Chapter 19 - The Dark Knight

A sleek silver car pulled up to the Watanabe-Stapleton house. The engine was killed and a young man exited and looked around. He was tall, but not overly so, and slim without being skinny and well toned without being bulky. His black hair was neat and perfectly styled and his eyes were a dark brown the faintest hints of gold. He pulled a big bag from the backseat of the car. He slung it over one shoulder and went to the house, whistling softly to himself. He used a key from his own key chain and let himself in.

Stagehands scurrying around doing everyday chores stopped mid-motion at his appearance. "What the hell?" he said. He blinked when they all seemed to vanish in a flurry of motion. "Right. Those must be the Stagehands," he remarked. He went unerringly to the stairs and up to a room near Tai's, which was on the opposite end of the house than where the retainers were staying. He let himself in and dropped the bag on a bed.

He was only just beginning to unpack when an older Japanese man appeared looking harried. "Who are you? What are you doing in the Lord's home?" Hikomi-san demanded in thickly accented English.

Xavier Hart didn't even glance up. "Send someone to tell Tai I was here?" he asked.

"They didn't need to. Hikomi-san let me know a stranger just waltzed into my house. Naturally I dropped everything just to come and see," Tai declared from behind Hikomi-san.

"Ah, Lord-sama," Hikomi-san said and bowed out of the way. "You know this stranger?" he queried.

"You could say that," the stranger drawled and gave a faint smile.

"Quit acting so mysterious. You aren't really Batman," Tai pointed out. "Hikomi-san, this is Rex Hart, my brother in all but blood," Tai introduced respectfully.

Rex gave Hikomi-san a polite bow. "Sorry. I'm used to coming and going whenever I want," he said apologetically.

Hikomi-san bowed again. "Please, excuse my ignorance," he said.

Rex gave a shrug. "No one's faulting you watching your Lord's @$$. In fact, that's why I'm here. His dumb @$$ almost got himself killed twice in one month. This is what happens when I'm not around to watch his it," he declared and sent Tai a scowl.

Tai rolled his eyes. "Yes, because Mr. Perfect has never been in tough scrapes or nearly killed," he remarked. "Besides, what are you planning to do? Stand in front of me with your metal skin on?" he asked.

Rex grinned. "Hell, no. Billie made me a Batsuit."

~*~

Sanzu River

Being alone with Doukoku and his temper was becoming wearing on shootari's nerves. Dayuu had all but disappeared and Doukoku had been in a rage ever since he learned she failed to kill Juzou. At the moment, he was in a drunken stake and ranting how her disloyalty.

"Lord," shootari said, stroking his tentacles, "may I suggest sending someone to bring her back?" he asked cautiously.

Doukoku gave him a disgruntled stare. "See to it," he snapped and slugged some more Essence.

shootari stroked his tentacles again. "We'll need someone to distract the Rangers," he said to himself and paced a moment. "Aha!" he said and moved to the hatch.

~*~

Tai lead Rex into the staff room of the Bushido Studio. "Wow. You turned a skeleton into an actual school the size of a football stadium," he remarked, more than a little impressed.

Tai nodded. "Don't be so humble. It doesn't suit you. We've been planning this thing together since we were kids," he pointed out and grinned.

Rex laughed. "Yeah. I guess we have. So, on that note; where do you need me? I'm yours for the summer," he said.

"The whole summer, huh?" Tai asked.

Rex nodded. "Mel's going to finish getting her Master's Stripes, I came to help you out and next fall we're off to New Tech City where we're going to get a house and married and live happily ever after," he declared with a faint smile.

Tai chuckled. "And you've actually managed to separate yourself from her for three whole months?" he asked.

"She would have come, but we both agreed this would be her last opportunity to finish her training or else she'd be here, too. Besides, no one said anything about separating for three -whole- months." he said and gave a wicked grin. "So, where do you want me?" he asked.

"There are some students who would benefit from an advanced swordplay class. I was thinking about taking it on myself after I got all this Sanzu River stuff out of the way when I had more time. But with you here for the summer, well, I can add it now," he said. Rex was nodding and prowling around the cabinets and shelves of the break room. "What are you looking for?" he asked.

