Normal POV
Antonio enters and finds Tracy sitting by the fire, clearly overhearing the conversation. Her expression shifts from frustration to disbelief as she realizes what Antonio has done.
"Why did you call the team? Skye is fixed, right?" Tracy asks.
"Skye is fixed," Antonio says, kneeling beside her. "Look, Angelfish, I know how you feel about him being overprotective, but this isn't about that. It's about the Owl Zord—and you. Chris's Eclipse power is the missing piece."
"His Eclipse power doesn't give him the right to swoop in and act like my personal guardian again. I can handle myself, Antonio," Tracy says.
"Tracy, this isn't the time to let your pride get in the way. Your brother may be overprotective, but his power is what we need right now. Whether you like it or not, he's part of this," Fredrick says.
"Goldfish, we don't need him. I've recovered enough—I can do it myself," Tracy insists.
"Tracy, no offense, but you're not healed. You can barely stand—" Antonio says, watching Tracy's arms tremble when she tries to get up.
"I know my limits, Antonio. And I know my Zord. If you need Symbol Power, I can give it," Tracy says.
"Don't be foolish, Tracy. You're still recovering, and pushing yourself could do more harm than good. Let your brother help," Fredrick urges.
"I'm not being foolish, Great-Grandpa! I've been training as a Ranger for years, and I'm not some fragile kid. I don't need Chris swooping in like my personal hero again. Skye belongs to mom's side of the family—we don't need him!" Tracy snaps.
"Angelfish, I get it. Trust me, I do. But this isn't just about being strong enough—it's about balance. The Owl Zord's core is tied to duality, and Chris's Eclipse power is perfect. You don't have to carry this alone," Antonio says.
"I don't want him here, Antonio! Ever since Dad died, he's been acting like I can't handle anything on my own. I don't need Chris swooping in to 'save' me," Tracy says.
"Angelita, your brother is overprotective because he cares, but this isn't about what he thinks. This is about what's best for you and your Zord," Fredrick says.
"I just... I don't want Chris to think I'm weak. He already acts like I'll break if he looks at me wrong," Tracy mutters.
"You're not weak, Angelita. You're one of the strongest people I know. But even the strongest need help sometimes," Fredrick says, placing a hand on her shoulder and easing her back into the chair.
"Fine. But if Chris starts lecturing me, I'm walking out there and doing it myself," Tracy grumbles.
"I'll be back with your brother and the rest of the team," Fredrick says.
After a twenty-minute walk, Fredrick arrives at the Shiba house, his expression serious as he approaches the group. He is here for an important reason: to bring Christan back to Benio's Cabin. Antonio needs Christan's help to activate the Owl Zord.
"We need to get moving," Fredrick says, urgency evident. "Antonio's waiting, and we don't have time to spare."
"Are you sure bringing Tracy to Benio's Cabin was the best idea?" JI asks. "The team doesn't know who else is there besides Jayden's mother."
At this, Kevin turns to Fredrick, confusion written across his face. "Who else is there?" he asks, his voice steady but curious.
Fredrick hesitates for a moment, glancing at the others. He isn't thrilled about revealing this information, but the time for secrets has passed.
"Jayden's older sister," Fredrick says finally. His gaze settles on Kevin, whose eyes widen in surprise. "Lauren."
"Wait, why didn't we know you had an older sister, dude?" Christian asks his tone a mix of surprise and mild irritation. He crosses his arms and looks at Jayden, eyebrows raised.
Standing silently in the corner, Jayden shifts uncomfortably under the weight of Christian's question. "It's... complicated," he says, his voice quieter than usual. His eyes don't meet Christian's or anyone else's.
"Complicated how?" Kevin chimes in, frowning. "We're a team. We're supposed to trust each other, which seems important."
Fredrick raises a hand, his expression firm but understanding. "It's not Jayden's fault," he says. "The situation with Lauren has been kept quiet for a reason. She's been protecting something vital to all of you."
"Protecting what?" Mia asks, her voice sharp and curious. She exchanges a glance with Emily, who looks equally puzzled.
