A/N: Please continue to read this story; I hope you are all enjoying the contents so far.

A/N: Remember, a lot of the Power Ranger Samurai episodes are AU.

This chapter covers: A Fish out of Water & There Go the Brides

Xxxxx

Chapter 11- The Clues

March 2011
A Fish Out of Water
Lumintor Beach
Panorama City, CA

The Escalade crept to a stop.

Kevin arrived at his destination. He was assigned the duty to bring the Swordfish zord back to the Samurai rangers. Not too long ago, the fish was spotted. Jayden believed Kevin was the one to haul the sucker in. He closely held the Samurai lifestyle to his heart, and he also had the power of water on his side. He was the best man for the job.

Everyone else went to fight the most recent Nighlock—Yamiror.

He quickly exited the Samurai vehicle, and he jumped rocks to arrive at the tallest point. He scanned the area, and he thought back to his dad.

For generations, Kevin's family served along the Shiba Family. From his earliest memories, the Blue ranger remembered drawing his first symbol—water. His father couldn't have been prouder at that moment. Ike's son led a dual life. Not only was he heavily involved with harvesting the power of water and being a container for the Dragon, but he was also an avid swimmer. He was the youngest in his high school to be on varsity. Olympic coaches and college coaches wanted to scout Kevin. Yet, the Blue ranger ignored all of that. The possible glory of attaining a gold medal was the farthest from his mind.

"This is what all the hard work for all those years have been for," he pointedly spoke. He was going to accomplish this. "I won't go back without the Swordfish zord!" He drew the symbol for 'fishing pole', and he was ready now.

The sight of the grand zord caused his mouth to drop. He gasped at the gigantic Swordfish. He slung his fishing pole as far as he could, and then he hovered it forward. He spun the blank disc. The sun's rays were heavily beating down on him, sweat broke his back's skin, and he became lethargic. All of his energy was being consumed by this activity. He must've flung that thing over ten times. He began to get dizzy from the last round. If he was asked, the world spun around him, though to others he was the one spinning. His eyes went this way, that way, and he ultimately fell to the ground.

"Oh man," a bystander witnessed what happened. He immediately went and scooped Kevin up. He took him back to his family.

Xxxxx

One Hour Later
Lumintor Beach

"Ohhh," Kevin groaned, as he came to. He tried to refocus his hazel eyes; it was a hard task. Soothing music was heard. Directly above him was a baby's mobile. He watched the lion, giraffe, and tiger go round and round. He felt sudden movement as well. He shrieked at the toddler that was sleeping next to him. The little girl didn't look but about two years old, and she was comfortably resting on her stomach. He snatched the rag that was on his forehead off. He was frightened by this. "What, what happened," he curiously gazed at everything.

"Babe, he's awake," a woman with long, blonde hair, dressed in a baby blue water suit, informed her husband.

"Nice of you to join us," a raspy voice commented, and he gave a plate of food to Kevin. "You need your strength."

Kevin's stomach grumbled. Just before he came here, he barely got to finish his meal. He couldn't even precisely measure the ingredients from his breakfast due to Mia. . He drooled over what the other guy cooked: a hamburger, hot dog, corn on the cob, and he even nicely added a bag of chips."I'm, wait, I'm fine," he indecisively pushed the food away. Kevin was confused by the people in front of him.

The other man with dark hair, Asian like features was slightly taken aback."I think after the fall you took, you should," once more, he offered to the food to Kevin.

Though wary, he was rather ravenous. He ended up anxiously grabbing the plate, and his rolled to the back of his head. The juicy burger was delicious! "Oh, man, this is so good," he couldn't believe it. "Who are you guys anyways," he muffled.

"Mom, dad," a boy, who looked to be about the age of six, ran up to the people. He seemed pretty cozy with them, in Kevin's opinion. "Look, I caught a fish," he pointed to his bucket. Inside was a little cod. He was so proud, since he did this on his own.

"Way to go, baby," the female commented with a smile. "You did great!"

"Thanks," the little boy accepted, and then he looked at Kevin inquisitively. "You like blue, just like my parents."

