A/N: Here we go, our weekly update, thank you for the people who review, its great to hear opinions. I'm in the middle of a couple other big fanfics atm, but if inspiration strikes for random oneshots, i'll be sure to put them up.
Chapter 15
The next morning Evie rolls over and finds Jayden already awake and looking at her.
"Have you been watching me sleep?" she asks.
"Not exactly" says Jayden.
"You know how I feel about you watching me sleep" reminds Evie.
"I wasn't watching you, I just was thinking about something and happened to be looking in your direction" he replies.
"What you thinking about?" asks Evie.
"With the three disks comes a new power available to us. But that means giving the beetle disk to a third person" explains Jayden.
"And you don't want me to feel bad when you don't pick me?" guesses Evie.
Jayden sighs and rolls onto his back.
Evie rolls her eyes and sits up, moving so she was straddling his hips, "the beetle disk shouldn't be mine, I know that, and you know that. When I was connected to you while you were using it, it didn't feel right to me. And I'm still not comfortable enough as a team player to help you pilot the battle wing. The megazord is one thing, but this is a whole other game. One of the things we agreed was we would never let us interfere with our ranger duties. And this is one of those times, I'm not mad, the beetle disk isn't meant for me" soothes Evie cupping his face.
"You sure?" he asks.
"I am, give it to the right person and we both know that isn't me. Don't worry I'll find my own power disk" assures Evie with a smirk.
Jayden sits up and smiles in relief, "I have no doubt you will and thank you for understanding" he says brushing a strand of hair back from her face.
"Always, so who is getting the disk?" asks Evie.
"Mia, she's worked so hard, she's improved hugely and she's responsible enough to use it. I considered Mike, but he just, it doesn't feel right. He isn't in the right place and he isn't ready" explains Jayden.
"And there is nothing wrong with that, you're the red ranger for a reason Jayden. I trust your decision when it comes to this. And so, will the others, maybe this will be the inspiration Mike needs to get his ass into gear properly. Because right now I wouldn't trust him either, especially not with something as potentially battle changing as the beetle disk" notes Evie.
"I hope so" sighs Jayden, "but I don't know how he's going to take it, we all know how impulsive he is" he adds slumping his head against Evie's chest.
Evie runs her hand through his hair comfortingly, "we will figure this out, you said it yourself, we're bonding as a team. But there are going to be times where being a leader means not being everyone's best friends. You have to make the hard decisions and people's feelings cannot be a priority when it comes to giving responsibility of something as big as the beetle disk. And if Mike behaves like an idiot then we'll know and it won't be your fault" answers Evie soothingly.
Jayden pulls back and looks at her, "thank you" he says.
"I'm only telling you the truth" replies Evie.
"I just mean in general, and for not being upset about the disk" says Jayden.
"I will never let something like that come between us" promises Evie as she closes the gap between them and kisses him softly.
Jayden pulls her back with him as he deepens the kiss.
A knock on the door has them both sitting back up sharply.
"Who is it?" calls Jayden.
"Ji" comes the answer.
Both relax though Evie slides off Jayden's lap and just sits next to him on the bed.
"Come in" calls Jayden.
Ji walks in his eyebrows going up fractionally when he saw Evie but shook his head and shut the door behind him.
"We were discussing what we're going to tell the others after breakfast" explains Jayden.
"And?" ask Ji.
"He's still breathing isn't he" replies Evie with a snort, "really I'm fine, the disk isn't meant for me. Mia deserves it" assures Evie.
"I'm glad you feel that way" smiles Ji.
"Besides, I want a cool disk, and beetles aren't cool" adds Evie.
"Always got to have the last word" snorts Jayden.
"Would you like to keep breathing?" asks Evie pointedly.
Jayden holds up his hands in surrender.
"I'll see you both at breakfast" says Ji as he turns and walks out of the room.
Evie looks over at Jayden, "I'm the sassy one in this relationship" she reminds pointing her finger at him.
Jayden smiles and takes her hand kissing the back of it, "understood, the sneak and the sass is you" he promises.
"Good, now we should get dressed, we've got an announcement to make" says Evie as she slides out of bed and walks back into her own room.
