A/N: Here's the long awaited chapter! The truth is finally coming out!

A/N #2: The episodes I focus on are AU. They are my interpretation for this story.

A/N #3: If you haven't already, please read 'Lauren's Lorn'. It's all about Lauren Shiba and ties to this story. Thank you!

Episodes: 'Fight Fire with Fire' and, just the beginning of, 'The Great Duel'

Chapter 26- The Homecoming

Xxxxx

'Fight Fire with Fire'
Shiba House
Panorama City, CA

"Jayden & Ji,
The time has come for
Ms. Lauren Analeigh Shiba
to come home and resume her position as the
18th Head of the Shiba Family.
Expect her arrival soon.
-Yaki Toshizo"

"This changes everything," Jayden murmured disbelievingly and softly, while staring at the letter that was written on behalf of his sister. He rose his head to look at his Mentor, sorrow filling his eyes.

With the news of becoming a dad, Serrator no longer a threat, and the fact that Master Xandred was in voluntary seclusion, he should be a happy Red ranger. Better yet, he should be on top of the world. Instead, his body and mind was filled with dread. The truth about his secret was going to come out soon, and he was going to be seen as a fake. His friends, who doubled as his team, were going to follow his sister. The life, as he knew it, was going to be vastly different.

He decided, for the mean time, to keep up appearances. "It says two days, so I will use these two days and act as if nothing is going to happen," he vowed with determination. "Ji, you will do the same," he ordered. Training was no longer on his mind.

Mentor only bowed his head in compliance. He watched, as his surrogate son retreated back to the Shiba House. His heart was heavy and full of sadness. Jayden has gotten into the swing of things and found himself, while fighting evil and leading a group that turned out to be his best friends. Most of all, he did his father, both adopted and birth, proud. He had a positive inkling that Jayden's birth parents would welcome him with open arms, and they would provide their son with guidance that was much needed at a time like this. He departed the front yard to inside the house. He went straight for his room, grabbed a key that was hidden and exited. A little bit of paranoia set, as he walked down an isolated hall. He looked right, left, and then right. No was within his range. He went to the Den—Mathew Shiba's den. He unlocked, stepped in and softly closed the door behind him.

Not a single person has been in this den since the early 2000s. After the death of the 17th Shiba Head, this area was preserved in his honor. As he walked around, he thoroughly inspected. Not a single thing was out of place. Dust accumulated obviously. His eyes zoomed towards a particular item. The long, cappuccino colored desk with an ornately placed glass top. A bit hesitant, he sat in the accompanying chair. "Mathew, please forgive me," he pleaded, and he opened a drawer. A shiny, red tin instantly greeted him. He grabbed, carefully placed the container on the table, and, after a few, long minutes, he ultimately opened it. There was a note, small in size, but the words printed on the piece of paper foretold more than necessary. He read it.

"Thank you...
We just want to say thank you for taking care of our son.
He'll always be on our minds, but we can live peacefully, since he's good in hands.
We love him so much already.
Love,
His mommy and daddy
If possible, please name him Jayden Thomas."

Ji placed the paper against this chest, and sighed with deep contemplation. "Is this the time to finally tell him," he asked himself. As he heard loud shuffles of feet and his name being called urgently, he was jarred out of his thoughts. He had to place everything back in its spot. He wiped his face, cursing that he should've done this at another time. He exited the den, masked what had been up to, and took a step forward.

"Ji, where are you..." Jayden slowly turned to the left, once he realized that Mentor was there. He came out of his dad's den. "What... what were you doing in there," he asked, while his sapphire orbs went from his surrogate father to the door that was behind him. "We've been looking for you."

"Nothing, nothing at all," Mentor concealed the truth with a feigned smile.

"Mentor," the Red ranger shouted domineeringly.

Mentor Ji faced Jayden once more. "Nothing," he stated in a calm voice. "Nothing, at all." He walked away.

Jayden became flustered with aggravation. He swore there had to be a reason for Ji going in there. He wasn't sure what he was more hurt by. The fact that his mentor held a key to enter, or the fact he was obviously hiding something from him. He balled his fists. What the hell was going on in this world!? More fitting, what the hell was going on in this house?! He just didn't know anything anymore.

Mia came around the corner, and she saw Jayden standing like he was in a stupor. She cautiously approached him. "Are you okay," she asked because she was genuinely concerned. She placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Huh," he flinched under the touch. He saw it was Mia and was able to produce a soft smile. "Come on, we need to go to my room." He quickly ushered her there, positioned her properly and secured his door. He grabbed his Samuraizer. "Symbol Power, protect," he summoned. Finding the correct symbols to conceal a pregnancy was easy, but the way they taxed his body was unanticipated. Her power suit would serve as protection and his symbols would double that, but he still took extra precautions. He just didn't want anything to happen to them. He's done this twice, and so far, so good.

Mia carefully eyed him. She knew he couldn't do this on his own for much longer. Maybe, it was time they at least told Ji. He had his own Symbol Power, and he could assist Jayden. Once he was done, he fell over with sweat surrounding his forehead. He laboriously inhaled and exhaled, trying to regain strength in the process. She bent down. "Jay... maybe we should..."

"No," he strongly disagreed, as he stood up. Though a bit staggered, he was able to be on two feet. He looked at her, a warning expressed in his eyes. "We do this on our own. Let's head out there, now." He faced the sole exit to this room.

"What was that letter," she queried about earlier. She was watching Jayden practice, and she saw the arrival of a figure—the person was hidden under a heavy black cloak. At least, it looked like a cloak to her. The letter also bared the Shiba family crest, so she knew it was of importance. He was also bothered by it. She could see from where she was standing. "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"I don't know, and it was nothing," Jayden coldly replied. He closed his eyes with exasperation. Everyone seemed to be full of secrets lately! Couldn't he participate, although, he has been participating this whole entire time. The gap sensor went off, and he immediately headed to the living room. Thankful for a distraction. He forcefully touched the water map, almost breaking it because frustration was building. "Nighlock attack at the park. Let's go!"