"Chocolate. You have three girls working here, one of them being Rena. There has to be chocolate around here somewhere," Rex declared.

"Rex!" Tai and Rex looked at the door as Lani flew toward him and gave him a hug. Rex chuckled and hugged her back. "When did you get here? Why didn't you tell anyone you coming. Is Mel with you?"

Rex laughed. "Can I answer one question before you ask another?" he asked her. Lani blushed and nodded. She moved to Tai, trying to hold her tongue.

"I just here a few minutes ago. I wanted to surprise you guys and no, Mel isn't with me. She's finishing her training," he answered her questions.

She didn't get a chance to answer any more questions because Kiari and Daiki came in. They paused they saw the tall white guy hanging around. Daiki raised a brow and Kiari paused, unsure.

Rex looked at them and then moved forward to circle them. Kiari stood very still, mildly disturbed. Daiki frowned. "These the new kids, huh? Billie showed me some CCN footage. They aren't bad. Better than some of us when we were starting out," he said with a grin.

"Glad you approve, now quit scaring them," Tai scolded. "Daiki, Kiari, this is the infamous Rex Hart," he informed them.

Kiari smiled and bowed to him. "Rex-san. You are Tai's childhood friend. It is an honor to finally meet you," she said with genuine warmth. Rex returned her smile and gave a slight bow in return.

Daiki gave Rex as through an inspection as he had received. "It seems like you should be taller." he finally declared.

Rex laughed. "That's because you're just used to Tai's freakish tallness," he responded. Daiki thought about that and had to nod his head in agreement. Tai glared at Rex and narrowed his eyes. Rex shot his friend a smirk.

Lani patted Tai's arm. "He's just jealous," she assured him in a pseudo-whisper.

Kane padded into the room, head down and engrossed in something he was doing on his Phone. He stopped just behind Daiki, sensing something was in his path. He stepped around and headed straight for the fridge in the room and reached into the freezer and groped around a minute. His head snapped up and he began to dig around in earnest now. "She ate my last burrito!" he bellowed and closed the phone with a snap and put it away.

"Who did?" Tai asked, slightly bemused.

Rex watched Tai's cousin quietly. He'd met Kane a few times before and liked him. "Rena," he answered.

Kane whipped around. "Yes! How did you know?" he demanded, still too enraged to fully register the fact that Rex didn't actually belong there.

Rex shrugged. "I have chocolate, she has frozen junk food. Especially burritos," he answered easily.

Kane spun around again and went to the door. "RENA!" he shouted down the hall.

Tai winced. "Quit yelling Kane," he said in that patiently impatient way he had.

Kane sent him a scowl and went back to the fridge and began to systemically look around for something to snack on. "So, what's Rex doing here?" he asked.

Rena serenely strolled into the room. "Someone bellowed?" she asked quietly. She blinked when she saw Rex standing there. "Aw, man. Please don't tell me you're here to stay," she complained.

"Nice to see you again, too, Rat," Rex said sarcastically.

"We spent fourteen years together. That was enough," she said and made a face at him.

Rex cut his eyes at her then lunged. She wasn't quite fast enough without her suit to get away and he caught her up in a bear hug while she struggled and laughed.

"Oh, good you caught her. Find her money and give me payment for my burrito." Kane declared.

Rex grinned and put her down. "Better pay the man back," he warned him.

Rena wrinkled her nose. "I didn't eat your stinking burrito. Your friend did the other day when he was in here waiting for you," she stated.

Kane clenched his fist. "Of course. That damned white-@$$. He owes me," he declared.

"You know, you really shouldn't call your friend a 'white-@$$' and frozen burritos aren't the best things to eat for lunch," Daiki declared as he pulled out a bento full of rice and seafood from the refrigerator. He warmed up some water for tea.

Kiari nodded. "I have to agree with Dai-kun about the food," she said. She had a lunch similar to his.

Kane pulled his lower lip and sighed. "Well, I don't have much of choice today. Ramen it is!" he declared and went to a cabinet and pulled down some instant Ramen.

Rex released Rena and let her find something to munch on for lunch. He gave Tai a pitying look. "And you have to deal with this every day?" he asked.

