Episode: 'The Ultimate Duel'
Chapter 15- The Return
Xxxxx
(Flashback)
Mia found herself cooking a five star meal that could be served at any Korean restaurant. She saw her only patron, sitting at the long, table, decorated with fancy napkins, fine china plates, utensils, varying in size, and candles throughout the middle.
"Your meal is served," she greeted him and placed the plate of customary Korean hot and sweet barbecue, rice, kimchi, perfectly cooked shrimp, and crisp, cooked vegetables that still retained their natural color. She waited patiently for him to take a bite.
He savored the proportioned bite of rice, shrimp and vegetables, and then he tried the succulent barbecue. "Amazing," he complimented.
"Who said I couldn't cook," she asked, very proud that she was able to make such a wonderful meal.
"I've always known you could cook," Jayden nicely praised. "Thank you, Mia. I love you." His eyes were warm and smiling at her, which caused her heart to flutter. Everything about her made him experience what love was.
"Aw, Jay," she practically sang. The statement was short in letters, but the meaning left an everlasting impression. For awhile, she had been waiting for him to admit his feelings, and he finally did. As a result, she could confess how she felt for him. She climbed onto his lap, making sure to face him. "I love you," she proclaimed for the first time.
The Red ranger was a bit nervous, as was she. He made the first move and kissed her lips. He loved the feeling of her velvety lips, and she delicately continued fusing hers with his. Their first kiss was innocent and established their feelings as more than friends. They looked at each other with hunger in their eyes. The making out became more feverish. She hotly moaned against the feeling of his tongue slinking in and around skillfully, and he let his hands roam freely behind her body. He cupped her firm ass, gently picked her up, and stood, while feeling her legs wrap around her back. He carried her a few feet away.
Though, they admitted their adoration, he stopped and safely placed her on two feet.
He broke the kiss. "Mia, Mia," he called before officially taking a step back. She couldn't be stopped and entered his personal space again. She continued nipping at his neck sexually. Then, he began to groan in ecstasy over the way she smoothly licked his ear. "We can't," he said more sternly.
"Huh," she asked, puzzled by his sudden denial towards her. She retreated into a 'shell' and immediately backed away. She was pretty embarrassed, at this point, and she wanted him to burn in hell. "You... you can't do that! One minute you love me and kiss me to show you do, and then you tell me we can't!" Her arms were heatedly crossed over her chest, and she felt like he did a dance on her heart. Her chest hurt so much over this.
He calmly spoke to her. "I'm sorry, Mia." His fingers tried to intertwine with hers, but she was clearly angered by him. Instead of pressing the issue, he began to walk away—again. "I never meant to hurt you."
"No, no, no," she instantly panicked and tried to reclaim him. Each time she begged, a little piece of him became nothing. It was like he was becoming invisible. "You can't leave me again. You've already done it once, and that hurt. I couldn't sleep, I was just worried, and I wanted you back at the house... we can be together. I'll leave this life for you."
He half smiled, since he knew she wouldn't. "This isn't my life. It's yours..." With his face and arms remaining, Jayden swiped the tears that were coming down, and he kissed her again, saying goodbye.
Mia watched, in shock, as he completely disappeared. She walked forward, to where had just been standing a second ago, and there was nothing. She looked around, in all directions. All she could hear was a Phoenix cawing, at least, that's what she saw in the sky.
Frantically, she searched for him and yelled his name. Each time she called for him to return her voice rose louder. She ran deep into the forest. That was the closest place to her makeshift restaurant. She hoped her echoes would reach him. Waves of tears rushed down. He wasn't coming back. She must've ran five miles already. Again, he was denouncing this life and for what reason? She collapsed onto the branches, crushing a few more. Her throat was dry, her chest ached, and she just didn't know where else to turn.
Dayu suddenly walked into the picture and despair washed over her.
Mia wiped her tears and bravely stood. Her thoughts about Jayden traveled to the back of her mind. She witnessed Dayu, looking like she was in a daze. The female Nighlock lightly stepped to the stone covered house that was buried deep within the trees. Mia closely watched. Unexpectedly, she heard the horrific screams that were blood curdling. Unsure of what to do, she fumbled a bit while trying to fish for her Samuraizer. Wherever she was, didn't seem to believe in cell phones. She was brought out of her search. The sounds of a sword relentlessly hacking caused her to gasp. Magically, she was in front of the house and had to stomach hearing what was to come.
Dayu stood to the side, fiercely clutching her instrument that doubled as a weapon.
"Julian... Julian..." the breathy summons caused Mia's heart to break even more.
"No, no, no," the man incredulously shook his head. This must've been a dream. He couldn't have done this to her. He stared at the blood on his hands, clothes, and the sword he used to butcher his own wife. He never meant to take it this far.
The other woman lurched like a snail, and she tried to stop her husband, who was obviously in a daze. She believed he would never hurt her, but another force had taken over him. "Julian, I forgive you..." she spoke eerily it could make anyone's hair stand up on their neck. She coughed the blood back down. Death was slowly becoming her. "My love," she hissed an exhale, "please, don't let my death be in vain. Stop, please... stop."
Julian, as Mia came to know the murderer, bent down, and he used what energy remained and furiously shook her. She only moved because of him. "Please, please, please," he begged for his wife to wake up. Her life wasn't there anymore...
Mia watched intently, and she even wanted to cry. He killed his wife in cold blood, but there didn't seem to be a motive.
Julian grasped for his wife's body and held her so strongly it could've caused bones in her back to crack into pieces. He rocked back and forth, back and forth crying and weeping for her to come back. He'd leave his life as a prized bushido just to be with her once again. That's all she's wanted of him. He knew that. He was damn great at being the warrior he was though. He was hired if someone needed protection, to be killed, or if he was merely challenged. He was well known throughout the land for his despicable acts, and he loved the feeling of being feared. But, he was nothing without his wife by his side.
