A.N: Thank you to everyone that has read, reviewed, followed, and, or added this story as their favorite! It really means so much to me. I know I previously stated this story would be finished in a timely manner, but it got derailed and put on the back burner. My apologies! I will finish as soon as possible.

Chapter 31- The Purge

Xxxxx

Rock Quarry
Panorama City, CA

Sophia collapsed to the ground, full of relief, laughing maniacally, sounding exactly like her father. She had actually done it. She brought back the entity that was going to give her more power. Power that she so desired, wanted to attain for as long as she could remember and hungrily vied for. This was it; she was going to achieve what the others couldn't. That's all she cared about, so she tossed her Harmonium, discarding the instrument and the person inside.

It was no longer needed.

Dayu grunted at the move. "That little wench," she mumbled angrily. From the sound of it. Master Xandred was back. As much as she loathed Master Xandred, as he furthered her sadness and despair, she was actually excited for his return. Though it wasn't anticipated by the rangers, she greatly appreciated this. In addition, Octoroo would benefit too, and he would be put out of his misery.

The rangers gasped in horror at who was standing so mightily and pointedly on the rocks. If it wasn't enough for a 13 year old to engage them in such a tough fight, now they had to deal with him being back. He still looked as menacing as before, maybe even worse, since the time away fermented his hatred. They gathered together, forming a huddle, already coming up with a plan to fight him off and rescue Sophia. She, even with her vindictively compounded attack, was still their top priority..

Jayden, who was still tightly bound, blinked his eyes a couple of times, swearing to wake up from this nightmare. However, it was reality. Up to this time, he still didn't know his sister's intentions. Saving her outweighed asking numerous questions. As of now, the realization donned on him. He grimaced inwardly, wondering if his little sister comprehended such a decision. The consequences?! The aftermath!? The ensuing quarrel?! Once again, he tried to break free. The hold only grew tighter. He finally stopped, gasped loudly, trying to recollect some air, his chest heaving up and down rapidly, as beads of sweat formulated on his skin's surface. He decided to call for help, yelling, his voice becoming hoarse. His friends were near by, but they didn't hear him. They were too engrossed with the unanticipated arrival.

Master Xandred sniffed the air. He wanted to vomit over the wholesome smell of Earth. Purposefully, he had forgotten what this place smelled like. The musty smell and the pungency of dead flesh was highly appealing to him. He couldn't wait to be back abroad his ship on the Sanzu River. Yet, he had some unfinished business to attend to. He looked around, scanning his surroundings intently. He growled, his ferocity amassing to the size of the oceanic liner, Titanic.

Colorfully dressed, stoic masks, and they possessed the valiant need to protect the Earth, which left a repugnant aftertaste in his mouth.

Up to this time, they were still not dead!

He walked towards them, neglecting the fact he could possibly suffer the same ominous consequence as before, but stopped immediately. He caught sight of the gorgeous Harmonium. For a second, he became vastly confused. As soon as he rose, he swore he saw Dayu, yet that wasn't Dayu's instrument. Furthermore, Dayu wasn't Dayu at all. He looked at figure quizzically, his body swaying to the left and right, his barbaric weapon swung upright like a defense mechanism, as if these continuous motions would give him an answer. He's never crossed paths with her before. He would confront that person, eventually, but not right now. He picked up the Harmonium, his sword coming down, and stroked the beautifully crafted piece. A slight sliver of something trailed up his arm then coursed through his body.

It was refreshing, yet broke down his usually glacial demeanor.

"Is that you, Dayu," he closely examined. After looking at the intricate features, the gorgeous, white, almost too pure for him, he already knew the truth. "What happened to you?"

"Master Xandred," Dayu desperately called, still entrapped, still severely frightened, and in need of his assistance. "HELP ME!"

Without hesitation, he exercised his dormant powers, swirls of black magic formed, and he flung it forth. While reversing the calamity bestowed upon her, his skin began to crack already, indicating his body wouldn't last much longer. Eventually, the instrument exploded into a thousand little pieces, expelling a loud, grandeur pop. Once the smoke began to clear, a stunning, ravishing, youthful woman appeared.

Mia, unlike the others, knew who she was. It was Dalia.

