A/N: Sorry for the long delay in the update. I was helping my sons transition into kindergarten! =) Proud mommy over here.

A/N: Here is the long awaited next chapter.

Episode: 'He Ain't Heavy Metal, He's my Brother'

Chapter 22- The Consequence

Xxxxx

Oliver House
Reefside, CA

Tommy unlocked the front door and stepped out the way to allow his wife and son to enter first. He, then, intently watched his daughter take her time. Worried, he came jumped off the steps and aided her. She feigned a sweet smile and ignored his offered help. She entered the home with her dad following right behind.

He heavily sighed. "Soph, are you hun-," dad thought his daughter was in close step with him, but all he heard was feet imitating a burly, galloping horse. He turned to see what was going on, however, all he heard was the Earth shattering sound of her bedroom door close, which caused him to jump.

As soon as Kim heard her daughter's angsty move, she ran back to the living room and attempted to go upstairs, but her husband held her back.

Sophia was discharged from the hospital this morning. She stayed a total of two days. From head to toe, she was completely healed. Her burns magically disappeared, her arm was as good as new, and she didn't suffer any brain damage—not a single injury resulted from her incident. As Dr. Zalinsky stated to Tommy, she was a healthy girl. At that moment, she could've ran a marathon to be quite frank, though, it wasn't recommended. The doctor's discharge papers advised she should take it slow for the next week, and if she encountered any sort of dizziness or sudden lethargy, she should go straight to the nearest hospital.

During her hospitalization Tommy, Kim, and Tristan traveled between Reefside and Panorama City, spending as much time as they could with her. Each time, they encountered animosity. She hardly spoke, albeit to her little brother, she rolled her eyes, obviously not at Tristan, and showed irreverence to the people that birthed her. Her parents maintained their calmness, taking her hostile behavior in stride. However, they understood her anger and sadness. Both tried to explain to her the plan that was outlined for Jayden, since he was a little boy, but she wasn't hearing it.

This most recent car ride was an indication she was still bothered by the whole situation. Her frigid attitude could make anyone shudder. Plus, she wasn't a happy camper because she was grounded due to the little stunt of her ditching school with her best friends and boyfriend. Her electronics were taken away, she wasn't allowed to do gymnastics, meaning she was going to miss an important meet, and she definitely wasn't going to Angel Grove or Stone Canyon anytime soon. Her parents were firm on her punishment.

She knew what she was doing was wrong. When she went to Panorama City, all she wanted to do was meet him. She didn't purposefully get hurt, but that happened. She was severely hurt in that city. Thankfully, his intervention caused Sophia to escape death's hold.

Jayden was definitely on the mind of the patriarch and matriarch of the Oliver family, and they hoped that he was fine. He was always a prominent factor to them despite showing otherwise. They chronically kept their true relation to him private but with reasons. He was putting his life on the line for a family he believed was his, he's been leading a team of rangers because he believed that was helping his family, his sister to be more specific, and that's what he's grown up with.

If Tommy and Kim had the courage to destroy Jayden's preconceived existence, then maybe their daughter would be happy.

Yet, it wasn't only about her.

"At the hospital, she could get away with it. This is her, our home, and damn it, we are the adults. We pay for the roof over her head, feed her, cloth her, and make sure she's taken to school and back, and this is the treatment we get," Kim asked, ludicrously thinking about it. She shook her head irately. "What gives her the right to act like this?!"

"Beautiful, you already know what she wants," Tommy ambiguously countered, while staring at the staircase.

He thought back to when they first moved to this house. His daughter was just about two. The terrible twos were an understatement when it came to her. She constantly moved around and kept her parents on their toes. One instance, she was going up and down the stairs gleefully, even though her parents warned her not to do so. When she hit the third step from the bottom, she tumbled down. She loudly wailed, and her dad shot off like bullet, dropping a hot, cup of coffee in his hands and came to her. With her mouth trembling, she apologetically looked up at her dad and held out her arms for him to take. He did with no hesitation and blamed himself for only leaving her alone for a second. She considerably calmed down, after she was in his arms though. Those were the easier days.

As of right now, a hormonal, on the brink of her teenage years kind of daughter was making him cringe.

Tristan departed from the kitchen with a bag of gummy bears, the 'party size' bag of Lay's potato chips, and two cans of Dr. Pepper. Even though his limbs were of normal size for his age, he was able to carry the snacks and drinks with no help or that dreaded second trip. He passed his parents and practically leaped up the stairs, taking two at a time. He went straight to Sophia's room. He didn't even have to knock, she simply opened the door, and he disappeared inside.

Tommy and Kim were left speechless for a minute.

"Scotch on the rocks, Handsome," Kim curiously queried, interrupting the silence. She imagined Jayden would also team up with them, if given the chance, thus making it three against two. She bitterly laughed inside. That could've happened, if only she said the truth. She's had several chances. She huffed under her breath.

