To All my Readers: I really have to thank you for reading, adding this to your favorites, subscribing and reviewing this story. As an amateur writer, it really means a lot to me that people find this story that interesting. I want to make it clear that I am an amateur, and this is something that I do for fun. I don't get paid for this, so it's something that I do in my spare time. In addition, if I'm hit with writer's block, then I cannot produce another chapter until I get the creative flow going again. I am a mother to twins and deal with health issues on a daily basis. Please bear with me, as I try to finish this story. Thank you, Kctimes2.

Episodes: 'The Great Duel' & 'Evil Reborn'

Chapter 27- The Confrontation

Xxxxx

(Previously)

"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!"

Xxxxx

'The Great Duel'
Panorama City Forest
Panorama City, CA

As his body was cloaked in his Red Samurai ranger suit, the power flowed through his body with intensity. Jayden's mind became drowned with lucid thoughts to save the person within Deker. He narrowed his eyes, raced forward, and combated the onslaught attacks from Urumasa and the man brandishing it. Continuing to defend himself through the given times, he used the other opportunities to plow his Spin Sword. He wasn't going to stop until the evil was cleansed from his foe's system, so he could finally meet the long lost, former ranger that seemed to be on everyone else's mind. His unbounded determination was clearly exhibited and sensed.

This Red ranger was worth more than this, however.

That goes without saying how vital Cole needed to be recovered, but in the process, there was a possibility Jayden's life would be lost. After today's events, he believed he needed to do this. He would save someone who had an identity. Unlike him, he didn't. Not anymore. All his life he was a Shiba, but he was told otherwise. He was supposedly an Oliver. He was unable to claim that name though. He was unconvinced by their confessional pleas. He claimed disbelief due to their actions from the second time they met in a certain person's hospital room. They obviously denied him then, so all of a sudden, it was different now?

In the midst of the fight, his thinking shifted. He huffed at the dubiety radiating from the two people that were supposed to be adults and in command. They were a joke. If they actually were his biological parents, then why did it take so long for them to find him? He also wanted to know, since they obviously chose adoption, why was he given to a family that would make him a liability? Did they ever think about the consequences of their actions?! In his opinion, they didn't care for him. If they did, then he would be with them and safe. Furthermore, he would be able to take a trip to Paris too. Damn it!

Maybe, he wasn't their lost son, but another person out there, his age, was. However, what would they truly gain from telling him he was theirs? They would surely attain a son. As for him, he would gain parents, legendary parents at that, a sister, and a little brother. It would be nice to have a dad and mom. Sophia was a great girl, and Tristan seemed fully aware of his surroundings.

"Gah," Jayden breathlessly muttered, as he blocked a hit with his left forearm. He faltered slightly, as the fight continued. He's been thrown for a loop and confused, unsure of what to say or how to handle what's been thrown at him unexpectedly. His life changed significantly, which was portrayed in his sloppy swordsmanship.

"Whatare you doing, Red," Deker snarled, as his sword clashed with the Jayden's. He watched him intently, and for the last several minutes, his foe appeared to be elsewhere. Their swords locked, and they trounced. "It's morphing time, huh? Now, that sounds familiar."

"It's apart of the legacy, the one you used to be apart of!"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Shut up, Deker and fight!"

"Gladly," Deker accepted and broke the contact and slashed him with Urumasa. Once more, they converged at the middle, their swords rhythmically coming together and breaking apart. "One more question... was your eye trick supposed to throw me off?"

"What," Jayden incredulously asked. "Eye trick?" He didn't understand. He pushed Deker away and kicked his side. Deker easily recovered, dove his sword down and Jayden countered with his attack. He relocked his sword with a Samurai's traditional sakabatou, which literally meant reverse blade. He gritted his teeth with pressure and inquired about what the other man was saying. "What do you mean?"

Deker rolled his masked eyes and smirked dubiously. He swiftly whipped around and elbowed Jayden in the stomach. Following the impact, Deker repointed his sword toward him. He watched as the former Red ranger was beneath him, practically kneeling. He prayed the younger opponent wasn't going to give up too soon. His thirst wouldn't be satiated, if that was done. "Your eyes were green," he answered raspily. "No more talking, let's duel!"

Jayden replied with action rather than words. He chased after Deker, weaving in and around the trees that were causing obstruction. In the midst of the pursuit, he pondered about the answer. Were my eyes green, he curiously wondered. That was eerily familiar. "Why are you running," he sneered at Deker, who suddenly came to a stop. He inhaled and exhaled rapidly.

Once again, the two became entangled with one another. Their swords whirled north, south, east and west. The leaves filled with filthy grit swooshed around them with each sprint of their feet. Furthermore, their breaths became shallow and heavy, while their faces were covered with sticky perspiration. Muscles were fatigued, heading to the point of paralytic exhaustion, but they continued nonetheless. Intermittently, each gained the upper hand against the other. Their will to become supreme was blatantly obvious. To a watchful eye, this was the brink of death. There was no turning back, not until one was gone.

