A/N: All about Jayden in this chapter. His 'Ninjetti' powers seem to be kicking in. Daisuke recommends a ludicrous thought to Ji.

A/N: Thank you for the reviews! xoxo Kctimes2.

Chapter 7- The Letter

November 2006
Tengen Gate
Undisclosed Location

Arriving at the Tengen Gate for a weekend of training and more privacy, Jayden respectfully bowed at the memorial, which commemorated the first Nighlock attack. He, then, made his way to the graves of the previous Shiba Heads. And there, he stopped at one in particular.

"Mathew Christopher Shiba
17th Head of the Shiba Clan
1969-1999
Dutiful Red Ranger, Loving Husband and Father"

"I miss you, dad," he bent down in front of his father's grave, and his fingertips brushed against the granite. This was as close as he could get to his dad. "I understand my duty as the Red ranger, and I know what I need to do. This is to give Lauren time, and to make sure we still have someone to protect the Earth against the Nighlock," he sadly smiled. Unlike the other Red Samurai rangers, he was also conditioning himself to not become attached to the future Blue, Green, Pink, and Yellow ranger. "I'll make you proud," he lowly whispered, and he rubbed the tombstone reverently once more.

He walked a few feet more, and he was greeted by the Elder Guardian. He bowed once again. "Daisuke," he greeted happily, "it's nice to see you."

The last time the two came in contact, it was for Mathew's funeral.

Daisuke warmly smiled, and he opened his arms, so he could wrap them around Jayden. After their embrace, he took a very good look at the trainee. "And Jayden, it's nice to see you once more. My, you have grown a foot or more since the last time I spoke to you," he commented in a tender manner.

"Yes, I just keep growing and growing," the young teen lightly joked.

The future Red ranger looked at his surroundings very carefully. The sun was brightly shining, the flowers of the cherry blossoms were falling to the ground gracefully, and the cool wind blew against his body. He loved being here because it was so peaceful. He also liked having the easy access to his dad's grave, so he could have private conversations.

"Jayden," Daisuke broke the moment of silence for some serious talk. "Everyday, I feel they are going to escape the hold your dad has placed on them." Blue, Sapphire eyes looked at him earnestly. He continued. "Are you ready to lead your own team of rangers?"

"Daisuke, they are not my team of rangers," he reminded him, sadness clearly evident in his voice. "I will guide them, teach them what I know, provide the Samuraizers, but that's it. I don't need to bond to them."

Again, the words pained Jayden. At this point, he was 12 years old. He was growing at a rapid pace, physically, mentally and emotionally. It wasn't that Mentor was drilling into him he was a kagemusha, an imposter, he simply grasped the concept very well and a little too literally.

"You're very wrong. Friendship is good for the soul, and you're going to need them as much as they need you," the Elder wished Jayden would understand that. However, the young man seemed to be very set on his ways."Clean up, one of the Senior Guardians is going to accompany you to the meditation room."

"Yes," Jayden bowed, and he left to meditate.

Daisuke stood and felt the wind caress against his body. As if the wind was telling him something, he nodded and left to tend to the Junior Guardians.

Xxxxx

10 Minutes Later
Tengen Gate- Meditation Room
Undisclosed Location

Dressed in all red robes, Jayden took off his black slippers at the door of the calming room. He carefully stepped inside, and he walked to the shrine of the Japanese God of war and archery, Hachiman. The red, jade stone was ornately carved to depict a slightly plump man with a bald head, closed yet content eyes, dressed in traditional Japanese garbs, and sat atop an open lotus flower. In his hands, the God held a scepter. Often, samurai warriors worshiped this deity for protection and hope.

Jayden curved his body forward to pay tribute to this God. He rubbed the figure for good luck.

Sitting on the crimson mat, he cascaded down elegantly. His left foot on top of his right knee, right foot on top of left knee, so he could assume the correct meditative position. He comfortably rested the palms of his hands on his knees, and he closed his eyes, hoping for a peaceful session. Slowly, he inhaled, and deeply, he exhaled. His body was content, however, his mind drifted into familiar territory.

Once more, his body was consumed with red energy. A minute later, white light was layered on top of the red to form pink. Now, he was completely cloaked in paranormal light.