Mia arrived last, barely hearing where they needed to go this time. She stayed put too. She pondered about what or has been hiding. They were keeping a big secret themselves, but, for him, there had to be something else. She turned and gasped loudly at Mentor Ji standing there. "Sorry Mentor," she apologized and quickly left.

Mentor watched intently, as she exited. "What was that about," he asked, knowing he wasn't going to receive an answer.

An hour later, there were several, staccato knocks on the front door of the Shiba House. Ji furrowed his brows in confusion. It was too soon for the rangers to be home. He approached the door, thinking the visitor was possibly Cody. The young boy did say he had several ways he could be of use. He opened the door cheerfully, but the smile on his face slowly dissipated when he saw who was at the door.

"Ji," Yaki greeted abruptly; he ignored Mentor's response and utter shock. "Kurokos," he ordered, as he stood out of the doorway.

In walked several kurokos, and they had suitcases in tow. The last one, acting as an escort, held the hand of Lauren Shiba, biological daughter of Mathew and Nina, true 18th Shiba Head, and Jayden's sister..

Lauren gazed in awe. The place hadn't changed too much. There was a bit of remodeling, and she supposed that was because of Master Xandred's unexpected attack from long ago. After she did a 360, she looked at Jayden's mentor. "Ji," she happily greeted and with relief, since she hadn't seen him in close to a year. She walked up to him, and wrapped her arms around him. "It's so good to be home. This is my home," she admitted, tears held in place.

"Lauren, Yaki, kurokos," Ji softly laughed because that's all he could do. "I thought... the note... so soon," he questioned, clearly appalled by their sudden arrival.

"You were given sufficient notification. I clearly put 'soon', and this is 'soon'," Yaki condescendingly responded. He shook his head. "Are you feeling okay?" He held some blatant dislike towards Jayden's teacher.

"Yaki," Lauren reprimanded angrily and with embarrassment. "Ji, sorry about that. Where's my brother," she asked about him first. She missed him dearly, and she couldn't wait to catch up with him. They had a lot to talk about. More specifically, the actual cause of their mother's death. She was waiting until this moment because she thought it was more fitting.

"Yes, where is that boy," Yaki slightly sneered the name, as he glanced around. Everything was up to par. This house wasn't destroyed. It was going to get crowded, but that would be temporary.

Mentor Ji was ready to box Yaki right there. They were cordial to one another, but that was because of the patriarch and matriarch of this family. Other than that, they were clearly displeased by one another. Ji had a suspecting feeling that Yaki was overzealous and quite arrogant over his standing. He never voiced it though, but today might be the day. "That boy," he strongly enunciated with disgust plastered on his usually serene face, "is the one that's been successful in what previous heads could never complete. So, you will address him by his name, Jayden. And I swear on Mr. and Mrs. Shiba's graves, if you make his life a living hell or even attempt to say something irreverent to him, I will have your head..." There was no more Mr. Nice Guy. Possibly, the stress of everything ended up contributing to his rage.

Lauren's Mentor was very much taken aback by Mentor's threat. He cleared his throat, trying to find his words. He was already put in his place, but he would never admit that. "Very well, Jayden. Where is Jayden," he asked.

"They're at the park," Ji headed to the water map, and he showed them the exact coordinates.

"I'm ready," Lauren confidently said. She's waited all of her life to do this. She left the house with Yaki and servants following.

Mentor was beside himself. "I really never liked him," he muttered lividly, as he stepped into the kitchen

Xxxxx

Two Hours Later
Rock Vista Park
Panorama City, CA

"Who... who are you, "Antonio curiously asked the other ranger, who was dressed in a power suit similar to Mia and Emily's but Red in color. He was helping to hold up a severely injured Jayden, who he thought was the Red ranger.

"And you guys in the black... isn't it a little too hot to wear that," Mike questioned in an accusatory way. "What are those creepy things?"

"Jayden, who are they," Kevin, who was on the opposite side of Jayden, observed the flags decorated with the signature crest of his leader. He thought he knew everything about the Shiba background, but he wasn't so sure now.

Once the Samurai rangers arrived at the park, they battled against the mutated, bird, looking Nighlock, Fiera. Octoroo granted her Fire Flashers, a weapon that would produce poisonous flames that originated from the Sanzu River. The true intention of this dangerous weapon was to cause the wielder of fire to burn from the inside out, ultimately resulting in their demise. Her aim was on point. She continuously inflicted pain on her target, and she could see that he was suffering. Yet, to Master Xandred's right hand people, the battle wasn't what they expected. Though Fiera was coming out victorious, the Red ranger wasn't dead. He was injured, but with as much fire power she hurled at Jayden, he should've met death's door.

The rest of the Samurai rangers took hits for Jayden, since they wanted to protect him. They could see the Nighlock was gunning for him. Without hesitation, they blocked the fireballs. They were hit, but unlike Jayden, they suffered paralysis for maybe a second, and they were able to continue. He, on the other hand, had no such luck. When Jayden's body couldn't take anymore and demorphed involuntarily, they aided their leader by placing him against a tree, so he could be out of harm's way. They vowed they would defeat Fiera, on his behalf. Then, the five of them resumed the fight by calling upon their Zords, when she grew as tall as a skyscraper. In the middle of the fight, the most interesting thing occurred. The Red Lion appeared, but Jayden was still resting and peppered with various burn marks. When the fight was over, they hopped out of their Zords, reverted to being civilians, and ran to Jayden's side.

Now, they were greeted by another Red ranger, the one that commanded the Red Lion, several people clad in black and an older man.

"This is Lauren Shiba," Yaki introduced for the others. He took a very good look at every single one of them. He perceived them as ill-mannered and not possessing an once of respect. Finally, his eyes landed on Jayden. He smirked.

"Shiba... Lauren Shiba," Emily repeated inquisitively and bewildered by the last name. "Jayden... who is she?"

There was no denying the inevitable. "She's... she's my big sister," Jayden finally confessed what he's been hiding from them.