Meanwhile, Mentor Ji entered the Panorama City Forest.

As the rangers, led by Lauren for the first time, ran to the Nighlock in downtown, Mentor was on a mission to find Jayden and Mia. He had a sneaking suspicion the two set up camp in this area. He hoped he was right. More like, prayed he was. Throughout the night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep at all. Something was off. He had been blind this whole time. Mia's willingness to leave the house told him so. As far as Jayden was concerned, his departure didn't necessarily need an explanation.

The same couldn't be said for the Pink ranger. He wanted an answer, and he was going to demand one from either. He wanted to smack himself. He was just too easy on the two. From the beginning, he already said 'no fraternization', but let them slide. He grumbled madly. He favored Jayden, his surrogate son, too much. He supposed that was the reason he let the two of them get away with dating one another.

There was another issue to contend to. The fact Jayden was adopted. He really had the intention to tell him yesterday, but Jayden left so suddenly. He was unable to confess.. Lauren and Mentor Yaki thought it was best to not tell him yet. Honestly, their presence was bad enough, since everything went askew. They had only been there for a day, but Yaki was making himself comfortable-a little too comfortable.

On the other hand, upon finding out he's not a Shiba, he was sure Jayden would end up doing something so brash. He was the type to not think things thoroughly, unless they were ranger matters. With him no longer a ranger, only God knew what was going through his mind.

Mentor Ji turned, and he was met by a horrid sight—Jayden in a vicious sword duel with Deker. He watched closely, cranking his neck up high or lowering down, so he could get a better look. His heart dropped, as his worst fear came true. He gained an opening and used that to his advantage. "Jayden, stop this," he urgently cried, as he tried desperately to pull him away. He grasped his shoulders, wishing to snap him out of this.

"Mentor," the male, Red Samurai ranger gasped at his unexpected appearance. "What are you doing here? How did you know?"

"You have other people fight your battles, once again," Deker callously asked, as he stood on two feet. He held his katana, his fingers hugging the handle, and squeezing it tightly. "Red ranger... are you not able to fight me?!"

Immediately, Mentor shielded Jayden. He glared at Deker and directed his next words towards his student. "You don't need to do this! Do not fight for the sake of fighting. It makes you one of them!" He mimicked each shuffle of Jayden's feet, so he could intrude on this fight.

"Ji, get out of here, now," Jayden demanded fiercely, as his eyes were pointedly aimed at his enemy.

"Get out of the way, old man," Deker insulted with cockiness. "Do not interrupt our destiny!"

As the three men were precariously positioned on a tall cliff, their eyes were filled with anger and hatred even. There was much to say, but, instead, they pounced. Mentor remained in place, his arm holding Jayden back and ignoring the tugs and shouts of Jayden. Deker commenced forward, his head screaming 'kill them'. The Red ranger finally stepped in front of Mentor, and he maneuvered his sword rapidly to fence off Deker's attack.

The weighty impact caused the three men to tumble in opposite directions. Deker went south, and Jayden and Mentor went north.

What was to come next... no one knew.

Xxxxx

Living Room
Oliver Rental House
Panorama City, CA

The breaking news about the Nighlock attack flashed on the Oliver's television set. Also mentioned, everyone needed to stay in their home until the coast was clear.

Earlier, Mia and Tristan came down the stairs. As the youngest Oliver left to the outside, she looked around for her boyfriend. He was nowhere to be she went to the backyard, she met the distraught faces of the Olivers. Her caring nature asked what happened, but they looked at her with anger. She was a little taken aback by their sudden attitude adjustment. They gave her an update: they were upset about their pregnancy. She contested and told them it was none of their concern. It was only hers and Jayden's, and they've been handling it. They absolutely denied her. It was their business too, since Jayden was their son.

It had been about an hour, since the Pink ranger heard the confession. The news still hadn't fully sunk, but she accepted. All this time, her boyfriend was the son of Original Power Rangers. She was amazed, to be honest and, also, thankful that he still had parents out there. She understood their anger over their situation too. They didn't want their son dealing with the hardship of raising a child so young. That had to be the reason why his parents gave Jayden up for adoption.

Tommy and Kim were sitting together on the couch, while Sophia and Tristan were sprawled on the floor. The Oliver family's minds were elsewhere. They really hoped the eldest Oliver was safe, and when the coast was clear, they would be out there like a search party. He could deny them still, but that wouldn't stop them from making him return home. He was their blood, after all.

"We should go back to the Shiba House," Mia thought out loud. "Or... I'll just go back." She wasn't sure if they were still mad at her for making them grandparents at such a young age. "I really need to find Jayden."

"No," Tommy strictly opposed. "We stick together." He looked at her seriously. "There's a monster attack, and you need to be protected. We can't risk you getting hurt."

"Tommy's right. It wouldn't be right for any of us to travel out there, while there's a monster. When the rangers defeat it, then we will go and look Jayden, together, as a family," Kim added, as she faced Mia.

Mia listened, and she was surprised.