"Uh, what," the Blue Samurai was taken aback by the little boy's observation. The tot, then, pointed to his clothes. "Oh, yes, I like blue just like, your, parents," he noted, as he looked at the various hues of blues in this elaborate, makeshift tent. "Thank you, for your kindness, but I have to go. I have to catch a fish," he scarfed down the rest of his meal, and then he began to stand. He stood too quickly, since he was all of a sudden feeling like he had to vomit.

"I don't think so," the woman ordered because of Kevin's uneasy movements. She sincerely looked into his eyes. "I think you should rest. Just like my husband said, you did really take a big fall."

"I did," Kevin couldn't believe he had overworked himself like that. "Oh, well..."

"We don't bite," the other guy lightly quipped. "We aren't trying to take your money or anything like that. Take a breather, and then finish whatever you were doing." He figured he should introduce himself. "I'm Blake Bradley. This is my wife Tori, our young son, BJ, and, sorry," he softly laughed, "we didn't mean to make things awkward, but that's our daughter, Dawn." He held out his hand.

The Blue ranger accepted his hand into his. He looked at the couple. He found it kind of funny she was slightly taller, but they looked very much in love. His phone went off without a hitch.

Blake and Tori tossed each other knowing looks.

Kevin answered his phone, as he walked away. He wanted this to be private. "Hello," was his soft reply. He took a cup of juice that was offered by Tori. He nodded in thanks and gulped down the drink.

"Seemed like he was very hungry," Tori noted in a sing song way. She went to check on her daughter.

"Kevin, the rangers have been poisoned," Ji informed. "They have inhaled the Nighlock's stench. Their fevers are next to impossible to recover from."

"I'll be right there," Kevin stressed, since he knew the monster was still on his loose, and his friends were bed ridden at this point. The citizens had to be protected.

"No, the archives say they can only be saved by a purifying power. I believe the oceanic powers of the Swordfish zord can do it. Kevin, you must capture the Swordfish and bring it back fast! I fear it may be our only hope."

"I'm on it," Kevin confidently said, and he gave all the empty cup back to Tori. He placed his phone securely in this pocket.

She was surprised by the motion. "Do you need to go now," she wondered.

Kevin nodded. "Thank you for everything, but I really gotta catch a Swordfish," he said, and he grabbed his blue fishing pole and immediately rushed back to the spot.

Tori, former Blue Wind Ninja ranger, glanced at her husband. Her blue eyes met Blake's communicative brown eyes. She nodded. "I'll keep watch after the kids and the food. No need to worry," she kissed her husband square on the lips. "Be safe."

"You got it, babe," Blake went to follow the teen he saved about an hour ago. He was concerned for his well being.

Husband and wife brought their kids to this scenic beach, which also known for the ripping waves. It's not like the ones in Blue Bay Harbor were bad; this place was special to them. They actually had their nuptials here. Also, their son loved to go fishing, and his mom was just beginning to teach him how to surf. Something his mom loved to do. As far as Dawn was concerned, she didn't like the beach too much. The parents often found it comical she would snooze most of the time she was near water. However, if she was near a BMX bike, which was her dad's favorite toy, then she was wide awake, often walking to the electric bicycle and trying to climb it.

Blake, former Navy Thunder ranger, ally to the Ninja Storm rangers, thought this had to be his family's most eventful visit yet. He had forgotten something in their vehicle. While he was walking back, that's when he saw Kevin's unconscious body.

He continued walking, and there he saw Kevin with the pole that would catch fish. Again, the taller man in blue was wearing himself out. He watched as Kevin touched a circle on the side of his pole. Blue colored sparks were emitted, and he gasped and went to catch Kevin who was about to fall over once more.

"Hey, hey, take it easy. You might be a little more comfortable if you took that jacket off," Blake seemed to have all the jokes today. He was glad to have a water bottle for this guy. He handed it over. Kevin graciously and anxiously drank the H20. Blake sighed. "Is it worth it?"