"Lauren Shiba, true 18th Head of the Shiba Family," Mentor Yaki further elaborated, while his prized pupil demorphed.

The rangers were astounded by the revelation. This whole entire time. Their Red ranger wasn't the actual Red ranger. Furthermore, he wasn't their true leader. This stranger was. His sister was. A female, Red ranger was their actual leader. As she commenced forth, they actually began to shield Jayden. This was on pure instinct. They were unsure of what she was going to do.

Lauren took her precious time. Each step added to her nervousness. When she finally stood in front of him, she took in his appearance. He was hurt, cuts were around this lips, and his body was tarred with black ashes. She bypassed that and was able to return to the big sister. She wanted to boss him around, make him go get cookies from the kitchen she was too chicken to get herself, and just spend some quality time with him. She thought this was a dream. She was no longer contained to an isolated house and alone. She was with him. "Hi Jayden," she greeted, while softly caressing his face.

"Hello Lauren," Jayden said, as he stared into her eyes. He never expected their long awaited meeting to happen like this, but it's happened. He also saw her entourage was with her. "Yaki."

"Jayden," Lauren's retainer tersely acknowledged

"Why don't we head home, okay," the Pink ranger sensed the tension and hoped by going home it would be alleviated. Plus, she needed to head home. She was feeling a bit queasy.

Everyone felt that was best. In addition, there was a lot of explaining that needed to be done.

Xxxxx

An Hour Later
Shiba House- Main Room

While Lauren and Jayden were getting reacquainted, Mentor Ji answered the questions that were fiercely coming at him from the other rangers. Mentor Yaki knew his place and stayed in the background. However, given the chance, he did provide snide comments, here and there, but retracted when he saw a fuming Mentor. The kurokos were roaming the house, making use of themselves and knowing this was going to be their new home for the mean time.

"To deceive the Nighlock, Jayden had to do one of the hardest things in the entire world and hide it from his best friends," Mentor finished the whole story. The cat was out of the bag. Lauren was their leader; Jayden a liability. He observed the rangers, and they were clearly blown away by the deceit that was placed upon them. Kevin, out of the others, found this clearly disturbing.

"What's going to happen to Jayden now," Emily spoke up, her voice soft and full of concern.

Mike wrapped his arm around Emily. "He's going to stay, right," he asked everyone. His attention was given to Mentor. "Just because he's not the actual 18th Shiba Head... this is still his home. He has to stay here," he quickly figured. He was positive.

Antonio knew all of this information was overwhelming. He decided to lighten everything up. "Hey, uh, those guys in black... can they cook," he asked, while tilting his head back to look at them. "I think we should all have a meal. You know, celebrate Lauren coming home," he hopefully announced with a smiled. The Gold ranger would never look at his best friend any other way, but as the Red ranger. He would still be respectful of Lauren nonetheless.

"A Gold ranger... I've never heard of such a thing," Yaki overstepped his boundaries again, while looking at Antonio. "Who made you a ranger?! You don't even have a traditional Samuraizer, but rather a flimsy cell phone that you just text with. Your kind of Symbol Power is insignificant to this battle!"

The Yellow and Green ranger held Antonio back from lunging at Mentor Yaki.

"Yaki," Ji gravely spoke, and he shook his head 'no'. His trusty stick was in hand, this time around, so he could put Lauren's teacher in his place."Antonio, gather the servants and prepare the meal. We will join you shortly." Mike and Emily released their friend, and they followed him outside, as did the men in black robes. Jayden's teacher faced Lauren's teacher. "You, come with me, now!"

Yaki gulped, but followed anyways. He was rethinking saying statements without thoroughly thinking them through.

Once the two mentors walked out, Kevin sat there and privately mused. "Why didn't father tell me," he asked. There was an internal conflict forming. Out of everyone, he felt the most betrayed and confused now. He stepped outside to get much needed fresh air.

With no prying eyes, Mia ultimately departed to the bathroom. No, it wasn't over Jayden's deceit. She was understanding about the situation and the circumstances surrounding her boyfriend's choice to stand in on his sister's behalf. That actually made her admire him more. She wanted to talk to Jayden about his feelings though. She was worried he was going to do something entered the bathroom and purged.

After three hours, a feast was prepared but one person wouldn't be joining them today or the days to come. The rangers and the mentors already congregated around the BBQ set. Jayden stepped onto the platform. In his hand was a wooden box, and it was filled with all the discs of the Red ranger thus far. A servant eagerly ran up, got on his knees and held his hands up, begging for the box.

Everyone turned to see what was going on. Their eyes grew wide when Jayden released the box to Lauren's servant, and they had to bare witness to the servant readily offering it to Lauren. Their fear, that developed barely six hours ago, was becoming reality. The way he looked and what he just did was uncharacteristic of the person, who they thought was their leader.

The, now, former Red ranger stood before everyone. He was going to reveal his intention to leave the grounds, for good. He already mentioned to Lauren that there could only be one Red ranger, and, sadly, it wasn't him. "You all need to follow Lauren, now." That was going to be his last command for them. "She is the Red ranger and true 18th Head of the Shiba Family." He heard their strong oppositions loud and clear, he saw their faces, distraught and puzzled, but his mind was set. It had been set. "I'm leaving..."

Mia stepped forward. They locked eyes. She grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the others. With just the two of them, she openly expressed her hate over his decision. "Jayden, what about us?" He didn't even think about talking to her about this. "You made a promise to me that wouldn't you leave me! Especially, at a time like this. We need to stick together," she reminded him, as she felt the prickles of tears. He couldn't leave her when needed him the most. At least, she hoped he wouldn't. "It's not about me and you anymore. It's about the baby."

The newest occupants of the Shiba House watched the two interact. They were in the dark about how deep the relationship between the Red and Pink ranger ran.

