Chapter 30- The Arrival

Xxxxx

Rock Quarry
Panorama City, CA

"Ay does mio," Antonio cried, as he helped to move the Samurai Claw Megazord against the onslaught of grown Moogers. Three disintegrated, after they were pummeled by the claws. However, more were coming their way. "Oh, come on!"

"Huh?! How is this possible," Lauren questioned in shock, as the army of Moogers, swords raised, were running towards them.

"Oh no," Terry exclaimed with worry. He moved his sister's Megablade forward to attack again.

At first, the trio thought this battle was going to be swift and easy, but they were terribly wrong. Each time the three defeated Moogers, even more seem to come at them. Becoming overwhelmed, Lauren phoned the Shiba House to see if the other rangers had returned. Yaki answered they hadn't, but he and Ji would gather them, so they could help. Currently, they were slowly losing hope, thinking this fight was never going to end.

"We have to do something. Form the Samurai Gigazord, if we have to," the Gold ranger blurted without a thought.

"No, we can't," Lauren declined around a heavy exhale. "Remember what Kevin said, one wrong move could cause all the zords to become obliterated."

Mia's brother didn't think he possessed the capability to summon that kind of power anyways. He tried to think of other ways to defeat their enemies Finally, he saw the help they desperately needed. Out of the corner of his eye, Blue, Green and Yellow ran to the rock quarry. "Alright! They're here," he eagerly pointed and a sense of relief washed over him.

With the arrival of the other rangers, the Moogers suddenly disappeared into thin air. Lauren, Antonio and Terry looked at one another and around incredulously.

"Where's the attack," Kevin asked, while his hazel eyes circled around. He didn't see one single foot soldier.

"The others must've defeated them," Mike quickly figured, since he saw the Claw-Megazord. From his position, he waved at them.

"You guys," Emily garnered their attention, as she did a 360. "Something doesn't feel right."

The Yellow ranger was right.

Pretty soon, the ground began to shake uncontrollably, the waves from the ocean crashed roughly against the rocks, thunder and lightning showered the ground and the sun was eclipsed. This was similar to the time Master Xandred arrived on Earth to fix Dayu's Harmonium. The other rangers jumped from the Megazord, so they could join the others.

"What's going on," Lauren worriedly asked. She heard a grand swooshing sound and turned around to face what she thought was Dayu. Immediately, she got into a fighting stance. Gold and Pink followed suit, but the others were hesitant. She ignored them, still in the dark that this Nighlock was no longer Dayu but her brother's biological, little sister. "What do you want?"

Once the sun began to brightly shine again, the rangers gasped loudly. Split evenly, three exactly knew who this was.

"Cat got your tongue," Sophia slithered nonchalantly, while proudly standing and ready to fight. Her dazzling Harmonium was flushed against her body.

"Who are you," Antonio questioned malevolently while drawing his Barracuda Blade. "You aren't Dayu!"

Tommy and Kim's daughter spitefully snorted at his observation."Of course I'm not her... just think of me as a more evil version of her," she replied. "She's always been weak anyways."

Dayu listened, and she was slightly offended. This brazen 13 year old definitely had some guts. "Why you little..."

Sophia rose her companion to eye level and spoke directly to the handle. "No, no, no, you wouldn't want the same punishment as that little Octoroo, now would you," she sang contritely.

Just thinking about the gut wrenching screams coming from Octoroo caused Dayu to shudder slightly. She may appear to be an inanimate object to the naked eye, but her outer shell was much like human skin. That meant she could feel all types of pain. "I don't want it," she surrendered very easily.

"Who is she talking to," Terry asked the others. He had a suspecting feeling this monster in front of him was not like the others.

"You don't think...," Emily asked the Blue and Green rangers specifically, as she shook the thoughts. She didn't think it was possible for Dayu to be transferred to the Harmonium.

After Mike and Kevin shrugged their shoulders, not even a few seconds later, Sophia ran towards the group of rangers. She grabbed the sword that was concealed in her 'companion' and unleashed her ruthless attack. She slashed Red, Pink, and Gold, causing them to drop to the ground like swatted flies. Her sights were, then, set on Yellow, Green and Blue. She slid her weapon against their protective suits, which emitted those telling, yellow sparks. She was already feeling this attack was going to be a breeze. "Alright rangers, get up, don't make this too easy for me," she hissed.

One by one, the rangers bounced back and began to defend themselves. They took turns, utilizing their swords against this force to be reckoned with. Each time they took a hit, Sophia swiftly countered with her own.

"We need to come up with a plan," Kevin shouted before the butt of his enemy's sword hit his stomach. He hunched over, trying to recover his breath.