Sophia nodded as a matter of fact. "Don't you remember when I got hurt," she reminded the mother to her niece or nephew. "Let's not risk it no matter what. There's a baby inside of you."

"You're not mad anymore," Mia asked them, a little surprised that she was already considered apart of the family. "I know what we did was wrong, and his parents, whether, dead or alive, or you two or not, would disapprove of this, but we, as a unit, chose to keep the baby. I'm sorry."

"Of course, we were upset, and we're still not happy about it. It's like history repeating itself. We gave up Jayden for several reasons. Most importantly, we wanted our son to be safe," Tommy began honestly. He observed Mia, who looked to be going through a lot. He didn't want to be a burden for her. No one in this family wanted to do that to her. "We hoped Jayden would never have to go through what we went through."

"But, he ended up doing so, in more ways than one," Kim continued further. She got up from her chair and sat with Mia. "He has to deal with saving the world while becoming a father. It's not going to be easy."

"You're right," Mia agreed. "We don't know how long the fight with Master Xandred is going to be. We might have to continue, even in my second trimester, maybe longer." She prayed that wasn't the case.

"We're sorry for being mad at you and not, at the very least, listened to your side of this story," Kim apologized on the family's behalf. "You have to understand where we are coming from. As a parent, you never want to become a grandparent way before you're supposed to."

"Or an aunt," Sophia chimed in, as she looked at a fidgety Tristan. "Or, in his case, an uncle. Hey, what's wrong with ya," she questioned him. He began to squirm and looked like he was constipated. "Maybe, you're hungry." She took him into the kitchen.

"We're also sorry for not being more truthful about our relation to Jayden. We should've told him sooner. If I get the chance, I'm going to apologize," Jayden's dad admitted a little sadly. "Also, I'm going to let him know that we will there for him, you, and the baby. We'll support you in whatever decision the two of you will make."

Mia nodded happily. "Don't worry, we'll find him," Mia encouraged them. "We better. I'm not having this baby without him."

Husband and wife smiled.

Five minutes later, Sophia rushed to the living room. "Mom, dad, it's Tristan," she worriedly pointed to the kitchen. "There's something wrong with him!"

"What," his parents sputtered together. They ran to the kitchen and found Tristan on the floor. He was shaking with tremors. The parents go on their knees and gently slapped their son's cheek a few times to snap him out of this. They softly shook him too. Finally, his eyes opened, and they were ghostly white and glowing. Tommy picked up his son and examined him carefully.

Unbeknownst to everyone in the room, his Ninjetti power was kicking into overdrive. He had a strong connection with other people's animal spirits, particularly his family's. The Hawk, Tristan's animal spirit, must've been searching for Jayden and subsequently found him. In the case of the eyes alternating to a white color, Tristan was going to speak on behalf of his animal. In a haunting voice, he opened his mouth. "THE FOREST... JAYDEN IS IN THE FOREST FIGHTING COLE." After that was disclosed, Tristan fell sound asleep. His energy was drained.

Kim opened up one of his eyes, and she saw her son's eye color was returned to normal. "What was that," she questioned disbelievingly. Though she witnessed her son's power with her own eyes, she was shocked. She knew Sophia's Ninjetti power was slowly turning into dream walking, but Tristan's seemed to be on another level.

Tommy shrugged. "I don't know," he replied honestly. He, too, was surprised. There were more to the Ninjetti powers than he realized, and he wanted to find out more about them. Yet, not now. They needed to go to the forest.

"Who's Cole," Mia found her voice after seeing such a spectacle. "Is Cole..."

"Deker," Sophia supplied. She pondered about their next move. "We have to go to the forest. We have to. Mom, Dad, it's important. What if Jayden's battling him until either one of them die!? Aunt Alyssa needs to be here. Maybe she can break the spell!" She was about to burst into tears. It was too much for her to bear. "Mom, Dad!"

"The hold on Dek," the Pink Samurai ranger cleared her throat and quickly corrected herself, "Cole is pretty strong. Maybe, the power of love can truly break it."

"When the coast is clear, we'll leave," the Original Green and White ranger commanded in his leader voice. He faced his wife. "Beautiful, it's time to call Alyssa."

The Original Pink ranger got to work.

Xxxxx

An Hour Later
Unknown Location
Panorama City Forest

"Ji, wake up," the demorphed ranger furiously shook his Mentor's shoulders.

Jayden and Ji fell off the edge of a cliff, but they were able to land safely for the most part. Already, their clothes appeared like they went through a paper shredder or got ran over by a lawn mower. Their bodies were covered with Earth's elements too-dirt, rock, sand. The Red ranger, who protected his Mentor so amicably, was able to come to first.

After a few more prompts from Jayden, Mentor Ji groaned. "What, what happened," he rose forward. His ribs were tingling with pain, but he ignored it. It was a miracle they were alive. Scrapes and bruises were nothing compared to death. His eyes roamed, and saw Jayden was already walking away. "Don't... We need to talk."