"Thank God you're here," Tai declared.

Rena frowned at them. "Why -is- he here?" she asked the question that hadn't yet been answered.

Before Rex could have a chance to explain, their Morphers began to beep. Ayakashi had no sense of lunch breaks. Rex just grinned. "Guess I'll just have to show you."

~*~

An Ayakashi called Hyakuyappa slipped from the cracks near a parking garage that catered to several businesses in a busy area of Angel Grove. He was monstrosity of metal blades, and carried two broad swords in each hand.

"Ahh. Hello people," he said and began rushing around at an accelerated rate, slashing people as he passed and bouncing off walls.

He cornered one poor guy and slashed his blades several times in quick succession, leaving them in tatters. He laughed. "Ah, that's a good look for you!" he announced. The man moaned and tried to cover himself. "Not happy? Well, I guess you'll just die then," he said and drew one sword up in preparation to cut him down.

A shape flew out of seeming nowhere and knocked him back before circling around a few more times to strike him. Seizing the opportunity, the man with the shredded clothes fled.

"Gedoushu!" The shaped flew back to Rex's hand, a bat that shifted itself back into an octagonal shape with the stylized Metal Character emblazoned upon it in silver. Tai and the others fanned behind him.

Hya shook himself off and glared at them through one eye. "What's this now?" he demanded.

Tai tilted his head. "This is the end of you," he said and flipped out his Morpher in Pen-mode. "Samurai Sword Clash!" The others did the same and drew their characters in the air. They pressed red buttons on their Morphers and the Characters flipped around and enveloped them, forming morph suits, helmets and Swords.

Rena flipped out her Morpher and opened it. "Light Morpher!" she said and pulled a reddish disc out as well. "Light Disc!"  The disc folded in on itself and she pressed a button on the Phone. "Active!" She flipped the phone closed and put the disc on the phone. "Golden Light!" The Light Morpher shone a light and a symbol appeared in the air. The Light Character formed her gold and navy power suit, short sword and helmet.

Rex flipped out a Morpher that resembled the original Morphers. He drew a Character for Metal in the air. It was black but when he pressed the red button, it shimmered with a silver sheen. It enveloped him, forming a morph suit that was platinum where the originals where black, black were the originals were colored and silver where the others had gold. A black helmet formed with the stylized visor trimmed in silver. Two Swords formed crossed over his back.

Hya was momentarily taken aback. "What? Who are you?" he demanded.

The seventh Samurai saluted. "I'm the Silver Ranger," he said and reached back, gripping his Swords. "And you are mine," he added and drew them.

Gold propped a hand on her hip. "Always got to upstage someone. And why does he get an Origami Zord that fits the rest?" she complained.

It was Red who answered her question. "Because he's Destiny Boy," he remarked dryly.

Hya scoffed. "If you think you can take me. Nanashi Renchuu!" he summoned the Nanashi from the cracks.

Gold reached behind her and gripped her Sword. "They never learn, do they?" she muttered. "Come on boys, let's dance," she invited. As the Nanashi rushed forward, went toward them, slashing her sword in golden arcs of light at a speed no human should be able to withstand. She stopped slashing and sheathed her sword a final time. The Nanashi she left in her wake arced gold light and exploded.

Green held his sword at ready and turned in a circle, assessing his best option. "No matter what, I'm destined to destroy concrete," he declared. He took his Hidden Disc from his belt and slipped it onto his belt and spun it. Green energy began to circle the blade. "Hungry Dancing Vines!" He slashed in a sharp circle, with it blade down. Green energy flared around his sword and at the feet of the Nanashi. When it disappeared, they looked around at each other confused. Figuring whatever he'd intended failed, they came at him again. He held up a finger. "Uh-uh," he said.

A brief rumble was the only indication that something was amiss. Thick vine-like roots burst from the ground around them and snatched the Nanashi, pulling down into the soil with a more than slightly disgusting sucking noise. "Man, I think I may be nauseous," he said and rubbed his middle.

