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*Italic indicates thought
Chapter Six: Reunion pt. 2
A/N: Hello my wonderful readers! exams and school are finally over, so it's time for updates! Hopefully I can update more often. As if I'm not busy enough, my freind encouraged me to write down this crazy Frozen fanfcition I had. Anyways, read on!
"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." -Robert Frost
"What're you doing here?" Tiara asked. Not that she wasn't happy to see her dad, but right now probably wasn't the best time for him to be here.
"Well, I was having a hellish time the last few months and thought a vacation might do me some good."
Tiara smiled and hugged him. "Well, I'm glad to see you."
"I know. I haven't seen you since you came to visit me in Japan two years ago." He stepped back and put his hands on her shoulders. "Look at you. You're not a little girl anymore. You're a young lady now."
"Dad," Tiara complained rolling her eyes. She glanced back and saw the others were giving her a 'how are we handling this?' look. "Uh, I think maybe I should introduce you to a few people." She led him over to where Jayden and Lauren were. They stood up straight, looking like the regal Shibas they were supposed to be. "Dad, this Jayden, and Lauren. They're my birth siblings."
"Hi, nice to meet you," Isaiah Sterling said shaking their hands. "Tiara's told me so much about you."
"Nice to meet you Ambassador Sterling," Jayden responded, returning the handshake.
"Please, call me Isaiah. Or Mr. Sterling. I swear if anyone calls me 'ambassador' while I'm on vacation, I'll be killing them."
"Noted," Lauren nodded.
Ji came over, regarding Isaiah carefully. Tiara smiled to reassure him. "Dad, this is Ji. He's Lauren and Jayden's guardian."
"I hope Tiara hasn't been too much trouble," Isaiah said, shaking Ji's hand.
"Not at all. Compared to some of their friends, she's perfectly behaved."
"Glad to hear it. So, looks like I crashed party. Maybe I should leave-"
"Nonesense," Jayden interrupted. "There's always room for more. Antonio makes way to much fish anyways."
"Yes," Lauren agreed. "Please stay."
"Come on," Tiara said, pulling him along. "There's more people for you to meet.
-Samurai Ranger Life-
"Feels just like yesterday we were picking up morphers for the first time," Greg noted as they walked.
"Some of us picked them up," Lewis replied. "Others snatched theirs out of James' hand and started jumping up and down like a three-year-old."
"I was excited."
"You were a twenty-six year old man...with four year old."
"That means nothing."
"Anyways, Greg, where the missus?" Sophia asked. "Not up for a good party?"
Greg rubbed his neck uncomfortably. "Um, about that. My wife kind of, left me."
"Oh." The air around them suddenly got very tense.
"Yeah. About six months after I came home. We'd been having a lot of arguments, and she decided she couldn't handle having a husband who was a samurai, or raising a son who was destined to become one. She wanted, and I quote, 'a normal life with a normal husband and kid.'"
"Well that sucks," Angela declared. "I'm sorry Greg."
"It's ok. I got over it real fast. Having to raise a kid does that to you. What about you, Lewis? Where's your wife?"
"My wife left me too," Lewis admitted. "About three months before we finished our time as rangers. I guess she just couldn't handle the samurai thing. She just dropped Kevin off with my dad and took off."
"Well it's official, our lives suck," Angela nodded. "Well...yours do."
"Yeah, tell me about it," Greg agreed. "I hope our kids can have better luck than us."
"The samurai-thing is just too much for some people," Sophia told them. "My brother-in-law, and my husband both took sometime to get used to it "
"Same with mine," Angela agreed. "He fainted when I told him."
"Just don't marry samurai if you can't handle their crazy lives," Lewis said.
The four of them crossed through the entry way of a cemetery. Despite the fact they hadn't been there in years, they knew where to go by memory. The four of them stopped and knelt at the grave that said 'James Shiba'. They didn't say anything for a minute, sitting in a respective silence. Angela was the one who finally broke their silence. "I know it's been a while James. Sorry we didn't come visit you more."