"Yeah, make that two," Tommy croaked, as he followed her back to the kitchen. She played bartender and handed him off the first cup of the heavy liquor. He drank within one second. He watched her, as she easily gulped her cup down too. "King me," he ordered, and she fulfilled his request, even refilling her cup also.

Kim bobbed her head to the left and right, already feeling woozy after the second drink. She stared at her husband hopelessly. "What are we doing," she earnestly questioned.

He huskily laughed. "Getting drunk, of course," he replied. "It's easier to deal with this shit being inebriated than sober."

"Then, why didn't we say something," Kim repeated for the tenth time in two days."To the hell with his duty as a kage-kag-a-mushka, or whatever they call him. Sophia's right. She yelled it, 'damn it, he's right there'," she vividly remembered the words of her angry daughter. She poured another a third glass for the two of them. "What the fuck gives her the right to say damn it to her parents, anyways," she, then, mildly frowned as an afterthought.

"Jeez, I don't know," he flatly stated, almost positive his wife was lowly influencing their daughter. "What do you think we should do?"

Kim heavily sighed, after taking a slow sip of this glass of scotch. "I can't lie. There is definitely something, whether it's spiritual, supernatural, or emotional holding me back from actually saying to Jayden's face, 'I'm your mom'," she truthfully replied. "As much as he deserves to know the truth, and this would be a weight lifted off our shoulders, what's going to happen when he knows? Is he going to abandon his team, is he going to leave Ji, and what about his adopted sister," she rationalized, while looking to her husband of more than a decade for an answer.

"Well, they've been raising themselves, since they've passed," Tommy answered. He wasn't sure what else to say on that matter. "And, I'm sure Jayden has been thinking about confessing he's an impostor for some time now, and he'll be able to explain to them why this had to happen. When that does occur, I'm sure they will stand by him."

Kim agreed, but posed one more question."Okay, how is he going to deal with the fact we are his actual parents?"

"It might take some time to convince him, but he'll warm up to it; we'll be one big, happy family," he positively relayed, while smiling at his wife.

"I hope so because it's time to start bridging this gap. Sophia wants an older brother; I want my first son by my side. I want him to know he doesn't have to live the life of a Samurai," she wished with all of her heart. Tears began to well in her eyes. They came so easily nowadays. "Tommy, I don't know how much longer I can keep the truth from him. I'm so worried about this life that he has. What if he gets severely injured, and we aren't there to save or see him?"

Tommy haughtily laughed, which caused his wife to glare. "Beautiful, I don't mean to brag, but," he cockily clicked his tongue at the roof of his mouth, "he's the child of the 'Greatest Power Ranger' ever. We have nothing to worry about."

Kim rolled her eyes, but smirked. "Oh, is that so," she questioned, and he nodded. "I could've sworn Jason only had one son." The Falcon became enraged at the snide comment, and the Crane began to giggle. She came around the counter and stepped in between her husband's legs. She wrapped her petite arms around his neck, and he lovingly cupped her hips. She kissed him as consolation. "I already know who you're talking about."

"You better," he playfully threatened.

"Oh I better," she mocked, as she lovingly stared into his eyes.

Tommy puffed up his chest and bobbed his head once more. "You better," he repeated, and then he brought her into a fiery kiss. His tongue explored inside of her mouth, and as a result, she began to moan. He could feel his lower region become engorged not too longer later.

Kim was aroused by her husband's hands roaming around her body. She was tingling with pleasure, and she wanted to head upstairs to consummate their affection.

Unexpectedly, she walked in on her parents overly engaging in a makeout session."Oh gross," Sophia blurted in disgust over this sexual tirade. She rolled her eyes and headed straight for the refrigerator for more soda. Her parents sheepishly parted. She turned back around and cocked her eyebrows at them. "Aren't you two a little two old for that," she asked and walked off. They followed her, thinking she was just joking around. Before heading back to be with Tristan, she faced her parents. "Besides, I don't think you should have any more kids. Don't you know the consequences? You barely took care of the first one," she hurtfully spewed and then turned back around.

That did it.

Kim angrily marched. "SOPHIA ANNABELLE HART-OLIVER," she yelled. "You get your ass back here, right now!"

Tommy stood right behind his wife, as a form of support.

Sophia knew she crossed the line, but she wasn't going to hint that she knew she was wrong. She came back to where her mom was. "Yes," she shortly replied.

"Is this how it's going to be," her mom asked.

"Why, what do you mean mom," she asked, faking like she didn't know. She narrowed her eyes and huffed under her breath. "You don't like hearing the truth, do you?"

Her daughter was challenging her. At that moment, she felt like she was punched in the gut, and it hurt like hell. She stumbled back into Tommy's arms over the the displeasure plastered over her daughter's usually delicate features. She didn't understand her daughter's ferocity.