The hunger for his next opponent caused his wife to plead for him to stop. All she wanted was her loving spouse back. She didn't want her future grandchild or grandchildren to be apart of that lifestyle, or at the very least, know about the occupation. She didn't know her opposing him would cost her, her life.
"I got kill again," Julian's remorse over his wife vanished. He let go of her; she fell to the floor with a thud. The voices in his head were too intense and unwavering, which was why he no longer could mourn. They wanted him to do their bidding, satisfy their profound need to slaughter once more. He shook and shook until they stopped. "No..." He rose and ran.
Dayu could do nothing but witness. Mia wanted to say something but wasn't allowed.
The scene around them changed so quickly. Both of them were in another cabin. This one made of sticks, wood, and other materials. Then, out of the corner of her eye, Mia two people on the bed. A man with blonde hair, auburn colored eyes, muscular body and lying with a gorgeous woman with long brown hair, brown doe eyes, and skin as soft as silk. They looked so happy, and they were engaged in talks filled with love and the future. The female Nighlock turned her back to what Mia was watching. Mia casted her eyes to the side, curiously wondering about Dayu's connection to these events.
"I want three kids," the woman wished, while fingering her wedding ring and basking in his touches. "What do you think?"
"I don't know, Dalia... what if we had five instead," the man queried, while playing with strands of her hair. He implored her eyes, and he couldn't believe just hours earlier they were wedded in marital bliss. He wasn't too surprised, on the other hand. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he labeled her as his future wife.
"Oh, Deker," she instantly wrapped her arms around him and nodded with tears. "I can't wait."
Deker crawled out of bed and grabbed her wedding present. "I was supposed to give this to you when we first got in, but you know," he lightly chuckled and held up the repaired harmonium.
Dalia softly gasped. Two weeks before their wedding, she accidentally broke it. She couldn't believe he fixed it in time. She quickly wrapped her self up with the sheet of the bed and walked to another corner of the house, ignoring Mia's body. Standing right next to her Nighlock form, she picked up a specially carved weapon and turned to face the love of her life. His smile fell though, and he walked up to her. He grabbed the sword and examined the detailed curves and colors that came together so nicely. "Honey," she questioned, concerned over why he looked like that.
"I don't want to be like him," he responded despondently while turning away. "I thought I wanted his life, but after seeing how obsessed he's become..." he closed his eyes, trying to gather his words. "even my mother is frightened by him. We've spoke about this on several occasions. My dad's a monster."
She watched the tug of war that happened behind his eyes. "I love you, and I'll be there for you for the rest of my life," she promised.
Not even a minute later, their door was broken down, and there was Deker's dad. He had fire behind his eyes, his clothes were soaked with dry blood and he looked at the fresh meat he called his son and daughter in law. He held a torch in his hand, flames about a foot tall and raging away. The scorching sounds were howling.
"Dad," Deker exclaimed in surprise and shielded his new wife immediately. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"I killed your mother," was all Julian said to his son.
"Oh my God," Dalia's hand flew to her mouth and grasped Deker's shoulder. "We need to go check on her!"
The Pink ranger watched this tormented triangle. The missing pieces were coming together.
Dayu resumed facing the front. Her body language said it all. She has returned to her past. She was Dalia.
"She's dead. She can't be brought back," Julian mentioned. Unlike before, he was heartless and cold over what's happened. He scanned this place with interest. He purchased this cabin for Deker and Dalia. The money he made was put to good use. They deserved something of this magnitude. He imagined himself watching after little Dekers and Dalias running around cheerfully calling for papa and mama. He would be papa. Now, that was gone. "We're going with her," he dementedly promised and dropped the torch.
Mia protected her body. The flames were growing to skyscraper heights and engulfing the entire home. The fire passed through her, and she gasped at the feeling. She was safe, but they weren't. Again, all of them were outside. The house was still burning, Deker's lifeless form in Dalia's arms, and Julian tossed carelessly to the side. From head to toe, all three were covered in black tar.
Dayu incredibly flinched at the next part.
"Please," Dalia kept stroking Deker's face. "Someone hear my call!"
Luckily for her, a shadowed figured appeared. He approached the fallen people with a proposal in mind. They would serve him later, much later in a hellish afterlife. He spoke so evilly. "I can save them, for a price..."
Dalia stared, and she didn't like the sound of this, but she loved her husband so much. She would gladly sacrifice her life for his. "Please," she spoke so softly.
"Simply trade your humanity for an eternity in the Netherworld," the newcomer began and made his finger slide against what was in its hands. He watched her hesitancy, and he was getting restless. "Make up your mind," he growled.
Again, she looked to the fallen body of her husband and the bastard she called her father in law. She loathed Julian, since he caused this, but she knew her husband would need a companion. His father was going to have to fill her void, and she believed he needed to suffer the consequences of living in this world without his love too.
"They're both fading fast," the Nighlock beckoned, becoming even more unrulier than he already was.
Silver, slivers of water came down so fast. She nodded, caving in. "I accept," was all she needed to say.
Mia's heart clenched at watching the sight.
Dayu wished she could tell her past self 'no'.
The monster conjured up the black magic and showered Deker and Julian. The hatred, hunger, and domineering qualities of Julian and his whole body was transferred into the sword—the rangers knew today as Urumasa. Deker became a half human, half Nighlock and his memories of Dalia and his past minus his dad were wiped away.
The Nighlock was definitely dirty in that sense.
Dalia watched helplessly, as she saw the man she loved became this indispensable human and her father in law was contained to a sword. She grasped the instrument she was able to salvage from the fire. She deeply held on, since this would be the last token of his affection."No... you tricked me," she cried again.
Deker rose, and he grabbed for the ill fated sword. They would still be forever intertwined and live a dreadful life together. He felt so much power the first time he morphed into his Nighlock form. He relished the feeling, and he knew his dad was proud to be like this too. In a flash, they were gone.