Sophia showed no mercy. She continued the fight and disabled Emily, Mike, Antonio, and Terry. She walked away from the fallen and injured rangers. With Lauren left, she was absolutely ready to pounce. "It's just me and you, Red," she yelled, as she maneuvered her feet, one over the other, her weapon held right in front of her.

Lauren, with her sword drawn, stood in front of her fallen comrades. She shielded them the best she could. She was unsure what to think though. This Nighlock was truly unlike the one's she's read about and encountered. "Why are you doing this to us," she asked breathlessly.

"No more questions," Sophia roared her answer and raced towards her opponent.

The two ladies, three if Dayu was included, converged at the midpoint. Their weapons clanked loudly. Sophia used her sword to overpower Lauren, which caused Lauren's body to bend back uncomfortably. An inch lower, and the Red ranger would be too vulnerable. Using all the strength she had, the Red ranger fought back and was able to shove Sophia off of her. Sophia wasn't easily deterred and launched a flurry of punches and kicks to her foe. Lauren blocked the strikes, administered her own and was able to cause Sophia's weapon to fall from her hand. The Red ranger used this grand opportunity to her advantage.

The rangers watched from the ground, still too injured to even join in. Three of them were trembling with fear and worry, while the other two watched in anticipation that this slightly stronger and much smarter Nighlock was going to be done for.

"Fire smasher," Lauren requested, as she grabbed a disc to transform her Spin Sword to a zanbato. She twirled the hefty and powerful item around and aimed. Blazing fire engulfed the weapon and she ran.

Without warning, Jayden arrived on the scene.

"Lauren, no," he shouted. He quickly morphed into his power suit and jumped in between his two sisters. He shielded his younger sister and took the hit that was meant for her. His older sister watched in horror, as his body became consumed with fire. He yelled in agony over the hit and collapsed to the ground. He attempted to speak, but was severely weakened and unable to.

"JAYDEN," his team, albeit Lauren, yelled in shock.

Sophia smirked. "This is turning out better than I thought," she huffed under her breath.

Dayu could only imagine the scene that laid before her. The alarming screams from the other rangers foretold what happened. Knowing that this preteen would use this to her advantage, she had to think of something quick. "Let's go, now," she told her 'owner'.

"Why, this is the perfect opportunity," Sophia angrily countered.

"More power," Dayu blurted. "I can give you more power," she hoped that would convince Sophia to retreat.

Once that was heard, Sophia quickly nodded and agreed. "Rangers, it's been fun, but I must go," she notified with delight. "I'll be back though." She escaped through a crack under a rock.

"NO," Lauren shouted in frustration. She demorphed soon after and ran towards Jayden. "How could you be so stupid?! Why, what, why did you even do that?!" She began to check on him, and she could tell he was badly injured.

"Cause..." Jayden took a deep breath, ignoring his burning flesh. "She's my sister."

Like a case of deja vu, Lauren took two looks at her brother. "What do you mean," she wondered curiously and rather seriously. She prayed he wasn't saying what she thought he was saying. Even before he could elaborate, she shushed him. "I'm taking you back to the Shiba House. We can talk about it there."

The rangers huddled closely with one another. Lauren, the only one with enough strength, grabbed her Samuraizer and called upon a Symbol to get them out of there.

Xxxxx

Shiba House- Living Room
Panorama City, CA

Back at the Shiba House, the Kurokos were diligently working on bandaging the beaten rangers. They used plenty of soap and water, gauze and bandage tape. They hoped to aid the rangers in healing quickly, so they could prepare for the next battle. If it was anything like this though, they were extremely worried of what was to come. They continued.

Rising their heads from the books they were reading, Yaki and Ji gravely looked at the rangers. Their most recent fight was definitely tough. As for this new Nighlock, that's what they chose to label Sophia, they were really clueless on what to do. It's already been explained by Jayden that his younger, biological sister was trapped in that body. For this, they were willing to put their differences aside, and the two were determined to come up with a plan to purge Jayden's little sister from that body and hold of evil. They hoped the process was somewhat easy, safe and unlike Cole's purge. The two went back to reading.

Lauren, still upset with her brother stepping in like he did, paced the wooden floors. "What exactly were you thinking," she asked for the second time. She was extremely aggravated, at this point. "Look at you! Look at them!" Her index finger was directed at the rest of the team.

"You were going to hurt her," Jayden replied with as much irritation as her, while he was getting bandaged by a Shiba House servant. The stinging pain caused him to squint his eyes. He hissed a bit too. He really didn't know his attack was like that. He sighed and continued. "She doesn't know what she's doing."

