Chapter Six
Three months past, and we Rangers were worked to the bone. Nighlok after Nighlok came, and we all were nearly killed; so to say. I was disappointed because all these stupid Nighlok attacks meant my date with Antonio was on pause.
Emily, Kevin and I were out in the training area when Ji walked in. He watched us three for a while then interrupted with, "June, may I speak with you?" I glanced at Kevin. He pointed his 'sword' in Ji's direction, as if he was saying 'you better follow him.' As we walked back into the house, Ji sat me down.
"Is everything ok?" I asked. Ji sighed and said, "Actually, when you and the other Rangers were at the beach, I took the liberty to go to the Tenzin Gate and speak with the Monks." I cocked my head to the side. "What does that have to do with me?" I questioned. I knew the place he was talking about because Jayden told me all about its history last week. Ji started pacing back and forth. "The Monks are pleased that the offspring of Sam Anderson is in possession of the Sacred Power, and they want to meet you. They say you are old enough to know who killed your father." I felt my head swerve as Jayden, Mike, and Antonio walked by. Mike noticed my face. "Whoa, someone get June a barf bag. She looks like she's gonna hurl." I cussed at Mike as I ran for the nearby bathroom and puked my guts into the toilet. I held onto the side of the porcelain, gasping for air. One part of me has always wanted to know who my father's murderer was and seek revenge for it. The other wanted to vomit in shock every time that subject was brought up. It's been eleven years since Mom got the call, and I thought the sorrow was behind me. But it appears it's going to resurface again. The thought made my stomach jump, and I heaved myself up to puke the last remains of my omelet breakfast.
When I staggered back out into the living room, all the Rangers were sitting in the furniture's circle and staring at me. Mia's mouth opened in horror as she took in my sweaty, sick face. "Oh my God June," she said while rushing over to me and sitting me down, "what happened?" I was about to answer when Ji explained everything. As I watched them all, I saw Mike's hands curl into fists. "I always knew Nighloks were evil, but to kill a Power Ranger? Just seems unnatural, he said while shaking his head. Emily kissed his cheek and said, "it never was like that honey. Nighloks wouldn't take your life, they would take your Power only." Kevin was pacing back and forth as Antonio sat next to me. "The Tenzin Monks wish to meet June and discus many things, but I want us all to go. They claim to have information about Master Xandred and his next big plan involving Nighloks."
Ji continued to give orders, but I barely listened. These Monks knew something I have nearly killed to know, and I wasn't going to pass this by. Jayden did mention to dress semi formal in respect. I put together a silver blouse and black leather jacket and leggings and converse outfit together as we all headed out the door. Ji stayed behind though.
The Tenzin Gate felt like a whole other world. The pathway up to the entrance was a pebble path laid beside the greenest bushes that were covered in white daises. The gate itself was made of ancient oak wood and had markings on its post from centuries of battle. After bowing at the entrance, we all were greeted by a short, bald man with a goatee that was as silver as my blouse and as long as my forearm at the entrance of a lotus garden.
"Ah, Jayden," said the man as Jayden approached. "It's good to see you again Monk Shiloh," greeted Jayden. Monk Shiloh greeted the other Rangers, and his eyes grew in shock as they fell on me. "You, why, you must be Sam's daughter," he said while holding back a shocked stutter. I bowed and said, "Yes sir I am." Monk Shiloh threw his hands in the air and danced a cheerful jig. "Outstanding! I must go and tell Monk Kiatzo and Matsumoto of the Silver Rangers arrival." And with that, he quickly ran up a stairway to an ancient Japanese prayer temple.
I shook my head and laughed. Antonio gave me a hug. "He's responding to you better than he did with me." I looked and him and snorted a "ha! How is that possible?" Mike was laughing as Kevin said, "He made Antonio eat a bowl of lobster eyes to prove he's Ranger tough." I made a gag noise and everyone laughed. Jayden told us to get serious as Monk Shiloh returned with seven other men and two women that were holding fans. Antonio whispered in my ear, "The tall one with the tattoo coming down his face is Monk Matsumoto, and the bald one with the single braid is Monk Kiatzo. They both were Samurai Rangers thirty years ago." As they approached me, Mia added, "Always bow and never disrespect them." I nodded in understanding as Monk Kiatzo said, "June Anderson. We have been waiting your arrival." I bowed and said, "Thank you for requesting me. This truly is a beautiful place." Monk Matsumoto smiled. "You have your father's eyes," he said, "come. Let us walk. There is much to tell."
The other Rangers were left with Monk Shiloh in the gardens as I was taken into the prayer temple. Candles were lit in service. But this place resembled a museum. Artifacts of thousands of years of age were hung around. I noticed a Spin Sword on display and examined it. Monk Matsumoto saw my curiosity. "That sword belonged to the greatest Samurai Ranger in existence," he said. I turned to him and asked, "Who was he?" "Your father," answered Monk Matsumoto. I bowed my head in respect and saw a painting portrait of my father hung above it. His green eyes that were passed down to me stared. As I turned around, the Monks were sitting. Taking Mia's advice, I sat down with them.
"June, you have been requested because we believe you are of age to know how your fathers murderer is." I swallowed and nodded. Monk Kiatzo continued.
"Your father was a great man. He was though, a bit of a joker. But he was a hard worker. As time went by after years of training and small battles, your father discovered a Power said to be lost forever. He was near the coast when he found it. As soon as he lifted it out of its burial, Moogers from many dimensions attacked. But your father was clever and quick enough to evade them. When he returned here, he brought the Power to us, curious of it. We told him of it's past, saying that the one who finds it will be giving strength and life beyond their wildest dreams. He was determined to make that possible for his own well-being, but the Power would not accept him. As we decoded it more, we all discovered that the offspring of the founder would inherit this gift. At the time, your father had no offspring. Three months later, your mother revealed her pregnancy. Sam returned here and asked for the permission to bless you with the Power. We agreed and he was overjoyed. When you were one year old, a ceremony took place right were you are sitting, much like a baptism. Suddenly, Nighloks and Master Xandred appeared, and attempted to kill you and take the Power. His other Rangers sprang into actions as a battle enraged. A Nighlok named Crysus, a teleporting monster, and Xandred's deadliest servant, appeared and fought your father. Your mother was instructed to run with you to safety, but she didn't get far when the Nighlok committed his deed. With one blow, Crysus killed your father. Myself and the other Monks succeeded in hiding the Power until your mother came for it five years ago. We surrendered it with great trust."
My mind swelled with this new information. My hands were clenched so hard that I thought my fingers would break. As I mentally broke into sobs, Monk Matsumoto received my attention. "Are you well?" I was so angry and furious that I stood up, without bowing, and walked out. I stormed past the others, ignoring their calls to me. Once I was past the Tenzin Gate, I took off running. I ran all the way home and flew into my room and collapsed onto my bed crying. I wasn't extremely angered at my attempted death by Xandred, but at the fact that this Nighlok may be a one and a million chance at finding. After an hour, I heard a knock at my door. "June?" said Antonio. "Come in," I cried. Antonio stepped in and sat at the foot of my bed. "Are you ok?" he asked. I sat up and didn't say a word, but threw my arms around Antonio and cried even more. He held me close as I repeated over and over, "I can't believe this. I can't believe this."