Speechless, Deker's wife took a step forward. There was nothing. They were no longer there, and she knew she chose the wrong fate. Those two were a deadly combination together. Deker was a product of Julian, and Julian's obsession was passed down to the next generation.
Unexpectedly, the curse she chose for herself took over. Her body was encased with all these horrid mouths, faces, blue, red, and her ass was a mouth for goodness sake. She, too, felt powerful, but with all the power she held, she still couldn't mend her broken heart.
"Dayu... no wonder you're so tormented," Mia longingly commented.
Dayu managed to shed to a tear.
(End Flashback)
Xxxxx
The Ultimate Duel
Shiba House- Kitchen
Panorama City, CA
Mia was in the kitchen. Yesterday, she witnessed Dayu's past. It was heart wrenching. Dayu, in her human life, was a woman named Dalia. Urumasa was actually a man named, Julian, who was Deker's dad. Deker was Dayu's husband. What didn't make sense to the Pink ranger was the body of Deker now versus the body of Dayu's Deker. Clearly, there were two Dekers, both tied to Urumasa, but how?
"Hey, Mia," Emily stopped just shy of the entrance to the kitchen and didn't know she had brought Mia out a stupor. She watched, glad that Mia could make a mean cup of tea.
"I was just going to bring some tea for you," Mia updated, pouring a cup of black tea. This drink was a necessity in the house.
"Thank you, but you need to stop fussing over me," Emily hoped and took a seat at the table. She sighed. "I'm almost as good as new. I should be healed by tomorrow."
Mia shut her eyes. Emily wouldn't have to be 'as good as new', if it wasn't for her. "It's just that went it was time to fight Dayu," she picked up the teacup set and walked to where Emily was, "I hesitated, and then you got hurt."
"I understand." the Yellow ranger earnestly looked at the torn Pink ranger. "Seeing Dayu's past in that dream world, it must've been hard on you."
"That's the problem. I can't let my feelings get in the way of our mission anymore..."
Mia had gone to the bookstore that morning. She wanted to purchase a few things like: a cooking book, a new apron, and some fresh ingredients to make a decent meal. Dayu appeared in this world, and she took a wandering musician captive. Mia saw and morphed into action. She chased Dayu, who was still carrying this musician, deep into the forest.
Rhinosnorus, a Nighlock known for his manipulation of dreams, exhaled supernatural smoke on the two. They immediately fell asleep and entered the 'Dream World'. Clearly, Mia wanted to cook an edible meal for her crush, Jayden, which slowly became a dreaded nightmare because he vanished into thin air with words that weren't so pleasant. Then, somehow, her dreams collided with Dayu, who went to a somewhat happier time in her past.
The savage beast named Julian caused heartache and torture. He was hellbent on committing murder or murders-suicide. He had no heart because he killed his wife not too much earlier, and he wanted to kill his own son. Yet, Dayu was still willing to save him regardless.
Dayu was a different kind of Nighlock, as she was plagued with regret and emotions that were definitely unstable. That fueled her wrath, which caused people to suffer. Out of the 'Dream World', Mia became concerned and wanted to help Dayu. Upset that Mia was 'eavesdropping' and being naive, Dayu withdrew her sword and wanted to attack the vulnerable Pink ranger.
Thankfully, Emily stood in when she did.
"You're really being too hard on yourself," Emily gently relayed. She hated to see Mia like this, so she changed the subject. "Am I going to be in the bedroom by myself tonight?"
Mia's eyes grew big. "Uh-uh..." She had no clue how she was going to get out of this one.
"You're lucky. I wouldn't know how Mike and I could get away with something like that," the Yellow ranger partly frowned. She had been wanting to spend the night with the Green ranger, but she knew Kevin would probably snitch. In addition, the last thing she wanted was a thump from Mentor's handy dandy stick.
Mike finally found the girls. They were needed too. "Guys, we're all meeting in the living room. It's important," he informed.
Emily and Mia rose and followed Mike questioningly. The females were greeted by a distressed Kevin, an aloof Antonio, and a very serious Jayden. This could only be about one person, Deker.
Mia sat on a chair. Her demeanor was colder than usual, and she attributed that to her new found uncaring attitude she promised to uphold. Also, the information she knew about the real reason 'Deker' craves this. She sat and listened. She wasn't surprised the Blue ranger was opposed.
"Deker insists that's how it has to be," Antonio seriously vouched, remembering the demands of the maddened Nighlock.
"You can't do this. A samurai only fights battles that are necessary," Kevin was systematic and followed the rules. This was not following a rule. Jayden should know that.
"This is necessary, if I don't go, Deker threatened to hurt other people," Jayden adamantly argued. This had been going on for awhile, and he knew Deker wouldn't let go until this duel happened.
"Okay, that's fine, we'll battle him like any other Nighlock, as a team!"
"Kevin, you don't get it," Jayden stood and defied the taller guy. He glared at the Blue ranger. "If I'm not alone, Deker won't be satisfied." I wouldn't be satisfied he wanted to say, but kept that to himself.
"Since when do we let a Nighlock dictate how we battle," Kevin frustratedly screamed at his leader. He thought this was a frivolous fight, and there would be nothing to come out of it.
Emily almost jumped at the loud shouts. Mike bounced from one side to the other, unsure of who was right. Antonio would definitely side with Jayden because he saw how serious Deker was.
"It's the sword," Mia spoke in a trance, reliving Dayu's dream. She stared to the ground, as she continued. "The sword wants this fight."
"The sword," Emily asked in disbelief, and she thought Mia was acting like a lunatic.
"Julian, Urumasa, whatever you choose to call him, it wants this fight. It's the one that tells Deker, or whoever he is, what to say. They won't stop. Their demands won't quit. We have to let him go," she defended Jayden, much to their surprise.