"Are you sure about that," Lauren countered with anger. "If you arrived a few minutes earlier, you would've seen she knew exactly what she was doing! She wanted to destroy us!"

"She's under a spell," Jayden pointed out, still flustered. "The spell is causing her to do this! Sophia is not like this at all."

"How do you know," Lauren asked earnestly.

Emily chimed in. "I have to agree with Jayden. We just have to break the spell," she said. A kuroko handed her a cup of tea, and she was thankful for the drink. She took the sip. After swallowing, she spoke some more. "If she's anything like her friends, then, I will say she has a good head on her shoulders. I don't believe would intentionally hurt us, if she was herself."

"Mentor, is there a way to break this spell," Kevin questioned.

"Yeah, there has to be one," Mike added, as he carefully placed his shirt back on.

"We're still looking," Mentor Ji replied, as he began to massage his temples. Combing this abundant information wasn't really fun, and the small print was beginning to look jumbled. "We will let you know."

"Find one, and do it fast," Jayden ordered hastily, while he shrugged his shirt back on.

"Jayden, don't talk to Mentor like that," Lauren admonished. She shook her head at him. "They are doing the best they can."

Yaki silently watched his student. He could see the animosity building. For now, he went back to reading.

"Hey, Jayden," Terry called, once he was done getting bandaged. "Where's my sister? How is she doing?" He still didn't know he was set to be an Uncle. He was just concerned because he hadn't heard from his sister in a few days. Plus, he had a glimmer of hope that she was going to arrive when Jayden did.

Jarred from his thoughts, Sophia's brother looked at Terry. "What? I'm sorry," he kindly apologized, "she's fine. She's with my parents, Dr. Grayson and her husband," he mindlessly admitted. He covered his mouth afterwards, thinking he leaked something about her status.

Terry, Lauren, Antonio and Yaki questioningly looked at Jayden.

"Dr. Grayson, as in Dr. Dana Grayson, former Pink Lightspeed ranger, and pediatrician," Antonio clarified. He watched Kevin, Emily and Mike ignore the stares from the clueless people. "Why would she be at your parents' house? Is there something wrong with your little brother?"

"Let's not talk about that, okay," Jayden answered in short. He got off his chair and approached Mentor. He began to read over the books that Ji already read. Maybe something was missed. "Did you read this one?" Ji shook his head. As the younger man began to read, he felt the eyes that were boring holes into his body. "Can I help you all with something?"

Yaki went back to reading an archive, Antonio whistled, the rest of the occupants didn't dare say anything, but Lauren and Terry weren't deterred. They had a suspecting feeling something was going on, and it definitely had to do with Mia. Before either could speak, there were a few knocks on the front door.

Everyone in the living room looked at one another inquisitively. A kuroko went and opened the door. He bow reverently to the people standing outside.

Tommy and Kim immediately got into a fighting stance. After all, they've fought various foot soldiers, monsters, lords, evil empresses, people, who were supposed to be normal, but became creatures that were not so normal and what not. On the other hand, they were unsure of what a masked servant was capable of. Maybe, this was a habit that just didn't want to die.

Mia came from behind. "It's okay, they're the Shiba Family servants," she explained. She began to walk inside.

The Falcon and Crane were slightly embarrassed for jumping to conclusions. They bowed to the servant and followed Mia.

Once inside, everyone was gathered. "Terry," Mia happily called and greeted her younger brother with a hug. She even began to cry, since she felt like she hadn't seen him in such a long time. In addition, her hormones were still a bit wonky. "It's so good to see you."

"Hey, sis," Terry embraced her. When they departed, he took a closer look at her. "Are you crying?"

"Yeah, but it's nothing." She smiled through her tears and looked at everyone present. "Mentor Ji," she also hugged him tightly.

Mentor accepted the warm hug with a smile. He was so glad to see Mia. She was safe and looked great. Not to mention, she was glowing. When he parted from her, he saw she brought company. He had never met Jayden's birth parents. He stood from his chair and walked over to them. "Hello," he nervously began, while holding his hand out, "I'm Mentor Ji, or you can call me Ji. I've been taking care of your son, since well, I came to this house."

Every person in the living room watched the exchange. It seemed to be amicable, and they seemed to have respect for one another.

Tommy shook hands with Mentor. He believed there was plenty the two needed to discuss, but right now was not the time. "It's nice to meet you. This is my wife, Jayden's mom, Kimberly," he introduced.

"Just call me, Kim," she said her hello with a handshake also. She looked at everyone in the room and waved at the familiar people and noticed they were all hurt. A sinking feeling entered her stomach. When she saw her son, she lovingly hugged him. "What happened," she whispered, tears already present in her eyes. "Did Sophia do this?"

