The Dark Side of the Moon

Boxed In

Chapter goes out to katelynnmendez2006 for her patience in waiting for this update.

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Kali braced herself against kitchen counter. She was at the Shiba house, having received a distress signal from the Tengen Gate, upon her arrival, along with the rest of the Mystic Force, she had found all Rangers, bar from Antonio unconscious, and Jayden missing.

"... now that the Sanzu River is seeping the Nighlok are getting stronger," said Ji, entering the kitchen with Antonio in tow. He looked around at the Mystic Force, before landing on Kali. "Soon they will be too powerful for even our team to stop."

"That's why we're here," said Kali. "While your team recovers, ours will take over the fight. How are they?"

"Not good," said Ji, shaking his head. "They took a beating from Arachnitor. But they will survive."

"How's Rune?" Antonio asked. He hadn't seen Rune, having found the others first, and then whisked back to their dimension before anyone could tell him what had happened at the house.

"Resting," said Kali. "She'll recover a lot faster than the others. Once she does, I'll send her to find Jayden."

"Does she know about him?" Antonio asked.

Kali shook her head. "No. Daisuke said that he and one of his disciples got Jayden out while Rune fought Octoroo," she explained. "They were run down by the Nighlok in the garden and that's when Deker showed up."

"Deker," Antonio growled.

"Who is this Deker?" Nick asked.

"He's like Rune," said Kali. "Half human, half Nighlok. But he sways more to the latter side than the former. From what Rune has told me, he likes the power his Nighlok side gives him."

"So, just another garden variety psychopath," said Vida. "Great. Does Deker know about Rune being half Nighlok?"

Kali shook her head. "I sent him packing before she returned from the Netherworld," she said. "The last thing I want is for him to see Rune as a more worthy opponent than anyone. Not that I think Jayden should duel him any less than Rune," she added to Ji.

"If he knows what's good for him, Deker won't go after Rune," said Chip. "She's too well protected. He'd literally be playing with fire. Hell fire, to be precise."

Kali smirked lightly.

"What's that?" Lorna asked, nodding at the black box in Ji's hand.

"The Black Box," said Ji, setting it down on the table. He turned promptly to Antonio. "It is crucial that you fill this box with all the Rangers symbol powers."

Antonio nodded, wringing his hands nervously. "Yes, and once we rescue Jayden, he and I will get it working in no time," he said.

"Antonio, you must focus on the job at hand," said Ji, clapping him on the shoulder.

"But Jayden is out there."

Ji held up his hand, silencing Antonio further. "Jayden would be the first to tell you - the Black Box is the priority," he said.

"And, you've got us in the meantime," said Kali. "I've told you before. You all have a connection to the Mystic Realm, and to this team. You're not alone in this fight. You can, and should be, utilising all necessary alliances to help with the Nighlok."

Antonio turned to face her. "But the Mystic Force of old -" he started.

"The Mystic Force of old had their own problems to deal with the last time the Nighlok were kicking," said Xander. "We're more prepared now and have an established base of operations to work out of."