Dalia, veiled in her wedding dress from all those years ago, her chestnut hair perfectly billowed, her delicate features shone, and she clung onto Master Xandred so fiercely. She cried tears of happiness, alleviation encompassing her body, and she actually thanked him for saving her from the fate that was blackmailed to her, though it was caused by her stupidity. She held, prodding and pleading, just urging him to finish her off.

"Was it you," he questioned her, while erecting her long and graceful body. He placed his scaly arm behind the small of her back and brought her intimately against him. Intermittently, he looked down at her and the rangers. "That... I never knew such dreadful music existed," he relayed truthfully.

Shockingly, he sounded nice, lukewarm was more like it, and it was quite haunting. "Yes, it was me," she simply answered in a voice that could rock a baby to sleep. She didn't want to talk any longer. All she wished for was to be put out of her misery. He was the only one with the necessary power to release her, allow her to die, so she could finally be reunited with her love or aimlessly wander the depths of hell, repenting for her sins. Either way, it was better than living on Earth. It was already hell. All he was doing was prolonging this terrible fate, if he didn't relieve her. "Please, Master Xandred..."

Master Xandred heavily grunted, as he began to squeeze, breaking several bones in her back. This one act actually pained him so, he was literally forcing himself to commit such a crime. She hissed roughly, her breath obstructed due to his insurmountable strength, she braced herself, her head finding a spot on his armored chest, inviting death to grace her finally, all the while, she cried.

The rangers witnessed the astounding display of death.

"You never did accept this, did you," he asked her seriously; he witnessed her bouncing in and out of unconsciousness, every single of aspect of her in limbo. He teared himself away, unable to watch any longer.

"I-I-I tried," she answered around shallow exhales. Slowly but surely her soul was separating. She teetered a fine line of life and crossing over.

He regretfully stared at the sky, continued the callous atrocity for them to see He vowed to stop, if she said to. "You never wanted me either," he confessed sadly. He resumed looking at her. Suddenly, her eyes rolled to the back of her head, resting there for a few seconds, only to come back to their place, when he flopped her forward to hear her answer.

"My heart always belonged to another," she boldly stated, to which Master Xandred tightly compressed her already frail body, adding extra pressure, which traveled up to her head, her eyes almost popping out.

The rangers' stomachs literally flipped; it was hard to stomach.

For the last time, Dalia released a labored breath. She tearfully prayed for mercy, as her body dissipated into nothing, her human soul relinquished to Master Xandred, which rendered a colorful patch on the right side of his chest. All that was left was her two century old wedding dress.

Master Xandred slung the intricately crafted gown over his body and approached the unfamiliar Nighlock. "Who exactly are you," he growled like he had an ax to grind with her.

"If you must know, I am Sophia, and I am the one that played the tune that brought you back," she answered, her tone icy and full of cheekiness. She circled him, sort of disappointed by his appearance. "You are the Master Xandred that Octoroo keeps babbling about," she questioned nonchalantly, while sizing him up. "Hm, I expected someone more... powerful."

"I am powerful," he boldly declared, releasing the dress, allowing it to carelessly drop. "I'm not going to deal with a little miscreant like you." He held his almighty sword in the air.

Jayden gulped, gazing at them intently.

"Not so fast, bub," Sophia interrupted. "We should work together. We both want the same things: the Powers Rangers destroyed, so they won't get in our way, the Universe in our hands and for everyone else to bow down to us!"

"I don't work well with others," the ruler of the Netherworld debated.

"Then why do you have that bumbling Octoroo for," she countered heatedly.

She actually had a point, which flabbergasted Master Xandred, though he would never speak of it. "What do you have to offer me," he asked, allowing her a few more seconds to talk before his sword gutted her. He followed her finger to where she was pointing to-Jayden held hostage. "I see," he said, actually impressed she had the male, Red ranger captured. She deemed herself worthy to be an asset. He wasn't going to destroy her—at least not yet. "I give you permission, but if you mess up, I will not go easy on you."

Sophia internally smirked. "Let's get them." She summoned for a new weapon, a black staff, similar to her dad's Dino Thunder weapon, with an emerald snake wrapped around the bulb.

"It is time for your demises, as well," Master Xandred threatened, finally turning to the Power Rangers, while Sophia stood right by his side. He took a subtle look at the wedding gown, dedicating this battle to her.