Kevin couldn't believe it. He looked at Mia, and then at Jayden. They were conspiring something, in his opinion. "Mia, how can you say that," he questioned.
Mia stared at Kevin with daggers in her eyes. Jayden, her leader, was obviously willing to do this fight, and she was going to support him. Even if the fight didn't happen tomorrow, they would fight eventually. "He needs to be relieved of this," she callously rendered her verdict, while remaining a bit cryptic. "Jayden goes."
"Jayden, isn't just our leader. He's also the one with the Sealing power," Kevin reminded the rest of them. "Jayden, you're the key to stopping the Nighlock."
That's all Mike needed to hear. "Kevin's right, you can't risk it," the Green ranger agreed with Kevin.
The Red ranger stared down his team. They had valid reasons, but that still wasn't going to end unrelenting taunts and wishes of Deker. "This discussion is over," he immediately abandoned them for his room. He needed to dress into his training outfit and get ready for the duel.
Xxxxx
Four Hours Later
Jayden's Room
Mia continued the nightly ritual that's she's been doing for the past few months. Once the lights were out around the house, he would send her a text message for her to come. She would, but this time, it was going to be unlike the other times.
She knocked on his door. He opened, and she entered the room. She kept her distance from him, while Jayden returned to his bed, already waiting for her to join.
"Mia," he asked, confused by her just standing there. He didn't take her for having a memory problem. Their days were pretty consistent. They battled, ate throughout the day, trained as necessary and at night, they'd wait for everyone to sleep, so they could have alone time in his room and fall sleep. Every morning, she was quite successful in sneaking back to her room or acting like she was up earlier than everyone else. That's how it's been."What's your problem?"
"You," she firmly crossed her arms and looked away, staring at a Japanese Cherry Blossom painting.
"What did I do?!"
"Oh, you know what you did."
"Not really. Care to lie down and clue me in," he hoped that would help to ease the tension, but the glare coming from her was not disappearing.
"No," she snapped with so much anger it caused Jayden to almost have a heart attack.
He got up and walked to her. He towered over her, and he brought his face so close he could literally feel the heat of her anger being emitted. She was definitely upset with him, and he had no clue why.
"What was the point of you even coming in here, if you were going to act like this," he huffed under his breath.
"To tell you, we are not going to sleep in the same bed together," she replied, surpassing his anger and turning away.
"You could've sent a text message," he muttered immaturely, boring holes into her back.
Mia thought that was a wonderful idea. She grabbed her phone that she brought this time around and pressed the sequential buttons. "There."
Jayden heard the beeps and checked his phone. '''We are not going to sleep in the same bed together'," he read. "Are you fucking kidding me?!"
"I'm as serious as a heart attack," she stated defiantly. "You're an asshole, you know that, and you don't even like me!"
"Why the hell did you defend me then," he questioned about earlier. The rest of the rangers were against his decision to fight Deker, but her. He thought they had a common understanding. Now, he wasn't so sure. He made her turn around, and he watched her fiddling with her fingers. Suddenly, she wiped beneath her eye. Something was definitely bothering her. "Talk to me," he pleaded.
Mia shook her head. "There's nothing to talk about. I just wanted to tell you, we can't sleep in the same bed anymore. It's business as usual," she had her hand on the tiller of the door, but he placed his hand on top of hers to stop. She subtly looked up at him.
"Does this have anything to do with what happened earlier," he asked in a genteel way. He didn't want to upset her even more than she was.
"It was nothing," she lied.
"Mia," he grasped her hand, and he made her come to his bed once more. At first, she resisted, but he assured her everything was going to be okay. He sat on the bed, and he made her sit on his lap.
This was just like her dream, and she had to get back up. "No, you're going to leave me," she thought her biggest fear was happening.
"What," Jayden queried, and he looked at her seriously. "Mia, no. I'm not. I'm right here, and I'm not gonna leave."
For a few moments, she stared and finally sighed. "Okay," she felt like she could believe him and resumed where she was. She buried her head into the crook of his neck and spoke. "I'm sorry, but the dreams I experienced or witnessed were just so vivid, and they caused me to become weak."
He began to massage her back soothingly, and he was hoping to help her calm down. He wasn't the only one stressed. She was too. "You aren't weak," he told her. "You're strong, compassionate and empathetic. You make Kevin quiver in his pants, and I really did think you had enough Symbol Power to use the Beetle Disc. Yet, you made a thoughtful decision by giving Mike the disc because you knew he the ability to. You are the epitome of a Pink ranger, and I-" He wasn't sure if he could finish the sentence. Instead, he began to caress her wrist.
Mia mildly shuddered upon feeling his fingers and snuggled deeper into his arms. "You're gonna think I'm stupid," she mindlessly blurted. She covered her mouth soon after.
"What," he questioned her and witnessing her cheeks become infused with pink.
"Dayu's flashback wasn't the only thing that I saw. There was a little snippet of me and you," she revealed after withdrawing her hands from in front of her mouth.
"And," he kinda chuckled at her stalling.
"Well, we kissed, and we said... something, but then you said 'this was not my life, it's yours' and left," she divulged, wondering how he felt.
Jayden was shocked to say the least. She was serious. She was actually afraid he was going to leave again. "I know I left so suddenly after the battle at the quarry, that time, but I don't want to do that again. Just like you guys need me, I also need you guys," he honestly said. "Now, are you still mad at me?"
She smirked and shook her head. "I don't know what got into me earlier," she murmured, a little mortified she was spurned on by a dream. "It just felt so real that was all."
"It's okay. I'd be mad if you ever left the house without, you know, a reason," he admitted. Now, that she was in his life, he hoped she wouldn't leave. He loved being around her, even if she was angry part of the time. "I have to say, you're very cute when angry. Your nose scrunches, and you look like you're gonna summon your Sky Fan," he laughed at her.