Jayden nodded. "Yeah, but we're all okay," he attempted to soothe her frazzled emotions. "Where's Tristan?"

"The Graysons are taking him to the Scott's house," his mom answered.

After Jayden left, she placed a phone call to her best friends. They were distraught over the news. Brennan, out of all of them, was really upset too. Kim asked if they were willing to take Tristan for the night, since she knew he would do well in their hands. They readily agreed, and the Scotts wished them luck on getting Sophia back to the right side. The Original Red and Yellow ranger of Earth also mentioned they would help in any way they could. Kim thanked them and packed up Tristan's stuff. The Graysons offered to take Tristan there, so they could make things easier for the Olivers.

Then, Kim, Tommy and Mia headed here.

Jayden nodded. "Everyone..." he got their attention. "Lauren, Yaki, Terry, Kurokos... these are my birth parents, Thomas and Kimberly Oliver. They were also Power Rangers." After the introductions were done, he sat next to his girlfriend and parents.

"I hope you don't mind us being here," Kim spoke up, her voice cracking, and her thoughts were everywhere. "It's just... please, I want our daughter back."

"We can help you form a plan," Tommy added, while running his fingers up and down his wife's back in a soothing way. "I hope we aren't intruding."

"Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, we know how important your daughter is, and she's also important to Jayden. It would be an honor for us to help you, and we would love any advice you could give us," Ji calmed their nerves with a comforting smile. He could see how much they were suffering.

Yaki nodded as well. "We've been reading, and we haven't come across the 'remedy' to rectify this kind of situation, but we won't give up," he assured them. He smiled at them in a friendly manner.

Lauren kept quiet, while she observed every single person in this room. To be perfectly honest, she was feeling really uncomfortable Tommy and Kim's presence. She couldn't pinpoint why she was feeling all of these anger filled emotions, but it was beginning to get to her. She immediately ran out the house, since the extra body heat was getting to her.

Yaki was the first to notice. He alleged she was so upset because of Jayden's parents. There were an abundance of reasons as to why. Before he could follow her, he was stopped by Jayden. He looked at him curiously.

"Let me," Jayden volunteered, and Yaki obliged. Tommy and Kim's first born kissed his girlfriend on the lips and passed off the book he was reading to his parents. Then, he left to the outside.

Everyone else was still converged in the living room. Suddenly, Mia regurgitated this morning's breakfast. She hunched forward, immediately covering her mouth.

"Mia," Emily yelled, alerting everyone else in the room. She got out of where she was sitting."She needs a bucket!"

The occupants' faces were alarmed.

Another kuroko, with a bucket in hand, rushed over to Mia. He offered it up to her, and Mia blew chunks of food and bile into the thing. Once she was done, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

Terry watched her carefully. Something was amiss. "You're pregnant," he stated rather than questioned. Antonio fell out of his seat in shock, Yaki's eyes bugged out of his head, and Terry's look was unrelenting. He turned to everyone else in the room, and he saw the recognition in their faces. "You all knew!"

"Terry, we need to talk," Mia shushed him, as she was handed a bottle of water by a different kuroko. "Thank you," she graciously acknowledged. Then, she grabbed her little brother's collar with her free hand and ushered him to the room she shared with Emily.

Meanwhile, Lauren was sitting on a bench. Water dripping down from her eyes. She couldn't even look at the person that came to join her. There was plenty on her mind, but she wasn't sure how to open up. She hung her head in disgrace. What was she so worried about?! He was her little brother, after all. They were once close like peanut butter and jelly, or, as she would like to say, peanut butter and apples. They usually did everything together too. He was her little booger. She remembered those days from back then so vividly.

So, why was everything so different now? There were reasons why, but she wasn't ready to disclose them. However, she needed to. Maybe, their bond could still be strong like before.

Jayden watched his older sister shed tears. He had to admit, as of right now, there was a rift in their relationship. The past few days have been a whirlwind, and in that whirlwind, their sibling bond suffered. He was never going to forget who she was to him, and he hoped she knew that.

"Hey," he softly said. He sat down with her and slung his arm over her shoulder. He brought her in for a close embrace. He let her cry, his shirt soaking up her tears but that didn't bother him. He just stayed by her side, not saying a word. After a few more minutes of letting her emotions go, he looked down at her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I guess," she answered, while wiping her tears away. "I never thought it would be like this."

"What?"

She cleared her throat. "You know... about you finding out you were adopted, this other family you have, it already looks like you're close to them, and the way you defended your little sister. I don't know, I guess I thought you would forget me," she answered to the best of her ability.