Lauren knew the time had come. She was about to perform the Sealing Symbol she had put her heart, soul, blood and tears into. For many years, her life revolved around this one symbol. She had to be extremely careful. An enormous amount of Symbol Power went into this one character; it could only be performed once. There was definitely a ton of pressure on her. "I'm going to use the Sealing Symbol against Master Xandred," she revealed breathlessly.

"Are you ready," Kevin legitimately wondered.

"Of course she is," Antonio vouched confidently. "Lauren, you can do this."

"We believe in you, Lauren," Mike kindly added.

"We have your back," Emily assured her.

Lauren thankfully sighed, tossing a thankful look to the Gold, Green, and Yellow rangers. " It takes time to write, and I need you guys to keep him and her as busy as you can," she added. "Kevin, take the Black Box. Mike, here's the Shark Disc. I'm sure you know what to do. Emily and Mia use your weapons, combine attacks if you need to," she appointed and ordered. After giving everyone assignments, she noticed Mia appeared to be distracted. "Mia, are you with us," she stressed her inquiry.

"Huh, sorry," Mia apologized, as her head bounced around crazily. She split ways with Jayden when they first arrived and hasn't seen him since. Something didn't feel right to her; she began to rub her stomach. A thought popped into her head, so she looked behind her formidable opponents, and she realized Jayden was cloaked in black ribbons. She went pale white over seeing him, but she had to get it together. "Guys," she got their attention, "Jayden's trapped!"

"What are we going to do now," Emily urgently asked. She didn't know how it was going to possible to keep Master Xandred and Sophia at bay and release Jayden from a magical grip. If some past rangers were willing to make an appearance, she would thank them graciously. They needed all the help they could get. "How are we..."

Like a bullet, Mia immediately took off to help Jayden. She ran, jumped, practically flew because of adrenaline encompassing her thin frame. She ignored yells escaping her friends' mouths and the fact she was going to cross paths with Master Xandred and Sophia—alone. All she could think about was breaking him free. By the time she was in reach, Mia did a front flip over Master Xandred, but was met by Sophia. Now in between these two evil villains, all she could do was place her Spinsword in front of her. Her eyes darted back and forth.

"MIA, NO," Jayden exclaimed with much worry. One more move, on his behalf, would surely cause him to die from asphyxiation. He remained still. After watching Mia, within an arm's length of his main enemy and biological, little sister, the words of Zordon haunted his mind. 'Please understand, due to your decision, another person's death will take your place. A person very close and dear to your heart.' If there wasn't already enough on his plate, now he had to worry about what his parents' mentor previously told him. Honestly, if Mia and his child were to take his place, he knew he was going to live a miserable life.

"We gotta help her; she's pregnant," Kevin alerted the rest of the gang in a pressing pitch.

"What was she thinking," Mike asked in disbelief. He found Mia to be smart, but this was actually a stupid move on her part.

"Amigo, help now, ask questions later," Antonio retorted as a matter of fact.

"Right, Antonio," Lauren agreed. "Help Mia, this will give me some time." She didn't mean to sound like an uncaring person, but this was actually going to work in her favor, their favor actually. As her team ran off, she went to an isolated rock hill that was nearby. There was plenty on her mind already: leading the team, especially Mia and the unborn child, to safety, performing the symbol to rid the planet of Master Xandred, and of course, breaking the spell on Sophia. It all came down to this. She held her phone up pointedly.

It was now or never.

Xxxxx

Meanwhile
Living Room
Shiba House

Mentor Yaki exited his room. An uneasy feeling washed over him, but he maintained his composure. He walked to the living room, and he saw that Jayden's parents were still present. "Excuse me," he spoke up. Tommy and Kim faced him. "Where is Ji?"

"He went to get something from a den," Kim answered politely. She took a good look at Yaki; he didn't look too great. "The rangers are off fighting, in case you didn't know."

Yaki nodded he did know.

Tommy remained quiet. Though he hasn't spoken to Yaki personally, he felt awfully snubbed by him. Therefore, he steered clear. He wasn't surprised his wife was so forgiving and lax. She usually was, unless something pissed her off.