A little while later they were all sat around the table with the three disks laid out on it.
"Now that we've recovered three of the lost disks. A new power is available to us. Beetle, swordfish, tiger" he lists as he opens the book in his hands.
"Together these three disks allow us to form the samurai battle wing" explains Jayden.
Ji shows them all the picture.
"Wow that looks like one powerful bird" says Mike.
"Yes, thanks to these disks. So, one each has to go to the person we believe is truly ready to pilot the battle wing" explains Ji.
"I'll keep the tiger disk" says Jayden before picking up the swordfish disk, "the swordfish will got to Kevin since he caught it and therefore has a connection with it" he adds handing it over.
"We've decided that the beetle should go to Mia" finishes Ji as Jayden hands it over.
"Me?" asks Mia, "but what about Evie she's a better fighter than I am, and her symbol power is really good?" asks Mia looking at Evie in confusion.
"We trust your control and your symbol power the most. And we know you'll do the hard work to master it" explains Ji.
"And when we pilot the battle wing, we need to do it as a team" adds Jayden.
"And I'm still not strong enough as a team player to do it. I might be a better fighter than you, but like Ji said, you will do the work to master the disk" assures Evie with an encouraging smile.
"We're counting on you" says Jayden.
"I won't let you down" promises Mia.
Emily however was watching Mike and saw his tense posture and how he cracked his knuckles.
Evie glanced at Mike as well and noted his reaction, now to see how he handled it over all, her gaze shifted to Jayden and she knew he'd seen the reaction as well.
She just hoped it didn't backfire.
As the day rolled on Mike had been practicing non-stop, while the others grabbed lunch in the kitchen.
"Wow, what's got into Mike? I've never seen him train so hard" notes Kevin.
"He's actually been working really hard on his symbol power lately. I think he wanted this disk bad" offers Emily.
"I know. I feel kind of bad taking it instead of him" admits Mia.
"Don't feel bad, your hard work is one of the reasons we chose you. I told Mike he needs to work just as hard" interrupts Ji.
"But he's been trying" reminds Emily.
"Yes and I believe he has it in him. But until he learns to listen, he isn't ready. Evie knows her problems and understands why she wasn't chosen to hold the disk. And Mike needs to learn that as well" answers Ji.
"Hard work means nothing if you don't learn where your true issues lie and how to combat them" says Evie simply, "and that has to be learnt the hard way, there is no easy path to self-improvement" she adds popping sushi into her mouth.
Everyone looks at her in surprise, save Jayden who just smiles and Ji nods impressed.
"Well said" he says.
"I have my moments" answers Evie with a shrug.
Just as they finish lunch the gap sensors go off, Ji pulls up the map and sends them out.
As they arrive on the scene they see lots of people looking wet and sat around miserably.
"Hey what is all this, everyone's so glum" notes Mike looking around.
"And wet" adds Evie in confusion.
"It's like they've all become Kevin" adds Mike with a snort.
"Hey" snaps Kevin as he turns to argue.
"Look" calls Emily as the Nighlok appears in front of them.
"Isn't it wonderful, such delicious deception from my rain" crows the Nighlok. "They're so lucky, they get to experience the purest, the cruellest, the loveliest misery of all, the loss of hope" he adds.
"That's horrible" gasps Emily.
"Yes isn't it" agrees the Nighlok.
"We've got to get rid of this guy fast" says Mia.
"Oh we will" agrees Mike cracking his knuckles.
"Ugh, what a sunny outlook you have, especially when the forecast calls for rain, my name of pain" smirks the Nighlok.
"Not going to happen, Nighlok" answers Jayden. "Let's go" he says, and they all pull out their swords and move to attack.
"Enough talking about the weather, I'll skip the rain and go straight for the pain" smirks the Nighlok as he blasts them all and all six are sent flying.
"So did that feel delightfully bad?" asks the Nighlok.
"Mia we have to use the new disks" says Kevin as he comes to his feet pulling out the swordfish disks.
"You're right" she nods coming to her feet and pulling out her sky fan.
"No wrong" yells the Nighlok as he sends another blast and the disk is blasted out of Mia's hands.