(Jayden's State of Mind)

Once more, the Red Lion became acquainted with the beautiful dove. The king of the jungle followed the unique wing-tipped bird, and they traveled through the land. As much as the Red Lion wanted to play and enjoy this time with its 'friend', the flying animal was serious like it was on a quest. For hours, they moved along, stopping once in a while to drink water, or for the Lion to satiate its carnivorous hunger.

Arriving at the brim of a volcano, this one different than the other, the dove rapidly flew away. There wasn't a warning, or a slight clue.

The Lion roared in confusion and hurt at losing its companion so suddenly.

The cry could be heard for a few hundred miles.

Fear erupted within the Lion upon seeing what was now in its vicinity. The lion's paws trailed backwards, fear building within its limbs.

A Red Tyrannosaurus Rex appeared out of nowhere, followed by a Yellow Saber-Toothed Tiger, a Blue Triceratops, and a Black Mastodon. A Pink Pterodactyl quickly spewed out of the ruptured crust, cawing strongly to make their presence known. Not too long after, a Green Dragon languidly appeared. Every step of the dragon, became shorter, almost weakened.

Finally, the dragon collapsed.

The king of the dinosaurs stomped towards its fallen comrade, shrieking commands for the followers. Red, Yellow, Blue, and Black left immediately, while the flying dinosaur stayed by the fallen dragon's side.

Red Lion couldn't stay back. With some deliberation, the animal hurried to help. Upon arriving, the Pterodactyl's wings widely opened and flew towards the sky, disappearing into the sun. The green dragon immediately stood upright, walking away from the 'help'. Feeling alienated once more, the Lion swiftly moved to catch up.

The scene around the Red Lion changed. There was no more dry brush land, isolated puddles of water, and browned, dry trees, instead the king arrived at a tropical rainforest.

The picturesque scene was unlike the usual setting the lion was accustomed to. The branches cracked under each heavy step of the animal's paw. The dewy air tickled the lion's stout whiskers. The leaves of hydrated, healthy, prosperous trees with bundles of wild orchids laced throughout prevented any rays of light from coming through. Roaming the forestry grounds aimlessly, the lion eventually became restless. Finding a resting spot, the lion stretched its body as far as it could, butt in the air, front limbs extended to the front. A yawn exited its mouth, and the giant, cat like creature laid on its stomach and went to the slumber 'lands'.

Once more, a Pink Turtle arrived. Slow and steady definitely won this race. The amphibian with a shell inched and inched closer to the much bigger animal, undeterred by the monstrous size. Finally, it rested on the lion's paw, comfortably, almost intimately.

A trio of birds watched the pair.

(End of Jayden's State of Mind)

Finally ending his meditative state, Jayden cautiously looked around his surroundings. He was on high alert. His body was drenched with sweat, making his garbs darker in color than the first time he stepped into the room. Dirty blonde locks of hair stuck to his forehead, side of his head and back of his neck. His breathing was still quite shallow, and he took his time to recover. Once he resumed normal breathing, he stood up. Abruptly, the young teen headed to the front of the room and opened the door.

Then, he went to undress from his soiled training gear and into his normal street clothes. He went to seek solace from the Guardian that ran this place. He approached the man, so much defeat present on his juvenile features.

"Jayden," Daisuke questioned curiously about the 18th Shiba Head's current state. "Are you alright?"

"I-I-I, uh, I'm fine, I think," he stumbled over his words, while basking in the much needed dose of vitamin D. The wind also aided in soothing his ever rampant thoughts. He finally broke the eye contact he had with the Elder Guardian. Oddly, he felt ashamed for looking like how he was. "I'm sorry Daisuke. I don't know what's going on with me."

"What do you mean?"

Again, the trainee faced his Elder. He sighed before opening up the truth. "I've been having these dreams at night," he hesitantly began. "They've been going on for the past few years, and I'm not sure what they mean."

Placing a comforting hand on Jayden's shoulder, he led the young boy to the common area. He summoned a Junior Guardian, and he requested for Jayden to have a nice, tall, chilled glass of water. They sat at the elongated table, the same table Mathew and Mentor Ji had their first meeting Once Jayden received the calorie free liquid that would cure his thirst, Daisuke ordered for Jayden to fully elaborate.