Before anything else could be said, Mentor returned to the living room with a wooden rectangular box. Slightly taken aback by Yaki's abrupt appearance, he addressed him directly. "Yaki, the time has come," he confessed. Ji had like a sixth sense when it came to the rangers' fights, so he had an inkling Master Xandred was back on this planet. "She's going to do it."

"And I suppose you two already know what that's going to be," Yaki infuriatingly sneered at Tommy and Kim, who appeared to be dumbfounded by his remark. He irritably scoffed. "Oh, come on, you two can't be that idiotic."

"Excuse me," Tommy's eyes flashed green instantly over the man's unexpected and irreverent comment. He shielded Kim without a second thought, even though he knew she could handle herself. Yet, he was never so sure of what this person was capable of, since he was familiar with Samurai symbols, and they were not. Regardless of that tidbit, he confronted the elder man. "What was that for?! We didn't do anything to you!"

"Yes you have," Yaki insisted, his anger getting the best of him. He stood up to Tommy, not caring if the man had six inches over him. He would be lying though. That eye trick surely did freak him out. "You are not innocent! I know what you have done to this family, even if you don't," he blamed them for everything.

"Oh yeah," Kim countered with malice, while her eyes altered to pink in retaliation. She knew to respect her elders, but that went out the window when he hastily spewed accusations at her and her husband. "What exactly have we done to this family!?" She had the need to strike him once or twice, but that was elder abuse.

"You two were irresponsible! You brought a child into this world, knowing damn well, you couldn't take care of him. You placed him with this family, who had a child with big priorities and didn't think of what was to happen as a result. How could you two be so careless?! And you two were supposedly upstanding Power Rangers," he snickered acrimoniously at the title. "That's a definite lie."

All hell broke loose.

Kim took a leading role, and she held her husband back, personally punching Yaki in his face, which elicited a grand yelp. She really couldn't help herself. She was red with anger and had never been so disrespected in her whole life. She believed this man to be senile. "What the fuck is your problem," she yelled at him, while being pulled away by her husband. She growled, shoved her husband off and spoke to him again. "Do you have any idea what we went through when we made that decision!? DO YOU?!" She looked at him, expecting an answer. ''DO YOU," she repeated forcefully.

Tommy grabbed his wife again, while apologetically staring at Mentor Ji. He held her protectively, as he spoke to her in a soft and soothing manner.

She calmed down, after a minute, considerably against his chest.

Ji was shocked over the hostility present in the room. After all, he went to the Shiba House den to pick up a couple of items he wanted to show Jayden's birth parents, and he returned to a loony Yaki that was obviously talking from his butt. Incredulity was drawn all over his face and body over the words that unfolded from the other mentor's mouth. Furthermore, in the privacy of his head that held expanse knowledge, truthfully, he ever wanted to be in the crossfire of Kim's lethal fist. Even he could feel that punch. He shook his head and got things back in order. "Yaki," he reprimanded. "What in the hell is wrong with you!?" Not one for taking sides, as he was a chronic neutral factor, he just had to ask.

For a moment, Yaki couldn't speak. He was sucker socked into a stunned silence. He regretted picking a fight with them, her, in particular, but he didn't know what else to do. The blame game was easier than dealing with the unfortunate truth of the situation that they knew nothing about. In addition, when Lauren made a choice, he was expected to abide by it. It wasn't easy though, and he wanted to fight for her, since he believed no else would.

Yaki reminisced about Lauren.

Before Jayden came into the picture, she was the apple of Mathew and Nina's eyes. The first time he met her, he instantly fell in love with the little girl. Her bright, dolly, blue eyes, her blonde hair that resembled the sun's rays and the strength she exhibited was to the caliber of a football team. He quickly took a liking to her, vowed to teach her every single aspect of the Samurai Lifestyle and truly dedicated his life to her. Nothing else mattered. His life and existence was revolved around her, and that was evident, since he never maintained a personal relationship.

Then, Jayden was adopted.

The family dynamics shifted. Though Nina loved both equally, he alleged Mathew loved Jayden more. Mathew spoke of how much he wanted a son and wished that Nina could bore another child. Since she couldn't, hee got the chance with Jayden. Yaki watched the interaction between 'father' and son, and, often, he would shake his head. Mathew favored. The plan to make Jayden take her place, swayed Lauren to the side even more. Yaki remained there for her. He always would.