Fredrick sighs, realizing he is quickly running out of time to explain. "Lauren was the original heir to the Shiba lineage, meant to lead you all. But circumstances forced her into the shadows, leaving Jayden to take the role instead. She's been watching over the family's legacy from afar."
Ji sighs heavily, stepping forward to address the group. "Lauren and Jayden were just little kids when their father sent her into hiding," he begins, his voice tinged with regret. "She was chosen to master the sealing power—a technique essential to our family's duty. It wasn't an easy decision for anyone, but it was necessary. She's been training in secret ever since."
Kevin frowns, trying to process the new information. "So all this time, she's been... what? Preparing for something bigger while Jayden took on everything else?"
"That's enough history for now," Fredrick interjects, his tone sharp and urgent. "We don't have time to fill everyone in on the details. Tracy is still dealing with Mimic's poison."
At the mention of Tracy, the room's focus shifts immediately. Emily gasps softly, concern flashing across her face. "She's still not better?"
Fredrick shakes his head grimly. "Her stubborn nature has kept her fighting longer than anyone expected, but even she can't hold out much longer. The poison is spreading, and the only thing that can neutralize it completely is the healing energy of the Owl Zord."
Jayden stiffens. "Then there's no time to waste," he says firmly. "Let's move."
"Agreed," Fredrick says. "But keep in mind—activating the Owl Zord isn't easy. That's why we need Christan. Antonio has been working on the activation sequence, but both are required to make it work."
Christan gives a confident grin, clapping his hands together. "Alright, looks like I'm the guy for the job. Let's save Tracy and fire up this Zord."
Ji steps closer to Jayden, lowering his voice as the others gather supplies. "Are you ready for this?" he asks. "Seeing Lauren again after all these years won't be easy. For either of you."
Jayden doesn't answer right away, his jaw tightening. Finally, he nods. "Ready or not, it's what needs to be done."
Ji gives him a somber nod. "Then let's make sure it's worth it."
The team sets out, and their mission becomes more critical than ever. The weight of Tracy's condition and the long-hidden truths about Lauren looms over them, but they know there is no turning back.
The teams move swiftly down the forest trail, the dense canopy shifting shadows on the path. Benio's cabin wasn't far now, but the urgency weighed on them like a storm.
"Tracy's condition is worsening," Fredrick says as he leads the group. "If we don't the owl zord soon, the poison will spread too far for even its healing power to help,"
Jayden nods, "We're not stopping. Whatever's in our, we'll push through,"
Tension rises among the group. Kevin walks a few paces behind and suddenly freezes, his eyes narrowing, "Wait a second," he says, holding a hand up to stop the group. "Did anyone else hear that?"
The group pauses; the only sound they hear is the wind rushing through the trees. Then, faintly, they hear a mooger growl.
Fredrick tightens his jaw, scanning the encroaching Moogers. "No time for hesitation. We break through and keep moving," he says, his voice firm.
Jayden steps forward, sword already drawn. "Agreed. Everyone, stay close and fight through. Tracy is depending on us."
Kevin cracks his knuckles. "They think they can slow us down? Not happening."
The Moogers charge. Jayden meets them first, his sword flashing as he strikes with precision. Kevin dodges an incoming attack, countering with a fierce punch that sends a Mooger sprawling. The rest of the team moves in sync, cutting through the enemy forces with practiced efficiency. Fredrick stays back, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield. He might not fight anymore, but his leadership is just as vital. "Jayden, left flank is open—cover it!" he calls out.
Jayden reacts instantly, shifting his position and blocking an incoming attack.
More Moogers close in, trying to surround them; Kevin exhales sharply, frustration flaring. There are too many. They don't have time for this.
"We're wasting time," Kevin mutters. Then he pulls out his Samuraizer and flips it open. I'm done playing around!"
With a swift motion, he draws his Kanji Symbol for Water in the air, a glowing blue character forming in front of him.
"Samurai Ranger, Ready!"
Kevin dashes forward, his strikes now faster and stronger. He swings his sword, unleashing a crashing wave of water that sweeps through the Moogers, sending them flying.
Jayden glances back, nodding in approval. "That's more like it!"