Mike jumps up and catches the disk in his hand.
"Wow, good catch" smiles Mia holding her hand out.
Mike looks at the disk and Evie's eyes widen as she realises what he's about to do, "Mike no" she yells as Mike attaches the disk to his staff.
"You're not ready" warns Kevin.
"I'll come back to fight, when you're not fighting yourselves" smirks the Nighlok as he jumps into the air.
"We have to stop him now" calls Evie.
"Get him" orders Jayden.
Kevin and Mike rush forwards, Kevin sends a blast at the Nighlok, but when Mike tries nothing happens.
"What, why isn't it working?" he asks as he looks at it.
The Nighlok laughs and disappears from their view.
"Mike what were you thinking?" demands Kevin angrily.
"I just, I wanted to help" apologises Mike dismally.
"Well you did the opposite, I've said it once and I'll say it again. Male ego" snaps Evie as she turns and walks off.
Jayden shakes his head in disappointment and turns as well.
They all head back to the house, Evie marching in and throwing the door open ferociously and Ji jumps as it slams into the wall.
"What happened?" asks Ji noting how angry Evie was.
"Mike fucked us" she answers, "Mike caught the disk after it was knocked from Mia's hand, but instead of giving it to her to use, he tried to use it himself and big surprise it didn't work for him. The Nighlok escaped to wreak more havoc" explains Evie.
Jayden walks in after her followed by the others and finally by Mike who looked embarrassed and nervous.
Ji turns a disappointed look on Mike, while Jayden moves over to the seething Evie who was glaring daggers at Mike, resting his hand on her shoulder, rubbing his thumb in a circle at the base of her neck, knowing it calmed her. While he levelled a similarly disappointed look at Mike.
Mike sat down his head bowed.
"Is this true, you tried to use the disk despite it being given to Mia?" asks Ji.
Mike sighs and nods.
"Mike I am so disappointed in you. Putting yourself above the needs of the team, places all of you in serious danger. Here I thought you were finally listening to me and training hard to strengthen the team. I can't believe it's come to this, but you've become a risk to the others. I'll have to ask you to hand over your samuraiser" says Ji.
"What, you're benching me?" demands Mike.
"It pains me to say but I don't truly think you're ready to become a samurai. And right now, I don't think your entire team trusts you in battle" answers Ji.
"I'm so tired of your lectures, and you don't know a thing about me. And if I'm not ready then how can I do this?" asks Mike coming to his feet as he pulls his samuraiser and draws a symbol which brings one of the bonsai's out to wrap around Ji's stick.
"None of you understand. And I don't care if the princess in black is pissed because she didn't get the disk and is taking it out on me and has decided I'm not worthy" he adds looking at Evie, "I'm out of here" he snaps as he turns to go.
Evie comes to her feet and lunges for Mike but Jayden wraps his arms around her, pinning her arms to her side as well, pulling her back against him so she couldn't actually hurt Mike given how tense her entire body was.
Ji meanwhile pulls his stick free knocking the bonsai over in the process.
"Mentor are you okay?" asks Emily.
"I'm fine" he replies as he watches Mike go before looking at Evie.
"Evie?" he asks.
"Whatever" she says as Jayden lets her go and she turns and walks into her room slamming her door behind her so hard the entire wall reverberates.
"Knew there was a reason I had those reinforced" mutters Ji.
After Mike had gone, Emily, Mia and Kevin sit down on the porch still trying to process everything.
"I just don't get why Mike was acting so childish" says Kevin.
"To be honest I think they both kind of were" admits Mia.
"Mentor wasn't childish, he's got every right to be frustrated" argues Kevin.
"Okay Mike made a mistake. But it really hurt him to be left out. Though the comment he threw at Evie was completely unfounded" sighs Mia having seen that under the anger there had been genuine concern in Evie.
"I realize that, but they had to choose the best person for the job. And you shouldn't be second guessing yourself because you don't like seeing Mike's feelings hurt" replies Kevin resting his hand on her arm.
"Maybe but I think Mike could've handled the beetle disk, he has more than enough symbol power" says Mia.