Sophia nodded. "I wish you could see how much Lauren and Jayden have grown. They're so big. You'd be proud of them."
"Definitely," Greg agreed. "Their team is a lot like ours."
"Greg's son Mike is the spitting image of him," Lewis said. "And he's still wearing that stupid hat by the way."
"It's not a stupid hat," Greg objected.
"James told you not to wear it in the house how many times?" Angela asked.
"Only a few...everyday..."
Sophia laughed. "See what you're missing out on James?"
-Samurai Ranger Life-
Antonio tried to smack Mike as his friend stuck his face over his shoulder. "Hey!"
"But I'm hungry!" Mike complained. He leaned against the picnic table. "How much longer until the food is ready?"
"A while," Antonio answered. "Why don't you go talk to someone."
Mike glanced around and saw Emily talking to Mia. "No thanks."
Antonio glanced where he was looking and frowned. "Things still that bad between you two?"
"Yeah."
"What exactly happened? Nether of you gave us the whole story."
"I don't want to get into it," Mike answered simply. "Let's just say things just didn't work out the way we'd hoped."
"And you've moved on?"
"Of course."
Antonio nodded. "Sure you have. Anyways, what's this I hear about you teaching martial arts now?"
"It's so cool." Mike went on to tell Antonio about his job.
Meanwhile, Tiara was talking to her dad with Jayden, Lauren, and Ji.
"Tiara, before I forget," Isaiah said suddenly. "Tomorrow I have a surprise visitor that followed me here."
"Really who?" Tiara asked.
Her dad smiled. "You'll see."
The gate opened and the 17th generation samurai returned. "We're back!" Greg called out.
"We noticed!" Mike called back.
"Uh, who's he?" The four of them stopped as Tiara stood up with her dad.
"Um...you remember how I told you I was adopted? Well this is my adoptive dad. Ambassador Isaiah Sterling. Dad, these are my friends' parents."
"Nice to met you all. Sorry I crashed your party."
"Not at all," Angela smiled. "There's always room for more here."
"Indeed," Sophia agreed. "So you're an ambassador?"
Isaiah sighed. "I was hoping to not get called that, but yes. I am."
"To where?" Lewis asked.
"I'm the U.S. ambassador to Japan. I've be stationed there for...seven years now I think it is."
"That's actually the equivalent of forever in ambassador years," Tiara told them.
"Is it fun?" Greg asked.
"If having meetings with everyone and working almost day and night seven days of the week is fun to you, then sure. It's a blast."
Jayden laughed. "I like his sense of humor."
Lauren nodded. It made her happy Tiara got the chance to see her dad. "Indeed."
"Food's ready!" Antonio called. "Hurry up before Mike eats it all!"
"Not on my watch!" Greg declared, running over. Antonio laughed as he served grilled fish out.
Mike sat down on the ground with his. "Man, Antonio, I've really missed your cooking."
"Same here," Kevin agreed. He sat next to the green ranger and started to munch on his fish. It was just as good as everything Antonio cooked.
"Gracias, amigos," Antonio grinned. He served Lewis and Greg next. The two of them thanked him for the food and sat down at the table. They each took a bite and Greg looked shocked.
"By far the best fish I've ever eaten in my life. And to think, I don't even like fish."
Jayden started giggling. Antonio looked shocked. "Not liking fish? I suppose you don't like breathing ether?"
"Antonio's a fisherman," Kevin explained to his dad from a far. "He has been his whole life."
"Where did you learn to fish?" Sophia asked as she got her food next.
"My dad thought me," Antonio answered smoothly. "My family's been fishermen longer than anyone can remember."
"Sounds fun," Sophia answered.
Mia and Terry were next. The two of them tried to beat the other to hold their plate out for food. Antonio smiled and served Mia. "Ladies first."
"Thank you." She stuck her tongue out at her brother and joined her friends.
Terry huffed as Antonio put a couple pieces on his plate. "Not fair."
"The catchphrase of every younger sibling everywhere."
