Jayden finds Mike practising sword forms that afternoon. "Mike, I need a favour."

"Sure," Mike agrees, putting up his sword. "What's up?"

"I have to go out. Come with me?"

"Where are we going?"

He hesitates, glancing at the door. "Can I tell you when we're away from here?"

"Why?"

"Because I'm afraid you'll refuse."

Mike considers him. "You could just go; we're not tracking you. Had to sit on Antonio to get him to agree, but..."

"I know. I'm trying not to do that. He freaks out when he can't find me and then pretends he isn't. I don't like doing it to him."

"I reserve the right to kick your ass when you tell me."

Jayden nods, relieved. "That's fair. Thank you."

"Sure. Let me change, ok? Five minutes."

He tells Mentor. He's not stupid. Mentor agrees that they should go; if Jayden's starting to show interest in anything, it can only be good. Mike keeps his Samurizer on, tucked in his pocket. The others will be able to track him if they have to.

Jayden's waiting by the gate, clearly eager to go, and he doesn't speak as they head out. Mike doesn't either, following him patiently.

He does speak, though, when he realises where they're going. "Jayden, this isn't the way into town."

"We're not going to town."

"Where are we going?" Jayden glances back at him and Mike adds, "You said you'd tell me."

"I'm looking for – something."

Mike glances around, frowning, and makes a leap. "For Deker?"

Jayden stops, turning to face him. "How did you..."

"This is where he hangs out. If you're trying to fight him, though, I'm dragging you home right now."

"This isn't about fighting."

"Swear it."

"I swear. This isn't about fighting."

Mike studies him for a long moment before nodding. "All right. Give me a second, then." Concentrating, he draws a symbol and waits for it to take effect. He's never tried this before and is gratified when it works. Of course, it's only working because they're in the forest... "That way."

"Well done," Jayden offers. Mike grins, leading the way.

It doesn't take long for them to find Deker. He's practising by the edge of a river, moving so fast Mike can't track him. He lingers by the trees.

Jayden walks right into Deker's space, summoning his sword just in time; Urumasa stops a hairs' breadth from his skin. He holds the position for a moment before disengaging, stepping back and letting his sword vanish.

Deker's gaze flicks once up and down him. "I'm surprised they let you out alone."

Jayden smiles, hearing the echo of another conversation. "They trust me."

"Hnn." He moves into another pattern, slower and more graceful, more about control than power. "I know you didn't bring a witness to our duel. What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" Deker echoes in genuine surprise.

"You helped Antonio talk to me. Helped him get through to me. And before that, even – you were honest with me. I know you did it for your duel, but you did it. So thank you."

"It wasn't for you."

"I know," Jayden agrees. "But I knew what you wanted. You were the only person I understood, for a while."

Deker snorts. "If you feel you owe me something, you know what I want."

Jayden nods. "I can't yet. There are things to do. But soon."

Deker eases out of his pattern. "When?"

"Soon," Jayden repeats. "I'll swear it, on anything you'll believe. Stay away from civilians, and I will give you your duel."

Mike shifts, but doesn't protest.

"Soon, Red Ranger. Or you know what will happen."

"Soon," Jayden agrees.

"You're going to tell them?" Deker asks. "Your secret?"

"They're going to find out," Jayden murmurs. Raising his voice, he adds, "Be careful, Deker. Master Xandred wants you dead."

"He's wanted me dead for a long time now, Red Ranger." Deker tips his head in what's very nearly a salute, turning and walking away.

Jayden drops to a crouch, head down. Mike wanders across, easing down beside him. "All right?"

"Mike..."

"I didn't hear anything."

"Liar," Jayden says without heat.

"I don't have to have heard anything. Are you going to fight him?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

Jayden studies him for a moment before standing. "We should go back."

"It's stupid to fight him if you don't have to."

"I do have to."

Mike sighs, giving up. "I know you have to fight him on your own. But will you please bring one of us?"

Jayden shakes his head. "I'll tell you when I'm going."

"Good enough, I suppose." Mike starts towards home.

Mentor takes him aside when they get back; Jayden smiles tiredly, heading for his room. Mike's expecting Antonio to go with him, but it's Emily who slips off her seat and follows him.

Mike quietly recounts their visit to Mentor, who shakes his head. "He always was more noble than is good for him."

"I kind of understand," Mike murmurs. Emily returns, squeezing Antonio's shoulder as she passes him, settling onto her seat without looking at him. "Deker did help save him, whatever his reasons. And it didn't win him any favours with Xandred."

"I don't think Deker's ever been very concerned with Xandred," Mentor says with a sigh. "Thank you for going with him, Mike."

"He'd been alone, I think they'd be fighting right now." Mike watches the others talk quietly; the zords are prancing on the table, drawing soft giggles from Emily. "Mentor?"

"Yes, Mike."

"Deker said something – about a secret. Jayden's secret. I told him I didn't hear it, and I'll stick to that, but – is he in trouble?"

Mentor watches the others for a long time. Mike waits patiently. Finally Mentor turns back to him, face resolute.

"Jayden does have a secret. I cannot tell you; in keeping it, he is protecting others."

"Is he in trouble?" Mike repeats.

"No."

Mike nods. "All right." Mentor frowns, and he shrugs. "He's not in trouble, you say he's protecting people. Cool. Let him do it." Mentor smiles and Mike turns away, dropping beside Mia and adding his zord to the race between the others. Emily's watching him when he looks up; he winks and she smiles, turning back to answer Kevin's question. Mike cheers as his zord overtakes hers, laughing at the pout she gives him.

Jayden reappears, lurking in the corridor, and Mike raises his voice. "Dude, come on! We've got the girls on the ropes here!"

Jayden smiles, coming to join them. "Maybe I should join in on their side, then. Even out the odds."

"Sounds about right, you need three people to stand up to us," Mike agrees. Mia pushes him off the stool and he laughs, accepting Antonio's hand up and settling back in with his team.