Yellow bounced from attack to attack agilely but the Nanashi were still coming. She reached into her belt and brought out her Hidden Disc. She slipped it onto her Sword and spun it. Rings of yellow energy swirled around the blade. "Spinning Monkeys!" She said and slashed in a curve. The curve took her in its wake, spinning like a top. She spun around bouncing from one Nanashi to the next, taking them in bursts of yellow energy.

When she came to a stop, she couldn't quite stand still and stumbled about dizzily for a moment before Green Caught her. "Spun too much, eh?" he teased. She nodded and grabbed hold of her helmet in an effort to still her spinning head.

Blue stood still for a brief moment before springing into action, cutting and slashing at the Nanashi. He jumped back briefly and pulled his Hidden Disc out of belt. He slid it onto his Sword and spun it. Blue water energy swirled around his blade. "Tsunami Dancing!" A fluid slashed of his sword produced a giant wave in its wake that flowed up and grabbed the Nanashi before ebbing away. He ran his thumb along his blade and tipped his head at a job well done.

"Show off!"

Pink had her own problems. She backed up, fending off Nanashi. She jumped up onto an upper railing of the parking garage. She reached into her belt and pulled out her Hidden Disc. She slipped onto her Sword and spun it. Pink wind energy began to swirl around the blade. "Dance of the Cyclone!" She jumped and began to spin midair. She created a cyclonic wind that picked up Nanashi and flung them out of sight.

Though he wanted to help the new Silver Samurai, Red was distracted a rush of Nanashi coming for him. He slashed, dodged, but they seemed to know that he was the biggest threat and was momentarily overrun. They piled on top of him. He gritted his teeth and summoned his preternatural strength. He threw them off of him. He spotted Pink's cyclone and got an idea. He jumped and caught her around the waist.

She gasped but he just held on and spun with her. One hand produced his Morpher in Pen-mode. He drew the Fire character and activated it. The cyclone caught fire. He pulled her out of the eye and away as the flaming twister worked its way through the Nanashi.

"That was incredible," she remarked, trying to catch her breath.

"Weren't so bad yourself," he said, a grin in his voice.

Hya rushed forward to attack Silver and began to slash with his swords. Silver managed to block, using his own Swords. Sparks flew at every strike.

Through with their Nanashi, Green and Yellow came at Hya from behind, but with a glow of an eye, the blades on his body struck out, striking them and sending them flying.

"Hey!" Silver renewed his offense on Hya. "Just stay back!" He warned the others and engaged in intense battle with the Ayakashi. Hya used his blades at one point to strike sparks off of a car to momentarily blind and distract him.

"One Hundred Body Blades!" He said raising his swords. Blades stretched from his body to strike at him and around him. So many he could barely fend them off. He braced himself and held his Swords crossed in front of him.

Hya groaned suddenly and the attack abruptly stopped. He was beginning to stiffen. "Rats. Out of water," he said. He pointed a sword at Silver. "We will finish this next time," he said and sank into the cracks before they could stop him.

Red jumped down from where he and Pink had landed and went to Silver. "You gonna make it?" he asked.

Silver shook himself. "No problem," he assured. "That was one hell of a technique though," he remarked.

"Then we'll just have to figure out how to counter it," Red stated. The others nodded their agreement.

~*~

Sitting in Tai's study, Rex watched him looking at his Bat Origami. Billie was on the screen and beaming with scientific pride. "So you really managed to replicate our Origami and even the brushes that were created ages ago?" Tai asked her.

She nodded. "It took some doing, but I managed to find the science. It was merely a matter of replication and modification. A bit like cloning and gene manipulation. I created everything with Rex's specifications in mind. His adaptive muscle mimic ability, his metallic skin abilities; it all works with the suit the same way Rena's body work with her suit to enable her to move at superhuman speeds." she explained.

"That's amazing," Lani declared.

"It all sounds like Cam-speak to me," Kane remarked.

"Of course the topper was the ability to make replicate the Origami Zords in a symbol form with the ability to enlarge with the activating character. Naturally it had to be a bat," she added with a roll of her eyes.

Rex grinned. "Naturally," he agreed.

"Quite impressive," Daiki said.

"Yeah, yeah. Does that mean I can have one, too?" Rena asked.