Jayden explained them, and he mentioned the common factors: a red lion and a pure, white dove with pink wingtips. His face read as bewildered, stressed and also free. Besides Mentor, no one else knew of these recurring illusions that only occurred at night. He wished for an explanation, guidance, or some help to cure them.

Daisuke was surprised by the story Jayden was vividly recalling. He scanned his brain, wondering if Mathew, Jayden's deceased dad, had mentioned anything about the birth parents. He didn't recall anything in particular, other than the fact they were very young and Power Rangers. There wasn't a Dove Zord. At least, not one he could call right off the bat. He continued listening, feeling a little sorry for Jayden. Most of the young man's hours of the day were consumed with training, and the rest he could get, in the form of sleep, didn't alleviate his sore muscles. Instead, sleep was hampered.

"Is this my dad's way of saying something to me," the next Red Samurai ranger hopefully questioned.

"I, uh the dinosaurs, the birds, I am unsure," the Elder Guardian truthfully answered, while trying to let Jayden down gently. Although, the Elder actually believed another force was behind these. The force in question, he wasn't too sure of. Sadly, he wouldn't be able to deliver comfort to him."You've had a long day. Why don't you rest?"

"I don't think I can rest," Jayden gulped his water down. The cooling sensation was able to relieve some stress.

"Meditation won't help, as you've already proven," Daisuke said as a reminder. "The next best thing would to sleep."

"And sleeping hasn't done any better," the next Red Samurai ranger also reminded him, while fiddling with his empty cup. He wasn't sure what to do. In no time, he gave in. He figured at least an hour or two would surely put him in a better state. He ascended on his feet, another Junior Guardian accompanying him to his room. The two left.

Daisuke came to a conclusion, Jayden needed to be relieved of his sleepless nights.

And, he knew how that would be done.

Xxxxx

One Week Later
Tengen Gate
Undisclosed Location

Mentor Ji made his way to the Tengen Gate. He was to guide Jayden back to the Shiba House. He had to admit, the grand house did feel lonely without his pupil being there. It had been almost a decade since Mentor decided to leave his life as a Senior Guardian to become a teacher to a young boy. At first, he believed the task was daunting. After all, Jayden wasn't the biological child of Mathew and Nina. Lauren was really the 18th Head of the Shiba Clan.

Also, everything that could've gone wrong did go wrong.

For example, Jayden's power wasn't as advanced as Lauren's. He would try and try, but acquiring the power didn't come as easily as a member of the Shiba Family. Second, there were times the young boy wished to quit, so Lauren could come home so she could resume her right. And then, there were those dreams that would deter the young teen from progressing forward.

But, things surely had to get worse before they got better—a lot better.

Mentor couldn't believe Jayden's progression in the last couple of years. His symbol power was through the roof. His swordsmanship was impeccable, and Ji believed his young pupil had the strength, tenacity, and resiliency to lead his own team. There were definitely many factors against this kid, but it's obvious they weren't going to stop him. Something, Ji could definitely smile at.

"Daisuke," Mentor approached him, and he reverently bowed to his former leader. "How have you been?!"

"I've been good," Daisuke laughed at his former Senior Guardian. "How has it been living at the Shiba House?"

"Good, very good, you know the beds are more comfortable there than they are over here," Ji jokingly whispered.

"Oh, really," Daisuke utilized the stick in his hand; a smack was administered to Ji's the side.

Ji frowned, while rubbing the spot he got hit at. He definitely didn't miss those 'love taps'. "Where's Jayden," he asked.

"He's in the back working with the Spin Sword," the Elder replied, and then he fished for some information. "Have you told Jayden he was adopted?"

"Uh, what," Mentor adamantly shook his head. He didn't have the heart to admit something of that magnitude to his student. "You know, I can't do that."

"Well, who else would tell him?"

"Oh, I don't know, his mother," Ji answered as a matter of fact, as he stared off into the distance, where there were green hills, snow capped mountains in the farther distance, and large bundles of wheat swaying rhythmically left and right. He sighed, since he hated to keep secrets from the future Red ranger.