"W-what," Kevin asked, gulping down the refreshing beverage. He rose his head to look at the older man.

"What you're searching or trying to catch."

"Yes, it's worth it. It's very important, but I don't have enough," the Blue Samurai ranger stopped right there. The other man really wanted to finish the sentence for him. Instead, he listened. "It's just; I need to find this Swordfish. Actually, I need to recapture it once more."

And Blake nodded, understanding his task. He grabbed the fallen pole, and he released it back to Kevin. "Just concentrate, put all your power into it, and it will happen," he encouraged. He stood right behind his fellow blue.

Kevin's eyes explored the crashing, cerulean waters. He took a big, deep, calming breath. Once again, he extended his pole back, and then he released the pole forward. He spun the disc to add more power. The heaping bite from the Swordfish caused him to almost lose his grip. "NO," he shouted, and he reclaimed the firm hold once more. He struggled, his feet almost losing its position.

Tori's husband placed a reassuring hand on Kevin's right shoulder. Both braced for what was to come next.

Ike's son couldn't fail his mission. Jayden and the rest of his team was counting on him. He was determined to bring the purifying waters to his friends. "I can do this," he struggled to pull the zord out of the water. Once more, he spun the blank disc.

Blake watched in amazement as this giant Swordfish literally dove into the disc that was on taller man's fishing pole. The white disc transformed to blue so suddenly. He replayed back what just happened in his head, all the while, he heard laughs. He had to recollect his thoughts before he could say something. "What, in the hell, was that?!"

Kevin just smiled. "Thank you. You really helped me to get out of this jam," he acknowledged, as he helped Blake stand to his feet. "I appreciate you and your wife. I need to leave and get back to my t-"

"Your friends," Blake supplemented with a smile, and he watched the other man leave in a huff. "Good luck, ranger," he wished under his breath. He unlocked his phone and made a phone call. "You will not believe what just happened..." he began, while he walked back to his wife.

Xxxxx

Later That Day
Lumintor Beach

Mia, Mike, Kevin and Emily were playfully kicking water at each other. They giggled like little kids. They enjoyed feeling the calming waters at their feet. After the day they had, they earned it. They continued in their relvery.

Jayden's hands were stuck in his pants' pockets. He took a long, leisure walk on the beach by himself. The cooling breeze was a wonderful sensation against his body. Earlier in the day, his body literally felt like it was on fire. Like, he had been on the sun for an hour. That's a feeling he never wanted to encounter again. He scanned the sanded, rocky area. He usually avoided this place. His father and him would come here, and he would watch his dad, who found the beach to be a place of solace, engage in a kata. He smiled at the little memories he still held.

In the distance, he saw a pigeon. He remembered pigeons and doves were one in the same. The last dream—it burned in his mind.

"The dove actually spoke," he said to himself. Usually, the dreams played like a silent movie. Movements were predominant, and they truly said a 1,000 words on their own. The dove's voice would burn in his mind forever. He continued on his way, and he watched his teammates. They were having entirely too much fun.

Kevin's words, from just a few minutes ago, stuck with him. Unless, you truly believe in yourself too... That was something Jayden could attest to. He believed in himself, and that was how the Beetle was seemingly activated, and how Kevin was able to capture the Swordfish.

His team came out of the water. All were soaking wet.

"I really wish you guys could've met Blake," Kevin spoke of his chance meeting from earlier. "He really helped a lot."

"You didn't..." Emily, while looking up at Kevin with a slightly cocked eyebrow, wondered, knowing that was a cardinal rule.

"No, I didn't. Trust me," Kevin answered pointedly, since he wouldn't dare break anything Ji laid out. "I know we aren't supposed to reveal our identities to others." He thought about earlier. "But man, he made a very killer burger!"

"That's sounds great. I'll make us burgers tomorrow! What do you guys think," Mia cluelessly asked her teammates, who were turning into friends.

Jayden shook his head. "I'm a vegetarian," he nervously replied and immediately headed back to the car.

Kevin practically vomited. "Uh, uh, why don't we get going," he relayed, hoping his disgust wasn't showing.