"Where do you want to start," Jayden spat venomously. He was glad Mentor was safe, but the anger still remained. The betrayal laid evident. "The fact that I'm not the real Red ranger, or the fact I'm not a Shiba."

Mentor hissed his breath and was punched with words. "You went to see them, and they told you," he questioned sorrowfully.

"Yeah, they did. Tommy, Dr. Oliver to be more respectful, Original Green, White, Red Zeo and Turbo and Black Dino Thunder, and Kim, Original Pink, told me that I'm their son. Is it true," Jayden asked, after he was able to say that mouthful. He didn't hear an answer in efficient time. "IS IT TRUE," he screamed this time. He saw Mentor nod. He snorted malevolently. "Everything you've told me is a lie. I've asked you, you've been there too! Is this a plan you and those people, my parents and adopted parents, made!"

"It wasn't like that," Ji shook his head. He earnestly stared at his student. "Your dad..." he gulped quickly. "Your adopted dad told me to keep this from you. I'm sorry Jayden, you are not a Shiba."

"Does everyone know, but me," Jayden yelled. He found this unbelievable. The person he thought he could trust the most was not Mentor Ji. He snorted at that fact, and he was hurt by this revelation.

"Maybe, previous rangers... people at the Tengen Gate, including Daisuke."

"Even Daisuke knows!"

"Yes, Daisuke knows. He wanted me to tell you about the adoption, but I didn't, couldn't. You had just lost your mom, and you've been training and practicing to be the Red ranger. It would've been too much for you," Ji disgracefully bowed his head. He opened his mouth again, in hopes to smooth some things over. "Your team doesn't know, and I won't tell them, unless you want me to, or if you want to. I'm very sorry Jayden. I didn't think it was going to turn out like this."

"What did you expect," the male, Red ranger cried angrily.

"I take all the responsibility. Don't blame your birth parents. I've told them not directly towards their face, but to Andros, not to tell you," Ji confessed painfully. Jayden turned to him with widened eyes. "I was worried if you found out that would give up your duty."

The younger man bent downards and irately looked at Ji. "Was that why you didn't tell me," he sneered questioningly. "Is that all I am to you people? Just a stand in. Was it that important?" He was hurt beyond belief. He didn't know how it was physically possible, but the person that's been by his side the longest was the one that deceived him the most. He couldn't even stomach the sight of Mentor. "I can't believe you, the Shiba family or the Oliver family. You have all made me feel like I AM NOTHING!" Crying has never been apart of his demeanor, but it was now. He broke down and bawled like a baby. His throat began to fill with pain because of this. Mentor tried to approach him, but he backed away instinctly.

Ji nervously yearned to appease torment coming from Jayden, but couldn't. He wasn't allowed to. He exhaled. "Everything I've told you about being the Red ranger has been the truth. You are a leader. You have led your team the way it needed to be done. I'm very proud of you, Jayden. I've always been proud of you. No matter what the obstacle was or the task you were given, you always came out on top. Your last name doesn't define you. You define you." He forced himself up, powering through the stabbing paroxysms trickling his body and the hurt of a broken heart. Before leaving, he said some choice words. "I dedicated my life to you and made a promise to your dad, adopted dad. In my eyes, you are my son, and I never will give up on you. You may be mad at me for the rest of day, next day, week or the years to come, but I will always be there for you."

The Red ranger trembled with hurt, but managed to stand. What was said, Ji meant it; he could feel it. Hopefully, there would be a time when the two could be like were before. "Mentor Ji," he requested. Once they locked eyes, he spoke. "I have to fight Deker. I can't stop until I know the spell is gone. Can you understand that?"

"But you don't have to, there's another way," Mentor advised, but he also nodded in understanding of what needed to be done. It didn't matter what he thought. Jayden was a little stubborn.

"There's also something else."

"What's that?"

"No matter what happens in this fight with Master Xandred or me, please be there for Mia."

"I'll always be there for her... wait, where is Mia," Mentor questioned. He attested she slipped his mind. He obviously dealt with other matters. Now, he was reminded of her. "Where is she? Is she safe?"

"She's with the Oliver family," Jayden revealed. "But please, I'm asking you, actually, commanding you to be the Godfather." He waited for the response. An angered one would suffice, but instead Mentor left bewildered. As he watched Ji become no more, he went to seek Deker.

Xxxxx

Half an Hour Later
Shiba House

Gigertox, today's Nighlock, was given three lives thanks to Octoroo. The rangers were about to lose hope, but successfully formed the Samurai Gigazord, in the nick of time, and were victorious.

Currently, they were on the way back to the house, so they could have a rest and concoct a plan to get Jayden and Mia back.

It was vital to still have a Pink ranger, so Mike and Emily called someone to resume the Pink Samurai power. Mia's brother, Terry, was filling in for the mean time. At first, Terry was confused why his sister would leave without an explanation. He also wondered why they chose him. He was great with a guitar, but he wasn't sure about twirling the Sky Fan around. On the other hand, he understood the Pink Samurai powers were his family's. He decided to take up the power for that reason, and to see if he could convince his sister to return.