Before finding out the truth, Mentor Ji would've been lying to himself if he didn't at least have a sneaking suspicion Jayden wasn't biologically Mathew's and Nina's. Jayden had his dad and sister's eyes, but he possessed nothing of his mom. He questioned that why Nina wasn't present in Jayden. After his private thought was finally and surprisingly confirmed by Nina, he confronted Mathew about Jayden not being his.

Mathew, teary eyed and all, confessed their son wasn't apart of the bloodline, but they didn't need blood. Jayden was their son, and they respected and loved his birth parents for letting them care for their son. Mathew didn't want to reveal the truth to Jayden, at least not yet. First of all, he was young. Second, tirhe needed to trust them because of his purpose. And third, they couldn't bring themselves to admit they weren't his parents.

When the Shiba family separated, and Mathew passed, Mentor took Jayden under his wing as many different titles—father, teacher, best friend, chef, chauffeur, and others. Mentor confessed over time Jayden had become like a son he never had. The two became very close, since they knew, at that moment, they had no one else. He would gladly take a bullet or anything a Nighlock would throw his way because Mathew's adopted son was just that important to him.

But... he wouldn't say Jayden wasn't a Shiba.

"Jayden can't find out he's adopted," Mentor protected his pupil. "The only dad he's known passed away when he was just five years old, his mom is in hiding with his sister, and now, he's training to be a Power Ranger, not just any Power Ranger, but the Red ranger. And on top of that, he's not even the real, Red ranger. He's a stand in, an imposter, a kagemusha," he passionately rambled on his student's behalf. "If he knew this wasn't what his life was meant to be, he'd be absolutely crushed, and you know that."

Daisuke remained quiet upon hearing his former Senior Guardian's words. He was right, but this would also ease Jayden's dreams and mind. At least, he believed so. "So, what does Jayden know about his life," he asked.

"All he knows is that he's a stand in, and that's why he has this thought he can't be close to his future teammates," Mentor honestly replied.

"Yes, and that is very unfortunate," Daisuke sadly shook his head. "He's going to be way more than that to them."

"I believe it," Ji firmly responded. "I, I, I really couldn't tell him something of that magnitude."

The Elder nodded. "I understand, but eventually, he will need to find out the truth. He can't keep going on like this, with these dreams lingering," he wisely spoke. He gave up, at least for now. "Would you like some tea and biscuits?"

"I'd like that very much," Mentor obliged, and then he saw a figure in the distance. The figure was gallantly coming their way. As the body became bigger, his eyes widened. "A kuroko," he murmured with shock.

A kuroko was a person dressed in all black, usually black robes. Their faces were, at least most of the time, covered to conceal their identities. In Japan, they were the ones that would change the scenes in the live Japanese shows. As for the Shiba Family, they had a number of roles. One of the most important was being a messenger.

The beautiful, black horse, similar to Black Beauty, came to a halt, since the reigns were pulled by it's master.

Daisuke protectively stepped in front of Mentor. He warily took the rectangular note card that bared the Shiba Family crest. He speculated this wasn't the greatest news. The messenger bowed, and ordered the horse to move once more. The beautiful horse galloped off. As soon as the bodily figure became no more, he opened the note.

The Elder Guardian read the note, and he was in a stunned silence. The note dropped from his shaky hands at the news.

Mentor Ji furrowed his brows. He wasn't sure whether to pick the note up or not. He followed his instincts and scooped the paper into his hands. He opened the note and read about the awful update. He gulped at each word. He had tears in his eyes, as he was distraught.

"Dearest Daisuke,
My mother, Nina, has passed away. I believe it was because of a broken heart.
She was never the same after knowing my dad passed, only twenty minutes after of her leaving. She tried to remain strong, but she just couldn't go on.
I trust you will give her the proper burial.
Unfortunately, due to my circumstances, I cannot be present.
You understand.
Please pass on the news to my brother and Mentor Ji.
Sincerely, Lauren.

PS—Give my love to Jayden. I miss him very much."

"Daisuke," Mentor suddenly found his voice to speak. "How are we going to tell Jayden?"

"He must hear it from you," Daisuke replied honestly, after taking some time to regain his composure. He turned to his former pupil. "He trusts you, and you will be his rock during this difficult time like when Mathew passed."