Lauren may take him for granted and regard his feelings as overbearing, but he just wanted to show her she was loved. He loved her, and he would make sure she was safe. She didn't have to do such ludicrous things to prove herself. That's why he was so hurt and gave a severe tongue lashing to Tommy and Kim.

Ji ran from the kitchen back to the living room, handing a cloth filled with ice to Yaki, making him sit down, and he deeply sighed. "Why did you say such hurtful things to them," he inquired about earnestly.

Yaki rolled his head back, the distinct feeling of blood rushed back down his nose and caused him to practically gag. He shuddered, allowing this to continue, so the blood would stop profusely exiting. He sighed heavily, the weight of the world was a thought on his mind, but not even remotely close to the truth. "I'm just angry," he answered in short, while sounding clogged. "Angry about everything." He snorted, clotted liquid shooting back into his nose.

Ji raked his hair in frustration. "You really need to be careful of what you say. You can not speak to anyone like that. I thought you would've learned your lesson," he reminded him.

Tommy and Kim stood there complacently. They assumed they were intrusively staying here. It was on a whim to come, but they didn't want to just drop Mia off without checking on their son. A few minutes blended into hours then transitioned to overnight. Obviously, one person didn't like their company. They privately spoke, agreeing they should leave.

"I think we've done enough damage," Kim confessed, looking over at Lauren's teacher. Cognitively, she praised herself for inflicting such pain, but she knew it was wrong. If she dropped dead, right then and there, God would surely haunt her for rupturing an elder man's nose. "We're going home and-"

"No," Ji said with a dismissive hand wave. He sedately looked between the three people present in front of him. "It is obvious there's a lot on our minds for plenty of reasons. With your daughter being on the side of evil, Mia fighting while pregnant and, now, Master Xandred back, the last thing should be doing is fighting."

"I agree," Tommy nodded his head in affirmation. "But, my wife and I don't want to make things any more uncomfortable than they already are."

"I'm sorry," Yaki quickly interjected, while placing the cloth that was on his face down. "It wasn't right of me to verbally attack you. If you must know..." He faced Ji for assistance.

"There is a way to get your daughter back," Ji confessed gently, witnessing hope soaring within Tommy and Kim's bodies. They also deeply looked into him, their eyes full of urgency, prodding for him to continue. "But, it comes at a price..."

"What's the price," Kim asked curiously, her interest piqued, but scared of the answer.

The four continued to talk, revelations coming to light, while attempting to be cordial with one another.

Xxxxx

Back with the Rangers
Rock Quarry
Panorama City, CA

Mia was in between Sophia and Master Xandred, her knees trembled, showcasing fright. Her breath came out in heaps, and she gazed at them. She found herself in a serious pickle. She gulped down her emotions and opened her mouth. "Let him go," she ordered, her tone more shaky than firm.

Master Xandred murderously looked at the Pink Samurai ranger. "Sophia, you handle her," he commanded. "I will deal with the rest of the rangers." He jumped down to meet the Power Rangers.

"Gladly," Sophia readily agreed. She faced the Pink ranger. "Do you really think you can fight me?!"

"Mia, be careful," Jayden wished genuinely, though his mind was clouded with thoughts of her succumbing to a pain filled, excruciating death. Once more, he cursed his parents' mentor for presenting him with such wretched thoughts. He purposefully watched, as Mia swung her weapon against his sister, to which, his sister easily blocked.

The Pink ranger retracted her sword, barreling it towards Sophia again. Sophia utilized her weapon flawlessly against Mia. The two continued, both vying to be victorious. As the fight was becoming more perilous, the two forwent their arsenal and engaged in hand to hand contact. They alternated their movements in honest attempts to be unpredictable, a callous strike here, a power kick there. Furiously, incessantly the two continued.

While combating, Mia thought back to her younger years. She never thought the techniques she gained would be used against a 13 year old. A 13 year old under a binding spell. This was an unusual circumstance though.

Sophia, mildly surprised, fended off the Pink ranger the best she could. She was involved in this sort of dance that was so intricate and pretentious. Unlike with her brother. Then, Mia twisted, her body elongating, and, in the midst of such movement, she staked her opening. Pow! A blunt, power infused wallop was administered to Mia's midsection, diminishing her airways, her form swung dizzily, evoking an unruly cough. Sophia triumphantly stood, relishing.