"Terry, you did a great job," Emily complimented nicely. She smiled at him too.

"Yeah, you did awesome," Mike second, but he had to ask. "How was it fighting with a skirt?"

"It's not a big deal," Terry answered honestly, as he continued walking with them. "It's not like anyone knows who's under there. You know? It was actually kind of fun."

Kevin and Lauren followed the trio.

"Are you okay," Lauren's soothing voice made itself known by asking Kevin the query.

The Blue ranger tightly smiled. "Yeah," he answered falsely. "It's just a lot, you know? Jayden and Mia, and now, someone who's hardly practiced is fighting beside us."

"He did a good job though," this Red ranger pointed out, as the she watched the three in front of them. "And look, he seems to fit in pretty well." Which was more than she could say for herself. She didn't intentionally put a cold front up, but she knew the rest of the rangers plus Terry were walking on egg shells when they were around her. She partly blamed her mentor for the misunderstanding, but she didn't want to say too much either. She went with the flow and hung like a painting on the background, but it's apparent her appearance did change the dynamic.

Before coming here, she swore that wouldn't happen.

"Yeah, Terry is Mia's brother, and he's a performer too. Mia and Antonio sang with him for a charity event," Kevin briefed her. He placed a hand on Lauren's shoulder. "Now, are you okay?"

"Of course," Lauren feigned like Kevin. "I'm just getting used to everything."

The Samurai rangers entered the Shiba House and were met by the kurokos, who were bandaging Antonio. Earlier, he encountered the Nighlock on his own and sustained some injuries. The rangers immediately rushed to be by his side. They intently checked him out. Lauren stood by curiously.

Mentor Yaki barged into the living room. He turned as Red as Lauren's power suit. "What on Earth is going on here," he stressed, as if a vein was going to pop under his neck. "You," he wagged his finger erratically. "They are not to serve you," he shouted at Antonio.

The Gold ranger growled. "What's your deal," he confronted him finally. After he was tended to, he placed his jacket back on and glared dangerously. "Just because the real Mentor isn't here you decide to be a pest once more? You got to be kidding me!"

"Respect your elders," Lauren's retainer demanded lividly.

"Antonio, stop," the Yellow ranger pleaded, while holding him back.

"Yeah, dude, you're still hurt," the Green ranger dissuaded and helped his girlfriend. "Don't get hurt again."

Terry was at a standstill. "Uh, uh..." he stuttered with fright. He knew to respect his elders, but, for the few hours he's been here, he's noted that the elder did have a mouth on him. "Antonio calm down." He folded and didn't want to get into any trouble.

"Yak-" Lauren couldn't finish, as she watched Mentor Ji enter. His footsteps were ragged, he looked like he's been in a fight with a Nighlock, and he was favoring one side. "Ji, what happened," she yelled with concern and quickly rushed to be with him.

The rest of the rangers yelped in shock and went to check on Ji themselves. The kurokos switched sides and assisted the former guardian of the Tengen Gate with his apparent injuries. There was no opposition heard from Mentor Yaki, at this time. He simply watched with interest.

"Did you find my brother," the current leader of the Samurai rangers queried, as she watched Mentor Ji get nursed.

Mentor Ji endured the pain of the care, though his face displayed discomfort. He gravely looked at everyone. "Yes, he's fighting Deker," he truthfully answered. As he returned, he contemplated whether or not to reveal what he was told by Jayden. It surely did explain Mia's decision to leave the house though.

The rangers' mouths gaped open in surprise. They really thought the fight between Jayden and Deker would've calmed down. Obviously, it heated up.

"Did you find my sister," Terry inquired. His face full of hope and worry.

"No, but she's good in hands," Mentor promised. He also thought about whether or not to reveal about Jayden's biological parents.

"Well, who is she with," Antonio prodded for information. "We should go over there and tell her to come home."

"I'm not sure if that's a good idea," Ji replied. Once his injuries were bandaged, he stood up and headed for the kitchen. He was hungry and needed to think about what he's learned this afternoon.

"Mentor Ji," Yaki stopped Ji. He walked up to him and practically begged for an answer. "If you know where the Pink ranger is, then you should say so. Instead of making everyone wonder or make them sick with worry. Today was pure luck for her brother. Who is to say he'll survive the next battle. The Pink ranger is vital to the Lauren's team like everyone else."

Mentor Ji roared exasperatedly. For the first time ever, Yaki was right, but, he still had grounds to want to strangle him since he said, 'Lauren's team'. The label wasn't important, what Yaki said was. "Mia's with... Mia's with Jayden's parents," he ultimately conceded. He heard the rangers groan with disbelief and the statements that his parents were deceased. All but Lauren stated so. He faced them with aggravation and sorrow mixed. "Mia is with Jayden's birth parents."

"What? How?," Lauren's sister fired off questions, before the upheaval of questions that would exit the other's mouths. "Where did he meet them? Who told him he was adopted before we could!?" She wished for answers. She had to know if he was alerted of his history, beforehand.

