57 - Traitor / Watanabe

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"Velos!" Octoroo jumped when the nighlok climbed aboard the ship. "You better run! Master Xandred does not want to see you!"

"Out of my way." Velos didn't take the little squid seriously.

"This isn't a joke! Someone has come to take your place!" Octoroo waved his tiny arms around.

"And who would that be?" Velos' attitude was nonchalant but cocky.

"That would be me." A tall nighlok with a golden, thorny crown and sickly silvery skin elegantly landed on the boat. He wore a flowy green tunic with point t-rex skulls on his shoulders.

His sleeves were so large that it only revealed his fingers, holding a unique shaped sword

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His sleeves were so large that it only revealed his fingers, holding a unique shaped sword. burgandy baggy pants tucked into twisty golden boots.

"And just who are you supposed to be?" Velos wasn't intimidated.

"I am Serrator, the new right hand man aboard this ship. Feel free to leave. I don't need your introduction, traitor."

Octoroo was freaking out. Both Serrator and Velos were too similar in their demeanor and aspirations. Conflict was bound to shake the boat.

"Traitor?" Velos questioned, causing Serrator to break into a short and mocking laughter.

"I should be thanking you. You've shown me the extent of Xandred's gullibility." Serrator began.

"That's Master Xandred to you!" Octoroo butted in, twirling his staff like a triggered wizard.

"You've invaded this ship with your radical ideas and made a comfortable spot for yourself. A spot that I want." Serrator circled the room with slow frolicsome steps. "So, if I wanted your position, I would have to 1. prove you disloyal and 2. demonstrate my reliability and wisdom."

"How could you prove me disloyal? Impossible!" Velos' composure started to crack as he felt his status being threatened. His voice shaking ever so slightly.

"Velos conspired with the accursed rouge nighlok, Deker." Serrator rehashed what he told Master Xandred with a grin.

"But it was an alliance in our favor! Deker fought the rangers and destroyed their base!" Velos growled, his hand gestures ripping through the air.

"Xandred is brimming with strength just as he is with ignorance. He will buy anything if you sell it well."

"Oo ah oo! How dare you!" Octoroo stomped his stubby feet like a grumpy old troll, unable to tolerant Serrator's insults. "Master Xa-"

"You better get to running, traitor." Serrator couldn't hide his amusement and chuckled. "Xandred will likely kill you if he sees you around."

Velos clenched his teeth from rage. His power and influence had been transferred to someone just as smug as he was.

Velos could try to play his game and win back Master Xandred, but it would be hard given that the nighlok under his wing failed to kill any of the rangers so far.

"I'll have you rot in the human world!" Velos cursed before dived into the Sansu.

~~~

A couple of days had passed since the Shiba House caught on fire. Since then, the rangers had been living in a Watanabe household, of Mia's family.

The house wasn't as large as the Shiba House but housed many. It was also surrounded by vast, dreamlike gardens with pastel colored flowers, sturdy trees, and occasional butterflies.

The interior of the house was minimalist, with more traditionally Japanese aspects than the Shiba House. It was furnished with chabudai (short-legged tables), zabuton (cushions), and futons rather than beds.

The head of the house was Daisuke, a kind hearted elder and wise mentor. Even a bit of a prankster.

There were a few others who lived in the household; 4 students, 3 servants, and a small family of 3. All were fluent in Japanese, some knowing English.

The night the rangers arrived gave Daisuke such a fight. The smell of smoke and blood overpowered the earthy and flowery scent around the house.

Kevin and Mia were fine, but Lauren had passed out immediately after using the teleportation symbol. Also, Jayden was on the brink of fainting.

They carried with them the unconscious gold ranger, whom Mia knocked out earlier.

Daisuke had to wake up the servants and his students to aid the weary rangers. They treated their injuries, guided them to the baths, gave them kimonos to wear, and set up a room for them.

The house wasn't ready for guests and Daisuke felt guilty to provide the rangers with only one room.

But the rangers slept heavily through the night and into the afternoon.

By the time Emily and Mike arrived to the house, there was another available room.

Emily was wounded from a battle she and Mike got into when leaving the temple. She twisted her ankle slightly as well, but it wasn't so serious.

Mike had some bumps and bruises, but his burn was doing much better.

Even though another room was available, they all remained in the same room, preferring to be with each other.

They were tired of the endless hardships. And while the weight of the world was in their hands, they felt guilty for feeling so weak.

Daisuke checked on the rangers often late at night and very early in the morning. He wanted to make sure they were comfortable and sleeping well.

But throughout this short time, Daisuke realized how broken the rangers were and became greatly concerned for them.

Their eyes were dull as they trained, clearly demonstrating their lack of motivation.

Their faces were sad. They could barely enjoy their food or eat at all. And they spoke very little.

Everyone living in the household seemed to be impacted by their sorrow. It was hard to see the heroes look so defeated.

Daisuke knew for a fact the rangers couldn't carry on like this. Something had to be done before the next battle.

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