Tommy felt his own anger increase over his daughter's cruel words. She was showing way too much disrespect towards him and his wife. "Sophia, just go to your room," he ordered. "Tell Tristan to come downstairs."

"He doesn't want you guys," she opposed coldly. "Don't you get that?!"

"Get him down here, right now," Kim demanded, after finding her voice. She squarely looked at her daughter, hoping to instill fear, but the way her daughter stared back at her showed Sophia wasn't deterred. Their mother-daughter relationship was strained, once more. Willfully, she held her tears back.

Of course Sophia was upset with her parents. She felt like they threw Jayden to the hounds. Hounds that were willing to put him in the line of fire. He was contracted into becoming a Power Ranger. This was different than her parent's situation—way different. She couldn't wrap around their heartlessness-both birth and adopted. "Whatever you say, Thomas and Kimberly," she disobeyed once more. She got up to her room and advised her little brother to head downstairs like their parents wanted.

"I don't want mommy and daddy," he cried, violently shaking his head no. "I only want sissy!"

She smiled in understanding, but she didn't want him to get in trouble for her actions. "Tris, it's okay. Just do what mom and dad say," she urged comfortingly. She ruffled his hair playfully. She glanced in her room, and she grabbed the Red lion Brennan had got for her at a carnival. "Here, take this."

He accepted and eventually went downstairs.

Kim took her youngest child to the kitchen, so she could clean him up.

Before heading to where his wife and son were, Tommy thought about how to rectify the situation with his daughter. He needed to quickly fix their relationship and restore unity in the house. A sudden epiphany came to him. He knew what to do.

Xxxxx

Shiba House
Panorama City, CA

It was very early in the morning.

Jayden was sitting on the steps that led to the Shiba House. His Lionzord was unfolded, exuberantly moving around his body. He playfully chuckled at the Lion's fun movements. The red animal traveled up his arm, jumped to the other side, and gracefully glided down, all the while, soundly chirping.

This was Jayden's longest companion. He remembered the first time the zord unfolded for him. He thought he did something wrong, but the Lion approached him like a lost child to its mother, and from that point on, they bonded. He always snuck into his dad's private den, and he would look for Red Folding Zord. Often, it would rest on his dad's elongated desk, and he climbed on top of the office chair and grabbed for it. After that, he would go to a corner table. They played games for hours, or until his dad entered the room.

Boy, his dad always got mad over him being in the den. He didn't understand why.

He still smiled about the memory nonetheless.

Mentor, from the door, attentively peered at the Red ranger. He wondered what he was up to. Since the hospital, Jayden became a bit reclusive. His team would train, but he stayed in his room, only to come out when they were just about done. During meal times Jayden stayed partly quiet, only participating in the conversations if he was directly questioned or prompted to talk. Mentor supposed Sophia's words were long lasting and caused Jayden to question himself. The Samurai rangers haven't had a battle since Crustor, but he knew one would be coming up soon. Surely, Jayden wouldn't allow his emotions to obstruct him from commanding the team. He hoped not and left to the kitchen, so he could prepare breakfast.

The Red ranger hoisted himself up and entered the house. He headed for his room and changed into his training gear. He could smell hearty and fruity aromas exiting the kitchen. His stomach began to grumble and followed the scents.

"Good morning, Jayden," Mentor cheerfully greeted, as he flipped a pancake. "How many would you like?"

"Three is fine," he replied, as he grabbed the orange juice pitcher from the fridge. He poured a glass and drank in silence.

Jayden would be lying to himself, if he said he ignored what's been said to him recently. What Sophia claimed in her hospital room definitely lingered, and he was trying to make sense it of it all. Could she really be right? Were they related? Who were his parents, then? He constantly asked the questions, but to himself. Therefore, he never got any answers. There's only two people that could give him the 'key' to the truth—Mentor Ji and Lauren.

Since, Lauren wasn't here, then it would have to be Mentor.

There was a solitary aspect that made him believe Sophia—the Sealing Symbol. He was never taught 'weapon' that could destroy Master Xandred, so there had to be a reason. Maybe, it was because he wasn't apart of this bloodline. That had to be the only explanation as to why. He was determined to get to the bottom of this.

"Mentor," he called, after one more gulp of his juice.

"What's going on Jayden," Mentor responded, while plating today's breakfast.

"Do you know where the book about the Sealing Symbol is stored," he inquired about.

The pan in Mentor's hand almost fell over hearing the inquiry. He slowly turned and focused his eyes on Jayden, who wasn't even looking at him. Nervousness radiating off of his young student's body though. "Uh, um, ahem," the Elder cleared his throat. "Is there a reason why you are looking for it?"

Jayden nodded. "I want to learn the symbol, you know, just as, um, backup," he reasoned.