After a minute, Emily was the first to speak. "Birth parents? Does that mean Jayden's adopted," she wondered. "He's not Jayden Shiba?"

"Yes," Lauren replied, as she took a seat. The inevitable has made its appearance, and there was no way to hide from it. She solemnly expressed that she's partaken in deceit. "It is true. Jayden is not my biological brother. He is adopted."

"WHAT," all of the rangers exclaimed in shock. There were plenty of questions hurled from them.

Ji, Yaki, and Lauren listened closely. They knew there was a lot of explaining to do.

Yaki took the reigns. "Mathew and Nina Shiba were unable to conceive another child. A being, hailing from a distant planet, foretold a couple of importance was about to have a baby. The parents could not take care of the child due to an obligation. Lauren's parents were appointed to be Jayden's parents," he explained. He looked at Lauren. Though he often was often pompous and overstepped his boundaries often, there were times he was actually. This time, for instance, he knew Jayden's adoption was never easy to speak about. The events after the adoption altered Lauren. She's never spoken about this outright. He often saw pain expressed in Lauren's eyes, and that's why he's always been overprotective of her. "He actually came at a great time because he became the kagemusha, so Lauren could go into hiding and invest her life into learning the Sealing Symbol."

"Did he know that," Kevin asked. "Better yet, did our families know?"

"He didn't find out until recently. I have received the brunt of his anger. He's not dealing with this the right way," Mentor Ji truthfully answered. "And Kevin, Mike, Emily, and Terry, yes, your parents knew the truth, but you were never to know."

"So, he's been risking his life for a family that isn't even his," Terry wondered. He had the guts to say what everyone else was thinking. He never understood this life, and part of him, was thankful Mia was born first, so he wouldn't have to put his life on the line. Now, that he's a had a taste and found out how politics played such a crucial role, he disliked this life even more. "You put an innocent person on the battlefield!"

"Don't think of it that way," Lauren insisted, since she was offended by Terry's remark. "He could've stopped being the Red ranger at any time."

"But he didn't because it's what your family wanted. If he thought he's a descendant of past Samurai rangers like we the rest of us are, then of course he would take up the power," Mike contested, as he looked at Lauren. "I see where's Terry's coming from."

"Mike's right," the Gold ranger nodded. "Now, my family might not have been Samurai rangers, but I have to come realize how dangerous these battles are. Potentially, Jayden could've died, and that would have been on all of your heads. What would his actual parents think? Did you think about that, or were you only thinking about protecting your life," Antonio spewed hurtfully.

"Yeah, Jayden wouldn't abandon this," Emily spoke confidently. "He didn't stop being the Red ranger until you came."

Lauren, Yaki, and Ji felt the heat under their collars. They were right.

Kevin remained silent. The deceit that was running rampant in this house was too much. He couldn't believe it. But there was a question on his mind. "Who are his parents anyway," he questioned.

All eyes fell on Mentor Ji.

Xxxxx

'Evil Reborn'
An Hour Later
Panorama City Forest

When the news informed the citizens of Panorama City it was safe to leave their homes, the Oliver Family plus Mia filed into an SUV and drove to the forest. Kim already informed Alyssa Enrile-Evans to meet them. The parents kept watch over their son, who was conscious. The state he was in earlier caused them to become uneasy. As they continued to impatiently wait for the extra person, the high probability of traffic preventing from coming in a timely manner crossed their minds.

"Let's go. I can't wait much longer," Sophia stated eagerly, as she held Tristan in her arms.

"No, we said we would wait for Alyssa," Kim disagreed. "When she arrives, then we will all go."

"I'll take Mia with me," the Dove stressed angrily. "What if something is happening to him!?"

"It's not much longer," Tommy lividly spoke. He looked at his daughter seriously. "Sophia, listen to us. We are the parents, and what kind of parents would we be if we let our daughter run deep into the woods! You could get hurt or worse."

"But dad..."

Mia consoled her. "I know you want to look for him as badly as I do, but we can't. It's best that we all stick together, and it's important for this other person to come." She hugged her because that's all she could really do.

The crunching of sticks, a motor whirring and headlights brightly beaming alerted them that she had arrived. Alyssa parked and exited her car. She received a very urgent phone call from Kim. A bit apprehensive to leave the kids behind, she ended up coming to Panorama City anyways. She greeted and gave every single person a hug, even Mia. "I don't think we've been properly introduced," she bubbly said. "My name is Alyssa Evans."

"Hello, I am Mia, Pink Samurai ranger," she introduced herself.

"Why am I here, and why couldn't the kids come," Mrs. Evans took a very good look at her surroundings. It was weird to meet here. 'Blair Witch Project' entered her mind."I thought you guys lived in Reefside, but this is Panorama City..." she gasped, after that exited her mouth. "Right! Taylor said that the Samurai rangers are here. Jayden! It has to do with Jayden!" She cheerfully clapped her hands, but cocked her head slightly at Mia's presence and the way the Olivers looked.