"What he said about Evie was out of line though, she admitted her problems and why she shouldn't have the disk. And she wasn't angry because she thought it should've been hers, I get why she got angry" notes Kevin.
"This is so complicated" sighs Mia dropping her head into her hands, "Evie did get kind of mad, but I guess I can see why. Though she was maybe a bit harsh" she notes.
Emily sighs and leans her head against Mia's shoulder.
Jayden was playing with the lion zord and he looked at Ji.
"You've been pushing Mike, pretty hard lately" notes Jayden knowing he needed to give Evie some time to fume.
"It's my responsibility to train him to be a worthy samurai" answers Ji as he rights the table.
"Yes but push a door that's meant to be pulled and it will never open. You taught Evie and I that" points out Jayden.
"Yes, I just wish he listened like you" replies Ji.
"But that's because he's not me. Just like Evie isn't me. You taught us that everyone is different, just like their symbol power is. Right now, you and Mike both want the same thing: for him to be the best that he can be. But you don't agree on the path to get him there" explains Jayden.
"Perhaps you're right. A strong wind can kindle a fire but uproot a tree" nods Ji.
"And does absolutely nothing to a metal wall" adds Jayden with a smile.
"You're growing very wise red ranger" says Ji proudly.
"You taught me well" replies Jayden. "Remember how different Evie and I were to train. But look at her now, she can admit what her problem areas are and what she needs to work on, and she isn't trying to bite your hand off when you try to help her now" he reminds.
"Very true" agrees Ji.
"But one thing that was baseless was his comment at Evie, he was the one taking his anger out on someone who didn't deserve it" says Jayden.
"I agree, but in his defence, I suppose he doesn't know that what Evie does is cover her fear, with anger. And what she felt today was the fear of what could've happened if that Nighlok had done more damage when Mike took the disk from Mia. And if he'd hurt the team while that distraction was happening" notes Ji. "But he really does owe her an apology for that" he agrees.
"We'll sort out his bigger issues first. But for now, I am going to go and check on Evie while you deal with Mike" says Jayden as he walks down to Evie's room.
He knocks on the door and walks in only for a throwing star to fly past his face to thump into the target that had appeared on the wall.
He looks at the bed and sees Evie sat there with another spinning between her fingers. He'd brought them for her for their first anniversary, and she'd become very proficient with them over the years. What would've been slightly more hilarious in any other situation was the fact her stuffed lion was wrapped in her other arm.
With a sigh he shuts the door behind him, and he pulls the throwing star out of the target. And walks over settling on the bed next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder as he holds the throwing star out to her.
"He didn't mean it, and it wasn't true regardless" soothes Jayden as Evie takes the throwing star.
"If that Nighlok had decided to attack us then we'd have been caught with our pants down. He could've caused someone to be seriously injured, or worse. He was selfish, he was a cowboy and he let his ego get in the way in assuming he was a better choice than Mia. And look what it got us. I'm not willing to risk our lives so he can prove a damn point, or soothe a battered ego" growls Evie as with a flick of her wrist she sends first one and then another into the target, reaching for a third which she once more begins to toy with.
Jayden sighed and kissed her temple, "I know, and Mike should've been more mature. But Ji has realised he needs to adjust his style in order to help Mike. The same way he had to adjust it from me to what worked with you. Ji will work things out with Mike, and once Mike is back things will be figured out. He wants the same as we do, for him to the best, but what he said to you was uncalled for. I know you were scared today and that is why you got so mad. Mike doesn't understand that yet, but he was trying to help, he just went about it completely the wrong way" soothes Jayden.
"He could've gotten himself just as hurt as any of us from the Nighlok. I felt and saw what a toll that disk took on you. He can't just jump in headfirst here; these disks can completely drain you if you're not careful. And it wasn't fair to Mia for him to assume he was the better choice. His one choice could've had so many repercussions that I'll bet he never even considered" says Evie turning to look at him.
"I know, and maybe once he comes back, you can explain that to him. Because they've got to get to know us as much as we have to get to know them. And like you said, you haven't bonded with Mike and Kevin the way you have with Mia and Emily. At least not a level for him to understand. So maybe you both need to just sit down and talk, because you can be very good with your words when you want to be" smiles Jayden brushing some of her hair back behind her ear.
