A/N: So here we are, the next chapter, hope you enjoy. As always follow, fav and review i love to know what people think :)
Chapter 18
Jayden sat above the beach looking out at the water. His sketchpad in his lap, a more elegant and arrivistic version of the bonding symbol on the page.
He knew the team was in good hands with Evie for now, but he was not willing to risk any of them, there was still so much they didn't know or understand.
Suddenly the sound of crying reaches his ears and Jayden turns his eyes scanning across the playground to one kid who was crying on a bench nearby.
Jayden stows the sketchpad before he walks over and crouches down in front of him, "my daddy went away for a job and I miss him" answers the kid.
"Yeah I know how you feel" nods Jayden, "I miss my dad too" he sighs as he thinks back to the last time he saw him when he gave his the lion zord.
"Are you okay?" asks the kid.
"Yeah, you wanna see a trick?" offers Jayden.
The boy nods and Jayden smiles drawing a quick symbol a piece of paper appears and Jayden quickly folds it into a paper aeroplane and sends it onto the wind as it glides over the playground and the boy smiles.
Jayden thinks back to the last time he'd made a paper aeroplane his smile grows.
"Evie we're not supposed to be doing this, we're meant to be practicing our symbol power" reminds Jayden.
"We used symbol power to make the paper, this counts as practice, now we're testing out our skills. Origami is an ancient Japanese form" answers Evie.
"Yeah of folding paper, it has zero to do with being a samurai" says Jayden.
"Who says" smirks Evie, "or are you too scared?" she challenges.
Jayden looks at her, "of course not" he says.
"Prove it, count of three, one, two, three" replies Evie and they both launch their paper aeroplanes at where Ji was trimming the bamboo in the garden.
The black one hits him in the back of the head and he turns and the red one bounces right off his nose making him jump.
Both Jayden and Evie giggle at the sight and Jayden looks over at her and finds one of the first real smiles he's seen on Evie's face since she arrived. And it made the inevitable lecture worth it.
"Now, just so we can't be lectured" smirks Evie as she pulls out a paintbrush and quickly pulls out another aeroplane before drawing the symbol for multiply on it, and suddenly a series of them shot out of it and began floating around the garden.
"I'd call that symbol power, wouldn't you" she says.
Jayden laughs as Ji looks around in confusion.
As he's pulled back to the present Jayden proceeds to make another aeroplane and then draws the symbol for multiply and the entire playground suddenly as paper aeroplanes floating around. The children laughing and grabbing them to play with and the little boy who'd been crying smiles and runs off to join them.
Jayden stands back with a nod, this was how it should be, kids playing, no worries and no monsters. It was why they did what they did, why they devoted their lives to stopping the Nighlok and Master Xandred, so that kids could play like this.
Unbidden the image of a little girl with fiery red hair and blue flashes across his mind, that though that maybe someday he'd be stood here watching his own child play, a perfect mix of him and Evie.
He turned to walk away when he heard the sound of screams and turned to see moogers chasing people.
"Oh hell no" says Jayden as he drops his bag down and runs right into the fray.
Evie runs into the main room with the others.
"We heard the sensor, where do you need us?" asks Kevin.
"The park at Harper Village. Are you sure you're up for this?" he asks.
"We have to be up for this, we have a duty and people to protect" replies Kevin looking at Evie with a smile.
"And we might wish Jayden was here, but there is a Nighlok out there" nods Emily.
"You know Jayden has truly struggled with putting any of you at risk. He isn't trying to abandon you" assures Ji.
"I'm sorry Mentor but he's wrong, we're stronger together" replies Kevin.
"And we know he isn't trying to abandon us, and we'll make sure he knows he'll always have us. Now let's go" says Mike.
"Damn straight" agrees Evie as she turns and leads them out of the house heading for the park.
Meanwhile Jayden was trying to distract and hold off the moogers so the children could all get to safety, but it had been sometime since he'd fought completely alone.
He looks up and sees the little boy from before trying to grab his paper plane.
"No" he shouts as he runs over sending the lion zord to distract the Nighlok to give him the time, he really missed Evie's whip right about now.
"I've got you" he says grabbing the kid out of the Nighloks path and setting him down with the others before turning to attack again and giving the children a chance to run.
"So we meet again, too bad this time Deker isn't here to save you and neither is your pretty friend" smirks the Nighlok.
"I'm happy to destroy you myself Nighlok, and you're not touching her on any of my other friends either" answers Jayden coldly.
"Oh that's nice. I myself don't mind having someone else do my dirty work for me, Chop, chop" orders the Nighlok as the moogers surge forwards and attack.
Jayden activates his sword and counters them, and while he's initially alright he soon finds he'd gotten a lot more used to have at least one other person at his back, as the moogers get hits in because he can't look in every direction.
He finds himself knocked to the floor and the Nighlok walks forwards.
"Such unfair odds, I almost feel guilty, not" smirks the Nighlok.
"Jayden" calls Kevin and he looks to the side and sees the five of them running towards him, Evie clearly leading the charge.