"Yeah, prepare for the next battle," Emily piped up, as she thought of the PB & J omelet Mia cooked earlier. She, too, almost threw up in her mouth.

Mia curiously watched all of them leave in a such a hurry. "They didn't move that quickly when we fought the monster earlier," she thought out loud. She faced Mike, the sole person. "Burgers?"

Mike was about to answer, but he stopped himself. He thought about a nicer way to say she sucked at cooking, but there wasn't a nice way. He chuckled at her. "Uh, why don't we head back with them," he quickly changed the subject.

"Right, back to the Shiba House," the Pink ranger furrowed her brows. She left with everyone else.

Xxxxx

Later that Night
Panorama City Forest
Outskirts of Panorama City, CA

"So, the Samurai rangers have returned, but so have I," a deep, manly voice informed rather evilly. His feet cracked the branches that were spread throughout the ground.

Then, quickly, the pain commenced. He grabbed his head, trying to control the splitting headache that streamed throughout his anatomy. He dropped to fetal position. The excruciating feeling was too much for him to bare. He wanted this to stop. Lightning was erupting from his body. He was literally being ripped into two.

This form, that form.

Good versus evil.

He wanted to scream at the top of his lungs, but nothing was coming out. The only thing he managed was a gurgling groan. He wanted to break free. This had been going on for awhile now. The futile attempt deemed useless. The hold was at its strongest now.

"Stop, fighting this!"

Xxxxx

A Week Later
There Goes the Brides
Unknown Location

"But it's my wedding day," the kidnapped bride depressingly cried, and she grimaced at the dirty touch of Dayu's finger underneath her chin. She had to regather her strength though; she wasn't usually this emotional. The intense hate she fell for the woman in front of her caused her to glare. Her hardened stare, against the blue and red colored monster with feminine features, continued.

"Oh, you think you're so tough," Dayu mercilessly taunted. She made the bride stand to her feet. She wanted to smack that look off the woman's face.

The bride wasn't going to back down. Though two Moogers were at each arm, holding her at bay, she had to do something. She struggled against them. Their grip continued. Finally, She swiftly did a backflip, drawing the foot soldiers to collide with one another. Her heated stare came up to Dayu once more, as she took a fighting stance. "I don't think, I am," the bride countered confidently. "I'm sick and tired of monsters like you-"

"Uh, uh, uh," Dayu slithered, while unveiling her short, sharp dagger from her harmonium. "You're not an ordinary bride, are you?" In a nano second, her blade went against the bride's throat. The woman gasped at the virginal feeling against her smooth skin. The monster pierced the bride's neck, desperately wanting to draw just a drop of blood.

Two more Moogers came from out the blue, and they each grabbed the arm of the rogue bride. They twisted her arms firmly, so she couldn't pull another stunt like that.

"Put her in there," the hench woman ordered forcefully. "Try breaking out! I dare you!" Dayu, Master Xandred's right hand woman, crossed over to the human world. Her form allowed her to. She was a half Nighlock, half human. She was able to survive on either side. As much as her outer form should've sequestered her in the Netherworld. Not lately, she wanted to reclaim what was left her humanity., or sanity. She longingly ogled at the dress, with intricate details, that was being produced by the tears of brides.

With a snap of her fingers, the Moogers obeyed, and they left.

Inside the wedding cake that was made from hell, the newest bride examined the others. Their tears, there so much. She couldn't stomach this. It was just awful to see them so sad. All were in wedding dresses too. As much as she wanted to help, but she couldn't She was in the same predicament. She curiously looked around, trying to figure a way out. There didn't seem to be an exit in sight. She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Damn it," the rogue bride cursed, and she too, fell to the ground and wept. "All I wanted to do was become Mrs. Ronny Robinson-Thurston!"

Xxxxx

One Hour Later
Shiba House-Kitchen

She looked... beautiful.

Jayden remembered when she glided down the aisle. She, too, could act like a kagemusha. She did her job gracefully and in a very believing way. The natural look of her makeup, her usually straight hair, curled and cascaded in a side ponytail, and the form fitting dress caressed the curves of her tan body. Her looks were lethal, he privately thought once more.