"I take it you don't want me to be as good with my words with Mike as I am with you" says Evie with a teasing smile.
Jayden chuckles, "no not quite as good" he agrees kissing her softly.
Evie sighs as she pulls away, "I guess we're all still adjusting" she says.
"We are, and I think today you might've just caught the flak" suggests Jayden.
"Maybe, I probably shouldn't have gotten so pissed off" admits Evie.
"Maybe not" agrees Jayden lacing his hand with hers, "but I think once you explain it'll be understandable" smiles Jayden.
Evie nods and smiles back.
Jayden leans over and kisses her again only to feel the stuffed lion under his chin.
He pulls back and looks at it, "still got it" he smiles.
"He's cuddly, leave Gordon alone" replies Evie.
"I still can't believe you named him after Gordon Ramsey" snorts Jayden.
"I like him and I love Hells Kitchen. Its already a lion, that's all you're getting" answers Evie.
"Oh so you'd rather snuggle Gordon than me?" asks Jayden.
"Well this one is fluffy and cuddly. And the real Gordon, well I mean have you seen him" teases Evie.
Jayden just rolls his eyes and grabs Gordon before rolling off the bed.
"Give me back Gordon" orders Evie.
"Come and get him" replies Jayden as he turns and dashes for the door.
Evie lets out a growl and dives off the edge of the bed jumping onto his back.
"Give me Gordon" she demands trying to reach for him, but Jayden holds it out in front of him, his longer arms making Evie unable to reach him.
Jayden makes it out of the door but Evie had monkey wrapped herself around him and had no intention of letting go.
Mia, Emily and Kevin walk back in at hearing the noise and the three stop in surprise when they see the two of them.
"Give me Gordon" yells Evie as she practically crawls up his back to try and compensate for his longer arms.
"I'm really seeing this right?" asks Kevin.
"Yep" nods Emily with a giggle as she watched Jayden spinning around to try and get Evie off of him.
"Let go" orders Jayden.
"Give me Gordon" retorts Evie as she lunges over his shoulder and pulls the stuffed lion from his grip and in a feat of pure gymnastics rolls into a forwards roll and comes to her feet hugging Gordon to her chest. She sticks her tongue out at Jayden and blows a raspberry at him.
The two of them turn and see the other three.
"Feeling better now?" asks Emily looking at Evie.
"Much, and I'm sorry I got so mad" replies Evie.
"I get why, Mike was outta line" assures Kevin.
"I think we just need to talk it out" says Evie.
"That's a good idea and very mature" smiles Mia.
Evie nods and idly starts fluffing up Gordon's mane.
"He's so cute" says Emily as she looks at the lion.
"Thanks, Jayden got him for my birthday a few years ago" smiles Evie.
Suddenly the gap sensor goes off.
"We ready?" asks Jayden.
"Ready" nods Kevin.
"Call Mike, we'll need the whole team for this" says Evie.
Jayden nods and pulls out his samuraiser as they head out of the house, Evie dropping Gordon down onto the stool.
"Mike, we need you" says Jayden before hanging up.
The five of them morph and Kevin pulls his hydro bow and adds the swordfish disk shooting it at the Nighlok who jumps out of the way.
"Back for another round of delightful despair, I see" notes the Nighlok.
"Well if it isn't Mr Happy" says Jayden.
"Yes, and you can't even come close to defeating me, while I'm flying" retorts the Nighlok as he sends a blast at them that knocks all five of them onto the ground.
"Ow" mutters Evie.
"I'll just put you lot out of your marvellous misery shall I" smirks the Nighlok.
"Can't move" groans Jayden.
"Bye, bye fools" says the Nighlok.
"Think again Nighlok" yells Mike as he runs onto the scene, "you'll have to get past me first" he says stopping in front of the others.
"Mike" smiles Kevin.
"Excellent. You'll get to feel the same delicious defeat they did" warns the Nighlok.
"Try me, samuraiser" answers Mike as he morphs.
"Go for it Mike" encourages Emily.