Billie pursed her lips and glared a moment. "The process wasn't exactly easy. I have been working on the Silver off and on for months," she stated.

"You are truly a remarkable person, Billie-san," Kiari remarked.

Billie shrugged. "I do what I can," she said, brushing off the compliment. "Speaking of, I have a job to get back to," she said and the screen went black.

Tai tossed the Bat Origami back to Rex. "Welcome to the team. How in the hell are we gonna beat that Ayakashi?" he asked.

"Since I'm a member of the team now. I suggest teamwork," Rex said.

Tai leaned back. "I'm listening."

~*~

Doukoku roared, making shootari and yes, even Hya flinch.

"You mean there is another one?" he demanded.

Hya nodded as he soaked in a tub of water. "Positive. He has two swords and a shiny suit," he explained respectfully.

Doukoku growled. "First Dayuu disobeys me and disappears, now this! I need essence," he snarled and stomped off to drown his worries in a bottle of drink.

shootari stroked his tentacles. He hadn't yet heard from his other agent. "Do you think you can handle this new Ranger?" he demanded.

Hya nodded. "Or die trying," he agreed.

~*~

Saeko found it annoying when Daiki disappeared into the Shiba Lord's compound where she and Uncle were not allowed to go. She usually read a book while she waited for him to reappear but her mind was not able to concentrate today. She couldn't forget the look on the Shiba Lord's face when he grabbed her and demanded to know why she had his mother's face.

She rubbed her face where she was grabbed. He had to have been loopy from the poison. That was all.

She heard a noise and her hand went to her sword. She moved to a more defensible position and waited. Somewhere below her a woman was running through the woods. She gasped. It was that creature Dayuu in her human form. She'd passed by without ever knowing Saeko was watching.

She was about to go back to trying to read when her keen eyes spotted a soft red glow moving from one crack to the next in a steady pace. It was following Dayuu.

She watched for awhile longer making sure nothing else passed by. She went back to her book and sighed. The creatures from the cracks killing each other weren't her problem. She tapped her book thoughtfully. She made a face and sighed again. She figured, however, that Daiki might want to know.

If he ever leaves that compound.

She glanced around. Uncle was on a mediation walk. She closed her book and grabbed her sword. She began making her way down to the compound, being careful to stay out of sight.

~*~

Daiki supposed he was just not the sort who trusted easily. He wasn't sure what to make of Tai's old friend. He came out of nowhere and had one of the most powerful suits he'd ever seen. Tai seemed to trust this man implicitly. Daiki supposed he should respect that.

Perhaps he would if he weren't at the moment playing hide and seek on the Watanabe lands. Rex had suggested the exercise and Tai agreed. Oh, sure, he saw the merit. However, it was not amusing when Kane had loudly and immediately declared him 'it' and run away. Everyone else had run away as well.

He approached the pond where his Lord usually meditated on the pole in the center. He had never been invited to use the other pole, so he respected the sanctity of that. He would prefer to be in the water anyway.

He kicked off his shoes and bent over to remove his socks and rolled up his pants. He waded into the water and stood there. He closed his eyes and pressed the palms of his hands together. He found his center and let his senses expand.

His eyes snapped open. He jumped out of the water and began to run stealthily. He had a ways to go. He passed by Kane's hiding place and paused. "You're it. I have to do something," he called and kept on running.

Kane huffed and put his hands on his hips. "Hey! No fair!" he called, wondering what he was up to. He humphed and glanced around and grinned wickedly. He jumped from the tree he was hiding in and began to quietly run over limbs and jump from tree to tree. Finding his quarry, he jumped down.

Kiari squeaked and turned around. Kane grinned at her and pounced. She squealed as he caught her up against him. He silenced her giggles by kissing her.

From his hiding place Tai sighed. Even now he could hear Rena and Rex squabbling over a hiding place. However, he was suddenly surprised when Lani flew over a bush and tackled him. They went down hard, but he made sure he took the brunt of the fall. "Oof!"

Lani grinned triumphantly. "Hahaha, I won," she announced and straddled him, pinning his shoulders to the ground.

"None of you people have any discipline," Tai tried to scold her. He really did try.