"Time to show these ugly bastards who's in charge around here" says Evie as they each pull their swords and start attacking the moogers, Evie almost taking the head off of one that moves to try and hit Jayden.
"Is this a private game, or can anyone play?" asks Mike with a smirk.
Jayden smiles as he looks at his team.
"We're in this together, forever" adds Mia.
"Yeah, and your mission is our mission" nods Emily.
"She's right, we won't let you do this alone" agrees Kevin.
Jayden tries to pull himself up when a hand appears in front of him, "so you going to help or just lie there looking pretty?" asks Evie with a smile.
Jayden takes her hand and lets her pull him up, "I stopped being able to say no to you a long time ago" he replies.
"Then let's take these guys down, together" says Evie.
"Together" nods Jayden. Thinking back to what his father had said.
"Together you'll rise to the challenge, and soar to victory".
Evie winks and turns continuing her attack, Jayden falling into step next to her with practised ease they took down more moogers.
As the number of moogers dwindles down Jayden looks at the Nighlok, "I hate putting you in danger, but someone needs to take down this Nighlok, and I'm glad its us" smiles Jayden as he looks at the others.
"Always" replies Kevin.
They pull out their samuraisers, "go, go samurai" they call as they morph.
"Good then I can destroy you all together, might as well go out as a team" says the Nighlok as he sends the last of the moogers forwards.
"Spin swords, sextuple strike" they yell as all six send the attack at the moogers wiping them out completely before they even get close.
The Nighlok makes a break for it.
"Not this time you ugly bastard" yells Evie as they race after him chasing him into a parking structure.
"Following me in here wasn't wise" he snarls as he fights off their attacks.
"Together, this team can handle anything" answers Jayden as they all converge on him attacking one after the other.
Finally Jayden's hit sends him into one of the columns.
"See how you deal with this" warns the Nighlok.
"He'll start with a shockwave, then watch for his slash attack, defend against those and we'll be fine. I've got a little surprise of my own" advises Jayden.
The Nighlok attacks exactly as predicted, Evie, Emily and Mia blocking the first attack, while Mike and Kevin block the second.
"You take it from here" says Mike as their thrown backwards revealing Jayden.
"Say hello to my fire smasher, six disk cannon" smirks Jayden as the team each loads their disks in.
Jayden pulls the trigger and the blast destroys the Nighlok completely.
"Nice one Jayden" smiles Kevin.
"Everyone okay?" asks Jayden.
"Been better, how's your head, pulled it outta your ass yet?" asks Evie.
"Missed you too Evie" smiles Jayden.
The Nighlok grows, "now you've got a big problem" he cheers.
They activate their zords and combine into the megazord.
"Oh think I'm scared of you now?" sneers the Nighlok. "Flying moogers" he calls.
They all gasp as the moogers appear from the gaps flying towards them.
"They fly now?" groans Mike.
"These things are really starting to piss me off" says Evie wincing as her ribs are jarred.
Their weapons blast the megazord and the entire cockpit shakes as the Nighlok uses the distraction and advances striking a few blows that almost knock them from their consoles.
"We're trapped between them" realises Mia.
"Having a little trouble over there?" taunts the Nighlok.
"The battle wing will take out these flying rats" says Mike.
"Better yet, Kevin, wanna give that new combination a try" smiles Evie looking at Kevin.
"The battle wing and the megazord" nods Kevin.
"Is it possible?" asks Emily.
"I think so" says Kevin.
"Then you take the lead on this Kevin" smiles Jayden.
"You got it" replies Kevin.
"First we need the battle wing" he starts and the boys quickly form the battle wing from their other zords.
"Now copy me" says Kevin as he draws a symbol and the others copy it, and the battle wing merges with the megazord flawlessly.
"Battle wing megazord armed for battle" smirks Kevin.
"Nicely done" nods Evie.
"What's that thing?" asks the Nighlok.
"Let's show him" says Mike as they take off and fly towards the Nighlok.
"I can't believe we're flying" beams Emily.
"Kevin never takes a sick day" replies Evie.
The new battle wing performs perfectly and they're soon able to take out the flying moogers.
"Let's finish this" says Jayden as they turn towards the Nighlok landing in front of him and striking a few well-placed blows.
"Now let's take off, and hit him hard" urges Kevin.
"Follow my lead" nods Jayden as they launch into the air activating the megablade.
Then using the battle wings extra power they launch down at Nighlok taking him out with two well placed hits before landing back on the ground.
"Samurai rangers, victory is ours" smiles Jayden.
"Together" adds Evie.
"Together" nods Jayden looking at her.
"Now let's go home" she smiles as they de-morph and pocket their zords.
As they get back to the house they find Ji pacing outside the front door.
"Jayden" he beams moving forwards.
"Ji" smiles Jayden, "I'm sorry I left how I did, but I'm back, and I realised we're stronger together. And while I might not like putting anyone in danger, running will solve nothing" assures Jayden.
Ji nods, "well you've all done well. And I think you should do something fun, whatever you want" he smiles.
"Let's do something new" pleads Kevin.
"Let's go to the movies" suggests Mia.