Mentor took some time before speaking on the matter. "You do know your sister has been learning that symbol practically all her life," he reminded him. "For you to learn now, well, it would be futile."

"Then, why wasn't I taught the symbol when Lauren began to learn, or when I began my training?"

Ji heavily sighed, asking where this was suddenly coming from but wasn't completely surprised. Jayden learned every single detail about the Samurai life, but the Sealing Symbol. That symbol was solely reserved for Lauren, as she was the true lasting survivor of the Shiba Family.

'Only members of the Red ranger's Shiba Family could learn the symbol'...

The origin of the symbol was told to him by Mathew, himself. If an outside member was taught the symbol, then literally, their insides would catch on fire. That's how much power had to be invested into this particular symbol. Just thinking back to when he caught a smidgen of the it being performed, Lauren flew against the training floor. Even, she couldn't handle the unbounded amount of power that was necessary.

Which meant, if Jayden was to even attempt the strokes, the effect would deem fatal.

"Your father left this world the with the utmost confidence your sister would be able to master the symbol. Therefore, he never advised me to teach it to you," Mentor, to some extent, told the truth.

"He didn't even want me to try," Jayden questioned, a little sad to think his father didn't have confidence in him. "I would've trained hard every single day, completely using all of my fire power into it, and I know I could've done it!"

Mentor somewhat smiled at the thought. Jayden definitely wanted his dad's approval—his adopted dad's approval. Yet, that wasn't his responsibility to learn the Sealing Symbol. His obligation was to be a stand in and cover for his sister, which he was convincingly doing so."But Jayden, what you're doing now, is enough," he countered.

Mia and Kevin arrived at the kitchen unannounced. They smelled the fluffy pancakes. Their mouths definitely watered too. The Blue ranger grabbed a pancake, while Mia grasped for a fruit, since it was healthier and proudly held up a shopping list. Jayden and Mentor roughly swallowed, knowing where this was going to go. Since her back was turned to Kevin, the Blue ranger inconspicuously displayed signals he was going to pick decent food. The Pink ranger ignored the men in the kitchen. She quickly gave a soft kiss to Jayden's lips and slipped out the back door with Kevin in tow.

Mentor and Jayden resumed their talk, once the coast was clear.

"I feel like I need to do more," Jayden sincerely added. "There's something inside of me that is saying I'm not doing enough for this team, I'm not honoring my dad's legacy well, and I'm letting Lauren down. I should have been practicing the symbol and performing it as we speak!"

"If I was given the material, of course I would've taught you," Mentor lied through his teeth, hoping that would quell the questions.

Jayden still had one more query up his sleeve though. "So, it's not because I'm not a Shiba, right?" He seriously locked eyes with his Mentor. "Because I am a Shiba, right? If you could teach me the symbol, you would have done so because you are my Mentor, and I am the next surviving member of the Shiba Family, after Lauren, right," he furiously fired off questions.

Mentor hissed in a breath, slowly nodded that he would've done so, and prayed that Jayden accepted this. Seeing Jayden did, he finally let the breath out. He finished plating the rest of the food, and the Red ranger sat at the dining table and began to eat with his fears mildly held at bay.

Emily was the next to enter the eating domain. "Good morning, everyone," she happily said. "Oh, juice," she, then, crooned. She grabbed her yellow cup and poured a glass. She thought about what kind of workout she wanted to do today, and it hit her. "Hey, Jayden," she kind of anxiously questioned.

Jayden's head rose, and he met Emily's bright, smiling face. He deemed her early morning enthusiasm optimistic. "Yes, Emily."

"Can you spar with me," she queried, since he helped her to be a better ranger. Because he's proficient with his sword she thought he could teach her a thing or two. Although he seemed to be mentally absent on some days, she hoped today wasn't one of those days, and he would comply. Maybe, he needed vent the frustration that was building inside of him. "Please, I just-"

He held up his hand and nicely smiled. "Of course. After we're done eating, we'll head to the indoor dojo," he agreed.

"Great," beamed Emily, and she took the chair across Jayden.

Approximately an hour later, the two tidied themselves up and met in the dojo. Mentor cleaned up in the kitchen and, just in case, kept three plates of food out. He grabbed a book from the shelf and read about the Samurai Gigazord.

Suddenly, music filtered into the Shiba House. Mid-swing, Jayden and Emily stopped what they were doing. Mentor curiously gazed too.

"Hey, where's that guitar music coming from," Mike, who departed the kitchen, asked, as he began to cautiously walk around the house. He approached the door and took a peek. He noticed a person clad in a leather jacket, and he assumed that person was the one playing. He fully exited with a curious Emily, Mentor and Jayden right behind him.

Jayden didn't remember leaving the Shiba Gate unlocked this morning, so he was the first to say something to the unannounced guest. "Hi, can I help you," he inquired, as Mike stood next to him.