Mia heavily wheezed, her body forced into a collision with the ground. She desperately held onto her stomach, tingles of fear ran up and down inside of her. More odd feelings showered her. She prayed for her baby to be alright, her eyes welled just thinking about it, since she felt there was something incredibly wrong. Her mind traveled everywhere, but often landed on her unborn child. She was scared, as her body expounded in and out of unconsciousness. Her eyes roved. A tear finally slipped, profusely apologizing for what was meant to be a rescue, became the opposite.

She fainted, demorphing in the process.

"NOOO," Jayden shouted, their bond dwindling, sorrow and anger becoming one to form an impassioned cry. "Mia, move, NOW!" He yelled, literally begging her to do something other than lay. "Please, PLEASE," he compellingly sobbed, praying for additional help. Anyone, anything, someone, something.

His eyes buckled shut, he searched, deep inside of himself. His lament Ninjett powers, usually sequestered by his Samurai energy, awakened and moved to the forefront, encompassing his body in red ribbons. Not too long later, his mouth flew open, the fiery Phoenix, robustly cawing, emerged. Its wings irrationally flapped towards the sky. Stagnant, the Phoenix faced its container seriously. Fire barreled out of its mouth and consumed Jayden, finally disintegrating the simulated 'straight jacket'.

Few, including Master Xandred, bared witness to the magnetic, magnificent, magical display.

Sophia looked around quizzically, suddenly startled by the bird that came out of nowhere. She watched the fire shower Jayden, and she abandoned her task. She went near him, her intention was to interrupt, but she was tossed by the invisible force field. Her eyes widened, as the Red bird, eyes full of fire, made eye contact with her. She watched, her mouth becoming dry, though there was no way to tell, and she fell back in disarray. She back peddled, venturing to a safe spot.

Jayden, without notice, reappeared, unscathed, freed, and possessed new found determination. His Phoenix, acting like a protective shadow, trailed him. Once more, he confronted his little sister, pouncing on her, jailing her to the ground, her body practically leaving an imprint due to his strength. "I will purge you of this evil, if it's the last thing I do," he vowed, his weight fully straddling her.

Coming to, she fought back, her superficial body trouncing crazily. If her eyes were present, she would simply glare at him. Instead, she resumed her guise of obnoxiousness. She laughed in his face haughtily. "You can't save me," she stated insolently, his mind detrimentally devastated all the while. "As much as you want to, you can't," she sang childishly, rattling his core. It was almost like she was shooting out poisonous bullets with her voice.

The Phoenix looked at his animal spirit frantically for guidance. "Can't you get her animal spirit to come out," he questioned, remembering she was the Dove. "Call on the Dove, do that thing you do," he obliviously added.

The bird moved wildly moved its wings, to a naked eye, that meant absolutely nothing! If Jayden was truly in harmony with his animal spirit, then he would comprehend what it was conveying.

"Ahhh," he yelled exasperatedly, seemingly giving up, and faced his little sister once more. "I need you to..." he broke away, trying to formulate the words all over again, and sincerely pleaded, "I need you to return."

Meanwhile, the duel resumed.

Emily, who broke from the men and got close enough to Mia's body, curled into a ball, swiftly rolled, and intercepted Mia. She dragged her out of harm's way."Mia, are you okay," she questioned calmly, though her voice very much exemplified fear and immense worry. She caught sight of the brutal attack from Sophia, which caused her to leave the men. "I need to get you out of here." She shielded her, attempting to find a way to get her home. With everyone occupied, she wasn't sure how.

Master Xandred resumed the fight and ruthlessly pounded on the male rangers. Bringing his sword up, his free hand elevated to the same level he caused balls full of exponential power to rain on them. He watched them dodge it, further making his irateness grow, and he headed their way. He effortlessly maneuvered his multi-colored body around, able to do so because of acquiring Dayu's soul. His skin was not going to get dry anytime soon.

