On Fire (Power Rangers Samurai)

82 - Resolute / Serpentine

Jayden's eyes widened with shock.

Lauren was already strong enough to perform the sealing symbol, so why did she have to live alone again?

Antonio was about to stand up and say something, but Kevin nudged him, reminding him to behave for now.

"One more thing... regarding Terry..." Ji continued.

Mia and the rest listened intently.

"We plan to take him from here and keep him in our custody. If he has lost his humanity or has nighlok abilities, we will have no choice but to put him to death..."

Mia shot up, standing on her feet.

"Are you finished?" She asked with a cold voice. Never before was her voice cold towards Ji, and it felt strange.

"One more thing, but it's not another command from the monks. It's more of a warning." Ji replied.

"Let me give you a warning." Mia was about to grab Ji until Mike caught her arm.

"We're not moving anywhere. You're not separating us from Lauren. And if you want my brother, you'd have to tear him out of my cold dead hands."

The rangers were not surprised by Mia's actions. In fact, her actions were in accordance with their frustrations towards Ji and the monks.

"I'm sorry bu-"

"I'm sorry Mentor, but you have to leave right now. And none of us are going with you." Mia cut Ji off.

"They were commands from the monks, not me. You cannot disobey." Ji was resolute.

"If they were commands from the monks... then why have you been saying we?" Jayden shook as he used his cane to stand up and face Ji.

Everyone became anxious as he propped his body up precariously with his cane. Worried that he would fall over, Kevin and Ji had lurched slightly towards him.

"You said we decided this, we planned that, we think this. That just means you had a say in all of these decisions, haven't you?" As Jayden accused Ji, he sounded hurt.

"Are you one of those monks now? Are you not on our side?" Jayden's words were a shock to Ji.

Of course Ji cared for Jayden and the rangers, but he believed he knew what was best for them.

"Yes Jayden, I had a say in these decisions." Ji came clean. "But this is what is best for all of you. I understand that it is difficult t-"

"I believe you should leave." Daisuke's smile had an unsettling, serpentine quality to it. "My granddaughter told you to, has she not?"

Daisuke was as quiet as a mouse, so nobody could recall the moment he entered the room.

Ji was outraged, but he did not want to argue or cause a commotion.

And so he stood up and prepared to leave.

"The last thing I wanted to warn you about... when the seal ends, you may just face the final battle. Be sure to be prepared."

The rangers kept their head down as Ji left, quietly and lonely.

When Ji was finally gone, the rangers became less tense.

"I'm sorry grandpa. I made you speak sternly to Mentor." Mia apologized, worried that she caused a conflict between her grandfather and the monks.

"It's alright Mia. The Watanabe's are in charge in this household." Daisuke placed his hand on Mia's shoulder in reassurance. "There is nothing to worry about."

"Why, you kids look so downcast." Daisuke noticed their mopey behavior.

"Eventually, we'll have to follow those orders." Kevin replied.

Daisuke smiled again.

"Do you not realize who has the power? You are not called power rangers for nothing." Daisuke chimed.

Daisuke's words made something click. It made perfect sense.

"But they'll come for Terry someday." Mia asserted.

"Then you'll defend him." Daisuke replied.

"Okay, but they'll keep Lauren from us." Antonio mentioned.

"I guess you will just have to kidnap her."

... :)