The plan for Jayden and Mia to look like they were on top of wedding cake came from Mike. Brides were being taken on their wedding day. A day most women had been waiting all their lives for. The tears of the brides were causing the Sanzu River to rise at a dangerous level. If two, maybe three, more soon to be wives were captured, that woud cause the occupants of the demon river to wash into this world. The rangers couldn't let that happen. So, Mike thought it was best to stage a wedding. Mia was the first to immediately volunteer to be the bride. Her smile was bright, her hope undeniable; she already spoke of wanting to find her Prince Charming. The rangers agreed she could play the bride. As far as the groom went, Kevin was about to raise his hand, but Jayden quickly interjected. He wanted to be at the pulpit—much to everyone's surprise.

Quietly sipping his warmed green tea, the Red ranger mentally kicked himself. He wasn't supposed to think of her in that light, that particular way. He wouldn't even know what to call how he was feeling towards her.

Emily hummed melodically, as she entered the kitchen. "Oh, Jayden," she greeted, once she realized he was in this room. She wondered what he was up to. It looked like he was drinking something. "Is there anymore left?"

He nodded and pointed to the pot.

"Thanks," she smiled. She poured herself a cup, and she turned to the Red ranger again. She held him in such high regard. He was strong, and she was willing to protect him, as he was willing to protect her. At least, she hoped he would let her protect him. During some of their fights he was like this lone ranger, and he didn't want their help. She shrugged it off. That's probably how all Red rangers were. "So, do you think this second plan will work," she interrupted the silence.

"Yeah, with one wedding, the Nighlock will definitely show up. I'm sure Mia and I can slip in once more," he replied shortly, placing his cup down.

"Right," the Yellow ranger agreed. She was about to walk away, but she couldn't help herself. "Why did you react so quickly when Mia wanted to be the bride?"

He was surprised by her query. "Um, I just, it, um, uh," he was obviously stuttering. He was hesitant to reveal the truth. "I-I-"

Emily's mouth cracked into a grin. "You like her," she almost screamed the revelation.

"Shh," Jayden, with caution, looked around the place, hoping no one heard.

"Sorry," she excitedly apologized. She went to sit across from him. "Do you like her?"

"I think I do," he answered somewhat awkwardly.

She quirked her eyebrow. "You think," she repeated like a question. "Oh my goodness," recognition dawned on her face. Her hand flew immediately to her mouth. "You've never had a girlfriend."

Jayden was about 17; his 17th birthday was less than seven months away, and she was right: he's never had a girlfriend. To be honest, he's never been around them. Most adolescent boys meet their first crush in school or on a playground or somewhere random. He's never been to school. His mom taught him the basics like the alphabet, numbers, adding and subtracting. As far as advancing scholastically, Ji and tutors helped in the privacy of his home. He hardly went to the movies or an arcade. He life was consumed with training. He wouldn't dare admit to the team he'd never been to Rainbow's End. Those reasons alone explained why he's never had a girlfriend. It would be hard to find or meet one. He's lived quite a sheltered life.

"So what if haven't," he hastily replied, sounding rather harsh. Emily appeared frightened by his tone. "I''m sorry," he quickly apologized. "It shouldn't have came out like that... are you saying you've had a boyfriend before?"

"Yeah, when I was 13. His name was Ryan Crabtree," she spoke of her first and only boyfriend. "He asked me to the eighth grade dance, and we dated throughout the summer. We often hung out at the park, went to the movies, or he came to the ranch, or I went to his house," she explained in a happy tone. The twinkle in her green eyes soon diminished though, and she became serious. "At the end of summer, he found out he had to move away. We ended things, and I haven't had a boyfriend since."

Jayden was speechless.

She smiled that everything was okay. "I'm pretty sure everyone else has had their own heartbreak," she spoke of the others. "Except you."

"Well, it's not like I would want that," he figured. He picked his cup up.

"So, if Mia liked you, would that make her your first girlfriend?"