"Yeah how about a rom com" beams Emily.
"Not unless it has zombies in it" snorts Mike.
"No zombies" interrupts Evie as they head inside.
Jayden meanwhile hangs back with Ji.
"Go and enjoy yourself tonight. The fight will continue tomorrow" urges Ji. "And you owe Evie a very big thank you, she's been fielding the team all day" he adds.
"I didn't doubt she would" smiles Jayden, "and I know there is still a lot of work to be done" he adds.
"Don't worry we'll tell them when the time is right" assures Ji. "You've got something else to break to them before that particular thing comes out" he notes.
"You were the one who wanted it kept quiet" reminds Jayden.
"Well I leave the timing up to the two of you, it's your relationship" says Ji.
Jayden nods, "thanks Ji, for all of it" he says.
Ji nods but frowns, "you cannot protect them by leaving Jayden, this is much bigger than you now. The team needs you as much as you need them, you cannot do this alone. And you are all going to get hurt, and each of you is going to try and defend the others. It isn't just you Jayden, and you can't run from this. You're their leader, you need to lead by example. I understand why you tried to leave, but it won't work, and you cannot make it seem like running away is the answer, because it isn't.
Take a page out of Evie's book. Face whatever comes, sword in hand and show it who is boss. The team might be able to function without you, but it functions better with you, when all of you work as one. Going it alone is not an option despite how much you want to protect them. They made their choice and understand what it means. You need to respect that and not try and think for them" advises Ji.
Jayden nods, "I know, I'm sorry I left how I did. It wasn't fair to any of them. And I won't do it again" promises Jayden.
"Good, now go and enjoy yourself" smiles Ji, Jayden nods and heads inside.
He walks down to his room and is unsurprised when he finds Evie lying on his bed the lion and the fox flying around above her as the fox flitted away playfully.
"They're having fun" smiles Jayden.
"Seems you're not the only one who was missed" replies Evie.
"Sure you missed me, sounds like you were doing a very good job of leading, should I be worried?" teases Jayden as he drops his bag down.
"Nope, there's only one red ranger and I happen to be extremely fond of him" flirts Evie.
"Really?" asks Jayden.
"Really" nods Evie.
Jayden smiles and joins her on the bed leaning down to kiss her when he feels a fist land in his stomach and he groans dropping to the side, "Ow" he mutters.
Evie rolls over so she was on top of him, "but if you ever leave me with a note in the dead of night again, hero complex or otherwise, the Nighlok will be the least of your problems. This isn't one of those romances Mia is so obsessed with, you get me" she warns.
"Message received" coughs Jayden.
"Good, because running away is a cowards way out, for noble reasons or otherwise. It was dumb, it was stupid and you'd better not do it again" nods Evie as she slides off of him and stands up walking out of the room with an extra swing in her hips and Jayden watches her go before dropping back on the bed with a groan.
Mike sticks his head round the door, "Evie get you?" he guesses.
"Yep" nods Jayden sitting up.
"Yeah she was pretty annoyed last night, practically had to hold her back from marching out to find you" nods Mike leaning against the door frame, "seems like she cares about you, a lot" he adds.
Jayden looks at him, "I care about her too" replies Jayden carefully wondering where Mike was going with this.
"Just maybe next time you decide to go off and be a hero, think about who you leave behind. Because Evie might've rallied for us this morning, she was almost crying last night. So, leaving in the middle of the night, really not cool. I don't know what Evie's deal is, it's clear you mean a lot to her, and I'm guessing there is a whole more than I understand, about how she ended up here. But one thing I know for sure, is there is no one better to have in your corner or watching your back than Evie. And I get you've known her a lot longer, but don't take her for granted" says Mike.
Jayden nods, "you're right, and I won't" he promises.
"Cool, because it was a dick move, and that is usually me who pulls those. Now you coming to the movies or not?" he asks.
"I'm in" assures Jayden as he stands up, "just lemme change and grab a quick shower" he says.
Mike nods and disappears out of the room.
Jayden walks into the bathroom, taking a quick shower before changing his clothes.
He walks out of his room and finds the others sat waiting for him.
"We set?" asks Mike.
"Yep, lets go" nods Jayden.
They walk out of the house with a shout to Ji before heading back into the city to the movie theatre.
They decided on a comedy to satisfy all parties, as they were grabbing their snacks Jayden appeared next to Evie and holds out a pick and mix bag, "I'm sorry for how I left" he says.
Evie looks inside and smiles when she sees the assortment.
"Only your favourites" promises Jayden.
Evie doesn't say anything but takes the bag from him and walks off.
Jayden smiles as they head into the movie and take their seats, finding himself sat between Kevin and Evie, as the lights went down he laced his hand with Evie's under the arm of the chair and when she doesn't pull away he smiles and glances over at her. She doesn't look at him but he sees the smile on her face.
Feeling better knowing Evie wasn't too mad at him he settled in to enjoy the movie with his team. Lesson learned, and he was not going to repeat it. Ji was right, this was so much bigger than him now, and he wouldn't let his team down again.