"But..." Ji released a deeper breath, as he was trying to find the right words, "knowing, he's lost his mom, and he couldn't be there for her, that's going to make him very depressed."

"Or give him the will to fight harder."

Mentor accepted. "I will inform Jayden of this," he took a step forward, and then his Elder placed a firm hand on his chest. Quizzically, he looked at the man.

"You must tell him of his adoption soon," Daisuke ordered adamantly. He wasn't going to hear the contested remarks from Ji. He wasn't having it, especially after finding out what's happened to Nina. "No, you listen. He's lost both of his parents, and now, he will have the lurking fear of losing his sister. He has to be strong during this trying time."

"He's already been strong though," Ji was confused by Daisuke. Slowly, he was becoming angry with the other man.

"He will be at his strongest, if he has an incentive—his birth parents, to fight for," the Elder revealed much to the dismay of Ji. "He's a passionate fighter, and the adoption will help in the fight against the Nighlock."

"NO," Mentor furiously roared, and the power of his voice caused the birds in hiding to fly in fear. "He's lost both of his parents, and that's enough for any child to fight for. That's all he needs to know." His chest was elevating at abnormal pace. He had fire in his eyes, and the thought of the Elder being so wise was quickly disappearing from his thoughts. "You understand that?"

Jayden rushed to the front of the Tengen Gate. He heard the loud denial from a person, and he guessed the person was Mentor Ji. The tone and pitch gave it away. When he saw Mentor, standing in front of Daisuke, and his teacher's body was exuding outrage, disgust, and the need to choke his old leader, he knew something definitely happened.

"Mentor, Daisuke," Jayden cautiously queried the two of them, "is everything alright?"

"Yes, Jayden," Daisuke answered with an unwavering smile. He had to take his own advice and remain strong for everyone on these grounds. "Your Mentor and you must talk," and with that, he left the two alone.

Looking at Mentor questioningly, he wondered what there was to talk about. "Mentor?"

Brought of his angry stupor, he turned to his student. He looked him over, and he brought him into a loving bear hug. He wished he could protect him from what was to come, but he couldn't. Young Jayden was a fighter. He truly had passion, heart, spirit, and no trickery or bribery was needed. Regardless of Daisuke's absurd thought, Jayden could defeat the Nighlock without knowing about the secret adoption.

Jayden was put on this Earth for a reason, and that reason was to be a Power Ranger. He was going to carry his adopted dad's legacy and aid his adopted sister in what their dad couldn't finish. And if his birth parents were there, they would be cheering him from the sidelines.

Ji was almost positive of that.

"Your mom," was all Ji could say. "She has... she has... passed away."

"What," Jayden exclaimed in shock. "When, what happened," he kept firing questions. He grabbed the dirt covered note that was in Ji's clutch. He carefully read the words, and the world seemed to stop. The wind was knocked out of him, and Lauren's words reverberated within him. 'mother... Nina... passed away... broken heart... give my love to Jayden' He collapsed to the ground, his body wracked with breathless sobs. Why? That's all he wanted to know. Why? He felt Mentor's arms wrap around him protectively. "Why," exited his mouth with so much sadness he sounded like a dog whimpering in pain.

"You'll get through this," Mentor comforted sincerely, and he went to grab Jayden's bags. When he came back, he escorted Jayden home. They had to prepare for the upcoming funeral and would return for the burial.

Near the exit of the Tengan Gate, every Guardian came out, made two parallel lines and paid their respects to the next savior of these lands. They were all informed of the passing, and they wanted to show Jayden their support.

Before Jayden exited, he bent forward, accepting their condolences. Ji was soon to follow, and he ignored Daisuke like the plague.

Daisuke watched the two intently. He desperately wanted to admit the truth to Jayden. He wanted Jayden to know he did have another set of parents out there. His birth parents were probably looking for him now, or had been looking for him. These recurring dreams could be on their behalf. Though, Daisuke wasn't sure if this was best. Mentor was right, there was too much going on.

And Mentor would admit the truth one day, just not right now. The next Red Samurai ranger already lost both of his parents—the only parents he's ever known. The last thing Jayden needed to hear was they weren't the ones who gave birth to him.

There was no point in putting him through even more torture.

Question: Should Ji admit to Jayden he's adopted? Please let know.