"Shut up," she playfully pushed his shoulder. He continued laughing. She was about shove him once more, but he stopped her by grasping for her hand. Blue orbs and brown pools met. She explored his eyes, and she nodded.
"Are you sure," he didn't want to overstep his boundaries with her, and he was fretting over this.
"Positive."
For the first time, Jayden leaned in. He nicely began to peck her lips. He used his hands to bring her closer to him, and she used her fingers to gently massage the back of his head. She opened her mouth for a little more access, and he let his tongue massage hers. Their tongues were like snakes and slithered around before returning to innocent kisses.
He backed away just a bit and nervously looked at her. "I know, it probably wasn't your best, and you really are my first kiss, I wasn't sure what to do, but..."
"Shh," she used a finger to quiet him down. She laid on the bed finally, and she grabbed his shirt, so he could climb on top. They continued kissing throughout the night.
Again, Jayden knew they were breaking several rules, but he's never experienced anything like this before. He was going to do what made him happy. He was already putting his life on the line by fighting evil, on the behalf of his sister. Tomorrow, he wasn't sure what was going to come from the duel, so he needed to live his life to the fullest; he only had one.
He's also gone long enough without subjecting himself to the effects of puberty, and he was going to do what satisfied his hunger.
She satisfied his hunger.
Xxxxx
Midnight
Deep in the Panorama City Forest
Dayu left the ship because Master Xandred ruined her harmonium. She thought being without Deker was painful, but the last treasure from his heart literally broke her to pieces. She finally relinquished living on tattered ship though. How she had been living for the past two centuries was enough torment and living Master Xandred, Octoroo, and those irritating furry warts added to her despair. She believed, if she chose otherwise, she and Deker would have been together in the afterlife.
Julian, her ex-father in law, never stopped. He lived for the thrill of the kill regardless of how everyone begged him to not continue. He never listened. All he cared about was drawing blood, watching life vanish in people's eyes, and decapitating people's heads. As gruesome as it sounded, more like from a horror picture show, that's the life he led as a Bushido.
And everyday, it tore her mother in law to pieces. Anita, Deker's mom, came to her crying all the time, and Deker would watch her mom wracked with sobs! He didn't want to follow in his dad's footsteps, at least 80% of him didn't. The other 20% was susceptible to becoming this vile warrior.
Now, the Deker she thought she knew, wasn't him. The body wasn't his. The blue eyes was the most pronounced, as that was not that color of her husband's eyes. Yet, she felt so connected to this man. She didn't understand why.
She cradled her instrument close to where she thought her heart was. The moon and the stars were her only light, and she walked along the forest's trails. She wandered until she saw him. She drew a pretty piercing breath upon seeing this Deker, clothed only from from the bottom down,. He appeared to be a Greek God with a chiseled chest, abs that looked like cheese could be on, and arms that were almost too sinful to look at. She watched manipulating his sword gallantly and vigorously.
This was practice; the duel with the Red ranger must be coming soon she pondered.
Not even five minutes later, he completely changed.
"You can't make me fight him," Deker yelled, dropping to his knees. Once more, he grasped each side of his head that felt like it was getting bashed in with a cement brick. Jarring screams began to exit his mouth.
Urumasa glowed a tainted shade of cardinal. The hold on this man wasn't sustaining. Again, more magic was invoked. By itself, the cursed weapon rose to the air and hurled a big ball of energy towards the defiant man.
"Ahhh," the Nighlock and human side of this host converged and diverged simultaneously. All he felt was fire, poison, and his soul being consumed by the essence of the Sanzu River once again. As much as he fought and didn't want to succumb to this torture once more, he didn't have a choice.
"I never wanted to do this," Urumasa dropped to the ground. The glowing quickly stopped. "You really aren't my son, but my son never deserved this." The sword had been so used to calling him Deker, but that had to stop. This person didn't resemble, act, speak like his son.
Dayu ran to the fallen man. She checked to see if he was okay.
With witchery immensely added again, he didn't like being tended to. He shoved Dayu away. "I don't need your help," he hissed while struggling with all of his might and back peddled away from her. "I'm fine."
"You aren't fine."
"I am," he was on two feet now. He stared Dayu down. "Why do you insist on talking to me? I'm not who you think I am," he frigidly stated.
She looked, a little hurt by his attitude. All she wanted to do was help. "You aren't, but you don't deserve to live this cursed life either," she strongly proclaimed. "Like me and him," the him was her husband. To her, Urumasa wasn't worthy of being acknowledged.
He sighed and went to put on his heavy top. He dressed in silence. Once fully clothed, he spoke to her again. "Dayu, if that's your name," he began. "I am Deker. I don't know what happened to your Deker, but..."
"Just tell her, I did one good thing in my deplorable life."
Deker listened, as he was the only one that could hear Urumasa speak, and did as told. "Wait, he wants you to know something," he halted Dayu from walking away.
Dayu cautiously turned and faced him. There was a glimmer of hope within her.
"Your Deker didn't want to live like this anymore, so Urumasa relieved him and chose me to carry on the fate," Deker explained on behalf of the sword. He intently watched the female Nighlock, as she went to on a rock and digested the new information. "No, we don't know where he is."
"So, he's no longer cursed," she found her voice to speak.
"He's on longer cursed."
"He's not," he responded and packed his things and was about to leave. "Good luck, Dayu," his human side came out verbally.
"Good luck to you. I hope you are victorious in this fight," she wished because if he wasn't then this body would die too.
"I have to be," he smirked as he pondered deep down inside of him. "I have a family waiting for me." He left after that.
Dayu mourned by herself. Julian still couldn't be excused for what's happened. Another family could be possibly broken, on his behalf. Finding the strength, she continued walking and wanting to forget the conversation that just occurred.