"Alyssa, yes, and that's not the only person," Kim announced. She just needed to spit it out already. "It's Cole. He's here too."

Tommy grabbed Alyssa before she collapsed to the ground. He knew she was going to react like this. With the additional news they had, she was going to get worse. "Listen to us very carefully," he ordered.

"Yes, breathe, if you need to," Sophia added. She inhaled and exhaled in sync with Alyssa.

She continued for a few seconds, then stopped abruptly."Okay, okay," the White Wild Force ranger frustratedly stated, as she shoved their hands off of her. "Where is Cole? Let's get him!"

"Mrs. Evans, when you see him, don't freak out," Mia warned. "He's not the husband you are used to, right now."

"What do you mean," Alyssa countered with a question, and she looked at Kim and Tommy, who hung their heads low. "What is she talking about?! You must know what she's talking about!" They updated that Cole's been under a spell this whole entire time, and now, he's in a war, so to say, with their son. "You kept this from me!? You know how I've been feeling. You know how hard it is for me and the kids. Both of you had an idea of where my husband's been, and you hid it from me."

"We had to see for ourselves. We were going to bring him home," Kim exclaimed with irateness. "We were going to break the spell ourselves and bring him back to you. The man you love; not the man, who's a stranger."

"You could've at least told me," Alyssa figured, while she huffed under her breath. "It's all about you two. You two insist you know what's the best for everyone, but the two of you are responsible for this mess! If you never asked us to move to look for your son, then he would've never been taken! It's your fault!"

Mia overheard the last part. She was curious about that but remained mum.

"Alyssa, we're sorry. We never meant for that to happen. We want him back just as much as you do," Tommy deeply apologized.

Tristan's tiny body began to shake once more.

Sophia yelled, alerting the others. "Tris, Tris," she chanted his name, trying to wake him up. Finally, he did so. "Uh oh," she pointed to his eyes becoming like how they were before. "Where are they?! Come on, where are they?!"

"THE FIRE, THE FIRE. WHERE THERE'S SMOKE, THERE'S FIRE," the Hawk's voice responded.

Tristan entered a deep sleep, soon after.

"What just happened," Cole's wife muttered.

Tommy and Kim's daughter whipped her head around, ignoring Alyssa's question. In the far distance, she saw the black smoke. "There," she excitedly pointed. She cradled her baby brother in her arms and ran towards that direction. Her adrenaline was pumping, and she ignored the extra weight that was adding resistance. She tapped into her Ninjetti powers, sped up and arrived.

A few minutes latter, her parents, Alyssa, and Mia were standing beside her. All covered their mouth in pure shock.

There was a blazing ring of fire surrounding the warriors in the middle. Jayden and Deker's bodies were showered in sweat, their breaths were shallow, and both were drained physically and emotionally. For the past several hours they were engaged in their perilous fight. The determination to see this through was unforgiving to both. Jayden administered a crushing blow to Deker. The combustion of Deker's Nighlock form caused this makeshift barrier. Jayden demorphed and became unconscious.

They were laying helplessly, unknowing that a group of people they knew well had arrived.

"Cole," Alyssa murmured softly, as she watched him. "Cole! COLE!" She wondered if he could hear her.

After a minute, Jayden was the first to recover. He coughed dryness, which stabbed his chest even more. He paid no attention, as he listened to the voice calling a man's name. It was unfamiliar. Whatever strength he had left, he utilized it by grabbing his sword and pulling himself up thanks to the extra leverage. He observed his enemy that he's had for so long. "Is it over," he asked himself. He was relieved though. It was over. At least, to him, it was. He glanced to just outside the fire. There was the Oliver Family along with Mia, and a new person with tears filling her eyes. "Mia." He relaxed upon seeing her—the familiar face of his girlfriend. He still was unsure about the Oliver family, but their presence presence told him they cared. He smiled just thinking about it.

Mia nodded with the silver water threatening to fall. Jayden was fine. She grabbed the hand of the nearest person, who happened to be Sophia. Both tearfully nodded that everything was going to be okay.

Tommy and Kim blew out a breath of relief. Their son was fine. Then, they looked at Alyssa.

"Cole, Cole, wake up," Cole's wife cried desperately. She touched the fire unintentionally, thinking she could plow forward. She effectively jumped back. The sizzle wore off. Kim took her cardigan off, and she wrapped the light jacket around Alyssa's hand. "Why isn't he waking up," Alyssa asked. She didn't know where to look. Her head went to Tommy, the man that should know all the answers, and her lifeless husband.

Jayden was ready to get out of there but stopped dead in his tracks.

A sinister laugh made itself known. "This isn't over yet," the other body in the fire made several attempts to sit up. When he finally did so, the first thing he did was grab for Urumasa.

Unsuspecting to the spectators and duelers, Dayu was behind the closest tree. She had been watching the fight for the past hour. Though, she made a promise that she wouldn't leave the ship for any such reason, the feeling of abundance of hatred and sadism gave her cause to come. With the newest arrivals, more specifically, the one calling for 'Cole', she kept a watchful eye. She lightly gasped, as Deker was beginning to stand for another fight.