Mike taps into the lessons he's learnt from Ji and activates his forest spear knowing the others were counting on him. He adds his disk and runs forwards avoiding the blasts from the Nighlok.
Everyone watches as Mike's staff grows and he uses it to vault himself up at the Nighlok.
"Time for a change in the weather forecast" he smirks as he switches his staff back to a sword and activating the spin sword.
"I predict scattered leaves, and an end to your sad showers. Spin sword, tree symbol strike" calls Mike as he sends the attack at the Nighlok.
With an almighty explosion the Nighlok is blasted away and Mike lands back on the ground.
"Mike that was awesome" smiles Emily as she gets up and runs over to him.
"When did you get symbol power like that?" asks Kevin wrapping his arm around Mike.
"I've always had it. I just needed some help to find it" smiles Mike wrapping his arms around Emily and Kevin.
"Don't celebrate yet. We've got one more job to do" says Jayden.
"Put this guy down once and for all" finishes Evie as the Nighlok grows into his megamonster form.
"This is just the calm before the real storm" cackles the Nighlok.
They activate their zords and form the megazord.
"I'd be impressed if that would do you any good, but you're still no match for me" taunts the Nighlok as he flies up into the air.
"Oh come on another aerial attack" groans Mike.
"Now feel the delightful despair of defeat" smiles the Nighlok as he fires more blasts at them, the entire megazord shaking as they struck home.
"We can't just let him take shots at us from above. Its risky but we have to try the samurai battle wing combination" decides Jayden.
Kevin and Jayden both put their disks in as Mia pulls hers out, she hands it to Mike, "here take it" she says.
"What?" gasps Mike.
"From what I've seen from your symbol power, you'll use it better than me" answers Mia.
"She's right, now lets go" nods Jayden.
"You're a true friend Mia" smiles Mike as he takes the disk.
"Kiss later, defeat Nighlok now" interrupts Evie.
The boys nod and disappear from the cockpit as they each activate the other zords and combine before attacking the Nighlok, the girls watching from below.
As the battle wing brings the Nighlok down low it was their turn.
"Ready ladies?" asks Jayden.
"Hell yeah, girl power" cheer the three of them as they send blasts up at the Nighlok who'd been distracted by the battle wing.
The Nighlok plummets towards the ground as the battle wing takes him out once and for all.
"Samurai rangers, victory is ours" smiles Jayden.
They power down and their zords shrink back to their usual size before they head home.
"That battle wing was awesome" smiles Evie.
"It was fun to fly" admits Jayden.
Mike drops back to walk next to them, "can we talk?" he asks looking at Evie.
Jayden glances at her questioningly and Evie nods and Jayden speeds up giving the two some privacy.
"I'm sorry about what I said as I left Evie. I know you weren't mad about not getting the disk, unlike me you weren't afraid to admit your problems and why you weren't the one chosen. And it takes guts to do that and face it head on. And I'm sorry I called you a princess" apologises Mike.
Evie nods, "I'm sorry I got so mad at you. I just, when I get worried or scared, I get angry to cover it up. When you tried to use that disk, I know you only wanted to help and prove you could do it. And I can respect that, but you pulled a total cowboy move in the middle of a battle. If even one of us is divided it could be devastating if a Nighlok attacks. And I was scared, that disk could've hurt you, hurt one of us, or the Nighlok could've taken advantage and done so much worse to us" explains Evie.
"I know, and I didn't think of that. I did act like a cowboy and I was selfish, and I put you all in danger. I promise not to do it again" assures Mike.
"And next time I'll try not and get mad, but if I do, it usually means I'm scared rather than actually angry" nods Evie.
"I get that, I'm the same" agrees Mike, "and you were right I did screw you all, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you. I know you care about the team and especially about Jayden" says Mike.
Evie looks at him walking ahead, "I do, for so many more reasons than I can explain. But I should've been more sensitive. We're a lot more alike than I wanted to admit" replies Evie.
"How? You're this uber great warrior, and your symbol power is strong. Not to mention the fact you've been doing this a lot better and despite what you say I think you're pretty good in the team" notes Mike.