Xxxxx
The Next Day
Lumintor Beach
High on a peak, overlooking the beach's crashing waters, Jayden dropped to his knees in relief. His body literally felt inflamed. His arm was sprained, the side of his mouth was slightly parted with blood coming through, and he was heavily soiled from head to toe with a combination of grit, water, and sweat. His intense need to prove his self worthy caused him to become overwhelmed with various emotions. Yet, he was victorious. He intentionally let Deker hurt him, so he had the upper hand and slashed his enemy—Urumasa, in half.
Deker suffered the effects of Urumasa being in two pieces and Jayden's blow. The Red Samurai ranger had watched the man staggering away. His footsteps were so rugged, Jayden believed his human side would appear and finally show, who this Deker was. However, that wasn't the case. Nighlock Deker fell over the peak. Jayden scrambled to the edge and anxiously looked for him, but he was already gone. He didn't understand how quickly that could happen, other than, he fell to the bottom of the ocean's waters already. He actually said a little prayer for him and hoped he was truly relieved of the curse.
The rest of the team ran to find Jayden. They were successful in their last battle with Rhinosnorus.
"Jayden," Emily shouted, finding him.
"Jayden, are you alright," Kevin asked, as he ran up to him.
"Yeah," was all the Red ranger answered.
Mia was the first to get down on his level. She had to know, but from the looks of it Deker was gone. "And Deker... is he..." she couldn't stomach to say. She horribly failed at keeping her feelings out of this mission.
Jayden took a good look at her, and he conveyed a message. "Gone...I'm sorry, Mia," he apologized because of the vision she saw.
She simply nodded, accepting his fate. Antonio, Emily, Kevin, and Mike joined in and mourned for the fallen Deker. Though, he seemed to make the fight harder and intruded when he didn't need to, that didn't mean they were filled with cold hearts. He was a demented soul. They gathered he wasn't like that at first. Damn it, he wasn't even a Deker, so someone in there had to be free of this.
"Let's get you home," Kevin announced for everyone.
Mia helped Jayden to stand. She was happy that Jayden prevailed, even though he suffered injuries. If she had completely lost him, well, she didn't want to even think about that. With everyone else's help, they all headed back to the Shiba House.
Xxxxx
Four Hours Later
Shiba House- Outside
"Rangers together, Samurai forever!"
They chorused happily, as they dug into the meal Antonio prepared. There was a large piece of salmon, garlic bread toasted to perfection, summer tossed salad, and fresh lemonade. They loved eating at the barbecue set, and even more, they enjoyed the company of one another. It was a glorious end to a gloomy start.
"Antonio, this fish is delicious," Mike took two more bites and washed down the freshly cooked fish with a drink of lemonade. "You can cook for me any day."
"I concur," Mia nodded in agreement, while cutting another bite. "It's always nice to have another cook in the house," she obliviously mentioned, as the others hurriedly whipped their heads up to look at her like she was crazy.
"Right," the Gold ranger seemingly agreed. "Um, listen I have this upcoming job in the city, and I was wondering if you guys can help." He thought this was the best time to bring it up, and with Deker gone, the fights would probably adjust a tad.
Mentor wasn't sure that was a great idea. He shook his head. "I don't know, Antonio. They, and you especially, still have a lot of training. We don't need anymore distractions. Plus, you need to complete the Black Box," he opposed the thought.
"What kind of job is it," Emily was a bit curious.
"A new store is opening up, and I volunteered to cook. It looks to be a very big opening, and I'm gonna need the extra hands," Antonio replied, looking to every one of his friends. "Mentor, I understand your hesitation, but if I promise this won't interfere with all our training, will you allow them to help?"
"I'll have to think about it," Mentor responded firmly. "I understand this is an important job, but asking the rest of the team to help, it's, just..."
"We're a team," Jayden interjected before Mentor Ji could finish his sentence and nodded at Antonio he would assist. "If one of us needs a hand, we are all there. This is important to Antonio, and I want to be there to help." He believed he owed a lot to his friend.
"This coming from the guy who went to battle a Nighlock all by himself," Kevin noted with snooty hand gestures. "We don't know what's going to be thrown at us next, so why leave the compounds just to cook for a party?"
"I'll repeat myself one more time. I battled Deker because he threatened to hurt innocent people and part of me needed this fight. I wanted to prove that I am worthy of being the Red ranger," Jayden reiterated.
Mentor wanted to strangle Jayden right then and there. He looked at his main pupil with fire in his eyes. "Jayden, I need to speak with you. Now," he motioned for him to get into the house.
Mike blew out a hefty breath. "Someone is in trouble," he immaturely crooned. He received a thwack from Ji's wooden stick. "Ow!"
"Quiet," Ji reprimanded with stern eyes. "Everyone, continue eating," he left with Jayden by his side, and the two disappeared into the house.
"I wonder what that was about," Mia pondered, while watching them leave. She shrugged her shoulders and continued eating.
Emily leaned closer to Mike. "Maybe, Mentor found out Mia's been sleeping in Jayden's room," she whispered, so only he could hear.
Mike couldn't believe what he heard. "Are you serious," he questioned, though he was surprised by his leader rebelling against Ji.
She nodded. "Yup, they've been sleeping together for awhile now," she revealed because she trusted Mike. She drank her lemonade, inconspicuously swaying her eyes left to right. She hoped no one else could hear, especially Mia.
"That's pretty gutsy of him," Mike commented above a whisper, which caused Antonio to overhear.
"Who's gutsy," he curiously wondered, while looking between Emily and Mike. "I waiting," the Gold ranger could surprisingly carry a tune.
"I meant crusty," Mike quickly tried to cover for himself and Emily, but he received an 'F' for failing to be believable. "Ow!" He shrieked at Emily's punch in the arm. "Is it abuse Mike day," he began to soothingly rub his left arm.
"It will be if you keep this up," Emily snapped, regretting telling Mike anything.
Meanwhile, in the house, Mentor started to walk the floors in the living room before facing Jayden.