The guy, who had black hair with light brown heavily streaking the front and Asian features, stopped strumming his guitar. He swung his head up and rose onto his feet. "Hey guys," he began. "The name's Terry. I'm Mia's brother," he finished his introduction.

Stunned by the news, Jayden and Mike immediately made eye contact.

Nonetheless, the Red ranger invited him inside, wanting to find out what his girlfriend's brother was doing there.

Xxxxx

City's Outskirts
Angel Grove, CA

"Where are we going," Sophia asked with her arms defiantly crossed over her chest. She browsed her surroundings, mentally noting they were in Angel Grove. She had wishful thinking, as she prayed her parents would abandon the severe punishment they readily laid down on her. On the other hand, she didn't deserve to be lightened up on. She's been a problem child for the past week, even she had to admit it.

Tommy's SUV came a stop. They were at the bottom of a rock canyon. He faced his daughter. "Come with me. I want to show you something," he finally revealed.

"Why would I wanna do that," she stubbornly retorted.

"Because I'm your dad, and I'm the only one that can drive you home—at least legally anyways." At this point, he wouldn't be stunned if his daughter had cloned his car keys and would leave him stranded. She's been awfully enraged at him and Kim.

Sophia glanced at her dad. She rolled her eyes, cautiously unbuckled her seat belt, and exited the car. She closed her passenger door. Her eyes roved again, and she saw clumps of rocks in numerous amounts, a landscape of dirt, and trees of various sizes. The crisp air caused her teeth to chatter slightly, and she wondered what was the purpose of being here.

Tommy grabbed a backpack from the back of the vehicle, handed it off to Sophia and secured it. "This way," he pointed to the right.

"Am I supposed to put this thing on," she incredulously asked, estimating this backpack was about ten pounds. He nodded and began to trek up an expanse hill. She snorted unhappily, as she placed the backpack on."Alright, dad, what are you up to?"

The Olivers wounded around a trail, went left, then right, came down another hill and climbed up another one. The daughter's brows converged inward, while they kept walking. She didn't know where her dad was taking her to, and she was positive they were roughly two miles away from their mode of transportation. Her lower limbs were burning with the resistance walk, while her dad was going around with ease. Again, she rolled her eyes, as if he was trying to show off. He stopped, so he could claim a bottle of water and a bag full of fruit. He offered some to her. Though she resisted, in an attempt to show she was strong, and this was hike was a piece of cake, she eventually gave in. Tommy chuckled at his daughter's tenacity. They picked up where they left off and continued. Finally, they climbed one more huge rock and arrived at their destination.

Sophia took a step forward, inhaled and exhaled her breath deeply and immaturely stomped her foot. "All of that walking for this," she growled. The area was desolate, except for the giant hole that looked like an enormous volcanic crater caused an indentation. She could swear her dad was trying to torture and leave her for dead. She almost died walking this trail with the extra baggage. She wasn't that much of a problem child, so she didn't understand what his deal was. She sat on rock and pouted. "What was the purpose of this," she questioned after catching her breath. "You heard the doctor. I was supposed to take it easy!"

Tommy laughed internally at his daughter's response. "You're a Ninjetti. A day full of rest was enough for you, and you got two!" He scanned the premises. "So, you don't know what this place symbolizes," he asked.

She shook her head. "No, what's so great about it?" The large, picturesque land was in front of her, but there wasn't anything that stuck out to her in particular.

He couldn't believe his daughter's sudden Swiss cheese memory. He took that back; she was his daughter, after all. "This place holds great significance," he let the breeze tickle his body, and he inhaled the fresh scent that surrounded them from this higher altitude. He peered to where the hole, that was six feet deep and about 15,000 square feet in circumference, was. Without notice, he nimbly jumped down.

"Great significance," she repeated dryly. "Whoop-de-doo," she twirled her finger around in spite also. She waited for her dad to say something that could be potentially insignificant to her life but all she heard was the howl of the wind. "Dad," she questioned, but there wasn't a response. She began to look around in a panic. She didn't see her dad anywhere. "Oh God," she screamed. She got up and hurriedly moved her eyes around in sync with her body. If anything happened to him, she would never forgive herself. She felt like a terrible daughter now, but what could've happened in the last few minutes? Nothing, nothing at all, at least she prayed it was nothing. She yelled his name louder than before. "DADDY!" The call of his name resoundingly echoed against the brush.

"Sophia, I'm down here," he shouted back. It wasn't his intention to cause his daughter to worry, but he felt some gratification that she still cared. He had a devilish smirk on his face but got back to being serious. "Sophia!"

She let out a breath of relief. Her dad was alright. She listened closely to where her dad's voice was coming from. Her brown pools roamed around, and she planted them firmly on the circular hole. She crept closer and looked over. There was her dad, way far down and amidst surprisingly preserved rubble. "Dad, are you okay," she asked.