"I can't ask you to give up your duty," he, too, was hurt by this development. However, he needed to find himself, and what he was worth now. Lauren aready disclosed the truth about their mom's demise. Upon hearing the news, it took all of his might to not throw a fit of rage. Evidently, he didn't. Since he wanted to leave so badly, he didn't want any hindrances remaining. If he were to stay in this house, he would be constantly reminded he wasn't the leader of the Samurai rangers. Furthermore, the memories he kept of his mom due to this house were already tainted anyways. He could no longer bear living here."You need to be here, shelter, food, all of this would help the baby," he whispered. He was being selfish, but his intentions for Mia and their unborn child were genuine, as this house would benefit the two.

The Pink ranger wasn't hearing. "I'm going with you," she vowed. There were no, ifs, ands or buts. She knew where her loyalty was. It laid with Jayden. She was going wherever he was going. Her parents, friends, and Mentor might find her actions deplorable, a betrayal in sorts, but she felt the most security and content with Jayden. "I love you, and I trust you," she honestly declared. "We are in your hands."

"Are you sure?" She nodded. Jayden faced their spectators again. He grasped Mia's hands. She was right. They had to stick together. "Mia's going with me too," he admitted. "Mia, go pack your things."

Mia nodded and left to her room.

Emily couldn't stand there, after thinking that. She went inside, so she could talk Mia out of this.

"Pfff," Mentor Yaki scoffed incredulously. "What exactly has been going on here?!"

For the first time,, since he's been here, Antonio, Kevin, and Mike actually agreed with him! They, too, were shocked by this.

"What?!" Jayden's retainer's indignant roar out shined the rangers contesting yelps. He stomped up to Jayden. "You! I can't stop you from leaving. You've been set on this, but you cannot take the Pink ranger with you!"

"Is that all she is," Jayden angrily countered. "A Pink ranger?! She's Mia, and there are things you just don't understand right now. She needs to come with me!"

"She needs to go with you?! At first, you were going to leave without her. Then, all of a sudden, she speaks to you, and you want her to leave," Ji lividly muttered with his arms flailing around.

"Why, Jayden," Lauren calmly questioned, as she walked up to him. "Ji's right. We can't stop you from leaving, but why does she have to go with you? What's so important about Mia?" Understandably, she was upset by her little brother's departure. What made her even more upset, was the fact he was dragging the Pink ranger, who they, she, needed, with him.

Mentor Yaki stepped up to Mentor Ji. "I don't know what kind of show you've been running here, but it all stops," he promised like he had gone mad. "It all stops here! I swear it will! Do you hear me?! It all stops here! Now that I am here, order will be restored!" After all of the insubordination from the Samurai rangers, he was positive he had the upper hand.

A kuroko hastily ran up to Lauren and dropped down to the floor.

Jayden's sister grabbed the fan that was presented to her and struck Yaki twice. "Yaki, apologize to Ji, now," she demanded.

The witnessing rangers were wondering if they got fans like that.

"But..." seeing that his student wasn't budging, he begrudgingly did so. "Sorry," Lauren's surrogate father followed her commands.

Mia descended down the steps with a suitcase. An upset Emily came towards her boyfriend, Kevin, and Antonio. They enveloped her into a hug. Jayden took the suitcase from the mother of his unborn child, and he looked at everyone else. "I'm sorry for causing this disruption," he apologized genuinely.

"Me too, but... it's important for me and Jayden to be together, right now," the soon to be mom second, and she took his free hand.

"Are you ready," the soon to be father asked.

"As long as I'm with you, I'm always ready," she replied with an uplifting smile.

The two began to walk.

Mentor Ji watched, but he didn't want to anymore. He couldn't let him leave. He needed to know."But... Jayden. Can we speak, in private," Ji pleaded desperately. "It's important. What I need to tell you, it's vital to you." The time had run out. It needed to happen now, and before it was too late. The older man was already beating himself up, since he hadn't done so. He wanted to confess the truth to Jayde, but was caught off guard with Lauren's presence.

Lauren overheard. She knew what he was insinuating to. "Do you really think this is the right time," she lowly asked. "Mentor, don't be stupid!" She heard the footsteps of Yaki, and she withdrew her Spin Sword, pointed it directly at her teacher. The tension was mounting and boiled over to this. "Don't take another step."

"Remind me not to get on her bad side," Mike stated warily, a little scared of Jayden's sister's swift move. The other male rangers nodded.

Jayden stopped, but kept his eyes forward. He did hear the plea, but it was too late. Whatever Mentor had to say, he should have done so early this morning or any other time. Mentor didn't have to make this harder than it was. "Let's go," he ignored the elder's words.

They commenced moving forward and didn't look back.

Xxxxx

The Next Morning
Downtown
Panorama City, CA

The former rangers were walking around.

Last night, Jayden and Mia resided on a playground set at a nearby park.

He kept watch on her, since she was shivering due to the low temperatures. When she finally fell asleep, he noted she looked peaceful. In the back of his mind, he actually wondered how long she would be able to survive like this. He didn't get a wink of sleep. He just couldn't. Too many thoughts about the future prevented him from doing so. He also supposed if she wasn't pregnant, then it would have been easier to leave her behind. Since that wasn't the case, he really had to sit and think about how they were going persevere with such limited resources. Presently, between the two of them, they only had a few dollars.

He almost bitterly laughed. Last time, he was prepared.

"Jayden, should be go back," Mia huskily wondered. She was famished and very tired. She understood there were consequences due to her choice to leave the Shiba compound, but for them to happen so, she wasn't thinking. She already lost hope too. "Maybe it's time we tell them."

"Mia, no," Jayden opposed, and he brought her in for a fierce hug. He was afraid it was going to come down to this. "If you want to go back, I'll walk you there. So, I know you arrived safely, but I can't stay."

"What are you afraid of?"

"I'm not afraid. I've been living this life of deceit for so long... I just think it's time that I take a break. Really think about what I need to do with my life, you know, where is my life going. I already know you're involved," he replied, while he caressed her stomach." He heard the grumbles coming from her. "Are you hungry?" She nodded. Jayden led her to a bench, so they could sit. He had to think quick. The last of their money would be gone with this next meal. He scrounged in his bag, possibly thinking he did place some money or his jean pockets contained a few dollars. He felt around. Paper brushed against his fingers, so he eagerly dug down. It wasn't money, but a piece of paper. He opened it, and he found several phone numbers. There was a name, Dr. Thomas Oliver, too.