Fredrick watches the battle unfold, calculating their next move. "We need to create an opening. Jayden and Kevin, work together!"
Jayden nods. "On it!"
Kevin uses his spin sword attack - Dargon splash attack, releasing a powerful surge of water that knocks back an entire row of Moogers. Jayden follows up immediately, slicing through the stunned enemies with his blazing Strike. The enemies stumble back, an opening forming in the chaos.
"Now!" Fredrick shouts.
The team pushes forward, cutting through the last line of Moogers. As they break free from the ambush, Kevin glances back. The remaining Moogers aren't pursuing.
"They were stalling us," Kevin mutters, his helmet reflecting the dim light of the forest.
"Someone doesn't want us to reach Benio's Cabin in time."
Fredrick nods grimly. "Then we move faster."
"We don't have much time. Let's go!" Jayden says.
As they continue their journey, the sounds of battle fade into the distance, swallowed by the thick forest. But the weight of their mission remains heavy. Tracy is waiting for them at Benio's cabin, her life in balance. And they all know—the real challenge is still ahead.
Their pace never slows, driven by urgency—every second counts. Finally, the cabin comes into view, nestled among the trees like a beacon of hope. Before anyone can speak, Christian sprints, rushing toward the door. He barely stops to turn the handle before bursting inside.
"Hermano, where's the fire?" Tracy jokes weakly, her voice light but strained.
Christian doesn't answer—he pulls her into a crushing bear hug.
Tracy huffs, though a small smile tugs at her lips. "I thought we weren't big on hugs."
Christian holds on tighter. "Shut up, Tracy, you scared me," he mutters, his voice thick with relief.
Jayden, Kevin, and the rest of the team step inside their faces are red with exhaustion, but their determination remains unwavering. They made it.
Antonio, standing off to the side, clears his throat. "Alright, love the reunion, but we've got work to do. Skye is ready, but Christian—I need you to activate it."
Christian pulls away from Tracy, frowning. "Me? Why me?"
Antonio holds up an ancient scroll covered in intricate Kanji symbols. "Remember, the owl zord is half snowy and half barn owl. So it needs your eclipse and my light symbol power to fully activate it and a strong bond to awaken its healing abilities."
Christian looks at Tracy uncertainly. She meets his gaze, a flicker of her usual fire still in her eyes. "For once, Christian, you get to be useful."
He lets out a breath, shaking his head. "Great. No pressure or anything."
Antonio claps him on the back. "Just trust me, dude. Believe. That's all Skye needs."
"You can do this, Christian. We're with you." Jayden says.
Christian nods, determination settling in. "Alright. Let's do this."
Antonio moves to the center of the room and unrolls an ancient scroll onto the wooden floor. Christian kneels before the scroll, his hands resting on his thighs. The room falls silent. Antonio flips open his custom Samuraizer and starts T9, texting the Kanji Symbol for the Owl Zord. His fingers move rapidly, pressing the keys multiple times quickly, the old-school method slower than the others' smooth brushstrokes—but just as effective. Each number press shapes the ancient symbol, the glowing energy forming in midair. Finally, the full Kanji symbol appears, pulsing with golden light. It hovers before surging toward the scroll, sinking into the paper.
A soft whirl of energy fills the air, like a breeze sweeping through the cabin.
The small form of Skye stirs from its perch on a nearby shelf, its tiny body glowing faintly.
Christian watches in awe as the tiny Owl Zord—no bigger than a pet bird—flutters its wings and lifts off the shelf, hovering midair. Its golden eyes glow as it lets out a soft but powerful screech.
The energy around them builds—stronger, brighter.
Christian gasps as its force nearly knocks him back. The Owl Zord's power surges through him, responding to his connection to Tracy.
Antonio grins, flipping his custom Samuraizer shut with a triumphant click. "It's working!"
A final pulse of energy surges through the room— And then everything goes silent.
The small Owl Zord gently lands on Tracy's bed, tilting its head toward her, eyes glowing softly.
Fredrick exhales. "It's ready."
Christian swallows, then looks over at Tracy.
She's watching the light fade, her expression unreadable.
Antonio wipes sweat from his brow. "Now comes the real moment—Skye's power."