"I'm getting there, but we all have things we need to work on and deal with. When I first arrived at the Shiba house I was an absolute mess, and I didn't trust Ji, I didn't know him and as Jayden put it, I had a bad habit of trying to bite the hand that was trying to help me. I was very different from Jayden, just like you are. And the sort of things that work for him and Kevin, they don't work for me and you. I should've been more considerate of that" answers Evie.
"I should've thought things through too" says Mike.
"Just try and do that from now on" suggests Evie.
"I'll do my best, so we good?" he asks.
"We're good" confirms Evie.
Mike smiles and wraps his arm around Evie hugging her.
Evie returns it with a smile.
"Now I just gotta make it up to Ji as well" says Mike.
"On that front I have an idea for you" assures Evie.
A little while after they'd gotten back to the house, Ji walked into the main room with Emily and Jayden to find Mike stood with the others, his hands behind his back.
"What's this?" asks Ji.
"A little something to say thank you. And to let you know I'll be listening from now on" replies Mike as he pulls out a bonsai.
"As will I" smiles Ji as he takes it.
Mike nods and pulls out his samuraiser, casting a quick symbol the bonsai begins to grow.
"What did you do?" demands Mia.
"Not again" sighs Mike.
"No, I was doing this" explains Mike as the plant forms a fist and Ji does a little fist bump routine with it.
Evie lets out a laugh as she sees it and the others soon join in.
Ji sets it down on the table, Jayden spies Gordon and reaches for him.
"Oh no you don't" says Evie as she leaps over the stool and tackles Jayden to the ground grabbing Gordon out of his hands and wrapping him in her arms.
"I was going to give him to you" protests Jayden as he gets up.
"Likely story" replies Evie narrowing her eyes.
Jayden just smiles and stands up offering Evie his hand.
She takes it eyeing him suspiciously before letting him pull her up.
"Go put him back, I promise not to steal him" swears Jayden.
"Pinky swear?" stipulates Evie holding out her finger.
"Pinky swear" chuckles Jayden as he links his finger with hers.
"You still do pinky swears what are you ten?" teases Mike.
Evie turns and points her finger at him, "I take pinky swears very seriously, you break one I will not speak to you again until I deem you have been remorseful enough" warns Evie.
"She's not kidding, I broke one when we were 12, she didn't talk to me for a full week" nods Jayden.
"Yes I found the same thing when she was 14, mine was three days and it required me baking her favourite dessert as well as her favourite dinner" agrees Ji.
"Wow you do take them seriously" says Mia.
"Pinky swears should always be taken seriously" interrupts Emily.
"See Em gets it" smiles Evie.
Emily nods solemnly.
"Well there we have it, respect the pinky swear" smiles Kevin.
"Respect the pinky swear" echoes Mike.
"Hmm, maybe there is hope for you yet" nods Evie as she turns and walks to her room setting Gordon down on her bed.
She walks back out to the kitchen and finds everyone talking as they grabbed drinks and she smiled, they were coming together. And it felt better than she'd ever anticipated. For a moment doubt clouded her mind, but she refused to let the happiness be marred so she pushed it aside and joined them.
Ji's hand suddenly appeared in front of her face and she blinks being pulled back to reality.
"You usually know better than to leave these lying around" he says and she realises what he's holding.
"Must've happened when Jayden stole Gordon, sorry" apologises Evie as she takes the throwing star and spins it between her thumb and finger with a smile.
"You're a bit scary sometimes, you know that?" asks Mike eyeing the throwing star.
Evie winks, "I'm aware" she smiles.
"You think that's the extent of scary" snorts Jayden.
"What else have you got?" asks Mia curiously.
Evie wordlessly reaches into her boot and pulls out a small knife.
"Okay lets make that a lot scary" corrects Mike.
"Well her element is metal" points out Kevin.
"Yup" nods Evie as she slides the knife back into her boot, "metal can be a lot harder to find out in nature in anything but its raw form" she adds.
"Logical, if a little scary" nods Mia.
"But also kind of badass" smiles Emily.
"Thanks Em" replies Evie as she sat down and grabbed a drink, things felt good, and she hoped they only continued to grow from here.