Tommy nodded he was. "Sophia, I want you to come down here," he requested.

She worriedly chewed her lip, since she wasn't too keen on heights. Even if her animal spirit was a Dove, that still didn't make up for her minute acrophobia. "How, how do I get down there," she queried, still nervous.

"Jump down. You'll be fine," he promised her. "You have to come down here."

There wasn't a reason to trust her father. Yes, their relationship was rocky due to deceit, but that was still her daddy. He wouldn't purposefully hurt her. She shut her eyes tight, leaped off the edge, gracefully glided down and landed on two feet. Immediately, she opened her eyes. "Is this, this is where it all started," she figured in awe.

Tommy brought her to the Command Center, also known as the Power Chamber. This place held a ton of sentimental value for Zordon's Era of rangers. The legacy began here, long lasting friendships and relationships were either continued or formed, and there was so much history bouncing within this acreage.

The man that's led and mentored Power Rangers sadly smiled, thinking back to when Zordon gave him his Power Coin. He softly laughed, remembering the location his wife fainted upon learning he was the White ranger. Then, he looked far off into the corner, formerly known as the medical bay. That's where Jayden's birth happened. A tear slid down. He felt so much fatherly pride that day, that moment, that minute, that very second upon hearing the loud sound of air finally entering his son's lungs. He was able to experience that sensation twice more with Tristan and the beautiful, young lady standing right in front him, his daughter, Sophia.

He stood smack dab in the middle of where a circular platform used to be and reminisced about the exchanging of the powers from Jason, Trini and Zack to Rocky, Aisha, and Adam. He also thought back to when Kim relinquished her power coin to her successor, Kat. As a downsized teenager, he still looked to Zordon for guidance, received help from five aliens, and was given a quest. He accomplished the quest and came back to the center to meet up with his friends. However, he was given the surprise of the life to see a new face, Tanya. The ground rumbled around them that day, and in the next few minutes the Command Center was demolished. The Power Chamber was formed on that day also, and he gained a new color, Red, a new power, Zeo, and what was to follow changed him, his whole to life to be honest.

In this spot, he went from being a lonely teenager, possibly with no direction in life to being an adult with a family and purpose.

"This was where your brother was born," he announced, a bit broken, as he was trying to maintain his male, not so attached to his emotions demeanor. He found this hard. He walked over to the spot, thinking the medical bay was still there. "I didn't know what was I even doing that day. I think I was a chicken with my head cut off, but your mom needed me. He needed us." He wiped his eyes, covering up the sniffles with extra inhales of breaths. "What were we even doing?"

"Why'd you bring me here," she demanded to know, while still staring. There was a reason behind this visit. Was she to pay homage to her parent's roots? Is this where she was going to further harness her Ninjetti powers? Did she need to spend the night here as a rite of passage or for further disciplinary action? She hoped it wasn't the latter. Her dad faced her with redness surrounding his chocolate brown pupils. "Dad..."

"That day was the best and the worst day of our lives," he started. He perused the area and scoped out crates that were surprisingly still around. He sat, and she followed in suit. He lovingly looked at his daughter and continued on. "Jayden was a beautiful child, of course not as beautiful as you..." Sophia thought that was so cheesy, but she still smiled over hearing it. "In that instant, we were parents but not for long. Even though, we wanted to foster him, protect him and love him, we couldn't. Our duties were to be teens and Power Rangers. Sadly, there was no room for us to be Jayden's parents, at that moment in our lives..."

"Then, why even bring him into this world," she curiously wondered.

He smiled. "When you're older you will fully understand, but let's be religious for a moment. We don't believe in abortions..."

She nodded as a way to accept the answer. "Please continue... the story."

"Of course. We had prepared for that day. We knew we wanted to give him up for adoption, but this would be a special adoption. That meant only our Mentor could decide where our child went. When he informed us he found a couple, we accepted and placed our faith in his hands. No, we didn't know he was going to grow up to be a Power Ranger. We don't want that life for you guys..."

"What?! If we were chosen, you wouldn't want me to accept that?"

"Do you want to be a Power Ranger," he earnestly asked her.

"Well, yes, wait, no, I don't know, but if I had the opportunity, I believe I would be one," she answered weakly, privately thinking some more about it. "What's wrong with being a ranger?"

"There's a lot, to be honest. Constantly being in danger, having an evil entity want to destroy the world you live in or you isn't exactly fun, and your loved ones are a factor as well. What I do or the effects of being a ranger does affect you too. When I was in the amber, I missed out on a lot of stuff. I know that gymnastics meet was really important to you. You practiced every single day because you wanted that floor routine to be perfect. You put your heart, tears and sweat into that damn routine, and I wasn't even there to witness it and cheer you on."