"This is my contact information. I'm serious. No matter what time it is, or how far you are, you can phone any time, or I'll come get you."

He remembered what was said to him at the reunion. He grabbed his phone, and he made the call.

"Huh," Mia asked, while Jayden held his phone against his ear. She watched him closely.

"Hello," Tommy answered.

"Is this Dr. Oliver?"

Mia eavesdropped, as she rested against his side. That name sounded familiar. "He must be talking to Kim's husband," she softly murmured.

"Yes, it is. Who is this?"

Jayden became ecstatic and relieved. "Hi, Dr. Oliver! This is Jayden, uh, Jayden Shiba, you know the one that you helped... you helped me with a certain issue awhile back. I also helped Sophia, and don't forget, we are apart of a legacy. I wear Red, " he nervously rambled.

"Jayden, of course. How can I forget you," he sincerely questioned. He was actually thankful for this call. Something was amiss yesterday. Him and the rest of his family felt it. "Did you need something?"

"Yeah, actually... Mia and I do," he became serious. "Is there any way we can come over?"

"Of course you can. I'll come get the both of you. Just let me know where you are."

"In Panorama City. On Blount Street."

"I'll be right there. Don't move. It shouldn't take me long at all."

"Thank you, You don't know how much this to me, to us," Jayden thanked and ended the phone call. He looked down at Mia, who had been staring at him throughout the phone call, and adoringly kissed her forehead. "It's nice to know we have friends that have our backs."

Xxxxx

Half an Hour Later
Oliver Family's Rental House

Tommy's SUV slowly came up the street. He opened the garage and parked the car inside. During the drive he took subtle looks at his passengers. They were in the middle seat, sleeping against one another. He didn't know what prompted this phone call, nor why they each had luggage with them. He took a stab in the dark and guessed the two ran away. His son's phone call did hint that there was an issue. When given the chance, he would ask why.

"Hey, you guys," he politely woke them up.

Jayden, startled, rose from the dead, so to say. He looked at their new surroundings, and he softly poked at Mia to wake up. "Mia, Beautiful," he whispered lovingly into her ear. "We're at his house."

Mia yawned. She woke up and browsed. "Thank you for the ride," she showed her gratitude with a smile. Her boyfriend helped her out the car, and they entered the Oliver house. The immaculate home was a sight for sure. It was nothing like the Shiba House. She didn't think any other house could compare to that place, but for a house in the suburbs, it was surely superb. She sniffed, after arriving in the living room. "Mmm... what is that," she asked about the aroma that tickled her senses.

"That's my wife's lasagna," Tommy replied, as he rounded off the end. "Are you two hungry?" He watched, as they eagerly nodded. "Beautiful, two more plates!"

The young coupled smiled about the apparent love that was openly expressed fro the other couple.

Kim entered the room her husband's voice came from. "Yeah, yeah... I heard you. Mia, Jayden," she engulfed the two arrivals into a hug. She looked at them curiously though. "What happened? Is there something wrong at the house," she assumed already.

"Can we discuss that later," Jayden replied, as he sat Mia down on one of the couches. "Where's the bathroom?"

"I'll walk you," Tommy offered, since he was heading that way anyways.

"I'll be right back. Just get your rest," Mia's boyfriend ordered. He kissed her on the forehead again.

The 'Multicolored ranger' softly chuckled. His son was overprotective of his woman just like himself. He personally showed Jayden where the bathroom was.

Jayden nodded his thanks. Before stepping inside, he looked at the suitcases that were against the wall. He cocked an eyebrow. "Are you guys going on a trip," he questioned.

The Falcon peered over. "Those," he pointed to them, and Jayden nodded. "We actually just came back from a trip. We were in Paris for a week. Kim's stepfather had a heart attack, and we were staying with her mom for a little bit," he told the story, as he looked over at his sad son.

"Oh... it must be nice," he commented with a bit of envy. He's never been able to take a trip like that. The Oliver family seemed to have the luxury to do so. "How's her stepfather?"

"He's fine. They kept him from observation and told him to take it easy. You know how it goes."

"Yeah, easy," Tommy's oldest son repeated likewise. He excused himself.

Tommy, for a moment, watched the door. He wondered what was really going on with his son. He headed to the home office.

Sophia came down the stairs, unknowing to the fact there were guests. She walked into the living room and jumped back when she saw a sleeping Asian woman on her couch. She inquisitively examined, thinking she had seen this person before. She bent forward curiously and scrutinized every attribute this woman possessed. It finally hit her. "What's Mia doing here," she continued to watch over her.

"SOPHIA," Kim exclaimed that the food was almost ready, and she needed to get her butt down here, so they could eat together as a family. She came out the kitchen and saw her daughter was already downstairs.

"Ah," the Dove yelped in surprise because she wasn't too far from the eating area. "I'm here, I'm here. Jeez mom, you're going to break my ear drum!"

"Shhh," the Crane hushed her because of the person that was sleeping. "Sophia, we have guests."

The daughter of Tommy and Kim trailed her mom back to the kitchen. "Does that mean Jayden is here," she wondered. Kim nodded. "Perfect. We can tell him now," she smirked contentedly.

The Oliver family traveled across the United States and over the Bering Strait, so they could arrive in the 'City of Love', Paris. Pierre, Kim's stepfather, suffered a heart attack, but it wasn't major. Her mom, being a little too dramatic but wanted the company, paid for her daughter, son in law and grandchildren to fly over. Their time in another country was filled with trips to the hospital, shopping here and there, and being with family. They did plan to stay longer, but the parents had a bad feeling, so they chose to come home early.