"I understand you had to battle Deker. I wished I was included in the meeting, but you already know I would side with you no matter what. You did the right thing, but to do it because you needed to prove you are worthy of being the Red ranger, well, I'll be honest, you almost gave away the truth!"
Jayden stood from the armrest he was sitting on. "Mentor, I don't think I did. They aren't suspecting that I'm not the 18th Shiba head," he hoarsely whispered while being a little brash. "You already know how I feel. I always like I have to step out of Lauren's shadow. Today, I did prove that I can handle this."
"You've been handling this!"
"Not as well as I like to," Jayden admitted while looking down at the floor.
Mentor sighed. He shouldn't be surprised, and maybe, rather than being a stand in father, he was overly thinking his position as being his teacher. He was overreacting. Jayden has proved himself countless times. He was what a Red ranger should be. A fight with Deker didn't need to establish anything else.
"If your dad saw you now," he gulped down the pain of being a little deceitful to him, but at the same time, he knew his biological dad would probably feel the same, "he'd be so proud of you. I mean that." Ji felt torn. His head told him to admit the truth, but his heart told otherwise. Looking at Jayden and how he was now, he just couldn't bring himself to say he wasn't a Shiba. He wasn't sure when the right time was, and how this would affect the fight had he said something now.
"Thank you, Ji. That means a lot to me," the Red ranger sincerely acknowledged. "Everyday I think of him, and I hope I am carrying the legacy just like he wanted."
"You have, and I believe Lauren would be proud too." Mentor also believed Jayden had good judgement, so he relented. "I suppose I should allow you and the team to help Antonio. On few conditions," he proposed.
"What's that?"
"Continue practicing, make sure to not give your identities away, and you figure out a way to make sure Mia doesn't lay a finger on a knife or anything of that nature. She'd be a great hostess though," Ji replied honestly. Jayden didn't laugh like Mentor hoped. "What?"
"Mentor, she's not that bad," Jayden defended her. "With a little coaching and a cookbook, she can be a decent chef."
Mentor rose his eyebrow. "Ah, I see it now..." His speculations rang true at Jayden's words. Even if Mia was deemed a bad cook, Jayden was able to look past that.
"See what," Jayden repeated like an inquiry.
"You like her," the older man accused with a smirk.
"Of course I like her. I like Kevin, Mike, Antonio, and of course Emily. They're on my team, and we're all friends."
"No, no, no. You like her as more than a friend. You have a crush on her," though Mentor already knew. With this, he figured this was the time to have the talk. He took a closer look at Jayden. "I already know."
"You know," the Red ranger almost squeaked with mixed with emotions.
"Yes, it's clearly obvious."
"It's her perfume, huh," Jayden asked, thinking he was caught He had to tell Ji sometime, but he thought that would be later, like way later. He spoke further, not realizing he was actually telling Mentor about his nightly rendezvous with the Pink ranger . "It lasts for a really long time, even at night. Her perfume lingers until the next day. So, you smell it too?"
"What?!" Mentor incredulously questioned not liking where this was going. "Her perfume... on you... I'd smell it?"
"Well, yeah. Me and Mia sleep together," the Red ranger dumbly revealed. "Isn't that what you meant?"
"No, not, at, all," Mentor lividly cursed under his breath. He left his stick outside, though he should've had it in his hand. "Mia," he yelled at the top of his lungs and quickly headed to the outside. He looked in shock to see the Pink ranger running around like she was in a goose chase with the Yellow ranger, Mike egging it on, Antonio not sure where to look, and Kevin still cutting up his fish strategically.
Jayden ran outside as well. He needed to warn Mia, or else she would face Ji's wrath too. He immediately stopped because of the shenanigans occurring. "What's going on," he asked feeling a little in the dark.
"Oh, you know, just the Pink and Yellow ranger getting some cardio," the Green ranger answered nonchalantly. Though, one look at Mentor caused him to whimper in fear.
"Antonio, this fish is delicious," Kevin loudly praised, not knowing there was in issue brewing at hand. The rest of the male rangers shook their heads at him. "What?!"
Mia and Jayden were deep trouble with Mentor. He summoned the both of them back inside the house.
Xxxxx
One Week Later
Evans House
Turtle Cove, CA
She looked at the time. The clock blinked 3:31 AM. She should've been sleeping, but she hadn't been able to catch any z's lately. There was just too much on her mind. She'd never thought her life would turn out like this: a single, working mom. She didn't regret her children one bit, but being without her husband was what troubled her the most. She heard her youngest daughter crying, and she walked over to the bassinet that stayed near her bed she used to share with him. She picked up her daughter and carried her around, hoping she would just go back to sleep.
"Hush little baby," she began the melodic lullaby, and she sang until her daughter was back to bed. She yawned and placed her baby girl back in her comfy holder. Next, she walked down the stairs of her home and in no time she entered her kitchen. She placed on the coffee pot and sat at the table, beginning to fall asleep.
"Mom."
She was suddenly awoken by the call of her oldest son, who was eight years old. She was a bit startled, but she regained her composure. She saw him standing by the opening, and he was carrying a tattered, red lion. That was a present from his dad.
"Yes, baby," she summoned for her son to sit at the table. "You couldn't sleep," she wondered and got up to make a cup of coffee.
"No," he hopped onto one of the chairs. He earnestly stared at his mom with rounded blue eyes, dark hair, creamy skin and looking an awfully like his father. "When's dad coming home?"
She almost spilled hot coffee on her over hearing the inquiry. She didn't know when he was coming home. Close to a year has passed, and she hasn't heard a thing from her husband. She could still say they were married, since no divorce papers or a death certificate had been drawn up. At least, not yet. That was still an option for her, but she believed in 'til death do us part', and she still had faith he was alive out there, somewhere.