Lani giggled. "I didn't hear you complaining about my lack of discipline last time I was in this position," she reminded him and waggled her brows at him.

"Didn't I? It's been so long you might have to remind me what I did do," he teased her.

She giggled again and leaned down to kiss him.

"Get a room already. This was an exercise in enemy detection, not a pin-your-boyfriend-and-molest-him exercise," Rex said as he and Rena approached.

Lani snorted and climbed off of Tai. Tai frowned at his oldest friend. "You're just jealous you can't do that exercise right now," he ribbed as he got to his feet.

Rex nodded. "Immensely," he agreed. Rena made gagging motions behind him. "Quiet, Rat," he warned her.

Instead of being aggravated, she made a mousy face and noises at him. "Where did Daiki run off to so all fired fast?" she asked, putting a hand on her hip.

Tai frowned. "Someone...is here who should not be here," he finally said, and cocked his head, trying to sense more.

~*~

Since she entered a different way than the cherry trees, Saeko had no idea that she had crossed onto the Shiba's land. She kept waiting to run into a barrier at any moment. Instead she was strolling leisurely, enjoying the views around her. She stopped suddenly and grabbed her sword.

"Where are you?" she demanded, looking around, turning in a wary circle. Daiki had never taken her by surprise and she was a little shocked that he had managed to do so now.

Daiki made his presence known, walking toward her with his sword drawn. "How did you get here?" he demanded suspiciously. From what he understood about the wards around Tai's land, she should not be here.

"I walked. I was on my way to the edge of Shiba's property to see you," she said, miffed now.

Daiki stared at her a long moment. "Do you know why no evil can enter this land?" he asked finally and put his Sword away.

Saeko shook her head and sheathed her sword. "No. What does that matter?" she demanded.

"I asked since I was curious. The cherry trees are nature's gates, a small well of power. Akira-san would tie protective wards around them to protect the lands and all who dwell here. Only blood would allow in anyone who cause harm. The wards tied there now were not written by Akira-san.

"These new wards were placed by what the Lord has informed me is a triumvirate of powerful magic. Three powerful sisters who were grateful to him and boosted the power of the trees tenfold so that no evil shall ever pass into these lands without permission from blood," he pushed his glasses up his nose. "You have been on Watanabe-Stapleton land for the last mile," he added and waited for her reaction.

A cold chill ran down her back. "Is that why the creatures from the cracks cannot enter here?" she asked in a soft hiss.

Daiki inclined his head. "I'm not sure what it means that you can enter. Why do you seek me? Is it time for this final showdown?" he asked as if he seemed resigned to it and wanted to get over with as quickly as possible.

That slightly annoyed her and she narrowed her eyes at him. "I thought you and your Lord would be interested to know that the creature Dayuu has been running from the other creatures from the cracks," she said finally, gripping her sword tightly. "See if I ever think to help you again," she spat and turned on her heel.

Daiki sprang forward and grabbed her around the arms in a firm but gentle hold. "Wait! Don't go. Stay. There's no reason we have to be enemies," he said.

Saeko struggled briefly before going stock still. "Unhand me," she said, trying to arch away from him. She hadn't realized how much taller than her he was. "We will have our battle. Do not let fear hinder that," she prodded him.

"You are a stubborn one," he muttered. He tightened his arms slightly and smiled. "Thank you for the information," he said and released her.

Now free, she spun around drawing her sword but faltered slightly at his smile. Then it hit her. That squeeze. He hugged her! Her sword trembled slightly. "Never lay hands on me again," she hissed and sheathed her sword again.

Daiki pushed his glasses back up his nose. "Saeko. We will have our battle," he assured her. His expression turned serious. "Tai and your Uncle will have theirs. What will you if he is defeated?" he asked.

Saeko turned away, another cold chill going down her spine. "Uncle will not lose to your Lord," she stated coolly.

Daiki shook his head, though she could see. "He will not win. And neither will you, but I can see there will be no convincing you until it happens. When he is defeated and when you are you will come here. Tai will give you his protection and I will give you mine," he said.

"I need protection no one! Not your Lord and certainly not you!" she spat without turning to him and ran away until she was no longer visible.

