' power is useless to seal him back. And we have only one option..."
Realizing that using 'Sealing Symbol' Power is no longer available, Power Rangers Samurai decide to make their final stand to fight and defeat Master Xandred. Using Super Modes and Zords, the heroic team fought and defeat the Nighloks especially Master Xandred, who is still strong and powerful for them to face. They have sacrificed their powers and Zords to fight him. They have managed to weaken and then destroyed him for good.
"Defeat and kill Master Xandred once and for all. Jayden has returned and became the leader again. He lead the team to charge and fought back against Nighlok Lord and his minions. The final battle was indeed tensed, fierce and terrifying especially so many weapons and Zords we have to sacrifice to defeat the monster. And we did. We have weakened and destroyed his human's shell, thus opening a big wound. This allowed Jayden and his team to finish Master Xandred off for good for both normal size and giant form. Thus, the Nighlok War was over..."
Mentor Ji sighed, "After that, everyone went for their separate ways. Kevin returns to his swimming career. Mia continued her 'cooking' lessons. Antonio is back to his fish business. Mike and Emily decide to visit her older sister. Lauren decide to travel around the world. And most important of all, Jayden remained in Shiba House since it's his home and he owned it. The end..."
Mentor Ji smiled as he put the scroll back to bookshelf. He sighed as he loved recalling the adventures. He turned and found his bamboo sword leaned to the photo frame of Power Rangers. He smiled happily of looking at it. And at the same time, he also gave some thoughts about bamboo sword. He smiled happily as he has the idea.
Mentor Ji picked his bamboo sword up. He headed and entered the dojo. He began his swinging his sword while cried in Japanese Words. He was training himself. Even though he's not Power Ranger, he wanted to keep himself fit and ready to help them.
"Rangers Together! Samurai Forever!"
END...
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Casts:
Bryan Cranston: Zordon
Rene Naufahu: Mentor Ji