"You actually remembered something," she gently quipped, while looking at him.

"A lot more than you think..."

"So, if you had known that the family Zordon placed Jayden in, had the intention to make him a ranger, would you have kept him," Sophia seriously questioned.

Tommy warmly grinned at his daughter. "That's a hard one to answer. I believe Zordon had the best intention when he chose this particular family, and he must've known about this family being Samurai rangers. Now, about Jayden being this impostor, I believe it was a plan that was enforced for the sister's sake. I still think we made the right choice to place him for adoption..."

"How can you say that? You just told me you didn't want us, your kids to be rangers, but this, Jayden being a ranger, you're okay with it," she felt distraught. She was beginning to believe her parents really didn't care about him.

"I'm not saying that. The adoption was right, but the family was wrong," he specified much more clearly. "When I found out he was a Samurai ranger, and he was only standing in for his adopted sister that caused me to become angry. I felt Jayden was being demeaned in some way, and frankly, I disliked, hated it. Jayden's not disposable in any way, and that's what this family did. Whether it was intentional or not, I still feel like my son's a liability."

"Then why, in the hospital, didn't you say something?"

"Your mom and I don't want to crush what he thinks is his life. He believes he is a Shiba and meant to be the Red ranger. He's been the Red ranger and is standing by what his deceased 'dad' and 'mom' have preset for him. We would love to admit the truth, but not there, and in that way. I don't want to kill his spirit. Do you understand?"

Sophia just shook her head with tears brimming her eyes. "I don't agree with this. He's not supposed to die for them. If he does die, it should be for this family," she pointed between herself and her dad,"the Hart family," she hoisted herself up and wandered around the open area, flailing her arms up and around, eventually securing eye contact with the sole person near her..."even the Scott, Cranston, Taylor, DeSantos, Park, and Hillard-Corbett family. Not for them, some complete strangers, that Shiba family," she passionately announced with reason. "We are his true family, and we would've never done that to him. He deserves to know the truth. You know that, mom knows that, Tristan even knows that, and me especially. I want my brother with us."

She succumbed to the emotional tirade she tried to hold in. She collapsed, and Tommy ran to her. He cradled his daughter into his arm, which led him to escape reality for a little second. Inside his arms wasn't the angsty daughter he's recently came into contact with, but rather the little tot that always wanted his comfort, his protection, and his love. He lightly brushed her hair with his fingers, soothingly speaking to her that everything was going to be okay, and expressing he didn't like this situation either. This predicament wasn't what he planned, but it's happened, and they'll find a way to handle it—as a family. Sophia nodded into his chest.

"Dad, I'm so sorry about what's happened. I wasn't thinking, and I surely didn't expect to get injured. Really, that wasn't my intention. I just wanted to meet him," she swore that was her reason for ditching school.

"Hey, I would've done the same thing at your age. Actually, I did do that, but when I was older. I remember I didn't go to school when I headed to the Indian Reservation nearby and met Uncle David for the first time," he confided to her. "You aren't the only rebel in this family," he lightly laughed.

"So you forgive me," she hopefully wondered.

"I do, but you really need to speak to your mom and apologize to her. Everything you've told me, you need to talk to her about," he gave her one condition. Sophia agreed, but her emotions were still all over the place.

He knew how to calm her down.

Hush little baby
Don't say a word
Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird
If that mockingbird won't sing
Then Daddy's going to buy you a diamond ring

He continued singing for her sake, and he felt he broke through to his daughter. As a family, they would bring Jayden back to them.

Xxxxx

Shiba House
Panorama City, CA

Earlier, Serrator unleashed an attack in Panorama City. His purpose was the usual; he wanted to destroy the Power Rangers. Of course, the rangers put a stop to him. Mia, for the first time, utilized Super Samurai mode. She combated Serrator, on her own, once in Mega Mode, she used the Shogun powers, and defeated those wretched Papyrox monsters too. Her unbound determination aided them in becoming victorious.

As soon as they came home, her fellow rangers began to get ready for the night's event. Mia's brother, Terry, and Antonio teamed up, and they were set to perform. At first, Terry wanted his sister by his side, since they used to perform together all the time. Sadly, she disregarded his wish. Mia was upset with Terry's current involvement with music. In the Watanabe family, Mia was to be the Pink ranger, and Terry's future was to be revolved around pediatrics. The last thing he needed to do was this performance. Her friends begged for her to join them, but she still declined. Jayden, being an obedient boyfriend, wished to stay with her, but she convinced him to go. He reluctantly agreed. Thankfully, she fondled around for a flier that was given to her by Spike, and that's when she read that Terry's band was actually playing at a charity event for the children's hospital.

She made a conscious decision and got ready to sing.