He shook his head. "It was a big shock to find out I was adopted, an even bigger shock to know that my parents were Power Rangers, legendary Power Rangers, to be more specific, and the fact I've actually met my little sister and brother before I knew the truth... it's extraordinarily shocking. They really have been looking for me for such a long time, and they are going to be apart of my life because I do want to be apart of theirs. But, I'm going to be honest, I would never disregard you. You are still my sister," he elaborated.

"I guess part of me is jealous," she hoarsely admitted, breaking eye contact with him. "The way you stuck up for your sister, it hurt me. Once I came back, you already wanted to leave. You didn't think about my feelings, and how much that hurt me."

"I had to be selfish and only consider my feelings."

"No, you still left with Mia though."

"There's a reason for that, and you'll find out why. But, as of right now, my concern is getting my other sister back. I want you to understand. If you were a Nighlock, I would be doing the best I can to break you free of the curse, the spell or whatever."

She understood because she would be doing the same thing. She nodded. "I'm sorry..."

"You shouldn't apologize. I should. I'm sorry that I didn't think about your feelings when I left. I know when I stepped in to defend a Nighlock you were surprised, but I have to protect her. That's my duty as a ranger, and, even more, as a big brother."

"Jayden, you don't..."

He placed his hand up. "Hey, let's head back inside. Maybe, they've come up with something," he hoped.

With puffy eyes and some sniffles added, Lauren nodded. The two walked back to the house with a mutual understanding. As soon as they entered, both noticed the pissed off look plastered on Terry's face. Lauren, confused, tossed a look at everyone in the room.

"YOU," Mia's younger brother gravely pointed the finger at Jayden.

"Oh boy," Kim whistled beneath his breath that her son was in trouble.

"Terry, respect your elders," Mia ordered firmly.

"What did we miss," Lauren asked them. Before an answer was given, Yaki motioned for her to come with him to the kitchen. She nodded she would. Once the two were there, she gave him her undivided attention. "What's up, Yaki?"

Not even able to speak of what he found, he just gave the archive to Lauren. Now, it was his time to pace the floors, his hands behind his back, and his mind going a million miles per hour.

"Have you told the others," she asked questioningly. He shook his head. She took her time, took everything into consideration and gave her answer. "I'll do it."

"You cannot do this," Yaki irately spewed while vigorously shaking his head at the very thought. "There has to be another way. I won't allow it. This is preposterous, and it's way too dangerous!"

"But it will help," she readily decided. "Get Ji in here. We will plan this out. It's the least I can do."

Yaki, with a defeated look on his face, agreed. Before leaving though, he turned back to her. He grabbed her into a fierce and loving hug, which she evenly reciprocated. Mentor and teacher began to shed tears. "Lauren, if anything was to happen to you, I would never forgive myself."

Lauren hugged her surrogate father tightly. "You're not making me do anything I don't want to do. Just have confidence in me, and that's all I can ask for." Once Yaki left to fetch Ji, she reread the excerpt. This was going to be the craziest thing she's ever done, but this was for Jayden and the safety of the world. That's all the motivation she needed.

Xxxxx

Sanzu River

Octoroo's body flew against the crates, and they broke into a million tiny pieces. Some embedded into his skin. He moaned in pain over the torture he was subjected to. Moogers that were present on the ship eagerly jumped off. They didn't want to encounter the same punishment as Octoroo. At this point, they would rather battle the rangers. Even if Octoroo wasn't on Earth with Sophia and Dayu, he was still being treated horrifically. That's how bitter and angry Sophia was.

Sophia screamed in exasperation over the fraudulent claim spouted by Dayu. She used her powers to practically decimate various parts of the ship. Then, she turned to that Harmonium that fed her the lie. She grabbed the instrument, lightly stroking it. Finally, her true intentions came out. She was fed up with the item, and she began to smash the thing on the floor. She banged the damn thing so hard, she heard Dayu's terror filled screams. She smiled happily and continued to have her way with the weapon. Pound, thwack, bop went Dayu. The abuse she was causing was so gratifying to her. She kept going until she got tired. The strings of her Harmonium were plucked, going in different directions and the paint was chipped in various places. Literally, the item was hanging on by a thread. She carelessly tossed the thing aside.

Dayu gasped for a breath. Her life force was connected to the Harmonium. Whatever the Harmonium suffered, she suffered the same fate. She clung onto life as much as she could. Before crossing over, whether it be to the high heavens or the depths of hell, she had to reverse the mess she caused. "I-I, know what you need to do," she managed to say around a gurgling noise and prayed that she sounded believable.