Part of her felt stupid for letting her husband convince her they needed to go through with the mission, but she agreed because fellow rangers needed help. They moved to their predetermined city, got jobs, and enrolled their children of age into schools. They easily blended in, and they were keeping their eyes, ears and knowledge open, hoping they would meet him, or get the heads up from other rangers he'd been found.
Yet, Tommy and Kim couldn't be completely blamed.
She remembered the day vividly. They were on a camping trip because he felt one with nature. Even though she was six months pregnant, she still thought it would be okay. At that time, they already had a son and daughter. They, too, enjoyed running around outdoors freely. Her husband said he was going to hunt for fish by a nearby stream, and he'd back in no time. He kissed her, their children, and lastly, he kissed her plump belly. He told them, 'I love you', and he was gone.
Half an hour turned to an hour and eventually three hours and over a hundred calls to his cell later, she called the police. They searched the grounds. Nothing was produced. She called for backup, and past power teams attempted to pinpoint where he gone to, but his remnant ranger energy couldn't be picked up. By foot, teams searched, but all that was found was his cell phone. And, that was by chance. There was nothing on the phone that was out of the ordinary.
She made a choice, packed everything up everything in the house they were renting and returned to their rightful home in Turtle Cove.
She went through the birth of their youngest daughter without him, but with major support from others, and she continued her life.
"Daddy will be home soon," she promised just like the other times.
"He's not coming home," he cried and ran off to his room.
"Damn it," she cursed, and she followed her son upstairs. He was lying down, his head deep in his pillows, and wailed to the point of exhaustion. She, too, became tired just hearing him.
"CJ, daddy will be home. He's out there; I just know it," she comforted her son to the best of her ability.
CJ took a peek at his mom, only using one eye. "Does he love me," he asked curiously and so innocently.
She sadly smiled. "Of course. He loves you, Alaiya,and Anna," she vowed.
The two fell back to bed.
Six hours later, she awoke and found herself still in CJ's bed. She felt around for him, but he was nowhere. "CJ," she called. She got out of his room and went to check the room of her six year old daughter, Alaiya. Her daughter wasn't in her room either. Panic began to come, and she went to her bedroom. Her other daughter, Anna, wasn't in the crib either. She immediately rushed down the stairs, immense fear and uneasiness overcoming her. She already lost her husband. The last thing she needed was to lose her children. "Oh, God," she cried, scrambling to get to the phone
"Mom."
Hearing Alaiya's sweet voice caused her to turn. There was her daughter, safe and sound, but with a big mess on her face.
"Oh, honey, I'm so glad you're okay," she got down on her knees and longingly embraced her daughter. "Where's your brother and sister?"
"In the kitchen," she answered like her mom was going crazy.
Relief washed over her. "Why are you covered in chocolate syrup," she asked while examining Alaiya.
Then, she thought of something. Her daughter only ate chocolate syrup when her husband cooked white chocolate flavored pancakes—their children's favorite. She hadn't made that since, he was with them. She took a good whiff, and she smelled the sweetness of them cooking. She left her daughter where she was and headed straight to the kitchen. Tears immediately rushed down, and she walked up to the man by the stove. He appeared dirty, his hair was sticking up everywhere, and his clothes looked like they had been through a paper shredder; it was almost like the first time they met, but with a little more clothing. At that point, she didn't care what he looked like or how bad he smelled because she accepted him with flaws and all. She almost didn't want to touch him because she thought he wasn't real. She thought she was in a dream. This was too good to be true. "Cole..."
He turned to her. "Yes, Alyssa," he replied nonchalantly, flashing a huge grin. He turned off the stove, and swooped his wife into his arms. He had been without her for so long; he almost forgot how great she felt. She appeared listless, extra bags were under her eyes, but she looked radiant to him. He placed hairs that were out of place behind her, so he could get a really good look at the love of his life.
"Look, mommy, Daddy's back," CJ, short for Cole Junior, announced with happiness. He was at the table with baby Anna strapped in her high chair.
"Yes, daddy is back," she wiped her tears, agreeing that he was there. This wasn't a dream. He was real, and he was back with her.
Finally.
Alaiya skipped back to the table and sat with her older brother and baby sister. "Hey, who ate all the pancakes," she pouted.
"You did," CJ shot back, telling her to look on her face for the evidence.
"Mom, Dad, CJ ate all the pancakes," she tattled on him while pointing her finger.
"Hey, hey, hey, there's plenty more where that came from," Cole calmed them down and brought over a plate full of them. The kids eagerly grabbed for them. He returned his attention back to his wife. "Why are you crying," he thought she'd be happy to see him home, not sad. Cole still didn't understand the concept of female's emotions.
"Because I thought, and you were.." she couldn't continue because all she wanted to do was stay buried in his arms and never let him go. "I love you, Cole."
"I love you too Mrs. Alyssa Lynn Concepcion Enrile-Evans," he said the mouthful, and he deeply kissed his wife.
She broke the kiss, needing some air. She resumed her duties as his wife in no time at all. "You need a bath and a toothbrush, and you also need to meet your daughter you never got to welcome into the world."
He laughed. "I already have when I picked her up from the crib, but I have all the time in the world, for now," he claimed, and he left her side to tend to his youngest daughter. She was already holding her arms out for him to pick her up. His mind was still rattled, and there were blanks he was hoping she could fill. For now, he wanted to cherish these moments.
Alyssa brightly smiled, ignoring the last part. There were so many questions, but they could answered later. All she cared about was him being safe in this house and with their children. She picked up the phone, not caring what time it was, or if the other person was busy. "Hey, Kim, you won't believe what just happened..."
A/N: If it wasn't clear, here's the breakdown: Julian is Deker's Dad, who ends up becoming Urumasa. Deker is Julian's son, who was turned into the half human, half Nighlock. In this story, Cole was chosen somehow to assume Deker's curse. Later on, it will be explained how Cole became Deker. Hope you, as the reader, are able to catch on.