After arriving in LAX, the family suffered another 'episode'. Thankfully, the Scott family was there, and they took command of the situation. If they weren't, then of course their best friends and the children would've been sent to the hospital for tremors and sweats. Tommy, Kim, Sophia, and Tristan, being the bullheads they were, wouldn't take up the hospital's time for something so menial anyways. As soon as they were in their Panorama City, they phoned Andros. They needed Jayden's information, as Andros was the only one in possession of the address. Of course, there was an issue in contacting the Red Space ranger. He was currently on assignment in another planet, Andresia.

The family was at a standstill and unsure of where to go or who to turn to. Luckily for them, Jayden phoned. This had to be an omen that they would get to tell him finally.

As the matriarch of the Oliver family plated the food, she signaled for Sophia to be quiet. "One thing at a time," she hushed her. She sighed. "Obviously, something occurred. They're both here and with luggage. They look tired, especially Mia. If they begin to eat like pigs, then something is definitely wrong."

Jayden found his way to the kitchen. He saw Sophia and Kim there. "Hello," he addressed them kindly. "Do you need help?" The food looked very appetizing, and his stomach began to rumble, while his mouth watered. The ooey-gooey globs of mozzarella piled on top of hearty spaghetti sauce, seasoned ricotta, spread and intermingled, and the al dente lasagna noodles, was something he absolutely craved. Pinks could cook.

Kim laughed. "Jayden, you are the guest. You don't need to help at all," she motherly responded, and she called for her husband. "You should wake up Mia though." When he did as told, she went back to the oven and grabbed the garlic bread. "Soph, make the salad."

"Mom, that's such a hard job," she playfully mocked, as she grabbed the large salad kit. In three minutes, she made the ceasar salad. "That was sooo hard."

"Right," Kim rolled her eyes. "Now, go get your brother too."

"Fine." Sophia headed back up the steps to retrieve her brother.

The Oliver family plus two sat at the dinner table. Each person had a greedy sized portion of the main dish, a slice of crispy, flavored bread and a bowl of the salad. They began to eat. Out of everyone, Mia was the most ravenous. She literally inhaled her food and asked for seconds. Jayden actually wanted to give his plate to her, since he didn't want them to be a burden. The parents insisted he didn't. There was plenty to go around. During the meal Mia and Jayden did ask about the Oliver family moving here. Kim and Tommy informed them it was work related.

Once they were finished eating, Mia asked to take a shower. Sophia and Tristan showed her where to go and gave her a towel. They began to set up the guest room for her and Jayden. Kim began to clean around the kitchen, and finally, Tommy and Jayden were in the living room, watching football.

Tommy bridged the gap a bit. "So, you and Mia were able to work things out, huh?"

"Yeah... don't mind her eating, um, she's going through some changes," he felt like he had to explain her actions, but wasn't ready to divulge that Mia was pregnant. He supposed he would be frowned upon.

"That?" Tommy rolled his eyes and chuckled. "I've seen worse. Trust me, the female rangers, though fit, actually eat surprisingly well. They aren't the types that order a salad or baked chicken. They love steak, french fries, pizza, cupcakes, stuff like that."

"Really," Mia's boyfriend found that interesting. "I need to pay more attention to that." He reclined back in his seat farther, making himself more comfortable. He would like to. The Oliver family was so nice to him and Mia.

"What happened? You know, for you to come over here like this," the man that's led several teams wondered. "We don't mind. Your company along with your girlfriend's company is welcomed." He wanted to clarify, and make it known that their door was always open for him.

"Can we talk somewhere privately," Jayden inquired and glad to know that when times got rough, he had another place to turn to.

Kim's husband listened, and he led the younger man to the backyard. He went back inside and grabbed some sodas. When he returned, he saw Jayden was close to the metal fence that faced the city. He stepped beside Jayden. "Here," he gave him a can. He overlooked the city with his son. "It kind of feels like jail, huh," he asked about the way the fence looked. When he noticed that Jayden was really in deep thought, like something was immensely bothering him, he asked once more. "What happened at the Shiba House?"

"I'm not the Red ranger," he cryptically began, which caused Tommy to sigh heavily. He patted Jayden on the back several times, as a way of comfort. "I am not the 18th Head of the Shiba Family. My olders sister is. My whole life, I trained to be the Red ranger, endured trials I never thought I would have to deal with, did things no one would truly understand, and risked my life, but, for what?" He took a long sip, as he scanned the expanse area. Things appeared different from this view. "For the past couple of years, I've fought countless foot soldiers, enough Nighlocks to form two football teams, I've protected people that I don't even know, and now, I'm nothing. Just a regular guy, living in this world... I'm not saying I hate my sister, but she had to come and ruin what I knew."

The father's heart broke just seeing his son like this. So pitiful and lost. "I know what you're going through," Tommy sympathized. "When I lost the Green ranger powers the first time, I didn't know what to do either. It's kind of like, 'what can top that'? You know? The second time, it was even worse. The pain of getting cut from the morphing grid is pretty intense. No one wants to go through that."

"I can still morph," Jayden clarified, as he whipped his Morpher around. He pocketed the item. "Why... why did she have to come now? If I knew the Sealing Symbol, then maybe, I wouldn't be so disposable!"

"You're not disposable," Tommy adamantly contested. He faced Jayden. "Is that why she came back though? Your sister was in hiding because she had to perfect the Sealing Symbol. The one symbol that completely defeats Master Xandred," Tommy questioned very carefully.

"Yeah, but..." Jayden's lowered head rose to look at Tommy. "How, how did you know that?"

"Well, you were saying how you weren't the Red ranger, and your sister ruined it, when she returned. So, she must've came back soon, and you don't know the Sealing Symbol, so she must... It was a simple deduction that's all," Tommy anxiously responded. "I didn't mean to pry. It was just a guess. Was I right though?" He ended up laughing to smooth things over. Honestly, he wished he had a beer in his hand instead of soda.

Jayden accepted the shaky explanation. "Yeah, that's why she came back. I guess it was the right timing. If she knows how to get rid of him, then she should be back," he figured with a shrug.