Octoroo hissed. He overheard her, and he knew what was on her mind. "Dayu..." He followed Master Xandred for many reasons. One being that he was the true King of the Nighlocks. This intruder, a Nighlock, for now, he supposed, was overstepping lines that never were never uttered. "Don't do it..."

"QUIET," snapped a galled Sophia. She faced the dismantled instrument, conjured the necessary magic and flung the ball of gold towards Dayu's way. Magically, the Harmonium was restored. She grasped the item and spoke directly to it. "What do I need to do to get this power?!"

"You need to play me. My sorrow will bring him back. Your power combined with his will be unstoppable."

The thought dinged in Sophia's head like a light bulb. That idea tickled her ecstatic."Yes. He should be brought back," she squealed cheerfully. "By tomorrow morning, the rangers won't know what hit them." She laid Dayu down very carefully, as if the item was a baby. "Rest up. You're definitely going to need it." She left to a different part of the ship, so she could come up with more sadistic plans.

With just Dayu and Octoroo left, the two were able to talk. Octoroo still spent due to the abuse he endured, he did his best to turn over. He shimmied towards Dayu. Nighlocks never cried. They usually didn't have the emotions to. This time was very different though. Octoroo actually feared for his life. A 13 year old human instilled fear in him, and he was vastly worried.

"Dayu...," he shakily whispered.

"Yes, Octoroo," she answered.

"Do you know what you're doing?"

"For the most part..." she answered sadly. "I can't live like this anymore."

"But... I can't be alone, with, with her." He wasn't sure how much more he could take himself.

"You'll be fine. He'll be back, I'll be gone, and we'll both be out of our misery," she foretold. She chided herself bitterly. She really created a mess this time.

Octoroo heard her loud and clear. He understood what she was saying. He only hoped the plan she had was going to go the right way, as her others have been definite blunders.

Xxxxx

Shiba House
Panorama City, CA

It was now the next morning.

Lauren was in the indoor dojo converting some of her Symbol Power. For the past hour, she was involved in this taxing activity. Already, she's collapsed to the ground twice. Yet, she knew this was necessary. She continued, eventually falling for the third time.

"Lauren," Yaki rushed to her side and checked on her. He had been watching, on the sidelines, since she started. She came up with this ludicrous idea when she privately conversed with himself and Ji. Again, he thought she was going to over exert herself. He was beginning to think he was right. "You can't do this anymore. If you continue, then it will... it'll be dire."

"Yaki..." she struggled to regain some strength. She was able to stand up again. "Don't worry about me. We already talked about this, remember?"

"I still don't like it," he frustratingly admitted for the umpteenth time. "There has to be another way!"

"If there was, then she would've been back on our side already," she pointed out.

"Why are you being so calm about this?! You don't even know her!"

"She's Jayden's sister! What else is there to know about her," she contested loudly. She looked around, hoping she didn't disrupt anyone's sleep. It was the butt crack of dawn, and she didn't want to be disrespectful to anyone. After finding out about Mia's pregnancy, she was filled with mixed emotions. Part of her was happy for Jayden, since he was going to start his own family. Another part of her was sad, since he was going to be a father so young. Either side would not be taken into consideration, if the Sophia issue wasn't fixed. There wouldn't be any talk of a family. All of them could possibly be decimated, so it was imperative for them to get her back.

"One week ago, you were his only sister. Do you think he would go through all of this to get you back..."

Lauren, paralyzed by the question, stood put. Yaki was right, and he had reason to ask such a question. Yet,, she knew Jayden. "Yes, he would."

Ji entered the dojo. "I thought I heard voices this early in the morning." He stopped before them, and he saw the two, prepared discs on the podium. He turned to Lauren. "Are you really serious about this?!"

"As a heart attack," she answered without thinking. She elicited heavy emotions from Yaki. With no additional words said, she watched Yaki immediately exit the room. She didn't have the heart to call his name or follow him. "We don't know if it has to get to that point, but we will be prepared if it does."

"Lauren, just be careful. He has dedicated his whole entire life to you. Understand that," Ji reminded her with reason. "I'll cook some breakfast. We have a full house."

"Ji," Lauren called. He faced her and warmly looked at her. She tearfully smiled at that. "Thank you for everything. I don't think I've ever told you that."

"You never had to," he honestly confessed. With that, he left to the kitchen.

About two hours later, everyone gathered to eat their morning meal. Yaki still didn't want to come out of his room. He was still too upset to eat his breakfast. Everyone but Lauren and Ji questioned what was wrong.