It was a rush for her to belt out a tune, on a stage, with a live band. She also couldn't believe Antonio's voice; it was amazing. She was happy to see what her brother loved to do the most. She genuinely enjoyed performing with them, in addition. What made that night sweeter to her was that her brother still wanted to be a pediatrician, so she really didn't need to watch out for him like she thought she needed to. That in itself was a great feeling.

Though everyone was out to dinner, even Mentor accompanied them, she returned home. She was pretty exhausted. She headed to the room she shared with Emily and took off the heeled boots she was wearing. She began to rub the kinks out of her feet. Flats, sneakers, and boots of her power suit were usually the ones to decorate her feet. She almost forgot what it felt like to where anything else. She undid the tight, leather pants, and un-clapsed the strapless bra that was beneath her golden tunic. She just wanted to be comfortable. She suddenly heard sounds coming from the the living room. She immediately stopped what she was doing, thinking that she was alone.

She heard footsteps coming towards her room. The sounds began to get heavier and heavier. Bumps of fright began to form on her arms. She bit her lip nervously and stepped to her door. She had the means to protect herself. After today's fight, she was positive about anything that could come her way.

The Pink ranger wasn't going to stand around passively. She faced the door, ready to defend herself. She saw as her bedroom door slid a millimeter. Her heart began to race, her thoughts went all over the place, and she could've sworn she locked the front gate. She had to have locked the front gate, she wouldn't forget something that vital, but wait, the Shiba House was protected by kanji symbols. She remembered Ji saying that. She shook her head, as the door was fully jarred. She closed her eyes, barely getting a glimpse of who evaded her privacy and extended her right leg into the air, powerfully kicking, who she believed was an intruder.

"Ahhh," the other person screamed in agony.

Her eyes grew wide once she realized who it was. "Oh my God, Jayden," she screamed, and she got on the floor and crawled towards him. He was on the ground, securely holding on to his face, and rolled around in a crazily fashion. Her cheeks were inflamed with embarrassment. "Jayden, Jayden," she placed her hands on his arm. "Jayden," she called once more, as she hovered over him.

Through the dreariness he suddenly came in contact with, he began to blink to regain refocus. He was able to make out Mia's cascaded waves, her gentle features, and the glitter sequins that here reflecting against the room's light. He smiled at her. He heard a slight giggle. His eyes roamed all her body, and he became slightly surprised. Her tunic was loose enough that he got a taste of what was underneath. The suppleness, roundness, and smoothness of them caused him to salivate. He smacked himself mindfully, since he wasn't supposed to think about that. He rose like he came from the dead, his head crashing into Mia's forehead.

"Ow," exited Mia's mouth over the light paroxysm. "Jayden, are you okay..."

"Oh yeah, I'm, uh, yes, I'm fine," he stammered, his eyes concentrating awfully hard on the ceiling. He rapidly looked down at Mia, and she was on the floor, frowning up at him. He held out his hand for her, which she gladly took. "Sorry," he apologized, his head ducking down, since he felt he did something wrong.

"Jayden," she repeated questioningly, as she carefully approached him. She suddenly felt heat beneath her, and she looked down, She gasped, realizing why he was so red. Her shirt was loosely hanging, and her breasts were somewhat popping out. He must've gotten a good look, she concluded to herself. She ignored it. "What, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, uh, well, I just wanted to make sure you came home safely. Now that I see that you did, then I must be going," He crossed her room in one gigantic footstep.

She grasped his hand and brought him back to her. His eyes remained planted towards the wooden floor. "Jayden, I already know," she said.

"Know, know what," he pretended to be clueless. Her finger was under his chin, and she caused his head to ascend to meet hers. He nervously stared into her eyes.

Mia confidently cupped the back of his head, delicately smoothing the hair on the back of his head and brought him in for a kiss. She feverishly kissed him, grabbing for his zippered sweatshirt. She hastily grabbed for the zipper, undoing it. He helped her take his sweatshirt off, followed by the red, graphic t-shirt underneath. His chest was bare, and she began to kiss his chest. Jayden reciprocated with the same fire, relishing her lips exploring his chest. He fondled with her top, which she easily slipped out. Then, she went for his jeans, undoing his belt buckle, while he realized her pants were already unzipped. He froze upon his fingers skimming against lace.

He immediately stopped her from continuing.

"What are we doing," he asked her, as he departed from her vicinity. He looked away, realizing her chest was unprotected.

"I thought, you don't, oh goodness," Mia was definitely uncomfortable now. She grabbed for her blanket and protectively wrapped herself.

Jayden quickly grabbed for his clothes and left the room, not wanting to even attempt to cloth himself. He ignored the fact his pants could've fallen at any minute."I'm sorry, Mia," he whispered, as he ran into his room. He wasn't supposed to take it that far—the both weren't supposed to take it that far. He was thinking he had gone mad. That wasn't him. They were too young. They didn't know what sex was.

After all, sex had consequences.