Daiki sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose under his glasses.

"You're right. If she hasn't even the discipline to know when the two of you are no longer alone, you will defeat her effortlessly," Tai remarked, coming up behind Daiki.

Daiki nodded.

"However, you need to work on your way with women," Rex remarked. "That the mysterious girl in white? There's something about her, I can't quite put my finger on it," he said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin.

"I'm sure it's nothing," Tai stated sharply. For some reason, the last thing he wanted was Rex dwelling on the girl. "Since no one wanted to take this exercise seriously, to the Studio now," he said and barked out several more instructions. Kane, Kiari, Daiki and Rena scrambled to do his bidding given his mood.

Rex didn't leave immediately and Tai glared at him. Rex raised his hands in defeat and sent Lani a look that wished her luck before running to catch up with the younger group.

Lani approached Tai and hit him in the chest. "You big lug. You don't snap at people like that. What's wrong?" she asked, looking up at him seriously.

Tai made a face and rubbed his chest. "I don't know. Everything about that girl sets my teeth on edge. Something...isn't what it seems," he said finally. He grinned down at her. "Wanna ditch training and go down to Crystal Falls?" he asked. Crystal Falls was the nickname his gave the rather puny waterfall that covered a cave that contained naturally occurring crystal formations that held a bit of power. It was also a fun place to be alone and do some naughty things with one's girlfriend.

Lani's eyes lit up. "Let's go," she said and darted off. "Race you!" she called behind her.

Laughing Tai shot off behind her, but was careful to not gain on her until they reached their destination.

~*~

Hya appeared at an industrial construction complex with a band of Nanashi. They began attacking the construction crew. Hya sat atop a bulldozer whose driver had evacuated as soon as the creatures appeared. He pretended to look at a watch that he didn't have. "How long does it take for these Rangers to show up?" he complained.

"Not long at all," Silver assured him. "We're usually good about being prompt," he added drew his swords. "I believe you're wanting a rematch?" he questioned.

The Nanashi charged forward and the Samurai Ranger charged into them in return.

Samurai Gold gripped her sword and sped through a group of Nanashi, slashing with traces of golden light.

Samurai Yellow pulled her Hidden Disc from her belt and sent it spinning. Yellow energy spun around the blade. She didn't do Spinning Monkeys, but she used some of the same principles to spin through a group of Nanashi, streaking yellow energy.

Samurai Green took his Hidden Disc from his belt and slid it onto his belt, spinning it. Green energy swirled around the blade. He utilized his ninja streak to work his way through the Nanashi.

Samurai Blue took his Hidden Disc from his belt. He slid it onto his belt and spun it. Blue energy swirled around the blade. He used his naturally fluid way of moving to work his way through a cluster of Nanashi.

Samurai Pink reached into her belt and pulled out her Hidden Disc. She slid it on her Sword and spun it. Pink energy swirled around the blade. She practically danced through the Nanashi.

Samurai Silver used his swords to cut through a line of Nanashi that came at him. His blades were sharp enough to cut steel.

Samurai Red pulled his Hidden Disc from his belt. He slid it onto his Sword and spun it. Red energy began to swirl around the blade. He hacked his way through the Nanashi.

The Rangers surrounded Hya. All the energy they left behind exploded in bright flashes of color.

Hya growled and began fighting them all at once. "One Hundred Body Blades!" the blades on his body lengthened and began taking out the rangers, throwing them all back in a shower of sparks.

Samurai Red summoned the Battlizer and Power Disc. He tossed it to the Silver Ranger. "Use that while I distract him!" he said and went charging at Hya.

Silver caught the box and disc. He opened the Battlizer and put the Disc inside. He closed it and held it up. "Samurai Sword Clash Power-up!" A bright light began to blink as he brought his arm down to hold it in front of him. He pressed a button on the back of it and the Shiba symbol and Truth Character lit up, growing larger. In a bright flash of light, the symbol and character wrapped around him. His helmet changed, began slightly more angular and ornamental with a silver mouth plate. Black chest armor wrapped around him and metal platelets forms along his arms and legs.