"Should I take a plate to him," Mia offered, as she placed her empty dish in the sink.

"No, he'll be fine," Lauren declined. She took a very good look at everyone. Despite the situation at hand, they all seemed to be so cheerful and in tune with one another. She wanted to remember them like this.

Suddenly, the gap sensor began to sound off erratically.

Tommy and Kim crazily looked around, as they saw the main occupants of the house jump out of their seats. They followed them to the living room and watched Mentor Ji touch the water map. The red dot was blinking in the rock quarry area once again.

"Let's go," Lauren took up the leader position. She nodded her head firmly at her team, little brother and even to Sophia's parents. "Don't worry, we'll get your daughter back," she told them specifically. "Rangers out!"

Gold, Yellow, Blue and Green filed out with her.

Terry was about to leave with them, but he was stopped by a feminine touch. He quizzically stared at his sister.

"Don't go," the real Pink ranger demanded. Before her boyfriend ran out, Mia grabbed his hand. "I want to help." The look on her face was not forgiving. She was determined to head out there with or without his assistance.

"Mia, don't," Terry begged her not to. "I'll go. I'll fight on your behalf. You can't do this." He was concerned for her well being, as well as the baby's.

Jayden wasn't in the mood to argue, and there was no time to waste. He also knew when his girlfriend's mind was set on something, there was no way to talk to her out of it. He turned to Mentor. "Mentor, help me, please," he requested urgently. Two symbols were better than one, he thought.

Ji immediately agreed.

The two grabbed their phones. "Symbol Power, protect," the two called.

Terry helplessly watched. He had to have faith that these symbols were going to protect his sister. He believed he knew what she was doing.

While that was going on, Tommy and Kim comfortingly touched one another. They were praying for everyone's safe return.

With Mia protected, the soon to be parents ran to join the others.

Xxxxx

Rock Quarry
Panorama City, CA

"You better be right about this," Sophia snarled at Dayu. The games Dayu have played has left her pertrubed. Part of her wished to destroy the gorgeous musical instrument. One reason, it was almost too pure looking to be her companion. Another reason, she just thought she was dead weight and served no purpose. Yet, she felt bonded to the thing. Due to that, she showed mercy, and she was going to believe the guarantee that's been given.

Dayu took a deep breath.

She wondered if she was even doing the right thing. But, when has she ever done the right thing?! Possibly, in her human life, when she married Deker—the man of her dreams. After all this time and after their last, brief encounter, she still longed to be with them. The memories of their courtship often served as comfort. She remembered she had been waiting, searching, and he came into her life unexpectedly. They fell so deeply in love like a fairytale. She remained pure until her wedding day, and once they laid together, she positively believed heaven on Earth was possible.

Then, all of a sudden, the life she knew was disgustingly and unrightfully ripped away from her! She attempted to leave Dalia in the past and tried to accept her life as Dayu. In the years following her transformation, she did what she had to do to survive. She fought, bestowed terror and aligned herself with evil beings. Yet, she could never embrace that kind of life. For two centuries, she really tried but Cole's sporadic kindness, the love expressed between Jayden and Mia, which she often witnessed,, and that quick minute she met with Deker skewed her need to accept this lifel. Then, she snapped back to her reality and did the most absurd thing she had ever done.

Maybe, she really did succeed in becoming a true Nighlock. That was not her though.

Now, it was time for her to pay for her sin.

"Sophia, play this melody," she ordered with some hesitation.

The Samurai rangers arrived at the scene. They watched, as Sophia was about to play the Harmonium. They had to stop her.

"SOPHIA," the rangers minus Lauren called.

Lauren grabbed her Spin Sword that was tucked to the side of her. Her fingers grasped the handle so tightly to the point her knuckles were turning to a ghostly color.

Sophia turned to them. "Well, look who's come to join us," she stated with a biting tone. She placed her pick and Harmonium to the side. She carefully watched them. Their body language foretold they were worried, as they should be. She didn't have time to engage in conversation with them. "Moogers, ATTACK," she summoned the foot soldiers.

Out of nowhere, teams of Moogers appeared. They held their weapons in their hands and shuffled their feet in an attempt to throw the rangers off. The rangers sprung forth and began to fend off the foot soldiers. The impact of their swords colliding were loud and rumbled throughout the area. Moogers continued to fight, slashing at the rangers, attempting to weaken them. These creatures were blocking them from attempting to halt Sophia in whatever endeavor she was up to.

The Samurai rangers growled in agitation and did their best to hack down the Moogers that were coming their way. Left and right, these bumbling foot soldiers of the Sanzu River fell like flies. The rangers huffed and puffed, as their breaths dwindled considerably due to the intense battle. They couldn't rest though and called upon their weapons.