"But Mia, did she give up being a ranger too," the older man asked questioningly. Jayden nodded. Tommy was in disbelief. Jason, Zack, and Trini going to another country to passively save the world, Kim leaving for an opportunity of a lifetime, Billy kindly handing his Zeo crystal to a newcomer, Kat, Tanya, Adam, and himself, passing the torch, and of course, Jayden leaving due to his sister's return, all served as justifiable reasons for why it was necessary to give up the power. With Mia, he didn't see or hear why she had to. "Is it because she loves you that much?"

"We do love each other. I love her with all of my heart. We're going to be together for a long time," Jayden vowed assuredly, as he thought about this some more. "There's also..."

"I'm glad to know you found someone," Tommy interrupted with a smile. "I was madly in love at your age. So, I'm not judging you, okay?"

"And..."

"And," the Falcon repeated as a question. He was unsure of what else there could be.

He was already telling this man his life's story, and this man has shown he's going to be there for him, as a friend. He was comfortable, so he said what on his mind. "We're going to be parents... Mia's pregnant right now. I'm going to be a dad."

Tommy thought his hearing was off. He began to chuckle like it was impossible that his son could get a female pregnant. "Jayden, you love her," he obnoxiously replied because that's all he could say in a moment like this. "That's enough. You guys don't need to have kids right now. I already told you. When you're in love; it's the best feeling in the world. Sex is better. Don't go jumping the gun thinking you need to get her pregnant to secure her..." Undoubtedly, Dr. Oliver was talking out of his ass now or grumbling like a fool because he didn't want to think about the possibility he was going to be a grandfather in less than a year. The two people he brought into his household were about to parents. The thought caused his blood to boil. "You can't be a parent, right now. You can't..."

"We are in love, and I am being truthful. Mia is pregnant," Jayden yelled angrily. He thought Tommy was accusing him of something like he did this intentionally. "I didn't do this on purpose. It happened!"

"But you are way too young to be a parent," Tommy fired back irately, while he flailed his arms around. He was reacting like any father would do in this situation. "Haven't you heard of protective sex!"

Kim overheard the screams, so she came out to the backyard. She saw her mortified husband, and Jayden, who appeared upset. She headed their way. "Is there something going on," she asked them.

"No, nothing," Jayden replied rudely. He didn't mean to though. He alleged it was because of Tommy's words and actions. "I'm sorry for reacting like that, but I didn't expect this kind of response."

"Response... response for what? Tommy," the sole female quizzically asked. There was silence. "Okay, is someone going to let me know what's going on?!"

"Yes, I'll tell you," Mia's boyfriend's eyes stayed on the man before him. "Mia is pregnant. We are going to be parents!"

The Original Pink wrung out her ears. She thought she heard that Jayden was going to be a father. "No, that can't be right," she denied absolutely. There was no way her son was about to be dad, at this age. "What's the real reason?"

Jayden thought the two had gone mad, or their ears weren't operating properly. "I'm being honest. At first, it was supposed to be me leaving the house. I wanted to leave alone, so I could find myself, but Mia decided to leave too because she's carrying my child."

If it weren't for Tommy, Kim would've taken a tumble. She looked at Jayden with shock. Her oldest child was barely an adult, and his life was going to change for the better or worst, she wasn't too sure. "Jayden, did you not think about what you guys were doing?! What would have happened after the fact?"

"It only happened one time. I didn't think it was possible."

"All it can take is one time," Kim stressed. She didn't know what to do.

"And she was still fighting," Tommy had to wrap his head around that fact. "Did you not think about the baby? What if Mia got hurt, and that affected the baby?! Huh!"

"Who else knows about this," Tommy's wife interrogated. "How are you going to support the baby?! Did you think about the baby?!"

Jayden scoffed. "Of course I think about the baby, and that's why I use protective symbols on her. I do know how to protect my own girlfriend and child, you know," he became mad. They launched a verbal attack on him, and for what reason? He's helped them, and he thought they would be able to help him. Now, he wasn't too sure. "Know what, Mia and I should go. I thought I could tell you anything, but I see that's not the case. I'm sorry for intruding on your lives." He began to walk to the glass door.

"Jayden, wait," Tommy prevented him from walking forward. Kim followed her husband.

"Why should I, " Jayden stubbornly questioned. He just couldn't believe them. One minute, they're questioning him like cops. And now, they want to be nice. They needed to pick a side. "You guys..." he laughed because they were so unbelievable! "You two are acting like I'm your son or something," he accused. He shook his head because that couldn't be the case. Sophia asked and prodded, and they denied her. He felt two hands on shoulder. Jayden languidly faced them. The look on their faces foretold the truth—he was their son. "No... no... no, I can't be," he disagreed, his voice increasing with each 'no'. He felt like he was punched in the stomach. "I can't be your son. I'm not."

"Yes, yes you are," Tommy confessed for the first time. "You were born in the Command Center of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers."

"November 11th... you were about 21 inches long and 7 pounds. I remember because I got to hold you in my arms," Kim added soothingly.

"No... you aren't my parents. My parents are Mathew and Nina Shiba. I have a sister named, Lauren. I was born in Panorama City, CA. I am a Shiba! They're my family! You, you guys are strangers," Jayden's world was closing in. It was bad enough his sister came and resumed her position, and he found out the actual explanation for his mom's demise, but this... they were really trying to mess with him. The approached him. "Stop, stop coming near me!"

"Is that what they told you," Kim asked, stopping a few feet him. She complied with his demands. "You are my son. We asked that you were named Jayden Thomas."

"Ha! I am Jayden Stephen Shiba," he confirmed with his chest swelled up high, but the way they looked, their pitch with everything said, slowly dissolved the confidence he had about his family where his sister was Lauren, not Sophia. "This can't be happening..."

"So, they changed your middle name, but we are your parents," Kim pointed out. "How else would you be able to donate blood to Sophia?"