He put his two swords together and slid the Power Disc onto the now joined hilts. He clipped the Battlizer to the swords and they changed to form a naginata, a double ended sword twice as long as a normal sword.

Red was knocked back by Hya's blades. Silver jumped and knocked Hya back. A fierce four bladed battle ensued. Finally Hya got frustrated. "One Hundred Body Blades!" The blades on his body lashed out. Silver took his Hidden Disc from his belt and placed it on the Battlizer still hanging from his naginata. Silvery energy pulsed and he swept forward, first with one end then the other. Hundreds of small metal bat-shaped boomerangs met the Ayakashi's blades.

In the haze of flying sparks and pain, Silver jumped and came straight down on Hya, splitting him two. The Ayakashi exploded.

Silver took an at rest stance.

Gold crossed her arms over her chest in what was an obvious pout. "Show off," she muttered. It was even worse because she was impressed by that display of power.

"No time for pouts," Pink told her as the Ayakashi grew to his second life.

"Rangers! Unforgivable!" he shouted.

Six of the Rangers pulled out Origami and their Pens. They drew the Large character above them. They grew to full size and their pilots appeared in their cockpits. Red drew the Combine character and activated it. Five Zords came together to form the Origami Megazord.

Silver took his Swords apart and deactivated Battle Mode and placed them in the console of his cockpit. "Samurai Armament!" The Bat Origami Zord broke apart and joined with the Megazord, forming a bat head shaped helmet, a chest piece and bladed batwing fans.

"United under Providence. Bat Origami Megazord!"

Hya laughed and began to slash at them. They managed to block with the bat-blades. "One Hundred Body Blades!" Again the blades forced them back.

"Daiki, Kane, Rena!" Red shouted.

Gold placed the Squid Disc on her phone. "Squid Origami Zord!" The Squid Zord appeared.

Blue and Green nodded and pulled out the Swordfish and Beetle Discs. They summoned the Other Origami Zords.

The Bat Origami Zord detached from the Megazord.

Red drew True Character. The Bat, Squid, Tiger, Beetle and Swordfish combined into a massive cannon/shield in front of the Megazord. "This will teach you not to play around with sharp objects!" he said and pushed forward his Sword slightly.

Hya merely laughed again and began to renew his attack.

A target formed on the screen in front of them that allowed them to see and zeroed in on the Ayakashi. The Destroy Character flashed. "Giant Power Cannon! Fire!"

The cannon fired. The energy of every one of the Origami Zord used to power the cannon shot forward, exploding into Hya with unimaginable destructive power.

"Curse you Rangers!" Hya shouted as he fell backwards, exploding.

Silver let out a whistle. "So can I say 'that brings this chapter to a close'?" he asked.

"You just did," Gold stated.

"Sweet," Silver declared and dusted off his hands.

-x-

Sanzu River

shootari paced as he gave a report to Doukoku. "Our tracker has almost caught up to Dayuu. Do you want her killed on sight or brought back here?" he asked nervously.

"Bring her back," Doukoku said, pronouncing each word succinctly.

shootari bowed several times and went to relay those orders.

-x-

Rex looked around his new classroom, which was about as large as the gym was at Angel Grove high. He wore a shiny silvery Studio jacket. Rena poked her head into the room. He smiled. "What is it, Rat?" he asked her.

She stuffed her hands in her pocket and slumped in. "Nothing. It's just. I think there are a few things we need to talk about that you couldn't before because of the whole Power Ranger thing. Totally knew, by the way," she added with a smirk.

Rex grinned. "Yeah, I was about as obvious as Kim," he stated with a chuckle. "Ok, kiddo. Let's go have a sibling lunch and I will tell you things that'll blow that tiny mind of yours," he said and poked her temple.

She scowled and knocked his hand away. "I'm serious," she declared.

He just grinned. "So am I. I know you know about KO-35 and Mirinoi, but have you ever heard of a planet called Eltar?" he asked her. She shook her head. "Well come on. I'll you all about Destiny Boy and his Eltarin blood," he said and lead her out and beginning to explain what little he knew about their ancestry and his procession of Power Ranger personas.

~*End Act 19*~           

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