The cup was mere centimeters from his face. Again, he placed the red item down."You know the rules of the house."

"Haven't you heard the saying 'rules are meant to be broken'?"

"Emily," he was shocked by her bold demeanor. "Mia's beautiful, and she's nice, sweet, caring, and she can handle herself in battle," he spoke of the Pink ranger with admiration. "But it wouldn't work."

She sort of let it go. "So, you think she's beautiful, huh?" He simply nodded, so he can get her off his back. She continued to drink the tea. Her eyes displayed much satisfaction.

Kevin rushed into the kitchen. "I have a great idea for tomorrow," he announced with pride. "Mia shouldn't be the only bride."

"What?!" The Yellow and Red ranger chorused.

"Two Samurai ranger brides are twice as nice," the Blue ranger readily explained the plan he thought of.

Xxxxx

The Next Day
High Point Temple

Ronny, the brave bride from the day before, came to, as she heard another bride being tossed to where she was. She managed to find a comfortable position and catch some sleep. She listened intently, as this bride had a telephone. She hoped she could borrow, call her fiance, and assure she was fine.

"Jayden, we found the brides," the Yellow ranger informed via her Samuraizer.

"Good job, Emily," he replied, and then he thought about the other 'bride'. "How's Mia, doing?"

"Really?!"

"It's just a question."

"She's fine. Dayu hasn't touched a hair on her," she internally smiled.

"We're on our way," he ended the phone call.

Emily was relieved. Kevin's back up plan actually worked. He proposed that Emily become a bride as well. The Moogers would probably search for any and all brides, and her being an impostor produced great results.

"Did, did, you say Jayden," Ronny asked.

"Huh, what," the Yellow ranger was shocked by the inquiry. She did a once over of the dirty haired blonde. The actual bride to be looked a mess. Her hair was everywhere, her makeup was smeared, and she held her tattered veil in her hands so depressingly. "Help is on the way," she comforted.

"I heard you," the past Yellow Operation Overdrive ranger remained persistent. "You said Jayden."

"I-I-I..." she didn't want her cover blown.

Ronny was about to say something, but she heard the various noises from outside the cake. She watched the new bride take out a weapon—a rather large sword. She gasped. She knew, who she was.

"I think it's your turn to cry. I'm not the only Samurai ranger that's been kidnapped today," was heard outside of this monstrous, makeshift cake.

"Ha, ha, ha," Emily slashed the cake into pieces, and she revealed herself to everyone. She confidently stood and relayed a message. "Two Samurai ranger brides are twice as nice, don't you think?"

"Well, if all I needed was my Drive Claws," Ronny rolled her eyes. Suddenly, she was bum rushed by the rest of the brides clamoring to get out of there. A guy in blue and a guy in green helped to escort her and everyone else out. Though, she really wanted to get a good look at the team. Then, they, the guys who helped, ended up closing the door and staying with that freak of a monster. She ran with the rest of them. Her fiance was deathly worried about her, and she wanted to be with him, family, and friends. She wondered whether or not to bring this up to her maid of honor.

Xxxxx

Later that Day
Sherry's Cake Shop
Panorama City, CA

"Oh, I don't know what to choose," Emily's eyes brightened at all the wonderful goodies in the bakery. She smelled the fresh cakes, cupcakes, tarts, cannolis, and donuts. She couldn't contain her excitement.

Kevin smelled the delectable desserts. His tummy grumbled, signaling it was in need of this. That's all he did though, was smell. By inhaling the heavenly scent, he already felt his hips get wider, his belt buckle go up a notch, and his cheeks tingle at all the sweetness. He was tempted alright. His eyes dictated so.

Mike had already bought four giant cupcakes: white chocolate raspberry, double chocolate chunk, salted caramel vanilla, and a cookies and cream one. He sat at the table, ready to dig in. He looked over at the controlled the Blue ranger. The subtle glances from Kevin showed he wanted a bite.