"I can confirm that," Emily assured Terry from her place in line.
"Speaking of family," Serena said. "Antonio, why aren't your parents here?"
Antonio almost dropped the fish he was serving in surprise. "Oh...um...well..." He was aware of the fact that all the rangers' parents were watching him now. Jayden and Lauren gave him looks of equal support. "Um...I don't have any."
"Oh."
"What happened?" Terry asked.
"I really don't want to talk about this," Antonio answered, looking back at the food.
"But-"
"Terry, shut up," Mia told him.
Terry noticed the pained expression on Antonio's face and nodded. "Right. Sorry." He took his food and sat down. Mia have him a look.
"Mia, Terry," Sophia said, trying to change the topic. "Don't make any plans for next weekend."
"Do you people not want me to graduate from college?" Terry asked irritated. "Seriously."
"What're we doing?" Mia asked.
"Your cousin's getting married."
"Aw."
Terry snorted. "Never thought I'd live to see the day someone can keep up with Cam."
"Who's he marrying?" Mia asked.
"Well his boyfriend obviously," Trevor said. "I can't imagine him marrying a stranger."
"You mean that Hunter guy?" Terry asked. "About time they made it official. Cam's never been one to beat around the bush, but geez. He's known this guy for how long?"
"Must be close to ten years," Mia answered. "I'm happy for him. After Uncle Kanoi died he's been so depressed. He needs to look to his future."
Terry nodded. "I agree." Serena sat next to him and he smiled. "Hello again."
"Hello." Emily sat on the other side of her sister. Serena nudged her; Emily returned the gesture.
"Here you are Señor," Antonio said, hanging a plate to Isaiah.
"Muchas gracias. Se ve delicioso." Thank you. It looks delicious.
"De nada." Should've figured he can speak Spanish, Antonio thought. He handed Tiara her plate next. "Here you are, chica."
"Thank you Antonio."
Lauren laughed as Antonio tried to hold Jayden's plate out of reach. Jayden kept grabbing at it, but Antonio kept moving it. "Aren't we getting a little old for this?" Jayden asked.
"Never." Antonio laughed as he handed Jayden his plate. He grinned and served Lauren. "Ah, one kiss payment."
"Are you bribing me with food for kisses?"
"Yes."
Lauren smiled and kissed him. The two of them momentarily forgot about everyone around them and just stood there kissing.
"Hey!" Mike shouted. "Some of us are trying to eat here!"
Lauren laughed as she pulled away from Antonio, taking her plate with her. Antonio served Ji next who was giving him a disapproving look. Antonio shrugged. If I had a nickel for every time Ji's given me that look, I'd be the richest man on Earth. He served himself last and went to join his friends.
"So Mike, how's the new job?" Jayden asked. He glanced over and did a double take when he saw Lauren and Antonio. Instead of eating the food off their own plates, they were feeding each other.
Mike gave the love-birds a look before answering. "It's awesome."
"I still can't believe you teach martial arts," Mia smiled. "Who in their right mind you let you supervise children?"
"Hey, in my defense, I supervise teenagers too."
"Because that makes it so much better," Lauren put in.
"It's a fun job. And I'm good at it. It's really stressful-" His samuraizer went off. He got up as he answered it. "Yeah Tommy?" He walked away talking.
"Good to see Mike having a good job," Mia said to Emily.
"If you say so," the former yellow ranger answered indifferently.
"What even happened-" Mia stopped when she saw Serena shaking her head. She gave the former pink ranger a 'don't even try it' look.
Mike rejoined the group, picking up his food again. "Sorry about that. Work stuff. Anyways, yeah, it's stressful when we get closer to competitions."
"Do you at least win?" Antonio asked.
"Not lately. My boss was apparently like a champion when he was in his prime. But we did just get a new student, and he thinks she's got a real chance. We actually have a competition here in Panorama next week. That's what the phone call was about."
"Ah. Well maybe we'll come and see your students in action," Jayden said. He actually just wanted to see Mike's teaching skills in action.