Sophia opened the door. She overheard the last few bits, as she entered the kitchen. Tristan was left in the care of her brother's girlfriend. Jayden was spooked by her abrupt move and swayed out of her way. "I'm the Dove that's in your dreams," she admitted honestly. "We are brother and sister. My parents are your parents. Tristan is your little brother. We moved to this city to be close to you," she further divulged. "We've tried to tell you, but we didn't out of respect for your adopted parents."

Tommy took one step towards Jayden, but, on instinct, his son stepped back. "We didn't mean to scare you. We know this is a lot to take in, but it is true, we are your family. Your mom is my wife, my daughter is your sister, my son is your brother, and... I am your father." He somewhat expected this to happen, but was wishful his biological child was more accepting.

"Then, let's say, you are my parents. Why did you give me up," Jayden seriously questioned.

"We couldn't take care of you, while saving the world," the Crane answered honestly. "We gave you up, so you would be safe and not a victim."

"Victim," Jayden incredulously echoed but laughed sourly at the thought. "I was a victim every single day! Do you not get it? I fought on behalf of my sister every single day, risked my life every single day, but you supposedly gave me up, so I could be safe? I don't think so."

"Our parents..." Sophia attempted to defend them but was silenced by one glare from her older brother. She gulped. "My parents didn't know who you were going to. They never wanted this life for you, if they had known, then they would've done everything to make sure you didn't become a ranger." She begged with her eyes for him to believe her, them.

Jayden's eyes went towards the people that were persistent about this. Honestly, to him, they looked more like vultures, preying on their fresh meal and making him beg for mercy. They were trying to fill his brain with untruthful information, and he wasn't going to believe a single word. He was set on who his family was. They were lying. They just had to. "No, you aren't my parents! She's not my sister, and I don't have a little brother," he shouted at the top of this lungs. He became furious, and unsuspecting to himself, his eyes flashed green. The Oliver family nonchalantly yet intently stared back at him."My parents are dead, and I have a sister named, Lauren. That's it! There's no one else in my family! I don't need anyone else..."

"You do, and it's us," Sophia informed.

This was too much for him to handle. He kept shaking his head and left them. He entered the house, grabbed his duffle bag, and ran away immediately.

He didn't even think about the repercussions for leaving a pregnant Mia behind. At least, she was in a warm house and being fed. He wasn't too positive about the people that resided there, but she was safe for now. Anyways, if the Oliver family was really his family, then they should've said so at the reunion, when they first met, or in the hospital, when Sophia was hurt. Possibly, sooner, so he wouldn't have to deal with the heartache of not being the real Red ranger. Instead, he was denied coldly, callously, nicely, intentionally, however people wanted to label it, they said they weren't his parents. There's no such thing as indecisiveness when it comes to a child.

His breathing was becoming shallow, his chest ebbing with pain, and he was getting tired. He couldn't run much longer, at this rate. He wasn't even sure where he ran off to. He just knew he had been running for close to an hour. He finally stopped, his body drenched with sweat. He scrunched his eyes tight, and he kept asking why was this happening to him. Most of all, why was the world he knew, crumbling beneath him at once. He reclaimed oxygen, and moved forward.

He was deep in the forest of Panorama City. Leaves rustled beneath his feet and another set of feet. He stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes ascended upwards.

"This is the last thing I need right now," he furiously mumbled. "What do you want Deker?!"

"Red ranger," the person announced spitefully. He deeply inhaled the scents hitting his nose ever so slightly. It was fresh pine, dewy air and dread of a warrior. He huffed under his breath. "Or shall I say, Kagemusha." By chance, Deker had came upon the most recent battle of the Samurai rangers. He saw that the real Red ranger was a female. Truth be told, he was surprised by this hidden fact. However, the way Jayden fought and commanded his team, all this time, prompted Deker to still name him the ultimate opponent.

Though Serrator was gone, the spell casted on Deker was on another level now. The spell fully consumed Deker, which still caused him to still hunger for the superlative fight that would finally quench his thirst. His target was always going to be the Red ranger. This Red ranger, to be more specific. There was no doubt about it now.

"You're a former ranger embracing the side of evil," he retorted frustratingly. His eyes hardened to diamonds. "I would've thought the spell you were under would've been gone along with Serrator."

"That's not important. Who I really am, is not important. You, me, my sword, Urumasa," he withdrew his duel colored weapon. He tentatively examined it. It was shiny and dormant. Meaning, it needed to be used. "We have some unfinished business."

"I don't want to fight you," Jayden relayed with exasperation.

"Oh, why... do you want Daddy to come fight your battles," Deker maliciously spewed.

Jayden's jaw slightly dropped over the query. "What are you talking about?"

"There are obviously things you still don't know," the half human-half Nighlock casually stated. "It doesn't matter though. It has to come to this."

Urumasa finally spoke. "No, it doesn't. No more. We don't need to fight anymore. I'll find a way to break the spell," it hauntingly said.

"NO," the evil wielder denied. "We finish this now. This is the only way."

"I will break the spell on you," Jayden promised with malevolence. "Both of you."

Jayden withdrew his Spin Sword, and he bravely faced Deker and Urumasa. He was undeterred by the sword alternating to a crimson color. The color change wasn't intentional. It just occurred, as if another force was taking over. The two men ran up to each other, their swords engaging in a swinging match. The circled around, tried to take a stab at each other, but locked in a stalemate. Their breaths heaved. As Deker smirked, Jayden's eyes, once again, altered to green and stayed like that. Deker growled, released the hold and pushed away his favorite opponent. Jayden chased Deker. Deker ran backwards, his weapon still aimed at Jayden. Both stopped, slowly, their feet came around in a circle. The climatic fight commencing again. Their swords clanked and licked against each other powerfully. Jayden was pushed against the tree, and Deker attempted to stab him. Jayden forced him off of him, he somersaulted away safely. He grabbed his Samuraizer.

"Fight like a man," Deker demanded, as he transformed into his Nighlock form. "Go ahead, say it."

Jayden searched deep within himself for more power and strength to contend with his foe. Once he opened his eyes, they were green with evil, once again."It's Morphing Time!"

To Be Continued...