The male rangers did their best, blocking the necessary attacks. Mike utilized the Shark Disc, Antonio held LZ, making discs shoot out of its opening continuously, while Kevin powered up with the aid of Super Samurai mode. The three weren't giving up and commenced forth, their unbounded and brazen aggression clearly set on the target. As of right now, that was their main job, to prevent the Master from getting to Lauren. Another powerful attack was inflicted on them, their suits sparked by his burning rage, and they teetered back, cascading to the ground like autumn leaves.

Master Xandred left the three, and he faced the lone Lauren. "You, Red ranger," he called, his voice dangerous, full of intimidation and death. "Will not stop me!"

Lauren, clearing her mind of the chaos and distraction, prayed for this to work. She diligently drew the necessary symbols, calling upon strength from her dad. Seeing Master Xandred was about to unleash an attack on her, she released the prized symbol. "Symbol Power, Seal," she bellowed passionately.

The symbol consumed Master Xandred, filling his body with the Shiba Family Fire. The catalytic instance caused Master Xandred to fly into a rock hill, dozens of rocks streaming downward. He screamed, his sounds becoming a blurred gurgle, as the fire eagerly chomped at every inch of his body. He fought back, eventually accepting his punishment, as he knew his time wasn't completely over.

Just then, the rangers celebrated, though in pain and terribly beaten. They solaced sighs escaped, Master Xandred's threat was over. Slowly returning to a more stable state, the male rangers pinpointed Emily, demorphed, securely hovered atop Mia's spent body. They immediately ran to her side, and they came to the realization Mia's frame laid comatose. Mike brought his girlfriend into a comforting hug, her hushed cries softly rippling against his chest. Kevin and Antonio broke themselves away, unable to bear her dirt ridden body, cut and bruised lip, and looked around for Jayden. They saw him, high up on a rock with his little sister kept beneath him

"It's not over, yet," Sophia promised him malevolently, insinuating the battle was escalating. She grabbed her brother's arms and effortlessly tossed his body. She came to a tackling position, her eyes evilly staring at him. "He's going to come back."

She predicted correctly.

Master Xandred, with a gallant roar, resurrected suddenly, breaking through chains and locks encrusted with fire and lightning . His clawed, stony hand ascended and rubbed his emblazoned patch for luck, chuckling tauntingly. He walked towards the female, Red ranger, and he crudely laughed. "Thanks to Dayu, I can withstand your petty symbol," he revealed. "Red Ranger, you messed with the wrong Nighlock!"

"Wh-what, " Lauren took a step back unsteadily because of paralytic numbness. The Sealing Symbol nearly drained her, yet she had to bounce back in a swift second, her feet shuffling rowdily due to the incredulous sight. "No Nighlock can survive that symbol!" She nervously looked around. Her mind went wild over the way her brother was facing his biological sister, and then, she watched the other rangers. She gulped, Mia's lifeless body was right there. "Oh God," she observed them. There was no time to waste. She jumped, her body almost soaring supernaturally, barely missing the next brazen attack from her enemy. She ran to look at Mia herself, her eyes becoming wide with shock and dismay. "Watch her," she ordered them, "I gotta help Jayden." She took off.

"Where's she going," Antonio queried in shock.

"We got other things to worry about," Kevin stressed, becoming more angry because of frustration. "Master Xandred, isn't defeated."

"WHAT?!" Yelled Mike and Emily at the same time. They looked between each other, conflicting emotions toiling in their body.

Lauren stealthily made her way to Jayden. She, too, became cloaked by the Phoenix's effervescent figure. "You need to check on Mia," she advised sincerely. "She really needs you."

"Yeah, she really needs you," Sophia echoed sarcastically.

"No," Jayden did not relent, and he stared at his adopted sister seriously, ignoring his adopted sister, "I am determined to get her back." Seeing his little sister like this was eating away at him.

"I'll do it," Lauren vowed, though her heart was filling with pain. She fought through, coaxing him to leave. "Jayden, GO!"

"Oh goodness," Sophia mocked, stifled giggles sounding, "please, listen to her... it's too late anyways!"

"Shut up," Lauren snarled, her impatience ran thin.

Jayden indecisively stared between both sisters, torn. Then, his gaze fell on his friends surrounding Mia. He knew where he truly needed to be. "Be careful," he trusted her, unsuspecting of her real plan. "If you need help, yell my name." He ran off.

Sophia stood up, exuding fearlessness and confidence, and she faced the female Red Ranger.