"You want one," the Green ranger asked, while making a cupcake dance mercilessly in front of Kevin's nose. He smirked. He cut into the double chocolate chunk cupcake, and he over dramatized the goodness by taking a slow bite. "Oh..." he released a breathy indulgent grunt. "That's soooo good."

The Yellow ranger had already ordered, and she went to sit with the guys. "Kevin, aren't you going to get something," she questioned, as she placed a napkin daintily on her lap. She was confused. "Why would you come to a bakery if you didn't want to eat this?"

The wielder for the Dragon Zord shook his head, though the rest of his body depicted a different story. "A Samurai never breaks from his training," he weakly echoed his words from just last week.

"Alright," Mike and Emily said in unison, and they kept devouring their meal.

At the register, Jayden still browsed the counters. He wasn't sure what to order either. He saw Mia already at the register. He slid over to where she was. "I'll pay for that," he generously offered with a smile.

She was shocked. "Are you sure, Jayden," she didn't want to impose.

"I'm positive," he replied, as he took money out. "You deserve it."

"Jay," she affectionately called him, "I-I don't know what to say."

"Just say thank you."

She smiled. "Thank you," she honestly acknowledged.

"What a cute couple," the cashier complimented. She rang them up, and she gave the Red ranger his change. She waited for the next customer.

"But, we're not, I mean, we aren't," Mia felt Jayden's hand lightly grip her arm, and he escorted her to the rest of the team. "Jayden, don't you think we need to correct her?"

"There wasn't any time to."

"But Jay," she was the only one to call him that, read his eyes and understood. She sat next to Emily, who was next to Mike, then Kevin, and Jayden rounded off the table. "Kevin, you aren't going to eat?"

"Jayden doesn't have anything," he was quick to point out. "Look."

"I was going to go back, you know," the leader noted, "but, I just wanted to make sure everyone was okay."

"Jayden, we're fine," Emily didn't understand where the sudden protectiveness came from. "Are you still thinking about that thing that was with Dayu?"

"I don't think this is the place to discuss that," Jayden figured, while his mind traveled back in time.

(Flashback)

"Red ranger, you shall be my sword Urumasa's greatest challenge," the sudden newcomer robustly announced, while shielding Dayu.

"Deker, you came to save me," the kidnapper of brides asked hopefully.

"Not quite," came his cold reply.

"What?!"

"Red ranger, we will duel soon. Until then..." the Nighlock, at least that's what the rangers thought, grabbed Dayu's wrist and stealthily got the two out of the rock quarry. He summoned giant Moogers to attack them.

The rangers were shocked, most of all Jayden. Behind his helmet, there were questions running rampant. One was predominant.

Who was that?

(End Flashback)

He shook his head as a form of release.

Earlier, the rangers formed the 5-Disc Beetle cannon. The heavy artillery with immense power was pointed directly at their enemy. She was about to be destroyed, but then he, or it, they weren't sure what to call the newcomer, came out of nowhere. With his unique sword, he destroyed the shot, much to their surprise. His chilling words to Jayden could cause anyone to form goosebumps on their skin.

Jayden undressed from the penguin suit, and he dazedly walked to this bakery with his team. He mingled with them for parts of the way, but his mind would always float back to what was said. What did that thing want with him? Why was it wanting to protect Dayu so much? Until they crossed paths, he supposed he would never know.

"He's right," Kevin interjected, as he wiped the drool from his mouth.

"Kevin, just go get you one," the Green ranger grabbed the taller fellow by the shoulder, and he ushered him to the bakery counter. "Doesn't that look good? Eh, eh, eh..." he was the devil in the Blue's ear. "Eat, eat, eat," he cheekily chanted.

The hesitancy was melting away. "I'll have this one, this one, this one, and oh, yeah, this one," Kevin finally broke character. He couldn't wait for the luscious, circular item with globs of icing to enter his stomach. "Oh, yeah, come to daddy."

The girls and Jayden laughed at them. Once they were finished here, they would return to the Shiba House. In the morning, they would prepare for what the residents of the Sanzu River were ready to launch at them.

However, they surely wouldn't be prepared for what was to come next.