"Barracuda blade," Antonio called, as he drew his weapon.

"Forest Spear," Mike summoned, and he started to move his arsenal around to get the hang of it once more.

"Hydrobow," Kevin displayed his bow, already grabbing for the arrows.

"Earth Slicer," Emily bellowed, while holding her three bladed shuriken.

Lauren held her Fire Smasher in her hand. "Let's destroy these Moogers, right now," she commanded.

In the midst of the ensuing battle, Jayden and Mia, already morphed, finally arrived. Mia grabbed for her Sky Fan and raced to help her team out.

Jayden's Spin Sword, currently, was in his hand. He easily pinpointed where his sister was at. He climbed the rocks and was five feet from her. "Don't think about it," he shouted, while aiming his sword in her direction. His sister fearlessly, even with a long, thin blade inches from her face, confronted him. He would've lied if he said he didn't feel his heart jump to his throat. The way she looked was way too haunting for words. "Stop it, Sophia!"

"What do I need to stop," she responded with a question rather nonchalantly, while cocking her head to the side."Now, I need it now!"

"No!"

Jayden commenced. Sophia quickly sensed his attack and blocked the oncoming strike with her Harmonium. She power kicked his side. He responded with a swift kick to her midsection. The brother and sister alternated between using weapons and hand to hand combat with the intent in slowing the other one down. They kept going at it, while the others were still fighting Moogers. Eventually, they came to a position where their backs were turned to each other, and their weapons were tightly locked.

The two circled around.

"What are you doing," he asked her earnestly. Fatigue engulfed his body painfully. All that training she spoke about from their first meeting was true. Her skills were pristine, indicative she's been taught by the best. He hoped to one day spar with her. The real her.

"I'm doing what the others can't," she answered maliciously. She needed to find a way to break from him. She realized he wasn't going to give up so easily.

"This isn't you! You are meant to be on the right side, my side."

"You don't know me at all!"

"I am trying to get to know you, but I can't. Not like this..." he spoke honestly.

By being vulnerable, he hoped that he would elicit some emotion from his little sister. His human, little sister. Yes, the heartfelt admission was from the bottom of his heart. He really wanted to tell his little sister everything that's been on his mind, but he hasn't been able to due to this unexpected transformation. He vied for her to be normal again and was willing to do anything to make sure that was going to happen.

She gained the upper hand, and Sophia slid her Harmonium against the sharp, blade of his sword. Sparks were released due to the contact. She immediately kicked, punched and was able to disarm him. His weapon landed a few feet away from them. Her barrages of kicks and punches severely weakened him, and he fell to his knees. Defenseless, her weapon pierced Jayden's suit, and she towered over the crumpled ball he became. She reveled in this and summoned for a straight-jacket like contraption to contain him.

"Just sit back and enjoy the show your about to see," she sweetly yet evilly commanded. She dragged him to a rock, body perched upright and left him.

"Sophia, NO," Jayden emotionally cried, while trying to break the hold that seemed to get tighter with each attempt to free himself.

"POWER, I NEED MORE POWER, NOW," Sophia ordered Dayu, who was trying to recover from the battle she was forced to partake in.

For a minute, Dayu had no voice. To be honest, even in her Nighlock form, she had never been in a fight quite like that. She had to give Sophia some credit. There was something about this little girl. Her fighting spirit was quite impressive. Finally, she was able to speak."Uh, right, play these notes..." she directed.

Listening intently, Sophia grabbed the ornate pick and, magically, began to play the melancholic tune. The harrowing notes caused the hairs on the rangers' backs to stand straight up. Even the Moogers seemed to be memorized by the music. Right below, where everyone was, the waters started to bubble erratically. Pretty soon, the water plowed against the rocks and eventually grew to monsoon heights. Once again, thunder and lightning fiercely slammed the ground. Not too long later, the sun became darkened to the obsidian color that everyone loathed.

Jayden watched in horror. He wasn't sure what was to come next, but the weather altering to this was an indication it wasn't going to be good. He was heavily constricted and didn't want to struggle any longer, almost afraid that he was going to, in due course, suffocate to death. At this moment, he was almost positive passing out was due to occur.

For the rest of the rangers, toil and strife was just a second away. Every single person could feel it.

Dayu knew what was to come. With the king of Nighlocks returning, she believed order, at least in the Netherworld, would be restored. She told the last note, and her job was done.

Sophia finally stopped. Her eyes brightened, while the people surrounding her, their eyes dimmed significantly at the newest arrival.

Master Xandred.