Lauren confronted her for the first time. She raised her sword.

Master Xandred watched the pathetic and sorrow filled rangers. The repulsive smells of the Sanzu River were slightly tickling his nostrils. "What an intoxicating smell," he hungrily mumured. This was just turning out better than he expected. He renounced his stance, no longer aligning himself with Sophia, who was a useful ploy. He, then, grasped Dayu's wedding gown, his hands wrapping around it sadly. He escaped back to his rightful home, additional security measures were added, so no one 'new' could enter.

The Phoenix rescinded, after watching its holder return to his beloved's side, resting until the time it would be called upon, which it honestly believed was very soon.

Jayden fell to his knees. Back in his civilian clothing, he crawled to Mia. He moved, methodically, sporadically. Honestly, he didn't know what to do or how to act. His hands latched to the nape of her neck, carefully moving her up, staring at her, sobs unleashing. She appeared peaceful, sleeping away, but he knew better. She was coldly ripped from him. He, then,intently stared at her stomach, a wretched feeling surfacing. Whirled into a state of panic, he bowed, his head landing on her stomach. He was not sure what to expect, but one thing was for sure... nothing was heard.

His friends watched, their eyes filling with water, their bodies trembling, but were, simultaneously, paralyzed.

Forgoing every single thing in her mind that made her sane, Lauren launched her lithe body into an attack and engaged in a squabble with the Nighlock, if she could be called that. She didn't care if she was bullying Sophia, hurting Sophia, or making Sophia feel inferior. All she cared about was venting her frustration, forcing her to return to a normal 13 year old. She wanted to make her see what she's done. She heard the cackling sounds reminiscent of nails zip lining down a chalkboard.

"That tickles," Sophia maliciously cackled, showcasing she possessed no heart. "Oh," she joyfully chirped, provoking Lauren further, "please do that some more!"

The elation rubbed Lauren the wrong way. She smacked her roughly. "More than likely, I knew Jayden would gain a sister, and I even thought, one day, we would cross paths, but I didn't expect it to turn out like this," she muttered, a few more strikes coming at Sophia.

"I am not his sister!"

"You stupid, ignoramus bitch," she usually wasn't one for cursing, but all of her inhibitions abandoned her.

"It must be fun to call me that," she accepted happily, while laughing.

Lauren Shiba didn't know how much she could take.

She knew the time had come.

She looked back to Kevin, Antonio, Mike, Emily, Mia and lastly, her little brother, Jayden. Her helmet still tightly screwed, hiding she was regretfully biting her lip. She wished she had done things differently, then, maybe, certain relationships would remain intact, and she could, possibly, build some. She ended up apologetically gazing at them, the last few days were really a blur, and she didn't believe her return would result in this. Yes, she partly blamed herself for the monstrosity. Her heart clenched tautly, tears shed, and she prayed for forgiveness like Dalia.

"Why don't you really reveal yourself, huh," Sophia snickered, wondering why the above person looked to be caught up. She watched. No answer. "Hello," she sang immaturely.

Lauren obliged, and she retracted her suit, only to leave a vulnerable her. Her blonde hair secured in a ponytail, dressed in an outfit of a white and red striped top, blue, sailor shorts with black tights underneath and beige boots. Her cheeks were flushed because of aggravated perspiration, yet her blue eyes were so warm and full of life it scared Sophia to death. She grabbed for her phone, her free hand still holding Sophia below her, and she drew in the air, red streaks were visible.

"Symbol Power, PURGE!"

Just after the boisterous shout, the ground shook erratically.

Jayden's impulsive instincts told him to protect Mia, so he blanketed her with his body. He yelled imperative orders to his friends, then he watched the two people that he was very fond of—one for a long period of time, the other not for so long, but it was very much like the other, become trapped in streams of light, funneling upwards, soaring higher, like an aerodynamic stunt show was being performed, and out of sight. "NOOOO," he screamed, eliciting several different emotions at once.

Sophia pleadingly shouted, as she was whipped away, continuously spewing she needed to be released this minute, this moment, right now!

Approximately, thirty seconds later, the ground leveled. The rangers, minus Mia, alert and full of shock, looked at their surroundings.

Just then, two female bodies expelled to the ground. One was alive, the other dead.