"Let's finish this," Deker raggedly instructed.

"No, that's impossible," the Red Samurai ranger said in surprise.

Deker rolled his eyes. He tugged at his sword, so he could continue the deul, but it wasn't moving. He tried to force it out of the ground, but it remained in its spot. He gritted, teeth openly exposed, his hand grabbing the edge of the sword, droplets of blood seeping down like a waterfall. His prized sword wasn't budging at all. It, he, wouldn't permit this to happen. Deker looked down. "Who-who are you," he whispered.

To the others, even Dayu, it looked like Deker was talking to himself, but that was the far truth. The apparitional figure of Julian was there. He gravely looked up to the wielder. They had known each other for close to two years now. As much as he wanted this person to be his son, it would never be. The time to part had come, and they should part on better terms. "I am Julian. You know me better as Urumasa." He clasped the wrist of the man with all of his might given his state. "Please, take this as fatherly advice, stop the fighting. Look at me, I told you I would find a way to break this curse."

"Curse,"Deker repeated sadly, as the splitting migraine was fast approaching. He held his head, the excruciating pain donning on his features and molding them into torment.

"She is here," Julian sensed her. "Your wife, your true wife is here. She is so beautiful."

Deker looked to the outside of the raging flames. There was a woman. She was petite with long, brown hair, pulled into a ponytail. She appeared tired, her eyes welled with tears, and she looked at him with such sadness. But, in the middle of the sadness, there was hope. He took a deeper look. There was love too. A name popped into his head suddenly; a tiger roared the name. "Alyssa," he lowly said. He his flanked to the right slightly, so he could get a better look.

Alyssa nodded.

"Good. Good luck to you, Cole," Julian bid adieu.

Jayden watched. Whatever was going on, it seemed that the spell was breaking. It was over. No matter what was said, it was over. He turned to find a way out of here. He wished to speak to the Oliver family. He was going to come at them with an open mind. With the fire still raging, there didn't seem to be a way out. At least, not to what the eye could see.

Deker went the opposite way and took steps towards Alyssa. Her beautiful face was mere inches away. He was so close. As soon as he got to the edge, he was forcefully pushed back by a gush of invisible wind and fell. As his body laid, his head was beginning to split in two repeatedly. His body was consumed with an unnatural blue light, and, once again, he was transformed into his Nighlock body. He levitated onto his feet. His thoughts of the woman, he recognized for a minute, were wiped. His focus directed on the Red ranger. "Red ranger, Red ranger, Red ranger," he evilly shouted. He called upon power and retrieved his sword that was glued to the ground. He crept forward. "We've had a long road, Red ranger, but it's time for my victory!"

Dayu heavily respired with much surprise over the spirit residing in that body. She clenched her chest, no longer hiding, and came forward. She stood directly behind the others. She prayed for the Red ranger's safety, and when Deker was purged, she'd sacrifice herself to go with him. This was her dying wish.

The Oliver family plus Mia and Alyssa were shouting directives for Jayden to turn around, watch out for what was to come, anything! The cackling of this sadistic fire were practically drowning out their pleas.

"No, no, JAYDEN," his mother's begging was so loud it rumbled the forest floor.

His father already took a step back, so he could stealthily jump over the fire. Even if he got hurt, he would do anything for his son. "Sophia, watch them," he appointed her the task. "I'm going in, JAYDEN!"

"Dad," Sophia urgently said his name, as the tears came down."JAYDEN!" She held her little brother tighter, shielding him from any harm that was to come. He was too young to see anything like this.

"Please, don't," Mia shouted, as she cradled her stomach, protecting the growing baby inside. "JAYDEN!"

Jayden turned suddenly, his mouth opened, and his eyes followed the way of Deker's sword. "No," he muttered under his breath. He fiddled with the handle of his Spin Sword, trying to bring it up to block the surprise attack but was a second too late. Urumasa was raised highly and came down powerfully as punishment to him but a release to Deker, so the curse could no longer be.

Tommy and Kim's first son held his chest immediately. He began to gurgle sounds that made people's stomachs churn. He tried his hardest to stop the blood, but with his body severely weakening, it was in vain. He apologetically stared at his parents for being an impious son upon finding out the true extent of their relationship. He really believed his dad was the greatest ranger ever, and his mom the greatest female ranger. His eyes landed on Sophia. He didn't realize it, at the time, but he fought with his little sister, and she did a better job than he could have. At least, he got the opportunity to fight beside her. Tristan, his little brother, who had the same style as him, was sleeping peacefully. That's all he could ask for. Finally, he saw Mia. He's loved her from the moment she accepted her Samuraizer. He was going to continue to lover her and promised he would watch over her and their baby no matter where he was. He soon fainted right there, blood emptying from his body still and his finally eyes shut.

Cole fell to the ground and lied on his back. He exhaled a longing breath and counted the stars in the sky. "Is this how it's supposed to be," he asked himself and closed his eyes, enjoying the slumber that was to come.