"You still working as a lifeguard Kev?" Antonio asked.
"Unfortunately."
"You don't like it?"
"Well, it's long hours, and aggregating. But it pays well. And free pool access, so I guess it has its perks."
"How's the Olympic training going?" Emily asked.
"Long and tedious, but I'm getting there. My times are still dropping somehow."
"I'm not expert, but that seems like a good thing," Mike commented.
"What about you, Mia," Kevin said. "How's college?"
"It sucks. There's so much work and I barely get to sleep. But, my room mates pretty cool. She's from Jamaica, so she's always asking me where to find restaurants."
"Have you guys been roommates this whole time?" Lauren asked.
"Yeah. We keep requesting each other. She's pre-med. I can't wait until I'm a kindergarden teacher."
"You'll be a good one, Amiga," Antonio smiled.
"Thanks. How's the fish business?"
"Same as it always is. Though without the constant threat of monster attacks, tourism is up. Which brings my sales up."
"Well that's good," Emily said.
"Everyday brings me a little closer to owning my own restaurant."
"And that's all that matters."
"How about you three?" Mia asked. She looked pointedly at Jayden, Lauren, and Tiara.
"I'm going to college this fall," Tiara said.
"Surprise, so are we!" Lauren smiled. "We just found out we're being required to have college degrees."
"By who?" Terry asked.
"Who else, but the Kāpa?" Jayden replied. "Apparently not going to college makes our family look bad or something."
"Well at least their using their powers for good instead crushing the dreams of poor fisherman," Antonio muttered bitterly. Lauren gave his hand a squeeze reassuringly.
"You two doing normal people stuff is impressive," Kevin said. "But, I think I speak for everyone when I say I'm terrified that Emily's getting her license soon."
"Two weeks from now," the former yellow ranger responded. "I'm so excited."
"I agree with Kevin," Antonio said. "It's a scary prospect."
"Hey, I'm a good driver. Serena, tell them."
"She's ok. Hey!" she laughed as Emily threw food at her. "If you want a good comparison, our old family friend Justin has this old pick-up truck he's in love with. And he let Em drive it."
"What're you doing driving his truck?" Mike asked suddenly. "I thought he was just a field hand?"
"It's none of your business, you a-"
"Hey!" Serena warned, cutting Emily's curt response short. "Knock it off you two."
"He started it," Emily muttered.
The others gave each other looks. Clearly this wasn't something they shouldn't get in the middle of...and yet as friends, they knew they would eventually.
Sohpia and Angela glanced back at their kids, smiling. "They're so adorable," Sophia said. "Just like us."
"A little too much like us, I think," Lewis replied. He glanced at Ji, who was talking to Isaiah.
"So the adoption went through ok?" Isaiah asked.
"Yes, everything was smooth. Although, if you don't mind my asking, you seemed very...ok with the idea of giving up Tiara...and I was just wondering..."
Isaiah sighed. "I'm afraid it might've been my paranoia playing up. Ambassador isn't always the safest job. Especially of late."
"Are you in danger?" Ji asked, concerned.
"No more than I usually am, just never mind. Anyways, I thought if say some extremists did come after me, maybe if Tiara wasn't my daughter anymore she'd be safer. That's why I agreed to let her live with Jayden and Lauren. I was hoping it would lead to her getting re-adopted back to her birth family."
Ji nodded. His plan backfired a little. But he couldn't have known has was letting Tiara back into the samurai world. "I see. Well, no matter who she is legally, I get the feeling she'll always think of you as her father."
Isaiah smiled. "There's hoping."
All the adults looked back at the kids sitting on the ground. It occurred it them their kids were just entering the world. Just beginning to figure out where they want their lives to go.
I just hope life doesn't throw them too many curve balls, Lewis thought taking a drink.
"Anyone want seconds?" Antonio asked, standing up.
"Yes!" Greg and Mike shouted at the same time.
Ji sighed, shaking his head. The defenders of the planet. The honorable samurai families.
